My Pokemon Blog

Thankfully, today, there was no rain, so the yard and his walkways were dry. With his lab coat under his arm, Augustine sat down on the bench in the courtyard facing east, where he could see the baren branches of the trees on Parterre Way. The wooden bench felt nearly frozen on his backside, and he winced a little. Reaching to take out a pack of smokes from his back pocket, he pulled out a cigarette and lit it, taking a deep drag as he breathed in to warm himself up from the dimming afternoon. The robust and often unpleasant smell of smoking soothed him just enough to boost his morale for the rest of the day.

The weather had become much frostier sooner, so he was wearing thicker pants, along with a simple navy sweater, with a grey undershirt. Diantha bought him this sweater last year for his birthday. It was unbelievably comfortable, but he kept rolling the sleeves up. Diantha complained he would crease the arms, but he couldn’t help it, it was purely habitual. It had become such a thoughtless routine that even Rowan had scolded him about it in the past. Years had gone by since then. He rested his arm on his hip, allowing the ashes to fall listlessly to the ground, only to be carried away by the wind.

Today was a stressful day filled with deadlines, new data to compute, and a whole new thesis to begin. This was the first smoke break he’d taken in months, and by Arceus, he needed it. The summer had been busy, but it wasn’t mentally taxing. With Dexio and Sina gone to Alola, he found himself struggling to be motivated and on task. Days would go by as he was increasingly distracted by absurd and insignificant details on projects. Sophie at least tried to keep him on track.

Even worse, they had to delay the impending birth of new baby Pokémon. The summer had proved to be a little too busy, with the previous starters still playing in the greenhouse, meaning he was over his limit. There weren’t any aspiring trainers last season, and he had no chance to scout for new students. He hadn’t expected that set back. So, the last set of starters weren’t born on time, and now there wouldn’t be any new trainers under his tutelage until next spring. He was drowning in interruptions and delays.

When had everything changed so much? He used to be able to juggle dozens of projects at once. In one year he’d written four theses, continued expanding his lab, his staff and added more starters for the exclusive study of Mega Evolution. Now, everything was a struggle. Taking care of the starters, finding new topics for research papers, striving for substance; yet he found himself spiraling into irrelevance daily, and he wasn’t sure if it was because he was feeling lonely, or because he oversold himself all these years.

Augustine took another drag as he watched the wind blow coloured leaves across his courtyard, the sound of the dead foliage scraping along the stone ground calmed him, reminded him of a simpler time, of a time in childhood that was so wholly uncomplicated that he admired the naïveté of it all. For just a moment, he recalled rolling around in the yard with his father’s Pokémon, burrowing in mounds of leaves only to burst out and make a mess of the lawn that was freshly raked. He took a drag again.

With a great exhale, and running a hand over his face, Augustine put the thoughts of children and happy memories away. He was just so anxious and tired. He missed having company. The fall season was best enjoyed with friends, and family, and he found himself sorely missing them all. He mindlessly brought the cigarette to his lips to breathe in, this time allowing the smoke to swirl around in him before breathing out through his nose. Somehow, even with the sun setting and painting the sky with beautiful hues of orange and pink, the days were feeling longer than ever before, and taking his optimism with it.

Perhaps the biggest sin following his poor performance was that he had no time for his own Pokémon. Charizard, Venusaur and Blastoise were all asleep in their Poké balls, rarely seen outside of them. He couldn’t wake them up too early in the morning, and he got off work too late. The best course of action was his least favourite. There was also Garchomp, Gogoat, and Sylveon who he generally left out of their Poké balls, but he had no time to see them. Caring for them was the responsibility of any assistant nearest the greenhouse at the time. Never in his life did he consider himself negligent. He’d lived his entire life attentive to his loved ones, his students, and his associates.

What was he going to do?

The sudden clatter of stones nearby pulled his gaze to the edge of the courtyard. Before he even laid eyes on who it was, he felt his shoulders relax and his body ease. A very shy champion pausing sheepishly by a little pile of pebbles, the same pebbles that his Pokémon had piled up the day before while playing. Augustine lit up instantly as his mouth curled into a smile.

Serena waved guiltily by waggling her gloved fingers. She was a vision today. A black beret sat atop her blonde locks, a crimson sweater worn with a tight, black, high waisted, ankle length skirt and brown boots. Simple, elegant, and refined. She was looking more and more beautiful everyday.

“Bonjour, ma chere, it’s good to see you.” Augustine called, flicking the half done cigarette to the stones below and grinding it down with his heel thoughtlessly.

“Hello, professor.” Serena greeted with a little sulk. “I didn’t mean to interrupt your smoke.” She tentatively walked to him, observing the ashes at his feet. She had a clutch gripped in her hands, nervous. Meekness didn’t suit her.

Augustine brushed his hands together, imitating wiping them from dirt. “You didn’t interrupt anything, I was just finishing up.” He lied simply, and before she could argue with him, he changed the topic entirely. “I thought you were in Galar for business? Shauna complained that you’d been gone too long.”

Serena nodded simply, leaning over to sit down with him. “I was. I came back this morning on the early flight.”

“Une seconde.” Augustine interrupted her sitting, putting his lab coat on the chilly bench so she wouldn’t dirty her pretty clothes. Serena offered him a peculiar glance, but he insisted. “The bench is rather cold, and I wouldn’t like it if you dirtied your skirt.”

There was uncertainty in her eyes as she asked. “Are you sure?” and as he nodded his head and gestured to his coat, she conceded. “Thank you, professor.” As she sat beside him, she tensed slightly, looking down at the bench in surprise and then to him. “Oh, that’s actually really cold.” As a bonus, she gave him a once over and added. “Shouldn’t you be wearing this?”

Augustine responded by crossing his arms and resting back on the bench, mostly unbothered by the cold because of his thicker clothing and his sudden resistance to shivering, it had something to do with warmth taking over his body, but he tried not to dwell on it. “I’m not the one wearing a skirt, I’m fine.”

Serena giggled at his sureness “Such a gentleman,” She praised simply, gazing deeply into his eyes. To his utter dismay, he was captivated by her laugh and smile, so bright and genuine that he was entirely and completely enraptured by her ethereal glow before she shifted into concern. “Are you alright? I heard that you’re pretty much alone in the lab now.”

At her sudden laser guided question, he tore his gaze away to look at the branches off in the distance, not wanting to expose the profound melancholy he’d been feeling for over a week, perhaps longer if he was honest with himself. “Not exactly, I have the other floors working…” He trailed off softly, the other floors weren’t the problem, he was the problem.

A gentle touch on his arm tugged his attention back to her. “I mean you, specifically.” Her soothing words circled him like a delicate aroma, something soft and sweet. He swore he could breathe her in, he could feel her words linger in his chest as an intense warmth blossomed inside him. That was when he realized he could smell her, her perfume at least. Something sweet and light, perhaps even fruity. There was a part of him that swore that she did this to him on purpose.

The only thing he could do was tear his gaze from her, shutting his eyes and shaking his head rapidly, almost as if to fan away the bouquet of fragrances rapidly surrounding him. That melancholy that gripped him before was disappearing at an alarming rate. “It’s a little difficult. I haven’t needed a smoke break in some time.” He answered her while still keeping his gaze locked on the coloured horizon.

She shrunk back in guilt. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Seeing her downcast made him snap back up to attention, the only thing in his mind was to immediately rectify her gloomy expression. “I’m happy you did, I would have smoked more, and that’s no good.”

“I get that, but Diantha’s been worrying about you.”

He blinked, “She was?” he asked dumbly, until his brain connected the dots. “She is? How do you know?” Augustine knew they were friendly to wards each other, but if Diantha was confiding in Serena about him, they were much closer than he thought, and he wondered what that meant for him.

Serena smiled while popping her clutch open. “We managed to catch each other at the airport for coffee, and we chatted for a little before she had to leave for Fiore.” She pulled out a small white envelope adorned with stylised lilies and gold trim. “She gave me this to give to you.”

Taking the envelope from her, he could only manage to blankly stare at it for a moment. A handwritten letter was just Diantha’s style, and it seemed she’d written this out previously as it was her personal stationary. At his hesitance, Serena turned and covered her eyes with her fingers. “I’m not looking!” She called to him from behind her hands.

Laughter bubbled out of him, finding her reaction adorable. “It’s fine, I don’t mind if you see. Diantha trusts you.”

His only reply was a muffled, “If you say so.” As she peaked through her fingers to look towards him, which made him huff a little in laughter.

The feel of the quality envelope was almost nostalgic to him. For the passed decade, every celebration, birthday, anniversary, and holiday that came by since he was a child, he’d received one of her letters, all in varying sizes. Still, they meant so much to him. Slipping his thumb underneath the seal, he opened the envelope and pulled out the little card inside.

“Mon chere Auggy, I know the last two weeks have been difficult for you and it breaks my heart to hear you’ve been struggling while I’m gone, so I’m sending an angel to brighten up your day, and maybe bring you a smile. We’ll all be with you again, soon. I send you all my adoration and I can’t wait to see you. Love, Dee.”

Augustine ran his thumb lightly over the card, feeling the roughness of the stock and found it brought him comfort, and smiled. The edge of the card decorated in whimsical golden designs, his eyes following Diantha’s loops and swirls of her impeccable signature and cursive. He almost swore his throat was smoldering from the cold.

The warmth of Serena’s hand coming down to gently rest on his nearly startled him. He flinched lightly, hardly discernable, but he froze, not wanting to panic out of some instinctive reflex, but as she gingerly squeezed his hand for encouragement, or perhaps sympathy, Augustine found himself deeply comforted. As their eyes met, she lightly tilted her head to him, trying to get a better look at his face that was obscured by his hair. “You okay?” She questioned softly.

Seeing her cute head tilt, along with her hopeful smile that he was feeling better, he couldn’t help but give her an almost hazy smile in return. There was something about the love he was given so readily that made him feel something akin to delight in his heart. He turned back to the card. “I will be.”

In the silence of the fall evening, they enjoyed each others company for a while longer. They leaned in close, just barely touching shoulders as they watched the sunset lower, painting the sky a mix of bright oranges, light pinks, and deep purples. Just as he was getting comfortable, an icy wind blew by, much colder than before, and it was then he realized Serena’s hand was still resting on his.  

There was a beat as they stared at their touching hands, but before he could ask about it, say anything to her, Serena seemed to grasp the situation and yanked her hand away, her mouth pursed in slight embarrassment. The silence didn’t last much longer as she composed herself and spoke. “Can I help you with anything?” She blurted out suddenly. “I’m free, I can clean up your papers, or your spread sheets, I could help take care of the babies...”

Her willfulness was almost contagious, he thought about what she could help with, and started cataloging his laundry list of chores. “Well, I’m not far enough in my research to have a complete first draft, nor do I have data to clean up, the new Pokémon haven’t hatched yet, and the babies are playing alone in the greenhouse, so…” Even though he had nothing of significance, he wanted her to stay just a little longer. “Would you please keep them company?” He finally conceded.

Serena jumped off the bench in excitement. “Of course, I’d love to!”

Appreciating her energy, he applauded her. “Thank you, ma chere.” He joined her as he rose from the bench, and as he picked up his lab coat, he almost flinched back again when Serena suddenly grabbed his wrist. He was astonished at her boldness today.

“Come on!” She cheered to him with a radiating smile, she tugged on his hand, leading him towards the side entrance to his lab. “Just tell me what you’d like me to do, I’ll do anything.”

For his part, he let her lead him passively, not resisting at all. “Don’t let me take advantage of you.” The words left his mouth unthinkingly, and she stopped just passed the threshold of the lab. Her hand left his.

Those words hung in the air, an excruciatingly long time to wait for a reply. He watched as her lips parted slightly, a sharpness in her eyes, a playful wickedness replaced her usual innocent features and a thrum passed through his chest. Her reply seemed almost telepathic, the words “I wish you would” droned in his mind, slowly circulating through his brain like an electric marquee, rotating and buzzing in bright neon colours. It was her eyes, they were shining, sparkling with mischief.

The pause continued until she answered him. “As if you could.” She answered carefully. There was so much deliberation in her voice that he knew she would have answered differently if only they had been… closer. His eyes flickered to the quirk on the corner of her pink lips before finding her eyes again. He smiled, genuinely, openly.

“You’re too quick for me.” He answered softly, and she smiled brightly at his response.  “The greenhouse.” He pointed just behind her, gesturing to the glass paneling.

“What about it?” She asked sweetly without even bothering to turn around.

He shrugged his shoulders as he replied. “They miss you.”

Serena turned to the wall of windows and saw all six starter Pokémon playing in the grass, hopping around, trying to get her attention. She let out a small squeal, rushing to the glass to wave at them and pull the door open.

Augustine watched her walk into the greenhouse with her arms open. The Pokémon bounded to her, excited to have a playmate. It was then he felt his whole body relax as he watched her, so open and free and loving. She was a good friend to him, and he found himself wanting more, even though he already had so much. He watched as she knelt on the grass, and scoffed to himself, he didn’t want her to dirty her skirt, but he let her play with his starters.

Fennekin, Charmander, Chespin, Bulbasaur, along with Froakie and Squirtle all started trying to vie for her attention. Doing tricks, posing, and cuddling up to her. Seeing them from a distance made him think perhaps he did spoil the starters too much, but when he saw how happy they were… He couldn’t find a part of him that wanted to stop. His starters always grew strong, and happy. In the end, that was all he wanted for them.

For a little while longer, he watched as Serena expertly handled playing with all six Pokémon by herself, and a renaissance surged inside of him. He’d been too hard on himself. Spending too much time dividing all of his attention and energy in every direction possible and then berating himself for his poor performance. It would seem that the only thing he needed was a visit from a dear friend to ground himself again. He walked to the elevator with a renewed sense of purpose, with focus, and with determination to look at his projects with a disciplined eye and trim the edges of all the excess he’d been holding onto.

Augustine briefly wondered if Diantha knew about his struggles, the loneliness, and the hopelessness he felt at times, or even if she knew about his feelings about the sitting Champion. There was a chance she did, but there was also a chance she was just cheering him up in her own way. Besides, he couldn’t even be upset. It worked splendidly. He was excited to work, if only because he’d have something to show Serena at the end of the night.

There was a chance, though, that there was more to it than just excitement, that it had more to do with the woman herself, being near him, and encouraging him. There was the faintest whisper in the back of his mind that there might be a chance, and that consoled him.

The walk back to the lab was filled only with their drunken giggles from their stupor of love and Augustine couldn’t have been happier to enter the foyer of his lab. Serena had been so elated and she was so determined to hold his hands he could only find it endearing. They stumbled into the elevator together and Augustine hit every single button on the elevator panel as he dragged his hand over it trying to hit the button for the fourth floor. He was distracted, receiving kisses and giving kisses.

When Augustine brought her to the top floor and unlocked the door to his loft, Serena had seemed to finally register where she was and she beheld him in a whole new light all of a sudden, but the professor only took off his coat and his suit jacket and laid them on the nearby hook. He outstretched his hand to Serena and like she was charmed under a spell, she walked forward and removed her small purse from her shoulder and handed it to him, which he hung on the wall hook beside his jacket. He motioned for them both to remove their shoes.

The only light illuminating them was the simple fixture above his entry way. The rest of the flat was shrouded in darkness and he was rather thankful, he couldn’t remember if he cleaned up. Serena unbuckled her jacket, but Augustine snuck his fingers past the collar of her coat and pushed the article off of her shoulders. Serena reached up and kissed the professor again. This one exuded want. Lust. Desire. Hunger. He knew it deep in his core.

“I want you.” Serena whispered ardently to him.

If there was a way to kill him with words, she was nearly there, those simple words lit him up, his very soul trembled at her touch. “Serena…” he began, dragging his lips across her jaw and was suddenly struck by the fact that he didn’t have condoms. Anywhere. At all.

He breathed and pulled suddenly, working his mouth through extreme disappointment. “I don’t think I have protection.”

Serena pulled him back effortlessly as she kissed him again with same hungry lust. “I have that covered.” He hadn’t planned for Serena to be so eager. They had danced around each other for so long this was entirely inevitable. He wasn’t going to push her away now. There was no reason.

“Such perfection.” He praised thickly.

Serena pressed her lips into his jaw in a sweet kiss and Augustine relished the feeling of her lips and the way she explored his body enthusiastically with her hands. He was noticeably less bold but that was merely so he wouldn’t frighten her if he rushed, instead he savoured her touch on his skin and the sighs pressed into his collar.

Augustine chuckled a little and pressed her against the wall by his lofts front door. His hands roaming over her body, sneaking into the bottom of her dress and squeezing lightly and brushing sensitive spots through the beautiful azure fabric. Serena was a complete moaning mess by this point and the professor would appreciate it as much as he could.

Augustine trailed his lips from the top of her breasts all the way up her neck and to her mouth. The young champion was responsive, sighing and reciprocating in kind. “Come, I know a place a little more comfortable.” He purred sweetly to her. Serena giggled and followed him unsteadily into his bedroom. He turned the light on low, filling the room with a deep orange glow.

Serena giggled again. “How romantic.” She stared at the king sized bed in the center of the room, with dark argyle patterns decorating the duvet on it. There were pillows, a lot of big, fluffy pillows that Serena knew were for when the Pokémon decided to take over his bed. She knew Augustine, he took good care of the Pokémon and frequently went out of his way to make sure they were comfortable.

She didn’t get a chance to look around much more as Augustine slowly peeled off his shirt and Serena blushed so bright she could have illuminated the room. In response, he kissed her shoulder and deftly unzipped her dress and walked past to sit at the edge of his bed in anticipation. He left it to Serena to remove her dress as a way for her to get comfortable.

The dress fell off her form gradually, revealing the black lace lingerie she had chosen for the occasion, he approved of her attire but wondered how confident she was in ending up with him tonight that she wore something so racy. From here, Augustine could see the tan lines on her skin from her trip in Alola and felt a little more aroused by the beauty before him.

Serena though, embarrassed by the exposure, cautiously stepped out of the fabric pooling on the floor and walked to his bed, straddling the professor’s lap as she settled. The professor snuck his fingers in through the lace of her panties to caress her butt. Serena tensed a little and gasped, causing the professor removed his hands.

“Am I moving too fast?” Augustine urged in concern but Serena quickly shook her head, taking his hands and returning them to her underwear.

“No!” she forced breathlessly. “No, I want this. I’m just a little nervous.”

Augustine kissed her jaw softly. “Don’t be.” He said and continued kissing her but halted when she answered him.

“It’s my first time.” Serena confessed quietly, almost ashamed. The professor felt himself freeze completely seeing the unsure look in her eyes.

“Serena…” he began to say but was cut off when Serena ducked her head slightly to look away.

“Is that bad?” She asked apprehensive of her state but Augustine quelled her fears by tipping her chin up and snuck his tongue into their kiss and Serena couldn’t stop the moan that bubbled forth from her throat.

“Non. C’est parfait. I’m very happy actually.” Augustine pulled her in for softer kisses and she still rolled her hips in his lap, her little moans were the sweetest sounds he ever heard.

His hands roamed up from her butt and to her shoulders, leisurely savouring the smoothness of her skin, she grinded into his lap. Serena dropped her head into his shoulder, a little overwhelmed as she breathed in and panted quietly. It was very sudden when his hand slipped over her bra clasped and the article slipped off of her shoulders and the straps fell down her arms, exposing her breasts. He tossed the bra somewhere across the room, hoping it landed near her dress.

Her breasts were a little larger than he expected. Supple. They rounded fully and the nipples were perked up. All in all her breasts were adorable. He traced the curve of her chest with his fingers, enjoying the feeling of her soft skin underneath.

Augustine kissed her shoulder sweetly. “You’re very beautiful, ma belle.” He murmured into her skin, his adoration pouring from his mouth freely. Serena rose her head off of his shoulder to kiss his cheek shyly. Serena pulled back to gaze at him with hazy and lustful eyes.

“Really?” she gulped as she stared at him and stammered a response. “I…” Serena began slowly, arms wrapping around his neck and pulling him in for a soft kiss. “You’re so amazing.” She managed while grinding her hips desperately into him. “I think you’re so gorgeous.” She whined out breathlessly.

Serena tried to find more words but Augustine hushed her lightly with more kisses. “I don’t deserve such praise.” He smiled kindly but his heart nearly shattered as the heat of pride and then embarrassment pervaded his body at her sweet words. He truly didn’t deserve them.

Augustine picked Serena up off of his lap and lifted her onto the bed, pushing her back into the mattress. On her back, Augustine slowly starting removing her lingerie. First a stocking, then the other. His hands stroking and petting over her newly exposed skin. The champion was red in the face, blushing so intensely that her chest was pink. Oh dear, it seemed it he was teasing her too much.

She was unsurprisingly even better than how he fantasized. Her body was lean. Her legs, arms and stomach all toned from the excursions of Pokémon hunting and all the work for mega evolution. She was even more perfect than his imagination. Augustine dipped low and kissed her breast. Once, twice, he moved and lapped at her nipple. Serena moaned quietly.

Gently, he palmed her breasts and kneaded them tenderly, they were firm and fit nicely in the palm of his hand. Serena seemed desperate for more contact as she pushed her own hand on top of his to press more weight down, wanting more, begging for it silently and Augustine delved down again to take a mound in his mouth, this time using his mouth to tease her, suddenly fulfilling fantasies he had for months about her.

Augustine slowly kissed his way down from her breasts to her ribs then to her stomach, her pelvis and ending on the fabric of her black lacy underwear. He kissed lower, gently pressing his lips just above her most sacred place through the cloth and slowly snuck his fingers over the band of her panties and leisurely pulled them off, lifting her legs up to remove them easier. He trailed kissed from her thighs and all the up to her calves, all the while Serena watched him in a lust filled fog.

He pulled her to the edge of the bed. Serena was still flat on her back but her knees were up. She shuddered. Augustine ran his fingers over her core, she twitched forcefully. “Ca va, I wish to please you.” Augustine whispered as he leveled himself with her entrance. When Serena didn’t reply, Augustine tested her reaction by placing a small kiss on her clit. Serena’s hips shook in surprise and a small yelp escaped her. Slowly, Augustine kissed around her womanhood. He gently latched onto her pussy and lapped.

The room was quiet save for Serena’s stifled moans. Augustine gently licked up and down her slit. He spoke to her in a language he knew well. Physical pleasure. He’d always been a physical creature, he loved hugs and kisses. He became physical at an early age.

Augustine was also an indulgent being but for the first time in his life, he had kept away from the object of his desire only to be turned on his head as she had been longing for him. He wanted to devour her entirely, from navel to neck, from her toes to her fingers. He wanted her very being.  

They intertwined hands, Serena wailing and shaking as he went a little harder, sucking and licking audibly. He loved the sounds she was making, the way she gripped his hand, the way she ran her hand through his hair to keep him locked down on her pussy. He brought his hand to her entrance and stuck two fingers inside and curled them to pet her from the inside. It was sudden when Serena pulled herself away with a pained cry from him as she came, trembling from the orgasm.

Augustine was on the bed beside her instantly. He stroked her hip sympathetically in concern. “I’m sorry, was that too much?” Serena seemed out of sorts but still managed to reply.

“A little, but it felt amazing.” Her hazy gaze locked on him and she reached out to press the palm of her hand into his clothed crotch as she pulled herself over to him. Augustine gently moved her hand away and Serena pouted. “Why do you still have your pants on?”

Augustine chuckled. “I wouldn’t worry about me.” Came his admission to distract her but Serena calmed herself enough to push up off the bed and kiss him ardently on the lips. Augustine couldn’t quell the fire burning in his stomach, she was so pure to him. He reciprocated in kind and his hands roamed her body once again. Serena reached down again to his crotch.

“Please, Augustine. I want to.” Her soft voice fluttered around his ear. He pulled back to study her face and all he could see was her pleading and wanting gaze glowing in the soft orange light of his room.

He couldn’t say no. “Don’t force yourself.” He murmured to her while unzipping his pants and freeing himself from his boxers. Serena gingerly took his member in her hand and gazed up to him in longing, asking questions she couldn’t voice. Augustine placed his hand over hers and helped her stroke him. “Just touch me, I trust you.” Serena’s fingers added a little pressure, she must’ve been frightened of hurting him because she tensed her fingers as she rubbed him.

She pulled him close for a sweet kiss. He returned it slowly, her fingers, even led by his own hand, felt incredible. In between the kiss, Augustine pulled back to huff in pleasure. His brow was furrowed, relishing the sensations she brought to him.

Unexpectedly, it seemed Serena felt very daring as removed the professor’s hand from on top of her own. She tilted her head and planted her lips on his jaw, then his neck, then his collar and so on. She trailed kisses downward and Augustine panted as she moved below his abdomen and lips brushed the base of his cock.

She looked up to him with such honest eyes he had no words, he moved her bangs out of her face as she gazed up to his intently. She was on her knees, bent over and her body looked amazing from where he was on haunches, he wondered how he got so lucky. Serena very gently ran her tongue over his tip and Augustine tried not to hiss at her touch. A shuddered breath came out. It was just enough to encourage Serena as she engulfed him in her mouth.

It was a remarkable feeling. Serena was obviously unsure but was so willing to please him. Her tongue ran up and down his shaft along with her sweet lips, her head bobbing over his length and she turned her eyes up to him, asking him and begging him to ensure she was pleasuring him. His mind wandered to just how long it had been since he was with someone he loved and how much he loved the woman before him and when he locked his eyes with hers as she serviced him, he could feel how much she adored him.

Serena wasn’t the type of girl to show affection openly or freely as he had learned but he did feel that she was so willing to give anything to him. A groan escaped his mouth, if this continued, it would be over before it started. Gently, he pulled her off of him and Serena seemed anxious but before she could ask him Augustine gave a pained, rueful smile. “Ma belle.” He began shakily. “If you keep that up, this night will not last much longer.”

A bright blush was the only reply he received to his statement. Augustine laughed softly at her reaction and pushed her back onto the bed. She fell back with a yelp into the mass of pillows the professor piled up. Augustine slid off the side of the bed and finally removed his dress pants and boxers. Serena whined from the mound of pillows.

“Well, it’s about time.” She huffed out, seemingly annoyed. Augustine climbed in beside her and palmed her breast and she giggled. She brought her hand on top of his and gripped it. “It couldn’t have been very comfortable.” Serena moaned out a little breathless.

He scoffed as he brought his mouth to her other breast and she moaned again. “Believe me, mon ange, I needed a little discomfort.” Serena huffed and brought her hand to the back of his head and pressed him down, he smiled as his hands and mouth roamed her body.

Her hands pulled him to be face to face with her and she kissed him, her hands trembled slightly. “Augustine…” Serena whispered longingly. “I’m ready, please.” Augustine felt the words pool in the pit of his stomach over how innocent she was but he managed a small smile, recognising how apprehensive her tone was.

“How can I say no when you ask me like that?” He pulled back and Serena propped herself up a little more on the pillows and spread her legs. Her knees were up and as Serena braced herself on her elbows, fully exposed, she regarded the professor shyly.

The professor leaned down kissed her clit, Serena shuddered but said nothing. On his haunches, he positioned himself before her, his dick brushing her entranced, which was incredibly slick with arousal. Serena gazed to him pleadingly, desperately and he wondered if he was going to survive actually having sex considering how hard his heart was pounding in his chest.

He slid inside. It was a slow burn and Augustine could feel her entrance opening up to him, Serena moaned very quietly, her eyes closing as she felt him inside her finally. To his great surprise, there was little resistance, and he slid in all the way, fitting perfectly inside the young woman. He relished the sensation that he was inside her and he wasn’t hurting her. It didn’t seem too tight for the beauty writhing underneath him as she moaned out pleasure. “Ca va, ma seriene?” Augustine didn’t even realize he’d reverted back to Kalosian but Serena replied regardless as she nodded her head.

Serena took it in stride, though her response was stuttered. “Yeah, oh Augustine, are you all in?”

“Oui, I’m all the way in.” Serena rolled her hips enthusiastically. Wriggling a little beneath him.

“You feel so good.” Came her high pitched whimper. He groaned at her actions but smiled. He pulled out and admired the way she whined at him, but then pushed all the way in and watched as Serena’s face glow as she felt him inside. Slowly he picked up speed. Pumping in and out faster and faster. Serena’s breathing hitched as every little nerve within her move to meet with him.

Serena had her head down, eyes closed and her hand covering her mouth. Unacceptable, he thought to himself. He reached his hand out to push hers away from her face and gently cupped her cheek. Serena finally gazed up to him, her gasps melodious and adorable. She pressed his hand into her cheek and turned her head to kiss his palm sweetly. She stared at him with such unguarded eyes and even though she was in his room, naked, exposed, giving all of herself to him, she was still giving him things he never dreamed he could have.

The love she showered him with at times was unbearable because he didn’t know if he deserved it, even before tonight, her touches, her hugs, her time, she gave them to him without a second thought. That concern didn’t matter, she was with him, in his room. He loved her so much he wondered why he’d been so determined to stay at arm’s length. Serena deserved better than that.

Augustine pulled out for a moment and repositioned himself, grabbing Serena by the hips and dragging her towards him forcefully so she was flat on her back, off of the pillows. Before she could even think to question about what he was doing, he was inside her again, bearing down over her as he kissed her fervently and embraced her close. He could try to return her love the same way.

He gazed down lovingly to the woman in his arms as she gasped with every thrust, her legs wrapped around him in an effort to keep him close. “P-plus fort…” Serena crooned quietly. “S’il vous plait.” She gasped out and Augustine screwed his eyes shut but slowed his rhythm. If she started talking to him like that…

“Comme ça?” Augustine whispered huskily into her ear as his thrust slowed but each one made her breasts bounce with the force, Serena’s shuddered moans were everything to him in that moment.

“Ohhh, oui, comme ça, Augustine.” Her hands were at his shoulders but Serena dragged them down to his hips, gripping the taunt muscles in a mighty need. Augustine couldn’t bother to attempt to hide the smirk that appeared on his lips in mischievous thrill.

When he thrusted again, he didn’t pull back out, instead he grinded into her and Serena quivered, her eyes wide as she gasped out. “Ce te plait?” Augustine purred sweetly, his voice strained, Serena nodded her head fervently.

“J’aime ca.” Augustine groaned as the heat in is belly pooled with a thousand other sensations, this was unreal. He couldn’t believe how good she felt, or how sweet she was. Serena’s gasps and groans were choked and desperate after a moment.

Augustine slowed his pace. “Moins fort?” Augustine asked softly.

Serena shook her head desperately. “Non, n’arrete pas!” Serene begged him pulling him down in a hug, keeping him close. “Plus fort.” Serena repeated softly into his ear and Augustine, surrounded by her words and her scent, began the rhythm again except this time he picked up speed along with the force of thrusts. Serena was once again a moaning mess in his arms.

Serena came undone. Her back arching, her hands gripping both him and the duvet, her hips trembled with the force of her orgasm. Augustine took her hands and pressed them both down into the mattress above her head and thrusted laboriously into the young woman.

Augustine nearly groaned in pain from how she completed beneath him, flushed cheeks, dazed expression, unfocused eyes, an essential picture of true pleasure was in his arms and he admired everything about this moment, willing to commit every inch of her to memory so he could have this, just this.

He was so close and she felt so lovely. “Oh, oh, August- oh, please, please, please, please…” Serena began to ramble, completely helpless underneath him. He came inside of her, huffing through a few moans and pressing so desperately into her that he curled around her frame. The release was so intense that his world went white and he dropped his head onto Serena’s neck. A long suffering groan escaped him as he trembled in ecstasy.

His bearings were gone, all he knew were the young woman beneath him that was placing small, sweet and unsteady kisses to his temple. He loved her so, so much. Any tension or anxiety he felt leading up to tonight had vanished, only to become a distant, otherworldly memory.

They were heaving. Sweating. For the second time tonight he thought ruefully. His hands were still intertwined with Serena’s. He was still inside her and Serena’s legs wrapped around his middle. Augustine slowly began kissing her languidly from her neck to her jaw. He lifted his head to look at Serena and admired the expression as she stared back to him. The sweet flush of her skin, her swollen lips and the love just soaked into him from her countenance. Augustine swallowed. “Est-ce que tu vas bien?” He murmured to her.

Serena nodded slowly while gulping down a breath. “C’etait excellent.” She replied quietly, her face softly beaming as she sighed in contentment. Augustine nodded slowly, a soft smile pulling at the corner of his lips.

She tilted her head up, indicating she wanted a kiss from him and he obliged readily as small, sweet kisses were shared between them. “Augustine?” Serena began unsurely between his lips. He hummed in response, gazing at her lovely face while she seemed to struggle with something but her eyes were so bright. “I love you.” Serena murmured ardently to him, her lips wobbled slightly and her eyes seemed to shine all that much more for an instant and Augustine knew that was the exact moment he could have died and gone straight to heaven from how amazing it was to hear those words from her mouth.

A laugh escaped him as he smiled and dropped his head back down to her neck. “Mon amour.” He groaned out desperately into her skin while she giggled airily at his reaction. Augustine rose his head back up and rested his forehead on Serena’s. “Je t’aime, aussi… Je t’aime de tout mon coeur.” He sighed deeply, feeling the weight of the day, weeks, months and year disappear. This was perfection.

After a few more moments of self-collection, Augustine finally let go of her hands, and Serena untangled her legs and as Augustine rose off of the young woman, his dick slid out with ease and so did his cum. Serena moaned softly and dropped her hand to her slit, stopping the flow before it reached the comforter. “I should go clean up.” Serena mumbled and slowly turned to get out of bed. Augustine reached out gently assisted her off the edge of the mattress.

“Can you walk? I’m afraid I was little too rough.” He held her arm gently but Serena turned to him with a hazy grin and rested her head on his chest lightly.

“No, you were perfect.” She kissed his cheek as she steadily shuffled off the bed and she walked into the adjoining washroom but didn’t close the door fully. Augustine sat on the bed, still gathering his wits. Today far exceeded his expectations and for Serena to be with him, it was a dream, a fantasy. One that he never properly indulged in for fear of more thoughts that led to places he couldn’t be a part of.

He was afraid of being corny or cliché but he felt so complete for the first time in years. He had lost a part of himself some time ago, he refused to see reality for what it was and decided instead to exist in his tiny bubble of research and Pokémon and he refused to leave it because he feared getting hurt again. And the worst part was not being with Serena hurt the most.

Augustine heard the champion groan loudly from the washroom and pushed himself off the bed to see what was wrong. Serena looked at him horrified. “What is it?” Augustine pressed, concern etched into his features.

“I forgot my duffel at the hotel.” Serena supplied mournfully, bringing her hand to her face dejectedly. “Oh, there’s no way I’ll be able to get it now.” Augustine’s face lit up in recognition. That’s right, she checked her bag as well as her coat. All Serena had was the small purse she had carried to the gala.

“We’ll get it back, what do you need right now?” Augustine questioned tenderly.

Serena locked her eyes on the floor and replied quietly. “Pyjamas, a toothbrush, spare clothes…” And that was when the professor realized she was becoming self-conscious of her naked body as she weakly crossed her arms to cover her breasts. He held back a smile, noting her shyness and decided to rectify that first.

“Just a moment.” He declared while leaving the washroom.

Augustine walked out to his dresser and picked out the loosest and coziest sweater he could find, which was a thick, beige, woolen sweater he loved wearing on his day off.  He strolled back into the washroom and handed the sweater to her. “Hopefully, this will be acceptable for now.” He offered and then pulled drawer open from under the sink and pulled out a plastic wrapped toothbrush. “You may use anything in here. We’ll do what we can tomorrow about spare clothes. Is this alright?”

Serena held the sweater the professor gave her to her face and nodded. “This is perfect, professor. I’ll be right out.” Augustine wanted to laugh at her use of his title but she must have been so dazed that she didn’t realize.

He nodded, caressing her cheek in sympathy, and left the washroom. Closing the door just enough that light still pooled out. He decided to pick up their clothing. It could wait until morning but if he laid in bed, he would sleep and he wanted Serena with him in bed before then. He would be so disappointed himself for missing the chance to have Serena fall asleep in his arms for the first time. Augustine grabbed a pair of fresh boxer shorts from his dresser and slowly put them on.

A quick scan of the room for where he tossed Serena’s panties took a little bit as he found them hanging off the vanity at the end of the room by the door, he didn’t even remember throwing them that far. Still, he walked over and picked them up and turned the light switch all the way down, leaving the room dark and lit up with all of the luminesce of the streetlights that shone through the window.

When Serena exited the washroom, the light from inside illuminated her beautifully. She tugged the front of the sweater down and Augustine admired her from the side of the bedroom. He had already begun envisioning her in his bed again, with his sweaters, shirts, with the same want and pleading gaze that she had shown him tonight and he never felt so at peace seeing Serena saunter up to him shyly. Augustine held the wayward panties to Serena. “Maybe this will help complete the set?” He whispered jokingly and Serena took the garment and regarded them in mild disbelief.

To his unending surprise. She bent over and slowly put her panties back on in front of him. Serena lifted the sweater to place them on properly and admired what it looked like. It was cute. “I’ll be right back, it’s my turn.” Augustine murmured and moved to go to the washroom but Serena wrapped her fingers around his wrist. He turned and saw her pleading gaze directed at him.

“Will you be long?” His heart nearly jumped out of his chest, she was so adorable.

“Non, just a few minutes.” He answered and Serena nodded shyly.

“Okay, I’m going to wait for you.” Came her soft whisper and Augustine couldn’t help but lean down and place a kiss on her brow. Wordlessly she let go and he walked into the washroom, he didn’t shut the door completely, either.

He managed to clean himself, wash his face and brush his teeth before his own eyes started dipping hard, he was so exhausted. The rest could wait until morning. He closed the bathroom light and found even in his dark bedroom, faintly bathed with the fairy lights in the street, he saw the most beautiful vision of love as Serena was dimly colored by the soft pastels and hues from outside seated on his bed. She was dazzling and had he bothered to ask Serena what she had seemed amazed by, she would have answered something similar.

Serena slowly got off the bed and hugged him, he chuckled softly as he dropped his lips to her hair. “To bed with the both of us.” With her approval, he led her back to his bed and slowly, they both crawled in. Finally, she was in his arms again. “I know I already said this, but Merry Christmas.” Augustine managed quietly with half lidded eyes. He was so tired but so overjoyed at the same time. Serena nodded against his chest.

“Oh, Merry Christmas…” Serena’s voice had faded off and she was asleep in his arms nearly the moment she settled and Augustine relished the calmness of her sleep and her smell. He hugged her close and she had nestled into him unconsciously. This was a dream, an actual fantasy that he had indulged in on his loneliest nights. To have her in his arms, on a night like tonight, it was truly extraordinary. The stars had aligned for the both of them it seemed and it appeared that Serena had missed him as much as he missed her. It was comforting.

The lights that filtered in from the streets below comforted him in ways that could only be accomplished by the yearly nostalgic tradition that Christmas brought every December. Professor Augustine Sycamore sat in his leather chair, gazing wistfully out the window.

It was Christmas Eve and he had no real drive to continue his work this evening. He was entirely content with just watching happy passersby’s on the street below with brightly wrapped gifts, hot beverages and merriment. Usually, he was found along with those tourists and citizens in the café’s and at Prism Tower for the seasonal events like the festival of lights.

This year was a little different. He didn’t have much of anyone to celebrate with. The lab was mostly empty at this point, Augustine would never have the staff working over the holidays but they were welcome to help around until the vacation began; which was when Augustine locked the lab for 2 weeks after the eve, so with this, the staff was limited and only few remained. Sophie, being one of the few that remained a little late during the holiday, broke the professor out of his reverie.

“That’s about all we can do for this holiday, professor.” Sophie called out, just walking around the partition in his office, Sophie seemed to have a pleased smile on her face, which the professor noted was most likely for the long break.

The professor was a little startled, he hadn’t even heard his elevator but nodded happily to Sophie. “Very well, Sophie. Please go and enjoy your holiday, I’ll close up the rest of the lab.” Augustine said pushing himself out of his chair.

Sophie shrugged a little distractedly. “I’ll help close up shop, there’s not much left to do.” He couldn’t argue with her. Slowly the both of them travelled down the elevator and began shutting down systems and chambers and leaving everything at a standstill until after the New Year.

As they worked, Sophie kept his mind occupied. “Have Sina and Dexio called you today?” Of course, his very enthusiastic assistants who had never been out of Kalos for the holiday had gone on a sort of small vacation. He had sent them both to Sinnoh to study with Professor Rowan. They were very adamant on learning from the older man like the professor had. Also Rowan agreed to house them for a while with little convincing, so there was little reason to say no.

Augustine nodded his head from around the terminals they were shutting down. “They did, they’re having a splendid time in Sinnoh with Rowan, apparently.”

The woman laughed while she shook her head. “Have they learned anything new?” Sophie asked exasperatedly, though good natured.

“They said it was a surprise.” He answered uncertainly, dropping them back into silence. Rowan was a strict teacher, a great teacher but he had mellowed out significantly considering how easy it was for the man to agree to teach his own assistance. It was kind of Rowan to do so, perhaps he felt the spirit of the season.

“What will you be doing tonight, professor?” Sophie asked from around the set of incubators they were cleaning and shutting down.

“Well, I was thinking maybe I should catch up on sleep.” Augustine said from the incubation system across the room. Though truthfully, ‘I’m going to wallow in my misery but that’s beside the point.’ Augustine thought passively until Sophie came up beside him to turn the computers off.

“You have a gala to go to.” Sophie stated as a matter of fact. “Or are you going to take Diantha’s wrath up front when she realizes you never showed up?” She finished mischievously.

Ah yes, Diantha’s Christmas Eve gala. A massive party for the Gym Leaders and Elite 4 and any city officials who wished to join. He had always gone when he was younger, recent years, he’d been seen less and less. With Lysandre gone, with what Lysandre had done, it was just harder to bring himself to continue the merriment of those bygone times by himself. “Well?” Sophie pressed as she walked up beside him.

“Tell me, are you secretary or my assistant?” A shrewd look from Sophie said all she needed and the professor withered slightly at that. Sophie did much more than she needed to for him frequently, ensuring he had a social life had become one of her newer tasks. “Ah, oui, you are both.” He laughed out, a little sheepishly. He really didn’t want to, it was such a massive effort to sit and just watch everyone else having fun. He liked the company, he just didn’t feel the season in him like he used to.

Leave it to Sophie to be the voice of reason and encourage him. “You should go, not the whole night but just for Diantha. You’ll be all by yourself tomorrow.” Well, Sophie had him there. His Pokémon were generally all the company needed but after last year…

A moment of hard thought made Augustine take a harsh breath in. No, last year was a mistake. He had been out of sorts for months at that time. He was very emotional but last year he took it way too far. “Just for your piece of mind, Sophie, I will go to the gala.” The professor conceded to his assistant. The smile on her face was a proud product of her victory.

“Very good.”

Sophie stepped forward and hugged the professor, which he returned in kind. “Merry Christmas, professor and a Happy New Year.” Augustine reciprocated wholeheartedly. Sophie had been his pillar these last few months, the research was slow and attempting a new study so close to the Holidays was a poor venture due to the lack resources and capital needed. Sophie closed the lab doors behind her, Augustine was now officially by himself for the next two weeks, and he began the slow trek upstairs to get to his loft.

His heart constricted tightly, not having his coworkers here would be lonely. Many times and years prior the good professor would function the lab himself when he had a revelation or new idea. When he had initially discovered Pokémon had the ability to mega evolve through mega bracelet and mega stones, he had been by himself in the lab. It had been some time since he had such resolve and inspiration to continue that type of workload.

In his loft, Augustine wandered to his bedroom to get changed into something more suitable. It was silly, but Diantha always stressed that he show up formally, his lab coat was formal to him but it wasn’t enough for the celebrity. The gala had begun at Hotel Richissme and he was well beyond late but he couldn’t be expected to be at the gala right away, he was a very busy man and he was absolutely wasting time so the later he went, the sooner he would leave.

Augustine opened his closet and stared at the silk dress shirts he had hanging inside, so many lustrous colors and none really appealed to him. When was the last time he bothered to wear any of these shirts? He pulled out a dark crimson shirt and sighed. He would probably match the décor with this one. An emerald shirt right beside it with the same shine had him thinking the same thing. White? No, too plain. Black? Certainly not, this was a happy event. Teal? That was more of a spring color.  

He then pulled out a deep azure silk shirt that reminded him of the eyes of a certain woman. His favorite protégé. His best student. His field researcher. (Pending title; she just sent him dex data en masse frequently). The Kalos Champion Serena.

The shirt looked perfect. It would look perfect, he thought with a small groan. All he could think about now was Serena. His dear pupil was away in Alola. Capturing new Pokémon and sending him data. Serena promised him that she would come back with all new species of Pokémon for him to research in the New Year.

She had learned Z-moves and found new mega evolutions and Augustine couldn’t stop the smile that formed or how his cheeks warmed slightly. She was a lovely woman who was always motivated and he was fiercely proud of.

Two years ago was the very first time his very own students were so competitive that they mastered mega evolution, competed for the champion title at the same time and in Serena’s case, had completed the Kalosian pokedex, moving on to continue the National Dex. He was very grateful but the guilt that came forth never failed to bother him.

Serena was travelling and running around for him, she had said as much. She would make him proud, it didn’t matter that she had already done that a hundred times over, she was so ostentatious about her involvement in his research he couldn’t tell her no.

He actually felt remorse over her travelling so often for him. Not even being home on Christmas was particularly bothersome since he was keeping Serena from her own mother but, honestly, but he would be lying to himself if he said he didn’t like the endless attention from her. The way she always called him and asked him how he was and if he needed anything from Alola…

He shook his head of those thoughts. That was enough time wasted. He changed into his fitted black suit along with a black tie and inspected himself in the mirror, he looked great. If only he could do something about the scowl set on his face.

Augustine let out a long suffering sigh, he would sleep until the New Year after tonight, he decided. He was allowed to do what he wanted, it was his life. Maybe this year, unlike the last two, he wouldn’t be found at the bottom of a wine bottle.

Pulling his black trench coat on, going down the elevator and locking his lab, Augustine began the walk to the hotel. It was a very mild night, for which he was incredibly grateful for and with purpose strode through the streets, he cut through Vernal and noted how some cafés were open regardless of the time. It made him smile to see people inside having coffee and talking joyously. Even the streets were a lot busier than he thought they would be.

The colored lights surrounding and seeping through the buildings to paint the city beautiful hues of pinks, purples, blues, yellows, giving the streets an ethereal look. When Augustine peeked between the alleyways to see the center of the city, Prism Tower was illuminated in an array of multicolored lights and patterns that acted as a beacon to any and all travellers during the holiday season.

The tower would stay that way until after New Year’s, it almost felt like a completely different world. When the countdown began next week, he would be able to see the light show from his loft, like every year. Honestly, Clemont had really outdone himself this season. The professor could scarcely remember what celebrations were like before the young gym leader had taken over.

When Augustine rounded a corner, he could finally see the lights from the glamorous hotel. He could hear merriment and music leaking out of the building and into the street. He took a deep breath. It was just a few hours. It was just celebrities, some Gym Leaders, the Elite 4 members, some city officials and Diantha. It used to be a lot of fun to go, it used to be the highlight of the end of the year, besides the huge party Diantha threw a week later. Now, it just wasn’t the same since…

It didn’t matter. He didn’t have to stay long.

As he was about to cross the street, a veil of golden hair shot out of a darkened alley with a terrified yelp, Augustine reacted instantly as the person was falling and he threw his arms out to catch them before they hit the ground.

The impact of the young girl nearly hitting the icy street had sent them both falling and he slammed his knee into the pavement, he winced in pain but was relieved that he managed to save the young woman. She clung to him desperately and Augustine held on tightly in concern. “Ca va, mademoiselle?” he asked hesitantly, hoping she wasn’t hurt.

Augustine’s breath was taken away when he found azure eyes staring back at him. “Serena?” Her name tumbled out of his mouth in a shocked stupor of awe.

The young woman looked up apprehensively at him but when she realized who it was, she smiled brightly, the professor was sure the entire city could have been powered by her radiance. “Oh professor, you saved me!” Serena glowed happily. Augustine slowly and carefully lifted them both up, keeping his arms securely around the Champions waist.

This was a surprise, no. It was more than a surprise, it was astounding. Serena had returned to Kalos, but when? Why? How? All of these thoughts were muddled him until he noticed the rollerblades she had on. “Roller skates in this weather?” he promptly asked, incredulous of her footwear, all thoughts of her sudden appearance gone.

Serena giggled airily in response. “I’m running super late for a party.”

Augustine tilted his head to the side in mock disappointment at the young woman. “Diantha’s gala?” He clarified.

Serena’s eyes lit up in surprise. “Yes, how did you know?”

Augustine laughed at her stunned response. “I go almost every year. I’m late, too.”

Serena looked to the hotel and then back to the professor, and then another look at the hotel and she grabbed his hand. “Well, come on, then! Or we’re going to be unfashionably late!” her giggle travelled in the air around him and found himself being tugged along mindlessly.

Augustine smiled softly at the woman clinging to his hand and subsequently dragging him across the street to the hotel, he just noticed the bag she had slung over her shoulder. Had she been back long? What a greeting, though. She just took everything in stride, she hadn’t seen in him almost a year and she was just as excited and kind and she hadn’t changed, not even a little bit.

It was very sudden when the thought struck him again. She was supposed to be back after January and it was far too early to be back now.

“What are you doing back Kalos, I thought you were in Alola for another month?”

Again, the young champion took the question in stride. Hardly looking back she called to him while steadying herself on the sidewalk. “I was getting lonely. Plus, no snow. I really wanted a white Christmas at home.”

Augustine wrapped his arms securely around her waist, so she could slide with him up the sidewalk. She gazed up at him gratefully and the professor thanked the cold weather because he could feel the moment his cheeks warmed in a blush, and at least the cold could hide that. Serena clung to his arm on her waist.

Augustine nodded, remembering to answer like a normal person. “Ah, so you’re here with your mother?”

“I wish!” Serena huffed angrily, stomping her foot. She almost slipped out of the professor’s arms with the force she stomped her rollerblade into the pavement, but the professor had her secured, she snickered in reply to his surprised yelp as he tried to keep her steady. “Serves me right. My mom is in Kanto with her old Rhyhorn racing buddies because she thought I wasn’t coming home. So I’m alone this holiday but I’m just happy to finally be back.”

Another lost soul like him on Christmas. He knew Alola had grand celebrations throughout the year but didn’t know if they celebrated Christmas. It actually hurt a little to think that Serena was in any distress, or if she had been lonely in a completely different country, she never mentioned anything to him. “Oh, petit. Well, at least you’ve come back safely.”

Serena merely giggled again and Augustine felt his spirits lift considerably when he saw the pink dusting her cheeks deepen. “Thank you.” She replied sweetly.

Without any more incidents, they both made it inside the hotel and turned to the coat check. Serena sat down on the nearby bench to remove her skates. Unzipping her bag, she took out a pair ivory heeled booties. Slipping them on quickly and then taking her jacket off to give to coat check, Augustine followed wordlessly, he had so much he wanted to talk about, so much he wanted to say.

“Bonjour, Claudia!” The receptionist gazed up in shock and smiled brightly at the Champion.

“Oh, Serena, welcome back!” Serena reached over the counter and gave the receptionist a far reaching hug which Claudia greeted with enthusiasm, making a happy hum as she hugged back. The girls giggled and prattled on a mile a minute, more than the professor could keep up with as he stared into the hall for the sign that designated the party.

Augustine probably could’ve seen the ridiculously massive sign from the back alleys outside if he had bothered to look. Good lord, Diantha went all out. There were wreaths, ribbons and decorations tumbling over the wall with golden lights and accents and mistletoe just at the front door of the hall that led to the gala room.

The professor was suddenly pulled back into the conversation the girls were having. “Can you check my bag as well as my coat?” Serena asked, pulling her jacket and bag onto the counter so Claudia could take them.

“Anything for you, Serena.” The receptionist replied brightly. “Though we might not have a room available for you later. I heard from Pierre you tried to book.”

Serena shrugged comically. “Oh, don’t worry. I was just trying to be lazy tonight, my home isn’t really far.” Their chattering continued. Augustine breathed in steadily when something strange pervaded his heart and caused it to feel heavy in his chest. Serena would have to fly all the way to Vaniville tonight. It wasn’t a long flight, an hour or two at most, but it was colder further south and he felt awful that Serena would go to a cold, solitary home on Christmas.

“Professor?” Serena called to him softly. She gestured to the counter with a smile.

The professor walked to the counter and deposited his coat there. “Bonjour.” Augustine greeted jovially and the receptionist smiled to him. “Bonjour, professor. We’ll check your jacket.” Claudia took a ticket and handed it to the professor. “Now both of you, please enter the hall, the festivities are already underway.”

Serena and him thanked the receptionist and walked toward the hall doors. It was only a moment but they both finally looked at each other and Serena’s cheeks were tinged pink seeing her professor in a designer suit with a striking azure silk shirt.

Augustine grinned. She dressed up so well, just now he noticed how her hair curled in beautiful ringlets and how her makeup was soft and delicate. The dress she wore matched his shirt. A deep azure dress that fit beautifully on her figure. She wasn’t the little teenager that journeyed with bruises on her knees and dirt on her face. And his heart skipped a beat when he noticed just how intently she was gazing back at him, they’re expressions mirrored each other. “Tres beau, professuer.”

Augustine softly barked out a laugh. “Vous êtes très belle, mademoiselle.” He replied as he held his arm out for his spectacular protégé. Serena took his arm happily and as they walked toward the doors, the soft and relaxing music lulling him into a false sense of security until a familiar brunette shoved the doors to the gala wide open.

“Augustine! Finally, I was going to come and – Oh, Serena! I’m so glad you made it!” All thoughts of the professor being late were gone as Diantha lightly jogged forward and opened her arms, prompting Serena let go of the professor and throw arms around Diantha tightly. They two shared a fierce hug and Augustine was a little stunned by how close they seemed. More than that, it looked as if like Diantha had been expecting the young woman and she never mentioned anything to him. How rude.

“Thank you so much for inviting me.” Serena said gratefully. Her voice seemed saturated in emotions the professor couldn’t place. Perhaps she was grateful to have company. Or perhaps she was just happy to be home.

Diantha squeezed the young champion. “You’re always welcome.” When the actress let go of the younger woman she looked to Augustine and a strange, pensive expression took over her face. “Augustine-!”Diantha began as she focused intently on her childhood friend, only to be distracted immediately. “-Have you two come together?” It was a harmless question really and Augustine almost sputtered a reply but Serena shook her head and beat him to it. “Oh no, the professor… caught me outside, he was kind enough to escort me over.”

Diantha gave strange look to Serena, understanding there was double entendre when the professor unsuccessfully tried to suppress knowing smirk. The professor gestured amusingly to the champion with an outstretched hand. “Serena rollerbladed into me and almost fell in the street.” Augustine announced with little reserve over Serena’s curious footwear.

Serena just scoffed at his retelling. “He saved my life.” She stated dramatically to Diantha, who seemed entirely sceptical of her decision.

“Rollerblades? In this weather?” The actress pressed in confusion, mirroring Augustine’s earlier reaction.

“I was running late.” The champion defended passively.

Diantha rolled her eyes but laughed softly. “Come, come. You must join us.” She encouraged while gesturing to the double doors, Serena took a step back and grasped the professor’s arm again. Augustine’s heart very nearly stopped at the contact but he walked on behind Diantha calmly.

As the double doors were pushed open, Augustine was struck by the lights and colours that glowed throughout the room. He admired all the wreaths and garland and lights that decorated the hall. It was very seasonal and the smell of peppermint and pine practically drenched the room. Augustine felt his arm being squeezed and turned his gaze to the Champion.

Serena’s eyes were wide in wonderment. He followed her gaze and saw her eyes had fixated on the massive Christmas tree that was nearly a story high. The way her eyes exuded innocence and amazement captured his heart and he didn’t know how he was going to survive the night with Serena here, he usually had time to mentally prepare himself for her presence.

Augustine had to close his eyes for a moment of self-collection. ‘Merde.’ He thought forlornly, his gaze retreating back to the young woman in awe and his heart beat a little faster, he was about to speak but his words were cut short.

Just as Diantha reached the bottom of the stairs, she loudly and proudly declared the return of their champion and the response was thunderous. People jumped out of their seats and rushed to Serena, who years before, would shrink back at attention, stepped forward to greet them all with a happy smile and hugs.

The gym leaders that were here, Viola, Grant, Korrina, Ramos, Olympia and Wulfric happily grouped around her to welcome her back and she reciprocated in kind. Though Augustine was perfectly content to watch the Champion be fawned over, some of the elite 4, Drasna and Seibold, along with city officials, the mayor and some politicians came over to greet him. Augustine couldn’t believe how much he’d been regretting the party, but with Serena here, it was that much more bearable for some reason.

As luck would have it, both Augustine and Serena made it just in time for the second set of appetizers. Serena sat between Diantha and himself at table one, Seibold, Wikstrom, and Drasna were also seated with them. Starters, salad, soup. They chatted happily through it all. Dinner, dessert. The three of them at the table were crowded unendingly by others who came to chat but Serena didn’t seem to mind.

This was how it used to be. Augustine thought to himself. Even in his mind, it was a hushed whisper. He recalled the first time being invited here when he became the regions Pokémon professor. The air felt the same as back then, he was feeling nauseatingly nostalgic.

Serena had subsequently admitted that she was supposed to stay for the Alolan Grand Slam but she didn’t want to stay for another month doing nothing, so she decided to take a break and stay in Kalos for as long as she could from now on. Serena had been taken from their table and hauled around by gym leaders and peers to expand on her time in Alola to them, how it was learning under Professor Kukui.

Every now and then, Augustine felt like there were eyes on him, watching his reactions and for the life of him he couldn’t fathom why he felt so paranoid. It didn’t distract too much, Serena had swayed to the dancefloor and began dancing with others who had already claimed the floor like gym leaders Grant and Korrina.

Diantha interrupted his thoughts. “She’s such a sweet girl.” She said. He couldn’t agree with her more. Serena was a sweet, kind and lovely girl. Diantha didn’t need to know the extent of his thoughts, though.

“Indeed, she is.” He replied faintly.

The DJ began to play some more upbeat music, encouraging the dancers more, Augustine couldn’t have guessed what Diantha was going to tell him. “You know, I was absolutely positive that the both of you arrived together, as an item.”

The professor almost cracked the stem of the wine glass he was holding. ‘Play it cool, or else she’ll know’ Augustine easily replied. “It’s her dress and my shirt, right? Entirely coincidental.” Good, he sounded confident, nice insurance.

“I’m sure.”

And Diantha didn’t seem to buy a word of it. Well, this was frustrating. Diantha was being very passive about his denial of him and Serena. It wouldn’t bother him so much except the reality was he was single and so was Serena. They were friends and colleagues. Even though he wanted so much more.

“You may think what you like, ma chere. We had no time to coordinate. Seeing her in the street tonight shocked me. I had no idea she had returned from Alola,” He answered honestly and this time Diantha nodded her head in agreement and jumped to a different conversation.

“She’s been so excited to see you again, she told me about how many Pokémon she’s captured and all she’s learned.” The way Diantha had said she was excited to see him caused his heartbeat to spike a bit.

Of course, Diantha must have meant that on friendly terms but it allowed him to wish. So he changed the subject. “I didn’t know the both of you were so close.” Augustine chatted amiably, gazing over to his friend with a small bit of scrutiny. Who knows how long Serena and Diantha had been friends and now he finds out?

Diantha suddenly straightened and smirked at him, seemingly entirely smitten with the idea that he noticed Serena and her were close. It kind of annoyed the professor. “Well.” Diantha began with a flippant drawl and condescending air. “Earlier this year, I told Serena to call me if she ever got stuck in Alola. I had a lot friends from when I filmed there a few years ago and well, here we are. On each other’s speed dial and constant companion.”

Augustine didn’t know how to convey his totally not jealous astonishment at his dear friend. He had told Diantha many, many times how proud he was of Serena. When Serena had been battling the league, he had prepared Diantha for when Serena eventually challenged her mere months under his tutelage for the Champion title. The celebrity knew just how fond he was of the champion and Diantha was deliberately keeping this incredibly important information from him!

Here was the problem. He had little clue how to get more information out of Diantha. She was very tight-lipped on her friends and if he started asking questions, she would be instantly suspicious of his queries, which would lead to unfortunate consequences from the actress in the form of incessant pestering and badgering.  

The other problem is she didn’t know he had a crush on their dear Champion. Honestly, though, how could he not. Serena was so supportive of everything he’d done. She read all of his research (from the starting trite he’d written down to the thesis he’d submitted last month), hunted down Pokémon to get him data, climbed mountains, traversed valleys and waded through swamps for him.

Augustine had come to the realization that, yes, he had great big feelings for the young woman and when he watched her on the dance floor, swaying her hips and lifting her arms above her head, coiling them sensually to the rhythm of the song, he his heart clenched in want and wonder.

Serena was truly enchanting to him, the way the dress hugged her curves and accentuated her body. The way Serena gracefully moved on the dancefloor and the way her blonde hair lightly bounced to the rhythm of the music, making a curtain of gold frame her angelic face. Her pleasure, even on the dancefloor, mesmerized him. Augustine was nearly breathless watching her. She swung her hips delicately and warmth spread in his chest at the thought of being able to dance with her. To touch her. To hold her. His thoughts jumped too far again. His heart pounded in his chest.    

“Augustine?”

Diantha’s delicate voice just barely caught his attention, it wasn’t nearly strong enough to pull his attention away from Serena completely. Though distracted, he still answered his friend passively. “Hmm?”

That was the exact wrong action to take as when he actually gazed to the actress, her smile was wide and knowing when she followed what or this case, who, he had been completely fixated on.

“Augustine.” Diantha repeated, though this time with a more meaningful and playful tone. The professor felt his heart drop out of his chest and fall somewhere between the floor and the core of the earth. Diantha knowing something was sometimes far worse than the whole world knowing because she loved, absolutely loved, tormenting him on these things. She leaned in and Augustine turned back to his wine swiftly, an embarrassed blush dusting his cheeks.

“Dee, it’s not what you think.” Augustine defended pitiably. It did nothing as the actress completely ignored his plea.

“I knew it. You like her.” The actress gloated haughtily. Augustine closed his eyes and clenched his hand not holding the wine glass, her mocking tone hit all the wrong nerves with him.

“No, Diantha, please. I’m just-” Augustine tried to be forceful and stop the actress from continuing but Diantha had none of it as she cut him off with a teasing song.

“Mesmerized? Captivated? In love?”

“With who?” Before the professor could defend himself, Serena approached their table to sit, looking affably confused at hearing their conversation. She had danced for the better half of the last hour and she was flushed, her lightly tanned skin pink from the activity. Diantha’s eyes sparkled with mischief and Augustine’s face flushed noticeably at being caught. He held his breath because he knew he wouldn’t be able to beat Diantha’s next statement with something convincing.

Diantha had somehow decided to be merciful. “I’m just teasing the good professor. You know he’s married to his work.” She said. Augustine wanted to be upset at that statement but it had become too accurate a description of him and he deflated slightly in his seat. He really had been inseparable from his work for the last few years. He couldn’t help it.

“That’s not true. The professor may work hard but he knows how to have fun.” Serena defended him when she sat back down, right back to where she sat before, between them.

“Thank you, Serena.” He had said over the rim of his wine glass, her words warmed his heart significantly. He blamed it on his drink regardless. Diantha and Serena chatted heartily and Augustine focused entirely on the alcohol.

It was so hard to concentrate on something not Serena, she had that ability to stop a crowd. To turn heads. She exuded presence among her peers. To think when he had first met her she was so timid, no less sweet but she had been so unsure of herself. Now she had become this monolith of power and influence. Steadfast and determined.

His other student, Calem, Serena’s self-proclaimed rival had told him once that Serena had little confidence in herself and suffered some serious anxiety around the middle of her journey through the league and he didn’t see it at all. He marvelled instead at how she grew over her trials and accomplishments. It was magical to behold and he felt blessed to have witnessed it.

Suddenly he became aware of the two beautiful women at the table watching him. Augustine came crashing back to reality. “Ah, pardonnez?” he managed with his cheeks flushing brightly again. If they were speaking to him or asked him a question, it sailed straight over his head.

Diantha burst out into giggles. “It seems our dear professor is distracted even though there are two beautiful women before him. For shame, Augustine.” The professor felt the flush on his face graduate to a full blush that reached all the way to his ears. Diantha was going to kill him with embarrassment. He couldn’t help it if he was distracted, the whole day threw him for a loop especially now that Serena was there. He had not prepared himself for her presence. Had not prepared himself to stay at a safe distance and watch her secretly. He was practically tripping over himself now.

Serena had come to his rescue. “Diantha, stop teasing him, he’s been working hard.” The champion admonished but the actress continued egging him on.

“I’ve never seen our professor this distracted, he’s not even talking my ear off about Pokémon. What is happening tonight, Auggy?” Diantha teased him mercilessly and he felt very acutely now how humiliating it was to be center of Diantha’s wrath in public. Usually, the actress would give up on teasing him because he was boring but now Diantha had ammunition and she was going to use it all night long, apparently.

This mockery was her getting revenge for him being late. The celebrity could be absolutely ruthless when it came to the professor. This would also mark the first time in years that she found out something exciting about him. Augustine hadn’t had an obvious crush in… years. Not since he was in his teens. This exchange was taxing him as he was trying to hide from Serena’s bright blue eyes that were staring into him.

The feeling of acute anxiety left very quickly when Serena set her drink down and reached for his hand that rested on the table. “Will you dance with me, professor?” Serena asked him innocently and Augustine froze, if she didn’t stop gazing at him like that and his heart was going to burst out of his chest.

Diantha gave the professor very pointed look with a small smirk. “He’s too distracted, I don’t think he’s up for it.” Augustine wanted to glower at Diantha, she was either setting him up or sabotaging him and not knowing was driving him mad. Serena almost seemed dejected by that answer. In turn she brought her other hand to the table and grasped his hand in both of hers and proceeded to give him the most pleading and wishful gaze while she held his hand. His heart kept on pounding.

“Please, professor.”

Serena begged meekly and Diantha smiled wickedly. “Our professor is rather tired after such a long day at work, he’s old, Serena.”

That did it, Augustine gulped down the last of his wine and stared deliberately back at Diantha. “Non, non, it’s perfectly fine. Serena, I would love to dance with you.” Serena gave him a radiant smile that was sure to melt the snow off the entire span of the hotel. She rose out of her chair, still holding the professors hand and Augustine gazed back to Diantha who had a much cheerier smile on her face seeing him get pulled away, nodding her head.

He could hear her thoughts as if she was telepathic. ‘Now’s your chance, Augustine!’ So she was trying to set him up, there are easier ways, he thought as scowled back at the actress. He turned away from his dear friend and followed the young champion to the polished wooden floor in the center of the room.

When he stepped with her onto the dancefloor, he could feel the eyes on them both. Including the other dancers. Augustine calmed himself, he wanted to dance with her, he wanted this. No need to worry, it was just a dance. He dropped his hand to her waist and brought her hand delicately up so he could hold it. Serena seemed incredibly unsure all of a sudden.  “I don’t really know how to dance.” She comically stage-whispered to him in a panic.

Augustine chuckled in astonishment and smiled warmly at her. Did she ask him so he had an excuse to leave the table? It seemed that way, it was such a kind gesture. She put a lot on the line for him. Her pride in particular as the entire room seemed to be watching them. Well, he wouldn’t fail her now.

Augustine took his hand off her waist and brought her right hand to rest on his forearm and returned it to the proper station on her side, just below her breast. “Don’t worry. Just follow me.” He murmured lowly. “Take one step back.”

He stepped forward and she stepped back. Well, that wasn’t as catastrophic as he envisioned. One, two, three, one, two, three. Serena was becoming confident enough to gaze up at him and smile brightly. Those eyes that encouraged him and were always so glad to see him, Serena was absolutely angelic. He purred commands to her. Turn left, turn right, one step forward, two back.

Augustine decided he could spice things up a bit. He twirled her, Serena’s hair and dress plumed out beautifully. When she returned to his arms, she giggled happily. This continued, the tempo became faster and they just took it in stride. Augustine dipped her in his arms and she trusted him a lot considering that she threw her head back and flung her arm out extravagantly.

He laughed at her actions and he heard passively others clap as he lifted her back properly into his arms. Augustine found himself having more fun than he had in months, years, all in the arms of a woman nearly a decade younger than him. Serena was far more confident than when she started, she miss-stepped but she owned those missteps with finesse and giggles.

Was this inappropriate? The two of them dancing before her colleagues, peers and his own associates and friends. This must’ve been but even though it struck him rather hard in the middle of their dance, but when Serena pulled back to spin out of his arms, only to flourish her stance and spin right back to him, those thoughts diminished considerably with seeing how happy Serena was. They were just having fun on Christmas Eve. She had just come back from being abroad, she deserved a little fun.

As the music finally slowed and came to an end, Augustine and Serena stopped as well, chest to chest, hand in hand and in the middle of the room. A round of applause burst from around them. Both just noticing now how the dancefloor had emptied around them and they had been watched, apparently very intently, by the other party goers.

The both of them shared a moment, heaving and breathless. Serena seemed to be beckoning him, her hand on his chest. He leaned in, he wanted to hold her tight and- and kiss her, just kiss her and- Augustine pulled away and bowed slightly, reveling in applause for moment but turned his attention immediately to the blushing mademoiselle beside him. He took her hand and bowed extravagantly before her, bringing her forward and showing her off stupendously.

This was what he did best for the champion, made her the center of attention and showing her off. He showed her off to Lysandre, showed her off at the parade, one for being a hero and one for becoming champion so quickly, showed her off to Professor Rowan when he had come to visit. Serena was red faced but bowed back to him and turned to indulge in the attention that was showered upon her.

This had quickly turned into a welcome back party for Serena, the way people rushed to her and hailed her and he couldn’t really find a problem with that. The music returned with more modern and upbeat music and even more people returned to the dancefloor.

Augustine, for the life of him, couldn’t convince himself to leave the polished floor and stayed to dance. He hadn’t thought much of it but the way the champion’s eyes lit up and the way she brought her hand to rest on his chest again, Serena couldn’t have been more overjoyed. Diantha had come to dance too, the lights dimmed down and flashing lights turned on, blinking and pulsing to the sound of the beat. They stayed beside each other, swaying and stepping to the beat.

This was something he hadn’t done in years, actually being on the dancefloor, Diantha always tried to get him to dance but he couldn’t find much joy in it.

Until now, anyway.

When Augustine finally returned to his table to grab a glass of water, he couldn’t believe the time. It was past one in the morning, he didn’t even realize midnight had passed. He’d lost track of Serena even though most of the crowd had dispersed. A lot of people had snuck around the dancefloor to tell their friends good night and Merry Christmas. He had been told a number of times along with Serena and he returned their sentiments happily.

Saying tonight was a pleasure was an understatement. He had to remember to tell Sophie thank you for basically saving his Christmas. If Sophie hadn’t told him to come tonight, he would’ve missed Serena. Just being in her physical presence made this worth it, tonight had somehow become unforgettable.

“I haven’t seen you have fun like this in years, Auggy.” Diantha said, smiling warmly at him. He didn’t know how to respond right away. He hadn’t done something like this since well before Team Flare even appeared in Kalos. He had been so busy and wanted success for lab so badly, he had just been hyper focused and then Serena appeared in his life…

“I didn’t think I remembered how.” He answered honestly. Looking back to the dancefloor and seeing just a few people left.

Diantha was beside him. “And here I thought you weren’t going to come at all.”

Augustine bowed his head, sighing. “I’m ashamed to say it took a lot of convincing from Sophie. I’m sorry, Dee, but all the same you for inviting me year after year.” The actress placed her hand on his arm and smiled. A comforting gesture. The professor had to appreciate the fact they were still such good friends, even after everything that happened.  

“Its fine, Augustine.”

Diantha suddenly looked around, searching the room over the few left. “Did Serena say goodbye to you? I think she said she was leaving.” Augustine felt himself tense, he hadn’t seen Serena in some time since they lost sight of each other.

“Non, she didn’t.” Augustine said quickly, looking to the exit of the gala doors.

Diantha laughed. “Oh, she can’t be far, I assume you’re leaving as well?”

Augustine smiled genuinely at his friend. “I am, thank you so much Diantha, I had a wonderful time. Merry Christmas.” He hugged Diantha tightly and the actress returned it just as tightly.

“Goodnight and Merry Christmas!” Augustine shouted Merry Christmas to the other party goers and dashed out of the room. The woman at the coat check seemed surprised to see the professor. He gave Claudia the tag. “My coat, please.” He requested politely, though slightly winded.

Claudia smiled brightly. “Of course, professor.” The second Claudia returned with his coat, it took all his will power not to yank it from the woman, he took it swiftly and pulled it on while running through the front foyer, while calling good night and well wishes for the holiday to the staff left behind.

He dashed out to see Serena just leaving the hotel sidewalk. It was more than just how he felt now, he couldn’t stand the thought of her having to fly to Vaniville by herself tonight. She didn’t seem to be in a rush, he caught her easily enough at the pace he was jogging at.

“Serena!” He called to her. She turned back and her beautiful blue eyes stared at him in disbelief. When he caught up to her, she beamed happily at him and laughed.

“I wasn’t leaving town yet. I was just about to walk through the city to see the lights. Y’know, enjoy Christmas Day.” She seemed jovial and gazed to the streets adoringly.

“May I join you?” Augustine asked quietly. The words had tumbled out of his mouth so fluidly he hadn’t even thought of the implications or what she’d say but when she gazed back at him in hope, he felt his cheeks heat up slightly. The wind whistled softly, blowing her hair away from her face as she smiled almost achingly up at him.

“Of course.” She answered his softly, joy exuded from her expression.

Augustine held out his arm for what must’ve been the hundredth time that evening and she took it with the same elation as if he’d offered it for the first time. Slowly, they walked together toward Prism Tower. Although the temperature had dropped, he felt almost nothing with the young woman wrapped around his arm.

As they walked closer toward the tower in the center of the city, Serena gazed around at the street decorations in awe. She didn’t have this in Alola. “Shall we go to the base of the tower? That’s where the lights are best seen.” Serena held onto his arm just a little tighter.

“I’d love that.”

They walked in amicable silence, Serena stumbling or stalling momentarily when she saw particularly elaborate or beautiful seasonal decoration hanging from windows and storefronts. Serena’s eyes shone with amazement as he brought her to the base of the tower, fairy lights and Christmas lights criss-crossed around, making it seem like hundreds of stars glittering inside the skyline of Lumiose. Serena giggled exquisitely at the sight of the tower decorated. Slowly, little speckles of white began to fall to the earth. It was beginning to snow. How utterly perfect.

Augustine felt a keen repeat of the moment Serena had seen the gala room, that beautiful expression of wonderment. His heart wouldn’t be able take much more of this. “It’s so beautiful.” Serena breathed sincere amazement. Letting go of the professor’s arm and staring in awe of the beautiful city center.

“One of the great benefits of living in the city. Truly a spectacle.” He said wistfully, he lived in Lumiose most of his life and he always loved the Christmas season in the city because it was so brilliant and vivid.

There was a long moment of silence while Serena admired the twinkling lights surrounding them. “There’s been something I’ve been meaning to ask you for a long time, professor.” Serena began but the professor interrupted her with words that escaped him even before he knew it.

“Augustine.” The professor stated, nearly cutting her off. He didn’t even bother to clarify what he meant, she would know. Though he hoped she understood the implications when Serena turned to him curiously but nodded regardless.

“Augustine, may I ask you a question?” The professor smiled at her and nodded his head in return. “What would you like to know?” Though he had little idea what she was going to ask, he never expected such a simple inquiry.

“Why did you choose me to be a trainer?” This wasn’t a hard question at all. He remembered overhearing from a researcher at his lab how the famed Rhyhorn Racer Grace was settling down in Kalos with her only daughter. It was big news. When Grace had settled and Augustine had an address, he’d sent his four other students to go and greet the celebrity and her daughter.

All he had known about Serena was that she had completed her studies from rudimentary to college level. He wanted this young woman to experience everything Kalos had to offer. He wanted to give a stranger something unique and wonderful and in the end, it was him who got something truly unique. This woman…

“I saw an opportunity to give a young girl something extraordinary. It was unanimously decided through staff and colleagues that there would be five trainers that year.” Augustine began, his tone soft and thick with nostalgia. “As unconventional as that was.” He added quickly with a small sentimental smile.

When he had approached Sophie on the idea she had doubts but when he explained he was doing it for Grace’s daughter, she was sold immediately. Even his assistants, Sina and Dexio, had applauded the professor in his decision for Serena as an additional student. In his eyes, it was a strange kind of destiny. Serena seemed a little distant at his reply.

“So, was it nepotism?” Serena asked faintly, gazing away from him.

Clarity struck him suddenly, he understood now, she was wondering if he had chosen her just because of Grace. Her mother being famous helped but in the end he had chosen her, the misplaced girl in a new and strange country. He knew the feeling only too well. “Non, not quite. I had considered you well before I’d known exactly who your mother was.”

Serena clasped her arms behind her back and turned to stand directly before the professor. “That doesn’t answer why, though.” She compelled him to admit more.

He considered what would placate the young woman. So he went with the truth. “I had thought about the first time I had travelled to Kanto. I had been a server on the S.S. Anne to pay for school. Although I was terrified of the path before me, there were kind souls who treated me well and encouraged me on my way. I will forever be grateful to them.” He was quiet in his melancholy for the past, it was such a different world back then.

Augustine took a breath and continued. “When I had heard about you, always travelling with your mother because of her races, never settling. I thought maybe I could give you a new life. I wasn’t sure what kind of person you were but I was confident someone who had grown up with Pokémon would benefit greatly from the opportunity.” Augustine regarded her with wistfulness, he remembered how excited the lab had been, many of his researchers calling Serena a mysterious variable. She truly was. Though now Serena seemed a little withdrawn, her eyes seemed to shine a little bit.

“You gave me a chance because of blind faith.” Serena’s voice was quiet and surprisingly thick with emotion.

He regarded her peculiarly and responded softly. “I gave you a chance because I thought you could do something extraordinary.”

Serena’s face turned a lovely shade of pink, eyes wide in surprise and after a moment she finally moved towards him. Augustine tried to count how many glasses of wine he had, and all he could recall was two. Meager for him, he’d gone through full bottles before but seeing Serena gaze up at him with such indecipherable emotions, he knew must’ve been mistaken. Maybe he did have more to drink than he thought.

“You are truly one of the kindest people I’ve ever known, professor.” Serena admitted tenderly to him and Augustine was warmed in a way that alcohol never could accomplish.

Still, he kindly smiled for her even though his chest tightened to the point of agony. He didn’t think he was, but if Serena claimed so, he would never argue with her. “Thank you, ma chere.”

“May I repay you a small bit, for everything you’ve done for me?”

Augustine knew he wasn’t drunk, buzzed maybe but definitely not drunk. He wondered why his heart beat so loud and the lights seemed so soft and surreal. Everything was suddenly a dreamscape and all he could see was the young Champion staring back at him with such an adoring mien. “Could you close your eyes for a moment?”

Augustine felt his mouth go dry but he complied with little hesitation. All he felt was her trembling hands on the lapels of his coat as her soft lips met his in a gentle kiss. His heart beat quieted and all he knew and felt at that moment were the quivering lips on his.

He wanted to smile into the kiss, laugh and sweep her into his arms. Instead he parted his lips to return the same gentle kiss to the young woman, catching her lips sweetly. She gasped softly. He brought his hands up to envelope her around the waist and her arms slid up to wrap around his neck.

Augustine probably wouldn’t remember the chill that crawled up his spine or the warmth that spread over his cheeks and nose. He would absolutely remember the way her hand delicately fell to his cheek as she pressed a little deeper into their kiss and the way she held on a little tighter. Unsteadily, they parted. Could he fall in love any further? Was it possible to love someone more?

“Merry Christmas, Augustine and thank you.” Serena whispered breathlessly not at all only from the kiss. Augustine felt the emotions come from somewhere deep inside him as his lips curled upward and he gave a loving smile.

“Joyeux Noël, Serena.”

A gust of wind blew by and Serena shuddered lightly. Unacceptable, he thought suddenly as he watched the champion hug herself to stave off the cold. Augustine side stepped her, blocking the wind, and suddenly found the courage to ask Serena the question that had been on his mind since he entered the foyer at the hotel.

“It’s getting cold, ma belle. I will worry if you fly home… Would you consider staying with me? Just for tonight?” he urged softly, not entirely willing to let the champion go without at least asking. There was still so much left unsaid and it would hurt him so bad to know she was alone on a wonderful night like tonight.

Serena donned a strange and pensive look as she gazed up him. Unsurely, she asked. “Does it have to be just for tonight?” And the tightness in his chest may as well had burst into a million tiny Vivillon’s as she gazed up at him anxiously.

Professor Augustine Sycamore’s instinct was spot on as it turned out that Serena was more than tough. When she first arrived to his research lab, having a few days with the Froakie she picked from his starter Pokémon and a gym badge under her belt, she was modest and kind and had a whole team in her roster, along with a decent starting batch of registered Pokémon in her Pokedex. He was impressed and more than a little shocked. She was surprisingly talented. So he battled her just to see what she could do.

To his chagrin, she mopped the floor with him, or more accurately smeared him into the ground underneath her boots. One or the other. He had battled his other four students before he had battled Serena. Calem had shown most promise, taking a good tactical approach against him. Trevor had bested him as well but it was down to the wire, Trevor had struggled immensely.

Though Shauna and Tierno and had not defeated him and they had more difficulty keeping up during the battle, he still believed they could improve. His students were to be admired for their tenacity, at the very least. After his almost humiliating loss to his newest trainer he decided to give Serena another Pokémon. She chose Charmander this time. He felt a fire type was more suited to her character.

He wasn’t joking when he told her she had a je ne sais quoi. She had a charm he couldn’t place. But as time had gone on, he started to realize just what it was. Her charm was a bit of danger of all things. She was far more equipped for the league of Pokémon than most people would have expected from a young girl- woman, just barely a legal adult. She plowed through hordes of trainers and nary a glance behind her to witness the trail of ruin left behind in her wake and focused purely on her victories.

Dangerous.

The more Serena came to see him about her pokedex completion, that simple word became more and more relevant in his mind. She was dressing according to her journey and had no problem displaying her fashion sense to him, she sent him pictures along with her advancements. His mind lingered on the photo she had sent from Shalour, in summer clothing of a halter top and shorts, posing beside her mega Lucario and fist pumping the camera.

Serena was everything he wished for in a student. She far exceeded his expectations in weeks of her journey and he felt an almost sickening excitement in her progress, especially when she checked her progress with him. His thoughts were teetering on the edge of a plane of existence he had no idea he had drunkenly stumbled upon and on top of that he had no right to be there. He began to notice the way her hips swayed when she walked away from him, the way her lips curved at the corners when she smirked, the delicate touch of her fingers on his arm to get his attention.

Too young. It was the one time he pulled his arm away from her touch, she didn‘t notice his jerky movement, simply smiled and pulled out her pokedex. Far too young. He checked her dex, the number inside was always climbing, he commended her and she was on her way again. The professor spent the next week trying to reconcile his feelings and they only grew stronger. He threw himself into research and work and tested theory after theory but found his mind falling back to Serena like whiplash.

She was in his thoughts far too often to be considered proper. Though her adventure was leading to many great victories and milestones, he wondered if he was putting too much stress or expectation on her. With the league challenge, mega evolution training and capturing Pokémon for the pokedex in his name, he wondered if she took time to rest and actually enjoy herself because he worried that she wouldn’t always have this chance to be so free.

Then Lysandre attacked. The professor’s dearest and oldest friend. There was a part of him that expected this and another part that wished this day never came. Lysnadre’s plan for immortality amongst his own terrorist group, Team Flare, and the genocide of people and Pokemon alike broadcasted all throughout Kalos. Augustine spent maybe all of a minute in thought over what had happened to Lysandre and what caused this insanity.

There were moments that Augustine began recalling that inevitably painted a picture of Lysandre preparing this for years and Augustine had ignored it. Now, knowing he had to fight against his friend was a painful epiphany, except when he sent help to Geoseng he couldn’t believe who his assistants had reported back him. Serena was at the front lines, right at their base. Inside their base. Of course she was. Why wouldn’t she be?

Serena crushed Team Flare. Devastating their ranks and in the end, by defeating Lysandre, destroyed their headquarters. There was a tightness in his chest from losing his most precious of friends, it was both guilty relief that his friends dream was extinguished, and ultimately so was Lysandre as well, but then also experienced pure terror from the fact his student that managed to essentially eradicate a group like Team Flare almost entirely by herself.

Serena claimed that Shauna and Calem helped immensely but when the professor had asked the other four students about their battles at the Team Flare base but they were shockingly disappointed in themselves, saying that any help they offered was minimal considering Serena had absolutely devastated a majority of the grunts by the time the rest of them had gotten to Geoseng to assist.

That’s when he realized why he was afraid. Augustine realized what that level of dangerous was. She now had Yveltal and Xerneas in her grasp. The Kalos league was no match for her. She was so powerful.  In such a short amount of time to become so prodigious as a trainer. He anticipated the grand display of destruction she was going to exact on the league. The other four students under his tutelage stumbled behind her in an attempt to catch up. Trevor had mentioned that they all battled her one after the other. They hardly dented her Pokémon, only Calem had managed to defeat her Greninja, and was quickly obliterated by her second party member, Charizard. Calem was understandably upset by the loss as Serena hadn’t even bothered to mega evolve her Pokémon.

Augustine initially expressed surprise at his student’s detailed retelling of their battle with Serena but on the inside he knew she wouldn’t even flinch during their battles. Serena had changed after battling Lysander. He had as well, a little bit, but Serena was a young woman. She was still naïve. The professor had initially panicked when he found out that Serena had vanished for a few days from her travels, not even her mother knew where she was.

He still sent a message to her holo-caster to meet him in Couriway town. Then, on the seventh day, as if she was some mythical creature that rose from the ashes of war, she had met him in Couriway, looking no different but he sensed a change. He saw it in the way her eyes narrowed, her lips set in a thin line, the way she stood a little taller. She was stronger than before.

Sycamore had gone there to ease her mind from the guilt and trauma but it seemed he was too late, she dealt with any trauma by herself. He still offered her his words of comfort, which she graciously accepted. Against his better judgment, he battled her. If there was any way she could have defeated him more effortlessly, he wouldn’t have been surprised because now it was verging on embarrassing but he was just so impressed. He didn’t feel humiliated, he was delighted. Serena had touched his arm with her fingers again and he didn’t move this time, she merely smiled, thanked him and left.

He had hardly been back in Lumiose City a few days later to find out that Serena defeated Wulfric and was on Victory Road. No matter what gauntlet she had to push through or obstacle, nothing, nothing, would be left of the challenge once she was finished with it. He had a reviled sense of gratification over her war path on the league and just then wondered what on earth was motivating her, pushing her like this.

He wanted to treat his young trainer to something grand, give her the respect she deserved, the honor she was meant for. As he readily anticipated the results of her victory, he finally reconciled his feelings for her. She was his protégé, his researcher and the owner of two of his beloved Pokémon. Froakie and Charmander, who were now Greninja and Charizard. That was enough, he assured himself. She belonged to him as an apprentice and he could hope for no more. He never would ask for anything more between them, he told himself, or rather warned himself.

Then Serena defeated the Kalos Champion Diantha. His heart might as well had exploded in exhilaration at her victory. His student rising to the top of Kalos’s elite in mere months. Unbelievable. Astounding. Incredible. Once Serena had merely been known as some celebrities daughter was now the only name that would be spoken in Kalos for years.

The professor couldn’t wait for Serena’s return from the league, he had welcomed her back to Lumiose with open arms. She had embraced him, his arms tightened almost impossibly around her. It was this moment he felt pride and joy pervade him. The professor covered her eyes with his hands, acting as a blindfold, and led her to the center of the city where he had set up his grandest event. A parade in honor for his students. He was truly proud of them all. He was, still is.

But Serena was special.

Serena was overjoyed, even in the face of an unexpected guest, AZ, the mysterious giant man that wandered Kalos appeared before them and in lieu of celebrating this momentous occasion, decided on a battle against the Champion.

Serena fought like the hardened soldier she was. The clash between them wore on and he could only stare in utter amazement while Serena stood her ground, and of course she defeated AZ with relative ease. They all were able to witness something truly heartwarming, a man reunited with his Pokémon who had been missing for millennia. When Augustine gazed at Serena, to see what her reaction was, he was surprised to see the absolute tearful jubilation at their reunion. She seemed just as happy as the strange giant who knelt before her.

As the parade came to an end. The both of them happened to be at his lab, alone. It was there Serena had thanked him personally. She grabbed his hand with both of hers and brought it to her chest, he could feel her pounding heart. And she said. “I’d like to say on my own terms, from my own heart, professor. Thank you.” Serena left quickly and quietly with an unreadable expression on her face. Dangerous words covered in sugar and lace he decided later. He also realized he was shocked into silence. He should be the one thanking her. She helped his research, saved the country, but his words were left for departed ghosts. She already left.

After that, he had met her in the Lumiose City station and then in Anistar. Both times, they were for himself. He could have easily had given her the TMV ticket in his office, he also could have told her all about the Anistar sun dial over a simple holo-cast call but he wanted to see her. 

Alone. 

As time went on, he realized that he was being terribly unfair. He had wanted to be near her so badly that he was making her run around for him. She never complained to him but he knew he was being a colossal jerk, almost cruel, as he called her to him in random spots around the country. He kept her at arm’s length and pulled her along at the same time. He was sick- so sick.

Augustine was only too shocked in himself as he drowned from the abject jealousy he felt when the news came around that Calem and Serena had begun dating. They were his students. God, he was such a child. Envious of his own student nearly a decade younger than him. Christ. It wasn’t a big deal, he reassured himself over a glass of wine. Which quickly became a bottle. And then another. This had to stop.

The new couple didn’t last long. A few months in, Calem broke it off. Serena had come to his lab, heartbroken and he was shocked at the trust she had in him. Calem had been adamant to Serena when he said he was just too weak to be with her. Her former rival had complained about how he couldn’t protect her and how he felt she wasn’t even interested in him, that her heart was somewhere else. Serena said it was like a punch to her and had cried to the professor, falling into his arms, swiftly breaking down the barrier of professionalism they had, the one he made to keep her at arm’s length.

Augustine had turned away from her in his office, facing out the window and like a disgusting bastard, he smiled in relief. It was a small, almost mistakable for a grimace but he felt the corners of his lips curve upwards. Their eyes met in the reflection of the window and Serena saw it, he realized too late and the cold chill in his stomach stayed for days. He pretended it didn’t happen. He continued being a shoulder to cry on for that night and a few following nights, even being honestly sympathetic when Calem had visited him.

Serena didn’t touch his arm to get his attention anymore.

Then, as time passed, the two of them slowly drifted apart. Augustine was afraid to call on her like he had before. It was his one fear that he never wanted to entertain, he didn’t want to lose her. He knew why, though, but the jealousy didn’t lessen. Serena had begun dating another after a few months passed, Seibold of the Elite Four this time. She had stopped coming to see the professor altogether now. She was working on the field for him, still his protégé. Yet rarely seen.

Serena continued to soar above the rest, battling in different regions and completing her pokedex. Working for him on the front lines and sending data en-mass when she had enough time. He was beginning to feel a desperate yearn for his favorite charge to visit him like she used to. He was beginning to pine for Serena terribly but he dug that grave and now he could lie in it. He was tempted to contact her so many times, just to see her, talk to her, check up on her, or confess his undying love for her. Serena wasn’t his. He had no right to her. None. He had described her as dangerous. Maybe he made a mistake. Maybe he was the dangerous one, wanting someone so utterly perfect yet so wrong for him so desperately.

A few more months passed. Seibold and Serena split. He had wanted her to come to him, to properly comfort her. She never came and he realized he only had one chance and he had butchered that fantastically. He couldn’t believe how deluded he’d become. Why would she go to him? He was a fool and a fraud to even entertain the thought of comforting her, to get close to her when she was vulnerable.

Another few months passed again. She never left his mind, no matter how much he worked, how much he progress he made, how much he researched. Blonde hair haunted his mind, sun kissed skin ghosted his own in daydreams, and pink lips spoke his name in sweet memories. He swore this was insanity.

It was even worse when her work made it that they became strange sort of colleagues, her work was so remarkable and detailed and so professional, there was no question about her position, now she was no longer his apprentice, she belonged to the lab, everyone was suddenly attached to her. He felt hollow. As if she dashed ahead of him and broke the road between them. He was left to reminisce. There were not nearly enough memories in his mind to sustain him, it was left to fantasies. Her absence became more pronounced the more he thought of her.

An entire year and many adventures later, Serena had finally entered his office again. His heart thudded dully in his chest and he thought he was dreaming. She had grown. Lord, had she grown in the two years since she began her journey. Filled out. She was an adult now and Augustine could not deny that she was beautiful.

She walked up to him and he greeted her as if the distance between them never happened. As if they didn’t ignore each other for the longest time. She showed him her pokedex. Her completed pokedex. And he nearly cried. 

He gushed on how proud he was of her, what a wonder she was. His words spilled out, about how amazing she was, to complete the national pokedex. She smiled at his excitement and placed her fingers on his arm, like she used to. His heart threatened to burst from the simple contact. Suddenly the last year didn’t happen. She gazed at him with such nostalgia and an emotion he couldn’t quite place just before she caused his heart to plummet out of his body and into some dark void.

“Why did you stop talking to me?” It was the most innocent question that treaded into unknown territory.

Why did he stop? Fear? Stupidity? Fear, again? His eyes flickered over her features. Oh, the want he felt in his heart. He couldn’t think of anything to say, so he went with the first thing he rehearsed since she’d last been in his office.

“I’m sorry.”

She shook her head, her sadness was all too obvious. “No, professor. I just want to know why.” To the credit of his confounded mind, he at least didn’t bother to offer some pathetic excuse to her, so he stayed quiet and turned to her with a sad smile. It was his fault their wonderful friendship withered, after all.

The silence dragged on as Sycamore refused to give an answer, but Serena pressed on anyway. “I missed you.” She didn’t have her answer but she acted anyway. She rose up on her tip toes and pressed her lips to his jaw. He had held her hand and leaned into her. He closed his eyes. Wondering how things fell so far apart for so long but somehow meshed themselves back together so instantaneously when she stood before him. She pulled away and let go of his hand. Her teary eyes and sadness weakly covered up by her weak smile, she turned around and walked away from him. He followed mindlessly, not wanting to let her go again.

She was in front of the elevator, head down and shoulders hunched. A novel idea struck him. What was wrong with a little danger? What was wrong with loving someone so amazing? Someone so alive? 

He stood behind her, wondering how to make up for the past year as she had her back to him, standing close to the elevator doors. He stopped her from pressing the elevator button. She said nothing but she put her hand on the metal door before her. He reached and pressed her hand into the cool steel, gripping her small hand. He dropped his chin onto her shoulder. This is what he wanted. Serena had come to him, had sought him out and she deserved an answer.

He squeezed her hand and rubbed the back of her palm with his thumb. He felt her shaking lightly beneath him. He hoped it was excitement. And he finally found words. “Please come back tomorrow.” He managed to say. She pulled away and regarded him with curiosity, searching his eyes, his expression. She had brought her hands up to his face, caressing the stubble on his chin and cheeks in wonderment. She was asking silently if he was serious.

Her lips parted slightly, stuck between a question and the sweet silence around them. When she stayed like that, he leaned in. She backed away, bringing up her index finger over his lips to keep him at bay and tease him. He almost whined, shocked and put out. In her angelic voice and hazy gaze she smiled lovingly at him and whispered. “Tomorrow.” Keeping him still as the elevator dinged suddenly, announcing its arrival. She broke away from him, dashing into the elevator and pressed her back against the elevator, smiling at him coyly, with an embarrassed blush on her cheeks. “Tomorrow.” She repeated and the doors slid shut.

The moment had passed and now the good professor was laughing like a damn fool. Excited and gleeful. God, she was wonderful. She was always better than he ever imagined. She could be his, all this time he spent pining for something that had always been there in front of him.

Tomorrow came swiftly and he quelled his excitement for the daily grind. He doubted she would show up so early in the day. They had all night. The day after today was a Kalosian holiday made in his students honor for saving the country. One that he himself had lobbied for. It was both hilarious and unfortunate that he had thought of the holiday to honor Serena as his student, colleague and friend… though, it was mostly as the object of his affections. Augustine dove into work excitedly the entire day, his co-workers noted he was in a better mood than he had been in a months. He replied that he had no idea what they were talking about.

The sun was just starting to set in the late afternoon, he had closed the lab early in anticipation of the holiday tomorrow. Of course, he was the last one in the office. He lost track of time in his memories and reading reports. Reports that Serena had sent him. He was distracting himself with her words and writings and little written notes she had left for him, leaning back in his leather office chair to admire her work and calm himself of the inevitable confession he would give her. He pulled out the long forgotten photos of her journey and actually examined her photos. Bruises on her skin from traversing rough terrain. Sweat on her face from completing battles. Blushing from showing off her newest outfit. He would have sold his soul for more. He was sure.

There was a knock on his partition wall. He shot his head up, and of all the corny things he could have thought of in that moment he thought that an angel had come to him. Painted in the soft oranges of the setting sun reflecting off buildings and wearing a simple white summer dress and white sandals, she was an image of divine beauty, much like how he remembered her in Couriway. Her hair was in a ponytail, covered by a white sun hat which she set on his Gramophone and swayed over to him. He moved to get out of his chair but Serena placed a hand his shoulder, keeping him seated. She stood before him, a little unsure.

She mirrored her question from yesterday. “Why did you stop talking to me, professor?”

Yesterday he had been petrified, he still was, but there was hope now. So he gave his honest answer. One that he hoped she would understand. “I was afraid.” he began. “Of you.”

Confusion met him silently. He managed a smile for her. “You’re amazing in so many ways, so powerful. I was dumbfounded at your progress. You’ve done so much in so little time. I was envious of your drive and your passion. I still am.” He settled to grab her hand, afraid that his confession would push her away.

“I‘m too old, too wrong for you.” He squeezed her hand. “But I’m selfish and after all this time I still think of you, still sing your praises to anyone who will listen.” His mouth was becoming dry as he spilled his innermost secrets. “Ja pense toujours à toi.” He let go of her hand and leaned back into his chair, his heart in the pit of his stomach, feeling as if remorse was eating away at him.

There was still a small part of his mind that shouted this was useless but he just couldn’t find the decency to stop. “I’m a liar and a fool.” He whispered, squeezing his eyes shut in guilt. “And you have done nothing to deserve my ignorance.” There was moment of quiet recognition that followed his statement, though it was obvious Serena was just too shocked to answer right away. She wasn’t a regular woman though, he should have known.

“Can I tell you a secret?” Serena whispered to him. He promptly nodded his head. “I thought you were the most handsome man I had ever met.” Those words made it feel like he could soar straight through the roof, far above Prism Tower. She was so honest. “I did everything I could imagine to get you to notice me, I wanted you to be proud of me. I wanted to find some way to repay you for everything you had ever given me-.”

He had to stop her there. He reached out and placed his hands on her hips. Just to stop her before she said too much, he searched her eyes, he knew that feeling so well. “I thought you were most magnificent creature I’d ever my laid eyes on.” Augustine murmured tensely, dipping his head. Serena was so close he ended up resting his head on her abdomen, unable to look at her. “I still think that.”

Serena finally, finally smiled. She shook her head. “Can I tell you another secret?” He nodded against her stomach and pulled back slightly to look at her. “Everything I did was for you.” She brought her hands up to cradle his face delicately with her fingers.

“I couldn’t believe someone had chosen me to be a trainer, the regions professor, no less. I know it was because you saw my mom’s name, but you still did so much for me. You gave me two wonderful Pokémon, you gave me direction, the only passion I had was to make you proud. I tried to make sure I met your expectations and be the best trainer I could be for you.” Her lip trembled a little bit and she tilted her head, trying to play off her emotions.

“You gave me everything I am and I don’t know how to thank you.” she was so close to tears. He was hypnotized by this young woman. His heart was about to burst in his chest. That dangerous woman his mind constantly reminded him of was before him now bearing all her emotions to him, exposing her secrets to him.  

“I am who I am because of you, and I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused you. I just wanted to repay you somehow for everything you’ve ever given me, all the encouragement and the compliments. Even though I was so horrible to you, you still gave me a job. I want… I- what I want to say…”

She brushed her thumb over his bottom lip and his heart skipped a few beats, her lashes dipped low and she took a few quiet, calming breathes. She gazed at him with all the courage she could muster and her next words were sure to echo in his head for the rest of his life.

“Augustine, I love you.”

The professor nearly groaned from how tight his chest was at the confession. All this time she had been seeking him and it was so unexpectedly obvious to him now that she had said her piece. He was so scared of the implications but he was left astonished by the fact that her monstrous strength and determination stemmed from him.

All her time spent traveling and training and working for him was to prove she could be with him and protect him. If he wasn’t such a damn coward he would have seen it and he could have supported her the same way she had supported him. Instead, now, she was in his office confessing such dear, personal things to him nearly in tears and in hopes that it was mutual. He didn’t know how to give back the time lost, but he did know what he could do this very moment.

He rose out of his chair, standing at full height before her, wrapping his arms around her waist slowly. Bundling her into his arms in a tight hug and kissed her. He poured all of his passion, his want, his long self-denied love into it. Serena brought her hands up to grip his lab coat. He shivered with pure desire of the young woman before him. He finally broke the kiss, only to delve back in and kiss her harder than before.

The need he felt was something new. “Je t'aime, aussi.” He murmured roughly on her lips. “I love you, too…” He clarified as he breathed her in, praising her between kisses. Always a cautious man, Augustine pulled away to look at the young woman. Really look at her and when all he saw was her exquisite, breathless, half-lidded gaze staring back at him…

All he could see was love.

Augustine beamed warmly at the young woman before him. “I’m sorry it took so long for me to realize.” The professor admitted lowly, placing a kiss on her nose. Serena giggled airily.

“I’m sorry I ran.” Came her reply.

“It appears we both have a lot to be sorry for.” Augustine murmured lowly while kissing her again. It was an impulsive move when Augustine picked her up and set her down on his desk, causing Serena to gasp in shock but she laughed brightly as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Augustine just leaned in and kissed her a little more roughly than intended, unconcerned with her height difference now.

Serena sighed sweetly into his kisses. “That’s much better.” She murmured into his mouth.

Augustine took this time to appreciate her, to love her and praise her like he had wanted to personally over the last year. He tenderly crooned how she had made him proud a thousand times over, she was such a joy, an honor, to have working for him. The professor gently caressed her sides, her hips, her arms in an attempt to convey his affection, even though Serena had confessed so much to him, he hardly given her proper replies to her admissions.

She was greater and more powerful than he could have ever imagined and he truly did love her dearly, she had proven herself more times than he could count and she was the absolute light of Kalos, regardless of how she felt.  

They had continued their gentle and loving touches in each other’s embrace for some time, the sun had nearly set. Fireworks began outside, signaling the beginning of the national holiday and Augustine jerked away, both stunned and dazed by the fact he lost track of time so easily in the young champions arms. When he turned back to Serena, she had her head tilted down to hide the intense blush that decorated her face.

His own blush spread over his cheeks as he stared on and for a moment when their eyes met, he felt something deep inside him crave her touch. Augustine lowered his head to hers, pressing their foreheads together softly. Serena closed her eyes blissfully and held his hand just above her heaving chest, his fingers feeling her heartbeat pounding in her chest. It was in this moment of quiet respite he realized how much he missed her in a single year.

Serena rather abruptly noticed what she’d been seated on picked up one of the papers she had been placed on, immediately recognizing it was the photos she had sent him during her journey. “These are the photos from my time battling the league, you kept them?” Serena seemed astounded.

Augustine smiled as he picked up his favorite one, of her in front of Prism Tower hugging his side. “They’re almost like my asylum. I looked at them when I missed you, when I had a bad day, when things went wrong…”

She seemed evasive and mischievous all at once. “I have more with me. Ones I took but I never sent.” She patted her purse. Clearly, if she had brought them, she was intending to show him regardless. “They’re a little different than these.” She added almost dismissively but the meaning was not lost on him, he placed both his hands by her hips and brushed his lips lightly against her jaw.

He would play along, after all he really wanted those pictures. “What must I do to acquire these documents?”

Serena turned her head lightly and kissed his cheek, though it was deliberate kiss as she parted her lips to drag her mouth to his collar in return. “For every kiss, one photograph.” Serena murmured into the column of his neck.

Augustine pulled back and regarded her with lustful suspicion. “That’s a dangerous bargain.” He countered, trying to contain a wolfish smirk that tugged at the corners of his lips.

Serena seemed unconcerned as she slid closer to the edge of the desk, her dress riding up in the process. “I’m a dangerous girl.” She replied casually but her playful arrogance was cut off when Augustine kissed her so hard she saw stars.

That’s why she sitting before the Anistar Sun Dial, just on the other side of the rings. Staring up at the monolithic quartz. She usually preferred being on the balcony, so she could see the ocean but today she just wanted to sit and watch the dial spin and listen to the sounds of the city around her.

She was in a rut lately and she needed a break from catching Pokémon and traveling and battling. Serena was getting close to completing her pokedex and sent off information to the professor often, through e-mail only. She hadn’t seen or talked with the professor since… Well, since he told her about New Mega-stones appearing in the area. That was months ago.

Serena dipped her head, she couldn’t rightly remember seeing any of her friends lately. She had seen Calem in Kiloude, they battled but Serena realized that had been more than a month ago. Serena scolded herself, she brought this upon herself. She was the one so determined to prove she was an asset; that she was worth the kindness others have shown her, although why she came to Anistar City for recuperation was a mystery even to herself.

Serena didn’t know why it was so important to her to always come by this particular city once in a while. The people here were friendly like the rest of Kalos. Serena had to stop herself from thinking about the old man she had lent a baby Pokémon to. He passed away but thanked her in a letter and Serena didn’t know for some time, yet no one judged her, some residence told her that the old man passed away very happy thanks to her efforts.

The people in the café invited her in often and the saleswomen in the boutique in town was always sure to greet her even if she was walking by. There was that young girl by the Pokémon center who told people of their Pokémon’s memories, and she would ask Serena if she could see Greninja because he had such lovely and happy memories. On really special days, Olympia would visit her at the café and they would chat endlessly and Olympia could not stop smiling at her about her bright future. Okay, so the people in Anistar were special. Everyone Serena met she felt a connection with.

Serena then wondered if it was the Sun Dial that called her to Anistar so often. She felt something ethereal and alive from the crystal that lit up the golden rings and made them turn and dance and spin and they entranced Serena every time she came by. She constantly asked herself if the dial was just meant for Pokémon and mega evolution like everyone suggested, or if there was something greater hidden in the crystalline monolith.

Serena looked at her watch. 7:44 pm. Not long until the setting sun hit the dial to start its mesmerizing dance in the courtyard center. Serena gazed back down into her lap, a map of Kalos was open and her scribbles were all over it. Checkmarks, notes, scratches, arrows and x’s. All of those had to do with Pokémon, either where she found the most hordes, the most uniquely colored Pokémon, the highest levels and lowest levels. Essentially, things that the pokedex didn’t record for her.

The x’s were her most recent interest, they marked where she found mega stones so far. The only problem was that she knew she was missing a few stones (mostly through rumors and hearsay) and she had no idea where they could be. She had checked every possible place of interest on the map and still nothing!

It was so frustrating to be stuck like this, if she didn’t manage to find a new stone, she would honestly have nothing to send the professor. That thought caused anxiety. Would he e-mail her? Would he be concerned? Would she end up distracting him from work?

As if in a trance, Serena brought her head up to look at the sun dial. The sun dipped just low enough that its rays passed through the hole in the middle of the monolith and touched the golden bands that slowly rose out of their resting spots and began spinning in an age old rhythm before her.

She was lost in thought almost instantly. Asking herself how they spun, how they kept rhythm, how did the sun always shine just right through the monolith? It was all mathematically inclined, but she still wished she could understand.

Serena suddenly remembered the photo she had taken here. The very first time she had seen the rings shining and the professor standing atop the balcony, waiting for her. Her heart skipped a beat. She never told him she had taken that photo and she doubted she ever would tell him. She carried the photo around everywhere and cherished it when she felt herself losing track of what she was doing in Kalos.

Now, though, she had no idea what she was doing here. Not even her beloved candid photo of her beloved professor could help. At first, it was her trying to make a name for herself. Battling. Breeding. Traveling. In a twisted sense of obligation and justice she went after Team Flare to stop their plans.

Then she defeated Diantha, the champion. Now Serena was the champion and to add onto her resume, a hero. She was known. Then she exclusively concentrated on helping the professor… and on the side chased down the rest of Team Flare with Looker. Again, that was months ago. With Interpol unconcerned with stragglers of Team Flare and the assistance she’d been giving the professor was at a standstill, she hadn’t even made much progress herself.

The last two weeks were miserable. It was filled with ruined rollerblades, her favorite fishing rod snapping in half, lost data, corrupted e-mails, little to no human interaction, two nights in an overcrowded Pokémon center then camping for days on end. Just today she’d managed to get a hotel room here in Anistar. Thank Arceus, she would have lost her mind otherwise.

Honestly, she could’ve handled it if only she managed what she had set out for. She wanted to double mega evolve. She spent days and days at the Tower of Mastery training, and it all came to nothing. In fact, she wounded herself trying. She’d fainted and hit her head on the stone floor. She bled on the balcony and tried to wash the blood off, she thought she got most of it, maybe she didn’t but regardless she ran away from the Tower not long after, humiliated.

Thankfully Master Gurkinn and Korrina weren’t there and Serena could recuperate on her own, which wasn’t ideal but Serena wasn’t used to failure, and instead she decided to look for more mega stones, maybe she needed the right combination of Pokémon first and then she could dual wield mega evolution.

All in all, Serena felt dejected and lost. It had been going so good beforehand. She was so happy here but she just couldn’t bring herself to change her thought process. She wanted the professor to be proud of her, she wanted to work with him. She wanted to feel like she belonged with her friends. She had rushed through the league in Kalos so quickly, thrust so immediately into the spotlight Serena didn’t know how to stop and enjoy herself anymore, didn’t know who to be with or ask.

All of this in combination led to Serena feeling like an outsider. Even when she had first arrived in Kalos, she didn’t feel this foreign. She didn’t feel this unfamiliar.

The Sun Dial rotated in a steady rhythm, like always and Serena felt tears well up in her eyes. Why did she get so emotional at the stupidest things? “It’s not a big deal.” She muttered to herself. She could feel the smoldering of her throat and the tightening of her jaw and she hated herself so badly for being such a useless idiot. Out of the corners of her eyes, some tears escaped and Serena wiped them away angrily with her fingers.

Ridiculous. That’s what she was, couldn’t even be left alone five minutes before she messed up. The feeling of shame hit her harder than she’d like. She just wanted… to do something right, for herself. Not for her mom, or dad, or her friends or even the professor. Just for her but it was so damn hard.

“Mon dieu, Serena! Est-ce- Is it really you?” A voice smoother than silk called out. Serena yelped in shock, shooting up off the ground and her papers fluttering off of her lap. Professor Sycamore was jogging to her, a bright smile on his face.

Though as the professor neared his student, he was shocked by her tear stained face. Serena tried to hide by looking down at the ground and hastily picking up her papers and shoving half of them haphazardly into her bag. “Ah, ma chere, are you alright?” The professor reached a hand out but Serena recoiled back fearfully, the professor faltered.

Serena shook her head of her prior thoughts, waving the professor off and managed a small wobbly smile. “Hello, professor. Please don’t mind me, I’m just being dumb.” More forceful smiling as she turned away from him to put the rest of her papers away, the heat of shame permeated her chest.

The professor was undeterred and gently wrapped his arm around her shoulder to pull her close and embraced her. “Don’t say that, I’ve been so worried about you.” The professor just laughed lightly. Serena sniffed and shuddered. She really loved how easy it was to get along with him. Maybe she hated that about him, too.

“I’m sorry.” Serena muttered dejectedly into the professor’s shoulder, forcing her tears to stop, she was mortified that he’d caught her crying.

The professor didn’t even seem to mind as he gently rubbed her back in comfort. “C’est correct. Don’t be sorry. You’ve been working too hard lately.” He answered her encouragingly, he was so kind and had always been a good friend to her. She never had a best friend before she came to Kalos, the professor certainly met that criteria for her but on the professor’s end, she was probably just his silly student.

Serena wouldn’t fall down that rabbit hole. She couldn’t tell him what had happened so she shook her head and tensed in his embrace. “I haven’t done anything in weeks.” Serena ground out over the persisting tightness in her throat.

The professor brought a hand to pat her head gently. “Now, I know that’s not true. Calem saw you in Kiloude City, Laverre Town and Ambrette Town just a weeks ago, Trevor saw you on Route 22, Tierno says were at Cyllage earlier this week and Shauna told me you were training at the Tower of Mastery and staying in the Couriway Pokémon center. Who knows what else you’ve been up with no one watching.” Serena tensed, why was everyone suddenly in her business? Yeah, she was moving around a lot but she wasn’t exactly busy.

“Don’t be fooled, just about everything ended in failure.” Serena sniffed lightly and then pulled away, expecting Professor Sycamore to let her go, except he didn’t and instead gave her the most incredulous look he could muster, though his face mostly betrayed the jest behind it when he couldn’t hide his smile.

His kindness shone through. “Serena. Even if it didn’t work, that doesn’t mean you haven’t been working hard. It’s okay to take a break, you’ve been running around for nearly two months now. I have hardly spoken with you.” His response seemed almost too earnest, his brows furrowed fantastically as her tried to quell her fears.

Serena properly pulled away from him, forcing every inch of her body to stop melting at his touch. It was enough, he didn’t need to deal with her stress. “It’s still nothing, please professor, I’m alright now.” It was a strangely tense reply and the professor didn’t seem to buy a word of it.

The professor laid his hand on her shoulder, offering a comforting grip. “You don’t have to push yourself so hard. There’s no time limit, the Pokémon will still be here tomorrow… and the day after, thanks to you.” He added at the thoughtfully, it was intended to be taken lightly but Serena just turned away from him, stepping away so that she was too far to reach.

Serena wanted to kick herself, she was making this awkward but she didn’t want to see him. She didn’t want to admit her fears to him. He was too busy for her failures. “I know, I just- if I don’t work hard, why am I even here?”

His voice was soft against the sounds of the dial spinning and the ocean waves. “Don’t say that. You belong here regardless. I’m happy you’re my research assistant.” Serena almost started crying again. He was too kind for own good. She nodded her head, in recognition of his words but nothing else.

There was a long silence between them. Serena refused to turn back around, effectively hoping that the conversation was over because she was just going to keep whimpering like a child. The professor had a different idea.

The professor took her hand in his, he was right beside her with grin on his face. “Come to the balcony, I know you like the view much better there.” He walked, not even bothering to hear her reply. He wasn’t wrong. She loved the balcony, just staring off into the endless ocean, making her feel insignificant enough that her problems didn’t crush her.

Just at the edge of the monolith, the balcony opened up to see the ocean. It was truly magnificent here and the night sky was darkening, leading way to the brilliant starry sky. The professor leaned on the balcony rails, staring off into the horizon. Serena did the same, no prompting, just wanting to be close enough to him to ease her pain. She was being selfish.

Stillness surrounded them, Serena tried to focus on the professor. Tried to focus on the fact that he was taking time to spend with her but all she could think about now was that this was waste of his time. He probably had better things to do.

Maybe he could read minds because his words were clear and his eyes unclouded as he looked to her intensely. “We’re friends, oui? You can tell me.” His statement was penetrating. It was so sympathetic and firm at the same time.

Serena somehow managed to find words hidden in her throat, she didn’t even know they were there. “I feel like such an outsider. I don’t want to bother Calem and Shauna when they’re doing their own thing. Tierno and Trevor aren’t really nearby so I don’t run into them often. Diantha is so busy and the others… I train as hard as I can- I just...” She couldn’t admit to it. Serena cringed hard, now that she had begun, she was in the thick of it. She couldn’t bear to look the professor.

The words spilled out before she could even properly think of them. Her words were quick and strained over the emotion she was trying to keep a leash on. “I want to make you proud but I can’t get anything to work. I feel like I’ve taken advantage of your generosity towards me and I don’t know how to repay you for everything you’ve done.”

Dammit. That wasn’t what she wanted to say to him. This was her problem.

His arm returned to wrap around her shoulder in a side hug. It was tight, this time he turned to face her. “Have I ever given the impression that I wasn’t proud of you?” Serena gazed up to him and found herself holding back a blush that attempted to claim her cheeks when she saw his intense gaze, his visage decorated in purples and pinks from the reflection of the quartz monolith beside them.

Serena shook her head but something in her expression told him that she really believed she needed to prove herself more than she already had.

“It’s not that, professor. You’ve given me so much.” Her whisper sounded weak to her own ears.

“I didn’t give you Pokémon and the pokedex to be repaid, I gave them to you so you could have an adventure.” Sycamore squeezed her shoulder in a comforting gesture but Serena just turned away from him. She couldn’t tell him the worst part. How she felt about him. She’d just ruin this friendship. The professor had been the one constant in her life since she moved to Kalos.

Serena didn’t reply to him, just leaning on the railing again but ignoring the view before her. She heard him exhale beside her. “Ma belle, I’m so proud of you, extremely proud. You’ve worked so hard for me already and you’re still running all over this country. Thanks to you, so much of my research on mega evolution has been completed. You’re a hero and a champion, and so much more.” His eyes were bright as he recounted her best traits and her endeavors.

Serena’s mouth was dry, unable to accept such compliments so she shook her head. “They’re just titles…”

Sycamore scoffed in good humor. “Titles they may be but the work you’ve put into them is astounding.”

“I’m…I’m not-…”

The professor’s fingers found their way to her chin, attempting to get her to look over to him. She refused. “Serena, look at me,” He tilted his head inquisitively at her, his tone was kind. “What’s wrong? What happened?”

Serena casted her eyes down and seemed so distraught. She forced the words down, it was too ridiculous to talk about. The professor reached out suddenly and his fingers crept into her blonde tresses felt the bump on the back of her head. Serena recoiled slightly in pain and pulled away from the professor with fearful eyes.

The professor gasped as he pulled his hand away. “You did get injured. Korrina mentioned you may have wounded yourself while training at the Tower. Oh, mon cherie.”

The professor tried to get close and inspect the damage but Serena struggled, jerking away and startling the professor with her violent reaction. Serena was immediately hit guilt at his shock and screwed her eyes shut. “N-no! I wasn’t! It’s not what it seems…”

Sycamore shook his head and stepped forward to embrace her properly. “I’ve been so worried. I’m delighted over how committed you are to helping me find new mega stones and completing the national pokedex but Serena, I wish you wouldn’t push yourself so hard. I haven’t seen you in months. I fear that you’ve isolated yourself.” Of course, he was absolutely right on every conceivable level. She was pushing herself. She was isolating herself. She wanted to be better. Stronger.

“It’s not like that…” She forced out weakly, her words failing her, her mental shield to keep her issues to herself crumbled more and more with every prolonged moment with the professor. He didn’t reply to her, instead stared on rather glumly at her defiance.

That did it, her shield shattered and she felt the tears burn her eyes. “I’m so sorry, professor. I just feel worthless. Everyone seems to know what they want to do and I just get in the way. I feel like I’ve lost focus of what I want to do and I’m just drifting around. I don’t know who I want to be, or how I’m supposed be. I just want to- I want…” Serena sobbed, the weeks of isolation and tension catching up with her finally and she ducked her head but the professor just rubbed her back caringly.

“The last thing I wanted was for you to be hurt. You are the furthest thing from worthless and I wish you wouldn’t push yourself so hard. You’ve already done so much while you fought through the league, you’ve done more than what was expected of you, you’ve driven yourself mad with work, and it’s alright. You do enough, you are enough.” Somehow, the professor always knew what to say to her, always knew what would calm her down and make feel better. She wondered if he just knew, inherently, what someone needed to hear.

For once, she returned his hug. She wrapped her arms around his middle in a desperate need of comfort and cried into his chest. Having someone acknowledge her fears and tell her she wasn’t useless was all she needed apparently. Maybe she had isolated herself too much. Serena took in a shuddering breathe, reorienting herself and rubbing her eyes of her tears. “Thank you, professor. I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

“We all lose ourselves sometimes.” He let her go of his own will this time and outstretched his hand. “May I see what you’ve been working on?” His request was simple enough, she had shoved all of her papers and her map into her bag without thinking, so embarrassed to have been caught crying she had forgotten completely.

Serena nodded though, and pulled out her map while at the same time catching her fingers on the one photo she didn’t ever want the professor to see, it slipped out of her purse and she didn’t realize until the professor reached down for it and his eyes widened at the picture. Serena noticed all too late what he had in his hand. The mortified horror that spread over her expression would have been comical if it wasn’t obvious that Serena was suddenly terrified that he’d found out she liked him in that way.

The smile on the professor’s face was cheerful as he reviewed the photo. “Serena, this is a wonderful picture.” He praised her easily, his eyes not leaving the photograph. “This was taken here, oui?” He rose his gaze to meet hers and halted as he saw the absolute despair in her eyes. She swiftly turned from him, staring right up to the dial.

The professor called to her gently. “Oh, ma belle, don’t hide.”

“I’m sorry.” She felt so ashamed she could only apologize, she couldn’t believe she had given herself away like that. Something so dumb, she dropped the photo on the floor, of all things!

“Whatever for?”

“You don’t need that kind of trouble.” Serena ripped the photo out of his hand suddenly and turned, her face taking deep red that didn’t just indicate embarrassment but even emotions like shame and guilt. The professor couldn’t understand why she felt she was so unworthy.

“I love trouble.” Sycamore answered cheekily and Serena kept her eyes downcast.

“You don’t have to make me feel better, it’s a dumb crush.”

Sycamore paused at her intensity. On her part it may have been a dumb crush but it wasn’t on his and that’s what she was missing. “…Have I not made my affections obvious?” He began, deflecting her statement completely. Serena tensed in surprise. He continued. “I thought I was being apparent, clearly, I was wrong. Did you think I’d be upset?”

His question stopped her in his tracks. She looked to him and then back to the ground. He could never be upset, she’d never seen him upset before. She swallowed thickly and answered him quietly. “No, but…”

The professor opened his arms. This time waiting for Serena to come to him. She hesitated for a few steps and fidgeted with her Mega Ring. Seeing her reluctance, he summoned her softly. “Vien…”

Serena walked to him and hugged him tightly. The professor sighed in relief. “The truth is I’m very fond of you and I’ve been so worried about you since you’ve left.” Sycamore murmured to her, running his fingers through her hair. “I had been planning on asking you out to dinner but you never returned to my lab. You stopped taking my calls, so I decided to look for you and make sure you were alright.”

He breathed steadily as he admitted to his deception. “My being here is no coincidence. I asked around personally and Olympia told me she’s seen you in the café just hours ago, I rushed over as quickly as possible to see you.”

“I’m so sorry I’ve caused you so much trouble,”

“Non, Serena. Listen to me,” He cupped her cheeks, making their eyes meet. “I care about you deeply, the only things that trouble me are your tears.” He answered her as honestly as he could.

“Professor…”

“I…” Serena tried to get her mouth to work, to admit to him what had been going on in the train-wreck of her head but the words were lost as she stared into his eyes. He was so amazing. So wonderful to her she couldn’t bear to confess. She loved him, so damn much.

She switched her tactics, she couldn’t confess like that. “I care about you, too. You’ve been so good to me and I love you dearly as a friend and mentor and... I’m afraid it’s become something I can’t handle anymore. It hurts being near you.” She whispered the last part, nearly inaudibly confessing to him.

He paused as he heard her, his heart not nearly prepared enough to hear her words, even though he sought her out. He struggled to speak. “Is that why you’ve stayed away from me?”

“…I’m sorry.”

Sycamore leaned in slightly, rubbing his thumb over her cheek in affection. “May I take that pain away?”

“You can try but…” Serena didn’t finish her sentence as the professor dipped and claimed her lips in chaste kiss, she froze in shock, and her arms fell to her side, her beloved photo drifting out of her fingers and to the floor as her breath stopped in its tracks.

Professor Sycamore pulled back just a bit, gazing at her opened eyes and smiled softly.

“Does it still hurt?” He asked inquisitively, though there was mirth in his eyes as he gazed at her.

Serena couldn’t stop her lip from trembling. “A little bit.”

“D’accord, ma belle.” He spoke tenderly and this time wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close to kiss her properly. Serena closed her eyes and brought her trembling hands to his shoulders, her fingers unable to properly grip him from the wonderment of being confessed to by the professor.

Sycamore slowly let go of Serena, drawing away to see the young woman in his arms blushing profusely and nearly quivering from the contact they shared.

“And now?” The rings stopped spinning behind them, the light faded. The kaleidoscope of colors and reflections faded, leaving the couple near darkness as the Sun Dial halted its rhythmic dance. A hush fell upon the courtyard as night fell upon them completely.

In this hush, Serena answered him. “It’s gone.” She said quietly, covering her face with her hands to hide the blush that flooded her features in a deep red.

Augustine shook his head, trying to rid his mind of the sleepy haze and focused intently on the screen. Only for the numbers to begin blurring and his temple developed a sudden and sharp pain that made him squeeze his eyes shut. Alright. That was enough, his brain was melting and sleep was necessary. Sleep was needed. Augustine fought the aggravated sigh that tried to rumble out of him. It had passed midnight some time ago. He was tired.

It was okay, he tried to tell himself. The paper didn’t need to be finished now. He mismanaged the numbers so this was his fault. With heavy limbs, Augustine closed his laptop, his tablet and phone. They would only suit to exacerbate him, though he left his holo caster on. He always left that on, just in case.

So it was a sudden start when he reached for his holo caster and it began beeping incessantly. His heart nearly jumped out through his throat. Who was calling him? At this time of night? Well, if it was a stranger or some solicitor, he could just hang up.

“Âllo?” Augustine answered uncertainly. The hologram didn’t show. Maybe he hallucinated it?

“Oh, Augustine. Are you still awake?” The beautiful voice of the love of his life drifted through the holo caster with such vivid clarity that Augustine sighed out loud this time, a rueful smile on his face. His exhaustion lifted slightly, his limbs felt lighter, and he perked up as if he had a whole pot of coffee.

“Serena, mon ange, good morning.” He answered her brightly, his stress lessened just hearing her. He assumed it was morning, if it was well after one here in Kalos, it was around the middle of the afternoon for her in Alola.

She giggled at his greeting. “Good morning? You’re supposed to be asleep.” She accused.

Augustine clicked his tongue in playful annoyance, hitting the elevator button to quickly get to his loft. “Then why did you call?”

Serena taunted him in return. “Because I knew you weren’t.”

He chuckled openly, it was like she was right here with him. “Oui, your intuition is spot on.” He sighed to her again, leaning on the elevator wall. “I swear to you, I’m out of the office. I had a bad night as I made many, many mistakes on the statistics for my paper.”

“How bad?” He could feel her cringe for him. Her empathy concerning him was saintly.

Augustine exhaled and ran his hand over his face in frustration. “Well, I made the mistake when I averaged the numbers on the wrong base. I wrote the entire conclusion based on those results.” Augustine exited the elevator and opened the door to his loft, taking off his lab coat and placing it on the hook beside him.

“So you have to run your numbers again and rewrite half the paper? That’s awful.” Serena groused, not at him but knowing certain mistakes can be exhausting to deal with.

Augustine couldn’t stop the groan that escaped him. “I know. It was such a terrible mistake to make so late in this process, I’m a little stressed. I’ve been trying to make up for lost time.” He hadn’t complained to anyone about this, not Sophie and certainly not Sina or Dexio. They would offer to fix the mistake themselves and he knew this was his own fault. Besides, his assistants were busy with other projects that he had assigned them to.

The champion was quiet for a moment before she spoke again. “When was the last time you slept?”

Somehow, Serena just knew these things. He thought he sounded pretty upbeat and Serena couldn’t even see him. “Ah, that would be around 30 some hours ago. I slept a few hours the day before but I couldn’t stay asleep.” It was a little more that, but he didn’t want to tell her he was suffering from insomnia and he didn’t know why exactly, it was frustrating.

“Did you have dinner?” Augustine clamped his mouth shut. Again, her intuition was spot on and he didn’t know what to reply. “You didn’t have dinner.” Serena supplied quietly.

Augustine rubbed the back of his neck anxiously. “I’m so sorry, ma belle. It hasn’t been a great week for me.” He apologized carefully.

“Did anything else happen?”

“Non, I’ve just been having trouble sleeping. I can’t even explain it.” Augustine admitted, he was telling the truth. He made mistakes on papers before, this was nothing new. This time, the mystery issue bothered him enough in the first place and caused the mistake, since he’d been so distracted and all.

After a moment of silence, Serena spoke again. “Do you want me to come back?”

Augustine had to stop himself from shouting ‘Non!’ at the top of his lungs at her. She had worked so hard to go on this adventure, she went to a few different countries and there was no way in hell he was going to ruin that for her. He breathed deeply and answered calmly yet firmly. “Certainly not. You are on vacation and you will enjoy it.” The professor instead scoffed at her suggestion.

“I am enjoying myself, but without you-,”

Augustine cut her off abruptly. “Serena, when I was your age, I had just graduated and I ran off to Sinnoh for a year and then when I got my PhD, I traveled the world for months at a time.” They were very fond memories for him. He traveled extensively in his early years.

He continued softly this time. “You have the freedom to travel easily right now, you haven’t taken enough time for yourself to appreciate it.” He compelled her to understand his point of view.

Serena heaved a sad sigh this time. Perhaps the distance between them was too much for her, as well. They’d known each other for a few years, and this was the first time, dating or not, they’d been apart for this long. “It’s not the same without you.” The professor ran his hands through his hair, looks like his intuition was spot on, too. She missed him. “I wish you were with me, enjoying this freedom.” He didn’t have the freedom to leave his lab for months. Though at the same time, he refused to cage Serena here just because he couldn’t leave.

Augustine decided to lighten the mood a little bit. “If I was with you, I probably would have died from a heart attack while you were competing in Mantine Surfing between Ula’ Ula and Poni beach and got absolutely destroyed by a Wailord.” The term ‘destroyed’ was often used by Serena to describe the most mundane things to the most outlandish of situations. It was highly amusing at time.

Augustine smiled as he enunciated his next words. “A shiny Wailord, no less.”

Silence from the line, until an embarrassed moan travelled to his ears, causing him to giggle. “You saw that?” Serena griped out in disbelief.

Augustine just kept giggling. “I take it you didn’t think the Summer Games were televised internationally?” The summer games did start out as a small Alolan competition years ago but were immensely popular for their consistent scheduling and variety of sports. He wondered if Serena was going to compete in Mudsdale racing later. Incredibly dangerous sport but he knew Serena loved that kind of rush. He loved the way her eyes shone with competitive nature though.

“That’s a hard no. How many people saw me bust my ass?” Even though she asked the question, he could feel her reluctance to know the truth.

“The whole lab.” He stated quickly, and then promptly continued. “You’re mother, Calem, Shauna, Tierno, Trevor, Olivia, Grant, Seibold, Korrina-,”

Serena stopped him with a choked squeak. “Okay! Okay, everyone saw it! I get it.”

Her response was only followed with silence so he added one last thing. “It was majestic.”

More silence until they both burst out in laughter. Augustine would be lying if he said he didn’t miss her. Every morning he woke up and she wasn’t beside him left him feeling empty. Their calls were few and far in between since she was running around. In Alola it was even more difficult because the time difference was around 14 or 15 hours. Still though, they found time. Even with their completely conflicting schedules.

They continued chatting while Augustine got ready for bed, combing his hair, brushing his teeth, washing his face, changing into his pajamas, sighing in exasperation realizing he ran out of shaving cream and he wouldn’t be able to shave tomorrow morning. Serena pestered him on his terrible organization skills and he mocked on her terrible ability to dodge Wailords. Again, for emphasis, shiny wailords.

“You know I miss you, right?”

There it was, Serena admitted her feelings. It wasn’t all that uncommon but Augustine learned that Serena was hardly ever honest with him in terms of any negativity in her life. If she was lonely, she said nothing. If she was upset, she pushed it down. If she was injured, she pretended she was fine. She wanted to be good to him and that meant, to her, not showing him weakness and being strong.

He loved her with every fibre of his being but he wished she was a little more honest with him. Like right now.

“Possibly about as much as I miss you.” He concurred promptly.

Augsutine spoke again before Serena could, only to halt her concerns. “Please, do not fret for your boyfriend. He is a silly man.” His dramatic words managed to get a snicker out of Serena. “What I want from you right now is for you to have fun. I want you to be able to look back on this vacation and remember what a spectacular time it was.”

Serena hummed happily, he could see her smile in his mind. “When I come back, I’ll have so much to show you. Pokémon, z-crystals, malasada’s…”

Augustine climbed into bed and sunk into the mattress, his voice was low as he replied to her. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“Are you going to bed?”

The professor furrowed his brows, no, he didn’t want to sleep yet, now that he was talking to her. “I can stay up a little longer for you.”

Serena refuted, only thinking of him. “It’s okay. You sound so exhausted.”

“I don’t want to hang up…” Augustine whined morosely, he really didn’t.

“Oh, Augustine.” Serena laughed lightly, a pleasant sound that calmed the professor. “Let’s just talk until you fall asleep.” She conceded to him rather easily this time. She must’ve not wanted to hang up either.

“I’ve heard that you can find many interesting items at an island Pelago.”

They talked about the islands Serena had visited, small questions were exchanged with answers. Laughter as Serena recounted her embarrassing fall while Mantine Surfing and how she struggled to get back on the Mantine while she was horrified that a pink monolith had nearly landed on her, and then fear from Augustine as she affirmed she was going to go Mudsdale racing and Tauros Chasing. Regardless, in between their banter, soft words of love were exchanged between them both.

Slowly, their conversations quieted to the point Serena couldn’t hear her lover anymore. “Augustine?”

He answered quietly. “Hmmm…” He was so weary but Serena was speaking to him and he wanted to stay awake and keep talking but, wow, his eyes refused to open. Serena said nothing else and Augustine wondered if she had hung up.

Then, her soft voice filled his room, she was signing to him. What a treat, he managed a dreamy smile listening to her serenade him to sleep.

“Tu minspire tout le bon, Le meilleur

Meilleur que des bonbons, l’amour

Tu minspire tant d’amour,

Je tenlève tes habits, Comme le papier joli

Autour des caramels

Et le sucre de ta peau, Cest tout ce quil me faut pour etre…”

Even without accompaniment, she sounded marvellous to him. She didn’t sing often, but when she was comfortable, when it was quiet, he was gifted with her hymns.

Softly, nearly inaudibly, words spilled out of his mouth for her. “Je’taime de tout mon couer, mon amour.”

Serena’s soft singing occupied his entire being as he sighed into the pillows and sheets and the mattress in a wistful haze as he finally relaxed. Serena didn’t even get to the chorus before Augustine was out like a light.

When he woke up the next morning, he had felt alive. More alive than he had felt in weeks. He turned to his side and found his holo caster was on standby. When he checked the history on his phone, he could see the time stamp from his conversation with Serena. They spoke for nearly two hours. He only slept for 6 hours and he felt completely refreshed. Serena was magical. Maybe… just maybe he was off balance because Serena wasn’t here with him?

He prayed that wasn’t the case, for one thing, he could never admit to Serena that he couldn’t be parted from her and on the other hand, he was a grown man, that’s just embarrassing. Then Augustine noticed he had an unread voice message. So he opened it.

“I have been missing you, Augustine. I know we just spoke, but hearing you fall asleep made me realize just what I’m missing here. In the day, I run around and have fun but at night, it’s lonely and there are a million stars at the sky and kills me because I know you’re not seeing those same stars. I feel disconnected from you.”

She felt the exact same way he did, he thought with a remorseful smile. He was turning her into a romantic, he knew it. It was such a comprehensive way to describe how they were feeling.

“I know you want me to have fun and enjoy myself but I never got to say what I wanted from you. I want you to be happy. I want you to take a few minutes for yourself, please, maybe just to think of me. Or what you want or to eat… You asked me to have fun, and I will so you have to rest, just a little but, every day until I come back.”

Think of her for a few minutes? She never left his thoughts, so that was simple enough.

“I love you, Augustine and I miss being with you. Wait for me, okay? I’ll be home soon with you.”

Augustine tried to stop his lips from trembling and to still his breath. He did ask her to have fun and if she was, he’d have to listen to her. It wouldn’t be fair to make requests of her like that. Still, she sounded so emotional at the end he wondered if she was crying and he just couldn’t see it. He wanted to hug her but he couldn’t so he went with the next best thing, breakfast. It was a good start to keeping his deal with Serena.

Later, he’d send a message in return. She deserved to hear from him, as well.

For the most part, in the following weeks, he kept his end of bargain. He tried to eat at least two meals a day, ensuring he had breakfast and a late lunch or dinner. It was usually a late lunch but it wasn’t enough, he wasn’t eating much. Sophie tried to tell him, but he never listened. Sina and Dexio left him food and snacks at his desk but he was so busy he just ate half and left the rest discarded.

His paper was thankfully submitted on time, mistakes and all fixed. He felt so invigorated the morning after Serena had spoken with him, he’d finished the paper in under 7 hours. A little longer than he’s like but he was meticulous and he was very proud of the end result.

Then the days went by, Augustine tried to keep the motivation Serena bestowed upon him but it faded by the end of the week. There was so much he had fallen behind on that he just worked until he passed out at night. He played Serena’s message every night and told himself, tomorrow, tomorrow he would uphold his end of the bargain but he just lost himself in his research.

If he stopped working and sat to think, he inevitably thought of Serena but not in the way he wanted, he just ended up thinking of her with him, in his room, in his arms… in his bed. Merde, he was doing it again. Every time he thought of his lover, he ended up getting frustrated. He hated it, there was only so much he could do for himself.

Three weeks went by, and in that time, he’d only spoken to Serena once and the connection was lost. Then, the holo caster wouldn’t connect at all. It put a damper on his mood. Now, the professor was working on a whole new report. It had a tight deadline, two days from now, and he had to mark fairy type migrations in Kalos. It was meant for the Pokedex Association in Kanto, they were cataloguing old information for the new model. Since most fairy types resided in Kalos, it was easiest just to contact him, he had years of records over such things but gathering all that information was tedious and tiresome.

Augustine woke with a start, pushing off of his desk. Not again. He fell asleep at his desk and it was always a miserable experience. His back ached, his head was pounding. He felt sore. Not that his mahogany desk was meant for being slept on. It was nearly day break, and with it came that sick feeling of agitation that settled in his gut from an unrestful sleep. His laptop was far too bright for him and Augustine reached up and closed.

God, how did he relapse back into this? He remembered being like this when he first became a professor. The late nights, the complete disregard of his flat upstairs where he recalled there were days when he never saw his bed. He couldn’t live like that anymore, that was so long ago.

He hit the button for the elevator and pressed his forehead onto the cool metal of the elevator shutters. He had a headache that caused his temples to pound. Why was he like this? He told Serena he was going to be better and now he was getting worse. He hadn’t slept at his desk in over 3 years.

The elevator doors swished open and Augustine grit his teeth. He just wanted to sleep and forget all this tedium.

“Augustine?” A soft voice called to him and it was so real, so close to him that the professor threw himself back with a shout, terrified that he’d heard his name spoken out loud and landed on the ground. He was so tired and his eyes weren’t quite focused yet but he heard what he heard. What was that!?

A surprised voice called him, a woman’s voice, panicking. “Augustine! Wait! It’s just me!” The blonde haired woman shushed him fervently.

Augustine all at once focused on the beautiful face of the Kalos Champion, fretting over him. “Serena?” He questioned, his head unable to comprehend how she was in front of him. His lover knelt beside him on the floor, troubled by startling him.

Serena was so concerned, she seemed so distressed over him. “What are you doing down here at this time?”

Augustine tried to work mouth, Serena wasn’t due back for another month. He didn’t even hear what she had asked him, more stunned that she was right beside him. Touching him. “What are you doing back?” His asked skeptically, almost doubtful of her very existence in that moment.

“…I missed you.” Her guilty reply reached him and all at once everything rushed back.

How much he missed her. How badly he wanted to talk to her. How awful it was without her. She’d been gone for months and she came home to see him.  He had missed her so goddamn badly, he was killing himself with work. How long had she been back in Kalos?

He shook his head in apology at her while throwing his arms around her in a fierce hug, crushing her to him. “Oh, Serena, mon coeur, welcome home.” He answered her back mournfully, running his fingers through her hair. Serena returned his hug tightly, resting her head on his shoulder.

Serena steadily pushed herself away from him to look at his face. “What are you doing down here?” She repeated firmly, her expression slightly alarmed.

Augustine shook his head, remembering what had been going on. “I fell asleep on accident. I didn’t mean to, I’ve been a bit of a mess.” He confessed, trying to offer her a smile but it was hollow and a little heartbroken.

Serena cupped his cheeks and leaned in to kiss him sweetly, causing to Augustine to become complete putty in her hands at her touch, his headache magically gone. He moaned into the kiss blissfully, getting a small giggle out of his love. She broke the kiss and rose to her feet, holding out her hands so he could grab them. “Come on.” Serena urged him off the floor.

Augustine took her hands gratefully with a laugh and allowed himself to be supported as he lifted himself off the carpeted floor of his office. “Ah, merci.”

Serena pulled him to the elevator and pushed the button for the loft. Before the elevator doors even closed, she wrapped her arms around his middle and pressed her face into his chest. “You’ve lost weight.” Serena murmured into his torso resolutely, though it was muffled.

Augustine sighed as he wrapped his arms around her in return. “I… haven’t been eating properly.” He was met with a long silence from his lover. “Je suis vraiment désolé.” Augustine murmured wretchedly.

The moment the elevator doors opened to his loft, Serena just smiled up at him and led him to the bedroom. “Let’s just get you to bed.” She offered with some mirth in her eyes. Augustine’s cheeks burn all of a sudden and he didn’t understand why.

So Augustine blurted out the first thing that came to his mind, trying to lessen the heat in his cheeks. “You look so beautiful.” Except the incredulous stare from his love made him rethink what he just announced out, so he smiled a little lopsidedly and shrugged.

Serena laughed in response. “Thank you,” She sat him down on his bed and started undoing the buttons on his shirt. He jerked a little bit, his cheeks still flushed. “Sit still, I’m just taking off your clothes.” She murmured to him. Her fingers were certainly the most captivating thing he felt in months. Her cool fingers brushed his skin softly as she removed his dress shirt and the undershirt. This was followed by her unbuckling his belt and undoing his pants. She tugged them off in one swift motion. She was certainly efficient. 

Serena placed his clothes on a nearby chair and looked at the dresser and then around the room. “Where are your pajamas?” She asked, not seeing them in their usual place.

Augustine could only offer a guilty grimace. “I haven’t… washed them?” He answered her unsurely. He actually didn’t remember. He recalled wearing them not long ago but now… well, everything was probably in the wrong place.

Serena just tilted her head, unconcerned. “Alright, let’s just sleep in our underwear.” Serena turned and began taking off her clothes, as well. She tossed her clothes into the overflowing basket in the connecting washroom.

Augustine flushed as he realized just how messy everything was and how much of a layabout in the flat he’d been. Also then considering he was spending less time up here because Serena wasn’t here and it wasn’t fair to him because he could still smell her perfumes and shampoo and it drove him crazy some nights. “Desolé, ma belle. I’ve been so busy and I keep losing track of time as-.”

She shushed him with a quick peck to his lips. “It’s alright, don’t stress. You’ve been busy.” Augustine nodded slowly, once again his eyes seeing her the first time. She looked fabulous, the lights were off but the lightness of day break just lit the room up enough so he could get a nice, long look at her tanned skin. She interrupted his thoughts as she pressed a hand to his chest and pushed him back. “You look exhausted, lay down.”

He found his words after a moment of internal ogling. “You always have the best ideas.” He sighed theatrically as he flopped back and laid across the bed.

Serena giggled as she waked back to the connecting washroom to ready for bed. “You always say that.”

With the washroom light on, he could properly see the tan lines on her body, from her shorts and her tops but the most telling feature was that her top tan lines were matching in tone, meaning she had tanned topless. It was a nice mental image.

She looked beautiful, perhaps the time and distance made it more noticeable but Serena seemed ethereal, her hair seemed lighter and with her sun-kissed skin, he felt like he was staring at an image of divine beauty. This could also be the sleep deprivation talking but she looked really, really stunning.

He sat back up as Serena returned to the bed. “Ma moitié.” He began, reaching out for her. She climbed onto his lap and he embraced her close, resting his chin on her shoulder. “Chaque jour, tu m'as manqué.” He murmured to her fervidly, it had been so long since he could touch her. His hands slowly caressed her skin, learning her all over again. Learning her curves, her muscles and her physique in a new light.

Serena sighed as he roamed her skin with intent. She wanted this, and moaned a little loudly when he kissed her neck and groped her butt. “Augustine…” She sighed, rolling her hips so she began grinding in his lap. Augustine appreciated her enthusiasm and rewarded her with a deep kiss. Then he collapsed backwards onto the bed and Serena giggled. “I missed you, too.”

Augustine stared intensely at her, so many emotions between them. The grip he had on her hips tightened ever so slightly. “S'il te plaît, pardonne-moi, c'est juste que...” His words were pained and hopeful all at once as he stared into her blue eyes. “I need you.” He crooned tenderly.

Serena ran her hands through his hair and met his lips lovingly, gripping his locks delicately so she could show him how much she had missed him as well with. “I’m right here.” She smiled approvingly, bringing her hands to run over his chest sensually. Augustine grinned at her, his expression soft as he hands wandered down to her underwear.  

He rolled over onto her, pressing his body into hers. He murmured words of adoration to her, punctuated by kisses and sweet touches that left her breathless. Augustine had been feeling sick, and weary but having her home with him just made it all melt away into oblivion as he drew her into coital bliss and he found himself lost in her body.

Augustine stood above Vaniville, watching it burn from a safe distance from a nearby hillside in the dead of night. There was pain echoing around. Screaming from the residents. The destruction burned the professor to his very core but he couldn’t show it. Not with Lysandre right beside him, staring off to the carnage with mild approval.

Fear overtook Augustine, staring at his oldest friend, who had been many things in his life but right now it was Leader. The professor never dreamed it would come to this, he never dreamed that Lysandre would become this tyrannical madman. How had his dream of beauty and preservation become this warped caricature of death? Perhaps the red visor he was given to wear just made everything seem so much worse.

An explosion brought Augustine’s gaze back to the devastation. The flames burned brighter. If anyone had stayed behind, they would certainly be dead. Calem’s parents were certainly alive, they were out of the country but Grace… she was still here. Who knows if she made it out alive?

Vaniville was only a target because Lysandre claimed that his student, Serena, was a threat. Too big of a threat to ignore. If Augustine dared speak against Lysandre about anything, he would be exposed. Lysandre would know he didn’t believe in his ideals and he would lose his advantage to help those in desperate need of it.

Right now, Team Flare had descended their force to Ambrette and Couriway. Both towns lacking in gym leaders and proper protection. Ambrette had scientist and Couriway had an escape route, the train, it only made sense to attack those cities first. The Power Plant had yet to be destroyed. Lysandre told him Aliana was there, set to take the facility.

He told Sina and Dexio about Lysandre’s plans so they could limit the destruction. It seemed to do nothing. His attempts to save those of the small town were fruitless as most certainly, the death toll would likely be staggering. He couldn’t allow for this to continue. He couldn’t stand for this but he had no choice… He could not fight Lysandre on his own.

“There’s a strange beauty in destruction, is there not?” Lysandre’s baritone pulled him in, he sounded so blasé over the death of possible hundreds. It was terrifying.

“I imagine it suits your tastes very well.” Augustine answered quietly. He couldn’t see it. There was no beauty in eradicating the innocent.

“You sound disappointed.” Accusatory. So quick to jump to conclusions. As always.

Augustine turned his gaze over, staring right into the icy blue eyes of his comrade. “I always thought Vaniville was incredibly beautiful.”

A slow nod of understanding. “When this is all over, we’ll rebuild it. Make it even more beautiful.” Lysandre was so sure in his statement, so confident. Augustine wished he could try to convince Lysandre this wasn’t the way to preserve beauty, he was becoming that which he despised most but he couldn’t say it. Lysandre was committed.

It was sudden when the taller man swiveled on his heel to turn away from the destruction. “Come. Perhaps this will draw out your student.”

Augustine couldn’t breathe over the fear in his heart. He was already targeting Serena so closely and if she didn’t know they were coming for her, she could be killed before she even had a chance to bargain for her life. “I’m sure she’s on her way here.” Serena was smarter than that, she wouldn’t be lured out so easily but he was trying to buy time.

Lysandre nonchalantly waved his hand. “No, she’s too clever. She must be in Lumiose City.” Even Lysandre understood his student, he thought with a grimace.

Augustine finally descended the hill to follow his friend. Attempting to keep his pulse, breathing and cringing under a tight hold. He was not ready to do what needed to be done and the more time he wasted, more would die. “Will we dominate Kalos city by city? Like this?”

Lysandre’s helicopter came into view and he put an arm on Augustine’s shoulder, pulling him close. “Vaniville was merely a prevue. A warning to the rest. We will send a message to everyone in this country and to those who still reject us… will burn.” A deep rumble from within the man told Augustine there was more to this than purifying the world, for beauty. Something far more sinister than he ever could have betted on.

Augustine managed a curt nod. “The more that see your message, the better.”

Lysandre ignored his answer. “Where’s Diantha?”

The professor shrugged, Diantha was always on the move. “I don’t know. I’ve tried contacting her but there’s been no connection.”

Lysandre hummed and narrowed his eyes. “Interesting,” a thoughtful murmur. “Let’s go.” He commanded, climbing into the helicopter.

They were in the air. It was a quiet ride, and Augustine had to stop himself from trying to turn in his seat to see the pyre that was previously Vaniville. There were sixteen major towns and cities in Kalos and he just watched as that number was dropped to fifteen. If the other teams succeeded, the count was down to thirteen. Would they be the only casualty? How much more could he stand to witness? How long could he last before Lysandre figured out his ploy?

Lysandre pulled out a tablet and read through a few messages and apparently one piqued his interest as he straightened in his seat.

The taller man laughed, a deep menacing rumble. “I know where Serena is.”

Augustine whipped his gaze from the window to look at him. “Where?”

“She’s on South Boulevard, let’s make some time for her in our busy schedule.”

Augustine had to find Serena first. He had to. If Lysandre found her, something terrible would happen to Serena. Lysandre was not shy over telling him the plans he had. The destruction he was going to inflict on those insufferable, useless fools of the world were greatly detailed.

Lumiose City was in view quickly enough, the largest difference being that Prism Tower was lit up in a deep red. Lysandre had already taken over the city and that was his claim. The Holo Caster was his, connections and communications were frozen, only those with a Team Flare clearance number could communicate. Lysandre was kind enough to offer Augustine a direct line of communication with him.

They exited the helicopter. “Look for her, she’s nearby.”

Augustine nodded and sprinted off. It would hopefully show Lysandre that he was eager to help and not the other way around. He searched in between alleys and café’s that were closed down and in some of the office buildings that weren’t shut down yet.

Serena didn’t seem to be anywhere near here. Which was fantastic. It was all he hoped for. Augustine turned on his communicator to talk to Lysandre but was cut off from the other side.

“Did you think you could hide?” The malice in Lysandre’s voice made him freeze. Did Lysandre already figure him out? The professor couldn’t work his mouth. Terror filled him.

A feminine voice replied distantly in fear. “Lysandre!” That was Serena! He found Serena first! Merde. Where did he find her…? His lab. He was so blind. Serena must’ve been hiding in his lab and Lysandre figured her out first dammit, he didn’t think Serena would be so obvious!

Lysandre replied lowly. “Don’t be scared. Not of me, child.” Augustine took off running from inside the office building and the moment he left its doors, called out Charizard and jumped onto the Pokémon’s back.

“Home.” Augustine muttered, away from the open communicator. His fire Pokémon flew off into the sky.

Serena argued with Lysandre, anger dripping out of her voice. “What did you do to my home?” Augustine prayed she didn’t press too hard too quickly so that Lysandre was pressed to hurt her.

Lysandre scoffed at her, mimicking sympathy. “An unfortunate accident.” He could see his lab, where could they be inside? It had to be his office, it had to be.

“How could you!?” Serena shrieked at him, she sounded so hurt in that moment. Augustine willed Charizard to go faster.

Lysandre was silent for a moment before replying. “Necessity. The weak and the useless must be destroyed for this world to flourish.” There was more silence. Then a struggle, he could hear Serena cry out in pain.

Lysandre sighed extravagantly. “Serena, don’t fight me,” He murmured sympathetically. “Come with me, join our ranks. Augustine would be positively euphoric to have you join us, share in our ideals.” Dammit, Lysandre! Serena wasn’t supposed to know. He was supposed to find her first so he could lead her out of the city and to safety. This was going so wrong.

“The Professor?” Serena’s heartbroken disbelief killed him. Charizard finally landed at his front steps and Augustine ran up the steps and yanked his lab’s front doors open.

Lysandre chuckled. “He watched beside me as your home was destroyed.” There was a sudden zapping noise he couldn’t place and a fearful gasp from Serena.

Serena screamed. “No-!” Another struggle. There was a sharp jarring sound and Lysandre growled in pain. Serena hit him for sure. Why didn’t she call out her Pokémon?

“Join you? You!? My answer should be obvious!” Serena howled loud enough that Augustine heard her through the walls as he ran to his office. Augustine opened the door and ran in from around the partition just fast enough to hear Serena’s final statement. “And if it isn’t, fuck you.”

Lysandre pulled out a taser, a weapon he’d had one of his scientists develop, it was a useful item and good for taking hostages, he said. Augustine froze, Lysandre was gripping Serena by her neck and had lifted her off the ground. He pressed the taser to her skin and let go of her neck.

It worked only too well. Serena fell to the ground with a pained cry, her limbs weak while spasms wracked her body. Lysandre knelt by her and cupped her cheek, she glared back unable to move and the fury that swirled in her eyes was captivating. In the corner of the room, Serena’s travel bag. Of course, Lysandre couldn’t chance failure now. He was never going to give Serena the slightest chance of victory. Or survival.

Lysandre sighed and brandished a knife. “You had so much potential.”

“Don’t!” Augustine shouted. He needed to think of a plan, buy Serena time to escape but she was injured now. What could he do for her without giving everything away? He couldn’t dare bring his gaze to look at Serena who was so distraught at seeing him. She was probably thinking the worst. Seeing him dressed head to toe in Team Flare garb.

“Augustine…?” Lysandre rumbled in anger. Augustine glared right back at Lysandre. He had an idea.

The professor outstretched his hand to Serena. “If you’re going to kill her, give her to me.”

“Are you serious?”

Augustine swallowed thickly and nodded. “I told you, I believe your ideals. I will do anything to make sure you reach them.” Augustine approached from the back of the room, standing before the leader of Team Flare. Lysandre paused but nodded, offering him the dagger he had brandished.

When Augustine reached down for his student, he had hoped Serena would be docile so he could exact his plan but the moment he grabbed her arm, Serena reacted violently and scratched his face. The visor saved his eye thankfully but her nails dragged down his cheek, jaw, and neck. It stung the instant she made contact.

Augustine lurched back, no words came out of his mouth. He deserved that and so much more. Lysandre pressed the taser into her side and Serena cried out. Only then Augustine grunted, pained from Serena’s shrieks.

The man with red hair brought a hand up to the professor’s cheek and regarded him in surprise. “She is certainly a fighter, look at your face.”

Augustine tilted his head away slightly. “It will be worth it.” He said passively, Lysandre smirked, looking down at the girl with cruel contempt.

“Why…?” Serena struggled to speak.

Lysander shook his head. “This world is beautiful and it needs to stay that way. I shall preserve this state eternally.”

Serena huffed in an effort to push herself up but the taser had done its damage. “You destroyed so much already… You’re ruining everything you’re fighting for!” Serena cried to the both of them. The professor agreed internally, Lysandre sighed in annoyance.

Augustine finally directly acknowledged his student. “Serena.” he began slowly, calling attention of even Lysandre to look at him.

The professor sighed at her. “You don’t understand. This is bigger than you could imagine. You’re young, and it seems like the world is ending but this is just the beginning.”

Serena shook her head, gasping in pain. “It’s wrong! How is everyone guilty of the crimes you committed as well!? Who judges you!?” She exploded on them both. She was right but Augustine shook his head.

“I wish you agreed to our terms. So you could see what is truly possible.”

Serena couldn’t stop the tears as she stared at him and Augustine clenched his fists to stop himself from falling to the floor and comforting her and hugging her and telling her it was a ruse, a ruse! He had to hold his breath in fear of giving himself away and crying in pain over hurting his beloved protégé.

Lysandre stood beside the professor and knelt down, gripping Serena’s chin. “Perhaps… we don’t have to kill her immediately.” His murmur was sinister, causing Serena to clench her eyes shut in terror and jerk away. This was her nightmare. The professor seemed to be at her rescue regardless.

“We don’t have a lot of time, we should get moving.”

Serena decided to keep her mouth shut, she was afraid that if she was too aggressive, it would entice Lysandre to make good on his promise. “Hmm, you’re right. How unfortunate, if only you could see the truth.” He grinned viciously at Serena and she shrunk back on the floor, gritting her teeth. She couldn’t even fight back.

“Let me have this, she is my student.” Augustine’s words surprised them both.

Lysandre nodded gravely, staring at his friend. “You know what needs to be done,” Augustine brought himself to stare in return with the same intensity. “Kill her.” Serena stared at both men in pure horror, mentally begging and pleading that this wasn’t happening but… what could she do? She was already so weak from the taser.

When Augustine nodded slowly, Lysandre turned to Serena again. He grabbed her by the hair forcefully, causing her to cry out in pain as he lifted her off the floor by her blonde tresses. Augustine had to squeeze his eyes shut, not wanting to see Serena be hurt like this.

“So beautiful.” Lysandre murmured softly to her, almost kindly. “I don’t think I would have been able to defeat you myself. I would have loved to have you for Team Flare, but your passion has led you down a different path.” The large man squeezed his grip on her hair to enunciate his words. Serena could barely struggle she was so injured.

“Augustine has allowed me the privilege of being merciful towards you. I was going to make a spectacle of you but Augustine requested you personally.”

Serena now stood before Lysandre and Augustine, leaning back on his office desk for support, she was shaking and weak. She couldn’t stop her tears as she stared at Augustine, who readied his blade. They weren’t out of fear or grief, they were out of hatred, disbelief, and loss.

The professor understood that, and hoped this would be enough to placate Lysandre, who was watching, and simply thrilled that his best friend shared his ideals. Augustine stared long and hard at his student. Then he marched forward with purpose stopping just a step away from her.

“Adiue, mon coeur.”

And the blade was thrust into her. Serena jerked and shut her eyes, the pressure on her stomach felt nothing like a blade but she let out a choked gasp and sob anyway. She opened her eyes and stared down. That pressure was Augustine’s hand and that hand was protecting her from the knife just hairs away from piercing her.

There was blood everywhere suddenly, she felt faint. Serena sobbed and looked up to Augustine and that was where she saw the regret, the sorrow, the sadness, the unshed tears as he kept the blade in his own hand. She didn’t want to faint, she weakly brought her hands to grasp at his knife, desperate for this to be a nightmare.

Serena could see the words ‘I’m sorry.’ mouthed by him, he jerked forward and Serena cried in surprise. She brought her fingers to his face, her shaking hands slipping over the blood that coated her fingers. “N-no.” Serena managed to whimper out trying to tug the knife out of his hand, Augustine tore both his hands away from her, causing his blood to splatter across the carpet from the blade leaving its fleshy sheath.

Blood was everywhere and not a drop was hers but it was all over her. Serena collapsed onto the floor, the professor made no move to catch her. She hit the ground and struggled to keep conscious, the world leaving her as her vision faded. She could hear Lysandre and Augustine talk. “She got blood on me.” Came Augustine’s disconnected voice.

“Such a tragedy for such a creature. She loved you until the very end.” Serena choked as she struggled to stay awake. Lysandre dutifully ignored her, pretended she wasn’t even there, feigning death. Blood made her nauseous.

“It doesn’t matter anymore.” Augustine dropped his deep red Team Flare trench coat on her body. “Let’s go. We’re done here.”

Lysandre chuckled darkly. “Good, to Geoseng now. I have an idea on what to do next.” His voice was far away, they were walking away from her.

“Lead the way, mon amis.” Her world was fading but just before she closed her eyes she caught Augustine’s heartbroken expression thrown at her as he rounded the partition.

Both men were quiet. Lysandre was livid that he lost a potential soldier and Augustine felt sick and his hand was burning, but ultimately hopeful that his subterfuge worked. With the Lysandre’s helicopter, Geoseng was just another short trip away. They touched down and the professor wondered exactly what they were doing here. Objectively, there was nothing in this town.

“Follow.” Lysandre commanded.

Augustine trailed wordlessly. At the far edge of the town, at the northwest corner was a secret entrance. Lysandre always did have a lot of flare, pun intended. The stairwell down truly felt like a sinister villain’s base and with the deep red walls and the steel doors, Augustine had to wonder how Lysandre didn’t see himself as a villain. Surely, when he was building this all, the thought must’ve crossed his mind once.

The professor could see scientists and grunts marching about, getting work done. This place was certainly greater than he had ever bargained it to be. Side channels and backrooms and labs. Lysandre could have done so much more with all of this. He could have made such advancements in Kalos. Apparently, people were no longer up to his standard, this only proved that all humans were destructive monsters. The irony.

Augustine investigated what he could, at one point he found a map of the HQ and found it looked like a train map, routes webbing off into exits and secret passages. He tried to remember what he could and paid attention to other happenings. Grunts piling in from the outside and Lysandre ordering around the scientist. The final weapon was here but Augustine didn’t see it anywhere. He didn’t even know what it looked like.

Lysandre interrupted his thoughts by placing a hand on the professor’s shoulder and it took everything in him to not scream in terror. By pure instinct, Augustine hid his left hand behind his back, fearful that Lysander knew. He had lost himself entirely in his own thoughts. Lysandre didn’t notice and instead forced Augustine to face him. “I should tell you…”

As offhandedly as possible, Augustine answered. “What is it?”

The taller man turned away for a moment but suddenly gazing back to the professor. “I had my grunts go to your lab and dispose of Serena.”

His heart pounded in his chest hard enough that he swore Lysandre could hear it. He had to keep calm no matter what. “Really?” He questioned his friend passively.

Lysandre seemed regretful for moment. “Yes, they accidentally destroyed a portion of your lab and for that I apologize but I needed to ensure Serena was truly dead.” His gaze returned with severe intensity. “It’s not that I doubted you. She is strong. One stab probably didn’t kill her.”

Augustine tilted his head, answering him nonchalantly with a shrug. “It was a lot of blood…”

“I had to ensure she stayed dead.” He answered tightly.

Augustine nodded slowly, suddenly feeling the world sway under his feet. He turned back to the map on the table he had found and rested his hand on the tabletop and prayed, just prayed he looked natural. “I understand. No possible retaliation. You had to do it.”

Again, Lysandre replied with regret. “I know you held strong feelings for her.”

Augustine laughed, he didn’t want to. It was a visceral response to his pain and it exploded outward in a chortle and it hurt so badly Augustine thought he was going to break, instead he squeezed Lysandre’s shoulder in what was assumed to be a comforting gesture. “It seems my feelings for you were stronger.” His words spilled out of his mouth like malicious saccharin but it was the truth for once. If he felt nothing for Lysandre, he wouldn’t have left his friends to stand here, regardless of his intent.

Lysandre’s expression softened in a way that left Augustine torn. Lysandre was switching between his old self and this new vicious satire of his ego so often the professor had trouble grasping reality.

Augustine’s feelings for the Leader of Team Flare were certainly intense but he felt them change in this very instance. Not when he threatened to kill him, not when he burned Vaniville, not when he threatened Serena but when he admitted he had his student killed for insurance.

This was the instant everything shattered for him. Lysandre was irredeemable. If only he could have saved Serena, contacted her before to stay away. It was too late. They killed Serena while she was unawares, all that pain and for it to be so empty and worthless…

Still, there was a smile, as small as it was. “I have something to attend to, try not to get lost.” Lysandre offered as he walked out of the room. Augustine turned back to the map. Unfocused and blank. Lost. Serena was still alive when they left his lab, how much more pain did she go through when Team Flare found her?

Everything went blurry as the tears came, pooling out of his eyes and streaming down his face. Serena was the only person he had wanted to protect and he failed at that, too, just like everything else.

Augustine collapsed to his knees as a sob escaped him. “Oh, mon diue, Serena. Forgive this coward,” he pulled out her mega ring, he was going to return it to her but he never had the chance. He had nothing else from her. “I’m so sorry. I’m so, s-so-.” Augustine’s words were stuttered from his whimpering. The room was cold and offered no comfort, it was alien and wrong. Augustine choked on a sob. It was all wrong.

“Please, let this be a nightmare.” He begged, not to anyone in particular, just another broken prayer in a godless place where no one could hear him.

He had to fight back. Serena didn’t deserve death. No one deserved death for this. He couldn’t contact Diantha, Sina or Dexio which only means that they were either captured, injured or dead.

It was time he clashed against his oldest friend, by himself. Not with his Pokémon, either. He would be defeated embarrassingly easy. No, just him and Lysandre and it was most likely going to end in his death but at this point, he lacked fear.

Augustine rubbed his eyes, he needed a few more moments to collect himself. His tears had left him feeling renewed. There was something he could do. Sabotage the entire HQ. Stop the Final weapon. Anything. He had to act now that Lysandre was dealing with something else. His hand flared up in pain and the professor realized that he should probably deal with that. Thankfully he was wearing black gloves. The blood didn’t show.

Augustine took off his bloodied glove and threw it out in the bin nearby. Lysandre had given him another pair, anyway. His hand was red but mostly numb. The gash on his palm would scar and leave behind a reminder what he failed. The professor only had a thin scrap of cloth wrap in his pocket. His actual supplies were in the Team Flare jacket he left on Serena. He left a communicator and some small necessities should she need them. A useless gesture.

Augustine wrapped his hand up and pulled out the spare pair of gloves from his back pocket. He took a few calming breathes, gathering himself. His visor would likely hide any redness in his eyes.

So he left the room he was situated in. And went about his business to sabotage the base. It began with going to the control room and looking around. He met some admins there. Aliana had returned from the Power Plant, and chatted with Bryony, Celosia and Mable along with Xerosic, who was handling the computers. From the looks of the security cameras, which were about 2 dozen screens on the right wall, Lysandre had merged Lysandre Labs with his headquarters here. Perhaps having everything in the café was a poor idea.

Augustine listened to the others, willing them to divulge something mentally that he could use to stop this madness. He didn’t feel out of place anymore. Augustine knew he had to destroy this control room. The format of the system were similar to his own. Lysandre had programmed the systems at the lab, that was possibly how he found Serena, he knew what to look for.

Even the interface was similar. He wondered if he sat down at a terminal and checked through the system, if anyone would become suspicious but when Augustine turned to walk out, he almost walked face first into Lysandre.

“To the Situation room.” Lysandre announced and his admins walked out, including two he hadn’t seen prior in white outfits. Augustine wondered if he should follow but when all of the people in the control exited and Augustine was about to follow the crowd, he was stopped by their Leader.

“I am not trusted?” Augustine questioned, a little betrayed. After all he’d done…

“It’s merely for the next part of the plan. I won’t bore you with the details, stay here and enjoy a look through our systems.” Lysandre seemed genuine, he trusted Augustine and it was killing him, he was making this so much easier. His entire system was his, for the next however long. Augustine almost grinned over the havoc he was going to wreak on Team Flare’s headquarters.

Regardless, Augustine smile and nodded at the Team Flare leader amicably. “I will, thank you.”

Lysandre turned and exited the control room and Augustine claimed a terminal to use the moment the door swished closed. He was going to be meticulous about breaking down every barrier he could. Lysandre perhaps assumed he was going to betray him and would kill him the moment he logged in?

Augustine turned to the door a few times in paranoia as he typed in his username and password. With the help of the card Lysandre gave him, he found he was an admin to Team Flare, a high ranking one along with… Malva. Ah, she was always a big supporter of Lysandre. Her true identity should’ve been obvious from the very beginning.

He could easily see the levels of clearance he was passing through. He had clearance to Level 4, there was another level and he assumed that only Lysandre and his trusted head scientist, Xerosic, had clearance. The professor opened as much of the security detail as he could. He unlocked doors, interrupted systems and changed the security cameras to have a 20 second delay. He avoided all the level 5 access. He imagined an alarm would be set off if he attempted to use those.

Lysandre had given him so much free reign. His trust would be his downfall and Augustine was left so conflicted. He was succeeding in his sabotage but Lysandre would surely end him. The Team Flare leader killed Serena for just being a threat, after all.

At the very end of the list of commands and room options, there was a room marked ‘Legendary’. Augustine saw the options were either On or Off. And it was off, so Augustine turned it on. For a brief instant, some of the lights seemed to flicker.

He hoped he did damage. He hoped that all of this blew up in Team Flare’s faces. Augustine stared at the security cameras and thankful to see no one heading in his direction, even with the delay he saw nothing, but then he spotted a room filled with tubes and wires. It was all leading up to a stairwell and there was a throne.

The final weapon. It was in there. It had to be. Or at least something that controlled it. A swift look at the route he had to take and he was out the door. He walked swiftly and encountered very few grunts. A few more turns and he had arrived. The door opened for him.

Augustine marched in and found himself on a high balcony. The throne he saw was right in front of him, though turned ahead and faced the tubes and wires he’d witnessed earlier. This entire room was even larger in person. At the far end of the area, on his right side, was an elevator. Not important right now, Augustine turned to the throne and found there was a small control panel linked to it.

It had all sorts of options on it. Three of the options were already selected. Two were faded, inaccessible. Showing that there was 0% power on the grid. Interesting, he saw the same thing for Level 5 clearance in the control room… but clearance was not needed here. So the professor turned it on. The energy bar at the top of the screen loaded a bit. The tubes and wires at the left side of the room, climbing up the wall, lit up. They were transferring energy somewhere.

Instead of leaving it like that, Augustine deselected all the prior three options and got a notice on the panel. Use the control module to confirm. Augustine sighed. Where the hell was that? A blinking light caught his eyes and at the bottom of the steps, was a small, standing terminal. With a blinking red button.

Well, now he had to press it.

Augustine ran down the steps and pressed the button in an almost gleeful defiance. He honestly expected nothing to happen but then the entire base shook hard enough to drop him to his knees. He blew something up? Oh, he was a dead man now. Everyone would know what he had done. Especially Lysandre. He didn’t exactly hide his tracks.

The tubes and the wires changed, they stopped moving and turned red. Honestly, he had little idea what he was doing. So he walked to the wall by the organized mess and turned a valve. This caused the wires to shut off completely. They tubes weren’t red anymore. Augustine had trouble gauging if this was really good or really bad.

“Augustine.” The voice of true rage travelled to him and caused him to freeze in terror. Alright, monumentally bad. Augustine turned to see Lysandre standing at the top of the steps and staring down on him. He was decorated in tech. He had a transparent red visor on his face and metal appendages strapped to his back.

“You lied to me.” Lysandre’s voice was venomous in its tranquil fury. The Team Flare boss stalked down the stairs to his former comrade. Augustine knew he was caught but he would not cower before his friend. It was too late for such frivolities.

“It was easy.” Augustine replied, though his heart thudded in his chest, he was scared but he would not hide now, there was nowhere to run. His stable reply affected Lysandre, a small visible twitch in his eye as he approached the professor with intent.

“How noble of you. Leaving your friends, your position and harming your beloved student for something so utterly trivial. We’re at the end. It’s over and you failed.” The taller man gestured animatedly at the weapon he had built, the wires on the wall, the money he pooled into it. His dream.

“Was it worth it?” Lysandre’s sneer transformed into something truly terrifying as his glare and wrath were exposed. “Did you really think you could have bested me, Augustine? I was your student! I know you better than you know yourself.”

Augustine thought at one time that maybe he would have been spared by his friend but it wasn’t so. Lysandre’s metallic limbs arose and grabbed him tightly by his shoulder, yanking him into the air. He cried out in pain. Lysandre barked out a laugh, his eyes wild. “Amazing, you truly thought I’d let you live?”

Augustine shut his eyes. “No, I thought I could stop you or we’d die together.”

Lysandre cackled at his statement. Suddenly reaching out and grabbing the professor’s hand, yanking it to his face, he tore the black glove off. Augustine cringed as Lysandre inspected his hand, the gash had barely begun healing. It was deep red, irritated, bleeding, just barely scabbing over. Lysandre knew, conclusively, Augustine had covered for Serena. He didn’t kill her. The haphazard bandage that covered the front and back of his palm was irrefutable proof that Augustine never stabbed Serena.

“You went so far for that child for absolutely nothing. Did it hurt, mon amis?” Lysandre pressed hard into the wound in the professor’s palm with his thumb, causing Augustine to scream in agony as pain shot up his arm. Lysandre continued to cackle.

“Answer me, was it worth it? The sacrifice you made? The irreparable harm done? Is this worth it!?” He almost crushed the professor’s hand in his grip as he laughed maniacally, almost drowning out the professors screams.

Augustine heaved in anguish, opening his eyes and staring at the ceiling, trying to focus on something, anything but the pain and the fear. The metal limbs digging into his arm, neck and legs were excruciating but he managed to reply to Lysandre’s question with a rage of his own. “I had to stop you, this madness has gone too far!”

It wasn’t what Lysandre wanted to hear at all, the metal limbs responded as such and threw Augustine into the ground violently. Augustine skidded hard across the floor and had him heave in pain. Lysandre marched towards him with a twisted smirk on his. “Oh ho, stop me? Augustine, you couldn’t even stop me from hurting your own student.”

“It was necessary. I had to help the others.” Augustine wheezed on the floor, desperately gasping for air through the pain.

Lysandre almost seemed sympathetic as he stood before Augustine. It passed quickly as he knelt before the professor and grabbed his chin tightly, forcing the professor to stare into Lysandre’s eyes. “You were the one who was leaking our battle plans?”

“I had to.” Augustine replied with a bit of sorrow. “It had to be done, you don’t know what you’re doing. I had to try and save others from your insanity.” Lysandre had become too engrossed in his plan for revenge, it didn’t even reflect his original ideals anymore.

Augustine was suddenly filled with rage. “And Serena!” He shouted at his friend, for once making Lysandre flinch with his intensity.

“She was just a girl and you had her murdered! I did what I did to get you away from her!” Augustine bared his teeth to his oldest friend, feeling the betrayal between them both, the lies and the inevitable end that was approaching.

“And it was all working so well…” He finished pitiably, his heart still not recovered from losing Serena and Lysandre had believed him so readily, there was guilt at that but he had to do it. He regretted it but it had to be done.

Lysandre let go of the professor’s face, nodding desolately as he rose slowly to full height. “It truly was.” The red haired man confessed solemnly, before lifting his leg and slamming it into Augustine’s shoulder, kicking him so hard that Augustine felt his collar and shoulder crack under the force Lysandre had bored down upon him.

His face slammed into the ground, god, he hurt so badly. The visor on his face crushed on impact. Lysandre was truly vicious, he thought as blood pooled out of his mouth and nose. Lysandre would really kill him, surprisingly, he didn’t mind all that much. There had been nightmares about this and slowly over time, they had turned into an expectant vision of the future as Lysandre lost his mind to his plans more destructively.

Augustine had made his choice and knew this was always a possibility. Lysandre grabbed him by his hair and lifted the professor by his head. Augustine felt true despair at seeing his friend’s blank face. Lysandre was not the man he once knew, who had travelled with him and supported him. Who he had taught so much to. There was nothing left of the Lysandre he’d grown up with and that’s what hurt him most.

“This ends. The lies, the deceit, you’re farcical attempts at ruining my plans. It’s over.” Lysandre growled to him, murder manifested in his eyes.

“Stop it!” A shout cut through the room and before Lysandre could react, an electrical shock slammed into him and pushed him back, forcing him to let go of Augustine’s hair and stumbling back to keep upright and out of danger.

Augustine began to collapse to the ground but two arms encircled him and cushioned him, his head rested on something soft and it took a moment to realize that someone was holding him tightly. Who on earth would be foolish enough to fight Lysandre and try and save him? Augustine lifted his head slightly and saw blonde hair. His eyes widened. It couldn’t be.

“Serena…” Augustine managed through the blood that coated his mouth in pure awe. She wasn’t even looking at him, instead her eyes were trained on Lysandre, holding their own brand of fury. He gripped her shirt, his head swam, how did this happen? How was she here? Regardless of how he felt about the woman gripping him right now, Serena was very powerful, if anyone was going to defeat Lysandre, it would be her.

“You’re alive….?” Augustine choked out. He couldn’t believe it, she survived the ambush at his lab. Her Luxray beside her, the one that attacked Lysandre and saved him. Augustine cried out, too weak to hold himself in her arms and slid down her body, his head resting on her abdomen as he fell to his knees. Serena still held him securely.

“Do you really think you can save this country now? You’re too late, though I do admire your tenacity. You were so ruined at the lab, so heart broken. Yet here you stand. Death from his hand would have been much easier, no?” Lysandre seemed almost too happy to remind them both of the professor’s actions at the lab.

Augustine pressed his face into Serena’s stomach. Goddamn him, how dare he insult Serena, his eyes snapped to the woman when she answered the taller man. “You don’t understand. I’m not here for this country. I’m here for you.” Her firm response shocked both men in the room, Serena seemed to be made of pure steel in this moment.

“You said so yourself, you didn’t think you could defeat me. We’re going to find out together. Prepare yourself, Lysandre.” Serena’s voice was strong, and Augustine hated himself for feeling so proud of his student in that moment.

As if Lysandre didn’t hear her, he gestured to Augustine and beckoned him. “Hand Augustine back to me, he needs to pay for his crimes.”

To Augustine’s utter dismay, Serena hugged him tightly and covered his head delicately with her hand, the professor honestly never felt so safe in the face of adversity before. “This isn’t about Augustine, this isn’t about you. This is about me and how I’m going to make you pay for all of the fear and destruction you’ve caused. I’m here to get revenge for Vaniville. My home.” Lysandre laughed coldly but even Augustine could tell it was hollow, there wasn’t the bite to it that Augustine knew. Lysandre was running out of time.

“Laugh, keep laughing. Until you decide to stop fucking around and battle me, we’re stuck here.” Serena was so confident and blasé that Augustine wondered where her bravado came from. Lysandre glared down at her with malice, possibly from the crude words or the fact that she was in the way of his plans.

“This will be an interesting battle.” Lysander commented as he released his Pyroar. “Enough of this. You want to stop the ultimate weapon, and I refuse to do so. Let’s end this...”

Serena recalled Luxray and released another Pokémon. Augustine expected Greninja, her first choice Pokémon but when the air turned thick and the lights dimmed from power exposure, Augustine realized that she didn’t call out Greninja. Massive red and black wings surrounded Augustine and Serena and a loud shriek shattered the air, Augustine knew that Lysandre was finished. Serena had tamed Yveltal. The legendary beast was not happy.

Lysandre stepped back in shock, his face contorting in anger. “You’re seeking help from a human? That’s truly pitiable. Now we have a reason to fight, I’ll be taking back that Pokémon.” His demeanor changed as the metal appendages attached to his body whirred to life, the red visor was back on his face and covering his eyes.

Serena spoke. It was steady, loud and unwavering. This was the part of her he loved and knew this was the part of her that Lysandre feared. Her battling prowess. Her strength. “Yveltal. Oblivion Wing.”

The resulting shockwave was too much. Augustine struggled to keep conscious but it was fruitless. There was so much pressure and he was already so injured, his eyes rolled back and he slumped in Serena’s embrace.

Augustine’s eyes snapped open hearing a garbled scream. Lysandre was across from Serena, saturated in fury, she must’ve defeated him. The entire base was falling apart, everything was cracking and screeching and collapsing. Serena was calling to the taller man, reaching for him, trying to save him. The ceiling buckled, debris and earth plummeting right on top of Lysandre. In an instant his old friend was no more. Serena wailed, dropping to her knees and shaking her head in defeat.

The professor could barely understand what had happened but none of it was good.

More of the ceiling crumbled, forcing her back, away from the impromptu grave of the Team Flare Leader. Augustine pushed himself off of the floor, he felt like hell. Serena must have set him down during their battle. The professor swayed on his feet.

Serena was beside him very suddenly.

“Professor, we have to go.” Serena stressed, her eyes filled with tears and anguish. He nodded fervently to her and turned to the main exit, the elevator up. As he walked forward, the entire elevator section was destroyed by rubble falling from the upper levels.

For a moment Serena and Augustine could only stare in muted horror. There went their escape route. Serena huffed in fear and all at once the professor remembered that he was going to save this young woman whether some divine entity wanted him to or not.

“I know another way out,” Augustine held his hand out for her to take. “We’ll have to run but you can make it.”

Serena took his hand. “We’ll both make it out.”

Augustine didn’t answer, instead turned and ran down one of the many connecting halls. Team Flare HQ was massive and Lysandre had many entrances and exits for his grunts to use. He prayed he remembered the route he had seen on the map.

The halls were empty, save for the deafening noises of the ground collapsing and the cement and metal making contact. The rumbling was lessening, possibly they were getting away from the epicenter of the destruction. Augustine pulled Serena down another hall and found the elevator he was looking for, once they made it to the top, it would be one long hallway to the exit.

Dashing inside, the professor nearly punched the button for the top floor. The doors closed and the elevator moved upward. Augustine sighed in relief. Even if they made it two floors up, they could make it out easily. He tugged Serena close, in return she wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him fiercely. The elevator shook and Augustine braced himself on the wall, moving Serena to the corner to protect her with his body in case something happened. He couldn’t even think of anything to say, it was quiet besides their heaving breaths.

The doors opened. Augustine dragged Serena out with him. Sprinting down the hall, he could see the light from the emergency exit stair well, they were so close. Just as Augustine was about to shove the doors to freedom open, the entire base collapsed at once, the force of inertia slamming into them and forcing them to crash through the doors.

For the second time today, Augustine snapped his eyes open, but was greeted with the crystal clear skies of Kalos. There wasn’t even a cloud above him, it was beautiful. And incredibly quiet. Then panic hit him, he pushed himself up off the ground with a pained moan as his gaze fell upon the destruction of Geoseng. Rubble surrounded him and he was nowhere near the town, he was all by himself.

“Serena!” Augustine cried out. Silence returned his shout. No, Augustine thought, dread filling him. He couldn’t lose her again!

“Serena!”

“Professor!” Blonde hair popped up from behind a rather large piece of cement. Serena hopped over the debris and ran to him, stumbling over the ruined terrain.

The professor sat back on some rubble for support and opened his arms wide, wanting to hug her so badly it hurt him physically. Serena dropped to her knees over the wreckage and threw her arms around his neck with a pained cry, the professor had never felt so thankful before. “Oh, mon coeur!” he cried, hugging her middle desperately.

Serena snuggled him tightly, holding her breath as she dropped her head to his chest. “You’re alright…” She whispered in awe. Barely, the professor thought to himself. He was in a lot of pain but none matched the absolute torture of thinking that he lost the woman in his arms again.

Augustine smiled, a little brokenly to her. “Thanks to you. You saved me, Serena.” Somehow, the nightmare was over. It ended before he even knew it.

“Professor,” Serena began, lifting her head to meet his gaze. “Thank you so much for everything.” She said quietly as she cupped his cheeks delicately with her hands.

His face crumpled, remembering Vaniville and what happened in his office. Tears leaked out, he was so ashamed. “I did nothing, I failed so many.” He muttered weakly, removing her hands from him.

In turn, she grasped his hands in hers, willing him to understand. “It’s not true!” She began, her voice wobbling.

“Your transmissions reached us all. Diantha saved Couriway while Sina and Dexio evacuated Vaniville. Calem, Shauna, Trevor and Tierno all saved Ambrette Town. It’s all thank to you professor, you sacrificed so much but so many survived.” She pressed, placing her lips on his knuckles.

Augustine was awed, from both the information and her careful regard. “Truly?” He quietened, almost unwilling to believe her.

Serena’s eyes lit up and nodded her head eagerly. “Yes! You were so brave, you’re my hero.”

Serena laughed and to her credit it did sound genuine but she couldn’t hide the pain that easily from him. The professor closed his eyes, remembering her tears before at the lab, they haunted him. “I hurt you so badly. Je suis profondément désolé, ma chere.”

Serena’s expression changed to something pained. She grasped his left hand and kissed the wound on his palm so ardently, the professor gasped in pain even though it wasn’t a physical ache. Serena then brought her hand to his cheek, where she had scratched him and leaned forward to kiss him there where she wounded him. With her lips on his skin, he wondered just what he had done to deserve such open affection.

Serena was quiet as she responded sadly. “I’m sorry I scratched you. You were just trying to help me.” The guilt and shame in her features were agonizing him.

Augustine held her hands this time, gripping them and shaking his head at her. “I deserved it.” He pressed firmly.

“No, you didn’t. I didn’t understand, I should have seen how badly you were hurting.”

The professor was suddenly struck with a thought hard enough that it derailed the conversation. “What were you doing in my lab? You knew how dangerous it was.” He admonished her.

“I was protecting Lumiose City. I had to draw Lysandre away while others escaped.”

That explains everything, why Lumiose was so empty and why Lysandre had found her so easily. It all made sense now. “I see. Désolé.” The apology was for being upset, she had done the work he should have done.

“You shouldn’t be. You saved me. If you hadn’t done what you did, Lysandre would have killed me. You’re a very convincing actor though.” Serena tried to make light of the situation but it didn’t quite work as the professor squeezed his eyes shut at the memory.

They were quiet for a few more moments before Augustine spoke again. “…How did you survive the grunts?”

“Calem found me first.” She assured him, her confidence a welcome shift in tone. “He helped me fight the grunts and one defected, offering to report to Lysandre that they succeeded.”

Augustine fixed her hair gently. “Well done,” He praised honestly with a smile. “You’re my hero too, you know. Rushing in to save my life like you did. I’m very thankful.”

She hugged him tightly and buried her face in the crook of his neck. He returned her gesture with a hearty sigh, melting in her embrace. He was afraid that he would never have this again. She was so warm, so kind and alive and he was so grateful. He was being too overbearing, he thought, when he heard her quiet whimper.

“A-ah, right, this is yours.” Augustine panicked, pushing her off with a lopsided smile while pulling out her mega ring from his pocket.

“Oh, and this is yours.” Serena giggled while pulling out his own mega ring, though this was actually a ring and never used. That’s right, he left it in the coat he dropped on her unconscious body.

They both exchanged the items, Serena put his on his finger and Augustine slipped her bracelet back on her wrist. They shared a quiet laugh and slowly stilled, entirely aware of what they almost lost and how much they saved together. Her eyes were shining and beautiful and reflected the very sky above his head and he was so thankful he could live for this moment.

Serena leaned in slightly, and the professor pulled away in apprehension. His eyes flickered between her gaze and her sweet lips a few times, wondering if this was right, if he should, but seeing the hurt in her eyes, he gave in. Pulling her to him to give a searing kiss. He pulled away and he saw agony in her expression and kissed her again, willing that pain to go away.

The professor stopped when Serena sobbed into the kiss. “I thought I lost you.” She cried, gripping the lapels of his team flare uniform.

Augustine drew her slowly into a tight embrace, he pressed his cheek to hers, wanting to feel the warmth of her skin on his to ensure she was still alive. “I should be saying that. I feared the same. I was so distraught...”

They stayed like that for some time, enjoying their new found freedom with each other. Until Serena sniggered at her own thoughts. “Well, we did something right. We both survived.”

Although Augustine agreed with her, they were both injured. How seriously, they’d figure it out after. “This is true, though we should probably seek medical attention.” Augustine winced in pain as his shoulder and collar felt like hell. His face, too. Scratch that, his entire body.

Serena seemed to empathize with his pain and rubbed his shoulder where she had seen Lysandre kick him. Augustine leaned into her touch as she consoled him. “Paramedics and stuff should be around here somewhere, I heard sirens.”

The professor couldn’t stop the scoff that escaped him. “Ah, we are incredibly far from the town center, it will take them time to find us.”

Serena rested her head on his chest. “I can live with that.” Her tender whisper made his heart clench tightly. A little more time with the both of them alone was honestly all he wanted right now, too. Augustine suddenly remembered vividly crying his heart out in the room when Lysandre had told him he had disposed of the woman in his arms. He truly feared her dead. It was a nightmare he never wanted to live through again.

Those thoughts encouraged him to be a little bolder in his actions. He was in pain but he grabbed Serena by her waist and placed her in his lap. “With you here, I can live through anything.” Augustine moaned dramatically to her, getting her to giggle happily but when Augustine tried to breathe deeply, his uniform was too tight. He groaned instead. “Except these clothes.”

Serena nodded her head sagely, scrutinizing the crimson regalia he wore with profound eyes. “It’s awful. Honestly, I really just want to rip them off of you.”

Augustine’s dispassionate face suddenly perked up, a surprised smile emerged on his face. “Is that so? Could you arrange for such a thing?” His mischievous tone may have been too much as she reeled backwards.

Serena’s expression was scandalized the moment she realized what she said, a mortified blush exploding on her cheeks. “T-that’s not what I meant!”

Augustine snickered softly, finding her shock to be entertaining and cuddled her in good humor. “I know what you meant. Red doesn’t suit me at all.” He chuckled, pressing his lips to her hair.

“As long- as long as you know...” She stuttered in embarrassment, he hummed his agreement into her hair lovingly.

Augustine sighed deeply and pulled back. “Are you sure you’re alright?” Serena nodded with a shrug. That was the best answer he was going to get from her, it seemed. “Then would you like to stay with me, in my lab… my home?” It was a significant offer, he knew, but he wanted to be with her.

The blush on her face dimmed a bit, but still colored her cheeks a sweet rose. “You wouldn’t mind having a stowaway?” She teased playfully.