(Serena's pov)

Ash just stood there, his eyes wide and his mouth wide open.

'Way to go Serena, you've successfully blown your cover AND made things awkward.' I thought to myself.

I noticed Ash relax a little.

"U-um, please forgive me Y-your highness!" Ash said as he quickly bowed.

I sighed, but smiled. I really don't like to see people bow to me like that, but I know he's just being polite.

"Ash it's okay really, you have nothing to apologize for." I said.

"But, your highness, I shouldn't have been so informal!" Ash said.

"I'm telling you it's fine, really I hate being talked to this way." I said kind of lowly.

Ash tilted his head in confusion.

"Wait, you do? Why is that?" He asked.

I walked over and took a seat on my bed. Ash then did the same on his.

"I hate being seen as by others as just a princess, everywhere I go people always act the same way you just did. It's flattering, truly it is, and I'm proud that my people treat me with such great respect. But, sometimes it just gets over bearing." I said.

"Oooh, so that's why you were wearing that disquise. I get it now, that must be why you cut your hair too!" Ash said.

"Yep, that's right. I figured that it would be for the best." I said.

Ash nods.

"That makes sense, it sure fooled me there for a bit." He said scratching the back of his head.

I giggled.

"Well, I guess that means it worked huh. By the way, how did you recognize me?" I asked.

Ash paused for a second.

"This is gonna sound really cheesy, but it was actually your smile." He said.

"My smile?" I replied.

"Yeah, I recognized it from a photo I saw. When I say you laughing and smiling earlier, I knew you looked familiar, but when I saw your blue eyes, I knew it had to be you." Ash said smiling.

I felt my heart flutter a little bit and I turned my head to hide the small blush that had formed on my face.

"Oh no, I hope that didn't sound weird! I swear I'm not some creepy stalker!" Ash said worriedly.

"N-no you didn't say anything weird at all! It's....it was actually kind of sweet..." I said slowly turning back to face Ash.

I noticed a blush start to form on his face also. What is this feeling? I've never felt this way before.

"I-I'm gonna go take a shower." Ash said quickly.

"O-okay..." I replied.

(Ash's pov)

I shut the bathroom door and sighed.

'What was that feeling just now? Could it be that I...? I thought.

I quickly shook those thoughts out of my head.

'No it can't be that! After all I just met her, and besides she's royalty.' I thought.

I sighed again and hopped into the shower. After a few minutes I got out, changed into my pajamas.

"Phew, that hit the spo-" I started to say, but I noticed that Serena had fallen asleep.

I looked over at the clock on the wall, it read 9:50.

'She must have had a long day, I think I'll hit the sack too.' I thought.

I must have been pretty tired as well, because I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

(Serena's pov)

When my eyes fluttered open, I noticed it was morning. I guess I must have fallen asleep last night without realizing it. I yawned and streched my arms in the air. I looked over at Ash, he was still asleep.

'He looks cute when he's sleeping.' I thought to myself smiling.

Wait did I just call him cute? I shook my thoughts away and looked up at the clock, it read 6:15.

'Oh no, I need to hurry! I need to get things ready for the opening ceremonies!' I thought to myself.

I quickly, but quietly began to get myself ready. I'm in charge of giving the opening speech at the ceremony this morning. I dressed up in my ceremonial dress.

(A/N: Her red performing dress.)

I closed the bathroom door a little bit to hard and Ash shot up out of bed.

"Huh!? What!? Who-" He said in a groggy panic, but stopped when he saw me.

"G-good morning Ash, sorry for waking you." I said.

He just sat there in awe.

"Uhh, is there something the matter?" I asked, a little embarrassed.

"O-oh no not at all, it's just..... you look really pretty is all." He said bashful like.

I felt that feeling from last night return, and my face started to heat up.

'He...he called me pretty. No one has ever said that to me before.' I thought to myself.

"O-oh, t-thank you Ash." I said stuttering.

"Y-your welcome your highne- uh, I mean Serena." Said Ash smiling a toothy smile.

I giggled. Then my phone buzzed. I walked over to my bed to see who it was, it was Mother! I quickly answered.

"Hello mother, good morning!" I said.

"And good morning to you my dearest Serena. I just wanted to give you a quick call before you went off to school." Said mom.

"Thank you mother, you called me just in time, I was about to head out." I said.

"Ah, then I won't keep you, after all you have a big day ahead of you." Mom said.

"Yes mother, I will talk to you after the ceremony." I said.

"Alright dear, give lady Diantha my regards." Mom said.

"Don't worry I will, bye mom." I said as I hung up the phone.

I turned back to Ash.

"Sorry to have leave in such a hurry like this Ash, but I have to go. I'll see you after the ceremony." I said as I open the door.

"Oh alright, see you later Serena." He said.

(Ash's pov)

Serena walks out the door and I drag myself out of bed. Today was the opening ceremonies where we go and listen to a few welcoming speeches and tour the campus so we can have an idea of where we are going on our first day.

I felt my stomach rumble, so I grabbed a pop tart that I jacked from the plane ride here and ate it.

I grab some clothes, get dressed, and head out the door. I was walking down the hall when I noticed a boy my age fumbling around on the ground. He had lemon blonde hair and eyes similar to Serena's.

'I wonder if that guy lost something. I''ll see if he needs some help.' I thought to myself.

So I walk over to him, an I hear him mumbling something.

"My glasses, where are my glasses!?" The boy said.

"Hey, do you need some help?" I asked him.

"Yes if it's not to much trouble, I lost my glasses and I can't see without them." He said.

I glanced around and saw the light glinting off the frames, they had somehow ended up behind a potted plant. I picked them up and handed them to him.

"Here you go." I said.

He puts them on.

"Oh thank you so much! My name's Clemont by the way. I'm from Lumiose City." Clement said as he extended a hand.

"Nice to meet you Clemont, I'm Ash from Pallet Town!" I said shaking his hand.

He looked very surprised to hear that.

"Wow, you're from Kanto!? That's awesome!" He said exitedly.

"Is it really?" I asked a little confused.

"You bet! Kanto is the home of Silph co., they have made great strides in the realm of science!" He said.

He must be one of those tech nerds, but that's not a bad thing.

"Yeah, I guess you're right." I said with a light chuckle.

"Hey you mind if I walk to school with you?" Clemont asked.

"Sounds good man, let's go." I said.

And with that we headed out. We saw Bianca at the door, who waved goodbye to us, and we did the same. We walked out of the dorm building and started heading down the side walk. I was looking around at all of the buildings, admiring the Victorian style architecture. Then a thought came to mind.

'Hey, I wonder if I'll meet that Scarlet girl today. I really should have asked what she looked like so I could find her. Oh well, I'll just message her when I get back to the dorms later.' I thought.

Then all of a sudden Clemont stops.

"Hey Ash look, we're here!" He said.

I snapped out of my thoughts and looked at the Academy. It was massive, and looked more like a castle than a school.

"Whooooaaa! This is so awesome!" I said.

We walked up to the front gate, but I was suddenly shoved.

"Move it loser." Said a taller boy with purple hair.

I felt anger building up, if it's one thing I can't stand it's bullies!

I was gonna say something, but Clement put his hand on my shoulder.

"Just let it go Ash, it's not worth it." He said.

I took a deep breath to calm down. Then I nodded.

"Your right Clemont, thanks." I said.

The other boy simply scoffed and walked away.

"Who was that guy anyway?" I asked.

"I think his name is Paul, his father is the head of a major company in the Sinnoh region." Clemont said.

'Paul huh, I get the feeling we haven't seen the last of him.' I thought.

"Ash, we need to hurry, the ceremonies are about to start!" Clemont called.

"Oh, coming!"

After my little encounter with Paul, Clemont and I made our way into the school's massive auditorium and took a seat in the second row. We still had about 5 minutes before the ceremony began.

"Wow, for such a big place there sure aren't many students are there. There's barely 30 of us in here." I said as I scanned the room.

"Well of course, only the best of the best can come here remember?" Clemont said while adjusting his glasses.

I mentally cringed.

'I hope he doesn't ask me what I-'

"Speaking of which, what did you make on your entrance exam Ash?" He asked

'DANG IT!' I thought.

I can't just say it was a fluke! Just act casual Ash.

"I Uhh, made an 81." I said while averting my eyes.

"What about you?"

"I made a 99." He said.

I looked at him like a stantler in the headlights.

"A 99!? Dude that's insane! That has to be the highest in the class or something!" I said.

He scratched the back of his head bashful like and chuckled.

"Thanks, but no I actually finished second in the class." He said.

I was even MORE shocked now, how could anyone make a 100 on that monstrosity!?

"S-someone actually made a 100!? Do you know who it was?" I asked.

"It was Princess Serena. She's the first person to ever make a 100 on the exam. She's a real genius. I really hope I get to meet her!" He said exitedly.

I sat there with bewildered look on my face. Serena, she really is something isn't she. She's kind, insanely smart, AND beautiful.

And I bet Clemont, and likely all of the other guys would likely kill me if they found out that she was my roommate.

Suddenly the lights began to dim and the stage lights came on.

"Hey look, it's starting." Clemont said.

I turned my attention to the stage.

A few seconds later we heard some classical music start to play.

And a voice came from the announcement system.

"Boys and Girls, it is our esteemed pleasure to welcome all of you to the Kalos National Academy! My name is Diantha, the Chairwoman of this institution. Due to my busy schedule, I am unfortunately not able to join you this morning. However we are honored to have a very special guest that will be presenting the opening speech. Please welcome to the the stage Serena Yvonne, Princess of the Kalos Region and heir to the throne." Said Diantha.

We started to clap.

A spotlight focused its beem on the right of the stage, then out walked Serena. Everyone, myself included, was mesmerized. The way the light hit her made her almost sparkle.

I turned over to Clemont, and he was absolutely infatuated, but who could blame him. Serena stepped up to the podium and began her speech.

"Good morning, fellow students, I am Princess Serena Yvonne. Lady Diantha said she was honored to have me speak to you, but in reality the honor is all mine. I know how hard all of you worked in order to be here today, and for that you should all be proud." She said.

'Uuuuuuuhhhhg. Why does it have to hurt so bad to hear her say that!!' I thought as I messaged my temples.

Clemont looked over at me.

"Dude are you okay?" He whispered?

"Y-yeah, just a uh, just a headache is all" I replied.

Clemont just shrugged and turned his attention back to the stage. I did the same.

"Throughout our time together this year, we should all try our best to help one another, that way we can ensure that everyone has the best experience possible. Now, I'm sure all of you are eager to begin the tour, so I will close with this. Strive to be the best you can be at anything and everything you do, and let us all have a great freshman year together, thank you all." Serena concluded with a bow.

We all stood up and clapped. Serena began to walk off of the stage, but I saw her turn her head slightly and smile. Was she smiling at me?

I think she was! I smiled back and gave her a thumbs up. She made a soft giggle and walked back stage. All of us then got up and began to leave the auditorium.

"Wow, that was a wonderful speech!" Clemont said.

"Yeah, it really was." I replied.

In truth I wanted to stay behind and talk to Serena, but the others would probably get suspicious, not to mention security probably wouldn't allow it.

Clement and I walk over to one of the maps they have at the entrance of the academy.

"So where are we going to go first?" I asked.

"Hmm, I guess we can just follow the main path, it looks like it goes through most of the main buildings." Clemont said.

"Alrighty then, let's get go-" I started to say, before I heard a familiar voice call my name.

"Heeey! Wait up Ash!"

I turned around to see Serena running towards us waving! She had changed out of her dress and put on some more casual clothes. She was wearing a red skirt, a black short sleeved shirt with a white collar, long black leggings, and black tennis shoes.

(Aka her xy outfit.)

"Oh hey Serena!" I said waving back.

"What is....how do you-!?" Clemont stammered in confusion.

She made it over to us and stopped to catch her breath for a second.

"So what did you think about my speech? Did you think it was okay?" She asked.

"Okay!? It was fantastic! You were really showing your royal side!" I said.

I could see he cheeks turn a little pink, and she smiled that beautiful smile.

"Thanks Ash! That means a lot. Oh who's this? A new friend?" She asked looking at Clemont.

"Oh sorry, Serena this Clemont, and Cle-"

I turned to Clemont, who had a look on his face that was a hilarious mix of confused and surprised. I had to try my hardest not to crack up.

"H-h-h-hello y-y-your highness! M-my name is Clemont!" He stuttered.

"Hi there Clemont, it's nice to meet you. Please just call me Serena." She said as she smiled and extended her hand.

Clemont looked at her hand for a second, then seemed to calm down a little. He shook her hand.

"N-nice to meet you too!" He said.

After that we started walking down the main path. We soon entered to massive main building. We toured spacious classrooms, the cafeteria that looked like a 5 star restaurant, the library which by the looks of it had to have a copy of every single book printed ever, and the gym which had everything from an olympic size pool to a 400 meter track. I found myself feeling a little sorry for Serena, she was constantly being flocked by students. Thankfully there's only 30 of us, otherwise she would barely be able to move from all of the people. Finally we decided to take a quick break in the student lounge.

"This is officially the coolest place ever!" I said.

"Oh for sure, this place is bigger than than my home, the Kalos Royal Palace." Serena said.

"And we still have so much left to see." Said Clemont.

"Man if only Gary could see this, he would be sooo jealous." I said to myself.

"Gary? Is that a friend of yours back home?" Asked Clemont.

"Yeah, he and I have been friends for as long as I can remember. We were always trying to one-up each other." I said.

"That sounds nice. Oh Ash I forgot to ask, where exactly is home? I know you're from Kanto, but where exactly?" Asked Serena.

"Oh sorry, I thought I told you. I'm from a small town called Pallet Town." I said.

"Pallet Town, huh...." Serena trailed off.

"Is there something wrong Serena?" I asked.

"Oh it's nothing!" She said.

After a few more minutes of some miscellaneous small talk, mostly Clemont praising Serena's genius, we decided it might be a good idea to finish up the tour before it got to late.

"Hey guys, I think I'm going to go check out the science building. I'll see you tomorrow!" Clemont said.

"Bye, see you later!" Serena and I said.

After waving Clemont goodbye we started walking again.

"So Ash, whatcha want do now?" Serena asked.

"Hmmm..." I said, thinking. But then my stomach rumbled.

"How would you feel about grabbing a bite to eat?" I said with a chuckle.

She laughed, then nodded.

"I would love too, let's go!"

(Serena's pov)

Ash and I began walking down to school food court, it was filled with every kind of cuisine you could possibly imagine. This even puts the castle to shame! I was scanning the area to see what looked appealing, but there's so many choices, so I couldn't decide. I turned to Ash who looked like he died and when to heaven.

"So Ash, what sounds good to you?" I asked.

He placed a hand on his chin and pondered for a few seconds. Then something caught his eye.

"Ah-ha! Serena how about we eat there?" He said, pointing at a kiosk called "Cilan's". By the looks of things they served a little bit of everything.

"Sure, let's check it out!" I said.

We walked over to the kiosk, and we were greeted by a man, he looked around 20 years old and had green hair.

"Welcome to Cilan's you two! What can I- Oh, your highness, what an pleasure it is to serve you!" Cilan said with glee.

"Why thank you, you're too kind Cilan." I said with a smile.

He smiled and chuckled.

"So what can I get you two today?" He asked.

I turned to Ash and was about to ask him what he was going to order, but he suddenly spoke up.

"I'll have the chilli-cheese burger!" He said exitedly.

"Okie dokie, one chilli-cheese burger coming up!" Said Cilan.

I cocked my head a little. I've never heard of that before.

"What are you getting?" Ash asked.

"Uhh, I don't know. Hey Ash, what's a chilli-cheese burger?" I asked.

Ash looked at me in utter shock.

"Y-you're kidding right? You're telling me that you've never heard of a chilli-cheese burger!?" He said.

"Uuhh, yeah, we never had anything like that back home in the castle. Is that weird?" I asked.

Ash sweat-dropped.

"Well, I guess not, I mean it's not exactly something that would be served to a princess. But, you seriously have to try it, it's my favorite food on the planet!" He said.

'His favorite food, huh, it must be pretty good. I think I'm going to give it a try.' I thought.

I turned back to Cilan.

"I'll have what he's having!" I said.

"Alrighty, coming right up!" Said Cilan.

Ash and I smiled and nodded, then took a seat at one of the picnic tables beside the kiosk.

(Ash's pov)

Serena and I were waiting on our order, and the smell of the frying patties made it hard.

"Wow, that smells so good!" Serena said as she took a wiff.

"Trust me, it tastes twice as good as it smells." I said.

'Oh man, I can't believe Serena has never heard of a Chilli-cheese burger. Talk about sheltered. I wonder what kind of crazy fancy food a princess like her eats?' I thought to myself.

Wait a minute, she's a princess, so where are her bodyguards?

"Hey Serena?" I said.

"Hm?" She replied.

"I was just curious, since you're a princess, shouldn't you have bodyguards or something?" I asked.

She laughed a little.

"Oh Ash, you don't have to worry about that. I'm perfectly capable of defending myself, see?" She said as she lifted the side of her shirt a little bit.

In doing so she revealed the pink grip of a 637 Air Weight revolver.

"My mother wanted to make sure that if I ever found myself without security that I could defend myself. It feels nice to know I don't have to rely on others for safety. I mean come on, what self respecting princess wouldn't pack a little heat." She said.

"Ooh, yeah that makes sense." I said with a chuckle.

'Man she's like a super gangster princess or something!' I thought to myself.

Cilan then walks up with our burgers.

"Hey, order up you two, I hope you enjoy!" He said.

My face lit up, it looked so good! I turned my gaze to Serena, who had a confused look on her face.

"Something wrong Serena?" I asked.

"Uhh, it's just...not quite what I was expecting. But, if you say it's good I believe you." She said.

"Great, then let's dig in!" I said as I picked up my burger.

I was about to take a bite, but Serena smacked the top of my hand. I put the burger down and rubbed it.

"Hey, whatcha do that for!?" I asked.

Serena put her hands on her hips.

"You were about to eat with your hands Ash, that's bad table manners!" She said.

I paused for a second, and then burst out laughing.

Serena puffed her cheeks.

"Okay mister what's so funny?" She asked.

"It's just, I forgot you haven't eaten a burger before. You aren't supposed to use silverware, you're supposed to eat it with your hands." I said.

"Oh, sorry about that. I guess I'm just not used to eating this kind of "comfort food" as it's called." She said, laughing.

"It's no biggie, here let me show you how to eat a burger. First grab it from the sides this." I said grabbing my burger.

Serena does the same.

"Like this?" She asked.

"Yeah just like that, just be careful, if you tilt it to far you'll get chilli on you." I said.

Serena nodded with a focused look. She looked like she was actually learning something important.

"Next you squeeze the burger together a little, that way all of the flavors get mixed together." I said.

"Okay, now what?" She asked, eagerly wanting to take a big bite.

"Now we dig it, down the hatch!" I say as we both take a bite.

Oh

My

Gosh

This is the best chilli-cheese burger I have ever eaten in my life!!!!

Serena looked as if she had fireworks going off in her eyes. She quickly took two more bites.

"I take it you like it?" I asked with a chuckle.

"Like it!? I love it!! I can't believe I haven't had one of these before!" She said, her eyes gleaming.

"See! I told you you'd love it!" I said.

She and I continued to eat our burgers.

"Ahh, that hit the spot." I said as I finished mine.

Serena took her last bite and whipped away the chilli from he face.

"Yeah, it sure did. We should definitely come back here sometime!" She said.

"Yeah for sure!" I said.

I was about to get up to go pay, but Serena started giggling.

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"It's your face." Said Serena laughing.

"Oh gee, thanks Serena." I said.

"Oh no, what I meant was you have a big splotch of chilli on your face." She said, correcting her previous statement.

I put a finger right below the right side of my mouth.

"Oh, how did I not notice that? I guess I was just saving it for later." I said as I scratched the back of my head.

"Here, let me get it for you." Serena said.

"O-oh, okay..." I said.

She then reached over and cleaned the chilli away with her napkin.

I was beginning to blush. Then a thought came to me that turned me as red as a tomato.

'Wait, that's the napkin she just used on her lips, so does that make this an......indirect kiss!?' I thought.

"U-uhm, Serena, y-y-your napkin it's u-um..." I said stuttering.

She looked at me a little confused, then looked down at her napkin.

It must have clicked in her mind because her face turned red also.

"O-oh my gosh, I'm s-sorry! She said.

"No it's fine..." I said.

'Great, now things are getting awkward.' I thought to myself.

All of a sudden, we hear a voice on the radio.

"Attention all students, there is some severe weather on the way. If you are still on campus, please head back to the dorms immediately." Said the weather man.

"Oh no we, had better hurry back!" I said.

"Yeah." Said Serena, nodding.

We walked over, thanked Cilan for the amazing meal, swiped our school meal cards, and hurried out of the school building. Once outside we could see the clouds approaching.

I turned to say something to Serena, but noticedshe was Shaking.

"Is everything alright Serena?" I asked.

"Yeah, it's just I'm a little afraid of thunderstorms is all." She said.

"I gotcha, then let's hurry back." I said.

The two of us ran as quickly as we could. We made it just in time, it began to pour down rain right as we walked in the door.

"Hey great timing you two!" Said Bianca.

We were both too tired from all of the running to laugh. We just looked at one another and nodded.