Serena hummed happily as she finished fixing her hair and spritzed a single spray of perfume on her neck. She'd arranged her golden locks so they were dangling loose and nearly touching her shoulders. She'd also chosen to wear her sports bra rather than her typical t-shirt. The summer weather had been fairly mild and she'd only worn the eye-catching outfit a few times. Today wasn't particularly hot, but with the last days of summer upon them, she figured it was one of her final chances to wear the revealing garment and give Ash a little treat before she switched to warmer, autumn clothing.
She used her hands to brush her hair where it needed to be and then looked down at the small chest containing her jewelry. She reached for the pair of heart-shaped earrings, smiling subtly as she began to wonder if perhaps tonight would be the night they would share their first time.
With her fingers hovering just above the sparkling, red decorations, Serena hesitated. She was right at the end of her safe time. Tonight and tomorrow were almost certainly safe….. probably. The chance of her body doing something was tiny but the tiny possibility nagged at her. She picked up the earrings and turned them over in her fingers. Given her and Ash's luck regarding sex, it would be par-for-the-course that if they shared their first union tonight, his little soldiers would immediately find her special present and all their life plans would be flipped upside-down.
Serena groaned as she debated mightily whether she should wear the earrings or not. Ultimately, there was always next week for them to be intimate. She had to keep her promise to Ash about being responsible for her body's cycles.
Serena sighed and set the earrings back in the chest. This meant it would be at least another week until they could have a shot at being together. She felt a little sad, especially in light of the wonderful things Ash had done to her legs a few nights ago. Each subsequent night, they'd come close to sharing a bed, but ultimately their interactions had ended in sensual teasing and nothing more. Ash really loved making her burn with desire but he hadn't yet taken the step to deliver the goods.
Serena smiled and shook her head ruefully. Of all the men in the world, she'd gotten the one who could somehow keep it in his pants. While his restraint left her a little frustrated and sexually unfulfilled, she wouldn't have it any other way. Ash was a gentleman and he treated her like she was his princess. That attitude was one of the many reasons why she loved him so much. That being said, she was very much looking forward to when he finally ravaged her body with unrestrained, mind-blowing passion!
Serena hummed happily and blushed slightly while she slipped on her shoes and retrieved her satchel. In her mind, she briefly played out one of her fantasies which involved Ash making her body jiggle as he energetically moved atop her and within her. Such a thing wasn't going to happen tonight and so she contented herself with imagining it instead. With a final check of her outfit complete, she exited her room and bounded down the stairs.
With Sylveon at her side, Serena bid Delia farewell and walked briskly out the front door. She spotted Delphox and Pancham standing to the side of the house, casually tossing a small beach ball back-and-forth between them. She greeted them with a friendly voice and happy smile.
"Hey, you two," she said. "Are you wanting to stay here again?"
Delphox and Pancham looked at each other and simply nodded in reply.
Serena giggled happily and turned toward the reserve. "Okay, you have fun. I'll see you tonight!" She waved at her Pokémon and then continued on her way.
Delphox and Pancham resumed tossing the ball back-and-forth. They kept up the act until Serena disappeared from sight. With looks of apprehension on their faces, they checked to make sure their trainer was truly gone and then Pancham shuffled over to the line of bushes at the edge of the Ketchum property. The tiny panda raised a hand to his mouth and directed a whisper, to the side, in the direction of the bush. Immediately, the heads of four little children, two boys and two girls, popped out of the foliage.
"Is the coast clear?" One of the girls with blonde, braided hair said in a very young voice.
Delphox stepped up and nodded assuredly. All of the kids grinned broadly and chuckled. They lunged out of the bush and grabbed hold of Pancham and Delphox.
"Let's go! Let's go!" they all chanted, pulling at Serena's Pokémon to go with them.
Delphox and Pancham swiftly accompanied the children. They dashed across a neighboring property and moved behind a large, old, abandoned shed. In the shadows behind the structure, the kids all clustered together and watched with eager eyes while Delphox and Pancham faced them. Several tense seconds passed and then the boy with scruffy, black hair spoke up.
"Do it!" he cried out impatiently.
Delphox smirked, cocked her head to the side and then glanced at Pancham. The tiny panda gave her a small nod and then she raised her ribbon-wrapped stick into the air. A moment later, fire sparked into being at the tip of the stick and quickly formed into a small sphere. The kids all ooooed and ahhhhed at the spectacle.
Delphox gave a small flourish with her arms and then tossed the burning sphere to Pancham. Serena's other Pokémon caught it neatly and began twirling it around its body, using a carefully controlled Dark Pulse to send purple sparks flying in all directions.
The kids continued making all sorts of amazed sounds and kept their eyes fixed on the performance.
With a grin and a confident bark, Pancham tossed the sphere back to Delphox, who caught it using her psychic powers. She smiled elegantly and then prepared for the next part of their little show.
As Serena walked, she glanced around at the luscious, green fields and sighed happily. The sky was a bright blue, there was a small breeze and the sun was warm but not too hot. It was a beautiful day and she was immensely enjoying the walk to the reserve.
For the last few days it had been just her and Sylveon traveling to the reserve. Delphox and Pancham had suddenly wanted to stay at home with Delia. They helped around the house a little and were always waiting for her when she got home.
Serena frowned a little as she thought about her Pokémon. She wasn't sure what the reason was for their sudden change of attitude. Her Pokémon seemed just as happy as always. Maybe it was just a phase they were going through. She glanced over at Sylveon and suddenly realized that her other companion tended to disappear for most of the day when they reached the reserve.
Serena smiled and spoke in a friendly tone. "So, Sylveon, what are you going to do today?" she said.
Serena knew her Pokémon couldn't actually answer her but she liked being polite and making conversation. She smiled and nodded as Sylveon tensed for a moment, seemed to blush and then mewed a stilted reply. If she didn't know better, she would have said her Pokémon looked very embarrassed.
"Well, I hope you have fun!" Serena said in a bubbly voice.
Next to Serena, a drop of sweat ran down the side of Sylveon's head and the female Pokémon let out a sigh of relief. What would her trainer say if she learned that during her time away from her side, she was spending almost all of it with Glaceon? The adorable, sweet and loving ice type had captured her heart and she was seriously considering taking the next step in their courtship. She was more than ready for it but she just didn't know if Serena was. How would her trainer feel if it became clear that there was someone else in her life? She and Serena had been a team forever. The last thing she wanted to do was break her heart.
A few minutes later, Serena walked through the front door of the reserve's main building and traipsed to the kitchen. She smiled as she saw Ash sitting at the table, examining several Pokéballs. He glanced up and his eyes brightened as he took in the beautiful sight of his secret wife's form. He loved Serena's appearance on any given day, but her decision to wear a sports bra today added an extra level to his appreciation of her feminine glory.
"Morning, Ash," she said in a sweet voice.
Morning," he replied, setting down the Pokéball he was holding. He stood up and took a few steps around the table.
Serena paced forward and met him halfway. They both smiled and looked into each other's eyes. Ash reached forward, placed his hands on either side of Serena's exposed waist and gently pulled her close. Serena sighed happily as her sides tingled with enjoyment. She reached up and draped her arms over Ash's shoulders. They paused for a moment and then softly kissed for several very long seconds.
When they finally broke the kiss, they each sighed happily and spent a moment taking in the tiny features of their partner's face. Ash's eyes tracked over to one of Serena's ears and he opened his mouth to speak.
"You're not wearing your earrings," he commented.
Serena sighed internally. It was a fact of life, but she hadn't been looking forward to mentioning it.
"Yeah," she said, disappointment tingeing her tone. "It's that time again…. Sorry."
Ash shrugged subtly. "That's fine," he said, simply.
Serena raised an eyebrow, puzzled that he would be happy at the prospect of them once again having to put off their first time. Ash grinned, leaned close to her face and whispered into her left ear.
"I've been thinking up something else to do since you really liked the last time," he said in a low, sexy voice.
Serena felt a thrill shoot through her. Knowing that Ash could set her body alight without resorting to sex was very exciting. She grinned and whispered a reply.
"What's it going to be this time?" she said.
Ash chuckled and playfully rubbed his forehead against hers. "Meet me on the couch after dinner," he said mysteriously.
Serena sniggered and then gasped in a breath. "The couch again?!" she said mirthfully.
Ash smiled broadly and nodded.
Serena continued sniggering and shook her head in amusement. "You know, when Delia came over here the other day and sat on the couch, I couldn't stop thinking about if she only knew what's transpired on those cushions."
Ash laughed several times and both of them began giggling in naughty enjoyment. They brushed their noses together and breathed in each other's scent. Serena smelled Ash's manly musk and Ash smelled the sweet, flowery aroma of his girlfriend's perfume. He eyed her beautiful neck and gently ran the fingers of his right hand across her cheek. Her eyes shimmered with affection and she leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek. They then embraced and slowly rocked side-to-side, enjoying the moment.
Serena looked over Ash's shoulder at the infamous couch and smiled. "We're probably gonna have our first time on that couch, aren't we," she said softly.
Ash snorted in amusement. "We already almost did," he said, harkening back to the night he'd finally professed his love for Serena.
"Mmmmm," Serena hummed happily, savoring the wonderful memory. She held Ash tight and nuzzled against his neck. "Maybe we'll have all our big moments on that couch," she said in a wistful and jovial tone.
Ash smiled and brushed his nose through her hair. "Oh, which ones?" he said playfully.
Serena grinned and thought for a moment. "Oh, I don't know," she said in a wandering tone. "Maybe anniversaries, celebrations…"
"Our wedding night?" Ash posed in a humorous tone.
Serena suppressed a laugh and cackled briefly. "Well, we'd probably have to move it upstairs for that," she said in a playful, sarcastic reply. "Otherwise the guests would get quite a show."
Ash giggled and then nodded before he spoke again. "Maybe we could move it over to the new house once it's done and celebrate the housewarming."
Serena sniggered but didn't immediately reply. "Oh, boy," she finally replied in a sarcastic voice. "We're gonna keep it even after we move."
Both of them mused for a moment and then Serena continued. "Well, if we're gonna have it over there, that opens up all kinds of other possibilities."
"Like what?" Ash said, brushing his lips against her cheek.
Serena sighed happily and then continued in a soft, distant tone. "Things like… our first time doing it twice-in-a-row…."
Ash raised an eyebrow.
Serena grinned and continued, her words dripping with suggestion. "Our first time doing it while it's risky…"
Ash pursed his lips for a moment. "You mean, while you're not wearing your earrings?" he posed.
Serena felt a surge of hot excitement well up inside her body. "Mmmm, hmmmm," she hummed while nodding. She paused a moment and then continued in a sultry voice.
"Our first time when you get me pregnant," she said with a sparkle in her eye.
Both of them pulled back a little so they could clearly see the other's expression. Children was a topic they'd discussed several times but Serena's words had suddenly made the subject very real and present. The fact that she wasn't wearing her earrings only further increased the tension. Thoughts of intimacy started to creep into both of their minds and then Serena shook her head and broke the moment. She took a step back and untangled herself from Ash.
"Uh," she began in an awkward tone. "If we keep going like that, we'll probably end up doing all that tonight."
Ash blinked his eyes and tried to clear the arousal from his mind. "Yeah," he replied. He tried to laugh off the matter, but the tension still hung in the air.
They stared at each other for several long seconds and then Serena looked at the stove. "I should start on breakfast," she said quickly.
Ash nodded, Serena chuckled nervously and then both of them turned to head into the kitchen. They exchanged a final steamy glance and then set about making their morning meal.
The early morning featured Ash and Serena working to help out a Ponyta which was recovering from an injury. The small horse Pokémon had gotten a hoof stuck in a Furret burrow and was lucky to have not suffered a broken leg.
Serena checked how the injury was healing while Ash steadied and comforted the Pokémon. They were soon finished with the check-up and the small fire type trotted off to rejoin its herd. Ash and Serena took a moment to admire their work and then went their separate ways to perform other tasks.
Serena made sure that several groups of Pokémon had proper food and then she inspected a few electric types to make sure they were healthy. By the time the afternoon was rolling around, Serena found herself in front of the main building, brushing the fur of several Vulpix. She smiled as she worked on one of the Pokémon while the others all sprawled out on the grass, enjoying the midday sun's rays.
Serena started to hum a fun little song she'd come up with as the Vulpix in her lap happily wiggled and cooed. She finished with one of the Pokémon and invited another to climb up onto her lap. She had just started brushing the new arrival when a figured crested the top of the stairs leading up from Pallet Town and started walking toward the main building.
Serena looked up, squinted at the figure and saw it was a young man in grey shorts and a dark red t-shirt. He was wearing a tan backpack and a pair of worn sneakers. She could tell immediately he was a Pokémon trainer. She guessed he was here to challenge Ash!
Serena watched the man out of the corner of her eye as he approached the main building. She kept brushing the Vulpix and humming softly as he came to a stop. He looked to the left and the right and then took a few steps toward Serena.
"Excuse me," he spoke up in a youthful voice. "Is Ash Ketchum here? I'd like to battle him!"
Serena smiled and stood up. "Yeah, he's here," she said. "Follow me!"
The young man looked enthused and he fell into step behind Serena. The girl from Kalos led the trainer behind the main building and started looking for her secret husband. She was happy for Ash to have a challenger. It had been a while since he'd had a battle and he was sure to love it.
Fortuitously, Ash happened to be returning from the rock Pokémon area and was walking nearby. Serena called out, waved her arms and the world's greatest Pokémon trainer headed over to her. The young man looked on with a measured expression, sizing up who he was challenging.
"Hey, what's up?" Ash asked once he was close enough.
Before Serena could say anything, the young man stepped forward and spoke up. "Hi, I'm Vernon and I'd like to challenge you to a battle!"
Ash pursed his lips, a little surprised at the straightforward request. "Uh, well, okay," Ash said with a smile. "Is this a serious battle or just for fun?"
Vernon looked a little flabbergasted for a moment. "It's a very serious battle," he said adamantly. "I'm working to earn gym badges so I can win the Indigo League."
Ash grinned as old memories of his many journeys came flooding back. "Yeah, I remember when I did that. How many badges have you got?"
Vernon pulled out a badge case and opened it. He had a pair of badges; one from Pewter City and one from Celadon City. He looked very satisfied.
"I just started out a little while ago. I'm planning to battle the gym in Viridian City soon," he said.
Ash nodded in approval. "Well, you're off to a good start."
"Thanks!" the young man replied. He closed the badge case and stowed it away. "So, where's the battlefield?"
Ash chuckled and pointed to the grassy field near the main building. "We can have a battle over there," he said.
Vernon's eyes brightened. "Great!" he said.
Ash started walking and Vernon followed. After a few steps, the young man looked over his shoulder at Serena. "Hey, thanks," he said.
Serena smiled, happily.
Vernon then turned to Ash and continued in a friendly tone. "She's seems like a really good farmhand."
Serena looked indignant and crossed her arms.
Ash glanced over his shoulder and sent a cheeky look at his secret wife. "Yep, she sure is," he said, not correcting the young trainer.
Serena glared and followed after the two of them.
After a short walk, they arrived at the grassy field a short distance from the main building. Pikachu came bounding over, somehow sensing that Ash needed him for a battle. The two old partners exchanged confident looks and started readying for the impromptu match.
Vernon shrugged off his backpack and set it aside. He stretched a little and then retrieved a Pokéball.
"I've got two Pokémon I'd like to battle with. Is that okay?"
"Sure, no problem," Ash replied.
Pikachu trotted forward onto the battlefield and Serena walked up to Ash.
"Do you want your farmhand to referee the battle?" she needled under her breath.
Ash chuckled and smiled. "Sure, thanks!" he said with a grin.
Serena smirked. "No problem, boss," she said with a drawl. "Afterward, I'll fix you some supper!"
Ash continued chuckling and Serena leaned closer so she could whisper to him.
"Later, maybe we could go for a tumble in the hay and stick a bun in the oven!"
Ash sent Serena a strange look and she bounced her eyebrows at him. Without a word she turned and walked to the side of the makeshift battlefield. Part of her hoped her little comment would distract Ash and perhaps give this kid a chance. Regardless, seeing his reaction had been worth it. She loved pushing his buttons.
Vernon tossed his Pokéball forward and white light flashed to the ground, resolving into a Machoke.
"Okay, Machoke," the young trainer said. "Give it everything you got!"
The muscular Pokémon pounded its fists together, let out a bold cry and dropped into a fighting stance.
A small smile pulled at the corner of Ash's mouth as he sized up him opponent. It felt good to be in a battle again.
"Let's give him a good one, Pikachu!" he said.
Ash's best buddy let out a determined cry and planted his feet.
Serena glanced between the two of them and then moved her right arm in a sweeping motion. "Battle begin!" she shouted.
"MACH PUNCH!" Vernon called out.
Faster than anyone could react, Machoke bolted across the field and delivered a blow to Pikachu which sent the electric type flying. Ash's buddy tumbled a couple of times and then recovered.
"Whoa!" Ash murmured. He then grinned as the excitement of battle took hold. "You want speed huh? Okay, Quick Attack!"
In a movement which was just as fast, Pikachu dashed forward and slammed into Machoke. The fighting type staggered backward several steps and let out a groan.
Vernon furrowed his brown and pointed toward Pikachu. "Get in close!" he commanded.
Machoke obeyed and charged forward. Its powerful legs made large strides and the fighting type quickly ate up the distance which separated it from its foe.
Ash briefly considered his options. He could go easy on the kid and tell Pikachu to use Iron Tail, but the other trainer had asked for a serious battle.
"Use Thunderbolt!" Ash shouted.
Pikachu promptly jumped into the air and charged up before unleashing a battle cry along with a powerful bolt of electricity.
"Use, Ice Punch!" Vernon countered.
Machoke grunted and began very rapidly punching the air with fists which were glowing bright blue. In a second, a small shield of ice formed in front of the fighting type. The Thunderbolt slammed into the ice, shattering it, but greatly reducing the damage the attack inflicted. Machoke then kept going and aimed a punch for Pikachu.
"Dodge it!" Ash shouted.
Pikachu leapt out of the way and the blow slammed into the ground.
"Close Combat!" Vernon called out.
Machoke quickly juked to keep up with Pikachu and began unleashing a barrage of punches and chops. Ash gritted his teeth as his buddy was struck twice and knocked backward. Pikachu bounced off the ground once and then righted itself.
"You okay!?" Ash called out.
Pikachu winced a little but then gave its body a shake and let out a confident cry.
Ash grinned. "You've got a well trained Machoke there," he called across to Vernon.
Vernon looked pleased. "We've worked hard at it," he replied.
Ash was thoughtful for a moment. "Yep, but we're pretty well trained too!" he said quietly. He clinched a fist and made a forceful gesture. "Use Iron Tail!"
Pikachu dashed forward, tail aglow, and spun toward Machoke.
"Meet it with Mach Punch!" Vernon called out.
Pikachu swung its tail and Machoke intercepted the blow with a rapid strike of its fist.
"Keep up the Iron Tail!" Ash commanded.
Pikachu redoubled its effort and twisted around, sending another attack at Machoke. The fighting type blocked this one as well and the two Pokémon began rapidly exchanging blows.
Vernon grinned, pleased that his Pokémon was able to hold Pikachu at bay.
Ash eyed the clash carefully. "Time to change it up," he said. "Jump up and use Electroweb!"
Pikachu complied and used its Iron Tail attack to bounce off one of Machoke's punches and propel itself into the air. It then cried out and launched a pair of Electrowebs from its tail, down onto Machoke. The electrified nets wrapped around the muscular Pokémon's fists and left it looking dismayed.
Vernon looked taken aback. "Ehh, what!" he said in alarm.
"THUNDERBOLT!" Ash cried out.
Machoke's eyes widened as the little yellow mouse above it charged up a crackling wave of electricity and then sent it crashing down upon it. Both trainers squinted as the lightning illuminated the battlefield. When the glow faded, Machoke was still standing. Pikachu landed nearby and the superpower Pokémon looked tough for a few seconds before tottering and then falling sideways to the ground with a groan.
Serena waited a few moments and then raised an arm. "Machoke is unable to battle!"
Vernon frowned, raised his Pokéball and recalled Machoke. He regarded the red/white sphere for a second and then tapped it to minimize it. He swapped it for another Pokéball and enlarged the new one.
"Okay, now give it all you got this time!" he said with an edge to his voice.
The young man threw the ball forward and a moment later a Dreepy flashed into existence, floating just a little ways off the ground. The small, snake-like, pale green Pokémon narrowed its yellow eyes and set its angular, head in a determined pose.
Ash regarded Pikachu for a moment. "Hey, you still good to go?" he asked.
Pikachu looked over his shoulder, nodded and called out energetically. Ash grinned and looked eager as well. "Okay, time for round two!"
Serena waited a moment and then waived her right arm again. "Battle begin!" she said.
"Use Quick Attack!" Vernon growled.
Dreepy zipped forward, but not nearly fast enough to get the drop on Pikachu.
"Use Quick Attack as well!" Ash called out.
Pikachu, being the far more experienced Pokémon, accelerated forward and slammed into Dreepy, inflicting much more damage than what the other dealt out.
Dreepy let out a distressed cry and was thrown backward.
Vernon gritted his teeth. "Quit whining, use Dragon Tail!" he said.
Dreepy shook off the impact and sped forward. As it approached Pikachu, its tail began to glow a bright green.
"Meet it with Iron Tail!" Ash called out.
Pikachu leapt into the air and swung its own tail around to meet the oncoming attack. The two blows collided and there was a bright flash of light and energy. Then Dreepy's power faded and suddenly Pikachu's attack struck home.
"NO!" Vernon spat.
Dreepy slammed into the ground but quickly recovered. It floated back into the air, ready for more.
"Use Bite, and do it right!" Vernon shouted.
The rebuke caused Ash to raise an eyebrow and regard Vernon for a moment.
Dreepy looked demoralized for a moment but then regained its composure and charged toward Pikachu with all the energy it could muster. It let out a cry and jaws of energy formed in front of its tiny mouth.
"Dodge it!" Ash called out at the last second.
Pikachu spun to the side and Dreepy passed so close their bodies nearly touched. The attacked missed however and instead of biting down on Pikachu, Dreepy smashed, face-first, into the ground.
Vernon slapped a hand to his face in exasperation. "Come on!" he growled. "Quick Attack!"
Dreepy lunged blindly and missed Pikachu, drawing another groan from his trainer.
"Use Thunderbolt!" Ash called out.
Pikachu looked up at Dreepy and fired another sizzling bolt of electricity. The tiny dragon type let out a desperate cry and then was fried by the powerful attack. A second later, Vernon's second Pokémon fell to the ground, completely unconscious.
Serena glanced at Dreepy and then at Ash. "Dreepy is unable to battle!" she cried out. "The winner is Ash!"
Vernon looked very unhappy. He muttered something under his breath and then recalled his Pokémon. He roughly shoved the Pokéball into his pocket and then his expression improved somewhat.
"You really are as strong as they say you are," he said to Ash.
Ash looked a little sheepish. "Well, I've done a lot of training and hard work. It takes a lot of effort to get good at battling."
Vernon nodded, "yeah, I've still got a long way to go." He stepped forward and extended a hand to Ash. "Thanks for the battle."
Ash smiled and shook the young man's hand. "Sure thing. Once you get stronger, let's have a rematch!"
The two trainers regarded each other for a moment and then Vernon turned to go. He gave a wave and wished Ash good bye.
Serena waited until Vernon was out of earshot and then she walked over to her secret husband.
"So, boss, what would you like for supper?" she said in a teasing tone.
Ash chuckled and looked over at her. "Have I told you how much I love you?"
Serena grinned and stepped closer. "Not in the last thirty minutes," she said coyly.
Ash reached out, wrapped an arm around her waist and drew her into a soft and warm kiss. They moved their mouths slowly, savoring the taste and feel of togetherness.
After several seconds of paradise, Serena pulled back and sent Ash a teasing stare.
"Making out with the farmhand," she sighed. "What will the lady of the house think?"
Ash giggled and held her tight. "I don't know. You tell me?"
Serena smiled and chewed on her lower lip. "I think she'd want double whatever you did to the farmhand!"
Ash mused and then looked her straight in the eye. "What's with the 'bun in the oven comment,' earlier?" he asked.
Serena grinned wickedly for a second and then answered in a playful voice. "Well, I've been thinking of making some bread we could use for sandwiches….." she said, her voice trailing off as Ash's expression became more and more amused.
The two of them kissed again and then they started slowly walking, hand-in-hand, toward the main building. A few steps from the backdoor, they heard the sound of Vernon speaking in an animated fashion from around the front of the building. They looked at each other and then walked to the side of the structure to see what was going on.
As they rounded the corner, they saw Vernon standing with his arms crossed, glaring at Dreepy. His Pokémon looked very disheartened and forlorn.
"You still can't land an effective attack!" Vernon said, harshly. "What was with that Dragon Tail?!"
Dreepy sagged as it floated in the air. It let out a weak cry and its eyes teared up.
Vernon sliced his hand through the air. "Don't start crying again! You need to be strong, not breaking down every time something goes wrong!"
Serena let out a quiet gasp of dismay and whispered to Ash. "Oh, he's being awful," she said. "That Dreepy did its best."
"You know how it is," Vernon continued. "Failure brings punishment! You need to take it and learn from it!"
Serena felt Ash tense up. She could tell he didn't like the way Vernon was behaving at all.
Dreepy tried to remain stoic but the Pokémon suddenly started crying and floated toward Vernon, offering some form of apology.
Vernon held up a hand to stop his Pokémon. "Apologies, won't win battles!" he said. "Get it together!"
Dreepy tried its best but the Pokémon was distraught.
Vernon's face twisted up in a look of disgust. "You know what," he said in a low growl. He raised Dreepy's Pokéball and recalled the creature. A moment later, after adjusting the device, he opened the Pokéball and a blue light flashed out of it, signaling that the Pokémon inside was being released.
Serena gasped again. "What?!" she said in disbelief.
Ash growled, and stepped forward. "Hey! That's no way to treat your Pokémon!" he said firmly.
Dreepy looked around in shock and then stared desperately at Vernon. The young trainer looked away from his former Pokémon and turned toward Ash.
"It's weak and can't battle," he said.
Ash stepped forward and stood tall. "If they aren't strong enough yet, you work with them and help them get stronger. You're a team!"
Dreepy made a few quiet whimpers and floated nearby. Vernon sent the dragon type a sidelong glance and then looked away.
"This one's hopeless!" he said flatly.
Serena gasped in horror and raised a hand to her mouth. Dreepy teared up and slowly sunk to the ground, letting out heartbroken cries as it did so. It tried to crawl toward Vernon but its movements were weak.
"Hey!" Ash shouted, angrily.
Vernon turned and walked away without a word.
Ash gritted his teeth and stared after Vernon. Serena glanced at Ash and then at the weeping Dreepy. She let out a feminine squeak and then dashed forward. She scooped up the poor Pokémon and cradled it against her chest.
"It's okay, it's okay," she said softly, gently rocking the small creature. "Don't listen to anything he said about you."
Dreepy let out several helpless whines and buried its face in Serena chest. Serena hugged the Pokémon and walked over to where Ash was standing, still staring after Vernon. She glanced up at him and then looked down into the dragon type's yellow eyes.
"You can stay here with us for now," she said in a friendly and sincere tone. "We have lots of Pokémon you can make friends with. We'll take care of you."
Dreepy settled into Serena's arms and whined weakly. She rocked the Pokémon for the better part of a minute and then looked over at Ash. Vernon had descended the stairs and was gone from their sight. Her secret husband now had a very reflective and distant look on his face.
"What is it?" she breathed, sensing something was weighing on Ash's mind.
Ash moved his mouth as he thought. Finally he spoke in a low, cold voice.
"That trainer reminded me of one of my old rivals," he said.
Serena looked at the stairway where Vernon had left and then back at Ash. "Someone that terrible?" she said.
Ash nodded. "That's how I got Infernape, actually," he said. "That trainer released him when he was a Chimchar. I took Chimchar it and raised him."
Serena looked at Ash and could tell this event had brought up some bad memories. She glanced at the Dreepy and then leaned against the man she loved.
"Let's go inside and get this little one taken care of," she said softly.
Ash blinked and looked down at her. He smiled and then looked at Dreepy.
"Yeah, good idea," he said.
The two of them turned and headed inside. Just before Ash stepped through the door, he cast one final glance at where Vernon had left. He had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach that he hadn't seen the last of that trainer.