Disclaimer: All rights go to the Pokémon Company Inc.
Chapter 5: Feelings Break
We headed back to camp as the sun started to dip below the horizon.
"Well that was fun." I said sarcastically.
"Hey no one got hurt so everything is okay." Serena said reassuringly. She was right though. I just nodded signaling that she was right.
"Clemont what's for dinner?" Bonnie asked as her stomach growled. He just giggles.
"I don't know yet Bonnie. But I do know it will be delicious." He said as Bonnie groaned in hunger. We all just laughed except for her until my stomach started rumbling.
"Hehe. It seems that my stomach agrees with Bonnie." I said with an embarrassed laugh.
"Well when we get back I'll make some Oran berry soup." Clemont said.
"Oh man that sounds good." Me and Bonnie said with our eyes sparkling. Serena rolls her eyes while giggling and Clemont chuckles. After a few minutes of walking we made a makeshift table and Clemont prepared to make his soup that he was talking about. I looked up in the sky and saw that the sun was dipping below the horizon. The clouds were a beautiful spectacle of colors from pink to orange. I sat at the table as I thought about my past life. How I first started my journey. From my first gym battle with Brock to making semi-finalist in the Lily of the Valley Conference in Sinnoh. I began to get a little nostalgic and it made me feel a little sad knowing that I had to leave everyone behind. From Misty to May and Max to Cilan. I miss traveling with those guys. And I think about the future and ask myself: What will I do after I compete in the Kalos League? Maybe I'll revisit some of the other regions that I've been to like Unova or Hoenn. But I would miss traveling with these guys a lot. That's how I felt with everyone else. But for some reason I would be even more sad if I knew I wouldn't be able to see Serena. I just don't know why. But that doesn't matter I should be enjoying the time I have now.
"Hello. Earth to Ash." I snapped out of my thoughts. Bonnie said that in slight annoyance which probably means that was not the first time she's called my name.
"You alright Ash?" Serena asked with concern. I smiled at that.
"Yeah I'm fine was just thinking that's all." I replied back still recovering from the sudden snapping back into reality.
"Well you were sure thinking. Mind to tell us what you were thinking about?" Clemont asked while chopping up the Oran berries.
"Wow well where do I begin? So you all know that this isn't my first adventure right?" I asked thinking that they would know. But to my surprise they were confused. I then realized that I've never told them about traveling to other regions.
"Oh I forgot to tell you that. My bad." I said. They just shook it off as they were too excited to hear about my stories.
"Oh man well it all started in the town of Pallet," I said as I told them a summary of what went on in my past life. Trying to tell stories about the last 9 years of your life in a short version is kind of hard, but I gave it a shot. I told them about how I got my trainer's license and how I got some of my Pokémon. I told them quick stories about being The Chosen One to save the Pokémon world a year after my initial journey to encountering Mew and other Pokémon like Regice and Registeel at the Tree of Beginning and discovering what kind of aura I have to encountering Zekrom and Reshiram on two separate occasions (AN: Yes I know that movie 14 isn't actually canon but for the purpose of the story they are :3). I became even more nostalgic as I was talking about my past life instead of thinking of it. After about 45 minutes I was done with the basics. Just the basics… There really was so much that I've been through. So many experiences, including near death. I mean I almost drowned at the Sea Temple. Frozen to stone. Almost sacrified my life to save the Tree of Beginning. Now that I think about it those were scary times. Ehhh it's best I leave those out of there. Don't want to worry them.
"Wait so you've met every single legendary?" Bonnie asked her eyes sparkly. I just chuckled.
"Yep. Well every single legendary leading up to this region at least." I say. I remember seeing my first Legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh flying off into the distance going to Hoenn.
"You have the exact same aura as the legendary Sir Aaron had?" Clemont asked in shock.
"Yeah. I've heard that with enough practice you can create barriers and attacks with it and even heal Pokémon and other people by just touching them. It truly is an amazing thing. Although obviously I haven't had the practice since I can't even do the same thing I was able to do back at the Tree of Beginning. I think it was of adrenaline and knowing we had so little time." I said.
"Well you shouldn't focus on aura Ash. If one day it shows it shows." Serena said. I nodded in agreement. I need to focus on becoming a master of Pokémon and I can't do that if I'm too focused on figuring out how to make Aura Spheres all the time.
"You're right Serena I couldn't agree more." I said to let her know she was right.
"Ash I never knew you had a Charizard. It sounds extremely strong being able to defeat the Legendary Pokémon Articuno. Have you ever thought of Mega Evolution?" Clemont asked in wonder.
"You know to be honest not really. Charizard is already strong as he is. Although if he wanted to be able to Mega Evolve then I do not have a problem. All I would need is a Charizardite X or Y stone and a Keystone. Or if maybe like Greninja if his power is as high it can be along with our bond then maybe we could do the same thing. But honestly I think the thing I have with Greninja is one-of-a-kind." I said.
"He sure would be a powerhouse if you did Ash. I still can't believe he beat the legendary Articuno. Might be able to beat so many powerful Pokémon that's for sure. And that way Greninja won't be your only ace." Clemont said. He wasn't wrong about that.
"Yeah you are right. I will have to take a look into it." I said.
"Well be careful Ash don't take Mega Evolution too lightly. You saw the effects of trying out Mega Evolution for the first time with Korrina's Lucario." Serena said a little sternly, but kind to let me know how she felt about the Mega Evolution.
"I am aware Serena. Thank you for pointing that out though." I say with a smile.
"No problem." She said smiling back. My heart skipped a beat when I saw her smile. What is this I'm feeling? I have the sudden urge to be with her and just her. I don't know about these feelings I have for her. But I know that they are present. I just shake them off and change the topic.
"So Serena how do you feel about part two of the Showcase tomorrow ?" I ask.
"I feel a little nervous, but I know I can win. I'll be able to get my first Princess key." She said a little excited at that thought.
"Don't worry Serena you'll do great. Remember we will always be on your side." I said in a reassuring tone and smile. She smiled at me with a look of thanks in her eyes. Clemont comes with the Oran berry soup he was talking about.
"Alright here you guys go." He said and I grabbed a spoon and immediately began slurping the soup up like it was my last day to live.
"Man this soup is great Clemont." I said while wiping my mouth.
"I'm glad you liked it." He said with a smile. Serena turned to me and she was slowly stirring the soup with her spoon as though she was reluctant to eat it. I thought she didn't like it, but that's not the case since she has taken some bites out of the soup. She then finally spoke.
"Also Ash I will be battling against Aria and Pierre tomorrow and I was wondering if you would be my partner? It's like a battle to see who wins. Non-contestants can join." She asked twiddling her spoon while blushing. I thought nothing of it because all I heard was battle. I saw Bonnie smiling out of the corner of my eye.
"I would be glad to." I said while looking at her for her reaction.
"Thanks Ash. I might be able to get two Princess Keys that way." She said gratefully.
"No problem. And hopefully you can." I said with a smile. She blushed once more. Was she getting sick? I hope not. Bonnie stood up and whispered something in Serena's ear and they walked off with Serena looking embarrassed and her face was red while Bonnie had a sort of devious smile on her face. Me and Clemont were left alone. I wonder what that is all about. Probably just some girl stuff.
Bonnie's POV
"Well Serena. Are you gonna spill the beans to Ash? You seem like you're having a hard time thinking straight." I ask teasingly with an I-already-know look on my face.
"W-what? I d-don't know what you're talking about. I-I don't l-like Ash." She said stuttering. She even had a hard time trying to get the last part out because she knew it was not true.
"C'mon Serena. I heard what you said last night talking about how he was so determined and that was the reason why you liked him." I said with a smirk as I struck a note because she froze up in embarrassment.
"I-I thought you were asleep." She said in a little bit of disbelief.
"I thought I was too, but you know what you woke me up when you were leaving. But don't worry Serena your secret is safe with me unless you don't want it to be from Ash." I said with a never ending smirk. She just blushed harder.
"That's fine thanks. I just hope he can break through his denseness." She said a little sadly. I felt a little bad for her. I don't know much about love, but what I do know is that Serena really likes Ash if not loves. But maybe Ash is breaking through his denseness.
"Don't worry one day he'll crack. I think he already is though." I said. She cocked her head to the side confused.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"Have you noticed his behavior for the past few days? He has been a little nervous around you. He was even staring at you yesterday morning. And that hug he gave you is usually not his style. So I think he could be developing feelings for you." I say with hope. She smiles.
"Yeah you're right. He has been acting strange." She says brightly with a smile on her face.
"See. He's coming around. You just have to wait for the right moment." I said with a wink.
"Question is when will that moment be?" Asked slightly glum.
"I have no idea. But hopefully it can turn up soon. And if Ash won't make the first move, maybe it's you can make the first move. Just follow your heart." I said in a cheerful tone and winked at her.
"Yeah you're right. Anyway we should get back to the camp they'll probably start worrying about us." She said and I nodded in agreement. We began walking back and talking about other girly stuff like fashion and clothing.
Ash's POV
I wonder where they went to. They've been gone 10 minutes and we should be heading to bed soon for tomorrow.
"Hey Ash." Clemont said snapping me out of thought.
"Yeah Clemont." I said.
"Anything new with Greninja?" He asked.
"A little bit yeah. We are able to be in it a little longer. We'll be able to get it." I said. He just nodded.
"What do you think this thing could be between you two?" He asks.
"Honestly I don't know. Maybe if I ask around I can get some answers. But first I just want to see how we can improve on it." I said.
"That's fair. It's nothing I've never seen before. Greninja seems to be much more powerful and faster too. Can't wait to see what happens when you guys keep practicing it." He said.
"Yeah same here." I said. I then look over to see Serena and Bonnie walking back here with a massive blush on Serena's face. I got worried immediately. I think she is burning up. I get up and rush to her.
"Serena are you ok you seem sick?" I ask with concern. She just laughed.
"Don't worry I'm not sick just some things crossed my mind and just wanted to talk to Bonnie about it." She said and Bonnie smirked.
"Well if you need anything don't hesitate to talk to me." I said.
"Thank you Ash. Everything is ok now." She said with a smile.
"Well I'm glad to hear that. We should get to bed so we can see Serena's Showcase tomorrow." I say with excitement. We all nodded and headed to bed. I put the dishes away as I helped Clemont clean up. I then headed to the tent and changed into my sleeping attire. Tired I curl up in my sleeping bag and lay down.
"Goodnight everyone." I said.
"Goodnight!" They said back. I fell asleep easily and comfortably.
Time Change...
I woke up to the sound of Fletchling chirping. I immediately checked my Pokétch. It was 7:35. The Showcase was at 10. I got up and I went outside to see Serena and Clemont up, but Bonnie was nowhere to be seen. She must still be sleeping. Clemont was making breakfast.
"Morning." I say to them.
"Morning Ash." They say back.
"Ready to do this Serena?" I asked psyched for her Showcase.
"You betcha I am." She said with determination. I went back into the tent and changed into my normal outfit and I went back outside. I saw Bonnie just starting to get out of the tent with her bag.
"Hi Bonnie." I said.
"Hi Ash." She said groggily. I just snickered. She sure likes sleeping. That is definitely me too. Hey she's young. She needs her sleep. I sat at the table Serena and Clemont set up. Clemont was bringing a tray, which he made, with bowls filled with oatmeal and a Pecha berry topping. It smelled delicious.
"Man that smells delicious Clemont." I said my stomach rumbling. I can tell that when the smell hit Bonnie she immediately woke and sped to sit at the table as if she were a Herdier waiting for it's treat. He set the bowls in front of each of us with a spoon. I was ready to eat the way that I do, which was wolf everything down, but I looked at Serena and all of the sudden I had the urge to eat slower so I did.
"Thank you Clemont!" I said gratefully. Everyone did the same.
"No problem. Now let's dig in." He said and we began our usual breakfast. I ate slower due to that urge when I looked at Serena.
"Why am I doing this?" I thought to myself. I shook it off and ate a little faster, but still slower than normal.
"Clemont I swear you have to be the best cook." Serena said. She wasn't wrong on that. He truly might be the best cook I've traveled with. Sorry Brock and Cilan.
"I'm glad you like it." Clemont said happily. After we were done we cleaned up our mess, grabbed our stuff and hit the road.
"Ready to win this Serena?" I ask enthusiastically. She smiled and nodded her.
"Ready as I'll ever be." She said as she began to run back to Couriway Town. I loved her determination and passion to follow her dream. To become a strong trainer and performer and one day becoming Kalos Queen. I smiled once more as Bonnie and I raced off after her.
"Wait up guys." Clemont said huffing and puffing. Serena was going to win this. And I was gonna make sure of it in this battle.