Promises

Chapter 2: You Had My Word

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon. Pokemon belongs to GameFreak, etc.

I'm kind of discouraged to write because of the low reads... but I won't give up! I hope to make this story something people enjoy reading. To those of you who have spent some time to read the first chapter, thank you!

"And the winner of the Lumiose City Rookie Class Showcase is... Performer Serena!"

Thank the heavens for sending Ash to her for help. She had cut it close there. She probably would've lost if Ash didn't show up at the right time.

"We all look forward to seeing you in the Master Class Showcase. The location of it will be revealed tonight at eight!" Pierre announced.

Serena was elated. More because of Ash than her win here. She remembered his words, years ago just before they left each other in the airport.

"I promise all of you I will see you again. Not just on the phone. I will see you again in person. But for now, I guess it's goodbye."

He kept that promise. He was here, in person. She thought this day couldn't get any better.

Serena was just getting changed out of her performance outfit. You know, that white coat lined with gold, white gloves and white boots with red stripes and the yellow and red patterned skirt? Yeah, that one. Well anyway, she shoved it in her bag and left the change room. Outside the theatre, Clemont and Bonnie were waiting, but there was no Ash.

"Great performance, Serena!" Bonnie squealed.

"Yeah, you were great!" Clemont added.

"Thanks guys, but where's Ash?"

"I don't think he's here." Bonnie said, sounding slightly sad.

Then they heard clapping. It was coming from – you guessed it – Ash, who was leaning against the wall a few metres next to them. 

"Never knew my friends could give up on me so quickly."

Serena was the first to react. She had been the most eager to see him, after all. She bounded towards him and crushed him in a hug.

"Calm down Serena. It's good to see you too."

"Ash!" Bonnie screamed and ran to her metaphorical brother. Clemont followed her.

"Hey Bonnie! You are so much taller and prettier now! Have you been taking care of Dedenne properly?"

"Yeah, I have! I even beat big bro in a battle, and now it's your turn to be defeated!"

Ash laughed. Not out of overconfidence, but because of Bonnie's current mood.

"Hey Clemont. Gym going well?"

"Of course." Ash grasped Clemont's hand and shook it.

"All three of you... long time no see huh? In person anyway."

"Yeah." They all readily agreed with him. They noticed the same differences in him as Dawn did.

"So, how are we planning to spend our time together? Dinner tonight? A battle or two?"

"You're on, Ash!" Bonnie pounced on the opportunity.

"Sure, why not?"

Ash saw that Serena remained silent. He knew she didn't do battling, but the dinner sounded good enough, surely?

"Serena? Are we going for dinner tonight?"

"Eh? Oh, right. Of course we are. We're not going to let your visit go to waste, of course."