Hello everyone~!
It's been a while since I've spoken like that here!
Thank you again for following the chapters almost every week and for all your comments!
It motivates me to produce even faster, even though it's sometimes complicated in terms of the time I have! I hope that the Christmas period will allow me to do a little more things and prepare as best as possible for what comes next!
Oh and for the one shot of Kenny x Serena, I didn't forget! I'm just waiting for the right chapter to release this in parallel as a what if!
It's going to take quite a while yet but it will come out when we get there!
There you go, with that... I hope you will like this chapter, with the beginning of the appearance (finally) of other characters! Surprise~
Take care!
After passing the small crowd gathered outside the Pokémon Center, the air grew quieter, save for the muffled sounds of conversations drifting from inside the building. The faint aroma of antiseptic and fresh flowers reached their noses, hallmarks of a well-maintained center. Pikachu's ears twitched, his nose wiggling as he caught an intriguing scent—or perhaps a sound—that made him perk up.
The electric mouse hopped onto Ash's shoulder and pointed toward the Pokémon Center with an excited "Pika!"
Ash stopped mid-step, tilting his head toward his partner. "Here?" Ash asked, squinting at the building as if trying to decipher Pikachu's meaning.
Serena, walking slightly behind, furrowed her brows in confusion. "Ash, what are you doing heading in that direction?"
Pikachu responded with an insistent "Pika pika!" as he tugged on Ash's hat, urging him forward.
Before Ash could explain—or even make sense of Pikachu's urgency—Serena's eyes widened slightly as a voice drifted from the open doors of the center, familiar yet unexpected.
"Wait… Ash, are you sure it's…?" Serena trailed off, her heart picking up speed as she processed the sound.
Inside the Pokémon Center, a lively exchange was taking place.
"You're maybe a little too old for my bro, but it's fine—he's not picky!" a cheeky young voice declared, brimming with mischief.
"Little girl, that's not how we talk to a lady!" replied a deeper, slightly exasperated voice with a hint of authority.
"It's alright for me to say it—I'm a lady too, unlike you, old man!"
"Old man?! I'm almost twenty!" the man snapped, his tone teetering between indignation and disbelief.
"Hehe, bad luck for you.." the girl countered smugly. "My brother's younger, and everyone knows mature women prefer younger guys when they have the choice!"
"Objection !" came the rebuttal, delivered with dramatic flair. "They prefer a man who knows how to make her happy every single day! That's called experience!"
"Everyone, please…" interjected Nurse Joy, her voice a mix of patience and weariness, though her polite demeanor remained intact.
"I was here first for my brother, so go find your own target!" the girl declared triumphantly.
The young man, undeterred, shot back, "If he's really a man, he'll court her himself instead of sending a child to do the job!"
"Who are you calling a child?!"
At that moment, a robotic arm extended into the fray, gripping the mischievous girl's ear gently but firmly.
"Bonnie!" came an exasperated voice. A blond-haired young man in lab coat stepped into view, adjusting his glasses as the mechanical appendage retracted into his backpack. "Who are you bothering this time?"
"Gah!" Bonnie winced but managed a sheepish grin.
Serena chuckled softly at the familiar scene. "Always the same running gag." she murmured.
Ash, watching the exchange unfold, burst out laughing. "Haha! I still think it's hilarious."
The trio turned at the sound of Ash's laughter, their expressions shifting from irritation and confusion to utter surprise.
"Hey, guys!" Ash said, waving casually as if they had just bumped into each other on a quiet street corner.
"Ash!" Brock's face lit up with recognition. "You're finally here!"
Bonnie pointed an accusatory finger. "Ash! Tell this old weirdo—"
She stopped mid-sentence, her eyes darting between Ash and Brock as the realization hit. Clemont and Brock exchanged looks too, their confusion deepening.
Clemont adjusted his glasses curiously. "Wait.."
"You… know this guy?" Bonnie asked, gesturing toward Brock.
Ash smirked, stepping forward and clapping a hand on Brock's shoulder. "Of course I do! This 'weirdo' is my old friend from Kanto!"
"Seriously, even you?" Brock exclaimed, though his tone betrayed the hint of a grin.
"I'm just messing with you, Brock!" Ash said with a laugh. "It's awesome to see you all again!" His gaze turned nostalgic as he added, "And I missed your cooking so much!"
Brock crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow. His neatly trimmed beard framed his angular jawline, and Ash couldn't help but notice how much his friend had changed. Brock's strong, athletic frame stretched the fabric of his black and orange raglan t-shirt, the bright orange sleeves contrasting with the black torso. His broad shoulders and muscular build made him look more rugged than Ash remembered, while his crisp white pants completed the look with a clean, casual sharpness.
"That's all you missed about me? My food?"
"Of course not!" Ash shot back, grinning wide. "But your cooking's definitely a bonus!"
The atmosphere shifted, the playful banter giving way to the warmth of an unexpected reunion. Serena couldn't help but smile as she watched Ash reconnect with his old and new friends.
Pikachu's ears perked up as a familiar chittering sound reached them. Dedenne popped out from Bonnie's small pouch, its whiskers twitching excitedly. "Dene! Dene!" it squeaked, its tiny paws outstretched as it leapt toward Pikachu.
"Pika!" Pikachu chirped in delight, bounding forward to meet its old friend. The two Electric-types collided in a playful embrace, spinning around with sparks of joy flickering from their cheeks. They laughed and chattered in their own Pokémon way, catching up after years apart.
Bonnie giggled, clutching her pouch as she watched them. The young girl's blonde hair was neatly tied into playful twin tails, held in place by her signature black-and-white hair clips that resembled Poké Balls. Her outfit was a smart combination of practicality and charm—she wore a brown blouse with a large bow at the neckline, paired with matching shorts, bright yellow tights, and white shoes. Her sunny appearance and mischievous energy could light up any room.
"Dedenne missed you so much, Pikachu!" Bonnie said, her voice filled with affection. Then, unable to resist, she knelt down and scooped Pikachu into her arms, pulling it into a warm hug. "And I missed you too, Pikachu! W-What a big boy! You're still as sweet and fluffy as ever!" "Dedenne missed you so much, Pikachu!" she said, her voice filled with affection. Then, unable to resist, she knelt down and scooped Pikachu into her arms, pulling him into a warm hug. "And I missed you too, Pikachu! W-What a big boy! You're still as sweet as ever!"
"Pika-pika!" Pikachu squeaked happily, nuzzling into her embrace.
Ash laughed at the sight. "Pikachu's popular as always."
With a flash of light, Clemont's Poké Ball released his now evolved partner, Quilladin. The bulky Grass-type landed with a proud thump, its sturdy body and cheerful grin instantly familiar.
"Quilladin!" it bellowed, raising its arms in greeting.
Standing beside Bonnie, Clemont's expression softening as he watched his Pokémon. Ash noticed how Clemont's appearance had matured over time. The white lab coat he wore was crisp and professional, its sleeves rolled up for a practical touch. Beneath it, his sharp black shirt and neatly knotted yellow tie coordinated with the vibrant belt at his waist—a subtle nod to his Electric-type gym. His dark pants were tailored and practical, emphasizing his lean frame and giving him a modern, polished look.
Pikachu's eyes lit up as it bounded over to Quilladin, greeting it with a friendly paw bump. The two Pokémon exchanged playful nods, their camaraderie intact despite the years. Quilladin, ever the jovial type, extended one of its spiny arms toward Dedenne, inviting the tiny Pokémon to climb aboard. Dedenne squealed with delight as it perched on Quilladin's broad shoulder, chittering happily.
Ash clapped his hands. "Quilladin, you've gotten so.. round!"
"You two look like two little gluttons!" As Pikachu playfully hopped back to Bonnie's side, the young girl wrapped her arms around it again. "You've been on so many adventures, haven't you, Pikachu? I hope you're taking good care of Ash."
"Pikachu!" it replied with a determined nod, making her giggle.
Ash nodded back. "Pikachu's the best partner I could always ask for."
Pikachu chirped happily, and Clemont seemed to relax, his expression softening. Standing beside Bonnie, he adjusted his glasses with a practiced motion.
Ash pointed a finger to him, joking about his new appearance. "Clemont, you're looking sharp—like some kind of genius inventor who's ready to take over the world."
Clemont chuckled awkwardly, his vivid blue eyes behind his rectangular glasses lighting up at the compliment."Well, it's true that I've been working on a few new inventions...!"
Serena stepped closer to the group, smiling warmly. At the same time, she drew attention to herself naturally with a gesture of her hand.
"Hello, Clemont! And Bonnie.. You're just as cute as ever with those twin tails!"
Bonnie's grin faltered as her cheeks flushed slightly. "Serena?!" she blurted, caught off guard by the compliment.
Clemont, standing next to her, adjusted his glasses with a slight tilt of his head. "Oh, hello, Serena. It's been a while."
Still recovering from the unexpected praise, Bonnie squinted suspiciously. "Wait… you were with Ash?"
Serena hesitated. "Uh… yeah?"
Bonnie leaned in closer, narrowing her eyes. "You are with Ash?"
Serena took a step back, her face turning pink. "E-Eh…"
"Yeah!" came Ash's casual response as he strolled over, Pikachu perched on his shoulder.
The three turned to Ash, their expressions a mix of shock and excitement.
Bonnie's jaw dropped. "Really, together?!"
Ash raised a brow, confused. "Uh, yeah? I'm right here with Pikachu and Serena. Didn't you see us coming?" He laughed sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.
Bonnie crossed her arms and shook her head with exaggerated frustration. "Ash…"
"It doesn't seem like our groups changed much.." Clemont mused aloud, his tone neutral but laced with the faintest hint of amusement. His analytical mind quickly categorized Ash's mannerisms—still brimming with energy, still wearing his trademark cap slightly askew, and still utterly oblivious to anything beyond the immediate excitement of the moment. "Especially Ash."
Ash's face lit up at the remark, his grin as wide and open as ever. "Thanks, Clemont!" he replied cheerfully, his tone earnest and unguarded. He clearly interpreted the statement as high praise, even though it wasn't necessarily intended as such.
Bonnie, who had been watching the exchange with her usual mischievous spark, let out an exaggerated groan and crossed her arms. She leaned forward slightly, her bright eyes narrowing as she shot Ash a look that could only be described as the perfect blend of exasperation and affection. "Are you sure it's a compliment, on his case?" she retorted, her voice cutting through the air like a playful jab.
Ash blinked, his grin faltering as a sheepish expression took its place. He reached up to scratch the back of his neck, his cheeks tinged with the faintest hint of pink. "A-Ah, maybe?" he stammered, chuckling.
Clemont simply sighed, his shoulders rising and falling with the practiced patience of an older sibling used to such exchanges. He adjusted his glasses once more, his quiet chuckle almost imperceptible. Bonnie, however, wasn't done. She puffed out her chest, placing her hands on her hips and giving Ash a triumphant smirk.
"You're hopeless, Ash. I will need to teach you some things about life!" Bonnie said with mock exasperation, though her teasing tone made it clear that her words were laced with fondness.
Serena watched the interaction with a small smile, her gaze shifting between Ash and Bonnie. However, she didn't want Bonnie to force the subject with them. "F-First Bonnie, you could.. help your brother about these type of lessons!"
Clemont, ever unfazed by criticism, shrugged off Serena's remark with a carefree sighs. "I'm perfectly fine on my own.." he said, the sparkle in his eyes suggesting he took her words in stride.
Serena, feeling emboldened by the lighthearted atmosphere, decided to give a honest thought. "To be fair, Clemont, I think we really have changed." she said, her tone warm and inviting.
Bonnie turned to Serena, placing her hands on her hips again. "You're not wrong.. I'm no longer the Bonnie you knew, I'm on my own journey now with Dedenne! Each day are amazing together! Then, our Kalos Queen.. You have become even more beautiful and awesome now! My brother's inventions are getting better and better with time and.. uh Ash is even more.. Ash?"," Bonnie shot back, sticking out her tongue.
Clemont shook his head, though the corner of his lips twitched upward in amusement. "All right, Bonnie, let's not gang up on Ash too much," he said, his voice steady and calm as always. "we should probably—"
Before he could continue, Ash suddenly glanced around, his expression shifting. His eyes darted from one corner of the Pokémon Center to the next, as if searching for something—or someone. "Hey… where's Brock?" he asked, cutting off Clemont mid-sentence.
The question seemed to shift the energy in the room. Clemont, Bonnie, and Serena followed Ash's gaze, their own curiosity piqued. It didn't take long to find the missing member of their group. Near the counter, in full view of everyone, Brock stood with his usual dramatic flair, addressing Nurse Joy with a fervor that could only be described as theatrical.
"Oh, Nurse Joy.." Brock began, his voice dripping with exaggerated passion, "Forget the distractions of the world around you. You don't need to step onto a stage to light up my heart—your mere presence is enough to ignite a fire within me! Please, allow me to—"
Before he could finish his grand declaration, a familiar shadow loomed behind him. Croagunk, ever the vigilant guardian of propriety, emerged with a deadpan expression and delivered a swift Poison Jab to Brock's side.
"Daaaaaht…" Brock groaned as he crumpled to the ground in a heap, his over-the-top dramatics instantly silenced.
"Croaa." Croagunk said simply, its tone flat as if it were merely performing its duty.
Ash's face lit up as he waved enthusiastically. "Hey, Croagunk!" he greeted cheerfully, completely unbothered by Brock's predicament.
Croagunk gave Ash a curt nod in acknowledgment before resuming its stoic stance.
Serena, however, was less at ease. "A-Ash…? Your friend's lying on the ground! Shouldn't we… I don't know, help him?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.
Ash waved off her worry with a casual shrug. "Nah, he'll be fine. This happens all the time." he said, his tone so nonchalant it was almost comical.
Serena stared at him, her brow furrowing in disbelief. "W-What?"
Bonnie, meanwhile, was doubled over with laughter, clutching her sides as she struggled to catch her breath. "Ash," she managed to say between giggles, "are all your friends this weird?"
Ash tilted his head, as if genuinely considering the question. "Huh. Now that you mention it…"
The group burst into laughter—Serena's soft and melodic, Clemont's reserved and polite, and Bonnie's loud and unabashed. Even Pikachu couldn't help but chime in with a cheerful "Pika-pika!" Brock, still trembling faintly on the floor, remained the unintentional punchline to yet another chaotic yet heartwarming moment in their reunion. Serena stood over Brock's still-trembling form, her hands clasped nervously in front of her. A mixture of concern and disbelief flickered in her sapphire-blue eyes.
"We seriously need to do something for this poor guy…" she said, glancing around helplessly. "Nurse Joy?" Her voice carried a tone of urgency, but when she looked over, she saw the nurse deeply engaged in conversations with a line of trainers.
Clemont, who had been quietly observing, chuckled softly. Adjusting his glasses, their lenses glinting momentarily under the light, he stepped forward. "No need to bother Nurse Joy." he assured her. There was a flicker of pride in his tone as he straightened his posture and placed a hand on his chest. "I think… it's time for science to shine again!"
At those words, Ash's entire demeanor shifted. His eyes widened, and an unmistakable grin broke across his face. His fists clenched in excitement as he leaned forward, brimming with anticipation. "Oh yeah… Science time!"
Clemont smiled, clearly pleased with Ash's enthusiasm. Reaching into his ever-present gadget bag, he retrieved a compact metallic device bristling with futuristic features. As he pressed a button, the device unfolded like a miniature transformer, revealing a sleek, multifaceted machine complete with articulated arms, glowing indicator lights, and syringe-like attachments.
"I present to you… the Toxic-Be-Gone 3000!" Clemont declared with a theatrical flair, as if unveiling a masterpiece.
Serena couldn't help but sigh, crossing her arms with a skeptical smirk. "I seriously wonder how you come up with all these names after all these years…" she said with a playful hint of irony.
Clemont adjusted his glasses again, unfazed by her sarcasm. "Don't let the name distract you," he replied, his tone brimming with pride. "It's not the most amazing part of this device! This machine is a cutting-edge, complex invention. Its purpose is to extract and neutralize toxic substances from the body, whether from Pokémon attacks or environmental exposure. It then provides an instantaneous healing injection!"
Ash's jaw practically hit the floor. "Wooooaaah! Science is awesome, Clemont!"
"Pika pika!" Pikachu chimed in, mimicking Ash's excitement.
Serena, however, rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, "Just buy a Pecha Berry."
Ignoring her jab, Clemont puffed out his chest and gestured toward the device. "Prepare to witness the future of medicine!" With that, he knelt beside Brock, positioning the Toxic-Be-Gone 3000 carefully near the incapacitated trainer.
The machine whirred to life with a low hum. Mechanical arms extended with precision, attaching themselves to Brock with specialized syringes. Clemont gestured to the process like a proud scientist unveiling his life's work. "These syringes will extract the poison and safely store it in these containment tanks," he explained.
Bonnie stepped forward, raising an eyebrow as she watched the machine. "You said 'supposed to,' big bro. That's not very reassuring from you."
Clemont gave his sister a slightly exasperated look. "Don't be so negative, Bonnie. You were the one who said my inventions had gotten better!"
Bonnie crossed her arms and smirked knowingly. "Yeah, but I'm just being realistic here. Something still very often goes—"
"The proper term," Clemont interrupted, holding up a finger, "is scientific."
The machine emitted a soft beeping noise as it began extracting the poison. For a moment, everything seemed to work flawlessly. The toxic substance was drawn into the tanks, its ominous purple glow visible through the transparent tubes.
Clemont smiled triumphantly as he spread his arms. "See? Just as I predicted! Science always—"
Before he could finish, the machine suddenly began to whir louder, its arms jerking erratically as if overloading. Sparks flew from its joints, and the glowing tubes started to flicker ominously.
Bonnie smirked, leaning toward Serena with familiarity. "Always fails."
Serena sighed, shaking her head. "No miracle for today."
But then, just as quickly as the machine had gone haywire, it stabilized. The noise subsided, the arms stopped jerking, and a green light blinked to signal the injection phase. A precise stream of healing serum flowed into Brock's arm, the machine beeping cheerfully to indicate success.
Clemont adjusted his glasses with an air of smug satisfaction. "As I said—science always prevails!"
Ash clapped Clemont on the back enthusiastically. "You're amazing, Clemont!"
"No, no.. Thanks the science!" Clemont replied, clearly basking in the praise.
Bonnie, however, raised a cautious hand. "Wait a second. Maybe don't celebrate just yet. It might still—"
Suddenly, Brock shot to his feet, his energy restored and his posture confident. "Here I am!" he declared with a dramatic flourish, as if waking from a long slumber.
Ash pointed excitedly. "There he is! Clemont, your invention really worked! The science is so wonderful!"
"Pika pika!" Pikachu added, hopping up and down in celebration.
Serena stepped forward hesitantly, looking at Brock with concern. "How are you feeling?"
Brock turned to her with a broad smile, his usual charm fully restored. "Good! No pain, no discomfort—I feel.."
Without missing a beat, Brock took a step back, striking a pose as he grabbed the hem of his black-and-orange shirt. "..Better than ever !" he announced with over-the-top flair.
In one swift motion, Brock ripped off his shirt, revealing a perfectly chiseled set of abs glistening as if under an invisible spotlight. He flexed his biceps with a grin that sparkled like a shooting star, striking a pose that looked straight out of a fitness magazine.
"Behold! The power of Clemont's invention has made me even stronger than before!" he declared, his voice echoing dramatically.
The group froze, momentarily stunned into silence.
Bonnie groaned, slowly walking away. "Nobody asked for this!"
Clemont's face turned crimson as he waved his hands frantically. "Wha—wait! That's definitely not a side effect! It didn't enhance your muscles, I swear!"
Ash burst out laughing, clutching his sides. "Brock! What are you doing? You're as over-the-top as ever!"
Even Serena couldn't suppress her giggle, covering her mouth with one hand. Pikachu let out a sharp "Pika-chaaa!" before flopping onto its back in exasperation.
Bonnie's jaw dropped in genuine amazement. "Wow, Clemont, I admit.. You actually pulled it off this time!"
Clemont smiled modestly, though the pride in his voice was unmistakable. "Of course I did. Thanks to the power of science!"
Brock placed a hand on Clemont's shoulder, his expression sincere. "Thanks. You really saved me there. Your machine is really interesting, I could really order some.. This could be useful if we are overwhelmed at the center."
As the group shared a laugh, even Serena couldn't help but smile. It wasn't the first time Clemont's inventions had caused chaos, but today, for once, everything had gone right. Maybe, just maybe, his science really was the future.
The rhythmic sounds of activity in the Pokémon Center quieted slightly as Nurse Joy entered the scene, followed by her ever-dutiful assistant, Blissey, pushing an operating table. Her expression was one of calm professionalism as she approached the group. "I heard you called for me," she said, looking between Serena and the others. Her gaze landed on Brock, who was now standing upright with renewed energy. "But… it seems your friend is already fine?"
Before anyone could answer, Brock turned toward Nurse Joy with his signature swooning expression, his eyes shimmering as though he had seen an angel descend from the heavens. In one swift motion, he grabbed her hand, kneeling as if proposing to her. "It wasn't useless, Nurse Joy… now that you're here, I—"
Ash stepped forward, alarmed. "Oh no, not again! Stop it, Brock!"
But this time, something unexpected happened. Brock's flirtatious expression faltered, confusion crossing his face. He stared at Nurse Joy, blinking as if struggling to comprehend what was happening. "I… I don't… feel anything."
Ash tilted his head. "Huh? What do you mean?"
Nurse Joy, ever the professional, crouched slightly to meet Brock's eye level, her voice concerned but clinical. "Describe what you mean by 'not feeling anything.' Is it a physical numbness? Or are you mentally disoriented?"
Brock looked at her, the spark of romantic longing absent from his eyes. "I mean… my heart doesn't skip a beat when I look at you. It's impossible… It can't be!"
Nurse Joy blinked, her expression blank. "…Sorry ?"
Brock didn't reply. Instead, he turned his gaze to other womens nearby— on his despair even in female trainers of Ash's age like Serena. But no matter where his eyes landed, the reaction was the same: nothing. His shoulders slumped as a profound despair overtook him. Falling to his knees dramatically, he buried his face in his hands. "It's a disaster… an absolute disaster!"
Ash rubbed the back of his head, unsure how to console his friend. "Brock…"
Serena placed a hand on her hip, looking at Clemont skeptically. "Clemont, you didn't overload the machine with sedatives, did you?"
Clemont frowned, clearly offended by the suggestion. "Of course not! And sedatives wouldn't suppress romantic feelings specifically—it's not scientifically plausible!"
Bonnie, however, stepped forward with a smug grin, patting her brother's shoulder. "I take it back, Clemont. Your machine is amazing! You've actually cured Brock's… uh… toxicity. Even in love!"
Clemont adjusted his glasses, his expression somewhere between pride and regret. "This isn't exactly the outcome I intended… If anything, this is bad news. I can't possibly market a machine like this."
Ash's concern deepened as he turned to Clemont. "Wait, Clemont! Is there some kind of antidote to fix this?"
Clemont hesitated, scratching his chin in thought. "Not exactly… I don't fully understand the chemical reaction caused by the injections, but the effects are probably temporary. They should wear off on their own after some time."
Brock shot a desperate look at Clemont. "How much time are we talking about here?!"
Clemont winced. "Well… I'm not entirely sure. A few hours? Maybe some days?"
Brock's jaw dropped, his voice rising in despair. "You're supposed to be a scientist! How do you not know?!"
Clemont raised his hands defensively. "I'm more of an inventor than a scientist, to be honest…"
Bonnie added with a childish smirk, "And a bit of an explosion maniac."
Brock ignored their banter, his hands clutching his head as he groaned dramatically. "This is unbearable…! Somebody call.. I need a doctor!"
Ash crossed his arms. "You are the doctor here, Brock."
Brock slumped further, his voice hollow. "What kind of man am I if I can't feel love? Especially now, when all the most beautiful girls in the world are gathered here for the competition! This is torture!"
Ash, ever the optimist, offered him a thumbs-up. "Well, look on the bright side. At least Croagunk won't be hitting you anymore!"
At the mention of Croagunk, Brock's eyes lit up with sudden hope. "That's it! Croagunk! Maybe a Poison Jab can fix this!"
As if summoned by fate, Blissey—Brock's own Pokémon—popped out of her Poké Ball. Her usual serene smile betrayed nothing of her intentions as she waddled toward Brock. Before anyone could stop her, she raised her small arm and knocked Brock out cold with a single blow.
The group froze in stunned silence as Brock lay sprawled on the floor.
Serena broke the silence, her voice tinged with disbelief. "Why… Why do all of Brock's Pokémon hit him?!"
Ash shrugged, sharing a bemused look with Pikachu. "I guess they just know him too well."
Bonnie giggled, while Clemont shook his head, muttering something about needing to refine his invention further. Meanwhile, Brock lay motionless, his dreams of love temporarily shattered.. Ash knelt down beside the unconscious Brock, carefully adjusting his friend to make carrying him easier. Despite the usual chaos surrounding Brock's antics, there was genuine concern in Ash's expression. He glanced at Blissey, who stood serenely nearby as though the earlier smackdown was a perfectly normal occurrence. "Thanks, Blissey." Ash said, managing a small grin before shifting Brock onto his back. "Clemont, can you give me a hand?"
Clemont, always eager to help despite his sometimes clumsy nature, stepped forward. "Of course! Sorry about your friend, Ash. Are you sure he's going to be okay?"
Ash hesitated, glancing at Brock's peaceful—if slightly battered—face. "Uh… probably?" His tone didn't exactly inspire confidence, but it was clear he was trying to stay optimistic.
Serena, standing nearby with her arms loosely crossed, tilted her head, a mix of concern and curiosity in her voice. "Where are you taking him?"
Clemont adjusted Brock's weight slightly, giving a casual shrug. "I dunno… I figured we'd head back to the contest. It's probably good for him to just rest somewhere with fresh air."
Ash nodded thoughtfully, after picking up Brock's shirt from the floor. "That makes sense. Let's do it."
Serena smiled faintly, finding Ash's straightforwardness oddly reassuring. "Alright. It's settled then."
As Ash began moving toward the stadium's stands, Bonnie trotted up to Serena, tugging playfully at her arm. "Sorry for disturbing your date," she teased with an exaggerated smirk.
Serena's cheeks immediately flushed pink. "H-Huh?! It's not…!" she stammered, glancing nervously at Ash, who was too focused on Brock to notice.
Ash, seemingly oblivious to the exchange, called over his shoulder, "Oy, don't lose sight of us, okay?"
With a laugh, Clemont and Serena followed, Bonnie giggling mischievously at her successful teasing.
After navigating the busy stadium halls, they finally found a quieter section in the stands with a clear view of the contest stage. Ash and Clemont carefully lowered Brock onto one of the benches, positioning him so he was comfortable—or as comfortable as someone knocked out by their own Pokémon could be.
Serena leaned against the railing, frowning slightly. "Are we sure we shouldn't have left him with Nurse Joy? She'd know how to handle this better than us."
Clemont adjusted his glasses again, glancing at Brock's peacefully snoozing form. "I think it will be alright. The stands are close enough to Nurse Joy if something comes up."
Bonnie crossed her arms, clearly not convinced. "At worst, we can just go ask her ourselves if something seems wrong," she said, then tugged at her brother's sleeve. "Come on, big bro!"
Clemont groaned, recognizing the all-too-familiar tone of Bonnie's voice. "Bonnie, Brock's fine. We're here to help Ash's friend if something happens. Let's just watch the contest for once."
Bonnie wasn't having it. "No, it's not fine! And… and you promised me an ice cream! Remember? Raichu flavor!"
Clemont's brow furrowed as he sighed deeply. "Bonnie, I said later. Don't be a child about it."
Bonnie gasped, placing a dramatic hand over her chest as though mortally wounded. "A child?! I'm just being practical! What if they run out of Raichu ice cream?! You wouldn't understand!"
Clemont looked genuinely baffled. "What's gotten into you?"
Bonnie turned her head sharply, pointing a finger at Ash and Serena, who were now standing side by side, Serena trying to subtly fix her hair while Ash scanned the stage. "It's about them! You don't see it, but I do."
Ash turned his attention back to Bonnie, tilting his head. "Huh? What's up with us?"
Bonnie's smirk returned, and she waved dismissively. "Nothing! But, Ash, if you're so worried about Brock, I'll go get the ice cream myself! I just need my sweet bro for paying!"
Ash, always eager to help (and eat), smiled. "If you want, I can go with you, Bonnie. Where's the ice cream guy?"
Before Bonnie could respond, Clemont stepped in, raising his hands in protest. "No, Ash, it's fine. You stay here in case Brock wakes up. I'll deal with my… persistent little sister."
Bonnie stuck her tongue out at her brother, skipping a few steps ahead before pausing to wave back at the group. "Enjoy yourselves, you two! And not just the show on stage, huh?"
Serena's face turned a deep shade of red, her voice rising an octave. "S-Silly Bonnie, silly!"
Bonnie didn't reply, her laughter echoing down the hallway as she dragged Clemont along, leaving Serena flustered and Ash thoroughly confused.
Ash scratched the back of his head, turning to Serena. "What was that all about?"
Serena waved her hands quickly, laughing nervously. "Let's.. just focus on the contest, okay?"
Ash shrugged, turning back to the stage, while Serena tried to calm her racing heart. As another coordinator prepared to take the stage, Serena's gaze lingered on the distant hallway where Clemont and Bonnie had disappeared, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. She sighed softly and lowered herself onto the seats beside Ash, her eyes flicking briefly toward Brock, who remained utterly unaware of the lively chaos that had unfolded around him, still sprawled out and dozing peacefully.
"That little Bonnie…" Serena murmured, her voice carrying a mixture of exasperation and affection.
Ash chuckled as he adjusted his cap, leaning back on his hands. "Hard to be a big brother, huh?"
Serena tilted her head, giving him a teasing look. "You're exaggerating, Ash. Honestly, I wish I had a little sister like Bonnie. She keeps things exciting." Serena's expression softened as her thoughts wandered back. "To think she was so small when I first met her. And now she's old enough to become a trainer like us on the past…"
Ash nodded, his own thoughts trailing to the past. "Yeah, time really flies, doesn't it?"
There was a wistfulness in Serena's voice as she continued. "I'll miss the days when I'd play with her hair and dress her up, or when we'd stay up in the tent making Pokémon funny impressions. She used to get so giggly, trying to mimic Pikachu or Dedenne…"
Ash tilted his head curiously. "Can't you still do that now?"
Serena smiled faintly, though there was a trace of melancholy in her expression. "Maybe, but… one day she'll be too old for that. She might even get tired of me, think I'm just an embarrassing older sister who's always fussing over her."
Ash shook his head firmly, his tone resolute. "I don't think so. Bonnie admires you way too much. You're like a role model to her."
Serena's heart skipped slightly at his words, her cheeks warming as she glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. "Like you for…" she started, before quickly catching herself. "F-For her. She looks up to you too."
Ash frowned for a moment, his hand reaching up to scratch his cheek. "It's true she's said that before. She really does love a good challenge like me. Oh yeah—now that you mention it, I promised Bonnie we'd battle someday after she began her own journey. I should really keep that promise."
Serena smiled, nodding slowly. "Y-Yeah, I'm sure she'd be thrilled."
But even as the conversation shifted, Serena couldn't help but feel the weight of her own promise from the past. Her mind wandered back to the day they had said their goodbyes in Kalos—the day she had made a vow to herself and to Ash. Did he remember it? Or had that moment simply faded into the background of his many adventures? The thought lingered, unspoken, as she stole another glance at him.
Ash, however, seemed completely unaware of her inner turmoil. His focus shifted back to the stage as the next coordinator stepped forward. His eyes lit up with sudden recognition, and he stood abruptly, leaning forward with curiosity. "Hey… wait a second. Isn't that…?"
Serena snapped out of her thoughts, startled by the excitement in his voice. "Ash?" she asked, leaning forward to follow his gaze. Her heart thumped, half from the abruptness of the moment and half from the simple, familiar thrill of being caught up in his enthusiasm.
Whoever was stepping onto the stage clearly had his attention, and Serena couldn't help but wonder what—or who—had sparked such a reaction.