Prism: Amourshipping

Chapter 13

"Come on out, guys," Serena whispered quietly, pointing her Pokeballs towards the ground.

Two bursts of bright lights lit up the dim early morning, two shapes materializing in front of Serena. She swallowed heavily as she watched her Pokemon take form, Isla and Flambé looking up at her. Flambé's ears flicked up, while Isla tossed her head, both of them watching her expectantly.

Tears stung Serena's eyes. "I'm... I'm so sorry."

"Kin?"

"Rhhh."

"I... I put you in a fight you couldn't win," Serena whispered, voice shaking. "You guys got hurt trying to protect me, and then... then you were almost stolen by someone I put my trust in!" Tears were starting to pour down her face. "Flambé, y-you didn't trust them, you warned me, b-but I didn't listen and I– I– I'm sorry! I'm the worst trainer ever!"

She tried to wipe the tears away, tried to keep her crying under control, but she couldn't stop the sobs from coming now. Guilt flooded her as she cried, hunching over as her voice wavered.

"I understand why you wouldn't want to stay with me after th-this– and if you don't w-want to, that's fine! I'll find you a good trainer to go to, s-someone that could protect you and– and–!"

She was cut off as she felt something rough nudge against her arm. She peered out to see Isla gently bumping her horn up against her, letting out soft rumbles. The Pokemon's scarlet eyes were full of concern, pressing close to her.

"Fenna!" Flambé yipped, the Fennekin running up and jumping into her arms. She fumbled to keep hold of the fox, who was now nuzzling her, fur warm against her skin. Flambé looked up at her, his gaze full with nothing but concern.

Serena wiped her eyes. "I don't deserve you guys."

Her Pokemon let out cries of protest at this, pressing closer to their trainer.

-----------

It was strange being on a Rhyhorn track without her mother.

Serena looked out at the track, Pewter City's laid out in a large field. She and Forrest made their way towards the track, the two of them walking in silence. There was a small group forming on the north side, where the sign ups for the race were taking place. As they made their way Forrest's steps seemed to get slower, and Serena looked back at him in confusion, but she soon realized why.

"Looks like Harrison is here," someone said as they approached. "Still sane enough to race, hmm?"

Forrest said nothing, just heading towards the table where the sign ups were taking place. Serena trailed after him, eyes flickering about at the people looking in their direction.

"Rhyhorn and I would like to enter for the novice division race tomorrow," Forrest muttered, reaching for the paperwork. The woman manning the sign ups seemed to barely pay any attention, but pushed it towards him.

"So would I," Serena said, stepping forward as Forrest shuffled to the side, filling out his information. "This will be my first race, actually."

This time the woman did look up, scanning Serena with a critical eye. She did know that she stood out slightly– since the race was't today she wasn't dressed for the role, instead in a casual dress, hair done up and makeup a bit more fancy than usual, as she had the time to do so this morning. She always felt more confident when she could express herself this way, but clearly that wasn't working out in her favor at the moment.

"You have to sign up to be a Rhyhorn racer at the Pokemon Center before you can join any race, dear," The woman said in what was clearly a fake sweet voice.