Hi, yo, whatup! I'm back with the next chapter! This will be the chapter where everyone will wake up. This chapter and the next one will be comfort focused, but after that the next story arc will start. So go and enjoy the chapter!
The next day arrived and sure enough, Ash and Serena were discharged. Ash however, was told to put his Island Challenge on hold again until further notice, which he reluctantly agreed. As they were leaving, James came by to visit them.
"Oh hey James, what brings you here?" Ash asked.
"I just wanted to see you two one more time before I leave."
"Leave? Where are you gonna go?" Serena said.
James sighed. "I've done some bad things during my time in Team Rocket, things that make me feel ashamed that I even considered doing." He looked at them with a smile. "So, I'm going on a journey of atonement. I'm going to see this world with a new perspective."
Ash and Serena smiled. James spoke again.
"I heard what you two did for me...I'm very grateful for that."
At some point during their stay at the hospital, Ash and Serena sent the court a plea to pardon James for his crimes, adding he was instrumental in protecting Alola. Of course they had personal reasons too.
"You protected Pikachu and Sylveon, and helped them get medical treatment. It was the least we could've done" Ash said.
"Thank you, both of you" James said.
"We wish you the best of luck" Serena said.
James nodded. Ash suddenly walked forward and extended his hand.
"Next time we meet, let's have a battle. Not as enemies, but as friends."
James smiled. He reached out his hand and shook Ash's.
"It's a deal."
"Wobbufett!" Wobbufett said as he appeared out of nowhere.
James started to walk away, Inkay and Gourgeist following him, the two Pokemon kissing each other as they floated away.
Ash, Serena, the professors, Jake and Grace returned to the professors' house. It was a nice and sunny day, so everyone decided to hangout on the beach.
At some point, they all decided to have a volleyball match. It ended up being Ash, Kukui and Burnet against Serena, Jake and Grace. It was a tough match, but in the end Ash and the professors won.
The Pokemon were relaxing as well. But they were still worried for their still injured teammates. Delphox and Primarina were still at the hospital keeping watch over the four unconscious Pokemon.
A little while later the sun started to set. Burnet and Kukui started on dinner while everyone else relaxed. Serena told Grace everything that had happened since they last talked.
"So you're telling me...you and Delphox can transform like Ash and Greninja?" Grace asked.
Serena nodded. "It's a long story."
"They're perfectly in sync when it happens, it's just so cool to look at" Ash said.
Grace chuckled. "Well I'll have to see it to believe it."
After some time dinner was finished and everyone dug in. The professors pulled out the bed from the living room couch for Jake and Grace to sleep on. Serena saw this and approached them.
"So...are you guys okay again?"
Jake and Grace looked at her with smiles.
"Overall yes, although I'll be taking over laundry duty from now on" Jake said.
"And dinner" Grace added, nudging him playfully.
Jake chuckled. "And dinner."
The two chuckled together. Serena smiled brightly seeing the two interact.
"We actually have you to thank Serena" Grace said.
"Me? How so?" Serena asked.
"Seeing you and Ash together made me remember how happy I was when Jake and I were still together, and how much I missed him."
Serena smiled warmly. She embraced her parents, who accepted the embrace. The three held each other as Serena let out a couple tears.
Ash saw this and smiled. But it was partially a sad smile. He decided to get some air before he went to bed. He walked out to the porch and leaned on the railing. He just stared ahead, not looking at anything in particular. It took him a minute to realize he was crying. He suddenly heard footsteps getting louder. He turned around to see Ninetails walking up to him.
"Hey sweetie, everything alright?" Ash asked his daughter.
"For me yes, but I'm not so sure about you."
Ash turned his head forward again.
"That might be true" he said with a chuckle.
"...it is true isn't it" Ninetails said in a serious tone.
Ash sighed. "Am I that obvious?"
"Not really, but to me you are."
"How so?"
Ninetails looked down in sadness.
"I...wanted to say this to you while you were still in the hospital, but you didn't want to see anybody, so I never got the chance."
Ash felt guilty hearing this. "I'm sorry Ninetails...I regret how I acted back then..."
"...it's alright. Cause, I understood completely." She looked at Ash again. "I wanted to tell you...that I knew exactly what you were going through. And that I was the only one too."
Ash looked at her with intrigue. He looked away again with sadness. "How would you..."
"...you're not the only one...who's mother died in front of them..."
Ash's eyes slowly widened. He looked at her again. Ninetails had her head down.
"You're not the only one...who blamed themselves, and felt like they failed them..."
Ninetails was about to cry, but suddenly felt Ash hug her.
"I'm sorry...I should've let you talk to me back then..."
Ninetails sadly smiled. "I told you didn't I dad? I understood why..."
The two held each other close for another minute before separating. They both decided to enjoy the night sky for another couple minutes before heading back inside.
Everyone soon went to bed. Serena held Ash in a loving embrace, making sure he fell asleep first.
"Good night Serena" Ash said tiredly.
"Good night Ashy" she whispered.
The two fell asleep soon after.
It was around 3am when Serena was woken up by the sound of someone sobbing. She checked and sure enough Ash was crying.
"Shh, it's okay Ash, I'm right here" she said as she held him close.
"I-I'm sorry Serena, I-I thought I was o-over this..." he said through his tears.
"Ash, you have PTSD, which can last a long time. This isn't something that'll just go away after a few days" Serena explained.
"I just...I don't want to make you stay up with me every time it happens..." Ash said with guilt.
"I'll stay up with you every single night if I have to" Serena said with a comforting smile.
"Serena..."
"How many times do I have to tell you Ash? I love you more than anything. You're my soulmate and my reason to live. I'll never leave your side, even when we're both dead."
"Thanks Serena..."
The two held each other close.
"...I never liked the whole 'till death do us part' thing anyway" Ash said.
Serena giggled. "Me neither."
The two eventually fell back asleep, Ash not having another nightmare.
The next morning came and everyone got up. Grace and Burnet made breakfast for everyone. After everyone was done they all got ready for the day. Ash grabbed a new set of clothes that Kukui and Burnet bought for him to replace his ruined clothes.
Ash stepped out of the bathroom. He was wearing dark blue shorts with black stripes on the sides, black and blue shoes, a white undershirt with a red line across the front and a blue sleeveless vest (aka his Journeys outfit).
"My don't you look handsome Ash" Burnet said.
"I take it they fit alright?" Kukui asked.
Ash nodded. "Yup. And thank you."
Serena entered the room. Like Ash, her clothes were also ruined, and she had to get new ones.
Her outfit consisted of a navy blue halter top with a black strapless undershirt, black frayed denim shorts and black and red low-heeled sandals.
"Wow those look so cute on you" Grace said. Jake agreed.
Serena blushed. "Thanks." She turned to Ash. "What do you think Ash?"
Ash had been blushing but snapped out of it when Serena asked him.
"I-It's great! I mean, I-It looks great on you" he said awkwardly.
Serena shyly blushed. "Th-Thanks A-Ash..."
The adults had to hold in their laughter seeing the two interact. Grace cleared her throat and stepped forward.
"Why don't we all go see how the others are holding up?"
Everyone nodded in agreement. Ash and Serena recalled their Pokémon and the group made their way to the hospital. They first visited Pikachu and Sylveon. They were still unconscious but the doctors said they were still stable and there was a possibility that they might wake up soon. They then visited Greninja and Delphox. Delphox had officially been discharged but refused to leave Greninja's side. When they entered the room they saw Greninja still asleep and Delphox sitting next to him. She looked up and slightly smiled.
"Hey guys" Delphox said.
"Hey Delphox. How's Greninja doing?" Serena asked.
Delphox sighed. "Still hasn't woken up yet, and the doctors don't know when he will. But he's still stable..."
"I'm sure he'll wake up soon, we just need to wait" Ash said.
Delphox nodded. She looked at her boyfriend's sleeping state. 'I hope it's sooner rather than later...'
After a little more time the group visited the last room. They walked inside and saw Primarina with her head down on Decidueye's chest, both asleep. Serena could make out the dry tear stains on her face. They decided not to disturb them and left. As they were starting to leave, a woman in a suit approached them.
"Excuse me, do any of you know where I can find Ash Ketchum?"
Ash stepped forward. "I'm Ash Ketchum."
The woman smiled. "Hello Ash. My name is Bethany, I'm here on behalf of your late mother Delia."
"My mom? What for?"
"There are some matters that we need to discuss" Bethany said. She looked at the Professors. "I assume you two are Kukui and Burnet?"
The Professors nodded.
"If you three would come with me so we can address these matters?" Bethany asked.
Serena was about to interject but Grace put a hand on her shoulder.
"Let's let them sort it out. How about the three of us get some lunch?" Grace said, looking at Jake when she asked.
"That sounds good to me" Jake said.
Serena was about to say no but Ash called out to her.
"Don't worry Serena, we'll catch up with you guys later."
Serena reluctantly agreed and left with Grace and Jake.
Bethany led Ash and the Professors to a private room. They all sat down.
"Well to start off, I'm terribly sorry for your loss Ash" she said sympathetically. Ash just nodded. She continued. "Well, the next matter is the status of your house. Your mother was the only one listed on the deed, so it's possible it could go up for sale."
"What? But it's Ash's home! Doesn't he have a say in it?!" Burnet said with slight anger.
"I'm sorry, but given Ash's age, he cannot legally own the house" Bethany said.
Burnet was about to argue more but Ash spoke up first.
"That's fine...you can sell it..."
"Are you sure Ash? This is your home where you grew up" Kukui said.
Ash looked down. "It's true that I grew up in that house, but I just can't see it as home anymore...its just too painful..."
Kukui and Burnet understood and respected his decision.
Bethany nodded. "The next thing to address is the funeral arrangements. I contacted Professor Oak and he said he would take care of everything. The funeral will be held in Pallet Town next week."
The three nodded.
"The last thing to address is actually only meant for you two" Bethany said pointing at the Professors.
Ash stepped out, allowing the three adults to talk in private.
"I know I said it was only meant for you two, and this is the reason why" Bethany said as she handed them a piece of paper.
The Professors read it and their eyes widened. The looked at each other.
"Kukui...i-is this really...?" Burnet said on the verge of tears.
"Yeah...it is" Kukui said, tears almost coming out as well.
"...Delia made us Ash's legal guardians..." Burnet said with a few tears leaking out.
With everything done, Bethany left. She didn't tell Ash what the matter with the Professors was, mainly to not emotionally affect him, being aware of his PTSD.
A little bit later the group met up again. The three informed them of the funeral arrangements. Grace and Jake decided to return to Kalos together and meet up with the four of them in Pallet Town next week. The following day Grace and Jake boarded a plane back to Kalos.
The rest of the week seemed to fly by. They visited the hospital every day, Ash and Serena did some training together, Serena comforted him every night he woke up from a nightmare. Burnet took Ash to see a therapist and agreed to meet every week for the next month or two.
The morning before the funeral Ash, Serena and the Professors boarded a plane to Kanto. Burnet had called Lusamine to ask if she could monitor Ash and Serena's Pokémon at the hospital, to which she quickly accepted, Lillie offering to do in person visits.
They reached Pallet Town in the evening, and due to it being November and not warm year round like Alola, the air felt cold for everyone. The group went straight to Oak's Lab. Ash knocked on the door and Tracey answered. Upon seeing Ash, Tracey hugged him and gave his condolences. They entered the lab and was met by Professor Oak. Said Professor went up and hugged Ash tight. Ash thanked him for helping with the arrangements.
Ash stepped outside to see his old Pokémon. They all came out and tackled him into a hug. Ash told them everything that had happened and he let out his Alolan Pokémon to introduce themselves. Ash saw his Kalos team all together, saddened by the current state of Greninja. Ash let his Pokémon be. At one point he saw Sceptile and Bayleaf talking together, the latter blushing. Ash smiled. Serena eventually reached him and sat down next to him. Ninetails suddenly came up to them.
"Oh hey Ninetails, what's up?" Ash said.
"Dad! Why didn't you tell me?"
"Tell you what?"
"That I had a big brother!"
Ash and Serena were confused until they saw Noivern walking up next to her.
"Yay! Papa and Mama gave me a sibling!" Noivern cheered.
Ash and Serena blushed madly upon hearing that.
They didn't really do much after that. It was already getting late so they all spent the night at Oak's Lab. Ash had a mild nightmare this time, but went back to sleep easier this time, thanks to Serena holding him in her sleep.
The next morning came and Ash decided to visit his old home one last time. He entered through the front door. He was so close to shouting "I'm home!" But stopped when he remembered no one was there anymore. He went straight up to his room. However, he was met with a sight that horrified him.
His room was a mess, broken items were scattered around the room. Serena had made her way up and saw Ash looking around his destroyed room.
"What the?! What happened here?!" That's when it occurred to her. "Oh that bitch...!" She growled.
Ash kept frantically searching for something.
"Where is it?! Where is it?!"
"What are you looking for Ash?" Serena asked.
Ash kept searching until he finally saw it. He picked it up and held it close.
"Thank god it's still intact..."
"What is?" Serena asked.
Ash turned around and showed it to her. Serena gasped when she saw it.
It was the handkerchief that Ash used to patch her leg when they first met.
"This is something I can't bare to lose, I'm glad it's still here..." Ash said.
Serena smiled as she placed her hand where her ribbon used to be. She frowned when she remembered it wasn't there. Ash saw this and got an idea for later.
Serena glanced at Ash's important items shelf. All the items were either damaged or practically destroyed. She saw the picture of her and Ash with Clemont, Bonnie and Korrina had been damaged, with her being crossed out and a cutout body of Misty placed over it. Serena grew angry seeing it. She instantly became sad again when she saw Ash's Kalos League Trophy had been destroyed.
After collecting a few items that Ash wanted to bring with him, the couple exited the house. They made their way back to Oak's lab. But to their surprise, a lot more people had showed up.
All of Ash's friends, most of his rivals, and even a couple other surprising people as well.
Ash and Serena walked up to them.
"Everyone" Ash said.
"Ash! We're so sorry for your loss" Clemont said.
"How are you feeling?" Brock asked.
"You're not too hurt right?" Dawn asked.
More people came up and gave their condolences. To Ash's surprise, Diantha was there as well.
"Hello Ash, how are you doing?" She asked.
"I'm alright" Ash said.
Diantha could tell he was lying, but decided not push it. She pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to Ash.
"What's this?" Ash asked.
"It's a letter of recommendation. The Kalos League Committee, as well as myself, have decided to name you the next Kalos Region Champion" Diantha explained.
Ash was beyond shocked, as was Serena and the Lumiose siblings.
"C-Champion?! Me?! But I didn't even battle you yet!"
"True, but you protected the world from Team Rocket's attack, this is the least I can do" Diantha said.
"The world? I thought it was just Alola" Ash said.
"Mainly Alola yes, but there were a few planes that attempted to attack other major cities around the world. However upon the news of Team Rocket's defeat in Alola, everyone else quickly surrendered" Professor Sycamore explained.
"That's so cool Ash! You get to be the Champion!" Bonnie said excitedly.
Ash however, placed the letter back in Diantha's hand.
"I can't accept this."
Everyone was shocked.
"But Ash! You'll finally get to be a Champion like you've always wanted" Bonnie said.
"I do want to be Champion, but I don't want it to be handed to me. I want to earn it, and in order to do that I need to beat you in a battle Diantha. That's the only way I want it to be" Ash said.
Diantha smiled. "I figured you'd say that, you are you after all. Oh! And I'll be sure to issue you a replacement trophy for the one that got destroyed." She placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm looking forward to our battle some day."
Ash nodded. Serena smiled widely and blushed.
Eventually the funeral started, some going up and saying a few words. The second to last to go was Serena. She went up and faced the crowd.
"Delia was like a second mother to me. She was so quick to accept me into her family. She was so kind, loving, and raised the best son anyone could ask for. Her cooking was truly the best, I'm sure if you took even a single bite of it your plate would be empty in seconds. But, jokes aside, she was one of the kindest, caring, loving individuals I've ever met, and I'll miss her every day."
Serena walked off, people clapping lightly. Ash was the last one to go.
"As someone who knew my mother the most, I can say with certainty she was truly one of a kind. She did all she could to give me a stable life. Every day I was on my journey, she crossed my mind. Sometimes fearing she would chew me out for doing something reckless. But that actually showed me, how caring she was. I know she only lectured me because she cared about my safety. She always had my best interests at heart. She was so supportive of my dream, and so quick to accept me and Serena being together. I made a promise to her...before she died...I promised her, that I would never change who I am. She believed in me and saw me for who I was. And mom was..." He started to struggle to get words out. "S-She was..." He shut his eyes as a couple tears escaped. "...I'm gonna miss her so much..."
Everyone cried as he spoke. Serena had a heartbroken expression, crying a little more than the others.
Eventually the funeral came to an end. Everyone slowly started to leave. They wished Ash good luck and said if he ever wanted to talk to any of them to not hesitate to call them. The only ones remaining were Ash, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, the professors and Grace and Jake.
"I'm sorry we all had to meet up again this way..." Ash said.
"It's alright Ash, we're glad we got to at all" Clemont said.
"Yeah, cause we're a family!" Bonnie said, Dedene agreeing.
Ash smiled. He placed his hand in the middle, everyone following suit. They all threw their arms in the air, launching Dedene into the air.
The four chatted a little more before Clemont and Bonnie left with Sycamore, Alain and Mairin, the latter two holding hands and Mairin blushing.
Night fell again over Pallet Town. Jake and Grace decided to return to Kalos again instead of going back with the others to Alola.
Ash was looking out the window lost in thought.
"Are you sure you don't want to continue living here?"
Ash turned around, Serena coming up to him. Ash faced the window again.
"With everything that's happened lately, I just can't see this place as home anymore..."
"I understand..." was all Serena said.
She suddenly felt a hand grab her arm.
"Cause my home is wherever you and I go" he said with a smile.
Serena blushed but smiled lovingly. She leaned her head on Ash's shoulder and sighed.
"I love you Ash."
"I love you too Serena."
The two entered a passionate kiss as they held each close.
The next day the respective groups parted ways. Grace couldn't resist reminding Ash and Serena that she didn't want to be a grandmother yet, Jake adding that marriage comes first. Ash and Serena blushed hard in embarrassment, causing the parents to laugh. They all said goodbye and headed out.
Ash was overlooking Pallet Town one last time, feeling happy and sad at the same time. He suddenly heard someone call out to him. He turned to see Serena waving at him, the Professors smiling. Ash smiled. He took one last look, before turning around and rejoining the others.
'That's right, I'm not leaving my home...cause Serena is my home' Ash said to himself.
During the flight, Ash felt kinda bad.
"What's wrong Ash?" Serena asked in concern.
"Well, I never got to say goodbye to my Pokemon, they weren't around when we left" Ash said.
They didn't know Kukui and Burnet were listing in and smiling.
Once they landed they headed back to the Kukui household. When they got there, Ash and Serena froze.
There were a series of small houses, a man made lake and a big fence near the house.
"What is all this?" Ash said.
Suddenly Bulbasaur appeared out of nowhere.
"Bulbasaur?!"
Bulbasaur turned and smiled in excitement. He called out and soon all of Ash's other Pokemon came running out. They all hugged him again.
"What are all you guys doing here?!" Ash said, still in shock.
"When you said you didn't see Pallet Town as a home anymore, we contacted Professor Oak to plan on moving your Pokemon here, and Lusamine helped build their new homes" Burnet explained.
Ash was still in shock, but was very happy he got to see his old Pokemon more often now. Since it was getting a little late, Ash and Serena planned to visit the hospital tomorrow. Lillie said no one had woken up yet.
The next morning Ash and Serena made it to the hospital. A doctor who recognized them went up to them, but what was weird was he was smiling.
"Oh! Ash and Serena, how are you two?"
"Overall okay" Ash said.
"How is everyone doing?" Serena asked.
Before the doctor could answer, a nurse came in.
"Doctor, it's happening!" she said.
The doctor nodded. He motioned for Ash and Serena to follow him.
They entered a room containing Pikachu and Sylveon. There were a few nurses and a Chancey and a Comfy in the room. Ash and Serena sat down next to the beds.
A few minutes they both heard moaning. They looked up and saw Pikachu and Sylveon slowly opening their eyes. They both looked at their trainers.
"Ash..." Pikachu whispered.
"Serena..." Sylveon whispered.
Ash and Serena started to cry as they held their partners. Pikachu and Sylveon crying tears of relief for their trainers' survival.
They suddenly heard shouting from a nearby room. They ran in, only to see Delphox crying hard while hugging a now awake Greninja. Ash rushed over and hugged his brother, crying hard. Greninja started to cry, knowing his loved ones were safe.
Ash and Serena decided to check to see if Decidueye was also awake. It turned out he had been moved to a different wing of the hospital. They were about to enter when they heard music being played. They peered in and saw Primarina playing a harp. She then started to sing.
"Just wait
Though while he may roam
Always
A hero comes home
He goes where no one has gone
But always
A hero comes home
He knows of places unknown
Always
A hero comes home
He goes where no one has gone
But always
A hero comes home"
Primarina stopped singing. Ash and Serena lightly knocked. Primarina turned and saw them and smiled.
"That was beautiful Primarina" Serena said.
"You have a great singing voice" Ash said.
"I-It's not that great" she said shyly.
"How is he?" Ash asked.
"Th-They don't know...h-he should've woken up by now..." Primarina said with fresh tears.
She hugged Decidueye again as she cried again. Ash and Serena were about to cry too until their eyes widened and they let out a quiet gasp.
"It is beautiful..."
Primarina's eyes widened as her breath stopped. She slowly looked up and saw Decidueye with one eye barely opened, he had a weak smile on his face.
Primarina stared in disbelief as Decidueye lifted his hand to touch her face.
"Are you...okay...?" He whispered.
Primarina's breath hitched as new tears formed. She clung to Decidueye as she cried into his neck. Decidueye blushed as he held her.
"Welcome back buddy..." Ash said with watery eyes.
Decidueye smiled back at Ash.
Ash felt Serena nudging him.
"I think these two need a moment" Serena said.
Ash got the message and the two left to return to the others.
Primarina pulled away, blushing madly.
"S-S-Sorry, I-I'm just glad you're finally awake" she stuttered.
Decidueye weakly chuckled. "It's ok...I'm just glad you're safe..."
The stared at each other. Primarina suddenly spoke up.
"Decidueye...I need to tell you something."
"What is it?"
Primarina took a deep breath.
"I've been an idiot...I've been an idiot because I tried to push feelings that I had down, believing if I did it would help me perform better...but I was wrong, so wrong...instead, it made it worse. And then...I messed up big time. I...I hurt you...I made you suffer because of my mistakes..." she said with tears building in her eyes.
Decidueye was listening intently, shocked at her words.
"I-It wasn't until I thought I lost you...that I finally realized my true feelings...so here it is..." she took another deep breath.
"Decidueye...I love you. You are everything to me. You are my light, my happiness, my whole world, a world I can't live in without you. Every day you were unconscious made my heart hurt. I'm ashamed of myself for finally accepting my feelings when you almost died to protect me. Everything I did was unforgivable, but I promise from now on I'll embrace these feelings, I'll make them my strength, and I will love you with all my heart and soul...forever and always...!"
Decidueye was completely speechless. Primarina had actually told him her true feelings, and those feelings were for him. He made Primarina look at him.
"Are you sure...you want to be with a hooded weirdo like me?"
Primarina smiled. "You're the only hooded weirdo for me..."
The two leaned in a kissed each other. Primarina cried tears of joy when their mouths made contact.
After they separated, Decidueye spoke again.
"I love you."
Primarina smiled lovingly.
"I love you too, my hooded weirdo."
The two laughed as they embraced each other in a loving hug.
A few days later the Pokemon were released from the hospital. Once they got home they were welcomed by all of Ash's Pokemon. Ash's Kalos team hugged Greninja and Pikachu with happy tears. Ash's Alola team hugged Decidueye and congratulated him on his new relationship with Primarina.
They all celebrated that night. After all, the family was complete again. Everyone was happy.
Everyone was home.
Ho boy! That was quite the chapter wasn't it! I didn't plan on writing a funeral, it just kinda happened that way. The next chapter will be an in-universe holiday chapter, and for those paying attention to the passage of time, might know which holiday I'm talking about. So stay tuned for the next chapter whenever it comes. Power to the Readers!
JohtoAmour64 out!