Chapter 11: All thoughts fixed on the present


Ash had fallen asleep outside the hospital. He had been kicked out when they had to close up. He felt concerned that the building was severely understaffed - he had only seen three doctors and the nurse in there. Nevertheless, he begrudgingly agreed to leave, and waited for Serena on a nearby bench.

It was about 9am when he stirred and woke up the next day. He turned his head towards the hospital building while yawning. "Guess she's still not recovered yet." He thought. Then - "Where's Pikachu?"

He panicked for a second, but then he remembered; he had ordered his partner to stow away in Serena's room and look after her. He sighed, relieved knowing that his closest friend was safe, and protecting the girl he...

Ash blushed. Yes, it wasn't just a fleeting feeling, he realised. "Guess I really have fallen for her."

But then he gritted his teeth. He despised how things had to turn out. But there was no way Serena would relinquish her dream, and even if she did, Ash would never want that for her.

He sighed, and got up. He noticed his head was on a pillow. He smiled - one of the workers must have seen him passed out and took pity on him.

He scoffed to himself. Winner of the Kalos League, reduced to sleeping in the open. He shook off this feeling however, because he didn't really feel any malice. All he wanted was to see Serena again...

Even if would be the last time they could journey together.

Ash reached into his bag, and pulled out three pokeballs. "Huh? Where's the fourth?" He wondered. He opened them carefully - and from them emerged three familiar pokemon, though they weren't Ash's own.

Braixen, Pancham and Sylveon. They all beamed at him curiously. Ash smiled to them. "Hey everyone! Wanna go see Serena?"

The three of them agreed, delighted. "The nurse said she'll be better soon, so I guess we'll just go inside and wait until we can see her, 'kay?"

They nodded, and the four of them went inside.

The nurse spotted them immediately, and glowed at Ash. "Hi!" she smiled.

Ash felt at ease by her positive attitude. "Heya! How's Serena doing?"

She winked. "She's doing well! If you take a seat there, I'll see if I can let you see her."

Ash obliged, and he and Serena's pokemon went to sir down in the empty hospital's waiting room.

A few minutes passed as Ash chatted with the three performers.

"Pan Pancham?" Pancham said to Ash.

"Yeah, Pikachu's a great friend. Super strong as well." He responded.

Braixen looked curiously at Ash. "Brai, braixen sen?"

Ash answered this question without hesitation. "Why haven't I evolved Pikachu? Oh, that's an easy one. Pikachu doesn't want to evolve."

"Braixen?"

"Yeah - your personality changes when you evolve. If I take Sylveon for example, when she was just a little Eevee she used to be scared of everybody. Now look - she's a brilliant performer, and confident, too!"

Sylveon blushed, while Ash continued. "Basically, Pikachu doesn't want to lose his personality, especially how Raichu's tend to be very brash, while Pikachu is a lot more calm and sociable. Besides, I wouldn't change Pikachu if he didn't want to."

Serena's pokemon nodded understandingly. Ash went silent.

Then he spoke up again. "Humans change too, but over time and experience. I guess I have, definitely." He hesitated, while the three waited for him to continue. "I used to be brash, and definitely not good at handling pokemon. Now I like to think I've improved and matured." He explained.

Braixen nodded, cheerfully. "Brai, brai!"

Ash grinned. "Thanks, Braixen." He said. "Though, I sure wish we could see Serena soon."

"Your wish is my command!" A voice echoed.

Ash spun around, leaping off the sofa. It was Serena's voice.

The door to the ER opened, and out came the girl he realised he loved, the girl who he traveled with and learned so much from and who he himself had taught. By each leg was a Pikachu. Popstar, and his own partner.

"Serena!" He shouted. He wanted to run up and embrace her hugely, but sadly, she was leaning heavily on a pair of crutches and any force could probably knock her right over. Instead, he settled for sharing a smile with the girl.

"Ash, I'm so happy to see you again!" She cried, wobbling over to him.

"Me too, Serena. And look who I brought with me!"

Braixen, Pancham and Sylveon did what Ash didn't - they leapt forward and pulled Serena into a group hug. "Ah, wait!" Ash blurted. "She's still-"

Serena beamed. "Don't worry, Ash! My broken leg is on painkillers, so I won't feel anything in it for a few hours."

Ash sighed. "Well, that's good to hear, at least. How's the crutches like? It must be pretty hard to use with only one arm."

Serena nodded complacently. "They're fine. Difficult to get used to, but-"

Suddenly, Ash grinned randomly. "Want me to carry you?"

"E-eh?" Serena stammered as she went red at Ash's very casual offer.

"Well, you know... If it's hard to walk, I wouldn't mind." Ash scratched his nose, embarrassed when he realised how weird what he said was.

However, Serena smiled. "If it's not too much trouble, I'd never pass that up!"

Pancham elbowed Braixen. Braixen nodded, and the two of them started giggling.

Ash stood in front of Serena, and she gave him her crutch, shifting her weight onto one foot. Ash bent down to place her on his back - and Serena leapt on, hugging his back tightly.

"Alright!" Ash grinned hugely. "Follow me, everyone!" He said to the five awed pokemon. Ash ran - as fast as he could with Serena on his back - headed towards Prism Tower, with his Pikachu and the others in pursuit. Eventually, when Ash got tired out, he walked to a nearby bench and placed the girl onto it gently, then handed her back her crutch.

"Hope that wasn't too bumpy for you!" Ash exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

Serena blushed and smiled back. "Oh Ash, you're the best!" she said, causing Ash to also start blushing.

Serena got up and staggered onto her crutch.

Ash glanced at Prism Tower, then back to Serena. "Clemont and Bonnie should be in there, I reckon. Let's go see 'em!" He said. Serena obliged, also desperate to see her friends again.

Ash walked into the tower, and a screen in front of him crackled to life. The Pokémon Gym icon spun on the screen.

"H-hello?" A voice said. Clemonts voice. "Are you here for a gym battle?"

Ash shook his head, though it was a screen and that would make no difference. "Clemont, it's me!"

"Ah, Ash!" Clemont cried. Ash heard Bonnie gasp in the background as well.

"Alright Serena," Ash whispered, "You stand in front."

She nodded, and hobbled next to him. Ash took a small step back.

They waited a moment - then the door opened mechanically. Clemont stood in front of it, with Bonnie behind him. "Hey As- aaahhhh!" His calm voice turned into a flustered, gleeful yell when he saw - being face to face with Serena.

"Serenaaaa!" Bonnie cried, running into Serena's arms.

"Bonnie, Clemont, I'm so happy to see you guys!" Serena murmured. She stayed embracing Bonnie for several moments. Ash and Clemont looked at each other and grinned. Everything was returning to normal. Except...

"Serena, are you sure you shouldn't be in a wheelchair? You've got two broken limbs..." Clemont asked, concerned.

Serena shook her head. "I dunno, I guess I'd just rather be able to move by myself." She said, as Bonnie finally broke away from the hug.

Clemont smirked. "In that case, allow me to help!" Ash and Serena both simultaneously sweat-dropped. "The future is now, thanks to science! Clemontic gear, on!"

Clemont seemed to pull a metal stick out of his hand. "Introducing the handicap-helper mecha stabiliser!"

"Bro, that just sounds mean!" Bonnie glowered.

However, Ash seemed quite interested. "What does it do?"

Clemont held it out to him. "Ash, could you please swap this for the crutch on Serena's broken arm?"

Ash looked uncertain. "Uh... Well, Serena, is that okay?"

Serena pondered, and then shrugged. "Sure, why not."

Ash smiled slightly, and helped her take her cast arm out of the ring of the crutch, and into Clemont's new invention. When he had done so, Serena took a step - and found that her new crutch did so too!

"It responds to movement, you see, so if you move forward on your good leg then you should be fine to walk, well, as normally as you can do, at least.

Serena stared at him in awe. "Thanks, Clemont!"

"No need to thank me! You see, I thought we'd encounter a situation precisely like this one."

Ash and Serena gaped. "You did?!" They exclaimed in unison.

Bonnie sighed. "No, he was working on it all last night after we left."

Clemont scratched his nose nervously. "I saw Ash was so frantic, so the least I could do was help you guys out, you know?"

Serena smiled, somewhat guiltily. "Oh Clemont, you didn't have to do that!" She said, but Clemont shook his head.

"Just consider it a thank you for helping me out when Clembot... When he destroyed Xerosic's machine." Clemont replied.

Ash frowned. "Speaking of which, how's Clembot now?"

Clemont nodded, quite cheery. "Actually, I've nearly repaired him! Granted, there's no way I could restore all his memories, but still, I'm glad I can get him back so soon."

"Well, congrats, Clemont, and good luck!" Ash grinned.

He turned to Serena. "Hey Serena, I know it's been so soon, but I, uh, well, could you follow me?"

Serena looked quizzically at Ash. "Well, okay. Clemont, Bonnie..?"

Clemont nodded. "You go with Ash - don't worry, I gotta get back to work on Clembot anyway. So take care, and see you later!" He smiled.

Ash and Bonnie also said their goodbyes, and Ash and Serena left the gym together. The sky had became a blazing orange, almost melancholy over the destroyed land of Lumiose City, where construction workers and their pokemon sped around the place to fix it. "Is it getting that late already?" Ash pondered in his head.

"So Ash, what's this all about?" Serena asked him as they walked.

"Well, we're headed to the Pokemon Center. You see, I made a promise to someone to let you see them."

Serena stared at him, puzzled as they continued to walk.

Ash also wore a perplexed look all of a sudden. "Hey Serena... What made you do it?"

She tilted her head. "Huh? Do what?"

"Well, I know Bonnie told you that she can take care of herself, and I know she can, but, uh, you chose to help us instead."

Serena chewed her lip, unsure of how to answer. "I guess... I just thought I could help, but-"

Ash stopped her. "I appreciate that, Serena. You did help us out a lot."

"I'm sorry for making you worry so much, Ash..." she mumbled.

He didn't reply, just patted her on the shoulder and continued to walk in silence.

However, their thoughts were soon cut short, as they had arrived at the pokemon center. They went inside.

Serena looked around, and her eyes caught sight of somebody sat at a table, waving to her.

Her mother.

"Serena!" She called, leaping to her feet and running over to the two teenagers.

"Mom!" Serena cried. She stumbled over her bad leg and landed in her mother's embrace.

"Oh Serena, I'm so glad you're okay!" She responded tearfully.

Ash stepped back so as to not get in their way, but Grace caught his eye. "Ash." She stated.

Ash's eyes widened, and he straightened, attempting to make a good impression. "Yeah?"

"I don't think I can thank you enough for saving my daughter." She stated simply, smiling at the boy. Ash felt at ease then, and he relaxed slightly.

"There's no need to thank me. I just tried to make her better. She's done the same for me before." He replied.

"Well, I still appreciate it, so thank you from the bottom of my heart." She told him. "I'm just glad I can see my baby girl again."

Ash smiled. However, Serena's expression was not so happy as him. "Uh, mom?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"Do... Do you mind if I stayed with you tonight?" She asked.

Grace frowned, but hid it quickly. "That's more than fine by me."

Serena nodded, then turned to Ash. "Hey Ash, sorry for leaving you after you healed me and all that..."

Ash also looked concerned, wondering what Serena was thinking. "Nah, you go, I'll be fine on my own. See you tomorrow?"

"Yeah!" Serena agreed. Her and her mother parted ways with Ash, who went to get a room at the Pokemon Center, as the two girls went to Grace's hotel room.

"So Serena." Grace said when the two lay down in their beds. "It's not every day you want to stay with me. What's on your mind?"

Serena looked back with a torn expression. "I... I wanted to be the Kalos Queen, but now that I am... After knowing I'd have to give up on my journey so soon..." Serena hesitated, trying not to cry. "I don't think I want to stop traveling, but will I have to..?"

Grace got up, looking stern. "Serena, I know you never planned to become a performer when you first started on your journey. But I firmly believe you've changed for the better. If you truly want to continue traveling, then find out how to keep at your dream while still being able to do what you enjoy."

Serena bit her lip. "I also... I also don't want to say goodbye to Ash."

Surprisingly, Grace smiled. "Ah, I've suspected as much."

Serena's eyes widened. "Huh?"

"Tell me, do you love him?"

Serena hesitated, but nodded firmly. Grace cracked a grin. "That boy... He seems like a wonderful person to be around. Truly, I'm happy for you. To have found someone so reliable, so caring, especially at your young age, it's quite fascinating." Grace paused. "Tell him how you feel." she asserted.

Serena fidgeted. "I, uh, actually know how he feels. I heard him say it in hospital."

"All the more reason to tell him!" Grace shrugged. "Listen - one important fact that I've learned when I used to travel on Rhyhorn racing tours, is that if you don't make the first step, you'll never make any. So go for broke, no matter what it is you're doing."

Serena beamed. "Mom... Thanks."

Grace smiled, and rolled on her pillow to fall asleep. Serena herself felt her head sinking further into her pillow. Tomorrow will be a good day, Serena affirmed, as she drifted off into a deep sleep.

Ash paced back and forth outside the hotel the next day, with Pikachu gripping onto his shoulder. A little later after he had arrived, he received a buzz on his receiver. He picked it up. "Hello?"

"Hey Ash, it's Clemont! Sorry I can't come out, I fell asleep all of last evening without realising. I can't stop now, seeing as I'm so close."

Ash nodded to himself. "That's okay! It's not like I'm going anywhere anyway, so we'll see each other later?"

"You got it!" Clemont agreed. He hung up, and Ash put the receiver away.

Then, he heard another voice call out to him. Serena's. "Ash!" She shouted.

Ash looked up - Serena was stumbling towards him. Ash ran up to her, in some sort of attempt to meet her halfway. "Morning Serena!"

"Hey Ash! Didja get a good rest?"

"That's right!" He grinned. "It sure is nice to sleep in for a change! I'm sure the others appreciate it too!" He scratched his head while chuckling.

Serena giggled. "So in that case, did you come here for something?"

Ash put a finger to his chin, and blushed slightly. "Uh, well, I've pretty much got a free day today, and I let the others roam around and do what they want. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is... Do you want to come out with me?"

Serena's cheeks burned red, though she beamed at him. "Yeah, that would be lovely!"

Ash smiled. "Awesome! I was just thinking we wander around town, like we did in Coumarine."

"Alright, sounds great!"

The two of them walked slowly next to each other. "Serena, check this out!" Ash remarked after a while.

"Yeah?"

He pointed to a pair of orange dresses in a shop window. Serena smiled. "That looks beautiful!"

Ash grinned, relieved that his... Not so keen eye for fashion was able to spot something Serena liked. He pondered for a moment. "Hey Serena." She turned to him. "Can you do me a favour?" He asked.

Serena tilted her head curiously. "Sure, what is it?"

Ash shrugged. "I've never been great when it comes to clothes - usually my mom finds or makes things for me. So, um, could you give me some tips on what looks nice?"

Serena giggled yet again. "Aw, sure thing!" With that, they entered the clothing store and began to look around.

Serena stopped, and Ash watched her, focusing intently on everything she said. "So, Ash. First thing you should know is which clothes are for which occasion!" She explained. Ash nodded, taking a mental note. "For example, what you're wearing now is great for traveling, but for anything very formal, like a fancy dinner or something like that, it's best to wear... Hmmm, aha!"

She scanned through a section of tuxedos until she came across a murky green suit, with a bow tie and fedora combo.

Serena picked it up with her working hand and held it against Ash's chest. "Yeah, I reckon that suits you!" She exclaimed, making Ash blush again.

"Wow, thanks!" Ash responded happily, and went into the fitting room to try it on.

He came out a minute later. "Well, whaddaya think?" He asked Serena. However, she didn't say a word - instead, she stared at him, open mouthed. "Uh, Serena?"

Serena snapped back to her senses, going bright red. "Y-y-yeah! You look great!" She stuttered.

Ash grinned. "Awesome!" and then Serena left the store immediately, to cool herself off.

"Wow... Ash looks good too..." she thought to herself with a crimson blush.

Soon, Ash exited too, and stood next to her. "Hey, we're by the airport, aren't we? You mind if I check it out real quick?"

Serena nodded, and they headed over. The receptionist told her that the airport would be reopening in a few days. Ash thanked her, and left. "Looks like i'll be going home soon." He told Serena.

But for some reason, he wasn't happy. In fact, the news made him feel dejected. But why? He had always headed home after a league, always to settle down and relax after a long adventure, and to prepare for his next. But this time, he was reluctant to do so. Ash wondered to himself. There had to have been a reason why he didn't want to leave Kalos. He looked at Serena, and understood.

It was because of her he felt this way. He didn't want to leave her behind. Ash bit his lip. He wished he could say something to Serena, but she had her own journey, her own dream. Ash's eyebrows furrowed, and he turned away from her. "Hey look! Let's get one of those!" He said, running off to a food truck.

They both waited in line for a few minutes, and left with a snack each.

"Man, these are delicious!" Ash said while gulping the biscuit down.

Serena smiled softly. "Yeah, it looks like Lumiose City is finally returning to normal."

Ash looked at her. She had a vacant expression on her face. His eyes narrowed. Then, he had an idea. "Hey Serena, let's have a battle!"

Serena stared at him. "Huh?" But then he held her hand, and she blushed heavily as he lead her near to Prism Tower.

Ash took a look down the staircase. "Whew, the battlefield's still there!"

They walked down together; "Huh, this is the battlefield I saw you doing a performance on!" Serena remarked, making Ash scratch his nose sheepishly.

"Hah, yeah, but also a battlefield I fought Clemont on when we first met. Granted, I didn't know he was the Lumiose gym leader."

"Well, whaddaya know!" Serena exclaimed.

Ash continued. "You see, whenever I'm feeling down about something, I find a battle really helps clear my head a bit."

Serena realised what was going on. Ash wanted to cheer her up.

"You'll feel better, i reckon!" Ash confirmed, and Serena smiled.

"Alright then!" Serena agreed. "I've never had a proper battle with you before, so let's do it!"

Serena slowly walked to her side of the battlefield, and tossed a pokeball in front of her. "Braixen, let's go!"

Braixen emerged out of her pokeball, and stood on the battlefield eagerly.

Ash motioned to Pikachu, who promptly jumped off his shoulder and stood facing Braixen.

"Pikachu, use Quick Attack!" Ash commanded, and Pikachu darted at Braixen, colliding head on with her stick which she used to block. However, Pikachu's strength overwhelmed her and she was knocked back.

"Darn, Pikachu's good!" Serena gasped.

"Yeah, keep it up buddy; Iron Tail!"

Braixen tried to block, but again, Pikachu was too strong, and his tail sent her crashing into the floor. She staggered back onto her feet, swiping dirt off her fur.

Serena grinned. "I've got it! Just act like this is a performance!" She told her fox partner. "Alright, Flamethrower!"

"Dodge it, quick!" Ash told Pikachu, who leapt above the blast.

"Jump up, and use Scratch!" Serena ordered. Braixen did so, getting above Pikachu, and honing her claws.

"Iron Tail!" shouted Ash. The two pokemon met midair with their moves.

"And now use Fire Blast!" Serena yelled, and Braixen, with her free hand, reached into her tail and picked up her trusty stick, sending another burst of flames to hit Pikachu.

Pikachu was thrown backwards, but he landed on his feet. "Pikachu!" Ash exclaimed. He grinned at Serena. "Good going! You two make an awesome team!"

Serena beamed. "Thanks Ash!"

"You, and all of your pokemon as well!" Ash added. His face was cheerful and airy. "Yeah, you've got a strong bond with all of them. Sylveon, Pancham, Braixen... I could sense their faith in you when we were trying to find something to help you get better."

Serena put a hand on her heart, appreciatively. "Oh, Ash..."

"When you helped me come to my senses, I figured it out, that I couldn't do anything with my pokemon if it wasn't as a team. And you've had that team spirit in you right from the get-go!"

Serena put a hand to her chin. "Actually Ash, you were the one who made me who I am. You... You're my inspiration!"

"That means a lot to me Serena, thanks." Ash beamed.

Serena recalled Braixen. "You've been so great!" She told the pokeball gently, tucking it away. "Ash? I've figured out what I want to do!"

"Glad to hear it!" Ash replied.

Serena made to leave. "I've got somewhere I need to go! Is that alright?"

Ash nodded, somewhat skeptical. "Well, I don't mind at all! Though, do you want to meet up back here tonight?" Ash asked her. Serena nodded, and Ash sighed with relief, unusually. "See you then, and good luck!" he said, and they parted ways.

Ash headed back into town. Pikachu strolled alongside next to him. "Pikapi, pipika pikachu!"

Ash sighed. "Yeah, I know, I know, I honestly love her. But I can't stop her from being a performer."

Pikachu grimaced, and gave Ash a fleeting Thunderbolt. "Gah!" Ash yelled. "What was that for?!"

"Pikachu, pikapikachu!" Pikachu growled angrily.

Ash looked shocked. Literally, and emotionally. "You really think I should tell her? But why?"

"Pikapika, chupikapi!"

Ash's eyes widened. "You're right. Okay, I'll do it. Thanks for the kick, I really needed it, buddy." he said, scratching Pikachu on the chin. They went into a store, and a couple of minutes later, They walked out, Ash carrying a bag.


Serena went inside the pokemon center alone. She went to a computer, dialled in a number, and waited for the call to connect.

"Hello?" A voice on the other end picked up. Aria.

"Aria, it's me, Serena!"

Aria beamed. "Hiya Serena! Tell me, are you enjoying being Kalos Queen?"

However, Serena frowned, and her eyes wandered. "Well, there was something I wanted to ask you."

Aria looked at her with a concerned expression. "Sure, what is it?"

Serena chewed on her bottom lip. "You see, I'm not going to stay in Kalos anymore." As Aria looked as if she was about to protest, Serena continued hastily. "You see, I don't think I could be the best that I can be if I haven't experienced the rest of the world. And I don't want to be stuck in one region for my entire life, so... I'm so sorry!" She bowed her head.

Strangely, Aria giggled. "That's totally fine by me! That will make me the Queen again, after all! But in all seriousness, if you think you have a plan all figured out, then you go for it! No holding yourself back just because of some silly title!"

Serena looked at her with a big smile. "Aria, thank you so much!"

Aria winked. "Anytime, friend!" And she signed off, leaving Serena beaming at a dead screen. Serena turned around and did a small fist-pump to herself.

Her journey wasn't to end just yet, and soon, she'd be free to travel the world. And she had one more motive. One she didn't want to tell anyone, except for Ash.

And she would do so tonight.


There we have it! The much needed date episode, after the tormented previous chapter. I hope you all enjoyed reading, and I'll see you next chapter!