GS Ball unlocked

Chapter 52, Our own path to follow


"What did you say?" Didn't Serena wanted his help finding Aria? He blamed himself for Aria's capture and what happened to her and wanted to get the former Kalos Queen out of the situation he created. While Serena had other idea's.

"Stay here and train. Learn everything there is to learn. You want to get the GS ball back right? That's the whole reason you came here."

While Ash was doubting about Archer's offer Serena already made peace with it. As much as it hurt Serena to see him leave again this would be the right decision. It would be the best for the region right now if Ash would get even stronger.

"But what about…" With him still having doubts about it Serena showed him some tough love. As a Kalos Queen it was needed to give it to people who needed it.

"I know you want to help. But after what I heard today made me realize what you were denied."

With this new knowledge about how exactly Team Union was connected to him Serena knew there was a new world and abilities he should've discovered in the five years since he left for the first time.

"You and Greninja earned this. You've been separated when you never should've. Maybe if you stuck together you would discover all your hidden powers in time. Now you have a chance to learn everything about it in record time."

Today made Serena realize that Ash and Greninja's parting never should've happened. She couldn't imagine how hard it would be to leave one of her Pokémon behind without knowing how they were doing. And Ash had to leave his Chosen partner behind.

"You always did things for other people without asking anything in return. You and him have been missing out on so much. And doesn't Greninja want this too?"

It wasn't like Ash to disregard his Pokémon's feelings to do something he wanted for himself. Greninja was a Pokémon who chose Ash because he had an ambition to grow stronger. He picked her crush to draw out his maximum potential and now that they could Ash refused it.

Even without looking at the Ninja Pokémon Ash could sense it. Greninja wanted, no. He needed this. This would haunt Ash for the rest of his life if he would not take Archer's offer.

"Can I make a case on why you should stay dear?" Vivian had been quietly listening in on their conversation. It was noisy of the old lady but it was clear to her the young man needed guidance. She might not be as powerful as her husband and his student but she still had a few things up her sleeve to make him convince otherwise.

"They are after you and nobody else since they think you're the only one with a Battle Bond. If you disappear for a while you'll drive them crazy and force them out in the open. They'll come to you and will expose themselves to lure you out. Nobody knows we're here except for the five of us."

The two youngsters had to agree. When Nina guided them through the forest they went through so many twists and turns that you would at least have to walk it twenty times before you would get a decent enough sense of direction on where to go.

"And if you stay hidden they will have no choice but to bring out your friend as bait. They need you more than you need them."

Serena agreed with Vivian. Trying anything to convince Ash to stay.

"It makes it easier for us for them to get out. Now that we know why they need you let's see them bring up the patience you did while waiting for one to pop up. Give them a taste of their own medicine."

She hated the feeling of them popping up out of nowhere. The thought of the shoe being on the other foot for once gave her some comfort. But not as much as Ash's next words would do.

"We'll do it."

Serena didn't feel hurt at all. At least she knew what he would be doing right now instead of him just strolling in the canyons. Being apart from him again might not have been her choice but it was for the best.

Archer then joined them and asked exactly why Ash and Greninja were separated. After explaining the cause of their separation Archer now had an indication of the time needed for them to get up to speed.

"At least a month for the basic abilities. While Nina's complete training lasted for two years at the least. That's knowledge related. Something you can pick up after battle training."

"That's too long. I want to train with you but a month is too long. I can't stay that long." Ash was prepared for maybe a few days. But knowing a whole month would go by was something that made him doubt again. He felt a hand on his shoulder.

"It's fine Ash. We can manage." Serena comforted him. Ash had to focus completely on his training or else it might take longer than that. All she could do now was comfort him and clear his thoughts so that he would do his best.

"Are you sure?" He would feel terrible if something happens to her and he could stop it.

"But what if they go to far? With Aria they didn't show any limits. What happens if one shows up and they'll go after Serena? You know how dangerous they are?"

"You worry too much. We have a more than capable substitute who can keep your friend safe." Archer called his own personal Noctowl to fetch his first student just before Vivian stopped him.

"I'll go tell her myself. It might come as bad news for her." A bit more emotion was needed for bringing the message. Nina was loyal but she still had feelings. And Vivian already knew how the silver haired girl would answer.


"He wants what from me!?"

The silver haired girl cursed her luck. Was the thought of finally working with a Battle Bond user her age finally coming true, was she stuck locating another person just after she could find Ash.

"Terrific. Another search."

And the worst part is she was stuck with a girl who knew a bit too much about Battle Bond users despite not being one herself. The blonde haired girl gave off a proper aura that she wasn't hostile but the outsider's knowledge on the subject was a bit too much for the silver haired girl's liking. Outsiders having knowledge of this would only cause problems.

Ash's current issues with Team Union proof of it.

Vivian watching from a distance noticed her frustration and knew exactly where it came from. And she didn't need special powers for it like her husband and Nina would.

"I know how much you've been looking forward to this. But truth is after discovering they've been apart for some time Archer need to focus all his attention on him. And you know what you have to do complete your training entirely."

There was one thing Nina was lacking in order to have a perfect Bond with her Primarina. Even with her mentor's guidance she had trouble achieving it, since this was something the female pair had to figure out by themselves.

"Yeah. I know. But no matter how much I practice I just can't seem to get it right."

And it was infuriating. Vivian continued giving her advice. Anything to help her come to terms with the situation.

"I know how hard you've been working. Maybe you need to look at it from a different angle. Learn from an expert in that area. Try it out and listen to what they have to say."

"They have to listen to me first. And you know I'm not keen on others hearing my issues. People can get noisy."

"What you think noisy might be caring instead. The girl with Ash seemed noisy."

"She knows too much." Defending her stance on the Kalos Queen. Vivian disagreed.

"She knows what she needs to know. I can clearly see she cares. Maybe you'll make a new friend with her. She seems like a nice girl. And you wouldn't let her come with the boy if she didn't give you a positive aura." Nina knew exactly why she brought her along. And it had nothing to do about who Serena is acting to be.

"I did it because I could see…" The trick with the sight well known to the old woman.

"You need to trust people more Nina."

After her training started Vivian had the feeling that not a day went by without Nina having her sight up. This was great for now but in time of peace there was no need for it. First impressions count but the silver haired girl judged people before they even talked to her.

"I know who I can trust."

"Without using your sight to identify them." The old lady warned her. This earned a small groan of annoyance from Nina.

"You need to open up more to people. You can't go on like this forever. What are you going to do after Ash and you beat Team Union? Have you been thinking that far ahead?"

Nina didn't think that far ahead. She was more of a person that followed the road and would see where it would end up. Her travels never brought what she expected so she never had planned that far ahead. Seeing that the girl had no response the old lady would leave Nina alone for now to ponder on it.

"Try and take some time off after you rescue the girl. Maybe you'll discover new that you'll come to love."

The old lady had nothing more to say for now. Her husband should be finished by now explaining what the Greninja's trainer was in for. Nina having selected the Pokémon she decided to take on her rescue mission slowly walked back to her mentor's home.

The two trainers she brought here were standing outside. The girl looking a bit gloom. Ash already had his Noivern out. The Dragon type would fly Serena to whatever destination the Kalos Queen wanted before he would join up with Ash again.

And now the moment Ash had been dreading all day. His goodbye to Serena.

"Keep her safe." Ash told Noivern. It wasn't as much as a question than a demand. He'd never forgive himself if something happened to her. Serena for the umpteenth time reassured him.

"You just worry about your training. I'll be fine." And being away from Ash for now gave Serena the opportunity to get her own affairs in order.

She still wanted to hear Francine's complete story on how she ended up a member of Team Union and why she thinks Palermo left her lying in the scorching canyons. With Ash around the former Kalos Queen might be more reluctant to tell her story directing her attention on him rather than her.

"I want to talk to her you know. I don't want to bother you with it."

"You can always bother me." Ash told her. A second later he realized what he said and immediately went back on it.

"I mean…You're not a bother. You've never been a bother. Why would I say you bothered me? Just forget I said it."

"I know what you mean. I won't let it bother me." Serena making light of the situation by joking. Having said what needed to be said she enveloped him in a hug.

"Stay safe." Serena didn't know what came over her. Even when she knew he would see him again she reacted as if he would be away for another five years. But there was no denying she enjoyed the contact.

"I wish we could do this more often."

Ash as well was enjoying it. The fact that she hugged them after all the tricks he played on her made him realize things would be okay between them. She didn't bear a grudge and he was planning to make it up to her by asking her to hang out and do whatever Serena wanted for a change.

It gave him the vigor to finally put himself to his upcoming training. Serena was counting on him to get stronger and he would. By the end of the month he will be a master of Battle Bond and use the power Greninja and he should have to beat Team Union's leader and get the GS ball back.

"You too."

Releasing the hug he went over to the person who was the reason he was here in the first place. Nina might be like him but he wasn't going to give her a free pass. Now that he was forced to leave Serena in her hands his attitude shifted.

"If something is wrong call immediately." His mood was as serious as just before a battle. Serena felt happy that he worried about her this much. Nina took up the challenge.

"I'll be expecting a battle to the end next time with you. No interruptions like in the canyon." Nina herself didn't agree with some things. She was hoping on an all out battle with Ash after he finished his training.

"I'll hold you to it." At least he had someone to test the results against without any fear of going too far. The silver haired girl now directed her attention to her new companion.

"Ready to go?" Saying her final goodbye to Ash, Serena climbed on Noivern's back ready to head to Cyllage City to meet up with Shauna again. Nina went on her Swanna and together the two girls flew towards the opposite side of the region leaving Ash behind.

As the trainer from Pallet Town saw them heading to the horizon he felt Archer's hand on his shoulder giving him a stern look.

"Ready to begin?"

Class was now in session.


I was never that keen on Popplio but I love its evolutionary line. Unfortunately you get stuck with a male starter most of the time. So I had a male Primarina. Guess after who I named him.

EEEEEEEEEEEEVIIIIIIL!

Also screw Ultra Necrozma. Like that thing needs a stat boost to begin with. Here I am just enjoying my adventure when suddenly that thing showed. Well, time to spend all my money on Revives.

See you around.