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Serena looked out the window anxiously, trying to focus on the vastness of the sky that engulfed her view. Her racing mind was making that a bit difficult, however.
So much had changed in the past few years. At the same time, some things never changed.
She was sixteen now, and she and her pokemon were stronger than ever before with all of the experience they’ve gained. They had entered the Hoenn contest scene like a storm and made an everlasting impression on millions of people. Her career really took off, and that part of her life had never been better.
Something was missing, though.
Ever since she unexpectedly ran into Ash again at the dock in Lilycove, Serena has been living in her head, thinking about everything she wished she could’ve said had the ferry not put so much distance between them so quickly. That encounter was over a month ago, and yet Serena still dwelled on it.
At first, she didn’t understand it, but after spending some time pondering everything, it sort of clicked in her mind. Serena started her journey as a trainer and performer with Ash all because she chased after him; she was chasing after the idea of love. After a plane ride to Hoenn to further her experience as a performer, she ran away from her chance at love without looking back, even though she truly wanted to. It felt like she was betraying a part of herself.
Toward the end of their travels together in Kalos, Serena was certain that, in order to work on themselves and establish their careers, the only option was for them to go their separate ways. Years passed in which she refused to acknowledge it, but fate had a funny way of making her realize that she could have both; that she deserved both a career and love.
Ever since that night in Lilycove, Serena would be lying if she said she hadn’t kept up with Ash’s battling. After everything that happened, how could she not? All the feelings she worked so hard to swallow had resurfaced in such a way that entirely consumed her every thought. It was the same feeling that pushed her to search for Ash after seeing him fall from Prism tower. Now reignited, her want for him burned more intensely than ever before.
Her friends thought she was crazy–taking a sudden interest in some trainer from Kanto–but she didn’t care to explain herself. Like spectators only catching glimpses of the version of herself she allowed herself to show, they had no idea about the history between that boy and Serena. Nevertheless, they did their best to be supportive of her ‘celebrity crush’ on the mysterious Alolan champion and offered to watch some of the battles with her.
They probably regretted it when Ash beat Raihan and was promoted to the Masters–Serena couldn’t contain the squeals of excitement that involuntarily left her lips–but they didn’t let it show. Even when Ash managed to seize victory in the fight against Steven using Pikachu’s one of a kind Z-move, they watched enthusiastically as Serena jumped up and down, spinning in circles with her pokemon.
In fact, Serena hardly blinked at all when she watched the edge-of-your-seat battle between Ash and Cynthia, far too invested to look away for even a second. Of course, she felt her own anxiety for Ash, too. Watching his Dragonite get taken out by her Spiritomb so quickly had taken both of them by surprise.
Cynthia’s Spiritomb was a menace, even taking down Pikachu along with it due to destiny bond. Pikachu, who truly went above and beyond during the championships, was neutralized.
Serena had hoped to see more of Pikachu’s seemingly neverending power; that insane Z-move, specifically. Cynthia didn’t give Pikachu the chance, though, a calculated decision that certainly gave her the advantage.
Watching the scene unfold riddled Serena with immense anxiety, and yet the battle continued, not giving her an inch to recover. Cynthia was ranked #2, and she was, without a doubt, one of the strongest trainers to have ever lived. During that fight, Serena couldn’t help but start to question Ash’s ability to get past this mountainous obstacle and make it to the finals. Nevertheless, she prayed that he would prevail.
Ash had done exactly that when his mega Lucario took out Cynthia’s ace, Garchomp. Meanwhile, Serena sat stunned on a couch, some of her performer friends watching her curiously as she brought a hand to cover her mouth, her eyes brimming with tears.
Delphox, Sylveon, and Pancham erupted into cheers around her, grabbing onto each others’ hands–and ribbons–before spinning around in circles as they celebrated their friend’s victory.
Even if Ash were to lose against Leon, he had become one of the strongest trainers in the world. His name would be known by everyone as one of few trainers to have defeated Sinnoh’s ruthless champion.
Abruptly standing up, Serena’s lip curled upward in a smile. “I’m so proud of you,” She breathed out, wondering if her words would find him somehow despite the distance between them.
That was when her friends got an idea, which ultimately led to a particular flight that was about to land in Galar, carrying an eager–anxious–young honey blonde woman.
Serena would have never taken the initiative to go see him, but her friends set the whole thing up as a gift, thinking it would be a dream come true for their friend.
And they were right; it was, but it was also terrifying. After all this time, she’d be seeing Ash again. She’d be cheering him on once more.
The clouds were moving quickly away as the plane made its descent and, as the ground grew closer and closer, Serena’s excitement only grew. It didn’t take long for the plane to land on the tarmac, and that’s when Serena’s anxiety really started to kick in.
I don’t even know where he’s staying. This city is huge! How will I ever find him before the fight with Leon?
She sucked in a deep breath, closing her eyes as she pulled her hand to her chest. The ribbon was no longer wrapped around her neck to fidget with as it wore too much for wear. She still had her good luck charm, of course.
Her exhale was slow; deliberate. It was enough to ground her, to rationalize her thoughts and remind herself that she knew Ash, and she knew exactly where he'd be.
An hour or so later, after she checked into her hotel and was able to start exploring, she made her way to the Pokemon Center. She had a gut feeling that Ash would be practicing. After all, he was never known for resting before an important battle.
Lo and behold, she was exactly right. As the battlefield beside the Pokemon Center came into view, she immediately recognized the raven haired boy and his pokemon.
She couldn’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu as she quietly found a seat on the bleachers, watching closely.
Neither he nor his pokemon noticed her presence, continuing to practice with his pokemon in an intense battle.
“Gengar, shadow ball! Pikachu, counter with iron tail, then use thunderbolt!” He called out orders with a cool confidence, his lips curling upward in a wide grin.
It was obvious to anyone watching–not just Serena–that he was genuinely enjoying it.
His Gengar suddenly emerged from the shadows and summoned a ghostly purple energy, shooting it toward the mouse pokemon.
Pikachu jumped up and swung its glowing tail around, slicing the shadow ball in half before it sent an electrifying bolt toward Gengar.
“Use dazzling gleam!”
Gengar’s entire body glistened in a colorful rainbow before a blinding beam launched toward Pikachu, completely disintegrating the thunderbolt before it could land.
Pikachu took the hit and fell onto the ground with a thud, a concentrated cloud of dust kicking up at the impact. The pokemon quickly got up, however, assuming a battle position once more as it awaited a new command. Its focus suddenly dissipated, its eyes beginning to wander as a familiar scent wafted by. Pikachu craned its neck, scanning their surroundings curiously.
Its black eyes finally landed in the direction of the bleachers. “Pika?” Tilting its head, Pikachu stood up on its two hind legs to get a better view.
Serena chewed at her lip. Here we go.
“Pikachu? What is it?” Ash asked, furrowing his eyebrows in confusion.
Leaping forward, Pikachu let out a squeal of excitement, dashing toward Serena. The mouse pokemon did not hesitate, immediately jumping onto her and nuzzling its head into her shoulder.
Serena couldn’t help but laugh, rubbing Pikachu’s favorite spot for scritches underneath its chin. “Hey, buddy! Long time no see!”
When her eyes landed back on Ash’s again, she couldn’t help but smile.
He shook his head, laughing as he broke out in a jog “Serena! It’s so good to see you,” he beamed as he approached the girl. “What’re you doing in Galar?” It was surprising to see her, especially after running into each other just over a month ago. Not that he was complaining or anything.
Standing up to meet him, Serena twirled a piece of her hair between her fingers nervously before brushing it behind her ears. She swallowed the growing knot in her throat before responding, “I’m here to cheer you on, of course!”
Ash seemed taken aback at this. Sure, he was happy to see her. In fact, it made his day thus far. After he and Serena parted ways once again in Lilycove, he found himself reminiscing on the encounter, feeling as though there was more he should’ve said despite not knowing what to say.
Still, even with Serena right in front of him, that feeling didn’t go away. It only got worse, actually.
Why am I feeling this way, he questioned himself. Am I really nervous to see her again? He immediately shut the thought down. No, that can’t be it.
Serena’s voice pulled him out of his thoughts. “Oh, come on,” she started, placing a hand on her hip with feigned annoyance. “You really think I’d miss the most anticipated battle in years that just so happens to be between the world champion and one of my closest friends?!” She rolled her eyes playfully, a smile tugging at her lips.
“You’ve got a point,” Ash countered, his shoulders relaxing as he chuckled awkwardly, bringing his hand up to the base of his neck. What he instinctively did next surprised himself and even caught Serena off guard.
Taking a step forward, Ash’s hands found Serena’s waist, pulling her into a hug. Placing his chin over her shoulder, he whispered, “I’m really glad that you’re here.”
Ash knew he hadn’t been quite the same since he saw Serena last in Lilycove. Seeing her disappear in the distance once again–just like she had all those years ago–left an aching pit in his stomach. He wished he had more time to talk to her, so he was genuinely happy to see her, even though they didn’t have much time to catch up before his battle with Leon.
The act completely paralyzed Serena, who didn’t move for what felt like several seconds. “Me too,” If the almost sickening feeling of butterflies wasn’t enough, Serena’s cheeks were definitely flushed. ”I-I wouldn’t have missed you achieving your lifelong dream,” She stammered, hugging him back tightly.
And then, like they always did, the moment ended.
“Ash!” Two people called out from afar, causing them to pull apart.
Waving the familiar looking people over, Ash called out, “Goh! Chloe!”
“Serena! Is that you?” Chloe asked as they got close, holding her hand above her eyes to get a better look without the sun completely blinding her.
“Hey! It’s been a minute, how have you and Eevee been?” Serena asked, pulling the girl in for a quick hug. Even though she only spent one day with the girl, she was genuinely interested in her journey. “Has she chosen what to evolve into yet?”
Chloe couldn’t help but roll her eyes–albeit playfully–at the age-old question everyone seemed to be asking her as she pulled away from the hug. “No, not yet. We’re not in a rush, though!”
Serena nodded in understanding. After all, you couldn’t rush a decision like that!
“Eevee will be excited to see you and Sylveon again!” Chloe beamed, clasping her hands together.
Serena returned a wide smile. “We can’t wait either! Where is Eevee now?”
Chloe turned around and pointed at the Pokemon Center. “She’s inside with Goh’s pokemon!”
Goh, who had been standing off to the side, waved his hand nonchalantly. “It’s nice to see you again, Serena! Are you here to cheer Ash on?” Goh asked, a welcoming smile on his face.
Clenching her fists determinedly, Serena nodded. “You know it!”
“We’re going to make our way to the stadium soon. You should come sit with us!” Chloe suggested, glancing at Goh briefly before she turned back to face Serena as she awaited an answer.
Serena smiled widely at the two, her heart fluttering at the thoughtful invitation–or, perhaps, the lingering effects of Ash’s embrace. “I’d love to! When should we head over?”
Goh looked down at his Rotom phone to check the time before returning his gaze to the group. “Well, Ash still has to heal his pokemon, so we should at least go to the Pokemon Center now and then we can all go together to see Ash off before his fight!”
Ash nodded. “Sounds like a plan!” Turning to face his pokemon, he smiled sheepishly as he knelt to the ground. “I’m really proud of you all, and I cherish all of the journeys we’ve been on together,” he started, his voice passionate and inspiring. “All of this time we’ve spent together has led us here, and I’m so thankful for each and every one of you. Take a nice rest, because we’ve got the most important battle of our lives in just a few hours!”
His pokemon cheered before returning to their pokeballs, with Pikachu taking his rightful place on Ash’s shoulder.
Time seemed to pass so quickly. One minute they were on the battlefield catching up, and the next, they were getting ready to say their goodbyes before the match.
“You’re going to do great, Ash,” Goh assured him, his Grookey chirping in agreement. “Keep an open mind and be flexible. I know you can win this!”
“He’s right! Just do what you always do!” Chloe chimed in.
Ash sighed playfully, combing his fingers through his hair. “What, you mean improvise?”
Everyone laughed.
“Don’t be afraid to switch up your strategies, and pay close attention to Leon’s, is what I mean,” Chloe explained, an air of humor in her voice as she smiled proudly at her friend.
Shrugging his shoulders, Ash replied. “I can probably do that.” Then, he turned to Serena and, for the first time in forever, he felt chills run down his spine. Looking into her striking blue eyes stirred up emotions he had never experienced before.
He still couldn't fathom that she was there; that she came all this way to see him and to cheer him on. A part of him felt like he was dreaming and that, if someone pinched him, he’d wake up from it. But no, she was right here. And she wasn’t going anywhere.
Serena broke the palpable silence between them as she stepped forward. “Here, take this,'' she whispered, a shy smile on her lips as she extended her hand.
Ash looked down at her hand before glancing back up at her quizzically. Holding his hand below hers, he narrowed his eyes curiously, not knowing what to expect from the girl.
She then opened her hand and placed something in his, and Ash couldn’t help but flash a wide smile as he immediately realized what it was. He’d be able to identify that texture anywhere.
In the palm of his hand laid a dainty, thin piece of blue ribbon. It was fraying a bit at the ends, but that was to be expected when the honey blonde had worn it every day for so many years.
“For good luck,” Serena told him, hoping the rosy tint on her cheeks didn’t give her feelings away.
Ash’s lungs suddenly felt heavy, his emotions growing over the sentiment of this gesture. Looking directly into Serena’s eyes, he used her own words from way back then to say, “I’ll cherish it.” Feeling his face heat up, he quickly averted his focus into fastening it around his wrist.
Was he?
No, she wasn’t imagining it. He was blushing.
Goh and Chloe exchanged glances, smirking at their friends’ behavior.
“I hate to break up… whatever this is,” Goh gestured between the two, “But we should probably get going if we want to get good seats. Ash should be getting ready, too.”
Serena straightened her posture, spinning around to face Goh. “You’re absolutely right. We need good seats!” Turning her head over her shoulder, she winked at Ash. “Now, go show Leon what being a champion really means!”
“Right!” Ash nodded before spinning around on his heels. He quickly left their view as he turned the corridor into the waiting area for battlers.
“Come on, let’s get going!” Chloe grinned, practically skipping ahead, Goh and Serena trailing right behind her.
Ash walked with his head down through an empty hallway, trying hard not to look back.
Something didn’t feel right to him though. As he got further and further away, his body started to betray him. His whole body was tingling. At first, he thought it was just the pre-battle nerves. It would’ve been easy to write it off that way, but after he mindlessly stared at the ribbon tied around his wrist, everything clicked together.
Is this what Serena felt like at the airport before she turned around to kiss me?
The thought came out of nowhere, and Ash immediately halted. Serena. Staring at the hallway in front of him, Ash took several deep, erratic breaths, his shoulders rising and falling rapidly.
“Pikapi?” Pikachu protested, tilting its head.
Its trainer could only shake his head. “There’s something I have to do before the battle,” Ash uttered before he turned around and broke out running.
“Pi-Pikachu!” It yelled on his shoulder, waving its hands aggressively.
Ash rolled his eyes, stifling a laugh as he picked up the pace. “Don’t worry, bud. We’ll still get there on time.”
Pikachu rolled its eyes right back, but settled on his shoulder quietly.
Serena, Goh, and Chloe had almost entered the seating area when they heard frantic yelling behind them. They all turned around to see Ash barreling toward them.
“Ash?” Goh sounded completely dumbfounded at the notion that Ash would delay getting to the arena. “What are you doing?”
Serena shared a similar sentiment. Why is he always so reckless?
“You need to go,” Chloe scolded him. “The battle is supposed to start soon.”
Finally catching up to them, Ash wasted no time. “I need,” he started between heavy pants, “to talk to…” Ash’s hands gripped his knees. “Serena.”
Serena’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, lips parting to speak.
Ash didn’t give her the chance, however, because his eyes immediately shifted to Goh and Chloe. “Alone, please.”
That rendered Serena speechless. A dull anxiety began to bubble up in her chest. What could he want to talk about?
Goh raised his eyebrows, crossing his arms. “I don’t think that–”
“What Goh means to say is,” Chloe interjected, grabbing his arm tightly as she flashed a wicked smile. “We’ll grab some nice seats! Just come find us after your talk.” She spared no time, practically dragging a protesting Goh along.
Goh and Chloe began to banter in hushed tones that neither Ash nor Serena could make out as they made their way to the seating area.
Serena could’ve sworn that Chloe winked at her as they rounded a corridor.
Shaking her head, Serena’s attention returned to Ash. “So,” She started, folding her arms. “What’s so important that you’re willing to risk being out there on time to discuss?”
Ash took his hat off and started to ruffle his hair awkwardly. “I’ve never been good at things like this,” He admitted, his hand with his hat in it dropping to his side.
Serena smiled reassuringly, putting a hand on his shoulder. He must be nervous about the battle, right? “It’s okay, take your time.”
Ash’s eyes darted down to her hand. For a moment, he closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. “I just…” Ash had never been good with words, especially at times like this. “Don’t want to mess anything up.”
The confusion was evident on Serena’s face, but she remained silent, hoping to give him some time to figure out how to say whatever he needed to.
Looking at Pikachu, Ash bit his cheeks. “Thinking isn’t something I’m good at. I’m impulsive, and I’m innovative. I just–” Finally, his eyes found her once more and, when their eyes met, something shifted.
Serena hadn’t felt like this in a long time; that giddy feeling being around someone. Not since the Kalos airport, really. Ash always had a way of making her feel like that, but this was a bit different.
The way he looked into her eyes was full of such intensity that it felt like the room was spinning.
Pikachu, as if expecting what was about to come, climbed off of Ash’s shoulder, finding comfort on the floor as it glanced away from its trainer.
“You being here means so much to me. I can’t begin to explain how appreciative I am that you’re here, but it’s also made me realize that--” He cut himself off, closing his eyes once more as his hands balled up into fists. “I just need to take action!”
In a swift action, Ash surged forward, cupping Serena’s cheeks with his hands and pulling her closer to him. He only paused to look intensely into her cerulean eyes, searching for any objections as the distance between them lessened. There weren’t any, however, and so he closed his eyes and pressed his lips against hers.
Serena’s eyes widened in realization. While she had little time to process what was happening, she quickly mimicked his actions, kissing him back as if nothing else mattered. Her hands wrapped around his neck, her fingers playing with his hair.
Things did matter, though, and she knew that he needed to go.
Still, Serena allowed herself to enjoy the moment for just a tad longer before finally pulling away, placing a firm hand on his chest as she let out a giddy laugh. “As much as I’d like to continue this, you have a battle to win.” Reaching down for his hand, her fingers wrapped around his hat–brushing his own fingers in the process–before placing it on his head. “There, now you’re ready to kick some ass.”
Ash smiled, his cheeks flushed red as he took her hand into his. “I’m already a winner.”
Serena rolled her eyes playfully, squeezing his hand. “Haha, very funny,” she quipped. “Now, show the whole world a battle they will never forget!”
Nodding determinedly, Ash dropped her hand and spun around, sprinting back to where he needed to be. “I’ll see you after!”
Pikachu trailed behind its trainer before finally leaping up to his shoulder. “Piiiika!” The yellow mouse smirked, chirping teasingly before nuzzling its head against Ash’s cheek.
Ash couldn’t help but laugh as he maneuvered through the sea of people in front of him. “Don’t patronize me!”
When he walked onto the field and into the trainer box, he wore the biggest smile on his face.
Likewise, when Serena finally found Chloe and Goh, she was also smiling. Bringing her fingers up to her lips, she couldn’t help but blush as she replayed what had just happened in her mind.
As Ash and Leon sent out their first pokemon, Serena clenched her fists.
Give it everything you've got!