"Hi everyone! I want you to meet Beldum and Absol!" Serena said proudly, pointing towards the new born pokemon that were beside them.
Narrator: It is early in the afternoon and our heroes just arrived at Mallow's family restaurant. Right there, they were unexpectedly met by the whole gang plus the two professors.
"Amazing! So these two eggs turned out to be a different coloured Absol and Beldum! What a rare sight to see!" Kukui said excitedly. Rotomdex was flying around them, taking pictures to update its data. The two pokemon looked on in confusion.
"They look awesome---" Mallow and Lana fangirled the two pokemon. "And not to mention cute!" Lullie squealed after she wiped her lips with her napkin. They were having lunch together like they used to do when Ash liked in Alola.
"I bet that they're strong aswell!" Kiawe commented, inspecting the two pokemon who sweatdropped. Both were still a bit shy and stepped back slowly behind their trainers legs.
Ash and Serena chuckled, looking at their scared pokemon. "It's okay you two. They are our friends and they wouldn't hurt you." Serena kneeled down on and placed both her hands on their heads. "Yeah, everything is gonna be fine!" Ash added, smilingly.
The two pokemon nodded, before slowly stepping forward.
"So cute---!" Mallow squealed. "They really see you two like their parents!" Lillie added. Ash and Serena blushed at their remark while looking at eachother from their eye corners.
"I know! Why don't we go to the beach!" Mallow suggested all of a sudden.
Serena's face lit up as she looked at Ash. "Let's do it!" She smiled looking over at his smile. "Sure! Then, our pokemon can roam around aswell." Ash agreed.
"Then it's settled!" Lillie said, grabbing her bag. "I'll ask my brother if he comes aswell, let's meet at professor Kukui's house in an hour okay?"
"Sure!" Ash yelled, pumping his fist into the air.
(---)
"Where are Ash and Serena? They should've been here 10 minutes ago." Sophocles groaned. It was now ten minutes later than they had agreed on.
"There they are!" Lillie said, pointing towards the otherside of the beach while she held her white fedora with her other hand. Gladion stood next to her with his hands crossed and his eyes closed. He didn't want to come as he disliked swimming but he couldn't say no to his little sister.
"Hey guys! Sorry were late!" Ash yelled across the beach, waving at the group of friends. As they finally reached them, Serena started explaining. "Yeah, sorry... Its just that Mr smart pants here forgot to put suncream in his bag... now we had to buy a new tube." Serena sighed as Ash scratched his cheek in embarrassement.
Everyone sweatdropped in response. "Let's go guys!" Ash said, Changing the topic.
A few moments later, Mallow, Lillie and Serena were laying on their towel in the sand, sunbathing. Serena wore a pink bikini, Lillie a white one and Mallow green. Gladion sat behind them, patting his Umbreon. He was wearing his usual attire. Everyone's pokemon were either playing, sleeping or swimming.
Kiawe, Lana, Sophocles and Ash were in the water, playing and sometimes even fooling around. They all had a great time together. Lana wore a blue swimsuit, while the boys wore swimming shorts in their own respective colours.
After a while, Ash stepped a few feet away from the others, catching his breath from all the splashing and playing. Then, he looked over at the beach where he saw Serena, Lillie and Mallow sunbathing.
Ash slowly snaked his way like a Serviper hunting a Zangoose around the girls, making sure none of them even noticed him. As he slowly appeared next to Serena, a mischievious grin plastered across his face.
Serena noticed a shadow move over her and put off her sunglasses. Then, she noticed Ash but it was already too late. "Ahh, Ash---!" Serena shrieked as Ash scooped her up.
"Ash! Put me down!" Serena squealed as Ash entered the water. The others looked at them curiously, unable to help Serena out.
"You sure?" Ash asked, chuckling lightly.
"Yes!" Serena said but as soon as the words escaped her mouth, she realised the situation she was in, looking down at the water below her. "W-wait!" She yelled but Ash already released her from his grip.
Serena landed in the water with a big splash, going head under. When she surfaced again, she gasped for air. Then, she heard Ash laughing loudly, wiping the tears from his eyes.
"What was that for!?" Serena said in a demanding tone. "You were a bit too dry for my liking." Ash laughed loudly.
Serena gritted her teeth. "Now you're gonna get it!" She roared, rushing through the water, towards an unexpecting Ash. With one swift move, she jumped onto Ash, making him fall backwards into the water. This time, he was the one going under completely.
He himself gasped for air as he surfaced again. He looked at Serena who giggled. "That's what you deserve!" She said in a redeeming manner.
Ash looked at her mocking smirk. He matched it with one of his own before he pushed a small wave of water over her. As soon as the water hit Serena, she playfully smirked and decided to go for the attack.
They kept on pushing eachother into the water, laughing all the way. They were too busy, playing around and didn't notice anyone looking at them. That changed however when they heard a wistle noise.
Both Ash and Serena looked at the edge of the beach where Mallow, Lillie and Lana were watching them. Mallow was the person who whistled at them in a teasing way. They looked back at eachother and noticed the position they were in.
Ash had his arms around Serena's thighs and she was sitting on them, making her look slightly over Ash. She herself had her arms wrapped around his shoulders.
Serena blushed slightly, looking at Ash. He however, smiled at her. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about." He grinned before he moved in slightly for a kiss. Cheers erupted at the beach while Lillie twitched an eye. She was happy that they were together but it still hurt her.
"Let's get back to the beach and do something else." Ash suggested, still holding Serena while looking her in the eyes.
"Yeah, sure." She said. She enjoyed her moment with him together so much that she couldn't really care about the crowd of friends watching them. She wanted to be in his arms forever but she knew that, that wasn't possible.
Ash put her back down but took her hand as he lead her out of the water. They decided to play some volleyball. Gladion also joined in and they had a lot of fun.
Soon, it started to get dark again as the sun was setting. The sky was coloured in a beautiful orange-yellow. They were sitting in the sand, watching the sunset. Serena leaned onto Ash while he had his arm around her while his hand was on hers, intertwining their fingers.
Suddenly, Kiawe rose up and stood infront of them, facing Ash. He looked seriously while Ash and Serena gave him an unsure look, not knowing what he wanted to say.
"Ash... I've been training a lot for this moment and I challenge you for the title of Alola Champion!" He announced, pointing his finger aggressively at Ash.
Everyone gasped except for Ash and Gladion. Gladion let out a knowing smile. He had battled with Kiawe a lot and even though, Gladion thought he was stronger than Kiawe, he knew that Kiawe had this on his mind for a long time.
Normally they had to battle in a particular order to face their champion. When a challenger would win the Alola League, he or she had to beat Hau, Kiawe, Kukui and finally himself in order. Then, the challenger could move on and challenge the champion which was Ash.
Ash was taken aback by the sudden challenge but knowing Kiawe, he knew that his old rival would challenge him sooner or later. "Alright! I accept!" Ash stood up, clenching his fist.
"Good!" Kiawe smiled. "Tomorrow at 1 PM, Manalo Stadium." He announced before walking off. Soon, everyone followed his example and went their separate ways.
(---)
Ash and Serena were laying together in bed, Serena laid on her left side, facing Ash as she supported her head with her hand. Ash was laying on his back, looking at the ceiling.
"Have you already decided on what pokemon to use?" Serena asked suddenly, breaking the peaceful silence.
"Yeah, kinda..." Ash sighed before turning his head to the right side so he could face her. "Kiawe knows my Alolan pokemon, therefore, I'm gonna hit him with something he's completely unknown to!" He grinned.
A small smile crept on Serena's face as she closed the distance between them. She laid her head on his chest and started drawing circles on his chest while she wrapped one of her legs around his. Ash used this opportunity to wrap his arm around her, holding her close.
"Have you any specific pokemon in mind you'll be using?" Serena asked again, in a soft tone while looking up to him.
"Hmm--- I promised Lucario he would have a battle here in Alola. Other than Pikachu, I don't really know yet. There are so many options to choose from and so many strategies that could work out." Ash faced her, tucking some hair that was infront of her face, behind her ear.
"What pokemon does Kiawe have?" Serena questioned, smiling softly.
"As far as I know, Kiawe has an Alolan Marowak, Turtonator and a Charizard, three fire types." Ash thought out loud.
"Hmm--- three fire types--- you should take that to your advantage and build a team around it." Serena thought out loud aswell.
"You're right! You know what? I'll do that!" Ash smiled at her, taking her into a lovely embrace. Serena smiled at the affection she received from him and closed her eyes. "I love you so much Ash..." She wispered softly.
Ash also closed his eyes, holding Serena close. "Me too Serena, I love you too..." He wispered back, stroking her hair. Soon, both of them fell asleep.
(---)
The next morning, the couple woke up at the same time. Ash looked at Serena, smiling gently. Serena also smiled at him before lowering her head in order to rest it on his chest.
"Did you sleep well?" Ash asked, carefully caressing her hair. "Hmmm- never slept better." Serena wispered in return. "Did you?"
"With you here, always." Ash smiled, gently releasing himself from Serena's grip. "Where are you going?" Serena asked as she saw him crawl out of the bed.
Ash stretched before facing her. "I'm going to take a shower and then make you some breakfast. I want to go to Manalo Stadium early so I can show you around." He replied. He wanted to show her where he had won his first ever league.
Serena was taken aback for a moment. "Let me make the breakfast." Serena retaliated. Ash wasn't the greatest cook and she knew that it was much more efficient to do it while Ash was showering.
Ash shook his head. "You stay here and enjoy. I'll be back in a jiffy!" He spoke, bending over to give her a soft, full of love kiss on the lips.
Serena looked on when they broke apart. She laid down on her back, watching Ash walk out of the room. She smiled at herself. "I'm lucky to have him." She wispered to herself. His sweetness was unmatched. Even though, he could be reckless and charge in without thinking, he'd always be there for her. She loved the caring, sweet and soft side of Ash which she admired for so long.
(---)
Thirty minutes later, the door of the bedroom opened up again. Ash walked in, followed by Pikachu and Lucario.
"Pika-pikachu!" Pikachu chirped, running onto the bed and nuzzling his cheek against Serena's arm. "Hey Pikachu!" Serena giggled, patting the small electric mouse. "Did you two sleep well?" She asked Pikachu and Lucario.
"Pika!" "Rrah!" Both pokemon chanted happily. "Here's your breakfast." Ash said, sitting on the bed beside her, dressed and well.
Serena looked at the food, intriguingly. Ash actually had managed to make pancakes, not to mention that they were perfectly made, topped off with syrup which she absolutely loved. "Alright... who made this?" Serena asked, narrowing her eyes.
Ash sweatdropped, scratching the back of his head. "I made it myself. I've seen you and my mom make them hundreds of times! It's actually not that hard as I thought at first."
Serena dropped her glare and smiled softly. Then, she noticed that there was only one plate. "Where's your plate Ash?"
"Well, you see... The first few pancakes were some 'test objects'. Let's just say that I goofed up but it wasn't until I tried for the third time where I got the hang of it. That's why this is only what's left." Ash explained, chuckling slightly in embarrassement.
Serena sighed. She took the knife and cut the pancakes in half. Then, she took a piece and gave it to Ash. "Here, you don't have to take less than me, just like you said to me. If there's not enough, we'll share. That's how our relationship works."
Ash had an astonished look on his face. He was taken aback by her decision but the look in her eyes told him that she wouldn't want it otherwise. A small smile crept on his face. "How are you this perfect..." He murmured under his breath.
Serena heard what he said and her cheeks turned pink. "I'm not perfect but I'll always do my best for you..." She said shyly.
"As will I, and I'll start with wining this battle today for you!" Ash grinned widely at Serena.
Together, they ate their breakfast Ash magically managed to prepare. After that, Ash called his him in order to sent the pokemon he decided to use for the battle before they headed over to Manalo Stadium.
(---)
Up on entering the stadium, it was still quiet. There was no one, except for Ash and Serena. They walked through the trainer tunnel Ash walked already through many times before.
Infront of them appeared the battlefield, located in the large stadium which would be filled to the max in a few hours.
Serena looked around in awe, imagining Ash battling and finally lifting the thropy for winning the Alola League. "So this is where it all happened..."
"Yeah..." Ash spoke soothingly. "This is where we finally managed to make our first real step towards our dream, didn't we buddy?" Ash looked over at Pikachu, gently scratching his chin.
"Chaaaa." Pikachu cried out in pleasure. It too remembered the battles it had fought in this stadium. But the most special thing that happened here for it was that Pikachu beat the Island Guardian Tapu Koko here.
Ash chuckled slightly, looking at his day 1 partner. "We've sure had some great times here!" Then, he turned to Serena who calmly smiled at him and Pikachu. "And I'm planning to have even more great times here with all of you!" Ash said, wrapping his arms around Lucario's and Serena's shoulders with Pikachu still on his.
Suddenly, Serena had an idea. "Let's memorise this moment!" She said, taking out her white Rotom phone and pressing on the camera button. She put it on the selfie mode and held it infront of them.
Lucario and Pikachu smiled widely and Serena was about to smile too until she saw Ash having his head sideways, facing her. He went in for the kiss, she did the same and at the moment their lips connected, she pressed the button, making the picture.
"Perfect!" Serena exclaimed, taking a look at the Picture as Pikachu and Lucario watched with them. "Awesome!" Ash agreed.
Then, Ash had an idea. "Hey! Why not try that new Z-move once more? We've still got plenty of time before the battle starts."
"Huh?" Serena looked at him confusingly but as soon as she noticed his determined look, she nodded. "Sure! Let's try it!"
Ash gave her his Z-ring and she put in the Fairium Z and released Sylveon. "Let's try it once more Sylveon!"
Serena put her arms in an X shape before fluently continuing the set of poses. Energy emerged from both bodies and connected with eachother as a gigantic, golden star appeared infront of Sylveon. Everything turned pink around them as Sylveon headbutted the star, sending the star towards the other side of the stadium. The star was surrounded by a pink energy and was about to slam into the wall.
"Perfect!" Ash exclaimed, watching how she executed the move. Serena looked hopeful, smiling as she was watching the star.
Then, suddenly a yellow ball of electricity slammed from the other side into the pink, golden star, exploding on impact.
"Aah!" Ash and Serena shrieked. The smoke faded pretty quickly, revealing the being that crashed into the Z-move.
"Koko---!" Yelled the yellow deity that used its shield like arms to cover itself from the powerful move.
Ash's shocked face turned into a smile. "Tapu Koko!"
"Tapu-what?" Serena asked, even more clueless than before. Ash turned to Serena and took her hand, before pulling her towards Tapu Koko. "Serena, this is Tapu Koko, the Island Guardian and above all, the one who gave me the Z-ring you're wearing now!" Ash introduced Tapu Koko to her.
"And Tapu Koko, this is Serena, my girlfriend." He smiled widely.
Tapu Koko's eyes widened. Serena giggled lightly, even Tapu Koko was surprised that Ash had a girlfriend. Then, he floated infront of Serena, studying her from up close as it looked her in the eyes. Serena's face expression turned serious as Tapu Koko looked at her.
"Tapu-Koko---!" The Island Guardian suddenly chanted, clapping its shield like arms against eachother as it floated up into the air. Yellow sparkles released from the clap. Serena looked at Tapu Koko in awe. She loved the beauty of the sparkles.
"I think he approves of you." Ash said, giving her his trademark toothy grin. Serena looked at him with a surprised expression. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah, definetly!" Ash confirmed, looming up at Tapu Koko.
Then, it came floating downwards again. It motioned Serena to open up her hand to it. Serena looked on it curiously, following it's movements as she gave her hand to the strange looking Pokemon.
Suddenly, a sparkling ball of energy appeared as Tapu Koko opened up its shield like arms. The ball floated over and landed on Serena's hand. Then, the sparkles exploded, revealing a whitish-pink coloured ring in her hands.
Serena was stunned. She knew what that was what she just received. "Wait, is that..."
"It's a Z-ring!" Ash said enthusiasticly, pumping both of his fists down with sparkles in his eyes.
"A Z-ring..." Serena murmured, looking at the object in her hands. "Is that... for me...?" She asked, looking at the Guardian deity. Tapu Koko nodded, looking her straight in the eyes.
"That's so awesome!" Ash yelled as Serena stared blankly at Tapu Koko. "I-I don't know what to say..." She muttered. Ever since she saw Ash using a Z-move against Calem at the start of the year, she was intrigued. Now, she used Ash's to master it but thanks to Tapu Koko, she got her own Z-ring. The only thing she now needed was a Z-crystal of her own.
"Kokooo---!" Tapu Koko screeched once more before slowly floating up again, preparing to leave.
"Tapu Koko wait!" Ash yelled. Tapu Koko stopped floating midair and looked at Ash. "Will you watch my battle against Kiawe?"
"Kookoo" Tapu Koko nodded. Ash smiled at the Island Guardian. "Thank you!" He shouted as Tapu Koko took off.
Serena then turned to Ash. "You should get ready, Kiawe will be here soon. Ash looked at her and nodded. "Right! I'm going to win this!" He said, clenching his fist infront of his chest while looking at her, determined as ever.
(---)
Ash sat on the bench in his locker room. He was slightly bend over, clearing his mind before the big battle. Pikachu looked at him curiously. He knew that this would be a difficult battle and that they all the concentration and focus needed that they could get. It knew the importance of this battle very well.
Kiawe was one of the Alolan elite four. One by Ash appointed himself. Kiawe wielded fire types like no other and was without a doubt the strongest fire type trainer in the region.
Lucario mimicked Ash's body language. It also sat on the bench, slightly bend over. Lucario was calm. It hadn't been in battles on this level. It had battled gym leaders and multiple trainers but this was a complete new experience, not to mention that the stadium was filled to the brim.
Suddenly, two hands placed itself on Ash's shoulders, causing him to look up. There she stood, the angel I'm his life, the one that could relax him in every situation. The one that made him remember of all the happy times and the one that took away any stress or anxiety. It was Serena.
"You can win this Ash, I believe in you." She spoke gently. Her voice was soft, just like her hands.
Ash looked her in the eyes, a determined and hopeful look rested on his own. He smiled at her and said. "Thank you. Your support means the world to me. I have to do this, win this. I have to do this not only for myself, not for Alola but also for you!"
"That's the spirit!" Serena said, clenching her fist in determination, just like Ash always does. He grinned at it, seeing how much of his habits had affected her. "And don't forget! Never give up until the end!"
"I won't forget!" Ash smiled determinedly, standing up from the bench and placing his hands on her shoulders as hers were still on his. "Thank you Serena, you always know what to say." Ash said sincerely.
Serena giggled. "You always say that but you are the one who does that. But that doesnt matter right now." Then, she turned serious. "What matters now is that you go out there and show me what the Alolan Champion is capable of!"
Ash nodded as he lowered his hands and stepped past her with Pikachu on his shoulder and Lucario beside him.
"Ash, there is one more thing!" Serena called out. "Huh?" Ash said, stopping in his tracks and turning around. But as he did, he was caught by a pair of lips crashing into his. Ash closed his eyes and melted into the kiss.
As they departed from the kiss, Serena looked at him in a loveable manner. "Knock 'em dead!" She grinned determinedly.
"Right!" Ash smiled with the same determination before he turned around and left the room. Serena went over to the stands, making her way over to the group of her new Alolan friends.
"Is Ash ready?" Lillie asked Serena. Serena looked at her and smiled. "More than ready, he's gonna win this!"
"We'll see..." Mallow said teasingly. She liked both Ash and Kiawe as person and was great friends with the both of them. But if she had to choose, she'd slightly edge to Kiawe for reasons she didn't know herself yet.
(---)
Ash was standing in the hallway leading up to the battlefield. The ground trembled a bit as cheering could be heard. "This is it guys!" Let's give it our all!" Ash said determinedly.
"Rrah!" Lucario roared as it smashed its fists together. "Chu-pika!" Pikachu cried out determinedly. Both of them were ready to give even more than anyone could imagine. Ash grinned at his two partners. This was one heck of an important battle. Then, he walked into the light of the battlefield infront of them as the cheers got louder and louder.
Narrator: And so, with Ash's biggest challenge yet to come. Our hero is even more fired up for the battle. Will he become victorious? Or will the title of Alolan Champion go over to his challenger, Kiawe. Find out as the journey continues...
_______________________________________
Chapter 94, is the tension already building? I hope so because I plan to deliver a battle that is at least as good as the build up to it. (I hope so atleast)
Anyway, thank you for your support and don't forget to vote, comment and maybe follow if you want to see more in the future!
- Enjoy -
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