Author's Note: The date in this chapter is a little bit on the corny/cheesy side, but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless, and also, a few things come to light with Delia and Lance, as well as a return of a troublesome trio. Ya'll know exactly who I'm talking about.

8: Tales of Wyndon City!

Serena had to push through the crowd in order to make her way toward her boyfriend as he was being swamped by news reporters and journalists, all of whom were practically demanding how he felt about the battle going in his favor.

Ash had been overwhelmed by the sudden swarm of loud reporters and flashing cameras as he left the stadium area, even with the security keeping the worst of them at bay.

"Mister Ketchum, how does it feel to be the victor of your first match?!" One reporter shouted over the din.

"What were you thinking when you sent a Riolu against a seasoned Pokemon like Mister Stone's Skarmory?!" Shouted another.

"Where did you get those unique Poke Balls you have on your jacket?" Asked another one. "Does Devon Corp. or Silph Co. have new products out?"

"ASH!" Serena called out as she pushed her way through the crowd, finally, and stumbled into one of the security guards.

"Hey, lady, I'm gonna have to -" He started, but Ash managed to reach out and take hold of Serena's hand before he could do anything.

He gave the man a hard glare that sent him backing off, "Are you alright, Serena?" He asked as she steadied herself.

She nodded with a slight smile, "Yeah, I'm fine."

The questions had stopped the moment the girl practically fell into his arms, and the camera flashes had all but doubled. Serena was wearing the a blue version of the sleeveless dress she had bought in Alola, as well as the ribbon Ash had given her. To Ash, she was always pretty. But to the gossiping, story-twisting reporters, the girl was a stunning beauty that had just burst onto the scene, and was now practically glued to his side.

And the look on the young Champion's face as he held the girl, tender and loving, made a few thing rather obvious. One) Ash Ketchum was off the dating market. Two) he liked pretty blonde girls with short hair and long legs.

ガラル

Champion Ash Ketchum is officially off the market as eyewitnesses say that the young man

was seen leaving Wyndon Stadium yesterday evening after his battle with Steven Stone

in the presence of a very pretty young lady near to his age of nineteen years. Fans across the

world say that this young lady is none other than the up and coming sensation of the

Pokemon Showcase stage, Serena, a native of the Kalos Region where young Mister Ketchum

recently made it to the final rounds of the Lumiose Conference, yet fell just short of a victory

at the skilled hands of the current winner of the conference, Pokemon Trainer Alain, and his

magnificent Mega Charizard X, even though at the time Mister Ketchum was in possession

of a highly unique Greninja that was able to Mega Evolve on its own without the use of a

Mega Stone or Key Stone. Miss Serena was reportedly seen in Mister Ketchum's company

throughout his journey through the Kalos Region alongside two other unknown individuals.

While it is unknown if Serena has had any other romances with other famous trainers in her

career as a Showcase contestant, her overall taste in young men leaves nothing to be desired.

It should also be noted that Mister Ketchum has been seen in the company of several very lovely

young ladies during his travels around the world while challenging the Pokemon Leagues. Miss Serena

could very easily have some competition for our young Champion's heart before the tournament ends.

Delia crumpled up the newspaper and tossed it across the breakfast table, "The nerve of these people!" She snapped as Serena, Ash and Pikachu finished their respective meals, none of them having paid much attention to the morning's newspaper. "One would think that any sensible reporters would be all over the fact that a man younger than the world's strongest trainer just beat a Regional Champion!"

"Former Regional Champion," Steven chuckled as he brought a cup of aromatic coffee up to his nose to inhale its revitalizing scent before he took a appreciative sip, "But you would be surprised at how much the news reports on relationships among Champion trainers such as myself." He grinned, "I was once in Johto, and stopped by the Olivine City Gym to check out how the Gym Leader treated her Pokemon since she and I were both Steel-type trainers, and the next thing we both know there's a news report titled 'Champion Stone shacks up with Olivine's Iron Maiden.'" He chuckled at the memory, "Poor Jasmine was livid! I never knew that such a sweet girl could use such language!"

Delia sniffed, "I bet she had all the reason in the world to use it, though!"

Steven nodded, "Oh, she did, believe me on that Mrs. Ketchum, she most certainly did." He took another long sip of his coffee, "The headline wasn't the worst of what was written, which I won't divulge at the breakfast table." He said, much to the appreciation of the angry mother. "But needless to say that it's how I gained a reputation as a playboy."

Serena sighed, "It's going to make going out and exploring all that much more difficult," the girl said as she nibbled on the end of her fork, "What with Ash's battles and the press - "

Steven chuckled, "Oh, you shouldn't worry about his battles all that much." He said, "He won't be battling again until tomorrow when his faces the winners of a quarter finals match from today. Ours was just the opening act yesterday, and tomorrow is going to be even crazier since I'm pretty sure Lance and Alder are going to be going full throttle in their battles just to have a shot at each other, you, or Leon in Alder's case since Lance will be facing him right off the bat. "

"What about Wallace, Cynthia and Diantha?" Ash asked. "I wouldn't mind battling any of them, honestly."

Steven nodded in understanding, "That's true. Cynthia is certainly one tough trainer with that Garchomp and her Lucario. Either one of them is capable of taking on any of my Pokemon and would probably have no trouble putting us down."

"Is she really that strong?" Serena asked, and gained a nod from both Ash and Steven.

"She's insanely strong as a trainer, and her Pokemon are all well trained," Ash said explained.

Delia frowned, "Speaking of well trained," she looked around, "Where are Max and Bonnie? And I don't see Paul or Dawn, either."

"Watching the matches." Steven said, "After our bout yesterday, the others agreed to three on three matches as well." He grinned, "You could say that Ash lit a fire under them and now that fire's blazing into an out of control urge to battle." He took a longer drink, and finished off his coffee, "Speaking of fires, Ash, I think it would be a good idea for you and Serena to enjoy the sights and delights of Wyndon. It's not every day that one can explore such a grand city."

Ash smiled and looked down at Pikachu, "Well, buddy, what do you think?" He asked his partner, "Feel up to a little sight seeing?"

"Pika!" Pikachu hopped up to Serena's lap, and then bounced over to Ash's left shoulder, careful not to land too heavily for fear of hurting his right shoulder. Ash chuckled and tickled his chin.

"I miss you, too, bud." He smiled, then sighed, "I wish I could use you in these battles."

Steven looked at the little Mouse, "What's the matter with him?" He found himself wondering, "As long as I've seen you battle, Ash, you've never not been with your Pikachu."

Serena looked at the little bundle sadly before she reached over and took him in her arms, "Professor Oak found out that his electrical pouches are damaged." She said whilst stroking Pikachu's fur. "He can still use other attacks, but if he uses any Electric-type attacks, the damage could be permanent, and he wouldn't be able to battle properly anymore."

"Chu?" Pikachu chirped.

Steven frowned, "I see...that is a serious affliction." He sighed, looking at the two trainers and the mother who were looking worried. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ruin the mood."

Delia sighed, "You didn't, dear," she told the man with a shake of her head, "The fact is that Pikachu is quite important to all of us, myself included," she said, looking down at her lap. "He's part of the family," she said fondly, looking over that the little yellow bundle, "Whether he can battle or not."

Ash agreed with her readily enough, "It's just hard not having him there with me," he sighed, looking over at his Starter, "You're right, I've never been without Pikachu during a battle, or whenever I've gone to a new region. And these last few weeks traveling around while he's been recovering have been...weird without him...it doesn't feel right sometimes...just not having him there riding on my shoulder like he normally does."

Steven nodded, "I understand that completely. Using him in battle even without using his electrical attacks would still run the temptation to use them since I know you're favorite way to finish off an opponent is with his Thunderbolt, so you've been leaving him in your mother's care while you're away."

"And I couldn't just leave him by himself when Ash invited me along to the opening ceremony," Delia sighed, but then she gave a quick smile, "But all he needs is a little more time, and rest, and he'll be back up to full strength in no time!"

Serena smiled at giggled, "That's right," she said and scratched Pikachu between his ears, "Then you and Ash can show everyone just how great a team you two really are!"

Pikachu just cooed under her touch, and leaned into her.

Steven smiled, "Well, then, what are you waiting for?" He asked the couple, "Go enjoy yourselves!"

Delia held her arms out for Pikachu, and he hopped right into them, "I'll go around town as well," she said, petting Pikachu, "And I'll also keep Pikachu company." She giggled as Ash pouted from his partner's absence, "You two should have a proper date, Ash," she told the boy, "If need be, you have your other Pokemon, but poor Pikachu shouldn't feel like a third wheel."

"Chu!" Agreed the little Pokemon.

Ash looked at his partner, "Okay, now you're just being lazy."

"I think he's earned that," Serena giggled as Delia rose and walked away from the table. "So," she took hold of his hand, "Where should we start?"

ガラル

Paul and Dawn left the stadium late in the evening after all of the day's battles had finished. Of the three battles that had taken place, the last one had been the most intense. Lance against Leon.

Lance had brought his best Pokemon out for the battle against the Galarian Champion, but that had not been enough. He wasn't known as an undefeated Champion for nothing, and he had proved that by not losing a single Pokemon during the entire match. Paul couldn't help but feel intimidated by such a trainer he was aiming to face himself.

Dawn was of a similar opinion, even though she had no plans to enter the tournament. Leon's friendly disposition aside, he was a ruthless battler that outshone even Ash and Paul on a few occasions.

"I've got a long way to go." Paul muttered.

Dawn looked at him, and looped her arms around his right, "Hey, don't think like that," she told him, gaining a frown from the stoic teen, "I've seen you battle so many times over the years, and I know better than most just how far you've come." She smiled up at him, "You're strong, Paul, maybe stronger than some of the Champions are right now. Look at Ash," she said, "He used young Pokemon against one of the best Steel-type trainers in the world, and won."

"Yeah, but...Ash is still a better trainer than I am," he admitted, which surprised her greatly. She never thought he would admit to someone being better than he was at any given time. "I can't even beat my father in a battle."

"Your father uses Mythical Pokemon," she pointed out, and grinned at him, "Speaking of which, I heard that Galar has it's own set of Legendary Bird Pokemon." She smiled and pulled him in the direction of the Wild Zone surrounding the city, "What do you say to seeing if we can find one?"

Paul had to smile a little at her enthusiasm, "Like we're going to be that lucky to find a Legendary Bird, let alone a unique Galarian form, just by walking out into the wilderness."

Dawn giggled, "Well, you never know."

Paul shrugged. A night of camping out in the wild sounded better than the noise of the city.

"Hey, did you hear the latest rumors about the Wild Area?" They heard a man say to his friend, "A Glarian Moltres was spotted near Axew's Eye."

His companion frowned, "It's a Dark-type, isn't it?" He asked, and shook his head, "I wouldn't want anything to do with it, powerful or not. A Moltres from Galar is vicious, even if it's trained."

Paul's eyes had gone wide by the time they passed the two companions and Dawn had a smug look on her face, "You were saying?"

Paul sighed, "Alright, I admit it, shit happens."

"You better believe it, Mister," Dawn giggled, "Stick with me, and I'll bring you all the luck in the world!"

ガラル

The "Galar Hurricane" as the giant ferris wheel was called, was best ridden at night, or late in the evening for those wishing for a spectacular view of the city. And that was just what Ash and Serena had wanted. The ride was a slow one, over an hour long since the wheel was so big, and slow, but it made it all the more worth it when they hit the peak of height and were given a wondrous view of the city as the lights lit up the night.

Serena sat close to Ash, her head leaning on his left shoulder, his his left arm over hers as they gazed across the city. "This is so beautiful," she sighed happily, "I'm glad we could see this."

Ash had to agree, but what he was enjoying more than the ride was the company. Their day had been a bit hectic thanks to some nosy reporters that had spotted them, but thanks to years of ducking and dodging Team Rocket, Ash was able to lose them almost immediately, and resume enjoying the date.

Until recently, when they had gone to Alola for their little vacation/date, and Professor Oak's errand, he hadn't realized just how much he enjoyed her company. Aside from the odd eatery or two throughout the day, they had done a great deal of talking, and he found that he enjoyed listening to her just as much as he did talking to her. He enjoyed her.

As she gazed out over the city and the wheel began to descend, he found his eyes dropping down to her lips, and wondered idly what it would be like if he kissed her. Not the chaste type of kiss she had given him at the airport, but a proper, lingering kiss.

Serena then became aware of his fixation on her, her eyes going from his face, then darting quickly to his lips before going up to his eyes. "Ash, I -" she began uncertainly, but was cut off as he cupped her left cheek in his right hand, and brought his lips down on hers.

In truth, it had been some time since she dared to kiss him on the lips, but that had been quick and lacked the passion she had read so much about in romance novels. For a moment she felt overwhelmed simply by the fact that he had taken the initiative this time, but that changed the moment she felt his tongue entering her mouth.

She stilled, a veritable hurricane of responses blowing through her mind ranging from confusion to shock. Then it all gave way to a sense of pleasure, and she found herself relaxing, and breathing a sigh into his mouth.

The moment she did, however, the gondola they were in lurched to a stop, nearly throwing them out of their seats. Ash kept her from falling as he braced his feet against the floor, and kept her against his chest. "What the - ?"

{Ladies and gentlemen,} crackled a speaker to their left, {Due to technical difficulties, the Galar Hurricane will temporarily be shut down for maintenance.} It said, {Please, be patient and remain in your seats as this maintenance will only take five minutes. Thank you for your understanding.}

Serena giggled, "Well, that was exciting." She said, smiling up at him, "I almost thought we were going to fall!"

"So did I," Ash chuckled as he settled her back in her seat, and then blushed, "I'm sorry about..." his gaze fell on her lips once more.

The girl in his arms blushed, and smiled up at him as well. "Are you really?"

"No."

"Good," she laid her head on his chest, "'cause neither am I."

Ash smiled down at her and decided that they could do with a little more practice.

Eventually the gondola started moving again, but the young couple didn't notice until they were rotated back to the ground, and the technician had to "interrupt" them.

ガラル

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me," Lance said as he sat across from Delia with Pikachu in her lap, "I know it's been - "

Delia raised her hand to stop him, "No, you really don't know," she told him, "The last time I saw you, you and Ash were two peas in a pod, and now that I see you again..." she frowned as her voice cracked, "I don't even recognize my own husband."

Lance grimaced, "I...Delia, you know why I had to do this," he gestured at his face. "The moment Giovanni thought he'd killed me was the end of my life as the person I was."

"Yet, even with a different face, you wouldn't come back," she said, "Lance, Ash was two years old when you became the Kanto Champion. Five when you took the title in Johto. All that time that Giovanni thought you were dead, you couldn't come home an act like Ash's father?"

Lance looked down that the table, his hands laced together, "Giovanni never stopped keeping an eye on you until Ash actually left for his journey." He sighed, "He, like you, didn't think a father could just leave his son to grow up fatherless."

"Yet you managed," she said bitterly.

"Pika," Pikachu began sparking his cheeks angrily, but Delia placed her hand on his head, "Chu?" He looked up at her.

She shook her head, "You're under strict orders not to use any Electric attacks, remember?" She reminded him, before looking at her husband, "Or else you'd be on the floor by now."

Lance gained a smirk at that, "I remember once when you actually had me on the floor," it grew into a full smile as his wife turned beet red with outrage, "Ah, such fond memories."

Delia scowled at him, "And that's all they are, now, Lance," she said, rising from her seat, "Memories."

"And yet you still wear the ring I gave you." He pointed out as she turned to leave, "If you didn't still love me, then I doubt you'd be wearing it to this day."

Delia glared at him before she transferred Pikachu to her shoulder, "You're right." Lance's eyes widened as she reached over and took the ring off of her finger, "Because you're not the man I married...not anymore." She set the ring down on the table, "The man I married has been dead for a long time, Lance, so please don't come near me, or my son."

Lance watched her go as she strode out of the room, and reached for the ring. Turning it over in his fingers for a few minutes, he then placed it in his pocket. "Villains, Legendary Pokemon, countless challengers...and yet it's still her that has all the power over me."

Meanwhile, a trio of waiters had overheard their little conversation. "Lance is the twerp's old man?" Asked the shorter one, revealing himself to be a Meowth.

"The boss is gonna wanna know about this," said a woman with wine-colored hair.

"And maybe even give us those promotions we've been after!" Said a blue-haired man.

"No more field work!" Meowth said.

ガラル

As the night wore on, Ash and Serena were able to explore a bit more of the city as they found themselves on Picadilly street, which was a bustling area where shops and stalls were selling all kinds of things from across the world. From sweets like Pokepuffs, and Poffins to items meant exclusively for Pokemon like Poke Balls, Evolution Stones, to power power-up items like Silk Scarfs, and Razor Claws.

One stall in particular caught the couple's eye as they passed it by. It was a stall that was selling Mega Stones. "You should get one," Serena told him, "Steven gave you that Key Stone for good reason, so you should have at least one Mega Stone for one of your Pokemon."

Ash nodded, agreeing with her as they stepped up to the stall, and the man there recognized him right away, "Well, Mister Ketchum," he smiled widely, showing off a missing front tooth, "I was wondering if I'd be seeing you here after that battle you had yesterday! Come to find yourself a Mega Stone?"

"Yeah, but I'm not a hundred percent sure what stones there are," Ash said as he looked over the processed stones in front of him, "Can you give me an idea about what kinds there are?"

The man thought for a moment, "Well, I'll tell you this much," he said, "The Kanto and the Hoenn Starter Pokemon can all Mega Evolve." He said, "And from there it varies. If we're talking Kanto Pokemon specifically, then I have a list here." He handed the young man a clipboard, "All of those are confirmed Mega Stones, and their respective Pokemon."

Ash eagerly began scanning over it, "I knew that Charizard could Mega Evolve, and so could Sceptile, but there's so many!"

"Aren't there?" The stall owner grinned. "Happen to have any of those Pokemon?"

Serena looked at the list for herself and smiled, "He has a lot of them."

"Hold on," Ash spotted one stone in particular that caught his attention, "Pidgeot can Mega Evolve, too?"

The man chuckled, "Sure can," he said and pointed to one of the stones he had on display, "I got a stone for that Pokemon right here. Only one, in fact. People 'round here don't see a lot of Pidgeot, so they don't ask for the Mega Stone."

"I'll take that one," he said, "It'd be a good gift for my Pidgeot." Ash paid for the Mega Stone, and tucked it into his pocket, thanking the man. They walked on then, doing a little more shopping as the began to slowly make their way back to the hotel. Serena didn't even notice that their hands had become joined at some point, but the fact that they had made her heart flutter almost as much as the kiss had.

Ash Ketchum may be a little dense, but she had to admit that the boy seemed to know how to make her happy.

When they finally returned to the hotel, Delia had already gone to bed with Pikachu keeping her company, while they found out that Paul and Dawn had gone into the Wild Area to explore for the evening. Bonnie and Max were sacked out as well, the only ones in their rooms at the moment.

"I wonder where Barry's staying?" Serena asked as they entered their room.

Ash shuddered, "I don't know, but I'm glad we haven't seen him for a while." He said, "He'd have followed us around all day long if we had!"

Serena giggled as she helped him with putting their purchases away, much of it being food for their Pokemon, and a Shiny Stone for Serena's Roselia if she wanted to evolve. "Maybe." She said, "I'm going to go have a shower. Do you need any help?"

Ash shook his head, his back turned toward her. Serena gave him a curious look before she picked out her pajamas, and entered the bathroom. Ash had his back turned to hide the blush that had risen to his face when she said she would be showering as it had brought up slightly unwanted images to his mind. Some that involved Serena's naked body shrouded by a veil of steam...and others of him joining her in the shower.

[This boyfriend/girlfriend thing is gonna be...hard.] He thought to himself as the sound of water falling started in the bathroom. Unfortunately for Ash, his hormones had been gone from non-existent to overdrive since the ferris wheel and the fantasies running through his head were not helping.

He sighed and gave to the fact that it was going to be a difficult road ahead, both on and off the battlefield.

Author's Note: For the battles of the next chapter we have Ash vs Diantha! Let's be honest, she kicked Alder's ass. Question, though, who would win in a battle do you think? Wallace or Cynthia? Because Leon is facing one of them in the next chapter, and I'm conflicted. :p

Anyway, this chapter's over, and the next one promises to be full of Poke-action, so if ya'll wanna see it, then ya know what to do!

Adios Amigos!