Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon. Pokemon belongs to GameFreak, etc.
Third and Final Part of Pokemon XY&Z One-Shot Series.
Ash was in Alola, but he felt like he should be somewhere else.
Somewhere in Hoenn.
Somewhere, sitting next to a honey-blonde, sapphire-eyed girl, chatting casually.
Alola simply wasn't turning out for him. He didn't like this stupid school he was going to. He didn't like the dumb Professor Kukui, the clingy Lillie, his and Pikachu's embarrassing Z-Move, the long-necked Exeguttor that terrorised the school everyday.
He wanted to travel again.
After finishing another day of school he decided enough was enough. He slammed the door of the house he and his mother rented.
"Mum, I'm leaving this place."
"Ash, why? I think it's lovely."
"Well if you think it's so nice, why don't you just live here for the rest of your life and leave me be!? Ash roared in anger.
Delia was shocked. Ash had never shouted at her in the fifteen years he knew how to talk.
"Sorry, but I just can't." Ash apologised quickly.
Delia was one of the few mothers who actually cared about what her son wanted, not what she thought was good. "Alright. I'll book us tickets back to Kanto."
Before they knew it they were back in their home region. Ash was already packing some stuff for yet another journey. He had planned ahead and had booked his plane ticket.
Delia frowned slightly. "Where are you going now?"
"Hoenn."
"Oh? Why Hoenn?"
"Why not, right?" Ash replied nonchalantly.
Delia didn't bother to continue the conversation. Ash picked up his full bag and headed towards the door.
"Bye Ash. Remember to call every so often."
"I'm sorry mum. I just really don't like staying in one place for more than a week."
"I understand, Ash. Have fun."
Ash lifted a hand to say goodbye and was off. He got to the airport real quick and on the plane within minutes.
Landing in Mauville City, Ash rushed to the phone booth and called a number he had recorded in a notebook he rarely used. The number that was a direct contact to a certain female.
"Hello?" A sweet voice said.
"Hey Serena, it's me, Ash."
"Oh hey Ash. How's Alola?"
"It's alright I guess. I do miss the Gym Battles though." He commented.
"Oh. So why did you call?"
"I just wanted to ask how you're doing."
"Well, I'm in Petalburg City right now. There's a Contest in two days, so I'm planning to watch that." She blushed before continuing. "I wish I you were here next to me."
She had fallen into the plan perfectly. Serena had given him her location and when she was going to be at a certain place.
"Cool. I hope it helps your performing skills! Bye!"
"Bye Ash!"
Ash now knew where his next destination was. Petalburg City. He called on Noivern. It was probably the only one he could trust to not drop him while flying. His birds were too small, more for hunting, while Charizard was a bit of a prankster and might just decide to break Ash's back by dumping him.
Once Ash got there he decided that it was better not risking Serena seeing him, so he stayed just outside of Petalburg for as long as possible. Though Petalburg was rather large, he wasn't a risk taker when it came to things not involving his Pokemon.
The following morning came, which meant it was time for the Contest. Ash found something he had prepared especially for this occasion, a long black cloak with a cowl the hem was edged in golden-coloured silk. He even changed the clothing he usually wore into something more mysterious. Considering he had gotten into the top eight of the Ever Grande Conference only a few years ago, he was sure people might recognise him if he wasn't careful. Not to mention he wanted to surprise Serena.
Ash made his way to the arena where the contest was being hosted. He had arrived late and the battling part of the Contest was about to begin.
He opened a Pokeball and a red-winged hawk perched itself on Ash's hide glove.
"Talonflame, look for Serena please."
Talonflame took to the skies, its sharp eyes looking for the girl. Once it locked onto her it swerved around back to Ash.
"Did you find her?"
Talonflame screeched, confirming that it did. Looking in the direction Talonflame was pointing its wing in, he went that way himself. And that was when he saw her.
He couldn't take his eyes off her. In his opinion she was more beautiful than ever. Where Serena was sitting, he silently stood a few metres behind her. Pikachu was careful to be not seen, as he was a dead giveaway if she happened to turn around.
Ash hadn't even taken notice of the coordinators who were on the field earlier. He had only seen their Pokemon. Now that he looked closely at one of them he saw who it was.
"So that's why that Blaziken seemed familiar." He muttered quietly.
In front of him, Serena was watching the battle intently.
He heard her say something to herself.
"Wonderful, isn't it." He said, surprising her and making her jump.
"Jeez, who are you?" She interrogated him, spinning around in her seat to look at him.
"She really is good." Ash said, gesturing to May.
"Know her?" Serena asked him, regaining composure and turning back around to the battle.
"I used to travel with her through Hoenn. We had so many arguments, but we still remain friends to this day."
Serena giggled. "The guy I travelled through Kalos with, we never fought. Well, except once, but that was because he was being stubborn. I've sometimes wondered about whether he still considers me a friend anymore and if he still thinks about me." She said, staring into the sky.
"How could you say that? Of course I do. Why else do you think I'm talking to you?"
"Why are you using first person when-" She stopped when she saw Ash pulling back the cowl. Serena turned around and froze for a few seconds before reacting.
"Ash you idiotic Swinub." She squealed as she hugged the life out of him. Ash was finding it gradually harder to breathe every second.
"Need... air..." He wheezed. Serena heard and immediately let go.
"What are you doing here?"
"To see you, of course."
Serena was so happy to see Ash again she didn't even notice the Contest had ended.
"So, I thought we could go somewhere to talk."
"Sure."
Ash led her to the beach just outside of Petalburg, sitting down on a rock. Serena sat next to him.
"So... that kiss you gave me before we left each other."
"Uh- um, yes?"
"Don't be nervous. I really liked it. Why else did I kiss you back?"
"You- you did?"
Ash laughed. She evidently hadn't realised yet.
"Serena, I'm not as dense as you think. I know you're in love with me."
"I think everyone does now, with us in the airport like that."
"Well, see the thing is I'm in love with you as well."
"Oh. Okay, that's nice."
Serena didn't even think about what he said. When she went over it again she snapped her head towards Ash.
"WAIT WHAT?"
"I said it. I love you. Happy now?"
Serena nodded. Ash decided it was time to return the favour, and leaned in towards her to kiss her. It was minutes of bliss for both of them. When they broke apart, Ash gave her a cheesy smile.
"So, are we in a relationship now?"
A few months later
Ash took Serena's hand as they stepped off the plane and into Kalos. It had been one year and seven months since he had come to this place. He remembered the time he fell down the stairs onto the runway. His first minute in Kalos.
Ash was a man of his word, and had come to meet up with Bonnie and Clemont once again. Pulling Serena with him, he ran in the direction of the Prism Tower. He eagerly walked through the doors.
"How many badges do you have?" Clembot's metallic voice asked.
"I was finalist of the Kalos League seven and a half years ago, and a good friend of Clemont. Good enough for you?"
Clembot opened the doors. On the other side of the room, Clemont was sprawled across his chair. He sat up when the doors opened. Bonnie was seated next to him, grooming Dedenne.
"Welcome, challenger!" Clemont hollered from the other side of the field.
"Hello, Clemont, Bonnie. Long time no see."
"Whoa, Ash? Serena?" Clemont said, confused and adjusting his glasses to make sure he wasn't seeing things.
"Hi."
Bonnie squealed and ran towards the pair. She embraced them both like Serena hugged Ash a few months ago. Her older brother soon joined them.
"You kept your promise." Bonnie and Clemont stated, in unison.
"Of course I did. I always keep my promises." Ash answered.