A/N:
Hey everyone. I've reached to certain milestones. This story has officially gotten 50+ reviews within the time limit I expected. And the favorite and follower numbers are constantly increasing. It's nearly 70 and 100 respectively. Already completed 12180 views that show you guys use some of your precious time to read it. You're all awesome and pleased me a lot with your support.
I completed this chapter earlier then I thought I would, despite it being the lengthiest so far, around 12500+ words without the a/n. Well, doesn't matter. So this chapter will introduce some main characters briefly that have been mentioned earlier in the story. It will also highlight Ash's past that has been a mystery to Ash from years now. So, let's get started.
Chapter 11: A Glimpse of the Past
"So what are you gonna do next?" Ash asked, taking Serena completely off her guard.
"Uh, me?" Serena asked in hesitation as she stopped on the tracks. So it was going to be a long explanation, won't it? "Well, I," Serena tried to come up with an excuse, to avoid the situation she has been dragged into. Anything, she did not care if it would separate her from Ash or would let her travel with him, she wanted to avoid it so badly. But then she wondered, was that even true?
"Why don't you just come along with us?" Clemont suggested.
"Yeah, that would be fun," Bonnie agreed and ran to Serena, holding her left hand in her small hands. "Come with us, we will have a great time," Bonnie said, trying to convince Serena.
"Sounds excellent idea to me, what do you think Ash?" Clemont said, turning to Ash as he asked the question.
Ash gave him a soft glare before turning around. He took a few steps away as he thought about it. "Well, I can thank her for helping me when I needed inspiration," Ash thought aloud but regretted it the very next moment as everybody heard him. Wow, just great. What was the need to say that all aloud?
"And having her around can help you a lot, Ash," Bonnie chimed, much to dismay of Ash. As much as he was trying to avoid her, there was always someone who turned tables for him other way around.
Taking Ash's comment as his agreement, Serena put her right hand over where her heart was. She smiled to herself; Ash wasn't that rude after all. "Well, how can I say no to all that?" Serena said, winking at the group. "Sure, I would love to join you guys."
"Now, that's the spirit," Clemont said with a genuine smile and looked at Bonnie who smiled as well. Ash just groaned silently. Why does it have to be this way?
"C'mon," Bonnie said, dragging Serena along with her to the group.
As Serena stood right behind Ash, she looked at him as his back faced her. "Ash," she called him. Despite having a hard time, he sighed and turned around to face her."You are planning to travel to Cyllage City next, aren't you?"
"Yeah, so?" Ash asked, intentionally being rude towards her. Though, Serena's happiness was on her peak that she completely ignored the sarcasm in Ash's voice.
"Well, I can show you how to get there," Serena said, picking out a tablet from her skirt's pocket. It was long and pink in color. It also had a metallic pink bow like design over it, indicating that it indeed belongs to a girl. She opened it revealing two screens on the both sides of the tablet. They turned on the very next moment, showing the regional map of Kalos. "Here we are now, Santalune City" Serena said as she pointed on the map. Bonnie stood on her left as Clemont and Ash to her right, looking down at the map as well. A red blimp was showing their current position. "But here, Lumiose City is between us and Cyllage City. So we have to travel back to Lumiose City before we get there." Serena explained and closed her guidebook.
"I guess you are right," Ash mumbled slowly.
Serena laughed cheekily. "Great. There is a boutique in Lumiose City with cutest clothes and there is an awesome bakery that has the best pastries you have ever tasted," Serena said to the group in excitement while Bonnie got a dreamy look and felt her mouth getting watery on the mention of the pastries.
"That sounds amazing," Clemont said.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's hurry up," Serena said as she started to running out of the city with Bonnie following close behind her.
"Hey, wait for me!" Clemont called out as he also started following them.
Ash meanwhile stood there and stared at the group as they were running away, specifically Serena. He shook his head as he let out a defeated sigh. He then looked back at the cap Calem left for him before disappearing. Looking out for Serena is the least he could do to payback Calem for his help in training. As long as she would not stay out of his way, he could do that. He then wore the cap and adjusted it before looking back at the group. He soon started running as well and caught up with Clemont in matter of seconds. "C'mon Clemont, hurry up," Ash teased the inventor as he jogged along with Clemont. He then grinned and patted him before running off.
"I'm trying my best," Clemont said as he tried to keep up with the group.
It didn't take long for the group to exit the Santalune City. As they walked on their way to Lumiose City, Serena and Bonnie were still leading the group with Ash and Clemont following right behind them. They have stopped running by now and decided to walk rest of the way.
"Oh damn, how could I forget it?" Ash wondered out loud, earning a curious glance from Clemont. "Jenny told me that there was a gym in Lumiose City as well, how could I forget it?"
As Ash questioned to no one in particular, Clemont shuddered just on the mention of Lumiose gym. It brought back some bad memories to him that he wouldn't be sharing with anyone right now.
"I would like to take a shot at Lumiose gym when we get there," Ash said to himself.
"Pika Pika," Pikachu agreed as well.
"Well, probably you should keep in mind that you've just started you Pokémon journey not too long ago. I've got an idea, why don't you utilize this time to catch another Pokémon?" Clemont said, changing the subject immediately for his own sake.
"Yeah, that's a good point," Ash said and stopped on his track. He then started looking around with a hold of his new cap. "Now, where would be my next Pokémon hanging out?"
"Pika Pika," Pikachu said as well, copying the action of Ash as it looked around for a new Pokémon as well. This caused the rest of them to stop as well. Heard to Ash, Bonnie rushed to him.
"Hey Ash, if you catch a really cute Pokémon, would you let me take care of it?" Bonnie asked.
"Sure, of course," Ash replied as he looked at her just for a brief second and then turned back for his search.
"Yippee! Yay!" Bonnie squealed in joy as she raised her arms up in excitement.
Decided to use this time to know the new companion better, Clemont turned to Serena, who was looking at Ash with a smile. "So why did you go on a journey Serena?" Clemont asked politely.
"Huh?" Serena turned to Clemont and stared at him for a brief second before smiling and walking to Ash. She still hasn't forgotten her real motive she began her journey for. She picked out something from her skirt's pocket while blocking the view of other's from it. She then walked to Ash. "I wanted to give this back to you," Serena said as she moved her hand forward opening the fist to reveal a beautiful heart shaped necklace. For once Ash ignored her but curiosity got over him when he realized she was giving something to him. He looked back from the corner of his eye and found something in her hands. He stood up and turned around, now staring at the necklace in complete disbelief. It was the very same necklace that Ash lost sometimes ago in Lumiose City, before starting his journey. So she had it all this time? Pikachu also looked at the necklace curiously as it sat on Ash's shoulder. "It is yours."
Clemont and Bonnie watched in awe as they walked to them, the necklace was so beautiful. Ash didn't make any movement at first, registering what was happening. He looked at Serena for a brief amount of time and then back at necklace. He gulped and hesitantly moved his hand towards her. Trying not to even touch her, Ash slowly picked the necklace in his hands.
"It's so beautiful," Bonnie squealed with a dreamy look as she stared at the necklace.
"Indeed it is, the craftsmen has done great job making it. It is greatly shaped and polished. It shines perfectly, adding pride to its beauty," Clemont said.
Ash however decided not to reply to them. He slowly opened it and found what he had been seeking for from a while now. He never actually told this to anyone but from the day he started his journey, he always thought about this necklace. He terribly missed his family; he wished them to be with him throughout his journey. And now finally they were back, but that made things even harder for him now. He couldn't help but think about that missing person he thought should be there in the photo. Pikachu also stared at the photo. It didn't take too long to realize what it was. It easily realized Ash in between. There was a brunette lady beside him whom it considered Ash's mother and then his dad which was…
Pikachu's eyes widened when it realized who he was. It knew that man very well. "Pikachu!" it said, try to communicate Ash, but he simply ignored it.
Glancing curiously at the photo, Bonnie asked. "Is it your family, Ash?"
Ash didn't reply immediately but took his time to absorb in the feeling. Finally, he sighed to himself and looked at Bonnie. "Yes, it is Bonnie," Ash said, forcing a smile. He was feeling really hollow from inside but taking it out on Bonnie would not do well for anyone. Despite his hard feeling towards her, Ash looked up at Serena, right into her eyes.
"You mean that's Ash's necklace?" Clemont asked in amazement and Serena nodded.
"Yeah, I wanted to give it back to you for a while now but never had a chance to do it," Serena said as Ash wore the necklace around his neck. "But when I saw the Garchomp news story on the TV and saw that it was you, I knew it was time for me to try and track you down."
"Hold on, you mean you came all that way for this?" Ash asked, completely stunned and amazed. Ash then looked down at the necklace once again, couldn't help but smile and found a new built respect for her. Nor that he hated her, but due his personal issue, he could not hold himself together and face her. But after what she has done to her, the least he could do was showing his gratefulness towards her. "Thank you so much," he said, though didn't look back at her. It made him feel guiltier then he was before. Ash took away what belongs to her, despite that Serena travelled all the way from her home town just to give him back what belongs to him.
"Not just that, you see, I really wanted to see you again," Serena's cheek turned rosy pink slightly as she said but smile anyway. "But I never guess you would just ignore me," she said with a small pout remembering the day before when Serena was anxiously waiting for Ash but Ash walked pass her, completely ignoring her.
Bonnie and Clemont gave a cheesy grin on hearing that. "Oh yeah, sorry for that," Ash said as he nervously scratched back of his head.
"Pika Pika," Pikachu shook its head in disappointment as everyone broke into laughter. However, the moment didn't last too long. It was broken by a strange voice coming down the way they were heading on and the ground shook. Small rocks started to roll down on the small path and everyone looked in alarm and got prepared for what was coming. Probably an earthquake, but Serena felt uneasy with the conclusion.
"What's that noise?" Bonnie commented first.
Soon Serena realized what that was. When she looked back she saw a cloud of dust was moving fast towards them. "That's," but she never got to complete the sentence as numerous steel armored Pokémon rushed towards them. They all were occupied by a rider on them.
"WOAH!" everyone let out a petrified cry as they jumped out of the way, Serena and Bonnie to right and Ash and Clemont to left. All the Pokémon passed them and headed straight. As they speed down the path, Ash noticed numbers pasted on them.
"I knew it, Ryhorn!" Serena said as she looked back at the herd of Ryhorn.
"There's more!" Clemont shrieked as he saw another heard was coming right behind them. As the group was already out of the way this time, Ash bring out his Pokédex and scanned the Pokémon.
"Ryhorn, the spikes Pokémon. Ryhorn restlessly charges straight ahead trembling over anything against its way," the Pokédex said. Ash quickly put it down back in the pocket as he got up, followed by everyone as they looked back at Ryhorn.
"What was that about?" Ash asked.
"It's a Ryhorn race," Serena answered.
"Ryhorn race?" Ash questioned again, but before he could get the answer they heard something behind them. And this time, it was Ash's turn to found it familiar. On turning around, they found Officer Jenny was coming straight towards them on her bike. She stopped right in front of them and eyed them suspiciously.
"What you all kids are doing?" Jenny asked in stern voice. "You are not supposed to be here. You are standing right in the middle of the Ryhorn race course."
"A Ryhorn race course?" Ash asked in amazement, clearly never heard the term before.
Ash and his friends soon found themselves standing over a cliff. There they saw a small village that consists of homes that could be counted on fingers and the starting line of a race course.
"This is RC village where the Ryhorn race begins," Jenny explained as everyone watched in awe. "The course starts here at the village square, goes through the forest and comes back."
"Things are heating up here on the day two of this exciting Ryhorn race. In the lead is number 5, Ian."
The group heard the commentators giving the regular updates of the race as a small crowd was watching on a big screen, across the starting line.
"Wow, a Ryhorn race. Never seen one before," Ash said as he recalled about the racing of vehicles. That mere mention of race made him think about Jenny who is supposed to be the best racer of Lumiose City. And that's the reason he why he liked races so much.
"Ryhorn races are very popular here in the Kalos region. Unlike the car races, they are not as popular as them around the world," Clemont told him.
"This is so awesome to watch," Ash said as he climbed on a railing, watching at the big screen himself.
"Pika," Pikachu agreed to Ash.
"Wow, Ryhorn are so cute too," Bonnie said as her cheeks flushed red and she eyed them dreamily.
"You know, they even have bigger Ryhorn race tracks in bigger cities. This course is actually kind of easy," Serena said, but soon regretted it.
"Really? And what's that supposed to mean?" Ash asked as he turned back to her. Clearly misunderstanding to what Ash meant, she got nervous with Ash staring at her. "You sure know a lot."
Serena sighed in relief when Ash said that. "Well, I guess so," she said to herself, feeling quiet relived. "Okay, so an official Ryhorn race is consist of six Ryhorn, see?"
"There is a special Ryhorn race anyone can participate in tomorrow," Jenny said and then looked at Ash. "Ash, if you are interested you might give that race a try," Jenny said, trying to convince Ash to participate and that made others curious for why she was doing this.
"You mean it? Great, I'm in," Ash said in excitement.
"Pika Pikachu!" Pikachu cried in agreement as well, sharing same excitement as Ash.
Jenny smiled at them before leading the group to the nearby farm where the Ryhorn stable was located. The stable was attached with a cabin where the owner of Ryhorn resides. There were several Ryhorn that the participant can choose from. The lady who owned all the Ryhorn led the group to the stable.
"Choose your Ryhorn for the race from these rides here," the lady said showing the group all of her Ryhorn. Everyone looked in awe and admired the spike Pokémon. "Go ahead and pick any Ryhorn that interests you."
"You mean I can really choose on my own?" Ash asked.
"Sure," the woman replied gracefully and nodded to Ash before she walked away.
"Wonder which one I should choose?" Ash said and jumped inside the stable.
"Each one of them is so cute," Bonnie commented as she hung on the wooden railing. Ash then slowly made his way to the very first Ryhorn that he saw nearby, from behind. But he stopped in the mid way as Serena interrupted him.
"Ash, don't do that!" Serena almost screeched which caused Ash to startle. He would have fell down if he wasn't careful. He then turned to her giving her a confused and annoyed glance. "If you approach a Ryhorn from behind it might begin to panic and then run," Serena told him. This caused Ash took step back to his original position, next to Serena. "Do this," Serena told him as she started walking slowly towards it. "Come in from the front and move very slowly," she said. As the Ryhorn noticed it lightly growled at her and moved back but stopped its effort when Serena knelt down to it and started rubbing its skin. "Hey there, it's okay. See?"
"Amazing," Ash watched in amazement as Serena managed to control a beast like Ryhorn with a little to no effort.
"Pika Pika," Pikachu also seems to be amazed.
"Wow, I want to pat that Ryhorn too," Bonnie said, squealing as she climbed rest of the way and jumped off the railing. Ash was making sure that Bonnie might not hurt herself as she jumped in. Like Serena had just said, Bonnie started to walk slowly towards Ryhorn too. It soon knelt down next to Serena and started rubbing Ryhorn skin. Ryhorn growled happily in response. "Wow, you are so cute."
"So Ash how has been your journey so far?" Jenny asked changing the subject for a while.
"Huh?" Ash turned to her, glancing at her in confusion. Jenny read his mind and smiled.
"Oh, you know, my sister Jenny was concerned for you and asked everyone of us to let her know if we confront you," Jenny said. Ash smiled brightly on that. Jenny really did care for him a lot.
"Well, it's great so far. I've got my first gym badge already," Ash replied.
Jenny smiled. "That's really great Ash. Well, I really need to get back to work. Have a great race Ash, bye," Jenny said as she turned around and walked away with a small wave to Ash and his friends.
"I'll, thanks for everything, Officer Jenny," Ash said as Jenny walked away. As Ash turned back to see the Ryhorn, Clemont gave him a curious glance.
"What was that all about, Ash? I didn't know you knew Officer Jenny?" Clemont said.
Ash chuckled and shook his head. "That's a long story Clemont. Let's just say I've a long term relationship with Jenny in Lumiose City." Clemont nodded but before he could ask further, Serena interrupted.
"Ash? This Ryhorn seems to be very gentle and smart," Serena called.
Ash looked at the Ryhorn. "That sounds great," Ash said and the knelt down next to it. "Hey there, nice to meet you Ryhorn," Ash said as he started to pat the spike Pokémon.
"Ryhorn," it gently growled in response and smiled at the affectionate gesture.
"Wow, I'm impressed. Serena, you're so good at handling Ryhorn," Clemont commented.
Serena blushed and scratched back of her head. "Thank you. The truth is my mother was Ryhorn racer and so she made it sure that I knew how to handle a Ryhorn from the time I was a little girl."
"Wow, that mean you wanna be a Ryhorn racer too?" Bonnie asked curiously. As Ash heard Bonnie, he couldn't help but brought the conversation back from yesterday, in his mind. He remembered how Serena said that she didn't set her goal yet. Well, that means she didn't want to be a Ryhorn racer. He looked at her from corner of his eyes.
Serena shook her head and Ash noticed how her hairs swung along the movement of her head. That so much remind him of someone he didn't know if he remembered them or not. "Ryhorn racing is fine, but I wonder, there is something I would like to do even more," Serena said and looked away towards a mountain that was in a short distance. "So I haven't made any decision just yet."
Ash just smiled to himself, just what he guessed.
"If you ask me, you sound like you are to find your own path," Clemont said and rose his indeed finger.
"Mmmhmm," Serena nodded.
As Ash listened to them, he couldn't help but wondered something. Since Jenny told them that anyone could participate in the Ryhorn racing tomorrow, he has decided to give it a shot. He has always been fan of racing so it won't be problem for him. The problem was, he knew nothing about Ryhorn race. However, Serena does.
"Hey Serena?" Ash called as Serena looked down at Ash who was still patting the Ryhorn. "Since you know so much about Ryhorn racing, do you think you could teach me some of the basics like the rules and how to ride?" Ash asked, directly.
"You mean me?" Serena stared at him in disbelief. Ash kept patting Ryhorn for few more seconds before turning back to her. "I don't think there is another Serena around who knows about Ryhorn racing, that I could ask her."
"Uh," Serena was at the lost of word. Not only he just asked for her help, but he was being so rude to her.
Clemont noticed it and made a mental note ask about it later. "You have so much experience, it would be a big help 'cause we don't anything at all," Serena smiled sadly at that. If only it was Ash to say that.
"Please Serena, you are the expert," Bonnie chimed in between.
"Well, I guess so," Serena said nervously as she rubbed her cheek with index finger.
Meanwhile, as the racers were preparing for their next race today, a Jeep Wrangler drove in from nowhere and stopped right in the middle of the track. As the door opened a girl walked off. She was wearing a black sleeveless leather jacket over a white short sleeved T-Shirt. She had dark blue trousers for the bottom which ended up down her knees, making some teenage boys from around to droll over her. Her brown hairs were tied into a pony tail. She raised the sunglasses over her head and glanced the surrounding with her blue eyes.
"It's nice place, Mia," Samantha said.
"Indeed," Sam heard some rustling from inside the car before Mia walked out as well. "Well, we have got a day and we need to make it count. You are free to do whatever you want but don't get into any trouble."
Samantha nodded. "I got this," rubbing her palms together and smiling to herself, she started to walk towards the registration booth for the race tomorrow. Speed was one of the things she lives for.
As Mia looked around the place as well, the assistant of the manager of the race course walked to him with a clipboard in his hand. As he approached to her, he couldn't help but eyed her, from top to bottom. Unlike Samantha, she had more casual dress. She was wearing a yellow sundress that get past her thigh, up her knees. She had a straw hat on her head as she looked around the place while wiggling the keys. Mia noticed him from corner of her eyes and turned to him.
The assistant quickly shook his head trying not to stare at her for his own discomfort. "Ma'am, you are not allowed to park here," he said somewhat nervously, which only increased as she stared at him.
"Uh? It's not?" she said and examined the place, before coming to the conclusion that she wasn't.
"This is a race course and another race is about to begin," the assistant said only to confirm her. He pulled his collar from right of his neck to cool down his body which was getting hot every moment as he stood next to this attractive brunette.
"Right, I didn't notice that," Mia said and gave him a polite smile before walking back to her ride, entered it and turned the ignition on. She then drove off to another part of the village. As the Jeep Wrangler was now out of his site, the assistant sighed in relief and started to walk back, only to be passed out immediately and he fell down. The other staff members rushed to him and helped him to get back on his foot. They brought him under a tree and got some water for him, to cool down his body temperature that felt like it was burning now. Despite the situation, they couldn't help but made fun of him.
"C'mon man, a chick got ya'?"
Back with Samantha, she had just registered for the Ryhorn race tomorrow. And now she was starting to get bored. The race was tomorrow and she has nothing to do until Mia calls her. With a sigh Samantha decided to check for Ryhorn. She needed a nice one to win the race.
As she walked through the door beside reception, for her surprise, she found no one there. Probably, they were all out for the practice. However, before she could exit, she noticed a girl walking out of the girls changing room. She was wearing a jump suit that was a light shade of pink. It had dark pink heart shaped patches on the right, down her waist. Her honey blonde hairs were tied into a pony tail with a pink bow band and rest was travelling down to her shoulders. Despite finding her attire a little too girlish for her own match, she had to admit, that girl looked cute in that.
Serena looked up as well and noticed a stranger looking at her. Shrugging off it, she walked out of the cabin to the backyard where her friends were waiting for her. As Samantha noticed her face, she couldn't help but think, she had seen it somewhere. But she shrugged off that thought and walked out of the cabin as well, to the backyard.
"Okay, I'm all set," Samantha heard Serena saying. She looked at her.
"You look great," Bonnie commented with a soft giggle.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu said in agreement.
"It suits you," Clemont said as well.
"Aww, thank you. I sew these patches on my suit just for fun," Serena said as she showed off her Ryhorn racing suit that she had sew herself, and the talent she used in, to her new friends.
"Aww, it looks so cute," Bonnie said, once again mesmerizing Serena's suit.
"Ash, look," Serena then called out. Samantha looked in the same direction and found another boy there. He was wearing a dark blue jumpsuit, well; he was wearing it right now. He had messy black hairs that were covered in a red cap.
For a moment, Samantha's heartbeat stopped when she recalled that cap from a while back. It couldn't be him, could he? But she sighed in relief when he turned around. It wasn't him. However, that didn't change that fact that he looked all so familiar to him.
Ash turned to Serena and stared at her for a brief second. He smiled and almost complimented her when something stopped him. The feeling of guilt hasn't left and he knew it won't for a really long time. That prevented him to even look at her, conversing is a different thing. And it made him angry that he couldn't befriend a nice girl, a nice person. And his anger blinds him every time.
"Whatever, can we just start now?" Ash said, once again in a rude manner. This destroyed the current mood of Serena as her smile disappeared. She stared down at the ground for a second before sighing and turning back to Ash, who seems to be staring… at her? But soon she realized that it wasn't her he was staring at. She looked past her and saw the same girl from the cabin. Not only Ash but she was looking at him as well. Their eyes were locked as they were registering whom they were seeing.
Samantha was the first to recover. "What are you doing here?" she asked in somewhat neutral manner.
"I could ask the same," Ash replied. Samantha shook her head.
"I'm here for some project. Since I've nothing to do for a while, I decided to fool around," she said, being completely honest to Ash. Ash didn't reply however. He didn't assume that Samantha would really answer to him. And not being too social stopped him to moving in from the conversation. "So, how is your arm now?" Samantha continued as she stared at his arm that was broken not too long ago.
"Its fine, I guess," Ash said as he checked his arm himself. He stretched it long and started rotating it, only to feel a bearable amount of pain. "It still hurts a little, but I think I'll be fine."
Samantha nodded and smiled. "Sorry for leaving you behind back then," Samantha said in apologetic tone. "I really needed to go."
Before Ash could say something, Clemont, Bonnie, Serena and Pikachu, all gave him common look of confusion. "Yeah, right. I met her sometimes ago in Lumiose City. She was-" but he was cut short.
"I guess you don't need to tell that part," Samantha said in somewhat embarrassing tone. "In short, he hurt himself while helping me."
"You broke your arm?!" Bonnie asked, a little too loud.
"Yeah," Ash replied and chuckled nervously. "Then I was admitted in the city hospital and that's where I met Serena. She, Calem and their three other friends volunteered to help Officer Jenny to take care of me."
"That's so nice of you, Serena," Clemont said.
"Yeah!" Bonnie squealed as well.
"Uh?" Serena looked at them nervously before staring at ground as her cheeks flushed red. "T-That was nothing."
"Anyway, I'm Samantha," Samantha said. "But you can call me Sam," she then turned to Serena. "Thanks for taking care of him. I was really worried that he might have injured himself badly because of me."
"That's no problem," Serena nodded her head and smiled. "I'm Serena," Serena said introducing herself.
"I'm Clemont," Clemont said, introducing him with a slight bow.
"I'm Bonnie, and say hello to Dedenne," Bonnie said and pointed towards the small electric type that was resting on her head now.
Samantha smiled. "It's nice to meet you all," she then turned to the only person who hadn't introduces him yet.
"And I'm Ash," Ash said with a smile. Pikachu then rushed to his shoulder and Ash merely laughed. "And this is my partner, Pikachu."
Samantha didn't reply, instead she stared at him. I'm Ash. His words were ringing in her head. She then realized that she found Ash somewhat familiar when she first saw him, but now, this cleared it. It couldn't be him, could he? "Ash? Like Ash Ketchum?" Samantha still asked to confirm her doubt.
"Uh?" Ash didn't reply and the small smile he had disappeared. "Ash Ketchum? Who the hell is Ash Ketchum? I'm not a Ketchum," Ash replied with a humorless chuckle.
"Oh," was the only response of Sam. "If you say so," but she still had her doubts. He kind of looked like Ash Ketchum she remembered.
However, before they could continue, Samantha was called by a familiar voice. "Hey Sam!" everyone turned in the direction and saw a brunette was waving at them. Mia soon approached to them. "I see, you have made some friends here," Mia said as she looked at everyone.
"She is Mia, the one I came here with, and Mia this is Serena, Clemont, Bonnie and Ash" Samantha introduced the group to her partner.
"It's nice to meet you all," She said and inspected everyone, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie but her eyes stopped on Ash for an uncomfortable amount of time. She remembered exactly where she had seen him.
As Pikachu looked at Mia, its ears perked up. "Pikachu," Pikachu said doubtfully as it inspected Mia for a brief second. It then jumped off Ash's shoulder and made its way to her. It started smelling her, trying to remember where it had seen her before. And it worked as it looked up and smiled at her before running up to her shoulder. "Pika Pikachu!" it chimed lightly.
Ash chuckled. "Look like Pikachu likes you," Ash said. Mia smiled and rubbed its chin. But only she knew how wrong Ash was. As she thought about Pikachu, it reminded her something. She turned back at Ash and stared at him. Her stare made Ash uncomfortable.
"Is there something on my face?" Ash asked with hesitation.
"Uh, it's nothing," Mia said and shook her head. She then looked at Sam who gave her an understanding look before pulling her aside from the group. They walked out of their hearing range and started talking about something as the group wondered what they were up to.
However, Ash shrugged it off immediately and looked back at the Ryhorn he selected as his partner. "Alright, let's begin the practice," Ash said and jumped into the field. Serena followed him soon and stood next to Ash.
"Alright, first you approach the Ryhorn slowly so you won't startle it," Serena said, starting Ash's training as she started walking slowly to it. When she approached to it she slowly patted its back.
"Okay," Ash said with deep breath and started taking small steps towards Ryhorn very carefully. When he reached next to it, Serena told him the next step.
"Next, you put your foot on here and push yourself up," Serena said and pointed towards one of the body part of Ryhorn between its legs.
"Like this?' Ash asked as he put his leg on it, held its spike and pushed himself up to sit on the straddle. However, he pushed himself a little too hard and threw himself over it. "Woah!" and Ash fell down on the ground, hurting him a little in process.
"Oh no," Serena sighed in disappointment as Clemont and Bonnie looked at him in concern as well.
"Are you okay?" Clemont asked.
"Even getting on one of these is tougher then I thought," Ash said as he rubbed his back to lose the pain.
"Of course, you need to practice," Serena said and raised her index finger.
"Right, practice," Ash said as he suddenly stood straight as he recovered. He walked to its side and once again tried to mount it. "Here goes," Ash said as he pushed himself up. However, this time he pushed himself a little lightly which led him to fell on the straddle over his stomach before he slide down and fell on the ground once again. He stood up and tried to mount it again. He gave another try only to fell down once more. But he didn't give up. Though, it only made the situation embarrassing for him as he failed once again.
"Oh, no," Bonnie said in disappointment.
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu said as well as its ears lowered down.
"There has got to be a trick to do this right," Clemont said, seemingly annoyed by the fact that Ash was failing every time.
"There is," Clemont almost get startled by the sudden appearance of Samantha beside her. "Just watch them."
"Alright then, take care, Sam. Call me if you need something," Mia said as she turned around and about to walk away. She leaned to Sam's ear for a brief second and whispered. "Keep your eyes on Ash."
"Yeah, I'll," Samantha replied before turning back to Ash.
"Do you think you can show me how it's done Serena?" Ash asked as he looked up at her hopefully.
"Huh? Um," Serena nervously wondered about it when Ash suddenly snapped at her.
"C'mon, if I don't know how to get on how am I gonna be able to enter the race?" Ash complained childishly in a loud voice. And here goes again, looks like Ash liked to being rude towards Serena.
"Hmm, okay," Serena said with a defeated sigh. "Now watch me closely," Serena said and walked to Ryhorn. "Do this," she put her foot on it. "And you're up," she said as she successfully mounted the spike Pokémon.
"That's great," Ash mumbled. Even if he didn't want to, he had to admit, Serena managed to do it easily with a gentle motion. And he was forcing himself up for nothing.
"Serena you're awesome," Bonnie called out as she held Dedenne in her arms.
"Well, I'm certainly impressed," Clemont commented as well, while Samantha did nothing but sat next to Bonnie.
"Really?" Serena said as she blushed slightly on the compliments. Feeling confident than before, Serena pulled the rope gently. "And if you want your Ryhorn to walk, signal like this with your feet" she told and patted Ryhorn with her feet. On the remark, Ryhorn started to walk slowly as she sat on it like a legend, feeling proud of herself.
"Look at it go, so cute," Bonnie said again.
"Perfect form," Clemont said as well.
"Indeed," Sam nodded in agreement.
"Okay, so how do you run?" Ash asked as she watched Serena passing by him.
"How do you run?" Serena repeated Ash's words but before she could realize it, it was too late. Ryhorn started bouncing back and forth and threw Serena off its back, on the ground.
"Serena?" Ash called out in worry as he witnessed an unexpected event taking place.
"What happened?" Clemont questioned in worry as well. Bonnie shut her eyes while Samantha looked in interest.
"Aww, that hurts," Serena landed back on the ground and grunted in pain. But before she could recover, she noticed all the Ryhorn were charging towards her. She looked back and forth and soon found herself surrounded with Ryhorn. She screamed.
"Oh no, Serena!" everyone called out. For once everyone's heartbeat stopped and they tried to locate Serena, hoping that she was alright.
Samantha stood and smiled. "Don't worry, she is fine," she said. Everyone looked at her and gave her a confused look.
"What do you mean she is fine?" Ash asked, completely agitated. But Ash turned back and saw that instead of getting hurt as he assumed, he found Serena laughing instead. "Huh?"
"See?" Samantha said.
"Stop! Stop! That tickles. That tickles!" Serena laughed even more s the group watched in amazement. Ash rushed to her and saw Ryhorn were eagerly licking her.
"What's going on here?" Ash wondered.
"Looks like, she is laughing," Clemont said as he walked to Ash as well. "These Ryhorn seems to really like Serena."
As Serena continued to laugh, she couldn't help but wondered about her mother's Ryhorn and those training session where Ryhorn bounced and threw Serena every time. She always thought that it was Ryhorn's nature. What else she could expect from a steel armored beast? But now when all these Ryhorn was showing their affection to her, she realized that the Ryhorn were very friendly Pokémon. She rubbed one of them softly as she wondered; maybe it was just playing before, remembering her training sessions with her mom.
"Hey, that's not fair. I want all those cutie Ryhorn to tickle me too," Bonnie complained in annoyance before running towards the heard of Ryhorn.
"Wait, Bonnie!" Clemont called in concern but it was too late. Clemont just stared in amazement before he chuckled nervously. "Wow, look at that," Clemont said as a Ryhorn started licking Bonnie affectingly too. Ash just grinned on that.
"So cute," Bonnie said as she hugged it. "Ryhorn is such sweetie." Serena looked at Bonnie and smiled to herself.
"I think I might choose one Ryhorn too," Sam said as she looked at the time in her wrist watch. "Alright, I'll be seeing you guys tomorrow," Samantha said as she stood up and started walking away.
"Take care, Sam!" Bonnie waved her hands at their new friend as she disappeared from the sight soon.
The training session with Ash run longer than anyone thought. It was evening now and the sun was already settling. Serena had retreated out of the field after teaching Ash everything she knows. All she could do now was inspect the mess of her dress. "Now we both are muddy mess," Serena said with a slight chuckle as she stood against the wooden railings.
"But it was so fun," Bonnie said excitedly as she stretched her arms wide. She then climbed up the railing and sat on it with Dedenne sitting beside her.
"Woah! Woah! Woah!"
Ash was still having hard time to control Ryhorn as it kept bouncing up and down.
"Pika Pika! Pika Pika!" Pikachu was trying to guide Ash with movements of its hands. Though, it was no help at all.
"C'mon Ash you almost got it," Clemont yelled encouraging words as well. "That's the way."
"Yeah! Ride it Ash!" Bonnie shouted as well as she raised her arm.
"Nenene," Dedenne cried in agreement, cheering for Ash as well.
On hearing them, Serena turned around glanced at Ash. "Yeah! I'm doing!" Ash yelled in hesitation as he kept his grip tight on it.
"Close your mouth! You'll bite your tongue!" Serena soon found herself shouting as well. "Keep going! We won with Ryhorn!" but she immediately stopped realizing how much she sounds like her mother. It surprised her. It's not working you'll bite your tongue. Alright, here we go. We won with Ryhorn! Grace words ringed in her mind as she stared at Ash. It took him some time but finally Ash managed to control it, making it run forward.
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu cried happily as Ash led Ryhorn to a tub filled with water and stopped. Surprised for a moment, Ash got off the Ryhorn and turned to Pikachu.
"Wow, it worked," Ash said with a smile.
"Pika!" Pikachu quickly jumped right in Ash's arm, hugging him. Ash welcomed the open gesture.
"Way to go Ash!" Clemont praised.
"Now you're already right in the race," Bonnie said.
"It's for sure if you don't succeed try and try again. And that's what you did," Clemont said.
Ash smiled even more hearing the praise. He then knelt down and rubbed Ryhorn's head as it drink water from the tub. "Let's do the same thing tomorrow. We'll win the race."
"Pika Pika," Pikachu said along with Ash.
"Ryh," Ryhorn growled slightly in response, agreeing to Ash's will. Ash smiled back when Ryhorn nuzzled its head affectingly against Ash's hand.
"You're awesome, Ryhorn," Ash said as he chuckled.
"Pika Pikachu," Pikachu said, repeating Ash's words.
Serena still kept staring at Ash as she witnessed Ryhorn's affection for Ash. She smiled. Ash tries harder in everything he does. Maybe, maybe I really didn't understand Ryhorn racing in the first place. Serena thought to herself. And she was right. She clearly misjudged Ryhorn racing at the first place. A breeze blown by causing her hairs to flew along with it. She used her hand to get them aside. Ash was something, that's for sure.
Later that night, our heroes were all into the bed already. After all the hard work Ash did today, it was obvious that he was tired. He was the first one to fall on the bed, and as soon as he came in contact with the comfy bed, he was drifted into the dream world. Clemont and Bonnie also fell asleep as it was getting really late then. While Ash and Pikachu were sleeping together, with Clemont on the bed next to their, and Bonnie on the bed in front of Clemont's, there was one bed that wasn't occupied yet.
Serena was still awake. She was using the kitchen of the Pokémon Centre they were staying at. She was glad that Nurse Joy let her use it. Serena has changed into her casual dress again, a pink hooded jacket and shorts which ends up right over her thighs. She was also wearing an apron which went from her chest, down her thighs. It was tied from behind in a double knot which resembles as a bow. Her hairs were still tied in the pony tail with the pink bow band she had.
Serena was humming a tune softly as she picked up a tray and walked to the microwave. She bent down and placed it inside it, to bake some cookies.
"Fenne-kin," Fennekin softly cried. Serena shushed it with putting index finger over her lips.
"We need to stay quiet," Serena whispered.
"Fenne-kin," Fennekin put it hand over its mouth as it whispered as well.
Serena then turned to the cookies and smiled. "I hope they turned out alright," she said in a rhythm as she closed the microwave and turned it on. She was doing her best to make them as delicious as possible that everyone would like them, especially Ash.
She then stood up and took a deep breath. She then leaned against the wall beside window as she thought about Ash. Yes, she admired him. And why not? He was a strong willed person and she admired that trait in him a lot. He never gives up, and he proved that this morning when he beat Viola in the rematch despite having some disadvantages. She has noticed, despite him being rude towards her he was kind. She witnessed it herself. How easily he managed to bond with that Ryhorn easily with his kindness. And that made her wonder, why he was acting so rude towards her? Why can't he be kind to her as well? The first time they met, she can understand that as they were complete strangers. And then few days later in the mall, they got along so well. She thought for once that he was a nice and friendly person. And he was. Then why did he act like a jerk around her? What has she done wrong to him? Did she offend him in some way or form? She didn't remember. Then why? Serena sighed sadly as she looked for answer, but she got nothing.
Her trance was broken when she heard a voice, roar of exhausts and the sound of friction caused due to rubber tire grinding against the ground as a car passed by. She peeked from the window and saw a car passing by. She didn't recognize it but watched as its roar got lower and the taillights were glowing red, signaling that the driver was using brakes. The black Nissan GT-R SpecV went straight to a distance and then turned around, stopping right next to an already parked Jeep Wrangler beside it, in front of a house, which more looked like a mansion. The ignition was turned off and a man walked out of it. He looked around and saw right towards Serena. For once Serena feared that the man noticed her spying on him but then he turned around and walked into the house. A beep was heard as the cars light were glowed, signaling that it was locked. As the man disappeared, Serena also turned back to Fennekin as they waited patiently for the cookie to be baked.
"Welcome to the Ryhorn race of the final day, the day when any racer can join in," the host announced. Ash took a deep breath and held the rope. He was all prepared for the Ryhorn race and nothing can beat him.
"Pika Pikachu," Pikachu said, assuring him. Ash just smiled in response.
Ash was on the very right corner of the starting line, so he glanced to his left. And to his surprise, the very first racer he saw was Samantha.
"Huh? You are participating too?" Ash asked a little surprised.
Samantha looked at him and smiled. "Didn't I tell you that already?" she asked before turning back to front.
"That's a coincidence that we've got places next to each other, eh?" Ash questioned, remembering that the number 5 was supposed to be the racer named Ian he saw yesterday. Ash shook his head and turned back to front as well. Samantha didn't reply but a silly grin plastered over her lips. How much fun it was messing with Ian, she could not describe it.
"Yay Ash! You are gonna win!" Bonnie squealed aloud as she cheered for Ash from the bleachers. Ash glanced towards them and smiled, waving his hand to them.
"Thanks, I'll do my best," he said.
"Pika Pikachu!" Pikachu cried as well.
Ash then turned to Ryhorn and patted to it. "You heard her Ryhorn."
"Ryh," Ryhorn cried in response.
"Good luck," Samantha said and Ash looked at her for just a brief second, before he turned his attention back to front.
"Get set," the host said as he raised the green flag. "GO!" and he waved the flag , signaling that the race has began.
All the Ryhorn charged straight with Ian, now number 4 was leading. Samantha wasn't too far away from him, right behind him with second position. However, Ash couldn't get a good start. He was facing trouble while making Ryhorn run properly. Still he managed to make it run straight, with the last position.
"That's not a good start," Bonnie said.
"I hope he is okay," Serena said as well.
"I wonder," was all Clemont said.
All the Ryhorn exited the village and charged straight. Samantha managed to catch up with Ian and the two were now battling for the lead. Ash was on the last place, but after getting back control of Ryhorn and recovering the shaky start he was confident that he could catch up with everyone and take the lead. "Alright, it's time to catch up with everyone and take the lead! Let's go!" Ash yelled with excitement and pulled the rope hard.
"Pika Pika," Pikachu cried in encouragement as well. Ryhorn let out a loud cry as it charged with full speed towards the forest.
Serena, Clemont and Bonnie were watching the race over the big screen. They were happy that Ash actually managed to get the control and confidence back. But the moment didn't last longer when one of the sections of screen went blank.
"Huh? What happened?" Serena asked, clearly confused.
"This maybe a technical glitch," Clemont explained thoughtfully. But to his own surprise, another section went blank and soon all the sections were blank; the screen was now pitch black.
"Oh no, we've lost our live feed. Something must have happened down the course, but what?" the host said. The people started to whisper negatively, hoping for the well being of the racers. All the staff members were running down the course in panic.
"Oh Ash," Serena whispered slowly in concern.
For a while Clemont thought that it was just a technical glitch but when nothing happened, it prompted him to take the matter in his own hands. "We should go and investigate," Clemont said as he got up started running towards the race course. Bonnie was quick to follow. Serena thought about it for just a second before following the suit with Fennekin beside her.
As Ash's Ryhorn was running down the course, he couldn't help but wonder in confusion whether he was lost or left behind. "Where are the other Ryhorn?" Ash questioned.
Curious about the situation itself, Pikachu run down Ash's shoulder to Ryhorn's horn and looked around. "Pikachu,"
But soon their questions were answered when a net made of pure energy was sent towards Ash. It snared Ash and pushed him off Ryhorn, converted into a thick net, trapping Ash into it. Ash cried in pain as he hit the ground.
Taking control of its momentum, Ryhorn also tried to stop. By the time it did stop, two metallic cubes formed an energy barrier against it. Ryhorn reacted immediately and turned around, trying to get away but it was too late now. Two more cubes, right behind it also formed a barrier. All the cubes then combined their energy to completely lock Ryhorn and then converted into a metallic cage that trapped Ryhorn and Pikachu into it.
"Pikachu! Ryhorn!" Ash called out for his Pokémon as he got up. He tried to lose himself but failed as the net was tightly gripped around him. "What's going around here?" Ash wondered and looked around, only to notice all the racers were laying unconsciousness off the course. "It's the other racers," Ash said with a gasp.
"Mission accomplished," Ash heard a female voice.
"Who said that?" Ash asked in rage as he gritted his teeth. When he looked back at the cage he saw the very familiar faces there. A Wobbuffet and a Meowth were standing on the cage while Jessie and James were on both the sides of the race course. "Team Rocket!"
"We win, and you lose," James said as he picked up a metallic tablet and pressed a button to reveal a holographic screen. He then touched to a cart and made a straight line to a set of carts joined together. This resulted in the cage Ryhorn and Pikachu were in to get up as it revealed having similar chained tires like a tank. It then sent the visible electromagnetic rays to the cage train which pulled the cage to join it as well.
"Pika Pi!" Pikachu cried as it jumped on the bars.
"We aboard the Ryhorn express, because we have Ryhorn," Meowth sung as it swooped over every cage and landed in the front of very first cage where there was a controller of the cage train. It held the two levers and pulled them across which resulted in cage train to start moving.
"And just what do you think what are you gonna do with them?" Ash asked angrily.
"It's such a bore if you have to ask. They will help us conquer the world silly," Jessie said as she walked to end and jumped on the last cage.
"And, don't forget Pikachu. That will help too," James said as he jumped on the cage as well.
"Since you are all tied up, we bid you bye-bye," Jessie said as she waved her hand towards him in dismiss.
"I want my Pikachu back!" Ash shouted and tried to break free of the net he was trapped in. This made him to move in weird way which entertains Team Rocket.
"And what makes you think you'll get away with this?" a new voice was heard. Team Rocket looked around in alarm only to find one of the racers was free now. It was Samantha. She said as she dusted her jumpsuit.
"Oh no, we are doomed!" Meowth cried when it saw a barrage of mud coming straight towards it. It hit right on its face and several cages, which resulted in the cages to crash into each other as the train was destroyed. All the cages ended up dug in the ground. Team Rocket quickly jumped off it to avoid getting hurt.
"Uh, check please," Meowth said with dizzy eyes as it lay on the ground.
Soon the ground beside it started to tremble and Bunnelby jumped out of a hole. "Bunnelby," it said as Meowth looked up at it. But before it could do anything, Bunnelby started jumping away.
"Well done, Bunnelby!" everyone heard another familiar voice. As they looked in the direction they found Clemont standing there, right opposite to Samantha. He was panting badly but smiled indeed. "Looks like we made it in time," Clemont said before glaring at Team Rocket as he prepared to battle them.
"Clemont!" Ash called in relief as he saw his friend.
"Ash!" and soon Ash heard himself being called. He didn't need to look back to tell it as Serena.
"Are you okay?" Bonnie yelled as Serena and she were running towards him.
"Serena? Bonnie?" Ash said. Soon Clemont, Serena, Bonnie and Samantha as well approached to Ash.
"I had a feeling that something bad would be happening but I never thought it would be like this," Clemont said and turned around to look at the broken cage train.
"That is right, and who are these guys anyway?" Bonnie questioned while she tried to lose Ash free. However, the knot was so tight that Bonnie failed to undo it. Serena noticed and knelt down beside Bonnie, freeing Ash herself.
"Never thought I'll be happy to see you again," Ash mumbled as Serena freed him. Serena clearly heard him, but instead of offending by the statement, she looked at him in surprise.
"Happy to see me?" she question, though Ash clearly ignored her, again.
"Now brat, you'll pay for that now!" Jessie grunted angrily as she glared at Clemont. Her Wobbuffet jumped forward, taking position for the battle. As everyone got up, Fennekin touched Serena's leg, earning her attention.
"Fennekin," it cried softly is it looked at Team Rocket and back at Serena. Clearly confused at first, she could not help but smile when she realized what it was trying to say.
"Huh? Oh right, Pikachu and others are in trouble and you wanna help them, that right?" Serena questioned in confirmation which surprised everyone as they looked at Fennekin in complete shock.
"Kin," Fennekin smiled and jumped forward, taking the battle stance.
Serena mentally prepared herself for the battle before she stared at Team Rocket with determination, determination to stop them and help Ash. "Fennekin, ember!" Serena commanded, earning a surprised glance from Ash.
Fennekin jumped high in the air before performing the attack. Instead of the small fiery debris, Fennekin fired a fiery breath. Jessie grinned evilly, having expected the exact thing.
"Now Wobbuffet!" she commanded and Wobbuffet, knowing what to do jumped in between them. Its body shone as it performed mirror colt. The ember came in contact with it but deflected back towards it.
"Fennekin, dodge it, quick!" Serena said in panic for the well being of Fennekin. Fennekin quickly jumped out of the way and dodged the attack with ease.
"Alright Inkay, use psybeam!" James yelled as he threw a Pokéball. As soon as Inkay appeared on the battle field it fired a streaky blue beam, encircling many pink circles inside it, targeting not only Fennekin but Serena as well.
"Serena, watch out!" Ash cried, somewhat in panic. He hasn't forgotten the task he had been given by Calem and he feared failing him because it could cost Serena her life as well.
Reading his thoughts immediately, Samantha grabbed her Pokéball and threw it. "Alright Dratini, I choose you!" she shouted as another Pokémon appeared on the battle field that Ash has never seen before. His mind was diverted on Dratini from Serena. "Use Dragon rage!"
"Dratini!" the blue serpentine Pokémon let out a battle cry as it shot a powerful swirling cyclone to counter the psybeam. An explosion took place as the two attacks collided.
"Now, twister!" Samantha gave another command, not giving a single chance to her opponents. The dragon Pokémon rose on its tail and cried loudly. It waved its tail which later formed a tornado. Dratini directed its tail towards Wobbuffet and Inkay which led the twister to follow them as well.
However, before it could hit them, they jumped out of the way leaving James and Jessie for a clear shot. It hit them hard and Jessie and James found themselves rotating inside it. As the attack was over, James and Jessie were stumbling around. When they recovered, James realized that he had lost the remote that controls cages and he dreaded it the very next moment when he saw Clemont rushing towards it as it laid on the ground.
Clemont quickly grabbed a stone and rushed to it. "For the future of science!" Clemont shouted as he jumped right over it and smashed the rock aggressively over the remote, destroying it. It caused all the cages to open and freed the Ryhorn.
Enraged, as soon as they were freed, all Ryhorn glared at Team Rocket who shivered in fear as they all roared loudly. "Oh, the sunlight don't feel so good," Meowth said in panic and stepped backward only to find itself being cornered along with James, Jessie, Wobbuffet and Inkay.
"Rhy!" all the Ryhorn roar one final time before mercilessly charging straight for them. They hit them with their horns so hard that Team Rocket found them sailing high in the sky, as they were blasted off.
"Team Rocket is blasting off again!" the trio cried followed by Wobbuffet's cry.
"Awesome! Thank you everybody!" Ash said in delight, grateful to everyone for their help.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu cried as it ran and jumped on Ash's shoulder again. It then nuzzled its head against Ash's neck affectingly, tickling Ash.
"Hey Fennekin, thanks!" Serena praised her starter as well as she knelt down to it and rubbed its chin affectingly. Bonnie smiled broadly and Clemont sighed in relief as he sat back on the ground.
Samantha smiled on the scene as her Dratini crawled over her leg and touched her leg to gain her attention. She looked at it and knelt down. "You did a great job, Dratini. I'm proud of. You are really improving," Samantha told her Pokémon as she picked it up and hugged it.
"Dratini!" Dratini cried in delight and blushed as it received praise from Samantha. It has always liked its trainer and hearing so many compliments embarrassed it.
Ash also took notice of her. He walked to her. "Hey Sam, thanks a lot for helping us," he said. Samantha looked back at her and smiled.
"Hey, that's no problem. You helped me once as well."
Ash nodded with a smile and then noticed Dratini. "What is this?" he wondered and picked his Pokédex. The Pokédex scanned it.
"Dratini, the dragon Pokémon. Dratini sheds its skin as it grows, often while hidden behind large powerful waterfalls," the Pokédex said.
"Wow, a Dratini," Ash wondered in amazement. This small creature looked so cute and adorable, but it's really strong whenever situation calls, this one more specifically.
Just the moment later, the group heard roars of engines. On turning around, they saw Officer Jenny was heading towards them on her bike with the Jeep Wrangler right behind her.
"Is everybody here alright?" Jenny asked as soon as she arrived.
Smiling in relief, everybody walked to her. "Yes, we are all fine," Clemont said. Jenny then looked past the group and saw all the Ryhorn standing quietly. They looked calmed now that they were satisfied after blasting off Team Rocket.
Samantha the rushed past the group to the Jeep Wrangler as Mia and Paul emerged from it. "Sam, honey, are you feeling alright?" Mia asked in concern as she rushed to Samantha. Paul followed her.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Dratini did great job helping us," she commented and looked at the Dratini which was sitting on her shoulder.
"Dratini," it cried and stared down in embarrassment as it blushed again.
"That's a relief," Mia said with a sigh. "I was so worried about you."
"You know women these days, they always keep worrying," Paul said jokingly as he stood next to Mia. Mia shoved him back playfully as Paul laughed. Even Samantha couldn't help laughing on that. As Paul recovered, he looked passed Samantha, at the group who helped her. He still had that smile but it faded immediately when he noticed Ash and Pikachu who were undoing other racers along with Clemont, Bonnie, Serena and Officer Jenny. "Is that?" he wondered.
"Alright, I need everybody to keep this area clear. I'll be coming to you individually to get your statements later," Jenny told to every racer who was now checking on their respective Ryhorn. The group smiled in satisfaction as everything was good now. Serena then stared down at Fennekin which she has held in her arms, and smiled.
"Fennekin," Fennekin smiled happily as it looked back at Serena. Despite not doing much harm to team Rocket, Serena came to a conclusion. Guess I can battle too.
Samantha then tugged on Paul's shirt as they stood along our heroes. Paul looked back at her in confusion and bent down to her level.
"What is it?" he asked quietly.
"These guys who caused all this trouble was Team Rocket," she whispered quietly. Paul frowned on hearing that. He never guessed that the Team Rocket would have started getting this far. They were all settled in Kanto and Johto, but what the hell they were doing in Kalos now? He then glanced at Ash from corner of his eyes which Samantha noticed. "And that's, um, Ash," she said a little hesitantly.
Paul stood back on his feet as he glanced at Ash briefly. "Well, why would I be surprised? He looked just like him," Paul said.
"I agree," Mia said to the spiky haired man standing beside her, as the group stared at Ash.
"Nice to meet you, my name is Ash and this is my buddy Pikachu!" Ash said enthusiastically over the screen as he introduced himself and his partner Pikachu to Serena's mother, Grace.
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu cried happily as it greeted the older woman as well.
"I'm Clemont, hi there!" Ash was soon pulled back by Clemont who introduced himself as well.
But soon Clemont had to pull back as Bonnie appeared between him and the screen. "My name is Bonnie!" she said as she pressed herself against the video phone. She then lowered her head so that Dedenne would be visible. "And this is Dedenne!"
"Nice to meet you all, I hope you will take good care of my daughter," Grace said with a pleased smile.
Ash once again pushed himself in front."You know what Serena did? She taught me how to ride a Ryhorn!" Ash said as he remembered the incidents from the day. Grace raised her eyebrows on that.
"Ash, you didn't have to tell her that did you?" Serena said with a frown.
"But that's truth!" Ash confronted which made Serena frowned even more. She wondered if Ash was doing that on purpose. "Oh, and there is more. She told me to won with Ryhorn and that helped me most!"
Completely flustered now, Serena pulled Ash back so it would be out of Grace's view. "Mom! Guess what! You see, I decided to get to travel with Ash and all of his friend, isn't that the best?!" Serena said a little too loud which caused Mia and Samantha to chuckle who were sitting nearby. Serena was really flustered about the situation.
"That's great, have a good time," Grace said with a warm smile which shocked Serena.
"Uh? Mom?" Serena gave her mother a confused look.
"I mean it. It will be a wonderful experience for you. I'm sure," Grace said. Serena took some time to process this and then smiled broadly. "And don't worry about Calem, he told me everything. I'm sure Ash will take good care of you," Grace said which earned Ash attention. Am I? Ash thought and then looked at Serena was flushed deep red. Ash would take care of me? Calem never mentioned that part.
As Grace was having the conversation with Serena's new friends, she didn't help but noticed Mia and Samantha who were talking to themselves and observing Paul who was confronting Officer Jenny outside about whatever happened earlier that day. She couldn't help but found them quiet familiar, if only she knew where she had seen them.
"So Ash, if you don't mind me asking," Clemont started as the group was now standing outside the Pokémon Centre, waiting for Serena was still conversing with her mother. Ash turned to him. Clemont noticed that Bonnie was playing with Pikachu and Dedenne and then turned to Ash again. "I noticed you these two days," he said quietly.
"Huh? Noticed me? What do you mean?" Ash asked, having no idea where the conversation was going.
"Well, you see, I found you naturally kind person. I couldn't help but observed that when Serena first met us, you were quiet nervous and trying to avoid her. When we asked her to come along with us, I noticed some hesitation in you. Even yesterday when she was trying to help you, you were being a little rude to her. I was just wondering if you are alright. Does something bugging you?" Clemont asked.
Ash stared at him as he spoke. He didn't know that Clemont has been observing him all this time. And now that he had brought this up so suddenly, he was lost for words. Even if he wanted to explain, he couldn't. He sighed and stared at the ground. "It's quiet," Ash thought for a correct word to describe his condition.
"Quiet what?' Clemont asked, a little more curious.
"Complicated," Ash answered, turning around to not face him.
However, before Clemont could continue it, Serena exited the Pokémon Centre and made her way to the group. "Sorry I took so long!" Serena said. "Guess what? I'm coming with you guys, isn't that great?" she chimed happily with a bright smile.
"We are going to have so many fun adventures," Clemont said, now turning her attention to Serena.
"And we will be great friends," Bonnie said as she raised her arm up.
"We sure will," Serena replied and clasped her hands together in front before turning to Ash, hoping to hear from him as well. Ash knew now all the eyes were on him. He knew he could have avoided this situation as well if not for Clemont. But now, he couldn't.
"Yeah, it is sure is," Ash said, trying to keep excitement in his voice as he stared at group. The situation was getting only worse for him and he could do nothing at all. Serena noticed, not only he was avoiding her as he said that, he was trying to be nice as well with negativity engulfing from Ash. And this made her concerned. What just happened?
"Pika?" Pikachu asked in concern, noticing the exact change in Ash as Serena.
Serena frowned, why was Ash so down suddenly. She didn't like seeing him this way. She wanted to help him; she wanted to cheer him up. And she knew exactly what she needed to do in order to cheer up Ash.
"Ash?" she began with a cheerful smile and reached out in her skirt's pocket. Knowing that Clemont was still looking at him, against his will, Ash looked up at Serena while trying to avoid eye contact. Serena grabbed a pouch and moved her hand towards him. "Here, for you," she said.
"Huh? What's this?" Ash questioned as he took the pouch. Despite his best effort, Serena managed to feel the hesitation in Ash as his hand trembled while he took the pouch from her hand. He then opened it only to reveal that it has cookies in it. "Wow, cookies!" Ash exclaimed, forgetting everything in matter of seconds as he eyed the delicious sweet. "They look awesome," Ash said and ate it. With the look on his face, Serena could tell that Ash really liked them. She didn't need to hear any compliment because she knew Ash would not be saying anything. His expression told her everything.
"It's a gift for, all your, hard work," Serena said with some hesitation as she stared down at her feet. She then looked up and slightly blushed. "And also a thank you for letting me come with you," Serena said with a wink. Though, she now realized that Ash wasn't paying any attention to her. His mind and heart were preoccupied by the delicious cookies she made.
"Aww, why just Ash?" Bonnie complained as Ash kept eating the cookies right in front of everyone, making Bonnie jealous. Ash however ignored her and stuffed few cookies together which later stuck in his throat. He started coughing and beat his chest to let it all down his throat to his stomach.
"Pika," Pikachu said with concern.
"You are eating way too fast, Ash," Clemont said. Though he was worry, he felt jealous as well because he didn't get to taste those cookies. After all, who don't like cookies?
Serena's sweat dropped when she saw Ash. He really wasn't paying any attention at all. It frustrated her as she pouted but smiled after that. Ash liked something at least. "Don't worry, I made some for everyone," Serena said reassuringly as she handed over pouches to both Bonnie and Clemont.
"Yippee," Bonnie squealed as she took it.
"Wow, thank you very much," Clemont said politely as he took one pouch himself.
Ash then gave one cookie to his bud, Pikachu who ate it and smiled gracefully. "Pikachu," it said, parsing the cookies as well. Ash just laughed on that.
As the small moment was taking place, Samantha watched in interest, especially the addition attention Serena was giving to Ash. It sounds interesting. "Alright Sam, it's time to go," Samantha heard Mia calling her. She nodded and walked down the stairs of Pokémon Centre to our heroes.
"Ash?" she called and everyone looked back at her. "I have to admit, you are a good racer. It was nice to meet you, it was nice to meet all of you," Samantha said as she looked at everyone. She then moved forward her hand for a shake. Ash smiled and accepted the friendly gesture immediately and shook her hand. He had to admit, he was getting used to all these friendly gesture now and it felt good.
"It was nice to meet you as well," Clemont said as he shook hand next, and then Bonnie.
When it was Serena's turn, Samantha shook her hand but walked a little closer to her with her face right beside to her. "Take care of Ash, Serena," she whispered slowly which caused Serena to pull back immediately. She stared at her with pure shock, surprise and disbelief as her face turned beet red. Samantha just grinned before turning back to Ash. "We may see each other soon, Ash," she said and patted his injured arm intentionally.
Ash nodded. "We will, Sam," he replied as Samantha started walking to Mia and Paul.
"Bye-Bye" Bonnie waved her hands. "Take care, Sam!"
"Bye, everyone!" Samantha waved back as she walked backward. "And don't forget what I've said Serena," she said with a silly grin which caused Serena to blush once again. Everyone looked at Serena with confusion who looked back at Ash, then Samantha, then Ash again, and finally looking away to hide her blush.
After doing his best in Ryhorn race and befriending nice girl, Samantha and getting a sweat reward from Serena, our heroes were ready to hit the road again to Lumiose City, as their journey continues.
The Jeep Wrangler and the Nissan GT-R SpecV were back on the road as they were travelling to their next destination. The day had been great for them and they didn't have to face any problem on their project. However, everyone's mind was still running wildly as they thought about Ash. He said he wasn't Ketchum, but they knew he is Ketchum. Then why did he decline that? They would have shrugged it off if it wasn't really Ash. But now that they knew it was him, the boy who disappeared years ago, they knew they had to keep track of him. Paul picked up the radio as he drove.
"Hey Sam, you got that chip right?" he inquired.
Samantha stopped in between the conversation with Mia and picked up radio built in their vehicle. "Yeah, I got that," Samantha said as she recalled the moment when she had patted Ash's arm. Unknown to Ash or anyone, she placed a very small chip there which was not visible to everyone, to keep his track. "I did."
And we stepped even deeper in the mystery. Just like the title suggested, this chapter has highlighted many past incidents, if you noticed them all. The characters are developing slowly as well. In one word, I think I've done great job with this chapter. Let's see what you guys have to say about it in the reviews section. Any theories you have in mind, let me know what you guys think about Ash's past so far. You think this story worth it then you might favorite it. Want to be updated, follow it.
Bleachedred shinigami pokemon: So, I've been asked several times by you if I'm going to give Ash Charmander in the same way as anime or not. To answer that question, I'm currently not planning to give Ash any non Kalos Pokémon. As long as he is in Kalos, he will catch only Kalos Pokémon. The moment he would leave (*SPOLIER*), he will start catching other Pokémon as well. But it has a long way to go so I suggest you to not ask further about it. I can assure you that he will be getting it, but not for a long time. Not just Charmander, but any non Kalos Pokémon.
Here is one more thing. It took me a whole year but I've finally figured out the plot for this entire series. I've updated my profile and given every information that you will be needed. As for the two additional stories in this series, I'll leave that to you. I've got a poll on my profile if you want me to do the Mega Evolution Arc or not. Make sure to vote in there, you can tell me in review as well if you wish to. Keep supporting me, I'll be in touch.
Chapter 12: The Mystery of Lumiose City Gym
-Mysterious Pokémon Master