Chapter 13: Innocence

Serena lay there, peacefully still. The gaze of the rising sun began to tease her eyes; the morning was dawning, the night's rein was over. She felt a weight on her chest, and a warmness on her hand. The feeling had been there all night long, a feeling of completion, a caressing sensation within the motion of her heart. Each beat from her chest was answered, each stroke of the hand gently squeezed.

It had been far too long since Serena had enjoyed such a pleasant sleep. In the midst of a short burst of night, she had recovered all of her energy, each ounce of desire had returned to her. She felt the flame in her chest roar again; with her fuel, her motive pressing down, stoking her fire.

She had enjoyed a long, and deep sleep. Revitalised, and refreshed, the morning was right on time. Yet she pushed her head further back into the pillow, and tried to think. A storm, separation, a fall, an awakening, a confession? Did it all really happen?

She knew dreams could be cruel, but surely not this time.
Not after everything the group have had to suffer.

She wanted to know Ash was still there, and that she wasn't still waiting.
She didn't want to open her eyes; she was scared to wake up into nothing.
She tried to toss and turn her body, shaking off the possible fears that it was all a lie.
She tried to turn, but there really was a weight on her chest. It snuggled in close, and let out a sleepy sigh.

Yes, it really did happen.
He really was there.

She tensed her eyes, keeping them shut tight. She could have still been there waiting, slowly rotting away with him after each sorrowful stream of tears. The rain could have kept raining; the storm could have kept growling. She could have fallen with him, and lost herself indefinitely.

She could have lost him.
He could have been gone forever.
It could have been so different.
Instead, he fell with her,
and last night she didn't go to bed alone.

Under the blinds of her eye lids she reached a hand from under the covers, and felt the tender skin on her palms come into contact with sharp blades of thick raven hair.

The ends of each strand tried to puncture into her hand, yet she liked it. She grinned. She began rustling through, running each finger through the raven forest on his head. It was so thick, and so tough. She would scrunch it in her hand; it was hers. All hers.

Her smile began pushing her cheeks over her eyes; she was grinning, all teeth on show.

"Ash..!" An elated whisper, met by her hand being squeezed even tighter.

She fired open her eyes, where asleep on her chest was the raven-haired trainer. Peacefully purring away with her was Ash. He must have crept over to her bedside during the night, and stayed there with her, just like she stayed with him. She was overjoyed, energy flaring. He was the sweetest little thing and he didn't even know it. She sat up, and cradled his head in her arms. Waking up with him there... Well, she could definitely get used to it.

She felt the energy surging around her system. Last night she had confessed to Ash, quite possibly the most densest trainer on the planet before he discovered love. If she can achieve that, then surely, what limits remained in her way? She believed in herself. With Ash by her side, holding her hand tight just like he was now, she would become Kalos Queen, and no doubtingly Ash would be her King. Having him with her sent her drive to go out and succeed flaring; she wanted to run, and sprint into the group's next destination with all of her newly found energy. She wanted to be active, to train with Braxien and Pancham. Having Ash lying on her chest was a feeling of happiness; she almost didn't want the morning to arrive so early. However after last night, there would be plenty more time for cuddling in bed. At this point in time the two had dreams to aspire to, and now that they were together, their hearts raced at an even more frantic pace. Their motives ignited, they would aspire together.

Yet Ash was still there lying, peacefully sleeping away. She giggled, cupping a cheek before stroking it with her thumb.

"You're still sleepy, huh Ash?" She whispered into his ear as she ran her fingers over his tender face. It had certainly been a sobering experience for Ash, the past few days. All of these new and frightening emotions, a situation in which he almost lost himself and everyone around him; he couldn't be blamed for being tired. His slightly open mouth during his deep sleep was adorable, she pressed a finger against his bottom lip, and began grinning.

"You were waiting for me, weren't you." Giggling under her grin, she sat up, and towered her face over his. She ran her finger down the centre of his face, tickling his skin as she gently traced it down to his nose, tapping on it lightly to see his response. He gave a wiggle, seemingly confused at what was going on. She began laughing, she was having fun. Her initial urge to get up and rush out ahead of a new day was moved to one side while she enjoyed her time with her drowsy raven-haired boy.

"Ash..? Are you in there..?" She called with a teasing whisper, repeatedly tapping on his nose like she was knocking on a door.

His breathing briefly sped up; she smirked. He was in there somewhere.

"I know you can hear me, Ash!" She began teasing her boyfriend further.

Wait, 'boyfriend'? She immediately realised. She saw him lying there in her arms. She remembered sharing their first kiss, moments after they confessed their feelings. The feeling of melting into his embrace for the first time.

It really did all happen.

Yeah... they really did become boyfriend and girlfriend.

She felt quintessentially lucky. "I know you can hear me, Ash!" She was teasing now, but the same words had a completely different context a few days ago.

She felt blessed. Ash was hers. All hers! Lying there in her arms, she couldn't resist such an opportunity. She leaned in closer, and left a snappy peck on his nose, grinning to see if he would respond. A flicker of the eyes, but he didn't wake up. She continued giggling at him.

"Ash, you know I won't stop until you wake up!" She left another kiss, this time with a much deeper smooch than before. The sound became louder; Ash's nose was becoming attacked by the force of her lips. His eyes continued to flicker each time. Her flurry of kisses continued, until his eyes stopped flickering. His breathing became less deep, and his mouth shut. This time she left her lips planted on the tip of his nose. It was then a faint rustling sound teased her ear drums. Her eyes shot to the side, with her lips still sitting on Ash's nose. Oh goodness, surely not Bonnie or Clemont? No, it was a rustling sound that was coming from the bed. She quickly glanced around to check, until a sudden: "Pika Pi!" burst out from behind Ash's torso.

It was his electric yellow partner, it appeared it wasn't just the two of them nestled on her bed for the night.

"Pikach-?!" She squealed in surprise until the sudden force of two bold arms wrapping around her waist seized her. She turned back to Ash, she was pulled in closer, he squeezed her tight against his body.

She looked back at him, and was struck by a shot of shining amber.

"Morning, Serena."

Ash was awake, and now she was in his arms.

"A-Ash you were awake?!"

He shot a pleased grin at her, maintaining his hold on her waist.

"Well, I tried to stay awake the whole night, but I guess I kinda fell asleep." He responded, not really grasping her question as she melted into a flushed red. He really did try and stay by her side all night. She felt her cheeks warm to him once again; the two lay there close, gazing at the spectacle of each others' eyes. Pikachu looked on bemusedly, wondering where he fitted into this new kind of situation. One thing he did notice though was the bustling glimmer in Serena's gaze.

Serena let herself sink into Ash's grip, until the sheer aura of his eyes had energised her fully to the brim. She was struck by amber, and ignited by her motives.

"So are you ready then?" She asked with eagerness.

"... For what?" Ash looked stumped. She began to chuckle.

"For a day of intense training! We're going to start by going for a run." She beamed with flare. Ash was taken back for a moment out how fired up Serena was; it flattered it him, it was like they had both rubbed off on each other.

"Right now?" He was startled by the thought of abruptly embarking out on a run after only just waking up, until he remembered that he was responsible for precisely the same antic just a day before. He remembered how it ended; disappointing fatigue. This though was different, he felt his energy levels charged to the max from the confident shock of eagerness within Serena's eyes. The blue waves were glistening, crashing against each other with force to signify that today she meant business. Today the two would begin their training again, together.

"Of course right now! Just you and me. Clemont and Bonnie deserve a good rest this morning, right..?" She diverted the attention to just the two of them. Ash smiled, catching the drift this time.

"Right! But aren't we still in our pyjamas?" Well, not exactly.

Serena reached over at his folded clothes by his bed, before rummaging in her bag for her exercise outfit. She threw his white shirt over him.

"Here, put these on!"

"All right Serena, I'm not going easy on ya though!" He smirked, knowing that once he was fired up there was no chance she could catch him.

"You want to race, huh?" Her gaze sharpened.

"Yeah, give me all of you've got!" He challenged the girl who sent his feelings wild. He wanted the feel of adventure to match the thrill of being with her. He wanted it all, to be encapsulated by both feelings intertwining. He wanted to run alongside Serena.

"Okay, but what if I win, Ash?" She turned to him with her own smirk. He paused, looking puzzled, not knowing how to react.

"I know; how about..." She lay back down next to him, and began to whisper.

"The loser has to confess everything to Clemont and Bonnie." She blushed under uncontrollable giggling. It was a remarkably heavy clause, one that would terribly embarrass both of them. Ash flushed a deep red. He knew he had to regain his fitness immediately as there was no chance he would be able to explain such a concept in comprehensible words. They both laughed under their blushes, knowing this was a race that they both wanted to win. Serena too hadn't exercised in a while, and so it would be a strenuous challenge for the both of them.

"Where are we going to run?" Ash asked, scratching his nose.

"We'll just follow Pikachu!" She winked at the yellow mouse, who replied with a tiny clenched fist and a confident expression. Even Pikachu was in on this? There was pressure mounting on Ash, a new kind of pressure, but an exciting kind nonetheless.

"So are you ready then?" Serena gazed at him with half-open dreamy eyes.

Ash clenched a fist, feeling the adrenaline pumping. "Let's do it!" He cheered.

Serena held up three fingers, and dropped one by the second, reminiscent of a countdown.
First she dropped her middle finger.
Then she dropped her index finger.
Then she dropped her thumb.
And then the couple were off.

Serena pulled up her red jogging bottoms in a flash before pushing her arms through the sleeves of her jacket and zipping it rapidly up to the top. She stretched out the tongue in her trainers and slotted both feet in, before tying the quickest double knot Ash had ever seen. Ash himself had whipped off the stretchy fabric from his vest, but got caught in the inside-out sleeves of his white shirt. He rushed to pull each sleeve but caught sight of Serena and Pikachu both dashing out of the door, with the sound of rapid footsteps hitting the floorboard as they made their way downstairs. Ash looked over at his trousers and shoes; he didn't have time to waste. He was bare foot, with only his day shirt and pyjama shorts on, but he embarked out to catch her. He carefully placed each foot down the steps not to fall down, and then yanked open the door to let the bite of the cold morning welcome him into the day. The sun's reign in the sky was still young, but the morning was golden, shining with a lower sky than yesterday. It was colder, with more leaves tumbling to the ground. He caught a glimpse of red and yellow flashes. His yellow best friend, and the honey-blonde girl in her familiar red coloured clothes whom he had found himself in love with. He chased his cherished ones. Setting foot onto the jewelled grass, he immediately felt the morning dew soak into his feet. Each rushed step made a squeak; maybe going barefoot wasn't such a good idea after all. He made ground on them, chasing through the wind, feeling the cold shiver under his skin.

Serena glanced around, and caught sight of her drowsy raven-haired boy clambering towards her. She grinned, before feeling a rush of nerves and excitement, knowing he was chasing her. She felt her heart racing with him, that increase in tempo, that thundering feeling against her chest. Her body was seizing up with nerves. He was chasing her! She had to be keep up the pace. Knowing he was gaining ground, no matter how much she kicked her legs with each stride, or swung her arms to maintain speed, she knew he was coming. Her heartbeat longed for Ash. She knew she couldn't help but give in.

Ash kept on running, feeling his lungs churning back out the crisp morning air. An element of moisture was present in the hazy atmosphere within the wet and slippery morning. Ash felt blades of grass accumulate around his ankles, while the occasional golden leaf would stick to the bottom of his foot. He kept running though, he kept running towards Serena. He realised he had no real motives to surpass her, but to run alongside her. He strived with each stride; she was fast, very fast. He felt his heart race as he neared her, each beat grasping for her. He was closing in, soon she would once again be his. Ash kept huffing and puffing through the dense air, he had closed the gap, the imprint on the grass was still fresh from her footsteps, with the tiny dents coming from Pikachu. Ash had closed the gap, and now he was running alongside her. She shrieked upon realising how quickly he had caught up, sucking in a chunk of the air. Her throat had frozen, and so had Ash's. The air was so crisp, it sharply breathed down their throats and into their lungs. It was heavy, it made them want to cough, although alongside each other, they strived to show exactly what they were made of. Serena tried to edge ahead, while Ash tried to keep his legs kicking to take the lead. Pikachu looked behind him, and saw that there was absolutely nothing to separate the two. Their strides were in sync, their hearts were in sync. The two matched each others' pace perfectly. There really was nothing between them. They glanced at each other simultaneously, the pull of amber scooted the gaze of blue ever closer. They ran close alongside each other, only the sound of Ash's squeaking feet against the grass being the only relevant sound between them.

Serena felt it, the striking gaze of his eyes in the heat of the moment. The autumn air was cold, but he was a burning flame slicing through it. She saw it in those glistening amber waves; her motives, her reason to strive and succeed; the very root from where she decided to become a Pokemon Performer. It all stemmed from him. Her inspiration, her will to never give up. She knew she never wanted to lose him. He was the boy she loved. The boy she ran alongside, and aspired alongside each and every day.

Ash too felt it. She pushed him to levels he had never reached; she sent his flame roaring to temperatures he had never felt. Alongside her, he could run faster than he had ever felt before. He had a reason to push, and a reason to excel. He had discovered a surge of energy that would push him further to his goal of being a Pokemon Master. They were both running, running towards their goals together; pushing each other beyond the limits along the way. They really did bring the best out of each other. Ash felt it, his will to win, alongside the girl he ran alongside. He knew he could never leave her; he could never part from the feeling. He knew, whatever emotions bombarded him, that his heart would always beat to her rhythm. He knew he really loved her.

Yet neither of them could bear the embarrassment of telling their lemon haired brother and sister. They were close, close as family, yet they were strong and deep emotions that were hard to convey. It was a silly little game, but alongside each other, Ash and Serena felt themselves breaking their limits. Their flames ignited, adrenaline pumping, they knew this was the start of something new, and something special.

The two climbed up through the hills, feeling their thighs inflamed by the strain of each heavy step. They would crash through piles of brown leaves, feeling an influx of moisture spraying over them in the process. They neared the cliff, the cliff that Ash had fallen from. They both tensed their eyes, and took a gulp of air, knowing that they were both revisiting the very place where they almost lost each other. Serena took a glance over at Ash, who looked back at Serena. They felt a shock of nerves, a slight unease following doubts over whether they genuinely wanted to go back there. She glanced back and forth at the oncoming cliff, and then back at Ash. He could see her eyes briefly tremor with angst. Her pace dipped slightly. She didn't like heights, and she didn't want to be reminded of the moment where the storm took him for its own. She didn't want to think back to losing him.

It was a tough, and cruel path; yet they knew they could overcome their fears together. The clouds began to gather over above them, the sun's gaze briefly eclipsed. Rain gently began to fall above the cliff. It was ominous... Ash's bare feet were an even more worrying sign. Surely a storm wasn't threatening? Ash grabbed Serena's hand, and pulled her close. Pikachu dashed on ahead, where Ash followed, pulling Serena along with him. They ran through the rain, for a brief moment it was no longer a race. Ash kept all eyes on Serena, who had a glimpse at the drop below her and tensed in discomfort. She shut her eyes, not wanting to black out again under his grasp. She let herself return to the darkness, away from the heights.

"Serena, I'm here." He squeezed tighter on her hand; letting his warmth encapsulate her.

"You don't need to worry about the heights, I've got you." She felt his whispers carry forth in his warm breath as it embraced her. She opened her eyes, letting her pupils once again adjust to the light. In a world of grey, her shrinking pupils were seized with amber.

"Ash..!" She quivered, realising she was back where she wanted to be. She didn't look sideways, nor down, instead she looked at Ash. She felt the energy radiating from his eyes entice her; she stepped forth again, and the two continued running. The couple continued sprinting towards the yellow spark that was guiding them. Serena felt her fears vanish; she was with Ash. There really was nothing to fear for any more.

The cliff began to descend once more, the two were now running downhill. Ash and Serena felt the adrenaline rushing again, they were away from the danger, and back into the golden land. The clouds had parted, the sun was shining through once again. The rain kept falling, but it was gloriously glimmering rain, shining as it caught the sun. Light raindrops graced the land, it had become a rich and beautiful morning.

They were back on ground level, the fishing shack in sight.

"I can see it Serena!" Ash exclaimed.

"Me too, Ash, but I'm not giving up yet!" She sparked at him with a grin. Ash replied with a smirk, as they both released their hands, and embarked on a last gasp sprint to the finish. Pikachu had rushed to the finish line which was a spot between two piles of leaves just by the lake's edge. He stood there on two feet, waiting for the exuberant couple to meet the end of their challenge.

"Pika Pi!" Pikachu called from the finish line, Ash and Serena set their eyes on the prize. They dipped their heads down, tensing all muscles, and bolted towards the finish. The howling breeze breathed into their ears. The two felt themselves ride a sudden tailwind, pushing them further to the finish. They were reaching new speeds, Ash's lungs churning air out almost instinctively. His muscles were giving in, Serena's straining to move from the intensity. They were on the edge of their limits, but were on the final stretch to the end. Who would be confessing to the Lumiose siblings?

Ash budged his broad shoulders, powering only slightly ahead. Serena felt her breath giving out, her heartbeat was matching Ash's, yet her body couldn't keep up. She watched in horror as he sparked ahead, a dash of raven striking against the wind. She saw him near the finish line, she could only watch.

She thought she had lost, and he thought he had won. Yet the grass was slick, and slippery. His strides were ambitious; and his big leap to the line didn't exactly go to plan. His wet feet slid on the surface, where both Pikachu and Serena watched as right in front of their very eyes, the raven-haired trainer skated helplessly on his back, crashing through the large pile of leaves, missing the finish line, and falling straight into the lake, plummeting into the murky depths of imminent undignified defeat. He had missed the finish, he had handed victory to Serena. Ash felt himself sink to the bottom of the cold lake, his clothes drenched.

He knew he had messed up, really, badly messed up.

She strolled to the finish line, high-fiving Pikachu who rolled on his belly in stitches. Serena crouched down by the edge of the lake, grinning. Ash poked his head above the water, she was beaming at him with the smuggest of smirks. He messed up again, and now he would pay the price.

He placed an arm around the back of his head, looking sheepish.

"I guess I went for broke!"

She giggled at him, before picking up the pile of leaves beside her and chucking them over his adorably innocent face.

"Almost breaking a leg!" She laughed as she played with his face that was now covered in leaves. The two laughed, as Ash tried to get Serena back by splashing her with the icy lake water. She shielded her face with both arms, she wasn't going to let him get carried away with the fact that he was the loser.

"I guess I won then, right Ash?" She grinned again, giving him another wink, making him realise that he had lost their little agreement.

"I suppose so..." He timidly responded with a hint of dejection. He couldn't help being competitive after all.

"Although Ash..." Her voice became softer all of a sudden, the laughing stopped. She began playing with her fingers.

"... Yeah?"

"I think I could, thanks to you, finally overcome my fear of heights!" She looked back down at him, gracefully with eyes gleaming with pride. It wasn't her victory over Ash that she was pleased with, it was her victory over herself.

Ash reached out a wet hand, holding onto Serena just like they did on the cliff.

"I'll always be here with you." He assured with a calming, confident voice. He had a radiant smile, one she could not help but blush at the sight of. She smiled back, feeling awkward, not knowing how to respond, until she noticed Ash's smile become a smirk. She felt a tug on her hand from the boy in the lake.

"Ash- wait, no!" she felt herself being pulled.

"I've always got you Serena!"

"Ash, please!"

"I've always got you!"

"Ash-!"

Hopelessly she was dragged in, and met the icy lake with a rapturous splash. Serena was pulled into the lake with Ash. He had wiped that smirk, and pulled her into his arms, not letting go of her hand. She was drenched, and soaking wet with him. The lack bit raw with its icy fangs, but Ash's warm embrace eased her. She looked up at him, spitting out some of the lake water she had accidentally swallowed. She wanted to get angry; her pyjamas, her exercise clothes, her shoes, everything was soaked! But his innocent expression, beaming from his smile with those amber eyes of the utmost purity shining upon him. She could never get angry at him. The two laughed, holding each other into a warm embrace. They knew today they would be departing this bittersweet land, but in the very moment they were in, staying in the lake for a moment longer wouldn't hurt.

There he was grinning in front of her. Despite all of his antics, his recklessness, and playful attitude, he made her flame burn brighter than ever. She couldn't help anything that she felt, and neither could he. Each passing moment, each adorable flaw, each laugh, each tear; they really were in love. They were always there for each other. A bond that was simply unbreakable. More than friendship, pure affection.

Serena felt the sweet thoughts caress her mind. She threw her arms around Ash's broad shoulders. The raven-haired trainer caught a glimpse of Pikachu's hysterics turning into a wide grin before his face was suddenly taken hold of by Serena's warm hands. She placed her hands over his cheeks, and pulled him close. They both slowly leant in, where their lips met, and each emotion of excitement ran wild. They pressed their soft lips against each other, melting into their warm embrace. It was a feeling that sent their nerves crazy, their flames roaring, and their hearts racing. Their chests pushed against each other, their hearts still beating in sync.

They were together, a couple who would aspire, and strive towards their goals with their hands linked. Ash let himself enjoy the moment, while deep down rekindling his urge to return to action on his journey with Clemont, Bonnie, and of course Serena. He felt soft, and all warm inside. His soggy clothes weren't going to dampen the happy feeling he was harbouring with her.

"S-Serena..." He timidly mumbled as they parted. She placed a finger over his bottom lip. She wanted to hear the words that would set her dreams alight.

"Don't worry about having to tell Bonnie and Clemont all by yourself. This is our matter, right?" She whispered to him. Ash nodded, but Serena's face lit up with a grin.

"Although first, I want to hear you say it to me, Ash!" She grinned in his face. He now knew love, but she wanted him to express it. He blushed slightly but knew he had nothing to hide.

He chuckled, but gazed back at her crystal blue eyes that glistened at him. He took a long intake of breath to release the big words, the words that set both their inner flames alight. The happiest words he knew; words reserved only for her.

"I... I love you, Serena." The softest of whispers, but the most valuable of words were all hers. She hadn't lost him at all, not for one moment. They were together, learning off each other, helping each other, supporting each other. Ash then made the widest grin, as he placed a hand against her heart. He looked up at her, and seized her in his gaze. She shrieked as she flushed the deepest tone of red.

"Our hearts are still beating together with each other. I guess... there's something you want to say too?" He repeated her words, only in a teasing tone. He too, wanted to hear her say it. She laughed, but she still had nowhere to go. She was in his arms, and wouldn't be going anywhere without saying it.

"Oh Ash..." She tried to meet his eyes once more, but buried her head deep into his chest, snuggling up to his neck, just above the surface of the water.

"I love you too!" She burst in a mumbled cry from his chest, the vibrations surging right through him. He rested his head on top of Serena's, sinking into her soft honey-blonde hair that remained immaculate even after its trip into the lake.

"Do you want to get out of here? It's getting kinda cold."

The truth is Ash did not want to leave, but as he spoke the words his teeth clattered against each other. She laughed as she felt him begin to shiver, he was still in only a T-shirt and shorts after all.

The two swam to the edge, and climbed with their heavy, dripping clothes back onto the land. The sun was still out, but a figure eclipsed it. A tall, towering figure. It was laughing to itself.

Serena looked up and gasped. She blushed heavily as she buried her head into Ash's chest once again.

"So Ash woke up for you then!"

The innocence of a young couple- all seen from the eyes of a certain fisherman.

Author's Note: Arguably the most blissful chapter in the story, with the warm aroma of romance drifting through the ever freezing air. I have to say though that at this stage in the story, it may seem ironic to showcase such innocence, but rest assured, the final few chapters are about to exemplify just how unified and wiser the group have become. There are still lessons to be learnt.