Pokémon Journey:Adventures in Kalos

Hey guys Paradox here and welcome to Chapter 32. Back to what happen last chapter. The gang discover Sky Battles,they learn to fly,Fletchling evolved into Fletchinder,Ash and Serena's relationship is still on the rocks,and Korrina finally made it home.

On to the now,I'll admit that the 'Cave of Mirrors' episode is one of my favorite episodes of the XY series. And I always called the mirror world 'Earth 2' for some reason (sorry about my DC references,but I'm a fan of them). So,big things will happen in this chapter,depending on you guys' point of view,so let's get cracking.


"Behavior is the mirror in which everyone shows their image."-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.


Chapter 32: From Beyond the Mirror

After leaving the Pokémon Center on Route 11,the heros are on the way to Shalour City,and are coming across a famous attraction along the way. "Are you sure this is the right way Clemont?" Bonnie asked. "Yea,according to the map,we should be coming up on Reflection Cave." Said Clemont. "Umm,Reflection Cave?" Ash asked,feeling confused. "It's a famous cave system known for its reflective surfaces." Serena said in a somewhat stern tone. Ash picked up what she sounded like,it was first time she ever talked to him since...ever,thing was...this wasn't the kind he was hoping for. Serena on the other hand took a spilt second to think about she just did...one the one hand:she knew what she did was wrong,but on the other hand:she suppose she just decided to..lend a helping hand,but that only did nothing but stirred the waters in this situation.

Clemont and Bonnie,on the third hand,didn't notice what transpired and started to continue walking down the path to Reflection Cave.

After twenty minutes of walking,the gang was finally inside Reflection Cave. Inside it was abit damp,spooky like...which was basically the average cave system,but inside was also a large supply of crystals,big,small,shiny,some shiny enough to have a reflective surface,just like Clemont said. "These are great for determining if you're looking your very best,like a full length mirror." Serena said while examining herself in a crystal. "You're right Serena,these things are amazing..and so shiny." Bonnie said,also examining herself,next to the older girl next to her.

Meanwhile Ash looked ahead,of the path they were taking. "Guys,I think I found the way out." He said. Everyone then grabbed their packs and began to head off. After passing one big crystal,Ash thought he saw it shimmer abit. To make it things even more interesting,he thought he saw was...him,in the mirror. "Wait...was that me inside the mirror." Ash said to himself. Probably was the cave playing tricks on him,Ash took the thought as his own reflection and continued down the path with the others.

After ten minutes of walking Ash lead the group down the path toward the exit of the cave. Unfortunately for them that only lead to a fork in the road. "Aww,now which way?" Serena said. "I think it's this way." Ash said,picking the left path,running ahead,leaving everyone behind,unfortunately for them,Ash wasn't known for his sense of direction,especially in a cave.

"Ash,not so fast." Clemont said while panting. "Don't worry,it'll be fine." Ash said while still running ahead. As they kept going,the others still felt Ash was leading them in the wrong direction. "Ash I think we being here before!" Serena said,feeling irritated. "Don't worry it'll be fine." Ash said. This only irritated Serena even further. "Ash! Come on! Face it we're lost." But by the time she finished that sentence,Ash and Pikachu were gone. "Ash where are you!" Serena shouted.

Ash was ahead of the group,unknowingly he got separated from the others. "Huh hey guys where are you?" Ash said then went off again. After awhile of nonstop running Ash finally made his way back to the fork from earlier. "Aww,we've been going in circles this whole time." Ash said,with Pikachu grunted in frustration. "Ash! Where are you!" Said a voice deep in the cave. Ash recognized the voice as Serena's. "We're at the fork!" Ash shouted back. "Wait there Ash. Don't go anywhere." Said a different voice,which Ash recognized as Clemont's. "Right Clemont." Ash said.

While waiting for the others to catch up,Ash and Pikachu approached a nearby crystal with a reflective surface. Then the sudden,the mirror began to shimmer and then finally glow,and what Ash and Pikachu saw completely shocked them to their system. Inside the mirror was another Ash,not Ash's reflection,but another Ash,clothing,face and all.

"Hey,who are you?" Ash asked. The other Ash didn't respond,instead his focus was on the Pikachu sitting on Ash's shoulder. He then reached out and grabbed Pikachu off Ash's shoulder. "Hey wait!" Ash shouted.

Meanwhile the others heard a commotion happening ahead of them. During the struggle,they heard Ash's voice. "Ash are you there? What's happening?" Clemont shouted. "No time,let's get moving." Serena said then started running with the siblings behind her. Ten seconds later,they saw Ash screaming at a mirror,clearly something was wrong. "Give Pikachu back!" Ash shouted. "Ash wait up!" Serena shouted. Ash then looked back to the group by reflex,then jumped into the mirror after his doppelgänger. "Ash! Wait!" Serena shouted. The three sprinted to the mirror,but by then the mirror stopped shimmer and resort back to normal. "No!" Serena grunted out. "H-how is that possible?..h-he just." Clemont studdered out the last part. "He just disappeared,into the mirror." Bonnie finished the sentence. "But...how could this have happen." Serena said,now worrying for Ash's safety for the first time in a while.

After going into the mirror,Ash still found himself running inside the cave while shouting Pikachu's name. Ash then found himself approaching the cave exit. When he got outside,he stopped in complete shock,the sky that was once blue was now a greenish-yellow color. And there was still pieces of crystal from the cave,now outside. "Where in the name of Arceus am I?" Ash said. After taking a moment to process,Ash then started to run again shouting for Pikachu,until someone then calls him from behind.

"Hey Ash." Said a stern voice. Ash then looked and what he saw surprised him in more ways then one. What he saw was Serena,but different. She had a..lighter appearance...in texture,clothing,everything. "Well,well,well." She said. "Serena where are-"

"Where have you been?" She interrupted Ash before he could finish. "Just because I called you a crybaby,doesn't mean you run off like one." She continued. Ash meanwhile was still confused about this,him?...as a crybaby?!" "Me? Crybaby? You know,ignoring me these past few days is one thing,but insults?! That's a new low,even for you Serena!" Ash said angrily,he didn't know Serena could stoop so low...he just didn't know how wrong he was.

"Really? So winey,or just baby not enough for you?!" Said Mirror Serena. "Really?!...looks I don't time to deal with your issues. Have you seen Pikachu or not?! And where are Clemont and Bonnie?! Weren't they with you?!" Ash said angrily and hastily. And at that moment,two more figures came running from where Mirror Serena came from. "There you are,Brother dear we found him." Said Mirror Bonnie. She too,like Serena,had a lighter appearance.

"Brother dear?" Ash said,shocked at her choice of words. All the sudden a huge running cloud came and ran past them. "Huh? I ran too far." Said Mirror Clemont then ran back. "Ash,we're so glad to finally found you." He said. Ash meanwhile couldn't comprehend what just happened. Clemont,running fast. Now that was something much more rarer then spotting a shiny Pokémon. "Clemont since when do you run?" Ash asked. "What do you mean? I've always been the fastest runner." Said Mirror Clemont with confidence.

"O...Kay? So guys have you seen me?" Ash asked. The three then looked at each other in confusion. "Ahaha,wait..who?" Serena asked while laughing at what Ash said. "This isn't funny. The Ash who reached across the mirror and grabbed Pikachu and ran off." Ash asked. "Okay Ash now you're not making any sense." Said Mirror Clemont. "Look I was looking at a mirror then another Ash appeared,reached out and took Pikachu and ran off." Ash explaining. "Now you really lost it." Mirror Serena said. "Was it a dream perhaps?" Said Mirror Bonnie. "I was wake,so after he took off. I went into the mirror after him." Ash said.

The three were still confused,but then Mirror Clemont then explained. "You know,I've heard about a legend that Reflection Cave has. It's said that in each mirror in that cave,existed an alternate world." He explained. "Really?! An alternate world?" Said Mirror Serena. "Yup,in each mirror was a world that co-exist with others." Mirror Clemont explained. Ash then thought about what Mirror Clemont said...it explained all of this:the sky,the woods,his friends. Ash now realized he was in another dimension. "Huh,welcome to the land of Oz,I guess?" Ash said to himself.

"Well that's sounds stupid!" Serena decline Clemont's theory. "Serena,the proof is standing right in front of us. The Ash in front of us is not the Ash we know!" Mirror Clemont countered. He knew how often Mirror Serena could be in denial of anything. "I agree,since what you claim is true. You guys aren't the Serena,Clemont,and Bonnie I know either." Ash said. "What a bunch of Piloswine. Why should I believe anything you say?" Mirror Serena told Ash. "Because MY Serena!...wouldn't stoop down your level!" Ash said angrily,he really didn't what was is girl's problem but that this point,she was really pissing Ash off. "Still a bunch of Piloswine!" Mirror Serena stared at Ash so that they were at eye level,both scowling at each other. "Well fine...enlightened me then." Ash said. "Because I'm the only me and any other person who isn't me is not me." Mirror Serena said,who unknowingly just confused herself. "WHAT IN THE WORLD DID I JUST SAY!" She shouted to the heavens.

"Can you say what you said five times fast?" Ash snorted out. "Haha" Mirror Serena said then smirked. "Alright Wisecrack,here's the deal:beat me in a battle and I'll believe,but until then. You're still the same Crybaby Ash I know,difference is you seem to have grown a spine." Mirror Serena smirked. Ash then felt his blood boil,never...never he once thought his best friend would ever stoop so low...even though he knew this isn't the Serena he knows...and loves. His mind then drifted to the Serena of his world. He still hasn't patched things up with her and since he came here...with no way out. Will he ever see her again?,and instead rather be...tortured by a shadow of her. Despite this he cast these thoughts aside. "Ok,you're on." Ash said in a serious tone. He was sure he was going to put Mirror Serena in her place.

On the path they were on,Ash and Mirror Serena prepared for battle. "Fennekin let's do this." Serena then released the Fox Pokémon out of her Pokéball,like her trainer she readied herself with a scowl on her face. "Froakie,lets go." Ash then released the Bubble Frog Pokémon,ready to battle.


Ash vs. Mirror Serena: one on one

"So anything to say before you lose Ash?!" Serena smirked. Ash only stared at her and Fennekin with a straight,serious face.

"Five Seconds." Ash said. "Ok,Fennekin use Scratch." Fennekin then charged in,jumped and prepared to attack.

"Jump upward low,and use Water Pulse,up close." Fennekin was already coming downwards to attack,hoping to get to Froakie before he could make his move,but by then Froakie was already in the air and already coming down when Fennekin already missed her chance. And this is when Serena forgot one important thing.

Timing

Froakie came crashing down with a Water Pulse in his hand,and slammed the ball of water on Fennekin's head with great force,generating steam. When the steam cleared,Fennekin was on the ground,fainted.

(May not seem like five seconds when you read it,but just imagine this battle took place in the anime instead. Now THAT would've been five seconds.)


"Fennekin! Are you alright?" Mirror Serena said while running over to her side. "Great job Froakie,take a nice rest." Ash said then return him back to his Pokéball,then walked over to Mirror Serena. Mirror Serena just finished returning Fennekin back to its Pokéball

"So...Princess? Now do you believe me?" Ash said seriously. "I'm just gonna ignore what you just said,since I would never,ever lose to the Ash I know. So yes I believe you. Ash from another world." Mirror Serena said then smirked. "Sorry for giving you such a hard time." She apologized. "Sorry for calling you Princess." Ash apologized as well,finally burying the hatchet. "By the way..that was five seconds." Mirror Serena said. "I like to be a man of my word." Ash stated.

"Don't be sorry Ash,she makes it hard for everyone." Mirror Bonnie joked around,making Mirror Serena grunt in annoyance. "So now that's settle,where our Ash now?" Mirror Clement said.

"Here I am." Everyone then turns to a tree off the side of the road. There they saw Ash's doppelgänger along with Ash's Pikachu,who was immediately happy to see his trainer. He then jumps off Mirror Ash's grip and on to his trainer's. "So glad you're safe buddy." Ash petted Pikachu's head. "So Ash,what happen?" Mirror Clemont asked. "It was after my battle with Serena."


Flashback

It was a short battle,probably shorter then all the other ones previously,but like all of them. It ended with the same result.

"Froakie is unable to battle. Fennekin wins." Clement said refereeing the battle. "Haha,see? Didn't I tell you how strong I was?" Serena gloated over her victory,then looking over to Ash who just return his defeated Pokémon,and is now forming tears in his eyes. "Aww,you're not gonna start again with the waterworks,are you?" Mirror Serena teased. "N-n-no,I'm n-not." Ash stuttered to say with his voice cracking up,and with the tears finally escaping his eyes. "Aww,yes,you're starting right now Crybaby." Serena said with a smirk.

"S-shut up." Mirror Ash said a broken voice. "Aww,no...you big baby. Why can't you just admitted. You can't prevent yourself from breaking down. Now the whole world can see how much a Crybaby Ash is. Hey that could be you're new nickname. Crybaby Ash." Serena continue to push.

"I SAID SHUT UP!" Mirror Ash couldn't take it anymore and exploded out,with tears now falling out of his eyes like river. "I don't even know why I keep insisting on myself on traveling you!" Mirror Ash said. "Because you can't handle anything on your own." Serena just snorted. "Ihateyou" Ash whispered out,not really loud enough for the three people to hear him. "I'm sorry,Crybaby what was that."

"I HATE YOUUU!" Ash exploded again. "I hate you,That it...I'm traveling alone from here on out! Ash said then charged in the opposite direction with his Pikachu in tow. Serena meanwhile,just stood shook. She may pick on Ash a lot,and he may not being able to do anything about it. But she felt this was only way for him to stand up for himself. Now she felt,probably for the first time in her life...horrible. The boy whom she rescue from Summer Camp all those years ago,finally admitted He hated Her.

"Ash wait!" Clemont shouted. "Get away from me...GO!" Ash shouted back then continued to run.

After ten minutes of nonstop running,Ash and Pikachu finally made it to Reflection Cave,but after just charging in there without thinking,they got lost. "No,we're lost Pikachu." Ash then looks down at his feet and then realized Pikachu was gone too. "Pi-Pikachu where are you?!" Ash said,now forming a few tears in his eyes. After being unable to find his long time partner,Ash found himself starring at a mirror.

"Pikachu" Ash said,then all the sudden the mirror wavered and then glowed,revealing another Ash,but with a Pikachu on his shoulder. "Pikachu!" Seeing him brought Mirror Ash relief as he reached out and took Pikachu away from Ash. "Pikachu,thank goodness you're alright." Mirror Ash said as he ran off with Pikachu in his arms,but after examining him for a moment,he realized something was wrong with Pikachu,until he realized.

"Hey you're not my Pikachu?!"


Ash and Pikachu meanwhile just stood there speechless. He then looked at his doppelgänger,then Clemont,Bonnie,and finally Serena. At her,he looked at her angrily,but knowing in his mind,he felt disappointment in her,based of what Mirror Ash explained,compared with Mirror Serena,sure make Team Rocket seem like saints. "I'm really sorry,for the trouble I've cause Ash." Mirror Ash apologized with a few tears in his eyes. Ash then understood what Mirror Serena said. His double was in fact,the complete opposite of him:timid,insecure,and vulnerable. "It's ok Ash,it's not your fault." Was Ash all he could say.

"It still need to find my Pikachu." Mirror Ash stated. "I'll help you Ash." Ash offered his assistance. "Are you sure Ash...I-I-I mean you could probably find a way back home." Mirror Ash said. "No way,We can't just leave,knowing you're trouble,don't worry we'll find Pikachu." Ash said. Mirror Ash then sniffed his noise and wiped any tears out of his eyes. "Thanks Ash" Mirror Ash thanked.


Back on Earth 1 (yes I'm calling it that)

"Guys,Ash and Pikachu are still not back yet." Bonnie said. "To make it worse,we haven't being able to go into the mirror after them." Serena said,still worried about Ash. "Is there anything we can do?" Bonnie said. "There might just be,here give me a couple of minutes to whip something up." Clement said then got into his backpack to get a couple of tools.


Earth 2

"So,anyway on where to start looking?" Looking Said Mirror Serena. "Leave that to me. I thought we'd encounter something like this,so I prepared this." Mirror Clemont said then took a stick and drew out a diagram of a lightning bolt in the dirt. "I call it my Magical Direction Finder!" Mirror Clemont said. Ash meanwhile was really confused now. How exactly would a dirt circle help them find Pikachu.

"Now its simple,I just drop my stick in the center of this circle" Clement drops the stick and it fall down pointing North. "And Ash's Pikachu is in that direction." Mirror Clement said. "Excellent,Brother dear." Mirror Bonnie said,as they started walking North. "O..Kay? I won't argue with that logic" Ash said to himself,following the others.


Earth 1

"Okay I took the time we had to make this little gadget. I call it The Other Dimension Converter." Clemont introduced what looked like a mechanical Magnemite. "Other Dimension Converter?" Serena asked. "Ok,now I'm confused." Bonnie said. "Well according to my math,this device will affect the magnetic field between reality to warp time and space. Here we go,switch on." Clement then pull the switch on the device,but the device immediately immediately started bonking with smoke coming out of it,and finally

Boom

When the smoke cleared,everyone was covered in dust and smoke. "No! I can't believe you blew it again!" Bonnie yelled at her brother. "I'm sorry." Clement hung his head. Bonnie then looked around,and realized that Serena was gone. "Hey where Serena go?" Bonnie asked.

Serena somehow found herself running to a different part of the cave,just to get away from Clemont and Bonnie. Her mind drifted to the only person in her head. "Ash" Serena then found tears escaping her eyes,rolling down her cheeks,and finally falling to the ground. A couple of moments of the past few days then came to her head.


"You know,the pasta you made was quite delicious." He said. "Ok,thanks" Serena said in a low,uninterested manner. It was clear nothing was helping so Ash poked even further. "Serena...what's wron-" Ash said. "Ash,please just...leave me alone." Serena said then hurried to pick up some of the dishes to take back to the campsite.

Then to the night when they participated in Sky Battles.

"Hey" was all Serena heard and turned around. "Can we talk?" Ash said. "Wish I could,but I'm too tired and I'm gonna go to bed." Serena said then brushed past his Ash's right shoulder and went to her bed.


"*sniff* how could've I been so selfish." Serena cried out. Those moments now cling to her head. "All he wanted was to talk...why didn't I let him?!" Serena sank to her knees. Now feeling more horrible then ever. The boy she's been avoiding for the past few days,now disappeared by something impossible,and what was worse,she didn't know if he was coming back..or still he even wanted to come back. After what she being putting Ash through,she thought he would move on from her,which brought her back to the thought of her own selfishness. "Grrr...why!...why didn't I tell him when I had the chance." Serena said,still crying while on her knees. Her mind now focusing on the good things about Ash. The things that made her appreciate him,adore him...and finally love him. Serena then picked herself. She now had to have whatever faith that Ash will come back.

"Serena,where are you." Serena then quickly wipe any tears off of her face,and clean herself up a little,the last thing she wanted was Clemont and Bonnie asking any questions. There,the two siblings then finally found her. "There you are. What happen?" Bonnie asked. "N-Nothing,let's just get back to the mirror." Serena said then left back to where the mirror was,leaving only the blond siblings confused,and following her back.


Earth 2

"So Ash,how is your Pikachu?" Ash asked his doppelgänger. "Well,to tell the truth,my Pikachu's tough,wild,and aggressive." Said Mirror Ash. "Don't sound too bad." Ash said. No doubt Mirror Ash's Pikachu would've cause him a bit of trouble as much as Mirror Serena. "What about Drake." Ash asked. "I'm sorry,who?" Mirror Ash then stopped in his tracks as he was confused about what Ash asked. Ash was even more confused then he was. "Drake..your brother?" Ash repeated himself. "You...have a brother?" Mirror Ash asked. "And you don't?" Ash said. "Well...I believe I would've,but...before my mother had me,she told she was pregnant with another baby,but then she had a miscarriage and the baby didn't make it." Mirror Ash explained,according to his mother's word.

Ash and Pikachu were immediately saddened by this,Ash in particular,his brother's doppelgänger died before he even had a chance to live. "Ash are you alright?" Mirror Ash asked. "I'm ok,just..alot to take." Ash said. "I'm sorry for your lost." He continued. "Thanks Ash" Mirror Ash said."Sorry to bug you guys,but we should get moving." Mirror Clemont said. Both Ashes nodded and continued to walk down North.

"You seem quiet Serena." Mirror Bonnie said. Mirror Serena however,didn't say anything. She figured with Mirror Ash running away,the other Ash being ticked off just by her insults,she figured she's done more then enough damage already. Ash then took a glimpse of her and figure,was she finally realizing how much trouble she's cause? "So Ash are you still alright from earlier?" Mirror Clemont asked. "If you from earlier before I ran away. Yes I am. But I still want to travel alone." Mirror Ash stated. "But Ash,you don't have to do that,we can still travel together." Mirror Bonnie countered. "I'm sorry,but I can't do it anymore...once we find Pikachu. I'll make my way to Shalour City and you three can...travel together still." Mirror Ash said without even facing them.

The three were still saddened by Mirror Ash's decision,this was the last thing they wanted,one of their own just walking out,especially Mirror Serena,what started as a pointless joke,ended as serious decision for Mirror Ash. Ash meanwhile just stood there watching this happen,on the one hand:he didn't want Mirror Ash to server his friendship with Clemont,Serena,and Bonnie. On the other hand: all three made his journey here in Kalos,unbearable. He really didn't know what to think of this,knew he probably shouldn't get involved,but it was abit too late for that decision,as all four of them continued to walk North.

"Hey Ash...can I ask you something?" Mirror Ash asked. "Sure,what is it?" Ash said. "If there's a chance for you to go back into your world...can I come with you?" Mirror Ash asked all the sudden. "Wait what?!" Ash said,all shocked. "To travel along with you,in your world,along with your Serena,Clemont,and Bonnie." Mirror Ash said. "But Ash,that isn't the right thing to do." Ash said. "Why not,surely your Clemont,Bonnie,and Serena treat you like how friends are." Mirror Ash said. "Umm well...I wouldn't say that." Ash said.

"How come?" Mirror Ash asked. "Well...like you and your Serena...me and my Serena have been fighting lately." Ash finally confessed. "B-but why,surely your Serena is the complete opposite of my Serena." Mirror Ash said. Ash sigh "yes,she is...the best person I could ever travel with. Smart,kind...beautiful." Ash's eyes began to mist up a bit. "Really?...you must care about her a lot." Mirror Ash said. "But...ok I never told any pone this so keep it to yourself ok?" Ash said.

"Ok,what is it?" Mirror Ash said. Ash then took a deep breath before speaking. "...I love her." Ash finally confessed. Mirror Ash was surprised by this,his doppelgänger,in love with his Serena. "Wow Ash...that is quite a secret." Mirror Ash said. "And what's worse is if I'm ever gonna see her again. Because...I want to patch things up with her,because...I don't even know whys she's mad at me in the first place!" Ash said. "Can you think of anything you do did to her? When did it all start?" Mirror Ash said. Ash then thought back long and hard to what happen in the past few days,all the way back to...he then thought of the day when he caught Hawlucha.


Flashback

"Ash" Ash's train of thought broke over the sound of someone calling him. The sound of his name broke his concentration of his thoughts,and turned to the honey blonde girl,who was walking next to him all the sudden,he didn't even notice her come up. "Ash,are you ok." Serena asked. "Um..yea I'm fine,why you ask?" Ash said. "You seem..distant these past few days,you sure you're okay.?" Serena asked again,with even more concern in her voice. Ever since leaving Mabel's house,Serena noticed Ash...acting different...staying silent at lunch,dinner,on the road,distancing himself,only staying focus on his training. Whatever was happening to Ash,Serena wanted to fine out why,what was he going through. She wanted to help him,she wanted to help her crush.

"Yes,I'm ok Serena really." Ash said hasty,then continued to walk ahead of her.


Ash then focus on that moment,he didn't remember exactly but he may have remembered a very hurt expression on Serena's face that day.

Then it all came back to him,like a flash flood. Ash was so focus on whether his choice to embrace what Mabel told him that night,that he did just about anything to keep himself prepared,while still deciding what to do. That he didn't even realize that he was distanced himself from the others,especially Serena. The moment he realized he had hurt her..by brushing her off that day.

Ash then mentally hit himself hard..."you stupid,stupid idiot! Why did you do that! Why didn't you just tell her!" Ash told himself.

"Ash?" Ash then remembered he wasn't alone. "I...remember now. And I'm the world biggest idiot for not realizing it." Ash told his doppelgänger. "But what are you gonna do now?" Mirror Ash asked. "After we find your Pikachu...I'm gonna make it right." Ash said. "And I think you should too." He continued. "What do you mean?" Mirror Ash asked,now feeling confused. "When you told your Serena you hated her...did you mean it?" Ash asked.

"Well,I-I-I was angry,and she doesn't make things easy,but...no I didn't mean it." Mirror Ash said. "See...look,I have faith that I can hopefully patch things with my,so you should to patch things up with your friends." As he stated. "Really?...I'm not so sure Ash." Mirror Ash said. "Look,we're one of the same Ash,we both need to take to take a leap of faith right now. You can make up with your friends Ash,everyone deserve a second chance." Ash explained. Mirror Ash then looked at his friends,who were conversing with each other. Sure they pick on him,but they also try to help him. "You're probably right." Mirror Ash said.

After twenty minutes of walking,the group reached a dead end. "This is started to be waste of time. Where is that Pikachu of yours?" Mirror Serena said. "Even brother dear makes mistakes." Mirror Bonnie said. "We got to find him guys,we just got to." Mirror Ash said. "Don't start please." Mirror Serena said. "Wasn't going to." Mirror Ash said.

"So now what do we do." Ash said. And at that moment,a metal claw reached out and grabbed Pikachu off of Ash's shoulder and into a sphere cage. "What the-YOU!" Ash shouted.

"Hello twerp and...other twerp?" Said Team Rocket,who held two cages,one with Pikachu and the other one was...another Pikachu with a lighter complexion. "Hey Ash that's my Pikachu." Said Mirror Ash. "Who are you guys?" Said Mirror Clemont. "Really twerp,you know us,we're the famous Team Rocket." Said Jessie. "That's impossible." Said Mirror Serena. "Why's that Serena?" Ash asked. "Because our Team Rocket call themselves The Heros of Justice." Said Mirror Serena. "So if they aren't our Team Rocket. Then that means." Said Mirror Clemont

"They're the Team Rocket from my world." Ash said. "How did you get here?!" He asked. "Define here." Team Rocket asked. "Oh really?! You three haven't notice that WE ARE IN A DIFFERENT DIMENSION!" Ash shouted. "Huh,that explains this wacked out place. We thought we were all have the same bad dream." Said Jessie.

"Whatever! Give us back the Pikachu." Mirror Serena had enough of bickering and shouted. "How about we give you a show,and you're the main attraction." Jessie said then released Pumpkaboo and James send out Inkay.

"You ready Ash?" Ash asked. "Ready." Mirror Ash said,as both then took out a Pokéball and released their Pokémon. Both then revealed to be Hawlucha.

"You chose Hawlucha too?" Both doubles told to the other.

"Use Karate Chop on Inkay."

"Use Flying Press on Pumpkaboo."

Ash's Hawlucha then charges in and smacked Inkay to a cliff wall with a powerful Karate Chop. Mirror Ash's Hawlucha however went slowly walking instead of flying and Pumpkaboo just let Hawlucha pass and then Tackle him. "Inkay Psybeam." Inkay then fired a Psybeam at Mirror Ash's Hawlucha,causing damage and sending him straight to Mirror Ash,knocking him down. "Ash! Are you alright." Ash asked him. "I'm alright,but it looks like I'm done for." Mirror Ash said then returned his Hawlucha.

"Hey,you maybe down,but you're certainly not out. Don't worry I got a plan." Ash said then returned his Hawlucha. "Fine,we give up." Ash said. "About time we finally heard those words from you twerps. Now hand other your Pokémon." Said Jessie. "You want them,come and get them." Ash said.

Team Rocket then approached them until they were at arm's length of Ash...or Ashes. "You know,after all these years...you guys still make terrible thieves." Ash said. "And why is that?" Jessie asked. "I believe that the #1 rule of stealing things is:never take your eyes off the prize." Ash smirked. Jessie then looked at Meowh,who was empty handed. "Meowth where's are the-" Jessie's statement was cut off when she saw the cages back where they left them

and now in someone else's hands. "Ha looking for these." Said Mirror Clemont,who then threw the cages upward. "Now Fennekin use Scratch." Mirror Serena then released the Fox Pokémon upward,who then used the move to break open the cages,setting the Pikachu free.

"Haha" Ash smirked. "Why you little!" James,Jessie and Meowth then lunged toward Ash. "Quick Ash move!" Both Ashes nodded and then jumped high,letting them miss,and then they ran back to their friends. "Now the finale,ready Ash?" Ash asked his double. "If you say so Ash.

"Pikachu,Thunderbolt lets go." Both Ash told their Pikachu. Both Pikachu then jumped up and fired a bolt of electricity at the trio,sending them sky high."

"TEAM ROCKET'S BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" They said as they flew off. "Alright,nice job buddy." Both Ash commended on their partners. "Nice job,you really handle yourself Ash." Mirror Serena said to Mirror Ash. "I agree with Serena Ash,great job." Mirror Bonnie said. "Ash,we'll really sorry about everything. We hope you reconsider and give a second chance to travel together." Mirror Clemont said. Mirror Ash then thought about what Clemont asked him,and then thought about what Ash told him earlier. About how everyone deserved a second chance. "Ok,I'll come back." Ash agreed. "Thanks Ash,you won't regret this." Mirror Bonnie said.

A few hours have pass and it was start of sunset. "It's gonna be dark soon. We need to find a Pokémon Center." Mirror Serena suggested. Sunset...sunset. Clemont was thinking about the legend of the cave from earlier,and then it hit him.

"Oh no." He said. "What's up Clemont." Mirror Serena said. "I just remembered more about the legend of the cave. If people who come from other world don't come back before sundown. They'll won't be able to return." Clemont said. Ash immediately was shocked in fear. Sun was setting fast and his window of returning home along with it. "I need to get back to the mirror fast!" Ash said then started sprinting back to the cave with everyone behind him.

Two minutes later,Ash and the others finally made it back to Mirror. "Here it is,now how do we get it to waver." Ash said. "Ash how did the mirror wavered?" Mirror Clemont asked Mirror Ash. "I don't know,when I was looking for Pikachu,I stood in front of the mirror and was...just wishing to find Pikachu." Mirror Ash said,getting somewhere. "Wishing...maybe that's it. It maybe a long shot,but if you wish hard enough. It might just get the mirror to waver." Mirror Clemont said.

"Alright,I'll give it a try." Ash then stared at the Mirror,wishing. "I wish to continue my journey with Clemont,Bonnie and Serena. I wish to continue my journey with Clemont,Bonnie,and Serena." Ash continue to chant that in head,hoping the mirror to start wavering.


Earth 1

"Are we ever gonna see Ash again." Bonnie said. "Of course we are Bonnie. Ash is coming back." Clemont said. "That's right,they are coming back." Said Serena. All three then continue to look at the mirror,wishing for their friends to come back.


"Clemont...Bonnie...Serena." Ash said. Then all the sudden,Mirror wavered and open a portal,revealing the entrance between their world and Ash's,separated by a large gap.

"Guys over here." Ash shouted. "Ash! and Ash?" Serena said after seeing Ash's double. "There are two you?!" Bonnie said. "There are two of us as well." Clemont pointed out. "There's no time guys,look. Our worlds are starting to move apart." Mirror Ash said. Everyone then see that the gap was getter bigger and bigger by the moment. "Quickly,the sun is starting to set." Said Mirror Clemont. "Quick you guys,the two worlds are connected by our hopes and dreams." Said Mirror Ash. "Get with the program Serena. You need to concentrate on how much you want Ash to come home." Said Mirror Serena. Serena then just stared at her doppelgänger,and quickly looked determined. She wasn't gonna leave Ash there...not without a chance to redeem herself to him.

"You too Clemont and Bonnie." Said Mirror Clemont. "Concentrate your thoughts." Mirror Bonnie encouraged them. "Clemont,Bonnie,Serena! Ash reached out to them. "Ash,Pikachu!" Clement,Serena,and Bonnie reached out as well. Both were at near reach and Ash nearly grabbed Serena's hand. Taking a chance,Ash gripped Pikachu tight in his arms,and then jumped to across the gap,and nearly lands at the other portal,until he slips,and falls. Serena managed to grab Ash's hand and with Clemont and Bonnie's help,they pull them back up. "They did it." Said Mirror Ash.

"You're safe." All three said to Ash. "Thanks for pulling me out of that." Ash said,then everyone looks back at the other portal. "Ash...thank you...for everything." Mirror Ash said. "No problem Ash." Ash said. "Serena,you take care of your Ash ok?" Mirror Serena said. Serena only nodded to her statement,she still needed to talk to Ash. "Take care everyone." Said Mirror Clemont. "I do hope we meet again." Mirror Bonnie said.

"You guys take care as well." Said Clemont. "Goodbye other Bonnie." Bonnie waved goodbye. The two groups then waved goodbye until both portals fully closed.


"Well that's that guys. Should we get going?" Said Mirror Ash. "Yes,on to Shalour City." Said Mirror Clemont. "No stopping or crying right?" Mirror Serena asked Ash. "Trust me,After today,Ash taught me a thing or two about perseverance." Mirror Ash smirked. "I think this is a new beginning." Said Mirror Bonnie. "That you're right Bonnie,that you're right." Mirror Ash stated. No more whining nor crying. For now on full speed ahead.


"So guys,we should find a Pokémon Center." Said Ash. The group nodded,and continued out the cave and on to the road. Luckily for the group,the Pokémon Center was nearby. There they ate,checked their Pokémon in with Nurse Joy,and finally rented a room for the night. That night,Clemont,Bonnie,and Serena were sleeping in bed. Everyone except Ash,who was outside on the patio.

Ash was just thinking about thoughts and moments of what happen today. Then he heard the patio door open,and he turned around.

"Hey,I thought you were asleep." Ash said. "I was...until I saw you out here." Serena said. "Well,I had a lot to process." Ash said. Both stood silent for a moment until Serena broke the silence. "Listen Ash...I think we need to finally talk." Serena said.

"I know...listen...I'm so sorry that I hurt you...that morning when I caught Hawlucha. If I wasn't being so close off about everything. I-I-I would've..." Ash stutter to finish his sentence. "Listen...I'm sorry too...for being a selfish jerk." Serena said with her eyes misting up. "No,don't be...the fault was mine." Ash said. "No,bacause...you tried to patch things up before,and...I wouldn't let you..." Serena's said with a few tears coming out,no longer able to hold them back any longer,and all the sudden Serena lunged herself in Ash's arms.

Ash caught her and put his arms around her,while Serena then let out her sobs onto his shirt. "Serena...it's ok,it ok." Ash rubbed her back,hoping she would calm down. "I'm sorry Ash,it's just...when you jumped into the mirror...I thought you weren't coming back...and I would've never get the chance to fix things...how can I live with that?" Serena said still crying. "I don't know...I had the same thoughts when I was over there...I'm just glad we now got this chance." Ash said,still hugging her gently. "Just promised me...if you're struggling with something. Talk to someone,please." Serena said. "Ok,I promise." Ash said. "So,tell me...why were you upset about that day?" Serena asked. Ash then thought about this,but didn't hesitate,no more secrets.

"Ok...the last night we stayed at Mabel's. I was standing on the outside balcony...I couldn't sleep. Then Mabel came out...she told me about her late husband,who like Drake,was an Aura Guardian. She knew who I was..what I'm capable of...she asked me why not become a Guardian. I told her that...well...if I train to become a Guardian...it will change me." Ash said. "Doesn't sound so bad." Serena said. "Are you sure? When Drake became a Guardian..it change him,and I knew he wasn't the same person anymore. If I train as a Guardian. Will you even recognized me?" Ash said with his eyes misting up. "What are you saying...of course I will."

"How can you be sure?" Ash asked. "Because while the training and responsibilities will change you Ash. It won't change your heart...I should know,since Drake came out alright." Serena said. "All I know is...I need to talk to Drake about this,to see what I can do." Ash said. "Alright,and when you do...I hope you'll be happy with what you pick,because no matter what...I'll always be with you." Serena said while snuggling to Ash's chest. "You're the best you know that?" Ash said while wrapping his arms around Serena tightly. "You know...I can't help think that I'm forgetting something." Ash said. "Come on,what are you forgetting?" Serena said.


"What is wrong with this place?!" Jessie complained. "Just how do we get out of here?" Said James.

"If you need help,we can certainly give you some."

"And help is what we can give alright."

"Heros of Justice,that's right."

"OH NOO!" Team Rocket said.


"You're probably right." Ash said. As the both of them then head back to bed,Ash then decided to take another chance.

"Hey Serena?" He asked. "Yea Ash?" Serena turned around to find Ash walking up to her,and then he did something completely unexpected.

Ash then leaned forward and kissed her on the cheek. "Thank you...for everything." He said the turn back to his bed. Serena,meanwhile,didn't move,much less make a sound. She just stood there and then found her hand on the spot where Ash kissed her. She immediately blushed and the last thought she had before going to bed: she was now certain Ash may have feelings for her too. With that,she finally laid down and went to sleep with a grin on her face. "Best. Night .Ever!" She scream to herself.


Tada. Done!...it took awhile but this part I enjoyed writing. So,hope you guys enjoyed this chapter,especially that ending though right? I told you guys Big things will happen. Didn't I tell you?

So,guys,I now start a new chapter in my life and that's college,wish me luck? I'll try to work on this book when I can,thanks everyone. This is Paradox signing off. Goodbye.