Pokémon Journey: Kalos Quest
Hey guys welcome to Chapter 44,and the first chapter of the Kalos Quest. Well hope you guys were satisfied with the previous Chapter,(not the last one,the chapter before that AKA 42.)
So I promise to reveal my intentions since I decided to come forward,and a few of you already know and peak through some of the layers,so here it is: When I started this book I wanted it to be the kind everyone will enjoy. When I went in a new direction It was because of you guys this book couldn't be anymore better. You guys keep me inspired. If I could ask a favor to...anyone who's interested. Think about this...thing that is linked to this entire book's philosophy.
"The Long Game."
If you guys didn't noticed,these chapters Past,Present,and Future are connected. The best thing I think to keep you guys hooked is to keep you guessing. Some people thought that Ash and Serena's newfound relationship wasn't gonna happen until later in the Kalos Quest. By keeping you guys guessing,it'll keep hitting me with new ideas. It also makes me want to be the kind of Author I want to be,and that's who only responds by giving pieces of a puzzle for others to figure out. While I know being secretive doesn't sound good on my part,but it's a risk I'm willing to take.
And lastly those pieces are setting you guys up for a Big Punch. When you're least expecting it,that's went its gonna come. And...forgive me for sounding so theatrical but...it's kinda like a magic trick...hopefully you guys could find the pattern.
So as they in Chess. You,the reader.
"Your Move."
"Baby steps count as long as you are moving forward."-Chris Gardner
Chapter 44: Baby Steps
Nothing,nothing could've prepared anyone for a day like this. In which no victory comes without sacrifice. Dark night came and filled the stadium as the Kalos Champion stood in the center. Only looking at the motionless objects that stood right in front of her. As clouds rolled by from above,another presence came into the stadium to join her.
"You're still here?"
"Is there a reason I can't?"
"It's been two weeks Diantha."
"That long...feels like eternity."
"This wasn't suppose to happen."
"I don't think there was another way."
"There's always another way."
"Not always. Not in our line of work."
"I refuse to believe that."
"Surely Drake told you."
"Oh really..."
"Yes...Diantha,this isn't yesterday or the day before that..."
"*sigh*...are you still going through with this? Even at a time like this?"
"...I have to...I must."
The morning came as sounds of Pokémon and nature filled the campsite. Inside a tent Ash shrugged in his sleep,now half awake. But now he was fully awake as he felt a pair of arms go around his chest followed by a peck to his right cheek causing him to smile and turn his head back to see the girl he fell in love with smiling back. Since finally coming together Ash and Serena ever felt happier since that evening in Lagoon Town. It took awhile to finally get used to changes,but both were never afraid to express what the other felt. A week after Lagoon Town,Bonnie had terrible nightmare and wanted Clemont to help cheer her up,and Clemont proposed that Ash and Serena should share his tent,and both agreed. Unknown to them,Bonnie only faked it to get the Happy couple closer to together,like one sleeping bag together. Since that night,Ash and Serena now shared a tent...and sometimes a bed at a Pokémon Center(sometimes,since the last thing the both of them wanted was to was to wake up to three stalkers staring at them,especially Bonnie.)
"Morning." Serena said. "Morning to you too." Ash said as he kissed Serena on her lips. "Pleasant dreams?" Ash asked. "The best." Serena said. "That's good...I can't believe it's been two months." Ash said. "And we still going strong." Serena finished her boyfriend's statement. "And we'll keep going till the very end." Ash said as he kissed his girlfriend again as they lied back down and cuddled together. "I wish we could always stay like this." Serena said. "Me too...all I need is you and everything around me ceases to exist." Ash said. "Like you're just...floating in air?" Serena asked. "More like dying and going to Heaven." Ash said as he tighten his hold around Serena's waist and her vise versa.
Suddenly they heard another zipper beginning to open. "Come on Clemont." Bonnie was heard outside. "Shush Bonnie,the others are still asleep." Clemont said. "Not anymore guys." Ash and Serena heard Drake come out as well. "Well...this leave the Happy Couple." Bonnie snicker. "Leave them be Bonnie. In the meanwhile we got to prepare breakfast." Drake said.
"*sigh* well this is the part we come crashing down." Ash said. "Aww,I don't wanna get up." Serena pouted. "I know,but everyone else is starting and they'll gonna eat without us." Ash said as he started to rise until Serena's strong grip kept him down. "A few minutes." Serena said with puppy eyes displayed. Ash knew immediately he couldn't say no,plus he always enjoy times like this with Serena. "I could never say no to those eyes." Ash grinned causing Serena to smiled and snuggled in closer to her boyfriend.
A few hours have pass and the group was busy doing their daily tasks. Two Months have passed since the events in Lagoon Town and many events have transpired since then. (Like Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction.) since then the group decided to take things easy after concluding the new changes in their lives.
Since deciding to become a Performer,Serena oversaw various techniques from previous Showcases to be inspired,and was in the process of putting together a routine for Fennekin and Pancham to follow. As each time they practiced all three learned together from it and Serena added improvements.
As Serena partakes in her dream,Ash continued to battle swiftly for his next Gym Battle,but that's not the only thing he's been doing. After talking with his brother,Drake agreed to train him as a Aura Guardian. Like traditional standards Drake took Ash as his apprentice,and only showed this side when they're training together.
Despite taking Drake three years in Rylo to train all that he knew,he also knew that he and Ash don't have that kind of timetable. Instead what Drake decided to multitask everything. One day it was environmental training to build physical prowess. Next day was meditation to focus and balance his Aura. The day after was combat,and Ash surprisingly showed promise in it. This was concluded by Drake that since Ash observing his brother brawl though anyone over the years,Ash's brain was most likely using its memory to execute those preferences. While it made Drake's job more easier,practice always made improvement,as Ash was adaptable,not enough to take on a stronger opponent but with improvement he just might be.
Over these two months,Drake found it challenging to teach,sure he felt ready to teach Mara,until the opportunity was snatch from him. To each someone was responsibility itself,and Drake tried to perform it to the best of his ability. Arcesus knew,how Sara could even managed it,he never knew. Maybe from back this,he had the easy part.
Aside from these skills,Drake taught Ash the basics of how to manifest his Aura to physical energy. Ash could only read signatures from a couple feet,and only managed to make one Aura Sphere,only to have it deteriorated in three feet. Since then he hasn't been able to do it again. Plus there was still so much to learn they haven't gotten to yet. Not just Ash but also Drake only went as far as a crash course on training along partners. Since Ash's battle with Korrina when Pikachu was energized,Drake had Ash's Pokémon train along with him through the meditation and physical exercises. And since then their abilities were never more stronger,and Ash thanked his brother for his help. Plus for once,Drake finally saw a bit more patience in Ash,something he sorely lacked.
Two months have passed and now brings to the present. As Clemont tinker,Bonnie played with Dedenne,and Ash and Drake were in the middle of combat training. Serena finally came with freshly made Poképuffs in her basket. "Guys,snack time." Serena shouted. Everyone then came towards her as the Pokémon rushed to where Serena held the basket of goodies. Serena then gave each one a Poképuff,and finally brought out a batch of cookies and tea for the others. "These look appetizing Serena." Drake said. "And so yummy!" Bonnie commented. As they each took a cookie the heard a very common disturbance,and turned around to see Chespin and Pancham fighting.
This has been a very common sight. Ever since catching Pancham,he's really become one of the family,and Chespin was that one brother you always fight with. With Chespin's hunger never fulfilled he always steals Pancham's food which then leads to a fight. "They really never stop do they?" Ash said. "No,they do not." Said Drake as Clemont and Serena then got up to cease the nonsense.
"Chespin,stop!" Clemont tried to hold back Chespin. "Pancham you too." Serena tried to do the same. However both Pokémon continued to struggle as the Poképuff that was once Pancham's began to roll away,and the desire to grab it gave both Pokémon to be free from their trainer's grasp. "Chespin hold on!" Clemont said as he chased after Chespin. "Pancham wait up!" Serena followed suit.
The Poképuff wound up rolling into a bush and both Pokémon jumped after it,but instead of sweet goodness,both wound meeting a very foul end. Both looked up from the ground to see two Pokémon followed by girl. One was feathered in a form of a duck holding a green stalk while the other was small,pink,had blond hair,and big lips. "Hey,just what do you think you two are doing?!" She said.
By that moment the group appeared from behind the bush. "There you guys are." Said Clemont. That information was everything the girl needed. "Do these Pokémon belong to you?! These two went on their way and attacked my Farfetchd." The girl said. "Oh no,we're so sorry." Clemont went out of the way to apologize. "Of course,you two better apologize." Serena scowled the both of them. Both heard that loud and clear and immediately bowed and apologized for their intrusion.
"Alright,I suppose all is forgiven." The girl said. The gang took a closer look to see the girl that's around Serena's age. Teal hair wrapping in two short pigtails,brown eyes,exclaimed lips,white shirt,yellow short jacket,white gloves,orange skirt,white socks followed by pink shoes and a small red pink striped hat angled to the right temple of her head.
"A pleasure to meet you all,I'm Nini and this is Farfetchd and Smoochum." She introduced herself along with her Pokémon. "Nice to meet you, I'm Clemont and this is my little sister Bonnie." Clemont said. "I'm Drake." He said. "And I'm Serena and this is my boyfriend Ash." Serena said with a fudder in her heart,she always enjoyed saying that.
"It's nice to meet you all,now we must be going back to practicing for the Pokémon Showcase." Nini went back to her Pokémon. "You're a Performer too." Serena asked interested. "Yes,are you one as well?" Nini asked. "Do I look like one?" Serena asked. "Of course,you surely look and got the skills." Nini closed in,causing Serena to shrink in size about even asking. "Uhh...y-yes I'm think about participating in then soon." Serena said. "Exciting,how far are you in your routine?" Nini asked. "Um...about...nearly." Serena answered with uncertainty.
"Interesting,I only ask because I think I could use some opinion." Nini said. "Oh,ok what is it?" Serena asked. "My routine,it's nice to experiment and all,but it's better to get feedback from others you know." Nini said. "Now that you think about it. It does seem like a great idea to have people comment on my routine as well." Said Serena. "That's an excellent suggestion." Clemont suggested. "Alright let's do it." Said Serena.
As the group sat down on a log,Nini took a moment to prepare before starting. "Alright,this routine is called Heartbreaker."' Nini said then started. "Alright Smoochum let's kick off with Powder Snow." Smoochum then jumped and spew out a blast of snow into the air. "Farfetchd use Cut." Farfetchd then flew around and swung his stalk to slice the Powder Snow creating white Sparkles.
"Amazing." Said Bonnie. "She really got that Powder Snow nailed." Drake said as the others were mesmerized by it.
"Alright,Smoochum use Heart Stamp." With a flutter,Smoochum then blew out tons of hearts out in the open. "Now use Cut once more Farfetchd." Once again Farfetchd used its stalk with unique percusion to cut all the hearts,making them smaller and causing a downpour. "Finí." Nini concluded with a dramatic pose along with her Pokémon.
The group applauded at her performance. "Thanks everyone,so what do you think?" Nini asked. "The great,though I think the Heart Stamp could be much more flashier." Serena said. "And if the Powder Snow had much more explosions." Ash added. "If I could,if you could add a non-pure move like a Dark or Ghost type. It should balance out the Powder Snow,thus giving you much more dazzle." Drake said. "Excellent suggestions,thank you all. Now Serena,your turn." Nini said. "Got it." Serena then stood forward along with Pancham and Fennekin.
"Good luck Sweetheart." Ash gave his support. Serena smiled and prepared. "Alright ready guys?" Both Pokémon nodded and ready by jumping on each of Serena's shoulders. "Alright go!" Both Pokémon dash down Serena's arms and onto her open hands. Serena then toss them up high in the air. "Fennekin spin and use Flamethrower." Fennekin spun around while shooting a stream of fire,creating fire rings. Meanwhile Pancham,with his Performance Glasses on,spun and made leaps through the rings. Unknown to him,someone was taking a liking to him. A moment later both Pokémon made it to ground. "Pancham use Stone Edge." Pancham then struck the ground causing pillars to form in a circular motion,soon enough the trio were surrounded by a circle of pillars. "Alright guys go!" Serena said as she continued to do a ballerina dance while her Pokémon hopped on the pillars in opposite directions. "Alright Pancham use Dark Pulse. Fennekin use Flamethrower." Both Pokémon then jumped and fired their atracks at each other's. Both collide into one another and creating a mixture of a purple/orange fireworks display. "And Fini" Serena bowed as her Pokémon did when they reached ground.
"Awesome Serena." Bonnie clapped loudly. "So what do you suggest?" Serena asked. "Well,I feel that Pancham's choreography didn't mash well with the rest of the performance." Nini said. "If you could find a more synchronized Steps to equal the performance. It should even things out." Drake said. "Bottom line,the display,timing and enthusiasm were perfect Serena." Ash said. "Alright,I'll think about the choreography abit more." Serena said.
"So what else can we do?" Nini said. "I suppose there is always lunch." Ash said while holding his stomach. "You and your appetite Honey." Serena commented leaving everyone with a chuckle. After making a sweet lunch,their Pokémon eating,and everyone settled at the table,everyone told stories of their adventures. "So wait,you guys actually managed to rescue Bonnie from falling down an abyss?" Nini said. "Well,It was also me too,we weren't counting on things going wrong." Ash said remembering that day in the fog pretty well. "What about you Nini?" Serena asked. "Well,there was one time we were doing our routine..well it's just say that practice ended with my hair being lit on fire. Now that I think about it,it was pretty funny." Nini began to laugh along with the others.
"So,hope you don't mind me asking,but how long you two have been together?" Nini asked the couple. "About two months,and going strong." Serena said while looking at her boyfriend and having their hands intertwined. "And we're keep going stronger." Ash said smiled at his girlfriend. "Well I can see you two really love each other." Nini said. "I don't think that's the only love we see." Drake pointed to their Pokémon. The group could see Smoochum trying to intervene next to Pancham. Pancham,however,felt uncomfortable as Smoochum tried to push its lips to the side of its head. "Awww,that's so sweet." Bonnie said. "It's truly a lovely sight." Nini said. Meanwhile Drake was the only one seeing Pancham's reaction,and he didn't know either to be envy of him or feel sorry for him.
"So what now?" Nini said. "Well I think you guys could continue to help each other." Drake said. "How do you propose?" Nini asked. "A battle,some of the best experiences could always be found from having a battle." Drake said. The girls thought about it,and figured if they could learn from feedback,surely they could learn more from a battle. "You're right Drake. Let's have a battle." Serena agreed. "Sure,and for an extra kick,let's make it a Double Battle." Nini proposed with Serena agreeing.
The two Performers maxed their way to the open area of the field,each one standing on the opposite end of each other. Clemont stood in the middle as acting referee. "Alright this will a two on two Double Battle. The winner is determined when one sides Pokémon are unable to continue." Clemont said. "Ready Guys!" Serena said as both Pokémon nodded.
Serena vs. Nini: Two on Two
"Alright Fennekin use Scratch,Pancham use Arm Thrust." Both Pokémon decided to use a direct assault against their opponents. "Use Powder Snow Smoochum." Smoochum then fired a rush of cold snow against both Pokémon. Fennekin and Pancham struggled against the cold wind as they were losing ground. "Fennekin use Flamethrower/Pancham use Dark Pulse." Both Pokémon managed to squeeze out their orders at the last second right before being push back. "Dodge it!" Both Pokémon dodged the Flamethrower by doing somersaults in opposite directions.
"This is starting to heat things up." Ash said. "Even so,it's anyone game." Said Drake. "Come on Fennekin,Pancham you got this!" Bonnie yelled along with Dedenne.
"Pancham use Stone Edge." Pancham then summoned stone pillars from the ground to attack. "Dodge it." Both Pokémon dodged the pillars to avoid them. "Fennekin Stone Hop." Fennekin then began to advance forward by hopping across the pillars from above. "Now use Hidden Power on Smoochum." Fennekin then jumped and and fired three white energy balls at the Kiss Pokémon,hitting a bullseye. "Pancham use Arm Thrust." Pancham then charged in with a white powered arm. Distracted Farfetchd never saw the Playful Pokémon charging at him. Pancham struck him with incredible force sending him back.
"Now the finale. Fennekin use Flamethrower,and Pancham use Dark Pulse." Both Pokémon charged up and fired their attacks. Both attacks combined like before as they closed in on the frighten Pokémon and finally made contact. When the smoke dispersed both Pokémon lied on the ground fainted.
"Smoochum and Farfetchd are unable to battle. Fennekin and Pancham win and the match goes to Serena." Clemont said. "Alright!" Bonnie said as the others cheered. "Great battle Nini." Serena said as she came over. "Thanks Serena,I've learn a lot to improve my routine." Nini said as they shaked hands.
The sun was setting as Nini was preparing to embark. "Thank you all,I'm sure we'll meet along down the road." Nini said. "And Serena,I'll see you at our next performance." Nini said. "I'm looking forward to it." Serena said. "And one other thing." Nini signaled Serena to come closer. "What is it?" Serena whispered.
Nini then pulled her in close. "Ash is quite a hunk. You better hold him closer before someone sweeps him away." Nini said as she took a step back. "Goodbye everyone." Nini the walked in the opposite direction as she waved. The other waved back as Serena stood motionless. Serena was left heavily blushing,and slightly embarrassed. Sure Nini meant well,and that she was also right. There was no way Serena was the only girl who found Ash attractive and no doubt others girls will think the same way,especially a certain blue headed girl.
That night after dinner,everyone went to their tents to sleep. Inside the tent Ash waited for Serena to return while surprisingly she was taking her time,leaving Ash slightly worried. As Ash lied on the floor the zipper to the tent opened as he saw his beloved girlfriend in her PJs. "There you are. I was staring to get worri-" Ash was cut off by a pair of lips mushing against his with a lot of passion. Surprised even after two months Ash gave in as Serena sat on his lap as they continued to make out. Serena then pulled back to catch her breath.
"Was...that just to...suppress my worries." Ash said as he caught his breath. "Did it work?" Serena smiled as she wrapped her arms around Ash's neck. "Most definitely." Ash said as he gave Serena another peck to the lips. "You did great today." Ash said. "I wouldn't have done without all of you guys." Serena said. "You know I can help you with your routine." Ash said. "You know choreography?" Serena said. "Uh...well you got me there,but I can still help you." Ash smiled. "You always want to help anyone in need. One of the many things I love about you." Serena said as she closed the distance to where their foreheads and noses touched.
Both just stood silent as nothing could disturb this moment. "I love you." Ash whispered. Serena then push Ash down as she was still on top of him looking down at his face. "I love you too." Serena pecked her boyfriend. "How's your training going along." Serena asked. "Slow,and its more difficult then I thought." Ash said. "You're still learning at a good pace. Eventually you'll be adjusted to this." Serena said. "You always know what to say." Ash smiled as Serena finally came down and lied on his chest. "You know at the end of the day. This is my favorite time of the day." Serena said. "I'm could guess why though I would like to know why." Ash smirked causing Serena to smirk back. "Because at the end of the day. I'm with you,and I don't want to be anywhere else." Serena said as she traced her left hand all the way to under Ash's shirt and finally resting on his left pec. "Beside at least there's one perk from all your training I can enjoy." Serena smirked.
Both then decided to its time to go asleep,and slept together in their arms. Not knowing what tomorrow will bring,but will face it together as the Journey continues.
Done woooo! So guys the first of the Kalos Quest. Leave a like,comment and follow. Now you guys know my intentions on how this is gonna play out. And if you're confused,I'm sure you'll be caught up to speed. If you're outraged,then take a chill pill. And plus there are even things that will even surprise me,so I'm pretty much part of the game as much as you guys.
So this is the chapter,read it and love it. Join me next time. This is Paradox signing off. Goodbye.
