Author’s Note:
Hi all, hope everything’s going well. We’re back with another GCTO chapter today. If you missed the last one, you can catch it here. As for this one, let’s get to it.
As they walked through the forest, Ash and Serena lagged behind the rest of the group to keep close to Houndoom who walked slowly, his head down. Clemont was a little in front, seemingly surprised he wasn't the slowest of the group, and he was talking with Alain, who seemed quite interested in the Aipom Arm. Bonnie and Mairin were in the lead, apparently quickly becoming friends and animatedly discussing their aspirations to become strong trainers, pointing out Ash and Alain as their idols. Ash's Charizard flew up above, while Infernape stayed fairly close to Ash and Serena.
Ash looked back at Houndoom. He couldn't believe that Malva could abandon a Pokemon like that. He knew that Mega Evolution required a strong bond, so seeing a bond like that shatter, was pretty heartbreaking to see. He couldn't even imagine life without Pikachu. The thought of that made him feel empty inside.
Ash felt Serena squeeze his hand and looked to see her watching him in concern. "What are you thinking about?" she asked quietly.
Ash looked up at Pikachu on his shoulder and then back at Serena. "I just can't believe a bond that was strong enough for Mega Evolution could be broken like that," he said, hearing his voice shake with emotion.
Serena nodded. "You know you and Pikachu, you and all your Pokemon, are different than that, right?"
She had seemed to read his mind. He couldn't help but be a little impressed. He looked back at Houndoom. "But, they probably never thought their relationship would change..." He couldn't finish.
Serena squeezed his hand again. "Don't think like that. You're different from Malva. You'd never join an organization like Team Flare, would you?"
Ash sighed. "Alain joined them without knowing what they were," he said, gesturing to the trainer in front of them.
Serena shook her head. "That's different. He helped them, not knowing who they were and what they were really doing. But, when he figured it out, he helped us over them. Malva chose to join them. She knew about everything they did. She let them change her into someone who didn't care about Pokemon. You will always care about Pokemon. Look, you were fighting with Houndoom only a little while ago, now you want to do everything you can to help him. Already you've shown yourself to be different than Malva."
Ash soaked in everything Serena said. He thought carefully about it. She was right, he would never join an organization like Team Flare, and like Alain, he would immediately stop if he found himself with people who hurt Pokemon. He smiled at Serena. "You're the best."
Serena blushed. "I just want you to remember how good a person you are."
"Pikachu," Pikachu said happily. He playfully pawed at Ash's face.
Serena smiled. She looked around as they continued to walk and then she had a look of realization on her face and pulled out her Pokedex. "I haven't scanned Infernape and Houndoom yet," she said.
First, she pointed her Pokedex at Houndoom. "Houndoom, the Dark Pokemon and the evolved form of Houndour. Houndoom's eerie howl is said to cause those who hear it to shudder in fear." She felt bad hearing that, as she looked back and saw Houndoom looking so timid. Then, she pointed her Pokedex at Infernape, and an image of him appeared on the screen. "Infernape, the Flame Pokemon. The evolved form of Monferno and the final evolved form of Chimchar. Its crown of fire is indicative of its fiery nature. It is beaten by few in terms of quickness."
"Infernape!" Infernape said proudly, smiling at what the Pokedex had to say about him.
Ash laughed. "Yeah that sounds about right. Infernape definitely has a fiery nature. He was the main reason I got into the final four in the Sinnoh League."
Serena looked at Infernape, smiling. "Wow, so you've beaten some strong opponents then, haven't you, Infernape?" she asked.
Infernape nodded and then Ash decided to boast about his Pokemon some more. "Infernape was awesome. We actually went up against his old trainer in the quarter finals and he beat three different Pokemon." He looked proudly at Infernape. "I'm gonna need you for the Kalos League, Infernape." Infernape nodded happily. Then, Ash got a puzzled look on his face. "Hold on...why are Infernape and Charizard even here?"
Serena looked a little nervous. "Um...well...I called Professor Oak to see if he could send some of your Pokemon to help us rescue you. He couldn't because we didn't have your Pokedex, but Charizard overheard and he and Infernape ran off. They hitched a ride on a plane from Pallet Town to Lumiose City and I guess flew here from there."
Ash smiled. "Wow...thanks Serena." He looked at Infernape and up at Charizard who was now hovering over them, listening. "And thanks to you guys, too. You saved Greninja and I back there." Infernape smiled and Charizard roared happily in response.
Serena smiled as well. "I'm glad they were able to help." She looked back at Houndoom. "So, what do you think we should do about Houndoom?" Ash got the feeling she was trying to get him to answer a specific way. He looked at her with a confused expression. "You know what I'm saying," she whispered.
Ash sighed, his suspicions confirmed. He thought for a couple of minutes and then spoke. "I think he's an awesome Pokemon. He did everything that was asked of him by Malva. And, honestly, if Infernape and Sylveon hadn't fought him first, Pikachu and I wouldn't have won." He glanced back at Houndoom, making sure he wasn't listening. "I'd love to have him join us, but not just because he's strong. I want to help him."
Serena pulled Ash closer to her and put her arm around his waist. He did the same with her. "Ash," she said, "that's exactly why I want you to convince him to go with you. So many trainers would try to take Houndoom, only because of his strength. You're the right person to do it, because you want to help him heal."
Ash smiled. "I'll talk to him. I'll see if I can convince him." He paused and they continued to walk for a few more minutes. "It has to be his choice."
It had taken awhile, but the group finally arrived at the Pokemon Centre. The Nurse Joy that was at Lysandre's lab, was now helping the Geosenge Town Nurse Joy, so it looked like things would be operating quickly. The Nurse Joys quickly got to work and collected Mairin's, Alain's, Clemont's, Ash's and Serena's Pokemon. Houndoom went in with them. Bonnie, Clemont and Mairin went to wait together in the lobby. Alain got a room and went to rest. Meanwhile, Serena and Ash waited out front, sitting on a bench, watching the ocean.
Serena looked at Ash. "So, what do you want to say to Houndoom?" she asked.
Ash shrugged. "I'm not sure. I mean, I guess I'll tell him that really, he gets a choice of wherever he wants to go now. He can either try to deal with what has happened on his own, or he can let others help him. Then, I'll ask if he wants to come along."
Serena nodded. "Well, don't beat around the bush. I think it's much better to tell him exactly what you want."
Ash laughed and gave Serena a look that was both amused and surprised. "You're kidding, right?" he asked. "After all the time you spent beating around the bush with me?"
Serena blushed. "Shut up," she said, trying to hold back a laugh. Ash kept laughing and she started to get irritated. "You know, I gave you enough hints. If you weren't so clueless-" She stopped talking immediately as Ash quickly leaned forward, gently held her head in his hands, and pulled her into a kiss.
Serena was feeling dizzy when Ash finally leaned back and looked at her. "I know," he said, smiling. "I should have figured it out, but at least I finally have." Serena just stared back blankly and Ash laughed. "Now who's the clueless one?" he joked.
Serena managed to regain her composure. "I..." She shook her head, deciding not to argue. She grabbed Ash and pulled him closer to her and this time she kissed him. She was pleased as this time, when she pulled back, he had the dumbfounded expression. "Two can play that game," she giggled.
They were interrupted by the doors to the Pokemon Centre opening. One of the Nurse Joys came out, holding Ash's and Serena's pokeballs. Pikachu, Charizard and Infernape followed her out, as did Houndoom. Pikachu leaped up onto the bench and quickly climbed up on Ash's shoulder, while Houndoom walked over to the beach. Charizard and Infernape stood near the bench.
"Your Pokemon are doing well," Nurse Joy said. "Greninja was quite tired, but he should be fighting fit after a few days rest," she told Ash.
Ash smiled. "Thanks Nurse Joy,” he said. He looked over at Houndoom. "Um...is Houndoom alright?" he asked.
Nurse Joy looked over at the horned dog on the beach. "His problem isn't physical, it's emotional, but I guess you know that. I'm aware of the situation. Officer Jenny gave me a call." She sighed and then looked at Ash. "Jenny seemed to think you would be a good fit to be his trainer."
Serena felt quite pleased, hearing that. She looked at Ash, expecting him to be looking happy, too, but he just looked surprised. "Why?" he asked. He looked at Houndoom and then back at Nurse Joy. "I mean, I'd love to help him, but why does Officer Jenny think I'm a good fit?"
Nurse Joy smiled. "Houndoom has been the go to Pokemon for one of the strongest trainers in the Kalos region for years. He's hardly ever lost a battle. A Pokemon like that respects those who defeat it. Houndoom will struggle coming to terms with Malva's abandoning him, but he'll respect you for having beaten him. I'm sure he will respect the way you treat your Pokemon as well." With that she gave one more look at Houndoom, and returned inside.
Serena watched Ash think for a few moments and then decided to break the silence. "Well?" she asked.
Ash looked at her. "I guess I'll call Professor Oak," he said. He looked at Charizard and Infernape. "I'm sorry guys, but I can't keep you with me for now." They nodded, clearly having expected it, but they still had a sad look. "I have to give some of my Pokemon from Kalos the chance to fight the final gym battle, but don't worry, because you two are definitely going to be important for the League." Charizard roared happily, while Infernape pumped his fist.
Serena followed Ash and his Pokemon inside and they all went to the phone. Ash sat down, making room for Serena to sit next to him. When she sat next to him, he dialled. He had a nervous look and Serena looked questioningly at him. "What's up?" she asked.
Before Ash could answer, the phone was picked up on the other end, and Ash's mother appeared on the screen, next to Professor Oak. "Ash!" she yelled. "How are you? Are you okay?" She looked at Serena. "Thank you so much, Serena!" she yelled. "I know you were concerned for me and that's why you had Professor Oak keep it a secret, but I knew something was up, because I saw on the news that Charizard and Infernape had gone on that plane. Anyways, thank you so much for saving my little Ash. You're such a wonderful young lady!"
Serena's eyes widened with the bombardment from Delia. She glanced at Ash, wanting him to say something. He looked back and shrugged. "That," he whispered, answering her question from before the phone had been answered. He looked back at his mom. "Hi mom,” he said.
Delia's eyes flared. "What? You get kidnapped and all you say is hi? You beat a member of the Kalos Elite Four and all you say is hi?"
Ash looked shocked. "Wait...how do you know about that?" he asked. Serena could see he was blushing.
Delia's anger had now disappeared. She looked extremely proud. "Oh, Ash, it's been all over the news. You're a hero here in Pallet Town already. The story just broke a few minutes ago and already about thirty people have called me to ask me to have you sign autographs for their kids when you get back home."
Serena was struggling to hold back a laugh. She could tell that Ash was completely baffled at the idea of being a celebrity for something that had happened not even that long ago. He was exchanging a quizzical look with Pikachu. He looked back at his mother. "Um...well...I guess I'll do that," he said. "But, I've still got a lot to do here."
Delia smiled. "I know, Ash," she said and she looked at Serena. "Now don't let him allow fame to make him overconfident and cocky. He needs to stay focused."
Serena smiled. "Don't worry, I think Ash will be fine." She winked at Ash. "And I know how to get him to focus."
Delia nodded, happy with the answer. "Well, I'll let you speak with Professor Oak now." She looked at Ash. "Good luck, sweetie." She waved and then left.
Professor Oak sighed and then took his seat in front of the phone. "Hello, Ash. Hello, Serena,” he greeted. They greeted him back. He looked behind them at Charizard and Infernape. "Well, I'm glad that Charizard and Infernape were able to help,” he said, smiling.
Ash nodded. "They saved Greninja and I from a tough spot." He looked back at his two Pokemon and smiled sadly, before looking back at Oak. "I'd love to stay with them, but...you know."
Oak looked sympathetic. "Yes, but don't worry, Bulbasaur and I have a tough training regimen ready for all of your Pokemon. I'm sure Charizard and Infernape will enjoy it." Serena looked at the two fire types and they were now looking quite intrigued. "Actually, Ash, there's another Pokemon here for the training you might want to see."
Ash looked surprised and excited. "I bet I know what that means."
Oak smirked and nodded. He looked somewhere off screen and waved. Serena could hear a loud noise like running and then a blue, turtle like Pokemon appeared on Oak's lap and looked happily at Ash. "Squirtle!" he said, pulling off a pair of sunglasses.
Serena noticed Ash looking quite pleased. "Hey Squirtle!" he said. "How's the fire fighting going?"
"Squirtle squirt!" Squirtle said, looking proud.
"Awesome!" Ash said. He noticed Serena's confused look and explained. "Squirtle helps out fighting fires with a group of other Squirtle. They're called the Squirtle Squad." He then smiled nervously at Squirtle. "Uh...Squirtle, I'd like you to meet Serena. She's my...girlfriend."
Squirtle looked completely shocked, but then smiled. "Squirtle!" he yelled happily.
"It's nice to meet you, Squirtle,” Serena greeted.
Oak smiled. "Officer Jenny said that the Squirtle Squad should be able to do their duties without your Squirtle for awhile so that he may train and help you in the Kalos League," he explained. "Squirtle is going to help Bulbasaur and I with setting up the training regimen."
"Great," Ash said.
Oak then picked up a couple of pokeballs. "Alright, I've got Charizard's and Infernape's pokeballs here. I'll send them to you right now. Just scan your Pokedex." Ash did so and then Oak placed the pokeballs on a tray and Serena was amazed to see it vanish in a bright light. Then, her jaw dropped, as she saw two pokeballs appear on a tray right next to Ash. "Now, you may say your goodbyes and we can then finish the exchange."
Ash turned to Charizard and Infernape. "I'm gonna miss you guys, but don't worry, okay. I'll see you soon." The two fire-types nodded. Infernape hugged Ash and then Charizard went next. Pikachu nuzzled both as well.
Then, Serena got up. "Thank you," she said to Infernape and Charizard. She felt tears in her eyes. "You two really saved us." She rushed forward and hugged them both at once, surprising them, but then she felt them return the hug.
Serena then sat down and watched as Ash recalled the two to their pokeballs and placed them on the tray. However, he didn't send them. "Um...Professor Oak, I'm actually going to send you another Pokemon," he said.
Oak looked surprised. "Why is that?" he asked.
Serena saw Ash look towards Houndoom, who was still outside on the beach. He then looked back at the screen. "I...I just need to make room for someone else. Is there someone specific you'd like me to send?"
Oak thought for a moment. "Well...you do have a Talonflame now, correct?" Ash nodded. "I'd love to see how he matches up with some of your other flying types like Swellow, Staraptor and Unfezant. Would you mind sending him?"
Ash thought for a moment and then nodded and pulled out a pokeball and released Talonflame. "Hey Talonflame?" Ash said.
"Talonflame!" Talonflame said. He stood in front of the video monitor.
Ash looked a little nervous. "Do you think you could help out Professor Oak for a little while in Pallet Town? He specifically requested you."
Talonflame turned and looked at the monitor. Oak smiled. "Hello Talonflame," he said, waving. "You know, I wonder how you will match up against some of Ash's other flying Pokemon. I think you might be able to give Staraptor a run for his money. He's been winning a lot of races lately."
Talonflame looked pleased. He turned to Ash and nodded. Ash smiled. "Thanks, Talonflame." He stroked the fire-bird's beak. "And I'm gonna need you back soon. You're gonna be important against the Snowbelle Gym." Talonflame nodded. He and Ash had one final goodbye, before Ash recalled him to his pokeball and placed it with Charizard and Infernape on the tray.
Serena watched, intrigued, as Ash scanned his Pokedex again, and the three pokeballs disappeared and then reappeared on screen, this time with Professor Oak. "Alright Ash, they're all here," Oak said happily.
"Great, thanks Professor Oak," Ash said. "I'll talk to you soon. Bye to you, too, Squirtle," Ash finished.
"Bye Professor Oak. Bye Squirtle,” Serena added.
"Goodbye," Oak said and the call ended.
Ash looked at Serena once the call was over. "Well, I think I'll go talk to Houndoom now," he said.
Serena nodded. "Yeah, that's a good idea." She held his hand. "Do you want me to come with you?" she asked.
Ash shook his head. "No thanks. I think I should talk to him alone." He looked out at Houndoom. "He's probably gonna want some privacy."
Ash went out with Pikachu after that and walked towards the beach and Houndoom. The horned dog looked back to see who was approaching, but looked back at the beach once he saw Ash. Ash was relieved to see that Houndoom wasn't mad that he'd intruded on his solitude.
"Hi Houndoom," Ash said. The dog-like Pokemon growled in response. Not an angry growl, more of an acknowledgement of Ash's greeting. Ash sat down next to him. "You know, the smell of the ocean has always been a favourite of mine. How about you?"
Houndoom looked at Ash. He had a bit of a surprised expression. He clearly hadn't expected Ash to sound so casual. "Hound," he said, looking at the ocean and nodding. He even gave a sniff and a closed his eyes, savouring the smell.
Ash smiled and did the same. He took a long sniff and savoured the smell with his eyes closed. He remembered his walk on the beach with Serena and the happiness he felt only seemed to increase. He opened his eyes and looked at Houndoom. He was shocked to see the horned dog looking at him. "You're probably wondering why I came out here to talk to you, huh?" he asked.
Houndoom nodded. "Hound,” he said.
Ash looked back out towards the ocean. He thought of what Serena had said about not beating around the bush, and decided to just do it. "Houndoom, I know you're going through a rough time right now. I know you must remember a lot of good times with Malva, and it must be really difficult to deal with the person she has become. It's gotta be tough to think of what she made you do, and how she didn't even appreciate you." He stopped and looked at Houndoom who now was glaring at the ground. "I'm sorry to bring it up, but I just want you to know I understand how hard it is for you right now."
Houndoom nodded, which surprised Ash a little. The horned dog looked at Pikachu on Ash's shoulder and the electric mouse nodded encouragingly. "Pikachu," he said.
Ash continued. "Houndoom, I was wondering if you wanted to come along with me?" Ash asked, surprising even himself with how quickly he was able to say it. "I think we could help each other and become good friends."
The horned dog looked stunned, clearly having not expected to be asked this question. However, Ash was pleased that he didn't look angry. Perhaps, he even looked a little pleased by the request?
They were interrupted, though. A loud mechanical scratching sound split through the air, and Ash felt a weight being plucked off his shoulder. He looked up, furious, seeing Team Rocket in their Meowth hot air balloon. Pikachu was in a glass case, hooked onto a mechanical arm.
Team Rocket performed their motto and Ash glared up at them. "Give Pikachu back!" he yelled angrily.
Ash reached towards his belt and was about to grab Pidgeot's pokeball, before Houndoom stepped forward and barked angrily. "Hound!" He looked back at Ash, as if telling him not to bother. Ash smiled and nodded.
Team Rocket smirked down. Jessie and James released their Gourgeist and Inkay. Jessie peered down at Houndoom next to Ash. "What's with the Houndoom?" she asked. Houndoom answered with a blast of flames, that Meowth barely managed to manoeuvre the balloon enough to dodge. Jessie looked furious. "Gourgeist, use Dark Pulse!" she yelled.
James added Inkay to the attack. "Inkay, use Psybeam!" he called.
Houndoom dug in his feet, leaned his head back and swung it forward, releasing a dark, purple and black jet of energy back at Team Rocket's Pokemon. His Dark Pulse easily powered through their attacks and slammed into Gourgeist and Inkay. The two Rocket Pokemon were blasted backwards and hit both Wobbuffet and Meowth, knocking them down. Jessie and James looked panicked.
"Great job, Houndoom!" Ash congratulated. "Think you can help get Pikachu out?" he asked the horned dog.
Houndoom nodded, but Jessie sneered down. "We've designed this mechanical arm so that nothing can break it. No Pokemon can-" Her eyes widened as Houndoom launched a blast of flames that struck the robotic arm, holding Pikachu's glass case.
Ash watched as Houndoom's flames engulfed the mechanical arm, not knowing what to expect. Jessie had seemed pretty confident that the machine was strong enough to withstand any attack. Houndoom's attack stopped, and the robotic arm still stood, holding Pikachu's case. Houndoom narrowed his eyes, about to launch another attack, but then there was a loud crack and the arm holding Pikachu broke, dropping the case. Houndoom, with incredible speed, leaped high up and caught the case in his horns. He landed perfectly next to Ash, who took the case and released Pikachu.
"Thanks, Houndoom!" Ash said happily. Pikachu hopped up onto Ash's shoulder and glared up at Team Rocket who looked nervous. "Alright let's send them on their way. Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"
Pikachu leaped up and yelled, "Pikachu!" He launched a powerful jet of electricity. It was joined by Houndoom's powerful blast of flames. The two attacks circled around each other and struck the middle of the Meowth balloon. The top of it was completely obliterated, and then there was a massive explosion.
Team Rocket looked up at the missing part of their balloon in fearful exasperation and then glanced down at Ash, Pikachu and Houndoom, before being launched away by the explosion. Their chorus of "We're blasting off again," could be heard as they flew away.
Serena had been talking to Nurse Joy when she heard a massive explosion outside. She immediately ran out, worrying that Lysandre had returned and had hurt Ash. However, the sight that greeted her, was a smiling Ash, with Pikachu and Houndoom looking similarly happy.
"What happened?" Serena asked, running up to Ash and hugging him.
Ash hugged her back and then put his hands on her shoulders and smiled at her. "Nothing much. Team Rocket."
Serena sighed. "When are they ever going to give up?" She looked at Pikachu and then at Houndoom. "What did they try to do?"
Ash rolled his eyes. "They grabbed Pikachu with one of those glass cases and robotic arms." He then smiled at Houndoom. "Houndoom saved the day, though. He rescued Pikachu and helped us get rid of them."
Serena smiled. "That's great." She looked at Houndoom, her eyes shining. "Thanks for you help, Houndoom. That was so nice of you."
Houndoom barked happily and then he looked up at Ash. "Hound!" He barked again. Ash looked surprised.
Serena smiled. "Houndoom...you wanna go with Ash?" she asked.
Houndoom nodded and smiled. Ash smiled back and took out a pokeball. "Houndoom, I know that we're gonna be really great friends. We're going to overcome any problem, together. I know you're going through a rough time right now, but know I'm there for you." Houndoom nodded. Ash held out the pokeball. "Ready?" Houndoom only needed to answer by raising his paw and tapping it against the pokeball. A red light engulfed him and he went inside. The pokeball shook once, twice and then a third time, before stopping and staying still. Ash did his signature pose when getting a new Pokemon. "Alright, I got a Houndoom!" he yelled happily.
"Pi pikachu!" Pikachu added happily.
"Congratulations Ash," Serena said with a big smile. She was happy, not only for Ash, but for Houndoom as well. There wasn't a better trainer to help him recover from Malva's abandonment.
Ash smiled. "Thanks." He held her hand and nodded to the Pokemon Centre. "Now let's go eat. I'm starving."
Serena laughed. "Typical you."
The two of them walked back to the Pokemon Centre. They found their friends already getting ready to eat. Alain had come back down from his rest and was joining them. Mairin, Clemont and Bonnie were also already getting some food. Everyone finally got some food and sat down at a big table.
"It's nice to finally relax a little," Clemont said, sitting back and just staring at the ceiling. "It's been a pretty hectic few days. First with the showcase, then Ash and Greninja and then this."
Mairin looked confused. "What do you mean?"
Serena blushed as Ash showered her with praise over her performance career so far. He explained to Mairin how Serena had been performing in showcases and getting princess keys and then how she had nearly beaten Aria to be Kalos Queen. "She's amazing. She's definitely gonna win next time," Ash said proudly.
Alain looked intrigued. "I've heard about those. I'm not much for that kind of thing myself, but I've heard that it requires a lot of practice and good teamwork with your Pokemon."
Serena nodded. "It's definitely a lot of work, but it's also a lot of fun. Delphox, Pancham and Sylveon seem to really like it, too, so it's perfect for us."
Mairin looked at Ash. "And then what happened to you and Greninja?" she asked.
Serena sighed. "Well, in the Masterclass they added a twist where I could have a teammate. Ash joined me and in the final we fought Aria. I guess you know about Ash's Greninja's special form which is kind of like Mega Evolution. Anyways, he sometimes takes the damage that Greninja does. Greninja got burned in the battle and Ash ended up in the hospital."
Ash shrugged. "It wasn't that bad,” he said.
Serena rolled her eyes. "You were in a coma," she said, sounding angry. "We were all really worried. I didn't know if you'd ever wake up."
Bonnie decided to interrupt. "Let's talk about other things." She looked at Alain and Mairin. "So what are you guys planning on doing now?"
Alain answered first. "Well, I plan on searching for Lysandre. I have a score to settle with him. He's gotta pay for what he's done."
Mairin nodded. "And I'll help," she said proudly. "We can travel together again."
Alain shook his head. "Not yet, Mairin," he said. She looked like she was about to argue, but Alain held up his hand to tell her to keep quiet. "Don't worry, we'll travel together again soon, but I need to do this on my own. Lysandre and I go back way before you. This is my fight."
Mairin looked sad, but nodded. "As long as you promise we can travel together when you're done."
Alain smiled and nodded. "Of course. I promise." This made Mairin look a little happier.
Bonnie gasped like she had an idea. "Oh! Mairin do you want to travel with us then?" she asked excitedly. She looked at Ash. "Is that okay, Ash?"
Ash smiled and nodded. "Sure, if Mairin wants to, that would be great," he said.
Serena nodded in agreement. "Sure, the more the merrier."
Clemont gave a thumbs up. "Yeah, why don't you come along, Mairin?" he said.
Mairin looked shocked. She clearly hadn't expected to be welcomed so readily by all of them. "Really?" she asked, looking at Ash.
Ash nodded. "Yeah. We're off to Snowbelle City next," he said. "I'm going for my eighth gym badge and then I'm off to the Kalos League."
Mairin's eyes widened in amazement. "Cool!" she said, excitedly. She looked at Bonnie, who smiled encouragingly and then she looked back at Ash. "Alright, I'm in then."
Serena glanced at Alain, who seemed happy with this development. Then, she looked at Ash. "So now we've got two new members in our group," she said, happily.
"Yup,” Ash said with a grin.
Clemont looked confused. "What do you mean?"
Ash smiled with a mischievous look and then he pulled out a pokeball. "Why don't you see for yourself?" He tossed the pokeball and released Houndoom next to him.
Bonnie's eyes widened. "Houndoom joined you?" she asked, looking ecstatic.
Alain looked amazed and impressed. "Incredible," he said. "Ash, Houndoom must really respect you."
"Hound!" Houndoom barked, agreeing with Alain.
Ash looked a little embarrassed. "Heh...well...maybe." He smiled at Houndoom. "Houndoom and I are gonna be good friends from now on. We've decided to help each other out."
Clemont was looking at Ash, dumbfounded. "Ash...you just can't stop amazing everyone, can you?" Ash just laughed nervously back.
Mairin stared at Houndoom in shock. "Wow, with Houndoom you're gonna be tough to beat in the Kalos League,” she said.
Serena put her arm around Ash, looking proud. "Ash is gonna win for sure," she happily said. "Pikachu and Houndoom are gonna lead the way, right?" she asked the two Pokemon.
Pikachu hopped onto Houndoom's back and pumped his fist confidently. "Pika!" he yelled, with a determined expression.
"Hound!" Houndoom barked with a smile.
Ash laughed. "I'm so psyched!" he said. "I can't wait to get to Snowbelle City."
Ash continued to talk about his excitement, but just then, Serena started to remember her last encounter with Palermo. With all that had gone on, she'd completely forgotten about the old performance expert, but now, thinking about going to Snowbelle City, Serena realized that she was expected to meet with Palermo. What would it be that she wanted to talk to Serena about? Palermo had mentioned Serena lacked independence. Did the older woman know a way to overcome that? Serena knew that the only way to find out, would be to speak with her in Snowbelle City.
Author’s Note:
I’d almost forgotten about adding Houndoom to Ash’s team in this, haha. That was a bit bizarre. Anyway, hope you enjoyed. If you want to join the discussion, head here. Next chapter will be here on Friday. See you then.