After a few hours of training, the gang had departed Santalune City and was on the way back to Lumiose City. Usopp and Eevee were currently looking around for a Pokemon to catch.
"So Ash, since you've dealt with Misty's Psyduck in the past, could you tell me more about these abilities?" Nami asked curiously. Ash nodded and was about to explain when Serena stood in front of him.
"Actually, could you hold on a minute?" she inquired as she patted her pocket. While Ash looked confused, Nami instantly knew what Serena was going to do.
The woman smirked before saying, "Of course. We're in no big rush right now." Serena blushed and gave her a look that clearly said, "STOP IT!" She then took a deep breath to recompose herself and took out the handkerchief. Ash's eyes widened once he instantly recognized it.
"Boy, that brings back memories..." he stated with a smile. Chuchu smiled too upon remembering the first encounter with Serena and the fun times they had together.
"...You know, I've been wondering. How did you three meet?" Brock questioned them with curiosity evident in his voice. Those not in the know were curious too. Ash told them about Professor Oak's Summer Camp and how they met there. By the end of that, Brock's eyes had grown wide.
"So THAT is why Serena sang that song yesterday! She knew you would recognize it!" he exclaimed. Serena gave Brock a nod and held out the handkerchief to Ash.
"Ash, I've held on to this for all these years, believing that you would come find me eventually. And now, here we are, seven years later. It's been a long time since you let me have it, and now I'm handing it back to you." she proclaimed. Ash couldn't help but smile and shake his head a little bit. He then reached out...and, to Serena's surprise, gently pushed her hands back.
"That handkerchief is your greatest treasure, right, Rena? In that case, I don't wanna separate it from you." he replied sweetly. Serena's face went red, but ultimately, she smiled as she held the handkerchief close to her chest. Hearing the word "treasure" made Luffy take off his hat and look at it fondly.
I know how having a gift from someone feels. he thought.
"Aw, this is SO ADORABLE!" Bonnie squealed in a delighted tone. A massive blush crossed Ash and Serena's faces. While they were happy for them, Brock and Sanji couldn't help but feel jealous of the budding romance occurring before their eyes. The Pikachus sniggered a bit. All of a sudden, Ash flinched, almost as if he sensed something. He turned his head and yelped upon seeing a horde of Rhyhorns coming toward Serena, with trainers riding on each one.
"RENA!" Ash yelled out. Thinking fast, he grabbed the startled Serena by the hand, pulled her straight into a hug, and turned around so that he was protecting her from harm. Ash was right on time too, as they all heard a rumbling sound while the Rhyhorns ran past them.
"HOW THE HECK DID HE SENSE THAT?!" each Straw Hat yelped in surprise.
"Okay, that's new. How did he know the Rhyhorns were coming?" Brock mumbled under his breath. The Pikachus had their eyes narrowed as they looked at each other.
"Pikachu pi pikachu PiPi-kachu pi pikachu? (Remember when I blasted off Team Rocket for the first time?)" Chuchu inquired. Pikachu nodded before looking at Ash curiously.
"Pikachu pika pikachu. Pi...kachu? (That hadn't happened since that day. So...why now?)" he wondered out loud. Ash sighed in relief before letting go of Serena, who looked like her heart was going to burst out of her chest any second now.
"You all right, Rena?" he inquired.
"Y-Y-Yes, I'm fine. Thanks for the save, Ash." Serena responded, still a bit shaken.
YOU ARE READING
PokePiece: A Grand Pirate Kalos Adventure
FanfictionThis cover was made for me by MidnightMoonflower. (Check her out on Discord!) The Straw Hats have landed in a whole new world! Join Luffy and his crew as they embark on a journey the likes of which they've never experienced before! A journey where...
