TDBigJ's message: *Repeatedly hitting myself in the head with a hammer* Yep… I'm back. After a YEAR AND FREAKING SEVEN AND A HALF MONTHS I'm back. Yeah I know, I kept you waiting that long for a new chapter. I'm a damn idiot. The one guy who gives you an update pretty much every week took THAT FREAKING LONG to give you another chapter. I know you guys aren't happy. I've got a couple reasons why I haven't updated in so long. Work is the number one reason why. Work has been very hectic for me, but I guess that's what happens when you're pushing carts for WalMart (A lot of people can understand this one). A lot has happened at my job since I last updated. For one thing, three of the four people I started with have left. I gained a co-worker at this time last year and I can tolerate him but he can be really annoying at times, (my other courtesy associates can't stand him). I've gained a few since then but there is currently only six of us out on the lot, so yeah, pretty stressful. Another reason is that I had lost interest in typing my story or any fanfiction for that reason. A thing I regret is that I didn't put an *ON HIATUS* notice on my summary to let you guys know I wouldn't be updating for a while. COULDN'T EVEN FRICKIN' DO THAT! But other than that, some more things happened in my life. My brother got married, I became an uncle, the EAGLES WON THE FREAKING SUPER BOWL, THE RED SOX WON THE WORLD SERIES! (These two I'm really happy about), etc., etc. But besides all that, yeah, I'm not happy with myself for keeping my readers waiting this long for another chapter. But one thing that I'm happy about that there still has been support for my stories, like new favorites and followers for both my stories and me. But I want to make things up to you guys, I will give you a new chapter for this story and I might make another story or two to make up not everything but at least some for me being gone this long. I wanted to give you guys at least one update in 2018. Anyway, enough of my unnecessary rambling and typing in caps for some odd reason and let's get to the reviews.
Espeon44: Thank you, I'm glad it's improving in some way!
Amourshipper35: Glad you liked it! Yeah that does seem like something Ash would do. Thanks for the review!
TheAztecKing: Happy that you're excitedly anticipating this chapter. I hope it was worth the wait. Thanks for the review!
Nexxus176: Yeah it pretty much is but in Serena's point of view. Thanks for the review!
Shadic4566: I'm glad too! I'm pretty sure we all are. Yeah I know, it is kind of a weird reason for them to wait but that's what I am: weird. Glad you liked the quote, I love that movie. Thanks for the review!
Brig nodrm2347: Glad you liked the chapter! I think all or at least most of the people reading this story are looking forward to this chapter. I mean, who doesn't like a good amourshipping wedding? Yeah, the OC is Serena's brother. I'm not one who usually puts OCs in my stories but this is one I've really been wanting to use. He's going to have somewhat of an impact in this story as well, even describing the meeting between him and Ash. I've seen one author give Serena a brother in one of their stories, and they just so happen to be one of the regulars who reads and reviews every chapter of this story, but this is something I've been wanting to do before I read that story of his. That's good that I'm pacing the story well, that's something that I want to hear about my writing. Thanks for the review!
Wolves22 (Guest #1): You'll just have to wait and see.
76ers (Guest #2): It will be.
Guest #3: Thank you for the continued support and I will be updating the crossover story sometime soon, although I don't know exactly when, but I'll let you know when it's almost done. Thank for the reviews!
Nick Kelley: Yeah, I'm fine, don't worry. Just like I said in the message, work for the last year and a half has been hell for me, especially during the holiday season we just got through. Being a cart pusher is one hell of a job, and I don't exactly mean that in a positive way, but not a negative one either. I lost the will the write for a long time but it's come back and I will hopefully get back to consistently updating in the near future. I hope you haven't given up hope on me or the story, just like I hope no one else who reads this story has, although they would have a good reason why if they don't anymore. Thanks for the concern and the review!
Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon or it's characters, they are owned by Nintendo, Game Freak, and… whoever else.
"It sounds like he really wanted everybody to know how he felt about you." Phil stated.
"And you're telling me he used to be dense? How did he get so smart about it?" Emma exclaimed, with a confused but serious tone in her voice.
"I guess when he started dating me I gave him some pointers on the subject of having a relationship. He even asked me." Serena said.
"Any specific ones?"
"Just the basics really. Holding hands, kissing, cuddling, but other than that, there's been so many that I can't even name one of the top of my head.
Emma got a look of excitement on her face. "I really want to know, how did your wedding go? I'm dying to hear about it!" She exclaimed, bouncing a little in her seat.
"Oh, you're going to love it! It was probably the best day of my life hands down. So, let me tell you how it all went…
Flashback
"Ash, you've got to get ready. The ceremony starts in about ten minutes." Misty said.
"Okay, Misty, thanks for letting me know." Ash replied, trying to fix the position of his bow tie. Misty came up to Ash and turned him around and hugged him.
"Ash, you've grown so much as a person since I first met you. At first, I thought you were a whiny little kid who barely knew anything about Pokemon battles, but I've seen you develop more as a trainer and as a person. I gotta say, Serena is a lucky girl. She's marrying a great guy."
"Thanks a lot Misty. You've grown a lot too. Glad to have you here." Ash responded.
"Well, I'm glad to be here. Now, you get yourself all situated, only little time left until you're a married man." Misty said and then left the room.
Ash knew he wasn't the only person who grew over the last eleven years. Since he was ten, everyone he encountered and stayed friends with since then had changed in the time he had known them. But out of all of the people that changed the most since he met them… was the person he was spending the rest of his life with starting today.
"A lot has gone on in so long. Just to think that out of all of them, the one I've known the longest is going to be my wife for eternity. I will remain loyal to her, faithful, love her to the moon and back until the day I die." Ash said to himself. Tracy came into the room a moment later.
"Hey Ash, you doing all right?" He asked.
"Yeah, I'll be fine. A little nervous though." Ash replied.
"Everyone is on their wedding day. Even Serena is."
"Is that so?"
"Especially so. Perhaps more so than you."
"Really?" Ash replied, looking past Tracy's shoulder.
"Ash, she's been wanting to be your wife since you two met, you bet she's more nervous than you. Her dream is finally coming true, thanks to you." Tracy explained.
"Yeah, I guess this is going to be the best day of her life, isn't it." Ash stated.
"Most likely, and it should be yours too."
"Oh, for sure it is. Wouldn't want it any other way."
Tracy nodded. "Good for you Ash. If you want to know what Serena looks like, I say she will take your breath away when you see her."
"Okay, thanks for letting me know. Don't want anything spoiled though, that would ruin it."
"I should get back to the other guys, they're standing around waiting for it to get under way."
"Okay, see you in a bit, Trace." Ash said. "Oh, by the way, do I look all right?"
"You look spiffy, Ash, now go nail this." Tracy stated and then left the room.
Ash looked at his watch. Only five more minutes until the ceremony started. Ash was a little shaky, but he had to be strong… for her. This was the biggest day of their life, and he didn't want to ruin it. It was almost time, and he needed to make the most of it.
They both did.
Liam walked down the hallway to where his sister, aka, the bride to be, was getting last minute preparations done before she walked down the aisle. Once he reached the door, he straightened his bow tie and opened the door, leaning into the doorway.
"So, the bride wanted to see me?"
Thirty minutes later
So the time had finally come the ceremony was about to start. Both family and friends filled the pews in the church. Waiting for the ceremony to start. Once the church bells rang, everyone sat down, now ready to see the two elope.
The organ started playing the traditional wedding tune. The bridesmaids and groomsman started walking down the aisle in pairs. Pairs by the likes of: Max and Bonnie, Brock and Lucy, Gary and Misty, Liam and Aria, and Kenny and Dawn. After the five pairs had split and gone on opposite sides, it was time for the groom to walk down the aisle. At the entrance way appeared Ash and Delia, arm in arm as Delia walked her son down the aisle slowly. Delia looked at her son. Words were not enough for her to describe how proud of her flesh and blood she was at this very moment.
Right when they got to the steps, Delia leaned up and pecked her son on the forehead. "Go make her the happiest girl in the world honey." And she then went and sat down in her seat.
That's when the music started playing.
Ash looked down at the end of the aisle. Slowly walking up was his soon to be wife. Walking with her stepdad Blair. Her veil was still covering her face so Ash couldn't see how she looked. But he saw that she was wearing a long sleeve dress, with a u curved neckline. The sleeves were transparent, which Ash thought looked breathtaking. As she slowly took each step made Ash more nervous. He was this close to being bonded with the one girl who had sided with him since the day they first met. Ash didn't think that one day this would happen, but now he would never give it a second thought. Not a chance!
She finally reached the front. As Blair walked to his seat next to Grace, Ash removed the veil to reveal Serena's face. She looked nothing short of beautiful. Her hair was wrapped up in the back and had a bang on each side hanging down. Before Ash could say anything, the minister announced the start of the ceremony.
Forward to the vows
"Now the couple would like to say their own vows that they have written for each other." The minister said as the ceremony continued.
Ash started. "Serena, I remember the day we met at Professor Oak's summer camp when we were very little. Just thinking that after helping you that day that in the distant future we were going to be bound forever. Reuniting with you in Kalos eleven years ago was unexpected but a day I will never forget or take back. I remember everything you did for me on that journey, you were the one that pushed me the most, gave me that drive. The moment in the forest that gave me my confidence back. When we met up once again years after we parted ways in Kalos, you did the exact same thing and kept standing by me, supporting me when I succeeded, comforting me when I failed. What I like to say is: You may be my number one fan, but I will always be yours as well, and I will love you forever, and I will never stop trying.
Then it was Serena's turn.
"Ash Kethcum, you've been the guy who always would push me to do my hardest, since the day we met up until today. You've always been the one I look up to. You have always been there through the best of times, the worst of times, and every other moment we've been together. You'll always be my hero, yesterday, today, tomorrow, forever. You told me to never give up until it's over, those have been the words that gave me drive for the better part of my life and it was said by the most remarkable person I have ever met. I love you. I always have, always will, and I will stay by your side forever.
The minister started. "Now Ash, do you take Serena to be your lawfully wedded wife, for richer or for poorer, for sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
"And Serena, do you take Ash to be your lawfully wedded husband, for richer or for poorer, for sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
The two leaned in and kissed for the first time as a married couple, everyone clapping and cheering. After the two had finished kissing, they started walking down the aisle and through the doors, with the bridesmaids and groomsmen following behind.
Later on
As the two newlyweds were congratulated by Cynthia and her husband, an all too familiar chipper voice rang out, startling Ash and Serena. It was none other than Bonnie, who came up to hug both of her former travelling companions, behind her was Clemont. After she had done that, she looked Serena straight in the eye.
"So, how does it feel to be Mrs. Serena Ketchum?" Bonnie asked, a sly smirk spreading across her lips.
Serena blushed red. She was going to have to get used to hearing that now, especially from her. "It's… it's… like a dream come true Bonnie."
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure it is." She replied. "Never thought I would see this day come, but I'm glad it did. I'm so happy for you two!"
"Same here. I'm glad you two found happiness. It's going to be so different now seeing you two as a married couple from here on out." Clemont stated.
"Ah, it's going to take some time getting used to." Ash said.
"For you, yes. But for Serena as well, but it will probably be easier for her." Bonnie stated.
"How's that?" Ash asked.
"Well, remember when we were younger? You knew nothing about romance while Serena knew pretty much everything." Bonnie explained.
"You have to admit that's true Ash." Clemont replied. "Girls are usually quicker than boys on that subject."
Ash rubbed the back of his head. "I guess I owe it to her. She basically opened my eyes to romance and gave me a general idea of what it was all about. If I never got it, we wouldn't be standing here right now as newlyweds. Liam came from behind them and aggressively bear hugged Ash from behind.
"Ah, I can't believe you two are married! My best friend married to my sister, now we are basically a family! Liam exclaimed.
Ash appreciated the hug but since Liam was so strong had a vice grip on the hug Ash was starting to lose oxygen.
"I'm really excited too about being part of your family Liam, but could you let me go? I can barely breathe?" Ash said, trying to gasp for air.
Liam nervously giggled and dropped his new brother-in-law and straightened out the latter's tux. "Heh heh, sorry buddy. Just a little excited is all."
"It's no problem at all Liam. But hey, think about this. The world champion is now married to the sister of an elite four member."
"Yeah, kind of crazy, huh? Two of the world's best now part of the same family. Funny how things play out." Liam stated.
After the couple had gotten congratulations from every single family and friend, it was time to have their first dance together. They went over to the dance floor and got in position to start.
"You remember how this goes?" Serena asked.
"Yeah. The weeks in dance classes should hopefully pay off." Ash responded.
After a few seconds, the song started playing. The song the two chose for their first dance was Always by Bon Jovi. The two of the started to slowly move to the song, gazing into each other's eyes lovingly. Ash thought she couldn't look any more beautiful than she was right now, but it wasn't the outer beauty that attracted her to him, it was the inner, but she was beautiful inside and out, that's what Ash admired about her, and a few other things.
As the two continued so slowly dance together, family and friends watching on, Serena laid her head on Ash's shoulder, her left hand on the other. It was the best day of her 21 year life…
And no other day was even close!
Author's note: Whew, what a chapter! And it had some pretty sweet amourshipping moments in it as well. Probably one of my favorite chapters of any of my stories to date. I mean, I've done a wedding chapter before but this one was probably just as good. What did you guys think? Was it worth the wait? I hope so, but I don't blame you if it didn't. So there is pretty much nothing more to say, so let's get to the preview of the next chapter. Wait, do I remember doing that at the end of a chapter? I don't think- oh wait, yeah I did. So here you go!
Liam pulled out his badge case and opened it.
"Read it and weep!" He said.
As my brother showed me his badge case, I noticed that he had all eight gym badges, more than what Ash had. Ash saw it and had a look of surprise.
"Whoa, you have all eight? That's cool! I still have three more to go." Ash said.
"Just take a little more dedication and hard work into your training and you will sure get the remaining three. I know you can. I've seen how well a trainer you have been." Liam explained.
"How's that?" Ash asked.
"I've seen you before in the Pokemon leagues of past regions. You seem to have a good general idea of what tactics you have to use in a battle." Liam stated.
"I'm just surprised you recognized me. I've never met you before so it comes as a surprise to me." Ash said.
"Well I remember my sister used to talk to me about you all the time. She showed me a picture of you and her a few times so I could swear I had seen you before."
"Well, it's good to finally meet somebody who is just as determined to reach their goal as I am." Ash stated. "How well have you done in the leagues? Have you won any?"
Liam shook his head. "Unfortunately, no. The best I've ever done in a league is getting to the semifinals, and I've only managed to do that once. I've gotten as far as the quarterfinals three times and worse every other time." Liam explained.
"It's good that you've at least been in the final four at some point. Which league did that happen to be?" Ash asked.
"Hoenn." Liam replied.
"Yeah, I got to the quarterfinals in that one. Lost to a guy named Tyson that I had just met a few days prior. But it was all right. He was a respectful opponent." Ash said.
"Yeah, every single person that has beaten me in the leagues I had respect for, some of them said they were even lucky to beat me. But that only drives me to accomplish my goal. People that will fuel me with support that will eventually get me to where I want to be someday." Liam explained.
"So Liam, I want to ask you something. What inspired you to chase the goal of being a fighting master and being a member of the Kanto elite four?" Ash asked out of curiosity.
Liam looked down at the table and smiled. "Well, it was more of a matter of who rather than what."
Ash looked at Liam. "Who was it?"
Author's note-2: Well there you have it. The next chapter will basically be an origin story of how Ash met my OC (i.e. Serena's brother). Besides what has been told, what else lies behind Liam's true origins as a trainer, and what has occurred through his journey up to the point of him and Ash meeting for the first time and the impact of the two when it comes to their goals? What do you think it is? Is it a mysterious reason? Does Liam hide a dark past? A strenuous one? Did a fly just buzz through one of my ears and out the other without me noticing? I can tell you the answer to at least three of these questions next chapter. So I will see you again all soon. I promise you it won't be another year and a half again. I will try to get three to five chapters out at once within the next month to make up for some of the time I've kept you guys waiting. Until then…
TDBigJ out!
"Well you can't give them a pork roast!"
-Ryan Stiles, Whose Line Is It Anyway