Ash and Serena made their way over to the battle arena because professor Sycamore had an assembly planned. They took a seat beside their friends and Ash and Serena sat next to eachother. At Ash's other side sat Gary and on Serena's other side sat Shauna.
When Ash looked over at the battlefield where he battled Calem earlier, he saw a big stage set up.
Gary: Man... They sure did their best to set this up...
Ash: Yeah, It's kinda cool if you ask me... Do they do this every time when there is an assembly Serena?
Serena: From the ones I've seen, yes.
Ash: Awesome...
When everybody gathered in the arena, Professor Sycamore went on stage and walked towards the microphone. When he arrived, he took a deep breath and started to speak.
Sycamore: Goodmorning students! Thanks for coming to this assembly. I'll be discussing three important points with you all.
"First point I want to start off with is that there will be a new student joining our glorious academy. He will join us in the upcoming week and he will be joining some of your classes."
2nd point of the agenda is that upcoming monday, the 2nd and the 3rd lesson won't go as normal.
"This is about your battle Ash!" Serena said as unknowingly she hugged Ash's arm.
Ash: Yeah! But you're kinda hurting my arm...
Serena noticed she was holding his arm rather tight and let go of it while she blushed. She was a bit embarrassed that she did that but she soon felt better as Ash gave her a warm smile.
Sycamore: Monday, the 2nd and the 3rd lesson will be in this arena. We've got a couple of students who will be participating in the World League and they will take on the first of the 10 gyms in order to qualify. As you know our school champion is one of those students and you all also know that the battles of our school champion will be broadcasted live so we can use it for teaching!
The whole arena started to celebrate, they didn't have go to their regular lessons, instead they could watch Ash's gym battle. When everyone quiet down a bit, professor Sycamore continued.
Sycamore: Our school champion Ash Ketchum and Gary Oak, non other than the grandson of professor Oak will be battling for their first World League gym badge!
Now the whole stadium started to cheer even louder.
Shauna: Ash and Gary, are you sure you can handle this pressure?
Both Ash and Gary looked confused at her until Ash spoke up.
Ash: Sure! I've battled infront of even larger crowds. Remember when I battled in the Kalos League? There was atleast 3 times more people to watch me back then.
Gary: Yeah! And I've also battled in the Indigo and Jotho League! Besides as grandson of the famous professor Oak, I'm kinda used to be the centre of attention.
"You sure are Gary..." Ash said as he put his face into his hand.
Serena and Shauna giggled about Gary's big headed behaviour but soon professor Sycamore continued speaking so they focussed their attention back to the stage.
As last point I want to talk about a battle tournament We're gonna be having here in a few weeks.
After hearing those words the whole stadium erupted in cheers. After what looked like 20 minutes they quiet down and the professor continued.
Sycamore: The tournament will be a double battle format, two on two. During battle class you all can practice with your partner on perfecting your techniques!
Furthermore, the winners of the tournament are getting a signed qualification from Champion Diantha which gives the two trainers access to compete in the Kalos League!
Also there will be another prize if you win the tournament! If you manage to win, you will face Champion Diantha and Kalos Queen Aria in an exebition battle!
Hearing that, everyone in the stadium cheered even louder. Serena had stars in her eyes, giving her an opportunity to face Aria in a battle.
She looked at Ash, hoping he would team up with her. Ash however was really excited about this tournament. He really wanted another shot at the Kalos League but this time he wanted to win it.
Serena pulled Ash's arm, grabbing his attention.
Ash: Ouch! What was that for Serena!?
Serena: I'm really sorry Ash but Please? Do you want to be my partner for the battle tournament?
Ash started to smile at Serena when she asked him that. He was really happy she wanted him to be her partner during the tournament.
Ash: Ofcourse Serena! I'd love to! And together we're gonna win this!
Hearing this, Serena jumped from her seat, tackling Ash into a hug. In the process she also knocked Gary from his seat which made Shauna laugh.
Serena quickly realized what she'd done and apologized to Gary. She blushed really hard and was really embarrassed as she sat back into her seat.
Shauna: Gary?
Gary: What's up Shauna?
Shauna: Since they are going to be partners for the battle tournament, Will you team up with me?
Gary blushed a bit but immediately replied.
Gary: Ofcourse! Let's win it together and take down Aria and Diantha aswell!
Ash: Not a chance Gary! Because the ones who will take them down will be me and Serena!
Gary: Are you kidding me Ash? You couldn't even beat me if you tried your hardest!
They kept on debating with eachother and Serena and Shauna started giggling, seeing them like that.
Shauna: Sometimes they are such little kids...
Serena: And then to think we both like them aswell!
Shauna: Yeah...
Ash and Gary then quickly turned around facing Shauna and Serena.
Ash & Gary: What did you two just say?
Both Shauna and Serena's faces heated up instantly as they said "No-nothing!"
Luckely for them Ash and Gary bought it as they continued with their debate who was gonna win that tournament.
When the assembly ended, they left the arena. Before Serena could walk away, Calem ran towards her.
Calem: Serena? Can we talk during lunch?
Serena: Oh hi Calem, sure...
Calem: Thanks Serena! See you then! Got to go now.
Serena: Ok, bye...
Serena walked over to Ash and their friends. She had a worried expression on her face which Pikachu noticed.
He jumped from Ash's shoulder into Serena's hands who could barely catch him because he suprised her by his actions.
Serena: Pikachu?
Ash: I guess he wants to be with you Serena.
Serena: Really? Do you want to spend the day with me Pikachu?
Pikachu: Pikaaaa!
Ash: Then it's settled! Take care of eachother right?
Both Serena and Pikachu exchanged smiles and then they nodded.
They continued walking towards their last lesson before the lunch break. There didn't happen anything interesting during the lesson except for the fact that Pikachu literally slept through the whole lesson on Serena's lap.
As they walked towards the cafeteria, Serena told the group she'd join them later and that she had to take care of something.
She walked out of the school building where Calem was already waiting.
Serena: So Calem? What is it you want to talk about?
Calem: What's Pikachu doing here?
Serena: He wanted to spent the day with me, but it's no problem right?
Pikachu: Pika?
Calem: No it isn't a problem... Anyway, there is something I want to tell you...
Serena: Go ahead...
Calem grabbed both of Serena's hands which suprised her. She tried to get them out of his grip but he held on to tight.
Serena: Calem what are you doing! You're hurting me!
Calem looked her into the eyes as he started talking.
Calem: You shouldn't be with Ash Serena, I'm way better than him!
Pikachu: Pika!?
Calem: Shut up you yellow good for nothing mouse!
Serena: Stop it Calem!
Calem: C'mon Serena! Be with me instead of him! Or else...
Serena: No! I'm not scared of your threats!
Calem: What are you gonna do then? You can't move, even if you tried...
Pikachu: Pika!!!
Calem took a look at Pikachu who had sparks coming from his cheeks. Serena took this chance to get free from his grip.
Serena: This is what i'm gonna do!
Then Serena slapped Calem full force across his face, making him stumble backwards and fall.
Serena: I told you already! I DON'T WANT YOU!
Calem's eyes widened as he heard that. First he ignored it but this hit him hard.
Serena: If you know what's good for you, you'll leave me and my friends alone. And if you ever try anything again, I'll hit you even harder!
Calem didn't say anything as Serena walked over to a suprised Pikachu and picked him up from the ground.
Serena: C'mon Pikachu... Let's go, oh and Calem? If you dare to tell anyone, I'll make sure you'll regret it!
Calem quickly nodded and Serena walked away while holding Pikachu.
"You broke my heart, I'll repay you the favour, just watch..." Calem wispered to himself.
Serena made her way over to the cafeteria and joined her friends. She and Pikachu promised eachother to not say anything so Ash wouldn't get worried.
Ash: Hey Serena! Hey Pikachu! Join us please!
Serena nodded and sat down next to Ash. Ash noticed there was something off about them but he decided not to ask about it.
After lunch they made their way to their next lesson where nothing really happened. Now they are in battle class where Ash and Calem supposed to battle.
Ash: Are you ready Calem?
Calem: Oh I'm definetly ready!
As Calem said that, he formed a smirk on his face.
Ash: Alright! Bayleef! I choose you!
Ash threw the pokeball in the air and from it appeared Bayleef.
Calem smiled as he saw Bayleef standing on the battlefield. He yelled "C'mon out Absol!" As he threw the pokeball forward.
Absol appeared and let out a battle cry.
Don George: Battle begin!
Calem: Absol! Mega Evolve!
White light appeared from Calem's wristband and also from Absol's neck. When the evolution was completed, Mega Absol stood infront of Calem.
Ash: What!? Absol can mega evolve too??
Calem: After I got rid of that weak Houndoom, I needed to get someone else who could.
Ash: How dare you to talk about pokemon like that!
Calem: Whatever...
Serena was worried about Ash. Especially since she knew Calem hated Ash because of her liking him. She grabbed the ribbon with both of her hands and held on tight.
Ash still had that dream from last night in mind and made sure he's be careful. He didn't know what was coming but he knew for sure it would happen soon.
Calem: Absol! Psycho cut!
Absol: Sol!
Ash: Bayleef counter with razor leaf!
Absol swung his head around and launched a pink, curved wave of energy towards Bayleef.
Bayleef however used her razor leaf attack to counter but Ash noticed that Absol's attack was stronger.
Ash: Quick Bayleef! Use vine whip on the ground to jump up and then use body slam!
Bayleef quickly switched up from razor leaf to vine whip. She used it to go high into the air wich suprised Calem and Absol. Then Bayleef used it's momentum as it made it's body as big as possible to hit Absol with a body slam.
Calem's eyes widened as Bayleef smacked into Absol with full force.
Calem: Absol stand up!
Ash: Good job Bayleef! Now use razor leaf again!
Bayleef: Ba-ay!
Calem: Use dark pulse now!
Absol: Sol!
Bayleef fired off a razor leaf towards Absol who itself fired off a dark pulse. The attacks collided but soon dark pulse overpowered razor leaf. When it did the attack didn't head for Bayleef but towards Ash.
Serena: ASH LOOK OUT!
Gary: ASH! GET AWAY FROM THERE!
Pikachu: PIKA!
Lucario: MASTER!
Bayleef: BAY!!
"This is what you get for messing with me" Calem wispered to himself.
Ash's eyes widened as he had no time to dodge. He braced himself for impact and got sent backwards a couple meters, collapsing to the ground.
Lucario and Pikachu managed to get a aura sphere and thunderbolt in but due to the explosion Ash got hit.
Everyone who was in the class was shocked and were looking at an uncounsious Ash and Calem who was smiling...
Bayleef: BAY!!!!
Bayleef was in tears and upset with what Calem did as anger took control of her. She started to glow blue and changed shape.
Serena: No way...
Gary: It's evolving...
Brock: Meganium!
The transformation was completed and infront of Calem and Absol stood Meganium.
Calem: You were no match as a Bayleef so we will still be able to take you down! Absol use dark pulse!
Absol: Aaabsol!
Absol fired another beam of purple energy towards Meganium who couldn't control it's anger anymore and slammed her feet into the ground.
Huges vines started to come out, crushing the dark pulse and slamming into Absol who flew past Calem into the walls of the building. Meganium however wasn't finished yet as she charged towards Calem.
Brock: That was Frenzy Plant!
Gary: No time to admire it now Brock! We need to calm Meganium down!
Brock: Oh.. Right!
Serena: Pikachu and Lucario, help us!
Lucario: Yes Master!
Pikachu: Pika!
They all ran towards Meganium and tried their best to slow it down.
Calem was watching with a grin on his face and widened eyes as he saw an out of control Meganium trying to slam him.
Brock: It won't slow down!
Serena: I've got an idea! Lucario use bone rush to tackle Meganium!
Lucario: Raawr!
Lucario created a blue staff like bone between it's paws and caught up with Meganium. Then it held it's bone infront of Meganium's legs which made her fall.
Don George, Brock, Serena, Gary, Pikachu and Lucario all rushed over to Meganium.
Brock: Calm down Meganium!
Gary: Control yourself!
Serena: Meganium! Think about Ash!
"Pika!" ; "Rawrr!"
Hearing the name Ash made Meganium snap out of it. Meganium collapsed to the ground in tears as she looked over at Ash.
Serena: It's gonna be alright Meganium! I promise!
Sycamore: What's happened here!?
They turned their faces and saw Professor Sycamore, Misty, May, Dawn, Iris, Cilan and Clemont running towards them.
Dawn: Oh no! ASH!
Sycamore, Misty, May, Iris, Cilan and Clemont turned towards Ash and they saw them laying on the ground uncounsious and a crying Meganium.
Misty: Meganium?
Serena: Ash and Calem were having a battle and Calem let his Absol fire a dark pulse at Ash. Bayleef lost control and evolved, before she could continue her rampage and attack Calem we managed to stop it.
Sycamore: Calem!? Is that true!?
"He shouldn't have messed with my life" Calem said as he shrugged his shoulders.
Sycamore: To my office! NOW!
Calem: Whatever...
Calem got angry and returned Absol, then walked towards Sycamore's office, Serena and Meganium ran towards Ash. As he walked past Serena, he gave a small smirk which she noticed.
Serena: I'll get you back for this Calem...
Serena put Ash's head on her lap and started crying. Meganium was also crying and upset that she couldn't protect her trainer.
Serena: Please Ash! Wake up!
Now the others went over to Serena and Meganium aswell and tried to comfort them.
Dawn: He'll be fine Serena, Ash has handled worse!
Brock: It's not your fault Meganium, you did your best and I'm sure Ash is proud of you!
Misty: Yeah and you avenged him. I'm sure he'll be suprised that you've evolved for him!
Both Misty and Brock put their hand on Meganium which helped to calm Meganium down.
Gary: We need to get him to the medical room now!
Brock/Cilan/Clemont: we'll help you!
Gary: Thanks Guys!
Sycamore: It's best if you all go back to your class now.
Serena: I'm going with Ash! I'm not gonna leave him alone after what Calem did!
Sycamore looked at Serena and nodded in agreement. Gary, Brock, Cilan and Clemont carried Ash to the medical room with Serena, Pikachu, Lucario and Meganium following them.
They laid him down on a bed as nurse Joy began to take some tests. Everyone except for Serena and Ash's pokemon went back to their lessons. Serena and Ash's pokemon waited in the waiting room, hoping for good news.
Nurse Joy walked out and they looked up at her.
Nurse Joy: Ash is awake and you can see him now in you'd like. If he continue's like this, he'll be back to his old self tomorrow!
After thanking nurse Joy, Serena went straight to Ash's room with his pokemon right behind her. When she opened the door and she Saw Ash laying there as tears started to form in her eyes.
Ash noticed her and gave her a weak smile.
Serena: Ash! I'm so happy you're awake!
She rushed over to him and pressed her head into his chest while hugging him tight. Tears started flowing from her eyes.
Ash: I'm fine now Serena...
Ash then noticed his pokemon who also had tears in their eyes but what shocked him was that Meganium stood there.
Ash: Meganium?
Serena: It evolved for you after Calem hit you with that dark pulse...
The memories of what happened started to flow back to him. He felt angry but he was happy that Serena and his pokemon were with him.
Ash: So what happened to Calem?
Serena: Professor Sycamore sent him to his office and I believe he's expelled for a month. Also his pokemon trainer license has been taken for a month.
Ash: What!? Really?
Serena: Yeah...
Serena looked upset as she thought it was her fault. Ash couldn't bear seeing her like this so he slowly sat right up and placed his hand under her chin. She was now looking him into his eyes.
Ash: I don't know what happened but it isn't your fault Serena...
Serena: I-i don't know Ash... I have to tell you something...
Ash gave her a warm smile in an attempt to cheer her up which worked as she gave him a weak smile back.
Serena: Calem attacked you out of j-jealousy...
Ash: Jealousy? What do you mean?
Serena: Earlier today when I told you guys I needed to take care of something right...? Well...
Ash: Spit it out Serena.
Serena took a deep breath and continued.
Serena: Calem wanted to talk to me. He tried to force me to date him and he had me stuck so I couldn't do a thing... Luckely Pikachu was with me and when he focussed his attention on Pikachu, I broke free and slapped him across his face...
Ash: You really slapped him?
Serena: Yeah... I told him I didn't want to have anything to do with him anymore and when I walked away with Pikachu he said something about revenge... First I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want you to be worried about me but I only caused more trouble...
Serena started crying again but Ash pulled her into a hug and rubbed her back.
Ash: It's alright Serena, don't worry...
Serena felt a little bit better with Ash being there for her, even though Ash was the injured one here.
Ash: Serena?
Serena: Yeah Ash?
Ash: Nurse Joy told me I should be back to normal tomorrow so I guess we can't go on a date tonight...
Serena turned sad again. She was also upset that Calem ruined the most important moment she was going to have with Ash.
Ash: What about we do it tomorrow?
Serena: Are you Serious?
Ash: Yeah! Why not? I really looked forward to it and you clearly seem to be upset so...
"YES!" Serena shouted as she tightly hugged Ash again.
Ash: Se-serena... you're hurting m-me...
Serena: Oh sorry!
Serena let go of Ash but she really happy Ash still wanted to continue the date.
Serena POV
I can't believe after everything that happened, he still wants to go on a date with me! I hugged his arm a but to tight when he said that, hurting him in the process... I couldn't help it, I felt so happy when he said that!
Ash: So Meganium? You evolved to help me?
Meganium: Meg!
Meganium walked over to Ash and rubbed her head against Ash's chest.
Ash: Thanks Meganium...
Serena: Not only that Ash! She also learned how to use Frenzy Plant! She totally demolished Calem's Absol!
Ash: That's amazing! I'm proud of you buddy!
Ash talked to all of his pokemon who were equally worried as Serena but he reasured them he was fine now. Then nurse Joy came walking into the room with professor Sycamore behind her.
Sycamore: Hi Ash! Nurse Joy told me you were awake so I wanted to pay you a visit. How do you feel?
Ash: Hello professor! I'm feeling much better now, thanks!
Nurse Joy: Ash, if you don't over do things, You're allowed to go now.
Ash: Thanks nurse Joy!
Sycamore: Ash, I've expelled Calem from school and also took his trainer license for a month. The school will take care of the pokemon he owns so he can't do anything now.
Ash: Serena told me a bit about it, I can't believe he'd do something like that...
Sycamore: It's weird coming from him but I think you should go home, it's been a long enough day already.
Ash: Yeah...
Ash moved his body so he sat on the bed, ready to stand on his feet. When he got off the bed, he almost collapsed again but Serena and Lucario caught him.
Ash: Thanks Serena and Lucario.
Serena: No problem! We'll get you home!
Ash returned Meganium to her pokeball and they said their goodbye's to professor Sycamore and nurse Joy. They slowly walked towards Ash's house so he could gather a couple things for the weekend.
When they reached home, Serena opened the door for them and they were greeted by a worried Gary and Delia.
Delia: Ash dear! Gary told me everything! How are you feeling!?
Ash: I'm fine now mom, don't worry. Nurse Joy told me I'm back to normal tomorrow!
Gary: That Calem... If I ever see him again...
Serena: That won't be for a month Gary, he's expelled and professor Sycamore took his trainers license.
Gary: That's what he deserves... He'll better not show his face anytime soon!
Delia: Still going to spend the weekend at Serena's Ash?
Ash: I promised her so...
Ash gave Serena a quick smile and she smiled back. After everything that happened, he still wanted to be with her for the weekend.
Ash: I'll get my stuff now, I'll be back in a bit!
Delia: I'll help you Ash, then I can keep an eye on you while making sure you don't over do it.
Ash: Thanks mom!
While Delia and Ash went upstairs, Gary and Serena talked a bit more what happened today. They were really angry with Calem but they were glad that Ash was alright.
After 15 minutes Ash and Delia went back down. Ash used the backpack he traveled with through Kanto and Jotho. In there were the things he needed for the weekend. There was also something for Serena in it but Ash wanted to give it on a special moment.
Ash: Shall we go Serena?
Serena: Yes!
Ash: Oh I almost forgot!
Ash quickly grabbed Greninja's pokeball and switched it out for Meganium.
Ash: Delphox will probably like Greninja being there aswell.
Ash and Serena both exchanged a quick smile and went over to Serena's house.
_______________________________________
This chapter might be a little bit of a mess but I wanted to cover a lot in it. This is the longest one yet with around 4000 words! I hope you enjoy reading this one and I think some of you will be happy how certain things turned out! Anyway, I'll see you in the next one!