Hello again, TheEnigmatic97 here. Well, I thought I won't be able to update until the end of July, but I still managed to type a chapter. I appreciate those people who are patient enough and thank you for bearing with the delays. I'll tell you in advance, the next one won't come until around August. Exams are pretty much the reason, but like this one, I might be able to manage to insert a chapter or two.
Now for this chapter: Three things: Several questions, an appearance, and a dance.
So without further ado,
'After Party'
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Pokémon
The group arrived at the hotel where the after party would be held. The ones who came out of the limousine first were Clemont, Bonnie, and the former Kalos Queen, Aria. The young couple went out last together while holding hands. The press who stayed outside the venue near the red carpet, on the other hand gave questions and interviewed most of the performers and distinguished personnel going to the party.
"So, like what I said, me and Serena were rivals, a friendly rivalry at that." A performer said to the journalist
"SHAUNA!" A familiar voice called, causing the performer and her friends to look at another direction.
"Well, it's kinda funny that we arrived first." Trevor said
"Caught in the traffic I suppose." Tierno suggested
"Brother, look at those lights, they're so cute!" Another familiar voice rang causing the group to chuckle
"BONNIE! Be careful!" Her brother replied
"So, how do you feel about winning the title Kalos Queen?" A journalist asked Serena who was holding Ash's arm
"Well, it seems that Aria was right about this feeling..." Serena replied "It's still something I'm not used to yet, to be honest. I hope that answers that question."
"Here's another question," The journalist said "Was there a time that you two had a misunderstanding of some sort? Especially with your different careers?"
Ash and Serena shrugged, they cannot recall a time that they had one during their journey "Well, it's good that we did not have one from the start." Ash said
"And I hope it stays that way." Serena added "And speaking about our careers, it's something we use to support each other, plus some other things Ash may not be able to explain." (A/N: I can't explain it too.)
"Such as?"
"It's a secret." Serena just winked at the journalist
"Thank you for your time." The journalist said before leaving the couple
"It's our pleasure." Ash replied
"So, now that you are not Kalos Queen anymore, what's next for you?" Another journalist asked
"Well, I'll be off from showcases for a few weeks I guess." Aria replied "But occasionally, I would still do my TV appearances along with Serena probably."
"I see. What can you say to Serena after winning the title?"
"I told her everything I could. She just needs to have fun."
"Okay, thanks Aria."
-Hotel Richissime, Main Hall, 22:15-
When the whole group was inside the hotel, the mood became livelier. The DJ played some dance music to which the guests moved to it's beats. The group on the other hand sat at the table located at the stage on one end of the hall. Bonnie ran around the hall while Clemont is trying to keep up to her pace, the reason:
"Can you marry my brother, s'il vous plaît?"
"BONNIE! Oh please, I told you that you don't need to do that!"
And this cycle continued for another fifteen times until they were both tired.
On the other hand, Ash, Serena, and Aria were just talking while eating their dinner. They were discussing some stuff regarding their careers and they laughed at random jokes and such.
"So I heard some rumors that one member of the Kalos Elite Four occasionally stays here in this hotel." Aria said causing some interest from Ash
"Who?" Ash asked "I hope I get to meet that person."
"Well, those are just plain rumors." Aria replied "But with this event going on, I'm pretty sure she would be here somewhere"
"Why don't we look for that trainer?" Ash asked "Also, what is his or her name?"
"Her name is Malva." Aria replied "A fire type specialist."
Then she took the couple into a huddle and whispered "...and a former member of Team Flare."
"WHAT?" Ash and Serena exclaimed in shock
"Don't worry." Aria replied "She's harmless, and changed her ways."
"So, who is this person whom you're talking about?" A voice then came from the back of Aria. The voice was familiar to her at least since she was a guest on her news program occasionally broadcasted on holo casters, making her widen her eyes and look behind her. The figure has pink hair and is wearing orange glasses of some sort. Her outfit kinda stands out from the rest of the crowd being a bit more revealing than the usual night gowns and tuxedos the guests were wearing.
"Oh, hi Malva." Aria greeted "Nice to see you here."
"Well, when there are news items, I try to come and see." She replied "And who do we have here?"
"Hello, my name is Ash." Ash replied "and this is my partner, Pikachu"
"Pikachu!" (Hello!)
"My name is Serena." Serena replied "Ash's boyfriend."
"Nice to see you two up close." Malva said "I saw you final battle during the league conference, Ash, you deserve the win. Also, Serena, congratulations on being the new Kalos Queen. Oh, right, I have to introduce myself. My name is Malva, Kalos Elite Four member."
"So you're Malva." Ash said "I am honored to meet a member of the Kalos Elite Four. I hope that we will have a great battle soon."
"I hope so too." Malva replied "While we're on that, when are you going to challenge us?"
"Well, I still don't know, but my challenge will be made before the next gym season ends, for sure." Ash said
"I'll be waiting." Malva said "And to you, Serena, can you be my guest for next week's show?"
"Of course!" Serena replied "It would be an honor to do so, and my first TV appearance at that."
"Mind if you make a routine for that?" Malva asked
"I don't mind. I really want to perform, especially now as Kalos Queen." Serena replied
"Very well, then." Malva said "Aria, why not do a collaboration with Serena like what you did with your predecessor?"
"Why not?" Aria replied "It'll be fun. We'll do it when we're not busy."
"Hello there miss, can you m~mmpf"
"BONNIE" Another familiar voice came "You did it to Diantha, not this time, please, stop."
"Hello there, Clemont." Malva said "And hi, Bonnie, right?"
"Yes, I am Bonnie." The younger of the lemon blondes replied "And this little one is Dedenne."
"zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..."
"Better not disturb him." Malva said while petting the Pokémon
"So you met Ash, Aria, and Serena." Clemont said
"I just happen to pass by my friend, Aria." Malva replied "And she was with the young couple."
"You know her, Clemont?" Ash asked
"Well, by chance, since I only know her due to being a gym leader and I just met her in person." Clemont explained
"Well guys, I have to go." Malva said to the group
"Bye!" They replied before Malva left the group to continue their dinner.
"When we see each other at the Pokémon League, we'll see if you'll be able to get a win from me." Malva thought "Especially after what you've done before."
When the group finished their dinner, they continued answering questions from the press. Although they were annoyed already because the questions that came were practically the same, they had to show some professionalism and answered courteously.
The siblings along with Aria then stood up from the table and went to the dance floor. The DJ was still playing a few mixes and the people were just dancing as if the world were to end soon. The couple remained in their seats since they were still exhausted from the events earlier and they just wanted to talk to each other.
"Finally, we could relax for a bit." Serena said "At least for a few days."
"You're right, the past month has been too action packed" Ash replied "To think, what should we do?"
"Well, you said that we are going on a date after my showcase." Serena said
"I'm keeping my mouth shut regarding that." Ash immediately replied "Only thing I'll tell you is that we'll be returning to Anistar City."
"You mean..." Serena said "We're going to see the sundial?"
"I said that I'll be keeping my mouth shut,,," Ash replied
"Oh well, as you say." Serena said before laying her head on Ash's shoulder "Just make it good."
When the DJ toned down the music to something slow, the guest found their dance partners and moved to the music. The siblings and Aria returned to their table only to find the couple looking at the dance floor. A small glance is enough to see that Serena wants to dance, and apparently, Ash hasn't noticed it yet. So Bonnie nudged Clemont who noticed what she meant then nudged Aria, who asked what's the matter then glanced at Serena, and upon seeing her blank state, then nudged Ash before pointing at his girlfriend. Upon seeing her, he stood up and went in front of her. Pikachu, on the other hand stayed with the others.
"Your majesty," Ash said while giving his hand to Serena "May I take this dance with you?"
"Ash, Serena will do, okay?" she replied while taking the hand in front of her "And of course I will."
When the crowd noticed that the two were going down from the stage, they left a space at the center of the dance floor and applauded their entrance. The two then faced each other and started moving to the sound of the music.
"Remember back then at Shalour City," Ash said "You tried to teach me how to dance?"
"I kinda failed at that." Serena replied while chuckling "You pretty much had two left feet."
"But when I battled Korrina," Ash said "A simple glance at you already reminded me that I have my own rhythm."
"I remember." Serena replied "We really do look up on each other, huh?"
"Ever since" Ash said "And I still remember that fact until tonight. You see, I have no trouble carrying you through the dance floor. I do have my own rhythm."
"Shush, now Ash." Serena replied "Enough talking, let's just savor the moment."
And they savored the moment indeed, Serena laid her head on Ash's chest as they waltzed to the music. And as every second would pass, they become warmer as they come closer to each other. Ash's two left feet became normal by the moment and they were in sync with each other. They liked their position, under the spotlight, at the center of the dance floor, and it was not awkward. Eyes of the crowd were stuck on the young couple as they danced. Some took pictures of their sweet moment and posted it on social media. Ash and Serena didn't mind at all, they expected this to happen, and don't want to be disturbed from what's going on within their hearts.
When the music stopped. Ash and Serena remained in their position. Ash looking down at Serena's face as she looks up at his.
"Thank you for making me feel special." Serena whispered "Without you, I'm not where I am today. I am not the Serena that the people here know."
"Thank you for being my inspiration." Ash replied "I'm not sure if my journey would ever be the same without you."
Then they exchanged a tight hug, a hug that shows their affection for each other, a hug that sends a message that they will be always there for each other, a hug that shows that they love each other. Their faces then became red as they come close to each other, and it came closer and closer until their noses came into contact with each other... then the lights suddenly went off.
Moments later, the lights went back and revealed Ash and Serena still in the hug they exchanged earlier, this time faces apart but are smiling from ear to ear, and have a slight red tone.
-Professor Sycamore's Laboratory, Ash and Serena's Room, 01:04-
When the party ended, the group separated their ways and went to their respective destinations. The lemon-blonde siblings went to their home near Prism Tower, and Aria went back to her hotel just a few blocks away. The young couple returned to Professor Sycamore's Laboratory to rest.
"You know Ash, tonight was a great night." Serena said while snuggling up to Ash
"I still can't believe that your mom is allowing me to sleep with you." Ash replied
"She knows you well, Ash." Serena said "You know that."
"And I still can't believe that I'm sleeping with a queen." Ash said
*YAWN* "You can stop calling me that." Serena said while chuckling "Well, good night, Ash."
"Good night, Serena." Ash replied before Serena shut her eyes and drifted off to dreamland
"Those soft lips of her's..." Ash thought "Well, what's for later? We'll see."
And that's for this chapter. I kinda told everything earlier... sigh. So, as I said earlier: the next one won't come until around August. Exams are pretty much the reason, but like this one, I might be able to manage to insert a chapter or two. I tell you, doing extra-curricular activities along with your studies is hard, good thing I can manage.
Now for the next chapter: The group takes a day off and roams around the city.
Before I sign-off, If you have Pokémon Movie Title Puns send me some and you might see yourselves in the next chapter.
So there we go, TheEnigmatic97 here, peace!
