Chapter 24: Life goes on! (ENDING)

The sun was just beginning to emerge over the horizon when a dark figure, illuminated by the moonlight and the faint glow of dawn, snuck into the lone laboratory of Pallet Town.

The only audible noise in that remote little town was the sound of that figure's footsteps, moving closer and closer to a flickering light inside the lab.

"Well, that took you long enough." Oak said harshly, raising his head to see the intruder in front of him.

"Sorry, sorry! It was a lot harder to get back than I expected, especially after catching that Charmander." Ash chuckled quietly, taking and dusting off his cap.

Oak sighed. "Well, just in time, at least. Though I was getting quite restless. It's good that there's only three kids getting these starters, or we'd have the same problem that you had!"

"Hey, that problem turned out to be my best friend!" Ash laughed, a lot louder this time. "Besides, oversleeping is another thing that Calem doesn't get from either parent."

"Well, thank goodness for that! Although, Leaf is probably gonna be the one to oversleep, I bet." Oak smiled. "My, it's hard to believe I'm a great grandfather and still going mighty strong!" He patted his chest proudly. And he was right - Ash didn't know his real age, but considering Ash himself was already 30, It's a wonder the Professor was as nimble as he was twelve years ago. Even if now Tracy was the one taking care of the lab, Oak still lived in it, retired but taking care of all the pokemon living in it, and every one of them respected him.

"I'd best get back before anybody wakes up, otherwise it'd be a bit suspicious, you know?" sighed Ash.

Oak nodded. "Well, I'll hope to see you and Gary later!"

Ash waved goodbye as he turned to leave. "Yep - see you soon!"

Ash crept into his home through the back door and as quietly as possible, tiptoed up into his bedroom, and climbed carefully into bed.

The girl next to him opened one eye and smiled. "Did it go well?"

Ash patted her on the head. "You bet. All three starters - hopefully perfect for those three."

"I'm sure they'll love them very much." Serena reassured him, and snuggled closer, until Ash's eyelids felt too heavy to keep open.

"Dad, Mom, wake up!"

Ash felt something hard land on his exposed tummy. He drew himself upwards, and forced himself to open his sleepy eyelids.

"Ashleigh..." He groaned. "I know you're excited, but do you really have to jump on me..?"

He looked at his hyperactive daughter, and couldn't help but smile. She definitely took after him in restlessness. Honey coloured hair like her mother, though her skin was as tan as Ash's.

She flapped her arms frantically. "But it's big brothers birthday! Cmon, we gotta celebrate!"

Serena, next to Ash, also rose, rubbing her eyes. "We know..." she yawned. "Okay, you go wake him up and we'll come too, 'kay?"

Ashleigh nodded excitedly and ran out.

Ash scratched his head and stepped out of bed, followed shortly by Serena. "Alright honey, let's start this big day off right!" he exclaimed, making Serena smile.

Ash stretched his arms, looking complacently at the walls. There were pictures everywhere, of him and Serena in various regions. One picture in Orre, where they were sightseeing in the Sacred Forest by Celebi's shrine, another set of photos posing with Pokémon Rangers in Fiore and Almia, the latter region Serena and Ash had taken part in the ranger school at age 19, though neither were particularly good at aiming capture stylers. At the very front was a picture of the couple along with Clemont, Bonnie and Korrina.

That was 14 years ago now.

All those memories plastered the walls in the form of printed photographs. They were experiences; reminders of their journey and all that they had learned.

They got changed and headed downstairs, where they saw their two kids, still in their pyjamas. The eldest child, just turned 10, talking excitedly with his younger sister, who was turning 7 later that month.

"Hey Calem, happy birthday!" Ash grinned, getting a grin back from his son.

"Cheers, Dad! And it's my tenth birthday, you know what that means!"

Ash nodded. "Of course I do! It's the day you become a trainer!"

Calem happily punched the air, as Serena headed into the kitchen. "Alright Calem, can't go out on an empty stomach!" she smiled.

Ash went after her to help. "Okay, you two set the table, cause we're having Calem's favourite!"

They cheered, and soon enough, they sat down to eat. Ash, Calem and Ashleigh both wolfed down their breakfasts and the two kids charged up the stairs to their rooms to get dressed.

Ash turned to his wife. "Absolute bundles of energy, aren't they?"

Serena chuckled. "That's right, just like you are."

Ash blushed. "I don't know about all that..." But Serena shook her head.

"I know Ashleigh especially looks up to you a lot." she explained with a kind smile. Ash nodded knowingly. After all, Serena knew, from the moment Ashleigh was born, that she had her father's eyes, brown and deep and caring, but most importantly, eyes that glinted with a passion. In fact it was why she named her after Ash.

She also thought about Calem's birth. Their first child; in the moment the greatest reason to be alive. Ash named him, a typical Kalosian name to remind them of their second home. Yet, Calem grew up very mild and calm, atypical of his parents nature's, but deep down Serena could tell there was a fire burning within him too, an ambition as deep as theirs were, all that time ago.

Two years earlier

"Hey Mom, is dad gonna be home soon?" Ashleigh asked with a hopeful smile.

Serena did not look pleased - which was understandable, as she had been waiting by the front door for well over an hour, so bored that she was able to clean the house a second time. The dinner she had left out for Ash had gone stone cold. "He had better be." she pouted. "Your father needs to get better at sticking to his word!"

As if on cue, The front door that Serena, Calem and Ashleigh were huddled around started to rattle with the sound of keys, and then swung open violently. "Sorry I'm late!" the man behind it announced.

"Ash, remind me when you said you'd be home..?" Serena questioned with a dark look about her eyes.

Ash sighed apologetically. "Honey I'm sorry, but-"

"You should be setting a good example for these two!" she scolded. Ash rubbed his scalp. His kids had gone quiet.

"Sorry you all..." he muttered, stretching out his arms. Ashleigh and Calem didn't hesitate to throw themselves at him, and he picked the two up in each arm, holding them both in a bear hug.

"Anyway, what did take you so long?" Serena sighed.

Ash's face lit up, and he rolled up his sleeve, while Pikachu yanked a box out of his backpack, which Ash promptly opened and showed to his family, revealing several arranged crystals.

"Wooah!" Ashleigh and Calem gasped in unison. Even Serena was impressed.

"I just found the Psychium Z, meaning only a Fairium Z to go, and I'll have found them all!" he explained, motioning to the bracelet on his wrist - a Z-Ring, which was currently holding an Electricium Z.

"Dad's so cool!" Ashleigh gushed, and Calem agreed unhesitantly.

"I'm gonna be that cool when I'm a pokemon trainer!" he declared. Serena couldn't help but crack a smile.

Present day

"Okay Dad, I'm ready!" Calem yelled several minutes later.

Ash grinned, reappearing from the room. "To the professor then, let's go!"

The two boys charged out the door, leaving Serena behind to let out an amused sigh. "Those two..." She remarked.

Ashleigh bolted down the stairs not a moment later. "Where's Dad and Calem?"

Serena gave her a pat on the head, making her daughter's long pigtails bounce slightly. "You just missed them, sweetheart."

Ashleigh's face fell, dejected. "Awwww..."

Serena picked her up carefully. "Well, if you can be very careful, I'll let you check up on the two Pikachus. That egg is looking pretty close to hatching right about now."

Ash and Calem sped down the road - not a long walk, to the laboratory, but when they got by the entrance, they saw two figures. They walked up to them, and saw the larger of the pair was Ash's close friend.

Ash ran up and gave her a handshake. "Heya Misty, how's it going? How's the husband?"

Misty smiled. "I'm great, thanks!" Then her face went somewhat grumpy. "Though, 'hows the husband' is something i need to know myself. Tracey's always off doing god knows what at Oak's lab. This'll be the first I see of him in days, and you bet I'm gonna lecture him for it. Anyway, I thought we might try and get here early, because I've encouraged this little one to be her own trainer, rather than follow in her mother's footsteps."

Ash raised an eyebrow. "Wow, seeing a kind side to you is pretty rare." he snickered, making Misty scowl.

"That's because you're too stupid for me to ever show it!" she retorted angrily. Calem, along with Misty's daughter Lily, backed away slowly.

Ash looked at the two and grinned at Misty. "Well, seeing as those two aren't here yet, what do you say we go on without th-"

He was interrupted, however, by the sound of stomping behind them. The four turned around to see another pair race up behind them. "Ash! Misty!"

It was Gary Oak, followed by his daughter. They stopped in front of them. "Heya, everyone. Sorry we're late!"

Ash laughed. "Funny how the tables turn, isn't it?"

"Shut up, will ya?!" Gary scowled, but then he grinned. "Anyway, it's about time we get inside and get these three their first Pokémon!" Calem, Lily and Leaf cheered excitedly.

Calem went first, striding up to the front door and knocking on it. It swung open to reveal Professor Oak behind it, beaming proudly.

"I've been expecting you three! And happy birthday to you, Calem!"

Calem nodded happily. "Thanks, professor!"

"Now, let's not waste any time, shall we? Off to get your first pokemon!"

The three ten year olds were delighted, racing into the lab behind the professor. Ash, Gary and Misty simultaneously followed behind them with smiles across their faces.

There were three pokeballs resting on a podium. Ash noted the stickers on each of them. A flame, a droplet and a leaf.

Professor Oak tapped the buttons on all three pokeballs, and they opened, bursting forth a rush of blue light. The children watched, dazzled, as their parents stood back.

On the podium next to their pokeballs revealed a Bulbasaur, Squirtle and Charmander. The kids looked between them.

Calem leaned over, looking intently at the orange lizard, the flame on its tail drifting back and forth happily. "Hey Charmander." Calem said quietly. "How'd you like to come with me?"

Charmander beamed. "Char!"

A huge grin crept across his face. "That's awesome! Professor, I'll take him!"

"Her, actually." Oak corrected him. "Well, I believe all of these starters are female. you can check out all of the technical stuff about your pokemon on this." he reached into a drawer and pulled out a red gadget with a set of lights on it. It had a folding screen, just like Ash's old one.

"Man, those Dex's haven't changed a bit!" Ash remarked.

"That's right, but they have been updated to take the world's pokemon, rather than just Kanto's 150." Oak chuckled.

Meanwhile, Lily was giggling away with a Squirtle in her lap. "Professor, can I have her?" she asked, her eyes glowing.

Misty was starstruck. "You know, I'm quite glad in a way that she chose a water type." she muttered to Ash and Gary. "Means I can teach her all I know."

"Being a water type master must run in the family." Ash shrugged with a smile.

Leaf went over to Bulbasaur and gave her a cuddle. "Aw, then I'm left with the best one!" she beamed, getting a blush out of the small grass-type dinosaur.

Oak handed the two of them their respective pokeballs and Pokédex's, before walking in front of everyone, clearing his throat.

"From this day forward, you three are officially pokemon trainers." he began. Ash nodded towards them, pride evident on his face. "Nowadays, a bond between people and Pokémon are key. They should be your companions first and foremost, your friends and family. Raise them with respect, and they'll respect you. Usually." He added that last part while glancing at Ash. Ash laughed, somewhat sheepishly as he knew full well that sometimes it just wasn't going to be that simple. But he had full confidence that his son would learn, just as he did.

In fact, Ash had given him and Ashleigh plenty of exposure to pokemon, both with the ones he's raised, and showing them wild pokemon. Calem tended to be more reserved but still confident, while Ashleigh was always playful. Serena often fretted when she got into scrapes, but Ashleigh always brushed them off like nothing.

Oak continued. "But, from now on its up to you to figure out everything you need to know. With your pokemon by your side, you can do anything, you just need to find that dream together."

Calem punched the air, and Charmander clumsily copied him. "I already know what I want to do." he turned to Charmander. "Whaddaya say we be Kanto's top coordinator?"

Charmander grinned back. "Char, char!"

Misty smirked. "I can tell he's his mother's kid." she whispered to Ash. However, Ash didn't pay her any mind and instead patted his son on the shoulder. "As long as you have spirit, you and Charmander will achieve anything. So go for it! I'm sure your mom will tell you about performing and contests, you know?"

Calem grinned. "Thanks, Dad! Let's go back home then! I wanna give Mom and Ashleigh a proper goodbye before I head out."

The thought of Calem leaving rarely crossed into his emotions until now. Ash expected pathos and sadness watching his firstborn finally fly the nest, but to his surprise, he felt nothing of the sort. Nothing but pride. Perhaps it was because he had expected and prepared for this occasion for a while, but perhaps because he had faced it himself, and it's what shaped him to be who he was. There was no way he'd ever want his children to miss out on that kind of experience. "You got it bud. Alright Professor, thanks very much!"

"Yes, thank you professor Oak!" Calem repeated enthusiastically.

They waved their goodbyes to Professor Oak and returned back to their home - a large but still homely estate built on the edges of Pallet, by the sea.

"We're home!" Ash called out. Footsteps suddenly thundered down the stairs.

"Hey, honey." he said, giving Serena a kiss on the cheek.

She seemed frantic. "Ash, the egg, the egg!" She gasped. Calem and Ash's eyes widened, and they rushed into Pikachu's bedroom.

Popstar and Pikachu stood over a yellow egg with a black base, their eyes wide and expecting. Ashleigh was squatted in front of it, as it wiggled aggressively, and sure enough, it flashed bright.

They all gasped.

The egg flashed again.

And again.

It made quiet whirring noises as the flashes became brighter and lasted longer. Then finally, after glowing for a solid 20 seconds of restless anticipation, the shape of the egg started to morph, growing big triangular ears and a small body. When the glow lifted it revealed a small yellow mouse, a small version of the duo of Pikachu and Popstar.

"Pi.. chu?" the tiny little creature squeaked.

Serena high fived Ash. "Oh my goodness, it hatched! What an adorable Pichu!"

Ash stared exhilarated, as Popstar tackled Pikachu into a hug, squealing with the delight that Pikachu reciprocated.

Ashleigh gazed at the dazed baby pokemon. "Pichu?" It squeaked again. Then it beamed hugely, taking a step and started to pace around, awed by its own ability to move.

Ashleigh giggled, sidling up close to the pokemon. "Pichu, will you be my friend?" She whispered.

The tiny mouse jumped up with profound excitement, leaping up high and landing on Ashleigh's hands. The girl beamed. "Aw, I love you Pichu!"

Pichu crawled up onto her head and they charged around the room as the two Pikachu's watched, amused but also somewhat concerned. However, Ash's Pikachu lay a reassuring paw on Popstar, to tell her that Ashleigh may be a handful, but she would be as caring as her parents when it came to pokemon. That managed to relax the dressed-up Pikachu a little bit.

Ash and Serena looked at each other. "She's just like her father, isn't she?" she smiled.

"She's got my spirit, but let's hope she gets your brain!" Ash laughed, and he kissed Serena affectionately.

Calem groaned. "You guys are always so lovey-dovey all the time, it's so weird!"

Ash snickered. "Oh, is it now?" He wrapped his arms around his wife, and stuck his tongue out at his son, who responded with some jokingly disgusted noises.

"So Calem, who'd you choose?" Serena asked, paying no attention to his altercation with his father.

The boy gingerly took out his pokeball and opened it; Charmander soon emerged from it's light. Serena beamed. "Charmander, eh? Fire types are always brilliant starters to have, I reckon!" she winked, pulling out a pokeball of her own. "Delphox, come on out!"

Serena's red and beige coloured fox appeared, kneeling down in front of an awestruck Charmander. "Mom, we're gonna be the best coordinator's ever, you'll see!" Calem beamed, picking up Charmander.

Serena beamed. "I'm glad to hear it!" then she walked him out of the room. "Well, you go get your bag packed. I've left you some Oran berries and pokeballs on the table, so make sure you don't leave without them!"

Ashleigh had been playing with Pichu for a while, with Ash and the Pikachu couple watching, pleased. "Hey Daddy?"

"Yeah?" Ash replied.

"I wanna be just like you when I become a trainer!" she exclaimed. "Me and Pichu, together, will travel the world and be pokemon masters just like you, and we'll beat you and Pikachu as well!"

She placed Pichu on her shoulder as an imitation of her father and his own partner. Ash grinned and picked her up, giving her a kiss.

Ashleigh carried on talking. "Yeah, we'll beat every league and become the best trainers you've ever seen!"

Ash put her down and ruffled her hair kindly. "Wow! Every league, huh? Not even I've done that!" he laughed. "Ashleigh, you got big dreams, and I like that! And when you're older, you go and make friends with lots of pokemon, and with them, go and make your dreams a reality, just like your Mama and I did. Got that?"

Ashleigh nodded. "Yeah, got it!"

"Well, I'm gonna go out for a bit, but you help your mother with the cooking. We're gonna give your brother a proper sendoff." He said before leaving his daughter in the care of the two trusty Pikachus.

"Hey, where are you going?" Ashleigh questioned.

Ash pondered. "Have you ever met that little kid, Junior, from the other end of Pallet?"

Ashleigh nodded. "Yeah! He's really nice and funny!"

Ash pondered on how to word this without alarming his daughter enough to tell Serena. "Well, his parents are my, urm, good friends, and so I wanted to just check up on them."

"Okay! Is Mum coming with you?"

Ash shook his head. "Nah, she's quite busy. Help her out, will ya?"

Ashleigh nodded and took off down the stairs, while Pichu held on to her bobbing pigtails.

Ash left the house and walked what he thought was about half a mile down to a really remote house, down the side of Route 1.

He went up, took a deep breath and knocked on the door. After a few moments, the door opened a crack. "Hello?" answered a woman; a very mature voice. Then she saw Ash and opened the door fully. She was a slim woman, with short pink hair, and green earrings. "What are you doing here?" she questioned.

Ash shrugged. "Not even a nice to see you again, after what must've been over a decade?"

Her eyes narrowed. "I never dreamt you of all people would just casually come and say hello, twerp."

"Jessie, don't worry about it. I've let the past behind me. I think I'd stop nursing a grudge over that long." Ash tried to reassure the woman. He tried a smile, towards a person that he had known, originally as his enemy, to show her that they were enemies no longer.

When he said that, her closed off expression became visibly warmer, and she smiled kindly. "Well, I appreciate that a lot. Want to come in?"

Ash politely accepted, and took off his shoes, and sat down at their table. Jessie sat opposite. "Don't mind the snoring." she sighed. "James fell asleep in the sink. I think his job's taking a toll on him."

Ash grimaced. "Why, still part of Team Rocket?"

Jessie shook her head. "Heavens, no. Team Rocket disbanded, like, after we failed in Unova.

Ash's eyes widened. "Unova? But why were you chasing Pikachu throughout Kalos after that?!"

Jessie grimaced. "That foul Giovanni never told us. He just left us to our own devices and when the Team Flare rubbish started, we never got any backup. So Meowth, James and I just settled down." Her expression lightened, and a blush came about her face. "Then James proposed to me."

Ash grinned. "How cute." then he tilted his head. "So where's Meowth now?"

"We live separately, because Meowth moved back to Hollywood, but him and James opened a business together about organising holidays and honeymoons for people, and they're pretty successful. As for me, I generally only take care of Junior now."

Ash nodded. "I'm just really glad you guys have gone good finally."

Jessie glared. "Is that why you came over? To check out if we were still Team Rocket?"

Ash waved a dismissive hand. "Not at all. In fact, I kinda had an idea already, because I've seen you take Junior around to Oak's camp. He's good friends with my daughter, actually."

Jessie smiled. "That's good to know. Then I'm glad you came over." she furrowed her eyebrows. "And we're sorry for causing you trouble as a kid. But we'll make it up to you somehow."

"Perhaps James could book us a holiday!" laughed Ash, and Jessie did also.

Then, he paused. "Hang on a minute. A holiday..." he muttered.

He leapt up. "Jessie, I had an idea!"

She looked at him, confused. "Eh?"

"It's... Oh, don't worry! Thanks for having me over, I gotta get home!" he almost shouted. Then he turned and left.

A purple haired man traipsed out of the kitchen. He had a goatee, which was quite dishevelled from him being asleep on a counter. "Was someone here just now?" he moaned.

Jessie just smiled. "Don't worry about it, James. Just an old friend."

James smiled back. "Oh well. Where's Junior? Outside playing with Mime Jr and Wobbuffet?"

Jessie just nodded once, and James chuckled to himself before walking outside to call his son back in.

Ash went back home to see Serena glumly staring towards nothingness while cleaning a saucepan. "What's the matter, sweetheart?" he asked.

"Ten years." she said simply. Ash tilted his head, though he knew exactly what she meant.

Ten years since they had their first child, and ten years since they stopped travelling. Serena had retired as the Kanto Queen, and had pretty much become a housewife, just to keep an eye on Ashleigh, who had always been a troublemaker. Obviously, the life was relaxing, and her kids were her everything, yet she missed the life she had, travelling regions and experiencing new things.

Ash knew full well how she felt as well, after all, he had been challenged for his title once a year, though none had succeeded these twelve years, he still had to put such effort into the battles, into learning Z-moves, finding mega stones, and such, all while staying in the Kanto region so as to not be away from home.

However he tried his hardest, for the sake of his children, who he promised he would not leave for the sake of his career. After all, his and Serena's dad had left, and they both knew the kinds of stress their mothers had taking care of them. Ash vowed not to be that father.

He spoke, his expression seeming rather upbeat, to Serena's surprise. "Well, I think we can do something about that now." he smiled.

"Huh?" Serena, evidently, had no idea what Ash was talking about.

"Serena, now that Calem's going off and Ashleigh's got a pokemon to keep her in line, well, it just made me think." he stopped, took a deep breath and continued. "We both never wanted to do what our dads did, and just leave to go and get our dreams separated. And look at us. Champion, and previous Kanto Queen. We were able to do it. But we don't have to worry about Calem anymore. He's a smart kid, just like you, and he'll be fine going around Kanto and winning those five contests and the grand festival, all that stuff..."

He hesitated, then looked into Serena's deep blue eyes. The woman in front of him, beautiful as the day he married her, stared back. "Oak was telling me about the Galar region. Small place, but so many Pokémon I've never even seen before. Do you want to take Ashleigh, and go on an adventure, just like the old days?"

Serena beamed - a joyous tear escaped her eye. "Oh Ash... How did I find someone like you..?"

Ash grinned, kissing her on the lips. "That's a question I always ask myself about you."

Twelve years earlier

The wedding ceremony was held in Lumiose Tower, a feat Clemont didn't object to, and even helped set up. the walls shone with the light from the outside windows, beaming one huge ray onto the altar, making the place seem heavenly. When Ash entered that day twelve years ago, he was absolutely blown away. Kalos may have been known as the land of love, but they really had outdone themselves.

Ash was shoved into a suit by Brock only ten minutes before, and they had needed to run there to avoid being late.

He walked up the aisle and stood at the altar, bliss in his heart. There was whistling and cheering from the seats around him.

Then she walked in.

Serena, with Grace leading her, smiled at Ash, continuously blushing as she walked up the aisle. Her looks stole the boy's breath - a pure white dress and veil covered her body, and made her incredible features shine like the sun. He took a second to realise that he, of all people, would be marrying such an amazing girl.

She stood next to Ash, and the room fell silent as the minister prepared to read their vows. Ash had to stifle a chuckle - he knew full well that the thing he wanted most in life, was to live and share his life with the amazing girl before him.

And now it was the present. Ash told his daughter playing outside with the local Pidgey flock the good news, which she jumped up and down to hear, and ran away to pack her stuff immediately.

He smiled, and looked to the sky. It was shining a crystalline blue, surreal as his life was. He was sure that when he first started traveling two decades ago, he dreamed of being a pokemon master, but he never imagined he'd settle. Yet he was happy and couldn't ask for more. His friends were just as successful.

Misty, a water type master, and supreme gym leader of the Orange Islands, though she had rarely received challenges and thus stayed in Kanto to raise Lily.

Brock, a successful pokemon breeder, retired doctor and most importantly for him, father of five very rowdy children.

Tracey, Kanto's new professor as the role was given to him by Oak himself, not to mention a respected artist.

May and Dawn, Hoenn and Sinnoh's top coordinators, respectively.

Max, the champion of Hoenn.

Iris, the champion of Unova and Dragon master, famous for having an unrecognisable but incredible strategy against Ice and Fairy types.

Cilan, retired S-Class connoisseur, and still traveling with his son, as a well-known documentary host currently working on a show about pokemon in trainers lives.

Clemont, the inventor and prodigy, most well known for creating a computer hardware called the Interweb, which billions across the world connect over any computer or smartphone.

Bonnie, who oddly enough, went to Almia to become a Pokemon Ranger when she turned 16, although Dedenne had always stuck with her, as her partner pokemon. Six years later, and she is a Top Ranger, working in the Kalos region mainly to maintain order, and hoping to one day meet Zygarde again.

Everyone had worked hard and never gave up when working towards their individual dreams. And now, they had achieved their goal. It was time for the next generation to start theirs.

"Dad, Mom, thanks for everything." said Calem.

The family, Ash, Serena, Calem and Ashleigh stood by the only road out of Pallet Town.

Serena's eyes widened. "Hey, how about a picture? To celebrate the occasion!"

"Hey, good idea!" Ash exclaimed. "Okay kids, come closer! Let's have a group picture!"

He swiped five pokeballs into his hands and expertly threw them into the air, and they all opened before dropping back cleanly onto his belt. From those balls emerged the pokémon Ash had been with to catch the starter pokemon for professor Oak - Greninja, Staraptor, Espeon, Sceptile and Lycanroc, and they all - including Pikachu - lined up next to their trainer for the picture. Ashleigh gaped at them all, and proceeded to hug each and every one before standing next to them, Pichu on her head.

Serena did so also, throwing her six pokeballs - Delphox, Pancham, Sylveon, Popstar, Wigglytuff and Ribombee. They all stood with Serena, and Calem stood, with Charmander on his shoulder, between her and Delphox. Serena held her phone out in front of her, and took a selfie with all of them. She looked at it once more, and smiled. "Now I'll treasure this one for as long as I live." she stated, showing it to the others.

Ash stepped forward, stooping a little to be at eye level with his ten year old boy.

"So Calem, you know what to do when you get to Veridian City. Just look for a Pokemon Center to get your contest pass." Ash explained, and Calem nodded. "And us three will be off to the airport to go to the Galar region."

"You got it, dad. Don't worry about me." he grinned.

Ashleigh paced about impatiently, as energetic as the Pichu running around her. "Cmon, let's go, let's go! I wanna see new pokemon!"

Serena smiled. "Well, I guess there's no point in hanging around, is there?"

Ash took Serena's hand, and grinned. "Man, I feel so young again."

Serena agreed. "Yep. I'm sure it'll be just as fun too."

The couple gazed into each others eyes, and together with their children by their sides, walked down the path of Route 1.

I don't believe it, but it looks like we have reached the end of Our Dream. What started as an unoriginal amourshipping twist to the already existing XYZ series, it's developed into something more, something I've enjoyed writing. And I sure hope you enjoyed this as much as I have. It is far from perfect, and certainly boring at times.

But I can improve as a writer, and I hope I have over the course of this. Especially the first 10 chapters were mostly ripped off of XY. But now, I decided to go out of my comfort zone and add my own original content, aiming for it to not be hopelessly cringy. Regardless, I have certainly enjoyed the story. and thank you all so much for the reviews, favourites and follows. They inspired me to continue, rather than do what I've always done: delete furiously when I dislike something.

I'm prepared to answer every question you may have for me in DMs. if you want to ask me something, please have an account and then send a review; I will be sure to reply!

This has been Jaeolian, also known as Jaan. If you like this fanfiction and you're also into metal music, I recommend you check out my YouTube channel and my album - links are all in my profile.

So anyway, thank you all very much for reading and sticking along with me to the end. It's means so much to me.

P.S. Anyone notice the titles for these last three chapters? I named them after Pokemon Mystery Dungeon ending songs. I recommend, if you like the anime and find the main games pretty boring like I do, that you play a Mystery Dungeon game. They're legendary. In fact, I'm gonna buy Rescue Team DX for switch now my GCSEs have finished!