It was night time, and dinner was ready. However, he didn't join everyone, he was outside by himself. Seven year old Daniel sat there on the stairs leading to the doorway, curled in a ball. Daniel heard the door open behind him but he didn't look.
"Daniel?" A voice called out behind him, he still did not look. Whoever was there moved in front of daniel by going down the stairs a bit to be directly in front of him, "Hey." Daniel looked up slightly, it was Serena, her hands on her hips as she looked with genuine concern.
"Hmm?" Daniel barely sounded, looking back down.
"Dinner's ready."
"Mmm."
"What's wrong?"
"... I miss my dad…"
"What happened to your dad?"
"I don't know…"
Serena furrowed her brows, not sure of what to say or do.
"Everything's going to be alright." Serena comforted, Daniel looking up again at Serena, "My dad always told me that if I'm sad about something that I shouldn't forget about everyone else."
Daniel still looked, confused by Serena's words.
"It doesn't matter if you're sad, because you'll always have someone that will be there for you!"
The words started to tug at his heart now.
"You're not alone Daniel, you have me, my mom, my dad, may, your brother, your mom. Whenever you need help, you can always count on us to help."
Daniel lifted his head even higher, the light of the moon reflecting off his eyes now.
"That's why, if you're ever sad, I'll be there for you, because you're my friend. That's what friends are for."
His eyes begin to tear up slightly.
"Your dad wouldn't want to see you sad, and I don't want to see you sad either. So come with me! We're all waiting for you." Serena held out her hand, Daniel reaching out and grabbing her hand. She pulled him up and she led the way back inside, turning her head back to show Daniel a very warm and comforting smile. Daniel smiled and blushed as Serena brought him back into the light.
Flashback End
Daniel slowly opened his eyes, a ceiling fan spinning continuously. Daniel's eyes shot open as he gasped, quickly looking around. There was a window to his right and a hanging curtain to his left. He was on a bed covered in a blanket, his entire right arm felt weird and his side felt equally weird.
"What happened…" Daniel asked himself, trying to move his right arm but it was constricted but his left arm wasn't. Daniel used his left arm to move the blanket to reveal his right arm in a cast. Daniel was wearing his normal attire minus his hoodie but there was a tear on his side, revealing a bandage underneath. Daniel remembered his failed dodge of the Psybeam but he doesn't know why his right arm is casted. Daniel tried moving it once more but was punished with a sharp pain in his shoulder.
Daniel let his head drop back onto the pillow as he sighed, contemplating what had transpired. He soon heard what sounded like the doors opening and footsteps following afterwards. Nurse Joy walked into view in front of Daniel's bed.
"Oh, you're up." Nurse Joy said smiling.
"How'd I get here?" Daniel asked, looking at her.
"You received a light concussion during the incident, knocking you unconscious."
As if on que, Daniel's head started aching, Daniel rubbed his head and felt a bandage wrapped around his head.
"Oww… I remember…" Daniel commented, squinting from the aching pain.
"Your concussion is light so the worst thing that'll happen to you is slight amnesia. The wound you have on your side isn't anything serious, only grazed your skin but deep enough to leave a scar." Nurse Joy informed her patient, Daniel looking at the indicated injuries Nurse joy referred to.
"Then what about this?" Daniel tried lifting his right arm but froze from the pain again.
"Luckily, it's nothing too serious, but any more stress and you most certainly would've dislocated your shoulder. To let your shoulder rest, I've put the cast on as some of the muscles in your arm are slightly torn."
"Damn!" Daniel cursed, looking down at his right arm, "How long is this going to take to heal?"
"I would say a week or two earliest."
"Damn."
"Your friends are here but one's up waiting to talk to you. Would you like me to let him in?"
"Sure?"
"Alright, I'll go get him." Nurse Joy walked away and a new pair of footsteps made their way towards him. They stopped, Daniel looked at the edge of the curtain, wondering who it was. Daniel felt slightly eerie as no sound was made for the next couple seconds… then…
"Danny Boy." Said Zach, his head instantly popping out from behind the curtain.
"Oh god dammit."
"Whazzup." Zach did a strange pose as he held out his right hand towards Daniel, Zach's mouth open apparently.
"Dude." Daniel said, motioning with his head towards his right arm.
"Oh." Zach immediately switched to his left hand, Daniel returning the handshake awkwardly but not as bad as before, "How you feeling?"
"Decent I guess, Nurse said that I almost dislocated my shoulder."
"Damn, you got fucked boy."
"Yeah…"
"Bro, the fuck you doing out there?"
"Wait, you saw?"
"Of course! The whole crowd. what, did you think no one was paying attention?"
Daniel looked away in embarrassment, realizing he just sounded like a dumbass.
"Bro, you finna get some pussy from yo girl TO-NIGHT!"
"The fuck."
"Bro, you finna do her like this."
Zach had his hand in front of him as he thrust his hips forward, generating moaning sounds. Daniel's face quickly contorting, his eyes squinted and he covered his left ear with his left hand but realized he couldn't cover his right ear. Daniel immediately got angry at the prospect of being unable to use his right arm.
"BRO, what the fuck!" Daniel yelled, Zach stopping and turning around and producing a squirting sound from his mouth. Daniel groaned angrily, trying not to imagine any of it. "Dude, seriously, what the hell's wrong with you?!"
Zach returned to a normal posture and put up a poker face.
"I like big butts and I cannot lie." He answered.
"Did you just reference that one song?" Daniel questioned.
"No, just telling you what I like."
Daniel looked at Zach disappointingly, Zach looking Daniel up and down and seeing the injuries.
"Bro, like, legit, you did some stupid shit out there."
Daniel was about to argue but was cut off.
"But I respect that, you didn't do shit but you helped out in the grand scheme of things." Zach complimented, turning away towards the door, "Yo girl was worried sick, she stayed up the longest to make sure you were okay."
"Serena?" Daniel thought, Zach started to walk away.
"Anyways bruh, I gotta go, have to drop off my little brother at school."
"Wait, what time is it?"
"It's like seven in the morning or some shizz. I'll come back later."
"Alright…"
Zach left the room leaving Daniel by himself inside the room. Daniel looked out the window, thinking about the events from last night. He thought about what he did in an attempt to save Serena. Zach was right, it was pretty stupid, he didn't accomplish anything, but it sounds like everything went alright in the end, based off of what Nurse Joy and Zach told him. Then Daniel remembered something and slight panic consumed him. Daniel remembered the present he got for Serena, he didn't even think about it during his "rescue". Daniel was panicking, thinking of the many what-ifs.
"what if someone found it and stole it? What if was destroyed by those guys who held Serena hostage? What if the guys found it and showed it to Serena, thus ruining the element of surprise? What IF?" Daniel frantically thought, getting restless and impatient laying on the bed. He sat there for minutes on end, getting bored and trying to take a nap but he was already awake so that wasn't an option. What was he going to do in the meantime, only time would tell.
Serena finished dressing up as she put on her shoes. She was the only one in the room, everyone was already up, outside probably. Her thoughts were on her friend, she was worried sick about him.
"I'M TRYING TO SAVE YOU, WHAT THE HELL DOES IT LOOK LIKE?!" Daniel's words echoed to Serena, it's hard for her to wrap her head around what happened. It all happened to fast, too fast for her to remember everything accurately. Serena moved to the door but remembered something, she looked to her left and sitting on one of the desks in the bedroom is a present bag. Serena's expression changed to puzzled as she walked over to the bag, it was from Daniel and it was for her. Serena became curious, opening the bag only to discover the dress she liked from yesterday, neatly folded inside the bag. She was heartwarmed to say the least, she very slightly blushed but immediately shook her head.
"Why…?" Serena uttered to herself, she was not sure what to feel at the moment, going back and leaving the room.
" 'I finna get some pussy tonight,' the fuck is this dude's problem… We aren't a thing, jeez… As if we'll ever be… Speaking of which, I wonder how Serena's doing, hopefully she isn't too hurt after last night." thought Daniel, staring up at the ceiling.
The door opened, Daniel lifting his head up to look in front of him and waited. Soon emerged Serena who had on her a very distraught expression. Serena looked at Daniel and jumped, surprised to see him awake.
"Daniel!" Serena called, her expression softening. Daniel raised his eyebrows a bit and smiling.
"Hey Serena." Daniel greeted, feeling awkward as Serena pulled up a chair next to Daniel.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, for the most part. Asides from almost dislocating my shoulder and a light concussion, i'm all good."
Serena looked down in sorrow, her hair blocking hanging and obscuring her face.
"You idiot…" Serena said, and slapped Daniel in the face, Daniel's eyes wide as he stayed in place. He snapped out of it, looking at Serena, caressing the part of his face that was slapped.
"Serena…" Daniel's heart aching as he noticed her trembling, and beginning to sob.
"I was so worried for you, I actually thought you were going to die…"
"Seren-"
"That was the stupidest thing I've seen you do and I don't even know how to feel about it… I'm happy you tried to save me and you essentially did… but at the same time, i'm so frustrated and scared because I feel responsible for your injuries, none of this wouldn't have happened if I just stayed put. But look at you!" Serena lifted her head, tears streaming down her face as she held her hand out to point at Daniel's injuries. Daniel choked up a bit as he was filled with sorrow. "You shouldn't have done that! It was too dangerous, you shouldn't shouldn't-"
Serena felt a hand on her own, it was Daniel, she turned to him.
"Serena, it's alright. I.. know.. what I did was stupid and dangerous… but you're my best friend, so of course I'd help out. It's what friends are for... I lost my dad because I was powerless to do anything then, I wasn't going to lose you too."
Serena was silent, just looking at Daniel's hand and figuring out what to say.
"If i'm being honest… I didn't think you had it in you, to pull a stunt like that…" Serena stated, looking away thinking Daniel would get angry.
"Honestly, yeah… I didn't really know if I could follow through with my plan or lack thereof. But I had to do something at the time, or else you would've been seriously hurt." Daniel agreed, chuckling awkwardly.
"Well look at who ended up getting hurt more." Serena somewhat joked, looking back at Daniel.
"Better me than you. Important thing is that it turned out alright in the end."
"Yeah, I suppose." Serena smiled, daniel returning a smile to her and letting go of her hand, "Anyways, I have a big day ahead of me. Today, i'll be making my debut for Pokemon Performance so I have to get ready for that." She got up out of her seat.
"Oh shit! I completely forgot about that, I have to see what it's all about!"
"You need to stay here and rest, I don't want you getting any more hurt."
"Serena, it's fine, I-" Daniel tried getting up and moving his right arm but was punished for his ignorance and he fell back.
"Just take it easy, Daniel, I'll let you know how it goes."
"Alright, good luck out there."
"Thanks."
Serena left, leaving the poor guy by himself again. Daniel returned in a state of thinking about many things. Serena grouped up with Ash and co and they set off to the building for pokemon performances. George and Andres checked on Daniel where they would converse about Daniel's injuries and the whole situation. Andres, frankly, was not too impressed by Daniel's execution during the incident but was impressed by his guts to do it in the first place. They would begin to talk about a team move for the Holy GAD. George presented the "Holy GAD Power Charge" where all three of their pokemon hit the target at the same time and they were all in agreement of this title. Daniel would then tell his friends of his interaction with Serena and then he would strap his friends down to tell them about the strange individual by the name of Zach. Both George and Andres were equally disgusted by Zach from what Daniel recalled.
Serena and co were at the building for the pokemon performance. The building itself was large, about the size of a playing field for any sport and a multitude of staircase entrances up to the building itself. Balloons were hung everywhere around the building. The building was of a blue color and a light grey as a secondary color. It had greenish-grey pillars supporting the building and some posters plastered on the walls of the building.
Inside the building, for the first part, they were in a massive room with a register at the front and banners and lights hanging from the ceiling. There, Serena ended up reuniting with one of her friends she made upon moving to Kalos and reunited with once during their journey, Shauna.
Shauna is a short girl with a tan skin tone, dark green eyes, and long brown hair which she keeps in pigtails. She wears a dark pink T-shirt decorated by three large black bows and a pair of denim shorts with a black frilly bobble on the bottom, also complimenting her black frilly wristband. Shauna wears a white purse with a matching design on her shirt with a pink hood and a large black bow. On her feet, she wears dark pink ballet type shoes with short heels.
Shauna was the one who gave Serena the idea to start working towards becoming a Pokemon Performer so with that in mind, upon arriving, Shauna makes a declaration of rivalry towards Serena who accepts. They go to the stands to check out the stage and after that, that's when Serena and Shauna retreat to the break room where all the performers prepare for the show.
The room is made up of a mahogany colored marble floor, tables and couches scattered around the room and multiple screens hanging from the ceiling. There was a vast amount of competitors getting ready there. They started to get ready for their upcoming challenge.
Nurse Joy excused Daniel as he was in optimal condition to go, Daniel was quick to get back on his feet and immediately prepared to go.
"Why are you in a hurry?" George inquired, Daniel slipping on his second shoe.
"Bro, I have to watch Serena's performance." Daniel answered, trying his best to tie his shoe with one hand but to no avail.
"I'll get that." Andres knelt down and started tying Daniel's shoe for him.
"Well, I don't want to sound like a dick but we got other stuff to do. Andres and I still have to do our gym battles." George stated, andres making a sound showing he was in agreement with George. Daniel hummed, trying to think of what to do.
"How about this? You guys go battle and I'll go watch her performance." Daniel suggested, Andres finishing with Daniel's shoe and turning to George.
"Alright, sounds good to me."
"What about after? What are we gonna do?" Andres questioned.
"We'll all come back here after we're done with everything and I guess once all's said and done, we continue on with our journey.
"Alright, that means saying bye to Serena for now so enjoy your time with her." George said, Daniel chuckling.
"Yeah, I know."
The Holy GAD all got up and made their way to the door, when the automatic doors of the pokemon center slid open, a person stood on the other side to greet them.
"Danny boy" Zach greeted, his hands in his pocket.
"Hey, Zach." Daniel greeted back.
"Wait! So that's Zach?" George pointed at him, Zach taking his right hand out and slowly bringing it up for a handshake.
"Wazzup." Zach said, looking at George. George shook Zach's hand awkwardly and let go shortly after, "Looks like I got you in the nick of time. Any later and I would've missed you."
"Yeah." Daniel agreed, somewhat regretting that he didn't leave earlier.
"So whatcha guys up to?"
"I'm bout to go watch some pokemon performances and these guys over here are gonna battle the gym."
"You mean the pokemon showcase? I didn't take you for a guy that would enjoy that crap."
"I don't know yet, it's the first I've heard of it. I'm gonna go because Serena wanted me to see her performance today."
Zach's head randomly twitches as he had a strange look upon him, staring down Daniel.
"Oh what the hell is it this time?!" Daniel yelled in his head, looking at Zach strangely.
"She wants you to see her 'perform' if you know what I mean." Zach joked, the joke going over George and Daniel's head but Andres understood it and cringed.
"Yeah, anyways, George and I will be going now, you enjoy your time Daniel." Andres getting uncomfortable and putting his arm around George as he walked away towards the gym.
"Oh, uh, cya guys." Daniel waved at his friend then came to a shocking realization, "SHIT, now I'm stuck with Zach!"
"Bruh, while she performing, i'll just be over here-" Zach started doing a rapid up and down motion with his hands as he did an exaggerated movement with is his body. Daniel genuinely had no idea what the fuck Zach meant and chose to brush it off. "Anyways bro, so you need help getting there?"
"Yeah, that would be nice."
"Then let's go!"
And so, Zach led the way, what Daniel thought would be an uncomfortable walk to the building ended up being a casual one. Zach conversed with Daniel on casual stuff, Daniel getting more comfortable around Zach. After a little bit, they found themselves in the building and went in.
Serena was in the back, she was just about done putting on her outfit. Her performance outfit consisted of a pink dress going down to her knees with a large red ribbon at the top. On top of the dress was a red pleated skirt overlapping the bottom part of the dress. She wore a black choker with a golden coin hanging off the end of it. She also wore black stockings and finally, most of her hair was brought back and was held together by a pink ribbon.
After dressing up, she came back into the break room where everyone was now paying attention to the screens.
Daniel and Zach found a pair of seats and sat down. The room was extremely dark and only a few neon green lights lighting up parts of the room itself. There were thin beams of light shooting from one end of the room to the center of the stage. From a quick glance, there appeared to be over a hundred audience members all sitting down. The seats situated around the stage which was set up like that of a modeling stage. Everyone started to cheer as a little light started dancing in the center of the stage.
"Bonjour! People of Kalos who love Pokemon above all else; The Courmaline Pokemon Showcase Rookie Class Tournament, a maiden's festival, will now begin…" and Out popped a man out of the dancing light who appeared to be the origin of the sound. "... with elegance and splendor!".
A spotlight shined at the center of the stage, covering the man in light as he bowed towards everyone.
"I'm Monsieur Pierre, guide to your dreams of love! The man took off the mask he was wearing to reveal his face.
Monsieur Pierre was a tall man with blonde curly hair and a beard at his chin. He had blue eyes and had purple eyeshadow. His attire consisted of a top hat that was blue and black, half of it being blue and the other half black. The man also wore a trench coat which was colored the same way as the top hat but had neon white lights at certain parts of the coat. Hanging from his neck was a large Golden key attached to his tie which was a part of his white suit underneath the trench coat. Lastly, he wore suit pants and shoes of the same color as the rest of his attire. He also held a large funnel shaped staff with the open part of the staff being golden.
"Everyone in front of the TV… and everyone in the audience, I shall escort you to a moment of your dreams. Pokemon and Performer will become one and charm us with numerous exquisite skills. I'm sure they will win your hearts!"
"Serena has sure won mine and more if you know what I'm sayin'" Zach turned to daniel, repeatedly raising his eyebrows up and down, Daniel rolled his eyes and continued paying attention. A Klefki descended next to Monsieur Pierre, handing him a golden key with a small green gem at the back end of it.
"Merci, Klefki." The man raising the key in the air for all to see, "Winners of the Rookie Class will be awarded this Princess Key! Performers who collect three princess keys… will earn the right to appear in master class!" Three different key holograms appeared above Monsieur Pierre. And the winner of the Master Class… will bask in the glory of being Kalos Queen!". The keys merged and formed a hologram of a crown for a Queen.
"Kalos Queen huh? Guess Serena's shooting for something high this time around." Daniel commented to himself.
"Now then, let me take you to the… exciting and thrilling world of performances!" Monsieur Pierre stated, the whole crowd roaring in excitement.
Monsieur Pierre began with the introductory part of the showcase, the first part which was the "Theme Performance" and the theme for today was pokemon styling. Three very small huts raised from within the stage. Monsieur Pierre introduced the performers who were introduced on a platform that ascended upwards from under the stage. Daniel didn't see Serena so he wasn't too interested but watched regardless to see how this whole shindig goes.
Pierre explained the "Theme Performance" as being a performance where the performer has ten minutes to decorate their pokemon the best and the most voted duo moves on to the next part. Only one out of the three performers are allowed to go to the next part at a time so only a third of the total performers will make it to the second part. A hologram of a hourglass appeared and flipped when Pierre snapped his fingers and started the countdown.
Daniel and Zach sat there, Zach commenting on how he would "low-key" smash one of the performers that were up right now because of the dress she was wearing.
After sitting there for ten minutes, time was up and it was time for the performers to show what they've got.
"Performer Alouette and Furfrou, please proceed to the runway." Pierre announced, Klefki opened the doors to the hut she was in and out came Alouette and her pokemon. They walked to the end of the platform and walked back, the crowd cheering, "Next, the combo of Performer Shauna and Bulbasaur!". The two of them repeated the same cycle as the previous performer. The third performer came out and performed the routine and now it was time to vote. Everyone was asked to pull out their Pokelumes which were glowsticks with a blue handle.
"This thing?" Daniel asked, Zach pulling out his.
"Bro, first time I saw these, I thought they were just glowing dildos." Zach stated, chuckling to himself.
Daniel simply stared in disappointment and disgust at Zach. The pokelumes had a button which changed the color of the glowstick, the way you vote was to have your color the same as the performers assigned color. Everyone in the audience raised their Pokelumes and lights shot out, going towards the performers who each had a hologram of a outlined key above them. The key started to be filled in by the assigned color and the meters were starting to rise. Shauna ended up winning by a significant margin compared to the other two. Shauna had a conversation with Alouette and the third performer left angrily.
And so, the performances went on like this, in rows of three performers at a time.
Meanwhile with Andres and George… A massive explosion, a gust of wind blowing against everyone as Ramos's Gogoat was knocked away, completely burnt. The smoke cleared to reveal Andres's Typhlosion in the ring, standing so casually. Ramos let out a disappointed and irritated sigh, Andres congratulating Typhlosion and returning him to his pokeball as they were announced the victors of the battle.
Serena merely watched, shaking from how nervous she was for her upcoming performance. Shauna, who was sitting next to her, took notice of this and looked up in worry for her friend.
"You'll be fine, Serena." Shauna comforted, Serena snapping out of her daze and thanking her friend. A woman came into the room announcing the next three performers, one of them being Serena, it was her turn. Serena took a deep breath and prepped herself up. She got up with her Fennekin and the two of them proceeded.
Daniel was getting impatient now, Serena should be coming up any minute now, they've burnt through a dozen performers already. And finally, there she was. As the platform raised revealing the next three performers, Serena stood there holding her Fennekin in her arms. Everyone entered their huts and began decorating their pokemon.
Serena frantically decorated her Fennekin until finally, time was up.
Pierre called out a pair at a time, each one following the same walking routine. After Pierre called the first two, it was now time for Serena.
"Come on, Serena, you got this." Daniel cheered, crossing his arms and his foot tapping the floor impatiently.
Fennekin wore a miniature white fedora with a pink ribbon. Fennekin also had a massive pink tie with two large loose ends hanging off of its outfit. Fennekin had beads on its tail and wore small white socks.
Everything was going fine, Daniel impressed, then it happened. Fennekin stepped on one of the loose ends of the ribbon causing it to trip. The top hat and the beads were knocked off of Fennekin as it hit the ground. The whole crowd going silent, Serena crying out to Fennekin as she knelt down next to it and held Fennekin close. All eyes were on them, and soon, a few groups within the audience began to laugh, nearby people yelling at them.
Daniel only watched, as he saw Serena knelt down with Fennekin in her arms and everyone laughed at her, he saw himself. He saw himself from before, a small child holding onto his Pawniard as everyone laughed at him. Daniel's heart ached and he gritted his teeth.
"This is hard to watch." Daniel got up abruptly and leaving, Zach getting up and following Daniel.
"Daniel!" Zach calling out, Daniel not turning back but walking out, his left hand shoved in his pocket as he walked out. This continued on for several minutes to the point Zach just stopped calling his name and just followed him to see where the hell he was going. Daniel aimlessly wondered around, not giving a damn until he gave up and decided to sit down on some bench in the middle of the street.
"Bro, what's wrong?" Zach asked, finding Daniel to have a serious expression as he stared off into nothing.
"I wasn't going to go watch the rest of that." he answered.
"Bro, are you salty that yo girl lost?"
"A little disappointed from that to be honest but that's not what's bugging me."
"Then what is?"
"It's hard to explain."
"Well, then explain it to me, I'm right here."
"Seeing her like that reminded me too much of myself."
"In what way?"
"It's a personal thing but let's say I was always laughed at and mocked when I was younger so it was hard seeing her in the same position that I was in."
"So you're mad because she was laughed at by that group of people?"
"Kind of." Daniel looked away, trying his best to cross his arms and legs.
"Bro, it's not like it's the end of the world, there's always next time."
"It's not that, it's the fact she doesn't deserve any of that, not after all she's done for me."
"What has she done for you?"
Daniel was silent, trying to figure out how to put it.
"Well… she… helped me when I was depressed, and has been my moral support for the longest time."
"Wait, so she ain't YO girl? She's just a friend?"
"Yeah, how did you even come to the conclusion that we were a thing?"
Zach rubbed his hands together repeatedly as he had his tongue stick out.
"Ya boy finna slide into those dm's." Zach claimed, Daniel furrowing his eyebrows as he still has no idea what the fuck zach is talking to but has a good idea that it's bad, "Nah, i'm joking bruh, I know you like her."
"I mean, yeah, she's important to me, she's been the reason I've kept going with my journey." Daniel said, blushing slightly thinking Zach meant he liked her in general, but of course, he was wrong.
"Bruh, I mean like… like like her."
"What? How… I mean…"
"Bruh, don't even try to hide it, it's about as clear as day."
"SERIOUSLY, how do you people figure this shit out?!"
"Ya boy has his ways." Zach said to Daniel, Daniel letting out an exasperated sigh, "Jokes aside, so she that important to you, huh?"
"Yeah…"
"Then how come you two ain't a thing?"
"Bro, like, I don't fucking know anymore."
"You should just go up to her and say 'LEMME EAT THAT PUSSY BITCH" Zach said, yelling out the last part, every person nearby looking towards Zach, Daniel cringing and trying to cover his ears and leave the vicinity spiritually.
"Dude.. What the fuck!" Daniel yelled, Zach laughing his ass off. "Bro, you seriously have to shut the fuck up!"
"Okay, okay, jeez, but legit, why don't you ask her?"
"Ah Arceus, I already had this chat with George!"
"And what did he say?"
"He just told me to go balls to the wall and just ask her and he even tried setting up a scenario."
"And did you ask her?"
"No."
"Shame…"
The two of them would sit awkwardly for a minute before Zach started a conversation with Daniel. They started to talk about their childhoods and what it was like, Daniel explained his childhood, leaving out his brother being the unbeatable champion and and other personal details. Zach told about his childhood which wasn't much, he moved from place to place and he's been in Kalos for most of his life. He has two siblings, a young sister and a even younger brother. Zach was older than Daniel by a year, as he was 16. Zach didn't have too much going on for him.
Zach started talking about shows he used to watch and his favorite superheroes being Zubatman and Spinarak man, those used to be Daniel's favorite heroes as a kid too and they would converse about cartoons they used to watch. They discovered they had a surprising amount in common, interest wise. They then transitioned into talking about their goals, Daniel elaborated that his goal was to defeat his brother to prove himself and win the Pokemon League for the Holy GAD. Zach however…
"So, what about you? What do you want to be?" Daniel presented the question, Zach sitting there.
"I guess a professor or some shizz." Zach answered nonchalantly.
"A professor at what? Pokemon?"
"I don't even know bruh, my family's had a history of being some type of doctor or professor. So I thought I should join the trend."
"Is that what you really want though?"
"... I don't know. There's nothing to do here, I just spend my days checking out girls, taking care of my siblings and helping out my mom."
"So you don't think you'll be able to do anything here?"
"Not really, I mean, I'm okay with this cuz I'm lazy and all but sometimes, I wish there was more to do."
Daniel got up and stretched, time flew by, the sun was beginning to set and they haven't ate anything yet but a thought came to his head.
"Then why don't you come with us?" Daniel suggested, smiling at Zach.
"Bro, what? Like with you and your friends on your journey?" Zach asked, double checking to make sure he knew what Daniel was talking about.
"Yeah, maybe then, you'll find something you want to do and you can make friends along the way. And hell, if I was pushing it, I would say it would give you more of a chance to 'explore and see different types of girls."
Zach gave Daniel a strange look accompanied with an odd smile.
"You already know." Zach said strangely, getting up, "anyways, I don't know bro. Sounds tempting but I'd have to ask my fam and I'm not sure my mom will let me go. I can't just leave her by herself with my siblings."
"I understand, here, how about this, you can go home to your parents and ask them, then you can meet us by the Pokemon Center when you have an answer, alright?"
"Sure, sounds good ma boy." Zach and Daniel shook hands, the two of them going in opposite directions to two different destinations.
Daniel went to a fast food store to grab a bite to eat first before heading back to the Pokemon Center. By the time he was back, the sun had set and the moon was ready to make its appearance.
Serena walked in silence, she was just thinking and admittedly, mourning over her embarrassing debut at the Pokemon Showcase. She was in the shopping district, Daniel's bag in hand with the dress inside. So much was going through her head, she heard Daniel was all good and left but now she doesn't know where she is so that's gotten her worried. She's also torn up about her loss as she ended up being the least voted performer on her round, and in the end, her friend Shauna won and got her first princess key.
Serena found the store and went in, going straight to the register.
"How may I help you?" the person behind the register asked.
"I'd like to return this, please." Serena answered, taking out the dress and the receipt.
Daniel walked into the Pokemon Center, and discovered that George and Andres were there and so was Ash and co but Serena was nowhere to be seen.
"Hey guys." Daniel called, everyone turning and calling his name back.
"Bro, what took you so long? It's already night time now!" Andres complained, getting up and walking to Daniel.
"Sorry, I was hanging out with Zach after the showcase, he's actually a pretty cool guy once you get to know him."
"Really? That guy of all people is cool? He's fucking disgusting."
"You get used to it, and he can actually be really calm, I kind of want him to journey with us."
"No!" Andres denied, not wanting to put up with Zach.
"Come on, guys, just give him a chance, trust me, you'll like him."
"Come on, Andres, he isn't that bad!" George commented, Andres turning around quickly.
"Fine, but you better not regret it bud." Andres grumbled.
Daniel talked with his friends about their pokemon battles, Andres obliterated the gym with his Typhlosion and George had a moderately difficult time with Ramos but came out on top in the end. That reminded Daniel, he didn't see Serena anywhere, and went up to Ash's group to ask about her whereabouts.
"She said she was going out for a walk." Clemont answered, Daniel becoming confused and wondering why Serena would go out on a walk this late, granted he is kind of one to talk.
They waited but Serena didn't come back, eventually, they hit the hay and all went to bed. The bedroom inside the Pokemon Center was this massive room with multiple beds apart from each other. All the guys got one side of the room and the girls got the other side. Daniel lay in bed, not quite tired and finding a good spot to sleep in was difficult because of his arm cast. So he opted to just relax in bed and think about Serena, Zach, his brother, and Bisharp.
The door opened slowly, Daniel slight turned his head in that direction. He could barely make out the person entering to be Serena because of the moonlight. She put down a big bag at the desk next to the door and walked to her bed and took off her shoes. She sat down on her bed and sighed, looking around the room and noticing Daniel. When Serena looked at Daniel, he immediately shut his eyes but nothing happened, He heard her lay down on her bed and pull the blanket over her.
"I wonder how she's holding up…" Daniel thought, keeping his eyes shut and his consciousness fading as he fell asleep.
The sound of the door closing woke up Daniel, he immediately sat up in his bed and looked around. Serena wasn't there but everyone was still snoozing. Everything was clear because a little bit of the sun shone into the room, it was early in the morning. Daniel threw off the blanket and put his shoes on, not bother to tie them but tucked the knots inside the shoe. He walked to the door and saw the bag on the desk next to it. He looked at the bag and it was from Serena, for him. Daniel wanted to look inside the bag but chose not to and left the Pokemon Center in pursuit of Serena.
Daniel was several dozen meters behind her, he would only see her just as she turned around a corner. He followed, trying his best to keep up despite his untied shoes and the fact he just woke up. Several minutes of walking took Daniel to the docks. Daniel stood there, as he watched Serena stand near the end of one of the jutting out platforms. Her Fennekin and Pancham out and standing next to her. Daniel wasn't sure what to do, so he just watched and waited to see what would happen.
A cold breeze blew, daniel starting to shiver as he was still only wearing his shirt with the tear on the side so that didn't help out.
Serena brought her hand to her face, she stared off into the sea, and flashbacks of her failure at the Showcase played in her mind. She still felt responsible, if it wasn't for her poor judgement of decoration, Fennekin wouldn't have tripped and embarrassed her. Her vision became blurry as tears went down her face, Serena sobbed, covering her eyes as she dropped to her knees. Both of her pokemon jumping in front of their trainer and whimpering for her.
Daniel could hear her crying out loud from where he was. He slowly took a breathe and he took a step forward, then he was walking towards his friend. In a couple seconds, he was already behind her, looking down at her. Fennekin and Pancham saw Daniel and reacted, Serena seeing this and slowly turned around to see Daniel with a worried expression. Serena almost wanted to cry more but fought the urge to and tried wiping her tears. Serena got up, keeping her back turned to Daniel so he couldn't see her face.
"Serena…" Daniel uttered, she tried her best to stop sobbing and turned around. Her eyes watery and she couldn't bring herself to look up at him.
"Dani-" Serena didn't finish, Daniel brought his left arm around her and embraced her. The only thing running through Daniel's mind was to help his friend in distress, his feelings for her had nothing to do with what he's doing, "Why…?" Serena mumbled, surprised by Daniel's hug.
"I remembered that your dad used to hug you whenever you were sad. I thought it would help…"
She started to cry once more, her head over his shoulder as she returned the hug to her friend.
"Serena, I understand, more than anything, how you feel. I lived day and night with that feeling… however… I learned it's okay to lose." They broke away from the hug, Serena looking at Daniel as he talked. "I always hated losing too, I was laughed at all the time, mocked, and that always brought me down. But… I learned something important because of my friends…"
Daniel started to walk a little bit away from Serena, his back turned to her now and her eyes just followed.
"I learned from my friends that it's one thing to lose… but it's another thing to move on from it… It's when you learn to move on that you get stronger. Worrying about a loss from before only holds you back."
The sun fully emerged, light being shone upon everything. Daniel turned around to face Serena now.
"That's why you don't give up, no matter how bad things look. Learn from your defeat, become stronger, and become the best performer you can be."
Light appeared in her eyes, she blushed slightly and smiled.
"Thank you…" Serena thanked, taking off her backpack and putting it down on the ground. Daniel watched as she took out a pink box and opened it up to get a pair of scissors.
"Serena, what are you…?" Daniel asked, Serena getting back up and jogging past him to the very end of the platform now. Serena brought her hair back, and took a deep breathe.
She started cutting her hair with the scissors. Daniel's staring in awe. After Serena finished cutting her hair the to the point it was messy and short. Large strands of her hair being blown away by the wind as they fell. She turned around to Daniel and smiled.
Everyone was up already and ready to go, everyone looked for Daniel and Serena but wondered where they went. Then Daniel emerged, he was wearing a green hoodie now, he stepped into everyone's view.
"Daniel, where were you? You're late!" Andres complained, crossing his arms.
"I know, sorry, had to take care of some stuff." he responded, smirking.
"Where's Serena? She's late too!" Bonnie commented, Daniel turned towards the the door which he got out of.
"Boy do I have something to show you."
Serena came out with a completely new look. He hair was styled in a short layered bob. Her attire was a bright pink dress with a white collar with her gray top underneath and a red waistcoat with a blue ribbon on her chest. The blue ribbon was the same one Ash received the other day and was given to her as a present from ash after the team rocket incident. Finally, She had her same stockings but wore brown boots this time.
"Ta-da!" Serena spun around, putting on her head a reddish-pink fedora, "What do you guys think?"
"Holy crap!" George reacted, everyone in the room surprised by Serena's complete redesign.
"What happened to you?!" Clemont begged, Serena and Daniel giggling at everyone's reaction.
"It was time for a change, it was time for me to change. I think this looks nice!" Serena explained, Daniel agreeing with Serena.
It was time to leave now, everyone going outside and there Zach was, standing there, trying to catch his breath.
"Oh thank Arceus, I made it!" Zach said, letting out a sigh of relief.
"Sup, Zach, got your answer?" Daniel asked, Zach standing straight and lifted his hand. A thumbs up.
"Welcome to the Holy GAD, Zach." Daniel and Zach exchanged a fist bump, Serena merely smiled at her friend. Daniel turned around to Serena, the two of them facing each other, "Well, looks like it's time to go now, Serena."
"Yeah." Serena responded, pulling Daniel into a bear hug which Daniel gladly returned.
"Aww." George thought, happy for his friend.
"Thank you so much again, Daniel. Thank you for the dress but I honestly didn't need it. Saving me and being there for me is the best present you can give me."
"Of course, wait, did you give back the dress to buy me some new clothes?"
"Yup!" Serena pulled away from the hug, her hands on daniel's shoulders.
"Heh, thanks, I appreciate it, Serena."
"No problem, it's what friends are for."
"Right back at you."
"Good luck with your gym battles, and hopefully we can see each other soon.
"Same her, good luck on your performances, and don't forget to keep your head held high."
Serena let go and waved goodbye to Daniel, both groups now going their separate ways now.
Serena was blushing, she was all giggly and excited, Bonnie looked and chuckled. "Oh boy, Serena, look at you, got another crush now."
"It's not like that!" Serena argued back, Bonnie rolling her eyes.
"Suuuure."
Daniel was standing tall, a massive grin on his face as he walked with a new sense of pride, determination, and purpose.
"Man, what happened between you two? Did you ask her out?" George asked, wanting to get an explanation to the whole thing.
"Nah, but we talked a bit." Daniel answered proudly, Andres not looking formed a small smile for his friend.
"Breh, soon, you finna be eating her pussy." Zach said.
"Zach, Stop."
"Bruh, she got too much clothes on bruh, I was able to see dat ass and her tits but now I can't."
"Fucking christ… well, my opinion. This is the best she's ever looked in her life, she's changed now."
"Eh, Hair's fine and all but you gotta agree with me that her last outfit looked hotter."
"No comment."
And so, both groups headed to their next destinations, everyone accomplished something in Courmaline City, Daniel has fully patched up his relationship with Serena and it appears they've become better friends now. Zach has now joined the Holy GAD to discover what he wants to be. However…
The plane was descending, everyone was told to put on their seatbelts and to push up their windows. Samuel looked out the window, looking down at his lap, on it was a light brown jacket with a letter. Labeled on the letter was "To: Daniel, From: Dad".
"Let's see how much you've gotten better buddy, I'll see you soon." Samuel talked to himself.
In Serena's hometown, Vaniville Town, a car pulled up to the Ferris household, the door in the back opened and out came a young man.
He was a tall and thin man and has straight, chin-length, black hair and grey eyes. He wears a dark red hat and sunglasses, he wears blue track jacket with white stripes, navy blue slim fit pants, and black combat boots with blue laces.
"Don't forget about lunch, honey! We're going out later so don't be gone for too long!" his mother informed him.
"Yeah, I know, Just thought I'd hang out with her for a bit."
"Alright, see you in a bit dear." He closed the door to the car as it drove away. He walked up to the Ferris house and knocked on the door. The door opened to reveal .
has blue eyes and brown hair with a yellow hair pin. She wears a simple black t-shirt, a tracksuit, whose sleeves have been tied in a knot. Lastly, she wears orange shoes and has pink lipstick on.
"Ah, Calem! So good to see you! How was your birthday?" greeted, delighted to see Calem.
"I'm doing good ma'm. Turned 18 so that's a thing. Hey, is Serena here?" Calem asked, sighed.
"No, unfortunately, she saw some boy on TV and she wanted to go out and see him. Someone she knew before apparently."
"Is that so? So she up and left?"
"No, but she did leave, she was really excited to see him. It's almost like she likes the boy!"
"Likes him, huh? Not on my watch." Calem furrowed his brows, "Say… , would you happen to know where she went?"
"To Lumiose City, why?"
"Just wondering, bummed that I come back and all my friends are gone now."
"That's unfortunate, would you like me to call her?"
"Nah, i'll be good. Thanks again, ."
"No problem young man, and happy birthday."
"Thanks." Calem walked away, his expression darkening, he shoved his hands in his pocket and started to hum.