(Just like with the previous chapter, this one will be partially told in Hatterene's POV this time. Y'all know the routine. Enjoy!)

Chapter 20: The World's First Pokémon Wedding

Interesting tradition the humans have when it comes to weddings. They say that it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the event and, so far, it's been proven true by so many married couples I've sensed throughout my journey with Sir Davis. Since that's the case, my beloved Karthaniel and I didn't want to take a chance and made the safe decision to allow me and my mother, Elegance, to spend an entire day together at The Glimwood Tangle while he stayed at a hotel in Wyndon. That's where the wedding will take place.

Right now, my mum and I have just settled in to the same cave where I made a brief meeting with my past self, thanks to a pair of hatenna twins. I stood at the entrance while I allowed her to take in the horrific atmosphere of it all for a few minutes. Those same claw marks were the very first things she approached and began to gently stroke them with curiosity. Three slow minutes later, she became extremely curious as she went towards the next room where the massacre occurred and that was my cue to follow her, but stop at the entrance once more. Unlike myself, however, she clearly saw the hundreds upon hundreds of severed human remains, but she was never haunted or disgusted by the scene. She just hovered over it all with expectancy written all over her face and she even crossed her arms with her motherly authority before she turned towards me.

"You say that this is where you hatched after Wallace saved you as an egg, correct?" Elegance asked her serene daughter, who nodded twice in response without any regrets in her face. "Hmmm… you really did live up to your pokédex entry, dear. You recently regained your memory of it, I see."

"It was very difficult to stomach as well, yes." Hatterene admitted. "My true colors showed with the Pokérus X2 bacteria within me with extreme prejudice. Since the enhancements from that bastard Lawrence, I haven't done it again since, however. Did you… do the same?"

"…" Elegance sighed with trepidation and remained silent for the next sixty seconds before she made her statement with remorse: "…it was how I was sought after by Kenneth in the first place for his experiment." Hatterene was unfazed by that confession and kept her observant and attentive stare focused on her shiny Mother as she continued. "When he found me, he seemed… desperate. It's like he found a potential candidate before me and they sensed his intentions, refusing to allow him to catch them and, thus, frustrating him to a T. He probably read our pokédex entry and came up with the idea almost instantly. He purposely disturbed my slumber to test my power and, obviously, he was impressed and didn't take any chances this time by using a Master Ball against me. It was at that moment that there was nothing I could do to resist. He literally gave me quite the ultimatum: Either I cooperate with him and his Pokérus infected Ditto or die by the sharp feathers of his Skarmory by means of beheading. I… had to stay with him in order to live. I was too young to die at the time."

"…" Hatterene was now silent as she took in every word from her beloved Mother's story like a sponge to water. She even had to bow her head and close her eyes to absorb it even further, having the brim of her famous hat hide those potentially melancholy eyes.

It was very identical to my situation. What was really a shocker in her case was the fact that the test was used on Kenneth's fellow subjects as 'test dummies', so to speak. Greed and desperation can curse even the most lighthearted of humans sometimes and that was definite proof of that theory. Sir Wallace probably knew all of this from her as well and the existence of my egg prompted him to save my life by leaving me here. He… didn't want the same nightmare to happen to me. It did anyway, but it only ended up in my capture with an ultimatum proposed to me. Lawrence just found me, enhanced me, and imprisoned me as his slave until I was finally able to escape.

Avarice definitely runs in that family of his, that's for bloody sure.

"Do you understand, Hatterene-dear?" Elegance asked with worry in her heavenly voice.

"Every word, Mum." Hatterene replied with a regal smile as she gave her Mother eye contact and embraced her with all the love in her heart. They both started to shed the happiest waterfalls of tears in their lives as they did so. "It's safe to say that you are truly a blessing to me. It may seem like you never contributed to saving my life alongside Sir Wallace, but spiritually, that's exactly what you did. You never intended to have me, but deep down, you really wanted to be a Mother someday."

"…you're absolutely right, dear. And I never thought you would become an angel, despite your pokédex entry." The two ended the embrace and just held hands while facing each other with tearful smiles. "Having this wedding coming up between you and Sir Karthaniel Davis is the extra icing on the cake that makes everything we both endured in the past seem like nothing more than a bad dream. I pray that you'll live a much better life than I did… and shall you bring in a new generation unlike any other somehow, I'll still stand by you."

"Aww, Mum! Thank you so much!"

We resumed our loving hug for what seemed like an eternity after that. Next to Sir Davis, I have the best Mother in all of Galar! This wedding between a human and pokémon will definitely be one for the record books for sure!

Several hours later, Mum and I were just relaxing underneath quite the huge pink glowing mushroom we've ever seen within the Glimwood Tangle. After a full conversation about everything Sir Davis and I have been through, Zenith's Sneasler approached us casually. We had to crawl out of it to approach him in return. He appeared to be a wee bit fatigued and he told me why as soon as I was just gonna open my mouth.

"Glad you two lived in harmony here." He started with a smart quip in a surprisingly handsome male voice of an American. "All of those grimmsnarl and their pre-evos held me back a bit while I was trying to get to ya."

"I see." Hatterene replied as she and Elegance were dusting their dresses off. "You shouldn't be so tired, first of all. You seem like a powerful pokémon that can harness poison like a nidoking."

"Thanks! I appreciate it. Anyway, Master Zenith sent me here to get you guys. The wedding's about to start at the Wyndon Stadium in about an hour. Wallace has agreed to walk you down the aisle once it begins."

"Ah, excellent! How is Karthaniel?" The three of them started to casually walk down the path back to the entrance to the forest where a flying taxi was waiting as the conversation continued.

"I've gotta tell ya: After hearing about everything you both have been through and how mentally challenging it was for him, Karthaniel's a pretty sane fellow. He's been cool and calm the entire time today, according to his Rillaboom. Usually, men are nervous wrecks when it comes to weddings. Not Sir Davis! What's his secret?"

"No secret really, Sneasler. Professor Sonia has recently injected a cure for his mental disability that's been haunting him since the shipwreck. It was ironically made from the extract of these glowing mushrooms we're passing by here. You see, during the journey, Sir Davis and I had to travel through here to get to the Ballonlea Gym. During this trek, the Wonder Guard Demon, we called him, never invaded his mind, even during our gym challenge against Opal and Bede."

"Ahhh, I see now! The glow does give off a peaceful vibe." The three had just gotten out of the forest limits at that last word from the Sharp Claw Pokémon. "Well, we finally made it out. Are you ready to make history with Karthaniel?"

"Born that way."

What a friendly conversation we just shared with Sneasler, although Mum did all the listening and absorbed every word like a Comfey using Giga Drain. I guess Zenith really is a man with a soft heart. He has raised his pokémon well after all these years. Aside from that, I couldn't believe that we were just less than an hour away from our historical wedding. I know it won't be no surprise to have it playing on everyone's television sets all over Galar as a breaking news report, but that won't even matter.

No matter how big our audience is, Sir Davis and I will receive all of the honor, love, and respect from everyone who witnesses it in any way they can.

It didn't take too long for the flying taxi to get us to the Wyndon Stadium. During the landing at just a few feet away from it near the Pokémon Center, the three of us saw quite the line forming outside of the stadium. For once, it wasn't a battle against former champion Leon they were gathering for and it was an exciting moment for us. As soon as we all got out of the taxi, Sneasler lead my Mum and I towards the rear of the stadium for the preparations. With 55 minutes left until the wedding starts, we had plenty of time to do so. Upon entering the building, we encountered only a select few of our friends: Sonia, Leon, Diancie, Wallace, and, of course, Zenith.

"Ah, excellent, Sneasler! You found them without incident, I hope." Zenith started first as the others gave Hatterene and Elegance a congratulatory group hug for a moment.

"I had to use my Dire Claw a few times against some grimmsnarl, impidimp, and some stubborn morgrem as well along the way, but I made it." Sneasler admitted with an embarrassed look on his face. Zenith chuckled as he approached his beloved pokémon.

"Aww, it's fine. As long as you found them safely…" He then turned towards the group hugs just coming to close as he approached them alongside his trusty Sharp Claw Pokémon. "…How was your day with your Mother for the first time in your life, Hatterene?"

"It was amazing!" Hatterene replied, getting the attention from everyone around her. "I got her to see what happened to me before Lawrence captured me and it wasn't easy for her to see at first, but she accepted it all and it added up perfectly with her situation. Simply put: She had been forced to be captured by Kenneth and did his bidding in order to save her own life."

"Pfft!" Sonia scoffed with expectancy. "Why am I not surprised to hear that? Kenneth and Lawrence are related, aren't they?"

"Yes."

"Again, not surprising at all."

"I'm just glad that he's deceased." Diancie added with her heavenly voice of a princess. "Anyway, all of the others are gathered inside the stadium seats with the exception of Karthaniel's parents. They're with him at the hotel. He's the happiest I've seen since meeting the man."

"Of course, he is." Hatterene pointed out. "He'll be even happier when we tie the knot officially. I still can't see him until then, right?"

"Hate to say it, but yes." Leon replied with honesty. "It's all according to the ceremony procedures. Within the trainer preparation room, there's your custom made wedding dress, courtesy of Princess Diancie."

"WHOA! Really, Your Highness?!"

"Absolutely!" Diancie replied proudly as she took the future bride's hand to lead the way there. "Sir Davis will surely be in awe when he sees you in it. Let's get you in it now with 45 minutes left until the ceremony. Elegance, you will accompany the Davises at the hotel until then."

"Will do, Princess." Elegance replied as she and Sonia both made their way there alone. As for the remaining men in the team…

"Let us get to our seats." Wallace started. "Sneasler, your fellow companions are gathered in that other room over there, awaiting instructions."

"Gotcha!" The Sharp Claw Pokémon replied before he made his way there while the others got into the stadium with joyful smiles on their faces.

Oh, my Arceus! I'm just so excited about all of this! In addition to Karthaniel now crowned at the Galar Region Champion, this wedding is sure to up the ante even more! And with me about to wear a wedding gown that was made by Princess Diancie herself, I'm sure both of our hearts will be filled with so much love and honor that it'll surely be impossible to allow any other tragedy befallen us in the future. I feel that this dress has that preventive spell all over it and will last forever within our souls.

35 minutes pass since I've gotten into this beautiful pure pink diamond decorated dress with the gradient color blend of my signature colors: baby blue and pink with a hint of purple and I can finally sense Sir Davis from here because he had just gotten into arena alongside his parents. The cheering crowd Diancie and I heard along with it was the second sign that this wedding was due to be quite the sight. When Sneasler first retrieved my Mum and I, he confessed that Karthaniel was calm, despite this atmosphere. That is proven true by the time I finally see him within the viewing screen in this room alongside Diancie. He looks so handsome in his custom made tuxedo that was colored in the same scheme as my dress. I know he still has his love for the steel types, but now he's grown fond of both of my types by the look of this suit and his parents have inspired him to appreciate both fairy and psychic types as well. Safe to say that his suit is a way to thank us fairies for giving him the support all throughout his journey.

Finally, after 9 of those remaining minutes went by, Wallace walked in to prepare for the 'walk down the aisle' while Diancie made her way out an alternate exit to meet with the others. His suit was in a casual blue, but still looked pretty dashing for a man at his age. As soon as we were arm-in-arm, my heart started to flutter with anticipation, but with my veil on, it practically hid the small amount of sweat I was emitting just trying to maintain my emotions. Then, I heard the second most important words within a wedding from a male announcer on the PA system:

"To everyone who are sitting, please rise for the arrival of the bride!"

They made me feel blessed as Wallace and I were currently on our slow walk out the double doors of the arena entrance and, as soon as they opened, the crowd was silent, but their faces were in awe as they saw us walk towards the makeshift altar that was very well made, might I add. Everyone was there alongside Sir Davis, including Zenith's massive Guzzlord somehow remaining completely tamed behind them all. His huge open mouth never sparked any fear and I was beyond impressed. As for Karthaniel himself, the suit really did match his demeanor as a usually docile human being. Even the sultry orchestral rendition of the Wedding March wasn't enough to steer me away from him. He kept his handsome smile of appreciation and compassion that didn't need words to emphasize it even more. He probably thinks I look like an absolute angel in this dress as well.

Overall, this ceremony was due to be a one-of-a-kind, like I've said before.

After a seemingly long three minutes, Hatterene and Wallace finally arrived at the altar where Karthaniel and Leon were standing front and center. On their right was Zenith and his pokémon with Guzzlord behind them and on the left were Diancie, Sonia, Extonia, Behemoth, Elegance, and Hop… all dressed in their best for this historical wedding. As soon as Wallace took his position on Zenith's left side, away from his trusty shiny pheromosa, Leon did his signature pose to silence the crowd. It worked to perfection before he adjusted his headset and was ready to commence the ceremony.

"Citizens of Galar!" He started proudly. "We are gathered here today to bear witness a bonding of hearts that is unlike any other in Pokémon history: Sir Karthaniel Harrison Davis and his beloved serene Hatterene. Ever since the start of his journey, Sir Davis has been through so many days and weeks of suffering after surviving a shipwreck that would've killed him and his parents. Alas, they are all alive and well, despite his mental challenges he had to face along the way. It's all thanks to this Hatterene that he's been able to not only complete his journey and dethrone me as the new Galar Champion, but also to finally reunite with his parents after what seemed like forever to him. And now, I will allow them to express their vows towards one another. Starting with Karthaniel…" At that last word, the two future newlyweds turned towards each other, having them hold hands with smiles full of all the love and passion they could hold as the formerly mentally fragile steel type expert began his speech:

"Hatterene-love, back when I first landed here, I actually thought I was due to join the many other sailors that have lost their lives within the wreck. Having my parents missing was the bloody gash that did it for me within my brain. Despite the hospitality from everyone I encountered, none of them made me feel like I should remain alive and that was the demon's goal every time he appeared within my consciousness. You came at just the right time to help me shift gears away from those suicidal thoughts that would occasionally summon him. It had to take a few fairy-type hits to make it so, yes, but you never complained about it at all. It all because you sincerely loved me for so much more. It seemed like a typical pokémon and trainer bond to many others, but it was only up until a select few witnessed us in a loving embrace with a passionate kiss to top it off that made everyone show utmost respect for us. I… honestly thought our relationship wouldn't get this far for obvious reasons, but love works in mysterious ways and I don't mind it one bit at all, especially with a pokémon as serene and heavenly as yourself. I appreciate everything you've done for me and you shall continue your efforts for many more years to come for all of us. I love you, Hatterene."

Oh, my Arceus! Such compassionate words! Don't know if I can top that, but here goes nothing:

"Sir Karthaniel, it's truly an honor to assist you during your dangerous journey." Hatterene started with sincerity. "A heavy weight was lifted off of my shoulders when I escaped from that bloody facility, but an even heavier weight was lifted after I saved you on that day we first met. Sure, I was free, but right away after the break-out, I still felt like something was missing. Even as half a psychic type, I couldn't quite make out what that certain something was at first and, as soon as I saved your life, that was it. You were the one that was missing in my life. Your mental struggle was what led me to you like steel to a magnet and you were the perfect human for me as a new companion rather than a lover. As the many, many days with you passed since that fateful meeting, my feelings for you were slowly becoming augmented and, although a bond like that with a human never really crossed my mind due to how vile Lawrence was, it was somehow meant to be after all. It wasn't just your impressive skills as a steel type trainer and your incredible body structure for a man at your young age that made it so, it was also your strong will to fight for what you believed to be true within your very mind and soul, even with the demon trying to convince you otherwise every now and then. You needed me to power through him and, with the help of the many others we've encountered throughout our journey, you were finally able to achieve the impossible. Having you becoming the new Galar Champion is icing on the cake compared to all of that, but it's still an accomplishment that should be kept in stone forever. Here's to a better life for many years as an officially married couple for the first time in Pokémon history. I love you, Sir Karthaniel Davis."

Why am I moving myself to tears here? It feels amazing and same could be said towards Karthaniel. He's silently shedding tears of gratitude and happiness all at once as well. We both truly meant every word and only one more thing can add it all up perfectly:

"Wow…" Leon struggled to get it out as he too was heavily shedding tears of joy along with the others around him, with the exception of Guzzlord and Kartana on Zenith's end. "…with words like that being said from both of you, there's just one more thing left for me to say: Karthaniel, you may kiss your bride." The crowd still remained silent as Sir Davis carefully lifted the beautiful veil in front of Hatterene's joyful smile and, after he gently wrapped his strong tattooed arms around her waist at the same time the serene Silent Pokémon's slender hands were around his strong neck, they both slowly engaged in a passionate kiss that seemed a bit too raunchy, but gentle enough to make it official and cause the crowd to go insane with their cheers. The others around the kissing couple just lightly applauded, except Guzzlord and Kartana of course. They nodded once with appreciation instead.

It's… it's official at last! Sir Karthaniel Davis and I are now husband and wife, despite me being an anthropomorphic pokémon. This new revelation will surely be embedded into everyone's memories forever. Not even visitors from other regions won't find it weird. I know that for sure!

What I'm not sure of, though, is my Mum's words: 'And shall you bring in a new generation unlike any other somehow, I'll still stand by you.'

Hmmm… can it truly be done between human and pokémon?

It's not something you look forward to right away after marriage, but this is something curious I just had to get off of my chest as soon as possible.

No matter what, though, I'll still love Karthaniel with all of my heart.

I just need it out of my mind.

To be continued…