The Promise We Did

Chapter 25

The sun was hidden up by the clouds giving a cool atmosphere around the city. But even cold can't stop Ash and his training for the day as they were already training hard for the day. 

"Greninja lets try dark pulse" I said taking a defensive position putting my arms in front of me. 
Greninja used dark pulse on me, the black beam headed towards me as i made a aura bubble and covered myself up and defending me from the attack.

"I guess it's enough for today" i said as the blue bubble disappeared. I praised Greninja before returning him back to his pokeball. Pikachu jumped on my shoulder while Lucario jumped to my side as we walked back to the Pokemon center.

After heading back in my room to get freshen up i headed back to the Cafeteria, joining up with my friends.

"So, it's your guys performance today, isn't it?" Bonnie asked out of curiosity.

"Yeah! And we're ready to rock!" May replied.

"I guess , after your performances we can leave for Aquacorde town aswell" added Brock looking at the map.

"Yeah, that'd be fine by us, isn't it?" May chimed in again looking at Serena and Dawn who both nodded in approval of the idea.

"Alright then, we'll be heading off to Aquacorde town after the performance. Prepare your bags once you finish the breakfast" Brock said getting up and heading towards him room. 

We ate the breakfast and packed our bags wearing them off and then headed out for the stadium the contest was being held, the girls again walked by on their own ahead while we followed them behind. Lucario was just happy as he didn't had to lift the bags again, only our camping bags.

I saw the girls laughing and having fun in the front except for Serena? why? she looked like she's faking a smile. Was she nervous? but why? i'll talk to her once we reach there.

"Yeah so Brock , your Steelix when it mega evolves and uses thunderbolt , how powerful is that move?" asked Gary.

"Hmm. lets see , Last time i actually tested it in a testing environment , it was able to a big boulder apart in two" Brock said placing his hands under his chin looking up trying to think.

"That's powerful!" said Clemont , then added "I need you to take a look at luxray later aswell. I think it's power has fallen even further" 

"Sure, lets get done with their performances and when we camp tonight, i'll take a look" Brock replied.

I just heard them talking but decided not to chim in, I was more focused on Serena. She wasn't feeling alright and I could see it. Why wouldn't Dawn and May see it though? She's clearly faking her attention.

Anyway after walking for quite sometime, we made it to the stadium. We were quite early so we had quite some time on our hand. The three competing girls went in contestant's room while we made our way towards the stand. I know i had to talk her out of the nervousness she's facing right now else her performance would be destroyed.

"Hey Pikachu" I said looking at Pikachu.

"Pika?" He asked.

"Do u mind getting Serena out at the main entrance? Ill be waiting there" i whispered in his ears. He nodded and ran out. I got up and acted as if I'm following him.

"Ash where are you going?" Asked Misty.

"Pikachu saw a bottle of Ketchup , I guess he wants a bit. I'm going after him" I said turning back then running outside again.

I ran out towards the entrance, there was still like a hour before the contest begins so I had quite some time. I stood their waiting and soon enough I heard Pikachu's voice. I turned around to see him leaping at my shoulder while Serena casually walked towards me.

"What is it Ash?" She asked.

"Let's go somewhere else" I said grabbing her hand and guiding her out from the public area and making our way towards the upper floor of the stadium to an empty stands as far as you can see.

I looked at her and her cheeks were slightly pink? Why? Anyways we sat on an empty seat.

"Now.... Tell me , what's wrong?" I asked and Pikachu hopped off my shoulder and ran off to the stands behind.

"Nothing not really" she replied confused.

"Serena, cut it out. I know you are nervous. You were faking your smile today , I wanna know what's bothering you" I said again sounding as comforting as I can.

I saw her melt out, a few tears formed in her eyes and fell on her cheek. Without a warning she threw herself on me hugging me tightly crying a bit, I could tell she was crying from her breaths being short and the sobs but I comforted her rubbing back lightly.

"I'm scared and nervous..... My performances aren't going good right now and I don't know what's gonna happen when I step on that stage" she said her head still on my shoulders.

"It's fine Serena, you've been through harder times. Just because your last ones aren't going that good that doesn't mean this one will be bad aswell. You're gonna win today I know that" I replied comforting her.

I felt her breath going normal but still hugging me tightly.

"You think so?" She asked.

"Mhm, you'll do really good today" I reassured her.

She broke the hug going completely red but still having a sweet smile on her face.

"I'm sorry .. uh i didn't knew what i was doing" she managed to say.

"Don't mind it, now you should head back and rock the stage!" i said making a fist in enthusiasm while Pikachu jumped back on my shoulder mimicking the action. She nodded and we headed back down stairs.

She gave me a warm smile before she started to head into her room.

"Don't give up , until it's over" i said again looking at her. She turned back , i saw confidence reignite on her beautiful face with a ear to ear grin. Beautiful face? again? what's up with me.

-3rd person

 Serena stood in front of the mirror dressed and ready for her performance with a flame ignited in her , she knew she can't give up now. Specially after the small talk she had with Ash....... Thinking of Ash she can't seem to get him out of his mind and this trance she was in was being observed by the other two performers.

"Serena , you're up next!" said the staff checking her notepad.

"Alright, thank you" she said before stroking the fur of Sylveon.

"Lets go do this!" she said looking at her loved fairy type.

"Syl!" Sylveon replied happily.

"Good luck Serena" said Dawn.

"Yeah, good luck!" added May.

"Thanks guys!" she said as she stood up and headed towards the curtains.

"Next up we have Serena!" she heard a buffered voice of the host.

"never give up , until it's over"

The phrase repeated itself over and over in her mind.