Three Magic words

The Invitation

Ash Ketchum loved his life.

Standing on the edge of one of the best cruises in the world which allows a vision of the huge sea was just one out of many reasons why he loved living like this. Always being on the road, experiencing new things, meeting new people and tasting delicious food around the world made him believe there is no better way of living.

Tonight, he was traveling back to Kanto with Serena, his friend from Kalos. He was standing on the deck of the cruise, and even under the beautiful roof of starry sky, he couldn't help but feel anxious. 

Lately, anxiety wasn't anything uncommon for him.

"Whatcha looking at, Ash?" Ash jumped when Serena asked this, not realizing when she walked in.

He grinned embarrassingly. "When did you come here?"

Serena walked beside him, "Just now."

"Right!" he smiled.

"You were thinking too hard." She nudged him.

He looked up to the stars, "I was just wondering how fast the time passes-"

Giggling, Serena interrupted, "Sorry! It's just so strange of you to talk like this!"

"C'mon! There's something weirdly amusing about acting philosophically, right? I mean to pretend that you're thinking something deep or warm? Got my point?" he asked, getting back to his usual self.

She just nodded. "Don't know why, but you're making me miss my mom and home today."

"Really?"

"Sometimes I do. Sometimes I miss mom. And home. But then I forget," she said dreamily.

"Me too."

"And you know what?"

"What?"

"I have news for you!" she chimed.

"What kind?"

"So, 'Kanto federation of tournaments and leagues' is organizing their very first showcase! And I am invited as a special guest!"

"That's so awesome!"

"Yup, and 'Kalos association of tournaments' offered them another thing."

"And what's that?"

"You know, the current Kalos' pokemon master, is resigning from her title, for some internal reasons. So, because the current Kalos league champion was not able to beat Elite four, the Kalos League committee has taken a decision that...if the winner of Kalos league was unable to gain the title, then... "

"Then, what?"

"Then, they decided on wild card entries. And guess what?"

"What?"

"They decided to arrange a re-battle between the winner, first runner up and second runner up! And who's the first runner up? It's you!"

Ash's eyes widened. "Whoa! Are you serious!?"

"Absolutely!"

"Oh My God! Serena I Can't believe it!" He squealed at the blonde, hugging her excitedly. "How do YOU know that?" He asked, breaking the hug, looking at her.

she winked. "Perks of being the favorite Kalos Queen of the committee I guess."

He laughed, "Of course."

"Actually they are aiming at two targets at a time."

"What?"

She smiled. "Since it's the first time a Showcase is being performed in this region, they are not sure whether the public will like it or not. Because, Showcases are more of Kalos' thing. So they are trying to arrange the showcase after the Match of you and the second runner up."

"How will it help?"

"Well, you are appearing for the title of Kalos' Pokémon Master, of course people are gonna watch you, at the same time, they will use the same public to show the first Showcase."