Hi, everyone! If you haven't read the previous story, "Strength: A Serena Story," I highly suggest you check it out first. This story will be shorter than the original and bolder. Be warned!

There was a click as the television flickered to life. A woman twirled the remote casually in her hand as the news anchor went through a few stories that were of no interest. The woman was about to switch the off the set when suddenly a familiar face appeared on screen. She turned the volume up with her manicured nails.

"Champion Ash Ketchum arrives in Lumiose City today to prepare for a rematch in the Kalos League. Ketchum now has four championship titles, and if he wins here, he'll dethrone Hoenn native Steven Stone for most decorated Trainer of all time. When asked about his plans for visiting Kalos, Ketchum had this to say:"

The woman leaned forward, waiting to hear the famous Trainer's words. "Plans?" he asked coyly. "Pikachu and I are just excited to be back. We'll be training hard, of course, but there's lots we'd like to do while we're here. We've got a few friends who we're eager to catch up with." "Pika, pika!"

The woman switched off the television and went out to the balcony. She pulled an unlit cigarette from a carton, and within a moment, a small flame lit the tip. "Thanks, Delphox. You saw it, too?"

"Del," the Pokémon answered solemnly. There was a knock on the door suddenly, and the woman glanced back at it.

"This is gonna be a long week," she declared, turning on her heel. She and her Pokémon retreated into the spacious suite. The knock came again, and the woman answered the door.

"Your highness, this came for you." a young girl announced, holding out an envelope.

"You know, I'm not Kalos Queen anymore," the woman retorted, slitting the envelope with a single finger.

"You've always been my favorite, though, miss," the girl said with a blush. She bowed her head, then scurried back down the hall.

The woman unfolded the letter, which was brief:

S,

I know we haven't spoken in some time, but I find it imperative to reach out to you now. Palermo's funeral is tomorrow, and I have received no response from you or your staff regarding your attendance. I know you had your differences, but I must insist on your presence. If you decide to make your way to Lumiose City, I've enclosed a rail pass for your convenience.

All the best,

Shauna

"Differences? That's an understatement." Serena stuffed the letter and rail pass into the nearest ashtray and laid her cigarette on top. As the paper began to shrink, Serena's phone began to ring. "What now?"

"Hello?" She answered, tapping the button on her earpiece. "Oh, Calem!" Her boyfriend's voice was a welcome surprise. He'd been studying with Professor Sycamore as part of his application to become a gym leader. Rumor had it that Camphrier Town would be getting cityhood soon, and a gym would be installed in the area.

"Hey, sweetheart, guess what?" His voice was casual but energetic. It had always put Serena at ease to hear his voice, especially at times like that.

"I've got tomorrow off, and I thought maybe you'd like to visit your favorite restaurant in Lumiose."

"Calem, you need to make reservations weeks in advance to get in there. It's a sweet gesture, though."

"Then it's a good thing I made that reservation and got my time off a month ago." She could almost imagine his smug smile on the other end. He was probably leaning up against some equipment he shouldn't be, one hand in his lab coat pocket. His goggles were likely sliding slowly down his face, as he refused to adjust them, and his stupid red hat was atop his head as always. That stupid red hat…

"What do you think?" he pressed on.

"I think that sounds lovely, darling."

"Great, I'll see you tomorrow. Ow!"

"What happened?"

"Nothing…"

"Calem, tighten your fucking goggles. I'll see you tomorrow."

"See you soon!"

The phone clicked, and she was alone again.