Over the years, Ash and Serena's relationship grew as they traveled together. Some time after going back to Pallet Town, they ended up living in the Sakuragi Institute in Vermillion City. For a time, they traveled to various regions with a boy named Go as research fellows for Professor Sakuragi. Eventually, however, after visiting the Galar region a couple of times for the professor's research, Ash and Serena decided to part ways from the Sakuragi Institue to go on a journey through the new region. Together, they went on many more adventures with Pikachu from meeting/capturing new Pokemon and discovering new things such as the power of Dynamix Pokemon. Ash competed in the Galar League, and Serena competed in the Galar Pokemon contests. Ash only made it to the top 4 in the Pokemon League, and Serena lost at the final round of the Galar Grand Festival, but neither of them minded. They were happy to experience more about the world of Pokemon together.
After their first journey to Galar, Ash and Serena started traveling to many more regions and other places in the world. Every now and then, they'll revisit regions like Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, and Galar out of hopes that either or both will succeed in winning the Pokemon league or Grand Festival or the Pokemon Master Class. On the third year of their relationship, Serena finally defeated Aria in the Master Class, but when she was offered to stay in Kalos to carry on the role of Kalos Queen, she politely declined. When Aria and Palermo asked Serena why, she simply answered that she wanted to continue traveling with her boyfriend, where she can keep making all sorts of people and Pokemon smile all over the world. Aria was disappointed, having expected to finally hand the title of Kalos Queen to Serena, but Palermo understood, knowing that Serena's dream lies far beyond Kalos.
Things were also going well for Ash and Serena's friends. When Ash first took Serena to Alola, they found out that Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet had a child, much to their joy. It was also two years after Holly moved to Pewter City that Brock asked her to marry him. Ash, Serena, Pikachu, and all their friends met up in Sinnoh, where Holly wanted to get married so that her parents can be there. At the wedding, Ash was Brock's Best Man, and Serena was Holly's Maid of Honor. During the ceremony, Brock's mom had to calm down his dad because he was tearing up to see his eldest son finally get married. Soon after, Holly had their first child and true to their promise to each other; she and Brock stayed in Pewter City to always be there for their children, unlike Brock's parents, as they continue to have more children.
Some of their friends started getting together or getting married. It took a while before May confessed how she feels about Drew, and it turned out he felt the same and was waiting for her to say it. Dawn reunited her rival coordinator from Sinnoh, Kenny, and eventually, they also started a relationship after years of Kenny pursuing her. When Bonnie and Max where in their teens, the two of them traveled to Kalos together with May and Drew while Max was collecting badges for the Kalos League and May competed in Pokemon showcases. Halfway through their journey, Bonnie bluntly told Max how she feels about him, and it took a minute before he processed her spontaneous confession and admitted he feels the same way. Finally, when they were in their twenties, Alain brought it upon himself to admit that he has loved Mairin for years, making her very happy, and the two of them married not long after.
All in all, things were looking up for Ash, Serena and everyone they care about. The two of them have gone through ups and downs like any loving couple will, and sometimes they will win tournaments like a Pokemon League the Grand Festival, but most times, they will lose. But either way, their relationship grew stronger as they couldn't be happier as long as they are together supporting each other's dreams.
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It is early in the evening at Lily of the Lake Island. Serena has recently competed in the Sinnoh Grand Festival for the fifth time and made it all the way to the semifinals before she was defeated by a red-haired woman named Olive, who ultimately won the tournament. Soon after, Ash, Serena, and Pikachu traveled from Lake Valley to the Lily of the Valley Island, where Ash is going to compete in the Sinnoh League again.
Ash and Serena are adults now, and Ash has gotten taller while Serena becomes more beautiful like she said she would. But even so, she is beautiful in Ash's eyes no matter how she looks, which warms Serena's heart whenever he says it. The two of them are out in the forest near the city, sitting under a tree where they can watch the sunset with Pikachu cuddled up in a ball while sleeping next to them. Ash is lying on his back against the tree while Serena cuddles next to him with her head lying on Ash's chest and her arm wrapped around her beloved boyfriend. The two of them have happy smiles on their faces as they watch the sunset under the ocean with the sky glowing yellow, orange, pink, and purple. Serena lets out a long, happy sigh as she enjoys the moment.
"Serena, are you alright?"
Serena lifts her head and looks at Ash, confused. The raven-haired man is looking at her with a concerned look on his face.
"Of course, Ash," she says. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"Well, you were sighing, and I was worried that you were devastated that you lost the Grand Festival," Ash answers. "You were really sure that you were going to win this time, so I thought you were really disappointed."
Serena blinks before she giggles with her mouth closed. She caresses Ash's cheek fondly while giving him a loving smile.
"You are so sweet," she says. "But that was a happy sigh, Ash. I am a little bummed that I lost, but that's hardly something to be upset about. I'm perfectly happy because I gave it my all, I learned new things, Olive was a talented opponent, I made so many people happy, and best of all, I have you."
This time, Ash looks at Serena, confused for a moment before he chuckles as if his girlfriend told him something silly.
"What are you talking about?" He chortles. "We're together. You'll always have me."
Serena's smile grows, and she leaned her head, so give her boyfriend a soft, tender kiss.
"I know," she says when they part. "But even after twelve years, I'm still thankful that you're mine and I'm yours, and I always will be no matter what. I just love you that much."
Ash smiles back warmly and says, "I'm glad to hear it."
The two of them lean in for another brief kiss before Serena rests her head on Ash's chest again. The raven-haired man puts his arm around the love of his life and smiles finally at her before he kisses her head. He rests his head against the tree again and watches the sun getting closer to set by the moment. But as they enjoy their moment, a thought enters Ash's mind, and he debates on whether or not to do it. He considers holding off what he's thinking of, but his heart wants to do otherwise.
After a moment of debating, he makes his decision, turns to Pikachu, and lightly pokes the mouse Pokemon in the head. Pikachu slowly wakes up with a cute yawn before turning to his partner. Ash mouths something to Pikachu and points to a pocket in his backpack lying next to the couple. It takes Pikachu a moment before its ears rise up, and it's smiles before nodding and walking over to Ash's backpack. The mouse Pokemon quietly unzips the side pocket in Ash's backpack to make sure Serena doesn't hear it and then takes out a small black box inside it. Pikachu then walks over to Ash, and Ash carefully takes the box with his free hand before clearing his throat, earning Serena's attention.
"You know, I've been thinking about a couple of things lately," he begins. "Mainly, how I'm also thankful to be with you, and how I'm glad that you are happy to be with me."
Serena sits up and smiles fondly at her boyfriend.
"In fact, I've been thinking about how happy some of our friends are together; Brock and Holly, Alain and Mairin, and Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet," Ash continues. "Especially how they love each other so much that they've taken their relationship to the next step."
Serena's smile slowly fades, unsure of what Ash is getting at.
"I was going to wait until after the Sinnoh League to ask this, but I don't want to wait anymore," Ash says, "I think we're ready for another big adventure together, and I want to see if you agree."
Serena keeps looking at Ash confused until she puts the pieces together, and her eyes widen.
"A-Ash?" She asks.
Ash smiles before he shows his girlfriend the black box in his left hand. Serena feels her cheeks heat up, and she lets out a soft squeak as Ash opens the little box to reveal a silver ring with a small diamond on top.
"Whaddya say, Serena?" Ash asks with a toothy grin. "Wanna marry me?"
Serena covers her mouth, and her face turns completely red. She stares at the ring, unable to believe that it's meant for her. She turns to Pikachu, who just smiles at the honey blonde woman, confirming that what is happening is real. She then turns back to Ash, who is giving her a look of hope that she will say yes. Once she has fully processed what is happening before her, tears begin to form in her eyes, and she smiles knowing what her answer is.
"Yes," she says softly. "Yes, I will marry you, Ash."
Ash, his eyes light up, and his heart skips a beat at the word yes.
"Awesome!" he exclaims.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu shouts.
Ash sits up and takes the ring out from the box and puts it on Serena's finger. Serena lifts her hand to looks at the ring on her finger as her heart races. She closes her eyes and tries to contain a fit of giggles before she bursts out laughing and throws herself at Ash. Serena smothers her fiance with kisses, making Ash laugh out loud as if she's tickling him. When the honey blonde woman finishes, she and Ash stare at each other with loving eyes while she caresses his cheek again.
"We're getting married," she says.
"We sure are," Ash says with another toothy grin.
Serena's smile grows, and she pecks Ash's cheek again before she says, "We need to tell our moms tonight."
"The sooner, the better," Ash agrees. "No doubt, they will want to help organize our wedding."
Serena's heart skips a beat, and she giggles with her mouth closed again at the words, "our wedding."
"It'll be a big wedding for sure," she says. "We have so many friends to invite."
"Not to mention all of our Pokemon will want to be there," Ash adds.
Serena nods and says, "I suppose there would be no room for a chapel or anything like that. It'll have to be outdoors."
"I thought it would," Ash says. "That's why I figured we'd have it over in Pallet Town. There's so much landscape there. We could even have it at the Oak Corral since our Pokemon are already there."
Serena looks at Ash sweetly, happy that her beloved has thought ahead. Her smile turns into a smirk.
"First thing's first, though," she says. "We call our moms tonight, and tomorrow you have the Sinnoh League to win."
Ash smirks back and says, "You're right. And now that I know we're getting married, I'm confident that no one is going to stop me from winning this time. Right, Pikachu?"
"Pika!" Pikachu squeals cheerfully.
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When Ash and Serena announced to Delia and Grace that they are engaged, they were ecstatic. The two of them demand that they organize the wedding just as the couple predicted. Neither of them wait to spread the word to all of Ash and Serena's friends while Ash competed in the Sinnoh League again. Every time Ash and Serena return to the Lily of the Valley Island's Pokemon Center after Ash has a battle, Nurse Joy informs the couple of multiple video phone calls of friends demanding to call them so that they can congratulate them and express their excitement. Ash asked Brock to be his Best Man, and for Gary, Clemont Tracey, and Max to be his groomsman, and they all said yes. Dawn happily agreed to be Serena's Maid of Honor and Shauna, May, Bonnie, and Aria agreed to be her bridesmaids. Finally, they asked Professor Oak to officiate the wedding, and he said yes with a warm smile.
Ultimately, after a big, lengthy battle against a strong opponent named Keanu, Ash won the Sinnoh League at last, much to his fiance's joy. Soon after, the two of them and Pikachu flew
back to Kanto to find both Delia and Grace, who flew from Kalos, waiting for them. Within the next three months, the two older women worked nonstop to prepare for the wedding. It wasn't long before many invitations came back with people saying that they are coming.
Finally, the day of the wedding came, and the Oak Corral is crowded with people and Pokemon. Some of the guests include Holly and all seven of her and Brock's children, Misty and her sisters, May and Drew, Kenny, Iris and Cilan, Lance, Palermo, Go, Professor Sakuragi, his daughter, Koharu, many of the gyms leaders Ash and Serena have befriended across the world, and Scott and the entire Battle Frontier. Lucy brought her sisters with her, and although seeing Brock and Holly with their children is unsettling, deep down, she is content that Brock is happy. Coovers announced that he is going to be late, but there is no sign of Timothy anywhere.
Serena is in one of the rooms inside Professor Oak's laboratory and Grace is helping her put on her wedding dress. Braixen, who is now a Delphox, Pancham, Sylveon, Absol, and Poliwhirl, who is now a Poliwrath watch Serena get ready, thrilled that she's soon to get married. Once the two women are finished, Serena turns to her Pokemon and spins around.
"What do you think, everyone?" Serena asks.
"Delphox!" Delphox exclaims happily.
"Pancham!" Pancham says with a thumbs up.
"Sylveon!" Sylveon squeaks cutely.
"Absol!" Excitedly shouts to its mother figure.
"Poliwrath!" Poliwrath answers with glee.
"I'm glad!" Serena answers with a smile.
"I'm glad you like it, dear, but I still wish you had let me pick something less plain.," Grace says with a look of concern.
"Coming from you, mom, that means it's perfect," Serena replies.
"Why did I even bother?" Grace mumbles to herself before she smiles and says, "Well, as long as Ash likes it, then it's all that matters."
Serena nods and looks at herself in the mirror.
"He's going to love it," she says confidently.
Her Pokemon nod in agreement. Grace's smile grows, and she walks over to put her hands on her daughter's shoulders and look at her in the mirror with her.
"I can't believe you are getting married," she says with a happy sigh. "I still remember that talk we had after your first Grand Festival, and you were worried that the two of you wouldn't always be traveling together."
"Hmmm," Serena says while she puts her hand on Grace's right hand. "And now here I am just minutes away from being united with him forever. My goal is about to be fully accomplished."
Serena's Pokemon nod, sharing the excitement with their trainer. The honey blonde woman and her mom and Pokemon remain silent until there's a knock on the door.
"Come in," Serena says.
The door opens to reveal Cilan in a nice suit.
"The ceremony is about to start in 5 minutes, Serena," he announces.
"Okay, thank you, Cilan," Serena replies.
Cilan closes the door, leaving the two women and the Pokemon alone again. Grace takes a large breath before she turns to her daughter.
"Are you ready?" She asks.
"Almost," Serena answers.
Grace looks at her, confused until Serena walks over to her purse and opens it to take out a faded blue ribbon. Her mother and her Pokemon smile as she ties it around her neck. The honey blonde woman looks at herself in the mirror and caresses the old ribbon fondly before she turns to Grace.
"Okay, I'm ready," she says.
Grace smiles, and she walks over to hugs Serena before handing her a bouquet of flowers. Grace then leaves the room to get to her seat outside while Serena and her Pokemon take positions. Delphox and Poliwrath hold the back of her dress while Pancham, Sylveon, and Absol stand in front of Serena.
"Alright, everyone. Here we go," Serena says.
Her Pokemon nod and they all exit the room and walk down the hall with the three smaller Pokemon leading. Iris is waiting for them in front of the door leading to Oak Corral, and she opens the door for them to exit the building. Outside, Serena can see two rows of people standing between a red carpet that leads to an altar. Behind them are all sorts of Pokemon that Ash and Seren have caught over the years, all happy to witness this moment. Everyone turns their heads to watch Serena walk down the carpet.
One of Brock and Holly's younger children, Sophie, steps in front of Serena and her Pokemon, carrying a basket of pink and blue petals and starts tossing them down the carpet as she walks ahead of the bride and her Pokemon. At the front of the altar is Professor Oak standing in the middle and Ash standing next to him on the left. Next to Ash is Brock, Gary, Clemont, Tracey, and Max in nice suits. Standing on Professor Oak's right side is Dawn, Shauna, Aria, May, and Bonnie in red, white, and pink dresses.
Serena feels goosebumps all over her body at the sight of Ash in a tuxedo waiting for her with a bright smile. It takes all of her willpower to keep herself from shaking as the reality of what is happening sinks in. Once she's at the altar, Sophie leaves to sit next to her mother, and her brothers and sisters, and Serena's Pokemon leave to stand next to the other Pokemon while Serena herself hands her bouquet to Dawn and stands next to Ash and the two of them hold hands. Everyone turns to Professor Oak, who clears his throat and puts his hands behind his back.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of this man and this woman," he announces. "As I look around, I see so many people and Pokemon from various parts of the world to watch these two be united in holy matrimony. Serena left home to see Ash again after years of being apart, and Ash ultimately held off his desire to find a new region to explore so he could travel all the way to Indigo Plateau to confess his feelings to Serena."
Serena and Ash turns to each other and smile lovingly while the professor continues.
"But whether they are together or apart, they bring out the best in all of us. Ash has traveled throughout the world to be a Pokemon Master, and Serena has pursued her desire to make all sorts of people and Pokemon happy. They both have a ways to go with both of their goals, but in the end, I think we can all agree that if it weren't for the two of them, none of us would be who we are today. Indeed, my old eyes can't deny how Ash and Serena have made such an impact with so many of us in big and small ways. They've been with us through moments of loss, victory, discouragement, growth, challenges, accomplishments, tears, laughter, and more. It comes to show how even if you have captured all of the Pokemon in the world, win every competition there is, and be praised endlessly by the whole world, what's more, important is the love and fellowship we have with one another."
Everyone apart from the bride and groom look at each other and smile and nod, wholeheartedly agreeing with Professor Oak. The old man then turns to Ash and smiles.
"So, in front of all of these loved ones, I ask, Ash, will you take Serena to be your lawful wedded wife?" He asks. "Will you love and honor her, to have and to hold in wealth and poverty, sickness and in health, for better or worse, from this day forward?"
"You bet I will!" Ash says proudly with a toothy grin.
Everyone laughs at Ash's enthusiasm. Serena covers her mouth to hide a giggle as Professor Oak turns to her.
"And Serena, will you take Ash to be your lawfully wedded husband?" He asks. "Will you love and honor him, to have and to hold in wealth and poverty, sickness and in health, for better or worse, from this day forward?"
Serena turns to Ash, and she squeezes his hand as she looks at him with her heart full of love.
"I will," she says with a blissful sigh.
Some members of the crowd "awwww" quietly, touched by the moment.
"Very well. May we have the rings?" Professor Oak asks.
Everyone turns to Pikachu, who is standing beside Delia at the end of the row of people closest to Ash. The mouse Pokemon walks on its back legs while carrying a purple pillow with two gold bands lying on top of it. Pikachu walks over to Professor Oak, who bends down and picks up the pillow before Pikachu goes back to standing beside Delia. The Pokemon Professor holds the rings out to the bride and groom, and Serena takes one of them and puts it on Ash's finger. The bride feels goosebumps all over her body again as she watches the love of her life take the other ring and give her a toothy grin before putting it on her finger. Her cheeks turn red as the two of them turn to face Professor Oak.
"By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the Pokemon professor announces. "Therefore, let no man or Pokemon tear apart what has been brought together."
The old man then turns to Ash, and with a smile and a wink, he says, "Ash, you may kiss your bride."
Ash and Serena turn to face each other with Ash pulling his bride close to him, and Serena placing her hands on Ash's chest. The two of them stare at each other lovingly with their hearts racing, knowing that what they are about to do is the beginning of a wonderful new journey. After a brief moment, the two of them lean their heads and kiss each other. The sound of people and Pokemon cheering is drowned out by their moment of moving their lips against each other passionately. Serena can feel tiny tears of joy emerging from the side of her closed eyes while she kisses her husband. When the two of them finally part, they look at each other lovingly again and turn around to see everyone still cheering and applauding.
"And now it gives me great pleasure to introduce to you for the first time Ash and Serena Ketchum!" Professor Oak proudly announces.
Everyone cheers and applauds louder than before, and Serena's heart skips a beat, and she beams at the sound of her being called Serena Ketchum for the very first time. Ash gives everyone a happy grin before he picks up his wife bridal style and carries her down the carpet. Serena is alarmed by this at first, but then she gives in to the moment by wrapping her arms around her husband's head and laughs happily with him. When they're on the other side of the carpet, Ash puts Serena down, and they turn to the crowd and wave.
"Now, let's start the reception!" Ash declares.
Everyone else cheers loudly again, and they head further into the corral where food, tables are waiting for them.
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For the next two hours, everyone is enjoying the festivities with cheer. After everyone had their fill during lunch, Ash and Serena cut their cake with is big enough for all of the people and Pokemon to enjoy. A couple of extra cakes were made to keep Snorlax and May and Professor Burnett's Munchlax from eating the main cake.
Once everyone is done eating, A DJ came to play a song for Ash and Serena's first dance. Since Ash can hardly dance at all, the married couple requested a very soft and soothing song so that they can simply move back and forth slowly with Ash's hands on Serena's waist and her arms wrapped around his head. The two of them stare at each other as they dance while everyone else happily watches them. Delia and Grace fight the urge to cry while they watch their children dance. Dawn. May, Mairin, and Bonnie blissfully sigh simultaneously while they stand and watch next to Kenny, Drew, Alain, and Max, respectively. Holly rests her head against Brock's shoulder while they watch their two friends. Even Misty watches Ash dance with his bride with a heart-warming smile. When the song ends, Ash and Serena kiss each other softly before they head back to their table.
The DJ then starts playing upbeat music, and people and Pokemon alike start dancing happily. Dawn, May, and Bonnie lead their boyfriends to the dancefloor, and Mairin gives Alain a pleading look that he can't resist before ultimately agreeing to dance with his wife. While their 11-year-old child dances with the other kids, Professor Kukui sweeps Professor Burnet off her feet as they dance together, making his wife blush furiously as he never looks away from her. Shauna and her Pokemon are dancing together with Lillie, Lana, Mallow, and their Pokemon as if they are in a showcase together.
As their friends happily dance, people line up to congratulate Ash and Serena. At the end of the line, Anabel is the third-to-last person to speak to the bride and groom.
"Congratulations, you two," she says. "I can feel the close bond that the two of you have created together for so long, and I know that it's only going to get stronger."
"Thank you, Anabel," Serena says kindly.
"Yeah, thanks," Ash says.
Anabel leaves and secretly holds her hand close to her, feeling content with what she senses between the couple. Miette comes next with her hands behind her back
"I gotta hand it to you two, I'm impressed," she says. "I know that you've been together for years, but I didn't expect you to finally tie the knot."
"Well, we sure proved you wrong," Ash says proudly with a grin.
"Indeed," Miette says before turning to Serena. "You better hold on to him, Serena. Don't want to lose him to somebody."
Miette winks and walks away just in time to not see Serena glare at her. Ash watches Miette walk away in confusion before he turns to his wife.
"What is she talking about?" He asks.
"Don't worry about it, Ash," Serena says while still watching Miette walk away.
Ash blinks in confusion before he decides to drop it just in time for Misty to approach the couple. Serena turns her head to see the orange-haired woman who gives her and Ash a soft smile.
"Congratulations, Ash, Serena," she says. "I'm happy for both of you."
"Thank you, Misty," Ash says with Serena nodding. "How are things at the Cerulean City gym?"
Misty's smile falters, and she looks down at the ground.
"It's going alright, but it gets lonely," she says. "All my sisters are married or engaged and living outside of Cerulean City."
Ash and Serena frown, and the former asks, "Have you thought about finding someone?"
Misty winces, disturbed that it's Ash of all people who is asking that. Even though Misty has accepted that Ash and Serena belong to each other together years ago, hearing him ask the question is a cruel irony for her.
"I don't have a lot of time to look," she answers. "I need to keep watch of the gym, and I don't think I'll find someone even if I try."
"I don't know, Misty," Ash says, putting his hand on top of Serena's. "No one thought I would return Serena's feelings, and now we just got married. Anything is possible."
Misty winces again, and Serena looks at her sympathetically, knowing that Ash is unintentionally doing more harm than good. But before she can speak to help Misty out of the awkward moment, Tracey walks up behind Misty and taps her behind the shoulder. She turns around to find him looking at her with a shy but warm smile and scratching his cheek before he speaks.
"Hey, Misty," he says.
Misty looks at him, confused, and asks, "Hey, Tracey, what's up?"
Tracey hesitates while still scratching his teeth.
"Well...it's been a while," he says.
"Uh...yes it has," Misty says.
Ash and Serena look at each other confused, unsure of what Tracey is doing before he speaks again.
"Look, Misty, I really wanted to that you that..."
He stops himself in the middle of his sentence, and his cheeks heat up. Serena's eyes widen, realizing what is happening while Ash and Misty are as clueless as ever. Finally, Tracey shuts his eyes and takes a deep breath before he lets it out.
"I just excited to say that you look very pretty tonight!" He blurts out. "I've always thought you look pretty and I'd never forgive myself if I didn't tell you now!"
Misty lets out a small gasp, completely taken aback. Ash and Serena are also surprised as Tracey continues with his eyes still shut.
"Would you like to dance with me?" Tracey asks with his voice squeaking at the last two words.
The four adults stay silent for a minute. Tracey still has his eyes shut, and his hands are shaking, afraid that Misty might refuse or even laugh at him. The orange-haired woman stares at him until her brain fully processes what her friend just said before she blinks and looks away, feeling a little bashful herself.
"Uh...okay," she manages to say.
Tracey's eyes snap open, and he looks at Misty, surprised. His mouth is agape, and he waits for her to give him a small smile as a way of confirming that she said what he heard. His mouth moves up to a happy smile as he offers his hand to her, and she takes it before they head off to go dance with the others. Ash and Serena are still staring at the two of them before Ash turns to his wife.
"I did not see that coming," he says. "Misty and Tracey?"
Serena watching Tracey and Misty start dancing together before she smiles and rests her head on her husband's shoulder.
"It's just like you said, Ash," says. "Anything is possible."
Ash turns this wife and smile before kissing the top of her head. He rests his head on top of hers, and the two of them enjoy their quiet moment until Ash sees five people walking toward them. He lifts his head, and Serena looks at him, confused before she looks at his direction and gasps.
"Coovers!" She shouts.
Coovers is walking toward the newlyweds with a warm smile. Behind him is a tall woman with light brown hair holding a nine-month-old girl and three identical eight-year-old boys. The woman is wearing a short, dark blue dress, the girl is wearing a white and pink dress, the boys are wearing black pants and white buttoned shirts, and Coovers is wearing a casual suit. Ash and Serena run over to Coovers, and Serena hugs him tightly.
"Looks like we missed most of the wedding," Coovers says with a sad smile. "Sorry, guys."
"No worries," Ash says. "The important thing is you're here. But who's here with you?"
Coovers turns to the woman and children and smiles proudly as he walks over to the woman and puts his hand on her back.
"Ash, Serena, this is my family," he says.
"Your family?" Ash asks, shocked.
Serena smiles brightly as she looks like the woman.
"You found her!" She exclaims.
The woman chuckles and says, "Yes, he did. I'm Erin, and this little one I'm holding is Ashley."
"Nice to meet you, Erin," Ash greets.
"Aww!" Serena coos as she walks over to look at Ashley. "She's so cute!"
Ashley shyly turns her head and buries her face in her mother's shoulders. The four adults laugh before Coovers turns to the three identical boys.
"These are our triplet sons," he says. "The one on the left is Scrooge, the one in the middle is Bob, and the one on the right is Marley."
"Scrooge, Bob, and Marley," Ash says. "Nice to meet you, boys."
"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Ketchum," Scrooge, Bob, and Marley say simultaneously.
"Oh, no need to call me that. Just call me Ash," Ash chortles while scratching under his nose.
Serena is still trying to get Ashley to look at her until she realizes something.
"Hey, where's Timothy? Is he with you?" She asks.
"Uncle Timothy had to stay at home with Christopher and Aunt -" Scrooge begins before Coovers clears his throat.
"Scrooge, you know your mother and I were supposed to explain that," Coovers says in a fatherly way.
Scrooge looks away ashamedly while Ash and Serena look at Coovers devastated.
"He couldn't come?" Ash asks.
Coovers and Erin look at each other before the former gives the newlyweds a sad smile and says, "We were going to surprise you with both of our families."
"Both?" Serena asks, surprised. "You mean Timothy also...?"
Erin smiles and says, "They had just celebrated their fifth anniversary a month ago. Their son, Christopher, is three years old now, and they're expecting their daughter, Judy, in two months."
"Aww! They're naming her after Grandma Judy!" Serena coos happily again before she realizes something. "Two months? Does that mean...?"
"Yeah, that's why they couldn't make it," Coovers says, smiling sadly again. "They've been living in Galar since before they got married. Timothy hoped that she wouldn't be too far in to fly internationally, but the doctor said they would be pushing it at twenty-nine weeks."
Serena and Ash frown, disappointed.
"That's a shame. We haven't seen him since after the battle with Team Rocket," Serena says.
Ash frowns until he puts on a cheerful smile and says, "Well, now that we know that he lives in Galar, maybe we can visit him after our honeymoon so we can meet his family."
Serena turns to Ash and smiles, admiring his positive attitude before she says, "That would be wonderful. I would like to meet Mrs. Timothy Durbin."
"Oh, she would love that, believe me," Erin says. "She loves your performances and loves watching Timothy cheer Ash on whenever he's competing in a Pokemon league."
"Yeah, he says nice job on winning the Sinnoh League, by the way," Coovers asks.
Ash grins before he looks at Coovers curiously.
"But if he's staying in Galar, does that mean he stopped trying to win every Pokemon league and beat every champion anymore?" He asks.
"Of course not," Coovers says assuringly. "He's won a few leagues like you and has taken down a couple of champions, but he has also collected all the badges and such to qualify for all of the known leagues. He and his family go on trips for when he competes in a league again, but otherwise, they stay in Galar where they can raise their kids. So, I guess you can say he found something more important than his dream like you, Ash."
Ash smiles and puts his hand around Serena's waist to pulls her closer to him.
"I'm glad to hear it," he says. "Cause I don't know what I would be like without Serena."
"Oh, Ash," Serena coos, resting her head on his shoulder again.
Coovers and Laura nod before Erin remembers something.
"Oh, my goodness," she says in alarm before turning to Coovers. "Coovie Bear, the gifts."
"Oh, that's right. Thank you, Honey Raisin," Coovers says before reaching into his pocket. "Timothy wanted to make sure that his wedding gifts were at least able to come to the wedding."
Ash and Serena smile excitedly, curious about what their gifts are. Their looks of excitement turn into looks of confusion as Coovers takes out a Pokeball and a folded sheet of paper. The man from Unova gives Ash the Pokeball and Serena the paper. Ash examines the ball curiously until he recognizes the purple top with two pink circles and the white "M" in the middle.
"Hey, isn't this the Pokeball he used to free Arceus?" He asks.
"Yup. That's the Master Ball," Coovers confirms with a smirk. "Since Timothy's not going on any more journeys, he decided it should be given to someone who is. He figured that you'll eventually find another Pokemon to use it on."
"But how can I pick even if every rare and powerful Pokemon appears in front of me?" Ash asks. "There are so many of them."
"I guess that's something you'll have to discover for yourself," Coovers answers with a smirk and a wink. "You do want to be a Pokemon Master, after all."
Ash takes a moment to think about what Coovers says before he smiles and nods. He then turns to Serena, who has a fond look on her eye as she's looking at the paper.
"What's in the paper, Serena?" Ash asks.
Serena folds the paper and turns to Ash, saying, "Oh, just Timothy fulfilling his part of the deal we made a long time ago."
"Deal? What deal?" He asks.
Serena scratches her chin, pretending to think about it before she gives Ash a teasing smirk.
"You'll just have to find out when we go visit him and his family," she answers in a singing voice.
"What? Come on," Ash whines childishly. "We're married now. We shouldn't be keeping secrets from each other."
"Sorry, it's my wedding gift and not yours," Serena says, waving her finger at Ash.
Ash groans in disappointment before he reluctantly says, "Fine. But let's make this the only secret in our married life, okay?"
Serena's smirk turns into a sweet smile before she pecks her husband on the lips.
"Deal," she says.
Ash smiles, satisfied with her answer. Coovers also smiles at the moment with his family until they hear someone calling out his name.
"Coovers!"
Ash and Serena turn around to see Brock racing towards them with a big smile on his face while Holly and their children walk behind him.
"Brock!" Coovers cries out happily as he races toward his friend.
The two grown men run toward each other like star-crossed lovers and embrace with tears in their eyes. Everyone looks them uncomfortably as they cry comically.
"Y-y-you and Holly got married and had children!" Coovers sobs.
"Y-y-you found and married the love of your life and had children!" Brock whimpers.
"I'M SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!" They wail loudly at the same time.
Serena and Ash chuckle uncomfortably while Coovers' family looks at him embarrassed. Holly and her children walk over to them, and Erin turns to the auburn-haired woman.
"I've never seen my husband like this before, and I hope I never do again," she says, disturbed.
Holly chuckles and says, "Don't worry. They'll probably stop doing that now that they have us and our kids."
"I hope so," Erin says, unconvinced before she shakes her head and turns to Ash and Serena. "Anyway, before I forget, congratulations on getting married, you too."
"Thank you so much," Serena says, "Please join in. We still have lots of food, and we have people and Pokemon dancing over there."
Scrooge, Bob, and Marley turn to where the dancing is, and their eyes widen at the sight of the Pokemon.
"Whoa, check out the Charizard!" Scrooge shouts excitedly.
"Look at the Gallade!" Bob exclaims.
"Is that an Incinerator?" Marley asks.
Without another word, the triplet boys run toward where the Pokemon as if they are running to a Christmas tree full of presents. Erin runs behind them, calling out to them while still holding Ashley.
"Boys, not so fast!" She rebukes.
Ash and Serena watch Coovers' family running toward the Pokemon that are dancing, and they turn to Holly, who chuckles in amusement.
"Guess they don't see many Pokemon that aren't from Unova," she says.
"I guess so," Serena agrees. "I imagine they want to become Pokemon trainers when they grow up."
"Sounds great to me," Ash says with a toothy grin. "Maybe they'll want some advice on how to be a trainer when they are old enough. I'll make really strong trainers out of them in no time."
Serena giggles with her mouth closed and kisses Ash's cheeks while she wraps her arms around his right arm.
"I'm sure they would love that," she says. "I'm sure they would."
**********************************************************************************************
For another hour and a half, the festivities continue with Coovers and his family. Serena and Ash eventually join in the dancing, making everyone laugh at Ash for dancing weirdly and off-beat. The raven-haired man didn't mind as long as he is having fun, and Serena is glad that he's having fun. Finally, as the sky is getting dark and the time came for Ash and Serena to go back inside, Professor Oak's lab and get changed into their normal clothes before they head to the airport where they will be flying to Alola. By the time the newlyweds were done changing, all the people and some of the Pokemon lines up into separate lines and throw rice at Ash and Serena as they run toward Pidgeot. Once they make it to the bird Pokemon, they are about to climb on before Delia and Grace run toward them with Grace holding Serena's bouquet.
"Serena, you forgot to toss the bouquet," she says.
"Oh my goodness, I did," Serena says as she takes the bouquet and turns to the crowd and shouts. "Hey, all the ladies, let's do the bouquet toss!"
Misty, May, Dawn, Iris, Shauna, Aria, Miette, Bonnie, Mallow, Lillie, Koharu, and Lana all squeal excitedly and quickly huddle together before Serena turns around with her back facing her friends and tosses the bouquet high into the air. When the flowers get close enough, all of the women jump high into the air, desperate to catch the bouquet before it bounces off the tips of several fingers and lands right into Bonnie's hands.
"Hooray!" Bonnie screams up and down while the other women groan in disappointment. "I'm getting married next!"
Brock chuckles and gives Max who is standing next to him a playful nudge with his elbow.
"Better not keep your lady waiting, Max," he teases. "She'll probably expect an engagement ring pretty soon."
Max blushes furiously and looks away at Brock, shouting, "Knock it off, Brock!"
Everyone laughs at Max's reacting while Bonnie walks over to him and gives him a flirtatious look. When the laughter dies down, Delia and Grace turn to their children and hug them.
"Take care, dear," Delia says. "And remember, you are a married man now. Your wife comes first, no matter what."
"I will, mom," Ash promises.
Pikachu runs over to them and climbs up Ash's shoulder. Ash chuckles as the mouse Pokemon runs his cheeks against his.
"Take care of mom, Pikachu," he says while petting his partner. "We'll be back to travel together again after our honeymoon."
"Pikachu," Pikachu says, nodding before getting off Ash's shoulder.
Once Serena is done saying goodbye to Grace, she turns to her husband, who climbs up Pidgeot before extending his hand to help her up. The honey blonde woman wraps her arms around him tightly before they turn to their family and friends and start waving.
"Bye, everyone!" Ash calls out.
"Take care!" Serena shouts.
"Bye, you two!" Brock shouts.
"Take care!" Dawn shouts, waving at the couple with both hands.
"Bye, bye!" Bonnie calls out.
Everyone says their goodbyes as Pidgeot spreads its wings and starts flying away. Ash holds on to his Pokemon while Serena continues to hold him tight. The honey blonde woman rests her head on her husband's shoulder before she starts giggling giddily with her mouth closed.
"We're married," she says.
Ash smiles and takes Serena's hand where her wedding ring is and kisses it.
"We sure are, Mrs. Ketchum," he says.
"Mmmmm, Mrs. Ketchum. I love the sound of that," Serena says blissfully while she closes her eyes.
The two of them remain silent while Pidgeot flies toward Viridian City. Ash holds on to his wife's hand while looking at the view down below until he sees something.
"Serena, look!" He exclaims.
Serena's eyes open, and she lifts her head to see here Ash is looking. High above them is none other than Ho-Oh flying towards the sea. Ash and Serena watch in awe as the Rainbow Pokemon passes by without acknowledging them.
"Ho-Oh," Serena says, amazed.
Ash smiles and says, "It's been a long time since I've seen it. I hear having Ho-Oh fly by you brings good fortune."
Serena turns to Ash and shakes her head before firmly pressing her lips against his cheek.
"I don't need Ho-Oh to pass by us to gain that," she says. "All I need is you."
Ash turns to look at his wife and gives her a toothy grin.
"I only need you, too," he says.
The two of them briefly kiss and stare at each other before Ash turns his head to face the direction where Pidgeot is flying. Serena closes her eyes and snuggles her head against her beloved's shoulder again and smiles brightly, knowing that her dream has come true, and it is only the beginning.