Frogadier had just leveled up from 36 to 39, only a single step away from Level 40.
From Gym Leader Ramos, Ash had earned the Plant Badge—his fourth Kalos Gym Badge.
Now, Ash, Serena, and their friends began preparing for tomorrow's Coumarine City Festival.
They returned to the Pokémon Center to discuss what gifts they should prepare for their Pokémon.
"Since we're picking out gifts, let's head here—this is the shopping district. According to the map, it's in Coumarine City, and we'll need to take the monorail to reach it," Serena explained, pointing to the display.
"Uh… you guys go on ahead. I think I'll just stay here."
Clemont suddenly spoke up.
He wanted to give Ash and Serena some time alone.
It was also something he had already discussed with his little sister, Bonnie.
Besides, the gift he wanted to give his Pokémon was something he could make himself.
"Big brother, I want to prepare a gift for the Pokémon too! Can I?" Bonnie immediately chimed in, perfectly in sync with Clemont's plan.
"Of course. So, Bonnie, what kind of gift do you want to give them?"
"I've already decided! I'm going to draw a big painting—a really big one—and give it to all the Pokémon!"
And just like that, Clemont and Bonnie had decided on their gifts. They also insisted Ash and Serena should hurry to the shopping district and pick out theirs.
They even suggested leaving all the Pokémon behind, so Bonnie could work on her painting for them.
Ash immediately saw through Clemont and Bonnie's intentions, though Serena didn't seem to notice. Either way, he and Serena left the Pokémon at the Center—even Pikachu stayed behind this time.
For the first time, it was just the two of them, setting off alone, boarding the monorail toward the shopping district.
"Serena, tomorrow's Rookie Class Pokémon Showcase—I'll be cheering for you with everything I've got."
Ash had deliberately refrained from warning Serena about her first performance possibly failing—he knew that failure was a valuable lesson one had to experience personally.
Even back when May competed in the Kanto Grand Festival, Ash never intervened like that.
He would subtly teach and encourage them, but never rob them of lessons that came only from personal mistakes.
Only by stumbling once could a person grow stronger, with the memory etched deep inside.
Ash knew this well—from the countless failures of his own journey.
"Mm! I'll do my very best. And I'm also looking forward to the gift you said you'd give me, Ash."
Serena smiled playfully.
The two of them walked down the bustling street, heading toward the monorail station.
Suddenly, Serena stretched out her small hand, clearly wanting to hold Ash's… but halfway through, her face flushed with shyness, and she pulled it back.
But before she could withdraw completely, Ash suddenly reached out and gently took her hand into his.
He didn't say a word—just held it firmly in his palm.
Sometimes, silence spoke louder than words…
Serena's heart thumped wildly the whole way to the monorail. And even after boarding, Ash never let go of her hand.
Eventually, she began to get used to the warmth.
The monorail soared above the city, giving a panoramic view of the coastline below.
But for Serena, the scenery beside her was far more beautiful.
She looked at Ash's profile, her eyes curving into crescent moons as she smiled softly.
When they arrived at their destination, Ash recalled how things had gone in the original timeline.
Back then, Ash had been so dense. He promised Serena they'd shop together, yet every store Serena wanted to enter, he refused. Every item she liked, he ignored. He'd even split up to wander off on his own…
Why? What was he thinking?
No one knew. But now, things were different.
This Ash wasn't going to let that happen.
Truthfully, Ash wasn't much into shopping himself. But if Serena enjoyed it, then he'd follow her lead.
After all, shopping was something most girls loved—not just to buy, but to wander, to look, to experience.
One store showcased all sorts of Pokémon items.
Another displayed stylish Pokémon outfits.
Further along, there were stalls filled with Pokémon-themed games and accessories.
It wasn't about buying everything—it was about enjoying the walk.
In the end, Serena only purchased two or three things, her natural frugality showing through.
What she valued most wasn't the items themselves, but the sweet time spent alone with Ash.
But time, as always, flew quickly.
Before they realized it, the afternoon had passed in a blur.
Ash and Serena shared a Pokémon ice cream, played a few Pokémon games, watched a juggling performance, and even listened to live Pokémon music.
Serena had already chosen gifts for her Fennekin and Pancham.
And through it all, neither of them let go of each other's hands.
When it was finally time to head back, Ash bought their return monorail tickets.
As luck would have it, Ash turned out to be the one-millionth passenger—earning them a free commemorative gift.
On top of that, Ash also bought something on his own.
A guitar.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the golden glow of sunset bathed the sea in shimmering light.
"Serena… thank you for traveling with me. I want to sing something for you."
Ash cradled the guitar and cleared his throat.
His voice carried gently across the seaside air as the strings hummed with life.
------
🎵 I've caught a Pokémon!
Through fire, water, grass, or forests deep…
Even if it's tough, even if it's hard—
I'll always go after it!
From Pallet Town I set out, with my Pokémon at my side,
Winning battles with our moves, growing stronger step by step.
We'll make new friends, we'll reach the next town,
No matter the challenge, we'll always push forward!
There are no guarantees—
But as long as I'm alive, I'll give it my all.
Because with Pokémon by my side…
🎵 I'm never alone!
-----
His song echoed across the waves, carrying far into the distance…
Serena sat there, listening intently, her heart completely full.
This moment—the sunset, the music, and Ash by her side—was perfect.
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