Chapter 9: Love in all the Right Places

(Sootopolis City, Hoen Region)

"Just one more ribbon. Come on Serena, you can do it..."

Serena walked through the streets of Sootopolis City, admiring her ribbon case. This would be the last contest before The Grand Festival, and so it was either do or die, and she intended to win. However, perhaps she should've been more focused on where she was going...

"Watch out!"

Serena looked up, but not soon enough and ran right into someone, sending them both to the ground.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry! I should've been watching where I was going."

"Its okay, I wasn't paying attention either. Are you okay... wait, Serena?"

Serena got a better look at who she was talking too, and gasped.

"Calem?"

Calem helped her to her feet, happy to see his childhood friend again.

"Serena, its good to see you!"

"You too. What brings you to the Hoen Region?"

"To compete in the Hoen League, of course!"

Taking a seat at a nearby café, the two old friends soon got to catching up.

"I heard about Team Flare and Kalos. Are you alright?"

"I was a little shaken, but I'm okay. Don't worry, your mom's alright."

Calem slid back into his seat, sighing in relief.

"So you're competing in Pokemon Contests, huh? You know the Grand Festival is in a month, right?"

"Of course I know that, which is why I need this ribbon!"

"Well, good luck. Hey, why don't I come watch? I already got my Gym Badge, it might be fun!"

Serena smiled sweetly.

"Thanks, I'd appreciate that."

"Hey, no sweat! What're friends for?"

Serena looked away, a slight blush appearing on her face. This feeling, was it...

"Oh, look at the time! Registration ends in 10 minutes, we need to move!"

"Oh, right!"

Fortunately, Serena managed to register just in time. Calem bought a Contest Pass to watch, and before he headed to the stands he gave her a pep talk.

"Don't worry, you'll do great."

"Serena to the stage, please! Serena to the stage!"

"That's my cue."

"You'll do great. I'll be rooting for you all the way!"

Serena smiled and ran up on stage.

"Take the stage, Delphox!"

Serena's starter twirled onto the stage, creating a circle of fire that awed the audience.

"Alright Delphox, start off with Wil-O-Wisp!"

Delphox nodded, sending several small fire balls out into the air, but just before they hit the ceiling..."

"Now hold them in place with Psychic!"

Humming, Delphox held them firmly in place over the stands. Calem looked up curiously.

"Hmm, I wonder what she's planning?"

"Now Mystic Fire!"

Raising her wand to her mouth, Delphox blew hard, creating a spectacular display of fire breathing that made the crowd ooh and awe. But she didn't stop there. Raising the wand, she blasted the suspended fire balls apart, sending sparkles down on to the cheering crowd while the two took a bow.

"Incredible, folks! We'll have to see what the judges say at the end of the round, but I'd say she's a shoe in!"

Vivian was right. The judges fell in love with Serena's performance, and she made a quick sweep of the first battle round. Before she knew it, she was staring down her opponent for the final match, a young girl named Sarah.

"Alright folks, this is it. The last battle before the Grand Festival, and we're bound to be in for a nail biter! Are both contestants ready?"

"You bet!"

"Let's do this!"

"Five minutes on the clock, and...begin!"

"Go, Delphox!"

"Mawile, take the stage!"

"Let the battle begin!"

"Fairy Wind, Mawile!"

"Shadow Ball!"

Delphox weathered the attack as best she could, helped by her resistance to it. Confidently, Delphox created several small balls of dark energy before sending them at her opponent with a simple flick of her wand. The attacks all hit their mark, knocking Mawile off her feet while Sarah's points took a dive, much to her annoyance.

"Flash Cannon, Mawile!"

"Fire Blast!"

The two attacks clashed in the middle, dissipating in a brilliant display so beautiful that both players lost points, though Serena was still in the lead.

"Iron Head!"

"Psychic!"

Delphox focused hard, keeping Mawile suspended in mid air, though she was fighting a losing battle and Mawile powered through, hitting her opponent and bringing them down to about even.

"Use a Shadow Ball of your own!"

"Fire Spin!"

Desperately, Mawile created a barrage of Shadow Balls, only for each one to break apart once they hit Delphox's wall of fire, creating a brilliant display of light that wowed the audience. Sarah was just about to issue another command when...

"That's time! The winner, by a hair, is Serena!"

Mawile sighed, sad that she had failed, but Sarah wasn't disappointed.

"Its okay, Mawile. We'll get them next year."

After that, she shook hands with Serena.

"Good job, Sarah. Best of luck in the future!"

"You too, Serena. I hope you win The Grand Festival!"

After the ceremonies wrapped up, Serena met up with Calem, who gave her a high five.

"Great job! I knew you could do it."

"Thanks, Calem. Now come on, I could use something to eat."

"Sounds good to me!"

Later that night, the two of them sat on a hill overlooking the city, staring up into the starry night sky while catching up.

"So, how'd it go with that guy you were after? Did you meet him again?"

Serena's face fell. Even after all this time, it wasn't an easy topic for her.

"I did, but...it didn't work out. I waited too long, and by the time I saw him again, he was dating someone else."

"Ah man, I'm sorry. Well, if you ask me he's missing out on an amazing girl."

Serena blushed, pushing a few strands of hair out of her face.

"What about you? Got a special girl in your life?"

"Nah, haven't had much time for dating. Although...Never mind."

"What, what is it."

"Ah, you'd just make fun of me."

"Calem, come on, I've known you since we were kids. I promise, I won't laugh."

"Alright, its just...when we were younger, I kind of...had a crush on you."

"What?"

"See, I told you."

"No, its not that. Its just...why didn't you say anything?"

"You were always going on about this guy you met in Kanto, I thought it would ruin our friendship. After a while, I thought I got over it, but now? I think I'm getting those feelings again..."

Serena smiled, and kissed him on the cheek, surprising him.

"Why don't we give it a try? You're a great guy, I can see us being together."

"Really?"

Serena nodded, and he grabbed her in a tight hug.

"Sweet! Want to go on a date tomorrow? I know this really great restaurant."

"Its a date!"

"Yes!"

Calem ran into the Pokemon Center with joy, making Serena smiled. Maybe the love she was looking for was right in front of her...