Hi, again. This chapter is one that I'm a little iffy about. So, I apologize if it isn't the best! Since the league episodes didn't dive into every battle and all and what happened in between, I wanted to add my own twist of things to it. Still! Hope you like it - a tad bit even! Thank you to the people who have faved & left reviews! It means a lot to me! Thank you, thank you. ;-;


Chapter 3.

Satoshi's first battle of the Lumiose Conference was exciting, but it didn't last long. It proved that the strength of his Pokémon and himself were not matched with his first participant at hand.

As each round passed, so did the days. The first night, after the victory in round number one, the gang held a small celebration at the Pokémon Center for their friend. Satoshi was super excited to have won the battle in which he had proudly declared of doing so. So, they all gave him their congratulations.

And by celebration, it meant a lot of food for the boy. Of course, since he was a Kalos League participant, it was all free! And 'free' was something the energetic trainer loved – and mix it with food and there's no going back!

Serena watched as he ate so excitingly. It only made her smile knowing how happy the boy was to be competing in the league. It was clear this was the most fun he has had on their adventure. Could she blame him, though? He worked hard to get to this point. Even backtracking so she could compete first before him. It only made sense that he would be shining with confidence from here on out. And she was secretly happy to get to witness such - as well as proud.

Still, Serena couldn't help but think the boy was eating at such a quick pace. A slight worried expression arrayed on her face. "Hey... I know you're excited about the food, but aren't you eating too fast? You could get a stomach ache, y'know?"

But, nonetheless the boy didn't think about it too much and kept his mouth full - even in answer! "It's okay! This is my personal training for the match tomorrow!" Was what he retorted back. Did it make sense to the others? Not really, but it sure did to him! It was one of those, 'I can't battle on an empty stomach so I need to eat as much as I can' kind of things. Or, simply Satoshi things.

Citron smiled at this knowing it was typical Satoshi behavior. But, Serena was right about these things whenever becoming 'sick' was involved. The last time he got sick, who had to take care of him? No other than herself! She had an intuition about this stuff.

"Fine, eat as much as you want, but at least slow down a bit?" She inquired, hoping he would agree.

"Don't worry! My stomach is made of steel. Right, Pikachu?" A laugh came after his response as his trusty partner nodded.

Serena smiled at a classic reply. She didn't want him to have any ache tonight so she hoped it was true. 'Cute.' The thought flickered in her mind.

...Yet, it wasn't in her mind. It was what she said.

In front of everyone. So close to each other...

Right in front of him!

Serena panicked. Her blue eyes wandered around the table hoping no one heard her.

There was a delayed reaction before Citron quickly gave a look toward his female companion. Eureka had a smile so wide that her excitement couldn't be contained and she gave a single clap! The only one who kept on eating was Satoshi.

Of course, he noticed everyone's stares and gave a 'What?' before a quick gulp of his food was done.

Serena turned red. Completely red. He was the only one who she didn't want to know what she said. She had to think of a response fast! So, what was a way for him to be distracted easily? Food!

"N-nothing, nothing! Here... eat up!" In an instant, she pushed forward a plate full of delicious treats in his direction. "Need that training, right? Quick!" She secretly prayed it would work – and if he took the bait that he wouldn't get sick!

Satoshi looked at the food before him, then back at the flustered trainer. His mouth slowly turned agape before changing into a smile. "That's the spirit," he replied, "I'll finish it all!" And with that, he didn't think twice about the events that just occurred and grabbed the plate to dig in!

Serena continued to keep the flustered expression as she gave off a nervous laugh - truly embarrassed. She desperately wanted her frenzy demeanor to pass but she couldn't help but think he still looked so cute with that smile! So, instead of making eye contact with anyone, her gaze fell downward, staring into her own plate.

Citron was about to ask something, but a confused gaze showed. ' Huh? What happened just now?' Was the only thing he got out to his little sister, hoping to find an answer.

And due to this, Eureka noticed her brother's perplex expression and silly question - shaking that blonde head of hers. "So dense, big bro!"

This only caused Citron to become confused even further. Didn't help at all!

However, for Serena, she just wanted this dinner to be over!

Thankfully, it did. No one else brought up the comment she made and Satoshi only spoke about his feelings toward the rest of the league battles. Saying, 'He wanted a match with every participant.' Which, wasn't surprising at all. And other conversations based the many strong opponents and such.


Later that night, Serena laid in bed thinking about what she said earlier. It was a close one, definitely. It somewhat reminded her of the conversation her and Sana had where Satoshi almost overheard. She blushed yet again thinking about how many close encounters she has had. And, that's also including the conversations between her and Millefeui! Oh, that girl. Always trying to irk her over her desire of Satoshi.

But, now wasn't the time to worry about almost letting out a confession. Just like always, she knew the support she gives him was important too. She knew she could give him the will to maintain that confidence and unpredictableness that burned deep within. In an odd way, she was clearly the perfect person who could motivate him in any situation – as it has happened on countless occasions. However, she did wonder if he had noticed it?

During their argument back in Snowbelle City, he had thanked her for opening his eyes. Just when she was going to apologize, too. She pondered on the thought of him knowing she would be there for him. As someone she admires, it would be hard to not care over him. And, again, it was proved with how she wanted him back to his old self – worried about how much he changed due to his incomplete form with Gekkouga. But she did help. He was able to find his way to the point where his frustrations and concerns were let loose. She did that, no?

Look at the progress now? He was back. And, she knew he would be for good. She would be there when needed. Satoshi was confident than ever.

There, she felt a warm feeling of satisfaction.

And, it was proven yet again. Not just with the battle for his Eighth Gym Badge, but in the first round.

Even when he explained why he was late to battle. She was upset that he had a match right before the round started, but how he promised that mysterious trainer to win.

How he promised to win it all – not only for that trainer – but due to it being his goal. He promised to carry on the dreams of himself and that other person.

He surely was something else.

Something no one else compared to in her eyes.