***Author's Note***

I'm grateful for your reviews once again! Now please, do read on!

Disclaimer: I own Serena.

A Few Helpful Pushes

Chapter 4: Cerulean City Shopping

"Are we almost there yet Ash?" Misty asked the boy weakly. Night was almost falling upon them and they were still walking. It took all her strength to keep standing but she was losing energy quickly. They had stopped for lunch and then a few more times on the way but other than that, they had continued onward.

            Ash, as always in the lead, kept walking and Serena wondered where the boy got so much energy from for she too was about to fall.

            "It looks like," Ash said suddenly stopping and consulting the map in his hands. "It looks like we're about two miles away from Cerulean. If we keep going, we could get there in a few hours."

            "No!" Misty groaned and collapsed onto the grass. "We're not going to keep going. We are going to camp out here. We're all too tired to go on Ash."

            Ash turned around to look at the straggling group and then turned his head to the sky. "You're right. Okay, tomorrow morning, if we leave early enough, we'll be in Cerulean. For now, let's get a fire made and start dinner."

            Like the night before, the four teens sat around the campfire eating their dinner. This time however, there was no fresh fish. Instead, they were eating beans from the can. For a while, no one spoke as they consumed the food, too hungry to think about anything or anyone else but then, Serena realized that there was something she had never found out.

            "Ash," she began. He looked up, still eating. "I never got the chance to ask you. Are you still training for the Pokemon League or what? I mean, what are your plans?"

            For a moment, Ash thought. At first, he thought that Misty would take a crack at him but realized that she was too tired to think about teasing him. Shrugging, he said, "Well, I competed in the Pokemon League after the first year of traveling and training. I came out in the Top Sixteen. Then I went to the Orange League and won that. Afterwards, I competed in the Jhoto League and came out in fifth place. Now, I guess you could say that I'm still training to go back into the Pokemon League. If I win that, I can try for the Jhoto League once more." He stopped to take a drink. "What about you?"

            Now Misty was somewhat more awake. "Yeah. Last night, you never mentioned anything about competing in any of the Leagues. What's the story on that?"

            "Well," Serena said thoughtfully. "I guess you could say that I competed in the Pokemon League same time as you Ash. Of course, I didn't compete against you nor did I see you. But I came out in the Top Sixteen as well. In the Orange League, I was quite close to winning and I haven't gone for the Jhoto League yet. I do want to be a really good trainer but mostly, I want my own gym."

            "That sounds like a good plan," Brock said.

            Serena shrugged. "Yeah. But I still have to keep working at it. I guess right now, I'm taking a break." Then she grinned and changed the subject. "Oh I can't wait to get to Cerulean! I heard that the mall's got a new dress store! We have got to check it out Misty!"

            "Really? I wonder what color I should get?" Misty wondered, Togepi asleep in her arms.

            "I have an idea." Serena put her empty plate down and walked over to her backpack. She pulled out what looked like a magazine and brought it over. "This is the catalog for Freshia Fashions."

            "Freshia Fashions?" Ash asked, rolling his eyes. "What kind of name is that?"

            "A name with class Ash," Misty replied and then proceeded to look through the catalog with Serena.

            The two sat side-by-side flipping the pages, giggling, and pointing at different dresses. Ash shook his head. He always wondered why girls got so worked just about clothes. And even being with Misty for so long, he never figured it out. Oh well. No matter what she wears, she'll always look pretty to me. He sighed. I wish I could ask her to the ball but she'd never want to go with me. She'll probably go with some guy from Cerulean and forget all about me. That's why she's choosing a dress now. Ash shook his head, trying to clear his brain and decided to start cleaning up.

            As Misty looked at dress after dress in the catalog with Serena, she felt her sprits rise. Maybe if she wore something really elegant from this store, Ash would finally notice her. Oh I hope he asks me to be his date to the ball! She thought. Me in my beautiful gown and him in a cute little tux. We'd pull up in front of the gym in a limo and everyone would vote us the cutest couple. But that's just a fantasy. I mean, he'll probably fall for some other girl who's prettier than me. Misty sighed. I guess I'll just have to find out at the ball.

            Meanwhile, while these two were thinking about each other, Serena was sending telepathic messages to Brock even though she pretended to be looking at the catalog with Misty. Luckily, her eyes didn't glow when she did this otherwise Ash and Misty would know she was using her powers.

            Brock at first, was surprised at receiving a message from Serena in his head for this was the first time she had talked to him like this but after a few seconds, he was used to it. Although he could not answer he, he 'listened' to her thoughtfully.

Hi Brock! Serena here obviously. Now listen, don't make any actions or movements to show that I'm talking to you like this. Okay, now obviously, we both know what's going on with Ash and Misty. Of course you know. If you didn't then you'd be just plain stupid considering you've been traveling with them forever. But since you do know, you're not stupid. Anyways, we have to push Ash and Misty towards each other. I know Misty well enough to know that she'd never admit her feelings for Ash and I'm guessing Ash is the same way.

Here, Brock nodded unconsciously.

Don't nod!

Brock jumped and then went about finishing cleaning up.

Sorry about yelling at you. So anyway, the ball will be the perfect atmosphere to get those two together but I'm gonna need your help. You work with Ash and I'll work with Misty. Try to first get him to admit to you that he does like Misty. I'll do the same thing. But don't push too hard. In the meantime, I'm also going to be talking to each of them separately like this, saying little things that will make them blush and come closer to realizing that they have to tell each other. I think I'll also do a few numbers like I did yesterday with Misty in the air. Nod slightly if you agree.

 Brock did as instructed.

Well, thanks for listening. I can't wait to start on our plan. G'night!

And then, there was silence in his head. He shook it a little. Boy! That girl can talk! He thought. He was beginning to think that she would never shut up but her plan sounded like a good one.

            But how to talk to Ash without getting pounded by the younger boy? Sighing, Brock began to fix up his sleeping bag. I'll think about that later. Right now, I need to sleep!

            Misty, you like Ash don't you?

Misty glared at Serena who stood beside her, grinning and then she began to talk to Ash about Pokemon. Misty shook her head. They were nearing Cerulean City and would be there in about ten minutes, according to Brock. But during the last two miles, Serena periodically kept sending her little messages. One, two sentences about her and Ash. About how she should tell Ash that she liked him and then she'd just turn away to talk to either Ash or Brock about something else.

            Misty had whispered back that she didn't and Serena would just smile, making Misty not know whether to hug her friend for trying to help or to pound her for interfering. The redhead was also sure that Serena was sending similar messages to Ash for once or twice when she'd sneak a glance at him, she saw him blushing and give Serena a furious look.

            And Misty also noticed that whenever Brock saw her or Ash blushing out of the blue, he's smile knowingly. Those two were up to something. Probably some scheme to get her and Ash together. Secretly, she was glad for the help. Maybe one of them could find out if Ash liked her or not. Even if he didn't at least she'd know for sure. Oh her thoughts were getting so jumbled up! Misty decided not to think about anything else until they reached her hometown.

            "Oh little sister! How are you?" Daisy wrapped her arms around Misty to give her a hug. Once she let go, Violet and then Lily each proceeded to give her hugs. Once done, they turned to Serena, hugging her as well. The group was standing inside Misty's house, which was located just behind the gym.

            Daisy sniffled a little. "What's wrong Dais?" Misty asked.

            "Oh I can't believe you two are here together again! You and Serena. It's been so long since you two have caused trouble here together," Daisy replied.

            Serena smiled. "Well, don't worry. Soon enough, there'll be more trouble than you can handle and you'll want us gone again."

            Laughing, the three older sisters now looked to the boys. "So, I see you're still following around your boyfriend? Of course," Lily, studied Ash, ignoring the fact that both Ash and Misty were about to blow. "Now I can see why you chose him. A few years ago I couldn't but now, you've gotten quite cute Ash."

            "He's NOT my boyfriend! How many times to I have to tell you that!?" Misty exclaimed.

            For once, Ash said nothing. He was blushing too much from Lily's comment. No one had ever directly told him that he was 'cute' and although it felt nice to know that at least he was good-looking, the only one he wanted to look 'cute' towards was currently yelling her head off at her older siblings.

            "Geez, calm down Misty!" Violet said.

            Misty took a deep breath.

            "Now, the ball is tomorrow. We, like, have to go shopping today!" Daisy said.

            At this, Brock and Ash decided to try and sneak out but were stopped by a curt voice.

            "You boys will be going to Taylor's. It's the most fancy store around for guy's clothes. But we're going shopping later. First, lunch."

            Brock and Ash sighed reluctantly. So much for getting away with shopping.

            After a fabulous lunch, which was cooked up by Brock, everyone headed out. They began walking towards the mall when three people ran up to them.

            "Ash! Misty!" a girl's voice cried out.

            They looked up to see a girl their age with a Nidoqueen running towards them. Behind her, a boy also their age came with a Nidoking. Off to the side and not quite with them, was another boy. This one without a Pokemon following him but his face was recognizable. Especially to Serena.

            "Gary!"

            Ash, Misty, Serena, and Brock walked up to the three, leaving Misty's sisters waiting back.

            "Emily, it's good to see you!" Misty said hugging the girl.

            "You too," Emily replied.

            To their right, Ash was talking to the boy. "Ralph. Your Nidorino evolved! Congratulations."

            Ralph grinned. "Thanks. Your Pikachu looks in good shape." He nodded to the yellow Pokemon atop Ash's head.

            Ash now turned to his archenemy. "Gary," he said nodding to show that he acknowledged his presence. But to his utter surprise, Gary didn't even seem to have appeared to notice him. Instead, he and Serena were just looking at each other, blushing, and looking like they didn't know what to say.

            He watched as Gary finally started talking but he sounded nervous. "He-hey Serena. Long time no see."

            Serena in turn looked just as nervous as Gary. Ash, being Ash, could not reason why they looked like this, but it made him grin to see his nemesis look so nervous. Even Serena whom he had thought to be so tough now looked like she was melting under Gary's gaze. Ash made eye contact with Misty and they both grinned. Misty looked like she was trying not to laugh.

            "Yeah. How's it been?" Serena asked, a dazed look in her eyes.

            Gary shrugged, trying to regain his normal, cool composure. "Pretty good. Caught some new pokemon down the road. How about you?"

            "Same here. So, uh...what brings you here?" Serena asked.

            At this, Gary smiled. "Probably the same thing you're here for. The Cerulean City Ball."

            "Oh of course!" Serena said with a laugh. How could she have been so stupid? Duh. Most all the trainers that were here, were here for the ball. She mentally smacked herself for getting so caught up in the moment.

            "So," Gary now finally turned to the others. "Ash Ketchum is here too, huh?" He grinned. "I thought only good Pokemon trainers were invited."

            "They were. I suppose they just invited you by accident," the shorter boy replied.

            Sensing that the two might start bickering and shooting comments at each other, Misty quickly interrupted. "Hey guys. I have an idea. Since we're all obviously here for the ball, why don't you two call a truce? That way we can ALL enjoy ourselves." She looked back and forth between Gary and Ash holding her breath.

            They stared at each other for a moment and no one moved. Then, "So Ash, what say we guys go to Taylor's together?"

Ash, Misty, Serena, Gary, Brock, Emily, Ralph, Violet, Daisy, and Lily all headed to the mall together. Once there, they spilt up. The guys headed towards Taylor's and the girls went for Fresha Fashions. But before Ash and the others left, Daisy handed him something.

            "Here. Charge the clothes you all get with this credit card. I'm sure you like have no money so that should be enough. And you'll like, get a discount since you're special guests of the gym. And remember to meet us back here at the entrance by like, six o'clock. Okay?"

            Ash looked down at his watch. It read 1:00. "Six!? What do we need five hours for?" he exclaimed.

            Misty answered for Daisy. "Ash, sometimes, I don't get you. Of course we need five hours. There are six of us. We each need the perfect dress and there's so many to choose from! Duh."

            "Well excuuse me for not being a girl! It only takes guys like, three seconds to pick out clothes," Ash shot back.

            "For you anyway. That's why your clothes always look like you picked them out from the store with your eyes closed."

            "At least I-" Ash was cut off by Brock and Gary pulling him away with Ralph following. "Hey! I'm not finished!"

            Brock waved to the girls. "Six it is. We'll just hang around until then. And Ash, you can flirt with Misty later. Plenty of time for that."

            Ash just blushed. Why, why, why did everyone have to make loud comments like that in front of everyone else? It just wasn't fair.

            At six, the four boys stood around the entrance, waiting for the girls. Each held a bag or two with their clothing and shoes. Of course, since they did have a credit card, they had gotten a few extra items but no one needed to know about that.

            Six-thirty came around and they still waited. "I knew it! This is just like the time we went to the Princess Festival and had to wait for Misty to get all that clothes. And she was just one girl." Ash exploded with a sigh to follow.

            At the mention of Misty, Brock's eyes lit up. Here was the perfect chance to make hints to Ash. He caught the eyes of Gary and Ralph and mouthed 'Misty'. They grinned in response.

            "So Ash, are you planning to ask Misty to the ball?" Gary asked smoothly as if he were talking about Pokemon.

            For perhaps the millionth time in the last few days, Ash blushed. "Misty? Why should I ask her?"

            "Well," Ralph said. "Maybe the tiny fact that you like her."

            Tomato red was what Ash's face and neck was now. "Like HER!? Are you out of your mind!?"

            "No."

            "So, when will you ask her?" Brock asked.

            "I don't know what you're talking about. And it's not like she'd go with me anyway if I did ask her," Ash said not quite meeting the gaze of the three guys.

            Gary grinned more widely. "Well, you'll never know unless you ask."

            "I refuse."

            "Look, we all know that you like her," Brock began and held up his hands to silence Ash, seeing that he was getting ready to shout at him once more. "Yes, it's very obvious from the way you two fight. Isn't the right guys?"

Ralph and Gary nodded together.

"Come on! It's not that hard!" Gary urged.

            Ash looked up at him, face a mixture of emotions. "Oh yeah? Then you ask Serena when they get here!"

            "Umm..." Gary was flustered.

            "Even thinking about it isn't so easy is it?"

            "Why don't you both ask together?" Ralph suggested.

            Gary looked at him. "Or how about this? You ask Emily, I'll ask Serena, and Ash here will ask Misty."

            Now it was Ralph's turn to blush. "I never said I liked her." He mumbled.

            Ash grinned. "Yeah, but it's obvious."

            "Just like you and Misty," Brock pointed out. "So, first thing's first. Just admit that you like her. Once you do, it'll be much easier to ask the question."

            "Fine fine," Ash said and then looked around quickly to make sure that the girls weren't about to pop up on them. "I admit that I do like Misty."

            "Woo-hoo!" Brock shouted and exchanged hive-fives with the other two.

            Ash looked up. "Sheesh. What's there to get so excited about?"

            Brock grinned at him. "I've been traveling with the two of you for four years and I have been waiting ever since for you to admit that! And viola! Here they all come! You three can ask right now." Then, his face fell. "But who do I ask?"

            Brock looked so crestfallen than Ash patted him on the back. "Cheer up. Remember that girl...what was her name? The one with the Marril? Maybe she'll show up."

            At this, Brock's face lightened. "Willhemina. Yeah."

            Now, the six girls were approaching and were standing right in front of the guys. Ash, instead of asking Misty to the ball, did what he always did whenever he got nervous around her. "What took you so long!?"

            "It's not that easy to pick out the perfect dress you know!" Misty responded.

            Ash rolled his eyes, taking no notice of Brock, Gary, and Ralph who were shaking their head at him. "It's just a ball."

            "Maybe to you but a ball is the place where people always find their true love!"

            "Love-smuve. I'm goin' for the food."

            "Arrgg!" Misty threw her hands up in the air, each of which held a shopping back. "You're impossible." And with that, she stalked out of the mall to wait for the rest.

            Ash watched her go and then felt the urge to go run after her and apologize and then ask her to the ball. But she had hinted that she was going to the ball to find someone she liked. And that obviously wasn't going to be him. He had blown the perfect chance. Why did he always do that?

            Meanwhile, Gary was looking at Serena nervously. If Ash didn't ask Misty with all the encouragement they gave him, it was his loss. But he didn't want to mess up like that idiot. He casually walked up to Serena, bags still in hand. "Umm...I could hold those for you." He indicated to the three shopping bags she held.

            Serena smiled making Gary want to look at her forever. "I'm fine but thanks. It looks like your hands are full anyway."

            "Oh of course. So umm..."

            "Yeah."

            "Listen, are you uh...by any chance not going to the ball with anyone?" Gary asked knowing he must have sounded like a complete dork.

            "Oh just ask me!" Serena said taking Gary aback.

            He widened his eyes and then grinned. "All right. Do you want to go to the ball with me?"

            "I thought you'd never ask!" Serena said, gave the boy a peck on the cheek making him go red, and skipped outside to join Misty.

            While all this went on, Ralph figured it was his turn. He still couldn't believe that Ash had messed up the perfect chance so badly. Maybe he could talk to him later but right now, Emily was on his mind. He stepped closer to the blond-haired girl and shot her a lopsided grin.

            "Hey Emily. Have fun shopping?" he asked.

            She smiled back. "There were so many beautiful dresses to choose from! But I finally found one I really liked and I hope it looks good on me."

            "Oh I'm sure it will. You look pretty in anything. I mean-" Ralph blushed, realizing what he had just said. "I mean-uh..."

            Emily giggled.

            Ralph gulped and then looked hopefully into her eyes. "Uh...would you maybe want to go to the ball with me?"

            "Of course silly!" Emily hugged Ralph and then seeing Serena go outside, bounded after her.

            When all three younger girls had left the mall interior, the older ones were left with the younger boys. But mostly, they focused on Ash.

            "I can't believe you!" Violet exclaimed, shaking a finger in the boy's face.

            He looked bewildered. "What did I do?"

            "If you don't know then you're not worth it!" came the reply and the three older Cerulean beauties walked out, purse swinging by their hips and arms full of shopping bags.

            "Ash," Brock said as they exited. "You can be so dense sometimes that I just want to strangle you."

***Author's Note***

And that, ladies and gentleman, was chapter 4. Hope you enjoyed it and don't forget to read and review!

Peace and love,

*Maura*

Preview of Chapter 5:

"So Ashy," Serena began, ignoring the glare that came her way. "I was thinking, since neither you or Melody have dates to the ball, why don't you go with each other?"

            Ash immediately began blushing and tried not to look at Melody as he spoke. "Melody? Umm...actually, I was thinking of not going at all."

            "Nonsense!" Melody exclaimed with a big grin. "It'll be perfect! I mean, why not? Misty's not your girlfriend and you're not her boyfriend so what's the matter? Ash, you are going and you are going with me, got it?"