- Oh sweet Mew, you look so gorgeous Kell!

The brunet couldn't help but giggle when he saw his dear cousin coo and turn around him, completely excited.

- Oh, Kate... Stop fidgeting like that, you're making me dizzy!

- A-Ah sorry, sorry! It's just that...

The chestnuthead paused before plunging her cobalt gaze into her cousin's teal one. A big tender smile then appeared on her lips, while she delicately placed her hands against the boy's cheeks.

- Kell, you're getting married today. Of course I am happy and impatient!

The Top Ranger involuntarily gave an adorable smile at Kate's words. Yeah. 7 years after Operation Brighton, his coma, his promise with Keith...He was now 21 and about to get married.

- Come now, come now Princess! Can't you see he's nervous?

The 2 Rangers immediately turned their gaze toward the newcomer who was none other than Rhythmi. The latter had an raised eyebrow, but her look was more than teasing.

- Oh my Love! I know it very well, that's why I reassure him! Seriously, look at how beautiful he is!

The chestnut-haired woman pulled her girlfriend towards the youngest who chuckled at this more than childish behavior, which in no way bothered the blonde. She appreciated that her partner indulged her instincts.

- I feel like I'm dealing with a proud mother rather than a cousin, haha! But she's right, it suits you perfectly, Chocolate.

The Operator put her hand on her friend's shoulder, her face proud and full of joy. To which the only boy in the group replied with a shy smile:

- Thank you Tina.

Rhythmi purred in satisfaction before turning toward the cobalt-eyed one and warbling with her to calm her down.

The young man decided to take advantage of their cheesy moment to remember the various changes that had taken place in the recent years.

First, they had all grown and matured. By the way, Kellyn wasn't the shortest of the group anymore! That was reserved for Rhythmi, although honestly he was only a few centimeters taller than her. He was 1m80, which was already a miracle in itself, while she was 1m76.

... But hey, they were still real shrimp compared to Kate and Keith who were respectively 1m89 and 2m04. Why were they so tall?!

Humhum...! Anyway. Apart from that, the 2 women of the foursome had become a couple, ready to get engaged and to marry. But that was not for now.

- / It's been so long....Time sure flies by./

The brunet hummed thoughtfully as he looked at himself in the mirror. Yes...He too had changed. He had taken in musculature, his shoulders were larger while his waist had become a little slim...However, the biggest noticeable change was undoubtedly his face.

Sharp features, a finer look, a few scars... And oddly fluffy hair. This made him laugh regularly, because from his memories, he had very clearly taken from Namine on this aspect.

The man gave a slight sigh, then stepped back so he could look at his dress again. Yup, his DRESS. Kellyn had asked to wear a wedding dress, because why not? He found them really pretty.

Imagine the reaction of some when he announced the news. If a few people were...How to say...Disgusted, the others supported him loud and clear. And more particularly his cousin and his best friend.

Oh, for your information, the future husband didn't know because the one with teal eyes wanted to surprise him.

Let's move on. After struggling for weeks, he finally got a dress that he liked and that fit him.

It was Empire shaped and asymmetrical, a pretty white with lavender shades. It started from his right shoulder with a thin sleeve before moving down to his chest, stopping just before too much was uncovered. Why did it bother him so much? It wasn't as if he had great assets, or assets at all!

His waist was marked by a thick silver belt, decorated with slightly bluish white lace. Immediately after this began 2 rows of asymmetrical frills that ended just below the knees. The dress itself ended it's race on the ground.

There weren't many accessories. In addition to those called "traditional", namely the gloves, or rather arm sleeves, and the veil, we could note the presence of a "cloak". It was held by 2 off-white rings located just below his shoulders.

Oh, he was also wearing his iconic bracelet and pendant, as well as the Silent Princess that Keith had given him. This one, after having been turned into a hairpin, was attached to his veil.

....Yeah, he wasn't ruining the dress too much. He even dared to say that he thought he was pretty for once.

- Don't tell me you're still doubting your appearance?

The brunet jumped at the sound of his best friend's voice and didn't have the time to turn around that she had already placed her gloved hands on his shoulders. He could see her golden pupils staring at him from the reflection of the mirror.

- Oh, my dear little Chocolate...! Don't underestimate yourself so much! Of course, you're not a so-called "traditional" bride, but that shouldn't make you regret your choices and prevent you from being happy!...I'm going to be honest with you: you're much more charming than most brides I've seen in my life!

At that, the Top Ranger chuckled, barely containing his laughter and tears.

- Ah...You know how to comfort people, right Tina? But thanks anyway.

- No problem! Now breathe, the ceremony will begin soon. And don't worry, everything will be fine. If ever THEY show up...Let's just say Kate and I will go meet them.

The young man gave her a small grateful smile, while his shoulders visibly relaxed.

- What would I do without you? Understood, I'll let you take care of that. Go join the others, I...I'll be right there.

- Oki doki! Don't hesitate to call us if there is any problem, understood?

- I promise.

- Perfect! Come on Princess, we're leaving. It's time.

The chestnuthead, who had remained in the background until now, came forward and briefly hugged her cousin.

- Courage Kell, you can do it! And don't worry, we're keeping an eye out! So focus on your marriage and your happiness, and you'll be fine!

The oldest winked at him before taking her girlfriend's hand and walking away, leaving the future bride alone. The latter gave a long sigh, then looked at himself again in the mirror.

- Focus on my happiness huh?...Come on Kellyn, you can do it! Oh by Mutios, now is not the time to be anxious...!

The brunet grumbled slightly to himself, desperately trying to calm his poor molten nerves.

- (Aw~ Some things will never change, huh little Amethyst?)

The man turned toward the source of the voice, only to see his "partner in crime" approaching him, a comforting look on her face.

- I suppose so. But it wouldn't be funny otherwise, would it?

The Staraptor chuckled softly, looking a little exasperated, but in a good way. She then stopped alongside the Top Ranger, who had momentarily sat down so as not to lose control.

- (Alala...~...Tell me honestly: do you feel capable of doing it?)

- H-Huh? What a funny question! But yes...I'm ready. I just need to calm my heart before it gives me an attack!

The Flying-Type stared at him for a moment, seeming to test him, then gave a long sigh, not without a small smile on her face.

- (...I see. You haven't changed Kell. Always ready to go all the way. But you still have to learn to manage your stress, little Amethyst!)

- Haha...Can you tell me something that I don't know already...?

The 2 friends laughed heartily, dispersing the stress residing in the atmosphere. Finally, the bird straightened up before extending her wing to the man.

- ( Should we go?)

The brunet let a smile appear on his face as he rested his left hand on the outstretched feathers.

- Let's go.

The young adult got up, dusted off his dress, took his bouquet and left the room, accompanied by his lifelong partner. Throughout the trip, he felt the pressure build up deep in his chest. But it didn't matter, because it wasn't inherently bad.

When the duo finally set foot outside, they were greeted by a light spring breeze and a bright sun.

- (Aaaahhhh~ That's nice, huh Kell?)

- Humhum...~ Fortunately, the weather is nice.

The teal pupils stared at the sky for a moment, then the brunet focused on the sounds reaching his ears. Laughter, more or less excited conversations...Pure joy.

- (I guide you?)

The Top Ranger lowered his gaze, meeting Fischl's scarlet. He then took a deep breath, and gently squeezed the wing to calm his nervous tremors.

-...Please do.

The Staraptor nodded slowly, then began to move forward, taking care to slow down or even stop if her friend needed it.

As they approached the mini-crowd of 17 plus a few Pokemons, (He can't thank Arceus enough for Almia's unconventional weddings.) the more the ambient noises died down.

- /....No, don't start regretting your decision, you idiot!/

Although he really wanted to run away and hide deep in a hole, thank his shyness, Kellyn forced himself to continue.

- ( Are you alright?)

- /Yup./

- ( Liar.)

The man barely stifled his laughter, giggling silently. Ah...He couldn't hide anything from her, could he? So, to give himself courage, he looked around for his fiancé, and when he found him, he stopped, but not for the same reasons this time.

He...He was dazzling. He wore a long, poet-sleeved tunic in a slightly lavender white color, as well as dark stockings. He accompanied his outfit with high boots and a sort of shawl hanging over his right shoulder. The sight of the latter warmed the brunet's heart.

Oh, his hair too was tamed and slicked back into a low ponytail. The adult also suspected that they had to use hair gel to hold it together given the pouting look of the redhead. Air that disappeared instantly when the crimson eyes landed on him.

He had never seen his eyes light up like this.

- /....Handsome. He's so handsome like that.../

Upon realizing what he was thinking, The brunet shook his head vigorously to collect himself.

...He could swear that this damn Staraptor was laughing.

- Kell!!!

Suddenly, the adult found himself face to face with his fiancé who had obviously teleported in front of him, his face beaming. Some people might have wondered why he hadn't hugged him already, but he probably had to wait until his hands were free.

- Oh by Arceus...! You...! You are SO pretty...!!

The 11th Top Ranger smiled amusedly as he let his partner coo around him, ecstatic without caring about being in public at all. Like what, he really had no concept of shame.

Not that the teal-eyed one bothered.

- { Oh by Mew- Keith!! Keep calm! I know it's your and Kellyn's wedding, but still! A little dignity at last!}

Poor Sapphire clearly wasn't paid enough to put up with all of that! The orange otter, who still hadn't evolved by choice, sighed dramatically, considering giving up on his quest to be heard by his partner. However, luckily for him, said partner pulled himself together and cleared his throat, his cheeks flushed ever so slightly.

Ah, seems like he knew what shame was.

- Humhum...! Sorry Sapph.

- { *sigh*...How about we start the ceremony? I don't think Kell will last very long.}

...Was he that transparent?

- You're right. I wouldn't want my Angel to pass out because of stress!

The redhead therefore took on a confident but relaxed air as he held out his hand to his fiancé, like a prince.

- So...Shall we go, my Angel?

Ignoring his burning cheeks the best he could, the brunet nodded as he transferred his hand from Fischl to Keith, squeezing the palm preciously welcoming him.

- < I follow you.>

The couple then moved forward, leaving their partners to retreat behind them. The oldest then leaned towards the other adult, and whispered softly in his ear:

- Are you gonna be fine? We can stop if you want.

The man nearly tripped over his dress in surprise, only avoiding that miserable fall by a more or less controlled catch. Sweet Mew, his ankles were going to hurt a lot soon enough.

Anyway, after nearly giving his future husband a heart attack, he decided to silently articulate his response.

- < Don't worry, I'm fine. Let's continue, alright? >

The one with the crimson pupils nodded with a smile as he led the two of them onto the Altru Park's "stage". It was then that Kellyn really realized the number of stares watching them.

- / ImgonnadieImgonnadieImgonnadieImgonnadie- /

- Calm down Kell. Pretend it's just the two of us, okay?

The brunet turned toward the redhead who gave him a reassuring and bright smile, before letting out a nervous and silent laugh. Yes...He just had to ignore them. Easier said than done though.

The young man then took a deep breath and focused on the person in front of them, or tried to be exact. Quickly, he was lost in his thoughts, remembering his journey...His memory.

He....He came from so far after all. From an amnesiac and traumatized child, he had become a Pokemon Ranger on which humans and Pokemons could rely.

- I do.

Kellyn jumped when he heard his fiancé's voice, and realized that he spaced out.

- Kellyn Kairi Hajime, do you agree to take Keith Dazzle as your husband and promise to love him until Death tears you apart?

...It's true, he was the Hero of Almia. But...He was also Keith's companion.

The brunet closed his eyes, then after a moment of silence, opened them again, a soft smile on his lips.

-...I do.

Although it was pronounced very quietly, the person officiating the ceremony as well as the redhead heard it all the same.

- Alright. Now, if anyone wishes to oppose this union, let that person come forward.

A religious silence answered him while the 2 Top Rangers didn't take their eyes off each other.

- No opposition then... Fine. I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may kiss.

As soon as that statement was made, the oldest embraced his now-husband, taking care to swing his shawl over their heads, effectively hiding them from the eyes of their audience. This made the Hero of Almia chuckle in amusement, and he put his forehead against his husband's.

- Haha...! This is a very unorthodox way to use my gift, Sunrise.

- Well...You never really specified the LIMITS of it's use, did you?

The Tandor Shawl...A tradition from the region of the same name. The legends said that when a warrior wanted to ask for the hand of their soul mate in marriage, they made a shawl from different materials. And if the person receiving this gift offered another shawl in return... It was that this person had accepted the proposal.

- I suppose so.

The 2 were speaking very quietly, to the point that their words were nothing more than whispers carried by the wind.

-...Hey. Can I kiss you?

- Isn't that what we were asked to do?》

The redhead giggled, clearly amused, then positioned himself a few millimeters away from his soul mate's lips before sealing them in a soft kiss.

Kellyn instantly relaxed at the touch, feeling all the accumulated stress evaporate as his entire body drowned in the affection he received. He didn't pay attention to the noises around him, or where they were. He didn't need it.

After all...All that mattered to him now was the new family he was going to create with his partner and soul mate.

A lovely little family.

The End

-------------------------

The Sun is rising, the fog has lifted

The future is waiting for us

There's no need for witnesses or pretty flowers

Let us be side by side, no matter what

As our love guide us to the way to the dawn