Day three of this seven days til Valentine special takes us to EP 025 ("A Battle by Any Other Name") of the Pokemon XY anime. So Miette meets the group and notices Serena's crush on Ash, tries to make her jealous by having Ash try her Poke Puffs. This reflects Day 6 on my Christmas fanfic.

I do not own Pokemon. That right belongs to Satoshi Tajiri. Each chapter will contain songs that are owned by the mentioned artists.

Day 3

I for Inspiration

On the road to Shalour City

Forest Path

Serena's POV

Baking always helped me calm down, I smiled as I made a fresh batch of Poké Puffs just the way my mom taught me. We camped by a riverbed for a night and are now resuming our trek to Shalour, a lot of things have happened since then and this adventure just became more exciting. Ash had been so sweet towards me from the beginning, but something is different about him when it is just us together.

I heard footsteps approaching, "Hey Serena."

It was Ash, his trademark smile on his face that always manages to ease my worries. With him were our two friends Clemont and Bonnie. They sat beside me looking at the case of Puffs I had made.

"Oh! Poke Puffs these look really great Serena." Bonnie complimented me with a large smile.

Clemont nodded, "Bonnie's right Serena. These Poké Puffs look perfectly balanced and made for specific Pokemon."

"I remember you telling me that your mom thought you how to bake. You also made a few Poke Puffs when we were at the Camp. Professor Oak still wishes that he could have asked for the recipes." Ash says grinning.

I felt myself flush, "Thanks guys!"

Just then Pikachu, Dedenae, Chespin, Fennikin, and the rest approached the basket and sniffed at the treats. Pikachu picked out a pink puff looking at it curiously before breaking it in half and offering Ash the other, the trainer smiled at his Pokemon accepting the piece. Bonnie and Clemont looked on in awe.

"Thanks buddy." Ash says petting the mouse's head.

Pikachu smiled wide at the affection, "Pi pika!"

"It's really amazing how you're both so in sync. It's like you understand him." Clemont points out.

Ash laughed rubbing the back of his head, "It had not been like that during the start. When I started my journey I had lots of pitfalls, my choice for a starter was originally going to be Charmander but I got up late and all of the fresh Pokemon were taken. But one was still there, it so happened to be Pikachu."

"I thought it odd that Pikachu was you choice for a starter, then again your not like most people. I've always known there was something different about you." I spoke softly smiling at him.

Bonnie giggled, "I bet you didn't get a long at first. What was the changing point to your relationship?"

"Pika pi." Pikachu says tilting it's head looking rather saddened.

Ash chuckled scratching the back to of his starter's ear, "Well, Bonnie's right we didn't get along at first, he wouldn't listen to anything I said and kept running from me. Outright laughed at me when I tried to make my first catch, which was a Pidgey."

At the mention of the flying Pokemon Pikachu's ears dropped, as if remembering something sad. Ash looked rather solemn at though of the Pokemon.

"Pi Pi. Pika. Pi." Says the yellow mouse shaking its head.

Ash nods, "I miss her too buddy. Then we got attacked by a flock of Spearow, that's when everything changed. Pikachu trying to take them all at once shot multiple electric attacks, but he couldn't get them all and was severely injured by the time we got away. I tried to carry him to a Pokemon center, but before we arrived in the next town we got attacked by the same flock, I shielded him from their attacks, but tripped causing him fell out of my arms."

Bonnie gasped shocked at the story, "Wow! That would changed anyone's relationship with a Pokemon for sure."

"She's right Ash. The fact that you protected Pikachu despite him not getting along with you at first shows great character. Some trainers would just abandon a Pokemon who refuse to listen to them." Clemont tells him eyes shining in admiration for his deed.

Pikachu nuzzled Ash's cheek affectionately, "Pika Chu."

"It began to rain as lighting stuck a couple of times, the Spearow were still surrounding us some attacking me. Pikachu looked me in eye and decided something, jumping up and taking a lighting strike to power himself up shooting a thunderbolt at them. When the sky cleared away they were gone, Pikachu and I were laying on the ground. I thanked him for saving me, and carried him promising to stop by a Pokemon center." Ash continues smiling at his starter who smiled back at him.

I was truly inspired by what he told us, the way his relationship with Pikachu changed because of that one moment. I smiled at the two of them, wondering if me and Fennikin would get a similar experience and grow closer. Pikachu having finished his half of the Puff got another one, but before he could eat it, it was swiped by a pinkish white blur, his cheeks sparked in shock.

Ash got up and ran after the Pokemon, "Hey!"

We followed him, wondering who it was that took the Puff. It was a Slurpuff and it looked like it was showing the Puff to it's trainer, who happened to be cozying up to Ash! Alright, I might be feeling a slight case of jealousy here, but to my relief Ash didn't seem to respond to any of her advances if anything he looked slightly annoyed by her. Clemont and Bonnie had unreadable expressions on their faces looking at the scene. His eye locked with mine as he beckoned us over, introducing the girl to us.

"Everyone this is Miette and her partner Slurpuff." He says eyes glancing at her.

I decided to hold out my hand for a shake, "Hi! I am Serena Yvonne."

"Nice to meet you." She says shaking my hand none too enthusiastically.

Bonnie and Clemont followed suite, with the older brother asking, "What brings you out here?"

"Well, there's a baking contest happening not far from here and I was thinking of entering." Says the dark haired girl showing up a flyer.

Ash grinned looking at me, "Serena you should enter too! Your Poke Puffs are amazing!"

"He's right. The Pokemon loved them!" Praised Clemont adjusting his glasses with a smile.

Miette scoffed eyeing me with a doubtful gaze, "Please don't even try. Your puffs are pretty average, they don't even taste that great."

My temper rose, how dare she! I knew that she was infatuated with Ash, the way she was eyeing him. I could tell he noticed too, but didn't like it. His eyes met mine, his hazel orbs glistening with gentleness and encouragement. I breathed a sigh, knowing she was trying to put me off my game which I found kind of petty, we just met after all.

I spoke softly, "How would you know? It's not like you had a try."

"Just by looking at it and my Slurpuff seems to find it sort of plain." Says Miette brining out her own basket of Puffs.

Ash subtly moved away from her and walked towards me, "Hey now! You don't have to be so rude to her, you just met have some manners. And for your information her Puffs are delightful."

"Yeah! You're awfully mean and snooty." Bonnie says glaring at the other girl.

Pikachu looked towards us, then walked to the basket before picking a puff. Again he divided the treat and giving the other half to Ash, who smiled at him. Miette looked bewildered by this action, probably thinking it strange. I felt my lips twitch, a small smile at seeing the two sharing again. They both ate it at the same time, after a few moments they shared a look.

"Pika. Pi chu." Said the mouse waving his hand momentarily.

Ash nodded, "Your Puffs are good, but it's missing something very important. I've met many people in my travels and they have all done amazing things, yet they don't do those things without purpose. Serena's has something that hits more then just hunger."

My heart fluttered at his comment, feeling warmth spread all over me. He had always stood up for me when we were younger just as I did for him, I felt over the moon seeing that hasn't changed a bit. I smiled giving him a grateful look, he grinned back taking my hand in his. I saw Clemont and Bonnie grin from the corner of my eye.

"Hmph, fine see you at the contest then." She says stomping off to somewhere followed by her Slurpuff.

Bonnie glared at the girl, "Looks like you have a potential rival Serena. But don't worry you'll beat her."

"Have faith in yourself." Clemont advised smiling.

Ash squeezed my hand, "You'll prove her wrong and set her right. She's a bit too snooty to me, brining her down a Tepig or two will probably bring her down to Earth."

"Thanks guys. I'll prove her wrong alright." I said gaining confidence from their words.

We walked the same path Miette walked off to, soon finding a stage in the middle of a clearing with people lining up in front of it. I lined up to sign up for the contest, getting another smile from my friends. I glanced up ahead seeing Miette looking rather sour, as if she had bitten into a lemon. She glared at me a huffed walking backstage, I shook my head.

We were asked to collect berries in the forest, I was slightly nervous about this since I wasn't really too keen on walking in the forest by myself due to the experience I had at the Summer Camp when I was a child. But I braved it, glancing at Ash who smiled at me while giving me a thumbs up. I entered the forest and started to search, I found a few which I thought would be great for the puffs.

"Pika Pi!" I heard suddenly I turned to see Pikachu run towards me.

I smiled knowing why why he was here, "Hey Pikachu! Did Ash send you to look after me?"

"Pika!" He exclaimed nodding and jumped on my shoulder nuzzling my cheek.

I giggled at this, "That's sweet of him."

The mouse grinned at me cutely, winking as if trying to tell me something. I blushed as I understood what he was implying, he sure was a cheeky one sometimes. I left Fennekin with Ash as she doesn't like to get dirty, she was a bit like me always wanting to look my best. After another few minutes of looking we walked back, Pikachu picked a few from some berry bushes as well. We were the first ones back, with a lot of time to spare, he went back to Ash carrying a Petcha berry - probably to share it with his trainer - making me giggle as he did so.

I set to work on my station, starting with the batter squeezing a little bit of berry juice in to add some flavor mixing two at once to create something new. I smiled taking out a little vial that contained my secret ingredient. I pour a little of it in the mix. I saw Miette and other other contestants take their places and start working on their puffs as well, she gave me a glare. After thirty minutes the Puffs were ready and smelling great! I plated them two of each on three plates, as there were three judges.

"Alright contestants you have thirty seconds left to finish and plate you Poképuffs!" Announced the host.

Everyone rushed to finish and plate, since I had a head start on my puffs I didn't have to panic and just checked if everything was in order before they started tasting. The judges had their Pokémon out to help them taste the Poképuffs. I was the first in line to have my puffs tasted.

Mr. Sukizo the President of the Pokemon fan club smiled as he tasted each one, "Certainly fabulous!"

"Indeed! It caters to certain Pokemon's taste buds quiet well! It looks like Clawetzer loved the Oren berry one, it had a refreshing taste with a bit of a kick to it." Comments Sibold grinning.

The famous chef Stella beamed at me, "These Poképuffs were made with care, and thought of each Pokemon. Also there's a little bit of heart in these puffs."

My heart speed at the positive comments, I looked to the stands to see my friends grinning at me, with Ash tipping his cap in recognition making me smiled brighter. I changed a look at Miette who was scowling at me, I flashes her a smug smile. Of course we both didn't win in the end, but it was great knowing that I had made it to second place while she was third. Chef Adriana even said she'd like to have a chat with me sometime!

I saw Ash stride toward me, a huge smile on his face, eyes shinning with pride and excitement. I flushed as he got nearer, he pulled me in for a hug. Miette gave me an envious stare, she really did have a thing for him. Though I felt rather smug, but didn't show it outright. Bonnie and Clemont grinned at me, giving me high praise causing me to flush.

Ash then said, "I knew you could do it! Those puffs were amazing."

"Pikachu helped pick out the berries. But your story inspired me some as well." I tell him whispering the last part with a beaming smile.

He scratched the back of his head a slight flush on his cheeks, "Glad I could help. And great job Pikachu!"

The yellow mouse grinned nuzzling his trainer's cheek,."Pika!"

Miette approached them wearing a slightly shamed expression. I just look towards her, seeing the look of defeat in her eyes.

"Congratulations on winning. You proved me wrong, your puffs were better then mine." Her voiced sounded meek and hollow.

We shared a look, I felt for her though there was also this sense of gratification I had over winning my first match with a rival. I extended a hand towards her a small smile on my face.

I say, "Hey! Don't be so down, this was only the beginning. Aren't you joining the Upcoming Showcase season?"

"Yeah, I am! Are you signing up as well?" She asked eyeing me curiously.

I thought for a moment, "I don't know. Maybe I will, I am still on the fence about the issue."

"You should. You have the potential to reach the top!" Says Miette with a genuine smile.

Clemont nods, "She's right Serena. You should go for it, try out a few Showcases."

"You'll be great!" Says Ash a huge smile on his face.

I pondered this for a moment, I've always found the showcases intriguing when I was younger. I've often had the occasion of thinking what it would be like to be in one of them.

I smiled making my decision, "Alright I'll try it out."

"Great! I wanna compete against a worthy competitor and you are one of the few I would consider a rival for the Showcases." Miette says smiling genuinely this time.

I smiled back feeling something welling deep withing, "You better watch out then. Because I am not going to back down that easily."

Then she took a quick glance at Ash, her gaze full of admiration. I felt my hackles rise at the look she was giving, I knew that this rivalry would be more then just about competing in Showcases. Then she quickly looked away as Ash glanced her way, giving her a somewhat stern gaze. He was clearly uncomfortable with her crush on him, that made me smile a little knowing this. He glanced at me and smiled softly.

Miette came towards me and whispered something in my ear, "That's not the only thing we'll be competing for. He seems like a great catch, and I can tell that you like him."

I flushed a bit, both in anger and slight embarrassment at her noticing my crush. My anger was due to the fact that she was rivaling me for his affection when she barely knew him, I guess I had the upper hand in that department since we are childhood friends. Though it had been years since we last saw each other there are still things that remained the same between us, our personalities have shifted growing up but some traits still stayed.

"Good luck trying to get his attention though." I responded allowing a smirk to appear on my face.

He eyes narrowed but then she smirked in return, "May the best performer win."

We shook on it, agreeing on our dual rivalry. Ash gave me a look obviously catching the bit of tension between us. I shook my head and smiled at him, he relaxed nodding. I was amazed that he understood, I believed that he was oblivious like most boys were at this age. I wondered how much he had grown since our time in camp, it seems like he can sense emotions more aptly then most guys, I wondered if he had met other girls in his travels.

We bid Miette a farewell and went on our way, to Ash's next Gym badge.

Well looks like Serena has gained a rival for Ash's heart, eh? Haha, for all the teasing she gave Serena in canon, I think having her get a little crush on Ash would give a little bit of a twist to the story. But then Ash only has feelings for one lady. Ash defending Serena was always at the top of the list, but she can stand up for herself as her inner confidence grows.

As I said before, this fanfic is a companion piece to my "12 Days til Christmas" one, some - if not most - of these chapters are going to reflect some of the conversations within the mentioned story. Refer to the author's notes for clues. The sequel for the Christmas story will be posted by the second week of March, and will have about five to ten chapters.

Signing off,

WL_17