Yesterday was an eventful day. The group had plenty of fun on the beach. We actually stayed for the entire day, until the sun started to set. We had so many conversations, and a couple arguments as well, but at the end of the day we all agreed that it was one of the best days the gang ever shared.

But my mind keeps on slipping back into the moment when May noticed Ash. Him ignoring my request for him to join us and enjoy the weekend together, irritated me quite a bit. I don't know why, I just want to get to know him.

'Why did he ignore me, did I do something wrong?' I thought back onto anything that could have affected that interaction. I don't recall talking or speaking to him any other time. During the last week, he was being very evasive of us. It might have been because of our conversation on Monday, but that ended on a good note. I really don't understand, he looked as if he completely hated my guts when he stared into my eyes for that moment.

"Hey, Serena are you alright?" Calem asked with a worried expression. The current scene is the path to Sentelune City. I actually took the time out of my weekend to go watch some stupid battle. 

We were currently traversing through a forest. I was absolutely terrified as it brings back bad memories. Memories that I would not like to repeat, not even in my head. It didn't matter if I was alone or even there were a group of people near me, forests just freak me out. It's full of bug pokemon, the countless trees block line of sight into any direction, meaning anyone or anything could be getting a jump on us.

I kept turning my head in every direction being completely paranoid. I started shaking a bit, especially my hands until a hand went out to grab it. I looked down at the hand, and raised my eyes to meet Calem's.

"Hey, there's no need to worry. I'm here and I can protect you. I promise nothing bad will happen to you" Calem reassured me, I blushed at his caring nature. Although I haven't really seen him do it to any of the other girls. It was nice that he was caring, and being worried for someone else other than himself.

Instead of words I chose a facial expression, I sent him a smile that represented my gratitude. I swear I could see a tint of red taking over the color of his face, but he turned his head into another direction.

The group continued to make our way through the forest, when the sight of a bright light entered my vision, my heart began regaining it's regular pulse. Relief washed over my mind, I didn't need to be paranoid about getting attacked by multiple Beedrill.

I let out a huge sigh as we exited the forest and reached the grasslands. The sight was beautiful, words could barely describe the emotions that were circling through my body at the view my eyes were gazing it. 

At a distance, there was grass surrounding a massive area, with a small amount of berry trees scattered across the biome. Within the center of the area, there was a lake. You could see all types of pokemon heading to hydrate themselves, and within the lake multiple water type pokemon were located. The pokemon that seem to stand out the most were some Magikarp splashing around minding their own business, while on land Skiddo and Gogoat could be seen crossing the dark green grass.

Calem noticed my sigh. Completely forgetting that we were holding hands, I quickly pulled my hand away from his while my cheeks turned crimson within seconds. 

I was embarrassed beyond words, but Calem acted as if nothing had happened. Actually he looked disappointed, I noticed this as I saw a frown forming on his face.

From behind, there could be heard some chuckles and some awes coming from the others. I turned my head around and saw everyone, they were staring at us this entire time. My eyes couldn't become any wider, Dawn then gave me a thumbs up which lead me to drop my jaw.

"I'm going to kill you later!" I mouthed to Dawn, at which she returned a smile. I ignored the rest of the comments and proceeded with our walk to the gym. In silence and alone.

The rest of the trip was filled with awkward silence, but I didn't care everyone teased me because of Calem. I don't know why I even allowed Calem to grab my hand, it's not like he even helped me keep my cool. Throughout that path in the forest I was freaking out all the time, his presence was barely noticeable.

'I'm pretty sure he has a crush on me' I sighed realizing the situation and turning to him. I've never been freaked out more, when I turned my head towards him I was met by him staring at me already. He crept me out even further when he didn't look away, but instead gave me a grin.

'Yeah, okay. How to not be a stalker, staring none other than Calem' I didn't want nor had the courage to even look behind me anymore. I simply stared straight and kept going.

Before we headed to the gym, the gang visited the pokemon center. Gary thought it would be a good idea for us to check all of our pokemon before we go watch Calem get demolish- I mean give an attempt at winning his gym battle.

Maybe I'm a bit harsh, but after the incident that just occurred on the road here, I'm practically begging for Calem to lose, so I specifically do not need to attend anymore of these trips. This last one took me out of the mood, and if he does win. I gulped. That means I'm going to be traveling with him, alone. The thought made my entire body shiver.

Everyone was enjoying their meals, while discussing certain things. The girls and I were talking about pokemon showcases and performances. I did finally decide that Fennekin and I are ready to try and go join a performance, but I still haven't told anyone yet. I don't think it's the right time. Scratch that, I don't feel that it's the right time.

The boys were caught up in some argument about which one of them is the stronger trainer. Guessing by the reaction coming from the other boys, it was Gary who started it. Him and that ego filled brain. I swear his ego has somehow surpassed a point unimaginable, most if not everything coming out of his mouth is always either praising himself or his pokemon.

"How can you possibly be the stronger trainer? All you have is an Eevee that has yet to evolve into anything! Drew argued

"At least I have an actual pokemon and not some stupid flower. How do you even feed that thing? Let me guess you throw it into the sunlight" Gary fired back

This was getting argument was getting really out of hand. I swear I can see electricity going on between Drew's and Gary's eyes. Someone needed to stop them before things got visible, although I don't think any of the girls could be asked as all of us just sweat dropped and continued sipping on our drinks.

Thankfully Paul interfered with the argument. "Listen, both of you are wrong" He started. Both Gary and Drew shifted their attention to Paul in disbelief "How?" Gary spoke up "If we look at things objectively, and logically, we can tell who is stronger by looking at the amount of badges you have collected. Neither of you have a single one, that includes you Calem. I have beaten all the gym's in the Sinnoh region, and entered the league. Which then concludes in me being the strongest out of all of you" He explained and put the three other in their places.

'Wow, Paul is always the quiet one, yet he just explained and knocked them off of their high horses' I thought to myself. Clearly the girls agree, as I could see it on their faces. All of them were standing there like they were hit with a confuse ray. 

The sound of our pokemon being healed interrupted all of our thoughts.

"I may not have a badge now, but I will soon" Calem said with confidence as he went to go grab his starter pokemon. The rest of us joined him a while later as we put our plates away. We collected all of our partners and made our way towards the Santalune gym. 

"I've never actually seen Viola battle. Now that I think about it, I've actually never seen what she looks like" I said to no one in particular.

"The only bit of information I know about her is that she specializes in training bug type pokemon" Calem said

"From what I've seen on TV, and the photos she is in, she often wears a white tank top with army green shorts that extend beyond her knees and black boots" Dawn said while remembering an article that she read about her "I remember reading that she also spends a lot of her time photographing different bug types, she has an amazing talent when it comes to taking well timed shots" Dawn finished 

"So, Calem." I said looking at him "Do you have a strategy for defeating her pokemon?" I asked with curiosity. He sweat dropped and replied while putting his hands behind his head "Actually, I was thinking I would just wing it and see how it goes" The entire group fell onto the ground in disbelief.

"Let me get this straight, a) you aren't bringing two pokemon, only Chespin and b) you haven't thought of a plan or strategy to counter her even though you only have one pokemon" Misty said in outright shock

"Yep. Sounds about right" He said with a chuckle. This time it was our turn to sweat drop. Well at least this heightens the chances of him failing. Seriously though, how unprepared could you get? This is your first gym battle. I would except that he would have caught minimum one pokemon by now, but I guess some are slower than others.

The group had lost all faith in Calem's ability to win the battle. It was already a lost cause at this point, why even drag it out. The outcome is already known, yet somehow he is blinded by his arrogance. "Who is he, Gary?" I said under my breath

"Hey, I heard that!" I heard Gary from far away. I giggled at his reaction, and immediate response. We were slowly but surely making our way to the gym, even though we would stop ever so often, because May or Dawn would spot a store and run into it. Usually I would do the same, but all this walking is making me exhausted. I want this day to end already.

We eventually reached the gym, or to put it more thoroughly, we were now a fair distance away but it was already visible. We just passed a fountain that was absolutely outstanding. That time I was the one who distracted the others, as I asked the girls to take a selfie with me. That's now my new background on my phone.

"You know, if you girls could pay attention for more than a few minutes, we could have actually gotten here already and finished the battle." Calem complained at us

"Hey, you're the one who invited us to come, that doesn't mean we will only look at your battle. Besides most of us have never been to Santalune City" Misty told Calem off

"Yeah, yeah whatever" He said as he made his way to the entrance of the gym. Right before the moment he was about to walk in, a known figure emerged from the gym. The figure had raven hair, and z marks under his eyes. It was Ash.

'But why is he here?' I questioned him in my mind

"Look who we have here, Mr. Full of himself. I see that you came here to battle the Santalune gym" Calem started mocking him. Both Gary and Drew laughed at his comment, while Paul ignored the conversation.

Ash didn't respond to him and kept walking. "So tough guy Ash doesn't wanna talk, let me guess you just lost to Viola and are now going to the pokemon center to heal up your weak little Pikachu. Pfff, I knew you were pathetic when I first saw you" Calem continued

I tried making eye contact with Ash, but he kept ignoring all of us, like we weren't even there. I wanted to talk to him, but the rest of the group would think I'm completely weird for trying, since they don't know about our earlier conversation.

"You gonna answer me or run away like a little baby?" Calem was pushing it, and I didn't like it. None of us know what Ash is capable of when he is angry or agitated.  

"Have a look for yourself" Ash put coldly while still walking away. He actually talked, although every time he does, shivers go up my spine. I don't know how or why it's even possible for him to do that. His personality is just. Dark and confusing.

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the Santalune gym door opening. 

"Everything will be alright Surskit and Vivillon, I'll get you to the pokemon center in no time!" Our group turned our attention towards the sound of an unfamiliar voice. It was Viola she was running out of the gym, although she had a worried expression planted on her face, actually she had tears in her eyes.

I then glanced at the pokemon she was holding. What did she say again, Surskit and Vivillon? I could barely even recognize them. From the looks of it, they were just in a fierce battle. But when pokemon faint they are able to get up within moments, these two however, they looked as if they had been mercilessly beat to the point where they could no longer move nor feel anything.

'Wait a minute. Ash literally just came out of the gym' I started analyzing the situation. 'Did he... Was he really the one who did this?' I was in complete shock 

'Who are you?...'