chapter 3

We'll manage." Delia said. "After all, the pokemon agreed to help too."

"Pikachu!" Pikachu said from Ash's shoulder. We said we'd help and we will. He said to Mimey. Right?

Just no more flowers. Mimey said. He rubbed his head. Oh…. I've had too many headaches with flowers recently.

Arriving at the lab Delia, Ash and the pokemon found the back lawn transformed. A handful of chairs had been neatly arranged facing the arches that marked where the ceremony would be held, ropes loosely tied out to mark where the rest would be. The arches were decorated with bouquets of flowers at regular points and strung with ribbons. And a mauve carpet ran down the center as the aisle that everyone would walk to the arches.

As Ash and the others approached, Leavanny looked up from tying some flowers into bunches. Oh Pikachu, glad you're here! He called. I could use a pokemon with smaller hands to help get the last of these ready.

Sure, I can help. Pikachu said. He hopped off Ash's shoulder and ran over to help Leavanny.

Mimey sat the picnic things down on the tables that had been laid out for food and headed indoors. I've had enough to do with wedding décor for a while. He mumbled to himself. Better to see if I can be of any help inside.

Ash looked around the lawn at the decorations already set up and those still under way. "Wow. And all on such short notice." He said. "Thanks a lot for all this mom."

Delia smiled. "It's my son's wedding." She said. "It's a mother's responsibility to make sure things go smoothly." Spotting professor Oak, Delia hastily excused herself. "We can talk more about things later Ash. Right now I need to speak with the professor."

Watching his mom race off across the lawn to catch up with professor Oak, Ash scratched his head. "I've heard that weddings are stressful times, but I'm starting to think they're harder on the families of the bride and groom than on the bride and groom themselves."

"But we manage."

Ash turned at the voice to find Brock walking up to him. "Brock! Good to see you." Ash said.

Brock nodded. "Good to see you too Ash." He said. He held out a hand. "And congratulations. Serena is a great girl. I'm sure the two of you will be happy together."

Ash shook Brock's hand. "Thank you." He said. He glanced around at the people and pokemon doing different things to help set up. "Looks like things here are going smoothly." Ash said. "Do you need any help in the kitchen?"

Brock led Ash into the lab. "Actually yes, an extra set of hands would be appreciated." He said. "Pokemon do what they can to help, but some of them just aren't made for kitchen work."

The plane from Kalos landed un-interrupted at the Kanto airport and Serena was one of the first to get off. Rushing through the gate, she looked back to see her mom following more slowly with the luggage.

"Come on mom, hurry!" Serena said. "We have to get into Pallet Town and to the lab for the rehearsal!"

"Calm down Serena." Grace said. "There's plenty of time."

Serena stilled for a moment. "I know." She said. "Maybe I'm just nervous. Maybe I…"

"Serena!"

Serena and Grace looked up to see Shauna running towards them, followed by Bonnie and Clemont. Shauna skidded to a stop in front of Serena. "Glad to see you." She said.

"Shauna, you made it!" Serena said, quickly hugging her friend. "I was hoping my maid of honor would be able to make the rehearsal."

"We caught an earlier flight." Bonnie piped up. "We've been waiting for you to show up."

"And for the rehearsal you need all the members of the wedding party." Shauna said. "Right, best man Clemont?" She added teasingly.

Clemont swallowed and fingered his collar. "Will everyone quit reminding me of that?" He said. "I'm already nervous enough about it."

"What's to be nervous about?" Bonnie asked. "The way I see it all you have to do is stand there."

"He can stand there and learn about anything else he has to do when we get to Pallet Town." Grace said. Checking to make sure she had all the luggage, she motioned the others along. "Now let's go find a taxi so we can get there."

Walking into the lab's kitchen, Ash looked around at the mix of ingredients on the counter. "Wow Brock, did you offer to make lunch for everyone today?" He asked.

"Actually yes." Brock said. "With so many people and pokemon at work today I thought I could make it a big meal." Brock lifted the lid off a large pot and gave the contents a stir. "Hmm, stews thickening nicely."

"Well I'm sure everyone will be glad." Ash said. "So, what do you need me to...?"

Ash's voice trailed off as he noticed a familiar figure curled on the counter. "Quilava?"

The fire-type pokemon raised his head. "Qui, quilava!" He said, happy to see his trainer.

Ash walked over to the counter. "What are you doing in here?" He asked, stroking Quilava's head.

Brock looked up from chopping some vegetables. "He's been helping me here in the kitchen." He said. "Quilava's limbs and paws aren't that good for helping with setting up the wedding décor, so he's helping with the cooking."

"Quil." Quilava said. Turning, he exhaled a small puff of flame under the stew pot, causing the contents to bubble and simmer. With a satisfied nod, Quilava stretched and settled back down on the counter. I should have gone into cooking years ago. He said. Easy work.

"Well, what do you need my help with?" Ash asked Brock.

Brock nodded towards the stewpot. "Give that another stir and then help me with these vegetables. I need them for the salad I'm making."

Pikachu twisted the last bundle of flowers together and passed them up to Leavanny. Last one. He said.

Leavanny nimbly wove the bundle of flowers in with some others to make a bouquet. There we go, one to go at the end of each line of chairs. He said. Thanks for your help Pikachu.

No problem. Pikachu said. If you don't need me anymore, think I'll go see how everyone else is doing.

Go ahead. I need to get these in place. Leavanny said.

Leaving Leavanny to place the bouquets, Pikachu wandered off. Dodging in between the feet of people and other pokemon, he watched different aspects of the wedding taking shape.

Lots of work goes into a wedding. Pikachu noted. But it will all be worth it to see Ash and Serena so happy on the big day.

Watch yourself, Pikachu!

Pikachu hopped backwards out of the way as Kingler came by, balancing a table in his claws. Sorry Kingler, didn't see you. Pikachu said.

That's ok. Kingler said. He swayed slightly to the left before adjusting one of his claws to get a firmer grip. It's just not easy to balance this thing.

Table for the food? Pikachu asked.

Table for lunch today. Kingler answered. The wedding will have more than one table.

Pikachu watched Kingler carry on with the table, then resumed his wandering. Ears pricked, he listened to the multiple conversations going on around.

Pikachu wiggled his ears. Hmmm. Delia and the professor are still going back and forth on details for the wedding. Pikachu shook his head and smiled. I know Serena asked for a summer wedding, but Delia still could have taken Ash's offer to move it back a little. There's no reason for her to….

Pikachu stopped. Ears pricked, he heard a sound that was out of place with the wedding preparations. That's the sound of a car coming up to the lab. Pikachu said. And the only car that should be on its way here is one with….

Pikachu turned and raced off, weaving between people and pokemon as he headed for the gate to the front of the lab.

"So this is Professor Oak's lab." Clemont said, staring out the window of the taxi as it pulled up out front of the lab.

"Wow, so big!" Bonnie squealed. "I bet there's lots of pokemon there!"

Serena glanced out the window from her seat in the front. "You'll find out soon." She said. Checking in the mirror to see a second taxi following them, she added "I wonder what Mom and Shauna think of the place?"

The driver brought the taxi to a stop. "Here we are. Professor Oak's lab, on the outskirts of Pallet Town." He said. "And the other two members of your group will be in the taxi behind us with your luggage."

Serena fished out some money to pay the tab. "Thank you." She said as she got out of the taxi.

Outside, Serena stood and stretched, then headed to the second cab. "Can I take my luggage?" She asked her mom.

Grace nodded. "Here's your travel bag." She said, handing it to Serena. "And could you take one of the suitcases from the trunk?"

Serena walked around the back of the taxi and opened the trunk. Taking one suitcase for herself, she passed out the rest as the others joined her.

"And that's it." Grace said as Bonnie accepted her overnight bag. She paid the second driver, then turned to the others as the taxis drove off. "Come on, let's get up there and help out."

The group walked up towards the lab, Serena focused only on the lab but the rest glancing around. "Wow, a lovely place." Shauna commented. "I can see why you like to visit Ash in Kanto, Serena."

Serena smiled. "Yes, it's a lovely region. I may be born and raised in Kalos, but I can admire Kanto too."

There was a rustling from Bonnie's bag and it opened as Dedenne stuck his head out. "Denne denne!" He said, looking around.

"Oh Dedenne, you're awake." Bonnie said. "What do you think of the Kanto region so far?"

"Denne de-ne!" Dedenne squeaked. Suddenly his ears pricked, and he hopped out of Bonnie's bag and raced towards the lab. "Denne!" He called.

"Hey! Dedenne!" Bonnie called.

"What's gotten into him?" Shauna asked.

"Pikachu!"

They all stopped and looked up at the other voice from the lab. Pikachu raced around the corner and towards Dedenne. The two of them skidded to a stop in front of each other and danced around happily.

"Well there's your answer." Grace said with a smile.

Pikachu paused in his dancing long enough to notice the others. Running towards them he raced excitedly around everyone. "Pika! Pikachu!" He said.

Bonnie bent down to pet him. "Nice to see you too, Pikachu!" She said, stroking his tail.

"Chaaa!" Pikachu sighed.

"Come on everyone, there will be time to talk later." Grace said. "Right now we need to let the Professor know we're here and find out who's sleeping where."

While Dedenne hopped back into Bonnie's bag, Pikachu ran over to Serena. "Pi-kaaa!" He said, pushing on her leg. When she didn't move, Pikachu ran around in front of her and hopped on the spot. "Pika!" he said urgently.

Serena looked at her mom. "Can I catch up with you?" She asked. "I think Pikachu wants me to follow him."

"Sure. Just make sure to find Delia and check on your sleeping arrangements." Grace said.

As Grace and the others headed around to the back of the lab, Serena turned to Pikachu. "All right, lead the way." She said.

Pikachu turned and raced off through the front door of the lab, Serena following with her overnight bag and suitcase.

Ash picked up the finished cracker platter and sat it on a separate table. "Ok, that's two large cracker platters, the salad and the toppings." He said. "How's the stew?"

Brock to a ladle and had a taste. "Coming along very nicely." He said. "With some help from your Quilava."

"Qui." Quilava said smugly.

The three of them looked up as Pikachu ran into the kitchen. "Pika, Pikachu!" He called back towards the door.

"Ok, I'm coming. Be there in just a…."

Serena stepped into the kitchen and her eyes were immediately drawn to Ash. "Ash!" She said, letting go of her suitcase.

"Serena! You're here!" Ash said.

Serena ran into the room and into Ash's arms, her arms going round his neck. "Always good to see you." Ash said.

"Oh Ash…" Serena sighed into his shoulder.

Ash eased Serena off his shoulder. "So, was your trip ok?" He asked.

Serena nodded. "Mom and I made it here fine." She said. "And when we got to Kanto, Shauna, Bonnie and Clemont met us at the airport."

"Oh they're here too?" Ash said. "That's good, I need to speak to Clemont."

Ash turned to Brock. "Can you handle things on your own now?" He asked.

Brock nodded and waved a hand. "Sure, go on and find the others. I can manage."

As Ash and Serena were turning to go, a cough from the counter caused them to turn back around. Quilava was standing on the counter watching them, an impatient look on his face.

"Oh, sorry." Ash said. He walked over to the counter and picked Quilava up in his arms. Walking out of the kitchen with Serena, Pikachu running alongside, Ash made the introduction.  "Serena, this is Quilava, one of my pokemon. He's been using his fire-type moves to help Brock in the kitchen."

"Such a helpful pokemon." Serena said, stroking Quilava gently. "And cute too."

"Quilava." Quilava said with a smirk.

Outside, the majority of the wedding things had been set up and everyone was starting to gather for lunch.

Ash, Serena and the two pokemon walked out of the lab to almost walk into Delia, Grace and the professor walking in. "Well that's everything set up." Delia was saying. "I'm glad things went so…" Delia stopped and took a step back to avoid stepping on Pikachu. "Oh, sorry."

"Pika." Pikachu said.

Grace noticed Ash and Serena. "It certainly doesn't take you two long to find each other, does it?" She asked.

"Mom!" Serena said.

Ash did his best to bite back a chuckle. "It's ok Serena. She is right." Ash let Quilava hop to the ground. "So did everything get finished?" He asked.

"Everything except for the finer trimmings." Delia said. "And those can be done on the day of the ceremony. We're not going to put them out just for rehearsal."

"Then that means it's time for lunch?" Ash asked, an eager look on his face.

The professor laughed. "Yes Ash, we were just on our way in to get everything. If you two could let the others know, we'll be right out."

"Yes, food!" Ash said. With his pokemon following Ash ran off onto the lawn.

Delia shook her head as she watched him go. "That's my son." She said. "Closer you get to mealtime the more he listens to his stomach."

Serena shrugged. "Just one of the things that makes him Ash." She said with a smile. "The man that I love."

The food was brought out and everyone settled down to eat. The people at the long table that had been set out, the pokemon clustered together with their dishes of food.

"Mmmm! Yummy!" Bonnie said. "This stew is good!"

"Yes it is." Clemont said. He looked down the table towards Brock. "If we get a moment I'd love to talk recipes with you."

"Gladly." Brock said.

Elsewhere at the table Serena was talking with Shauna about dresses. "I have my wedding dress ready, but I didn't want to go looking for bridesmaids' dresses without my bridesmaids." She said. "I want something that you're comfortable in too."

Shauna chewed a cracker thoughtfully. "Well I've seen you on stage so I know your tastes." She said. "I think I'll agree with whatever you choose, but I can't speak for the others."

"We're all going shopping in the next few days." Serena said. "I'm sure everyone will have something to say."

Ash looked up from his bowl of stew. "Same thing for us Clemont." He said. "I want to go out with my best men so you can pick out your suits."

Clemont flushed red and ducked his head over his bowl. "I'm sure we'll find something." He mumbled.

Further up the table professor Oak laughed easily. "Oh don't look so nervous Clemont!" He said heartily. "All you have to do is stand there. Ash is the focus here."

"That's what I've been saying for weeks." Bonnie said dryly.

There was laughter all around the table. Ash was just opening his mouth to say something when a distant sound could be heard. "Hey. Does anyone else hear that?" He asked.

Silence fell around the table as everyone listened. "Yeah, I hear something." Delia said.

"It sounds like a ringing noise." Clemont said.

"But what could be ringing…" Shauna asked.

Professor Oak suddenly stood up. "The telephone!" He exclaimed.

Professor Oak took two steps towards the lab before Greninja leapt into action. Leaping over the heads of several pokemon he sprinted into the lab. The ringing ended suddenly and then Greninja walked back onto the lawn, the phone in his hand. "Gre, greninja." He said, holding the phone to Ash.

"For me?" Ash asked in surprise.

Greninja nodded and Ash took the phone. "Hello?"

"Hey Ash! Figured I'd find you at the lab." Came a familiar voice.

Ash put down his spoon. "Max!" He exclaimed. "What makes you call?"

"Letting you know to expect us in a few days." Max answered.

Ash looked up the table towards his mom and Grace. "A few days?" He asked, a little concerned. "We were kind of hoping to get everyone involved with the ceremony settled here in Kanto today so we could make all the final arrangements. Is there a problem?"

"Not with us, no." Came Max's disgruntled voice. "We got your e-mail when our family was planning a vacation. Thought we'd spend some time in Kanto after the wedding. But there's been a shift in the flights here at the Hoenn airport and we can't fly out to Kanto for a while yet."

Ash covered the phone. "Max says they're stuck in Hoenn for a while." He said to the others. "They won't be here for a few days."

"That's ok." Grace said.

Delia nodded. "Yes, the rehearsal will keep until everyone shows."

Ash turned back to the phone. "It's ok Max." He said. "Everything is ready here. We can wait for you guys to show."

"Glad to hear it Ash." Max answered.

Catching Serena's eye, Ash smirked. "By the way, how did May take the news about Serena and I getting married?" He asked.

"You can ask her yourself in a minute." Max said. "She walked off somewhere. Knowing her she's probably gone to find something to eat."

Ash bit his lip to stop from laughing as he remembered May's passion for food. He was about to say something else when he heard Max's voice again.

"Oh there she is." Max fell silent for a moment. "Wait a minute. Who's that with her?"

"With her?" Ash said. The phone was silent for a moment, but Ash could hear several voices talking. Then a new voice came over the phone.

"Hi Ash! Guess who?"

Ash sat up straight in his chair. "Dawn!?" Several faces at the table turned towards him at the sound of the name. "What in the world are you doing in Hoenn!?" Ash said.

"A connect flight from Sinnoh." Dawn said. "But with the flights jammed it looks like we may be here a while."

"We?" Ash asked.

"My mom's here. She wanted to come for the ceremony." Dawn said. "And Kenny."

"Kenny too?" Ash said.

"He's my plus one for the wedding." Dawn said. "Right now he's talking with May's plus one. I think someone said his name was Drew."

"Wow, everyone's coming." Ash said.

"You sent the invites, we're just following them." Dawn said. "Hey, could you put your mom on? My mom wants to talk to her for a moment."

"Oh sure." Ash said. He passed the phone to Greninja, who hopped further up the table to hand the phone to Delia. "Dawn, her mom and her plus one are in Hoenn on a connect flight from Sinnoh." He said. "Johanna wants to talk to you."

As Delia put the phone to her ear Ash looked at Serena. "Well, looks like everyone we need for the rehearsal will be here in the next few days."

"And when they get here we have to go shopping for the outfits." Serena said.

When lunch was over the group dispersed a bit. Ash and Serena joined their moms and the professor to go over some final details of the wedding, Bonnie went off to take care of Ash's pokemon ("I never knew you had so many!") and Clemont followed Brock into the kitchen to talk food.

"I really do appreciate you working so hard to get things set up for a summer wedding." Serena said. "I know I asked for a lot having the ceremony so soon."

Delia idly fingered one of the flower bundles. "I admit, it was a bit hard to get everything." She said. She smiled. "But for your big day it was worth it."

"You do remember I offered to talk to Serena about moving back the wedding day." Ash said.

"No problems." Grace said. "We managed."

Professor Oak walked over to stand in front of all the chairs. "Well, I'm grateful you asked me to be the minister for the ceremony." He said to the moms. He smiled as he looked at the rows of chairs and the other wedding trimmings. "I've seen so many trainers set off on their journey with their starter pokemon, but I don't think I've ever sent two people off on a journey like this."

"We're happy you could do it." Delia said. "It's because you're there for so many trainers when they start their journey that we thought you'd be great for the ceremony."

"Why thank you." Professor Oak said, smiling widely.

"That, and he was the one nearest to Pallet Town, which made getting him here to perform the ceremony very easy." Grace muttered behind her hand to Ash and Serena, who giggled.

When afternoon turned to evening everyone started heading back to their beds for the night. Bonnie waved her goodbyes to Ash's pokemon as they headed back to the lab.

"Sleep tight all of you! See you tomorrow!" Bonnie called.

Ash and Serena walked over to her, Pikachu perched on his shoulder and Tracey trailing behind them. "So it wasn't where you thought it was after all?" Ash was saying.

Tracey shook his head and held up his camera. "I practically turned my room inside out and still couldn't find it. Then I was starting to put stuff away and there it was."

"Well, glad to see you found it." Serena said.

"Pika." Pikachu said.

Tracey smirked. "And I cleaned my room in the process."

That got a laugh from everyone. Then Tracey glanced towards the lab. "I'd love to chat some more, but with Brock and your friend Shauna staying here at the lab I offered to help set up the guest rooms." He said.

Tracey headed for the lab, turning back and holding up his camera. "I'm looking forward to being your photographer at the wedding." He said. "I hope you like my photography skills."

"If they're anything like your drawing skills how could we not like them?" Serena called.

Tracey smiled as he disappeared into the lab, passing Clemont at the doorway. "I can see why so many people praise the professor for his research." Clemont said as he joined the others. "Such an incredible lab."

"And a lovely lawn that we can borrow for something important." Delia said as she and Grace showed up. Delia hitched her bag up on her shoulder. "Come on, let's head for the house." She said. "We've got to get the sleeping arrangements settled for everyone."

Ash helped everyone to collect their overnight gear and then started walking. "Come on everybody." Ash said. "It's not far."

"Pikachu!" Pikachu called from Ash's shoulder.

Once back at the Ketchum house Delia worked to get everyone settled. "Serena, you can stay with Ash in his room." Delia dug around in the closet and found some extra blankets. "Bonnie and Clemont, you two should be fine on the couch and the living room floor with these." She said, handing the blankets to Clemont. "And you're with me." Delia said to Grace.

"Wow. She's got everything planned." Bonnie said.

Ash smiled as he helped Clemont make the couch into a rough bed. "That's my mom." He said.

Delia smiled, then waved her hands at everyone. "Ok, everyone get yourselves settled." She said. "We've still got lots to do for the wedding so you need to be rested."

"And we need to make sure May, Dawn and the others have something arranged for their time here too." Grace added. "I'm not sure there's enough room at the lab for all the bridesmaids and grooms."

"Oh, thanks for reminding me." Delia said. "Excuse me, I need to make a phone call."

Dinner that night at the Ketchum house was a good meal compliments of Clemont. Delia had offered to cook, but Clemont was eager to show off his skills from Kalos.

"Thank you for dinner Clemont." Delia said as she washed the dishes.

"Oh it was nothing." Clemont said, slightly red in the face as he brought over some more dishes.

"He's a great cook, isn't he mom?" Ash said, stretching to put some dried dishes away at the top of a cupboard.

"Yes he is." Delia said.

Clemont's blush become more noticeable and he excused himself, wandering into the living room with his head down.

When the dishes were done, everyone decided to turn in for the night. One by one they took turns using the washroom to brush their teeth and get changed. Then they spoke briefly before heading to their individual beds.

"I managed to find room at the nearest pokemon center for our later arrivals." Delia said. "It will mean a bit of a trip to the lab each day but it's the best I could do."

"Are you sure they couldn't camp out at the lab?" Ash asked.

Delia shook her head. "They had to bring a few things for the ceremony, so it wasn't easy to pack that, day clothes and camping gear."

"Well I'm sure they'll manage." Grace said. "And speaking of clothes, you two will be going out soon to pick out your outfits, right?"

Ash and Serena nodded. "Just another day or two until the others show up and then we can go." Serena said. "I need the measurements for my bridesmaids before I select their dresses."

"Yay! I get my flower girl dress!" Bonnie said, hopping excitedly in her pajamas.

Clemont leaned slightly towards Ash. "Please tell me you don't have anything fancy or wild planned for your best men." He whispered.

"Don't worry." Ash whispered back. "It'll be fine."

Delia clapped her hands. "Ok, everyone to your beds. We've still got work to do tomorrow."

Everyone trooped off to their beds for the night. Ash and Serena shared a quick kiss before they settled down and turned out the light. Clemont tucked Bonnie in on the couch before he settled himself on the makeshift bed on the floor and Grace made herself comfortable on the spare mattress in Delia's room.

And while those guests made themselves at home at the Ketchum house, another household welcomed guests. With the flights set back, May and her family agreed to let Dawn, her mom and Kenny sleep over with them until they could all make the flight to Kanto.

Everyone looked forwards to the coming days, whatever they held for each person: a trip to another region, time to explore a new region, more time spent working on preparations for the wedding, or more time spent with a loved one.

With the weather clear and the flights arranged, everyone starts to gather for the rehearsal and final preparations for Ash and Serena's wedding. Several friends had already arrived, and now the wait was on for the others.

At the professor's lab, Ash and Serena lounged on the grass in the shade of a tree near the gate. Pikachu dozed at their feet as they watched the road for signs of movement.

"You know we can't guarantee everyone will make it." Serena said.

Ash glanced up the road before answering. "But we did hear back from people who are involved in the ceremony. So there should be some people coming for the rehearsal later today."

Serena stretched her arms above her. "But it's not even noon." She said. "You really think anyone will arrive this early?"

"The sooner everyone gets here, the sooner everyone goes out and gets things done." Ash said. Looking up the road again, he smiled. "And judging by that familiar shape, there's one now."

Serena looked up the road to see a lone figure approaching quickly. Moving too fast to be coming on foot, Serena was momentarily puzzled before the person got close enough to be recognized.

Ash and Serena sat up as Misty pulled her bike to a stop with a screech of brakes and a puff of dust. "Ash, Serena! Good to see you both again." She said.

Startled by the noise Pikachu jumped awake, sparks flickering around his cheeks.

"Oh no you don't Pikachu!!" Misty said, placing herself between the electric-mouse pokemon and her bike. "You already wrecked one bike, I'm not letting you wreck another."

Serena gently stroked Pikachu. "I remember hearing that story." She said. A smile crept over her face as Serena remembered Misty's ranting story about Ash and bikes.

Ash frowned at her. "It's not funny." He said. "Do you know how long I had to put up with her ragging on me to replace her bike over one little accident?"

"'One little accident', he calls it." Misty fumed.

As Ash and Misty glared at each other, Serena noted the large pack over Misty's shoulders. "Is that all stuff for the wedding?" She asked.

"Oh no, this is my overnight stuff." Misty said. Adjusting the bag's straps on her shoulders, Misty rattled off a few of her things. "Sleeping bag, some spare clothes, toothbrush and other night gear, that sort of thing." Misty shook her bag slightly. "My sister's will be along soon with the contributions for the wedding. I can only carry so much on my bike."

A smile on her face, Misty looked between Ash and Serena. "Speaking of the wedding, congratulations to you both. I'm sure you'll be very happy together." Misty gave both of them a hug, then glanced at Ash before turning back to Serena. "I just hope you know what you're getting into with him." She added.

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?" Ash said indignantly.

"Oh nothing." Misty said. Swinging her bike around, Misty headed through the gate to the lab. "Well, I'd better go get settled." She said casually. "We'll talk later."

Leaving Ash scratching his head and Serena smirking, Misty walked her bike up towards the lab. A slight breeze ruffled her hair as Misty pictured Ash next to Serena on the wedding day.

"She should know what she's getting into." Misty said to herself. "You get to know what Ash is like when you travel with him. And you learn to like him for who he is."

While Misty headed up to the lab, Ash, Serena and Pikachu resumed watching the road.

"That's one down." Ash said.

Serena counted a few people on her fingers. "Still waiting on people though. I did invite others to be my bridesmaids."

"Do think I asked too much of Brock?" Ash asked. "I know he's a great cook, and other people know it too, but is doing that and being one of my groomsmen too much for one person?"

Serena shook her head. "You asked Clemont to be your best man and Tracey will be too busy with photos to fill that role. You asked Brock if he could handle both and he said he could." Serena glanced back towards the lab. "By the way, didn't you invite that other person to be one of your groomsmen? Gary, wasn't it?"

Ash nodded. "Yeah, Gary Oak, the professor's grandson." A dry smile appeared on Ash's face. "We've had our disagreements in the past, but he did agree to be one of my groomsmen."

"And where's he?" Serena asked.

"I'm not sure." Ash said. "He's always away from the lab doing studies and field work to help professor Oak. I know he got my invite, and he said he'd make it for the rehearsal, but I don't know where he is."

"Pika, Pikachu!!" Pikachu said, interrupting further conversation.

Following Pikachu's pointing paw, Ash and Serena saw a group of three taxis coming up the road. At first the two of them were puzzled, but as the cars pulled up to the lab they realized who it was.

Serena approached the first car as May, Dawn and Max clambered out. "I still don't see why I had to be smooshed in the middle of the seat." Max grumbled.

"Because you're the smallest one in the cab." May said.

"May, Dawn!" Serena said. "Glad you could make it."

"Wouldn't miss it." Dawn said. She threw her arms around Serena in a big hug. "A summer wedding between two childhood sweethearts! Oh it's so romantic!"

"Take it easy Dawn." May said. As Dawn let go of Serena, May quickly hugged her too. "But it is special. Congrats to you both."

"Thank you May." Ash said from where he was helping to pull luggage from the trunk of the second taxi.

Max heaved a suitcase out of the first taxi. "Yeah yeah, congratulations, happy times, so on and so on." Max looked at the rest of the luggage sitting in the taxi. "Now about you stop chatting and help us with this?"

"Yeah, a little help would be nice." Kenny said as he and Ash lifted a suitcase from the second taxi.

Drew appeared from around the others side of the second taxi, a suitcase in one hand and a bag in the other. "This is yours," he said, handing the suitcase to May. "And this is yours." He added, handing Dawn the bag.

Drew walked back to Ash and Kenny. "Pass me a few things and let's get this unloaded." He said.

Johanna walked up from the third taxi, one suitcase in her hand and pulling another behind her on wheels. "I know we said we'd bring some things to help set up the wedding, but I wonder if we went too far." She said. She looked at her own luggage then at the things Ash, Kenny and Drew were pulling out. "We are going to end up taking it back."

"But mom, we wanted to help." Dawn said, hitching her bag around her shoulders and picking up a suitcase. "Besides, if it fit in the suitcases to come here, it will fit in the suitcases to go home again."

"Well said Dawn!" Caroline said as she took her bag from Norman before he closed the trunk of the third taxi. "Everything we brought we can take back with us when we go."

"Except for the wedding gifts." Norman said, coming to stand beside her. Norman stopped and eyed the various suitcases and other pieces of luggage. "If I can remember which one they're in." He added.

That got a few chuckles from everyone. Soon the luggage was unloaded and the taxis drove off. Ash hefted a suitcase in his hand. "Ok, let's get everyone up to the lab." He said. "Mom and Grace said they had it figured out who was sleeping where, so we can…"

"Not everyone just yet!"

Everybody looked up at the voice from above them. A Pidgeot flew low and slow over them and a person leapt from its back to land near Ash.

Gary raised his head to the circling Pidgeot. "Thanks Pidgeot! Give my best to your trainer when you get back."

"Pidge, pidgeot!" The bird pokemon chirped, then flew away.

Gary hitched a rug sack higher onto his shoulders, then noticed the looks of the others. "What? Something the matter?" he asked.

"Arrival by Pidgeot?" Ash asked. "That's a new one, even for you."

Gary shrugged. "When I got your invite I was too far away to make it by cab." He said. "I couldn't guarantee a train or a plane would be leaving in time, but I'd heard of a local resident who offered Pidgeots and other flying types for transport." Gary shrugged again. "It was fast enough to make it and it was a reasonable price."

"Well then." Ash said. "Now that everyone is here, let's head up to the lab and get you all settled."

Once all of the new arrivals were settled in for their stay, everyone needed for the ceremony met in the lobby of the lab.

"So now that everyone is settled, I guess we should go pick out our outfits." Ash said.

"Pick up our outfits, in our case." Serena said. "After I picked out my dress I had similar designs sent to the shop nearby for the rest of you."

"Yay! My flower girl dress!" Bonnie cheered.

"Dene-dene!" Dedenne chittered from her bag.

"Well the rest of us have to be fitted." Brock said. "So it may take us a while."

"Then get going." Delia said. "Grace, you go with Serena and the girls. I'll go with Ash and the guys. That way we can make sure everything is coordinated."

"Got your cell phone?" Grace asked.

"Right here." Delia answered, holding it up.

"Then let's go." Grace said. She looked at the others. "Everyone, make sure you're back here before dinner. We want to run through the rehearsal after everyone has eaten."

"Will do!" Everyone answered.

Norman walked by carrying two of the ordered wedding chairs. "And by that time we should have everything set up in the yard." He said.

"We'll inspect that later." Delia and Grace called after him.

Ash walked towards the door. "Come on everybody!" He called. "We've got things to do!"

The lot of them walked outside, splitting into two groups: one of guys and one of girls, with Grace going with one group and Delia the other. Everyone was talking easily with each other, which is why no one noticed the taxi coming to the lab until it pulled up out front.

"You know my style for the showcases, so there shouldn't be any problems with the dresses." Serena was saying to the girls. "Yours will be a bit of a dialed-back version of mine, but they are still nice. I was…"

Serena stopped as she noticed the taxi pulling to a stop. "What's this?" She asked.

"That's what I was about to ask you." Ash said. "Expecting someone else?"

Serena shook her head. "No. Unless one of the guests decided to show up early for some reason."

The door of the taxi opened and a familiar blue-haired head poked out. The girl it belonged to followed it out and stood beside the taxi.

"Hi Serena! Shauna!" Miette said cheerfully. "Hi Ash." She added smugly.

Serena's jaw almost hit the ground. "Miette!? What are you doing here!?"

"How rude." Miette said crossly. "I was invited to the wedding."

"Yes, to the wedding." Serena growled. "This is only a rehearsal. You are way too early!"

"Well I decided to catch an earlier flight out of Kalos." Miette said casually as she pulled a bag and a suitcase from the taxi. Waving the taxi off, Miette turned back to the others. "I'll just take my things up to the lab and get settled. You carry on with whatever you're doing."

Miette calmly walked past Serena and the girls. Stopping in front of Ash, she looked at him. "Maybe you and I could do something later." She added teasingly.

Ash blinked, a blank look on his face. Miette giggled and walked on towards the lab, half turning back to wink at Serena.

The sound was audible as Serena's teeth ground together. "Oooooh, that Miette!" She seethed.

Serena turned and stomped off onto the road. Shauna took one step to follow her, then noticed the confused looks May and Dawn were wearing. When they stepped after Serena, mouths open to ask, Shauna stepped in front of them. "Don't ask." She warned. "Just…don't…ask."

Arriving in town, Ash and Serena went with their respective groups to the shops for their wedding outfits.

Miette's arrival seemed to be forgotten as Serena walked out in front of the others, so excited to show off her dress.

"I thought it looked so pretty when I saw it in the shop window." She told the others. "And then when my mom told me she liked it too I knew I'd made the right choice for my wedding dress."

"Strange that both of us liked the same thing." Grace said dryly.

"What was that? Dawn asked.

"Nothing at all." Grace said.

Arriving at the store, everyone went inside. The saleswoman looked up from behind the counter. "Can I help you?" She asked.

"Yes, we're the Yvonne group." Grace said. "I called earlier to say we'd be showing up today."

"Oh yes, we spoke on the phone." The saleswoman said. She stepped away from the counter and led the group towards the change rooms. "Let's see…" She said, sorting through several outfits hanging nearby. "Ah, here it is. These are yours." She said, gesturing at several dresses hanging together with the nametag 'Yvonne'.

"Thank you. We'll let you know if we need anything." Grace said.

As the saleswoman walked off, Grace pulled one of the dresses off the rack. "Shauna, this one is yours." She said, handing it to her.

Shauna took the dress and held it over herself in front of a mirror. "Very nice." She said. She struck a pose. "Makes me feel like performing!" She said with a laugh.

Serena giggled. "I told you, you know my tastes. So I knew you'd like the dress." She said.

Grace pulled two more dresses off the rack. "May and Dawn, these are yours." She said, handing one to each of them. "I hope they will fit, if not they can be adjusted."

Dawn took hers and walked over to a mirror. "Wow. Simple yet pretty." She said, holding the dress in front of herself.

May stepped beside her. "Yeah, simple but pretty." She agreed.

"This one is yours Bonnie." Grace said, pulling a smaller sized dress off and handing it to her.

"My flower girl dress!" Bonnie squealed. Taking the dress, she rushed over to another mirror and held it up over herself. "Aww. So cute!" She said.

"And this, Serena." Grace said. "Is your wedding dress."

Serena took the dress from her mom and held it up. "Hmmm. Somehow I think it looked better in the window display." She said.

Grace slumped. "Serena, we both agreed on this dress and we ordered it how we liked it. Don't back out on it now!" Grace pointed to one of the dressing rooms. "Go try it on."

Serena disappeared into the dressing room while the others waited. A few minutes later Serena walked out again.

"Wow, you look so pretty!" Bonnie said, starry-eyed.

"Yes you do." Dawn agreed.

May nodded, looking Serena up and down. "It looks very nice on you. Matches your eyes too." She said.

"Your performing days taught you well. When it comes to style." Shauna said.

Serena smiled, blushing faintly at their praise. "I liked this dress when I saw it in the store window." She said. Serena stepped a pace away from the others and posed as the mannequin had been in the window display. "But I think it looks better on me than it did on the mannequin." She added.

"And don't forget your veil." Grace said.

Serena stepped over to a mirror and Grace gently fit the veil on her head. Serena looked at herself in the mirror and clasped her hands in front of her as if she were holding a bouquet.

Grace gave a watery smile. "My little girl in her wedding dress." She said. She turned away from the girls for a moment, pulling a tissue from her bag and dabbing at her eyes. "Makes you look so beautiful…." She said.

"And to think we both liked it. That's new." Serena muttered.

"What was that Serena?" Grace asked, turning back around.

"Nothing mom." Serena said quickly.

The other girls tried hard to smother their giggles. "Come on, we'd better try ours on too." Shauna said. "We need to make sure they fit."

As the other girls walked into the dressing rooms, Serena looked at the rack nearby. "But mom, there are still two dresses with the Yvonne tag." She asked, puzzled. "Who are they for?"

"Delia and I, obviously." Grace said. She put her hands on her hips indignantly. "Both of us are involved in the wedding ceremony too, remember. We want to look our best as well."

Serena studied the two remaining dresses. "I think you will." She said with a smile.

At a separate shop in another part of town, Ash and his groomsmen were getting fitted for their tuxedoes.

Brock looked over a rack of ties while Ash stood in front of a mirror, the tailor checking the seams of his tux. "Good guesswork on the sizes Ash." He said. "A few easy adjustments and these tuxedoes will fit us all nicely."

"I did some guessing at first." Ash said. He smiled. "And then I asked my mom to make some calls and double check the sizes."

Brock sweat-dropped. "I should have known…" he muttered.

Clemont wrung his hands nervously as he looked at the tuxedo on the rack with his name on the tag. "My best man suit….Ohhh, I'm so nervous!" He moaned.

"About what?" Gary asked, admiring his own suit. "Ash is the one getting married."

"People keep telling him that." Ash said, bending a little as the tailor kept working. "But it's not helping him any."

"But as your best man I still have to be up there in front of all those people." Clemont said. He anxiously inspected the suit. "I don't do well with crowds."

"Deep breaths Clemont." Brock said idly, comparing two different ties.

Max stood in front of a mirror, already wearing his smaller-than-average tuxedo. "Oh, I do look good." He said, turning this way and that. He straightened up proudly and held his hands in front of him. "The picture of a ring bearer."

Brock smiled. "All you need is a bowtie." He said. Sorting through the display, he found a clip-on one. "Hold still…"

Brock neatly clipped the bowtie into place on Max's collar. "There we go. Now, you're the picture of a ring bearer."

Ash laughed gently, stepping away as the tailor finished. "Move over a little Max." He said.

Max took one step to the side and Ash stood next to him. Ash straightened his back while Max posed like he was holding the ring. "Very nice" Max said. "Ready for a wedding."

Delia nodded from where she stood nearby. "Yes, very nice." She said. "Brock, your turn."

As Brock stepped onto the stand for the tailor, Delia walked over to Ash. "You look very handsome Ash." She said. Smoothing out some curls on Ash's suit, Delia sniffled a little, tears glinting in her eyes. "My son in his wedding tuxedo. Soon to be a married man…"

Delia turned away, a hand wiping away the tears that were threatening to fall.

"Mom, don't do this." Ash said. He gently hugged her from behind. "You know I'll always love you too."

Delia sniffed, dabbing at her eyes. "I know Ash. I know." She said. "Thank you."

Delia turned back to the others. "All right, let's get the rest of you fitted out. Tracey said he has his own suit, so it's just you five that I need to worry about."

"I'm after Brock." Gary said.

"I'll go last." Clemont gulped.

Delia rolled her eyes. "Clemont, will you calm down already?!" She said. "Ash is the one with the important job in the ceremony. You just stand there and look supportive." Delia waved a hand towards the changing rooms. "Now go try your suit on so we can get the fittings done. And don't sweat all over it because you're nervous!"

With both sets of outfits sorted out, the groups met midway between the stores and headed back to the lab.

Delia looked over her dress as she walked. "This reminds me of the day when I went to pick up my wedding dress for my own wedding." She said. She smiled wryly. "If that one still fit me I wouldn't have needed a new one."

"I hear you." Grace said. "Oh to be young and in love…"

Bonnie skipped ahead eagerly. "I think it's all so romantic!" She said. "Two childhood sweethearts getting married. A summer wedding, and they met in the summer. The lawn all done up with ribbons and bows." Bonnie danced on the spot. "Ooooh I can't wait!" She squealed.

"It's my wedding." Serena said. "Why is she so excited?"

"Because she's trying to counterbalance her brother's attitude." Gary said straight-faced.

That got a laugh from everyone, even a nervous chuckle from Clemont. Ash clapped a hand on Clemont's shoulder. "Just relax Clemont." He said. "I know you can handle this."

"Glad to hear you have faith in me Ash." Clemont said. He gulped nervously. "Can you spare some so I can have faith in myself?"

Arriving back at the lab, the group slowed to a stop out front.

"That's odd." Ash said. "Why's it so quiet around here?"

"Yeah I noticed that." Gary said. "Not even any noise from the pokemon." Gary scratched at his head. "What's going on?"

"Oh good, you're back."

Everyone turned to see Tracey coming around the corner of the lab, a glass of juice in his hand and his camera swinging around his neck. "We were hoping you'd be back soon."

What's going on Tracey?" Delia asked. "I don't hear the sounds of a wedding being set up."

"That's because everyone's on lunch break." Tracey said. "We're nearly done, but we decided to break for food."

"Oh boy, food!" Ash said. Hurriedly tossing his tuxedo to his mom, Ash raced around the side of the building towards the back yard.

"Ash be careful!' Delia called after him. "These are rented tuxedos and I'd rather they not wind up costing any more than they already do!"

"That's my Ash." Serena said, smiling.

After lunch was finished, everyone resumed work on setting up the wedding.

"Those chairs go over there!" Delia called. "And grab a few more just in case." She turned and motioned to Kingler. "Be careful with those tables. We don't want them too close together. Spread them out a bit."

Delia walked over to professor Oak. "Now, did you find that suit you said you kept for special occasions?" She asked. "Let me see if it will do…."

Mimey rolled his eyes as he moved flower bundles. Mothers at a wedding. He grumbled. They want to make sure everything is just right.

Leavanny neatly wound a batch of flowers together and snipped the thread. At least we only have to put up with it once. He said. Setting the batch of flowers aside, Leavanny rubbed his feelers together gingerly. Ohhhh. I think I'm starting to dislike flowers.

Quilava smirked from his perch next to the refreshment table. Looks like being a quadruped pokemon with no real hands has its perks. He said smugly. He took a drink from a bowl of water set aside for him. When Brock doesn't need me in the kitchen I'm free to relax. Guess helping with the cooking was a smart idea after all.

Once everything was set up, the members of the wedding party took their places. It was a quick and simple rehearsal, everyone knowing their parts.

At the end, Ash and Serena stood before professor Oak as he gave a shortened version of the ceremony.

"…and then I will declare you married." Professor Oak said.

"And that's how the ceremony will go." Delia said. "Simple and straightforward. And without any incidents."

"I sure hope so." Grace agreed.

There was a chorus of nods and agreements from the people gathered for the rehearsal. Nobody wanted to see anything go wrong on the actual wedding day.

Bonnie smirked at her brother. "See Clemont?" She said teasingly. "There's no trouble. All you have to do is stand there beside Ash during the ceremony."

"There's going to be more than just these few people here on that day." Clemont said. He swallowed nervously. "A lot more people."

"Relax Clemont." Caroline called from her seat. "I'm sure you'll be fine."

"Yeah, Ash and Serena is the one people will be focused on." Miette said. A smirk crept over her face. "Maybe one more than the other."

"Miette….!" Serena fumed.

Miette just casually smiled as she stood from her seat and wandered off.

"Well with that settled, everyone lend a hand here." Delia said. Waving her hands, she shooed people into motion packing up the more easily managed pieces of the wedding decorations. "Let's get everything put neatly away so we know where to find it for the ceremony. Don't misplace anything."

"Your mom really is taking this seriously, isn't she?" Kenny said to Ash as the two of them helped pack up.

"She just wants everything to go smoothly during the ceremony." Ash said. He shrugged. "Personally I think she's running herself a bit ragged, but she insists she can handle everything."

"Be glad she can." Grace said as she walked past them with folded table clothes. "It looks like she's doing the worrying for both of you."

Supper that night was a divided effort: people divided into groups to work out things for the wedding. Professor Oak had some people over at the lab for dinner so they could discuss some things. Several guests pooled their money for a table at a local restaurant so they could compare wedding gifts. The pokemon at the lab ate together as a group, many chattering excitedly about the ceremony to come.

Ash, Serena and their mothers had dinner at Ash's house that night. Delia and Grace went back and forth on so many things for the wedding, Ash and Serena took their plates into the living room to escape the constant discussion. Seated side-by-side on the couch, they ate their meals and listened halfheartedly to the talk from the kitchen.

"Just who was it that talked about how weddings are hardest on the people involved, not the people getting married?" Ash wondered.

"I'm not sure." Serena said. She smiled cheerfully. "I don't know why, but I'm not really worried about the wedding."

"Maybe it's because we've got such dedicated moms to handle all the trouble." Ash said.

That made them both laugh. Serena listened to the talk in the kitchen for a moment, then shrugged. "Or maybe it's something else." She said. She smiled at Ash. "Maybe I just have faith in a happy life with you."

Ash smiled and lightly kissed Serena's cheek. "I have faith in our life together too, Serena." He said.As the last few days before Ash and Serena's wedding rapidly disappear, everyone does their best to make sure everything is set for the special day.

At the Ketchum house, Delia and Grace sat in the living room going back and forth on a list for the wedding. "The set-up is all done now?" Delia asked.

Grace nodded. "The layout is all set, and anything that is put away can be easily set up on the day of the ceremony."

Delia ticked off a point on her fingers. "The ceremony itself?"

"Professor Oak is ready, and he was able to postpone his research so he will not be distracted." Grace answered.

Delia ticked off another point. "The guests?"

Grace held up a bundle of messages. "Most people confirmed that they can make it. And the few who said they can't for whatever reason have asked for a copy of the wedding video."

Delia looked up from her fingers. "Is that going to be a problem?"

Grace smiled. "Not at all. Tracey and his Smeargull worked out a deal. Tracey does the video of the ceremony while Smeargull takes pictures, then after Tracey takes more photos and Smeargull can relax."

Delia laughed. "Nice to see artists getting along." She looked at her finger points. "Then I guess the only big thing left is the food." She shrugged. "And Brock said he has that all taken care off."

"Except for the one important bit of food." Grace said. "Remember, we still need to pick out a wedding cake."

Delia stood up. "Oh right, that should be done today." Delia took a step, then turned back to Grace. "Do you know where our bride and groom are? We should go with them and get the cake now while we're thinking of it."

Grace stood up too. "If they're where I saw them last, they're out back practicing with their pokemon."

True enough, Ash and Serena were out back of the Ketchum house. Just because they were soon to be married, didn't mean they intended to neglect their pokemon.

Pikachu and Greninja faced each other as Ash looked on. "Pikachu, electro-ball!" Ash called.

Pikachu leapt into the air, electricity gathering around his tail. Swinging his body, he launched the electro-ball at Greninja.

"Just like we practiced Greninja. Use cut!" Ash said.

Greninja braced himself as the electro-ball came closer. Then he lashed out, his cut neatly severing the ball clean through. Both halves went past him to explode harmlessly in the air.

"Good work Greninja!" Ash said.

From the sidelines Serena and Delphox clapped. Nicely done Greninja! Delphox called.

Greninja smirked. Just have to cut it in just the right spot. He said, holding a hand in front of him and making a cutting motion.

"A good strategy Ash." Serena said. "Avoid the move without dodging."

"There's still a risk to it." Ash said. "But it's working."

"Pika!" Pikachu piped up.

"Ash! Serena!"

Everyone looked up at the call. Delia stood by the back door. "They'll be time for training later." She called. "Grace and I need both of you to come into town with us. It's time to pick a wedding cake."

"Great. Pick food that I can't eat yet." Ash muttered.

Serena and the pokemon laughed. "We're coming Delia!" Serena called. She looked at Delphox and Greninja. "Can you two head back to the lab? We shouldn't keep them waiting."

Delphox nodded. Holding out a paw to Greninja, the two of them trotted off paw-in-hand towards professor Oak's lab.

Serena turned to Ash and held out her own hand. "Shall we?" She asked.

Ash motioned to Pikachu. "Come on buddy." Pikachu jumped to his perch on Ash's shoulder and Ash took Serena's hand. "Ok. Let's go see what kind of ideas the moms have for a wedding cake."

While some people headed for town and the local cake shop, other people at the lab made final preparations for the wedding.

Brock raced from one cupboard to another in the kitchen, checking ingredients for the meal. "Meat, vegetables and the broth mix for the stew". He moved to another cupboard. "Salads and sides here." He leapt to a third. "All the pots and pans I will need." He yanked open a drawer and quickly rifled through it. "Lots of spoons, lots of forks, my own cooking tools…"

Brock closed the drawer and stepped back to survey the kitchen. "Phew. Lots, but everything I need."

Max poked his head around the doorframe. "Hey Brock, you in here?"

Brock looked over. "Yes Max. What is it?"

Max pointed towards another room. "Can you come and check your tuxedo? We're trying to get them all labeled so it's easy to change. But we need everyone to make sure the labels are right."

"Sure Max. I'm coming." Brock answered.

Outside, Greninja and Delphox walked into the backyard of the lab. It was a lovely sight, even with many parts left at the basics until the day of the ceremony: tables to one side for the food, draped in white tablecloths. The seating area marked out with white posts hung with twisting streams of ribbons in white and pink. Flowers hung all around in mixed color batches. And the long white ribbon down the middle leading to the plinth, where the professor would marry the two lovers.

Serena asked for a summer wedding and Ash agreed. Delphox remarked. And their friends and family have risen to the occasion very well.

What's the old saying? Greninja asked. Many hands make light work.

Quillava walked by in time to hear that. Sure, that's the saying. He said. Sitting back on his back legs, he held up his front paws. But you don't always need hands to be helpful. A puff of flame shot from the top of his head. There are other ways to help out.

And you don't always need 'hands' either. Kingler called from nearby. He raised his powerful claws over his head. I may not have hands, but I can still do some real heavy lifting.

Delphox and Greninja both laughed. Need any more hands? Greninja asked.

Leavanny looked over from where he was checking flowers. If you have a moment, I could use some extra hands. He called.

Walking into town, Ash and Serena listened to their mom's go back and forth about wedding cakes.

"There's nothing wrong with the classic multi-level design." Delia said. She stacked her hands on top of each other. "Large bottom layer, medium middle layer, small top layer and top it with the bride and groom figures."

"Yeah, but what about the style?" Grace asked. She swirled her fingers in the air. "A twirled pattern? Two joined lines? A separate but similar design for each layer?" Grace shook her head. "The list goes on."

Serena raised the hand that wasn't holding onto Ash's. "I had an idea." She said.

When everyone looked at her, Serena carried on. "I know I asked for a summer wedding, but how about a summer cake to go with it? Nice cream-colored cake, lines of blue and green icing to represent sky and grass, some sunny yellow trimmings and a few flowers done in icing."

Delia and Grace got a faraway look in their eyes as they pictured what Serena described. Delia nodded. "You know, I like the sound of that. Fitting and pretty to look at."

Grace nodded too. "And we already have the bride and groom figures. How would they look on top? Ringed by flowers of icing, a small arch over their heads…"

Grace and Delia had dreamy looks on their faces as they imagined it. Ash could imagine it too, but then he stopped.

"Hey wait a minute." Ash said, stopping and tugging Serena to a halt by her hand. "You already have figures of us made for the top of the cake?"

Delia nodded. "While you and Serena sent out the invitations to your friends, Grace and I made some calls of our own. We spoke with a wedding shop that does custom work and had them use photos of you two to create the cake top."

Serena tugged Ash back into walking again. "Ooooh, I look forwards to seeing that." She said eagerly.

Grace laughed. "Let's get the cake first. Then we can talk about the decorations for it."

Back at the lab, Tracey hung his suit on a hanger near the door of his room. "Washed, ironed, pressed, the works." He said satisfied. "I'm going to look real professional come the wedding.

Smeargull walked up next to him, a black vest on a hanger in his hands. "Smear, smeargull smear." He said, shaking the outfit.

Tracey laughed as he took the vest and hung it with his tuxedo. "Yes, yours looks nice too Smeargull. It will be here with mine for the wedding." Tracey looked at the vest, then at Smeargull's body. "Although I still say we should have been able to find a tuxedo for you. You're almost human in shape."

Smeargull shook his tail irritably. I thought so too. He muttered to himself. But apparently it's something to do with sizes and tails.

Tracey motioned Smeargull over to his desk. "Oh well, let's focus on the film. I'd like there to be enough for both of us to take plenty of pictures without having any problems."

Ash and Serena had never been to the local cake shop before, but Delia and Grace seemed to know where they were going. Walking inside the building, Ash looked over all the different cakes laid out on display.

"Remember Ash, we only need one. And you can't eat it yet." Serena teased gently.

"I know, I know." Ash said. "But I can still look."

Behind the counter, a door to the back of the shop opened and a woman about Delia's age entered. "May I help you?" She asked. Then a smile appeared on her face. "Oh Delia, good to see you again."

"Nice to see you too." Delia answered with a nod.

Ash looked up from a chocolate cake near the window. "You two know each other?"

Delia nodded. "I came here every year to get your birthday cake." She said. "And a few times for other occasions I was asked to attend." She looked towards the woman behind the counter. "But as I told you on the phone before, I'm here for something different this time."

The woman smiled, nodding. "Yes. A wedding cake for your son and his fiancée." She looked at Serena. "This is the lovely lady I presume?"

Serena nodded, a faint pink tinge to her cheeks. "That's me."

"And I'm her mother, Grace." Grace said. "Now then, do you have any advice on wedding cakes?"

The woman ducked behind the counter a moment and came up with a binder in her hands. "I have this." She said, opening it and placing it on the counter, spinning it to face the others.

Ash, Serena and their moms walked up to the counter. The woman pointed to the cake pictured on the page. "Personally, I've always liked the classic layered design." She said, pointing to each layer. She turned the page. "Or, something slightly different, a larger cake with fanciful designs." She turned the page again. "And there are always the exotic ones, like this style here…"

Dawn stood in front of a mirror in the room she shared with May at the pokemon center, holding a choker up to her neck. "I don't know…" She said thoughtfully. "It's the same choker I always wore during my contests. I'm not sure it's fit for a wedding, even with a different dress."

May looked up from her bed where she was flipping through a contest magazine. "Dawn would you give it a rest already?" She said exasperated. "You've been going back and forth on details for your wedding outfit for most of the day."

Dawn turned away from the mirror, tossing her choker onto her own bed. "I can't help it!" She said. Dawn walked over to her bed and flopped down. "I always worked so hard to look my best for a concert. I want to look my best for a wedding too."

Shauna and Misty walked into the room in time to hear that statement. "Relax Dawn." Shauna said, sitting on the bed. "We've already had this discussion with Serena. She's happy with our outfits for the ceremony."

"I know." Dawn said.

Misty leaned against the doorframe. "So that's all that matters, right?" She said. "The ok from the bride and the mom's too." A smirk appeared on her face. "And besides, since when has Ash ever noticed any of us in fancy clothes." She added dryly.

Dawn and May giggled along with her at that, but Shauna looked thoughtful. "I don't know…" She said. "Serena told me Ash once remarked how great she looked in a dress she wore for a pokemon showcase."

The other three girls spun to face her. "What!?" They exclaimed.

Shauna blinked, surprised by their reaction. "Uh, did she never tell any of you about that?"

The bakery woman finished writing out something on some paper. "Ok, so a 3-tiered vanilla cake, with green and blue icing, and the figures of the bride and groom on top surrounded by flowery icing. That it?"

Delia and Grace nodded. "Sounds good." Delia said.

"Sounds tasty too." Ash added.

Delia laughed. "Glad you approve."

Serena stood to one side, admiring the figures of her and Ash for the top of the cake. "This is a very well made piece." She said, turning it this way and that to admire the detailing. "Ash in a suit, me in a dress and holding hands."

Grace nodded. "That's what Delia and I said when we got it. That shop may be small, but it does great work."

Serena nudged the figure across the counter to the other woman. "Well I'm sure it will look even better on once it's on top of the cake."

The bakery woman picked up the figure. "I'll have everything ready for the day of the ceremony." She said. "And I'll make sure this is in its proper place on top of the cake."

"Good to know." Grace said. "Please let us know if you run into any problems or delays."

"And no need for delivery." Delia added. "We'll pick it up ourselves."

Bonnie trotted out the side door of professor Oak's lab with a toolbox in her hands. Walking onto the lawn, she approached Clemont, who was fully occupied in a new invention.

"Here you go Clemont." Bonnie said, sitting the toolbox down next to the one Clemont already had with him. "I found that extra box of tools you said you brought with you."

"Thanks Bonnie. I appreciate it." Clemont answered distractedly, not looking up from the mix of parts on the lawn.

Bonnie frowned. "Ok…. I'll leave you to it then."

Clemont idly waved a hand in response.

Bonnie huffed, turning towards the back lawn. "Gee it's nice to know my help is appreciated." She muttered.

Miette came from the back yard, admiring the bunch of flowers in her hands. Noticing Bonnie headed her way, she stopped.

"Hey Bonnie." Miette said. "You look a little miffed. What's up?

"Oh hey Miette." Bonnie said, stopping. "I just brought Clemont some tools he asked for and he barely seemed to notice."

Miette looked over Bonnie's head towards Clemont, still buried in his work. "Wow, he's really focused." She said. "Some big important project?"

Bonnie smirked. "I'm not sure it's really that important." She said. "I think he's just trying to distract himself from the upcoming wedding and his role in it."

There was a sharp clang from where Clemont was working. Both girls looked over to see him bending to pick up the wrench that had fallen back into the toolbox. Clemont straightened up again, but not in time to stop Bonnie and Miette noticing the red tinge to his face.

"Guess you were right about that Bonnie." Miette said.

Both girls laughed, then Bonnie looked at the flowers in Miette's hands. "Oh those are pretty." She said.

Miette turned the flowers this way and that in her hands. "I thought they were too."

Bonnie looked at her. "But what are they for?"

"Oh just something extra for me come the wedding day." Miette answered innocently. "I've got my wedding dress, but I thought I'd look nice with flowers threaded in my hair."

Bonnie blinked. "A good idea." She said, somehow keeping a straight face. "I'm sure you will look very nice."

"Aw, thank you Bonnie." Miette said. "I hope others will think so too."

Miette walked into the lab carrying her flowers. Bonnie watched her go. "I wonder what 'others' she could be hoping will think that." She muttered dryly.

"And with the cake taken care of, we have everything we needed." Delia said as the group walked back towards the Ketchum house. "Hopefully the wedding should go off without any problems."

"I'm hoping that too." Grace said.

"You two worry too much." Ash said brightly. "You've been running yourselves ragged doing all this for the wedding and now it's all done. You should relax for a bit."

"Yeah. From now on it's our turn to be nervous." Serena said. A faint pink appeared on her cheeks as she stared out at the horizon. "The rest of my life together with Ash Ketchum…" She murmured.

"You say something Serena?" Ash asked nonchalantly.

Serena shook her head rapidly. "Nothing, nothing at all Ash!" She said quickly.

Ash smiled and grabbed her hand. "Come on, let's head for the lab." He looked at the moms. "You two go home and try to relax. Serena and I will give everything a look over and make sure it's all ready."

Delia smiled, waving a hand. "All right, go on then. Check with your friends and your pokemon about everything. Grace and I could do with a break anyway."

"Come on Serena!" Ash said, tugging her along as he raced towards the lab, Pikachu swaying on his shoulder.

Serena laughed as she did her best to match Ash's pace. "Take it easy Ash! I'm coming!" Serena half turned back to wave at her mom and Delia. "We'll meet you back at the house for dinner. See you!" She called.

Delia and Grace smiled and waved as Ash and Serena disappeared ahead of them. Continuing their easy walk towards the Ketchum house, Delia exhaled a sigh.

"Ash is right you know." She said, looking at Grace. "The two of us have done so much to help with this wedding, but now with everything done and ready maybe we can relax."

'Yeah." Grace said absently.  "So why is that so hard?"

Delia laughed. She put an arm around Grace's shoulders and gave her a squeeze. "Because we're their moms." She said. "It's our job to worry and fuss about them, for their wedding and other things. No matter how old or how big they get, they'll always be our children."

Grace smiled, nodding. 'You're right." She said, putting an arm around Delia and returning the reassuring squeeze. "But maybe we don't need to worry about them so much anymore. Ash makes Serena happy. I can see it in her every time she's with him."

"And Serena makes Ash happy." Delia said. "He always looks forward to her visits and his trips to see her. I'm sure they'll have a good life together.

Grace nodded. "Come on. Let's get back to the house. Maybe we can manage to relax for a while before we have to get dinner started."

That night, after dinner was done and everyone was in bed, Serena lay awake in her sleeping bag. The house was dark with the lights off and the only thing Serena could hear was Ash's breathing as he slept on his bed nearby.

Serena turned one way, then another. She pulled up the blankets, pushed them away, fluffed her pillow and still she couldn't sleep. Finally she quietly stood up and tiptoed out of the room.

Slipping quietly down the stairs, Serena took a seat on the couch. Idly staring at one thing, then another, Serena wondered why she felt so restless.

The wedding is coming up but I shouldn't be nervous about that. Serena thought. We've had so much help from friends and family, and pokemon too, to get everything ready.

Serena's wandering gaze settled on a picture of Ash and Delia on the wall. She smiled. The rest of my life with Ash Ketchum. We've been through so much together. Travelling, showcases, gym battles and so much more. I know we'll be happy with each other…

"Serena?"

Serena leapt off the couch in shock. Whirling around, she saw her mom standing in the kitchen door, an empty glass in her hand.

"Mom! Don't startle me like that!" Serena said, then clamped a hand over her mouth. "Why are you up anyway?" She continued more quietly.

Grace indicated her glass. "I was thirsty so I came down for a quick drink." Setting the glass down, Grace walked into the living room. "What about you? Why are you up?"

Serena fidgeted a bit, then sat down on the couch. "Nothing. I just couldn't sleep."

Grace sat beside her. "Feeling nervous about getting married?" She asked gently.

"No, I'm fine." Serena said. Her hands fidgeted in her lap. "I'm just restless and I don't know why."

Grace smiled. "It's ok. Everyone gets nervous and edgy before their wedding. They call it the biggest day of your life for a reason. Such an important moment with so many things that could go wrong, it's no surprise people are on edge."

Serena looked at her mom. "But you and Delia seem just fine. And look at Ash. He's not acting nervous or edgy at all."

Grace actually laughed at that. "Delia and I are nervous about the wedding and it's not even ours." She said. "We want the best for you two and we're constantly worried that something will go wrong and ruin this day for you. We just do a better job of hiding how on edge we are." Grace shrugged. "And as for Ash, he's Ash. You know how he is. He has his own way of dealing with being nervous."

Serena stifled a laugh. "That's true. He seems awfully wound up, even for him. Lots of energy to burn."

They both laughed at that. After, Serena hugged her mom. "Thanks for everything you've done mom." She said. "I love you."

Grace hugged her back. "I love you too Serena." She said. "You may be getting married but you're still my little girl. I want to see you happy and I'm doing all I can to make that happen."

Serena let go of her mom and stood up from the couch. "Hey, maybe once the wedding is over, instead of Ash and I going on a honeymoon we could send you and Delia on vacation. Give you some time to relax and unwind from all this."

Grace stood. "That actually sound very nice." Her smile broadened. "I wouldn't turn down a few days lying on a beach in the sun. And I don't think Delia would either."

Both of them laughed. Then Serena looked towards the stairs. "Well I guess we should get some sleep. Still so many things to check and re-check before the ceremony."

"True." Grace said. "Something tells me Delia and I aren't the only ones who could use a vacation when all this is over."

Serena smiled. "Right mom. Goodnight."

"Goodnight Serena." Grace answered.

Mother and daughter headed back upstairs to their separate rooms for the night. Both knew they had so much to do or get done for the ceremony. But both also knew that they had each other, along with lots of friends and pokemon, to help them with everything.At last the day has arrived. The sun rises on Ash and Serena's wedding day.

Everyone woke up with different feelings that day. At the Ketchum house, Delia and Grace woke up early, more excited than nervous. Both of them had barely said good morning to each other before they were deep in final plans for the ceremony.

At the pokemon center and the nearby hotel, many of the wedding staff and their families woke up feeling strangely calm. May and Dawn had no trouble telling themselves what they'd be doing and set to getting ready with ease. Brock did a final run through of his ingredients and supplies before calmly taking his breakfast. Professor Oak made a few calls to confirm his research could wait, then went to collect his suit in town.

Clemont woke up rattled. Still nervous about his position as one of the best men, he couldn't eat breakfast and instead spent the time pacing round his room trying to calm himself.

Bonnie was the opposite. So excited for Ash and Serena, she hurriedly gulped down her breakfast before rushing back to her room, determined to make sure everything she needed was ready. 

As for Ash and Serena, they handled it as themselves. At the table for breakfast Serena was even quieter than usual. Eating almost mechanically, she said little to Ash, Delia or her mother. Ash meanwhile gulped down his breakfast in a hurry. No sooner was he done then he was out the door, Pikachu perched on his shoulder as he yelled something about training.