The reason Ash wanted to guide and inspire Serena to find her dream was simple — he wanted her to become stronger, better, to shine brighter than anyone else.
After all… wasn't she his future wife?
In the original anime timeline, Serena had obediently followed her mother's expectations, training to become a Rhyhorn racer. But deep down, she had no love for it.
Even after receiving her starter Pokémon and traveling alongside Ash, Clemont, and Bonnie for a long time, Serena still hadn't found her own dream. She remained lost.
It wasn't until much later, after being inspired by Shauna, that Serena discovered what truly set her heart ablaze — becoming a Pokémon Performer.
That's when she began working hard toward her new dream, participating in the Pokémon Showcase, slowly advancing step by step.
But… by then, it already felt a little late to be starting.
Even so, Serena was undeniably gifted in the performing arts. Despite her late start, she blazed through the rookie stages and advanced all the way to the Master Class Showcase — the prestigious three-crown satellite circuit.
She didn't just compete — she excelled. Serena made it to the final showdown, performing on the same stage as Kalos's most dazzling performer, the reigning Kalos Queen, Aria.
Though Serena ultimately lost, she caught the attention of even Aria's mentor — the previous Kalos Queen, Palermo — who personally came to recruit Serena as her disciple.
That alone was proof of just how much talent Serena had.
A quiet girl… with thunder in her soul.
People who seem timid on the surface often unleash the strongest power once they find their confidence.
And Serena… was the perfect example.
Yet no matter how talented she was, starting late had its costs.
She had wasted a lot of time.
If she had realized her passion from the beginning, if she had known what she truly wanted, Ash was certain she could've achieved even more on the path of a Performer.
That's why Ash wanted to help her awaken her dream early.
Before she even left the training camp, he wanted Serena to find that spark in her heart — and start preparing for the road ahead.
And right now, thanks to his patient guidance, Serena was already showing strong interest in becoming a Performer.
But interest alone wasn't enough.
Ash knew he had to help her make that final step — to recognize this passion as her dream.
"Serena, after everything I just explained… I think you already know your answer."
Ash, who had been walking ahead, suddenly stopped. He turned around and looked at the girl, who had been deep in thought.
"Eh?" Serena blinked in confusion, startled by the sudden question.
Despite listening to Ash talk so much, she still hadn't clearly figured out what her dream was. She still felt lost.
"I… I'm sorry, Ash. You said so much, and I really appreciate it… but I still don't know what I love to do. My dream… still feels out of reach."
Her head drooped. Her voice trembled with guilt.
She felt so useless — even after all of Ash's effort, she was still lost.
But Ash simply smiled and shook his head.
He wasn't disappointed in the slightest.
He stepped forward and gently placed his hands on her shoulders, lifting her chin to meet his eyes.
"Serena… you've already found your dream."
"W-What!?" Her eyes widened. Surprise and confusion filled her face, as if saying: Really? When did that happen?
Ash grinned. She looked so adorably bewildered — it made his heart swell with affection.
"People who are lost often act on instinct," Ash said. "Like a Pokémon drawn to light or warmth — they gravitate toward things that make them happy… even if they don't fully realize it."
"And those feelings — they show themselves. Through your words. Through your expression."
Ash's eyes locked onto hers, unwavering.
"When someone hears or sees something they care about, they light up. They talk more. They ask questions. They share. Their emotions come pouring out."
"So Serena…" Ash's hands remained gently on her shoulders, his gaze reassuring.
"When you repeated what I told you — rephrased it in your own words — you were already reflecting your heart."
"The thing you described in the most detail… the one you kept asking me about… that's the thing you care about the most."
"Now, think back to earlier. When I talked about Trainers, Breeders, Coordinators, Sommeliers, Performers… which profession caught your attention the most?"
"Which one made you ask me the most questions?"
Ash tilted his head, smiling gently.
"Um…" Serena furrowed her brows, thinking.
But this time, she didn't take long.
She looked up, eyes shining.
"It was… Performer. When you talked about Pokémon Performers, I felt the most excited. That's what interested me the most."
She was just a six-year-old, but in the Pokémon world, a six-year-old already had the awareness of a sixteen-year-old from Ash's previous life.
Serena was also a clever, thoughtful girl.
"To be a Pokémon Performer, you need to have a sense of fashion, a love for sweets like Poké Puffs, and the ability to express yourself through performance."
"I… I do love fashion," Serena confessed with growing excitement.
"Back home, I used to spend my allowance on fashion magazines by Valerie — the famous designer from the Laverre Gym!"
"And even though I'm not the best at cooking, I'm really passionate about baking. I've tried baking cakes, cookies… even Poké Puffs using recipe books!"
"But the most important thing is the stage…" Her eyes softened.
"Because I used to be so shy, so timid… I've always admired people who could stand in the spotlight and shine."
"Ash, I really love Pokémon Performances. I want to become a Pokémon Performer."
Ash didn't even need to say anything else.
Serena had walked herself to the truth. She had peeled back the fog and uncovered the flame in her heart.
"Oh? Then let me ask you again."
Ash smiled warmly, his voice filled with pride.
"What's your dream, Serena?"
Serena's eyes were blazing now. No more hesitation.
Only determination.
"A Performer — a Pokémon Performer! That's my dream! That's what I want to be!"
"Haha!"
Ash couldn't help but laugh joyfully.
"Well then… didn't I say it? You already knew your dream all along."
And as he looked at the girl in front of him — her eyes lit with purpose, her posture proud — Ash's smile grew even brighter.
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T/N:
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