Chapter 14

The Thousand-Year Covenant

It was a warm, sunny morning in the beautiful Coumarine City, where Ash and I just earned our fourth Gym Badge from Gym Leader Ramos. On that same day, I found another Pure Heart in Mega Sceptile, thanks to Diancie's efforts. Two exciting battles for everyone to witness, with decisive victory involving each of us overcoming Ramos's resilient Grass-type Pokémon.

Now that all that was dealt with, something else had recently arisen… The Festival of the Stone-Eyed Maiden. This event was an annual tradition for the people of Coumarine City. It was a week to celebrate the bonds you share with that… *ahem* special someone in your life. And this year, we all had decided to stay for the festivities.

Ash in particular had a special plan. As I am sure is apparent, his feelings for Serena have, shall we say, evolved from mere friendship. He decided that on this day, he planned to confess his true feelings to her. With help from friends and kin, he finally prepared the perfect day plan for such a confession.

But there was one major problem… we found that Serena ran away from us, the only trace of her being this note she had left behind:

𝓔𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓸𝓷𝓮,

𝓘'𝓶 𝓼𝓸𝓻𝓻𝔂, 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓘'𝓶 𝓪𝓯𝓻𝓪𝓲𝓭 𝓘 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓼𝓪𝔂𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓫𝔂𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓪𝓷𝔂 𝓸𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾. 𝓘 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓲𝓼 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓼𝓽.

𝓜𝓸𝓶, 𝓘 𝓹𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓲𝓼𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓘 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓮 𝓹𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓬𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝓱𝓸𝔀𝓬𝓪𝓼𝓮, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝓷 𝓽𝓸 𝔀𝓲𝓷. 𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓪𝓼 𝓸𝓯 𝓷𝓸𝔀, 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓲𝓼 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓘 𝓶𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓭𝓸 𝓸𝓷 𝓶𝔂 𝓸𝔀𝓷. 𝓒𝓵𝓮𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓽, 𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝔂𝓸𝓾'𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓮 𝓪𝓼 𝓰𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽 𝓪𝓷 𝓲𝓷𝓿𝓮𝓷𝓽𝓸𝓻 𝓪𝓼 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓪 𝓖𝔂𝓶 𝓛𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓮𝓻. 𝓑𝓸𝓷𝓷𝓲𝓮, 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓴 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓽𝓪𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓬𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓶𝔂 𝓕𝓮𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓴𝓲𝓷 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓟𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓶. 𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓴𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓸𝓯 𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓲𝓽𝓾𝓭𝓮, 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓮 𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓽𝓻𝓮𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓸𝓾𝓼 𝓣𝓻𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓭𝓪𝔂.

𝓜𝓲𝓼𝓽𝔂 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓑𝓻𝓸𝓬𝓴, 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓴 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓱𝓮𝓵𝓹 𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝓢𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓒𝓲𝓽𝔂. 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝔀𝓸 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓼𝓾𝓬𝓱 𝓰𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽 𝓯𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓼. 𝓑𝓻𝓲𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓪, 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓮, 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓘 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓱𝓪𝓭. 𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓴 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓮𝓷𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓪𝓰𝓮𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓰𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓶𝓮. 𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝔂𝓸𝓾'𝓵𝓵 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓪 𝓰𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽 𝓹𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓭𝓪𝔂.

𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓐𝓼𝓱... 𝓞𝓱, 𝓐𝓼𝓱… 𝓘 𝓱𝓸𝓹𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓭𝓸𝓷'𝓽 𝓽𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓻𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝔀𝓪𝔂, 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝔀𝓮 𝓼𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓼𝓮𝓮 𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓪𝓰𝓪𝓲𝓷. 𝓘'𝓿𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓽𝓻𝓪𝔂𝓮𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓼𝓽 𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓫𝓵𝓮, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓷'𝓽 𝓫𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓶𝔂𝓼𝓮𝓵𝓯 𝓽𝓸 𝓯𝓪𝓬𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓫𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓼𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽. 𝓘 𝔀𝓲𝓼𝓱 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓵𝓾𝓬𝓴 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓚𝓪𝓵𝓸𝓼 𝓛𝓮𝓪𝓰𝓾𝓮, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓘 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓮 𝓬𝓱𝓮𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓸𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓪𝔂 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓽𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓪𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽.

𝓑𝓾𝓽 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓷𝓸𝔀, 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓸𝓷𝓮, 𝓘 𝓰𝓾𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓲𝓼 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓫𝔂𝓮. 𝓛𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓱 𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝔀𝓮 𝓭𝓲𝓭 𝓸𝓷 𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓳𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓮𝔂, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓻𝓮𝓶𝓮𝓶𝓫𝓮𝓻, 𝓶𝔂 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓫𝓮 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓷 𝓪 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓼𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓮𝓼 𝓪𝓹𝓪𝓻𝓽.

𝓢𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓷𝓪

Ash then dropped the paper as the hand that held it covered his mouth. "This can't be happening… Serena… Why?" he asked as tears ran down his face.

"I don't understand how this could have happened?" Delia asked Grace. "She was in such a good mood yesterday. Any idea where she went?"

Grace shook her head. "My daughter can be so spontaneous sometimes, I have no clue."

Clemont's glasses seemed to light up. "Leave it to me, I know just what to do." He then reached into his backpack… "The future is now thanks to science! Clemontic Gear, ON!"...and pulled out what looked like a flying saucer. "I thought we'd encounter a situation precisely like this one! Presenting the 'Body Detecting Radar Bot Mark III,' also called the 'Life Detector'!"

Brock looked curious. "What happened to Marks I and II?"

"They, ehh… blew up," he replied sheepishly. Everyone made their way outside, and Clemont set it down and flicked a switch. "But you know what they say: 'Third time's the charm'!"

As he spoke, the top opened to release a donut-shaped balloon. It rapidly inflated, and the Life Detector took to the skies, its legs blinking a red glow.

Then the boy genius pulled out a handheld device. He also held a string that glistened in the sunlight, which he inserted into an opening. "Fortunately, I found this hair on Serena's pillow. I just scan the DNA sample, and the Life Detector should give us a precise latitude and longitude coordination on Serena's whereabouts!"

"Awesome!" Ash proclaimed. "When do you expect to have the results?"

"Let me see..." he tapped the touchscreen a couple times before answering me. "It should take approximately thirty-six hours to lock onto Serena's life signature, but the results will be perfect!"

The rest of us flopped over. Grace, it seemed, was the only one more upset than I was. "THAT ACCOMPLISHES ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!"

Clemont typed into the touchscreen again. "Hmmm… maybe I can increase the analysis speed…" But as he tried to do so, a flurry of light began to emerge on his radar. Meanwhile, the Life Detector started steaming, like it was overheating. The balloon blew apart, and the machine fell to the ground like a bomb from a plane.

*KRA-KA-BOOM*

We all coughed as Clemont fell over. "Or was it, 'Fourth time's the charm...'?"

After that, we decided to simply spread out and search on foot. Many of us released our Pokémon to add a few more eyes to the search. Ash told Fletchinder and Hawlucha to keep a sharp eye out from above. And Squishy was asked to use his 'All-seeing Eye,' as we called it, to which he happily accepted. We were divided into two groups, with myself, Ash, Dexter, Diancie, both mothers and our Pokémon searching the North side of the city, and everyone else searching the South.

After a little bit, the North Team found themselves at the Pokémon Center. There, we found Cocoa and Shauna. The former was not quite cleared for a full recovery, but one more day should do it. As soon as they asked, we told them of Serena's disappearance and asked them if they had any leads.

Their response was more informative than we expected. "I think we know why she ran away..."

"You do?!" Grace asked in relief. "Please, tell us!"

"Get me a wheelchair," Cocoa stated, "and we'll explain it on the way!"

Nurse Joy heard everything. Remembering Serena from the other day, she pulled out a communicator. "Officer Jenny," I heard her say, "We have a Code Yellow. Female teenager, light brown hair, wearing a red vest."

As we made our way to Coumarine Hill, Shauna and Cocoa told us of how they planned to make it to see Mega Diancie, but they were sidetracked chasing an Absol they thought they saw. The South Team joined us as Shauna and Cocoa led all of us to the cave they discovered, and the source of our present situation. In their hunt, they accidentally discovered the legend behind the Coumarine City festival…

The Stone-Eyed Maiden herself.

Many of us were amazed by the resemblance Aila held with Serena. "They're the same!" Dexter scanned the statue, creating a 3D image on her screen. Serena appeared next to her thereon. "Except for their hair, their other features like body proportions and facial structure are a 99.9% match!"

"I can see why she thinks she's Aila," Misty stated, "but what does this have to do with her running away?"

"I wonder if she's trying to find Jan?" Bonnie suggested. "If Aila came back after all this time, maybe Jan did, too?"

"Bonnie," I began with a smile. "You might be onto something. Maybe we could find Jan first, and that could help us find Serena again… find Aila again… you know what I mean."

"There's no need for that," said Delia. She then pointed to her son. "I think we already found him…"

*Ash's POV*

The world around me felt hazy. The only clear aspect before me was the statue of Aila before me. The more I looked at it, the more it felt familiar to me. In the haze, I watched a certain sight. A man dragged the stone figure into the cave and placed her on an altar made of surrounding rocks.

I watched as his hand caressed her cheek. "Once I find Xerneas, I will come back to you. I promise." Then I watched as the man turned and walked toward me. He stopped and placed a hand on my shoulder. "You know what you must do now… Jan..." I stood still as he seemed to merge with me.

Jan… that is… my name. I remember now. I was reborn in this new world as Ash Ketchum. I came back to be with Aila again. As my head slowly worked its way back to reality, I could see my friends and family looking at me with worry.

"Are you okay?" my mother asked.

I smiled and nodded. "In fact, I feel better than I've felt in a long time."

Cocoa spoke up. "Are you Ash? Or Jan?"

"Both," I replied. "I remember my past life now, but it's kind of like my old memories have been woven together with my new ones… if that makes sense."

"You know what doesn't make sense?" Shauna began. As she spoke, she showed us my old journal. "What happened after you tried to rescue Xerneas? Did you succeed?"

"Well, it's complicated..." I began.

I was told that Xerneas had been taken prisoner. . The emperor, Veofum, tried to manipulate the power of life for his own self-centered purposes. But because he absconded ehland's greatest source of sustenance, , it turned brown and barren. The empire was dying, all because of one man's selfish actions. An elder man led the way to the palace, and I bequeathed my journal to this. Share my story with others , so no one thinks to do this again," I told him, and the three of us charged in.
We quickly found the courtyard, thanks to the emperor's voice. "I brought you here to my garden to make it the most beautiful in the land, and yet nothing is flourishing. Does this mean bestowing eternal life is a worthless illusion, Xerneas?"
From nearby, we watched the soldiers piling dry wood around the tree. They were on the verge of burning Xerneas. I knew that if Xerneas died, so would countless others, so I had to stop them. I looked to Solsol, who nodded as her Mega Stone shimmered in the dim light. I then clenched my fish and eyed the Keystone I wore on my finger since the wedding. "Aila… lend us your power!" I cried as the two stones glowed. "Solsol, Mega Evolve!"
Solsol howled as she transformed before my eyes. Her horn and tail grew longer and more edged. Another, smaller horn appeared on the other side of her head. And the fur on her back flared up, giving the appearance of wings.
"Use Psycho Cut in front of the guards!" I told her. Solsol released a purple crescent-like blade of energy from her horn. It burst as it stopped the soldiers from coming any closer. Then Solsol and I ran between them and Xerneas. "One step closer, and the next one won't miss!"

"You have no right to be here," snarled the emperor. "Xerneas belongs to me. And since she brings me no benefit, she is worthless."

"Don't you see the suffering you brought upon this land?" I argued. "Her absence will only bring suffering and pain!"

"Such utter nonsense!" Veofum turned to the guards. "Burn him with Xerneas!"

"Are you sure of this?" asked the captain.

"Do it!" he replied. "You know the penalty for revolt is death, and if he cares for Xerneas so much, he can join her in the afterlife!"

The soldiers made their advance on me and Solsol. We tried our best to defend ourselves and repel them from Xerneas, but it was little use. Even with the power of Mega Evolution, we were outnumbered and outmatched.

Soon, I was chained to Xerneas and gagged as well. Solsol was held back by a Rhyperior and forced to watch as the soldiers threw their torches at us. The flames quickly spread, engulfing the surrounding wood and soon Xerneas and I.

What happened next? I cannot say. My vision became hazy from the smoke. I found it hard to breathe, and the pains of the flames were immense. However, I did hear voices from outside the flames…

"What in oblivion is that thing?!"

"It's gigantic!"

"Run for your life!"

From among the screams of fear, a loud voice exploded around us. "INFIDELS!" it began. "YOU HAVE UPSET THE BALANCE OF LIFE! NOW, YOU WILL NEVER AGAIN SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY!"

I could hear screams all around me. The ground shook as the source of the loud voice seemed to consume Veofum and his soldiers, one after the other. Then, almost in an instant, the fire around us was gone, as well as the chain that bound us together. My vision was still hazy from the smoke. Aff I could see in the distance, was a large figure towering over us, its eyes glowing a hissing green color. But that shape disappeared as mysteriously as it appeared.

All that was left within the courtyard were myself, Solsol, and the dormant Xerneas… though she did not remain dormant for much longer. I watched as she awoke before me, and she looked down at me. 'Human, are you the one who saved me?'

I wanted to answer her, but it hurt to move anything. Though I could hear Solsol speaking to her on my behalf.

She then turned her attention back to me. 'Jan Kapulet, you have shown courage and kindness in this time of crisis. Your Solsol has told me what it is you seek from me...To repay such a sacrifice, I will grant your wish.

'I shall send your spirit and that of your beloved forward into time… There is a prophecy… One which tells of a maiden of royal blood who will inherit a sacred power. With the maiden's coming, you will be reborn, and nothing shall separate you again. Your memories will be locked away, but your hearts will know who you are...'

My body seemed to grow lighter as everything around me turned white as snow. 'I take this body so that you might live. Return to your beloved...'

"...and a thousand years later, my new life as Ash began," I concluded.

Then out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ramos walk in from the opening. He was accompanied by another more familiar creature. "I see you sprouts have discovered the Stone-Eyed Maiden without our help..."

"I understand now," I began. "You knew it was us all along, didn't you?"

The Gym Leader nodded. "The knowledge of this tomb's existence has been passed down to a select few each generation, along with the knowledge of what I like to call the 'Thousand-Year Covenant.'"

Bonnie looked confused. "What's a covenant?"

"It's kinda like a promise," Clemont explained, "but one only a deity can fulfill."

Ramos patted the Absol's head. "I didn't think the covenant would come to pass in my lifetime, until Solsol here arrived from the south last spring. After showing your mothers, we had planned to ease you into unlocking your memories. And we set up the mock wedding above to celebrate your covenant being fulfilled."

"But we discovered this place yesterday… And Serena unlocked her memories before it was time." Shauna explained in realization.

"So that's why she ran away!" Grace added. "She doesn't know Ash is Jan!"

Fortunately, though, with the realization that Solsol came back with us, I now knew exactly how to find Serena. I walked over and knelt down before the Dark-type Pokémon before me. "Solsol, will you lend me your power one last time to find your master?"

Solsol nodded and then closed its eyes. Using her powers, Absol began to read into the future to find Serena. Then as she spoke, Cocoa translated. "She's heading the transit in South Coumarine. She's gonna board a bus in about twenty minutes. She can't say where the bus will take her, but if we don't hurry, we may never see her again."

"The transit?!" Ramos gasped. "That's in the southernmost part of Coumarine! We'd never make it in time!" Suddenly, we heard a rumbling noise from overhead, accompanied by a loud horn. It slowly grew fainter as it travelled to the top of the hill. "Unless..."

"Quick! To the monorail!" Brianna declared, and we all ran out of the cave.

Fortunately for us, we knew there was a monorail station next to the Pledging Tree. To make matters better, the southbound train's doors were still open. I smiled as I reached the gate. "I'm coming, my darling! And nothing's gonna stop me!"

But I spoke too soon. As I passed through the gate first, some sort of fanfare played around me. Confetti fell everywhere as the staff surrounded me. "Congratulations!"

One of them approached me. "You have the distinct honor of being our one-millionth passenger!"

"Well, that's nice," I commented, "now if you'll excuse me-!"

But another staff member held me back. "Let's give this young man a round of applause!" he declared. The other passengers cheered and clapped for me.

A third staff member approached, holding a present. "To commemorate this occasion, please, accept this gift."

But I did not care for the brightly-colored box. I could see the doors to the monorail were closing. "STOP THAT TRAIN!" I shoved the staff out of the way and raced to the platform, but it was already too late. The automated doors were sealed, and the train pulled away from the station before I could touch it. "Great!" I groaned.

"Hey, don't worry," said one of the staff, oblivious to the situation. "Another train will come in about half an hour or so."

"I don't HAVE half an hour!"

Ramos stepped up, a PokeBall in hand. "In that case… Gogoat! Come on out!" The green bovine appeared before us. "He's not the monorail, but I'm sure he can get you there before it's too late."

I smiled at the Gym Leader. "Thank you..." I clambered on and looked down at the Absol beside us. "Solsol, I'm counting on you to lead the way!" She nodded and took off out of the station and down the hill. Gogoat and I followed close behind, hoping to make it there in time.

*Meowth's POV*

The twerp… or Ash, or Jan, or… well, you know who I mean - he may not have gotten onto the train, but I did. While I was searching for Jessie and James, I was passing by Aila's secret tomb. I heard everything from overhead, from his memories unlocking to where she was. And thankfully I was able to get on the monorail before it took off.

At the South station, I quickly located the bus stop they were talking about. And by extension, Haircut as well.

She took a look back at the city, presumably with him in mind. "Goodbye, everyone… forever..." But before she could step into the station, I skidded to a halt in front of her. "Meowth?!" She asked in surprise. "What're you doing here? And where's James and Jessie?"

"I've got a bone to pick with you, Missy..." I began. "I know what's going on in your head. I know because I was there when you found your old body. And I get wanting to run away from your problems. I do. But if you cross this line, you're gonna be lost. Everyone who loves you will lose you, but there's something worse... you'll lose yourself."

She stood there, a little surprised by what I said. I was not sure if I was getting through to her, but at least she was listening.

"I get that your past life was harsh and unforgiving. I get your sad, confused, and you feel like you hurt everyone. If I were you, I wouldn't give up being Aila just to be Serena again. But you know what? I wouldn't make the other trade neither, because that person wouldn't just remind me of what I lost... But of how far I've come from there. Your weaknesses and your strengths. Your good memories and your bad memories. Your past life and your new life. You are both."

She was silent for a moment, processing what I said… then she finally spoke. "I guess you have a point… but what do I do about Ash and Jan? How do I choose between them?"

Behind her, I saw a certain someone coming in on a Gogoat. As he was unmounting, I smiled. "I don't think you'll need to..." I told her, and stepped away to watch the scene.

"AILAAAA!" a familiar voice cried out. She turned to the source just in time to see it grab her in a hug. I don't think he noticed me.

When he loosened his grip, she looked into his eyes and smiled. "Did you just… call me Aila?"

"That I did," the twerp replied.

Her eyes started to water. "Is that… Is that you in there, Jan?"

"It is," he said with a wider smile. "I remember. Everything."

"Then what about what you said about the law, huh?" she asked. Probably one of those 'Something Only They Would Say' dealies. "Do you remember that? Please tell me you do! Think very carefully! I want you to remember what you said… if nothing else..."

He pulled me closer. "To oblivion with the law," he began. "For you, my darling, no storm can foul my compass. Through the darkest twilight forest, I would charge through, and across the fiery tempest of battle, I would gladly leap. For you, I deny everything. My kingdom… my honor… even my family name. I am Jan. Only Jan. Would you do the same?"

Just like then, she could feel tears running down her cheeks as he spoke this… "Yes." she gently pulled herself closer to him, and then, for the first time in their new lives, their lips met.

That kiss lasted a while, but I guess if it was your first one in a thousand years, you have the right to savor the moment. As they pulled away, he looked into his eyes and smiled once again. "Serena… my life belongs to you. I'll give it up for you. I want to stay with you until the end."

Her eyes glistened. "And I promise, I'll do anything I can to support you too… forever, no matter what… I swear."

"Regardless of what may come, I'll help you fulfill your new dream in this life."

She then grew a little regretful as she pulled him closer. "I'm so sorry, Ash… I made a terrible mistake… I thought I betrayed the love I felt for you… I thought I betrayed you in the worst way I could imagine… but… I didn't betray you at all!"

I could see him drying her eyes. "It's not your fault. You weren't there when we found Xerneas… and in all fairness, I look a lot different than I did then."

I could see her eyes perk up. "When we found Xerneas?" He then gestured behind himself. I watched as an Absol approached them, and it seemed that Haircut recognized her right away. "Solsol? Is that you?"

The horned beast seemed to smile as she brushed up next to her. Then the twerp explained. "It's thanks to her that I found you, just like how I found Xerneas."

She knelt down and stroked her head. "I missed you, girl!"

"You know, everyone's been worried about you today," he then gestured to the Gogoat by the street. "Why don't we head back to our group?"

Haircut smiled and nodded. "Let's go! Back to our family!"

I watched with a smile as they rode off into the distance. "Long life and lotsa laughs!"

"There you are!" said a familiar voice. I looked back to see Jessie and James coming up behind me. "We have to hurry! Our trap's been destroyed in our absence, and we haven't much time to fix it!" Jessie explained.

I didn't have the heart to tell them I was the one what destroyed it. "Hey, for once, I'm glad the plan was ruined."

They were understandably surprised. "Listen," said James, "our life's purpose is to poach Primo-Pokémon, and Pikachu is 1-A!"

"YAY!" Jessie agreed.

But I didn't care. I was feeling very pleased with myself, so I decided to walk away in the opposite direction.

"Do I have bad breath?" James asked as he watched me.

"Nah!" I replied with a wave. "I'm just in a good mood right now, and I don't want you to blow it."

They looked at one another, totally oblivious. "Meowth's not going soft on us...?"

*Serena's POV*

We decided to take the monorail back to the rest of our group. Last Ash heard they were at the train station by the Pledging Tree. After hearing about the situation of Ash borrowing Ramos' Gogoat, the station staff kindly let him on with us so that we might return him to his Trainer.

About halfway up the hill, Ash was feeling thirsty, so he reached into his backpack for his thermos. That was when he noticed something… a brightly colored box. I later learned he accidentally won a prize at the train station we were heading to. "Huh…" Ash began, "they must've slipped this into my bag while I wasn't looking. I wonder what this is anyway?" He opened it to reveal a water-blue ribbon within.

"Wow, that's such a pretty ribbon!" I cooed.

"It is, isn't it?" he looked at it for a minute, and then at me, and then… "That's it! Hold still for a second..." He then wrapped the ribbon around my neck, under my collar, and tied it into a loose bow. "Perfect!"

I pulled out my guidebook from my backpack and aimed the built-in camera at myself. I could see what he had done on the screen. "Hey… you're right! That was what my outfit was missing!"

As we pulled into the station, we could see our family and friends waiting for us. As you might expect, my mother rushed over to me, and she hugged and kissed me.

"I'm sorry for scaring you, Mom...for scaring everyone..." I told them.

Mom loosened her grip. "I'm just glad you're back, Serena-! I mean, Aila?"

I giggled. "You can keep calling me Serena if you want. I'm kinda used to it." Then I looked to the Pledging Tree, and saw the crowd coming from below. I examined the layout and the landscape, and my eyes widened. "Is this supposed to be… our wedding?!"

"That's right," she told me, "A mock wedding to be exact. A celebration of what Xerneas did for you two." I could not believe it. It seemed everyone in our group had learned Ash was Jan. I felt even more silly for not realizing it sooner...

*Brianna's POV*

It might not have been a real wedding, but it was the best one I ever attended so far. It was held at the top of Coumarine Hill, and the Pledging Tree was their cathedral. As the sun began to set over the ocean, the decorations on the tree seemed to glisten in the sunlight. No church ever looked more beautiful.

Soon, most of us were at the altar at the foot of the Pledging Tree. We were dressed in the finest outfits Ramos had to offer. Brock stood as Ash's Best Man, and I was my best friend's Maid of Honor.

Seconds after we were all in position, the bride herself appeared. Serena wore a flawless white dress with matching shoulder gloves. The veil covered her face, but many of us could tell she was wearing little makeup, if any. I do not think she needed much anyway. Her hair was styled in a way that I did not think was possible with such short hair.

As the chorus echoed over the hill, she made her way up to us, her mother by her side. Once they got up here, Grace lifted the veil off her face and handed her over to Ash.

When Grace took her place next to Delia, Ramos cleared his throat. "Citizens of Coumarine City, friends from far and wide," he began, "we gather here tonight to celebrate not just the union of two souls separated by needless hatred, but also the fulfillment of a divine covenant that held them together. These two are living proof that we are defined not by where we come from, but by whom we love. But such love can best be expressed in their own words."

By long tradition, the groom spoke first. "Serena," Ash began, "in all the time we spent together, you've inspired me to be a better version of myself. I would never be the person I am now if I never knew you. We have been through so much in this new life, and I can't wait to see what else the future has in store for us. It has been an honor to watch you grow as a Trainer and find your dream of being a Performer, and I promise to help you see your dream become a reality in any way I can. What I'm trying to say is… you've become my new dream."

Once he finished, it was the bride's turn. "Ash," Serena started, "they say the best road to happiness is to marry your best friend, but you've always been so much more than that. Through all the years we've been together, I have found so much inspiration in your courage and optimism. Because of you and all our friends, I realized I'm stronger than I made myself out to be. You've become my rock, my engine to succeed, my reason to never give up until the end, and my inspiration to be the very best, like no one ever was. And I think that's the best road to happiness."

I thought it was adorable when Pikachu presented the rings to them. My eyes widened as I noticed the gems that were embedded in them. "Are those… Keystones?" I muttered quietly so as not to interrupt.

As they placed the rings on each other's fingers, Ramos spoke up once again. "Now, normally, is the part where I ask that line with: 'For better or for worse, in sickness and in health,' but you two have already been through all of those things, and then some. Not even death could do you part, and that speaks volumes. So, I guess all that's left to say is what everyone here already knows. Jan and Aila, or I guess Ash and Serena now… you two are now one. We wish you the utmost happiness as you journey through this new life. You may kiss the bride."

Ash gently wrapped her arms around Serena and pulled her closer. The two slowly closed their eyes, tilted their heads to their left, and their lips came together. Everyone around them cheered and applauded as the 'newlyweds' spent time in their own little world.

The sun had just disappeared as they pulled away from lack of breath. Suddenly, Ramos flipped a hidden switch in his podium. Behind him, the Pledging Tree lit up like a lamp. Everyone marveled at the trunks and vines illuminating an intricate display of shining lights.

The Pledging Tree, the Stone-Eyed Maiden, and the Thousand-Year Covenant... This special celebration in Coumarine City has brought Ash and Serena even closer than ever before. I knew they would go on to face every challenge together. And this was just the beginning of their newly-evolved relationship as our journey continues…