Man in the Mirror

Chapter 30: The Archer

The following day May and her friends were gathered at a Pokémon Center. They were discussing the news relayed to her by Wallace last night. "I guess that means you'll head to Castelia City next?" Clemont inquired.

May nodded, "That's right, Wallace says he needs me there immediately." She was disappointed by the reality that as soon as she came out of her hiatus, the coordinator had another commitment.

"I wonder what proposal he wants to make to you," Serena pensively placed her fingers on her chin.

"Then that means we're heading to Castelia City, Pikachu!" Ash announced to his friend. He didn't give the idea a second thought.

"Pika!" Pikachu was ready to tag along for their next destination.

Serena eyed Ash and May with slight jealousy. He didn't even hesitate, the girl from Vaniville Town tried not to make her jealousy too obvious. However, she wasn't good enough to hide it from May.

"Clemont, can we go?!" Bonnie begged with her hands clasped together.

"Nenne," Dedenne joined Bonnie in her request.

Clemont sighed, "Bonnie, you know we have to return to the gym by this evening. I have other responsibilities." He wished he could accompany his friends, too.

"Aw, you're right," Bonnie remembered with disappointment.

"Then I guess we'll be saying goodbye today?" Ash put his hands behind his head. He looked at Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, and Dedenne. He would miss his friends, but seeing Serena's disappointed expression caught his attention. Serena looks like she's taking it pretty hard, Ash remained unaware of what bothered the performer.

Before he could say anything to comfort her, May interjected. "Serena, why don't you come with us? The next contest in Hoenn isn't for another few weeks," the coordinator suggested.

May's offer surprised Serena. She didn't think negatively of May, especially after their discussion last night. Nevertheless, she assumed the brunette preferred to travel with Ash alone due to her feelings for him. Serena thought about it. Serena seemed unsure of May's invitation. If there was potential for them to get together, she didn't want to get between the coordinator and the trainer. "I'm not sure," Serena shyly grinned. The performer rubbed her boot against her leg while she contemplated it.

"C'mon, Serena, you know it will be fun!" Ash made an excited fist. His bright auburn eyes beamed at her with insistence.

Serena didn't expect Ash to insist. Maybe he's too dense to notice what's going on, unless...Serena remembered May's belief that Ash felt something for Serena, he just hadn't fully acknowledged it.

Suddenly, May grabbed her hands. "Please come. We can talk about combination attacks and tips to improve each other's coordinator skills. We might even get the chance to shop. Imagine how many stores we'll get to explore in Castelia City!" May's eyes illuminated with excitement.

The Kalos girl could tell May was hyped about the idea. With Ash and May's insistence, how could she refuse? Serena warmly smiled, "Alright, I'll come!" She decided it would be nice to spend more time with them.

"That's great!" Clemont cheered for Serena's decision.

"I'm jealous, but in a good way!" Bonnie was gleeful over the result.

Ash eagerly crossed his arms, "Speaking of Pokémon coordinating, why don't you have a battle? It'd be fun to watch the two of you practice before we split up."

"Huh?" Serena gasped. She nearly wanted to kill Ash in that moment. Me against May?! Is he crazy?

May looked at Serena with a confident smile. She liked the sound of that, "That actually sounds pretty fun. Don't worry, Serena, this will be a good experience for the both of us." The brunette knew the blondie might feel some intimidation about the faceoff.