Chapter 24

After several minutes of walking Ash and Serena followed by Katie, Lillie and, Gladion arrived back at Ash and Serena's home The Domino Coliseum but arriving here didn't answer Lillie's question to the young couple and that was. "What the big surprise was?" Because from the outside it didn't appear anything was going on but like they always say looks are deceiving as Serena assured everyone they'd find out soon before leading everyone inside and it was there everything fell into place. Inside the Domino Coliseum the battlefield had been completely transformed and converted from a stadium that hosted The domino Grand Tournament into a showcase stadium the largest any of the regions had ever seen with the centerpiece being a grand stage draped in silver and gold curtains and decorations that took up almost three quarters of what was the battlefield.

However while the sight brought joy to Lillie who knew immediately what was going on as she was always a fan of Serena's performances. Katie just looked on in confusion which was the cue for Serena and Ash but mostly Serena to explain the concept of performances and showcases but while Serena's explanation intrigued Katie and peaked the former princess's curiosity. While Gladion on the other hand just looked on at Serena, Katie and even his sister gushing over what Serena has planned with a look of an amusement on his face as the "Emo trainer" thought of the whole performance and contest concepts as un-amusing wastes of time with that said at first Gladion declined Serena's invitation to watch the coming show as a V.I.P. which he was soon scolded by both Ash and Lillie who thought Gladion was being "Exceptionally rude!" Serena though however was not deterred confident that she could make Gladion see the light and make a believer out of him yet when it comes to the power of Performances and they joy they could bring to humans and Pokemon alike. Eventually the "Peer pressure" consumed Gladion as he begrudgingly accepted the invitation to watch the show with Lillie, Ash and, Katie bringing a smile to everyone's face but especially Serena's.

The Following Morning at Domino Coliseum:

The Stadium of Domino Coliseum was erupting into applause and anticipation filled the air as the start time of Serena's exhibition drew near among the crowd was Ash, Katie, Lillie and, Gladion who were watching from the V.I.P box. Eventually the crowd's anticipation was turned to a silent calm as the lights dimmed down and the spotlights focused on the middle of the stage. It was then Serena walked into the spotlight wearing her trademark performance outfit which had gone through some alterations but for the most part was an exact replica of her Kalos performance costume. It was the sight of Serena in her Performance outfit that captivated Ash most of all he couldn't help but stare at his wife from time to time Serena just had that effect on him; no matter what she was wearing Serena always made it look good in Ash's eyes.

Once at the microphone Serena addressed the crowd and her fans watching this event which was being broadcasted around the world; "Good morning everyone and welcome domino coliseum. I'm glad to see we've got such a great audience today and hope you all enjoy the show but, before me and my predecessor aria put on our shows for you; I'd like to introduce you all to a good friend of mine!" "Liz could you come up here please!?"

It was then at Serena's cue Liz walked on stage her black hair shimmering in the spotlight in her glisten white outfit and a guitar clutched in her hand. It was a scene that confused many in the audience about just who this person was and what was going on even Lillie, Katie and Gladion turned to Ash in confusion for answers but rather than answer their questions Ash just told them to watch and see for themselves as their attention returned to the stage where Serena began to speak again; "Liz here is a very talented musician from Paladin Point and she came all the way here to perform a special concert for you all." before Serena turned to Liz and informed her that the stage was hers before stepping back and allowing Liz to begin. However before beginning Liz took the brief chance she had to address the crowd; "Thank you Serena and thank you domino for having me and, i hope you enjoy the show!"

(Insert Sword Art Online Alternative Gun Gale Online Rea(s)oN ( Episode 12 Insert Song)

As Liz began to play the audience in the coliseum and around the world were in awe by her talent at singing and guitar playing even Lillie and Gladion who were skeptical about the level of praise Ash and Serena gave her but were now clearly proven wrong. After Liz completed her "Opening set" for the exhibition she took a slight bow and thanked the people of Domino through the microphone.

Meanwhile Backstage with Serena and Aria:

As Liz finished her set and was thinking the crowd Serena and Aria were listening in backstage still in awe by Liz's talent themselves especially Aria who like most people had never heard Liz's music for the first time however; this did not stop the two women from getting back to the matter at hand and that was to make sure they worked together to give not only Domino but the world a show they'll never forget a vow the two friends sealed with a handshake as they waited for their cue to take the stage.

Back On the Stage:

As Liz concluded her praise to the audience through the microphone Kali's voice rang out through the stadium's P.A. System; "And now for our main event the exhibition performance by our master of ceremonies Serena Ketchum and her predecessor aria with music presented by Liz!" It was an announcement that brought the entire audience to their feet as their applause and anticipation filled the air Liz picked up her guitar and placed it in her hands to begin playing her "Performance set" as Serena and Aria along with their Pokemon took the stage and began their performance. The crowd of course was enjoying the show that both Serena and Aria were putting on but Ash's focus was solely on his wife Serena as she danced elegantly across the stage Ash would never grow tired of watching the person he loved doing what she loved. However all good things must come to an end as Serena and Aria finished their routine with Liz finishing her set not long after.
As the final cord left Liz's guitar the Audience once again erupted in applause as Serena with Aria by her side addressed all their fans around the world; "We hope you all enjoyed the show and we'll see you all next time goodnight Domino..." before exiting stage left with Aria and Liz in tow but as Serena walked off the stage she glanced up and saw Ash and Katie watching her from the V.I.P box acknowledging their presence with a smile before walking off the stage a disappearing from view with Liz and Aria the audience continuing to applaud all three of the performers as they did so.

The Following Morning:

As Sunlight entered her and Ash's bedroom Serena awoke to find Ash was already up and gone. It was also about this time Serena smelled food cooking and quickly got up herself changed into her normal attire and exited their bedroom to investigate. Once downstairs Serena entered the kitchen and saw Ash sitting at the table sipping a drink with a plate of food in front of him with another plate sitting on the table across from him as Pikachu ate his breakfast next to Ash on the floor. It was a sight that brought a smile to Serena's face as she told Ash good morning before taking a seat across from him and asked the raven haired trainer; "You made breakfast this morning!?" It was a question Ash answered with a nod before answering Serena with words; "Yeah; I figured you'd still be exhausted after the exhibition." After Ash explained himself Serena thanked Ash for the food before picking up a piece of toast from her plate and began to eat before the headline on the newspaper sitting next to Ash caught her attention. It was an image of Serena and Aria's show yesterday with the headline; "THE BIGGEST SHOWCASE EXHIBITION IN HISTORY BRINGS SMILES AROUND THE WORLD!" It was a pleasing sight to the honey blonde performer as Ash also informed her about the second headline and that was the fact that Liz was offered a record deal after her work on Serena's exhibition yesterday. News that pleased Serena even more but at the same time curiosity began to creep into her mind and the honey blonde performer couldn't help but ask "Where Katie had run off too?" A question Ash answered with a smile; "She said she was heading into town to work on her surprise for us with Lillie and Gladion and that she'd be back later!" However Ash's response didn't end the curiosity about what this so called surprise Katie was working on really was however; the young couple would learn soon enough.

A little While Later outside Ash and Serena's Home:

While waiting to learn what this big surprise of Katie's was Ash decided to go out and train with Pikachu and Lycanroc to help kill some time. Once outside Pikachu and Lycanroc wasted no time in getting to work throwing Thunderbolt attacks and Rock Throws at one another but unfortunately as is often the case Ash and his Pokemon lost track of time forcing Serena to come out and get them so they could make the trek out into Domino where Katie instructed them to meet them. After a few minutes of walking Ash and Serena along with Pikachu and Lycanroc found themselves in downtown Domino right in front of the Domino History Museum. Outside the museum was Katie sitting on the glisten white staircase leading inside next to Lillie and Gladion as Ash and Serena stared on in confusion. After a few minutes of awkward silence though Serena went ahead and asked Katie what; "she wanted to show us!?" confusion still the primary thought on the performers brain. However rather than answer Serena. Katie instructed Ash and Serena to follow her inside so that they could see for themselves. Before getting up and walking inside the Museum followed by Lillie and Gladion while ash and Serena shared a brief look at one another before climbing up the staircase to follow them with Lycanroc and Pikachu in tow.

Once inside Ash and Serena were greeted by an astonishing sight. Inside the museum Ash and Serena saw multiple glass cases with artifacts they faintly recognized along with paintings, maps and, most shockingly was the tapestry they remembered hanging in Katie's parents throne room in Tempalizin the tapestry depicting the likeness of Katie's mom and dad King Saito and Queen Elizabeth The King & Queen of the Dimensional Plain. While Ash and Serena looked on at awe at the tapestry Katie announced to Ash and Serena just what they were looking at the newest exhibit of The Domino City Museum called; "A Walk Through The Dimensional Plain!"
"A Walk through the Dimensional Plain!" Which currently occupied three quarters of the Domino Museum was an impeccable depiction of The Dimensional Plain so much so it was overwhelming to the young couple as Katie escorted Ash and Serena through the exhibits. They were truly in awe as they passed Items they personally remembered when they themselves were walking through the lost world as its "stand in leaders" as well as objects Ash and Serena recognized through their connection to Saito and Elizabeth. However the most prominent items on display were ten statues that depicted the Ten Divine Dragons. The ones Ash and Serena helped make famous in this dimension. After a half an hour of walking through the exhibit Katie concluded her exclusive tour for Ash and Serena. It was then Katie, Lillie and, Gladion explained to Ash and Serena why they did all this and that's so that the people and culture of the Dimensional Plain would forever be remembered and since both worlds were connected by The Divine Dragons which Ash and Serena ruled it was only logical Domino would be the perfect place for this exhibit. Ash and Serena were truly touched and impressed with the actions and work of Katie the former princess truly had come a long way since the trauma of losing her home world was inflicted on her a sentiment the young couple shared with the former princess without hesitation. It was this praise from Ash and Serena that assured Katie she was doing the right thing and doing it well especially since Ash and Serena were now the closest thing to Parents and a family she had. After sharing their moment Katie requested Ash and Serena come to the opening of "A Walk Through The Dimensional Plain!" to the public as V.I.P guests tomorrow an offer Ash and Serena happily accepted but it was also at that moment Ash and Serena realized something almost simultaneously and that was Katie had just shared her parents story with them but they haven't shared their story with Katie yet. So after sharing a gaze at one another Ash and Serena offered to tell Katie their side of the story an offer Katie happily accepted as she had only heard bits of pieces of it and she did have several questions and, so with that decided Ash and Serena agreed to tell their story to Katie but once they got home as it was a long story. It was then Ash and Serena along with Katie left the museum to return home so Ash and Serena could share their story with Katie.

A Few Minutes Later:

After arriving at their home Ash, Serena and Katie walked inside and made their way to the parlor. Excitement filling the former princess's mind as she would finally get some questions about her "adopted parents" answered. Once they sat down and made themselves comfortable Ash and Serena began their story from the day they first met at the Pokemon summer camp hosted by professor oak in pallet. To their reuniting in Kalos and travels with Clemont and Bonnie to their first introduction to the Divine Dragons and the evil scientist Garmadon. Although Katie couldn't help but laugh when she heard Ash and Serena admit at first that they thought the Divine Dragons were an artificial creation of Garmadn rather than "Dimensional Gods." Something even Ash and Serena had to laugh at as they looked back on it before picking up their story once again this time talking about their adventure after Kalos travelling the world and along with the help of the Divine Dragons rose to the ranks of "world Champions" together and their occasional interactions with Katie's parents Saito and Elizabeth when they would get in over their heads which apparently happened more times than Ash or Serena cared to admit upon looking back at their adventures. The young couple then reflected on how they got to where they are now here in Domino fell in love with this city and settled down here to start their family while Ironically coming into control of The Domino Battle Coliseum that was originally built and operated by the evil scientist that plotted to Kill them numerous times; "Garmadon." with "Almost" no detail spared however out of embarrassment and not wanting to "scar" Katie's young mind Ash and Serena both left out some of the more intimate details of their journey together.

Overall it was a story that took several hours to tell but seemed almost like a "fairy tale" style romance story I'll be it with a few "minor differences"; two childhood friends who were separated then reunited on their respective journeys falling in love with one another on the way and while travelling make the decision to settle down and have a family together. Regardless of its "fairy tale style romance story" this one was Ash and Serena's story and these two childhood friends, this trainer and Performer, this husband and wife wouldn't have it any other way.

The End!?