Dawn groaned as she adjusted the pale blue gown Mia had forced her into. Kenny stood beside her, looking equally miserable in his white shirt and green vest. The backyard had been transformed into a makeshift wedding venue, complete with mismatched chairs, streamers, and an arch made of plastic flowers.

“Mia!” Dawn hissed as she saw her niece prancing around with a clipboard. “What is all this?!”

“It’s your wedding, duh,” Mia replied matter-of-factly, not even looking up from her clipboard. “Now hush, Aunt Dawn. You need to look happy. Brides are supposed to look happy.”

“I am NOT a bride!” Dawn retorted.

“Not yet!” Mia said cheerfully, clapping her hands. “Alright, everyone take your places!”

Kenny leaned closer to Dawn, whispering, “Do you think we can make a run for it?”

“Not unless you want to be tackled by a ten-year-old,” Dawn muttered. “She’s got that look in her eye.”

Mia stepped onto a small stool she’d set up as a podium. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the wedding of my Aunt Dawn and Uncle Kenny!” she declared, waving her arms dramatically.

Ash, Misty, Brock, Drew, and May sat in the audience, looking utterly confused. Drew raised a hand. “Uh, is this a joke?”

“No talking!” Mia snapped. “This is a serious wedding!”

Dawn buried her face in her hands. “Kill me now.”

“Alright,” Mia continued, “let’s start with the vows. Uncle Kenny, you first.”

“What vows?!” Kenny asked, panicked.

“These vows!” Mia said sweetly, pulling a piece of paper from her clipboard and handing it to him. “I wrote them for you, so just read them.”

Kenny skimmed the paper, his face going pale. “Mia, I’m not reading this.”

“Yes, you are,” Mia said firmly. “Or I’ll cry.”

Avery piped up from the front row. “She will. It’s loud.”

Kenny groaned. “Fine, but don’t blame me if I sound ridiculous.” He cleared his throat and began reading.

“Ahem. ‘Dawn, from the moment I met you, I knew you were the peanut butter to my jelly, the moon to my stars, the Pikachu to my Ash.’”

Ash flinched. “Why am I part of this?!”

“Quiet!” Mia barked. “Keep going, Uncle Kenny.”

Kenny sighed. “Uh…‘Your eyes are like sapphires, shining with the light of a thousand mornings. Your laugh is the music of my soul, and I promise to love, honor, and cherish you forever, or until we both die of embarrassment—’ Wait, what?!”

“That’s not in there!” Mia protested, stomping her foot.

“It should be!” Kenny shot back, glaring at her.

Dawn glared at him. “Hurry up and finish so I can suffer through mine.”

Kenny sighed dramatically. “‘I vow to be your best friend, your partner, and the person who eats the last cookie because I know you want me to. I love you, Dawn.’” He dropped the paper like it was on fire. “There. Happy?”

Mia beamed. “Very. Now your turn, Aunt Dawn!”

Dawn groaned and snatched the paper Mia handed her. She scanned the words, her cheeks growing redder with each sentence. “Oh, for Arceus’ sake,” she muttered before reading aloud.

“Kenny, you are the sunshine to my rainy days, the ketchup to my fries, and the only person who can put up with my nieces and not run away screaming.”

“Accurate,” Kenny muttered.

“Shush!” Mia scolded.

Dawn rolled her eyes and continued. “‘Your kindness, humor, and ability to tolerate my occasional insanity have shown me what true love really is. I promise to support you, laugh with you, and only occasionally throw Pokéballs at your head.’”

“That’s romantic?” Drew whispered to May, who shrugged.

Dawn sighed. “‘I vow to be your partner, your best friend, and the person who always saves you the last slice of pizza. I love you, Kenny.’” She tossed the paper aside and glared at Mia. “Happy now?”

Mia clapped enthusiastically. “Very! And now, Uncle Kenny, Aunt Dawn…you may kiss!”

“WHAT?!” Dawn and Kenny shouted in unison.

“You have to! It’s a wedding!” Mia insisted, hands on her hips.

“We are NOT doing that,” Kenny protested.

Avery stood up, holding two small boxes. “I’ve got real rings!”

“WHERE did you get those?!” Dawn asked, horrified.

Avery giggled. “Mommy’s jewelry box.”

Dawn groaned, while Kenny smacked his forehead.

“Put them on!” Mia demanded.

They reluctantly exchanged rings, glaring at Mia the entire time. As the crowd (mostly Mia and Avery) cheered, Mia shouted, “Now kiss!”

“We’re not—” Dawn started, but Avery gave them the look.

“Fine!” Kenny muttered, leaning over and giving Dawn the fastest, most awkward peck on the cheek.

“Lame!” Mia declared. “Do it properly!”

“Not happening,” Dawn and Kenny said simultaneously, folding their arms.

Mia sighed dramatically. “You two are the worst newlyweds ever.”

The “wedding” ended with Dawn and Kenny chasing Mia and Avery around the backyard, Ash laughing so hard he fell out of his chair, and Piplup slapping its head in utter disbelief.