Amourshipping One-shots

Like You Do

We rejoin our heroes as they continue to make their way across the radiant lands that make up the Kalos Region.

Although they've had their fair share of tough moments, we find our beloved Serena in one of her toughest yet as she has just failed to make it through to the next round in her debut Pokémon Contest.

"And the winner of today's competition is... Shauna of Vaniville Town!" The announcement still rang in Serena's ear as if she were hearing it for the first time. Her heart sank into her stomach as she looked herself in the mirror.

"You did your best. You did your best. You did your best!" She clenched her teeth and tightened her fists until her knuckles turned white.

She looked away from the mirror as she squeezed her eyes shut as if to hold back her tears, but that didn't help much. The tears still fought their way out in streams. As she cried, Fennekin and Pancham crept into the room sensing her distress.

"Fennekin!" Fennekin cried as she ran to Serena with Pancham in step.

"It's not your fault!" Serena cried with her eyes still tightly shut. "I know you both did your best!" More tears came pouring out as she looked down at them both.

"Pancham-Pan!" Pancham cried. They were both visibly upset at seeing Serena cry.

Although she knew it wasn't their fault, she couldn't help the surge of anger that came over her. It wasn't directed at them, but at herself. She was angry and upset and heartbroken and frustrated. She bent down and embraced them as she nestled her face in their fur, finding some kind of comfort.

[in the other room]

Bonnie, Clemont and Ash all sat around a table, quiet. Ash kept glancing at the door every so often.

"Pika," Pikachu cried as he nudged Ash and motioned to the door.

A smile cracked on his face. "I'm sure she's fine, buddy."

"You really think so?" Clemont asked.

"Of course I do. It's Serena we're talking about. Like I said before, she's strong. She can handle this." He said with a sure expression.

"Hmm." Clemont looked down. "Ash, do you remember losing your first battle? Do you remember how you felt?"

Ash's expression faded back into a more serious one. "Yeah, I do... but I mean I bounced right back and-"

"But we aren't talking about you. This is Serena. She's been preparing for this for some time now. Who knows how she's doing right now. Perhaps she feels as though she's let us down because we believed in her and pushed her."

"You think so?" He asked.

"It's a possibility. As a gym leader, I've seen many different reactions from people when some win and when some lose. Losing, especially if you're just starting out and hoping for the best, can be disheartening."

"I supposed you're right, Clemont." Ash said.

"Should one of us go talk to her maybe?" Bonnie asked.

"What do you think, Ash?" Clemont asked him.

"I'm going to check on her and see what I can do if I can comfort her." Ash said with Pikachu following him.

[back in the room]

Serena was now standing on the balcony looking up at the sky as the wind tussled her hair. She turned her head slightly when she heard a knock on the door. Fennekin and Pancham did the same as they sat on one of the beds.

"Serena?" Ash called from the other side. "Can I come in?"

"Yes." Her tone was soft, almost fragile.