The Road to our Destiny

Chapter 24

On the second day of traveling after saying goodbye to Sabrina, her parents, Haunter, Dawn, Piplup, Ash, Pikachu, Serena, and Brock, have made their way to Celadon City. Ash has been feeling pumped after successfully defeating Sabrina in an official battle without needing Haunter to make Sabrina and Alakazam laugh. He has been leading the group to Celadon City acting even more positive and energetic than before.

"Here we are, Celadon City," he states loudly. "Now I just need a rematch with Erika and then Agatha, and I'll be all set to face Timothy at the Indigo League,"

"Pi, Pikachu!" Pikachu shouts.

Serena giggles at Ash and Pikachu's enthusiasm.

"I'm glad to see you feel so excited, Ash," she says.

"Yeah, officially defeating a tough opponent like Sabrina has been doing a number on you," Brock states.

"You bet," Ash says. "Battling against Sabrina with her Kadabra as an Alakazam that can mega evolve was so awesome. I really feel like I'm a much stronger trainer after facing her and beating her in a fair battle."

"Don't forget, you couldn't have done it without Serena's advice too," Brock says.

Serena turns to Brock, surprised and he gives her a supportive smile and a wink before Ash turns his head to face his friends.

"Yeah, Brock's right. You were a great help, Serena," he says.

Serena looks at Ash, surprised, and looks away from him shyly.

"Come on, Ash, I just made a suggestion," she says bashfully. "It was your strategy and Gabite learning Dragon Rush that won you the battle."

"But I couldn't think of any new ways to outmaneuver Sabrina and Alakazam until you reminded me of my battle with Timothy," Ash counters. "You just know how to help me whenever I'm in a jam like that, Serena. It makes me glad that I asked you to come with me, Clemont, and Bonnie after defeating Viola and asked to join you on your journey here in the Kanto region."

Serena feels her cheeks heating up even more while Ash turns his head forward and continues walking down the streets ahead of Serena and Brock. The honey blonde girl takes advantage of Ash and Pikachu, looking away from her and moves closer to Brock as they walk.

"You didn't need to do that," she whispers.

"Of course, I did," Brock whispers back. "I said I would help you out however I can, and I intend to follow through with that. Besides, it's clear that he's really fond of you as a companion, right? So we just need to find the right push that will get him into viewing you as someone more."

Serena gives Brock a kind look and says, "I appreciate the support, Brock, but I'm not sure it's going to be that easy. It's not like I can just make a big romantic gesture while in a pretty dress that captivates him."

Brock frowns and nods before realizing something and starts chuckling out loud. Serena looks at him in confusion, and even Ash and Pikachu turn around to look at him.

"What's so funny, Brock?" Ash asks.

"Oh, Serena was just reminding me of when we first came here with Misty, and you snuck into the gym disguised as a girl," Brock says.

"What?!" Serena shouts, shocked.

"Oh...yeah..." Ash says, scratching his cheek. "I did do that, didn't I?"

"Pikachu," Pikachu chortles.

"Ash, why in the world would you do that?" Serena asks.

Ash stops walking and turns around to face Serena nervously.