A/N:

Hey everyone. Sorry for a month long wait. School keeps me busy with few assignments and me studies and I can barely give time to it. Also, I'm regretting to inform you that I will not be uploading after October. The reason is pretty simple. It's my last year in school and it will be my chance to shape my future. As much as I love writing, I can't risk my future for anything. I hope you will understand. I'll try to give you three more updates till then.

Here, I'm presenting you another chapter. Suit yourself.

Chapter 14: Desired Bond

'What do you think why I've let you come on journey with me?' The words were still ringing in Ash's head.

It has been few days since that incident with Team Rocket grunts in Lumiose City had happened. They would have barely made it out of there if not for that mysterious man and his Dragonite. Such power was coursing through that dragon that Ash could think or rant about it all day long. However, today wasn't the day. Even after these days have been left behind, the memories they held were still fresh in Ash's mind. He still couldn't believe that he had let it all out; he let Serena know why he agreed for her to travel with the group. Serena didn't seem to think much about it and that's the only thing that gave him a bit relief.

He easily managed to save her, Bonnie and Professor with the help of Clemont and Chespin. But what happened thereafter, he wondered would it be safe for her to travel with him? And how difficult problems can be for Calem anyway? They wouldn't be life threatening, would they?

"Hey Ash, how about we stop by?" Ash's trance broke and he looked up at Clemont, who along with others was walking ahead of him. "It's a good place to rest for a while and I think everybody wants it," he added.

Ash looked around, indeed the place was quiet beautiful and worth to stop by. As long as one's eyes could go there were grassy fields everywhere. A soft breeze was blowing by and the area was open as well. Ash sighed and looked back at Clemont. "Yeah, sure," he responded, quiet dully.

"Pika Pika?" Pikachu asked as its ears lowered. Being close to him, Pikachu easily sensed that something was wrong with Ash.

"It's nothing, bud," Ash replied and rubbed its chin.

"Cha," the rodent Pokémon could not resist the affection and cooed in response, forgetting everything momentarily. Ash smiled weakly and glanced at Serena who was offering her assistance to Clemont, who decided it was good time to prepare lunch for the group. And then she turned towards Ash, their eyes locked for a brief moment. Unlike the other times, Ash didn't pull back this time. He kept his gaze steady into her eyes. Feeling a little uncomfortable from the constant stare, Serena tore the gaze when Clemont called her.

Ash sighed. He took his cap off and ruffled his hairs. "Just what is wrong with me?" he muttered.

"Wait up," Bonnie exclaimed playfully while running behind Dedenne. That was something she usually does whenever the group takes a break, playing with Dedenne. While running behind it, she decided enough was enough for her and dived for it. Dedenne ended up covered into her hands. "Gotcha!" she exclaimed with a bright smile. Dedenne looked up at Bonnie and then jumped into her lap, started nuzzling itself against Bonnie in affection and Bonnie started to giggle. The group looked at her and smiled on the scene, happy that Bonnie was having a good time. However, Clemont got worried when he noticed that Bonnie was nuzzling against Dedenne, and it was its move as well. Soon enough the sparks engulfed Bonnie and fried her, not badly but enough to hurt her seriously but enough for her to fall down.

"Aww, that stings," Bonnie said dizzily. Her hairs were fired up as well in a style similar to afro and Dedenne was running up and down on her in worry, trying to get Bonnie up.

"I should have known that," Clemont muttered and shook his head in disappointment while Serena just giggled.

"Are you alright?" Bonnie opened her eyes quickly and saw a girl standing in front of them, quiet older than everyone in the group. Bonnie glanced at her briefly. She had long pink hairs that went down her waist and then curled upwards. Her hairs were also running down her cheeks to her shoulders, just like Serena's honey blonde hairs. She was wearing a short white tank top that ended up her waist, showing a bit of her stomach. It had pink and blue straps on the neck of it. Down, she was wearing pink pants, which on the left folded up down her knee.

She smiled with her blue eyes shimmering on Bonnie. She knelt down and offered her hand to her. Bonnie accepted it and the girl pulled her up. "Thank you," Bonnie replied, still staring at the stranger but then smiled goofily when a thought came in her mind. Dedenne seemed to read her mind and gave the same expression.

Ash was the first one to notice that and ran to Bonnie. "Hey, Bonnie, are you okay?" Ash asked then noticed the girl as well.

Bonnie looked around and quickly rushed back to Ash. "Yeah, I'm fine, Ash," she responded. This attracted the attention of Clemont and Serena as well who walked around behind Ash as well.

"Pardon me, but are you a Pokémon Trainer?" the girl asked, taking a note of Pikachu beside Ash's leg.

"Um, yeah, I'm" Ash replied, a little confused why she asked that.

The girl smiled at Ash and walked few steps forward, standing in battling stance. Ash was quick to read the expression that was on her face and understood what was coming. "If two trainers eyes happened to meet, the rule is they have to battle," she said while twirling her hairs that was running down her right cheek.

Ash smiled and stepped up as well. "I agree. I'm Ash and this is my friend Pikachu," Ash replied.

Curiosity squeaked inside Serena when she heard them. She turned to Clemont and asked, "Is this really a rule?"

Clemont shook his head. "This isn't a rule, but this is a standard stuff. You see, most of the Pokémon Trainers are alike. They battle every time they meet each others," Clemont explained.

"I'm Penelope. Alright, Sylveon, come on out," the girl said and tossed a Pokéball high. It opened with a bright flash of light. When it dimmed down there stood a cute looking Pokémon. It had pale creamed colored and pink feet, ear and tail. Two bows were emerging from its body, one from around its neck and other from behind its left ear. Feelers were also emerging from it that was pale cream colored with pinkish and blue tips. It was radiating a soothing aura that calmed down the environment, making it even more pleasant. Soon it held its feeler around the girl's arm and the girl started rubbing its head softly. It purred in response.

"A Sylveon?" Ash questioned and brought out the Pokédex, scanning it.

"Sylveon, the Intertwining Pokémon and the evolved form of Eevee. Sylveon affectionately wraps its ribbon-like feelers around its Trainer's arms as the walk together," the Pokédex informed.

"Wow, this looks an amazing Pokémon to me," Ash said and put the Pokédex back.

However, before he could continue, Clemont called out from behind. "Ash, be careful. It's a fairy type and can cause damage if you won't be careful with your selection," Clemont said.

"I got this," Ash said and then turned back to the girl. "So fairy type, huh? Let's see how much strength you've gotten," Ash said and picked out a Pokéball. He pressed the button and the Pokéball enlarged, which he tossed up. "Froakie, come on out," Ash said.

The Pokéball opened and let out the frog Pokémon. Alike its trainer, Froakie was pumped up for the battle as well. However, before the battle could begin, Penelope interrupted.

"Before the battle begins, I want you to know, Ash, if I win then you have to stay with me sweetie," Penelope said winking at the young boy.

The response would have been pretty awkward if Ash wasn't in the mood to battle but for Serena, she sprayed the water out of her mouth on hearing that, unfortunately right on Clemont's face. Her face flushed deep red and her eyes widened in shock, staring at both Ash and Penelope.

"No way is she serious! Is she?!" Serena said, almost freaked out.

"Here, big brother," Bonnie said, giving her handkerchief to Clemont to dry his face off, while both of them were staring at Serena awkwardly. What the hell just happened?

"No problem, cause' I know I'm not gonna lose," Ash exclaimed confidently, not even thinking about the consequences if he would lose. Then without wasting any moment further, Ash eagerly gave the command to begin the battle. "Alright, Froakie, use bubbles, let's go!"

"Froakie!" Froakie cried and charged towards the fairy type. It jumped high and formed bubbles in its mouth, firing them towards the Sylveon.

"Counter with Fairy wind!" Penelope said. Sylveon brought its feelers in front and held them together tightly. When it spread it, a gust of fairy wind was sent towards Froakie, not only destroying the bubbles but took Froakie back as well. Using its quick reflexes, Froakie managed to land down safely but stared at Sylveon in surprise, just like Ash. However, before Ash or either Froakie could recover from what just happened, Penelope gave another command. "Use moon blast!"

Sylveon jumped and opened its mouth, adjusting its feelers in a fashion while singing a beautiful melody, while a sphere of fairy aura formed in front of its mouth that resembles moon. Sylveon fired it at Froakie.

"Watch out, Froakie!" Ash said.

Froakie heard him and jumped back by the base of an apple tree, only for the sphere to continue on its way to it, surprising Froakie. However, as soon as it was right under its nose, Froakie jumped again causing the moon blast to counter the base of tree instead. The destructive wave send jolts through the tree and apples started to fell down.

"Now!" Ash said. Reading his mind, Froakie narrowed its eyes at Sylveon and started thrashing every single apple falling down, in Sylveon's direction.

"Quick! Knock all of 'em," Penelope said with gritted teeth. Sylveon straightened its feelers and used it as big sword to cut down every apple before it could make contact with it. When the storm of apples ended Sylveon prepared to counter Froakie but found it nowhere. "Where did it go?" Penelope exclaimed in surprise.

"Huh. Just a decoy," Ash said which only made them further confused. But she sensed something soon and both she and Sylveon looked up to find Froakie over its head. "Water pulse, now!"

Froakie prepared a water blob in its hands and charged for the fairy type. It made a direct contact and the water completely engulfed Sylveon. With a satisfied smirk, Froakie jumped back to its original position and looked at Sylveon. The water blob exploded and revealed a completely wet Sylveon, which also seemed to be dizzy from the attack. It was coughing out some water.

"Are you okay, Sylveon?" Penelope asked, a little worriedly. Ash just crossed his arms and smirked.

"Ash is doing great, isn't he, Clemont?" Bonnie asked.

"Yeah, he is. But I doubt that the battle is over yet," Clemont said, clearing his point. This, however, caused Serena wince from inside and she turned to Clemont. She still hasn't forgotten what Penelope just said moments ago.

"Ash isn't going to lose, right?" Serena asked.

Before answering, Clemont noticed Serena's reaction and made a mental note of that. "I'm not saying he will not, but I don't think Sylveon is ready to fell out of exhaustion, yet," Clemont said.

Serena's heart sank deep inside the darkest corner with that. What if Ash happened to lose? Would he go? Would he leave them, her? Would Penelope take Ash away from her? No, that couldn't happen. Ash would never lose so easily. He never gives up. He would find a way to beat Sylveon and they could continue their journey peacefully. She would stand Ash's rough silent treatment rather than being separated from him.

"Now, let's finish this up. Use pound, go!" Ash said.

"Froakie!" Froakie cried and charged straight for Sylveon.

Happened to be gritting teeth in frustration and fear of lose at first, Penelope suddenly smirked and gave her next command rather calmly. "Use attract."

"Use-what?!" Ash said in confusion. Even Froakie screeched to halt and stopped in the tracks on hearing that, while the rest of the group gasped in surprise. However, it was too late now and Sylveon has already launched the attack with a wink. Several hearts made its way to Froakie who looked at every of them in alarm but could do nothing as they surrounded it and engulfed Froakie.

"Froakie, you alright?" Ash asked. He stared at Froakie which seemed to be unharmed from whatever attack that was. But he grew concerned when it didn't respond. "Uh, Froakie?"

Froakie turned around, giving everyone an awkward look. It had hearts in its eyes as it stared lovingly at Sylveon. "Froakie," it said dizzily and lovingly while dancing stupidly.

"Looks like it worked," Bonnie said.

"Oh no," Clemont said.

Serena didn't say anything, nor did she show any sign of emotion. But truthfully, she was trembling badly from inside. Just the mere thought of leaving Ash was killing her. She couldn't bear losing him. '…Just…beat her, Ash,' she thought.

But even the prayers from Serena couldn't help Froakie now. Penelope smiled in satisfaction and gave her final command. "Time to finish this, use draining kiss, Sylveon," she said.

"Sylveon," Sylveon cried a small melody as it made its way towards the flustered Froakie. It leaned down and kissed slightly on its cheek. The gesture took the cake for Froakie, who was already madly in love with Sylveon and its temperature rose dramatically fast, changing its color from blue to red. Sylveon jumped back and soon a small glistening aura exited Froakie and entered Sylveon, replenishing its energy and knocking out Froakie.

"Looks like I win," Penelope said and patted Sylveon, praising it as well.

Meanwhile, Ash just stared at Froakie with a dumbfounded expression. All he had ever seen were the heavy damage causing moves from the tough trainers. The move attract was something he had never seen before and its working left him speechless. He couldn't believe that there were some crazy moves as well. Even draining kiss made more sense to him than the move attract.

Ash shook his head and quickly run towards Froakie. He knelt next to it and took it in his arms. "Froakie, are you alright?" Ash asked worriedly while rest of the group approached to him as well.

"Obviously, draining kiss drained all of Froakie's energy," Clemont said, kneeling next to Ash.

"Froakie is exhausted, that's all, no need to worry. Here, take this Oran Berry," Penelope said and threw a blue colored berry towards Ash. Ash quickly caught it and feed it to the exhausted Froakie. Froakie took some small bites and felt energy flowing through its vein once again, energizing it.

Ash sighed in relief and looked at Penelope. "Thanks," he said.

"Well, I won," Penelope said, coming back straight to her point. "Now you're coming with me, sweetie," she said and smiled at him, swaying her body like a kid.

Where no one seemed to be bothered at all, Serena was completely flustered and enraged once again. She stared at Penelope with disbelief. So she wasn't fooling around at all. "Are you really gonna go with her, Ash?" Serena whispered to Ash while looking back and forth between him and Penelope. Ash didn't seem to acknowledge her presence at all and ignored her words. He just simple nodded to Penelope with a smile.

"Sure. Fair and square, you beat me."

Serena was hardly focusing while the group was following Penelope. She was even walking behind of everyone so she could gather some thoughts to herself. But she would be lying if she said she was feeling any better with it. She was completely freaking out. All she could think about was how to stop Penelope from taking Ash away. But she couldn't come with any good excuse so far. And it was bugging her badly. There was no way in the world she would let Ash walk away.

The group finally made it to their destination, which more looked like a school for kids.

"A kindergarten?" Clemont commented while looking around. As far as the eyes go there were kids playing different games in several groups. Some were making sand castles, some were playing with toys, and some were running around, probably playing tag.

Ash briefly smiled on the scene. The kids were having a lot of fun, from what he could tell. Some images flashed in his mind where a younger Ash was running around in a long grassy field while a Dragonite was following it. It playfully held him up and flew higher, to scare the young boy, but when noticed that he was actually getting scared of such a height, it leaned down to the ground once again.

"Pika Pikachu?" Pikachu inquired in concern, snapping Ash out of his day dream.

"Huh? What is it, Pikachu?" Ash asked.

"Pi Pikachu Pika Pi," Pikachu said, its concern only growing on sensing the trouble inside him.

"It's nothing, Pikachu, it is…nothing," Ash said with a deep sigh. He was obviously lying but couldn't bear sharing it with anyone, not even Pikachu.

"Hey look, Miss. Penelope is back!" A kid shouted out of blue catching Ash's attention as he and everyone looked at him. Every child ran towards Penelope and surrounded her.

"Look at all the children around," Clemont said while looking around. He then turned his attention back to Penelope. "Are you a teacher in here?"

"Yes," Penelope said with a nod and then turned back to children. "Did everybody behave well while I was gone?" she asked.

"Yes man, we behaved really well," the child from before spoke.

"What kind of Pokémon did you bring here for us today?" another kid asked. At the same time a girl saw everyone standing behind Penelope, specifically Pikachu.

"Wow, a Pikachu," she said and then ran past Penelope towards it. Everybody followed her and gathered around it. "Wow, it's so cute," she said.

"You brought Pikachu for us to play with today," a kid said.

"Play with today?" Serena questioned, confused from the words. Meanwhile, a kid tried to reach out for Froakie but when Froakie noticed him, he hoped away from the group. It was still hurt from what had happened in the battle. It was possibly the most embarrassed moment in its history, not only losing but in such an awkward way. Froakie leaned back against the wall and crossed its arms.

"Wow, I've never seen a Pikachu in person before," a boy said.

"Neither have I," a girl added in response. Pikachu grew nervous from the curious stares and took a step back. But it didn't calm it down and Pikachu ran up Ash's leg to its arm and finally stopped when he was on top of Ash. All the children started laughing on seeing that reaction.

"Welcome back," a voice was heard. Everybody turned to that direction and noticed an elderly looking woman slowly walking towards them. "I see, so you've brought Pokémon with trainers today," she said on noticing everyone.

"That's right, I did," Penelope replied. "It's something new. We ran into Ash and his friends when we were out in the woods."

"How nice of you to come," the old woman said to the group.

The groups got curious look on hearing that, all except Serena who was still concerned about Ash being taken away from her. Penelope read the expression from everyone's face, including Serena. She decided to answer.

"You see, my Sylveon and I go out in the fields and forest everyday and the two of us befriend and bring wild Pokémon here every day."

"We do that so that children can meet and learn all about them," the woman added.

"Interesting," Clemont said and rubbed his chin.

"You could've just told us that right from the start, right buddy?" Ash said and then looked at Pikachu who was sitting on his head.

"Pika," it nodded.

"So that's what this all about?"Serena asked, still seemed to be unconvinced.

"Yes," Penelope said. Serena sighed deeply after hearing that. She felt a heavy burden gotten off of her chest. This didn't go unnoticed by anyone and they curiously looked at her."Are you okay?" Penelope asked rather curious than concerned.

"Huh?" Serena quickly looked up, seemed alert and blushed on noticing very pair of eye was on her. "It's-nothing!" Serena exclaimed loudly and shook her head. She tried her best to convince everyone around that she was saying truth, but hardly succeeded. Everyone was convinced otherwise, her antics were only contradicting her. However, the group decided to let it go and it was only Penelope who still seemed rather interested into her.

Serena sighed a heavy breath out of relief when a kid interrupted, saving her from further embarrassment.

"Do you have some more Pokémon?" a random kid asked.

Ash smiled brightly and reached out for his other Pokéball. "I think we should let out all of our Pokémon," Ash said. Clemont agreed immediately and reached out for his own two Pokéball, so did Serena. The three trainers tossed their Pokéball and the Pokémon came out. The children were quickly attracted by them. Some went for the tiny-bird Pokémon, some for Bunnelby. Some went after the starters, Clemont's Chespin and Serena's Fennekin. The two Pokémon seem to be getting along well with the kids, but Froakie. Froakie looked at everyone from his current position. However, its quick reflexes snapped it and it sensed someone behind it. It turned to the other side and noticed a boy was staring at him from afar, seemingly trying to approach it, but when it looked at him, he startled back and then quickly run away. Confused, Froakie only stared after it. It didn't even tried to stop him, then why did he run away? Was he…afraid of it? It made its heart cringe. It was a proud Pokémon, not a scary Pokémon. Something about that boy sparked interest into it.

"Wow, its fur is so smooth," a girl exclaimed, mesmerized by the smoothness of the soft fur of Fennekin. Fennekin purred softly in response.

"It is because I brush it every morning," Serena explained to the girls.

"Its ears looked really strong!" a boy exclaimed while looking at the normal type.

"Indeed they are," Clemont said and raised his glasses further up haughtily. "Why don't you see yourself? Okay, Bunnelby, use dig," Clemont said.

"Bunn!" Bunnelby cried and leaped into air, turned opposite and launched itself back towards the ground while rotating on its own axis. The rabbit Pokémon dig through the ground and then came out from a short distance, then again dug into it and came out of other, like water Pokémon jumping over the surface of sea.

"Amazing!" the boys exclaimed.

"Dedenne loves to eat this," Bonnie said and then picked a Pokéblock from a small cylindrical container. She offered it to Dedenne who accepted it eagerly and started eating it. "See, isn't it's a cutie pie?" she said and the other two girls sitting beside her also smiled broadly and childishly, like their own self. "Do you want to try as well?" Bonnie asked and gave a Pokéblock to both the girls who offered them to Fletchling and Pikachu.

Ash looked around, smiling at the view. All the kids were enjoying themselves and so does their Pokémon. Ash's eyes, moving randomly, caught a glimpse of Froakie. In general, he wouldn't have bothered if it was with some kid, but it was standing all alone and staring in a certain direction. Ash walked to it.

"Hey Froakie, what's up?" he asked but then followed its gaze and noticed a kid hiding behind a pillar while looking at everyone, more specifically, all the Pokémon. "Who's the kid?" Ash asked.

"Froakie-Fro," Froakie replied, shaking its head looking and back at Ash and then staring back at the kid curiously.

Ash took his cap off and ruffled his hair. "You mean he is afraid?" Ash asked.

"He is shy," Penelope responded and walked behind him. Ash turned to her and then looked back at the kid. However, before he could ask further he noticed that the boy ran away furiously.

"Don't worry. I will get him," the older said walked in the direction where the kid had gone.

"Weird," that was all Ash could think of. He almost jerked his leg up when he felt something against it. He looked down and noticed Sylveon tugging on his pant with its feeler. He knelt down. "Hey, what is it, Sylveon?" he asked.

"Sylveon," the intertwine Pokémon cried and handed him an apple.

"Oh, thanks, Sylveon," Ash said and rubbed its head affectionately.

"Sylveon," it smiled. It then moved towards Froakie and called for its attention with its feeler. Froakie didn't respond and turned away instead. Sylveon's demeanor dropped down and a hurtful and curious one took place. "Sylve?"

"Froakie Fro! Froakie!" the frog Pokémon said angrily.

"Hey, hey. What's the deal Froakie? What's wrong?" Ash asked, turning to Froakie.

"Froakie!" the frog Pokémon cried angrily again.

"You mean you don't want that apple because you are angry?"

"Froakie! Fro Froakie Fro!"

"And you are angry because they beat us?"

"Froakie!"

Ash sighed and looked up at Penelope. "I'm sorry for his behavior. Froakie is still embarrassed about the attract, that's all," he said and then turned to Sylveon, apologizing to it as well. "Sorry, Sylveon."

"Sylveon," Sylveon nodded its head in understanding. It then walked to Froakie and started rubbing its feeler on its head affectingly as to calm it down. Froakie grew further embarrassed and blushed.

"Froakie!" it snapped and slapped the feelers away angrily. "Fro-Froakie! Froakie! Fro! Fro! Froakie!"

Penelope's eyes rose in interest when she realized where this was going. She knelt down next to Ash and turned to Froakie as well. Froakie looked at her from corner of its eyes, probably as mad at her as it was at Sylveon. It crossed its arms and turned around.

"Say what, Froakie. You are embarrassed because you lose to Sylveon, is that right?" Penelope asked. Froakie didn't respond but the blushed crept over its cheek responded for it. Penelope giggled. "Thought so," she paused and turned to Ash instead. "What do you say? If that's how much Froakie has hurt its pride, I think we can have a rematch. I don't think Sylveon has any problem with that. In fact, she will be hurt if Froakie would hate her," Penelope said.

"Rematch? Cool. What do you say, Froakie?" Ash turned to Froakie. Froakie turned back and looked at Ash.

"Froakie?"

"It's your pride we are talking about. We ain't letting someone take it away, are we?"

Froakie stared at Ash in somewhat disbelief. This boy was ready to fight with it for its own sake. It was hurt from the battle and further embarrassed from how Sylveon was treating it. It never thought anybody would ever understand how it was feeling, but this boy does feel it. Ash knew how much its pride meant to it and he was ready to win it back. It has never seen such selfless person before. Perhaps, its decision to go with him wasn't wrong after all.

Froakie demeanor changed into a determined one and it raised its paw. "Froakie!"

"Awesome! Now we are there," Ash said and bumped his fist with its paw. He smiled and then turned to Penelope, standing up. "Penelope, you wouldn't mind if Froakie and I go for some training around in the woods, huh?"

"Of course not. You and everyone coming over here is already a big favor to us," Penelope responded.

"Okay. Thanks, Penelope. Let's go, Froakie," Ash said.

"Froakie!" Froakie responded brightly and started hoping away along with Ash as he led them.

Penelope kept her gaze constant on the young trainer until he disappeared around the entrance of her kindergarten school. She sighed and turned to Sylveon. "Let's go, Sylveon. We still have a lot of stuffs to do before the battle," she said, softly rubbing its head.

"Sylveon," the intertwine Pokémon said.

Ash halted to stop from his run, breathing heavily as he stood straight and staring at the place ahead. It was thick forest with trees spread wide around. Long and strong branches were tangled together and it was rather dark in there as well. The place might not interest everyone but being a trainer; Ash knew how much this place worth. Ash looked back at Froakie who was sitting on his shoulder.

"You ready now, Froakie?"

"Froakie!"

"Good," Ash gave a pause and thought before he continued to speak. "If we want to beat Sylveon, we need to find a way to dodge it's attract. There is no way we are able to push it aside because it is highly effective on you."

"Froakie," the water Pokémon nodded.

"Okay. Look. We have gotten a lot of troublesome path here. We can use it to enhance your speed," Ash told. He then walked to a tree with possibly the biggest root emerging out of the ground. He climbed over it and then noticed the roughness of its trunk. It was easy for him to climb, with his abilities made it easier for him. "Come on!"

Ash tugged his foot safely and started climbing up. Froakie hoped to the base of the tree and looked at Ash for a brief moment before climbing up as well. It hoped highly on the branches and with its agile movements, soon caught up with Ash as they both simultaneously climbed up on the biggest branch of the tree.

"Froakie," Ash said and turned to his first partner. "I want you to cross this path, as far as you can go. There is no need to overdo it if it is not fruitful. Use your ability of jumping to your best and don't stop till the end. Use the vines to flip across the one tree to another."

"Froakie!" Froakie nodded with aggravation.

"And don't worry. I'll be with you, till the end of the line," Ash said. Froakie's demeanor dropped and it got a curious look. Till the end of the line? Is that what he said? No one ever tried to bond with it or even understood it, its desire to be the best. But Ash wasn't only supporting it, training it become well, but he was willing to stick by its side till the end. It knew it had to do it. It needed to do it. Not for itself only, but for Ash as well. "Ready?" Ash's words snapped it out of its trance and it once again looked at him with determination.

"Froakie!" It nodded.

"On the count of three. One, two…Go!"

The two started running till the far end of the probably ten meter long and two meter thick branch. When they noticed the end of it they braced themselves for what was coming next. At the very end, they made a jump together and sailed in the air briefly. Using their respective abilities from their previous lives, both of them managed to make a quick and safe landing. Ash almost slipped and fell down, while Froakie managed to make a perfect landing. However, it didn't stop them. Using the same momentum, they continued on their path and headed straight, now jumping constantly on the branches as the trees were aligned parallel to each other. Ash noticed the movements of Froakie, while keeping his guard safe. It had gained a lot of speed already.

"Froakie! Try and cross the trees with the smaller branches. Use your speed! Don't give up! I'll be there for you!"

Froakie listened to him. And it didn't need to tell twice to obey the command. It knew it could trust Ash with everything. He had proven it already. Froakie stopped at one branch for an extra second and charged itself up. It reached out for a smaller branch with its paw, held it, and using the current momentum, pulled itself up. It landed on another smaller branch but its movements never stopped. It kept hoping over one branch to another and soon it was covering the path on very small branches. Some of them even broke from the force exerted by Froakie but did nothing to stop it.

The sudden improvement surprised Ash but it made him even more proud. It never knew Froakie had such potentials. However, it gave Froakie a bit of lead and Ash was now travelling a bit farther from it.

"Great job, Froakie!"

"Fro! Froakie!"

However, the moment last really short when out of nowhere, what seems like a huge boulder was blocking the way. It was stuck between two big branches; probably fell from top of the mountain that was just past them. There was enough time for both Froakie and Ash to stop, but Ash thought otherwise. He had a plan.

"Froakie! Use water pulse on the rock!"

Froakie made a jump and prepared a powerful orb of water into its paw. It flipped and pressed it between its paw and the rock. The energy that was into it was itching to release and Froakie's tight grip and command made it go in the opposite direction. It forced its way into the rock. The rock cracked but didn't move. Froakie pressed it further hard and the rock completely shattered with a loud explosion. Water drops rained down along with some debris of the rock as Froakie rolled down and continued down the path of the branches.

Using the wet surface of the branch and his previous experience of evading Jenny at Lumiose City, Ash started to slid down instead of running, now himself catching up with Froakie pretty fast.

"That's it, Froakie! Keep going!"

"Kie! Froakie!"

Ash smiled at Froakie as he slid down right next to it. However, what both failed to notice was that their noise has woken up certain someone. And that someone wasn't pleased at all. Adding that it had a very short temper as well, things were going to get ugly for the two about soon. With the heavy flap of wings, the normal type bird Pokémon flew out of its hiding place and charged straight for Ash and Froakie, targeting Ash first with its beak. As it grew closer, Froakie caught a glimpse of it. A look of horror struck on its face when it saw it targeting Ash but before he could understand anything, it leaped into his direction. Ash had to duck down to save himself.

Ash was somewhat surprised and shocked but by the time he turned around to scold Froakie for what it did, he noticed that it was actually aiming for a bird Pokémon.

Froakie's paw glowed white and made a direct contact with the beak of the bird Pokémon. The counter attack caused the flying Pokémon to flew back and Froakie merely jumped on another branch. It quickly turned around and jumped high. It prepared to attack once again. Water bubbles started to emerge out of its mouth and headed towards the flying type like bullets. The water bubbles made a direct hit and the flying type let out a screech of pain. It glared back at Froakie and prepared to attack as well, but then noticed that its wing had gotten wet and it can barely fly normally anymore. It started to flap its wings constantly to dry them up.

"Froakie. Quick! Let's get out of here! It's too dangerous up here!" Ash told.

"Froakie Kie!" the frog Pokémon nodded and started hoping away as well. It made a jump and landed on another branch and kept hopping its way right next to Ash who was struggling a little to keep up with the water type. They both soon noticed that there was a dead end up ahead. There weren't any more branches. However, Ash noticed big vines straddling down from the trees.

"Froakie! Use the vines! Use the vines!"

Froakie also noticed what Ash meant with that when it saw the vines as well. Froakie leaped high into the air and grabbed the vines. It swung on it and left it sailed in air and went for the other one. Ash noticed another big branch nearby and made a jump on it, sliding on it down. A thrilling sensation ran through his spine when he felt someone behind him. He didn't had to look back to see who it was. Ash ducked down and the flying type flew past his head, merely missing its mark. But now, it aimed for Froakie, making Ash concerned.

"Froakie! Look out!" Ash screamed, panicked. He could not let his Pokémon get hurt. However, his voice fell too late into its ear and by the time it turned behind to see what Ash meant, the flying type gushed through the vines with its wings glowing white and sharp like blades. They cut down the vines. The additional weight over them caused them to fall faster, taking Froakie along with them. A look of horror struck on Ash's face when he saw Froakie falling down. He had promised it to look out for it, to stick by its side till the end of the line. He could not let it happen like this. This would not end like that. Grabbing the cap and turning it around, Ash started to move his legs and started running on the branch instead of sliding. The branch made a slope down and a slight curve at the end. However, Ash did not stop and increased his speed further. Froakie was his first priority. He made a final jump and straightened his body, leaping forward and arms stretched wide. Time seemed to stop for him and all he could do was concentrate hard on Froakie. Froakie's eyes were staring right at Ash, still amazed by the braveness of the boy. When noticing his arms stretched out for him, Froakie extended its own arm holding Ash's hand. Ash gripped tightly around its arm and pulled it closer, holding it close and leaped sailing forward in air. Instinctively, his arm reached out for a vine in front and he grabbed onto it, swing along with it as far as it could take them.

Momentarily, Ash's eyes opened and he looked down. He was hovering right in the middle of a wide gap between the lands. How deep it would be, it couldn't be tell with the darkness engulfing it.

His hand slipped from the vine and Ash found himself sailing in air once again. Ash rolled down and managed to land, merely an inch away from the gap.

Ash forced himself up in the sitting position and loosened his arms. He looked down and saw Froakie safe and sound, looking up at Ash with concern. "You alright, bud?" Ash asked, forcing a weak smile.

"Froakie. Fro…" Froakie said, seemingly concerned for its trainer.

Ash forced himself up, grimaced in pain a little as well. "I'm fine, Froakie." Ash said.

"Froakie. Fro-Froakie," Froakie said, looking down.

Ash frowned on hearing that. "That's not true Froakie. If it wasn't for you I would have been hurt badly. You weren't a failure," Ash said, consoling it, but then encouraged. "In fact, you are the strongest and bravest Pokémon I've ever met."

"Froakie?" Froakie looked up at Ash, confused and curious both. Did Ash really think so? Was it the bravest and strongest Pokémon ever? Maybe not strongest, that was its dream and desire. It wanted to become the strongest. That was the reason it spend most of its time alone, left its previous weak trainers. It didn't need them to be stronger. It never needed a human partner before. But it saw something inside Ash, something that resembled to itself. Something was attractive about him and it couldn't resist it. Ash had been there for it from the moment they have met. It had saved its life by risking his own life but it failed to save him from a danger.

Froakie frowned and looked up at the flying type that was still circling them. Its gaze changed into glare and it knew what it had to do to prove its worth. Froakie pushed Ash's arm aside and jumped down, staring up at the flying Pokémon. It then gazed back at Ash. "Froakie! Fro!"

Ash was confused by its action at first by after hearing to it, a smile spread on his face and he stood up as well. "So you want finish what has been started?" Ash asked. Froakie nodded in response and looked back at the flying type. Now that he was a bit relieved of the surrounding, Ash looked up at the flying type. He brought his Pokédex out and scanned it.

"Spearow, the short tempered Pokémon. It is very wild and sometimes attack other Pokémon and humans," the Pokédex spoke.

"Well, that explains about its behavior," Ash said and placed the Pokédex back. "So, you want to battle, don't you? Well, we are about to give you a battle of your lifetime," Ash added. Spearow seemed to listen to him and stopped circling around. It descended and glared at both, Ash and Froakie. So these two think they can beat it? They didn't know who they have messed with. It was its temper and uncountable power that its trainer had to release it. It had been living alone since then and grew quiet ruthless and further stronger. If they think they can beat it, they are about to get contradict in a very painful way.

"Sperrr!" It shrieked loudly before charging at Froakie, its beak glowing white.

"Counter with pound, go!"

Ash's command had never been as furious as it was now. And it only boasted Froakie's determination. It gave a might leap and jumped into the air, charging at Spearow with its paw glowing white. Froakie's fist collided with Spearow's glowing beak and the area surrounded with a dust after a quick explosion.

"Climb over it and use Water Pulse!"

Froakie did as it was told. It held Spearow's beak, placed another paw on its back and pulled itself up and over its body. With the paw on its back, Froakie prepared a watery orb that engulfed the flying Pokémon in a huge sphere. Froakie rotated it and threw it in a random direction, making it collide it with a huge tree. The water droplets flew around and revealed the Spearow still stuck in the tree trunk.

"Awesome!" Ash exclaimed.

"Froakie!" the water type agreed as it landed back on the ground, still staring at the flying type with anger.

However, the moment barely lasted any longer. They noticed the Spearow making some movements. It weakly opened its eyes and stared at Ash and Froakie. So they think they have beaten it so easily? They have no idea how wrong they were. Spearow forced itself out of the tree trunk. It might have taken a whole lot from that blow, but its fierce rage was still burning. However, its weak body denied cooperating with it and it fell down. It quickly extended its wings and increased its descending speed some more, arching perpendicularly at the very base of the tree.

Ash gritted his teeth.

Spearow's wings turned white once again and it sped towards Froakie, aiming at it.

"Dodge it!" Ash yelled the command. Froakie hopped out of the way at the very next moment as Spearow flew past it but it didn't just stop. It turned around and headed back towards its opponent. Froakie had to jump out of the way again, but Spearow didn't stop charging back to back at it. Ash noticed it as well. Froakie was getting vulnerable in the situation. If they have to beat it they need to stop it now. And then an idea came in his mind. "Froakie, use bubbles down your feet!"

Froakie leaped forward in the air, dodging Spearow and immediately opened its mouth, prepared the bubbles and fired them at the ground below. The ground below was bombarded by the bullets of water and the soil down there started to spread in air, covering that little area with dust.

"Don't stop! Keep going!"

Froakie kept doing it until it was completely covered in the dust, stopped only when it noticed Spearow coming back towards it. Spearow flew through the dust in order to land a strike on Froakie using steel wings but failed. It passed through it without acknowledging the address of Froakie. It turned around and looked back through the dust but couldn't find any single trace of it anywhere. It had cleverly hidden itself inside it.

The grass behind Ash rustled, making him alarm. Ash noticed that and tore the gaze off Spearow, turning back. His eyes narrowed a little on just the mere thought of how dangerous that thing can be that's coming out. But his expression dropped suddenly and eyes narrowed further in aggravation and annoyance when he noticed Serena coming out of there. Just what the hell brought her here now? Ash wanted to look away but it was too late and Serena caught his glance, staring back at her. Waving her hands and giving a serious and concerned look, she ran to him.

Ash quickly turned around and looked back at the battle field. Spearow was still trying to locate Froakie. It was diving into the dust, keeping an eye on it from above but could not find it. However, it noticed that the dust was settling down fast so it decided to wait for it to show itself. It could not hide itself anymore.

Ash smirked on the scene. Just like he planned. "Keep your guard up, Froakie and wait for my comma-!"

"Ash!"

Ash was briefly interrupted by Serena who showed up right next to him pretty fast than he anticipated. He looked at her from corner of his eyes, one hand over chest and another over waist, panting badly before she could spoke. Ash once again turned back towards the field. He was interrupted but it seemed like Froakie understood what he meant.

When she felt that she had caught her breath enough to speak, she stood straight and walked next to Ash. She seemed to be looking at the battle as well before she realized what she came here for. She turned to Ash quickly, her expression changed into a more serious one. "Ash. I need your help!" she said, her voice shrieking. Knowing him, she waited patiently for his response, but he never responded. He simply ignored her. "Randal has run away, Ash. I need your help to find him."

This now made Ash look back at her, giving a weird look. "Who run away?"

"Randal. A kid from kindergarten. Ash, please hurry up. We need to find him soon. The forest is already way too dangerous from him. What if a wild Pokémon will attack him?" she shrunk under her own statement. Just thinking about that sent shivers down her spine.

"Damn it!" Ash muttered, and then turned back to the battle field. The dust had settled down and Spearow was now circling the area from above, still could not find Froakie around. It enraged the flying type who now decided to attack Ash instead.

"Spearow!" it shrieked and launched itself towards Ash and Serena.

"Counter with Water Pulse!" Ash said through gritted teeth.

The command alerted Spearow who monetarily stopped in its attack and looked around. By the time it sensed it, Froakie was already above it, preparing the water blob in its paws. Froakie fired the attack on Spearow from above, who couldn't dodge it in time. With another small explosion, Spearow was completely covered into water, its wings so wet that it could barely fly anymore. Ash wanted to keep battling but the new situation that had risen was far more concerned one. He needed to end the battle.

"Use bubbles!" Ash said.

Froakie leaped right over Spearow and bombarded it with water bubbles. Spearow crashed on the ground, unable to fly anymore and that mean almost vulnerable. But it hadn't lost yet. It noticed that Ash was calling Froakie back to him and they both were running away with that honey haired girl that just showed up. Spearow tired to get up and fly behind them, chase them and continue their battle but it couldn't. It could not fly any moment right now. Its pride has been hurt. They left the battle field when the fight was going on. Were they thinking it could not battle anymore? Did they think it was vulnerable? Pathetic? Fuel sparked a bigger fire into it and its temper rose higher. It would get up! It would find them and then show them how big their mistake was.

"What happened?" Ash asked out of blue, breaking the long silence. Serena turned to look at him, seemingly surprised that it was Ash who started the conversation. When Serena didn't respond for a while, Ash looked at her, raising his eyes at her. "Well?"

"Huh-Oh!" Serena almost shrieked, then balanced her composure. "Randal is a shy kid in the kindergarten. Penelope told that he liked Pokémon a lot but afraid of getting close to them. It is like he had a phobia of Pokémon," Serena said.

"Oh," Ash muttered and looked down at his feet. Pokémon phobia? The only term sounded ridiculous to him. How someone can be afraid of Pokémon? Pokémon are creatures that are meant to befriend with, share experience and go on adventures with. They are the beings that are meant to be your lifelong friends. You protect them, they protect you, they never leave you behind but stay by your side till the end. Why would this boy be afraid of Pokémon?

Ash let out an audible sigh, feeling stupid for getting carried away.

Serna noticed him. Despite his attitude towards her, she could not help but got worried for him. It was natural. Not worrying for him would be so unlike of her. "Is everything okay, Ash?" she asked, concerned.

"Hmmm," Ash hummed in response. But Serena wasn't convinced.

"Are you sure? You don't look fine to me," she said, emphasizing her words on him to make spill the beans.

Ash sighed. He wasn't in the mood to argue. "It's just…that boy. How can someone be afraid of Pokémon?" Ash said, not looking at her but still staring down at his feet.

"Well," Serena thought. She remembered what Randal had spoken about before he ran away. "When he was kid, he saw a Pokémon and tried to be its friend. His intentions were innocent and true, but the Pokémon attacked on him instead. He was just a kid and it scared him." Ash gave her a weird look which she caught immediately and nervously smiled. "He told that before running away."

Ash turned back to look forward. He was trying to focus on the task, but his mind was revolving around the boy. How someone could be afraid of Pokémon? He was still lost for words. He needed answers.

As the two walked, Ash suddenly stopped. Serena noticed him and stopped as well, looking at him. "What's wrong?" she asked. But Ash silently motioned her to stay quiet. He tried to concentrate and listen to what voice he was hearing to. It was very low but for some reasons, he could listen to what it was. Ash slowly started walking forward, in the direction of voice. Serena glanced back at him and soon ran after him to catch up. "What is it, Ash?" Serena asked, this time almost whispering.

Ash turned around to face her, but she didn't notice him stopping and walked into him, crashing against him. The shock almost startled her and she stepped back, but lost her balance and fell down.

That's what she thought.

Ash happened to notice her and quickly held her arms, pulling her up in standing position once again. Serena breathed rapidly, blushing in embarrassment and eyes wide in shock at the event that just happened. But before she could understand Ash abruptly let her go and took a few steps back himself.

"This way," Ash whispered and motioned her to follow him. Serena quickly walked behind him, but careful enough to not run into him again. Ash started walking into some bushes. Serena gave a thought or two, but followed him nonetheless. Ash was having some trouble waking way so Serena once again easily caught up with him. The bush was quiet pointy and Serena had to lean away from them. This only caused her arm to constantly brush against Ash's. This made Ash notice Serena by his side. He shook his head in annoyance and spoke. "You should see where you are going."

A small blush crept on Serena's cheeks. She felt embarrassed about that. If not for Ash, she would have taken that fall. She was grateful to him. But despite his good side, he still seemed to be taunting her. Serena sighed in disappointment. She wasn't disappointed with him, but with herself. Just what she had done?!

Ash seemed to read her mind and looked back at her. "I'm being serious."

"Huh?!-Oh! Th-Thanks," Serena responded, looking away to avoid eye contact with him. And once again she misunderstood him.

Ash cleared the way and walked out of the bushes, with Serena following right behind him. When he stepped out, his eyes noticed a familiar sight. A boy was sitting at the base of a big tree, curled up and it looked like as if he was crying. However, before he could walk to him, he noticed someone else coming out from the other side. It wasn't a human but a Pokémon.

"Sylveon?" Ash questioned, confused. Serena also looked into that direction and noticed Sylveon. On being called, Sylveon looked into their direction. It took few seconds to remember them, but when it did, it smiled brightly at them.

"That mean?" Serena thought aloud, and as she suspected Penelope walked out of the dark, following Sylveon. Everyone looked into each other's direction, registering their coincidence of running into each other, then turned towards Randal.

Ash took a good look of the boy. He remembered him. He was the same boy that ran away from Froakie.

"Randal!" Penelope said in quiet concerned voice as she rushed to him. She knelt down to his level and held his arms. The boy looked up, his eyes glistening with tears and filled with fear. Probably he was lost in the forest. Ash and Serena also rushed to them.

"Hey, are you okay?" Ash asked, both frankly and concerned. Randal looked at Ash and Serena. He hiccupped and looked back at Penelope who was begging for his attention.

"What happened Randal? Why are you crying? Are you hurt?" Penelope asked.

Randal hiccupped and sneezed before answering. "I, w-was lost, teacher. And-and I h-hurt my leg," he said, still sobbing slightly.

"It's okay, now, Randal. I'm here, right? It's okay," Penelope said, rubbing Randal's back to sooth him. Even Sylveon wanted to help him, but his hesitation would not let it. Penelope then extended his leg and saw a bruise over his right knee. Might have probably fallen down on a rock or something. It wasn't too bad but for kid like him, it was probably quiet hurtful experience.

Serena walked next to them and knelt down, inspecting the injury herself. She then reached for her bag. She opened it and reached for a handkerchief. She instructed Randal to move his leg up and then she wrapped it around his injury. Randal winced out of pain when Serena pulled the knot a little tighter to make sure it would stick on the place for a long time.

"Here we go. It will do it until we return back to school," Serena said and smiled at the young boy. Randal nodded and gulped, his cheeks turned red as admired her.

"Thanks a lot Serena. It was quiet clever of you," Penelope said, grateful. She then turned to Randal. She held his small hands and pulled him up. Randal winced all the way up and almost stumbled back on the ground. "Can you walk, Randal?" Penelope asked.

Randal took a step, but regretted it. His knee hurt so bad that lost his balance. If not for Penelope and Serena who caught him in time, he would have fall. "Can't," Randal replied weakly.

"That's alright," Ash said, stepping forward. He knelt down and turned around, volunteering to take Randal on his back. "Come on, I'll carry you," Ash said. For once, Randal watch in disbelief but when Ash repeated his words again, Randal snapped out of his day dream. He hesitantly placed his hands around his neck and Ash tugged his arms around his legs. He stood up looked back at Randal. "There you go. Was it that hard?"

"N-no," Randal said.

Ash smiled and started walking forward. Penelope and Serena both rushed to both of his sides. "Thank you for the assistance, Ash," Penelope said gratefully.

"That's no problem," Ash said.

The group then walked in silence for a long time. Penelope and Sylveon were leading the way and Serena was forced to walk with Penelope. Clearly, she had noticed the annoyance on Ash's face and she did not want to offend him in any way. So Serena walked along with Penelope, leading the way and giving some privacy to Ash and Randal. Ash's mind still hadn't gotten over what it had been thinking about.

"Randal, right?" Ash said, starting a conversation with the boy.

"Uh huh," the boy mumbled.

"So, Randal, I heard that you are afraid of Pokémon. Is this correct?" Ash asked. Randal stayed silent for a while and blushed in embarrassment, couldn't gather enough courage to admit it. Ash easily sensed it. "You know what, Randal? It's alright to be afraid of something. Having courage to admit it is what makes you special, strong. And I think that you are a brave kid. So, I 'm going to ask you again. Are you afraid of Pokémon?"

"Yes," Randal whispered.

Ash sighed. Just like he thought. "If you don't mind Randal, I would like to know why it is so. I've never seen someone afraid of Pokémon. Of course, there are people who can be afraid of some distinct types, but in general? Never."

Randal clenched on Ash's shoulders tightly as he thought for his words. He was still struggling as Ash was easily reading him. "Tell me something, Randal. Do you hate them?"

"N-no!" Randal blurted out suddenly, giving Ash some satisfaction. "I don't hate them. I love them, I really do. But…you don't know what I know about them," Randal said, clenching on Ash's shoulders tightly as he spoke.

"So, you don't hate them. But you are afraid to befriend with them. I guess you have a history with them, isn't it?" Ash asked and Randal nodded in response. "You know what; you might have some history with them. And it is natural to feel that way when you are so young. But I'm pretty sure that there has to some reason behind that. Plus, not every Pokémon are bad," Ash said. But he still could feel the uneasiness radiating into Randal. He sighed. "Why don't you try and befriend Froakie? I noticed you trying to reach out for it earlier," Ash said. He stopped and reached out for the Froakie's Pokéball, carefully so not to hurt Randal anymore. He opened it and Froakie came out of it with a flash.

Froakie looked up at Ash expectantly. However, it raised its eyes in interest when it saw Randal on Ash's back. It remembered Randal from before. It was the same boy who ran away from it in school. It hurt its pride before, thinking that it intimidated the young boy. However, the whole thing slipped from its mind during the training and an unexpected encounter with that Spearow.

"Froakie, this is Randal," Ash said, introducing the two. "Froakie. I want you to befriend Randal. He is afraid of Pokémon. I need your help to fix this," Ash said. Afraid of Pokémon? Was that the reason he ran away from it before? Froakie didn't pay any attention to its thoughts and ran up Ash's leg and sat on his shoulder.

"Froakie," the water Pokémon said, raising its paw. Randal stumbled back at first, almost made Ash fall down as well.

"Listen, Randal. I know it is hard for you. But Froakie isn't bad. It won't bite you. You might have a bad experience with Pokémon in past, but you will never know what great adventures lie ahead of you and with them you can have so many amazing experiences that you will never want to forget."

Randal looked up at Froakie and then at Ash. "Is this the reasons why you became a Pokémon trainer?" he asked.

Ash chuckled. "Not exactly but close enough. But that's not the point. What I'm trying to say is that with them by your side, you never have to worry. Befriend with them, form a strong bond and they will do anything and everything for you. They can be the best friend of you," Ash explained in a serious but frank tone.

Randal listened closely. He then turned back to Froakie. He knew what he wanted. But he couldn't. Something was still stopping him. "I want to befriend with them, I really do," Randal started. "But I'm scared that they will not like me. When I was younger, I saw a Pokémon. It was all alone by itself. I wanted to know it, befriend with it. But when I tried, it attacked me, for no reason. I didn't even try to harm it. All I wanted was to befriend with it," his voice trembled as he spoke. A tear rolled down his eyes.

Ash frowned but Randal could not notice it due to their positions. He never knew that there was something like that behind it. He felt sorry for him. It would have hurt him, a lot.

"I understand, Randal. Things happen in past, you cannot easily forget them. They shape your future," Ash said. As the words he spoke, he felt himself getting carried away again. But it wasn't the time for him to get emotional. "I think you need a fresh start with them. Why don't you start it with Froakie? I can bet that Froakie would love to be your friend, isn't it?" Ash asked, turning to the water type.

"Fro-Froakie!" Froakie said, responding positively.

"What do you say, Randal?"

Randal looked back and forth between Ash and Froakie. They were giving him a chance to get over his fear of Pokémon. All he needed to do was only touch it, then get to know it. And Froakie wouldn't even hurt him. What was the harm? It only had merit s of it. "I...I'll try," Randal said and turned to Froakie. He gulped slowly started moving his hand forward in its direction. The closer his hand got, more uncomfortable he felt. But he had to do it. He could not hold it back anymore. He had to get over his fear. Randal had his eyes fixed on Froakie all the time, but he was started to get intimidate by it now. It closed his eyes and looked away but his had didn't move.

Just why he couldn't do it?

Just then, he felt something against his hand. He opened his eyes and looked at his hand. The look of surprise could be easily read on his face, as he saw his hand was touched against Froakie's fist. "Froakie!" it cried and smiled at the younger boy.

"See? Was it that different?" Ash said and grinned at him.

"I actually did it," Randal said in somewhat disbelief. "I did it!"

"Yep. You did it. Now-" but before he could complete he was interrupted by a loud scream coming from front. And he clearly knew whom it belonged to. "Serena!" a panicked scream came out. He gripped his hands tighter around Randal and started running forward, a little faster.

When he arrived there, he noticed that Serena was on the ground. Her eyes were wide open and staring forward. Ash looked into the direction and noticed a familiar sight. It was the Spearow from before, charging at Serena with peck.

"Use moon blast!" Penelope commanded. With that, Sylveon jumped in between Spearow and Serena, preparing the energy orb of fairy aura and fired at the flying type. The attack made direct contact and disturbed its altitude. Spearow lost its balance and flight, and started falling down. However, it started flapping its wings faster and a huge gust of wind formed under it. It maintained its altitude and Spearow once again flew up. Its wings started glowing and without any warning, it shot down towards Sylveon again.

"Sylveon! Use attract!" Penelope said. Ash's eyes rose in interest while Froakie's eyes narrowed in annoyance. Sylveon winked and small, glistening hearts came out, heading towards Spearow. But Spearow didn't stop its descend. The hearts surrounded it and consumed it, but it did nothing to stop it. "What?!" Penelope let out a surprise gasp. Before she could understand what was happening, Spearow made a direct hit and sent Sylveon flying back.

"Syl!" the intertwine Pokémon let out a grunt in pain.

"Sylveon!" Penelope cried and ran after her Pokémon.

Spearow once again ascended in air and started circling the area, announcing its victory proudly.

Ash gritted his teeth and knelt down. Randal took the signal and quickly got off of his back. Ash quickly turned to him. "Stay right here, Randal!" Ash said furiously and quickly made a dash for Serena, with Froakie along his side. Serena still seemed shock, if not scared. He quickly knelt down next to her and grabbed her shoulders. "Serena! You okay? Serena? Are you alright?" Ash asked, shaking her violently. This snapped Serena out of her trance and she looked back at him. She nodded quietly and Ash let out a sigh of relief. "That's a relief," Ash added. He then turned to look up and saw Spearow eyeing everyone in the area. Penelope was out looking after Sylveon, Ash looking for Serena. This left Randal all vulnerable and an easy task. Eyeing him deviously, Spearow charged for him.

Ash's eyes widened in shock. "Randal!" he screamed in panicked voice. This made everyone looked into his direction and they all frowned at the scene. Randal was flinched and could barely move anymore. He tried to take a step back but fell down instead. "Froakie! Use water pulse!" Ahs instinctively gave a command.

"Froakie!" Froakie didn't waste time and prepared a water orb and fired it at the flying type. The attack made a direct contact and pushed Spearow in another direction. Spearow lost its balance and ended up on the ground instead, crashing rather harshly. Penelope quickly rushed to Randal, checking on him with concern. Ash let go off Serena and stood up, adjusted is cap and glared at the flying type as Froakie landed back.

Spearow weakly stood up and ruffled its wings. It made a few flips of wings and quickly gained the altitude, rising at the heights. It glared at Ash and Froakie. Finally, they met again. Now it could continue the battle that had been left off earlier.

"Sperrr!" it cried loudly.

"It's between you and us, Spearow. You don't have to bring others into it," Ash said, calmly but loudly. He then shot it a deeper glare. "I see, you want to finish what we started," Ash paused and both he and Spearow stared into each other's eyes. Both held anger, passion but had different reasons.

"Alright then. Here you go! Froakie, use your Frubbles to stop it!" Ash gave the command.

Froakie leaped into air and reached out for a branch of a nearby tree. It hopped higher and grabbed the frubbles, firing them at Spearow who quickly moved out of the way. It flew higher and its wings turned bright white as it charged back at Froakie.

"Use bubbles!" Ash commanded.

Froakie opened its mouth and fired the water bullets at the opponent. The additional velocity couldn't make it move out in time and made it vulnerable. The water bullets made the direct contact and Spearow let out a loud grunt of pain. It glared at Froakie and once again charged at it with steel wings.

"Dodge it and use water pulse!"

Froakie jumped above Spearow, merely missing it and turned around quickly. It formed a water orb while still in air and fired it at Spearow. Spearow changed its direction and easily dodged the attack. It turned around and ascended a little in air. It soon stopped and started flapping its wings faster. A gust of wing formed in Froakie's direction.

"Keep your footing and counter with frubbles!" Ash yelled.

Froakie did as it was told. It dragged its feet in the ground tightly, grabbed the frubbles and threw them. However, it threw them in a parabolic curve which from both the side, which kept them out of the range of gust and gave easy access to Spearow. The frubbles stuck on Spearow's wings. Its wings clasped together its moments stopped momentarily. It started falling down, struggling all the way till the ground. Even after crashing in the ground it didn't stop its struggle.

"Use pound!" Ash gave another command. Froakie landed and charged at Spearow again. It punched it straight at the centre of its chest, almost where its wings had been clipped together. It broke the frubbles, but the attack sent Spearow back. It sailed in air before crashing against a tree. "Use frubbles to keep it in place!" Ash said. Froakie grabbed some frubbles and threw them at it. They stuck on either of Spearow's wings, sticking it against the tree. Spearow frowned and started struggling against it, but it didn't help.

"It's time, now. Use pound!" Ash commanded.

"Froakie!" Froakie gave a cry of agreement and charged at Spearow with its fist glowing white. Spearow struggled to its best ability but couldn't break free. It looked back at Froakie who was coming fast at it. It was losing! But how? It was supposed to beat them. It needed to. It still could do it. It still had a secret move in pockets. Spearow kept its stare constant at Froakie and finally, winked at it. Hearts stung out of them and headed for Froakie, who couldn't dodge it and took the direct hit.

"Froakie! No!" Ash screamed.

"Oh no!" Serena gasped loudly. This is exactly what happened before when they fought Penelope. Ash felt like a stupid. How did he forget that the Spearow was a female when it was shown before? He should have known something like this could happen. Ash gritted his teeth and watch helplessly as Froakie started turning red and dancing mindlessly. But the situation became more complicated when Spearow broke free from the bonds. It ruffled its wings and started flapping them. It ascended in air and turned back to Froakie, smirking at its condition. It turned its wings white and charged at Froakie once again, performing steel wings. The attack made direct contact and Froakie took a lot of damage from it. But its mindless state could not let it understand situation. Spearow turned around and once again charged at Froakie.

"There had to be something that I can do," Ash thought. Then an idea came to his mind. He used this once before. There was a chance it would work here as well. He didn't have any options either. He had to try. "Froakie! I know it's hard for you but if you can listen to my voice, I want you to use Water Pulse on yourself!"

Spearow's eyes narrowed in confusion. Just what this boy was planning?

"What?" Penelope gasped in surprise. "Did Ash really say that?" she added in disbelief. Even Randal seemed a bit confused. It was only Serena who understood what Ash was up to.

Ash smiled brightly when Froakie raised its paws and prepared the water orb. "A bigger one!" Ash added. Froakie concentrated more energy into it and the size of it increased. It grew to twice the size of football. It threw it up and after gaining some altitude it headed back at it. The water orb completely engulfed the water type and exploded. Water droplets rained around. Everyone, save Serena and Ash, were dazed at what just happened. However, when the dust settled, Froakie seemed completely fine. It shook its face and glanced at Spearow, smirking. Spearow gasped in surprise, but then glared at it.

"He neutralized the attack, just like before. Way to go Ash!" Serena cheered aloud.

"Now. It's time we finish our game. Froakie, use bubbles!" Ash commanded. Froakie nodded and jumped higher, heading up with water bubbles shooting out of its mouth like bullets. The surprised wild Pokémon could not dodge it in time and took the direct hit, groaning in pain rather loudly. It started descending down. "After it!" Ash yelled. Froakie leaned down and like torpedo, charged after it. "Finish it with Water Pulse!" the water Pokémon obeyed and prepared another water orb. It closed the distance between them and when finally right over it, performed the move on it. Spearow was completely engulfed into the water sphere and headed down along with it. It collided with the ground and t he water sphere exploded, raining the water drops around.

Froakie landed back, breathing heavily. Both it and Ash had their eyes glued at Spearow, like Serena, Randal and Penelope. When the dust settled down, they noticed that Spearow was down, for good this time. A bright smile plastered on Ash's face who cheered aloud. "We won!"

"Fro Froakie!" Froakie chimed as well. However, they noticed small movements of Spearow and quickly rushed to it, followed by others. Ash knelt down next to it and noticed the marks of bruises over it. It was injured pretty badly. He doubted it could heal on its own.

"Don't worry, Ash. I think my grandmother can help healing it," Penelope said.

"That would be great, Penelope," Ash said, grateful. He turned back to Spearow and carefully took it in his arms. The constant movements caused it to open its eyes and it looked at Ash, the very first thing that showed up. It tried to get up but its weak body denied. "It's alright. Let me help you," Penelope said. She held it carefully and made it stood straight. It curiously looked at her, eyeing her with interest. Something about her sparked a fuel inside it, in a good way this time.

"You are a strong Pokémon, Spearow. But attacking everyone without any reason isn't right," Ash told. This caused Spearow to look back. It blushed in embarrassment and stared down. It knew it was wrong but after living alone all these times, it had grown quiet ruthless and furious. It wasn't like that before, not even with its nature.

"Sperrr," it softly cried, still looking down. Everyone raised their eyes on it.

"What is it saying?" Serena asked curiously.

"Froakie. Fro Froakie. Froakie, fro!" the water Pokémon explained with several hand movements.

"You mean, it is doing it because all it needed was some attention?" Ash asked and received a nod from Froakie in response. He then turned to Spearow. "Is this correct?" Ash asked, this time to Spearow.

"Sprr," the flying Pokémon nodded.

"In that case, why don't you come with me?" Penelope suggested. Spearow looked at her with curious expression. "If you won't create trouble like this one and won't harm anybody, I can bring you back to the kindergarten. The children there would love to play with you," she said.

"Sperr?" the flying Pokémon said, still not convinced.

"Yeah, it's true," Penelope said with a smile.

"Sperr! Sperr!" Spearow cried happily and climbed on Penelope's shoulder. Penelope giggled and rubbed its chin. Spearow smiled and extended its wings. Its eyes looked around and stopped on a particular person. It was Randal. He was the boy it attacked before. It saw how terrified he was and it enjoyed seeing him that way. But now it saw that same look in his eyes, it felt bad. It quickly hopped off of Penelope's shoulder and on Randal's shoulder. Randal startled and fell down on his back. Fear once again consumed him.

Ash quickly placed hand on his free shoulder, giving a reassuring squeeze. "It's okay, Randal. Remember what I told you?" Ash said.

Randal took a deep breath and turned to Spearow. He tried to smile at it, a weak smile. "H-Hey, Spearow," he said, still struggling. When Spearow heard him, it snuggled against his face affectionately. "Hey stop! It tickles!" Randal shouted and started laughing. This caused everyone to smile and soon they joined in the laugh as well.

Ash stood straight and took a few steps back, happened to stand right next to Serena. He acknowledged that when her arm brushed against his. He looked down at his arm and then at Serena who was watching him with surprise as well. She quickly looked away, not wanted to offend Ash. However, her action made Ash curious. As much as he wanted to avoid her, her safety comes first. That's the reason why she joined him on his journey.

"Serena? You aren't hurt, are you?" Ash asked, his voice was completely sincere.

Serena looked back at him, surprised that Ash asked for her well being. But her surprise lived short and a more grateful and loving expression took place. She smiled at him. "Yes. I'm fine. And I can thank you for that, Ash," she said, smiling lovingly at him.

Ash felt his cheeks burning up from her praises, from her. He looked away annoyingly. "Whatever," he mumbled. But it didn't affect Serena a bit. She was really happy that Ash was paying attention to her. He was concerned for her well beings. And that was enough to make her day. It even made her forget about her concern to keep Ash with her.

"And guess what? Spearow even befriended with me, isn't it Spearow?" Randal asked to Spearow who was sitting on his shoulder ever since.

"Sperr!" Spearow extended its wings and chirped happily. It was really weird for Clemont to watch Spearow acting against its true nature.

"It's really good, Randal. You have overcome your fear of Pokémon," the older lady said and smiled at the young boy.

"No kidding…" a random kid mumbled in disbelief.

Randal nodded and turned around, looking at Froakie who was sitting on the ground, with Ash and rest standing behind. Everyone had returned their Pokémon except for Pikachu who was sitting on Ash's shoulder.

"Hey Ash, do you think Froakie and I are gonna be good friends now?" Randal asked, looking down at Froakie.

"Of course. Froakie and I are gonna be your friends forever. You can count on it," Ash said.

"Froakie!" Froakie said, raising its fist forward in swag. Randal didn't feel the hesitation even a bit and bumped fist with Froakie.

"Hey, you didn't even get afraid," a girl said.

"Yeah. Way to go, Randal," another girl added.

"Thanks," Randal said, smiling cheekily.

"And thanks for helping with Spearow as well, Ash," Penelope said, stepping forward and rubbing Spearow's head. "And thanks to you too, Froakie," Penelope added.

"Froakie," Froakie simply nodded.

"Syl-Sylveon," Sylveon said, stepping forward and rubbing its feeler against Froakie affectionately. Froakie immediately reacted and stumbled back.

"Fro-Froakie!" it cried in frustration and blushed while everyone broke into laughter.

The group turned around and started walking away when Randal called out for Ash. "Ash!"

"Hmm?" Ash turned around, surprised to see that it was Randal. "What is it, Randal?"

"When I'll get bigger. I wanna be a Pokémon trainer too. And then, I'm gonna go on a journey with a friend like Froakie," Randal said.

"Awesome," Ash said, smiling. "Then the next time I'll see you, we will have a battle."

"Froakie Kie! Kie!" Froakie raised its fist in determination as well.

"It's a deal then," Randal said.

"Great," Ash nodded and bumped fist with the junior as well.

"Okay. Time for us to go," Clemont said, interrupting the two.

"We owe all of you. Thank you very much for coming over for the day," the older woman said, bowing.

"Have a safe journey," Penelope said.

"Syl-veon," the intertwine Pokémon said its goodbye as well and waved its feeler as the group walked away.

"Bye everyone!" Serena waved.

"Bye-Bye!" Bonnie waved her final bye before turning forward and catching up with everyone. As the group walked, Bonnie noticed Serena smiling and giggling to herself. Her cheeks were flushing red as well. "You seem happy, Serena. What is it?" Bonnie asked curiously.

"Hmm?" Serena looked down at her, surprised that she noticed but then smiled. She sighed and looked at Ash as they walked. In the light of setting sun, Ash looked way cuter to her. Her smile widened and blush deepened just on the thought. "It's nothing, Bonnie," Serena responded. "It's nothing."

Calem nervously fiddled with the chip that was in his hands. His mind was racing wildly and he could barely concentrate on anything else but the conversation that he had with his boss a few days ago. When he entered his room, he couldn't get to see him because he was showing his back to them. But something was there that made him uncomfortable. When he spoke, his voice held a command, but not in the way he was used to listen. All he could think about were the words ringing in head, words that the man spoke.

"You need to take down that crew as soon as possible. I will provide you everything you will need. Don't disappoint me, kid"

His main concerned was not the task but the reason behind it. He was willing to do anything to get the work done. His voice sounded rushed to him as well. And the most important, a very small point that most of the people generally ignore. He referred them as a crew. Were they that good? Were they a group or gang of some thieves or something else? Or was it a secret message from the man from him to encrypt?

"You good?"

A familiar voice snapped him out of his mind. Calem looked to his right and saw Kira driving, and looking at him as well.

Calem sighed and stretched his arms wide lazily. "Yeah, I'm good," he lied. Kira was quick to read him.

"What's it? You know you can't lie to me," Kira said.

Calem sighed. It was true. Kira always catches his lies easily. "Just thinking about something," he said. He then pulled his bag up and in his lap, sitting more comfortably. The opened chain gave Kira a brief look of a photograph that was inside. It was a group photo and there were several figures into them. She knew them all, but only one. And even then he seemed so familiar.

"Who's he? "Kira asked, pointing at the raven haired boy. Calem noticed her glance and brought out the photograph. He noticed it as well. There stood the group he trusted Serena with, Ash, Clemont and Bonnie, along with Viola and Alexa behind. He remembered stealing the photograph from the gym. Even if it was wrong as per his morals, he needed something for him as a reminder. That simple memory made him chuckle. Talking about Ash, it had been while since he had either seen him, Serena, Clemont and Bonnie. Maybe it was time for him to meet them.

"He's Ash," Calem said. "The boy I left Serena with."

Kira's demeanor dropped and a frowned replaced. She looked back forward as she drove. "Ash like, Ash Ketchum?" she asked.

Calem looked back at her. He sensed the uneasiness. "Ketchum? I don't really know. He didn't tell me. He might be, why?" Calem asked back.

Kira shook her head, but then thought about something. "Are you going to say in contact with him?" she asked.

"Yeah? But Why?" Calem nodded but his curiosity was increasing fast.

Kira sighed. If she really needed Calem to keep a close eye on him, she needed to tell him everything about him. She breathed heavily, ignoring Calem's anticipated glance. And then, she started. "Have you ever heard of the champion of Kanto?" Kira asked.

"Champion? You mean Red Ketchum?" Calem asked, but soon realized what he just said. He looked at her, inquiring his own statement. "He isn't, is he?"

"Yes. He is him," Kira responded, leaving Calem completely dumbfounded.

Someone once asked regarding the bond of Ash and Froakie, since Pikachu is also introduced in it. I didn't mind it before but I hope you would have gotten answer with it. As always, I am grateful to you for checking it out and I hope I didn't disappoint you with it. Make sure to leave a review for the chapter. For any quarry you can PM me or leave a review. You have options.

The next chapter might come out in middle or late September.

Chapter 15: The Ninja Wisdom