Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon. Pokemon belongs to GameFreak, etc.
Now, where were we? Oh, that's right, Ash just triggered Murphy's Law. Well, let's see how things turn out then!
Ash, Serena and Bonnie were on their way to Ambrette Town. They had just gone through Camphrier, which was a problem since the Master Class Showcase was in five days and they hadn't covered even half the distance yet. Ash knew if he needed to he could ask for Noivern and Charizard to fly them there, but he wasn't sure if either of them could carry two people.
They were enjoying lunch, cooked by Serena since Clemont wasn't there. She was the second best out of their old group. Bonnie had probably learnt a bit from her brother but Ash was a... not so good cook. He tended to burn water when he was supposed to boil it, and scorched food when asked to sizzle.
Unknown to them, they were being watched. People in red suits were looking at them through binoculars from a long way away. These people were part of Team Flare, an evil organisation that should have been disbanded long ago after their leader, Lysandre, died in an attempt to destroy the world – which was stopped by none other than Ash and company.
Who were Team Flare after this time? Of course the one person who ruined all their plans. The person who had protected the red Zygarde Core, or Z-1, for so long and so well it trusted humans and stopped Team Flare.
Bonnie. They wanted to capture her and use their mind control system on her so that they could use her to command Zygarde.
As they were packing away the last of the dishes, their watchers surrounded them. They sent out their usual Pokemon – Skorupi and Houndour.
"I see Malva didn't do well enough."
The Team Flare members laughed, as if they were too strong for Malva.
"Ash Ketchum. We meet again."
Ash turned around to see a man walking towards him, face covered. A Pyroar stalked silently beside him and a Gyarados slithered behind.
"No... you died years ago... why are you here?"
"I am here to ruin your ideal life. Like you ruined mine. I'm going to take away everything you love. I will make you feel pain."
"Lysandre, you don't have to do this."
"Oh, but I do. Pyroar, Overheat!"
Pyroar let out flames so strong it had the three friends down on the ground, close to fainting. While they were 'occupied', several Team Flare members swooped in and grabbed Bonnie. She was screaming in panic before being gagged by a cloth smelling strongly of some sort of sleeping agent, and she went out. This drew Ash to send out Greninja.
"Water Shuriken, and fast! Extinguish all the fire!"
Greninja did exactly as it was told and put the fire around them out. It was just in time, too, as five Team Flare members were about to take Serena away as well.
"Greninja, Cut!"
Greninja swiped at the grunts, forcing them back. They decided that running was a better idea than messing with a boy and Greninja who had beaten them before.
Watching their retreat, Ash sighed in regret. He hadn't been able to save Bonnie. He had promised Clemont he would take care of her. Would this be the first promise he broke?
XXX
Bonnie had been lifted onto a helicopter and flown off to a country house which belonged to what seemed like a kind old man, but was actually the cover for the new Team Flare base. The man had been poor, and Lysandre had offered him money if he allowed them to use his house.
Lysandre waited for Bonnie to wake up before speaking to her. He saw her make a small movement before opening her eyelids.
She tried to jump back in alarm at the masked figure standing in front of her, but couldn't due to the fact that she was bound to a chair.
"What do you want from me?" She asked more aggressively than most ten year olds.
"I want revenge for you convincing Zygarde to join your side. And I want your friend to feel how it is when everything he loves in his world is taken from him. Shame we couldn't get the other girl. What was her name again?"
"Why should I tell you? Knowing Ash, he'll have Diantha and the Elite Four coming your way right now."
"I believe Ash doesn't need the Elite Four."
"Huh? Why?"
"He's well acquainted with Steven Stone, Cynthia and Diantha. He ended up in a League Final twice. Once here and once last year. I think three Champions and a runner up of the Kalos League should be sufficient."
"I see. What's under the mask?" Bonnie asked, suddenly going off topic.
"It's what your Zygarde friend caused. Permanent scars, that I don't want to show."
"I guess I don't want to see it then."
"No, you don't."
XXX
"Ash, it's not your fault. They ambushed us. You had no time to figure out what was going on."
"If I didn't waste that time figuring out it was Lysandre... I could've stopped them from taking Bonnie."
"Then it was equally my fault. I also hesitated to do anything."
"I was the one who promised Clemont I'd keep her safe."
Serena had no answer to that. She remained silent as they continued on their way to Cyllage City. Ash had Greninja out for constant watch. They had already lost Bonnie. He didn't want to lose Serena as well.
It was getting dark, so they set up camp beside a narrow creek. Ash wasn't his usual self. He had hardly eaten anything. Serena hadn't either. They were both worried about Bonnie.
"Do you have a plan for saving her?"
"Yes."
"What is it?"
"Once we get to Cyllage we're calling Steven, Cynthia and Diantha. Maybe Alder. He doesn't know me too well."
"And they're going to help?"
"Yes they are. Three of them I know for sure can Mega Evolve their Pokemon."
"Well, I'm going to sleep. Goodnight, Ash."
"Goodnight."
Serena went into the bushes to change. They didn't have tents, but they didn't need them as it was summer and they could sleep out in the open without getting cold. She laid down on her sleeping bag and moments later, she heard Ash drop down beside her on his.
Whatever was going to happen over the next few days, she probably wasn't going to do much. Like the last time they had a war with Team Flare. She vowed that this time, she would fight alongside Ash.
That was when an idea came to her. It was soon time to call someone who had a major impact on the victory over Team Flare during the Kalos Crisis. For now, it was time for sleep.
XXX
Serena woke up early, as usual. She changed into her day clothes, then cooked breakfast because she knew Ash would want to get going as fast as possible. Once the food was cooked, she put it on the folding table which they hadn't packed away yet.
She watched as Ash sat up, rubbed his eyes. His nose twitched smelling the aroma of Serena's cooking.
"Hungry?"
"Yes."
"Then go get changed."
"Right." Ash went over to the bushes, while Serena set the cutlery and the plates, filled to the brim with a hot breakfast.
Ash sprinted back, shoved his clothes in his bag and sat down to eat. Serena wasn't sure if he was more eager to eat the food or to rescue Bonnie. She certainly wanted to save Bonnie as well and ate faster than she usually would.
They quickly packed up everything and set off for Cyllage City again. They passed nobody on the way there. They were close though, so the trip didn't take long.
"I'm going to go call the Champions."
"Okay, I'll call someone else."
"Sure."
Serena dialed the number of Professor Sycamore's laboratory. His assistant, Sophie, picked up.
"Oh hello Serena! Well done on your Showcase a few days ago! Did you need something?"
"Uh, thanks and yes I do need something. Is Alain there?"
"Yes he is in fact! He was just saying goodbye to the Pokemon before going to look for a Key Stone for Sycamore."
"Great! This is urgent, so do you think he could call the expedition off?"
"I should think so. I'll go get them, please wait."
"Thanks."
A few seconds later Alain walked into view.
"Hello Serena. What do you need me for?"
"Lysandre's back."
"Where are you?"
"Cyllage City. We're still figuring out where Lysandre's base could be."
"I'll be right there. Wait an hour or so."
"Thanks."
Serena hung up the call. She wondered if Ash was done with the Champions yet. Her questioned was soon answered when she saw Ash sitting down waiting for her.
"Who'd you call?"
"Alain. I thought we could use some help."
"Good thinking."
Serena blushed and ran her hand through her hair like every time Ash praised her. Ash being the dense idiot he was didn't notice. There was awkward silence for a minute or two.
"Should we call Officer Jenny?"
"That woman can't do anything properly. I'd rather not."
"Okay then. Do you want me to get started on dinner or do you want to eat out tonight?"
"I don't mind. I do like your cooking more though so if you could..."
"Sure!"
Ash was thankful for such friends in his life. Yet he still felt Serena was more than just a friend. Maybe what Bonnie had said over the phone was true.
Later, after they had finished dinner and were sitting down drinking tea, Alain arrived. He placed a hand on Ash's shoulder. Ash, alarmed, turned around.
"Alain! Thanks for coming to help!"
"Don't thank me yet. We've got a long way to go."
"Yeah, you're right."
"We'll have it done in no time." A voice said from behind Alain. Ash and Serena looked beyond Alain and at the speaker, who was Diantha.
"No kidding." Another voice came from outside, after a loud thud. A white Metagross was firmly planted in the battlefield with a silver-haired man sliding off it.
"Steven! Diantha!"
"Cynthia isn't here yet?" Steven questioned.
"No, she said she had some business to attend to. I don't know what she needs to do that is more important than possibly saving Kalos from disaster." Ash answered.
"Perhaps saving Sinnoh from disaster?" Steven joked. He was somewhat serious though. There was no way to tell.
While Ash had been explaining Serena ad silently gone back to the Pokemon Centre's kitchen and poured Steven, Diantha and Alain a drink. She brought them over in mugs and placed them in front of the newcomers.
Steven nodded appreciation, as did Alain. Diantha directly thanked her, but couldn't resist bantering with Serena a little. She had noticed Serena's crush on Ash and now it was time to have a bit of fun with that knowledge.
"So, Serena, did you tell him yet? I remember you always being so worried about him all those years ago..." She whispered.
"Ahh! Um... you could say I did..."
Ash was a dense idiot again and saw Serena blushing.
"Serena, why is your face red? Is it too hot in here? Do you have a fever?"
"Dense as ever." Diantha said almost inaudibly, but loud enough for Serena to hear.
"I'm fine Ash."
"Speaking of which, what are you going to do during this?" Steven asked her.
"I've thought long and hard about it and I think I want to do something worthwhile this time."
"I object to that." Ash interrupted.
"Why, Ash? Why are you the only one who's allowed to run around almost killing yourself every chance you get? Why can't I do that for once?"
"You won't be doing it and that's the end of that."
"Ash, could I speak to you for a second?" Steven suggested.
"Umm, sure."
Steven pulled Ash to the corner of the room. Ash wasn't sure why Steven couldn't talk to him in front of everyone else.
"So, what is it?"
"Ash, your friend Serena seems to be confident about what she wants to do. Why are you stopping her?"
"You just said it yourself. Seems. That doesn't mean she is."
"Let's say she is. What is it making you stop her?"
"She... I..."
"You don't know, do you."
"I do! It's just that I'm afraid she won't be able to protect herself. I don't want to see her hurt. If something happened to her I don't know what I'd do."
"Well I guess I'm going to end up talking about more than I intended. Firstly, what Pokemon does she have?" Steven sighed.
"She has a Delphox, Pancham and Sylveon as far as I know. Maybe a few extra, maybe a Pangoro now, I don't know. I just reunited with her a few days ago."
"Okay, second. Tell me how you feel about Serena."
"Why did you bring this up?"
"I'm just curious."
"Can I not tell you?"
"Can I get Metagross to use Flash Cannon if you don't?"
"Whoa, okay, okay. Serena, she... I don't know how to describe it. She's a lovable person. Pikachu even approves of her in a way. See every time I begin a journey my female travelling companions' bikes or bodies would be electrified by Pikachu, except Serena – but back on topic, she's creative, she's always full of ideas, she's addicted to fashion and I find that cute about her. In my eyes she's really beautiful and I can't stop looking at her these past few days. I've also been thinking strange thoughts about her. Bonnie even told me I was 'in love' with her a few days ago. When she kissed me in the Kalos Airport when we parted ways, I felt really happy and-"
"Wait, pause! She kissed you?"
"Yes... why?"
"And you still haven't picked up on it." Steven muttered.
"Huh?"
"Well I think I can conclude that you are indeed in love with her, and that's mainly why you refuse to let her do anything in this war. However, let me tell you something, Ash. If you truly love her, you can't hold her back. If you truly love someone, you need to let them do what they want. You can't force them into anything, or force them out of anything."
"So... do you love someone, Steven?"
"That's a secret." Steven smirked.
"Right. Let's go back then."
Steven nodded agreement and they returned to the table, where Alain was feeding Charizard after a decently long flight and Diantha and Serena were having a fashion talk.
"Oh hey gents. How was the talk?" Diantha asked.
"I'm sorry, I'm not a gentleman?" Alain put up a pained expression on his face. Everybody laughed at that. It was a good way to get Ash and Serena's minds off Bonnie.
"Of course you are. So, Ash, what did Steven talk to you about?"
Ash took a deep breath. "Serena, do what you want. Just promise me you'll be safe."
"Serena was overjoyed. She could finally stop feeling useless in times like these.
"I promise!"
"And you better keep that promise."
"I will."
"Good to hear. Now everyone get some sleep. Tomorrow we're rising early and searching for Lysandre's base." Steven claimed.
"Alright, goodnight everyone."
"Night, Diantha."
"Goodnight." Alain said, returning Charizard to its Pokeball and followed Diantha up to the rooms.
"I'll leave you two to yourselves. Night, lovebirds." Steven commented as he recalled his Metagross from outside.
Serena blushed in reaction, while Ash made no response whatsoever.
Steven stepped gracefully up the staircase. "Ash, you better find out how she feels about you soon. Damn you're a dense rock, aren't you."
Meanwhile downstairs Ash was finishing the last of his drink. He realised Serena had been waiting for him the whole time.
"Sorry. Let's go get some sleep too."
"Yeah."
They went up to their shared room. Ash gestured for Serena to take a shower first, an offer which she gratefully accepted. Ash had one later and when he got out of the bathroom he saw Serena sleeping peacefully. He quickly followed suit and closed his eyes.
XXX
Ash woke the next morning to one of the loudest noises he had heard in his life. A crowd cheering. Probably louder than it had cheered for him and Greninja in the Kalos, League, for him and Sceptile in the Sinnoh League when they defeated Darkrai.
Ash looked out the window and saw a whole mob of people outside screaming. Ash barely heard Serena yawm from behind him.
"My, where is that uproar coming from?"
"Umm... well... see for yourself."
Serena peeked out the window and saw what Ash saw. She was shocked to see so many people. Word of Diantha being here must have spread around.
"You know what let's just get dressed, eat and leave."
"I think that's the best idea."
Ash and Serena got into their day clothes and joined the others who were already downstairs. Alain was being casual about it, while Diantha and Steven were completely used to it and completely ignored it.
"How can you guys be so nonchalant about it?"
"Steven and I are used to it. Also, you do know that they're here for you three as well right?"
"Wait what."
"The runner-up and winner of the Kalos League two, almost three years ago and the runner-up for the Master Class Showcase three years ago does attract some attention you know."
"Sure Alain gets this but Serena and I... we're not anything special."
"Whatever. Eat up and we'll be on our way."
Ash ate quickly as usual, while Serena only took a little longer to finish.
"Okay, so I think we should split up. According to Ash, they're still wearing their old uniforms, so it'll be easy spotting them since we're all familiar with those. Steven, you go east. I'll be heading north-west towards Geosenge and Alain will go south. Ash, you and Serena go to Lumiose." Diantha demanded.
"Why?"
"You never know where they might be. It's good to check where they think you'd never check."
"I see."
"Now, everyone, take one of these." Steven said, handing them each one of the walkie-talkies they had used years ago in the same situation. Serena looked at hers solemnly before she couldn't resist.
"Why do you keep treating me like I can't do anything?"
Ash's face drew into a frown. "It's because I don't want you to get hurt."
"I have my Pokemon, like you said after our battle. They'll always be there for me."
"If you run into them, you can't take them on with your-"
"I've caught more Pokemon! I'm not useless anymore, Ash! I can do things on my own!"
Alain, Diantha and Steven watched the two have their argument, before Alain became impatient and had his own sudden outburst.
"STOP! Both of you! Ash, let her go. Trust her with her life for once! She's had to deal with you trusting yourself with yours, so give her a chance!"
"But-"
"Shut it!" Alain roared.
"She won't be able to call us." Ash finished, ignoring Alain's shouting.
"I had a feeling this might happen so... I bought an extra." Steven said, pulling out another radio.
"She doesn't have anything to-"
"I'll have you know I have a Braviary and a Lapras."
"See, Ash? Problem solved!"
"Fine. Just don't go rushing into wherever alone."
"I won't. By the way, I'll be out over the sea since as Steven said that is one place we didn't think about."
"I just hope you know how to swim and don't drown if you fall in."
"Have some faith in me Ash!" Serena snapped. She was clearly annoyed by his overprotective behaviour.
With that, she snatched a radio of the table and walked out, taking a Pokeball from her belt. Ash sighed and followed suit, taking off Staraptor's Pokeball. Alain waited for them to leave so that his Charizard had plenty of space. Diantha went out, releasing her Tyrantrum and got on it, signaling it to start moving. All Steven could see and hear was Tyrantrum thundering down the road.
XXX
Hours later Serena felt her backside aching from sitting astride Braviary for so long. That was until something caught her attention. It was a dark shape on the horizon which didn't fit in place. From her geographical knowledge of Kalos, Serena knew that there were no islands out here. This was also too far out for fishing boats, or any boats in reality.
As she flew closer, she could see helicopters surveillancing the area. It was certainly shifty. Something Serena saw told her this was Team Flare's base. That thing was the large red F on the deck.
She took the radio out of her pocket, but fumbled with it and dropped it. Braviary dived for it and caught it, only to find that its beak had crushed it.
"Great. Well, let's head back." Serena said, wheeling Braviary back in the direction of Cyllage City.
Thank you for reading this chapter of Promises. I have started a new series on Wattpad called Bonnie's Adventures where she's doing a little something Ash is doing right now...
Anyway sorry for being a Slaking and not updating even though I can, let's just say I'm quite the procrastinator.
