Hello Everyone! Today is Friday! Meaning another chapter is up and ready for your reading pleasure! And today is the "Pen"Ultimate Chapter! (Get it cause, it's the... forget it, that pun was so corny you probably could have seen it from a mile away.) We also have a review to respond to.

StoutShako42Refined: I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed the family reunion last chapter.

Now, on with the story.

Chapter 19: Approaching Abode

(The Next Day, at the Café Aquacorde.)

Ash and Serena were sitting at the Café Aquacorde, Waiting for Serena's neighborhood friends to meet them there. "Is something on your mind Serena?" Asked Ash. "Meeting at the Café Aquacorde at mom's request seemed like a nice idea at first, but now I feel as if I'm getting second thoughts. Eon." Said Serena. "I understand. But, it'll feel reliving once you see them again. Plus, you know that I'm here for you if anything happens." "That's true."

(Flashback, Earlier in the morning, in Ash and Serena's hotel room.)

Ash was on his Rotom Phone with Serena by his side. Serena had been toying with the idea of meeting up with her neighborhood friends since they had gotten back from her parents' home the night prior. "Come on, come on. Please answer." Thought Ash to himself. "Hello?" Said Grace over the phone. "Hello, Ms. Yvonne." Said Ash. "Why, Good Morning Ash. How's everything with Serena." "Excellent. She's with me right now." "Can you place yourself on speaker, I'd like to talk to my daughter as well." "I will." Ash then places his phone call on speaker. "Good Morning dear, how are you feeling?" "Good Morning Mom, I'm feeling well. Eon." Said Serena. "That's great dear. I'm glad that you two are feeling well." "Mom, I've been thinking about meeting up with Shauna, Tierno, and Trevor. Is it alright if you send Ash their numbers so we can meet with them?" "We're thinking of meeting with them for breakfast or lunch, but I don't have their numbers." "Ash, you've done so much for my daughter, let me handle everything for this morning." "M-mom, are you sure about this? Eon?" "Absolutely, I still have good relations with them, plus I think it'll be more surprising this way." Ash then nods his head. "Alright then." "I'll be sure to send you the information about the reservation." "Bye Mom." "Bye dear. Hope you have an excellent time."

(End Flashback.)

Waiting for several minutes, Ash and Serena begin to feel bored. However, they see a trio of friends consisting of two boys and a girl similar in age just outside the building. "Sweetheart, get ready. I think they're here." Whispered Ash. "Y-you think so, Ash-kun? Eon?" Whispered Serena.

(The trio then enter the Café and look around before they notice Ash.)

"I was surprised that Mrs. Yvonne asked for us to meet with someone last minute, but I never expected it to be the Alolan Champion." Said The Girl, who had light green eyes, with her long, brown hair kept in curly pigtails along with a spiky tuft on her forehead and was wearing a pink T-shirt decorated with three black bows, small denim shorts decorated with black frills, sporting dark pink ballet like shoes with short heels. "It's nice to see you again, Shauna." Said Ash. "Who the lovely girl here? Is she your Girlfriend?" Asked Shauna, referring to Serena. "We'll explain everything, just…" "Ash, Is it true that some Pokémon species in Alola look different compared to the rest of the world?" Said One of The Boys, interrupting Ash. This boy, who had gray eyes and rounded out orange hair, was wearing a white collared shirt under a blue-greenish tank top with charcoal colored pants while sporting lime colored shoes. "Trevor, I'll…" Ash then felt a heavy figure giving him a hug. "He-hey Ash, How's the Alolan Champion life treating you?" Said The Other Boy, who had black eyes and hair that has a short back and sides while having a spike like style on the top (similar to that of a Chespin), wearing a black T-shirt with a Vanillite design on it, along with a yellow backpack, and orange colored cargo shorts, all while sporting black and yellow sneakers. "Life's been good Tierno." Serena saw that Ash was being overwhelmed by the trio. "Ahem. I know you three may have a lot of questions, but can you sit down, me and Ash will answer them accordingly. Eon." Said Serena in a sheepish manner.

(The trio then sat down along with Ash. However, Shauna looked at the Sylveon-Human Hybrid with a curious look on her face.)

"I know there's some questions, but let me start by getting a few things out of the way. First of all, this is Serena, my loving girlfriend. Second of all, before you ask, yes, she is the Hybrid from last year's Rocket Trials." Said Ash. "But why would Mrs. Yvonne gather us all here?" Asked a curious Trevor. "It's obvious. We haven't seen Ash in almost four years. I think." Said Tierno. "I don't recall exchanging numbers with Ash. So it's likely he needed Mrs. Yvonne's help in getting into contact with us. Regardless, it's nice to meet Ash's girlfriend." Said Shauna. "I k-know this may sound a bit strange, but we've met before. E-Eon." Said Serena. "What do you mean?" "I've met all three of you. T-the reason Mrs. Yvonne called the three of you is not because of Ash, it's because of me." Tierno and Trevor looked at each other in confusion while Shauna pieced two and two together, causing tears to begin falling from her eyes. "Serena, Is it really you?" "Y-yes, it's been a long time since we all last saw each other. Eon." Shauna and Serena then hugged each other, causing Tierno and Trevor to finally realize what's going on. Ash and Serena carefully explained what had happened to her over the years, how Ash found and helped her, as well as how they got together. Trevor looked to Serena. "Enduring all that pain and misery, It makes sense why you wary of others early on." Shauna still had tears in her eyes. "So much heartbreak and anxiety, it's amazing that someone like Ash by your side." Tierno looked up at Serena's face. "And to think that all of this happened to our neighbor." Shauna, who wiped out the tears on her eye, turned to Serena. "So you have been able to see your parents, right?" "Yes. They were surprised at first, but they were overjoyed and welcomed me back to the family." "What about your relationship? Have you and Ash made any plans to announce it?" "Yes, we're going to have to meet with Clemont and the others to see everything through. You three can help if you'd like." "We'd be glad to." We should head to Lumiose City soon. They're probably waiting for us there. After adding Tierno, Shauna, and Trevor to the group, Ash was able to announce Serena's identity to the world in the same way he had to announce their relationship several weeks back. Over the next few days, Ash, Serena, and the rest of the group traveled all throughout Kalos. Visiting Santalune City, Cyllage City, Coumarine City, Anistar City, and Snowbelle City. All of it making the rest of Ash and Serena's vacation as memorable as possible.

(Three Days Later)

Today, however, was the last day of Ash and Serena's Kalosian Vacation, and they were packing up to get ready to head to the airport. "It's hard to believe that our flight is tonight." Said Ash. "We still have several hours before we leave. Eon." Said Serena. "I know. This whole vacation went by faster than I expected." "What time is it, Ash-kun?" "It's just shy of 10 in the morning, Sweetheart." "Okay. So we should be out of the hotel in about an hour. Then we'll spend time with Clemont and the others until at least two hours before our flight. What time does boarding start for our flight?" "Boarding starts at 7:30PM, and we should be home at around 2:55 PM tomorrow afternoon in local time. Effectively meaning that we would be boarding at 8:30AM today and arriving at 3:55AM extremely early tomorrow morning in Alolan Time." "I see. Have you finished packing? Eon?" "Yes. Do you need help, sweetheart?" "I've got it, but thank you, Ash-kun." Knock, knock, Knock. "I'll get it, Ash-kun. Eon." Serena then walks up and opens the door, revealing Detective Mateus. "Good Morning Detective." "Good Morning Serena. I just came to see if you two finished packing." Said Mateus. "Me and Ash-kun are all set. Are you heading back to Alola with us? Eon?" "Indeed I am." "I thought that they let you spend a few extra days." "I appreciate your concern. But, I'm not one to take long vacations Serena." "I think you deserve a longer vacation." "It's fine. Plus, I love what I do." "We'll meet you in the lobby, then? Eon?" "Yes." "See you then." Mateus then heads back to his room and Serena closes the door. "Who was it, sweetheart?" "It was Detective Mateus, Ash-kun. He wanted to see if we finished packing. Eon." "Alright. I finished double checking to see if we left anything behind and everything is good. It's currently 10:15AM right now. Do you want to have one last breakfast here at the hotel or would you like to wait until we meet with Clemont?" "I think it would be nice to head to Clemont's." "Okay. You ready to get going?" "Yes. Eon." "Pikachu, you ready to go?" "Pi Pika. (Of course.)" Cried Pikachu. "Are you two ready to spend time with Clemont and the others before we head back home?" "Brai! (Yeah!)" Cried Braixen. "Pancham! (Let's go!)" Cried Pancham.

(Ash and Serena then gather their luggage and head for the Lobby.)

As they were going down the elevator, it came to a stop and when the door opened, Detective Mateus was the one on the other side. "A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one." Said Mateus, seeing the loving couple in the elevator. Ash and Serena smiled, happy that their friend was with them. The elevator reached the main floor and the three checked out of their rooms and made their way to Prism Tower.

(Meanwhile, At Prism Tower.)

"It was nice of all of you to help with this." Said Clemont. "It was even nicer of you to come up with the idea." Said Charles. "There's no doubt that they'll love it." Said Grace. "Plus, making all the pastries and desserts was fun as well." Said Shauna. "Now, let's dim the lights and hide, Ash and Serena could be here any minute now." "Right." Said everyone in agreement. The lights were then dimmed completely, and sure enough, Ash and Serena were making their way up to the gym floor minutes later, followed by Mateus. The door to the gym floor then opens. "Surprise!" Exclaimed the group. Ash and Serena were shocked to see Clemont, Bonnie, Korrina, Goh, Chloe, Trevor, Shauna, Tireno, as well as Charles and Grace. "Wha-what is this? Eon?" Asked a shocked Serena. "Since today is your last day here, Clemont decided that it would be nice to hold a surprise party." Said Bonnie. Serena then hugged Clemont. "I thought we were just going to hang out for a few hours. You didn't have to do this for us." "I know, but since you made our days very bright over these past three weeks, I figured this would be the best way to repay you two." "Clemont, this is amazing." Said Ash. Tierno then placed his right arm on Ash's shoulder. "Alright, let's have some fun." Said Tierno. Everyone then began dancing while Clemont and Korrina stare at each other awkwardly. "I'm not much of a dancer." "That's funny, neither am I." Said Korrina. Clemont and Korrina then share a chuckle. "Do you want to try and do the best we can, Clemont?" "I think that would be best." Ash and Serena are then seen dancing with each other. "You've improved a bit from last time we danced, Ash-kun. Eon." "I try my best to improve on it, Sweetheart. I never did much dancing as a kid." "Well, you're doing an excellent job." "They look so genuinely happy together." Said Grace from a distance. "Every time I look at them, I can't help but think back to when we were younger." Said Charles. "When all we had to think about was our love for each other. I know they'll be a happy couple." Bonnie was with Goh and Chloe, along with Tierno, Shauna, and Trevor, dancing and having fun with the others. Mateus was watching idly, enjoying the mood despite not being much of a dancer himself. The group then watched a movie, enjoying the humor of the comedy along with the snacks everyone made. Before it came time to head to the airport, the group gathered around Ash, Serena, and Mateus to send them off. "Ash, here's a list of our numbers in case if you or Serena would like to contact us." Clemont then gives Ash the list of phone numbers. "Thanks Clemont." "Note to self, buy a Serena a Rotom Phone as soon as possible." Thought Ash to himself. "It's been an amazing three weeks. I'm going to miss you two. Don't forget you still owe me a battle, Ash." "I'll give you a battle you won't believe." Korrina then hugs Ash and Serena. "It was nice meeting up with you once again, Ash. And it was nice meeting you, Serena." Goh then rubs Ash's head while Chloe stands next to him. "I'd say the same, but Goh took the words right out of my mouth. But seriously, I'm going to miss you two." Grace then hugs Serena. "I know our reunion came close towards the end of your vacation, however, it doesn't make it any less difficult to see you not be at home again. I'm just happy that you have someone like Ash by your side." "Mom, I promise I'll keep in touch with you and dad. Eon" "Ash, I'd tell you to be a good boyfriend to my daughter, but you're already an exceptional one that reminds me of my younger self." Charles then pats Ash's shoulder. "Thank you, sir." Shauna then looks at Serena with a pouting like face. "It's a shame that you're leaving, we still have so much to catch up on." "I'll be sure to keep in touch with you Shauna." "Ash, if we ever go to Alola, promise me you'll introduce me to Professor Kukui." Said Trevor. "I definitely will." Trevor then strikes a dance pose in front of Ash. "I'll be learning all the dances I can from all the people and Pokémon." "Ha-ha. That's true." Clemont then noticed that his sister was not with him. "Bonnie? Bonnie?"

(The group then turned around and saw Bonnie sitting down on the floor crying while holding Dedenne.)

"Bonnie, what's wrong?" Said Clemont, concerned for his sister. "I-I I don't want to see Ash and Serena go!" exclaimed Bonnie. Ash, Serena, Clemont, and Korrina then walk up to Bonnie. "Bonnie, I know it can be sad to see them off, but Alola is their home." Said Korrina. "We've got our friends, Pokémon, and responsibilities waiting for us there for when we get back." Said Ash. "It's just that it was fun to see Ash once again and to meet Serena for the first time. It felt like old times, but even better." Clemont then lowered himself to his sister's height. "I can definitely agree on that, but we all knew that they would have to go back eventually." "Bonnie, I understand how you feel. But, this isn't goodbye, we'll see each other again one day and when we do, we'll spend so much time together. Eon." Said Serena. Mateus then steps in. "I've learned many things over the years, one of the biggest lessons I had a hard time learning and am reminded of here today is that, when you hold the ones you love or deeply care about close to your heart, they'll always feel close to you no matter how far apart they may seem. Today is sad, in which Ash and Serena, and I by extension, are leaving Kalos to go back home to Alola. But today is also happy, because it's a culmination of three weeks of catching up with old friends, making new ones, reuniting with family, and though there were some obstacles along the way, memories that we will cherish for the rest of our lives. In short, life is unexpected. Not because it's a story written by an author, but because, it's one that's determined by the actions of its characters. I once heard a friend say 'When good friends and family part, you never hear them say goodbye, you always hear them say see you later.'" Said Mateus. The entire group then sends out their Pokémon to finish sending Ash, Serena, and Mateus off. The trio then get inside of a taxi and chat with Kiro while on their way to Lumiose Airport and went inside to board their flight.

(Hours Later, At Lumiose Airport.)

Ash and Serena were sitting down at the airport waiting for their flight to begin boarding. "Detective Mateus was right earlier. Today is bittersweet. Eon." Said Serena. "He's right. But, we know that we'll meet with everyone again." Said Ash. Pikachu, Braixen, and Pancham were asleep by their trainers' side, so the couple tried their best not to wake them. "Home. It seems like so long ago that we left for this vacation, Sweetheart, even though it's been three weeks." "I know. It's had its up and downs but, I don't think I'd change it for the world, Ash-kun." "Why?" "Because we still have each other. Eon." "That's true. We'll have to readjust back to Alolan time catch up with our friends as well as anything we may have or want to do." Serena then places one of her feelers on Ash's shoulder. "There's nothing we can't do together, Ash-kun." "You are most definitely right, Sweetheart." Mateus then comes in. "How's everything?" Asked Mateus. "Good. Any update on when they'll start boarding?" "I was told they'll start soon." "Air Kalos Flight Number 2016 will begin boarding momentarily, please have your boarding pass, Trainer's Passport or License, as well as your luggage ready." Said the flight attendant. "Let's head home, Sweetheart?" I'll miss Kalos, but yes, let's head home, Ash-kun. Eon."

(Several Hours Later, At Prism Tower.)

"It's still hard to believe that it all went by very fast." Said Bonnie. "I know, but it's nice that we got to spend time with Ash and Serena, and we still have Goh, Chloe, Shauna, Tierno, and Trevor to hang out with." Said Korrina. Clemont then opens the door "I think I've finally got it! The future is now, thanks to science! With my Clemontic Rotary Convertor Mark III, I'll be able to simultaneously convert light and wind into electricity." Said Clemont. Korrina then looks with a greatly interested glare in her eyes. "Let's see it in action." "So that's why you left all the lights and large fan on." "Exactly right, Bonnie." Clemont then turns on his machine, which works fine at first before going out of control, causing him to look worried. "Look out!"

(Clemont's invention then explodes, forming a sizeable dust cloud.)

"Cough, cough, Cough. Back to the drawing board?" Asked an embarrassed Clemont. "Yes." Said a dulled out Bonnie. "Agreed." Said Korrina, who was equally let down.

*End of Chapter 19*

Next Week... The Final Chapter! (With an Q&A to go along with it.)

To all those who favorited and/or Followed "Intertwined" and/or "Interweaved" so far: Thank you! it brings me so much joy to know that you enjoy reading the stories as much as I do writing it.

On top of that, I hope you all have an excellent weekend! See you all next Friday for the Final Chapter!