Mega Love

Chapter Eight

    The tall trees create a shroud of shade over all of Santalune Forest. Small speckles of light drain through the leaves to create a dim and cozy atmosphere. We look around for a nice flat spot out in the open and not too close to tall grass. It doesn't take too long to find a nice spot, and I sit down the basket to start setting up. I unfold and lay out the checkered blanket, Shauna immediately plops downs on top of it, and Serena just laughs. Shauna's eyes are closed and she takes a deep breath.
    "Alright! Time to take a seat!" I say as I sit on top of Shauna's stomach.
    "Ugh! C-Meister get off me! So heavy!!" Shauna cries as she pushes me off. Serena and I laugh as Shauna sits back up.
    We all properly take a seat on the blanket, and I start to pass out some food to the starving girls. I'm pretty hungry myself, but I make sure I know they are satisfied before taking out some food for myself. As we all begin eating, the sounds of the forest are accompanied by our chewing.
    "This is really good!" says Serena after finishing a sandwich.
    "Mhm!" hums Shauna in agreement.
    "She always goes above and beyond, whether it's cooking or Rhyhorn races," I reply.
    "You're mom is a Rhyhorn racer?!" interrogates Serena.
    "Was. Her name is Grace," I answer.
    "Grace! As in THE Grace. Your mom is Grace the Rhyhorn Ace!" shouts Serena in shock. I let out a laugh and itch the back of my head.
    "Don't let her hear you say that. Her head is big enough as it is!" I reply jokingly.
    "Is she really that famous?" asks Shauna, looking at Serena and sipping on a juice box.
    "Anybody that watches Rhyhorn racing knows that Grace is one of the best," replies Serena. "Wait. So that Rhyhorn that was sleeping in your yard is her partner?
    "Yup," I nod.
    "Wow! That's so cool!" replies Serena.
    "Until everyone asks why I'm not becoming a Rhyhorn racer too."
    "I know how that feels. Getting characterized by the achievements of your parents can be real annoying," says Serena as Shauna tries to dodge the obvious glare.
    "I get it! It was one time!" cries Shauna.
    I laugh and say, "Don't be too hard on her now. You want another sandwich Serena?"
    "No, I think I'm full. Thanks though," replies Serena.
    "What about me? Can I have another sandwich?" asks Shauna.
    "Of course!" I reply, reaching into the basket to get another sandwich.
    "Wait. Put that sandwich on hold," says Shauna. I look up and Shauna is looking at one of her devices. "Tierno just said that him and Trevor are still in Santalune Forest. I'm going to go see if I can find them." Shauna stands up and grabs her bag.
    "We'll go with you," says Serena.
    "The picnic is already set up here though! It's fine! I'll grab them and be back before you know it! Just try not to get too lovey dovey while I'm gone," responds Shauna before running off.
    "Shauna! That's not going to happen! Get outta here!" yells Serena in embarrassment.
    "I'm goin!" Shauna yells back before disappearing out of our sight.
    I can't believe she said that! Now I can't help but think about the fact that I'm alone with Serena! She probably did this on purpose too. Judging by the look on Serena's face, she thinks so too.
    I try to regather myself and keep things normal by using the room Shauna left to lay down. "Since crazy girl is gone for now, I guess we can relax a little bit."
    Serena looks at me and smiles, "That's probably a good idea. Once they get back, it's just going to get even more crazy." She turns and lays down as well, leaving a little bit of space between us. We stare up at the leaves, shaking in the breeze above us.
    "It's good to have some crazy in your life though. Otherwise it would just be boring. But a place like this just makes me want to take step back, ya know?" I say.
    "Uh huh. This place is really beautiful. I hope everyday of my journey is like this."
    "I'm sure it will be. I mean, this is just the beginning right? Just imagine how much more awesome our days could get further in the future."
    "It's so exciting! We're finally trainers Calem! I can't wait to catch new Pokémon, take on Gyms, and see more sights like this one. I want to start training my Pokémon too! I bet you this forest is good for training."
    "Well then, why don't we find out?" I say, turning my head to face her. She turns to look at me, and I feel my heart implode. Her face is so close to mine, and I can't help but stare into her gorgeous blue eyes. It feels like time is frozen as we stare at each other, the blush making Serena's cheeks rosey red.
    A rustling of leaves breaks our trance, and we sit up slightly to look behind us. A wild Pikachu had wandered near us without knowing we were here. It takes notice of us and lets out a small cry.
    "Hello little guy," says Serena softly.
    "We won't hurt you. You can come over here if you want," I add, extending my hand towards him slowly. He sniffs my hand for a second before letting me pet him on the head. The Pikachu then let out a cheerful cry and jumped into Serena's lap.
    "Woah! Hahaha. You like attention don't you," says Serena. "Hey Calem, why don't we let our Pokémon say hi?"
    "Sounds good!" We both pull out our Pokéballs and release our partners. Pikachu stares as Froakie and Fennekin materialize in front of us. "These are our Pokémon," I tell the Pikachu.
Pikachu jumps down and the Pokémon exchange greetings.
    As the Pokémon begin to play, I tell Serena, "This might just be the opportunity you were hoping for Serena!"
    "What do you mean?"
    "Why don't you battle against Pikachu as training?"
    "But Pikachu's an electric type, putting me at a disadvantage."
    "All the better! You're not always going to have a good type match up, so this could be good practice!"
    "You're right!" replies Serena. "Hey Pikachu! How about a battle against me and Froakie?" Pikachu gives a supportive nod and cry.
    "Looks like he's down," I add.
    Serena, Froakie, and Pikachu get into position and begin their battle. At first, Serena tries to keep Pikachu at a distance by using Bubble, but that only caused Pikachu to use Thunderbolt. Thankfully Froakie dodged, and they switched over to try Pound. At close quarters, Pikachu tried to use Tackle to gain an advantage, but Froakie's inflatable bubbles absorbed most of the damage. The battle came to a close with both Pokémon pretty worn out. Froakie dominated the close quarters, but wasn't able to dodge all of the Thunderbolts.
    "You guys were both great! Now let's get you guys healed up!" says Serena to Froakie and Pikachu. She pulls out a Potion from her bag and treats up their wounds.
    "Those super effective moves can really change a whole battle," I say.
    "Seriously! But it was good practice though."
    "You did well!"
    "Thanks," she replies with a smile.
    We return to the picnic blanket, give the Pokémon some food to eat, and sit back down.
    "I'm surprised Shauna's not back with the others yet. I'm a little worried," says Serena.
    "I wouldn't be too surprised if she got lost, but I do have some faith that she can handle herself," I reply.
    "I'm sure she'll send me a message if it comes to that. Hopefully."
    "By the way, I need to add you guys on my Holo Caster."
    "Actually, why don't you just add yourself on mine, and then I'll send yours to everyone else," she says, handing me her red Holo Caster. I input my number as a new contact and hand it back to her. "Alright, I'll make sure to send that to them."
    "Thanks!" I reply.
    I get a message on my Holo Caster and Serena says, "There's mine." I secretly save her number as 'Beautiful' with Luvdisc emojis on either side before returning my Holo Caster back into my bag.
    "So Serena," I say, laying down on my side and resting my head on my right hand. "Tell me about yourself. What do you like other than battling?"
    Serena tilts her head in thought, "Hm... I really like to go clothes shopping, but then again, what girl doesn't. I've always loved helping my parents care for their Pokémon and learning more about Pokémon in general. I also really enjoy gardening! My mother and I planted a lot of the flowers in Vaniville Town, and I would always have to run around and water them."
    "Your mom is going to be exhausted without you," I reply, gazing intently. Her little giggles to my responses get me everytime.
    "I know right? I remember one time, she dragged my dad out there to go help her because I was busy. He had no clue what he was doing."
    "Haha. My dad probably would of been the same way."
    "What's your dad like?"
    I pause for a second before answering, "He passed away when I was younger, but he was always very supportive of my mom."
    "Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to" she says before I place my hand on hers resting in her lap to stop her.
    "It's okay. I asked you about your life. It would be rude of me to not tell you about mine." I remove my hand and continue, "My mom told me that one of her favorite memories from Rhyhorn racing was when she couldn't get her Rhyhorn to stop at the finish line. My dad was waiting there, and she sent him flying..."
    Serena smiles, trying to hold back her giggles, and asks, "Was he alright?"
    "More or less. I'm sure he was used to it. I know I am."
    This time Serena couldn't hold back her laughter and let loose. The Pokémon finish eating and come to sit with us. We both take notice to Pikachu who seems to be switching his gaze back and forth between us.
    "What are you looking at?" I say jokingly in a funny accent. Pikachu then walks over to me and grabs my arm, pulling on my jacket to try and force me up. "What are you doing? Okay, I'll get up!" I say as I sit upright. Pikachu then turns around to Serena and bites her hand.
    "Hey! Come on now!" Pikachu then tugs unexpectedly hard, forcing Serena to fall forward and on to me. "Pikachu!!" cries Serena as she catches herself above me, her face only an inch away from mine.
    I freeze up and feel myself grow red hot as she lets out hot breath onto my face.We gaze into each other's eyes again, not knowing how to react.
    "I..." starts Serena before getting cut off.
    "Are we interrupting something?" says a familiar male voice.
    I tilt my head back to see an upside down version of Tierno, Trevor, and Shauna walking up to us.
    "I thought I said not to get too lovey dovey!" yells Shauna.
    "Ah!" screams Serena, pushing herself away from me. "It's not what it looks like! I promise!"
    I end up back on the ground and Shauna says, "Oh really? Are you sure?"
    "No really! Pikachu had..." starts Serena, looking around for Pikachu. Pikachu, Fennekin, and Froakie sit behind us, laughing in amusement. Flames ignite in Serena's eyes as she locates the perpetrator. Pikachu takes the hint and starts running as Serena chases behind.
    "Pikachu?" says Shauna in confusion.