Hey guys. As I promised, here is the next chapter I said I would put up. Before I begin this long author's note that no one will read, I do not own Pokémon or any of their characters. Now please enjoy this chapter.

Shauna and Serena

Sitting at a table overlooking Aquacorde Town, a gentle breeze lightly brushes the leaves causing them to make a rustling sound. At the table, Serena sits patiently for a group of strangers to arrive. "What is taking so long? Mom said they shouldn't be long" thought Serena.

Flashback

Grace was giving her daughter instructions that she received from Professor Sycamore. "Now Serena, remember, I've contacted Professor Sycamore and he was more than okay with sending someone over to let you choose a starter Pokémon. A group of people should be over in Aquacorde Town so don't be late."

Wishing her mom wouldn't baby her anymore, Serena annoyingly says "Relax mom, what's the worst that can happen."

Knowing full well of the dangers out there she explains to her daughter, "Wild pokemon sometimes come out and attack. If you have no pokemon, let's just say you're going to have a bad time."

End Flashback

Sighing, the soon to be trainer stands up took have a look at the town. From her vantage point, she could see how the buildings and the cobblestone sidewalk only enhanced the natural landscape. Even the bridged connecting the town to Route 2 was built to add to nature's beauty. "Wow, such a beautiful town. Hopefully, all of Kalos will be just as beautiful" stated Serena with pride.

Behind Serena, a stranger overhears what she said. Simply responding, "Well the only way to find out is by going out there and seeing it firsthand."

"Ahh," shrieked Serena "Sorry I wasn't expecting anyone behind me is all."

"Its fine since I'm the one who probably scared you." Talking to Serena was a girl about the same height as her. Wearing a pink shirt with three black bows running down the middle, the stranger had light colored eyes and a hair color almost identical to Serena's mother. "Haha, anyway, would you happen to be Serena."

"Why yes I am" said Serena.

Reaching her hand out to formally meet Serena, she explains, "Well my name is Shauna and I have been sent here by Professor Sycamore to give you your first Pokémon."

"It's nice to meet you Shauna." They both shake hands.

Afterwards, Shauna proceeds to remove three Pokéballs from her bag. She then sets them on the table and begins to talk. "These three pokemon are the starters of the Kalos region. Professor Sycamore has instructed me to let you pick anyone you would like. " Tossing one Pokéball in the air, a small orange fox pops out. "This is the fire-type Fennekin." Tossing another Pokéball in the air, brown and green rodent appears. "This is the grass-type Chespin." Tossing the last one in the air, a blue frog is left standing. "This is the water-type Froakie."

Suddenly full of excitement, Serena excitedly says "Aww they are all so cute. I wish I could have the three of them. But I made up my mind a long time ago." Walking towards the orange fox Serena begins to pet it. "What do you say Fennekin. Want to come along on a journey with me?"

Certainly surprised by her choice, the Pokemon cheerfully responds "Fenn."

"Alright, so here is Fennekin's Pokéball. The professor also told me to give you these." Shauna hands the new trainer five empty Pokéballs. "You use those to catch Pokémon."

Grateful, Serena gives her thanks to her new friend. "Thank you Shauna."

"Well now that you have your first Pokémon, what are you going to do" said a curious Shauna.

Not even needing a moment to think about it, she says "First thing is first, I need to head over to Lumiose City to properly thank Professor Sycamore."

"Since I'm headed back to Lumiose City, want to travel there together for now" suggested Shauna. "It is always fun to make new friends."

"I don't see why not." Grabbing her backpack from the table and carrying Fennekin, she begins walking down the massive stair case with her new friend. "You were right about making new friends, It is always fun."

As the two walk, they begin some small talk to break the ice. They see the fountain in the middle of the town and the bridge connecting Aquacorde Town to Route 2. Serena even commented on the view she had from the other side of town. Walking across Route 2 was pretty uneventful. It wasn't until the two teens were at the entrance of Santalune Forest that things began to pick up.

"Hey Shauna wait up."

"Yeah, what he said."

Turning, Shauna immediately recognizes the two as Trevor and Tierno. To Serena however, they are some more people that she can become friends with.

"Hey guys, I was just about to head over to Lumiose City with my new friend Serena." Motioning who Serena is, she begins the introductions. "Trevor, Tierno, this is Serena, Serena, these are my two friends Trevor and Tierno."

"Hey Trevor, hey Tierno, It's nice to meet both of you" said Serena in a friendly tone. Taking a look at both of them, she sees Trevor wearing dark gray jeans with a white shirt and a green vest over it. His orange hair, and the shape of it, resembles an actual orange. Tierno however is much bigger sideways and has a plain black shirt with a Vanillite printed on the front.

Being the first to speak up, Shauna breaks the silence. "Hey, I have a great idea. How about we all travel through Santalune Forest together? That way we can get to know each other better."

Quickly seeing a flaw with that idea Trevor points it out. "But the only person we will get to know is Serena since none of us really know her."

Losing her composure, she quickly replies, "What I meant to say is, how about we go through the forest as friends."

Speaking for the whole group, it's Tierno's turn to break the awkward silence. "Hmm, I'll take this silence as a yes." Having no response from anyone, the four proceed towards Santalune City via the forest.

Again, just like before, the walk through Santalune Forest was uneventful. The four only talked. Serena found out some interesting facts such as Shauna being from Vaniville Town. When asking Shauna why the two have never met before, her response was she was always up and about. Serena then began asking the others what was their reason for traveling.

The orange impersonator responded with "It is to meet every known Pokémon."

"How about you Tierno?"

"You see, my dream is to find the perfect Pokemon team to create the best dance team around." Crossing his arms across his chest and leaning sideways a bit, Tierno stands in his signature pose.

Being the next one in the group, Shauna explains "Well I'm just traveling around always meeting new people. I really wish I could have a goal to work for but sadly I don't." Feeling down on herself, Shauna puts her head down in disappointment.

Knowing full well what Shauna is going through, Serena tries to cheer up her new friend. "Honestly, I have the same problem as you." Thinking back, she set out on her journey to become a Rhyhorn racer, but now she wasn't too sure. "But, I can't give up and neither should you."

It was in that moment that the two knew this was the beginning of a long friendship. With the feeling of disappointment gone, Shauna once again regains her cheerful attitude. Not too long after, the four friends finally made it out the forest and onto Route 3. The sun decided today would be a nice day to blind people with its bright rays as all four of them cover their eyes.

Wanting a break from all the walking, Tierno asks "Hey does anybody want to go fishing? It's a nice day and we can take a quick break while fishing."

Agreeing with his logic, Trevor sees this as a great opportunity to meet new Pokémon. Pulling out a super rod, and handing Trevor one too, they both cast their line onto the pond. Serena and Shauna however decide against fishing and just watch the two from underneath a shady tree.

"Come to think of it, I haven't been spending time with my Fennekin." The sudden realization makes Serena call out her starter. Overjoyed by its release, the small Pokémon walk over next to her trainer. "Hey Fennekin. I thought you would like some fresh air."

"Fenn"

"Would you like to meet my friend?" asked the brown haired trainer.

"Sure."

"Come on out Froakie."

"Froa"

"Oh how cute, it's a Froakie."

"Thanks, Professor Sycamore gave him to me."

After all that he has done for her with them not even meeting, Serena comes to a conclusion. "He sure is nice isn't he?"

Wanting to tease Serena, Shauna teasingly says "Not only that, he is also great looking."

Sensing Shauna's intentions, she decides to have a little fun with her. "Hmm really, well why would I want to know that."

In disbelief over her friend's response, Shauna says "Come on Serena, you aren't ten anymore. You can admit to having crushes on people you find attractive."

Hearing what Shauna just said, Serena thought it was now time to use that against her. "Sounds more like you have a crush on him."

"What!?" said a surprised Shauna.

"Think about it, I've never seen the professor and you are here saying he is great looking. It almost sounds as if you have a crush on him." The look on Shauna's face was just priceless to Serena.

"…."

No longer able to contain her laughter, Serena decides it's time to let Shauna in on the joke. "Haha relax, I was only teasing."

With Serena and Shauna teasing each other, Tierno and Trevor have had little success in their fishing quest. Feeling a tug on his super rod, Tierno pulls. Unable to pull the line from the water, Tierno asks his fishing buddy for assistance. Placing both hands on Tierno's rod, they both pull simultaneously.

"Raawrr"

"Oh my, it's a Gyarados!" Both teens screamed in unison. Sparing absolutely no time, both Trevor and Tierno took off running rivaling the speed of an Arcanine. The pair began running in zigzags due to the water type's multiple Hydro Pumps. Out of fear the both yell out "Help!"

Shauna and Serena were both still underneath the tree that provided them with much needed shade. "Hey Shauna, did you just hear someone yell help?"

"Come to think of it, I did."

"Hmm, well lets go see what we can do. Fennekin return." Recalling her Pokémon, the two girls walk towards the call of distress. Upon reaching the small pond, the two notice Trevor and Tierno in a state of panic. Wondering what was going on, Shauna asks the inevitable question of "What happened? Why are you two shaking like that?" As if Gyarados had it planned out, the giant water snake once again rises up from the pond.

In a shaky tone,"Does that answer your question?" responded the larger male.

"RUN!"

Without many other options, the group of friends flee from the incoming Hyper Beam. Behind them was only a trail carved out of the powerful beam that pursued the four. Soon enough, it stopped. Still fearing the wrath of Gyarados, the teens kept on running. Before any of them could realize it, they were already in Santalune City. Out of breath, Shauna states "Hey, I think we managed to out run it."

"Gyarados need water to move around in so we had no need to run this far" stated Trevor taking in a deep breath after every word.

Sweat dropping, Shauna defends herself "Well nobody ever said to stop running."

After regaining her breath, Serena completely redirects the subject. "Hey did anybody notice that we ran into Santalune City?"

Looking around, the other three are stunned. In amazement, Tierno comments "Wow, I've never made it this fast to Santalune City."

Once again, Trevor had to make sense. "Well I'm sure none of us ever had to run from an angry Gyarados."

"Well there is that." Trying to make the best out of a bad outcome, the group of four venture deeper into the city until they run into a statue of a Roselia. Once again, the four take another break.

Shauna, wanting to know what is the next step in their journey asks, "So now what? I suppose we stay here for the night and head to Lumiose City tomorrow."

The orange haired trainer responded first. "I was actually going to check out Pokémon on Route 22."

The dancer was next to respond. "I was going to go along with Trevor since I am still trying to find the perfect dance team."

"Well, what about you Serena?"

"Honestly, I want to make it to Lumiose City as soon as possible. I want to thank Professor Sycamore properly."

"So it's safe to assume you will continue to head over to Lumiose City."

"Yeah, there is still plenty of time to make it before sunset. Either that or I could find something to run away from and make it there faster."

Obviously knowing the brunette was referencing the two males, they turn away in slight embarrassment. "Umm, yeah. Like I said, I'll be over out Route 22 if you need me. I'll see everyone around some time." With that said Trevor headed away from the group and towards his destination.

"Hey Trevor wait for me!" Just like that, the group had split in half.

"Well since you are going to Lumiose City, there really is no point in me staying here for the night."

Not expecting Shauna to keeping traveling with her, she looks at her friend in slight confusion.

"Oh, hey Serena, I meant if it is okay with you?"

"I don't see why not."

"Right so let's go." After their walk around Santalune City, with a few pit stops for sightseeing, the duo finally leave the city and onto Route 4 which leads them straight to Kalos' biggest city. Along the way, Serena couldn't help but admire the scenery. Sure she has seen it plenty of times, but the sheer beauty never ceases to amaze her.

Wanting to break the silence that has consumed them for a while, Serena begins to asks some questions. "Hey Shauna, I have been wondering. How long have you known Trevor and Tierno?"

Also wanting to break the silence, the professor's pupil doesn't hesitate in answering. "Hmm, it has been quite a while now. Actually the three of us started our journey's together when Professor Sycamore selected the three of us to help him with an important task."

"Really, sounds like the three of you go way back."

"Yeah we do. Don't you have any friends from way back?"

"Honestly, not really. Actually, I used to live in another region but that was a while back."

"Where did you used to live before here?"

"In Kanto. Pallet Town to be more specific. I moved here to Kalos when I was eight years old."

"Well I'm sure you left many friends behind."

"Yeah well, I'm sure they are doing fine without me. Besides, I have you now right?"

"Damn right you do."

With all the talking the two were doing, they failed to acknowledge the gate that leads to the city. It wasn't until the smell of pastries that they noticed they were in Lumiose City. Serena used this moment to try to make a joke about their habits. "Hmm, so that's another way to pass time as you are traveling from place to place."

Shauna also wanted to play along in the joke. "That or just anger a Gyarados and watch the results." Facing Serena, the two began laughing. Apparently, the Gyarados incident was more of a laughing matter than a serious one.

After all the laughter was over, Shauna led the way to Professor Sycamore's lab. Suddenly, more optimistic than usual, Serena exclaims "You know, I have this feeling something interesting is going to happen."

"Why do you say that?"

"It's just a hunch."

"Oh, and here I was thinking the same thing."

"Are we almost there yet? I want to meet Professor Sycamore already."

Knowing full well of what her friend's sassy response could be, Shauna decides it is best to not make any jokes about Serena having a crush on the professor. "We are almost there."

After walking a few blocks, Shauna and Serena finally arrive at their destination. Looking both ways before crossing the street, they both walk up the steps and Shauna knocks on the door.

"Hello Shauna" greeted the professor's assistant.

"Hi Sophie. Is Professor Sycamore around?"

"Yeah, he is in the back of the lab finishing up some research."

"Oh cool. Hey I want you to meet Serena. Serena this is Sophie, Professor Sycamore's assistant."

"Nice to meet you Sophie."

"It's nice to meet you too Serena. Now if you two want, come in and wait for the professor inside."

"Thanks" both responded.

As the trio walk inside, a voice is heard speaking to them. "Hey Sophie did I hear someone knock on my door? Oh hey, Shauna. I wasn't expecting to see you back here so soon."

"Yeah, about that, apparently it is faster to travel is you are being chased by an angry Gyarados."

Confused, the professor decides it is best to not ask. "Anyway, I suppose you are the trainer I sent Shauna to huh. Well allow me to introduce myself. I am Professor Sycamore."

Starring in awe, she realizes Shauna was not lying about his looks. Nervously, she responds "Umm hi professor, it is nice to finally meet you. I am Serena and I came here to thank you personally for giving me Fennekin."

"Aww yes, Grace's daughter. Forgive me but I also forgot to send this with Shauna." The professor hands her a Pokédex. "With that, you will have information on any Pokémon you will encounter."

Suddenly, everyone in the room turns when they hear the door slam open. "Hey Professor, we have an injured Pokémon" said Ash in a panicked tone.

"My goodness lets treat it as fast as we can. Come this way please."

Ash ran to where the professor was with Froakie in his arms while Bonnie was running with Pikachu on her head.

Wondering out loud, "Is that who I think it is?"

Turning to face her companion, Shauna asks "Who?"

In all honesty, I had a hard time trying to capture Serena's personality. But don't worry, hopefully I should be able to get it right by the next chapter. Oh and by the way, it is no coincidence that the chapter ended in a cliffhanger. Not a very suspenseful one, but a cliffhanger none the less. Anyway, thanks for all the support and come back next month for the next update.

Laterz