A gentle breeze caused the trees of Dendemille Town to slightly sway and for innumerable soft pink flower petals to drift in the air. The sweet smell of nectar was prevalent as were the happy songs of numerous flying Pokémon. The sun shone brightly overhead and illuminated the small, grassy field where Delphox, Pancham and Sylveon all worked together to practice their upcoming performance.
Serena stood to the side, giving direction to her precious friends. Her cotton woven, sleeveless, charcoal top hugged the curves of her fit torso and subtly showed off all the features which made her a woman. Her shining golden locks fluttered in the breeze and swayed as she moved this way and that, directing her Pokémon. Atop her head was a cute, short-brimmed straw fedora which shaded her sparkling blue eyes from the bright sun above her.
Her shapely and strong legs moved with precision and purpose. Her years of practice and dozens of performances ensured that every time she planted her feet, her momentum and energy smoothly carried her into her next sequence. Her knee-high boots clumped on the dirt and her red/white skirt swished and swayed along with her body. The girl from Vaniville Town brimmed with feminine energy and exuded cheerfulness, joy and excitement.
With a pirouette and a quick side-step, Serena positioned herself for the final move of her performance.
"Now, Delphox, use Mystical Fire and Sylveon, use Fairy Wind!"
The other two feminine participants turned toward each other and directed their attacks together. The Mystical Fire from Delphox swirled into a heated orb and the Fairy Wind from Sylveon moved in a soft motion to gently surround and caress the burning sphere. Then, the pink hued wind dispersed and the burning orb snuffed out. The two ladies had come close but they'd just missed their goal!
Serena's uplifting smile faltered for a moment and then she regained her enthusiasm. "Oh, well," she said kindly. "That was really close. I'm sure you two will get it after a few more tries."
Delphox and Sylveon each made subdued replies and then walked in opposite directions. Pancham glanced between the female performers and let out an exasperated sigh. Serena glanced at her three friends and then checked her phone. It was getting on in the afternoon and she wanted to return to the town to see some of the sights.
"Okay, that's enough for today," she said. "Take a break everyone."
Serena recalled Delphox and Pancham. She was about to do the same for Sylveon when she noticed that her four-legged friend appeared a little downcast. Serena lowered her Pokéball and knelt down next to her fairy type Pokémon.
"Hey, is everything okay?" Serena said gently.
Sylveon's mouth trembled and tears filled her eyes. The magical looking creature let out a soft mew and her head slumped in apparent despair and disappointment.
Serena's soft, pink lips turned up in an encouraging smile and she leaned toward her Pokémon so she could run the slender fingers of her left hand down her back. "I know," she breathed. "I miss home too." Serena then brightened and lifted the tone of her voice. "But, we've got a job to do. I know you'll be great in the showcase!"
Sylveon's mood didn't improve and Serena briefly wrapped her arms around her Pokémon's neck in a loving hug before returning to a kneeling position. "Take a rest. I'm sure you'll feel better," she said sweetly.
Sylveon let out one final, mournful whine before she was whisked away into her Pokéball.
Serena slowly turned Sylveon's Pokéball over in her right hand a few times before she softly tapped the raised button with her index finger and reduced the sphere so she could slip it into her pocket. The girl from Vaniville Town then stood up and took a deep breath of the lovely Kalos spring air. She felt her chest stretch and energy fill her bosom. It really was a lovely day! She felt a little bad that Ash was far away in Kanto where the season was currently turning to autumn. Soon the days there would be cold and miserable while she would be enjoying wonderful weather.
Serena giggled as a few flower petals caught in her shimmering, golden hair. She gave her head a little shake and brushed the slender fingers of her right hand through her elegant locks. The petals fluttered away and Serena turned to begin the trek back to Dendemille Town.
The walk back to the town square was casual and pleasant. Serena watched as people went about their daily lives, enjoying the beautiful weather. She saw men fixing and building various wooden projects as well as carrying small crates of goods. She saw women planting flowers, setting up decorations and attending to children. It was all a beautiful sight to behold.
As she walked, a young man in his early twenties with short, well-combed brown hair and deep brown eyes glanced in her direction. He was standing outside a small bakery, and judging by his clothing, he was one of the bakers. Serena saw his eyes run up her shapely, feminine form and meet her gaze. He smiled at her and ever-so-slightly inclined his head. It was a subtle invitation to conversation. He was clearly interested in her.
Serena smiled politely at the young man but she kept walking. She just wasn't interested in such affections. She looked ahead and rounded a corner. Ahead of her was the town square. The sun was gleaming in the sky above, Pokémon and people were milling about. She could hear the sound of children laughing and bird Pokémon cooing. It was a truly amazing sight which made one feel full of life, hope and joy. And then, Serena spotted her.
With a quick step and a sharp spin, knee-length, high-laced, white boots clumped on the cobblestone below the other woman and a tie dye white/pale blue short skirt flared out from her body. Her exposed belly button drew the eye and her cream colored, sleeveless, short shirt with dark blue vest rounded neatly over her modest bust. A silver chained necklace hung around her neck sporting a single, jeweled star dangling just below her collarbone. Her shining turquoise hair hung in several tight bundles, nearly reaching below her vest. Her eyes were bright; full of life, love and charm. Her sparkling pupils matched the color of her hair and they darted from person to person in the small crowd which was watching her perform.
Serena softly gasped in a surprised breath and raised a hand to her mouth! Her lips turned up in a smile and her heart leapt at the sight of her friend, Lisia! What in the world was she doing here?!
The girl from Hoenn finished a leap and a spin just as her Pokémon, Ali, an Altaria, soared in a tight circle next to her and came to a stop with an elegant cry. Lisia landed on her feet and she struck an eye-catching pose with a boisterous shout. She paused a moment and then spoke up in an amazingly charming, midrange, sing-song voice which made one feel disarmed and flattered at the same time.
"And if you want to see all of my dazzling performance, be sure to come to the Pokémon Showcase in two days!"
The surrounding crowd, full of boys and girls, young and old, cheered and shouted encouragement for the Hoenn performer. Lisia turned this way and that, reacting to the crowd. She beamed. She smiled. She chuckled. She waved with one hand. She waved with both hands. She spun around. She caught sight of a golden haired young woman with a charcoal top and froze. Her eyes widened. Her smile broadened and she stepped lively toward Serena.
Serena pressed her soft lips into a tight smile as she saw her friend dash towards her. She braced herself for what was to come. If there was one word to describe the spunky Hoenn performer it was 'forward.'
Lisia skidded to a stop right in front of Serena and let out a soft giggle. The turquoise haired young woman stared at Serena with eager eyes for the briefest of moments and then spoke in a bright and very charming voice.
"Aaaa, I'd heard people saying that you were in Kalos and going to compete but I'd thought it was too good to be true!"
Serena blushed slightly and nodded subtly. She struggled to keep from smiling too much at Lisia's words.
"Yes, I'm going to be in the Dendemille showcase," she replied in a subdued voice.
Lisia's face brightened and she let out a girlish shriek of wonder. She briefly clinched her fists in celebration and then she spun around so she was standing abreast of Serena. Without pretense, she reached out her right hand and took hold of Serena's left. As their palms came tighter and Lisia's fingers clutched hold, Serena felt an exciting charge shoot up her arm. Lisia absolutely radiated feminine energy and enthusiasm. It was impossible not to take notice of her. Lisia then, again without pretense, raised both their hands into the air and looked out toward the crowd.
"Listen up everyone!" she shouted in her distinct voice. "My friend Serena is also going to be competing in the Dendemille showcase!"
Serena let out a small, nervous squeak and smiled tensely. Her face grew hot and her blush increased. She hadn't been in front of a crowd for a while and she was feeling very out-of-place.
"So, if you're wanting to see the best showcase ever, be sure to get your tickets now!"
The crowd cheered again and Serena did her best to smile sweetly and wave happily. Moments passed and the crowd started to calm down. Lisia lowered their clasped hands, however she didn't let go. Instead, she turned toward Serena and reached out with her left arm to grab Serena's other hand. Serena was forced to turn towards Lisia and she quickly found herself staring into the other woman's bright turquoise orbs.
"This really is the best, Serena!" Lisia spoke eagerly. "I was always so sad that we didn't get to meet in the Hoenn championship! And then you went running off right after you won! I never even got to congratulate you!"
Serena smiled kindly and nodded. "Yeah, I had to go meet someon‑‑"
"But now you're gonna be in showcases here in Kalos!" she squealed. "We're finally gonna get to share the stage!"
Serena felt a bit flustered and struggled to find words. Lisia always made her feel emotionally out-of-sorts.
Lisia closed her eyes and hummed excitedly while slightly swinging their clasped hands. She then opened her eyes and stared at Serena.
"So, have you gotten to see much of the town?" she asked directly.
Serena looked a little shy. "Well, I just got in last night. I haven't really looked aroun‑‑"
Lisia let go of Serena's hands and clasped them together up toward her chest in an excited gesture. "Oh! There are so many neat things here in Dendemille Town," she said quickly. "Even though it's not a small town, it feels just like one!"
Serena nodded and was about to say something when Lisia continued.
"Come on, Serena!" she said in her charming voice. "Let me show you around!"
Serena tried to laugh at the other woman's humorous comment. "Uh, you know, this is the region where I liv‑‑"
With a happy laugh, Lisia grabbed hold of Serena's hand and began pulling her toward one of the streets connected to the town square. Serena shrugged and smiled in amusement at the other woman's ebullient behavior. She followed Lisia's lead, even though she knew the streets far better than the Hoenn native did.
It didn't take long for the two women to happen across some people who were preparing for the upcoming showcase. They were hanging banners and putting up a few posters with the logo of the Kalos Pokémon Showcase Association. Lisia excitedly looked at the decorations and made all of her thoughts known to Serena. A minute later, they were off again, Lisia gripping Serena's hand and pulling her to a bakery she'd discovered just that morning.
Lisia insisted Serena try the chocolate chip cookies, and after doing so, Serena agreed that they were quite tasty. The turquoise haired performer smiled happily and then ordered a few sweet rolls and fancy buns, stuffing them in a paper bag before they left the shop. Lisia informed Serena that the pastries were for them to enjoy later while the checked out a local coffee shop.
The impromptu tour stopped abruptly when Lisia spotted a local craft shop. Because of the beautiful weather, the woman who owned the shop had set up outside and was currently cutting some swaths of fabric. The two women walked up, hand-in-hand and took in the sight of all the cute craft projects and supplies.
Lisia closed her eyes and let out a brief, happy chuckle before opening her eyes again. "Kalos really is a great place," she said in a contented voice. "There's so many friendly people here and everything is so peaceful."
Serena nodded and breathed in the lovely spring air. "It sure is," she said wistfully. "I always loved the small towns and the countryside. Time just seems to slow down here."
Lisia looked over at Serena, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "Ever since I got here, it's felt like I'm living in a dream. Showcases, are so different from contests, it's just us girls and it's all about performance and being spectacular. I feel like this might be my true calling!"
Serena chuckled and eyed Lisia. "Well, maybe your ship has finally come in," she replied.
The woman from Hoenn nodded and stared back at Serena with shimmering eyes. "Maybe it has," she said in a warm voice.
Lisia looked at the woman cutting the fabric and saw that she was creating a decoration for the upcoming showcase. The craft maker deftly used a pair of scissors to shape and trim the felt. Lisia's turquoise eyes watched intently as the scissors moved and glided in a skillful and smooth series of motions. Thoughts of her future filled her mind as the scissors came together one last time and finished creating something beautiful.
The woman from Hoenn looked over again at the woman from Kalos. The breeze blew their golden and turquoise colored hair and also ruffled their red/white and white/pale blue skirts. Lisia squeezed the hand of her friend and chuckled joyfully. This really was a terrific day!
As the sun started to sink toward the horizon, Ash finished carrying the last bucket of Pokémon food up into the aviary. With more than a dozen flying types looking on, he filled the trough in the middle of the room and then walked to the water reservoir. The tank was mostly depleted, and so he turned on the faucet and allowed it to fill. A couple minutes later, Ash shut off the water, rubbed a few of the Pokémon on their heads and then descended the ladder to the ground.
He let out a sigh and glanced around. The last of the chores were nearly finished. He just needed to put away a few toys the Pokémon had been playing with and then he could head inside.
Ash made a few trips back-and-forth to the shed and then started trekking toward the main building. He felt tired but satisfied. Another day was in-the-books and all the Pokémon were doing great. It was a lot of work doing all the tasks by himself, but allowing Serena to pursue her dream was more than worth it.
Halfway to the building, Ash suddenly spotted a figure in the twilight, just cresting the stairs at the top of the hill. He squinted at the mysterious arrival and then his eyes widened in total surprise. It was Kiawe!
Ash stopped in his tracks and cocked his head to the side, puzzled at the appearance of his old friend and rival. Kiawe turned his head left and right, scanning his surroundings before he spotted Ash. With a look of enthusiasm on his face, the dark skinned man from Alola quickly made his way across the grassy field and greeted Ash.
Kiawe was wearing his usual red cargo shorts but he'd also donned a simple, dark brown vest. He was bare-chested underneath the vest, but other than him growing taller, not much had changed from when Ash had last seen him in Alola.
"Hey, Ash!" he called out in a friendly voice.
"Hey, Kiawe," Ash replied, sounding a little puzzled as to his friend's unexpected arrival. "So, what brings you here?" he asked.
Kiawe paused for a brief moment to collect his thoughts and then spoke in his typical big and bold voice. "Ash, as part of my journey to become an island Kahuna, I've come here to learn from you about caring for all types of Pokémon!"
Ash's puzzlement turned to confusion. "Uh, caring for Pokémon," the Kanto native replied. "I thought you run a farm with your parents. Don't you know all about that already?"
Kiawe tried to maintain a stoic exterior but his lips abruptly trembled and then his shoulders slumped. He sighed heavily and looked down at the ground, shamefully.
"That's what thought when Hala and Hapu started testing me." Kiawe suddenly got reenergized and looked up at Ash. "I showed them how I know all about Alolan Pokémon. I brushed them, I fed them, I treated them, I trained them!"
Kiawe's demeanor then suddenly fell again. "Uhhhhgh, but then Nanu gave me this really persnickety Psyduck and no matter what I tried it just wouldn't be happy."
Ash frowned slightly. Psyduck could indeed be tricky.
Kiawe sighed again and then continued. "They told me that I have lots of head knowledge about Pokémon but that I don't yet understand how a Pokémon's heart works. They told me to travel and to learn how to feel and think as Pokémon do, only then will I be ready to be an island Kahuna."
Ash frowned again. "Boy, it seemed to me that you were always really in-tune with your Pokémon and any others you met," he said in a perplexed sounding voice.
Kiawe moaned. "They said that the fire of Wela Volcano burns within me and as long as a Pokémon shares that spirit I can feel as it does." His shoulders then slumped a bit more. "But if a Pokémon doesn't have that fire inside it…." his voice trailed off.
Ash nodded in understanding; however, he didn't quite know why Kiawe had come to Pallet Town.
"Okay, that makes sense. But, why are you here in Pallet Town?"
Kiawe swallowed and then looked up at Ash. "Ash, I want you to teach me all about how to think like a Pokémon!" he said forcefully.
Ash was a little taken aback. "Uhhh, you want me to teach you?" he replied.
Kiawe nodded. "Yes, you're the Alolan champion. You're the world's greatest Pokémon trainer! I've seen how you just know what's going on in a Pokémon's mind and heart."
The man from Alola then started making a series of odd and exaggerated poses as he spoke in a loud voice. "I want you to teach me how to feel a Pokémon's KAPOW! Just like you used to say. Then WHAM! and VROOM!"
Ash cringed a little as he was reminded of the antics his younger self used to do. He pinched at the bridge of his nose with his right hand and then spoke in a sheepish voice.
"I don't know, Kiawe," he began slowly. "Honestly, I learned a lot just by going out there, training and catching Pokémon. That might be best for you."
A look of distress crossed Kiawe's face. He wrestled with something internally and then looked toward Ash with fire in his eyes.
"Ash, I'm asking you as one man to another. Please help me learn to be a better Pokémon trainer! Help me become a Kahuna!"
Kiawe spoke with such passion and determination that Ash felt genuinely bad for him. He knew how proud Kiawe was and that it had to be hard for him to ask for help.
Before Ash could answer, the dark skinned man continued. "I'll earn my keep here, Ash! I'll work doubly hard doing whatever you tell me to do! I'll pitch in and work just like I do on my parent's farm!"
Ash held his hands up to calm Kiawe. "Okay, okay, I'll teach you," he said with an amused smile.
Kaiwe briefly looked excited and then regained some of his stoicism. "Thank you, Ash! I'll be sure to make you proud!"
Ash chuckled and then looked toward the main building. "Say, do you have a place to sleep?" he asked.
Kiawe grinned and looked out toward the fields and forests. "I was planning to sleep outside with the Pokémon! If I want to really get to know them, I need to be as close as I can!"
Ash pursed his lips and considered Kiawe's comment. "You know, it's almost fall here. It's starting to get pretty cold at night."
Kiawe grinned confidently and waved a hand in a dismissive fashion. "Ash, I've camped out dozens of times in Alola. I can handle whatever Mother Nature wants to throw my way!"
Mother Nature was apparently listening because, at that moment, the chilly, evening breeze blew and the bare-chested man from Alola suddenly shivered. Despite the chill, Kiawe didn't say a word.
Ash tapped his right index finger against the side of his thigh for a moment and then spoke up. "I've got a spare room inside. We'd have to set it up, but that might be better than freezing out here."
Kiawe idly moved his mouth as he wrestled with accepting the offer verses toughing out the elements. He finally nodded stoicly and looked at the main building.
"I guess it wouldn't hurt to stay indoors," he said in a subdued fashion.
Ash grinned and chuckled. "Come on, let's get inside so you can get settled!"
With that, the two Pokémon trainers starting trekking toward the main building. Before they went inside, Kiawe sent out his Charizard, Turtonator and Marowak so they could find a place to settle in for the night.
Ash felt a little embarrassed as he led his friend from Alola inside. There were a few sets of dirty clothes strewn about and the living room was something of a mess. With Serena gone and him having to adjust to doing everything by himself, the cleaning hadn't been getting done. Ash hadn't thought things were too out-of-hand until the two of them stepped into the kitchen area.
Kiawe glanced around the kitchen and a look of unspoken apprehension slowly took hold of his features. Nowhere in the main building was Serena's absence more evident than here. There were several piles of dirty dishes next to the sink. The dining room table had a couple of Pokémon related objects stacked on it. Additionally, the floor hadn't been swept in a week and there were small piles of dirt in the corners and around the base of the cabinets.
"Ash, have you been running this place all by yourself?!" Kiawe said in a mildly shocked manner.
Ash made a sheepish groan and scratched at the back of his head. "Well….. not exactly. I mean….. Serena usually takes care of the cleaning. But, she left about a week ago and so‑‑"
Before Ash could say another word, Kiawe stepped forward and clinched a fist in determination. "Well, don't worry Ash!" he said boldly. "As part of earning my keep here, I'll make sure all this gets taken care of!"
Ash's eyes widened. "Uh, really," he replied, sounding surprised.
Kiawe smiled and nodded confidently. He quickly strode to the sink and started rearranging dishes.
"I do house work like this all the time back at home," he said. "I'll have this place cleaned up in no time!"
At this, Ash smiled and looked around the unkempt kitchen. He really had been letting things slide.
"Okay, that sounds great!" he said.
Kiawe grinned and let out a proud chuckle. "I can cook too," he added. "I've helped Mallow out at her restaurant a few times. I'll whip us up something really good."
Ash immediately brightened. "Hey, that sounds even better!" he said.
Ash also had to admit that since Serena had left the quality of food had gone down quite a lot. Try as he might, he just wasn't able to cook things like his secret wife could. He just didn't have the touch.
Kiawe raided the refrigerator and threw some various ingredients into a pan. He then started washing a few dishes while starting on dinner. He made a few satisfied grunts and hums and then glanced over his shoulder at Ash.
"So, you said your helper left not too long ago?" he posed.
Ash pursed his lips and hesitated for a moment. He and Serena had discussed how to talk about their relationship to other people several times. Ash was inherently modest and didn't like bringing up the fact that he had a girlfriend and that she lived in the same town he did and worked with him daily. The obvious takeaway for anyone listening would be that they were actively being intimate and he didn't want people to think less of Serena and her principals; even though she'd been the one pushing for them to sleep together. Thus, unless he got a direct question about him being in a relationship he tended to dodge the subject.
"Yeah," Ash said in an offhand manner. "She left a week ago. She's traveling in Kalos right now."
"Hmmmm," Kiawe hummed. He thought for a moment and then continued. "Well, it looks like I showed up at just the right time!"
Ash nodded. "Yeah, it seems so."
Serena added just a bit of sugar to her tea so it was the correct sweetness and then she took a small bite out of one of the sweet rolls Lisia had acquired earlier. The bread was very tasty and the Kalos native smiled at her friend in enjoyment, her blue eyes shining with appreciation.
Lisia smiled warmly in return and took a bite from the roll she was holding. Her turquoise eyes lit up in wonder at the amazing flavor which filled her mouth. Neither girl laughed, as their mouths were full, and so they nodded and made funny mumbles expressing their enjoyment of the treat.
They were seated at a small booth near the back of a simple coffee shop located in the center of Dendemille Town. It was a cozy setting. Only a few patrons were milling around the front of the shop and so Serena and Lisia were essentially alone.
The woman from Hoenn took a sip of her coffee and hummed approvingly. "Wow, I don't know what they do here in Kalos but the flavors are just so striking!"
Serena brought her hands together and rested her chin on her fingers. "Yeah, I always loved going out and getting a few little treats. When I was little, my mom would take me to Aquacorde Town and we'd spend a day sampling all kinds of local food."
Lisia emitted a small, happy squeak and then her eyes widened a bit. She abruptly shifted her position and pulled a smart phone from her pocket. She tapped on it for a moment and then put it away. She then looked across the table at Serena and fixed her with an excited stare.
"I'm so happy we're going to be competing on the stage again, Serena," she said in her charming voice.
Serena chuckled softly. "Yeah, it's gonna be the first time for me in a while," she said wistfully.
Lisia's eyes never let Serena's. "I just know you're gonna shine, Serena," she said, admiration very evident in her tone.
Serena blushed slightly. "Thanks," she said kindly.
Lisia nodded in return and then leaned forward on the table. When she spoke, her voice was a little lower but much more sincere in its tone.
"I think you're one of the most beautiful and talented performers out there, Serena," she said. "You're amazing!"
Serena's heart fluttered a little at the comment. She hadn't received those sorts of compliments from people, other than Ash, for a long time.
"Oh… uh…. thanks," she said, her cheeks blushing a bit more.
Lisia nodded and leaned a little closer. "You know, I've never forgotten that performance in Lilycove City. I really thought I'd won but you just barely beat me out."
Serena shrugged sheepishly. "Well, I always try to do my best," she replied.
Lisia nodded twice, her turquoise eyes still sparkling in wonder. "I know. That's why I asked you to go on tour with me. I knew, together, we'd be amazing!"
Serena felt very flattered. She didn't have any kind of response and so she merely pressed her lips together in a tight smile and nodded.
"Mmmm, hmmm," she hummed.
Lisia's expression fell just a little and then she continued. "I was so sad when you turned me down," she said in a somber and sincere voice. "I know I always look like I'm having a great time performing, but… the truth is, I often feel lonely up there on stage all by myself."
Her eyes brightened again and Lisia reached across the table with both her hands and gently took hold of Serena's. The girl from Hoenn hesitated a moment to breathe and then she continued in an emotional tone.
"I know you turned me down before, but Serena, would you consider teaming up with me this time?"
Serena felt immensely surprised and flattered. Her mouth partially fell open and her expression was one of shock. She tried to come up with a reply but nothing entered her mind. Seeing Serena's hesitation, Lisia continued.
"You're just so… amazing… Serena," she said. "You're a lot like me, bold and full of energy."
Serena still didn't have a reply. She just stared into Lisia's mesmerizing turquoise eyes as the other girl poured out her heart. Lisia pulled Serena's hands a little closer to herself and then pressed ahead.
"You love performing just like I do. We even wear similar outfits and dresses." Lisia looked down and blushed slightly. "I think traveling together could lead to something really special. I think we share a lot of the same likes, hopes and dreams." Lisia looked back up at Serena and spoke in a very warm voice. "I think we love the same sorts of things, don't you?!"
Serena's eyes widened and her stomach flip-flopped. Lisia hadn't stated it directly but she seemed to be making overtures to her. Her mind spun and a bead of sweat formed on her brow. Perhaps she'd done too good of a job keeping her relationship with Ash on the quiet. What could she do now? Lisia seemed quite smitten and set on her. She hated to break her heart, but there simply wasn't a single fiber of her being which was interested in that sort of relationship.
Serena's face turned a deep red and an expression of distress took hold of her features. "Uhhhhhh…" she moaned, desperately trying to think of a way out that didn't crush her friend's feelings in the process.
Abruptly, Serena felt a large presence approach from behind. A moment later a deep and heavily accented, manly voice spoke in a swauve manner.
"Ello, ez theese seat taaken?"
Lisia gasped and let go of Serena's hands. Her eyes lit up and she looked over at the new arrival.
"Aaaaa, I'm so glad you found us!" she squealed in a subdued manner.
Serena looked at the man and had to crane her neck upward a little to take in his tall frame. He was a heavily tanned and thickly built man with arms as robust as some people's thighs. His light brown hair was cut very short and he was wearing an outfit which Serena immediately recognized as a Kalos dock worker. Lisia scooted to the side in her booth and the grinning man sat down, his bulging, muscular chest barely fitting in the space between the seat and table.
Lisia giggled as the man looked at her with his piercing green eyes. "Serena, this is Raoul!" she said with girlish energy and bashfulness.
Raoul regarded Serena and sent her a sly smile with a twinkle in his eye. "Et es a pleeasure to meet yoou," he said.
Serena nodded kindly and struggled to keep from laughing. "So, is Raoul a friend?" she posed.
Raoul turned and stared intently at Lisia with a smoldering smile. Lisa blushed and squeaked in embarrassment. She waved a hand, trying to bat away her nerves and then spoke in an excited voice.
"So, when I arrived in Kalos, all my luggage got misplaced," she said flatly. She then leaned close to Raoul and playfully rubbed her chin on his shoulder. "Fortunately, Raoul made it his mission to track it all down, otherwise I might still be stuck at the Coumarine City port."
Raoul grinned. "Et vas my pleeasure," he said. "Ah maan shoold alvays heelp ah woomen en deestreess." He then leaned his face toward Lisia's and rubbed his nose against hers. "Easpeecially a woomen as beeuteeful as Leeseeah!"
Lisia turned a deep red and waved her hand again. "Raoul was so nice!" she said, her voice tight from embarrassment. "He even took me out to dinner and showed me the town!"
"Yees," Raoul said in a low voice. "Ahn ahfter deenahr, ah shouwed yoou a feew mor theengs!" he said seductively.
A look of supreme embarrassment flitted across Lisia's face. With her cheeks flushed a deep red, she quickly held a finger up to Raoul's mouth and made a shushing sound.
"Now, now," she said in a tense and hushed voice. "Raoul, what did I say about mentioning snuggle time to others!"
Serena blushed and looked down at her tea. As awkward as the situation was, she felt relief wash over her. She was glad that Lisia wasn't interested in her. She was equally glad that Raoul's timely arrival had saved her from an extremely embarrassing mistake. Oh how terrible it would have been for her to have turned down affections which simply didn't exist. She probably would have turned as red as Lisia was now.
The turquoise haired girl laughed tensely and looked back at Serena. "I had no idea the men in Kalos were so forward, and open about romance."
Serena pressed her lips together into a smile and nodded. Being away in Kanto for so long had made her forget just how different the culture in Kalos was.
"Yes, they are," she said in an amused voice. "For the most part."
Raoul leaned toward Lisia and both of them started to subtly giggle. Serena blushed and mostly averted her eyes. She did sneak a small peek at the exchange, however. Part of her longed for her man to do exactly the same to her. Alas, he was far away on the other side of the world.
Kiawe finished setting up a large, abrasive metal plate for rock type Pokémon to rub themselves against and let out a big sigh. The work on the reserve was hard but immensely rewarding. It seemed like every minute a new Pokémon he'd never seen before crossed his path. Even though most of the Pokémon on the reserve were from Kanto, there were also a great many from around the world. Just in the single day of work, he'd already learned so much. Ash sure was a great teacher!
He gave the plate a few slams with a clinched fist; testing to see if it was secure. Satisfied, he stretched his arms above his head and enjoyed the bright afternoon sun. Despite it being late in the year in Kanto, the weather was almost as hot as it was in Alola. Ash had said that they were experiencing a late summer and soon it would be as cold during the day as it was at night.
Kiawe didn't mind the heat, he was used to it. He'd simply ditched his vest and gone back to his bare-chested appearance. It felt good to feel the sun on his skin. He spent a few minutes watching as a couple rock type Pokémon approached the metal plate and used it to scratch themselves. He'd never thought about how difficult if might be for a rock Pokémon to do something as simple as scratching an itch. It was just the sort of knowledge he needed to gain.
The man from Alola let out a satisfied grunt and then started the trek toward the construction project Ash was currently working on. He still could hardly believe that Ash was building a house all on his own. His friend from Kanto really was an amazing man. He was the world's best Pokémon trainer and an extraordinarily driven individual. Kiawe had to admit, seeing Ash again dredged up feelings he hadn't experienced in a long time.
After a bit of a walk, the construction site came into view. Ash was currently assembling the frames for the first story. The sun was beating down and he'd taken his shirt off, just like Kiawe had. His muscular frame was gleaming with sweat as he moved a stack of four boards to where they were needed.
Kiawe walked until he was a few paces away from the foundation and then paused a moment to watch his close friend. Ash really had grown into an excellent representation of everything it was to be a man.
"Hey, Ash," Kiawe called out. "I finished all the jobs for the rock Pokémon."
Ash looked over his shoulder at Kiawe. "That's great," he said, sounding a little distracted with his current task.
Kiawe waited a moment and then continued. "So, is there anything else I should do?" he asked.
Ash set the stack of boards down and let out a gasping sigh. He wiped some sweat from his brow and then looked at Kiawe.
"That's basically everything for today," he said. "Thanks a lot!"
Kiawe grinned and put his hands on his hips. "No problem! This is exactly the sort of work I was looking for!"
Ash bent down and started arranging the boards into the frame he was currently assembling. "If you wanna go inside, go ahead. There's nothing else to do right now."
Kiawe hesitated for a moment. If there was still work to be done he wanted to be a part of it!
"Well, before I do that, do you want any help with the house?" he spoke up.
Ash looked up and met Kiawe's gaze. He considered the offer for a moment and then nodded. "Sure, why not," he said.
Kiawe grinned and climbed up on the raised floor. He'd helped his father out with some minor construction projects back on Alola, but never anything this ambitious.
"So, what should I do?" he asked.
Ash looked around and pointed at a large pile of boards. "I'm gonna need another ten of those, so why don't you bring them over."
Kiawe nodded and quickly marched to the pile of lumber. He gripped the wood firmly and began carrying it back to Ash. As he walked, he wondered if Ash planned to spend his future alone on the reserve living in this house he was building. Did he have a special someone to pass the days with? Kiawe normally didn't go looking into other people's personal lives but in this case he might make an exception. After all, he didn't want his close friend to be lonely for the rest of his life.