"Eevee! Use Quick Attack! Yamper! Spark!" Chloe shouts.

Eevee and Yamper run toward one another, the Puppy Pokémon being surrounded by electricity. The Evolution Pokemon's attack looked simpler. And it showed as the two clashed with one another, with Yamper overpowering Eevee and knocking her back some feet.

"Hey! Chloe!" A shout came out of nowhere. Chloe almost fell over at the sudden sound of Ash's voice.

From behind the boy were his Pikachu and Lucario. And although a little annoyed, she kept herself calm.

Ash could instantly feel the hidden annoyance and quickly realized his mistake. "Oh, sorry about that."

"It's okay. But, what's so—" Suddenly, she was interrupted.

"Are you training?" Ash asked.

Chloe blinked for a moment. "Yeah...?"

His eyes lit up brightly, almost like the moon itself. "That's so awesome! I thought you'd only train with me."

Chloe blushed a bit. "O-Oh, well, yeah I've been doing some independent stuff for some time. I see you do it all the time, so I thought I'd do it too."

Ash nods before his eyes widened. He pulls out his Rotom Phone, showing some sort of ad on the screen.

"Oh yeah, a local tournament being held in Galar! I was wondering if you wanted to come?" He asked.

From behind Ash, Goh and his Cinderace appear. "The prize is a Fire Stone. Could be useful for Eevee when she decides her path eventually."

"Eevui!" Chloe hears Eevee's voice coo, as she glanced down at her partner. She gives a gleaming grin, turning back to the boys.

"Alright!" She said.

"Let's go!" They all shouted.

"Pikachu!"

"Eevui!"

"Lucario!"

"Yamper!"

"Cinderace!"

Their Pokémon cheered in unison.

The plane took to the skies as everyone was seated, including the trio's Pokemon.

"So, Ash? What's this tournament about?" Chloe inquired.

The boy turned his attention toward her.

"It's similar to a tournament I remember back then. You get a numbered card, then they shuffle the cards and you get partnered with someone." He explained.

She titled her head. "So I could get paired up with anyone?"

"Yep! It's pretty exciting, right?" He asked.

"Anything about battling is exciting to you." Goh teased.

Chloe looked both annoyed and judgmental, while Ash was just as cheeky and happy as ever. The girl's expression affected Goh more, however.

"I-I mean, yeah, battling is fun," Goh spoke nervously.

"I know right?! So amazing!" Ash exclaimed excitingly.

After a long while, the plane landed in Galar. The group steps out, their lips forming equal grins as they see the huge newly built stadium. It was almost as big as Wyndon Stadium, expanding greatly outwards, its great round shape. The blue, cyan, and grey textures across the exterior's design.

"Wow. That sure is a sight." Chloe complimented.

Goh nodded in agreement. "You could say that again."

Ash slowly stepped forward. "Yeah. And I can't wait to battle! This tournament will be a great test for my skills for the rest of the Ultra Class!"

"Pika! Chu, Pika!" Pikachu looks at his trainer with a confident attitude.

Ash and Pikachu look to Lucario, whose facial image gives off the vibe of assurance to Pikachu's demeanor. The three then run forward, as Chloe and Goh walk close behind.

"So, Chloe. You and Ash have been spending a lot of time together lately." Goh says.

Chloe's eyes widened, her throat feeling dry. A wash of nervousness hit her like a train.

"I-I mean, yeah. He's been very helpful. Giving me more perspective on battling and Pokémon in general." Chloe explains.

What she said was somewhat genuine, but Goh could tell this wasn't the full extent of how she truly felt.

"But, whenever I tried to do that, you always brushed it off. What's up with that?" The boy asked.

Chloe began to tense up a bit more but stood her ground.

"That's only because back then I wasn't that interested." She countered.

Goh still wasn't buying it. "Fair point. However, back in Hoenn when you wanted to try battling, you immediately went to Ash before me."

Chloe immediately started blushing. Many thoughts raced through her mind, but couldn't stop or process the speed of them.

"So, do you like him?" Goh asked bluntly.

Her blush was even more obvious. How was Goh of all people making her this flustered?

"I-I... I mean... Look, it's nothing!" She exclaimed.

Goh chuckled. "It doesn't sound like nothing."

Chloe got defensive once more. "Why do you care so much anyway? So what if I do?"

"I'm just saying, if you ever need help with those emotions, I'm here for you. We are best friends, aren't we?" Goh asked.

Chloe looked at Goh, then to Ash in the distance. She turned her gaze back to the boy next to her, before giving a light smile.

"Yeah. We are. And thank you. Sorry if I got too aggressive." She apologized.

Goh laughed once more. "Well, I'd expect that from you. Also, thank you for indirectly admitting your feelings."

Chloe's face looked blank for a minute, before gaining an expression of rage. "Why you little...!"

Ash slid across the ground, the dust and particles of dirt flying through the air as he runs toward the entrance of the gigantic building. Many people were lined up in the corridor to the inside. Goh and Chloe were adjacently trailing Ash, finally walking up to his side.

"Man, you are fast," Goh commented.

"Yeah. That's what a lot of traveling does to ya." Ash replied.

Chloe giggled. "Somehow I expected you to say that."

The trio walked inside, noticing that one of the lines is empty.

"What's with people and choosing the one line when there is a perfectly empty one right here?" Goh asked.

Chloe sighed. "People are very weird."

They stroll up to the registering station and a lady is there to greet them.

"Hello! Please register yourself in our database!" She requests.

The three smile as one by one they register for the tournament. Once they were done, the lady hands them cards with each of their numbers. Ash had 10, Goh had 19, and Chloe had 5.

"Thank you!" The three express gratefully, as they then walk over to the lounging area.

As they approach further, however, they notice someone familiar in the lounge, at least to Ash and Goh. The person had a blond ponytail, along with a white and grey helmet. They had a dress, mainly white with red stripes.

"Ah! Korrina!" Ash exclaimed.

The girl turned her attention to the rather enthusiastic boy, recognizing him in an instant.

"Ash!" She rose from her seat and skated over to Ash and the others. "It's been a while! Same to you, Goh!"

"Pika! Pikachu!" Pikachu jumped on her shoulder, as he nuzzled her cheek.

"Haha! Pikachu! It's been so long!" Korrina responded lovingly.

Chloe stood there, rather confused. "You two know her?"

"Yep," Goh replied. "Ash battled her in a Normal Class match. It's how he got to Great Class."

Ash smiled brightly. "Not only that, but we also had a pretty cool Gym Battle back then too!"

The gym leader looks toward Chloe. "It's nice to meet you, Chloe."

Chloe lightly smiled. "Nice to meet you too."

Korrina turned her attention back to Ash. "So, I'm assuming you are here to test yourself as well?"

Ash's smile gleamed, as he confirmed with a thumbs up. "Yep! And I'm super psyched!"

"Lucario!!" Ash's Lucario roared in excitement, which caused the group to giggle.

"Looks like Lucario is too," Ash commented.

Korrina walked over to Lucario and lightly rubbed her head. "She seems to be doing great. Do your best, Lucario."

Lucario's eyes glimmered in awe as she nods with a smile.

Chloe looked to her side, seeing the last of everyone getting their numbers.

"I think everyone's done registering. We should get an announcement any minute." Chloe says.

The four sit down with their Pokémon, as they await a big announcement. Soon, a TV screen in the seating area is lit up.

"Welcome to the Galar Double Battle Tournament! In this tournament, you will be working with a partner in this Top 16 bracket. You have your numbers shuffled up and whichever two numbers are matched with, that's your group. Three, two, one... NOW!"

All the numbered cards on the screen flipped all over the place randomly, before all 32 cards landed neatly. Chloe read the screen, trying to find her number. And she did, number 5! But, she noticed something else. Next to her number was the number 10.

"W-Wait. I'm partnered with—" Before she could even finish her sentence, Ash suddenly cheered.

"Alright!!" His face was full of overwhelming joy, as he turns to Chloe.

"Hm? Who did you get, Ash?" Korrina asked.

"I get to be partnered with Chloe!" Ash replied ecstatically.

Chloe felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness. She's never done tournaments before. Was she even good enough to compete in one? Let alone partner with Ash?

"Are you okay, Chloe?" He asked genuinely.

Chloe looked at him and lightly smiled. "Y-Yeah. I guess I'm just a little nervous is all."

"Don't worry," Korrina spoke up. "It's a team effort, so he'll be there to help you."

"Yeah! You'll do great!" Goh encouraged.

Ash grabbed her hand. "And besides, you're pretty smart! You'll be able to get through it!"

Chloe took in all of the words thrown at her and eventually grinned. "Thank you, guys."

As Ash grinned back at her, Goh was looking through the screen to find his number. "Aha! There it is! I'm partnered with... number twenty-three?"

Korrina's eyes widened as she pulled out her card. "Heh, that's funny, mine is twenty-three!"

...

"EH?!" Both Goh and Korrina turned to one another in surprise, while Ash and Chloe snickered.

"The Double Battle Tournament is about to go underway!" The announcer spoke.

The sounds of people filled the stadium as they watched on, ready for the first battle of the tournament to begin. This included Goh and Korrina. As this was going on, Ash and Chloe were in the lower part of the stadium, ready for their platform to be lifted.

"So, Ash. What Pokémon do you plan on using?" Chloe asked curiously. I mean, he did have A LOT of Pokémon to choose from.

"I usually like to choose my Pokémon based on my opponent. Or sometimes I'll just have one already planned!" He said.

There was silence for a bit.

"That... didn't answer my question," Chloe replied.

"Ah, sorry." Ash apologized. He pondered for a minute.

"I think I'm using Gengar!"

Chloe's look showed signs of intrigue. "Why's that?"

Ash smirked. "Cause you wanna use Yamper, right?"

Chloe's eyes immediately widened.

"Since the two haven't gotten along, I thought having them work together would be a great idea!" Ash finished.

"Y-Yeah... but, how did you...?" Chloe asked.

Ash realized what he had just done. He sweat a bit as he scratched the back of his head.

"Sorry. It's just instinct with me using Aura." He said.

Chloe simply brushed it off as she smiled. "It's fine. I agree with you though. Let's do it!"

As she completed her sentence, the platform rose, with the sun shining brightly on them. The two had to cover their face with their arms to block the light and have their eyes adjust. There was then a huge cheer from the crowds.

"Here is the first set of contestants, Ash Ketchum and Chloe Cerise!" The announcer shouts.

"Pika?" Pikachu's curiosity was piqued, as he scanned the crowd.

"Champion! Champion!"

"Ash! Chloe! You can do this!" Goh shouted.

"What Goh said! You two got this!" Korrina encouraged.

Chloe noticed the amount of cheering. "Wow... I guess being a champion earns you some big points. And that's putting it lightly."

Ash smirked. "Yeah! It's nice to know that a lot of people are rooting for me. But to me, they are rooting for BOTH of us."

She didn't know why, but Ash's disregard for it being about him only made her feel, appreciated? Was that the right word? Regardless, she smiled at his comment.

Just then, the opposite platform rose as well onto the battlefield. It was two girls, one with long straight blonde hair with green eyes, as well as a lime green ribbon in her hair as well. She was also wearing a fancy white dress with dark green accents. The other girl had medium blue hair with a bob cut with brown eyes, as well as a black shirt with dark blue overalls.

"These are certainly some... interesting opponents," Chloe commented.

"And our next set of trainers! Noriko," the announcer said, as the blonde-haired girl did all sorts of cute poses, almost like she was some celebrity.

"And Alyssa!" As that was said, the girl in the overalls waved happily.

A referee came out and stood to the side of the field, but lined up with the middle.

"Here are the rules! Each side is allowed one Pokémon each. If one side faints first, they are out and the opposite side is declared the winner! As well, each side can have one use of a Mega Evolution, Z-Move, or Dynamax." They explained.

"Now, send out your Pokémon!"

Noriko kissed her Great Ball, as she does a perfect spin with it. It opens up, releasing blue energy that reveals the royal Vespiquen.

Alyssa grabs her Pokeball and she pulls it in for a big hug. She then spins her body, almost like a coin tossed in the air, as she finally releases it from her tight embrace. The Pokeball opens and releases a large Grumpig.

Chloe takes out her Rotom Phone, scanning the two Pokémon. As she reads up on their info, she turns to Ash.

"Seems we have the advantage." She comments.

Ash grabs his Pokeball, glancing at his battle partner.

"Awesome! Now, let's get started!" He shouts.

Nodding, she proceeds to grab her Pokeball as well. The two quickly look at one another with a smile, then reel back their arms.

"Gengar! I choose you!"

"Yamper! Let's take our time!"

The two shout, as they throw the capsules containing the pocket monsters. Yamper lands on the rocky ground, sliding forward and ready for battle. Meanwhile, Gengar floats and giggles constantly, ecstatic to fight.

"Yam?!" Yamper's expression showed a mix of surprise and anger, remembering his last encounter with Gengar.

"Yamper!" Chloe said, her pet turning toward her. "Don't worry. Gengar is on our side. No need to hold any grudges."

The Puppy Pokémon looks at the Ghost-Type, who floats down and pets the little guy. Although a little reluctant, if Chloe could trust him then so could he. Back at the stands, Goh and Korrina were talking.

"So this is Chloe's first big battle?" Korrina asked.

"Yeah," Goh confirmed. "However, I have no doubt she'll do great."

"Cinderace!" Cinderace said, agreeing with his trainer.

"Lucario." Ash's Lucario also agreed.

Korrina smiled. "Very supportive! Knowing Ash, he's gonna try his best to help her. That's always how he's been."

"Battle! Start!" The referee shouts.

Noriko and Alyssa both nod at one another.

"Grumpig! Use Psychic and hold Gengar in place!" Alyssa shouts.

Grumpig's eyes began to glow, as the psychogenic energy traps Gengar at a standstill.

"Vespiquen! Use Attack Order!" Noriko commands.

The Beehive Pokémon whistled, summoning little bees around her. She then motions toward Gengar, with the little bees zooming toward him.

"Yamper, use Spark!" Chloe ordered.

The dog growls as he lunged forward with a big yellow aura. He smashes through the bees, not only hitting Vespiquen but also doing a zig-zag toward Grumpig, crashing against it as well. Gengar was released from Grumpig's Psychic.

"Nice job you two!" Ash praised. "Gengar, Dazzling Gleam!"

Gengar giggles, as he wraps his arms at his chest. A pink sphere surrounds him, with little rainbow-like sparkles in the middle of it.

"Gen... GAR!" Gengar then throws his arms back, as he extends the energy outward.

The Dazzling Gleam smashes against the Vespiquen and Grumpig, who tried their best to hold it back but were engulfed in the attack. As it exploded, the two flew backward out of the smoke but got back on their feet.

"Perfectly coordinated," Ash says. "Let's keep it up, Chloe!"

Chloe nods. As her eyes fixated on their opponents, she noticed that Noriko seemed very frustrated.

"Vespiquen, don't fail me now! Use Power Gem!"

"Dodge it!" Ash and Chloe shout.

Gengar flies around and Yamper rolls over, dodging the huge ray of light.

"Payback!" Alyssa commands.

Grumpig runs toward Yamper, its hand in a dark brown aura. It throws its fist and lands a devastating blow on the Puppy Pokémon.

"Gengar. Help Yamper out with Shadow Ball!" Ash spoke.

The Ghost-type cupped his hands together, as he throws the Shadow Ball. But it was hit away by a swarm of bees from Vespiquen.

"Air Slash!" Noriko exclaims.

The queen bee flapped her wings, as slashes of air headed toward the Shadow Pokemon. He flew around, attempting to dodge, but one of the attacks hit its mark, sending the ghost toward the ground. Meanwhile, Yamper was on the back foot.

"U-Use Spark!" Chloe desperately shouts.

Yamper angrily charges forward, with sparkling electricity around him. However, Grumpig takes the hit and smirks.

"Use Payback, again!" Alyssa shouts.

Grumpig surrounds its fist in black energy, throwing it forward and smashing Yamper with immense power.

"Y-Yamper!" Chloe shouts in fear.

Ash looks over, noticing Chloe's on the back foot.

"Ah! Chloe!" He said, however, another Air Slash hits Gengar in the process.

"I'm so sorry, Ash!" Chloe apologized.

She then notices Yamper, who although very damaged, stood up firmly. He refused to stay down.

"Grumpig! Up in the air with Bounce!" Alyssa says.

The pig snorts, as it charges forward before taking a huge leap into the air. Chloe took a deep breath and considered her options. She looked, seeing Gengar and Vespiquen going at it. Air Slashes, Shadow Balls, flying at multiple places. She then hatched an idea.

"A-Ash, I have an idea. But I need you to find a way for Gengar to guard himself." Chloe said.

Ash smirked, instantly knowing what Chloe was planning.

"You can count on me!" He said.

Chloe looks up, seeing Grumpig descending quickly. It was now or never.

Chloe extended her arm out. "Yamper! Use Discharge!"

Yamper growled, almost like he was about to pounce on prey like a wolf. He then looks up toward the sky and howls, releasing a large bubble of electricity and extending it away from his body.

"Gengar! Use Dazzling Gleam as a shield!" Ash called out.

The Ghost-Poison Type nods, as he surrounds himself in that same pink glow from earlier. As this happens, Grumpig, who was almost landing its attack, was caught in the electrical bubble. The same happened with Vespiquen. However, Gengar managed to avoid major damage, due to Ash's quick thinking.

"Ah!" Noriko and Alyssa were shocked.

"Grrrr... We need more coordination!!" Noriko complained.

Alyssa scoffed. "It's not my fault! You were busy fighting that dumb Gengar! I had no backup!"

The two continued to bicker and argue, with Ash and Chloe just rolling their eyes.

"Let's end this!" They both said.

"Gengar! Sludge Bomb!"

"Yamper! Spark!"

Gengar raised his hands as large bubbles of sludge poison formed, throwing them at Vespiquen. Yamper surrounded himself with electricity and took off at Grumpig, damaging both Pokémon. Just as the girls realized what was happening, it was too late. Their Pokémon had fallen unconscious.

"Vespiquen and Grumpig are unable to battle! The winners are Ash and Chloe!" The referee announced.

"Alright!" Ash shouted in victory. "You did great Gengar!"

"Pika! Pikachu!"

Gengar giggled. He floats over as he hugged his trainer and the Electric Mouse.

Chloe sort of stopped in her tracks. This feeling felt amazing. She couldn't explain why, but all she knew is that she had so much fun.

"Yamper!"

Her thoughts quickly drifted away, as she was snapped back into reality by Yamper. Yet the feeling of the win was still there, as she ran up and hugged her dog.

"You did incredible, Yamper! Thank you!"

The young pup didn't fully see her face, but he could tell she was happy. Well, not a tell, it was more a feeling he could sense. No matter the cause, he licked her face happily.

"Your Pokémon are completely fighting fit!" Nurse Joy said, handing them their Pokeballs.

"Thank you!" Ash and Chloe responded.

"Pikachu!"

"Eevui!"

Ash and Chloe walked through the main lobby. Their eyes catch the figures of Goh and Korrina, who were standing there waiting for them.

"Good job you two! That was incredible!" Korrina praises.

"Lucario!" Ash's Lucario praises the two, giving them a fist bump.

"Yeah! Although it would've been better if the two girls didn't start arguing..." Goh comments.

Ash just laughed. "It's fine. That just means our next opponents will be even tougher."

"Is... that a good thing?" Chloe asked nervously.

The boy gave a reassuring nod. "Yep! The stronger they are, the more we grow."

Chloe looked at Yamper's Pokeball smiling. After this, the group of four sat down and watched the rest of the matches in the left bracket, before an announcement come over the speaker.

"The next match-up is coming up! Contestants 19 and 23, as well as 29 and 32, make your way to your side of the stadium." The intercom said.

"Oh, that's us," Goh said.

"We'll see you two later!" Korrina told them.

As the two waved goodbye, they headed through a corridor to the left side of the lobby. Ash and Chloe sat down and looked at the TV screen to watch. After some time, the battle started and the two watched on in awe.

"Goh has gotten better at battling," Chloe commented.

Ash smirked. "Yeah! I hope we'll be able to fight him and Korrina in the finals."

"I just hope I get better," Chloe said in a worrying tone.

Ash turned to her, tilting his head in confusion. "What do you mean? You were great!"

Chloe simply frowned. "No I wasn't, looking back on it. I struggled too much. I even caused you to get distracted and Gengar to get damaged. Not to mention that risky Discharge. I could've made it worse. I'm happy we won, but..."

She just sat there thinking, then feeling a light pat on her back.

"Hey, that was your first big battle. And you did great for your first! It's all a learning experience." Ash explained.

Ash's expression got somewhat serious as if he was recalling memories. Just by looking at him, Chloe could tell that he had felt a similar way before.

"The question is whether you'll let your struggles get to you or you overcome them."

Chloe paused for a moment, taking in the words just thrown at her. Maybe she WAS being too hard on herself.

"Hey, when I first started I made plenty of odd decisions. And struggled a lot. Heck, I didn't earn half of my Gym Badges from Kanto." He continued. "But what you did today was NOWHERE near that."

Chloe looked at the TV, watching Goh's Cinderace use a Pyro Ball and Korrina's Lucario using Bone Rush. She then looked at Ash, who was smiling as always.

"And remember, this tournament is a team effort. If you need help, I will do my best to give you that help." Ash says.

The words, the encouragement, it was all she needed to hear. She lunged forward, taking Ash by surprise with the sudden embrace. But the boy smiled warmly, returning the hug.

"Thank you, Ash," Chloe said softly.

"It's no problem," He replied pleasantly.

"And that's a wrap, folks!" The announcer spoke.

The two trainers broke the hug and stared at the television screen. By the looks of it, Goh and Korrina had won their first match!

"Yes!" The two cheered.

"Pika! Pikachu!"

"Eevui!"

"Lucario!"

Their partner Pokemon joined in, shouting with glee.

Goh and Korrina entered the room.

"Congratulations you two!" Chloe applauded them.

"Thanks! We did the best we could, I'd say." Korrina said.

Goh scratched the back of his head nervously. "Although Korrina did kind of need to carry me a little through it."

"Oh come on. You did well." Korrina replied, trying to give the boy some encouragement.

As she listened, Chloe felt a tap on her shoulder. It was Ash.

"Hey. In our next round, let's try our hardest and have fun. The win isn't what matters in the end. It's that you and your Pokemon try your best and give it everything you've got!" Ash tells her.

Chloe's eyes once again stay in stasis, as she stares at Ash. She smirks and grabs his hand, to Ash's surprise.

"Right back at you!" She responds, the two smiling.

A few hours passed and it was the first match of the quarterfinals. The platform rose once more, but that feeling of being lifted still gave butterflies in Chloe's stomach. But, she took a deep breath.

"Remember. Ash said to have fun and do our best. I can do that." As she pondered that last thought, the floor stopped in place, the sun beaming down on them like before.

"Round 2 officially begins! The quarterfinals! Here are our winners from the first match of Round 1, Ash Ketchum and Chloe Cerise!" The announcer shouts.

The crowd cheers as usual as Ash, Chloe, Pikachu, and Eevee wave to everyone. Just then, Lucario popped out of her Pokeball.

"Oh? You want to watch the match up close, girl?" Ash asked his secondary partner.

She nodded, as Pikachu jumped down next to her.

"Pika! Pika!" Pikachu said. By the looks of it, he was excited to watch the match with her.

"Lucario." She smiled and bent down, lightly extending her arm out and giving the electric mouse a little fist bump.

As everything calmed down, the opposing platform had arrived as well.

"And finally the winners of the second match of Round 1, we have Archer and Hasan!"

Before the trainers stood two men. Archer had some medium-long orange hair, a brown beard, and brown eyes while wearing some casual clothing. Hasan had short brown hair with a mustache and weirdly a magician's outfit. Although his cape was all over the place.

Ash and Chloe just blink. "... We've seen weirder, right?" Chloe asked.

"I think so? Although I don't remember this place being a circus." Ash comments, a bit of sass in his tone of voice.

"Hey!! I'll have you know, this outfit is very classy!" Hasan argues.

Ash blinks again. "No offense, but I've seen baseball players with more class."

Chloe smirked. "Didn't know you had some sass in you."

Ash lightly chuckled. "It kinda comes out from time to time."

Hasan angrily stomps his foot, but Archer pats his back. "Relax bro. Let's just get this started."

Archer grabs his Pokeball with his right hand. He winds his arm and throws the capsule, which releases a Grimmsnarl. Hasan nods and does the same, releasing a Galarian Slowking.

"Sirfetch'd! I choose you!" Ash shouts.

"Eevee! Let's take our time!" Chloe exclaims.

The two Pokeballs were launched into the air, before bursting and releasing ocean-colored energy. Sirfetch'd and Eevee landed, staring down the Slowking and Grimmsnarl. The referee stood tall and waved a flag.

"Battle! Start!"

"Grimmsnarl, bro. Use False Surrender." Archer says nonchalantly.

Grimmsnarl bows down, which catches Eevee off guard. It did the same to Chloe, but she could sense something was off. Just then, the hairs of Grimmsnarl suddenly launch from its body, attempting to stab the confused Evolution Pokemon.

"Sirfetch'd! Guard Eevee!" Ash calls out.

Sirfetch'd nodded, as he attempts to jump to the side.

"Not so fast you brat! Slowking, use Sludge Bomb!" Hasan shouted angrily.

Slowking smirked. It opened its mouth, before releasing a huge heap of poisonous goop at the Fighting-Type. But Ash was quick to react.

"Sirfetch'd, throw your sword at it!" Ash commands.

Just then, Sirfetch'd spun rapidly as he throws the sword at the oncoming sludge, having it cut the attack. At that same time, he uses his shield to block the False Surrender.

"Sir... Sirfetch'd!!" He then throws his shield like a frisbee, catching the sword in midair and having it spin back toward him, collecting his trusty weapon.

Hasan suddenly pulls out a magic wand and waves it like crazy. "Slowking! Use Calm Mind!"

As Slowking focuses its psychic energy, Archer decided to go his own way.

"Tch. Whatever. Grimmsnarl, fight back with Spirit Break."

Grimmsnarl put its arms in a cross as pink energy glows around it. It lunges toward Sirfetch'd, a secret smirk coming from both Pokémon and Trainer.

"Eevee! Iron Tail!" Chloe shouts suddenly.

"Eevui!" Eevee jumps into the air, her tail glowing and quickly encases in hard steel. She then swung it as hard as she could, not only clashing with the attack but eventually overpowering the Bulk Up Pokemon, hitting it with immense force.

"Awesome job, Chloe!" Ash praised. "Let's go at it together!"

Chloe nodded her head. "Alright!"

"Sirfetch'd, use Meteor Assault!" Ash shouts

"Eevee! Dig!" Chloe commands.

Sirfetch'd is surrounded by a dark red, almost brick-like colored aura, as he then takes off toward Grimmsnarl. At the same time, Eevee jumped and sped down toward the ground, digging deep down under the battlefield.

At that moment, Archer began to take this fight more seriously.

"Stomping Tantrum!"

Grimmsnarl put its hands on its knees, roughly skidding its feet on the ground. It then roared as it rapidly stomped on the ground, releasing large rubble from the battlefield's surface. However, it was useless, as Sirfetch'd plowed through it

"Tch! Spirit Break!" Archer shouts.

Grimmsnarl does the same action from before, attacking as it uncrosses its arms. The two attacks clash, both opponents struggling to gain an upper hand.

Meanwhile, Hassan's Slowking is on the lookout for the burrowing Eevee.

"Hah. This shouldn't be a problem. Slowking! Use your psychic energy to locate that mutt!" Hasan demands.

Slowking bobbed its head in confirmation. It closes its eyes, attempting to locate any signs of energy.

"Eevee! Shadow Ball!" Chloe called out.

Suddenly, it sensed something. From the ground, a Shadow Ball popped out, but Slowking simply jumped back and watched it fly into the sky.

"Counter with Stored Power!" Hasan commands.

Slowking gains an eerie grin, as it cups its hands together. There were multiple rings of magenta energy constantly spinning and spinning, a light pink bubble surrounding it. It then fires it down the hole.

"Nice try, but that Eevee can't hope to dodge this," Hasan claims.

However, the Stored Power just flies out of the hole opposite the battlefield.

Chloe smirks. "Finish that Dig, Eevee!"

Suddenly, Eevee lunges from behind and smashes her body against the Slowking.

"Now, Iron Tail!"

Eevee's fluffy tail is surrounded by a coat of iron, before swinging it and hitting the mark on the Hexpert Pokemon.

"Sludge Bomb and poison this... this... fox thing!!" Hasan exclaimed.

Slowking quickly turns and fires the sludge from its mouth, landing a blow against the Evolution Pokemon. And unfortunately, she was subsequently poisoned.

"Ah! Eevee!" Chloe shouts in worry.

There was then a large explosion, both Grimmsnarl and Sirfetch'd being flung back. The Bulk Up Pokémon was very damaged while Sirfetch'd still seemed pretty healthy, even after that Super Effective hit. However, he stumbled.

"What's wrong with Sirfetch'd?" Chloe asked Ash.

"After Meteor Assault, Sirfetch'd needs time to recharge. Do you think you can handle two-on-one for a little while?" Ash asked her.

Chloe looked on. Usually, she would be afraid. But, she trusts herself. She trusts Eevee. She knows they can do this.

"Absolutely!" Chloe exclaims confidently.

Ash couldn't help but smirk at his battling partner. Just then, Archer called out to his Grimmsnarl.

He snapped his fingers. "Use Thunder Wave!"

Grimmsnarl extends its hands out, attempting to use the electric type move. Chloe countered quickly, however.

"Eevee, use Shadow Ball and stop it!"

Eevee charges up the shadowy blob, making it grow rather big. She fired it at the wave of energy, canceling it out immediately.

"Use Venoshock!" Hasan called out.

"Dodge and run toward Grimmsnarl with Quick Attack!" Chloe shouts.

As Slowking fires its shocking poison, Eevee takes off at high speeds. The Poison-Psychic Type kept rapid firing, with Eevee dodging as she ran toward the Bulk Up Pokemon, smashing against it.

"Quick! Copycat!"

Eevee focuses her energy, a yellow aura appearing around her. At that moment she unleashed a shocking wave of electricity, which greatly affected the Dark-Fairy Type. However, she winced at being damaged by the poison.

"Grimmsnarl! Use False Surrender and get this over with!" Archer shouts angrily.

They did in fact attempt to use the move but backed down as the paralysis was too much to bear.

"Nice! Now, Eevee! Use—"

"Venoshock, Slowking!" Hasan commands.

Eevee felt a heavy piercing pain, causing her to squeal. She stumbled and fell over, only to immediately try to stand up.

"Took you long enough to do something," Archer complained.

"Excuse me! Cut me some slack, you buffoon!" Hasan shouts angrily.

Archer scoffed. "Whatever. Let's just end it."

As Grimmsnarl and Slowking approach, suddenly, they see a beam of light hit Eevee. Chloe, along with the rest, looks toward the direction the beam came from.

"Great job holding your own, Chloe. Now we can finish it!" He said.

Chloe was stunned. "What was that move Ash used?" She whispered to herself. Fortunately, her Rotom Phone answered.

"That move is 'Simple Beam'. It is a move that changes the Pokemon's ability to Simple, which is an ability that increases the boost given by moves like Swords Dance or Tail Whip."

"Sirfetch'd, use Coaching!" Ash shouts.

Sirfetch'd stands firm and marches, along with saying many motivational quotes. Such as, "Sir! Siiiirfetch'd!"

"The move 'Coaching' is a move that increases an ally Pokemon's Attack and Defense." The Rotom Phone explains.

Chloe took all the information in, before smiling brightly. "So THAT'S your strategy, huh? Well, I'm ready for it."

"Let's just end this already!!" Hasan roared impatiently. "Venoshock! Let's end this!"

As Slowking charged its attack, a bright orange light washed over Eevee before disappearing. However, that did not stop the poison as it continued to hurt her.

"Dodge it, Eevee!" Chloe shouts.

Eevee looks up and just in time jumps back away from the attack.

"Sirfetch'd! Use Coaching once more!" Ash commanded.

As Sirfetch'd does more marches and speeches, Archer rolled his eyes annoyed.

"Enough of this! Grimmsnarl, use Spirit Break!"

As Grimmsnarl crosses its arms, Eevee was washed over by that same orange energy. She could feel it. Her strength, her resistance, was increasing immensely. The pink energy fully surrounded the Bulk Up Pokemon's arms as it charges at Eevee.

Chloe grins, completely assured. "Take that attack head-on, Eevee!"

"What?!" Archer and Hasan were completely taken aback!

As Grimmsnarl slashes down its arms, Eevee stands firm and puts her guard up. The clashing of the attack, the impact, it was all heard. Only sparkles remained in the aftermath. Eevee skid backward across the ground. She was hurt by it, but it only left a few scratches on her face.

"I'll help you! Slowking, use Sludge Bomb!" Hasan shouts.

Slowking giggles creepily as it spews out the sludge mess. However, it was blocked by Sirfetch'd.

"Brutal Swing!" Ash says.

Sirfetch'd spun rapidly, as his leek sword turned red. He knocks away the Sludge Bomb, as well as smashes his leek against the Poison-Psychic type, sending it back far.

"Let's end this by using your move! Copycat!" Chloe commands.

Eevee lunged up at Grimmsnarl, with two sharp pink energies forming in front of her. Archer wasn't having any of this.

"Grimmsnarl! Use Spirit Break, again!"

As this was happening, Slowking stood up once more, however very heavily damaged.

"End this once and for all!! Use Calm Mind!" Hasan says furiously.

Slowking glows a blue aura, as it has an orange energy wash over them like Eevee.

"Now..." Hasan says as he pulls out his wand... and audibly snaps it.

"STORED POWER!!"

"He's going crazy. This really is the circus." Ash comments sassily.

"Let's finish with your signature move! Meteor Assault!"

Sirfetch'd once more was surrounded in that brick-colored aura, taking off at immense speed toward Slowking. As this occurred, Chloe's Eevee and Archer's Grimmsnarl clashed heavily with Spirit Break. Although even with her boosted strength and resistance, the poison kept hurting her.

"Eevee!" Chloe shouts.

Slowking created an even bigger ball of magenta-colored rings. They then throw it toward the oncoming Fighting-Type, who somewhat struggled against it.

"Sirfetch'd!" Ash exclaims.

Both Pokémon look to their trainers and nod.

"Let's end this!"

Despite all odds, the Evolution Pokemon and Wild Duck Pokémon pushed through and land their attacks on their respective opponents. A large smoke filled the air from two different areas. As it disappeared, all that was left were Grimmsnarl and Slowking on the ground, swirls for eyes.

"Grimmsnarl and Slowking are unable to battle! This makes the winner of this match, Ash and Chloe with their Sirfetch'd and Eevee!" The referee announces.

And with that, the crowd went wild. Cheers could be heard from every side. Even Archer, who looked rather disappointed, paid respects by clapping. Hasan however, wasn't as nice. Instead, he cried like a toddler. Ash and Chloe would feel bad for him if it weren't for the fact that he was acting insane in those last few moments.

"Pikachu!!"

"Lucario!"

Ash's partner Pokémon cheered, as they ran over to Eevee and Sirfetch'd to congratulate them.

"We... we did it...!" Chloe said.

Ash grinned brightly. "Yeah! You—" Before he could finish his sentence, he was met with a sudden embrace from Chloe. She then stopped the hug.

"That was so much fun! And your strategy was honestly a little surprising. I've never seen you use moves in such a way before!" Chloe told Ash, her tone full of very ecstatic energy.

"Oh yeah! I've been thinking of that strategy for a while, but this is the first time I put it into effect. Sorry that it was so late." Ash said.

Chloe simply giggled. "No need to apologize. It's all fun in the end, right? Just like you said."

Ash stared into her eyes for a few moments. But to him, those moments felt like hours. He couldn't quite put his finger on why.

But, he smiled once more. "You're right."

Their Pokémon's energy was fully replenished, as the duo took their Pokeballs back.

"Alright Eevee. Come on out!" She said, throwing the Pokeball.

Eevee popped out, smiling with glee. Pikachu walked over and pat her on the back once more.

"Pika! Chu, chu, pi!"

"Eev! Eevui!"

"Heh. Looks like the two are congratulating one another." Ash commented.

"I mean, we did do a pretty good job," Chloe replied.

"Yeah! You and Eevee were amazing!" Ash praised.

But Chloe giggled. "I meant 'we' as in 'you and me' silly."

Ash blushed a little bit, scratching the back of his head. "O-Oh yeah. That's what I meant."

"Huh..." Ash thought a little to himself. He was so quick to praise Chloe. It was probably nothing. Or at least, that's what he thought.

"You two were AWESOME!!" A voice suddenly shouts.

From behind, the two find Goh and Korrina running up to them.

"Yeah! You two gave it your all!" Korrina agreed.

"Thank you, you two," Chloe told them.

The group sat down at the lounge and looked up at the TV, watching the other matches playing out.

"Hey, Ash." Chloe lightly spoke, catching Ash's attention. "Thank you, for your pep talk earlier. It meant a lot."

Ash has a gleeful smile. "No problem. Again, if you ever need to talk, or simply need a hug, I'll be here for that. You're my friend after all."

Chloe giggled. "Funny, I was going to say the same thing."

As the two talked, Goh couldn't help but smirk. However he didn't comment, just continuing to watch the matches.

This feeling. The feeling of positivity. The feeling of someone looking out for you...

"It warms my heart."

That's the one thought that came to mind for Chloe Cerise. And it was all because of this positive boy. Her friend.

And whatever challenges they face through the rest of the tournament, they'll take them on together.