Thank you all so much for the love on the first chapter! I hope you will like this new chapter as well!

Thanks for proofreading Chrissy!

A roaring crowd faded away behind the dark-red curtains as Serena waved, walking backwards until they finally closed before her.

Her famous smile disappeared with the spotlights made way for a deep sigh of relief. Exhausted, she made her way down the stairs behind the stage.

''That was a fantastic show Serena, the crowd of Jubilife City loved you!'' Shauna said as she hugged the performer.

''That was intense,'' she said as she threw herself on the couch backstage and carefully placed her pokéballs on the table. ''Come on out guys! It's dinner time!''

Flash after flash, her team of Pokémon appeared on the floor. Sylveon, Delphox, Pancham, Whimsicott, and Togekiss looked at her with pleading eyes.

Serena laughed. ''Why did I teach you all Baby Doll Eyes again?''

She walked up to her team, hugging them all individually and thanking them for their efforts before treating them to a delicious meal.

''This is amazing,'' Shauna said as she provided the two of them with drinks and snacks, ''this is only your third show in your Sinnoh tour and they keep selling out! At this rate, you'll be a world star!''

''Don't let it get to your head,'' Serena chuckled, amused by her friend's enthusiasm.

Shauna took her phone out and started scrolling down social media.

''Wow! So many people used the tour's hashtag!'' she let out as she turned her phone to Serena.

She couldn't believe her eyes. Numbers had never been her priority, but the fact that so many people followed her life kept astounding her. It was overwhelming sometimes and she tried as much as possible to keep her private life and her work apart.

''Insane...'' Shauna murmured as she kept scrolling with wide-open eyes.

Serena opened a can of soda and finally felt herself coming back to her senses. For now, she didn't want to think about practice and the next concert. Just her, her best friend, and her Pokémon.

''Oh wow!'' Shauna let out, ''the Champion is in Lumiose! Bummer we're missing out...''

Serena nearly spat out her drink and gestured for her friend to turn her phone.

On her Pokégram timeline, a picture of Ash could be seen, making a peace sign with Pikachu on his shoulder. The Lumiose Tower was visible in the background. It's good to be back! #kalos #memories The caption read.

Her heart made a little jump. It felt like that one fateful evening eleven years ago. When she saw Ash save a Garchomp on the Lumiose Tower on a live broadcast. Was it a coincidence? All the thoughts she had been having lately, could they have meant something? Was this fate giving her a sign?

Without a second thought, she pulled out her phone. Contrary to Shauna's phone, who managed all her social media, Serena's phone didn't flood over with notifications. Just some music apps and all the pictures she took on her travels and of her Pokémon.

She tapped her contacts, picked one, and walked out of the room, leaving a confused Shauna behind.

Her heart now pounded against her ribcage. What was she doing? Why was she so certain of what to do all of a sudden?

A million thoughts raced through her mind. Feeling mixed emotions of anxiety and excitement, she listened to the dial tone as she tried to calm herself down.

''Hey Mom,'' Serena said as soon as she heard her mother greet her, ''I think I might come back for a few days before my performance in Sunyshore City,''

A short silence on the other side of the line followed. ''How come?'' her mother asked with concern in her voice. ''Is something the matter?''

Serena felt herself getting worked up again, but took a deep breath before replying. Her mother knew her too well.

''This is my first solo tour and I-... y'know, I could use a little break away from all the paparazzi and stuff.''

''Of course sweetie,'' Grace said, ''I would love to have you visiting.''

Serena smiled and let her shoulder hang in relief. ''I'll let you know which flight I book, okay?''

''That's okay, have a safe flight!''

''Thank you mom,'' Serena said, ''see you soon.''

''Oh, before I forget,'' her mother added, ''Ash sent his regards, he visited this afternoon for some tea. Can you believe it? The world champion, drinking tea with me?''