***Edit 1/15/2014***

Okay so it's come to my attention that I haven't made the summary clear. Sorry about that! To make things clear, this story will have a Pokeshippy ending.

Summary: Ash is confused about the whole "liking someone" concept so he first thinks he likes Serena, but in the end realizes that he actually already liked someone and just didn't know it.

***Author's Note***

Hello readers! This is my first story :) To make things less confusing, thoughts are in italics. Also, each chapter focuses on different character's thoughts. This one focuses on Serena's thoughts. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy! I like the way I wrote chapter 2 way better than this one so if it seems choppy don't give up just yet!

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon.

A New Challenge

Chapter 1: Her Last Chance

Serena had been working up the nerve to finally admit her crush on Ash. But she didn't know how. Everytime she finally gained the courage to do so, she backed out last minute. But maybe this time she would finally be able to go through with it.

He won the league! I'm so proud of him. I always knew he could do it.

She silently stared at him while he was busy enjoying his win. Clemont and Bonnie were by his side, also very proud of their friend's achievement. But Bonnie noticed Serena hadn't said anything to Ash yet.

"Serena! Come! Join us! Aren't you going to congratulate Ash for winning?!" Bonnie asked while she reached out to grab Serena's hand. Serena didn't even have the chance to respond as she was being pulled away by her little friend. "Ok!" was all she could say.

"Serena!" Ash had a big smile on his face.

"Congratulations Ash! I always knew you could do it." She blushed slightly.

"Thanks! Everyone let's go celebrate...with food!"

"Pika!"

And with that the four friends left towards the nearest restaurant they could find.

Should I tell him? He seems so happy right now, I don't want to ruin his big win. But...but if I don't tell him I don't think he'll ever get the idea. Why does he have to be so dense?! But then again...that is what I like about him. He's so sweet and he doesn't even know it.

Everyone but Serena was busy laughing and talking about the battle on their way to celebrate.

"Ash! You have to teach me those techniques!"

"Well you're not so bad yourself!"

"I'd like to try winning the league myself. Ash, I never told you but you've inspired me to beome a better trainer. I think I really will try to win the league myself. Of course, with science by my side that is!"

"Serena, what about you? What do you plan to do?"

Serena was caught off guard. She hadn't been listening to the boys conversation and therefore had no idea what Ash had just asked her.

"Yeah Serena, what do you want to do?"

Luckily for her, Clemont had repeated Ash's question.

What do I want to do? Oh they must be asking about what I plan to do next.

I want to travel. I love the idea of exploring the world. It's just...just so exciting! When I was little I didn't really like the idea of leaving home, which is why my parents tried their best to show me what the world has to offer. That's actually why I ended up going to the Pokemon camp in Kanto. My parents decided it would be a great opportunity for me. I was so scared. I hated being there, well at least until I met Ash. He made me feel so safe. He wasn't afraid. After that encounter, I began to open up to the world a bit more. I was still scared, but I thought that if Ash could do it so could I. Years passed and I came to the conclusion that maybe it wouldn't be so bad to travel. That's when I found out Ash was in Kalos. Any doubt that I had about starting my own adventure soon diminished and I was finally ready to leave the comfort of my home.

"Serena?" Bonnie looked at the girl with confusion.

"Huh? Oh! Sorry, I was just thinking about something." Serena was flustered but soon found her composure and continued to speak, "To answer your question Ash, I still don't know exactly what I want to do, but it doesn't matter. I'd like to continue to travel. Maybe I'll find out what I want to do in the process!"

"I'm glad for you Serena. I hope that traveling with us has been fun!"

Traveling with you, Clemont and Bonnie has been fun! I've learned so much and have been able to find the joy and excitement of traveling. Maybe I'll want to win the league myself one day! I'm getting ahead of myself. But hey, maybe I will.

Hmm..Why had he asked me to join them back then?

"It was! I've learned a lot about pokemon and about myself. Thank you."

"For what?" Ash looked confused.

"Well, if you hadn't asked me to join you on your journey, I may have given up by now."

Ash didn't look so confused anymore. He smiled and continued to say, "I'm glad I asked then! But you should also give yourself more credit. I'm pretty sure that no matter who you traveled with or where you traveled, you would have been able to continue your journey."

Serena gave a slight smile and a slight blush.

Thank you Ash.

"But I'm glad it was with us!" Bonnie was quick to add. Over the course of their travels, Serena had come to see Bonnie as her own little sister. Their bond was quite strong.

"Yeah, it was fun traveling with you! I'm just sorry you had to see all of my experiments fail. But never give up on Science!" Clemont laughed nervously as he scratched the back of his head.

There was a moment of silence until Ash decided to break it, "So are you guys going to continue to travel together?" He directed his question at his three friends, who all looked so puzzled. Until it hit them.

Ash won't be traveling with us anymore? I knew this day would come, but I didn't think it would happen anytime soon.

"You mean you won't be traveling with us anymore?" Clemont had become good friends with Ash, it made him feel sad that his dear friend wouldn't be traveling with him anymore.

"I've had fun on this journey and I'm glad we all became good friends! But after winning this league I need some time to go back home and start thinking about my next adventure!" Ash had that reassuring smile he has whenever he tries to cheer his friends up. He knew that leaving them would hurt them as much as it hurt him. Even though he has gotten better at it, Ash has always had a hard time saying goodbye.

He can't leave. I don't want him to leave. But I know that no one will nor can stop him. Not even me. And I won't try. Even if I could, I would never be the one to stop him from continuing his dream. Especially since he was the one who has taught me to never give up. So I guess this is goodbye. But...before he leaves...

"Ash..."

"Yes, Serena?"

"Take care! I wish you luck on your journey!"

"Yes, take care and good luck!" Clemont and Bonnie added in unision.

"Same! Bonnie make sure to take care of your brother! And Clemont...make sure you win that league!" Ash had an even bigger smile this time. "Serena! Don't forget to tell me what your dream is when you find it!"

"Pika Pika!" The yellow rodent could not be left out of this farewell.

With his last farewells, the skilled young trainer made his way towards the door and was soon on the road to the airport.

Well...he's gone and I didn't get to tell him. If Bonnie and Clemont weren't there, maybe it would have been easier. Hey!

"Bonnie. Clemont. I have to go somewhere real quick, will you guys wait for me here?"

"So you aren't also leaving us?!" Bonnie was relieved. With Ash's farewell, Bonnie was afraid that Serena would be the next to leave.

"I still have some traveling to do! But I have one thing that I need to take care of first."

***Author's Note***

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