Chapter 30/Final: The Odyssey of Forever


The wedding was a success. Ash and Serena were married. The Odyssey to save Serena had ended. Now, everyone who had gathered for the wedding are at tables and enjoying Stupendous Stew from the Luncheon Kingdom and Sparkle Water from the Seaside Kingdom. 'Man, this happened so fast,' Ash thought to himself. 'Not only did I learn that Serena's okay, I'm married to her.' Delia, Grace, Peach and Mario sat with the newlyweds. Luigi was having fun with Dedenne near a table where Clemont, Bonnie, Daisy and Junior were. Dedenne crawled around Luigi's body.

"Dedenne's having a lot of fun with Luigi," Bonnie giggled. Daisy and Clemont joined with some laughs while Pikachu was in Daisy's lap. Max was with Aria, Bowser and Topper at another table. Other creatures converse in a funny unity of good and evil talking.

"I'm glad Ash is happy with his new wife," Hariet sighed. "Part of me wished that I would be his."

"Yeah, but we had an agreement," Lemmy shrugged before sipping some stew. "Besides, Topper had been growing upset with how much you wanted Ash's attention."

"I can't help it!" she whined. After finishing their stew, Ash clanged his glass of Sparkle Water. Everyone heard the glass as Ash stood up.

"Everyone, thanks for coming today… or tonight… whichever time of day it is," Ash joked. Laughs echoed through the hall. "I know, the Moon Kingdom can get confusing at times. Anyway, I'm glad that this week was a moment for me to reflect on what my wife and I had gone through with our united journey through the Kalos Region and the stories of what we experienced. I had once told Serena at Professor Sycamore's Summer Camp that nothing we do is a waste of time. It makes me so happy that this adventure through the many kingdoms were just as exciting and helped me realize the relationship that I have. Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Bowser Jr., the Toads, Princess Peach, Rosalina, Pauline, the Koopalings, the Broodals… especially you, Hariet." Lemmy nudged Hariet's arm, teasing her. "Cappy, Tiara… I also can't forget my other companions, Clemont and Bonnie… and Max who joined us as well… Thank you for giving me, Pikachu and the rest of my Pokémon the greatest adventure we all were a part of." He rose his Sparkle Water. Others joined. "So… a toast to all for this adventure!"

"CHEERS!" they cheered. Serena was next as she stood up.

"I also want to give my thanks to everyone, including our mothers, Grace Yvonne and Delia Ketchum," she began. "I did wish to have confessed to Ash sooner than I did, but I'm glad that when I did, he shared the same feelings of love for me. It was years in the making from a little Poliwag to this enormous adventure. I also want to give Clemont and Bonnie, as well as Mario, Bowser, Bowser, Jr., Princess Peach and the Toads who helped set this up… thank you all for making it happen. A toast once more!"

"CHEERS!" they cheered. As they finished the Stupendous Stew, Goombas and Toads emerged with a giant white cake with blue decorative icing around the brims of several stacked layers, size increasing down the cake.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" one Toad spoke. "The Frost-Frosted Cake is here!" Awes echoed through the hall.

"È così grande!" gulped Luigi.

"Oh yeah…" trembled Mario. The Frost-Frosted Cake came to the table as Alexa and Viola come around to the newlyweds.

"As is tradition," the Mushroom Kingdom princess explained. "The bride and the groom will be the first to cut the cake." She presented a knife and Ash held it. He and Serena gripped the handle together and sliced pieces of the cake. The Toads handed each slice to the guests. Dedenne made his way over to Max who seemed surprised to have the Antennae Pokémon.

"Hey, you're that anxious for cake?" he wondered. "Not enough Pokémon food?"

("It looks sweet!") he squeaked. Grace sipped the Sparkle Water with a slight smile.

"I get the idea," she sighed. "I mean, I wouldn't drink wine in front of my daughter."

"I'm not one for alcohol to start," Delia denied. "Sometimes, it's better to have a dry time rather than going tipsy and who knows what else." Grace smiled, understanding made between mothers.

"Yeah, you hate to do something that embarrasses everyone," she smiled. Bowser and his son received their slices.

"The Frost-Frosted Cake is good to eat," he grumbled. "But, nothing beats cakes baked by Peach." Hearing her name, Peach turned to the giant turtle.

"Did you say something?" she questioned.

"Just a reminder," he recalled. "I hope you remember the deal we made, Princess. It's the reason I agreed to help out after all." Peach giggled to the memory.

"Oh, don't you worry, Bowser. First thing tomorrow, I'll start baking a cake for you and your minions and sending it to your castle when it's finished."

"Good, I'm looking forward to it… and just remember: After the cake, our truce is over. It's back to business as usual and thinking up another scheme to kidnap you and take over the Mushroom Kingdom." The princess sighed to Bowser's plotting.

"I knew that was coming alright…" 'Believe me, I do. At least I'll have Mario to protect me.' Everyone had their fill of the Stupendous Stew, Sparkle Water and Frost-Frosted Cake.

"Morton cannot take bite," Morton grunted happily.

"At least it's worth the effort, Morton," Ludwig assured.

"That's for sure," Max agreed. Dedenne squeaked as well before Max turned to Bonnie, her smiling face blushing. It made Max concerned. With full bellies, a part of the floor was cleared. Grace took control of the microphone.

"Okay, let's get the single ladies onto the dance floor!" she called out. Peach, Daisy, Rosalina, Hariet, Pauline, Wendy and Bonnie were on the floor. Wendy had her eyes on Mario while Daisy eyed Luigi. Ash and Serena were in front with Grace over the newlyweds. Ash handed Serena the bouquet, her back to the girls. "Okay, my daughter… When I count to three, the bouquet will be thrown." Nodding, Serena closed her eyes. "Here we go! 1… 2… 3!" Serena tossed the bouquet over her shoulder into the female pile. The bouquet fell between the girls who lunged for the flowers. Suddenly, like water from a squirt gun, Bonnie popped out with the bouquet in her hands. She landed on her buttocks, but she held on to the flowers. She became excited to hold the flowers Serena held. "Bonnie got it!" Bonnie stood up and ran to Max who she had eyed since the wedding.

"I caught the bouquet!" she cheered. Max gawked to the charging blond before she tackled him to the ground. "I want you to take of me!" Max blinked before Bonnie started smothering his face with kisses. Clemont looked defeated as he palmed his face.

"I give up…" he whined. That's when Bonnie gave Max one to the lips like Ash and Serena did after being declared married, holding it for several seconds. Max felt powerless and gave into the kiss.

'Well, I guess this is what Brock wanted all of this time,' he thought. 'I'm just glad Mom and May didn't come and see this. I don't think they'd let it go.' Donkey Kong helped the two back on their feet while Ash and Serena laughed, as well as the Pokémon. Spewart provided a chair for Serena to sit.

"Okay, now it's time for the Garter Toss!" voiced Delia. "Ash, you'll have to go in to get the garter off Serena's leg." Ash was a bit concerned, but he knelt down and flicked the skirt of the Lochlady Dress over him. Finding the garter, Ash paused at the slim and tone leg of Serena. His face read embarrassment as he couldn't believe how admiring her leg was of his new wife.

'Oh boy…' he gulped. Using his teeth, Ash removed the garter passed her polished and wiggling toenails and crawled out of the dress. The boys had gathered where the girls were a moment ago. Ash twirled the garter, the prize revealed.

"Okay, Ash!" voice Delia. "Let it fly!" Ash pinched and pulled on the garter like a slingshot. He released, sending the garter flying into the sea of boys. After a while, a gloved hand came out. It was Luigi who attained the garter.

"I got it!" he cheered. Everyone awed the Mario brother of victory.

"Good job, bro!" awed Mario. Everyone had a great time as the wedding and reception was coming to an end. Ash, Serena and Pikachu came to Mario, Peach and Bowser.

"I can't thank you guys enough for the time of our lives," Serena praised.

"Well, I'm glad everything worked out for all of us," Peach smiled.

"Yes," Mario agreed. "It was fantastico!"

"Though, I wasn't expecting our ring bearer and flower girl to suddenly start to love," Ash giggled. Bowser leaned down and whispered something to Mario. Everyone else was curious.

"Oh, questa è una buona idea!" agreed Mario. Others were curious, even the Bonneters.

"Mario, what's a good idea?" asked Cappy.

"Isle Delfino…" suggested Mario. Peach realized Mario's and Bowser's discussion.

"Oh, that is a good idea!" liked Peach. Ash, Serena and Pikachu blinked to the thought as Bonnie and Max came by.

"Isle… Delfino?" repeated Ash.

"Honeymoon getaway!" pointed out Mario.

"And Hotel Delfino there can be a great spot for you to get closer to each other than right now," Bowser added. Ash and Serena were excited about the opportunity.

"Thanks, guys!" cheered Ash.

"It sounds like a fun time!" awed Max. Bonnie still held the bouquet Serena threw.

"Oh, yeah it is, Max!" acknowledged Mario. Serena knelt to Max with a smile.

"Max, I know this is the first time meeting you," she started before hugging him. "But, thank you for helping out." She kissed him on the forehead, causing Max to blush but smiled.

"It's like May when she was my age," he reminded himself. "Something, I never let go of." Ash nodded before Serena and Max broke their hug.

"Max, could you tell May that I said 'Hi'?" he requested. "I'm sure Norman and Caroline wished to have seen this as well."

"Yeah, they would've been ones to see you be married," he assumed. "Nothing against May, but you two look like the perfect couple to stay together for life." Cappy and Tiara emerged to face everyone here.

"Speaking of 'together for life'," Tiara spoke up. "My brother and I have decided to be with Ash and Serena.' Mario and Peach gawked to their decision.

"Di cosa si tratta?" questioned Mario.

"Easy," Cappy started. "We're a special kind of Bonneters that helped unite Ash and Serena, and that we are their symbol. Plus, we're anxious to see their world." Everyone laughed to Cappy's addition.

"Well, I won't argue with you about what you two want," Peach understood. "I wish you two happy lives, maybe help others like you did with Ash and Serena." Pikachu squeaked in agreement as Mario handed Ash a map.

"This should help," he offered. Looking at the map, Ash nodded.

"To Isle Delfino…" he read. "It will." They emerged outside where everyone bombarded the newlyweds with rice. They floated high due to the low gravity. Like the bride she was, Serena was carried by Ash in his arms by her waist and legs. Ash jogged to the Odyssey with Viola snapping several pictures. By the Odyssey, Delia held Barkley while standing by Alexa and Grace.

"Ash, Serena," Alexa started. "I'm grateful that you two have found love among yourselves. I can see great things coming your way."

"Thanks, Alexa," Serena accepted.

"But, it'll be like love," Ash joked. "We'll take those great things when they come to us." The women laughed to Ash's point.

"We all will, my son," Grace teased. Ash giggled to being called a son by Grace.

"I hope you don't do anything extreme on your honeymoon," Delia warned. "And Serena, you may now be my daughter, but please look after Ash."

"I will," Serena promised.

"And I'll look after Barkley until you get back," Delia offered. Ash and Serena giggled before they boarded the Odyssey. However, Serena had an idea.

"Mind if I?" she requested.

"Not at all," her new husband allowed. Reaching, Serena snagged Cappy. She flicked it onto the globe before the Odyssey started up.

"Next stop: Isle Delfino!" announced Cappy. Ash and Serena entered before the door closed and the new couple flew off as everyone waived.

"Well, now that that adventure's over," Bowser grunted. "It's back to work in being a pain in the neck on Mario."

"Seriously, Bowser," Delia scorned. Bowser gawked to the reply. "You need to give yourself a little while before you do anything mischievous like that."

"Hey, we're enemies that had a truce to help Serena," Bowser reasoned.

"We just wonder how this is helping teach your son," Grace added. Bowser scoffed to Grace's concern.

"I may be someone after the Mushroom Kingdom to rule," he started. "But I'm not a bad dad." The mothers laughed to Bowser's claim as Barkley barked happily. The journey into Ash and Serena began for years to come as they traveled back to Earth.


(Epilogue)

Ash and Serena spent two weeks as a new couple in Isle Delfino. Pictures of the honeymoon described their fun. One picture had "BIANCO HILLS" with Ash, Serena, Pancham and Pikachu riding on a boat around a village with windmills. Another picture, labeled "RICCO HARBOR," with Ash skimming the waters on a Calamari-like creature while Serena watched from the fish market. The next picture, labeled "SIRENA BEACH," had Serena in a grass skirt and coconut brassier dancing with large, rotund humanoid dancers, one yellow and one fuchsia, while Ash and the Pokémon watched in awe and astonishment. There was a second photo from the beach, but from their balcony of their hotel room where Ash and Serena had a romantic candlelight dinner with the sunset in the background. The next photo, labeled "NOKI BAY," had Ash and Serena see the underwater city from inside a submarine. There was a couple of pictures of the two in front of a waterfall. There was a photo, labeled "PIANTA VILLAGE," where Ash raced someone in a costume meant to look like the rotund humanoids. In that photo, Ash had a full length between the two of them with Serena and the Pokémon cheering. Another had the two kissing in a hot spring, the love between them strong. One more had Ash, Serena and Pikachu flying on a formation of flying blocks meant to look like a bird over the volcano. The group had a great time.

When their honeymoon ended, it was business as usual as Ash was soon enough crowned Pokémon Master. There was a photo of Ash standing with Pikachu, a white duck holding a leek like a sword and holding a shield, an orange dragon with short wings and a horn on its head, a blue jackal-like creature with red eyes and spikes protruding from its chest and wrists, a purple ghastly figure with red eyes, and a green bipedal creature with a head of a light blue fish, but the body of something else with spikes surrounding its chest. They all stood by a giant gold trophy. Serena's journey as a Pokémon Performer took her to heights she never thought to rise to as she became the World Performance Queen, completing the image of a power couple.

Then, they began to grow up and soon started in the working business. Ash worked as a Pokémon teacher to teach his students various methods of Pokémon Battles, while Serena started her own café with help from her mother-in-law, Delia. It became a hit and stores began to mount through the world as the "PokéCafé," where trainers and Pokémon would dine in. By them were a trio of whipped cream-like humanoid creatures in various colors: one was a light tan with what looked like blueberries in its creamy top, one had many colors with red flowers in it, and one that was pink with strawberries on its creamy top. A photo reading "NEW HOME" had Ash, Serena, Pikachu, Cappy and Tiara in front of a two-story Beach house located at a beach near Pallet Town. There was one picture of Ash and Serena with the wife lying her head on Ash's lap while exposing a familiar bump. She was pregnant. The next picture had Ash and Serena holding up a red and pink slip. They were expecting twins. A few pictures had Ash, Pikachu and Grace decorating the new baby room with Grace stroking some pastel yellow paint on Ash's nose. Sure enough, one more photo had Serena in a hospital bed with Pikachu and holding a newborn with a blue winter-like hat on. Ash was over the three, holding another newborn with a pink hat on. Below were their birth certificates.

ASHLEY LILLIAN KETCHUM – HT: 1' 6" – WT: 6 LBS., 3 OZ. - DOB: 12/25/2027 – 7:05 AM

SETH FIERAND KETCHUM – HT: 1' 9" – WT 8 LBS., 2 OZ – DOB: 12/25/2027 – 7:06 AM

As the family became together, more pictures started to show the growth of the two. Ashley's hair was dark brunette as Seth's hair was more of a blond/brunette mix. There was a picture of Pikachu and Barkley dragging a pair of cakes with "1" shaped candles, the title being "ASHLEY'S AND SETH'S FIRST BIRTHDAY/CHRISTMAS AT HOME." There were pictures of days apart that the twins learned how to walk with the help of the Pokémon and the Bonneters. One set of pictures had the twins swimming with Cheep Cheeps at the Seaside Kingdom and jumping high on the Moon Kingdom near the Wedding Hall Ash and Serena got married in. That's when the book closed.

"I can't believe Mom and Dad were married so long ago," Seth awed.

"I know, right?" giggled Ashley. "To think, they knew each other forever and wanted to live together. I can't believe we were born on Christmas Day."

("My mom said that your births were special,") Pikachu squeaked. Barkley, wrinkled from age, yawned.

"It's okay, Barkley," Seth assured before he sniffed something. The aroma made Seth stand up.

"Seth?" wondered Ashley. Seth sniffed around, hoping to get the smell down. Whatever it was, it tickled his senses.

"It smells good…" he drooled. "Mom must be making something from the garden!" Behind Seth was Serena on the phone.

"When was it?" she asked. A pause. "Oh, an hour ago? I bet you couldn't handle it." Ashley, Seth and Pikachu became curious.

"Wait, Mom's right there," Seth pointed out. They soon looked to each other before getting up and entering the kitchen. With a small patch of beard, Ash was cooking something.

"A little Tamato Berry into the mix…" he muttered. Ashley and Seth gawked to the sight.

"DAD!?" they called. Ash turned around, finding his children and his old friend.

"I'm almost done with breakfast," he giggled. "Come on, Daddy learned from many people." The kids weren't sure about the idea.

"This is either going to be really yummy, or really ugh," Ashley weighed. After a few sloshes around on the skillet, Ash poured the contents onto plates before adding eggs, Sunny Side Up.

"Here we go, a little Breakfast Taco Skillet for you two!" he offered. "I made sure it's not too spicy, and the egg can help cool it down." Seth broke the egg, allowing the yolk to cover the rest of the skillet with peppers, tomatoes, sausage, bacon, onion, mushroom and a reddish fruit into it.

"And I thought I was the braver one," Ashley teased. Seth took a scoop and shoved it in his mouth. A hum came from him.

"It's good!" he judged. Ashley awed the discovery before copying his brother and trying it herself, nodding to the taste. Serena entered to see Ash giving Pikachu some food.

"Ash, you don't need to subjugate weird concoctions to our kids," she chuckled.

"Don't worry, dear," Ash assured. "I wanted to try something that I thought our kids would like." They kissed before the others giggled to the kiss. "By the way, who was that on the phone?"

"It was Max." To Ash, it was important.

"You mean he came?" The guess made Serena bob her head. Ash laughed, knowing the ordeal. "Oh, I was hoping it was soon. Those two were trying for sometime after they married." Swallowing, Ashley had a guess to his father's reaction.

"I heard that Max and Bonnie fell in love when you two got married," she remembered.

"That's right, Ashley," Serena confirmed. "And now, they're a family like we are with their first son." Ashley and Seth awed the news.

"I mean, I wanna go see their new boy to help them," Ash admitted. "But I think I'll give them a few days to get acquainted. Besides, I was thinking of going somewhere else." This made everyone curious. Before another word could be spoken, a knock on the door. Tiara came to the group and to Ash. "Tiara?" Listening, Tiara whispered the news. "Okay…" He left and opened the front door, a young teen boy appearing. The brunette teen was moderately tanned and wore a cyan jacket and shorts.

"Bro, Alola!" he greeted.

"Alola, Lei!" chuckled Ash as they shoulder-tapped each other. "Funny that you're visiting."

"Well, I wanted to stop by during my journey," Lei added. "Hopefully, you're giving the wild Pokémon as much time with the pool as the kids are."

"At least the Pokémon will have plenty of free time to swim in our pool," Ash briefed. Lei blinked to the idea as a large red and black cat with a flame-like bell over the collar. "Maybe Torracat would like that."

"Nah, she's not a swimmer," Lei snickered. "Anyway…" They entered and reached the dining room where Ashley and Seth saw Lei.

"UNCLE LEI!" they cheered before jumping out of their chairs to hug Lei.

"Ashley!" he greeted. "Seth, how are my niece and nephew?"

"GOOD!" they replied.

"Alola, Lei," Serena greeted. "How are Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet doing?"

"They're fine, especially with other students," Lei assured.

"That's good to hear," Ash smiled. "Anyway, once we get done eating, we're boarding the Odyssey." Lei, Seth and Ashley gawked to the idea. After the breakfast, a small trip brought the family to an island where the Odyssey stood.

"Can I do it, Mom?" asked Ashley as she wore a pink beret to match the pink ball decal on her black shirt and denim skirt. Seth wore a blue polo with red shorts.

"Go for it!" encouraged Serena. With Tiara as the beret, Ashley flicked the beret that latched onto the globe. Everyone got in and the Odyssey took off.

"I've always wanted to ride on this after Dad told me of your stories," Lei awed.

"Really, Uncle Lei?" wondered Seth.

"Yeah, I even heard that you and Ashley learned to fly on the Moon Kingdom," Lei pointed out. The twins giggled to the thought.

"Yeah, we had fun," Ashley chuckled. Before long, they arrived at Peach's Castle. Looking out the window, Lei, Ashley and Seth gasped to the sight. "It's really here!"

"And it'll be the second time you're seeing the Princess," Ash announced.

"Second?" repeated Seth. Cappy emerged.

"You don't remember since you were still babies when you met Princess Peach," he assumed. The Odyssey landed by the bridge. Everyone filed out of the Odyssey and approached the castle.

"Bro, this place is amazing," Lei awed. "I still find the story of how you and Serena were in love, let alone getting help by this Princess a bit hard to understand."

"So do we," Seth sided. Serena reached the door and opened it. Entering, they viewed the hall.

"Should we call her?" asked Ash. Hearing the heels clacking the ground, everyone turned to see Peach arrive with a white winged creature with a crown-like head, stubby arms and red and blue marks on its body.

"Everyone!" she welcomed. Ashley and Seth looked ecstatic at seeing Peach still looking like time never did anything to her complexion. Pikachu became excited and rushed into a giggling Peach as she took him in her arms.

("Princess!") he cheered.

"Oh, you're a princess!" awed Ashley. Peach giggled as she arrived to see the family.

"That's right, Ashley," she confirmed as she petted her head with the gloved hand. Cappy and Tiara emerged. "I remember holding you and Seth. You two are growing up pretty fast." She gave the kids kisses to the foreheads.

"We couldn't help but gush at the sight," Tiara teased. That's when Peach saw Lei.

"And who must you be?" she asked. Lei shook his head to clear his thoughts.

"I-I'm sorry," he apologized. "I'm Lei. I'm Ash's baby brother." Peach snorted a laugh.

"Baby… brother!?" she chortled as she held her stomach. She settled after a few seconds. "I'm sorry… This is the first I've heard about Ash having a brother." After a minute, she came to Lei and put a hand on Lei's hand. "Ash's baby brother… and the twins' uncle." Ash wondered about how Peach was doing.

"So, how's it been with you and Togetic?" asked Ash. "Bowser still after you?"

"He is," Peach sighed as she petted Pikachu. "But Mario protects me… but what else do you expect." Ash and Serena smiled to the briefing.

"There is something else," Serena mentioned. Everyone turned to the wife/mother. "Yesterday, I had been suffering some morning sickness. I had taken a test." This made everyone curious before Serena knelt to the kids. "Ashley? Seth? How would you feel about being a bigger sister and a bigger brother?" Ashley and Seth gasped to the thought.

"Serena?" gasped Ash. "Did we…?" Serena's nod told the tale.

"I'm pregnant, thanks to you," she teased Ash. Everyone became excited, including Pikachu.

"Wow, I can't wait!" cheered Ash. "We're raising two beautiful children. I know we don't want to have a huge family like Brock's parents had, but as long as we have what it takes… I'm ready." The parents shared a five-second kiss as Peach moved closer with Pikachu now on her shoulder.

"I am proud of you for it," she praised. "Mind if I?" Serena giggled as she lifted her white shirt, exposing her belly button above her skirt. Peach knelt to Serena's stomach. "Young child, I wish that you become as strong as your mother and father." She kissed the stomach, finishing her prayer.

"She did the same thing when you were in Mom's belly," Ash mentioned to his kids. Ashley and Seth awed the comparison. Outside, Ash lifted Ashley and Seth onto dinosaur-like creatures with boots for feet, round noses and eyes that almost appear at the top of their heads. Ashley rode on a pink creature and Seth was on a green. Ash and Serena walked with the kids and dinosaurs as the news of another baby has the two excited. The Odyssey that bonded the two has not come close to ending.


THE END.

(Wow, that was one I wanted to do for some time. Okay, get ready for the next story that goes to the streets of New York City. Also, how about Ash standing on top of the mountain beating Leon? And Happy Veterans' Day.)