Chapter 33: Trouble at the battle chateau.
It was 9:00 in the morning, and Serena was up training with all of her pokemon. She wasn't alone, Ash had gotten up with Serena to help her out.
"Totodile Water gun, Pikachu use Iron tail".
"Braixen use Psybeam. Corsola use use Spike Cannon" Serena's Corsola quickly unleashed a furry of spikes at Ash's Pikachu as he ran at her. When Pikachu got close enough to the spikes he quickly moved through them, by either using his speed to dodge them or knocking them away with his metal tail. Once Pikachu got through the spikes , he quickly leapt forward and smashed his tail into Corsola's face.
Meanwhile Braixen raised her stick wand as Ash's Totodile opened his mouth to unleash Watergun. When the two attacks collided , Braixen's Psybeam tore right through the weaker water gun. When Totodile saw this he lurched back and ducked his head down. Braixen, however, was ready for this as she waved her stick down lower and knocked Totodile off his feet with Psybeam.
"That was a good shot Braixen, Corosla you need to be ready to move as soon as your attack is done". Serena said. Corsola and Serena's other pokemon were all very tired from the training session. Serena had them up since 6 in the morning. Each of Serena's pokemon gave a very tired groan.
"Come on guys, the tournament is today. This is an important tournament for us, if we win I'll get to the rank of Countess. I need to get a higher rank if we want any chance of getting into the grand festival" Serena said. Ash could see how troubled Serena's pokemon looked, and got concerned himself.
"Uh Serena" He said as he walked over and put his hands on her shoulders.
"I think you might be driving them a little too hard. Your pokemon aren't use to training for this long. I think it would be best they get a break" Ash said. Serena heard all of her pokemon's stomachs growl simultaneously, then heard her own stomach.
"Maybe you're right" She said sweat dropping. Much to Serena's pokemon's relief, they went back to the pokemon center and got some breakfast. Ash and Serena sat together and ate breakfast with their pokemon.
"I can see you're really excited about todays tournament" Ash said.
"Excited! I'm not excited, I'm nervous. Do you realize the opportunity I have. Everyone in this tournament is around my rank. This could be my only chance to win a tournament and get to countess in one tournament" Serena said in a stressed out manner.
Ash and PIkachu were now getting a little concerned, they had never seen Serena so stressed out.
"Serena I think you need to calm down a little, remember this is all for fun and experience. You and I will compete together and have a good time like we always do" Ash said as he took her hand. At first what Ash said made her feel a little better, until she thought more about what he said.
"You and I will compete together like we always do". She realized that if Ash entered the tournament and she wanted to win that she was going to have to beat him. But could she, she knew that she had gotten better since her last tournament but could she beat Ash or Red. This made her even more stressed out.
On the ground Serena's Braixen saw how stressed out her trainer looked and was also getting concerned. That's when she felt a lick on the side of her head from Charizard. She let out a slight sigh before returning to her food. Despite her concern for Serena, Braixen was still very happy that her and Charizard had made up.
After finishing their breakfast, Ash and Serena met up with the others before heading towards the battle Chateau.
"I'm so excited! I love going to the battle Chateaus!" Bonnie said.
"If everyone at this tournament is at our skill level, this should be interesting" Red said.
"Who knows , maybe one of us could win" Ash said.
"One of us" Serena thought to herself very concerned. What if she did end up having to face Ash. She had to face it, she couldn't beat him, and she couldn't ask him to throw the match for her.
"Oww why does he have to compete. This is important to me, he's just doing it for fun!" She thought to herself. As they approached the Chateau , Pikachu and Ash noticed Serena was still looking uneasy.
When the arrived at the castle they saw a well dressed man standing in front of the gate.
"Welcome the battle Chateau. My name is Brian, may I see your identifications". Ash and the others took out their chateau identifications and showed them to Brian.
"Welcome, the tournament will begin in 40 minutes. Best of luck to all of you" Brian said before giving a respectful bow. Once they got inside they went into the changing rooms and got out their Chateau attires. Serena put on her salmon dress and kept looking at herself in the mirror with an uneasy look. Standing beside Serena was her Braixen. Braixen saw how uneasy her trainer looked and was concerned.
"I need to win this tournament, I know it will hurt but I have to do it" She said to herself. Serena slowly left the changing room and saw Ash waiting for her in his suit.
"Serena, there you are. You look very pretty" He said before giving her a kiss on the cheek.
"Ash, we need to talk".
"Is everything alright?".
"Ash, I'd really appreciate it if you and the others didn't enter this tournament".
"What?" Ash said as he , Pikachu and Braixen gave an equally surprised expression.
"Look Ash this tournament is really important to me and if I can win I" Serena started.
"Serena , we've always competed together and I've always loved giving my pokemon some battle experience. How can you ask me not to enter this tournament?".
"Ash please, if you compete then I'd have to face you eventually and I know I can't beat you. If I want to win I".
"Winning? You don't want me in the tournament so you have a better chance of winning" Ash said offended.
"Ash I need this win if I want to get into the Grand festival. You already have your gym battles and the pokemon league for your goal. This is my chance. It's selfish of you to take this opportunity away from me just so you can have some battles" Serena said now mad.
"Me selfish!" Ash said enraged. PIkachu and Braixen were now very concerned for their trainers as they glared at each other. Ash felt like he was ready to scream again , but instead turned around.
"Alright Serena, if winning is so important to you I won't compete. I'll go tell the others they can't compete either". As Ash walked out of the room Serena felt like she had rocks in her stomach. Clemont and Red were waiting outside the men's changing room with Bonnie.
"So what pokemon are you using?" Clemont said.
"I'm defiantly giving Charizard a chance. Plus Aero and Fletchinder haven't battled in a while". Bonnie saw Ash walking towards them with a very angry expression on his face.
" Hey guys look, Ash is upset" Bonnie said.
"What?" Red said as he turned and saw Ash's expression.
"Woah Ash what's up?" Red said.
"Only Serena is competing in the tournament" Ash said.
"What? Why?" Clemont said.
"Ask her" Ash said as Serena walked up behind him with an equally angry expression.
"Serena what's going on?" Red said.
"I already told Ash, I need to do this alone because I have to win this tournament , and I don't want to face any of you" Serena said.
"What?" Red and Clemont said.
"Serena you're asking us not to enter this tournament so you can have a better chance of winning it" Red said sounding offended.
"You guys just don't get it, this tournament is really important to me. For you it's just a chance to have some battles. For me it's a chance to make it to Countess. Something I need to do if I want any chance of making it into the Grand festival".
"You just don't get it Serena" Ash said as he gave her the cold shoulder.
"Alright fine, if you really don't want us in this tournament we won't enter. But think about how seriously you're taking this Serena" Red said. After Serena signed in for the tournament then joined the others in the main hall. As they mingled with the other members, Bonnie noticed that Ash and Serena were keeping distance from each other.
"Hey Red, why aren't Ash and Serena talking with each other? They didn't break up did they?" She said sounding scared.
"No they didn't break up. They're just having a fight. Give them some time , I guarantee by the end of this whole episode they'll be in each other's arms again" Red said.
"But who did the wrong thing?" Bonnie said.
"Well I can understand both of their points of view. On one end this is a very important tournament for Serena , and she know she can't ask Ash to throw a match for her. On the other hand , it isn't right for her to expect Ash to not compete just to she can have a better chance of winning" Red said.
As Ash and Pikachu walked around the main hall , Pikachu could see the anger and frustration on his trainer's could also feel how upset Ash was through their Aura connection. Pikachu was now getting concerned, he had never seen Ash like this before. He could understand why he was so upset with Serena ,but he was concerned that they might not make up.
"Well look who I found" A familiar voice said.
Ash and Pikachu turned around to see Shauna standing behind them.
"Shauna, nice to see you again" Ash said.
"I'm so glad you and the others could make it to this tournament. If you haven't heard, no one above the rank of count or countess is competing. That means we all have a real shot of winning this tournament and making it to the next rank" Shauna said excited.
"Well I'm afraid the only one in our group who will be competing".
"What? Why?" Shauna asked.
"Serena asked us not to so she could have a better chance of winning".
"What? That doesn't sound like her" Shauna said. Elsewhere Serena was going through all of her pokeballs making sure she knew what pokemon she wanted to use. As she went through them she thought she heard a familiar voice. She looked over and saw Ash talking with Shauna.
"Shauna's here too" Serena said. She noticed that Ash seemed to be in a better mood now that he was talking with Shauna.
"Why is he acting happier around her? I'm his girlfriend" Serena said jealous. Braixen was standing beside her trainer and saw her jealous expression.
"Braixen" She said concerned.
Watching them talk and have a good time only made Serena more jealous and angrier. She had to stop them from talking. But she was still in no mood to talk with Ash.
"So your Tyrunt , Charmeleon, and Lucario all evolved" Shauna said excited.
"Yeah, Charizard's evolution was more than how have your pokemon been doing lately?".
"Well I caught a Goomy , and my Scatterbug evolved into" Shauna started.
"Shauna I didn't know you were here" Serena said as she walked over.
"Serena , I" Shauna started before Serena took her arm and almost dragged her away.
"We have so much catching up to do, just the two of us" Serena said. PIkachu looked down at Braixen and saw the concerned look for Serena. Pikachu gave an equaly concerned look when he felt Ash's anger spike back up.
When Red saw Ash looked like was was ready to scream , he walked over to him.
"Everything alright bro?".
"No Red".
"She's just on edge because of the tournament. Once it's over she'll be back to normal".
"I hope so Red. She's really getting on my nerves". Elsewhere Serena and Shauna were talking.
"Serena , Ash told me that you didn't want him or the others competing in the tournament because you wanted a better chance of winning?".
"That's right, it's really important that I win this one so I can reach the rank of countess".
"Serena I think you need to calm down a little. Remember this is all in the spirit of competition and good fun".
"I need to win this one Shauna!".
"Well don't forget I'm competing in this tournament too" Shauna said.
"Well I guess I'm going to have to beat you Shauna. I will win this one" Serena said.
"Calm down Serena I thought we were friends" Shauna said.
"Friends don't flirt with their other friend's boyfriend" Serena said.
"What? You think I was flirting with Ash?".
"I know what I saw. Just stay away from him". Serena and her Braixen walked away as Shauna gave an look of disbelief. She knew something had to be bothering Serena. She knew that she wasn't this kind of person. Clemont and Red approached Shauna.
"Shauna, I thought you might be here" Red said.
"Oh hey guys, nice to see you again. Hey you know Serena doesn't seem to be in a good mood. She told me to stay away from Ash because she thought I was flirting with him".
"Well Serena and Ash are in a fight right now so they are both a little on edge" Red said.
"I hope Serena comes to her senses soon. She said some pretty hurtful things". As time went by Brian stepped on onto the podium with a microphone.
"Attention all members of the battle Chateau. Our tournament is about to begin. Please check the postings for where and when you will battle" Brian said. Serena quickly went over to the postings and saw her first match was in room 4 on the first floor. Apparently she was facing a Baron, so she wasn't very worried about winning her first match.
Despite Serena's behavior, the rest of the group still came to watch her match. Serena stood on one end , while her opponent a 13 year old boy with short black hair and green eyes. He was relatively tall but rather scrawny.
"The battle between Viscountess Serena , and Baron Tim will now begin. Each trainer will be allowed a single pokemon. Once a trainer's pokemon has been knocked out. They are defeated, members chose your pokemon".
"Alright go Litleo" Tim said as he threw his pokeball forward. A small Litleo came out and gave a quite growl.
"Furfrou go!" Serena shouted as her Furfrou came out and landed in front of Serena.
"Litleo use Ember". The small Litleo opened his mouth and let out a burst of fire towards Furfrou.
"Furforu dodge that fire and use Sand attack" Furfrou quickly leapt forward from side to side easily evading the incoming fire. Once Furfrou was past the last of the fire he splashed a burst of sand into Litleo's eyes. The small fire lion quickly tried to wipe the sand from his eyes.
"Furfrou use Headbutt".
"Litleo he's coming right at you use Ember right in front of you".
"Furfrou over him like we practiced". Furfrou leapt over Litleo just before he could hurl his head forward. Furfrou landed just beyond Litleo. Furfrou turned around and smashed his head into Litleo's back, hurling the smaller pokemon forward.
"Serena has gotten a lot better since I last saw her battle" Shauna said.
"Ash has been helping her train almost every day for this tournament" Red said. Ash didn't say a word , he simply watched the battle with Pikachu.
"Furfrou follow up with Take down".
"Litleo quick you need to get up. Use leer to weaken his composure then use Headbutt".
"Furfrou low and sweep" Furfrou and Serena had practiced such a technique. Just before Furfrou could get close enough for Litleo to use Leer, he leapt to the side and slid in low. Litleo turned just in time to see Furfrou's tail whip across his face, lowering his defenses.
"Take down!" Serena shouted. Her Furfrou quickly leapt forward and smashed into Litleo with great power, knocking him out.
"Litleo is unable to battle, the winner of the battle is Serena and Furfrou" The referee said. Furfrou turned back to his trainer with a happy expression.
"That was impressive battling Furfrou. But he was just a Baron, we've got a lot a lot more challenging trainers to beat if we want to win" Serena said. Furfrou was a bit confused, normally Serena would have given him a hug and said he did great. But she was taking the tournament very seriously.
"Looks like Serena has won her first mach" Clemont said.
" There are still 3 more battles she has to win" Ash said.
"My match should be starting soon. I should get over there " Shauna said.
"Hey Serena, Shauna's match is going to begin. We should head over there to watch" Red said.
"I won't be going, I need to take this time to formulate my strategy" Serena said.
"What? Shauna came to see you battle" Ash said sounding upset.
"I already told you how important this is. I have to make sure I'm ready for my next battle" Serena said before walking off. Pikachu could feel Ash's anger towards Serena only rising.
"Pika" He said concerned. Ash couldn't believe how Serena was acting and treating her friends. She had become so obsessed with winning this tournament that she put herself first. Shauna managed to win her first match and despite Serena missing her battle, Shauna still went to see Serena's next two matches.
Serena's next battle was against a Viscount named Chiere. Her Corsola narrowly defeated his Loudred with Spike cannon. Her third match was against a Viscountess named Jessica. Serena used her Furfrou again seeing as he didn't take any damage in his first battled. While her opponent used a Liepard. The battle was long and hard, but Furfrou managed to pull of an exhausted win.
As Ash watched Serena battle he could see her obsession for victory affect the way she battled. Many of her decisions put her pokemon in harms way in recklessness. She didn't seem to care for her pokemon, but winning the battle. Ash was only getting angrier and angrier with Serena's behavior. Finally he had enough.
In Serena's fifth match she was using her Amaura against her opponents Heliolisk.
"Heliolisk keep up that Thunder" Viscountess Jamie said as he Heliolisk engulfed Amaura with electricity.
"This isn't good" Bonnie said.
"She has to do something now or she's going to loose" Red said. Shauna couldn't come and see Serena's match because her own match was going on at the same time.
"Amaura cover yourself" Serena shouted. Amaura let out a thick mist that concealed her.
"Heliolisk use Parabolic Charge". The Heliolisk opened his frill and unleashed a massive electric charge that hit everything on the battlefield. The mist could do nothing for Amaura as she was engulfed in electricity.
"Dam it, Amaura the only shot we have now is to go for broke. Fight through the pain and use Aurora beam!".
"She's not going to stop Heliolisk's attack? But Amaura could get hurt" Bonnie said.
"Serena's still focusing on winning more than her pokemon" Red said. Amaura did her best to get up and fight through the pain. Amaura got to her feet and opened her mouth as the crystals on her side began to glow yellow. Amaura opened her mouth and unleashed a massive yellow beam of energy that wasn't slowed down by the Parabolic charge, but accelerated it. Amaura's Aurora beam flew forward and hit Heliolisk with full force. Knocking him out cold.
"Heliolisk is unable to battle, the winner is Serena" The ref said. Amaura desperately tried to catch her breath as she struggled to stay on her feet. She could see Jamie walking over to her Heliolisk and helped him up.
"It's alright Heliolisk. I know you tried your hardest".
"Amaura! That was way too close, we barley won this battle. Lucky for us your Aurora beam held" Serena said. Amaura gave a sad expression as she lowered her head. Braixen couldn't believe the way her trainer was acting. She had become so obsessed with winning , that she had lost sight of her pokemon and friends.
Serena saw Red and the others walking towards her, but not Ash.
"Hey where's Ash?". Red gave an uneasy look.
"He went to see Shauna's match instead of yours".
"What?" Serena said.
"He said he was fed up with the way you were acting, and how you were treating your pokemon and everyone else. He said he'd rather watch Shauna battle" Red said.
"But I'm his girlfriend, how could he do that to me?".
"Look Serena Ash didn't come because you've gone over the line. You've become so obsessed with winning that you put yourself ahead of your friends and your pokemon. Now they're paying the price and Ash has had enough" Red said in a stern voice.
Serena felt like she had been punched in the gut. Ash, her boyfriend, the boy she fell in love with so many years ago now hated her. She looked over at her Braixen and Amaura. She saw the fear and uneasiness in her Braixen's expression. She could also see the pain and look of failure in Amaura's expression. It was then Serena came to the realization of what she had done.
Red noticed Serena's eyes starting to tear up.
"Serena are you ok?". She shook her head before returning her Amaura and Braixen. Before Red or the others could say anything to Serena, she ran out of the room.
"Oh no" Clemont said. Moments later Ash and Shauna walked in and towards the others.
"Hey guys, Shauna won her match. She's going to the final round" Ash said sounding proud of her.
"How did Serena do?" Shauna said.
"She won" Clemont said.
"Wait where is she?" Ash said. Red turned to Ash and gave him a serious look.
"She's gone, she found out about where you were and what you said" Red said.
"Well she needed to hear what she's been doing it's" Ash started.
"Don't even Ash I shouldn't have had to bring her down to earth. You're her boyfriend that's your job".
"You're blaming me for the way she's been acting" Ash said defensively.
"Yes at least partially, when she told you not to join the tournament you abandoned her. You didn't do anything to help her when she started making mistakes and only let yourself get madder instead of doing something about it, you idiot" Red said an a harsh tone.
It was at that moment Ash could feel a great knot it his stomach. Ever since Serena told him she didn't want him in the tournament, his anger towards her made it difficult for their Aura connection to allow them to feel each-other's emotions. When Ash concentrated harder, he could feel Serena's emotions. Pain, sorrow, regret, and self hate was all he could feel.
"Pika" Pikachu said quietly as he saw and felt Ash's grief.
"I'll be back" Ash said. Serena was alone in a small room crying into a chair.
"What have I done" She said to herself.
"I demanded that Ash and the others not enter this tournament only so I could have a better chance of winning it. Not once thinking of them. Then I let my anger blind me into being hurtful to Shauna" Serena took out her pokeballs and nearly broke down in tears.
"Now I've become a monster to my pokemon. Putting my own obsession with winning ahead of my pokemon. How can I ever hope for them to forgive me".
Ash was alone with Pikachu thinking about everything that had happened.
"What if I was wrong about her, when she asked me not to compete I just thought of her only thinking of her. But in all fairness this is an important tournament for her. It really means nothing to me but a chance to have some battles. I did so much to help she knew I was behind her all the way. But then I made a big deal about not being able to compete. I distanced myself from her until the tournament began and made her feel alone. Then when she started to make mistakes I didn't do anything to help her. All I did was get angrier at her and abandoned her when I should have been giving her support. This is my fault" Ash said as he was filled with guilt.
Pikachu could see and feel how sad and guilty Ash was feeling.
"Pika" PIkachu said trying to lift his trainer's spirits.
"I need to make this right".
Serena continued to weep alone in the room when she felt a comforting presence. She couldn't put her finger on it at first, but soon she remembered the feeling. It was Ash's presence from the connection between them he opened up. She turned around and saw him standing behind her with Pikachu. His expression wasn't angry or iritated, but remorseful.
"Ash" Serena said as she tried to wipe her tears away.
"Hey Serena" Ash said as he stepped closer.
"Serena, I need to apologize to you. When you asked me not to enter the tournament I took it as you only thinking of yourself. But now I realize I was only thinking of myself, I should have know that this tournament is really important to you. All it is for me is a chance to have a few battles. Then I let my anger keep us apart and keep me from supporting you in your battles. Because of that you started making mistakes. I should have been there to help you when you started making mistakes , but I just let my anger keep me away. Then I turned my back on you when you needed me most". Ash took her hands and looked at her with a very sincere expression.
"I'm so sorry for what I did to you Serena. This is all my fault". Serena lowered her head as her tears slowed.
"This wasn't your fault Ash it was mine. I did let my obsession with winning cloud my judgement. It wasn't my place to ask you not to compete. Then I let my frustration with you keep us apart and made me jealous when I saw you with Shauna. I said things to her I should have never said to a friend. Then I let my obsession affect how I treated my pokemon during our battles. I put winning ahead of them, something I know no real trainer should ever do. Then I let my behavior drive you away from me. This is my fault Ash, I'm so sorry" Serena said as she put her arms around his shoulders and put her head against his right shoulder.
Ash slowly rubbed the back of her shoulders and tried to comfort her.
"I think were both at fault here Serena. We both let our anger get the best of us and we were both acting selfish. But I don't want to think about us letting these mistakes end our relationship." Ash said.
"I don't even want to think about that" Serena said. Ash and Serena both looked at each other with forgiveness and passion. Pikachu was very happy when he felt all of Ash's anger and guilt fade into joy and forgiveness.
"Every relationship, even good ones have their bumps. I guess we've faced ours" Serena said.
"Faced it and gotten past it" Ash said before he swept her off her feet and gave her a passionate kiss. Ash and Serena remained locked in the kiss for nearly a minute and a half as Pikachu smiled in relief.
"Pika" he said excited. After Ash and Serena withdrew , Serena took out her pokeballs.
"You aren't the only one I need to apologize you " She said as she let out her Furfrou, Corsola, Braixen, and Amaura. When Serena's pokemon saw her, they were a bit worried she would critique how they had been battling again.
"Guys I know I've been to hard on all of you since this tournament began, and I know I've been so obsessed with winning that I've been putting you in harms way during the battles. I'm so sorry for what I did to all of you". Braixen and the others were quite relieved to hear this from her.
"I never should have taken this tournament as seriously as I did and I can only hope that you guys will ever forgive me for" Serena started before all 4 of her pokemon leapt at her and knocked her to the ground. Furfrou and Braixen licked her face while Amaura and Corsola nudged her face with theirs.
"I think they forgive you" , "Pika" Ash said. Later Shauna and the rest of the group went looking for Ash and Serena.
"I hope Serena's alright, she seemed pretty upset" Clemont said.
"Hey look" Bonnie said. The others turned to see Ash and Serena walking towards them holding hands.
"Are they holding hands?" Shauna said.
"What did I say. They're be in each other's arms by the end of this episode" Red said.
"Hey guys" Ash said.
"We've been looking for you two" Shauna said.
"Shauna , I need to apologize to you for the way I was acting. The things I said, I was completely out of line and shouldn't have treated you like that. I also apologize to you guys too, Red and Clemont".
"Eh it's alright Serena, we were never that mad at you to begin with" Red said.
"Well I accept your apology Serena, and I'm glad we'll be battling each other as friends" Shauna said.
"What?" Serena said.
"You and I both made it to the fifth round. We'll be battling each other for the winning spot in the tournament" Shuauna said slightly competitively.
"Well don't expect me to hold back Shauna. I'm going to give you the battle of your life" Serena said. Red walked over and beside Ash.
"So you and Serena are better now?".
"Yes, we made up".
"Good, because I was going to smack some sense into one of you and I don't hit girls" Red said. For the final match of the tournament , everyone had gathered in a large room with a larger than average sized battlefield. Two sets of theater like seats were placed on each side of the battlefield.
Ash and the others made sure to get their quickly so they could get front row seats.
"This is exciting! Serena is so close to winning her first tournament" Bonnie said.
"Now that she's back to normal she has more than a chance of winning" Ash said.
"Keep in mind she's facing Shauna. She's a good trainer, and her pokemon are quite skilled" Red said. Brian himself would be refereeing this match. He stepped onto the center of the sideline.
"The final battle of the battle chateau tournament is about to begin. This will be a one on one battle between viscountess Serena vs viscountess Shauna. The first person to knock out their opponent's pokemon will be the winner. Trainers you may choose your pokemon".
Serena took out her pokeball and held it close to her face.
"We've been training so hard for this tournament. I don't know if I deserve this , but I know you do" She raised her had and threw her pokeball forward. Braixen came out and took a pose in front of Serena.
"I thought she might be using Braixen" Ash said. Suddenly one of his pokeballs started to shake before his Charizard came out and took up at least 5 seats behind him.
"Graww!" Charizard said excited.
"Hey buddy put your Charizard back in his pokeball I can't see" Someone behind Charizard said. Charizard turned around and gave the man a very angry and threatening expression as he puffed some smoke out of his nostrils. The man didn't say anything else.
"Braixen, good choice. Too bad I've got him" Shauna said as he threw a pokeball forward. To Serena's unpleasant surprise, her Frogadier came out and took a battle stance.
"Frogadier" Serena said sounding concerned.
"That's not good, now Shauna has the advantage" Clemont said.
"Don't forget Braixen knows Psychic type moves. Plus Serena and Braixen have been training a long time for this battle. All she has to do is give it her all" Ash said.
"Begin" Brian said.
"Frogadier move quick on your feet and use Bubblebeam" Shauna said. Frogadier quickly leapt from place to place while quickly unleashing a barrage of bubbles towards Braixen. Serena saw the bubbles were coming from different directions and knew dodging them would be extremely difficult. That's when she had a better idea.
"Braixen spin around and use Flamethrower". Braixen took her wand out and spun around as fire shout out from it and popped all of the incoming bubbles.
"Frogadier use Water pulse".
"Braixen use Psybeam and aim high". Frogadier leapt up and formed a sphere of water in his hand. At the same time Braixen raised her wand at Frogadier as her eyes glowed red. Frogadier unleashed his water pulse at the same time a beam of salmon colored psychic energy flew from Braixen's want. The Psybeam tore through the water pulse and hid Frogadier dead in the center of his chest.
"She's got it" Ash said.
"Graww!" Charizard roared proudly.
"Alright great shot!" Serena said. Despite being hit with Psybeam, Frogadier landed on his feet.
"Nice work Serena, but we've got plenty of tricks left up our sleeves. Frogadier run at him and use Double team". Frogadier sprinted forward at Braixen as he made dozens of copies of himself.
"Bubble beam!".
"Braixen use Flamethrower and spin just like before" Braixen raised her wand and spun around as a jet of fire flew from it. The Flamethrower stopped all of the incoming bubbles and destroyed all of the Frogadier copies coming at her. Just when Serena thought she had him, she saw the real Frogadier was gone.
"Where did he go?" She said concerned.
"Water pulse!" Shauna shouted. Braixen and Serena looked up just in time to see the real Frogadier directly above her. Frogadier unleashed Water pulse and hit right on the top of the head.
"Braixen!" Serena shouted as he Braixen was pushed into the ground.
"Dam that was a good strategy" Red said. Charizard now gave a concerned groan.
"Come on Braixen we can do this" Braixen got up and growled at Frogadier.
"Braixen use Flamethrower" Braixen raised her wand and unleashed a jet of fire towards Frogadier.
"Frogadier dodge it and use Bubble". Frogadier easily moved over and around each burst of the incoming fire and then leapt into the air.
"Fire spin then forward!" Serena shouted. Braixen opened her mouth and unleashed a torrent of spinning fire. The fire spin circled around Frogadier, absorbing all of his bubbles.
"Huh?" Shauna said.
"Psybeam!". Just when the fires dissipated and Frogadier began falling down, Braixen raised her want and blasted him with another Psybeam. This time Frogadier landed on his back and grunted when he hit the ground.
"There we go! Great job Braixen!" Serena shouted.
"She kept the pressure on Frogadier and was able to get in close. She's really getting better" Ash said.
"Graww!" Charizard roared.
"Alright , that was impressive Serena . Now it's our turn, Frogadier use Quick attack" Frogadier smiled as he sprinted towards Braixen with incredible speed.
"Braixen use fire spin around yourself". Braixen opened her mouth and unleashed a spinning torrent of fire around herself.
"Above him and use Bubblebeam" Just before Frogadier reached the fire , he leapt up straight into the air, above the fire spin and blasted a beam of bubbles down at Braixen.
"Braixen dodge it!" Braixen lurched back just in time to avoid the incoming bubbles.
"Water pulse!" Frogadier landed directly in front of Braixen and blasted her with Water pulse at extremely close range.
"Braixen!" Serena shouted as her pokemon landed only a few feet in front of her.
"That's not good, another hit like that and Braixen is done" Red said.
"Come on Serena you can still win this!" Ash shouted.
"Graww!" Charizard roared.
"We can do this Braixen, please don't give up now" Serena said. Her Braixen grit her teeth and got up to face Frogadier.
"Frogadier use Quick attack and Double team" Frogadier made a dozen copies of himself before sprinting at Braixen.
"Flamethrower and spin" Serena said. Braixen raised her wand and spun around as the flames destroyed all of the incoming copies.
"Double team and Bubblebeam" Frogadier made another dozen copies of himself that all unleashed a torrent of bubbles.
"Fire spin around yourself!" Braixen covered herself with a spinning torrent of fire that absorbed all of the incoming bubbles.
"Psyshock directly above you!" Serena shouted. Braixen raised her head as her eyes glowed red and a bolt of Psychic energy flew out from her paw. As Serena anticipated, the real Frogadier had leapt up just above the fire. As a result the Psyshock scored a direct hit and knocked Frogadier out.
"Frogadier!" Shauna shouted.
"Frogadier is unable to battle, the winner of the battle and the tournament is trainer Serena" Brian said.
"We won, we actually won!" Serena shouted full of Joy.
"Braix!".
"She did it!I'm so proud of her" Ash said.
"Graww!" Charizard roared proudly. Moments later Braixen started to glow white.
"Huh" Serena said in disbelief.
"She's evolving" Red said. Charizard's eyes started to widen as he saw this. When the glowing stopped Braixen was much taller. Her fur was now dark red, with red-orange, flame-like markings near its knees, as well as a thin tuft of white fur on her torso, flanked by yellow fur draping down from her shoulders. She had three tufts of red-orange fur protruding out of each ear. Her forearms featured long red fur resembling sleeves, and her hands and feet are dark gray with three clawed fingers and toes, respectively. Her tail was covered in yellow fur protrudes from its "robe." When her mouth is open, two pointed teeth could be seen on her upper jaw.
"Phox!" She said.
"You're a Delphox. You're a Delphox!" Serena shouted before she ran over to her new Delphox and wrapped her arms around her. Delphox did the same and lifted Serena up off the ground.
"I thought Braixen might evolve sometime soon" Red said. Shauna walked to her Frogadier and helped him up.
"You did your best Frogadier, that's enough for me". Shauna returned him and went over to Serena.
"That was a great match Sereana, you and your Delphox were amazing" Shauna said.
"Thanks Shauna, you and your Frogadier were amazing too". Ash and his Charizard came over to Serena.
"Serena, you did it. I'm so proud of you".
"I couldn't have done this without your training and guidance Ash" Serena said before she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him. Charizard nervously approached Delphox , remembering how he had changed when he evolved, he didn't know if she would be the same.
"Graww" He said nervously.
"Phox" Delphox said before she put her arms around his shoulders and licked the side of his snout.
"PIka" Pikachu said laughing a little as he watched Delphox and Charizard mimicking their trainers. A few minutes later in the ballroom , Serena stood on the stage with Brian.
"I hereby announce the winner of this weeks battle tournament, Serena" Brian said before the people in the room broke out in applause.
" For winning this tournament you have enough battle prestige gained to be elevated tot he rank of countess"
"I finally did it" Serena said. Brian handed Serena a small medallion with a sword and shield in the center.
"This medallion is proof of your victory in a tournament".
"Thank you so much" Serena said.
"Now let the post tournament ball begin" Brian said as a small orchestra began playing music. Serena got down from the stage and walked towards the others. She saw Bonnie pushing Clemont into Shauna saying.
"I finally realize that you are the right girl to be my brother's bride!" Bonnie said.
"What!?" Clemont shouted as Shauna laughed a little.
"Are you going to find someone to dance with?" Ash said to Red.
"I don't know, maybe if Korrina was here i'd" Red said before he realized what he said.
"What did you say" Ash said smiling.
"Uh nothing" Red said as he started to blush. Ash saw Serena walking towards him. He walked over to her and brought his hand forward.
"May I have this dance" He said.
"You may" Serena said as she took his hand. Ash and Serena began slowly dancing with each other through the ballroom. When they reached the center of the room Ash moved his head in closer and kissed her.
Author's note
I know you want Korrina back in the story, I promise you she will be coming back very soon, Very very soon. Just be patient she will come back I promise.
Now I was on the fence about having a fight between Ash and Serena but the more I thought about it the more I realized that every relationship will have it's problems. But they only grow stronger as they get past them.
But in reality the fight was the result of the continued requests for one by you guys. You see I do listen to you.
Like I said before , Korrina will be appearing again soon and we will see plenty of interaction between her and Red.
Also the poll for if Misty and Brock should be main characters in the next story is still up so if you haven't voted yet vote as I will be taking it down when I post the next chapter.
So until next time please review, comment, suggest, and vote