Hello everyone, and welcome to the first Extra Chapter!!

Staying at home all the time gets a little boring, so I guess now's as good a time as any to bring out the first chapter.  

Also, important question at the end.  Let's get to it.

I hope you enjoy it!! :D

Serena

"Are you sure you want to do this now?" Ash frets.  "Maybe we should wait, you know, until after th-"

"Ash, I'm perfectly fine," I huff.  The past couple months have been... let's just say completely exhausting.  Pregnancy is freaking hard.  Especially when you're carrying twins.  "I want to do this today.  Besides, you'll be with me."

"You're not too tired?" he presses.  I smile.  Honestly, Ash has been the best boyfriend ever throughout all of this.  It's kind of adorable seeing how worried he is about me for every single second.  

"I'm tired all the time," I laugh, "so that word has kind of lost its meaning."

He smiles at me and helps me up.  "If you say so, Love," he says.  "Let's go."

As we walk I rehearse what I'm going to say over and over in my head.  This new law could cause a lot of damage, but I believe with all my heart that this will be good for all of us.  

I've talked it over with Heliux and Layra, and they both seem to think it's okay; in fact, they love the idea.  So why are you doubting yourself?

Me and Ash stand on our balcony and look downwards at the crowd of fairies below us.  It's so surreal, seeing all the Dark and Light Fairies together in harmony.  Every single time, it brings a smile to my face, reminding us of the bright future that we will all be facing together.  It's so surreal to think that only a couple months ago, the world could have ended.  I spot Clemont below, and he nods at me.  I nod back.  Clemont likes the idea too, and Clemont's never wrong about stuff.  He's Clemont.

"Greetings," I say, casting out my voice.  The fairies begin to quiet down.  "Today, we have very exciting news to share."

"We have gone over this very carefully with both Ministers and Advisors," Ash adds.  "We all agree that this will benefit everyone."

I nod.  "Starting today, once a year, a pair of fairies will be able to leave the forest."

The fairies look shocked.  Well, I can't say that I'm surprised.  It's a pretty big deal.

"Are we sure that it's safe for us?" Mallow calls out.  I hear hushed whispers beside her; I understand their concerns.  Regular people haven't been the best towards fairies in the past.  I shiver, thinking of the former Kalos Queen and Light Leader, Aria.  

Ash takes control of the situation.  "There are rules to this, of course, to make sure that everyone stays safe," he ensures.  "Fairies need to travel in pairs so that one can protect the other in event of an emergency; the only ones that can go alone are the Leaders, Ministers, and Advisors."

"Everyone is also to stay as far away from people as possible," I add.  "And when you go out, you are to observe, not interact.  Do not, under any circumstances, let yourselves be seen."

Ash takes my hand as he continues.  "If you all stick closely to these rules, no one should be harmed."

I look down at the fairies, who are beginning to look more excited than fearful.  "However, all of you still get the final say in whether this law gets implemented or not.  All in favour, say yay."

A hollering chorus of yays float upwards, and I smile.  I'm ecstatic!  How could I not be?  I get to leave the forest, finally!  Even if it's for mere hours.

With that, Ash and I finish our decree, and dismiss everyone.  We walk back inside, and he smiles at me.  "We can see the outside world again," he says happily.  

My eyes tear up.  "Maybe I can see Mom again."

His eyes go blank.  "What do you mean?  I thought-"

I shake my head.  "Everyone that died during Drago's wrath was brought back to life by me and Xerneas," I say softly, as if my voice was a breath of wind.  Did he really not know his mother was still alive?  I want to cry thinking about that.  "They live."

My words seem to echo around him, reaching him but not reaching him.  Then he smiles, a warm gooey smile, as if it was made of marshmallows.  His eyes are watery.  "We have to go," he says thickly.  "Today.  Both of us."

I nod.  "I'll tell Heliux and Layra," I say.  

Ash and I fly down to the ground, and we both end up going to talk to the Ministers.  After listening to what we have to say, they nod.  

"We were planning on going out today," Layra admits, "but you two are more important.  We'll let everyone know."

I instantly begin to feel guilty.  "You guys can-"

Heliux holds up his hand, stopping me.  "We can wait one more day.  It's completely fine.  You two can leave."

"We're sorry," Ash says, looking guilty as well.

Layra shrugs.  "It's probably better that you two go out first anyway.  Go!  Have fun."  She eyes me.  "Make sure to stay safe."

I know exactly what she's talking about.  Trust me, Layra, I know.  "We will."

We leave the colony, and I open the portal that takes us to the human side of the forest.  We step through, and it feels like we're stepping into a dream.  I hope I've made the right decision.  

"This feels so weird," Ash comments, echoing my feelings.  "To be walking here, I mean.  It's crazy."

"Same," I agree.  "It's just so... strange."  I glance upwards.  "Shall we fly up?"

He shoots a quick glance at me.  "You're feeling alright?"

"I'm feeling a bit tired," I admit, "b-"

Ash turns into his over-protective self.  "We should go back then," he frets.  "I don't want anything bad to happen to you."

I shake my head.  "No, I want to do this, today.  It's only a few more weeks until the babies arrive, and I don't think I'll be able to do this any other day."  I smile at him.  "See?  I'm fine."

He sighs.  "You're lucky I can't resist that smile of yours," he says cheekily.  He gives me a smile of his own.  "It's probably better if we fly anyways.  There's less chance of being seen that way."

I nod and we both fly upwards, staying within the cover of the trees and their branches and leaves.  It's a nice sunny day today, with just a few clouds clotting up the wonderful blue sky.  It's surprisingly pretty warm outside, considering it's the beginning of March.  The sun beating down on us feels really nice, like its covering us in a blanket of warmth.

We reach the edge of the forest pretty quickly, and I find myself looking at rolling hills and a faint view of Pallet Town, Ash's home town.  I suck in a breath of air, staring in awe.  For someone who's only seen trees, trees, and more trees for the past couple years, it's very weird to be seeing plain grass, and houses.

"That's a sight we haven't seen in a long while," Ash says.  "Come on, let's go see if my mom is home."

"Alright!" I agrees cheerfully.  He grabs my hand and we fly together over hills and houses.  I spot a familiar-looking building as we fly.  "Is that Professor Oak's lab?"

He glances in my direction.  "Yeah, it looks like it!  I just want to see if he's there, if you don't mind."

I shake my head, knowing how important the Professor is to Ash.  We glide down, hovering in front of one of the windows.  Unfortunately, the room is dark; we don't hear anything happening inside either.  

"He must not be home," Ash says in a disappointed tone.  He quickly shakes it off, however.  That's my Ash, alright.  "Let's see my old Pokemon!  One of them can fly you to Kalos."

He pauses.

"I mean, we can go together, of course.  I just thought you'd want to see your mom alone," he says, quickly explaining himself.  

I smile.  "I was thinking the same thing," I admit.  We share a small laugh of relief.

We fly around the lab and spot the area where Ash's Pokemon are being kept.  I never realized just how many Pokemon he's caught on his journey.  The ranch is certainly full!

"Hey look, there's Talonflame over there!" he pipes up, pointing to where the red-headed Flying-type is sitting in a nearby tree.  "I'm sure he'll take you.  Talonflame!" he shouts, trying to catch the attention of him.

We land on the branch where Talonflame is sitting and the bird looks... let's say he is surprised to see us.  

"Talonflame, it's me," Ash says cheerfully.  Talonflame lets out a happy-sounding squawk and bends its head down for Ash to pet.  I stand behind them, smiling at the cute reunion between a trainer and their Pokemon.

"Hi, Talonflame," I greet when Talonflame sits up again.  He nods his head at me.

"We're only here for today," Ash explains.  "I'm going to stay here, but could you fly Serena to Kalos for me, Talonflame?  She's going to see her mom in Vaniville Town."

Talonflame nods.

Ash smiles.  "I'm counting on you!" he says, then turns to me.  "I'll see you later today," he says, touching his head to mine.  "I'll wait here for you."

"I'll be here," I breathe, then fly up onto Talonflame's back.  We soar off into the sky, and I can faintly hear the happy sounds of Ash's Pokemon from below.

"Thanks, Talonflame," I say gratefully.  

I now realize I could have just teleported there.  I shrug to myself, and smile.  Where's the fun in that?

Talonflame can fly extremely fast; in about a quarter of an hour, we reach the ocean.  It's so beautiful seeing the ocean from above.  There are so many waves and ripples of blues and aquamarines, it's like staring at a gem.  The ocean is definitely one of the most beautiful things I've seen.  It's also very peaceful.  I sit back, and relax myself.  I feel a small kick, and I smile.  It seems like my babies like it too.

When you're old enough, I'm going to take you both across the ocean.  I'm going to show you the wonders of this world.  That's a promise.

I think I end up falling asleep, because when I open my eyes, we're about to land in front of my house.  Well, my old house.  It's Mom's house now.  Still, just seeing the house brings me back years of nostalgia from my childhood and teen years.  Back to times when my only goal was to become the Queen of Kalos, back when I was just a shy girl who had a childhood crush.

Now I'm the Queen of the Light fairies.  And I'm going to marry that crush.

I guess things have been going okay, all things considered.

Talonflame makes a graceful landing, and I hop off and thank him.  I use my magic to give him some food, then take a deep breath.  It was my own law to make sure to not be seen.  

I look up at this house.  

I need to see Mom.  I need to talk to her.

I'm going to break my own rules.  How silly is that?

I put an illusory spell on myself.  My clothes are the same, but my wings are gone and I stand at a regular human height.  I step into the backyard, and breathe the familiar scent of home.  This is the place where my mother tried to train me to be a Rhyhorn racer for most of my life, until I realized where my true passions lie.  I take off my shoes, wanting to feel the softness of the grass beneath my feet.  I sigh, it feels so good to feel that familiar dew under my toes.

I walk more into the center of the backyard, where I see Mom's Rhyhorn playing around with each other.  They seem to notice me pretty quickly, and in a similar style to that one showcase I performed years ago, they all stampede towards me.

"Aww, Rhyhorn," I gush, petting all of them.  "I've missed you too."

A/N: The track below literally gives me tears when pairing it with this scene.  Give it a listen!

https://youtu.be/PawI59htcKU

I'm too busy to hear the door crack open behind me.  

But I do hear the shatter of a porcelain mug.

Mom is here.  

I take a deep breath, then stand up.  I turn around, and we stare at each other.  She looks almost confused, wondering why her dead daughter has suddenly showed up in her backyard.  I can almost hear her thoughts; is she seeing things?  Is this real?

"H-Hi, Mom," I stutter, my voice failing me.  I want to say more, but the words have left me.  Everything has left me; time has stopped.  But my tears haven't left me.

They drop onto the dew-covered grass, one by one.  Drip, drip, drip.  

"Honey?" she asks, but she's holding back something.  She sounds almost afraid.  "Honey, is that you?"

"Sorry I made you drop your tea," I say meekly, smiling.  

"Sweetie," she says, crying.  I run to her, and she accepts me with open arms.  We hug, and I don't know how to describe it.  But feeling my mother's arms around me makes me feel warm.  Safe.  Loved.  And happy.  So, so damn happy.  I choke a laugh as my tears keep coming, and I know she will never let me go.

We stay like that for what feels like forever.

Eventually, she lets me go, I assume to get a good look at me.  "Serena, where have you been?" she asks.  Then, she notices it.

"You're... you're pregnant?"

I nod, and I feel like crying again.  "Yes," I say.  "I'm going to have twins.  A girl and a boy, and they'll be mine and Ash's to raise."

She smiles.  "Ash, huh?  He'll make an excellent father."  Her smile dims a little bit.  "But, Serena, where have you-"

I stop her.  "I'll explain everything, I promise," I tell her.  "But, I only have the day.  I have to leave at sunset."

She looks heartbroken, and I hate that I made her feel that way.  "Why...?"

"I've been gifted a new life," I say slowly.  "In more ways than one.  If you want, I have the day.  We can go inside and I can maybe tell you about it?"

She smiles.  "Honey, I've never wanted anything more."

~~~~~~~~~~

We step outside, the sky lit up with hues of oranges, pinks, and purples as the sun sets on the horizon.  Talonflame flies up beside me, ready to bring me back to my responsibilities.  Back to the fairies.  Back to Ash.

Away... away from Mom.

"Next year," I remind her.  "Next year, I'll come and see you again.  I promise.  But you have to promise to keep this a secret.  Promise?"

"I promise," she tells me.  "I'll hold that promise close to my heart."

She gives me one last hug, and I want to cry.  I hold the tears back, wanting to be strong.  For both of us.  I never thought that this day would be so hard for me.

She nods, and without looking back, turns to go inside.  I reverse the spell, and hop onto Talonflame once again.  We fly upwards, and I try not to turn backwards.  The life that I've left behind, now more than once.  I could've stayed.  I could've.  But I have to be strong.  

Even though I don't turn back, I can still sense my mother watching me go, making sure I'm safe.  I can't ask for anything more.

When we land back at the ranch, Ash is waiting for me, just like he promise.  Unlike last time, I notice that the lights in the Professor's lab are on.

I don't say anything, but I burst into tears as I let Ash hold me.  From looking at his face, I can tell that he has been crying today too.  

"This is the hardest part," I whisper.

"I'm so sorry," he says suddenly, and I break away from him, surprised.  "I spoke to my mom and the Professor.  I, I had to.  They swore to secrecy.  Please, don't be upset with me," he pleads.

"I did the same thing," I admit.  "I couldn't just not."

He smiles.  "Promise not to tell?"

"Promise not to tell," I return.  I yawn.  "But I am pretty exhausted now.  Can we go back home?"

He opens a portal, away from the old and into the new.  "Your wish is my command, my Queen."

Well, I hope you have enjoyed this first extra chapter of The Fairy's Cure!  I'm going to make some more in the future.

Okay, so I know I said I'm not going to be writing a sequel for this book but lately I've been getting lots of inspiration in developing an idea for a sequel.  It would be about the next generation, with new characters, new story elements, and new conflicts.  Basically all of the characters will be OCs because Ash and Serena don't have truly canon kids.  

Now, I can't promise a sequel.  I might run out of inspiration soon and put the idea down.  But if I WERE to make a sequel, would any of you be interested?

Anyway, that's it.  Please let me know your thoughts in the comments.  Stay safe everyone! :)