"That's great news! So when will you be getting here? Tomorrow? Yes. We'll come don't worry. Alright then, see you when you get here!" Putting down the phone the woman walked back into the kitchen where her husband sat talking to an old man. "Oh! Hala I didn't hear you come in. How are you?" She moved gracefully towards him, giving him a hug.

"I'm doing good Serena, thank you. I just dropped by to see how things were going for you two. I heard about someone's birthday coming up and I couldn't stop myself from visiting. Isn't that right Ash?" He looked to him with a wide grin.

Ash rubbed the back of his head, laughing a bit nervously. "Yes, right." He agreed then cleared his throat. "Unfortunately it's late so maybe another day?"

Hala nodded, his excitement toned down. "Tomorrow then! Sorry for interrupting. Have a goodnight you two!" He waved to them and left back to his home.

Serena took a seat next to Ash giving him a look. "So... Hala was "just visiting" was he?"

"Actually about that... he was hoping to give-" Ash was cut off by the yawning of a small girl in the doorway.

Her black hair was a mess and her blue eyes struggled to stay open. "Mama? Papa? What's going on?" She walked over to them sleepily.

Ash reached a hand out and ruffled her hair even more. "What are you doing out of bed Selene?" He sighed and shook his head. "I wanted to talk to your mother about it first, but I guess now that you're here and awake this is as good a time as any." He picked her up and put her on his lap.

Selene looked up at her parents confused. "Papa? What is it?" She was trying to fight to stay awake.

Taking a moment to himself he continued. "Well Selene, you're turning ten pretty soon. Which means you'll be old enough to go out on your own if you would like." He looked to Serena who was starting to understand why Hala was there. "Well Hau's grandpa thought that seeing how you're both of age, you might like your first partner." Ash smiled at Serena who was also happy at the offer.

Selene's eye grew wide. "Really Papa? You mean it? He means it right, Mama?" She looked back and forth between them excitedly. "You told him yes right? Please say you did!" She looked at them eagerly.

After a while of excitement she tired herself out. As Ash tucked her into bed he could hear her mumbling about which starter pokemon she would choose. The two looked at their daughter from the doorway to her room. It seemed to them that not long ago they were excitedly awaiting the day their journeys began.

"She's so sweet. I hope she can wait an extra day or two though." Serena looked back to Ash who had his arms wrapped around her. "I was on the phone with Shauna earlier. She said that they are going to be moving nearby. Her and Elio will be arriving tomorrow. She said Calem is busy with a few things and will be coming the week after."

Ash kissed her forehead before turning her. "I take it you want to hold off until after they've settled in?" He smiled at her knowing her motives. "Alright, but be prepared to handle the excitement."

They both laughed at what they knew was to come. A new adventure.