Amourshipping - Love Over the Horizon!

Chapter 2: Fond Memories

"All right, remember how I said there were other ways for Pokémon and trainers to show their bond other than battling?" Professor Kukui asked.

"Yeah, what do you mean?" Sophocles asked.

"Oh! Do you mean other things like Pokémon sports? Like Pokémon tennis?"

"That's right, Lillie," Kukui said. "Some Pokémon don't like to battle; some even refuse to! But that doesn't mean they can't have a bond with their trainers. Pokémon bonds are just like bonds you have with any other friend!"

"Are there any other ways besides sports?" Lana asked.

"Yep! In fact, in a few days, we're having a surprise guest come to Alola to show just what I mean!"

"Really? Who is it?" Ash asked, intrigued by who this "surprise guest" could be.

"Well, it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you!" Professor Kukui laughed. "But I can tell you she's actually a well known Pokémon performer in the Hoenn region!"

"Pokémon performer!?" Ash asked, a bit surprised.

"What's with the sudden interest, Ash?" Kiawe asked next to him.

"Nothing," Ash said. "I just had a friend who was really interested in that kind of thing."

"So you know what it is?" Kukui asked.

"Ya huh!" Ash nodded. "You and your Pokémon go through that whole dance routine! You all dress up in super fancy outfits and dance on the stage and use your moves and go 'boom!' and 'kazam!' and it's so cool!"

"Your descriptions still need a lot of work, Ash," Lana sighed. Then, they all heard Komala ring the bell outside and began to pack their bags.

As Ash walked home, he started to wonder who this mystery performer was. But the more he thought about it, the more he started to think about and miss Serena. Out of all his companions in the past, she was the one he was closest to. He was there for her, and she was always there for him. When he lost the gym battle in Snowbelle City, she was the one who snapped him out of it. When he got sick and the Pikachu trainer appeared, she was the one who took care of Ash and went out of her way to make sure he was alright. When he challenged the Kalos league, she was there.

She'd dropped so many hints over their journey, and he was too dense to notice. And by the time she left, it was too late. They were already parting ways. She...she loved him, and he didn't even notice!

"Ash? Ash!? ASH!"

"PIKA PIKA-PIKACHU!!!"

"Huh?" Ash shook his head and looked at Rotom and Pikachu.

"Ash," Rotom said and floated closer to him. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah," he said. "I'm fine." Pikachu hopped off Ash's shoulder and walked closer to Rotom, sensing he needed some space. But why, it didn't know.

They remained silent for the whole walk home. Rotom and Pikachu kept sending concerned glances at Ash. Even Rowlet, who was surprisingly awake in his backpack, decided it was best to not say anything and go back to sleep. When they got home, Ash trudged up the porch and opened the door.

"Huh?" Professor Burnet walked over to the door. "Oh, Ash! How are you?"

"I'm fine," Ash mumbled and dropped his backpack to the floor. He climbed up his ladder and sat on his bed.

"Ash?" Professor Burnet was pretty shocked by how gloomy he looked. In fact, it was surprising he was even home at all. He's usually up and doing his "special training" with his Pokémon. "Is Ash okay?" she asked Rotom.