When Ash and Serena stopped kissing, it was so dark that they could see nothing ahead but the stars beyond Titanic. They got off the railing and headed back inside with Serena's arm wrapped around Ash's arm and her head resting on his shoulders. She closed her eyes and let out a sigh, her heart still racing after letting out her feelings for Ash.

"So, what do we do now?" Ash asked. "We're gonna need to figure out how to avoid your stepmother and fiancee from finding out about us while we still have a few days at sea."

"Actually, they sped up the ship so that we'll arrive on Tuesday, and when the ship docks, I'm getting off with you," Serena said. "Until then, I want us to spend as much time together as possible."

"I like the sound of that," Ash said. "And how do you plan to do that right now? Now that you're officially going against their wishes, it's up to you how you want to take control of your life."

Serena pursed her lips and rubbed her chin in thought. Sooner or later, Oleana would check on her after claiming she had a headache, and Mivashkama would want to see her before he continued mingling with the other first class men. She had to make it convincing that she would stay in her cabin so Mivashkama wouldn't send Morfious to look for her again. After a few seconds, Serena snapped her fingers.

"I'm going back to the cabin to make sure they don't look for me again," Serena said. "Meet me in the third class general room, and bring your sketchbook."

"My sketchbook? Why?" Ash asked.

"You'll see," Serena said in a singing voice.

Serena let go of Ash's arm, put her hands on the sides of his head, and smashed her lips with his. Ash didn't hesitate to kiss Serena back before she let go and ran back inside. Ash smirked as he stared at where he last saw Serena before going inside and taking the staircase to his cabin at E deck. When he got to the general room with his sketchbook the place was empty, for all the other passengers were at dinner. Ash sat down on one of the benches, wondering how long it was going to take to convince Serena's captors that she was unwell.

After half an hour of waiting, Ash heard footsteps from the staircase. He stood and turned around just as Serena reached the bottom steps, giving him a loving look. She had a purse in her left hand and wore a red and pink dress that reached down to her knees and a teal pearl headband. Ash stared at Serena in awe, then walked over to her for a kiss. When they parted, they gazed upon each other with Ash's hands on Serena's waist and Serena's arms around Ash's neck. After a minute, Serena remembered what they were there for and pulled her arms back to reach into her purse and take out the Gieldanstone. Ash's eyes widened, and he took the necklace to look at the white, oval jewel.

"What is this? Another gift from your fiancee?" Ash asked.

"Yep. Mivashkama wants me to always wear this," Serena said. "He calls it the Gieldanstone. People yielded to the will of a king who wore it many years ago because it's so valuable."

"Okay, so why are you showing me this?" Ash asked.

"I want you to draw me like the women in your travels," Serena said as Ash gave back the Gieldanstone. "This dress is the only one I have left from my time performing. I want you to draw me dancing while wearing the Gieldanstone."

Serena reached into her purse and took out a dime. She put it in Ash's hand and then walked over to the stage, tossing her purse to a nearby bench.

"The last thing I want is to look like a rag doll," Serena said as she put on the Gieldanstone. "As a paying customer, I expect to get what I want."

Ash smirked and nodded. He sat at a bench facing the stage and took out his drawing kit to sharpen his pencil with a knife. After sharpening his pencil, Ash opened his sketchbook and flipped until he found a blank paper.

"Okay, how do you want to do this?" Ash asked.

"I'm going to start dancing, and then you tell me to stop when you find a good pose for a drawing," Serena instructed. "Make sure the Gieldanstone is in the picture."

"Got it," Ash said.

Serena moved to the center of the stage, closed her eyes, and pictured the music from the party in her head. She raised her arms, bent one knee, and moved the other back before she began dancing.

"Stop."

Serena froze with her arms spread apart and one bent leg in front of the other. Ash began drawing, looking back between the paper and Serena. Serena waited patiently, trying to ignore her aching legs and the Gieldanstone trying to pull her head down.

Yet despite the jewel's weight, Serena held her head high, thinking of the joy she brought to so many people through her performances. In her mind, the Gieldanstone wasn't there just to be a pretty addition to her outfit. It was a declaration of superiority. Mivashkama said people yielded to the will of the king who wore the stone. Now, Serena wore it with her dancing outfit as if to say that with the Gieldanstone, she declared independence from everything Mivashkama and Oleana tried to force her to be. Serena was going to break the chains of expectations and live a life of bringing joy to people whether she had the funding her father had or not. She would dance her way into the unknown, and no one but the Lord of All could stop her.

After about an hour and a half, Ash added the date and his signature at the bottom of the picture and blew away what loose lead was still on it.

"Okay, it's done."

Serena sat down on the stage ledge, relieved to stop posing. She got off the stage and sat next to Ash, and he held out the drawing to her. Serena humbly considered herself a fair woman at best, yet Ash's drawing made her look extravagant. The drawing showed a beaming smile that she didn't realize she had the entire time, and it expressed how she wore the Gieldanstone with pride and superiority as though it was her crown as Queen of the World. To some, it may appear as a realistic drawing of a woman dancing while wearing a big, pretty necklace. In Serena's eyes, however, Ash exceeded expectations in capturing what she wanted to get across.

"Are you satisfied, my lady?" Ash asked.

Serena smirked and said, "Here's a hint."

She put her hand on Ash's head and pulled it in for a firm kiss. Ash chuckled as he put his sketchbook beside him before wrapping his arms around Serena's waist and kissing her back. When Ash and Serena parted, they rested their foreheads against each other, staring into each other's eyes until Ash cleared his throat.

"So, now that you have your picture, what's next?" he asked.

Serena rubbed her chin, pretending to think about it, and said, "I'm going to put my picture in Mivashkama's safe right where he stored the Gieldanstone to let him and stepmother know of my decision."

"And what of the necklace?" Ash asked

"Well, it's mine, so I can do whatever I want. When the ship docks, I'm going to sell it to fund my new life away from Mivashkama and stepmother," Serena said.

"And where do I fall into this new life? Ash asked.

"You are going to be with me the entire time, teaching me how to live life as you do," Serena said matter-of-factly. "I want to make people smile with every opportunity while you do the same with your drawings. But first, I want you to do something to ensure we will live that way together forever."

"What's that?" Ash asked.

"Marry me. Tonight," Serena said.

Ash's face fell into a state of shock. His cheeks turned maroon, and he stuttered, looking away from Serena bashfully. Serena smirked, flattered that the man she loved was so surprised by the idea.

"I mean…just…I have no objection, but are you sure you want us to do that so soon?" Ash asked.

"More than anything," Serena said. "Part of why I was reluctant to be with you had to do with my stepmother casting me out into the streets if I don't marry Mivashkama. Now that I'm not afraid of that, I want to face the real world with everything on my terms, including who I marry. I want to face the real world with you as husband and wife."

Ash stared at Serena, astounded, then he chuckled while scratching under his nose.

"This is a crazy idea," he said.

"I know. It doesn't make any sense," Serena chortled. "But that's why I trust it. I will trust spending every day not knowing what the next day brings, and I want to do it together. So, what's it going to be, Mr. Ketchum? Will you marry me?"

The room was silent after Serena made her move. Ash hoped Serena would change her life with a desire to seize the day, but what she proposed exceeded his hopes. Still, his heart leaped for joy, and he laughed as he took Serena's hands.

"I will."

Serena's face lit up. With a squeal, she pulled Ash into a squeeze, and their lips connected again. When they parted, Serena proceeded to kiss Ash all over his face, making him laugh again. Suddenly, Ash and Serena heard clapping and cheering, and they stood up to find Goh, Chloe, and Gary, beaming. Serena's face turned beet red, and Ash scratched the back of his head with a sheepish grin.

"You guys overheard all of that. Didn't you?" Ash said.

"We heard enough," Goh said. "Congratulations, buddy."

"Ooooo, I'm so excited for you guys!" Chloe exclaimed as she hugged Serena. "When we rolled the dice on trusting you to make up with Ash, I wasn't expecting this. Not that I'm complaining, of course."

"Yeah, I wouldn't believe it if I had just watched you propose," Gary said. "But how exactly do you plan to marry tonight?"

Serena froze for a moment before chuckling sheepishly and playing with her hair.

"I guess I was so determined that I didn't think of the details," Serena admitted. "I suppose it would be too much for Pastor Sycamore, the first class pastor, to marry us. He might have an issue with the Lord of Hammerlocke's fiancee eloping with someone else."

"Probably," Ash said. "I guess our best option is to ask a priest here in third class. Do you guys think Father Birch would be willing to marry us?"

"After seeing Serena at the party and seeing you two dance together, I'm sure he'd be more than happy to," Chloe said. "Why don't we ask him to marry you in his cabin to keep things secret?"

"That's a great idea," Ash said. "Let's head over there right now in fact?"

Serena opened her mouth to say yes, then stopped to take a moment to think about it.

"Actually, Ash, there are a couple of people from A and B Deck I'd like to join us," she said.

"But won't your stepmother and fiancee see you?" Chloe asked.

"Not as long as the cigars, brandy, and parties hold out," Serena said. "I promise I'll be quick."

Ash hesitated, not wanting Serena to take the risk. Then he smiled and nodded, trusting that Serena knew what she was doing.

"Alright. I believe in you," he said. "Father Birch's cabin is D-23. I'll be waiting."

Serena smiled and leaned in for a peck on the lips before heading to her cabin. Ash, Goh, Chloe, and Gary took the aft Grand Staircase to D Deck and went down the hall to Father Birch's cabin. They knocked on his door, just as the priest had said his nightly prayers. When Ash made his request, Father Birch was unsure whether it was a good idea but eventually agreed to marry the new couple.

Thus, Ash, Goh, Chloe, Gary, and Father Birch waited for fifteen minutes before Serena came in with Molly and Aunt Sonia. Serena was wearing a white shaw on her head and holding flowers that Molly had taken from a vase in their suite. Ash's face brightened as though Serena wore a fancy wedding dress instead of her performing dress, the shaw, and the Gieldanstone.

Serena walked over to Ash and Father Birch with her arm wrapped around Aunt Sonia's as though they were walking down the aisle at a chapel. When they were in front of Ash and Father Birch, Aunt Sonia gave Serena away, and Molly took the flowers. They stood behind Serena as she turned to face Ash, while Goh stood behind him as the best man.

"Let us begin," Father Oak said. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to unite this man and this woman in holy matrimony. If anyone has an objection to why these two should not wed, speak now or forever hold your peace."

The cabin was silent. Serena and Ash looked at each other and snickered, imagining the people who would object, acting like kings and queens above deck, unaware of what was happening. Father Birch waited about 10 seconds before he cleared his throat and turned to Serena.

"Madam, will you take this man as your lovely wedded husband to love and honor for richer and poor, sickness and health for as long as you both shall live?"

"I will," Serena said proudly.

"And will you, sir, take this woman to be your lovely wedded wife? Will you love and honor her for richer and poor, sickness and health for as long as you both shall live?" Father Birch asked.

"I will," Ash said.

"Very well. Did you bring any rings?" Father Birch asked.

Ash and Serena looked at each other and chuckled, only now realizing they did not think about rings. Father Birch looked between them and sighed, having figured as much.

"In that case, it'll be up to you to get your own rings at your earliest convenience," he said. "Otherwise, this marriage is only binding in the eyes of God. Understood?"

"Understood," Ash and Serena said simultaneously.

"And everyone else acknowledges that they witness this union before God? Rings are no rings?" Father Birch asked.

"We do," Goh, Chloe, Gary, Molly, and Aunt Sonia replied.

"So be it," Father Birch said. "By the power invested in me, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. What God has brought together let no man tear apart. You may kiss your -"

Father Birch stopped in mid-sentence when he realized Serena had already taken Ash by the shirt and pulled him in for a firm kiss. Goh, Chloe, Gary, and Aunt Sonia laughed before they applauded for the newlyweds. Molly took out a handkerchief and wiped her eyes with it as she teared up. Even though she hadn't met Ash before and was afraid of what Mivashkama and Oleana might do, it was enough to see Serena so happy. If nothing else, Molly knew that Serena's father would have wanted her to be happy, so she mentally prayed that the risk would pay off. When Ash and Serena parted, they stared at each other, with Serena stroking Ash's cheek before they embraced.

Goh had his arm around his wife's waist, and Chloe rested her head on his shoulder as they watched Ash and Serena. Gary chuckled and shook his head, muttering, "Bugger me, I really did build the ship of dreams." Aunt Sonia snickered from overhearing Gary while watching Serena stroke Ash's head with her eyes closed as they embraced. She wished Timothy was there to witness the union, believing he would've been behind the marriage despite being a friend of Mivashkama. Looking back, Aunt Sonia would've done anything to make that happen, knowing there wouldn't be anything to be joyful about for a long time.

Around the time Ash and Serena married, Second Officer Siebold was coming up the steps to the bridge house after eating his supper. Kanoa was behind the wheel while Cress stood next to him. Siebold checked the meter to find that the ship was still moving at 22 knots before noticing Captain Drake standing on the balcony beside the bridge. The captain looked at the calm ocean with a pleased smile as he sipped his cup of tea. Siebold smiled and walked over to Captain Drake, who saw him coming from the corner of his eye.

"Clear," Captain Drake said.

"Yes, I don't think I've ever seen such a flat calm," Siebold said.

"It's like a mill pond. Not a breath of wind," Captain Drake said.

"It will make the bergs harder to see, though, with no breaking water at the base," Siebold said.

Captain Drake hummed in acknowledgment but didn't show any hint of concern. Today, it would rightfully be considered reckless to sail at high speeds when ice had been reported, but, once again, it wasn't as black and white at the time. In fact, it was standard maritime practice to go ahead and depend upon the lookout in the Crow's Nest and the watch on the bridge to detect the ice in time to avoid hitting it. Even if it was hard to see, Captain Drake had faith in the ship's lookout to spot any danger, and even if it hit, he didn't believe Titanic would sink.

Also, unlike Jack disregarding the warnings, Captain Drake had experience with commanding a ship that was severely damaged yet would not sink. On September 20th, 1911, he commanded Titanic's older sister ship, the MC Olympic. During one voyage, Olympic collided with a Sinnoh warship, the CSC Galactic, where the warship lost its prow. Although the collision left two of Olympic's compartments filled and one of her propeller shafts twisted, she was able to limp back to Olivine City for repairs. The CSC Galactic incident was a financial disaster for Macro Cosmos, and the out-of-service time for the big liner delayed Titanic's completion to use one of her propeller shafts and other parts for Olympic. Still, the fact that two of Olympic's compartments were filled with water and yet stayed afloat proved, in Captain Drake's eyes, that Titanic could survive major damage just as Timothy designed it.

In any case, Captain Drake remained content with how things were looking. He played with the lemon in his tea with his spoon before drinking the rest. The hot tea burned in Captain Drake's stomach, but it suited him fine after spending a few hours in the cold.

"Well, I'm off to bed," Captain Drake said. "Maintain speed and heading, Mr. Siebold."

"Yes, sir," Siebold said.

With that, Captain Drake headed to his bedroom close to Titanic's forward funnel. Siebold rubbed his hands to keep them warm as he looked up at the Crow's Nest. He wished the Crow's Nest had binoculars, but they had not been seen since before leaving Olivine City. Siebold shook his head, deciding to let it be and hope the lookout would spot any danger in time.