071: Coaching Ser Lena Pokémon Battle (1)
"Five-game losing streak? That's really unfortunate." Ash nodded slightly, showing no dramatic reaction. He had long expected such an outcome based on his prior observations of Xiaohao's battle behavior and lack of preparation.
What caught Ash off guard, however, was something Xiaolan had just mentioned Xiaohao had actually intended to invite Xiaochun and Xiaolan to stage a friendly match, securing a draw and salvaging a few points.
The current summer camp scoring system awarded 2 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and none for a loss.
By relying on planned draws, Xiaohao could indeed preserve a baseline of 5 points, but it meant Xiaolan and Xiaochun would have to sacrifice their chances to climb higher in the ranking. Their relationship wasn't nearly close enough for them to make that kind of concession for him.
It showed how Xiaohao, used to being doted on by the kind and quiet Xiaochun, seemed to believe others were obligated to help him and that their sacrifices were natural extensions of friendship.
Still, knowing Xiaolan's sense of pride like when she rejected Deoxys's mind control in the FireRed/LeafGreen arc and the others' competitive spirit, Ash was sure they would have politely refused Xiaohao's selfish request even if the other challengers hadn't stepped in.
Fortunately, nothing escalated unpleasantly, so Ash turned his attention to something more relevant Ser Lena's situation.
"Xiaolan, did you just mention that Ser Lena hasn't participated in any matches yet?" Ash asked thoughtfully.
"Mhm" Xiaolan nodded, her face reflecting a hint of concern. "You know Ser Lena... she's very reserved. She finds it difficult to speak to strangers, let alone stand in the center of the dam and battle under the gaze of a whole crowd."
"We've been trying to encourage her," Xiaolan continued. "If she still can't bring herself to go out there, we're considering doing a friendly draw battle with her, kind of like what Xiaohao asked. That way she won't feel left out, and she'll still get a point."
However, unlike Xiaohao, Ser Lena wasn't treating it as a shortcut. Shauna and Ser Lena had even been staying at Xiaolan's home these past two days, bonding over food, training, and watching old Pokémon League matches like the one where Red's Poli evolved into a Politoed against Bruno's Machamp. Xiaolan already considered Ser Lena a real friend, not just a campmate. So she was willing to make a small sacrifice to support her emotionally.
"I get it" Ash nodded with understanding. He knew what it meant to be there for someone lacking confidence; he'd seen it with Goh and Chloe before, and even with May during her Contest debut in Hoenn.
Just then, Ser Lena, who had been hiding behind Shauna with her hand tightly clenching the hem of her friend's hoodie, took a small but bold step forward.
Seeing Ash show care and attention toward her triggered something inside. For the first time, she let go of Shauna's clothes and stepped out from behind her.
"Mr... Mr. Ash," Ser Lena called out, her voice timid and barely louder than a Caterpie's cry, but Ash who had been quietly watching her from the corner of his eye heard her loud and clear.
"Ser Lena?!" Ash turned with surprise. Despite having briefly interacted with her at Professor Oak's house when she came over to play Pass with Shauna and Pichu, the shy girl had never addressed him directly not even once.
Ash could see how much courage it had taken just to speak his name. In that moment, he saw a flicker of determination in her eyes just like the moment Green overcame her trauma of the Masked Man's kidnapping in the manga.
And Ash, being who he was, knew exactly what to do next.
Although Ash intended to connect with Ser Lena to build rapport, he refrained from being too forward, fearing that excessive enthusiasm might overwhelm the shy girl, who reminded him of characters like Yellow from the manga quiet but strong. For the past two days, despite her living next door and playing with Shauna and Xiaolan at his house because of Pichu's antics, Ser Lena hadn't dared speak to him directly.
So when he suddenly heard Ser Lena call his name, it caught him completely off guard. It was a simple moment, yet Ash couldn't help but feel surprised and delighted.
"Ser Lena, you don't have to be so formal. Since you're friends with Xiaolan, you're naturally my friend too. Just call me Ash."
Looking at the bashful but resolute girl before him her gentle personality hiding an inner strength like the Clefairy species she favored Ash couldn't help but smile brightly, just as he did during his early Pallet Town days with Misty and Brock.
"Mm... Ash." Ser Lena nodded, still blushing, but this time she followed his words and dropped the 'Mr.' entirely.
"Did you want to talk to me?" Ash asked warmly, sensing a change in her that reminded him of when new trainers in Professor Oak's lab first gained confidence in their partners.
"Mm..." Ser Lena nodded again, her voice quiet but steady. "Xiaolan, Shauna, and you—everyone really values the honor of being excellent students at this Pokémon summer camp. I... I don't want to drag everyone down or let you sacrifice points for my sake."
Her voice trembled slightly, but her tone was determined. "Ash, you're so strong... so, I want you to teach me how to command Pokémon in battle. I want to try playing the match myself in a bit."
Though her voice was no louder than a whisper, everyone nearby Xiaolan, Shauna, Tieruno, Trevor, and even Gary smiled approvingly. There was something heartwarming about her courage.
A true friend thinks from the perspective of others, cherishes the kindness they receive, and finds strength even when timid just like Ser Lena. Unlike Xiaohao, who relied too much on others without reciprocation, Ser Lena's quiet determination was moving.
"Ser Lena, do you really want to participate?" Ash asked again, encouraging her with his trademark sunny expression.
"Is that okay?" Ser Lena looked up at him nervously, her large eyes filled with both fear and anticipation.
"Of course," Ash replied without hesitation. "Like I said, we're friends, right? And friends help each other."
He turned to the others and said, "Gary, Xiaolan, Shauna you all go ahead and continue your matches. I'll take care of Lena's coaching."
"Okay~ Ash, we'll leave Ser Lena to you!" Shauna chimed cheerfully.
With Ash taking charge, Xiaolan and the others relaxed, ready to challenge more students across the summer camp. In no time, only Ash and Ser Lena remained on the training ground.
"There's an open spot over there with fewer people it'll be quieter," Ash suggested gently. Seeing Lena's anxiety, he reached out and took her small hand in his, just like how he once guided May during her first contest in Hoenn.
"Oh" Ser Lena flushed red but didn't pull away. They were both only six years old, and although she was extremely shy, she allowed Ash to hold her hand, trusting him completely.
Ash paid attention to her reactions, and upon seeing that she was simply nervous but didn't resist, he felt reassured. He led her near the dam at the edge of the camp, where he had earlier trained his Froakie known for its speed and precision in Bubble attacks.
Once they arrived at the quiet clearing, Ash let go of her hand and turned serious.
"Ser Lena, during the rest of the summer camp, aside from the Pokémon battles, you'll also need to go through nine other challenges. You and your Pokémon will need to rely on each other to complete them."
"That's why it's important to get used to communicating with your Pokémon and building trust now. It'll help you both in battles and other activities."
Hearing this, Ser Lena instinctively glanced at Froakie, who was perched lightly on Ash's shoulder. She then nodded solemnly.
"Okay..." she responded softly but firmly. Without hesitation, Ser Lena reached for her Poké Ball and released her partner. "Come out, Clefairy~"
A flash of light followed, and the Fairy-type Pokémon emerged, twirling cheerfully as it landed. With its pink, moon-like body and endearing eyes, Clefairy gave a happy cry.
Ash smiled. A new beginning had just started for Ser Lena.
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