TDBigJ's message: *Head in hand, looking blankly at the computer* Oh hey guys, how's your week been? Nothing much for me, other than the fact that I had a job interview today (Which I blew) for a seasonal job. Oh well, I guess I'll keep looking around, hoping something will pull through. I've got a lot of stress inside me thinking that I could have done better (WAY better). Believe me, I'm a little upset right now, but don't worry, my motivation for writing hasn't died down in the least. I've been reading a book for the past couple of months by James Patterson (My favorite author) and let me tell you it's been a very fun book to read. I'm over two hundred pages in and plus I got a new book of his today. I've also been reading a book based off of my favorite video game series (Gears of War) which I'm over one hundred and fifty pages in. Hey, a guy's got to read something other than fanfiction you know. With my points of the week being said, let's get to the responding of reviews.

Oliverqueen01: I like Bailey and Sasha as well. I'm glad that Sasha became Raw women's champion last week. I really like Bailey but my mom doesn't. She thinks she's too "dippy" as she says. Yeah, I don't know. Yeah, I think watching the first episode will give you a fairly good judgment call on the anime. I'm just going to watch it anyway because I watch things to enjoy them regardless of the reception. Glad to hear you're coming off your hiatus soon. That makes me happy. Good to know you liked the last chapter. I plan on bringing some of Ash's Pokemon into this story. It wouldn't be right to just have Pikachu, would it? Thanks for the review!

Mad Ass Dragon (both reviews): I'm very happy to see you're reading this story, that made my day. You just got a new job, huh? As you read from my message, I had a job interview today that didn't really go well. I know for sure that once I get a job that my time for stories will decrease. Glad to know you liked the chapter. I really shouldn't criticize my work before you guys read it. Yeah, I like Ash's kids too, although they won't have much of a role in this chapter. Thanks for the review for the last chapter, I'm glad I did a good job with it. Ha, good job on the name there. She does seem like her, doesn't she? Thank you for thinking this will be a promising story. Thanks for the reviews!

Darkaura808: Yeah, Denise, that's her name. It's a name I thought seemed fitting. You think her name sounds like… actually I'll let everyone else figure that out. Glad you thought I made Bonnie seem matured. I like The Big Bang Theory? It's my favorite show. Serena being one of Ash's Alola companions? I already know the answer to that but I won't spoil it. Yes, Denise will show up, but only for two, three, maybe four chapters. Maybe the middle of the story is when she will make her first appearance. Maybe a few of his former companions will show up in this story. Thanks for the review!

Shadic4566: Will Denise like or hate Serena? She will most likely be slightly like her, but I'm not going to have her hate Serena. I wouldn't want her to be vengeful or hostile towards her. It wouldn't be right. Thanks for the review!

Brig nodrm2347: Very great to see you reading this. You've been checking every so often to see if I will post something? Wow! I feel inspired. Thanks for being loyal, it makes me feel warm inside. How have I been? I've been doing great, thanks for asking. Yes, I've been following the anime. Yeah, I agree with you. The animation is great but the art style is off. The animation from XY/Z is better, I agree. Plus, Ash looks like a teenager in the current anime, even though he's ten. Looks like we'll have to live with it like you said, don't we? Yeah, that's also one of the main reasons I watch the anime is to watch Ash compete in gyms and leagues. I too hope they will go back to that after Sun and Moon. Great to know you like the plot of this story. You'll see how Serena gets closer to Ash, I've got a few ideas. Where they're going, you'll see in the next chapter. Thanks for saying that this story has been great in the early goings, it makes my day. Thanks for the review!

Guest #1: Yes! I love that name for the fic. Twenty chapters? I can do that, I will get the remaining ones started. Oh man, I really hope that Amourshipping becomes canon one day. All of us Amourshippers are hoping for it aren't we? Thanks for the review!

Espeon44 : Glad you loved it! Thanks for the review!

Wolves22 (Guest #2): Glad you though it was awesome! Thanks for the review!

Orcinus21: Oh, you changed your name. I thought that when you reviewed you were someone else. Sorry if I thought that. Okay, good, I didn't confuse you, although you thought you confused me. It's okay, man, no worries. Yeah, I had a feeling you would read this, based on the fact that you wanted this story after In or Out, so I'm happy to know you are. Thanks for that. Yeah, maybe I should expand beyond two genres and you're right, I could increase my range. Thanks for the review!

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon or it's characters, they are owned by Nintendo, Game Freak, and… whoever else.

They had been walking over to his house for about fifteen minutes now. Most of the talking had been about what the two of them had been up to for sixteen years, along with a little warning of Ash towards his kids to not wander off or misbehave, but for the most part, it was a peaceful walk. At the moment, the two of them were talking about the many challengers Ash had faced while he was in his reign as world champion. Right now, they were on the topic of which one of his friends had battled him over the years.

"So Misty has challenged you a few times in recent years? Interesting. I'm surprised that your friends were willing to battle you despite the fact that you're one of the world's elite."

"Yeah well, they either challenge me just for the heck of it, or they want to see if they can actually beat me in a battle, but it's usually a good schooling." Ash replied.

"Has Clemont battled you at all?" She asked.

"Yeah, I actually battled him recently. When I was over in Kalos a few weeks ago, we had a battle with our best Pokemon. Let's just say I wiped the floor with him." Ash explained.

"How bad was it?"

"It was 6 to 1. Piece of cake."

"I've watched a lot of your battles since you became world champion. It seems that's how most of your battles end up. Either that or they defeat just two." Serena explained.

"Yeah. I like to give them a good challenge. But I admit that all my friends are phenomenal battlers. I don't accept a battle from one of them just because I think I can beat them, it's usually because I like to give them a chance, and besides, I never turn down a challenge." He explained.

"Just out of curiosity, is there any specific reason you accept a challenge?" She asked.

"Yes. The main reason I accept a trainers challenge is to give them some new tactics to battling than just the basics. They can always learn some new elements from just one battle. I like to teach them something from challenging me. And not to toot my horn or anything, but who else to learn that from than one of the best?"

Serena giggled. "You certainly are one of the best, if not THE best. After hearing you explain all that in such detail, you no doubt deserve to be among the ranks of the elite." She then thought for a moment. "Do you ever think you are not only teaching others how to be an experienced battler but your kids as well?"

"That's another reason I accept battles from trainers. I like my kids to see how they can be top notch trainers when they start their own journeys in a few years. I mean Bellamy is five and Tristan is four so they've still got time until they become trainers to learn everything they can from watching me battle. My battles are sort of like lessons to them." Ash explained.

"It's good to teach them that at an early age. With who you are, I'm sure they see you as a role model. But do you think they're able to process at least some of what you do in your battles since they're so young." She asked.

"Well, I think since they are so young, they don't catch everything I do but they are learning some of the basic parts of being a trainer. I think that the more important and advanced parts they will be able to learn as they get older." Ash explained.

"That's totally understandable." Serena replied.

The rest of the way they continued talking about Ash's battles, more about his most recent ones. Ten minutes later, they had arrived at his house, but more specifically, his mansion. Yes that's right. Ash now lives in a mansion. With him being World Champion, did you really expect anything less? Serena was awed. It was a cozy looking mansion. It was painted gray with white trim. It was the usual two stories tall, but from left to right it was a good fifty yards. Boy, she was surely wondering what it looked like on the inside.

"Wow, Ash! This is impressive. What's it like living in a place like this?"

"Eh, nothing special. Just as long as my kids have a place to live. Would you like to see the inside?"

"Sure."

Ash took the keys out of his left pocket and unlocked the door and went inside. Once Serena walked in, she was literally speechless. The inside of the mansion was incredibly beautiful. There were two flights of stairs that curved, there was a crystal chandelier that hung low from the ceiling, and the tiles on the floor were made of granite. It was incredible.

"Ash, this is amazing. How do you keep this place maintained?"

"I have a cleaning crew come in once every month to tidy this place up a bit. All the knick knacks that you see were gifts given to me by my mother. She helped pick out some of the stuff around here."

"Just one question: Is this a lot of room for you?"

"It kind of is. But big amount of space is for the kids to run around in. That's one of the reasons I bought this place. Besides, the kids liked this place too." Ash explained.

"They're very picky kids it seems." Serena said with a giggle.

Ash chuckled. "Hey, as long as it helps and keeps a roof over their head, it's fine with me."

From Ash's room at the top of the stairs, came out a so familiar yellow electric mouse, rubbing his eyes from apparently waking up from a nap. He looked at the bottom of the stairs. But what he didn't expect to see is his buddy's childhood friend to be there with him, with made Pikachu ecstatic.

"PIKA!" Pikachu exclaimed and started running down the stairs in a hurry.

"Pikachu, hey." Serena replied as the electric mouse got to the bottom of the stairs and rushed over to her and jumped up into Serena's arms. Serena caught him and hugged him tightly close to her face.

"It's so great to see you! It's been too long!" She stated as Pikachu rubbed his face against hers. It had been a long time since Serena felt the soft yellow fur that Pikachu possessed. She stretched her arms out so that Pikachu was facing her a few inches away from her face. Pikachu hadn't changed in the slightest. He still looked like the strong electric rodent that she travelled along with sixteen years ago. Of course, she didn't really know if Pokemon ever showed their age, but it wasn't that big of a deal. Pikachu hopped from Serena's arms to her left shoulder, doing that old thing that he always did with his trainer.

"Pikachu is still looking live and well." Serena commented.

"Yeah, he is still the fierce battler but friendly little guy." Ash stated.

"It's good to see him in person again. I get to see him on tv but it's been ages since I came in contact with him."

Ash wasn't the only one that Serena had missed all these years. She missed his best friend as well. She missed Ash's other Pokemon as well. She didn't know where they were but she had a good guess. Since Ash and Pikachu were inseparable, she could understand why Pikachu was the only one who lived with Ash these days. It really wasn't a surprise.

"Pikachu has missed you a lot. Every so often he shows me pictures of you and wonders if he will ever see you again. He even remembers the time you and him battled when we were younger. He definitely considers you his second trainer." Ash explained.

"Really?" She looked directly at Pikachu. "Is that true Pikachu?"

Pikachu nodded his head. "Pikachu."

Serena started stroking Pikachu's head. "So Ash, where are your other Pokemon?"

"They're all with Professor Oak over at his lab." He answered.

"Professor Oak is still working at his lab?"

"Yep. And Gary is helping him out too. Yes, I know that he's getting up there in age but he still enjoys what he does. But Gary does most of the work due to Professor Oak's age. Gary told me he had to take it easy until the day he retired. But he's still motoring along." Ash explained.

"Hm, I'm going to have to pay him a visit one of these days. Just to see what he's up to." Serena stated. "And Gary too. I haven't seen him in a few months.

"Hey, you want to come sit down? I'm pretty sure your feet are getting sore."

"Yeah, good call."

The two walked over to the living room and sat down on the couch. Tristan and Bellamy had gone upstairs to their respective rooms to do whatever kids do these days. Ash and Serena thought they would catch up and make up for lost time.

"Since you just asked me about my Pokemon, what are your Pokemon up to these days? Do you still have your three?"

"Yeah, they're all doing pretty well. They haven't done much battling or performing in a while but every so often I do a little bit of training with them." She explained.

"How often do you do so?"

"About once a week. Since I haven't really done anything since my performing days, I don't find training them day in and day out to be mandatory. But I'll probably do it more frequently once I do find something." Serena explained.

"Well, have you given it any thought about what you might want to do?" He asked.

"Every now and then."

"I know you're not much of a battler. I mean, I know you battled sometimes back in the day, but if I remember correctly, you thought battling wasn't your forte." Ash stated.

"I don't know, I have given that thought some consideration. I have thought about even doing contests." She replied.

"You aren't even wanting to go back to performing?" Ash asked.

"No, not really. You don't really see adult women at all performing. I mean, we saw Jessibelle back in the day but she was really the only adult we had ever seen in showcases and none really since then have done it. At least not from what I've seen over the years." Serena explained.

"Yeah, I haven't even seen Shauna compete in any showcases in the last sixteen years. All I've really seen in contests is newcomers or people who didn't make it the previous year but wanted to give it another shot."

"Uh huh. So I'm not really going to go back to that. After seeing your friends May and Dawn compete in contests, that one I'm giving the slight edge over battling."

"I'm sure you'll do fine either way. Whatever you set your mind to I'm pretty sure you'll do great."

"You think so?"

"I know you will."

Serena brushed her hair to the side. "All right, I'll give it some more thought in the upcoming days." She then scooted up in her seat. "What do your kids do besides watching you battle?"

"Nothing really. What they could learn in school is what they could learn when they travel around with me."

"So, just travelling around with you is basically their life?" Serena asked.

"Sort of. I kind of leave them with my mom whenever I have to go somewhere that I feel like I can't take them."

"How often is that?"

"About once every few weeks. They love my mom."

"How do they feel about your Pokemon?"

"They love my Pokemon as well. They get along with Buizel, Greninja, and Bulbasaur the best. But I warn them when they are around Charizard. He's good with them but I have to keep a close eye on them when they're in his vicinity because you never know if he'll lose his temper and accidentally attacks them." Ash explained.

"It's good that nothing has happened to them yet. I have to keep a close eye on my Pokemon too when they're around other kids or even other people. I have to make sure that they don't somehow attack them by accident." Serena stated.

"Yeah. My friends have to do the same with theirs. Whenever they're around others, they have to watch them. I'm guessing everyone has to." Ash said.

"I think so."

"Hey Serena, can I tell you something?"

"Sure."

"There's something I promised you a long time ago that I never got around to doing and I wanted to apologize to you for it."

"What would that be?"

"Remember when before I left Kalos and I told you that I would keep in touch with you? I realized that I never did and I am really sorry for not doing so."

Serena felt touched by this. She didn't expect Ash to apologize for this, at least not right away, or even when they first met up for the first time in years. But he did and she felt relieved.

"It's okay, Ash, I forgive you entirely. And besides, I should also apologize for not keeping in touch with you either."

"It's all right. You're forgiven."

"So, do you have anything planned for the next couple of months?" Serena asked.

"No, not really. I just want to sit back and relax for a while. I really need the R & R." Ash responded.

"Oh come on Ash. I know for a fact that you're still the adventurous type. Don't you even want to go out and do something at least once during your break?"

"Well, maybe something I've seen before, but nothing more."

"Come on, Ash. Where's that spark? Where's that raw energy that you have? I want to see that from you. That's what makes Ash Ketchum so genuine. Am I right or not?"

Ash thought it over for a minute. Whenever Ash was travelling, he had immense energy and never ran out of it for even a second. Serena was right. Maybe going somewhere while he took a two month break didn't seem like a bad idea. But thing is, where?

"All right, I'll do it."

Serena playfully hit him on the shoulder. "Now that's what I like to hear. That's the Ash that I remember."

"I'll think about where to go. I've been to a lot of places in every region, but it wouldn't hurt to see one of those places again."

"And I'm pretty sure your kids would like to see more places across the world too. There's so much to see."

"Yeah, the kids haven't had the time to explore around where they've been going to lately, I'd like to let their curiosity roam free."

"That's good, let your kids come along. I'm pretty sure they would love it. Besides, I think they love being with their father."

"That and they love travelling. But yeah, I'll go somewhere."

"I'm glad to see you're open to this idea. I like seeing that side of you."

"I'm glad. But I'll go somewhere on one condition…"

"What is that?"

"Since you haven't done much in a long time, would you like to come along?"

Serena's mouth opened slightly. "Really? Are you serious?"

"I feel like I owe it to you, since I didn't live up to my promise of contacting you for the past sixteen years. So are you up for it?"

Serena had to think of this for a moment. Her crush had just asked her to come along with him on a vacation to wherever, and he apologized for not contacting her for such a long time, which was sincere to her. With all of that, how could she say no?

"Ash, I would love to." She replied.

"Great! We'll make plans. It'll be me, my kids, and my two best friends. I'll be looking forward to this."

Now there was a part of his sentence that mattered a lot to Serena but also surprised her. Ash just said that she was one of his best friends, and he wasn't just talking about Pikachu. Did that mean… She was Ash's best human friend? She wanted to know badly, but she would wait for that for a later time as it wasn't important at the moment.

"I'll be looking forward to it too. I'll think of some places to go, if that's fine."

"Cool. My kids and I will discuss it over too. Once we all agree to something, we'll set it up."

"Well, I should get going. My Pokemon are probably worried sick about me. I've been gone for a couple of hours and I usually don't leave them alone for more than that." Serena said as she got up.

"All right. I guess I'll see you later. It was really great seeing you again."

"You too Ash."

She went up to embrace Ash, who returned the hug. It felt great feeling Ash's warm touch again. His seething skin and smell of his manly cologne made Serena get lost in Ash's embrace, not realizing that she had been hugging him for nearly thirty seconds now. Ash had slightly let go of the hug but returned to it once he realized that Serena wasn't letting go. It didn't bother him but the hug was getting kind of long.

"Uh Serena?"

Serena swiftly opened her eyes and let go of the hug after noticing it went on too long. She brushed her hair to the side as she regained her cool.

"Uh right. Sorry about that, Ash."

"Hey, I wasn't complaining."

She brushed her hair one more time. "Okay well, I'll get going then."

"I'll walk you to the door."

The two walked to the front door together so it wouldn't seem like they didn't care about each other. Ash wanted to feel like a gentleman so he felt like it was necessary.

"Do you want me to walk you home? I wouldn't mind." Ash stated.

"No, it's fine. But thank you. So I'll see you soon." She said as she opened the front door and stepped out.

"Oh, and Ash?"

"Yeah?"

"I missed you."

Ash smiled. "I missed you too."

And after that Serena started making her way home. Ash shut the door behind her and made his way back to the living room. Little did he know, Tristan and Bellamy had been watching them from the top of the stairs. After seeing what had just transpired, a huge smile spread across their faces.

"She would make a good mom, wouldn't she?" Bellamy asked.

Author's note: Now that was nice. Ash is still the considerate guy from when he was ten. But did you really think it would change up? Naw, like I said before, I like to keep the characters canonical to the way they are in the anime. Man, Tristan and Bellamy have only known Serena for a couple hours and they are already wanting her to be their new mom. I know, weird right? Now, I'm going to go outside and scream in frustration. While I let the world know about my feelings of agony, get a head's up of the next chapter in the preview.

Tristan took out his disposable camera and took a picture of the scenery. He may have been four years old but he was just as curious as every other kid… and person. Meanwhile, Bellamy was keeping an eye on her dad and in her words "potential mother" hoping that they would somehow show some signs of affection towards each other. Her dad had always mentioned that she reminded him of his former travelling companion Bonnie. She never quite got what he meant by that but she wasn't the one that travelled with her for months. But Ash told her that once Bellamy met Bonnie, Bonnie would confirm it, and he was right.

"Have you ever been here before, Serena?" Ash asked.

"Actually, no, I haven't." She replied.

"Well, take it in. I've been here many times before. It also holds one of the first great memories I had on my journey." Ash explained.

"It's good to go back to a place you know and love so well, isn't it?"

"Yep. Hey kids?"

Tristan and Bellamy looked up at their father. "Yes daddy?" Tristan asked.

"Remember when I told you I had some struggles to start off my journey but once I got here I felt like I started to believe in myself a lot more after I left?"

"Yeah?"

"Well, I'm going to take you to a place where I made my presence known here. Come on, let's go. I'll show you." He started walking, with Serena and the kids following soon after.

"Hasn't dad shown us everywhere he's been here before the last couple of times we've been here?" Bellamy asked to Tristan.

"I don't know. Maybe there was something he didn't want to show us yet until now." Tristan answered.

"I guess we'll have to walk with him and see." Bellamy added.

A few minutes later, they entered a forest. Seeing as they were kids and you know the attention spans kids have these days (and the patience they had), Tristan and Bellamy were getting anxious, really wanting to know where their dad was taking them.

"Where is this place, dad?" Tristan asked.

"Not that much farther. Maybe a good ten minutes." Ash responded.

"I'll be distracted by a Pidgey within that time." Tristan whispered to Bellamy. This caused a stifle of giggles from Bellamy. Luckily for them, Ash and Serena didn't hear their commotion. It's not like they would have cared but it's good to keep it secret without others knowledge.

"Where is this place?" Serena asked Ash.

"You'll see soon." He replied.

"Come on. Won't you tell me?" Serena asked in a lovey dovey voice while also giving Ash puppy dog eyes.

"Uh, what is that look for?" Ash asked.

Serena was surprised that Ash asked that. He had been married before but even though she had no proof that Denise did the same thing, she was pretty sure that she did that at least a few times throughout their marriage.

"Oh, it's nothing." Serena replied.

"Oh fine, I will tell you." He leaned in and whispered in her ear.

"Oh, that's cool to take us there." She responded.

"Ssh, just make sure the kids don't know." He stated.

Serena made a zipping motion across her lips. "My lips are sealed.

Author's note: *Runs back from screaming session* Whew! Glad I got that out of my system. Did you guys get a good view of the next chapter? Got a general idea? Did I accidentally wake up the neighbors? Read the next chapter with an answer to at least two of the questions. Until then…

TDBigJ out!

Because I don't have to go. Only you and my grandfather go every thirty seconds.

-Sonny Koufax, Big Daddy