Hello to everyone who somehow stumbled across my story!
This will be interesting. I never thought I'd be posting on this website, yet here we are! I've always been a lurker, reading mainly Pokémon-based stories. My favorite two shippings are AdvanceShipping and AmourShipping. While AmourShipping may be heavily involved in the beginning of this story, AdvanceShipping will be the focus. My apologies to any AmourShipping fans!
Proper usage of words, capitalization, commas, punctuation, etc. are all very important to me. I don't know about you, but when reading a story and those things are used incorrectly, it takes me completely out of the story. I vow to do my best to correct any mistakes and output the best quality possible.
DISCLAIMER: I know how annoying it may be to start reading a story and for it to abruptly never be updated again. However, I will not be making any promises for this story. This will be a side project for me. I don't want to let anyone down, so... no promises. However, I assure you that I will try my best to not leave this story hanging. That's all I can say.
Without further ado, let's jump in!
Chapter 1: The End of a Journey
The stadium was a cauldron of excitement, the crowd's roars echoing through the air, mingling with the intense aura of the battlefield. Ash Ketchum stood on one side, his heart pounding with adrenaline. Across from him was Alain, his steely gaze fixed on Ash, determination etched into his features. This was the final match of the Kalos League, and both trainers were ready to give it their all.
Ash took a deep breath, reached into his pocket and grabbed hold of something he considered his lucky charm. Feeling a renewed confidence, he glanced at his trusted partner standing beside him. "We can do this, Greninja," he said, his voice filled with unwavering resolve.
Greninja nodded, its eyes narrowing as it focused on Alain and his Charizard. The anticipation was electric.
The referee raised his flag. "Let the battle begin!"
Alain was the first to act. "Charizard, let's Mega Evolve!"
A brilliant flash of light enveloped Charizard as it transformed into Mega Charizard X, its black and blue scales shimmering with raw power. The crowd's cheers reached a fever pitch.
Ash clenched his fist. "Greninja, let's show them our bond! Ash-Greninja, activate!"
Greninja's form began to glow, its body transforming as it synced with Ash's aura. The powerful bond between them manifested as Ash-Greninja, standing tall and ready for battle.
Alain wasted no time. "Charizard, use Dragon Claw!"
Charizard roared, launching itself at Greninja with claws crackling with draconic energy.
"Dodge it, Greninja, and counter with Water Shuriken!" Ash commanded.
Greninja leaped gracefully into the air, avoiding Charizard's attack with ease. It then formed a massive shuriken of water and hurled it at Charizard. The shuriken struck Charizard, sending it stumbling back but not out.
"Charizard, use Flamethrower!" Alain called out.
Charizard unleashed a torrent of flames, the intense heat washing over the battlefield. Greninja moved swiftly, zigzagging through the flames with incredible agility.
"Now, Greninja, use Aerial Ace!" Ash shouted.
Greninja darted towards Charizard with blinding speed, landing a powerful hit that pushed Charizard back further. The crowd gasped at the intensity of the clash.
Alain's eyes narrowed. "Charizard, let's end this with Blast Burn!"
Charizard gathered its immense energy, flames swirling around it as it prepared to unleash its most devastating attack.
Ash's heart raced. "Greninja, Water Shuriken, full power!"
Greninja formed another massive shuriken, its energy surging as it prepared to counter Charizard's Blast Burn. The two Pokémon launched their attacks simultaneously, the battlefield exploding in a spectacular display of fire and water.
The shockwave from the collision sent ripples through the stadium, the crowd holding their breath as the dust began to settle. Both Pokémon stood panting, their strength waning but their spirits unbroken.
"Charizard, use Dragon Claw again!" Alain's voice cut through the tension.
Charizard surged forward, claws glowing with draconic energy once more.
"Greninja, use Double Team!" Ash countered.
Greninja created multiple copies of itself, confusing Charizard as it slashed through the illusions. But Charizard's fierce determination allowed it to find the real Greninja, landing a direct hit that sent Greninja crashing to the ground.
Ash's heart sank as he watched Greninja struggle to get up. "Come on, Greninja, I know you can do it!"
With sheer willpower, Greninja rose to its feet, its eyes blazing with resolve. It wasn't over yet.
Alain's expression was intense. "Charizard, finish it with Thunder Punch!"
Charizard's fist crackled with electricity as it charged at Greninja, ready to deliver the final blow.
Ash's mind raced. "Greninja, use Cut to counter!"
Greninja met Charizard head-on, its glowing blade clashing with Charizard's electrified punch. The force of the impact created a shockwave that rocked the stadium. For a moment, it seemed like either Pokémon could win.
But the strain of the battle took its toll. Greninja's strength finally gave out, and collapsed to the ground, unable to continue. Ash too felt the toll that Greninja felt. He fell to one knee, one hand on heart, breathing heavily. Alain looked concerned from the other side of the field.
In the stands, Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie gasp. Bonnie yelled "Is Ash going to be alright?!"
Clemont put one arm around Bonnie's shoulder, while holding his gaze on Ash. "He'll be okay." he told Bonnie, though, shared the same concerned expression. He glanced at Serena.
Serena had her hand held to her heart; she didn't say a word. Worrisome written all over her face.
The referee raised his flag.
"Greninja is unable to battle. Our new Kalos League Champion is Alain!
Ash heard those words, however, still kneeling, panting. He closed his eyes, taking in the loss. After a moment, he finally caught his breath, he slightly smiled. While he may have lost, he knew he put up a good fight. Truth is, Alain was a tough opponent. Ash knew this and was proud of himself for keeping up with him all the way till the very end. He deserved the win.
Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie watched from the stands; their hearts heavy with sympathy for their friend. Serena's eyes were filled with concern as she knew that Ash could feel what Greninja did during the whole battle.
Finally, after what felt like forever, Ash stood up. He looked around, taking in the crowd. The crowd was still roaring of claps, echoing throughout the stadium. Not only were they clapping for Alain's victory, but for him as well.
Ash started walking over to Greninja and kneeled on one knee next to him and smiled. "Greninja, you did your absolute best out there, and I couldn't be prouder. While we may have lost, we kept up with Alain till the very end, all because of you. That's a win in my book."
Greninja smiled "Gre...ninja."
"You deserve a nice rest, Greninja, return." Ash held out his Pokéball, a beam of light shooting out, enveloping Greninja.
Alain returned his Charizard as well and started walking towards Ash.
"Outstanding battle, Ash. I really enjoyed it." Alain extended out a hand.
Ash stood up, meeting Alain's hand with his own, "Likewise, Alain. Congratulations, you deserve this win. You're going to go far, and this is only the beginning." He nodded. "Take care of yourself. Beat the Elite 4 and Diantha for me!" Ash encouraged.
Determined, Alain replied, "I'll do my best, I won't let you down. Until next time." He turned around and started walking away, giving one last wave.
Watching Alain depart, Ash looked around the stadium one last time. The roar of the crowd still echoed in his ears, a blend of cheers for both his and Alain's performance. Despite the loss, he felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. He had given it his all, and Greninja had fought valiantly. With a final glance at the battlefield, he turned and made his way toward the exit, his heart heavy but hopeful.
As Ash walked through the corridor leading out of the inner stadium, the sounds of the crowd began to fade, replaced by the quieter hum of the stadium's backstage area. His mind replayed the intense moments of the battle, each move and counter flashing before his eyes. He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he almost didn't notice Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie waiting for him at the end of the hall.
"Ash!" Bonnie's voice rang out, breaking his reverie. She ran up to him, her eyes wide with concern and admiration. "That was amazing! You and Greninja were incredible out there!"
Ash managed a smile, meeting Bonnie's enthusiastic gaze. "Thanks, Bonnie. We did our best."
Clemont stepped forward, adjusting his glasses. His expression was a mix of pride and concern. "You really pushed yourself, Ash. That bond phenomenon with Greninja is incredible, but it must take a lot out of you."
Ash nodded. "Yeah… it does, but it's worth it. The connection Greninja and I share... I wouldn't trade it for anything."
Serena stood a little apart from the group, her eyes locked on Ash. Her heart ached for him, seeing the mixture of exhaustion and determination on his face. She wanted to comfort him, to tell him how proud she was, but the words seemed to stick in her throat. She took a deep breath and stepped closer.
"Ash," she began softly, her voice trembling slightly, "you were amazing out there. I know how much this meant to you. You and Greninja... you were both incredible."
Ash turned to look at her, and for a moment, their eyes met. He saw the sincerity in her gaze, and it touched something deep within him. He gave her a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Serena. That means a lot coming from you."
She blushed slightly, her heart fluttering. "I... I know how hard you worked for this. Even though you didn't win, you showed everyone just how strong your bond with Greninja is. That's something to be proud of."
Ash felt a warmth spread through him at her words. He reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Thanks, Serena. I couldn't have gotten this far without all of you by my side."
Clemont nodded, adjusting his glasses again. "We're a team, Ash. We're all in your corner."
Bonnie beamed. "Yeah! We'll always be here for you, Ash!"
The group shared a moment of silence, the weight of the battle slowly lifting. Ash took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "Let's head outside. I could use some fresh air."
They made their way through the maze of corridors, finally emerging into the bright sunlight outside the stadium. The fresh air was invigorating, and Ash felt some of his weariness begin to melt away.
As they walked, Serena fell into step beside Ash. She glanced at him, her heart racing. "However, I was really worried about you out there. Please be careful, I'm glad you're okay."
He looked at her, touched by her concern. "Thank you, Serena. I'm sorry for worrying you. I'm okay, it was just the strain of the battle. That bond Greninja and I share… it's powerful. As you know, it can sometimes be intense, but we both manage. I'll be sure to be more careful." he assured her.
Serena nodded, relieved. "Thank you, Ash. You know, no matter what happens in these battles, you're always a winner to me. Even if you lose, you take that loss and learn something from it. Not everyone utilizes losses that way."
Ash felt his cheeks flush slightly at her words. He rubbed the back of his neck, a sheepish grin on his face. "I guess you're right... thanks, Serena. I know I can always count on you for the words of encouragement."
As they continued walking, everyone continued chatting animatedly about the battle.
As they reached the outskirts of the stadium, Ash paused, looking back at the towering structure. "I may not have won the Kalos League, but this isn't the end. I'll keep training, keep pushing forward. The journey never stops."
Serena smiled, her eyes shining with admiration. "That's right, Ash! And we'll be right there with you, every step of the way."
"Yeah, Ash, we're with you till the end!" Clemont and Bonnie chimed in.
Ash looked at his friends, his heart filled with gratitude, smiling.
However, while everything seemed virtually perfect, lurking in the back of Ash's head, he felt like something was missing, or someone. He attempted to figure out what that might be… but was ultimately left with no answer, pushing it to the side for now.
However, another thing quickly intruded Ash's mind... what's next?
"I should probably call my mom and let her know that I'm headed back to Pallet Town." Ash announced.
"You're going home already?" Bonnie's voice was small, almost a whisper.
Ash nodded, offering her a reassuring smile. "Yeah, it's been a while since I've seen my mom. I think it's time to head back and spend some time with her. It's almost routine at this point after every league I take part in."
Serena forced a smile, though her eyes betrayed her disappointment. "That makes sense, Ash. Your mom must be really excited to see you."
Clemont nodded in agreement, though he too felt a pang of sadness. "And you deserve a break after all of that hard work. Pallet Town is a great place to rest and recharge."
Ash could see the sadness on their faces, especially Serena's. This was always the hard part.
Ash pulled out his Pokégear, scrolling through his contacts until he found his mom's number. He hit the call button and put the device to his ear, the familiar ringtone bringing a sense of comfort.
While they waited for the call to connect, Serena couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions. She was happy for Ash, proud of his determination, but also a bit wistful. The thought of him leaving for Pallet Town made her realize how much she cherished their time together.
Delia Ketchum answered after a few rings, her voice immediately filled with relief. "Ash! Are you alright, sweetheart? I was so worried when I saw–"
Ash quickly reassured her, "I'm okay, Mom! Promise! Greninja and I are perfectly fine. As always, we gave it our all."
"Okay, okay! I'm so proud of you, Ash! You and Greninja were great out there and I can't wait to hear all about it," Delia's voice was warm and full of pride. "Are you coming home?"
"Yeah, I'm thinking I'll head back tomorrow." Ash could feel the sadness in the air, he didn't even want to look at his friends faces.
"I'll be sure to tidy up here around the house! Also, why don't you invite your friends to come visit Pallet Town? I'd love to meet them!" Delia questioned.
Ash's face lit up, "That's not a bad idea, Mom! Hold on!"
He quickly turned to the group, "Anybody got any plans anytime soon?"
Confused, the trio replied in unison. "No, why?"
"How about taking a trip to Pallet Town?" Ash proposed.
Bonnie's face brightened instantly. "Really?! We can all go to Pallet Town?"
Clemont smiled, feeling a bit of the sadness lift. "That sounds great! I've always wanted to see where you grew up, Ash!"
Serena's heart fluttered with a mix of relief and excitement. She stepped closer to Ash, her smile now genuine. "I'd love to visit Pallet Town! I haven't been there in forever!"
Ash felt a surge of happiness seeing his friends' reactions. "Great! It'll be fun, especially for Serena since it's been years since her last visit. I can show you around, and you can meet my mom and all the Pokémon at Professor Oak's lab, along with Professor Oak himself!"
Everyone cheered and Ash returned his attention to the phone. "Mom, looks like we're all coming to Pallet Town! We'll see you tomorrow afternoon!"
Delia's voice beamed through the speaker. "That's wonderful news, Ash! I'll make sure everything is ready. Safe travels, and I can't wait to see you all."
Ash and his friends made their way back to the Pokémon Center, the excitement of the upcoming trip to Pallet Town buzzing in the air. The streets of Lumiose City were alive with evening activity, the lights from the shops and cafés casting a warm glow. As they walked, they chatted about their plans for the visit, each sharing what they were most looking forward to.
"I can't wait to see all the Pokémon at Professor Oak's lab," Clemont said, his eyes shining with anticipation.
Bonnie nodded eagerly. "And I want to meet your mom, Ash! She sounds so nice."
Serena smiled, her thoughts drifting to the peaceful countryside of Pallet Town, reminiscing on memories of her time there at Professor Oak's Summer Camp. "It will be nice to have some time to relax and enjoy the quiet."
Ash chuckled seeing Serena so entranced in her thoughts. "Keep in mind, Pallet Town is nothing too crazy, but for me, it's a special place. The start of it all. Ain't that right buddy?" Ash motioned to Pikachu on perched on his shoulder.
"Pika pika!" Pikachu agreed happily.
They reached the Pokémon Center, and it was quiet, with only a few trainers still up and about. Nurse Joy greeted them warmly as they walked in, headed towards their shared room.
Inside their room, they began preparing for the next day. Clemont and Bonnie packed their bags, while Serena and Ash double-checked their supplies and made sure everything was ready for tomorrow.
As they finished packing, Clemont adjusted his glasses and looked around. "Everything seems to be all set for tomorrow."
Bonnie yawned, stretching her arms above her head. "I'm so excited, but I'm also really tired."
Ash chuckled. "It's been a long day. We should get some rest."
They all changed into their pajamas and settled into their beds. The room was quiet except for the soft sounds of breathing and the occasional rustle of covers. Ash lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming trip and the memories of the recent battle.
After a while, Ash realized he wasn't going to sleep anytime soon. He quietly slipped out of bed, careful not to wake the others. He put on his shoes and grabbed his jacket before heading out of the room. The hallway was dimly lit, and he made his way down to the entrance of the Pokémon Center. The night air was cool and refreshing as he stepped outside.
Ash walked slowly, his thoughts a mix of anticipation for the future and reflections on the past. He found himself wandering towards a nearby park, the stars twinkling brightly overhead. He sat down on a bench, taking in the peaceful surroundings. The events of the Kalos League played over in his mind, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something was still missing.
Unbeknownst to Ash, Serena had noticed him leave. She had been lying awake, her thoughts also racing, and when she saw him slip out of the room, she decided to follow. She quietly got dressed and made her way outside, keeping a distance as she watched Ash walk towards the park.
Serena approached the park cautiously, not wanting to startle Ash. She saw him sitting on a bench, lost in thought. Gathering her courage, she walked up to him and softly called his name. "Ash?"
Ash looked up, surprised to see Serena. "Serena? What are you doing awake?"
She smiled gently, sitting down next to him on the bench. "I couldn't sleep either. I saw you leave and thought you might want some company."
Ash's expression softened. "Thanks, Serena. I guess I just needed some fresh air to clear my head."
They sat in silence for a moment, the night enveloping them in its tranquil embrace. Serena glanced at Ash, noticing the pensive look on his face. "What's on your mind, Ash?"
Ash sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know. I feel like there's so much I still need to figure out. The battle with Alain was tough, and even though I'm proud of how Greninja and I fought, it still feels like something's missing."
Serena nodded, understanding his feelings, or so she thought. "You and Greninja have an incredible bond. It's natural to feel that way after such an intense battle. But remember, you've accomplished so much already. You inspire so many people, Ash. Including me."
Ash looked at her, touched by her words. "Thanks, Serena. You always know what to say. Sometimes I forget to see how far I've come because I'm so focused on what's next."
Serena smiled, her eyes softening. "It's important to look ahead, but it's also important to appreciate the present and the people around you. We're all here for you, Ash. We'll always support you, no matter what."
Ash felt a warmth spread through him. "Thanks, Serena. You've always been there for me, and I really appreciate you for it."
Serena blushed slightly, her heart fluttering. "And I'll always be here, Ash. We're a team."
They sat together, looking up at the stars. The quiet night seemed to wrap around them, providing a moment of peace and connection. Ash felt a sense of calm wash over him, the worries of the day fading away. Serena was going to tell him something as the setting was so perfect for it, but decided to keep it to herself for now.
After a while, Ash stood up. "We should probably head back. Tomorrow's going to be a big day."
Serena nodded, standing up beside him. "Yeah, we should get some rest."
They walked back to the Pokémon Center together, the night air cool and comforting. As they reached their room, they paused outside the door. Ash looked at Serena, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Good night, Serena. Thanks for coming with me."
"Good night, Ash," Serena replied, smiling warmly. "I'm glad I did."
In one quick, swift motion, she gently kissed his cheek. Not wanting to see his reaction, she quickly disappeared into the room, cheeks flushing.
Ash was stunned. He held his hand up to where she kissed him. "Woah..."
After a moment, he quietly entered the room, careful not to wake Clemont and Bonnie. Ash slipped back into his bed, feeling a sense of contentment he hadn't felt in a while. He glanced over at Serena, who seemed like she was already asleep.
As Ash closed his eyes, he wondered what Serena was thinking. Though, knowing it wasn't going to get him anywhere, he pushed it to the side. Soon drifting off into a deep slumber himself.
Ash was enjoying his walk down a desolate road when, without warning, everything plunged into darkness. He stopped walking and looked around. The world around him had transformed into an empty black void. Suddenly, in a brilliant burst, a spectrum of vivid colors exploded into the void, swirling and dancing like a celestial aurora.
A deep, resonant voice echoed through the aurora. "You're at a movie theater. What are you there to see?"
Ash was utterly perplexed. "...what? Did I just get asked if I were at a movie theater... what I would be there to see? From a rainbow aurora in the sky?!" he questioned out loud, not really expecting an explanation.
"Just answer the question – You're at a movie theater. What are you there to see?" the ominous voice reiterated.
"Uh... this totally isn't weird, but sure," Ash mumbled, thinking this must be another bizarre dream. "an action movie, I suppose."
"Hmm... very, very interesting. Now, do you think it's important to always aim to be the best, and would you say... like no one ever was?" the voice inquired.
Ash decided to go along with it. "That's easy. Absolutely. When it comes to Pokémon, to catch them is my real test, but to train them is my cause."
"Pfft. Well, I could've guessed that... those are the lyrics to– anyway, do you prefer being busy or having a lot of free time?" the voice pressed on, sounding almost amused.
Ash, puzzled by the voice's reference, replied, "I prefer staying busy. Becoming a Pokémon Master isn't going to happen all by itself. I even left home at ten years old just to pursue my dream."
"Precisely. As the Chosen One, I'd expect nothing less. I'm surprised you didn't leave any sooner." the void responded, entertained by the conversation.
"Sooner? Ten is crazy enough. That name, the Chosen One... I haven't heard that in quite some time. What's going on?" Ash asked, a sense of concern creeping into his voice.
"Wake up, Ash!" another voice suddenly pierced the aurora, urgent and familiar.
"That sounded like..." Ash began.
"WAKE UP!"
Ash jolted awake, his heart racing from the urgency of the voice that had pierced his dream. Blinking groggily, he found himself back in their room within the Pokémon Center. Morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. He turned his head to see Bonnie standing beside his bed, her hands on her hips and a look of exasperation on her face.
"Finally, you're awake!" Bonnie huffed; her blonde hair slightly tousled from sleep. "I've been trying to wake you up for the past five minutes. Clemont says we need to get going soon!"
Ash rubbed his eyes, the remnants of his vivid dream still lingering in his mind. "Sorry, Bonnie. I guess I was really out of it." He sat up, stretching his arms over his head.
Bonnie's expression softened, and she gave him a curious look. "You seemed to be having quite the dream. You were mumbling something about a movie theater and being the Chosen One."
Ash couldn't help but chuckle at what she said, it sounded crazy. "Yeah, it was weird. I don't really understand what it meant."
Bonnie shrugged. "Dreams can be strange like that. Anyway, Clemont and Serena are already in the cafeteria getting breakfast. We should hurry and join them!"
Ash nodded, feeling a sense of urgency to start the day. He swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up, quickly changing into his usual outfit. As he tied his sneakers, he glanced over at Serena's bed. It was neatly made, indicating that she had been up for a while.
"Thanks for waking me up, Bonnie," Ash said with a smile. "I'll meet you out there in a minute."
"No problem! Just don't take too long, or Serena will start worrying." Bonnie teased, and with that, she turned and skipped out of the room.
Ash shook his head as he started to feel a warmth on his face. "Oh, man..."
He took a deep breath, trying to shake off the lingering feeling of the dream. He grabbed his hat from the nightstand and placed it firmly on his head. Before he left, he reached into his right pocket and pulled out an object. It was half of the Terracotta Ribbon that he and May split when they tied in the Terracotta Town contest.
Ash held the ribbon up in the air. "I wonder how you're doing, May..." he mused aloud, as memories of their travels together flooded back to him.
For a moment, while Ash was unaware, the feeling of something missing vanished.
He smiled, putting his half of the ribbon back in his pocket and headed for the door. As he left the room, he couldn't help but wonder about the significance of the dream and the voice that had called him the Chosen One.
Heading down the hall, Ash was greeted by the familiar sounds of the Pokémon Center. Trainers and their Pokémon filled the dining area, chatting and laughing over breakfast. He spotted Serena sitting at a table near the window, a tray of food in front of her. Clemont was at the counter, collecting plates of pancakes and scrambled eggs, Bonnie right behind him.
Serena looked up as Ash approached, her eyes lighting up with a warm smile. "Good morning, Ash. Did you sleep well?"
Ash returned her smile, feeling a flutter in his chest at the memory of her kiss last night. "Morning, Serena. Yeah, I slept okay. Had a weird dream, though."
Clemont joined them, carefully balancing the plates of food he gathered for Ash and himself. "Here you go, Ash, I figured since you got up late, I'd grab your plate."
"Thanks, Clemont! Always thinking ahead." Ash smiled appreciatively.
"No problem! Back to your dream, dreams can be fascinating. Sometimes they reflect our subconscious thoughts or worries." Clemont chimed in.
Ash nodded thoughtfully as he took a seat. "Yeah, maybe. I vividly recall someone calling me the Chosen One. It felt so real."
Serena wondered. "That does sound strange. Maybe it's a sign that something important is coming."
Bonnie, who had just returned with a glass of juice, also added, "Or maybe it just means your the one who has been chosen, chosen to wake up late apparently!"
Everyone laughed, diving into their breakfast, and the tension from Ash's dream began to dissipate.
After finishing their breakfast, Ash and his friends gathered their belongings and made their way out of the Pokémon Center, ready to head to the airport in Lumiose City. The morning air was crisp and invigorating, and the streets of the city were bustling with activity as people and Pokémon went about their day.
As they walked through the city, Clemont led the way with his invention, the Aipom Arm, occasionally popping out to point them in the right direction. Bonnie skipped beside him, her boundless energy a sharp contrast to the more measured steps of her brother. Serena walked next to Ash, and Pikachu perched comfortably on his shoulder, ears twitching at every new sound.
Lumiose City was a vibrant metropolis, its towering buildings and bustling avenues reflecting the spirit of innovation and progress. The Prism Tower loomed in the distance, a beacon of the city's grandeur. Ash couldn't help but smile as he remembered the many adventures they'd had here. Especially that time he jumped off of Prism Tower itself... "Ahh, good times." Ash told himself.
"We're almost at the Lumiose Airport," Clemont announced, glancing at his map. "Just a few more blocks to go."
As they approached the airport, the hustle and bustle of travelers became more pronounced. People with suitcases, trainers with their Pokémon, and airport staff all moved with purpose. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the anticipation of new journeys and reunions.
They entered the airport, greeted by the sight of a large, modern terminal filled with shops, eateries, and information kiosks. A giant digital board displayed flight information, and Ash's eyes quickly scanned it for their flight to Kanto.
"There it is!" Ash pointed excitedly at the board. "Flight 828 to Pallet Town, Kanto. Gate 5. Thanks, Clemont, for getting our flight arranged yesterday, makes today a breeze!
"You bet, Ash! Clemont replied, checking his watch. "We have some time before boarding, let's make sure we have everything we need."
Serena smiled, holding up her bag. "I packed some snacks for the flight, just in case."
"Thanks, Serena! You know my stomach so well." Ash joked.
Once they were through security, they headed to their gate. The terminal was spacious and filled with comfortable seating. Staying together, they all sat down, chattering among themselves as time "flew" by.
Anticipation buzzed in the air as time for departure came quick. "Wow, time really... "flew" by huh?" Ash couldn't help himself.
Everyone looked at Ash, with a disappointed look on their face. Even Pikachu looked dismayed, shaking his head. "Pika pi, pika..."
"I'm with Pikachu." Serena giggled, shaking her head.
Yeah, let's just pretend Ash didn't say that and skedaddle to the plane!" Bonnie urged.
"Hey, it wasn't that bad! I thought it was clever." Ash retorted.
"Yeah, yeah. Come on, Dedenne! Let's Go, Pikachu!" Bonnie called as she stood up.
Pikachu responded to Bonnie's call and hopped off Ash's shoulder, running alongside Dedenne as Bonnie skipped towards the line for boarding.
Ash, Clemont, and Serena stood up, gathered their belongings and started walking towards Bonnie. "Don't worry, Ash. I liked your joke." Clemont whispered to him.
"Whew. I knew someone would." Ash snickered as they reached the line where Bonnie stood.
As they handed their boarding passes to the attendant and made their way onto the plane, Ash felt a familiar sense of excitement, the same feeling he had when he initially got off the plane with Alexa in Kalos.
They all found their respective seats, and soon the plane began its ascent, and Ash felt a thrill as the ground fell away beneath them. He looked over at his friends, Bonnie was looking out the window with Dedenne, Clemont was tinkering with his equipment, his glasses somehow... glistening as he focused, and Serena ended up catching his eye and smiled, one that he returned.
As the plane leveled out and the clouds drifted by, Ash leaned back in his seat. "Next stop, Kanto," Ash murmured to himself, his eyes shining with resolve. "Let's do this."
Well... that's a wrap on the first chapter, The End of a Journey. Some of you may understand the scene that played out during Ash's dream. However, that "story" won't play a huge part in the overall story. If you know... well, you know. If you don't well… it'll make more sense later, though, in the meantime, you should go play it!
Also, there was an "easter egg" in this chapter in reference to a certain TV show on Netflix. I wonder if anyone caught on to it.
I'm not sure when the next update for this story will be out, however, I'll be working on it. I'm also aiming for each chapter to be roughly 5,000 - 6,000 words. Until next time!