Pokémon Police Force Chapter 55: White Wedding
Over a month had passed since then. Under Emerald and Sheriashuu's guidance, I had been successfully admitted into the Water Continent Police Academy. In truth, I really had no desire to become a police officer, but Emerald had learned really quick how to motivate me. Being a former thief, the trainer, Braviary, didn't make it easy on me, but I persevered and started to make a name for myself.
Our daughter, Eclipse, was due to be born any day now, so Emerald got relocated to the Treasure Town PD so she could be close by. My training didn't stop us from seeing each other (she is a cop after all.) and we eventually made our engagement official. Then, on a bright summer morning in Luminous Woods…
"Looks like everything's ready."
The clearing outside Luminous Spring had been decorated in white lace. Beautiful marble pillars had been erected at the borders of the clearing and white chairs of all sizes were set up in neat rows. An altar was set up just before the spring and beautiful vased bouquets adorned every other row.
"I can't believe that all of this is for me," I said, "I am still a thief."
"Formerly a thief," Wolf corrected me, "and besides, it was your rich friend that paid for all this."
"This is where we had our graduation exam," said Dusk, "still mad that most of our money goes to the guild."
"How are you feeling, Argyle? Err, Zeta. Sorry, still takes some getting used to."
"Don't worry about it," I said, "I'm actually kind of nervous."
"Getting cold feet?" Asked Dusk.
"It's not that. I'm going through with this for sure," I said, "but the thing is… Eclipse… I have no real father figure in my life. I have no idea how a dad should act."
"A dad is supposed to be the backbone of a family," said Dusk, "just be strong, love the ladies in your life and do what feels natural, you'll get it sooner or later."
"Thanks, Dusk."
"You're welcome. We're available to babysit if you want."
"I may take you up on that offer in the future."
Across the pavilion, you could see all the guests talking among themselves. Way more than I expected. Even a few of my fellow trainees were here.
"Wait, is that…?"
"Who are you looking at?" Asked Wolf.
I hailed Pelipper over to us.
"I know I wasn't invited, but I couldn't pass up-!" Began Pelipper.
"It's okay. You see that trio over by the drinks?"
"Yeah."
"Bring them over here."
Pelipper bowed and flew off. He returned shortly afterward with a Grovyle, a small pink faerie-like Pokémon and, surprisingly, Dusknoir in tow.
"Grovyle! Celebi!" Greeted Wolf and Dusk gleefully.
"What are you doing here?" Asked Wolf.
"Long story," said Grovyle, "suffice it to say that the future has never looked brighter."
"We heard that there was a wedding going on and had to come see it for ourselves," said Celebi, "congratulations… what was your name again?"
"Zeta."
"I thought you said it was Plaid or something," said Celebi.
"Suffice it to say, we have a long story of our own," said Dusk.
"Dusknoir…"
I raised my claw and began walking slowly to him. Fortunately, Grovyle stopped me before I could make a big mistake.
"Zeta! Stop! He's one of us now!"
"Long story," said Dusknoir.
"I haven't forgotten that you sent me into an alternate dimension you little fu-!"
"Okay! We are stopping this right here!" Said Wolf, stepping between us.
"What alternate dimension?" Asked Celebi.
"The Distortion World."
This time, Celebi bopped Dusknoir in the back of the head.
"Apparently, we have a lot to discuss, you dumbo!"
"Can we just save this for later?" Asked Dusk, "let's not ruin Zeta's perfect day."
"Who's the lucky girl?" Asked Celebi.
"Emerald."
"That lady cop?" Asked Dusknoir.
Grovyle grabbed me and held me in a headlock.
"Zeta, you are officially my hero," said Grovyle, "what's your secret?"
"Unfortunately high charisma!" I said, "breathing room, please!"
Even Dusknoir laughed at my misery. Then, we all heard a piano playing.
"That sounds like it's time for us to make ourselves scarce," said Dusk.
As they left, Celebi smacked me on the butt.
"Knock her dead, kid," said Celebi with a wink.
(Seriously? Even on my wedding!? Curse my rugged good looks!)
I took my place at the altar by the official, Wigglytuff.
"Relax, you're looking all stiff there, bestie," said Wigglytuff.
Keldeo, my best man, trotted over to me.
"He's right. Deep breaths, man. There you go."
"I'm fine. What about you, Wigglytuff? Didn't know you were qualified for this."
"There's a lot you don't know about me."
"Apparently so."
The piano began playing the classic marriage march. I glanced at the pianist. It was Meloetta.
(Oh no.)
Two Swanna flew in, carrying two corners of a scarlet carpet. They set it perfectly in the central aisle between the chairs. Two rows of flower girls began walking down the aisle, spreading flower petals as they went.
Then, at the entrance of the clearing, Milotic from Team Charm slithered in alongside Lopunny, holding a large fan. The two of them obscured someone from view. Someone I was greatly look forward to seeing.
They removed the obstructing objects and revealed my bride. A Braixen holding a bouquet of red roses. Her face was blocked by a white silk veil. I could see her smile as she walked forward.
"Wow," I said.
A long silk streamer followed her, the back of which was held up by a couple of Rockruffs. There was a mixture of happy faces and crying guests. I looked at Keldeo, and noticed his lip was quivering.
"Go ahead, you big baby."
Keldeo turned away and began bawling like a little baby. I smirked and returned my attention to the white dove approaching me. Emerald joined me at the altar, followed by Snow, holding a pillow with a small black box on it.
"You look amazing, Emerald," I said.
"And you look like something I'd like to lick."
"Oh dear," said Wigglytuff, "save it for the honeymoon."
"What's going on with your best man?"
"He's crying."
"No, I'm not!" Said Keldeo, "I have something in my eye!"
"Sure, you do," said Emerald.
"I understand you've written your own vows," said Wigglytuff, "go right ahead."
"I'll start," said Emerald, "Zeta, we first met in a courtroom. Not the finest first date, but still. Oh geez, I'm bad at this. Well, anyway. All I did back then was work. You've broken me out of this shell and given me what I really needed all along. Love. You've saved me from myself and I want to see what the future holds, together."
"Emerald. Ever since that dark day all those years ago, I was robbed of a childhood, my mother and my life. I had nowhere to go and no home of my own. I've done terrible things during that time. Things I'll never be able to take back."
I took Emerald's paws in my hands.
"But my past is gone, only the future remains and my future is with you. Now and forever."
"Now and forever," echoed Emerald.
"May I have the rings?" Asked Wigglytuff.
Snow approached us with the black box. Wigglytuff opened it and took out a single gold ring.
"Where's the other one?" Asked Wigglytuff.
"Gotcha covered," I said, "Snow, the satchel."
Snow sat down the pillow and presented the satchel she wore on her side. I opened it up and revealed a beautiful gold necklace decorated with diamonds.
"Oh, Zeta! It's beautiful! Where did you get it?"
"My mother left it for me. Her last wishes were to give it to the girl I would marry on my wedding day."
"Zeta, I-!"
"Don't say anything."
I placed the necklace about Emerald's neck.
"A perfect fit," I said.
Emerald snatched the ring from Wigglytuff and placed it on one of my claws.
"We can find something that fits you better later," said Emerald.
"Lieutenant Emerald, do you take Zeta to be your lawfully wedded husband, until death do you part?" Asked Wigglytuff.
"I do," said Emerald.
"Police trainee Zeta," began Wigglytuff.
"Still feels weird," I said.
"Do you take Lieutenant Emerald to be your lawfully wedded wife, until death do you part?"
"Of course. Else why would I be here?"
"Then, I pronounce you man and wife. You may lay one on the bride," said Wigglytuff.
"Wigglytuff! Be professional!"
"Sorry, couldn't resist."
Emerald tossed the bouquet behind her and lifted her own veil.
"Come here, big boy!"
What Emerald did next, I think is cheating. She used her psychic powers to grab me and pull me into the biggest lip smack I've ever made. Emphasis on the smack.
Everyone cheered and hugged as we kissed. That is, of course, until Meloetta just had to show up and ruin the mood.
"Okay, now that we've got the lovey-dovey stuff out of the way, let's move on to the reception!"
Without so much as a by-your-leave, she used her psychic powers to shuffle the crowd around. They were still in their seats! The three of us decided to get off stage and just let her do her thing.
"Emerald? Is something the matter?"
"This is the happiest day of my life. I just wish my parents were here to see it."
I smirked.
"Well, you might want to look behind you."
Behind Emerald was a Lucario and a Delphox, looking awfully happy.
"Mom? Dad?"
"Go to them."
Emerald ran to her parents and hugged them. I hung back and let them have their privacy. Just within earshot, I could hear Keldeo and Sheriashuu talking.
"So, once this is over… would you like to, um, grab a drink or something?" Asked Keldeo.
"Is this how you ask girls on dates?"
"Only if you want! Oh man, how does Zeta make it look so easy?"
"I'm fine with it," said Sheriashuu, "Spinda's Café?"
"Sure."
"You're buying."
"Why do I already hear my wallet crying?"
I snickered to myself and returned my focus to the happy family. Emerald was crying and hugging the both of them. That is, until Set, the Lucario, noticed me staring and waved me over.
(Well, it would be rude to decline.)
A large dinner table was being set up and Chimecho and the rest of the guild members were setting food upon it. Meloetta and her band were setting up instruments where the altar once was. My focus was on Emerald and the others though.
"This is a surprise," said Cherry, Emerald's Delphox mother, "looks like you two are finally tying the knot."
"I'm more confused by what happened to you, son," said Set, "what's with the dye job and sudden growth spurt?"
"Well, let's just say I've been a closet Fighting Type my entire life," I said.
"Uh…"
"Long story."
Emerald finally wiped the tears from her eyes.
"I thought you wouldn't come," said Emerald.
"Gypsy culture may have forced us to cast you out, but we wouldn't miss our own daughter's wedding for the world," said Cherry.
Set stuck his paw in my chest.
"And if you even think about hurting her, boy, I'll strangle you."
"And if you even think about stealing our daughter, I'll fillet you," I retorted.
Set began laughing loudly.
"I knew there was something I liked about you, kid! Arm wrestling contest later?"
I raised up my hand, revealing it was nothing but four long, sharp nails.
"Uh, no arm wrestling then. We can find some other way to bond."
"You're on."
"Men," said Emerald.
Cherry laughed.
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention please?"
Jessie stood on stage, holding a microphone.
"It's time to move on to the music portion of the wedding. Meloetta and the Dreamers proudly present their new song, Real Emotion!"
Jessie walked off stage. A spotlight shone on the platform as Meloetta appeared in a cloud of smoke.
(Why'd she do that? She was already on stage.)
It seems that Meloetta's band went through a few staffing changes. Now, Umbreon and that Sneasel from before were both her backup singers and dancers. She mostly had the same instrumentalists, though there seemed to be a lot more instruments than before.
"What can I do for you?"
Another spotlight shone on Meloetta. She began walking forward. Then, she did a twirl and her dress began shining brightly. The crowd began cheering.
"What can I do for you?"
Her hair began changing to a golden-orange color.
"What can I do for you?"
Her hair was instantly restyled into a sort of whirlwind-shape.
"What can I do for you?"
She thrust her hand into the air.
"I can hear you."
Jessie's microphone flew into Meloetta's hand. Then she started dancing
"What can I do for you? What can I do for you? What can I do for you?"
"Far beyond the hazy borders of my heart," sang Meloetta, "I can see a place that's something like this."
Umbreon and Sneasel began dancing.
"Every now and then, I don't know what to do," sang Meloetta, "still, I know that I can never go back."
(How did this turn into a concert for her?)
"All the things I've seen in those hazy dreams can't compare to what I'm seeing now," sang Meloetta, "Everything's so different that it brings me to my knees!"
Now Meloetta and the two backups began singing in unison.
"And though I know the world of real emotion has surrounded me. I won't give into it! Now I know that forward is the only way my heart can go. I hear your voice calling out to me: 'You'll never be alone'."
The music began picking up.
"What can I do for you? What can I do for you? What can I do for you?"
"I can't hear you."
A couple of Toxitricities played a riff.
"What can I do for you? What can I do for you? What can I do for you?"
Umbreon and Sneasel began dancing more seductively.
"I don't plan on lookin' back on my old life. I don't ever plan to rely on you," sang Meloetta, "Even if by chance everything should go wrong, you'd come anyway and try to save me."
A few bouquets of flowers began shooting across the stage, scattering petals everywhere.
"Though from time to time it's an upward climb. All I know is that I must believe," sang Meloetta, "'Cause the truth I'm seekin' always was inside of me!"
Umbreon and Sneasel began singing in unison with Meloetta again as fireworks began exploding overhead.
(Fireworks!? Where'd those come from!?)
"And when I find the world of real emotion has surrounded me, the many things that you taught me then will always be enough to get me through the pain. Because of you I am strong enough to know I'm not alone."
"Is everyone enjoying the performance?" Asked Meloetta.
There was a unified cheer. Out of the corner of my eye, I seen a white Meowstic deep in concentration, with her ears unfurled. The eye-like patches were lit up with psychic energy. On the other side of the stage was a blue Meowstic doing the same thing.
(Wait a minute, is that Ivory and Ebony?)
"What can I do for you? What can I do for you?"
"Let's give a round of applause to the happy couple!" Said Meloetta.
Some more cheers.
"What can I do for you?"
"But isn't it tradition for the bride and groom to dance on their wedding?" Asked Meloetta with a wink.
The crowd cheered once more.
"What can I do for you?"
"Uh oh," said Emerald.
"Emerald, run," I said.
"What can I do for you?"
We both bolted for the exit, shoving Pokémon out of our way. That was, of course, until some unseen force stopped us in our tracks.
"What can I do for you?"
"Can't move!" I growled.
"I can't reach my-!" Emerald began before we were dragged through the air and onto the stage.
"Let us go, you magical muse!" I growled.
"I can't hear you," sang Meloetta.
We both then began dancing to the music against our wills. Umbreon and Sneasel began singing with Meloetta again as Emerald and I became dancing puppets.
(I swear I'm going to kill my lawyer.)
"And if I find the real world of emotion has surrounded me and I can't go on," sang Meloetta, "You are there, the moment that I close my eyes, to comfort me. We are connected for all of time. I'll never be..."
I started tossing Emerald around like we were in a ballet.
"And though I know the world of real emotion has surrounded me, I won't give in to it!" Sang Meloetta, "Now I know that forward is the only way my heart can go. I hear your voice calling out to me, 'You'll never be alone'."
We started doing highly advanced dancing moves.
"What can I do for you? What can I do for you? What can I do for you?"
"I can't hear you," sang Meloetta.
The crowd cheered louder as Emerald and I danced on.
(Can't they see we're the victims here!?)
"What can I do for you? What can I do for you? What can I do for you?"
"I can't hear you," sang Meloetta.
Suddenly, the music died.
"I can't hear you," all five of us sang in unison.
The song ended with me spinning Emerald in the air and her landing in full splits.
"Did everyone enjoy the dancing?" Asked Meloetta.
A cheer and applause followed.
"Give it up for your newlyweds!"
More cheers and applause. Sneasel surprised me once more by kissing me in front of everyone.
"Told you I'd come back for that," she said.
Emerald responded by grabbing Sneasel and slapping her in the face.
"That's my husband you're making out with!"
"Wow, I like the new Emerald."
"This wouldn't have happened if you hadn't booked Meloetta for our wedding," said Emerald, shooting me an accusing glare.
"Me? I thought you booked her. Same time you planned the wedding," I said.
"I didn't plan it," said Emerald with a confused expression, "I wanted to, but never had enough time."
"So, if you didn't book her and I didn't book her, then… who did?"
"I have a suspect, but I hope the evidence leads in a different direction."
We both looked at Sheriashuu. The Mienshao merely responded with a knowing smirk and a wave.
"Figures it was her," said Emerald, "I swear that Mienshao goes out of her way to make my life miserable. Probably put her up to the dancing session too."
"May I have your attention please?"
Wolf was standing on stage with Dusk beside him.
"There is a reason this venue was chosen to host the wedding," he said.
They parted to show everyone the spring behind.
"Luminous Spring here has the power to induce evolutions," explained Dusk, "as a way to say 'thank you' for helping defend the world, we would like you to use it to evolve."
"Well Emerald? Want to take a dip?" I asked.
"Me? What about you?"
"I'm pretty sure that this is as far as I can go," I shrugged, "after all, a regular Sneasel can only become a Weavile. Same rule most likely applies here."
"I guess I-"
"Don't do it out of necessity, like I did. Only do it if you truly want it."
"No need to worry. I want a world where Eclipse can play without having to worry about anything. Evolving will help me protect her."
I knew her mind was made up, so I relented.
"I just wish we could've evolved together," I said.
"We're married now. In a way, we already have."
I took Emerald by the paw and we walked together to the spring. Every eye was on us, I could feel it. Then, as I began to help Emerald into the water, a commotion arose from the crowd.
"Keep it down!" I snapped, "let us savor the moment!"
A Pokémon barged their way to the front of the crowd, pushing everyone aside. The offending Pokémon was a brown, kangaroo-like Pokémon with a little blue baby in her pouch.
"F-F-F-Finally made it," panted the Pokémon.
"Kangaskhan! What is the meaning of this!?" Squawked Chatot.
"It's an emergency!" Piped up Kangaskhan Jr., "tell them, mom!"
"Just let me catch my breath," panted Kangaskhan.
After she caught her breath, she trundled right up to us and grabbed me by the shoulders.
"It's your baby! Eclipse!"
Emerald had a foot in the water, but she got out of the water and grabbed Kangaskhan.
"Calm down," said Emerald, "what about Eclipse?"
"Her egg! Eclipse's egg! She's hatching! Right now!"
"She's hatching?" I asked bewildered.
"You have to get to the nursery right now!" Said Chimecho.
Zebstrika ran up to us.
"I can run the fastest!" Said Zebstrika, "climb on!"
Emerald and I nodded at each other and mounted Zebstrika. Zebstrika shot through the crowd and into the forest. The trees and foliage blurred by as the zebra ran. Even hostile Pokémon stayed far away (probably out of fear of being trampled).
Luckily Luminous Woods were right outside of Treasure Town, so with Zebstrika's help, it only took around three minutes to get from the spring to town. The streets were mostly deserted as most everyone from town was attending the wedding.
When we got to Chansey's Day Care, the egg-shaped Pokémon was already waving us over. The egg was out of its incubation chamber and laying on the counter on top of a plush, velvet pillow. Eclipse's egg was shaking violently and making all sorts of sounds. A mixture of Pokémon cries and the beginnings of cracking.
"You made it!" Said Chansey, "sorry about the timing, but when the baby decides she's coming, she's coming!"
We dismounted Zebstrika and ran to the counter.
"Don't touch!" Said Chansey, "she has to break out on her own."
We watched as the egg shook and cracked. I crept near and I actually could hear a voice!
"Emerald! Get closer! She's talking!"
Emerald got close enough to press her ear to the egg.
"Stupid wall! Take that! Die! Let me out!"
Emerald looked at me and shrugged.
"I have your number! All shall fear me! The destroyer of invisible walls!"
I snickered.
"I hear something! Okay, no more missus nice fox! Scratch!"
The entire top of the egg blasted off! A clean cut now outlined the top. Then, a little orange fox head poked out.
"Wow. This place is so big!" Said Eclipse, "break apart already! I need to reach my daddy! Oh, and mommy too!"
A few more Scratches and Eclipse pretty much annihilated the egg.
"That's right, tiny prison! You have been defeated! Now you go to tiny prison, er… prison!"
"What a little firecracker," I said.
"She acts like you already," sighed Emerald.
"I do not!" Said Eclipse at once, "I'm my own girl! Rawr!"
Everyone began laughing.
"I don't have time for this!" Said Eclipse, annoyed, "I need to find mommy and daddy!"
"Eclipse, I'm Emerald, your mommy."
"Wow. You're pretty. Your name too. Whatever an emerald is."
"This is Zeta," said Emerald pushing me forward, "he's your daddy."
"He looks so strong! How many bad guys can you take down?" Asked Eclipse in admiration, "I bet no one can touch you, daddy!"
"Amazing, only two minutes in and she's already a daddy's girl," said Zebstrika.
"I don't like horsey!" Said Eclipse, "he looks like a huge dork!"
"Hey!"
"Bite me, dorky! You smell like the rear end of a Grimer!"
"Can't believe I'm getting roasted by a newborn," sighed Zebstrika.
Everyone began laughing at the exasperated Zebstrika. Afterward, we spent a little time acquainting Eclipse with this brand-new world she found herself in. Emerald picked Eclipse up as everyone else from the wedding caught up. Wolf took Eclipse from her and began cuddling her.
"Everyone, we would like to introduce you to our new daughter, Eclipse," I said.
"Fluffy doggy!" Said Eclipse.
