Serena and Ash - Friends From The Start

Chapter Four

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN POKEMON OR ANY OF THE CHARACTERS IN THIS STORY. I DO NOT MAKE ANY MONEY OFF OF THIS STORY, AND NEITHER DOES WATTPAD.

*** THIS STORY MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS OR MAJOR PLOT DETAILS. ***

CHAPTER FOUR

SERENA'S POV

"And the winner is..."

I held my breath.

"Serena!" he announced, and the spotlights shone on me. The arena started roaring in applause.

I opened my eyes and gasped. I won!

I turned to my Pokémon and embraced them in a massive hug.

"We did it!" I squealed. "We've won our third Princess Key!"

My Pokémon let out happy cries. They wanted this just as much as I did.

After Monsieur Pierre had presented me with my Princess Key, I walked back to the dressing rooms and got changed. After I was done, I clutched my key chain to my chest. It was finally complete – with three beautiful Princess Keys hanging off of it.

I walked back to the main entrance hall, where Ash, Bonnie, and Clemont were all waiting for me. When Bonnie saw me approach, she ran over to me and jumped into my arms, giving me a massive bear hug.

"I'm so happy you won, Serena!" she said happily. "Your performance was great!"

"Thank you, Bonnie," I laughed, putting her down. Ash and Clemont walked over.

"Congratulations, Serena," Clemont said.

"You looked great out there!" Ash agreed. "I told you you'd win!"

"Thank you both," I smiled. "But it wasn't just me – it was my Pokémon too."

"You work great together as a team," Clemont nodded.

"Shall we go?" I asked. Everyone nodded, and we all exited the building.

We walked down through the city, and ended up at a small beach. The sand was smooth, white, and soft – and the water was clear and sparkling.

"Wow," I breathed. "It's beautiful!"

"Sure is!" Bonnie agreed, her eyes shining with delight.

"Shall we have lunch here?" Clemont suggested.

"Sure!" I smiled.

"Come on out, everybody!" Ash cheered as he released his Pokémon from their Pokéballs. Clemont and I did the same, and the Pokémon ran across the beach and down to the water's edge, playing together.

Clemont and Bonnie started to set up lunch, while I walked down to the water's edge. I took my boots and socks off, and experimentally dipped my toes in the water.

A shiver ran down my spine. It was slightly cold, but still nice. I closed my eyes and smiled, replaying today's events in my head.

This wasn't a dream – I had finally won my third Princess Key. I was now able to participate in the Master Class and compete against Aria!

My train of thoughts was interrupted as Ash snuck up behind me and scared me.

"Boo!" he laughed.

I screamed and turned around, startled, and started to fall backwards into the water. Just before I hit, Ash grabbed my hand and pulled me up, tango style.