Pokémon Journey: Kalos Quest

Hey guys Paradox here and welcome to Chapter 46 and Chapter 3 of the Kalos Quest. This Chapter I will certainly enjoy writing and that's not just because "A Race For Home" isn't one of my favorite episodes of the Anime. Now you're see just how awkward thing can get when family gets involved. I'm pretty sure has been through something like that in life because I know I have. But enough of talk it's time for action. Enjoy.


"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are."-E.E Cummings


Chapter 46: Home is Where the Heart is

After a day of training and traveling down Route 12,everyone was in their tents for the night already asleep for tomorrow. Well,almost everyone as Serena was by a nearby stream brushing her teeth. This was usually routine as she would get changed first inside while Ash brushed and checked anything last minute and then vise versa. After finally brushing and heading back to the tent where her loving boyfriend lied in waiting.

"Hey." She said as she entered the tent. There,Ash lied in the only sleeping bag they shared together. By him was Pikachu and Fennekin already doze off. "Hey,all ready?" Ash said as he smiled. "Yep,you know it's been quite a busy day tod-" Serena stopped as he unzipped the sleeping bag Ash was snuggled in to find such a stunning revelation. She looked to see that Ash wasn't wearing his undershirt and was only dressed in his shorts.

"Surprised?" Ash said with a hint of doubt in his voice and emphases on the "prised." He wasn't sure about this as he first thought that he was probably taking things too far. It may looked like it since Serena wasn't moving nor saying a word. Instead she just stared at him then at his well tone chest then back to his handsome face. "I'm sorry...I'll put my shirt back on if you-" "No...leave it off." Serena cut him off as she prepared to lay on him. "So...Surprised?" Ash asked. "Yes it was a surprise though how come?" Serena asked. "Well,the past few nights I noticed your hand would always go under my shirt and then lay on my chest,soo...I figured I make things easier for you if that's ok." Ash smiled. "Of course it's ok. It was just...surprising is all." Serena said while laying on chest. "Good...so you were saying about today being a busy day?" Ash said as he stroke Serena's hair. Close to his nose Ash could smell the scent of Vanilla on her.

"Yep,you in particular." Serena said. "Can you blame me? Today's teamwork exercise and Aura training made me understand more of what I could do. Ever since I managed to make a perfect Aura Sphere the other day. I know Drake could teach me more of the other abilities I could do." Ash said. "Like being able to talk to Pokémon?" Serena smirked while tracing her fingers on Ash's chest. "Yes,that way I could ask Fennekin what kind of gifts you would like." Ash smirked back. "You would like that would you." Serena then went up to where she was looking at Ash face to face. "It doesn't matter. As long as the gift comes from you. I am happy." Serena smiled. "I would do it anyway. Because no matter what happens...I'm yours." Ash said as he inched closer to kiss Serena. Both were then caught in a make out as they mushed their lips together. This followed by Serena then inserting her tongue into Ash's mouth,leaving him surprised this time.

"Someone's getting frisky. Where you'd learn that?" Ash asked. "Romantic movies I guess." Said Serena. "Drake always did say that you may watch too many of those. But I'm not him." Ash said as they continued their pleasant make out as Serena then knocked Ash back on his back to continue. Things started to get more heated as their tongues danced in each other's mouths all while tossing and turning so that one was always on top of the other as the shimmering night sky laid aboved them.

(In case you're wondering if they...you know...NO,so keep those naughty thoughts in your heads.)


"Come on guys its this way." Bonnie said as they traveled down the road. "Relax Bonnie its not going anywhere." Serena said while walking next to Ash with their hands intertwined. "She sure is excited." Ash said. "You can't blame her. This place is suppose to have the best dairy products around." Serena said. "Umm...I enjoyed last night by the way." Serena said with a blush on her face. "Oh,oh um...me too." Ash said in the same manner. "Good,I better help Clemont catch Bonnie." She said as she let go and ran to help Clemont with Bonnie.

Meanwhile Drake decided to walk up to Ash. "Someone seems satisfied." Drake said. "It comes from being in love really." Ash said. "I realized that...by the way,were you guys the ones laughing and squealing last night?" Drake asked with a smirked. He already knew the answer,he just wanted to hear Ash say it. "Did you guys...you know." Ash right away blushed heavily and went defensive. "First of all! No that didn't happen,and second that's my personal business." Ash said. "Ok...I won't bring it up." Said Drake.

"Hey guys we made it." The group followed the little girl to the edge of the place they were heading. "So this is it?" Drake asked. "Yep,welcome to the Baa De Mer Ranch guys." said Serena. "Look over there." Ash pointed to where the group saw a group of Pokémon along with what was a few workers help trainers and small children help feed,or even mount the Pokémon. One set of Pokémon caught the brothers' attention as Ash took out his Pokédex to scan it.

"Skiddo,The Mount Pokémon,If it has sunshine and water,it doesn't need to eat as it could generate energy on the leaves on its back."

"Impressive." Said Drake. "Come on guys,the dairy shop is just in front." Serena said as she lead the group towards the front of the ranch. "If you said the ice cream here is top of the line. I can't wait to try one." Ash told Serena. "I know,Bonnie couldn't even keep still while we were heading here." Said Clemont. "I don't think ice cream is the only thing on her mind." Drake said. "Why's that?" Clemont asked. "Welll..." Drake pointed to where Bonnie was approaching three girl at the booth of the shop. Clemont was now feeling red,for he knew what was gonna happen next.

"You three are keepers! Can you please take care of my brother!" Bonnie proposed on one knee along with Dedenne as support. Clemont,having a meltdown,rushed to the little girl. "BONNIE!" Clemont then activated his Aipom Arm,and then grabbed Bonnie. "Don't listen to her. She's crazy." Clemont said with a rushed and then began to walk away with a dangling girl in front of him. "How many times do I tell you to stop do that!" Clemont said. "Come on big brother. You're not gonna get a girl with that kind of altitude and besides,Serena now takes care of Ash,so it's more fitting for you to find someone now." Said Bonnie.

"So,who said yes?" Drake snickered. "Not helping Drake!" Clemont shouted. Meanwhile Ash and Serena then came back along with a frosty cone for everyone. "Thanks guys." The three said as they took one. Each one took a bite and the frozen delicacy melted into their mouths. "Wow,THIS is top of the line!" Ash said. "Told you." Said Serena.

After finishing their cones,the gang went back to the stables to see more people then before trying to ride on Skiddo. "Wow they let you ride Skidoo here." Said Ash. Serena then wonder about this,Skiddo,people riding them,all this seem to brought back a familiar sight to her. "Hey I pretty sure I know what this is." Serena said.

"You guess right Serena." The gang turned around to see a woman in her mid thirties,wearing a track suit with the shirt wrapped around her waist. Serena didn't reconsider who she was when she already knew.

"Mom?" Serena said. "Your mother?!" Ash said with a gulp in his voice. He now meets the person who might make or break the ice about his relationship with Serena. "Wait,so what is this?" Drake broke off topic. "This is the first step to becoming a Ryhorn Racer." Said Grace. "But what brings you out here." Serena asked. "When you're a legend in the Racing world,and when they asked you to be a special racing coach to teach others. How could say no?" Said Grace. "Also I'd never thought of running into you here Serena." Grace said as she opens her arms. Serena then came over and hugged her mother,knowing that she meant well.

"So how goes your Ryhorn Race training?" Grace asked. Serena then felt her mind warped at the question. "Ah...well?" Serena stuttered out. Grace then decided to go ahead and meet the group. "It's so nice to meet you all. I see you all taken good care of Serena." Grace said. "She's taken care of us too." Ash said. "She's a good hand to have around." Drake mention. Grace then took the time to properly introduced herself along with others. Afterwards she then took a turns towards Ash and Drake.

"So you two supposedly climbed up Prism Tower and fought a giant robot and an out of control Pokémon. You're either lucky,brave,or foolish to do that." Grace said. "Mom!" Serena jumped in to argue. "Serena its fine." Drake said. "Yea...guilty as charge." Drake told Grace. "Your mother would be very worried about the both of you." Grace said. "Aye she would,but we also understood the risks and we surely didn't fly half way around the world to be judge whether it's good or bad." Drake said as he and Ash decided to walk away. "And on record...you're not our mother." Drake finish.

Clemont and Bonnie were left worried when the brothers left them and didn't know what to do. Serena meanwhile was left fuming in anger,she's before briefly when Grace questioned their actions that night after they saved Lumiose City. But,this,she's insulted them about it,one of them was her boyfriend. "Guys can you check on them?" Serena asked the siblings as they nodded and left. Now it was just her and her mother.

"What was that?!" Serena asked. "Me,they just children!" Grace said. "They're grown up mom and so am I. They understand danger more then anyone I know. The fact that you're judging them for it really judges your character." Serena said. "So,they're action driven?" Grace asked. "Only if they're needed to be...you know they said that all of Kalos saw what they did and we ran into a few people who thanked them for it,and so am I." Said Serena.

Grace then ponder about what her daughter said. They mean well and put their safety on the line of others. "I think you're right...I took it too far." Grace said. "Sometimes I think you're action driven too." Serena said. "Yea..something your father would tell me from time to time." Grace said remembering the kind,understanding nature of her former husband. Serena then looked down to the ground,and at time she does miss her father. Grace saw this and went to hug and support her daughter. "I know,I miss him too." Said Grace. "Come,I got make something right." Grace said.

"I can't believe she's said that." Said Ash. "Not everyone gonna see the same as others Ash." Drake told him. "If she does think that of us. I can't even imagine what she'll say when she finds out I'm dating her daughter." Ash said. "Ah...that you should probably run from." Drake said. "Gee,thanks." Ash said glumly. "Hey guys,are you alright?" Clemont asked. "We're fine. We faced worst." Said Drake.

"Excuses me." The four saw Serena and her mother coming to them. Ash and Drake looked abit agitated and thought Grace was coming to stick the knife further in. "I'm sorry for what I said,I didn't think everyone's high regards for the both of you." Grace said. Ash and Drake just decided to stay silent for what she has to say. "And of course,I didn't understand your reasons why do such thing. But you two aren't like most people so thank you,not just for me,for my home as well." Grace said. "It's ok. We know most people don't think the same." Said Ash. "Great,now if you'll excuse me I must get back to the class." Grace said.

"Wait,so you're teaching trainers to ride on Ryhorn?" Ash asked. "Yes,but since this is a beginners class we start riding on Skiddo." Grace explained. "How come." Bonnie asked. "Ryhorn are too big and powerful for beginners so that's what makes Skiddo perfect for them." Said Grace. "Incredible,you know I've managed to ride a Ryhorn without ever riding a Skiddo." Ash said. "That was because you just had to ride in that Ryhorn Race remember?" Serena sassy said. "Yea,but it was because of your great coaching I've managed to win it." Ash said with a smile. "Uh,well it was only because of your hard work you'd pull it off." Serena blushed.

"I see,and you Drake seem to be an accomplished rider." Said Grace. "Well,land,air,or sea, I could ride anything." Drake said. "I've noticed,that night in Lumiose City I saw you on a Pidgeot flying through falling debris." Grace said. "Well...to honest I was kinda riding the line that moment." Said Drake. "Regardless,I think you both don't need to train on Skiddo." Said Grace. "Hey I'm always up for new experiences so can I?" Ash asked. "If you wish." Grace said causing to Ash to jump in glee.

"Drake?" Grace asked. "No,I'll be fine just watching since I'm sure the Skiddo won't be able to handle me." Drake said. "Suit yourself." Ash said as the others began to walk ahead with the others. "So could I ride Skiddo too?" Bonnie asked. "Of course even kids could ride them." Grace said. "Yippee! Even big brother gonna ride one." Bonnie said. Clemont was surprised that Bonnie wanted him to ride on as well. "Hang on a minute. I didn't say that-" Clemont was cut off when Bonnie started pulling him to the stables. "Serena could you help out since there are a lot of people and my hands are gonna be full." Grace asked. "Of course." Serena said,as long as she didn't have to get on a Skiddo she'll be fine as she thought that's the case.

While Drake and Serena stood on the sidelines watching the others. Grace signaled Ash to come forward. Ash then thought forward and Skiddo then began to walk forward. "Wow yet I didn't even have to signal it." Ash said. "Of course,with its horns,it could pick up the thoughts and feelings of its rider." Said Grace.

"Amazing now I know how Alexa's Gogoat puts up with her." Drake said as he looked at Serena who didn't appeared to listening. Serena seen Ash handle a Skiddo up to his best and is now watching Bonnie handle hers with no trouble. Such skill reminded her of the complete opposite when she was young. She'd remembered riding a Skiddo as part of starting out on her Ryhorn Race training. As soon as her mother let go,she'd immediately started crying out of fear,and Grace could only calm her down.

"Serena,are you alright?" Drake caught her attention. "I'm fine." Serena said calmly. "It's far from it isn't it?...you could talk to me." Drake said. "Well...let me ask you something,when was your first Pokémon ride?" Serena asked. "Um...I guess...I wouldn't ponder about it really. But here it is:It was my second birthday,my mom told me I started walking when I was just seven months. Growing faster seem to be factor too. I turn two and...my father decided to give me a pony ride on his Ponyta. It was the best moment I've had that day." Said Drake. "And you weren't even afraid?" Serena asked. "Not even in the slightest. But I did fall off the Ponyta a moment later and...um..I broke my pinky when I landed on it." Drake began to snicker. "And you thought that was funny?" Serena asked. "When I think about it now,yes I do,but I spent my second birthday in a hospital,I thought it be ruined. Until...a surprise party was thrown for me at Professor Oak's Lab. And I was happy again." Drake said. "Surely Ash had a fun time too right?" Serena said. "Yea,he was probably having his own little party inside my mom's stomach...if you were wondering my mom was seven months pregnant with him at the time." Drake said. Serena then thought about the comment,Drake isn't one to show fear,but why couldn't she even confront her mom about something important as her life.

"Ok everyone we will take a break for lunch and be back on the field later." Said Grace. Everyone then dismissed while Grace walked over to the group. "What do you say to a some lunch at the inn where I'm staying." Grace offered. Everyone nodded as they walked towards the inn.

As Serena put down a steaming hot pot of Veggie Soup on the table she took a big sniff since aside from missing her mother she'd also missed her cooking. "Wow,this smells delicious!" Bonnie smelled the crock pot. At the inn the group along with Grace's help set up the table at the inn's dining hall. "I'll admit,Serena isn't really much of a cook. Is that a bother?" Grace said. "Not at all,she'd always gives me and Drake a hand with the cooking." Said Clemont. "Plus Serena is the best at decorating our lunch and grooming our Pokémon." Bonnie said. "And on top of that Serena's desserts are best in the world." Ash said with sincerity.

"Really? Are you sure this is my daughter we're talking about?" Grace said. "I just try to be most help and make our meals more fun." Serena said. "You know before you set off,all you did was sleep late to try to skip out on your Ryhorn Training and you would start projects but you'd never finish even one." Grace told her daughter. "Mom! I'm not like that,not anymore." Serena said. "Guess you had grown up after all." Said Grace.

Everyone then got seated as their Pokémon began to eat their meal. As everyone then began to dig in,Grace started off the small talk. "So Ash,Drake,tell me abit about yourselves." Grace asked. "Not much to tell really." Drake said. "He's just being modest." Said Ash. "Their mom raised Ash and Drake single handily." Said Serena. "So there was no father?" Grace said. "No...our dad was a deadbeat and left when we were young." Said Drake while looking down to his soup. Grace immediately regretted asking the question. It was one thing when her husband and the father of her child left this world too soon,but for another to abandon his family was a whole other different kind of pain.

"I'm sorry,I shouldn't have asked." Grace said. "Don't be,it's fine." Drake said. "So...how long have you both been on your journey?" Grace asked. "A few years. Though our time and beginnings were very different according to heart." Ash said. "What do you mean by that?" Grace asked. "Well...between my journey and Drake's excess by different parts." Ash said. "What Ash means that such parts of our Journey gave the both of us such drive and integrity in some areas." Drake said. "I see,and now you both are traveling together." Grace said. "Well it's like our mother told us. We're stronger united." Drake said.

"So what's next." Ash asked. "Well the next with began soon." Grace said then had a brainstorm. "I got it,Serena now will be the perfect to resume your Ryhorn Training." Grace said. Serena immediately got nervous as she knew such a prediction would happen. Grace saw her expression and took the offensive. "Look I understand your Pokémon training comes a priority but you also need to prepare for your future as a Ryhorn Racer." Grace told Serena. "But Serena is training to become a Pokémon-."

"Ash!" Serena jumped at the chance to cut Ash off by holding his mouth before he udders another word. "But,what did I say." Ash's voice muffled against Serena's hand. "I understand that my Training is important,but...I haven't had time to prepare properly." Serena told Grace. Left dissatisfied Grace spoke. "Like it or not,you're training with the next class." Grace said seriously. While Serena felt embarrassed about fighting back since her friends were there as well,especially Ash. "Sooo...who wants dessert?" Clemont said.

"Alright everyone,ready to continue?" The group cheered yes as they head to the stables once again. However Serena stopped her movement while he others continued to walk. Ash and Grace noticed she stood there along with Fennekin and Pancham. "What's wrong Serena?" Ash said. "I just...left something back at the inn. Go,I'll catch up to you guys later." Serena told Ash. Ash only nodded with a concern look on his face but left. Grace on the hand was suspicious of her daughter but left as well.

"Well,that was close. Now what do you guys say to practice?" Serena said. Both Pokémon nodded and Serena lead to around the side of the inn to practice their Performance. As Serena directed Fennekin prepared for a double somersault along side Pancham,someone was peeking in on their performance.

"Alright guys,ready? Go." Both Pokémon then took a running start towards each other. Then they jumped a front flip in the air but Pancham slipped up and landed on Fennekin,now headed both to the ground. "Pancham,Fennekin,are you alright." Serena ran towards them. Both Pokémon nodded as they were unharmed. "*sigh*what are we doing wrong?" Serena's said.

"They sense your nervousness." Serena and her Pokémon turned around to see none other then Ash and him alone. "Ash? What,you saw that?" Serena said. "Of course,the reason it failed was that your Pokémon could sense your nervous." Ash began to walk towards her. "What are you doing here." Serena asked. "Well when you told me that you'd forgot something,remember who you were talking to. Plus." Ash then took her hands softly and held them. "I wouldn't be a good boyfriend if I didn't know what my girlfriend was actually feeling." Ash told her.

Serena then took her hands away and held on to Ash's shoulders as the latter now held her waist. "I just can't seem to get the routine right. I can't tell my mother I want to become a Performer if I look this awful." Serena said. "So that's why you'd stopped me during lunch." Ash said. Serena nodded and continued to look down on herself. "I'm worried too." Ash said. "About." Serena asked. "Well,aside from your dream your mother doesn't know we're dating yet." Ash said. "So there's that. Before I'd set off from home. I told about you and how you stole my heart,and how she'd approve of it...but now when she'd attacked you and Drake earlier...I question whether she'll still approve of us." Serena said.

"I suppose I could deal with it. It's mainly me she has a problem with." Ash said. "You can't. Ash I know my own mother,she'll eat you alive.*sigh* I really don't know what to do." Serena said. "I think there's only one thing to do." Ash said. "...no you don't mean?" Serena gulped out. "Come clean?" Ash said. "She'll fight back." Serena said. "But we can't keep running..you can't keep running." Ash said. "Look when the time come. We face it together." Ash said. "*sigh* Ok." Serena then fell deeper into Ash's chest as the latter brought her into a tight embrace.

A while later

As the group continued to ride Skiddo at the stables. A speeding truck races out the front of dairy shop that startled all the Skiddo nearby. One of the loading workers went running to stop the truck but failed. "What's wrong!" Ash asked. "A trio in that just stole a day worth of dairy products for the shop." The worker said. "A Trio." Said Serena. "Just when I thought they couldn't steal for anything less." Drake said while taking out his Pokémon and summoned Charizard.

"I'll head in the air to track them,you guys follow on the ground." Drake said then took off. "Got it,come on guys." Ash then preceded to down the rode on Skiddo to follow the truck along with Clemont and Bonnie. "Guys wait!" Serena shouted but to no avail,she knew she had to help them. She saw a Ryhorn on the grounds and ran right to it. "Ryhorn please help me. I need your power and your speed." Serena asked it. Ryhorn sensed the sincerity coming off the girl and nodded yes. Serena then mounted on while her mother spotted her. "Serena what are you doing?!" Grace asked. "Ryhorn are much faster then Skiddo,and they'll need my help." Serena then nudged the reins and Ryhorn began to charge down the road. With no other options Grace saw another Ryhorn and mounted on in pursuit of the others.

Finally spotting the truck in air Drake slowed down while flying closer to the ground. "Ash they only a quarter mile from us." Drake shouted. "That this rate we won't catch them." Ash said. "I'll try to slow them down. Drake then head off trying to get in front of the truck. "Alright Charizard time for a face off. "Charizard roared for he knew what his trainer meant by that. As soon as got ahead of the truck by a good distance. Charizard then flowed close to the ground now headed back towards the truck. Both side were getting closer and closer to colliding. "Wait...wait...Now,Flamethrower!" Charizard then fired a stream of fire towards the truck's engine,making it caught on fire and managed to reduce its speed.

"Alright I got it." Drake said. "Good,but it's still going at a decent speed." Ash said. "I can't cause anymore damage to the truck Ash." Said Drake. "Leave it to me guys." The two then saw Serena on a Ryhorn,that now passed them. "Serena?!" Ash said.

Fully catching up to the truck Serena braced herself. "Now Ryhorn use Take Down on the truck's side." Ryhorn,now at full speed,charged in and tackled the truck with multiple blows,one finally caused the truck to swerved out of control and finally halted it progress.

With the engine overheated the culprits came out. "Grr! Do you know how hard it was to steal all this cheese and dairy huh!" Said a very angry Jessie. "Right,because at this point,you three would steal absolutely anything." Said Ash. "You know how this will play out. So just give back the merchandise and be on your merry way." Said Drake. "How's this for for your answer?" Jessie and James then released Inkay and Pumpkaboo. "Date with a Blastoff it is." Drake said.

"No,let me handle this." Serena said causing the brothers to look surprised. "Ok." Drake said anxiously. "I'll help you. Remember,together." Ash said,causing Serena to smile at him. "How nice,Pumpkaboo show them what we think of that." Pumpkaboo then fired a Shadow Ball at them. "You too Inkay use Psybeam." Inkay then fired a beam of Psychic power. "Pikachu Thunderbolt at Inkay." "Fennekin use Flamethrower on Pumpkaboo." Both Pokémon fired their attacks at their opponents. Pikachu's Thunderbolt overpowered Inkay's Psybeam,and managed to strike its target while Fennekin's Flamethrower cancelled out Pumpkaboo's Shadow Ball.

Meanwhile Grace,Clemont,and Bonnie to catch up. "What kept you guys." Drake asked. "Well Clemont fell off Skiddo,and we had to help." Bonnie said. "Drake what's happening and who are those people." Grace asked with worry. "Let's just say they're no good people who we run into from time to time." Drake said. "But why is Serena battling them?" Grace asked. "Because she wants to prove that she's a big help to you." Drake said leaving Grace shocked. But they could only watch the battle happen.

"Now Flamethrower,full power!" Fennekin then threw everything it had on its next move and fired a powerful stream of fire at Pumpkaboo. The attack struck and managed to ram Pumpkaboo into Inkay,sending them back. "Nice shot Serena. Now what do say we finish it for them Pikachu?" Pikachu nodded and stood firm. "Now use Volt Tackle." Pikachu then ran to its top speed to form an electrical veil around it,and struck Team Rocket and sending them flying.

"Ohh,and I was looking forward to eating that quality cheese." Said Jessie.

"No matter,Meowth would've beat you to it." Said Jessie.

"Hey,I'm a cat not a mouse. Either way it doesn't matter." Said Meowth.

"BECAUSE WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" All three said as they disappeared into the horizon.

The group cheered as they then ensured victory was their. Meanwhile Drake looked inside the back of the truck to see all the cheese and dairy intact. "Alright guys I'm gonna head back to tell workers we got the cheese back." Drake said as he mounted on Charizard and flew back. Meanwhile the others came over to Ash and Serena. "Wow Serena that was impressive battling." Said Clemont. "Yea,you and Fennekin were awesome Serena." Bonnie added. "Well,I um..thanks." Serena's stuttered out.

"They're right Serena. Not only that but your skills on Ryhorn surely prove you could be a great Ryhorn Racer." Grace said. "Which is why I want you to come back home and start training again." She said. That statement now brought great discomfort to Serena since she finally found a goal to pursue. Ash then felt his heart feel heavy,if Serena leaves,will this be the end of their relationship? Which is why he'd stepped in.

"But Serena is going to be." "Ash it's ok. I'll say it." Serena stopped him. Finally taking a deep breath she was finally going to come clean. "Sorry mom,I'm not going home." Serena said. "And why is that?!" Grace questioned. Clutching her fists Serena then spoke again. "I decide I want to be a Pokémon Performer." Serena said. "Really? A Performer?" Grace said. "I finally know what I want to do on my journey. Which is why I won't go back home." Serena said. "Serena you can't be a Performer. As soon as it's gets too hard you will give up." Said Grace.

"Like you said,I'm all grown up and I hardly listen remember?" Serena said. "Which is why we are going to settle things your way." Serena said. Grace and the group then took a interest on what Serena proposed. "One lap around the racetrack on Ryhorn. If you win,I'll go home,but if I win I'm staying on my Journey to pursue my dreams." Serena said. "But Serena this is crazy,your mother is a professional Ryhorn Racer." Said Clemont with Bonnie supporting him. "Yea Serena,I don't want you to leave us." The little girl said. Serena then looked towards Ash to see a worried look in his face knew what this will mean for them as much as Serena's future should thing don't play out well.

"They're right,so our race will be on Skiddo." Grace said as Serena nodded. "Hey guys we're back." Drake then landed as he then got off Charizard. Drake stood silent as no one said a word and looked at him. "Uh...what did I miss?" He asked.

That late afternoon,Serena and Grace mounted on Skiddo as they prepared to race. The others stood outside the perimeter to watch. "*sigh* I sure hope she knows what she's doing." Said Drake. "Whatever what will happen I gotta put all my support that she'll win...I just gotta." Ash said. "And you thought you would take all matter of heat in your relationship huh." Said Drake. "I thought so too,but suppose it works both ways." Said Ash.

Clemont stood at the outside of the finish line as referee. "Alright its one lap around the track. First one to cross the finish line wins." He said. Clemont then raised the flag and then.

"GO!" He brought it down and immediately both Skiddo then galloped out of the starting gate. With both neck and neck on off the first turn. "Faster,faster,faster,faster!" Serena thought in her head with her Skiddo slightly accelerating past her mothers. But suddenly her Skiddo tripped and Serena went overhead and land pes face first on the ground. The group on the side line looked worried since that little bump may cost Serena the race.

Serena then thought back to when she was younger and memory of when she fell off Skiddo and she cried over the pain. This fuel Serena's anger over that,not she'd put her future on the line,but her relationship with Ash as well and that wasn't fair for him. "I..am not..losing to you again!" Whatever strength she had left,Serena use to get back on Skiddo and race off. As she was catching up greatly up to Grace she'd thought of her past experiences along with the group. Their support,interest,and Hope taught her to take courage to stand firm and not give in. Finally she made to where both Skiddo where neck and neck and the finish line was closing in. "Faster,Faster,Faster!,FASTER!" She yelled inside her head. And with that,she'd cross first by a inch,winning her the race.

"Alright Serena!" Ash shouted along with the others cheering for her victory. "Well,that's that." Said Grace to herself. "You were awesome Skiddo,thank you." Serena petted it. Meanwhile her mother came over. "Congratulations Serena,seems you proven more then enough to me about your desires." Said Grace. "I only wished that it wasn't necessary." Serena said. "So when were you going to tell me?" She asked.

"About?"

"Well one your Performance from earlier AND..your relationship with Ash." Grace said. Serena then realized what she'd meant by that. "You saw us?!" Serena said. "Serena,not only did I saw it,but I knew way before it." Grace said. "But how?" Serena said. "Well,I see the way you two look at each other,and the way you two battle shows how much you love and trust each other." Said Grace. "I couldn't,not with what you'd pull off this morning,and made a bad impression." Serena said. "I know." Said Grace. "Not only that,but it's not just my future I'd put on the line,but my entire relationship with Ash as well. If I had lost you would've taken me away from him a second time! And I would've done anything to not let that happen!" Serena hissed. Grace could only listen and feel ashamed in putting her daughter in such a position.

"Since we are having this conversation. I feel you need to hear this...you made mistakes. Mistakes I had to put up with. Sending me to camp even though that turned out well in the end,separating me from Ash,putting up with Ryhorn Training everyday even though I didn't want to,the incident this morning,and now this?!" Serena her voice leave her throat,and felt tears leaving her eyes. She then turn back on her mother.

Seeing her daughter in such pain made Grace see that even then a few months back. She wasn't the best parent,much less a decent one. Seeing her daughter now quietly crying made her shed tears as well. "If only dad was here." Serena said through her sobbing. "Your father..he was always the parent,the listener,provider,and our anchor...if he was here...he'd know what to say.." Grace said while crying. "I'm sorry...for everything. All the pain,and hardaches I'd put you through. I only wanted was best for you as I know your father would've wanted me to." Grace said while hold to Serena's shoulders. Now unable to suppress things any longer,Serena gave in.

"I miss him mom! I miss him so much!" Serena sobbed into her mother's suit. "So do I sweetie...so do I." Grace joined her as both women shared an emotional time while the group could only watch in sadness.

At the front,the group prepared to disembark. "Take care Serena ok? And Ash you better take care of her." Grace said. "I will." Ash smiled. "Be sure to call every once in awhile." Said Grace. "I will." Serena promised.

As the group walked down the rode waving goodbye. Grace waved back. "She isn't our little girl anymore...we did a good job with this one Alex...I only wish you were here to see it. She misses you as do I honey...so where ever you are up there...watch over our daughter..." Grace said with a few tears in her eyes. All the sudden a sudden breeze came in as she felt it pass through her. "Watch over her Alex...when she's falls down,when she's loses hope...help her get back up...Be her Light...Everyday...Everyday." Grace said as she felt the breeze through her hair saw the sun setting. Know that her husband and father of her daughter will watch over her as the Journey.


Done...well guys this it. Hope you'd guys enjoyed it. In the end while I was writing it I did get emotional so I hope you guys did too. If you were wondering Serena's father died in an accident when she was much younger just to answer any questions concerning that. On something else great news is that I'm on Spring Break so I'll be able work on this a little more.

So tell what did you guys think of the chapter. This one was one of the longer one so that's why I took so long. So as much action there is emotion that played heavily on this chapter. Stay tune for the next chapter. This is Paradox signing off. Goodbye