"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the presence of the goddess Salacia, in the presence of the peoples of Salacia and Dryland, to join these royal couples in holy matrimony."

"These historic unions will not only mark an evolution in the relationship between our two peoples, but also a new golden age that has never been seen for eons."

These words from Miss Marla and Fabio Yabusaki opened this once-in-a-lifetime event, the mass royal wedding of the princes and princesses.

Love was in bloom following the war. People might say that there's something in the water, or in the air, because the royal couples got together fairly quickly in a matter of years. Maybe it was even by the will of the Goddess Salacia that this happened, just as most of the kings and queens had daughters during the three-year baby boom over two decades ago. Most of the princes and princesses had found that special someone, whether Salacian or Drylander, whether before the war, during it or after. Your ideas of ships may differ from the ships in this universe, just as your ideas of Salacia and Dryland's history may differ from that of this universe.

In the ensuing years after the war, Parker reconciled with his family. Although Parker was hesitant to forgive his parents for the circumstances that led him to take his brother and abandon them, he was willing to reconnect with them while still maintaining certain boundaries around them. At the same time, Parker assisted in the establishment of a major liaison and advisory committee between Dryland and Salacia as part of his international community service, with Thorn being assigned to his command as part of his parole conditions. He moved out of his home in Yokohama and into a mansion on Kyontong Island in the Archangelpelago, somewhere where he could escape from the public eye yet still be on call whenever he was needed. Tubarina followed Parker as well and over the years, he softened himself to her and allowed her to help him with his problems, opening up to her and taking her advice, which included going to therapy.

At the same time, Trebon reconciled with his parents and Marcos. Trebon convinced Marcos that their parents were at fault for their feud and not themselves, which led them to bring their parents together and have them reconcile their differences. Trebon's parents had been pensive in their exile, looking at everything their son did as the Shark King and while there were some things they were proud of him for, there were some things that made them wonder where they went wrong and some things that made them realise that they were wrong about their son or other people. Coupled together with Polvina meeting Daniel again, Nikki and Marcia/Marcela's return to Salacia and the girls finally meeting Windy's grandmother from the letters she wrote, it can be said that many people received closure in many ways than one.

Eventually, a lot of royal couples became engaged and began to plan their weddings, but because of all the weddings that were to be planned, everyone began arguing about when their ceremonies would be. What made things worse was a pandemic on Dryland that closed businesses and tested political beliefs as people were locked down in their homes, making it hard for people to go anywhere.

With things going the way they are, the royals eventually came with an idea. On Dryland, some cities held mass weddings for people who couldn't afford to have a wedding ceremony. From this, the kings and queens thought it would be a great idea to have a mass wedding ceremony for their children. And so they went to great lengths to set a day and make preparations for it.

When the big day came, everyone was gathered outside the Sea School, an appropriate place to hold this mass royal wedding given how many of the couples met when they were young students at the school. The guests sat on both sides of the aisle leading up to a stage where the dances would be performed. It was a combination of a wedding ceremony, reception and debutante ball all in one and because of that, a significant number of wedding traditions had to be done away with for the sake of brevity.

Earlier that day, the couples were taken to the school in golden carriages accompanied by trumpets. They had their photos taken in front of the school before they had a final rehearsal of their presentation dances, something that they had been practising for weeks. As the guests began to arrive, the parents of the brides and grooms went to visit them one last time as they lined up in separate rooms, ready to be presented.

At the front of the brides' line, Paul asked Polvina, "How does it feel not having to keep Daniel a secret anymore?"

"It feels so, so great! It's like a giant weight's been lifted off my back," Polvina replied.

Vinila told her, "You were always a trailblazer ever since you were young, even in fostering new ties between Salacia and Dryland. I'm sure you and Daniel will have so many new ideas to lead the way for everyone."

"Thank you, Mother."

Ester and her parents stood behind Polvina's family. "I've said it before and I'll say it again, over a decade ago I thought your soon-to-be husband was just some imaginary friend you made up, but now, I still can't believe he's real and that he helps animals all over Salacia!" Esteban commented.

"Yes, Father, we've heard it many, many times," remarked Ester.

"We're just happy you didn't have to jump through so many hoops to find your one true love, even if your father thought he was imaginary," said Silvana. "I'm sure you remember the stories I told you about how hard things were when we were younger."

"Oh, Mother, I'm sure you had it just as easy as we did. Some people are just lucky to be married to their first love."

"That's true… even if they end up jumping through hoops to get back to where they started."

Following them was Tubarina and her parents. "Oh, Tubarina, you look so beautiful! I can't believe this day would actually come, and for real this time!" said an emotional Mariana.

Trebon added, "We're very happy for you, Tubarina. For the first time in a long time, you truly look like a true princess."

Tubarina replied, "Oh, stop it, Father. I've always been a true princess. Isn't that right, Ester, Polvina?"

"Sure!" the two of them said, laughing.

Trebon and Mariana went over to the grooms' line to check on Veto. While they did so, Tubarina asked Ester and Polvina, "Hey, remember when I said that we'll never work out the mystery of boys because they're totally beyond our understanding?

"That was such a long time ago, how can you even remember that?" retorted Ester. "You even said back then that you wouldn't have feelings for boys too!"

"Hey, you said it first after that brief crush you had on Caton! Still, it's so weird how Caton's managed to change and not change at the same time."

"Children have to grow up eventually. Some just grow slower than others."

Polvina chimed in, "You know, I remember saying back then that love seemed very confusing and that maybe it'll make more sense when we grew up. Looking back, I know how true it is now, because love makes so much sense that it's straightforward for me."

"Of course you would say that," replied Ester. "You get to marry your secret admirer!"

"What about you, Ester? You get to marry your imaginary friend who wasn't so imaginary after all. And Tubarina, you turned an enemy into a friend into a soulmate. I think I can say that we know what love is now, even if your understanding of it is different than mine."

Tubarina finished off the conversation by saying, "Well, whatever you think love is, I'm just glad we're getting married together, like best friends." As always, the girls laughed in response.

Over in the grooms' line, Trebon and Mariana were talking with Veto. "I can't believe both of our children are getting married on the same day!" remarked Mariana.

Trebon replied, "Well, that's not a surprise. We're not the only royal family with more than one child getting married today. How're you feeling, Veto?"

Veto answered, "Well, Father, I am feeling a little nervous about this and everything that comes next."

Trebon chuckled, "Don't you worry, Veto. I'm sure you'll be a great king. Just believe in yourself, like we believe in you."

"We're proud of you, Veto. You'll make a great husband and king yet," said Mariana.

"Thanks, Mother."

Marcello was talking with his parents while waiting in line too. Where Marcia/Marcela was is anyone's guess. Molly said, "I'm so glad we got to be a normal family again, even if we missed our daughter for a couple of decades."

Macnus remarked, "It's so nice that you became friends with the other princes and princesses so quickly after we left you with your uncle. Apparently many of them never thought you and Elektra would get together."

Marcello replied, "If anyone wants to judge, then they can judge all they want. That's what I realised sometimes down the line. I didn't need to be cool all the time to be happy."

Liam and Mauricio were further down the line. "Hey, what're you getting at the kebab station later?" asked Liam.

"Chicken snack pack," replied Mauricio.

"Same. Hey, isn't it weird that they're making HSPs down here?"

"Not really. The Shark King insisted on kebabs and HSPs after Parker took him out for some in Yokohama."

"How do they get the chips to not be soggy down here? And how does the water not blow up the oil when deep-frying?"

"Dude, why the hell are you even asking? Don't you know anything about science?"

Near the front of the line, Parker was with his brother while their parents went to take their seats.

Sherman asked, "Well, like Mum and Dad said, when are you guys gonna have a tea ceremony?"

"Does it look like I want to have one? I'm building a second new life for myself, away from my parents and away from the war. The less I see them, the better."

"But you and Tubarina go out for yum cha with us every few months. Besides, they're your parents too. I'll be doing the same thing when I marry Fiona eventually."

"I have a very busy schedule. I'm only a few years into my decade-long international community service order and it was hard enough making time for this." On Sherman's look, Parker relented his stubbornness. "I…I'll think about it. Why are you still here?"

"Oh, I'm just standing here 'till you guys head out."

"Okay, whatever."

And finally, in front of Parker were Daniel and Duante.

"You feelin' nervous, bro?" asked Duante.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't," replied Daniel.

"It's okay if you do. I mean, Polvina, Ester and Tubarina are up the front because they're the Divine Princesses of Salacia, plus you and Polvina's relationship forged the way for surf-and-turf couples. You're a legend upon legends, and that's why everyone's attention will be focused on you. Are you ready?"

"Yeah, I'm ready."

Duante turned around to Parker. "How 'bout you, Parker? Are you ready?"

"No." Duante and Daniel looked at him. "Alright, yes."

"That's the spirit."

It was then that Seretao entered the grooms' room. "Alright everyone, listen up! The ceremony is about to begin. Can all the grooms please get in line and be ready to receive your brides?"

At the same time, Princess Runai came into the brides' room as well. "If all our guests could please follow Camilla and Dr Cooper outside that would be lovely. Now then, girls, it's showtime!"

The brides and grooms walked out of their rooms in line and met with their respective others in the corridor. Then, once the guests were seated outside, the ceremony began.

"Without any further ado, let us introduce our debutant brides and presentee grooms."

The soon-to-be newlywed debutants and presentees followed each other out of the school building to the end of the aisle, where Miss Marla and Fabio Yabusaki took turns officiating their wedding vows.

"Do you, Daniel Giovanny Camielez…/Guardian Duante…/Parker Wenpo Zhou…/Shark Prince Veto…/Liam Inkaster Pitara…/Mauricio Julian Hernandez…/Hammerhead Shark Prince Marcello…/Porpoise Prince Dylan…/Moray Eel Prince Wilmer…/Hake Prince Merlo…/Crab Prince Sirilo…/Narwhal Prince Nico…/Solefish Prince Flourison…/Sea Snail Prince Caramelo…/Urchin Prince Maurico…/Krill King Dustin…"

"…take this woman, Octopus Princess Polvina…/Starfish Princess Ester…/Shark Princess Tubarina…/Stingray Princess Soraia…/Swordfish Princess Marli…/Grouper Princess Socita…/Electric Eel Princess Elektra…/Dolphin Princess Delfi…/Goldfish Princess Goldina…/Hawkfish Princess Matilda…/Angelfish Princess Angelica…/Penguin Princess Isa…/Lyretail Princess Jaune…/Whale Princess Leia…/Jellyfish Princess Vivi…/Lobster Princess Agostinha…"

"…to be your lawfully wedded wife and queen…"

"…to have and to hold from this day forward…"

"…for better or for worse…"

"…for richer or for poorer…"

"…in sickness and in health…"

"…to love and to cherish…"

"…from this day forward…"

"…until death do you part?"

All the respective grooms said, "I do."

"Do you, Octopus Princess Polvina…/Starfish Princess Ester…/Shark Princess Tubarina…/Stingray Princess Soraia…/Swordfish Princess Marli…/Grouper Princess Socita…/Electric Eel Princess Elektra…/Dolphin Princess Delfi…/Goldfish Princess Goldina…/Hawkfish Princess Matilda…/Angelfish Princess Angelica…/Penguin Princess Isa…/Lyretail Princess Jaune…/Whale Princess Leia…/Jellyfish Princess Vivi…/Lobster Princess Agostinha…"

"…take this man, Daniel Giovanny Camielez…/Guardian Duante…/Parker Wenpo Zhou…/Shark Prince Veto…/Liam Inkaster Pitara…/Mauricio Julian Hernandez…/Hammerhead Shark Prince Marcello…/Porpoise Prince Dylan…/Moray Eel Prince Wilmer…/Hake Prince Merlo…/Crab Prince Sirilo…/Narwhal Prince Nico…/Solefish Prince Flourison…/Sea Snail Prince Caramelo…/Urchin Prince Maurico…/Krill King Dustin…"

"…to be your lawfully wedded husband and king…"

"…to have and to hold from this day forward…"

"…for better or for worse…"

"…for richer or for poorer…"

"…in sickness and in health…"

"…to love and to cherish…"

"…from this day forward…"

"…until death do you part?"

All the respective brides said, "I do."

"And now, by the power vested in me by the deities and institutions of Dryland and Salacia…"

"I hereby pronounce you husband and wife."

"You may now exchange kisses…"

"…in declaration of your love."

As each couple exchanged their kisses, they walked over to their seats on the other side of the stage. Once every couple had been wed, the presentation dances began, which also acted as first dances for the newlyweds.

After that was a special performance of 新宝島 (Shin Takarajima) with Sherman/Philip Zhou's band WishTorY, featuring Philip on vocals and guitar, Sunset Shimmer on electric guitar, Lincoln Loud on drums, Tsumugi Kotobuki on keyboard and Ryō Yamada on bass. Inspired by the music video, the band did a little dance that mostly involved moving around on the spot while the boys did a math operations dance challenge inspired by the Filipino dance group IconX. Then, Parker swept away the boys and continued the dance solo while the girls came on stage and did a little cheerleading routine (he lost a bet). In the final act, Parker summoned the boys back and they danced together with the girls while WishTorY played their instruments. Following that, the parents joined their newlywed children on the stage for a big line dance.

Later on, Seretao and Princess Runai introduced a surprise act…

"And now, everyone, we have a very special performance for you tonight!"

"Coming across the dimensions from N-Space X, please welcome Sougo Tokiwa and Hiroki Ichigo, who will be performing Over Quartzer and Journey Through the Decade!"

Following Sougo and Hiroki's performance of the two songs, the dance floor opened for everyone and everyone danced like there was no tomorrow. WishTorY remained on stage DJ-ing the dance floor.

This extravagant and historical event was a big success and everyone wished the newlyweds prosperity and happiness in their new lives. At the end, WishTorY played a reprise of 新宝島 as the couples were escorted to their carriages, which now had "Just Married" signs on the back of them. The carriages then drove off to who knows where; maybe their honeymoon, maybe a palace, or maybe even a hotel.

In the coming months and years, a transition period would begin that would see the current kings and queens abdicating their thrones in favour of their children, who would be crowned as kings and queens. With some kingdoms having more than one child and most of the marriages being inter-kingdom marriages, that is, between princes and princesses of different kingdoms, there were debates over which kingdom their children would represent, but they would be ironed out in diplomatic talks and agreements between families.

For instance, Polvina and Daniel became the new Octopus Queen and King, Ester and Duante became the new Starfish Queen and King, Marli and Liam became the new Swordfish Queen and King, and Socita and Mauricio became the new Grouper Queen and King. These are the straightforward examples usually involving marriages between Salacians and commoners, whether saline or Drylander.

Leia would become the new Whale Queen, but she would also be known unofficially as the Sea Snail Queen, just as Caramelo would become the Sea Snail King and also be known unofficially as the Whale King. Similarly, Isa would become the new official Penguin Queen and unofficial Narwhal Queen while Nico would become the new official Narwhal King and unofficial Penguin King. This was known as a personal union and similar implementations of this arrangement would be the case for most inter-kingdom marriages to ensure that kingdoms with one child would be represented by a king and queen.

Kingdoms with multiple children would usually have their eldest child crowned and their other children being assigned into subkingdoms or remain as princes or princesses. In the case of the Shark Royal Family, Veto would become the new Shark King while Tubarina and Parker would become the Tiger Shark Queen and King, a subkingdom initially represented by the former Shark Queen Mariana before it was merged into the Shark Kingdom upon her marriage to the former Shark King Trebon. Parker and Tubarina would also be known unofficially within Salacia as the Drylander King and Queen to represent their roles as the heads of liaison between the two worlds. As for the Hammerhead Shark Royal Family, Marcello would become the new Hammerhead King while Marcela would remain as a Hammerhead Princess.

Around the same time period, there was another three-year baby boom in Salacia. The princes and princesses, some of them now kings and queens, would have children of their own, establishing a new generation of Salacian royals. Again, people might say that there's something in the water or in the air, or maybe it was by the will of the Goddess Salacia that this happened. Unlike the last three-year baby boom over two decades ago, the new cohort of royals wasn't mostly made up of girls as there was a higher percentage of boys in the mix. Many couples, particularly inter-kingdom couples, decided to have more than one child to ensure that both kingdoms would be represented by a prince or princess; this was easy for quite a number of couples as their first pregnancies bore twins. Having more than two children would create a logistical issue down the line in terms of succession, but that's a problem for two or three more decades after.

The little young friends were princes and princesses. The little young friends swam and swayed at the bottom of the sea. But now, these friends are neither little nor young anymore, but big and mature. The big mature friends are kings and queens now. The big mature friends walk the land and the sea. This is the story of the Sea Princesses, and this story must end just as everything good must end. But while this story comes to an end, the lives of everyone on this beautiful Earth, Salacian or Drylander, royal or commoner, continue on…