TDBigJ's message: Well, here we are… chapter 13. Hard to believe we've already made it this far. Only two chapters left after this one *Sad face*. I feel like the last chapter was pretty upsetting, seeing as what happened. It felt pretty down of a chapter. Ash saying that didn't seem right, but, this story needed some drama as not a lot of it has happened in it. But on the bright side, some people liked it. Oh well, let's get past that. Let's focus on the rest of the story. Seeing as this is the third to final chapter, I can already give you a spoiler, something big is going to happen in this chapter. Go ahead and take your guesses, but make them quick as you'll find out by the end of the chapter what it will be. Consider this chapter as an early Christmas present. The final three chapters are pretty big ones as each will have a big event in them. Just sit tight and read on. Let's get to the responding of your guys' thoughts of the last chapter, it's about time I did.

Wolves22 (Guest #1): I wish I could, but I don't think I will be able to. Thanks for the review and Merry Christmas!

Espeon44: I'll consider them. Merry Christmas!

ManleyTogekiss: I like to keep this story sane. I didn't feel like a physical conflict would help, but go ahead and use that idea. Thanks for the review and Merry Christmas!

Fred the FHRITP Guy: That's very funny. Good how that plays out, huh? Thanks for the review and Merry Christmas!

Armorshippingfan: Let's see if your hopes will turn out positive. Thanks for the review and Merry Christmas!

Shadic4566: I know, dumb move. I hope so too. I agree, they were made for each other. Oops, I spelled Krookodile wrong? Thanks for catching that. Thanks for the review and Merry Christmas!

Guest #2: Thank you. Yes, the next chapter of the crossover fic will be out soon, 1-2 weeks to be exact. You have a merry Christmas too and thanks for the birthday wishes. Thanks for the review and Merry Christmas!

Roger0326: Well, here it is. Merry Christmas!

Mad Ass Dragon: Well, it seems I made you madder. I am ashamed. At least you're a little sane now. I know, the whole idea of him saying that is insane. The last chapter was nowhere near my proudest chapter, but it was needed for drama. Sorry I made you more madder than you usually are. Thanks for the review and Merry Christmas!

Jpr123: Yeah, I know. From the above review, I am ashamed quite a bit from the last chapter. But I'll get over it. Yeah, I would to the same to my girlfriend (If I had one) if she said the same thing. But when you say Ash is dumb, I'm the dumb one here. I'll admit it for what happened. Thanks for the review and Merry Christmas!

TheAztecKing: It makes my day when someone like you says I'm an amazing writer. I don't praise myself but thank you so much. Your last comment means a lot to me. I hope that I do become a writer someday, that is my dream. Thanks for the review and Merry Christmas!

Brig nodrm2347: Glad you agree it adds some drama. The thing he came up with is pretty different if you ask me. Not something you would normally see someone do to prove they are over their ex. I'm happy you liked the chapter. Thanks for the review and Merry Christmas!

Darkaura808: Don't sweat it man, as long as you review, I'm happy. I'll respond to both, it doesn't bother me. Glad you liked the scene of her handling him. I felt like her doing it was better suited for the story. Yeah, I know, only two chapters left after this one. Yeah, I'm glad Ash still does that. Glad you liked it. Thanks for the review and Merry Christmas!

Oliverqueen01: You're not going to watch RAW anymore? I understand why you don't want to from now on. Charlotte becoming RAW Women's Champion again pissed me off. It will never end will it? I'm freaking surprised Cesaro and Sheamus won the tag titles. That was a big shocker. Yeah, I'm not happy Neville is turning heel as he is one of my favorites, even though he's hardly ever on. Smackdown is DEFINITELY the better show these days. I enjoy it tons more than RAW to be honest. I'm happy to know you thought it was a well written chapter. It's good that Ash and Denise aren't hostile towards each other. Yeah, I agree, I wish life was like that sometimes. Those seem like two rather interesting options, especially the latter one. Good to know someone liked her reaction as it seemed fitting. Thanks for the review and Merry Christmas!

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

He just wondered what he should do. He wanted to further his relationship with Serena but he needed to move on first. She told him that if they wanted to go to the next level together he needed to prove that he was completely over his ex-wife. Sure he wasn't married to Denise anymore and they had been divorced for well over a year now, but he still had a little bit of her on his mind, which Serena didn't want. He had been dating Serena for five months and he knew that Serena was a very understandable woman but he found out that she was one of those women that didn't want her man thinking about his ex-wife if he was dating her. Not in the way you're thinking. Ash understood where she was going with this, and he agreed with her. If Denise was still on his mind every so often then what future would he and Serena have?

Ash didn't want to think about Denise anymore but it was hard to erase her from the proximity of his mind. He was beginning to have doubts if he could even get over her. But why was it so hard? HE was the one who divorced her, so why was he feeling this way? He wanted to be with Serena but if getting over Denise was so hard near to impossible, then they couldn't be together any longer, which would not devastate Serena, but himself as well. Since he reunited with her so long ago his feelings toward her had changed. He never really knew why, but he regretted not returning her feelings when they were ten. When she told him that she had a crush on him ever since they were young, his whole vision of her had changed, for the better. He wanted their relationship to advance further. Marriage wasn't on the mind quite yet. But he wanted to be with her longer than five months.

But right now, was there even a chance it could?

He continued to lay there. Thinking about more possible solutions.

Meanwhile, Tristan and Bellamy were lying in their room as well. They had been thinking of ways to possibly help their dad prove to Serena that he was over their mother and he could be with her from now on, but you know, they weren't really smart when it came to this, so they didn't have the faintest idea of what they could do.

"Tristan, when do you think dad will get Serena back?" Bellamy asked.

"I don't know, Belle, I just don't know." Tristan replied.

"Well, in order for daddy and Serena to be together forever, dad needs to prove to her that he's over mom." Bellamy added.

"Do you think he should be over mom?"

"I think not in general, but as a wife, yes." Bellamy answered.

"I agree."

"Just look, Serena has done everything for us since she reunited with dad about eight months ago. We know she would not only be the perfect mom for us, but the perfect wife for daddy." Bellamy explained.

"You bring up a good point, Bellamy." Tristan added.

"I know what dad said was wrong, but I feel as if dad is being too hard on himself."

"That's true. But he's probably just thinking too hard on this whole situation. It's been almost a whole month since we last saw Serena, I'm starting to feel a little hurt by this as well." Tristan explained.

"Me too. Dad admits he made a mistake, but he can get through this. If he got through many situations with mommy, he can get through this with Serena. I just know he can." Bellamy explained.

"Same here. Now, let's keep thinking of ideas to help him out." Tristan added.

"Right."

Night came and Ash had made his way into bed, as did the kids. But Ash was having a hard time trying to sleep. It had been like this for the past four weeks. Almost every night Ash found difficulty trying to fall asleep because this whole thing had been keeping him awake at night. Some nights he got to sleep but not easily, and others, he was lucky if he even got a few hours. Fortunately, he didn't wake up drowsy on most mornings, but like it meant anything.

He thought on and on about what he could do to prove to Serena that she was the next one for him. Idea after idea clouded his mind but nothing seemed good enough. This was going to be a tough situation to overcome.

Ash slapped himself in the forehead. Why? Why did he say that idiotic thing a few weeks ago? To his girlfriend nonetheless? No girl who was in a relationship wanted to hear that from their boyfriend. What kind of imbecile says to their girlfriend "I still have feelings for my ex."? Ash felt like he was the biggest moron on the face of planet Earth right now. He had told his friends about the situation, none of them were too hard on him, although they weren't too pleased with hearing what he said, but they didn't berate him or anything. He was lucky that Iris didn't call him a "little kid" when he told her. She actually was like "Suck it up Ash. You know what to do. I know you can think of something."

Ash's Pokemon were even saddened by the event. They enjoyed seeing Serena just as much as Ash and the kids did, and since they hadn't seen her in four weeks, they were getting worried. Everyone was getting worried. It was hay day.

Ash needed to stop keeping himself up at night. But the only solution to that would be to come up with something that would solve this whole predicament, and the end was nowhere in sight. He turned off the lamp and hoped he would get some sleep tonight, if he was lucky enough.

The following day was no better for our hero. He was still struggling to come up with an idea to prove to Serena that she was "the one" for him now. This was getting out of hand. He was wearing himself out just thinking about this.

Pikachu was a couple feet next to him on the bed. His worried expression was just as bad as his partner's. He loved Serena as well, as much to call her his second trainer. He didn't want either of them to feel unhappy over this whole thing. He would come up with an idea and tell his buddy as well, if he could talk human talk like that pesky Meowth could.

Ash had been sitting there for a good three hours thinking of how he was going to prove to Serena that he was over his ex-wife. Many, many ideas popped up into his head but not one seemed plausible. He did want to be with Serena but if this thing was still on his mind, what Serena said would be true.

They both had done a lot of good things since they've gotten together. The weekly dates they went on, her cuddling with him when they watched a movie together, the kisses they shared when the kids weren't in the room, it was all great, and he didn't want to lose it. Plus, he didn't want the kids to lose it either.

Ever since Serena last saw Ash, the kids were pretty down that she hadn't been around in a while. It was like they were losing another mother figure and he felt terribly bad. He wasn't just ruining it for him, he was ruining it for them. The kids even tried to come up with ideas of how they could help him with this, but since they were kids and never been on a date before, they couldn't come up with anything.

Ash knew that wherever Serena was, she was thinking this over as well, but probably not in the same way he was. He wished to ask her what she was thinking about but due to the fact that they haven't talked in weeks, he had a feeling she wouldn't answer him. She wouldn't even answer his calls so why would she answer any questions he would ask?

He knew what he did was a huge mistake, and he needed to think of a way to fix it, but what? Ash had already been asking his mom and a few of his friends as to what he could do and for any advice they could have, but they didn't have a clue as to what to do to help him. He told them that he and Serena weren't broken up, but they had not seen each other in a while, and it was getting rough on him and he was pretty sure it was rough on her too. The many things the kids have asked him lately about him seeing Serena again were only hurting every time they asked.

"When is Serena coming over again?"

"Are you and Serena okay?"

"I miss her. Will she ever come back?"

"Are you two still together?"

And Ash answered each question with the same response: I don't know. And that was the true answer. He wasn't just saying that just to say it, that was the truth, and he needed to admit it. He then thought of the statement she said the day they last saw each other…

"If you want to stay with me, then I want you to prove you're over Denise."

He totally just remembered that line. She wanted him to "prove" he was over Denise. He then figured out that he would use that as motivation.

He then sat up and got a determined look on his face. He knew how to prove to Serena she was the one and his past was the past. He picked up his cell phone and texted her a message.

"If you get this meet me by the oceanfront tomorrow evening at 6:30. And wear something nice."

He hoped she would look at her phone and read that. She probably knew what he was talking about since it was coming from him, but he would respond if she asked why.

He put a lot of thought into this. He crossed his fingers, hoping this would work.

The next day

Ash stood by the oceanfront, all dressed up. He was wearing a gray long sleeve dress shirt, black jeans, and brown sandals. If this was something he was serious about, he needed to be dressed properly.

Both his hands were in each pocket. He felt around each pocket. Both pockets contained an item. Each of these items was going to be proving something tonight. Ash just hoped she would show up. It would be a waste of time if she didn't. She never responded back to his message yesterday about her meeting him here today. He was worried she would not show up but he didn't lose faith. This was his childhood friend he was talking about, someone who had been by his side for almost two decades. He knew she wouldn't let him down, but after what happened four weeks ago, there would be a chance she might, but he knew she wouldn't.

It was now 6:30 in the evening. Ash just checked his watch and then looked behind him. She was nowhere in sight yet. He took a deep breath. He didn't want to give up hope. That was not like him.

Twenty more minutes passed and she still hadn't shown up. Ash kept taking glances behind him to see if she was coming. But each time was a waste, as she wouldn't be seen each time. The sun was starting to set, and the sky emitted a red-orange aura, and the sun was halfway down on the horizon.

Five more minutes had passed and she still hadn't shown up. Ash was just about to call it a night. It had been a while since he got here, about a good forty minutes to be exact.

Ash took a deep sigh and closed his eyes. "Maybe she isn't coming at all." He said to himself.

"Maybe you shouldn't assume while your eyes are closed." Said a voice. Ash swiftly opened his eyes and looked to his left. She was there. Serena had made it. He mentally sighed, seeing as she did decide to come.

"Oh, you made it. I'm quite happy to see you." He stated. He looked at her. She was wearing a knee high white sleeveless dress, white sandals, diamond earrings and silver cross shaped necklace.

"You look… Very beautiful." He commented.

"Thank you. And you look very dashing." She replied.

"You know why I wanted you to meet me here, right?"

"I wouldn't think it's anything else."

Ash took a deep breath, turned so he was facing her, and grabbed her hands.

"Look Serena, this may sound cliché, but what I said four weeks ago was a huge mistake. What I said was stupid and I was an idiot for saying it." Ash started.

"Ash, don't be so hard on yourself. Yes, I didn't like what you said either, but that doesn't' mean I want you punishing yourself for what you did." Serena added.

"But one thing I want to ask you is… do you really still have feelings for Denise? And be completely honest." She started, tone calm but serious.

"To be truthful, I still do love her but only as a friend. That part of loving her as a wife is over. That part of my life is done." Ash responded.

"But how are you going to prove to me you are over her?" Serena asked, wanting a definite explanation.

"I figured out a way to prove it." Ash said and reached into his left pocket…

And took out a ring. Serena was surprised by it.

"Ash… are you… proposing?" She asked, unsure where he was headed with this.

"Actually… no. I'm not. If I were to propose, I wouldn't use my wedding ring from my past marriage for it." He replied. Serena was now definitely unsure what was going on.

"This is my wedding ring when I was with Denise. It cost a good five thousand dollars when I bought it. I may have some good memories with this ring. But you know what…"

Ash put the ring in his right hand and looked at it once more. He closed his eyes and clenched it in his hand by closing his fist. And within a second…

He opened his eyes and chucked it as far as he could into the ocean that was in front of them. The ring landed a good twenty yards out into the water. It was to be carried out into the open waters, to be gone forever.

"That ring may have been worth five thousand dollars, but to me it's worth nothing now. The part of my life with Denise is now just a memory." Ash stated.

He looked at the exact same spot where the ring landed. He knew there was no getting it back, but right now, he didn't have a care in the world. He didn't want to live that life anymore. He felt Serena's hand touch his shoulder.

"I'm proud of you Ash. It looks like you have proven you are over her." She stated.

"Yep. I have to stop living in the past and look forward to the future." He added.

"It's good to see it that way." She took her hand off of his shoulder and placed it over her other one in her lap.

"That chapter of my life is done…"

"And it's time I start the next."

Ash reached in his right pocket and took out a small black box and got down on one knee, his right to be exact. Serena noticed this and faced him, her heart now started to race at a thousand miles per hour.

"Serena… I love you to the moon and back. You and I go way back. We have a history together and I want that history to continue. I couldn't think of another girl I want to be next to for the rest of my life. So…"

He opened the box with his left hand. "Serena… Will you marry me?"

Serena felt like she was going to drop dead right then and there. Her heart was now racing at ten thousand miles an hour. Was this really happening? Did her longtime crush just propose to her? The World Champion? It felt like a dream, but it was anything but that. She covered her mouth with both of her hands, hardly being able to restrict a squeal. She had been waiting her whole life for this, and now it was actually happening. She couldn't hold it in any longer.

"YES! YES! A MILLION TIMES YES!" She yelled, wanting the whole world to hear her happiness. She went up to him and hugged him, tears of joy flowing from her eyes and trickling down her scarlet cheeks. After about ten seconds of embracing, she let go of him. He stood up and took the ring out of the box and grabbed her left hand with his and slid the ring onto her finger. She held her hand out and looked at it so she could get a better look at it. It was beautiful. It had three diamonds on it and was about a quarter of an inch thick. He then cuffed both her cheeks with his hands and planted a deep, passionate kiss on her lips. She closed her eyes and let the kiss go on, wrapping her arms around his neck as he continued to kiss her. They didn't even care that they couldn't breathe, they both wanted this to last forever.

After what seemed like about over a minute of kissing, they separated and Serena took another look at her ring.

"Ash, I just can't believe this is happening. Just out of curiosity… When did you get this ring?"

Ash looked deep into her eyes. "I got it about a week after we met up again."

Now that surprised her. He got it a week, A WEEK, after they reunited over eight months back? Was he freaking serious? Serena couldn't believe it.

"A week? But why?" She asked, even more curious.

"Because I knew for sure you were the next one." He answered. "And I know for sure you're the last one."

More and more tears cascaded down her still rose colored cheeks. She wanted to scream in pure joy that the moment she had been dreaming about since she was a little girl had finally became a reality. Ash noticed the tears that were present and took both his hands and wiped them off, only for them to be replaced immediately. He knew she was crying tears of joy, so he decided to let the rest of them flow, thinking she wanted them to be there. He looked at her while she had her eyes closed, tears emitting from there every few seconds, wind softly blowing her short honey blonde hair. Ash thought she looked more beautiful with that going on. He was happy as well that he thought about making her his next wife. That last statement he made was true. She was his second, and most definitely last, wife he would ever have, and he was going to make sure of that.

Serena leaned up and kissed him on the lips once more. She couldn't contain her emotions anymore. She felt like she could kiss him until they both died from a lack of oxygen. As long as she was going to be Ash Ketchum's next wife, she would die a happy woman. He cuffed her cheek again and closed his eyes and kissed her back. They were both extremely ecstatic that they would be getting married, and they didn't want the moment to be ruined. They were going to stand there and savor the moment while it lasted. It was too good to be true.

Man, just wait until the kids, their Pokemon, and everyone else heard about this.

Author's note: Yay! Ash proposed! And Serena said yes! Woo hoo! I bet you guys are just as happy as I am about it. And seeing as there are only two chapters left, we got one big event left, and I'm pretty sure you guys know what it is. Yep, only one thing left… or two. Hehehe! I'm pretty psyched for the last two chapters. What big events lie ahead? Want to know the next one? Well read on and find out in the final preview of the story.

"You look even more handsome than on your first wedding day. I'm so proud of you." Delia commented.

"Thank you, mom. But that isn't necessary." Ash replied.

"It's so hard to believe you're getting married again. But I'm happy nonetheless. I'm especially happy with who you're getting married to." Delia explained. "Are you confident she's the one you'll be with the rest of your life?"

"One hundred ten percent, mom. I've never been so sure of anything in my life." He responded.

"Just go out there and do it, honey. I want nothing more than you to be happy. Serena as well."

"Right back at you, mom."

"I'll leave you alone. I'm pretty sure you need to finish getting yourself prepared. I'll see you in a bit at the ceremony."

And with that, Delia left the room, leaving Ash and Pikachu alone. Ash checked over his bow tie one more time. It was okay now that Cilan had tied it. He looked down at his partner. Pikachu was in a bow tie as well, Cilan having tied it too. He bent down and stroked Pikachu's head.

"This is it buddy. The day has finally come again."

"Pika pi." He said while slightly nodding his head. Within a moment, a couple of Ash's guy friends came into the room, Brock and Gary, both dressed in their tuxes as well.

"Hey man. Hard to believe you're getting married again." Brock stated.

"I know. Yet I'm feeling just as nervous as I was at my first one. If not, more."

"Hey Ash, it's your wedding day. Of course you are going to be nervous. Everyone is at their wedding. I mean, look remember how I was at my wedding with Lucy? Don't feel left out."

"Yeah I know."

"I'm pretty sure Serena is just as nervous as you are. Actually, I think she's more nervous than you are, considering this is her first wedding." Gary stated.

"That's true."

"Hey Ash, we're here for you, every step of the way."

"Thanks Brock." He was happy Brock said those words. One of the reasons he made Brock his best man.

"Okay Ashy boy, we'll get out to the hall. We'll be waiting for you out there. Good luck." Gary said and he and Brock left the room.

Ash knew that Gary and Brock were right. Being nervous at your own wedding was no big deal. He had a feeling Serena was pretty darn nervous as well, especially since she was getting married for the first time. He was looking forward to this. He was getting married for the last time and he knew that.

Time to get the show on the road.

Author's note: All right! The next chapter is the wedding. Oh come on, I couldn't end this story without letting you guys see them tie the knot. I know this is what you guys have been waiting for since the start (Or at least the last few chapters). What will go on during the wedding? What words will they say to each other? Will I finally succeed in getting a job even with no past work experience? You guys will get answers in the following chapter. You have a merry Christmas and I will see you next week when our hero and heroine become one. Until then…

TDBigJ out!

"See that home run? Tell your sister about it."

-Richie Goodman, The Benchwarmers