02

Summer Haze

Kanto Region

Oak Ranch, Pallet Town

April 15, 1995

A week had passed since Serena had met Ash and the two quickly became best friends, much to the joy of the adults. It seems that their mothers - Delia and Grace - also began their own friendship, they were happy that their children were getting along greatly.

Of course, Grace didn't like Gary and how he treated her daughter and would often commend Ash for helping Serena from being too hurt from the other boy. Grace had agree to stay in Kanto for three months, not wanting to take her daughter away from the friends she has made in the small town too soon. Leaf would often sit with Ash and Serena and converse with them about something or other. The three would avoid Gary most of the time, the boy needed to learn some humility.

Delia smiled as she gave her friend a glass of lemonade, "So have you told her yet?"

"I have. She wasn't too happy about it, but understood that we have to go back. Kalos is our home after all. But Kanto and Pallet Town has become a second home to us these past week it'll be hard to leave. I am trying to get her into Ryhorn racing, but she's not too thrilled with it." Grace says smiling fondly at her blonde daughter who ran around with her two friends.

Delia laughs at this, "The best thing you could to is to let her find out what she wants for herself. Don't force her to go into something she'll end up resenting you for. You can teach her the skills but don't push her into the sport."

As the mothers talked the children are sat under a tree playing with the wild Pokemon going around them. Ash was playing with Poliwag that lead him to Serena all those days ago. Serena and Leaf were talking while playing with two newly hatched Eevee.

"I'm sorry about Gary. I swear the boy needs a good talking to! His parents and Professor Oak try to keep him in check, and so does Daisy. One day all of his ego is gonna get him in trouble, he won't have anywhere to run. And Ash is the mere opposite! I mean sure he can have his egotistical movement but it isn't as bad as Gary's , at least it doesn't put us off of being his friends." Leaf says smiling at her blond friend.

Serena smile back and nods, "He's so kind and helpful! He is really considerate of other's feelings. I like him."

"I've kind of figured that out Sere. You've been glued to his side since he brought you back from the forest! I think he's noticed some of your actions towards him but isn't sure what to make of it." The brown haired girl says looking at her other best friend.

Leaf Green was an observant girl, she had noticed Ash's short gazes towards Serena. Ash who always seemed to be shy around girls somehow found courage to finally reach out to one. She was thankful that it was Serena who he chose to reach out to.

For someone so young, Leaf was a hopeless romantic at heart, blame it on the fairy tales people!

"I wonder..." Leaf mumbled looking at her two best friends.

While she and Ash had expressed their dreams to their honey blond friend, said girl still didn't know what to do in her life. Of course, it was Ash who said that Serena will find her purpose sooner or later and will achieve it. Ash's optimism wasn't due to wishful thinking, no, it was really his ingrained determination that brought it out. It's what made most people gravitate to him, Leaf felt like when he would start his journey he would find a group of like minded people and Pokemon that will help him achieve his dream.

"Hey! Are you two alright? You seem to be thinking really hard about something..." Ash says calling to the two girls as he walked towards them carrying the baby blue Pokemon.

Serena smiled and shook her head, "Nothing much we were just talking about somethings. Ash?"

His name came out of the Kalos native's mouth like an inquiry, Leaf was wondering if she'd tell him about her moving back two years from now.

"Is she actually..." Leaf's thoughts tailed off as she saw Ash tilt his head.

Said boy sat in front of them and said, "You can tell me anything Serena. I've been getting the feeling you've wanted to tell me something for the past few days now."

"I told you he'd notice! He isn't as clueless and the other boys Sere." Leaf stated poking the surprised honey blonde girl teasingly.

Serena blushed playfully hitting her friend's finger away, "Gosh Leaf! Stop embarrassing me. Anyways. I've super nervous to tell you this Ash because you are my closest friend in Pallet Town, other then Leaf of course. My mom just told me that we'll be moving back to Kalos three months from now."

Silence. Ash took this time to think of his response. He knew this was coming, he couldn't help but feel saddened by the news. He really liked Serena, she had this adorable warmth about her that just makes him want to be around. He knew he had developed some sort of admiration for her the past week. He felt like she had similar feelings towards him, from the looks he has caught her giving him. He heard sniffles and looked up to see her teary eyes, his eyes widened then he scooped her up.

"Hey, hey now. Don't cry Serena. We've got three months till you have to go back. We'll make those three months worth while, right Leaf?" Ash says rubbing the blonde girl's back.

Leaf just smiled and nodded, "Of course! And besides it's not like we won't be seeing each other again. When I start my journey I'll be sure to get in touch with you everyday, and even try to visit you at some point."

"Yeah! I'll even start my journey in Kalos. But I think starting in Kanto is a better option, but I will go to Kalos. I'll keep in touch as well Serena. I'll never forget about you Princess." Ash says smiling

Leaf stared at the boy and thought, "D-did he just c-call her Princess?!"

Serena looked at him, a little flushed for his pet name for her. She felt giddy about it though. Ash didn't try to take it back, it was what he really though about her. The pet name fits her perfectly in his thoughts.

"Princess?" Serena says raising a brow at him playfully.

He chuckles nervously rubbing the back of his head, "I j-just thought the name suited you. You are like a Princess. Pretty, kind, and caring. Your also brave and selfless."

"Do you really think so." She says unsurely, she felt reassured by his words but still doubted herself.

He nods, "Of course I am sure! Why I bet when we're all grown up you'll look stunning! Serena, never doubt yourself, alright. Who ever says any different is just jealous of you. Don't believe anything bad people may say to drag you in the mud, because they don't know you... the real you. If anyone hurts you verbally or emotionally don't hesitate to even call me or Leaf to talk about it."

"Do you mean it?" The blonde haired girl asked.

Leaf spoke up having gotten over her shock, "Of course! And if they ever dare to say anything to hurt you I'll be there to set them straight if I ever meet them on the road."

Serena laughs, "Thank you guys."

"Just be sure not to shut us out of we have any problems alright. We want to be there for you even if we aren't really there in person. I swear to you, if I meet Gary in a league I'll show him up and beat him, he's all talk. His Dad maybe the current league Champion of Kanto but that doesn't give him the right to degrade others." Ash says clenching his fist a firy determination in his eyes.

Leaf laughed nodding her head, "And I'll be there to watch you do that Ash! He's just a know-it-all waiting to be proven wrong at this point. I have no doubt you'll be able to put him in his place. Maybe we'll meet each other at a League Conference on day, but my goal still stands. I will be first trainer to complete the Pokedex in all the regions, but I'll probably enter the league for the fun of it."

As the friends continued to converse about their future as trainers a certain legenndary Pokemon was watching the trip with Keen Eyes, knowing that one day he'll bless the black haired kid with fortunes unheard of. This Pokemon knew the boy's true destiny, ond day a new Hero will be revealed to the world.

The next Chosen One...

Chapter Two is finished! Writing the chapters ahead this time, so I do hope I can make this a longer story than the first few I've written so far. The chapaters will be shorter though.

If you guys have and suggestions to give to make this story even more interesting, either Direct Message me or post them on the comment section! You'll get credit for your ideas in future chapters or my future fics.

Singing off,

WL_17