It's been 6 months since that day. 6 months since we departed. I wonder, does he still think about me like I think about him? No don't be ridiculous Serena.
You may be wondering what I've been doing since we separated. Well I've done exactly what I said I would do, come to the Hoeen region and become the best performer I could possibly be. So far my journey around Hoenn has been eventful to say the least. Travelling alone has been a learning curve for sure. I've met new friends and new pokemon as well. Recently I captured a beautiful Altaria which I am really looking forward to using in my next contest. Speaking of contests, how have they been?
Well a mixed bag if I'm being completely honest. I really struggled to adapt at first to the different format, but recently I have had more success. Which brings me to where I am now. Sat on the balcony of the Mauville city pokemon centre the night before a contest where I'm hoping.... No, where I am going to win my 3rd ribbon. So that's why your awake right Serena, your worried about tomorrow's contest. Wrong. Yes that's right, I'm thinking about him again. I'm thinking about Ash.
Sometimes I sit and question why I care so much, but then it hits me. You can't put logic and love together they don't mix. I love Ash Ketchum unconditionally no matter what he says or does I'll always love him. Even though we've been apart for so long now, I still miss him. A part of me wants to get on the next plane to Kanto and run to him to tell him how I feel, or even just travel with him again. But that isn't what I promised him.
Truth is though, I'm more worried about Ash then I ever have been. Stupid right. Well truth is, I worry about his mental state. Ash may be the strongest and most upbeat person I know, but there's no way what happened in Kalos didn't effect him. Although he would never show it, losing the way he did must have hurt. It shocked us all when Alian beat him in the kalos league finals. Not because Ash was the overwhelming favourite, no not at all. It's because we seen how hard he had worked to get there, and the fairy tail ending was insight. Ash and Greninja beat their biggest rivals to win the kalos league. Unfortunately this time, it was not to be.
Then the Kalos disaster happened. All those people who lost their lives, the scenes in lumiose city could scar anyone. They certainly scarred me. But Ash he showed no fear and if I'm being truthful, saved us all. He led all those remarkable people in to battle with Greninja by his side and showed why he's a hero.
My hero.
Although Ash received a lot of praise, I could tell that Lysandre's way of thinking effected him a lot but he instead brushed aside his own feelings to help me. Me who was only needlessly worrying about what to do next.
So selfish.
All of that was big for Ash, but what happened next was what I worry about the most. Releasing Greninja. Ash and Greninja, they were Like brothers. Pikachu may have been Ash's best friend and his first partner, but his bond with Greninja was just as special. When Squishy said that he needed Greninja to remove the negative energy, I was shocked. I thought Ash and Greninja would be partners forever. But fate had other ideas. I know Ash was hurt but he let him go because it was for the best. But I wonder now, if Ash is okay after all this.
Who am I kidding, this is Ash we're taking about. He's probably off in a new region right now battling new rivals, catching new pokemon and travelling with new friends. New friends huh. Could one of them break his dense shell. Would someone take his heart before me. No Serena that's impossible. Ash could never love anyone he's too dense.
But.
A girl can certainly dream.
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Pallet town our heroes home town where he was born and raised is where we start our story. It's a bright day around noon as a brown haired woman walks back to her house from a shop, when she is stoped by a neighbour. The two greet each other with warm smiles before they naturally get to talking.
The woman stopped is Ash's mom Delia, who stops to catch up with the other woman. She mentions that her son is still at home after his last adventure and although she enjoys having him around, she is concerned that he is not himself as this is the first time he has been home for more than a month since he was 10 years old.
The neighbour mentions that he may be tired out after all the time he has been travelling, especially after what happened in the Kalos region with team flare. Delia smiles and says she hopes so but thinks this may be deeper than that, she knows her child better than anyone and his recent behaviour is unlike him. They say their goodbyes as Delia heads back to the poke mart as she remembers she forgot to buy some berries to make Pikachu's favourite pokepuffs.
Well, she thinks there his favourite anyway. Little does she know Pikachu has a new favourite chef.
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Now we cut to Ash who is watching a broadcast on the pokemon league news channel. The broadcast seems to be building up to the upcoming match between Diantha and Alain for the title of Kalos champion. The show is hosted by Alexa, and she is joined by 3 former league competitors all who have placed in the top 4 in previous leagues and elite 4 wikstrom from the Kalos region. While discussing Alain, they show clips from all his elite 4 battles and his battle against Ash. The clips they show from that battle are specifically the clips of the final match up, Greninja vs Charizard.
As ash watches the clips, he closes his eyes and has a flashback to how he saw the battle through Greninja's eyes. He can replay everything up to the point of the blast burn, that was his demise that day hits as him and Greninja drop to the floor. When he opens his eyes he says "I still can't spot what we did wrong, maybe I'm just not strong enough to win a league."
He closes his eyes again to see Greninja battling a bunch of Zygarde vines which he is able to beat easily. Ash smiles and says "Hey Greninja, how's it going today buddy." Greninja answer ash back with a nod as he is happy to hear off his old trainer. Greninja and Ash have been in contact every week or so for the past few months. They are able to do this through their synchronised hearts and both of them know exactly what the other is doing at all times. Ash thanks his old friend as he exclaims "Don't worry Greninja, I'm going to get stronger for both of us. Next time we will beat Alain, I promise"
Ash then turns his attention back to the broadcast where the panel are talking about how Alain's match with Diantha is a formality and the real championship match was the battle between Ash and Alain that took place 6 months ago. This gets the pannel discussing what has happened to Ash, as no one has seen the young boy from pallet since he defeated team flare and was dubbed the hero of Kalos by the media for his heroics that day. Wykstrom and the others are convinced that he has given up after another crushing league loss and has released his Greninja to protect the region as it has been sited around the santalune area, fighting off wild vines created in the aftermath of team flares attack. Alexa is quick to deny this and insists that Ash must be planning his next move, while releasing Greninja to protect us all as it is the right thing to do knowing he couldn't relax leaving the Kalos region in a compromised state. Ash laughs at this giving up suggestion as he shouts "What are they talking about? It's my dream to become a pokemon master. I'll never quit, we never give up till it's over!"
Ash stops and thinks for a second about the words he Just used. They seem to trigger something in Ash as he remembers using those exact words before to inspire someone else. This triggers a flashback to the day he met Serena at professor Oak's summer camp where he told her those exact words after she fell and hurt her knee. He then turns to a picture of her and the rest of the Kalos crew by his bed side and says "I sure hope she is okay, it's been so long since we last spoke, I hope she's doing well, maybe she's still in Hoenn. Wait why am I thinking about her again!?"
He takes a deep sigh and continues "Why does this keep happening, she's making me lose focus. I need to figure out why I lost, thinking about her all the time. It's getting in the way of my real issues."
He then closes his eyes again as he tries to replay his battle with Alain back, still looking for answers as to why he lost but instead he gets a flashback which he doesn't recognise. Ash sees through someone else's eyes as they talk to him before turning away and looking down at an escalator. The person then turns around and runs back up the escalator. They approach Ash before planting a kiss on his left cheek. He instantly puts two and two together as he realises It's Serena's point of view of the last time they met, the kiss. Ash is shocked by this as he reopens his eyes. He blushes at the thought of her lips and how it felt but he brushes it off, thinking it was just him becoming delusional. He tries again to replay the battle with Alain. This time however, he sees a large crowd gathered in front of a stage as he turns his head to see a Braxien, Pancham and Sylveon performing a perfect routine as the crowd roars. Ash opens his eyes and jumps up off his bed as he shouts in a shocked tone "SERENA!"
He then thinks to himself "Why can't I get her out my head, I've never had this feeling with any of my other travelling companions so why her? Could it be that I'm somehow, connected with her." He pauses for a second to collect his thoughts before he puts two and two together, he's just seen through Serena's eyes like he can with Greninja. He thinks to himself, if he can see what she sees then he must be able to connect with Serena just like he can with Greninja. That means, he might be able to speak with her in the same way as well. He ponders what is happening to him and decides that logic is not the answer right now and that instead, he should just go for broke and try it. He closes his eyes and focuses, trying to connect with her but it doesn't work this time. He thinks that their hearts must not be one like him and Greninja, or maybe she hasn't awakened the same power as him yet. Or maybe he's just going crazy sitting in this room thinking about a girl who's miles away. He shakes his head in dismay and whispers "I guess there is more than just my lose to Alain that is keeping me down." He stands up and looks out the window at Oak's lab before he continues "But this battle is one I don't truly understand though." He slumps back down as he ponders his next step when he hears sudden loud knock on the door.
Ash turns to Pikachu, who has been sleeping in Ash's room, and says "Mum must be back from running errands." Pikachu nods and jumps on to Ash's shoulder as he rushes down to open up. When he answers however, he is met with a familiar voice.
"Hey ashy boy," Gary smirks.
Ash, a little startled by seeing his old rival/friend, replies by saying "Gary, how you been? Its been a while, your grandfather told me you were doing some research in a far away region with his cousin."
Gary says "Yes, I have been helping him on a research project for the past few months. I only got back yesterday and heard that some wanna be pokemon trainer is hanging around my town, so I came to check it out."
Ash snaps "If you want to see who the wannabe is then let's have a battle."
Gary smirks and says "I only said that for old times sake Ashy boy, and to see if you still had the passion for battle anymore after the rumours you had quit."
Ash shakes his head and replies "No I haven't quit, that's not in my DNA." He then asks Gary what region he has recently been to.
Gary smiles and replies "The Alola region, it is a tropical paradise let me tell you. It even has its first ever pokemon league starting this year."
Ash says that sounds like fun and that he'll keep it in mind. Gary then tells Ash that they should catch up over at the lab.
Ash agrees with this, thinking it might be a good idea to get out of the house for a bit. He's still a bit unsure of himself after what he saw earlier today. He knows that something must be up for him to see Serena in his mind and not only that, to see through her eyes. This is something he has only been able to experience with Greninja. "So why can I see her too" he says to himself. He's also still unsure as to why this is and why he's has these strange feelings for her. He's also confused as to why he's been constantly thinking about her. It's been 6 months now this has been going on for and he's desperately in need of answers. Maybe a talk with an old friend will be just what he needs to get him out of his depressed state.
Ash and Gary head over to Oak's lab where they are greeted by the professor himself. Oak welcomes the pair and asks what the purpose of their visit is. Gary says "Hey gramps, me and Ashy boy are just here to catch up on what has been going on with eachover for the past couple years."
Oak is happy to hear this as he replies "I never thought the day would come where you two were able to actually sit down and talk like old friends."
Ash nods in agreement and jokes "I guess time heals all wounds"
Professor nods in agreement and remarks in a downed tone "I sure hope they do my boy."
Ash is a little confused by this and asks professor Oak what he means but Oak just calmly responds "That was just the blabbering of an old man."
Ash is not 100% convinced by this but brushes it off as a throw away comment.
Ash and Gary head out to fields where both of their pokemon are seen playing and training. Ash gets his first glimpse of an Alolan Pokémon, a Decidueye which is owned by Gary. Ash claims that he's never seen one before as Gary explains that it is the fully evolved version of one of the 3 starters that are given out to new trainers in the Alola region. Ash asks Gary to tell him more about Alola but Gary instead changes the subject, asking Ash how he's been doing as he's been told that he's been in Pallet town for the last 6 months. Ash then goes on to start telling Gary all about the Kalos league and the team flare incident before Gary stops hi, explaining that he already knows all off that stuff. Ash shakes his head and questions in confused tone "How do you know all that?"
Gary responds "Ash your match with Alain was the most watched match in pokemon league history. Believe me, you are a lot more famous then you give yourself credit for."
Ash says "I guess, but how do you know about team flare."
"That was all live too, there was a camera crew broadcasting the events to the whole world for a time so a lot of people know about what happened. Your special connection with Greninja is almost the stuff of legends. You really did a great job there Ash, it was thanks to you and your bond with Greninja that you were able to save all those people."
Ash says "I guess your right, but then why ask me what I've been up to if you already know everything that's happened? Wouldn't it be better to talk about you and your research? That's a lot more interesting than anything in my life trust me."
Gary says "I want to know about the last 6 months and why you haven't been travelling since the End of your Kalos journey. The ash I knew would always bounce back after a lose so why is this any different than all the others."
Ash takes a deep sigh before he explains "It's strange, usually when I lose a battle I'm able to move on because I learn a lesson from it. But this time, I can't seem to figure out what I did wrong. Me and Greninja were in perfect sync the whole battle. We were stronger than ever. So why were we unable to win? It just doesn't make sense."
Gary tells Ash "The truth is, you didn't make a mistake this time ash."
Ash intrigued by this questions "What do you mean Gary?" Gary smiles and says "The truth is Ash, you and Greninja matched Alain's every move and were more than good enough to win. But you lost for two reasons. One being that Alain had more experience using mega evolution than you did synchronising with Greninja. The other is simple math, both of the last attacks had a 50% chance to ko the opponent from my calculations. Alain just got lucky on the day and got the damage roll he needed. that's just battling for you."
Ash thinks to himself for a second before asking with a small smile "Is this is all true or are just trying to make me feel better."
Gary smirks and says "Ash you know yourself that this is the truth. You are strong, if you were to have got the roll you needed then you would now be sitting here as Kalos champion. I have no doubt you would have easily defeated Diantha."
Ash thanks Gary for his kind words and says that he feels a lot better about the situation. He is nearly ready to put that lose behind him and keep travelling again to achieve his dream
Gary says "I knew you would come around but I also believe that there is something else bothering you."
Ash questions "What do you mean?"
Gary replies "No league lose could ever get you this down, even if it was as tough as this."
Ash thinks to himself about what Gary could mean and has a flash in his head of images of Serena. Ash knows that something else is up with him and he doesn't know how to deal with this. But he also doesn't want to tell Gary as he's not sure how he would take it, but at the same time he needs to find answers as to why he feels this way.
He simply says to Gary while avoiding eye contact "There is nothing else bothering me. Sure I was a little shaken up over the Kalos disaster, but in the end we won so I quickly got over it."
Gary knows his old rival better than anyone and knows this is not true. Someone else has Ash feeling down. He teases with a smug smile "I know it's her you know."
Ash gets defensive over this claim and bluntly says "Who."
Gary smiles and says "Wow my assumption was right. I guess someone has finally stolen Ashy boy's heart after all these years."
Ash says defensively "I have no idea what your talking about."
Gary laughs and wipes away a few tears from laughing so hard. He composes himself and says "Ash it's obvious. It's that performer from Kalos, Serena. You can't stop thinking about her. Something pretty important must of happened between you two"
Ash gets aggressive standing up in front of Gary with fists clenched as he says "Don't you dare say her name."
Gary chuckles and says "Ash we're boys, I'm not going to tell anyone. This stays between you and me. No one else needs to know."
Ash apologises for his actions and sits back down. He then asks Gary how he knows about her.
Gary explains"I seen one of her performances on tv before, hence how I knew of her being a performer. I also seen her on tv during the Kalos disaster, and saw you save her from one of Zygarde's attacks. I also recognise her as the girl you were friends with back at that camp when we were kids."
Ash says "I see, so what do want to know about us?"
Gary says "Well, what happened between you two last time you met? It's definitely effected you that's for sure."
Ash hesitates, wondering if he can trust his old rival with this. However, he remembers back to their conversation in the Johto region and remembers that they put a lot of baggage behind them that day. He takes a deep breath and admits "Well, she kissed me. Right before she got on a plane for Hoenn. At the time, I didn't really think much of it. But now, I can't seem to get her out of my head. I just don't understand why she did it."
Gary a little stunned that a girl like her actually kissed Ash, and more stunned that Ash could still be this dense. He shakes his head and exclaims "Ash your so dense, it's obvious. It's because she really likes you."
Ash smiles and says "Yeah I know that, we've always been great friends ever since we were kids. Anyone could have told me that"
Gary faceplams he says to himself "Why am I friends with this idiot" He takes a breath to compose himself and explains "Ashy boy, your really stupid you know. I mean she likes you more than a friend. She wants to be more than that. She loves you, and it's been obvious ever since we were kids."
Ash's eyes widen at this statement he says to himself "She loves me? Serena loves me? No way, she's too good to like a guy like me. But I guess , I don't know what love really is. I mean, all I know is pokemon battling"
Ash smiles and says out loud "I never thought she saw me that way. But I guess I don't understand these things ,I guess I never really have. I never had anyone to have these conversations with, given I grew up without my father and since turning 10. I've only ever focused on my goal to become a Pokémon master."
Gary says "That's why I'm here. So tell me Ashy boy, do you like her as well."
Ash thinks for a moment, truthfully not knowing what to say. He thinks about the earlier flashback and closes his eyes once again. He sees through Serena's eyes as she walks out on to a stage in an unknown location. Ash's view then changes as he sees Serena's performance from a third person view. Ash stares at her for a a second, completely in awe at her grace, her elegance, her smile and her beauty. He remembers all the times she cheered him on, all the times she cared for him and pushed him to succeed. It's then, that he finally understands what he's been feeling for over a year now.
He open his eyes and turns to Gary. He smiles and says "Gary, thank you. For months now I have had this feeling, but I didn't understand what it meant up until now." Ash pauses before he finally says it."I feel the same way as Serena does. I guess what I mean is, I love her too. I keep getting a flashback to our kiss. Every time I think about it, my heart races. It's almost like I'm getting ready for a big battle. Her laugh echos in my head and her eyes, I get lost every time. Her smile brings me joy and when I closed my eyes today, I could see exactly what she is seeing just like I can with Greninja. That must mean we have a strong bond."
Gary is shocked by Ashs ability to do this. He can't help but chuckle to himself, remembering this is the same 10 year old kid that couldn't wake up on time to get his first pokemon. Now he's telepathically seeing through someone else's eyes?? He then says "You never cease to amaze me Ashy boy, I really am impressed and I'm glad you finally realised what is going on. I know it can be hard to admit these things but I'll always be here to talk with you."
Ash smiles and replies "Thanks Gary, so now I know my feelings. What do I do now?"
Gary laughs and explains "You need to tell her, I'm sure she's still interested in you. It's all on you now to make it official."
Ash is nervous but says to Gary "I guess your right, but how will I speak with her. I'm not sure if she's still in Hoenn at all, and I can't speak with her like I can with Greninja."
At this moment, Ash remembers what he saw earlier. Serena and her pokemon performing in front of a packed crowd. Ash then asks Gary if he knows off any contests being held today. Gary says that he does, and tells Ash that there is a contest being held in Mauville city in the Hoenn region. Ash says that's were she'll be but doubts he'll be able to catch a plane in time.
Gary laughs and says "You don't need a plane Ash, you've got something that will get you there now."
Ash looks around to see Charizard flying over the lab before ascending down to deliver a flamethrower to Ash. Ash comments "Your flamethrower is as strong as ever buddy," before hoping on and thanking his old friend for being there to give him a hand.
He then turns to Gary and shakes his hand as he exclaims "Thank you, me and you have really come along way since we were 10."
Gary says "We sure have, now hurry before you miss her."
Ash orders Charizard to take flight and fly them both to Mauville city in the Hoenn region. Charizard let's out a large roar as he takes off, leaving Gary behind.
Gary walks back into the lab to tell Oak and Delia that their plan worked and that Ash will soon be off travling again. Oak and Delia ask Gary what has him so fired up and he tells the pair that's not something they need don't to worry about and it's better kept between them for now, but assures them that they both will know in the near future and that they will both be very proud. Delia thanks Gary for his help and gives a batch of newly baked goods as a thanks. Gary turns to his grandad and lets him know that he may want to prepare a flight to the Alola region, as that's where he guesses Ash will be heading soon. Oak agrees, thanking his grandson for his help before complimenting him on his growth as a human.
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We now cut to Serena. She has just won her 3rd contest in the Hoenn region and is having her pokemon healed at the pokemon centre. She smiles as she looks at a magazine, containing pictures of the current Kalos queen Aria. Serena with a determined look says "The next time we face off, I'm going to beat you"
Serena then goes over to collect her pokemon, thanking nurse joy for her help. She then leaves the pokemon centre , preparing to travel over to her next contest located in lavaridge city. She exits the town to leave when she suddenly hears a loud cry. She looks up at one of the hotels to see that a bunch of wild Zigzagoon are stuck on a balcony which has just caught fire due to a stray bolt of lightning from the Mauville city gym. The pokemon looked to be trapped up there when the city's people start to panic. Serena turns around and runs back into the city, loudly stating "Don't worry everyone, I promise you will save those pokemon."
The gym leader Watson then steps out and tells her "No, this is too dangerous. You should leave this to the authorities."
Serena is adamant that she can do this. She shakes her head and says "There's no time to waste sir, I promise you I can do this" She thinks to herself "That is exactly what he would do as well."
Watson is concerned, but knows she won't take no for an answer. He tells her the quickest way up is through the back entrance and wishes her good luck. Serena thanks the electric type leader and runs towards the tower.
Once she reaches the tower, she breaks a hole through the back entrance using her Pancham''s arm thrust in a similar way to how Ash got into lumoise tower when Garchomp was raging through the city over a year ago. She runs up to the top floor and finds the room with the cowering pokemon. She tries to approach them clamly but the zigzagoon scared and confused, fire off an echoed voice at her.
Serena dodges it swiftly and sees that Pancham is ready to fight them for trying to hurt his trainer. Serena stops the panda Pokémon, telling him "If we try to battle them Pancham, then they will just panic even more." Pancham agrees as Serena ones again approches them, this time handing them all a pokepuff to calm them. The zigzagoon all look happy as they all nuzzle up to Serena, dropping their guard, happy that they have found a friend to rescue them. Serena hugs them back and assures the group of zig zag pokemon that everything is okay. Serena then sends out her newest pokemon, Altaria and places all the zigzagoon on to the dragons back before ordering her to fly them down back into the forest. Altaria nods and takes off, taking the pokemon to safety.
Serena is proud of herself and says internally "I never would of been able to do this a year ago before I set out on a journey with Ash." She knows that she never would have had the courage or the confidence to pull off a stunt like this. However at that moment she was lost in her thoughts, the flames suddenly intensify as the balcony starts to collapse. Serena turns to see that Pancham is stood right on the edge of the hotel balcony as it starts to crumble.
Serena slowly approaches her partner, encouraging them not to panic. Pancham shakes with nerves and curls up into a little ball as he nervously says "Pancham pan." She reaches the panda pokemon and leans down to pick him up. But just as she was about to reach him. The floor beneath the panda pokemon collapses, leaving Pancham falling from a 20 story high distance.
Serena screams "Pancham noooo!!" Without hesitation, she jumps and grabs pancham just like Ash did for Pikachu in Lumiose. Serena gets hold of Pancham but is seemingly helpless to stop herself hitting the ground. The watching people of Mauville city gasp as she suddenly starts free falling with no route to safety in sight.
She closes her eyes and thinks about all the good times she's had. She says she's sorry to all her pokemon that they will never be Kalos queen and that she's sorry to him for letting them both down on their promise to achieve their goals, her promise to become a much more impressive lady the next time they meet.
She braces herself ready for the impact and begins to cry. She closes her eyes again and lets her thoughts drift back off to him, the one thing she cares about more than anything. If she's going to hit the ground, its his face she'd want to see last.
However, it's that very thought that triggers something unexpected. Something amazing.
She sees a vision of ash battling team flare 6 months ago. She sees through Ash's point of view of the incident as Ash and Greninja battle Lysandre along side Alain as the two command their ace pokemon. She then gets a flash and sees through someone else's eyes but is unable to make out what is going on as whoever this is seems to be travelling fast, at almost mock two speeds. She is shocked, wondering who this is and why she was suddenly able to see Ash's point of view of the team flare battle. Suddenly, she feels a large gust of wind that makes her open her eyes as she is stopped right before she hits the ground.
She then hears a familar cry.
PIKA!!
Serena looks around and gets her bearings. She sees that she is flying in the air on the back of a Charizard. She looks down at Pancham who is still in her grasp, and embraces him while wiping away the tears as she shouts "Pancham, I'm so happy your okay!"
Pancham looks up with teary eyes and says "cham pan cham," while he embraces his trainer in a deep hug.
Serena then looks up, ready to thank this seemingly random trainer for saving her. However, her eyes soon widen in shock as she sees a familiar face with their trusted partner by their side.
Ash turns around with a relived look on his face and sweat dripping off his forehead. He sighs and says "Serena are you okay? Thank god I was able to reach you when I did."
Serena wipes away a tear and tackles Ash and Pikachu into a hug before saying "I can't believe it, it's really you. Thank you so much for saving me again Ash."
Ash says "I'm just glad you're okay Serena, no need to thank me." He then adds "Charizard, set us down by the beach just outside the city." The fire lizard obliges, descending to quiet beach just outside the town.
Once they land , Ash thanks Charizard for his hard work and compliments the dragon on his speed as he exclaims "That special training in the charizific valley has definitely payed off."
Serena also thanks him, saying "Thanks Charizard. Without you, I would have been in big trouble," before giving charizard a rub under his chin. Charizard enjoys this letting as let's out a happy roar.
Serena laughs and exclaims "Bonnie would of loved you."
Pikachu then goes over to greet Altaria and Pancham. Serena decides to send out her sylveon and her Braxien to catch up with pikachu. Ash compliments Serena on how strong her pokemon look and says "Wow, you caught a dragon type pokemon? It takes a strong trainer to catch one of them."
Serena thanks ash by saying "Thanks Ash, we all made a promise that we would become strong to achieve our dreams. The truth is, we were inspired by you and your Pokémon."
Ash smiles and says "Thanks Serena, that means a lot."
Serena smiles and adds "It's also so cool that you caught a Charizard."
Ash corrects her, explaining that him and Charizard have been partners for almost 7 years now. He tells Serena the background on him and how they met as a Charmander that was abandoned by his trainer, telling her his whole story while also introducing him to Serena's other pokemon. Charizard greets the other pokemon and is friendly towards them, not seeing any opponent that he sees as strong enough to challenge him as he gives a thumbs up to Ash.
Ash then asks Serena how her hoenn journey has been. She says that it has been a lot of fun. She tells ash that she has won 3 out of the 5 ribbons required to enter the masterclass and is determined to win the next two as quick as possible. Ash replies "That's awesome, I've got no doubt that next time your gonna beat aria and become Kalos queen."
Serena says "You know I will Ash. Watch, I'll use what you taught me to be a better performer and a better person."
The two give eachover a bright smile and a nod. They both then fall into and awkward silence for what feels like minutes before Serena asks the question they both knew was coming. "So Ash, why are you in Hoenn?"
Ash takes a deep breath and thinks to himself "Here we go."
He smiles and admits "Well, I guess I just really wanted to see you."
Serena blushes and says "That's sweet Ash."
She then remembers what happened the last time they met and she grows ever more red.
Ash thinks to himself "She's so cute when she's nervous" before telling Serena "It's okay, I now understands how you feel."
She is stunned by this remark. there's no way Ash could begin to understand she think . He's too dense. She simply whispers "What do you mean Ash?@
Ash says "Serena, I'm sorry for making you wait so long. The truth is, I'm not very good at this sort of thing and it took me a long time to realise my feelings."
At this point Serena has put her head down and is trying very hard not cry. This is like a dream come true for her and she has to pinch herself to make sure she is actually not dreaming.
Ash then takes a deep breath and says "The truth is Serena, I haven't been on a new adventure. Inhave been at home in Pallet town depressed. I haven't been able to move past what happened in Kalos. Part of it was because I was struggling to deal with losing to Alain, releasing Greninja and the Kalos disaster. But I recently realised that I also missed you, and recently I finally understood why."
Serena just manages to give out a quite "why," as she is overwhelmed by emotion.
Ash then thinks to himself "no turning back now."
He says aloud "Well when you kissed me, I was confused. I have always had this strange feeling being around you for a while, ever since we met again at the Santalune gym. But I've always ignored it and instead focused on me and my pokemon. But that feeling only grew stronger throughout our Kalos journey and when you kissed me, that feeling grew even stronger again to the point where I simply couldn't ignore it any longer. I now know what that feeling was, it was love. Serena the truth is, I love you."
Serena finally burst as ash says this and starts to tear up as she says to herself "This can't be real, Ash....loves me." She slowly breaks down in tears as she looks at the sand below her.
Ash is confused by this, he thinks that he must have come on too strong and upset Serena. He turns around and hangs his head in shape and says "I'm sorry I didn't realise it sooner, but I guess now it's too late. I'm sorry I upset you." He tears up a little as he adds "I get the hint, I'll never bother you again Serena....I'm sorry for hurting you." His eyes tear up even more as he goes to leave when he feels a hand grasp his.
He turns around and lifts his head to see the biggest smile he's ever seen on Serena's face. A tear trickles down her cheek as she says "Ash, for someone who isn't good at this. You always find the right words to say. Ash, I've loved you for a long time and always will no matter what."
Ash is ecstatic to hear this as his tears quickly dry up, replaced with a large smile as his once broken heart is quickly pieced back together.
He remembers what Gary told him earlier, he needs to make it official. Ash takes a deep breath and says "Serena, do you feel the same way. Do you want to be more than freinds."
Serena without hesitation says "Of course you silly boy, you didn't even need to ask that."
Ash smiles and pulls Serena in and gives her a big hug as the two lock in a tight embrace. Both of their pokemon are seen celebrating around them,
expect charizard who is instead holding back the tears and remembering how far they have both come since they met back on that rock.
Serena and Ash now regain their composure as they separate and both ask at the same time "What's next."
Ash answers first and says "I was planning on heading to the Alola region tomorrow to take on the Pokémon league, I still need to become a pokemon master after all.
Serena smiles and says "That is great Ash." However, she then frowns and adds "But if you're there, I might miss my boyfriend. But I'd never want to stop him from travelling and getting stronger to achieve his dream, to do what makes him happy."
Ash is thrown off by this and shouts "Wait boyfriend!"
Serena laughs and says "Ash, being more than friends means being a couple. That means your my boyfriend and I'm your girlfriend."
Ash is relived to hear this, thinking Serena may have found someone else . He scratches his head nervously and says "Sorry, I didn't know what it actually meant."
Serena laughs and says "I kind of expected that you wouldn't know what it means but you said it now so it's official."
Ash agrees saying "I was planning on asking that soon anyway."
Ash then looks at Serena with a smile and says "Don't worry I'll always be here for you, I'll never leave you" He puts his head down and smirks before he looks up and says "Besides, our hearts, will always be as one."
Serena recognises this pose as the one Ash does before him and Greninja synchronise.
She is shocked by this and remembers seeing through Ash's eyes earlier. She finally looks at him with a face of shock and says "Wait does that mean."
Ash interrupts with a smile and says "Yes, it means everything that you see I see too. Even when we are apart Serena, our aura will keep us connected."
Serena confused questions "What is is aura?"
Ash smiles and says "It's hard to explain fully but to be brief, it's the thing me and Greninja use to synchronise and connect. It looks like we can do something similar, maybe we'll always be connected somehow."
Serena blushes and is excited by the power she has just unlocked, but is nervous to use it as she doesn't know how it works like Ash.
Ash notices this and tells her "You don't need to be so nervous, we can work on this together. That way, we'll both get stronger."
Serena agrees as they both decide to do their best to achieve there goals and plan on meeting back up in Alola after she is finished with her Hoenn journey.
They both embrace as Ash tells Serena that he has one more surprise for her and asks her close her eyes. She does and Ash returns the favour from the airport by planting a kiss on Serena's left cheek.
She opens her eyes, blushing furiously as Ash climbs back onto his Charizard and shouts "The next time you see me you're going to like me a lot more. In fact I'm going to become a much more impressive man."
Serena shouts back "I don't think that is possible.... My love"
Ash and Pikachu smile and wave goodbye as they disappear into the Hoenn sky. Serena stands there for a while staring at the sky thinking about Ash, still seeing through his eyes to make sure he's okay on his trip back. She's so happy seeing Ash again and finally realising their feelings. But at the same, time she's a little sad seeing him go. However, she knows she will be able to see him whenever she wants. Just then her sylveon approaches her to comfort her trainer, sensing her conflicting emotions.
Serena just smiles and tells all her pokemon that they need to do their best as they all know that Ash will. They all run off to the exit of Mauville city smiling and giggling as her adventure continues, having achieved one of her major goals.
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I hope you guys enjoyed the first chapter off my first story.
Like I said this is my first story so please give me any feedback in the comments and like if you enjoy.
I have no upload schedule for this at the moment, the first 30 or so chapters I have already written it's just a case off editing so hopefully not too long.
As for Ash and Serena's powers, what rivals and friends they will come across and what battles I have planned you guys will just have to wait to find out.
But a quick tease.
Pokemon journeys and Ash vs Leon will seem like a route one rattata vs weedle compared to this.
Have a nice day and I'll post the next chapter soon : )