The sun dipped low over Shalour City, painting the ocean in rich hues of orange and violet. From the steps of the Tower of Mastery, the group could see the city beginning to glow with lanterns, their flickering lights reflecting like stars on the water.
Serena pressed a hand to her chest and smiled at the sight. "Shalour looks so alive tonight. I heard there's a festival in the city square. Food stalls, dancing, even fireworks. We should all go."
Ash immediately perked up, fists clenched in excitement. "A festival? That sounds amazing!" Then he paused, turning to Serena with a grin that was just a little too confident. "Actually... why don't we make it a date?"
Serena's eyes widened, her face flushing red at once. "A d-date?" she stammered, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
Ash scratched the back of his head with a sheepish laugh. "Well, you know... the last time, in Cyllage, it was kind of a trick. This time, I want it to be real. Just you and me."
Serena's heart fluttered at his words. She bit her lip to keep her smile from spreading too wide, then nodded. "Then yes, I'd love that."
"Alright!" Ash said, pumping his fist with Pikachu cheering on his shoulder.
Bonnie gasped dramatically, eyes shining. "Two dates in one night! Ash with Serena, and Clemont with Korrina!"
"Bonnie!" Clemont practically jumped in place, his face going scarlet.
Korrina leaned casually on one skate, arms crossed with a playful smirk. "She's not wrong, Clemont. You did ask me out already. Are you blushing because it's true?"
"I-I am not blushing!" Clemont spluttered, pushing up his glasses. "I'm simply, ah, warm from the sun."
Ash laughed, clutching his stomach. "Nice try, Clemont! The sun's already gone down."
Serena covered her mouth, giggling softly, while Bonnie chimed in with an innocent smile. "I think it's cute! Don't you think it's cute, Korrina?"
Korrina tilted her head thoughtfully. "Hmm, cute... maybe. But I think it's braver than that. It takes guts to ask someone out." Her eyes sparkled as she glanced at Clemont, who promptly fumbled with his Aipom Arm and nearly dropped his bag in his flustered state.
Ash and Pikachu burst out laughing again, while even Serena couldn't hide her grin.
Just then, Gurkinn appeared at the doorway of the tower, his arms folded, his expression full of amusement. "You youngsters have more energy than the festival itself. But go on, enjoy it. I'll watch over Bonnie and Dedenne here. The festival is best enjoyed in pairs."
Bonnie pouted and stomped her foot. "Aw, but I wanted to see the fireworks too!"
"You'll see them one day, little one," Gurkinn said gently, placing a hand on her shoulder. "But tonight is for your brother, his friends, and their promises."
Korrina crouched down and winked at Bonnie. "Don't worry. I'll make sure your brother doesn't trip over his own feet on our date."
Clemont turned redder than ever. "I-I will not trip!" he cried, adjusting his glasses in a panic.
Serena giggled again, then turned to Ash. "You're always so confident. Do you ever get nervous?"
Ash grinned at her, his eyes shining with the same determination he carried into every battle. "Nope. Not when it's something important. And this is really important."
Serena's breath caught, and for a moment, the rest of the world blurred around her. She smiled softly. "Then let's go make it a night to remember."
"Yeah!" Ash exclaimed, pumping his fist again. "Come on, everyone, the festival won't wait forever!"
Korrina spun forward on her skates with a playful flourish. "Race you there!"
"Wait, what?" Clemont yelped, scrambling to catch up as the others laughed.
With excitement bubbling in their hearts, the group made their way down toward the glowing lights of Shalour City, the promise of the festival pulling them into the night.
The group left the Tower of Mastery behind, their laughter echoing against the cliffs as the path wound back toward the city. The closer they came, the louder the sounds of the festival grew. The rhythmic beat of drums, the crackle of roasting food, and the chatter of hundreds of voices spilled into the night air.
Serena's eyes lit up as the first lanterns came into view, strung across the streets like glowing jewels. "It's beautiful," she breathed, the colors dancing in her gaze.
Ash nodded, grinning with Pikachu perched on his shoulder. "Yeah, this is awesome! Let's go check it out!"
Bonnie, trailing behind with Gurkinn, waved at them one last time before the older man gently steered her back toward the tower. "Go enjoy yourselves," he called.
"Have fun!" Bonnie shouted, her voice ringing cheerfully across the stone path.
And then, almost without realizing it, they were stepping into the heart of Shalour's festival. The streets were alive with trainers, families, and merchants, every corner bursting with music, color, and laughter. The sweet scent of candied berries mixed with the savory smoke of roasted skewers. Children darted between the stalls with balloons in hand, while Pokémon pranced happily beside their trainers, caught up in the festivities.
Korrina skated ahead, turning in a graceful circle as she spread her arms wide. "Welcome to Shalour's annual Festival of Lights! Tonight, the whole city celebrates history, battles, and bonds. Pretty great, right?"
Clemont was trying his best not to trip over a group of running children, his face already pink. "It's, uh, incredible. Very lively. Very, very lively..."
Serena giggled at his flustered expression, then tugged gently on Ash's sleeve. "Come on. Let's go explore."
Ash's grin widened, and with Pikachu chattering excitedly, the night of their festival dates truly began.
The festival was in full swing. Lanterns of every color floated above the streets, swaying gently in the evening breeze. Their light shimmered across the ocean waves that brushed against the harbor, making the whole city feel like it was glowing.
Children ran past carrying paper masks shaped like legendary Pokémon. Bells chimed from performers at the square, where a troupe of dancers spun in bright costumes. Musicians struck up a lively tune, filling the air with joy and celebration.
Ash's eyes widened at the sight of a food stall loaded with roasted skewers of Magikarp and vegetable dumplings. "Whoa, Serena, look at that! We have to try those!"
Serena giggled at his enthusiasm, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "Of course, Ash. But only if we try the Lumiose-style crepes too."
Ash rubbed the back of his head, grinning. "Deal. Pikachu, you up for a feast?"
"Pika-pi!" Pikachu cheered, already hopping toward the stall.
Korrina, skating smoothly beside Clemont, nudged him with her elbow. "So, Mr. Inventor, got any festival expertise to show off? Or do you only know how to make machines that explode?"
Clemont adjusted his glasses, flustered. "W-well, actually, I happen to be excellent at festival games... or at least, I think I am..."
"Then prove it," Korrina teased, pointing to a nearby ring toss booth. "Winner gets to choose dessert."
She grinned, already sliding forward to grab a handful of rings. Clemont hesitated, then followed, muttering something about physics and trajectory as his ears turned red.
Meanwhile, Ash and Serena carried their skewers toward a quieter side street. Ash took a big bite, almost burning his tongue. "Hot! But so good!"
Serena laughed softly, offering him her crepe in exchange. "Here, try this instead."
Ash leaned in, biting the crepe while Serena still held it. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Serena blushed as she quickly looked away. Ash blinked, realizing what had just happened, then gave her a sheepish grin. "Uh... sorry about that."
Serena shook her head, smiling gently. "It's fine. I don't mind."
Back at the game stall, Clemont had managed to land two rings perfectly. Korrina clapped her hands, impressed. "Not bad, Clemont! Guess you really are more than just a genius with gadgets."
Clemont stammered, rubbing his head nervously. "W-well, I just calculated the angles and—"
"Or," Korrina interrupted, winking, "you got lucky because you're on a date with me."
Clemont nearly dropped his last ring, his face completely red.
The festival carried on around them, bright and lively, a night full of laughter, food, and growing bonds.
The night deepened, but the festival only grew brighter. Strings of lanterns lit up the boardwalk that wound along the beach. Each stall beckoned with colorful banners, the calls of vendors mingling with laughter and music. The smell of roasted chestnuts and candied berries clung to the air.
Ash and Serena found themselves wandering past a stand where Pokémon were putting on little performances. A Chingling chimed in time with a flute, while a Furfrou in a glittering scarf pranced proudly for a crowd of children.
Serena clasped her hands, eyes sparkling. "It's amazing, Ash. Pokémon and their trainers really are celebrating together."
Ash nodded, his grin unwavering. "Yeah, it's great! I wonder if Pikachu wants to try something too."
Pikachu perked up at the mention, its cheeks sparking in excitement. "Pika!"
Serena chuckled, then noticed a small contest booth with a sign that read 'Pokémon Style Show – Winner Gets a Ribbon'. Her heart skipped, the thought of contests stirring something inside her. "Ash... maybe we could—"
Before she could finish, Ash was already pulling her toward the booth. "Let's do it! Pikachu's got this!"
Pikachu bounded forward, leaping into a graceful spin and releasing a bright Thunderbolt that lit the sky like fireworks. The crowd applauded, and Serena's face glowed with pride as she watched.
Meanwhile, Korrina had dragged Clemont to another side of the square, where festival-goers were trying their hands at catching Magikarp in little nets. Clemont knelt down nervously, his oversized frame looking hilariously out of place among the eager children.
"You sure about this?" Clemont asked, sweat already forming on his forehead.
Korrina crossed her arms with a grin. "Of course. I'll even give you a head start."
Taking a deep breath, Clemont lowered his net... only for it to break under the weight of a particularly large Magikarp flopping wildly. The kids burst out laughing, and Korrina nearly fell off her skates from laughing too hard.
"H-hey! These festival nets are clearly defective!" Clemont argued, adjusting his glasses.
"Or maybe you're just not as strong as you think," Korrina teased, patting his shoulder. "But that's okay. You're cute when you're trying."
Clemont froze at the word "cute," his face going scarlet as Korrina skated off toward the fireworks stand.
Back with Ash and Serena, the ribbon contest wrapped up. Pikachu didn't win, but Serena smiled warmly as she clutched Ash's arm. "It doesn't matter. Watching you and Pikachu like that, I think you'd make an incredible contest partner too."
Ash blinked at her, confused but smiling. "Huh? Well, if you say so, Serena."
Serena giggled, shaking her head. "You really don't notice anything, do you?"
Ash tilted his head, baffled, and Pikachu snickered knowingly at the two of them.
As the night reached its peak, fireworks suddenly burst into the sky. Brilliant reds, greens, and golds shimmered above the ocean, reflected perfectly in the water below. Couples and families stopped in their tracks, their faces glowing under the spectacle.
Korrina rolled up beside Clemont again, handing him a small candied Oran berry stick. "For you. Since you lost the Magikarp game."
Clemont blinked, touched. "Th-thank you, Korrina."
"Don't thank me," Korrina said softly, her eyes reflecting the fireworks. "Thank the festival. It gave me the perfect excuse to share this with you."
Clemont looked at her, words failing as the explosions painted the sky.
A short distance away, Serena leaned against Ash's shoulder, her eyes wide with wonder. "It's so beautiful..."
Ash nodded, though his gaze wasn't on the fireworks but on her. "Yeah... it really is."
Serena caught him looking, and her cheeks grew warm as she looked away, clutching the ribbon Pikachu had won earlier as if it were a treasure.
The festival of lights carried on around them, but for the two couples, the world seemed to narrow into a single perfect moment.
The fireworks thundered overhead, painting streaks of crimson and violet across the night sky. The festival noise seemed to dim beneath the sound, leaving each pair caught in the hush of the moment.
Korrina leaned against the railing overlooking the sea, the glow of the fireworks reflecting off her eyes. "You know, Clemont, I wasn't sure about this date at first. I thought it might be awkward, especially since everyone already knows."
Clemont adjusted his glasses nervously, his voice low. "I... I worried about that too. But being here with you now, I don't regret asking. Not even a little."
Korrina smirked, though there was warmth behind it. "You're braver than you think. Most people don't just march up to a Gym Leader's grandfather and ask permission for a date."
Clemont chuckled awkwardly. "Well, Gurkinn's approval mattered, but... so did yours."
That softened Korrina's smile, and she nudged his arm playfully. "Then let's make it official. This is the best date I've had in a long time."
Clemont nearly dropped the candied berry stick still in his hands, but his heart soared as the words sunk in. He opened his mouth, then closed it, deciding that sometimes silence said enough.
A short distance away, Serena's fingers toyed with the ribbon from the contest, twisting it gently between her hands. The warm glow of the lanterns made her cheeks flush even more.
"Ash," she said quietly, eyes still on the fireworks, "do you ever think about what moments like these mean? Not the battles, or the training, but... just being together?"
Ash turned to her, his brow furrowing slightly in thought. "I mean... yeah, I guess I do. It's fun being with everyone. With you."
Serena's heart gave a little leap at the way he said it. She turned her head to face him, her eyes shimmering. "When you asked me to come here tonight, and not just as friends... it made me really happy. I want you to know that."
Ash blinked, then smiled in that boyish, unguarded way of his. "I'm glad. I was nervous, actually. I didn't know if I was doing it right."
Serena laughed softly, leaning into his shoulder. "You're doing just fine."
Pikachu, sitting in Ash's lap, twitched its ears and gave Serena a knowing grin before focusing back on the sky.
For a while, they just sat in silence, the crackle of fireworks above them filling the air. The crowd cheered with each dazzling burst, but for Ash and Serena, and for Clemont and Korrina, the world felt smaller, more personal.
It wasn't just a festival anymore; it was a memory being etched into their journey, one they would never forget.
The fireworks painted the night sky in bursts of gold and blue, their reflections dancing across the water below. The festival's music drifted faintly in the background, but up on the balcony, the world seemed quieter, more personal.
Korrina leaned against the railing, the glow from the lanterns brushing across her face. "You know, Clemont, I didn't think you'd actually go through with it. Asking me out, I mean. You seemed so nervous."
Clemont chuckled softly, scratching the back of his neck. "I was terrified. But I wanted to, and if I hadn't asked, I'd have regretted it. I just... hoped you'd say yes."
Her lips curved into a teasing grin. "Guess I'm full of surprises then. And honestly, I'm glad you did. This... it's nice. Different from my usual training."
He smiled, adjusting his glasses. "Different is good, I think."
Korrina glanced at him, catching the genuine sincerity in his eyes, and her grin softened. "Yeah. Different is very good."
Not far away, Serena and Ash sat side by side, their hands brushing occasionally as they shared a stick of festival snacks Pikachu had nearly stolen. Serena's eyes lingered on the fireworks.
"Ash," she said gently, "I like moments like this. Not just the festivals or the food, but... being together outside of battles. It feels special."
Ash turned, watching her for a second, before looking back at the sky. "Yeah, it does. I'm glad we came. With everything that's been happening, it's nice to just... enjoy this."
Serena smiled, her heart fluttering at the way he said "we." She let her hand rest a little longer against his, and Pikachu gave an approving nod before stuffing a piece of snack into its mouth.
For a while, both pairs let the fireworks do the talking. The sky lit up with dazzling streaks of color, and every cheer from the crowd below felt like background noise to their quiet, personal happiness.
The fireworks continued to bloom, but the moments in between felt softer, quieter, like the world was holding its breath.
Serena glanced sideways at Ash, her cheeks faintly pink. "You know... you're actually pretty good at this."
Ash blinked. "At what?"
She smiled. "Dates. Even if you don't mean to be."
Ash rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish laugh. "Heh, well, I don't really think about it like that. I just wanted to spend time with you. That's what makes it fun."
Serena's heart skipped. She bit her lip to hold back a smile. "That's exactly why you're good at it."
Nearby, Clemont and Korrina had been sharing their own quiet. Korrina tilted her head toward Ash and Serena and smirked. "Looks like we're not the only ones having a good time tonight."
Clemont adjusted his glasses, flustered. "W-well, that's... that's good, isn't it? Everyone's enjoying themselves."
Korrina laughed. "Relax, Clemont. I'm just saying it's cute."
Serena overheard and turned red, while Ash, oblivious, just grinned. "Yeah, of course we're having fun. Festivals are the best!"
He leaned forward on the railing to watch the fireworks explode in a huge golden starburst, Pikachu squeaking in awe beside him. Serena shook her head fondly, thinking that only Ash could make something so simple feel so genuine.
The four of them stood together as the last few bursts of light crackled across the night sky, sharing the rare peace of the moment.
As the final fireworks began to fade into thin streaks of smoke across the night sky, the festival atmosphere softened. Families started to pack up, stalls rattled as shopkeepers began closing, and the laughter of children drifted faintly through the streets.
Ash stretched his arms with a wide grin. "That was awesome. I don't think I'll ever get tired of fireworks."
Serena giggled softly, hugging her shawl a little tighter. "You really enjoyed yourself, didn't you?"
"Of course," Ash replied with a bright smile. "It's even better with everyone here."
Behind them, Clemont was quietly nodding as Korrina leaned comfortably against the railing beside him. For once, the inventor didn't stumble over his words, simply enjoying the calm that hung in the air.
But just a little ways away, hidden in the shadows of the festival grounds, a pair of eyes gleamed. Jessie, crouched low beside a cart stacked with crates, smirked as she peered around the corner.
"They look awfully cozy, don't they?" she whispered with a sly grin.
James adjusted his glasses, holding back a sigh. "Cozy and distracted. This is our chance."
Meowth snickered, twirling his claws together. "While the twerps are starry-eyed, we swipe Pikachu and any other Pokémon we can grab. Easy pickings!"
Jessie chuckled, folding her arms. "And when they realize what's happened, it'll be too late. Prepare yourselves, boys. Tonight's going to end with fireworks of our own."
The three slinked deeper into the shadows, slipping between the thinning crowds, their hushed laughter fading into the night as they plotted their strike.
Unaware of the danger drawing close, Ash and his friends lingered in the glow of the fading festival, thinking their night was winding down peacefully.
The group was still chatting as they made their way down the lantern-lit street. The smell of grilled dumplings and roasted chestnuts lingered in the air, mingling with the fading warmth of fireworks.
Serena clasped her hands together. "It's been such a wonderful night. I'm glad we came."
Ash grinned. "Yeah, this festival was the best!" Pikachu nodded in agreement, sparks flickering in excitement.
Then, from behind a closed stall, came a sudden crash. A wooden crate toppled over, startling a few nearby festival-goers who quickly hurried away.
"What was that?" Korrina asked, instantly tensing.
"Probably nothing," Clemont said, though his nervous glance betrayed him.
But before he could adjust his glasses again, a loud, all-too-familiar voice cut through the night.
"Prepare for trouble!" Jessie cried, stepping dramatically into the lantern light.
"And make it double!" James added, striking his usual pose.
Meowth landed on the crate they had knocked over, pointing menacingly at Pikachu. "We'll be takin' all your Pokémon, starting with the yellow furball!"
Ash groaned, shoulders slumping. "Seriously? You guys had to ruin the festival too?"
Jessie smirked, tossing a Poké Ball high. "You should know by now, twerp, Team Rocket always steals the show! Pumpkaboo, come out!"
With a burst of light, her Pumpkaboo floated into the air, glowing eyes narrowing as it loomed forward with a mischievous grin.
James followed with a flourish. "Inkay, it's your time to shine!"
Inkay materialized, bobbing up and down in midair before flashing its eyes in a hypnotic pattern.
The once-lively street went silent as the festival-goers scattered, leaving Ash and his friends standing in the middle of the deserted stalls.
Korrina slid onto her skates with a determined look. "You picked the wrong night to mess with us!" She threw a Poké Ball forward. "Lucario, let's fight!"
Lucario landed on the ground with a sharp glare, growling low in its throat.
Ash clenched his fist. "Pikachu, you're up!"
"Pika, Pikachu!" Pikachu cried, sparks leaping across his cheeks as he bounded to Lucario's side.
Jessie cackled. "Let's start this festival off with a bang! Pumpkaboo, use Shadow Ball!"
James pumped his fist. "Inkay, follow up with Psybeam!"
Twin attacks surged toward the group, colliding with the lantern light and sending shadows dancing across the stalls. Ash pointed forward, voice steady. "Pikachu, counter with Thunderbolt!"
Korrina added without hesitation. "Lucario, deflect it with Bone Rush!"
Electric sparks roared outward as Pikachu's Thunderbolt tore through Pumpkaboo's Shadow Ball, while Lucario spun its glowing bone staff to block Inkay's Psybeam. The attacks fizzled in the air, lighting up the night like the fireworks had returned.
Serena gasped. "They're really strong when they battle together."
Clemont adjusted his glasses, watching intently. "Of course. Lucario's precision balances Pikachu's speed. Team Rocket doesn't stand a chance."
"Pumpkaboo, use Leech Seed!" Jessie barked, pointing toward Pikachu.
Vines shot from Pumpkaboo's body, glowing seeds spiraling through the air.
"Not so fast! Pikachu, use Iron Tail to cut through them!" Ash ordered.
Pikachu spun mid-jump, tail glowing silver as he sliced cleanly through the seeds. They exploded harmlessly into the ground.
James smirked. "Impressive. But Inkay, let's turn the tables! Use Psybeam on Lucario!"
The rainbow-colored beam shot forward, streaking across the festival square.
"Lucario, block it with Bone Rush!" Korrina shouted.
Lucario summoned its glowing bone staff and swung it, meeting Psybeam head-on. Sparks and light scattered like shattered fireworks.
"Pikachu, now! Use Quick Attack!"
Pikachu blurred forward, darting through the smoke toward Pumpkaboo.
Jessie snapped her fingers. "Pumpkaboo, stop it with Shadow Sneak!"
Pumpkaboo melted into the ground, reappearing behind Pikachu and slamming into him, knocking the little mouse forward into a roll.
"Pikaaa!" Pikachu tumbled, but Ash clenched his fist. "Shake it off, buddy! Get back in there!"
Korrina called quickly, "Lucario, cover Pikachu with Aura Sphere!"
Lucario gathered a glowing blue orb of energy in its palms and hurled it. Pumpkaboo tried to dodge, but the Aura Sphere curved and exploded against its side, sending it spinning into a festival stall.
James panicked. "Inkay, keep them back with Topsy-Turvy!"
Inkay's eyes flashed, and suddenly Lucario stumbled, its boosted energy flickering oddly.
Clemont gasped. "That's Inkay's ability! It can reverse stat changes!"
Korrina gritted her teeth. "No problem. Lucario, close in and use Power-Up Punch!"
Lucario dashed forward, fist glowing bright orange. It slammed into Inkay, sending the squid Pokémon crashing into the dirt.
Ash seized the opening. "Now, Pikachu! Use Electro Ball on Pumpkaboo!"
"Pumpkaboo, dodge and counter with Bullet Seed!" Jessie yelled.
Pikachu hurled the crackling sphere of electricity, but Pumpkaboo ducked low and spat a flurry of glowing green seeds. The Electro Ball collided with them, exploding in the air with a boom that rattled nearby stalls.
Team Rocket cheered. "Ha! Looks like we've got the upper hand!"
Serena shook her head, watching Ash's eyes sharpen. "No, he's just getting started."
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt at full power!" Ash commanded.
"Lucario, follow up with Bone Rush!" Korrina added.
Pikachu unleashed a massive bolt of lightning, the golden surge lighting up the night. Lucario leapt into the fray, spinning its glowing staff like a whirlwind.
Pumpkaboo and Inkay tried to resist, firing Shadow Ball and Psybeam together, but Pikachu's electricity tore through their attacks while Lucario's Bone Rush smashed the remnants aside.
The two attacks hit true. Pumpkaboo and Inkay were blasted backward into Jessie, James, and Meowth, sending the trio flying.
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" they wailed as a sparkling twinkle vanished into the night sky.
The square fell quiet again, save for the crackle of broken lanterns and Pikachu's soft panting.
Ash grinned, pumping his fist. "Nice work, Pikachu!"
"Pika-pi!" Pikachu replied, cheeks sparking in pride.
Korrina knelt to pat Lucario's shoulder. "You too, Lucario. That was incredible."
Serena giggled softly, relief washing over her. "Leave it to Team Rocket to turn even a festival into chaos."
Clemont adjusted his glasses with a sigh. "At least they're consistent."
Korrina stood, brushing herself off. "Well, that's one way to end the night."
Ash and Serena exchanged a glance, then both laughed, the tension breaking.
The festival lights still glimmered faintly behind them as Ash, Serena, Clemont, and Korrina climbed the familiar stone steps leading back up to the Tower of Mastery. The night was calm, the sea whispering against the cliffs below, and the lanterns swayed gently in the ocean breeze.
At the entrance, Bonnie was already waiting, practically bouncing on her toes. Gurkinn stood behind her with his arms folded, an amused twinkle in his eye.
"You're back! You're back!" Bonnie cried, running straight to Clemont. "So? How was it? Tell me everything!"
"B-Bonnie, not so loud," Clemont stammered, his cheeks glowing red. He adjusted his glasses nervously as Korrina laughed beside him, hands on her hips.
"It was fun," Korrina admitted with a grin. "Your brother is actually a good date. Surprising, isn't it?"
Bonnie gasped dramatically. "You mean... you actually enjoyed it?"
Korrina winked. "I did."
Gurkinn chuckled from the sidelines, his deep voice carrying a hint of pride. "So, my granddaughter has found good company at last. And you, boy—" he looked at Clemont"—you handled yourself well."
Clemont swallowed hard, but then stood straighter. His voice was a little shaky, but determined. "M-Master Gurkinn... Korrina... I wanted to ask something. Traveling with Ash and everyone has made me stronger, and I know there's still more I need to learn. But... Korrina, would you join us on our journey? With your strength, your guidance, and... well... your energy, we could all grow together."
Korrina blinked, surprised for just a moment. Then her smile widened, soft and genuine. "You really want me to come along?"
"Yes," Clemont said firmly this time, pushing up his glasses as if to steel himself. "Not just for training, but... because it would mean a lot to me."
Korrina's cheeks tinged pink, but she nodded without hesitation. "Then I'll do it. Count me in."
Bonnie squealed and hugged Dedenne tight. "Yay! Now it'll be even more fun!"
While the others laughed, Ash and Serena lingered a little apart from the group. The glow of the Tower lanterns cast a warm light over them, and Pikachu perched quietly on Ash's shoulder, watching.
Serena tilted her head, noticing how Ash kept glancing at her, his usual confident grin replaced by something more thoughtful. "Ash?" she asked softly. "Is something wrong?"
Ash shook his head quickly. "No, not wrong. Just... I've been thinking." He scratched the back of his neck, his voice uncharacteristically hesitant. "Serena, today at the festival was... really fun. Not just because of the food or the games, but... because it was with you."
Serena's cheeks heated, her fingers curling around the hem of her dress. "Ash..."
Ash took a small breath and met her eyes, determination shining the same way it did when he was on the battlefield. "I don't want it to be just another outing. I want it to be real. So... Serena, would you be my girlfriend?"
For a moment, the world seemed to pause. Serena's heart fluttered, her face glowing as bright as the lantern light. Slowly, she smiled, her voice trembling but filled with happiness. "Yes, Ash. I'd love to."
Pikachu let out a cheerful "Pika!" as if sealing the promise. Ash laughed, rubbing Pikachu's head, while Serena reached out and gently took Ash's hand.
A few steps away, Clemont and Korrina caught the sight, exchanging a knowing glance but saying nothing. Gurkinn only stroked his beard with a smile, while Bonnie whispered to Dedenne in awe.
As the night deepened, the group stood together at the Tower's entrance, the ocean breeze carrying the promise of new adventures. The lights of the festival had faded, but in their place, bonds had grown stronger—between friends, between partners, and perhaps even something more.
The Tower of Mastery stood tall behind them, a silent witness to the beginning of a new chapter in their journey.
AS THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!
I'm Back Baby!!!
It's been a long while everyone. I'm back from my vacations, and will continue with my usual update schedule—Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
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