Road To Become A Pokemon Master

Chapter 53: Serena's Chateau Finale!

"Are we set to go?" Serena asked once she and the rest had gotten their things together.

The group was standing outside of Serena's house and preparing to depart for Viridian City. Their destination had turned out to be an extremely mixed bag for the group, in particular for Ash and Serena. On one hand, Viridian City had been where they both were creamed at the Battle Chateau their first try. It had also been where they had their first encounter with Team Rocket, and where Ash had to face the leader of the criminal organization himself to get back his mom who was captured. There had been positives in that city, as well, however. Ash had earned his eighth badge. Team Rocket was disbanded, and of course, it's the place where Ash and Serena had finally become a couple.

Now, their reasons were different. They were going for Serena's chance to finally conquer the Battle Chateau. Her current rank of Duchess was a testament to how hard she and her Pokemon had battled to make it. She had to defeat four very skilled sisters called Chatelaines to truly master it now. The prize for conquering the Battle Chateau was said to be your picture on the wall and a 'fabulous prize'. The group couldn't help but wonder what it was since the staff and advertisements were pretty tight-lipped about it.

"Yeah. I think so. We'll meet up with Brock, Misty, and Leaf at Professor Oak's," Ash replied.

"So Gary isn't coming?" Serena asked a little sadly. It would have been nice if he was there, too.

"Gary disappeared again this morning and didn't answer when I called his Pokegear. He must be really hard at training somewhere," Ash answered.

"Ash, don't forget. You have to train hard, too! The Pokemon League is less than a month away, and it will be no good if you aren't in shape," Delia reminded.

"Togepriii!" Togepi piped up in Ash's arms.

"See? Togepi even thinks so," Delia pointed out.

"Right, Mom. I'll train as soon as we get back. I promise," Ash said as he smiled sheepishly.

"Let him relax, dear. Ash has proven to be a natural. He can afford to take a break every now and then," Red said as he placed his hand on Delia's shoulder.

"I know. I just want my baby to be his best," Delia stated.

Ash blushed in embarrassment at his mom calling him her baby. This didn't go unnoticed by Pikachu who was snickering quietly but just loud enough for Ash to hear. Despite all that has happened recently, she was still the same old mom.

"Feel free to make yourselves at home while we are gone. Our house is your house. Our Rhyhorn just had its breakfast so you shouldn't need to worry about it," Grace told Ash's parents kindly.

Grace had decided to accompany her daughter for her big day. It really thrilled Serena to know that her mom cared enough about her goal to come, too. Serena knew her mom was originally a little disappointed that she chose something else besides Rhyhorn racing, but she was still supportive of her goals, regardless of what they were. It would be the first time her mom would be watching her do a Pokemon battle, and Serena couldn't wait to show how far she had come.

"We really can't thank you enough for opening your home to us like this while our house is being fixed, Grace," Delia said.

"It's no trouble at all, really. Company is always welcome," Grace smiled.