Apologies for the wait on this one. I've been meaning to get around to doing this for quite some time! But here it is, the next to last chapter for the story. It feels strange, having only one more chapter to write, but I've truly enjoyed creating this story and experience of writing it has been unforgettable! Thank you all for joining me along the way and I hope you stick around for the final!
The Legacy of Aura
Chapter 21
Ceremony
Ore Region – World's Prison
The walls were dark. They closed in around you. The more you looked, the more they seemed to shrink down. It played tricks on the mind, and if you weren't careful, would drive you insane. This far down, the only illuminance available came from shoddy bulbs hung in the ceiling. It felt cold and damp.
Brandon sat in the corner of his cell, head slumped. His arms were chained behind his back with Aura nullifying steel, as was his waist to the wall. His legs were locked together in a similar fashion.
Gone were the fancy cloak and bindings of his organisation, replaced with simple grey linen trousers and shirt.
In his current state, so tightly bounded, he couldn't even stand on his own. His jailors were taking no chances. They knew what terrible power he had wielded in the war, and until his sentencing, there would be no leniency.
Lifting his head to the side to alleviate tension, Brandon sighed, his eyes fading in and out of focus. He felt physically and emotionally drained. The amount of Aura he'd channelled through his body had drastically damaged him. He felt fifty years older than when he declared war on the world.
I guess this is the price I must pay. How could I have been so misguided? Where did my path go awry?
These questions, he was sure, he would spend the rest of his life trying to figure out and make amends for.
With his natural Aura cut off by his bindings, he couldn't even sense if anyone else shared his imprisonment with him. He assumed most of Shinonome would have likely been arrested. After all, they had spent the last few years capturing protected legendary Pokémon and priceless artefacts.
Well, except for those secretly working against him.
I suppose that is of little consequence anymore…
He doubted he would ever be free again. He'd started a stupid war and then lost. He could only imagine the horror stories the history books would tell of him.
After all… history is written by the winners…
It worried him greatly that they might omit all the evil the World Government had done, and use it as a propaganda tool to further tarnish the Guardians, but that worry faded into the hopelessness that now consumed him.
What does it matter anymore…?
The sound of his cell door opening brought his attention to the present, and he glanced over to see a World Government man, clearly his guard, accompanied by a surprisingly familiar face. "Sorei…maru…?"
The white haired man smirked, bowing his head. "Greetings Brandon. I see prison is treating you terribly."
Brandon coughed out a laugh. "Oh I don't know, once you get used to the flavourless liquid they force down your throat and the constant cold, it's not so bad. Why don't you try it?"
"There is no need for your recommendation. I have actually spent a couple of weeks in here myself." Soreimaru said, holding his hand up.
"Then why are you here?" Brandon asked.
"Isn't that obvious?" Soreimaru said, nodding towards the guard who quickly went over to unlock Brandon from the wall, albeit very nervously. "It's time for the trial. That, and I'm here to make sure you don't try anything Aura related, of course.
"Wonderful." Brandon said as he shakily rose to his feet. "I'm sure this will be unbiased. Were you ever truly on my side? I see you have no issues jumping back in bed with the World Government."
Still smirking, Soreimaru nodded for the guard to escort him out. "You'll be pleasantly surprised, I think."
"Oh?" Brandon said, turning his head to look down the long dingy corridor. Other prisoners beside himself were being escorted out under heavy guard. Including the mountain of a man Dante Rodren himself. He raised his eyebrows, genuinely surprised. "Maybe I will."
The prisoners were brought up several sets of dingy stairs, laden with damp. As they reached the light of day, they had to shield their eyes from the glare. Having been locked away for so long, they had become accustomed to the darkness.
"So this is where we were kept…" Brandon said, his stinging eyes looking around.
Around them stood a construction site. There was piles of masonry and tiles everywhere, littering the ground. Men with hardhats and Pokémon with high physical strength carried heavy loads from place to place whilst foremen barked orders. The amount of marble being used in the construction wasn't lost on any of them.
"They're rebuilding the World Palace... on top of the old prison…" Dante said, his deep voice still holding all the power it used to, despite being bound and held captive.
Brandon eyed the former World Leader up and down, now that they were illuminated by the sun's harsh rays. There is no way he doesn't have the physical power to break free from those bonds and slaughter everyone here if he wanted to. I guess he finally gave up. It also seems that everyone except me and that oaf Dante has bags on their heads… what do they want us to see?
"Come now, we don't want to keep our audiences waiting." Soreimaru said from the front, causing the guards and the accompanying Lucario's to give them a forceful prod. The column of prisoners was taken through the construction site of the new World Palace and towards a towering new structure that sat on a hill before them
"When was this…?" Brandon asked, gazing up.
"…built?" Soreimaru finished for him. "It was the first thing constructed after the end of the war. Government needed to be re-established immediately, so it was of paramount importance."
The edifice before them was huge. It towered over the surrounding landscapes and dominated the hill upon which it sat. Looming and mighty, it sent a clear message of power to all those who beheld it, yet had a simple grace that disarmed you and made you feel at ease. Large columns supported its cylindrical frame, with clear glass windows situated around it at even intervals. A giant oak door stood custodian in a yawning arch that appeared to be the building's only entrance. It was yet unadorned with anything fancy, but Brandon could already visualize how majestic it would look upon completion.
As they marched up the stone steps leading towards the newly constructed seat of power, several plinths stood bare, waiting eagerly for their purpose to be fulfilled.
Empty stands… they're gonna be erecting statues… how typical… Brandon thought with barely concealed disdain. He narrowed his eyes as he noticed there were more than the three he would have expected. So not just the World Leaders then… interesting…
As they approached the towering gateway, the giant wooden doors were unbolted and swung open, revealing a well-lit hallway made of the same stone as the rest of the structure. A majestic red carpet with a golden trim had been laid and lead all the way down to a separate set of doors.
Soreimaru stood before the entrance and nodded towards the corridor. "After you."
Brandon narrowed his gaze at his former friend and companion but lead the march inside. Pulling himself up to his full height, he pushed the inner doors open and walked into the cavernous room beyond, determined to meet his accusers with all his confidence on full display. I will not look weak and beaten! Not to them!
Mirroring the Chamber of the World in the previous palace, this new room was mind-blowing. Encapsulating the majesty of the former, it carried none of the pretence. Instead of being a testament to power and authority, an in-your-face pillar of absolute might and strength, it was subtle. Graceful and elegant.
Gone was the vision of the universe that once enamoured the floor and ceiling, removing the arrogance of god-like power from those who stepped foot here. Instead was a simple mosaic of humanity and Pokémon coming together in a shared goal of stopping the world from being destroyed by dangerous ambitions. It covered every inch of the space, a stark reminder to those who sat on the seats of power of the mistakes of the past. Hubris would be hammered out of successive governments, so never again would such hatred fester in the hearts of man.
Instead of tiered desks of ostentatious mahogany and oak, inferring rank by proximity to the heavens, stood a concentric set of stone tables. A large circular one in the centre, surrounded by large stone rings that acted as desks and stations for those further down the chain of command.
Brandon looked at this last part with a hint of astonishment. It mirrors the symbol of the Ketchum Clan…
The Elite Four, Champions and Grand-Champions all took their posts at successive rings, with the hundreds of government dignitaries sat further behind on the giant rings that encompassed the outer edges of the room.
Sat at the centre, taking dominance, sat four people. Brandon's eyes, along with all those behind him, were inevitably drawn to the new World Leaders. The power radiating from them was overwhelming, yet they sat there without looking down on those to which they commanded. There was a modesty to their positions that Brandon hadn't seen since Jennifer sat there.
The faces he saw there were perhaps the biggest shock to Shinonome's former infamous leader. "What…"
Starting from left to right sat Cynthia, the blonde sat relaxed, her new coat of office hanging loosely off the back of her chair. She wore her new responsibilities with the grace of a seasoned queen. Beside her sat Serena, the forgotten princess. She seemed fully recovered from her ordeal and sat up straight, beaming with both confidence and regal might. Beside her sat Aaron Rosemburg, the only former World Leader to maintain his seat of power. He had cut his hair, now short and spikey. Gone was the politician's mask, instead a genuine smile sat easily on his face. The weight of his terrible secrets had been lifted from his shoulders, and it made him seem decades younger. The last and final member of the new rulers of the government sitting at the table was Gary Oak, his years of service, quick wit, and proactive action and initiative not forgotten by those involved. Many were even saying how if it wasn't for his mission to the World Pillar that the war may have been lost. He took on his new role with all the responsibility one would expect from him, with ease and confidence.
After eyeing the new leaders up, Brandon's eyes drifted back to the centre of the table where the grandest and only raised chair in the entire room sat unoccupied.
Brandon's shock at seeing a member of his former organisation sat at the world table, along with the reorganisation of the government's main ruling structure must have been showing, for Soreimaru turned towards him and chuckled slightly.
"You can close your mouth now, Brandon." The white haired man said. "It's quite the drastic overhaul, isn't it?"
Brandon merely turned towards him, looking on in amazement. He could find no words to express his current thoughts and merely stood there gobsmacked.
He remained in that shocked state, as he and the others were shuffled before the assembled leadership. They stood there in silence, all eyes on them… and nothing happened.
"What's going on…" Dante murmured, glancing around.
"Ah, it appears the President is finally here." Cynthia said, smiling.
All eyes darted to the grand entrance to the room. Brandon and the others glanced back over their shoulders, eager to see who this newly crowned President was. His eyes nearly fell out of their sockets.
Ash Ketchum strode forwards, a huge grin on his face as he scratched the back of his head. "Sorry I'm late everyone."
"Ash…" Brandon breathed, his eyes transfixed on his son.
The prodigal Aura Guardian wore a striking blue suit, a white shirt not quite buttoned up to his neck. Draped over his shoulders was a glorious white coat, finished off with exquisite shoulder pads, real gold embroidery and concentric circle clasps pinning it to his jacket. His hair was cut shorter, but still remained as unruly as ever, and his eyes shone with mirth. Despite his obvious best efforts to mask it, you couldn't avoid the palpable sense of incomprehensible power flowing off him in waves.
Everyone stood as he entered the room, out of respect to their newly crowned leader. Ash waved them all to sit and they did so as he took his seat in the centre of the room. The throne suited him, the power that emanated from his skin filling the enormous chair easily. He dwarfed everyone with his presence.
With a simple nod, Ash ordered the bags removed from the prisoner's heads.
Brandon turned, eager to see who had shared his imprisonment, other than the obvious former World Leader.
Chained and dishevelled, the people assembled were both a shock and familiar to the former Shinonome leader. Tobias, Lt. Surge, Drake, Sabrina, Lucas, AZ and of course himself and Dante.
The survivors that were in the organisation because of my vision. Figures. Tobias and Dante on the other hand… I wonder where this trial will go… Brandon thought, with a twinge of amusement.
As Ash held his hand up everyone quieted to a hush. Gary stood, clearing his throat before speaking. "We're here to judge these seven individuals for their crimes, and to see whether or not their past actions can possibly offer them redemption.
"This being the first criminal trial for our new government, it will set a precedent for how we will conduct ourselves going forward. It's paramount here that we do this right, to make sure that crimes are met out with adequate punishment, but to also show leniency where its due. We must avoid the pitfalls of the past."
Ash waved him to sit. "Thank you Lord Oak. As my dear old friend has already said, this is a crucial moment. History will remember this as the first judicial case for our new system of government. One, that as you can imagine, is quite dear to my heart."
As he let his words wash over the gathered crowd, Ash turned to look at Dawn, and they shared a smile.
"There has been too much bloodshed. Too much hatred. I will not allow this to go further. I will not spurn another endless cycle of revenge at the very beginning of our fresh start. We will found a new nation based on trust and forgiveness." Ash continued. "That's the only way we can make it up to the people and Pokémon of our world."
Ash and the rest of the World Leaders shared a look between themselves, smiled, and nodded.
Caitlyn, relegated to the nobility and out of direct rule, stood and clapped her hands together, a cheeky smile on her beautiful face. "Well said, Mr. President. I think everyone here shares your vision for our future, what say the assembly?"
As one, the entire gathered throng echoed out the words, 'Aye!'
The imprisoned Shinonome members looked astonished. Brandon, completely confused, glanced up at Dante. The giant merely stared at the smiling crowds with utter disbelief.
"However," Gary said, speaking up. "We cannot be seen to be weak, either. You all stand accused here because of your actions. The choices you made of your own free will. Choices that would see you benefit at the expense of not only your fellow man, but Pokémon and the very world itself. You must atone for your crimes."
"To that end, we have prepared a very different kind of sentencing for you." Cynthia said, nodding toward Ash.
"You all decided to put your own ambitions first, to further your own goals at the expense of all." Ash said, eyeing them all steely. "So to make amends you'll help rebuild the world you all almost destroyed. Not only will this hopefully temper your hubris and arrogance, but also reconnect you to the world that you have become so distant from. Each of you shall be assigned to an ailing part of society, and consider it your penance to mends their ills."
"Failure to comply will result in permanent exile." Aaron Rosemburg said, although there was no malice in his words. "We shall be watching."
"I don't know wha-" Dante began, his voice quivering.
Ash cut him off. "But know this. Should any of you still harbour any lofty goals and try to realise them again or hold any resentment and choose to take out your anger on the world, you'll have the full force of our new government to content with."
As the Guardian spoke, his terrifying power began to radiate off of him, causing everyone's hair to stand on its end and the whole structure to quake.
"Do I make myself clear?"
Brandon locked eyes with his son. He tried to reply but found that the words escaped him. He was so petrified that he felt the blood run cold in his veins. In the end, much like the rest of the prisoners lined up beside him, all he could manage was a meek nod.
At once, Ash smiled and settled down, the threat of his power vanished. "Good! I'm glad we could all see reason! Now, there is one more announcement to be made here today before we all get back to our business. Dawn?"
The newly crowned Grand Champion cleared her throat nervously and walked to the empty space before the World Leader's desks. "Thank you, As- Mr. President. As all of you are aware, one of the main catalysts of the war was the mistreatment and shunning of the Guardians. Brandon originally campaigned tirelessly to make them an official part of the government's structure, but was met with betrayal.
"Well today we correct that wrong," Dawn said, turning to face of the doors leading into the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you, the new Aura Guardians!"
A pair of solid, carved mahogany doors on the other side of the room burst open. Through them strode twenty or so individuals, cloaked in simple blue. They had their hoods up, and the top half of their faces were obscured from view. The only thing visible about them were their beaming smiles and grins as they strode confidently across the to the centre of the room. They stood in organised ranks before the assembly, and as one, they pulled back their hoods.
Each face was a distant and scattered relative to the Ketchum Clan, with the familial traits ever present. From the spikey dark hair to the occasional z-marks on the cheeks, they all shared some resemblance with one another.
Soreimaru smiled and took his place amongst their ranks.
Stood at the head of the group and beaming with pride stood Leaf, who seemed to be lapping up the awe-stricken stares from the assembled crowd. She stuck her tongue out as she caught Ash's eye, grinning almost ear to ear. "Fancy running into you here, Mr. President!" She said.
"Leaf," Ash said, smiling, "it's good to see you. You seem suited to your new role."
She shrugged. "Pokémon Master or Leader of the restored Guardians… my ambitions really haven't changed all that much, have they?"
Ash stood, spreading his arms wide. "Allow me to officially welcome you all back to the government's ranks, Aura Guardians! After decades of injustice, you've finally been restored to your rightful place in society. No longer shall you cower on the fringes of civilisation, unfairly shunned and feared. This wrong has finally been righted."
The newly-elected President turned toward Brandon, who's eyes were filling with tears as he looked on the newly restored Guardians. "Father… your decent into the darkness started with the horrendous murder of your good friend, the Lady Jennifer. Unfairly framed and hunted with the rest of our family, none could blame you for holding resentment against those who wronged you." His eyes darkened slightly. "However, what started out as a righteous quest for justice turned into a selfish path to power. Blinded by your hatred for the World Government, you lost sight of what truly mattered, and nearly killed everyone in the process."
Tears running down his face, Brandon turned to face his son. "You… you restored the clan… I-I don't know what to say…"
As Ash watched his father break down, a wave of sympathy washed over him. He's been so broken by the world… He stood and walked over to where his father had sunk to his knees and looked him straight in the eye. "I cannot blame you for what happened to you, but at the end of the day your choices following that event were all your own. You must atone for your sins, father."
Brandon simply nodded and went back to staring in wonderment at the members of his clan, sporting their new government regalia.
Ash retook his seat and clapped his hands together. "Does anyone else have anything to add to this hearing?" When no one spoke up, he nodded, "Very well then, I declare the first meeting of the new government to be concluded."
Kanto Region – Pallet Town
Brock placed the jacket on Ash's shoulders, pulling it into place. He stepped back grinning and nodded. "Looking sharp, Ash."
Ash looked at himself in the mirror. He was dressed in a slim fitted black suit, with a white shirt and black oxford shoes shined to a pristine finish. Even he had to admit, he looked good. "I can't believe this day has finally arrived."
"It's hard to believe that the Ashy-boy I grew up with is getting married, let alone becoming the President!" Gary laughed, the only other person in the room. "Dawn has a lot of guts to take you on!"
Ash shot his oldest friend a sly look. "Speak for yourself. I'd never guess that you'd have settled down either."
Gary shrugged. "What can I say? Working alongside Cynthia enabled her to finally succumb to my charms."
"How long until your first is due?" Brock asked.
"Another couple of months. He's going to be a Pokémon Master by the time he turns eleven."
"Yeah well let's hope he doesn't take after you when you were younger." Ash said with a smirk, fixing his bowtie.
"What, you mean better than you at everything?" Gary shot back laughing.
Brock and Ash joined in, the three of them truly enjoying each other's company.
"Thanks for both agreeing to be my best men." Ash said after they calmed down. "It means the world to me that you're both here to support me on my big day."
Both Gary and Brock grinned back at him.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world, Ash." Brock said.
"Likewise," Gary added.
A knock at the door drew their attention. Cilan entered, smiling. "It's almost time," he said.
Ash nodded. "Thanks, Cilan." He turned to his best men. "Well then, let's not keep my lady waiting."
They grinned at him and followed him through the doorway into the grand hall on the other side, taking their places up at the altar.
The church was packed. Every row filled with people feeling privileged to be in attendance to this historic wedding. Although it was a private affair, there were several notable people in attendance, including the World Leaders, the Grand Champions, the Champions and most of the Elite Four. The friends and family of the couple took up the majority of the spaces, with the front row reserved for family and very close friends.
Everyone stood from their seats as the main doors to the church swung open. Light burst through from the outside, silhouetting the woman stood at the entrance, bathing her in almost divine radiance. Music began playing.
Dawn stepped inside, her long white wedding gown trailing behind her. Her dress was fairy tale-esq, with its floral pattern played over gossamer thin silk at the arms and chest. The patterning wrapped around her figure, framing her perfectly, accentuating her hips and stomach, and flowed from her legs with each step of her heeled feet. Her veil hung from a glistening tiara, which was made from pure silver and studded with diamonds across the front. Simply graceful, without the need for pompous gaud, she stunned the entire room with her natural beauty.
Joanna took her daughter's arm as the two made their way down the central aisle.
The smile on Ash's face had never been wider or more genuine than in this moment. Tears threatened to spill from his eyes and down his cheeks as he caught her gaze.
Gary leaned over, as if he could sense the emotions, and whispered playfully, "Keep it together Ash. You know I'll never let you forget it if you don't."
Briefly turning toward his oldest friend, Ash chuckled at him and nodded his thanks. He knew Gary was right. He never would let him forget it.
Following Dawn down the aisle were her bridesmaids. All Dawn's closest friends wearing matching sky-blue dresses, held together with a silken bow at the waist, and finished off with stilettos of the same colour.
Zoe, Cynthia, May, Misty, Princess Serena and Lati all followed the bride down the aisle, grinning. They were all extremely happy for the worlds most famous couple of heroes, most of them having known the two from the beginning of their respective journeys. Zoe led the procession as the maid of honour, being Dawn's oldest friend.
As Dawn reached Ash they grinned eagerly at one another, and the bridesmaids took their place on their side of the aisle. "Hi!" The bluenette cheekily whispered.
Joanna took her seat on the front row of her daughter's side of the church, beaming with pride. I can't believe how far my little Dawn has come since setting off on her Pokémon journey all those years ago! Grand Champion and marrying the President of the new World Government… Oh my little sunshine… how time flies!
Delia, who's appearance had long since returned to normal since her travels through the Realm of the Makers at the side of Tensuiromo, sat on the front row. She wiped a tear from her eye. "My little boy is getting married… if only Brandon were here to see it…"
Sat beside her, Professor Oak put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry Delia, I'm sure Brandon won't be far. He wouldn't want to miss his son's wedding for the world, despite everything."
"I suppose you're right Sam." Delia said, smiling at her old friend. As she did she felt a shiver run down the back of her neck, the exact feeling you got when you were being watched. On instinct she whirled and looked straight over her right shoulder, fixating on the stained-glass window in the far corner of the church.
"Hm? Is something wrong?" Oak asked, surprised.
After staring at it for a moment, Delia shook her head and returned her attention to the altar and her son. "No… its nothing. Just my imagination."
Far away, on the side of a mountain that overlooked pallet town, Brandon sat on a ledge, his long white hair blowing freely about his face and down his back. His eyes were glowing with the azure burn of Aura as he enhanced his senses to observe his son's wedding. He chuckled to himself as he noted Delia's reaction. "Ah my love, you still have it within you to notice. You're absolutely right though Sam, I wouldn't want to miss this for the world."
The priest held his hands up for everyone to sit and they did so, and the music came to a graceful end. "Thank you everyone for joining us here today to witness the union of Ash Ketchum and Dawn Berlitz.
"I'm positive that the two of them need no explanation for their love or their commitment to one another, their bond being one that saved our very existence. It brings me great pleasure to be able to join them formally under Arceus' light. Together, as one, their love may shine for all eternity, bringing happiness and joy to their lives and to all who look upon them." He motioned to the bride and groom with a warm smile. "You may both now exchange your vows."
Ash took the initiative and beamed at Dawn, his eyes drinking her in hungrily, totally enraptured by her pristine dress and her beautiful face. "Dawn. If you had asked me if I wanted to be married when I set off from this very town eleven years ago, I'd have looked at you dumbfounded and questioned what that had to do with being a Pokémon Master."
The gathering laughed slightly at that as memories of the young President came rushing back to all who knew him in his early days.
"But as I look at you now, I can't imagine being anything other than your husband. My love for you transcends reality. You are my whole world Dawn, and by every fibre of my being, I'll never let anything separate us ever again. I love you more than life itself and vow to always support and protect you. You're my soul mate, my lover and my best friend, and I couldn't imagine my life without you."
A tear of pure joy ran down Ash's cheek as he spoke, but he didn't care. He felt nothing but overwhelming bliss course through his body as he immersed himself in the moment and let his emotions free.
Catching the joyful tear of her lover with her hand, Dawn returned the smile back. "Ash. There has never been a day when I haven't thought about you since the moment we met. My love for you burned itself into my soul from the second I first laid eyes upon you. Love at first sight would be doing the emotions I felt that day a disservice. You light up my soul with your laugh, touch my heart with your smile, lighten my mood with your gaze and entertain my weary head with your wise words. You're everything I've always wanted and more. I love you with all my heart and soul, my soulmate, my true love, my other half. With this vow I will stand by your side for the rest of eternity, as it's the only place that I truly belong. I love you."
The priest spread his arms. "With the vows said, we will now exchange the rings."
Two Pokémon appeared from either side, wearing small specially made suits and having held their places since the start of the ceremony, waiting for their time to shine. Empoleon from Dawn's side and Pikachu from Ash's, both emerged carrying small boxes. They both had smiles on their faces, although Empoleon had a serious expression as he was trying feverishly not to trip over himself and fall.
They reached their respective trainers and handed them the boxes
"Pikachu pi!" The yellow mouse chirped happily as he passed Ash the ring box.
"Thanks buddy," Ash said, giving his oldest partner a scruff behind the ears.
"Empo!" The penguin Pokémon announced proudly, reaching Dawn's feet.
Dawn hugged her starter as she gratefully accepted the box. "Thanks, Empoleon!"
The two Pokémon joined the ranks of the bridesmaids and the groomsmen, proud of their accomplishments in this ceremony.
Ash opened the box and took the ring out. He took Dawn's hand and gracefully slipped it onto her finger. "With this, we become one."
Likewise, Dawn took out her ring and placed it onto Ash's finger. "With this, we become one." She repeated with a smile.
As the rings settled into place on their fingers a burning light burst into the chapel, illuminating the interior with a holy radiance. Arceus and Tensuiromo, both surrounded by divine light appeared spectrally above the couple. As one, the two god-like beings bowed their heads, and the wedding rings burned brightly with light. Take our blessings with you, Ash and Dawn. May you carry our light with you for the rest of your days. Their voices reached into the minds of all present, speaking as one.
Then, as soon as they'd appeared, they vanished, and the light settled back down to normal.
Everyone sat in attendance was taken aback by the appearance, sitting shell shocked. All except for the few that had been in the presence of the god-like beings before.
"W-Well," the priest stammered, finding his feet again after such an unexpected interlude. "By the powers vested in me, and the blessing of Arceus himself, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Lifting Dawn's veil with his hands, Ash grinned. He leant forwards and pressed his lips against hers and wrapped his arms around her in a loving embrace. She wrapped hers around his neck as she poured all her loving emotions into the kiss.
The chapel erupted in applause, with people standing. Gary, Cilan, Brock, May, Misty, Zoe and the rest all had big grins on their faces, with a few of the ladies having the odd tear run down their face.
Delia and Joanna were openly crying with happiness, smiles plastered on their faces.
Finally pulling back, Ash looking his new wife in the eye. "This is the start of the rest of our life, and I couldn't be any happier."
Dawn giggled, grinning like a schoolgirl. "Me too, Ash."
His grin turning mischievous, Ash moved in close, so his next few words for his wife only. "How about we consummate this marriage, then?"
Her face going bright red, sure that some of her friends would have overheard, Dawn bit her lip. "I thought you'd never ask."
Laughing, Ash's eyes began to glow with the tell tale burn of azure. Both he and Dawn became enveloped by it, and they vanished from the chapel.
The honeymoon had begun.
To be continued…