Chapter 2

"You're blowing this out of proportion, Ash. She's just going for a Contest event." Brock, his once traveling companion and current practicing Pokemon Breeder, said through the video phone in the Pokemon Center.

"I know and I'm happy she won, but seeing her again brought up old feelings."

"Look, Ash, you guys are over. She moved on and so did you. Why keep going back when you have something great with Serena?"

He remained quiet. Brock was repeating the same sentiments he felt just that morning.

"You've grown up a lot. You should know by now when to let go."

If anybody knew how to move on, it would be Brock. His Lothario personality kept him chasing the girls. Even after they rejected him, he moved on to the next one, and the next one, and another. He was a persistent man.

His charm must have rubbed off on Ash because after his break up, he dated another Coordinator while in Sinnoh; a pretty, blue-haired girl named Dawn. Though, it was more on-again-off-again than he would've liked. Being involved and then breaking up with another Coordinator did little to ease the pain. He took a break while traveling throughout Unova to focus more on his training. And now in Kalos, he found a girl that swooned him like no other.

"Maybe you're right..."

They said goodbye shortly thereafter. Telling the others he needed to train was a lie to get some time alone. He was already confident that his Pokemon would beat Clemont's so the free time he had was spent reminiscing.

Ash aimlessly walked around Centrico Plaza thinking about his time in Hoenn and going through Johto alone with May. The beginning of their travels started off with such high hopes and towards the end they sputtered. She won her first two ribbons and he met up with old friends. Then one day he messed up and it all spiraled out of control from there. Just thinking about their relationship stirred up feelings that should have been shackled away. Yet they kept picking the lock looking for an escape. And they appeared to have found one.

He sat down on a bench facing Prism Tower. Normally he'd be beyond excited to win his next badge, but there wasn't anything normal when it came to his personal life. He couldn't help going into the abandoned theatre of his mind, and all that played was a day where he was last happy.


The clouds came in around noon. The storm blew in just minutes after. From their room in the Ecruteak Pokémon Center, he stared out the window, watching the rain leave a trail. May sat on their bed behind him, brushing the pink fur of her little Skitty.
"That new Pokéblock is working wonders. Your coat is really soft and shiny. Don't you think so, Ash?"

"Uh huh.." He answered quietly, not even paying the slightest attention.
They had been traveling from city to city doing the same routine for the better part of four months now. With new rules being implemented for Contests, she had to adjust and come up with new routines. Her training lasted hours and left little time to spend with each other. With the rain pouring, they finally had some time together in a while.

The monotony was starting to get to him. He fought the boredom by perfecting new attacks and combinations with Pikachu but even that reached a level of dullness. Battling other trainers just didn't offer the same reward it once did.

Soft hands wrapped themselves around his stomach and he felt the warm sensation of her breath by his ear. It was the little things she did that brought a smile to his face and always put him in a better mood.

"Do you remember what next week is?"
"It's our one year anniversary." He turned to her and placed both hands on her hips, staring directly into her beautiful eyes. "How could I forget the happiest day of my life?"

"One whole year that we've been together. Promise me we'll make it another year, Ash." Her sapphire eyes called for reassurance.
"I promise I'll never leave your side, May." He had no intention of lying to her. There was no way he would let go of something that brought him everlasting joy.


"Guess who?" Two pairs of small hands covered his eyes, bringing him out of a dangerous place in his mind.

The playful voice behind him was one he had come to appreciate. Though he didn't share his past relationships with her, she nonetheless took his mind off them and provided some fun that he missed dearly. Training for years and always coming up short could break any normal man, but he had great friends that always managed to liven up his spirits.

Tilting his head back, he smiled as Serena removed her hands and planted a sweet kiss on his lips.
"You didn't give me a chance to guess." He teased.
She sat down next to him and was surprised to find she was alone.
"Where's Bonnie?"
"I took her to the Gym after we carried our bags back to the hotel."

They stared at the activity going on around them. A couple of battles were going on at different areas of the Plaza, street vendors sold their various items to the spectators. Serena took out a small orb that enlarged when she pushed the button in the middle.

"Come on out, Fennekin."

Short rays of light escaped from within the Pokéball and transformed into a yellow fox that shot small embers out of its nostrils.

"Go and play with Pikachu for a while."

Both Pokémon began chasing each other around while he and Serena relaxed under the shade of the Honey Locust trees. They made small talk even though Ash was miles away in his own world and Serena knew it.

"You've been acting really strange lately. What's wrong?"

He contemplated telling her everything and getting the massive weight off his chest. But a part of him wondered if she would leave him if she knew May was his ex. He couldn't handle a third breakup this early in his life. Particularly from somebody he had been with for only six weeks.

"It's nothing, really. I'm just not used to being cooped up in one place this long." It was a lie, a horrible lie at that, but it was the only thing he could come up with on the spot. He actually enjoyed experiencing what each city had to offer.

"There's so much to do in the city. You can battle, eat at great restaurants, I thought it'd be ideal for you."
"It is, for the most part. You make it worthwhile, though." He hoped to end the conversation by complimenting her.
"Aww, you're so sweet." She wrapped her arms around his neck and nuzzled him.
By the time they decided to head over to Prism Tower, both Pikachu and Fennekin were tuckered out from playing. Serena called back Fennekin and carried Pikachu along the way.

Walking past the fountain, they were suddenly stopped by a running Bonnie.
"Guys, come quick! Clemont's in trouble!" She cried out, waving her arms frantically.
"Bonnie, what's wrong?!" Ash yelled as they followed her towards the building.
"I'll tell you once we get there. Now hurry up!"

Once they reached the tower, they were beyond tired. Serena and Ash were wheezing and coughing and gasping for air while the little girl marched up the steps.
"Hurry up!"
"Jeez, Bonnie. Let us catch our breath." Serena removed her hat and wiped her forehead.

"Aaahhh!"
They all looked up when they heard a scream coming from inside the building followed by what sounded like an explosion.
"Clemont!" Bonnie rushed inside, leaving both of them to give chase once again. They raced through a narrow hall, lit by clear, tube-like pillars filled with electricity. Their footsteps echoed loudly as they followed Bonnie to a large metallic door.

"He's in there." She pointed to the room in front of them.
"Bonnie, can you tell us what happened?" Ash repeated Serena's last request.
Before she could answer, the door slid open and Clemont stepped out carrying a robot head under his arm.
"Big brother!" The younger sibling rushed to the older blond and hugged him.
"Hey, guys. What's up?" He acted like nothing happened, completely ignoring the scratches on his face and arms.

"What happened to you?" Serena asked and pointed to the dismembered robotic head in his hands.
"Oh this? Just a little project that went haywire." He held it out and frowned.
"See what happens when you put a robot as a gym leader?" Bonnie scolded.

Ash looked past the gym leader and saw the battlefield decimated. The arena was covered with holes, pillars toppled over with glass shattered on the floor. "So that's the result?"
The others turned and saw the same scene. "Yeah.. I'm afraid our battle's gonna have to wait, Ash."

He was clearly bummed out. He wanted to win the badge and get back on the road, but the unexpected turn of events set him back. Then again, they could head out earlier thanks to it. "How long is it going to take?"

"Well, a couple of days it looks like. I have to reprogram Clembot here and fix the field."
Ash frowned. Staying was the last thing he wanted since finding out May and Drew were making a stop in the city. And he knew Serena would drag him along regardless of any fight he put up.

"I know you probably don't want to wait around," Clemont continued, "But the Cyllage City Gym isn't that far away. We can go there and come back here later on."
His expression changed in a snap. The getaway he desperately wanted was right in front of him and now he could leave without seeing May.
"But we have to wait for the Contest Signing tomorrow." Both girls said in unison.

And just like that, the opening slammed shut right in his face.

Arguing with a girl, let alone two, was next to impossible. He found out the hard way, not that he even tried. When Serena gave him puppy dog eyes there was no way he could say no.
"Fine. I'm going to sit outside, though."
"Yay!" Both of them high-fived each other.

"I'm really sorry for the inconvenience, Ash. But with the extra training it'll make a better match, don't you think?" Clemont tried to lessen his disappointment.
"Of course. We'll both be stronger." He gave a weak smile that seemed to fool him for the moment. All he really wanted was to leave the city.

The group, minus Clemont, exited the building, ready to head back to the Pokémon Center. Night had come quickly; streetlights were on all around the plaza. Prism Tower turned night to day by itself. The building illuminated the entire city with its shining orbs attached to the foundation.

Serena hooked her arm around Ash's, head rested firmly on his shoulder as they walked along the road. "It's so romantic, don't you think?"

There was no denying the romanticism the city offered was unlike any other. He traveled across different lands and only a few he had come to like. What made the experiences one of a kind were the people he had around him. They dragged him everywhere and exposed him to the culture of each city.

Now, as he held hands with Serena, he felt ashamed for thinking about his past relationships. She was a great girlfriend, and an even better person. Brock had the right idea of letting go. Certain things in the past are left there for a reason.

Ash turned to her and smiled, "It really is."


Feels good writing again. This story still doesn't have a clear path but I'm writing down each new idea and hope it all ties together. I will try but I can't promise I'll be updating as frequently as I used to. For now enjoy and leave some feedback.