Hello again, TheEnigmatic97 here. Nothing much to tell, but for some reason, I'm not getting some feedback for the previous chapters, and hearing your opinion would help in the development of this story. Despite that, I would still like to thank those who have read the first five chapters, and hopefully you continue reading from beyond this point.
Now for this chapter: The group are now going out of the Kalos League Compound to proceed to Santalune City. In the middle of the trail, the raven-haired trainer would like to make an announcement.
So without further ado
'On the road - The Announcement'
The morning that followed was not that ordinary morning that they usually woke up to. It was not because they were looking up for something that would happen, such as a gym battle, or a league match, or Serena's performance - well at least in the next few days. This morning was different since there was a change in the group's dynamic, well at least for Ash and Serena's part.
-Pokémon Center, Serena's Room, 7:05-
The new couple woke up on the same bed after staying the night together. The first to wake up was Serena, who was all snuggled up to the raven-haired trainer on her side, she smiled at his tranquil face, which has no signs of being stirred up by anything else. She wanted to stand up but by just seeing his face, she did not want the moment to be spoiled. His arms were wrapped around her tightly, but not that tight that would cause a lack of air. She expected him to move around especially when he dreams about his battles, and he is giving out commands, which made her giggle every time she sees him take a nap, but he was just there, calm and relaxed. When she saw the clock, and saw that it was time to make breakfast, she slipped from Ash's grasp causing him to stir up from his tranquility, something that she did not want to happen.
"Where are you going?" His soft voice breaking the silence, but his eyes were still closed.
"I'll make breakfast." She replied "You could stay here if you want to rest some more."
Ash then tried to stand up when he heard the word breakfast, well not because it is the most important meal of the day, but it's something he just wanted to wake up for, simply, he was hungry.
"I could help you," He suggested, but he knew one thing "I might just make things worse, though."
Serena just smiled at her now boyfriend's intentions, she knew he wanted to make things special, but he was not confident in cooking.
"Don't worry, this could serve as a good moment for us two." She said
"I guess so." Ash said "Speaking of which, how are we going to tell them?"
"I don't know, but I guess there is a need to do so." She replied
"To make things a bit more complicated," Ash said "we are kinda given a celebrity status nowadays."
"Yeah, with the media and stuff." Serena replied "But we'll make things work out."
Ash smiled at his girlfriend's confidence "That's the Serena I know."
After that small exchange, they hugged each other once more and Serena pecked Ash's cheek before proceeding to their respective bathrooms. Ash's was located in his room, one wall away from Serena's and is connected by the balcony. When Ash walked out to the balcony, he smile at the view, with several flying type Pokémon soaring around, and the sky being cloudless, he knew it was a perfect day to travel.
-Pokémon Center, Kitchen, 7:42-
The couple met up at the kitchen to cook up the group's breakfast. Clemont and Bonnie woke up a few minutes earlier and was waiting at the dining area. Serena carried her personal guide with all of the recipes she learned, and showed it to Ash.
"That's a lot of recipes" He said in awe "Oh look, that's the cookie recipe you used back then during the Rhyhorn Race I joined."
"How did you know?" Serena wondered how he discovered the recipe she used in a single glance
"Well, it's kinda complicated." Ash replied and explained how he would often study the taste of the food he eats, despite that monstrous gluttony he possesses, added that he traveled with amazing people who could cook in Brock and Cilan, that way, he knew what ingredients they would use.
"That explains your crazy appetite." Serena replied with a soft giggle
"So what's up for breakfast?" He asked
"Well, we have pancakes, bacon, eggs, and a drink, which we still have to decide what would it be." Serena replied
"It's on me." Ash said while grabbing a box of unflavored gelatin, some fresh milk, chocolate powder, and sugar.
"What are you doing?" Serena asked
"It's the only thing I know." Ash said "you'll love it."
The couple then proceeded to work on the group's breakfast. Ash did most of the mixing, with blooming the gelatin on one hand, and preparing the pancake mixture on the other. Serena, on the other hand, handpicked the best slices of bacon and the high-quality eggs. Afterwards, Serena proceeded to cook the pancakes, bacon, and the eggs, Ash added in some of the milk, chocolate powder, and sugar to the gelatin that was being heated, which he then placed on a tray then cooled in a refrigerator. While Serena was busy helping Clemont and Bonnie set the table, Ash then used the remaining milk, chocolate powder, and sugar to make a simple chocolate drink which he chilled afterwards.
When the table was set, and the food being served, the group finalized their travel plans since they were to depart after breakfast is finished. During this time, Ash went back to the kitchen to get the gelatin he prepared, Pikachu followed him there and when he saw what his trainer was doing, something clicked on his mind
"No way." he thought "He only does this when there is a special occasion."
"Is everything alright, Pikachu?" Ash asked
"Pikapika." (Nothing) he replied, Ash knew he was lying, but he just let it pass
"And to think that he did this when she... was... present..." Pikachu continued his thoughts "OH YES!" he just screamed internally.
"Okay, Pikachu, I hope you could still slice this gelatin into small cubes just like before okay?" Ash asked
"Pika!" (Of course!) He replied with enthusiasm as he prepared the most ruthless Iron Tail attack it was going to use.
"My goodness Pikachu, these look great." Ash praised his partner Pokémon "Now to add this to the chocolate drink."
He then proceeded to do so, and served the simple drink to the rest of the group.
"Ash, this tastes great!" Clemont said
"Yeah, you should have done this more often." Bonnie agreed
The rest of the Pokémon happily drank the chocolate formula Ash made for all of them, after all, it was rare for him to do so.
"The gelatin provides some additional flavor to it." Serena commented "The chocolate flavor doubles when you bite into it."
"That's why I added it." Ash said as he took a sip of his creation and just smiled.
"I guess this would build up to the news." He thought.
-Kalos League Compound, North Wing, 9:43-
"ASH! SERENA!" Bonnie called out the two so that they could proceed to Santalune City.
"Coming" Serena replied as she went out of the door
"Where's Ash?" Clemont asked
"Here." Ash came out, while struggling to carry his things "Man, this bag has become heavier in just a few days."
"Well, who said that you place the trophy and the prize money inside your bag?" Serena teased
"Fine." Ash replied while being a little irritated, but not because of her, but of his antics.
Minutes after, Ash went out the Pokémon Center, now with a lighter load. He placed his money on his personal bank account assigned to his trainer ID, and transferred his trophy to Professor Sycamore's laboratory, where they would stay when they are in Lumiose City
"Let's go" Bonnie exclaimed "-nene!" the Dedenne in her satchel imitated it's soon to be trainer
She was in front of the group as they went through the gates of the Kalos League Compound. Trainers who were still inside the perimeter congratulated Ash for his victory in the League Conference, and waved as a sign of thanks. Serena was quite close to her boyfriend, but not much contact since they really haven't revealed that they were a couple, but with good manners in mind, and to make things not awkward, the need to do so. Pikachu, who was perched on Ash's left shoulder, and was in between the couple just smiled, knowing that there is now a special thing between the two.
After a few hours of trekking, they reached the halfway point of the route to Santalune City. The group then stopped over to have their luch which was prepared by Clemont before leaving. Ash then brought out a large container with the chocolate drink he made during breakfast. The drink remained fresh and cold due to the special properties of the container which he bought before leaving.
The rest of the Pokémon were outside of their pokéballs to join their trainers during lunch. Pikachu, Bunnelby, Talonflame, Luxray, and Hawlucha stayed near the table while discussing the battles that happened during the League Conference. Greninja and Delphox stayed a few feet away from the table and were eating in private. The others stayed beside their trainers during the meal. Pikachu made sure that he wouldn't spill anything else to them though, while doing so, he glanced at the couple who were just smiling while enjoying the meal.
When the meal was finished, Ash and Serena looked into each other signalling that it was the time to tell the others the standing of their relationship. Ash called everyone to settle down while Serena stayed beside him. Clemont and Bonnie wondered why they would do so.
"Any problem, Ash?" Clemont asked why he asked everyone to settle down
"Nothing." Ash replied "I just would like to announce something."
"There is a change in our travel plans?" Bonnie asked
"No." Serena replied "It's something special."
Bonnie became excited at the word 'special.' Whenever she hears this from her "big sister," she knows it is something special. Often times, Serena would tell her things about what she feels, and other stuff, Bonnie won't mind this since she is quite mature for her young age. Whatever the reason of this announcement being special, she still doesn't know. She has the idea, especially with Ash doing the announcement, but it may be wrong.
"Serena?" Ash whispered
"You could do it." Serena replied
Ash sighed and whispered "Well, here we go."
"Guys, well, umm... If you would observe well into our group, you might have noticed something different." He started his speech
"You did something in the Kitchen." Bonnie said
"That's one." Ash replied "Well, the thing about it is that I only do that when there is a special occasion."
"I don't remember anything to be celebrated." Clemont said
"Exactly, but I have a reason." Ash replied "Actually, WE do have a reason." he then grabbed Serena's hand signalling the end of his speech
Serena, on the other hand did not know how he would do it. She blushed the instant of thieir hands coming into contact She expected Ash to say it directly to the group. Anyways, she liked being in contact with her boyfriend, so she was still able to bring out a smile.
"Wh-wha-what? No way! Is it true?" Bonnie said in shock and excitement
"Well, I knew this was coming." Clemont thought
The Pokémon applauded the two trainer in front of them. Especially with their deep connection with each other, they knew that this could happen anytime. The largest clue? The ones who ate in private.
Bonnie then rushed to hug Serena as a sign of congratulations. She was happy for her new adventure in life. Clemont, on the other hand went to Ash and gave his congratulations.
"Congratulations, Ash." Clemont said "Now your not just a League Conference Champion, now the boyfriend of one of the fastest-rising performers in Kalos."
Ash had a light blush at this sort of a complement. He still did not know what to say and just belted out a "Thanks."
"So that's why you made that chocolate drink." Serena said to Ash.
"Well, my life is amazing as chocolate." Ash replied "The gelatin doubled it. You get the symbolism?"
Serena embraced Ash and pecked his right cheek as an answer. Ash then tried to keep their faces come closer and closer to each other until
"Ehem. Are we going to stay here and let the night reach us, or are we sleeping in a Pokémon Center?" Bonnie said interrupting the couple's moment
"Aww..." Serena commented "I guess the kiss could be saved for later."
"I was going to kiss you right now, but... haha!" Ash said as he immediately picked up his bag, recalled his Pokémon and went back to the trail
"ASH!" Serena just complained at her boyfriend's actions
The rest of the group just laughed the couple's antics.
Well, I lost my ideas for the end of this chapter, but I hope your satisfied with that. If you're asking what's with the chocolate drink, well the answer is found in the chapter itself. I updated my profile with the titles of the next few chapters with its current status, so try to check every once in a while. Also, as said earlier, reviews will help in the development in the story, now that the introductory arc is now finished. So does this mean that a plot of some sort to be added? Well, I'm still planning to add one, but currently, I have no ideas, and suggestions would be helpful. I'm still working on the battle scenery and the performances, so do not expect anything extravagant at that point, but I'll do my best.
Now about the next chapter: The group returns to Santalune City to stay for one night in its Pokémon Center. Not much major events are expected, but one-by-one, the people who know Ash and the gang by heart would know something more about the new couple.
So there we go, TheEnigmatic97 here, peace!