Serena slowly came awake and became aware of the soft bed and lovely covers surrounding her. She smiled and curled up in the warmth of their embrace. She would have drifted back to sleep but the alarm on her phone went off and she was suddenly reminded that she had a big day of preparation ahead of her. She sighed, stretched out her arms and legs in the sizable bed and then opened her eyes.
The room she'd gotten in the grand hotel in Lumiose City was a beautiful place. She remembered the last time she'd stayed here. It had been the night she'd asked her mom for advice about her future. Now, years later, she felt like she could use some advice yet again.
Doubt gnawed at her over her decision to return to Kalos. She could have easily sat in bed fretting for hours over whether she was making the correct move in pursuing showcases again. However, one of Ash's old life lessons came to her mind. When in doubt, she needed to get moving!
Serena did exactly that and slid out of bed. She started changing clothes and getting her bags packed. Today was going to be another traveling day!
The last few days had been a whirlwind for Serena. She'd arrived back in Kalos and immediately gone home to see her mother. It had been an emotional reunion and this time it had been free of any angst or fear. Grace had been so proud to hear that Serena was pursuing the title of Kalos Queen yet again. She'd also been even more proud to hear all the news about her daughter's relationship with Ash.
Serena had left out the steamy details of their interactions and the fact that she and Ash had made marriage vows to each other. However, she shared many of their fun experiences and the fact that they hadn't yet been intimate. By the end of their discussion, Grace was beaming with pride and told her that Ash was very blessed to have her as a girlfriend.
After a day in Vaniville Town, Serena had spent two days traveling and doing some initial reading up on showcases and the current styles of performances which were popular. She'd also tried a test run of a performance routine but it had gone terribly. Delphox and Sylveon just hadn't been able find their rhythm and everything had fallen apart. It was clear that they all had a lot of rust to shake off before they were ready for the stage. Unfortunately, the next showcase was coming up soon in Dendemille Town.
Serena finished packing her bags, checked her appearance in the mirror and then headed out of the hotel room. She planned to hit a café for breakfast and then set out for Dendemille Town.
As soon as Serena entered the commercial part of Lumiose City, her senses were accosted by the wonderful smell of baking bread, cooling pastries, sweet scents and savory aromas. She took it all in and briefly felt at home. It was almost enough to make her forget about missing Ash.
Serena settled down at a small corner café and enjoyed a nice croissant and a cup of tea. She felt a little wistful as she imagined Ash at the reserve having breakfast alone just like she was. She sighed and tried to make her peace with their separation. That's just how it was going to be for now.
With her breakfast finished, Serena couldn't resist doing a little window shopping. Everything was just too exciting and different from her daily routine in Pallet Town! She moved from one shop to the next, eyeing outfits and trying to find a hat which fit her new appearance.
After twenty minutes, Serena found herself in front of a milliner's shop, inspecting an array of elegant hats. There were almost two dozen different pieces on display and they varied greatly in design and color.
Serena stared long and hard at the trio of red hued hats. She'd worn red a lot over the course of her life, however, a red had just didn't feel quite right at the moment. She looked at her outfit in the window's reflection. She was still wearing her charcoal top and red/white skirt, however she'd added a small light red scarf to her neck. She needed something new, something that wasn't red…..
After a minute of consideration, Serena's eye was drawn to a couple of very elegant straw hats. They were a nice shade of tan and she felt the color went great with her hair and her scarf. One hat was a short-brimmed fedora with a rounded top and the other was very similar to hats she worn previously when she'd traveled. It had flat sides, almost no brim and a short top. One hat was something new and the other was something old but in a new way. She liked both of them!
Serena smiled and hummed as she debated between the two pieces of headwear. Both were cute but which one was the correct fit for her? Abruptly she felt a presence close behind her, and a moment later, a sweet and energetic voice called out to her.
"You know, if you keep your face like that, it's gonna stay that way forever!"
Serena gasped and her eyes widened as she recognized the voice. She whirled around and came face-to-face with the red haired and glasses wearing queen of Kalos, Aria. The older woman was sporting a stylish, light tan vest and a matching bonnet. Below, she had a cream colored skirt with some gold highlights and a pair of light brown high heels.
Serena squeaked briefly and then breathed out a quiet yet intense greeting. "ARIA!"
Aria smiled and chuckled happily.
Serena giggled as well and then grinned. "Or is it, Ariana?" she asked, eyeing the fake glasses her friend was wearing.
At this, Aria laughed and then glanced around surreptitiously. "It's definitely Ariana today," she said in a quiet voice.
Both woman giggled and then shared a look of respect and appreciation.
A few minutes later, Serena received a pair of smoothies from the barista and returned to the small, window table in the bistro she and Aria had moved into. The two women sampled the drinks and agreed that they were delicious.
Serena thought for a moment and then gave voice to an obvious question which had been on her mind. "So, I'm guessing that you didn't just happen to run into me by accident," she said with a little intention in her voice.
Aria took a sip of her smoothie and then nodded. "I'd heard that you were back in Kalos," she said, looking a little sheepish. "Apparently, a showcase fan spotted you at the airport."
Serena nodded and hummed to herself. She'd been away from the life of glitz and glamour for so long she'd forgotten about how hard it was to remain anonymous.
Aria smiled and giggled. "Anyway, got a little tip from a fan of mine who works at the hotel and they told me you'd checked in. So, I decided to come by and say 'hi!'"
Serena chuckled and sampled her smoothie. Aria waited for several seconds, looking very eager to continue. She did so after a handful of seconds.
"So," the queen of Kalos began, her voice full of anticipation. "Is it true that you're going to start competing again?"
Serena felt a little put-on-the-spot. She blushed slightly and then nodded. "Mmm hmm," she hummed in agreement.
Aria's eyes lit up and it clearly took a bit of effort on her part to contain her excitement. "Oh, that's so great!" she said in a loud whisper. "After you won the Hoenn championship, I've been hoping that you would come back to Kalos."
Serena set her smoothie down and looked directly at Aria. "Really, you have?" she questioned.
Aria nodded several times. "Yes," she said emphatically. She briefly placed her right hand on her chest and looked introspective. "Ever since I faced you in the master class, I've known it in my heart," Aria then leaned forward on the table toward Serena. "Serena, you're going to be the next Kalos Queen!"
Serena looked taken aback. "Uh, really," she squeaked.
Aria nodded again. "Yes," she said beaming in admiration at Serena. "You're so poised and creative. You're always smiling and you love your Pokémon!" Aria clapped her hands together in an expression of joy. "I just know that when you reach the master class you'll be the one to finally defeat me!"
Serena didn't have any words. She simply sat looking dumbfounded.
Aria chuckled sweetly and then continued. "Oh course, I won't make it easy for you. You'll have to do your best if you want the crown."
Serena blinked and shook off her shock. "Oh, uh," she stammered. "I guess I will," she managed.
Aria smiled happily and Serena looked confused. "You really think I'll beat you?" Serena said, slowly. "I've been away for a long time."
Aria nodded and looked very assured. "Oh, yeah. I'm sure you will!" she said.
Serena pressed her lips together, feeling a sudden wave of pressure wash over her. Aria's expression then softened somewhat and she looked to the side, appearing a little wistful.
"At least, I sure hope you do," she added with an ironic laugh.
Serena raised an eyebrow. "Huh?" she pipped.
Aria clasped her hands together and looked down at the table. For a brief moment, the exuberance she always exuded fell away and she looked tired and worn-down. The queen of Kalos paused for a moment and then spoke in a subdued tone.
"To tell you the truth, Serena, I'm looking forward to being dethroned."
Serena looked very uncertain and so Aria pressed on.
"I've been Kalos Queen for longer than anyone ever has," she said in a soft voice. "I've loved it. It's made me so happy... but…."
Aria then turned and looked out at the people walking by on the streets outside the bistro. She stared at the passersby with a look of longing in her eye.
"Sometimes I wonder, what could I do if I wasn't performing and doing queen duties all the time?" Aria sighed and then extended an arm toward the outside as if she was reaching toward what she didn't have.
"What if I was just an ordinary person like everyone else? What if I didn't have to go to parties, performances and photo shoots? What if I didn't have to dress up just so I could have a croissant with my friend?"
Silence reigned for a moment and then Aria giggled and looked amused. She cast an inquiring glance at Serena and spoke in a cheery voice.
"If this was a musical, this is when we'd both break into song and start dancing around the town!"
Serena's eyes went wide and for the briefest of moment she wondered if Aria was serious. Then both girls started to laugh until tears flowed from their eyes.
It took the better part of a minute for them to finally regain their composure. They sniggered, wiped at their tears and cleared their throats. Serena sighed and was the first to speak.
"So, you're getting tired of being queen?" she said diplomatically.
Aria sighed and nodded slowly. "Don't get me wrong," she began defensively. "I love being queen, but… I think I'm ready to move on to something else."
Serena nodded in understanding and contemplated the future.
Aria looked a little guilty and then she retrieved a small notebook from her handbag. She flipped it open and showed Serena a bunch of items she'd written down.
"See, I've actually been making a list of hobbies I want to try out when I'm not queen anymore."
Serena eyed the writing. "Oh," she replied, spotting topics such as 'photography,' 'painting,' 'guiding tours,' 'rock climbing,' 'skiing,' 'writing' and 'swimming' among many others.
Aria nodded eagerly and blushed slightly. She closed the notebook and stowed it away.
"Anyway, I certainly won't be sad if you defeat me," she said happily.
Serena again looked introspective. She took a long sip of her smoothie and then glanced over at Aria.
"I just hope I'm ready," she said quietly. "I haven't been competing in a long time."
Aria didn't even blink. "You'll be great!" she chirped eagerly. "You're going to compete in the Dendemille Town showcase, right?"
Serena nodded.
Aria looked thoughtful and then smiled. "Showcases are just like riding a bike," she said sweetly. "You'll win your first princess key and everything will be fine!" She gave Serena a confident stare and then continued. "I'm sure you can do it Serena!"
Serena blushed a little and nodded in appreciation. "Thanks, Aria," she said in a low voice.
Aria smiled and then Serena smiled. They shared a lengthy stare and then they again took a sip of their smoothies. The future looked very bright indeed!
Terence strode powerfully out of the Pewter City gym and struck a wide pose. He raised his right arm into the air and held aloft his newly acquired badge.
"ALL RIGHT!" he said with a huge grin. "I FINALLY GOT MY THIRD GYM BADGE!"
Bulbasaur leapt into the air and joined Magnemite in celebrating their trainer's victory with happy shouts and pleased expressions.
As the two Pokémon hung in mid-air, Gwyn stepped up from behind, a disapproving look on her face. "Emphasis on finally," she said in a sarcastic voice.
Terence, Bulbasaur and Magnemite all flinched at the cutting comment and their expressions fell. The Pokémon crashed to the ground, deflated while Terence sighed and his shoulders slumped.
"Come on," he groaned. "It was only seven attempts."
Cyril walked up and eyed his friend. "Gywn's right. I thought you wanted to get back to Pallet Town right away and tell Ash about that gym."
Terence instantly became fired up again. "Of course I do!" He then hesitated a moment and looked sheepish. "But….. since this gym was on the way…. I figured, why not give it another go."
The Squirtle atop Gwyn's back groaned and slapped a palm to its face.
Gwyn looked up at her Pokémon and then turned toward Terence. "Squirtle's right, you need to get your priorities straight Terence!" she said directly.
Terence pouted a little and looked unhappy. "But….. it's a gym battle," he whined.
"There'll be plenty of time for gym battles later," Gwyn said flatly. "Let's not waste anymore time!"
Terence frowned but he nodded in agreement. "Okay, fine, let's get going," he said. He recalled Bulbasaur and Magnemite and then started walking in a southern direction. Cyril jogged up beside him, his eyes sparkling with eagerness.
"Hey, we should cut through Viridian Forest," the other boy said in an upbeat voice. "I wanna catch a Caterpie since I didn't get to the last time!"
Terence grinned. "Yeah! I'd like to catch one too!" he said eagerly.
Gwyn ran up behind them. "No, come on, we've got to get to Pallet Town!" she whined.
The two boys giggled and started running ahead.
"Sure," Terence shouted over his shoulder. "We just need to catch a couple Caterpie real quick! We'll do it on the way!"
Gwyn paused a moment and let out an exasperated sigh. Squirtle mirrored her action and her demeanor.
"There's no such thing as real quick with them," she groaned. With that, she surged forward and began chasing after her two friends.
And so, now that Terence has earned his Boulder Badge, our heroes are finally heading back to Pallet Town to see Ash. What will Ash think when they tell him about the savage practices of Paul's gym? Find out next when our trio returns home.
"Hey, I want to catch a Pidgey," Terrence called out.
"Yeah, and I wanna catch a Weedle," Cyril added.
"Noooo! One Pokémon is enough!" Gwyn cried out.
Assuming they ever get there!