Okay so it's been about three years and I decided to finish this story with a quick chapter, 'cause **** that author's note, I'm sorry guys, I never should've done that, I was being so stupid. But hey, I wrote another chapter and none of you saw it coming, ha! I don't honestly know who is even gonna read this but to anyone who is, thank you for appreciating my story and not flaming me when I bailed on it three years ago. Sorry this ending is so short, but I need to work on my new story, which I hope you will read as well. Anyways, enjoy!

Chapter 12: Together

Serena could hear the crowd cheering from inside the prep room. She felt the Butterfrees in her stomach making her feel more nervous than she had ever felt before. The crowd's eyes weren't even on her yet; it was solely the anticipation that was stirring about this feeling of uncontrollable excitement. In an effort to comfort herself, she tried to remember all the words of encouragement from her friends and family.

"You're gonna be amazing, Serena!"

"Just believe in yourself and you can do it!"

"We'll all be supporting you from the stands."

"Don't mess this up! You have an opportunity that you cannot waste!"

"No matter what, keep your head up and remember that you will win."

But the one person she really, really wanted to hear from wasn't going to be there that night. Sure, he said he would be watching it on television, but it just wasn't the same. Half the reason she was able to perform with such vigor and enthusiasm last time was because she knew Ash was watching it, live. The boy she started her journey for, the boy she cared for everyday she was with him. The boy she loved.

I need to be strong without him, Serena thought to herself. Or else I'm not strong at all.

A woman poked her head into the room, saying, "Serena? You're up in five minutes."

Serena nodded her head and replied, "Thank you. I'll be ready!"

The woman left. Serena slumped into a chair and thought, I am seriously not ready…

She heard the woman's voice again coming from the hallway, but it seemed distant. She turned around to look at the doorway, but nobody was there. She listened carefully, trying to make out the conversation.

"I'm sorry...you can't...performers only...very sweet but...HEY! You come back here, young man, I just told you you're not allowed in there!"

What is going on? Serena thought, entirely confused...and then she saw him.

He stumbled into the room, out of breath. His hat was barely covering his hair, which was a complete mess, and his eyes looked as if he hadn't slept in days. And of course, his small yellow Pokemon partner was perched on his shoulder as always. "H-Hey, Serena," he said with a smile that melted Serena's heart.

"ASH!" she cried out and ran over, pulling him into a hug. "Ash...I don't understand...you said you forgot and that you had the Junior Cup, and-"

"Forget all of that, Serena. I'm really, really sorry I forgot, but I'm here. I'm here now. And I'm gonna watch you, just like I did last time, and I'm gonna be cheering so loud that-"

But he didn't have time to finish his sentence. Without warning, Serena leaned in and kissed him. It was incredible. It only lasted a few seconds, but both Ash and Serena would look back on this moment and treasure it forever. The two Pokemon trainers looked at each other and suddenly realized that this was how it was supposed to be. Though they weren't saying anything (partially because they were so shocked at what they just did), they could tell by the look in each other's eyes that things were going to change for the better.

The woman barged in and grabbed Ash by the collar. "Young man, as I've said twice before, you are NOT allowed in here! I'm taking you out and you can watch from the stands like every other spectator!"

"Oh c'mon lady! This is like the best moment of my life and you're here to ruin it?!" Ash shouted back.

Serena laughed as she watched Ash struggle against the woman's grasp. "Ash...I still can't believe you came. You have no idea how happy this makes me," she said, a tear falling from her left eye.

"Serena...there's a whole lot I have to say, but it'll have to wait until after you're done...just remember that no matter what happens, don't give up 'till it's over!"

And instantly the Butterfrees in her stomach disappeared. This was all she needed to feel truly confident, truly ready for the final showcase competition. She immediately forgot about all of the words of encouragement she had received from her friends before; this was the only one that mattered. It was such a simple phrase, and it meant pretty much the same thing as any of the others, and yet it was completely different in the most special way. It was short, sweet, nostalgic, corny...and she loved it.

She fought back more tears as she said, "That's...exactly what I needed to hear, Ash. And from the only person I needed to hear it from," she said, smiling from pure joy.

Ash was clutching the doorway to keep the woman from pulling him away. "I'll be watching you, Serena! Just know that I'm here for you," he said just in time before being yanked down the hallway. "Good luck! Not that you're gonna need it! You're amazing!" he shouted from the hallway.

Serena was almost glad he was out of sight, because she was blushing uncontrollably. She tried to get mind to focus again, which was extremely difficult but her determination was revitalized. She walked over to the screen. Aria had just finished performing, and unsurprisingly the crowd was going wild. Aria was radiantly beautiful as always, waving to all of her fans and smiling with that perfect smile of hers.

The woman, who was exhausted from fighting Ash for ten minutes, came back to the room and said, "Okay, Serena, you're up! Are you ready?"

Serena stood up with a smile and nodded with sheer confidence. "I am now."

The End (Actually)