Chapter 6: Coming Around!

The battle had taken an entire day. The organizers had to postpone Sawyer and Ash's match to tomorrow. The sun was setting on the Lumiose Stadium. Axel was sitting down on some steps, feeling rather sorry for himself. Axel sighed loudly. He quickly slapped himself awake, and pulled out all of his Pokeballs.

"Everyone! Group meeting!" He cried as he tossed all of them in the air.

All of his Pokeballs burst open and the Pokemon materialized in the following order: Azumarill, Misdreavus, Flareon, Beedrill, Aggron, Pichu, Haxorus, Cryogonal, Snivy, Chandelure, Gastrodon, Electivire, Glaceon, Gigalith, Ambipom, Vivillon, Croagunk, Floette, Torterra, Empoleon, Infernape, Staraptor, Bisharp, Darkrai, Latios, and Gallade.

They all greeted each other warmly, giving out what seemed to congratulations. Axel coughed loudly into his mouth and all of his Pokemon turned their attention to him.

"We lost the Kalos League." He began. "Which means our challenge here is over. But that doesn't mean it wasn't for nothing! All of our battles up until now… we've learned things. We've seen things. We've achieved many things. And the experience we will all get from this will drive us to even greater heights! That is who we are! We are UNSTOPPABLE!"

And with that one speech, the entire Pokemon crowd cheered. The Pokemon celebrated in their own unique ways. To note a few, Misdreavus, Chandelure, Cryogonal, Floette, and Vivillon flew all around Axel; Haxorus bit his head; Latios and Torterra nuzzled their heads against him, which he rubbed passionately; Infernape, Bisharp and Gallade gave him a high five; Glaceon and Flareon rubbed Axel's leg.

"Well said, nephew." Commented a voice.

Everyone stopped moving, and saw Diantha and Gardevoir walking towards them.

"It was quite a battle, dear." Diantha replied.

Gardevoir walked over to all of Axel's Pokemon. It said a couple of compliments to them. Gallade rubbed the back of its head, blushing by the looks of it.

"It's just as you said." Diantha continued. "You and your Pokemon will only grow from this battle. And you will continue to do so."

And with that, Diantha embraced Axel in a motherly way. Axel, sighed happily, and hugged her back. When they broke apart, Diantha looked out behind Axel.

"Looks like you have guests." She said.

Axel turned and saw Ash, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, and Korrina walking towards them. He was then immediately showered with congratulations and compliments.

Their Pokemon did the same to Axel's Pokemon.

"Diantha's right. You may have lost, but this experience will only help you." Clemont said.

"Thanks guys…" Axel said shyly.

Then, he saw Korrina. Her eyes are covered with her hair and she was shaking.

"Hey… Korrina?" Ash asked. "You okay?"

He was about to poke her, but Serena stopped him. Then she, with her eyes, pointed at Axel. Ash understood and backed up immediately. Axel slowly approached Korrina. Then, Korrina revealed her eyes, which were flowing with tears. Axel was taken back by this, but then Korrina just lunged out and hugged Axel as tightly as she could.

"That was an awesome battle…" She whispered. "You don't know how happy I am for you…"

"But… I lost." Axel replied. "What are you proud about?"

"I'm proud that you progressed this far…" Korrina replied before burying her face into his shoulder.

Axel held the back of her head, and they stayed like this for a few minutes. In response, Ash put his hand on Serena's shoulder.

"Plus, Lucario really wants a battle with that Darkrai of yours." She smiled.

"Right now?!" Axel shouted.

Then, they all laughed loudly as the sun set behind them.

Later that night, the gang were at the door of the hotel with Korrina and Lucario. She had her bag. It was time for her to leave.

"Well…" She started. "Guess this is goodbye."

"Sure wish you could stay longer…" Bonnie whined.

"I do too, Bonnie." Korrina replied. "But I could only be here for two days."

"Take care of yourself, okay?" Ash reminded.

"Stay safe." Serena said.

"Thank you, everyone." Korrina said to the gang. She turned to Axel.

"And thank YOU for an amazing battle." She added.

Axel blushed at this remark, but he took it professionally.

They waved goodbye as Korrina and Lucario began to set out. Axel was waving rather slowly. He remembered what Diantha had said to him.

"So what I'm saying is that you shouldn't rush. Take it slowly. But not too slowly." Diantha said. "Otherwise, it may be too late."

Axel decided to pluck up courage.

"Korrina, wait!" He shouted.

Korrina stopped and turned to see Axel slowly running towards her. Clemont was about to ask what was Axel doing but Ash quickly covered his mouth to avoid any ruination of the moment that was about to unfold.

Axel is now within arm reach of Korrina. This was the moment of truth.

"Korrina." He began. "I didn't have the courage to say this before... but it's now or never."

Korrina looked puzzled.

"Korrina." Axel continued. "When I found out I was battling Alain, I was scared. Considering how strong he was, I never thought I could even beat him. But when you came, I was given hope. You were there for me. I don't know what else to say. You were a huge confidence boost for me."

Korrina was taken back, but the feeling was short lived as Axel slowly approached her. Then Axel wrapped his arms around her neck and back. Korrina hugged back in response. When they separated, Axel did something no one had expected. Axel lifted Korrina's chin, and gently placed his lips on hers. Korrina at first was shocked by this, but in a moment, she returned the kiss. They were like this for a full minute. Korrina had her arms around Axel's neck, while Axel had his arms around her waist. Both of them wanted this to last forever. At the back, the gang was watching. Ash was blushing, Serena covered her mouth in awe, Clemont was blushing like a rose, smoke bellowing out of his head, while Bonnie was smiling. Pikachu and Dedenne, were smiling as well. Gallade had huge smile on its face as well. Lucario just had a surprised look on its face.

At last, both of them were able to break the kiss.

"Well…" Axel began. "That was…"

"Amazing." Korrina finished.

Both of them giggled. Then, with one last hug, they said goodbye. Axel walked back to the gang, and was immediately showered with questions by Clemont. But he only replied that there will be other times to answer. Serena and Ash later told him that Korrina had the same feelings towards him. Axel was both amazed and happy to hear that. Later, after everyone had fallen asleep, Axel looked up at the moon, which of reminded him of Korrina's blonde hair. He sighed a happy sigh, and drifted off to sleep.

Korrina was no different. She had arrived back at the Shalour Gym not too long ago, and already got ready to go to bed. She was staring up at the moon. Gurkinn came up behind her.

"You look awfully cheerful." He commented. "I believe something great has happened?"

Korrina sighed.

"Yeah." She replied. "Something, TRULY amazing."