Ash stepped into the administration block at Indigo Plateau, ignoring the receptionist behind the desk. He strode across the room, entering the elevator which carried him up to his office. He walked in, removing his hat and sat behind his desk, waiting. A few minutes later the door swung open and Cynthia walked in.

"Ash." She said, remaining standing. Ash rose to greet her.

"Cynthia." He said. "Please, take a seat."

Cynthia did so, before looking around. "I'm sorry." She said.

"Sorry?"

"I was the one who told you that Sonia could be trusted. That you should bring her in as a student. It was my mistake."

"I'm afraid not." Ash said. "I took your opinion on board, but ultimately it was my decision. She fooled me as well, as well as all of my Pokémon. That is more the most worrying aspect of this – I have no idea how she managed it."

"Where is she now?" Cynthia asked.

"I assume somewhere in police custody." Ash answered. "Where precisely, I do not know."

"I see." Cynthia said, before hesitating. Ash didn't miss it, but waited another moment before talking.

"Ask." He said.

"I'm sorry?"

"Ask." Ash said again. "Whatever question is burning inside you, ask it. You can ask me anything, you should know that by now Cynthia."

Cynthia took a deep breath. "Is it true?"

"Is what true?" Ash asked.

"Is what Sonia said true?" Cynthia asked. "I know you knew about the dangers of fighting Tobias before you did, but the other things? Have you caused upheaval in the Wilds? And the man who she said was complaining about you, I remember him. What happened to him?"

Ash leaned back in his chair, gazing at Cynthia with an infuriatingly calm expression on his face.

"Do you really think that I could do any of those things?"

"I…" Cynthia said, faltering. She didn't think Ash was capable of the things he had been accused of, but despite the closeness of their respective roles in the Pokémon League, she still didn't know that much about him. "I… I don't think so."

Ash raised an eyebrow. Cynthia drew back slightly. She had the impression that Ash was slightly displeased with her answer.

"Some are true, some are not." Ash said. "I did once cause significant upheaval in the Wilds."

"You did?" Cynthia asked in surprise.

"Yes." Ash said. "It is a long story."

"Is it one that you will share?"

Ash smiled slightly. "Why not. It might help to dissuade some of your fears." He leaned back in his chair slightly. "You remember Gliscor?"

"Yes." Cynthia said. "A very powerful Pokémon, scared Lance's Dragonite."

Ash chuckled. "Yes. He is what I have frequently termed a 'region Pokémon'. He is dominant over a region of wild Pokémon. There are many like him, typically the strongest Pokémon in the area."

"Is that why you asked him for permission?" Cynthia asked.

"Yes. To go into one of these Pokémon's territory, particularly so far from human habitation, getting permission is a good idea."

"Do they often give it easily?"

Ash chuckled. "Typically no."

"Then how did you get it?"

"I earned loyalty from each of the Region Pokémon." Ash said. "The only way they know how. I beat each of them in a fight."

"You did?" Cynthia asked.

"Sometimes my Pokémon, sometimes myself." Ash said. "And no, I won't say how I was able to defeat them."

"Is that what caused the upheaval?"

"Yes." Ash said. "It brought me into direct conflict with one of the most powerful non-legendary Pokémon in the world. We have never met, but forcing so many Pokémon to switch their allegiance to me caused significant upheaval."

"So Sonia is right?" Cynthia asked. "You have caused problems out there."

"No." Ash said. "I finished beating each of them more than eight years ago."

Cynthia opened her mouth to talk but nothing came out. She shut it, tried again but still nothing came out. Ash watched her an amused expression on his face as she tried to get something out. Eventually Cynthia was able to take a big breath and talk again.

"So she is lying? They are stable?"

"Still no." Ash said. "They are switching their allegiance back. I have recently had it confirmed that the switch is the work of Sonia."

"How?" Cynthia asked excitedly.

"She attacked Mystery Island." Ash said, his expression calm and his voice emotionless. "The attack was spearheaded by the Pokémon I took the loyalties from. Sonia was there as well. They were able to kidnap my mother."

Silence fell once again as Cynthia processed this new information. This was the first time that she had ever heard of Ash being beaten at anything.

"I'm so sorry." Cynthia said. "I can't imagine how…"

"I will get her back." Ash said. "The attack reflected how Sonia is struggling against me. I am harder to beat than she realised."

"Still…" Cynthia said before something else occurred to her. "Is that why you fell out of contact?"

"Yes." Ash said. "The attack was ferocious and caused the island to lose its links to the mainland. They have since been re-established."

Cynthia nodded. "What about the man who was criticising you?"

"He vanished." Ash said. "We were never able to track him down. I am guessing that this was the work of Sonia as well, but I have no evidence."

"Right." Cynthia said. "But it wasn't you?"

"No." Ash said. "Now, are you happier?"

"I guess."

"Good, because I have a job for you. These allegations could be very damaging, not just to my reputation but to the image of the Pokémon League. I need you to assist in investigating them."

"I… Okay." Cynthia said. "How?"

"Go to the police." Ash said. "You are not me, and you are the main face of the League. You should be able to get a look at the evidence."

"And you want me to report back to you?" Cynthia asked.

"No." Ash said. "I want you to ensure the investigation is properly carried out to its conclusion. The evidence will exonerate me."

"Then why hasn't it already?"

"That I'm not sure about." Ash said. "I will be investigating that myself. However, you cannot report to me in the interim."

"Why?" Cynthia asked. "You're the Pokémon Master."

"And if I cannot find a way to ensure that I am found innocent, the job returns to my predecessor." Ash said. "You."

Cynthia didn't say anything. She hadn't even considered what the result would be if Ash were to be stripped of his title, not even thinking that it would be possible. Yet if he was, she would get the top job back. She had to admit, it was something she knew she would find hard to be upset about.

"And if that transition is to happen smoothly, you must be independent from me." Ash said. "The world needs to be able to unite underneath you if it cannot unite beneath me."

"Do you think it is likely?" Cynthia asked.

"No." Ash said. "But I would be a fool if I didn't plan for all possible situations."

"Very well." Cynthia said. "I will go and liaise with the police."

"Good." Ash said. "This will be our last meeting until this is resolved Cynthia. I am afraid you cannot contact me as for how it will look to the Pokémon League. Do you understand?"

"Yes." Cynthia said. "Just one question. Who is the Pokémon that Sonia is using to turn others against you?"

"It is a Cleffa."

"You're kidding right?" Cynthia blurted out before she could stop herself. "A Cleffa?"

"Yes." Ash said simply.

"How?"

"That I'm not sure." Ash said. "There is a reason but it has been difficult to uncover. I will do so eventually."

The door behind Cynthia swung open and she rose from her seat. Ash came around his desk once more.

"Goodbye Cynthia." He said shaking her hand. "Hopefully I will see you again soon."

"We'll see you soon?" Misty asked. Dawn shrugged as she leaned on the doorframe from the outside. She was saying goodbye to Misty and Gary as she departed Pallet Town.

"I'm going to be in Hoenn for a while."

"But you'll be back for the wedding?" Misty pressed. Dawn laughed.

"No need to worry." She said. "I'm only going to be in Hoenn for a week or so, then I'll be back in Kanto collecting ribbons ahead of the Grand Festival. I'm sure I'll see you again soon."

"And Ash." Gary said quietly.

Dawn didn't say anything just met Gary's eye with a slightly sad expression on her face. She had clashed again with Drew the night before and this time May hadn't bothered to intervene. The result had been Dawn storming off to spend the night somewhere that "I don't have to share with scum" was the way she had phrased it. She had set her tent up in the far reaches of the ranch, although she hadn't slept well. Dawn was convinced that she had been being watched by something, but when she had checked she hadn't been able to find anything.

"At least I'll be away from Drew." Dawn said, more brightly. "Probably a good thing for everybody that."

Gary chuckled. "It's been a long time since somebody shouted at him like that."

"He deserved it." Dawn said angrily. "Just because Ash has been gone for so long doesn't mean…"

"Dawn, you're preaching to the converted." Misty said, making a calming motion with her hands. "What?" She asked, rounding on Gary as he sniggered next to her.

"It's just funny to watch you calming somebody else down Red." Gary said. "Usually it is us doing it to you!"

Despite herself Misty smiled. "Well, I have mellowed somewhat…"

This time it was both Dawn and Gary that were laughing. Misty glared at them both before turning back into the laboratory. "Goodbye Dawn." She grumped as she stomped away. They watched her go, still laughing.

"What will you do if he contacts you?" Dawn asked.

"I don't know." Gary said honestly. "I mean… it has been so long, and he is so different… How do you talk to him after all that has happened?"

"I'm not sure." Dawn said, a determined look on her face. "But I'm not losing him again. Ash was my closest friend for a year and he helped me to become the coordinator I am today. I'll do whatever it takes to keep him next time."

Gary nodded as Dawn turned to head away. "You're right" he murmured. "But how do you find a way to relate to somebody so… different."

Gary shut the door and turned to head back into the laboratory. He saw Brock stick his head out of the kitchen.

"Dawn gone then?" he asked. Gary nodded. "Maybe Ash will come and see her now then."

"What do you mean?" Gary asked as he stepped into the kitchen past Brock.

"Your grandfather said that he would probably come to us alone next time." Brock said. "Maybe with Dawn leaving he's more likely to appear to her?"

"You make him sound like a ghost." Gary said quietly as he thought about what Brock said.

"He isn't one, but he may as well be. The Pokémon Master is as good as a ghost based off people who have met him."

"We all have." Misty said from across the room. "He seemed pretty solid."

"That's not what I meant." Brock said as he stirred a pot that was bubbling away on the cooker. "He appears in public so rarely. If it wasn't for his appearances at the World League most people wouldn't have seen him for years."

"He has a point." Gary said as he took a seat next to Misty.

"I know." Misty said heavily. "What happened to him? He used to be this kid who would throw himself at anything. He was the friendliest kid, even if he did like trashing bikes."

Brock smiled grimly. "Ask yourself Misty, what would happen to you if your Pokémon all left you?"

"But it was just Pikachu?" Misty said.

"Not quite." Gary said quietly. "Misty, which Pokémon has Champion used in battle that you recognized? How many of Ash's?"

"I…" Misty started before it sank in. "Oh."

"Yes." Gary said. "Either he is hiding his Pokémon or they all left him. Charizard stayed, we know that. But who else?"

Misty sat quietly as she thought about it. For Ash to have been abandoned by so many of his Pokémon would go a long way towards explaining his attitude.

"Anyway, May and Drew are planning on heading off as well." Gary said as he rose from his seat. "I'm gonna go and say bye to them."

As Gary exited, Brock turned to Misty.

"How are you doing?" he asked.

"With Ash?" Misty asked. Brock nodded. "It's still sinking in I guess. I mean… I still can't believe he made it to the top."

Brock smiled. "It is hard to get your head around isn't it? The kid that you once loved, somehow managing to become to most powerful man in the world."

"Careful Brock." Misty said warningly, but with a smile on her face. "You shouldn't say things like that to somebody who's engaged."

Brock shrugged. "It's true though. You did once love Ash."

Misty didn't say anything as she gazed out at a wall, lost in her thoughts. After a couple of minutes stirring, Brock tried again.

"There must still be some of him in there." Brock said.

"I hope so." Misty said. "I really do."

She slid off the chair and moved away, vanishing through the door and leaving Brock alone with his thoughts.

"Which friends do you think you will reach out to first?" Espeon asked.

Ash didn't answer for a moment. He was on a workout bench, in one of the smaller rooms of his house. He was pressing a bar above his head. Unusually the bar didn't have any weights on it, but that didn't mean it was easy. Espeon was using Psychic to apply resistance, making Ash work extremely hard. Ash had often commented on the resistance she was putting onto it but her response was always the same. If the roles were reversed he would challenge her as much as she challenged him. He couldn't deny it, but it meant that every time he started a workout he was pushed to his absolute limit.

"I'm not sure." Ash said eventually. "They are all going to be difficult conversations."

"You need to do it before the wedding." Pikachu said. The little electric-type was sat next to Espeon, watching Ash workout.

"I know." Ash said. "That is going to be a… difficult day."

"Why?" Espeon asked.

"Because there won't be any escaping them." Ash said quietly as he put the bar down and sat up, using a towel to wipe the sweat from his torso.

"You still intend to hide?" Espeon asked.

"You misunderstand me." Ash said. "I haven't been friends with them for more than a decade now. It will be awkward with them. At the wedding if one of them tries to spend a long time talking to me there will be no escaping."

"It won't be too bad." Pikachu said. "I managed to settle in again."

Ash smiled down at Pikachu. "I hope you are right." He said. "And I think I know who we could talk to first."

"Who?" Espeon asked excitedly.

"Dawn." Ash said. "It would not be unusual for the Pokémon Master to go to the Hoenn League and she told me she would be there."

"As will Sam and Mellanie." Espeon said. Ash nodded. He had watched the interview they had done with Zane and been impressed with the way that Sam had handled himself. Mellanie had been more nervous but the training that Sam had done with Lance had clearly turned him into a very balanced person. He had given a very good account of himself.

"Will you try to see them?" Pikachu asked.

"Not unless I happen to come across them." Ash said. "I might talk to them briefly, but at the moment they are better off away from me."

"Why?" Espeon asked.

"Because I have a feeling that Sonia has one last trick left." Ash said.

"And?" Espeon asked. "What are you worried about?"

"It is simple." Ash said as he stood up and headed for the door, Espeon and Pikachu following him. "Sonia has managed to sow doubt about me in the eyes of the public. Until we know how, we assume that she can do it again. If there are any more allegations there is a danger that my position will become untenable."

"Do you believe that?" Espeon asked. "After everything you have done…"

"People have short memories for the good things." Ash said quietly. "They focus on the next news story. And if there is too much then yes, it could happen. Mellanie and Sam are both in line for excellent careers, and they do not want to be too close to me at the moment."

Neither Pikachu nor Espeon knew what to say. That Ash could lose his position had never been something that either of them had considered. Ash turned to smile down at them.

"It doesn't matter. If we lose our position then we will go back to the life we had before. Now go and round up the usual team. After I've had a shower, we're heading to Hoenn."

Cynthia stepped into the police station in Jubilife City. It had been hard for her to decide where to go after Ash had given her the mission. Kanto and Johto were closer, but Cynthia knew that she had the best chance of success back in Sinnoh. Despite so long working at Indigo Plateau, Cynthia was still the reigning Champion of Sinnoh. She had last been in her native region four months previously for the Sinnoh League, but she had last been challenged the year before. It had been a tough battle but she had managed to win, Garchomp and Lucario being her final remaining Pokémon. Her influence was greatest in Sinnoh and having the regional champion check on such an important investigation would be unusual but not unheard of. It was her best route in without sounding like she was working for the Pokémon Master.

"Hello, can we help…" the Officer Jenny behind the front desk started before she realised who it was that had walked in. "Oh I'm sorry Champion Shirona."

Cynthia smiled warmly. "I need to speak with the head of the police force."

"Of course." Jenny said. "I'll call through now."

Jenny picked up a phone and started to speak into it. A few moments later she put it down again.

"Please go on through." Jenny said. "Do you need me to show you where to go?"

"No thank you." Cynthia said. "I know where I'm going."

Jenny nodded as Cynthia strode past her, heading deeper into the police station. The station in Jubilife City was the largest one in Sinnoh, reflecting the size of the city around it. It had been the logical place to site the headquarters of the Sinnoh police force when they had looked for a new headquarters nearly twenty years ago. She reached a door with a simple plaque above it, titling it as the office of the Chief of Police. Cynthia knocked.

"Come on in." A voice came.

Cynthia pushed the door open and walked into the office. There was an Officer Jenny behind the desk, but she was one of the oldest that Cynthia had ever met. She was approaching retirement age but had led the Sinnoh police force for nearly thirty years. Cynthia had worked with her in the past and the two of them respected each other.

"Cynthia!" Jenny said rising from her seat. "What a lovely surprise. It has been too long since you visited us."

Cynthia smiled. "And for that I can only apologise. My work with the Pokémon League not only keeps me busy, but keeps me out of Sinnoh a lot of the time."

"Which is a shame." Jenny said as she shook Cynthias hand and gestured to a seat before returning to her own. "Is this a social call?"

"I wish." Cynthia said. "However, this is Pokémon League business."

Jenny looked at Cynthia cannily. "What business does the Pokémon League have for us?"

"Less what business we have for you, more what you have for us." Cynthia said. "There is an ongoing investigation that I feel I need to take a closer interest in."

Jenny sighed. "I'm guessing this is the investigation into the activities of the Pokémon Master?"

Cynthia nodded.

"This is going to be difficult." Jenny said. "You work for the Pokémon Master. There could be a conflict of interest."

"There won't be." Cynthia said quietly.

"How can you be sure?" Jenny asked.

"Because for there to be a conflict, I would need to be answerable to Champion." Cynthia said. "In this regard, I am not."

Jenny seemed lost in thought for a moment before realisation broke over her face. "Of course. If he is found to be unfit for the role, you would be the one to take his place."

Cynthia looked at Jenny in amusement. "Is there a single law you don't know?"

"When you've been in the job as long as me… no." Jenny answered. "Is that what this is about? You want to be Pokémon Master again?"

"No." Cynthia said. "I think that Champion is doing a very good job. However given the importance of this investigation I feel I should take an active role. The truth must be uncovered."

"I understand." Jenny said. "However, we are not the ones conducting the investigation."

"You must be able to point me to whoever is?" Cynthia asked.

"I can." Jenny said. "But I want your word on something first. Regardless of the outcome, I want you to promise that you will complete the investigation honestly and whatever the result you will take the correct action."

"Correct action?" Cynthia asked.

"I know you are friends with the Pokémon Master." Jenny said. "And I suspect it was him that asked you to come and oversee the investigation. I will point you towards it if you promise not to let personal feelings cloud your judgement."

Cynthia nodded. "I promise. If the investigation turns up grounds to relieve the Pokémon Master, I will do the right thing and take his position once again."

Jenny smiled. "Good. The investigation is being handled by the Hoenn Police. If you head there, I will inform them that you want to assist."

Cynthia rose from her chair. "Thank you." She said sincerely.

She shook hands with Officer Jenny before turning and heading out of the door. With the Hoenn League underway Cynthia knew that the police would be busy. With any luck they would be happy to have her help.

Sam and Mellanie stepped out of the aircraft, following Zane down the steps. He had offered them a way to reach Hoenn, since he was flying anyway and they had agreed. It was an easy way to get there and they had promised to give him their input where possible throughout the tournament. As they reached the bottom, a league official stepped forwards, having clearly been waiting for the planes passengers to disembark.

"Welcome to Hoenn" the official said. "I would like to extend an invitation to you on the behalf of the Hoenn regional leader to attend a party this evening after the opening ceremony." The official glanced at a watch on his wrist before smiling wryly. "You have missed the opening ceremony but we have a car available to take you to the party."

"Wonderful." Zane said. "I would be happy to accept."

The official looked at him slightly awkwardly. "The invitation is not for you sir" he said. "It is for Miss Rigger and Mr Fernandez."

Sam burst out laughing at the affronted look on Zane's face.

"Thank you." He said. "We'd be honoured to accept. I assume Steven has organized accommodation for us as well?"

"Yes" the official said, fighting to keep a straight face. "Mr Stone is able to offer you accommodation."

"Then we'll head over." Sam said. "Can you drop us at our rooms first so we can get changed?"

"Of course."

Sam and Mellanie grabbed their bags and started to follow the official, leaving Zane looking after them, a grin breaking out across his face.

Less than an hour later Mellanie and Sam walked into a large room in one of the main buildings at the Pokémon League in Ever Grande City. They had both changed into formal attire suitable for a party hosted by a league champion. As they looked around, Steven strode across to greet them.

"Welcome to Hoenn" he said, arms wide open. "It is good to see you both again."

"Thanks for the invite." Sam said, smiling. Next to him Mellanie murmured something that sounded similar. "To what did we owe the pleasure?"

"Simple." Steven said. "There is a very good chance that you'll be champion of Kanto in a couple of weeks."

"And you want to make sure there'll be no problems." Sam said. "Do you honestly think I'll win?"

Steven smiled warmly. "Lance has withdrawn from helping Cynthia deal with the fallout of Sonia to train. That tells me he is nervous."

"So yes." Sam said, filling in the gap. Steven nodded before gesturing around.

"I host one of these around the Hoenn League, and frequently one at the end each year" he said. "It is filled with powerful people from around Hoenn. People worth you knowing."

"Very well." Sam said. "I'll go and mingle. Mel, you coming?"

"I guess." Mellanie said quietly. She knew that she didn't have Sam's confidence in situations like this.

"Actually I'd rather have a chance to talk to you myself Miss Rigger." Steven said.

"Me?" Mellanie said, surprise causing her to speak louder.

"Yes." Steven said. "You have created some stirs, even out here in Hoenn. I'd like to get to know you better."

"I… Okay." Mellanie said.

"Wonderful!" Steven said exuberantly. "Now, I really must go get some food. Want to come with me Miss Rigger?"

"Mellanie" said the girl, before nodding nervously. Sam watched the two of them go before turning and seeing a large businessman coming towards him. Putting a grin on his face, he stepped forwards to make small talk.

"You must be Sam Fernandez" the man boomed.

"I am." Sam said, shaking hands with the man. "Are you friends with Steven?"

"Colleagues my dear chap." The man said. "I worked with him at the Devon Corporation, back before he gave it up to focus on the Hoenn Region."

"Are you high up in the company?" Sam asked.

The man laughed once again. "I run the Kanto division. I'm only back in Hoenn because we have our annual meeting around the Hoenn League and I wanted to stay to watch. My daughter is an avid fan of battling and so we watch it every year."

"Really?" Sam said. "Are either of you battlers yourselves?"

"Not for a long time for me." The man said. "And my daughter isn't much for battling herself. She's far too caring about them." He laughed loudly again and Sam joined in. "When she got her first Pokémon six years ago she spoilt it rotten." He looked over his shoulder. "In fact, why don't I introduce the two of you? I'm sure she'd love to meet such a powerful trainer as yourself, particularly one her own age. So often powerful trainers are far older."

Sam found himself swept along by the man as he was steered towards a girl across the room. He just smiled to himself. If this was the way to ingratiate himself with somebody who obviously had a lot of influence in such a powerful corporation, he'd go and make friends with this man's daughter. It was the least he could do.

"I wanted to ask about your plans." Steven said to Mellanie as took a seat. Steven had a plate filled with bits of food from the buffet against a wall while Mellanie had taken only a few small things.

"What do you mean?" Mellanie asked.

"For the future." Steven said. "You told Zane that you wanted to compete in the World League. Is that true?"

"I didn't tell him that." Mellanie said quietly.

"You said…" Steven started before laughing. "You said you were considering it. Was that a lie?"

"No." Mellanie said. "I am considering it."

Steven laughed again. "I'm starting to see why Ash has taken you on as his prodigy."

"Oh?" Mellanie asked.

"You are clever and witty." Steven said. "And clearly a talented trainer. I wonder how far you'll go. And how good you are at the moment."

"I'm just working on improving now." Mellanie said.

"And so you should." Another voice caused the two of them to look up to see a blue-haired woman stood in front of them grinning. "Mellanie, it is great to see you."

"Dawn!" Mellanie said with more energy, rising to give the coordinator a hug. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm also a guest of Steven." Dawn said. "Well to more precise, Wallace."

Dawn gestured across the room to where a man dressed in gaudy clothes stood in a conversation.

"Wallace and Steven are old friends and when Wallace heard I was coming to the tournament, he insisted I came to the party as well." Dawn explained.

"I…" Mellanie started, but Dawn cut straight across her.

"I'm here watching trainers, to see if there is anything I can learn from them." Dawn continued in a rush. "Obviously before I head back to Kanto for the contest circuit ahead of the wedding. Are you coming to the wedding?"

"I… don't know." Mellanie said, trying to get a word in edgeways.

"I'm sure they'll invite you." Dawn said. "You've known Misty and Gary for five years, I'm sure they want you there. Anyway, Steven be nice to Mellanie. She's a great trainer, don't be so pushy towards her."

"Pushy?" Steven asked.

"Yeah." Dawn said. "It is pretty obvious you are angling for something. No need to worry, I'm sure Mellanie will say yes."

"I…" Steven said, before looking at Mellanie. "Was it obvious?"

"That you want to battle me?" Mellanie said. "Yes."

Steven smiled good-naturedly. "Well?"

"No." Mellanie said simply.

"No?" Steven asked. "You don't want to fight me?"

"I will one day." Mellanie said. "But I'm in Hoenn to support Sam. Not to pick fights."

"That is a shame." Steven said.

"I guess there is a need to worry then." Dawn said jokingly. "Still, I'm sure that you can find good fights to fill in the empty day between the semis and the final."

"I hope so." Steven said. "We have a few, but nothing big yet. I wonder…" He was looking across the room at Sam who was laughing at something another party guest was saying. "Do you think Sam would be up for it?"

Mellanie shook her head. "Probably not. He's here to train." Something out the window behind Steven's shoulder caught her attention, causing her to stare over Steven's shoulder at it.

"Mellanie?" Dawn asked. The young trainer turned her attention back to her companions with a slight smile.

"I might have a battle you might be interested in." Mellanie said.

"Who?" Steven said excitedly.

"I can't say yet." Mellanie said. "I need to ask him. Excuse me."

She rose and turned to stride out of the room, leaving Steven and Dawn staring after her with confused expressions on their faces.

Charizard descended into Ever Grande City, the lights of the city at night illuminating the sky. Ash slipped off his Pokémons back, dropping to the ground and recalling Charizard. He looked around and smiled.

"Come on out Mellanie. You know you can't sneak up on me."

Mellanie stepped out from the shadows before coming closer and hugging Ash.

"I can try though." She said with a grin. Ash chuckled.

"Indeed you can. What can I do for you?"

"I saw you arriving." Mellanie said. "I thought I'd come and say hi."

Ash looked at her before shaking his head.

"Nope."

Mellanie grinned again. "Okay, fine. There was something else. Steven is angling for a chance to fight me."

"And you're interested?" Ash asked. "Go for it."

"I'm not." Mellanie said. "I'm here to help Sam train. And apparently make connections in Hoenn."

"Steven throwing one of his parties?" Ash asked. Mellanie nodded. "Probably a good thing that I showed up then. Gave you an excuse to escape."

Mellanie laughed. "It wasn't that bad in truth. Food was pretty good. And I had an idea that might solve Steven's problem of no high profile match on the rest day."

"Oh?" Ash asked.

"Wouldn't it be good to remind the world what a powerful trainer they have as their Pokémon Master?" Mellanie asked.

Ash considered it. The idea had merit, giving him a route to show his strength in public once again.

"I'd need a powerful opponent." Ash said cautiously. "Somebody who could at least force me to fight powerfully."

"I know." Mellanie said, smirking at her tutor.

"Who were you thinking?" Ash asked.

"Two opponents at once." Mellanie said. "Two iconic Hoenn trainers."

As the idea dawned on Ash he smiled. "Very good Mellanie. Steven and Wallace?"

"Yep." She said.

Ash considered it for a moment before nodding. "I'll send Steven a message in the morning. If they are willing I'll fight the two of them at once. It will at least take me slightly longer to burn through twelve Pokémon."

Mellanie grinned. "I'll tell Steven." She turned and headed off.

"Enjoy the party." Ash called after her.

"You could come?" Mellanie said.

"I'd rather not." Ash said. "But… Is Dawn there?"

Mellanie stopped in her tracks before turning slowly. "Yes, she is. Why?"

Ash shrugged. "I need to start with my old friends somewhere. If she is the only one here, I might try and find time to talk to her. Keep her close to you so I can get a chance?"

Mellanie nodded. "Will I see much of you this tournament?"

"Probably not." Ash said as he started to withdraw. "I'll be in the Champion's box occasionally but I have a few other things to keep an eye on."

"Then good luck against Steven and Wallace." Mellanie said as Ash started to blend into the shadows. As Mellanie walked away, heading back towards the party she heard a voice trail after her.

"I'm not the one who'll need luck."