Hello fellow FanFiction users! This will be my first FanFiction, and hopefully not my last. (Although I'm quite the gal to NOT follow deadlines and can go months without updating/realizing I've ignored my plots. Haha!) As this is the first, my writing skills will most likely not be up to par with popular Authors as well as veteran writers. So I please ask for any help that you, as readers have to offer me! Whether it be criticism or help I'd appreciate any help from you all. Except flames. :(

This will eventually become LacewoodShipping and KingsRockShipping. One or the other, I've yet to decide! Which is also why I changed up the ages a tad. I hope it's not too confusing for any of you! It made a lot more sense in my mind. Haha!

Pokémon and Characters © Nintendo

On to the story, shall we?

A certain Pokémon professor sat bored on a hot summer day in Kalos. It had been 3 years since Lysandre attempted to wiped out life to create a 'perfect' world. Of course, Augustine had tried to reason with the man, explaining that his ideals were simply misguided by those who had formerly betrayed him.

'There's still beauty in this world, Lysandre! Look around! The trees and how the crisp breeze blows their leaves! The glittering water! There's new life! New opportunities, we just need to look." Augustine said gesturing to their surroundings Kalos' famed Rivière Walk.

'I'm tired of looking for something when it refuses to show itself to me. I have only suffered in this world from its tainted and imperfect beings, Augustine. But do not worry; you are one who I plan to save. Your knowledge will be worthy in the new world." Lysandre replied simply as he watched his friend settle his arms to his sides in defeat.

'Lysandre, what must I do for you to see that life is still worth living?'

'You make it sound as if I am committing suicide.' Lysandre snorts. 'I'm only cleaning this world of impurities.'

Augustine grunts as he reminisces on that conversation. It had not been clearly pleasant, but he did have a peek into Lysandre's complex mind. How much had the man actually suffered? Sycamore had known him a majority of his life, meeting in a small café in Lumiose where they had shared a shine towards Pokémon. It was so long ago, maybe 14 years? When he was but 16 and Lysandre 17. They were young, refreshing and still clueless to much of the harshness of the world.

Leaning back in his swivel chair Augustine huffed and looked out of his window towards Parterre Way. He remembers when he first met the small girl who would be the one to save Lysandre from his suffering and correct the errors of his ways. She was a brave heart, facing life head-on and laughed at her own mistakes. Maybe that's just what it was that Lysandre was looking for? Advice and counsel not from an old friend, but a new soul who knew nothing of the world, and still saw good without having to look deeply.

Augustine thought back to Serena, her blue eyes glimmering in hope of her new Pokémon, blonde hair long and wavy as she tussled with her Froakie. Laughing as it licked her and ran away, Serena trailing close behind. Her youthful vigor creating a spark of endearment in Augustine's heart, he once was like Serena, excited and peppy. Most trainers were excited about their adventure starting, but none had as much excitement and enthusiasm as her, of course she has started a bit late, at the age of 18. Her mother famed Rhyhorn racer Grace busy travelling around the world to different regions to race. So when her mother had finally retired, and Serena given the chance to start on her adventure there was no doubt she would have been excited.

Serena was not alone in her journey; she was accompanied by a couple of teenagers around her age. Her companions serving as moral support for her late adventure, each teaching her something new and fun to add to her growing repertoire of skills. Her party of Pokémon slowly grew too.

A small feeble Fletchling she rescued who was now a tall, proud Talonflame.

An Eevee who was released into the wild after losing one too many battles, Serena had graciously taken him in and raised him to be a strong Espeon.

Skiddo, who is now a brave Gogoat travelling with his trainer riding on his back.

A tiny Dedenne who packed more of a punch than Pokémon twice its size and was so swift that you could hardly tell where the little thing was.

Sliggoo who evolved during a rainy day in autumn into the hug-loving Goodra that was so friendly Serena barely knew what to do with it during battles.

And lastly, the Froakie whom she received at the beginning of her journey evolved into the strong Greninja that headed her team as the first slot in her belt.

Anyone could tell that Serena loved her Pokémon dearly; with the way she looked at them the same as when she had started her journey to the fervor she spoke with when referring to them. Her love so contagious that those around her began looking at their Pokémon in a different way, a way that gave Lysandre doubts about his plans.

Serena was the one to question Lysandre's beliefs on a whole new level four years ago; Augustine had been there for most of the conversation. His old friend flustered and frustrated with the pestering youth.

'I can see why you want to make the world perfect, but…' Serena trailed off, holding her cup of tea to her lips in the café they had walked into for a small chat her Eevee sleeping in her lap.

'People are disgusting; they only want and never give. What about the Pokémon who are released for being weak or those who are abused and beaten? No one sees the wrongs humans have done, as well as Pokémon.' Lysandre huffed at the girl who questioned his motives.

'Well, not everyone is perfect. Even you. I-I mean… There will always be mistakes but that doesn't mean that everyone is bad. Your goal may be bad, to me at least, but as a person you aren't so bad. We're having tea right now, aren't we?' Serena put down her cup of tea and turned to Augustine. 'I don't particularly think Professor Sycamore is bad either. He's helping people and doing the best he can to further knowledge of Pokémon evolution. Even the café owner, he makes people feel better with his coffees, biscuits and teas. Just because it's not something big or major, doesn't mean it's not a good thing. My mom always told me the little thing's count.'

Augustine's companion had no response to Serena's explanation.

'Well, I guess you could take Eevee as an example, that girl in Anistar city who reads memories says that he was abandoned for being weak. But, as you can see… Eevee is no weakling! All they could have done was improve on his good points and encourage him to let out his full potential. And, I guess I'd have to say I'm actually thankful for them abandoning him. I know that sounds wrong, but then I would have never met him, would I?' Eevee had awoken hearing his name and nuzzled his trainer's arm lovingly.

'Still they should not have abandoned him.' Lysandre countered.

'Yeah, I know. It's sad when you think about it. Trainers abandoning Pokémon because they aren't powerful enough for them or some other sh*t, but you also have to consider the trainers who love their Pokémon and would do anything for them. For every bad there has to be a good.' Serena smiled gently at her yawning Eevee.

'Hmph, you're a very strange one, Serena.' Lysandre huffed.

'I tend to get that a lot.' Serena chuckled.

Augustine had watched the debate between the two very different individuals. Their beliefs clashing and melting into one whole pot of what was good and bad. But, he had to commend Serena for her knowledge at her age and her kindness towards Lysandre when her companions either stood in awe at him the creator of the Holo Caster or despised him after learning his plans for Kalos. Such a young girl giving such sage-like words to a man 8 years her senior, and being considerate of his opinions as well? Unheard of.

She was the one to bring Lysandre out of the darkness in his heart and show him the light of the world. And reveal to the world that the greater threat was Lysandre's scientist, Xerosic who activated the ultimate weapon though Serena had picked the right button and Lysandre had promised to cancel his plans if she was correct. Many suspected Lysandre, but Serena stood by him in the year following Team Flare's defeat and rehabilitated him into loving the world again ignoring the hating looks of Kalosians and rush of paparazzi as she beat the Elite Four and Champion in the same year.

Augustine noticed the small changes in Lysandre's behavior, he smiled a little more, the tight lines on his face softened and he spoke a tad more casual than before. Things especially changed when Serena had given him an Eevee egg to take care of, she'd left her Espeon in the Day-Care when he met a fellow Eeveelution and fallen in love. Serena had gone back to meet the other trainer who had taken the other egg that the pair had laid, and arranged some time when they'd let the two meet and play. Lysandre had taken such care with the egg, carrying it wherever he went and constantly made sure it was in top condition. A month or two later a timid little Eevee had hatched from the egg, instantly clinging to the large man.

Lysandre had changed even more after that little Eevee hatched, it bringing such innocence and joy to him that he'd even gone to Augustine to tell him of his newfound life and how he didn't know how lost and wrong he was. That Serena had cleared up a fog in his mind and helped him to organize his life; the Eevee showing him that new life is truly innocent and restoring his hope. Augustine was impressed with his friend's turn about; albeit jealous that it was Serena who was able to bring out such change in the man who he thought was once an immovable stone.

Speaking of Serena, after her defeat of the Elite Four and Diantha becoming the rightful Champion of Kalos she handed a sort of "Temporary Champion" title to Diantha who was happy enough to allow the youngling to continue her travels around the region while she stood in as a replacement. Serena had become a new icon for Kalos' youth, a symbol for hope and love, similar to Diantha who stood as a graceful leader. However, Augustine as well as others would say that Serena held more grace than Diantha, being able to calm a rampaging Tauros, hold a strong presence without saying one word, and simple melting heart with a smile. Serena was truly loved by the Kalos region, no matter how much one questioned and hated her actions for helping the man who tried to wipe out Kalos, they respected her and ultimately changed their opinions once they say the changed man Lysandre had become.

Although that was 2 years ago, and Augustine now only saw Serena maybe once every 2 months. He was immersed in his research and Serena was busy challenging a foreign region's league, Lysandre ultimately taking up residence in Lumiose in a small complex away from the bustling streets that attracted tourists and Kalosians alike. The two older men would have tea and coffee often, chatting about Pokémon and recent happenings. Sometimes when Serena was not busy she's join them, permitting she was in the region. By now she was at least 23 years old, still youthful and peppy as when she was 18, although wiser and more mature.

Augustine sighed as he turned back to his desk looking over the documents scattered over the surface. How time flew by, he was now 30 and Lysandre 31 years old. He didn't particularly feel old, he still held the wonder while researching Pokémon and Evolution, but he did have to think that only 5 years ago he helped Serena start her journey and ultimately save Kalos.

Chuckling he sorted a few files before getting up and cracking his back, it was late. Maybe 8 pm and he was getting a tad hungry, perhaps he'd work up the appetite and walk across town for a galette? He was up for that, and he could visit Lysandre using the promise of food to speak with the man, his condo not too far from the popular stand. Picking up his Holo Caster and calling Lysandre, Augustine walked towards the elevator pushing the button. After a few rings Lysandre picked up, a faint outline of Umbreon in the background.

"What is it, Augustine?" Lysandre asked curiously. "I was about to give Umbreon some PokéFood."

Snickering, Augustine answered as he entered the elevator. "I was wondering about food actually, I was thinking of picking up some galettes. Since your condo was near would it be okay to come over?"

Lysandre visibly thought about Augustine's offer, "Yeah, sure. I forgot to eat lunch, so something to eat would be nice."

"Lysandre, that's horrible! You shouldn't forget to eat otherwise you could get sick!" Augustine scolded, as he stepped out of the elevator. "Your health is important so you can take proper care of Umbreon."

"I already know that, you fool. I simply forgot." Scoffing, Lysandre turned and emptied a small bag of food for Umbreon. "I'm not so much a dimwit to not eat intentionally."

"Haha~ I was simply teasing you." Laughing Augustine opened the door of his lab and stepped out. "I'll be over in an hour tops, 'kay?"

"Fine. Goodbye, Augustine." Lysandre waved and hung up.

Augustine had to laugh at that, he was still a little rough but much better than the hard-arsed man he used to be. He'd debated taking a Gogoat to the stands location, but didn't quite want to spend the extra Poké for transportation. A taxi was no option either, costing much more than a Gogoat, so Augustine went with his first option, walking. However, what he saw waiting on the steps of his lab was unexpected.

"Serena?"

The slight woman jumped up, startled at the sudden call of her name. "O-Oh, Professor! The doors were closed so I didn't know if you were in or not."

"You waited out here? It must have been hot on the steps, dear."

"Not particularly, although it's getting a bit chilly at night, isn't it?" Serena tugged at her white jacket and smiled. "I just got back from Kanto, the league was amazing! It was such an wonderful experience."

"That's spectacular, Serena!" Augustine smiled back. "But, I'm heading out for some food now, then over to Lysandre's place. I'm sure he wouldn't mind a surprise visitor?"

"Oh!" Serena checked her watch. "It's about time for dinner isn't it? Haha, my body's still adjusting back to Kalos' time! I do hope Lysandre doesn't mind, Professor because believe me when I say I'm starving. I'm starving!"

"I'm sure he'd love it if you visited him, dear. Now shall we walk?" Augustine offered an arm to her.

The pair had walked down to the Northern Boulevard, bought a couple bags of galettes and departed towards Lysandre's complex. Serena had told Augustine of her travels in Kanto and how different it had been compared to Kalos. It was very peaceful there, apparently. Even with Team Rocket still popping up here and there, the Champion Red had taken them down, and quite shockingly led a similar life to Serena's. Although, he was quiet and not much of a people person, he cared deeply for his Pokémon.

Serena explained how she obtained a new partner in Kanto, a Vulpix, and how she obtained it. The Vulpix was apparently another abandoned Pokémon, although this time, its mother, a Ninetales right before Serena's eyes, left it. The mother had simply made the Vulpix sit under a tree with a few berries and left, at first Serena thought the mother would return until the Vulpix started to wail. She made camp a few yards away and stayed there waiting for the mother to return, three days had passed and the Vulpix had run out of berries. Serena had been cooking some stew when the Vulpix cautiously walked up to her, she offered it a bowl not making eye contact simply setting a bowl down and ate her own food. This had gained the trust of the Vulpix and that night it strayed a tad closer to her tent, if not for the warmth the fire provided for the cold spring nights. After a couple more days, the Vulpix climbed into Serena's tent to cuddle with her, whimpering and crying. She'd comforted the tiny fox and offered to take it with her the next day. Gladly the Vulpix agreed and that was how she'd obtained a new Pokémon.

Augustine asked her if she had this darling Pokémon with her now, and she replied 'Yes.' Her Espeon was spending some time in the Day-Care with his lover, and she had a space for the Vulpix in her party. She promised to introduce Augustine to her later that night. However, at the moment, they arrived at the complex and climbed the stairs to Lysandre's floor, knocked and waited for the tall man to answer.

"It took you long enough, Augustine. Mind you, Umbreon's finished eating already and I debated making my own dinn-" Lysandre ranted before noticing the small girl next to Augustine. "Serena, well this is certainly unexpected, but pleasant."

"Sorry for the sudden intrusion, Lysandre. I just got back from Kanto and wanted to talk with you and Professor." Serena pinked and rubbed the back of her head.

"No, no! It's no problem. Please come in, I warn that Umbreon has missed you dearly." Lysandre moved aside and the duo entered the condo.

They put the bags of food down on the dining table and stretched their arms. The walk had been a bit longer than they'd first anticipated. Serena was immediately tackled by a flash of black, making an 'ouf' sound she giggled as she snuggled into the soft fur of Lysandre's Umbreon.

"Yes, I missed you too, Umbreon!" Serena laughed.

"Aw, Umbreon did you not miss me?" Augustine faked a hurt face, and chuckled as the Pokémon jumped into his arms. "I knew you missed me!"

"How he can be so friendly, I do not know." Lysandre sighed. "He's so rambunctious…"

"Probably a trait from Eevee after he evolved, he was always so friendly. Especially after Goodra became part of the team. Haha!" Serena smiled.

"You're a perfect one, eh Umbreon?" Augustine murmured into the fur of the Pokémon who purred from the affection. "Well, your owner, Serena and I must get to dining on a feast worthy of kings, little one! And, don't give me that face, you've already eaten!"

Serena snickered at Augustine's actions and handed a smiling Lysandre a galette and tossed one towards the Professor. They'd bought a savory type of galette and a few Pecha flavored ones for dessert. Serena moaned at the pastry melting in her mouth, she'd missed Kalosian cuisine during her time away from the region. Nothing beat a freshly baked galette, especially after one camped out most days.

She missed her two companions, the only teen that had developed friendships with the two older men. Sure, her friends liked the Professor, and knew of Lysandre, but they didn't quite know them as well as Serena knew them. She was the only one who bothered to speak to them regularly, just as a person rather than a highly esteemed Professor or a Multi-Millionaire Genius. They must have appreciated her friendship having kept it for 5 going on 6 years, and having meetings time to time.

Sure she helped Professor Sycamore in completing the Pokédex, and further his Mega Evolution research, and brought Lysandre out of his slump. But she saw them no different than normal people, they were people she cared about and would help no matter what, but they weren't much more than that to her. Serena liked to keep it simple; as long as they treated her right and didn't abuse her friendship she was fine.

To Be Continued

There goes the first chapter! Hopefully the next will be finished by the end of the month if not the beginning of next year! Thank you for reading and don't forget to leave a review. Thank you!