Chapter 29: The Beginning of Happily Ever-After
It had been a day since Ash, Clemont, Rosalina and Pikachu arrived on the Moon Kingdom to save Serena, only for her to reveal that it was a confession and a proposal to marry Ash. Droves of humans and many creatures from Goombas to Tostareneans to Lochladies to Gushens to Shiverians to Volbonans gathered to watch. In the dressing rooms, Ash and Serena prepared for last-second adjustments. Peach and Rosalina came to the bride who had a cream-colored four-legged creature with pink ears and around the face. It also had a pink tail, pink paws and pink and blue ends to feelers and bowties. Peach and Rosalina wore shoulder-less gowns while maintaining their colors. Joining them was a sandy-skinned brunette with daisy earrings. "Thanks for having me help, Peach," the brunette praised.
"Of course, Daisy," Peach welcomed.
"I'm surprised that you didn't want to be Serena's Maid of Honor," Rosalina brought up. Serena heard this and wondered.
"Oh, who is?" she asked. "And who are you?" Daisy giggled before introducing herself, wearing the same gown but yellow.
"I'm Daisy, Princess of Sarasaland," she named herself. "The Mario Bros helped me as well… but I'm just a bridesmaid. At least, I'm spending time with best princess pal, Peach." That's when another young woman came forward.
"Serena, what's up?" she asked. Looking Serena and her cream-colored creature saw a redhead in pale red gown. Her ponytail tied up by a blue ribbon made Serena gasp.
"Queen Aria!?" she realized. Aria giggled and came to the two.
"I was asked by Princess Peach about the occasion and came here to help," she briefed. "I'm actually glad to have this moment with you." Serena's smile formed.
"Of course…" she cried as they hugged. The creature barked happily as the two broke the hug and Grace came by.
"You too, Sylveon," Aria thanked. Sylveon barked with a laugh. Grace wore a sunflower sundress with a long skirt.
"How's the preparation?" she asked. Sylveon barked happily. "I was told the light above the door will tell us when to move out for the hall. Luckily, Bonnie's with Ash with final preparations. We heard how she proposed to the princesses." Peach, Serena and Rosalina sighed to the antic. "Another thing, the Pokémon will lead the march first. You still have Braixen and Pancham on hand, right?" Nodding, Serena released a young yellow fox with red fur like a skirt above the black back legs it stood on and a poofy tail holding a stick with a red ribbon on it, and a panda cub with a leaf in its mouth and red sunglasses on its forehead.
"Braixen," Serena addressed the fox creature. "Pancham, Sylveon, Mom will have you waiting with Clemont's and Ash's Pokémon. Try to behave." Serena's Pokémon agreed. In the other dressing room, Luigi joined Mario and Bowser as they suited up in colored tuxedos matching their colors while Ash and Bowser stayed with white. Clemont's tux was sky blue like his jumpsuit, and Bonnie wore a white dress with a flower holding the piece of hair. Delia wore a white flower sundress as she straightened Ash's tuxedo. Luxray, Chespin and Bunnelby joined Ash's Pokémon, as well as a shorter raven-haired boy in a black tuxedo wearing glasses.
"Ash, I know it's going to be a new experience to wed someone like Serena," she voiced. "But I have complete support for this. After all, you value your friends and Pokémon most of all." Barkley happily barked in support.
"I know, Mom," Ash acknowledged. "I never knew what love meant until Olympia told me, and it kinda bonded from love for my Pokémon to Serena without realizing it."
"Sometimes, it's best not to think about it," Delia giggled. Ash snickered as Luigi patted Ash on the back. Then, a knock on the door. Mario opened it, finding a Toad at the door.
"Mario, letting you know the guests are about seated for the wedding," he informed. "When we're ready, we can send the Pokémon out."
"Okay," Mario allowed.
("Guess our time to come out has come,") Pikachu squeaked. He turned to Ash's and Clemont's Pokémon. ("Ready, guys?") A chorus of shouts echoed to confirm. In the hall, a blond young woman stood with a camera in hand. The ponytail blond wore a white and green dress and holding a pamphlet.
WE CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO THE WEDDING OF ASH KETCHUM & SERENA YVONNE AT THE WEDDING HALL ON EVER-AFTER HILL ON HONEYLUNE RIDGE IN THE MOON KINGDOM.
GROOM: ASH BRENTON KETCHUM.
GUIDED BY: DELIA SELLMAN KETCHUM (MOTHER).
BEST MAN: CLEMONT FERRAND.
GROOMSMEN: MARIO MARIO, LUIGI MARIO, BOWSER KOOPA
BRIDE: SERENA MONICA YVONNE.
GUIDED BY: GRACE SAINZ YVONNE (MOTHER)
MAID OF HONOR: ARIA PRINZE:
BRIDESMAIDS: PEACH TOADSTOOL, DAISY SARASALAND, ROSALINA COSMOS.
FLOWER GIRL: BONNIE FERRAND
RING BEARER: MAX MAPLE
The blond could only wonder on some of the names, though her arm covered other important positions. "I know Bonnie, but who's Max?" she wondered. A light brunette woman with a similar wavy hair came by.
"I just met him before going into Ash's dressing room," she voiced. "He traveled with Ash in the Hoenn Region." Turning, the blond noticed the brunette wearing a black and red dress.
"I was wondering where you were, Alexa," she realized.
"Yeah, I wanted to see the setting, Viola," Alexa briefed. Just then, they heard sniffs. Viola felt her ponytail lift. She and Alexa turned back to see a large brown gorilla with a peaked lock looping on top of its head. He wore a red necktie that had yellow letters reading "DK" on them.
"Easy, buster…" she warned. "What did I do?" Pauline came in and saw the gorilla and came over.
"Donkey Kong, I warned you to be on your best behavior," she warned. Donkey Kong whimpered to the warning before being escorted to the side. Someone else came by.
"Excuse me," an old man sounded. Looking down, the sisters saw a Toad with brown spots on the cap, a white mustache and small glasses. He held a cane with a mushroom cap and wore a purple tuxedo with a vest over it. "Are you a photographer?"
"I am," she confirmed. "I also run the Santalune Gym in Kalos. I go by Viola. This is my sister, Alexa. She's a journalist for the Lumiose Press." The old Toad nodded to the sisters.
"I'm Toadsworth, and I'm the one to bring the couple together," he named himself. "Of course, I help with the Mushroom Kingdom and help Princess Peach."
"Wait, princess?" repeated Alexa.
"Yes, but two are with the bride," Toadsworth acknowledged. "Princess Peach and Princess Daisy." Alexa and Viola became excited to the opportunity.
"Oh, I can't wait to get pictures of them!" she cheered.
"Well, patience…" settled Toadsworth. "They will come when it's time. Now, to address the crowd. Tally-ho!" He proceeded to the front. Viola smiled to Toadsworth as he came to the forefront.
"What an old geezer," she teased.
"Easy, sis..." warned Alexa. Everyone turned to Toadsworth as he stood on a platform.
"Thank you all for coming to today's event," he greeted. "Today, we will experience love made possible thanks to the adventure, not just from the two, but everyone. As such, it will be appropriate for everyone to behave while we proceed." His first press was a yellow button. To those in the dressing rooms, it's a signal.
"Okay, that means the Pokémon will come out and make their presence known," Peach informed. Braixen, Pancham and Sylveon nodded. Both doors opened by Peach and Bowser let the Pokémon out to which they gathered, Dedenne riding on top of Noivern. Seeing the Pokémon, Toadsworth nodded to welcome in the herd. Viola snapped plenty of pictures at the Pokémon as Toadsworth guided them around the stage. Viola sneaked around the audience and spotted a couple of Ash's Pokémon.
"Hey, Pikachu…" she called. Pikachu turned, finding and giggling seeing Viola.
("You're here!?") he squeaked. ("You too, Alexa?") Viola giggled to Pikachu's curiosity. She looked around the hall, mesmerized.
"I wonder… maybe if I propose to Grant," she thought. Pikachu blinked in confusion.
"Slow down, Viola," Alexa warned. "Still, we can do something for Pikachu." This made the Mouse Pokémon curious before they kissed his red cheeks. He gasped and squealed in delight. The light by the door in Ash's dressing room became green.
"It's time," Delia eyed. Barkley panted to the occasion while Delia petted him on her lap.
"Fate awaits you, Ash," Bowser teased. Ash gave Bowser a smug before turning to the new raven-haired.
"Max, can you take Barkley to the Odyssey?" he requested. The raven-haired turned to Barkley and accepted.
"Right, and Princess Peach will give me the Binding Bands when they're ready to emerge," Max recalled. Everyone stood up and Barkley hopped off Delia's lap. Everyone felt ready.
"On to the wedding!" roared Bowser.
"Let's a-go!" cheered Mario.
"Okie-dokie," Luigi shrugged. Bowser led everyone out as Max and Barkley left for the Odyssey. Bowser led the group into the hall as everyone stood and watched, hoping not to anger the Koopa King. Ash and Delia stood in the back as the parade had Bowser, then Mario, Luigi, Clemont, and the mother and son at the back. Reaching the front, Bowser turned to the right with the Mario brothers and Clemont. Ash and Delia paused as they hugged in the middle.
"This is it, dear," she whispered. "I hope you treat her with care."
"I know," Ash nodded as Delia took to the right where New Donk City's mayor stood up.
"Ash's mother," Pauline addressed. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm almost too happy for my son maturing in love," Delia smiled. "I mean, it's a mother's dream to see their children be loved."
"You and I, both," Pauline agreed. "I mean, I felt like you when Ash stopped by my city... You know, a mother..." Delia became curious to Pauline's mention.
"Your city?"
"I'm the Mayor of New Donk City and gave Ash honorary citizenship after what he did to save it." A giggle lisped from Delia's lips.
"Why am I not surprised?" They sat as Bonnie came out with a basket of flower pedals but didn't enter the hall yet.
'I don't want to tell her about my night with Ash. She might think I'm something sinister.' Bonnie waited for Toadsworth to signal her forward. Toadsworth turned to Ash.
"Are you ready?" he asked. Talonflame swooped to Viola and Pikachu as Ash nodded.
"Wait, are you the same Fletchling that battled me?" she asked. Talonflame cawed to the claim. "You definitely look great as an evolved Pokémon… and I'm glad that you're part of this." Alexa picked Pikachu from the ground and to her lap. Toadsworth nodded to Bonnie, the signal given. In Serena's dressing room, the light in their room became green.
"Here we go," Aria prepared. The women stood up, including Serena as she grabbed the bouquet. Grace turned to her daughter, ready to give her to Ash. Serena stood, knowing that her time to shine and share her life with Ash was upon the point of no return. Rosalina led the group out of the dressing room and to the pathway as Max returned, no Barkley in sight. The women stopped while Bonnie scattered flower petals over the aisle. Max had a pillow while Peach knelt to his level.
"I'm glad that Brock isn't here," Max sighed. "He'd go after the bunch of you with his wishes." Peach tied two rings that were identical to the Binding Band, only really small.
"Some of us already have others in mind, so we don't have to worry," Peach assured. "And thanks to my magic, the Binding Bands can now fit on their fingers." With both Binding Bands tied, Max knew his role was coming. Bonnie reached the front with her basket of petals emptied. Ash patted Bonnie's head for her work before sitting down with Delia and Pauline. Peach returned to the other women with Max behind them. He knew his time to appear was coming, but not yet. Rosalina looked to Toadsworth who nodded. Rosalina looked to Serena taking a deep breath.
"Are you ready?" whispered Daisy. Serena looked ahead, her veil covering her face as Daisy flicked a thumb up. Rosalina took the gesture and formed an "O" with her hands. Toadsworth nodded, ready to bring the bride forward. He pointed to the side. That's when music played. Rosalina led with Daisy, Peach, Aria and Serena and Grace in the back. Behind the veil was plenty of makeup and foundation with pink lipstick over her lips. White fingernails exposed from a pair of silky laced finger-less gloves with a loop around the middle fingers. Viola took a few pictures as Alexa prepared a microphone. The shutter of the camera was drowned out by the music playing. As soon as the women reached the podium Toadsworth stood on, they turned to the left with Grace hugging her daughter.
"Are you ready?" she whispered.
"I am," Serena replied. Wishing for the best, Grace escorted Bonnie to Delia and Pauline. Dedenne crawled up Donkey Kong and stood on the lock. Pikachu stood on Viola's shoulder. The music stopped. The attention was now on Toadsworth.
"Thank you to everyone who came to this glorious moment," the elder acknowledged. "We are gathered here to witness the union of Ash Ketchum and Serena Yvonne. As we reach the pinnacle of the journey, one of early love and heartbreak to a moment recaptured, allow me to tell you of how these two became acquainted to their moment where these two will become one family. Once upon a time, little Serena Monica Yvonne traveled from her home of Vaniville Town in Kalos and attended Professor Samuel Oak's Summer Camp held around Pallet Town in Kanto. She wasn't an outgoing girl and did have difficulty making friends. One day, a young Poliwag had escaped from some rowdy kids in which one boy, Ash Brenton Ketchum, volunteered to return. Serena was in the wrong place at the wrong time as the Poliwag jumped out of nowhere and tripped her, a knee injury occurring. Ash came around, Poliwag still on the loose when they first met. It was there that Ash treated Serena's injury and helped escort her back to camp where Professor Oak and the local Nurse Joy finished the triage. It was then that Serena forever remembered the name of the boy who helped her." Serena looked to the side through her veil at Ash, her friend that became her fiancé a few short days ago.
'You gave me everything I wanted,' she minded. 'I now have what it takes to say what my heart wants.' Toadsworth continued.
"Not long after the moment, Ash and Serena were separated as they had gone back home," he resumed. "No one, not even Serena, knew they would reunite years down the road as Ash, his quest of becoming a Pokémon Master, came to Kalos where he befriended his Best Man, Clemont Ferrand, and her sister, Bonnie, our flower girl." Bonnie nodded while giggling.
"You did a good job," Pauline whispered to Bonnie.
"However, his first act was one of heroism," Toadsworth continued. "He had scaled Lumiose City's monument, Prism Tower, and saved a Garchomp from death in front of cameras. One of them, Serena watched. The boy looked familiar, and she wanted to know. After acquiring Braixen as Fennekin, she reached the Santalune City Pokémon Center where they finally reunited. It did take some time for Ash to remember her." The crowd giggled to the information. Ash tried to play it off. "Since then, Ash allowed her into his circle of friends. To Serena, this was her chance to be with the boy who helped her those years ago. Throughout their travel, Serena had taken Ash to plenty of areas which also satisfied him. As they traveled, Serena's feelings for Ash grew immensely. However, a hitch occurred: doubt. She wanted to confess her feelings, but nerves stopped it. After Ash's crisis, Serena's wanted to confess, but it never came. That's when Princess Peach Toadstool came to meet Serena who offered her help." Peach nodded to the claim.
"Oh, so she's Princess Peach," Viola realized.
("I did fall for her,") Pikachu admitted. Alexa petted his head.
"Thus, a journey began while Serena discovered her courage to ask," Toadsworth continued. "Ash traveled around the world to reclaim Serena from Bowser Koopa… at least on the surface. When Ash finally arrived to rescue Serena, she confessed her feelings… and he accepted." Pauline, Delia and Grace shed tears of the story. "We have in attendance, those who have helped these two come together. The groom's party, Mario and Luigi Mario, Bowser Koopa, Clemont Ferrand, Bonnie Ferrand, Peach Toadstool, Rosalina Cosmos, Aria Prinze, Mayor Pauline Jazzie, Delia Ketchum and Grace Yvonne, as well as many others that have become part of the lives of these two." Ash looked to Serena, a girl he helped as little kids to become his traveling partner before his fiancée not long ago. "Ash, Serena, do you have anything to say?" Ash briefly took a breath.
"Mind if I go first?" he asked.
"Not at all," Toadsworth allowed. Ash turned to Serena; words focused on the journeys of their lives.
"Serena, I believe it was fate that Poliwag brought me to you," he started. "Of course, I said that about other traveling companions like Max and Brock and Cilan, even Clemont and Bonnie. I can also say that I never would've been able to get this far without you. I probably would've said the same thing to Misty or May or Dawn. Iris… not so much. When I came to Kalos with Pikachu, I wasn't thinking of anything from our past or what we'd be doing together. I can also admit that I never knew about love and what to do with it. Sure, I stumbled among scenes of love before, but it never crossed my mind… until you came. I had feelings that I didn't know it was love until I came to rescue you from Bowser. I do wish that I wasn't dense and got to help you more for anything you need. Once we are one, I will do my best to help you in any way possible. After all, you've shown me things that amaze me so much, I can't turn away." Serena smiled, a tear trickling down her face.
"Serena?" called Toadsworth. "How about you?" It took a minute for Serena to gather her thoughts.
"To say that a little Poliwag is what brought us together in our first encounter doesn't do that Pokémon justice," she admitted. "When I saw you and Pikachu okay after Mega Blaziken saved you two, my mind raced to know why you came to Kalos. I wasn't expecting to know that the boy who did his best to comfort me all those years ago hadn't changed much. You always were one to go full force to something you wanted to accomplish… which is what I envied all of this time. Full of commitment, full of determination, that 'Never give up until the end' attitude that keeps your drive… I envy that, but also inspire in doing. It was you who guided me to do what I wanted in life. I became a Pokémon Performer, chasing an idol I learned soon after joining you in my Maid of Honor." Aria smiled, knowing Serena's honesty. "I became scared at myself for thinking you wouldn't inherit my feelings. Not only was I wrong at how determined you were to rescue me, but hearing your vow… I'm happy that I'm wrong. I want to be the greatest Pokémon Performer… but Ash, I cannot do it without you." Toadsworth waived Max in with the Binding Bands.
"I'm so touched," Viola cried with Pikachu and Braixen. Alexa giggled to her sister's reaction. Max arrived between the two. Mario and Luigi flicked thumbs up to his role. Max nodded before turning to the mothers and Bonnie who became enamored to him. He began to show nervousness.
"Before I continue," Toadsworth voiced. "If there is any doubt as to why these two shall not wed, objections to this pair… be quiet as it is not your special day." A chorus of laughs bellowed as Mario, Peach and Bowser slapped their knees hilariously.
"Toadsworth, why!?" cackled Daisy.
"Good one!" pointed a doubled-over Luigi. After everyone settled, Toadsworth was able to control himself before continuing with the wedding. Ash had his Binding Band in hand.
"Ash, repeat after me while you unveil your bride," Toadsworth instructed. Ash reached Serena's head and lifted the veil as Cappy and Tiara watched. Ash awed Serena's makeup job. "As I put this Binding Band on her finger…" Ash held on as Serena offered her hand.
"As I put this Binding Band on her finger…" he repeated.
"I, your name, hear by take, her name, to by my wedded wife…"
"I, Ash Ketchum, hear by take Serena Yvonne to by my wedded wife…"
"To have and to hold from this day forward…"
"…To have and to hold from this day forward…"
"For rich or for poorer…"
"…For rich or for poorer…"
"In sickness and in health…"
"…In sickness and in health…
"To love and to cherish…"
"…To love and to cherish…"
"Until death do us part…"
"…Until death do us part…"
"By the heavens and Earth and the power and faith of everyone..."
"…By the heavens and Earth and the power and faith of everyone…" Slipping the Binding Band, Serena became happy.
"And thereto pledge thee myself and my love to you…"
"…And thereto pledge thee myself and my love to you…" With the Binding Band on Serena's finger, it was time for the bride to follow suit.
"Serena, it is your turn to follow," Toadsworth instructed. Serena reached for the pillow and undid the other Binding Band. "As I put this Binding Band on his finger…" Serena seemed ready to repeat Toadsworth's words.
"As I put this Binding Band on his finger," she repeated.
"I, your name, hear by take, his name, to by my wedded husband…"
"I, Serena Yvonne, hear by take Ash Ketchum to by my wedded husband…"
"To have and to hold from this day forward…"
"…To have and to hold from this day forward…"
"For rich or for poorer…"
"…For rich or for poorer…"
"In sickness and in health…"
"…In sickness and in health…
"To love and to cherish…"
"…To love and to cherish…"
"Until death do us part…"
"…Until death do us part…"
"By the heavens and Earth and the power and faith of everyone..."
"…By the heavens and Earth and the power and faith of everyone…" Slipping the Binding Band, Ash's happiness to be bound to his bride started to show.
"And thereto pledge thee myself and my love to you…"
"…And thereto pledge thee myself and my love to you…" With the Binding Band on Ash's finger, Toadsworth was ready to finish.
"Friends, enemies, families, Pokémon," he listed. "I can say, with all the witnesses here to know that a glorious event presents us, and the galaxies to bring all forms of life to join, I have the entitlement to address the two people before us, untied as one family. Ash Ketchum, Serena Yvonne… I now pronounce you husband and wife. This is one that will forever be etched as the wedding on the Moon Kingdom to eternity. As a new couple, I foretell great accomplishments in your paths as one. Ash, you now have permission to kiss the bride." Ash and Serena came together and had a long, passionate kiss together in front of everyone. Cheers came upon everyone who witnessed as they continued their smooch. Donkey Kong pounded his chest proudly to the new couple. Ash and Serena were now married. To Ash, he has a wife in Serena. To Serena, she has a husband in Ash. Delia and Grace couldn't be happier that their kids became married.
"I have a daughter!" cried Delia as she hugged Grace.
"I have a son!" she cried back. Tears flowed down both as Bowser had a few tears of his own that he tried to wipe away. However, for the newlywed couple, the party was just beginning.
TO BE CONCLUDED...