Yeah… a few months later.

What's up, guys! Yes, I'm back with chapter two! I hope whoever is reading enjoyed the previous chapter. Again, I'm aiming at delivering 5,000 - 6,000 words per chapter. I feel that's a fair length without it being too short or too long.

As I write this, I'm not sure when this will come out, though I hope sooner rather than later. I have an idea where this chapter is going to go… but as always, things could change direction as I start writing. I'll regroup with you all at the end of the chapter.

Without further ado, as the first episode of Pokémon Advanced once said, let's "Get the Show on the Road!"

Chapter 2: Back to The Beginning

Flashback...

After hanging up the phone, Delia sat down at the kitchen table, a thoughtful expression on her face. She was thrilled that Ash was coming home and even more excited that he was bringing his friends. But she wanted to do something special for him, something that would truly make his return memorable.

Suddenly, an idea struck her. She would attempt to gather Ash's previous traveling companions to surprise him. He had shared so many adventures with them, and she knew how much their presence would mean to him. Determined, Delia grabbed her own phone and began making calls.

First, she called Brock. The phone rang a few times before his familiar voice answered.

"Hello, this is Brock."

"Brock! It's Delia Ketchum."

"Ms. Ketchum! How are you?"

"I'm doing well, thank you. Listen, I have a special request. Ash is coming home tomorrow from his Kalos journey, and I thought it would be wonderful to surprise him by having all his old friends here. Would you be able to make it?"

Brock's voice lit up with enthusiasm. "If you're offering me a chance to see Ash again, I'll be there! It's been too long."

"Perfect, I'll see you tomorrow, Brock!" Delia beamed, then swiftly hung up the phone. She has plenty more calls she needs to make.

Next, Misty was up. She was a bit harder to track down, as she was busy at the Cerulean Gym, but Delia managed to get through to her.

"Misty, it's Delia Ketchum. I have a favor to ask."

"Hi, Ms. Ketchum! What's the favor?"

"Ash is coming home tomorrow, and I want to surprise him with a reunion of all his old friends. Can you come?"

Misty didn't hesitate. "Count me in! I'll clear my schedule and be there."

Delia continued making calls, reaching out to Tracey, May, Max, Dawn, Iris, and Cilan. Each conversation was filled with excitement and eager agreement to come to Pallet Town. She explained her plan, and each friend was more than willing to be part of the surprise. One particular brunette more than others.

By the end of the evening, Delia had confirmed that all of Ash's friends would be there, though, a few friends would be delayed slightly due to distance. She could hardly contain her excitement as she started to plan the details. She wanted everything to be perfect.

Present...

As the plane began its descent into Kanto, Ash felt a surge of excitement mingled with nostalgia. The familiar landscape of his home region spread out below, a patchwork of verdant forests, sparkling rivers, and bustling towns. He could see Pallet Town in the distance, its cozy houses nestled among the rolling hills.

The announcement over the intercom broke his reverie. "Ladies and gentlemen, we will be landing at the Indigo Airport shortly. Please fasten your seatbelts and ensure all carry-on items are securely stowed."

Finally, the plane touched down in Kanto, Ash felt a familiar surge of excitement. The plane taxied to the gate, and soon, the overhead lights signaled that it was time to disembark. Ash, Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie gathered their belongings and made their way off the plane, Pikachu perched happily on Ash's shoulder.

The terminal at the Kanto airport was bustling with activity. Ash led the way, his heart racing with anticipation. The familiar sights and sounds of his home region filled him with nostalgia.

"Welcome to Kanto," Ash said, taking in the nostalgia. "It's just as lively as I remember."

Bonnie looked around with wide eyes. "Wow, it's so different from Kalos!"

Serena smiled, her hand gently brushing against Ash's causing her to blush. "It feels good to be back, I haven't been here in what feels like forever!"

"Oh, yeah!" Bonnie practically yelled. "You were at Professor Oak's Summer Camp with Ash all those years ago!

Serena smiled brightly glancing over at Ash. "That's right! It'll be nice finally being back at where it all started–the beginning.

"Man, I didn't even think about that. It's been quite some time since you and I have been in Pallet Town together." Ash added.

Pikachu, perched on Ash's shoulder, perked up. "Pika pi!" it exclaimed, clearly excited to be home.

Clemont adjusted his glasses and smiled. "It's amazing how you two reconnected after all that time. I can't wait to see all the places you've talked about."

"Yeah," Serena said, her eyes sparkling. "I remember the first time I saw Professor Oak's lab. It was like stepping into a whole new world."

Ash nodded. "It still feels that way. There's always something new to discover."

They made their way through the airport, navigating the crowds with ease. Ash's familiarity with the region helped them move quickly, and soon they were outside, breathing in the crisp, fresh air of Kanto.

A shuttle bus was waiting to take them to Viridian City. They boarded, finding seats near the back. The ride was smooth, and as they traveled, Ash couldn't help but reminisce about his early days as a Pokémon Trainer.

"Do you remember your first journey through Kanto, Ash?" Serena asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Ash chuckled. "Yeah, it feels like a lifetime ago. I had so much to learn back then. Pikachu and I have come a long way since those days."

"Pika-pika!" Pikachu agreed, nuzzling against Ash's cheek.

Clemont leaned forward, interested. "What was the most challenging part of your journey?"

Ash thought for a moment. "I think the hardest part was learning to work as a team with Pikachu. We had our differences at first, but we grew stronger together. Each Gym battle taught me something new."

Bonnie grinned. "And look at you now! You've won so many battles and even competed in the Kalos League."

Ash smiled proudly. "And even now there's always more to learn and new challenges to face."

The shuttle bus pulled into the station at Viridian City, and the friends disembarked, taking in the bustling town. Viridian City was vibrant, with trainers and Pokémon going about their daily routines.

"Let's get some supplies before we head to Pallet Town," Clemont suggested.

They made their way to the local Poké Mart, stocking up on potions, Poké Balls, and snacks for the journey ahead. Serena picked out a few extra treats for their Pokémon, and Bonnie couldn't resist getting a new toy for Dedenne.

As Ash wandered through the Poké Mart, he spotted a bathroom and decided to quickly freshen up. As he finished washing his hands, he glanced at his reflection in the mirror. To his surprise, he noticed a faint rainbow aurora shimmering behind him. "What the..." Ash muttered, staring in disbelief. "That's kind of looks like the same thing from my dream…"

Ash looked around, scanning to see what could cause such a phenomenon. After a moment, he decided the strange sight was due to a trick of the bathroom lights. Dismissing the situation, he quickly left to regroup with his friends.

Clemont spotted Ash down an aisle. "All set, Ash?" he called out.

Ash flashed a thumbs up with a grin. "You bet, let's go!"

Ash and Clemont regrouped with Serena and Bonnie, who were eagerly waiting for them near the entrance, their faces lighting up as the group came together again. "Bout time! Let's go!" Bonnie beamed.

With their bags packed and their spirits high, they set off on foot toward Route 1. The path was familiar to Ash, and he took the lead, pointing out landmarks and sharing stories of his early adventures.

Meanwhile…

Delia bustled around the kitchen, putting the final touches on a platter of cookies. The aroma of freshly baked treats filled the air, mixing with the scent of the garden flowers she had arranged around the house. She glanced at the clock, anticipation bubbling up within her. Any moment now, Ash's old friends would start arriving.

The doorbell rang, and Delia hurried to answer it, wiping her hands on her apron. She opened the door to see Misty and Brock standing side by side, beaming at her.

"Ms. Ketchum!" Misty exclaimed, her eyes bright with excitement.

Delia's face lit up with a warm smile. "Misty, Brock! It's so wonderful to see you both. Come in, come in!"

Brock held up a basket filled with an assortment of berries and homemade treats. "We brought some goodies for the reunion," he said, stepping inside and giving Delia a quick hug.

"Thank you, Brock. That's so thoughtful," Delia replied, taking the basket from him. "You both look great. How have you been?"

Misty laughed as she took off her jacket. "Busy, as always. The Cerulean Gym keeps me on my toes, but it's good to get a break and see everyone again."

"And I'm still on the road to becoming a Pokémon Doctor. Almost there!" Brock added. "But nothing beats the excitement of seeing Ash and the rest of the gang."

Delia led them into the cozy living room, where the decorations she had carefully arranged added a festive touch. "Please, make yourselves at home. Ash should be here soon. He's traveling with some friends from Kalos."

Misty's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Kalos, huh? It'll be fun to meet them."

Brock nodded in agreement. "And I'm sure Ash will be over the moon to see all of us together again."

As they settled in, Delia brought out some refreshments. "I can't thank you enough for coming. I know this'll mean a lot to Ash."

Misty smiled warmly. "We're happy to be here, Ms. Ketchum. Ash has done so much for all of us. It's the least we can do."

As they chatted, the anticipation in the room grew. They knew Ash would be thrilled to see them, and they couldn't wait to catch up and share their stories. Soon the doorbell rang once again, Delia quickly jumped up, shuffling to the door, "Cilan and Iris! I'm glad you could make it!" she warmly welcomed.

Back with the Kalos crew…

"Right over there is where I caught my first Pidgeotto," Ash said, gesturing to a grassy area. "And further down the path is where I met Caterpie."

Serena listened intently, fascinated by Ash's stories. "It must be amazing to see how much you've grown since then."

Ash nodded with a fond smile. "Yeah, it's been a long journey, but every step has been worth it. Pikachu and I started here, and it's wild to think how far we've come."

"Pika-pika!" Pikachu chimed in, its ears perking up as it gazed around the familiar path.

Bonnie skipped ahead a few paces, her boundless energy propelling her forward. She paused to examine some wildflowers blooming by the side of the road. "This place feels so peaceful! I can see why you love it here, Ash."

Clemont adjusted his glasses, scanning the area with curiosity. "The diversity of Pokémon must have been a great training ground for a beginning trainer."

"It was," Ash agreed, pointing to a small grove of trees. "I remember Pikachu and I had our first real bonding moment over there. Back then, Pikachu wasn't too fond of me."

"Not fond of you? Oh yeah, that's right! You mentioned that back at the airport." Serena recalled and asked with a soft laugh. "It's hard to imagine Pikachu not liking you."

Ash scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Yeah, let's just say we had a rocky start. But a run-in with a flock of Spearow changed everything."

"Sounds intense," Clemont remarked.

"It was," Ash said with a nostalgic grin. "But it made us stronger. And after that, Pikachu and I became inseparable."

Bonnie gasped, pointing to the sky. "Speaking of a flock… look! A flock of Pidgey!"

They all turned their eyes upward, spotting the group of small, brown-and-white bird Pokémon gliding gracefully against the clear blue sky. The sight was serene, a reminder of the beauty of the Pokémon world.

As they continued walking, Serena fell into step beside Ash. "You must have so many memories tied to this region," she said softly.

Ash glanced at her, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah, this is where everything started for me. It's weird to think about how different my life would've been if I hadn't set out on my journey that day."

Serena smiled warmly. "I think it was meant to be! Just think of all the people you've met along the way—us included. What are the odds that you and I reconnected when we were so far apart?"

"Yeah, you're right. The odds are… probably insane." Ash lightly chuckled, his gaze drifting to the horizon. "I'm lucky to have you in my life. We beat those odds."

Serena's heart fluttered as she smiled softly. "I'm lucky to have you in my life too," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She hesitated for a moment, biting her lip. "Ash, I…"

Just then, Bonnie exclaimed up ahead. "Ash! Is that Pallet Town?!"

As Serena was cut off, her and Ash shifted their gaze to the familiar sight of Pallet Town appearing on the horizon.

"There it is," Ash said softly, his voice tinged with both excitement and nostalgia. "That's it, Bonnie!" he called out.

Bonnie bounced on her heels. "Finally! I can't wait to meet your mom!"

Clemont nodded. "It'll be great to finally see where you grew up!"

Ash glanced at Serena, curious. "Oh yeah, what were you about to say just earlier?"

Caught off guard, she blushed. "I, uh... I'll just tell you later!" she quickly dismissed.

Ash seemed content with that answer as they picked up their pace, eager to reach his home. The path to Pallet Town seemed to welcome Ash back, a fitting way to close one chapter and start another.

As the group entered Pallet Town, the air felt warm and welcoming. The familiar homes and winding paths seemed to welcome Ash. Pikachu perked up; its ears twitching as it recognized the scent of Pallet Town.

"This place is so pretty and cute!" Bonnie exclaimed, her eyes darting from the neatly trimmed hedges to the vibrant flower beds lining the streets.

"It's exactly how I imagined it," Serena added, her voice soft with admiration.

Ash chuckled, his steps quickening as they approached a modest house nestled at the end of the lane. Its red roof gleamed in the afternoon sun, and the garden in front was bursting with colorful blooms. Smoke curled lazily from the chimney, a sign that someone was home.

"That's it," Ash said, a proud smile lighting up his face. "Welcome to my house!"

Before he could take another step, the front door swung open. Delia Ketchum appeared on the threshold, her apron slightly askew and her eyes brimming with joy.

"Ash! You're here!" she called, her voice full of warmth.

"Mom! How did you–" Ash was then cut off by a bone crushing hug, causing Pikachu to leap from his shoulder to "safer" ground.

"Oh, Ash, it's so good to see you! And Pikachu, too!" She reached down to pat Pikachu on the head, earning a cheerful "Pika pi!"

Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie hung back, smiling at the touching reunion.

"You must be Ash's friends," Delia said, her gaze shifting to the group as she pulled away from Ash. "I've heard so much about you!"

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Ketchum," Clemont said, extending a polite hand.

Bonnie stepped forward, her enthusiasm bubbling over. "Ash talks about you all the time, especially about your cooking!"

Delia laughed. "Well, I figured you all would be hungry, so I've made plenty today. Come in!"

As they stepped inside, the smell of freshly baked cookies and savory dishes filled the air. The cozy living room was decorated with strings of colorful banners, and the coffee table was piled high with treats.

But before they could sit down, a familiar voice rang out from the kitchen.

"There's the man of the hour!"

Ash turned just in time to see Brock stride into the room, his arms outstretched. He was followed by Misty, her trademark fiery grin in place, Cilan with his refined demeanor, and Iris, whose enthusiasm was as uncontainable as ever.

"Brocko! Misty, Cilan, and Iris!" Ash's face lit up as he ran to greet them.

"Ash!" Misty said, throwing her arms around him in a brief but tight hug. "You've really grown, haven't you?"

Brock clapped a hand on Ash's shoulder. "Still the same Ash I remember. It's good to see you, buddy."

Cilan stepped forward, offering a warm smile. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Ash. Your journey in Kalos was impressive!"

"Thank you, Cilan. I met so many cool people along the way!" Ash smiled.

Iris crossed her arms, smirking. "Took you long enough to get here! I was starting to think you forgot your way home."

Ash laughed, rubbing the back of his neck followed by a brief hug. "Good to see you, too, Iris. I guess some things never change."

As the introductions continued, Delia ushered everyone to the living room. "Make yourselves comfortable! There's plenty of food and drinks. It's a celebration, after all!"

The room buzzed with energy as everyone settled in, sharing stories and catching up. Misty and Brock teased Ash about his Kalos adventures, while Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie listened with fascination.

As Ash looked around the room, surrounded by old friends and new, he felt a deep sense of contentment. But… even with everyone here, it felt like something was still missing.

Pallet Town had always been his starting point, but now it was a place where all the chapters of his journey could come together.

"Thanks for coming, everyone," Ash said, his voice filled with emotion. "It really means a lot."

Misty smirked, leaning back in her chair. "You'd better appreciate it, Ash. We didn't all come here just for the cookies!"

Everyone laughed, Misty nudged Brock with her elbow. "Go on, Brock. Show Ash what you brought!"

"Oh, right!" Brock grinned and reached for a small case he'd set by his chair. Opening it, he revealed an assortment of jars filled with vibrant powders and herbs.

"What's all this?" Ash asked, leaning closer.

"Medicine," Brock explained, his tone brimming with pride. "I've been perfecting some herbal remedies for Pokémon. I thought you and your team might find these useful."

"Thanks, Brock! This is awesome," Ash said, his gratitude evident.

"It's nothing," Brock replied modestly, though the smile tugging at his lips showed how much the gesture meant.

Not to be outdone, Misty reached into her bag and pulled out a small box. "I brought you something too," she said, handing it to Ash.

Inside was a sleek fishing rod, its design elegant and sturdy. Ash's eyes lit up as he held it. "Wow, Misty! This is great!"

"I figured it was time you had a proper rod," Misty teased, crossing her arms. "Maybe now you'll actually catch something worthwhile."

Ash laughed. "Finally, something besides a Magikarp! Thanks, Misty!"

Meanwhile, Iris and Cilan were deep in conversation with Clemont and Bonnie.

"So, you're an inventor?" Cilan asked, his interest piqued.

Clemont nodded. "Yes, though not all of my inventions work as intended."

Bonnie giggled. "That's an understatement!"

Iris chuckled. "Sounds like you fit right in with this group."

Delia entered the room carrying a tray of drinks, interrupting the conversations. "I made some of my special berry punch," she said, setting the tray on the coffee table.

Serena, who had been quietly observing the group, leaned toward Delia. "You've done so much for this gathering. It's incredible."

Delia smiled warmly looking at Serena. "Ash has always been surrounded by wonderful friends. It's a joy to have you all here."

After a moment, Delia followed Serena's gaze. "I can see it from a mile away… you like him, don't you?"

Serena choked on Delia's "special" berry punch. "Huh?! What are you talking about?!" Serena stammered.

"Shh… I won't tell him, but…" Delia paused.

Just as everyone was settling into the lively atmosphere, the sound of a knock at the door caught their attention. Pikachu's ears perked up, and Ash turned toward the window.

"Someone else is here?" he asked, curious.

Delia's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Seems so! Why don't you go and see?"

Ash exchanged a glance with Serena before standing. He made his way to the door, the murmurs of his friends fading into the background. Upon opening the door, he was baffled.

Waiting beyond the door were familiar figures, each one smiling brightly. Dawn stood at the forefront, waving enthusiastically. May was beside her, holding a small basket filled with Poké Puffs, and Max stood slightly behind, adjusting his glasses. (Ash could've swore he saw them glisten.)

Ash's breath hitched as he saw them. "Dawn, Max, and… M-May?!"

"Surprise!" May called out, her voice bright with excitement. She rushed forward, wrapping her arms tightly around Ash's neck in an embrace that caught him off guard.

For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still. Ash stood there, frozen, before he finally returned the hug, his arms instinctively wrapping around her waist. Her hair smelled faintly of strawberries, a scent that sent a wave of nostalgia over him. Ash being unaware didn't realize that feeling of "nothingness" vanished.

"I've missed you so much," May said softly, still holding him close.

Ash could barely find the words, his voice thick with emotion. "…you have no idea."

(Uh, are we hugging too long?) Ash wondered to himself.

"Ahem." Max cleared his throat, his voice tinged with a playful awkwardness.

Ash quickly pulled back from May, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Uh, sorry about that," he muttered, scratching the back of his neck.

May stepped back as well, her cheeks dusted with pink. "It's okay," she said softly, her smile warm.

Before the moment could linger any longer, Dawn stepped in, arms wide. "Hey, don't forget about me!"

Ash laughed, grateful for the distraction. He brought Dawn in for a quick hug, their shared history bringing an easy familiarity.

"Good to see you again, Dawn!" Ash said with genuine enthusiasm.

"You too, Ash," she replied, giving him a playful wink. "It's been way too long."

Ash then turned to Max, who stood a little off to the side, looking both excited and unsure.

"Max!" Ash grinned, throwing a hand up.

Max's eyes lit up as he stepped forward to high-five Ash. "Good to see you, Ash!"

"Same here, buddy!" Ash replied, clapping Max on the shoulder.

Against the wall in the living room, Serena watched the scene unfold, her hands clenched at her sides. Her heart twinged painfully as she replayed the image of Ash and May's embrace in her mind. Though she tried to keep her expression neutral, the subtle glare in her eyes gave her away.

"…but that." Delia said, standing beside her. "Her and Ash have always had a different kind of chemistry." she said softly, her voice gentle yet knowing.

Serena couldn't believe how much just watching Ash hug another girl like that hurt. Her shoulders sagged slightly, and she glanced at Delia. "That was… hard to watch," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Delia placed a comforting hand on Serena's arm. "It's natural to feel that way. I don't know what the future holds, but he looks at you in a special light as well. He's lucky to have so many people who care about him—and that includes you."

Serena's gaze softened, though her heart still ached. "Thanks, Ms. Ketchum. I needed to hear that."

Across the room, Misty discreetly observed Serena's reaction. However, deciding to keep to herself for now, she joined Brock in welcoming the trio, their faces lighting up at the sight of May, Dawn, and Max.

"Well, look at this!" Misty exclaimed, her signature grin wide. "May! Max! It's been forever!"

May turned, her face breaking into a smile. "Misty!" She hurried over to hug her, the two of them laughing like old friends.

Max followed behind, his grin mirroring his sister's. "Good to see you again, Misty!"

Brock approached next; his smile warm as he clapped Max on the shoulder. "You've really grown, Max. And May, it's great to see you again!"

"It's great to see you too, Brock!" May said, giving him a quick hug. "Still chasing Nurse Joys?"

Brock chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "You know me too well."

As the old friends reunited, Dawn stepped up to join them. "Brock!" she greeted him, her voice full of excitement. "It's so good to see you!"

"You haven't changed a bit," Brock added, his smile genuine. "Misty, this is Dawn. I traveled with her and Ash back in Sinnoh." Brock introduced her.

Misty held out her hand. "Nice to meet you, Dawn, I'm Misty!"

The room buzzed with warmth and nostalgia as the group shared laughter and quick updates about their lives. Serena watched quietly from her spot near the wall, feeling a little out of place amid the lively reunion.

Then May turned, her gaze landing on Serena. Her smile faltered slightly, though she recovered quickly. Serena was gorgeous, May almost felt self-conscious. "Oh, I don't think we've met yet." She stepped forward, extending her hand. "Hi, I'm May."

Serena hesitated for a fraction of a second before stepping forward accompanied by a fake smile and shook her hand. "I'm Serena. It's nice to meet you."

"And I'm Dawn!" Dawn interjected, stepping up beside May with her usual bubbly energy. She extended her hand as well.

Serena shook Dawn's hand, offering her a polite smile. "Nice to meet you, too."

For a moment, the room grew somewhat quieter, the tension between Serena and May palpable. May's smile was pleasant, but her eyes carried a hint of curiosity—or was it something else?

"So," Dawn began, breaking the silence, "how do you know Ash?"

Serena blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Oh, um… we traveled together in Kalos," she said, her voice soft but steady.

"Kalos, huh?" May said, tilting her head. "That's pretty far from here."

Serena nodded, her gaze flickering briefly to Ash, who was busy chatting with Max. "It was an amazing journey. Ash taught me a lot."

May's smile turned knowing. "He has a way of doing that."

Delia, sensing the growing awkwardness, stepped into the conversation. "Why don't we all sit down? There's plenty of food, and it's so nice to have everyone together!"

Grateful for the reprieve, Serena followed Delia's lead, slipping into a chair beside Clemont and Bonnie. May and Dawn joined the group, the tension beginning to ease as the conversation shifted to lighter topics.

But as Serena glanced across the room, her heart twinged again. Ash was laughing with May, their friendship strong and evident. Delia's earlier words echoed in her mind, but they were little comfort as she struggled to shake the feelings swirling inside her.

Even Professor Oak's "infamous" quote from Summer Camp echoed. "There's a time and place for everything, but not now."

Serena couldn't help but giggle at that silly quote. Maybe he's right. Serena wanted to push those feelings to the side, but… as she sat quietly, she listened to the voices around her, but her focus kept drifting back to Ash.

He was animated as always, recounting a story about his time in Kalos while May laughed at his exaggerated gestures. Dawn chimed in occasionally, her voice full of curiosity and admiration. Even Max seemed caught up in the excitement.

Serena wanted to join in, to share her own stories and laugh along with them, but she couldn't quite bring herself to do it. Her gaze lingered on Ash and May, the warmth in their interaction twisting something deep in her chest.

Why does this bother me so much? she wondered. She had known about May, of course—Ash had mentioned her during their travels. But seeing her now, so confident and comfortable around him, was different. It felt… intimidating.

Serena's thoughts turned to Delia's earlier words. "He looks at you in a special light," she had said. But what did that even mean? Did Ash really see her in a way that was different from how he saw May or Dawn?

Her eyes flickered to Ash again, and she caught a moment that made her heart sink. May leaned closer, teasing him about something, and Ash responded with one of his trademark grins. Serena felt a pang of jealousy. She hated feeling this way—it wasn't like her to doubt herself.

Misty's sharp eyes drifted to Serena, who sat quietly at the edge of the group. Earlier, she had noticed Serena's reaction to Ash and May's hug—the clenched fists, the tense posture. Misty knew that look all too well.

Sliding out of her chair, Misty made her way to Serena and took the seat beside her. She leaned back casually, pretending to watch the others while sneaking a glance at Serena.

"You okay?" Misty asked, her voice low enough not to draw attention.

Serena startled slightly, as if she hadn't expected anyone to notice. She forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine."

Misty smirked, crossing her arms. "You're a terrible liar, you know that?"

Serena blinked, unsure how to respond. Misty's tone wasn't harsh, but it was direct.

"I saw you earlier," Misty continued, her gaze softening. "When Ash and May hugged. You looked like you were ready to crush a Poké Ball in your hand."

Serena's cheeks turned crimson, and she glanced down at her lap. "Was it that obvious?"

"Only to someone who's been there before," Misty said with a knowing smile.

Misty nodded, her expression softening further. "I get it. Believe me, I've been in your shoes before."

Serena looked up; her curiosity piqued. "You have?"

Misty smirked, leaning back slightly. "Yeah, I liked Ash once. Back when we first started traveling together, I thought there might be something there. He's kind, brave, and has this way of making you feel like you can take on the world when he's by your side."

Serena nodded, her heart resonating with Misty's words.

"But," Misty continued, her tone turning wry, "Ash is as dense as a rock slide. He never picked up on how I felt. Not once. I tried to hint at it, but it went straight over his head every single time. It frustrated me to no end."

Serena couldn't help but smile at the mental image. "That does sound like Ash."

Misty chuckled. "Yeah, he's got a one-track mind. It took me a while, but I realized that his heart belongs to his journey. At least it did then. So, I had to move on, and honestly? I'm okay with that. Ash and I are great friends, and that's enough for me."

Serena hesitated. "But… what about now? Do you think it's still the same for him?"

Misty tilted her head, considering her response. "I think Ash is still figuring things out. He's grown a lot since we traveled together, and he's gotten better at seeing what's right in front of him. That doesn't mean he's completely out of his dense phase, though."

Serena smiled faintly, a flicker of hope stirring in her chest. "So, you think there's a chance?"

Misty placed a hand on Serena's shoulder, her gaze steady. "I do. But here's the thing—you've got to be patient. Ash isn't the type to jump into things, especially when it comes to feelings. He needs time to sort through everything."

Serena nodded slowly, taking in Misty's words.

"But," Misty added, her voice cautious, "you should also know that Ash and May have a special kind of chemistry too. It's different from what you have with him, but it's there. They've been through a lot together, and that kind of bond doesn't just disappear."

Serena's heart sank slightly, but Misty quickly continued.

"I'm not sure what the future holds, but that doesn't mean what you have with Ash isn't important," Misty said firmly. "In fact, I think it might be even more special because it's new. He sees you differently, Serena. I can tell. Just don't let your doubts get the better of you."

Serena took a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing a little. "Thanks, Misty. I really appreciate you telling me this."

Misty smiled warmly. "No problem. And hey, if Ash doesn't figure it out soon, you've got me in your corner. I'll give him a piece of my mind if I have to."

The two girls shared a quiet laugh, the weight between them easing. For Serena, Misty's honesty and support were exactly what she needed to hear. She didn't have all the answers yet, but for now, she felt a little stronger—like maybe, just maybe, there was a path forward with Ash.

Well, well, well… you've finally reached the end of chapter two, congrats! More importantly, I finally finished chapter two, whew. Was it really July 1st when the first chapter was posted? That's crazy. I had some free time on my hands and figured this chapter needs a wrap.

Serena is having some issues with May! Shocker. What's up with the strange glow in the bathroom mirror? Honestly, I'm not too sure, but I'm imagining it like the cover of this story. Hopefully we'll find out soon, haha… yeah.

I'm going to be 100% with you all, I have no clue where this story is headed. This is why I was hesitant to continue, but I have faith we'll find a path. This story NEEDS a twist, something unique. I have an idea, but I'm not sure how great it'll be. At the least, it should be a good AdvanceShipping vs. AmourShipping drama story. Real classic.

It's my first story anyway, so whatever.

I may occasionally replace chapters with newer versions of themselves to clean up grammar, spelling mistakes, general typos, etc. I'm telling you; it really bothers me when there's bad grammar or punctuation in a story. It throws the whole vibe off. Hopefully you all appreciate that.

Until next time, just remember…

"There's a time and place for everything, but not now." ~ Professor Samuel Oak