Strength ~An Amourshipping Story

Chapter 12: Fulfilled Promise

Last time, the group faced off with the Pokémon Hunter J. Serena hears a voice in her head, telling her the secret to turn her back to normal was to use Hidden Power. Using her powerful thoughts, Serena and Sylveon manage to connect, and the Pokémon manages to relay the message to Fennekin, who then uses Hidden Power on Serena.

Smokes rolls over the area as the Hidden Power collides with Serena.

CLEMONT: Is Serena normal?

But through the haze, no one can see the results. Finally, the smog clears out and Serena is normal, but is still in Drapion's claws.

ASH: Serena! Are you alright?!

SERENA: *Looks around and nods* Looks like it worked. *Starts banging on the Pokémon's arms* But YOU need to let me go, right now! Agh!

Serena winces in pain as the scorpion tightens its grip on her.

ASH: Oh no, SERENA! Let... Her... GO!

Running up to the Drapion and its prisoner, Ash jumps and kicks the Pokémon in the face as hard as he can. In surprise, the Drapion drops Serena.

EVERYONE (but, of course, Paul): Serena!

ASH: I've got you!

Ash catches Serena and slides on the ground. Without missing a beat, he picks her up in his arms and starts running from the angry Pokémon Hunter. Everyone snaps out of the trance.

CALEM: Right! Meowstic, look back for a quick moment and use Psybeam to slow them down!

PAUL: Nice strategy. Elekid, Thunderbolt!

MAY: Torchic, Ember! Bulbasaur, Razor Leaf!

DAWN: Piplup, Bubblebeam!

CLEMONT: Me, too! Bunnelby, Mud Shot!

ASH: Pikachu, buddy, I need you to use Electro Ball!

BARRY: *Slouches a bit* Aw, man! Her across only knows physical attacks! No fun!

Serena, unable to speak anymore, looks up in wonder at Ash. She thinks about how Ash tried so hard to help her, and his promise to Serena, too. She blushes.

ASH: *Looks down at Serena and smiles* You alright?

SERENA: *Thinks* Wow, is Ash cute or what! *Replies* Mm, I'm fine. Thanks to you, more specifically.

ASH: *Blushes and thinks* Aw, Serena's cute when she says stuff like that! *Says* Naw, it's what friends do! Right, Pikachu?

PIKACHU: Pika, Pika! (Yep!)

BARRY: Hate to break your little chat, but she's caught up already! We can't outrun her!

SERENA: Ash, please put me down now. I can stand.

ASH: *Smiles* If you're sure.

Everyone stops running, and the Pokémon Hunter, on her Salamence, does the same. Ash gently lifts Serena down.

J: On second thought, a shiny Sylveon may still be wanted by other future clients. However, it seems capable of standing, so I won't stop it from battling me.

SERENA: Pokémon Hunter, you're going to pay for trying to steal my Pokémon. No, not my Pokémon, but my friends. So I'm not going to take any more of this and face you myself!

Everyone's surprised to hear this (even Paul).

MAY: I know you're an excellent battler and all... But this is a Pokémon Hunter! She's taken countless of Trainer's Pokémon!

SERENA: *Laughs a little* May, you only met me today, remember? You don't know how I battle. *With confidence* Besides, it's not brute strength that wins the game every time.

ASH: I believe in you, Serena. But if you're in trouble, we're going to help right away, got it?

SERENA: *With a determined smile* Fine.