Chapter 2: Masterful
All around Serena were the eyes of the entire region, looking intently at who the chosen winner was going to be. Her heart raced and her mind flashed so quickly between thoughts, it was almost blank.
Monsieur Pierre's voice broke the flaming tension. "Here is the moment you've all been waiting for! The person who will bring home the title of Kalos Queen, by an incredibly close victory here today in Gloire City's Master Class showcase...
Please give your most heartfelt congratulations to Serena!"
That name that came out of his mouth just then didn't register in Serena's brain at first. Time stood still around her.
She recalled how she had started out; a grumpy teenager who lived with her mom. She never made any close friends in Kalos, instead preferring to stay indoors and watching PokeVision, looking at all of the pretty performers. She never once, before she started her journey, even considered being on stage just like them doing something like that. But then, she met Ash again. Her closest friend before she moved from Kanto to Kalos. They met, and they journeyed together with Clemont and Bonnie. She wouldn't want to trade those memories for the world. After all, the feeling of happiness she had when being around her friends was the best thing in her life.
Serena took a moment to process what Pierre had said. "I... I won..? No way..." She couldn't move. Her eyes focused on her own Pokémon.
Braixen, her partner throughout their entire journey through Kalos, the fire typed fox who's personality and mannerisms closely resembled Serena's herself.
Pancham. The boisterous fighting typed panda - he always got into rows with Fennekin or Chespin but always came through for Serena, his courage and determination always pushing Serena to carry on.
Sylveon. This fairy type dog pokemon that evolved out of immense respect and affection for its trainer, and to Serena, a friend that symbolised all of their growth as friends. Deep down, Serena knew that as long as they were with her, she'll never feel empty and lonely again.
And they had reached their ambition, at the end of their year together. They had won the Master Class. They had beaten Aria.
She collapsed to her knees in ecstasy, her Pokémon leaping on top of her in a warm embrace.
The audience cheered and whistled. Clemont and Bonnie leapt out of their seats. "This feels like a dream..!" Clemont shouted to his companions in utter shock and delight.
"Clemont, Ash, she really did it! She really did it! Yay, yay!" Cried the little girl.
Ash was too stunned to get up, or even say a word. He gazed at his friend in pride, in respect, but most importantly, with affection. He was so unconditionally happy for her.
"Milady." Pierre said to Serena. "Please accept this tiara, and with it, the title of Kalos Queen."
Serena held the glistening headdress in her hands. It was a fantastic silver, with a diamond in its centre. She placed it gingerly atop her head. The room erupted into applause.
Aria walked over to her. "Serena." She said with a smile. "Congratulations! You earned this victory, one hundred percent. Don't you forget that... But don't forget what I told you when we first met either, okay? Only a true performer can do what I said to you throughout their whole careers.
Tears welled up in Serena's eyes. "Oh Aria, thank you for everything!" She cried, hugging the pink girl. She smiled, and wrapped her arms around Serena's back. 'Just remember, you still have a lot to learn about being a performer!" She added.
Serena nodded frantically, with tears of joy streaming down her face. "Thank you... Thank you..." She murmured over and over. She felt as if she was going to die of happiness, and just wanted this moment to last forever. Eventually, she wiped her face down with her sleeve and turned to the spectators, scanning the seats for Ash. She caught his gaze, and he caught hers, and the two looked at each other and smiled. "Ash..." She whispered. "Thank you too..."
Eventually the audience slowly started to filter out of their seats and spread out of Gloire City, to make their own separate journeys back home. Serena was helped to her feet and led out of the room to the lobby, where there were a certain three girls waiting for her.
"Serena! That was amazing! You really, truly did it!" Shauna cried. "Oh my goodness, I'm so happy!"
Ninis eyes were still quite red, but her voice was filled with respect. "You earned that tiara girl, be proud of yourself and your three Pokémon... After all, you four are like family!"
Serena nodded, unable to say a word. Miette beamed at her, her eyes still swollen and bright, but like Nini, glowing with admiration. "Don't think it ends here, Serena! You still have to work hard to be the best, so that you don't get knocked out in the next Master Class!"
"Oh, Miette... Nini... Shauna... Thank you all so much for being there for me." Serena exclaimed, her voice scarcely above a whisper.
They accompanied her to the lobby after she had got changed, and there she saw her mother.
"Mom!" Serena said. "You came!"
"Oh honey... I always knew you could do it, from the moment you beat me in the Skiddo race. You had potential, you had motivation, your caring friends with you... You've truly grown, sweetheart." Said Grace, beaming proudly.
Serena smiled back and ran into her mother's embrace, unable to stop the tears from flowing. "I love you mom, thank you..."
Grace turned to the girls. "You three can go home now. Thanks for taking care of my precious girl."
They bowed to her and together, left out into the open. Grace took it upon herself to shield her from the paparazzi until they had made it back to Serena's hotel room, and in there, waiting for her, was her closest friends, Clemont, Bonnie and Ash.
"Serena, Serena, wow, you won!" Bonnie shouted, jumping up and down. Clemonts own eyes were bright and enthusiastic. "Serena, that performance was incredible! I was at the edge of my seat the whole time!"
Serena giggled. "You really mean it?" She asked, to which the blonde boy nodded vigorously.
Ash waited for the them to finish. "Serena... The Kalos Queen, huh?" He grinned.
She stared at him, blushing. "It's kinda embarrassing now that I think about it..." She muttered.
Ash disagreed. "Don't be. You, Braixen, Pancham, Sylveon... You four trained together like there was no tomorrow, you never gave up even under pressure and facing narrow losses... You should view yourself as an inspiration to every performer out there, and I'm so glad that you're my friend." He said, laughing complacently and scratching his cheek. He even thought about what he said, and realised he's never said something so deep before, but he felt comfortable sharing his heartfelt opinion now. It was a strange, yet happy sensation, he concluded to himself.
Serena's eyes welled again. "Ash..." She tried to express her gratitude in words, but couldnt think of anything. In a daze, she stepped forward and pulled him into a close hug. Ash was taken aback, and his face went scarlet red. He could feel her heat wrapping around him, but he didn't let go. For some reason, it made him feel warm inside, and so he held onto the girl, not knowing what to say.
Serena, meanwhile, was still busy trying to process that she involuntarily just gave Ash a hug. She blushed feverishly, and started panicking heavily. What if Ash thought that was weird? The way she just hugged him without warning. But instead, she felt his arms on her back. Serena immediately forgot about the Master Class and her win. She felt now as if she was floating on air, just being able to touch her idol, the boy who she had had a crush on since she was a child.
Except Serena felt it was more than just a crush. Ash was always there for her, always ready to give her advice, and not only that, but he was brave, kindhearted and helpful. She saw the way he battled alongside his Pokémon, and saw that he loved them all dearly. And she loved him. However, she was too scared to tell him. How would he react to it? She noted that Ash had always treated her like a friend, and she had confided in Bonnie her crush on Ash, who had sadly told her that the boy was dense as a rock. It crushed her spirits knowing that Ash might not, or never understand her true feelings for him. But what's worse was that there would never be a right opportunity to tell him. Confessing to him might break the friendship they had, and not only that, but if Ash knew this, it might add more to his worries than the upcoming Pokémon league.
She tried to shake off this feeling, and held onto Ash, wishing that she never had to let go.
Clemont and Bonnie watched this moment in awe. Clemont scratched his nose subconsciously.
"Clemont?" Bonnie whispered. "I need to tell you something tonight. Can you come sleep next to me so I can tell you?"
Clemont turned to face her. "Um, alright? Is it really serious?"
"Ayup." Bonnie replied. Then she turned to face their two embracing friends. "Uh, guys? Are you forgetting that you have a gym battle to get to?"
The two gasped simultaneously, and Serena quickly broke away from Ash. "Ah!" She cried. "Sorry, sorry..."
Ash looked dazed, but shrugged it off. "Oh yeah! The Snowbelle gym, isn't it?" He asked.
Serena nodded, and pulled out her map. "Yep, and it's not that far from here. Just need to go back a left on this turn, and follow the road. But apparently, Snowbelle City is gonna be really cold, so be sure to pack your snow gear!"
"So what do you say we sleep here tonight, and first thing in the morning we head to Snowbelle City?" Clemont asked. The other three all agreed.
Serena's mother, Grace, was watching them intently. Then she said "You four have a safe journey, okay? I'll be heading back home now."
They turned to face her, and said their goodbyes; She left and the four went to book in their one night stay.
"Hey, Serena?" Clemont asked.
"Yeah?"
"Bonnie wanted to sleep in my room tonight. Is it okay with you if we switched rooms?"
"Yeah, sure." She said, but then she realised what that meant for her - she'd be sleeping in Ash's room! She tried to casually wipe her face in an effort to hide her intense blush, and then left to go to her room, where Ash was already setting down his backpack.
"Hey Serena." He called. "Where's Clemont?"
Serena acted nonchalant. "Oh, he uh, Bonnie wanted to sleep next to him tonight, so he asked to switch places with me..."
Ash shrugged his shoulders. "Oh, that's fair enough then. Except apparently, these rooms only have double beds, so if i'm a bit too uncomfortable, I don't mind taking a sleeping bag-"
"Nonono, that's okay!" She reassured him quickly, her blush becoming even more scarlet. Now she's going to share the same bed as her crush? Hands down, she felt it was the best day of her life so far.
"Alright, if you're okay with that, i don't mind." Ash said, relaxing slightly. His trainers and socks were already thrown in the corner of the room; he pulled off his jacket, jumper and jeans, and chucked them on top of his footwear. "I'm gonna hit the hay then." He told her. "I'm not looking, don't worry, so um, goodnight."
He delved under the covers and his head hit the pillow. About a minute later, he noticed the covers lifting and falling again, and another presence in the bed.
Again, he noticed she was nice and warm. The heat was comforting, and he found himself getting sleepier - however, he realised after a while that he couldn't fall asleep. Serena was facing him, her eyes closed and her breathing soft.
Bonnie was wearing in a onesie, snuggling under her older brother. "So Bonnie," Clemont started. "What did you want to talk to me about?"
"Have you noticed the way Serena acts around Ash?" Bonnie asked.
Clemont put a hand on his chin. "Well... I can't say I have..."
Bonnie sighed. "What do you think she thinks of him?"
He tilted his head. "What are you asking me this for-"
"Its love! Serena totally has a crush on Ash! I can't believe you're this dense!" she snapped at him finally. Clemont went red. Now that Bonnie mentioned it, that explanation made perfect sense to him - why she blushes around Ash, her constant concern for his health and safety, the way she smiles in his company... Clemont silently cursed at himself for not seeing it sooner.
"I think i get it, but why are you telling me this?"
Bonnie glared at him, exasperated. "Well, have you realised that the Kalos League is coming up really fast, and, even if Ash wins or loses, chances are he isn't gonna stay in Kalos. And she's too scared to confess to him. So you know what that means?" Clemont stayed silent. Bonnie nudged his arm with her shoulder while winking. "It means we're gonna have to, well, help Serena out. Now that she's got some thinking time, you know?"
Clemont gaped at his younger sister, who, despite her age, seemed to be much more socially aware than him. "Uh, what? Actually, you know what? I'll just follow your lead - tell me what I should do then, sis."
"Hey, are you still awake?"
Serena's eyes fluttered open. "Yeah... I can't sleep."
Ash smiled nervously. "Me neither. I hope i'm not moving too much?"
Serena shook her head tiredly. "No, don't worry... So what's the matter, Ash?"
Ash looked into her eyes. "Well... You've found and realised your dream, at long last. Have you thought about what you wanted to do now?"
Serena thought about it. "No... I'm not actually sure..."
Ash got up. "Well, there's no need to rush, after all, we've still got until the Kalos League to travel together, but obviously, if you figure out what you want to do now that you're the Kalos Queen, then that should be number one on your priorities, right?"
Serena lent on her elbow to be able to face him. "Actually, i want to accompany you to the Pokemon League. It just wouldn't be right if I left you when you never left me."
Ash stared at her in wonder. Then his face broke into a big smile. "Serena... That means a lot to me. Thank you... You're awesome, you know that?" He whispered.
Serena blushed heavily as she rested her head again and closed her eyes. "Oh Ash..." But inside, his words brought a certain tinge of despair to Serena's heart. They had until the League together. Then, Ash would go back to Kanto, and Serena couldn't exactly leave Kalos as one of its largest representatives, the Kalos Queen. After the Snowbelle Gym, and then after the League... She'll have to say goodbye.
She tried to shake off the hollow despair that began to gnaw at her.
A couple hours passed, until Ash awoke to the sound of sobbing. Serena's voice. He bolted upright and turned to the girl next to him. "Serena! Serena! What's going on?!" He urged, shaking her gently.
Serena's eyes opened slightly, and tears rolled out of them. "A-A-Ash... I just had a-a-a nightmare..." she gasped.
Ash put his hands on her shoulders. "Its okay, it's okay, I'm here. Deep breaths, okay?" He told her gently. She obliged, breathing in and out, slowly, her breaths unstable.
"It was about you..." She whispered when she had got her breath back.
Ash's brow furrowed. "Me? What do you mean?"
She dried her eyes with her pyjama sleeve. "I dreamt about when I saw you on TV when you were on Lumiose Tower, except Blaziken Mask never appeared in my dream. You... You..." Her eyes lost focus as they began to well up again.
Ash put his arm around her. "Listen, that's all in the past now... All that's left to think about now is the present, and the future. So don't give your nightmare a second thought, you got it?" He explained. Serena nodded slowly, Ash's soothing voice calming her down.
"Okay, I'll try..." She mumbled.
Ash smiled warmly. Then he looked out the window. Pitch black, and everywhere else was quiet. It must've be midnight, or very early morning. Ash tilted his head. "Well, it's pretty late. We should probably try and sleep, so we don't slow the group down tomorrow." he sighed.
Serena's eyes widened. "Oh yeah... Sorry!"
The two went back under the covers, but this time, Serena shuffled forward until she was touching her crush. She fell asleep again almost instantly. Ash blushed, but didn't pull away. Soon, he too was fast asleep.
Slow paced, i get it. But trust me when i tell you this all is going according to plan - i've luckily mapped out the next 10 chapters. This series hopefully will be a long one. An amourshipping draft to say the least - and most certainly one i hope you all stay with me to enjoy.
Reviews:
Guest: I can't believe this is your first story! You write better than most writers here!
Thank you! I'm flattered - although, i should mention, this isn't my first story. It will be, however, my first GOOD story. I used to write many unironic emo badfics with terribly made OCs - but i'm well past that stage of my life, thank Arceus for that. I've gotten an education, written an essay on the history and evolution of death metal, and I've become a... Well, established writer.
Thank you all, have a good day.
Or in my case, good night.
