Chapter 137 - One journey ends, another one starts...
The final chapter of the book Sycamore High, Road To The World League! nut this isn't where our journey ends. no infact, this is where another one starts!
Join me when I start the sequel of this book that follows the story of Ash Ketchum, his friends and pokemon as they embark on their new journey. they will travel through all sorts of regions to accomplish the project he started in one of the first ever chapters of this book. To qualify for the World League.
This will be the new book's cover and the first chapter will be uploaded on 01-08-2023 (1st of August 2023 - 3 weeks)
The first chapter will be uploaded in this book, aswell as in the new one. from that point on I will direct you all once more to the new book and from then, I continue in there. If you have any questions, please ask. But for now, enjoy!!
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DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of these characters, aswell as the music in this chapter which is provided by Coldplay.
Wordcount: 6577
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Flashback to after Serena won the Masterclass.
Before his friends and mom had a chance to do anything, Ash left them and was now walking towards Serena's dressing room. Pikachu was still on Misty's lap.
"Man, I can't wait to see her!" Ash said excitedly as he picked up the pace.
"I CANT DO IT!" He heard someone shout. That sounded a lot like Serena! He thought.
He ran faster until he reached the door. He opened it quickly, almost bursting through it. "You can't do what!?" He asked as Palermo and Serena turned their faces to him.
"Serena... We have to go now! If the reporters find out you're here, you're getting swarmed in no time at all!" Palermo tried again.
"No! I will not give up my love for Ash for a trip around the world and performing!" Serena countered, moving her body sideways, closing her eyes and folding her arms.
Palermo sighed at this.
"What is this all about?" Ash asked as he walked over to Serena. Serena looked at him and started explaining the situation. "Now that I've become Kalos Queen, Palermo wants me to go around the world and do performances."
"It's only a one year trip." Palermo added.
"But does that mean..."
"Yes Ash. That does mean that she wants me to leave you and I will not do that!" Serena said without any hesitation. "I want to make people smile in my own way!"
Serena added, looking angrily at Palermo.
Then, Palermo looked at Ash and smirked. "What if we construct a deal?"
"A deal?" Both Ash and Serena asked.
"Yes, a deal. Ash, you're in the Kalos League right?" Palermo asked.
"Y-yes...?" Ash replied, raising his eyebrow.
"Let's say, if you win the Kalos League, Serena can do whatever she wants. But if you lose.... Then, she will go on a performing journey with me. How does that sound?"
"What!?" Serena exclaimed in shock with widened eyes. "What kind of deal is that!?" Ash asked in surprise.
"As champion of Alola, you should be able to do that, or am I mistaken?" Palermo taunted.
Ash gritted his teeth at this. He looked at Serena who returned his gaze with a questioning one. "What do you say Ash..." She asked, placing her hand on his shoulder.
His expression softened. "I'll do it." He said, fully determined. "I will win the Kalos League for Serena!" He exclaimed towards Palermo.
"Good..." Palermo smirked.
"Are you sure Ash?" Serena asked with hesitation.
"Yes. I'm gonna give it everything I've got and there's no way I'm gonna lose now!" He replied. Now, he had a new motivation to win. As not only his, but now also Serena's future is on the line.
Flashback Ends.
"Charizard is unable to battle, Lucario wins and therefore the winner of the fiftieth Kalos League is R!" The referee announced. The crowd erupted in cheers while the commentator praised them for the amazing battle they had.
Ash was shocked. He sunk through his knees, staring motionlessly at the ground. The words went through him as if he ran with full speed up against a brick wall. He had lost, it was over.
He couldn't believe it. After everything he had done, after everything he had been through to prepare himself for this tournament. He was more than ready. And yet, it resulted into another failure...
He wanted to cry but he couldn't. It was as if his body refused to let the tears flow. His emotions didn't allow him to lose himself yet. And he knew why. He had to go to Charizard and help it back up.
Like a zombie, Ash raised back to his feet and walked over to Charizard, staring down at the ground as he did so. There was nothing that could get him out of his trance as he approached the knocked out dragon.
Once he reached Charizard, Ash sunk back onto his knees. He placed Charizard's head on his lap. Slowly, the large Kanto starter regained its consciousness.
"Gruaw..." it grumbled in sadness. It knew it had lost, again. Again at a moment when it mattered the most to Ash. This one was even more important than all the times before. He wanted to win for both Ash and Serena so badly. But as fate would have it, it didn't end so and Charizard wanted to punch itself in the face for it.
Ash gently placed his hand on the head of the large dragon, between the horns and stroked it. "Thanks for everything Charizard. You were more than incredible..." He murmured.
Charizard could feel the sadness in his voice as he said that. He knew Ash meant it but he also knew that Ash was hurt now.
Suddenly Charizard felt something wet drop on its neck. It looked up at Ash to see another tear escape his eyes. Charizard felt horrible for losing, now even more. It wanted to redeem itself for this, for what happened.
"Ash?"
Ash looked up behind him and saw Riley approaching. He was holding Lucario with one arm under its shoulder, trying to help it stay up while they walked.
Ash quickly dried the tears from his eyes and stood up to face Riley.
"Congratulations Riley, you deserve it!" He faked a smile while reaching kut his hand. It hurt him even more to say it as he did, yet he had to show his supportive side. If it was up to him, he wanted to be alone right now.
Riley accepted the hand and shook it. "Thanks Ash. The trainer from Sinnoh said. But he couldn't help but wonder. There was something that was still bothering him, something Ash said during the battle. He couldn't help but wanting to ask about it.
"Ash?" Riley asked again. Ash looked at him with a frown. Riley could see that something was wrong with him, something big. "What did you mean when you said that during that final move."
"With what?" Ash asked, confuse visible in his brows.
"With 'let's do this for Serena, we need to...'" Riley asked.
Again, Ash faced the ground and looked sad. He didn't know what to say. Should he tell the truth? Or should he keep it to himself... He figured that it couldn't do much harm in telling him.
Ash took a deep breath to keep his emotions in check before facing Riley again. "I made a deal with Palermo." He said.
Riley felt already bad as he had a feeling for what was coming. Yet, he decided to stay cautios while asking his next question. "What deal did you make?"
Ash sighed. "She wanted to take Serena on a performing tour now that she has become the new Kalos Queen. Serena initially didn't want that so that's why Palermo came up with this. She said that if I managed to win the Kalos League, Serena could follow her own path. But if I lost, she would have to go with Palermo..."
"What!?" Riley said in surprise and shock. "Why did you agree to this?" He felt angry with Palermo. It was almost identical to what she did with him and Aria years ago.
"I had to. She cornered me to a point where I couldn't refuse." Ash confessed. "I have trained myself sick these past few months in order to be ready, yet it wasn't enough..." He sighed.
Riley felt bad for Ash and even angrier with Palermo. "So that's why she contacted me. She needed someone to beat Ash!" He thought.
He placed a hand on Ash's shoulder. "I'm sorry to hear that Ash..." He said sincerely. "For what its worth, I thought Lucario and I were gonna lose."
Ash nodded in appreciation before turning back to Charizard. He recalled it before leaving the arena in silence.
– Serena –
"Charizard is unable to battle, Lucario wins and therefore the winner of the fiftieth Kalos League is R!" The referee announced. The crowd erupted in cheers while the commentator praised them for the amazing battle they had.
Did she hear that right? Didn't her eyes and ears betray her? Was Charizard really out? She couldn't believe it. After all that...
She saw the sad looks in the eyes of her friends around her. Even Gary... Max was even crying while May hugged him to settle him down.
Her eyes met with the emerald greens of Shauna. Shauna felt terrible for Serena. And as soon as the two met with their eyes, Serena wanted to cry and her tears were ready to flow. But she had to stay strong for the others, for Ash.
"I'm so sorry Serena..." Shauna said, engulfing her best friend in a tight hug. Serena wrapped her arms around Shauna, accepting the hug. She felt a large lump in her throat but swallowed it with a lot of difficulty. "Thanks..." She whispered.
They held it for a while. And when it was time for them to part again, Serena stood up. "I've got to see Ash." She said before leaving the others. Shauna nodded in understanding.
– Ash –
Ash was sitting on the bench in his locker room. Pikachu sat beside him. Both were completely silent. Ash was lost in his thoughts. He felt broken...
"AAAAAAAHH!!" He suddenly shouted. He slammed his fist onto the bench in anger and frustration, causing Pikachu to jump.
Ash noticed and felt bad immediately. "I'm sorry Pikachu..." He said in a sad tone.
"Pika..." Pikachu replied sadly.
Then the door opened and someone barged through it.
– Serena –
"AAAAAAAHH!"
Serena gasped. That was Ash's voice. She picked up the pace as the door Ash's room came into sight. Without any hesitation, she pushed it open.
Ash looked up at her and she immediately stopped in her tracks, breathing slightly due to the running she did to get here as fast as she could.
Look at the stars
Look how they shine for you
Ash stood up facing her. Both froze for a moment. But then Serena couldn't hold it anymore. She sobbed as she ran over to him, crashing her head into his chest and burying it.
And everything you do
She was finally able to let the tears escape. She was finally able to let all her emotions flow. Flow into the person she felt so safe and the person that protected her against everything.
Yeah, they were all yellow
"I-Its so unfair!" She stammered out while crying. Ash stayed silent. He felt terrible. But was he really forced to accept the deal? Did he really have no choice at all?
I came along
I wrote a song for you
And all the things you do
He felt his shirt getting wetter and wetter by Serena's tears. He stroked her back with his hand as he hugged her.
And it was called Yellow
They stayed in that position for a while. Ash tried his best to console her, something he had much difficulty with as he didn't even know if he could console himself.
So then I took my turn
Oh, what a thing to have done
And it was all yellow
He wanted to make her proud, make her smile by winning. But instead, the opposite happened.
Your skin, oh yeah, your skin and bones
Turn into something beautiful
And you know, you know I love you so
You know I love you so
He held her close, stroking her back in a steady pace while every moment went through his mind. He could hear her cries, feel her tears.
I swam across
I jumped across for you
Oh, what a thing to do
'Cause you were all yellow
He felt torn apart. He didn't want this. He wanted to stay with her, stay together. But he had to hold his end of the deal and he knew that.
I drew a line
I drew a line for you
Oh, what a thing to do
And it was all yellow
"Can't we just call it off? I can decide on my own what I want!" Serena stammered out through the tears.
And your skin, oh yeah, your skin and bones
Turn into something beautiful
And you know, for you, I'd bleed myself dry
For you I'd bleed myself dry
"We can't and you know it." Ash replied with a shaky and broken voice. He wanted to do nothing more than break it off. "We have to keep our end to the deal..."
It's true
Look how they shine for you
Look how they shine for you
Look how they shine
Serena moved her head back in order to face him. Her eyes were red from the tears and the small doses of make up she used was now one big mess.
Look at the stars,
Look how they shine for you
And all the things you do
"We should get out of here. The ceremony and the trophy presentation will start in a few minutes." Ash said to which both of them stood up.
Ash took her hand. Both looked at each other with a shy smile before they started walking back to the battlefield. Both realised that this could be the last time they held hands for a while.
During the walk back to the battlefield, Serena managed to somewhat fix her make up again. Now that she was the new Kalos Queen, she was the one who had to give the trophy for winning the Kalos League to Riley. Oh did she wish it was Ash who won it... she wouldn't have let him off with a simple congratulations.
The ceremony went as expected. Riley got handed the trophy for winning by Serena. He nodded appreciatively at her and she couldn't help but notice that he knew something she didn't.
After handing the trophy, she went over to stand beside Ash as the fire work show started. Everything finished with some nice words from Diantha and professor Sycamore.
Soon, Ash and Serena walked out of the stadium. Pikachu was on Ash's shoulder and Ash wanted to get to the pokemon center to allow nurse Joy to heal his pokemon one more time.
When they met up with their friends again, the air was silent. Everyone said a few things of praise and he received hugs from Shauna, May and Dawn before everyone walked over to the pokemon center.
Up on getting there, Ash handed Nurse Joy his pokemon. Then, he walked back to his friends and sat down beside Serena.
He looked at all of his friends and couldn't help but wonder. "So... what's everyone going to do now?" He asked.
Dawn spoke up first. "I'm going back to Sinnoh. It's been a year since I've seen mom and professor Rowan offered me a job at the lab while I figure out what to do next." She said with a smile.
"Same goes for us." May spoke on her and Max's behalf. "We're going home to see our parents before we set off on the road again."
"Yeah." Max added.
Ash smiled at his three friends. He experienced some great times with them.
"I'm going to Hoenn with May and Max." Bonnie said suddenly. "Max and I are gonna travel through Hoenn next."
"What about you Clemont?" Dawn asked.
"I've got a gym to run." He said with a content smile. "And I want to start setting up an idea for a company I have for a while now."
"Goodluck with that Clemont!" Serena smiled at her friend.
"Pewter City is waiting for me." Brock said then. "Forrest called me earlier and told me that my parents went on a sudden holiday again and left him alone with all our siblings."
Ash sweatdropped and let out a chuckle. He knew Brock as one of his best friends and therefore he had a narrow band with him and his family.
Then finally Gary and Shauna were left. "We decided to go to the Galar region." Gary said.
"Galar?" Ash asked. He had never heard about that region before.
"Yeah, I'm gonna study the Gigantamax phenomenon for gramps." He explained. "And I'm gonna join him. They've got something called the Showcase Global series there! If I can't become Kalos Queen now, then Galar Queen would do just fine aswell." She winked at her best friend.
"Showcase Global series?" Serena asked, sounding curious.
"Yup!" Shauna flashed a smile. It's the biggest upcoming series of showcases which will be held in Galar. Now that you're the new Kalos Queen, Aria has set this up along with Diantha, the champion of Galar and the professor there." She explained.
Serena smiled. She was happy for her best friend. However in her head, every time hearing something to do with showcases, it stung her.
As they talked among their group of friends, Ash held Serena close. He wasn't ready yet, far from it actually.
They laughed and made jokes together to keep the mood light, something that worked for the major part, however they couldn't forget about Palermo and they wondered what would happen next.
Eventually, everyone went home in smaller groups. Gary and Shauna went back to Vaniville, Clemont and Max went back to Prism Tower while Dawn, Max, May and Brock went to their rooms, leaving only Ash and Serena behind.
They were still waiting for Ash's pokemon to be healed. Ash was still sitting on the same, comfortable couch with his arm on the armrest behind Serena, who herself was laying with her head on his shoulder while her eyes were closed. There was a peaceful silence the two shared as they took this moment in, enjoying each other's company.
Something that had gone unnoticed by the pair was that through the doors of the pokemon center, an older lady with short, shoulder length grey hair walked in. She wore sunglasses and was dressed in a classy manner. It was Palermo.
Immediately, she saw the pair sitting and decided to walk over.
"Serena dear!" She called out. Serena froze slightly at hearing the voice, a shiver going through her body.
Both Ash and Serena turned around before she greeted back. Palermo smiled at them while getting closer. She then turned to Ash. "I'm sorry for your loss Ash. But I must compliment you. You battled really well."
"Thanks... I guess." Ash answered with no emotion. It stung him that he lost and what it costed him. Especially when it came from her.
She then turned to Serena. "So... Are you ready for tomorrow?" She asked.
Serena looked down, a bit sad as the took the question in. "Tomorrow!?"
"Yes." Palermo grinned. "We've got a lot to do to prepare you for the Showcase Global series. As new Kalos Queen, you're gonna be the main event."
Serena looked at her with surprise written all over her face. "I'm gonna be performing in the Showcase Global series?"
"Yes dear. It's getting really big and it will attract a lot of people!" Palermo got excited.
Before Serena could even say something, someone walked in. "You!"
Palermo turned around at hearing the voice, only to see an angry Riley with Aria right behind him. "Don't do it Serena, whatever she asks of you!" Riley stepped in between her and Palermo.
"What?" Serena asked in shock.
"She uses you Serena. She doesn't see anything more than business in you." Aria stepped up
"It all makes sense now..." Riley said, staring angrily into Palermo's eyes.
"What do you mean Riley?" Ash asked. He wanted to know what was going on here.
Riley turned to face Ash. "She has set everything up since the beginning."
Both Ash and Serena looked at each other, still confused so Riley continued. "Ever since you told me about that deal, it all became pretty clear to me." He said before turning back to Palermo again.
"Everything you do has some something behind it doesn't it? You didn't want me in the Kalos League because of Aria. No, you needed someone to stop Ash from winning!"
Both Ash and Serena gasped. "Is this true?" She asked.
But Riley wasn't done yet. "The moment you saw him, you knew he has what it takes to win so you needed someone to do it. And who better than someone who was broken from the last relationship you've destroyed?"
Palermo stayed silent, not even bothered by the accusations Riley made.
A tear formed in Serena's eyes while her voice cracked up a little. "Why?" She asked.
Palermo looked directly at her. "I've set everything up. I am the best at what I do and I will stay that way. That's why I need the best of the best."
All of them were shocked to hear Palermo speak so plainly about it. How could she be like that? Is that even human?
"There's no way I'll allow you to destroy the thing that's going on between the two of them, not again like you've done to Riley and me!" Aria snapped.
Palermo sighed. "I didn't do anything child. You made your own choice there and then. I only guided you to be the best and that you were."
Aria was about to say something but then Serena spoke. "Guys stop." She said. Aria paused while all eyes were focused on her. She sighed. "We made a deal with her whether we like it or not. I need to stay true to that promise."
Ash looked at her. He was sad to hear that but he knew she was right. He didn't want her to go, in fact, he wanted her to remain by his side. But he also knew what the promise meant. Like who can you trust if they can't stay true to their word?
"But Serena..." Aria said, wanting to go against it but Serena shook her head. It did hurt her enough already and she didn't need much more to tell Palermo she wasn't going but she had to.
She looked at Palermo. "Sent me the time of our flight and I'll be there." She said before taking Ash's hand. "Let's get your pokemon and go home. I'm tired."
Ash nodded and followed her. As he walked past Riley and Aria, he said a soft 'thank you' to them. They nodded in responds before they left aswell, leaving Palermo on her own.
(---)
Ash and Serena arrived home and were now laying together in bed. It was silent while both were staring at the ceiling, lost in their thoughts.
"I wish we could cancel that deal..." Ash spoke up suddenly.
Serena turned to him. He was still looking at the ceiling whole he sighed. It pained her that they had to go through this. "I know... I wish I could too. But you were the one that told me to stick to my promises."
Again, Ash sighed. "You're right. It's just... I don't want you to go." He finally turned to face her. Pain and sorrow reflected her eyes. It hurt his heart to see that look on her face. The pain of losing the final was already dreadful but with Serena having to leave, he didn't know how it could feel any worse.
"It's just one year." She gave him a weak smile. "One year before I'm coming back in your arms."
Ash smiled and pulled her close. "I'll hold you close to me as long as I can now." He pulled her even closer and kissed her soft lips. When he pulled back again, he said; "I'm gonna miss them too..."
Serena giggled. She then pressed hers on his this time and kissed his lips passionately. Then, after a few long seconds, she pulled back again and smiled, staring down at his eyes. "I love you." She whispered smilingly.
"Not if I love you more..." Ash smirked. Serena raised an eyebrow. "Wanna put that to the test?"
"Gladly." Ash said, leaning in for another kiss. They connected and this one was with even more passion, love and even lust and desire. Their kissing turned into a make out session as they slid their tongues in each other's mouths. Serena moved her hand under his shirt and started moving her hands across his chest while he did the same to her back.
Serena then grabbed his shirt and threw it off, exposing his bare chest. There was a slight pause while both smiled at each other. "One last dance?" Ash asked, grinning.
"Yes!" Serena answered, taking off her own sleeping shirt and throwing it next to the bed. Then, she pushed Ash back and climbed on top if him before she passionately started working his mouth again with her own.
(---) Kanto – Team Rocket HQ
A set of automatic doors opened, leading into what seemed a large laboratory. Giovanni stepped inside, followed by his loyal Persian, professor Namba, Jessie, James and Meowth while two guards were guarding the door.
Giovanni grunted in anger. It had taken him weeks to get back to his headquarters after the Hoenn disaster. He had to go undercover all the way and right now, Jessie, James and Meowth were a few of the amount that was still left. Most of his associates were I'm handcuffs and now in prison, just as Butch and Casidy.
Infront of Giovanni were a group of six Team Rocket members, wearing the black outfit with a large red R on it. With them were the other two professors. Professor Sebastián and doctor Zager. Finally there was one more left. The former Team Magma member and a master of disguise, Brodie.
"How is the project going?" Giovanni spoke in a grumpy voice.
"Giovanni Sir, I have just told you, it isn't ready yet!" Professor Namba insisted but Giovanni wouldn't listen and looked at the other two.
"We think it might be possible." Dr. Sebastián said, trying to control his emotions and his voice as he did so. "We calculated everything and we have a sixty percent chance on succeeding. Dr. Zager added.
"Fine." Giovanni said. "Start it up!"
"What!?" Both professors said while looking at each other before turning back to face their boss. "But sir, it's way to risky. What if anything goes wrong?" Dr. Zager replied.
"It won't. Now get it done!" He snarled at them. Both gulped before they walked back to the machine. Dr. Sebastián pressed on a button and on two pillar like tables that were around 7 and a half meters away from each other, an item moved out. Both were round but one of them was more in a hexagon shape.
"Ah... the Adamant orb and the Lustrous orb." Giovanni commented with a smile.
"Not quite sir." Professor Namba chimed in. They look the same but they aren't. Both have the power though to subtract some of the power from Palkia and Dialga. And the previous owner of these tools managed to do so when he saw both pokemon clash in Alamos Town." He smirked while looking at the objects.
Giovanni smirked impressed. "Good job on getting them Brodie." He said. Brodie nodded in appreciation before he continued to watch the professors.
The other two professors were furiously writing on their computers. "And now..." Dr. Zager said as he pressed a red button. "...it should do it!" He finished.
Two lasers appeared behind the orbs. Each one of them charged before they started shooting a tight, red beam onto each of the orbs.
Both started glowing brightly. Both professors were staring on their computer screens and were reading the level of responses coming from the objects.
"Now!" Dr. Zager called out. At the same time, they pressed a big red button. A beeping sound appeared and the energy that emitted from the orbs suddenly charged into beams which met each other in the middle. The energy merged and started growing larger and larger until it was about the same size as a human. It was a portal.
"Appear, now!" Giovanni shouted loudly. Suddenly a large shadow appeared from inside the portal. Something stretched through it, something that looked like an arm. Then the body followed.
It was a full size man. His hair was grayish blue coloured. He was wearing a large white coat with black pants underneath. On the coat was a large G.
"Where am I?" The man asked, not completely sure what was going on. Giovanni grinned evilly.
(---)
The following morning came. After an interesting and amazing night, Ash woke up and turned to see his girlfriend peacefully resting. She had her face turned in his direction.
He could hear her soft snores, something he had gotten used to. He always thought it was cute and he found it adorable when she did it.
Immediately a feeling of pain and regret filled his heart as he was harshly pulled back to reality. Today was their last day together. He didn't want this but he had to accept the fact it was gonna happen and there was nothing more he could do about it. He felt like he could cry but it wouldn't change anything. He had failed her. He lost and he had to be stronger when it mattered.
Ash reached out to touch her hair. He gently brushed it with his hand, not wanting to wake her up. A small smile curled on her lips. He couldn't help but smile himself. He loved her so incredibly much. If it was up to him, he took her in his arms and pulled her as close as he could, never ever letting go.
"Keep going." Serena suddenly spoke in a low voice. Her eyes were still closed as if she was sleeping. Ash took a moment to process. He felt bad. "Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up."
Serena moved her hand up and held it against his that was touching her hair. She opened her eyes and smiled. "Don't be sorry about that. It's even better now that I'm awake." She replied. She then scooted closer to him until their bodies touched.
Ash could feel her bare naked skin touch his. Their activities from last night played in his head for a moment. He smiled to himself while he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his chest while she did the same.
Ash had turned onto his back and Serena laid her head down on his chest with her hands wrapped around him and not willing to let go. Ash kissed her forehead and gently stroked his hand across her back.
They enjoyed a peaceful silence, caressing their moment together. Serena then started drawing circles on his chest. He could feel that there was something on her mind and he could guess what it was.
"I need to be at the airport at three." She said with sadness in her voice. Ash felt the sadness take him over again. He sighed and Serena moved her head up to see the sad look in his eyes.
"I'm sorry Serena... I'm sorry that I–"
"No don't." Serena interrupted him. "Don't be sorry Ash. You've battled your hardest out there and so did your pokemon. I hate it but it isn't meant to be." She said.
Ash could feel her pain as she said that. He could see in her eyes that there were tears that wanted to jump there and then. He pulled her up on his chest so that their faces were closer to one another. He leaned in and kissed her. Serena kissed back while putting her hands behind his head to deepen the kiss.
After a minute or two, they broke the kiss and atared into each other's eyes. Ash sighed. "Let's wake up the pokemon and pack our stuff." Serena nodded and went off of him.
(---)
They stepped out of the front door with everything packed up. Pikachu was sitting on Ash's shoulder while he locked the door for the last time. He looked at Serena while taking her hand. "I loved every moment staying in this place with you." He smiled at her.
"So did I." Serena replied with a heartfelt smile of her own, intertwining her fingers with his. They started walking away from the house, leaving it for the last time.
Both of them walked across the streets of Lumiose City where they found a small place to sit down and eat something. They sat down at the terrace outside and ordered a small meal.
Come up to meet you, tell you I'm sorry
You don't know how lovely you are
As Ash watched her, memories started flowing through his mind. Serena couldn't help but going through the same.
I had to find you, tell you I need you
Tell you I set you apart
"T-thanks for saving me out there." A six year old Serena stuttered while looking at her hero. Ash grinned and put his thumbs up. "No problem! Let's be friends." He flashed a toothy grin.
Tell me your secrets and ask me your questions
Oh, let's go back to the start
A few years later, Serena had seen Ash on the news after practicing with Rhyhorn. His features hadn't changed at all and the determined look in his eyes made her heart racing while she felt warm and fuzzy from the inside.
Running in circles, coming up tails
Heads on a science apart
She had finally found him. He was battling Viola for the bug badge. He had lost and he was training hard thst night. When she approached him, she offered him a towel while. As she did that, she swallowed all her doubts. "Here we go..." She muttered while taking hold of the handkerchief he had given her. "Ash– do you remember me?"
Nobody said it was easy
It's such a shame for us to part
A journey with a lot of fun had passed. He helped her to realise her dreams while she supported him through his gym and League battles, only for both ending up a little short.
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be this hard
There had been though times. When Ash had lost himself in Snowbelle City. Oh how desperately she wanted to run up to him and kiss him to get him back to his own self. But she couldn't so instead she threw a snowball at him and yelled at him. "You are not the Ash I know!"
Oh, take me back to the start
They were at the airport, by the escalator. It was time for Serena to leave to Hoenn. But as she went, she felt her journey wasn't complete yet. "Hey Ash!" She shouted. "One more thing!" Ash furrowed his brows as she ran back up the escalator. But when she approached him, she didn't stop. No, instead she pressed her lips against his. It shocked him but then and there, he felt what she felt and kissed back. Something he'd never forget.
I was just guessing at numbers and figures
Pulling the puzzles apart
Years had passed. Serena went to Hoenn and Ash to Alola. Serena came back as a top tier coordinator while Ash came back as Alola's first ever champion.
Questions of science, science and progress
Do not speak as loud as my heart
Serena attended Sycamore High when Ash moved to Kalos. It was a lovely surprise when they met again. She loved it the moment he snuck up behind her and hugged her from behind while she was shopping with May, Dawn and Misty. Everything went well and they grew a lot closer to each other.
But tell me you love me, come back and haunt me
Oh and I rush to the start
They went shopping on one occasion. Something Serena viewed as their first date. But little did she know, Ash did too. He had seen her wanting to take his hand so as bold as he was, he took it, held it and caressed it. She loved it and didn't stop smiling for the rest of the day.
Running in circles, chasing our tails
Coming back as we are
Then the moment came where Calem attacked him directly and injured him. Bayleef had evolved in Meganium and Serena never left his side. They would be spending the weekend together and she cared for him, doing everything she could.
Nobody said it was easy
Oh, it's such a shame for us to part
The day of their first official date came. Ash had taken her to The Sprity, one of the famous restaurants in Lumiose City. They had eaten there and spent an amazing time together.
Nobody said it was easy
No one ever said it would be so hard
After the date, they returned to Ash's house where he had another little surprise for her. Their pokemon had set up a firework show in the backyard while both laid down on a blanket next to each other, watching the show and enjoying each other's company.
I'm going back to the start
They confessed and kissed. From that moment on, they were inseparable. Their relationship grew stronger and stronger. They went on trips, participated and won the school tournament together and went on a vacation to Alola later.
– Guitar solo –
She met his friends and family there. They had an amazing time under the Alolan sun. Serena acquired her own Z-ring along with a fairy crystal for Sylveon. They loved it and it was something both of them had fond memories off.
A-whooooo...
Then, Serena became Kalos Queen and they made the deal with Palermo. Ash battled his hardest out there with close calls against Sawyer and Paul.
A-whoooo...
No one could stop him. That was until he reached the finals and battled R. R was revealed to be Riley. The guy he met during the Hoenn disaster. He was too strong and ended up beating him with narrow margins.
A-whoooo...
Now, they arrived at the airport where Palermo was already waiting for Serena. They were standing by the escalators and Palermo was going down already while Ash and Serena said their goodbyes. "I'll see you over a year." She smiled at him. Both leaned in and kissed for the last time. It was long and time slowed down as they kissed.
A-whoooo...
Ash stood outside and watched the sky. The plane Serena was on was now just a small dot. The sound of the plane was still loud enough to hear.
He was angry with himself for losing. He hated it she was gone. He balled his fists and gritted his teeth angrily. The camera closed up at his face so that dark shades were visible and fire was burning in his eyes. This was the last time he lost...
"Ash!"
He turned to see his mom running at him. She stopped infront of him and rested her palms on her knees while panting. "Professor Oak..." She breathed out.
"He got a letter." She said. "I-Its from your father!"
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If you didn't, read the discription up top. It's very important regarding the rest of the book!!!