For the first time since Ash got to the event, the world was silent. The crowd was parted, leaving a clear line to the throne.

His throne.

As was typical, the throne was at the top of a small flight of violet-carpeted stairs. The throne stood alone, tall and golden, atop it was a large golden Pokéball, serving as decoration, deep crimson cushion serving as comfort. So simple (if extravagant) a thing, yet so meaningful. Ash walked alone, save for Pikachu, who was on his shoulder. Every step seemed to carry the weight of the world, to be seen by the world. This moment would be broadcast to all. His words would be broadcast to all.

He'd asked Quentin for advice as they left the hall, fat lot of good it did him.

"No matter what, you must remember the ones you care for are important, and you must make sure they know that. Tell them, while you still can." He sighed, then smiled. "Ah, ignore me! Just say whatever you want, it's your bloody speech."

A list of profound things would have been helpful. His words would be going worldwide after all, something wise wouldn't been appreciated. His words would be to the world, everyone would be watching. Everyone.

Maybe...everyone.

Yeah, he had a list of things to say.

He stopped at the base of the stairs, and turned around. He waited, silently for a moment, as the crowd adjusted to the first unexpected move of his career.

The first of many.

"You know, the day I became a trainer, I overslept, and left the house in my pyjamas." Ash smirked. "Yeah, who do you think saw this day coming?" A few titters scattered through the crowd, and undoubtedly, through a few viewers homes as well. "Sorry, I didn't write anything ahead of time, but I've always spoken best when I just say what I feel, so I'm gonna go with that." He smiled wide, quickly grinning. "First, I gotta thank my Pokémon, and not the just the team that won me the title. Not even the ones I still have. Every Pokémon I've ever caught, befriended, interacted with and even fought has taught me something. They still do, but it's my Pokémon that taught me the most. Thanks, everyone."

Pikachu suddenly nuzzled Ash's cheek. "Pika chu, pikapi." Thank you, Ash.

"I wanna thank my predecessor, for fighting me." Ash broke into a million-watt grin. "Thanks Quentin. That was the best battle ever. I learned a lot." Ash's smile faded, his face become sombre. "I've learned I can't run anymore. Getting here, to this day, I-I made some mistakes on the way. I got words to say to some people, if they're watching, if they even wanna listen."

He took a deep breath.

XXXXXXXXXXX

"Brock."

Brock turned to the TV he'd only been paying half his attention to.

"You were right. I don't know how to put it better than that I'm sorry our last meeting went like that. You're the closest thing I had to a brother, and I-" The bridge of Ash's hat covered his eyes. "I'm sorry I didn't listen."

Brock too, found himself unable to face the screen all of a sudden.

"You're not the only one."

XXXXXXXXXXXX

"May. Dawn."

Dawn had changed channel at just the right time.

"I was there when you started out. I was there in your earliest days. I watched each of you go from just starting out into pros. I missed a bit of it, but look at you now!" He smiled. "You've both made me proud."

"Chaaa."

Ash grinned wide...

XXXXXXXXXXXX

"Max!"

In front of his TV, Max suddenly jumped.

"The second you start your journey you call me! I promised you a battle. Make sure Raltas is ready, 'cause I want a good fight out of you!" At that, Pikachu's cheeks sparked ("Pika!"). "Afterwards I'll teach you a few tricks. You'll be mopping the floor with your dad in no time!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Tracey, Gary. Thanks, you guys." He smiled. "Thanks, mom. I love you."

Ash's eyes scanned the crowd, finding a young woman with an Azuril in her arms.

"I missed everyone, but I missed you most of all. Misty. Every day you weren't travelling with me, I missed you. You kicked my ass forward from day one. You kept me going when it got really bad. I'd have thrown in the towel eventually most likely if you haven't motivated me. Even when you were away you seemed to keep pushing me forward. I wouldn't have done this without you." Ash paused for a moment, laughing to himself. "You know, getting your bike wrecked may have been the single best thing I ever did. If I hadn't you'd have had no reason to follow me around."

"It wasn't about the bike." Misty couldn't help but smile. "Stupid Ash."

"You were my best friend. I never told you that. I never told any of you I cared. Sorry for that, you guys. I'm sorry I walked to the end of my road without you." His eyes, briefly wavered, his hat lowering to cover them again. "If I could do it over, I'd walk far longer, if you were there with me." His fists suddenly clenched, and his posture became sterner. "But I'm here now, and I've got a job to do."

With that, he turned, taking the first step. "Honestly, I'm not sure I'm worthy of this." Another. "Maybe I am, maybe I'm not," another "but I'm not going anywhere." Another. "I've fought the best, I've beat the best. I'm the strongest." He reached the top, making way to his throne. "I am Pokémon Grandmaster, and the only way I go is if somebody beats me." He turned around, spreading his arms. "So if any of you think you got what it takes..."

He sat upon his throne, head down, his hat covering his eyes. The weight of the throne, he could feel it. Every one who had sat here before him, their legacy was in his hands now. He was the next link in the chain of Grandmasters. A weak link could break the chain, and he'd never again be weak. Not in battle, and not in life, because from here on out, every day would be a battle. The eyes of the world were upon him, and countless were waiting for a moment, their chance to strike, and take what was his. Countless trainers would be marching forward, for the chance to face, and beat him.

Just like that flock of Spearow...

Ash raised his head, his eyes burning bright, his conviction running to his very bones.

"Come and get me!"

Applause. With a chorus of claps, the Grandmaster's declaration had been made to the world. Ash couldn't help but feel, that somewhere, out there, perhaps now, perhaps in time... "Here I come."

He'd be waiting.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Heh."

Brock should have expected something like this. Somehow, in the moment, that's all he could think. He should have expected this.

"Guess he didn't change that much." He smiled, chuckling to himself, before he found himself openly laughing.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Dawn kept her gaze on the television, her face between trying to brood, and failing to do so. "He's still a jerk, right?"

"A bit. But he's our jerk."

Dawn nodded. "Yeah, our jerk." She turned to May. "Our Ash?"

May sighed. "Our Ash."

They smiled.

"Our Ash."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Now Max considered himself the most level-headed of the children in his family. Where as his sister was more prone to acting on her emotions, Max preferred to rely on his intellect, always thinking everything through, never losing his composure if he could help it.

Now, however, he was jumping around like, well, somebody his age.

"You up for it, Ralts?"

"Ralts!"

"Yeah!" Both shot a fist up to the ceiling. "Let's go train!"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Many a word can be used to describe Ash Ketchum, and in various moods, Misty had pretty much used them all. Kind. Caring. Reckless. Stubborn. Relentless. Cunning. Stupid (a common one). Giving. Fearless. Heartless. Sweet. The list went on for many words, and the validity of each word's applications varied, but one word would always stand out true.

Imperfect.

Ash Ketchum made mistakes, and at times, monumental ones. If one word had no application (or close enough) to Ash, it would be malicious. Sometimes Ash would lose sight of things, or did something which could be seen as mean, but no matter what, he'd never stop caring about those close to him. He'd never intend, or had intended to hut anyone he cared about. His heart would never let them go. Never let her go.

"Another thing to love about him."

Ash made his way from the throne, in the direction where three people, and three Pokémon where standing, his three predecessors. Andre smiled. "Nice speech, kid. Direct, humble, with just a dash of ego. Masato would've liked it."

Callista's brow twitched. "Hey! You didn't say that about my speech!"

"Indeed I didn't."

"You're sleeping on the couch, for a week."

"Yes, dear."

It suddenly hit Ash; in his painting, Andre was holding alcohol-"Wait-You two married?"

Andre shrugged "My wife's never done anything normally. Actually, I wonder if she even can." ("Hey!") "What can I say? Red-heads do it for me. Why else would I put up her antics?"

Callista growled. "Make that a month."

Andre smirked. "You won't last a fortnight."

"You're on!"

Quentin sighed, rubbing his temples. "Ladies and gentlemen; my predecessors."

"Mine too." At that moment, Ash realized one thing, one very important thing; Grandmasters were never quite normal.

Quentin smiled, and began walking. "And I must take my leave. I never got the point of this part. Oh well..." Quentin offered his arm to Alivia. "My lady."

Callista turned to Andre, offering her hand. "My man."

"I really am getting too old for this."

"Don't care. Dance. Now."

Andre rolled his eyes, handing his sniggering Zangoose his cane. "Work, work, work..."

Another set of pairs left for the dance floor, joining the mass of rapidly forming pairs. Now all Ash had to do was-Oh shit.

He didn't have a partner! That's it, he was having this part of the ceremony removed tomorrow. A Grandmaster shouldn't have to put up with this crap. Okay, okay, he had to calm down. Where could he get a partner on this short notice? Who did he really know? He could ask Anabel, but he'd lost track of her and, well she seemed kinda down (he was seriously gonna have to figure out what he did). Cynthia was here, but would she consent to that? The age difference might be a bit weird, and between her locking him in that tomb, and him beating her in the final round of the Champion (sweet revenge!) it might be a bit awkward. Well, there was one female who'd agree to dance with him...he quietly groaned.

Well this was gonna be in all the papers. The public was gonna love this. It was gonna be on every paper from here to Unova; 'Grandmaster Ash Ketchum dances with his mother'. What a way to nose dive. A speech that great, and he didn't even need five minutes to ruin the effect. He'd need to make one hell of a pubic appearance soon, only an epic beat down was going to erase this from the public mind. Alright, where was his mom...

Misty watched, nearly hidden as Ash's eyes darted around, looking for a partner. She considered approaching, but, well, it was Ash, it's a surprise he hadn't bolted for the nearest exit. Besides, her hands were literally full, which had the positive side effect of keeping anyone else from asking her. She was roused from her thoughts by a hand on her shoulder. Delia met her gaze with a smile.

"Ash needs a partner, and what boy wants to be seen dancing with his own mother? My boy should be seen with a beautiful woman on his arm." She looked down at Misty's bundle, holding out her own arms. "Come to auntie Delia!"

"Zuril!"

Delia caught the bouncing, cheery bundle out of the air, giving Misty one last meaningful look. "If you don't, somebody else will."

Damn, Delia knew her too well. Misty nodded, and began walking towards Ash.

Pikachu grinned. "Pikapi." He grabbed Ash by the back of his head, turning Ash to face-

Ash froze.

Misty did too.

(Pikachu leapt off Ash's shoulder, which neither of them noticed)

The two just stood there, lost at what to do, for a moment. Ash gulped, and raised his hand. Misty looked briefly at his hand, and back to his eyes, for a moment, they were hopeful, yet afraid.

She stepped forward, and took his hand.

The two grew closer. The closet they had been since, since last time. He slowly slipped his arm around her waist, drawing them closer. Their hesitation gave way to their gazes, becoming locked in eachother. Even in its context, this moment felt right. In time with the soft music, the pair were united in motion. Somewhere, in the back of his mind, Ash could see the oddity of this. He was dancing, and-and enjoying it. Ash did not dance. Yet somehow, with Misty, it felt right. Dancing, holding hands, there was so many things Ash would really rather not do, generally speaking, but with Misty...it just made sense.

They just made sense. Here, with her, dancing, staring into her eyes. This made sense. Like it was something intrinsic to the nature of the universe. He'd always liked her eyes, and no matter what else had changed, what hadn't was when their eyes met. Ash had never been psychic, nor Misty (as far as he knew anyway), but when they shared a gaze, it was like they could read one another. Even now, he could read her heart. What stared back at him, was his own doing. He could see some pain, but...he saw happiness too. Had his words reached her? Could he believe, for a moment, that he could repair the damage he'd caused?

Could things be okay again?

He hoped so. The pair continued to move. It was strange to see Misty so, so dressed up. Seeing her like this, in that dress, and make up, with her hair down, it was as he was seeing her for the first time...

"Beautiful."

"Handsome."

Now where had he learned to dance? Whoever pulled off teaching Ash to dance was due several medals. Among the good things about him, cultural refinement was not one of them, not that Misty was complaining. One of her childhood fantasies was coming true. The years had been kind to Ash, especially in the face. He always was cute, but the subtle carvings of age were showing the signs of the makings of quite an attractive man. She could still so easily get lost in his eyes, especially now. She recalled the sparkless gaze he had so recently, but now his flame burned again. It wasn't-he wasn't fully there, but he was on his way. Even now, his gaze was warm, and open, welcoming her. Ash was still something special, wonderful even, but...no, don't think about that. Misty was just gonna forget everything else for the moment, and enjoy this dance.

She smiled.

He smiled.

He could believe it. It was just a matter of how, and how long. What it took, and how long, he didn't care. If she told him to ditch his title to make things right, then deal, no questions asked. Hell, he'd hang up his belt and hat if that's what it took. He really would. Misty was the one person on this earth he'd do anything for.

She really was.

He gulped.

There, there was something else he had to say, something only for her. Something he didn't want broadcast. It was something she had to know, deserved to know.

The only problem was; he didn't have the words. He didn't have a name for it. He'd never felt this for anyone else. He had to try. She knew "feelings stuff" a lot better than him. Maybe she could tell him what he was supposed to do with it. Maybe she could tell him what words defined this feeling. So then his mouth could speak what his heart had been saying for so long.

He just hoped she would want to hear it.

Misty saw something, something uncertain in his eyes. Ah, and the music was starting to fade. This dance was coming to an end. As the pair took their final steps, Misty moved herself forward...

"Misty, I-"

Ash's words died in his throat, as she brought his entire world to a halt. His synapses froze, his senses were knocked almost entirely offline, leaving only the feeling of soft, warm lips against his cheek. What was less than a second to the world, was a near eternity for Ash. The moment ended too soon, as Misty's lips parted.

"Congratulations, Ash." She smiled. "See you later."

"Why?"

She turned, and was walking away.

"Why?"

Azuril approached her, and bounced into her waiting arms.

"Why?"

He raised his hand, touching the spot where she-

"Why?"

She'd slipped into the crowd, and from here he could see the entrance.

"Why?!"

He moved forward, forcing his way through the crowds of people, deaf and blind to any attempts to gain his attention. He broke through, Misty was out the open door, headed down the stone stairs. He rushed forth, his heart thrashing for reasons he really wish he could have named.

"Misty!"

She stopped, turning to face-"Ash."

"Why'd you do that?" He touched his cheek, where she'd-"Why-why would you, do that?"

All he got, was a look of utter disbelief, for a moment. She just looked at him, as if she genuinely could not believe what she was seeing. "You have no idea, do you?" She shook her head. "All these years, and you're still you. Unless I spell it out, you're clueless." She couldn't help but smile. "Don't ever change, Ash."

"Misty? Why? J-just tell me why."

Her smile widened, her gaze softened, and Ash saw it, that look in her eye. That feeling, he'd never been able to name..."I love you."

It was as if Ash's brain went into overdrive and shut down in the same breath. His mouth opened, but nothing came out. She-she-"I love you." He tried to move, he had to move. He had to-oh Arceus...what had he done?

Misty looked on, some small part of her finding the sight of Ash this stunned amusing. It brought back distant memories, of other times had been utterly dumbstruck. A larger part of her however, was far from amused. She expected this-she knew this would be his reaction, but she said it. She'd had to eventually, now, they could move past this. She could move past this.

She could move past him. "Goodnight, Ash."

With that, she turned, and continued on her way, leaving Ash, alone on the stairs, in silence.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

He could recall no memory between...between those words and finding himself laying on a bed that night. All that would really come forth when he would later attempt to recall was a blur, of lights at the party, darkness of the streets, and the claps of his own footsteps, all the while noise ringing in his head.

Those three words ringing in his head. "I love you."

He turned over. "I love you."

He could only look to the ceiling, through his sights were far beyond the confines of the apartment.

"I love you."

He closed his eyes, those three words echoing in his head. He lay awake, for time he could not measure. Eventually, Pikachu entered the room, finding Ash on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, his eyes slowly leaking. "Pikapi..."

"I love you."

"Why?"