Chapter Four

It took approximately two seconds for Misty's sisters to notice her ring.

Lily, Daisy, and Tracey all warmly greeted them as they arrived at the Cerulean Gym, which was closed to challengers for the day for the miniature family reunion. The sisters all happily embraced each other, while Tracey nodded at Ash warmly. Pikachu raced off to greet the gym Pokemon, and Misty reached for her Pokeballs to let her Pokemon out when a high pitched scream filled the gym.

"No way!" Lily cried, seizing Misty's hand. "It is! That's a ring, she actually has a ring Daisy! A pretty one as well!"

Daisy pounced forward, hands on Misty's shoulders. "Is that ring what I think it is?"

Misty gave her older sister a smile. "It's my engagement ring, yes."

"That is like, totally amazing," Lily said, eyeing the ring closely. "The gems look genuine, which is like, good!" She turned her gaze towards Ash. "You couldn't have waited a couple more months before asking, though?"

Daisy pushed her aside. "Don't you dare ruin this moment for Mist!" She pulled her youngest sister into a hug. "Congratulations girl!"

"You're just glad that you won the bet," Lily grumbled, before giving a smile as well. "But like, congrats– I get to be a bridesmaid, right?"

"Bet?" Ash asked, glancing at Tracey.

"On which Sensational Sister would be married next," Tracey replied. "Daisy betted on you and Misty, and Lily on Violet and Erika."

"Violet betrayed us," Daisy said. "She has a Bellossom now. And apparently she wants a Leafeon too. We might need to get her a Lotad before she strays too far off the path."

"I don't see why you are all so opposed to grass types now," Misty said casually. "I mean, if you just take a look at our names..."

"We are the Waterflower sisters!" Daisy said firmly. "Flowers are okay, but we are water type trainers!"

"I'm going to be a Ketchum soon, and you're a Sketchit," Misty said, pulling out her Pokeballs as she began to release her Pokemon into the gym. "Who knows what Violet will be– at this rate Lily might be the only Waterflower left."

Golduck, Azumarill, Starmie, and Politoed all came out in a burst of red light, while Kingdra and Gyarados were released into the pool. The others in the gym all quickly rushed to join them– Misty's second Starmie, Corsola, Seaking, and Luvdisc rushing to see their teammates. Soon the gym was filled with the sounds of Pokemon reuniting– two Dewgongs calling out, a Lanturn, a Vaporeon, Cloyster, Gorebyss, Slowking, and many more– the sisters having built up quite a collection of water types over the years.

"When's the wedding?" Daisy asked, ushering Misty into the main living area.

"What are your colors going to be?" Lily latched herself onto her younger sister's arm. "What about your dress, oh, you have to let me pick everything out."

Tracey and Ash were left in the main section of the gym, and the two males looked at each other.

"It's nice to see them getting along so well," Ash said with a smile. When he had first met the Waterflower sisters there had been a clear divide between the oldest three and Misty, but over the years that gap had been mended.

"Do you want some advice from a man that's already married into this family?" Tracey offered.

"Sure," Ash said, scratching Pikachu behind the ear.

"When it comes to wedding planning, the girls get the final say."

Their double date with Brock and Lillie ended up turning into a quadruple date plus Lily. Ash had been able to throw his title around to get them some good reservations and a private place to dine (though it hadn't remained quiet with their large group). It hadn't taken Violet, Erika, and Lillie long to catch on to the ring on Misty's finger, and the poor boys hadn't been prepared for the sheer excitement that could come from such a large group of females.

Ash, Brock, and Tracey remained in their own little corner as the six girls launched themselves into speculative plans about the wedding. The wedding colors were of course going to be blue, and of course they were all going to be bridesmaids, and a list was already forming of who else could be bridesmaids, and no the wedding wasn't going to be small, it was going to be an outdoor wedding, sooner the better but not too soon–

"Brock," Ash whispered. "Help."

"You knew it wasn't going to be small," Brock replied. "You're the champion, bud– there's no such thing as a private wedding then. Aren't you required to invite all the other Leagues or something?"

"All champions in the League Alliance at the very least," Ash muttered. "That's six other champions, which will attract like every press source there is. I can't really keep it small at all though, there's just so many people I need to invite. My Pokemon, Mom, Professor Oak, Dad and Burnet, May and Max, Gary, Dawn, Bonnie and Clemont, Serena, Alain and Mairin, Professor Sycamore, the rest of the Elite Four, probably all the gym leaders in the Indigo League..." Ash's face twisted in thought. "Of course we have the biggest League in the Alliance, and honestly that's just scratching the surface. I'll need to write all of this down."

"Remember, you don't have to invite everyone," Tracey said. "I know you can't keep it small, but let's be honest you've met a ton of people."

"Misty's right, an outdoor wedding is a must," Ash muttered. "Nebby can't exactly fit in a church or anything. Hmm... do you think N would be willing to come, he doesn't really like people. And what about Mewtwo and his mate? Will they even want to show up with that many people?" His eyes widened. "Jessie and James! Can they come back to Kanto yet? Are they still wanted, we can't exclude them, and their kid–"

"You pardoned them, didn't you?" Tracey asked.

"Yeah, but they said they don't want to come back to Kanto, they're happy in Unova–"

Brock laughed. "Ash, you're overthinking this. I'm sure they'll be happy to come to your wedding, relax. How about we focus more on the core aspects– it looks like the girls are working on the aesthetics. We'll need a location, well, maybe leave that to Misty... security! You'll need security for sure, I'm sure there'll be plenty of unwelcome guests trying to sneak in."

"Perhaps I'll talk to Lance," Ash said, leaning back in his seat. "He knows how to deal with being a champion."

"How many people do you want to know about the engagement?" Tracey asked.

"The rest of the Elite Four for sure," Ash said. "But for now I think who knows is enough. I'm sure Misty will want to announce this to the world on her own terms, not rumors or someone spilling our secret."

"She's counting on her sisters to keep a secret?" Brock said, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm sure they will," Ash said, taking a sip of his drink. "And if not it's Misty's wrath they're risking."

What was supposed to be a fun date had turned into nothing but stress from Ash. They had walked away from the lunch with their first layout of their plans for a wedding, and for once he was starting to feel very overwhelmed. Battling for the champion title? He could handle that. Taking on Team Rocket? Didn't hesitate. Saving the world? Just another Tuesday. Planning a wedding though? Ash was now feeling the need to run.

Ash hadn't realized just how many people he knew. He had started writing out the beginnings of a guest list and it was so long– and that wasn't even counting what Misty's additions would be! Add on the fact that the media would be all over this, that he would have to reach out to multiple champions and their schedules, still keep on top of all of his champion duties during all this...

"What do you think the chances are we could hold our wedding at Lake Mizu?" Misty asked, her hand wound in his as they went through Indigo Plateau. It was a place they spent a good amount of time at as members of the League, with offices and meeting halls available that weren't used as nearly as often as they were intended. "It is a bit isolated, but it isn't too far out there."

Ash let a smile tug as his face. "I think that would be nice. And honestly I don't mind 'isolated', it might discourage those who aren't invited."

"But what if it discourages those who are?" Misty said in worry. "I wouldn't want anyone to make an unnecessary trek and–"

"It's not like we're thinking of having it on Mt. Silver," he cut her off with a grin, jerking his head off towards the towering mountain in the distance. "Lake Mizu is just a bit of a drive, but the roads are well maintained and people are going to have to travel anyways. If you feel unsure about it though we can look into other places too. You're pretty set on it being held at a lake?"

"Pika!" Pikachu called, as if trying to say 'Of course!', and Misty giggled. She picked up the mouse in her arms, cradling him like a baby as she scratched him under the chin. Ash couldn't help but wonder if in a few years she would be actually holding a baby...

"You two know me too well," she replied, before letting Pikachu scurry up onto her shoulder. "It doesn't have to be a lake– any natural body of water will work for me, though Lake Mizu is definitely up there. A beach wedding would be so pretty though– could you imagine being married somewhere like Alola?"

"Any natural body of water?" Ash asked, a grin tugging on his face. "In that case... how about right there?"

He pointed towards a small puddle of water on the road ahead of them, and Misty shot him a glare. He laughed, and his reward was a playful punch to the shoulder. As they approached the puddle he let his arm snake around Misty's waist, pulling her into his arms and then into a dip. Pikachu let out a yelp, having to jump to the ground at the swift movements.

"See?" Ash asked. "Wouldn't this be perfect? Plenty of sidewalks for everyone to stand on, and we could recite our vows..."

"I will set Golduck on you."

"Serperior could use some battle practice."

"I won't–"

"Are you two lovebirds going to stand there all day?" A deep voice asked off to their right, and they both jumped. Both of Ash's arms wrapped around Misty to keep her from falling, and he pulled her out of the dip. "Or are you going to actually come to the meeting you called for, Champion?"

"Koga!" It took Ash a moment to locate the poison type master– who was hanging upside down from a tree just off of the path. His apparel was dark brown, as if he had been planning on hanging out in trees. "How long have you been there?"

A faint hint of a smile crossed over his face. "Planning a wedding, so I hear?"

"You shouldn't be eavesdropping," Misty snapped, crossing her arms.

He tilted his head. "How was I eavesdropping? We are in a public place, and you're talking on a street for everyone to hear."

"We thought we were alone! And lurking in a grove of trees isn't the same as walking down the streets you creep!"

A burst of light appeared next to Misty, Golduck releasing himself at the sound of his trainer's angry shouts. The water type's eyes quickly locked on the ninja hanging from the tree. His eyes began to glow blue, and Koga quickly tapped a Pokeball of his own– releasing a pure black Greninja with startling speed. Webbed hands began pulsing with churning dark energy as it took faithfully in front of its trainer, ready to disrupt any psychic blast sent its way.

Golduck rolled his eyes, and began to form an Ice Beam instead. The blast of freezing energy was released from his beak, engulfing Pokemon and trainer. Misty happily stroked Golduck with a smug look on her face, and the duck replied by returning himself to his Pokeball. Ash's eyes slid over to Koga, and while his Greninja had taken the brunt of the attack he had still been knocked from the tree, and his clothes were covered in frost. Despite that he had managed to land calmly on his feet, returning his Greninja in favor of his Weezing, who had summoned Will-O-Wisps to dance about Koga to help warm him up.

Koga then bowed as if he hadn't just been attacked. "Congratulations on the engagement."

Then he leapt up into the trees, leaping from branch to branch as he darted away, his Weezing drifting after him. Misty let out a huff, crossing her arms.

"Greninja isn't even a poison type..." she muttered under her breath.

"Well with the Protean ability it can technically become one–"

"Shut up, Ash! Water type is my element, and he stole it!"

"Maybe I should add my Greninja to my main team... kidding, kidding," he said when he saw her glare, and he held up his hands in surrender. "Does this mean I have to take Feraligatr off of my team?"

"Just a fair reminder that Totodile was almost mine."

"Pika..." Pikachu shook his head, smiling as he followed after the two humans as they went towards the building Koga had run off to. With no upcoming events being held at the plateau there were very few tourists, and those staffed there knew better than to hound their champion. Still friendly waves were thrown their way as they made their way across the Indigo Plateau, heading towards the meeting hall– a name that Ash didn't really think was fitting at all.

There was one thing many league officials liked, and that was aesthetics. Whether it be Lance and his cape or Misty with all things water– they committed to it. Ash was never really big on the whole thing, he just wanted to have a good battle, but he didn't have much say when it came to what came before him.

The 'meeting hall' felt like something from out of ancient Kalos or a similar region– a beautiful building with a dome-shaped roof and a mosaic tiled floor. Walking inside was like stepping into the past, holding the majesty and grace of a palace. The main room was circular, mirroring the dome ceiling above, the center of the floor concave with steps, and across from the pillared entrance were five seats that might as well be thrones, a long marble table in front of each one. It was cool, sure, but it all just felt so out of place for Ash.

Lance, Bruno, and Koga were already at their seats as they entered, still playfully bickering away. Ash's eyes turned up towards the three Elite Four members, and despite his time as champion, he still wasn't used to the fact that he was their superior. He had grown up with Lance as champion, Bruno had been an Elite Four as long as he could remember, and though fairly new to the position Koga was just so much older that it was still weird to Ash.

"Hello, Champion," Lance said, nodding as Ash and Misty made their way to their seats. Fortunately Misty had Agatha's old place, meaning that she was near Ash. Golduck burst out of his Pokeball as they drew near, strolling over to the dark corner behind Misty, looking quite content despite the shadows that draped over him. Where the shadows came from Ash didn't know, probably a lasting effect from the many years Agatha's Gengar had stood there.

Lance's main Dragonite sat behind him, and Bruno's Machamp behind him. It took a moment to locate Koga's prized shiny Greninja– who was up on the ceiling above him. He was the most recent addition to the poison type trainer's team, but had quickly become a favorite. Ash selected a Pokeball at random as he sat down at the head of the room, Pikachu curling up on his desk.

Lycanroc burst out of his Pokeball, stretching out with a loud yawn as he sat down in the space behind Ash meant for his Pokemon. The titles had deep claw marks from the many years Lance's Dragonite had sat there, and the Lycanroc looked almost out of place as he sat there panting– more like a playful pet than a champion's Pokemon. Of course anyone that had seen the rock type in battle knew that he was more than capable of handling himself in a fight.

"Okay," Ash said with a smile that was partly forced– couldn't they just meet in a regular building at a regular table? Was the dramatics really that important? "I'm glad everyone was able to make it today."

"If you hadn't called for a meeting I would have myself," Lance replied. "It seems we all have something to talk about."

"Speak for yourself," Koga said.

"Do you want to go first then?" Ash asked, leaning back in his seat. Official league business first, and announcements could come later. He glanced at Misty to make sure she was okay with this, and she gave him a short nod.

"Very well," Lance said. "Bruno and I have decided that it is time for us to retire."

Ash stiffened up, Misty sat up in surprise, while Koga merely raised an eyebrow. Ash turned his gaze towards Bruno, who smiled a fond but bittersweet smile. His Machamp let out a rumble, muscles rippling as he moved to stand next to his trainer. Lance's Dragonite merely flicked his tail, not reacting as everyone's eyes turned towards his trainer.

"Leaving me with the kids, huh?" Koga said, a small smile pursing his lips.

"W-wait, both of you?" Ash's eyes flickered between them. "At the same time?"

"Honestly, I was done with all this around the time Agatha was," Bruno said with a shrug. "We figured it wouldn't be fair for all of us to bail at the same time and leave you with a completely inexperienced Elite Four. But you've been champion for some time now, and have handled it very well. With the promising introduction of Misty you know for yourself the process of introducing a new member, and Koga will be here to help keep things moving smoothly."

"You say that like they can't handle themselves," Koga said with a chuckle.

"It's good for a champion to be working with an Elite Four that they help chose," Lance said.

Ash and Misty shared a glance, neither knowing how to react to this. Not that it was a challenge they weren't willing to rise up against... but with their own personal lives about to take a very busy turn this wasn't exactly welcoming news. Especially when said wedding would involve the league, and they had no idea of where to even begin. The process with selecting Misty had been far from smooth, and they were to be bringing in two more members...

"Though I am stepping down, I am still allowed to suggest a name for my replacement," Lance pushed a folder of papers forward. "I choose my cousin, Clair Wataru, the current gym leader of Blackthorn City. Like me she is a dragon type specialist, and which would not conflict with any current typings of the Elite Four."

"My choice remains the same as when Agatha stepped down," Bruno said. "William Itsuki of Olivine City–"

"No!" Misty snarled.

"–He is a psychic specialist," Bruno continued, a bit louder. "Which would not conflict with any current typings of the Elite Four."

"Will is a jerk!" Misty snarled.

"He had his reasons to be concerned," Bruno replied.

She rolled her eyes. "Oh, so Agatha recommends me and it's okay for people to say that Ash is choosing favorites– but Lance can suggest his cousin and no one blinks?"

"Lance has held his title for many years–"

"Fine then," Misty growled. "My choice then is Sabrina Natsume of Saffron City, psychic specialist."

Bruno regarded her for a moment, before closing his eyes. "That will provide a type conflict with one of the other candidates, meaning only one of the two may be selected, if at all," he narrowed his gaze at her. "Selecting a new Elite Four should not be out of pettiness, Waterflower."

She shrugged. "If that's what you think, then fine. I honestly do think Sabrina has what it takes, she just also happens to conveniently be a psychic trainer and will provide perfect competition to a certain jerk."

"Very well then," Lance said, cutting the two off before more arguing could break out. "Ash, Koga, do you have any names you would like to submit for consideration, or would you like to take some time to think it over?"

"I have a few in mind that I'll need to shift through."

Ash gave a small smile. "I'll need some time too."

Lance tilted his head. "Are you alright, Champion?"

"Overwhelmed," he replied honestly. "But I'm excited to take on these future challenges."

"It will be no different than when Agatha stepped down, if anything, it will be easier– going through the process once with both of us retiring instead of going through it twice."

"Well, new Elite Fours aren't the only thing on our plate," Ash said, scratching at the back of his head. "Me and Misty have a little announcement of our own, which is why we called the meeting."

"We're engaged," Misty said coolly– still evidently upset at the mention of Will.

Lance and Bruno seemed slightly surprised at this announcement, before offering their congratulations in a very formal manner– especially compared to the warm reception they had gotten from their friends and families so far. Koga just smiled softly, having already known.

The dragon master considered this. "Perhaps it would be best to keep word of our retirement on the quiet side for now. Be there as we look over the potential replacements. And also provide some insight to handle the upcoming wedding– I'm assuming that's why you told us in the first place?"

"Heh, yeah," Ash said, giving an uncertain chuckle.

"Weddings of League members are no small occasion," Lance said. "Even if you want a private ceremony, it is expected that you at the very least hold a public reception. And by public I of course don't mean just anyone– your Elite Four and gym leaders are expected to be there, alongside the other champions in the League Alliance, and preferably some kind of photographer or reporter to provide information to the public, or else you will be getting unwanted coverage of the event. You probably will anyways."

"I know, I've been doing some research–"

"You'll want to reach out to the other champions right away," Lance said. "It is very possible that some might not be able to make it, but not giving them a decent time frame so they can at least attempt to clear their schedule is considered rude. As you might of remembered with Champion Iris' wedding they handled it less that professionally, and I hope that you plan on–"

Ash's voice fell to a growl. "That's my friends' wedding you're talking about."

"I am aware. I am just acknowledging that they didn't go about it as expected."

"And that was their own personal choice," Ash replied, voice just short of a snap. "I think they had received enough bad press at the time, so I don't blame them for what they did."

The two stared at each other for a moment, the tension in the air palpable, and considering how the two normally got along it was unsettling. Pikachu's cheeks were sparking, and after a moment Lance sighed, backing down.

"I'm sorry, and I didn't mean to cause offense," he relented. "I meant to point out that their wedding wasn't standard for a champion, not to imply that it was wrong. Seeing as you came to us I just assumed that you wanted to follow the standard."

"We do," he glanced at Misty. "For now, anyways. We honestly just don't know where to start."

"We knew we were going to have a big wedding anyways," Misty said. "Might as well invite everyone that needs to be invited."

"Do you have a date in mind at all?" Lance asked. "A location? Any foundations of a plan?"

"We're– well, I'm– thinking Lake Mizu, late summer," Misty said. "If we could even reserve it for such a large event."

Bruno snorted. "That won't be a problem, trust me."

"That gives you a few months to prepare," Koga noted. "A bit short, but still plenty of time for you guys to work with. If you want my advice– don't put anything off. Start planning right away, and stick to it."

"You will need to reach out to Cynthia Shirona of Sinnoh," Lance said. "Steven Stone of Hoenn–"

"I'm familiar with who the champions are–"

"–Olympia Gojika of Kalos, Leon Dande of Galar, Iris Dent of Unova, and Hau Cihi of Alola," he finished, ignoring the interruption. "Select a date before informing them, and make sure it does not conflict with any tournament, holiday, or meeting any champions of any regions may be expected to attend. Be prepared to change it as needed, but I am sure they will be flexible as well. It is considered rude not to attend a fellow champion's wedding. Once you reach this point then we can begin on reservations, catering, and security. I will send you some contacts of people who can help you."

"Thank you," Ash said, nodding. "Steven already knows of the wedding, I actually bought the rings from him. Iris and Hau should be fairly easy to get a hold of, they're good friends."

"A wedding is no small matter."

"We're aware," Misty cut off. "Is there anything else we need to discuss? Any other lectures or jerks we want to bring to the team?"

Lance frowned at her. "There is nothing."

"Very well then, we're dismissed," she said, standing up. "Let's go, me and Ash have plenty to worry about anyways."

With that she made her way out of the meeting hall, Golduck right behind her. Ash frowned, pushing himself to his feet, not pausing to say goodbye like he usually would as he hurried after his fiancee. Pikachu and Lycanroc were right behind him, the former bolting ahead to catch up with Misty. He threw himself onto her shoulder as they stepped outside, nuzzling her cheek in worry. She came to a stop, hands curled into fists, and Ash placed his hands on her shoulder.

"Mist, what's wrong?"

"Why did he have to suggest Will?" She muttered. "He knows I don't like him, why would he suggest for him to work with us?"

"Because Will is a strong trainer," he said easily. "And you know how they are, tradition and all. Strong trainers make good Elites."

"No, good people that happen to be strong trainers make good Elites," she growled. "Not some jerk that enjoys fanning the flames of rumors, purposely stirs up trouble– do they really want someone like that to help run the League?"

He turned her around, hands still on her shoulders, and there were tears in Misty's eyes. "Hey. I know that wasn't easy for any of us, but to be fair Will didn't start those rumors. He just..."

"Believed them," she snarled bitterly. "Believed I would actually cheat on you. Act like you were just giving me a free pass into the Elite Four when I worked so hard to earn it–!"

"Misty, look at me," Ash said as she turned away, eyes flashing, and her gaze returned to him. "There are people out there that will look for anything to throw dirt on people. If they can't understand the concept of you having lunch with a friend, that's their own fault. Think about it this way– he was probably sure he didn't stand a chance against you to become an Elite Four so that he went the underhanded route– and you still came out on top."

A slight smirk crossed Misty's face. "It was fun to crush him in battle."

"And it was a delight to watch it," Ash said. "Let's not worry about Will or future Elite Fours or anything right now. The best day of our life is coming up and no one gets to ruin it. Let's get a date picked out, shall we?"

"You handle the other champions and I get Lake Mizu reserved?"

"Sounds like a plan," Ash said, grinning.