United Destiny: The Hero and The Hybrid

Chapter 3

Fireworks popped in the skies above the stadiums as the Lily of the Valley Conference was underway. Vendors set up shop all around the Stadiums, hawking their overpriced goods and wares. Spectators flooded into the stands, ready to watch the trainers do battle. The hopeful trainers were all standing together in the main stadium, waiting for Mr. Goodshow to begin the tournament. Serena herself stood at the far end of the crowd of trainers. She could make out Ash with his Pikachu on his shoulder in the center of the crowd. She took a look at the other trainers. Some were younger than her, others older, and a few were around her age.

Everyone turned their attention forward as Mr. Goodshow soon ascended to the stage and took the mike. "I welcome everyone to the start of the Lily of the Valley Conference, boy that's a mouthful huh?" The aging Head of the Pokémon League's little joke brought a smile to a few of the trainers' faces. "Our contestants have traveled far and wide from across the regions, they have proven their worth by defeating eight gyms, and now here they are to compete in the Sinnoh League!" A roar of cheers and applause were heard by the spectators in the stands. "Now to officially signal the beginning of the Conference: the lighting of the torch!"

The trainers turned around as the torch runner came racing up. The trainers moved out of the way as the runner ascended the stairs and placed the flame in the torch perched atop the stadium, igniting it, and bathing everyone in its light and heat.

With the opening ceremonies concluded, the trainers started to leave the area, including Serena. From what she remembered, there were around a hundred and twenty-eight competitors, meaning that before the tournament began, preliminary rounds would be held to eliminate trainers until there were sixty-four finalists.

"You did well out there." Serena turned to see Lucario standing there waiting for her with Serperior. "I can sense your nervousness."

"Yeah, a little." The canine-like Pokémon gave her a smile. True, she was nervous but she was also ready for whatever was thrown at her.

Serperior slithered up to the two of them after they had their moment. "Now that this is out of the way, we should rejoin the others and see who our first opponent will be." Serena gave a nod in agreement as she followed her two Pokémon to get ready.

Pikachu had kept his eyes on Serena as he watched her converse with her Pokémon. A bystander would probably chalk it up to a trainer being close enough to get the gist of what their partners were saying. The mouse Pokémon, however, could understand them, and the way Serena spoke to Serperior and Lucario was a bit too direct.

Pikachu was still skeptical that she could understand Pokémon, but now he was actually thinking Sceptile was right. Ash turned his head, noticing that Pikachu was looking off in thought. "Hey Pikachu, are you alright?"

Pikachu turned back to Ash and gave a sheepish look in embarrassment. "Pi, Pika." Ash turned to see the retreating figure of Serena and her Pokémon. Strangely enough, he felt bad about battling her for some unexplained reason.

'Wait, where is this coming from?' It was weird, as it wasn't the only feeling he had. He wondered if she would stay around if she was defeated, or if she would cheer him on as they battled. 'Maybe I should ask Brock about this?' Brock seemed to have advice for everything, and maybe he could help him with this feeling he had for Serena.

Mentally reminding himself to talk to Brock about it later, Ash walked into the Lobby to find his friend when he paused, seeing Paul walking out of the building. Forgetting his plan to ask Brock, Ash raced to catch up with his Sinnoh rival. "Paul, wait up!" The purple haired teen turned to Ash, his face hosting a neutral and indifferent expression. "I see you made it."