Royalty!

It was her moment. It was her destiny, and the path that she had chosen led her right into this moment. She had won her third princess key and the future was just around the corner.

She was alone now. Her Pokemon at Bonnie's care, her three human friends waiting outside the room.

Right then, Serena heard four knocks on the door. Assuming it was someone she knew, she said:

- Come in...

An old woman was standing in front of her. A pair of sunglasses hiding part of her identity. She wasn't smiling, and her voice was cold.

- So... Your next step is taking the challenge to be Kalos Queen, right?

Serena nodded

- I'm afraid, young lady; you don't have what it takes to beat Elle

- What do you mean? Who are you?

- That's not important, but you need to understand something, I saw your performances, you have charm, you have charisma, and a deep connection with your Pokemon, but it's not enough

- How are you so sure of that?

- Because I was once like you, many years ago, before I became Kalos Queen, I see your determination, but is not the right kind of determination. You're doing this for someone, but it's not for the right people...

- I... I don't understand your point...

- You're trying to impress someone, Am I right?

And then, Serena's whole world fell apart.

- You don't know me at all!

- Believe me, I know you better than you think – the woman retorted, taking off her glasses and revealing to be Palermo, the famous producer and former Kalos Queen –

- I'm capable of winning the title as much as any other girl! And yes, maybe my inspiration doesn't come from the same place as Aria, but it's all that matter to me!

- What do you mean?

- Aria presents herself in front of people, and when she does her performances she seeks to bring happiness and joy to all his fans. I, however, I know I had lots of fans, but none of them matter as much as my friends – Serena dared to go beyond that statement – And none of them matters to me as much as Ash

- And as long you refuse to see there are more people than just your friends out there, you'll never be Kalos Queen

Without another word, Palermo turned around and exited the room, leaving the door open.

Serena wanted to run, she didn't know where, but she needed to run, she needed to escape from that woman's bitter words? Why did she tell her those things? Why was she so sure she couldn't be Queen? Her feet didn't respond and when trying to get up, she lost balance and fell to the ground, starting to cry

- Serena! Serena! – A chorus of concerned voices was all she heard before drift off to unconscious, Palermo's words still a bitter pill, hard to swallow –

She opened her eyes softly, noticing she was in a hospital bed, a slights pressure on her right arm, she stiffed and blushed invaded her pale face as soon as she found out what that was.

Ash was sleeping at her side, using her arm and his own as a pillow, his hair was messier than usual, and his hat had fallen to the ground.

She moved her arm, trying to touch the boy's cheeks as way to saying "thank you for staying with me". Right when her hand was about to reach him, he woke up

- I'm glad you're fine Serena – He said, her hand about an inch from distance from his face -

He intertwined his fingers with hers and made all the way to his face. It felt warmer than Serena's expected, which caused to make her blush even more

- This is what you wanted to do, right? – He asked, a sheepishly smile adorning his face –

She didn't respond

- Right? – He repeated, afraid he could have gone too far, and moving her hand away -

- No! I… I like… - Was all that Serena could mutter –

Ash didn't say anything, and her hand was back to his cheek instantly

- Can I ask you why you believe her lies?

- What… What are you talking about?

- I've overheard your conversation with that lady

- You were spying on me? – Serena retorted, moving her hand away –

- I care for you, Serena. I had to.

- I see… Can I…?

- Sure! – Ash replied, guessing her intentions, and she was back at his face, now touching his chin –

- Don't listen to her Serena. That woman is toxic

- Is the greatest Kalosian Performer that ever lived

- That doesn't make her less toxic. Believe me, I faced that people in my journeys before, my enemies, my rivals, even some Gym Leaders I fought against, they all said I could never achieve my dreams, that I didn't have the potential. But I'm still on this path, I'm doing my best, and I will always do.

- Ash…

- And I know you're doing your best too. And quite frankly…

He paused for a second to kiss her hand, and then grabbed it, without letting it go.

- I'm glad I'm one of the reasons why you still are in this path. And when you reached become Kalos Queen, I'll be there...

With a smirk, he kissed her forehead added:

- You'll be my Queen and I'll be your Knight

- Am I dreaming all of this, right? – Serena asked –

- No, you're not, I promise

- How can I be sure?

Ash took his place in the side of her bed and replied:

- When you wake up again, I'll be here, and we'll talk about this, okay?

- Okay… - Serena agreed, feeling sleepy –

When she woke up, Ash was looking at her

- Good morning, My Kalos Queen

- Good morning, My Knight - She said smiling happily -