chapter 4

Grace frowned after him as he rushed off. "What's gotten into him?" She said. Setting Ash's breakfast dishes in the sink, she scrubbed at them as she mused. "I know he's energetic, but rushing out for training the morning of his wedding day?"

Delia just laughed. "That's Ash." She said. Shaking her head with a smile, she made sure her dress and Graces' were within easy reach. "He always acts like that before big events. It's how he deals with his nerves."

Serena pushed away her half eaten breakfast. "Yeah, that's Ash all right." She said. She stood and brought her dishes to the sink, joining her mother in the washing. "He deals with things his way."

Running along the path towards the professor's lab, Ash's mind was whirling with thoughts of the day. He loved Serena dearly, he knew that, but this was still a big day. His thoughts were all over the place and he couldn't keep still.

Pikachu swayed on Ash's shoulder, trying to keep his balance. Looking at his trainer he tilted his head. "Pika?"

Ash cracked a smile in between his huffing breaths. "I know buddy. Maybe I should've stuck around and talked wedding things. Maybe I should have sat and talked to Serena." He shook his head. "But I'm just too wired. I need to run, I need to do something. I thought maybe a little training would help."

Pikachu managed to roll his eyes even as he worked to keep his balance. Yep, that's Ash all right.

Once at the lab, Ash didn't bother to step in or say hello to anyone. He raced around to the back yard, intending to rush in the back door, grab a poke ball or two and get to training.

But when he reached the backyard, Ash skidded to a stop. "Wow" was all he could say.

The people and pokemon had done an amazing job: The altar set up at the head of the yard under a white arch ringed with flowers. A long white carpet trailing down from the altar. Lines of seats to either side, batches of flowers at regular intervals. And to one side, numerous long tables, empty for now but soon to be covered with the many dishes Brock and the others in the kitchen had worked on.

"Everyone put all this together on such short notice for Serena and me." Ash said. He looked at Pikachu on his shoulder. "You know, we really do have some amazing friends."

"Pika." Pikachu nodded.

"Can we get that on tape?"

Ash jumped nearly two feet in the air at the voice nearby. When he whirled to look, it was Tracey. He had his camera and Smeargle stood beside him.

"Tracey!" Ash said. "You startled me!"

Tracey stifled a laugh. "Sorry Ash." He said. He held up his camera. "Just getting some photos of the set-up before the ceremony starts."

"Oh, can I see?" Ash asked. "My mom wants to put together an album of the wedding photos."

While Tracey showed Ash his scenery pictures, Pikachu sat next to Smeargle. You ready for today? He asked

Smeargle nodded. Tracey and I agreed to share the photos. Makes it easier that way. Smeargle waved his long tail. I would like to do a portrait of the bride and groom too. Something nice to hang on the wall as a reminder of the wedding.

Pikachu hopped up and down on the spot. Oh that's a great idea! I'm sure Ash's mom would love to have something like that for the house.

Smeargle's tail waved back and forth. Yeah. But it may be hard to get the quiet time I need to pose and paint them. Smeargle took his tail in his hands and lazily made some painting motions. If I can just get them to be still for a little while…

As Tracey clicked his camera away from the final shot he looked at Ash. "By the way Ash, what are you doing here so early?" 

Ash fidgeted. "I just couldn't stay still." He looked back towards Pallet Town, then towards the lab. "So much going on, so much running through my mind…" Ash shook himself. "It was too much to just sit at home. I figure things out best when I'm moving. So I came to the lab to do some training."

Tracey nodded, smiling. "Yep, that sounds like the Ash I remember." Tracey hung his camera around his neck. "Come on Ash, let's find a pokemon or two. I'll help you with your training."

"Thanks Tracey." Ash said as the people and pokemon headed for the lab.

At the pokemon center, Clemont was jarred from his nervous thoughts by a knock at his room door. "It's open!" he called.

The door opened and Bonnie stepped in. "Clemont! What are you doing hiding in your room?" She asked. She hopped on the spot. "Come with me to the lab, I want a picture of us in our wedding gear to take back home."

Clemont gulped. "Ok Bonnie. I'm coming."

As they walked to the center, Bonnie kept eagerly racing a few steps ahead then back again. "I can't wait for the ceremony!" She gushed. "Ash in his suit, Serena in her dress. Seeing them hold hands as they declare their love for each other."

"Yeah…" Clemont nodded.

Bonnie stopped and looked at her brother. "Clemont, are you still nervous about being one of the best men?" She asked in exasperation.

Clemont shrugged. "Well, I'm going to be up there in front of so many people. Both Ash and Serena are counting on me to be there with them. It's just hard to… oof!" 

Bonnie gave Clemont a hard shove. "Clemont! Come on!" She put her hands on her hips. "You're a gym leader! I've seen you stand in that arena so calm and prepared, ready to face anything a challenger could throw at you. You should be able to handle something like this."

Clemont stared at his sister. Then he smiled. "You're right Bonnie. I've stood on my own as a gym leader, I should be able to stand beside Ash and Serena on one of the most important days of their lives."

Bonnie nodded. "Yeah, Ash and Serena are counting on both of us. They asked us for our help in this because we're their friends."

"And we should be there for them." Clemont agreed. "Thanks Bonnie."

Bonnie smiled and hugged Clemont. "Of course. I want to help you any way I can." She grabbed Clemont's hand and dragged him off at a run. "Now come on, we've got so much to do still!"

Clemont struggled to keep his balance as Bonnie pulled him along. "All right Bonnie, easy! Don't pull me off my feet!"

At the hotel the girls were enjoying breakfast. Misty, May and Dawn had sent their dresses ahead to the lab to wait for them, so they could take it easy.

"I'm glad we agreed with Serena about our dresses." May said. "You always hear the horror stories about bridesmaids and brides who fight over the dresses."

Misty took a drink from her juice. "I didn't think there'd be any trouble between you two and Serena." She looked between May and Dawn. "Serena's a pokemon performer and you're both coordinators. You're all used to showing off yourselves and you pokemon."

"Yeah that's true." Dawn said. "Bit of a surprise you agreed so easily though. I don't imagine a gym leader wears a dress very often."

Misty frowned. "Excuse me? I attend parties and gatherings too, you know. Some of them are fancy dress."

May smirked. "Still….I just can't see it either."

May and Dawn both laughed while Misty frowned. Misty was opening her mouth to say something when another voice interrupted.

"Care to share the joke, you three?"

Shauna sat down next to them with her breakfast. Miette followed and joined them too.

"It's nothing Shauna." Dawn said. "By the way, did you send your dress ahead to the lab?"

"Yeah, it will be there when I arrive for the ceremony." Shauna said, tucking into her breakfast.

"And I have mine ready to take with me." Miette said. "I wasn't sure what to wear so I went with one of my performance outfits."

"I'm sure it will be fine." May said. "As long as it isn't more eye catching than Serena's there should be no issues."

"I know, I know." Miette said. She mused around a forkful of breakfast. "But you know, it would be nice to hear Ash compliment me on my dress."

"Miette…" Shauna said in a warning tone.

Miette just smiled innocently and chewed her food.

May looked at Shauna, then switched her gaze to Miette. "Ok seriously, are we missing something?" She asked. "Seems like you always make these little remarks about Ash."

Miette waved a hand. "Oh it's nothing." She said sweetly. "Just a friendly competition between Serena and I back during our days in Kalos. I admitted that Serena won, but still, I can comment every now and again."

"Friendly competition?" Dawn asked.

"You don't want to know." Shauna said before Miette could answer. Shauna remembered Serena and Miette at a dance party in Kalos. "And I'm not sure 'friendly' is the right word…."

At the Ketchum house Delia and Grace carefully packed their dresses for carrying. "Maybe we should have sent these ahead to the lab like the girls did." Grace said. "It would have saved us some time."

"Maybe." Delia said. "But we can't worry about that now."

Serena walked in on the two women. "Oh, getting ready to head to the lab?"

Grace nodded. "First to the lab, then back into town to pick up the wedding cake, then back to the lab to help with final preparations."

"That's a lot more running around for you two, isn't it?" Serena asked, concerned.

Delia and Grace smiled at her. "Thank you for your concern Serena." Grace said. "But what are mom's for?"

Serena looked at the dresses. "Well I'm headed for the lab. Not much to do around here. If you want I can take your dresses while you get the cake."

"Could you, Serena?" Delia asked. She sagged with relief. "That would be nice. Save us a trip back into town for the cake."

"Not a problem at all." Serena said. She picked up the neatly packed dresses. "I'll take these to the lab and then I need to find my bridesmaids. Make sure their ready for today."

"Then we'll meet you there." Delia said. "Mimey!" She called into the other room.

Mimey appeared, a pack hung around his shoulders. "Mime, Mr Mime?"

"If you have your things ready, we should go get the cake." Delia said. "Between you, me and Grace we should be able to get it to the lab without any problems."

"Mime mime." Mimey nodded, patting his pack. I'm glad Serena found that store for pokemon. Had a tuxedo that's just my size.

"Ok Serena, we'll meet you at the lab." Delia said.

"Thank you for saving us a trip." Grace added.

"No problem." Serena said. "But would you like me to meet you at the bakery after? Another set of hands to help with the cake?"

"Thanks but we'll be fine." Grace said. She waved a hand towards the door. "See you at the lab."

At the lab, Ash and his Kingler battled Tracey and his Scyther while Pikachu and Smeargle watched.

"All right Scyther, use slash!" Tracey said.

"Scyth!" Scyther said, its blades glinting as it leapt for Kingler.

"Not going to work." Ash said. "Kingler, block it!"

Kingler crossed its claws over its body. There was a sharp sound as Scyther's blades met its claws, then Kingler shoved Scyther away. Scyther landed lightly on its feet as Kingler readied its claws.

"Our turn." Ash said. "Kingler, vice grip!" Kingler scuttled forward, claws opening and closing.

"You'll have to catch us for that to work." Tracey said, smirking. "Scyther dodge!"

As Kingler swung a claw, Scyther calmly twisted away. Kingler turned and reached with the other claw, only to see Scyther dodge again. The two pokemon danced around each other, Kingler trying again and again to connect but grabbing only air as Scyther dodged.

A burst of bubbles blew from Kingler's mouth and it swung both claws forward. Scyther dodged again and Kingler's claws thudded into the ground.

"That's our opening." Tracey said. 'Scyther jump and use x-scissor!"

Kingler looked up from its claws in time to see Scyther jump and bring its glowing blades together. Launched from above, the x-scissor slammed into Kingler's head and knocked it to the ground.

A good move there. Pikachu commented to Smeargle. Kingler couldn't land a hit and it over swung which meant it couldn't block.

Smeargle nodded. Tracey doesn't spend all his time on his art or helping the professor with his research. He tries to make time to train his pokemon as well.

'Kingler are you ok?" Ash asked.

Kingler woozily struggled back onto its legs. It swayed for a moment, then shook itself and clacked its claws. "King, kingler." It said.

Ash exhaled. "Good. And good move there." He added to Tracey.

"Thank you." Tracey said. "Scyther and I have trained to keep it fast and agile. You won't catch it so easily."

"Scyther." Scyther said as it bounced lightly from foot to foot.

"Doesn't mean we'll stop trying." Ash said. "You can't doge everything."

Bubbles foamed angrily around Kingler's mouth as it raised its claws. "King kingler king!" It said, claws snapping together.

"Hey you guys!"

Ash, Tracey and the pokemon looked over at the yell from the laboratory. Clemont and Bonnie stood in the doorway. "I know you're busy right now but we need to start getting things ready." Clemont called. 

"And I'd like a picture of Clemont and me!" Bonnie added.

"Ok Bonnie, hold on." Tracey said. He looked at Ash. "They're right, we should get started on things for the ceremony."

"Sure." Ash said. He looked at the pokemon. "Are you two ok with this? We can finish this battle another time." Kingler and Scyther nodded. "Hang on Clemont, we're coming!" Ash called.

As Ash and Tracey ran for the lab the pokemon followed at a walk. Are you feeling ok Kingler? Pikachu asked. That was a pretty solid blow to your head.

I'm fine. Kingler answered. I've been told I have a really hard shell around my head.

But you still felt my attack. Scyther said. I'll take pride in that.

Maybe you two could learn a few tricks from each other. Smeargle suggested. Work on Kingler's speed and Scyther's defense.

Not a bad idea that. Kingler mused, remembering how easily Scyther had avoided its attacks.

We can worry about that another time. Scyther said. Come on Kingler, let's head for the kitchen.

In the lab's kitchen Brock was finishing up the food for the wedding. Carefully removing a pot of stew from the burner on the stove, he nodded. "And that's everything but the cake. Which should be along any time now with the parents."

Brock turned as Kingler and Scyther appeared at the kitchen door. "Oh good you two are here. I just finished the stew, so we can start taking the food out to the tables in the yard. Do you mind helping?"

Kingler and Scyther shook their heads and stepped into the kitchen. Kingler grabbed the handles of the stew pot and carefully walked out the door while Scyther slid its blades under a large salad bowl and followed.

"And Kingler." Brock called. "If you see Quilava anywhere you can tell him the stew is outside on the table. He offered to help mind the pot."

"King." Kingler answered.

"All right, hold that pose and smile…" Tracey said. He clicked his camera. "And there we go."

Bonnie and Clemont relaxed and approached Tracey. Both were wearing their wedding outfits as Bonnie had asked Tracey for a photo. Tracey turned his camera to show them.

"What do you think?" He asked.

"Very nice Tracey." Clemont said. "Thank you."

Bonnie twirled in her dress. "Oh, I love this!" She gushed. "I'm so looking forward to seeing Ash and Serena up there later!"

"And you look very nice as a flower girl." Tracey said smiling.

"Aww, thank you." Bonnie said. She skipped a few paces away. "Now I'd better go help the pokemon, they should start getting ready too."

"Just be careful Bonnie!" Clemont said. "You don't want to damage your nice dress before the ceremony."

"Don't worry, I'll help too." Tracey said. He looked at Clemont. "Oh, and if you're looking for Ash he was by the front door talking with professor Oak."

Clemont found Ash where Tracey said he would be, talking with professor Oak about the ceremony.

"Thanks for keeping the suits here, I was worried about everyone having to bring one today." Ash was saying.

"Not a problem." Professor Oak answered. "That back closet normally only gets used for the outdoor research wear. I was glad to offer it for something else."

"Well we appreciate it." Ash said. He spotted Clemont. "Oh Clemont, there you are." Ash looked him up and down. "You look sharp in your suit, but don't you have it on a bit too early? The ceremony isn't until this afternoon."

"Bonnie wanted a picture of her and I dressed up for the wedding." Clemont answered. "I was about to get changed and then ask if I could help with the setup."

"That would be appreciated." Professor Oak said.

Ash nodded in agreement. "By the way Clemont, have you seen Serena around?" He asked.

"Not yet…" Clemont started to say, then happened to look out the window. "Hold it, there she is now."

Serena walked in the door and stopped when she saw everyone. "Oh, hello everyone." She held up her package. 'Professor Oak, this is my mom and Delia's wedding dresses. Could you put them somewhere safe?"

The professor took the package from her. "Sure. I'll put them with your dress and the others."

"Where are my mom and yours?" Ash asked.

"In town with Mimey getting the wedding cake." Serena said. She glanced back out the door behind her. "We should start getting things set up, they should be along soon. And the other wedding members should be arriving too."

"Well then what are we standing around for?" Ash said, looking between the others. "We've got work to do."

Soon enough Grace, Delia and Mimey arrived at the lab, Mimey walking slowly and carefully so not to tip or spill the box he held.

"You can take that straight to the backyard Mimey." Delia said. "The tables should already be set up so just set it on one."

'Mime Mr Mime." Mimey answered. I'll be glad to set this down. He thought as he walked through the lab. Carrying its making me nervous.

"Where is everyone? The lab seems unusually quiet." Grace said. She raised her voice. "Hello, anyone around?"

There was the sound of running feet and Bonnie raced up, back in her street clothes. "There you two are! Serena said you'd be along soon."

"So Serena showed up? That means our dresses did too, right?" Delia asked.

Bonnie nodded. "Professor Oak said the suits are in the back closet and the dresses are in one of the upstairs rooms." Bonnie pointed up the stairs. "I wore my dress for a picture earlier and put it back upstairs after, so I can show you where they are later."

"Thank you Bonnie." Grace said. "But where is everybody?"

Bonnie hopped on the spot as she pointed towards the back. "Everyone's outside setting up for the wedding. People and pokemon."

"Then we should join them." Delia said. "We need to make sure everything is set for the ceremony later."

Bonnie raced off waving a hand. "Then come on, this way!"

In the backyard of the lab people and pokemon rushed around setting things up for the ceremony.

Serena spotted Mimey with the box as he entered the yard from the lab. "Oh, guess that means the moms are here." She waved to get Mimey's attention and pointed to the table already covered in several dishes of food. "Right over there Mimey! Near the back of the table please."

"Mime!" Mimey called back.

Serena turned as Leavanny approached with a long string of flowers coiled over its shoulder. "You got them all ready Leavanny?" 

Leavanny nodded and unwound a length of the flowers. "Van, leavanny van." Easy to string these together. I know flowers.

Serena admired the flowers. "Very good work Leavanny." She pointed towards the arch at the head of the yard, where Ash stood talking with professor Oak. "Those are for the arch, please put them up."

Leavanny walked away as Serena spun, catching sight of Brock coming out of the lab with more dishes of food. "More for the food table." She ran towards Brock. "Here, let me help with that."

"I know I've told you this before, but I really appreciate you being the minister for this ceremony." Ash said to professor Oak. "I'm sure you're busy with your research projects."

"Not a problem." Professor Oak answered. "I do take breaks from my research every now and then. Besides, this is for a good cause."

Ash turned as Leavanny approached with the flowers. "Oh are those the flowers for the arch?" Leavanny nodded and Ash looked around. "Hold on, let me grab a ladder or something and I'll help you with them."

Clemont and Bonnie were helping organize the food table. "Lay out plenty of napkins Bonnie." Clemont said. "It's important we don't run out."

Bonnie opened another package and placed them on the table. "Don't worry, the people at the lab did great getting all this. We should have lots and then some."

Clemont opened a package of plastic forks and started laying them out. "I hope so. For a big event like this it would be bad to run out, especially with so many people and pokemon around."

Some people expected it to take forever and run into many problems, but everything went smoothly and the lawn was ready for the ceremony.

Delia surveyed the lawn and wiped a hand across her forehead with a relieved sigh. "We got everything without any problems, we got it all set up without problems and we even managed that for the summer deadline Serena asked for. It's amazing."

Ash fanned himself with his hat next to her. "Well of course." He said. "We have an amazing group of people and pokemon who were willing to help us out. It's because of them we managed this."

"And because we have great moms who went so far to organize everything." Serena said. "Thank you again. For all of this." She added to her mom and Delia.

Grace put an arm around her daughter's shoulders and gave her a reassuring squeeze. "You don't have to keep thanking us. It wasn't like we did so much we ran ourselves ragged."

"And besides, it's an important day for you two." Delia said. "We wanted everything to be ready."

Bonnie came racing out of the lab and skidded to a halt next to the four of them. "Oh there you guys are." She said breathlessly. "We need you inside. May, Dawn and the others showed up to get ready for the ceremony. And the professor says the guests should be starting to arrive any moment too."

Grace whirled around. "Wow, it's that time already?" She asked. She grabbed Serena's arm and raced for the lab. "Come on Serena, you need to get your dress on and so do the bridesmaids."

Delia looked at Ash. "Which means you and your groomsmen need to get ready. Come on!"

"Right behind you!" Ash said.

As the four of them raced for the lab, Bonnie followed. "Wait for me, you need your flower girl too!"

To avoid meeting before the ceremony, Ash and Serena got ready at separate ends of the lab with their bridesmaids and groomsmen. 

Dawn fastened the final catch on her dress and stood before a mirror. Then she frowned. "Piplup, bubble beam please." She said, pointing at her hair.

Piplup obligingly sprayed her hair with bubbles. Dawn smoothed her hair and nodded. "Thank you Piplup."

"Pip pip." Piplup answered. That's why I followed them here. He thought dryly. Had a feeling Dawn would want her hair done.

As Dawn sat down in a chair to brush her now-shiny hair, May looked over from another chair where she sat in her dress. "Is that really necessary?" She asked.

Dawn looked up from her brushing. "When I was on the road travelling I slept in a tent all the time and always woke up with pillow-head." She answered. She moved her head, causing her hair to swing side to side. "I don't have that problem as much anymore but I still ask for Piplup's help every so often. Especially before a contest. It looks nice."

"Pip-lup." Piplup added, flippers on his hips and a satisfied look on his face.

May glanced between Piplup and Dawn, then shook her hair out. "Piplup, could you do mine too?" She asked, pointing at her hair. "I would like to look my best for the wedding."

Piplup sprayed May's hair with bubble beam. May stood and shook her hair slightly, then approached the mirror. "Oh it is nice." She said, stroking her hair.

"Here, I'm done with this." Dawn said, handing her the brush.

Misty and Shauna entered the room while May was brushing her hair. Misty held out a sapphire blue ribbon towards Dawn and May. "Here you go, Serena asked us to tie our hair back like she does. She wants us all to match."

"Thank you Misty." Dawn said. She turned her back towards the other girl. "Do you mind?"

Misty stepped up and pulled Dawn's hair back before neatly tying it with the ribbon. "I see you had Piplup do your hair again." She commented.

"You can tell?" Dawn asked.

Misty laughed and smoothed Dawn's hair. "I'm a trainer and gym leader who specializes in water-type pokemon. I can tell."

May glanced over from tying her hair back in the mirror. "Piplup did my hair too. Would you two like yours done?"

"Pip piplup." Piplup said, waving a flipper.

Misty knelt to pat the penguin pokemon on the head. "Thank you Piplup, but I'm ok." She said, pointing at her neatly washed and tied-back hair.

Shauna nodded. "Me too. I'm used to getting ready for showcases, this was nothing out of the ordinary."

Bonnie appeared at the door, back in her flower girl dress. "There you are." She called over her shoulder. "They're in here, just finishing getting ready!"

Grace walked in. "Good, you're almost ready." She smiled. "And you all look very nice."

"Thank you." Chorused the girls.

Grace nodded. "All right, that's the maid of honor and bridesmaids. As well as the flower girl…" She looked at Bonnie. "Make sure you have your bouquet before the ceremony." Grace ticked off a few points on her fingers. "The girls, the food is ready, the guests should be starting to arrive soon…"

"Wait a minute, where's the bride?" Shauna asked. "Where did Serena go?"

"I'm right here Shauna, but thank you for asking."

Serena walked into the room. "I got stopped by the professor on my way back here. I needed to give him my ring so he had it for the ceremony." Serena stopped, looking around the room. "What, what's the matter with all of you?"

All the girls were staring at Serena but it was Bonnie who spoke. "Wow Serena, you look so pretty."

Serena nervously smoothed her sapphire blue wedding dress. "You think so?" She asked. "I'm not even fully ready yet, all I did was put on my dress and put my hair up. I wanted to put some makeup on, I need to find my veil and I was thinking of re-doing my hair…"

Shauna stepped forward and hugged her. "Don't be so nervous Serena. I've seen you dressed up for showcases, I know you'll look fantastic."

Serena relaxed a little. "Thank you Shauna."

Grace clapped her hands sharply. "Yes thank you, but we need to keep moving. Still so many things to do." She waved a hand at Bonnie. "While I help Serena with her final touches, you go find Tracey. I want a picture of all you girls before the ceremony starts."

"I'll be right back!" Bonnie called as she raced out of the room.

In the other room Brock straightened the collar of his tuxedo before neatly putting on his clip-on tie. "There we go. Ready for the wedding."

Ash smoothed his suit in front of a mirror. "Glad to hear it Brock." He said, his cheerful tone sounding a little forced. He adjusted his tie. "Nice to know everything is going smoothly."

"Keep it together Ash." Tracey said as he slipped his shoes on. "There's no reason to be nervous, we've come this far without any problems. I'm sure we can finish it that way too."

"I hope so." Max said. "It's been a lot of rushing and getting ready, be nice to have it all done without any problems."

Brock laughed easily, bending to straighten Max's tie. "Not a lot of getting ready for you." He said. "You just needed a tux, it's everyone else who's been working so hard on the set-up and the ceremony."

Ash looked over. "Yes and I'm very grateful to everyone for their part in doing that."

Delia walked into the room in time to hear that. "I'm glad to hear that Ash, but we're not done yet." She looked around. "Let's see. The groom, check. Groomsmen, check. Ring bearer, check…"

"Professor Oak said he would get the ring from Serena." Ash chimed in. "Max, you'll need to talk to him before the ceremony to get the ring."

Delia nodded distractedly. "Ring bearer and ring, check, then." She looked around again. "Wait a minute, where did Clemont go?"

"Right here." Clemont said, walking into the room in his tux. "My tie must have slipped off the hanger, I had to go back and get it." He looked at Tracey. "And I bumped into someone who wants to talk to you."

Bonnie poked her head around the door. "Serena's mom wants to see you." She said to Tracey. "She wants a picture of all us girls before the ceremony."

"Not a bad idea." Delia said. "Tracey, come back here when you're done. It would be nice to have a photo of all of you too."

"I'll have to find Smeargle then." Tracey said on his way out the door. "I'll need him to take the picture so I can be in it too."

One floor down, Ash and Serena's and pokemon were getting ready for the ceremony too.

Greninja helped Quilava into a small black jacket. Put your paw through there, and done. Greninja stepped back. You look very sharp Quilava.

Quilava pawed at his jacket. Thank you. But are you sure this thing is fire-proof? I'm supposed to be helping with the food.

Delphox looked over from where she was getting her own outfit on. It's made from the same place and same material as mine. She said. And the salesperson assured Serena and me that this was fireproof.

Quilava pawed at his jacket some more. All right, but I hope you kept the receipt.

Piplup rushed into the room. Sorry I'm late, I went to help Dawn with her hair and wound up helping others too. He looked around. Anyone seen my outfit?

Over here Piplup. Pikachu called, already dressed in a miniature suit. Professor Oak's staff have been a big help, they laid everything out nice and neat for us earlier.

Best make sure we thank them. Piplup said as he slid a flipper arm into his outfit. He looked down at his outfit as he slid the other arm in. You know, we really should be grateful to that pokemon clothing company Serena found. I travelled a lot with Dawn and I don't think I ever saw a place that did custom jobs for oddly shaped pokemon.

In Kalos showcases the performer and the pokemon dress up. Delphox said, tying a ribbon into her head fur. Companies like the one Serena found do great business there.

Kingler scuttled by, a simple bowtie on his body just below his mouth. I agree with Piplup. He posed, proudly showing off his tie. It's just a simple stick-on tie, but still. It makes me feel dignified.

I know the feeling. Glalie said. He floated near the ground as Leavanny put a similar tie on him. It may be only a tie, but it feels nice to get fancied up for a big occasion like this.

Leavanny made sure the tie was on tight. Especially when you two don't normally wear clothes of any kind. He said dryly. Of course this feels like fancy dress to you.

You should try a Kalos showcase sometime. Delphox said. She stood by a mirror, turning this way and that as she checked her outfit. I've worn a bunch of different outfits for performing. This is nothing.

That got a round of laughs from many of the pokemon. Then Piplup pointed towards the door. When I was coming down here the guests were starting to arrive out front. He said. Any pokemon that are already done getting ready should probably see if they can help them.

Vehicles of all kinds were showing up outside the lab as the guests began to arrive. Done with changing, Pikachu and Piplup waited by the front door to give directions.

Norman and Caroline approached the lab, he in a suit and she in a dress. "Reminds me of our own wedding." Caroline said. A misty look appeared in her eyes. "I wonder if our children's weddings will be like this."

Norman laughed and patted her hand. "Don't go saying stuff like that." He said. "There's no need to get teary eyed about things that we don't know when will happen." He stopped with her outside the lab's front door. "Well look at this, a pokemon welcome."

"Pika, chu Pikachu." Pikachu said, pointing his tail into the lab.

"Straight through to the back yard?" Caroline said. "Ok, we'll go."

As Norman and Caroline walked away, Drew and Kenny came up the path to the door. Both were dressed in neatly washed suits and each carried a wrapped parcel. 

"Did you hear them?" Kenny was saying. "Talking about their wedding on the way over here and then wondering about when their children will get married. Think they're trying to hint at something?"

Drew shook his head. "I'm sure they were just remembering fond memories." He said. He looked at his suit and the wedding present he carried. "Although, marrying May… Maybe once we've both decided we're done with contests…"

Kenny frowned. "Get your head out of the clouds." He said. "We've got to drop off these wedding gifts with the others, find our seats and then find the girls and make sure we know what we're doing after the ceremony. This is no time to daydream."

"All right, all right." Drew said. He stopped at the door. "We brought these for Ash and Serena." He said to Pikachu and Piplup, indicating the presents. "Do you know where they go?"

"Pip, piplup pip pip." Piplup said, pointing a flipper towards the back yard.

"Back yard? Ok, thank you." Kenny said.

As Kenny and Drew headed for the backyard, Pikachu and Piplup looked at each other. I'm glad many of Ash and Serena's friends are coming, but are there any we shouldn't be expecting? Piplup asked.

Pikachu's ears twitched as he thought. As far as I know, the only ones that can't make it are Iris and Cilan. He said. Both are tied up in work and training right now and couldn't get away. But they asked for a copy of the wedding video.

Piplup tapped a flipper against the other. Oh that's right. Has anyone seen Smeargle? Tracey was looking for him earlier.

Better go find him and see. Pikachu said. I'll stay here.

Thank you! Piplup called as he ran back into the lab.

Pikachu turned at the sound of another car pulling up. Oh, there's more guests…

Smeargle clicked the camera and then handed it back to Tracey.

Tracey examined the shot. "Very nice Smeargle." He said. "And thank you for taking this, I'm sure you must be busy."

Smeargle waved a paw. "Gle smeargle."

Tracey looked at the other guys. "Ok that was the picture of the guys. Excuse me, I have to go take one of the girls now and then I'd better start getting some scenery shots in." He took one step towards the door, then stopped. "I also need to check the video camera, make sure Smeargle's dressed, find a good spot to set up the camera…" Tracey clapped a hand to his cheek. "Wow, still so much to do."

"Do you want any help?" Max asked.

Tracey nodded. "Yes I would, if you're not needed somewhere else."

Max looked at Delia, who nodded and waved him off. "Go on, be helpful. Just make sure you find me or Professor Oak before the ceremony so you can get the ring."

As Tracey rushed off with Max and Smeargle Delia turned to the rest. "And I could use your help with some other things. Clemont, could you and Brock head for the kitchen and double check everything?"

"Sure." Clemont answered while Brock nodded.

As they left, Delia turned to Gary. "Professor Oak was looking for you earlier. Think you can find him and check what he wanted?"

"Not a problem." Gary said.

"And what about me?" Ash asked as Gary left.

"You're staying with me." Delia said. "It's bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress before the ceremony."

"Do you really believe that?" Ash asked skeptically as they left the room.

"I'm not taking chances." Delia answered with a frown.

"Ok, now squeeze in a little closer…" Tracey said, motioning with his hand as he sighted through his camera.

The girls and Grace nudged a little closer to each other and Tracey nodded. "Good. Now hold still…" Tracey clicked his camera few times, then lowered it and examined the pictures.

"All set Tracey?" Misty asked.

Tracey nodded. "Yep, these are good shots." He hurriedly stuffed his camera in his pocket and waved. "Sorry to rush off but I realized I still have a lot to do. If you need me I'll be out on the lawn, Max and Smeargle offered to help me with some things."

The girls relaxed as Tracey left. Then Misty looked towards the door. "You know, we should probably be helping too." She said. "I'm sure there are lots of last-minute things that need to be straightened out."

"Good idea Misty." Bonnie said. "I'll go help the pokemon get ready." She hopped on the spot. "Ooooh, so many pokemon in little suits and ties! It'll be so cute!"

"Just don't do anything to get your dress dirty!" Grace called after her as Bonnie ran out. 

Misty walked towards the door. "Don't worry, I need to see if my sisters are here yet so I can keep an eye on Bonnie while I'm at it."

"Thank you." Grace said.

Dawn looked at May. "You know, she makes a good point there. If the guests are starting to arrive we'd better find Kenny and Drew. Make sure they're all right."

May nodded. "They're our plus one for the wedding, better check in on them."

As they left Serena shrugged. "Well it might be my day but I'm not going to sit by and let other people do the work. I'll see if I can help anywhere…"

Grace caught Serena's arm. "No you won't." She said. "It's bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress before the ceremony. So you are going to stay with me."

Serena looked at her mother. "But isn't that just an old superstition?" She asked.

Grace tugged Serena back into the center of the room. "Superstition or not, everything has gone so well up to now. Delia and I are not taking any chances. You are staying with me until the ceremony, Ash is staying with Delia."

"All right mom." Serena said, rather glumly.

Shauna laughed. "It's ok Serena." She said, patting her shoulder. "I'll go find Ash and his mom and see what they are up to so you're not stuck in this room until the ceremony."

Serena smiled at her friend. "Thank you Shauna. I appreciate that."

As the guests continued to arrive and the garden started to fill up, Delia and Ash bumped into Professor Oak.

"Hello professor." Ash said. "You look very professional in your suit."

"Thank you Ash." Professor Oak answered. "And you look pretty sharp yourself."

Delia suddenly clapped a hand to her forehead. "Oh no! I've been so focused on everything else I just realized I haven't changed yet!" Delia dashed off, calling over her shoulder to Ash. "Stay with Professor Oak, I'll be right back!"

Ash and the professor tried to smother their laughter. "I keep telling her she's running herself ragged but she insists she's fine." Ash said. He scratched his cheek. "Maybe when this is all over Serena and I could treat our moms to a vacation. Somewhere warm and tropical."

"A very nice idea Ash." Professor Oak said.

Ash nodded, then looked around. "By the way, have you seen Max? He was supposed to come and find you to get the ring."

"Sure did. He's over there." Professor Oak answered.

Ash followed the professor's pointing finger to one side of the garden. Max and Bonnie were side by side, practicing walking down the aisle as Max held the ring and Bonnie the flowers. As Ash watched, Brock, who was supervising, motioned them back to their starting point again and nudged the ring a little higher in Max's hands.

"Practicing before the ceremony." The professor said. "That's cute."

Ash was nodding in agreement when Shauna came over. "There you are Ash. Serena wanted me to find you so she could try to help without you seeing her before the ceremony."

"Great, Grace is going on about that too?" Ash grumbled.

As the professor laughed Shauna shrugged. "I don't get it either but it's serious to them." She looked around. "Hey wait, where is your mom?"

"Ran off to get changed." Ash answered. "Suddenly realized she's been so busy checking other things she forgot to put on her dress."

Serena and Grace were talking about the ceremony when Delia came bursting into the room. "Oh Grace there you are." She said. "Are our dresses still were we left them?"

"Yes, still in that cupboard. Why?" Grace asked.

Delia waved a frantic hand at her. "We've been so busy helping everyone else we forgot to get ready ourselves. Come on, we need to get changed."

"What's the rush, we still have time before the ceremony." Grace said as she joined Delia at the door.

Delia frowned at her. "The guests are arriving now, the professor is already good to go and so are many of the others involved. We are the last ones."

Grace stifled a laugh. "Ok ok, you've made your point." She looked at Serena. "Stay here, I'll go get my dress and come back. Then we can head downstairs and see what we can do to help."

While Ash helped set up the food, Norman and Caroline came over.

"Hello Ash. You look nice in your suit." Caroline said.

Ash set the bowl he was holding down on the table. "Thank you. You both look nice too."

As Caroline nodded her thanks, Norman looked around. "Say, have you seen our kids recently? They disappeared so early to get here and we haven't seen them since."

"Sure." Ash said, pointing. "Max is over there with Bonnie. The two of them are rehearsing their roles of flower girl and ring bearer. And last I saw May she was by the lab's back door with the other bridesmaids."

Norman followed Ash's finger. "Ok, I see Max. Excuse me."

As Norman left Caroline eyed the tables set with food, plates and cutlery. "I actually expected to find May over here." She said. She smiled. "You know her passion for food."

Ash laughed openly at that. "Yes, I remember. But don't worry, I'm sure they'll be plenty here for everyone. Including May." Ash looked towards the far table. "With some help from people and pokemon."

Following Ash gaze Caroline saw Quilava stretched out next to a large pot of stew. As she watched, Quilava calmly breathed a small puff of flame towards the pot. The lid rattled as thin wisps of steam curled from under it.

"Using a fire-type pokemon to keep the stew heated for dinner. That's clever." Caroline said.

Ash nodded. "It was Quilava's idea. He doesn't have hands so he's not much help with other things in the kitchen, but he makes a great heater."

lana and mellow and lilie Kiawe and Sophocles and Kukui and Burnety_and HapuNanuOliviaHala

Finally all the guests had arrived and it was time for the ceremony. Delia and Grace had managed to get changed and get everything sorted without incident, so they finally relaxed as things started.

Professor Oak stood at the altar, watching as Clemont and the groomsmen walked down the aisle to him. As they took their place next to him, Shauna and the bridesmaids followed and stood to the other side. Next came Bonnie and Max, who took their own places.

Then Ash and Delia appeared. Walking down the aisle with his mom, Ash returned the nods and smiles he got from the people watching. Miette smiled and waved from her seat, and Ash nodded back, then spared a quick wave for Pikachu in his seat at the front of everyone.

Reaching the altar, Delia gave Ash a tight hug. "My boy's getting married…" She said, her voice watery. "You're so grown up now."

Ash hugged her back. "I'll always be your son. And you know I'm grateful for everything you've done for me." Ash smirked. "Like putting up with me being gone for so long when I travel to other regions."

Delia stepped back from him, dabbing at her eyes. "Yes, I always worry about you when you go off on your adventures." She put a hand on his shoulder. "But remember, every day, you're my hero."

Ash patted her hand. "I know mom. But you do realize, you have to share me with Serena now."

Delia smothered a giggle as she stepped back to let Ash stand and wait for his bride.

The guests rose as Serena appeared, walking with Grace. Again there were nods and smiles from the guests, which Serena returned. Miette smirked and winked at Serena, who managed to smile back. Delphox, standing to one side with Greninja, waved a paw at Serena, who returned with a quick wave.

At the altar Grace hugged Serena. "You're such a beautiful bride." She said. "I'm happy for you."

"And for once we both agreed on the dress." Serena said.

Grace frowned at her. Serena just smiled in response, leaving Grace to shake her head and step back with the others.

The guests took their seats as Ash and Serena faced each other. Stepping to his place at the altar, Professor Oak began.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and woman in holy matrimony." Professor Oak motioned Max forward. "The ring."

Max stepped forward and held out the cushion to Ash. Ash took the ring and nodded his thanks to Max. Turning to Serena, Ash took her hand and slid the ring on. "I take you, Serena, to be my wife." He said.

Serena smiled, a faint pink tinge to her cheeks. She held her hand in front of her, admiring the ring, then quickly glanced at her mom and wiggled her finger.

Grace nodded. "She was so happy when she got back to Kalos and showed me that in person." She whispered to Delia next to her as Serena faced Ash again.

"And a ring set with a jewel the same as her eyes." Delia whispered back. She frowned a moment, tapping her chin. "That reminds me. I really must ask Ash when and where he got that ring. He didn't even tell me he had it."

Professor Oak continued. "I understand you have prepared your own vows?"

Ash and Serena nodded. "I'll start." Ash said. He faced Serena. "Serena, I've spent so much of my life traveling and meeting new people, but I never imagined I'd choose one to spend the rest of my life with. Now, after meeting you, travelling with you and getting to know you, I can't imagine my life another way." Ash glanced sideways at the professor. "I'm very happy we met that day at professor Oak's summer camp. It's what led to so much more. And to this moment."

Delia sniffled, dabbing her eyes with a tissue. "Very well spoken Ash." She said quietly.

"Ash, when I met you at the summer camp I could tell right away you were a strong, caring person." Serena said. "And when I met you again after all those years, it was like no time had passed at all. You were and you are a good person who always steps forward for his friends." Serena paused to hold up her ring hand. "And that is the kind of person I'm very happy to spend my life with."

"Maybe I didn't meet the boy at summer camp, but Serena went on and on about him when she got back to Kalos." Grace whispered to Delia. "I could tell he was special to her."

"Ash will always be Ash." Delia replied.

Pikachu's ears twitched. There's no denying that. He thought.

"Now then…" Professor Oak said. "Do you, Ash, take Serena to be your wife? For richer or poorer, in sickness and in health?"

"I do." Ash said with his familiar smile.

The professor turned to Serena. "And do you, Serena, take Ash to be your husband? For richer or poorer, in sickness and in health?"

"I do." Serena answered, the faint pink still visible on her cheeks.

Professor Oak addressed the audience. "If there is anyone here who believes that these two should not be married, let them speak now, or forever hold their peace."

Ash and Serena glanced sideways at the guests, but there was no response from anyone.

Professor Oak nodded. "Well then. By the power invested in me, I now declare you… husband and wife." He looked at Ash. "Ash, you may kiss your bride."

And taking Serena in his arms, Ash did.