Finding Truth Amongst The Lies

Chapter 16: Ash's POV

After her somewhat joking suggestion that we travel together in the future, I was grateful when Serena didn't press for a way to contact me. Honestly, being around Serena made me miss being a normal pokemon trainer and that wasn't something I should allow while I was working. That didn't stop me from enjoying the relaxing feeling on my day off though. Roisel was healed and ready shortly after we finished eating and when I suggested we should go for a walk I was glad that Serena accepted.

It made me feel a little happy to see Roisel perched on Serena's shoulder, just like Pikachu on mine. As we walked away from the main part of Jubilife City and towards the quieter areas of the forest that surrounded it, Roisel and Pikachu seemed to be carrying on a conversation between the two of them. Serena giggled several times as the two spoke animatedly and I wondered what they were saying.

"So, what's your next step?" I asked over their whistling conversation. Serena looked up at me and shrugged her shoulders delicately so as not to disturb Roisel too much.

"I guess I'll head over to the next pokemon contest. I'm pretty sure there are a few scheduled in the smaller towns between Jubilife and Oreburgh City," Serena mused with a slightly faraway look. "And I should probably call my mom and let her know that I'm okay."

"Mom's worry a lot, huh? I'm sure she'll be happy to hear from you," I commented, thinking of my own Mom and her patience with me. I felt bad that I couldn't contact her that often, but she always kept herself busy so I hoped she didn't miss me too much.

"Maybe... She was pretty upset when I told her I was quitting as a rhyhorn racer," Serena mumbled softly, looking out to the side of the path and away from me. I frowned slightly at this news, feeling bad that Serena's mom seemed less chill than mine.

"Are you happy, Serena?" I asked, tucking my hands into my jeans pockets. It was great not having to wear the weird grey uniform that was required as a Team Galactic Grunt. I had even considered bringing along a hat to wear like the old days, but since Serena had known me as a kid, I figured I should stick with gelling my hair instead.

"Why do you ask that?" Serena asked, turning back to look at me with a surprised expression. I shrugged, rubbing the back of my neck.

"Well, I was just thinking that as long as you are happy then that should be enough for your mom to be okay with your decision, right?" 

Serena blinked up at me for a few seconds and then her mouth turned up in a gentle smile. "Thanks, Satoshi. You're right. I just need to show her that I'm happy," she said, clasping her hands casually behind her back and looking down the path we were following with a happy smile. 

She had changed out of her contest dress before we left the pokemon center. I thought about telling her I liked her outfit, just a simple combination of light-wash blue jeans, a white shirt, and a purple vest, but I didn't want it to sound weird so I held my tongue.

"You should probably catch another pokemon soon. One of the upcoming contests might be a double performance after all. Sinnoh likes to do that," I told her as I thought back to the double performances Dawn competed in.

"I... actually have another pokemon. But I should probably get some more so I can have better combinations," Serena said with an awkward chuckle.

"Really? Can I see?!" I asked excitedly. Surprisingly, Serena blushed and placed her hand to cover the ring clipped through one of her belt loops where several miniaturized Pokeballs were hanging.

"I guess... but it's a water type that can't battle on land," she mumbled.

"No way! That's awesome! Water type pokemon are so cool, right Pikachu?" I asked with a wide grin.