(Outside Prism Tower)

"Well, you guys made it back. How was it? Did you find what you were looking for?" Clemont asks Ash.

"Nope. Even Gurkinn doesn't know with which Pokemon this mega stone goes with. Only thing he did tell us, is that it goes with a fire type," Ash solemnly replies.

"Oh, don't worry. I am sure you will figure it out in the future," Serena says as she gives Ash a kiss on the cheek.

Ash and Serena hear a swooshing sound only to see Bonnie walks out with Dedenne. They smile as she greets them.

"See that Clemont. You should learn something from these two and get yourself a girlfriend," Bonnie heavily smirks.

"Bonnie! I told you that is none of your business," Clemont shouts in an utterly embarrassed tone.

"Don't worry big brother. I will soon find you a keeper," Bonnie says while winking before walking back into the gym.

Clemont goes red in embarrassment while Ash and Serena amuse themselves with Clemont's reaction. Finally, after a while, Clemont speaks up.

"Well, let us get going. So how are we travelling?" Clemont asks.

"By foot of course," Ash says.

"But Ash! We can't go on the journey by foot. Sometimes, I will need to go for exhibition performances or rookie class judging. I think it's best that we should go in my limousine," Serena interjects.

All three of them start pondering, deep and hard. Trying to figure out a way out of this epiphany.

"How about this then? Serena's car can come along with us. Whenever we feel like walking, we will walk and camp. In other situations, we will summon the car and then go in it. How does that sound?" Clemont suggests, much to Ash and Serena's approval.

"That will be perfect Clemont. This way we shall get, both the experience of a journey and solve Serena's problem. You really are a genius Clemont!" Ash remarks.

"Alright then. Since we are all agreed, let's go," Serena happily says.

"Wait a moment guys. First, we need to call Prof Sycamore. He told me to tell you to call him as soon as you came back," Clemont says before proceeding to dial Sycamore's number.

After a few rings, a voice answers the phone at the other end.

"Sycamore here. May I know who is speaking?" the voice says.

"Prof. It's me, Clemont. You wanted to talk with Ash and Serena? Well, they are here. Please speak," Clemont answers as he puts the device on loudspeaker mode.

"Well, first of all, I know what happened in the Shalour Gym. Gurkinn called me as soon as you guys left. I wish to tell you that he and I will investigate your mega stone together till we get some results."

"Thank you, Prof. That means a lot to me," Ash replies.

"Also, one more thing. Since you are the KIP champion. Your Pokemon carrying limit has been increased to twenty Pokemon. Out of which 5 Pokemon you need to catch in your journey throughout the Kalos region. The remaining fifteen, including your Pikachu and Froakie, will consist of the remaining Pokemon which are already in your care. Your Pokemon are all in my Lumiose city lab. So, go there and pick your Pokemon. Remember, you can carry twenty Pokemon at a time but you must obey all the rules of the gyms you challenge when it comes to the number of Pokemon you need to select beforehand and use there during a gym or a league battle," Sycamore says in a precise manner.

"Understood, Professor. I will head over to the lab right now," Ash answers.

"Finally, Ash, one more thing. You will need to come back to KIP in three days' time. Diantha and I require your and Serena's presence."

"What for? Anything serious or important Professor?" Serena inquires in a concerned tone.

"Nothing serious, but definitely important. Now, go to my lab and best of luck on your journey."

"Thanks, Professor. We will be back. Signing off now," Ash says while disconnecting the call.

"Well, that was interesting. Wonder what is happening in three days' time?" Serena says while turning to Ash and Clemont.

"Not a clue," Ash remarks while Clemont shrugs his shoulders.

"Since we need to come back in three days and it will take almost a day's walk to Santalune city I guess we will be better of going in Serena's car," Clemont draws a conclusion.

"But if we go in a car it will kinda ruin the feeling of the journey," Ash remarks rather unhappily.

"Alright, why don't we do meet half way? We will walk to Santalune city. On our way back we shall come by car," Serena says while calling her driver.

"Yup, that way I shall get to catch a few Pokemon before my match in the Santalune city gym," Ash says.

A few moments later the car stops in front of them. They all get in and the car drives towards Professor Sycamore's lab.

"Any idea which Pokemon you will choose for your fifteen?" Clemont asks in a curious tone.

"Well, I do have some favourites that are 'definitely' coming. But I think I should have a balance between as many Pokemon types as possible. Like...  a few water, a few fire, a few grass etc. What do you think Clemont?" Ash questions Clemont.

"My thoughts exactly. Cover as many types as possible. Though, I would definitely recommend keeping psychic, ghost, poison, normal and fighting types. Other types even if one or two you don't have you should be able to pull through," Clemont smiles back in approval.

"Thanks for the advice, I shall keep that in mind," Ash says before breathing a breath of contentment. 

He silently turns to look out the window at the ever-changing view including the scenery and different Pokemon. He sees several kids playing with a few Pokemon which makes him smile. After a few minutes, the car comes to a gentle halt.

Ash gets out of the car and says "Wait for me here. I shall make my decision and come back in a few," before running into the lab.

"Since he's bringing more Pokemon. I should go and buy more food for the road," Clemont says while getting out as well.

(20 Minutes Later)

"Alright guys, let's go," Ash says comes out of the laboratory entrance with several small Poke-balls clipped to his belt.

"What happened? Come on come out let us start with our journey," Ash eagerly says.

"We will come out. But only when the car reaches the outskirts of Lumoise city," Serena says.

"Why? I thought we agreed to walk to Santalune city together," Ash says in a confused tone.

"We did. But if I walk with you, inside a major city, the people will surround us both and hound us. Do you think you want that Ash?" Serena asks in a firm tone.

"I hate to say this, but Serena does have a point. It will be a PR nightmare if the media found out that the KIP Champion and Kalos Queen are on a journey together," Clemont backs Serena in a calm and composed tone.

"Oh yeah. I didn't think about that. I guess you are right. Alright then, let us go," Ash says as he enters the limousine while reminiscing the horde outside Seibold's restaurant.

"Harry, drive us to the outskirts of Lumiose city and drop us on the direct route to Santalune city. Then I expect you to take the car to Santalune city and wait for us till we arrive there," Serena says.

"As you wish Serena," Harry says as he puts the pedal on the gas. Serena puts on her disguise in order to ensure no one recognizes her.

(2 hours later)

"This is so nice. Just like the old days. No responsibilities. No schedules to follow. Just the journey and the fun," Ash says as he deeply breathes in the fragrant cool air. 

He stretches his arms and chuckles in bliss. 

"Indeed. I can't help but agree. Journeying on foot may be tiring but sure is a lot more fun. No press. No reporters. No burdens," Serena says as she walks beside Ash, enjoying her debut journey.

"I must say. This is nice. To walk through the road in the middle of nature is sure to be good for one's health," Clemont remarks before pausing, "So tell us Ash, which Pokemon did you bring?" 

"You will see when the time for food comes," Ash smiles.

(4 hours later)

"Alright, guys, time for food. Everyone come on out," Ash tosses all of his Poke-balls.

"Oh my god Ash, I didn't know you had so many different types of Pokemon from so many different regions!" Clemont says in excitement.

"Come, I will introduce you to them, region by region," Ash says while taking Clemont's hand.

"This is my Kanto group. Charizard, Muk, Haunter & Pikachu," Ash says while gesturing to them.

"Then followed by Snorlax from the Orange Islands."

"After that Heracross & Noctowl from the Johto region."

"Then Glalie and Sceptile from the Hoenn region."

"Then we have Torterra, Infernape, Gible, Gliscor & Buizel from the Sinnoh region."

"Finally Froakie from the Kalos region," Ash finishes.

Both Clemont and Serena look in awe at the various Pokemon from all the different regions. Clemont is the first one to recover from his profound daze.

"Well, you have fire, water, normal, ground, ice, grass, ghost,  flying, poison, bug & dragon types covered. I'm beyond impressed. No wonder you are the KIP champion," Clemont praises Ash much to his satisfaction.

"Of course. He is my boyfriend after all. This is actually nothing. Wait till you hear this. Ash has met legendary Pokemon from all the regions he has travelled in," Serena says, showing off with all of her glory.

Clemont's jaw drops after hearing the last sentence.

"No way," Clemont says, blank with disbelief and shock.

Ash merely grins back as Serena intertwines her hands with Ash's.

"Wow, Ash! You need to tell me about all those encounters please," Clemont says in a manner equivalent to begging.

"I will, but before that. Can you give everyone their food? They are all kinda hungry," Ash says. 

In an untimely manner, a growl echoes from his stomach too. He sweatdrops at this weird moment.

"Make that him and me as well," Serena smiles as she hugs Ash lightly.

"Alright, I guess. We can set up camp here and then continue tomorrow. Either way, this looks like a good place to set up camp. Also, the sun will set within a matter of minutes," Clemont suggests.

"That sounds like a good idea. We'll help you," Ash agrees.

After everyone has eaten, Ash, Pikachu, Serena and Clemont along with a few of the still awake Pokemon sit by the fire as Ash regales them with their stories from his Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh and the Orange Islands days.

After their eyelids become heavy with sleep, the three decide to call it a night. Ash and Serena go into their own tent while Clemont goes in his own tent. Ash and Serena blissfully snuggle with each other and before they know it, they both fall asleep.

(Meanwhile in the Kanto Region)

"Well son, we are finally here," Giovanni says while getting out of the car followed by Calem.

"So this is headquarters dad? I must say I am impressed. What kind of facilities do you have here dad?" Calem asks with inquisitiveness reverberating in his voice.

"Oh, don't worry. I will give you a personalized tour myself, but tomorrow after you get some rest. You did very good work in Kalos. Besides, after me, all this will be yours. Soon we shall rule the world. Father and Son as one," Giovanni says while putting his hand around Calem's shoulders.

"Yes, dad. I can't wait to rule the world besides you. That reminds me, how is Ariel?" Calem asks.

"Your sister is good. She has her health. She has missed you," Giovanni says.

"Father if I could make a request?" Calem asks.

"Of course," Giovanni says.

"The current KIP champion and my ex, who's now the champ's girlfriend, made me a laughing stock in front of the entire stadium," Calem says.

Giovanni peers into Calem's eyes which remains passive with hatred.

"What do you want?" Giovanni questions in a calm tone.

"I want revenge father, especially from Serena. She must learn. No one treats Calem Xavier the way she did, without paying," Calem demands.

"That's my boy. Now, let's go inside and talk more comfortably," Giovanni maliciously smiles before they both walk Team Rocket Headquarters.