Who I Am - Lightning99

Chapter 17:

Hala's Grand Trial

The rest of the day was like a light breeze, calm and peaceful. Lillie spent it watching Ash train Pikachu and Rockruff. He had them battle each other, and then battle the Bagon group that reappeared as meteors from the clifftop. To her, somebody who couldn't get near Pokémon, it was incredible to watch how easily he worked with them. How he let Pikachu rest on his shoulder, Rockruff rub his legs with his fur, how he allowed the Bagon to battle all around him, a decision that sometimes forced him to dodge flying Headbutts. She admired it. There was a reason Ash seemed so calm around them, but Lillie had yet to work it out. It wasn't just that he had previously spent a lot of time with them. He made friends with the hard-headed, naturally stubborn Bagon all too easily.

She and Ash left Kāla'e Bay around mid-afternoon – Ash finally exclaimed his hunger after training for so long. They stopped by Mallow's shop for some food, at which the cheerful waitressing-chef was delighted. Mallow didn't bring up the fact that Lillie missed their shopping trip nor the message from the night before, to Lillie's relief.

Bidding their friend adieu when they finished, Lillie followed Ash out onto the street, the golden bells on the door jingling behind her.

"Thanks for showing me that training area today, Lillie! I'll be sure to make the most of it," Ash brightly said just as they were about to part.

"Oh, it's no problem. Thank you for letting me come along," Lillie replied.

"What are friends for, right?" Ash grinned, gesturing over his shoulder. "Well, I'm gonna head back. See you soon!"

"Yes, see you soon, Ash," Lillie said and waved at him as he jogged away. Lillie turned her back on Ash, but she forgot what she had wanted to say all day: thank you. So far, he was the only person to attempt to earnestly help her with her fear. She thought the least she could do was thank him for that, too.

Spinning around, Lillie opened her mouth to call him back, but Ash hadn't moved far. He was stood at an intersection up the road – the one leading into the market – his eyes focused on something. A moment later, he turned away from his route and ran into the market. Curious, but also keen to deliver her message to him, Lillie jogged after him.

Ash was following something; Lillie couldn't see what it was. She followed him, anyway, calling his name trying to catch his attention while she did. They went through the market, down along the riverside and through a forest path; Lillie found it difficult to keep up with Ash's athleticism.

At the end of the path stood what was once a large warehouse but was now a ruin. The copper-coloured gable roof was rust, ripped and torn apart. Moss as luminous as an Energy Ball grabbed the grey walls in the places there weren't any holes or shattered windows; there was even a tree twisting through one of the windows. Lillie saw Ash climb the trunk to get inside because the door was collapsed and littered with rubble.

Lillie jogged to the trunk in pursuit. "Ash!" Lillie called out, peering past a mangled branch and through a hole in the wall. It didn't appear that Ash heard her, but she could hear everything he said as if the room inside were an echoing chamber.

"So, this is where you're living," Ash said, slumping down onto a piece of littered rock. Lillie couldn't see who he was talking to. "I've been wondering since I saw you in the market. Are you the same Litten from the ceremony?"

A Litten? Lillie wondered. That was the first she had heard of Ash's connection to such a Pokémon.

"Pika."

"No, huh? Are you a stray?"

"Pikachu!"

"You are…" Ash slowly said, trailing off. He shrugged off his backpack and withdrew something from it. A sparkling red apple. "Here, Litten. You're hungry, right?"

Lillie definitely heard the small Pokémon cry that time. It sounded delighted.

Once again, Pikachu gave a cry and Ash chuckled. "No need to thank us. If there's something I can do to help, I gotta do it! Now more than ever."

As Ash made to give Litten some more delicacies from his backpack and delved into a conversation, Lillie wondered. It was as if Ash understood what Litten was saying. It was as if Pikachu was translating it. But she quickly ignored that thought. What was more important to her was this scene, the unveiling of a side to her new friend that made him seem an even better person than she already thought he was. That selflessness of his was genuine.

"Say, Litten," Ash said, "instead of having to steal from the kind lady at the market – and I know she doesn't mind – but would you like to come with us for a while? We can help you out until you decide what you want to do."

Having heard that proposal, Lillie felt her thanks could wait. She didn't want to interrupt the moment. Stepping away from the gap, she heard Litten cry out once again, and then headed back down the path, towards home. She didn't know if that benevolence was what all Pokémon trainers were like or if it was just Ash, but either way, he was amazing.

The three-day interlude Ash had to train for Hala's Grand Trial passed, each a day filled with accomplishment and success. Pikachu and Rockruff were in perfect shape. Their moves were polished, their determination fiercer than ever before. The Grand Trial was all that was on their minds in that training time. Ash reserved time for the timid Litten he had accompanying him after their training ended. The small Fire-Type watched the battles curiously but made no effort to approach either of Ash's other Pokémon despite Pikachu's magnetised desire to befriend him. One thing that did interest him, however, was that there were less Bagon there each day.

Other than Pikachu's bruised friendliness from Litten's rejections, they were ready for the trial. Ash called for a brief training session after lunch to warm them up for the battle, and now they were at the steps into Iki Town, peering up at the tiki-light in the night.

"Ash!" Kukui hollered, striding toward him at the top of the steps. "You're finally here!"

"Alola!" Ash said.

"Alola, Ash," Lillie cheerfully said beside Kukui.

"You ready for your Grand Trial? After you told Mallow the other day, she spread the news like a Sweet Scent, so naturally, everyone's here to watch! I can't wait to see what kinda moves you dish out today!" Kukui said.

"Yep, I think I'm ready!" Ash confirmed, punching his palm determinedly.

"After you cleared the first trial so easily, I've been waiting for this! The Melemele Kahuna is strong, cousin!"

"I'm not entirely knowledgeable about the Island Challenge, but even I know clearing the first trial was a great success. If you win today, it will be incredible. Good luck, Ash!" Lillie warmly encouraged, and a loud chime and a rustle from her bag showed Nebby was showing its support also.

"Thanks! Is Hala ready?"

"Hah! Just come see," Kukui said, and he guided Ash up into the plaza.

The stage was set: Hala stood in the centre of the wooden platform exuding calmness and composure via a crossed-arm stance. The whole arena was edged by flaming torches, and, like the festival battles, bystanders Ash had never met stood in a ring around the plaza chatting loudly, clearly awaiting the Grand Trial. Stood to the left of the platform were his friends.

Taking one deep breath, Ash walked towards Hala, whose eyes were already locked onto him, his stern face morphing into a tight grin. "Ash! Welcome!" Hala bellowed, causing a collective hush. The people crowding the stage parted for Ash to walk to the left-hand steps, watching him, then enclosed again, eagerly.

"It's good to be here," Ash said, nodding towards his friends beside him, now joined by Lillie. Litten scampered from his side to the fence, watching from a distance. Ash stepped up onto the stage and shook Hala's large hand.

"Are you prepared?" Hala asked, stepping back into position on the opposite end of the platform. Ash mimicked him, retreating into his position, the bonfire blazing in the dark to his left.

"Of course!"

"Hoho! I thought you would say so! I have been waiting for this!" Hala bellowed. Hala crouched down low, planting his feet sturdier than a Golem. He lifted his left foot first, stamping it like a sumo wrestler. He then did the same with his right, then thrust his arms forwards into a pose. At that, the crowd roared. Ash guessed it was probably a significant gesture. "Allow me to properly greet you as a young adventurer partaking in the Island Challenge. I am Hala, the Kahuna of Melemele Island." Retreating from his stance, Hala's face turned stoic. "Shall we begin the Grand Trial?"

"Let's do it!" Ash shouted. On his shoulder, Pikachu shared his enthusiasm with a loud yell.

"In that case, let the Grand Trial begin!" Hala shouted.

Once more, the crowd yelled cheers and encouragement to either party. Ash heard his friends wishing him good luck the loudest. But when Hala reached into his shawl and withdrew a Pokéball, Ash automatically drowned everything out. He focused on Hala, the spin of the ball as he tossed it. He was ready.

"Come on out, Crabrawler!" Hala bellowed.

Hala's first Pokémon was one Ash had seen before, only briefly. He thought back to that day he saw the Growlithe sidling around some berries. Crabrawler's meaty blue claws were the two large ones he had questioned as berries. Growlithe's caution made more sense now that he scanned the crab's purple body, the sharp glint in its eye. It was definitely a Fighting-Type. In that case, Ash was up to the challenge.

"Rockruff, you're up!" Ash called, tossing his finger to the battlefield. Rockruff jumped up, unfazed by the enemy's threatening appearance. His grin was determined, his stance low and ready, a wolf prowling.

"Oh ho, interesting choice, Ash. Very well! Crabrawler, use Rock Smash!" As Crabrawler jumped in and everyone began cheering – a sound like a whisper to Ash – nobody saw the shadow observing in the trees.

"Alright Rockruff, face it straight on with Tackle!" Rockruff dived in eagerly at his scuttling opponent. "Steel yourself!" Ash added as the distance closed. Crabrawler's fist slammed into Rockruff's Tackle, the obvious type-advantage overpowering the Rock Type. But Rockruff didn't move far. Having tensed his body on Ash's command, he absorbed the blow like a mini Endure, stabbing his paws into the wood. He only skidded a few feet. Ash grinned. "Use your agility and dive in with Thunder Fang!"

Rockruff's teeth sparked and he latched onto Crabrawler's left fist, delivering the current across his purple-shelled body. "Ingenious… Crabrawler, toss him away with Power-Up Punch!" Crabrawler drew in the fist Rockruff had in a vice, charged it with a red glow, and thrust it upwards, it's speed and power launching the small dog into the air. "Now, Pursuit!" Crabrawler jumped impossibly on its tiny legs, reaching Rockruff rapidly. Crabrawler reared back his dominant fist, glowing a dark purple that time.

"Sand Attack!" Ash briskly reacted. Rockruff swiped a paw across his small, tumbling body, only a few granules spraying into Crabrawler's eyes. It clamped its eyes but unleashed the attack, anyway, scraping Rockruff's side so that he tumbled into a corkscrew. "Alright, you got this! Balance yourself then charge with Tackle before Crabrawler recovers!" Ash saw the opportunity perfectly: Crabrawler couldn't move in mid-air, his eyes were blocked so any quick counter wouldn't work.

Ash's analysis was correct. Rockruff landed, pushed off, and slammed into Crabrawler with Tackle, knocking his across the area before he could react.

"Excellent!" Hala commented, guffawing. Crabrawler climbed to its feet and wiped the excess sand from its eyes. Then, as if it were a natural move, it began punching its fists like a cocky boxer, taunting. "In that case, use multiple Power-Up Punches in front of you to increase your attack!" Hala commanded, staring directly at Ash. Crabrawler listened, and the incessant swishing fists slowed to red, powerful blows to the air. Each time, a red aura engulfed Crabrawler's body too, in the aftermath of a punch. His attack was increasing.

Immediately, Ash knew they couldn't be hit. Maybe they could shoulder one, two hopefully. A third would almost definitely end it. But they couldn't stop it from a distance. "Rockruff, run in there!" Ash shouted. It was risky, but he had a plan already. "Rockruff, ready Bite!" He judged the distance. He squinted, needing to get it perfect. Just as another of Crabrawler's punches ricocheted, Ash yelled, "Jump and grab its antenna, then twist and slam it into the ground!"

It was a swift movement. Crabrawler's fist reached out again but the red aura didn't come. His attack was maxed. As Crabrawler hit the maximum of its reach, almost skimming Rockruff's nose, Rockruff leapt up and caught his antenna between his fanged jaw. A quick but powerful twist of his body pulled Crabrawler over his shoulder. Rockruff released him on his descent, and Crabrawler clattered into the wood.

Fully immersed in the battle and knowing Hala wasn't done yet, Ash called for Rockruff to toss him again. But the second time, as Rockruff twisted and released, Crabrawler gyrated easily and landed on its legs. Then, it scuttled back to Hala's side as smoothly as a Surskit on ice.

"No way!" Ash breathed, not out of disbelief but awe. It was an amazing movement. The Crabrawler was no novice.

"You are just as excellent as I pegged you, Ash. The way in which you use your moves is so innovative! Keep it up! Crabrawler, Bubble Beam!"

"What?!" Ash cried, in disbelief this time. The unexpected stream of bubbles travelled rapidly. Luckily, Rockruff was able to dodge most of them himself. A few scraped his legs and tail, dampening his fur. "Who knew he has a Water-Type move!"

"Again!"

"It won't work twice! Rockruff, run at it with Thunder Fang!"

"Ho! Now, charge forwards and use Rock Smash!" Through the blur of the bubbles popping against Rockruff's electrified fangs, Crabrawler emerged, rearing its fist. It swung its padded claw in a round-punch, heavily hitting into Rockruff's side, the boosted attack dealing critical damage. "Follow it and use Power-Up Punch!" Rockruff slid side-on across the surface; Crabrawler was on him the moment he stopped. Crabrawler reared his claw and it shone red once more.

"Catch it with Thunder Fang!"

"What?!" Hala bellowed in awe as the small dog's jaw lit and then snagged the hammering fist. He stopped it dead, even if the downwards force nearly squashed Rockruff into the stage, splintering the wood. The electricity sparked across Crabrawler's body, wounding him.

"Release it and kick him away!" Using Crabrawler's fist to balance, Rockruff jumped off of his feet and kicked his hind legs into Crabrawler's chest. He released his jaw simultaneously and flipped onto his paws. They were shaky, the scrapes on his body an indicator of his state. "Alright, Sand Attack and follow up with Tackle!"

Rockruff charged once more. "Use Bubble Beam, then ready Power-Up Punch!"

"Rockruff dod–" Ash stopped himself from giving the command. Rockruff didn't seem to want to stop. He charged determinedly at the bubbles. The wave of sand and the bubbles almost cancelled one another out, and Rockruff charged through the dust. He was hit by the remnants of the bubbles but slammed Crabrawler in the chest, nonetheless, knocking him backwards. Crabrawler staggered on his feet, but his fist was charged. He punched across his chest, hitting Rockruff just after the Tackle.

"Rockruff!" Ash called, watching his body tumble then slump. At the same time, Crabrawler collapsed backwards. Everything paused, then the referee spoke.

"It's a draw! Both Rockruff and Crabrawler are unable to battle! That means both parties have one Pokémon remaining!"

Ash re-tuned to the screaming crowd and heard the applause. Indeed, it was an excellent battle. "That was awesome, Rockruff! You were amazing!" Ash lifted the small pup into his arms and handed him off to Mallow, who was the closest to the stage. "Just watch; your efforts are gonna be rewarded!"

Hala crouched down beside Crabrawler. "You did excellently, Crabrawler. Take a well-deserved rest."

"I must say, Ash," Hala said as the young trainer resumed his position, "I haven't had a battle this exciting in a while. That is no insult to any other trainers, you are merely making this incredible for me."

"I agree! I've had loads of battles throughout my journey, but I won't forget this one!" Ash agreed truthfully. He was having so much fun, so much that he felt reborn.

"Let's make this second bout just as good! Hariyama, it's your turn!" The hulking sumo Pokémon emerged from its ball, sending quakes through the stage with its landing.

"I agree! Pikachu, let's win this!" Ash called, extending his arm as he always did. Pikachu ran down his arm and leapt off, landing on all fours before Hariyama, his pouches sparking.

Since the start of the battle, Ash hadn't heard much of the crowd's cheering except his friends in his ear beside him. But, when the elated tone intertwined with surprise, he picked up on it. From what he overheard the crowd were shocked Hala sent out Hariyama. But Ash didn't focus on it. He ignored everything and focused on Hala. As he did, everything silenced again. All he heard was his thoughts and Pikachu as if they were synched.

Ash wasn't going to wait for Hala to begin. He had a significant speed advantage. "Alright Pikachu, use Quick Attack to get in close!" Pikachu dashed right in, the white trail of his speed flickering behind him. Pikachu closed in within a second, and Hariyama lunged.

"Arm Thrust!"

As Ash predicted, Hariyama's attack was extremely laboured when facing Pikachu. His palm was not even close to touching his partner. Before it's shadow even covered him, Pikachu zipped to the side and began encircling Hariyama, knocking into him like pellets, dealing small bursts damage. Hariyama attacked two more times, each missing the mark completely.

"Use your forth attack towards Tapu Koko's shrine and your fifth one-hundred-and-eighty degrees!" Hariyama obeyed Hala. The fourth Arm Thrust was completely off, but Ash knew before he fired it that the final one was going to hit. Hala had judged it so quickly; Pikachu lapped Hariyama one and a half times before he threw another attack. Purposely misdirecting the fourth righted his position to hit the fifth.

"Pikachu, ready Iron Tail in front of you!" Ash quickly called. Pikachu's reaction was immediate, and the Arm Thrust hit his steeled tail. Pikachu was knocked away, but he luckily negated the damage. "Spin and use Thunderbolt!" Ash called through a grin, and Pikachu did.

"Force Palm!" Hala called, gesturing the way he wanted it to be done: one palm raised in front of the body. Hariyama did exactly as Hala did. He raised one palm, using it as a lightning rod for the Thunderbolt. Pikachu's power forced Hariyama's huge frame to slide back a few steps, but he protected his body from the attack. When Hariyama dropped its palm, it was smoking.

"Pikachu Quick Attack again!" Ash called. He had used three moves: Quick Attack, Thunderbolt, and Iron Tail. Hariyama's body was sturdy, and his huge hands could block Thunderbolt from a far enough distance. His final move had to be something powerful, he couldn't waste the final slot. Volt Tackle would probably be his best bet.

"Hariyama, Whirlwind!" Hala commanded. Affirming his stance, Hariyama spun it's two pad-hands around and around, generating a G-force wind. He slammed his palms together, sending it directly at Pikachu. It caught his tiny body and tossed him effortlessly into the air, taking control of his body easily, spinning him into inevitable dizziness.

Ash wasn't expecting something like that. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt again!" Ash called, but the result he planned for didn't happen. While the Thunderbolt flew at Hariyama, who raised his second palm to block it this time – an action that shielded Pikachu from Hala's view – sparks of the Thunderbolt rode the wind, creating a thunderstorm. It disappeared quickly, but now Ash had a plan.

Hariyama blocked Thunderbolt again and dropped its palms. Ash didn't wait until Pikachu touched down. "Charge in again with Quick Attack!"

"It won't work, Ash!" Hala called. "Whirlwind! Then, charge in with Arm Thrust!" Again, Hariyama started rotating his arms in circles.

"Now! Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" Still running forwards, Pikachu's body sparked ferociously. He fired the large bolt directly at Hariyama's exposed body. Hariyama quickly turned its palms outwards to block, but the wind from Whirlwind remained spinning around his limbs. As it did before, the electricity rode the wind as in a storm. It streaked all over Hariyama's body, electrifying him. That was exactly what Ash was going for.

Hala gasped on his side of the battlefield. "Amazing…"

It took Hariyama a few moments to recover from his attack, but Pikachu was already moving.

"Pikachu, Iron Tail repeatedly!"

"Arm Thrust!"

It appeared that the electric blast weakened Hariyama. Pikachu was able to repel his huge palm-thrusts despite the type advantage against Iron Tail and his size. They were equally matched. Pikachu slashed with his tail, bounding side to side, and Hariyama, poised in one position, pumped his hands in and out as quickly as he could. It was almost a standstill. The way Pikachu twisted and jumped away from Hariyama's attacks, only allowing his tail to be hit. The way Hariyama used even his fingers to repel attacks. It was a spectacle.

"Pikachu, you're in close! Thunderbolt!" Blocking one final thrust, Pikachu unleashed the powerful special attack directly into Hariyama's body. The damage made Hariyama stagger, but his sturdy body still did not fall. Ash recalled Pikachu, then stood poised, ready to end it.

"I cannot express my enjoyment over this battle, Ash. Truly, it is exceptional," Hala said and reached to his wrist. There, just like on Ash's wrist, was a Z-Ring.

Hala touched the ring lightly, and a wave of energy shot from it like a geyser, flying into Hariyama, covering him with a yellow glow. Ash felt the energy, the power, from where he stood. Then, Hala moved. He squared his hips low, like saddling a horse, and swung his arms upwards. Then, he began punching. Right, then left, right, then left. As he did, so did Hariyama, and the powerful energy aura began to glow brighter. Hala's punching speed quickened, until he stopped with one final punch, calling one thing.

"Hariyama, All-Out Pummeling!"

A Z-Move! Ash thought, awed. This was the first one he was going to see. He watched as Hariyama began punching again, and then golden fists began flying at Pikachu as if Hariyama's hands were detaching. Ash hadn't seen the Z-Move before, but it wasn't dissimilar to Arm Thrust. He could do this.

"Pikachu, zig-zag with Quick Attack! Keep your distance!"

"Pikachu!" his partner bellowed and bolted. He dashed sideways to dodge the first fist, then used exceptional agility to avoid the second. The barrage progressed: Pikachu side-stepped one, span around another. He dodged side to side as best he could, but they were coming much too fast and only speeding up. He started getting scraped by the blows, but not knocked off his feet. Ash knew each connection hurt. He felt that it did. "Keep it up! We're almost there!"

Pikachu dodged and dodged and dodged the fists and palms hurdling towards him. He skipped one and was knocked sideways by another, but that hit allowed him to dodge another. The final few made direct contact.

Pikachu stopped moving when the barrage ended, panting. Ash opened his mouth to praise him, but he saw it. Hariyama's palm pulled back, charged with a Z-Move glow. When he thrust it forward, a huge palm was thrown at Pikachu. It was rocket fast, too fast, too large to dodge. It slammed directly into Pikachu's left shoulder for the first time in the fight, knocking him flying across the stage. At that moment, Ash realised the epic but frightening nature of Z-Moves.

"Pikachu!" Ash called in worry, but he didn't know why. He trusted Pikachu, he felt his determination. It was still hard to see him injured.

Pikachu's small body stilled for a few seconds after the assault, and everyone in the crowd leaned forward. Slowly, Pikachu rose. He pushed hard on the stage, his paws wobbling. Ash knew he would rise; Pikachu had experienced such a struggle many times before. He felt that he would. When Pikachu climbed onto his paws once more, panting and bruised, clutching his left shoulder, one of his eyes shut to bear the pain, the crowd roared.

"Unbelievable tenacity…" Hala commented once more, under his breath.

"Let's do this, Pikachu! Quick Attack!"

Pikachu yelled a war cry and darted in like a bolt of lightning, his wounds not stopping him. He enclosed on Hariyama, who already had its right palm pulled back again. "Force Palm!" Ash heard Hala say, but he smirked.

"Pikachu, dart right and then use Volt Tackle!" Ash yelled out. He knew Volt Tackle came with recoil, but he trusted Pikachu could handle it. His determination would be the factor that kept him up.

Hala's eyes became astonished when Pikachu made two instantaneous right angles. The first allowed him to dodge the fatal Force Palm. On the second, his body became engulfed in lightning, streaking behind him to the other end of the stage. Pikachu leapt powerfully up into Hariyama's chest and sent the mountainous sumo flying, electricity all over his body.

Pikachu flipped once and dispersed the lightning. He landed on all fours, staggered because of the recoil, but remained on his feet. Ash was right: he survived.

Hariyama, on the other hand, crashed into the stage, which quaked under his bulky weight. A few seconds passed, and Ash heard the beautiful words. "Hariyama has fainted! That means the winner is Ash and Pikachu, the challengers!"

And the arena erupted. The crowd was as loud as the ones he witnessed at any Pokémon League; his friends' screams the loudest of all. Rockruff, elated, leapt back onto the stage and into Ash's arms. Out of the corner of his eye, Ash saw the Litten right at the front of the crowd, its golden eyes shimmering with admiration. Louder even than Kiawe screaming brotherly pride, Hala's claps thundered.

"Ash, that was a magnificent battle! I thoroughly enjoyed it, myself, and I hope you did too! Overcoming Hariyama's Z-Move was near-impossible! I commend your battling ability!" Hala sounded overjoyed in his praise.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, just like in his battle with Hau, Tapu Koko's hoot echoed over every other sound. Hala, with an astonished face, grinned.

"It seems as though Tapu Koko agrees!"

Ash grinned too. He reached out a hand to Hala, who shook it gladly. "I can see why you're a Kahuna. Your tactics were amazing, the understanding between you and your Pokémon was the best! One day, I'd like to battle you again!"

"I completely agree," Hala said. "Now then, as the victor of this Grand Trial, I award you, Ash–"

"Ketchum," Ash informed after a moment's confusion. He forgot to tell everyone his surname.

"Ketchum?!" Hala coughed. "I award you, Ash Ketchum, with the Fightinium-Z, a Z-Crystal enabling you to perform the Fighting-Type Z-Move All-Out Pummeling. This is the token of your victory here today."

"Thank you, Hala!" Ash said, joyously taking the Z-Crystal from Hala. The next thing Ash knew, Kiawe was shaking his shoulders and screaming in his ear, Hau was yelling about a party, and Mallow was clutching his arm in untameable joy.

At that moment, Ash was wholeheartedly happy again. The beginning of his new journey was completed. Ash couldn't wait for what was to come.