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Together, part 4

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Ash looked at Serena. “A summer wedding? At the end of this summer?” He looked at his mom, and Grace on the vid-phone. “I’m ok with that, but it will put a bit of a rush on the moms to get things ready.”

Delilah smoothed a few wrinkles from her shirt and held up the dress catalogue. “I’m certainly willing to try.” She said. “How about you Grace?”

Grace held up her notepad in one hand and a pencil in the other. “Ready, willing and able.” She said. “If you two are ready to get married, we’ll make it happen.”

“Yes! A summer wedding!” Serena said, hugging Ash in delight as Pikachu hopped excitedly between their shoulders.

After Serena let go of him, Ash turned back to his mom and Grace. “You two shouldn’t have to do everything.” He said. “After all, it is our wedding. What can we do to help?”

Delilah thought for a moment. “The two of you could speak with Professor Oak tomorrow about using the lawn of his lab to hold the ceremony.”  She said. “And of course we could use your help in getting the invitations ready.”

“And all this about the decorations, the dresses and the set-up.” Grace added from the screen. She looked at her to-do list. “So many things go into planning a wedding.”

Serena looked at her mom on the screen. “It’s ok mom. You don’t have to do everything yourself. I’ll help.”

“In that case, I’d like you back here in Kalos.” Grace said. “It will be a lot easier to plan all of this with you right here beside me instead of always trying to reach you by phone.”

Serena looked shocked. “But mom!” She protested. “I just got here, Ash proposed to me and you agreed to help us set up a wedding for the end of the summer!” Serena clutched Ash’s arm. “How can I come all the way back to Kalos now!?”

“To help us set up a wedding for the end of the summer.” Grace replied pointedly. “There is a lot of work to be done in not a lot of time, and it will go faster and better with you here.”

“I have to agree with her there, Serena.” Delilah said. “It would be best if you are there with your mom to help her plan things. Everything should go smoother that way.”

A miserable Serena hung her head. Taking her hand, Ash used the other to hold her chin and tip her head back up to look at him. “Come on Serena.” Ash said. “Our moms are doing all of this for us. The least we can do is help them make sure it all goes well.”

Looking into Ash’s eyes, Serena’s miserable look slowly changed back to a smile. “All right Ash.” She said. “But I’m going to be calling you every night until I’m here for the ceremony.”

“Works for me.” Ash said with a grin.

“Well, now that that’s settled, I’ll get you booked on the next flight back to Kalos.” Grace said. “The sooner you get here the sooner we can start the preparations.”

“In the meantime, you two should be getting to bed.” Delilah said. “It sounds like there’s a lot of work to get started on tomorrow. And a good night’s sleep is the best way to start it.”

“Ok mom. Goodnight.” Ash said.

“Night mom.” Serena called to the screen.

Ash and Serena walked up the stairs hand-in-hand, Pikachu trailing behind them. Once they were gone, Delilah turned back to Grace on the screen. “A summer wedding does sound like a beautiful thing.” She said. “But still…" Delilah motioned at the list still in Grace’s hand. “The decorations, the outfits, the flowers, the guests….” Delilah rubbed at her eyes. “So much to do and so little time.”

“But remember, it’s for our kids.” Grace said. “This will be the most important day of their lives.” Grace shrugged. “And besides, you’ve seen how happy they make each other. A little stress is worth it.”

Delilah nodded. “True.” She settled herself a little more comfortably in the chair. “Actually, before I turn in for the night I wanted to talk to you about the layout for the wedding. I was thinking of some nice lawn chairs in summer colors…”

“Now hold on.” Grace said. “What about the flowers? A wedding has to have flowers, and if the chairs are all colors they will take away from the flower setting.”

“So what? Everything goes with white?” Delilah asked, raising an eyebrow. “I’m not sure if we can make that work…”

The talk went back and forth for a while longer, until both moms were doing more yawning then talking and decided to call it a night. Both hung up their phones and went to bed, their heads buzzing with plans for the biggest day of their children’s lives.



Normally Ash slept in late, but the sound of his alarm clock combined with thoughts of all that needed to be done caused him to leap from his bed the next morning. Nudging Serena and Pikachu awake, the three of them hurriedly got ready and rushed downstairs for breakfast.

“I’m sure the professor will be surprised to see us.” Ash said as he finished his toast and took his plate to the sink to rinse it.

“Yeah. Weren’t we just there?” Serena asked with a giggle as she ate the last of her eggs and joined him at the sink.

Delilah looked over from where she was putting away the breakfast items. “Just be sure to ask him about the lawn for the ceremony.” She said.

“And maybe we should talk to Tracey.” Serena said. “Maybe he can help us out with the invites.”

Pikachu looked up from his empty bowl. They’re all talking about what they need to do to help with the wedding. He thought. But let’s not forget that I have a few things to do too. The other pokemon and I aren’t going to just sit and relax while our trainers do all the work.

Pikachu pawed some crumbs from his face and looked towards the door. “Pika!’ He called to the others. When they all looked at him, Pikachu hopped down off the table and ran to the door. “Pika, pikachu!” He called, bouncing around.

“Looks like Pikachu’s ready to go.” Delilah said with a smile.

Ash walked to the door and took his hat from the coat rack near it. “Well, we have a lot we want to do.” He said. “Might as well get started.”

Serena joined him by the door. “Visit the professor to ask about the lawn, speak with Tracey for his help on the invites… anything else?” She asked.

“Make sure you’re packed and ready to go.” Delilah said. “I got a message from your mom this morning. She was able to book you on a flight back to Kalos. It leaves late this afternoon.”

“Oh good.” Serena said, disappointment plain in her voice.

Ash caught her hand as Pikachu took his place on his trainer’s shoulder. “Come on, Serena.” He said cheerfully. “Do it for us?”

Serena sighed. “Oh, all right Ash.” She said. “But right now, I just don’t want to think about leaving.”

“Then think about dresses, flower patterns and guest seating arrangements.” Delilah said, gently pushing them out the door. “If you can get the laboratory lawn for the ceremony, it will be a big weight off of Grace and me.”

“All right mom.” Ash called as he and Serena started walking. “We’ll be back in time to get Serena packed up.”

Delilah waved, then returned into the house. “Purse, walking shoes, list…” she said, rattling things off as she collected them. “Mimey!” She called.

As Mimey walked in from the other room where he’d been getting started on the dusting, Delilah motioned him towards the door. “Leave the dusting for now and come with me.” She said. “I want to visit the local flower shop.
They have a nice selection.”

“Mime.” Mimey said, setting down his duster and hanging his apron on the coat rack until he returned.

Delilah and Mimey locked the door behind them and headed into town. “I still say those pink tulips would work best for the wedding.” Delilah said as they walked. “But I do sort of like those blue flowers.”

“Mr. Mime….” Mimey said, shaking his head. I think this trip may take a while…



Ash and Serena quickly arrived at the professor’s lab. As they approached the front door, Pikachu perked up on Ash’s shoulder. Sniffing the air, Pikachu hopped down to the ground and ran around the side of the lab.

“Pikachu, where are you off to?” Ash called after him.

As Ash and Serena followed Pikachu, they heard an excited “Pika!” from around the corner. Around the back of the lab, they found Pikachu running round and round Professor Oak’s feet. Noticing Ash and Serena, Pikachu happily said “Pika, chu!” before racing off across the lawn.

“Ash, Serena.” Professor Oak said. “So many visits in so few days.” He smiled. “You’re making an old scientist feel like family.”

“You’re not old, professor.” Ash said.

As Professor Oak smiled at the compliment, Serena looked around the back yard of the lab. “Yes, I think this would work. This would work very nicely.” She mused aloud.

Professor Oak glanced at Ash. “What’s she talking about?”

Serena looked at the professor. “I asked Ash, Delilah and my mom if we could have a summer wedding.” She explained. “Delilah suggested having it here on the laboratory lawn.”

“A summer wedding…” The professor said, a dreamy look coming over his face. After a moment, Professor Oak shook himself back to reality and looked at Ash and Serena. “I’m fine with allowing you to use the lawn,” He said. “But if you want to use it, I will expect you to help with the set-up and the take-down of the wedding.”

“That’s ok.” Serena said. She wandered around the lawn a little, looking around. “A nice arch of flowers here, the chairs laid out going back, fine ribbons hung around, bouquets of flowers…” Serena stopped her wanderings, staring at the empty lawn as her imagination added the details. “Such a beautiful setting…” she sighed.

“A nice picture, Serena, but are you forgetting the time?” Ash asked. “We need to get our few errands done so you have time to pack.”

“Pack? Pack for what?” Professor Oak asked.

“My mom wants me back in Kalos to help with the preparations for the wedding. She got me at ticket for a flight that leaves late this afternoon.” Serena answered. “And on that note, have you seen Tracey recently? We’d like his help on the invitations.”

“Oh, well I’m sure you’ll be back soon for the ceremony.” Professor Oak said. He jerked a thumb back towards the lab. “And if you’re looking for Tracey, you’ll find him upstairs. Still tearing his room apart trying to find that camera of his.”

“Thanks, professor.” Serena said as she and Ash walked into the lab. “I’m sure I’ll be back in Kanto soon. Looking forward to seeing you at the wedding.”

“And you Serena.” Professor Oak answered, raising a hand in a wave as Ash and Serena disappeared inside.



Running across the lawn of the lab, Pikachu followed his nose to where some of Ash’s pokemon were. Soon he saw them: Delphox sitting on a rock while Greninja stood behind her, brushing her fur. Ash’s Leavany could be seen leaning against a tree, weaving some leaves into shape, while Quillava dozed in a bright beam of sunlight.

Just a few more strokes, Delphox. Greninja said. Then your fur will be all nice and neat.

Thank you, Greninja. Delphox said, her eyes closed as she felt the brush straighten her fur.

Quillava smirked as he opened an eye to look at the two of them. Gee, sure wish I had a nice, strong pokemon to brush my fur all clean in the morning. He said teasingly.

What fur? Greninja asked. You’re a short haired fire-type pokemon.

An indignant huff of flame shot from the top of Quillava’s head. Closing his eyes, he shuffled around in his sunbeam.

There you guys are! Pikachu said as he bounded excitedly up to the four pokemon. I’ve got big news! Big, big news!

Greninja finished with Delphox’s fur and sat beside her. What news? He asked.

Pikachu hopped eagerly on the spot. Serena asked Ash and the moms for a summer wedding, and they agreed. He said. Ash and Serena are to be married at the end of this summer.

Delphox’s ears pricked up at the sound of that. A summer wedding. How nice. She said. She gently entwined her paw with Greninja’s webbed hand. And it means they will be married soon….

Leavany looked over from her work with the leaves. But are they sure they can do it? She asked. I’ve been around humans a long time, and I know that a lot of work goes into something like a wedding.

That’s where we come in. Pikachu said. We are Ash’s pokemon, and we’ll be affected by this marriage too. I think we should do all we can to help with it.

How? Came Quillava’s voice from the curled ball of fur in the sunbeam.

Pikachu waved his paws at the four of them. Get word to the rest of Ash’s pokemon. He said. Tell them that our trainer has a time frame planned for the wedding. Maybe we can get a meeting together so we can all plan how we can help with the wedding.

Sure. Leavany said. I’m happy to help my trainer.

As Leavany walked off to find some of the others, Quillava poked his head up. Watching Leavany go, he turned his head to see the other three looking at him. Oh, all right. Quillava said as he stood up and stretched. Guess I can take a nap in the sun another time.

Pikachu turned to Delphox as Quillava wandered off. And Delphox, Serena’s mom wants her back in Kalos to help with the wedding plans. He said. Her flight leaves this afternoon, and I think she’ll want you to come along too.

All right. Delphox said, letting go of Greninja’s hand and standing up. Suppose I should go meet with her.

Great. She came to the lab with Ash. Pikachu said, turning and trotting off.

As Delphox started to follow Pikachu, Greninja stood up as well, keeping pace with her on the walk back to the lab.



Walking upstairs in the lab, Ash and Serena found Tracey’s door propped open by a few boxes. Poking their heads around the door frame, they saw more boxes and piles of other items scattered about, and the only sign of Tracey was the back of him sticking out of his closet.

“No, not that one. Not that one either.” Tracey muttered as he sorted boxes and stacks of supplies. Although he was still trying to find his camera, Tracey was multi-tasking as he sorted the mess that was his closet. “Put that there, then those can go on top. Now what about that box over there…?”

“Uh, Tracey?” Ash called into the room.

The back of Tracey jumped in surprise and there was an audible thumping sound from the closet as his head banged on something. “Ow!!” Tracey yelped.

Backing out of the closet, Tracey turned to the door, one hand rubbing the top of his head. “Oh, it’s you guys. Nice to see you back so soon.” He said.

“Nice to see again too.” Serena said.

“And sorry about that.” Ash added, nodding towards Tracey’s bruised head.

Tracey waved his other hand. “It’s ok.” He said. “Maybe that will be another piece of incentive to help me keep my closet clean.” Shaking his head to clear it, Tracey took a seat at his desk. “So, what can I do for you two?”

“We were hoping you could help us with something else for the wedding.” Serena said. “We decided to have a summer wedding, at the end of this summer. We asked professor Oak to use the lawn for the ceremony…”

“A good choice.” Tracey commented.

“… and we were hoping you could help us design our wedding invitations.” Serena finished.

Tracey scratched at his head, thinking. “Hmmm…ah! I think I’ve got just the kind of thing you need.” He said. “Follow me.”

Heading downstairs, Tracey lead Ash and Serena to the lab’s personal computer. Turning it on, Tracey explained while it booted up. “An old art contact of mine sent me the link to the download for a new program he found. It gives you the basic template for many things, then allows you to customize your own design to it. Everything from résumés to graphs, and there’s even a template for invitations.”

“That would be great!” Ash said. “So quick and easy to design.”

“And since it’s on the system, it can be sent digitally. Saves time waiting for the post to arrive.” Tracey added.

With the computer up and running, Tracey loaded the program. Displaying the template for an invitation, Ash, Serena and Tracey went back and forth on the design for their wedding invites. When Pikachu came trotting back into the lab with Delphox and Greninja, they were putting the finishing touches on it.

“Add those flowers to each of the corners, and we’re done.” Serena said happily. Noticing Delphox standing nearby, Serena beckoned her over. “What do you think of the invitations to the wedding?” Serena asked.

Delphox read through the invitation, then nodded at Serena. “Phox, delphox.” She said.

“Gre!” Greninja added with a smile.

“All you need to do is add any special requests you want to make on the invitation.” Tracey said. “And you can do that easily enough from a home computer.”

“Like asking for the wedding photographer?” Ash said.

Tracey looked up from the screen. “I’ll find that camera.” He said. “Just you wait and see.”

Serena glanced at the clock in the next room. “Well Tracey, if you could send those invites to Ash and I at our homes, we should be on our way. Mom booked me on a flight back to Kalos to help with the wedding preparations and it leaves late this afternoon. And I still have to pack.”

“Sure.” Tracey said. A few clicks of the mouse and little typing later, he sat back from the computer. “Ok, you’ll each find a copy of the invites in your e-mail at home. I’ll leave it to you to send them off to your guests.”

“Thank you Tracey.” Serena said. Looking at Delphox, Serena added “And now we really should be going.”

“Nin, ninja!” Greninja said. With a few quick leaps Greninja bounded into another room, returning a moment later with a poke ball, which he handed to Serena. “Greninja.”

“Oh, Delphox’s poke ball. Thank you Greninja.” Serena said.

Pikachu hopped onto Ash’s shoulder as he turned for the door. “Come on Serena. We’d better get you and Delphox packed and ready to meet your flight.”

“Coming.” Serena said. She spared a moment to nod at Tracey. “Thank you again, Tracey. You’ve been a big help in getting something important to the wedding done.”

“Happy to help.” Tracey said. “And if you need any changes made, or if there’s anything else I can help with, you know I’m just a phone call away.”

Serena smiled at him before sprinting off to the door with Ash, Pikachu, Greninja and Delphox. Packing her overnight bag wouldn’t take too long, but she was eager to have everything ready to go when it came time to head for the airport.

Tracey watched them go, then saved the invitation template and shut down the computer. Standing up and stretching, he headed for the kitchen. “A quick snack, then I need to finish searching and straightening up my room.” He said. Tracey stopped and looked up at the ceiling, towards were his room is. “Huh. I wonder if my camera is in one of my desk drawers, not in the closet after all.” He thought aloud.



Serena and the others quickly arrived back at the Ketchum house. Greninja and Pikachu took Delphox into the kitchen for a drink and a small snack before she had to return to her poke ball for the trip, while Ash headed upstairs with Serena to help her pack.

“I’ll call you every night to check on the plans for the wedding.” Serena told Ash as she rolled up her sleeping bag. “And since Tracey sent the blank invitations to both of us, I can contact some of our friends too.”

“Ok. How about I send the invitations to the boys, and you send them to the girls?” Ash asked as he handed Serena her things from the washroom.

“Sounds good.” Serena said as she packed her things away. Motioning to Ash to hold her bag open, Serena fought to stuff her tightly rolled sleeping bag into it. “Wow.” She said, pausing with the sleeping bag halfway in. “Just talking about this wedding makes me realize all that we have to do. And in such a short amount of time to make the summer wedding I asked for.”

Ash just smiled, tugging the bag up the rest of the way over Serena’s sleeping bag. “It’s ok.” He told her. “We’ll make it all work.” Tightening the strap on Serena’s bag, Ash looked at her. “For you, I’ll make it work.”

A pink tinge appeared on Serena’s face. Smiling, she leaned her body over her bag to lightly kiss Ash’s lips. “I know you will.” She said.

The two of them stayed that way, sitting on the floor with Serena’s overnight bag between them, staring at each other. Neither knew how much time passed before the bang of the door and a voice startled them back to the present.

“Ash! Serena? Are you two here?”

It was Delilah, back from town. Mimey followed her inside as Delilah set her purse down in the hall. Pikachu, Greninja and Delphox poked their heads out from the next room as Ash and Serena came downstairs with Serena’s overnight bag. “Hi mom.” Ash called as he set the bag down. “Where did you go?”

“Into town to visit the flower shop.” Delilah said, running a hand through her hair. “It took some searching, but I found these flowers for the wedding. I think they look nice.”

Mimey walked up, two bouquets of flowers in his arms. One was a mix of red and white flowers, the other a mix of sky blue and white flowers. “Brown flowers wouldn’t look good at all for a wedding,” Delilah explained. “So I couldn’t go with a flower theme that matched your eyes. But then I thought of that trainer hat you love to wear.”

“Nice mom. I like it.” Ash said.

“Yes. A good choice.” Serena said.

Delilah smiled. “Glad you both approve. Mimey, please take those into the kitchen and put them in water.” She said. "I’d like to show them to Grace later.”

Mimey trotted past the other pokemon into the kitchen. Pikachu looked at Greninja and Delphox, then turned to look at Mimey. It took some searching…? He asked.

Mimey looked at the three pokemon. Save me from this woman. He said, exasperated.

Pikachu, Greninja and Delphox had to clamp a hand or paw over their mouths to stop from laughing out loud. As Mimey ambled over to the kitchen sink, Delilah’s voice came from the hallway. “Serena, if we’re going to make it for you flight back to Kalos, we should get going now.”

“Ok.” Came the dejected voice of Serena. “Delphox!” She called.

Delphox came in from the kitchen, Greninja and Pikachu trailing along behind her. Serena checked her bag. “Sleeping bag, toothbrush, toothpaste, extra clothes…” She looked up at Delphox. “Delphox.” She said, adding the pokemon to her mental checklist.

A stifled laugh came from Greninja as Serena swung her bag onto her shoulders. “Ok, let’s get to the airport.” She said.

“Mimey, take care of the house. We should be back real soon.” Delilah called.

“Mr. Mime.” Came the reply.

As everyone filed out the door, Greninja smirked at Delphox. Considering the way Mimey talked about Delilah, I’m sort of wondering if maybe you’re lucky to be heading for Kalos. He teased.

You forget. Delphox said dryly. I may be able to escape from Delilah here in Kanto, but I’m going to Grace in Kalos.

Greninja’s smirk disappeared. Oh. Right. Yeah.



One car ride later, everyone was at the airport. Serena confirmed her place on the flight, then handed over her bag to the attendant. After her bag was scanned, the attendant asked Serena to put any pokemon she was taking with her into their poke balls for the trip.

“Ok Delphox, that means you.” Serena said, taking out the poke ball.

Delphox glanced at Greninja beside her. “Del, phox delphox.” She barked at Serena. Nudging Greninja by the shoulder, Delphox lead him away from the others.

“Give them a moment.” Ash said to the attendant. “I think Delphox wants to say goodbye.” The attendant nodded and waited with the rest of them.

A short ways from the others, Delphox stopped and turned to Greninja. Serena’s right to be upset.  She said. I know we’ll see each other again real soon for the wedding, but that doesn’t mean I want to go.

Greninja smiled, gently taking her paw. Serena and Grace need your help to plan for the wedding. Plus, you may have to tell Pancham and Sylveon about it too. Grace may have been too busy to pass on the good news.

A small smile appeared on Delphox’s face. True. Ryhorn and Fletchling may need to know too. Delphox gently squeezed Greninja’s hand. Thank you Greninja. You always do know how to make me feel better when I’m down.

Greninja smiled wider. And once the wedding is done and our trainers are married, we’ll spend so much time with each other that you’ll get sick of me. He said.

Delphox laughed. Tugging Greninja’s hand, Delphox pulled him in for a hug. After holding each other for a moment, Delphox stepped back. Putting a paw on Greninja’s head, she tipped his head down, before leaning in to gently place a kiss on his forehead. I’ll miss you. She said softly.

We’ll see each other again soon. Greninja said.

Walking back to the others, Delphox let go of Greninja’s hand and looked at Serena. “Delphox.” She said.

“Ok, Delphox. Return.” Serena said. And in a beam of red light, Delphox disappeared into her poke ball.

Serena handed the poke ball to the attendant, who scanned it into the plane’s cargo log before handing it back to her. “It’s best for all pokemon if they remain in their ball for the trip.” The attendant said. “It prevents any trouble on the plane.”

Serena nodded and went with the others to the flight gate. Stopping at the gate, Serena turned back to look at Ash, Pikachu, Greninja and Delilah in turn. “Thank you all for letting me stay.” She said. “Even if this visit was not what I was expecting.” She added, looking at the ring on her hand.

“Believe me, it had its surprises for the rest of us too.” Delilah said.

“Pika.” Pikachu said.

“Gre, greninja.” Greninja added, nodding.

“But you did still enjoy this visit, short though it was, right?” Ash asked with a smile.

Serena laughed. “You even have to ask?” She said. Stepping forwards, Serena hugged Delilah, Pikachu and Greninja, before turning to Ash. “I’ll call you when I’m back in Kalos.” She said. “And every night until we meet again.” A dreamy look crossed Serena’s face. “And when we do we’ll get married…!”

Ash’s smile got wider. Stepping closer, he hugged Serena. “I can’t wait.” He said.

Serena hugged Ash back. The two of them stayed in each other’s arms, blind to the world around them. Then Ash stepped back a pace and nodded to the gate behind Serena. “You should get going so you make your flight.” He said.

Serena smiled. Stepping close again, she kissed Ash deeply. “I love you Ash.” She said as she stepped back from him. “I can’t wait until we’re married.”

“I love you too Serena.” Ash said. “I’ll see you soon.”

Serena turned and walked through the gate to get to her plane. As she disappeared through another set of doors, Ash lead the others in a rush to the other side of the airport and the windows overlooking the runway. Listening to the announcements blare, Ash, Delilah, Pikachu and Greninja waited, then watched and waved as the plane for Kalos taxied down the runway before taking off into the sky.

When the plane was gone, Ash looked at the darkening sky before turning to his mom. “I know you’ve still got a lot to do for the wedding.” He said. “And you know we’ll help in any way we can.”

“Pikachu!” Pikachu chimed in.

“Gre.” Greninja said.

Delilah smiled at all of them. “Come on. Let’s go home.” She said. "We could all use a good night’s sleep. We’ve got so much to do tomorrow.”


TO BE CONTINUED
Concrete plans for the wedding begin to take shape. And another group starts to plan what they can contribute to it.

(Let me know what worked and what didn't.)
© 2016 - 2024 StoryKeeper44
Comments8
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Erm is there any reason for Serena to head back to Kalos? I would have had Grace fly over to Kanto so the planning would have gone a lot smoother.