The princess' ball

"Mmm" Serena yawned as she awoke. She sat up for a second then rubbed her eyes, before falling straight back down again letting out an irritated moan. She really wanted to lie in this morning as she was so tired. She'd been up most of the night worrying about the ball. He mother expected her to chose a husband from the princes attending. But she wanted to marry for love. A few days ago she had held onto the hope that perhaps she could fall in love with one of these princes. Until yesterday, for that was the day she had fallen in love. But with a commoner, her mother would never allow her to marry him. She knew this meant that she would have to spend the rest of her life with a man she did not love.

So that pretty much sums up Serena's thought process for the night and the reason she was now laying on her bed; to distraught and tired to get up. A knock sounded at her door causing her to groan in annoyance.

"Whats the problem, your highness." Iris said as she entered. She joked around curtseying just as she always did expecting Serena to act like a prissy princess as normal. She was very surprised when Serena merely fell back on her bed.

"I'm not in the mood today Iris." She moaned.

"Whats gotten you so crabby?" Iris asked, sitting on the bed beside her.

"Nothing. Aside from the fact that I'm in love with a man I can never see again; and have to marry some stranger. All is well." She said, her voice was positively dripping with sarcasm.

"Come on. I'm sure it'll all be fine, you never know. Maybe of you explain, your mum will understand enough to let you be with Ash." Iris said stroking Serena's hair, trying her best to sooth her.

"You think so?" Serena asked. Iris could clearly make out the element of hope in her voice, she knew she had to hold onto that.

"Yes. Now you better get, you have to prepare for the ball remember." Iris said getting up.

"What!" Serena cried sitting up. "The ball's today! I totally forgot!" She complained. She rushed over to her wardrobe and began frantically pulling out her clothes. Iris laughed and started making her bed.

'Good to have you back' she thought.

In the barn…

Ash stirred slowly in his sleep. He opened his eyes slowly, looking up at the beams above the barn. He groaned groggily and sat up. He began to stroke Pikachu as he thought of the dream he had been having. He had dreamt he and Serena were kissing in the glade when all of a sudden beautiful golden wings sprouted from their backs and they jumped off the cliff together. They flew away hand in hand knowing they were both free to be together forever. Until Ash woke up and realised he was still under hid uncles thumb, the village loser and there was no way Serena loved him. Today happened to be the day of Serena's ball. Everyone in the village was going and there were rumours that the princes from other regions would also be attending. Ash felt a sharp pang in his heart at the thought of Serena dancing with some handsome prince. It hurt him to know someone else would be marrying the girl he loved. But then again maybe it was for the best; Serena deserved to be happy after all. And to marry someone worthy of her, like a prince. Not a good for nothing loser who spends all day on his hands and knees scrounging in the muck.

But still no matter how much Ash tried to convince himself that Serena did not love him and he should not love her. His heart had a different opinion.

"I wish I was good enough for the princess." He said allowed. His hollow words echoed throughout the barn. He realised it was doing him no good moping about his pathetic life. He let out a loud yawn and rolled onto the floor. He looked over at Pikachu,who was still fast asleep. He decided to leave him there for the time being and get to work before his uncle killed him. He was just reaching for the door handle when a hand appeared on his shoulder making him jump.

"Wait," The hands owner said in a calm emotionless voice. Ash turned to see who had spoken, when he saw her he was quite taken aback. She was a little much older and her hair had grown down around her waist, she was also sporting some kind of maids uniform. But her eyes hadn't changed one bit, they were exactly as Ash remembered. He just stared in shock at the girl in front of him, he thought he would never see her again.

"May?"…

Back in the palace…

Serena paced back and forth outside of the throne room. She was nervous. Her mother had agreed to let her have five minutes before getting back to the preparations for tonights ball. She didn't know how her mother would take it; she had always hoped Serena would marry some rich handsome prince. Emphasis on rich. But she was still her mother surely she would want Serena to be happy right? Serena kept trying to assure herself of this, but she still had doubts. The door suddenly opened to reveal the large marble throne room.

"The queen will see you now my princess." A guard said, bowing courteously as he addressed the princess. She adjusted herself into the proper sate then walked into the room. She curtseyed to her mother then raised her head indicating for her to speak. The queen, Grace, smiled at her daughter then gestured for the guards to leave them alone. When it was just the two of them she got up for her throne and approached Serena.

"Come." She gestured to the doors leading to the balcony. "Let us take the air one the balcony while you explain your purpose for seeing me." Grace said. The two went outside and stopped at the railing, looking onto the whole village.

"So what did you want to talk about." Grace asked kindly.

"Well. Ok you're probably going to be mad, but I kinda snuck out into the village yesterday." Serena said flinching. Grace's expression had changed from warm mother to cold tyrant before you could see it.

"How dare you! The village is off limits and you know that. What if you had been attacked or murdered or raped or robbed or…" She was in mid rant when Serena quickly cut her off.

"Mom I was fine. Don't worry, it's just that I had to see it. You've no idea how much I wanted to do something myself for a change." She explained. Her mother was still very angry but seemed to simmer down a bit.

"Well I suppose it can be understood with how nervous you must be feeling." She reasoned, clearly referring to all the changes in Serena's life: like the arranged marriage, becoming queen, hosting a ball etc. "And you did the right thing by confessing this to me." she continued. "Ok I'll let you off but don't do this again. Now if that is all…" Grace was saying when she was interrupted yet again.

"Oh no that is not all. You see…" Serena was really nervous as to how her mother would react; but it was to late to back out now.

"I see what!" Grace demanded, becoming rather impatient.

"I met someone!" Serena yelled in frustration. After she realised what she'd said she clamped her hand over her mouth sharpish. She then turned away from her awestruck mother, to scared to look her in the eye as she said the next bit. "I, I think I'm in love." She sighed.

"Love!" Grace said. She didn't yell, in fact her voice was barely a whisper. But it could have frozen the whole kingdom! Her tone was simply oozing with venom; it dripped from the word and froze into charred icicles. Serena was very frightened now.

"You are in love! Let me tell you something Serena love does not mean anything. Why want love when you could have someone with money and power? Like the princes attending the ball tonight." She hissed.

"But mom Ash is…" Serena tired to explain why she was so in love with Ash but her mother snapped at his name.

"ASH!" She screamed. Serena drew back, she was quaking in fear. Her mothers voice immediately returned to the icy sick tone she had minutes ago.

"I've heard that name, isn't he the town's laughing stock?"

"Well yes… But he's so sweet. I can't believe people are so horrible to him." Serena huffed thinking of the way Trip, Paul and Damien had acted yesterday.

"Serena." Her mother started. Her voice had finally returned to it's calm state. "You need to face the facts. Life here is a ladder. You are on the top rung, the best there can be. Your little crush is. Well he isn't even on the ladder, he's filth that is meaningless to people like us."

"Mom!" Serena cried. She was horrified, how could she say such things about Ash. She didn't even know him!

"Thats enough Serena." Her mom was now at the back of the balcony with her hand placed hesitantly on the handle. "You will marry someone suitable and thats final." She slammed the door.

Serena was stunned, her own mother had just dismissed her feelings like they were nothing. The worst part was she wasn't even surprised. Her mother had always been full over herself; her only loves were money and power. Unfortunately for Serena she had them and that meant she had no choice but to do as she was told. She leaned against the railing and slid down it into a sitting position. Soft, silent tears pattered lightly on the floor.

"It's over."

Back in the barn…

"May!" Ash had yelled. May smiled at him, like she hadn't just showed in his barn after 13 years. "What! How! When!" He began babbling in shock. May giggled slightly and waited for him to finish before she opened her mouth.

"Ash. It's so good to see you." She said giving him a hug.

"Well it's good to see you to May." Ash said. "Drew really misses you, you know."

They broke the hug, and Ash could see May's face had acquired a touch of sadness.

"I miss him to." She sighed. But little did either of them know; she wouldn't have to miss him for long. As the barn doors flew wide open to reveal a very tired Drew.

"Ash hurry up or we'll be late." He panted. Then he saw her. He froze.

"May"

"Drew"

They both stared at each other, their eyes perfectly locked. Ash knew it was only a matter of time, he smiled knowingly. Then they both flung into each others arms. They started to cry and kiss passionately just letting go of all the emotions they'd been keeping for each other these past years. Ash laughed warmly and tackled his friends into a group hug. They all laughed joyously before settling into the serious stuff. Drew decided to get the ball rolling and asked May why she was here and where she had been. She explained that she'd been having trouble supporting herself and had no choice but to try find a job somewhere else. When she was unsuccessful in finding employment anywhere else she'd returned to town. But on her way back she noticed Ash with some girl in the glade they use to play at. She was shocked to see it was the princess but soon took note of the way they acted towards each other and realised they were in love.

"Get real." Ash said. May looked at him strangely, till Drew explained what Ash had said about not being worthy of her even though he did harbour feelings for the young princess.

"Well you are worthy. And I've come up with a way to prove it." She said smirking.

"What do you mean?" Ash said.

"Your going to the ball tonight." May said.

"What! I can't my uncle'll never allow it." Ash complained.

"Speaking of which, if we do get a move on he'll be in here beating us till we bleed." Drew said.

"Oh no, I don't think he will." May said evilly.

"What?" Ash asked.

"May. What did you do?!" Drew asked sternly, but May was to busy laughing to answer him.

Ash's uncle happens to be tied to the wall in a stable with May's, very angry, Ponyta staring him down.

"Let's not mind where he is for the moment. But he told me to tell you, you both get the day off." May said innocently. Drew and Ash exchanged unconvinced glances but didn't speak.

"Ok so what is this plan of yours." Drew asked.

"Simple, Ash goes to the ball, pretends to be a prince and marries Serena." May said.

"What, I can't pass for a prince." As claimed. He gestured to his rugged appearance. But May simply giggled and flashed a sly smile at him.

"Leave that to me…"

At the ball…

Bored. Bored. Bored. That was all Serena could feel. Well there was a bit of hope somewhere. It kept making her eyes skim the crowd to see Ash. But as the more doubtful side of her attitude said he wasn't here. The rest of the village, and even people from other villages in the kingdom, were here and having a great time. While they danced Serena sat on a throne beside her mother awaiting the arrival of the princes from other kingdoms. They would each be given the opportunity to impress her and at the end of the week, the prince that had impressed her the most would become her husband. Serena looked out to the crowd of dancing commoners and wished more than anything to join in. She felt like she could barely breath in the extravagant dress she was wearing. It was a pink sleeveless gown that hugged her chest tightly to show of her figure, then spread out in soft pink waves to the floor. Her hair was in a neat bun on her head and decorated with small pink and red roses. She looked like a perfect goddess. The only thing missing was a smile. Normally she loved dressing up in such beautiful clothes; but today, looking at the people dancing around without a care in the world, she wished she could just wear her small plain white dress. That way she could blend in with the crowd and just have fun for a change. Her thoughts were suddenly broken by the sound of trumpets. The music stopped and everyone moved to the sides of the room so there was a clear path from the door to the throne.

"The princes are here darling." The queen said excitedly. Serena smiled and pretended to be interested. Some high level servant Serena didn't know stood at door as very well dressed men entered. The first was much older than Serena, he was tall and tanned. She also noted he had a squint. He passed a card to the servant.

"Prince Brock of the Orange Islands." He announced. Brock then approached the thrones and bowed to the princess. Serena extended her hand just as she had been taught to do. He kissed it lightly then the two proceeded to dance.

"So your from the Orange Islands, whats it like there?" Serena asked. She thought the least she could do was make an effort.

"It's great, there are many different Islands there and each has it's own unique qualities. Kalos is quite nice to your lucky to live here." He said. The two continued to dance and talk about their respective homes and Serena decide he was very nice but she would rather be friends with him than anything else.

When the music stopped the two bowed to each other politely and Serena returned to her throne. Brock went over and attempted to court many of the women in the crowd, Serena giggled at his behaviour and was happy to discover he didn't have romantic feelings for her either. The trumpets sounded once again and a large orange haired man around Serena's age entered. He to passed a card to the servant.

"Prince Morrison of Hoenn." He announced. Like Brock Morrison followed the correct procedures and bowed before the queen and princess. As the two danced Serena decided she also like Morrison. He didn't act like other princes, he was very outgoing and enjoyed a good laugh.

"Your very amusing sir. I would like very much for you and I to become friends." Serena said as they finished their dance.

"Me to. I know I am supposed to impress you enough to earn your hand but to be honest I don't think I'm ready for marriage. I'd much rather just be friends." He said softly.

"I agree." Serena said quietly. The two then bowed to each other and receded to the throne or into the crowd. Then one by one Serena met the many princes.

Prince Ritchie of Johto.

Prince Barry of Sinnoh.

Prince Cilan of Unova.

She quite liked all of them, they were very friendly. But still she didn't feel the endless surge of excitement and pleasure she had felt with Ash. The horns sounded once again and in walked a tall extravagantly dressed man. He had brown hair that spiked around his head and carried himself with an air of arrogance. Serena got a pretty uneasy vibe from him but her mother seemed overjoyed. The servant took the card from him.

"Prince Gary of Kanto." He read. The prince bowed before Grace and told her she looked incredible. Grace was very impressed by the young princes demeanour. He then bowed to Serena and complimented her. She offered him her hand and the two began to dance.

"You are quite an impressive dancer Princess." He said.

"Thank you, and my name is Serena." Serena said.

"Wow, so we're already onto informalities then." He replied. "Very well Serena. So tell me how many layers do you think our wedding cake should have? Because I felt 20 would do nicely." He smirked at her.

"Excuse me!" Serena said, still quietly but the tone of anger was obviously present.

"Well come on it's not like any of these other losers are any better. So naturally you'll pick me." He said arrogantly. He pulled her closer to him and tightened his grip around her waist. She winced slightly, she defiantly did not like this prince at all.

Meanwhile. Outside…

A large white and blue carriage drew up outside the palace. The green haired footman got down from the front and opened the door. A very handsome man in black pants and an expensive blue waistcoat stepped out and began climbing the steps. His face was covered by a mask and a large regal looking crown on his head concealed his messy raven locks. He handed his invitation to the guards and went inside.

"Nice work." A tall brunette in a maid outfit said as she left the carriage.

"Thanks, you did most of this though May, good work stealing the clothes. We are going to return them right?" The boy said.

"Of course don't worry Drew, now that I'm working in the palace I can keep an eye on things while he's here." May said.

"It's a good thing you do work here else you wouldn't have been able to snag that invite." Drew said. The two then joined hands and ascended the steps together.

Back in the ballroom…

The music stopped and Serena drew away from Gary as fast as she could. She then bowed reluctantly and went back to her throne.

"Well how was it. Isn't prince Gary just marvellous, I hear the kingdom of Kanto is the largest and the most wealthy of them all." Grace said eagerly. Serena forced a smile at her mother and told her it was fine. Grace could sense Serena's uncertainty but decided to dismiss it for the time being. Serena had just sat back down again when the trumpets sound yet again. Everyone looked at the door very confused as to what was happening. When another very well dressed man entered. His clothes were even nicer than the others, he had black pants made of the best hand woven silk. And an equally as well made blue waistcoat with gold lapels and straps made of genuine thin woven gold. The clothes fit him so well and really showed off his muscular toned body. He had a blue and black mask covering his face from his nose up and the top of his head was taken up by a large regal crown. He handed a card to the servant and slowly approached the throne. Serena was looking at him intently, there was something familiar about him. Suddenly the servant read aloud what was on the card.

"Prince Satoshi of Alto Mare."

The prince walked up to Serena and her mother and bowed politely. Serena extended her hand again, she was surprised to see it shaking, why was she nervous? When Satoshi took it she felt a spark fly right up her arm, like a static shock only it felt good. His hand was soft and strong, it felt kind of familiar to but Serena decided to dwell on that later. For now she was being practically swept off her feet and into the dance.

"So…" She tried to say something but was at a loss for words.

"It's ok." He said. His voice was deep and soft like warm butter; had she not thought that about someone else's voice?

"You need not speak." He said. "Let us save our words for after the dance." And he began leading her round the room. It wasn't like her other dances though, she didn't have to keep in time or think of something to say to the prince. She only had to relax and allow him to guide her into this new world were only the two of them existed. We she eventually snapped out it, she realised they'd danced into the garden somehow. They broke away, Serena realised she was blushing and it deepened as the awkwardness of the situation set in. Little did she know that under his mask Satoshi was also blushing; but somehow Serena brought out the confidence in him.

"Would you care to take a walk with me." He said kindly. Serena nodded shyly and the two began walking through the garden hand in hand.

Back in the ballroom Grace was thrilled that Serena seemed to be connecting well with one of the princes. The rest of the people had begun dancing again whilst Gary was leaning on the wall at the side of the room looking utterly livid.

In the middle of the dance floor was a brunette maid and a footman with green eyes and hair. They didn't care for how they must have looked though, they were to happy.

"Well that went well." The brunette said.

"Mm," agreed the footman. they both smiled at each other before locking their lips.

In the garden…

Serena and Satoshi walked hand in hand through the gardens. They danced and laughed together and both felt they could stay with each other forever. When they came to the top of a hill in the rose garden they sat down together and stared up at the stars.

"It's so beautiful." Serena said.

"Like you." Said Satoshi. Serena blushed hard, she really liked this prince. Perhaps marring him wouldn't be such a bad thing.

"Tell me, do you have any problems with this arranged marriage?" He asked.

"Well, I really wasn't sure about getting married until I fell in love. Now that I have though it doesn't seem so bad." She said smiling.

"Your in love? With who?" He asked, his voice wavered slightly. She nodded then leaned up and placed her arms around his neck. He leaned back shyly but eventually relaxed and placed his hand around her waist. They kept moving closer until their lips were so close they were brushing. Each of them felt small jolts run up and down their backs. Then they couldn't stand the wait anymore and pulled into each other. Serena clasped her hands on his face and he started running his fingers through her hair; it fell out of the bun but neither of them cared. Serena leaned back and was soon lying on her back with Satoshi next to her. They kept their eyes shut and lips locked the entire time. Serena and Satoshi were far away in bliss land right now so they didn't even notice the guard approaching them until he was right overhead.

"Ah!" Serena cried as she pulled away. She felt embarrassed for kissing so passionately while someone was watching. Satoshi's expression couldn't be seen for the mask but the way he sat up seemed a bit awkward.

"I'm sorry to inform you that it is late and the queen requires you to return to your room my princess." The guard said.

"Oh, of course. Well goodnight my sweet prince." Serena whispered in Satoshi's ear before giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. She then ran back into the castle before Satoshi could say anything.

"Um, the queen has ordered I escort you to the room she had assigned." The guard said. Satoshi nodded and followed the guard back to the palace, he was then lead up a long flight of stairs and down a slightly curved corridor to a large wooden door.

"I'll leave you here, enjoy your evening your highness." The guard said bowing to Satoshi before he left. Satoshi then walked into the room, he was startled at how huge it was, with a small sitting area in the corner and a golden four poster bed at the end of the room. There was a door at the side of the room leading to a medium sized ensuite. He walked in and inspected himself in the mirror, a few strands of his black hair had slipped out from his crown. Luckily it was so dark out Serena hadn't noticed; if she'd realised it was him he would be undone. Satoshi then removed his mask and saw in the mirror the face of Ash. He sighed at himself and looked down at his mask, he knew it was the only reason he stood any chance with Serena. He didn't really feel right lying to her; but he loved her so much he simply couldn't stand to go through life without her. When he'd kissed her today, he'd felt the flow of magic all around them, joining the two together for all eternity.

"I love Serena, but I wonder… Because she loves Satoshi, will she ever be able to love me?"…