Chapter 5: Chapter 4: Courage in the Face of Fear
Serena's Morning
Grace hummed as she flipped pancakes, glancing at the clock with a frown. "Still asleep, I tried to wake her up but you now" she muttered shaking her head. She turned to Fletchling, perched nearby. "You know what to do."
The tiny bird chirped and darted upstairs. Moments later, Serena's voice echoed through the house.
"Fletchling, stop it!"
Grace chuckled as she plated the pancakes. "Every single time."
Upstairs, Serena groaned as she shooed Fletchling away. "Why does it always have to peck so hard?" she muttered, rubbing her forehead.
Later, at the Rhyhorn track, Serena mounted the Pokémon under her mother's watchful eye.
"Keep your balance! and dont open your mouth ! steady!"Grace called out from the sidelines.
"I'm trying!" Serena replied, gripping tightly.
But the Rhyhorn bucked unexpectedly, and Serena tumbled off, landing in the dirt with a frustrated groan.
"You're being hesitant again,you need to be more confident Sarena" Grace said, offering her a hand.
Serena sighed, dusting herself off. "Mom you know I always try,maybe its just that I am not cut out for this "
Grace's expression softened. "You'll get there, Serena. It just takes time."
The Scene at Prism Tower
By evening, Prism Tower stood ominously over Lumiose City. Crowds gathered below as Officer Jenny coordinated with her team.
"Stay back!" she called. "It's too dangerous to approach!"
News broadcasts echoed around the plaza.
"This is a live report from Prism Tower, where a rampaging Garchomp has caused mass panic. Authorities are trying to contain the situation, but the Pokémon's aggression has made it impossible to intervene."
Ash arrived on the scene, scanning the chaos. Pikachu's ears twitched, sensing danger.
Nearby, Clemont and Bonnie stood at the edge of the crowd.
"What's happening to Garchomp?" Bonnie asked, gripping her brother's sleeve.
"It must be in pain," Clemont replied, adjusting his glasses.
Ash overheard them and turned. "Do you know another way into the tower?"
Clemont hesitated, then nodded. "There's a service entrance in the back. I can try to open it."
The trio hurried to the side of the tower. Clemont worked quickly at the control panel, his tools clinking as he adjusted the circuits.
"This should do it," he said, and the door clicked open.
But just as Ash stepped forward, a Hyper Beam from above crashed into the doorway, sending debris flying.
"Get back!" Ash yelled, shielding Clemont and Bonnie.
The three coughed as dust filled the air.
Clemont inspected the entrance, now completely blocked. "We can't get in this way."
Ash turned to them. "Are you two okay?"
"We're fine," Clemont assured him. "You should go ahead. We'll stay back here."
Ash hesitated, then nodded. As he turned toward the tower, he noticed Froakie standing in front of , its gaze fixed on him determind.
"You want to come with me?" Ash asked softly.
Froakie crooaked firmly giving him a"Frokie fro frokie"
Ash smiled faintly. "Alright. Let's go."
The Water-type leapt onto his shoulder, taking its place opposite Pikachu.
Clemont and Bonnie watched him retreat.
"He's so brave and always concentrates on things he is doing" Clemont said, adjusting his glasses.
Bonnie nodded. "Yep he's amazing."
Serena's Evening
At home, Serena walked into the kitchen, grabbing a water bottle from the fridge.
Grace stirred a pot on the stove, glancing at her daughter. "How's the shoulder?"
"It's fine," Serena replied flatly, sipping her water.
"You can't give up so easily," Grace said.
Serena rolled her eyes. "I'm not giving up."
Grace chuckled, turning to the television. Her smile faded as she saw the breaking news.
"Look at this," she said, gesturing toward the screen.
Serena turned, her breath catching as she saw the scene at Prism Tower. The news broadcast showed a young Trainer standing on the second floor balcony of the tower with his Pokémon.
"This Trainer has risked everything to reach the distressed Garchomp," the reporter said.
"Is this some kind of movie what is its name?"Sarena asked nonchaalantly thinking it was just a movie.
"Nope it is pretty much real ,it is happening in Lumiose city"Grace replied.
That was when Sarena obsereved the situation clearly and saw the trainer.
Serena's mind start racing as she stared at the screen. The Trainer's hair seemed a bit familiar, but she couldn't quite place it.
Grace looked at her daughter. "Do you think he is the Garchomp's trainer?"
But Sarena did not respond clearly focusing her eyes only focusing on the trainer's back.
But her mind wouldn't stop racing as she searched for the answer as to who the trainer could be.
Grace also did not ask her anything but she did heave a sign of relief seeing Sarena distracted(not noticing exactly seeing where Sarena 's eyes were directed)and not complaing about how she always got hurt while practicing rhyhorn racing.
Inside Prism Tower, Ash climbed the narrow stairwell, his heart pounding. Every step felt heavier as he drew closer to Garchomp.
Pikachu nuzzled his cheek, while Froakie balanced effortlessly on his other shoulder.
Outside, Professor Sycamore arrived at the scene, pushing through the crowd.
"Officer Jenny," he said, catching his breath. "I'm so sorry. This is my fault."
"Professor," Jenny replied, her tone firm. "Now isn't the time for apologies. We need a solution."
Sycamore looked up at the tower, his eyes narrowing as he spotted ,figure of Ash reaching the balcony of the second floor.
"Is that…" He gasped. "Ash?"
Jenny followed his gaze, her expression showed a worried look.
"That kid… what the hell is he doing there?"
Reaching the balcony
Ash reached the second balcony, stepping cautiously onto the platform. Garchomp stood before him, its claws gripping the wall. Its growls reverberated through the air, echoing around the tower.
"Garchomp, please," Ash said, his voice steady despite the fear gripping him. "I just want to help."
The Pokémon snarled, its tail lashing out, narrowly missing Ash.
Ash's breath hitched as he realized just how close he was to danger. One wrong move, and I'm done for.
Pikachu and Froakie tensed, their eyes locked on Garchomp.
"Please, trust me," Ash said, taking another step forward.
For a moment, Garchomp hesitated, its growls softening.
But then its eyes flared with rage, and it unleashed another Hyper Beam. Ash dove to the side, his body slamming against the wall as he barely avoided the beam's destructive power.
"Garchomp, stop!" he shouted.
The Dragon Pokémon roared, spreading its wings. With a powerful leap, it ascended to the highest balcony at the top of the tower.
Ash watched it go, his chest heaving.
From below, Clemont and Bonnie stared in awe.
"He was so close" Bonnie whispered.
Clemont adjusted his glasses, his admiration clear. "That guy's something else I dont how he can be so calm even while facing that hyper beam directed right at him "clearly not knowing how Ash/Tom was actually feeling.
Sycamore stood beside them with a clearly worried face for both Ash as well as for Gorchomp, his eyes fixed on the young Trainer.
Ash on the other side could be see standing on the second balcony, gazing at the top of the tower where Garchomp had disappeared to.
From below, the crowd watched in tense silence, their hearts collectively racing.
And back at home, Serena stared at the television, her fingers tightening around her water bottle.Her face etched with genuine concern.
Her mind echoed a single thought: Who is he,have I seen him somewhere?