THE WAR OF WANTS

BY- SOURAGAR

So, the tenth chapter is here! Wooh! This chapter was intense, a lot of emotions to handle and a lot of new changes to introduce. All in all, a very important chapter, turning point of fates for our heroes. Anyway, on with the story.

Happy Reading!

DISCLAIMER- I don't own Pokémon.

Chapter 10- The Journey Continues!

We are now coming back to Pokémon Centre where our heroes are busy snapping themselves out of the strange Dilemma that has somehow now crept over themselves. They knew that the situation was something none of them wanted, but also knew that it was something that couldn't have been avoided. They also respected each other for their decisions but the situation was just something so undesirable that it was in fact, enough for them to be wondering over their future course of action.

Ash decided that it was enough! It was already enough that his friends were facing such a dilemma over there, and the environment of their room currently only intensified their dilemma. He decided that it was the time to cheer everyone up! It was the time to step up! He himself was very upset from the proceedings but if it could not be changed, then it's better to enjoy the little present we have rather than being upset over the future. He started this by going over to Clemont and Bonnie's room. They were packing their clothes, but seemed very distracted, maybe due to the events of the morning. Ash felt sad, it was a situation that none of them desired, but now he would try to make it better for them for sure!

It was at this time that someone pulled the lower portion of his jeans. He looked back to see Pikachu with a determined face ensuring that whatever the situation would be, He would always be there to support his best friend. Ash smiled at this. He knew that whatever the situation would be, Pikachu would always be there to support him, no matter what. It was always something he could be assured off. "Thanks buddy! Let's go and help our friends! They need us and we would help." Ash said sending a determined look towards Pikachu. Pikachu nodded and climbed up Ash's shoulders, ready for their new mission.

"Hey friends! Need any help for the packing?" Ash asked, entering their room with a smile on his face. Pikachu also followed by saying his name gesturing as if it was offering help. Clemont and Bonnie were surprised to see them but smiled as they saw that their friends have come to support them. The smiles on their faces could not be helped as they brightly mirrored Ash's one, His smile was truly one of the infectious ones.

"Yeah! Sure, that would be great." Clemont said as he looked towards Ash with admiration on his face. "Hey Ash, about today's morning-"Clemont could not continue as he was interrupted by Ash "Don't mind it. I know what you are doing is kind of right. So let's work together for whatever time we have left." Ash said with a smile on his face. Clemont nodded appreciating the fact that his friend was trying to cheer him.

"YAY! Come on Pikachu! Let's do this!" Bonnie exclaimed, happy to have got Pikachu on her side to help her now.

Sometime later, Serena came back to see all her friends laughing and playing in the backyard of Pokémon Centre with all their Pokémon. It was something she never expected. In fact, she thought that the situation would only get worse from where she left, But was happy to see them enjoying. It was not something grand like carnival or great function, but it was nothing short of that too. Ash smiled as he saw Serena coming and waved towards her to join them. Serena reflected a smile of her own and called out all her Pokémon and ran to join her friends. They played many games together enjoying each other's company. They also repeated the Showcase performance of Serena and when it was over, all the people and Pokémon present over there clapped and complimented them on their brilliance. Serena and her Pokémon blushed in embarrassment but were happy to receive the praises nonetheless.

Then Clemont called them as he had completed his special Barbecue lunch for them. All the persons thanked him and jumped on food like hungry dogs, Ash beating all others. After lunch was finished they sat just enjoying the environment around them. It cannot be justified but just sitting there peacefully doing nothing also gave them a kind of pleasure, a kind of satisfaction. Then Clemont reminded them about the party where Serena's crowning ceremony would be held. He reminded them that it was going to start early this year so they should start preparing themselves for the grand event.

They all agreed and moved towards their respective rooms to get themselves ready for this big event. They all knew and realized that after it's end it may not be the same ever again, but they have accepted its terms and just wanted to enjoy it as it came.

Meanwhile Aria was asleep in her bed lost in her dream world. She didn't had a pleasant night and the early morning calls only made the matters worst. She cried herself to sleep and now at least seemed happy. Perhaps dreams gives us the comfort that the real world could never give.

After some time, Ash and friends were ready and started their journey towards the palace again. If it would have been any other day, any other situation, they might have seemed like the loudest bunch of people, but the situation actually kind of seemed quite. They all had smiles to brighten up their faces but the smile was not a complete one. If one can see clearly, there were just some facts that were hindering it. They decided that it would be better if they walked towards the Palace rather than taking a cab. Just to spend more time with each other reminding the beautiful moments they shared with each other, the problems they faced together and the bond they made with their Pokémon and each other. It was definitely a special journey and there was no doubt about that in the minds of our heroes.

They reached the palace where the crowning ceremony was going to take place. They saw quite a bunch of people and reporters standing on the gate of the palace seemingly waiting for the new Kalos Queen to come. They sweat dropped seeing their enthusiasm… that lead them to fight among themselves for the perfect place to capture the ceremony. Suddenly they were pulled away from the spot by some persons wearing security guard outfits. They informed to the group of friends that for the sake of Serena's safety they were instructed to bring her towards the stage with utmost care and respect, and would also protect her from these reporters. They requested Serena to follow them so that they can take her directly towards the stage. Her friends would also be escorted to lower portion of stage where only special guests were permitted. Serena's mother Grace has been already escorted to stage. The group of friends nodded knowing that the situation here is beyond their control. They divided themselves and followed the respective guards.

After that Serena was taken by the guard directly towards the stage through a long tunnel. When she appeared on stage, she was greeted by Palermo and other members of managing committee. They all congratulated her on her win and wished for her better future. Monsieur Pierre was busy handling the audience and guests and so was not able to greet her. Then she was instructed to move towards the stage by the members standing with her. She quickly made her way towards the front where the crowning ceremony was going to take place.

On the stage she got to watch all her friends standing and cheering for her. Not only Ash, Clemont and bonnie, but Shauna, Trevor, Miette, Tierno, Nene and all her friends that she had encountered during her journey were there and cheering loudly for her, happy that she had achieved her dreams. Her mother was also standing there with pride and appreciation in her eyes. Seeing all this made Serena extremely happy. They were all the greatest bunch of people you can ever expect.

Then the crowning ceremony started and Pierre handed the crown to Serena declaring her as the new Kalos Queen. The crowd erupted with cheers congratulating the young performer for her achievement. Then Pierre called Palermo on stage to say something as the honorary member of administrative department. She came to congratulate Serena on her achievement and declared 'her decision' to mentor Serena in her works as the Kalos Queen. She also declared that due to some undisclosed reasons, Aria is leaving her apperentship and is therefore, no longer her apprentice. The crowd murmured in near silence as declarations took place. Then Pierre announced to start the dance as the last event of night before dinner.

Serena was also requested to choose a partner quickly as she and her partner would start the proceedings. Serena got shocked but decided to act quickly, there was no doubt in her mind whom she wanted to choose, and it was perhaps her golden opportunity. She nervously went to Ash and asked him to dance with her, her face being red as tomato. Ash happily agreed for the dance.

They walked together hand in hand towards the center of stage. For Serena, it was like a dream coming true, all that she wanted was happening. She knew that this will all disappear quickly, but she couldn't care less. She would surely enjoy this moment. It was her special moment of dance and nothing could spoil that. They started their dance as the music started. And other couples then followed them. Serena was thinking as if it was a dream and she never wanted to wake up.

But then Ash asked a promise from Serena to come and cheer for her during the Kalos league. She was shocked but nodded nonetheless. It just felt assuring that it was not the last time they would meet. Having said that Ash surely has improved in his dancing. He now clearly seemed more comfortable and was able to lead her very smoothly. Serena laughed remembering when Ash and Miette nearly broke each other's head during last dance party.

Meanwhile Aria was thinking over what to do now as she was abandoned by everybody and couldn't think of anything sensible that she could do. She then remembered the day when Ash asked her to join him on his journey. Her eyes lighten up. This may be the perfect solution. She would not admit it now, but the benefits were definitely in more ways than one. But the offer was given when she was the Kalos Queen and when she was at the peak of her popularity. But now, she had lost her title, and everything she beholds, would the offer still be on, will Ash be happy to have her with him on his journey? There was only one way to find out and that was to ask him. She decided to do that tomorrow as early as possible as she didn't had any energy or confidence left after the recent events. She lied down again on her bed letting sleep consume her only wishing one thing, to have a place on someone's heart for her.

In the palace, after roughly two hours of dance, our heroes were eating dinner together with their friends. They discussed about their future plans with each other. Tierno and Trevor revealed that they were going to participate in Kalos League and are preparing for it with all their efforts. Shauna, Miette and Nene decided that they would rest for some time after which they would travel together in their next journey to support and encourage each other. Ash also discussed his plans of Kalos League while Clemont, Bonnie and Serena also talked about their situations. They all wished each other best of luck for their goals and promised to support each other, no matter what the situation is.

Then as all say, someday it's all going to over. Our heroes were now standing in front of the limo which had come to escort Serena towards her office. Serena offered a hug to everyone there and offered her goodbye. Miette, Shauna and Nene congratulated her on her achievement and promised a tough competition next season for the title. Tierno, Trevor and Clemont congratulated her on her achievement and promised to keep in touch. Bonnie was just too sad to say anything and they just enjoyed each other's comfort during the hug. Ash thanked her for all her help during this journey and told her to remember her promise. She told that she would surely remember that and when they would meet again, she would tell him something important. Ash just smiled thinking it as another reason for them to meet again.

Then the limo departed taking Serena and her dreams away. She was sad, but it was Ash again who had made her cope up with her sadness. She was happy that he was proud on her and wanted to see her again, meaning that it was not the last time they would meet. She now looked forward to her duties waiting for the day when she would be able to meet her again.

After that one after the other, all the friends took their leave for their respective journeys, with new ambitions in their eyes, all leaving our hero alone.

Ash stood there in silence for some time and then started his return journey to Pokémon Centre with heads down. He had been through these situations before but for some reason, this is more depressing than he had ever thought. He tried to hold his emotions but it failed miserably. After reaching back to his room, he locked himself in, went to bed and started crying. He couldn't control his emotions, for some reason, this separation was hurting him more than he had thought. Pikachu came running forward and cuddled himself with our young Pokémon Master trying to provide him comfort. Surprisingly, one by one all her Pokémon came out and cuddled with him showing their support towards him. He cried himself to sleep but now had a comfortable smile on his face. However worse the situation is, his Pokémons would always support him and they would always go through them together.

Next morning, the sun started to come up the horizon, but before that, our hero was ready to continue his journey toward his goal. It was a brand new day, a brand new beginning for him. He was definitely excited. It would be tough, but he had a feeling that it would be something exciting too! He hurried down the stairs with his utmost speed, almost hitting a few people on the way, towards a whole new journey with new circumstances, but he was greeted by an unfamiliar sight.

Aria was standing there in front of him, looking nervous as if she was scared about something. Then suddenly he saw her approaching towards him. He doubted what she wanted, and that too that early in morning, but knew she was too sweet to do any harm. Did he just thought her as sweet?

He was snapped out of his thinking when Aria nervously asked him whether she could join him on his journey. To this he was happy again thinking that now he would not have to journey all alone. He accepted her offer to which she was happy and mirrored with a smile of her own.

Life is full of problems. In one way or other, for all of us. But our hero has just found someone to share his problems with and perhaps to help her solve her own. Is this the beginning of something new?

AUTHOR'S NOTES: - Okay so that was pretty long one! Now, there is the point where the real action begins. Aria would start traveling with Ash and Serena is now living with Palermo. Will Serena be able to save herself from Palermo's tactics? And would our hero be able to see Aria's pain and help her? Or realize Aria's feelings for him? All this and much more in future chapters.

By the way, we have a slot for some filler one-shot here before moving on to next part of story. They would not be meaningless towards story as they would help in character development. I plan on having two of them for which I have four choices.

Ash helping Aria to decide about her future

Serena and Ash's first phone conversation after separation

Aria telling Ash about her past

Ash talking to Aria about her favorite moment with Serena

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