Tryst with Destiny: The Beginning of the End (Main Story)

16: Rhyhorn Racing

(20 Minutes Later)

"Ash, we are here. Wake up," Serena loudly says as she shakes Ash's shoulder.

"Oh, right. Sorry about that. Let's go," Ash wakes up with a start.

On their walk towards Prof. Oak's chambers, Serena sees Ash absorbed in thought.

"What is it, Ash?" Serena asks.

"Nothing. I was just wondering about this mega stone I got," Ash plainly says.

"What about it?" Serena inquires.

"If the mega stone doesn't go with any Pokemon on Prof. Sycamore's database. The chances are that even if I find out which mega stone it is, I may not have the right Pokemon to go with it," Ash says, rather quietly.

"Oh! Don't worry. We'll figure something out," Serena says with a wink before taking Ash's hand and pulling his shoulder closer to her own.

"What did I do to deserve you as my girlfriend?" Ash says causing Serena to chuckle.

(5 Minutes Later)

"Alright, here we are. Professor! Are you here?" Ash loudly says after opening the door of the professor's office.

"Nope, he is not here Ashy-boy," Gary says while walking in from the adjacent room, holding a bunch of files.

"Where is he then, Gare-bear? More importantly, what are you doing here?" Ash questions Gary.

"Well, Gramps needed some help organizing his closet. So he forced me to do it against my will. He is out at the Rhyhorn race course doing a study on the dynamics of the relationships between Rhyhorn and their racers. It is good that you are here. I could use some company and help. There is a lot of stuff to arrange and catalog. I have been stuck here since lunchtime," Gary replies with a sigh.

"Well, as much as I am your friend but... if I have to choose between spending some time with my girlfriend at the Rhyhorn race course and doing the monotonous job of helping you clean the professor's office. Then you know my choice," Ash says while smirking.

"Oh, come on Ash. For old time sake. Don't abandon me, dude," Gary pleads.

"Oh Gary. Don't you remember all those times we met while we were travelling through the Kanto region? Don't you remember all the times we met you repeatedly showed me how important it is to spend time with girls, especially if they are pretty beautiful girls? Now, I can't ignore my buddy's advise so... I guess we'll leave you to it," Ash smirks while taking Serena's hand.

Serena who's also finding the whole situation very amusing decides to play along, "Why thank you Gary, for teaching Ash that. I guess I owe you one," she says while winking before shutting the door on her and Ash's way out.

Gary is heard groaning in frustration while both Ash and Serena walk towards the race course, smothering their laughter at Gary's predicament.

"So what are you going to do with a pretty girl at the Rhyhorn race track?" Serena asks in a mildly flirtatious tone.

"I don't know you tell me," Ash says as he pulls her close.

"Got any ideas?" Ash whispers in her left ear.

"Not yet. Let us keep going. We'll figure something out," Serena says as they keep walking.

(10 Minutes Later)

"So this is the Rhyhorn Racetrack? It is huge!" Ash says as he looks around with amazement.

"Well, Rhyhorn racing is very popular in Kalos. This is actually a small track. Look, I can see Prof. Oak there," Serena says while pointing to the other side of the track.