Serena didn't know how much time had passed. Her body felt stiff and cold. Just as she began to see what looked like a beautiful world waving to her through the haze, she felt Ash gradually slow down.
Ash gently set her down. The moment her feet touched the ground, Serena's legs went numb, and she nearly collapsed.
"Quack."
It was Froakie who caught her, his quick reflexes supporting Serena's waist and helping her stay upright.
"Thanks, Froakie."
Serena smiled and nodded in gratitude, then straightened herself and turned to look at Ash.
But Ash wasn't looking at her. He had lifted Mew from his head and was now checking her all over with concern.
"Mew, are you hurt anywhere?"
"Mew!"
The legendary Pokémon gave an energetic chirp, then playfully shook Ash's arm, as if asking for another ride.
It seemed like Mew had enjoyed the escape as if it were a game.
"I'm glad you're okay."
Ash let out a sigh of relief. Seeing Mew leaning into him and rubbing his cheek, he couldn't help but laugh.
"Stop it, Mew! That tickles!"
"Mew really seems close to you, Ash." Serena smiled knowingly. "Did you two become friends a long time ago?"
"Eh?" Ash blinked. "Well… we did talk a little when I was a kid, but I don't think we were that close…"
Scratching his head, Ash pointed to himself and addressed Mew.
"Hey, do you remember me? We've met before, right?"
"Mew?"
Mew tilted her head, then flew around Ash a few times, studying him. Suddenly, her eyes lit up. With a joyful cry, she dove into Ash's arms.
"Mew!"
Isn't this that boy? Long time no see!
"Quack."
Froakie glanced at the floating legendary with a complicated look. As amazing as Mew was, Froakie couldn't help feeling a little disdain. Legendary or not, she seemed... unserious.
"Quack."
But Froakie quickly shook his head. No point thinking about it. He walked over to Ash, tugged at his clothes, then pointed to himself and at Mew, his expression full of fighting spirit.
You owe me a fight! I didn't get a proper battle earlier, but since I saved you, it's only fair, right?
"You want to fight Mew?" Ash blinked, glancing from Froakie's serious expression to Mew.
Mew had frozen.
Ash looked at Mew and grinned. "Come on, Mew. Let's battle!"
Mew stared at Froakie, clearly troubled. She wasn't much of a fighter to begin with—especially not against a Pokémon this fired up. Still, she floated there, considering…
"Mew!"
Suddenly, she giggled, waved her tiny paw, then shot up into the sky and disappeared.
"Wha—hey! Why are you running away!?"
Ash stared blankly at the empty air. Froakie looked equally stunned, then furious.
"Quack!"
That coward! What about my duel!?
Ash scratched his head. "Uh… maybe she had an emergency?"
"Quack!"
Froakie wasn't buying it. He glared at Ash with a look that could kill.
And then… a glowing lightsaber appeared in Froakie's hand.
"Quack!"
Mew's gone, so you'll have to take her place!
"H-Hey! Calm down! Froakie—wait, STOP! DON'T COME OVER HERE!"
"Quack!!"
Too late for mercy!
SLASH!
THUD.
Ash lay sprawled on the ground, face covered in red marks, eyes spinning.
Froakie sat nearby on a patch of grass, arms crossed and thoroughly pleased with himself.
Serena stared in stunned silence, the corners of her mouth twitching.
"Your relationship with your Pokémon is… unique, Ash."
Ash groaned and sat up, rubbing his face. "Ow… I swear, Froakie's getting stronger every day. My trainer level's nowhere near enough to keep up with him right now."
Then he grinned, wincing. "But I'll catch up soon. Just you wait. One day I'll give Froakie a proper battle."
"Quack."
Froakie gave Ash a sideways glance, then casually waved his hand.
Of course I go all out. What's the point otherwise?
Also… your squishiness improves with every hit.
Ash twitched. He couldn't understand Froakie's exact words, but after a month of training together, he was getting pretty good at reading that smug little face.
Am I his trainer... or his punching bag?
If Froakie could answer, it would probably be: Why not both?
"Here, try this."
Serena opened her bag and pulled out a spray bottle. "It's a Potion. Might help with those welts."
"Seriously? Thanks!" Ash took it gratefully and sprayed himself. "Ooh… that's nice."
Serena watched him apply it, her smile fading slowly as she slipped into thought.
Being carried just now… Ash had felt strangely familiar. Just like—
Like that boy from years ago.
Was she misremembering? Had she made a mistake about Goh?
She bit her lip, unsure. Then, unable to resist, she found herself staring at Ash's back again.
"Huh?" Ash turned, confused. "Is there something on my back? Can you check for me?"
"N-No!" Serena flushed. "I was just… thinking."
Ash shrugged. "Okay."
He turned back to the medicine. Serena hesitated, then took a deep breath.
"…Ash. Are you sure you didn't attend the summer camp when you were little?"
Ash blinked. "Nope. I was in the forest the whole time."
"Did you meet anyone from the camp?" Serena asked, her heart racing.
"How could I? I didn't go."
"…I see."
The emptiness in her chest deepened—until Ash added casually:
"Though… I think I did carry a girl out of the forest once."
"You what?!" Serena blurted. "I-I mean… what did she look like?"
"Uh… not sure. I didn't pay much attention. I was too busy thinking about Mew."
"I… see."
Seventy percent. The details didn't line up perfectly, but it was too close to ignore.
Serena looked at Ash oddly.
"…Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked.
"It's nothing," Serena said. "I just realized—you really love Pokémon."
"Of course! I love Pokémon more than anything!"
She smiled. "I can tell."
Then her curiosity returned. "So what now, Ash?"
"Well, Mew's gone. I guess I'll try catching a new Pokémon next… once I figure out where we are." Ash laughed awkwardly. "Sorry, Serena. I think we're lost again."
"It's fine. I was already lost before we met." She waved it off. "Still, I'm amazed. You ran so far carrying me!"
"Really? I guess I have gotten stronger lately—thanks to Froakie's training."
Serena glanced at the still-visible red marks on Ash's face.
Stronger, sure… but at what cost?
Before either could say more, they heard rustling nearby. A brown-skinned boy with spiky hair and squinted eyes stepped into view.
He paused, surprised to see them, then gave an awkward wave.
"Um… hey."
Ash beamed. "Oh, thank goodness! Someone else!"
"Eh?" The boy blinked at Ash's red, battered face, then at Serena.
A moment later, he stepped back nervously.
"Sorry! Didn't mean to interrupt anything! I'll just—go!"
"Wait, what?" Ash grabbed his arm. "Could you at least tell us how to get out of this forest?"
"Huh?" the boy blinked. "Ohhh. I get it. You two got so caught up you didn't realize you were lost, huh? Kids these days…"
"THAT'S NOT IT!" Serena shouted, face beet red. "We just got lost, okay!?"
"Sure, sure. My lips are sealed." He mimed zipping his mouth. "I'm good at keeping secrets."
"I FEEL NO RELIEF AT ALL!"
After much shouting and awkward explanation, he finally relented.
"Sorry for the misunderstanding. I'm Brock. You're near the base of Mount Moon."
"Mount Moon?" Ash and Serena exchanged a glance.
"How far is Pewter City?" Ash asked.
Brock looked at him weirdly. "You're headed to Pewter?"
"Yeah. I need to challenge the gym there."
"…You're way off track. It'll take a few days to get back."
"WHAT?!"
"You've probably run dozens of kilometers."
"WHAT!?"
Serena was stunned. Ash… was terrifying.
"Do you really need to go back right away?" Brock asked. "Why not check out Mount Moon while you're here?"
"Mount Moon?" Ash tilted his head.
"The gym requires a 3v3 battle, and you've only got two Pokémon. You could catch another one here. I've even heard of rare Pokémon like Chansey appearing."
Ash rubbed his chin. "Hmm. Froakie might be enough… but he's moody. And Mimikyu can't carry the whole battle…"
Then he looked at Serena. "What do you think?"
"I've always wanted to see the Moon Stone up close."
"Then it's decided!"
Ash clenched a fist.
"Let's head to Mount Moon!"