Hello one and all and welcome back to another episode of Pokemon SVTA where today, we continue where the last chapter went off with Ash, Incineroar and Charcadet participating in the Firestarter competition with Ash helping Charcadet due to his trainer Harold being ill. Meanwhile, it seems Harold's great-grandson Encen has returned from Boarding School and hasn't changed his ways from being cruel and seeks to beat Ash and win the Firestarter competition to prove himself as a great Fire type trainer. Can Ash win this tournament while also trying to help Encen retain his humanity.

With that out of the way, let's get started.

Cover Story 37: Road to Reunion 3: The first match (be warned, I'm only good with regular battles but not contest battles (other than combination attacks) so be prepared for tough writing)

Last time, May and Serena (with Max watching from the side) were training for their first match at the Duo World Championship when they encountered a pair of twins named Carol and Manuel who mocked them and think they'll lose the tournament and although angered, it wasn't going to slow them down. The day of the match begins with May and Serena facing against the duo of Brac and Ket as May sends out her Vikavolt and Serena sends out her Delphox while Brac sends out her Araquanid while Ket sends out her Azumarill.

The points are determined with those who have impressive performances with their move combinations and style rather than just outright knocking them out but the round ends once both Pokemon of one side are 'defeated' and the score is tallied up as Serena learns and appears to be nervous only familiar with her performances and not contests but May reassures her that it will be ok, and that Serena does similar things with her Pokemon's moves so she can use that knowledge for Contest battle like this one which Serena nods.

The match begins with Serena and May going first as Vikavolt launches an Energy Ball and Delphox controls it with Psychic allowing the ball to float around and targets the opposing Pokemon as Azumarill uses Bounce to avoid the attack and Araquanid uses Icy Wind to freeze Azumarill's Bounce causing an icy effect as Azumarill attempts to land for the attack but Delphox and Vikavolt manage to dodge until Delphox stumbles and Vikavolt saves her by taking the hit instead leaving him damaged as Azumarill kept bouncing and May and Serena come up with a plan.

Vikavolt uses Sticky Web and Delphox burns it with Mystical Fire and when Azumarill landed, it burned her causing her to hop around in pain before Delphox and Vikavolt try their first strategy again and Vikavolt launches Energy Ball again with Delphox controlling it with Psychic this time landing on Azumarill and sending her flying towards Araquanid taking major damage.

Azumarill and Araquanid then launch a double bubble combo as they both launch Bubble Beam surrounding Vikavolt and Delphox as Brac and Ket see an opportunity and both command their Pokemon to use Trailblaze to attack them through the bubbles since they've trained to navigate through the bubbles. Delphox and Vikavolt feel like they're unable to do anything while they're being attacked by Trailblaze and if they do, they'll be hurt by the bubbles especially Delphox as Serena and May struggle to think of a plan until Serena sees an open clearing and has an idea in mind.

Serena calls out to her Delphox to use Shadow Ball when there's an open clearing in the air and she nods as she launches a Shadow Ball in the air and May calls out to her Vikavolt to use Struggle Bug in the air as Vikavolt launches a stream of small bits of energy resembling bugs and launches them through Shadow Ball and absorbs them coming back down like rain as the bubbles pop and Azumarill and Araquanid dealing with the hail of bugs damaging them as both Serena and May see another opportunity while distracted and Vikavolt uses Zap Cannon to launched the attack and Delphox launches Psyshock alongside Zap Cannon which misses and the two opposing trainers mock them for it but they acknowledge it and that's not what they were trying to do as Psyshock surrounds the Zap Cannon and attacks the ball behind Azumarill and Araquanid sending them flying forward and knocking them out shocking Brac and Ket.

Although that would make them the winner in normal circumstances, the trainers had to wait for the points to come in with Team Blossom (May and Serena) and Team Crown (Brac and Ket) both having similar points but Blossom edges them out at 110 while Crown had 100 as May and Serena celebrated their victory with a hug and they know that their battle ain't over yet as they prepare for the next round.

While waiting, May tells Serena about how Ash got accepted to Naranja academy as the news showed Ash's acceptance into the school the day Ash won which means he's in the Paldea Region alongside May and Serena which surprises her. May asks if she wants to see Ash again and Serena says she would love to but she knows that they're busy with their goals and that they won't meet for a while, but it doesn't mean it's bye forever but more of a waiting game and she'll wait to reunite with Ash for however long it takes.

A little while later, May and Serena prepare to fight their next opponents, the eccentric but nice couple, Rosie and Dosie as the match begins.

To Be Continued

Cover Story 38: Hau and friend's Bizarre Adventure 4: Decent into Another Universe part 1

Where we last left off, Lusamine called Lillie saying to hurry to their mansion for a desperate emergency but before Lusamine could reveal why, their connection cuts off causing her to worry so she, Hau, Ash's Lycanroc and Anabel hurry over to the mansion. Thanks to Lillie's butler Hobbes excellent driving skills, they were able to make it to the mansion in no time and show that the Pokemon from the mansion's play area as well as the staff were outside afraid. Lillie asks what's going on and they say that Lusamine appeared to be controlled by some strange Pokemon attacking the palace and it looked similar to Gladion's Nihilego.

This shocks Lillie as she's her mother after going through so much before wouldn't have gone back to being interested in Nihelego unless. Although Hau was confused as he never went on their adventures, but he thinks quickly about what Anabel said and says that it could be something from these alternative wormholes and they agree and quickly rush in to show a Nihelego controlled Lusamine (who had shorter hair compared to the regular Lusamine) surrounding a frightened Mohn and a knocked out Magearna as the gang look on in shock as the alternate Lusamine looks at them.

"Scrap." she says as she rushes at the group, the Nihelgo body glows with hardened steel preparing to use Iron Head as the gang dodge and realize they have to fight this Lusamine and so Anabel sends out her Metagross and Hau sends out his Decidueye. Anabel calls for her Metagross to use Hard Press, a move that hardens Metagross's fist and pushes Lusamine back before Hau's Decidueye uses Spirit Shackle to hold Lusamine in place. Lillie rushes in to pull Lusamine out but Lusamine uses this opportunity to grab Lillie with her tentacle and while Mohn tries to reach out to his daughter, he's also grabbed by the tentacle and Luamine uses Clear Smog to prevent anyone from seeing them.

Alternate Lusamine calls out Lillie for not being a 'good child', 'disrespectful', 'wearing the wrong outfit' (Lillie was wearing a blue dress similar to the 2021 Pokemon Masters outfit), 'attempting to free her loved Pokemon', 'Stealing Cosmog' and a 'waste of time'. Though hurt, Lillie doesn't let it get to her knowing that's not her real mother and calls her out on her behavior saying that it's no way to talk to your children and if that's how she really felt about her children, she doesn't deserve to be a mother or should see them. This rubs Lusamine the wrong way as she looked conflicted and even regretful murmuring about 'care', 'love', 'proud' and something about loving them before the incident but it still hasn't done anything but before Lusamine could anything, Lycanroc jumps in to save both Lillie and Mohn by learning a new move, Crush Claw and uses it to slash the tentacles letting them free.

Lusamine, angered attempts to use Cross Poison against Lillie and the group but before she could, Lillie's Vulpix, Lycanroc and Metagross step in to defend the group and while Metagross was immune to the poison, Lycanroc and Vulpix were hit, and they were poisoned shocking Lillie who apologizes to both of them for not doing anything but both Pokemon lick her hand accepting her apology. Seeing an opportunity, Lusamine uses Clear Smog to cover the room again and grab Mohn mentioning that she finally has 'him' back in a crazed smile and breaks through a wall escaping. Lilllie is stunned and heartbroken, she lost her father once again and she felt like she couldn't do anything despite Anabel, Hau and Hobbes telling her it's not the case.

Lillie's phone rings revealing the main Lusamine who calls in to check on them, but she only hears Lillie's crying saying it was another version of Lusamine and that she lost Mohn again and felt useless trying to stop her. Lusamine appeared heartbroken and even teared up a bit but seeing her daughter, she tells Lillie that she's not useless and doesn't blame her and the fact that Alternate Lusamine hurted her, the mansion and her friends made Lusamine upset at this alternate version of her and her actions just ticks her off.

Lusamine called to say they have shocking news, but they'll wait till they get there to reveal why for now, Lusamine asks Hobbes to heal the Pokemon and check on everyone as well as her saying that they'll figure out a plan when it comes to that Lusamine but before she could hang up, Lillie wanted to ask something and that being, while she was focused on Nihelego and having some poison in her head, was there thought of her and Gladion and how she felt about them. Lusamine was taken aback but nods saying that even while her mind wasn't stable at the time, she always thought of her children and Mohn even keeping a picture of them in her pocket to make her focus on reality. She says that even through all that, she loved them through and through and that the other Lusamine has something wrong in her head and lost her way saying that it's a type of behavior she sees when people lost their way and the sight of their loved ones.

Lusamine tells Lillie she loves her and that if she were to hurt, abuse, or kill Lillie, Gladion, Mohn or their friends while in that state, she bluntly says that she wouldn't desire to live any longer which makes Lillie upset but Lusamine tells her to keep her chin up and focus on the path ahead and that she's proud to have had Lillie, Lusamine says she's losing connection and that she has to hang up but Lillie says "Thank you." before the call ends. Around 20 minutes later, Lusamine, Burnet and Wicke arrive but with a shocking twist, Lusamine brought over another Lillie, Hau, Gladion, Guzma, Ash and Pikachu which shocked the group.

Lusamine reveals that these 6 fell through a portal that appeared at the Alter of the Sunne riding on a blood red Lunala aside from Guzma who face planted upon arrival and upon trying to talk to this version of them, alternate Lillie cowered while Gladion looked defensive which made regular Lusamine sad and thought about what Lillie said from before and realizes that these children have been through some 'stuff'. Then this version of Ash and Pikachu looked more somber and stoic, but Ash seemed to have appreciated Pikachu and gets along with Lillie and Hau despite his emotionlessness but doesn't trust regular Lusamine for similar reasons to the alternate Lillie and Gladion.

Regular Lillie comes to the conclusion that these 6 are from an alternate world and are trying to search for Lusamine and Anabel seemingly recognizes them and confirms her suspicion that these 6 are from her world.

To be continued

Main Story:

We see the Ash and the other participants preparing themselves for the competition with Carmine meditating, Nemona doing her stretches while trying to ignore Carmine, Encen chewing on a toothpick and Ash giving out advice to both Incineroar and Charcadet who were both pumped. the stage they were on contained tables and an oven but strangely no cables for the oven, just an open hole.

"Alright, you two, we got a tough road ahead of us. There are 3 rounds in total and if we make it through those rounds, we'll have to battle at the end. So, let's try our best to make it through this." Ash says as the Pokemon nods, but Ash also looks to Encen who doesn't care. "And probably help Encen through his problems." Ash says as Nemona, Penny and Arven walk over to him with Nemona appearing worried.

"I heard what happened yesterday, is Harold alright?" Nemona says as Ash nods.

"Yes, he's alright. He's just resting up at the hospital." Ash says as Nemona, Penny and Arven breathe a sigh of relief.

"That's a relief, I take it you're participating with his Charcadet then?" Arven says as Charcadet was practicing some punches and Ash nods.

"Yep, Harold really wanted to participate in the competition with Charcadet but for those reasons, I decided to help them out by training Charcadet when it comes to his flames." Ash says as a bell ring signaling everyone to their stations.

"Guess it's time to start." Penny says as the 4 nodded.

"May the best flame win." Nemona says.

"Right." all 4 say as they went to their station and a reverb was heard from the microphones.

"Testing, testing, ah, here we go. We're back from a slight break and we now begin the competition which looks to be one fiery competition eh Crispin?" Jeremiah says as Crispin nods.

"It sure is Joey, we begin with our first lit competition and my personal favorite, the cooking competition. In this round, our contestants will be given a recipe by another special guest, Naranja academy teacher Saguaro Florllante." Crispin says as the crowd cheers from the school, the children from his orphanage and even Giacomo in a disguise as he passes out the recipes to everyone.

"Seems like a regular cooking match to me unless of course, there's a plot twist?" Crispin says with snark as Jeremiah nods.

"There always is, the twist here is that everyone doesn't have the same recipe and instead has to work on their own recipes revolving around the recipes you're given and your stove which you can use on top of the stove or in the oven depending on the recipe but how it will turn out at the end is up to you as long as it's good for our judges. Our judges this year our Saguaro once again, Mesagoza's Nurse Joy and Cortondo Gym Leader Katy as they will taste your recipes." Jeremiah says.

"So, they have to use the stoves here but where are the cables and what not?" Crispin says as Jeremiah chuckles.

"That my boy is another twist."

"Another twist, what is this M Night Shamalan!?" Crispin says as Jeremiah shakes his head.

"Kind of, the 2nd twist involves your Fire type Pokemon being the heat to the stove, and you can use any method just as long as they're heating the stove and if you have two, one of them has to be doing something otherwise they're disqualified." Jeremiah says as Ash looks on and remembers his training as well as learning of the 3 rounds.

Yesterday.

We see Ash training with Incineroar and Charcadet as they prepare to battle with one another.

"Remember Incineroar, Charcadet's flames aren't fully back yet so careful when sparring with him, ok?" Ash says as Incineroar gave a reassuring smile.

"Roar." Incineroar says in agreement as Ash looks to Charcadet.

"You ready Charcadet? If things go wrong, you let us know, alright?" Ash says as Charcadet nods and prepares to fight. Charcadet rushes at Incineroar with Flame Charge as he jumps to attack. "Alright, use Flame Charge to dodge and weave!" Ash says as Incineroar nods and glows in a fiery veil and jumps back and dodges like a boxer. Eventually, Charcadet attacks Incineroar who blocks it with his arms and Ash nods.

"Good, Charcadet, you have speed when it comes to fighting opponents, use that speed from Flame Charge to your advantage." Ash says as Charcadet nods, and he attacks again as Incineroar dodges. Charcadet lands on the ground and uses Flame Charge again and rushes at Incineroar who prepares to block but at the last second, Charcadet in a blink of an eye, went to the side and behind and hit Incineroar's back with full power. Incineroar looks to Charcadet who initially shivers but Incineroar pats his head and nods as Charcadet looked happy as they both continued to train.

Charcadet prepares to launch Ember at Incineroar as Charcadet launches a smaller one towards Incineroar as Ash thinks of a plan.

"Let's try out your new move you learned, use Scorching Sands!" Ash says as Incineroar's hands glowed and created sand like energy in his hands and launched it towards the Ember creating a dust storm, the dust clears when Charcadet rushes in with glowing arms and used Astonish to surprise Heel Pokemon and Ash looks impressed.

"Woah, nice going Charcadet. Seeing your stance, you were going to charge it for the attack but then you decided to launch it as a quick-fire ball instead. Good call, if you're charging an attack, an enemy could have the advantage to attack so use more quicker attacks before you prepare a much powerful attack." Ash says as Charcadet nods, "Alright, we'll attack first and you prepare to dodge alright?" Ash says as Charcadet nods and prepares himself.

"Alright Incineroar, let's try out another new move of yours, use Da-"

"My oh my, my boy. That is some fine training there." a familiar voice was heard as Ash turns to see Clavell and his Ceruledge walking down the hill towards Ash and the mons who turn to Clavell.

"Mr. Clavell, what are you doing out here?" Ash says as Clavell pushes up his glasses.

"Oh, just out here on a little stroll. On a more serious note, I heard what happened earlier and I'm glad Harold's doing alright. You doing alright yourself me lad?" Clavell asked as Ash rubbed the back of his head nervously.

"I'm fine, it's just something that's never really happened to me with someone close." Ash says as Clavell nods.

"I understand that reaction, most people do end up scared when that sort of thing happens the first time so I'm glad you're holding up right now. I take it you're training for the Firestarter festival tomorrow?" Clavell says as Ash nods.

"How did you know?" Ash says as Clavell brings out a medal showing his number 1 winner medal as Ash looked surprised, "You participated in the Firestarter festival?" Ash says as Clavell nods.

"Yep, two years ago. I figured I could help you out in this festival because trust me, it's a wild, wild world in that tournament and I figured I could give you extra tips when it comes to the 3 challenges. What do you say?" Clavell offers as Ash thinks about it and nods.

"Alright, let's begin."

We see Clavell setting up a pink oven and Ash and his mons looking confused.

"The first event is the cooking competition; you goal here is that one of your Fire type Pokemon must be heating the oven in order to bake the food or help boil the food, no cables, you have to work with your Pokemon to heat up the food and also make sure the food itself is delicious. Considering Charcadet's height, he maybe able to heat up the oven and it's best to do so while you're making the food so it can cook right away." Clavell says as Ash looks to Charcadet and nods.

"I've traveled with various companions whose skill is cooking so I think I might know a thing or two about this. Charcadet, you want to handle the stove?" Ash asked as Charcadet nods. "Alright, there we go. By the way, where did you get that oven?" Ash asks as Clavell sweats nervously.

"Well, I had to borrow it for a visual example from my granddaughter and by borrow, I mean while she's in her sleep so-"

"Gwandpa, what are you doing with my toy oven!" a little girl's voice was heard as Clavell panics and turns to see an angry girl around 6 years old and her Mabosstiff who growled at them.

"Oh boy, you don't want to make my little princess angry when that happens. It's best that we run away before it's too late." Clavell says.

"Right back at you!" Ash says as both trainers and their Pokemon run away from the Mabosstiff that was chasing them as it continued for 10 minutes until the girl fell asleep and Clavell took her home.

Present day.

Remind me never to mess with a little girl, ok. What recipe do we got?" Ash says as he sees a recipe for vanilla macarons as well as the ingredients being eggs, sugar, almond flour and food coloring as well as some bowls and pans needed for the recipe as Ash looks on trying to think.

Ok, dessert. Clemont, Brock, Mallow and Cilan are more skilled with breakfast, lunch and dinner food making but Serena's expertise when it comes to macaron and dessert and Saguaro's cooking classes might come in handy. Ash thought to himself as he looks to Charcadet.

"Charadet, are you ready to heat things up?" Ash says with enthusiasm as Charcadet nods with courage, "Alright, then let's pre-heat the oven. Incineroar, I need your help when it comes to the macarons. I bet some of those cooking shows with Kukui and Rotom Dex might help?" Ash suggests as Incineroar remembers watching a cooking show featuring Bourbon Ramsley involving a cake recipe and nods in agreement with Ash.

"It seems everyone's preparing to go, preheating their ovens. Everyone has one hour to finish their food and your score is conducted by the taste and how well you prepared the food so on the count of tres, we will begin this challenge. Uno, Dos, Tres!" Jeremiah says as everyone prepares their food with Arven preparing a soup recipe while trying to coordinate Heatmor and Salazzle who were lovey dovey with each other, Nemona was preparing a red velvet cupcake recipe with Crocalor trying to secretly take a nap, Encen ironically given a sandwich recipe being a panini and more as the competitors were focused and ready to go.

"And look at them go, all prepared, maybe even a bit surprised but determined to make it through to win the gold and that precious backscratcher. You said this backscratcher has some history, Jimmy?" Crispin says as Jeremiah nods.

"Indeed, it does Rice Crispy, the backscratcher is said to have originated from the Paldea royal family since 1674 after a game of backgammon and has stuck around until the dissolution of the Paldean royalty around the early 19th century and has been in the hands of collectors ever since." Jeremiah said.

We see Charcadet taking a deep breath before creating an Ember and charging their own body with flames to boost the heat of the oven, Ash meanwhile was following the recipe by adding the eggs and cream and stirring them up before adding the vanilla food coloring creating the batter while Incineroar was focused on the flour and sugar stirring them up to some success.

"You got them mixed in?" Ash asks Incineroar who nods, "Alright, let's get these two mixed together." Ash says as Incineroar grabs the bowl of mixed sugar and flour and puts them into the batter and Ash proceeds to stir the two together for a couple of minutes until the batter was complete and grabbed a pan and started to place the doughy substance in the pan separating them into small round cookies making sure there were no air bubbles before placing them in the oven. Ash looked to Charcadet who was focused and ready.

"Ready Charcadet?" Ash asked as Charcadet nodded, "Alright it will be 13 minutes in the oven so are you prepared?" Ash asked as Charcadet nodded.

"Then let's do this." Ash says as Charcadet continues to heat the oven, Charcadet seemed like he wasn't able to keep up due to damage to his Flame Sack but upon looking at Encen and his cruel-looking scowl, Charcadet was determined not to give up and started to heat up even more which Ash took notice of and looked impressed.

"Your determined aren't ya Characdet?" Ash asked as Charcadet nods and slows down his flames to keep the heat at a steady pace. Carmine placed her souffle in the oven and seemingly prepared to go.

I'm only in this competition to show how weak Ash and Nemona are so let's turn up the heat. Carmine thought to herself as her Volcarona was behind the oven providing a light Heat Wave.

"Volcarona, turn up the heat by flapping your wings a bit more for your Heat Wave." Carmine says calmly as Volcarona flapped her wings a bit faster but still kept a steady pace, everything was going well until Volcarona started to shake a bit concerning Carmine. "Volca, are you ok?" Carmine asked but as she was creating Heat Wave, Volcarona sneezed in rhythm with her last flap causing the oven to fly away above the stage until a cat noise was heard causing Carmine to have a comedic deadpan expression on her face as Crispin shook his head.

"And that's a disqualification folks." Crispin says as Volcarona looked bad, but Carmine calmed down and looked to her Volcarona calmly.

"Nah, that was my fault for that one. I should've focused on your wing flapping and what speed to keep it at. But also, you don't even have a nose!" Carmine said comedically as Kieran looked bad and Nemona smirked.

It was around 10 minutes later when Ash took them out of the oven and Charcadet rested, they waited a couple of minutes until Ash and Incineroar added the cream and placed the two cookies together. and waited a little while until the timer rang thus ending the match.

"And that's all folks! Your one hour is up, bring your food to the judges. First up to the plate or should I say bowl is Arven Regalo with his recipe Loaded Potato Soup, a great recipe!" Crispin says as Arven smiled with confidence.

"Feast your eyes on the loaded potato soup, filled with delicious potatoes, onions, the finest soup and mixed in with cheese even a hint of flames thanks to Heatmor." Arven says as Saguaro, Katy and Nurse Joy grab their share of soup; they try the soup, and their eyes sparkle in delight as they all faint causing everyone to worry.

"Arven, you got to stop killing these people with your delicious food!" Nemona yelled out as the 3 judges rise from the 'dead' with smiles.

"My, this soup is delicious! The flavor is stupendous." Nurse Joy says as Saguaro and Katy nodded in agreement.

"I agree, like in my class, you are a natural at this my boy." Saguaro said enthusiastically.

"My oh my, the taste is lovely, it smells good, and the added flames and cheese is scrumptious!" Katy says as the 3 judges write down their scores and they're displayed on an electronic board that shows Arven in the lead at 80 points which Arven smiled in glee.

"Alright! Thank you Heatmo-" Arven didn't finish as Heatmor and Salazzle ignored him for each other causing immense confusion as Jamie and 'Magmortar' went up with their veggie lasagna and Jamie appearing nervous.

C'mon, please do well! I don't want Jessie to kick me out! Jamie thought to himself remembering why he and 'Magmortar' entered the competition.

We see James, Grafaiai and Meowth having a shocked expression on their face when Jessie and Lechonk showed them a flyer to the Firestarter competition.

"You want us to do what now!?" James and Meowth says as Jessie grits her teeth.

"I want you 3 to enter the Firestarter competition to win that backscratcher!" Jessie says as Meowth looked confused.

"So let me get this straight, you want to enter this competition to win a backscratcher when it's found in pretty much every store out there?" Meowth says as Jessie sighs.

"There's more to this, this backscratcher is said to have originated from centuries ago, covered with gold and gems that's worth selling and it's the only one in existence. Why would I use someone else's used backscratcher?" Jessie says as James looks over the paper.

"There's one issue in all this, you need one or 2 Fire type Pokemon in order to enter and we don't have one." James says but Jessie has a creepy smile on her face.

"Oh but we do." Jessie says as it took a couple of moments for them to realize what she meant by that and panicked.

"How are you holding up in there you two?" Jamie whispered to 'Magmortar' as we see a sweaty Meowth and Grafaiai handling the machine from the inside as Grafaiai was on Meowth's head handling the head and attack functions of the robot while Meowth handled the movements on stilts.

"Like a Melemele dream. I don't see why Wobbuffet couldn't have joined us?" Meowth says as Wobbuffet was in the audience with Jessie cheering Jamie on. Regardless, Jamie looked to the judges.

"This here is the veggie lasagna, made with the finest vegetables and sauces one can only dream of!" Jamie said enthusiastically as the 3 judges tried it and they looked surprised and delighted.

"This lasagna is delicious, tell me, have you made this recipe before because it is delightful!" Nurse Joy says as Jamie blushed.

"Not really, my dear grandmother makes it whenever I visit her and grandpa in Saffron and oh boy, their food is delicious and so I often carry around grandma's recipes and her veggie lasagna are one of them." Jamie said with honesty as the judge's nod with each other and nod.

"That's a cute story. Very well, it did need a couple of spices and 10 minutes but otherwise, delicious. 70 points!" Saguaro says as the electronic board displayed Jamie's 70 points as Jamie smiled and walked off with 'Magmortar'. Next was Encen as the 2 judges and everyone in the crowd displayed fear except for his aunt Katy.

"Now Encen, you know better than to give people that look." Katy says as Encen sighed and turned around to slap himself into a more emotionless look.

"Very well, this is a fresh caprese panini." Encen said uninterested as Katy looks at him disappointingly but sighed as she cut the sandwiches into 3 and each tried it and surprisingly, they were delighted.

"This sandwich, it's delicious. Flowing with flavor and the texture is hot yet fresh. Tell me, wher-" Nurse Joy didn't finish as Encen scoffed.

"My gramps is the owner of Circulos, I know his style." Encen says attempting to walk off as Katy stood up angrily.

"Now Encen-"

"I desire no small talk, my goal here is to win and show everyone how capable I am as a Fire type trainer. Small talk makes me feel weak." Encen says attempting to walk away but Katy attempts to stop him again.

"I know your angry at your gramps for sending you away and I understand that your angry over the people who messed with you but if you'd listen it's not you-"

"It's hopeless auntie." Encen said coldly as he walked away and the scoreboard displayed 90 points, Ash had an angrier look on his face towards Encen who noticed him, "If you think your macarons will win this round kid, you better turn back." Encen said coldly as Ash wasn't deterred.

Meanwhile at the hospital, Harold and Stevenson had a worried look on their face as Harold sighed but Stevenson looked more upset than anything else for unknown reasons.

"Say Stevenson, you don't have to watch me forever. You can go watch the match and cheer on everyone as well as clearing your head after what the doctor said about me." Harold said with a soft smile as Stevenson looked concerned and even tear stricken.

"No, I can't leave you here by yourself. I don't want you to get hurt again especially with what the doctor said about your-" Stevenson didn't finish as Harold kept his soft smile intact.

"I'll be fine here, I also need to clear my head, so you go have fun." Harold said as Stevenson looked conflicted but nodded.

"Alright, don't go anywhere. I'll be back in a bit." Stevenson said as he walked out the door. His saddened Arcanine goes to Harold as he rubs the top of Arcanine's fur.

"I know bud, it's not exactly the easiest thing to hear at this age but I want to worry about that later. Right now, I have to reach Encen and reconcile with him before I disappear so will you help me Arcanine?" Harold asked as Arcanine also looked conflicted but nodded. "Good, hopefully, I'm able to get up from this bed." Harold says.

Back at the festival, Kieran's Pecha Berry Souffle earning him 85 points, Penny's Oran Berry Pie earning her 85 points and Sarah's crepes were considered a success allowing her 80 points them to move on leaving Ash and Nemona left who were both nervous about their food's success or lack thereof as Ash was called up next.

"This here are my vanilla Macarons, I admit, this is the first-time cooking something that didn't end up as a disaster, so I hope you enjoy." Ash says as he, Charcadet and Incineroar were anxious for the results as the judges try it and were delighted.

"This is amazing!" Katy says as the other two nodded.

"I agree, this year's Firestarter festival is already producing great dishes that everyone is doing so well at. It's really difficult to say who might be out because it's already amazing. 85 points and tell me, what did you mean by disaster?" Saguaro says as Ash was surprised but nodded.

"Well, whenever I try to make something, it always ends up as a disaster, so I was lucky enough during my journeys throughout the world that I had some companions who're excellent cooks and one time in Alola, I tried to make a salad incorrectly and I ended up puking a rainbow and getting shocked by my Pikachu as a result so I was surprised I did so well with macarons." Ash says casually as the crowd claps surprising Ash but nodded as Nemona went up next.

"I present to you, my cocoa-cinnamon macarons." Nemona said with confidence as the judges try it and nodded in delight.

"These are delicious Ms. Banderas and if this was Home Ec right now, I would give you an A+ but unfortunately, there's one major flaw in all this." Saguaro says as Nemona's eyes widen in comedic shock, "Your recipe required you to make Macaroons and not Macarons, it's a mistake that most people tend to notice a bit too late sadly but that doesn't mean there wasn't effort as your macarons are delicious but unfortunately, I have to give you 50 points for the wrong, yet delicious recipe and thus sadly, you're out of the game." Saguaro said with some regret in his voice as Nemona drifted away like paper comedically while Crocalor napped.

"Ohh, rookie mistake. Always pay attention to the words 'Macaron' and 'Macaroon' because it's not a typo folks it's a type of dessert so always check your spelling because it could be wrong, or it could be an actual item. Other than that, though, everyone will move on to the next round, the 'Low point shot'." Jeremiah says as everyone moved to the next area while Nemona and Carmine were there like statues comedically.

We see the contestants in front of their respective very targets which were large and spread out with various Flying type Pokemon to the side of the contestants respective fields and had numbers painted on them containing 3 large circles and 2 small circles with the first large circle was black and contained the numbers 1000, 900, 800, and 700, the 2nd circle within contained 600, 500, 400, and 300, the 3rd contained 200 and 100 and the first small circle contained two 50s and the smallest circle contained a 5. With all that in front of Ash from a far distance, Ash processed all this and remembered what Clavell taught him the other day.

Yesterday.

We see Ash, Incineroar and Charcadet in front of a target of sorts with Pikachu to the side as Clavell explained the rules while carrying his sleeping Granddaughter while her Mabosstiff slept next to Ash's Pikachu.

"Say Ash, have you ever played darts?" Clavell asked as Ash shook his head.

"No but I've heard of it." Ash says as Clavell nodded.

"Good because darts are dangerous when handled which is why Fire types are used for this game. In this game, your goal is to launch a ranged Fire type move towards the target-"

"That sounds easy, just launch a Fire move on the target and earn the highest points right!?" Ash interrupted as Clavell shook his head.

"There's a bit more to that but I like your enthusiasm. Yes, you do launch that move into the target for points, but your goal isn't to aim for the highest points, your goal is to aim for the lowest points. Those with the highest points are the loser and those with the lowest points win, each contestant has 4 shots in total and each shot will be guided by the winds of multiple Flying types which will guide your flames but also make them smaller in a way and considering Charcadet's situation, Charcadet will need to charge their flames very hard in order to launch a large Ember but considering you've been doing a good job training Charcadet, I see no doubt that you'll do well here." Clavell said with a soft smile.

Present Day

"We love on to the 'low Point Shot' in which our contestants have to launch a powerful, large Fire type attack towards their target and each will have 3 shots with the first contestant in this case Arven launching his shot, then Penny launching her shot, so on and so forth until everyone has taken their shot but with a twist, we have several Braviarys, Staraptors and a Starly here to produce a Tailwind that will both guide your flame and reduce your flame to a small speck so you'll have to make your flame very big in order for your flame to land. Their score will be rounded up and the 'top' 3 who have the highest points will be disqualified and the other 4 will move on to the next round." Jeremiah says as Ash looks to his Pokemon.

"We'll need to produce the strongest flame if we're able to make it through this one, Charcadet, are you able to charge up for a powerful Emb-" Ash didn't need to finish as he sees Charcadet charging up his body which lit up, though Charcadet's flames weren't as strong yet, Charcadet still felt determined as Ash nodded. "That's the spirit, I'll have you go 2n to maintain your energy, Incineroar, you ready?" Ash says as Incineroar smirked and nodded.

"It seems like everyone's ready to go and without wasting anymore time, let the flames begin!" Crispin says as the bell rings and Arven prepares to go first.

"Alright then, Heatmor use Incinerate!" Arven says as the Heatmor launched Incinerate and the Flying types began flapping their wings using Tailwind as the Incinerate was guided to the target and landed on 700 worrying Arven. "700, ok, maybe not the most ideal place to be in but it's our first shot so we can always improve right?" Arven tries to say enthusiastically but Heatmor ignored him for his lover Salazzle as Arven stared with a deadpan expression. Penny went up next with her Flareon.

"Alright Flary, use Flamethrower!" Penny says with shy confidence as Flareon created a swirling flame in his mouth and launched it towards the target as the winds from the Flying types attempted to reduce their power but managed to land on a respectable 500 which Penny smiled at as Ash went next.

"Alright Incineroar, use Fire Blast!" Ash says as Incineroar launches a fireball out of his belt and hits it creating a large Fire Blast which the Flying type Pokemon had difficulties trying to control it as the attack landed on at 400 as Ash smiles proudly and pats Incineroar on the back but before the crowd could cheer, life had other ideas.

"Temper Flare." Encen said to his Tauros as his horns light up and launched a beam of flames towards the target so powerful, that the Flying types didn't have time to flap their wings due to the intense heat as their attack landed on 100. The crowd was frightened as Encen stared coldly towards everyone and his Tauros and Typhlosion as he leaned down towards a frightened Tauros.

"Do better." Encen whispered to his Tauros who was afraid as Tauros nodded worryingly as Ash gritted his teeth and was the only one not afraid of him.

"How you back off from Tauros, you're making him uncomfortable and that was a good score!" Ash says as Encen gritted his teeth.

"And who asked for your input and why aren't you afraid of me?" Encen said as Ash looks at him with determination.

"To be honest, that's something I don't know myself, but I have a very courageous heart. That heart is telling me you look kind of troubled in some ways, if you just explain your problems to your brother or Harold, they can understand and can help you change for the better." Ash says as Encen scoffed.

"They don't care anymore, I'm just a hallow husk of what was my former self. I'll wipe the floor with you if you manage to pass." Ensen said coldly as the competition moves forward with Kieran scoring 400 with Tepig's Flamethrower, Sarah scoring 300 with Delphox's Mystical Fire and Jamie scoring 400 with Simisear's Incinerate as the cycle continued as Arven called out his next move.

"Alright Salazzle, Burning Jealousy!" Arven says as Salazzle jumps in the air and launches... Dragon Pulse instead of Burning Jealousy causing Arven to look on with a blank comedic expression as Salazzle and Heatmor walk romantically away from Arven who's left bewildered by his loss.

"And that's an automatic disqualification sadly. Apparently those two Pokemon have a 5% approval rating because they tend to get distracted by each other. I know nothing about love but that's some true dedication if that's the case." Crispin says as Arven crumbled comedically to the ground with a disappointed expression. On the other hand, the show goes on as Penny went up next.

"Alright Flareon use Flamethrower once again!" Penny says as Flareon launches another Flamethrower which landed on 600 which worried both Flareon and Penny, but they tried to remain optimistic as Ash went next.

"Alright Charcadet, ready to g-" Ash didn't finish as Charcadet was blazing at the moment as his flames went wild as even the crowd and fellow contestants took notice.

"It seems like Ash's Charcadet is real fired up, must be preparing for that ultimate shot." Jeremiah says as Incineroar sees his determination and nods as he tapped on Ash's shoulder.

"Roar, Roar, Incineroar!" Incineroar says pointing to himself as Ash looked surprised.

"You want to go in Charcadet's place for the 2nd round?" Ash says as Incineroar nods and points to Charcadet as Ash nods. "Alright, I'll have Charcadet go for his ultimate shot. Use Fire Blast!" Ash says as Incineroar nods and launches another Fire Blast as the Taiilwind winds down the shot and it lands on 200 surprising Encen who scoffs and continues on with his shot.

"Typhlosion, use Fire Blast!" Encen said desperately as his Typhlosion launched a Fire Blast towards the target but unlike before, it landed on 300 which caused Encen to have an angry vein on his head but sighed and didn't speak up about it as everyone else went. Kieran and Sarah both scored 200 while Jamie seemingly has some issues with his 'Magmortar'.

"Alright Magmortar, use Overheat!" Jamie said as Meowth was seemingly having issues pulling the move off from the inside.

"What the- the flame function is stuck! Grafaiai, I trust you on this one but use Metronome and hope it's a Fire move!" Meowth says as Grafaiai nodded and wagged his fingers as Meowth felt some heat and briefed a sigh of relief. "Oh, there we are. You really saved our behinds; now what move is that?" Meowth asked.

"Graf, Graf!" Grafaiai says as Meowth panicked.

"Erutption!?" Meowth says as Grafaiai released the move causing the machine to explode sending Meowth and Grafaiai in the air.

"We're blasting off again!" Meowth says as they disappear in the sky with a twinkle surprising everyone including Jamie and Jessie as they stared with a deadpan expression.

"Was that a Meowth and Grafaiai in that robotic Magmortar?" Jeremiah says as Crispin nods.

"Yes, yes it was. Jamie is immediately disqualified for bringing a false Pokemon and upsetting a Magmortar fan like me, that's just offensiv- where did he go?" Crispin says as they look to see that Jamie was riding on his Klawf trying to get away from an angry Jessie who was attempting to attack Jamie. Everyone appeared to be dumbfounded but they move on with Penny breathing in and out preparing for her next shot.

"Let's make this next Flamethrower count!" Penny says as Flareon launches another Flamethrower but unlike before, it lands on 600 causing both Penny and Flareon to stare deadpan-like as Penny did the math in her head.

600+500+600=1,700 I have the- highest score. Penny thought to herself as she and Flareon froze up comedically as Ash went up next and Charcadet is all fired up for this next shot. He thought about all the moments between him and they started off angerily with Encen plaguing his thoughts.

"Do better."

"Who asked for your input."

"You talk too much."

"Champion or not, I'll beat you down in this competition tomorrow and make you suffer."

This only fueled Charcadet's anger as his flames riled up but then thought about the happier times with Ash, Incineroar and Harold and felt at ease.

"It won't help your flames, but it will help your heart heal."

"Reignite your inner flames of determination."

"Everything is alright."

"Roar, Roar."

"You can do it Charcadet."

With those words in mind, Charcadet was all fired up as the flames surrounded his body and his flames and in the inside of his body, his Flame Sack seemingly repaired itself as Charcadet's Ember was swirling and becoming larger by the minute before he launched it as a fiery beam launching it towards the middle of the target at 1 shocking everyone as Ash and Incineroar were shocked yet amazed.

"Your flames!? I guess they're back to normal, amazing work Charcadet!" Ash says as Charcadet hops with joy as the crowd cheers and Encen scoffs. In the distance, Harold is watching Charcadet away from the crowd as he gives a huge smile and even some tears drop down his face.

I knew Ash was the perfect trainer to trust, I want him to carry on Charcadet's flames in my place. Harold thought to himself as Encen went next.

"No matter, Fire Blast Typhlosion!" Encen says as Typlosion launched a Fire Blast which landed on 200. Sarah and Kieran finished their shots earning 100 and 300 respectively as Jeremiah and Crispin tallied up everyone's final scores and came to their final verdict.

"After 10 minutes of Addition, we have tallied up everyone's scores and here are the results. With Arven and Jamie, they were disqualified for various circumstances so thus they will not get a final score. Penny's score 1,700 making her the highest thus far." Crispin says as the scoreboard displayed her final score causing Penny to freeze up.

"Ash's score ended up at 601." Jeremiah says as the score was displayed and Ash breathed a sigh of relief.

"Encen's score ended up at 600." Crispin says as Encen's score was displayed and he scoffed.

"Kieran's score ended up at 700." Crispin says as the score was displayed and Kieran and Tepig briefed a sigh of relief.

"Lastly, Sarah's score ended up at 800, very close call there." Jeremiah says as Sarah's score was displayed but Delphox looked disappointed in herself, but Sarah softly smiles and pats her back.

"And with that, Penny is or only disqualification. Everyone will move on to the final round of the tournament and the 2 winners of said tournament will move on to the final, final round where they will face off in a battle. Saying that makes me fired up!" Crispin says with fire in his voice as everyone moved on to the next round.

We see the 4 remaining contestants in front of 4 ice sculptures that were large and thick at length and as large as a Golurk as Ash remembered one last training session from the day before.

Yesterday.

We see Ash, Incineroar and Charcadet freezing up in front of a small ice structure as Clavell and Cetitan stood there as Ash scanned the giant whale Pokemon.

"Cetitan, the Terra Whale Pokemon, Ice type. This Pokemon wanders around icy areas and protects it's body which a thick layer of skin."

"So, what's with the ice structure exactly?" Ash asked as Clavell nods.

"This Ash is the final round of the tournament and there's no twist to this one, just use one of your Fire types and use their natural heat or just a Light fire move to burn the ice. The 2 with the smallest ice structures win and move on to the battle round." Clavell says as Ash nods to himself.

"Doesn't sound so bad." Ash says as Clavell's expression didn't change but still had a smile.

"Well, this particular ice structure is thick enough to survive the heat, it takes a lot of heat to make it through the ice so have your Pokemon prepared to heat things up." Clavell says as Ash nods.

Present day,

"Next up is our semi-final event, the ice melting challenge. Nothing too complicated, you just have to melt the ice to its lowest level but, you have to rely on you Pokemon's natural heat abilities or lightly use a Fire move against it and make sure you have a drink because this ice is so thick so it will take a while and only one Pokemon can participate if you have two. The two contestants with the lowest level of ice will move on to their battle while the other 2 are out so I hope you're prepared for this. We'll give you a couple of minutes to prepare." Jeremiah says as Ash looks to his two mons.

"This is it; we just have to melt the ice and we can move on to the battle. Now I think that Inc-" Ash didn't finish as Charcadet jumped up and down pointing to himself with his flames all fired up.

"You want to handle this Charcadet? You just got your flames back and I don't want you to stress yourself." Ash says but he sees Charcadet's eyes, and they were full of spirit as Ash nods. "Alright, I can sense your spirit. I choose you Charcadet." Ash says as Charcadet nods and prepares himself via exercise for the next couple of minutes before everyone gets into position.

"With everyone in position, you have 1 hour to melt the ice to the lowest level as you can. You may begin!" Crispin says as Charcadet heated themselves up with flames, Encen's Tauros's horns glowed red with heat, Delphox's wand created fire and Tepig's nose spurted flames as the timer clicked and the match began. Charcadet lets out flames from his body that causes the ice to melt, not fully due to its thickness but Charcadet was determined to make it through and charged himself up even more causing more flames to rise outside his body.

Encen gritted his teeth determined not to lose, "Heat up your horns even more Tauros!" Encen says as Tauros reluctantly nodded and continued to heat their horns. It was around 24 minutes later that everyone in the crows was patient and anxious to see the events as Charcadet started to feel woozy but still kept going and so did Encen's Tauros and Sarah's Delphox but Kieran's Tepig was starting to feel fatigue and eventually after 6 minutes, he collapsed feeling the fatigue as Kieran went to him.

"Tepig! Are you alright!?" Kieran asks as a tired Tepig nodded and felt fatigue as Kieran softly smiled, "You did your best and that's what's matters. We should probably run away from sis for taking her spotlight." Kieran says as he picked up Tepig and went off.

"Poor Kieran is out due to his Pokemon's fatigue, remember to give your Pokemon a rest after this competition or round and we thank Kieran and his Tepig for their determination to make it this far. We only have 3 contestants left, who will be the final two that will make it to the final round with just 30 minutes left on the clock? Let's find out." Jeremiah says as the contestants kept going as Sarah's Delphox swirled the Mystical Fire around the ice to cover more areas, Tauros stomped around to heat their horns up even more but Charcadet in particular looked fatigued which worried Ash and Incineroar.

"Charcadet, are you ok?" Ash asked as Charcadet looked up with fatigue and was about to pass out until he remembered something from his past.

3 years prior.

We see Charcadet, Harold and his Arcanine looking at the stars which were plentiful that night. Charcadet looked to be enamored by the stars which Harold took notice of.

"I see you're interested in the stars aren't you Charcadet?"

"Char, Char!" Charcadet said as Harold smiled.

"I figured you would like them. If there's one thing you should know about stars, they make constellations which might sound boring to someone heck, my grandchildren fall asleep to this stuff, but constellations have meaning to them. For example, that Ho-oh constellation represents 'sacred' and 'rebirth' so when is born, they say they could be a new incarnation of a lost soul. But the one I really like is over there, the Ursaring constellation, it represents courage and strength. To me, you represent the Ursaring constellation because no matter what dangers are in front of you, you're always courageous, adventurous and wanting to be strong for others. Listen Charcadet, one day, I may not be around for long, but I want you to know this, even when I'm gone, never let your flames end your path, let them guide you to the very end." Harold says as a sleepy Charcadet nods and Harold softly smiles.

"That's my little spark."

Present day

Charcadet upon remembering this, slaps himself to keep awake and their flames going as the flames started to flare up once again melting the ice faster as Ash and Incineroar cheered him on as Charcadet continues on as Encen scoffed and continued to order his Tauros to not fall behind Ash and Sarah as Tauros nodded. It was around 30 minutes later when Charcadet's ice became around the size of a kitchen table while Encen's ice was around the same size while Sarah's ice was taller than the other two but a bit more melted though not enough to catch up to Ash and Encen.

"And with that folks, Sarah has lost this round leaving Ash and Encen as the winners of this round and will move on to the final, final round where they battle each other. We would like to thank Sarah for making it this far and hope her the best on her future matches for the Firestarter festival." Jeremiah says as Sarah softly smiles and pats her Delphox as Sarah nods to Ash before walking away.

"Ooh the battle! One of the most anticipating events of any Firestarter Festival and this year we have the World Champion Ash Ketchum vs... my cousin Encen, I hope he doesn't go too far. E-either way, we will now take a 40-minute break to allow our competitors to rest up towards this challenge." Crispin says as Encen attempts to walk away but Ash stops him.

"May the best trainer win?" Ash says attempting to see some good in Encen, but he scoffs and walks away.

"Doubt it and word of advice, don't get so friendly with your rivals, they'll backstab you in the future and have different ideals. See you in 40 weakling.' Encen says walking away with his Pokemon as Ash also walks away. Stevenson looked worried in the crowd and left in search of Ash while Harold was concerned for both Ash and Encen.

We see Ash and his Pokemon meditating as Ash and Charcadet struggle to keep balance while in this cross-sitting position in a nearby dressing room.

"So according to Rotom Phone, you, Professor Kakui and his Incineroar like to meditate as it helps keep calm before you train and fight. I don't get how you 3 are able to maintain this position for long periods of time but I guess it just takes a while to get used to." Ash says as Incineroar nods and Stevenson comes in with his Litleo.

"Ash, congratulations on making it to the final round." Stevenson said in a congratulatory way as Ash nods.

"Thanks, was there something you need?" Ash asked as Stevenson laughed.

"Oh no, nothing Ash." Stevenson said as he shut the door immediately thereafter, "We need to talk about Encen. I know you're tough and strong, but I've seen Encen battle before and it's ruthless. He won't give you a chance if you let yourself get distracted and his Pokemon though tired out are tough as nails so don't let your guard down. I just, don't want to see my brother like this, doing anything to win his battles but causing others to get hurt in the process so I don't want you or your Pokemon to get hurt because of what he's going through. He used to be so happy and loved Pokemon but it seems like the bullying got to him personally and didn't want to appear weak again, so it doesn't matter if you're friend or family, get in his way and he'll beat you down mentally and physically." Stevenson said slightly upset as Ash sees this and breaths in and out before having a look of determination.

"Then I just have to work my hardest to reach him." Ash says as Stevenson was rather surprised.

"Reach him!? Ash, you do know that he's a hollow shell of his former self right?" Stevenson says as Ash looks at him knowingly.

"But is that how you really think of your brother?" Ash asks as Stevenson sighed.

"No."

"Good because if he was a hollow shell of his former self, he wouldn't have felt anger when it came to talking back to everyone and I felt sadness out of him when he talked about his life and how he wanted to be like Harold. Is that an empty shell for you?" Ash asks as Stevenson eyes widen and gritted his teeth before he sighed.

"Pl-please save my brother from himself before I lose another part of my family." Stevenson pleaded as a bell was heard and Ash placed his hand on Stevenson's right shoulder.

"I count on it." Ash says with determination as he, Charcadet and Incineroar walk out of the room to prepare to fight Encen as Stevnson looks to Ash with determination and nods.

We see Ash, Incineroar and Charcadet on a battle stage opposite of Encen, Tauros and Typhlosion as things were tense as everyone waited in anticipation, Harold watched from a distance worried but had a more stoic look on his face, Clavell, Arven, Penny and a still disappointed Nemona were patient but concerned and Encen looked coldly towards Ash as Ash kept a determined expression as Crispin and his Scovillain came onto the stage in the middle.

"Now I'm sure you know how battling works but to give you a reminder, this will be a regular double battle with no gimmicks allowed, the winner is determined if both Pokemon of one side are knocked out, no cheating and be on your best behavior cous." Crispin says as Encen scoffed and Crispin sighs.

"Right, I figured as much. I remember you were so cheerful as a kid; I chased you around and-"

"Quit talking hot head, you're embarrassing me."

"Ok then, I will flip this coin to determine who will go first, Ash, your heads, Encen your Ninetails, ehh, get it, ok then. Be prepared because once the bell rings, it's gone time my flame brothers!" Crispin says as his Scovillain pulls a coin out of Crispin's bag and Crispin smirks before tossing the coin in the air which lands on tails causing Ash's Pokemon to prepare themselves as Encen simply nods and his Pokemon prepare themselves.

"And begin!" Crispin says as Encen prepares himself.

"Typhlosion use Rock Slide!" Encen said as Typlosion launches multiple rocks at Incineroar and Charcadet as the latter panicked but Ash stayed courageous.

"Alright then, Incineroar, use Fire Blast at the rocks!" Ash says as Incineroar nods and launches a fire ball out of his belt before slapping it creating a fiery star that landed on the rocks creating a puff of smoke as Encen scoffed.

"Tauros, use Raging Bull!" Encen says as Tauros covered himself in a fiery veil and launched himself through the smoke towards the group.

"Quick you two, use Flame Charge and hop opposite of each other!" Ash says as both Charcadet and Incineroar nod and cover themselves in a light fiery veil and jumped opposite of each other avoiding the attack, "Now attack with Flame Charge!" Ash says surprising Encen as Charcadet and Incineroar attacked Tauros's sides with a powerful strike before the two jump away from the Bull Pokemon and were between Tauros and Typhlosion as Encen sighed.

"You better not mess this one up you two, Tauros Temper Flare and Typhlosion Scorching Sands!" Encen said as Tauro's horns glowed and launched a ranged flame attack while Typlosion created a ball of energy made with sand particles and launched it as a wave attack towards the Pokemon as they were continously attacked by the move and the crowd watches in surprise while Clavell didn't look surprised in the slightest.

"Those are two moves you do not want to be dealing with." Clavell says as Arven got curious.

"What do you mean by that?" Arven asked.

"Well, Temper Flare is a Fire type move that is powered up if the user's last move missed and considering Raging Bull missed both Charcadet and Incineroar, it's move was powered up even more as noted by Tauro's darker red horns while Scorching Sands is a Ground type move that creates hot sand particles and to a non-Fire type, this will burn them plus if you get you ever got sand in your eyes, you'll be temporarily blinded so I imagine that Scorching Sands would distract you a bit if it's not hurting you." Clavell explained as Arven, Penny and Nemona nod.

"Let's hope Ash can get through this one in one piece. Speaking of Ash, how's Pikachu doing?" Penny asked as the 4 look over to see Pikachu suffering while listening to Raifort's stories.

"So, there was this time I was on a college trip to Lumiose city when we entered this building and while I was alone trying to find the bathroom, this mysterious person floated behind me, then next to me before telling me 'I was not the one'. Whatever that mean't, they say she's the spirit of a girl who died around the 20's, pretty intriguing right Pikachu?" Raifort asked as Pikachu was flabbergasted.

Meanwhile, Ash struggled what to do and thought to himself.

Charcadet and Incineroar are surrounded by those attacks, and I don't what to do! Wait a minute, when I brought Goh to Alola the first time, Professor Kakui told me that my Pokemon were training hard and that Incineroar learned a move that might help in this situation. Kakui said that if you're ever in a pickle or just surrounded, use a- Ash stopped his thought as an idea came to him.

"Charcadet! Hang on to Incineroar!" Ash yelled out as Charcadet nods and clings onto Incineroar's stomach while trying to ignore the flames and sand, "Now Incineroar, use Darkest Lariat!" Ash said in a deep growl and pose similar to the Masked Royal as Incineroar smirks and nods before spinning with fire glowing in his hands as the crowd watches on impressed as the two attacks were seemingly ignored by the spinning shield and Ash decides to surprise the crowd even more.

"Grab the sand Incineroar and Charcadet use Flamethrower as soon as Incineroar grabs the sand!" Ash says as Incineroar picked up sand from the Scorching Sands with Darkest Lariat and Charcadet unleashed a Flamethrower surrounding the two Pokemon and resembling a whirlpool made out of fire which quickly ended the moves. "Now throw the sand at both Pokemon!" Ash yelled out surprising the crowd again as Incineroar ended the spin throwing the sand at both Tauros and Typhlosion who were blinded by the sand as Encen scoffed.

"Break out of it now!" Encen said as Tauros and Typhlosion tried to remove the sand out of their eyes to some struggle as Ash sees another opportunity.

"Charcadet use Astonish on Tauros and Incineroar use Fire Blast on Typhlosion!" Ash said with confidence as Charcadet hopped from Incineroar's stomach and his arms glowed purple to land a strike on Tauros while Incineroar launched a fiery star towards Typlosion as the attacks land and both Typhlosion and Tauros stagger back as the crowd cheers on and Crispin has stars in his eyes filled with excitement. Harold looks on from the distance impressed.

Charcadet, I'll always be proud of you, you've unleashed your flames once again now let them flow. But Encen, I know how much you want to be like me but if you lose your way, you won't become a true master of the flames. Harold thought to himself as he began to walk as the battle continued.

"That's amazing, Ash used the Darkest Lariat as a shield before using Flamethrower to add on to this shield and push away the moves. That's Ash for you." Nemona said excitedly.

The battle raged on as Ash had a softer smile.

"I admit, you 3 were pretty good, surrounding my Pokemon and attacking from both sides is a good strategy and I want to give your Pokemon praise for being good battlers." Ash tries to say encouragingly but Encen looked unfazed.

"You think my Pokemon did well? Because it seems to me, they aren't giving it their all and are disappointing me." Encen said coldly as Ash grits his teeth angrily.

"You shouldn't say that about them, they were only doing their best-"

"Well, their 'best' isn't enough. I've been pushed around so much by everyone, how everyone has become better with their Fire type Pokemon and how I'm not better thanvvv them! Now, I want to show them how capable I am as a Fire trainer so I can surpass my own gramps, my brother, my cousin, everyone including you, so I don't have to feel like a disappointment towards everyone!" Encen said angrily as Crispin, Stevenson and in the distance, Harold looked sad for him.

"Cous is that how you really feel? I don't think you're a disappointment and I care for you, we just want you to feel-" Crispin was interrupted however by Encen's glare.

"I don't feel anything, Rock Slide towards Charcadet Typhlosion!" Encen said as Typhlosion launches multiple rocks towards towards Charcadet but before he could be struck, Incineroar jumps in the way of Charcadet taking the hits instead.

"Incineroar!" Ash yelled out in worry as Incineroar gets back up though in more pain as Encen didn't care.

"Tauros, High Horsepower!" Encen yelled out as Ash gets into focus.

"Incineroar, Scorching Sands and Charcadet, Clear Smog together!" Ash says as Incineroar creates Scorching Sands from the palms of his hands and launches it and Charcadet does the same launching a thick smog from his arms which clashes with the sand creating a smoke effect. "Dodge!" Ash yelled out as the two Pokemon dodged Tauros's attack and with the smoke still active, Ash makes his move.

"Charcadet, Flamethrower towards Typhlosion and Incineroar, Darkest Lariat at Tauros!" Ash yelled out as Charcadet launched a beam of flames towards Typhlosion and Incineroar spins to strike at Tauros sending him back by a margin. Encen twitched his eyes and gritted his teeth.

"I won't let you make a fool out of me anymore, Wild Charge at Charcadet Typlosion!" Encen said as Typhlosion covered himself in a veil of electricity and launched themselves towards Charcadet who panicked and stumbled back, Incineroar notices this and panics causing him to be covered in a light red aura.

That's the same red aura back when he was a Torracat before his final attack against Kakui's Incineroar, that must Blaze activating. Ash thought to himself as he nods, "Incineroar, Flame Charge towards Typhlosion!" Ash yelled out as Incineroar nodded and rushed towards Typhlosion with a more powerful fiery veil and clashed with Typhlosion creating another puff of smoke as everyone watched with curiosity as the smoke cleared to show both Typhlosion and Incineroar on the ground fainted as the crowd gasps.

"I don't believe it! Typloshion and Incineroar knocked each other and are unable to battle! Leaving Charcadet and Tauros the only ones standing!" Crispin says as Charcadet panics and goes to Incineroar out of worry but Incineroar pats Charcadet's head and has a bright smirk of confidence on his face causing Charcadet to lighten up and Ash goes over to fist bump Incineroar's hand.

"You were excellent." Ash says with a bright smile as Incineroar smiles. "Get some rest bud." Ash says returning Incineroar to his Pokeball and looks to Charcadet, "You ready Charcadet?" Ash asked the small Fire Child Pokemon who breathed in and nods before he returns to his spot. Encen also returned Typhlosion to his Pokeball but had no enthusiasm as he looked to Tauros.

"Don't disappoint me." Encen says as Tauros panics which both Ash and Charcadet see this and feel bad for the Bull Pokemon as Charcadet looks on angrily at Encen. "Tauros, use Close Combat." Encen said coldly as Tauros's body glows red and rushes towards Charcadet as he prepares himself.

"Charcadet, use Flame Charge to jump over Tauros!" Ash says as Charcadet nods and covers himself in a fiery veil and dashes forward before jumping on Tauros's head, but Encen seemingly seems aware of this.

"Your back legs!" Encen yelled out as Tauros uses his back two legs to kick Charcadet.

"Charcadet!" Ash yelled out as Tauros turns and rams their body into Charcadet sending Charcadet flying, and Tauros's body had a blue aura around them signaling their decreased defenses. Charcadet hops back up severely injured and staggered but determined as Ash nods.

"Tauros Outrage!" Encen yelled out as Tauros rushed at Charcadet with fury in his eyes as Ash thought of something on the spot.

"Charcadet, use Clear Smog on the ground and dodge in the smoke!" Ash yelled out as Charcadet nods and launches a stream of smoke to the ground creating a puff of smoke as Tauros rushed through the smoke and couldn't see anything as Tauros thrashed around to no avail and Encen gritted his teeth.

"Focus on your target and quit goofing around!" Encen says as Tauros still thrashed and became confused as a result of Outrage and Ash sees an opportunity.

"Charcadet, focus through the smoke and use Flame Charge multiple times at Tauros!" Ash says as Charcadet looks through the smoke to see Tauros's shadow and rushes through the smoke and strikes at Tauros multiple times at Tauros's sides and speeding up like the speed of light before sending Tauros back with a powerful kick making Encen even angrier.

"You're really making me angry. I worked so hard to get to where I'm at, no one cares for someone like me anymore and you know what, I'm fine with it. I'll just surpass everyone show them who they're messing with! Temper Flare Tauros!" Encen said coldly as Tauros launches flames towards Charcadet as Ash prepares himself.

"Rev up your flames and use Flamethrower!" Ash says as Charcadet nods and launches a beam of flames towards Temper Flare as two attacks struggled in a beam clash as Temper Flare seemingly prevails over Flamethrower, but Charcadet remembers all the training he had with Ash and Harold, the adventures and bonds he had with Harold and something when he looked at the stars.

To me, you represent the Ursaring constellation because no matter what dangers are in front of you, you're always courageous, adventurous and wanting to be strong for others. Listen Charcadet, one day, I may not be around for long, but I want you to know this, even when I'm gone, never let your flames end your path, let them guide you to the very end.

Upon remembering Harold's words, Charcadet stands his ground and puts more force into Flamethrower which pushes back the Temper Flare surprising Encen and Tauros as the attack lands on Tauros sending him back and stumbling to the ground, but Tauros still had some strength but not enough to get back up.

"I-I-I-I can't believe what I'm seeing, you're really giving up after we worked so hard to get here, you decide to give up. Why were you my first Pokemon." Encen said as Tauros hears this and finally breaks letting out his tears as Ash and Charcadet see this and looked saddened and even Harold just looked down disappointingly.

"Encen, why?" Harold said as Charcadet walked toward the weeping Tauros and placed his hand on his head surprising everyone including Tauros himself who looked thankful and even apologetic as Encen scoffed.

"Why, why would you not finish things. I guess if you're not, I will, Tauros, Close Combat." Encen said but Tauros refused and Charcadet walked towards the edge of the stage confusing everyone and Ash.

"Charcadet?" Ash asked as he looked to Charcadet's eyes which displayed a sense of knowingness and Ash nods as Charcadet jumps off the stage signaling a ring-out surprising everyone including Encen and Harold, but Harold realizes why Charcadet did and softly smiles towards his decision.

"I don't believe it folks, by jumping off the stage, Encen wins." Crispin says to the crowd as they discuss amongst themselves, but no cheering was heard as Crispin brought the trophy and backscratcher to Encen who grabbed with glee.

"I won; I finally made it- here. I should be excited and yet I feel hollow. Why- I worked so hard to make it this far and yet feels like I've accomplished nothing?" Encen said as Harold stepped forward surprising most of the crowd especially Stevenson, Katy, Crispin, etc.

"It's because you've lost your way!" Harold yelled out surprising Encen.

"Gramps, what do you want and what do you mean I lost my way?" Encen said as Harold sighed.

"You used to be so shy yet friendly, you wanted the best for everyone and-"

"And I was pushed around by everyone! I wanted to get stronger so people can be impressed with me, but no one cares not even you, I wanted to become a great Fire-type trainer like you and yet you pushed me away like you refuse to acknowledge me or my Fire type skills like I'm some black Wooloo in the family! Crispin here is a Fire trainer and you praise him for being like you while I'm not!" Encen said angrily as Crispin looked away feeling bad while Harold sighed and walked up the steps with Charcadet next to him to make sure he doesn't fall before he goes to Encen to look at him.

"Don't you ever call yourself the black Wooloo of the family, I love you so much and I'm proud of your skills as a Fire trainer and how you want to become like me. But I didn't earn that spot through belittling others, I got the position as Gym Leader at an early age, and I admit I was quite stubborn back then, but I had a goal in mind, and I wasn't going to let others push me down even with bullies in my path. Look, you only wanted to become stronger because you wanted you and your Pokemon to defend yourselves against your bullies and something ticked you off that day that caused you to hurt those bullies, but I want you to take a look at yourself right now and tell me what you see because I learned something from my teacher, a person's character is reflected on a reflective surface." Harold says as Encen looked at the trophy and looked to see his own reflection which caused images in his mind over his younger self with more straight hair, a happy personality and bonded with his Pokemon until he was tired of the bullying and something changed within him that day, a monster waiting to awaken.

Encen dropped the trophy in shock and appeared to be in disbelief.

"I only earned this trophy because I was petty, Charcadet gave up because of the monster I turned out to be. I was so happy back then, I wanted to become something greater and yet, I was bullied by so many people that I thought that I had to teach them a lesson and it changed me that day. Is this how I appear to everyone, a monster." Encen said as he falls to the ground defeated, "All I wanted was to be acknowledged for who I am as an individual, as a trainer, I wanted friends and yet I pushed them away and acted like everyone was nothing to me when in reality, I am nothing and hurted the ones I loved because I thought no one cared for who I was and I didn't- I- I don't deserve to exist." Encen said as in a surprising move, Harold, Typhlosion, Tauros and Charcadet go to comfort him with Crispin and Ash next to him for support and Stevenson, Katy and Alonzo on stage out of support.

"Why, I hurt you right, go away, I'm nothing to you right? So why comfort me?" Encen said as Harold softly smiled.

"Don't ever say you never want to live, it's clear you just wanted help and we weren't there for you. What you did to those bullies and how you train your Pokemon are inexcusable and judging by the inner flames of your Tauros and Typhlosion, they're still hurt emotionally and are angry at you as the past can never be forgotten but they want you to not fall down a dark path and I don't want to lose you too. I sent you to Naranja's boarding school because of the path you were going down at the time and how you almost gave your bullies permanent burns, and I wanted you to learn control, and I was just upset at the time and then I realized, I only pushed you away and you ended up on a dark, destructive path because of me and I'm sorry. I lost so many people in my lifetime, my parents, some of my siblings, my son, my granddaughter, my Pokemon, my best friend, my wife and had to hear about a student taking her own life because of their sadness and their hidden darkness and now I'm scared of losing you to your own anger because I hadn't done anything to help you and that's my biggest regret. I don't want to lose the people I love before I die without having reconnected with them and I don't want to you!" Harold said tearing up as everyone but Harold and Stevenson stepped away and Encen started to cry.

"I'm so sorry grandpa, Stevenson, Tauros, Typhlosion. I'm sorry for the monster I've become!" Encen said finally breaking down and hugging his grandpa and brother as Harold hugs back and cries as well. They cried for a little while before Encen grabbed the trophy and backscrattcher and handed the trophy to Ash and Charcadet. "Here Ash and Charcadet, I know this won't excuse my actions from earlier, but you deserve the trophy. You worked so hard in the battle and yet despite not defeating Tauros, you still defeated me in some way." Encen said apologetically as Ash smiles.

"In what battle?" Ash asks.

"A battle of self-reflection." Encen said with a soft smile as Encen handshakes with Ash and Tauros nudges Charcadet as the crowd cheers on in as Harold walks to Charcadet and leans down.

"I am proud of you Charcadet, your flames returned, and you manage to show courage, bravery and even sympathy. You're truly like a son to me which is why I have something for you for the anniversary we first met." Harold says as he takes off CHaradet's worn out headband that contained the logo for Circulos and replaces it with a black headband that contains Harold, a heart and Charcadet causing Charcadet's eyes to tear up and hug Harold happily who hugged back. Clavell looked impressed and even softlly smiled as he walked up the steps and towards Encen surprising everyone as Encen breathed in and looked to Clavell.

"Look, I know what you're going to say about what happened to the bullies and how I dominated the boarding school and now I'm ready to accept responsibility for my actions and be expelled." Encen said with a sense of maturity unlike before as Clavell softly smiled.

"I'm glad your accepting responsibility for your actions but I'm not going to expel you from the academy." Clavell said surprising everyone.

"Wha- but why? Is it because my grandpa was your teacher at one point?" Encen said as he shakes his head.

"Even though he was my mentor, it doesn't hold any bearing towards my decision. Now yes, what you did to the bullies and school will be a suspension for three weeks and some community service, but I will also look into the bullies because I'm partially to blame in all this. I was so focused on keeping the school as normal as possible that I ignored the bigger issues going around and that being the bullying and a student's personal issues and I want to sincerely apologize for not doing anything to stop this bullying. A certain student once told me that a student has more going on to them then just going to school, they have issues they're afraid to discuss and how some treat them because of who they're associated with but they're all human by the end of the day and we all have issues we need help with which is why I'm going to allow you back into Naranja academy through a program that helps troubled students and if you manage to do well in the program, I will let you return to Naranja." Clavell says as Encen is shocked and even apologetic.

"Thank you, thank you so much." Encen said tearing up and quietly saying thank you as Harold congratulated him and leaned down to Charcadet's level once more.

"We'll have to find somewhere to put that trophy later, I have to go back to the hospital now, but I promise we'll hang out more in a little bit." Harold said as Charcadet nods before Harold looks to Ash, "Ash, thank you for helping us out today. Although you're not my son or grandson, I consider you an honorary member of the Resplandor family, continue to let your flames guide you throughout your adventure. Could you watch Charcadet for a bit, I have some things to discuss with Clavell on the way back to the hospital." Harold said as Ash nods and Clavell jumps up in surprise.

"I'd be honored to." Ash says as Clavell walks with Harold as he tells Stevenson to have fun at the festival for a while and both Harold and Clavell leave the festival.

We see the two older gentlemen walk down the road as the sun set around them as both admired the falling sun.

"Clavell, I would like to thank you for giving Encen a 2nd chance. I know he's been trouble for the past couple of years, but I promise you, I'll have Encen change for the better so he can have a future." Harold said as Clavell softly smiled.

"It's not a problem sensei." Clavell says as Harold smirks.

"Maybe that 'certain' student is Ash?" Harold said as Clavell kept a sophisticated look but a soft smile.

"I'll never tell." Clavell said as he looks to Harold's soft expression, and something picked up through his expression, "Something's up isn't there?" Clavell says in concern as Harold keeps his soft smile though with a hint of sadness.

"I taught too well." Harold said as they kept walking until Harold suddenly stopped. "Ok, there is something. Only Stevenson knows about it so please keep this to yourself." Harold said as Clavell nodded.

"You have my word."

"I really wanted that backscratcher." Harold said as Clavell stared at him with suspicion and with some deadpan.

"Really?" Clavell said suspiciously as Harold shook his head.

"No. The truth is, the flames that guide me are running out and my stop is determined." Harold said simply as Clavell was confused until he put the pieces together and how his 'guiding flames' are about to 'stop' and then his eyes widen.

"No don't tell me your-"

"They say with these illnesses, coughing up blood and the pain I'm in at times, I may only have a few weeks, a month or if I'm lucky, a couple of months left." Harold said as Clavell was in disbelief.

"And you're just accepting it." Clavell said sounding defeated.

"I've accepted it a long time ago, but I wanted to at least go out by fixing all of my problems." Harold said as Clavell was confused.

"What do you mean by that?" Clavell asks as Harold softly smiled.

"Healing Charcadet's flames and giving him confidence, reconciling with Gimmighoul and Encen and most importantly of all, make people satisfied-" Harold said as Clavell listened in as Harold smirks, "with their order and meals to bring smiles all around." Harold said as Clavell softly smiled.

"You're definitely holding back." Clavell said.

"I'll never tell but for real, please keep this to yourself and not to Ash, Nemona, Arven, Penny or Charcadet. I don't want them to feel upset yet, I want them to enjoy their journey especially Ash, I- I don't want- when I pass, I want you to be by Ash's side no matter what." Harold said seemingly concerned for the boy as Clavell was confused.

"What do you mean?" Clavell said as Harold softly frowns.

"It sounds strange, but I can tell he'll be torn up about it especially as a Champion. I remembered a quote from a guy long ago that 'a Champion puts up a facade to appease the ones they care about but underneath a Champion, lies someone who's troubled.' Please, be by his side when I'm gone to the other side?" Harold asks as Clavell sighs.

"Of course." Clavell said as Harold smiles.

"One last thing, when I pass, I want you to give Charcadet to Ash. He's one of the most capable trainers out there and one who would be a good fit for the little guy. I don't want Charcadet to feel alone but I trust Ash can cheer him up." Harold said as Clavell nods once more and the two began trying to talk about other things despite the subject matter via Harold's insistence but there was hint of sadness in there, but Harold softly smiles to himself and looks towards the skies and thought to himself.

I may like to amuse everyone when it comes to what I say and how eccentric I am but the most important thing for me is to make people satisfied with their life, even when things may look grim, how people put you down or when they feel like they have nothing in life, I want to by their side and make sure they feel like their life isn't a waste but one where they can be satisfied and happy even during the toughest of moments. Move forward everyone.

End

I really don't have anything to add other than this is the first chapter of the new year and almost to the one-year anniversary to the story and I would like to thank everyone for making it this far and I hope you enjoyed this chapter. The next chapter will involve Ash and Arven taking on the Titan Klawf once again after their first attempt failed for the sake of getting the Sweet Herba Mystica for not just Mabosstiff but also a sickly girl at Saguaro's orphanage who's been sick most of her life and basically gave up on feeling better. However, it seems like Crispin joins the two curious about the Herba Mystica and Ash in general as the journey continues.

That chapter and the following chapter will be the last of the Mesagoza chapters for now before we continue on the journey with even more adventures planned so stick with it and I'll see you all next time.