A sharp wind blew on Serena's hair in the chill of the night, as the smoke began to clear. Serena took quick short breaths, hoping and praying Delphox was okay. 20,000 people watched attentively as the smoke disappeared and everyone discovered both Pokemon were still standing. They were looking quite rugged though and no one was sure if they could even muster another attack. Then Delphox suddenly fell to her knees. Everyone gasped, including Serena. But then Delphox turned round to Serena and smiled. Serena smiled back and instantly had full faith in her. Venusaur observed Delphox and was confident that it had won the battle. Shauna knew a close range attack would be too dangerous at this point, so quickly pounced and told Venusaur to use Vine Whip. Serena didn't react and just closed her eyes. Venusaur used its last bit of energy and unleashed the Vine Whip. It just had to hit its mark. Shauna was gambling everything on it. But Serena still did nothing and just kept her eyes shut, as if she was waiting for something. Delphox followed suit and didn't move an inch and let it get closer and closer, until she smirked and dodged it at the last second, spinning a flame wheel around it. The crowd oohed. Not only was Serena being tactical, she was also putting on a show here. Ash smirked and chuckled a little to himself. It was as if he knew exactly what Serena was doing.

'Now!' cried Serena, as she opened her eyes up again.

As she continued to spin, Delphox released an unexpected flame thrower which charred the vines into cinders and roasted Venusaur to a crisp. Unfortunately, it had a consequence though, as Delphox landed awkwardly on her knee and was struggling to get back up. Meanwhile, Venusaur just stood its ground for a good minute or so and stared at Delphox with its big bulbous eyes. But then its eyes began to get smaller and its entire body gave way, to the surprise of everyone and it helplessly remained motionless. Delphox was starting to wobble at the same time too…

The referee wasn't sure how to call it as neither had actually fainted yet, but then a tremendous thud thundered around the stadium. Venusaur had fallen. It could not stand any longer… And it was over. The referee hesitated a little, having to make such a big call on such a big stage, but promptly decided there was no possible way Venusaur could continue and so he shouted…

'Venusaur is unable to battle… Which means the winner is Performer Serena!' Shauna fell to her knees and hung her head in despair. Pierre quickly took the limelight and swayed onto the stage.

'And that's that folks! We have a winner!' He walked over to a shell-shocked Serena and raised her lifeless arm into the air. 'May I present to you, your very first Kanto Queen… SERENA!' he shouted emphatically.

Everyone leapt from their seats and filled the entire stadium with roaring cheers and applause. Serena froze and gulped. All she could move was her eyeballs as she looked around all 10,000 people, open mouthed. They were all cheering for her and they absolutely loved her! She just didn't know how to react, always being quite an introverted girl at heart. This is what she'd always wanted, but now it was actually happening, she was clamming up a little and retreating within herself. And then she heard someone shouting something. It somehow overpowered the rest of the noise in her head and blocked everything else out. She looked further up the stands and caught sight of the love of her life. Ash had his hands cupped over his mouth and was shouting at the very top of his lungs how proud he was of her. Serena's face slowly unlocked from its overwhelmed state and crinkled into a joyous, wide smile, so bright it dazzled even up to the higher end of the stadium. Then she suddenly laughed, not believing what was actually happening. She kept her eyes on Ash the whole time and started to find the confidence to react properly to what had just happened. Serena waved her hands about for her fans and embraced the moment to its full potential. She could really enjoy it now and she even surprised herself with how much she was celebrating it.

Fireworks erupted from the stage and made Serena jump a little, but she just laughed at that too and then decided to take a bow for everyone. But then her happiness was cut short a little when she heard Shauna sobbing faintly behind her. Serena felt bad. She had forgotten all about Shauna for a second. Serena had been there before in Hoenn, so she knew exactly how she must be feeling. She stopped waving and rushed over to her, putting a comforting arm around her and lowering herself down to talk to her.

'I'm sorry, Shauna,' she said. Shauna sniffled and raised her head a little.

'S-sorry? Don't be sorry, Serena. You deserve this. This is your moment. Don't worry about me.'

'I know, but I still want to make sure you're okay. You're still my friend.'

'Th-thank you, Serena.' Tears ran down Shauna's cheeks and onto the stage floor.

'I know exactly how you must be feeling. But I promise you, it will all be alright. This isn't the end, Shauna. Your time will come. Okay?'

'O-okay.' Serena gently wiped her tears away with her thumb.

'Just remember you're still an amazing performer and you've definitely got more to give. And you really gave it your all tonight. Those cheers aren't just for me. So, come on. Take a bow for your fans.' Serena got up and extended her head.

'Friends to the end, right?'

Shauna looked up at her and tried to crack a smile. She took her hand and stood up with Serena's support. The audience immediately responded and gave her a standing ovation. Shauna was surprised they were even bothering to clap for her. She lost. But they still appreciated how good she was too. Serena raised Shauna's arm sportingly and joined in with the cheers. Even though she was devastated, Shauna realised it wasn't the end of the world and her smile soon returned.

'Friends to the end,' she repeated and nodded determinedly.

'Aww, well that is very nice to see!' said Pierre. 'Please give it up for your runner-up, Shauna!' The audience gave her another round of applause.

'Okay, thank you everyone! Now for the moment you've all been waiting for… it's time to crown your new queen! Over to you, ARIA!'

To everyone's surprise, the former Kalos Queen, Aria entered the stage with a jewel encrusted tiara in her hands. No one had any idea she was going to make an appearance. The whole stadium erupted again, with half the audience in hysterics that the great Aria was here, including Serena herself. She had already met Aria of course, but to be presented with the tiara from her, really was a dream come true. Aria grinned at her.

'Congratulations, Serena! I always knew you were one to watch!'

'Thank you, Aria! You don't know how much this means to me!'

'Oh, I think I do. I've been exactly where you are now, remember. Drink it all in, Serena. This is really happening. You're a Queen! And now it's time for your coronation.'

Serena nodded and couldn't stop smiling, as she bent her knees in curtsey and Aria lowered the tiara onto her head.

'Ladies and Gentleman! May I present… your first ever Kanto Queen… SERENA!' announced Pierre.

More fireworks sparked off and photographers came flurrying in to get a piece of the new hot sensation. Serena was pretty overwhelmed by it all, but decided to just try and enjoy it. Like she said to Ash before, not everyone wins it all! She thought she better get used to it and shyly posed for pictures. She never really wanted all the fame, but it seemed to come hand in hand with success in the Pokemon World.

Ash and the gang stood up and hugged each other in jubilant celebration. Grace was in tears and Ash was elated with joy, as they jumped up and down together. Pierre cleared his throat and tried to speak again over the rowdy crowd.

'Okay! That about wraps up the ceremony! Do you have any parting words, Serena?' He pointed the microphone over at Serena. She hadn't prepared any kind of speech and felt a little stage fright as thousands of eager eyes awaited a word from their new queen.

'Umm…'

She laughed nervously. Serena's eyes darted around, trying to find the right words and then she saw Ash in the corner of her eye, encouraging her to speak. She smiled and sighed lovingly. And then Serena bravely took the microphone.

'Er, yes! I do! Thank you so so much to everyone who supported me. My magnificent Pokemon: Delphox, Pancham and Sylveon. My lovely friends: Bonnie, Clemont, Brock and Olivia over there.' She pointed over at them. 'And an even bigger thanks to my mumma up there too for always believing in me and allowing me to become who I wanted to be. I love you, mum!' Grace shaped her hands into a love heart and blew kisses at her. 'And words can not describe how lucky I am to have the man standing next to her…'

Ash's heart skipped a beat. He knew straight away what she was going to say next. He tipped his hat down and struggled to control his emotions. The photographers immediately turned their attention to him and tried to get a few pictures of him too, still being quite famous from his big league win not so long ago.

'Ash…' continued Serena. 'I couldn't have done any of this without you. You are my rock, my reason to keep going and chase my dreams and the most wonderful, beautiful human being! Merci, Ash!' She blew him a kiss, but he didn't see it, with his head still being down.

Everyone looked over at Ash and whopped for him. Ash was a little reserved to all the attention though and kept his hat down. But underneath it, he was an absolute mess and trying not to cry. Serena knew him all too well and didn't need to see his face to know he was touched by her words. She smiled and paused for a bit before continuing.

'And finally, I'd just like to say thank you to the fans! I hope I can be an inspiration to future performers in Kanto and all across the world! But in the meantime, I am honoured to be your Queen!'

She handed the microphone back, bowed and waved goodnight. Then Serena left the stage and headed back to the dressing room, laughing to herself the whole way there. She put her head in her hands and still couldn't believe it. As she walked in the dressing room, all the girls (including Miette) stood and clapped for her. Serena thanked them and sat down to get a breather and process it all. Shauna came in shortly after and looked a little happier now. Serena hoped that the loss wouldn't affect her too much and told her she would always be there if she needed her. Shauna appreciated it, but understandably didn't stay long and left.

It was getting pretty late now, so once everyone collected their things, all the performers left with Serena being the last one out. As she closed the dressing room door and turned around, her heart pounded at the sound of a voice she wasn't expecting.

'Heeeyyy, Queen Serena! Congratulations!' said Ash, in a slow deep voice that made Serena melt.

He was leant against the wall and seemed to have been waiting for her for a while.

'Oh! Hey, Ash! Thank you!' Ash just smiled and opened his arms up.

'Hug?' he asked.

Serena smiled warmly back at him and nodded. She'd never turn him down. Ash wrapped his arms around her and Serena wasted no time getting as tight a grip on him as she could. Ash rubbed her back soothingly.

'You know, you really are the most amazing person I know, Rena. To do what you just did is quite something. And I can only keep repeating how proud I am! You truly deserve this after everything you've done for me…' They broke apart and just stared at one another.

'Well you know I'd do anything for you, Ash… But I really wouldn't be here without you. So, I know I've said it already but, thank you so so much for coming on this journey with me! I know it's been a long road to get here and I really appreciate that you put your life on hold for me these past six months.'

'Oh, don't mention it, Rena. I wouldn't have had it any other way. I'm just so glad you've achieved your dreams too now! It's a great feeling isn't it?' Ash excitedly grabbed Serena's shoulders and shook her a little.

'Oh, for sure! I mean it'll take some time to settle in, but I feel fantastic!' Serena was happy, but then she looked down and her mood switched fairly quickly. 'Yet I just wonder what's next…' Ash lowered his hands and nodded in understanding.

'Well you know I can relate to that. I'm still wondering that same thing myself… this journey was a nice distraction from it. But I still have no idea. Even so, if there's one thing I know after the last year, it's that I want you to be there with me whatever I- We decide.'

Ash looked away and scratched his head. He had a habit of doing that whenever he talked about his feelings. Serena had figured that out by now and turned him back round to her straight away.

'I want you there too, Ash.' They hugged again. Ash's phone buzzed as they did. He got it out of his pocket and saw the time. He put it back in and let go of Serena.

'Hey, it's getting late. Wanna go now?'

'Yeah… I suppose so.' Serena checked her phone too. 'It is getting late, yeah. I'm just still just trying to let it all sink in!' Ash chuckled.

'Don't worry, Rena! It will all sink in soon. Now, let me take you back to the others on a victory parade.'

Ash extended his hand. Serena didn't hesitate to take it and let Ash walk her out. As they approached the Plateau main lobby, Serena saw all the TV screens were playing her latest PokeVision video, alongside a gif of her posing in her newly attained tiara, announcing her as the new Kanto Queen with "WINNER" in big capital letters. Serena let go of Ash's hand and stopped and watched it with pride. Ash noticed it too and hyped Serena up about it, getting the attention from everyone waiting for her. They all got up out of their seats and whooped and cheered. Pikachu jumped on Serena's shoulder and nuzzled her affectionately as a way of showing his happiness for her and then hopped over to Ash's shoulder.

'D'aww! Thank you, guys! I love you all!' shouted Serena.

Everyone came over to personally congratulate and hug her, but Serena started to space out a little. The whole day played back in her head on rewind and everything felt like a blur to her. But she had done it. Initially, she had only really started her journey for the chance to rekindle her childhood friendship with Ash and see him again, but she never expected for things to get this far. To go from where she was at the beginning to now was unbelievable, yet remarkable too. And as far as her relationship with Ash coincided with that, it had only started off as a little fascinated crush. But now it was complete and utter infatuation and her feelings for him had developed into full blown love. She was so in love with him, so much that it was blindingly obvious to anyone. Well, except Ash. Typically. She thought back to Shauna's comments at the first showcase, as the words echoed in the deepest corners of her mind.

"You just gotta tell him one day, you just gotta. 6 years is enough."

Serena had just pulled off the seemingly impossible and was Showcase royalty now. If she could do that, she could do anything right? Serena smiled to herself and nodded. She seemed to have come to a conclusion in her head.

'Hey, you okay, Serena?' asked Clement as he came over to hug her.

He waved a hand in her face. Serena had barely acknowledged him coming over and apologised.

'Hmm? Sorry, Clement. Just got something on my mind…'

Serena genuinely thought she was going mad for a second at the mere thought of what she was about to do next. But something inside her just fired into action and gave her the guts to do something she should have done a long time ago. She quickly hugged Clement and then turned to Ash and grabbed his hand.

'Come with me,' she whispered in his ear.

'Huh, what? Where?' asked Ash, completely dumbfounded.

'Just follow me, please. Alone…'

'Uh, okay.' Ash turned to Pikachu on his shoulder. 'Stay here with the others, buddy. We'll be back soon.'

'Pika?' said Pikachu confusedly.

He jumped off his shoulder a little reluctantly. Pikachu really had no idea what was going on. Serena grabbed Ash's hand and dragged him down the corridor without any warning. Everyone was just as visibly confused as Pikachu. Except Brock who seemed very curious about Serena's sudden need to whisk Ash away.

'Er, where are you going, Serena?' asked Grace.

'I just have to talk to Ash! We won't be long. Please wait for us everyone!'

'Oh, okay. I hope everything's okay!'

'Yes! Everything's just fine, mum!'

Serena continued to lead Ash away from the lobby and turned a corner. Ash was silent and a little nervous, not knowing what she wanted to get Ash alone for. He was starting to have doubts about their future, as Serena seemed to have made a decision on something. Serena pulled open the first door she saw and guided Ash into a small dark room. She found a light switch and turned it on, to find they were in an old broom cupboard. Ash shut the door behind them and immediately began to question her.

'Alright. What's up, Rena? You were acting kinda strange back there.'

Serena didn't answer and instead just breathed heavily like she'd just run a marathon and then licked her lips. Ash raised an eyebrow, now looking a little worried.

'Rena, will you just talk to me ple-'

Serena impulsively pushed him against the door and then paused for a second. This was evidently not the time for words and Ash was almost lost for them, as he looked at Serena in shock. But Serena was just staring at Ash's lips the whole time and looked like a hungry lioness.

'What are you do-'

Serena shut him up mid sentence and grabbed his face and slammed her lips directly onto his. Ash's eyes widened in surprise and he muffled something into her mouth. But then he started to feel that feeling he had earlier at the hotel again. He was actually beginning to like this. A lot. Ash slowly closed his eyes and started to actually enjoy the kiss. Then Ash started to wonder what to do with his hands. He awkwardly flailed them about in the air, before resting them on Serena's shoulders. Ash really had no idea what to do in this situation, like the last time Serena had kissed him. But this time it felt so much different. He had never kissed anyone before unless you counted the first kiss at the airport, so he let Serena take the lead on it again. The kiss was significantly longer this time too, but eventually Serena had to pull away and catch her breath, as did Ash. They both opened their eyes.

'Woah,' was all Ash could say. He took his hat off and ran his fingers through his hair and laughed a little.

'Woah? Is that all you can say?' laughed Serena.

'Well, yeah! I wasn't expecting that! I'm a little stunned!' Ash put his hat back on and sighed.

'Oh, sorry…' Serena looked down at the floor, feeling like she'd blown it.

'Oh no! Don't apologise! I wasn't expecting it, but I actually really liked it!'

Serena's head immediately shot back up. She couldn't believe what she had just heard and looked absolutely hysterical with joy.

'You-you liked me kissing you?' For real?!' Serena thought she was dreaming and was struggling to keep her emotions in check.

'Yeah! I can't explain it but it just felt really good, Rena.' Serena shook her head in denial that this was happening.

'You really mean that, Ash?'

'Yes, of course!' Serena calmed down and composed herself.

'Okay, it's just… you've never mentioned the first time I kissed you, so I always thought you didn't like it or something…'

'Nah! I liked it! Wish I could have told you... I've just never really known how to talk about stuff like that. And you know I'm absolutely clueless when it comes to girls in general… I mean I never grew up with dad or anything, so I guess I just never really had anyone to talk to about it all. And I've always felt too awkward to talk about it with my mum.' Serena nodded in sympathy.

'Oh, Ash. I understand. I never grew up with a dad either. I only had my mum too… But I didn't just kiss you for the sake of it. I know exactly how I feel about it... I–I-'

Serena wanted to confess there and then but something was still holding her back. She growled at herself and slapped her cheeks. Ash immediately stopped her from harming herself any further and grabbed her hands.

'Hey! Stop that, Rena! What's wrong?' he asked, eyeing her closely with his big, brown caring eyes.

Serena's heart rate was accelerating way beyond the normal speed it should. But she needed to be brave now. It was now or never.

'I have a confession!' she blurted out suddenly. Ash let go of her hands and kept his full concentration on her.

'Y-You do?' Serena nodded. 'Well… what is it?' Serena sighed.

'I want to say it. I really do. It's just hard to find the right way and actually say it out loud…' She groaned frustratingly.

'Hey, Rena. You know you can tell me anything. Just take a deep breath and take your time. I'll wait as long as you need.'

Serena turned away and breathed through her nose and steadied her breathing. Then when she felt ready, she turned back to Ash and opened her mouth shakily.

'Alright! Here goes... Ever since the first day we reunited in Kalos I've had the biggest, maddest crush on you! I just love how passionate you are about everything you do and how you are always the most positive guy in the room! You are literally the reason why I'm standing here right now with this tiara on my head. And you never stop inspiring me to do better and better and achieve all my dreams. And… and… you are just so incredibly amazing! And handsome!'

Serena put her hand over her mouth and caught her breath. Ash was already having a hard time processing this all, but Serena had actually surprised herself. There was silence for a long while, as Serena awaited any kind of response to that crazy outburst of love. Ash blinked several times as his dense brain tried to make sense of it all.

'So… what exactly are you saying then, Serena?' Ash was looking deadly serious now and didn't want to misinterpret or hurt Serena's feelings.

'I'm. I'm saying. That- That I like you! I really like you! And not just as a friend! I have feelings for you… strong feelings at that.' To Serena's pleasant surprise, Ash reacted by smiling at her.

'I know… Somehow I've always known.'

'What?! You- you knew?' asked Serena, with her eyes nearly popping out of their sockets.

'Well, sort of. I only really started to realise a little after I won the league. I guess becoming a Pokemon Master just opened my mind up to other things…'

'Well, what's your mind telling you now then?'

'What do you mean?' asked Ash.

He was still a little oblivious to this all. Serena had to be patient and direct with him, so she didn't become discouraged and tried again.

'I mean… I just told you I like you… So do you…' Serena lost her breath for a second and had a momentary lapse in speech. But she found the strength to speak again. 'Do you l-l-like me?'

It made Serena feel sick having to ask that, but she couldn't just leave things as they were. Ash wasn't expecting it at all and looked around the room, unsure what to say or do. Serena prematurely read into his body language and jumped to the conclusion that the answer was no and looked distraught. She started to pace about the room with her hands on her head and cursed quietly in French. Serena really didn't want to hear those words of rejection that could destroy their entire relationship in one swoop. Her heart was hanging on a loose thread here. Ash looked at her and couldn't bare to see Serena like this at all, especially when he already knew the answer in his own heart. And then that feeling returned again. The urge and desire he just couldn't control any longer. It took him a while to let this new unfamiliar feeling fully takeover, but it was better late than never.

Ash charged over to Serena and stopped her in her tracks, turning her around in front of him. 6 years of pining helplessly had to end some time. The girl had waited long enough. Ash tenderly grabbed her face and closed his eyes. Then Serena saw his lips moving towards her and simply just eased up and closed her eyes too. She told herself to let fate decide what happened next. And she was right to, as Ash got closer and closer until he pushed his lips onto Serena's. He didn't know how kissing worked one bit, but kissed her hard and as intimately as he could anyway. In truth, the kiss was terrible as Ash's tongue and teeth kept getting in the way, but Serena didn't hesitate in kissing him back in spite of it. No complaints here. Serena moaned a little as the saliva they were exchanging stuck their lips together. It had to end again sometime though, as Ash pulled away and grinned.

'Does that answer your question?' asked Ash coolly.

'Uh huh.' Serena was a blushing, gushy mess and looked very satisfied indeed.

Ash laughed. Then he looked down at Serena's ribbon and started playing with it for a bit. Serena looked down at it too and thought of the day Ash gave it to her. But it really didn't need to be brought up. They both remembered it fondly enough. Ash let go of her ribbon and they both looked up at the same time into each other's eyes. Ash stroked his fingers across Serena's hair.

'Hey, Rena. Remember earlier when you put on the dress and I was acting kinda weird?'

'Haha, yeah?'

'Hey! Don't laugh!' teased Ash. Serena tried not to laugh again.

'Okay, sorry. Go on, Ash.'

'Alright, yeah it was kind of funny looking back. But I was genuinely struggling to speak. Because what I really wanted to say is that I thought you looked…' Ash's lips quivered a little. '…beautiful, Rena.'

'Oh. Y-you really think so?'

'Yes, Rena. You are so, so beautiful.'

'Aww, you don't know how happy I am to hear that!' Ash gave her one of his trademark grins.

'Well, it's true…' They both nervously looked away for a bit and then back to each other. 'So. What next then, Queen Serena?' Serena raised an eyebrow flirtatiously.

'Well, this Queen could do with a king by her side. Maybe… we could be… boyfriend and girlfriend. I mean, if you want! Totally up to you of course,' she said in one breath.

Serena nervously twiddled her thumbs and looked up and down quickly between her hands and Ash. Her cheeks were really flaring up now, red as a beetroot.

'Oh right. Boyfriend… and girlfriend…' Ash processed it in his head and stroked his chin.

'Yeah. I want to be you, Ash,' mumbled Serena quietly.

'Well, I've never been a boyfriend before. I haven't got the first idea how it all works,' said Ash, scratching his head.

'It's okay. We could take it slow and see how things go.' Ash nodded.

'Okay, yeah! But on one condition.' Serena looked up at Ash with a hint of desperation in her eyes. She'd do anything to be with him.

'Okay! What?'

'Promise you'll stay and come back to Pallet with me. I'm over the moon for you now you're Kanto Queen. But I don't wanna lose you…' Serena laughed and shook her head at how dumb Ash could be.

'Oh, you silly boy!' said Serena with love. 'That's basically the whole point of being boyfriend and girlfriend!'

'Oh.' Serena laughed again.

'You really do have a lot to learn about relationships. But of course I'll stay with you and you're definitely not gonna lose me! I mean we're best friends already, so being boyfriend and girlfriend is just the same… just with kissing and other things like dates and cuddles and stuff…'

'Oh, I see… Well I like the sound of that!'

'Hehe, me too! So, are we officially going out now then?'

'Yeah! I want to be with you too, Rena!' Serena got excited and tackled Ash into a hug.

'Kiss me again, Ash. So I know I'm not dreaming.'

Ash smiled and didn't keep her waiting to give her what she wanted. And with that, it was sealed with a meaningful lock of the lips. There'd be a lot more of that to come for certain. Ash and Serena were now officially together. Together forever perhaps - Forever and a day even. Who knows. They were such good friends already and had known each other since the very beginning. Their relationship was just evolving a little now. Ash would need to grow into it for sure, but the feelings were there on both sides, even if Serena's were more advanced.

The kiss ended beautifully with cute giggles and Serena rubbing her nose against Ash's. Then in the corner of Ash's eye, he saw a clock hanging on the wall. It was nearly 10pm now. His eyes widened.

'Hey, Rena. I think we should probably get going now. The others have been waiting a while for us, you know.' Serena turned around to look at the clock too and her jaw dropped.

'Oh, my! Yes! You're right! Let's go!' Serena began to rush out, but then Ash stopped her and grabbed her hand.

'Wait! What are we gonna tell them? About, you know… Us?' Serena smiled.

'Well, I'm happy to tell them if you are?' Ash nodded in agreement.

'Alright. Yeah, let's do it! Now let me escort you out, my Queen. Give me your hand.'

Serena giggled and presented her hand for her king. Ash held it tight and then walked Serena out of the broom cupboard, turning off the light with his other hand on the way out. They walked slowly down the hallway, hand in hand and heard music playing in the lobby as they made their way back. The TV screens were still showing pictures and videos of Serena and her winning performance. But it was now accompanied by "Gotta be you" by One Direction playing out of the speakers.

Mostly everyone had left by this point in the night, but a few remained, including a very tired looking group of loyal friends and a worried mother, wondering where Serena had gone. They were all sitting down and nattering about Ash and Serena and what they thought was going on. Then Grace spotted them out of the corner of her eye. She got up and put her hands on her hips.

'Oh, there you are! Where have you two been? We've been waiting ages!'

'Oh, sorry mum. We were just um… umm…'

It seemed so simple back in the broom cupboard, but Serena didn't quite know how to say it to her and everyone else. There wasn't any time to think though, as Grace noticed they were holding hands and were standing very close to each other.

'Wait. Why are you holding hands like… that?' Serena's face got hot as her cheeks flared up again in a flash.

'Oh, well. You see. We're kind of... umm-'

'Together?!' Interrupted Brock suddenly. Serena was thankful for the intervention and took a huge sigh of relief.

'Yeah… We are…' confirmed Ash, nodding at Brock. There was a long pause for a while as everyone just gaped at them. The first to react was Bonnie as she couldn't contain her excitement any longer.

'Oh my god! I always knew this would happen one day!' squealed Bonnie delightedly.

She ran over to them and hugged them happily. Meanwhile Clemont looked bewildered and just fixed his glasses with a confused expression.

'Um, well I wasn't expecting that! Not sure what to say, but congratulations I suppose?' said Clemont.

'Oh, big brother! Maybe one day you'll get it,' said Bonnie, shrugging her shoulders at him. Then Brock came over and playfully slapped Ash on the back.

'Well, well, well. Looks like you've finally got yourself a girlfriend, bro!' He looked over at Serena and smiled. 'You two really do make quite the team after all! I knew there was something there!' He winked.

They awkwardly thanked Brock. Then Olivia came over and clung onto her fiance and looked just as thrilled as Bonnie.

'Oh, this is just too cute! You just have to come on a double date with Brock and I sometime!'

'Double date?' asked Ash, looking over at Serena with a perplexed look on his face.

'Don't worry, Ash. We'll work up to that… But yes. Maybe one day soon, Olivia!'

'Excellent! You two are so adorable!' She sighed sweetly in adoration for them.

'Thanks,' they both replied.

Everyone started discussing this new development amongst themselves, but Serena couldn't help but notice that her mum hadn't said anything at all. She wasn't happy or unhappy about it, but just seemed very taken aback by it all.

'Hey, mum? You're very quiet. What do you think about us?'

'Hmm?' Grace snapped out of her state of denial. 'Well, it's just a lot to take in, sweetie! You've never had a boyfriend before or even really talked about boys with me, so I'm just surprised. That's all. I guess you're not a little girl anymore though… I just wasn't expecting this. And I had no idea you liked Ash that way. But I mean, you two were always so close and you've been inseparable since you reunited with him, so I probably should have guessed!'

'Yeah. I've always liked him, mum. To be honest, he's the reason I started my journey in the first place. Remember that day Garchomp was on a rampage on Prism Tower?' Grace nodded. 'Well if you never told me to watch it on the TV, I would have never seen Ash there that day… I may never have even met him again. And I definitely wouldn't be standing here right now either. But as soon as I saw him, I remembered him straight away from the Summer Camp you took me to when I was five and I just had to see him again. And the rest is history. I never expected to fall for him… but it just happened. And I want to be with him now. If that's okay with you, mum?'

'Well of course it's okay, honey! Ash is probably the most wonderful young man I know! And I have to say he's really brought the best out in you. But Ash…' Ash turned to look at her and listened closely. 'Before I approve, I just need you to promise me one thing.' Ash nodded.

'Of course, Grace.'

'Just please continue to look after Serena the way you have been these last few years. I only have one daughter after all and she's my world, Ash. And Kanto is on the other side of the globe from Kalos. So, please. Promise me you'll always keep her safe, no matter what?'

Grace gave him a very serious look. Ash was just as serious in response and took his hat off and bowed to her.

'I will. She'll always be safe with me. I promise, Grace.' Grace stared at him with a harsh stare for a while, before relaxing her face and smiling.

'Well, okay then. You have my full approval! Besides, I absolutely love your mother! She is such a lovely lady and she really has brought you up impeccably well, young man! So I will definitely be visiting Kanto again to see her and check in on you two in the future.' Ash raised his head back up happily and put his hat back on.

'Thank you, Grace. I appreciate that.'

'Oh! Thank you so much, mum!'

Serena rushed over to hug her. Grace engaged her caringly and signaled Ash to come over and join. If this was going to be long term, the two families would inevitably come together. They hugged as one and everyone else couldn't help but admire how heartwarming it was. After the hugging, Serena cleared her throat.

'Well, I guess it's time to go now then! But I just want to say one last thank you to you all for coming to support me. I'll never forget this! I swear!'

It really was the perfect day for Serena and the ending was as surreal as a princess fairy-tale. But now it was time to go back to the hotel and get some rest. Ash and Serena walked out in front together, headfirst into a brave new chapter in their lives. A crescent moon was out in the night sky, with several twinkling shiny stars keeping it company. What was next in their story was unclear, but the universe was certainly looking down on them kindly tonight. The one thing they knew for sure however, was that Pallet Town was awaiting their return…