How do you write 21k words in two nights?
Well, let's just say there are some things in life that just force you to be very productive lol.
More notes at the end of the chapter. This chapter effectively concludes Part I.
Warning: There is a heavy scene in this chapter. I have edited and edited to make sure that it does not exceed the story's rating. The nature of the scene is this—someone grabs another person's arms rather aggressively. I will indicate the beginning and end of the scene with an ** in case you feel the need to skip! There is a debrief at the end of the chapter.
If you haven't had a chance to let me know what you think of the story so far, this would be a great great time to do so. I have really loved interacting with you all (even guests!) as I write this story and just know that your comments encourage me to keep going and to keep writing!
Okay, without further ado:
Chapter 17: Tender is the Night
The front lawn of Scarlet Academy had been transformed for the Homecoming. Strings of fairy lights had been draped from tree to tree, casting a soft glow over the festivities while silhouettes of legendary creatures were projected onto the grand façade of the academy, shifting and interacting in an elegant dance that brought the architecture to life. Towering inflatables fashioned after some of the most iconic Legendary Pokémon had flanked the entrance, their imposing figures welcoming the students.
In the center of the lawn stood a grand stage shaped like a Poké Ball. Ryme had taken the place by force, with the natural charisma of a seasoned performer. Her presence was electric, her style impeccable—an urban edge. She wore a sleek, black ensemble accented with silver chains that clinked melodically with her movements. Her dynamic performance was a pulsing heart at the center of the celebration, her beats weaving through the screaming crowds while a squad of backup dancers and various Pokémon, their choreography tight and infectious, pumped everyone up. The lights from the stage bathed her in a kaleidoscope of colors, casting larger-than-life shadows as Ryme rapped, the audience hanging onto every syllable.
The students had definitely embraced the Legendary theme with creative flair. One could spot a girl in a flowing dress with motifs that mimicked the majestic wings of a Lugia, her date's tie adorned with a pattern reminiscent of Rayquaza's serpentine form. Another pair had chosen the cosmic elegance of Solgaleo and Lunala, their garments full of starry patterns. Across the dance floor, bursts of color reflected the vibrant essence of Pokémon like Ho-Oh and Zacian, as students donned outfits sparkling with the mythos of these legends.
"Pretty fun!" Aliquis shouted above the crowd. He was a standout in a sharp, fashion-forward suit that had been chosen with an expert eye—no doubt wanting to get some votes for Homecoming court. His suit was a deep, midnight blue with a subtle sheen that caught the light as he moved, a homage to the legendary Kyogre, the colors reminiscent of the Pokémon's primal form. Ohara, who danced beside him, wore a more understated but no less thematic, a soft lavender dress that fell just below the knee, embroidered with the delicate ivy patterns that whispered of Shaymin's grace. Their Pokémon, Meowscarada and Fuecoco, mirrored their trainers' style; Meowscarada's collar had been adorned with a smart blue headband, while Fuecoco sported a bandana of matching lavender.
"Sound's all good—no, everything's working!" Off to the side, Hohma was the picture of efficiency, his Rotom Phone out as he coordinated with various committees through text and calls. He patrolled the event with a practiced eye, ensuring the lighting was just right, the sound equipment functioned without a hitch, and the refreshments remained full. He vaguely wondered if his life was at stake if everything wasn't perfect.
Meanwhile, Goh and his Grookey were…acting quite like themselves. In an attempt to garner laughs and applause from their fellow students, Goh—in a moment of "inspiration" (as he would later put it)—had started some kind of battle-dance-off, with Grookey copying his every exaggerated, heroic pose and attack gesture. Their playful impression of a Pokémon battle, complete with Grookey using harmless moves like Razor Leaf to send confetti into the air—and Goh's imitation of Z-Move poses—were the best the duo had in the way of dancing.
Aliquis pretended not to know either of them
Meanwhile, Brock stood awkwardly beside a perfectly calm Miriam, who was chatting amiably with Dendra as they kept one eye on watch over the students. Brock's eyes would occasionally flit to the nurse, a compliment or witty remark teetering on the edge of his tongue, but each time, he hesitated, swallowing the words back down.
"Confidence of a swan, sensitivity of a knight…" Brock repeated, trying to calm himself down, but then he clutched his hair. "Or was it the other way around?"
Beside him, Croagunk rolled his eyes.
Saguaro stood beside Brock wholly unaware of the Pokédoctor's predicament. In fact, the home economics professor—also known for his verdant attire and rich knowledge of culinary herbs— was in full academic flow. "And so you see, the fermentation process of this particular tea leaf can actually enhance its antioxidant properties quite significantly," he explained, completely engrossed in the subject. "Moreover, if you steep it at just the right temperature, you'll find the flavor profile is—"
Brock was not listening. He was as still as a statue, his mind racing with potential conversation starters for Miriam. Every time Saguaro mentioned something particularly fascinating about tea, Brock's nod was mechanical, his attention snagged by the challenge of breaking the ice with "his beloved."
In the periphery, some of the other teachers leaned against cocktail tables, bobbing their heads subtly to the rhythm of Ryme's music. They held plastic cups, sipping on sodas with a hint of boredom, their gazes periodically scanning the crowd of students. The teachers' casual vigilance was punctuated by moments of mild intervention, where a game of rock-paper-scissors decided who would be the next one to step in to remind a pair of students about appropriate dance floor etiquette when they edged towards being "a little too close."
For some reason, the art teacher Hassel always lost.
"Aha!" Saguaro laughed when the atmosphere shifted palpably as Ryme transitioned into a song with a more rhythmic foundation, reminiscent of fuegodanza. The beats were vibrant and compelling, demanding attention. Guitar strings resonated with an ardent fervor, handclaps accented the tempo, and the staccato heel-tapping rhythm invited an irrepressible movement among the listeners.
Saguaro's spark could not be contained. With a natural sway of his hips that belied his massive form, the home economics professor was transformed by the music. On his shoulder, his Pachirisu clapped her tiny hands in time with the beat, her electric cheeks sparking with delight.
"Miriam! Bailamos!" Saguaro called out with an exuberance that was as warm as it was inviting. His feet already moving, he extended a hand to Miriam.
With ease, Miriam accepted Saguaro's offer. "Of course," she hummed, placing her hand in his.
Together, they approached the dance floor, a clear space now forming as students stepped aside to give them room. There were shouts and whistles. The music's rhythmic soul pulsed through them as they began. Saguaro's feet struck the ground with precision, his body movements sharp and full of masculine grace. Miriam responded with equal vigor, her posture erect and her arms arcing through the air, hands twirling with a dancer's finesse. Her feet tapped and stamped, her skirt flaring with each twist and turn, the vibrant pink hues blurring like a painter's brush stroke against the canvas of the night.
On the sidelines, Brock deflated like an untied balloon. His mouth hung open, his face turned an ashen shade of blue, the color draining as he witnessed Miriam's whirlwind of activity. His eyes, wide and white, stared blankly ahead, the moment he had wished for himself playing out before him but with Saguaro as the lead.
Dendra, who hadn't even changed her typical outfit for the occasion, leaned in towards Brock with a wry expression. "Tough luck," she said with her characteristic blunt honesty. She patted Brock's shoulder. "Come on, the other teachers are going real quick to Salvatore's room to get a real drink…"
She dragged Brock away by the collar of his shirt.
Croagunk waved him off.
Meanwhile, Nemona—dressed in a red and black sequined dress that elongated her already tall and lean figure—circulated through the crowd with a slight furrow in her brow. She greeted students with a warm yet preoccupied smile, asking about their evening and listening intently to their excited chatter, nodding and laughing where she felt like she needed. Her bright eyes, however, continuously scanned the dance, ensuring that everyone was having fun—lots of fun! Fun was the most important thing period, because without fun, what was life? Nemona vaguely recalled once reading a poem in class about how fun could get in the way of processing life's deeper emotion. But how could that be? Fun made all of life's deep and dark twisty things simply "go away."
Yup. She remembered thinking that it had been a very stupid poem.
Meanwhile, closer to the edge of the plaza, Arven just watched Nemona fly this way and that with a sigh. She was making him anxious. He shifted on his feet, pulling at the brown suit he'd found in a closet at the lighthouse, adjusting its sleeves. His Mabosstiff sat loyally by his side, its gaze as keen and observant as his own. Together, they watched the dance a bit apart from everyone, Arven's mind a jumble of thoughts, not least of which were concerns about the Paradox Pokémon that loomed large in his mind.
After a little while, Penny approached, her presence a stark polarity to the energy around them. Apathy was etched into her every feature. Her Vaporeon trailing behind the STEM student, echoed her indifference. Penny's outfit was a simple black dress with a printed picture of all the Eevee evolutions, which she argued "should be legendary." On her head was a little headband with Eevee ears.
"Hi. You're the anxious one, right?" Penny cut through the hum of the crowd, her words as direct as her spectacled gaze.
Arven's face tightened, a vein popping in his forehead at her greeting. "Well, you're blunt," he retorted, his composure slipping further.
"No, I'm bored," she replied, her gaze drifting over the dance floor with disinterest. She sniffed.
Arven glanced at her, his arms folded before him. "Not your scene?" he asked, his tone light but his mind elsewhere. He rubbed his temples.
Penny raised an eyebrow, taking a slow sip from her soda. "I had more fun organizing my sock drawer this morning," she deadpanned.
The botanist coughed and then actually chuckled, "Maybe we should start a club. 'Bored Spectators of Enthusiastic Events.' We could meet up and... well, probably just yawn a lot."
"Sounds thrilling. We could have jackets made," Penny suggested, idly pulling a short strand of blue hair in front of her face as though to examine it. "Big yawn patches on the back. It'll be the next big trend."
"Only if we get to choose our own boring mascot," Arven added, his thoughts momentarily diverted from his earlier worries. "I call dibs on the Slakoth."
"Deal," Penny agreed, a small smile breaking her stoic facade. "But I get the Snorlax. I relate to that level of commitment to napping."
Just then, a sudden disturbance cleaved through the music and festive atmosphere. A rumble of engines, the kind that can only herald the approach of motorcycles, grew louder and more insistent. The students nearby turned, curiosity and concern on their faces, as a group of daring individuals—having ridden up the huge flight of stairs—made their entrance.
"Team Star," Penny whispered suddenly, going a little pale.
These newcomers were definitely not dressed for a dance; instead, they sported their typical rebellious uniform. There were two boys and two girls and they seemed to be from both Scarlet and Violet Academy as one pair sported the orange accented outfits while another wore indigo. Each pair, however, had helmets with white and gold designs crowning their heads, and stylish goggles protected their eyes, adding to their rugged demeanor.
"Have you been treated unfairly?" One of the Team Star girls called out from the back of a motorcycle, her figure poised yet defiant as she stood on the pegs. "Do you feel like an outsider?" she continued, the bullhorn attempting to amplify her words across the lawn, her uniform's colors vibrant under the strings of fairy lights. "Join Team Star and join a family for life!" Her call to arms, laced with a sense of belonging and rebellion, echoed across the open space, challenging the status quo of the Homecoming event.
At all of this, Penny's face paled, a shadow of concern crossing her features. She quickly ducked her head, shaking it.
Arven, standing nearby, narrowed his eyes, the previous lighthearted banter forgotten. He quickly grew serious and anxious about what was to come.
Nemona marched up to the group, her outrage fiery. She stood with her hands on her hips, embodying the fury of someone celebrating a birthday, but with their whole event having been hijacked. "Um, what do you all think you're doing?" she demanded, sharp and shrill. On her shoulder, Pawmo folded her little arms across her little chest, tapping her foot.
The girl Team Star grunt shrugged, her expression one of disdain mixed with a rebellious sneer. "Recruiting, presidente, what does it look like?" she retorted sarcastically, her stance defiant against Nemona's presence. Ignoring the class president's rage, she turned on the bullhorn once more and began chanting into it. The amplification of her voice, however, was rendered nearly futile against the backdrop of Ryme's pulsing concert. "Join Team Star! Join Team Star! Join Team—" she shouted, her efforts to rally drowned out by the music and the crowd's reaction.
Penny stepped up behind Nemona, her face a composed mask. "Come on guys. Now's not a good time…" she implored, trying to defuse the tension that had snapped like a live wire across the event.
The girl narrowed her eyes, the frustration and the feeling of exclusion evident in her posture as she stepped off the motorbike along with the rest of her crew. "There's never a good time! We're constantly being forced outta here and never given a voice—and it doesn't even matter if we go here!" she shouted, pointing to the emblem of Scarlet Academy emblazoned on her uniform. Her words rose with conviction, a testament to her and her group's feelings of marginalization. "Whatever. Doesn't matter. Giacomo sent us here to make a point."
Encouraged by her defiance, the group behind her began to chant in unison, their voices merging into a rallying cry that sought to pierce through the indifference they felt was shown to them. "Join Team Star! Join Team Star!" The chant, rhythmic and forceful, sought to disrupt everything and make their presence, their cause, and their leader's message known.
Again Penny, sensing Nemona was on the brink, quickly tried to step in. She placed a hand on the class president's arm, whispering, "Let me talk to them…" Her words carried the intention of diplomacy, an effort to bring some semblance of calm to the brewing storm.
One of the male Team Star grunts scoffed, crossing his arms in a closed stance. "Unless you wanna join, we don't wanna talk. Thanks," he said dismissively, his starry glasses flashing with the stage lights.
Penny's patience began to fray and she began to look a little guilty and frantic. "Look. You're going about this all wrong! I understand what you all are trying to do, but this just turns people off!" she argued, wavering only slightly.
The female grunt glared back, her mouth twisted into a snarl. "You couldn't possibly understand," she spat out, jutting her chin defiantly towards Nemona. "Especially if you're on her side!"
Nemona stepped back in front of Penny, seeing the emotion building behind her spectacles. "Alright, well you made your point, now you can go," she said, her frown steady but betraying her disbelief at the audacity of the situation.
One of the male grunts clenched his fists. "Make us."
A smirk played on Nemona's lips as she drew a Pokéball from her stylish black clutch. "Happily," she retorted, her confidence unshakeable. She then noticed all four Team Star grunts were also holding Pokéballs, ready for a confrontation. Spinning around, Nemona's eyes searched the gathering crowd. No teachers were in immediate sight—she doubted she'd find any easily in the noise and the crowd. But it didn't matter. She wanted to handle this herself, to prove something as the class president…but she would need some backup, Nemona decided.
"Aliquis! Goh!" she called out, spotting them right away on the fringes.
The two boys, their grins crooked, stepped forward, understanding immediately why they'd been called. They stood beside Nemona. Soon after, Goh's Cinderace burst forth, its fiery energy igniting the air as it struck a pose, while Aliquis's Meowscarada stepped forward with feline grace—vines curling at her sleeves.
Her emotions barely contained, Penny sniffed, "We'll help too." The reflection in her glasses obscured her eyes, shielding her feelings as her Vaporeon stepped forward, its aquatic aura adding a cool edge to their united front.
Meanwhile, Arven just tried to blend into the background, muttering, "I'm going to find a teacher…"
Kathi-Grace looked like she'd been mildly electrocuted. She flitted gracefully from one group of socialites to another with a slightly frenzied look while she continued to reject Bonnie's calls on Serena's phone. Really, what could that girl possibly want?
The manager's role was clear: to maintain a semblance of order amid the eager crowd that clamored for Serena's attention. With an affable smile and a gentle redirection here and an apologetic nod there, she worked the room, attempting to sequence the flood of introductions into a manageable procession.
Finally managing a brief pause in the chaos, Kathi-Grace turned back to locate Serena, ready to introduce the next string of admirers. But what she saw instead was an unexpected shift in the evening's choreography. Serena was moving away, led by a determined hand, and nearby, Guillermo, his face taut with anger, was glaring with undisguised fury.
Wonderful.
"Serena?" Kathi-Grace's voice rose slightly above the hum of the crowd as she started to move quickly through the throngs of people. "What are you—?" Her question hung in the air as she wove between the guests, her eyes locked on the receding figure of the Kalos Queen.
She halted abruptly, all of her questions dissipating into the charged atmosphere of the ballroom. There, leading Serena away, was none other than Ash Ketchum. The manager's astute eyes quickly took in the scene—their intertwined hands, the protective way Ash positioned himself between Serena and Guillermo, and the look of fierce determination on his face.
"Oh, that's the monarch…" Kathi-Grace mumbled to herself, as though this were nothing new. However, her realization quickly shifted to shock as her gaze followed the trajectory of Serena and Ash's path. "Oh! She's going to dance with the monarch! Arceus!" she exclaimed under her breath with surprise and apprehension. The importance of this development was not lost on her, and she watched, her managerial instincts on high alert.
Nearby, Pikachu and Delphox shared a knowing look. They couldn't help but snicker at Kathi-Grace's suddenly stricken and flushed expression, the manager's usual composure unraveled by the unexpected turn of events.
The gala continued its elegant celebration, the grand ballroom filled with the swirling colors of waltzing couples. The dance floor was a dazzling spectacle of movement and grace, with guests moving in a beautiful, synchronized pattern that seemed almost choreographed.
Holding Serena's hand firmly in his, Ash led her carefully towards the dancing. His movements were sure if also nervous. But he knew what he wanted. He navigated through the clusters of people, his focus solely on the space among the waltzing couples. The anticipation of joining the dance sent a chill of excitement down his arm, and the crowd parted slightly to allow them access. Many eyes followed them.
As Ash stepped onto the dance floor, a visible tremor of nerves affected the young champion's usual confident attitude. He might have been acting all cool and composed when asking Serena to dance, but inside Ash was shaking like a first-year trainer taking on a gym battle.
Despite the fluttering in his chest, Ash managed to find his footing right away, his eyes locking with Serena as she gracefully bent her left arm and laid her hand upon his shoulder. A soft, almost imperceptible breath escaped her lips as she felt Ash's arm slide securely around her waist.
With a gentle but firm pull, Ash brought her closer, diminishing the space between them.
"Hey," he grinned, already feeling better.
And they began to move.
The music enveloped them, a lilting waltz strummed on a guitar that seemed composed just for this moment. They stepped in sync, their bodies attuned to the rhythm and to each other. Ash was careful with his steps at first, his focus intensely on not messing up. As confidence grew, his movements became more fluid, and the pair turned gracefully across the dance floor. At one point, Ash lifted his hand for Serena to spin under his arm, her blue dress twirling elegantly before she returned seamlessly to his embrace. He brought her closer still.
"Hey," Serena murmured, her cheeks flushing a soft pink as she looked up at him, almost shy.
"I'm really happy to see you," Ash said to her, still smiling and happy to have her in his arms.
Serena smiled back. "I'm really happy to see you too."
"You look really beautiful," Ash added earnestly, his gaze appreciative and filled with admiration.
Serena felt a rush of emotions as Ash's compliment washed over her. The blend of happiness and a slight vulnerability made her heart skip a beat and heat bloom across her chest. She tried to maintain her composure amid the swell of feelings, her gaze drifting across the room. She caught the wide-eyed stares and slackened jaws of the crowd, their attention fixed on the intimate scene. Trying to regain some semblance of control, she flashed Ash a coquettish smile. "Ash Ketchum, are you flirting with me?"
Ash's grin grew boyish, "Yeah."
The flirtation backfired. Instead of flustering him it was Serena who turned a deeper shade of crimson. Ash looked so handsome—his raven-black hair was partly styled in a way that was both carefree and deliberate, making him appear mature and boyish all at once; and his tall stature only looked strong and broad in the black suit that seemed perfectly tailored to him. Serena looked him once over before finding his amber eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that made the rest of the world fade away.
"You've been practicing," Serena managed to say, her mouth dry.
"Mhm," Ash acknowledged with a simple hum, his focus still intently on her.
"And what happened to not drawing attention to ourselves?" Serena tried to steady her rapidly beating heart; a small, nervous laugh betraying her attempt at levity. However, her playful reprimand sobered immediately when she felt Ash's arm tighten around her.
"Well," Ash began, a bit shaky now. He was trying not to think too hard about how she felt in his arms, and the effort made his mind a little fuzzy, "That was a great idea in theory."
"In theory?"
Swiftly, lightly, rhythmically they moved over the glossed floor.
"You know, until I saw you,"Ash said as he gently spun her out and then drew her back to him. Ash brought his face inches from hers, "And then I just couldn't breathe."
Serena's lips parted in a silent gasp. How could he just say things like that? Did he even know what that did to her? Serena internally groaned as she felt her cheeks grow even warmer. Regardless, Ash's words had made her incredibly happy, and a dazzling smile broke across the honey-blonde's lovely face, lighting up her features and making her clear, blue eyes shine brilliantly.
Meanwhile, on the periphery of the dance floor, Tulip stood beside Isabel de Castilla and a visibly excited Iono. The two distinguished women spoke in low tones while their eyes watched Ash and Serena move gracefully across the floor, not missing a single detail of the couple's interactions. Tulip in particular placed a certain care in her observation, one born out of a genuine curiosity and interest in identifying the emotions at play.
Barely able to contain her glee, Iono giggled uncontrollably, bouncing on her toes. "Can you believe this? The Kalos Queen and the Monarch! Dancing!" she exclaimed, pulling out her phone and beginning to film the pair with enthusiastic fervor.
Tulip pursed her lips and inclined her head ever so slightly at the scene. However, her gaze appeared amused and slightly critical as she arched an eyebrow at Iono's unabashed filming. "What happened to your qualms about privacy?" she hummed, watching Iono's fingers dance across her phone screen.
"Oh don't worry, this isn't going anywhere. It's for my own personal use," Iono replied, not taking her eyes off the screen as she captured the moment.
"Darling, I don't want to know. Truly," Tulip responded dryly, her gaze drifting back to the dance floor with an amused smirk.
"That is not what I meant…"
Isabel, who had also been observing the interaction with a shrewd and knowing stare, soon made her thoughts known with a sweep of her hand fan towards the couple. "This certainly makes things interesting."
"What does?" Iono asked, momentarily pausing her recording to save the video.
"Well," Isabel began, her fluttering object opening to conceal her lips while her head tilted towards the dancing pair, "that they're in love, no?" The governor glanced at Tulip for confirmation.
Tulip's eyes narrowed slightly as she reassessed Ash and Serena through this new lens. "That is interesting," the beautician hummed thoughtfully, her mind clearly parsing through the implications, though not without a hint of affection. And incredibly adorable, she mused internally, though her gaze soon drifted to Lebarón, who she knew all too well. Her expression clouded slightly, her concern evident as she caught his gaze, which she found unsettling.
"They're in l—!?" Iono's exclamation, loud and filled with the thrill of gossip, was abruptly silenced by Tulip's quick hand over her mouth.
"Timing is everything, darling," Tulip whispered.
Confused but undeterred, Iono's eyes sparkled. "Wait! Why is this so interesting? Are you all being mysterious again?" she asked, frustrated and curious—despite herself.
Isabel and Tulip exchanged a knowing look. "No, my dear," Isabel replied with a sigh, her fan fluttering gently in her hand. "We are being practical."
Diego García, smoothing his oily mustache with a dark, amused grin, watched the dancing couple with evident interest. "Ah, well, it seems like our monarch is a little hypocrite," he began, his voice dripping with irony as he observed Guillermo's sullen return from the dance floor. "Keeping us all away from the little reina, only to have her all to himself. Figures."
"Not exactly," Guillermo responded with a defensive edge, his neck muscles taut with frustration, "They have known each other since they were children. They are just good friends."
Even Joaquin de Levincia couldn't help but laugh at Guillermo's earnest defense. "They look to be more than friends, my unfortunate fellow," he chided, clapping Guillermo lightly on the back. "But don't look so glum. I'm sure you can win her back with your devilish charm. What woman doesn't want Guillermo?" His laughter echoed lightly, tinged with both a quip and a hint of condescension.
The men shared a laugh at Guillermo's expense. He remained silent, his darkened face brooding.
Gary, meanwhile, observed the scene unfolding before him with sharp surveillance. His gaze darted between Ash and Serena, who were still dancing across the floor, and the group of men whose eyes were also fixed on the couple. He noticed Guillermo's silence; the contest professor's stiff demeanor and the dark, intense look in his eyes as he watched Ash and Serena twirl together. It was clear to Gary that Guillermo's feelings were more complex than mere disappointment.
Suddenly, Navarro, who had been silent and lost in thought for several minutes, turned sharply to look at Gary. The CEO's gaze was calculating, and he nodded significantly at the researcher as if signaling a shift in plans or affirming an unspoken agreement. Then, turning back to his companions, Navarro swept his arms wide, capturing their attention.
"Well," Eduardo began with anticipation and command over the chatter around them, "shall we have some entertainment of our own?" The suggestion was met with enthusiastic hums and nods from the group, their interest visibly piqued by the prospect of some diversion.
Waiters were quickly summoned to refill their glasses, moving through the crowd with practiced ease. The air was charged with a sudden energy as the men toasted to the idea of creating their own spectacle. They began to move out of the ballroom.
Gary's brow furrowed as he contemplated his next move. He knew he needed to act, to somehow communicate with Ash, but…there seemed a fat chance of that. He was still deeply engaged with Serena, seemingly oblivious to the world around him. Arceus…
"You can't blame him," Carmen drawled beside Gary as though reading his thoughts. She watched the monarch and the Kalos Queen, utterly enchanted. "They're a beautiful couple."
"Yeah, yeah, they're great," Gary rubbed his face with his hands. And Larry thought he was the bad spy. Geez.
Okay, well, he'd need to go with Plan B.
Gary's eyes scanned the crowd urgently until he caught sight of Pikachu, who was gleefully indulging in little saucers of ketchup, a complement to some potato dish being served. Gary motioned secretly yet vigorously toward the electric rodent, trying to catch his eye without drawing the attention of others around.
Delphox, who had been watching Pikachu with a look of mild reprobation, noticed Gary's desperate gestures. With a graceful incline of her head, she gently tapped Pikachu on the shoulder. Startled, Pikachu turned, his mouth smeared with red sauce, looking adorably messy.
"Pika!" Pikachu chirped in surprise before daintily wiping himself with a napkin, which he handed back to Delphox expectantly. The Fox Pokémon placed her paws on her hips in a manner reminiscent of a disapproving mother. Once clean, Pikachu hopped toward Gary, ready to assist.
But Gary quickly gestured for Pikachu to halt right there on the spot. He knew he couldn't be seen chatting away with Pikachu without Ash—that would be kind of suspicious. Gary groaned, trying to think of next steps, and then froze as he caught Navarro and the other men glancing back to see if he and Carmen were following their lead.
Gary straightened and grinned painfully. Carmen rolled her eyes.
As soon as the men turned away to continue their exit, Gary quickly turned back to Pikachu. He crouched down and motioned behind a cocktail table, silently forming the words, Get Ash!—here Gary mimicked Ash turning his hat around for battle, just so that there was no miscommunication.
Pikachu tilted his head, processing the instructions, then gave a happy chirp and a "thumbs" up, signaling his understanding. But when Pikachu didn't seem to move (he just stood there, blinking) Gary's patience wore thin. He clutched his eyeballs in a moment of exasperation, then lipped—nearly screamed—Now!
Finally catching the urgency, Pikachu understood and scampered off toward Ash, a little sweatdrop forming at his ear.
Amidst the elegance and flowing gowns, Jessie, James, and Meowth found themselves caught up in the spirit of the evening.
Ever the performers, Jessie and James embraced the grandeur of the gala with their characteristic flair. As the music swelled, they launched into a series of ridiculously elaborate dance moves. Jessie executed a series of high kicks that sent her flowing gown swirling around her dramatically, each kick punctuated with a theatrical flourish of her arms. James himself performed an exaggerated fuegodanza step, his feet moving with comically sharp precision as he dipped Jessie back dramatically, her hair nearly brushing the dance floor. Subsequently, he lifted her up high in the air as she kept her body as still and straight as a missile. Her face was entirely void of emotion, feeling it important to keep the countenance bland for artistic expression. She soared across the dance floor while James struggled to keep her up.
Watching from the sidelines, Meowth attempted to join in by mimicking a moonwalk, his little paws sliding back awkwardly on the polished floor.
The trio drew a mix of amused and bewildered glances from the other attendees.
Under the effort of his burden, James caught sight of Serena and Ash, dancing closely with a tender familiarity that only deepened their allure. "Look at that, Jessie," he whispered sharply, out of breath, and peering over the rim of his monocle towards Ash and Serena. "It's the twerp and twerpette and it looks like someone's made their move…" his brows wiggled on his forehead suggestively.
"Dey're in deir own little world," Meowth sighed, his paws at his cheek.
Jessie growled, still being held up by her purple-haired counterpart, "They certainly think they're the stars of the show. Well, they haven't seen anything yet," she quipped, "James! Lift me higher!"
"But isn't that sweet?" James grunted with effort, really struggling now—his disguise nearly sweating off of him. "They look good together. Too good," he added quickly, his mustache drooping.
Meowth added his two cents. "Yeah, too bad we gotta ruin their perfect little dance," he said with a sly grin. "But 'ey, maybe we cans snag dat Pikachu while dey're all distracted!"
Their attention was momentarily diverted when they noticed Gary hastily leaving with a group of distinguished-looking men. The suspicious gathering didn't go unnoticed by the ever-alert trio.
"James, look there," Jessie poked him, her gaze sharp. She nearly squealed. "Something's brewing. I think it's time!"
"Indeed," James agreed—yup, he was about to faint. But the show must go on. "Where there are powerful men, there's powerful Pokémon. I should know, myself being bred among such society."
With a mutual nod, they subtly excused themselves from the dance floor, Jessie finally rolling off James's hands, and the latter collapsing. Once recovered, their eyes tracked the group as they slipped through the crowd. The trio followed at a safe distance.
Meowth whispered as they moved. "We better stay sharp. Dat Ceruledge is somewhere around here too if dat research twerp is involved."
Jessie, James, and Meowth moved with practiced stealth, their mission to snag Ceruledge—to snag anything—overriding all else at the gala.
"Dodge that Wing Attack!"
Aliquis, with a swift slashing gesture, commanded his Meowscarada just as a Team Star Murkrow swooped in with a flurry of feathers and gusts. Meowscarada nimbly sidestepped with feline agility, barely ruffling a whisker. "Now, Quick Attack!" Aliquis called out. With blinding speed, Meowscarada launched forward, transforming into a streak of white that caught the Murkrow mid-flight with a decisive strike.
Some of the students had started to circle the battle, cheering and hollering and wondering what it was all about. The night air was charged, the rhythm of Ryme's music now providing a soundtrack to the unfolding skirmish.
On the other side of the makeshift battlefield, Goh was in his element, directing his Cinderace with an excited grin. Now this was a cool Homecoming.
"Pyro Ball! Let's go!" He shouted, pumping his fist. Cinderace responded with a mighty surge of fiery energy forming in its paws. Soon after it sent a blazing orb of fire spiraling towards a sleek Weavile. But the Weavile was quick on its feet, dodging with an acrobatic leap, then swiftly countering with Slash, its claws gleaming in the fairy light illumination.
Goh wasn't deterred. "Stop it with Blaze Kick!" he shouted. Cinderace's leg ignited into flames, the blaze burning even brighter as the Pokémon summoned its inner strength. With a powerful, acrobatic flip, Cinderace's foot connected with the Weavile, sending it skidding across the lawn in a dramatic arc.
As the battle raged on, Nemona and Penny stood shoulder to shoulder, their teamwork seamless as they faced the two female grunts and their Mightyena and Liepard.
"Lycanroc, Accelerock now!" Nemona cried over the sound of attacks and the thumping music still echoing all around. Her Lycanroc leapt into action, a white light surrounded the wolf before she then slammed herself into the imposing Mightyena. Small rocks exploded upon the impact.
Penny, seemingly cool under the pressure, watched as a dark sphere of energy hurtled towards her Pokémon. "Vaporeon, use Aqua Tail and cut through that Shadow Ball!"
Her Vaporeon moved with a fluid grace, the watery sheen of her skin catching the light as her tail glowed light blue. Vaporean spun her tail around, and when she did, a spiral of water formed around the appendage. She then flipped around, her watery strike cutting through the Shadow Ball like a knife through butter, and the attack continued until it whipped Liepard to the side.
The surrounding students and onlookers were initially cheering and gasping with each exchange of the battle, the excitement palpable in their reactions. They offered words of encouragement and awe towards Nemona and the others, their eyes wide at everything before them, but as the confrontation continued, the mood shifted. Frustration and a sense of injustice towards Team Star's disruption of the night's festivities began to bubble to the surface.
Before long, the atmosphere took a turn for the worse. Some of the crowd, caught up in the heat of the moment, began hurling jeers and, regrettably, food items at the Team Star grunts. A barrage of Tamato Berries, Pecha Berries, and leftover entremeses began to fly through the air, a chaotic mess of colors and squelching impacts.
Nemona was appalled. "What are you all doing? Stop!" she shouted, trying to rein in the unruly behavior.
A well-aimed Tamato Berry splattered against a female Team Star grunt's face, the red juice streaking down her eye like a battle scar. The fights came to an abrupt halt as everyone's attention snapped to her. The other Team Star members and their Pokémon quickly rallied around, forming a protective circle.
Silence fell over the Homecoming dance for a moment, settling in as both sides realized things had gone too far.
Nemona took a step forward, her intent clear in her softened expression. "I'm so sorry! Are you—,"
The male Team Star grunt cut her off, "Leave her alone!" His protective stance over his comrade was unwavering as he turned to face the crowd, his voice edged with bitter resignation. "It's fine. We're used to being treated like this. If anyone else is too, well, then ya know where to find us!"
The rebels recalled their Pokémon, their motions synchronized in resignation. They headed back to their motorcycles, their exit marked by one last unified chant of "We're Team Star! And we stick together!" Their shouts rang out, a statement of solidarity against the adversity they faced. And then, as quickly as they had arrived, they were gone.
Penny stood silently, looking down at the ground. Tiny droplets that looked suspiciously like tears fell from her face, the reflection of her glasses no longer able to hide the emotion she felt.
Nemona caught sight of Penny's distress and felt a surge of anger at everything. She whirled on the gathered crowd, her amber eyes blazing. "You all should be ashamed of yourselves! We aren't like this! We do not throw food at other human beings!" she exclaimed, cracking with intensity.
"This is not who we are," she continued, feeling suddenly shaky and convicted. Hadn't she also judged Team Star? Hadn't she been part of the problem? Going along with hate and rumors and the rally cry against them?
"This is not what the Academy stands for…" she whispered and then tried to speak louder again, "We are a community, a place of learning and respect, where every student, no matter what, should feel safe and heard. We stand up for each other; we don't tear each other down…," Nemona paused, feeling the weight of her own shame at how selfish she'd been lately; at the bitterness she had been feeling towards Penny, and she looked at the girl, saying, "We'll do better."
The weight of her words hung in the air as students shifted uncomfortably, the gravity of their actions settling into their conscience. Remorseful faces peppered the assembly; some students even nodded in agreement, their features etched with guilt over their recent actions.
From the edge of the crowd, Arven—who'd just returned with Dendra—observed the whole scene. Even he couldn't help but feel a stir of admiration for Nemona's words. He felt like she really meant them. It was the most serious he'd seen her be…well, ever. And he'd known her a long time.
"Okay, well," Dendra interrupted with a wave of her hand, unsure of what had just happened, "Get back to dancing or whatever. Please, no more scenes." She was clearly over being a chaperone.
At that moment, Nemona couldn't care less about what others thought of the dance or of her and her outburst; her concern was for Penny. She walked over to the Eevee trainer, her posture softening. "Hey?" Nemona asked, placing a comforting hand on Penny's shoulder, "Are you okay?"
Penny managed a chuckle as she wiped her nose with her arm, nodding and looking up with a small, resilient smile. "I'll be fine," she said, her voice steady despite the emotion still evident within her. "Nice speech. Of course, I would've used less of the 'mean mom' tone and delivered it in more of a 'you all are idiots' kinda way." She sniffed, a hint of her usual sarcasm returning.
Arven edged closer, drawn by concern and curiosity, and he offered a small supportive smile. "I definitely think it had a little of both," The corners of his eyes crinkled.
At this, Nemona giggled. She embraced Penny in a hug that was both a thank you and a reassurance before taking the girl's hands in her own. "Don't worry, we're going to solve this whole Team Star thing together!" Nemona declared, her determination clear. On Nemona's shoulder, Pawmo clapped her little hands, her own way of endorsing her trainer's promise.
Penny just nodded and offered a very very small smile.
Meanwhile, Nemona's grin was contagious, her spirit irrepressible. "Now, come on! Let's dance!" With that, she gathered all her friends and they all jumped and danced to Ryme's music together.
As the final notes of the waltz faded, Ash and Serena remained in their close embrace, their eyes locked and their breaths intermingling. The applause and the shifting of the crowd around them seemed distant as Ash gently led Serena off the dance floor, their hands still clasped firmly together.
Instead of returning to the hustle of the gala, Ash and Serena found themselves walking through a set of large double doors that opened onto a lush garden adjoining the ballroom. The garden was a tranquil disparity to the lively indoor atmosphere, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight and delicate fairy lights strung through the foliage. Guests mingled here too, but they were more spread out, engaged in quiet conversations or simply enjoying the serene night air while the sounds of an outdoor bar and the clinking of drinks ever so often punctuated the air.
With a gentle tug, Ash brought Serena further into the green space, their steps taking them down the patio stairs and towards an intricately designed hedge maze that offered a more secluded retreat. The hedges were tall and expertly trimmed, casting playful shadows under the starlit sky. As they ventured deeper, the sounds of the party grew muffled, replaced by the rustling of leaves and the occasional distant laugh, creating a world that felt removed from the grandiosity they had just left behind.
"Ash Ketchum," Serena admonished, though there was a smile on her face. She was trembling slightly, perhaps from the cool night air. "You know, I have important business to attend to. I can't disappear into plants with the monarch."
At some point, when he felt they were secluded enough, Ash stopped and turned around and looked at her with a rather serious expression. After a moment's pause, he stepped forward and grabbed Serena's wrists, guiding her hands around his back before moving his own arms around her shoulders.
Serena felt Ash's strength against her hands and could feel his heart beating as rapidly as her own. She sighed into the moment, burying her face deeper into his neck.
Ash rested his chin against her forehead.
After what felt like a long while, the two separated.
"Sorry, I just," Ash chuckled as he pulled away, looking sheepishly at her. "I needed that."
Serena just nodded mutely, her face searing with heat and desire and everything in between. "I think I did too."
Ash offered her a small smile, his hands still glued a bit awkwardly to her shoulders. "I, uh," Ash started, flushing as though he suddenly realizing everything he was doing and growing completely embarrassed by it. He dropped his hands and instead thrust them into his pockets.
"I was just talking to Navarro and that whole group," he started, kicking at the dirt floor, "It was a lot. Sounds like they want me to take on the League and beat Geeta so that she's not the Champion anymore. Navarro said that Geeta hates his company. It all sounds confusing," he sighed and folded his hands across his chest with a quick shake of his head as though to clear his thoughts. "I think Navarro wants to speak with me more about it."
"Ash," Serena reached out and placed her hands comfortingly on his folded arms. She bit her lip, unsure what to say at first, then an idea popped into her mind, "Have you talked to Geeta?"
Ash shook his head again, his shoulders slumping. "I haven't seen her," he ran a hand through his hair.
"Hey, it's okay," she soothed, she could tell Ash was clearly upset by all of this, which made sense. Something as pure to him as Pokémon battles, challenging the League, taking on Champion titles—the innocence around it all was being ripped away from him.
She eventually moved to cup his face with one of her hands before looking up at him and smiling. They had really come a long way, she thought, and her heart swelled and was so full. She almost told him that she loved him right there, but she knew it wasn't the right time.
Instead, she stepped forward and tilted her head up at him. She couldn't help but run a hand through his hair, fixing it in some places to soothe back the rogue locks. "Do what feels right," she said, her lips forming a tight, serious line, "Trust yourself."
Ash looked at her and nodded. He was frozen, staring at her pink lips, wondering how to move forward.
Suddenly Kathi-Grace emerged through the hedge, her appearance a stark contrast to her usual polished look. With branches tangled in her hair and leaves stuck to her beige dress, she panted heavily from her exertion. Pikachu and Delphox popped out behind her.
The manager looked up, eyes widening in surprise as she stumbled upon Ash and Serena in a close embrace. She recoiled slightly, looking like a frightened Skitty, before regaining her composure.
"The...the governor wants to see you..." she managed to say, her breath catching as she looked up at the intimate scene. She then rolled her eyes, "Arceus. Out of all the times to do this to me... Tomorrow is going to be such a PR mess!"
Kathi-Grace groaned as she plucked a twig from her tangled hair.
Serena bit her lip to suppress a giggle. She turned her gaze back to Ash, who was grinning shyly, his hand instinctively moving to scratch the back of his head. Pikachu, catching Ash's eye, gave him a knowing look, his eyebrows wiggling with questions.
"I guess I'll go then," Serena demurred. However, before she took two steps away, she gasped suddenly, feigning forgetfulness but clearly with intention, as a shy and flirtatious look entered her eyes, "S-sorry, I just—I forgot to give the monarch a proper Paldean greeting…"
Before Ash could say anything, Serena grabbed his arms as though to pull herself upwards while she stood on the tips of her toes. He had gotten tall, she noted, just before placing her lips on his right cheek, then moving across his face, her mouth temptingly brushing past his, before she placed a kiss on the other.
"For good luck," She then pulled back and beamed—the two of them flushed and breathless. "Never give up until it's over," she whispered.
Kathi-Grace cleared her throat with an impatient and slightly awkward, "Ohhhh-kay then." She glanced at her watch, her tone turning more business-like. "We should go," she urged, her voice cutting through the romantic haze.
Still giggling, Serena turned away with her laughter trailing behind her as she, Kathi-Grace, and Delphox quickly rounded a corner and disappeared from view. Ash stood frozen for a moment, the residual warmth of Serena's lips lingering on his skin.
He blinked.
And then he beamed.
Galas really weren't that bad, he decided.
At this moment, Pikachu began gesturing wildly, his little arms waving as if struck by a sudden recollection. The Electric-type started prattling excitedly in his unique chatter, pulling Ash out of his reverie. "Pika, pika pi!"
"Gary?" Ash mused aloud as he watched Pikachu's animated display. Then, as realization dawned on him, his eyes widened. "Right!" he exclaimed, the urgency of the moment snapping back into focus.
Without hesitation, Ash and Pikachu sprinted out of the hedge maze, their movements swift and determined.
Clavell wandered somewhat aimlessly around the gala, his movements dotted by brief stops as he scanned the sea of faces. His quest to find Geeta amidst the throng of people proved fruitless, which he found rather odd. He knew her well enough to expect her presence at such an important event—after all, she forced him to come.
As the director moved, he took note of certain individuals whose appearances seemed out of place. Some guests looked rather shady and unfavorable, clad in darker, less festive attire than the majority. Their clothes, while still formal, bore a starkness—a sharp difference to the vibrant gowns and polished suits around them. Their faces, too, held a watchful, calculating look, as if they were monitoring the gala more than participating in it.
"Clavell," a voice called out.
Turning, Clavell saw Larry approaching him with a somber expression. Clavell was acquainted with all the gym leaders, as they frequently spoke or visited at the Academy. "Larry, it is good to see a…" Clavell paused, almost saying 'friendly' but reconsidering as Larry didn't exactly appear warm and amiable, "It is good to see you." He turned again to look around the bustling room. "Have you seen Geeta?"
Larry grunted in response, his brow furrowed. "I was just about to ask you the same thing."
"That's odd for her not to be here…" Clavell remarked, a hint of concern threading his words.
"You're telling me. Saw her yesterday. Said she'd be here," Larry added, his tone indicating that he was equally puzzled.
"Yesterday? What for?" Clavell inquired, intrigued.
"She called a meeting with the gym leaders. It was a little weird," Larry said, looking uneasy as he glanced around.
Clavell adjusted his spectacles, which caught the light as he leaned in. "What makes you say this? What was the meeting about?"
Larry appeared conflicted, as if he shouldn't disclose the information, but after a brief scan of their surroundings, he continued lowly, "Is it true that you all found another Paradox Pokémon?"
Clavell stiffened slightly, stirring the olive in his drink absentmindedly. "Yes. The monarch captured it, and it is currently in our possession."
Nodding, Larry added, "Right, well. Apparently there might be more?"
Clavell inclined his head slightly, about to respond when he noticed one of Larry's associates approaching. The businessman indicated politely for Clavell to excuse him for a moment. Larry's lips twisted into a slight growl before he shook his head with resignation and reached into his suit.
Pulling out a card, Larry handed it to Clavell. "This is my personal number. I know Geeta gets upset when I stick my nose where it doesn't belong, but she's keeping a lot of people out of the loop, so it might be best to share intel."
Clavell took the card, his expression one of surprise. He pondered why Geeta would withhold information from her Elite Four Council, unless she was intent on handling matters herself, which wouldn't surprise him. She had always been highly individualistic, even as a student.
With a final nod, Larry excused himself and left Clavell alone to ponder where Geeta could be and what her mysterious absence might mean for them all.
As Ash reentered the bustling ballroom, his gaze swept across the crowd, searching for Gary. With Pikachu scurrying at his feet, he began to navigate quickly through the attendees. Some women, noticing his presence, boldly attempted to approach him, perhaps hoping to be asked for a dance. Ash, however, was focused on his mission and politely brushed them away, his manners kind even in his slight state of urgency.
Despite his efforts, Ash couldn't spot Gary or any of Navarro's men. The sea of faces blurred together, and he started to feel a bit disoriented amidst the shifting crowd. Just then, he felt a firm hand on his shoulder. Turning around, he found himself facing Navarro.
Navarro, with a knowing smile, leaned in slightly. "I thought you would be interested in seeing the battles, no? I know you'll be impressed by my indoor facilities…" he suggested, his tone inviting yet slightly commanding.
Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Ash nodded and followed the CEO, leaving the noise and lights of the ballroom behind. They entered a maze of corridors, quieter and lined with rich history. As they walked, Ash observed the walls adorned with family portraits and various heirlooms—each frame a gateway into the past of the Navarro lineage.
"My family has been around a long while, if you cannot tell," Navarro began, his voice echoing slightly in the spacious corridor. He took a sip of his amber colored drink before continuing, "This estate was originally commissioned by Esteban Navarro, a titan of Paldean agriculture, whose olive groves and almond orchards were said to be the most bountiful in the region. It was he who laid the foundations for our family's prominence."
They stopped briefly in front of a portrait illustrating a man with striking blue hair beside a dark, serpentine creature. Navarro continued, "But of course, even before then, our family is said to have had ties to the Explorers? Do you know them?"
Ash, trying to absorb the flood of information, shook his head politely. "Uh, no. Not really."
Navarro nodded, not particularly surprised by Ash's response. "They are a legend more than anything now. Many of Paldea's prominent families claim to have connections to Lucius, an Ancient Adventurer who traveled through different regions and captured several Legendary Pokémon and treasures around the world." He chuckled lightly, his unoccupied hand in his pockets as they continued down the corridor. "A group of his companions came to be collectively known as the Explorers, to which many noble families claim distant connections. But again, that was just one way to garner power and reputation. The group is no more than a myth."
Ash absorbed the tale with a nod. "I see…"
A heavy silence descended upon them as they continued their walk. The corridor seemed to stretch longer with each step.
"Ash," Navarro, sensing the young champion's suspicion, broke the silence, attempting to clarify his intentions with what appeared to be a candid tone. "Would you like to know why my operations need to remain in Area Zero?"
Eyebrows knitting together in concern, Ash responded cautiously, "Isn't it for more Tera Crystals? Isn't that what you sell? Tera Orbs?"
Navarro shrugged, a gesture meant to dismiss the simplicity of the assumption. "At first…but do you know why I wish to go deeper?" His question hung in the air, prompting Ash to exchange a quick, uneasy glance with Pikachu, who mirrored his trainer's concern. Ash then shook his head, signaling his ignorance.
Seeing an opportunity, the CEO leaned in slightly—earnestly. "I thought I should be honest with you, Ash Ketchum. I believe you will have sympathy for me. I am not a bad man. I am not even that greedy. You are young, but I feel it pertinent to ask," he said, steering the conversation into more personal waters. "Have you ever been in love with someone?"
Ash felt a cold wave of fear wash over him. His knuckles grew white as he clenched them at his sides, a muscle in his jaw twitching involuntarily. His mind raced with thoughts of Serena. What could Navarro mean by this question? What was he implying? What did he know?
The young champion shook his head and tried to reassure himself. He was being paranoid...He'd only just discovered his own feelings for Serena and named them for himself. He couldn't be that obvious, right?
Observing Ash's discomfort and preoccupation, Eduardo continued, his eyes flashing with empathy and manipulation. "It is okay if you have not. But I will tell you—even the greatest men suffer when they fall in love, because then…life becomes something you can't control. So much in life threatens to take what you love away from you. It is the way of things. Always has been, always will be."
For some reason, Ash thought of his father. And then shuddered at the thought of losing Serena, his mind momentarily going blank with fear.
Navarro then shared a more personal revelation, his voice lowering to a somber tone. "You see, my wife is very ill. She has a cancer and it is too far along to be cured. In Area Zero—around Paldea—we have seen these things called Herba Mystica, do you know of them?"
Ash was brought back from his anxious thoughts by Navarro's mention of the mystical herbs, but he could only nod in response, his mind now racing with the implications of Navarro's words and the potential for these Herba Mystica.
Navarro took out a cigarette, lit it, and then offered one to Ash who politely declined. As he inhaled deeply and then exhaled a stream of smoke, Navarro began to explain, his tone somewhat resigned, "You see, these Herba Mystica have only begun to appear recently, subsequent to certain...alterations...within Area Zero. Regrettably, even I am not privy to the finer details of these events."
He paused to take another drag before continuing, "However, what I can confirm is that these Herba Mystica—while manifesting in isolated forms currently—once existed in a more complete state. Moreover, any samples that we, or other research teams, have managed to uncover," he gave Ash a knowing look, "consistently reveal that their roots are profoundly intertwined. They share a common origin. It is this origin that I am determined to discover."
Intrigued but still careful, Ash asked, "You've been giving your wife samples of Herba Mystica?"
"Yes," Navarro nodded, his expression cold and listless. "However, their isolated forms are insufficient. Even if we were to gather all five herbs and combine them into a single mixture, it would not suffice—they are too fragmented. No, there exists a source where all five coexist naturally. Some speculate that this source resides in a Paradox World—or a Paradise. They believe that, residing in such a place, there is a Tree from which all Herba Mystica spring forth. Whatever the truth, I must find this source to save Teresa's life."
Ash took in the weight of Navarro's words and then questioned, "But what was Professor Turo doing in all this?"
Navarro's jaw clenched as he gave a subtle nod, "I thought he was assisting me. But it turns out, I was scarcely aware of his actual endeavors... and then he disappeared. Whether he uncovered something of value and chose to hoard it for himself, I cannot say. Nor can I confirm if he simply succumbed to madness, as some suggest, and abandoned his efforts entirely. The truth remains elusive."
Ash then considered asking about the time machine but decided against it, sensing that it was a topic best kept under wraps. He didn't want to risk telling Navarro about something he might now be aware of. Not yet, at least. He and Clavell needed to investigate that further.
"But why don't you just tell Geeta all of this?" Ash asked with a groan, genuinely frustrated.
"Because she wouldn't understand. My motives are selfish," he shrugged as though this fact were unavoidable. "And in truth, I am pursuing what many would consider a myth. There is no concrete evidence—merely ancient lore, diaries, and fairy tales—that suggest what I seek actually exists. Naturally, should I discover it, countless individuals in Teresa's predicament could potentially be cured. However, the public disclosure of such a quest, based solely on speculative hope, could devastate my reputation. My company would be ridiculed; investors would undoubtedly withdraw their support, leaving my endeavors entirely unfunded," he explained, spreading his hands before him as if to emphasize the magnitude of the risk.
"Furthermore, I must consider the competitive interest my quest might generate," Navarro continued. "The possibility of others seeking what I need cannot be ignored. That is precisely why my actions have been cloaked in secrecy. I cannot afford loose ends, which is why I am so intent on locating Turo."
"And why you are after the Paradox Pokémon…" Ash concluded, looking at Pikachu who returned his trainer's wary stare.
Navarro paused. Then he inhaled from his cigarette. "Yes," he said slowly, his tone indicating there was more he was not saying. "But as long as they are…contained…that is all that matters."
Ash, now completely confused, asked, "But why are you telling me all of this?"
Navarro looked at him intently, "Because I trust your character, Ash. And I trust you understand me. If you did love someone, wouldn't you do all you can to protect them? To save them?" He let out a deep sigh filled with smoke; one that seemed to age him.
Ash remained silent, the gravity of the conversation settling over him like a heavy cloak.
Navarro added, speaking in a hushed manner, "But you know, Ash, if you do share this information, Teresa might surely die."
By midnight the hilarity of the gala had increased. Happy, vacuous bursts of laughter rose towards the painted ceilings, and the sparkling multi-colored drinks continued to be served in copious amounts. The moon had risen higher, and floating above the garden was a triangle of silver stars, trembling a little to the stiff, tiny drip of the guitar strings on the lawn.
After helping get Kathi-Grace cleaned up from her run-in with nature, Serena and Delphox followed the manager back through the ballroom. It continued to be a sea of colors and sounds, but Serena sensed this sea growing more turbulent…changing before her eyes into something significant, elemental, and uncontrolled.
The trio didn't need long to locate the Governor of Mesagoza, who was encircled by a group of politicians engaging in what appeared to be weighty discussions.
Upon noticing Serena, Isabel's face lit up with recognition and interest. She excused herself from her group and approached the Kalos Queen, taking her hand with a small, yet warm smile and leading her toward a quieter anteroom. This area was more serene, the din of the ballroom muted by heavy, ornate doors.
The governor was dressed in an elegant black dress that was tastefully tailored, skimming her form with graceful lines that spoke of quiet power and refined airs. Its fabric had a subtle sheen that caught the light as she moved, enhancing her commanding presence.
"How are you enjoying the evening?" Isabel inquired with a glint in her dark eyes.
"It's fine," Serena replied evenly, but smiled.
"Good answer," Isabel responded with a smirk on her aged lips.
As they moved through the quieter room, Isabel guided Serena toward a figure standing slightly apart from everyone else — a woman of striking presence. She was elegant, dressed in a flowing lilac gown that seemed to capture and blend the colors around her, exuding both strength and a certain dreamy quality. In the elasticity of the woman's movements, the freshness and the unflagging eagerness which persisted in her face—breaking out in her languid smile and her fluttering glance—she had sometimes a serious and mysterious look in her hazel eyes, which struck and attracted Serena.
Isabel gestured to the woman, introducing her, "Tulip, the Kalos Queen. Kalos Queen, Tulip. Gym Leader of Levincia, owner of the Casa Lavanda luxury fashion house and cosmetic line. She would like to have a word with you about your Showcases."
Looking at Tulip, Serena felt an immediate spark of connection, an unspoken understanding that sometimes accompanies first meetings between individuals of similar paths and passions. She felt instantly that Tulip was perfectly complex yet was concealing nothing; that she had another higher world of interests inaccessible to Serena—interests that invigorated and excited.
This feeling, the recognition of a kindred spirit in this world of pomp and ceremony, left Serena feeling both eager and relieved to find someone she might relate to.
Sharing her excited and conspiratorial glance, Tulip gave the honey-blond her famously enigmatic smile, "Charmed."
Serena beamed.
Navarro's indoor battle arena was as famous as it was costly. Attached to the very back of the mansion, the space was tailored to impress and entertain its select audiences with its ability to meld luxury and cutting-edge technology. The arena itself was a sleek, modern coliseum with clean lines and high ceilings, emphasizing a sense of open space that contrasted sharply with the classical opulence of the rest of the estate.
Off to the side, a state-of-the-art viewing platform protected by a clear glass and equipped with the latest in Pokémon battle technology. It was surrounded by a sophisticated monitoring system that could display multiple angles of the battle in real-time, ensuring every strategic move and thrilling action was captured and could be replayed from any perspective.
Within this platform was an array of seating options. Plush sofas and armchairs were arranged in a tiered fashion, providing an unobstructed view of the battlefield for each guest.
Adjacent to the seating area was a well-appointed bar, boasting a selection of fine beverages and gourmet snacks. The bar was a sleek, modern counter with high stools, where guests could mingle and enjoy drinks before or after a battle.
As Ash and Navarro entered the arena, they were greeted by the intense spectacle of a Pokémon battle already underway. A formidable Tyranitar and a fierce Kommo-o were locked in combat, their movements vigorous and powerful, each attack resonating through the high-tech space. The crowd, a mix of men and women—some familiar to Ash from earlier encounters, others strangers—watched the battle with rapt attention, their expressions a blend of excitement and calculation as they seemingly placed bets on the outcome.
Nearby, a sophisticated setup caught Ash's eye: a computer terminal connected to a Pokéball dispenser machine. Men stood around it, browsing through what appeared to be a large database of Pokémon. They selected Pokéballs, which were then dispensed by the machine, containing Pokémon that were clearly not their own. This setup allowed them to choose battle-ready Pokémon on a whim, treating these creatures more like tools or commodities than partners.
The sight made Ash wince and run a hand absently through Pikachu's fur. Witnessing Pokémon being selected and rented in such a transactional way—without really any rhyme of reason to it—made him sick.
A command cut through Ash's thoughts and he watched Kommo-o seizing a moment of disarray and launching into a powerful Close Combat, barraging Tyranitar with a series of rapid, close-range strikes. Tyranitar staggered back, visibly worn from the assault, Kommo-o readied its final move. With a roar, it unleashed Dragon Pulse, a blast of concentrated energy that streaked across the arena with a brilliant glow. Tyranitar, unable to withstand the onslaught, was knocked back, defeated by the sheer force of the attack.
From beside his leg, Pikachu stirred.
As Fernando's Kommo-o clinched the victory, the audience erupted in applause. With a confident stride, Fernando recalled his victorious Pokémon before nonchalantly walking over to a high-tech container system. He disposed of the Pokéball, which was then whisked away into the database, ready to be used by someone else on another day.
When the battling gentlemen returned to the platform, Joaquín de Levincia couldn't contain his delight. He chortled loudly, raising his drink high in a salute, his voice booming across the arena, "Muy bien, muy bien! Bravo!"
Fernando basked in the praise and allowed a smug smirk to play across his features as Navarro and Ash came into the platform. At that moment, the governor, looking a bit worn from the excitement, took a drink from a passing waiter and dabbed the back of his neck with a hand towel. "Your collection grows more interesting, Eduardo," he commented in his languid way as though monitoring his impression. "I daresay you have Pokémon from every region now."
Navarro tipped his head though he said nothing.
Meanwhile, Guillermo stood rigidly behind Diego García, who was sprawled comfortably on a plush sofa. Beside García was a woman who was not his wife. Puffing on a cigar, Diego leaned forward, the smoke curling around him as he proposed, "Well, how about we have our main event, no?"
Gary and Carmen were standing off to the side near the bar, observing the scene, while Amethio and Hamber remained in the shadows, neither eating nor drinking.
At García's suggestion, Ash and Gary exchanged knowing glances across the room. Pikachu, sensing the tension, scampered up onto Ash's shoulder.
Navarro seized control of the moment and declared crisply, "Yes, let's have it." His eyes flashed briefly towards Gary, signaling the start of something significant.
Gary acknowledged the cue, gently extracting himself from Carmen's light hold. Even the model looked mildly worried as she watched him prepare for what was to come.
"Would you like to rent a pokémon, señor?" A butler, one standing beside the Pokémon dispensary, asked with a motion towards the computers.
The researcher shook his head, holding up a minimized Pokéball between his fingers.
There was a brief intermittent moment before the battle where everyone appeared occupied with something. Away from the scrutiny of the other guests, Ash quickly gripped Gary's arm, leaning in to whisper urgently in his ear, "You ready?"
Gary rolled his eyes. "Am I ready? You were nowhere to be seen for a hot second there—making goo goo eyes at you-know-who—and you're asking me if I'm ready?" He jabbed an accusing finger towards Ash, but there was a smirk on the researcher's face. "Here's how you can make it up to me: tell me, have you made out yet? Definitely looks like you have…"
"Really?" Ash would have deadpanned if he could actually control any of his emotions involving Serena. "You're going to do this now?"
"I have to deflect with humor, and seeing you squirm makes me laugh," Gary shrugged, his eyebrows moving up and down, "So did you use tongue?"
Ash didn't even know what that meant.
"I almost hope you lose," Ash's eye twitched while Pikachu nearly lost it on his shoulder.
Gary responded with a confident smirk and a wink, "Almost."
Amethio and Gary took their positions across the high-tech arena, their expressions focused as the crowd quieted in anticipation of the upcoming battle. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, each spectator eagerly waiting to witness the clash of strategies and power.
An officiant, designated to oversee the match, stepped forward. He was dressed in a formal black and white uniform, holding a red and white flag that symbolized the official commencement of the battle. With a clear, authoritative voice, he announced, "This will be a one v. one. Trainers, please choose your Pokémon."
Gary nodded, a sense of relief briefly crossing his features. This was the best-case scenario for him. He had specifically trained Umbreon to take on the Ceruledge, and with the rules confirming a one-on-one battle, he felt well-prepared.
"Let's go, Umbreon!" he called out with confidence, his companion materializing in a burst of light, poised and ready.
Undeterred and with a demeanor as cold as his amethyst eyes, Amethio nodded. "Ceruledge," he called out clear and cold, his smirk broadening as the spectral fire-type Pokémon appeared on the field. With its menacing stance and fiery aura, Ceruledge seemed to contrast sharply with Umbreon's sleek, dark form.
"Which arena will you choose?" The officiant asked with a neutral expression.
Amethio, casting a confident and somewhat taunting smirk, gestured towards Gary, clearly unbothered by the choice of terrain. "Why don't you do the honors? It doesn't matter to me," he said, his tone dripping with disdainful assurance.
Gary's jaw clenched tightly in response, irritation and resolve flashing across his face. He stole a quick glance up at Ash, seeking some strategic input. Ash was quick on the uptake. His mind racing, he discreetly mouthed Rock towards Gary.
The researcher inwardly smirked at the suggestion—of course, a rocky terrain would offer Umbreon the natural barriers and cover it might need. Plus, he could use it as another type advantage.
"We'll do the Rock Arena," he announced coolly, shrugging as if the choice was trivial.
With Gary's decision made, the arena underwent a dramatic transformation. The previously grassy environs shifted, morphing into a rugged, mountainous landscape. This change involved sophisticated holographics and terrain manipulation systems embedded in the arena's structure that allowed it to transform right beneath the Pokémon's feet.
Rocks and boulders materialized, creating a terrain that mimicked a natural rocky outcrop, complete with crags and outcroppings that provided ample cover and strategic positioning opportunities. The effect was visually impressive, demonstrating the arena's advanced capabilities.
Gary couldn't help but whistle. "Yeah, that's kind of impressive."
Amethio's gaze was steely as he sent forth Ceruledge, its ghostly swords gleaming ominously in the arena's artificial light. Across the field, Gary maintained a confident smile, but it thinly veiled the tension he felt. Umbreon, agile and alert, circled the field.
"Let's not waste time," Amethio commanded sharply, smirking as he gestured towards Gary's Umbreon. "Shadow Claw."
With a swift motion, Ceruledge lunged forward, its spectral blades slicing through the air. The attack was quick and brutal, catching Umbreon off-guard and connecting solidly. The force sent Umbreon skidding backwards across the rocky terrain, more from the impact than any elemental effectiveness.
"Okay, Umbreon—shake it off!" Gary shouted, his voice steady. He knew his Umbreon was resilient and that he had a type advantage. Watching intently as Umbreon quickly regained its footing, Gary was ready with his next command. "Alright, Confuse Ray!"
As Ceruledge prepared for another strike, Umbreon unleashed a disorienting beam of light. The Confuse Ray caught Ceruledge mid-assault, throwing off its attack trajectory and causing a moment of disarray.
Amethio grunted, visibly annoyed but not yet worried. "Use your instincts, Ceruledge. Phantom Force."
At his command, Ceruledge vanished abruptly, slipping into a phantasmagoric dimension where it became untouchable and unseen, biding its time to strike next.
Gary, quickly assessing the situation, called out decisively, "Umbreon, build a shield around yourself with Psychic! The rocks!"
In response, Umbreon used its Psychic powers to levitate debris and stones, forming a protective barrier just as Ceruledge reappeared from its purple, fiery portal with a slashing attack. The collision caused an explosion of rocks and dust. Due to its lingering confusion, Ceruledge momentarily hesitated, allowing Umbreon to seize the moment. Umbreon then hurled sharp, pink-outlined pieces of debris at the Ghost-type, who instinctively raised its sword-like appendages in defense but was pushed back, taking damage.
"Ceruledge, Bitter Blade!" Amethio growled, his jaw clenched tightly as Ceruledge shook off its confusion. Channeling its frustration and rage, Ceruledge's blades seethed with a searing purple fire, slicing through the air towards Umbreon. Upon connection, the attack not only damaged Umbreon but also appeared to restore some of Ceruledge's own health, the blades drawing energy with each strike.
Reinvigorated, Ceruledge gained the upper hand as it executed Phantom Force again, vanishing from sight and preparing for a more strategic and powerful assault. Umbreon, now visibly overwhelmed, tried to anticipate and counter the attacks.
Meanwhile, as the battle raged on, Ash gritted his teeth, his eyes fixed on the unfolding combat. He noted how Ceruledge moved way faster than he expected—which was very fast. Ash sat tense and worried, but deep down, he still had confidence in Gary; he knew his old rival hadn't played his final ace just yet.
Navarro, his cigar in between his fingers, gestured around the luxurious arena. "What do you think?" he inquired smoothly.
Ash struggled with his response, his jaw tensing as he chose his words carefully. "It's… impressive," he managed to say, but his tone was thick with reservations. "But I don't like that you have Pokémon just as a collection."
"I knew you wouldn't," Navarro replied with a shrug, his demeanor listless. "It's more to impress and entertain my investors. Again, it's all an act, Ash. We're just on a grand stage."
Ash's jaw clenched tighter, his frustration mounting. He was beginning to doubt everything around him, unsure of what to believe or who to trust. His gaze then drifted towards Navarro's wife, who sat watching the battle with a pale, distant expression. Chansey and Brutus were quietly tending to her, their presence a silent testament to her frailty.
"Wait, why is Brutus always with your wife?" Ash asked suddenly, wondering about the odd connection.
Navarro's eyes darkened, a hint of warning in his tone. "He's… a family friend," he stated, clearly signaling that the topic was off-limits.
Ash stole another glance at Brutus, who appeared pale and afraid. He seemed determined not to acknowledge Ash in any way.
Navarro leaned closer as if to shift the conversation subtly. "I know you have the Koraidon," he murmured.
Ash's knuckles whitened as he gripped his glass of water tighter. "And?" he pressed. He took a sip, offering some to Pikachu.
"As long as you remember what I told you… to keep it secret. Keep it safe," Navarro advised, his words heavy with implication.
In that moment, Ash understood what Navarro was trying to do. He realized that Navarro was hoping to ensnare him with information, to wield authority over him through some sort of moral gameplay. It was smart, Ash had to admit, but he resolved not to let it manipulate him. He could pretend, go along with it—"play the game," as Larry would say. But Ash wouldn't belong to this guy. He never would.
But, as Ash glanced again at Teresa—sick and pale—his resolve wavered. He couldn't help but imagine how devastated he would feel if Serena were in her place.
Shuddering at the thought, Ash realized the weight of his decisions. He knew he would need to speak to Geeta, to gauge whether he could trust her with Navarro's secrets. But for now, Serena's advice echoed in his mind: he needed to trust himself. He would need to be the one at the center, handling all of this.
And he would need to find Professor Turo himself.
Back on the battlefield, the situation appeared increasingly grim for Gary as Amethio and Ceruledge seemed to be merely toying with him. Gary's desperate attempts to gain an advantage with Sand Attack repeatedly failed, with the move missing its mark each time.
Complacent, Amethio commanded, "Bitter Blade!"
The fiery sword struck again, knocking Umbreon back with force.
Gary, under increasing pressure, muttered to himself, "Okay, new plan—what would Ash do?" He wasn't quite ready to deploy Foul Play, wanting to assert more control over the field first.
"Umbreon, just start kicking up a bunch of sand!" Gary instructed urgently, a new thought coming to him.
Umbreon complied, vigorously kicking the rocky terrain, sending clouds of dust billowing across the battlefield, obscuring vision and creating a makeshift smokescreen.
Amethio, undeterred, issued his next order, "Ceruledge—get close and personal. Phantom Force."
Ceruledge nodded, stepping once again into a purple, fiery portal and vanishing from sight, leaving both Pokémon effectively invisible.
"Get ready, Umbreon!" Gary called out, tense, his brows knit together in concentration. "It's time."
When Ceruledge reappeared behind Umbreon, swords drawn for a slashing attack, Umbreon, anticipating the move through Gary's strategic foresight, used Foul Play. The move ingeniously redirected the attack back at Ceruledge, who was highly susceptible to its own powerful strike. The counter was successful, and Ceruledge staggered back, significantly wounded by its own move.
"Ceruledge!" Amethio growled. In a swift motion, he retrieved a gleaming Tera Orb from his pocket and activated it, aiming it towards his battling Pokémon. The arena, momentarily hushed in anticipation, watched as the orb emitted a radiant beam of energy that also encompassed Ceruledge.
As the Terastallization process took hold, the air around the Ghost and Fire-type shimmered with a dark, almost mystical energy. The Pokémon's form began to change, growing slightly in size and stature. Its ghostly swords seemed to pulse with a deeper, more intense aura, matching the newfound darkness of its Terastal type. Above its head, a Dark Tera Jewel materialized like a crown. This jewel radiated a sinister gleam, casting eerie shadows that danced across the rocky terrain of the arena
Gary stared at the transformed opponent.
"Perfect."
From the viewing platform, Ash watched anxiously, mentally urging Gary not to give up. It's only a fancy transformation, Ash thought to himself. Though the Terastal effect was primarily defensive, meant to make Umbreon's Foul Play less effective—a clever move by Amethio, Ash had to admit.
"We're not giving up, Umbreon. Let's go! Psychic on the rocks again!" Gary ordered, determined to turn the tide.
Umbreon, responding with resolve, used Psychic to lift stones and rocks off the battlefield, hurling them at Ceruledge. The crystalline creature sliced through some and dodged others but still took little damage against its hardened shell.
"Bitter Blade," Amethio responded darkly, feeling back in control.
Cerulede's Bitter Blade attack came renewed and fiery. Umbreon managed to lift a boulder just in time, but the attack still landed, the explosion sending Umbreon skidding back. Though the boulder absorbed some of the impact, Umbreon was clearly exhausted, showing signs of fatigue and slower movements.
As the battle continued, it was evident that while Umbreon was doing its best to evade and counter, it couldn't match Ceruledge's stamina. Both Gary and Ash knew that the situation wasn't looking good. Umbreon was visibly tiring, each movement slightly slower than the last, while Ceruledge, in its Terastal form, seemed almost unscathed.
"Pikachu…" Pikachu murmured mournfully from Ash's shoulder.
Ash's mind raced for a strategy. "Maybe Gary could—"
Suddenly, the dazzling lights of the arena flickered and plunged into darkness. A moment of suspenseful silence enveloped the spectators before a single spotlight dramatically flicked on, illuminating a spectacle no one expected.
From above, a platform gracefully descended from the ceiling, drawing all eyes upward. Perched confidently on the platform were Jessie, James, and Meowth, striking poses as the spotlight framed them perfectly.
Jessie, with theatrical flair, "Prepare for trouble with style and grace!"
"And make it double in this luxurious space!" James, with a confident flourish.
"To protect the world from devastation,"
"To unite all peoples within our nation,"
"To denounce the evils of truth and love,"
"To extend our reach to the stars above!"
"Jessie!"
"James!"
"Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light!" they shouted in unison, reveling in the spotlight.
"Surrender now or prepare to fight!" Jessie concluded, but not without adding, "or propose marriage and save me from this crime life!"
Meowth, only a tad thrown off, jumped into the frame, "Meowth! Dat's right?"
"Wobbuffet!"
The unexpected interruption drew a variety of reactions from the audience. García, unable to hide his amusement and clearly entertained by the unexpected show, clapped his hands, "Ah! I didn't know we were going to have circus performers as well!"
Hamber, usually composed, lost his usual stoic demeanor for a fleeting moment; his face contorting. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded, clearly incensed by the disruption.
On the other hand, Navarro appeared intrigued rather than upset. His eyebrows rose in mild surprise. "Interesting," he murmured.
Meanwhile, Ash groaned audibly, burying his face in his hands, while Pikachu mirrored his trainer's frustration, paws covering his face as if to say, "Not again."
Team Rocket, relishing the mixed reactions and the spotlight, didn't miss a beat. Jessie, with a sly grin, turned to the audience, "Well, well, it looks like we've added a touch of excitement to your oh-so-serious gathering!"
"Indeed," James swept an arm grandly, "why settle for a boring gala when you can have a spectacular show? Team Rocket always brings a bang!"
"So, why not enjoy the chaos?" Jessie laughed, twirling a lock of her red hair, "After all, that's what you'd get in a life with me—if any of you are interested."
Striking an exaggerated pose and ripping off his mustache, James added, "Indeed, we're here to liberate you from the mundane! And what better way to spice up a posh party than a little unexpected thrill?"
"Yeah," Meowth rubbed his paws together, "and we're also here to liberate something else—your Pokémon!"
As the crowd digested their words, the ceiling above cracked open slightly, and a large, mechanical monstrosity descended slowly into the arena. This machine, resembling a giant Octillery, had multiple long, flexible arms, each tipped with claws that functioned like agile tentacles. The machine was a marvel of Team Rocket engineering, sleek and menacing, with a glossy black finish that absorbed the light, giving it an almost sinister appearance.
Controlled by Meowth with a remote, the machine's arms began to move with a life of their own, slithering towards Navarro's Pokémon dispensary. The claws deftly and quickly latched onto Pokéballs, snatching them with precision and retracting swiftly. Each arm seemed to have a mind of its own, efficiently pilfering the Pokéballs and funneling them back into a central holding bay in the machine's body.
Jessie laughed maniacally as the machine executed its task, "See, we bring not just entertainment but efficiency! Who says you can't have a little fun while expanding your collection?"
Watching the Pokéballs being stolen, James squealed with glee, "Just think of it as involuntary donations to our cause!"
"Hey!" Santiago Márquez, who had been overseeing the machine, shouted angrily as he witnessed the chaos unfolding.
At that moment, a net was suddenly cast over Ceruledge. The ghostly Pokémon struggled violently, trying to escape the confining mesh with little success. Jessie, watching the scene with amusement, cackled loudly and taunted, "You should know better! Such attacks won't work on our high-tech traps!"
Gary smirked at the trio, his relief strangely tender amidst the tension. "You know, I've never been happier to see you," he declared, placing his hands on his hips confidently. "So that I can personally handle you all myself. Umbreon, Psychic!"
Umbreon focused, its eyes glowing as it used Psychic, targeting the mechanical tentacles of Team Rocket's machine. The psychic force was overwhelming, causing the aura-outlined tentacles to jerk spasmodically and drop the stolen Pokéballs.
"Why you little brat! You asked for it," Jessie growled, sending out her Yanmega, "Let's stir things up, Silver Wind!"
Yanmega flapped his wings vigorously, generating a powerful Silver Wind that knocked Umbreon back, disrupting its attack momentarily.
"Come on, Umbreon, free Ceruledge!" Gary shouted over the howling wind. "Lift that net up!" Umbreon, regaining its footing, concentrated its Psychic energy once more and successfully lifted the heavy, tangled net, freeing Ceruledge from its bonds.
Jessie and James turned to glare at Meowth, their frustration evident. Jessie snarled, "You said that net was attack proof!"
Meowth chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head, "Well, they ain't attackin' da net, are dey?"
James folded his arms across his chest, his words laced with sarcasm, "That Umbreon is picking it up rather easily..."
"Yeah, well, I didn't think dey'd just try to pick it up," Meowth retorted, clicking and clacking the remote in his paws.
"You are insufferable!" Jessie knocked their feline companion over the back of the head.
Meowth shot back, "Oh, and you had a better idea, Miss Let's Just Let My Beauty Hypnotize Dem?"
James focused on the logistics, scratching his chin. "Say, how were we even going to drag the Ceruledge into the machine's holding container? That net didn't come with a cord, did it?"
"Okay. Granted. There were lots of issues…" Meowth conceded.
From the platform, Ash watched the unfolding drama with a conflicted expression. Despite the disruption, he couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness seeing Team Rocket, a feeling Pikachu seemed to share.
Once Ceruledge was freed, however, the Pokémon and Amethio looked furiously angry. "Ceruledge, Bitter Blade!" Amethio commanded fiercely. Ceruledge readied itself, its blades glowing ominously.
Gary was quick to react, "Umbreon, Psychic!" This time, Umbreon's attack manifested as a channeling of psychic energy that pulsed in waves toward Team Rocket's machine. The attack connected at the same moment Ceruledge stabbed one of its fiery blades into the machine's abdomen.
The machine began to spark and fizzle, its integrity compromised by the dual attacks. Team Rocket and their Pokémon exchanged looks that ranged from worried to resigned.
An explosion erupted. The force of the blast sent Team Rocket and their Pokémon flying through the ceiling.
"Team Rocket's blasting off again!" they chorused as they disappeared into the sky, their figures shrinking into the distance.
As the dust settled from Team Rocket's explosive departure, the men on Navarro's platform erupted into applause, clearly entertained as if the dramatic disruption had been part of the evening's scheduled programming. Navarro, though mildly surprised by the turn of events, seemed pleased that the spectacle had captivated his guests, adding an unexpected thrill to the gala.
Through a haze of cigar smoke, García commented with a grin, "Marvelous. Marvelous!" He appeared genuinely amused and appreciative of the drama that had unfolded.
Ever the critic, Fernando gave an approving nod and remarked, "A very convincing show."
Navarro and Hamber exchanged quick glances.
On the battlefield, Gary recalled his Umbreon, deciding the battle had reached an unscheduled but definitive end. As he did, Amethio, still eager to continue, protested, "Hey! We weren't finished!"
Gary scoffed—it was time for him to bring out the asshole card—his voice dripping with nonchalance as he stuffed his hands in his pockets and turned his back towards the visibly irritated trainer. With a languid wave over his shoulder, he retorted, "Nah, I just saved your Ceruledge, so I'm going to count that as a win."
Ash, watching from a distance, couldn't help but chuckle at the scene, mentally noting to thank Team Rocket later for their unintended assistance.
From the corner of his eye, the young champion observed one of Diego García's assistants approach and whisper something into the mayor's ear. The message seemed to carry weight, as a visible reaction flickered across García's face. Although he managed to maintain composure, his unrest became apparent when he abruptly rose from his seat and sharply hissed, "Guillermo!"
The contest professor, startled by the sudden call, quickly moved to Diego's side. The two conferred in muted tones, their conversation intense and secretive. As they spoke, a red, infuriating look spread across Guillermo's handsome face. He stole a quick, anxious glance at Ash, as if checking for eavesdroppers or assessing the situation, before turning back to the mayor. Guillermo nodded, responding in Paldean with what seemed an acknowledgment or agreement, then made an urgent and rushed exit.
A sinking feeling began to settle in Ash's stomach as he watched the exchange. Pikachu, sensing his trainer's growing concern, clutched him a little more tightly. Driven by a strange apprehension, Ash immediately decided to follow Guillermo, the young champion's mind on one thing.
"So, what do you say, darling?" Tulip concluded her proposal, a relaxed and easy air settled between her and Serena.
There was a quiet excitement and mutual admiration between the two, palpable even to bystanders. Serena had been studying Tulip the whole time she had been speaking; though immediately beautiful, Serena had not fully seen the beautician's full charm until after she concluded her conversation. She saw Tulip now as someone quite new and surprising to her. And even the beautician's lilac dress, adorned with its lavish frills, seemed merely a backdrop to her presence; she was the true focal point—effortlessly natural, elegant, and utterly captivating.
Assessing the potential of a deeper collaboration, Serena broached the topic with keen interest. "If I work with you, can I get company stock? A chance to invest?" she asked, her tone reflecting both curiosity and prudence. "And what if I wanted to create my own business someday? Would you hold me at a non-compete?" Her questions were direct, seeking clarity on her future possibilities and freedoms.
Tulip looked impressed and she responded warmly and affirmatively. "Absolutely," she began, her voice filled with encouragement. "Investment opportunities are certainly on the table for partners who are as dedicated and visionary as you are. As for creating your own business," she continued, a supportive smile playing on her lips, "I'm all for fostering growth and innovation. No non-compete would be necessary—I believe in supporting the entrepreneurial spirit, not restricting it."
Serena exchanged a happy glance with Delphox, who seemed to sense her excitement and shared in the joy. Turning back to Tulip, Serena's face brimmed with enthusiasm, "We would love to work with you! I can't tell you how exciting that all sounds!"
Tulip's response was immediate, her face lighting up with an ecstatic smile. "Fabulous."
As Serena and Tulip reveled in the promise of their new collaboration, their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the approach of Guillermo Lebarón. His arrival was marked not by customary courtesies but by an impolite brusqueness that jarred with the congenial atmosphere.
Tulip, ever the diplomat, greeted him with a reserved smile, masking her unease. "Ah, Guillermo. Always a pleasure," she demurred.
Guillermo offered a curt nod, his response terse. "Igualmente," he muttered, though tight-lipped expression betrayed his insincerity. Without waiting for an invitation, he addressed Serena directly, "If you do not mind, I must speak to the Kalos Queen." His body language was dismissive, effectively cutting Tulip off from Serena as he stepped closer.
Before Serena could react, Guillermo grabbed her by the arm, his grip unexpectedly harsh and forceful. The sudden aggression caused Delphox to growl, instinctively sensing the threat to its trainer. However, before Delphox could intervene, Guillermo was already pulling Serena away, his pace quick and determined.
As they disappeared into the thickening crowd, Tulip's eyes widened in worry. Her initial shock at Guillermo's rudeness quickly turned to concern as she watched Serena being led away under duress. She moved to follow, her steps hurried and anxious, but the dense crowd swallowed the figures of Guillermo and Serena, obscuring their path.
Even Delphox lost sight of the two and she began to panic.
**As Guillermo's grip tightened around her arm, Serena's mind clouded over from the intensity of it. She found herself unable to react. The busy gala, filled with music, laughter, and dancing—which was at its peak of uncontrollable frivolity—seemed to only grow more intense and magnified as Guillermo led her towards the bar, suddenly letting her go and whirling on her.
His face was inches from hers, his breath hot with anger as he hissed fiercely, "How dare you make a fool of me? I bring you to Paldea, I make you a sensation, and you do this! Make deals behind my back?!"
A cold, empty laugh escaped him, adding to the chill Serena felt running down her spine.
"Let me go," Serena warned, her voice even but underlaid with urgency. Her fingers inched towards a hidden pocket in her dress where she kept her other Pokéballs.
She glanced around at the crowd, some pausing and eyeing the commotion.
"Oh." Guillermo chuckled dryly, ignoring her, his face contorting into a smirk of contempt. "I will do everything in my power to ruin you. And if you intend to compete in contests, I have news for you, my dear. I own the judges. And they will see to it that you aren't able to win one competition. Try it, princesa, but you will look like a fool."
The threat hung heavy in the air. Serena winced, her eyes darting around for any sign of Delphox. In another surge of uncontrolled anger, fear, and disbelief—Guillermo was reaching out to take hold of her again.
Then, abruptly, there was a thud—a sound dull and heavy, like a body hitting the ground.
Gasps and shouts issued forth from the crowd.
Serena blinked.
She thought the room was spinning, but before she could hit the ground, a pair of strong arms caught her, steadying her gently. Relief washed over her as she leaned into the unexpected support, grateful but shaking slightly.
As Serena slowly opened her eyes, her vision blurred and unsteady, she found herself looking up into Ash's face. His expression was one she barely recognized—contorted by an intense fury and rage that she had never seen him display. The sight of him so fiercely angry was jarring; why was he so mad? Her mind couldn't quite piece everything together.
Vaguely, her gaze shifted and she noticed Delphox and Pikachu nearby. Pikachu was trying to hold Delphox back, biting the fiery Pokémon's red-fur skirts in an effort to hold her back from charging at Guillermo, who was on the floor, clutching his face.
"Serena?" Ash broke through her haze as he gently lowered her to the floor, allowing her to sit. Her dress pooled around her in a cascade of blue fabric. "Serena, are you okay? Serena?" he asked urgently, his concern palpable.
She didn't immediately respond, still disoriented by the swift turn of events. Ash, filled with protectiveness, turned again towards Guillermo, who was now getting back on his feet.
"That was a bit unfair," Lebarón muttered, rubbing his jaw where Ash had clearly landed a solid hit. "I wasn't ready."
Without warning, Guillermo launched himself at Ash, his anger fueling a reckless charge. There was a burst of shouts—glasses fell to the floor and shattered, drinks pooling and bubbling on the floor.
The two men caught each other's arms, wrestling fiercely. Guillermo managed to slip his foot under Ash's, bringing him down to the cold, hard marble with a heavy thud. Ash groaned as he felt something strike his eyebrow.
Quick to recover, Ash caught Guillermo's next punch, the two struggling until Ash managed to pull his arm back and land a powerful hit right on Guillermo's nose. The contest professor cried out and slunk off of Ash, rolling onto the floor and slapping the marble in a visceral reaction to the pain.
But Ash wasn't done. He leapt back onto Guillermo, attempting to pin the contest professor down.
At that moment, others rushed onto the scene. Ash heard the sounds of Navarro and his men as they began to pull the two apart, further separating them amidst a flurry of concerned and stern admonitions. The sudden influx of people added to the chaos.
Guillermo was bleeding profusely from his nose, unlike Ash, who sported only a thin stream of blood from his eyebrow. Despite the hands that tried to hold him back, Ash shrugged off the restraining arms and moved swiftly back towards Serena, his concern for her outweighing anything else.
"What is the meaning of this?" Diego bellowed, booming in the ballroom, "What is—,"
Navarro cut him off sharply, "Shut up and make the band keep playing!" His command was terse, a clear indication of his intent to contain the situation.
Joaquin entered the scene, "We can't have a scene…"
Meanwhile, Gary moved subtly to shield Ash as the young champion gently helped Serena up. Surprisingly, her breathing was steady and she was able to stand on her own and give Ash a strong nod to indicate that she was alright. She stood up straight and squared her shoulders.
Ash turned to Navarro. His stare could have set the world on fire. "If you don't want a scene, then get us out of here. Now," he commanded, leaving Navarro no choice but to obey.
Navarro quickly instructed Hamber to call for a security team, which arrived promptly and began escorting Ash, Serena, Delphox, and Pikachu away from the scene. The next moments were a blur of activity, with rapid movements and terse commands echoing around them. Serena remained silent but strong, while Ash was still visibly trembling with anger. He held Serena close. Delphox and Pikachu were vigilant, moving energetically around them, snapping at anyone who dared come too close.
Suddenly, they were ushered into a large, black SUV. The driver, seemingly oblivious to the intense events that had just unfolded, asked casually, "Where to?"
"Scarlet Academy," Ash muttered almost automatically, his mind still racing to process everything that had happened.
As the vehicle started moving, Serena looked up at Ash, her eyes slowly softening—the strength ebbing away. "Ash?" she sighed softly, then laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes.**
Silent and subdued, Ash and Serena ascended the Academy steps hand in hand, a loud beat and bursts of laughter growing louder as they approached. At first, they were a little confused by the source—until they came face to face with the homecoming dance unfolding on the front lawn.
The scene before them, vibrant and lively, was quite opposite to the tension that still lingered with them. Pikachu chirped happily at the sight of their friends—Arven, Aliquis, Nemona, Penny, and Goh—who were all gathered around the tables laden with food, deep in discussion.
At the sight of them, Ash and Serena exchanged surprised glances, and small smiles began to spread across their faces, a sense of relief washing over them as they felt much more at home here than at the gala.
"Oh, hey guys!" Goh called out, his mouth full of food, waving enthusiastically at Ash and Serena. His eyes widened slightly as he took in Ash's appearance, "And whoa! Ash, you're looking a little rough…" He noticed the little stream of blood at Ash's eyebrow and the bowtie hanging loosely around his neck.
"Serena, you look amazing!" Nemona exclaimed, her hands flying to her mouth in a gush of excitement. "I can't believe you all are here! Come on, let's go dance!" She and Pawmo bounced up and down, ready to pull their friends into the merriment.
However, Arven, noticing the slight shell-shocked expressions on Ash and Serena's faces, winced sympathetically. He quickly pulled Nemona back by her arm as she looked ready to dash off with them. "Why don't we give them some space for a second. They did just get here…" he suggested gently.
Aliquis, catching on, nodded in agreement, "Yeah…"
It was Serena who managed to recover first, putting on a brave face as she addressed their friends. "Thanks, guys!" she said with forced brightness. However, she really did seem to feel a lot better at the sight of their familiar faces. Turning to Delphox and Pikachu, she encouraged, "Why don't you all take it easy? Go and have fun!" To her Fox Pokémon, Serena insisted, "I'm okay…"
Pikachu, understanding intuitively that Ash and Serena needed some time to themselves, nodded and put on a cheerful display. With a series of happy chirps, he bounced off to join Grookey and Pawmo at the buffet table, where they were happily sampling the spread. Delphox, a bit more hesitant and protective, took a moment longer to decide but eventually joined Mabosstiff and Meowscarada near the dance floor. The Pokémon stationed themselves like attentive chaperones, keeping a watchful eye on the festivities.
Wordlessly, Ash gently pulled Serena by the hand, offering her a tender smile full of concern and affection for her. He waved briefly to their friends, signaling a temporary farewell, and led Serena around the fringes of the dance area. They slipped quietly around behind Ryme's stage, disappearing into the Academy doors, looking for some solitude and comfort in the familiar surroundings.
Nemona sniffed and placed her hands on her hips, turning to Aliquis and Arven. "Were they holding hands?" she asked
Aliquis and Arven exchanged glances.
"No, definitely not," Aliquis replied, with a bit of a sweatdrop and with more sarcasm than sincerity.
Nemona blinked, taking his words at face value. "Oh. Okay!" she chirped, seemingly satisfied with the response but still slightly puzzled.
Penny, standing beside her Vaporeon, watched the exchange and sighed, half-amused and half-exasperated by Nemona's unyielding enthusiasm and occasional obliviousness. "You are something else…" she muttered, sharing a look with her Water-type.
As Ash led Serena through the dimly lit corridors of Scarlet Academy, the muffled beats of the dance's music echoed faintly behind them. The two moved quietly, their hands intertwined, doing everything to stay connected. Ash wasn't sure where they were heading, but instinctively, his feet carried them to his dorm room.
He opened the door, letting Serena inside before closing it gently behind them.
Serena, feeling the lingering pain, released Ash's hands to rub her throbbing arms. She caught her reflection in a mirror, noticing the red marks still visible on her skin. She laughed, a nervous, shaky sound meant to keep from crying. "I should have pushed him away I guess, or—"
Ash was quick to respond, stepping closer to pull her into him—his arms wrapping around her waist. The contact was comforting and secure, enveloping them in a much-needed warmth. For Serena, feeling Ash's arms around her meant safety and reassurance, while for Ash, holding her close was a way to offer more comfort and protection. He wanted her to know that he would be there for her, no matter what.
Pulling back slightly, Ash looked intently into Serena's face. "None of that was your fault, you know that right?" His eyes searched hers.
Serena bit her lip, her fingers lightly tracing the cut on Ash's eyebrow. "Does it hurt?" she asked softly, concern coloring her tone.
Ash shrugged, offering her a small, reassuring smile. "Not really." Truthfully, he barely felt the cut. His knuckles hurt more from all the punching, but part of him still felt sorry he hadn't hit Guillermo harder.
As they stood together, the room filled with an uncertain silence, broken only by a distant roar from the crowd and the sound of more upbeat music filtering through the walls. An idea sparked in Ash's eyes as he glanced towards the window. With a sudden movement, he jerked his chin in its direction and took Serena's hand once again. "Come on," he urged, carrying a hint of adventure.
He opened the window to reveal the inclined roof outside their window on the tallest story of the building. Carefully, he stepped out and extended his other hand to help Serena. She laughed lightly, reassured by the sight of the balustrade at the edge and the traction on the roof's pitch. With a playful toss, she threw her heels back into the room, fully committing to the spontaneous escape.
As they sat on the rooftop, they could actually see the front lawn below and part of Ryme's stage. They could also see people dancing, talking, laughing, and Ryme singing—everyone having a great time.
For a little while, they just watched everything quietly.
Ash then looked at Serena. "Hey, so," he inhaled, trying to calm himself. Whenever he thought of what happened he grew incredibly angry, and he didn't want to be angry now that he was with her. "Are you okay? Really?"
Serena turned to face him, her eyes were wet but her face looked more relieved and peaceful. "Yes, Ash. I'm okay," she reassured him by reaching for his hand and giving it a squeeze, "I'm never going to have to work with Guillermo again. I'm free of him and I couldn't be happier." She then turned to face forward, her lips set into a resolute line. "And next time I see him, I'll be stronger," she promised, more to herself than anything.
Ash nodded stiffly. He couldn't be happier that Serena would no longer be working with Lebarón.
"How did everything go with you?" she asked, clearly wanting to change the subject.
Ash picked up on this, but he wasn't exactly thrilled to talk about his own thing. "It went fine," he said, not feeling the need to go into all the details right now, "I do feel like I have some direction—some way to investigate things on my own. But you were right, I am going to have to get involved."
Serena sigh at this and looked away, chewing on her lip again, "And you're going to be careful right?"
Ash smiled, "Yeah."
Silence descended upon them again.
Ash thought of something that would maybe make her feel better.
"So, Team Rocket showed up during Gary's battle with Amethio."
Serena looked at him incredulously, her blue eyes wide. "You're kidding?!" she burst out, unable to contain her laughter. "Wait, what happened?"
Ash told her the story. He also told her about the men clapping afterwards, thinking it was all some sort of show.
Serena laughed so hard that tears came to her eyes and her stomach began to ache. "I can't believe it," she managed to say between gasping breaths.
"Yeah, it was pretty wild." Ash agreed, his own shoulders starting to shake with laughter. Seeing Serena return to life again filled him with incredible relief. He loved seeing her laugh.
As their laughter subsided, Serena rested her head on Ash's shoulder, feeling more relaxed as they continued to watch the homecoming festivities from their secluded spot. "They really do have wonderful timing."
After a moment of enjoying the scene below, Serena's thoughts drifted to another topic that had been on her mind. "Hey, Ash? You never told me what really happened in the Terra Cave. I only heard a little from Arven...and that one night we texted...but should I be worried?" she asked, her eyes shining with concern as she looked up at him.
Ash's face lit up with excitement, "No way! It was awesome!"
"Ash!" Serena pouted and she popped up from his shoulder. That response didn't make her feel better. "But how do I know you're not going to take it too far one day? I know what bonding with Greninja used to do to you."
Leaning back on his arms, Ash tried to reassure her, "Yeah, but I learned to control it then. I'm sure I can learn to control whatever it was!"
Serena sighed, half-smiling at Ash's enduring optimism and determination. "Do you know exactly what happened?" She asked, curiously, bringing her knees to her chest.
Ash shook his head, removing his bow tie, which was itching him, and throwing it somewhere. Serena had to wince. That tie was probably expensive.
"I just knew I really needed to survive," Ash began, looking up at the sky for a moment, "you know, for Pikachu and Goh—heck, even for Brutus. And the walls were caving in on us, so I needed to do something, or we were all going to…" he decided not to finish that sentence, given Serena's stricken face.
"Anyway, I just thought about how I needed to protect everyone," he quickly amended, and then—blushing, embarrassed—added, "And I, uh, well I thought about how I needed to tell you something pretty important and how it would really suck to die without saying it to you."
"Ash!" Serena really wished he would stop talking about dying.
Not understanding her reaction, Ash faced her, suddenly very determined. "Well, it's true! And I've been stupid for not saying it sooner, Serena."
He really had been planning to tell her all night, but then they just kept being interrupted or things happened and it didn't seem like the right time. But now?
And then he just went ahead and said it, because he didn't want to wait anymore and—after everything that had happened—he felt like it was too important to keep from her, or from himself, even if he was still a little afraid.
"Serena, I love you."
Serena had been about to say something when everything halted. Her mind stopped working. For some reason, that had been the last thing she expected Ash to say at this moment. He had literally just been talking to her about Team Rocket and now he says this?
And despite all her own grand plans to confess and proclaim her love to him, they had been totally forgotten in lieu of tonight's events.
"I think I've loved you for a long time," Ash continued, grinning, blushing, and then looking away as though seeing her face distracted him, "When I asked you if you wanted to be more than friends, I think I was asking if it'd be okay for me to love you, but I just wanted to be sure. I don't really know much about this stuff. And I'm not even sure what I can offer you—so I still feel a little selfish telling you all of this, because I think you deserve more than, well, you know—me," he chuckled a bit uneasily.
Serena was still not working.
So she tried again to say something.
Anything.
"Ash,"
Her bright, moonlit eyes stared up at him. A soft blush dusted her cheeks and parted her lips instinctively. She could hardly breathe. The air seemed so thin. She grew painfully aware of every part of her hands, how they lay listless at her sides, tingling. She wanted to reach up to him, but just couldn't.
Ash, who seemed to think that he'd sufficiently said what he had to say, blinked dreamily and his eyes flickered to her mouth, still parted with light shallow breaths.
"Ash," she repeated again, almost soundlessly. Her own eyes traced the line of his jaw. Suddenly, her mind and her voice began to work in tandem, but still all they could produce was: "You want to kiss me."
It was not a question. Serena's words were slow and deliberate and now it was all she could think about. Her hands finally moved in slow motion as they found the front of Ash's shoulders, squaring them to hers. She pressed on them and felt the strength of him. And the warmth of him. Both left her in a daze and her face reddened with desire.
Ash's stare moved intently back to hers, but not before tracing every line of her face—the shape of her lips, her cheek, the delicate bridge of her nose. He seemed determined to memorize everything about her—to commit her to his mind in case he was lost in some alternate dimension and she turned out not to be real. (Which, honestly, was very possible, he noted.)
"Yeah," Ash finally answered her, and his own face burned, "I-I just don't know how."
And this was true. While he had imagined the moment numerous times already, he still wasn't quite sure what it took to get there.
Until Serena nodded, tipping her chin upwards, ready.
"Just lean in."
Immediately, Ash knew what she meant. Just let go. Don't worry. It was all okay. Don't be scared.
So he leaned in. He tilted and dipped his head and brushed his lips against hers so softly at first Serena wondered if he had just been the breeze. But then he added just a tad more pressure and the two of them stopped thinking with an almost painful relief; stopped seeing.
They lurched more firmly together. They only breathed and sought each other. Nerves so raw and tender must surely join other nerves, lips to lips.
And Ash thought about how nothing had ever felt so warm as her mouth. And her warmth overtook him completely. And he felt a jolt of lightning run through his veins and leave his fingers numb.
The kiss lingered; stilled and softened as the desperation ebbed away into something more tender and reassuring.
When Ash moved back they were both breathless and their lips were throbbing as though they had first pressed them together a little too hard; with a little too much force.
He looked into her eyes, which were wide and wet and wondering. He opened his mouth to say something, but Serena only pulled him back to her. While she kissed him, her fingers cupped his jaw while her other hand sought his, which was still frozen at his side as if he were afraid to move and disrupt some spell. She took his hand gently and led it to the small of her back. She then took the other, bringing his palm to her soft, shining cheek.
"You can bring me in closer. We're still dancing…" she whispered against his mouth.
Ash shuddered and his eyes changed. It was like part of his innocence—the boy in him who had been frightened and hesitant and careful—was breaking apart only to be replaced with something more complete. He was suddenly full of brave visions of himself kissing her and holding her. Tremendous visions.
But he held himself back for now. While his thoughts and desires were no longer afraid to move out beyond the borders of his conscience, Ash still had no idea what those passionate longings or half-envisioned ideas of passion really looked like. He just felt the beginnings of them stirring in his chest and he simply let them stir for now.
Serena sensed him holding back and was grateful. Her heart really couldn't take anymore than this: than his lips chastely on hers in between stolen breaths, the two of them trying to find some rhythm to the kisses, some variation—to something that was so new and foreign, yet at the same time so innate.
She moved her hands to cup Ash's eager face and to pause his eager lips. She smiled and laughed when she failed. She turned and he kissed the line of her jaw by accident.
"Ash," she laughed again, gently, half-heartedly pushing him away, "I have to say, I didn't think you'd like kissing this much."
Ash's blush radiated like a wave of heat. "I—I think it's great!" he could only stammer honestly, still inches from her and looking down at Serena's lips again. He could only wonder why he hadn't kissed her sooner. He brought his hand up to her cheek again and brushed back some of her gold hair that stuck to the corner of her mouth.
Then he kissed her again.
Serena sighed.
"Ash, wait," she said, rather unconvincingly in between his kisses. Words hanging off lips. "I—I have something important to say too! And I can't think when you kiss me."
Ash paused, halfway towards her lips again. "Wait, that's a good thing, right?" he cocked an eyebrow and smiled crookedly at her. He would have to tell Gary she said that…
"Ash Ketchum!" She was flustered.
Ash just kept grinning. "I'm sorry,"—he was not sorry—"go ahead! What do you want to say?"
Serena's mouth opened and closed under Ash's warm stare, which really was looking at her with so much adoration she thought she was going to evaporate into some sort of mist right there and then. Her heart beat in her ears so loudly to the point she couldn't even hear her own thoughts.
In the end, Serena really did find words to be quite useless.
She grabbed the sides of Ash's face and brought him to her again. Only after they had shared one last long and breathless kiss, she whispered against him.
"I love you too."
Pikachu decided that for as great and fancy the gala was, he preferred Homecoming much better.
The lively, relaxed environment was far more his speed, and he took full advantage of it, dancing enthusiastically with all the students and Pokémon around. His energetic moves and cheerful demeanor made him a popular dance partner, and his little electric cheeks sparkled when he did his little moves.
In all the fun, Pikachu caught sight of Brock once again attempting, and failing, to ask Miriam to dance. Brock would approach Miriam, seemingly muster all his courage, and then at the last moment, get distracted by something utterly trivial—like a flickering light or a leaf randomly appearing in the breeze—which he would then pick up and inspect as if it were the most fascinating thing he'd ever seen.
But the best part, Pikachu decided, was seeing Ash and Serena come back to the dance, hand in hand, their faces flushed and Ash's hair a bit more out of place than usual…
As the two reappeared, their entrance didn't go unnoticed. Serena's face seemed to radiate, a soft glow emanating from her as she smiled broadly, basking in the comfort of just being with Ash. The young champion, meanwhile, couldn't help but keep staring at her, his admiration and affection on full display.
"Pikachu!" the yellow rodent called out happily, felt a surge of excitement—his tail twitching at seeing Ash and Serena so content together.
Nemona was the first among their friends to turn and see them. "I KNEW it!" She screeched, clutching Aliquis's sleeve, "they were holding hands! Oh my gosh! They are totally a couple. I knew it! I knew it!" Her cries pierced through the music, drawing several glances.
Arven, standing beside them and clearly annoyed, gestured wildly at the class president. "You knew nothing. I've known for weeks!" He announced, folding his arms across his chest with a smug satisfaction quite rare to him.
The group turned to Arven, eyebrows raised in surprise that he would actually brag so openly about his insider knowledge. The botanist immediately cowered behind Ohara.
Ohara and Hohma had approached Ash and Serena from the dance floor—the petite brunette slightly breathless from dancing. "I'm so happy for you two!" she winked at Serena, who humbly blushed.
Even Brock joined in, coming up behind Ash and clapping him on the shoulder. "Are you sure about this, Serena? He can be a little hopeless," he snickered, making a gentle tease at Ash's expense.
Pikachu chimed in with a mischievous grin, "Pika!"
"That's right. And dense!" Brock took the liberty of pretending to translate.
Aliquis smirked, "Bro doesn't even have proper clothes."
"And I feel like this took way longer than necessary," Brock remarked, gesturing to Ash and Serena's newly coupled image, drawing laughter from the group. "I mean, he's been pretty smitten with you for—,"
Goh, somewhat lost, finally caught on and interrupted. "Wait, what's happening?" Then, seeing Ash and Serena, he exclaimed, "Ohhh. Called it."
"You did NOT!" Nemona slapped him upside the head.
Hohma just exchanged glances with Quaxly, "Wait, I thought they were dating this whole time?"
"Okay, let's give them a break," Arven managed, though he was trying to suppress a chuckle.
"Yeah, thanks guys…" Ash muttered, shrugging Brock off with irritation, though Serena was laughing along, easing the moment. "Come on, Serena," Ash pulled her closer to Ryme's stage where the dancing was livelier. He was eager for an excuse to escape the teasing but also, maybe, to steal another kiss.
Brock watched them go, his eyes shining with a hint of pride. "My boy is growing up!" He made a show of wiping a fake tear.
Pikachu watched on, actually crying. "Pikachu…"
"Wait 'til he learns about second and third base," Aliquis closed his eyes and grinned.
"La madre que me parió," Arven groaned, suddenly feeling depressed.
Goh, puzzled, asked, "Wait, what's that?"
Nemona and Ohara simultaneously pleaded, "Please stop."
Meanwhile, Ash and Serena found themselves slowly dancing near Ryme's stage. Though their slower pace didn't quite match the upbeat music, it didn't matter to them. Ash had his hands gently resting on Serena's waist, while her arms were wrapped around his neck, her forehead leaning against his, which was lowered to meet hers. They swayed gently, lost in each other, relaxed into the moment. Somewhere nearby, Delphox kept a watchful eye, ensuring the pair didn't get too close, unaware they had already been very close, earlier on.
Ash walked Serena home, going so far as to escort her all the way to her apartment door to make sure she arrived safe and sound.
They walked upstairs—three flights. At the first landing they stopped and kissed; They were careful not to be too loud on the next landing, on the third more careful still. On the way to her door, Serena stopped halfway and kissed Ash fleetingly goodbye. At Ash's playful urgency, she walked down with him to the landing below for a minute—and then back up. Finally it was really goodbye and their fingers slipped apart.
Serena pulled the door open and shut and then leaned against it, flushing. She was absolutely thrilled and happy and so in love.
She reached into a hidden pocket where she had kept all her Pokéballs. She called out her companions, who only smiled at her happiness. Delphox seemed to be giving them the details.
The exhaustion now hitting her, Serena stumbled to her room—peeling off her heels and casting them aside—she turned on the lights.
And screamed.
Bonnie sat in a chair with her fingers steepled together. A serious—or tired—expression on her face.
"Did you have a nice time?"
"Bonnie!" Serena shrieked again, all of the color draining from her face. Literally, how long had the girl been there? Just sitting!? What was she doing here? "How? Why? When?" Serena looked this way and that, floundering.
"Looks like someone doesn't check their phone. But don't worry, Kathi-Grace let me in," the lemon-haired girl yawned, stretched, wiggled her eyebrows, clearly having spent most of the night waiting for this moment. She got up from the chair, "Clemont and I got in four hours ago—he's at the hotel, of course, but I came to visit since I thought you'd be back way earlier."
Bonnie then pulled out her own device and made a few quick clicks. "But I guess you've just been having too much fun," she looked up mischievously and with a sickly, sugary smile that Serena did not like.
"Bonnie, I—," Serena took a step backwards as the girl took a step forwards.
"Yup, yup," Bonnie sighed a little theatrically, "And you know what? I can't wait for you to explain this,"
She turned the phone to Serena.
SUSU: "Monarch and Kalos Queen, Paldea's New Power Couple."
And there was a picture of Ash and Serena, holding each other very very close, at the gala.
Late into the night—or early the next morning—the air in Hamber's dimly lit office was thick with tension. Amethio paced back and forth, his steps echoing in the quiet, his face contorted with rage over his earlier defeat. The walls, lined with shelves filled with various artifacts and trophies, seemed to mock his recent failure. Every now and then, he would stop and glare at nothing in particular, his hands clenching and unclenching as he replayed the battle—and that stupid interruption—in his mind.
Hamber sat at his desk, his expression unreadable, watching Amethio's outburst with a calm that contrasted starkly with the young man's fury. He waited for the right moment to speak, his fingers intertwined before him, his mind working through the implications of the evening's events.
Finally, Amethio stopped pacing and slammed his fist into a nearby wall. Subsequently, he calmed down, his posture stiffening. He adjusted his suit and the pendant at his neck. "I had it under control!" he hissed, leaning over a map of Paldea.
Hamber nodded slowly, acknowledging Amethio's frustration. "Perhaps," he began, steady and commanding, "but brute force and anger will not regain what was lost, especially with the monarch now involved. We need a more strategic approach if we are to succeed in our larger goals."
Amethio snorted, his anger barely contained. "And what do you suggest? We've been entirely too passive this entire time, if you ask me."
"Not necessarily," Hamber replied. "But I do believe it is time we involve someone with a more... personal stake in our project." He paused, letting the words sink in.
Amethio stopped, his interest piqued despite his anger. He waited.
Hamber turned his computer screen toward Amethio, revealing a file marked "Arven – Professor Turo's Son." He clicked on it, displaying photos and detailed information about Arven's academic and personal background.
Amethio leaned in, his rage momentarily forgotten as he nodded in confirmation. "And how do we proceed?"
Hamber smiled thinly, a hint of cold calculation in his gaze. "People can be motivated by many things—fear, ambition, revenge. It's about finding the right lever. We just need to apply the right pressure."
Amethio nodded slowly, the wheels in his mind turning. "Fine," he conceded, his voice now filled with a new determination. "Zirc and I will pay him a visit. I guess then we'll see if Arven is ready to embrace his destiny."
With a slow forming smile on his lips, Hamber did not look worried. "He will join us."
Okay, end of the unnamed Part I. Are you sure I can't just end the story there?
Just kidding, just kidding.
But seriously, when you write 250k words (2/3rds of the length of Anna Karenina, mind you) to get to the scene that LITERALLY began this fic. Omg.)
Can't wait to actually write the length of a Russian novel to get to what's to come. #Tolstoywouldbeproud?
Okay, a little debrief as a lot happened:
-I do think the scene with Guillermo and Serena was necessary. I edited, edited, and edited to make sure it did no exceed the story's rating and I also wanted to make sure that there was no other "intent" implied in Guillermo save for the fact that he was just very angry. Doesn't give him an excuse, obviously. But I just wanted to make that clear. Furthermore, the whole scene is supposed to be even more of a wake-up call to Ash, who is also maturing and realizing that if Serena is stepping into the "real world," he will 100% need to as well. In regards to Serena's own development, the scene is a catalyst for her to resolve to be strong in different ways. We know she is ambitious, driven, successful—but now comes the time to grow emotionally and preserve her enduring hope and optimism (just like Ash) even as the reality begins to lose those romantic, blurry edges. Again, I just want you all to know that there was intent behind the scene. It was not to romanticize any type of behavior and the whole "damsel in distress" stereotype. If you couldn't tell, Ash was also pretty shaken up by the experience.
-Ash and Serena have said I love you, but don't worry—more conversations will be had around all that and labels will be made clear, etc. etc. For now, after quite the emotionally charged night, the two just needed to decompress.
But truly, I hope you all enjoyed reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it! Onto the next stage of Ash and Serena's relationship! Onto some new challenges—allies, foes, etc.—and gym battles and all the things!
Next chapter will probably not be until late next week and it will be an interlude. I mean, we gotta know what people are saying about our power couple, no?! News clearly travels fast…But I have a wedding this weekend so I'm going to take some time to enjoy the end of my practicum and spend time with family before I continue.
But again, please let me know what you think :)
