Ash stared blankly at himself in the mirror. What on earth was he about to do? This wasn't him at all. It was one thing to carefully pick out a suit for going to a dance with Serena, but to wear whatever this monkey suit was for some weird TV interview was another whole can of Wurmple. Pikachu didn't seem too happy with the grooming he'd had, either. They were both dressed up or styled weird, in Ash's opinion. He didn't like it, no matter what the reason was. He was only doing it because Serena had convinced him.

"Excuse me Ash?" a voice said from the other side of his changing room door.

"Yeah...yeah I'm ready," Ash muttered. He looked at Pikachu. "Let's go, buddy," he said, and the electric mouse hopped on his shoulder.

Not long after his semi finals victory over Calem, Ash had set off for the Pokemon centre with Serena to get Pikachu and the others healed up. While waiting, he'd been ambushed by President Goodshow, who begged him to do an interview as a way for fans to get to know him better before the final match. Unbelievably, he'd managed to convince Alain as well. It actually kind of freaked Ash out. It should have been him that was easy to get for this purpose, but it turned out to be Alain.

Eventually, Serena told Ash he should do it. She seemed to think it was a good way to show everyone that he was more than a skilled battler. It made him kind of realize that his popularity had mainly been for that reason. Sure, people knew he'd played a part in saving Lumiose City, but their excitement over him had mainly been due to the mysterious Greninja evolution and his unconventional but very effective battling. He did see the value in showing he was a human being.

Ash took a deep breath and then made his way to the door. He paused once again before leaving and exhaled slowly, then opened it. The studio assistant, or whatever she was supposed to be, waved for him to follow her and she led him down the hallway. It grew brighter as they approached the filming area. Ash saw the spotlights shining brightly at a couch and two chairs, which surrounded a large coffee table. Currently, Goodshow, Diantha and Professor Sycamore, were having their interview with Alain. Ash hovered at the edge to hear.

"So Alain," President Goodshow started, sounding serious as he lowered his voice, "one of the most intriguing aspects of your story is, of course, the Team Flare...connections. Could you shed some light on that?"

Ash looked at Alain, feeling bad that the older trainer was being put in a situation where he had to discuss a difficult part of his life. However, Alain just nodded and smiled, before beginning to talk. "I knew that one was coming," he joked, getting a laugh from the studio audience that Ash had only just noticed. "It's a long story, but I'll just share some of the more important and also less private details.

"The first thing I think I should mention, is that a great deal of my time working with and for Lysandre, was actually very enjoyable. It helped me learn about my passion, in both mega evolution and Pokemon. You have to understand, I had no idea what Lysandre did behind the scenes. I just thought he was a magnificent scientific mind.

"Through Lysandre, I was able to achieve a lifelong goal of mine, and acquire a mega stone and key stone so I could mega evolve my Charizard, who I consider my best friend to this very day. Well, him and someone else, who I don't want bothered, so I won't mention her name. For the record, I met her thanks to my work with Lysandre as well. I wouldn't have travelled as much without that job and a large part of my life would be empty without her." Ash chuckled to himself, knowing Alain was referring to Mairin, who actually probably would've loved a TV shoutout.

Sycamore leaned forward after Alain paused. He seemed particularly interested in the story. "So when did you learn you weren't in a good situation?"

Alain was silent as he thought for a moment. His gaze flitted over to Ash and then he looked at Sycamore. "My upcoming opponent was the one that opened my eyes. Ash defended my friend and even was a friend to me after I attacked him. I was able to see just how poisonous the people Lysandre associated with were. Ash showed me light, when I realized I was in the dark. And that is why I'm going to beat him in the finals. I know he likes nothing more than a good challenge. I plan to give him his hardest one yet, as my way of thanking him."

And with that, Alain seemed to have decided that the interview was over. Ash smiled to himself as they wrapped it up. Alain was right. If he really wanted to thank Ash, giving him a tough, gruelling battle was the way to do it, no matter how weird it sounded. All that mattered to Ash, was that he and Alain understood.

"Up next," Goodshow suddenly said, "we've got the young and impressive hero of Lumiose City. Kanto's own, Ash from Pallet Town!" As Ash made his way over to his seat, he glanced at the applauding studio audience. He immediately saw Serena, smiling and waving next to an excited Bonnie.

When Ash sat down, Diantha greeted him, and then posed the first question of the interview. "Well Ash, how was that battle earlier today?"

Ash smiled gratefully at the Kalos Champion. This was definitely the question to put him at ease. "It was one of the toughest battles I've ever had. All of my Kalos League battles have been tough. This one was unique, though. Calem seemed to have a counter for everything I threw at him."

Diantha nodded, smiling at the cameras and then back at Ash. "Pikachu performed quite admirably, but I must ask, why did you not use your sixth Pokemon, which I believe was registered as your very popular and powerful Greninja?"

Ash looked at Pikachu, who hopped down off of his shoulder and into his lap. Ash started petting the electric mouse as he looked back at Diantha. "Simple. Pikachu really wanted to win this. We've come so far together and really, it was only right to fight that last battle as a team."

"A true sign of a trainer and Pokemon being the truest of friends," Sycamore chimed in. "I said before that I thought Calem could match you in that, but honestly, Ash, your ability to understand and work with your Pokemon is astounding. Your love for them and the same in reverse allows for limitless energy, it seems."

Ash didn't really know what to say to that, but decided to nod. "Um...thank you."

"Pi-pikachu!" Pikachu happily shouted.

"You know what?" Goodshow asked, causing Ash, Sycamore and Diantha to look at him. "All this talk about Ash and his Pokemon...I think we should get a true backstory, from the young hero himself."

Ash blinked nervously, but suddenly everyone seemed to be yelling in agreement from the audience. He was even pretty sure he heard Bonnie's voice among them. He finally just nodded and put on a fake smile. When he started, everyone grew quiet. His story, was one that everyone wanted to hear.

"Well, if you say so. I guess I should start with my first day as a trainer. Believe it or not, Pikachu wasn't my choice. I woke up late and missed getting to pick my starter. Professor Oak gave me Pikachu only because I was desperate. Actually, we didn't even get along until we helped each other with a flock of Spearow, which was led by what is now Calem's Fearow. After that, we were best friends.

We ended up travelling with a couple of gym leaders from Kanto. Misty, a water trainer, from Cerulean City, and Brock, a Pokemon breeder and doctor, from Pewter City. The three of us travelled all across Kanto together, while I collected my badges. Actually, they know the Pokemon I used today better than anyone else. They probably still barely believe that Charizard listens to me, considering how he sort of hated me for awhile.

"I ended up losing in the final sixteen of the Indigo League, and then I challenged the Orange League. I won four badges there, and then challenged their Champion, Drake. Pikachu ended up beating his Dragonite and getting me the win after a long six versus six battle which was my first ever full battle.

"Our journey still had a long way to go, though. I ended up hearing about the Johto region and decided to battle their gyms and compete in the Silver Conference. That was where my Charizard showed his strength. He was the key in me beating my long time rival, Gary, and then he barely lost in a really tough battle against my next opponent's Blaziken.

"Once losing in the top eight in Johto, I once again set off for another journey, to the Hoenn region, this time on my own. However, I met my friend May and her brother, Max, quite early, and then Brock showed up not long after that. Then, in Hoenn, I challenged their gyms, while supporting May as she competed in contests. We both fell a bit short, but then our group stayed together, as we all went back to my own region, Kanto. May once again started competing in contests, while I took on the Battle Frontier. It was tough for both of us, but finally, May got her ribbons and had another strong showing in the Grand Festival. Meanwhile, I actually ended up conquering the Battle Frontier, Pikachu, Charizard, Bulbasaur and Squirtle, getting me past Brandon.

"I was actually invited to be a Frontier Brain, but I chose to decline, still feeling the urge to travel. Pikachu and I set off for the Sinnoh region, where we reunited with Brock, and then met my friend Dawn, an aspiring coordinator like May. It was in Sinnoh where I found a rival, named Paul, that tested everything I had. As Dawn and I collected our ribbons and badges, I was motivated to get better, losing to Paul pretty much every time I fought him. After Dawn nearly won the Grand Festival, narrowly losing to a tough rival named Zoe, I competed in the Lily of the Valley Conference. I went up against Paul in the quarterfinals and I finally beat him, his old Chimchar, now an Infernape, being key to the victory.

"However, beating Paul didn't mean I was a Pokemon Master. I lost pretty badly in the semi finals to a guy named Tobias, who had a Darkrai. After that, I knew there was more to do and took on the Unova League. My travels through Unova led to me meeting my friends Iris, a dragon Pokemon trainer, and Cilan, a gym leader but aspiring Pokemon connoisseur. After our travels, I fought in the Vertress Conference, losing in the quarterfinals, motivating me to be much better for my next challenge, the Kalos League."

Ash finally paused here, taking a few deep breaths. He couldn't believe how much he was saying, but surprisingly, it was so easy to do it. He was talking about all the amazing journeys he'd had, and he was realizing something from it. They'd all led up to this last journey through Kalos. The journey that was meant to be. The journey that would lead him to the only person that could make him realize true love. Thinking of Serena made it easy to start talking again.

"I came to Kalos with one goal in mind. Win and win again and after that, win. I know there's more to being a Pokemon Master than winning one league, but I also know that you need to win the league first, so you can battle against those who are on the path to being Pokemon Masters. I was so focused on winning, I rushed to my first gym. It was a mess that ended in me making two great friends.

"Clemont and Bonnie helped me out after an...um...incident at the Lumiose gym. And after that, I met another close friend. While Clemont and I were having a battle, we were attacked and then a Froakie hurt himself saving Pikachu. We quickly took him to Professor Sycamore to heal him.

"Apparently Froakie really appreciated that. Or maybe it was that he saw me save Garchomp on Prism Tower, or me jumping down to save Pikachu. Regardless, he ended up choosing me, after he'd been in conflict with so many other trainers. That Froakie...well now he's one of the strongest Pokemon in the world. The Greninja that can change his form.

"But Clemont, Bonnie and Greninja weren't the only friends I made. There was Fletchling, now a Talonflame. Then there was Hawlucha, the Forest Champion. I even met a weak little Goomy who's now a fierce but still friendly Goodra. There was even an egg that hatched into a baby Noibat, who grew up so quickly and is now my loyal Noivern.

"I met a lot of great people and Pokemon in Kalos. It's been my favourite journey. But one thing has made it particularly special. One person has lit up the dark days. She's warmed up the cold nights. She's made me confident when I've doubted myself. She's loved me even when I've pushed her away. Serena, the one who taught me what it was like to fall in love."

Ash was about to keep going, but then his mind caught up to what his lips were spewing out, and his jaw clenched immediately. He'd really said a lot. And the crowd had definitely enjoyed his very sappy ending to his monologue.

The three adults interviewing him were looking at him with respect, though. There was no mocking of his words. In fact, Ash was realizing he'd done just what Serena had hoped he would do. He'd shown himself to be more than a battle-bot. He was just a guy who loved meeting Pokemon and making friends. And it just turned out that he'd fallen in love while doing those things.

Ash decided to end off with one thing. "I know Alain said he was going to beat me, and I'm glad he thinks he will, but I just want everyone to know, I'm winning this. I'm winning this for Serena."

"Oh my little boy, you looked so handsome on TV!" the smiling woman named Delia squeaked out, running out of the Pokemon centre towards Serena, Ash, Clemont and Bonnie. She grabbed Ash in a huge hug and Serena heard him groan in embarrassment, but it was then followed by a slight laugh.

"Hi mom," Ash mumbled, his voice muffled by his mother hugging him. "I'm glad to see you, too."

Delia finally released her son and stepped back to look at him. "Look at you, sweetie. You're finally here. You're in the finals of a Pokemon League!"

Serena smiled as she looked at her proud boyfriend. "Yeah, but it was my Pokemon that got me here. And my other friends as well. And..."

"Oh goodness!" Delia yelled, turning to Serena, Bonnie and Clemont, but locking eyes with Serena. "How rude of me! It's so nice to meet you all in person. Oh Serena, sweetie, you're even prettier in person than on the phone. Ash is so lucky."

"Oh...um...thank you," Serena stammered out, a bit uncomfortable with the praise. In her mind, she was the lucky one. "Um...Ash is always very respectful," she muttered, trying to make sure Ash didn't get needlessly scolded later for no reason. She was well aware of mothers finding things to get upset about. "He's...um-"

"Well didn't you watch the interview?" Bonnie suddenly asked.

"Bonnie!" Clemont scolded. "Don't be so rude."

The little blonde girl ignored her brother. This was the one time Serena liked Bonnie's spontaneous outbursts of words, though, as it was in support of Ash. "He showed everyone exactly how he feels about Serena."

Serena blushed at that, feeling awkward that Ash's mom would have seen that, but Delia was just smiling and nodding. "Oh yes," she said happily, "my Ash is such a gentleman."

"Uh...right," Ash muttered. "You know, I'm kind of tired. That was a tough battle and that interview wasn't easy, either."

"Oh yes, dear, you go to bed," Delia quickly said. "And don't you and Serena get up to anything. You're too young for that."

Serena knew she was as red as a tomato. Why would Delia say that? She didn't think... "Too young for what?" Ash asked, yawning. He then just shook his head and started turning away, taking Serena's hand as he headed towards where there room was. "Goodnight, mom."

"Serena...Serena!" Ash hissed, poking his sleeping girlfriend awake.

"Huh?" Serena mumbled, slowly opening her eyes. "Ash...what are you doing?"

Ash blushed. It had seemed so obvious to him, but now he realized that Serena wouldn't have any clue what he was doing. He just decided to go ahead and explain. "Well...since we get the day off before the finals tomorrow, I thought you and I could spend the day together. Just us."

Serena quickly sat up at that, smiling a little. "Really?" Ash nodded, but then Serena looked a little worried. "But your mom and Professor Oak just got here. Don't you want to spend time with them?"

Ash smiled, thinking about his conversation with his mom just a few minutes ago. "My mom told me to prepare in whatever way makes me feel the most comfortable. Easy choice, right?"

Serena smiled and then grabbed Ash in a tight hug. "You don't even realize how great a boyfriend you are, do you?"

"Um...you're a great girlfriend. The best," Ash managed to croak out, barely controlling his embarrassment. "So...do you want to go?"

Serena nodded and hopped out of bed. "Yeah, I'll be ready in a few minutes."

Ash stepped outside to wait, smiling to himself. It really was the way he wanted to spend his day. It was kind of crazy, because before Serena, it would've been a day dedicated to training. However, Serena had allowed him to see the value in just sitting back and relaxing. And doing so with her, was more exciting than any battle.

After a few minutes, Serena stepped out of the room and stopped in front of Ash, looking quite excited. "So...what is it you wanted to do? Should we eat first?"

Ash held back a laugh at that question. This girl really knew him. Only she would make sure to ask about his eating schedule. However, he'd planned ahead for that. "Brock packed some food for us. We're good to go." He gave her a wink and then clicked open a pokeball, releasing Noivern in front of them. He then set Pikachu on the ground and called out his other Pokemon. His Kalos team, which he'd called Tracey for, as Oak was now at the league. "Noivern, could you take Serena and I to Prism Tower? It's not far." Noivern immediately nodded, and lowered himself so that Serena could get on. Ash then looked at the others. "I want you guys to do whatever you want today. You know why?" They all looked at him in interest. "You need to be loose for our big battle tomorrow."

"Lucha?"

"Flame?

"Goodra?"

"Vern?"

Hawlucha, Talonflame, Goodra and Noivern were all quite excited by this announcement. They were getting to participate in their trainer's biggest match and that was definitely something special, considering the powerful Pokemon that each were aware he possessed. Ash wanted them for a reason, though. They'd put him through the Kalos gyms, and now they deserved to get him to the top at the Kalos League.

Serena stroked Noivern's neck fur, congratulating him, and then she pulled out her three pokeballs. Pancham, Delphox and Sylveon emerged. Delphox immediately went to Greninja's side, while Sylveon went to Pikachu's. "You three enjoy yourselves as well. Just don't go crazy," Serena told her Pokemon, giving an extra smile to Sylveon and Pikachu, the latter still nervous despite having gone around the trainer's village with Sylveon the first night. Ash knew he'd be fine, though.

"Alright," he said, getting onto Noivern's back, in front if Serena, who wrapped her arms around him, "Noivern will be back here soon. See you guys later." Noivern quickly kicked off from the ground at that, and they were off, waving to their Pokemon as they flew away.

Ash and Serena didn't talk on the way to Prism Tower. There wasn't much point, as the rushing wind was quite loud, and the city sounds increased as they neared their destination. It wasn't too long a journey, though, and Prism Tower was in sight in only a few minutes. Once Noivern saw it, he flapped his wings hard and sped towards it. He landed softly on the platform at the top. Near where Lysandre had fought both Ash and Alain. Who would've thought both would become the finalists in the Kalos League when all that was going on?

Ash quickly hopped off Noivern and then helped Serena down. "Thanks a lot Noivern," Ash said to his dragon type. "Now you go and have a great day. Uh...we'll contact you when we're ready to come back." Noivern gave a quick nod, flapped his wings, and shot off into the sky, heading back towards the group waiting for him.

"So..." Serena said quietly from behind Ash, sounding a bit different than usual.

Ash turned and looked at her, a hint of confusion on his face. "Um...well I just thought you'd like to spend some...what is that?" Ash's jaw dropped when he saw Serena wasn't looking at him, but a blanket with candles and plates.

"You really planned this all out, didn't you?" Serena asked excitedly, sitting down blanket.

Ash just mouthed to himself quietly, sitting down across from her. He had no idea where this was all from. He poked at one of the candles and then fiddled with a plate. He suddenly felt something odd under it and picked up a piece of paper.

Ashy boy,
I overheard your conversation with your mom and I knew I had to help you out. You didn't really think you could take a girl to the top of a tower without a picnic or something, did you? At least think of a blanket next time. Oh well, that's what I'm for, I guess.
Anyways, I set off over here to Prism Tower right away, after quickly getting some stuff from Brock, who apparently keeps all this romancey stuff with him at all times. Weird, right? Hopefully I set it up right and you and Serena like it.
Smell ya later,
Gary
P.S. No, Ashy boy, don't tell her about this. She's about to ask, so just say it's a list of stuff you made for this date. And her next question will be how did you do it? Answer is that you got up early in the morning and set off straight away. Simple enough. Anymore and you're on your own.

"What's that?" Serena asked, making Ash jump and shove the letter away.

"It's...um...a list of stuff I made for this date." Ash had no idea where Gary had learned about this girl stuff, but the more alarming thing at the moment was the future-telling note he had left. He shook his head. That didn't matter at the moment. Only Serena mattered. "So...do you like it?" he asked, watching her gaze at him with the widest grin she'd ever had.

"Of course!" Serena squeaked, looking at everything with wide, happy eyes. "This is amazing, Ash. How did you do it?"

Ash tensed at that question, as it showed Gary's future-telling skills once again. "I got up early and set off right away," Ash said, sticking to Gary's script. He was a bit irritated, as the effort he did put in, was now being overshadowed by what Gary had done behind the scenes. He had thought he'd done so well.

Serena narrowed her eyes. "But...Noivern didn't seem to have done any flying," she said. "He looked like he'd just woken up, actually."

"I used Talonflame," Ash lied, instantly realizing it was a bad one. He could've at least said he'd transferred Pidgeot back.

"Ash...something's off here," Serena said suspiciously. "Tell me what's up."

Ash gulped and then pulled out the note from Gary and handed it to her. As she read it, he became nervous that she'd want to leave right away, but instead, Serena just giggled a bit and scrunched up the note and tossed it aside. "You're not mad."

"No, why would I be?" Serena asked, getting a bit more comfortable in her spot. "I know you did a lot to set this up. Who cares if Gary decided to help a bit? It's nice that you have friends who support you that much."

Ash smiled gratefully at that. "Yeah, I guess it is." He then shuffled over so he was sitting next to Serena. "You know, as supportive as my other friends are, nobody is as supportive as you."

Serena blushed and leaned her forehead against Ash's. "Really?"

"Really," Ash said seriously, taking both of her hands in his. "Whenever I'm in a battle, even before we became a couple, I can always look at you or hear your voice, and know that I can win."

Serena leaned back at that and looked Ash in the eyes. "Even before we were together?"

"I think so, now that I look back on it," Ash answered honestly, feeling his heart starting to beat just a little faster. "You...have that effect on me, I guess."

"It's the same for me," Serena said quickly, eyes lighting up. "I just need to look at you or remember what you've said, and my showcases become a lot easier."

Ash took a deep breath and smiled, his heart speeding up more and more every second that passed. "Tomorrow, if there's a moment where I need you, you'll be there, right?"

"What kind of question is that? Of course!" Serena answered back, actually sounding a bit upset.

"I know," Ash said quickly. "I know, it's just, I don't know what this will be like and I just like to hear you say you'll be there. It helps keep my head in the game."

"Are you nervous?" Serena asked, a bit of concern in her voice.

"Yeah, but you know me. I like a bit of nervousness. It just turns into excitement with me." Ash clenched his jaw. It was actually kind of terrifying what he was about to accomplish. Fighting in the finals was his greatest challenge yet. He was confident, of course, but he had doubts. Alain was his toughest opponent. Ash knew that Alain was probably capable of defeating all his past opponents who had ended his league runs. Cameron for sure, Ritchie, Harrison, Tyson, and even Tobias. Alain just seemed to have that special quality to him.

"You're going to win," Serena assured him, leaning forward so they were nose to nose, making his heart start to really pound. "You'll beat Alain." She then pressed her lips to his, making blood rush to his head and the noise of his heart drum through his ears. "And then," she said, lips moving along his as she spoke, "you'll beat Diantha. You'll be the Champion. Just the way it should be." Ash just closed his eyes and pulled her closer to finish the kiss. His mom was right. He was really, really lucky. The luckiest person in the world.

It was the middle of the night, after what may very well have been the best day of Serena's life. However, the day with Ash hadn't relaxed her. No, it had completely invigorated her. Just her and Ash for a whole day. They were able to talk and...do more than talk. Nobody interrupted them. Not Bonnie. Not Clemont. It was really just them.

Unfortunately, her heart was pumping so much that she couldn't sleep. This did allow her to notice when the door opened, though. She whipped her head around and noticed Ash's bed was empty. She instantly rolled her eyes. It was one thing for her not to sleep, but he had a big day tomorrow. He needed rest.

Serena quickly hopped out of bed and grabbed her shoes and set off after him. He was actually moving quite fast, so it was kind of hard to keep up. It seemed like he wanted to go somewhere, that was for sure. She would have called out to him, but since it was night, she decided that wasn't the best move. She just did her best to catch up, which wasn't going well. However, she saw the arena ahead, and realized he might be heading there.

Her suspicions were confirmed when she rounded a corner and saw Ash going through a door, into the arena. She quickly ran ahead and headed in the same way. She was a bit surprised it wasn't locked, but that wasn't her concern right now. She didn't know exactly where to go, but followed her gut feeling and just walked towards the stands near the battlefield. She headed through one of the archways and then she saw him.

Ash was at the edge of the stands, staring out at the battlefield, finally standing still. He looked a little tense, but otherwise quite peaceful. Serena knew he was imagining what would be playing out in the area in front of him the next day. Perhaps a fierce battle between Pikachu and Metagross. And, of course, Greninja and Charizard. Serena was excited herself, so she knew Ash definitely was.

She was about to go out to Ash, when two people emerged from another hallway, making their way towards him. Serena quickly noticed it was Brock and Misty.

"Ash, you need to learn how to sleep," Misty said, stopping next to him and giving Pikachu a quick scratch behind the ears.

"All fired up from your date with Serena?" Brock asked, although he seemed to be joking. Serena had been about to go out to them, but hearing your name when others didn't know you were there, well who would reveal themselves after that?

Ash gave a little laugh. "Yeah, I guess that. But also..."

"Your big day," Misty breathed out, sounding like she could barely believe the moment was here. Serena supposed Misty and Brock had actually known Ash as a somewhat weak trainer at one point, so the level he was at now, was probably pretty incredible to them, more so than even Serena could tell.

Ash nodded. "I've dreamed of this for so long. Years and years. It's been everything that's guided me. Well, you guys as well, but you know what I mean."

"You've grown up a lot since that first day," Misty said, looking up at the sky, the memory likely playing in front of her eyes. "I can't believe I fished out a future Pokemon Master that day."

"Yeah," Brock said, laughing a little. "And when you challenged my gym, and Pikachu and you could barely do anything. Now, you could beat any of my Pokemon without breaking a sweat."

"It's been a long journey," Ash whispered, his words barely reaching Serena's hiding spot. "I've worked so hard. We all have for our dreams. The thing is, though...now I'm not so sure being a Pokemon Master is the thing I want most. I want it, of course, but it's not the most important thing to me."

Misty gave Ash a poke to the side. "Stop it. I know you're saying this, because you're doubting yourself. You think if you lose, you have to break up with Serena, because you both have different dreams."

"No...well sort of. But I don't want to do that. I mean, I kind of did that once already, but she's too important to me now." Serena opened her mouth in surprise. Ash would really give up on his journey to be with her. She didn't want that.

"Just win, Ash. That way you're well on your way to never worrying about nonsense like that again," Brock said seriously. "You need to be the regular old confident Ash to win. Just remember that every single one of us is supporting you, win or lose."

Serena nodded at Brock's words, despite not being seen. She couldn't have said it better herself. Ash was the most important thing in the world to her. Losing, winning, no mater what, he was the person who inspired her to overcome any obstacle. They would accomplish their dreams together. Ash could lose by a landslide tomorrow and that thought wouldn't change one bit.

It wouldn't happen, though. Ash wasn't going to lose. He would win, because Serena and everyone else was there with him, and with his Pokemon.