Chapter 12: Goodbyes!

The fateful day of separation had finally befallen the camp. The atmosphere was a strange mixture of excitement and somberness. New friendships and bonds had been formed however, they were now able to return to their homes after a long period of separation. Many struggled to reign in their emotion as tears fell from various groups of children, even the instructors had slightly upset expressions.

A few meters away from the mass of emotions, three figures stood in a triangle. These figures were of course Ark, Serena and Cynthia, of course Ralts was sat upon Arks shoulders. This seemed to be its new favourite spot and it would flail about unless it was sat atop Arks shoulders. Ark had no quarrel about this since he found it positively adorable.

"So..."

Serena, noticing that no-one was speaking, tried her hardest to get the conversation flowing. Unfortunately, her words failed to leave her mouth, instead it made the atmosphere slightly more awkward. Despite clearing up the somber atmosphere last night, its completely different now as they're face to face for the last time. It was apparent from each of their expressions that they did not want to separate. Truthfully Ark wanted to beg them to stay, however he immediately contained this impulsive and irresponsible thought. Right now he was powerless, he did not own any property or even have a solid backer. Doing something like making them stay would only make everyone suffer more than necessary.

"Ugh this mood is annoying. Ark, don't forget your promise, I will make sure to prepare for our battle!"

Saying this, Cynthia walked up to Ark and hugged him tightly. She buried her face into his neck in a desperate attempt to hide the tears threatening to spill.

"I will see you soon Ark, don't forget! I definitely won't!"

Cynthia ran off towards the group that was lining up getting ready to go on the buses. Ark smiled at her behaviour and made a mental note not to leave her hanging for too long, within seconds this expression was warped into one of laughter. During the few seconds she was running to the group, Cynthia found herself face first on the ground with her backpack hanging over her head. Seeing this Serena and Ark turned to each other and laughed. This time tears threatened to spill for a completely different reason.

"Honestly, trust Cynthia to ruin a completely emotional scene"

Ark shook his head as he watched Serena wipe the tears from her eyes. A smiled bloomed on his face as he saw Serena was back to smiling.

"Yep that's true but that's what makes her so lovable"

They both looked to Cynthia and saw her cheeks slightly blushing as she refused to meet the eyes of Serena or Ark.

"Hey Serena, I really mean what I said to you. I intend to take many wives in the future and I will become strong enough to protect them all. However I would like for you to be there, you have a special place in my heart that no other can fill"

Serena looked at the ground after hearing Arks words, her cheeks and the top of her ears were a bright red however her expression remained serious. Ark waited patiently for Serena to organize her thoughts. Serena sighed and looked into Arks eyes, he was momentarily mesmerized by the deadly serious expression on her face.

"Ark I don't know how I feel yet, I want you to come find me in Kalos and ask me again. I will make sure to be ready for you. In fact I won't set out on my journey until you're in the Kalos region."

Ark was absolutely shocked by this proclamation. He did not know how long it would take for him to get to the Kalos region since the system will likely steer him into following the same progression as the anime. For the first time since his reincarnation Ark cursed him being born with the System.

"Serena I am thankful for your resolve and the faith in me, but I doubt that I will be able to get to Kalos very fast since I intend to travel to every region this world has to offer."

Serena shook her head to Arks words before putting her hands in front of her chest.

"Ark, my time here with you and Cynthia has been the funnest memories I have ever had. I want to prove not to just you but to myself that this is the path I want to choose. I will wait, whether we travel together is another story but I want to wait. that means you have to definitely keep your promise!"

Overwhelmed by emotion, Ark hugged Serena in a bear hug. He didn't care who was watching, to him, they were insignificant after hearing the feelings of this amazing girl. She intends to halt her journey just to make sure Ark has an incentive to visit. He felt bad, but he could not deny the feelings of joy consuming his very being.

Despite the hug being a bit suffocating for her, Serena wrapped her arms around Ark to reciprocate the hug. She could sense the feelings Ark was experiencing from her words.

After a few minutes, the two separated. Their faces had small smiles on them.

"I understand. Wait for me Serena. I will come, but next time we meet I will be much stronger"

Serena nodded her head and walked over to Cynthia. Realising that everyone was ready to go, the Professor spoke a few words congratulating the campers and thanking them for the experience. Once this was over, the children were shuffled onto their designated buses before them driving off. Ark stood watching all this as Serena and Cynthia were waving out the window to him with tears in their eyes.

"It seems you made some very strong bonds Ark"

The Professor walked up behind Ark and placed his hand on his shoulder. He had watched over the whole situation involving Arks goodbyes and was pleased to see how close he group had all grown, especially since they were all technically the problem children of the camp.

Ark looked up to the Professor and smiled.

"Yeah, I am really glad I bargained with Mother to let me come, and thank you Professor for making all of this possible."

In a way Professor Oak had been Arks best wing man. Not only did he host the Pokemon camp, he allowed the girls and Ark to use his lounge when they were injured.

"It is no problem, I particularly enjoyed this year with you and Ash as well. You two should get your stuff while I get the car."

Thus, the curtains fell on Arks first Pokemon camp.

The trip home felt much faster than the one to the camp. The three in the car reminisced and spoke about their favourite parts of the camp. Ark chuckled as it had only been a few hours since the end of camp, yet he was acting as though years had gone by.

After a few hours of car journey, a small town came into view. The car quietened down when they all saw it as it dawned on them.

They were home.