I do not own Pokémon in any type of way. Game freak, Nintendo, T.V Tokyo and any other contributors to Pokémon do.
This is written in third person point of view.
So hey, I hope you like this chapter.
Check out my other stories
Ensnared and Ash Ketchum: Life Adventurer.
Review please.
I would love to hear your thoughts.
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2 Weeks Since the Turntable Turned Over Serena's Mind.
"I don't understand why you don't want to participate. Aria has even called me to ensure you said no." Bonnie babbled as she crossed the busy street of Lumiose with Serena. The two different blond girls were having a day of shopping. They were looking for clothes, food, shoes and even tools. Serena never questioned Bonnie while they were in the hardware store.
"I have my reasons to not walk in the show, Bonnie. I told you already I took a mandated leave of absence. I told my agent, my manager and Palermo that I will not work for 6 months. I don't want to discuss it." Serena said hotly as she stopped her friend in front of a large window.
"Serena, what happened the day before Clemont's birthday party?" Bonnie asked, Serena had shocked her fans, her staff, her producer and her friends when she announced she would be going on hiatus for half a year after this tour. She announced it on stage for everyone. Not even Palermo had known and it shook the core of Serena's world. She held her head high as she left the stage and the performer's life temporarily.
In that moment, she remembered Palermo's grim expression when she came back into the tour bus to head towards the airport that night.
Flash back
"A heads up would have been nice, Miss Yvonne." Palermo's icy voice rang through Serena's room on the bus.
"Would you have allowed me?" Serena asked, she was brushing her hair on her bed.
"Of course not!" Palermo said, as if the notion was ridiculous. Serena stared at her.
"I told you, I needed a break and you insisted on extending the tour." Serena remained calm. She was drained and exhausted.
"Do you know how much money we will be losing because of your selfish decision."
Serena looked at the woman. She wasn't shocked by her words; she wasn't shocked at the situation. She was numb.
"I don't mind being selfish Palermo, I have worked for years, since I was 17, I was working. My fans will be the only people who would understand. As for the industry, I don't care. Someone else will have their time to shine." Serena said, mustering all the strength she had.
Palermo watched her in shock at the uncharacteristically rude behaviour. What astonished Serena was the hint of a smile she almost saw before Palermo's face turned back into the cold scowls face.
"Your fans won't wait for you." With that, Palermo left the room and headed to where the other crew members were.
Serena sat on her bed, before breaking down once again.
End of Flash back
"I'm fine now, Bonnie. That's all that matters." Serena tried to smile but it came out more as a grimace.
Bonnie stared at her friend in worry before nodding. When Serena was ready to tell her, Bonnie knew she would.
"C'mon, I want to go to that café with the poke puffs. Dusknoir has been craving them. Such a gentle giant." Bonnie said, giggling a bit as she thought of the image. Serena didn't move, pretending to admire the tennis bracelet in the window.
"I don't really feel for a break…why don't we go to Psyduck's?" Serena reasoned.
"What? Serena, you love going to the Java's café, it's your haven." Bonnie was baffled at Serena's choice. Serena wouldn't look at Bonnie in her face. Bonnie felt lost for a moment before she remembered Ash telling her, he followed Serena into that particular café.
"He's not in Kalos, Serena. He flew out to Sinnoh a few day ago to do some business with Paul." Bonnie said shaking her head. "If that's what you were worrying about."
"What?" Serena shrieked, although very relieved to hear something of his whereabouts. "I just thought you wanted an option but sure let's go! I promised Kirlia I would get her some Poke puffs to bring home.
The ladies arrived and settled down to have some lunch. It was a gorgeous day in Lumiose city. It was a warm, blue skied day. The trees had a wonderful green complexion to them after some weeks of light rain. Java's was playing a rare mix of slow jazz, the piano being the main frontrunner. It gave the midday a rather relaxed feel. The fletchings were flying about, making nests and what not. Dedenne and Meowstic could be seen running up and out of streets. People had on their normal light sun dresses and casual wear, enjoying such a rare day in the sun. Serena and Bonnie certainly loved the ambiance of the day and had quite a day planned ahead of them.
For once, Serena relaxed knowing she didn't need to watch over her back for Ash. She was afraid what he might do next. She was afraid he might actually wear her down. He was playing dirty, nostalgia, memories, who he was. Serena sipped her coffee in thought, watching Bonnie talk excitedly about some Rhyhorn race she was participating in.
"How about you do a practice run with me? For old times' sake?" Bonnie asked innocently. Serena scoffed at the notion, her Rhyhorn days were well behind her much to the chagrin of her mother, Grace.
"Do you want my mother to get one of her senses again?" Serena sarcastically retorted. Bonnie twitched her lips before rolling her eyes.
"I am not asking you to win the Rhyhorn series, it is just so I have a strong opponent and Clemont is such a coward he won't even ride a Skiddo. C'mon, it's been ages since you rode one. I could use the help." Bonnie pleaded, cutting into her meal.
"I don't know Bonnie, I wanted to relax today." Serena mumbled.
"You've been on lockdown since you feared 'Mr Ketchum.'" Her voice going a high falsetto over his name, Serena rolled her eyes, "would come and throw a magical gala in your honour if you go anywhere in public. Relax. I think he's waiting to do that when he catches you." Bonnie conversed easily, as if about the weather.
"Bonnie! When? There is no when in this, Ash has freaking lost it!" Serena mildly screeched as she drank some water to calm her nerves. Bonnie wasn't helping at all with her smirk. She watched her friend become frazzled, she was amused by this.
"Serena, why are you agitated? The man placed a gift for you. He didn't ask for marriage. If you don't care, why is it bothering you so much?" Bonnie asked quietly. Serena sighed a bit. Forcing calming breaths throughout her body. Serena was silent for the first time since they sat down. She watched Bonnie, allowing for a brief moment to be vulnerable with her friend.
"It's Ash, Bonnie. You know who that is?" Serena said, quietly, her eyes staring into Bonnie, willing her to understand. Bonnie nodded. The fight leaving her as Serena's feelings were shared.
"Ash is capable of so many things to me. To allow myself to feel? Especially towards him, is a big no. I don't want to like Ash. I don't want to be around him, but that history, that adventure, that charm he knows he arrogantly has…"
"It feels more like the thrill of a chase is what he is after rather than the person." Serena said quietly.
Bonnie listened, knowing fully well Serena had it all wrong. Bonnie remembered the conversation she had with Ash over the phone. This wasn't a chase to Ash. It was what he believed his destiny. Ash didn't like girls like that. He never liked a girl, girls tended to like and Ash would be sucked into a relationship he didn't really know how he got in. Bonnie very well could not say that. Ash had to prove Serena wrong. Till he did, would Serena fight him.
Love was such work, Bonnie thought. To be in love was work. To achieve it, was blissful.
"I get it Serena but don't let what Ash is doing, throw off your vacation. You sacrificed a lot for you to be free for a time. Go out, Ash … forget Ash for a moment and just breathe." Bonnie said, wiping her mouth as she finished her meal. "I'm sure, Ash might give up soon. You know?"
Serena didn't understand why it struck something inside her at Bonnie's last statement. There was the chance he would give up. Serena forced a smile before nodding.
"Hey," Bonnie called to her once more, "What do you say about the Rhyhorn track later?" Serena looked at her, confused. She gave in.
"Fine, I'll practice with you, promise me, Clemont is not going to freak out. Tell him, he can make an invention while we practice." Serena said, knowing her best friend would ride with them because he thought it was the gentleman thing to do.
"Deal." Bonnie giggled. The friends finished up and agreed to meet later in the day before heading back to their respected houses.
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3 hours Since Dusknoir Got His Pokepuffs
Bonnie was fastening her riding overalls safely into place. She had a finished braiding her hair around her scalp as an ode to a flower. She placed Dedenne in her pocket before grabbing her bag pack that contained 2 of her Rhyhorn and some items she would need to measure her speed. She left her room and began to make her way to the living room to let Clemont know she was ready.
"Bonnie!" She froze, hearing the familiar sound of her name, she looked up just in time to drop her bag as Ash swooped her in a hug and twirled her around the room, Clemont smiling lazily on the sofa. Glad to see his friend.
"What? What? How?" Bonnie mumbled in surprise as she was confused of Ash's presence.
"I got an earlier flight back, Paul insisted we battle and I slaughtered him for once, He was pouting up until he dropped me off at the airport. Pfft." Ash said happily, placing her back on the floor. He observed her outfit.
"Are you going to Rhyhorn train? Awesome! Give me a few minutes and I'll join you!" With that, Ash waved, missing Bonnie's look of horror before rushing off to his apartment downstairs. Ash had a penthouse as well in the same building, it was smaller than Clemont's but it was enough for Ash to be comfortable and hold some of his Pokémon while staying in Kalos. Most of the time he was by Clemont anyway. Except when Clemont had his ritzy upscale parties, then for some reason Ash would always be late.
"What, but, but, but, CLEMONT!" Bonnie semi yelled at him. Clemont jumped up, not understanding what was wrong.
"What Bonnie?" Clemont asked, fixing his glasses.
"Clemont! Serena is coming to the track to train with me! This will ruin the plan if Ash goes! She's already in edge!" Bonnie told him, pacing a bit as she fixed something in her bag pack.
"Relax, Bonnie." Clemont soothed his sister. They thought like two peas in a pod but he tended to be the more level headed one in certain circumstances. "I know, you told me, remember. Look, I think, this was meant to happen, let Ash think on his feet when he sees her. I have a feeling I might end up as your training partner again, regretfully."
Bonnie gave him a dubious look but nodded. "Fine, but I have to give her some heads up when we reach the track. She will find it suspicious I didn't call her."
"Sure, I can handle that." Clemont appeased.
Ash returned after some minutes, Pikachu was dressed in an adorable suit as well, he pounced on Bonnie to show off. Bonnie smiled. She hoped Clemont was right about it.
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An Hour Since Bonnie's Freak Out.
Serena had decided to take a cab to the practice tracks Clemont had for Bonnie. When the girl expressed interest in racing, her older brother and high society golden boy decided to purchase the track so she would have the facilities. Serena remembered making a comment on if Bonnie wanted to be a doctor, Clemont might have built her a hospital. Clemont shrugged knowing that may be true.
She sat in the backseat of the vintage style cab, looking past Prism tower. She looked at the gorgeous shade of orange the sky had, the beautiful hills of Lumiose, sinking gorgeously in the light. Pichu scuttled about in the cab, keeping her company, looking out from either window, letting out squeaks of joy when she saw something appealing. Pichu had on an adorable riding suit, similar to Serena. It was pink as well but had hearts over them like Pichu's tail. Serena smiled at the Pokémon, stroking her when she would settle on Serena's lap. Electric sparks would be released when she particularly enjoyed Serena's affection.
"Mademoiselle, your destination." The driver spoke softly, coming up to the place. She saw Clemont's town car parked in the reserved space. She paid the driver and got out of the cab, bade in golden light of the setting sun. The path walk was clear of pedestrians. Pichu clutching her shoulder, Serena held her hair down a bit, a smile to her face. She was actually looking forward to a bit of a race.
When she entered the track, she saw a race already in progress. She saw Bonnie on the her Rhyhorn, riding as powerful as ever, her Pokémon gleamed in the boost, but what impressed her was the rider next to her, she couldn't see his face, blocked by protective gear, it seemed the man had held his own, raising against Bonnie, keeping up with her with ease. Serena hadn't seen someone ride like that since when she used to watch her mother. She felt a thrill inside her build. Clemont strolled up to her, a flag in his hand, looking as cool and savvy as ever. He didn't greet her but merely kept her company as she leaned over the fence watching the race take place. Her mid length hair today, blew softly in the wind, she shielded her eyes from the dust and sun as she watched Bonnie get momentum, passing the other rider for some seconds. The rider was on her tail, hanging on. Bonnie was smirking, playing, being coy. Serena saw she looked like Grace when she was competitively racing as opposed to when Grace trained with Serena.
Clemont moved away, seeing the last lap, he hurried to the finish line, before he knew it, Bonnie had crossed the line, cheering loudly and waving the flag madly. Serena jumped, happy for her friend.
She got a feeling, she saw the racer slow down after crossing the line, he jumped down from the Rhyhorn, bending down slowly to congratulate it on a job well done. Serena smiled at the tender moment. Rhyhorn looking a bit sad.
Serena got an idea, she didn't know what overcame her but she took off in a determined strut. She walked passed Clemont and a still happy Bonnie who noticed her and was about to interrupt her motion when Clemont held her back. The rider felt someone watching him and stood up to notice Serena standing behind him. He was about to take off his helmet when Clemont shook his head rapidly, motioning for him to be cool. Bonnie looked at them both in disbelief.
"Would you like to race me now?" Clemont, Bonnie and the rider looked at her, stunned. Serena didn't usually race unless with high amounts of begging and bribery. For her to willingly want to race was a treat. She wasn't bad, she was good, she wasn't good, she was remarkable, Grace still held some reproach over her not wanting to pursue the career.
Bonnie knocked Clemont in his sides with her elbow, he wheezed, letting her go, she ran over to Serena.
"Serena! Serena! Wait, that's!" Serena looked at the girl not understanding her distorted voice.
"Sure!" The deep voice agreed loudly before Bonnie could finish. Bonnie glared at Clemont, as if this was all his fault. Bonnie had a feeling the rider was teasing her behind the protective mask.
"Great." Serena said, serious. Pichu jumped off of Serena and seemed to have scuttled off somewhere. Serena paid no heed. She released her own Rhyhorn and took the Pokémon to get warmed up.
Serena didn't notice the heated argument taking place with the rider and Bonnie. She didn't notice Clemont trying to mediate, she didn't notice Pikachu and Pichu having a ball on the high shades of the track. All she focused on in that moment was getting a feeling of will. To race her Rhyhorn. To feel excitement once again. She felt something during that race, something she hadn't felt in so long.
She felt like her heart was… warm again.
"Right! I'm ready!" Serena called for, she already had begun her walk to the starting base. The rider looked up, hastily, if Serena wasn't focused on her mind, she would have noticed the sporadic behaviour of the rider, the panicking face of Bonnie, Clemont cool as a cucumber. The rider fist bumped Clemont, playfully poked Bonnie before leading Rhyhorn to the race track. Serena didn't notice the rider admiring her, watching her put on her own helmet, Serena didn't see the sweet smile behind the mask. Serena didn't notice the signature blue overalls the rider had on and the fact A.K was embroidered on it in soft light blue.
The rider shook his head, focused once again, Serena saw him take a deep breath, observing the rise in his chest.
Clemont could be heard giving the rules and then the count down.
Serena focused, not understanding the thrill.
"GO!" Clemont shouted.
Not a moment was lost when the both Rhyhorn shot out, steam being left in their trail. The rider got the advantage, pushing, moving to ensure Rhyhorn got speed. Serena squinted, unable to see that. She looked straight ahead and willed Rhyhorn to move. The majestic Pokémon roared, sensing her plea, it pushed, reaching alongside the opponent. The rider noticed Serena, he watched her, he hesitated before focusing once again. Clemont and Bonnie could be heard cheering, not for anyone in particular, just cheering, edging them on.
Serena thought about performing, she thought about the stage, the lights, the roar of the crowd, sold out stadiums, her on the stage, doing what she loved. Serena thought about her dancing, she saw herself, moving, feeling the body as it played along the movement, she saw herself singing, a soul song, feeling and emotion present. She saw the long nights, herself in a mirror, looking tired and lost, looking angry at everything. Long nights in the studio, Palermo adding more things, Serena disappointing her Pokémon, unable to give them downtime, Serena not able to spend time with them. She saw frustration in her eyes. Serena saw Ash, she saw him, waiting for her to be done, patiently, her throat closed, her eyes closed as she pushed passed and willed Rhyhorn to show her the way.
Tears escaped, wetting her cheeks, she moved further, unable to think. She pushed until…
"GOAL!" Clemont shouted, Serena opened her eyes, tears spurting off her face, freeing her, a smile on her face. A laugh of happiness being heard.
The rider halted the Rhyhorn, settling him down, not even bothering to pass the finish line, it wasn't a race after all he realized. He saw a familiar yellow running up to him.
"Pika Pi!" Pikachu jumped on him, burying himself into the man's neck. Same time he noticed another yellow mouse, she too jumped on him, saddling up to where Pikachu was, greeting softly with a contented "Chu!"
The rider got down, both Pikachu in his arm before checking Rhyhorn, giving it a sitrus berry.
Serena was busy hugging her Rhyhorn, bonding and giving her thanks for helping her.
She stood up to say her thanks to the rider when she noticed Pichu in his arm, next to…
"Pikachu?" The yellow mouse heard his name, turned and saw Serena, excitedly he jumped off and ran up to her, happily shouting "PIKAA! PIKAA!" Serena didn't know to react, she sub- consciously opened her arms for the mouse, pulling him to her body in a hug. Staring at the rider, she was putting the pieces together. It fell into place when Ash took off his helmet, waving at her, Pichu still clutched in his arm.
"Ash?" Serena asked, a soft murmur. Bonnie sighed, coming up to her.
"I tried to tell you but, I'm kind of glad I didn't. You needed to run that race." Bonnie said before walking away, going up to Ash and checking Rhyhorn as well.
Serena didn't know what to do….
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10 minutes after the Reveal Orama.
Ten Seconds before Bonnie Mannered Ash.
"I told you she was going to be here! Now look! Ash, you better fix this or I swear to Arceus I'm going to stick this pole where the sun doesn't shine!" Bonnie angrily said, gesturing violently, Clemont, holding her back while Ash had his hands up in surrender. Serena had been sitting up in the stands, minding her own business, not really looking at anything. She honestly forgot about everything. She was thinking about so many things; her universe was so different. So, complex but so simple by the command of her voice.
"Bonnie, she asked me to race! Chill! I'll deal with it." Ash said, he watched as Pichu and Pikachu sat with Serena, not leaving her side as she stared into the night sky, not able to see the stars due to the lights Clemont had installed.
"C'mon Bonnie, you have to train now." Clemont said, relieved when she went with him. Clemont gave Ash an exasperated look before leading his sister away.
Ash observed her and decided to head up the stands. He made the way, eyeing Pikachu so he would not sell him out. Ash approached delicately to the honey blond. He noticed her hair was shorter today, same dark blond he always liked on her. He took a seat next to her, an inch away, forgetting boundaries. He looked at the sky with her. He didn't announce himself. He sat with her. Never moving. Pichu came up to him, begging for affection, he mindlessly returned, staring as Bonnie began to train with her two Rhyhorn, Clemont busy using some device to 'help.'
It was a breezy night, surprisingly. The trees could visibly be seen fluttering in rapid sways as the wind coaxed them. Lumiose city was in its usually bright flair, Prism tower could be seen, very distanced but the signature fluttering of lights could show it from even as far as where Ash sat.
Pichu scurried all over Ash, unsure where to settle on him, enjoying the trainer, blushing when he would look or smile at her. Pikachu would follow along.
...
...
...
"How do you it?" Serena asked out of the blue, she scared Ash a bit, for a second he felt himself jump. Her voice punctured the quiet that Ash was unsure for a moment.
"Um, pardon?" Ash asked.
"How do you get your voice? In a battle? How do you let the world know you're the one in charge?"
Ash looked at her wide eyed. He was completely lost at that question. Even the phrasing stumbled him but he took a blind stab.
"I don't, I just follow what I think is right. What is true for myself, and my Pokémon. Once they are okay, the battle is mine." Ash said, playing with his cap a bit. Serena wasn't looking at him but nodded her understanding. Ash made a bubble face before folding his arms. He stopped fidgeting and allowed the both Pikachu to climb all over him.
Soft breeze began to blow, Serena's hair began to sway a bit, Ash became entranced by it. He wasn't sure how Serena was still sitting, knowing he was here, he half expected her to storm off already. He realized quickly something else was going on with her, he realized it when he saw her, her face crumpled in some emotion as she rode Rhyhorn, he saw her connect with her Pokémon, ensuring their emotions were met.
"Have you ever not wanted to battle?" Serena asked again, Ash was prepared this time but was caught off guard by the question. He considered it and looked up at the sky. His hands resting back against the seat.
"Once," Ash's answer made Serena focus back on reality. She cleared her eyes and focused on him, surprised to see Pichu bouncing on his stomach while Pikachu watched the fun by his side.
"It was right after I made Champion, every day, none stop battling with new trainers, seasoned trainers who wanted to evaluate themselves, it was the none stop exhibitions, reporting to agents, reporting to mangers, reporting to a board, I simply didn't want to anymore." Ash scratched his face. He placed a hand on Pichu, calming her of her fun instantly. Another trait of a skilled Pokémon trainer. Pikachu ran over Ash's legs in order to get to Serena. Plopping himself on her thigh.
"What did you do?" Ash looked at her, she had her hand holding down her hair, she was watching him in an expression he was never familiar with on Serena's face. He scratched Pichu's head in thought.
"I reminded myself why I loved it. Of course, I love it. It's my livelihood. What reminded me of my love for it, was my Pokémon. I realized battling was just a sub part of it all, my main focus is my Pokémon, all Pokémon, I wanted to be a Pokémon master and I have achieved that status. I had to find the love I had for it again. Does that make sense?" Ash said, feeling a bit unsure at what he was saying. Serena continued to stare at him, not giving him an answer.
"Look, I don't know what I am saying makes sense but I can tell you, if at a point in your life, you feel like to not do something you love, take a break from it, eventually your love for it will pull you back. If you don't get the pull, it means you have taken everything you can learn from it and now it's time for you to find something else, for you to fall in love with. A new path in life. I can't say I know of that because, battling has always pulled me back, I could never be done with it because a battle never remains the same, I control that." Ash finished. He stood up, he understood Serena was somewhere else. She needed to clear her mind. He couldn't help himself though. He took the moment of her distraction. He stooped next to her, making her look at him. He took his hand and gently passed it through the soft strands of hair on the back of her head, Serena froze, looking at him. Not knowing how to react to such a gentle touch.
"Think about it, you'll find your answer." Ash said softly, looking at her with a tender expression before standing, holding out his arm in front the two Pikachu, allowing them to jump up to his shoulders before he took off. He walked away quickly, praying Serena was still watching him. He never looked back.
He never saw her pull out the ribbon out of her pocket, into her hand, looking at it, sighing before looking at the sky once more.
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Tell me your thoughts?
~FireFlyVal~