Chapter 25: Royal Matrimony
It had been a week since Touya and Ash rescued Delia and the girls, killing Balsa, Wardack and Zabune, and sent Dacia and Jessie to the Kingdom of Sandora. Ash wanted to fulfill Sushie's wish to marry her quickly, even though the biggest threat to her was compromised. James was off to the Regulus Empire while Meowth was free with those demi-humans in the Kingdom of Mismede. During the week, Delia, Yumina, Elze, Linze, Yae and Lucia kept Sue company back at the Ortlinde and Belfast Mansions as they prepared for the wedding. Meanwhile, Touya, Ash and Pikachu were getting fitted for tuxedos inside the mansion with Leen and Hildegard watching. "You two are looking nice," Leen judged. "Of course, one of you is getting married while the other is just a stand-in."
"Come on, Leen," Touya sighed. "Soon enough, it'll be you and Hildegard and the others."
"We're not worried," Hildegard scoffed. "I mean, how has Ash been able to smile after killing Zabune while you ended Balsa? Wardack was more or less a casualty."
"He didn't kill Zabune," Leen corrected. "Treasure opened the Gate to Hell and Ash just knocked him through."
"At least they won't bother us again," Ash shrugged. "Okay, the big day is tomorrow."
"And the personal resort I have at the beach should be ready for you and Sue," Touya offered. Ash and Pikachu awed the location of the honeymoon spot.
"A beach-side resort does sound romantic," Hildegard remarked. Touya, Ash and Pikachu removed their tuxedos.
"Okay, we'll have one more walk around the courtyard to make sure we have everything in hand," Touya excused. Leen and Hildegard allowed the other three to walk. They reached the courtyard to talk. "Ellen is making sure Delia returns here to rest. She said that she found a nice dress for her to wear for tomorrow."
("I can't wait to see it!") squeaked Pikachu.
"I think Professor Oak would like it as well, but we'll see it when she gets here," Ash eased. "It's going to be something for me to marry… though, it's with someone that I fell for."
"Right?" agreed Touya. Just then…
"Yoohoo!" called out the God of Love. Touya, Ash and Pikachu saw the God of Love approaching.
"Karen…" realized Ash.
"Oh, you can call me by my real identity since Touya told you," the God of Love rebuffed. Pikachu blinked, confused. "After all, that Baron Davis dunk is nothing compared to DeAndre Jordan's against Detroit." Pikachu gawked and pounded his head.
"I told him not to tell Pikachu," Touya admitted. "Sorry."
"No, it's okay," God of Love forgave. "Show him what I mean." Bringing out his smartphone, Touya found the video.
"Detroit and LA Clippers?" read Ash. Pikachu seemed as curious.
"Here comes Chris Paul," a voice from the video spoke. "The lob…" A rattling jam was heard, and Ash and Pikachu gawked, their heads darting back. "THE JAM! Oh, what a monster jam by DeAndre Jordan!" The crowd from the video was loud as Ash and Pikachu's faces contorted to the video.
("What happened to that other player!?") gasped Pikachu.
"Look at Blake, look at the bench!" another voice pointed out. "Lamar Odom walked all the way to the other end of the floor with almost a sheepish grin on his face!"
"I'd be the same, he did his opponent wrong," Ash sided.
"I wanna see it again!" the second announcer wished. "This could be as good as any we saw from Blake!"
"Absolutely!" the first announcer agreed… somewhat. "That's as good as anybody… anywhere!"
"And Brandon Knight's thinking, 'why did I try and jump for that one?'" the second announcer assumed. "Are you kidding me!?"
("That was awesome!") laughed Pikachu.
"I'm tellin' ya, folks," the first announcer laughed. "You can't get tired of seeing this. Just pick an angle." As the video ended, Ash pointed to it.
"That face says it all!" he assessed. Pikachu giggled to the sight. "By the way, I did bring Professor Oak and my mom over here."
"Oh, you did?" the God of Love awed. "As a matter of fact, Touya had asked me to bring you and Sushie together as the emcee."
"You're going to wed us?" he realized.
"That's right," the God of Love confirmed as she palmed Ash's head. Suddenly, a carriage rolled up. Everyone turned to see the carriage reach the group. Out came Delia wearing a black dress with sunflowers printed onto them. She also wore open-toe heels.
"Mom!?" gawked Ash. Pikachu shrilled to seeing Delia in the dress.
"Queen Yuel was such a big help in finding the perfect dress for the wedding," she praised as she spun, the skirt flying upward for a foot. "She and Duchess Ellen had a few other items of clothing to take home after this." Touya and God of Love giggled to the sight.
"Still, that's perfect for you to wear," Touya acknowledged. Delia had a short snicker before noticing the God of Love.
"I don't think I've met you yet," she pointed out.
"No, but they were talking about you just before you arrived," God of Love lied. "I'm Karen. When I heard about the wedding that's tomorrow, I requested to be the one to honor it."
"Wow, Touya agreed?" guessed Delia.
"I did," Touya confirmed. "I also told Ash that his honeymoon stay is ready for when the ceremony's complete."
"Talk about preparations!" awed Delia. "It seems as though the wedding's all set."
"That means all we need is the attendance, and we're set to roll," the God of Love awed. Everyone smiled as Delia palmed Ash's shoulder.
"Are you nervous about your big day?" she asked. Ash sighed to the question.
"Little," he admitted. "Though, it's not as bad as when you, Sue and everyone else was kidnapped by Balsa."
"Yeah, hearing about what happened to me could rattle you as such like the time Entei kidnapped me to take care of Molly," Delia recalled.
"Whoa, how about you tell us over dinner?" the God of Love requested. "I'm actually quite interested."
"I'm sure Professor Oak would add to it," Ash offered. They entered for the night. The next day, Brunhild began to gather. Folks gathered in their best clothes, including the children who wanted to attend. Touya used Gate to bring Cloud and a pretty young honey blond and moderately tanned woman over. The young woman wore a magenta gown and a tiara.
"You must be Princess Lucienna Dia Palouf," Touya guessed.
"I am, and King Cloud's fiancée," Lucienna added.
"After the news of Wardack's and Zabune's deaths," Cloud informed. "Palouf and Lihnea negotiated for only 20 minutes. By that time, Lucienna and I met, and we fell in love." Professor Oak and Pikachu emerged to see Touya with Cloud and Lucienna.
"I heard of the latter," Touya recalled. "I didn't get the backstory to it."
"The crowd is slowly growing, Touya," Oak informed. "Hopefully, there's enough room for everyone."
"I've had help organizing the layout, so that won't be a problem," Touya eased. The God of Love appeared in a nun outfit.
"I suppose that my work is ahead of me," she joked.
"Don't worry, Karen," Oak assured. "I'm sure everything will work out." The God of Love nodded before she made her way to the front of the gazebo. Touya got on his smartphone to see an icon was on the move.
"Looks like the bridal party's on the move," he figured.
"I know you told me and Delia about your smartphone," Oak remarked. "It's rather bizarre that you're the only one who has a smartphone while others don't."
"Right now, the focus shouldn't be on me," Touya deflected. "Though, I bet Ash is nervous." Inside, Ash wore his white tuxedo with black dress as he constantly took and released deep breaths. Delia and Pikachu noticed.
"It is a big step for you," she comforted with a hand on his back. She wore the dress she modeled. "If you think you're a train wreck for it, just imagine what Sue's going through. No doubt you're both nervous, especially at this age and in front of so many people." Ash sighed, trying to gather himself.
"I thought after what we went through, like saving you from Entei and Balsa," he recalled. "I would want this to be nothing." He looked up to Delia. "I don't know if I should ask this… Were you or Dad nervous when you two were getting married?" Delia admitted with a nod.
"Grandma couldn't tell who was cold sweating harder between us. There I was, wondering if this man is Mr. Perfect for me. No question he was thinking similarly." Ash and Pikachu had a slight giggle. He had a jewel box by his side.
"Guess I'm no different from Dad, huh?" Pikachu hopped onto Ash's shoulder and patted his head as he wore a tuxedo himself. Ash had a sense of humility come over him. "I only wonder if it wasn't you as my first Pokémon that they'd be just as comforting."
"I bet they would, even Muk." The thought made all three laugh. Ash leaned himself back.
"It's funny… All of this started because Misty didn't think I knew what love is. Now, I'm about to marry a girl who I fell for at first sight… and the same way with her."
"When we return, I'm sure Misty will hear from me." Just then, a knock on the door. "Come in!" Opening, Renne and Mimey appeared. Renne was in a flowery sundress and sun hat.
"Master Touya said that the carriages will arrive shortly with the royal families," she reported. Ash nodded, noting how close the marriage was from beginning.
"You look adorable!" cooed Delia as she fixed Renne's sundress. "I do wish that I would take care of you like Touya does."
"You can always ask," Renne advised. "He listens to requests." Ash and Pikachu giggled to the reply. "I did come by to ask for Pikachu."
("And that's my cue!") the Mouse Pokémon squeaked before reaching Renne. As Renne took the Pokémon out, the carriages continued on their way to the wedding site. Linze and Elze, wearing purple gowns, looked to Sue.
"Are you having second thoughts about it?" asked Linze. A pink veil shook.
"I want Ash," Sue spoke. "I'm just wondering if this is okay."
"He'll be floored by that dress," Elze promised. "Trust me." Yumina, wearing a pink gown, rested a hand on Sue's, her wrists dressed each with a frilly garter.
"Sue, you've been more of a sister to me than a cousin," Yumina expressed. "If it was me marrying Touya right now, I'd be a nervous wreck as well."
"Same with us," Linze added. "We'd probably have second guesses to whether or not Touya is the right man." The veil dipped. A carriage arrived where Renne, Charlotte wearing a black dress, and Leim being in a fancy vest arrived. It was King Tristwin and Queen Yuel.
"Let me help you, your highness," Charlotte offered.
"Thank you," Yuel praised. "My husband is still proud of offering Ash a place to rule for the future." Tristwin, wearing his royal garb, nodded as Delia, Ash and Pikachu emerged.
"Ash, how are you doing?" he asked.
"I'm getting my nerves back in order," Ash mentioned. "Still, I'm rather surprised that you and Duke Alfred are going to make a place for Sue and I to rule for the future."
"From all that you've done, even Touya is aiding in looking for a place like Belfast or Lihnea," Tristwin pointed out. As he guided Yuel to the front, Cloud and Lucienna approached the Ketchums. Elesia had joined as well, wearing a white gown and sandals.
"Prince?" voiced Cloud. Ash and Pikachu turned to see their friend from Lihnea.
"How's Lihnea doing?" asked Ash.
"It's still on good terms," Cloud added. "By the way, this is my fiancée." Lucienna bowed to Ash and Pikachu.
"I heard the story of how you were able to save my Cloud's kingdom," she recalled. "I'm grateful for you, young prince." Ash and Pikachu smiled to the praise. "And I can finally hold you!" She picked Pikachu up and nuzzled him. "Oh, you look so cute in that!" She kissed Pikachu's cheek, causing him to squeal in delight. Ash and Delia giggled to the sight. Those in attendance saw the Belfast couple. They stood and welcomed the royal family. They sat at the front by Cloud and Lucienna. The God of Love stood in the front of the crowd and the gazebo that was heavily decorated.
"Thank you all for coming," she addressed. "I was asked by the Grand Duke of the Duchy of this country, Brunhild, to help with this. I have met both the bride and the groom… and these two can't be closer than this. In moments, we will have the arrival of the two who are in the center of attention." Ash soon stepped outside where Touya and a few other young men stood.
"This is my lineup?" he believed.
"Yep, I'm your Best Man," Touya acknowledged, wearing a black tuxedo as did the other three. "The bride's carriage has just arrived in Brunhild, meaning they're going to be here shortly." Delia, Renne, Charlotte and Pikachu joined up. Touya looked to the God of Love and formed an "O" with his hands. The God of Love nodded.
"Everyone, please be seated," she informed. "The ceremony is about to begin." Everyone obeyed and sat down as Touya and the groomsmen started their walk down the aisle. Behind them was Delia, Ash and Pikachu. It took a minute before they had reached the gazebo and the God of Love. She placed a hand on Ash's shoulder, opposite of Pikachu's perch. "It's been a short journey down the love canal. Are you ready?" Ash nodded, his confidence somewhat rejuvenated. Delia palmed Ash's head, forcing him to turn to his smiling mother.
"I just want you to know how proud I am for understanding love as it is," she praised. Ash smiled as they hugged. Pikachu leaped onto Delia's shoulder as the carriages arrived. Charlotte handed Renne a basket of flower petals. Renne knew her task. She came to the aisle and scattered the petals to the gazebo. Her basket empty, she reached the front where Ash and the God of Love praised her for the work. Seeing Ellen emerge at the back, Ash and the God of Love realized that Sue had arrived. Ellen was joined by Lucia as they started to make their way down the aisle. Behind them were Linze and Elze. Music began to play as they awaited the surprise for Ash. In the back of the pack was Alfred. Ellen sat by Delia. Lucia came to Ash after arriving at the end of the aisle.
"Good luck," she wished. She proceeded to the other side as Linze, Elze and Yumina joined. Finally, there was Sue, and Ash gasped at the sight. Wearing a shoulder-less pink gown, Sue's face was covered by her veil. Her gown reached her knees as she wore X-crossed white flats with the straps crisscrossing up to the skirt. Sweat formed on Ash's forehead.
'Now I know what a super effective strike feels,' he gulped. Sue also held a bouquet of flowers as Alfred knelt to her.
"This is what you wanted," he reminded. "I hope you're okay with your choice." Sue took a deep breath before nodding. Alfred stood up and joined his wife and Delia. The music ended.
"Thank you for coming to this beautiful moment," the God of Love greeted. "We are gathered here to witness the union of Ash Ketchum, the Prince of Brunhild, and Sushie Ernea Ortlinde, heir of the Ortlinde Duchy. Before we see these two become one, let's start back to how they met up. Once upon a time, Ash and his little partner, Pikachu, were with his friends who… sadly couldn't join us today. A storm ripped through their land and a stray lightning bolt sent the two to here from the Pokémon World. They met Ash's Best Man, Mochizuki Touya, and Kohaku before they came to his mansion. They met the girls, some of them being Sushie's bridesmaids with Yumina Ernea Belfast, the cousin, as the Maid of Honor. Just as they settled, a visiting Sushie Ernea Ortlinde entered… and there was love at first sight." Some of the audience giggled to the information.
"I only wish for that as well," Renne whispered to herself.
"Ash and Sue did all sorts of activities together," the God of Love continued. "The real moment their love was tested was the scandal in the Kingdom of Lihnea when the false prince, Zabune, proposed to Sushie. It was too late as Ash had asked Sushie's parents, Duke Alfred Ernes Ortlinde and Duchess Ellen Ernea Ortlinde, for her hand. It didn't matter as Zabune had malicious plans for Sushie. Ash exposed the 'prince' and his ideas, leading to his exile, along with his parents, Former Prime Minister Wardack and his wife, Dacia. It wasn't over as Zabune, with the help of former aristocrat Balsa, kidnapped the women of the mansion, along with Ash's mother, Delia Ketchum. However, Ash's love for Sushie prevailed as her captors were compromised of their lives… which leads us to today."
"It is quite the tale," Delia whispered.
"I know," Ellen giggled. "We were definitely a good part of it." The backstory complete, the God of Love turned to the two in front of her.
"Ash, Sushie, are there any vows you want to tell?" she questioned.
"I'll go first," Ash requested. Sue and the God of Love allowed Ash to start. "You know, this whole thing started because a certain someone said that I was too stupid to know what love is… Then, I met you, and everything about love started to come together. I never thought that from someone who said I wouldn't understand love, coupled with someone else who's drastically looking for love in all the wrong places, that I'd be the one who learn what to do when love comes to me. When I first came here, the last thing I wanted to do is take any one of you away from Touya. That was before we got closer and closer together. I learned about dating, I learned about responsibility and dedication… Even when I was performing the trials to acquire my beasts, my heart was always to return to you. I believe the worst day was when that coward Zabune attacked and took you, Mom and the others away. I wouldn't let Zabune do what he had done to other women… Today, not only will I do so as a Pokémon Trainer or a magic user… but I will do so as your husband."
Sue seemed taken aback, learning about the lengths Ash'd go through to keep her around. It took a minute to recover.
"Misty did say that he rather speak from the heart than any device provided to him," Delia teased.
"I bet you were the same when you and his father got married," Yuel suspected.
"Where else do you think he has all of his bravado from?" replied Delia. "Brock?" The Duchess snorted a giggle.
"Miss Sushie?" the God of Love spoke. Sue nodded, ready to speak.
"Don't get me wrong," she started. "I loved Touya ever since he healed my mother's blindness. Since then, I felt like I was a part of Touya and his life… and then you came. At that moment, everything I knew about love turned on its head. I was happy that Yumina chose Touya to marry before the others like Linze, Elze, Lu, Yae, Leen… So, when I saw you, I wondered if maybe I was wrong about what love was. I didn't want to assume anything… but as we got along, and how well your Pokémon got along with me, it made me think with my heart that you're more special than Touya. The more we hung out together, I was almost certain. Then, our kiss. When we kissed, I realized that you're the one I wanted the most. I wanted to be with you when you achieved your goals. You may have been out of my league as Touya would put it, but you never let it get to you. Instead, you helped in believing around me… so when you asked my parents for my hand, I was more than certain that you were the one for me. Only when that fake prince wanted me, and you took care of him, were you the one. I want to be as strong with you, by you and for you. Together, we can make anything possible."
The God of Love seemed humbled to the vows. "Humbling words…" she accepted. "We have heard from the bride and the groom on the matter. Everyone who has come out to view the wedding, what say you? Anyone who sees a problem with this wedding, as to why Prince Ash Ketchum and Young Duchess Sushie Ernea Ortlinde should not be together, speak now. Otherwise, forever hold your peace." Not a sound was made.
'Knowing Misty, she'd probably go into a fit at the sight of these two,' Delia thought. Hearing nothing, the God of Love made her next step.
"Very well," she replied to the silence as a young boy came to the gazebo with rings tied to a pillow. "Ash, would you please reveal Young Duchess Sushie?" Ash complied and lifted the veil over Sue's head. Ash gasped to her facial appearance.
'Wow, I'm surrendering…' he thought. Sue had a slight giggle.
'I can tell that he's impressed,' she believed.
"Ash, remove the ring from the pillow," the God of Love ordered. Ash untied the ring closest to him. 'These rings will grow as they grow. If their love remains this strong, they'll be unbreakable.' Once undone, Ash presented the ring to Sue. "By placing the ring on Sushie's finger, Ash… Are you committing to taking Young Duchess Sushie Ernea Ortlinde to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?" Ash finally slipped the ring on Sue's finger.
"I wouldn't want it any other way," Ash replied. The God of Love nodded before turning to a blushing Sue.
"Young Duchess, it's your turn," she reminded. Sue undid the knot on the ring before presenting it to Ash. "By placing the ring on Ash's finger, Sushie… Are you committing to taking Prince Ash Ketchum to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?" Sue slipped the ring on Ash's finger.
"With all my heart," she answered. With the rings on, Ash and Sue gazed at each other, their hands interlocked to the other.
"As the day will show, these two of royalty have offered their devotion to each other," the God of Love continued. "With these witnesses among here, I am here to announce the heavens; gods and angels, have watched at two families, whom were worlds apart, are now joined by these two who found each other. It is with my call that Ash Ketchum and Sushie Ernea Ortlinde… I now pronounce you as husband and wife. Blessed by the Divine Beasts, the kingdoms and the people, this brings a great unity that will bring massive goals for you two to accomplish with each other. With that, congratulations. Ash, you may kiss the bride." Their dreams come true, Ash and Sue shared a longing kiss to which the crowd cheered. Delia, Ellen and the Pokémon cried.
"I have a daughter!" teared Delia.
"And I have a son," Ellen sniffled as the mothers hugged. Ash and Sue held their kiss for a minute. They celebrated with Sue doing the bouquet toss that ended up in Renne's hands, and Ash's garter toss landed in Cloud's hands. After a meal together with everyone, including a stacked cake for everyone to enjoy, Ash and Sue boarded a carriage which had "JUST MARRIED" on the back. Alfred, Ellen, Delia and Yukina hugged Ash and Sue for their successful wedding.
"We may be stopping by while you enjoy your honeymoon," Alfred mentioned.
"We'll behave," Ash promised.
"And Sue…" started Delia before she whispered something to Sue. Here eyes lit up and her face flashed red. Ash dreaded the advice.
"I'll remember!" she yelped. Pikachu jumped in to see the occasion.
"Wanna stay with Mom or do you want to join me and my new wife?" asked Ash to Pikachu. Pikachu waived at Ash, his choice made. "Okay! I bet you want to help with her and Professor Oak on a few things while here, right?" Pikachu nodded.
"I'll make sure Pikachu is okay," Delia laughed. On that, Ash and Sue entered the carriage before the horses carried the vehicle with them to their honeymoon.
'Ash, you and Sue were destined for greatness,' the God of Love wished. Suddenly, Muk appeared out of nowhere and tackled her. She yelped as she was pinned. "Okay, what the heck just swarmed me!?" Oak sighed to Muk's behavior.
"Ash's Muk likes to show affection to who he likes," he relayed. The God of Love squirmed to get breathing room.
"You want to be loved despite what you are?" she questioned. Muk just garbled as he tried to get back on the God of Love. Ash and Sue were now on their way to a new start as a couple.
TO BE CONTINUED...