Pokemon X & Y Reimagined

Chapter 23: Dreams! Serena Goes for Broke!

Serena threw her hands up and took a pose with Fennekin and Amaura. All three panted and gasped for breath after a long morning of practicing their routing. The young woman wiped the sweat from her eyes but smiled.

"Wonderful! It turned out just like I imagined!" Serena hugged both her pokemon who beamed in delight.

Amaura cooled them off with an icy breeze before Serena washed them all properly. The young woman had a skip in her step before and breakfast as they moved closer to Shalour city.

"We should reach a large town soon. It's the last before Shalour City." Clemont said while reading his map.

"And I'll get to face Korrina! We're ready for her this time!"

"Pika!"

Serena giggled at Ash's renewed enthusiasm since Lucario mastered Mega Evolution and he rekindled his relationship with his father. Felix walked with them that morning, popping up every few days to help Ash train.

"I look forward to seeing it. It's been too long since I saw Gurkinn."

"Gurkinn?" Ash asked.

"Korrina's grandfather. He's a wise man."

"I can't wait to see Shalour. I haven't been there since I was a little girl." Serena said.

"Your first Showcase will be there too. Isn't it, Serena." Ash said.

"Oui!"

Serena tried not to squeal but the excitement threatened to burst out of her. She imagined her first real performance in front of a great crowd, and Ash. How Serena longed to inspire him the way he inspired her. The idea turned her cheeks pink, something Ash did not notice, but Bonnie did.

The little girl grinned with Dedenne and stroked the pokemon's head. She looked between the two and nodded. "Soon, Dedenne. I know Operation Amourshipping will soon come to fruition."

"Operation what?" Felix asked.

He glanced down at the little girl who gave an innocent smile. The aura guardian narrowed his eyes at her before she pointed to Serena and Ash. Felix and his Lucario exchanged looks before turning back to Bonnie and giving her a nod of approval.

After another hour or so, they came upon the town which sprung up almost like a small city. Many people and pokemon gathered in the streets while locals went about their business. Ash kept his eyes at the local restaurants while Serena examined some local boutiques.

"Serena, how about this one! I see outfits you could use for Amaura!" Bonnie cried while pointing at a window.

"Ahh, merci, Bonnie. But I already have them picked out. I wouldn't mind looking though."

Ash, Clemont, and Pikachu sweatdropped with nervous expressions. Bonnie and Serena shared the same malevolent expressions as they approached. Before the young men could get away, Felix held them in place long enough for Serena to grab Ash's wrist while Bonnie took Clemont's.

Both young men glared at Felix who chuckled as they got dragged toward the shop. Yet as they approached, the door opened and Serena gasped when Shauna stepped out. The two young women cried before embracing each other.

"Shauna!"

"Serena! I thought I might see you here!"

"Oui, but I thought you would be in Shalour city already."

Shauna blinked in disbelief at what Serena said. "Huh? You mean you don't know?"

"Know what?" Serena asked.

Shauna groaned and shook her head in disappointment. She pointed to a nearby poster. Bonnie raced over to retrieve it before yelping. The little girl shoved it into Serena's hands and she too almost shouted.

"What's going on?" Ash asked.

Serena held the poster up, allowing Ash and Clemont to read. Apparently,the town was hosting an exhibition showcase, specifically to sing. "I'm entering! It will be great practice for Shalour City! You should too!""Yeah, Serena!" Ash cried.To the group's surprise, Serena turned a little pale and avoided their eyes. She clutched the poster tight and started to shiver.

"Eh? Serena, what's wrong?" Ash asked.

"I uh, I forgot that I need to get Fennekin and Amaura to the pokemon center."

"Huh? They looked fine at breakfast-" Clemont started.