Serena gazed at Arceus in silence before realizing...this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. The chance to bring back Ash...her first love...Liz's most formidable rival...this almost sounds too good to be true. She slowly asked Arceus,"Is it true? Is there really a way to bring back Ash"? Arceus nodded before saying What I speak of is truth Destined Mate. I am much aware of your marriage with Carl, but...I must warn you not to trust him. Serena was confused as she asked,"Why"?

Arceus responded with Because he is among the followers of a group that is to bring terror to Kanto. He only married you to learn about you and your friends, but you cannot break up with him now because he will grow suspicious. You must withstand him until the quarterfinals of the tournament, then can you let him loose. Serena seemed to understand, after all, she never really liked Carl since he was always such a mysterious figure. She looked up back at Arceus and said,"I'm willing to do anything to bring Ash back. What do I need to do"?

Arceus started to float into the air, saying I must return to the Hall of Origins, but once the tournament progresses, my associates and I will reveal all to you on what to do. However, in order to make sure no one gets hurt, you must not tell anyone about this or of meeting me, not even your best friend, nor your brother and sister. Arceus then disappeared in a flash of light as Serena could only quietly say,"Can't tell anyone? Not even Liz"? Her thoughts got interrupted as I came out, spotting Serena and saying,"There you are. How are you feeling"?

Serena stood up and flashed a smile, saying,"Better now. What are you doing here"? I responded with,"Well, I just wanted to make sure you were ok. I know that this is a lot to take in, believe me, I'm just as surprised as you are. However, Alec is now family and family sticks together no matter who you live with or where you're from. After all, I learned that from you when I was adopted. So, how about we go back to our room, talk with Alec, get to know him, and order room service? I hear you can get the best grilled cheese sandwiches here." Serena couldn't but stifle her laughter as she says,"Ok, but I'm ordering for us, deal," she playfully teased as she started to head back into the building. I just shook my head and said,"She's been hanging out with Miette too much," as I followed her.

Inside, we were walking towards our room when I spotted a trainer receiving his pokeballs from Nurse Joy. He was my age, spiky black hair, tan skinned, but had my hazel eyes. He sported the same gear I had, but in a blue and green color scheme, apart from my black and red color scheme. On his shoulder was a shiny Pichu, who was currently eating a cookie. I had a huge smile as I shouted,"Mark!! Long time no see," as he looked up and saw me, saying,"Liz! It's been too long"!! We high fived and did our special handshake that we made up when we were kids.

After breaking down into laughter, his Pichu looked at me curiously as I say,"I see you caught yourself a Pichu, and a shiny one to be exact. Looks so cute and strong too." Mark petted Pichu as he says,"Yep! Pichu is going to battle with me in the tournament and we're going to win." I smirked before saying,"You'll have to wait a while because I'm winning the tournament." Serena cleared her throat to get our attention as I sweat dropped before saying,"Mark, let me introduce you to Serena, the girl I told you who's mother adopted me and made us sisters. Sis, this is Mark, an old and very dear childhood friend of mine from when I was growing up in Snowbelle City."

Mark looked at Serena and said,"It's great to finally meet you. Lizzy B has told me so much about you," as I grew embarrassed at the nickname, blushing mad red. Serena stifled her laughter and managed to ask,"Lizzy B," before breaking into laughter. I groaned before saying,"It was his nickname for me growing up which was supposed to remain secret," while giving him a playful glare. Mark sheepishly smiled before saying,"I had to. Remember how much it used to drive you nuts when we were kids? I still remember the day when Ms. Georgia called you Lizzy B by accident in front of the whole class. You were redder than a tomato berry cooked in lava."

I groaned in embarrassment before saying,"At least I didn't split my pants trying to mimic a gymnast during recess that same day." Now it was his turn to blush as I just smirked in victory. Serena recovered from laughing so hard, saying,"So, you two have known each other since you were kids"? We nodded as I said,"We've been best friends since we were two and did everything together. Snowball fights, sledding, arguments over ice cream flavors, play group, we even went to school together and were in the same classes. Once we started our respective journeys, Mark and I stayed in touch with letters and phone calls. Though, as we got busy once we got older, we grew a little distant."

Mark added,"But we still kept our memories alive, so, we'd never forget each other. Liz, do you remember that time we were trying to build the biggest snowman in the world, but got caught in a huge snowball"? I laughed, saying,"I do! We went down that hill like a bowling ball and once it landed and broke, you and I looked like tiny snow people! It took your mom two hours and a cup of hot chocolate for us to unfreeze"! We both broke into laughter as I faced Serena and said,"Sis, I'm going to catch up with Mark for a bit. Why don't you head back and I'll join you in a couple of minutes? If mom asks, tell her I'm in the lobby."

Serena responded with,"Ok. I'll order you something for when you get back," as she turned to walk away, leaving Mark and I alone to talk. As she strolled through the hallways, this allowed her to think about what Arceus told her, about keeping this mission secret from everyone, especially Liz. She and her were really close and always told each other everything, so, keeping this secret it...hurt her. Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted by something rubbing against her leg. Serena looked down and saw that it was a Glameow, who purred and meowed at her in concern. Serena knelt down and petted her, saying,"Hi there little one. Where did you come from"?

She got her answer when a voice called out,"There you are Glameow! You can't just run off like that," as Glameow reunited with its trainer. Serena looked up and recognized the trainer as she smiled, saying,"Zoey! Long time no see." The Snowpoint City native smiled, saying,"It's great to see you too. Are you competing in the tournament"? Serena nodded, saying,"I want to win in Ash's honor. How about you? Are you competing as well"? Zoey looked at Glameow while saying,"I'm not competing, but I'm here to support some of my friends who are, and it looks like I have one more to root for. Good luck." Serena smiled as she says,"Thanks Zoey. I'll do my best," however, Zoey could tell something was up when she heard Serena's tone of voice jump.

With that, she asked,"Alright, what's wrong? Usually when your voice softens like that, something's up. Is Braixen sick again"? Serena shook her head, saying,"No, she's fine...it's something else though." Taking a wild shot, Zoey asked,"It's about Ash, huh"? Technically, Zoey wasn't wrong, but to keep herself from revealing what was really up, Serena went along with it, saying,"Even though it's been years now, I still can't help but miss him." Zoey seemed to know how she felt as she placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and said,"I feel you. He was your boyfriend and you two were meant to be. I'm sure right now, he's looking down at us, proud of the woman you've become." Serena then sarcastically responded,"Yeah, he'd be so proud. Instead of just keeping him close, I had to go off, almost forget about him, and end up marrying someone else, who turns out to be a real evil jerk of a-"!

She had to cover her mouth after saying that to prevent anything else from slipping out, but not before Zoey gasped in shock and Glameow jaw dropped. Serena shook slightly before saying,"I-Im sorry...I didn't...I should go," before running off as Zoey shouted,"Wait what? Serena! Come back"! However, Serena was long gone, unable to hear her fellow rival's voice. Zoey looked at Glameow, who meowed its concerns. Zoey turned back to the entrance of the stairway to the lobby, saying,"Liz will know what's happening," as sge headed towards it and went to find me.

Meanwhile, Mark and I were laughing and enjoying ourselves, telling old stories about growing up together. Soon, he got up, saying,"I have to go to my room now, but I do hope we meet in the tournament soon." As he left, I shouted,"Me too! Let's hang out tomorrow," as he nodded before heading upstairs. I got up and was ready to go upstairs too when I heard the doors open and before I knew it, I got tackled to the ground by something. I groaned in pain before looking to see what it was and it turned out to be a Gliscor. As it "hugged" me, I said,"Didn't think I see a Gliscor in these parts." It smiled at me, winking and sticking its tongue out playfully.

I smiled before saying,"You are an affectionate one...wait a minute! Affectionate Gliscor...tackling its trainer...no way," as I got up and brushed myself off. I then shook my head before asking,"Are you...Ash's Gliscor"? It nodded and brought one of its claws forward, offering a handshake. I accepted it, saying,"Wow!! I've heard of you and it's great to finally meet you. So, you were Ash's first ground type and one of his strongest battlers"? It nodded and stuck its chest out with pride before scratching the back of its head, smiling humbly. I couldn't help but laugh as I say,"Charming, tough, and humble...you're definitely Ash's no doubt, but what are you doing here? I thought most of Ash's pokemon were given to his friends since they felt really bad that since he died, you guys wouldn't have a trainer anymore."

It tried to tell me something, but since I didn't speak pokemon, it was hard to understand. So, I did the next best thing: I petted its cheek and my eyes flashed, seeing its thoughts and memories.

Professor Oak had broken the news to all of Ash's pokemon about his death and many were deeply heartbroken. Gliscor was one of the worst cases, feeling as if he would never find another trainer just like him. He would hang in the trees and sob his heart out almost everyday, whether by himself or with some of the other residing pokemon. One night, he didn't want to stand around and, no matter how friendly Dawn, Brock, or any of Ash's friends were, refused to be with another trainer. So, he grabbed his pokeball and soared away into the night. Over the next several years, he trained by himself, going beyond the limit and back, but remained isolated. One day, he was passing a nearby city when he saw a TV playing an article on Liz and how she cared for her pokemon like family and partners. Despite his previous doubts about having another trainer, he heard from Professor Oak about how she was an exceptional case as a trainer. So, he made it his mission to find her and ask to be a part of her team. Unfortunately, since she traveled a lot as Kalos Champion, tracking her was hard and today, he was just lucky enough to spot her today inside the stadium villa.

Once I returned to my senses, I say,"You traveled the world, looking for me"? It nodded and gave me his pokeball with its tail. I looked at the pokeball before looking at it as Gliscor had a hopeful look in its eyes. I smiled before saying,"Ok ok. You want to be on my team, I'm down with that." Gliscor was so happy, it tackled me again in a big hug as I laughed, saying,"You guys sure have unique ways of showing affection." Once I got up again, I took out another pokeball, saying,"I have a friend here who's going to be really happy to see you," as I released Infernape, who looked around before looking at Gliscor, smiling as they both fist bumped. Seeing them bro up, it made me smile as I say,"You two would be a great pair in a double battle." I returned them to their pokeballs to rest as Zoey came up to me, saying,"Liz, I need to talk to you. It's Serena. I think there's something going on between her and Carl," which got my attention real quick.

Carl was going to a conference room since he was going to meet up with Proton to discuss the next step. However, he felt the collar of his shirt get tugged as I pinned him to the wall of a nearby room with brute strength, shouting,"OK JERKWAD!!!! FESS UP!!! WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY SISTER"!?!?!?! He was both surprised and startled, saying,"Woah woah woah! Back up with the accusations! I didn't do anything to her"! I tightened my grip, saying,"Do not lie with me because you can mess with me, but you do NOT mess with my friends and family!! Now talk"!! Carl responded with,"I didn't do anything!! I swear!! Have your Lucario check my aura or something, but I'm telling the truth"! I dropped him for a moment, asking in suspicion,"How'd you know I have a Lucario"?

Carl got up, saying,"Your sister, my wife, told me. What makes you think I did something to her"? Zoey joined in, saying,"I don't know! Maybe her telling me that you're some evil jerk to her"!! Glameow hissed as Carl flinched before saying,"Look, what do I have to do to prove that nothing bad is going on? I'll do anything!! Name your price"!! I sighed and did one of my breathing exercises before saying,"Fine. I'm going to get Serena right now and we're going to settle this and if I hear you harmed in anyway possible...you will be sorry."

I called out my Gardevoir, who appeared in a flash of light. I said,"Gardevoir, teleport to our room and get Serena for me," as it nodded and teleported instantly before reappearing with Serena. Before she could say anything, I placed something on her wrist and Carl's as well. I said,"These are lie detectors. You two are going to talk about your marriage together and give HONEST answers. If you lie, it'll give you a painful shock. So, one of you, start talking"! Serena was nervous as Carl turned to her, saying,"Honey, babe, you know I never would do anything to hurt you right? Remember our wedding vows? I promised to keep you safe no matter what and I've done that right"? Serena looked at him and nodded,"Yes, you have." There was no reaction on the lie detectors, which confused me and Zoey.

He then asked,"Is it true you called me a jerk because if I did something that made you mad or upset, I'm sorry and I apologize for making you feel this way, I really am." Serena looked at him, saying,"I know you are babe." Still no reaction, which surprised me. Maybe I overreacted a bit. Carl then said,"I know. After the first round tomorrow, I'll take you out to dinner and then we could sit by the fountains and look at the stars? I know you love to stargaze." Hearing that, Serena smiled and said,"I'd like that," making me and Zoey jaw drop in realization that Carl was "innocent."

I went up to them and took the bracelets off, saying,"I...owe you guys an apology. I thought there was something bad happening involving Serena and...I overreacted. I'm sorry Carl, I just wanted to make sure everything was ok, but instead, I got overprotective and took the stress out on you. I'm sorry." Zoey apologized as well as Carl shook his head, saying,"No hard feelings. I get it, you love your sister and just wanted to make sure she was safe, but I can promise you, she will be...honest." Hearing that, I eased up a bit and was happy was everything was ok. Carl soon left, saying he was "going to the bathroom," as Zoey headed back to the room she was staying in, leaving me and Serena alone.

I went up to her slowly, saying,"Sorry about that sis. I was just making sure you were ok." Then, I got a reaction I'd never expect to come from her. *SLAP*!!! She slapped her right across the face while shouting,"Why'd you have to drag me into that?! I was doing fine before you made things worse"!! She stormed passed me as I shouted as a response,"I was only looking out for you"! She turned back to me and shouted,"You want to look out for me?! Then, stay out of my business and stop making things more complicated than they already are," before storming off. I put my hand over where she hit me as I said,"What the heck was that about? I was only making sure she wasn't hurt in anyway and I get a slap to the face. She's never been like this before. Why"? Something answered my question for me, saying Because she has a secret. I looked around, asking,"Who said that," as I got a response Down here, making me look at a potted plant with pink roses.

Climbing on top of the plant was a tiny green and white pokemon with a pink flower on its head. I was stunned, saying,"A Shaymin..." It nodded, saying Yeah, yeah, you know your pokemon, let's get back to the issue at hand. Yes, I'm a Shaymin and I got some info for you. You've been wondering why the Destined Mate is frantic, and my Destined Mate, I mean your sister, which I will explain later. Well, she got a secret she can't say to anyone, even you. This surprised me as I say,"Does it involve Carl"? It nodded, saying It involves him among other things, including a chance of a lifetime. So sit down kid because I'm abouts to tell you a story involving what's going on. Spoiler alert- it's gonna be shocking so you don't tell anyone 'bout this, promise? I nodded my head and sat down as it jumped down onto my lap and began by saying It started earlier when she was crying her heart out at the fountain.