Chapter 33

It is the afternoon, and Ash, Serena, and Brock are having lunch with all of their Pokemon in the middle of the forest. The three trainers are eating sandwiches with salad and chips at their picnic table while the Pokemon each have their own bowl of Brock's personally-made Pokemon food. Everyone is enjoying their meal with Ash already finishing his helping and patting his belly in satisfaction.

"That was great, thanks, Brock," he says. "You sure know how to fill a guy up."

"I hope you're not too full, Ash," Serena says with a smile. "I've got macarons and Pokepuffs for dessert."

Ash's eyes light up at the mention of dessert while Brock looks at Serena with a concerned look.

"Are you sure your Pokepuffs are right where you left them?" He asks.

Serena smirks proudly and takes out her basket to show that it has a lock on it.

"Not to fear, I have finally learned my lesson," she states. "I bought this at Fuchsia City, and it's specifically made to prevent your treats from being stolen by little greedy Pokemon like a certain someone I know."

Oshawott stops eating and feels a chill down its spine as it suddenly sees the eyes of all of the other Pokemon glare disapprovingly at it. The sea otter Pokemon chuckles nervously as it awkwardly continues eating its meal. Ash chuckles at his Pokemon before turning to Serena.

"Betcha Oshawott and Chespin would be good friends," he says with a toothy grin.

Serena stares at Ash before she starts giggling while covering her mouth.

"Oh, Chespin," she laughs. "I can see the two of them coming up with sneaky ideas trying to steal my treats and then fight over who gets to eat all of them."

"Who is Chespin?" Brock asks. "Is that a Pokemon you two know from your Kalos journey?"

"Yep, Chespin in Clemont's Pokemon," Ash answers. "Which reminds me, we should give Clemont and Bonnie another call once we get to Neon City."

Serena gasps in realization and says, "Oh my. I've completely forgotten to do that since Saffron City. I guess we've been so focused on gym battles, contests, and other stuff that we forgot to update Clemont and Bonnie like we said we would."

"Maybe while we're at it, we should give your mom a call," Ash says.

Serena groans in annoyance.

"You're right," she whines. "She's probably upset that I hadn't called her since before we left Kalos. She probably doesn't even know that we're still traveling together."

"Don't worry. As long as we show her that I'm here supporting you and we have Brock to look after us, she won't worry," Ash says encouragingly. "Plus, you already have three out of the five ribbons you need to compete in the Grand Festival, so she'll know you're doing just fine with pursuing your dream."

Serena looks at Ash appreciatively while he gives her a toothy grin.

"You're right, Ash," she says. "I shouldn't have any problems at all."

The two of them continue to smile at each other for a moment before Serena continues eating her lunch with Brock. Ash goes back to patting his belly, eager to eat more of Serena's delicious treats. But as the group finishes the rest of their meals, their moment of peace is interrupted by a faint voice.

"Ash!"

Everyone looks at each other in confusion. They are unsure if they heard anything until the voice grows louder.

"Ash, it's me!"

Ash stands up from his seat and turns around to see a familiar girl with brown hair that's in two long ponytails and wearing a yellow dress running over to him. Before he has a chance to say her name in surprise, the girl runs right into him and pulls him in for a tight, affectionate hug much to the shock of Brock and especially Serena.

"Oh, Ash, dear, I missed you so much," the girl says loudly. "Do you like my new dress? I can't believe it's been so long since the Johto League, and we had to postpone our date!"

Serena feels her heart stop at the sound of this girl saying the word "date" and calling Ash "dear" while she squeezes his body. Thankfully, Ash looks at the girl dumbfounded with what she just said.

"Macy, what are you talking about? What date?" He asks.

The girl named Macy breaks the hug and gives Ash a frustrated look.

"Oh honestly, Ash, you silly boy," she rebukes. "I can't believe after all this time you would forget that I promised we would have our date the next time we see each other."

"What? I'm confused," Ash says, scratching his head.

"So am I," Serena says, still feeling unsure of whether or not to take what the girl is saying seriously.

"I think I can explain," Brock says. "You see, Macy here was competing in the Johto League with Ash back when we were still traveling with Misty. Ash saved Macy from getting injured when Team Rocket tried to steal her Vulpix, and since then, she's been crushing on Ash and talking about the two of them going out on a date that she keeps postponing."

"That's right, but now I'm here, and we can have our date underway," Macy says.

"Oh...yeah, now I remember," Ash says, scratching his cheek.

"So Ash, where would you like to go?" Macy asks with a flirtatious look. "I'm on my way to Fuchsia City, and I hear there's a great ice cream place that makes good sundaes for two people."

At this point, Serena's look of worry turns into annoyance after everything is explained to her. The fact that this girl is pompously assuming she has a date with Ash or that he has any interest in her is as irritating to her as her Kalos friend, Miette, always teasing her about her own feelings for Ash. She steps in between Macy and Ash and gives Macy a hard glare.

"For your information, we just came from Fuchsia City, and you can't just say you have a date with Ash," she says.

Macy is taken aback before she looks at Serena angrily.

"Why not? Are you his girlfriend?" She counters.

Serena's face turns red, and her heart skips a beat at the idea of being Ash's girlfriend. She quickly shakes her head and regains her angry glare.

"No, I am not," she says.

"Then just like that, Misty girl, I'll thank you to not but into Ash's love life," Macy says. "Ash and I need to catch up before we start going serious."

At Macy's words, Serena's face turns red again out of anger instead of bashfulness.

"You listen here, missy," she barks. "I may not be Ash's girlfriend, but I still care about him as my friend to say that you cannot just spontaneously claim you have to have a date with him!"

Macy's anger rises, and she yells, "Says who? Ash is the one who defended me from a bunch of rapscallions while also saving my poor Vulpix. And I even have a Pokemon to always think about him."

Serena looks at Macy, confused as the girl in the yellow dress takes out a Pokeball and raises it into the air. The ball opens to reveal a Magcargo.

"What in the world is that?" Serena asks as she takes out her Pokedex.

"Magcargo, the lava Pokemon and the evolved form of Slugma," her Pokedex says. "Magcargo lives primarily in volcanic regions and occasionally emits the lava from its back that circles its body."

"My Magcargo is one of the mightiest fire Pokemon in my team," Macy states proudly. "And I always think of Ash when I use it in battle because it gained enough experience from our battle in the Johto League to evolve even though I lost. Your Pokemon probably don't have anything to do with Ash."

"Hey, that's not true," Serena barks. "I have my Poliwag to make me think of when Ash and I first met when we were little. Isn't that right, Poliwag?"

"Poli! Poli!" Poliwag shouts happily as it jumps into Serena's arms and snuggles its head on her shoulder, affectionately to prove that its trainer is right. Serena smiles sweetly at the tadpole Pokemon and holds it tight for backing her up until their moment is interrupted by Macy laughing loudly.

"Seriously? That puny little water Pokemon is what you're so proud of?" She mocks. "If you were a smart girl, you would realize that only fire Pokemon are the way to go."

"But don't you have a Starmie on your team, Macy?" Ash asks in confusion.

Macy's proud pose falters for a moment before she says, "Y-yes, but I only use it when I need to. Besides, even my Starmie is something to be proud of compared to a puny Poliwag."

"Hey, no one talks that way about Poliwag!" Serena shouts. "I don't care how powerful your fire Pokemon are. Poliwag and my other Pokemon are all wonderful."

Braixen, Pancham, Sylveon, Absol, and Poliwag all make cheerful noises in agreement with their trainer's declaration.

"Well, my fire Pokemon have already gotten me five out of the eight badges I need to compete in the Indigo League this year," Macy says proudly as she takes out her badge case and shows it to everyone.

"And the teamwork I have with my Pokemon has won me three of the five contest ribbons I need to compete in the Grand Festival," Serena counters while showing her ribbon case.

"Ha! You're one of those Pokemon coordinators?" Macy mocks. "Showing off how pretty your Pokemon's moves are is a silly child's play compared to showing their true power in a real battle."

"Power doesn't mean everything!" Serena snaps.

By this point, the two girls are glaring at each other so much that sparks are appearing between them. Ash looks at both of them nervously, unsure of what to do. Thankfully, Brock steps in between both girls and breaks them up.

"Alright, you two, knock it off," he says. "You have different styles and dreams, so just respect that."

But instead of calming down, Macy just turns around and waves her hand uncaringly while Serena looks away and lifts her head up with an uptight "humph." Brock sighs while Ash chuckles nervously before turning to Macy.

"Look, Macy, Serena is right," he says. "We're on our way from Fuchsia City, and I can't just go back there when I want to cheer Serena on at the Pokemon contest at Neon City."

Serena loses her foul demeanor to look at Ash sweetly, appreciative of his dedication to support her.

"And second of all, I never agreed to go on a date with you," Ash finishes.

Macy turns to Ash and frowns disapprovingly. But suddenly, her eyes light up, and she grins excitedly.

"Alright then, Ash, then let's settle the matter once and for all," she says.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Ash asks with him, Brock, Serena, and all of their Pokemon looking at Macy confused.

"Let's have a battle," Macy suggests. "If you win, then I won't bother you, but if I win, you will go on a date with me."

Everyone looks at her, surprised, but Ash is quick to snap out of his shock and give Macy a confident smirk.

"Okay then," he says. "If you want a battle, then that's fine by me."

Serena's heart sinks as she looks at Ash in disbelief. In her mind, she is screaming at the top of her lungs at how abruptly the boy she likes just accepted the challenge. Brock sighs again, disapproving of Ash jumping into a battle while Macy smiles excitedly.

"Awesome!" She shouts cheerfully. "How about a three-round battle?"

"Sounds great," Ash says. "Brock, how about you referee?"

"Sure thing," Brock says plainly.

Ash and Macy run over to opposite sides of the field while Brock, Serena, and the Pokemon walk over to the sidelines. Serena immediately puts her hands on her blue ribbon as she mentally prays that Ash will win.

"This will be a three-round battle!" Brock announces. "The winner will be decided on who wins the most rounds! Are the participants ready?"

"Ready!" Ash and Macy eagerly say at the same time.

"Then battle begin!" Brock declares.

"Alright, Typhlosion, I choose you!" Macy shouts proudly as she tosses a Pokeball, and a Typhlosion comes out.

"So your Quilava evolved, huh?" Ash says, smirking. "Oshawott, let's go!"

"Oshawott!" Oshawott shouts excitedly as it runs over to Ash's side.

"Ha! This one's going to be easy," Macy says. "Typhlosion, Flamethrower!"

"Oshawott, counter with Hydro Pump, then use Razor Shell!" Ash shouts.

Typhlosion and Oshawott fire Flamethrower and Hydro Pump at the same time, causing the two attacks to collide and cover the field with a large cloud of mist. Oshawott takes out the shell on its belly and cuts its unsuspecting opponent with Razor Shell.

"Oh no, Typhlosion!" Macy cries out worriedly. "Quick, hit him back with Swift!"

"Oshawott, use your shell to knock out those stars!" Ash commands.

Typhlosion fires several golden stars at Oshawott, who knocks them out with ease using its shell. However, the sea otter Pokemon misses one that hits it right on the head, sending it in a daze.

"Alright, now use Quick Attack!" Macy shouts.

Typhlosion races toward Oshawott at inhuman speed and rams into its opponent, sending it flying into the air and hitting the field with a thud.

"Oshawott, use Tackle," Ash commands.

"Typhlosion, use Flame Wheel!" Macy orders grinning.

Oshawott charges at Typhlosion, but the tall volcano Pokemon charges back with a powerful Flame Wheel. The two of them run into each other, and little Oshawott is sent flying through the air and crashing into a tree before landing on the ground unconscious.

"Oshawott is unable to continue! Typhlosion wins!" Brock declares.

"Alright!" Macy does happily as she jumps for joy.

Serena and Ash look at Oshawott sadly before the raven-haired boy returns it back into its Pokeball.

"Get a good rest, Oshawott," Ash says before turning to his other Pokemon. "Primeape, you're up."

"Primeape!" Primeape shouts as it steps in front of Ash looking pumped.

"Primeape, please win this round," Serena says quietly as she keeps her grip on her ribbon.

Macy smirks as she return Typhlosion and throws another Pokeball into the air.

"Go, Electabuzz!" She calls out while the ball opens to reveal her Electabuzz looking just as pumped.

"Primeape, use Thrash!" Ash orders.

"Electabuzz, use Thunderbolt!" Macy shouts.

Primeape charges at Electabuzz, but the electric Pokemon's Thunderbolt hits it, and it starts, grunting in pain.

"Now use Iron Tail!" Macy shouts.

"Dodge and use Karate Chop!" Ash calls out.

Electabuzz's tail turns into iron, and it swings its tail at Primeape, but the pig monkey Pokemon quickly recovers from the Thunderbolt and dodges and chops Electabuzz hard on the side.

"Now use Thrash, one more time!" Ash shouts.

Primeape stomps on the ground before it punches and kicks Electabuzz repeatedly with great speed. Macy watches in horror as scratches and bruises appear all over Electabuzz's body from every harsh punch and kick.

"Electabuzz, use Thunder Punch!" She cries out.

Electabuzz manages to collect itself and makes a fist that starts glowing with electricity. It throws the punch right at Primeape, but it dodges the attack with ease.

"Use multiple Thunder Punches until you hit it!" Macy yells impatiently.

Both of Electabuzz's fists glow with electricity, and it throws several punches rapidly at Primeape. The pig monkey Pokemon, however, continues to dodge with great ease, making Ash smirk.

"Primeape, use Mega Kick, then finish with Seismic Toss," Ash commands.

Primeape dodges another Thunder Punch before kicking Electabuzz right on the gut. Electabuzz goes down on one knee, and Primeape takes advantage of it by grabbing Electabuzz's leg with one hand and its head with the other before jumping high into the air and slamming the electric Pokemon onto the ground. Macy looks at her Pokemon devastated as Electabuzz lies on the ground with swirly eyes.

"Electabuzz is unable to battle! Primeape wins, which means the next round decides the match!" Brock announces.

"Primeape!" Primeape roars proudly as it stomps on the ground and shakes its fists in the air.

"Way to go, Primeape," Ash says. "No wonder you are a true champion, just like Anthony trained you."

Serena sighs in relief, despite knowing Ash needs to win one more round to win the battle. She keeps her grip on her ribbon as she prays that Ash will triumph.

Macy frowns as she returns Electabuzz back into its Pokeball and turns to Magcargo.

"Alright, Magcargo, you're the one who always makes me think about Ash, so it only fits that I use you to win me a date with him," she says.

"Cargo!" Magcargo says, nodding as it slithers in front of its trainer, ready for battle.

"Magcargo, eh?" Ash says as he scratches his chin in thought. "Boldore, let's go!"

"Boldore!" Boldore shouts excitedly as it steps into the field.

"Boldore, great idea," Serena says, smiling. "Fire Pokemon are weak against rock type moves, and this could be a good experience for Boldore eventually evolving."

"Maybe so, but I doubt it will be easy, Serena," Brock says seriously. "Macy proved at the Johto League that she knows how to defend her fire Pokemon against Pokemon they are weak against as she already showed by defeating Oshawott."

Serena looks at Brock, and she becomes concerned as she continues to watch the battle with her hand on her precious ribbon.

"Magcargo, use Flamethrower," Macy orders.

"Defend yourself with Sandstorm," Ash commands.

Boldore summons a Sandstorm right as Magcargo is about to unleash a Flamethrower. The fire attack hits the Sandstorm with no effect, and the lava Pokemon struggles to see anything from the sand flying all over the area.

"Now, use Rock Blast!" Ash commands.

"Magcargo, dodge it with Double Team!" Macy calls out.

Despite being unable to see its opponent, Magcargo summons copies of itself just in time for several Rock Blasts to fly through the storm and hit the fake images of it.

"Now hit that Boldore with Earth Power!" Macy shouts.

"Earth Power?" Serena asks in confusion.

Magcargo glows yellow, and it raises its head high before slamming it into the ground. The ground cracks with yellow light erupting from it, and the cracks travel all the way to Boldore, hitting it. The ore Pokemon groans in pain as it loses control of the Sandstorm, which disappears completely.

"That's more like it," Macy says with a grin. "Now, use Body Slam!"

Magcargo jumps into the air and lands right on top of Boldore. The ore Pokemon groans in pain while its opponent stands on it with its full body weight.

"Boldore, hang on!" Ash calls out worriedly.

"Sorry, Ash, but it looks like Magcargo has the upper hand," Macy says confidently. "If I were you, I would think about a good place to go for our date."

Serena's pupils shrink at Macy's words, and she gives poor Boldore a desperate look.

"Boldore, please get up," she begs. "Don't let Magcargo get the better of you. Remember your dream. You want to become bigger and more powerful as a Gigalith. You can't reach your dream if you let your opponent keep you down!"

Ash notices Serena encouraging his Pokemon again and call out, "Boldore, Serena's right. You gotta be brave and fight back! Don't give up until it's over!"

Everyone keeps their eyes on Boldore, who is still getting compressed by Magcargo's weight. After a moment, Boldore groans as it slowly gets up despite its heavy opponent still on top of it.

"That's it, Boldore!" Ash encourages, "Now knock it off of you with Flash Cannon!"

Macy's confidence falters as she sees a bright light appearing from under Magcargo. The lava Pokemon only realizes what is happening for a moment before Boldore fires the Flash Cannon, which sends its opponent flying off of it and crashing onto the floor.

"Magcargo, quick, get up, and use Flamethrower again!" Macy yells determinedly.

"Dodge and use Rock Smash!" Ash commands.

Boldore jumps away from where Magcargo is unleashing Flamethrower and charges at its opponent with its right front leg glowing red-orange. It stabs Magcargo on the face with the tip of its leg, and Magcargo groans in pain as it slithers back.

"Magcargo, use Double Team!" Macy shouts, feeling nervous.

"Nice try, but I remember how to overcome that trick," Ash says. "Use Rock Blast repeatedly!"

Magcargo makes a line of copies of itself, but Boldore makes all of them disappear with Rock Blast until one of them hits the real Magcargo. Macy's fear grows as she realizes that her poor Pokemon is growing weak and won't be able to take another hit like that.

"Magcargo, use Flamethrower and give it everything you got!" She cries desperately.

"Boldore, use Rock Blast at full power," Ash says with a grin.

Both Pokemon fire their attacks at the same time. Magcargo's Flamethrower is bigger than before, but the silver energy waves coming from the protrusion in front of Boldore's body flies through the stream of fire. The two attacks hit both targets with both Pokemon howling in pain. Boldore manages to stand its ground despite getting hit, but the Rock Blast is so powerful against the lava Pokemon that Magcargo wobbles back and forth before it faints.

"Magcargo is no longer able to continue!" Brock declares. "Boldore wins, which means the victory goes to Ash at two wins!"

"Alright!" Ash shouts.

"Way to go, Ash and Boldore!" Serena calls out.

"Boldore!" Boldore cheers, joyous of finally winning a battle.

Macy frowns sadly as she returns Magcargo to its Pokeball.

"Magcargo, once again, you gave it your very best shot," she says to the Pokeball before turning to Ash with a proud look. "Ash, it looks like you have given me another great battle. You're still the man I thought you'd be, sweetie."

Serena glares at Macy for calling Ash "sweetie," but Ash just smiles at Macy and says, "Thanks, and I appreciate the kind of battle you gave me. This was the kind of match my Boldore needed."

"Boldore!" Boldore shouts with glee.

"Well, in any case, a deal is a deal," Macy says with a sigh. "Looks like we won't be going on a date after all."

"Yeah, well, that's probably for the best," Ash says while scratching his cheek.

Serena secretly sighs in relief, thankful to hear Ash say that until Macy walks up to Ash until their faces are inches apart.

"I may have lost today Ash, but I'm still going to try to get a date with you," she says confidently. "So, you better watch out because I'm going to win my remaining badges and win the Indigo League, no doubt."

Ash blinks at Macy's forwardness before he smirks and says, "Alright, then you better watch out because I'm planning on winning the Indigo League too."

Macy smirks at Ash before walking over to Serena until they are inches apart.

"As for you, I will get Ash no matter what, so you better not butt in when I do," she warns.

Serena is taken aback at the girl's claim for a moment before she frowns and says, "We'll see about that. You better not butt in either if Ash chooses someone else."

"Like who? You?" Macy challenges.

Serena's voice dies in her throat, and her cheeks heat up. She struggles to think of something to say without confessing her feelings for Ash in front of him. Unfortunately, Macy looks deep into the honey blonde girl's eyes and figures it out for herself before she smirks mischievously.

"Oh, I see. The inhibited type, eh?" She teases. "Well, good luck with that. You're gonna need it before I get him."

Serena's face turns red in anger while Macy sticks out her tongue before turning to Ash and Brock.

"Well, I better get going. My sixth badge awaits," she announces. "See you at the Indigo League, Ash."

"Alright, Macy. Take care," Ash says kindly.

"I will. See ya later, sweetie!" Macy calls out while she starts running down the road that leads back to Fuchsia City.

Serena keeps glaring at the girl with her face red all over until Macy is out of sight. Her moment of frustration is suddenly interrupted when Ash turns to her with a worried look.

"Serena, are you okay?" He asks.

Serena snaps out of it and turns to Ash nervously.

"Y-yes, I'm fine, Ash," she lies.

"Uh, okay. So what was Macy telling you before she left?" Ash asks.

"Oh, it's nothing. Nothing important," Serena lies again with a nervous chuckle. "Anyway, what are we standing around for? We need to clean up and get going to Neon City."

Brock chuckles quietly to himself, knowing his friend is changing the subject before he says, "Yeah, you're right. We need to catch up if we're gonna make it to the city the day before the contest."

"Right," Ash says, smiling. "Then let's not waste any more time."

Thus, the three of them take down their picnic table, put away their food equipment and utensils, and return all of their Pokemon back into their Pokeballs except for Pikachu. Once they are all set, Pikachu hops back onto Ash's shoulder, and the three trainers continue their walk to Neon City. As they do, Serena smiles, thankful that Ash won the battle against Macy and starts to wonder if she will ever gain the courage to be as open about her feelings as someone like Macy.