Hello ervrybody! I'm now here with the first chapter of the final major story arc of Our Promise, Our Future! And like I said in the previous chapter's outro A/N, this arc will be called Aim to be a Pokémon Master. I'll be honest, the official Aim to be a Pokemon Master mini series was kind of disappointing for me. All it really was was just Ash doing what he's always been doing for 25 years, and shoving Gen I down our throats with every episode. Yes the OG gang is iconic, but so are the others in their own way. Oh, and even in the end, we never learned who Ash's father was too! And Team Rocket is still active! And Serena didn't even appear once!! The only thing I thought was cool was Ash rotating around his Pokémon so they could get some last minute screen time. And I guess Movie 5 really was canon? That part kinda confused me (I think I did it better though...). *cough* anyway, getting back on track before this turns into a rant chapter, I wanted to do my own version of it, with Amourshipping included. And I want to know, when this arc is over, which version you liked more. Do not be biased, I want your honest opinion. But I'll still give it my all while writing this arc! So without further ado, let my version of Aim to be a Pokémon Master begin!!
News had spread throughout Galar of Ash's and Serena's victory in protecting Galar. Tons of people tried to enter Hammerlocke Hospital to meet them, but were thankfully shooed away by their friends. Ash and Serena saw out Ash's hospital window large crowds gathered outside.
"Y'know, I always wondered what it would feel like to be popular when I was little" Ash said.
Serena sighed. "I did too..."
"Was it just how you imagined it?" Pikachu asked.
"No..." Serena said with another sigh.
"Kinda" Ash said.
"So what now? The minute Ash gets discharged he and Serena will be swarmed by those people" Greninja said.
"We could find a back door of some kind" Delphox suggested.
"I don't think people are that stupid to not be there" Sylveon said.
"Good point" Delphox said.
"Well we're still gonna be here for a while for Ash's physical therapy, so we have time" Serena said.
"It's a good thing I've always been right handed" Ash joked.
Everyone lightly laughed at that.
"I guess us challenging Gloria and Leon will have to wait for now" Serena said.
"Seems like it" Ash said as he laid back down in his bed.
The door suddenly opened. In walked Leon and Gloria, along with Professor Magnolia, Goh and Chloe.
"Good to see you both are doing well" Professor Magnolia said.
"I'm so relieved you guys are okay" Chloe said.
"We saw your battle with Eternatus through a surveillance screen, it was so cool!" Goh said with excitement.
"Goh...Ash, is in the hospital" Chloe said with slight annoyance.
Goh's face turned red with embarrassment. He apologized.
"How's your wound?" Leon asked.
"Good, all things considered. But..." Ash said while looking at his nonexistent left arm.
"But what?" Gloria asked.
"My Z-Ring is gone..." Ash said with sadness.
Serena and the others grew sad.
"That Z-Ring...it was given to me by Tapu Koko, who entrusted me to keep it safe. But I can't anymore..."
"Not to mention my Z-Crystal" Decidueye muttered. This earned him a smack on the head by Greninja.
"What if you just got a replacement? I'm sure Tapu Koko would gladly give you a new one" Leon suggested.
"I don't think I can. Z-Rings are meant to be worn on the left arm" Ash said.
"I'm sure you'll figure something out" Leon reassured him.
Another knock on the door boomed. They turned to see Kukui and Burnet walking in.
"Hey professors! Good morning" Ash said with a smile.
"Good morning Ash, did you sleep well?" Kukui asked.
"Sure did" Ash said while stretching his remaining arm out.
Rotom suddenly flew in and latched onto Ash's face.
"Beebee!! Ash! I'm so glad you're okay-roto!!" Rotom said while shaking.
Ash chuckled. He rubbed Rotom's back as said Poké Dex shook.
"So what are you guys doing here so early?" Serena asked.
"We came to take you guys back with us to Alola" Burnet answered.
Everyone was shocked to hear this.
"Back to Alola?! Now?!" Ash said.
"But Ash has physical therapy! We can't leave now!" Serena said.
"We can if that's where he'll be having it" Kukui said with a wink.
"Seriously?! We get to go back to Alola for my physical therapy?! Awesome!" Ash said with excitement.
Serena was excited too, but realized what that meant. She turned to Gloria. "Gloria, I..."
"Don't sweat it Serena. We can battle when Ash's physical therapy is over" Gloria said with a reassuring smile.
Serena beamed at hearing that. She nodded.
"And Ash, I hope we can still battle too" Leon said.
"Of course, I can't wait!" Ash said as he made a determined fist.
Everyone minus Kukui, Burnet and Rotom left. The Alolan family chatted for bit and made plans to leave for Alola tomorrow.
While this was going on, all of Ash's Galar caught Pokémon and most of Serena's were hanging out in a Pokémon designated area of the hospital. Ash's Alola caught Pokemon were mainly by themselves.
"These pancakes are so good!" Dracovish said as he stuffed his face.
"Those are waffles" Lucario said in an annoyed tone.
"And swallow before you talk" Gardevoir added.
Dracovish swallowed the food in his mouth. He then let out a huge burp.
"Charming" Zoroark said.
"Honestly, what does Latias even see in him?" Lilligant whispered to Dragapult.
"Beats me" Dragapult whispered back.
Kartana and Latias were flying around when Latias suddenly sneezed.
"You okay?" Kartana asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine" she said.
Inteleon was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. His mind kept playing memories he's had with Cinderace.
'I wanted to confess to her after we blew up the lab, but with everything that happened after that, I don't think now is the time...' he thought to himself. He decided to take a walk to clear his head.
Cinderace was walking around, her hands in her jacket pockets. She had her head down as she thought back to their battle against Faba. She didn't think about them winning, in fact the only thing she could think about was the moment Ash cut his own arm off to not only save himself, but everyone else as well, including her.
She swallowed the lump in her throat every time it entered her mind. Although she would never admit it out loud, she really loved and cared about Ash, and seeing him do what he did nearly broke her heart.
'Dammit! He got hurt again, and I couldn't protect him! He's been so supportive and caring, even helping me practice to confess my feelings for Inteleon! And still...! I just, dammit!' She thought to herself as tears started to form in her eyes.
She failed to notice someone walking up to her.
"Hey there" they said.
Cinderace looked up and saw Goh's Cinderace looking at her.
"Hello" was all she said.
"I couldn't help but notice you looked pretty down, you wanna talk about it?" He asked.
Cinderace was flattered but didn't really want to talk to him. Every time they talk he subtly tries to flirt with her, which she doesn't like.
"Not really, it's too sensitive" she said.
"I can handle it, don't worry" he said.
"Look, I don't want to talk about it ok? Now can you please leave?" She asked, her patience just about up.
"...I get it. You like someone else don't you" he said.
"What?" She said.
"You just don't want to talk about with me right? But I bet you'd talk about it to the one you actually like" he said.
Cinderace became a little annoyed. "The one I like has nothing to do with this. I went through something that I don't want to talk about, end of story."
"Who do you like?" He asked.
"That's none of your business" she answered.
"I want to know" he said.
"Why do you want to know? Why are you so interested in who I like?" She asked with slight anger.
"Because I like you!" He blurted out.
Cinderace was surprised by his confession. She didn't know how to respond at first. Off in the corner, Inteleon had been listening in on them. He too was surprised by his confession. He lowered his head in sadness.
'So...I guess that's that...' he thought to himself. He walked away and out of earshot.
"I'm flattered by that...but I can't return your feelings. My heart belongs to Inteleon" she said.
Goh's Cinderace was devastated by her rejection, but it soon turned into jealousy.
"Inteleon? That's who you like? Why do you like a guy like him? What's so special about him?"
Cinderace was silent at first. A blush appeared on her cheeks as she spoke.
"W-Well for starters, he's really strong and cool, he protects me, he gives me strength to do things I couldn't do on my own, he's kind and caring, he's a childhood friend too and we've been through a lot together, and he's super cute and hot and—" she said but couldn't finish as she suddenly squealed. It took a minute for her to calm down. She took a few deep breaths before speaking again. "S-So yeah, just a few things like that."
Cinderace started to walk away from Goh's Cinderace, until the latter grabbed her arm.
"Hang on, I can do those things too! You deserve to be with someone that will make you happy, I can be that someone. So forget him and give me a chance, please" he said.
Cinderace was silent at first. She turned her head slightly, showing anger on her face. She yanked her arm away. She shifted her body until the two were facing each other. She then kicked him in the groin area, causing him to keel over in pain while gripping the area in pain.
"Touch me and say that stupid shit again and it'll be a Blaze Kick next time" she growled.
She then stormed off, leaving him to recover alone.
The Pokemon saw Cinderace walk by with anger on her face. They wanted to call out to her, but figured they would just get an angry stare. As she walked, she kept thinking about her time with Inteleon, all their moments they've had together.
'Honestly, why does everybody know except him? It's hard enough to get closer to him let alone talk to him about it. Maybe...maybe I should just tell him flat out. Yeah! I'll just do that' she thought to herself.
She suddenly saw him walking towards her. Her face lightened up as he got closer.
"H-Hey Inteleon! I was wondering if we could—"
Before she could finish, Inteleon walked past her, not saying anything and not even looking at her. Cinderace's eyes widened as this happened, feeling like it was happening in slow motion. She was frozen for a few seconds before turning her head around. She was confused and scared at his sudden behavior. She looked on as he kept walking.
The rest of the day went super fast for everyone. Ash and Serena packed up their things and went to bed. The next morning arrived and the group left the hospital and piled into Leon's Charizard car, who offered to take them to the airport. Once they got there they met up with Kukui, Burnet and Gloria. They grabbed their things, Ash using a single sash bag, and before they entered the gate they recalled Greninja, Delphox and Sylveon.
"Get better soon Ash, we still have a battle to do" Leon said.
"I'll be back in no time for sure!" He said with a thumbs up.
"And our battle as well, Serena" Gloria said.
"For sure" Serena said.
They all waved goodbye and boarded the plane. Serena was allowed to bring out Sylveon for the plane ride, and Ash and Serena gave them medicine to help with their motion sickness. It was a long flight but eventually they made it to Hau'oli City. They grabbed their things and got into Kukui's truck. They soon pulled up to the house.
"Wow, it's been forever since we've been here" Serena said.
"I've missed Alola as well-roto!" Rotom said as he flew around with excitement.
"Yeah. It's like...we're home again" Ash said.
Before they could enter the house, the ground started to shake. They turned and saw Ash's Pokemon running towards them, and at the forefront was Bayleaf.
They all ran up and tackled Ash into a big hug.
"Haha, I'm happy to see you all too!" He said with a smile.
They eventually let him up. Ash took out a ball and threw them one by one in the air. Ash's Galar caught Pokemon appeared in flashes. Kukui let out Ash's Alola caught Pokemon as well, who joined the large group.
"Guys, I'd like you to meet Latias, Cinderace, Lucario, Dracovish and Zoroark" he said.
Said Pokemon did their greetings. Serena then let out her Pokemon.
"I'd like you guys to meet Inteleon, Gardevoir, Lilligant, Dragapult and Eternatus."
They said their hellos, however everyone else was a little afraid of the giant behemoth that was Eternatus.
"Don't worry about him, he's friendly" Serena said.
Once getting over their shock, all the Pokemon chatted amongst themselves. Inteleon was keeping his distance from Cinderace, still troubled by what he heard.
'He said he liked her, and since he's a fire type and a Cinderace as well, they would work well together...' he thought. He decided to take a walk alone.
Cinderace noticed Inteleon wasn't around. She asked if anybody had seen him, which they haven't. This only worried her even more.
Inside the Kukui household, the humans were chatting. Serena was telling the professors everything that's happened since they left for Galar.
"That's very impressive Serena, you've really come a long way" Burnet said.
"Thanks, but I couldn't have done any of it without Ash" Serena said.
Kukui chuckled. "That might be true."
Ash rubbed the back of his head as he chuckled. He was about to wrap an arm around Serena and pull her in until he remembered that he no longer couldn't. Ash grew sad again.
This didn't go unnoticed by everyone else.
"Ash..." was all Serena said.
Ash lightly chuckled. "Guess it's gonna take some time getting used to having only one arm now."
Burnet suddenly got up from her seat and walked away, surprising and confusing everyone. Kukui got up and followed her. He heard her talking to someone. He kept himself out of sight but close enough to peak. He saw she was talking on her phone.
"I can't stand to look at it anymore. Every time I see it my heart just shatters into a billion pieces! Please help me Lusamine! I can't go on like this!" She said as she cried. There was brief silence. "Y-...You can do that?! Really?!" More brief silence. "O-Of course! I'll meet with you tomorrow to start working on it!" She ended the call. She let out a huge breath she didn't know she was holding in. She turned around, only to be met by Kukui. "K-K-Kukui! Um, I uh...h-hey there!"
"Hey there? You haven't said that to me since we were kids" Kukui said with his arms crossed.
Burnet looked away while blushing in embarrassment. "S-Sorry, I just p-panicked...."
"So what was that phone call about?" He asked.
Burnet explained everything to him.
"I see...well, you can count me in too" he said with a smile.
Burnet smiled brightly. She kissed him and thanked him.
A little bit later the sun started to set. A knock on the door boomed across the house. Ash went up to open it.
"Alola Suprise!!"
Ash jumped back from the sudden shout. Once he recovered, he smiled.
Mallow, Kiawe, Lana, Sophocles, Lillie, Selene and Elio all stood together on the porch.
"Guys!" He said.
Serena came up and was also excited to see everyone.
"What are you all doing here?" She asked.
"Why else? To welcome back our Alola Champion and soon-to-be Galar Champion" Mallow answered.
"And for a rematch!" Elio said with excitement.
Selene suddenly pulled on his ear. "You're getting ahead of yourself again..." she said with annoyance.
"Ow! Ow! Okay I get it, you win sis!" He said through the pain.
Selene let her brother go. She had a smug victorious smile as Elio rubbed his ear.
Lillie saw this. 'She's so cool...and so cute...' She immediately blushed hard and looked away. 'Wait wait wait! Don't YOU get ahead of yourself Lillie!' She internally yelled.
Everyone gathered outside and a small party ensued. The Alolan gang were excited to met the new arrivals. Although they too had a similar reaction upon seeing Eternatus. Said Pokémon decided to remain higher up in the air for now. Dragapult and some of Ash's flying Pokémon joined him to keep him company.
Everyone suddenly heard squealing noises coming from behind them. They turned and saw Ninetails and Noivern hugging each other tightly.
"Big Brother! I missed you!" She said happily.
"I missed you a lot too lil sis!" He said happily.
The two began to play as the others looked on with happy smiles. The other Pokemon were together, Rotom being part of the group.
"You still look like something out of the future" Typhlosion said.
"Not to mention you can talk and translate too" Bulbasaur added.
"I have lots of other functions as well-roto" Rotom said.
"Is nap a function? Oh, and is syrup" Dracovish asked.
"That is so, stupid" Cinderace said with slight annoyance.
"Ah yeah you're right technically that is just a subroutine" Dracovish said.
While that was going on, the humans were chatting as well.
"So once you're done recuperating you and Serena will head back to Galar?" Lillie asked.
"Yup, we both have some unfinished business there" Ash said.
"So what exactly are you both aiming for there?" Kiawe asked.
Ash and Serena looked at him with confusion.
"Aiming?" Ash and Serena asked.
"You both want to win against your respective opponents right? Is that what you're both aiming for?" He asked in a serious tone.
Ash and Serena looked at each other. That was what they were aiming for...right? To win against their respective opponents? Maybe it wasn't as simple as they thought it was.
"It seems you both don't really know do you" Kiawe asked.
Ash and Serena still didn't say anything. This wasn't going to be easy to figure out. The party kept going until it got completely dark. The Alolan Gang left and the members of the Kukui household went to bed. At one point in the night, a certain water type snuck out and took another secret walk. He kept thinking about all of his teammates that have found their mates, leaving him unsure if the one he loves feels the same. He gazed at the big bright moon in the sky.
'Maybe we are better off as just being friends...but, I don't know if I want that...' he thought.
"Inteleon!" A voice called out.
Inteleon turned around and saw Cinderace running up to him.
"What are you doing here?" He asked her.
"I saw that you weren't in bed so I was worried something had happened to you so I looked for you" she explained.
"I see..." he said as he looked away. "Sorry for worrying you..."
Cinderace took a step forward. "Why are you acting so distant from me lately? Did I do something wrong?"
"N-No you didn't...it's just that I..." he said still not looking at her.
"That you what?" She asked.
Inteleon's lips winced as he said his next words. "I heard you and Goh's Cinderace talking...and I heard him say that he liked you..."
Cinderace was surprised to hear that. Inteleon kept going.
"You would be happy together, after all you both are Fire types and the same species, not to mention he's brimming with confidence and can do a better job keeping you safe than I can. I'll just be in the way, like I've always been since we were young..."
Cinderace was struggling to push the lump in her throat down. She held her hands against her chest as tears started to fall.
"So...thanks Cinderace...for everything..."
Inteleon started to walk away. Cinderace watched her love leave in slow motion.
'No...' she thought to herself.
Memories flashed from their time together after being orphaned.
'Wait...'
Memories flashed of them together with Ash and Serena.
'Wait...'
A memory of a smiling Inteleon, then Drizzile, then Sobble flashed in her mind.
"Wait!!" She yelled as she ran towards him.
She latched onto him from behind, surprising Inteleon.
"I don't care about him! He was never there when I needed someone! To help me with problems, to protect me from danger, to motivate me to keep going and to never give up, to keep me smiling through every hardship I've faced! All of it! And yet you..." She said as she cried into his back.
Inteleon didn't say anything.
"It's not fair! Why do you always have to suffer through so many bad things?? We've been through so much together for so long! Yet you've suffered a lot more than I ever have! I thought you were going to die back at the lab when you protected me from those attacks, or when we faced Faba together! You've done so much for me, while I've done so little for you...!"
She made Inteleon face her, him still not saying anything. She continued to cry with her head in his chest.
"I'm sorry Inteleon! I am so so so—"
"I love you."
Cinderace's eyes widened as her breath hitched. She slowly looked up and saw him looking down at her with his own tears falling.
"I was...I was afraid to tell you. I didn't think someone as awesome and cool and brave and beautiful like you would ever be interested in someone like me..."
Cinderace just kept staring at him while still in utter shock.
"I felt like I didn't deserve you. I had to rely on you so much for most of our lives, because I was too scared to do anything on my own. I was inspired by you, inspired to be more than I thought I was. And it was thanks to you that I've made it this far. Even though it took me a while to realize it, I can finally say for certain how I feel about you. And, well, I love you Cinderace, I love you with all my heart" he said.
There was brief silence. Cinderace got up until she was eye level with him. She had black covering her eyes. Inteleon was afraid he had upset her even more.
Then without warning, Cinderace placed her hands on Inteleon's head. She then pulled him towards her and slammed her lips against his.
Inteleon went wide eyed and turned red as this happened. After a few seconds Cinderace broke the kiss. She smiled as she produced fresh tears.
"I've waited...I've waited so long to hear that..." she whispered as her voice stammered.
"You-...you did?" Inteleon asked with shock.
"Uh huh. Because, the truth is...I love you too. I've always loved you, so much, so DAMN much. It drives me so crazy! I wanted to confess, but I was scared that you didn't feel the same way...but you do...and I am so, happy, so very happy. I love you so much Inteleon!" She said through her tears.
The two embraced each other, both crying tears of utter joy. This was the happiest moment of their lives. After a minute, they separated. They briefly stared at each other.
Inteleon suddenly got down on one knee, holding her hand. "Cinderace, will you be my girlfriend?"
Cinderace gave that biggest smile she could produce. She tackled Inteleon into the sand.
"Yes...! Of course I will!" She said as she cried into his chest.
Inteleon smiled as he held her. They eventually got back up. They stared into each others eyes.
"Cinderace..." Inteleon said.
"Inteleon..." Cinderace said.
The two leaned in again, their eyes slowly closing. Their lips met. Inteleon placed his hands on her back as she threw hers around his neck. The two kissed for as long as they could. They eventually separated.
"I love you" Inteleon said.
"I love you too" she said.
The two spent the remainder of the night together, not tired in the slightest.
Morning eventually came and everyone started to get up. It wasn't until breakfast time that realization hit them.
"Where are Inteleon and Cinderace?" Ash asked.
"I haven't seen them since last night" Greninja said.
"Me either" Delphox said.
"Maybe they went out for an early walk or something" Serena guessed.
They decided to check outside. They eventually spotted them walking along the shore. They all ran up to them.
"Thank goodness you guys are alright, we were getting worried" Serena said.
"Sorry about that" Inteleon said apologetically.
"What were you guys doing anyway?" Ash asked.
"Um, well..." Inteleon said while scratching the side of his face.
Before he could think of anything else to say, Cinderace grabbed his hand. She held up their intertwined hands for everyone to see. She blushed and smiled happily, Inteleon chuckling with blushing cheeks.
It took a moment to realize what this meant. All the girls suddenly squealed with excitement. They ran over and hugged Cinderace, the guys congratulating Inteleon.
"Welcome to the club" Pikachu said.
"The...club?" Inteleon said with confusion.
Greninja placed a hand on his shoulder. "Just go with it" he said.
Decidueye nudged Lucario. "Guess you're not the new guy anymore."
Lucario looked away while grunting.
While still hugging each other, Latias noticed Dracovish standing nearby. She started blushing a little harder than usual. Dracovish noticed her and waved a fin at her while smiling. She waved back. She secretly let out a dreamy sigh and smile. Everyone soon joined together to eat breakfast.
After breakfast Burnet and Kukui headed to Aether Paradise, saying they had an important meeting with Lusamine. Ash and Serena decided to hang out on the beach, their Pokemon playing together.
"It sure is a nice day out isn't it" Ash said.
"Yeah it is" Serena said.
There was a brief awkward silence.
"Hey uh, Serena?" Ash said.
Serena looked at him. "What's up?"
"It's just, well, now that I only have one arm, things will be a lot different for us now" he said.
Serena could sense Ash's guilt. She leaned on him. "It'll be an adjustment for sure, but we'll get through it. We have gotten through worse right?" Serena said.
Ash chuckled. "I guess you're right."
"And besides...I love you, with or without two arms" she said as she snuggled closer.
Ash blushed. "Thank you Serena."
A little bit away, the Pokemon were hanging out together.
"Okay, so we're all in agreement now right?" Pikachu asked.
"Warped is the best one of the trilogy" Decidueye said.
"You can't be serious" Pancham said.
"Dude, it had everything going for it" Buizel said.
"Like what" Pancham asked.
"Well it had unique power ups for one thing" Sceptile said.
"Not to mention the Time Trial mode" Lycanroc added.
"Plus the sound effects were pretty cool too" Primarina said.
"My favorite is still the second one" Typhlosion said.
"Name one reason" Pikachu said.
"Pack Attack, and by extension Rock It" Typhlosion answered.
"Those levels are pretty badass, plus the music is so awesome and fits the levels perfectly" Pignite said.
"And the hidden warp room was also a cool new addition as well" Hawlucha said.
"Well I prefer the original" Bulbasaur said.
"Why? The second one took what it had and made it twice as good, and the third one took it even further" Pikachu said.
"It was an innovated experience for everyone who played it" Bulbasaur said.
There was brief silence.
"So are we just not going to talk about the racing game?" Goodra asked.
Smaller groups were scattered across the beach. Ninetails and Noivern were playing happily. Greninja and Delphox were sparring with each other. Sylveon and Kartana were checking on the garden they helped plant. Lucario and Gardevoir were meditating together. Dragapult and Eternatus were flying around. Latias was secretly watching Dracovish playing in the water with some of Ash's Pokemon.
"He's just so cute" she said to herself while blushing. She gasped when she realized she said that. 'Did I seriously just say that?! D-Do I...do I actually...'
She looked at him again. He was smiling happily as he played. Latias softly smiled as she placed a hand over her heart.
Elsewhere, Lilligant and Zoroark were together. They sat under a palm tree as they observed the ocean.
"I feel like I've always known..." Zoroark said.
"Known what?" Lilligant asked as she looked at her.
"That we're not from this time period" Zoroark answered.
Lilligant looked forward again. "It does make sense. I mean, have you seen others who look like us since we met Ash and Serena?" She asked rhetorically.
"Even though I felt like I've always known, I don't know how I feel about it" Zoroark said.
"Same with me. But it's just that..." Lilligant said, but became unable to finish. She slowly regained her voice.
"Everyone you and I had ever known..."
"Died centuries ago..." Zoroark finished.
The two looked down in sadness. They thought back to their loved ones in their respective places they called home.
"Hailea..." Zoroark whispered to herself.
"Mother..." Lilligant whispered to herself.
They silently cried together.
Elsewhere, Inteleon and Cinderace where sitting together, Cinderace leaning on Inteleon.
"It feels like a dream come true, being next to you like this" she said happily.
"It does" Inteleon said.
"I hope we can always be like this from now on" she said.
"I'm more than happy to fulfill that request" he said as he wrapped his arm around her.
"I love you Inteleon" she said.
"I love you too Cinderace" he said.
The two faced each other and gave each other a passionate kiss.
The day continued on, everyone relaxing. When the evening rolled around the Professors returned to the house. Serena made dinner for everyone, helping Ash cut his food up.
Everyone eventually went to bed. Ash unfortunately had another nightmare but fortunately Serena was there to comfort him.
The morning arrived and once again the professors had to go to Aether Paradise to meet with Lusamine. Today was the day Ash wanted to get started on his physical therapy. Serena would be the one to supervise and help him if he started to overdo it. All the Pokemon decided to train as well, as once Ash has recovered enough they were going to travel back to Galar to battle Gloria and Leon.
The days went on like this, the professors going to Aether Paradise, Ash doing physical therapy, all the Pokemon training like crazy. Soon enough it was September, and it was Ash's special day as well.
Ash came down and entered the kitchen. He was met by no one. He heard noises outside. He opened the door and was met with confetti and multiple people yelling "surprise!"
Ash chuckled, very happy to celebrate with everyone again.
Ash came up to everyone and thanked them. Serena came up and kissed him.
"Your cake should be arriving shortly" Kukui said.
A noise suddenly echoed in the distance. They turned and saw a figure jumping into the air. It landed in front of Ash, holding a box in its hands, which blocked its face.
It lowered the box, revealing its face.
"Passimian!" Ash said with a happy smile.
Passimian set the box down and hugged Ash tightly.
"It's so good to see you buddy!"
"It's good to see you too Ash." They ended the hug. Passimian then picked up the box again. She handed it to Ash. Ash opened it up and saw a decorative cake with candles that had the number 16 on them.
The party went underway after that. Everyone chatted and Ash's Alolan Pokemon conversed with Passimian, incredibly happy to see their old teammate after such a long time. A little bit later another figure approached the group. They looked and saw Tapu Koko hovering above them.
"Tapu Koko!" Ash said with a smile.
Tapu Koko smiled and flew down to match Ash's height. Pikachu jumped on Ash's shoulder and said hello.
"It's good to see you again. How are things?" He asked.
"Things are going well. Alola is fairing well thanks to you and Serena" Tapu Koko said.
"That's good to hear" Ash said.
"There is another reason I am here" he said.
"What is it?" Ash asked.
"Passimian informed me that today is a celebration of the day of your birth. I wanted to contribute to the celebration by giving you this" he said.
He held something out and placed it in Ash's hand. Ash looked down and gasped.
"A Z-Power Ring...!" Ash said.
Everyone gasped upon hearing that. They went over and sure enough, a black colored Z-Power Ring was in Ash's hand, holding a new Decidium Z Crystal.
"B-But why are you giving this to me? Z-Rings are meant for left arms" Ash said.
"Actually, we can answer that one" Burnet said.
Everyone turned to the professors and Lusamine.
"Y'see, over the past few weeks the Aether Foundation has been hard at work on a special project, and today we decided to unveil it" Lusamine said.
Kukui and Wicke placed a big box that was covered in a large blanket on a table. Everyone gathered around the table.
"Go on Ash, take off the blanket" Kukui said.
Ash gripped the blanket. He threw it aside. Everyone gasped again.
"I-Is that...?" Serena said.
In the box laid a robotic left arm that was covered in metallic material.
"It will take some getting used to, but you deserve to have it Ash" Burnet said.
Ash placed his hand on the robotic arm. He looked up and smiled happily. He engulfed Kukui and Burnet in the best hug he could give. He also thanked Lusamine and Wicke as well.
"Man...science really is amazing...!" He said.
"Tomorrow you'll come with us to Aether Paradise to start the attachment process" Burnet said.
Ash nodded. The party continued soon after, going on for quite a while. Once it got dark, all the guests went home. Tapu Koko and Passimian were about to leave as well. Mimikyu ran up and hugged Passimian tightly. Passimian promised she would visit more often from now on. With that, everyone else returned to the house and got ready for bed. Kukui and Burnet wished Ash a happy birthday one last time, leaving for bed soon after. Ash and Serena climbed into bed and fell asleep in each others' arms.
Morning arrived and everyone got ready. Ash left with Pikachu and the professors while Serena stayed behind to watch the house. She sat on the porch alongside Delphox. Greninja was laying on a hammock nearby while Sylveon was napping in the shade. She couldn't help but think about what Kiawe had said to her and Ash.
"What am I aiming for...?" She said to herself.
It still wasn't clear to her. She decided to pass the time by coming up with possible strategies to beat Gloria with. The rest of the day seemed to fly by. It wasn't until dinner time that Ash and the others returned. Serena came up to the front door. Kukui and Burnet blocked the door at first. They stepped aside, revealing Ash, Pikachu riding on his shoulder.
Ash waved at her, revealing the now attached robotic arm. Serena cried happily as she ran up and hugged him.
Now that Ash has a new arm, he spent the days getting used to it. He trained alongside Pikachu and Greninja, lifting weights, jogging, swimming, meditation. It was now October, and steadily approaching a certain honey blonde girl's special day.
A knock was heard at the door. Serena went up to answer it.
"Hello there!" They both said.
Serena jumped back, but smiled once she realized who they were.
"Mom! Dad!" She said with excitement.
She ran up and hugged them.
"What are you guys doing here?" She asked.
"For your birthday of course" Grace said.
"Wait, that's coming up?" Serena asked with genuine confusion.
"Did you forget? That makes two times now" Ash teased.
"Hey wise guy, YOU forget twice too" Serena said with a teasing smirk.
Ash turned away with an embarrassed blush. Grace and Jake entered, being welcomed by the professors. When it was close to dinner time, Grace declared she would make it, but asking Ash to assist her.
Everyone ate and made conversation. The following day came and Serena was the last one to wake up. She came down and entered the living room. It was empty but not for long. Greninja suddenly appeared and threw a Water Shuriken into the air, releasing a happy birthday banner and confetti. Everyone jumped out and yelled "surprise!"
Serena chuckled. Ash came in with a cake with the number 16 on it. They decided to eat outside. Once there, all the Pokemon were there and yelled happy birthday.
A party unfolded, Jake's Pokemon surrounding Serena, overjoyed to see her again. Since it was a nice day out, everyone decided to change into swimwear. Everyone returned to the beach shore.
"Where's Ash?" Serena asked.
"Sorry I'm late" he said.
Serena turned around but immediately froze. There stood a shirtless Ash. Thanks to all the extra exercising he has done since returning to Alola, he now had a full six pack and more muscle mass.
Delphox waved her hands in front of Serena, who was still frozen. Blood suddenly fell from Serena's nostril, falling backwards soon after. Everyone rushed over to check on her. She was mumbling "so hot...!" Over and over.
Eventually she regained her composure and the party continued. At the end of the day everyone gathered in the living room to discuss what to do now.
"Since I'm done recuperating, we can go back to Galar now" Ash said.
"Yeah, I'd love to go back too" Serena said.
"Then how about we plan to leave in a few days?" Burnet said.
"I'll get us plane tickets then" Kukui said.
"We'll be coming too" Grace said.
"Really?" Serena said with surprise.
"Of course. Our daughter is going to become a champion, there's no way we would miss that" Jake said.
Serena smiled.
"Don't forget about Ash becoming the World Monarch" Burnet said.
"We wouldn't want to miss that either" Kukui said.
Ash and Serena both smiled upon hearing that. With all that settled, everyone went to bed.
Morning came and everyone got ready. Grace and Serena went out to Hau'oli City for a Mother-Daughter bonding experience, as stated by Grace. Kukui and Burnet did some last minute work before they all leave for Galar. Their plane was scheduled to leave tomorrow night. A little bit after lunch Grace and Serena returned.
"Hey Serena, welcome—" Ash said but stopped when he saw her.
There stood Serena, her short hair blowing a little.
"Serena...your hair" Ash said.
"I decided to get it cut again" Serena said.
It was close to how it looked in Kalos, although slightly longer (how her hair looked in Journeys).
Serena noticed him staring. "D-Do you like it?" She asked nervously.
"Of course I do. But I think you look beautiful no matter what length your hair is" Ash said with his signature toothy grin.
Serena blushing madly. She smiled widely. She ran up and engulfed him in a loving hug. After pulling back the two kissed.
"You never stop being so smooth" she said.
Ash chuckled, making Serena giggle. They suddenly heard a throat clearing. They looked and saw everyone staring at them.
"If you two wanted a moment you could've picked a better spot for it first" Grace said with a playful smirk.
Ash and Serena quickly separated and looked away and blushed from extreme embarrassment. This made everyone laugh.
It was almost the evening when Ash and Serena finished packing.
"Our flight leaves at 6:40pm tomorrow. So we should get there at least an hour early" Kukui said.
Everyone agreed to this.
"Say, why don't you two try on the clothes you'll be sporting?" Burnet said to the two.
"That's a great idea, I'd love to see how they fit" Grace said.
Ash and Serena didn't object. They grabbed their set of clothes and went into separate bathrooms. After a few minutes they reentered the living room.
Ash wore a long red and white sleeveless jacket with a big collar, a black long sleeved shirt that went a little past his elbows, dark blue jeans, dark blue and red and black shoes, and a red hat with white in the front (aka Red's outfit from Masters).
Serena wore a short sleeved black jacket with the hoodie part being pink as well as pink pockets and pink stripes at the bottom, a black tank top underneath, blue jeans with large pockets on both sides, black and pink boots that reached just bellow her knees, and a cap with the same color patterns as her fedora she wore in Kalos and a Poke Ball symbol in the middle that looked like the one from her beanie she wore when they first arrived to Alola.
"The clothes of champions" Jake said.
"I take it they fit well?" Grace asked.
"They fit perfect" Serena said. Ash also agreed.
"Guess all that's left is to wait till tomorrow" Burnet said with excitement.
"Say Ash, you want to go for a walk?" Serena asked.
Ash knew what she really meant and agreed. They walked to the door, grabbing a few more items before leaving. Pikachu, Sylveon, Greninja and Delphox followed them, knowing what the walk was really about. They went to retrieve the rest of Serena's Pokemon and Ash's Galar caught Pokemon and Decidueye, all knowing what was going on. They walked for a while until they reached a hill overlooking an island, the same island they were on during Team Rainbow Rocket's attack.
They all said nothing, only looking down on it. They reached inside their pockets, pulling out items they brought.
They both closed their eyes.
Ash and Serena put on their fingerless gloves containing their Key Stones, memories of getting the, flashed in their minds. They fastened their Z-Rings on their left wrists, memories of getting them flashed in their minds. They fastened their Dynamax Bands on their right wrists, memories of getting them flashed in their minds. Serena put on the necklace Ash gave her around her neck. Ash tied his handkerchief around his leg. Serena tied her red ribbon around her neck.
(Ienai itami kanashimi de
kizutsuita kimi yo
Kise nai kako mo seoi atte ikou
Ikiru koto wo)
Once done, they slowly opened their eyes, revealing their indigo and pink colored eyes respectively.
(nagedasa nai de)
The wind blew as their clothes danced against it.
They looked down at the island once more.
(Tsunai da kimi no te wo)
They remained completely still.
They thought back to everything they've been through together. Their first encounter, Kalos, Alola, Galar. All the battles, tears and favorite moments they've shared with everyone.
(Itsuka ushinatte shimau no ka na
Usurete yuku egao to kimi wo mamoritai kara)
The two began to run towards the island, maintaining their silent yet determined expressions. Pikachu, Sylveon, Greninja and Delphox followed them, copying their expressions. They all jumped into the air, landing at the foot of the island.
(Hibiku boku wo yobu koe sae kare)
They remained still at first, but quickly reached for all their Poké Balls. They grinned as they threw them towards the ground. Everyone appeared and took a battle stance. Eternatus sent particles into Ash's and Serena's Dynamax Bands.
(Toki ni sou kaze ni kaki kisare tatte)
Ash and Serena pulled their hats backwards, their faces having a serious look to them.
They grinned again as they threw their now Dynamaxed Poke Balls into the air.
(Kimi wo mitsuke dasu)
Gigantamax Cinderace and Inteleon appeared behind everyone as they all ran forward. Latias and Dragapult flew up and lunged forward with their Dragon Claw attacks. Cinderace and Inteleon launched their signature attacks. Mega Lucario and Winged Mega Gardevoir then appeared and unleashed a Steel Beam and Expanding Force attack respectively. Ash-Greninja and Serena-Delphox then appeared and grabbed a Green Water Shuriken and a Magenta Fire Shuriken respectively and threw them forward. A yellow aura encased Pikachu and dark energy encased Pancham jumped in the air, Ash's hat and a pair of sunglasses landing on them respectively. The two unleashed their signature Z-Moves as Ash and Serena held their left arms in the air.
(Ienai itami kanashimi de
kizutsuita kimi
Mou warae nai nante
Hito kirai nante kotoba sou iwa nai de)
Decidueye's sclera was pitch black as his Aura powered left eye glowed brightly as he fired an Aura powered Spirit Shackle arrow. Primarina and Kartana fired a powerful Sparkling Aria and Steel Beam respectively. Ninetails glowed with pure white ice Aura as she fired an Ice Beam. Zoroark and Lilligant attacked together with a Shadow Claw and Leaf Blade respectively, Dracovish appearing behind them with a powered up Fishious Rend. A lilac aura encased Sylveon jumped in the air and fired a powerful Moonblast forward.
(Mie nai mirai ni okoru koto
Subete ni imi ga aru kara
Ima wa sono mama de ii
Kitto kidukeru)
Eternatus appeared above Serena. Serena threw her arm into the air and swung it forward. Eternatus then fired an Eternabeam from his mouth.
(toki ga kuru darou)
They imagined themselves in Wyndon Stadium, facing Gloria and Leon.
(You and me, two are spoken)
"Don't give up till it's over!!" They shouted together. They both glowed Indigo and Pink.
(itsuka wakari aeru kara)
They closed their eyes again. When they opened them again, they were back on the island and all the Pokémon were back to normal. Everyone looked at each other, smiling with determination. They decided to head back to the house.
After dinner everyone started to head to bed. Ash and Serena both dreaming about their battles. Morning came and everyone got up and finished packing. A little bit later Ash noticed someone was missing.
"Has anyone seen Latias?"
"I haven't seen her at all" Serena said.
The others didn't know either. Ash decided to go look for her. After a little searching he suddenly felt something pass through him. He ran in the direction it came from. As kept walking he suddenly heard Latias' voice ahead. He slowly walked forward to hear her.
"Bianca, Mr. Lorenzo, Brother, Alto Mare, I swear I'll make you all proud. I won't let Ash down, I'll give it everything I have!" She said.
"Latias?"
Latias turned and saw Ash approaching her.
"Oh, hi Ash. Everything alright?" She asked.
"Yeah. I noticed you weren't at the house so I got worried and went to look for you" he explained.
"Sorry about that. I just needed a moment to myself" she said apologetically.
"That's okay. I totally get it" he said with a reassuring smile. He walked up next to her. He looked down at a plaque that was in front of the tree.
"By the way, do you know what that plaque is for?" Latias asked.
"It's for my mom. This is her grave" he answered.
Latias gasped with shock at that revelation.
"Back when Alola was attacked by Team Rainbow Rocket, my mom had been kidnapped and brutally tortured by my father. We managed to get her to the hospital after the attack ended but she ultimately died. We made this plaque to remember her and keep her close by" Ash explained.
Latias was speechless. She swallowed the lump in her throat before talking again.
"Th-That's...horrible...! I'm so sorry Ash" she said as she cried a little.
"It was hard for a long time. I still have nightmares about it. But I carried on regardless. My mom told me to never change who I am. I'm gonna make sure I keep that promise! I will become a Pokémon Master, no matter what" Ash said with a determined fist.
Latias looked at him in awe. She smiled. "I know you will. Cause you've never given up, no matter what you faced while on your journey."
"It's thanks to Serena, cause she's the one who taught me to never give up until it's over. That's why I won't give up on becoming a Pokémon Master, because that's who I am!" Ash said.
Something suddenly glowed inside the tree. They carefully removed everything between them and the glow. Once they finally saw it, they gasped. Ash picked it up.
"Ash...is that what I think it is?" Latias said.
"Yeah...I think it is" he said.
He tucked it away. The two decided to head back to the house. The afternoon came and everyone started to gather up their things. Rotom flew into Ash's backpack and fell asleep. They headed outside and were met by Ash's older Pokémon.
"Good luck Ash! Good luck Serena!" They all said.
"Thanks guys" Ash said.
"We won't let you down" Serena said.
They began to head out but were stopped by Ash's Tauros heard trampling over Ash. After the dust cloud ended it showed Ash on the ground with swirls for eyes and moaning. Everyone sweatdropped. Serena helped Ash up and brushed off any dirt she could see.
"Guess now we can go" Ash said.
Everyone piled into Kukui's truck and drove off. Once at the airport, they were met by the Alolan Gang, Elio and Selene, Lusamine and Wicke and Gladion.
"You didn't think you could leave without saying goodbye did you?" Mallow joked.
Everyone got together.
"Good luck you two" Lana said.
"We know you'll win" Lillie said.
"Both of you" Selene added.
"Give it your all" Sophocles said.
"And come out on top" Elio said.
"Just remember what you're aiming for, and make that your strength" Kiawe said.
Ash and Serena nodded.
"You've got this" Gladion said.
"All of Alola believes in you" Lusamine said.
"Now and forever" Wicke said.
Ash and Serena nodded. Pikachu jumped on Ash's shoulder. They waved goodbye as the adults went ahead. They recalled Greninja and Delphox before boarding, Sylveon being allowed to stay out of her ball. Once on the plane they gave Pikachu and Sylveon medicine to help with their sickness. A little bit later the plane began to ascend. On a cliff side, Passimian, Tapu Koko and Tapu Lele watched the plane fly higher into the air. They smiled as they silently wished them luck.
As Alola got further away, Ash and Serena watched through the window as it got smaller. Kiawe's words played in their heads.
'I thought it was simple, but now I understand' Ash thought.
'The answer was right in front of me' Serena thought.
'What I'm aiming for...' Ash thought.
'What I'm aiming for...' Serena thought.
The two looked at each other.
'Is you...!' They both thought in unison.
The plane flew away into the oncoming night sky, a bright new day awaiting them soon.
And there we go! The Aim to be a Pokémon Master arc has begun! I'm so incredibly sorry this took so long to get out. It was kinda stuck in development hell for a while. Also a combination of being overworked, going through writer's block, playing Season 4 of Halo Infinite, another personal thing, and slight procrastination. This chapter was kinda like a prologue, which I'm sure a lot of you picked up on. I was initially going to go straight in, but if I did, everything that happened in this chapter would've just been a couple paragraphs long, which is not very good storytelling, plus it gave me the opportunity to make emoteshipping finally set sail! And I know parts of the chapter probably felt rushed too, but I really wanted to finally get this chapter out the door. So I hope you all enjoyed this long awaited chapter and I'll see you all in the next one. Power to the Readers!
JohtoAmour64 out!