Ash~ Where are we going to train?" Serena asked, her voice soft but curious, as she followed behind Ash, who had been walking steadily ahead without showing any sign of stopping.
But Ash didn't answer her directly. Instead, he gently lifted Froakie the Bubble Frog Pokémon onto his shoulder, scanning the forest floor and underbrush for signs of wild Pokémon. His eyes remained focused ahead as he turned the question back toward Serena:
"At yesterday's evening student meeting, when Professor Oak asked each of us to talk about our dreams, you said you weren't sure what you liked doing or what your dream was."
"That really stuck with me," Ash admitted. "Have you thought more about it since then, Serena?"
"I..." Serena hesitated, her expression becoming thoughtful and a bit conflicted. "I hadn't really thought about that before."
For a long time, Serena had been shy and lacked confidence. She had never dared to imagine herself chasing big dreams. In her mind, with her reserved personality and modest talents, there didn't seem to be anything she could truly excel at.
But ever since joining the summer camp, and especially under Ash's encouragement and guidance during the opening challenge, Serena had started to feel something new stirring inside her. In just the past couple of days, she'd started seriously reflecting on her future.
"My mother is famous in Kalos for Iron-Armored Rhyhorn riding," she continued. "She's a celebrated rider. Do you think I should follow in her footsteps?"
"Do you enjoy Rhyhorn racing?" Ash asked gently, though he already had a good idea where her heart truly lay. While he remembered from the manga that Serena would eventually become a Pokémon Performer, he didn't want to impose that future on her. Dreams aren't something that should be chosen for someone else they must come from within.
Real dreams are born from passion and conviction. Only when someone feels that deep yearning can it become a powerful driving force. A dream handed down from another isn't a dream it's a burden.
And because he cared deeply for Serena, Ash wanted her to find her true purpose not something inherited, but something uniquely her own.
"Rhyhorn racing?" Serena repeated, her voice quieter now. "My mom wanted me to train at home to prepare for it, and though I always resisted it outwardly, the truth is... I never really hated it."
"I'm very proud of my mom," she said honestly. "But although I respected her career, I just didn't find the same excitement in it. At first, when I began training, everything felt new and interesting, but after a while... the fun just wasn't there."
"I felt like I didn't belong in that world. I didn't have the instinct or thrill for it. I just don't think I'm suited to be a Rhyhorn racer," she admitted, looking down at the path. "But... I've never been brave enough to tell her that. She's always expected me to take over her legacy."
Ash listened carefully, nodding slightly. He didn't see anything wrong in what Serena was saying. People shouldn't be forced into careers or dreams they don't love. Doing something you dislike every day only leads to frustration and mediocrity.
Sure, under her mother's mentorship and with rigorous training, Serena might become a skilled Rhyhorn racer maybe even reaching a score of 70 or 80 out of 100 in competitions. But if she didn't genuinely love it, she'd never reach her full potential. She could never surpass her mother's achievements, nor find fulfillment in the career.
It was a common theme even in his past life or this one many accomplished parents wanted their children to carry on their legacy. They hoped to pass down their will, their pride, and their success. But such expectations didn't always align with what their children wanted.
Ordinary families might leave the future open, but parents who had made their mark often clung more tightly to ideas of inheritance and continuation.
Yet, younger generations often feel a strong desire to blaze their own trails to carve out achievements in fields completely different from those of their parents, to create their own legacies. That was likely what Serena was beginning to feel.
"If you can find your own dream, Serena," Ash said sincerely, "then you should have an honest talk with your mom when the time comes. I think she'll understand and support you because, more than anything else, you're her daughter."
"Hmm~" Hearing Ash's comforting words, the worry slowly faded from Serena's face, and a bright, relieved smile lit up her delicate features once more.
"Let's keep talking about dreams," Ash said, gently guiding the conversation back to the topic they had just touched upon earlier.
"In the entire Pokémon world, the most well-known professions related to Pokémon include: Trainer, Breeder, Coordinator, Pokémon Watcher, Researcher, Sommelier, and Performer."
Although Serena had originally invited Ash to coach her in Pokémon training, their outing had gradually shifted under Ash's influence into a heartfelt discussion about dreams and future paths.
As for the actual training, Ash figured there would be plenty of time for that. Besides, it wasn't a bad idea to let Serena invite him again in the future. Helping her train could always be a good excuse to spend time together.
While meandering through the forest, Ash led Serena in searching for wild Pokémon to study and observe. He used the opportunity to copy some useful moves using his Pokédex's move-trace function similar to how it had been shown in earlier chapters and at the same time, he explained in detail the different career paths related to Pokémon, especially those relevant in both the Kanto and Kalos Regions.
As she listened to Ash's thorough and passionate explanation, Serena found herself admiring his depth of knowledge. It was clear to her that Ash wasn't just someone who loved battling he really understood the world of Pokémon, its diversity, and the many opportunities it offered. At the same time, she was seriously reflecting on which path resonated most with her.
"In the Kalos region," Ash continued, "Pokémon Performers are one of the most popular professional paths, especially for young girls. It's a vibrant, creative field that's really blossomed over the past few years."
"A performer works with her Pokémon to showcase their bond through stage performances synchronized moves, elegant coordination, and mutual trust. These performances often include carefully choreographed routines, stylish Pokémon outfits, and of course, delicious Poké Puffs prepared by the performer herself."
"In official Tripokalon tournaments the main Performer events in Kalos there are rounds focused on Pokémon fashion coordination, Poké Puff decoration, and the overall appeal of a Pokémon's stage presentation. A Performer needs creativity, grace, and strong friendship with her Pokémon."
"The job shares some similarities with Coordinators, who perform in Contests. But while Coordinators aim to show off the elegance and beauty of their Pokémon's moves in a competitive way, Performers focus more on storytelling and shared presence building a beautiful scene with their Pokémon on stage."
"Both jobs are open to everyone, but they attract very different kinds of people. In recent years, the number of boys participating in Contests has grown, but Performers especially those competing in Kalos are still overwhelmingly girls. The profession's flair for beauty, music, fashion, and grace makes it especially appealing to young women."
Ash glanced sideways at Serena, who had gone quiet, listening intently. He gently placed the small Oddish he had been examining back into the grass and gave a teasing smile.
"You know, with your sense of style, love for Pokémon, and cheerful energy, I think Performer might suit you really well, Serena."
Serena didn't immediately respond, but Ash noticed the subtle changes. Her eyes had begun to sparkle with curiosity, and she had started asking more and more questions about Performers how they train, how they choose costumes, how to make Poké Puffs, and more.
Ash could tell she wasn't just being polite Serena was genuinely interested. There was a new light in her expression, a quiet passion that hadn't been there before. It was the same spark he saw in Trainers who had just discovered their path.
Seeing her enthusiasm, a proud smile formed on Ash's lips. "All that talking paid off," he thought to himself. "Looks like I was right to bring this up."
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