It was the final evening on the SS Shimmer and time for the ball that was advertised. At first it was in celebration for a safe journey but thanks to Team Rocket's antics it turned into a regular farewell party for the guests. Singers, comedians, actors and dancers all eager to show off their abilities Ash was entertained but he waited for one guest in particular and luckily for him it was time.

Amelia and her Pokémon took their place on stage. Doing a bow before the crowd she peeked up to see if she can see Ash. Him being in the middle of the crowd she smiled as she would secretly dedicate this one to him. Amelia in place with her arms wide as her Pokémon began to move in their own way like they rehearsed.

"Dragon Dance!" The shiny Dragonair left the wooden boards as it began to glow a faint purple as it twirled around the girl and Oricorio. Sparkles came off Dragonair which Ash compared to the ones she did while they together were building it. She lessened on the flair showing off her Pokémon and herself. Seeing Amelia in her Performance dress she looked so much more in her element and he found it fit with the rest of her style.

Oricorio began to dance on its own following the pattern Dragonair set. Amelia and Oricorio danced with each other as the glitter rained on them but kept it modest not blinding the crowd. She felt the corners of her mouth rise. Evenif it was a redo she was having fun.

"Dragonair, Attract! Oricorio, Captivate!" Both Pokémon jumped up simultaneously and released a wave of hearts into the hall that began to float above the crowd.

"Twister!" Dragonair began to summon a vortex that drew in the particles in the air as it created a tornado of pink that covered her and the Pokémon. Doing their dancing inside it Amelia held out her right arm as Oricorio jumped on it and then up high.

"Air Slash!" Oricorio used its wings as it cut with a razor sharp wind as it cut through the heart particles and the storm that was whipped up. The pink wind exploded outwards showering the crowd as Oricorio descended gracefully back on her arm.

"Finish!" As the three took their pose to signal the end the audience clapped at her showing. Amelia felt more satisfied than she felt in weeks. Going off the stage she went to look for the co creator of the Performance. Luckily for her Ash waited close to the artist exit as Amelia had a large smirk on her face as she came to him.

"How did you like it?" Only his opinion mattered.

"You were great. You looked like you were having fun."

"I did. I haven't felt this joy in ages. I don't want to lose it again." Her heart still racing from the Performance Amelia was also nervous. The remaining artists all did their act but Amelia decided to stay with Ash. Slow music began to play which the Performer saw as an invitation.

"Can I have this dance?" She offered him her hand. Still dressed in her dancing outfit Ash wanted to take but was a bit scared.

"I'm afraid I'll step on your toes. I'm nowhere near as good as you."

"It's ok. Come on." Amelia took his hand by herself and guided him over to the dance floor. Ash a bunch of nerves now Amelia guided his hands around her waist. She then put her arms around him as they shuffled in a slow pace so Ash can keep up with her.

Ash's eyes at one point were locked onto her gorgeous blue eyes as they stared. Amelia found herself being sucked in by the kindness, worry, doubt and excitement mixed into the male being so close to her. They just stared at each other not saying a word, their breathing speaking for them. Ash's breathing was deep while Amelia's was a much faster pace, one processing what he's doing and the other wishing with all her heart he would return the hints she gave him.

"You're pretty." Amelia blushed for the first time ever at being called that.

"You think so?"

"Yeah. I think you're really pretty." He couldn't deny it. Her long black hair swayed along perfectly with her and he felt like he was falling into a trance. He didn't know Amelia that well thanks to her acting the past week but there was something special about her which none of his friends or companions had. He moved in perfect tune with her enjoying their waltz never having danced so good before in his life.

They didn't say much after that enjoying how close they were. The songs ended and they reluctantly broke apart not minding it that they were still holding hands.

"Can we go to the top deck? I want to look at the ocean at night one last time."

Ash blindly nodded unable to deny her. Together they left the hall and moved upwards together. The top deck of the ship was relatively empty because of the ball being held downstairs where most of the passengers were. The moon only shined half out but they didn't care.

"I can see the lights of Vermillion City."

Ash seeing some of the tall buildings come over the horizon, it was the sign that his 'vacation' is over. Having made a good haul of pictures of the Shiny Pokémon onboard Professor Cerise and Goh would sure be happy with them. He glanced sideways over to his new friend. The black haired Performer turned out to be in trouble with inspiration and he unknowingly fixed it without even trying. He just hoped that next time she entered a Showcase that she doesn't crumble because of her parents expectations.

She glanced sideways to him. The moonlight reflecting of the water and his skin glowing she was star struck. Ash was nice but he looked absolutely handsome right now. His brown eyes seemed into thought as he looked off into the horizon. Amelia lost herself in the moment as she leaned forward tilting her head to the right and kissed him on the cheek.

Ash felt her touch his cheek. Paralyzed at the sensation she left a hint of lip-gloss on him which he could swear his skin absorbed. Shuddering not from the cold night but Amelia's touch she smirked as he reacted to her. She just hoped he'd get the hint on what she really wanted from him. It might be too soon but Amelia had to try.

"Does…this mean…you like me?"

"Yeah…" Ash stammered out as she was bashful. Licking her lips off to get a taste of him Ash saw her reaction and it reminded him of someone.

"Huh…just like…"

"What?"

"I shouldn't compare you to her. It's not fair." Amelia telling the truth Ash knows how much Serena indirectly troubled her. He did not want to bring up her rival and ruin the progress they made together. Amelia guessed what he was thinking about.

"Serena?"

"Yeah."

"She likes you too? As more then a friend?" It was not her intention to steal Ash from her. Still not her fault she fell for him too. Amelia blamed Ash for making her do so.

"I don't know. She kissed me like you did." Amelia struggled to apologize. She did not had the plan to steal Ash from Serena but having developed a crush on him she can't help it. Amelia Valuer was smitten for Ash Ketchum. Having always gotten her way with boys this was a new scenario for her. She felt like she didn't deserve him yet as she still wanted to show her true persona more before asking him on a true date.

"Hey Ash? When you're finished with the World Championship would you like to come visit my home? I want to give you a tour through the factory where we produce the Power Bands. Also I just want to be around you since you're fun." She said.

"I'd love to visit your house." Their agreement set Amelia can't wait for him to get over. If he timed it right he can watch her in a Showcase again which she's looking forward too as well.

"What are you going to do once you get home?"

"Working on my rank to get to Leon and the championships. Also going with Goh wherever Professor Cerise needs us to go. You?"

"I'll take your advice and continue to work on my Performances. Also try and be more honest with my father about him using me as a advertisement board."

"Are you sure you'll be alright?"

"I'm certain. I got to stand up more for myself and stop thinking about what others think of me. I'll be trying to make my own success away from them more."

Their plans for the future set they wished each other goodnight. Having gotten things to look forward to together they went to bed ready to say their goodbyes tomorrow when the ship would dock.

The SS Shimmer docked at Vermilion City and it was time to say goodbye. The two young teens with black hair got off right after the other and stood at the docks. Back on land Amelia changed into her regular outfit which is her dark purple coat with her pink and white skirt with a large purple bow on her chest, small heels and the large sunhat which Ash came to know her for. Amelia asked Ash to come with her. He followed her as they came across a black limo with a man standing next to it.

"Greetings miss Amelia. How was your journey?"

"Splendid Alfonzo." The aid saw her smile. She clearly enjoyed her cruise despite her protests a week ago. Looking at the male next to her he waited to be introduced.

"This is Ash and his Pikachu. We became good friends over the trip."

"A friend? Not just an associate?" The aid finding it weird she actually called him a friend. Still it would explain her request for when he was going to pick her up.

"Ash, this is Alfonzo. My aid and confidant."

"Nice to meet you sir." Ash took his manners which Alfonzo was pleased by.

"He's going to bring me to the airport. Want to ride along?"

"Sure!"

The two stepped into the limo. The aid closed the door as the two got strapped into their seatbelts. Amelia had a black box next to her seat. She told her aid to place it there for her as she took it and ordered him to move up the screen so he couldn't see them. She didn't wanted to let him go. Selfish for every last moment she can get with him she held out the box at him.

"I got a gift for you. As a thank you for what you did."

Ash opened the box and saw what's inside it. A whole new set of Power Bands just for him. Ash closed the box smiling as they certainly will come in handy. Having gotten a gift from her he felt disappointed to himself.

"Sorry I didn't get you anything."

"You've given me more than enough. I hope you can use them."

"I certainly will. Thank you Amelia."

"No. Thank you Ash. I want to thank you for the last couple of days. This week was more fun than I first imagined. I needed this. I had hit a wall with my Performances but thanks to you I'm filled with idea's I'm fully motivated to try again! I will become the Kalos Queen!"

Reinvigorated it was her proclaim to do better. With or without Palermo's help she will become a successful Performer not being as seen as just the daughter of a wealthy family. She needed to create her own identity away from them even if it meant starting from scratch. She'd still use her Pokémon but Ash had given her methods without telling Serena's so her scheme did gave her something in the end.

"That's the spirit! Serena and the others won't make it easy but try your best and you can do it!" It meant a lot to her hearing him say it. He genuinely believed she's a great Performer capable of beating them all showing more faith in her then she did herself. And for some reason he wanted her to succeed more than his other friends.

The two talked all the way. From the way they talked about topics like Pokémon training, places they've been, things they want to see and what they can do together Amelia smiled all the way to Vermillion City. Ash telling her she has a really pretty smile Amelia had the idea to show it more often. It was going to be hard without him around but she was going to try it.

"Bye Ash." Before he got out she took a hold of his wrist. Leaning forward she planted a new kiss on his cheek as a goodbye present. Ash stood still for a few seconds before he smiled. Amelia kissing him was something he can get used too.

"Is this what Professor Kukui and Burnet felt? I kinda like it." Ash enjoyed it more than Serena's though. The childhood friend was a great friend but he just couldn't imagine him and her the same way Kukui and Burnet lived. Amelia though he felt the need to fey closer to her. Regrettably their time was up now as he wanted more to do with her in Kalos but he had to return to the Cerise Institute and show Goh the photo's of all the Shinies.

"Bye Amelia." He got out of the car as Amelia sighed. She really hoped he would peck her back but she can't have everything at once. Ash flashed a smile though as he closed the limo door and then the car drove off taking the Performer away from him.

As they drove to the airport Amelia stared at the window into the sky. Seeing a cloud in the air she could've sworn it was a Pikachu. Her thought immediately going to trainer of said Pokémon she missed him already. Leaning her head back closing her eyes, her fantasy about them being all fancily dressed on a dance floor waltzing away the night her heart sped up and goofy grin came on her face. The driver lowered the screen to the backseat and in his rearview mirror saw Amelia daydream.

"I assume you found your future suitor miss?" Amelia blushed but said nothing going back into her serious mode.

"When we get home prepare the guest room. I don't know when he gets over but it is best to be prepared. Also where is the next Showcase? I need to prepare for that too."

"Wonder who that boy was. She certainly seems different than before she went on the cruise."

Alfonzo shut up the rest of the way. Still relieved the heir found a close companion he had the idea there was just a bit more between her and him then just friends. It was the way she looked at him and all the privileges Amelia granted him that easily which made him more interesting than others she interacted with. Alfonzo looked forward to so he would get to know the boy better as well.

Ash and Pikachu were walking back to the Cerise Institute thinking about what happened on the SS Shimmer. Having made a new friend he began to miss her already. He had a lot of fun with Amelia and was quite sad she had to leave. He wanted to bring her to the Cerise Institute but she was determined on her Performer career and improve herself as a person. Excited to see her again he began to imagine a future journey with her in maybe a new region.

There's was also this strange feeling he had at seeing her. When she felt down he was proud at himself for having helped her. No stranger to helping others there was just something about Amelia that drew him towards her. The two kisses she gave him reenergized him. Thinking about it he felt the tingly sensation as if she was doing it right now.

Ash touched his cheek realizing he forgot to rub off the lipstick of the girl that kissed him. Using his glove he wiped it off seeing the color of the lipstick she wore smeared out.

"Purple."

He smiled as he came to associate Amelia with the color purple. She knew it really fit her and he admitted to himself she looked great in it. Maybe all Performers had a good sense of fashion but he found his new friend excel at it. And her Performers dress was so far his favorite outfit of hers as he was thinking back to their slow dance.

The Institute coming into view he reluctantly pushed the thought of Amelia back for now. From now on he had to focus fully again on his job as Research Fellow and upcoming challenger to the highest trainer class available in order to challenge the world champion. Having his phone fully charged for Cerise and Goh to see all the rare Pokémon he went inside the Institute to resume his normal life until his future trip to Fluerhh City to see Amelia again as he already had something to look forward to after the tournament as Ash's journey will continue.

And so ends the story of a girl Ash never said a word to in the anime and we will never see again. Talk about working from nothing and trying to make something out of it.

Some of you may ask for the future of this not yet together couple?

Might take a couple of months to get a storyboard but I am planning to do a sequel. Depends on other projects and life so as always we'll see when it debuts. And don't expect anything new on here till the new year. I want to try to make something out of this X-mas yet in the middle of this lockdown.

Merry X-mas and a most importantly a healthy new year.

Later.