It was a warm afternoon in the Pokémon Center, and Ash's former traveling companions had gathered for a reunion. Misty, May, Dawn, Iris, Serena, Lillie, Mallow, Lana, and Chloe sat around a table, sipping on drinks and catching up on their adventures.

Misty spoke up first. "You know, Ash always seemed to like girls who were confident and strong-willed. Someone who can keep up with his crazy adventures!"

May nodded in agreement. "Definitely! And he's always been drawn to girls who are trainers, like him. Someone who can battle alongside him and push him to be his best."

Dawn chimed in. "But let's not forget he also likes girls with a passion for Pokémon contests! He admired talent and grace in coordinators."

Iris crossed her arms. "Ash needs someone who's not afraid to challenge him. He's strong and competitive, so his girl should be too!"

Lillie added softly, "I think he'd appreciate someone who's gentle and caring. Ash has a big heart, and he'd want someone who understands and supports him."

Mallow said thoughtfully, "He's definitely into good food! A girl who can cook delicious meals for him would win his heart."

Lana added, "And someone who loves the water as much as he does! Surfing, fishing, you name it."

Chloe laughed lightly. "He'd also want someone he can share childhood memories with. Someone who knows him inside out!"

Serena suddenly leaned forward with a knowing smile. "Well, let's not forget that I've already made an impression on Ash."

This comment caught everyone's attention. Misty raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What do you mean, Serena?"

Serena blushed slightly. "Well, during our journey together, I… I kissed him."

Gasps and giggles erupted around the table. Dawn clapped her hands together. "Oh, you did? How romantic!"

May grinned mischievously. "So, Serena, you think that makes you the perfect match for Ash?"

Serena shrugged playfully. "I don't know about perfect, but I think I've definitely left an impression on him!"

Misty smirked. "Impression or not, there's more to Ash than just a kiss, you know."

Serena's smile faltered a bit, but she regained her composure. "Of course! But I believe we had a real connection. We understood each other."

Dawn leaned back, crossing her arms. "Well, we all have our moments with Ash. Remember when he saved us or cheered us up? We all had our special times with him."

Lana nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and each of us could claim to be the perfect girl for Ash in our own way."

Chloe spoke up gently. "Maybe it's not about being perfect, but about being there for him when he needs us. Like true friends."

The group fell into a contemplative silence. They all had a special bond with Ash, each bringing something unique to his life. As they reflected on their adventures together, Misty, May, Dawn, Iris, Serena, Lillie, Mallow, Lana, and Chloe realized that while they all cherished memories with Ash, the true essence of their friendship was their unwavering support for each other.

Serena smiled warmly. "Whatever happens, we'll always have our time with Ash. And that's what matters most."

As the conversation among Ash's former companions continued, the lively atmosphere was suddenly interrupted by the arrival of Nemona, a confident and spirited Pokémon Trainer known for her skills in battle and her unwavering determination. Nemona approached the table where Misty, May, Dawn, Iris, Serena, Lillie, Mallow, Lana, Chloe, and the others were gathered.

"Well, well, well, if we're talking about who's the perfect match for Ash, it's obviously me," Nemona declared boldly, flashing a charismatic smile.

Misty raised an eyebrow, sizing up the newcomer. "Oh? And why do you think that, Nemona?"

Nemona leaned casually against the table, crossing her arms. "For starters, Ash and I are both Champions in our own right. We live and breathe battling, and we share a passion for pushing ourselves to the limit. Our personalities are pretty similar too—adventurous, daring, and always up for a challenge."

May exchanged a glance with Dawn, a hint of concern in her expression. "She's got a point. Nemona is a force to be reckoned with. Maybe we should—"

Before May could finish her sentence, Iris interrupted with a decisive tone. "We can't risk Ash and Nemona meeting. Who knows what could happen if they start competing against each other?"

Serena nodded in agreement. "It's true. Nemona is formidable. We wouldn't want Ash getting too caught up in a rivalry, especially with someone like her."

Lillie added softly, "What if they challenge each other and things escalate? We know how competitive Ash can be."

Mallow tried to lighten the mood. "Maybe we're overreacting. Ash can handle himself, right?"

Chloe chimed in, "I think it's better to be cautious. We all care about Ash and want what's best for him."

Lana grinned mischievously. "Maybe we should keep Nemona distracted. I'm sure we can find something else for her to focus on."

Nemona chuckled, clearly amused by the discussion unfolding before her. "Oh, don't worry about me causing trouble. I'm just here to visit. But if Ash and I 'ever' do meet on the battlefield, it'll be a battle for the ages!"

Dawn exchanged a worried glance with May, who nodded in agreement. "Maybe it's best if Nemona doesn't stick around too long," Dawn suggested quietly.

Serena spoke up with a smile. "Nemona, it's great to see you! Why don't we catch up over a friendly battle? I've been curious to see your battling skills in action."

Nemona's eyes lit up with excitement. "Now that sounds like a plan! But first, where's Ash?"

Misty, May, Dawn, Iris, Serena, Lillie, Mallow, Lana, and Chloe exchanged apprehensive glances. Serena cleared her throat, trying to buy time. "Oh, Ash? He's... actually on a new journey right now. Traveling to new regions and all that."

Nemona raised an eyebrow, looking unconvinced but intrigued. "Well, if you see him, tell him Nemona sends her regards. And tell him to be ready for a battle when we meet!" With that, Nemona bid farewell to the group and left the Pokémon Center, leaving behind a mixture of excitement and concern among Ash's former companions.

As Nemona disappeared from sight, Misty turned to the others with a determined expression. "We need to keep an eye out for Ash. If he ever crosses paths with Nemona, it could lead to trouble."

May nodded in agreement. "Definitely. Let's make sure Ash stays focused on his journey and away from any potential rivalries."

"Hey everyone!" Ash exclaimed with a wide grin, drawing the girls' attention as they noticed Ash with Pikachu on his shoulder approaching their table. "It's so good to see you all again! Pikachu and I have been having some amazing battles and making new friends on our journey. Did anything interesting happen while we were away?"

The girls exchanged quick glances, their expressions unreadable, before turning back to Ash almost simultaneously. "Nope!" they chimed in unison, their voices overly cheerful and synchronized.

Ash blinked in confusion, his brow furrowing. "Huh? Really? Nothing at all? You guys seem kinda... off. Is everything okay?"

Misty, May, Dawn, Iris, Serena, Lillie, Mallow, Lana, and Chloe exchanged nervous glances, trying to maintain their composure. Serena stepped forward with a bright smile, her voice slightly strained. "Oh Ash, everything's fine! We've just been hanging out, you know, catching up and stuff. Nothing exciting to report!"

Dawn nodded vigorously, her blue eyes wide. "Yeah, just the usual! How about you? Any new Pokémon catches?"

Ash scratched his head, clearly perplexed by their behavior. Pikachu, sensing his trainer's confusion, tilted its head curiously.

"Uh, well," Ash began, looking around suspiciously at his friends, "actually, Pikachu and I did meet this really strong Trainer the other day. Her name was Nemona—she's a Champion like me, and she's super skilled in battles!"

The mention of Nemona caused a subtle ripple of tension among the girls. Misty cleared her throat nervously. "Nemona, huh? That's... interesting. What was she like?"

Ash shrugged, oblivious to the undercurrents in the room. "Oh, she was cool! Really passionate about battling. We had a friendly match, and she gave me some tough competition!"

Serena exchanged a glance with May, her expression unreadable. "Sounds like quite the battle! But enough about that. We're just glad you're back, Ash."

Lillie interjected quickly. "Yes, we missed you! Let's grab something to eat. I'm sure you're hungry after all that traveling."

Ash blinked again, sensing that something was definitely amiss. However, he decided to let it go for the moment, trusting his friends and focusing on the warmth of their reunion.

"Sure, Lillie! I could go for some Pokémon Center food," Ash replied with a grin. "And then maybe we can share some stories from our adventures. I bet you guys have had some awesome experiences too!"

Pokémon Horizons knew what they were doing by keeping Ash away from Nemona...Xp SO LAME!