Chapter 10: "Support"

Disclaimer: "Like I always say, I do not own Pokemon"

The group was making their way past a forest, which would lead them to the Lumiose City; where they planned to visit Professor Sycamore before Ash would challenge his second gym at the Cyllage City gym. It was the same forest where Ash found someone too. It was a Pokémon that was now the newest member of the family. It was Hawlucha.

The group had found the fighting bird Pokémon, helping some other Pokémon. He gained the raven haired trainer's attention right away. He had that same vibe that the latter wore when he was helping someone. Caring for someone other than himself was just the part of the reason why the young trainer couldn't let him go. He possessed that passion. That will to become stronger. But these too weren't the only reason. He knew the true meaning of becoming strong. That was the true reason, why Ash couldn't let him go. After Ash had helped the Wresting Pokémon to defeat a group of forest thugs and perfecting his finishing move; Ash offered him to accompany him on his journey to be the strongest which was gladly accepted by the latter.

The group was currently divided into two subs, one had Ash and Clemont who were busy talking about the newly captured wrestling bird, while the other contained an oddly calm Bonnie and a lost in her thoughts Serena. Bonnie had both of her hands behind her head and her eyes were fixed on the former.

"I feel like I owe her" Serena shook her head to try and shake those words off her mind, but no matter how hard she tried; she just couldn't. She didn't know what was up with her; she should've been feeling the luckiest person in the world but what she really felt was the exact opposite of it.

She's been acting off from the very moment she had joined the group. Somehow it didn't feel like she was happy and it didn't go unnoticed by anyone, including Ash too. He had thought that she would love to travel with them but the way she acted, suggested the otherwise. Ash did ask her if she wanted to reconsider her decision, but she assured him that she didn't need to.

"Hey Serena? Are you alright?" asked the younger girl which dragged her out of her thoughts and to tell the truth, she was more than happy she did.

"Yeah I'm fine" She assured with a bright smile and a tilted head but the latter didn't seem to buy it.

"You don't look fine" Serena flinched off the suspicious vibe. That little girl is way too smart for her age. She sighed in exasperation.

"I am, seriously. I was just thinking about something." She told her the truth in fact as that was precisely she was doing but maybe overdoing it.

"Thinking about something that Ash said?" Bonnie asked in such a mature manner that the latter couldn't believe. It was obvious that the question was not to tease her as it had that serious vibe enveloped around it.

Serena was awestruck. How could she'd possibly known? Her maturity was now starting to creep Serena out. She sighed in defeat. She knew she couldn't just make up any story as there was a very slim chance of her buying it.

"Yeah" she paused for a moment to look at the said person, before holding her head down. "Something like that" she admitted.

Bonnie gave a victorious smirk before giving an exasperated sigh, as if she was saying that 'you're hopeless'. Serena couldn't help but blush off the younger girl's reaction.

"What is it about actually? As far as I can remember, he didn't say anything that would keep you off like that in front of us. Was it something from the other night?" She asked while gazing her through the corner of her eyes.

Serena stayed silent, however. She couldn't just tell what was really bothering her. That would be just like admitting her crush to the little girl. And from what she had got to know about her, she wouldn't take another second to put the two and two, together. But then an Idea struck her mind.

"Yeah it was from the other night." She paused to look that the little girl had turned to look right into her eyes as if she was speculating. "You see when Ash was carrying me back to safety; he asked me something and that question is still bugging me from the inside." Bonnie raised her eyebrow as if she was saying "what is it?"

"He asked me about my dream and to tell you the truth, I had never ever laid a thought about it. Not even once. And now that I think about it, I couldn't help but feel as I have no idea what's going on anymore." Bonnie could tell that she wasn't lying from the looks of her face and she wasn't either. She had not lied to her. She had told what the problem was, granted that it was just a part of it.

Bonnie knew she was sad and was about to try and cheer her up when someone beat her in that.

"Still thinking about it huh?" Serena jumped off the sudden addition in the conversation and she didn't have to look to find who it was as it was Ash indeed. He had dropped his pace to walk beside her to talk to her face. Serena didn't know how to respond, so she just did a gloomy nod.

"Hey, didn't I tell you not to worry about it?" he tried to convey in the softest manner, he possibly could. Serena raised her gaze to look at the raven haired trainer to his face with a faint smile.

"I know Ash. But still…" she trailed off the sentence to return her head to the previous position.

"Don't worry Serena, we'll help you with it" Serena turned her head to look at the blonde girl who was now holding her hand with her both.

"Yeah you bet" This time it was Ash. She raised her head with a thank you printed on her face and a grateful smile.

"That's what friends do" It was Clemont this time as the young inventor gave the honey blond girl a big thumbs up. Serena couldn't help but feel better. Maybe that was not the reason why she was off but still it did help to brighten her mood as she gave them a grateful nod. With that Ash went on ahead to take his place next to Clemont. Bonnie noticed the sudden change of expression on the future performer's face. Her smile was replaced by a frown, yet again. Serena sighed before turning to look at the young girl walking beside her and when she did, she gulped of fear as she wore a devilish smirk. Before Serena could speculate anything, the young girl increased her pace to catch up with the two boys.

Serena raised her eyebrow when Bonnie tugged on Ash's left hand who blinked off the sudden action. Ash sweat dropped to see Bonnie wearing her best puppy dog eyes and a huge grin.

"Uh what is it Bonnie?" He had no idea what the little girl was trying to do and neither did Serena as she watched her nervously. She didn't know why but she was getting a bad feeling about that.

"Ash. Serena told me that you piggybacked her to the Pokémon Centre that night." She tried to sound as innocent as she could which wasn't too hard for someone, her age.

Ash took a slight look at the referred girl who was now blushing like crazy before nodding his head in approval. "Yeah that's right. She wasn't able to walk so I had to do it." He admitted calmly, still having no Idea what she was trying to convey.

"Well I want a ride too" She whined pulling his hand with all her might. "Please" She squealed with stars twinkling in her eyes. The latter couldn't help but chuckle off her antics. Clemont protested, saying that there was no need for that as she could walk herself, earning a pout and huff from his younger sister.

Ash however had no problem with her demand and was already adjusting his bag to his chest side before leaning down so that she could mount his back. Bonnie chirped a big 'yay' before making herself comfortable on his back, giggling heartedly. Clemont gave Ash a look of apology getting a warm smile from the latter.

Ash was now leading the group with Bonnie riding on his back while Clemont had decreased his pace to walking alongside Serena, who was watching the adorable scene with a small smile on her face. She didn't know if it was to tease her or to simply help her getting through that uneasy feeling but whatever the reason was; it sure was helping her. Though she concluded that it was the later one. After all, that girl was way too smart for her age.

The rest of the walk was filled with the sound of a giggling Bonnie and some excited squeals every now and then, whenever she spotted some wild Pokémon. Though she had fallen asleep right before the group was about to reach the Lumiose City. There was no way that someone wouldn't have find that scene to be adorable. A boy carrying a little girl who had that faint smile on her face while she would've been in the middle of some pleasant dream.

Soon the group had reached the city and now was resting at the Pokémon centre. Ash had laid Bonnie on some sofa and was currently sitting next to her while Clemont had went to get a room for the group. Serena however was busy browsing some computer. After making sure that Bonnie was comfortable, Ash made his way to the honey blonde.

Serena had realized that Ash was approaching her so she didn't panic when the latter stopped next to her before leaning to find what she was working on. It was some sort of video. It had some girl with her Fennekin. They were dancing and using some attacks in combination to produce some flashy moves. Ash realized that it was something like the contests but it was more like a performance.

"It's something called a Poke vision video" Serena informed the raven haired trainer. "Beautiful, isn't it?" she asked without blinking for even once.

"It sure is" he was impressed. Maybe he hadn't seen a Poke vision or whatever it was called before, but it was clear that the girl in the video knew what she was doing. It didn't seem like she was an amateur.

"What exactly is it though?" Serena stopped watching the video before turning her attention towards Ash. She hadn't realized that he was that close to her before she had turned to face him. But the moment she did, she jumped off her place in panic. Ash backed off the moment he realized that, himself but still he find it rather dramatic to act that surprised but blinked it off.

"Oops Sorry" she apologized the next moment while looking totally embarrassed but the latter assured her that it was nothing. Calming down a bit, she took her previous place on the seat next to the computer while facing towards him. She placed a finger on her chin as if she was giving some thought to what she had to say.

"Let's see. It's a video that a Pokémon trainer can make with their Pokémon. They actually have to narrate about their bond or just do the things they like to do while looking as good as possible." She didn't know if she had explained it right but by the looks on Ash's face, he seemed to have got what it was all about.

"The girl you just saw is Aria. She's the best when it comes to make Poke visions." And Ash was right. He knew that girl couldn't have been an amateur but to think that she was the very best in that was something else. But her little performance justified the statement.

Ash could tell that she really liked that Poke vision stuff. He could tell that off the excitement he felt in her words while talking about it. Just similar to him when he was talking about some battle. It was the first time for him to see her like that and he was really glad to see her like that. Then he got an Idea.

"Hey Serena… Why don't you make one?" he proposed while showing great enthusiasm. Serena however wasn't so sure about the idea. She hadn't ever done something like that. She wasn't sure if she would be able to do it without embarrassing herself.

"Um… I'm not sure Ash. I don't think I would be able to do something like that." It was obvious that she wasn't too comfortable about the whole idea. Ash knew what the problem was and it had nothing to do with if she would be able to do it or not. She lacked confidence. But still he couldn't help but wonder, what was holding her back? Whatever the reason was, he knew had to try and make her do it. Maybe it wouldn't do her any good but he knew one thing. It would sure help her think better of herself.

"But why? I mean, you said you just have to look good and I don't think that's going to be a problem with you" he assured her while giving a thrusting his fist to show his confidence in her. Serena was now staring him with her eyes wide open. She was sure someone would have confused her with a tomato berry if they had seen her face at that moment.

'What was that supposed to mean?' she couldn't help but wonder if Ash had just admitted to her that she looked good. She was dragged right from her trance by a squeak from the electric mouse Pokémon, from the latter's shoulder.

"Y-You think so?" she had held her head down and wasn't aware that she had just whispered the last sentence, maybe off the nervousness but it was loud enough for Ash to hear. Ash placed a warm assuring smile on his face which the latter caught the moment she had raised her gaze. She couldn't help but feel good. That smile was too infectious and it didn't take another moment for Serena to reciprocate it with her own, before nodding in agreement.

"Alright I'll do it" she chirped with the new found excitement, earning a pleased nod from her secret crush.

"We'll help you too" it was Clemont and Bonnie. Serena wasn't sure if they were listening to them the whole time or they had just arrived but she didn't care. She was glad that she had friends that were willing to stay by her side in whatever she did. She felt like, she was blessed with their friendship after having almost no friends for the most of her childhood.

"Thank you guys" she said gratefully.

"So what are we going to need?" Ash asked while looking ready to go the next moment, earning a small chuckle from the honey blonde trainer.

"Ta~da" Serena squealed while showing her little Fenekkin cosplay costume. She had prepared her outfit to look as her partner herself and according to Clemont and Bonnie, she looked absolutely adorable. She didn't get any praise from the man himself but could've swore that she did catch him staring at her. Overjoyed by that fact, she was more than ready to get going.

Ash had taken his role behind the camera which they had rented for the day, while Bonnie was directing the whole thing. It took a whole day for the team to complete their shooting. Mostly because of the little incident that took place with one of Clemont's invention. But at the end of the day, they were pretty pleased with what they were able to do. All they needed to do now was to hand the tape to the professional editors so that they could add sound and further effects to the video.

The next day, they had received the finished tape from the editors and according to them it had come out to be really impressive. Everyone, including Ash was really ecstatic to take a look. Everyone but Serena. She was excited too, yes, but she couldn't help but be a little nervous. She had never done anything like this before and though the editors assured that it came out good, she still wasn't too sure about herself.

Finely it was time to face the truth. She inserted the CD and took her place next to Bonnie to see what they'd succeeded to do. She could feel her heart rate increasing as the countdown begun.

The video started.

Serena and Fennekin were on the screen, both having a huge grin on their faces while waving to the camera. "Hi this is Serena" Serena's voice narrated. Serena blushed at her voice being played back to her. "And this is my partner and best friend Fennekin" the fox Pokémon cried at her name.

The scene switched to a shot of Serena, Fennekin and Pikachu trying to work in the kitchen. Serena had held some whipped cream while Pikachu was handing her some flour. Serena gave a hearted smile as she thanked the two Pokémon for their help, earning a happy chorus of cries. "We love making sweet treats and even more so eating them." Serena glanced to her side to see that everyone was paying their full attention to the video. She was more than delighted to see the smiles on their faces. It wasn't long till she realized that she too was smiling. Maybe it actually worked out.

The scene then switched again, now containing just Fennekin and the honey blonde trainer. They were both dressed up with some ribbons and had that cute vibe around them. The expressions on their faces suggested exactly how much fun they were having at that moment.

"We also love to dress up and look our best" Ash smiled to that. It was very true indeed. From what he had seen, it was obvious that they both were alike at that point. Both Fennekin and Serena. He had always find himself smiling whenever Serena was combing the fox Pokémon's fur. He always admired that kind of bond between a trainer and their Pokémon. Just like him and his buddy.

The next few scenes surprised everyone but the honey blonde trainer. The first scene had Ash and Pikachu. Pikachu was at his regular position while Ash was wiping some sweat from the electric mouse Pokémon's face, who in return squealed while nuzzling his trainer's cheek earning a small chuckle from him.

The next scene contained Clemont working on some invention while Bonnie giving her brother a hand. "I'm currently on a journey with my friends Ash, Clemont and Bonnie" Serena's voice narrated as he watched on in surprise. Bonnie however had stars in her eyes and she squealed in order to show her excitement.

"They always help me, with everything" The next scene showed Ash with a Camera and Clemont with some lights, while Bonnie with a book in her hand which was supposed to be the script of the whole shoot and apparently by the looks on her face, this part was way off that. Then the screen showed Serena cuddling her Fennekin with a beautiful smile placed on her face and her eyes closed in comfort. "And I'm so happy that I have them all with me"

"If you see us around, please stop and say hi" The video ended with Serena and Fennekin waving to the camera. Serena wasn't sure what to expect of her fellow companions. She watched them nervously as the room was lighted. She didn't have to see them to know that they were very pleased off the video as they had already started clapping while Bonnie was jumping up and down off the excitement.

"That was sooo cool" Bonnie squealed while clasping her hands together with stars twinkling in her eyes. Serena was relieved that at least she was able to impress the little girl. Clemont didn't hesitate for another moment to praise her himself and Serena thanked both of them the next moment gratefully. She then turned her attention towards the Raven haired trainer to find that he was smirking while wearing that 'I told you' expression.

"See… I told you that it wouldn't be a problem with you" Ash verbed his expression the very next moment. Serena blushed a light shade of pink before nodding in admittance.

"Fen~" the fox Pokémon barked from her place, looking as pleased as her trainer. Serena lifted her up and held her right in front of her face with both her hands.

"You think so?" she asked delightedly earning a squeal from the latter.

"It's all thanks to you guys" Serena admitted while addressing the whole group. The others tried to assure that it was all her but then had to give in. Ash however was looking slightly confused, which Serena noticed and she knew very well that what it was about.

"When did you….?" Ash was about to ask something but was interrupted by none other than the honey blonde herself. She turned her attention to him while holding Fennekin close to her chest.

"It wasn't my video. It was ours. So it was only fair that it included you all. After all it was you who convinced and helped me to do it." Ash didn't say anything, rather, he just smiled to her words before giving a slight nod. Serena reciprocated with her more grateful one.

"So now, all that's left is to upload it" Clemont stated which for some reason boosted Bonnie's excitement.

"You're going to upload it, right?" Though Serena looked very pleased. Ash wasn't sure if she really wanted to upload it or not. If not, all this didn't work how it supposed to be.

"Of course I am" Serena replied while punching the air to show her enthusiasm. That was what Ash wanted to see. After all, the reason he made her do it was successful. She wasn't counting herself down anymore. Nor did she looked lost anymore. It just turned out the way he had wished and he was more than happy that it did. Now all he needed to do was to make sure that she remained like that.

"5,000 views" Serena said in awe. It was just yesterday, when she had uploaded her very first poke vision Video and to see that it was viewed by so many people literally blew her mind.

"Seems like people really liked your video" Clemont said from his position behind her. Finding it hard, himself to believe it though.

"It seems that way" Serena glanced to her left to see Ash leaning towards the screen to take a better view for himself. He looked so pleased for her and she was too happy to see that. She realized that she wasn't blushing, even though he was standing so close to her. Rather, she felt much comfortable than she usually did. Maybe it had actually helped her and in more than one ways.

"That's so great" Bonnie exclaimed from her position before turning her attention towards her elder brother. Clemont realized that she was up to something the moment he saw that smirk on her face. And he was right indeed.

"What is it Bonnie?" Clemont managed to ask her but couldn't hide the nervousness in his words. That managed to gain him the attention of the latter two.

"Clemont, Let's make you a video of your own" Bonnie proposed, while giving her best puppy eyes look.

"But… Why?" Clemont wasn't so sure what she had in mind. Sometimes it was much easier to predict Ash's next move rather than predict what she had in her mind. Ash and Serena weren't so sure about the reason themselves but they did know that it wouldn't hurt.

"It's simple, that way you would be famous and then you would easily find some good girl to look after you" No matter how silly the idea sounded, the enthusiasm in her voice made it sound much genuine. Well for the most of the part.

Clemont sighed in exasperation before giving Bonnie an annoyed look. "Bonnie haven't I told you a million times that I don't need any girl."

"What are you talking about Big brother? I won't be always there to look after you, so it is my moral duty to find you a good wife to do that for me." All three of them sweat dropped to the explanation. Serena couldn't help but wonder, 'from where does she learn such things?' 'Moral duty…' Seriously that girl.

"I don't think that's a bad idea" Ash joined in while giving Clemont a sly smile. "I think Bonnie's right, don't you Serena?" Bonnie chirped up the moment she heard Ash supporting her. Clemont knew that Ash was just messing with him but didn't help him feel some better, in fact it just boosted his embarrassment.

Serena taking the hint joined in herself. "Of course, it's a pretty good Idea" she said while wearing a huge grin on her face.

"Not you too guys" Clemont was too embarrassed at the point to even look them into the eyes. He just let out a sigh before turning to face the opposite side. Ash chuckled off his actions and was joined by everyone, and soon it turned into a hearted laugh.

Serena laughing herself, took a moment to take a look at her newly formed group. She couldn't remember the last time she had laughed like this. In her heart, she was pleased that she had find them. It's true that she just wanted to find Ash at first, but now she'd realized that she couldn't have wished for better. Forgetting all her worries and past, she was just happy that she had friends like them.

Turning her attention towards the said trainer, she found him looking at her from the corner of his eyes while laughing heartedly. She couldn't feel any better. Though she was upset about it at first but now she was glad that he had asked her to join them. Even if it was because of the fact that he felt like he was in debt of her.

Now she was sure she had no regrets. She now knew what she had to do. She just had to make these moment with them, the moments of her life and with them by her side, she knew it wouldn't be too hard to. And as far as Ash was concerned, it now didn't matter if he didn't feel the same way as she does, because from now own, she would make sure to make him do that.

All she had to keep in mind, was to never give up!

Author's Note: SO guys here is the tenth chapter. WOW how much time it has been since the last time? Almost two months. You guys thought that I was dead right? I bet you did. Well sorry to break it to you BUT I'm not. xD

Well Let me explain before you start hating me. I'd finished the chapter a very long time ago but couldnt upload back then. The reason is 'I was hospitalised'. Alright I'm still at the hospital though. They'd actually let me use my Laptop for a while so I took the time to upload the chapter. Go on, think that I'm lying or just making a lame excuse. But if you're a regular reader (Though I doubt there would be any xD) you could possibly understand because of the previous notes.

Anyways, I cant express how happy I really Am. 114 followers already? I never thought it would go this well. I'm so so grateful for all of your support. I want to seriously thank the regular readers for sticking to the story (If there are any, again xD). You guys are awesome!

Have you guys watched the final episode of the anime? Oh My God. Can you believe it guys? They actually did it. Oh I'm out of my words right now. They really did it! Amourshipping's finally canon. And just for you guys to know, that was definately a kiss. Don't give me the Crap that it wasn't. The moment when Serena said, "Ash, You're my goal" I was like What In the hell and then the knowing looks on the faces of the siblings. And then when she said, "I'll return to be a more attractive woman" I was done but the Authors didn't stop.

Then She started to leave (I was a little numb to be honest) But then she said "Can I have one last thing" that was the moment I felt something big was coming and then running up to the escalator and fulfulling us Amourshipper's dream, She finally Kissed Ash! The looks on everyone's face was priceless. Especially Ash's.

So Guys it's official, I'm 100% sure Serena's going to return in the anime and not just for an episode, that's for sure.

Wow that turned out to be one hell of a note xD But I'm way too excited guys. Anyways, let me know if you liked or hated the chapter. Till the next time peace out!

Wait I'm gonna finish it in a different style this time.

AMOURSHIPPER and PROUD! :3