Epilogue

~ Lumiose City ~

"Just take 'em to Lumiose Prison for now. We'll decide how long they'll stay there later," Officer Jenny told her officers.

Clemont knelt in front of the wreckage that was once the great Prism Tower. Of course, to him, it had been so much more than just a famous landmark. Bonnie was also deeply upset by the destruction of it, standing next to her big brother as she cried softly.

Officer Jenny put a hand on Clemont's shoulder. "Chin up, gadget boy," she said. "In all my years of law enforcement, I've never met anyone brighter than yourself. You've got plenty of brains to redesign and reconstruct the tower. Who knows, maybe you can even make some improvements to it. After all, if you can't do it...then who will?"

That was her final remark before she turned and mounted her motorcycle, riding off to catch her next criminal. After Zygarde had returned to its home in Terminus Cave, Shelly and Tabitha had turned themselves in. Matt did not turn himself in, but Ash's Staraptor was able to intercept his helicopter and Officer Jenny was able to arrest him. Courtney escaped, and her whereabouts are unknown.

Luckily, all of Team Dedenne were able to make it safely to the ground before Courtney took off. With a few exceptions, the most evident of them being Clemont, most everyone was celebrating that the battle was finally over.

Having left the Pokemon League for far too long, Diantha had to leave immediately. She spoke to Ash and Zinnia briefly before she left.

"Ash...Zinnia...I don't know how I can thank you two enough. Both of you played such pivotal roles in this effort, and without you...well, I would rather not think about it. I wish I could stay to say more; you two deserve so much more praise than what I'm giving you right now...but I must leave. Good luck to the two of you...and I hope we will meet again sometime in the near future," Diantha said.

And with that, she and her Gardevoir Teleported away.

Zinnia turned to Ash. "Well, it was nice saving the region and all, but I unfortunately have to be getting home as well. I'm sorry I didn't get to know you better; but I'm sure we could be great friends if we met – as Diantha just said – sometime in the near future," she said, smiling as she extended her hand out towards Ash.

Ash accepted the handshake cheerfully. "You're right, Zinnia. Maybe next time you can tell me all about the Draconid people, though my friend Iris would probably find it more interesting. Not that I wouldn't listen, of course, 'cause you're pretty amazing," he said, smiling.

Zinnia nodded. "Thanks, Ash. You're not so bad yourself," she joked as she climbed onto the back of her Salamence. "C'mon, Aster...let's go explore the Sea Spirit's Den before we head home. Something tells me we'll find something or someone there." She waved good-bye to everyone as she flew off into the sky, traveling as a free spirit. Although I may not have harnessed the power of Rayquaza...I still feel that I have redeemed myself here...I feel refreshed, like a new person...and I am proud to be one of the Draconid.

As Ash watched her leave, Misty and Gary walked up to him together to say good-bye, as they had to get back to their responsibilities back at home. Ash was sad to see them go, especially since he hadn't even had the chance to catch up with them, but he knew Misty was a Gym Leader and Gary was an aspiring professor.

"Well, Ashy-boy, it's been cool seeing you again," Gary said, using the age-old nickname he used to call Ash when they were younger. This brought a smile to Ash's face as he shook Gary's hand. "Yeah, it sure has...where are you headed next for research?" Ash asked his old rival.

Gary shrugged. "Not sure yet. I have to write up a report on Baby Pokemon for Gramps, but after that I think I might just go for a little vacation...this whole global crisis thing was kinda stressful for me," he replied.

Misty nodded in agreement. "Same here...but it really brought back memories of when we were younger, didn't it, Ash?" she asked. She missed those days; the days she could travel the world whenever she wanted, and with her friends beside her the whole time, no less.

Ash smiled and nodded. "Oh, yeah. Like, I know this was pretty crazy, but it still doesn't beat the time when we fought the Mirage Pokemon," he said excitedly, remembering the Mirage Mew who had sacrificed itself to stop the Mirage Mewtwo, an abomination created by a mysterious professor named Dr. Young."

Gary frowned. "Sounds pretty cool...I guess I missed out," he said.

Misty laughed a little. "Well, I'd be happy to tell you all about our adventures on the plane home, Gary. Let's go...we're going to be late," she said.

"Don't forget about me!" Brock shouted, waving as he ran over to the three friends. Out of breath, he said, "I just had to stop by the Pokemon Center to pick up some stuff real quick."

Misty smirked skeptically. "Really? Or did you just want to flirt with a Nurse Joy from Kalos?"

Everyone laughed at that, even Brock. Ash waved to them as they walked to the airport, wondering when he himself would be getting back home. He wanted to, no doubt; his mom was probably worried sick about him. But there was something he needed to do before then. Something that could possibly involve not going home for a while.

He was about to find Serena when he heard a familiar voice behind him. "Ash!" it yelled.

Ash turned to see May and Drew walking towards him. "Oh, hey guys," he said to them. "You guys heading out?"

May shook her head. "Oh, no! Now that we're here, I wanted to stay and look around Kalos a bit. I heard its absolutely beautiful here...plus, you just can't go wrong when you're in the region of love," she said, glancing at Drew. "Are you staying here, Ash?" she asked her old mentor.

Ash shrugged. "You know, I'm not so sure yet. It'd be great to get back home, but, uh...there's just, um, something I...you know, I-"

May laughed and wrapped her arms around him in a friendly hug. "Well, this is good-bye, just in case I don't see you for a while," she said. Then she pulled away and smirked. "And good luck with the girl, whoever she is," she said, winking.

Ash blushed like crazy at that last comment. He was about to ask her how she knew, but realized that she was May. Of course she knew. She was basically a genius when it came to romance.

Drew smiled. "Yeah, I kinda wanted to go back home, but what can I say...this girl is everything to me," he said.

"Aw, Drew, that's so sweet," May said as she leaned in and kissed him. Laughing, Ash held up his hand and said, "Get a room, guys."

The couple laughed and waved good-bye as they walked into the shopping district of Lumiose City. Wow, Ash thought. They are a perfect match...

"Dee Dee, let's go back home...I think our parents are probably worried about us," Kenny said to Dawn.

Dawn nodded. "Yeah...and I think we both deserve a nice picnic by Lake Verity when we get back...how does that sound?" she said cheerfully, her eyes lighting up from the thought.

Ash walked up to the couple and shook Kenny's hand. "Thanks for comin' out, you two. You guys were invaluable to the team...not to mention its always great to see you guys again," Ash said with a smile. "Just don't get into any trouble over in Sinnoh, alright?" he joked.

Dawn gave Ash a big hug. "No need to worry, Ash," she said, embracing her old Sinnoh traveling companion.

"Hey, Ash," Paul said.

Ash turned and nodded. "Hey, Paul. Thanks for helpin' us out, man, I really appreciate it," he said to his old Sinnoh rival.

Paul nodded. "No problem. I think I'll stick around Kalos for a while...maybe catch a few Pokemon here. Next time I run into you, we should have a battle," he said in a challenging tone.

"Sure thing, Paul. I'm lookin' forward to it!" Ash said cheerfully as he waved good-bye to him.

The next to say good-bye were Cilan and Iris, who, like the others, had commitments back at their own home, the Unova region. Cilan was still doing his best to become the best Pokemon connoisseur there ever was, and Iris was still on the path of becoming a Dragon Master.

"Well, Ash, you're still a kid, but that was some pretty cool shit you did out there," Iris said, patting her old companion on the back.

Cilan laughed. "Yes, I was very impressed as well...you've grown up considerably, Ash, I hope you recognize that," he said with a proud smile on his face. "You're certainly not the same kid who kept bickering with Iris over the most trivial affairs," he joked.

Ash chuckled. "You're right, Cilan, I'm not that kid anymore," he said, glancing at Iris, who laughed in response. "You guys take care, alright?"

Cilan and Iris both nodded as they walked off to the airport together, playfully arguing about who had been more immature between Ash and Iris back when they were all still traveling with each other in Unova.

A small hand tapped Ash on the shoulder. He looked down and saw Bonnie standing there, her eyes indicating that she had been crying. Now, however, she was smiling her usual sunny smile, and she was giving Ash a hug.

"Clemont and I are going to work together to rebuild Prism Tower," she said, sniffling.

Ash smiled. "Really? That's nice...but, uh, what are you going to do to contribute?" he asked lightheartedly.

Bonnie smiled. "I'm going to be the designer! I've always wanted Prism Tower to look more, how can I say this...feminine," she answered cheerfully. Despite the tragedy of losing her brother's Gym and workshop, Bonnie's spirits were still upbeat. There were few things in this world that could diminish her chipper personality, even for a short period of time.

Ash couldn't help but laugh. Bonnie had grown up, but she still had a good amount of that child-like innocence about her. "That's awesome, Bonnie, but I would probably run that by Clemont before you start building," he said, smiling. "But, uh...is Clemont gonna be okay?" he asked, concerned for his friend.

Bonnie nodded with another smile. "Oh, he'll be fine. As much of a baby as he is, I know he'll be able to get back on his feet. After all, Prism Tower was his life...he's gonna need it, one way or another," she said, chuckling a little. "But yeah, I should go check on him now...bye, Ash!" she said, giving him another quick hug before running off to her father's home where her family awaited her.

"Ash!"

Man, so many people wanting to say good-bye, it's almost exhausting, Ash thought to himself as he turned and saw Shauna, Tierno, and Trevor all walking up to him. He smiled at them.

Trevor and Tierno were both brief. "Wulfric invited me to take pictures of Pokemon in Pokemon Village! But he said it needs to be today, so I'm off to Snowbelle City right now. Hopefully I'll see ya later, Ash!" Trevor shouted as he ran off towards the gate.

Tierno shook Ash's hand. "Well, I know we didn't get to battle like we usually do, but next time I see you let's definitely pick it up again," he said, smiling at his old rival.

Ash nodded. "For sure! Alain told me you've gotten a lot stronger," he said. "I can't wait to see for myself!"

As Tierno's figure faded into the distance, Ash caught sight of Serena standing alone over on the street corner. He was just about to walk over to her when Shauna gently touched Ash's arm. "Ash?" she asked.

Having forgotten Shauna was there, Ash felt his heart sank. He knew Shauna had feelings for him, or was at least enamored by his physical appearance, but he just didn't feel the same. Well, that was half-true...she was extremely attractive, there was no doubt about that...but he just didn't like her in that way.

He was trying to come up with a nice way to let her down when she said, "I know what you're thinking..."

Ash blinked. "Wait...what?" he asked, confused. "Are you sure?"

Shauna laughed and blushed. "Of course I do," she said, taking her hand off of his arm.

Ash took a step back. "I thought...you liked me," he said, lightly touching where her hand had been just moments ago.

Shauna laughed again. "Is that disappointment I hear?" she joked. "I do like you, Ash...but I know it's not mutual. I see the way you look at her..." she nodded over in Serena's direction, "and I know for sure she's had a thing for you for the longest time," she said, rolling her eyes as she remembered how clueless Ash had been when they were all ten.

This time it was Ash's turn to blush. "Well...you're right...there's no way around it. I'm totally into her...and I wanna be with her more than anything in the world," he said.

Shauna shrugged. "Then what the hell are you waiting for, Ash? She's right over there, for Arceus' sake!" she said, gesturing over in Serena's direction. She gave Ash a quick peck on the cheek. "Sorry...I couldn't resist. But Ash...good luck...and I hope you're happy with her. She is one of the most amazing girls you will ever meet," Shauna said as she turned and started walking away. She made sure to be far enough before letting the tears fall down her face. Ash...I don't know how I'll get over you, but I truly do hope you'll be happy with her.

Ash stood there, a little dumbfounded, then suddenly came to his senses when he saw Calem approach Serena. He quickly glanced over at Shauna, then turned and started making his way towards them.

"Serena...I'm sorry for what I said. It was wrong...and offensive. I didn't mean it," Calem was saying.

Serena shifted her feet around uncomfortably. He was being an asshole...but now, his voice seems so sincere, the same voice that convinced me to forget about Ash, she thought to herself. She very nearly freaked out when she noticed that Ash was coming towards them. Oh no...this might end badly...

"Please, Serena, I-" Calem started, just then realizing Ash had approached them. "What do you want, Ketchum?" he demanded, his tone of voice now in complete contrast to what it had been just a few seconds earlier.

Serena saw the look in Calem's eyes. It wasn't the look of the nice, sweet-talking guy she had been going out with before this whole thing happened. Calem wasn't who she had thought he was.

Ash didn't even acknowledge Calem's presence as he said, "Serena...you don't have to be talking to him."

That statement hung in the air within a few moments of silence. It was brief; concise, yet powerful at the same time. Serena contemplated Ash's words, knowing that he was right...Calem wasn't worth her time. In the end, or, just as relevantly, in the beginning...Ash was and always had been the one for her. She knew it the day he had helped her knee in the woods when they were just six years old.

Calem's voice returned to that sweet, soothing tone he had used to talk to her. "Serena...you know that I'm the one for you...don't you?" he said confidently.

Serena wiped a tear from her eye and said, "No, Calem. You're not the one for me. You're...you're so fake and I can't believe I didn't realize it until now...you just pretend to be kind and sweet because...because why? Because of my looks? My body? I don't know, but whatever it is, it's not yours...I was never yours. You found me when I was at a low point in life and convinced me that Ash no longer cared about me...and I feel ashamed to think that I fell for it, because Ash is the one who cares the most for me."

Ash felt his heart warm from hearing Serena's words, especially those last few. He felt angry at Calem for having taken advantage of her, but then realized that it was partially his fault in the first place for not getting in touch with her. He would have to apologize and make up for it somehow.

"You can leave now," Ash said flatly. "Unless you have some more bull shit to add."

Calem looked as if he wanted to say something more, but thought better of it. He simply stood there for a few moments, then turned to leave without saying another word. He silently walked away from the two childhood friends as if he had never known them.

Serena didn't watch him leave. Instead, she immediately turned to Ash and covered her face with her hands. "I'm sorry you had to witness that," she said.

Ash shook his head and touched her arms with his hands. "Don't be sorry...here, uncover your face...it looks much prettier without your hands over it," he said, smiling as he gently moved her arms back down by her sides.

Serena smiled and blushed. "Th-thank you, Ash..." she managed to say. She tried her best to hide it, but her heart was beating fast and she was getting a bit anxious...being within such close proximity of Ash was always an exhilarating feeling for her.

Ash seemed nervous, scratching the back of his head occasionally and shifting his feet around a little. "Uh, so, Serena...I was just wondering...if maybe you'd wanna go to dinner with me tonight? I was thinking Coumarine City, seeing as how this place is kinda wrecked..." he said, his brown eyes gazing into her blue ones as he smiled at her.

Serena could've jumped into the air out of pure joy. Is this a dream? Is this really happening? she thought to herself. Coumarine City...is this just a coincidence, or is that place just as special to him as it is to me? she wondered, remembering the Pledging Tree and how Ash had given her the blue ribbon she still wore today.

"Of course, Ash! I'd love to," she said, her cheeks blushing as her eyes gleamed with happiness and adoration. Whether Ash had picked Coumarine City for a reason, or whether Ash was as excited as she was at that moment, she didn't quite know for sure. But something about the way his face lit up when she said those words gave her the impression that he was overcome with joy.

"Great!" Ash exclaimed excitedly, trying his absolute best to keep his cool in front of Serena. "But, uh, it's only four right now...I don't know if you have any plans or anyth-"

Serena cut him off. "How about we walk there, then?" she suggested cheerfully. "It'll take us just about one or two hours to get there...that is, if you'd want to walk..." she said hopefully, looking up at him.

Ash smiled, which made her heart skip a beat. "That sounds like a great idea," he said as he took her hand in his. The two childhood friends began their walk to Coumarine City, hand in hand.

For both Ash and Serena, there was nothing that could have made them happier.

The End

– – – –

Finally, the story has come to a close. I'd like to thank each and every one of you who has followed/favorited this story; without your support, I'm not sure if I would have had the motivation to finish my work. Special shoutouts to Halo Ash and ultimateCCC for reviewing every chapter, I really appreciate that. Also, even if you didn't follow/favorite/review, I want to thank you for reading the whole thing through but I would also like to know if there was anything I could have done better to maybe earn that support from you.

Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed this story, I personally think it's my best one so far. If you haven't already, it would mean a lot to me if you checked out some of my other stories. While they may not be as good as this one, I certainly think they are worth a read if you have the time. One last thanks, and I hope you'll follow me for my new stories to come!