Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon
Chapter 3 : A Plan Well Planned! Or was it?
Pokémon Center
"You could've told me earlier if you were not feeling well Bonnie," Clemont said as he entered the Pokémon Center. He was carrying his ill little sister over his back. Korrina was walking beside them. They hurried to the Pokemon Center from the carnival as soon as Bonnie was showing a sign of sickness, leaving Ash and Serena both.
Clemont kept on twisting his head to see Bonnie's condition. Bonnie looked weak. Though her temperature was fine, she mentioned about having a headache just awhile back but didn't take any medicine and simply ignored it.
"I'll ask Nurse Joy for some medicine. You should take her to the room and change her into more comfortable cloths," Korrina said who was behind her.
"Better be quick. I'm worried for her right now," Clemont hold her little sister tight slowly walking away while looking at her.
"I know you do. You make the best big brother out of her," Korrina replied.
Clemont stopped and gave out a faint smile, "Thanks for your words Korrina, I love you."
"Love you too Citrus," Korrina replied. This time Clemont didn't mind being called Citrus in the public, even Bonnie was there to hear his nickname being called.
The two part ways in the Pokémon Centre. Clemont went straight to their room to let Bonnie settles down, changing her attire and let her rest whole Korrina went to look for Nurse Joy to ask for medicine to treat Bonnie.
"Big... brother..." Bonnie said as she was laid down onto her bed.
"Stay strong Bonnie, you'll be ok soon," Clemont said to calm her down. He quickly change her into pajamas on where she feels comfortable. He readied some aid kits and wet cloths next to the bed of the little girl.
Clemont put up his hand onto Bonnie's forehead, "No fever, strange."
"I'm back!" Korrina entered the room with medicine that Nurse Joy had given.
"Great timing Korrina," Clemont said.
"This is the medicine, according to Nurse Joy one spoonful is enough to make her feel better for the day," Korrina giving the medicine and instructions to Clemont.
"Thanks Rin, I would have not done it without you," Clemont took the medicine. He then proceed to prepare the medicine for Bonnie. He opened the battle and pour out the medicine onto a spoon until it was full.
Korrina position herself on the other side of the bed to assist Clemont. "Bonnie, wake up. It's time to take your medicine," she rubbed Bonnie's head.
"Korrina...," the little girl said, aware of her surroundings.
"Bonnie, open your mouth and eat this medicine alright?" Clemont position the spoon with medicine right in front of her mouth.
Korrina helped Bonnie by lifting her head so Bonnie can gulp the medicine in. Once Bonnie took the medicine Korrina slowly lay her head down again. Both Korrina and Clemont sighed.
"She'll be better in no time, I can feel it," Korrina said to make Clemont feel calm about the whole situation.
Clemont gave out a faint smile and look at Korrina, "I trust you." He got up and went to the kitchen to grab some water to drink. Korrina went to the kitchen later on.
As she entered the kitchen, she saw Clemont staring at the water inside his cup, probably worried about Bonnie.
"Hey now, you look so down right now," Korrina interrupting Clemont's thoughts.
"Did I fail as a brother?" Clemont asked, clasping the glass tighter.
"Oh please, don't be hard on yourself," Korrina sighed. "I think you should go take a walk or something, I'll take care of her."
Clemont look at her, "I guess you're right. I need to take a short breeze." He then leaves the kitchen and eventually the room leaving Korrina and Bonnie alone.
Korrina sighed. He had never seen Clemont so worried about Bonnie and mad at himself for not taking care of her. Korrina stared at Clemont's glass that he left on the table, there is still water left in it. She stared at it and it clicked something on her mind.
She walked out of the kitchen and went in front of Bonnie's bed. "Alright, what is the meaning of this! Explain," She burst out, both her hands were on her hips. The room was quite, buzzing sound was coming from outside where the street was busy.
"I know you're up and well, I raise an aura Pokémon and it taught me how to sense things that others can't," She said.
The room was again quite for few seconds, until a giggle was heard from Bonnie's mouth and eventually burst into laughter. "Citrus? Really?" the once used to be ill little girl turns out to be eavesdropping all their conversation and was healthy the entire time.
"Ugh I cant believe you made all that up," Korrina turned around searching for her bag. Once she had found it, she took her smartphone and start texting.
Korrina : Clemont, GET BACK HERE A.S.A.P.
Bonnie was still laughing which died out later on when Korrina glanced at her. "You have any idea how worried your brother is?" Korrina said, clasping her smartphone.
"Yeah yeah, I'll apologize later on. So... when did you guys start giving each other nickname?" Bonnie said, bursting into laughter again.
"It's non of your business alright!" Korrina was blushing.
Suddenly, the front door came open hitting the wall. "I came as soon as possible!" Clemont said before he crashes down onto the floor.
"Clemont are you alright?" Korrina rushed to pick up Clemont on the floor. He was tired from all the running.
"I came as soon as possible," Clemont muttured, his eyes were swirling like the ones pokemon have when they faint.
"Bonnie, come help me out!" Korrina said in anger tone, dragging Clemont over the floor to the bed.
"Alright, alright," she said as she lend a hand. They both dragged Clemont over the floor to the bed, then tries to lift Clemont but only manage to get his upper body on the bed.
"Is he always like this?" Korrina lifting his lifeless leg to the side so that Clemont is fully on the bed.
"Whenever he felt scared and tired altogether, he usually faints," Bonnie sighed.
"Maybe he's worried about you too much Bonnie. You shouldn't do that to your brother you know," Korrina said looking at Clemont.
"Yeah, now I feel bad," Bonnie hugged her big brother.
"Now, now. Let him rest for awhile. He'll wake up soon enough-"
"WHAT, WHAT HAPPENED?" Clemont woke into a sitting position. "I-I came as soon as possible after I read your text," Clemont said gasping for air.
"Well Bonnie is fine now," Korrina said.
"Oh thank goodness you're alright!" Clemont grabbed Bonnie who was nearby, giving her a tight hug.
Bonnie couldn't get any word out but instead she was gasping for air. "Br-brother, I ca-cant breath"
"I was so worried about you," Clemont let go of her which allows Bonnie to breath once again. "Bu-but how did you get well so soon? Didn't know the medicine would talk less time to take effect," Clemont questioned.
Before Bonnie could say anything, Korrina explained the whole thing, "It didn't. Bonnie was acting the whole time."
Clemont looked at Korrina before looking at Bonnie who was smiling and sweat dropped, trying to look cute in front of her brother so that her detention would be lighter.
"Why would you do that to me?" Clemont said in a sad tone.
"Relax brother, this was just an act.. so that Serena and Ash have time together..," she said looking downwards and playing with her fingers. "Also, wanted to see how you both perform if I was sick," she said.
Both Clemont and Korrina looked at each other exchanging looks. Bonnie seemed down now feeling bad but it was for the good of her two best friends, Ash and Serena since their journey was about to end after the Kalos League. She explained everything to Clemont and Korrina about the whole plan.
"I see now, you don't want to see them going their way all alone," Clemont rubbed his chin getting all of Bonnie's idea. "Well, carry on with your idea, but next time share it with us please or you'll make me worry again," he said.
"That's the spirit brother!" Bonnie who was all excited by his big brother's approval.
"You're just gonna let her execute her plans?" Korrina asked Clemont.
"Don't worry, we'll help," Clemont said reaching out his hand towards Korrina. Without a word, Korrina nodded and took his hand as in agreeing with him and Bonnie's plan.
"So what was the plan?" Korrina asked.
"The plan is still ongoing. It is all up to Serena now," Bonnie replied while looking at the clear night sky through the window.
The Carnaval
"I-I uh, I've got to tell you about something," she said as she looked the ground. She could not look at his face who was worried about her the whole time.
"What is it Serena?", the tan boy asked in a worried tone.
"When I joined you on your adventure with Clemont and Bonnie, I believed that I have a purpose. A goal that I wanted to accomplish," Serena said with all her heart, still clasping his hand. "And my goal never changed ever since I saw you again. Your words, 'Never give up until it's over' drove me to this day at this very moment," She took the clasping hand over her chest.
"Serena?", Ash jerked his hand to him as he was surprised where his hand was located.
Serena took some moment to process her thoughts. "It's um… It's nothing," she said as she lets go of Ash's hand away from her chest. What am I doing? She said imagining face palming herself.
"If you have something to say, you can just spit it out maybe?" Ash said.
"I.. I just wanted to say that me, Bonnie, Clemont will miss you after the League. We'll part ways, you going on your next journey, Clemont and Bonnie taking care of Lumiose Gym, and me who… don't know where to go actually," She said, looking down.
Ash looked at Serena with a sad face. He knew what she meant and have gone through goodbyes several times with his travel buddies like Misty and Brock to Iris and Cilan. But this one is going to be hard for him and he didn't know why.
"We still have time to figure out and spend it together. Plus, the league is nowhere near yet, well I mean we don't know the exact date, but we'll use it to do something else maybe," Ash said trying to reassure Serena it was alright.
"Yeah you're right, I'm probably just over reacting to stuff that doesn't matter," Serena said. Deep down she felt a little died out, she didn't want to leave him just yet.
"That's the spirit!" Ash said with a smile and they both looked eyes with each other.
Serena found herself locked eyes with him. Serena, this is your chance, she told to herself. "Ash?"
"What is it-" before he could finished his sentences, Serena touched his chin with her thumb and index finger bringing closer to her as she leans forward to him. Face-to-face now, both looked in the eyes. Time stopped for them and later their lips were in contact for a few seconds and separate as Serena withdraw herself.
"Thanks for your kind words Ash," Serena giggled and let out a wink. Her face were bright red now but not embarrassed about what she did. Hope that wasn't too much for him.
Ash was dumbfounded by the kiss. Wow, he said in his mind as he scratched his head while lifting his Kalos hat. "No problem," he scratched his nose with his thumb, trying to hide his blushing face of his tanned face from her. What is this feeling? He thought but was interrupted by the performance.
"Finish!" The two turned their gaze towards the stage just to find out Aria has finished her performance.
"What?! Already?" Ash groaned.
"Thank you all for coming to the carnival tonight! Stay tuned for more performance by performers!" Aria said to her microphone waving at the crowd. While she wave she scanned through the crowd. A certain person caught her attention.
Serena looked at the Kalos Queen giving out the smiles that she once gave when they first met face-to-face as a friend. Aria was waving around and stopped when Serena locked eyes with her. Serena saw her took out something from her pocket and pointed towards it as she wears it. Serena looked closely and it was the same bracelet she had picked for her.
That's the bracelet, Serena said in her thought. Aria then motioned her hand towards the backstage. She wants to meet me? Backstage? Serena lightly nodded to her, accepting her invitation.
As Aria was done waving towards the crowd, she returned to the back stage which was taken over by Monsieur Pierre to announce the next performer. "Splendid performance by our Mademoiselle Kalos Queen. Up next is the Sinnoh region performer!" he announced.
While preparation on the stages were getting ready for the next performer, Serena stared at the backstage. She was eager to meet Aria.
"Hey Ash, would you like to go somewhere else? I have to meet someone, a friend actually," Serena said shifting her view from the backstage to Ash.
"Hmm? Well if it's a friend then I'll glad to meet them. Sure why not," Ash agreed.
The two leave their seat and went around the stage. The backstage was dimly lit and were covered with large wall of black cloths. There were an entrance guarded by a built person. When they arrived at the entrance to the backstage, the guard stopped them.
"Hold, you two do not have access here," the guard said, folding his arm over his chest.
"I'm here to see a friend," Serena said pointing towards entrance blocks by the huge man.
"Yeah yeah, that's what they all say. Move along kid," the man shooing.
"Hey, that's not how you treat a woman," Ash goes forward between Serena and the man.
"Oh yeah, why don't I just kick out both of you out," the man reached for Ash. Before he could come in contact with Ash, his arm was strapped by a ribbon-like feelers. The man turned to look, it came from a Sylveon. "A-Aria's Sylveon!?"
"Hi Sylveon, could you tell Aria to let us pass this man to meet her?" Serena said to the Pokémon.
"We're going to meet Aria?" Ash asked. "Aria's is the friend you're going to meet?"
The Sylveon stepped out from the entrance and let go of the man's arm. "Sylveon," the Pokémon's ribbon reached for Serena's hand. "Syl," the Pokémon guided her into the entrance. Serena went along, passing the man who was dumbfounded.
"Humph," Ash fixed his hat upwards, giving an annoyed face and followed Serena.
The two and Sylveon continued walking through the crowded backstage. There were a lot of people walking around doing their job. There were girls in beautiful dress fixing their makeup and doing some final touches to their appearance.
They arrived to a door with a star lit up on the door. "Sylveon," the Pokémon opened the door with its ribbon telling Serena and Ash to enter the room. Serena nodded and entered followed by Ash and the Pokémon who then closed the door behind them.
"Hi Aria," Serena announced her arrival
"Hi Serena, good to finally meet you again," Aria greeted Serena. She was sitting in front of the dresser with mirrors, dismantling the decorations and ribbon on her hair and dress. "Come, have a seat," she motioned her hand towards the couch across the room still facing towards the dresser. She then noticed Ash through the mirror and turned around, "Aren't you that boy who struggled dancing not long ago?"
"Dance?" Serena looked at Ash while she settles herself on the couch, making a pouty face crossed her arms. She was jealous of Aria that Aria get to dance with him and she didn't.
"The dance party, yeah I remember. You taught me a lot, thanks anyway," Ash said embarrassed and making his way to seat himself next to Serena. "Say, I know you two are rivals, but since when you two know each other as friends?" he asked Serena and Aria.
Both Aria and Serena giggled towards Ash. "Perhaps this will remind you of someone," Aria took a glasses from her purse and wears them and turned her gaze towards Ash. "We've met before."
Ash looked at Aria, trying to figure out where they've. A few seconds later it ticked him, "Ariana? You're Ariana?"
Serena giggled, "Took you a while don't you. Anyways, Aria you wanted to meet me?" She turned to Aria.
Aria rose from her seat in front of the dresser and sat herself onto a couch opposite of Ash and Serena. "I've talked to my associate who guided me through the performer competition before I became the Kalos Queen and I'm going to suggest you to be her next apprentice, if you agree," she said.
What Aria said had caught her by surprise. Imagine being nominated by non-other by the Kalos Queen to follow her footstep. "To be the next apprentice?" Serena said, but then she remembered what Palermo had said to her not long ago about how she's missing something.
"She's great you know, though she's strict but she's used so be the Kalos Queen," Aria reassured her. "This is a chance for you to prove yourself as a performer. She too has someone on her mind so it would be tough for her to choose."
Serena didn't know what to do, to accept or reject. Her mind was more focused on her friends than on her performer career she started. "May I ask, what's her name?" Serena questioned her.
"Her name is Palermo," Aria said in an instant which surprised Serena.
"Pa-Palermo? She offered me to be her Apprentice but I declined," Serena said in a soft voice.
"This whole time we were bringing up the same girl," Aria laughed at herself for not knowing it. "I myself and Palermo want you to learn from us to be an excellent performer. Since Palermo has offered you to join, then you'll have to answer your decision to her."
"Isn't that great Serena. Getting attention from non-other than the Kalos Queen AND former Kalos Queen. You have a bright future ahead of you," Ash said with a smile.
"I suppose," She muttered. That would mean I'll leave my friends, I don't want to leave so soon.
"Well that settles it, if you agree than just give Palermo a call," Aria gave a small black card consisting of Palermo's contact. "We'll give you time to think and our arms are open to reach anytime."
Serena took the card without saying a word. Her thought process was scrambled up to decide either join train herself to be a better performer, or to leave her friends. I can be a better performer without guidance from no one unless it was from my friends, most importantly Ash, she talked to herself looking at Ash.
"Sure, I'll give you a call once I've made up my mind," Serena said while keeping the card.
"Sound's great. Now that this matter is done, how's it going between you two?" Aria said shining a bright smile to both of them.
"Th-there's nothing between us. Were just here to hang out. Clemont and the others had to go back to Pokémon Center because Bonnie got sick. Then that leaves us two here," she explained in a fast pace.
"Seems like there's more to it. I saw your little gig down there while I was performing plus those matching color outfit you're wearing right now. I find it cute," Aria said in a teasing tone while covering her mouth giggling.
"St-stop that will you Aria! Ash and I came here as a friend isn't that right Ash?" Serena said. She soon realize what she said and regretted it.
"Well your action did caught me by surprise, at least someone find it cute, isn't that right Aria?" Ash said going along with Aria's compliment.
Serena's face turned bright red, embarrassed. It was as if the two were actually onto her. "E-enough. Anyways, since when did you get a Sylveon Aria?" she asked changing the subject.
The Sylveon who was still in the room approached the Kalos Queen rubbing its head onto her leg. "Syl," the Pokémon said.
"Well, I happen to catch an eevee after I saw your eevee evolved into Sylveon. I admire how you treat your Pokémon with love so much that it evolved into such wonderful creatures. That's why I got an eevee and manage to treat it well into a Sylveon, to learn something from you," Aria explained while grooming Sylveon.
"Sylveon."
"Wow, the Kalos Queen following the foot step of a normal performer," Ash scratching his chin, amazed with the story.
"Normal?" Serena repeated what Ash had said while folding her arms, made her slightly mad since she was now a master-class performer. But deep down in her heart, she was happy that Aria admired her.
"E-he," Ash noticed her mad tone, giving out an awkward smile to play it off.
"Now now," Aria trying to cool the situation down. "Anyways, I think it's time for me to go. I have to get ready to go back to the hotel. Don't want to miss my plane tomorrow," She said as she remembered her tight schedule throughout the month.
The trio said their farewells, giving each other best wishes to end their day. Ash and Serena left the Carnaval concert which was still going but they felt that they should get back to the Pokémon Center to check out Bonnie's condition.
The two walked to a rather quite plaza, with the Prism Tower on sight lighting up the dark sky. Serena read a sign posted on the side walked which says 'Rogue Plaza'. This is where Korrina had mentioned where they've went that that, she stared at the sign.
"Serena?" Ash approached her as she stared at the sign. "I think we should stay here for a while to get some fresh air," he suggested looking around to find a seat.
Serena turned her gaze from the sign towards him. Her mind was still onto her decision to accept Palermo's offer and leave her friends, especially Ash.
"There's a seat over there that we could take," Ash points towards an empty chair. The same one Clemont and Korrina had sat the other night.
The two walked up to the bench and sat side by side. Ash was stretching his arm upwards before landing it on the top rain of the bench he leans on. Serena sat straight up, trying to make up her mind.
"Hey Ash, what do plan plan to do once the Kalos League is done?" Serena asked while looking at the bright Prism Tower.
Ash looked at her, trying to process her question. "After I win the Kalos League, I'll go back to Pallet town and keep accompanying my mom once in a while. I didn't stay very long when I finished my journey in Unova, so I guess I'll take my time off this time," he answered.
Serena sighed, "I honestly don't know what to do after our journey ends." She paused for a moment to take a deep breath. "If I become Palermo's apprentice, I considered myself as a failure even though she has a track record of producing good performers. I found that I can be a better performer by going on a journey with you, Clemont and Bonnie," she explained.
Ash understood what she had meant. He himself has been going countries of adventures on different regions and each of it had made him and Pikachu a stronger Pokémon trainer as he is today.
"Why don't you go visit other region like I do. If I can become a better Pokémon trainer, you too can become a better performer. It would be fun! Meeting new friends and Pokémon. There's a lot of stuff to try out as well!" Ash said.
"But… it would be different without you guys," Serena replied, feeling down. I would be all alone.
There was a silent moment between the two, staring at the Prism Tower. Serena's thought process has been scrambled once again, not knowing what to do. Ash's mind was clear but finds that he was worried about Serena's well-being.
Serena sighed, "I think we better get going. I could use some sleep." She rose from her seat and started walking in a slow pace.
Ash paused for a moment as he looked at her walking away, it must've been tough for her to make her own decision. I have to tell Clemont and Bonnie about this. "He-hey wait up!" he said as he snapped out of his thought just to find Serena was about to leave the plaza alone. He catch up to her and the two walked to the Pokémon Center without a single word.
Pokémon Center
"This hot chocolate taste great," Korrina said as she sips for more from her glass.
Clemont and Korrina decided to wait for Ash and Serena's return from the Carnival in the kitchen. Bonnie also waited but fell asleep since she was exhausted. Clemont decided to make hot chocolate drink for themselves to drink.
"My mom used to serve me hot chocolate when I was about Bonnie's age. She even teach me how to make one so that I don't have to rely on her for more hot chocolates," Clemont said, reminiscing about his mother who got separated, that is whole another story.
"It sure taste great," Korrina said once she was done with her cup of hot chocolate. The chocolate was stuck onto her lips but she didn't notice it.
"Wait," Clemont said as he rose from his seat to take a tissue from the kitchen counter. He then approached Korrina and wiped the chocolates from her lips. "There, all done," he threw the tissue away into the bin.
"H-hey, I could've done that myself!" Korrina said covering her mouth, blushing. She was embarrassed that she made a mess on her face which required Clemont to clean it off.
"Well it's not always that I do those kind of stuff to you," Clemont said laughing with intention of teasing her.
"Yeah right," Korrina said in a sarcastic tone while folding her arms. Korrina turned her gaze towards the clock hanging at the wall behind Clemont, "It's kinda late, should we be worried about them?"
Clemont looked at the clock to, it's needle was pointing at 11:00PM. "They'll come back any time soon. Even if they got lost, Serena has her gps feature in her smartphone. Even if Lumiose City is huge, they could still navigate back here," Clemont said who knows all the tech which made Korrina yawn a little.
*knock knock*
"It must be them," Korrina rose from her seat to get the door.
Clemont took a sip of the warm hot chocolate he is proud of. Like he said earlier, his mother usually make one when the day gets chilly. His hot chocolate were incomparable than his mother's. i hope you see what i have achieved now mother, he said to himself.
"Lucario!"
Clemont snapped out of his thought as he heard the commotion. He got up from his chair and went to the hallway. Korrina's Lucario was standing infront of the door with Korrina hugging it. "Hey Lucario, it's been awhile" Clemont greeting.
Lucario put it's left arm over its chest and bowed a little to greeting Clemont back. Although Lucario is as playful as Korrina when they're together, he is also well behave among other people.
"You must be tired, come let's go to the kitchen and feed you," Korrina said grabing Lucario's hand leading it to the kitchen.
Lucario was fed with extra pokepuffs that Serena had made earlier in the morning for the Pokèmons and a glass of water. Lucario seemed to enjoy the pokepuffs and finished it an instant. But that still doesnt satisfy Lucario's appetite.
"Wow, you're must be really hungry. Let me check if there's more food in the fridge," Korrina got up and went to the fridge.
Once again Lucario was fed with more of Serena's pokepuffs and some Pokè foods. Once finished, Lucario gulped in the cup of water in one go. The Pokémon look at Korrina, rubbing its tummy, and gave out a bark indicating it's stomach is now satisfied.
"Yeah, you came all the way here. Whats is it Lucario?" Korrina asked.
Lucario took out a letter from its leather sling bag and gave it to Korrina. She took the envelope and opened it immediately. She read the content and looked at Clemont with a serious expression.
"What is it Korrina?" Clemont asked.
"There has been an urgent calling to all gym leaders."
- End of Chapter -
