Yay, I'm back.
Zippy
"Hello, and welcome back to the Aclean League, where champions are born. I'm Jimmy Allen, here with Alexis Glade to give you all the up-to-date news of the Aclean League."
"That's right Jim." Alexis added. "We've had quite the Grace Week, filled to the brim with fun activities, but the best is still to come."
"What can we expect for the rest of the Aclean League?" Jimmy asked. "We only have today and tomorrow left."
"Well, today is the Champions' day, and tomorrow, the festival has the ever awaited finale parade."
"What's Champions' day Alexis?"
"Champions' day is when the remaining 32 pokemon trainers in the league get together to chat, get to know one another, and have a fancy dinner."
"And we'll get to go too, right?" Jimmy asked.
"Absolutely." Alexis replied. "And Red will be there, and the 5 other champions."
"You know, I was a little curious about that." Jimmy added. "Where's the Alola champion. I don't remember seeing him in the opening ceremony."
"That's because the Alola region has no official champion as of now. It's the first time in history where a champion has not attended the Aclean League." Alexis explained.
"Aww, that's a bummer, but Alola trainers can still participate?"
"Absolutely. If one from the Alola region wins, they'll be the pokemon master, and the new champion."
"Woah, amazing!" Jimmy stated enthusiastically. "So remember, if you're still a competitor in the Aclean League, then be sure to come."
"Yes, and with the finale parade tomorrow, the finest pokemon coordinators will be working on making the last day, the best day."
*Insert favorite Pokemon opening theme here*
The daylight shone through the blinds as Ash's alarm went off. He smacked it, and sat up. "Morning Pikachu!" he said enthusiastically.
"Pika-Pika?" Pikachu asked drowsily.
"You know what today is, right?"
"Pika?"
"Well, today is Champions' day here at the Aclean League. So, we get to hang out and meet a bunch of different people."
"Pika!" Pikachu echoed excitedly.
Ash sighed. "Yeah, so let's get ready to meet the day." Ash began to finish his morning routine, and was combing his hair when there was a knock on the door. "Huh, who could that be?" Ash peeked outside, smiling at the person just outside. "Oh hi there Serena." he commented.
"Hey there Ash." she replied. "Can I come in."
"Sure." he replied, pulling the door fully open. "Come on in."
"Thanks." she said, taking a few steps in. There were a few articles of clothing on the floor, but it wasn't too messy, and Serena took a seat on the spare bed as Ash went back to fixing his hair. "How're you doing today Ash?"
"I'm doing pretty great, today is Champions' day."
"Huh, Champions' day."
"Yeah, it means I get to go to a fancy dinner tonight."
"Oh yeah, that's tonight." Serena asked, some excitement drained out of her voice.
"Is that a bad thing?" Ash replied, peeking his head out of the bathroom.
"Oh, no, it's just, I was kinda hoping to be there with you."
"Well, you can right?"
"No, it's the competing trainers only, and one small pokemon of choice."
"Okay, so Pikachu can come, but you can't?"
"Ash it's fine. I'll be alright."
"I can not go if you want."
"No, this is important for you, and if it's important for you, it's important for me too. I'll be fine, I promise."
"Okay, if you're sure." Ash replied, glancing back at his hair. "My goodness, why do I even try?!" he exclaimed at the mess on his head.
Serena giggled. "Well, you're just combing it the wrong way. Here, let me help." She stood up, and grabbed the comb from Ash. She combed through it as Ash ducked down slightly. When she finally stopped, she stood up straight. "Ta-da! Done."
"Wow, thanks Serena." Ash replied, turning from the mirror to face Serena.
"Don't mention it. Glad to help."
They smiled at each other, their eyes lingering for a few more seconds, until Ash stopped abruptly. "Um, I better make sure that I have my suit, just wait here a minute."
"Oh, um, okay." Serena said. Ash walked out of the bathroom, and Serena sighed. Did I do something wrong? she wondered.
"Pika-Pi?" Pikachu asked.
Serena glanced at the mouse. "Pikachu, what am I doing?"
"Pika?"
"I just, I dunno, Ash still seems a little off ever since the other day. I'm not doing anything wrong am I?"
Pikachu lept over to Serena, hugging her leg. "Pika-Pikachu." the pokemon replied sweetly.
Serena smiled. "I'm glad you still like me. I wish I could talk to you like Veronica can."
Pikachu looked up at Serena, posing in a little shrug. "Pika-Pika."
"Serena!" Ash called. "I'm in trouble."
Serena peeked out of the bathroom. "Yeah, what is it?"
"I packed my suit for the trip, just in case I needed it, but it's too small on me!"
Serena glanced at Ash. He was wearing a black suit, but the pant legs were at least three inches too short, and the jacket wasn't doing much better. Serena frowned. "Yeah, we'll need to fix that."
"You think we can find one in the market?"
"Maybe, let's check today."
"Sounds like a plan. It'll be like our mission!"
Serena giggled. "Okay then, let's go."
"Hello, welcome to the Aclean clothing shop. How can I help you?"
"Hi, we need to get a suit, for him." Serena said, gesturing to Ash.
"We'd love to help, come right this way good sir." the attendant replied. Ash and Serena made their way behind the attendant as she walked through the store. "Is there any specific color you have a preference for?"
"No, not really. I just need one for tonight."
"Oh, so you're going to the Champions' day dinner, congratulations."
"Thank you." Ash replied. "So, what do you think is good."
"Okay, you'd look really nice in a navy blue color, I think I know just the one for you." the attendant replied. She walked around the store, picking up a pure navy blue suit, along with a white shirt. "How does this one look?"
"Wow, it looks great! Can I try it on?"
"Of course, the dressing rooms are just down there."
"Cool, come on Pikachu."
"Pika-Pi!"
Ash and Pikachu dashed down to the dressing room, leaving Serena behind. The attendant gestured to a bench. "And you can sit there if you'd like. Call me if you need anything."
"Thank you so much." Serena replied. The attendant walked back to the counter and Serena took a seat next to the bench, sighing.
"Well, hello sir!" the attendant exclaimed. Serena perked up, glancing over to the counter. The new customer was obscured by a pillar, but he looked familiar.
"Hello there, I just need this tailored. The sleeves are a little short, and I'd like them let out by about 2 inches."
"Of course, we'll have that ready for you in no time."
"I appreciate that, thank you."
Serena paused, feeling a buzz in her pocket. She pulled it out, only to see a picture of her mother. Serena sighed, putting it back in her pocket. "Great another message." she commented, sarcasm tinting her voice, but guilt in her expression.
"Parent troubles huh?" a voice commented. Serena looked up, to see a familiar face.
"Mr. Ivy?"
"Hello Serena, I didn't expect to see you in a place like this." the businessman commented.
"Oh, I'm here for Ash. He's going to the Champions' dinner, but he needs a new suit."
"I see." Mr. Ivy replied. "Have a seat, let's talk." Serena moved slightly, so the large man could sit. "How're you doing today?" he asked.
"I'm doing well, how's Veronica?"
"Oh, she's doing fine, I promised her an uninterrupted day with Zach, so I'm just running some errands."
"That was nice of you."
"Yeah, he may not be my favorite person in the world, but, he cares a great deal about my daughter, and I respect that."
"Yeah, I get that." Serena replied.
"So, parent troubles?"
Serena frowned. "Um, yeah."
"I don't mean to be nosy, but, that looked a lot like a Rhyhorn racer I saw."
"Yeah, she races. She wanted me to do it too, but, I found something else."
"And I'm glad for it." he boomed, Serena wincing slightly at the volume. "You're the greatest performer seen since Aria."
"Thanks, but, she's out of it now. She got hurt, and, well, she's kinda-"
"I see." Mr. Ivy hummed. "So, what's the problem?"
"It's, um, complicated."
"Of course, I didn't mean to impose." Mr. Ivy replied, leaning back. "I'm sure it is, but, can I tell you a story?"
Serena nodded. "Sure."
"Alright, but I must warn you, I say this in complete confidence. This is a personal story that I'm sharing with you, and I don't want you to go blab about it."
Serena nodded. "Don't worry, I won't."
"Alright," Mr. Ivy began. "This happened, say, 5 years ago. Veronica was 14 at the time, but she wasn't interested in going on a journey, so she stayed with me and her mother. But, unfortunately, her mother, died, from a Seviper bite."
Serena frowned. "I'm so sorry."
"It was hard on us all, but Veronica especially was devastated. They were close, her mother and her, and I wasn't able to fully fill that hole. Even now, that's a very vulnerable spot for her."
"Is, that why you're so protective of her?"
Mr. Ivy chuckled. "Sharp as a tack, you are. She's all the family I have left, and we've looked out for each other through it all. She is my one precious gem, which is why if Zach lifts a finger on her, I'll personally see to it that he's fed to Groudon."
Serena giggled. "I'm glad you and Veronica are so close."
"Me too, and it can be that way for you too. That's my point is Serena, I encourage you to not give up on your family too easily. From what I see, they just want to make you happy. Your mother did let you go on a journey, didn't she?"
Serena nodded, looking down. "Yeah, she did."
"I'm sure, that with time, you can work through it with your family, but you need to be willing to take the call when it comes." he said, pointing to her pokedex. Looked from Mr. Ivy to her pokedex. She sighed.
"Thank you Mr. Ivy."
"Honored to help." he replied. As if on cue, Ash walked stepped out the door. Serena turned to face him, but was a little shocked when he walked out with it in is arm and not on him. "Why, hello again."
"Oh, hi Mr. Ivy." Ash replied, Pikachu bounding out of the room just behind him. "Whatcha doing?"
"I'm waiting for my suit jacket to be tailored."
"Yeah, I think I need to do that too. This suit's a little too big."
"Let's ask the attendant again."
"Ask me what?" the attendant added, walking over.
"This suit's a little small." Ash explained.
The attendant nodded, her expression turning thoughtful. "If that's too small, my one concern is that we don't have one that is your size. If you like it, we can modify it slightly, but that's rather expensive."
Ash and Serena looked at eachother. "How expensive are we talking about here?"
"5000 poke-dollars."
Serena looked at Ash. "We don't have that much!"
"Yeah, I'm still skimping from the hotel. What're we gonna do?"
"I'll take care of it." Mr. Ivy added.
Ash turned to face Mr. Ivy. "Really?"
"Of course." he boomed. "Anything for a friend of Veronica's." He handed a card to the attendant. "Do what you need to do."
"Of course sir." the attendant replied, swiping the card. "Your modifications will be done by 2 at the latest."
"Excellent." Mr. Ivy stated. "But work on his suit first, I'm in no rush."
"Of course."
"Thank you so much." Serena added. "And thank you Mr. Ivy."
"Of course, now, I'm afraid I must be off." the businessman replied, glancing at his watch. "If I'm going to be done before Veronica's is, I need to finish my list. I wish you two luck, in all your endeavors. Until we meet again." he continued, backing out.
"Thank you!" Ash called.
"Thanks again!"
"Alright sir, I'll need to see the suit on you so I can make the alterations."
"Cool!" Ash replied enthusiastically.
As Serena waited on the bench, Pikachu bounded out of the back room. "Pika-Pi!"
"Oh, hey Pikachu." Serena commented.
The back door opened fully, and out walked Ash. He had the navy blue suit on, with a white shirt and tie. He was looking at himself, utterly fascinated. "Wow, this looks great."
"I'm glad you think so." the attendant replied, stepping out of the back room."
"Hey Serena, what do you think?"
Serena stared at Ash. The air around him just glistened as he smiled. He looks so, handsome! She brushed her hair back, blushing slightly. "You look great Ash."
"Alright, then you're good to go. I'll get a bag for that."
As the attendant walked into the back room, and Ash took a seat. "Thanks for waiting Serena, I know that took a while."
"N-No problem Ash." she replied, still blushing.
"Is something wrong Serena?"
"N-No, I'm fine, it's just. You, um, look really nice is all."
Ash looked blankly at Serena for a moment, but then smiled. "Thanks Serena, I'm glad you like it. You're great with that fashion stuff, I'd be totally sunk without you."
"Well, I really didn't have a say in it, but, I'm glad you value my opinion. I mean, I think it looks really nice on you." Serena added.
"Really?"
"I mean, yeah you wear a lot of the same clothes often, but you look really nice." Serena's face completely reddened. "Not to say you don't look nice normally, I mean I like how you look! That's not to say I don't like you just for that, I just meant, ugh!" she buried her face in her lap. "Why do I even say anything." she mumbled.
Suddenly, she felt a warmth on her hand. Serena glanced down to see Ash's hand take hers, and he scooted closer to her. "It's okay, I get it. Don't worry about it."
As she sat up, she leaned her head on his shoulder. Ash immediately flushed. "Uh, Serena, what're you doing?"
Serena immediately sat up. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."
"It's not, I just-"
"I made it awkward didn't I? I'm sorry Ash." she replied, hiding her face with her hands.
"No Serena, you didn't do anything wrong, I just, didn't see that coming."
Serena sighed. "Don't worry about it, I won't do it again."
"Serena, no I didn't mean to make you upset, it's just, I don't know."
The attendant walked out of the back room. "Sorry, that took longer than expected."
"You know what, I didn't change out of the suit. Thanks for the bag." Ash said, standing up. He made his way to the dressing room, while Serena sat on the bench, her face still in her hands.
He did it again, I was trying to be close, and he pushed me away. What's going on here? Is he scared? I didn't mean to make him feel uncomfortable. I just, want to be close. Serena sighed. I don't want to ruin it.
As soon as Ash came out of the dressing room, he walked over to Serena and Pikachu, carrying the bag in his hands. "Well, I'm ready to go. Let's head out Serena."
"Um, yeah, okay." Serena replied.
The group wandered out of the store, Ash leading with Serena following close behind. She stared at Ash as he walked. He's probably shy. That has to be it. He said so himself that he gets nervous when girls get close. But he was close when we talked by the cliff, so what's the problem here?
Wait. No.
Ash wouldn't do that. Serena thought. He said he learned his lesson, he wouldn't try and trick me, but, he would say something to try and make me happy. That's just who he is. But, he wouldn't lead me on. Would he?
Uh-oh, Serena's getting nervous, but in her defense, I'd wonder too. Anyway, unfortunately, I am the bringer of bad news. For this NanoWrimo parody writing flurry, my teacher says I can only work on one story at a time.
Because this story has over 50,000 words already (the goal for the story writing class) I had no choice but to pick my Overwatch story as my focus for the month. But don't worry, I will come back, just, this will probably be my last chapter I post for the month. I'm sorry.
Anyway, be sure to tell me how I did in the reviews, if you have questions just let me know. Until next time!
Zippy
