Chapter 6 - Serena (pt 2)

Serena sighed and sat down with exhaustion. She'd lost track of the arguing duo some time ago and had been trawling the lengths of Professor Oaks corral ever since, seeing no sign of Ash. Her attention peaked as she heard a voice she'd heard before. Peeking out from her resting spot she saw the auburn-haired guy that had been teasing Ash earlier. Following his line of sight, she saw another person approaching. Serena's heart skipped a beat. It was Ash! With no sign of Misty either. Perfect!

Serena went to greet him but paused as the other guy started talking. She leaned in closer from her hiding place to listen in.

"Ash! There you are I've been looking all over! Is everything ok? Is the wedding still on?"

"It will be. Gary where can I find luvdisc?"

"A luvdisc?" Serena whispered to herself.

"Luvdisc? South East Hoenn why?"

"I need to find one and catch it, to win Misty back."

Serena held her breath hearing this.

"You'll never make it Hoenn and back before the wedding …"

Phew … The Kalos coordinator found herself sighing in relief.

The auburn man continued talking "But we could look for luvdisc along Tohjo Falls, they've been known to migrate there during the rainy season. If you leave now, it would take no more than a few days there and back."

"Then we're going Tohjo falls. Let's go Pikachu."

"Pika!" His pokémon bounded after him.

The other guy also followed Ash. "I'll come too. You'll need all the help you can get finding one."

Serena retreated back. She hit her hand into her palm. "A luvdisc … if I can get my hands on one first and show it to Ash before he patches things up with Misty, then he'll see that we're meant to be instead! I have to get to Tohjo falls before Ash does!"

Serena pulled up the map on her updated gear. "Hmm to get there before Ash does …" She looked up to the evening sky, already turning hues of pink and blue. "I'll have to pull an all nighter." She sighed and drooped. "And I've been walking around all day too …" She looked up her eyes determined; fist clenched. "But Ash is worth it!"

The night and day passed, a dishevelled and exhausted Serena emerged out from the undergrowth. Leaves and twigs sticking out from unkempt hair and dark circles appeared prominent under her tired eyes. She held a big stick, leaning on it like a crutch for support. But her hard work had paid off as saw a body of water on the horizon. "Tohjo Falls! I've made it!" She looked around. "No sign of Ash, Pikachu or that other guy. Perfect!" With newfound energy, she made her way over and began to inspect the area. Sure enough she spotted a school of luvdisc making their way to the breeding area of Tohjo Falls.

The girls face lit up on seeing the water pokémon.

She imagined Ash walking down the water's edge, frustration and doubt plastered all over his face as he struggles to see what he's after. Suddenly he hears a familiar voice.

"Oh you're such a pretty pokémon!"

Ash follows the voice till he comes to a clearing, he can't believe his eyes. There before him, he see's his friend from Kalos, with a luvdisc!

The luvdisc playfully splashes Serena, water droplets scatter across her as she shields herself from them, light reflecting off the water spray creating beautiful soft pastel rainbows around Serena, who is laughing gleefully at the pokémon's playful antics.

Ash is stood dumbfounded. Serena looks so pretty in that moment … like she does in every moment really … He pauses. He couldn't find a luvdisc to give to Misty … but there she was, Serena of all people with a luvdisc right before him, the pokémon symbol of eternal love … his mind goes back to the kiss they shared … a small blush appeared on his face.

He finally speaks. "S… Serena? You're here?!"

"Ash!" Serena's face lights up on seeing him but she pauses. "Hang on." She turns back down to the luvdisc and pulls out a pokéball recalling it in.

"Ash! I was meaning to call you. Turns out I'm in Kanto for contests. I just caught this pokémon … but she's more of a battler than a performer, reminds me of Froakie in a way, so I just couldn't help but think of you when I caught her ... I think she'd make such a great addition to your team." Serena held out the pokéball to Ash with a smile. "Here, a gift, from me to you."

Ash walked over and took the pokéball, he looked at the ball, back to Serena and then back at all the ball again. He put the ball away and smiled warmly, snaking his hand around Serena's waist pulling her in close to him.

"Ash!" Serena blushed at his boldness.

"Serena … all this time I've wasted … I'm not wasting anymore!"

"Ash. What are you?"

He placed his finger gently to her lips, cutting her off mid-sentence. Then moving his finger from her lips, he traced down the side of her face. "Serena … it's you. It's always been you." Before pulling her in for the deep romantic kiss she'd been dreaming of for so long. He broke from her. "And now with luvdisc, it just proves what I already knew deep down. I just didn't realise it until now." He kissed her again.

Serena pulled away from the kiss. "But what about Misty?"

"What about Misty?"

Serena slightly frowned, not liking Ash being so callous, even if this Misty girl was her love rival. Ash sighed before looking deeply into the Kalos girls deep blue eyes again. "She's not my one true love Serena … you are. I love you Serena. I always have and I always will."

The two leaned in for another kiss.

Serena broke out of her dream, blushing with a goofy grin plastered on her face.

"It's going to be perfect! Now to make sure Ash doesn't find a luvdisc first!" Serena looked around the area and spotted a rocky outcropping. She smiled as an idea came to mind. "Pancham I choose you!"

Out from his pokéball, her little fighting panda emerged ready to go.

"Pancham, use strength on this boulder, push it into the water ahead of the luvdisc.

"Pancham pancham panCHAMMMMMMMM." The fighting type pokémon obeyed and walked over to the largest loose rock he could find and using his strength pushed it into the water blocking the path of the luvdisc.

"Yes!" Serena clicked her fingers. Her plan was working. "Now all I have to do is catch one, and just when he's lost all hope, present it to Ash and then he'll see we are meant to be together!"

Serena walked over to the luvdisc, all thrashing about the water in turmoil that their route was now disrupted. She bent down and marvelled at the beautiful water type pokémon. "Arw they're so pretty …"

One of the luvdisc shot up out the water and used water gun right in the teenaged girls face. Serena took the attack head on. She blinked wide eyed and soaking wet before falling to the ground.

In that moment Serena imagined meeting Ash along route 27.

Ash walking along looking for luvdisc, suddenly hears a rusting in the bushes. Out pops a soaking wet, frizzy haired, make up running, dishevelled and crazy looking Serena.

"ASH! I found you!"

"Wah!" The young man recoiled in slight surprise and horror at her appearance. "Serena? Is that you?!"

"I have … a luvdisc …" Serena pulled out a pokéball and presented it to Ash. "For you." She smiled, mud on her front tooth blackened it, making it appear like she was missing the tooth.

Ash's eyes bugged out at her appearance and forwardness, and he backed away, hands up in defence. "Umm ... errr ... is that the time? I have to errm! GO!" With that Ash ran off in the opposite direction.

"Ash wait! Don't go! Come back … noooooo!" Serena fell to her knees in the mud.

"This is just GREAT. My hair and make up is ruined! I look a total mess! ASH WILL NEVER FALL IN LOVE WITH ME LIKE THIS! PANCHAM USE ARM THRUST!"

The panda pokémon began to smack against the water, chasing the luvdisc away downstream.

"Good work Pancham! Now to catch one! Ice Punch! Oh no!" Serena cried out with dismay. She realised the luvdisc had all swam away. "Quick Pancham after them!"

Serena and her pokémon ran down the water edge chasing after the water pokémon as they left the disruptive area and headed away.

After a long chase, Serena and Pancham finally caught up. "Now Pancham Ice Punch!"

Pancham punched into the last luvdisc leaving, hitting the side of the pokémon with an icy impact, stunning the water type.

"Now!" Serena threw out a pokéball and hit the luvdisc, the pokémon turned red and sucked into the ball. It wobbled on the top of the water before sealing with a ping.

Serena fished the ball out. "Gotcha!" She held it up triumphantly with a smile. "And now to find Ash!" She looked up and gasped with horror, her face paling. They'd been chasing the luvdisc for so long they were now miles away downstream from the falls!

Serena trudged back upstream. After travelling all day and night and chasing the luvdisc, she was feeling very fatigued. She finally made it back up to the falls when she spotted two people up ahead.

"Guess there's something to be said for that luck and instinct after all." The auburn-haired guy smiled at Ash, admiring a shimmer object in his hand. "Let's get back to Pallet Town and get this wedding back on track."

"Yeah!" "Pika!" Pikachu jumped enthusiastically onto his trainer's shoulder and the group began to leave.

"Noooooo!" Serena sunk to her knees. She'd missed them! And worse still Ash seemed to have succeeded. She bashed the ground with frustration. "Damn it, I was sure I'd scared them all away …"

The girl flopped to the floor and looked up at the sky … why was it so hard? Why couldn't she just tell Ash how she felt? Why did there always have to be these grand schemes and right moments … only for something to always get in the way? Why couldn't it just be? Just happen …

Serena continued to lay there and get lost in her thoughts. It should be the easiest thing in the world … shouldn't it? Seems Misty was able to do it …

Her eyes grew heavy. The exhaustion of the days taking their toll.

I shouldn't have left after the kiss like that … I mean everyone else knows I'm in love with him … but Ash is well … Ash … I should have made my intentions clearer to him … I should have told him then and there ...

16 year old Serena stood on the escalator going down. Ash, Pikachu, Clemont, Dedenne and Bonnie stood at the top, the latter four all flushed with embarrassment. Ash stood still looking a little dumbfounded.

"Ash. I'm in love with you. I have been ever since the day we met when we were little, and it's only grown with the time we've spent together. I have to go now to Hoenn, to get stronger. To get stronger for you. But I'll come back to you. I promise. Wait for me?" Serena called out as she got further away.

Ash smiled warmly and nodded.

"Oh Ash …"

She closed her eyes and drifted off.

Serena awoke from her slumber; she'd been so tired she'd fallen asleep right out in the open. She looked up at the sky, how long had she been out for?

She stood up and walked over to the water, refreshing her face. She clutched the blue ribbon on her outfit. It was a new day and a new opportunity. She wasn't sure how much of a head start Ash had on her, but she would get back to Pallet Town and stop that wedding!

Serena made her way back to Pallet Town. She took a deep breath and approached Ash's house. Just as luck – good or bad would have it – Ash stepped out the door of his house, Misty in tow holding his hand.

Serena hid herself behind some shrubbery, remaining in ear shot as Ash and Misty walked past.

"… Just somethings still kinda bugging me."

"What?" Ash looked back towards Misty.

Misty let get go of Ash's hand and stood still, her head drooping down. "When we were talking, you referred to Serena as a "nice girl" … and I've never heard you say anything sweet like that about me …" Misty's voice became small. "Do you think I'm a nice girl too?"

Serena held her breath from her hiding place. Ash had been talking about her again, and to Misty, and he'd been complementing her again! This could be it.

"Misty …" Ash stopped and grabbed Misty by the wrist, he pulled her forwards and into him. "You're not a "nice" girl."

Serena's heart fluttered. Is this happening?! Did Ash really just say that?!

Misty's mouth gaped open, but Ash continued walking with her before she could retort, pulling her gently forwards. Completely unaware of the Kalos Girl in earshot, Ash resumed talking. "You can be the biggest pain in the butt, you know that? But then you can also be really sweet and caring and loyal … and when that side of you shows, it's genuine. That means a lot more to me than if you were vanilla like that all the time. Thought it sure doesn't make life easy." The pokémon master couldn't help but add the last tease.

Misty stuck her tongue out but the two could help but laugh with each other as they walked off.

"Come on let's go get some ice cream then come back for Pikachu. We got a lot to do before we leave for Cerulean City!"

"Sounds like the best plan you've ever come up with Ash."

"Ever?" Ash raised an eyebrow pretending to be mildly offended by the red head's tease.

The voices became faint as the two walked away, continuing their banter. Serena slumped down as they left and began to sob. "He … he wants her. I've lost."

The young woman ran from the area, her heart aching. She didn't know or care where she was going, just that she had to get out of there. She found herself down route 21 overlooking the ocean. She sat on the shores edge, hugging her knees to her chest, tears rolling down her face. She put her head into her knees and sobbed. This couldn't be happening … after everything she'd been through for him … Ash. She'd lost him for good.

Suddenly her pokégear began to buzz. Bringing her out of her stupor, she answered it, without thinking.

"Serena! It's May, we're finally on our way to Kanto! Where are you? It would be nice to catch up before the wedding!"

"Oh … Hi *sniff* May. I … Sorry May I … won't be attending the wedding …"

"Woah really. Why?"

"Because I'm in love with Ash! I have been since we were little kids. I just can't … it's … it's too hard!"

"Wow really?! Does Ash know?!"

Serena wiped tears from her eyes. "No, I don't think so … I mean I did kiss him back when we were travelling in Kalos … but *sniff* I think he's the only person oblivious to my feelings … Oh May I blew it! I was waiting till I was stronger, till I was on his level, his equal. … And then … then … I was going … to …"

"Oh Serena … …" May's sympathetic tone soon turned to mild anger once again. "See this is exactly what I'm talking about! Ash has no clue about love! He really has no right to be getting married yet!"

Serena sniffed and took in May's words. Ash has no clue about love …? Ash has no clue about love! I still haven't heard Ash tell Misty he loves her! He did say she's wasn't a nice girl, and he did say she was pain … I bet he doesn't actually love her! He just can't! And I still haven't told him, I love him. …

She clutched the blue ribbon Ash had given her. It's not over, till it's over!

May continued ranting, not realising Serena was completely tuned out again. "Me and Drew have been dating for years! Ash should really wait for us to tie the knot first don't you think? It's only proper! Then it gives him and Misty time to actually know how they feel about each other right?! They could be making huge mistake!"

"You're right May! I have to go!"

"Of course I'm right! Wait go? Go where? Serena?"

Serena hung up and once again dried her eyes. She steeled her resolve once again and looked in the direction of Pallet Town once more. It was now or never.

May looked at her phone, the screen now blank. "Oh … I hope I didn't say the wrong thing …"

Serena once again walked up to the Ketchum residence. Misty or no Misty, she had to tell Ash how she felt. Right now. Taking a deep breath, intaking all the courage she could, she knocked on the door.

The friendly face of Delia Ketchum appeared at the door. "Serena! Hello, it's so nice to finally meet you in person dear! How are you?"

"Hi Mrs Ketchum, I'm doing well thank you. Is Ash home?"

"Sorry dear, he left with Pikachu, Misty and Brock to Cerulean City already."

Serena's face dropped with disappointment … she'd psyched herself up for nothing …

Delia noted the expression on the young woman's face. "Oh, don't worry, you haven't missed the wedding, they are just going up there to get everything ready. I myself am just tying up a few lose ends here and then I'll be travelling up there with Professor Oak and Ash's friends Tracey and Gary. You're welcome to stay here and come with us if you'd like?"

"Oh … thank you Mrs Ketchum, that's so nice, but I … um … would really like to catch up to Ash sooner. Do you know the quickest way to Cerulean City from here?"

Delia nodded and planned out the quickest route on public transport to get her to Cerulean. "Would you like me to let Ash know you're coming?"

Serena slightly blushed. "Oh! No no that's okay! I'm making it a … surprise!"

"Oh how sweet. Ash and Misty will love that." Delia beamed, clueless of this young Kalos lady's real intentions.

"I sure hope so!" Well Ash at least … Serena plastered a big forced grin with a sweat drop and thanked the Ketchum matriarch, setting off once again on her mission for the boy she loved.

Authors note - That's part 2! Part 3 coming soon.