Forgive me, but now that we have our young couple together, my Romance Goblin is going to be self-indulgent trash for the next few chapters.
Also, thank you for bearing with me at that interlude. That was a wild time to be alive.
Anyway, time for a new arc.
Chapter 19: A New Team
Gary drummed his fingers against a sleek black table that was becoming all too familiar. Bathed in soft, artificial light, the conference room exuded its usual air of stark modernity—cool and lifeless. Shifting back and forth in a black leather seat, GAry sat with an alert readiness, posture stiff, his Umbreon poised at his side, his dark fur stark against the polished white floor.
Across from the researcher, Amethio, with his sharp aristocratic features, sat unmoving, his eyes rarely blinking, looking past Gary as though he were but a speck of dust in the room. With a deliberate hand, he brushed a strand of silver hair away from his outwardly apathetic expression. Only the rustling of his clothes could be heard as he moved. Beside him, Hamber, with his silver mustache impeccably trimmed, emitted an aura of quiet authority and shrewd calculation, his hands clasped neatly in front of him.
At one end of the table, Santiago Márquez flipped through digital pages on his tablet. His professional attire and the glasses perched on his nose gave him a scholarly appearance, though the concerned twist on his lips revealed his discomfort and clear agitation. From time to time, the scientist would fidget with his suit as if he felt imprisoned in the stiff confines of his starched collar.
Eduardo Navarro dominated the table's head, his posture purposely relaxed yet commanding. His sharp gaze moved from one face to another, missing nothing. Near him, lounging in a corner of the room with an almost disinterested air, lay his Absol. The Pokémon's bright, watchful eyes and the subtle shift of its sleek, white fur contrasted with its languid posture, suggesting a readiness to spring into action at any moment.
With a deep, shaking breath Santiago soon stood at a digital display, pointing out particular locations on a dynamic map of Paldea. "Capturing Miraidon has become our top priority. Last sightings have been in Glaseado Mountain," the scientist explained, highlighting the area with a laser pointer. "She's by far the most aggressive Paradox Pokémon that has come from the Crater. And the last thing we need is for the Pokémon to attack innocent civilians."
The room listened in rapt attention as Santiago continued, his voice steady but laced with urgency. "But while we search for her, we must also secure any other anomalies we discover. Otherwise, it will be increasingly difficult to shut down the rumors."
Gary shifted in his seat, the sleek surface of the conference table cool under his palms. "Any other anomalies?" he echoed, yawning inwardly without opening his mouth.
With a growl caught in his throat, Amethio leaned forward as though attempting to reign in his temper. "Other Paradox Pokémon…" he clarified, his tone cold as ice.
"Yeah, I got that, but how many are there exactly?" Gary pressed, waving off Amethio's hostility while his body instinctively leaned towards the direction of the map, his eyebrows knitting together in confusion.
Santiago Marquez tapped on his tablet, pulling up data as he spoke. "Well, we aren't quite sure… But they were once confined to Area Zero. Now, however, they are escaping. We know this because one of our interns was with the Monarch when they ran into an enigma known as Slither Wings about ten days ago," He paused, swiping through screens. "Shortly thereafter, an occult magazine began publishing a series on sightings of strange Pokémon being reported around the region."
"That intern is certainly becoming a nuisance," Hamber hummed, stealing a glance at Navarro, who stiffened.
Gary, oblivious to the exchange, allowed his gaze to sweep across the table, seeking answers. "And we don't know how they're escaping?".
With barely veiled impatience, Hamber let out a sigh. "Can your man please bore someone else with his questions? We hardly have the time," he interjected coolly—sharply—his eyes narrowing as he glanced at Gary.
Navarro, however, shook his head, his expression returning to its cold composure. "He needs to be briefed just as Amethio has," he countered calmly, adjusting the cufflinks at his sleeves before crossing his legs.
"We don't know how they're escaping," Márquez stated plainly, looking directly at Gary. "One hypothesis is that Turo is behind this."
Gary was struck by this development, and he struggled to grapple with the confused, verbose discussion. "Wait? How? Why?" he asked, his voice rising slightly in his bewilderment. "How can he be behind any of this if we don't even know where this guy is? Do you think he's in Area Zero somewhere?"
Something just wasn't adding up. These people knew way more than they were telling him, Gary could just feel it.
Navarro raised a hand, silencing the room, though his compressed lips revealed his own frustration. "As I have told you, Turo has effectively cut us off from some of the deepest recesses of the Crater," he said firmly, but he did not say more. "However, the rest is irrelevant. All you need to do, Mr. Pryce—Amethio—is secure the Paradox Pokémon that are loose in our region."
Gary said nothing, absorbing the directive in silence, his mind racing with the implications of what they were discussing. So, there was a way for Pokémon to exit the Crater while simultaneously locking everyone else out. Either these Pokémon all escaped at once before Turo vanished, or Turo still had access to the Crater, possibly operating covertly right under their noses. Gary had a feeling Navarro understood this but didn't want to admit it as the admission would reveal a weakness in his ability to control his operations in Area Zero. And Navarro hated to show any weakness.
Hamber, seeing an opening, leaned back in his chair, the leather creaking under his weight. "Very well. It seems the mission is clear. May we proceed with completing it?" he asked with patronizing sarcasm.
Navarro's gaze was steely as he nodded once. "As Márquez articulated, securing Miraidon is our paramount priority. This is essential not only for locating Turo but also for advancing our investigation in Area Zero and unearthing what our mad professor is hiding. ¿Entienden?"
Gary still wasn't sure how everything connected, but he remained quiet, his thoughts a whirlwind, reeling with confusion and annoyance bred from all the things he could not decide easily and clearly by himself. Umbreon, sensing his trainer's discomfort, nudged his leg gently under the table, offering a silent form of support. In the corner, Navarro's Absol shifted slightly, its eyes never leaving the group.
As the tension-filled meeting seemed to reach its peak, the sudden appearance of Navarro's secretary added an unexpected interruption. She approached the table with an apologetic yet urgent expression, whispering briefly to Navarro, who, with a slight frown of annoyance crossing his face as he stood, adjusting his suit jacket. "Márquez, come with me ." His tone left no room for further discussion. With a curt nod to everyone at the table, he swiftly exited the room, his steps brisk and determined. Márquez followed anxiously behind.
Left behind, Gary suddenly felt the weight of an awkward silence enveloping him. Amethio and Hamber now turned their attention towards him. If looks could kill…
Gary cleared his throat and scratched his head. "I guess I'll go…" he muttered, more to himself than to them. Umbreon.
With a slight nod, Gary and Umbreon—who stayed close by his side, his dark eyes darting between the two unfriendly figures—made their way to the conference room door. As Gary reached for the handle, the cold gaze of his new colleagues followed him, as though waiting for him to evaporate from their presence. Stepping out into the corridor, Gary closed the door behind him gently, leaving it just a crack open, almost instinctively.
Outside, the corridor was quiet, the only sound being the distant hum of the building's sophisticated climate control system. Gary lingered by the door, a gut feeling urging him to stay put. He leaned against the wall, trying to appear casual, his eyes occasionally glancing down the empty hallway.
Minutes ticked by slowly, each second stretching out as Gary wrestled with the decision to stay or leave. After nearly five minutes of silence from the room, he was just about to push off from the wall and head out when Hamber's voice finally broke through the thin barrier of the door.
"We must get to the Miraidon first, you know this," Hamber was speaking with a low, controlled urgency. "It and the Koraidon are somehow connected to the Lock System in Zero Lab, and we can use the one as leverage for—"
"Should we have the others hunt it down as well?" Amethio's voice followed, his tone equally conspiratorial.
"It is imperative that every Explorer commits fully to this mission. Master Gibeon will ensure it is so. We must prevent Navarro's bounty hunter from reaching Miraidon before we do, and the thought of the Monarch obtaining both Keys is untenable. Our access to Turo's laboratory, and indeed the success of our entire mission, hinges upon this," Hamber concluded, his words laced with determination, and Gary could almost hear the old man clench his fists.
Meanwhile, Amethio clenched his jaw and flexed his ungloved hand before refitting the article of clothing over his pale knuckles, "It would be much easier if Mr. Pryce were out of the picture."
Hamber nodded thoughtfully, his eyes scanning the area as if ensuring their conversation remained private. "This is true, but he is only one man," he whispered, the lines on his face deepening with the gravity of their situation. "Nonetheless, it is imperative that we continue to present ourselves as allies to Navarro and his cause. Mr. Pryce's presence further underscores Navarro's suspicions towards us, thereby necessitating our outward show of solidarity."
Amethio's expression tightened, a flicker of frustration crossing his features. "Again, if we had the heirloom—"
"I am close to securing it," Hamber interrupted, his tone both reassuring and commanding. "However, we must maintain Navarro's trust. It is the only way. And that can be won upon seeing his wife improve. You must make your visit tonight."
"Understood," Amethio replied, nodding slightly, his face set in a mask of resolve.
From his concealed position, Gary's mind reeled from the torrent of information flowing from the cracked door.
Explorers…
He'd heard about them…yes…but how?
Gary's heart pounded as he processed the implications of their words, the severity of the situation dawning on him. Just as he leaned closer, straining to catch more of their secretive dialogue, a sudden noise from the hallway startled him, cutting off his access to their conversation.
Pulling back abruptly, Gary glanced down at Umbreon, who returned his look with a perceptive gaze. The Pokémon's ears twitched, picking up on Gary's heightened anxiety. In that moment, Gary realized the depth of the conspiracy he was brushing against and knew he needed more allies…
Larry. Larry mentioned something about the Explorers at their first meeting, Gary realized and had to swallow a gasp. But weren't they some conspiracy theory? Weren't they supposed to be not real? Gary groaned. Things could never be simple, could they?
Stiffly and with beads of sweat disappearing into the collar of his shirt, Gary turned away from the conference room, his steps quick but silent as he and Umbreon retreated down the hallway. The weight of every step matched the urgency of the situation, and as they turned a corner, disappearing from the proximity of treachery, Gary's mind raced with plans to contact Larry. They needed to unravel this web and unravel it fast…
"Wattrel! Use Peck!"
Ash's voice traveled quickly across the battlefield—an expansive, lofted arena with a large, flat, and green battle surface marked by the iconic Paldean League symbol at the center. Spectators gathered around the edges, some perched on the quaint wooden walkways adorned with colorful banners, and others stood along the ornately cut railing along the arena's periphery. All around, the woodwork arched and undulated like arboreal webs still growing from the canopy of trees into which the field was carved.
On one side of the field, Ash was a picture of concentration, his gaze locked on his opponent. With a confident nod to Wattrel, he signaled for his Pokémon to act now—his focus experienced and determined.
The small, agile Wattrel responded instantly, diving towards its opponent—a quirky, oversized spider wrapped in yarn—with impressive speed, its beak aimed precisely. The crowd reacted with a mix of cheers and gasps, their voices seeming to bounce along each of the arena's blades of grass. On one side, fans clad in bright colors waved banners and shouted, "Come on, Katy!" showing their loyal support for Cortondo's gym-leader, while still intensely fascinated by the sight of Ash—the Monarch of the World—in full battle-mode.
Katy smiled. She had time to adjust her chef's toque, which was tilted jauntily on her head, and even swiped at a long-brown skirt smeared with flour before gesturing to her Bug-Type.
"Tarountula! Dodge Wattrel's Peck and use String Shot!"
Obediently, Tarountula—its yellow and green appendages moving rapidly—maneuvered to dodge the incoming attack with a light and sprightly step. In a swift response, it launched a thick, sticky string from its body, targeting Ash's Wattrel. The string shot was precise and effective, rapidly entangling Wattrel in a web of gummed silk.
Wattrel struggled against the sudden restraint, but the webs were too encompassing, rendering her wings useless and she fell to the arena floor, covered in layers of gossamer. The crowd gasped and then cheered with excitement.
Katy watched with a mix of satisfaction and anticipation, her dark green eyes sparkling with the thrill of competition, ready to make her next move as the battle continued to unfold. Giggling, she waved the wooden spoon in her hands like a sorceress waves her wand. "Looks like you and Wattrel are in a sticky situation," she giggled to Ash, who only narrowed his eyes in focus.
From the sidelines, a concerned voice pierced the crowd's cheers.
"Oh, no! Wattrel!" Bonnie, standing beside Serena, clutched Dedenne tightly to her chest, her young face etched with worry. The small Electric-type Pokémon in her arms twitched its whiskers anxiously, sharing in the tense moment.
Serena, in contrast, watched the unfolding battle with a calm, small smile, her confidence in Ash unwavering. She held Pikachu in her arms, the yellow rodent equally invested in the match. Despite not participating, Pikachu showed its support enthusiastically, cheering, "Pika, pikachu!" and clapping its little paws together. The honey-blonde trainer exchanged knowing glances with Pikachu, both aware that Ash and Wattrel were far from defeated in this battle.
On the field, Katy still bubbled with enthusiasm. She called out her next command with another grin, "Now, use Assurance!"
Tarountula, catching its trainer's cue, swiftly repositioned itself. The quirky spider moved with grace despite its cumbersome appearance. It charged towards Wattrel, its appendages flexing with purpose, intending to deliver a hard push or slam—a textbook execution of the Dark-type move.
"Quick, roll away, Wattrel!" Ash's ordered before Tarountula's attack could land. The Storm Petrel Pokémon did as commanded and—like a piece of sushi bouncing off a table—rolled and watched her opponent slam into the grass, kicking up clods of dirt. "Alright, now Peck your way out of that String Shot" Ash added urgently, his eyes tracking every movement of his feathered partner.
Wattrel responded with admirable determination. "Wattrel! Trel!" The small bird began to twist and turn, its agile body rolling on the ground to loosen the bindings. It then started pecking rapidly at the webs, each jab precise and forceful, gradually freeing itself from the sticky trap.
With a nod of approval at Wattrel's resilience, Ash prepared for a counterattack. "Okay now use Pluck!" he shouted, lifting his fists with a grin, signaling a shift in momentum. Wattrel's beak began to glow with a pale blue aura, a visual cue of the Flying-type move being charged. With a powerful flap of its wings, Wattrel launched itself towards Tarountula, flying with increased speed and determination.
The glow intensified as Wattrel approached the spider Pokémon. Then, with a swift and precise motion, Wattrel slammed the tip of her glowing beak into Tarountula. The impact was potent, visibly shaking the bug-type Pokémon.
The hit landed with a telling thud, clearly super effective against Tarountula. The crowd gasped and then erupted into cheers as the spider Pokémon recoiled from the powerful strike. The arachnid skidded atop the grass, landing at Katy's feet with stars in its bulbous eyes.
After a brief moment, the battle official stepped forward, raising his hand to signal the end of the round. "Tarountula is unable to battle!" he declared, his voice carrying over the crowd's excitement.
Katy, although disappointed, smiled gracefully as she recalled Tarountula back into its Poké Ball. "Good job, Tarountula, rest easy," she praised softly, acknowledging her Pokémon's effort with genuine affection. She then looked up at Ash with a spark of anticipation in her eyes. "Say, I'm really enjoying our battle, Ash! You're as good as they say, but let's see if I can sweeten things up!" She spoke playfully, but with a fierce edge hinting at more tricks up her sleeve.
The pastry chef then released her next Pokémon into the arena. With a burst of light from her Poké Ball, a Teddiursa appeared on the field, its small form seeming almost diminutive in the expansive battlefield. The little bear Pokémon looked around with curious eyes, quickly turning its gaze towards Ash and grinned, ready for the upcoming challenge.
"Alright!" Ash responded enthusiastically; his competitive spirit undiminished by the new challenge. He pumped a fist in the air, then swiftly reached for a Poké Ball on his belt. "I'm going to switch out Pokémon," he announced, signaling a strategic change to the battle official.
The official nodded in acknowledgment of Ash's decision. "You are aware that Wattrel cannot be reused upon recalling it," he reminded, ensuring the rules were clear.
Ash gave the referee a thumbs up in response, signaling his understanding. "You did awesome, Wattrel," he praised his Pokémon, his voice filled with gratitude for Wattrel's hard work. With a beam of light, he recalled Storm Petrel, then quickly selected another Poké Ball.
With a confident toss, Ash sent out Charcadet. The fiery little warrior emerged with a blaze, its fiery helmet flickering intensely as it took its place on the field, eager and ready for battle.
Ash's expression lit up with anticipation and pride as he watched Charcadet take the stage. He wanted to put all the training and hard work they had done together to good use. "Let's show them what you've learned, Charcadet!" he encouraged, feeling a deep connection with his Pokémon and a genuine excitement to see it perform.
On the sidelines, Serena couldn't contain her excitement and shouted supportively, "Let's go Charcadet!" Her face lit up with a bright smile as Ash turned to acknowledge her encouragement. He gave her a thumbs up, his eyes lingering on her before almost being forced back into focus.
Bonnie noticed the exchange and wiggled her eyebrows suggestively at the two, "Be careful or he'll lose his concentration."
Caught off guard by Bonnie's remark, Serena momentarily lost her balance, her body tilting forward slightly. She quickly steadied herself, managing to keep a firm hold on Pikachu, who clung to her with a small squeak of surprise. Recovering her posture, Serena shot Bonnie a sharp look from the corner of her eyes. She sometimes forgot the younger girl was there…
"You know, we didn't have to bring you today. In fact, keep this up, you can forget about me taking you on any other excursions," she retorted—half-teasing, half-(very) serious.
Bonnie pretended to look sympathetic, her expression exaggeratedly contrite. She then glanced up at Dedenne, who was perched atop her lemon-blonde head, snickering at the exchange. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'll be better," Bonnie conceded with a playful roll of her eyes. Her face then softened into a genuine smile as she added, "But it's really sweet to see you both like this, you know. After so long."
Serena, initially flustered, couldn't help but glow subtly pink at Bonnie's sincere words. A small smile curled the corners of her mouth as she allowed the warmth of the moment to wash over her.
Katy beamed with excitement as she gave her next command to her Pokémon, "Teddiursa, let's set the stage! Use Sweet Scent!" The small bear nodded eagerly and began to emit a fragrant aroma from its body, filling the air around the battlefield. The scent was rich and alluring, a mixture of wildflowers and fresh honey that drifted across the grass.
As the pink scent enveloped Charcadet, the fire-type Pokémon's demeanor visibly changed. Its focus wavered under the influence of the soothing aroma, and it seemed to relax, its usual fiery energy tempered by the calming fragrance.
Ash, noticing the shift in his Pokémon's attention, gritted his teeth. "Stay focused, Charcadet! Use Ember!" he called out. Reacting to Ash's command, Charcadet shook off the momentary distraction and released a flurry of small, fiery embers toward Teddiursa.
However, Teddiursa was quick on her feet. With an agile somersault, she evaded the flames skillfully, the embers missing their mark and scorching the ground where it had just stood. Katy watched with approval, her strategy playing out as she had planned.
With a confident smile, Katy reached for her Tera Orb. "Now, my little Teddiursa! Time to break free from your cocoon and come into your own!" she announced. She activated the orb, and a shimmering light enveloped her familiar. The bear Pokémon underwent a transformation, its body taking on a clear crystalline coat—the jewels building upon themselves one by one—as it Terastallized. A Normal-Type Tera Jewel formed, adorning the top of the Pokémon's head, signaling the completion of its transformation.
"Normally, I'd have Teddiursa become a Bug-Type, to fit in with my other sweetums," Katy winked, "but I don't see how that would give me much advantage against the Monarch and his Fire-Type."
"Well, that was probably a good move," Ash's grin widened, and he too reached for his Tera Orb, a gift from Dendra and a recent tool from his Battle Studies class. Her assignment had been pretty clear: put the orb to effective use.
Since receiving the Tera Orb, Ash had been keenly aware of its potential impact on his battle strategies. Understanding the importance of mastering this new tool, over the last week he had dedicated himself to practicing extensively with Charcadet in its Terastallized form. This practice was crucial, as Ash wanted to see just how much the Fire-Type's abilities were enhanced.
In preparation for an official battle, Ash and Charcadet worked on perfecting their coordination under the altered dynamics that Terastallization brought. They trained in a variety of environments to simulate different battle conditions, ensuring that Charcadet could adapt its tactics to any setting. Ash focused on scenarios where Charcadet's fire attacks would be most effective, especially considering how the Terastallization could amplify these abilities.
Moreover, Ash had paid close attention to the timing of Terastallization, practicing the transformation sequence until it was seamless. He and Charcadet practiced initiating the Terastallization at different points in mock battles, analyzing which scenarios maximized Charcadet's combat effectiveness. Through these sessions, Ash not only aimed to familiarize Charcadet with its enhanced form but also to deepen his understanding of the tactical advantages it could provide. This preparation involved rigorous sparring sessions, with Pikachu, Wattrel—and even Koraidon to some degree—to challenge Charcadet and push his limits.
"Let's do this!" Ash shouted. He activated the orb, and Charcadet was engulfed in a glowing aura. A red, fiery crystalline coat formed around it, and a Fire-Type Tera Jewel appeared above its helmet, signifying its heightened power.
"Char! Det, char!" Charcadet cried out, clearly excited and confident in his new empowered form.
As the two Terastallized Pokémon faced off on the battlefield, the late morning sun cast its rays across the arena, highlighting their bejeweled bodies. And each movement they made sparked reflections that danced across the surface of their bodies, casting prismatic flashes that flared across the dewy and lush grass of the battlefield.
Katy, appearing unfazed by the shifting dynamics of the battle, flounced her blue hair with a confident gesture. "Teddiursa, use Tera Blast!" she commanded sharply.
Teddiursa's crystal shell began to glow and shimmer with a vibrant white light that suddenly resembled trickling water as it came to converge at one singular point atop the Pokémon's head. With a ferocity contradicting its cuddly appearance, Teddiursa lunged forward, her shining skull smashing into Charcadet at full force, sending the Fire-Type backwards.
Before the fiery warrior could recover, Teddiursa prepared to use the move again, seemingly accustomed to building her energy up rapidly and efficiently.
Seeing his Pokémon under pressure, Ash quickly reacted. "Come on, Charcadet, meet the next attack head on with Fire Punch!"
Charcadet's fist ignited with a fiery glow as it swung to meet Teddiursa's incoming skull. The collision created a spectacular clash, the force of their impacts sending both Pokémon skidding backwards across the grassy field in dusts of sizzled grass and dirt.
"Are you good, Charcadet?" Ash called out, concerned as he watched his Fire Sprite recover from the recoil. Charcadet nodded firmly, regaining his stance with a determined glare, ready to continue the fight.
"Charcadet's really got a determined personality," Bonnie remarked from the sidelines, observing the Pokémon's resilient spirit.
Serena, watching the battle with a growing smile, leaned down to Pikachu, saying, "Just like Ash!" And her chest swelled with the admiration she always felt while watching Ash's dynamic and tenacious battling style.
Refocused on the match, Ash gestured decisively back to the battlefield. "Alright, let's get rid of that Sweet Scent! Clear Smog!" he instructed, ready to neutralize the lingering effects of Teddiursa's earlier move.
Charcadet responded immediately. He took a deep breath and then expelled a dense, swirling fog from its mouth, thick and viscous. The smoky substance rolled like a mist and struck Teddiursa with dizzying toxicity. As the smog cleared, the lingering traces of Sweet Scent dissipated, resetting the conditions of the battle. The field, momentarily obscured, gradually revealed the two Pokémon, poised and ready for their next moves, each eager to gain the upper hand.
"Well, we'll just have to counter with something even sweeter," Katy giggled and clapped her hands together with a spark of mischief in her eyes, "Teddiursa, use Charm!"
In response, Teddiursa's demeanor shifted to an irresistibly cute display. She made a heart-melting face, placing one paw gently in her mouth while widening her big, expressive eyes. Simultaneously, the teddy bear was surrounded by swirling pink hearts that floated enchantingly around her; the adorable act was aimed directly at Charcadet, designed to soften his resolve and weaken his upcoming attack.
"Charcadet—Ember!" Ash called out urgently, knowing he needed to get Charcadet moving or he'd get distracted again.
However, it was already too little too late. Charcadet, caught in the throes of Teddiursa's enchanting Charm, hesitated, its focus wavered, and a flustered expression crossed its fiery face. Struggling to muster the energy required for Ember, Charcadet ultimately failed to launch the attack, still seemingly dazed by Teddiursa's adorable antics.
From the sidelines, Bonnie sighed and her mouth drooped comically as she watched the scene unfold. "And just like Ash, you give Characadet some googly eyes, and he's a goner," she commented wryly.
With a free hand, Serena playfully pinched the younger girl, who yelped.
Despite the charming onslaught from Teddiursa, Ash maintained his focus. If Charcadet was too distracted to land an attack, Ash decided they would adapt their strategy and wait for Teddiursa to make the next move.
And soon she did.
"Teddiursa, use Tera Blast again!" Katy called out, her grin widening and her arms outstretched as she thought she had Charcadet cornered.
But Ash's eyes flashed with a surge of determination. He could see the temperature of Charcadet's flame rapidly increasing, the air around its tiny form growing distorted. "Now, Charcadet, Flame Charge!" he pointed to Teddiursa's lunging form, seizing the moment to rally his Fire Type and use their newest move.
Charcadet, as though having practiced this scenario countless times, slammed a fiery-jeweled fist into the ground, causing a large cloud of dirt and dust to kick up and cover his body. He then became surrounded by an orb of red and yellow flames at which even the spectators all the way in the sidelines had to wince, the fire was so intense.
And then Charcadet charged forward.
With precise timing and enhanced power from his Terastal form, the Fire Sprite delivered a critical head-on collision. His blazing helmet struck Teddiursa squarely on her forehead. And the critical hit instantly cracked and shattered Teddiursa's Terastal shell; the crystalline pieces breaking apart, each fragment catching little flames as they disintegrated or even melted in distorted waves of heat still flickering from Charcadet.
Ash didn't hesitate. "Now, Charcadet, let's finish this with one last Fire Punch!"
"Char…ca…DET!" Charcadet roared, channeling all its energy as it managed to land one last, powerful punch into Teddiursa's soft, now exposed, stomach. The force of the punch sent the Normal-Type reeling back. She managed to stand back up, wobbling unsteadily on her feet, but then her eyes rolled back, showing little squiggles when she finally fainted, unable to continue the battle.
The crowd erupted in cheers and gasps. Charcadet's Terastal form dissolved, returning it to its normal state. His fire cooled.
Both Ash and his Pokémon ran towards each other. They jumped up in a synchronized motion, their hands meeting in a happy high-five.
"Way to go Charcadet! That was awesome!" Ash exclaimed with pride and excitement as he scooped up his little Pokémon in a celebratory embrace. He held Charcadet close, beaming down at him with admiration for the determination and discipline he'd displayed during the battle.
From the sidelines, Bonnie's voice rang out cheerfully, "Yay, Charcadet!" She clapped enthusiastically, her face lit up with a broad smile as she watched the victorious duo. Beside her, Dedenne chirped excitedly, bouncing on her shoulder, its tiny body vibrating with joy.
Pikachu and Serena joined in the celebration, adding to the chorus of cheers. Pikachu leapt into the ground, his tail twitching with delight, while Serena clapped her hands, her face beaming with happiness. "Great job, Charcadet!" she shouted, her voice carrying the warmth of her genuine support.
Katy approached Ash, her steps light and her expression filled with pleased enthusiasm as she returned Teddiursa to her Poké Ball. "That was such a delectable battle, Ash," she began sunnily. "Your Charcadet's strength rose to the occasion like a nice bread in the oven." She winked at the Fire-type Pokémon, adding, "And I have to say, it was nice not having to hold myself back with you. I'm normally the first gym-leader trainers come to see, and am required to go a little easier on them."
Ash responded with a broad smile, "Well, I'm glad you didn't hold back either, because that battle was awesome!"
At that moment, Serena, Bonnie, Dedenne, and Pikachu made their way over to Ash and Charcadet to congratulate them. Their faces were bright, and the Pokémon exchanged high fives and cheerful pats. Seeing how animated everyone was, Ash decided to release Wattrel from her Poké Ball, so that she could join in the celebration and bask in the limelight as well. Wattrel chirped joyfully, flapping her wings as she settled beside her teammates.
Turning to Serena with a toothy grin, Ash asked, "Did you see all that, Serena? Weren't Charcadet and Wattrel great?!" His eyes sparkled, eagerly seeking her affirmation.
Serena, smiling and reddening slightly under Katy's knowing stare, looked over at Charcadet and Wattrel. "Your training is really paying off, you guys!" she complimented, her voice warm and encouraging. Underneath her words was a hint of admiration, not just for the Pokémon but for Ash's dedication too. She loved seeing him like this.
The Pokémon responded happily to her praise; Charcadet puffed up its chest proudly, and Wattrel chirped even louder, both clearly delighted by the acknowledgement.
With a smile that matched the warmth of the late morning sun, Katy extended her pale hand to Ash, presenting a small, intricately designed badge. "Well, not as though it is any surprise, but congratulations, Monarch! You passed my gym! As proof of your victory against me, allow me to present you with this Bug Badge."
Ash took the badge respectfully, his face lighting up. Holding it up high for all of his Pokémon to see, he exclaimed, "Alright! We did it!" In response, his Pokémon gathered around him, and they all started jumping from side to side in a joyful jumble.
As the celebrations continued, a distinct rumbling sound interrupted the merriment. Ash's stomach began to growl loudly, breaking through the laughter and chatter. Scratching the back of his head, Ash looked around sheepishly and addressed Katy, "Say, Katy. Is that bakery of yours still open?"
Bonnie, eager to be a part of the conversation, chimed in with a grin. "Ash is hungry all the time!" she explained, her arms crossed. "You'll learn that as you get to know him."
Katy laughed good-naturedly at the comment, her eyes twinkling. "It is," she replied, gesturing towards the ramp that was to help them descend the lofty platforms on which the grassy arena was constructed. "Why don't we go down and find you something that's as sweet as you all to eat." Then, turning to Serena with a smile, she continued, "And I hear you, Miss Kalos Queen, are a wonderful baker yourself! Maybe you can help yourself to my kitchens to show me what exactly a 'poképuff' is! Your 'friend', here, wouldn't stop talking about them while we prepared for our match. Remember?"
Ash grinned, a little embarrassed. That was true. While they had been looking for "Cortondo's Gym-Leader" they had stumbled upon the bakery that was situated underneath the battlefield, not knowing how it was all connected. And Ash—not knowing that Katy, who was working as a clerk behind the counter was the gym leader—had gone on and on about Serena's baking much to the honey-blonde's embarrassment.
Serena sweatdropped. "I remember," she laughed nervously and scratched her cheek. "But really, I'm not a professional like yourself. I would much rather taste whatever you make!"
Katy's expression lifted kindly, "Well, perhaps we can swap recipes." She began to lead the group down the beautiful open, lacquered staircases, glancing at Bonnie with a kind stare, "But I feel like you, little firecracker, don't need any sugar. We'll find you some bread."
As the group made their way towards Katy's bakery, Bonnie trailed a little behind, her face forming a pout as she began to protest playfully, her youthful energy matching the excitement of the Pokémon scampering around her.
Serena, smiling and about to follow the others, suddenly felt a familiar, warm hand gently grab her own. Startled, she turned to find Ash, who quickly let go of her fingers and adjusted his cap to face forward again. With a boyish, nervous smile, he asked, "So, uh, what'd you think?"
He already knew what she thought; she had praised the battle. And she knew he knew, but it was clear Ash was seeking reassurance, or perhaps something more.
From a short distance, Bonnie, not quite out of earshot, caught the slightly awkward exchange. "She already told you it was great, Ash," she sighed, rolling her eyes in amused exasperation. She then lifted her eyebrows teasingly as she watched Ash shift nervously on his feet.
The young champion—without really thinking about it—had closed much of the distance between him and Serena, the bill of his cap lightly touching her forehead, creating an intimate bubble amidst the surrounding, though disappearing crowd. At that moment, a mild tension hung in the air. Both seemed unsure what to do with their hands, their bodies inching closer as if wanting to hold, to touch—or to at least be near—one another, but they held back, acutely aware of the eyes on them.
Bonnie couldn't help but add a mischievous twist to the moment. She smiled broadly and snickered, "Well go ahead, kiss him good job. That's obviously what he wants."
The comment caused both Ash and Serena to flush fiercely, their cheeks turning a deep shade of red. Ash was caught off guard by Bonnie's boldness (though he really shouldn't have been) and quickly became flustered, trying to play it cool.
"W-What are you talking about, Bonnie?" he took a small step back from Serena, making a show of rolling his eyes. He awkwardly started to move, positioning himself as if he had merely been following Katy along with the rest of the group, trying to blend back into the casual flow of their outing.
Pikachu and the rest of the Pokémon couldn't contain themselves and began chortling. Their laughter, light and teasing.
Serena, meanwhile, shot Bonnie a glare. The Kalos Queen huffed, clearly irritated and decided to redirect the conversation. "Well!" She clapped her hands, her cheeks still rosy, "We'll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the town after we eat!"
Bonnie, undeterred and still amused (and making up for lost time), sighed dramatically and batted her eyes, adding, "I'm obsessed with you two."
Then the lemon-haired turned away and darted ahead with the Pokémon to catch up with Katy. Ash and Serena shared sheepish laughs. The couple followed at a more leisurely pace, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the town as they approached Katy's bakery.
The bakery, charmingly named Patisserie Soapberry, was a delightful outdoor shop that stood out with its rustic, welcoming façade. Decorated with whimsical pastry signs that featured artistic renditions of various treats—each more enticing than the last—the shop exuded a warm, inviting aroma. Awnings in vibrant blues stretched over the outdoor area, shading visitors who browsed the tantalizing selections displayed in open counters and wooden baskets.
As Ash and Serena approached, they noticed a long line of customers waiting eagerly to purchase Katy's famed treats, which celebrated traditional baking from all over Paldea. However, the crowd began to part as they recognized the world champion and his companions. Murmurs of excitement rippled through the line as some people stepped aside, while others moved forward to ask for autographs or pictures.
Bonnie capitalized on all of this, announcing loudly, "Yes, yes! Make way for the Monarch and his Queen! Thank you very much!"
Again, Ash and Serena found themselves wondering why they'd let Bonnie come along…The two exchanged shy looks, nonplussed by the crowd's attentiveness yet touched by the warm reception.
Katy noticed the young couple's discomfiture and gestured kindly towards them. "Let's go around back, through the kitchens," she beckoned invitingly. The idea of a more private entrance seemed appealing, especially given the growing attention Ash and Serena were attracting.
Following the pastry chef's instructions, the group obeyed and began following a path around the shop leading to the back of the store. As they moved, they were shaded by the large arena structure that loomed overhead, supported by beautifully carved wooden pillars and natural trees. These bolsters, wide and artistically adorned, added a majestic feel to the gym, enhancing the quaint charm of the bakery's exterior to something more serious.
Even as everyone went ahead, Serena couldn't help but pause to admire the intricate architecture of the building. It was like a carefully designed forest designed to lift the battlefield on a canopy—the columns and trees were laden with insectile motifs. She looked up, utterly captivated by the craftsmanship and detail of the beautiful woodwork, her eyes tracing the elaborate patterns.
Lost in her admiration, Serena yelped in surprise when she suddenly felt something grab her wrist. Before she knew it, she was whisked away from the path and pulled behind one of the large, ornately carved pillars.
Ash had taken the opportunity to pull her aside, just as Bonnie, Katy, and the Pokémon disappeared into the kitchens. His movement was perhaps a bit too eager, and the suddenness caused both to lose their balance. With a soft thud, Serena found herself pressed against Ash's chest, while Ash's back hit the wooden column with a muted impact. Trying to regain his footing, Ash kept one arm securely around Serena, his face hot with embarrassment.
The proximity brought a sudden warmth to Serena's visage as well, her cheeks coloring deeply when she felt his breath against her mouth. Despite it all—the graceless encounter and Ash's awkward hold—she couldn't help but let out a light, nervous laugh. Ash looked particularly abashed by the unintended intimacy he had initiated.
"Um," Ash began, his voice unsure as he started to slide his arm away, "Sorry, I—"
Before he could finish, Serena, understanding what he might have been trying to do all along and not wanting the moment to slip away, smiled softly and took the initiative. She leaned in and planted a long, slightly desperate but deeply felt kiss on his lips. She'd really been holding it in for a while; the culmination of the tension that had been building between her and Ash for the last week—since the night of the gala—at last expressed in the most direct way she knew how.
Ash quickly went quiet and sighed through his nose as Serena slid her arms around his neck. Feeling her embrace, his initial hesitation vanished, and his hands returned more confidently to her waist, pulling her in closer. The connection between them deepened, marked by the warmth that bloomed across Serena's chest and raced up to her neck.
"Sorry," Ash repeated, his voice a little breathless and full of wonder. His cheeks were still hot with a redness that mirrored Serena's. He seemed momentarily lost, not exactly sure why he was apologizing.
They hadn't been together in this way all that much since that first night. In addition, Ash found himself feeling shyer and more embarrassed around her than before, especially in front of their friends. Both he and Serena were suddenly very conscious of each other's significance—how much they had now, and always, meant to one another—which made them tread carefully, as if their relationship was something fragile and tenuous underneath the new weight it now carried.
Because of this, Ash wanted to make sure they didn't rush things and found it strange to show just how vulnerable they were now to others. While the boy could hardly articulate this, he felt it a foreign feeling to have his heart move beyond him, to have it be carried outside of his control. Of course, he wouldn't—couldn't—have trusted it to anyone else but Serena. And while it made Ash so happy to know she wanted him; he couldn't help but still feel naked from time to time, as though having this piece of him displaced left him newly exposed in some way.
Their friends meant well; they really did. But they also didn't make finding a new rhythm in their new relationship easy. Bonnie, for instance, was overly eager to see them interact and "kiss", which Ash found embarrassing; and Nemona was just as enthusiastic. (Honestly, the two had already formed a pretty indecent pair.) Meanwhile Aliquis and Gary sometimes made weird comments and Brock just kept laughing all the time, much to Ash's irritation.
But right now, with the rush of battle and victory still humming thick in his blood, Ash lost himself in a new wave of carelessness. Overwhelmed by the moment and his feelings, he leaned in and kissed Serena again, not caring about anything else.
When they finally separated, Ash grinned nervously. "I-I did want a kiss good job," he admitted, clearing his throat.
Serena nodded, out of breath. "You like your kisses." She paused, her heart racing. She liked his kisses too, much more than she dared admit. She had missed them.
Ash's confidence grew as he noticed Serena's blue eyes brighten, and he couldn't help but grin more broadly. "I like feeling close to you," he said with warmth and affection. He liked it when she looked all flushed and breathless. For some reason, he liked that he could make her feel like that and he resolved to take her breath away more often.
Serena reached up to gently remove Ash's hat before pulling him close once more. She brushed her lips against his softly, then let them rest tenderly on his cheek.
Ash shivered. He felt somehow that she was very good at this—at surprising him with little tender things that made every moment feel significant. He really couldn't have imagined how much you could say in just a kiss—but he guessed he should have known. She had said so much on the day she kissed him on the escalator in Kalos.
Now, her lips were so soft and gentle, showing her love for him in the quietest of ways, and Ash couldn't get enough.
Serena hummed, her eyes half-closed as if she were trying to savor the moment. "Satisfied?" she murmured softly.
Ash's smile almost faltered as he felt a surge of longing. "Maybe one more?" he ventured hopefully.
Serena laughed soundlessly. "Bonnie's going to find us any minute now…" she started to say, but as Ash's mouth met hers again, it was clear he was willing to take that risk.
They shared one last, lingering kiss. Ash pressed his lips more firmly against Serena's, trying to convey his own message—but he still wasn't exactly great at this more subtle form of communication.
Serena tried not to giggle with happiness and amusement at Ash's eagerness. She would have never believed he would have loved kissing her as much as he did, and she was just so dizzy with delight at this discovery. They were, of course, much shyer in public. And even after these rushes of boldness, they would often go back to being shy, nervous and awkward with one another, as if they still hadn't found a balance to all the physical affection. Serena herself was modest for a Kalosian, after all. She had never done this with anyone; waiting for Ash the whole time, even when she hadn't been.
They also hadn't been able to spend that much time with each other recently. Serena had been so busy with Tulip, planning, designing, planning, performing…and Ash had his classes and rigorous Blitz schedule. However, a window of opportunity had opened; Ash's last Blitz game had taken place during the week, freeing up his weekend. Similarly, Serena found herself with unexpected free time after her Showcases, no longer obliged to attend as many political functions.
Furthermore, Ash had decided, for better or for worse, to begin collecting his gym badges now that the season was open. Of course, he was determined to keep his own intentions and motivations for the goal pure and earnest, and Serena wanted to support him. So, the two planned this trip to Cortondo as something they could do together. And then Serena invited Bonnie because the young girl had begged and begged to see more of Paldea while her brother did his "official business", and Serena felt bad at the thought of leaving Bonnie behind.
Of course, it had been more than that. For some reason, the performer had panicked at the thought of being alone with Ash for so long. Now that Ash loved her — or claimed to love her—part of Serena still wanted to speak with him more about what that meant to him, and that part of her was terrified. Why did he love her? How did he come to realize that he loved her? When? What did it mean for their futures? Serena wanted to know it all. And she wanted to explain her love to him—to make sure they were on the same page. Serena felt Ash wanting to be close to her. His enthusiasm for her was now so free and unbridled in moments like these, even if he did still waver back into shyness and insecurity and distraction.
For Serena, her own shyness and reservations were complicated. It was as though she were still trying to tread very carefully because maybe this was all some dream she was about to wake up from. She struggled to believe the boy she loved so long could really love her back. And more than that, she was still haunted by her mother's words and her own doubts. Were they still too young? Sure, it felt different now at eighteen, but they still had their whole lives ahead of them. And was she enough for him? Could she keep up with his fame—his importance—or would she just distract him from his dreams and responsibilities?
Deep down, Serena had once managed to bury her hopes for a future with Ash, shielding herself from potential disappointment. This had worked for a while, at least until she saw him again. Now, even with their renewed connection, her old defenses remained, holding her back from fully investing in the relationship. She was cautious, still fearful that things might be different or that Ash's feelings for her might change.
As Ash's hand shifted, Serena was gently pulled from her thoughts and back into the reality of their kiss. However, just as she had nervously anticipated, their intimate moment was interrupted.
Bonnie, bursting onto the scene with the timing of a natural-born nuisance, found them wrapped up in each other—an image she would later gleefully describe as "Ash all over Serena."
And so she squealed.
Startled by Bonnie's entrance, Ash and Serena jerked apart, their faces flushing with embarrassment.
"Oh, please don't stop on my account, I knew Ash was hungry but," Bonnie teased, her voice trailing off with a mischievous grin.
"Bonnie!" Serena exclaimed, her mortification quickly turning into supreme aggravation. She started chasing after Bonnie, who was already making a happy escape, darting away with laughter echoing behind her.
Meanwhile, Ash, his cheeks bright red, turned to Pikachu, Wattrel, and Charcadet—all of whom seemed just as embarrassed by the situation. Pikachu covered his face with his little paws, visibly uncomfortable and perhaps a little traumatized by what he had witnessed.
They all eventually made their way back to Katy's bakery. They passed through the bustling kitchens where other bakers and clerks were hard at work but paused to greet the group warmly. Beyond the kitchen, they entered a more personal space that served as both a workspace and a small apartment. Here, Katy had a cozy dining table set up next to a desk laden with various personal items.
Katy disappeared a moment only to return with an array of pastries, fried breads, and other treats. She picked up two little baskets of fartones—long, stick-shaped sweet bread glazed with sugar—a roulade cake drizzled with caramel and stuffed with cream. She also produced little custard tartlets and a plate full of buñuelos dusted with sugar crystals. Less traditional treats included tarts topped with a meringue that made them look like Tarountulas, and honey-infused cookies assembled and decorated to look resemble Combees.
"Wow, this is incredible!" Bonnie exclaimed, clapping and rubbing her hands as her eyes widened in amazement at the spread of delicious offerings.
Katy smiled graciously at the compliment. "If you're impressed by my treats, wait until you try Kofu's cooking. He's the gym leader of Cascarrafa and an owner of a five-star restaurant! I studied under him."
"Sounds amazing," Ash said brightly, already reaching for the tartlets until Serena stopped him with a gentle hand, motioning for him to wait for Katy to be seated.
"Oh, that's alright," Katy assured them with another warm smile. "Dig in! I'm going to check on a few things before I come back to join you."
As Katy returned to the kitchen, the group began to indulge in the spread of delectable treats. Bonnie chatted incessantly about recent happenings back at Lumiose. She excitedly shared updates about her brother Clemont, the new challengers at the gym, and her own anticipation of turning thirteen this winter. She mentioned considering choosing Froakie as her starter Pokémon, her eyes sparkling with the possibility of future adventures.
"Maybe we'll have some super awesome cool bond too!" Bonnie said through lips covered in caramel and sugar, her eyes full of stars.
"Yeah!" Ash responded, his mouth full of fried bread, clearly impressed and supportive of Bonnie's plans. He was about to say more, enthusiastically engaging in the conversation, when the distinct sound of his Rotom Phone ringing interrupted him. Unprompted, the device popped out of his pocket, expanding into its screen mode to display an incoming video call.
From his mother.
"Arceus," Ash gasped in surprise, momentarily caught off guard. As he hurriedly attempted to answer, he accidentally inhaled a piece of the buñuelo he was eating, which promptly led to him choking, turning a casual meal into a moment of mild chaos as the young champion struggled to clear his airway.
Serena quickly moved beside him, her hands gently patting his back to help.
"I'm sorry, dear, but choking on food is not going to make me feel very sympathetic toward you," Delia's familiar, maternal voice chided over the phone.
At the sound of it, Pikachu and the others looked up from the small table situated at the corner of the room where they had been enjoying their own spread of pastries. The electric rodent couldn't help but twitch his ears. He knew this was going to be good…
"Just when were you going to tell me, your poor old mother who never hears from you, that you finally got yourself a girlfriend?! A girlfriend, Ash! Oak is already composing a poem, and I'm being hounded by reporters!"
Honestly, Delia was trying very hard to sound chastising, but a quiver of excitement was betraying her. Her head enlarged on the screen as she approached to whisper, "She's very beautiful, Ash. Don't get me wrong, I think you are very special and handsome yourself, but color me impressed. But you should have told me! Oak is also very hurt as he feels there are things you two still need to discuss. Talks you need to have."
Though he couldn't imagine what the professor had to say to him, Ash nearly choked again at his mother's word vomit. "Mom!" He motioned with his head for his Rotom Phone to show Serena beside him.
"Uh, hi Mrs. Ketchum! It's so nice to hear from you," Serena began, though she was blushing wildly and trying not to glare at Bonnie who was blue with laughter in the background. "I hope you're doing well!"
Delia's tone immediately softened, "My dear Serena, how wonderful it is to see you again. You know, I almost didn't recognize you when you came on the TV. You are so grown now—and quite the accomplished young woman. Good for you. I had no idea you were in Paldea with Ash! I would have sent something with him for you! How are you? How is your mother?"
"Oh, Ash didn't know I was here when he came either," Serena responded, trying to gracefully navigate the unexpected conversation and answer Delia's questions. However, Serena did not mention her mother…
"You have really grown up to be quite the accomplished and beautiful young woman," Delia repeated, cupping her cheek with a sigh, "You must have all the regions' most eligible bachelors after you, hm? But Ash will treat you well—better than any of them—won't you Ash?"
"Mom…" Ash groaned, his embarrassment evident.
Serena reassured, her smile bright, "Ash is treating me very well, Mrs. Ketchum, don't worry."
"I'll say…" Bonnie chimed in, making a kissy face, earning a discreet kick under the table from the honey-blonde.
"He's been so amazing and supportive! I can only hope to help him just as he has helped me!" Serena added earnestly.
Delia's expression took on a proud look and she appeared very pleased. "You are too sweet. You've always been a very sweet girl. It's nice to see that hasn't changed," Delia's face then grew more stern again, "Ash!"
Ash, still red and stammering, apprehensive about what his mother might say next, managed a nervous, "U-uh, yeah?"
Delia continued, undeterred, "I want you and Serena to come visit next holiday. I know you get days off, and I don't care if you were going to go catch some Pokemon or take on this or that gym, you are coming home so that I can host you and your lovely girlfriend. No 'buts'."
"But Mom, we're super busy…" Ash was beginning to protest until he felt Serena's hand on his arm.
Serena sweat-dropped but maintained her smile, "But we'll make something work!"
"That's what I like to hear!" Delia appeared mollified—so did Mimey, who appeared in the background behind her. In the meantime, Ash, it goes without saying that you better change your sheets and…"
Before Delia could finish, Ash hung up the phone, leaving both him and Serena stunned and red-faced.
Bonnie and the Pokémon, unable to hold back any longer, erupted into laughter, thoroughly enjoying the hilarious unfolding of the situation.
None the wiser, Katy returned to the table carrying another fresh loaf of bread, its crust golden and crackling slightly as she set it down with a disc of olive oil. Taking a seat between Bonnie and Serena, she sparked a conversation. "So, you're visiting from Kalos?" she inquired, looking at Bonnie.
Bonnie, having settled down from earlier, nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, my brother's the gym leader of Lumiose City! And he's an inventor. He's doing some inventing thing at the Academy and I tagged along to come see Ash and Serena. We all traveled together in Kalos before Ash became a super famous Pokémon master!"
"Sounds like you all made a fun group!" Katy remarked, smiling at the warm dynamic between the trio.
Ash, still a bit flushed from the earlier phone call but recovering, chimed in. "We sure did!"
The group began to reminisce about their past adventures, sharing stories and laughter that lingered with the sweet scents of the bakery. As everyone started feeling full, Ash shifted the conversation to a topic he'd been curious about. "Say, Katy, what do you know about Geeta? I've been trying to meet her for some time now, but haven't gotten the chance to."
Katy grimaced slightly. "Well, she is elusive," she admitted.
"What do you mean?" Serena asked, delicately popping a macaroon into her mouth.
Katy sighed. "Geeta is…difficult to understand. She is always busy and lofty in her…expectations. All the gym leaders have mixed feelings about her. There's no denying that she's a perfectionist, and an incredibly strong trainer. But she is hard to relate to."
"She seems to be pretty involved in politics, from what I hear," Ash pointed out.
Katy shifted uncomfortably. "In a way…she is into control…"
Clearly prying for more information though also uncomfortable at having to do it, Ash pressed on. "I heard she called a meeting for the gym leaders last week? What was that about?"
Katy exchanged glances with her Nymble, her cricket Pokémon, which had come to help clear off some of the table. "I really can't say. It's not my place. All of it is quite beyond me, honestly, but I don't want to risk losing my gym for saying more than I should. It might be best if you ask Geeta yourself about it."
Ash looked at Pikachu, who had scampered onto his lap to join the conversation, and the two nodded before the young champion continued. "Do you know where I could find her?"
Katy shook her head as she wiped the crumbs off her apron. "As of right now, I don't. Again, Geeta is very busy and difficult to keep track of. But I can ask around and keep my ear to the ground. I'll let you know if I learn anything."
Ash smiled and gave the pastry chef a thumbs up. "That would be great! Thanks!"
Turning to Serena, Katy decided to change the subject. "So I hear you're working with Tulip now? How is that?" She playfully mocked one of Tulip's languid waves and giggled.
Serena laughed along but looked humble as she gushed about the beautician. "She's been wonderful," Serena explained, going on to describe how Tulip had allowed Serena to take full control over her Mesagoza Showcases, which remained more so exhibitions for now, but helped Tulip by allowing Casa Lavanda to design their costumes, do their makeup, and use them for commercials.
"And Serena's now one of Tulip's top models!" Bonnie added excitedly. "She's been doing commercials and photo shoots all week! Soon, her face is going to be all over Paldea."
Katy tilted her chin towards the performer appreciatively. "With good reason, I'm sure."
A little embarrassed, Serena moved on, "You should come to one of our Showcase Exhibitions, Katy! The student performers have grown so much and they're really putting on spectacular shows!"
"I would like that very much," Katy responded warmly.
The four continued to chat amiably for a while longer. Before they left, Katy sent them away with a bag of pastries. True to form, Ash, Pikachu, Charcadet, and Wattrel had devoured the contents of the bag within ten minutes of their departure, ending their visit on a deliciously high note.
As the bus rumbled back to Mesagoza, Ash, Serena, a sleeping Bonnie, and the Pokémon were scattered across their seats, lulled by the gentle motion. The sun was setting, casting long shadows over the rolling hills of Area Two, painting the bus interior with warm hues of orange and gold.
Across from each other, Ash and Serena stole glances, their eyes meeting then darting away amidst the tranquil scenery. Bonnie was curled up on Serena's arm, sound asleep, while Pikachu nestled comfortably in Serena's lap, with Dedenne snuggled up on Bonnie's. Ash sat beside a purring Sylveon, who Serena had let out to enjoy the ride. He smiled warmly as he moved to stroke Sylveon's pink fur.
After a moment, Ash eyed Pikachu again. With a chuckle, he decided to spark a light conversation, hoping to catch Serena's attention. "Man, I feel like I'm always getting jealous of Pikachu these days."
Serena turned towards him, her hand absently petting the yellow Pokémon. "Why's that?" she asked, curious.
Ash hesitated, his initial thought about wanting to be in Pikachu's place on Serena's lap making him turn bright red. "Because…" he stammered, "I, uh, because…um. He looks so, you know? Peaceful?" His flustered explanation prompted Pikachu to lift a little eyelid, giving a look that seemed to comment on Ash's awkward attempt at conversation.
Serena, not fully grasping why Ash was so flustered but finding the situation somewhat amusing, gave him a small, understanding smile. "He does," she giggled. "Well, he didn't have to work very hard today. Charcadet and Wattrel really held their own!"
Relieved by the shift in conversation, Ash chuckled more freely. "Yeah, they're getting really strong." He paused, then added, "I'm really glad you came today."
"I'm glad I came too. I always love spending time with you," Serena responded warmly.
"Yeah," Ash replied, his gaze lingering on her. The golden sunlight highlighted her bright blue eyes and fair skin. And then his eyes began to travel. He liked what she was wearing today—a simple yellow shirt and skirt combo swirling with floral patterns. For some reason, Ash was particularly struck by Serena's collarbones, the strong and graceful lines revealed by her top's portrait neckline. He tried not to let his gaze roam too far, but he felt more drawn than ever to different parts of her, things he'd never noticed—or allowed himself to notice—because he'd been holding back.
And though he was still holding something back—he didn't know what—Ash had begun to notice so many little things about her lately, like the rhythm and pace of her breath, the feel of her closeness, the way her eyes always went imperceptibly wide whenever she was called out of her thoughts by something, or how her lips pursed when she was lost in concentration—or now the way her breath hitched when she caught him staring at her. Ash was amazed how much there was to her.
"So, Ash," Serena began, a hint of hesitation coloring her tone as she carefully chose her words. She hadn't meant to bring this up right now, but the way Ash was looking so earnestly at her, she really couldn't help but feel moved by some nebulous need. "What do you…what do you think we are to each other…now that, you know…"
Serena trailed off, not quite managing to frame her question as she had intended. The recent phone call with Delia, in which she was referred to as Ash's girlfriend, had stirred a need for clarity about their relationship status. Serena wasn't sure if Ash saw her this way. They hadn't exactly talked about it.
Ash blinked. He knew Serena would never give him a trick question. But he was confused by what she meant. Sure, he'd never done this before, but Ash wasn't clueless about labels and things. After all, he'd been around plenty of couples in his travels. And Brock used to talk about these things all the time. A grin spread across Ash's face at the sight of the honey-blonde's worry. "Well, we're boyfriend and girlfriend, aren't we?" he replied, feeling a bit triumphant. He was more than happy to show her that he understood all of this better than she might have expected
Serena laughed softly, a nervous habit as she bit her lip. "I don't know. Are we? I mean, you never officially asked me to be your girlfriend. Do you…do you want that?"
Ash cocked his head and exchanged glances with Sylveon, who looked expectantly at him to answer, seemingly just as eager to hear what he had to say.
"Yeah, I do really want that," Ash grinned though his dark eyes held a quiet intensity, "because doesn't that mean we're committed to each other?" His experiences in Alola, especially observing Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet, had taught Ash that love was about a mutual commitment—about being there for the other person, but in a special way.
Serena looked surprised, but nodded a bit in a daze. "Yeah. Okay," a satisfied sigh settled across her smile, "and how do you feel about that? About committing to one another—you know, to prioritize each other?" She continued tentatively, eyeing him with interest.
Ash's response came quickly, his enthusiasm unmistakable. "I think it's pretty great!" he declared, his expression earnest.
Serena spoke sincerely, a hint of worry at the curve of her mouth. "We'll need to make sure we're communicating how we're doing and how we're feeling if we want to stay close. And you don't have to always put me first. I don't want to hold you back from your dreams or obligations," she quickly added. "But while I'm here to support you, I also want to feel important to you, Ash. Things aren't easy right now, and I want you to tell me when things are tough, or if you're having doubts."
Ash reached out across the space between them and took her hand—the one which had been stroking Pikachu's fur. "I have no doubts about wanting this," his dark eyes anchored onto her blue ones, "if that's what you're worried about. I really want you to be my girlfriend, Serena, and I want to be your boyfriend. You are important to me. I thought I made that clear when I told you I loved you."
Serena blushed and nodded quietly. She hadn't heard those words from him since that night on the roof, and she had started to wonder if he'd said it in a moment of high emotion. "Right, well…"
"I want to support you, too." Ash squeezed her hand again and smiled broadly. "Let's be a team, okay? Whatever happens, we'll face it together! We're a team!"
Serena brightened at his enthusiasm. "But what if we have to be apart for some things?"
"We can still be a team, even if we're apart," Ash answered cheerfully. "Plus, I've gotten better at using my phone now."
Serena laughed warmly. "That's true."
Then they went quiet for a moment, Ash still leaning forward; their hands remaining loosely together while Serena traced the lines of his fingers with her own.
"So I guess we're boyfriend and girlfriend," Serena allowed a one-sided smile to curve her lips. Her eyes were particularly bright and a blissful expression filled her face.
"Yeah," Ash whispered, his eagerness still there underneath his breath but strained suddenly as he watched her play with his fingers.
"But Ash," Serena suddenly paused, growing tense as a new thought occurred to her. She wanted to ask him about what he meant when he said he felt selfish for telling her that he loved her. For saying that he felt like she deserved more. She didn't understand that because she felt the same way— she was struggling with her own feelings of inadequacy; how she felt her dreams were so unsubstantial compared to his; how his heroism and how special he was to so many people made her feel like she was the selfish one for wanting him to prioritize her—to love her. And for all that, at the same point in her feelings, a wave of shame rose and intensified, as though some inner voice, just at the point when she thought of all this, were saying to her the very thing she now spoke aloud, "What if I only hold you back?"
Ash blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"
Serena continued, the urgency in her rising, "Ash, you're the Monarch of the World. People rely on you, and you have so much responsibility... You're so... special!"
"You are too, Serena!" Ash interjected fervently.
Serena shook her head, her next words gentle but firm, "Not in the same way, and you know it. Ash, what if I hold you back from reaching your full potential? What if our relationship is just a distraction from your responsibilities? People like Clavell need you. People are always going to need you."
"You're not a distraction, Serena," Ash replied firmly, his eyes flashing. "If anything, you help me reach my full potential. You help me be better. Not just as a trainer, but as a person. I mean, I only went to the gala and got involved with this whole Tera Industries business because you reminded me of the responsibilities I have. I think I was trying to escape by coming here—to Paldea—and I didn't want to get involved in all this political stuff. But you woke me up, Serena. Again."
Serena's eyes grew bright and full, as though swimming with tears provoked by the fierce longing and emotion and love she had for Ash. She shifted her attention out the window. Watching the sunset with a fixed, disciplined gaze she used to steady the beating of her heart. She couldn't deny that she felt like Ash helped her reach for greater heights too. He helped her find her passion, understood her evolving dreams, encouraged her to stand up to men like Guillermo…
She knew she had long stopped needing him—she had stopped needing him by the end of their time in Kalos, and she had learned to get stronger without him in Hoenn—and she had told him as much on their first date. But Serena did feel like a part of her would forever belong to Ash because, for better or for worse, she had used his spirit to form a foundational part of her character. She had set out to be like him, and in so doing, a part of herself would always be for him. And she could have lived quite happily even if Ash had never come to claim that piece of her she held for him—again, she had never wanted to be the kind of girl who needed to feel "completed" by some guy. In Hoenn, she had learned that she was whole enough as it is.
However, it always felt like she was meant to function alongside Ash, to be partners—a team—with him. To be his support and for him to be hers. But Serena had always been deeply afraid to fully admit this—it seemed too selfish and arrogant somehow. But the fact that Ash had come to realize how much they complemented each other; how compatible they were; how perfect they were together, made everything in Serena melt.
He really did love her, she realized. And he was beginning to understand what they were to one another—what they could be. He was confirming all she could have ever hoped for. In his simple and pure way, Ash had figured out what Serena so desperately longed for him to see, and for what she so desperately longed to be true.
That they were made for each other.
Before arriving in Paldea, Clemont had been immersed in a whirlwind of activities that truly upheld his status as a "prodigy" among Kalosian intellectuals. His days were typically split between managing the gym—where he not only trained challengers but also implemented new innovative training methods that incorporated better and newer versions of his Clembot—and his workshop, where his inventive spirit came alive. Clemont was in the midst of developing a new series of gadgets intended to enhance Pokémon training through augmented reality, blending tech with traditional methods to create a more interactive and engaging training environment that could all be experienced through a headset—"or a pair of cool Clem-glasses."
However, when Ash invited him to Paldea, Clemont was excited to take a break from his typical routine and jump into a new adventure. He had felt himself stuck in a little bit of a rut, and the inventor was also very curious about Paldea's innovative technology as well as their unique approaches to battling.
That and the mentions of a possible time machine was really more than what Clemont could pass up. "If someone has actually managed to alter the fabric of time," Clemont had said over the phone, already hypothesizing how it could be possible, "then everything is at risk."
And while this danger was very true if all implications were confirmed, Clemont was quite excited by the idea of such a machine existing.
For the last week, Clemont and Director Clavell had hardly ceased their work in trying to uncover the secret workings of the designs to Professor Turo's mysterious blueprint. Of course, Clemont had had a lot to catch up on—everything from Area Zero's history to Tera Industries involvement with the Crater, had to be explained to him. But Clemont caught on quickly and wasn't called a prodigy for nothing.
"So, do you see how complex it all is?" Clavell was speaking as the two continued to examine the blueprints of Turo's unknown machine for what felt like the thousandth time. They were in the director's office, where the two usually performed their secret work, surrounded by walls lined bookshelves as well as space equipped with the latest technology—screens and instruments that could monitor and conduct various experiments.
Clemont shook his head slightly as he examined the machinery—the blueprints having been scanned—now displayed on Clavell's screens. "Well, the machine is actually not as complex as it looks," the inventor commented, his bespectacled gaze locked on the schematics that appeared to show a design that was incomplete. He pointed to a part of the diagram. "But it seems like the machine's energy source is missing." His finger hovered over a blank space in the blueprint where the energy source should have been indicated.
"Precisely." Clavell nodded, understanding Clemont's observation. "I believe the machine was powered, somehow, by Terastal energy. Now, this energy is mostly found in the soil of the Paldea region, though we've yet to figure out how it is produced. As I've said, explorers and researchers over time have traveled to Area Zero in attempts to uncover its secrets. Legends were told of 'precious stones', 'wondrous fruits', and other treasures." He paused, his voice taking on a tone of reverence. "Only one historian, Heath, reached the depths of Area Zero all those years ago. Heath described his experiences in two books: the Scarlet Book and the Violet Book. Save for a few pages that we've discovered, both texts have long been missing. However, it is rumored that within these books, the source of this Terastal energy is revealed."
Clavell continued, his hands clasped behind his back, "Either way, the only other item that uses Terastal energy beyond the crater is the Tera Orb—which somehow uses neutralized Tera Crystals to harness the energy needed for Pokémon to Terastallize outside of Area Zero."
Removing his glasses to wipe the lenses, Clemont digested the information. "It's all pretty incredible…," he mused, and was then struck by a thought, "So you think these Tera Crystals could be used to power machinery?" His curiosity was piqued, and questions began pouring out of him rapidly. "Where do these Tera Crystals grow?" His mind raced with the possibilities of how this could influence not only Pokémon training but perhaps other technological advancements as well.
Clavell chuckled at Clemont's bubbling enthusiasm. "The Tera Crystals, or Tera Shards, spontaneously form in Area Zero or in Tera Caves, phenomena for which we currently lack a scientific explanation. I am not aware of any instances where they have been utilized as a power source for machinery due to their inherent instability. The energy they emit is highly volatile; the Tera Orb, for instance, encapsulates this energy in a manner analogous to a containment field for an explosive force…For a machine to actually have to restrain and redirect all of that energy…" Clavell sighed and shrugged, "Well, it is an interesting hypothesis."
Clemont nodded thoughtfully. "Whatever this machine was, it looked like it needed an incredible source to be operated. And even then, this energy needed to be malleable, somehow. It's really genius and weird. But the conduit for this energy, and the battery, if you will, is missing from this design."
Clavell paused, silent in thought for a moment.
Ever curious, Clemont continued, "Do you have any Tera Shards for me to examine? I would love to see some."
"Yes," the director smiled, "but their properties are diminished beyond Area Zero or the Tera Caves from which they are excavated." Clavell explained as he moved around his office to procure the samples.
Clemont watched in fascination as Clavell brought out a box containing long, jagged, fiery red crystals. The shards seemed to hold a smoldering fire within them, undulating softly, a mesmerizing sight.
Clavell added, "There are 19 types of shards for the 19 types of Pokémon. These are Fire Tera Shards."
"May I?" Clemont asked, eager to get a closer look. With permission granted, he picked up one of the shards and placed it under a nearby microscope.
As he examined the shard, the energy within seemed dim or weak, confirming Clavell's earlier comments about their reduced potency outside their native environment. Clemont pondered the scientific implications of this observation. What surprised the inventor the most from his quick study was how the shard immediately struck him as an inorganic substance; its structured formation suggested it might have been created or altered, hinting at a deliberate creation, not something that just appeared by accident…
Clemont's mind raced with possibilities—could these shards be manufactured? If so, by whom—by what—and for what purpose? The mysterious origins captured his imagination even further, pushing him to consider how these shards could potentially be harnessed or replicated in other technological applications. His thoughts ventured towards the realm of energy stabilization and the engineering challenges that such volatile sources posed.
The two were interrupted by Clavell's secretary, who stepped into his office, her voice clear and professional. "Director, Ash Ketchum and his friends have arrived."
Following the announcement, Ash, Serena, Bonnie, and their Pokémon made their way into Clavell's office, the room dimly lit by the faint glow of computer screens displaying the molecular makeup of the shards as Clemont observed them under the microscope.
"Brother! Brother!" Bonnie shouted happily, "Ash got his Bug badge! It was amazing!"
Clemont and Clavell looked up, their work momentarily paused by the girl's loud enthusiasm.
Clemont beamed, folding his arms across his chest. "Congratulations, Ash. But I expected nothing less," he said warmly. The two clasped hands.
Ash grinned back, but his expression soon turned to one of mock exasperation. "I've hardly gotten to see you while I've been here!"
The comment struck a chord with Clemont. Despite how their respective adventures were now at last converging after so long, Clemont had realized he had indeed spent little time with Ash since his arrival. He had been with Clavell almost every day, following him around, building up a pretense as to why he was here visiting Scarlet Academy. But Clemont did want and plan to hang out with his friends. He was also curious about how Ash and Serena's relationship had developed—a new dynamic he had heard about but seen little of. Not that the whole thing surprised him or anything.
Clemont's gaze then drifted to Serena, who he really felt was like a sister to him at this point. Seeing her standing so close to Ash—their fingertips nearly brushing, their eyes constantly checking in on the other—the inventor felt a blend of concern and happiness for the honey-blonde. He had always been quietly rooting for her to find her way back to Ash, and this was something that had brought Clemont a mild sense of anxiety. Upon coming back from Hoenn, she had even mentioned a brief, fleeting encounter with Ash in Lilycove, where both had been busy pursuing their individual dreams. It hadn't been the right time for her and Ash then; Clemont had concluded what Serena left unspoken.
Yet Clemont had sensed, even if Serena hadn't fully acknowledged it, who she'd really been searching for after her Master Class Showcases. He had seen it in her eyes, whether she was consciously aware of it or not.
Now, watching the two interact within the group, Clemont felt completely reassured for Serena's happiness, because Ash really did look at her with this new, utterly hopeless expression the inventor had never seen on the young champion. He hadn't even thought Ash capable of such a look, but he was glad to see it because Serena deserved it and much more. It was clear that Serena and Ash had discovered something truly special in each other—a partnership he deeply respected.
Serena, catching Clemont's thoughtful gaze, offered him a gentle smile, appreciating his quiet support and the unspoken questions he might have about their relationship. The bond within the group, forged through shared experiences and strengthened by their individual connections, was deeply felt, even now.
Clavell chimed in with amusement and approval. "He's been busy helping me solve some of Paldea's greatest mysteries…" He then eyed Ash above his small spectacles, "I see you've taken my advice."
Ash nodded with a sudden seriousness, the weight of earlier discussions settling on his shoulders. After the Gala, Ash had confided in Clavell about his conversation with Navarro. Reflecting on this, Clavell had suggested that Ash should start collecting his gym badges sooner rather than later, despite whatever plans the CEO had in store. If anything, this strategy would potentially earn Navarro's trust, making it appear as though Ash was aligning with the CEO's cause. Ash still didn't know exactly what to do—or how to think—about Geeta, but Clavell urged him to wait to speak with her.
As though reading their minds, Bonnie asked, "So, what's exactly up with this region's Champion, huh? Do people not trust her or something?" She was curious and had been somewhat informed by the snippets of conversations she'd overheard between during the past week.
Clemont shot his sister a quick glance through flashing glasses, "Bonnie!"
"It's more complicated than that," Ash added, removing his hat for a moment before adjusting it on his head and turning to Clavell. "By the way, Katy hasn't heard from Geeta either."
Clavell's expression grew tense. "I am growing worried. It's been about a week since anyone has heard from her, and she unexpectedly did not attend the gala. That is unlike her."
Serena rubbed her hands together, "Do you think that maybe she's gone to investigate some of these things herself?" she speculated, "From how you describe her, and from what I've heard, she seems pretty independent and highly intelligent. Didn't she design the first floor of this Academy?"
"Yes, that she did," Clavell acknowledged. "She is indeed all that you said and more. However, she can be eccentric and lofty in her thoughts. I do hope she isn't trying to bring down Tera Industries alone…"
"Maybe she went to Area Zero to try and investigate herself," Ash suggested, "That's what I would do."
Bonnie, always ready for an adventure, jumped in with an eager suggestion, "Well, why don't we all just go?" Dedenne chirped in her arms, also excited by the idea.
Clavell quickly countered, "It's too dangerous, and there is no access without working for Tera Industries. Geeta wouldn't get far if she, for some reason, decided to venture there again. The Academy has multiple labs there around the perimeter. She has been there numerous times, however, there is nothing to find." He looked directly at Ash, adding, "But you may be able to go into Area Zero if and when Navarro learns to trust you. That is why I believe you should continue to collect your badges with haste—especially now that the season is open."
Ash nodded and exchanged glances with Pikachu. While he hated the idea of his journey being tainted by all this intrigue, he understood that this was important and that everything was determined upon finding out more about what exactly was going on inside Area Zero. He would need to get inside somehow.
Serena's eyes then caught a glimmer on Clemont's desk. "What's that, Clemont? It's beautiful," she asked, pointing at the shimmering object and smiling at Sylveon.
"It's a Tera Shard. I was just examining it to see if it holds any potential energy in and of itself," Clemont explained, as though that were the most natural thing in the world to be doing. He picked up the fiery red crystal to show it better.
From beside the honey-blonde, Ash pumped his fists, "Wait, that's awesome! We've been learning about those in Battle Studies class. They're apparently pretty rare, but if you collect enough of the same type, you can change the Tera Type of a Pokémon, right?" He looked to Clavell for confirmation.
The director outlined the point of his beard with his long, slender fingers. "Yes. Though it is a little more complicated than that. You would have to take the shards and embed them into the make-up of your Tera Orb. For that, you would need to go to a technician."
"Sounds pretty complicated," Serena admitted, sensing that some of their conversation was moving beyond her; however, she did understand that changing a Pokémon's type during battle held dramatic implications. She wondered about what the Contest parameters were on Terastallization. She would have to find out, and grew excited by the idea of incorporating something so beautiful for the Contest battles.
"Can I hold it?" Ash leaned forward towards the Tera Shard, Pikachu sniffing towards the item from his shoulder.
Clavell chuckled lightly, amused by their enthusiasm. "I don't see why not," he agreed, handing the crystal to Ash for a closer look.
As Ash grasped the Tera Shard, the red crystal instantly brightened, casting a fiery, augmented glow over the room. A tingling sensation spread through Ash's palm, intensifying as if he were connecting with the shard's very essence. Memories of the Terra Cave flashed in his mind, a surge of energy pulsing through him as though he was both absorbing and emitting some kind of power simultaneously. He felt an inexplicable connection to the crystal until a wave of dizziness overcame him, forcing him to drop the shard and fall to one knee. Pikachu jumped to the floor beside him.
"Ash!" Serena exclaimed, rushing to his side immediately. She placed one hand on his back and the other on his knee, concern tugging at the lines of her mouth. "Are you okay?"
Shaking off the dizziness, Ash managed a weak smile. "Yeah, that was…that was weird."
Clemont and Clavell watched the scene unfold, both astounded by the reaction of the Tera Shard. "Um…whatever just happened is logically impossible…" Clemont remarked, his scientific mind struggling to make sense of it.
Clavell, equally puzzled, pressed for details. "What happened? How did you get the Tera Shard to activate just now?"
"I don't know," Ash replied, being helped back to his feet by Serena, "I just felt like…I just felt the energy inside it. I don't know. But I kinda got that same feeling when I was in the Terra Cave battling Slither Wings. It was like all this energy was suddenly more accessible to me. Like I was being charged up if I focused on it."
Clemont and Clavell exchanged a look, both intrigued and a bit unnerved.
"That's…interesting. But I guess I can never rule out scientific anomalies when it comes to you, Ash," Clemont said, scratching the back of his lemon-haired head. "I mean, you were able to essentially Mega-Evolve a Pokémon without a Mega Stone."
"And, if I understand correctly, you performed a Z-Move in the Terra Cave without a Z-Ring," Clavell added, piecing together the extraordinary occurrences surrounding the young champion.
"Is that true?" Clemont's clear eyes went wide as he turned to Ash, seeking confirmation. "And that's when you felt this…energy?"
Ash nodded affirmatively.
Clemont mused aloud, "I wonder… So there is potential energy in these Tera Shards…but that energy needs to be tapped into somehow by another source of similar energy. It's almost like a magnetic effect." The inventor started to quiver with excitement, his knees knocking against each other. "If Turo's machine was ever made to work, it not only needed a battery powered with energy, a conduit for this energy to pass through, but something to call forth that energy…Arceus, now we're on to something!"
Ash jumped up, catching Clemont's enthusiasm as though it were contagious. "Science is awesome!"
"Okay," Serena interjected gently; her brow was still furrowed in worry and she placed a soft hand on Ash's arm, "but how do we explain what just happened?"
"No idea," Clemont folded his arms across his signature jumpsuit and looked down at the floor with a smug grin, "but we'll find out! The future is now, thanks to science!" Clemont then raised a pointed finger, "We must start with what we know. Ash—for whatever reason that is yet to be logically explained—has, inside himself, a similar type of energy that these crystals possess."
Here, Clemont picked up a Tera Shard as though to demonstrate how the item was useless in his hands. He then continued, "Now, this may explain why his ability to bond with things was enhanced while actually inside a cave full of these shards. Furthermore, in these caves, I imagine the Tera Shards are even more potent as they would be connected to some kind of source, no?" He looked to Clavell for confirmation.
Clavell tilted his head in the affirmative and clasped his hands behind his back, "Their properties are different when found in their natural environment, yes."
The young inventor clapped his hands. "Well then, I'll want to observe them in this state. As you said, going into Area Zero is not an option, so maybe we can find a Terra Cave?" Clemont proposed, turning to Ash, his eyes alight with scientific curiosity. "And I can also study its effects on you. Either way, seeing the crystals in a natural habitat will help me understand them better and help me maybe see if Turo was using them somehow to power his machine."
Ash responded with his typical eagerness, "Sounds great! I'll be like your personal experiment!"
"Pika!" Pikachu also seemed pleased.
Clemont beamed, giving the two a thumbs up, "Precisely!"
Serena, however, was less enthused. "I don't like this…"
"Just be wary," Clavell cautioned, though he didn't seem to find fault with the idea. "Not all Terra Caves are created equally. The Terastallized Pokémon living inside are often strong and dangerous. And then there's no way to know if there's not a Paradox Pokémon inside."
"That's right, you mentioned those," Clemont acknowledged, tapping his chin, "But actually, maybe doing more studies on these caves can help us see if and why these Paradox Pokémon are attracted to this energy."
At all of this, Serena felt a knot in her chest and was forced to speak up, "You guys will really need to be careful and I'm going to want to help you." She placed her hands on her hips and Sylveon let out a long purr as though agreeing with her trainer.
Ash responded immediately, "No way. It's too dangerous."
And just like that, the two almost entered into their first—no, second—fight. Almost. Serena managed to temper her vexation, though Ash's words had stung more than she'd thought they would. Serena knew Ash hadn't reacted that way because he didn't believe she was strong. Really, she knew that. Ash always believed she was quite capable of handling herself, and Serena knew he was just trying to protect her.
What stung was that he'd made an immediate decision without even talking to her—and not just any decision, but a decision about her.
Serena leaned in close to Ash, her voice low and soft, meant only for his ears. "But remember, Ash? We're a team now." Her words, gentle yet firm, were a reminder of their commitment to support and communicate with each other.
Ash softened at this and then looked pained. He hadn't realized that being a team meant…well, this. Putting the girl he loved in danger. The whole idea really threw him for a loop and he wasn't sure how to respond.
Meanwhile, Bonnie's enthusiasm burst forth uncontrollably. "It's going to be like Kalos all over again! Us four traveling together, kicking butt and taking names!" she exclaimed with Dedenne cheering at her side—their spirits clearly undampened by the gravity of the situation.
Clemont, however, stood firm. "Bonnie, there's no way in the Darkest Day that you are going anywhere near a Terra Cave," he declared, his tone brooking no argument.
"What?! Are you kidding me?!" Bonnie retorted in disbelief and frustration. She couldn't fathom being excluded from what she saw as an epic chapter waiting to unfold.
As the siblings' argument escalated, voices rising and tempers flaring, Clavell sweatdropped and attempted to step in, hoping to mediate the heated exchange. He placed his hands on their shoulders, attempting to physically separate them
Amidst the chaos, Ash and Serena shared a more significant moment. Suddenly, Ash had doubts, which flickered across his face, about the path they were on. He felt confused now—worried if he really was being unfair to Serena in dragging her into all of his conflicts. He had so many of them. And the dangers Ash didn't think twice about getting himself into, now felt more ominous when he thought about Serena by his side. If she had been involved in half the things he'd done throughout his journeys, Ash didn't think he could have handled it.
But just as Ash's thoughts seemed to be running away from him, the honey-blonde slipped her hand into his, grounding him with her touch. The simple act brought a profound sense of reassurance. In that moment, Ash felt that anchored feeling again—the same feeling he always got whenever he was around her—and his fears momentarily settled. It was better this way, Ash thought to himself, squeezing her hand and allowing her smile to comfort him for now.
"So, what is this? A séance?"
Penny spoke in her typical, almost lazy, voice that dripped with a sense of humored boredom. However, it all seemed to mask a sharper, more curious undertone.
"That's what I thought," Arven pointed out, sighing as he slumped in his chair.
In Nemona's room, the usual organized chaos of textbooks and study guides was conspicuously absent. The walls, usually bare save for a few old Pokémon battle posters, were now covered in a complex web of photographs and notes, linked by strings that zigzagged across the surface like a spider's elaborate trap. The center of this intricate display featured prominently labeled pictures of Team Star members, including Mela, and a dark silhouette marked "Giacomo," a name scrawled underneath in Nemona's bold, slanted handwriting on a piece of paper.
Around Nemona's dining table, the usual study group cast curious glances at the wall. Aliquis, Goh, Penny, Ohara, Arven, and Hohma were all there, gathered for what seemed less like their usual late-night cramming sessions and more like a clandestine meeting. The scent of freshly popped popcorn and herbed crackers collided in the air.
"Focus people," Nemona clapped to get their attention while her Pawmo pointed at the wall with a long pointer. "We are here to figure out why those Team Star grunts were sent during Homecoming. It's important."
"I thought we were here to study…" Arven muttered, clearly realizing he was in the wrong meeting.
"We going to take Team Star down!" Aliquis pumped a fist though he wasn't really paying attention, flipping through a Paldea Sports Monthly magazine instead. Meowscarada was lounging behind him on a bean bag, blowing on a leaf and watching it drift back down to her face.
"No, we're going to apologize for throwing food at them," Nemona corrected with a groan, standing stiffly as she had Pawmo gesture to the wall with her retractable plastic stick. "The student body acted like savages, remember? And I take full responsibility…"
Goh, for some reason perched on the counter of Nemona's kitchen, chimed in as he and Grookey shared a bag of popcorn, "Well, we know who sent them. Gia-something. Couldn't you look this guy up in the student records like you did with Penny?"
Penny and her Vaporean, crouched beside her chair, shot Nemona glares sharp enough to cut. Nemona tilted her head and scratched her cheek, a sweatdrop forming on the side of her face, "Yeah, I'm trying to do things more...?" She searched for the word.
"Legally," Penny affirmed, folding her arms.
Nemona's eyes brightened, "Yes! Legally!"
"Well," Arven sighed and closed his eyes before dipping his chin towards his chest, "it's always good to do things legally. Though, the fact that you were doing things illegally is not surprising and in fact, makes me anxious for your own mental health."
Clearly ignoring this comment, Nemona pushed the conversation along. "Nevertheless! We actually know a fair bit about Giacomo—that's his name, by the way. Hohma?"
Hohma, pencil in hand, scribbled notes with audible scratches on his pad that mirrored the intensity of his focus. "Um, yeah," he stopped to adjust his glasses and look up at the table, "Giacomo was actually last year's president of the student council, but the student conduct policies he proposed were supposedly so unintuitive and strict that he lost all support. After only a short time in office, he was forced out by the students, who then went on to elect someone else…"
"Me," Nemona traced the lines of yarn with her finger, connecting dots that seemed to form a complex web around Giacomo's image. "And I'm not going to lie, I totally supported him being impeached, if you will. Bro was a micromanager at its finest. Curfews for everyone, mandatory student council meetings twice a day, even random dress code checks and locker searches. It was like living under a regime."
Penny, speaking around her attempt at biting off a hangnail, sighed, "Yeah, but that doesn't justify the fact that you all were mean about getting rid of him."
"In fact," Arven began with a grimace, "I'm pretty sure you two never got along since middle grade, remember? You told him that he looked like an electrified Galarian Zigzagoon when his hair started to get frizzy in the summers…"
Nemona cringed, the old embarrassment resurfacing. "Yeah…That's true." She jutted her bottom lip out to puff her bangs away from her face, her gaze drifting to the cluttered table. This confrontation was shaping up to be more personal than she'd anticipated. Why does this feel like reopening an old wound? she thought. Is it guilt, or just old rivalry? Her heart beat a tad faster at the thought of facing Giacomo again under such a new, contentious circumstance—especially when she was just trying to figure out how to do the right thing by Team Star and everything.
"Well, either way, it's rumored that now he runs his own Team Star camp in the Western Province…They call it the Dark Camp," Hohma added, feeding his Quaxly a cracker.
"Okay so how are we going to find this dweeb?" Aliquis looked up, eager to shift gears.
Arven dropped his head onto the table with a thud. Beside him, Mabosstiff licked the side of his face.
Penny threw a cracker at Aliquis's head. "You are literally part of the problem."
"Hohma did find a lead…," Ohara fidgeted with her Fuecoco's tufts as he sat on her lap. She glanced at Hohma encouragingly.
Hohma's glasses lit up as he pulled out his phone, scrolling with purpose. "He is apparently a wannabe DJ. Goes by DJ Vice," he announced, holding up his phone to show a social media page loaded with event dates. "And he's got a gig in Cascarrafa on the same weekend as our next Blitz Match!"
Nemona's eyes sparkled with mischief. "So after our Blitz game, Aliquis, Goh, and I will stay behind to party!" She grinned broadly and pumped her fist in the air. "Oh, and Penny. Penny will need to come too as our official leader of the Team Star investigation. At the party, we should be able to make him an official challenge, which—according to Team Star rules—he can't refuse."
"I don't hate this plan," Aliquis admitted, a smile tugging at his lips.
"I completely hate this plan," Penny countered, throwing her hands up in surrender.
"It's going to be great!" Nemona added, her enthusiasm undimmed. "Ash will be there too, so maybe he can help!"
Aliquis finally looked up from his magazine and folded his arms behind his head as he reclined in his chair with a smirk, "I'm pretty sure he's too busy making out with his new girlfriend these days."
"Word," Goh snickered, mouth full of popcorn, and he exchanged an obnoxious high-five with the blue-haired trainer.
Arven just moaned, his forehead still on the table, "I hate it here."
Ohara sighed softly, resting her chin on Fuecoco's head. "They're such a cute couple."
"I'd be busy making out with her too," Penny muttered, nonchalantly playing with the strings of her hoodie.
Everyone fell over and then turned their eyes to the red-and blue haired girl, awaiting an explanation. But Penny only looked up and shrugged. "What? She has a cool Sylveon."
After recovering, Nemona clapped her hands once more, bringing the focus back to their mission. "Well, anyway, we have a plan so let's get ready to put our best foot forward."
"Right!" everyone echoed, their voices mingling with a newfound sense of determination.
The night had grown quiet as Arven and Aliquis strolled through the dimly lit hallways to their respective dorms. Their footsteps echoed slightly, a soft counterpoint to the distant sounds of the campus winding down. They reached a junction where their paths diverged, pausing under the faint glow of an overhead light.
"Night, bro," Aliquis said, clapping Arven on the shoulder with a light thud, his face split by a wide grin.
Arven nodded, offering a small, tight-lipped smile in return. "See you in the morning," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of the day's weariness.
As Aliquis disappeared into his room, Arven turned to his own door, inserting his key into the lock, only to find it unexpectedly loose. With a frown, he pushed against the door, which swung open with an ominous creak. His heart skipped. Inside, the shadows loomed as his Mabosstiff whined at his knees, sniffing the air with a low growl rumbling from his throat.
"What's wrong, buddy?" Arven wavered slightly as he knelt to stroke the canine's thick fur, trying to soothe the Pokémon's evident distress. Mabosstiff's ears twitched, and its growl deepened, eyes locked on the darkness within the room.
Swallowing his unease, Arven stood and pushed the door wider, stepping inside and quickly closing it behind him. His hand found the light switch, flooding the room with stark, revealing light. His breath hitched at the sight before him.
At the small dining table sat a pale, black-and-silver haired young man flipping casually through a small leather-bound book. Behind him, the imposing silhouette of a Cerludge stood ominously, its eyes glinting in the artificial light. Arven's stomach churned.
"Hm, do you normally finish the day with a little light reading?"
Arven paled. All at once he processed the man, the book—his book; his father's diary—in the intruder's gloved hands, and Arven made a move immediately backwards only to feel his back shove against something—or someone—very tall and large.
This new intruder, towering and broad-shouldered, sported a jacket with a distinctive insignia on the shoulder, a symbol of some authority or allegiance. His hair, black with an olive mohawk, added to his brutish and imposing appearance. The slight smirk playing on his lips did nothing to soften the hard lines of his face or the piercing gaze of his eyes, which seemed to size up Arven in a single, calculating look.
"Going somewhere?" the man chuckled with dark amusement and threat.
Cornered, Arven scanned the room, noting each man and their accompanying Pokémon now standing, tension crackling in the air like a charged storm. "I know who you are…" His words shook, betraying his fear. "You're after my father too."
"Are we?" The pale man's voice was smooth, almost mocking. Suddenly he pushed his chair back from the table and stood, closing the diary. "Zirc, why don't you bring our new friend closer, so we can have a proper conversation."
"Of course, Amethio," the grunt named Zirc obliged with a wicked grin as he shoved Arven forward with a forceful push, which made the botanist feel like a rag doll. Mabosstiff barked, but Ceruledge was suddenly before him, blocking the canine's way to his trainer.
"I was warned about you," Arven continued, trying to find his balance after being shoved forward again. He hand gripped the edge of the table and he blinked rapidly. Arven's eyes darted between the men, his breath quickening. "You're Explorers…"
And the botanist remembered his father's frantic words, the fear in his eyes as he packed his bags that last night at the lighthouse. "They want to ruin what I am trying to create!" Turo had insisted with a paranoia that Arven had slowly learned to associate with madness. The professor had then thrust his diary into Arven's hands. "It's all in there. You'll have to read it carefully, but maybe then you'll understand…They aren't to be trusted, Arven! Aren't to be trusted!"
Arven's eyes fell on the book now in Amethio's lazy grip. His breathing froze. What had he read? What did he now know? Granted, Arven hardly understood his father's random ramblings, but did they mean more to these men?
Amethio watched the botanist's troubled expressions with an almost clinical interest. "Here," he said, dismissing the significance of the diary as he tossed it at Arven's feet. "These scribblings are of a madman and really quite useless."
Arven didn't move to pick up the diary, worried it might be a test. He didn't want to look too eager. Instead, he looked up at Amethio, suspicion surfacing in his green eyes. "Then what do you want? I don't know where—"
"We know you don't know anything," Amethio interjected, adjusting his gloves with a calculated nonchalance. "That's why we want to work together."
Arven felt his mouth go dry. "What do you mean?"
"We know where your father is," Amethio stated plainly, as if discussing the weather.
Arven's heart stalled, then thudded wildly against his ribs as fear and hope clashed within him. His mind raced as a torrent of emotions washed over him. Relief, that his father's whereabouts was at least known to someone—that he wasn't gone for good—mingled with a cold dread that these were the people who knew.
In the end, Arven could only mutter a whispering, "What…?"
"It is only a matter of getting to where he is. We want to help him, you understand. He is in danger," Amethio continued, his gaze locked on Arven's. "But we cannot get to him without your help."
Arven still struggled to find his voice. "What do you mean?" he managed to croak out, his throat tight. "Where is he?"
Something didn't feel right. A part of Arven was scared this could be a trick to use him for something he didn't understand. Hadn't Turo been running from these people? Or had that just been his insanity?
Deep down, Arven wanted to believe the latter. He wanted to just believe that his dad had just been crazy and had been pushing everyone in his life away. Arven found himself wanting to trust these men—to believe they really knew where his father was and that they were only trying to help. That was his small hope. If he could finally find his father, then he could stop feeling so lost and worried.
But even if this wasn't true—if this was some sort of trap—Arven felt like, at this moment, he needed to play along if he wanted to learn more. He also knew that these people looked dangerous…he couldn't risk angering them…Arven knew vaguely that the Explorers were some secret society, and he also understood that this society was made up of powerful trainers with connections that extended farther beyond ordinary limits…
Amethio wagged a finger, returning Arven back to the present. "Not so fast. We're here to make a deal, not give handouts."
Arven nodded, desperation creeping into his posture. Amethio gestured for them to take a seat on a nearby couch. Arven felt himself forcibly guided to the sofa by Zirc, who pushed him down into the cushions.
Having dragged a chair from the dining table in front of the couch, Amethio sat directly across Arven, his legs crossed and his amethyst eyes scrutinizing.
"We know you study the Herba Mystica," Amethio continued rather cooly, "We also know you have been collecting samples. We would like for you to set aside some of these vials for us. Unfortunately, we, with all our resources directed towards helping Turo, do not have the time to secure these herbs ourselves."
"But what does the Herba Mystica have to do with anything?" Arven asked, trying to suppress a shiver.
"For you, it means everything," Amethio replied, his eyes flashing. "Look. We know where Turo is, we are trying to help him, and we are willing to tell you everything we know if you get us these samples. "
Arven felt his mind spinning. In his periphery, he sensed Zirc take a chuckling seat beside him. "But," Arven groaned, rubbing his temples as though they throbbed. Torn between wanting to know more and fearing what might happen, Arven felt stuck, unsure of what to do next. "H-how do I know you're telling the truth?"
As though anticipating this, Amethio smiled with feigned friendliness. "Because we're here, Arven. We're Explorers. We are a highly secret society, but here we are, risking everything to approach you. To ask for your help. Why would we do that if we didn't have anything to offer you?"
Arven blinked. He was hardly thinking coherently, but in that moment—with the words "we know where your father is" repeating in Arven's brain—everything coming out of Amethio's mouth suddenly felt meaningful and true.
And so Arven nodded, as if the Explorer's explanation had been enough.
Amethio then drummed his fingers against his knee and moved on. "So what do you say to this: you get us samples of the five Herba Mystica and, in return, we will tell you where your father is."
Arven chewed on his lip. His father's warnings again echoed in his mind. However, Turo was gone. And he left Arven with more questions than answers. He needed to know where his father was, and then to go to him. He needed to protect his friends and to end all of this before people got hurt.
"On one condition," Arven gripped the fabric of his pants, finding a sliver of leverage.
Amethio, impatient, leaned in. "I'm all ears."
Arven licked his lips, feeling them dry and cracked. "I want to know what you all have to do with my dad. I want to know why you've been looking for him; what he has to do with you."
The Explorer's eyes glistened with irritation and he suppressed a snarl. After a pause, he smirked and lowered his chin. "Fair enough. After each sample you produce, I will answer one question. One question you have about us or your father."
Arven nodded, allowing a shuddering breath to leave his chest.
Amethio's eyes held a glint of amusement as he observed Arven's determination. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed a small, metallic pin toward the botanist. The pin, designed intricately with layers of silver and black geometric shapes, centered around a vibrant blue button. "Press this when you need to find us," he instructed, his voice smooth, the threat behind his words thinly veiled as he stood and adjusted the cuffs of his suit. "And Arven, it goes without saying—you tell no one about us, hm? It would be a shame if anything were to happen to your friends."
Arven caught the pin, his fingers trembling as he clutched the cool metal. A knot of dread tightened in his stomach…He couldn't let anything happen to them—especially Ash. Arven would never forgive himself. Serena would never forgive him. He brought them into this mess after all. No, he couldn't ask more of them.
As Amethio and Zirc prepared to leave, Amethio whistled sharply, recalling his Ceruledge. The fiery Pokémon, which had been keeping Mabosstiff cornered with its intimidating presence, retreated into its Pokéball. The tension in the room eased slightly without the fiery creature's glaring eyes.
Zirc walked over to the window, sliding it open with a swift motion. Outside, the night was quiet, the campus a dark silhouette against the starry sky. He retrieved a Poké Ball from his belt and threw it into the darkness. "Skarmory, to me!" Moments later, the sound of beating wings filled the air as a sleek, metallic Pokémon swooped down.
Amethio followed suit, his voice carrying into the night. "Corviknight, let's go." A large, imposing bird with jet-black feathers and piercing eyes seemed to morph from the night's shadows.
The two men mounted their respective Pokémon, and with a powerful thrust of wings, they disappeared into the night sky, leaving behind only the echo of their departure.
Arven watched the window close behind them, the room now silent except for his own heavy breathing. As soon as they had vanished, the botanist went to check on Mabosstif and then rapidly moved to where the diary lay discarded on the floor.
Bending down, he picked it up, his hands automatically flipping to the pages Amethio had been reading. His face fell and he let out a sigh when he saw the freshly bent pages. They were pages that Turo had blotted out, entries that made little sense to Arven; pages he often disregarded… If these ramblings held any secrets, they were obscured by mundane details and redacted words. Surely, then, they had meant nothing to the Explorers…
…and so we've determined that this energy crystallization is linked to the being we call ▊▊▊▊▊▊. The interlocking hexagonal plates that comprise ▊▊▊▊▊▊'s carapace must somehow cause this phenomenon…Thanks to our prototype Tera Orb, Navarro and I have secured corporate funding for our research and I have made a laboratory in the lighthouse near Cabo Poco. Someday, though, I will return to the crater and resume my study of these crystals….to find the being…
Alright so first mentionings of Terapagos (if you didn't catch that.) Went back and forth between introducing this aspect to the story and felt it was needed for the plot. I'm doing what I can haha.
But more importantly, in the amour department, we had the DTR (define the relationship) talk. They're officially boyfriend and girlfriend, and now Ash will quickly start to learn that he better talk to his lady before making some decisions (lol).
But for real, Ash will struggle jumping into things (like normally) but also consolidating the fact that his own recklessness now affects more than just himself. Also, he'll have some internal conflict putting Serena in danger, as he should.
Serena will continue to have her own development. She should still be coming across as confident in her abilities and her strength. Her feelings now with this new romance, I imagine, to be more nuanced and actually not necessarily tied to insecurity.
Anyway, we have a trip to Pallet Town coming up in the near future, so stay tuned.
No set date for the next chapter! Taking my time over the summer as I just have a lot of fun things going on this summer and I am in the process of reading several different books along with rereading Anna Karenina hahahaha so…
