AU: Well, what can I say? I have been neglecting Fanfiction and all of you wonderful reviewers. Can you guys forgive me? With me starting a new college and going on holiday with family only a few weeks ago, I completely forgot about this website altogether. So yeah, I suppose that isn't really a good excuse for keeping this story from you guys, but oh well. Now that I only have one week left before I have finished college for two weeks, you guys could expect a couple more chapters. I know that I have been a bit unfair for leaving the story for so long, I just hope you guys can forgive the long HIATUS.


Normal POV:

The wind rushing past his face. The sense of freshness from sitting on his Charizard and flying through the air. Ash Ketchum, the one who was betrayed by so many, wishes every day could be like this. He wishes he could go back to his carefree and fun life. Where not only Pikachu was still alive, but he still had all of his friends, excited to be able to go on a new , if all of this didn't happen, he would have never been as powerful and had so many new Pokémon friends as he did today. These kinds of thoughts always go through Ash's mind. Just hoping that it's all a bad dream and he will wake up. But, he never does and would he really want to change it? To lose all of the new friends he has made? Probably not.

"Ash? Hey, Ash! Are you okay?" Now he remembered. He met his mother again and found out that she always believed in him and didn't think he was a failure or anything else that his old friends did. This made him feel truly happy. And learning from his mother that Serena also believed in him and didn't side with the betrayers really did take the weight off his shoulders. Now, he felt like he could truly start living again and if Serena chose to go with him on his journey and maybe be more eventually, he truly couldn't be happier.

"I'm fine mom. Just thinking about how all of this has happened and if I could choose, would I really change anything? I mean, with all of the new Pokémon I have obtained and finding out that both you and Serena still trust and believe in me; I've never felt this happy for a while now." Ash said emotionally, with a small, wistful smile on his face. Delia looked at him sadly, knowing how hard these past years must have been for him. She could tell that he had changed completely, although under his hard, cold exterior she knew the kind boy was still there. She saw it before in fact, when he was defending her from those other, awful children. It was quite obvious to her now that Ash was less trusting and he didn't forgive people as easily any more. She was glad he forgave her so easily although she would of understood it if he didn't. The hardships and loneliness he must have went through during these past three years must have been really hard on him and caused him to be so cold towards people. She noticed one thing, and she had a hunch as to what was wrong. She could only pray that she was incorrect in her assumption.

"Um... Ash?" She asked tentatively, hoping, praying to Arceus that she was wrong about this and she was seeing the situation in a completely different way.

"Hmm, what is it mom?" Ash asked, already having a feeling that he won't like the next question.

"Where's Pikachu at? I thought you two were always together?" She decided to ask it straight out and be blunt about the question. She saw Ash's shoulders immediately tense, whether from the question or her blunt tone, she didn't know. She realised with a start that her hunch was right and she felt like things just keep getting worse. Knowing that Ash no longer had his very first Pokémon, no, one of his best friends out of all of his Pokémon, she felt her heart clench in sadness. And then, she felt rage. Rage not only towards those who done this, but mostly Tobias. That sick, disgusting individual started all of this and even if Ash's old friends weren't under the influence of what Tobias is able to do, she knew that Tobias caused most of this.

"Well, I'm guessing you've already figured it out. Although... Pikachu isn't truly gone. He just became another Pokémon." Even though he said this and Delia felt her spirits lifting, she knew that Ash wishes Pikachu was still himself rather than another Pokémon. Now, all Delia could hope for is nothing like this to happen again; she knew that with people like Serena by Ash's side, he won't risk getting betrayed or worse again. Even without Serena's influence, she could see that Ash was a lot less trusting with people now and she was actually glad about this. Delia didn't know why, but she had a feeling that darker times were coming upon them and Ash would once again be a big part of it.

"Anyway, where is Serena staying at? I don't want to stay in Celadon City for too long and we need to be careful as we may come into contact with 'them' again." Ash said with a clenched jaw and his aura rose slightly. Just thinking of meeting up with them so soon again and seeing how they treated his mother, he didn't know if he could hold himself back the next time they met. Whether his mother or anyone else is there doesn't matter. They need to pay for the pain and suffering they have caused.

'Enough about that though'. Ash couldn't help but think to himself. Even though he didn't want to meet them too soon, things were definitely starting to look up for him; not only with learning of his mother still believing and caring for him, but also slowly integrating back into society and meeting up with Serena and other old friends. 'Yes' he thought, with a small smile appearing on his face, 'It really does feel good to be back among other people.' Even though he thought it would take a lot of time to get used to being among other people, he could already feel himself becoming more at peace and feeling happy now that he had his mother's soothing presence. Since he had gotten so good at the use of aura over the course of his 'disappearance', he could detect the feelings and thoughts of those around him, including Pokémon, so he knew that his mother was telling the truth and that his old friends were doing it all for their own deed, not under Tobias' influence. This thought turned him back to those he encountered not too long ago and he already knew, Tobias had been doing something to ensure that they keep up their training and don't turn against him as well. Even though none of them sent out any of their Pokémon to fight against Ash, he knew that he would have had trouble with just Charizard against all of them.

As these thoughts escalated trough his head, Delia was staring at her son in awe and reverence. She just wanted to grab and take them both away from all of this, she wanted to comfort him and for him to comfort her, but she knew it would still be some time before Ash was completely open with her again. She could tell he was deep in thought and couldn't help but examine both him and his Charizard. They both seemed bigger, stronger and more mature. Ash had definitely grown, while Charizard had looked to have turned into a giant monster. With this in mind, Delia couldn't help but wonder how much all of his other Pokemon had grown in the past three years and whether he was able to catch any more.


While Ash and his mother were on their way to Celadon city to meet up with Serena, the betrayers were on their way to find Tobias and tell him of the large change of events. They may not like working for him, as they were only out for themselves, not even each other, Tobias was the only one who probably had a chance of beating Ash.

Even if it hurt his pride, Gary knew this to be true. One look as Charizard, even if he was one of his strongest Pokémon, seemed like a force to be reckoned with. And from Ash's vague description, Pikachu was somehow still alive, even if as a ghost Pokémon now or something. Gary saw the amount of blood seeping from the wounds they inflicted, so he knew that Pikachu would have been dead before Ash got to the Pokémon centre. With the thought of Ash, Gary came back to thinking of him, rather than his Pokémon. One look at Ash's eyes told Gary everything, Ash would never forgive them. And that actually caused a small pang of regret within him. Regret for turning against Ash for something as simple as money and power.

Gary shook his head lightly, trying not to catch the attention of the others and grit his teeth. 'Hmph, even if I wanted to be forgiven, there's no way it will happen. I've never even liked that annoying child anyway.' Gary thought to himself grumpily.

"Can you guys believe this?! Ketchum thinks he can just stroll up and declare himself the best. Even after years of hiding like a child?!" May said, with a banshee-like voice, immediately irritating the others. Max was especially annoyed, from Ketchum suddenly turning up, acting like a total badass, to his sister screeching like that.

"Shut the hell up May! Your voice never ceases to irritate the hell out of me!" Max shouted, glaring at his sister. Everyone went quiet, knowing the inevitable argument was about to break out between the two of them.

"Who do you think you are to talk to me like that?! You should be angry at Ketchum for acting like the damn king-of-the-hill, rather than getting mad at me!" May shouted in outrage, going straight in her brother's face.

Gary instantly felt a throb through his head and gritted his teeth again. These lt were honestly annoying, especially May and Max, with their constant arguments that are completely unneeded. He really wanted to ditch all of them and simply go on his own way. Although, it seemed the fates were completely against him today.

"Oi! What are you so quiet for Gary? I thought you would have had something to say about this?" Max asked in a snide voice. He truly did become a snobbish little shit after Ash left, acting like HE was their ring-leader now. Pfft, he's got a pea-sized brain and he's all talk, but no skill. My thoughts stopped there, what had happened to me? I used to be snobbish and arrogant myself, but I never talked about anyone this way, even Ash when we were young. Hmph, he's just got back and his old, carefree that he once had is getting to me.

"Right, break it up now! We need to get to Tobias with this new turn of events. If he sees us all aggravated, he'll just get mad at us!" I shouted at both of them, letting the frustration I currently felt into my voice. They looked at me in silence for a few seconds before nodding. Sigh, this was going to be a pain in the ass, I can already tell.


Serena's POV - Route 7:

I knew it was stupid, but I liked to keep my Pokémon training, even if it was a waste of time battling weak Pokémon on this route. At this moment, I was thinking about the one who takes up my thoughts most of the day: Ash Ketchum. Little goof, knucklehead, dense idiot... You get the picture. Although he was the greatest and kindest guy you could ever meet. Just thinking back to the moment he helped at Summer Camp made a blush and small smile rise on my face. I knew that after all this time; I still loved him with all of my heart. I couldn't help but think about him.

A frown marred my face though, when I thought back to the last time we saw each other. He may not have told his other companions about me, but we talked regularly, whether it's on the Pokegear, or at a Pokémon Centre, we made sure to keep our promise and stay in touch. Although, thinking back to when I last saw him, something had definitely changed, and not for the better. Oh no, it was really bad; one look in his eyes, which used to hold such childish innocence and happiness that could light up a room, were dull and lifeless. He seemed t be really trying to put up a strong and happy face, although he seemed to be feeling even worse than he usually would after losing a Pokémon League. I tried to console him the best I could, but seeing his broken sprit just made me want to cry. Then, after the whole fiasco at Pallet Town, he was never seen again.

Thinking of Pallet Town though, brought a small smile to my face. Me and Delia really helped each other with our emotions, and she truly was a second mother to me. I had even told her about me being in love with Ash. She had just smiled brightly, before winking slyly at me and whispering conspiratorially "I already know. You show your love for him, like you do battling." She grinned smugly at the bright blush on my face at this, and I coughed to get it under control. I know that battling is one of my favourite things, apart from my Pokémon of course, so that was an embarrassing moment.

"Oi, girly. Wanna battle?" I broke out of my thoughts, seeing some burly guy come towards me, with a rather lecherous grin on his face. I had to refrain from gagging; he looked like he hadn't been in the shower for a while and seemed quite intoxicated.

"Uhh... Heheh, are you sure you should be battling in that state? Maybe you should head home?" I asked hopefully, wanting to get rid of this absolute creep. I knew I made a mistake showing what I was really feeling looking at him on my face, as he started turning red in embarrassment and anger.

"Shut up! Are you scared or something? I bet you can't even battle for yourself and you act like some weak, defenceless princess!" He shouted in outrage, making my eye twitch in annoyance from his 'clever verbal abuse'. I merely looked at him with disinterest and slowly pulled out a Pokeball.

"Whatever. I warned you, but you didn't listen." I said, throwing it in the air near to me lightly and releasing my Delphox. He didn't look as sure of himself anymore as he gazed at my starter. I couldn't help but feel proud in both my Pokémon and myself. We had been training for quite a while together now and I and Delphox were the best of friends.

"Ready for this buddy? We haven't really battled a trainer in a while." I asked, smiling softly and patting his head. He looked back at me with a grin and had his thumbs up. I grinned back and titled my head towards our opponent. Huh, he had sent out a Poliwrath against us. It was a pretty even matchup I suppose. Delphox's Psychic would be good as it's a fighting type, although he'll have to stay clear of his water type attacks.

"Poliwrath go in with a Water Pulse!" He shouted the command, taking me off guard slightly. Damn, that Poliwrath is one of the speediest I've ever seen. Both me and Delphox gritted our teeth as the attack connected against him, dissipating rather quickly. Hah, it may be fast for its species, but its attack power seemed rather abysmal. I smirked to myself lightly, issuing forth a chain of commands.

"Delphox, Fire Blast towards the ground near its feet, jump in the air and send a Psychic at it!" I commanded in a calm tone of voice, knowing that he could take it from here. Seeing the shocked look on the faces of our opponents as the Fire Blast caused dirt to fly around in different directions, some managing to hit the Poliwrath in the eyes. Perfect. Delphox quickly got close enough to the enemy to deal maximum damage, and sent its most powerful Psychic type attack at it.

"Poliwrath try to control yourself and dodge its attacks!" The man shouted desperately, causing his Pokémon to calm down slightly. I was surprised; he did seem to care for his Pokémon, even if he did seem like a bit of a creep and weirdo. The Poliwrath, to both mine and Delphox's surprise sprang cleanly past the Psychic energy coming towards it, before firing a blast of water towards where Delphox was seconds ago. Wow, I gotta say, this team is surprising me more. I took him for some second had trainer that wasn't worth my time. Well then, now to get serious.

"Delphox, send a Shadow Ball at it, try to lower its stats while get close." I said, determined to see what else this man had up his sleeves.

"Poliwrath take the attack... And use Payback!"

"!" I started, telling Delphox to get back if it couldn't stop the attack in time. The Shadow Ball connected with the Water/Fighting type Pokémon, making it grunt slightly before glowing an ominous black colour and sending a purple beam of energy straight towards Delphox. I was confident it would miss, but it seemed to suddenly speed up and connected with my Pokémon. My eyes widened as he cried out, before stepping back, rubbing its chest where the super-effective attack hit him.

"Del, are you okay buddy?" I asked, concerned for him. He turned and grinned at me, showing all was good. I let out a quiet sigh, if I used something stronger and it managed to survive, then Delphox would have probably went down. I really didn't expect this guy to give me so much trouble, but oh well. I looked back at him to see him smirking arrogantly, making me grit my teeth. He may be an above average trainer, but her needed to learn some manners and humility.

"Okay, that's it. Delphox, we'll have to use what we've been training recently." I told him, making him turn around to me in slight shock, although it quickly turned determined. "Okay, Delphox, hold it in place with Psychic and use Mystical Fire!" He seemed confused at the choice of move but I knew this would take Poliwrath out. I could see it panting slightly with a lot of scratches covering it, so it was close to going down. With this thought, Delphox went into action, moving too fast for Poliwrath to stop it and the battle was over in a simple few seconds.

"W-What the h-hell happened?" The man asked in confusion an some apprehension, but I just shook my head with a sigh. Getting ready to return Delphox, I was surprised to see the guy summon another Pokémon, now seemingly sober.

"Heh, you're pretty good. Let's keep this battle going, if you want at least." He said with a small smirk, confidence rather than arrogance showing through his eyes now. My lips quirked slightly, at least he was being bearable now. I suppose I needed the experience for my team too and the wild Pokémon around here won't be good for that.

"You're on! Return Delphox. I choose you Jolteon!" I shouted enthusiastically, sending out the small electric fox Pokémon. It gave a small yip, before steadying himself and looking towards his opponent. Hmm, an Elektross, a Pokémon that doesn't have any weaknesses'. This could be a problem to beat.


Normal POV:

Unknown to Serena and the other trainer, Ash and Delia had arrived, Ash freezing up upon seeing Serena after so many years. He couldn't stop himself from letting his eyes trail up and down her body, bringing a blush to his face instantly as he realized she had REALLY grown up.

"Teehee~ Ashy you're staring." Delia said in a sing-song voice, causing Ash to look at her in some annoyance, some amusement. He turned back quickly though, hearing the battle continuing and wanting to get an idea of how good Serena.

"Have you saw Serena battle yet mum?" Ash asked curiously, with Delia shaking her head in a negative. He got even more excited, remembering the promise they made to each other a long ago, promising each that they would be the greatest Pokémon trainer in the world and do it together. He couldn't stop the gentle smile appearing on his face, remembering this and watching the determination and excitement on Serena's face a she battled. Delia decided not to tease, honestly happy at seeing the look on her son's face. She smirked lightly to herself though, already imagining Serena's action when she sees Ash again and let a small giggle ut, causing Ash to look at her curiously. She shook her head, indicating it was nothing and he nodded, before turning and watching the battle with rapt attention.

"That's it Jolteon! Now the finishing move! Use Quick Attack and Double Kick when you get close!" Serena pumped her fist in the air as Jolteon rushed forward in a bolt of white energy and striking the Elektross, taking it down and finally making it faint.

"Heh, this is really surprising. Most trainers around here don't even take down Poliwrath. How about one more Pokémon each?" He asked, with Serena nodding. He pulled out his final Pokeball, just as Serena did and they threw them out simultaneously.

"ALTARIA/SAL!" Both Pokémon cried their respective names, looking at each other with determined expressions and giving a small grin in acknowledgement.

"Whoa, a battle of the dragon's huh? I didn't expect Serena to have thought of such a diverse team. Almost like..." He smiled a bit, realising she must have done her studying and made sure to cover all strengths and weaknesses of her Pokémon. "She's really trained hard for this. Making sure to keep her promise." He said happily, wanting to go out there and just hug her right now.

"You're both the same Ash." He turned to Delia, seeing her smiling, while looking at Serena. "You've both wanted the best for each other for so long and neither of you have given up your promise. You're a team without even really trying and manage to know what the other is like without even seeing each other for so long. That's why I love you two so much, you're perfect for each other." Ash felt his heart lighten at her words, looking back and watching the final battle take place.

"Let's go Altaria! Use Dazzling Beam!" Everyone was surprised at this, Ash especially as he thought she would be on the defensive because of Salamance's high stats. The beam surprised the other trainer and Pokémon even more, it being able to dodge out of the way in time. Although, the beam connected against its side slightly, causing it to roar from the sting of the fairy type move.

"Damn, that Altaria is fast! Quick Salamance, use Dragon Claw!" The Salamance roared in acknowledgement and charged towards Altaria, its claws glowing.

"Quick, dodge to the left and use Dragonbreath!" Serena called, still staying calm. Altaria moved to the side as the claws got close to it, firing of the draconic beam.

"Salamance, use Dragonbreath too." The trainer called, his own Pokémon shooting the beam of draconic energy, resulting in a small explosion and damaging both Pokémon slightly. Serena grit her teeth, this guy could really think on his feet. An idea came to her head suddenly.

"Altaria, use Dragon Dance and get behind Salamance." Serena called, making sure to keep an eye on Salamance getting too close. Altaria used the move, boosting its stats slightly, making it stronger. The Salamance watched wearily, waiting for its trainers call. It was a small standoff in the air, both trainers waiting for the other to make the first move. For Serena's plan to work, she needed Salamance to attack first and get close.

"Salamance use Outrage!" The trainer shouted, making Serena's eyes widen. That isn't good. The large dragon immediately thrashing about and sending draconic energy everywhere. Serena realized she could use another move here, along with the one she was planning to ensure that Salamance wouldn't do much damage and allow Altaria to take it out.

"Sorry, but this is over now. Altaria use Confide." Serena called, making the trainers eyes widen and Ash to smirk. 'Heh, that's smart. Lowering its Special Attack before it can deal any damage with Outrage. Good job Serena.' Ash thought to himself, looking at her fondly. The draogn roared as it's attack lowered and it became sluggish in its attack.

"Nw, while its guard is down use Dazzling Gleam, full power!" Serena called, her Pokémon complying and sending the large beam once again. It connected straight against Salamance's chest, causing it to roar in pain as it was sent to the ground. Serena felt worried; she didn't want to seriously hurt it. As she was about to send out Delphox and Meowstic to stop it with Psychic, the trainer returned the Salamance, whispering his thanks for its help. She smiled at the sight, noticing the trainer walking.

"Good battle, I think I needed to be knocked down a peg or two. People were telling me my arrogance was gonna get the better of me." He said, rubbing the back of his neck with a nervous chuckle. Serena only now realized how tall this person was. Jeez, he was over 6 feet! She felt a bit hesitant but the rather goofy look on his face made him look more like a giant, friendly Snorlax than someone to be scared of.

"Don't worry about it. It was enjoyable, especially since I've only been battling wild Pokémon lately. I'm Serena by the way." She said, holding her hand out. He looked surprised for a second, before smiling slightly.

"Ahh, uh, heh. I'm Kieron. Nice to meet you Serena." He said nervously (1), looking at something behind her while shaking her hand. She heard light clapping, turning her head to the noise. Her eyes widened to a comical level as she was looking at someone she had just been thinking about before.

"Hi Serena. It's good to see you again after so long."

"A-Ash?"

"Yeah, it's me. I'm so happy to see you.

"Ash..." Serena's bottom lip quivered, before she let out a small cry and ran into his arms. They both felt whole again, knowing that nothing would be able to separate them anymore and they were finally happy. Together again.

AN: Ahh, such a sweet ending~. Anyway, once again, I've got to say I'm sorry to everyone for leaving this story for so long. Some problems with real life and college has finally settled down slightly so I should have more time to be able to write again. I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter and didn't think it was to cheesy or anything. I know it's still a bit early, but they have been keeping their emotions inside and are finally able t release them. So, expect the Amourshipping to be set sailing soon enough: 3

1) Ahh, just so you guys know, that's my OC. Don't worry, he won't be mentioned much, I just put him in there for Serena to battle and he will have a few important roles with the group later on in the story. So, if you want to know what he looks like, he is; about 6"4' tall, with orange (or ginger, whatever) hair that reaches just above his neck. His not exactly muscly, but his does have some. Finally, he generally wears chino's (if you don't know what they are, look on google) and jeans, along with T-Shirts with designs or bands on. So, that's basic information about my OC, I'll go into detail about his personality later on, but like I said, he's not really an important character in this.

So, that's basically it. Look forward to another chapter maybe sometime this week, as I have one more assignment t finish for college and then I'm done for Easter. So, see you all next time; D