Pokemon: The Queen of Kalos

A Race to Prove Oneself

Alright, second chapter! Ya girl isn't in this one, but this episode was important for what I'm planning next.

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Our heroes had set off from Lagoon Town, with Ash leading the charge. He was determined to defeat Coumarine City's gym leader, Ramos, but a long journey was ahead of them

Along the way, Clemont caught the Luxio he befrieneded as a Shinx, and Ash's Froakie recently evolved into Frogadier. Then, they were headed towards the city, but something came up.

Appearing at a ranch with a racing track, our heroes were left confused. Well, all but one. Serena nearly fainted when she saw who's there. "Serena, dear, how have you been!? Are these your friends?" A brunette woman asked, embracing the honey blonde.

"Yes, mother. These are Ash, Clemont, Bonnie, and their Pokemon partners," she introduced unhappily.

"Mother!?" Ash exclaimed, to which the woman nods.

"Indeed. I thought Serena would have at least brought me up once or twice! Have you been practicing your racing skills, lately?" She asked her daughter, who already felt fear crawling in her belly.

I can't outright lie to her, but she's been training me to be a racer my whole life even though I don't want to be a racer...

"Racing? I thought Serena was going to be a p-" Ash began, but Serena slapped a hand over his mouth.

"I haven't had too much time to practice lately, sorry mom."

The woman put a hand up to her temple. "That's too bad, but you all should come try to ride these Skiddo! They're lively little things! I'll go grab everyone ice cream."

So our heroes each boarded one of the Grass-type Pokemon, holding the cold sweet treats as well. Clemont was immediately knocked off. Right, Skiddo can sense their rider's emotions, so the more nervous you are, the more likely you are to get bucked off!

However, Bonnie seemed to be a natural, and Serena's mother Grace praised the girl. Serena felt a small twinge of jealousy. Bonnie is just a little girl, but already she has the skills to become a professional racer! And yet I'm the daughter of a skilled Rhyhorn racer and I can hardly stay on one's back! You know what? It doesn't matter, because I'll be the best performer ever!

As Grace watched the others on the Skiddo, Serena motioned for Pancham and Fennekin to follow her. "Quick, while my mother is occupied! We have to practice for the upcoming Showcase in Coumarine City! It'll be our first performance, too, so we have to work hard!"

She lead her two Pokemon behind the stables, where she'd be mostly safe from prying eyes. Serena and her Pokemon began to rehearse their moves, though Fennekin was having a hard time with her flips. Gahh, at this rate we'll never get it right! Zenith will clean wipe the floor if we ever even have the chance to face her!

She looked at her Pokemon for a moment, who were already exhausted. Come on, Serena. Think about Ash. He doesn't give up when something goes wrong, so neither should you!

"Let's try one more time, you two! I know we can do it!" She exclaimed with renewed strength. However, she didn't notice her mom, watching from around the corner.

"Finally, those thieves are gone!" Ash exclaimed. The group had reassembled just to overhear a few thieves trying to steal from the ranch, and the Skiddo-riding heroes had to chase them down. Serena, being more knowledgeable, instead rode a Rhyhorn down and saved the day.

"Serena dear, can I have a word with you?" Grace asked her daughter, who turned to her.

"Yes?"

The brunette looked down at the girl she raised. Young, naive. "I think it's time you come home and begin your training as a professional Rhyhorn racer."

The blonde was silent for a moment, but looked up to meet her mother's gaze. "No. I'm going to be a Pokemon performer!"

"The second you fail, you'll give up, just like with anything else you've tried!" Grace retorted.

"No I won't!"

"Yes, Serena, you will."

Serena looked determinedly at her mother. "No. I'll prove it to you. Let's settle it with an old-fashioned Rhyhorn race!" She replied confidently.

"That would be unfair, seeing as I am a professional. Will you settle for a Skiddo race?"

"It's on."

"Three... two... one... go!"

Then the race was on, with Serena taking an early lead. She and the Pokemon whipped around the track. What if I lose and have to become a racer? What if I win just to give up on being a performer!?

As her thoughts quickly became more negative, Skiddo began to falter. "Nonononono Skiddo come on, please be steady!" But her worries were too great, and suddenly Serena and Skiddo were on the ground, Grace charging into the lead.

The blonde already felt like it was over. Then she remembered her meeting with the Kalos Queen.

Zenith saw something inside me and told me to keep going. I won't give up! My Pokemon and I will work together to overcome anything, and we'll succeed!

She shakily stood up, gripping Skiddo's horns.

"Let's win this."

Skiddo dashed forward like a lightning bolt, zipping closer and closer to Grace. "Yes! This feeling inside me that says I can do anything! Keep going, Skiddo!" She cried in glee. By then her mother was nearly at the finish line, but through the power of determination, Serena's Skiddo took first place at the last second.

The two got off the Pokemon, Serena full of hope and pride. Her mother dipped her head in respect. "I saw you and your Pokemon training behind the stables," she admitted, "and I believe you can become a wonderful performer. That demonstration with Skiddo proves your determination is unyielding. You and your friends have my blessing to head to Coumarine City, and I wish you the best of luck during the showcase."

Serena embraced her mother for only a moment. "Thank you, mother."

So, at the peak of an already long day, our heroes headed out for the trek to Coumarine city, where a gym battle and a Pokemon showcase awaited them.

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Don't worry, Zenith will start being in every chapter  starting next week, love you all!

Goodbye for now,

-Zenith