Author's Note:

Heyo! Happy New Year! Sorry for being a little MIA this month, but I was just so busy with the holidays. I didn't have a writing routine during all the travel and family events. But hopefully now we can get back into the swing of things.

So, this chapter concludes our Pallet Town arc. You'll notice I chose not to go back and forth with the Team Star crew this chapter as it would have been way too long. Also, the pacing just didn't quite work. So they are being pushed to the next chapter. Good news is that most of those scenes are actually written, so hopefully the next chapter won't be too long of a wait.

I'm so sorry for not being able to respond to comments last month! I'm going to get back on that. But a HUGE thank you to all of you who have been supporting this fic! I can't believe it's been a year! Hopefully we can wrap this epic up by the next one ;)

PS: Story is updated sooner on AO3 due to it being easier to update and edit when I see typos.


Chapter 34: Lock and Key


Viridian City, Kanto

Professor Cerise began his morning the same way every day. At precisely the crack of dawn, he would rise from bed, carefully monitoring his sleep data on a high-tech wristband, analyzing patterns to optimize his rest. Of course, he didn't actually do anything with this data, he just found it interesting and always texted Professor Magnolia about it. She ignored his messages.

Cerise's breakfast was not only a meal but also an experiment in nutritional efficiency. Alongside his wife Talia and their Yamper, he prepared a calibrated omelet packed with proteins and antioxidants, using vegetables grown in their genetically optimized garden. He would then feed Yamper a majority of this breakfast—much to Talia's irritation—as each ingredient was chosen for its specific health benefits, and Cerise meticulously recorded the effects of Yamper's dietary intake in a shared log for "ongoing research."

After breakfast, he would walk to the lab with Yamper. Here, Cerise always systematically reviewed the data collected from his morning observations before even entering his office. And while his methods and procedures always seemed methodical, his workspace was not. Lab notebooks, ongoing experiment logs, and multiple screens displaying real-time data from various research projects were only a few items that added to a sense of chaos distinctly felt upon entering the professor's office.

Books and Pokéballs lined the shelves without rhyme or reason, his larger desk was cluttered with research papers, a couple of ancient fossils (which he still needed to put away somewhere), and a digital microscope. Settling into his chair, he'd boot up his computer, a mug of still-warm coffee in hand—made just the way Talia knew he liked it—ready to dive into the day's work. He would first begin with letters and packages. Some professors—such as Oak and Magnolia—still hand-wrote their correspondence or sent him clippings from Pokémon Researchers Monthly.

On this particular morning, when he had finished his morning letters, Professor Cerise moved a pile of conference-papers close to him, rapidly looked through two stacks of lecture notes, made a few marks on them with a big pencil, and, pushing away the papers, turned back to his coffee. As he nursed his warm beverage, he turned on the TV to have the news playing in the background before opening a still damp morning paper, and began reading it.

It was a local paper, not an extreme one, but one advocating the views held by the majority. And in spite of the fact that art and politics had no special interest for him (he was a man of science after all), he believed he should have some sort of views on all these subjects. Generally, he allowed the majority and his paper to dictate his views on topics beyond his expertise, and he only changed them when the majority changed them—or, more strictly speaking, he did not change them, but rather he empathized so much with well written arguments that often he'd find himself moved by certain positions and take it upon himself to defend ideas of other people, even if he did not necessarily agree with them.

Professor Amaranth often made fun of Cerise for these changing whims, but then again Cerise would chastise the Mew-obsessed scientist for not holding any views at all.

"These so-called 'views' are for bureaucrats to worry about, not scientists," Amaranth liked to say. "Our job is to uncover the facts and leave it to others to figure out what to do with them."

Nonetheless, Cerise read his little paper, but it never lasted very long. By the time his knee began to bob up and down, the professor knew it was time to begin the day's work. Truly, his morning ritual was simply to get his thoughts in the right mindset and to begin focusing the enthusiastic energy he held for Pokémon and for his research. It was Talia's suggestion. He could be exceptionally zealous about his work to the point of embarrassment, erring on a lack of professionalism.

Professor Cerise had just closed the paper, the sound of rustling pages giving way to the muted hum of the laboratory beyond his office. He was about to stand, to prepare himself for the last day of the conference, when there came a gentle knock at the door—one laden with respectful hesitation.

The threshold opened, and in stepped Chrysa. In her hand was a clipboard, its edges worn from extensive use, but meticulously organized with papers and forms. Chrysa's grip on it was light and sure, as if it were an extension of her thoughtful demeanor.

"Um, Professor," she began timidly, her voice always carrying the inflection of someone who weighed her words carefully, "The results of the Tera Shard…our analysis is complete if you'd like to take an initial look at the findings…"

Professor Cerise waved Chrysa forward with an enthusiastic motion, an excited grin on his face. She stepped up and handed him the clipboard. The lab director adjusted his glasses and flipped through the papers, his sharp eyes scanning the intricate charts and summaries. Each page unfolded a clearer picture.

"This is…" he murmured, reading through the data again. "Astonishing."

The shard's energy signature, its complexity, and its deviation from known phenomena all pointed to one conclusion: the shard—and perhaps all Tera Shards—were not naturally occurring. They weren't simple manifestations of Stable Energy but seemed deliberately created…

Chrysa, standing quietly, shifted on her feet. "Of course," she added cautiously, "our data doesn't explain the effect the shard has on Ash."

Cerise froze mid-page, his fingers tightening slightly on the clipboard. No, it didn't explain that. But…

The thought struck him like a sudden chill. Ash's reaction to the shard—the way its energy seemed to resonate with him—hinted at a connection far deeper than mere proximity or curiosity. Cerise's mind raced, recalling stories he'd heard and moments he'd observed. Ash's inherent connection to Stable Energy, or Aura, was clear. But could he be a living conduit for this force and those using it? Could it be possible that Ash had the capacity to manipulate such energy in the same way that…?

The implications sent a shiver down Cerise's spine. If this were true, Ash could be in danger. The young champion's abilities, if known, would make him a target for exploitation by those seeking to harness or control that kind of power. Cerise's jaw tightened. While the professor didn't think Ash was exactly someone who could be easily controlled, all someone would have to do is find a weakness…

Chrysa's voice broke through his thoughts. "Should we… run some tests? With Ash?"

"No!" Cerise said quickly, almost too forcefully. He caught himself, clearing his throat and softening his tone. "No… I don't think that's really necessary." He hesitated before adding, " It's better to observe the shard's effects naturally for now. We don't want to risk interfering with its properties, or keep Ash from his journey."

Chrysa nodded, accepting his explanation, though she tilted her head slightly as if sensing there was more he wasn't saying.

Cerise set the clipboard down carefully, folding his hands on the desk as he tried to calm the churn of his thoughts. "Thank you, Chrysa," he said, his voice steady. "Uh, that's all."

She gave a small nod, then excused herself from the office, leaving Cerise alone to decide what to share with the rest of the professors at the conference.

And what to hide.


Pallet Town, Kanto

The meadows just outside of town spread wide and open under the soft glow of dawn, the sky still a cool, pale blue, streaked with the fading blush of sunrise. The grass shimmered with dew, the tiny droplets catching the light like scattered diamonds. A gentle breeze stirred the meadow, carrying the faint scent of earth and wildflowers. The air was crisp, cool, and temperate, each breath refreshing as it filled the lungs. The world seemed hushed, as though holding its breath, save for the distant chirping of Pidgey and the rustle of wild Rattata scurrying through the underbrush.

Ash stood in the center of the field, already deep into an early morning training routine. His shirt lay crumpled on a nearby rock, forgotten in the morning chill. Sweat glistened faintly across his chest and shoulders, his tanned muscles taut and defined as he moved through his exercises. His breath came in measured puffs, visible in the cool air as he pushed his body with a relentless determination. Around him, his Pokémon joined in, each one engaged in their own form of training.

Pikachu darted through a series of small cones Ash had set up, his tiny legs moving in rapid, precise strides as he zigzagged back and forth. Charcadet charged forward through pallets of wood in short, explosive bursts—flames flaring from his shoulders as he worked to strengthen the heat of his fire. Kilowattrel soared overhead, banking sharply and practicing tight aerial maneuvers at Ash's command, her cries cutting through the stillness. And finally—near the edge of a shallow stream—Finizen leapt in graceful arcs, his sleek body glowing faintly as he practiced moving back and forth between land and water, sending droplets glittering in the sunlight.

Meanwhile, Ash was working on his own endurance. After a series of sprints, he came to a stop at the top of a small hill, chest heaving as he steadied his breath. He dropped to the ground without hesitation, catching himself on his palms as he began pumping out push-ups with a steady rhythm. His muscles strained and flexed with each movement, the sharp lines of his shoulders and back illuminated by the golden morning. The meadow air seemed cooler against his skin, but his body burned with effort, heat radiating from him in waves.

Pikachu padded over and joined in, his tiny paws tapping against the grass as he mirrored Ash's push-ups. Charcadet wasn't far behind, dropping down and keeping pace. The three moved in sync, their rhythm uninterrupted even as sweat began to bead on Ash's forehead and trickle down his face, dripping from his chin onto the damp ground below.

Ash's breaths grew heavier, the strain evident in the way his jaw tightened and his muscles trembled slightly with each push-up. Still, he didn't stop. He didn't slow. Each movement felt purposeful, driven by an internal fire that refused to let him rest.

"Nice job, guys," he managed a worn grin, glancing left and right at the Pokémon around him.

The young champion had woken long before sunrise after a restless night of sleep—tossing and turning under the sheets, his mind a tangle of thoughts that had refused to quiet, especially with his return to Paldea coming up. Navarro's sharp, calculating gaze haunted him, the shadowy dealings of Tera Industries weighing heavy. Turo and Area Zero loomed in his thoughts—vast unknowns that now seemed to threaten to consume everything he knew. On top of all this, he knew Gary had been trying to get ahold of him—and he doubted it was for any good news.

That was okay, though. Now, standing in the meadow as the morning sun rose higher, Ash felt awake, alive, and strong. The crisp air filled his lungs, and the faint ache in his muscles reminded him of everything he'd worked for—the countless battles, the challenges he'd overcome, and the determination that had carried him through every step of his journey. He thought back to all the trials he'd faced, the times when he'd been pushed to his limits and found something deeper within himself.

He remembered standing in the Indigo League, a wide-eyed rookie facing trainers who'd been at it for years. He thought of his grueling battles with Paul and other rivals that had only made him more determined. He thought of the wild trials of the Alola League, where he'd emerged as champion. And then there were his toughest battles in the Masters Eight Tournament—the times when he and his Pokémon had stood shoulder to shoulder, pushing through exhaustion, injury, and doubt to claim victory.

Ash smiled faintly as he watched Pikachu dart between the cones. We've been through so much together. We can take on anything. He believed that with every fiber of his being. His Pokémon believed in him, and he believed in them. That belief was his foundation, his unshakable core.

But this time, his drive wasn't just about the next battle or the next title. He wanted to be strong—for Serena.

And that was when Ash remembered the other reason he couldn't sleep.

Their time together…the way she fit seamlessly into his life at home…the date…the way her lips had felt against his—warm, tender, and somehow grounding. He could still feel the pressure of her lips, the way time had seemed to freeze for a moment as she parted his mouth, the world narrowing to just her and him.

And then, tossing and turning in bed, he had remembered the closing door…and his half-dreams had grown more clear…spiraling into something vivid. He had pictured kissing Serena again, softer this time, slower, drawing her closer as though trying to memorize the way she felt. But his imagination didn't stop there. He imagined her sitting beside him on a couch, her hands resting lightly on his shoulders as their lips met again and again. Then they were lying side by side on a bed, her warmth pressed against him. In this restless half-sleep, he felt the phantom sensation of her fingers trailing down his arm, his own hands moving instinctively—to her back, her waist, her—

"Stop it!" Ash growled under his breath, his push-ups becoming sharper and faster, as though sheer effort could drown out the thoughts in his head. Nearby, Pikachu and Charcadet faltered, their movements slowing as they tried to keep pace with his increasing intensity.

Ash huffed. He didn't want to think like this. Serena deserved his respect, not his imagination running wild…which is why he'd decided to clear his head with early morning exercise and training. But apparently it wasn't helping.

Finally, Ash's arms burned too much to continue. He dropped onto his knees, breathing hard, his forehead resting against the grass. Pikachu collapsed beside him with a relieved sigh, while Charcadet slumped over dramatically, his flames flickering low. Kilowattrel perched on a nearby outcropping of rock, her feathers ruffled, while Finizen poked his head above the stream, clicking softly as if to ask if they were done yet.

Ash pushed himself upright, scratching the back of his head sheepishly as he surveyed his worn-out team. "Sorry, guys," he said, his tone quieter now. "I guess I got a little carried away." He rubbed the back of his neck, a faint flush creeping up his face.

Pikachu gave him a knowing look, while Charcadet coughed out a half-hearted puff of smoke, clearly too tired to hold a grudge. Ash smiled apologetically and then clapped his hands together. "Why don't we switch gears? Let's do some battle training instead!"

Ash divided the group into pairs for specific drills. Pikachu and Kilowattrel squared off first, the Electric-types working on a combination of speed and precision. Pikachu darted through the grass, using Quick Attack to weave past Kilowattrel's Aerial Ace attacks. Meanwhile, Charcadet practiced against Finizen, charging forward with a series of Fire Punches as the sleek Water-type countered with Aqua Jet. The two moved in perfect sync, their attacks meeting in a shower of steam that rose into the morning air. Ash watched closely, calling out adjustments.

Soon, the sun was climbing higher, the meadow warming under its golden light. Ash's thoughts felt clearer, his energy less uneasy.

But every time his thoughts went to Serena, Ash couldn't help but feel restlessly conflicted again. Being with her, hearing her laugh, kissing her—it wasn't just that he liked it. He wanted more, and he didn't know how to stop imagining what "more" might mean. And then came the guilt. What if he was getting ahead of himself? What if he wasn't respecting her? Was it wrong to think like this? Ash groaned, feeling more confused than ever.

Maybe he would need to talk to someone…


Serena stirred beneath the covers, her eyes fluttering open as the quiet stillness of dawn greeted her. She sighed and rubbed her tired face, the memory of a restless night pressing faintly against her thoughts.

Still, she was determined not to waste the early start and thought it best to beat Ash to the shower. There was only one full bathroom upstairs, after all, and it was across from Ash's room.

The upstairs hallway was silent as Serena slipped out of her room, the plush carpet muffling her steps. She carried a towel draped over one arm and a small toiletry bag clutched in her hand. Behind her, her Pokémon snoozed peacefully in various corners of the room, undisturbed by her quiet exit. She eased the door shut with care, the latch clicking softly into place.

Standing before the bathroom, her gaze flicked toward Ash's door. She paused, listening for any sounds from within, but it was silent. She bit her lip, trying to keep a smile from spreading too wide as she thought about him still asleep.

At least he had probably gotten a good night's rest, Serena thought as memories of their date the night before bubbled to the surface, vivid and unrelenting. Her heart made a leap as she remembered again their attempt at a Kalos kiss—a memory that had kept her awake far too long than she cared to admit, and one that was probably the source of her restless dreams…

Serena shivered, heat creeping up her neck. She had tried to convince herself that it had been her upcoming contests keeping her awake. The preparations, the pressure, the expectations. But deep down, she knew better. It was Ash—being here with him, feeling the effortless way their lives fit together, sharing moments that felt both monumental and ordinary. The idea of leaving it behind, of returning to the grind of their journey, felt like a weight pressing on her chest. She didn't want this little vacation to end.

But as she entered the bathroom, Serena shook her head, forcing the feeling away. No, focus, she told herself firmly. You're living your dream. You've worked so hard to get here, and you're not stopping now.

Her determination rekindled, Serena opened the bathroom door and slipped inside. She turned on the water, letting the steam fill the room as she hummed softly to herself, her thoughts shifting to the day ahead. She was excited to visit Feebas again, her mind already racing with ideas for how the Water-type could complement her team. With some training, she would be able to come up with dazzling displays using Feebas's moveset, and the thought lifted her spirits, bringing a smile to her face.

As the warm water washed over her, the honey-blonde considered what to wear for Delia's party later that night. Something modest, but stylish—she wanted to look her best for their last day all the while making a good impression on Ash's friends. She lingered under the stream for a moment longer, letting the soothing spray ease the tension from her shoulders.

When she finally turned off the shower, Serena reached for her towel and wrapped it snugly around her body, tucking the edge securely above her chest. She wiped the fog from the mirror and began combing her damp hair, humming.

That was when the door swung open behind her.

Serena screamed, spinning around, the brush clattering to the floor, her heart leaping into her throat. Standing frozen in the doorway was Ash—shirtless, his tanned skin glistening with sweat, his chest and shoulders rising and falling from his recent exercise. His amber eyes widened in shock as the two stared at each other, the tension thick enough to choke on.

A long pause.

And then—

"Ash!?" Serena screeched, her hands flying to her towel as if to ensure it was secure. "What are you doing?!"

Ash stammered, his voice cracking as he gestured vaguely at the door just before glancing back at it as if the threshold had just delivered him into some strange new dimension. "I—uh, I was—what are you doing?!"

"Showering! Obviously!" she shrieked, pulling the towel more tightly around herself and then gesturing wildly to him. "Couldn't you hear me?"

"Y-you didn't lock the door?!"

Serena considered that she may have indeed forgotten this tiny important detail while lost in her day-dreaming. Still, she countered weakly: "No one was awake!"

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence punctuated only by the sound of Serena's breathing and a faint dripping from her hair. Ash's eyes flicked downward, despite himself, unable to stop from taking in the sight of Serena's towel-clad form. His brain threatened to short-circuit as he noted the way her skin seemed to be gleaming; how droplets of water clung to her collarbone and trailed down her shoulders. Serena, meanwhile, had gone utterly crimson, her gaze drawn—against her better judgment—to Ash's torso. The taut muscles stretched across his chest and abdomen, his arms clearly defined from his exercise, left her thoughts spinning in a way she couldn't control.

Their eyes met again, both sets wide with equal parts panic and embarrassment.

"Get out!" Serena finally yelled, her voice reaching a pitch that could have cracked glass.

"Right!" Ash yelped, snapping out of his daze and slamming the door shut behind him with a loud thud.

He stood frozen in the hallway, his back pressed against the door as though it might explode outward at any moment. His face had gone from flushed to pale, his mind struggling to process what had just happened. Pikachu—as well as all of Serena's Pokémon—had peeked out from their respective rooms at all the commotion and were now looking at Ash with wincing faces.

Ash ran a shaky hand through his damp hair.

Yeah… he would definitely need to talk to someone…


The rest of the morning was a study in awkward silence. Ash and Serena avoided eye contact and kept their conversations to a minimum, the usual easy going air between them disrupted by the sheer embarrassment of the earlier incident. The Pokémon seemed to pick up on the tension, casting curious glances between their two trainers as they moved through breakfast with forced cheerfulness.

Finally, the time came to head to Cerise Park, and the pair had no choice but to bridge the awkward gap when they mounted Charizard for the flight. The closeness on Charizard's back forced them to confront the lingering embarrassment, though Ash didn't pull Serena in as close as he normally might have…more afraid of himself than of her. But in the air, the two found themselves laughing once again, excited by the rush of wind and Charizard's aerial maneuvering.

Before long, they landed outside Cerise Park, the domed roof of the facility gleaming in the sunlight. Ash helped Serena down, the two exchanging small, apologetic smiles just before Professor Kukui came out to meet them.

"Hey, you two!" He greeted, clapping Ash firmly on the back and giving Serena a warm smile. "Good to see you! Let's get you inside—there's a lot to go over."

The Alolan professor led them through the bright corridors of the facility, the atmosphere growing quieter as they approached Professor Cerise's office. Inside, Professors Oak and Samson were gathered around the desk, deep in discussion as they examined notes and the glowing Tera Shard hovering above a display plate.

"I've brought the Luvdiscs!" Kukui announced with a broad grin, winking at the now blushing couple.

"Come, come then," Oak motioned without looking up from his spectacles.

Ash and Serena settled into chairs across from the desk, Pikachu hopping onto Ash's lap and tilting his head curiously at the shard. Cerise entered just behind them, his lab coat fluttering in his hurry, and he wasted no time diving into the findings.

"As you all know, my research team and I have been analyzing the Tera Shard," Cerise began, gesturing to the glowing crystal in its containment tube before taking a seat at the desk. "And comparing it to the limited data we have on Tera Shards from Paldea. Interestingly, I found a few notes taken by Professor Sycamore during a visit to Paldea many years ago, before the region became largely inaccessible to outside researchers. They offer some context, though not nearly enough to fully understand this shard's nature."

Kukui folded his arms across his broad chest, his brow furrowed. "Right. And what have you found?"

Cerise tapped a few keys on the tablet in front of him, pulling up images of the shard alongside diagrams of common Tera Shards. "As Ash has already explained, Tera Shards are tied to specific elemental types—Fire, Water, Grass, and so on. They're relatively straightforward in composition, each containing dormant energy that resonates with its respective type. But this shard…" He paused, indicating the swirling, multicolored crystal. "This shard is fundamentally different."

Samson rubbed his tanned chin, peering at the display. "Different how?"

"For one, it doesn't appear to be tied to any single type," Cerise explained. "Its energy fluctuates between all known types, almost as though it embodies them all simultaneously. What's more, its structure doesn't match the crystalline formations of standard Tera Shards. Its energy signature is far more intense—alive, even. Changing constantly."

Ash tilted his head, glancing at the shard. "So… what does that mean?"

Cerise folded his hands, his tone thoughtful. "It suggests that this shard—as well as all the other Tera Shards actually—may not be naturally occurring manifestations of Stable Energy. Instead, it might originate from something—or someone—that can create it. A Pokémon, perhaps."

The room went silent for a moment as everyone processed. Finally, Oak hummed, his eyes glazing over in thought. "Well, Pokémon capable of generating powerful energy is not an unheard of concept." He smiled in a grandfatherly way at the group, "Legendary Pokémon, in fact, often influence their environments in ways we do not fully understand—Rayquaza's connection to Mega Evolution, Eternatus with Dynamax energy, and so on. Therefore, it is possible that there is a Pokémon in Paldea capable of creating Tera Shards."

"But we don't know of any Pokémon like that in Paldea, do we?" Serena asked, turning to Ash with pursed lips.

"Not yet," Cerise admitted. "Paldea's isolation from global research efforts has left many questions unanswered. There may well be legendaries or phenomena unique to that region that we've yet to uncover. But if such a Pokémon exists, it would likely be deeply tied to the phenomenon of Stable Energy."

Ash straightened in his seat, his expression determined. "I'll ask Director Clavell. He might know something—or at least have some leads."

Cerise tapped a finger to his lips, his gaze lingering on Ash for a moment longer than necessary before exchanging solemn glances with Oak.

Catching himself, the lab director cleared his throat, masking his thoughts with a measured smile. "Asking Clavell would be a wise place to start, Ash. But for now, let's focus on what we can learn from this shard. The more we understand, the better prepared we'll be for whatever lies ahead."

Samson nodded in agreement. "It will be fascinating to learn who—or what—is responsible."

Ash's gaze shifted to the shard, his brow furrowing. "I wonder if Turo was looking for this Pokémon…"

Serena turned to him, a gentle hand finding his arm. "We could also ask Arven if he knows anything. He might have more insight too."

Ash looked at her, the lines in his face relaxing. "Good idea."

Kukui sighed as he stepped closer to Ash. "Either way, keep us posted, Ash. We're here to help, but you know we can only do so much from here." He placed a firm hand on the young champion's shoulder. "If you run into trouble, you call us. First sign. Got it?"

Ash exchanged a glance with Serena before nodding back at Kukui. "Yeah. I got it."

Cerise cleared his throat, his tone growing lighter. "We'll send the Tera Shard back with you. Perhaps it'll help your friends in Paldea identify its source."

Oak added, "We'll make sure it's in a secure container, so you don't have to touch it."

Ash grinned, he and Pikachu flashing a thumbs-up. "Thanks, Professors!"

As Ash and Serena fell into lighter conversation with Kukui, Samson approached Oak and Cerise quietly. "I still don't understand why we don't study the way Ash interacts with the shard before he leaves."

Oak exchanged a quick hesitant glance with Cerise, their expressions conflicted. "Because it's too dangerous. And you know it," replied the older professor.

Samson rubbed his temples. "Everything he's getting into is dangerous."

Cerise's voice dropped, tinged with unease. "Yes, but the implications of… what it all means…"

The three professors turned their gaze to Ash, who was laughing softly with Serena and scratching Pikachu's ears. His smile was genuine, his posture relaxed—so at odds with the weight of what might lie ahead.

Oak's words were quiet but firm. "The implications would be too significant."

Cerise felt a muscle at his neck grow stiff. "They could change his life. And not for the better." With that, he secured the glowing shard into a glass container, making sure it was sealed with a deliberate click.


After the meeting with the professors, Ash and Serena went back into the park to find Koraidon.

The secluded clearing was quiet except for the faint hum of equipment and the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze. Koraidon stood in the center, his large frame towering over Ren and Chrysa, who were busy with their tests. Ren's Magnemite Francois hovered dutifully behind him, its metallic surface reflecting the sunlight as it beeped softly.

Ren noticed the couple first and waved. "Oh, hey guys!" he called, smiling nervously at Koraidon, who appeared slightly annoyed by the prodding and scanning. "We're just finishing up here."

Ash laughed, walking over to Koraidon and patting his broad neck. "Hey, buddy. You hanging in there?"

Chrysa glanced up from her tablet, her expression brightening. "Koraidon's doing really well, Ash. From what you told us about when you first found him, he's come a long way."

"For sure," Ren added, though his tone grew more serious. "But… you should know, he's still not at his full potential."

Ash frowned, his hand lingering on Koraidon. "What do you mean?" He glanced at the scarlet dragon, recalling how Koraidon's stamina still dipped quickly during extended activity. But from Ren and Chrysa's expressions, there seemed to be more to it.

Chrysa turned her tablet toward them, the screen displaying a detailed analysis of Koraidon's biology. "Take a look. According to his physiological structure, Koraidon should be capable of shifting through multiple forms. You mentioned he can sprint by inflating his neck, but based on these readings, he should also be able to jump incredible distances, swim effectively, and even glide—or fly."

Serena's eyes widened, and she shared a glance with Pikachu, who had jumped from Ash's shoulder into her arms. "Fly!?"

Ash blinked, staring at Koraidon in astonishment. "Is that true, buddy?"

Koraidon looked away, his frilled mane drooping slightly as he let out a resigned puff. The dragon's posture spoke of embarrassment, clearly unhappy about being unable to fully showcase his potential.

"Hey, it's okay," Ash said quickly, crouching slightly to meet Koraidon's gaze. "We'll help you get back to top shape. Right, guys?"

"Of course," Serena agreed, stepping closer with Pikachu, who gave a reassuring, "Pika!"

Ren folded his arms thoughtfully. "You mentioned you've been feeding him something to help. What was it?"

"They're called Herba Mystica," Serena explained. "We have a friend, Arven, who's been studying them. Apparently, they come from the same dimension Koraidon is from."

Ash nodded. "Yeah, they work kind of like natural potions for him. Regular potions don't seem to help his stamina issues, but these herbs do."

"Fascinating." Ren scratched his chin, his expression intrigued. "And do you have a way to get more of these herbs?"

Ash winced slightly but nodded. "Yeah, actually. They're starting to pop up again around Paldea, but they're causing other issues."

Chrysa glanced at him, her brow furrowing. "What do you mean?"

Ash sighed, his tone growing more serious as he explained. "The Herba Mystica is tied to the Titan Pokémon of Paldea—Pokémon that have eaten the herbs and then become huge. Fighting them is no joke. We've already dealt with a few Titans while looking for the Herba, but there might be more out there. The herbs help Koriadon a lot, but for other Pokémon it can be…dangerous."

Serena added, "And with Koraidon being from the same dimension, it makes sense why the herbs have such a strong effect on him. But it also means we'll need to be careful when we go looking for more."

"It's all connected, isn't it?" Ren scratched his head, exchanging glances with Francois—his magnets lifting like a shrug. "The Herba Mystica, the Titans, Koraidon, Area Zero… It's like every piece of the puzzle leads to something bigger."

Chrysa twirled a strand of her blue hair between her fingers. "Well, the sooner you all can help Koraidon regain his full abilities, the better equipped he'll be to handle whatever challenges are coming."

Ash raised a fist, his determination shining through. "Don't worry, buddy. We'll figure this out together." Koraidon let out a low rumble, his mane lifting slightly as if reassured by the young champion's words.

Ren then grinned, eyes crinkling behind his glasses. "And isn't this region voted one of the most popular vacation destinations?"

Chrysa sweatdropped. "I don't see how…"

Serena laughed lightly, brushing a strand of honey-blonde hair from her face. "It really is so beautiful! The strange Paradox and Titan Pokémon are just… bonuses."

Ren gave a half-smile. "Right… bonuses."

Ash turned to Koraidon, ruffling his plumes. "Well, Koraidon, I hope you've at least had fun running in the park!"

Koraidon gave a satisfied huff, but not before side-eyeing Ren and Chrysa. The two scientists sweatdropped in response, exchanging sheepish smiles.

"Now rest easy, buddy," Ash said, pulling out Koraidon's Poké Ball.

Koraidon let out a small rumble of approval before willingly disappearing into the ball, a faint shimmer of light tracing the strange symbol etched above the lock. Ren leaned closer, his brow furrowing in curiosity as he studied the design.

"What Poké Ball is that?" Ren asked, tilting his head. "I've never seen one like it before…"

"Oh, this?" Ash held it up, examining it himself. "It's one of Turo's inventions. Arven says it's called a Trust Ball. Apparently, it lets Pokémon come in and out willingly."

Chrysa shook her head in amazement. "Incredible. This Professor Turo sounds like he was quite the genius."

Ash hesitated, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face. "Yeah…"

After a beat, Ren slipped his tablet back into his lab coat and grinned. "Well, we'll see you at your mom's party tonight! Sounds like it'll be super fun."

"W-what?" Ash stammered, his face twisting in confusion.

Serena gently placed a hand on his arm, her eyes warm. "The party your mom planned for our last night here?"

"Oh, right," Ash muttered, watching Pikachu scamper back up his arm with a snicker. Then, under his breath, "I thought she said it'd be small…"

Chrysa winced and scratched her cheek. "She only invited the whole lab…and town…and some old friends, apparently…"

"Arceus…" Ash groaned, covering his face as everyone laughed.

Chrysa turned to Serena, curiosity lighting her features. "So, Serena, any luck finding a new Pokémon?"

The honey-blonde's eyes brightened immediately. "Actually, I think so!" She tugged impatiently on Ash's sleeve, beaming with excitement. "Maybe we should get going, Ash?"

Ash grinned down at her, "Sounds good!"

Then to Chrysa and Ren, Serena waved, "We'll let you know at the party if it works out!"

The two scientists both chuckled good-naturedly, waving the pair off as they set out toward another part of the park—hand in hand.

"See you then!" Chrysa called after them, smiling as she watched Serena's enthusiasm lead them away.


The artificial lake came into view as Serena pulled Ash along by the wrist, her excitement nearly lifting her off the ground. Ash stumbled slightly, his free hand clutching his hat to keep it from flying off, while Pikachu clung tightly to his shoulder, his tail flicking in protest.

"Serena! Slow down!" Ash laughed, barely keeping pace with her.

But Serena didn't slow until they reached the water's edge, her chest heaving. She let go of Ash to cup her hands around her mouth and call out, "Hey, Feebas!" Her voice echoed across the still lake, her eyes scanning eagerly for movement.

She clasped her hands behind her back, rocking slightly on her heels as she waited. For a long moment, the lake remained still, the glassy surface undisturbed.

Serena frowned, tapping her cheek thoughtfully. "Wonder where she is…"

"Maybe she's sleeping," Ash offered, placing his hands behind his head. "Feebas sleep pretty deep underwater, so—"

A sudden jet of water struck Ash squarely in the face, cutting him off mid-sentence.

"You're kidding me…" he sputtered, peeling his soaked hat off his head as water dripped down his face.

Serena squealed and ducked behind Ash, using him as a shield to avoid the splash. But the Water Gun didn't come for her. Instead, a familiar Feebas surfaced, snickering as she swam excitedly in circles, clearly delighted to see them.

Serena's face lit up, and she stepped out from behind Ash, her arms outstretched. "Feebas! It's so good to see you!" She crouched at the water's edge, leaning forward with a bright smile. "How've you been?"

The Feebas tilted her head slightly, her wide eyes gleaming as she responded, "Fee, fee. Feebas." Her dorsal fin flicked as though she were pleased with the question.

While Serena listened happily, Ash wrung out his soaked hat with a squelch, grumbling under his breath. Pikachu snickered quietly, watching his trainer's misfortune.

Serena's smile grew even wider. "Hey, Feebas. So I was thinking… Can I show you something?"

Feebas's eyes widened with intrigue, her dorsal fin twitching as she leaned forward slightly. "Fee!" she exclaimed, her interest clear.

"Great!" Serena said, standing and taking a few steps back. "Something you should know about us is that my team and I are Pokémon Performers. We create dance routines to show the world how well we work together and to make people smile. " She reached for her Poké Balls, releasing Pancham, Delphox, and Sylveon. "Let us show you what we can do!"

Ash exchanged a glance with Pikachu, his brow raised. "What's she up to?" he murmured, but before he could think further, Feebas began splashing eagerly in the water, her excitement unmistakable.

Serena took the cue, nodding to her Pokémon. With a flick of her wrist, she pulled out her Rotom Phone and set it to play a lively tune. Her Pokémon immediately sprang into action, dancing in perfect synchronization with Serena at the center. Delphox summoned a Fire Spin around them, the flames flickering rhythmically, while Sylveon added a dazzling shower of stars with Swift.

The routine continued to build as the four of them danced within the ring, their movements fluid and coordinated. Pancham leapt forward, his fists glowing with ice, and he thrust his arms outward into the flames. The collision sent up a burst of steam, which began to glow pink and swirl around them. Slowly, the steam formed a shimmering sphere, obscuring Serena and her Pokémon completely.

Then, in a burst of Sylveon's Fairy Wind, the steam dissipated, revealing Serena, Delphox, Sylveon, and Pancham posed at the center, their laughter ringing out as the performance ended.

Immediately, Ash's hands came together in applause. "Awesome!" he exclaimed, clapping enthusiastically. Pikachu joined in with an excited "Pika! Pi!"

Feebas, meanwhile, floated in silent awe, her wide eyes glinting as though they were shimmering with a thin film of tears. After a moment, she shook herself from her stupor and attempted to clap, using her injured fin to slap the water in her best effort. The sound uneven, but the intention clear.

Serena knelt by the water's edge, her fingertips touching the cool lake. "So, what'd you think?" she asked, her eyes shining.

Feebas let out a delighted chirp and flipped joyfully in the water. But as the excitement faded, her demeanor shifted. Her gaze dropped slightly, a wistful expression crossing her face.

Noticing the change, Serena reached out, placing a gentle hand on the Pokémon's rough head. "I was thinking…" she began, biting her lip. "How would you like to travel with us and become a Pokémon Performer too? I think we'd make a great team!"

Feebas's eyes widened in surprise, her entire body lighting up with excitement. She let out an elated cry, thrashing her fins as she swam in exuberant circles.

"Yay!" Serena cheered, extending her hands toward Feebas.

With a leap, Feebas launched herself into Serena's arms, soaking her in the process. Serena laughed, unfazed by the water, as she hugged her new teammate. Delphox, Sylveon, and Pancham cheered from behind her, their voices blending in celebration.

Ash and Pikachu pumped their fists in unison. "That is—" Ash began, but his words were cut off by another Water Gun to the face. He stood frozen for a moment, dripping wet, before murmuring, "…awesome."

"Feebas!" Serena scolded, though her tone was more amused than stern. Her new Feebas snickered mischievously, clearly proud of herself.

"You can't keep using Water Gun on Ash—he'll catch a cold!" Serena added, though she couldn't hide her giggle.

"That's the reason you're going with?" Ash muttered, wringing out his hat for the second time. Pikachu snickered again, clearly enjoying the show.

Serena and Feebas both laughed, their joy infectious as the group began to pack up. The lake shimmered in the afternoon sun, and as the team prepared to head back, the bond between Serena and her new Feebas already felt like the start of something extraordinary.


Pallet Town, Kanto

The night was cool and temperate, the sky clear and dotted with stars, casting a gentle glow over the garden outside the Pallet House restaurant. When Delia had told Ash the "going away party" would be small, he should have known better. His mom's definition of "small" was very different from his. She had closed the restaurant for the evening, transforming the garden into a cozy, festive space. Strings of fairy lights hung from the trellises, their soft glow casting a warm glow over the party. Tables covered in crisp white cloths were arranged with flowers in jars, and candles flickered softly in the center of each.

Family friends, professors, and colleagues from Cerise Labs mingled around the garden. Chrysa and Ren were chatting with other lab employees by a small fountain, their laughter blending with the low hum of conversation. The professors, Cersie, Oak, Kukui, and Samson, stood by one of the tables, engaged in a lively debate about regional energy phenomena. Ash's Pokémon were out in full force, adding their own energy to the party.

And Pikachu had taken it upon himself to make sure everyone behaved.

He watched as Noivern and Talonflame swoop overhead, occasionally letting out cheerful cries as they glided through the warm air, looking for snacks. Charizard stood proudly near the edge of the garden, his arms crossed as he exhaled small puffs of flame to entertain a group of kids. Bayleef happily handed out flower garlands she had made with Bulbasaur earlier, her vine curling around people's wrists like a friendly handshake. Lucario stood watchfully near Ash, his aura sensing everything around them and acting as a personal bodyguard for the evening, it seemed—though Pikachu insisted he "lighten up." The Electric mouse highly doubted there would be any funny business at a quaint village party, but Lucario only shrugged as if to say, "you never know."

Meanwhile, Finizen and Charcadet played a not-so-gentle game of tag with Totodile and Oshawott, and Pikachu was forced to catch numerous jars and candles before flowers burst into flames on the ground. After nearly avoiding disaster that included a trellis and strings of lights, the yellow rodent looked up to the sky, wondering if Arceus could hear the string of curses in his head.

Nearby Koraidon chortled, not optimistic.

A little while later, Serena's Pokémon joined the fun—Delphox basked near a fire pit, passing little flames back and forth between Ash's Quilava and Pignite; Sylveon twirled ribbons playfully with Pancham, and Serena's new Feebas stuck close to Finizen, eager to join in the game of tag—which was not exactly comforting to Pikachu.

"Don't worry about it too much," Ash called out to his best friend, laughing at the yellow mouse's consternation. Instead, he tried to wave Pikachu over to the buffet table, where the young champion stood, mouth watering.

His mom, Serena, and Mimey had clearly gone all out, preparing an array of dishes that made his stomach howl. There were platters of roasted meats, sautéed greens, bowls of creamy mashed potatoes, freshly baked bread rolls, and an impressive centerpiece—a towering cake decorated with Poké Ball motifs. There were also smaller treats like cupcakes, berry parfaits, and Serena's signature Poké Puffs.

Unable to resist, Ash piled his plate high, though he ate more out of nervous energy than hunger. People came up to him in waves—family friends, neighbors, and even lab colleagues—all wanting to congratulate him, tell him how proud they were, or share snippets of town gossip.

Ash smiled awkwardly, nodding along and thanking everyone, though his attention frequently wandered. His eyes darted toward the house, wondering what was taking Serena so long. She had gone upstairs to her room to change after helping Delia cook and bake for the party. Earlier, she had insisted Ash dress appropriately for the occasion, laying out a pair of fitted pants they had bought during their date the night before, along with a short-sleeve black button-down shirt. While Ash had grudgingly complied, he had managed to negotiate keeping his hat, much to Serena's exasperation. She had relented with a playful sigh, giving him a quick kiss before disappearing to her room.

Ash was wondering if he should go check on her when his thoughts were interrupted by a firm hand on his shoulder.

He turned to see Kukui grinning at him, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "It's funny how quickly you get used to having them around," Kukui said, nodding toward the house. "And then they go off to do something, and you're left floundering like a Magikarp."

Ash cracked a small smile. "Why didn't Burnet come with you for the conference?"

Kukui grabbed a plate and began piling it with food. "Someone had to stay with Lei and run the school. She's the assistant principal now, you know. She takes over when Samson's gone." He paused, his smile widening. "Lillie's joined the staff too—teaching at the Pokémon School."

Ash nodded enthusiastically. "I heard! That's great for her."

The two chatted for a while, reminiscing about their friends in Alola and catching up on recent happenings, when a burst of laughter rang out like a bell. He turned to see Serena emerging from the house, carrying a large tray of Poké Puffs. Her white, flowing dress seemed to catch the faint glow of the moonlight—the fabric soft and delicate; the square neckline framing her collarbones, and the long, puffed sleeves. Her hair was tied half-up, half-down with Ash's ribbon, her honey-gold locks framing her face perfectly, the languid waves cascading down to the tops of her shoulders.

Ash thought she looked like the moon. And then he thought about how that was a weird thing to think and felt heat creep up his neck as he images flashed uncontrollably through his mind—her mouth open on his, the droplets of water running down her collarbone, the door.

He turned away from her, swearing under his breath, thankful he had a little time to get himself together while the Pokémon—chirping, squealing, clamoring—swarmed her for treats. He tried to ignore the push and pull that left him feeling conflicted—and, for reasons he couldn't quite name, a little ashamed.

Kukui could practically see Ash's mind at war and smirked, his grin full of mischief. "So… I take it you two had a nice time last night?"

Ash snapped his attention back to the professor. "Uh, yeah. No, yeah, we did," he stammered, rubbing the back of his neck and trying to sound casual. He shook his head quickly, attempting to redirect the conversation. "Um, were you able to pick up that thing for me?"

Kukui's grin widened. "I'm nothing if not the world's best wingman, Ash." He began reaching into the pocket of his shorts, "When do you want it?"

Ash spotted Serena making her way toward them. "Later, later!" he whispered quickly, his voice almost urgent.

Kukui just laughed, placing a hand on Ash's shoulder. "You know, you don't have to feel guilty for getting all flustered around her. It's normal, especially—"

Before the professor could finish, Ash shoved him aside, his face burning. "Kukui…" he hissed, emphasizing every syllable.

Kukui stumbled back, still chuckling as he raised his hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. Later," he muttered, turning to his Braviary perched atop his head. "C'mon, buddy. Let's chit-chat somewhere else." With that, Kukui disappeared into the crowd, just as Serena made her way over to Ash.

The honey-blonde stopped, glancing toward where the Alolan had wandered off before giving Ash a worried look. "Did I interrupt something?" she asked, shifting the tray in her hands.

Ash shook his head furiously, his cheeks still glowing. "No! He, uh, no! He was just, you know—telling a bad joke." He swallowed hard, unable to stop his eyes from drifting over her dress again. "You look really pretty."

Serena's lips curved into a knowing smile, though a blush nipped her cheeks. "And you are trying to change the subject."

Ash grinned despite himself, realizing he had, in fact, done exactly that. "Did it work?"

"A little." Serena leaned forward, her voice soft and teasing as she kissed his cheek.

Before Ash could respond, they were approached by a steady stream of family friends and Pallet Town residents. Many offered Serena warm compliments and greetings.

"You must be Serena," one elderly neighbor said, her eyes sparkling. "Ash's mom told me all about you. It's so nice to see he has someone keeping him in line!"

Another family friend grinned. "You're absolutely lovely, dear. And so talented, I hear. Are you really a Pokémon Performer?"

Serena nodded graciously, answering their questions with practiced charm as Ash hovered beside her, nodding along and occasionally muttering thanks when someone directed a compliment at him.

Eventually, Tracey, Chrysa, and Ren joined them, the trio chatting enthusiastically about Ash's Pokémon and Serena's contests. It wasn't long before the couple found themselves surrounded by their Pokémon. Pikachu perched on Ash's shoulder, while Bayleef gently nudged Serena's arm with a garland she'd made. Serena giggled, accepting it and placing it on her head, earning delighted cheers from Pancham and Sylveon. (Though Delphox and Lucario peered closely at the flowery crown to make sure there were no poisonous plants in it…)

Across the garden, Delia was bustling about, ensuring everything ran smoothly. When a car pulled up to the house and a man stepped out, followed by a troupe of Pokémon carrying instruments, Delia clapped her hands in delight. "They made it!" she called out, ushering them toward a small gazebo she'd decorated with lights and flowers.

Ash groaned softly as he watched the band—an older man with a trumpet, a Ludicolo with a percussion set, an Inteleon carrying a keyboard, etc.—set up. "How much more elaborate can this party get?" he muttered under his breath.

Serena noticed his irritation and laughed, tugging on his arm. "Oh, come on, Ash. It's not every day your mom gets to throw a party for you."

Ash let out something between a laugh and a sigh. "Easy for you to say. You love big parties."

"True," Serena smiled.

"And dancing." Ash glanced nervously at the band, who were now tuning their instruments.

"Also true," she murmured, drawing closer to him.

Before Ash could respond, another car pulled up in front of the house, its headlights cutting through the garden. Delia cried out in delight, her voice rising above the tuning instruments. "Oh, look who's here!"

Ash and Serena turned toward the commotion. As soon as the headlights cut off, the car door swung open, and from the passenger side Brock climbed out, stretching. As the driver's door opened, and a familiar voice barked, "Brock, I swear, if you try to backseat drive on the way back, I'll leave you at the first Pokémon Center!"

A red-haired girl stepped out of the driver's seat, Azurill perched on her shoulder, and glared at Brock, who held his hands up defensively. "Hey, I'm just saying, you could use these things called brakes before you wreck my brother's car!"

"Puh-lease, if I'd let you drive, we wouldn't have even made it in time…"

Ash's eyes widened and a smile grew on his face, "Misty?!"

Their argument came to a screeching halt, however, as Misty turned and caught sight of Ash standing near all the food (typical, she thought)—with his hand shyly resting on the waist of a particular honey-blonde (not typical). Misty's jaw dropped, hanging open as she slowly turned to Brock, who gave her a smug nod and mouthed, "I told you."

Misty whipped her head back toward Ash, who was stuck somewhere between a boyish grin and a wince. Before he could even get a word out, she squealed and waved at him. "Ash!"

Ash turned towards her just in time to have her arms flung around his neck, the force wringing him tight enough to make him choke. "Ack—Misty!" Ash rasped, trying to free himself, while Serena looked on in alarm.

Misty didn't seem to notice, continuing her tirade. "Arceus, how dare you disappear on me for months without so much as a call? Literally, you and Brock just—poof!—gone. And next thing I know, you're on the news with—"

"I know, I know," Ash managed, still struggling for air. "I meant to call—"

Misty pulled back, holding up a finger to silence him. "I don't even want to hear your excuses."

Ash's face scrunched up, and he shot back, "They're not excuses—they're facts!"

"Oh, please," Misty scoffed, crossing her arms. "You wouldn't know a fact if it hit you in the face. Let alone how to use a phone. Delia had to call us about this party! So like you to not even think about it…"

Their argument carried on, Misty's sharp tone matched by Ash's stubborn retorts, while Serena stepped back slightly, observing the scene. There was a mild dusting of color on her cheeks as she took in Misty—the redhead was fiery, dressed in casual jeans and a yellow blouse, her posture tall and confident. She clearly had a long history with Ash, which Serena knew, but she was caught off guard by the dynamic between them—and to see Ash so defensive.

Suddenly, Brock appeared at Serena's side, a sheepish sweatdrop visible in his demeanor. "They've always been like this," he muttered, resigned.

Serena smiled awkwardly, her mind racing. Ash had told her a lot of stories about Misty at this point—about how intense and fierce she could—but seeing them interact now, she hadn't expected them to be so… close. It didn't unsettle her as much as it made her feel self-conscious. Her fingers found a loose strand of her hair, and she tucked it behind her ear. For some reason, she suddenly wanted Misty to like her, as though her approval mattered more than she'd anticipated.

Misty, meanwhile, delivered one last cutting remark that left Ash momentarily flustered. But then her green eyes shifted to Serena, and she gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "Oh, wow! You must be Serena!" she exclaimed, breaking into a wide smile and rushing over. Before Serena could react, Misty threw her arms around her in an exuberant hug.

"It's so amazing to finally meet you!" Misty said genuinely, pulling back to grin at her. "Between Delia's call and hearing Brock talk about you on the drive, I feel like I already know you."

Serena blushed, suddenly shy under Misty's warm gaze but eager to make a good impression. "And I feel like I know you, too! Ash has told me so much."

Misty smirked, her hands settling on Serena's shoulders. "As he should. I basically taught him to have manners." The Sensational Sister winked and gave Serena her signature "peace" sign.

Ash, indignant, stepped closer. "I'm sorry, what?"

Serena couldn't help but giggle. "So I have you to thank for making him so nice?"

"Partly," Misty wiggled her eyebrows and stole a glance at a fuming Ash. The red-head then turned back to eye Serena up and down, an impish look glittering in her gaze, "But I think Ash finally listening to his hormones might have played a role—at least when it came to you."

Ash groaned, rubbing his face as Brock patted his shoulder sympathetically. "This can't be happening," the young champion muttered.

Brock, deadly serious, replied, "It is."

"Pika!" Pikachu's voice cut through the teasing as the electric mouse leapt into Misty's arms, nuzzling her affectionately.

"Pikachu!" Misty squealed, hugging him tightly. "Hi! It's been so long!"

Serena watched the scene unfold, charmed by how attached Pikachu clearly was to Misty. She laughed, delighted at the bond between them.

Misty turned her attention back to Serena, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Okay, tell me everything. I've heard some from Brock, but I want to know how Ash managed to land the Kalos Queen—seriously, there are very few more confusing mysteries…"

"Misty!" Ash grumbled, though he was interrupted by his Gible, which must have thought it was the perfect moment to consume Ash's face.

The girls giggled and Serena launched into the story, recounting everything from their childhood meeting, to traveling Kalos, to the fateful kiss on the escalator. Misty's eyes widened with awe at the mention of the kiss, her expression softening as she looked at Serena almost anew.

"And then we met again in Paldea," Serena continued, beaming with color. "That's where we, well, spent more time together…"

Ash, with the help of Noivern and Sceptile, finally tore Gible off his face and chimed in, "And she put on these amazing performances in the city, and it was—"

Misty clamped a hand over his mouth. "Your girlfriend is telling the story. Don't interrupt." She tutted.

Serena laughed, gently pulling Misty's hand away. "No, it's fine," she said, smiling at Ash. "Honestly, I don't even know what happened next. I was in such a daze seeing him again and trying not to get my hopes up or anything."

Ash looked at Serena, his expression softening as her words sank in. "But I just thought she was the prettiest, most amazing girl in the world," he blurted.

Misty froze, her mouth falling open in shock. Slowly, she turned to Brock, who simply nodded, his face deadpan. "Told you. Smitten."

Ash flushed deep red, shifting uncomfortably under the teasing glances of his two oldest friends. He opened his mouth to fire back a retort, but before he could, Serena's hand slid into his. Her touch was soft, warm, and it called his attention back to her. She was smiling up at him, radiant and whatever Ash had been about to say vanished from his mind. His heart flipped in his chest, and all he could do was return her smile, helpless against the pull she had on him.

Misty watched the silent exchange—the way he looked at her.

And as they all continued to talk and laugh, Misty watched the quiet exchanges between Ash and Serena, her green eyes softening as she took it in, letting it all stir something in her heart. Not jealousy, though. No, Misty loved Ash, but her love for him had changed over time.

She'd had a crush on him once, when they were kids traveling together. She didn't deny that, not to herself or even to Brock, who had known all along and had gently teased her about it when she finally admitted it years later. But some childhood crushes turn out to be something entirely different. For Misty, her feelings for Ash had softened and reshaped themselves into something more familial—a brotherly kind of love, and all the exasperation, pride, and protectiveness that came with it.

From what Brock had shared on their drive over, Misty had concluded that Serena's love for Ash was tender and patient, something Misty couldn't imagine herself having been capable of. Serena had first seen Ash as a hero to admire, while Misty's first impression of him was as a nuisance who ruined her bike. Misty smiled at the thought, shaking her head with a little chuckle. That first meeting had probably shaped the way she'd always seen him: as someone to challenge, to argue with, to keep in line. She was too hot-headed, too competitive herself to let him get away with anything, and she didn't have the patience or the desire to hold back her thoughts for "the right time" like Serena seemed to be able to do.

Where Misty had grown out of her old feelings, Serena had grown into hers, nurturing them with the kind of steadfast devotion Misty admired but couldn't imagine for herself. Misty was practical, always had been, and looking back, she couldn't romanticize feelings she'd had as a kid.

As she continued to listen to Ash and Serena talk, Misty's lips curved into a wide smile. Yeah, at the end of it all, she was just proud. Proud that Ash was finally… "Growing up," she murmured, the words leaving her lips like a whisper at first. Then she laughed at herself, catching their attention.

Ash turned to her, confused. "What?"

"You're growing up!" Misty repeated, her voice louder now, another laugh bubbling out of her. "I can't believe it!"

Ash deadpanned, crossing his arms. "Come on, it's not that hard to believe."

Brock stepped in with a dry tone. "Um, I was there for all of this, and it was hard to believe. Cut Misty some slack."

Ash raised a fist, his stance wide and defensive. "Hey! I like to think I've become pretty mature from all my traveling!"

"You have, Ash," Serena winced, gently lowering Ash's fist as she sweatdropped, "I just think they mean they're surprised to see you grow up… romantically."

Ash blinked at her, processing the words. "Oh."

Pikachu, hopping out of Misty's arms, shook his head with a bemused "Pika…" before plodding off to deal with Gengar, who was scaring some of the guests for fun.

Misty grinned and turned back to Serena, looping her free arm through the honey-blonde's. "I want to hear more about you," she said, her voice warm with genuine interest. "Tell me, what's it like being a Pokémon Performer? Is it amazing? And oh my gosh, is that your Feebas?!"

As the girls wandered off chatting animatedly, Ash remained by the buffet table with Brock, idly picking at a skewer of fruit.

Brock watched them go, shaking his head with a knowing smile. "Well, that went better than expected."

Ash sniffed. "Did it?"

They didn't have to wait long before Tracey strolled up, a grin on his face. "Hey, Brock! Long time no see."

"Tracey!" Brock greeted, clapping him on the back. "Still sketching?"

"Always," Tracey replied, adjusting the bag slung over his shoulder. He jutted his chin towards Ash, "And keeping up with research, of course. Ash has been catching us all up on what's happening in Paldea. Sounds like crazy stuff you all are dealing with…"

Brock raised an eyebrow, turning back to Ash. "What kind of 'crazy stuff' are we talking about?"

Ash took a deep breath and launched into an explanation of the professor's conference, the Tera Shard they'd found in Koraidon's plumes, and what Professor Cerise had deduced about its origins. He talked about the strange energy, the potential connection to a legendary Pokémon, and the risks it might pose to the stability of Paldea.

Brock decided it was time for a drink and quickly found one, "So the plot thickens."

"Yeah," Ash said, his expression serious. "It's a lot, but we're figuring it out."

As the night went on, music began to play, and the garden came alive with dancing. The band had the crowd swaying to lively swing tunes. The fast-paced rhythm filled the air as pairings spun and stepped in time, their movements quick and energetic. The local dance seemed bold, full of dynamic steps, spins, and partner lifts, and even the Pokémon joined in.

Charcadet, determined as ever, approached Ash's Snivy and extended a hand. The Grass Snake Pokémon rolled her eyes and flicked her tail dismissively, clearly uninterested. Undeterred, Charcadet puffed out his chest and tried again, only for Pikachu and Pancham to pull him aside, trying to convince him to drop it. Nearby, Totodile and Bulbasaur snickered, enjoying the spectacle. Meanwhile, Lucario, Charizard, Sceptile, and Delphox were busy using Torterra as a living barricade, preventing Snorlax from devouring the entire tray of Poké Puffs meant to be shared.

Near the edge of the garden, Misty and Serena had found a quiet spot away from the lively crowd and the music. They sat together, their conversation bubbling over with an excited energy that sought to share as much as possible in the short time they seemed to have. And soon enough, the light chatter shifted to something more personal.

Serena hesitated for a moment, twirling a strand of hair between her fingers before finally speaking. "You know, Misty… I've been thinking about something," she began, realizing that she really didn't have someone to talk to about her relationship with Ash, and suddenly wanting nothing more than to confide. "I really want to know Ash well—to really know him. I feel like I do, but… there's so much about him I wasn't there for. And," Serena stopped, blushing, her voice dropping. "Honestly, I'm a little jealous of you."

Misty blinked, surprised. "Jealous? Of me? Why?"

Serena glanced down, her hands clasped in her lap. "You were there at the beginning. You saw him when he was just starting out, when he was still learning everything," Serena looked up, finding Ash somewhere past all the dancers, a wistful expression puckering her lips, "I missed all of that. And I can't help but wish I could have been there for everything important in his life."

Misty considered this. She didn't blame Serena for feeling that way, but also didn't find the sentiment realistic. "Ash had a lot of refining to go through back then," Misty began carefully, not wanting to minimize Serena's feelings nor throw Ash under the bus, "He was stubborn, loud, and constantly picking fights with not just me but everyone. Half the time I wanted to strangle him…"

The red-head winced, decided she needed to change course. "But," she continued, "think about it. All of the experiences Ash went through made him into who he was when you guys met again in Kalos. If you had met Ash earlier, well…it might have all been different…Sometimes people need to grow while they're apart before they can come together."

"That's true." Serena smiled faintly, snapping the wrinkles from the skirt of her dress, "I went on to Hoenn after traveling with Ash through Kalos. It was good for me, and I needed that time alone—to learn to be strong without him."

Misty understood that all too well and smiled, looking down as if gazing directly into a memory. "Yeah, it's easy to grow too reliant on Ash." The red-head shook her head, looking back up at the honey-blonde. "But Serena, you were there for a lot of important moments in Ash's life too! And who knows what the future holds for him. Knowing Ash, it's probably going to be a busy one…"

Serena laughed, "You're probably right…"

They were quiet a moment before the honey-blonde found herself continuing, an impish look on her face, "Even in Kalos, Ash still had his moments." Her smile grew wider, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "Once, I was so mad at him, I threw a snowball at his face."

Misty looked surprised as Serena went into the story. Granted, while the red-head didn't know the Kalos Queen well yet, Misty hadn't pegged her to be the type of person to fight back against Ash's temper. The polished, poised exterior Serena wore had almost made Misty think she was too sweet to stand up to someone like Ash. But now Misty could see that Serena was stronger than she'd seemed—someone who could challenge Ash when needed. Misty liked that; was relieved by it. And, she admitted to herself, Serena was very beautiful—inside and out.

"But still," Serena continued, her voice quieter now. "It seems like you know Ash so well…" She trailed off, her blue eyes searching Misty's face with an unspoken question.

Misty tilted her head slightly, understanding immediately. A warm smile spread across her lips, and she spoke with a gentle honesty. "Sisters are supposed to know their brothers well," she said simply. And she meant it.

Serena's face lit up, her earlier worries dissolving as she beamed at Misty—the two girls clasping hands. The words struck a chord. Whatever had existed in the past had shifted into something different, and Misty seemed perfectly content with that. And Serena was grateful.

Misty drew Serena in closer, growing serious. "You're going to need to look out for him," she said. "Sometimes…" She hesitated, biting her lip before continuing. "Sometimes he's too busy looking out for other people to take care of himself."

Serena nodded vigorously, her hands tightening around Misty's. "I will."

Misty's smile grew as she squeezed in return. "I know," she said confidently.


Ash watched the dancing with Brock and Tracey, his gaze drifting toward the girls at the edge of the garden. Misty and Serena were laughing about something, their hands clasped, their heads tilted close together, and Ash's brows furrowed slightly.

"What do you think they're talking about?" he asked, not looking away.

Brock, mid-bite into a vegetable kabob, shrugged nonchalantly. "You."

Tracey, wiping sticky sweet sauce from his fingers, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that's obvious."

Ash's eyes widened. "What?!"

Brock smirked, waving the skewer at him lazily. "You know how girls are. Probably talking about if you're a good kisser… or whatever else you've done."

Tracey glanced at Ash, his tone casual but his eyes teasing. "Well?"

Ash felt a flush creep up his neck, his whole body suddenly feeling warm. "Well what?" he snapped, a slight shiver betraying his unease.

"How have your adventures in le romance been going?" Brock asked with an exaggerated flourish of his hand. "Curious minds want to know."

Ash gritted his teeth, his face rapidly turning as red as a Tamato Berry. "Curious minds can keep not knowing because it's private!" he shouted, steam practically rising from his ears.

Tracey and Brock burst into laughter, their combined mirth loud enough to attract a few curious glances from nearby guests. Tracey eventually wiped his eyes, still chuckling. "Wait, wait… Serena's from Kalos! Don't they have a special kiss there?"

Brock doubled over, laughing even harder, as Ash's face turned white with sheer horror.

"Okay, I'm going over there," Ash growled, shoving past them, which only caused them to laugh louder.

He ignored their teasing as he made his way toward the girls, his mind racing. Adjusting his hat a few times, he tried to focus on what he might say when he got there. As he neared them, their voices became clearer, and he heard Serena saying something about Pokémon Contests and Paldea. He exhaled a small sigh of relief—at least they weren't talking about him.

Clearing his throat, he stepped closer to get their attention. Misty glanced up and raised an eyebrow, a sly grin spreading across her face. "Oh? Getting jealous?" she teased, looping her arm through Serena's and pulling her closer with exaggerated affection, which made Serena burst into laughter.

Ash felt his cheeks warm, but he couldn't help the smile that crept onto his face. Seeing the two of them getting along so well actually made him feel pretty happy. "Yeah," he admitted, sticking his hands in his pockets. "That, and I wanted to make sure you weren't sharing too many embarrassing stories about me."

Misty's grin turned wicked. "We already talked about 'Ashley,' if that's what you're wondering."

Ash froze, his smile melting off his face. His eyes darted to Serena, who quickly covered her mouth, her shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter. "You've got to be kidding me," Ash muttered, glaring at Misty, who just looked all too pleased with herself.

"Cross-dressing?" Misty teased, her tone feigning innocence. "You really did pull it off better than I expected."

Ash sputtered, trying to think of a retort, but Misty wasn't done. "Although, to be fair, Team Rocket are still the better crossdressers," she added smugly.

"That's not—you can't be serious?!" Ash shot back, his voice rising in disbelief as the two began bickering once again, much to Serena's amusement, and mild annoyance. They never really stopped, did they?

Before the argument could spiral further, Serena rose from her seat, stepping between them with a light laugh. She gently took Ash's arm and began leading him away. "Ash, let's dance."

Ash blinked at her sudden suggestion, glancing down at her hand on his arm. He knew there was no way he could say no to her, so instead, he lifted a finger toward Misty as he was pulled along. "We'll settle this later, okay?"

"Sure, sure," Misty smirked and waved him off, her curiosity piqued. She leaned back on her arms, Azurill hopping on to her lap, eager to see Ash attempt to dance.

Serena tugged him toward the music, weaving through the crowd. "You and Misty sure like to argue," she noted with a teasing smile.

Ash winced, scratching the back of his head. "You should've seen us in the early days. But yeah, people used to say we argued a lot because we cared so much—I guess it's partly true. I always did care what Misty thought of me."

Serena considered this. Serena considered his words as they moved closer to the dancers. She knew Ash well enough to understand that he respected Misty in a special way—maybe different from the way he respected his other friends. That was okay with her. Serena was confident in the bond she and Ash shared, and she had no doubt about how he felt about her now. Still, Serena wondered briefly if Ash had ever had a crush on Misty without realizing it. Knowing him, it wouldn't surprise her. But she bit her lip and pushed the thought away, focusing instead on the present.

She glanced back at him as they made their way to the dancing and the music, and his brown eyes glued to her; focused and watching. He smiled, as if happy to see her look back at him. Her heart stuttered.

Yes, Serena decided, the past didn't matter. What mattered was the here and now—and she knew without a doubt that Ash loved her. That was all that mattered.

As the music played on, Ash glanced nervously at Serena, the tempo far faster than he was used to. "Uh, so… how do we dance to this?" he asked, shifting on his feet.

Serena reached for his hands, guiding them to rest around her waist. "I'll show you!" she said excitedly, her energy infectious.

Ash's cheeks flared as he noticed Misty, Brock, and Tracey watching from the sidelines—snickering, of course. "Okay," he mumbled, trying to focus.

Serena began moving with the rhythm, showing him the basic steps, her movements smooth and fluid. Ash stumbled a bit at first, his feet clumsy as he tried to keep up with the rapid beat. But Serena's instruction, light and encouraging, kept him going. Slowly, he started to get the hang of it. She spun in his arms, her hair glowing under the strung lights, and he forgot about everyone else. Ash found himself laughing, enjoying the moment as he watched her move so easily.

Just as he was getting confident (though not necessarily efficient), a tap on his shoulder pulled him back to reality. He turned to see Kukui standing there, his trademark grin firmly in place. "I'm here to cut in, if you don't mind," the Alolan professor said with a playful smirk.

Ash frowned, glancing between Serena and Kukui. He noticed other couples were switching partners, and while he wasn't thrilled about it, it seemed to be the thing to do. Still, he raised a brow at the wrestler. "Since when do you dance?"

Kukui looked mildly offended. "What? Wrestling takes grace and flexibility. So of course, I can dance."

Before Ash could respond, Delia twirled out of Samson's arms nearby and grabbed her son's hand. "Come on, Ash! Don't ruin the circle!" she chimed, pulling him into the next partner exchange.

Ash groaned, allowing his mom to lead him through the steps, though his attention drifted back to Serena and Kukui. He quickly realized the professor wasn't kidding about his dancing skills. Where Serena had led Ash moments before, Kukui now took the lead, guiding her through an array of impressive moves. He dipped her low, spun her effortlessly, and even managed a playful lift that had the crowd cheering and whistling.

After another exchange, Ash excused himself from the ring, heading back to the buffet table. He reached for a plate, trying to distract himself with more food, when he felt someone come up behind him.

"I'm very proud of you, Ash," Misty said softly.

Ash turned, blinking at her. "Huh?" He processed her words slowly, caught off guard.

Misty smiled, her green eyes glittering. "I gotta admit, it's weird seeing you so in love, but…" She glanced toward Serena, who was now being spun around by one of the elderly locals, her dress fluttering out around her. "She seems perfect for you. And I'm proud of you for not screwing it up and letting her get away."

Ash rubbed the back of his neck. "Thanks… Yeah, I, uh… I almost did—let her get away, I mean." He shuddered, thinking back to the times he'd tried to run from his feelings. "I guess I really can be dense sometimes…"

Misty scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Sometimes?" Seeing him wince, she softened her tone, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Ash, I've known you a long time, and sure, you're dense, but if anyone could break through that and get you to see things differently, it's Serena. She's…" Misty paused, thinking. Her smile returned. "She really is different from anyone you've traveled with."

Ash nodded, his gaze drifting back to Serena. "She is, isn't she? I just… I know I have a lot of flaws—you were always really good at keeping my ego in check." He grinned sheepishly. "And even though I can still be hot-headed and stubborn, with Serena, I just…I want to keep working on myself. Be the best I can be for her, you know?"

Misty's grin widened as she nodded. "Sounds like you have a new dream."

Ash opened his mouth to reply, then stopped, a smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, I guess I do."

Misty gave his shoulder a light punch—though it wasn't that light—and sighed. "Sorry for crashing the party, but when Delia called about it, you know I had to come meet Serena." She winked. "It was so unfair that Brock already had!"

Ash chuckled. "No, I'm glad you did. I'm glad you guys got to meet. You mean a lot to me, you know."

Misty's expression softened, and she gave him another playful punch. "Yeah, I know. Back at ya."

Across the garden, Professor Oak stood beside Delia, who had just taken a break from dancing. The older professor nodded toward Ash and Misty, who were still talking near the buffet table. "You know," Oak mused, "I always thought Misty and Ash had a special connection."

Delia smiled, following his gaze. "They do. They practically grew up together." She sighed, watching Ash laugh at something Misty said. "She brings out his fire, his drive to compete and prove himself." Her eyes drifted to Serena, now dancing with her Pokémon—gripping Feebas's fins and laughing. "But Serena brings out his best."


Ash wandered over to where the Pokémon had gathered near the edge of the garden, their lively antics continuing despite the late hour. Currently, Charcadet was suffering from depression—as diagnosed by Sirfetch'd—from having been rejected numerous times by Snivy. Things had only gotten worse when the Grass Snake Pokémon had decided to dance with Hawlucha.

Lucario rolled his eyes at the Fire Sprite's melodramatics. Charcadet had indeed decided to make a show of being the spurned lover, and Pikachu could only calm him down by pretending to write down his will—in case he did something over the top to get Snivy's attention.

As Ash bent down to read this curious piece of paper, he found a tic-tac-toe board.

"Here you go, Ash."

Ash glanced up to see Kukui standing beside him, slipping something into his hand.

"For when you need it." The professor winked knowingly.

Ash looked down and saw a flat, rectangular velvet box. He quickly slipped it into his back pocket, tugging his shirt over it to hide it from view. He let out a long breath, then grinned at the professor. "Thanks for picking it up."

"No problem," Kukui replied, his gaze flicking around to make sure they were alone. "That's a pretty nice gift. When are you going to give it to her?"

Ash tugged at his collar, his mind racing. He'd thought about finding Serena in her room, but now that idea made him uncomfortable. "I… I don't know," he admitted.

Kukui studied him, easily reading the hesitation on Ash's face. His tone softened. "Look, jokes aside, I'm here to help. If you want to talk about… well, the stuff that comes up in a relationship that you might not know how to handle, I'm ready to listen."

Ash sighed heavily. Now didn't exactly seem like a great time…

But then more of the flashing images—his lips on her neck, her skin wet and gleaming, her tongue slipping into his mouth. Ash couldn't turn those things off.

And soon a dam broke, and the words came spilling out:

"I—I don't know what to do!" Ash threw his hands up in the air, completely lost. "I'm afraid to even start thinking like this. I don't want to disrespect Serena or feel guilty for… I don't know, looking at her differently?"

He paused, pacing back and forth and lifting his hat off his head, playing with it between his hands. "It's just, when we kiss and are close, I want to keep kissing, and… I want to feel even closer, if that makes sense?" He looked desperately at Kukui for some understanding, "Like, one kiss isn't enough anymore. And when she wears certain things…" He trailed off, his face on fire. "She told me last week that it was okay to say 'hot,' but I still feel weird saying it. I don't want to ruin what we have. And… I don't know much about romance. I just learned what a Kalos Kiss is, and it seems like everyone else already knew about it."

Kukui tried not to lose his composure at that last revelation, biting the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. Instead, he tried a simple, "Mhmmm," to see if Ash needed to continue.

"And now I just keep thinking about what it might be like to be closer to her, and I'm freaking out a little bit because I don't seem to really be in control of my thoughts," Ash groaned, pointing at his head as if completely frustrated by the very thing between his ears. "Like, I keep seeing us, uh, trying things…" He glanced at Kukui to see if he'd surprised the professor, but Kukui's face remained neutral—even understanding. "Trying things to get closer," Ash repeated, wanting to make sure he was being understood.

When it seemed that Ash had come to a stopping point, Kukui finally let out a long breath. He had to admit, Ash had done a pretty good job explaining how he was feeling, considering he lacked all context when it came to physical intimacy. Still, Kukui considered how Oak owed him big for this…

Finally, after feeling Ash's eyes prompting him to say something, Kukui cleared his throat. "Ash," he placed a fatherly hand on the young champion's shoulder, "you've been pretty focused on battling and Pokémon for so long, so it's okay not to know much about being in a romantic relationship. You're learning as you go, and that's fine. But you don't feel guilty about these, er, conflicted feelings you're having because they're, well, normal."

Ash looked unsure. "Normal?"

"Yeah," Kukui nodded, his expression calm and reassuring as he squeezed Ash's shoulder. "When you care about someone as much as you care about Serena, it's natural to want to feel close to them—physically, emotionally, all of it. And those feelings… they're not necessarily something to be scared of or ashamed of."

Ash frowned slightly, shifting on his feet. "But… it feels like I'm thinking things I shouldn't. Like, what if it's wrong to want more? To want to, you know, be closer?"

Kukui shook his head, "What you're describing is part of being in love. When you're in a relationship, those feelings of wanting to be closer—wanting to share more of yourself with her—are just part of the connection you have. It's why things like holding hands, hugging, kissing, and even, uh…other things…exist. They're ways of expressing love and trust."

Ash fidgeted, his gaze dropping to the ground. "Yeah, but sometimes when she looks a certain way, or when we kiss, I get this… this feeling. And I want to…" He trailed off, his words stumbling.

Again, Kukui thought about the medal he should be given."You want to be intimate with her," the professor finished patiently.

Ash blinked. "Intimate?"

"You want to be alone together," Kukui tried not to groan, hoping his twitching eye wasn't that noticeable. "In a room. Kissing. And… well…"

He went on to briefly explain, choosing his words carefully.

Nearby the Pokémon all scattered—all except Pikachu, who felt it his duty to be there for his best friend…

Ash's eyes widened, his entire body on fire. "But isn't that wrong?!"

Kukui shook his head firmly. "It's not wrong, Ash. It's what people who are in love do. And honestly, it's relieving to know you have hormones."

"What?!" Ash glanced down, flustered and fiddling with the brim of his hat. "But what if I start thinking too much about… about that?" His voice dropped lower, his face flushing again. "What if I mess up and say or do something that ruins what we have?"

Kukui let out a quiet chuckle, his tone still patient—even sympathetic as he understood where Ash was coming from. "Thinking about being close to Serena in that way doesn't mean you're going to ruin anything. It just means you're human. You're growing up, and your feelings are growing with you. That's a good thing."

Ash looked back up at him, his eyes wide but still uncertain. "But… how do I know what's okay? How do I know when it's the right time or the right… thing to do?"

"Ah!" Kukui snapped his fingers, knowing exactly the answer to this, having been lectured about it with Burnet. "That's where communication comes in! The most important thing in any relationship—romantic or otherwise—is communication and respect. You respect Serena, and I know she respects you. That means you talk about things. You ask her how she feels, what she's comfortable with, and you listen to her. Take one step at a time and you'll figure it out together."

Ash took a deep breath, nodding slowly as he processed Kukui's words, thinking about the way he and Serena talked through the Kalos Kiss.

"So…," Ash started again after a pause, "you're saying it's okay to feel like this? To think about… that kind of stuff?"

"It's more than okay," Kukui grinned, clapping Ash on the back. "When the time comes for you both to make decisions about moving forward in your relationship, it's important that you're on the same page. Just keep being honest with each other, and as long as you're being respectful and safe, there's nothing wrong with those feelings. Just take it slow."

"Right, right. Take it slow…" Ash ran a hand through his hair, taking in the professor's words, though he still seemed overwhelmed.

Kukui then coughed into his fist and cleared his throat. "And Ash, if you ever have more questions—or when the time comes for, uh, a walk through—you know you can call me, right?"

Ash's face flushed a deep red, and his knees buckled slightly before he fell backward into the grass with a faint thud.

Kukui cocked his head and sighed, though he turned towards Pikachu, who—while having his head buried in the dirt—still heard most of the conversation. With a proud puff of his chest, the professor shrugged, and to no one in particular: "Well, that went about as well as expected. If anyone else needs 'the talk,' send them my way! I'm on a roll…"


As the party wound down, the garden grew quieter, with guests trickling back to their homes. Delia stood by the gate, waving off the last of the departing guests with her usual cheer.

Misty and Brock, however, lingered talking to Ash and Serena. Delia insisted they stay the night—it was far too late to travel—and suggested they all head back to Pewter City in the morning, where Misty would take the train back to Cerulean City, while the others went on to Saffron to catch their flight to Paldea. Everyone quickly agreed it was a good plan. Serena offered to share her room with Misty so she wouldn't have to sleep on the couch. Brock looked at Ash expectantly, but Ash didn't immediately extend the same offer until his mom shot him a pointed glare. Grudgingly, Ash mumbled something about sharing as well.

Before they left, the professors, along with Tracey, Chrysa, and Ren, approached to say their goodbyes. Tracey shook Ash's hand warmly. "Take care, Ash. It's always great catching up."

Chrysa turned to Serena, smiling. "You're amazing, by the way. Your stories about performing are incredible. I'd love to see you in action someday."

Ren gave the couple a thumbs-up. "And good luck with everything in Paldea. Keep us updated—it sounds like there's a lot going on."

"Be careful," Oak eyed Ash carefully, "no running into catastrophic beams of power between two Pokémon, hm?"

Serena paled and turned to Misty, who began choking on water. "Why does it sound like that's happened before?"

Kukui stepped forward, wrapping Ash and Serena in a bear hug, "Bye, you two! Serena, keep Ash in line, hm?" Then to the young champion, Kukui winked, "And I'll be waiting for that call!"

Ash promptly shoved him out of the garden gates.

With final waves and promises to keep in touch, the professors and lab staff departed, leaving the garden feeling a little emptier.

Ash then turned to his old Pokémon to say goodbye. Many of them looked sad, their usual enthusiasm dimmed by the knowledge that their trainer was leaving again—some like Snorlax and Totodile looked downright depressed to be deprived of Serena's Poké Puffs for the foreseeable future. Bayleef nuzzled Ash's arm, her vine curling around him in a tight hug, while Charizard gave a quiet growl of acknowledgment. Pikachu hopped between them all, trying to cheer them up, but even he seemed a little somber.

Serena's Pokémon waved goodbye particularly to Noivern, Hawlucha, and Talonflame—whom they had all embraced—before they marched back to Professor Oak's lab under Tracey's guidance.

Soon, everyone pitched in to clean up. Serena and Misty helped Delia put away plates and leftover food while Ash and Brock broke down tables and chairs to store them in the restaurant's dining room. Even the remaining Pokémon pitched in—Delphox levitated stacks of chairs with ease, while Finizen and Feebas slid across the kitchen floor in an attempt to "mop" it.

When they were all finished, Serena was about to follow Misty upstairs when she felt a hand gently grab her wrist. She turned to see Ash standing behind her, his expression sheepish. Pikachu hopped off his shoulder and scampered up the stairs, leaving them alone.

"Is everything okay?" Serena asked, tilting her head slightly.

"Yeah," Ash said quickly, glancing around. "I just, well, I want to show you something."

"At one a.m.?" Serena arched an eyebrow.

Ash grinned boyishly. "It won't take long."

Serena's heart stuttered. "I'm teasing, Ash. Come on, show me."

Ash's eyes danced and put a finger to his lips, signaling for her to be quiet. He led her out the back door, into the moonlit garden where the party had been earlier. The large oak tree near the side of the house was still strung with lanterns from the party. Ash guided her beneath it and plopped down at the base of the trunk, motioning for her to sit too.

Serena settled beside him, folding her legs to the side. They sat shoulder to shoulder in the quiet night, the only sounds the soft rustle of leaves and the faint hum of lanterns swaying above them.

Ash fiddled with a blade of grass, nodding as he stared at the ground. For some reason, he felt nervous. "What'd you think of the party?" he asked, realizing he was stalling.

Serena noticed his hesitation, and it made her stomach flutter. But she answered anyway, her voice light and honest. "It was great! Your mom did such a great job putting it together. The Pokémon were hilarious, and Professor Oak trying to dance…" She trailed off, giggling. "It was also nice to meet some more of your old friends."

"Yeah," Ash scratched the back of his head. He shifted to look at Serena fully, his heart still racing but a little more under control now. He hesitated for just a second before fumbling to pull the slim velvet box from his back pocket, turning it over in his hands nervously. Finally, he held it out toward her. "Oh, uh, I got you something."

Serena's breath hitched as she reached out and took the box gingerly between her fingers. The soft glow of the lanterns overhead lit her face as she glanced up at him, her blue eyes curious and luminous. Her hair shimmered gold, the blue ribbon keeping part of her locks away from her face. "What is it?"

Ash scratched his nose, his nervous energy giving way to excitement. "You have to open it!"

The honey-blonde shook her head, flushed and flustered. "Ash, you didn't have to get me anything." Still, her fingers clutched the box to her chest, betraying her anticipation.

"I know," he rubbed the back of his neck, his hat shifting with the motion. "But I wanted you to have something to remember our time here. You know, like how the ribbon represents our time in Kalos."

Her lips parted as she gazed at him, her heart swelling. She lowered her eyes back to the box and opened it with a small click. Inside lay a beautifully crafted gold locket—the same one she'd admired during their date in Viridian City. Intricate swirls—like vines—decorated its surface, and its weight in her palm spoke of its quality. Her fingers trembled slightly as she lifted it from the box.

Her voice faltered. "Ash… this is…"

"You like it?" Ash asked, anxious.

She glanced back up at him, overwhelmed. "It's perfect. But Ash—" She frowned slightly, feeling an odd mixture of gratitude and guilt. "You didn't have to do something like this. It must've been so expensive…"

Ash grinned. "I wanted to, Serena. I knew you liked it. And honestly…" He hesitated, debating whether to say more, but the words spilled out. "I just wanted you to know I've been paying attention. To you. To the things that matter to you."

Serena's fingers brushed the delicate chain. "You have…" she murmured, her voice catching slightly. Her smile broke through, brilliant and beautiful. "When did you even get this? We've been together all day!"

Ash puffed up, adjusting his cap and smirking, "I called the store after our date and made the order. Kukui picked it up for me."

"That's some League-quality strategizing, Mr. Ketchum," Serena winked, impressed.

"Hey," Ash folded his hands across his chest. "I can strategize anything if I have a clear goal."

Unable to contain herself anymore, Serena squealed, holding the locket up to her chest. "Ash, I love it! Thank you!" She lunged at him, wrapping her arms tightly around him and kissing him all over his face.

When she came away to turn her attention back to the necklace, Ash sat there stunned for a moment—hair mussed, hat askew. He wondered why no one told him that buying a girl things could earn him kisses. He needed to keep that in mind…

"Ash!" Serena laughed, clearly in the middle of trying to get his attention. When his amber eyes finally flickered back to her, she unclasped the chain. "You have to help me."

Ash nodded dumbly; his hands unsteady as he worked with the delicate clasp. His fingers brushed against her skin lightly as he fastened the locket around her neck. For a moment, his touch lingered, tracing the gold chain as it rested against her. He really liked the way it looked against her skin, and the feeling made his chest feel tight.

Serena shivered, goosebumps rising on her arms. She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes meeting his, and for a moment, the air between them seemed charged. Ash's gaze held hers, intense and blazing—as if they were both having flashbacks of their time here; lips touching and opening in quiet, dark places…

Serena's heart raced and she quickly looked away—overwhelmed, heart pounding wildly in her ribs. She cleared her throat to steady herself, fingers nervously brushing the delicate locket that rested just above the curve of her chest. With care, she opened it, running her thumb along the intricate gold designs. "So," she asked, her voice soft, trying to redirect the heat rising between them. "What do you think I should put inside?"

Ash's gaze followed the motion of her fingers, but as his eyes fell to the locket, they didn't stop there. The warm lantern light bathed her skin in a golden glow, and he swallowed hard, his face burning up as he tried to focus. His words came out stammering, "U-uh… Whatever you want! I thought I'd leave that part up to you!"

Serena was oblivious to the way his gaze lingered a little too long, and she leaned in slightly, which didn't help Ash at all. "What about a picture of the two of us? Here?"

Ash blinked, somehow finding the strength to tear his eyes away from her and nodding rapidly. "Y-yeah! That sounds really great." He paused, scratching his head as a thought struck him. "Wait—do we even have a picture of just the two of us in Pallet Town yet?"

"No," Serena reached for her Rotom Phone and let it hover in front of them. "But I thought maybe we could take one now."

Relief washed over Ash as the tension eased, and he pumped an excited fist. "Yeah! That's a great idea."

"I know," Serena winked, settling closer to him. Glancing up at Ash, she tilted her head shyly. "Put your arm around me."

Ash swallowed hard again but obeyed, his hand sliding hesitantly around her waist, his fingers brushing the curve of her hips. "Right," he murmured, a little breathless.

Serena leaned into him, reveling at how perfectly they fit against each other. The warmth of his arm around her felt steadying, grounding. The Rotom Phone snapped the picture, capturing their bright smiles and the way the lantern light framed them both in a soft glow.

As Ash started to pull away, Serena caught his arm gently, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Wait… one more."

Before he could ask what she meant, Serena leaned in again, brushing a shy, quick kiss to his lips just as the camera clicked again. The softness of her left Ash blinking in surprise as she pulled back, her cheeks flushed. Her eyes sparkling.

"I wanna see!" he blurted, immediately reaching for the Rotom Phone.

Serena giggled, holding up the phone and swiping through the pictures. Ash's hand covered hers as she scrolled, stopping on the second photo—the one where their lips were pressed together. "Wait," he said, pointing. "I want that one!"

Serena's blush deepened. "There are two sides of the locket. I'll put both pictures in."

"No, I mean I want a copy of that one!" Ash shook his head, his grin wide and boyish. "You know, to have for myself!"

"Ash…" Serena's eyes widened in surprise before a nervous smile crept across her face. "I'll send it to you…"

"Alright!" Ash pumped his fist in the air, his enthusiasm making Serena giggle.

Her heart so full she thought it might burst, Serena leaned in again, pressing another kiss to his lips—still softly and intentionally. Her hands on his torso, her fingers spreading across the firm planes of his chest to control the space between them. But when Ash's free hand found its way to her shoulder, then slid up to the back of her neck, his fingers tangling in her hair; she all but collapsed against him.

Ash wondered if she might go even further with the kiss, both excited and scared that she might. He thought he might lose himself completely. But when she began to pull back, Ash felt a little disappointed but also relieved. He pulled her gently back to him one last time before she pulled completely away, catching her lips and realizing that she tasted like summer time—warm, glowing, and golden.

Finally, they parted, their breaths mingling in the cool night air, smiles tugging at their lips.

"Thank you," Serena said softly, filled with emotion. "For the locket. For this trip. For everything."

"Yeah, well," Ash's chest swelled with pride, but he tried to play it cool, messing with his hat, "I'm getting the hang of this boyfriend stuff, huh?"

Serena laughed, her cheeks pink as she nodded. "You are." She tilted her head, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "I guess I'll have to step up and be a better girlfriend."

Ash raised an eyebrow. "How do you plan to do that?"

Serena shrugged, plucking a flower from the ground and pretending to examine it. "I guess you'll just have to see."

Ash's face immediately fell, his mind for some reason wandering to outfits she might wear for him, or more Kalos kissing. His cheeks turned a fiery red.

"Okay, but no surprises!"


In Ash's room, Brock and Misty were perched by the window, the light inside dim enough to keep them unnoticed as they peeked outside at the garden below. Misty sat cross-legged on the edge of Ash's bed, Pikachu and Azurill in her lap, as they all munched on some leftover Poké Puffs she'd swiped from the cleanup. Brock leaned carefully against the windowsill, arms crossed, head shaking.

"How does he do it…how does he just get to fumble along and I, after years of studying romantic interactions, am here? Alone?" Brock sighed dramatically, wondering which of the legendary Pokémon seemed intent on playing with his fate.

"Beats me," Misty shrugged between bites, "at this rate, he might even get married before you."

Brock's face paled. "That is the meanest thing you've ever said to me."

Misty rolled her eyes and threw a Poké Puff at him. She then turned back to the main show. "I'm honestly shocked Ash even knows how to kiss."

"Took him a while to get there." Brock smirked, wiggling his brows.

Misty grinned, licking a crumb off her finger as she watched Ash flush at something Serena said. "You know, for all his confidence with battling, he looks like a Deerling caught in headlights right now." She smirked, glancing at Pikachu, "I bet she had to walk him through a lot."

Pikachu only sweatdropped while Brock choked on a breath.

"Oh, definitely," he replied, trying not to make any sudden movements and give away their position. "She's the patient type. Probably gave him a tutorial."

Both burst into laughter, stifling their voices with their hands to avoid being caught. Misty wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, shaking her head. "Seriously, though. I'm happy for him. For both of them."

Brock looked at her. "You are? Really?"

Misty considered the question, her green gaze turning thoughtful as she looked back at Ash and Serena sitting under the oak tree. After a moment, she nodded confidently, smiling broadly at Brock. "Really. I told you before—he's my brother. And you are too."

Brock nodded, satisfied. He believed her.

They were quiet for a moment. And then Misty stood up with a stretch and yawn. "But oh, how I would love to be a fly on the wall when Serena takes him through a bedroom tutorial. I could never—"

Her words barely finished before Pikachu, Azurill, and Brock simultaneously toppled over, fainting.


Scarlet Academy, Mesagoza, Paldea

The study was dimly lit, with only the faint glow of a desk lamp illuminating the polished wood and the worn, violet-bound book that lay open before Clavell. The walls, lined with bookshelves, cast deep shadows, and the silence was broken only by the occasional gust of wind beating against his window. Clavell leaned forward, his elbows on the desk, the Violet Book's pages trembling slightly under his hands. His sharp eyes, usually calm, darted over the faded text with an intensity rarely seen.

He turned a page, revealing an excerpt titled "Within the Great Crater of Paldea." The words felt heavy, ancient, their descriptions vivid enough to conjure images of the Crater's mysterious depths.

"Within the Great Crater of Paldea lies the mysterious Area Zero—a place home to such landscapes, such plant life, and such Pokémon as we had never seen. It is inhospitable to human life, and as such, I suspect something altogether unknown to humankind sleeps in its depths."

Clavell's breath slowed. His fingers traced the edge of the page. "Something unknown," he murmured, his voice barely audible. His gaze lingered on the phrase, the idea clawing at his rational mind.

"Note the strange symbols inscribed in the ground here—were they left by explorers in the time of the Paldean Empire, or could they be older still? Regardless, they seemed as if they must hold some meaning."

The director tilted the book closer to the lamp, studying the faded photographs of the symbols. They were crude, yet deliberate, their angles sharp and unsettling. His mind raced with possibilities. Messages? Warnings? If only he could go to the depth to see for himself…

"Ledges form a spiral down the inner walls of Area Zero, offering a path of descent. Vegetation and sources of water are here as well. Legends tell that precious stones or wondrous fruits have long slept in Area Zero's depths, protected by some manner of guardian."

"Guardian…?" Clavell whispered, imagining an ancient protector, steadfast and dangerous. The very idea unsettled him, yet he felt compelled to read on.

"As we descended further into Area Zero, we began to catch glimpses of mysterious Pokémon—though we wondered if these compact, cruel beasts were indeed Pokémon at all."

Clavell's pulse quickened. His hands tightened on the book as he read the grim account of the team's retreat after a fatal encounter. The photograph of a Donphan-like creature with treads of iron sent a chill down his spine. He closed his eyes, trying to suppress the mental image of such a monstrous being.

"One of our team suffered a brutal blow from such a beast and was mortally wounded, forcing us to retreat for a time."

His chest felt heavy as he turned the next page. The text was fractured, black ink streaked across its surface. Yet fragments of words emerged, teasing at secrets the book refused to fully reveal.

"A isk Pén? … While sepated from the reseah team in the crater's deps, I found a sange...enty. Whether it was a kémo, or even liv at all, I knw no. It bore a sll with layers of orlapping hegons, and glead briger still than mstone. Vied as a whole, it resled a mysious, illiant dsk…"

Clavell leaned back, staring at the blacked-out text. His mind raced. What had been redacted? Why? A thought struck him, a memory from his youth when he'd dabbled in chemistry. He retrieved a small vial from his desk drawer, pouring a drop of a clear reagent onto a cotton swab. With careful precision, he dabbed the dark ink, watching as the reagent worked its way through the obscuring layer.

Gradually, the missing words bled back into legibility.

"While separated from the research team in the crater's depths, I found a strange...entity. Whether it was a Pokémon, or even alive at all, I know not. It bore a shell with layers of overlapping hexagons, and gleamed brighter still than gemstone. Viewed as a whole, it resembled a mysterious, brilliant disk."

Clavell's hands began to tremble.

"I have tentatively named this creature Terapagos. I suspect that its very body is made up of the key material that causes Pokémon to shine brightly and crystallize."

The name Terapagos burned into his mind. His hand jerked, the book slipping from his grasp and thudding against the desk. He stared down at it, the words echoing in his thoughts.

"It is real…" he whispered hoarsely. "It is real!"

He stood abruptly, pacing the room, his hands gripping his temples. His thoughts swirled—Turo's experiments, the machine, the Paradox Pokémon—everything pointed back to this. To Terapagos.

Clavell stopped, his hands resting on the desk as he stared at the Violet Book, its pages splayed open.


Author's note:

Hope you enjoyed! Sorry if the lack of plot overlapping slowed the pacing, but I just thought it'd be nice to focus on the Amourshipping and the last day in general. Lots to come now when they get back.

Side note: Couldn't resist a good "Hallmark" shower run-in scene teeheeheehee

And yeah. You'll notice Misty made an appearance. Honestly, I didn't really foreshadow her coming enough because I was still debating whether or not to actually go this route, but I thought it was important for Serena to meet her. When I go back and do some editing on the fic as a whole, I'll rework the foreshadowing a bit and also flesh Misty and her conversations out more properly. For now, I just wanted to keep things light hearted. And I really just didn't have the time.

But actually, this reminds me of another little project I've thought about. I've seen author's write like "chronicle" chapters in a separate posting for scenes that don't exactly fit a story they are writing or are just like "extra content." I'm thinking of doing this for Paldea. What I would maybe incorporate are chapters that include snippets of a character's past or go into side stories a little bit. (I.e. Dawn not showing up for her contest; Serena traveling Hoenn; scenes with Turo and Clavell; Ash after winning the Master's Eight; Misty, Brock, and Ash during their little last hurrah.) But we'll see. A few more things have to happen in Paldea before I start on some of those chapters, otherwise they'd get spoiled.

Anywhoooo….Next chapter we will see the Titan situation pan out, our heroes return to Paldea, and also witness a possible run in with the contest girls ;)