Author's Note: Chapter two already? I'm feeling really inspired now lol. As for a reference for my readers, I have an age chart for you guys.
4 years ago (past): Serena-16 Calem-16 Shauna-14 Prof-25 Trevor-12 Tierno-15
Present (setting of story): Serena-20 Calem-20 Shauna-18 Prof-29 Trevor-16 Tierno-19
I'm not sure if this is the accurate age but to be honest, I really don't care. I picked these ages to fit the story they way I want to. Other than that, enjoy! :)
No Place Like Home
Chapter 2
As I arrived through the gates of Lumiose City, I instantly felt the same amazement I had when I first came to the city four years ago. It was just so big! The lights dazzled the streets buzzing with energy. I almost felt overwhelmed.
I hopped on my bike and started to ride down the South Boulevard to go to the North, where Shauna worked at the poke center.
Kind of weird to think Shauna is old enough to work now. I still think she should be playing at the playground or something. It's amazing how time flies…
HONK!
Distracted by my thoughts, I didn't see the taxi driving head on to me. Panicked, I swerved out of the way. Thankfully, I avoided being hit but I didn't reach my break fast enough. I crashed into a nearby garbage can and was thrown off my bike. I hit the ground hard and my bag popped open, letting out all my poke balls.
"Ugh…mother f-"
I reached for the nearest poke ball and opened it. Delphox popped out, looking frightened but not injured.
"Delphox, open all the other pokemon to make sure they are okay."
Delphox nodded and opened all the poke balls. Lucario, Blastoise, Grandevoir, Pikachu, and Dragonite all popped out. Thankfully, no one was hurt except me.
"I'm glad you are all okay. Ugh, where are we?"
I looked up to the building I landed near.
The Lumoise Station. I haven't been here since the day I left.
"This is a pass for the train. You can go anywhere you like with it. The Lumoise station travels to the other regions. Jhoto, Hoenn…"
I looked up at my mentor. "Um, not that I don't appreciate this but why are you giving me this?"
Professor Sycamore smiled. "I just want to help you with your dream to travel the world, mon ami."
Sycamore handed me the pass. I mumbled a thanks and turned to leave but Sycamore suddenly grabbed my hand.
For a moment, we were just staring at each other. I gazed into his blue eyes and I could feel the tears well up in mine. My entire being was torn between protecting my heart by pulling away from him or pull him closer to me and never let go.
"Serena…"
I took a breath. "Yes?"
For what seemed like an eternity, he finally spoke. "Please be safe on your travels. I want to hear everything you learn about Mega Evolution."
And just like that, I was deflated.
"Of course, Professor." I spat out the last word.
I turned and walked on the train. I found my seat and shortly after, the train started to leave. I looked out my window with the slight hope he would be running by the train track, begging me to stay for him.
But he wasn't. He was gone.
I groaned and tried to stand up but started to stumble. A strong pair of arms caught me.
"Jesus Serena, you have to pay attention when you're on your bike in Lumiose. Or have you been gone for so long that you forgot?"
I looked up to see a young man smiling at me, clearly amused. His hair was cropped short but the top was longer, covering his one eye in a super cool styled way. I almost was confused how this stranger knew my name but then I noticed his eyes. They were a dark brown that sparkled with a youthful excitement.
"Calem!"
"How's it going, Ree?" He chuckled, his voice rumbling deep and low.
"You got old!" I exclaimed.
"Well puberty did hit me eventually."
"I've missed you Cal!"
I turned around and gave him a huge hug. I noticed then he was taller than me. He definitely wasn't a little boy anymore.
"I've missed you too but I think you need to get to the poke center. I can help you."
"Oh no I'll manage. I don't want to be a bother."
"Serena, you're not being a bother. I'm just worried about you."
"Calem, I'll be fine! Watch!"
I took a step and almost doubled over in pain if Calem didn't catch me. He walked me over to a bench.
"See? You can't even walk. No more arguing. I'm taking you to the poke center," Calem declared.
I watched as he gathered all my pokemon into their poke balls and put them back in my bag.
"Alright, I'm taking you to the poke center now."
"Wait, what about my bike?"
I looked over to see my bike. The front wheel tire was ripped and my handle bar was bent.
"I don't think you will be using that anymore."
"Aw but I love it…"
Suddenly, Calem picked me up and cradled me in his arms.
"Calem? Put me down right now!" I shrieked.
"Ree, you can't walk. This will get you faster. No shut up."
I huffed at him but I stopped complaining as he ran to the nearest poke center.
As we entered, everyone turned to stare at us. Instantly, I felt my blush.
"Well, well, well. What happened here?" Nurse Joy started laughing.
"I crashed my bike," I mumbled.
"Alright dear. Sit her on this stretcher. One of our nurses will see you soon."
After awhile, I turned to Calem. "So what have you been up to? I haven't spoken to you over holocaster for awhile."
"Well, actually…"
"Alright folks, what happened here…Calem? What are you doing here?"
Both of us turned to see Shauna, or rather, Nurse Shauna. She too had gotten taller and her face seemed to have matured. Her brown hair was in a pony tail rather than the childish pigtails she loved when she was younger.
"Ask her." Calem pointed at me.
Shauna looked over at me. Instantly, she covered her mouth in shock.
"Surprise!" I said.
"SERENA!" Shauna squealed before attacking me with a hug.
Calem pulled her off of me laughing. "Shauna, you're a nurse. You should know this won't help your patient."
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I just got really excited. I haven't seen my best friend in forever and…wait. Why are you even hurt?"
"I crashed my bike after avoiding being hit by a taxi."
"Oh Serena…here let me take a look."
Serena checked me over. She said I had a badly sprained ankle and a lot of road rash. She bandaged my injuries and gave me some medication.
"I'm so glad you are okay! Do you want to go to a café and catch up? I'm off in five minutes," Shauna asked.
"Of course. Calem, you in?" I asked.
"Unfortunately, I can't. I have some business to attend to. Can we catch up another time, Ree?"
"Sure. Thanks for helping me."
"You've got some Elite Four stuff, right? I don't ever get to see you Mr. Champion," Shauna faked pouted.
"Wait…You're the Champion?!" I yelled.
Calem rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Yeah for the past year. Diantha wanted to step down to concentrate on her movies but wouldn't give it to anyone. I beat her in battle and she gave me the position, saying I am a worthy champion."
"Calem, that's fantastic! I'm so happy for you!" I smiled.
"Thanks. I really do have to run now. Bye guys!"
"Bye!" Shauna and I said in unison.
After Calem left, I looked up at Shauna, who was still staring after him. "Please, please, please tell me you finally told him how you felt by now!"
Shauna began to look sheepish. "I…I haven't."
"Shauna…"
"It's a long story ok?"
"Well then, it's good we are going for coffee then, aren't we?" I smiled.
Shauna smiled. "Yep. Thanks for the surprise by the way. Another awesome memory I shared with you."