"Pikachu? Pikachu, where are you?" 

A young Ash wanders through the woods as he looks for his dear friend. He and his parents decided to take a hike in the woods from their cabin. But then Pikachu wandered off and Ash chased after him without his parents noticing. The boy begins to worry that he won't find his Pikachu when he suddenly hears something.

"Pika, Pika!"

"Pikachu? Is that you?" Ash shouts as he runs over to where he hears the mouse Pokemon's voice.

"Pika, Pikachu!" Pikachu cries out.

"Pikachu, I'm coming!" Young Ash calls out.

The little boy runs as fast as his little legs can carry him, worried about his friend. Finally, he finds Pikachu and smiles in relief until he notices that Pikachu is not alone. Sitting next to Pikachu are an injured Eevee and a young girl with honey blonde hair and wearing a fancy pink dress. She is crying as she has her hand on her leg which is bleeding. Pikachu turns to the Pokemon and the girl with a sad look and then back to Ash with a plea for him in his little black eyes.

"Hey, what's your name?" Ash asks as he approaches the girl.

The girl looks up and looks at Ash with her eyes full of tears. Ash freezes in place as he stares at her ocean blue eyes in confusion.

"Wait a minute," he says. "You look familiar. You look just like... like...

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Ash's eyes immediately snap open and he sits up. It takes a moment before he realizes that he's back in Prince Timothy's bedroom. It has been a few hours since the banquet and neither Timothy or Electchu have been seen coming back. Eventually, Odyssey decided that the pauper and his Pikachu should get some sleep while he keeps a lookout for the prince's return through the bedroom window. Ash turns to notice that Odyssey has fallen asleep resting his head on the window seal.

"Pika?"

Ash looks down to see Pikachu sitting up looking like he had just woken up.

"Sorry, buddy, I didn't mean to wake you up," Ash says. "I was just having a strange dream."

"Pikachu?" Pikachu asks quizzingly.

"It's a little hard to explain," Ash admits. "It felt like I was reliving... a memory of sorts. We were both younger and are in the woods at the old cabin where we used to live with Mom and Dad, and then suddenly you ran away and I came looking for you and found you standing next to a little girl who looks just like the princess. It was very strange."

"Pika, pika, pikachu," Pikachu says even more confused than before.

"Yeah, it felt so...real," Ash says. "I don't know if it's my mind playing a trick on me because it was a dream or maybe it's something that I have forgotten long ago."

The more the poor man thinks about it, the more unsure he is. Finally, he decides to get out of bed and announces, "I think I should go for a walk."

Pika, pika, pika, pikachu says pointing at Odyssey.

"Nah, he won't notice I'm gone," Ash says. "He's probably not going to wake up until the prince comes back or it's morning. I'll be back shortly."

Without another word, Ash finds a bedrobe, puts it on and quietly exits the bedroom. As he walks down the halls of the castle, he silently admires the various tapestries hanging above the ceilings and the suits of armor standing against the walls and the view of the city from each giant window that he passes by. After a while, however, he goes back to thinking about his dream and what it might mean.

"It's so strange," he thinks to himself. "I don't think I've ever met Princess Serena before and yet every time I look at her there's something... so familiar about her. Or maybe I'm just infatuated with her beauty? I mean Odyssey did say a lot of people like to talk about how beautiful she is and she is incredibly beautiful. But she's more than that. She's so...so... kind-hearted. Yes. So much kindness. I feel like I could see her be so benevolent to anyone for years and she could still surprise me with her caring heart. I don't know why she's so captivating. It's like...it's like Pikachu with her Sylveon."

Ash stops walking and scratches his chin in thought.

"Is this what Brock was talking about earlier? Is this what it's like to be with someone who isn't him or Happiny or even Pikachu?" He thinks before frowning at the idea. "Well, if that's so I need to be careful. Princess Serena is already betrothed to the prince and Odyssey has made it clear that I shouldn't do anything that might interfere with their relationship when Prince Timothy comes back. I don't -"

"Hello?" Says a soft voice, suddenly. "Is anyone there?"

Ash jumps startled and quietly asks, "Who's there?"

The raven-haired man stands still from where he is until he sees a dark figure walking over to him. It isn't until the figure comes into the light from the window next to him that he sees Princess Serena in her nightgown and still wearing the blue ribbon covering her neck.

"Lady Serena," Ash says surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"Sir Timothy?" Serena asks equally surprised. "I fear I must ask you the same question."

Ash hesitates to answer since he doesn't want to say that his reason for being awake has to do with the princess, so decides to tell her a half lie.

"Oh, I just wasn't able to sleep and so decided to go for a stroll down the halls," Ash says.

"Oh, me too," Serena says with a small smile. "Actually would you mind if I join you? I'm still getting used to this place and I could use the company."

Ash hesitates as he is still thinking that he doesn't want to get too close to the princess, but then he decides it would be cruel to say no to her in such a dark castle.

"Sure, why not?" Ash says with a toothy grin.

"Splendid," Serena says with a smile.

Thus, Serena and Ash begin walking in silence, looking at the various halls of the castle as they walk. Both of them admire the majesty of the various halls even though it is still very dark. As they continue to walk, however, Ash's gaze turns to the honey blonde princess and his mind goes back to his dream. He comes up with an idea and hesitates on whether or not to carry it out before he finally speaks.

"Um, my lady?" Ash begins.

"Oh, you don't have to call me that all the time, Timothy," Serena says with a kind smile. "Since we are to be married, you can just call me Serena."

"Very well, Serena," Ash says, finding himself happy inside to call her by her first name before he goes back to his subject. "Do you mind if I ask you a question? And please bear with me if it sounds strange."

"No, I don't mind at all," Serena answers politely. "By all means, ask away."

Ash hesitates before he asks, "Have you ever been to Kalos before?"

Serena stops walking and turns to Ash surprised. She thinks about it for a moment before she answers with another smile.

"Yes, actually," she says, making Ash's heart skip a beat. "Once when I was very young, my sister, Misty and I convinced our father to take us with him on a business trip. He was partaking in some sort of negotiations or something other with your father I think somewhere on the southside of Kalos. Although, I'm pretty sure I did not see you there."

"Uh, I don't think I was there at the time," Ash lies, thinking of a fake explanation that sounds like something Timothy might say. "I probably stayed here to partake in my studies with Sir Markenal."

Serena nods in understanding before she continues.

"Yes, in fact, that's when I got Sylveon and Fennekin," she says. "Although Sylveon was just a little Eevee when I found her in the woods."

Ash's eyes widen with interest.

"You mean you just found her in the wild?" Ash asks.

"Well, me and this boy," Serena admits, unknowingly confirming what is on Ash's mind. "I accidentally wandered too far from my father's carriage and found an Eevee. The poor thing was so shy that it tried to run away before I would say hi. I ran after it, but in the process, I tripped and cut my knee. Eevee stopped running away when she realized I was hurt and came back to comfort me. I was touched by her friendliness, but I had no way to get up with my injured knee. But that's when this young boy and his Pikachu found me and he took care of me and brought me back to the carriage. Even though my father intended for me to have just one Pokemon since we were on our way to essentially get Fennekin, I convinced him to let me keep Eevee as well promising to take good care of both my Pokemon."

"What did the boy look like?" Ash asks.

Serena looks at him confused.

"Why do you want to know?" She asks.

"Uh...call it a random curiosity?" Ash answers with a nervous grin.

Serena keeps looking at Ash confused for a moment before she answers.

"Well, if I remember correctly, he kind of looked like you, to be honest," she says. "He had black hair, brown eyes, and a raspy voice."

Ash finds himself smiling at this description until Serena says, "Come to think of it, it's odd that you look so similar to him if you don't mind me saying, Timothy."

"O-oh...really?" Ash asks nervously.

"Yes," Serena answers. "I seem to remember messengers from your father and nobility who have traveled to Kanto telling me you have blue eyes instead of brown."

Ash stutters for a moment and tries to think of another lie quickly.

"Uh...well... I have... a strange condition where my eyes sometimes look brown instead of blue," he fibs. "I normally have blue eyes but on a rare occasion, I might have brown eyes for a day or two. I hope that doesn't bother you, my lady."

"Oh, not at all," Serena says, believing the lie. "I like your brown eyes."

The two of them stare at each other in silence. The princess looks at Ash fondly and even Ash gives a dreamy look, helpless to look away from her mesmerizing face. The moment is broken, however, when they hear a high-pitch call that startles Serena.

"What was that?" She asks.

Ash looks around and realizes they are close to the doorway that leads to the castle gardens.

"That sounds like Aloe," Ash answers. "Guess she isn't sleeping either."

"Aloe, your Latias?" Serena asks with a hopeful smile. "Is she outside?"

"Yes, she is," Ash says.

"Do you think it's okay if I can meet her now?" Serena asks.

Ash hesitates, thinking Timothy might prefer to introduce any of his Pokemon to the princess himself, but his heart doesn't want to refuse her request.

"Well, I guess there's no harm since the three of us arel awake," Ash says.

Serena smiles brightly as Ash guides her to the entrance to the gardens. As they come outside, however, Serena begins to shiver and rub her arms realizing how cold it is out in the snow. Without thinking, Ash takes out his bedrobe leaving him only wearing Timothy's pajamas left and wraps the robe around the princess who looks at him sweetly.

"Oh, please don't do that," Serena says kindly. "I don't want you to freeze in your pajamies."

"Please, take it," Ash insists. "I am used to the cold weather here so it doesn't bother me anymore. I would feel better if you wear it than me."

Serena stares at Ash, taken aback by his words before she smiles sweetly and accepts the robe. Suddenly they hear Aloe calling again and they turn to see the Latias flying over to them. Serena gasps softly in awe as she walks over to the Pokemon.

"Oh my, she's beautiful," Serena says and amazement as Aloe lands next to them and the princess approaches her. "Hello, my name is Serena. It's wonderful to meet you, Aloe!"

"Laaaaaa!" Aloe cries happily as she lowers her head so that Serena can pet her. Ash smiles warmly at the sight of Serena befriending the prince's Pokemon. Aloe starts to nuzzle up against Serena with her head making the princess giggle.

"She really likes you," Ash says. "You do have a way with Pokemon, Serena."

Serena turns to the pauper that she thinks is the prince and blushes lightly.

"Oh, you're too kind, Timothy," she says. "I'm not that skilled with Pokemon."

"Are you kidding? Your a marvel," Ash praises. "The way you cheered Electchu up earlier and now how you befriended Aloe so quickly? That's amazing."

Serena's blush grows and she looks away from Ash to hide her bashfulness.

"Oh, it's not hard to show a little kindness to others," she says humbly. "Why, I would think you would know that as well when you helped that poor man and his Pikachu, earlier today."

"Uh... yeah, I guess that's true," Ash says scratching the back of his head, his mind on the fact that the said poor man is actually him.

The two of them look away at each other, unsure of what to say. Aloe notices this as she looks back and forth between Serena and Ash. It takes a moment before the Latias realizes that there seems to be a spark between the princess and the pauper and thus begins to remember something her master said earlier before he left.

"But there is also a chance that The Lord may have planned for her to be that precious someone to another man. If that is so, I hope The Lord does something that will carry out his will as opposed to Princess Serena becoming my wife just because our fathers said so."

The more Aloe thinks about what Timothy said, the more she considers that maybe what is going on between Serena and Ash is exactly what he was talking about. It is clear that Ash is struggling to say something else to the princess while Serena herself is smiling fondly as her blush is covering her face because of the raven-haired man's compliments. Finally, the Latias gets an idea and so begins nudging Serena with her head so that she steps closer to Ash.

"Aloe? What are you doing?" Serena asks as Aloe pushes her until she is only a couple feet away from Ash. The two of them look at each other blushing again until they turn to the Latias who floats next to them and lowers her wing.

"Lllaaaaaaaaaa," Aloe calls out happily.

Ash and Serena stare at the Pokemon until it hits Ash.

"I think she wants us to get on her," he says. "I think she wants to take us flying."

"Flying?" Serena asks, feeling nervous. "I don't know, is it safe?"

Ash notices her unease and decides to encourage her.

"Sure," he claims. "I think Aloe would not make the offer if she didn't know what she's doing."

"I don't know," Serena says as Ash gets on Aloe. "I've never been good with handling heights."

"We'll be alright," Ash says as he gets an idea that makes him blush. "I-i-if it makes you feel better, you can hold on to me."

Serena blushes again, feeling tempted to take Ash on his offer despite her fear.

"D-do you promise not to let me fall?" She asks.

"I promise," Ash says. "In fact, Aloe, do you promise to not let either of us fall and to keep us perfectly safe?"

"Laaaaaa!" Aloe says happily as she nods in agreement.

Serena continues to hesitate until she sees Ash offer his hand to her with an encouraging smile.

"Come on, what do you say?" Ash asks.

Serena freezes in place and her eyes widen. Something about the raven-haired man offering his hand to her with that smile feels familiar to her. It's as if there's something comforting and secure about Ash offering her his hand like this. Eventually, she takes a deep breath and accepts his hand. Ash helps her on Aloe and she sits behind him wrapping her arms around him for safety. The feel of holding Ash from behind makes her blush fiercely and yet she smiles warmly as she rests her head on his shoulder feeling perfectly happy until Ash turns to Aloe.

"Alright, Aloe, off we go," Ash commands.

Serena's eyes widen and she whimpers in fear has the Latias begins to float higher and higher. She tightens her grasp on Ash and begins to shut her eyes afraid to look down. Finally, Aloe reaches enough altitude and begins flying forward. Ash laughs joyously while Serena whines with her eyes still shut. Ash turns to her and smiles.

"Come on, Serena, open your eyes," he whispers. "I got you. You're safe."

Serena hesitates before she takes a deep breath and reluctantly opens her right eye. Her heart jumps at the realization that they are several stories high and yet she does not whimper. Eventually, she opens her left eye to see the entire view. Her eyes begin to widen in amazement as to how high they are. They can see the castle, the city and the countryside from the moonlight. Serena gasps in amazement and a bright smile grows on her face.

"I have never seen such a view in my entire life," she says.

"Neither have I," Ash says.

The princess turns to Ash confused and asks, "What do you mean? Have you ever done this before with Aloe?"

Ash realizes what he said and honestly answers, "No, I haven't. This is a first for me too."

Serena looks at Ash surprised and she begins to smile thinking the prince himself has reserved this flight with his Latias just for her. Suddenly, Aloe gets another idea and without a word begins to fly straight down. Both Ash and Serena yell in fear, but eventually, Ash begins to enjoy it and starts laughing in excitement. Without thinking, he lets go of Aloe's neck and puts his hands in the air. Serena, however, is screaming and is horrified to see Ash not holding on to the Pokemon. But eventually, she starts to slowly enjoy the thrill of the drop as well and even secretly enjoys holding Ash with barely anything for them to hold on to as if somehow it's just the two of them enjoying the thrill alone together. Finally, just before they hit the ground, Aloe pulls up and flies straight all the way back to the castle gardens and gently lands right where they started.

Ash and Serena pant rapidly, their minds still full of adrenaline from the thrill. Eventually, Ash gets off the Latias and helps Serena off. The princess becomes dizzy from the ride and so after taking two steps loses her balance and Ash quickly catches her. The two of them look at each other with their eyes staring at one another again before Serena managers to help herself up.

"Well, that is an experience that will take some getting used to," she chuckles.

"Yeah, no kidding," Ash says with a toothy grin. "I hope we didn't wake anyone up from all the screaming and yelling."

Serena's eyes widen in realization and says, "That's true. Maybe we better head back to our rooms before anyone notices we're gone."

"Right," Ash says before turning to Aloe. "Thanks for a ride, Aloe."

"Yes, thank you so much, Aloe. It was fun," Serena says sweetly as she pets Aloe good night.

"Laaaaaaaaa," The Latias calls before flying away.

Ash and Serena quietly get back inside the castle and make their way to Serena's bedroom.

"Well, thank you for walking with me and convincing me to ride on your Latias with you, Timothy. I had a great time," Serena says kindly as she gives him back his bedrobe.

A part of Ash wishes he could ask her to call him by his real name, but the rest of him is too pleased to see the princess so happy to care.

"You are quite welcome, Serena," Ash says politely.

The two of them stand still, letting the moment linger on before Serena reluctantly says, "Well, good night."

"Good night," Ash says as Serena enters her bedroom and closes the door.

The poor, raven-haired man takes out a deep breath before he quietly returns to Timothy's bedroom. Odyssey appears to be still asleep beside the large window and so Ash silently gets back on the bed where Pikachu has been waiting for him.

"Pikachu?" the mouse Pokemon asks as he notices his friend smiling as he gets under the covers.

"Don't worry, Pikachu. That walk was just what I needed," Ash whispers as he lays his bed on the pillow. "Good night, buddy,"

"Pika," Pikachu says accepting Ash's short explanation before he yawns and gets into a sleeping position and instantly falls asleep.

Ash smiles at how quickly his companion falls asleep before he closes his eyes. As he slowly goes back to sleep, a small, heartfelt smile enters his face thinking about the time he just spent with the beautiful, kind-hearted, honey blonde princess.