Something I wrote for Mother's Day a few months back. A one-shot to help me get back into writing.

Chase looked at himself in the mirror, blushing at the outfit he was currently wearing. A tuxedo and fedora are nothing to be embarrassed about, but a few girls and older women did giggle when he and his mother entered the backstage of the Contest Hall. Even his own mother and their Pokemon giggled when a few girls said he looked cute. Chase had nothing against Pokemon Contests or Pokemon Performances, though he preferred Hoenn and Kantonian contests for not requiring their contestants to dress up.

Nevertheless, he was happy to spend time with his mother, Serena Ketchum, the former Kalos Queen, on Mother's Day.

"Mom," Chase looked around nervously, "you don't mind keeping all of that from Aunt Bonnie?"

Serena smiled. "It'll be our little secret. Although, I think the young lady with the Ribombee—"

"Mom…"

"Just being observant."

The Pokemon snickered and continued to do so even when Chase glared at them. For all the qualities Chase inherited from Ash, Serena was happy that it wasn't her husband's complete obliviousness toward certain things.

"Can I ask you a question?"

Serena snapped out of her little daydream. "Sure. What about?"

"How did you know you wanted to be a Pokemon Performer?"

"How did I know?" Serena blinked.

Chase nodded and the two took a seat. "Dad always knew he wanted to be a Pokemon Master, and I thought I wanted to be like him too. Now, I'm not entirely sure…"

Serena smiled and placed her arm around Chase, pulling him closer. "You know, I had no clue what I wanted to do in life when I turned ten. Well, except that I really, really wanted to get away from your grandmother and Rhyhorn Racing practice."

"You practiced Rhyhorn Racing?"

"Every day, and even though I got better with practice, I never liked it," Serena sighed, still smiling. "I was only doing it because grandma wanted me to, and because it was what everyone in Vaniville Town expected me to do as the daughter of the famous Rhyhorn Racer Grace."

"After that, the two of you sat down and talked about it, right?"

Serena chuckled. "Nope. It wasn't until I met your father, for the second time in a long time, that I would have the courage to tell grandma that I did not want to be a Rhyhorn Racer."

She looked over at Delphox and Sylveon, the fire-type Pokemon giving her a smirk and wink while the Fairy-type smiled gleefully.

"And it wasn't until I Miss Shauna that I wanted to give Pokemon Performing a try."

"And that's when you realized your goal."

Serena wiggled her fingers. "Not quite. During my travels through Kalos, I realized that I wanted my performances to bring happiness to others, just like Miss Aria. I was offered the chance to become the student of her mentor, a former Kalos Queen themselves, but I turned them down to find my own way, my own strength."

"That's when you traveled through Hoenn and began competing in Pokemon Contests?"

Serena nodded. "Competing in contests helped me focus on my Pokemon's abilities more than our appearances. Not that we didn't look glamorous, but contests are less of a pageant and more of a talent show. Though, I wasn't expecting to gain so much popularity in Hoenn, including the eye of Miss Lisia."

Serena stood, taking Chase's hand and helping him to his feet. "Your father and I never wanted to force our goals onto you or feel like you had to follow them because he is Kalos League Champion or I was a Kalos Queen and Top Coordinator. Whatever you decide to do in life Chase, we'll support you one hundred percent. As long as you promise us one thing."

"What's that?"

"Never give up…"

Chase smiled, "...until it's over."

"Pi Pichu!" The electric-type Pokemon hopped onto Chase's shoulder and nuzzled him.

Serena looked over at Delphox and Sylveon before Chase suddenly hugged her. She hugged him back and ruffled his hair.

There was a knock at the door.

"Ms. Serena. You and Chase will be performing soon."

"You ready?" Serena asked.

"I am." Chase smiled, adjusting his fedora.

"Hold on a second." Serena reached into her person and attached something to Chase's hat. "What do you think?"

It was a feather. One of the many accessories sold in Laverre City.

"It's perfect!" Chase smiled. "Um…"

"Hrm?" Serena noticed Chase reaching for something from the inside of his backpack. A pink flower pin from Santalune City. She kindly accepted it and pinned it to her dress, next to an equally special blue ribbon.

"Happy Mother's Day Mom."

"It sure is."