Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon. If I did, we'd actually see (the real) Serena and Ash battle. A somewhat realistic hope I trust.
"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'" -Luke 2:10
On the battlefield just outside Cyllage City's Pokémon center, two trainers were engaged in a heated battle. Both of them were doing their best to win, a determination shared by their Pokémon partners.
Adjusting his glasses, Clemont smiled. "All right Bunnelby, Mud Shot."
"Carbink, use Harden," commanded Brock. Although Carbink had already taken a number of hits Brock needed to see just how tough the Jewel Pokémon was. Knowing the full extent of its limits would be critical to beating Grant tomorrow.
Bunnleby's attack hit Carbink dead on, doing super effective damage. This was no surprise to Brock; Clemont's Bunnleby had already proved to be both quick and accurate.
"Way to go big brother," chirped Bonnie.
"Alright Carbink use Ancient Power!" Brock had already hurled a number of attacks at Bunnleby, hoping to tire it out somewhat. He'd held this one in reserve, waiting for the right moment. Now seemed as good a time as any; Carbink couldn't take many more hits, even with the extra protection that Harden provided.
Carbink sent a large ball of energy hurtling at the Digging Pokémon. Although the attack was fast, unfortunately for Brock, Bunnelby was faster, dodging it just in time.
The two trainers and Bonnie, intent on the battle, did not notice as their two friends approached. Serena, eager to call attention to their presence and show off her and Ash's new relationship, gave a shout. "Hey everybody!"
The three friends turned and looked, catching sight of Serena and Ash. It took them all a second to realize just what they were looking at. The two new arrivals were standing quite close to another, closer than usual. But when their eyes fell upon Ash and Serena's interlocked hands, all three of their faces lit up.
Bonnie was the quickest to react, whooping in excitement. "Oh yay! It's about time you two. So happy for you!
"Congratulations Ash, Serena," Clemont grinned.
"Yeah, congratulations," said Brock, smile wide. He then fixed his gaze on Ash directly. "This is a big step man." Ash grinned back, nodding in response.
"Thanks guys," Serena said, voice full of happiness and face aglow. "Seriously, all of you thank you. Especially you Brock. I'm sure you had something to do with this," she said, lifting up her and Ash's interlocked hands up for emphasis.
"You bet he did," Ash laughed. "Without his advice and encouragement I'd probably still be clueless about how I felt."
Brock nodded in acknowledgment. "Just remember that when I ask you for some romance advice."
Everyone had a good laugh at this, Ash most of all. "Deal" he smirked.
"Pikapi!" In all the happiness and excitement, the group had totally forgotten about Pikachu. He had been standing next to Bonnie, patiently watching the battle. Now he was turned, facing Ash and Serena, uncertainty evident on his face.
Turning to Serena and nodding, Ash let go of her hand and walked forward a bit. Squatting down, he extend his hand and beckoned. "Come over here buddy."
After a moment's hesitation, Pikachu got down on all fours and dashed over to his trainer. Scooping up Pikachu in his hands, Ash stood back up and lifted Pikachu up, holding him so they were both at eye level.
"Hey buddy, you have nothing to worry about. You're still my number one Pokémon partner and nothing's going to change that."
"Pika!" Pikachu was happy to hear it.
"How about you hang out here buddy," Ash continued, placing Pikachu on his left shoulder. Once Pikachu was secure, Ash stuck out his right hand again. Smiling, Serena took a stride forward and took it with her left, interlacing their fingers once more.
"Alright," said Ash, "now that that's settled, let's see a battle. Hope we didn't miss much!"
"Some things never change do they Ash," said Brock playfully.
"'Course not," Ash said, grin wide.
"And I wouldn't have it any other way," Serena added, buoyed by Ash's enthusiasm.
At that the two combatants resumed their match. Although Carbink put in an admirable effort, Bunnleby's Speed was just too much to handle and before long it fainted. The next matchup however proved to be a completely different story.
Brock had called Forrest just after lunch and managed to cajole him into sending over Steelix. It had taken some doing, but when Brock had explained how "the pride of the Pewter City Gym was on the line" Forrest had caved.
Steelix's appearance on the battlefield was a shock to everyone, especially Clemont. However, though Steelix's size was intimidating, he resolved to fight on; Bunnelby's Ground type moves would be super effective after all. Though this reasoning was sound it didn't work out so well. While Bunnelby was fast, Steelix was able to keep up. What's more, Steelix was also quite powerful and easily endured a number of Bunnelby's attacks before unleashing a few devastating ones of its own. In the end, Bunnelby couldn't endure the onslaught and the victory went to Brock.
Returning Bunnelby, Clemont sighed. Gripping Chespin's Pokeball, he hurled it at the battlefield. He honestly wasn't sure how the young Pokémon would fare against such an experienced and obviously powerful opponent, but certainly he would do better than Dedenne.
"Chespin!" the Spiny Nut Pokémon exclaimed, excited for battle. Noticing that it was completely engulfed by shadow, Chespin turned and looked up. Realizing the immense size of its opponent, Chespin made a squeak. Turning, it dashed over to Clemont and gripped his leg as if its life depended on it.
"Chespin," Clemont said, exasperation clear, "get in there and battle!"
"Ches Ches," the Grass type said, shaking its head. Clearly it had no intention of battling.
"Don't worry Clemont, we can call the match off. Carbink and I may have some more work to do, but I'm sure Steelix is ready for tomorrow."
Nodding his thanks, Clemont turned down to Chespin. "This isn't over Chespin. We're going to have to work on your bravery." The irony of this statement was not lost on the fair haired Gym Leader.
"Ches," Clemont's partner murmured sheepishly.
Clemont then returned Chespin to its Pokeball and replaced it in his pocket. "Thanks for the match Brock."
"Likewise Clemont. So," said Brock smiling, "How about the happy couple battles next?"
Ash smiled. "All right, great! Yeah Serena," he said, turning his head to face the girl beside him, "Let's battle!"
"Uh Ash, I'm not sure I'm ready to battle you. I mean, after everything that's happened today…" Her voice trailed off, but the hesitation in her voice told Ash all he needed to know.
"No need to worry," Ash responded. "We don't have to have a battle…let's just do some training. I think it'd be a great opportunity for you and Fennekin to get stronger."
"Okay, I guess that makes sense," Serena reluctantly conceded. Ash's determination to work hard and win was one of the things she admired about him…but it'd never been directed against her before. She was a bit nervous.
Ash smiled and, letting go of her hand, walked over to the trainer's box on the far side of the battlefield while she shuffled to the one on the near side. Brock and Clemont joined Bonnie on the sidelines, with Brock positioning himself a bit closer to Serena, figuring he would help supplement Ash's advice.
"Alright Fennekin, come on out," Serena said, tossing her Pokeball onto the battlefield.
"Pikachu buddy, you sit this one out, alright?" Pikachu nodded and hopped off Ash's shoulder, positioning himself next to the Kanto trainer. Louder he said, "Froakie, I choose you!"
"Froakie!"
"Alright Froakie, we're going up against Serena and Fennekin. We're going to help them train to get better. It's not an actual battle, okay?"
"Fro," the Bubble Frog Pokémon said, a bit disappointed that it wouldn't get to display its full potential. Still, helping out a friend was important.
"Alright Serena, call out some attacks. We'll start by trying to dodge, alright?"
"Sure Ash," Serena smiled. "Okay Fennekin, let's get started with Ember."
Fennekin launched its Ember attack straight at Froakie. The Water type dodged easily.
"Ember again!"
Fennekin responded more quickly this time, eager to score a hit and impress her trainer…and maybe a certain Electric type as well. While the attack was stronger and covered a wider arc, Froakie was still able to dodge, this time leaping up and over the attack. Serena and Fennekin launched another series of attacks. While they varied the exact attack, the results were always the same: Ash's speedy Pokémon was able to avoid them all.
"Alright Froakie, great job!" Ash was clearly impressed with his Pokémon dodging.
"Froakie," the Water type responded, basking in both its own success and its trainer's praise.
Serena and Fennekin on the other hand were both getting frustrated. They both knew Froakie was fast…but to miss so many times was hard to take.
"Serena," Brock called, "you're never going to be able to hit Froakie from so far away. You're going to have to send Fennekin in closer."
"He's right Serena," Ash said nodding. "You might be able to improve the Speed and Accuracy of your attacks over time, but right now getting in close is the only way you're going to get us."
"Alright Fennekin, get closer to Froakie and hit it with Flamethrower!"
"Fenne," the Fox Pokémon responded. While she wasn't particularly eager to get that close to another Pokémon in battle, her determination to win and to please Serena overcame this aversion. Charging forward, Fennekin aimed straight at Froakie and let loose a torrent of flames.
"Alright Froakie, use Double Team!"
Suddenly Fennekin wheeled to a halt. She was surrounded by Froakie duplicates with no idea which one was real.
"Fennekin use Flame…" Serena started, then stopped. Flamethrower was a powerful move and took a lot out of Fennekin. If it hit the actual Froakie it would do okay damage, but if it only hit duplicates all that energy would go to waste. She needed to find the real one with the minimum amount of effort. "Fennekin, use Ember on all of them!"
"Kin!" The Fire type launched an Ember attack while trotting in a small circle, shooting small bursts of flame as she went. This dispersed all the fakes and making contact with the real thing.
"Great call Serena," Ash shouted. Bonnie, Clemont, and Brock added cheers of their own from the sideline.
Blushing at Ash's praise, Serena smiled. "Alright Fennekin, now run right at Froakie and use Flamethrower!"
Before Froakie could react Fennekin began to charge. But instead of waiting to unleash flames, Fennekin seemed to be coating her body in flames as she ran straight at Froakie. Froakie, surprised at the sight, waited just a second too long. As a result, Fennekin was able to catch it as it tried to leap away, connecting with Froakie midair and sending it hurtling backwards.
"Fenne," she shouted happily.
"Great work Fennekin!"
"That was awesome," Ash said, "Fennekin just learned Flame Charge."
"Flame Charge," Serena and Bonnie asked simultaneously.
"Flame Charge is a powerful move that increases a Fire type Pokémon's Speed," Brock explained. "It combines the elements of a Tackle attack with fire to make a powerful combination."
"Wow Fennekin, you learned a new attack. That's great!" Serena gushed with praise, proud of her Pokémon partner.
"Fro," the Water type barked, recovering from the hit. It put up its arms, gathering a blue ball to itself.
"No Froakie," Ash shouted, but it was too late; Froakie let loose a Water Pulse attack.
"Quick Fennekin, dodge," shouted Serena.
Ordinarily Fennekin wouldn't have been able to dodge in time, but the extra Speed she had gained from Flame Charge gave just enough of a boost that she was able to leap out of the way in time.
"Froakie, what'd you do that for," Ash said, exasperated. "I didn't tell you to launch an attack."
"Fro," it responded defiantly. While a caring Pokémon it also had its pride.
"Look, I get that you're upset you got hit, but this isn't a battle, it's training. Besides, even if it was a battle, wait until I call an attack, alright?"
"Fro," the Water type murmured dejectedly, sad at having betrayed its trainer's trust.
"No need to worry buddy, just remember that we're a team. You can trust me, right?"
"Froakie," it responded, confidence restored.
"You know Ash, this is kind of fun," Serena called over. "Can we keep going?"
Ash's smile was bright; seeing Serena enjoying a battle brought real joy to his heart. "Awesome! Alright, since Froakie wants to attack, let's get working on Fennekin's ability to dodge. Sound good?"
"Sure, but go easy at first, Water type moves are super effective against Fennekin. And even with boosted Speed we're just not as fast as you and Froakie."
Ash smiled. "Got it. Okay Froakie, let's get started."
The group practiced together for another hour or so, with all four trainers getting involved. After calling it quits and depositing their Pokémon with Nurse Joy for some healing, the friends decided to sit in the Pokémon Center's lobby while they waited. While the others found seats easily enough, Ash wasn't quite sure what to do now that he and Serena were together. Instead he just stood, hands linked to her, eyes darting back and forth between her and the various empty chairs.
After waiting a bit to see if Ash would do anything, Serena sighed and gently pulled him over to a loveseat, where they took seats side by side. At first Ash was unsure of whether he should do anything else, but when Serena put one of her arms around him and (after removing her hat) placed her head on his shoulder, he decided to mirror her actions, wrapping his arm around her back and leaning his head on hers. The rest of the friends stared at the couple, smiling at the sight. After a few minutes of idle chatter, Brock spoke up, a devious expression in his eyes.
"As much as I hate to break up this cute scene," Brock started, motioning to Ash and Serena, both of whom blushed at this, "I think you should call home Ash."
"Uh, that's a funny thing to say Brock," Ash started. "I mean, I did just email mom a few days ago."
"True," Brock said, grinning broadly, "but certain things have changed since then, things I think your mother would be very interested to hear about."
Both Serena and Ash blushed even deeper at this. Smiling at this, Brock continued. "Consider it partial repayment for a job well done in helping the both of you."
"What exactly does he mean by that?" Ash asked Serena. Before Serena could respond though, Ash turned and looked Brock square in the face.
"So you were helping us both huh? That means you knew she liked me the whole time?" He looked at Brock with confusion and a hint of anger.
"Now now Ash, there's plenty of time to talk about good ol' Brock later," he smiled. "Now you two run off and make that call."
Turning and looking at Serena, Ash sighed and nodded. "He's right, mom would definitely want to hear about this. Might as well do it now," he conceded. "Unless you don't…"
"No Ash, it's fine. In fact, I can't wait to meet her!"
Reluctantly they broke their embrace and stood. "But," and at this he turned to face Brock, "Don't think this conversation is over," Ash said in mostly mock anger. He then turned to face everyone. "Catch you all in a bit," Ash said.
The young couple waved goodbye to their friends and then walked over to the video phones. While incorporating the most modern technology available, Kalos' video phones also contained cosmetic elements that conveyed an elegance reminiscent of a more civilized age. As he placed the call Ash felt a sudden pressure on his hand. Looking down he saw Serena's hand gripping his tightly. Looking back up, he caught a bit of tension on her face.
"Nervous," he asked chuckling.
"Of course," she said. "As if he had to ask." Knowing Ash though, he probably did. Aloud she continued. "I really want to make a good impression on her."
"Don't worry, mom's going to love you!"
Suddenly the tone sounded indicating that the other end had picked up. Both turned their attention to the screen. The sight that greeted them was surprising, at least to Serena. Staring back at them was a pale white face with wide circular eyes and enormous round pink cheeks. "That can't be Ash's mom, can it?"
"Hey Mr. Mime, how's everything?" Ash smiled at the sight of his mother's long-time companion.
"Mime Mime Mime," the Barrier Pokémon responded, happy to see Ash's face.
"Can you go get mom?"
Bleating the affirmative, Mr. Mime disappeared from the screen. Realization growing, Serena turned to look at Ash. "So that was some sort of Pokémon right?"
"Yeah," Ash nodded, turning to her. "It has been with mom since just before I left for the Orange Islands. Professor Oak's always been good about checking in on her and she has the restaurant, but it's really been great for her to have someone in the house to keep her company and help out with the chores."
"Ash, so good to see you," a dulcet voice sounded through the phone. Both turned their attention back to the phone. Staring back at them was an auburn-haired woman with a winning smile. While she couldn't be sure, Serena guessed that she was around the same age as her own mother. She also noted that, while Ash's mom's skin was somewhat fairer than her son's, their eyes were the same shade of dark brown. She was, Serena observed, quite a beauty.
"Hi mom, how's everything?"
"Wonderful! It's so great to hear from you Ash! I got your email, congratulations on winning your Gym battle."
"Thanks mom, it wasn't easy but Pikachu and the rest of my team pulled through in the end."
"I'm so glad! So did you end up meeting up with Brock? He called to tell me he would be visiting you."
"Yeah, he's actually here in the Pokémon Center right now. We just finished some training and I thought it would be a good time to call."
"Great! Now who's this young lady Ash," Ash's mom said, tone turning playful. "Aren't you going to introduce me? I'm sure I taught you better manners than that."
"Mom," Ash groaned. Catching his breath, he continued. "This is the girl I mentioned before, Serena. She's the one I met way back at Pokémon Summer Camp. She's been traveling with me along with Clemont and Bonnie."
Recognition dawned on Delia's face. "Now I recognize you Serena. When Ash mentioned he was traveling with a girl from that camp I thought it might be you."
"What do you mean," both of them asked simultaneously.
Chuckling at this joint response, Delia continued. "Well, when Ash mentioned you it jogged my memory. The last day of camp all the parents were invited to the closing ceremony. You stuck to Ash like glue the whole time. I still remember the look on your face when your mother said it was time to go."
Serena blushed at this. After the incident in the woods she had tried to be around Ash as much as possible, though he was more interested in running after Pokémon or getting into fights with some spiky-haired boy whose name she couldn't quite remember.
"Mom, you're embarrassing the both of us," Ash started.
"Well young man," she started in a mock serious tone, "it's about time you found someone to take care of you. You and Serena looked so cute together that day it made me wish that I had brought my camera."
Ash chuckled nervously. "Uh, well mom, that's kind of why I called. You see, Serena…well," at this he lifted their intertwined hands into the camera's line of sight, "she's my girlfriend now."
Serena watched Delia's expression nervously. At first her mouth dropped, shock evident; despite her previous jest, in all seriousness this was the last thing she had expected to hear. Yet Serena received a shock herself when Delia's expression of shock instantaneously transitioned into what can only be described as a look of pure joy.
"Oh my baby, you're growing up! I'm so proud of you," Delia gushed, clapping her hands together. Turning to Serena, she continued, "And Serena, let me apologize for my son. I'm sure he didn't make it easy on you. My Ash may be great at a lot of things, but sharing his feelings just isn't one of them."
At this Serena chuckled. "Yeah, you've got that right. It hasn't been easy believe me, but he was actually the one that confessed his feelings first. To say I was surprised would be an understatement. But now that we're together it's all water under the bridge."
"You both have made me so happy! Oh and Serena, I also apologize in advance for all the trouble I'm sure he's bound to put you through in the future. Now, if you'd like, I can let you know what to look out for and tell you just how to keep my Ash as happy as a Clamperl."
"Mom," Ash exclaimed, once again embarrassed by his mother's antics.
"See you later Ash, and don't forget to…"
"Mom, not in front of Serena!" He knew for a fact she was about to remind him to change his underwear.
"Alright dear, bye-bye," Delia said. Turning to Serena, she continued. "Now Serena, I know my son can be a handful, so you should be sure to…"
Ash, knowing when he was beaten, slunk back towards his friends as Serena began to chat animatedly with his mother.
"Where's Serena Ash," Brock said. The mirth in his tone gave Ash the impression that he very well knew what was going on.
"Somehow you knew this was going to happen," Ash said, shaking his finger.
"Yeah, I had a feeling your mom might have a thing or two she wanted to say to her son's girlfriend in private."
"You could have given me a heads up," he muttered, flopping down on the loveseat. Pikachu jumped up to join Ash. While he may not have understood exactly what was going on, it seemed like his trainer could use some comfort.
"Now Ash," Brock chortled, "where would the fun be in that?"
"What's going on," Bonnie said. "What's Serena up to?"
"Don't worry Bonnie," smiled Brock, "Ash's mom is just giving Serena some instructions on how to best 'take care' of Ash. I'm sure you're planning to do the same once you succeed in finding a wife for Clemont."
"Brock, not you too," Clemont griped. The last thing he wanted was for Bonnie to get the idea that her search for a wife for him was normal or acceptable behavior.
Ignoring her brother, Bonnie ruffled through her bag and pulled out a piece of paper. "Of course Brock, I've already got a list of things prepared. Want to hear it?"
"Bonnie!"
A thousand apologies for being quite late with this...so two chapters today! And special thanks to Fallen Phoneix of Berk for letting me know I accidentally overwrote Chapter 11 with the wrong file; proper Chapter 11 is restored.
While it is true I've been busy the past few weeks with a number of things (including good progress on a Luckshipping sequel to this story and playing a certain new game) I definitely could have posted sooner.
While we're winding down, there's definitely more fluff and some action yet to come. I couldn't resist throwing Ash under the bus; the prospect of Serena and Delia "plotting" was just too compelling to leave out. My Brock has a bit of a prankster in him, a trait I'll freely admit is not really present in canon. Considering maturity removes the main source of Brock-related comedy though (and comedy truly is one of the things that makes him a good character) this is the best replacement I could come up with. And it's just fun to write honestly.
Hope you enjoy next chapter's battle. While most of the focus will thus be on Brock and Grant, there will still be some Amourshipping moments.
I snuck in another (adapted) quote from Star Wars.