Hey there everyone!
It's been a long week but I'm back with more of this story, I'm glad you guys are enjoying it so far.
Now I want to clear a few things before we begin.
1. - Giovanni being dead doesn't mean that there won't be Team Rocket… enough spoiler.
2. - Sycamore is not Serena's father.
3. - This one is important: Every story has an objective to reach, and something to teach, at least that is what I believe. I've seen enough stories about Ash and Serena starting a relationship after being together for a while, and a few less of those stories shows the couple facing big problems. This story is different because I want to target the problems that a couple would face when entering a hasty relationship, I've seen people enter a relationship as fast as I change my underwear, and damn some of them never last… I want Serena's and Ash relationship to last, but there will be problems for them, they have to learn a lot of things of each other… but I digress.
4. – Final point! Whenever you see ("Is the Pokémon that are talking") and humans won't understand unless Red translate for them as he has Aura powers, those will be explained in the future and yes, I'm planning on working on Ash's aura powers too.
Also there is a reason why Ash is still the actual champion of the Sinnoh League and why there wasn't another during his time in Unova.
I promise I won't fill the teams with shiny Pokémon, but there is one more that I want to bring.
Things are just beginning and I really hope you enjoy it.
Cookies!
Crossroads.
Red held the Cherish Ball in hand and motioned Ash's Charizard to stand next to him.
"Ash, your Charizard went through hell and back to bring this special Pokémon here from Charizific Valley, Charla was against it at the beginning but after talking to Charizard she warmed to the idea".
While everyone else was confused at Red's words, Ash looked at his Charizard and then understood what his father was talking about, his fire type had been a father of a very rare Charmander for almost a year now, his scales were of a lighter color than others, but what caught his attention was that this Charmander knew some powerful moves, like Dragon Pulse and Ancient Power.
He had meet the little one once, Liza had told him that Charla wanted him to be his trainer but he had Charizard already.
"Charizard here told Charla that his new trainer would be your mate, and that she was strong willed and honest, at least those were his first impressions"
Charizard gave them a slight nod while Red stepped forward, handing the Cherish Ball to Serena.
"I hope you understand what a great honor it is to have one of the Charmander born in the Charizific Valley… and even a greater honor to have the son of the strongest Charizard of the Valley" told the Kanto Champion to the new trainer.
Serena looked at the ball with evident shock and turned to Charizard "Are you sure about this? I mean, you just meet me a few hours ago"
("That's true… but you being my trainer's mate gave me the excuse to let my son have a chance at travelling the world… Still I expect you treat him with great care and respect, and he will do the same to you") Charizard's words were translated by Red who used his Aura to understand him.
Ash put a reassuring hand on her shoulders and smiled at her "I know you can do it, and I guess his only real opportunity to see the world is you, as Charla won't have him traveling with someone she doesn't trust"
Serena thought about it for a moment, her dream was to become a Sky Rider, but having Pokémon that couldn't fly wouldn't really help her in the beginning… still, Charizards were known to be powerful and fast in the sky, they would need to train hard to get Charmander evolve, but it shouldn't be a problem if Ash was there to help.
Charizard then saw her face change from a doubtful to a determined one, definitely this girl had spirit.
"I'll do it Charizard, I'll show you that I can make him into a powerful Charizard" Promised the girl to the Fire type, earning a thumbs up.
("And you won't be doing it alone, I'll help along with my trainer to make sure that no one will be as fast and powerful as him… well except for his old man") Red translated Charizard words to them once again, earning a grateful smile from the girl and Ash.
"Well then I think is time to meet your new Pokémon Serena" Red gave her the Cherish Ball, she took it and gave a slight nod.
Turning around she threw the ball letting the little Charmander out for the first time. The Charmander looked around spotting his father and Ash along his family, and two humans he didn't know.
("Hey Dad! Who are those two?") Asked Charmander pointing to the two human females.
("The one standing close to Ash is his mate, her name is Serena and she will be your new trainer, I expect you to show respect and care as she will do the same, understood?") Charizard told the little one.
Charmander's eyes widened with excitement, he had always wanted to travel around the world, but his mother wouldn't let him after she learned of his father's past.
("What about mom? Was she ok with this?")
("Of course not… but she will trust the girl as she is my trainer's mate, and besides I like her fiery spirit")
Serena approached Charmander "Hello there Charmander my name is Serena, I hope you and I can be good friends and partners" she extended her hand to the little fire type whom put both paws on her open hand and smiled.
Ash was happy for Charmander and his girlfriend, it was always good to have a new friend, and this certainly would help Serena to grow as a trainer seeing as how she would have to battle on the Sky Prix.
"So… why the Cherish ball? Liza could have used a normal Poke Ball or even a Great Ball" asked the young trainer.
Red chuckled a little and answered "It was part of Charla's demands, apparently she wouldn't let her little boy travel in anything less than the best, it was this or a luxury ball, but Liza didn't have one so she used one of the special Cherish Balls"
"I see, well it doesn't really matter" He turned to his girlfriend "I have to make a quick call, then we will pack everything to leave tomorrow morning with everyone else"
"Ok!" answered the honey-blond girl while playing with Charmander.
Once inside Ash used dialed someone he hadn't seen in a very long time.
"Hello? Brock Harrison speaking"
"Hey there Brock, long time no see you!"
"Ash!? How have you been? It has been so long since the last time I saw you… since parting ways in Sinnoh"
"Yeah, actually I'm talking to you from my new house in the Kalos region…"
"That is too far away from here, why didn't you tell us before? Misty, Tracey, Max, May and Dawn would have liked to know you were moving away"
Ash scratched his cheek nervously "Well I was a bit busy at the time, everything happened so fast… anyway I wanted to know your status as a Pokémon Doctor"
"I graduated almost six months ago, I love being a doctor but… sometimes I miss being on the move, the job in the Pokémon Center is good but I don't get to help as much as I would like to… and my paycheck is a bit… well, let us not talk about sad things"
"How about becoming a private doctor then?"
"Wow Ash… that is almost impossible for me, the Medical Association won't recognize a private Doctor unless he is working with someone of very good standing, even some veterans have trouble trying to get recommendations to work for famous trainers"
"And that is where I come into play my old friend, how you would like to work for the champion of the Sinnoh League and the daughter of the great Ryhorn Racer Grace Yvone? Not to mention the son of the Kanto Champion".
"I know you are the Sinnoh league champion, and that is good enough… but how do you know that Grace's daughter would hire me? And the Kanto Champion Red? I can't lie to the Association Ash" said Brock with concern but with a hidden excitement too.
Ash just gave him a knowing smirk "You won't lie to them Brock, I know Grace Yvone as she is my neighbor… and let's just say that her daughter won't have a problem with it, and as for Red Ketchum's request… I'm already making it"
"Red Ketchum's… YOU ARE THE SON OF THE CHAMPION IN THE KANTO REGION!?" Brock's yell had alerted Red, who went inside to check that everything was alright.
"Is there a problem Ash? I heard someone yelling"
"No dad everything is fine, actually could you come here for a sec?"
"Alright" Red took a seat beside Ash on the phone. The young trainer looked at his friend.
"Well Brock… let's talk about business"
Meanwhile – Sinnoh: Morning of the same day.
(Sinnoh should be in the other side of the globe if I'm not mistaken)
A woman with blue hair walked through her home, reaching her daughter's room door "Dawn, you have to wake up or else you will be late!" she entered without knocking, seeing her daughter already awake and trying to fix the mess she called hair.
"I know mom, but this stupid hair won't stay down!" After a few more minutes of fighting against her own hair she had enough "Piplup use bubble beam!"
("Alright princess!")
The girl let a delighted squeal escape her lips after seeing her hair fixed, she turned around and hugged her penguin-like friend "You are amazing Piplup!"
("I know it… but don't stop the praises")
A small yellow rodent Pokémon watched the whole spectacle with amusement, the girl grabbed her bag and ran to the living room almost trampling over her mother "Let's go Piplup, Pikachu!"
"Be careful Dawn! Gosh… you really need to learn to be more cautious, now come and eat before you go, Professor Rowan offered to take you to the port, so you don't have to hurry"
"Then why did you arggh… never mind mom, let's just eat and wait for the professor"
("Hey Piplup, Dawn is pretty excited about the journey huh?")
The blue penguin looked at his friend like she had grown another head ("Dawn is always excited about going to new regions my loyal minion")
Pikachu sweat dropped ("I would like it if you stopped calling me that, is degrading and Dawn gave me a beautiful name so you should use it")
Piplup puffed his chest and smirked ("I'm the king of the team, everyone is my minion, Ampere")
("You know what? Never mind, you get impossible whenever you get all high and mighty") Pikachu just went to the others who were already eating. ("Hey Lopunny, don't you think Dawn is a bit too excited?")
Lopunny giggled at her friend's curiosity ("Dawn has always been like that since she met Ash, Brock and Pikachu")
("Right… your almighty and overpowered crush") Ampere had knew about the male Pikachu from Lopunny, and sometimes said that she acted like him.
("He is not almighty… and definitely not overpowered, but he was powerful and kind, remember those stories we told you, he defeated a Latios and a Regice after all") answered Lopunny.
("And that is what makes me think he is overpowered, I hope to meet such a Pokémon one day, a Legend Slayer as you said") Ampere giggled a bit while Lopunny shook her head.
("That was his trainer's nickname… but I think it could apply to him too") Lopunny giggled once again, it would be good to see her old crush again ¿would he like her now that she had evolved?
After half an hour later they were done and ready, Dawn's Pokémon were inside their balls except for Piplup and Pikachu, Professor Rowan arrived and greeted the girls with his serious expression.
"Professor you should smile more often" said Dawn giggling a bit at the Professor's impassive expression.
Johanna hugged her daughter "Be careful on your trip, it should take a week to reach Kalos, and don't forget to call me when you reach Coumarine City or Lumiose City ok?"
"Of course mom no need to worry, and I promise that I'll conquer those Pokémon Showcase too! Kalos here I come!" Ampere jumped on her shoulder while Piplup was carried on her arms.
Johanna saw her daughter get inside the car, Rowan started the engine and drove to the port "When you say that… is when I worry the most"
Kalos Region.
Ash was finishing his call with Brock, it had taken them a while sorting the details but they had an agreement "Then I will be counting on you from now on Brock"
"Of course my friend, I'll be more than glad to travel along with you once more, and I promise to repay all the generosity that your family has shown to me, I can't believe I'm now the head Doctor for the Kanto Champion and his son, and let's not forget about Grace of course, although I'm still not sure how you are going to convince her to let me work for her"
"Don't worry about that Brock, trust me when I said that all is sorted out on this end, she won't say no once I tell them who you are, you will know why once you arrive Lumiose"
Brock smiled and gave him a slight nod "Then I'll start the necessary paperwork and see you in Lumiose in one week, send me the recommendation letters as soon as you can to deliver them please"
"Of course my friend, those will be sent to you tonight, I'll be waiting then, see you later Brock!"
And with that the call ended, now Brock would be able to help him with his Pokémon, this time he was serious about the league, money wouldn't be a problem as Ash himself was quite wealthy for winning the Lilly of Valley conference and the Orange League, not to mention all those tournaments he won, and the incentives he received from the league for placing in the top 20.
Walking to the backyard he found Serena playing with Charmander, Fletchling and Fennekin, it was great watching her get along with her new Pokémon that quickly, it almost made him feel sort of jealous remembering how Pikachu hated him at the start.
"Serena, I need to talk to you and Grace for a moment"
"I'm coming sweetie" answered Serena with a winning smile, not even aware of her words or the blush that had covered Ash's face. "You guys can play around, just don't get too far away and follow Pikachu's and Pika's instructions" Her Pokémon gave a slight nod and went to play with the others.
Just as she was about to enter the house she remembered something and turned around "And no trying Flamethrower again Burst, I'm warning you"
Ash looked confused now while Charmander scratched his neck nervously "Burst?"
"Yeah that's Charmander's nickname, I thought it would be easier if we find another one in our travels or if it evolves into a Charizard, it is hard enough to difference Pikachu and Pika"
"Fair enough"
Once inside he asked Grace to talk to them which the older woman accepted and went to the living room.
"I wanted to talk to you about the journey, I'm planning on having a good friend of mine come with us, he is a Pokémon Doctor and a Breeder too, I'll be requiring his services but, the problem is that he just received his title not too long ago"
Grace was surprised at Ash's insight on the trip, it was a good thing that he wanted to bring someone that could take care of their Pokémon if they were away from any Pokémon Center "I see… but what would be the problem then?"
"Apparently the Pokémon Medic Association only lets Medics work under contract if it is from a famous trainer or celebrity, my father is writing a recommendation a petition letter right now for him, but I was wondering if you would be willing to add more value to this with another petition letter"
"I see now, being a famous Rhyhorn Racer myself the Association won't have any problem in letting him come…"
Ash gave her an affirmative nod "Me and my father will be paying for his services, and I want him here to take care of the growth of Serena's Pokémon too, she is going to be riding them in the future, that means they must be in top form and there is no one else I would rather have than him"
Serena was touched at her boyfriend's concern, it was true that they would need to take good care of their Pokémon during the journey and it did seem like a good idea to let a medic join them but… "You don't need to go that far for me Ash, I agree that is a good idea but I think you shouldn't burden yourself like this"
Ash just shook his head "No Serena this is not a problem for me or my family, and it also helps Brock in a lot of ways, I will need all the help I can get to win the Kalos League and I do plan on challenging Diantha for her title"
Grace agreed with him on that too, defeating the regional champion would be hard and he was going to need to be prepared "I agree with you but Serena is right, at least let me help you guys with part of the payment, after all we have more money than we need, and if it helps your friend then I don't see the problem, after all the better prepared the best"
"You don't need to do that Grace…"
"Neither do you, but you will do it anyway so I will help you… at least let me do this for my daughter Ash"
The young trainer understood that this was Grace's way of trying to help out her daughter too and apologize for not being a good mother "Okay then… I'll send the letters this night and we will see him in Lumiose City in a week, we have enough time for me to challenge Santalune's Gym"
"Then I better get that petition letter done right away, see you two in a while" said Grace walking out of the living room.
Ash turned to see Serena's conflicted look "Hey H…Ho…Hon… Serena, is something wrong?"
Serena stood up and took seat next to him "I have been wondering… why you kissed me that day? I've always liked you and to me all this seems like a dream… but I can't help but feel like everything is so rushed… you are going out of your way to help me and there is not much I can do for you"
Ash placed a hand on hers "You remember that story I told you about Mewtwo?"
"The one you turned into stone?"
Ash gave her a slight nod "you see, I never said this to anyone but, at that moment I remembered the day you moved, and the promise we made to always be together… for a moment I thought that I had failed you but then I came back… I was so happy to have a second chance"
It was true, for a moment he had thought that he was going to die without seeing her again and that his promise would be left unfulfilled.
"At first I didn't understand those feelings, and seeing Brock get rejected over and over just made me wary of feeling the same for someone else… but then it happened again two years later, May and I tried to help a Manaphy but in the mess we got caught in an underwater palace, there was only one escape capsule and there was just enough space for one person and small Pokémon, so I gave her my Pikachu and went back to try to fix everything"
Serena was listening to his story with apprehension, he had risked his life more than once but apparently had faced and cheated death twice.
"I almost died again Serena, but thanks to May and Manaphy whom talked to me before I lost consciousness I could go try again and save the whole place from sinking… that day I promised myself that if I ever found you I would stay by your side forever, even if you already had someone else I would just be your best friend and help you whenever you needed it"
The honey-blond trainer let a few tears slip by her cheeks "So when you kissed me…"
"…It was an impulse I think… if you rejected me then I would have apologized over and over again, but you didn't and you don't know how happy that made me… part of me didn't want to live wondering how life would be by your side, so I just went for it to find out" he chuckled nervously making his girlfriend giggle.
Serena kissed his lips tenderly for a moment "I'm glad you did sweetie, I really hoped that you would keep your promise from that day and come for me, when I finally understood that those weird feelings I had for you were love, it made me just want to see you even more"
"I don't want to think that we are going too fast or too slow… I just want to think that we are living our lives the way we want, and I don't see a better way to do it than with my beautiful girlfriend by my side" said Ash kissing her lips once more.
After a few moments they broke the kiss and Serena stood up "Is almost 6 pm, I'll finish packing and then comeback, we will buy supplies in Aquacorde on our way to Santalune tomorrow"
"Right" Ash agreed and followed Serena to the backyard again.
"Fennekin, Fletchling, Burst!" her Pokémon came running quickly "I'm going home but I'll comeback in a while, I have to pack everything for our journey tomorrow, you can stay here if you want but don't wander out of the limits of Ash's or my home ok? Fletchling I trust you to keep an eye on them"
Fennekin seemed annoyed that Serena thought they needed supervision, something that the girls quickly noticed "If you don't like it then show me that there is no need to worry" The three of them gave her a confident look and accepted.
Pikachu came to Ash and went to his shoulder ("Don´t worry pal, I'll keep an eye on them too, I'll tell the winged guys to help me")
Ash managed to understand that Pikachu would help "Alright buddy, I trust you to keep them safe if necessary"
Meanwhile: Somewhere Between Sinnoh and Kanto.
Dawn was walking enjoying herself, she had made enough money winning on her performances and had thought of traveling through Sinnoh once again when her mother told her about Pokémon Showcases on the faraway Kalos Region, at first she wasn't interested but her mother had gotten some videos of the event and after watching for a while she decided to try it out.
Her mother had told her that those were different that Contests but she just shrugged it out telling her that she would win nonetheless, not even allowing her mother to explain the differences to not 'spoil' the fun.
She quickly bought a ticket to Kalos on a cruise, quite expensive too, but she was able to afford it without worrying too much about it, after all she had won the Kanto Grand Festival recently, and she had made some more money appearing as a model in private events for some companies.
("You definitely outdid yourself this time Princess, we deserved such luxuries as these") said Piplup while swimming in the pool.
Dawn smiled at him "You are enjoying it Piplup?" the little penguin gave her a slight nod and smile while floating on the water "I'm glad, how about you guys!?"
Ampere and Lopunny looked at her and smiled, letting their trainer know that they too were enjoying the trip.
("I can't believe we have a week to pamper ourselves and enjoy the trip") said Lopunny while fixing her sunglasses.
("Well… I think this is boring, I would prefer to be practicing or battle someone") answered Ampere earning light glare from her friend.
("And once again you remind me of him… gosh you Pikachu's and your love for action")
("Aww come on, don't be a party pooper now, I'm not used to staying still for too long Lopunny")
The bunny-like Pokémon just let a soft sigh escape ("We are stuck here for a whole week, you either get used to it and enjoy, or keep complaining and make Dawn feel guilty for not taking an air plane")
Ampere knew she was right, her trainer had chosen a cruise to let them rest and enjoy themselves so she might as well try to have fun.
("I hate it when you are right")
Kalos – Next Morning.
The new Vaniville group had reunited at the town's gates, their parents had gone to see them start their journey.
Shauna and Calem were hugging their parents, Serena was talking with her mother and laughing at some jokes. Red and Delia were trying to embarrass their son telling him to change his underwear, while Red told Serena to make sure he did which made her blush a very dark red.
Tierno and Trevor had finished saying their goodbyes and were already waiting ahead, the bigger guy had always dreamed of traveling with Serena, but it seemed like she would be traveling with Ash, Trevor had told him that he would travel along with him, he wanted to fill his pokedex but was not eager to make the whole trip alone.
Ash turned to his Pokémon, which had come to see their trainer and send him off "I'll be taking Squirtle and Aron with me, I'll be calling you guys periodically so don't get too comfortable and train hard" they cheered at their trainer's orders and swarmed him, assuring him that they would be prepared to fight.
Serena giggled at their antics and helped her boyfriend up "Its time sweetie, we have to go…" she turned to her mother and gave her a kiss "… see you later mom"
Grace was surprised by this, and after a few moments gave her daughter the biggest smile she could muster "Take care Serena! Show those little birds who's the boss! And Ash, take care of my little girl"
"I will mom" answered the boy while scratching his cheek nervously.
With that the whole group started walking out of the town, Ash turned to Serena and was about to tell her something when he noticed that she was crying, so he just took her hand and continued walking without saying a word.
The parents had dispersed and Delia and Red were about to walk back home when they noticed Grace was not moving "Grace?" Red watched his wife walk to their friend, at first she looked concerned but after a moment she just smiled and hugged her.
Grace's smile was still there but her tears didn't want to stop, she broke down and feeling how her knees trembled, she dropped to the ground hugging her friend "My baby… she was smiling and… so happy… she… she gave me a kiss…" her words were now a slight whisper to the couple but they understood… her baby was back after all.
Well guys, that is it for this chapter, I hope you liked it as much as I did.
Remember to leave your reviews and let me know your thoughts on this chapter.
See you later guys!