Pokemon Legends Beyond

Galar Part 12

"The next thing I knew, I was laying in your lap, Serena," Ash said, after explaining what had happened.

"But if that happened way down at the foot of the mountain, how did you end up here?" Vilnis asked. "And what was Pikachu doing way up the mountain when we came this way?"

<I was the one who transported the Champion here,> Calyrex said. <I knew that he would not be safe out in that frozen wasteland. So I brought him to the Shrine.>

"Pikachu must have followed, looking for Ash," Serena said. "I'm just glad that we found you."

"That man you told us about," Vilnis began. "I know him. He's Commander Z of the Beryl Foundation. And if they're here, you can bet they're up to no good. They're an organization of Pokemon Hunters that I've fought against many times. And now they're after the Legendary Pokemon who live here in the Crown Tundra."

<That is why I called for the Champion,> Calyrex explained. <These Pokemon Hunters were trying to enter the Giants Temples, but found it too difficult, so they took control of Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres who live at the Dyna Tree.>

"If they've already taken control of those three Pokemon, wouldn't you think they have already left the Crown Tundra?" Serena asked.

<They are still here,> Calyrex replied. <I am one with the land and I can sense that they have not left. They are waiting for the giants to emerge from their Temples.>

"We have to stop them!" Vilnis said. "But I'm afraid we are trapped. That door won't budge!"

<It is enchanted,> Calyrex said. <It can be opened from the outside, but it freezes over and cannot be opened from the inside. But there is a way out. This tunnel is connected to the Temples of the Giants.>

"So we could take that tunnel all the way to where those hunters are?" Ash asked.

<Yes, I can lead you,> Calyrex said. <Champion, I apologize. I did not want to cause any harm to you.>

"It's alright!" Ash smiled. "I am a Champion after all. It's my duty to help people and Pokemon."

"We should get going," Vilnis said. He and Umbreon followed Calyrex to the entrance to the tunnel.

"Can you give us a quick minute?" Serena asked. "I promise we will be right behind you!"

"Sure," Vilnis smiled. He figured that she would want to have a moment alone with Ash.

"Serena?" Ash asked.

"Wait," Serena said. "Before we go out there, there is something I need to say to you." She took a deep breath in and held her left hand to her chest. The blue ribbon touched to her heart. "Ash, I need you to know that you are my inspiration. You are what drives me to become better. I admire your positivity and your passion for Pokemon and your love for battles. You are kind and selfless. You are headstrong and you don't think things through all the time. But you make it through to the end. Those are all the reasons why I love you."

Ash began to blush a little as Serena said those words.

"And I've been in love with you since that day we met back at Professor Oak's summer camp! It's true. I love you! It's always been you!" Serena said with confidence, looking right into Ash's eyes. "I wasn't planning on telling you this until later when I was sure that you felt the same way. But, I made a promise that when I found you, I would let you know how I felt. I've never stopped loving you."

"Serena," Ash said. "I know."

"You do?" She asked, caught by surprise.

"Yeah," Ash smiled. "I've known for a while now. Ever since that day when we parted ways in Lumiose City. When we said goodbye. You kissed me and I knew that the whole time we traveled together, everything you did for me and everything you were for me was because you loved me."

"It took all my courage to rush up to you and kiss you," Serena said. "But I still have no idea how you feel about me. And it's okay if you don't feel the same way. I just had to let you know."

"Serena," Ash said. "I know at times I can be dense, but I'm not a little kid anymore. Over the years, I've thought about that moment over and over again. It brings me joy when I think about it and about all the time we spent together. I know we don't see each other as often anymore, but everytime I do see you, I think about that kiss. And I guess it has built up the courage inside me to do this." Ash placed his hands on Serena's face and pulled her in gently. Their lips interlocked and they shared a delicate kiss that filled them both with the joy in the knowledge that they had the same feelings for one another.

They pulled away from the kiss and then made their way to the tunnel where they found Vilnis and Calyrex waiting. Vilnis gave them a smile seeing that they walked hand in hand for a moment.

"Let's go stop some Pokemon Hunters!" He said to them. Calyrex led the way through the intricate tunnel system. It warned the group to stay close because the tunnels split off and lead into many different directions. As they followed Calyrex, Vilnis noticed something around Ash's wrist. "Hey, is that a Z-Ring?"

"Oh this?" Ash said, holding up his wrist. "Yeah. And the Z-Crystal is one that was made just for me and Pikachu!"

"Made just for you and Pikachu?" Vilnis wondered. "I didn't know that was possible. Although, I haven't had much interaction with Z-Rings and Z-Crystals before."

"I thought it would come in handy, so I made sure to bring it with me," Ash said.

<We will be entering the Temple of the Steel Giant,> Calyrex said. <The hunters wait outside. We must be prepared for battle. I have a feeling they will attack once the doors to the Temple open.>

"I think I have an idea!" Serena said.