Set after Ash's victory over Leon, this is an Amourshipping (Ash x Serena) story. Unlike many others, it won't feature any evil arcs, dramatic twists, or love triangles. Instead, it will be a short and heartfelt love story between Ash and Serena, spanning around 10 to 15 chapters.

Note: In this story, Ash and Serena have not seen each other since their farewell at the Kalos Airport—meaning the events of Journeys episode 105 never occurred.

Characters Age:-

Ash: 17

Serena: 17

Clemont: 18

Bonnie: 9

Gary: 17

May: 16

Max: 9

Lisia: 16

Word Count: 6997

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Pallet Town, Kanto

The golden sun filtered through the familiar trees of Pallet Town, casting long shadows across the sprawling fields behind Professor Oak's Laboratory. The air was rich with the scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of Pokémon calls echoed in the distance. It was peaceful—comforting, even—but to Ash Ketchum, it all felt... quieter than he remembered.

He stood at the center of the training field, cap tilted back slightly, breath steady. Pikachu was perched beside him on a wooden fence, tail swishing lazily as they both watched the scene unfold in front of them.

" Charizard, Flamethrower! Infernape, Dodge and use Mach Punch! "

Two blurs of flame and muscle clashed in the middle of the field, sparks flying as attacks collided. Ash's voice was calm, focused. His eyes followed every movement, every shift in stance, like he always had. But inside, something felt... off.

Infernape leapt into the air with an acrobatic twist, dodging the stream of fire and landing a solid Mach Punch against Charizard's side. The massive dragon-like Pokémon stumbled but regained balance, giving Infernape a proud, approving growl.

" Nice job, both of you! " Ash called out, smiling. Charizard let out a rumbling roar, smoke curling from its nostrils, while Infernape pounded his chest in triumph.

Ash reached for his next Poké Ball. " Sceptile, you're up next! "

The Poké Ball burst open in a shower of green light, revealing his sleek Grass-type partner. Sceptile stood tall, arms crossed, tail swaying with practiced confidence. Across the field, Lucario stepped forward, eyes glowing with steady Aura.

Ash loved this. The thrill of training, of refining strategy, of seeing his Pokémon grow stronger. And yet...

He sighed quietly, barely loud enough for Pikachu to hear.

" Pika? " his partner asked, tilting his head curiously.

Ash smiled down at him and shook his head. " It's nothing, buddy. Just... thinking ".

But Pikachu knew better. After all these years, Ash couldn't hide that kind of sigh, not from him.

Ever since returning from Galar, the entire world had been singing his praises. " Ash Ketchum, World Champion! " " The boy who beat Leon! " News headlines, magazine covers, interviews; he was everywhere. Even Professor Oak had been grinning ear to ear the day he walked back into town, calling it his proudest moment since Ash left for his journey all those years ago.

And sure, it felt good. More than good. It was everything Ash had dreamed of since he was a kid. He had climbed the mountain, battled legends, and stood at the very top.

So why did it feel like something was missing?

He looked around the field. His Pokémon—all of them, or at least the ones that hadn't been released for a greater purpose, were spread out across the area. Bulbasaur and Bayleef were having a vine-whip tug-of-war nearby. Donphan rolled past in a playful blur, narrowly avoiding Snorlax, who was still fast asleep under a tree. Noctowl watched everything from a perch, while Gible chased after Swellow in a zigzag frenzy. Greninja was absent, still patrolling in Kalos with Zygarde but the others, old and new, had come running the moment they sensed his return.

Ash felt their love, their loyalty, and yet...

There was still an emptiness he couldn't quite name.

He glanced at the open notebook in his hand, a scribbled mess of potential training regimens and battle notes. The old fire was there but not burning as bright. He wasn't sure if he wanted to keep battling, or take a break, or maybe even... travel just for fun, without any goal in mind.

" Maybe I'm just tired ", he muttered aloud, mostly to himself.

But it wasn't exhaustion. Not really. It was something else. A restlessness in his chest. A longing he hadn't even realized was there until the adrenaline of victory had worn off.

Professor Oak appeared on the porch, waving his clipboard with a wide grin.

" You've certainly got them back in shape quickly! " Oak called out. " The whole lab's been livelier since you came back, Ash ".

Ash smiled and waved. " Thanks, Professor! "

Oak gave him a knowing look. " Still trying to figure out what's next? "

Ash blinked. " Huh? "

Oak chuckled. " It's written all over your face, my boy. You've climbed your mountain, and now you're wondering which one to climb next ".

Ash scratched the back of his head. " Yeah... I guess so ".

The Professor nodded wisely. " Take your time. Not every journey starts with a Poké Ball. Some start with a question ".

Ash nodded slowly, letting the words sink in as Oak walked back inside.

A question.

That was it, wasn't it? He had everything he ever wanted—title, recognition, strength. But there was still something unresolved, something left behind. A part of him that hadn't quite caught up to everything else.

He turned back toward the field. Sceptile and Lucario were exchanging blows, their movements a blur of steel and grass. Pikachu leapt down from the fence and joined the others, cheering them on with boundless energy.

Ash watched with pride, though the smile never quite reached his eyes. Still, he pressed on with his training, continuing for several more hours until evening began to settle over the landscape.

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, he wiped the sweat from his brow and gave his final command of the day, this time commanding Lucario and Torterra.

" Lucario, Aura Sphere! Torterra, brace with Iron Defense! "

The air rippled as Lucario's attack shot forward, a sphere of pure energy spiraling toward the hulking Grass-type. Torterra grunted as the impact hit, dust kicking up around him. The ground trembled slightly, but the Pokémon stood firm.

Ash held up both hands. " That's enough, you two. Awesome work today ".

Lucario gave a respectful nod to his sparring partner, while Torterra let out a low, satisfied growl. Ash walked over and patted them both. 

The sun had begun its slow descent, staining the sky with streaks of orange and purple. As he turned back to the path toward his house, Pikachu hopped up onto his shoulder, letting out a quiet " Pika... " as if echoing Ash's own fatigue.

" Yeah, buddy. Let's head home ", Ash said softly.

The dirt trail that led from Professor Oak's Lab to his home was etched into his memory, yet each time he walked it, it felt different. Once it had been the path to adventure. Then a road to rest. Now, it was something in between—familiar, safe... and a little too quiet.

When he reached the familiar modest white house with red tiles, he paused for a moment before opening the door.

Inside, the scent of baked bread and curry filled the air. A soft hum came from the television in the living room, along with a voice that Ash didn't recognize at first, but he didn't need to.

The moment he stepped inside and closed the door behind him, he heard it clearly.

" Ash Ketchum, the boy from Pallet Town who rose through the ranks and conquered the World Coronation Series, defeating the undefeated Champion Leon in one of the most thrilling battles in Pokémon history! "

Ash paused in the hallway. He could see the screen from where he stood: a replay of his battle at Wyndon Stadium, massive and colorful, the crowd roaring in unison. Pikachu and Charizard trading final blows in a flurry of light and heat. The entire stadium shaking as the final result was called.

There he was. Arms raised. Smile wide. The confetti raining down like golden snow.

And yet, as Ash watched himself on the screen, he didn't feel that rush anymore. Just a tightness in his chest and a weight in his shoulders.

He heard a gentle clinking of cups from the kitchen.

" Oh, Ash! You're home, sweetie! " His mother called. " Dinner will be ready soon come sit down! "

Ash walked into the living room, giving his mom a tired smile. " Hey, Mom ".

Delia Ketchum was sitting on the couch with a hot cup of tea in her hands. She gave her son a warm look, the same one she'd always given since he was a little boy rushing out the door with a backpack too big for his shoulders.

She patted the seat beside her. " Come, sit for a minute. They were just showing your battle again. I think this is the third time today! "

Ash hesitated for a second before sitting down beside her. Pikachu hopped off and curled up at the couch.

He watched the highlights roll on the screen, the reporters praising every move.

" ...a tactical genius in disguise, Ash's battle awareness was leagues beyond his age group. And that final attack—what a moment! Absolutely unforgettable! "

Ash didn't say a word. He just stared at the screen, expression unreadable.

Delia sipped her tea quietly, eyes flicking between the television and her son. " You've been training all day again, haven't you? "

Ash shrugged. " Yeah. Just keeping the team sharp. Everyone was excited to battle ".

" I'm sure they were. They've missed you ".

He nodded but didn't respond. His eyes drifted back to the battle playing out in front of them. The camera zoomed in on him during his victory—grinning, waving to the crowd, holding the trophy high.

The room fell into silence for a few moments.

Delia turned down the volume slightly and set her cup down. " Ash... "

He blinked and glanced over. " Yeah? "

She gave him that look, the one that said she saw right through him, like only a mother could. " You've been quiet lately ", she said gently. " Even after everything you've accomplished ".

Ash leaned back against the couch, arms crossed.

" I don't know, Mom ", he said, voice low. " I should feel... amazing, right? I beat Leon. I became World Champion. I did what I set out to do since I was ten ".

" And yet ", Delia said softly, " you don't feel finished ".

Ash looked away, eyes narrowing slightly.

" It's like... " He paused, trying to find the right words. " I'm proud of everything. I really am. But ever since I got back, I just... I don't know what I'm supposed to do next ".

Delia listened, nodding without interrupting.

Ash exhaled through his nose and rubbed the back of his neck. " Everyone keeps asking what region I'm heading to next, which Pokémon I would use to defend my title, or who I'm going to challenge. But I don't even know if I want to battle again right now ".

" Do you feel burned out? "

" No. Not burned out. Just... " He stared at the screen again, now showing a commentator panel animatedly discussing strategies. " It's like I reached the top of the mountain, and now I'm just... standing there. Alone ".

The words surprised even him. But once they were out, he didn't take them back.

Delia turned fully toward him, her voice tender. " You've been chasing that dream for so long, Ash. It's okay to stop and breathe. You're allowed to feel unsure, even after something great ".

Ash let his head fall back against the couch cushion, staring at the ceiling. " What if I don't have a next dream? What if that was it? "

She smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead like she used to when he was little.

" I don't think dreams end ", she said. " They just... change ".

Ash closed his eyes. Delia's voice was comforting, like a lullaby he hadn't heard in a long time.

" I didn't expect it to feel like this ", he admitted. " I thought it would be different. I thought I'd feel—complete ".

Delia didn't say anything this time. She just reached over and took his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, the kind that always made him feel like a kid again—safe, grounded, understood.

" You've grown so much, Ash ", she said, her voice soft but steady. " You've seen the world, battled legends, and inspired so many people. But you're still human. Still my son ".

Ash gave a half-hearted chuckle. " Doesn't feel like it when people keep calling me the 'World Champion' ".

Delia smiled knowingly. " Titles are heavy things. They shine bright, but they cast long shadows too ".

Ash turned to look at her, surprised by her words.

She shrugged. " You think I don't understand? When your father left on his journey, people called him a prodigy. A hero. But at home, I saw the cost—the loneliness, the pressure, the weight of expectations. I see it in you too ".

Ash frowned. " I don't feel like a hero. I feel... stuck ".

Delia brushed her fingers through his messy hair, just like she used to when he was younger and came home after a long day playing outside.

" You've always moved forward, Ash. Always chasing something. But sometimes, it's okay to pause. To look around and ask yourself what you want—not just what's expected ".

Ash sighed. " But that's just it... I don't know what I want anymore. Ever since the battle with Leon, I've been asking myself the same thing over and over: What now? "

He sat forward, elbows on his knees, staring at his hands. " I used to think once I became Champion, everything would make sense. But it doesn't. I still wake up feeling... like something's missing ".

Delia tilted her head. " Is it the journey you miss? "

Ash nodded slowly. " Yeah. But it's not just the battling or traveling. It's... the people. The experiences. The surprises. I guess... the feeling that I was heading somewhere, you know? "

He paused, then laughed bitterly. " Now I'm here, and it feels like I reached the end of the road ".

The living room was quiet once again, save for the low hum of the television. The footage of Ash's battle had finally ended, and a new segment had begun—this time, focusing on contests in the Hoenn region.

Delia hadn't turned the volume back up, sensing her son was in one of those thoughtful moods. She continued to sit beside him, her hand still gently resting over his. Ash hadn't pulled away, not because he was still the same five-year-old clinging to his mother for support, but because... somehow, it helped.

He hadn't realized how much he needed this silence—this space to just be.

After a few minutes, Delia finally spoke again, voice soft but steady. " Ash... I think it's natural. What you're feeling ".

Ash tilted his head toward her. " Yeah? "

Delia gave him a warm smile, the kind that could melt anyone's walls. " You spent years pouring your heart into this journey. You faced challenges no one else could even dream of, and you overcame them. But people forget that sometimes the hardest part of a journey... is knowing what to do once you've reached the end ".

Ash was quiet again. Her words hung in the air like morning mist—soft, gentle, but hard to shake. " You think this is the end? " He asked after a moment.

She shook her head. " Not the end, sweetie. Just the end of a chapter. Your book still has many pages left ".

Ash chuckled softly. " You always know what to say ".

" Well ", Delia said, her tone brightening just a touch, " I am your mother. It's kind of my job ".

They shared a light laugh, and Pikachu let out a small " Pika-chu ", clearly approving of the moment.

On the screen, the Contest segment continued. A ribbon ceremony was underway in what appeared to be Mossdeep City. The camera panned over cheering fans, flashing lights, and a grand stage decorated with star-shaped symbols.

" —and with a dazzling performance and elegant appeal round, Serena of Kalos secures her fourth contest ribbon here in Mossdeep! " The announcer declared as glittering confetti rained down.

Ash turned to look at the screen, his expression unreadable.

The girl on stage bowed gracefully, accepting a sparkling ribbon from Mr. Contesta. Her honey-blonde hair flowed behind her as she waved to the crowd. She was radiant, confident, poised, and clearly loved by the audience.

Delia followed Ash's gaze and smiled subtly, but she said nothing.

Serena stood there, flanked by her Pokémon. Her Sylveon wrapped one of her ribbon-like feelers around her arm affectionately. The camera zoomed in on her face as she smiled and held up the ribbon with pride. Her Delphox and Kirlia stood beside her, cheering in their own ways.

Ash didn't say anything. He just watched. Quietly.

Delia gave his hand a small, comforting squeeze but didn't press further. She knew her son well enough to recognize the flicker in his eyes. It wasn't sadness. Not exactly. But it was something close.

The TV host's voice continued enthusiastically. " With just one ribbon remaining, Serena is now one step closer to qualifying for the Hoenn Grand Festival! What a year it's been for her! "

As the crowd cheered on screen, Ash finally leaned back again and rubbed his eyes, the fatigue of the day settling deeper now.

Delia stood up, giving his shoulder a gentle pat. " I'll get dinner ready. You just rest, alright? "

Ash nodded slowly. " Thanks, Mom ".

As she moved toward the kitchen, Pikachu hopped up onto the couch and curled beside Ash's leg. The familiar weight of his partner grounded him. Ash rested a hand on Pikachu's head and stared blankly at the screen, which had now shifted to a summary of contest standings across Hoenn.

Yet the image of Serena holding that ribbon lingered in his mind, uninvited.

He shook his head and sighed. " Why does everything feel so... weird, Pikachu? "

" Pika? " Pikachu looked up at him curiously.

Ash gave a half-hearted smile. " Don't mind me. Just thinking too much, I guess ".

Pikachu yawned, clearly more interested in a nap than philosophical reflection, and nestled into the couch cushion.

Ash leaned back fully and looked at the ceiling again.

What was he missing?

The world now called him Champion. People looked up to him, respected him. His name was spoken in the same breath as legends like Cynthia, Lance, and Leon—in fact even placed above them. And yet, for some reason, the cheers felt distant. The spotlight no longer felt warm. It felt... empty.

He had friends all over the world. He could go to any region and be welcomed with open arms. He could challenge any battle frontier, any Elite Four, and they'd give him a shot without question.

But none of it made him feel whole.

His eyes wandered back to the muted screen, just in time to see Serena walking off the contest stage, her Pokémon flocked around her like joyful children. She said something to a reporter with a light laugh, completely at ease.

She looked happy.

And for a moment... he wasn't sure why that made something in his chest tighten.

He closed his eyes and let out another deep sigh.

Maybe tomorrow he'd go for a walk. Maybe see what Gary was up to. Or Tracey. Maybe even help out at the Lab more, try something different.

He didn't know.

And for the first time in years... that uncertainty scared him a little.

But it also intrigued him.

____________________

Mossdeep City, Hoenn

The cheers of the crowd still echoed in Serena's ears as she stepped backstage, ribbon in hand and heart pounding with lingering adrenaline. The lights of the contest stage had dimmed behind her, but the sparkle of victory hadn't yet faded from her chest.

Sylveon twirled beside her gracefully, humming with delight, while Delphox walked with measured poise, her staff glowing faintly. Kirlia floated just behind them, clapping her small hands in sync with Sylveon's energy.

" You girls were amazing ", Serena said softly, crouching down as Sylveon wrapped one of her feelers around Serena's wrist. " We did it ".

The fourth ribbon glinted in the light as Serena held it up. Another step closer to the Grand Festival.

Another step forward.

A few assistants and fellow coordinators offered congratulations as they passed her in the hallway, and Serena smiled politely at each of them, thanking them with a small nod. She had learned how to carry herself gracefully in public, how to balance the excitement with elegance. After all, performing was more than just dazzling appeals. It was about connection... confidence... heart.

Still, once the doors closed behind her dressing room, she let out a long breath and leaned back against the wall.

Her hand rested on her chest, feeling the quick beat of her heart slowly begin to steady. The buzz from the stage, the energy of the crowd—it was intoxicating, yes. But it was also exhausting in its own way. Not a bad kind of exhaustion. Just... full.

Sylveon bounded up onto the small bench in front of the mirror, admiring her reflection with a sparkle in her eyes. She gave a little twirl, ribbons flaring out dramatically.

Serena chuckled. " You've been hanging around Pancham too much ".

" Syl! " Sylveon chirped happily, clearly taking it as a compliment.

Kirlia and Delphox moved into the room behind her. Delphox crossed her arms, clearly pleased, while Kirlia gave an excited spin and then floated up to nuzzle Serena's cheek.

Serena smiled warmly and stroked her head. " I'm proud of all of you ".

She sat down in front of the mirror and took off her hat, running her fingers through her honey-blonde hair. It had slightly grown longer over the past year. Her face had sharpened a little more—still soft, but older. More refined. There was a time she didn't recognize herself when she looked in this mirror. Now, it was different.

Now, she knew this version of herself.

A knock at the door broke her thoughts. " Miss Serena? " one of the Contest staff called. " There's a reporter from Hoenn TV asking if you'd like to say a few words on camera before the evening recap segment ".

Serena blinked, then glanced at her Pokémon. Sylveon gave her an encouraging nod. Delphox raised an eyebrow with a faint, teasing smirk.

She smiled faintly. " Tell them I'll be out in five minutes ".

" Of course! Congratulations again! "

As the footsteps retreated down the hallway, Serena turned back to the mirror. Her reflection stared back at her—ribbons in hand, pride in her posture, purpose in her eyes.

And yet... somewhere deep inside, beneath all of that...

She blinked and shook her head. Not now, she told herself. 

She stood, smoothed out her skirt, and took a breath.

" All right, girls ", she said, her voice firm but gentle. " Let's go remind the world why we love to do this ".

Sylveon chirped.

Kirlia twirled.

Delphox simply nodded.

Together, they stepped back into the hallway, Serena's footsteps echoing softly as she moved with grace through the winding corridors of the Mossdeep Contest Hall. She greeted the staff with her usual warmth, offering short, thoughtful responses during the brief interview outside under the glow of studio lights.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting golden hues over the sea just beyond the Contest Hall, Serena found herself standing quietly on the balcony overlooking the waves.

The cameras were off now. The staff was busy packing up. Her Pokémon rested nearby, basking in the salty breeze.

Wingulls cried in the distance. The rhythmic rush of the tide offered a strange sort of peace.

Serena leaned on the railing, her fingers curled around the cool metal.

The fourth ribbon fluttered gently in the sea wind, as she held it in her hands.

She looked at it for a moment—really looked. Then closed her eyes.

Four ribbons.

Just one more to go.

And then the Grand Festival.

The very reason for which she was in Hoenn. She had grown so much. She knew that. She wasn't the shy girl she once was. She had changed for good.

But as the wind whispered across the ocean, she found herself thinking about what comes after.

It was the same feeling she always got after each contest win. A flicker of joy, a swell of pride... followed by a question she didn't yet have the courage to answer.

But that was for another day.

She heard a soft rustling beside her. Delphox had approached, her eyes fixed on the horizon too. For a long moment, neither of them spoke.

Then Serena smiled. " I think we'll head to Slateport next. The coordinator circuit's heading that way. We'll have to leave early tomorrow ".

Delphox nodded in understanding.

Behind them, Sylveon gave a long, contented yawn and lay down beside Kirlia.

Serena gave the ocean one final look, then turned back toward her Pokémon. " Let's head back to the hotel ", she said gently. " You all deserve a long rest ".

As she stepped down from the balcony, having recalled her Pokémon into their Poké Balls, she walked into the fading evening light with a lightness in her step and a calmness in her heart.

As she walked along the cobbled pavement toward her hotel, the rhythmic click of her boots the only sound she heard beyond the distant waves crashing against Mossdeep's shore. The contest hall now far behind, she let herself relax as the glow of victory settled quietly in her chest. 

The sky was tinged with deep purple as evening crept in, stars blinking to life one by one. Serena wrapped her jacket a little tighter around her as a salty breeze passed, and she picked up her pace toward the warm lights of the hotel ahead.

By the time she entered the lobby, her stomach gave a soft rumble—reminding her she hadn't eaten much since breakfast. The scent of roasted vegetables and fresh bread from the hotel's dining section was far too tempting to ignore.

The restaurant was quiet this late in the evening. A few travelers dined at tables near the windows, the lights dimmed for a cozy, calm atmosphere. Serena picked a seat near the corner, close to a large screen playing the local news recap. She set her bag gently beside her chair, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as a waiter arrived to take her order.

" Grilled berry salad and a cup of warm soup, please ", she said with a smile.

" Right away, Miss Serena ".

As the waiter left, Serena leaned back in her chair and glanced casually toward the TV.

She froze.

The screen flashed the familiar stadium of the Galar League—Wyndon Stadium, packed with thousands of roaring fans. The camera zoomed in on the field, where Leon's Charizard stood tall and fierce, flames rippling across its wings.

Across from it, a familiar Pikachu stood proudly, cheeks sparking with resolve.

And there he was.

Ash.

His hat turned backward, eyes burning with focus, voice loud and strong as he gave his final command.

" Pikachu! Let's give it our all into this attack! "

The moment burst onto the screen, the arena glowing in gold as Pikachu's electric surge collided with Charizard's blast burn in an explosion of light and fury. Then silence, before the dust settled, and Charizard fell.

The new World Champion stood there, breathless, tired after the most important battle of his life.

The replay slowed down to catch Ash lifting the trophy along with his Pokémon, smiling wider than she'd seen in years, waving to the crowds... overwhelmed but radiant.

Serena's lips parted slightly.

Even though she'd already seen the match live on TV a week ago, watching it again now brought back the same rush of emotions. He had done it. After all these years—so many regions, so many battles—Ash had finally reached the top.

" Serena! "

The voice snapped her out of her thoughts, and she turned to see May waving at her from the nearby buffet counter. A boy with spiky hair stood next to her, holding two plates stacked with desserts.

" May! Max! " Serena stood with a smile as the two approached her table.

May hugged her tightly. " I saw your contest win today! You were incredible as always! "

" You're basically steamrolling through the Hoenn circuit ", Max added with a proud grin. " Only one more ribbon to go, right? "

Serena nodded. " That's the plan ".

They all sat together, May and Max settling in with their food as Serena's meal arrived. For a while, they chatted about contests, old memories, and Serena's next destination. But every now and then, Serena's gaze drifted back to the screen, now replaying Ash's post-victory interview.

" I can't believe he actually beat Leon ", Max said, watching the screen. " I mean... I can believe it, but—wow. Ash has really come so far ".

" He always had it in him ", May said softly, smiling. " Even when we were traveling in Hoenn, he had this fire in him. Like nothing could stop him ".

Serena didn't say anything at first. Her gaze was fixed on the TV, where Ash stood with Pikachu on his shoulder, waving at the camera with that same carefree grin she remembered all too well.

He looked the same, and yet... different.

Older. Sharper. Stronger.

But his eyes...

His eyes still held that same spark.

As the segment ended and the program shifted to other league highlights, Serena found herself falling quiet. Her food sat untouched for a few minutes as her thoughts drifted elsewhere.

May noticed and tilted her head. " Serena? You, okay? "

Serena blinked and quickly offered a soft smile. " Yeah, sorry. Just... thinking ".

She stirred her soup absently, the spoon swirling through it slowly. Her mind wasn't in the hotel anymore.

It was in Kalos.

Back to Lumiose City.

To the Prism Tower lit up against the night sky.

To early mornings at the Pokémon Center with croissants and hot chocolate.

To long walks through forest trails and battlefields. To Bonnie's endless energy, Clemont's inventions, Pikachu's laughter.

And Ash.

Always Ash.

She remembered the first time she'd seen him again at the Santalune Gym. The boy who'd helped her when she was lost at the summer camp years ago. The same boy whose hand she had held through the fires of self-doubt.

Their journey across Kalos was more than a simple adventure. It was growth. It was friendship... and, for her, it was love.

She had known by the time their journey ended. Known it so deeply that she hadn't been able to walk away without telling him. That kiss—her first—had been her way of saying everything she couldn't put into words.

And he had let her.

He didn't pull away.

He stood there, stunned but smiling.

And then she left for Hoenn.

2 Years had passed. And still... she thought of him.

Especially now, seeing him on that screen, crowned World Champion.

She wondered how much he had changed. Whether he remembered their kiss. Whether... he thought about her too.

" Serena? " May asked gently.

Serena looked up and offered a real smile this time. " I'm fine. Really ".

" Alright, I can't keep watching you zone out like that every time Ash's name pops up ", May said, her lips tugging into a sly grin as she placed her spoon down on the empty dessert plate. " Just admit it—you're still thinking about him ".

Serena blinked, slightly flustered. " I'm not zoning out! "

" You are ", Max said bluntly, biting into a puff pastry. " You've looked at the TV like, six times in the last ten minutes. And the broadcast ended fifteen minutes ago ".

Serena puffed her cheeks slightly and crossed her arms, staring at the soup she'd barely touched. " It's not a crime to think about an old friend ".

" True ", May leaned in on her elbows with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. " But not when you've had a very special goodbye kiss with said old friend. You kissed him and then vanished into the contest world. You never even tried to talk to him after that, did you? "

Serena sighed, her shoulders dropping. " I thought about it. So many times. But... he's been so busy. Traveling across regions, chasing his dream, and now he's the World Champion. It felt selfish to just drop into his life again when he has so much going on ".

May offered her a gentle, understanding smile. " Serena, you're not just some girl from the past. You matter to him. The way he acted, so respectful, so considerate like you told me—that's not something I've seen him do with anyone else before. And honestly, after that kiss? I'd say you're much more than just a companion in his memories ".

" I... " Serena hesitated, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. " It's not that easy, May. What if he doesn't feel the same way? What if he's forgotten about it? Or—what if he moved on? "

May tilted her head. " You won't know unless you reach out ".

Max leaned back in his chair and said nonchalantly, " Or you can send him a congratulations letter. Keep it casual. Just... say hi, tell him you saw the match, and you're proud of him ".

Serena blinked.

A letter?

She hadn't talked to Ash in so long. Not since she left Kalos, really. Not once. The idea sounded... so simple. So normal. So, like something she would do.

" He means ", May continued, shrugging, " you don't have to confess anything in it. But wouldn't it be nice to let him know someone out there is cheering for him too? "

Serena rested her chin on her palm, deep in thought. " A letter...? "

" You always were good with words ", May added. " Remember that note you wrote me after my Johto Grand Festival loss? I still have it in my scrapbook. You wrote it with so much heart, I cried ".

" Yeah, and then she made me read it out loud to her like five times ", Max teased, earning a playful nudge from May.

Serena chuckled softly. " I remember that ".

Her eyes drifted once more to the screen. It now displayed a weather forecast, but her mind painted Ash's image there instead—grinning, surrounded by his Pokémon, the world cheering his name.

" Just imagine him receiving your letter ", May said gently. " He'd smile. He needs a smile, even now ".

Serena turned to her friend. " What do you mean? "

May's voice softened. " Well, think about it. He won. He's the World Champion now. But... don't you think someone like Ash, who's always been about bonds and friendships, might be feeling a little... I don't know... lost, now that the journey's over? You know him, Serena. When he isn't moving, when he isn't chasing something, he feels out of place ".

Serena's heart tightened slightly at that. She remembered those quiet moments with Ash—after long battles, on quiet evenings near a campfire, where he'd look up at the stars with that pensive look, he didn't let others see too often.

He did feel lost sometimes.

She understood it.

She felt it too.

Serena took a slow breath and nodded. " Okay ".

May raised a brow. " Okay? "

" I'll write a letter to him ", Serena said, her voice growing firmer. " Even if it's just to say congratulations. I'll write it from the heart. I don't know what he's feeling, but... if he's even a little bit like the Ash I traveled with, then maybe hearing from me will make his day better ".

May grinned. " That's the Serena I know ".

Max smirked. " Well, if this ends with a wedding, I expect to be the ring bearer! "

May burst out laughing. " Let's not get ahead of ourselves but I wouldn't mind being the maid of honour ".

Serena's blushed a little although a small smile lingered as the thought settled in her heart. She didn't need to overthink it. She would write it tonight. Maybe she wouldn't pour her entire heart onto the page... but she would let Ash know she hadn't forgotten him. That she still supported him.

That she still cared.

Maybe, just maybe... that would be enough to open a door.

And if fate wanted it...

Perhaps it wouldn't be the last letter between them.

____________________

Pallet Town, Kanto

The sky outside had dimmed to a warm shade of indigo, with the soft chirping of nocturnal Pokémon echoing through the trees surrounding Pallet Town. Inside the cozy warmth of the Ketchum household, the dinner table had been cleared. The scent of Delia's homemade food still lingered in the air, and Pikachu was curled up on Ash's bed, already half-asleep.

Ash sat by the window in his room, his elbows resting on the windowsill, eyes unfocused as they gazed at the stars. His battle with Leon still felt like a dream. The roars of the crowd, the thunderous energy of Gigantamax Charizard and Pikachu's 10000000 Volt Thunderbolt shining bright—it had all been so much.

He was the World Champion now.

People across the world were celebrating his victory. He'd received congratulatory messages even now, reporters were calling Professor Oak's Lab and his home nonstop, hoping for interviews.

But despite the glory, the title, and the journey that had brought him here... Ash couldn't shake off a strange emptiness that clung to him in the quiet moments.

Isn't this what I wanted? he thought, brows furrowing. Isn't this what I've worked so hard for?

And yet, something was missing.

His thoughts drifted to earlier that evening, when the TV had switched from a recap of his final battle to coverage of the latest Contest in Mossdeep City. He hadn't been paying much attention, until he heard the name.

Serena.

There she was. On stage with her Sylveon, Delphox, and Kirlia—moving with grace, confidence, and that warmth she carried like a flame in the cold.

Ash hadn't seen her in person since the day they parted at the airport in Lumiose. He remembered the way she called his name one last time, how she turned back, stepped close, and kissed him.

Right on the lips.

He blinked, rubbing the back of his neck.

He'd never forgotten that.

He wasn't sure how to forget it even if he wanted to.

She had looked so happy tonight, holding up her fourth ribbon, waving to the crowd with her Pokémon beside her. The way her eyes sparkled—it was the same determination he saw during their Kalos journey, when she found her passion for showcases and decided to pursue it no matter what.

Ash leaned back against the headboard, arms folded behind his head as he looked up at the ceiling.

Kalos felt like both yesterday and a lifetime ago.

He thought of Clemont, always tinkering with his inventions. Of Bonnie, her endless energy and fondness for Pokémon. And Serena, quiet and gentle, but with a fire inside her. She'd grown so much during their travels. They all had.

His mind went further back to that summer camp at Professor Oak's when they were kids. He remembered the time Serena hurt her knee, and he helped her up, smiling like it was nothing. He barely remembered what he said to her back then, but she did.

She always remembered.

Ash smiled faintly. " Serena is truly amazing ".

Pikachu stirred slightly from the bed, his ears twitching.

" I mean ", Ash added quickly, " She's amazing—like, as a Performer. Not just... yeah ".

He trailed off.

The thing was, he didn't know why he kept thinking about her.

He didn't know why seeing her on TV made his chest feel heavy in a weird, fluttery way. It wasn't like he didn't care about his other friends too. He still remembered Dawn's smile, Misty's sass, Iris's challenges, May's coordination skills, Bonnie's excitement, Mallow's cooking, Lana's love for fishing, Lillie's intelligence and Chloe's love for school... But thinking about Serena always left this lingering warmth behind, like something unfinished.

Like a story waiting for its next chapter.

Ash frowned slightly.

He wasn't stupid. He'd seen people talk about love. He'd seen couples travel together, he'd watched Clemont's face turn red every time Bonnie would try to find a bride for him. He even understood the idea of someone liking someone else.

But him?

Was that what he was feeling?

He closed his eyes, replaying the moment Serena kissed him once more in his mind. The way her eyes looked up into his after she pulled away. She didn't say much, but she didn't have to.

She meant something with that kiss.

And maybe... maybe he was supposed to understand what.

He didn't—not entirely.

But he knew one thing.

He missed her.

Not just the Performer Serena.

Not just the old friend Serena.

He missed her. Her laugh. Her voice. Her way of encouraging him when things got rough. The way she stood by him when he struggled with battles or doubts. She believed in him, like no one ever had.

" I wonder what she's doing now... " Ash murmured.

Pikachu opened one eye and chirped softly, as if saying, maybe thinking about you.

Ash chuckled and stood up, pulling the window open slightly to let the night breeze in. He leaned against the frame, looking up at the stars. Kalos seemed so far away from Pallet Town, and yet it felt close in his heart.

Would she even want to hear from me?

He hadn't written because he didn't know where she might be. He hadn't called because he didn't have her number. Life had gotten busy, and the journeys never seemed to end. But that didn't mean he had forgotten. Not for a single moment.

He looked down at his hand, curling it into a fist.

" Maybe I should...  " He began but then trailed off again.

Write to her, but at what address? Call her, but at what number?

He didn't know.

He didn't understand these feelings, but...

He knew they were real.

And across the sea, under the same sky, Serena stood by her hotel window—staring out at the stars, her letter still unwritten.

She closed her eyes.

Their thoughts, like a whisper shared across the wind, echoed at the same time in both hearts—

" Even after all this time, I still think about you. I wonder... do you ever think about me too? "