Hey all! Long time no see! Sorry for the wait but school is back in session, so I've been busy figuring out new schedules, routines, etc. On top of that, I freelance for a local magazine, and I had some deadlines at the end of last month that I needed to meet. But, whew! Here we are! Hope it was worth the wait!

See endnotes for hints on things to come ;)


Chapter 28: The Hero of the Sea


Slateport City, Hoenn

"Hm…Ladies, what do you think?"

In the bustling atmosphere of the Slateport Pokémon Center, three coordinators, each accompanied by their distinctive Pokémon, gathered around a table tucked away in the corner while they awaited their room's availability.

The speaker brandished a compact mirror, her focus tight on the reflection it offered. She was in the throes of evaluating a new lipstick shade from PokéGlam—a line she was championing in the upcoming Contest Spectaculars. The choice seemed monumental, a swirl of indecision marked by the slight pinch of her brows. Her lips—painted in a daring scarlet that not only clashed with her skin tone, but also her contemplative mood—moved from pout to purse as she dabbed at the color, unsatisfied.

The girl's attire mirrored the grace and shimmer of her Altaria, which sat perched upon a neon green suitcase beside her. It was a flowing, silvery outfit, cascading around her and sparkling subtly under the center's fluorescent lights. Like the coordinator's performances, her style demanded and kept attention. However, her seemingly serene expression was betrayed by the restless energy evident in her emerald eyes. This undercurrent of fervor manifested in constant movements: a tuck of stray hair behind her ear, a smoothing over of her skirt, and occasionally, a gentle preening of her Pokémon's cotton-like plumage. It was as if she sought perfection in every detail, however minute.

"It suits you, Lisia," offered the girl across from the contest idol—her features framed by a bandana knotted over her brown locks. Her tone carried a hint of amusement—it was, after all, the fifth shade Lisia had deliberated over. Nonetheless, the brunette wore a calm, encouraging smile as her hands worked through the frosty fur of her Glaceon. The Pokémon, enjoying the attention, closed her eyes contentedly under the soothing strokes. Her experienced hands and the attentive way she cared for her Pokémon hinted at a trust that came from relentless practice and determination.

"May's just being nice," yawned the third coordinator, a girl with striking blue hair peeking out from under her white cap. She cast Lisia a teasing smile, her tone playful though laced with a hint of sarcasm. "As always." Her attention briefly shifted as her Piplup waddled around her chair, his chirps blending seamlessly with the bustling background of the center. The girl's demeanor was confident, bordering on arrogant, but it was a facade masking a deep-seated assurance rather than conceit. Behind her dark blue eyes, a restless determination mirrored that of her companions, but it was tinged with an undercurrent of pain, as if a recent, raw wound lingered just beneath her poised exterior, threatening to fracture the confident front she presented. It made May worry.

Lisia sent the blue-haired girl a thinly veiled sneer, "And you are just being annoying, Dawn. As always."

At this, May and Dawn, along with their Pokémon, turned towards each other to giggle. They had always found Lisia's tendency to take even the smallest things too seriously quite funny, to say the least. It wasn't that Lisia was superficial, of course; really, her meticulous attention to detail was born from a profound intentionality. She believed that every little aspect mattered, especially when crafting a specific, carefully curated image. This often led others to misinterpret her depth, viewing her as shallow when, in fact, she operated under the belief that the nuances of presentation could significantly impact perception.

As Lisia continued to try on different shades, May and Dawn resumed flipping through the most recent Coordinator Monthly magazine. From time to time, the trio was recognized, gushed over, and photographed by various fans.

"So…," Dawn began with a slow drawl after a group of fans ebbed back into the flow of the crowded lobby. She winced before deciding to finish her sentence, "When are we done with these Contest Spectaculars?"

Lisia snapped her make-up mirror shut and raised a perfect turquoise eyebrow, "What's the matter, Dawn? Bored?"

Dawn exchanged glances with her Piplup before continuing to flip absently through the pages of the magazine. "I'm not bored, I just…" the blunette paused for a moment, trying to collect her thoughts. Since when did she get so anxious? Her old self would have just said what's on her mind…it wasn't like her to second guess herself.

"I think…" May, who had paused Glaceon's brushing and had begun slurping down noodles from a bowl of ramen, looked up, her cheeks full and bubbled. After a quick swallow, she turned to Lisia, "Dawn wants to go back to regular contests... to compete individually. Remember the letter?"

Lisia sighed. She had known this was coming.

Over the past year, the trio had traversed Sinnoh in hopes of making Contest Spectaculars as popular there as they had become in Hoenn. Led by Lisia, the trio's unique styles, complimentary performances, and the unmistakable bond with their Pokémon catapulted them into a certain degree of stardom in the new region, but they had not made as much headway in garnering recognition from Sinnoh's Contest Committee. While fans adored their routines and the spectacle they brought to each event, often filling arenas to the brim just to catch a glimpse of their dazzling performances, the Contest Spectacular just wasn't eliciting the same amount of respect due to its obvious lack of Contest Battles.

And now, with the new Contest Season fast approaching, the air was thick with anticipation….especially because of the letter…

Lisia sniffed. "The letter?" she repeated, confused a moment before realization dawned on her.

Soon, the image of the envelope from a mysterious "Guillermo Lebarón," a contest program director from the newly accessible region of Paldea, crystallized in the contest idol's mind. The letter detailed an invitation to Paldea's inaugural contest season, culminating in its first Grand Festival. The prospect was thrilling—Paldea had long been closed to foreign coordinators, and now it beckoned the world's elite to its stages.

Lisia, Dawn, and May weren't the only recipients of this prestigious call. Top coordinators from across the regions had been invited, sparking a flurry of excited calls and messages within their community, all wondering about the trio's next move.

Lisia had made her decision long ago, her commitment to Contest Spectaculars unwavering. Yet, she knew Dawn's heart had been drifting back towards the traditional contests, yearning for the strategic battles and personal triumphs that Spectaculars couldn't fully provide.

Lisia had seen Sinnoh's prodigy—Johanna's daughter—dominate contests throughout her career. It was part of the reason why she had been skeptical that Dawn would step away from traditional contests in the first place. But then again, Dawn's disappearance from the Hoenn Grand Festival a few years back had been strange, and ever since then Lisia felt as though the blunette had been trying to find herself again.

"Well," Lisia turned back to Dawn, her expression expectant, "is it true? You want to move on?"

Dawn met Lisia's gaze firmly, a spark of her old determination flickering in her eyes. "I do, Lisia," she affirmed, a gentle smile softening her features. "You know my time with you all has been incredible and special, but—"

"I know, I know," Lisia sighed, resting her chin on her hand with a small pout. Her voice softened, "We all have dreams to follow."

While Lisia was frustrated, she admired Dawn's growing resolve. She had always envisioned Contest Spectaculars as more than mere competitions; they were to be a platform for broader change, celebrating the artistry of coordination over the traditional contest's occasionally questionable judging. But, Lisia respected Dawn's craving for the challenge and the need to dominate old-school contests; just as she had respected Serena's dreams of becoming a Top Coordinator and Kalos Queen.

"You all should come!" Dawn's voice snapped Lisia out of her thoughts. The turquoise-haired girl glanced in mild horror. Dawn clapped her hands and began to grow excited, "It would be fun! We could travel together still, see a new region! Try something new! It'll be great!"

May only looked at Lisia, swallowing a more careful spoonful of her ramen. "You know," she murmured into her broth, "Serena's there…probably getting ready to compete in the contest season too…"

Lisia glanced at May, truly surprised. "You want to compete too?"

"Not necessarily," May responded, swirling her chopsticks in her soup. "I just thought it'd be fun to take Dawn over there and have ourselves a little vacation. Personally, I'm having a blast helping you promote Contest Spectaculars. I believe in what we're doing…but a break does sound nice…"

"For the record, I also think what we're doing is really great," Dawn began, not wanting the two girls to misunderstand. She knew that Contest Spectaculars had successfully raised awareness about the issues plaguing the traditional contest scene—allowing coordinators more individual freedom and fluidity to their "styles." But while winners of Contest Spectaculars were eligible for Grand Festivals, the format of these festivals hadn't changed, still featuring battles and judges—a setup that wasn't necessarily inherently flawed, but clearly needed improvement.

Contest Spectaculars did a better job of allowing coordinators to build connections with an audience and they helped them to focus on the unity of a Pokémon team. Dawn felt that it was only a matter of time before Spectaculars truly became famous in every region, because they also offered a direct way to engage with the crowd. Their trio, for instance, had more fans than ever! With continuing support, Dawn had no doubt that Lisia would soon be able to put pressure on traditional contests, maybe forcing them to evolve to a more democratic system, or to at least be run by different hands.

"I know," Lisia finally said, a smile growing on her lips. She then turned to her Altaria, "we're doing great things," she sighed and blinked, glancing at the Coordinator's Monthly still open in front of Dawn. On the cover was their trio; inside, a five page feature on Contest Spectaculars.

Glancing coyly back at May, Lisia couldn't help but smirk, "But I will say, a little vacation sounds nice…" she then took out her phone, scrolling through all of the messages she'd sent Serena recently. A dozen or so that went unanswered. "And you know, Serena owes us some explanations…"

May giggled, "I know. Not one call! Still too busy making out with Ash Ketchum."

Dawn winced and paled at the sheer image of Ash making out with anyone—really, it was just so bizarre. "I still can't imagine him with a girlfriend…and one that pretty…" Seeing Ash on TV suddenly with a beautiful blonde girl at his side, holding her close, had been almost as strange as seeing him skip a meal.

"I mean, Ash Ketchum is a bona fide heartthrob," Lisia said casually with a little wink at the two girls, "it makes sense."

At this, even May almost choked on her water, spluttering as she quickly set her cup down. "Sorry, but I will never get over people saying that about him," she said, wiping her chin and apologizing to her Glaceon with an embarrassed smile.

Lisia smirked again before her mind wandered back to the days when Serena was by her side, helping to lay the foundation for what Contest Spectaculars would become. Serena had been instrumental in the early days, bringing a flair and vision to their performances that resonated deeply with audiences. Together, they had been an unstoppable duo, their synchronized routines and complementary styles captivating everyone who watched them. Their partnership had blossomed naturally, rooted in a shared love for the elegance and artistry of Pokémon contests.

Serena's keen eye for design and her impeccable sense of timing—as well as just being gifted with an enchanting aura that simply drew others to her—had been the magic touch that had made their performances extraordinary. Lisia and Serena had connected not just on a professional level but also on a personal one, finding joy in the smallest details of their routines and sharing a mutual appreciation for the grace and poise required to excel in their field. They were kindred spirits, each understanding the other's aspirations and the nuances of the contest world that so few others could grasp.

It would be good to see her again, Lisia thought.

"Nothing we do is a waste of time!"

Serena's words echoed in Lisia's mind now as she contemplated this little vacation. She was curious to see what this new contest scene was all about anyway.

"So…" Dawn broke the contemplative silence, looking earnestly at both her friends. "Do I have your blessing? To compete in Paldea, I mean."

"You don't need our blessing, Dawn," May replied, her voice gentle yet firm. "We're all on our own paths, and we understand that."

"I know," Dawn said with a small grimace, her gaze dropping to Piplup. "But I'd like to think we're friends after all of this, and, well, I want my friends to support me."

At that, even Lisia's expression softened significantly, her smile bright as she reached across the table to grasp Dawn's hand. "Of course we're your friends! More than that, we're practically sisters at this point!" Her grin turned playful as she continued, "But you can only go to Paldea if we're allowed to take you and get you all settled. May's right, we need a vacation. But no more than a couple weeks and then we are back to our schedule!" She winked at May, adding playfully, "And I guess back to a Contest Idol Duo."

Dawn's face lit up with enthusiasm. "The best Contest Idol Duo ever!"

Laughter rippled through the group, echoing warmly as they leaned into their camaraderie. Together, the girls and their Pokémon began sketching out their travel plans, their voices a lively blend of excitement and affection, already imagining the adventures that awaited them in Paldea.


On the sun-kissed shores of Levincia, the golden sands stretched far, mirroring the sweeping azure of the sea. Skyscrapers and condos lined the shore all the way to the towering rock formations that rose from the water in the distance, their rugged surface softened by a blanket of greenery, creating a striking contrast against the clear blue sky. At high noon, the beach was alive with activity; families had constructed elaborate sand castles near the shoreline, children dashed in and out of the waves with shrieks of delight, and couples strolled hand in hand, leaving footprints in the sand.

Not far from the lively beach, the ocean itself teemed with life and color. In the vibrant spray and foam of the sea, a pod of Finizen frolicked among the waves. The dolphin Pokémon—their sleek, smooth bodies adorned with sky-blue coloring and wave-like patterns—darted playfully through the water. They leapt high, sending showers of sparkling droplets cascading around them, their joyful movements mirroring the rhythmic dance of the waves.

One particular Finizen, noticeably smaller and more exuberant than the rest, turned towards the beach with an excited expression, emitting high-pitched squeaks to his companions. His eyes sparkled with anticipation as he bobbed in the water, urging the others to watch the shore. As if on cue, the whole pod paused their antics, their attention fixed on the beach, seemingly waiting for some anticipated event or sign.

On the shore, lifeguards patrolled the bustling beach with vigilant eyes. Clad in bright red and white, they scanned the waters, ready to spring into action at the slightest hint of trouble. Their whistles hung ready around their necks, and rescue boards lay at their feet, symbols of their readiness to ensure the safety of every beachgoer.

Suddenly, a shout pierced the air, drawing immediate attention to a small boy on the shore, pointing frantically towards the sea.

"Lillipup! Lillipup!" the boy shouted, tears already welling in his eyes.

His fluffy, small pup had begun drifting away from the beach on a bright yellow floaty. The current, stronger than it had seemed from the shore, was pulling the frightened Pokémon further out to sea. The lifeguards sprang into action, plunging into the water with powerful strokes, but the distance grew, and the small Lillipup yelped in fear, its tiny paws scrabbling against the slippery surface of the floaty.

Just as the situation seemed dire, a massive geyser of water erupted beside the adrift Lillipup. Riding the crest of this watery pillar was a robust and muscular form stark against the sky, the bold blue and white of its dolphin-like body glistening in the sunlight. It looked down at the Lillipup, who looked back up with wide, admiring eyes at its unexpected savior.

"It's the Hero, Palafin!" shouted one of the lifeguards with obvious relief.

"Yes! The Hero!" the beachgoers and lifeguards began to applaud and whistle.

The Hero Pokémon, Palafin, puffing out its chest, maneuvered the geyser closer, allowing the powerful jet of water to push the floaty back towards the shore. Lillipup's relief was palpable as it found itself moving closer to safety. With a graceful arc, the Hero then guided its Aqua Jet, ensuring the floaty's safe and gentle arrival back into the shallower waters, where the lifeguards were ready to retrieve the grateful, albeit shaken, Lillipup.

Onlookers cheered from the beach, their applause mixing with the relieved barks of the Lillipup as it was reunited with its young owner. The Hero, having ensured the safety of the small creature, gave a joyful flip before diving back into the depths, its duty as a guardian of the sea fulfilled with heroic grace.

Back within the pod, the small Finizen was especially captivated. He clapped his small fins together, mimicking the applause from the beach, his squeaks of delight mixing with the cheers of the humans. His eyes shone with admiration and a burgeoning resolve as he watched the Hero—Palafin—bask in the gratitude and admiration of the onlookers.

This moment was pivotal for young Finizen. He harbored dreams of heroism, aspiring to be just like the Palafin he idolized. Watching the Hero form's effortless bravery and the joy it brought to others ignited a fierce determination within him. He knew he had a lot to learn and a long way to go. Being a hero wasn't just about strength; it was about courage, quick thinking, and a deep commitment to helping others.

With renewed enthusiasm, Finizen resolved to work harder than ever. He understood that the path to heroism was paved with challenges and required not just physical strength but also a heart willing to serve and protect. Maybe, he thought, his journey would one day lead him to save someone in distress…


Nearby, obscured by the natural foliage that lined the vibrant beach, a familiar trio watched the proceedings with keen interest through high-tech binoculars. The binoculars, equipped with digital zoom and recording capabilities, allowed them to scrutinize every detail of the heroic rescue performed by the Hero Palafin.

As the crowd dispersed, and the Hero slipped back into the sea, Jessie, James, and Meowth huddled close, whispering fervently about their next grand scheme.

"Did you see that?" Jessie began, her eyes gleaming with a mix of greed and excitement. "That Palafin could be our ticket to fame and fortune! Catch a hero, become a hero—as they say."

"Doesn't that actually make one the villain, my dear?" James hummed, though the glint in his growing smile suggested he was not opposed to the idea in the slightest.

Meowth rubbed his paws together, "Well, dat Pokémon looks strong, dat's for sure. And if we can catch 'im, den…"

"We can use him to finally get that twerp's Pikachu and legendary dragon!" Jessie raised a delighted finger towards the sky.

The feline Pokémon chortled, his whiskers twitching in anticipation. "Meowth, dat's right!" he exclaimed, already dreaming of the lavish rewards their capture would bring.

The trio quickly started devising a plan. "We'll need to lure Palafin out again, but this time, we'll be ready with more than just binoculars," James grinned, flipping through a notebook of all their latest machinery as though it were a catalog of readily available outfits.

"Well, if this Pokémon is bent on acting like a big-shot hero, one of us will just have to be the damsel in distress," Jessie's grin turned feral and she and James both looked at Meowth.

"Uh," the feline muttered, "it's always gots to be me, huh?"


"Oh, this is beautiful!"

Serena held one hand firmly in Ash's as she dragged him along, her feet kicking up the soft, white sand of Levincia's pristine beach. The city's towering skyscrapers gave way to open skies and the expansive sea, and Ash couldn't help but chuckle at Serena's sudden enthusiasm, his other hand clamping down on his hat to keep it from being carried off by the sea breeze. Pikachu and Sylveon scampered behind them, the latter daintily trying to avoid the sand as much as possible, her elegant form recoiling slightly each time her paws sank into the gritty texture.

Finally coming to a stop, Serena released a breathy laugh, her chest heaving slightly from the sprint. Her eyes sparkled as they took in the vast, glittering sea stretching before them. "This is the perfect setting to film your video, Ash!" she exclaimed, her voice ringing and her arms spread wide.

Ash blinked and stared at the beach, shrugging, "If you say so!" The beach was nice enough, he thought, though Ash still didn't really know what Serena had in mind. If he were going to be honest, he was way more excited about finally spending some alone time with Serena more than making a promo video.

Serena, tapping her chin thoughtfully, suddenly remembered something. "A bummer we left our swimsuits at the hotel," she mused aloud.

"What?" Ash looked at her confused, "You were going to have me show off my swimming skills?" he teased.

Turning to face him, Serena pouted playfully before taking his other hand and drawing his arms around her waist. She held him close, her expression shifting to a coy smile. "No, I just thought it would have been fun to swim," she admitted, then noticing Ash's slight blush and his gaze darting around to see if people were watching them, Serena patiently guided his hands to rest between them but keeping a gentle hold. "Don't worry, though, I had something else in mind! I was just looking for the perfect place to shoot!"

"Uh-huh…" Ash murmured, was suddenly a little nervous…and disappointed. It would have definitely been way more fun to swim. But now, he had to guess what Serena was up to. If it were really up to Ash, he'd find someplace private they could go to maybe kiss a little—especially now, seeing her all glowing and golden from with the sunlight dancing all around her.

As much as Ash liked everyone else coming along, he couldn't help but groan at the idea that he'd already missed out on some prime kissing opportunities on the way over to the city…and not only that, but he was realizing that they would hardly get any private time at the hotel suite they were sharing with the others. He couldn't help but wonder how if it had just been the two of them, what arrangements Tulip would have made instead…

Of course, Ash hadn't expected to, like, share a room with Serena or anything—no way! But, maybe their rooms would have been next to each other, and maybe they could have done some kissing before they went to bed each night or something.

Yeah, Ash really hadn't thought everything through.

"Ash?" Serena's voice, laced with laughter, broke through his daydreams. She tried to catch his gaze again, repeating, "Ash?"

Pikachu rolled his eyes and sent a quick little zap towards his trainer. The yellow rodent knew exactly what Ash was thinking, having heard Ash vent and complain about it earlier.

Yelping, Ash shot a glare towards Pikachu before letting go of Serena's hand to rub where he'd been zapped. Embarrassed, Ash turned back to Serena, who was struggling to suppress a giggle, her hand covering her mouth.

"Yeah, yeah. Sorry. I was, uh, distracted," Ash admitted, grinning sheepishly as he scratched his nose in an attempt to appear nonchalant.

Serena sobered and looked at him with a hint of concern, her expression softening. "Are you okay? You've been a little put out since lunch," she noted, gently stroking his thumb with her own, the subtle touch bringing him back to the moment.

Ash tried to ignore the few people stopping to point and take pictures with their phones. "I'm okay...I just," he sighed, wincing slightly, "I'm just not super excited about the promo video. And that's not because of you or anything. You have to know that I'm super excited to finally get to spend time with you alone. But I'm not pumped about having to promote myself. I already get enough attention...that's part of the reason I left Kanto and all, you know?"

He gestured around them, indicating the growing crowd. "It's been a little different in Paldea...sometimes." His eyes darted to the onlookers, his unease palpable. "But I'm afraid a promo video will definitely change that."

Serena followed his gaze over her shoulder, then hummed understandingly. She turned back to Ash, gently placing her hand on his cheek to redirect his attention to her.

"Hey," she soothed, her eyes locking onto his with an intense stare. "It's just you and me right now. Ash, being Monarch of the World means you're going to attract attention wherever you go. You can't run away from that. And you don't want to! It's part of your dream to inspire other people! But I know that sometimes our dreams have parts about them we don't like, and that's okay. It doesn't mean we were wrong to dream about those things—but if we want to keep pursuing our goals without growing jaded, we just have to learn to..." She shrugged, her smile small but sincere. "I don't know, focus on the parts of our dream we love."

A small smile began to form across Ash's cheeks as well. "Yeah. You're right," squeezing Serena's hand, the young champion focused in on her—suddenly forgetting about the people stopping to catch a glance at them.

"So, what don't you like about your dream?" Ash asked, his curiosity piqued, genuinely wanting to know more about her thoughts.

Serena blushed mildly, her gaze dropping as she cleared her throat. "Well," she started, nervously pushing a strand of hair behind her ear before looking back up at Ash, her lip caught between her teeth. "I don't like how sometimes my dreams take me away from you."

A light pink color dusted Ash's cheeks as well, and he shifted on his feet, fighting the urge to pull her close. "Yeah, I don't like that about my dreams either," he acknowledged, fighting the intense feelings that threw themselves against his chest when he thought about being apart from her.

The young couple stood there on the beach, caught in a delicate moment of tension and longing. The air between them was charged with a silent yearning, each of them poised on the brink of closing the distance. But the reality of prying eyes held them back, adding a layer of hesitation that neither could quite overcome.

Finally, Serena broke the moment, turning her gaze back toward the vast expanse of the beach, as if seeking an escape from the weight of their mutual desire. "We should start filming, hm?" she suggested, turning back to Ash with a forced eagerness while her voice betrayed a hint of regret.

Ash nodded, barely registering her words. Frustrated in a way he couldn't really name. "Ok, I'm excited," he managed to say, his voice strained with an effort to sound cheerful. He then added, with a nervous grin, "But I'd be even more excited if we could find a place real quick to kiss."

Serena nearly choked on the air, a burst of nervous laughter threatening to escape her as she stared at Ash in disbelief. "W-What?" she sputtered, her initial shock giving way to embarrassment at his bluntness.

"Just real quick!" Ash nearly whined. "We haven't had any time to kiss this trip because of everyone else! And I was really looking forward to getting to kiss you a lot!"

Pikachu rolled his eyes and fainted dramatically into the sand, while Sylveon watched the couple with hearts swirling in her eyes, clearly enchanted by the romantic drama unfolding before her.

Serena had to cover her mouth to muffle a squeak. Of course, she wasn't exactly complaining about Ash wanting to steal a few private moments with her. She had wanted some more intimate time with him too but hadn't had the courage to say it to directly. Ash seemed to have no problem with that…

Eventually Serena recovered, and before Ash—flustered and fumbling as though he hadn't quite meant to say what he'd said—could take anything back, she began to walk backwards, pulling him along by the hand towards the line of buildings that marked the edge of the beach. "I'm sure we can find something," she said, her cheeks still tinted red, her smile coy and inviting.

Turning to their Pokémon companions, the honey-blonde cleared her throat, "Why don't you guys wait here? We'll be right back!"

"Right back!" Ash echoed her words with a wide grin. His enthusiasm was now unguarded, his earlier hesitation forgotten.

Pikachu, still sprawled on the sand, lifted a paw lazily, giving the couple a deadpanned thumbs up, while Sylveon smiled and chirped, waving them off with a flutter of her ribbons.


Hidden beneath the shimmering surface of the ocean, the interior of Team Rocket's Magikarp submarine was a flurry of activity and mechanical chaos. The cramped space was cluttered with an assortment of levers, pedals, and dials all patched together with a haphazard charm that only Team Rocket could manage. The main compartment, lit by dim, flickering lights, was dominated by a large, cumbersome set of pedals that Jessie and James were furiously operating to propel the sub against the stubborn tide. Meanwhile, Meowth, momentarily exempt from pedaling duties, was busy with a task of his own—blowing up a flotation toy that bore a striking resemblance to a Wailmer, his cheeks puffed out comically as he struggled.

"Can't you blow that float any faster!?" Jessie snapped, casting furtive glances around the sub's interior as if looking for an escape from her pedaling fate. "We're doing all the work here!"

"Oh? You wants…to give dis…a try?!" Meowth retorted between huffs, his face slowly turning a shade of purple from the exertion.

James, who had been scanning the beach through the submarine's periscope, suddenly grew excited. "There it is again!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with awe. Through the lens, he watched as the Hero Form Palafin swam gracefully through the water, its powerful tail propelling it with ease. As a ball threatened to fly over the head of a young boy playing on the shore, the Palafin leapt from the water, catching it effortlessly in a display of agility and precision. With a friendly flip of its tail, the Hero handed the ball back to the boy, who beamed with delight, before the Palafin disappeared back into the sea's embrace.

Jessie, following the scene through her own visual on a secondary screen, rolled her eyes dismissively. "What a show-off."

Meowth, still struggling with the floaty, gasped for air. "Okay, can I gets some help maybe?"

Ignoring him, Jessie dabbed her lightly sweaty brow and voiced her frustration, "So when do we get to reveal our latest upgrades to our submarine? Really, James, it's archaic that we still have to pedal…" Her bottom lip protruded in a pout.

"Ah!" James glanced back from the periscope with a grin. "Well, first, Meowth must finish his work, and then step four of seventeen of our operation can begin!"

With one final puff, Meowth gave the floaty his all. His efforts culminated in a loud, exaggerated exhale before he dramatically slumped over, fainting from the effort. The floaty, now fully inflated and bobbing comically in the cramped space, seemed almost to mock his collapse with its cheerful, Wailmer-like grin.


On the bustling beachfront, Pikachu checked his wrist as though he had a watch strapped on. Of course, he didn't actually wear one…but right now he definitely wished he did. Maybe the last ten minutes wouldn't have felt like an hour. Or had it been an hour? He really didn't know.

Meanwhile, Sylveon had settled comfortably on a rock, expertly avoiding the sandy surface. She luxuriated under the warm sun, her glossy fur catching the light beautifully. When Pikachu scampered over to her, his expression wrought with impatience, he gestured towards the direction where Serena and Ash had disappeared. His ear twitched, signaling his concern.

Sylveon, in her usual serene manner, yawned expansively and mimed a shrug. She seemed to suggest that Pikachu should relax and let the couple enjoy their time away. Clearly, she was not perturbed by the duration of their trainer's absence and seemed to understand the need for their private moments.

Huffing in exasperation, Pikachu left Sylveon to her sunbathing and moved back towards the boardwalk that connected the beach to the city's edge. He sniffed the air, his eyes scanning the buildings where Serena and Ash had vanished into. Just as he was about to give up hope, he spotted them finally returning.

Pikachu sighed in relief, a weight lifting from his shoulders. He then fought the urge to pinch the bridge of his little nose as he observed Ash's goofy grin. His best friend was on cloud nine. Ash's skin bore the pink flush of a slight sunburn, and his hair was more tousled than usual under his hat, signs of what must have been quite the joyful escapade.

As the couple approached, still mildly flustered from their brief adventure, Pikachu ran up to greet them. His expression softened at the sight of their flushed cheeks and bright eyes, happy to see them content but amused by their obvious dishevelment.

"Hey, buddy," Ash called out warmly, bending down so that Pikachu could climb onto his familiar perch on his shoulder. "See! We came right back."

Pikachu, settled comfortably, glanced at Ash's face and couldn't help but roll his eyes. He had instantly noticed the smudges of pink lipstick adorning Ash's lips and cheeks.

Serena, noticing Pikachu's gaze, suddenly became aware of the marks she'd left on her boyfriend. With a giggle and a blush spreading up her neck, she reached into her satchel, pulling out a handkerchief. "Sorry," she laughed and gently wiped the lipstick from Ash's face. "I forgot I put some makeup on for the video."

"I didn't think you needed it anyway," Ash replied with a grin, his eyes twinkling with affection. He held back from pulling her into another embrace. He was grateful he'd been able to hold her at least a little while ago.

Still feeling a bit giddy and lightheaded, Serena managed a smile as she regained her composure. "Let's start working on the video…" she suggested, eager to channel some of their energy into the planned activity.

Ash's enthusiasm for the video had grown, especially with Serena's hint of more kisses once they were done filming. "Okay! Let's do it! What do you have in mind, again?" he asked, his spirits lifted by the prospect.

Serena skipped ahead of Ash towards the beach, her movements light and playful. With Sylveon gracefully appearing next to her, she did a twirl and spread her hands before her dramatically. "We're going to battle!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.

Ash blinked, taken aback for a moment, but then a slow, eager grin lifted his entire face. "Wait, what?"

"You heard me," Serena sauntered back to Ash, her hands clasped innocently behind her back. "What better way to promote yourself than to film doing exactly what you love?" She winked at him playfully and held up a finger as if to emphasize her point. "I told you that you'd like my idea."

Ash considered her proposal with a smile. "But, if we're battling, who's going to film us?"

Serena nodded, already having thought this through. "Pancham will. He's great with a camera and will sit this one out. I thought we could just do a one-on-one battle, anyway. That way we can go all out and get creative with it." Her smile turned mischievous as she added, "It'll be fun! But I wouldn't underestimate me, Ash."

Ash shook his head, raising a fist. "I would never!" he exclaimed earnestly, his laughter ringing out as he glanced toward the beach with renewed enthusiasm. "I gotta say, I'm just happy you didn't have us dress up in Pokémon costumes, like that Fennekin outfit you wore that one time."

Serena pouted, sticking out her bottom lip. "Hey! I thought you liked my costume!"

Ash flushed, clearing his throat awkwardly. "I did! No, I really did!" He backtracked quickly, adding, "I mean, if you wanted to wear something like that, I wouldn't complain."

Pikachu audibly slapped his own face with a paw.

"Hm. You know," Serena arched an eyebrow, her tone playful yet probing. "Now that I think about it, I don't remember you telling me how much you liked it at the time…and you were always the first to tell me how nice I looked when I wore other things."

Ash gulped. The image of her in that costume came back to him rather vividly. He was trying to remember what he'd said when he'd first seen her in it, but his mind went blank—probably because his mind had gone blank seeing her in the outfit…

The young champion shifted on his feet, trying to get her image out of his brain, "I, uh, can't remember what I said, but I really liked it. Trust me."

Trying to maintain a coy demeanor despite the faint blush on her cheeks, Serena eyed him warily. "Well, if you want to see me in anything else, just let me know." She winked at him and then, realizing how flustered she'd become, quickly turned away, heading for the beach before Ash could see her face aflame with mortification.

Meanwhile, Ash's brain wasn't working. This had to be a battle strategy of hers. Yeah. She was already trying to get into his head, scrambling things around so that he couldn't think straight so she could get the upper hand.

Well, Ash was going to be sure he wouldn't fall for that! Or, at least, he was going to try not too…much easier said than done, especially since he found himself really noticing a lot of the things Serena wore these days. Even today, with her wearing that white cropped tank-top, the red mini-skirt, and the tall shoes that made her legs look so long—and the ribbon, his ribbon—tied like a bow in her hair, Ash couldn't help but find his gaze wandering.

"Well, come on!" Serena laughed, her voice light and inviting as she released her other Pokémon with an excited smile. Her energy was contagious, sparking a vibrant atmosphere around them.

Snapped out of his reverie by her laughter, Ash shook his head slightly, a smile breaking across his face as he returned to the moment. "Coming!" he called back with equal enthusiasm. He reached for his own Poké Balls, releasing his other partners onto the sunny beach. The Pokémon appeared with bursts of light, eager and ready for the playful challenge ahead.


Once Ash and Serena found a suitable spot on the expansive sand, they gathered all their Pokémon together to explain the day's plans. The Pokémon, always eager to participate in their trainers' adventures, listened intently, their eyes wide with curiosity and excitement.

Serena handed her phone to Pancham, who grinned widely at being given such an important task. The little Pokémon looked particularly proud, adjusting his stance to take his duty seriously as the appointed cameraman for the shoot. Serena, announcing that she would be "the director," was full of excitement. She squinted one eye and framed a shot with her fingers, her tongue peeking out as she concentrated on finding the best angle to capture Ash's introduction.

"Okay, Ash," Serena directed, her voice clear and confident as she pointed to where Pancham should aim the camera at the young Pokémon trainer. "First, you have to introduce yourself. Even though everyone knows who you are, they still want to see you get excited! Then, maybe you and Pikachu can do a fun pose!"

Ash winced at the suggestion, exchanging a glance with Pikachu, who seemed amused by the idea. "A fun pose?" Ash questioned, a bit hesitant.

Serena arched an eyebrow at him playfully. "Oh, don't be like that. You've told me about how you used Z-moves in Alola. Didn't you have to pose to use them?" she challenged, teasing him gently to coax him into the spirit of the task.

"Well, sort of," Ash admitted, scratching the back of his head as he recalled the dynamic poses required for initiating Z-moves during past battles.

Serena's face lit up with encouragement. "Then end the intro with a little pose!" she suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Ash sighed but couldn't help returning her bright look with a small smile, his initial reluctance fading in the face of Serena's infectious enthusiasm. "Sure, I guess we can do that. What do you say, buddy?" he asked, turning to Pikachu for support.

Pikachu nodded enthusiastically, giving Ash a thumbs up. "Pika, pi!" he chirped, fully on board with the plan.

There were numerous takes, each one a small learning curve. Ash definitely grew frustrated from time to time and stumbled over his words, but it helped that Serena was patient and helpful with her tips, and that Ash had seen her do these kinds of things before.

Standing with Pikachu at his side, Ash looked confidently into the camera, his posture a little tense though still animated even after the repeated attempts.

"Hey everyone, I'm Champion Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town, and this is Pikachu!" he began, his voice strong and enthusiastic. Pikachu chimed in with a cheerful "Pika Pi!" adding to the lively atmosphere. Ash continued, concentrating very hard, "We're here in Levincia getting ready for something really exciting. I'm pumped to say that I'll be facing off against Iono soon!" His hands gestured expressively as he spoke, trying to emphasize his eagerness for the upcoming challenge.

"And let me tell you, we've been training hard and can't wait to show you what we've got up our sleeves," Ash added, raising his fist to the camera. With a wide grin, he concluded, "Stay tuned, because it's going to be awesome!" At that cue, Ash flipped his hat over to Pikachu, who caught it between his ears. The two then landed in a battle stance and punched the air, Pikachu's cheeks sparking.

Serena, who had been watching and mouthing Ash's words from behind Pancham and the camera, couldn't contain her excitement. As the recording wrapped, she ran up to Ash, barely stopping herself from throwing her arms around him in a celebratory hug. "That was perfect! Great job, guys!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with pride and joy.

Relieved and pleased with their successful take, Ash grinned and folded his arms in front of his chest, a look of satisfied achievement crossing his face. "Maybe I'm not so bad at this after all!"

Serena flashed Ash a confident wink. "I think you're great," she affirmed with a playful grin. Turning to Pancham, who was still holding Serena's Rotom Phone camera focused on Ash, she declared enthusiastically, "Now it's my turn!"

Stepping into the frame with a poised and radiant smile, Serena began her introduction with a bright wave. "Hi everyone, I'm Kalos Queen Serena, and today, I'm here with the Monarch on this beautiful beach to help Ash show you a little sneak peek of what he'll be delivering to Iono in their upcoming battle!" Her expression bright, she turned to face Ash, leaning in to give the young champion a quick peck on the cheek, "For good luck."

Ash, taken by surprise, felt his cheeks warm instantly.

After Pancham signaled the recording's cutoff, Ash turned to Serena with a hesitant, curious tone. "Wait? Is that going to be in the video?"

Serena's cheeks tinted with a soft blush as she considered his reaction. "I can edit it out if it makes you uncomfortable," she offered.

Ash paused, a thoughtful look crossing his face as he processed. Public displays of affection still made him a bit anxious, the thought of openly showing his feelings to the world was a daunting one. However, as he contemplated the promo video and its widespread implications, a realization dawned on him—he really didn't mind if people knew they were a couple. In fact, he wanted it that way.

The idea of Serena, with her face now frequently gracing billboards and media, being recognized as his girlfriend felt right. It wasn't just about making a public statement or even a slight brag about being together with someone as wonderful as her—though, if Ash was honest, there was a small part of him that felt a touch of pride in it. More importantly, it was about setting boundaries and making it clear to everyone that they were committed to each other. Ash knew that Serena attracted a lot of attention wherever she went, and he felt a protective urge, wanting to make sure that no one misunderstood her relationship status or got any ideas…

Ash loved her. And Serena loved him. Ash wanted the world to know that, and that they were together—not just to ward off any unwanted attention, but to celebrate what they had. He wanted to honor their relationship openly, proud of what they meant to each other. He wanted to be unafraid of showing it.

In that moment, Ash's nervousness morphed into a confident affirmation of their bond. "Leave it in the video," Ash decided, his voice steady and sure. "I always want you by my side for these things. It's important." He smiled at her, and took her hand before giving it a gentle squeeze.


Meanwhile, Team Rocket's Magikarp submarine bobbed gently just above the waves, positioned perfectly for their latest mischievous plan. Inside, the trio finished preparing for their elaborate scheme to capture the heroic Palafin.

"Okay, Meowth, it's your big moment," Jessie said with a sly grin, handing Meowth the Wailmer floaty that looked ridiculously large against his small frame.

"Yeah, yeah, I know da drill," Meowth grumbled as he reluctantly took hold of the flotation device. His expression was one of resignation about the crucial role he was about to play. Almost without warning, Jessie and James squeezed Meowth and the floaty up the hatch of the submarine, which spat the two out like the top to a shaken bottle of soda.

James, poking his head out from the top to wave Meowth off, cupped his mouth to call out, "Just remember, act like you're in distress! We need that Palafin to believe you're a Pokémon in need of a rescue!" His voice carried over the waves before he ducked back down, sealing the hatch behind him.

The sea's gentle currents began to carry Meowth away from the beach and further out into the open water. Here, the feline began dryly, "Help…Oh, help me…I'm just a poor, helpless Meowth adrift at sea…"

The submarine then submerged quietly, its exterior blending seamlessly with the underwater environment. Inside the cramped but functional control room, Jessie and James hunched over the periscope, peering through it to monitor Meowth's progress. The ocean's currents gently nudged the floaty along, carrying the supposed "distressed" Meowth farther from the safety of the shore.

Through the submarine's intercom, Jessie's voice crackled with a mix of command and irritation. "With more panache, Meowth! Surely you've learned more acting skills from me after all these years." Her tone was sharp, reflecting her impatience for perfection in their cunning plan.

Meowth, floating alone on his whimsical Wailmer floaty, heard Jessie's directive through the small, water-resistant speaker attached to his collar. He grumbled something under his breath about 'impossible directors' and 'drama queens,' his voice barely audible above the gentle lap of the waves. Then, taking a deep breath, he renewed his efforts to attract their target.

"Oh woe is me! Won't someone save this poor, tragic soul lost at sea?!" Meowth cried out dramatically, his voice carrying over the water. He flailed his arms and kicked his legs, adding a theatrical flair to his performance. His eyes scanned the horizon for any sign of the Hero Palafin, hoping his enhanced display of distress would soon catch the heroic Pokémon's attention.

Back in the submarine, Jessie and James watched through the periscope, their faces a mix of hope and skepticism. "That's more like it," Jessie muttered, giving James a nod of approval as they continued to observe, ready to spring their trap at the first sign of the Palafin's approach.


Serena and Ash stood poised on opposite ends of a sandy battlefield, the anticipation palpable in the air. Around them, their Pokémon clustered, their excitement mirroring that of their trainers. The beach served as a vibrant backdrop, with the gentle crash of waves providing a rhythmic soundtrack to the impending showdown while groups of onlookers also stopped to see what the Monarch and Kalos Queen had in store.

Ash, brimming with competitive spirit, raised his fist enthusiastically. "Alright, Serena. One on one. Who're you going to send out?"

The honey-blonde threw her hands out to her sides, her voice carrying across the sand. "Delphox! Come on!" At her call, the elegant Fox Pokémon moved to take her position in front of Serena, her fiery aura sending waves of heat across the beach.

Ash grinned, his eyes twinkling with thrill. "I figured we'd make this a starter showdown."

Serena winked back, the corner of her mouth twitching up in a playful smirk. "I'm guessing that means you're sending out…"

Ash turned his cap around so that the bill faced backwards, his classic pre-battle move. "Let's go, Pikachu!"

"Pika! Pikachu!" The Electric Mouse Pokémon hopped off Ash's shoulder and onto the battlefield with sparking cheeks.

The atmosphere grew electric as the other Pokémon—Kilowattrel, Charcadet, and Sylveon—cheered excitedly for the upcoming battle. Pancham, ever the cool character, just smirked and adjusted his sunglasses before beginning to film the battle on Serena's phone, capturing every moment.

Eager to set the pace, Serena made the first move, "Delphox, use Fire Spin!" With a swift motion, Delphox unleashed a spiraling torrent of flames that quickly encircled Pikachu, trapping the Electric Pokémon within a blazing barrier.

Ash's excitement grew as he countered swiftly, "Pikachu, Iron Tail the sand and put out those flames!"

Pikachu responded immediately, his tail glowing with a metallic sheen as he struck the sand around him, sending up geysers that scattered over the flames to smother them.

"Great! Now let's tie Delphox down a bit. Electro Web!" Ash called out. Pikachu leapt into action again, launching a sticky web of electricity towards Delphox in an attempt to immobilize her.

Serena, however, was quick to react. "Block it with Hidden Power!" she commanded. Delphox focused, and with a mystical gesture, manipulated the surrounding sand to rise and intercept the Electro Web, effectively blocking the attack.

Ash grinned broadly, impressed. "Nice!"

Serena gave him a knowing wink. "I'm always learning from you, Ash!"

As their battle intensified, more people began to gather around the field, drawn by the spectacle of the two skilled trainers and their Pokémon. Cheers and shouts of encouragement filled the air, adding to the excitement. "Go Ash, show 'em what you've got!" Someone in the crowd shouted, while others clapped and cheered, "We love you, Serena!"

Amidst the battle, Kilowattrel had taken to the sky, clutching Pancham gently in her talons, giving the little panda a perfect aerial view to continue filming. From above, Pancham captured every strategic move and countermove, the phone steady in his paws as he documented what was quickly becoming a heated beach battle between the famous couple.


Under the shimmering sea near Levincia's bustling beach, Finizen popped up, his sharp ears catching the faint sounds of distress. It was a feline Pokémon, its calls carrying through the water with increasing desperation. Peering through the undulating waves, Finizen spotted a Meowth adrift on a floaty, seeming to be helplessly drifting out to sea. His heart raced with excitement—here was his chance to practice being the hero he always wanted to be.

Eagerly, Finizen began to swim towards the drifting Meowth, his fins slicing through the water with practiced ease. He was determined to prove himself, even if it was just a small rescue.

"Help me! Help me!" Meowth continued to cry out dramatically. As he saw a fin approaching, his voice lifted in hope, "Oh! It's my—" His voice trailed off when he realized it wasn't the Hero Palafin he had expected but rather the happy snout of a regular Finizen, who began pushing his floaty back to shore with excited chirps.

"No, no, no! I'm waitin' for da Hero!" Meowth protested loudly, trying to dissuade the enthusiastic dolphin.

Finizen paused, tilting his head to the side, clearly confused by the reaction. He chirped questioningly, not understanding why his help wasn't being appreciated.

"No, da big guy, ya know? With da muscles?" Meowth tried to explain, pointing to his own scrawny, flexed arm.

With a snort, Finizen raised a flipper, also showcasing his own muscles, albeit significantly smaller than those of his Hero counterpart. Meowth could only sweatdrop at the sight, realizing this was not going as planned. "Guys, we has a problem," he called out towards the submarine.

Beneath the waves, Jessie growled into the periscope, her frustration mounting. "James, get that pesky fish out of the way."

"Mammal, but sure," James corrected mildly before hitting a button on the console. He then used a remote to activate one of the submarine's retractable claws, which clamped down on Finizen's tail and began dragging him away from Meowth.

Finizen yelped and squeaked, his eyes wide with surprise as he glanced back at the Magikarp submarine, now recognizing it as a source of danger rather than curiosity. His confusion turned to wariness as he tried to wriggle free from the mechanical grip.

Meanwhile, Meowth continued his exaggerated pleas for help, only to freeze when he saw a large pod of Finizen heading their way. The feline gulped and called back to his team, "Uh, guys? Looks like wees gots company…"

The Hero Palafin surged through the water alongside the rest of the pod with determined strokes, its focus razor-sharp. The mighty creature didn't hesitate as it approached the scene of Meowth's staged distress. However, its true intent became clear when it spotted Finizen struggling in the grip of Team Rocket's retractable claw. With a powerful motion, the Hero Palafin delivered a forceful punch that snapped the mechanical claw in two, effectively freeing the frightened Finizen, who quickly darted away to safety.

"The nerve! Those add-ons are expensive!" Jessie snarled before whirling to her partner in crime. "James!"

"One step ahead of you, my dear!" James responded with an excited grin. He feverishly pulled on a series of levers within the submarine, initiating a dramatic transformation. The Magikarp submarine underwent its own "hero form" upgrade, growing taller and sprouting mechanical arms and legs, which allowed it to stand imposingly above the water. The newly transformed submarine took on a more aggressive stance, ready for action.

Jessie clapped with glee, settling into her new seat at the control panel. "Here we go!" she declared, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"I told you the wait was worth it!" James smirked and folded his arms across his chest, proud of their technological marvel.

Meowth, still floating helplessly on his Wailmer floaty, overheard them through the submarine's intercoms. "Okay, well hello! Yous gonna leave me to float a—" His complaint was cut short as another retractable claw emerged, plucking him deftly from the floaty. It whisked him through a hatch at the top of the "Hero" submarine, depositing him inside where he landed with a splash on his own seat at the control panel, wet and utterly miserable. "Bouts time…" he grumbled, dripping and disheveled.

"Quit your yapping! Time to capture that show-off!" Jessie commanded, her focus now entirely on the Hero Palafin, who looked up at them with curious blinks. "Fire the nets!"


Back on the beach, Ash and Serena were still caught up in the thrill of competition, the audience cheering them on as they waged a strategic showdown.

After having only narrowly dodged Delphox's attack, Ash, seeing an opportunity, locked in his next move. "Alright, let's throw 'em off course! Quick Attack!" he shouted about the noise.

Pikachu, utilizing the still settling sand from previous maneuvers, blurred into a swift motion, obscuring himself briefly. He popped out unexpectedly, connecting a solid hit on Delphox who had lost sight of the Electric mouse in the din.

Serena gritted her teeth, determined to regain the upper hand. "Let's take back some control! Mystical Fire! Point it at the sky!" she instructed.

Delphox, composed once again, swung her wand stick around in a circle, conjuring a ring of red-orange fire in front of herself. Then, with precision, she released a stream of fire from her mouth, shooting it upwards into the sky.

Ash didn't know what Serena was planning, but decided not to let her finish whatever she was setting up. "Pikachu, interrupt them with Thunderbolt!" he yelled.

Serena, anticipating Ash's counter, swung her arm across her body in a directing motion. "Jump into the fire and dodge it!"

Delphox, trusting Serena implicitly, leaped into her own pillar of fire, vanishing from view as Pikachu's electric attack fizzled through where she had just been.

"Now use Psychic! Just like we practiced!" Serena called up to the flames.

Immediately, an eerie blue light began emanating from the center of the fiery pillar, and as the fire dissipated, Delphox reappeared, floating gently back down to the sand. Her eyes glowed blue, and before her, medium sized swirling balls of flames, encapsulated within her psychic energy, were ready to be launched.

"Cool," Ash couldn't help but grin, impressed. He knew what was coming next—Delphox was about to hurl some fireballs at Pikachu. But he also sensed that Serena—used to dramatic pauses—had hesitated just a fraction of a second too long. "Pikachu, Iron Tail the sand again!"

Simultaneously, Serena shouted, "Now, Delphox!"

As Pikachu struck the ground, causing mini eruptions of sand to rise once more, Delphox began hurling her fireballs towards the Electric rodent. Smoke and sand clouded the entire area, obscuring everyone's vision.

As the smoke began to clear, Delphox landed back on the ground, one remaining fireball by her side. She glanced around cautiously.

And while the Fox Pokémon had lost sight of Pikachu, Ash hadn't. "Alright!" Ash smirked and pointed towards Delphox, "Thunderbolt, Pikachu!"

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a rippling electrical bolt came flying at the Fox Pokémon. Delphox barely had time enough to block it with her remaining fiery orb, which exploded upon impact, sending her backward and out of the smoke-filled battlefield.

The audience erupted in applause and whistles, with Charcadet and Sylveon cheering excitedly, while Kilowattrel continued to assist Pancham with filming the action. The little panda looked particularly thrilled to have caught everything on camera.

"Delphox! You okay?" Serena called out, concerned.

"Del—Delphox!" the fox Pokémon nodded, confirming she was alright but shaken.

Once Pikachu had cleared the din, unscathed, Ash gave him an approving nod before lifting another fist to continue, but he was suddenly interrupted by gasps and shouts coming from the crowd.

A loud crash echoed from the direction of the ocean, drawing everyone's attention.

"It's the Hero! The Hero's in trouble!" a group of people running from the opposite end of the beach shouted.

Ash and Serena exchanged quick glances before turning to a beachgoer rushing away from the scene. Serena asked urgently, "What are people talking about?"

"There's a Palafin that helps out whenever someone is in trouble." The woman explained, clearly worried about the local icon.

A child next to the woman added, pointing towards the mayhem, "Yeah, but it looks like the Hero is the one in trouble now!"

At that moment, Ash's Rotom Phone popped out of his pocket, displaying a picture of Palafin in its Hero Form and saying in its mechanical voice:

The evolved form of Finizen. This Pokémon changes its appearance if it hears its allies calling for help. Palafin will never show anybody its moment of transformation.

Ash, turning to Serena with a determined look, stated, "If there's a Pokémon in trouble, we have to help."

Serena nodded, her expression also set with resolve. "Of course! Let's go!"

Ash then looked at their Pokémon, instructing, "Come on, guys! Stay close!" He took hold of Serena's hand, and together, they began running towards the conflict, ready to assist however they could.

Meanwhile, Pancham pointed Kilowattrel towards the action, making sure to record every last bit of it.


Team Rocket's machine, now in its formidable form, unleashed a barrage of nets into the sea. The nets spread wide and fast, ensnaring not only the Hero Palafin but also many other members of the Finizen pod that had gathered nearby. The scene was chaotic as the powerful mechanical arms of the submarine pulled the nets tight, trapping the struggling Pokémon.

While many of the Finizen were caught, a few of the dolphins managed to escape the nets' grasp. These few darted away in a panic, desperate to find safety. However, one brave Finizen, the aspiring hero who had earlier tried to save Meowth, refused to flee. Determined to help, Finizen swam courageously around the Team Rocket machine, nipping and biting at the nets in an effort to free the captured Pokémon. As he maneuvered his way through the water, he noticed the Hero Palafin also ensnared and struggling to rip away the net's enhanced threads.

With a surge of determination, the young Finizen tried using Water Pulse against the Magikarp machine. The pulses of water energy fizzled as they hit the metallic hull, having no noticeable effect on the formidable machinery. Not deterred, Finizen surfaced and launched himself in an Aqua Jet attack, hoping to at least slow the machine's progress towards the shore. However, the attack was mostly unsuccessful; the machine continued to drag in its nets, barely hindered by the water-based assault.

From within the submarine, a vein appeared on Jessie's forehead. "Can we please do something about that pesky fish?" she snapped.

James corrected her automatically, "Mammal…"

Jessie shot back, "I really don't care."

Meowth, who was peering through a viewport, interjected with exasperation, "Don't look now, but it's da twerp!"

"Oh? Is he with his Kalos Queen?" James couldn't help but smirk.

Jessie struck the back of his head, "I told you! The only reigning monarch around here is me!"

Meanwhile, on the beach, Ash and Serena witnessed the unfolding chaos. Ash's expression hardened as he saw the big red "R" emblazoned on the center of the advancing machine. "Team Rocket!" he growled through gritted teeth, recognizing the insignia all too well.

The sight of Team Rocket's machine ensnaring innocent Pokémon filled him with more than just irritation. Serena, standing beside him, sensed his anger and shared in his determination to stop whatever nefarious plan was underway.

Before either of them knew it, Ash began to strip down to his shorts, rapidly removing his vest and kicking off his shoes. Serena watched with a mix of concern and confusion, quickly gathering his discarded items.

"What do you think you're doing, Ash?" Serena asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Ash offered her a small, reassuring smile beneath his determined eyes. "Swimming out there. Pikachu and I will try and lure that machine closer to shore." His tone was calm, the plan clear in his mind.

Serena understood his intention—once the machine was closer, they could use the rest of their team to take down Team Rocket. She was about to voice her concerns when Ash continued, taking off his shirt and handing it to her without a second glance. He then whistled for Pikachu, who promptly hopped onto his bare shoulder.

Trying to maintain her composure, Serena found her cheeks unexpectedly ablaze. It had been a long, long time since she'd seen Ash shirtless…and the years—and evidently, Blitz training—had sculpted his physique. He was tanned and muscular, the definition of his muscles clear under his skin—his biceps and forearms flexing as he stretched before hitting the water.

"Serena? You okay?" Ash asked, noticing her distant gaze and misreading her expression as concern for his safety. He placed his hands reassuringly on her shoulders. "I'll be fine," he added, trying to comfort her.

"No, I know—I…" Serena started, her gaze flicking back to Delphox and Sylveon, who were giggling at the scene. She shot them a glare before turning back to Ash, her face set in a determined expression as she nodded. "We're here to help."

Ash smiled at her again before turning towards the water. Looking up at Pikachu, he asked, "Ready for a swim?"

Pikachu, though clearly not as enthused about the prospect of getting wet, nodded in agreement.

Ash then noticed Charcadet, who seemed slightly irritated at not having been given a task yet while Kilowattrel continued to fly about the scene with Pancham. "I need you to stay with Serena and keep her safe!" he instructed Charcadet.

Charcadet's eyes lit up, invigorated by the responsibility. The little Fire sprite immediately jumped in front of Serena, assuming a battle stance as if the threat were imminent, ready to protect her at all costs.

Serena sighed and watched as Ash sprinted towards the churning waters. She clutched his shirt against her, feeling the fabric still warm from his body. The ocean was rough, waves crashing with fierce intensity as the chaos around Team Rocket's machine intensified with splashing and mechanical noises.

Ash plunged into the water, his strokes strong and determined, with Pikachu clinging to his back. They swam hard towards the unfolding battle. The duo navigated through the waves, moving with purpose despite the strong tide.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket was busily engaged in hauling their nets full of Finizen and the Palafin. Inside their enhanced Hero Magikarp submarine, Jessie groaned in frustration at the control panel and slammed her fist onto the metal surface. "Could this thing be any slower?"

James, tinkering with an array of levers and buttons, replied anxiously, "It's the weight of all the Pokémon combined!"

Meowth chimed in, "Any way we cans lighten da load?"

"Wait a second!" Jessie exclaimed, her attention caught by the feed from their underwater camera showing a determined Finizen yanking against the net with all his might. "Oh, that's it!" With a determined push of a button, Jessie sent out another retractable arm, controlling it with a remote in an attempt to swat the persistent dolphin away from the net.

Finizen, nimble and quick, did his best to evade the metallic arm, but eventually, he was swiped off the net, which then began to retract at a much faster pace.

"Twerp at twelve o'clock!" James suddenly called out, spotting Ash nearing their position.

Jessie snarled and began maneuvering the machine's mechanical arm towards the young champion. "I don't think so!" she declared, her voice dripping with malice.

Ash, seeing the danger, paused his swimming and waded in the water just in time to dodge the first swipe of the metallic arm. However, he wasn't quick enough to escape completely; the arm caught him by the ankle and dragged him toward the metal Magikarp. Knowing he couldn't use an electric attack without risking his own electrocution, Ash had to think fast. "Pikachu! Iron Tail!"

Pikachu attempted the move but lost sight of the retractable arm in the dark blue water. The electric mouse then landed in the sea and began to struggle while Ash was pulled further away. As Ash was dragged across the surface of the water and then lifted high for Team Rocket to view him through their windshield, he reflected that maybe this plan had been a bit impulsive.

Meanwhile, Finizen noticed Pikachu's distress and quickly picked up the Electric rodent. Soon enough, Pikachu was pointing worriedly towards Ash, speaking rapidly. Finizen, understanding the situation, looked impressed and determined. This trainer was also trying to save the Hero—so Finizen had to help!

Finizen barked at Pikachu, who then clung to the Water Pokémon's dorsal fin. With a powerful surge, Finizen brought Pikachu back towards Ash, who was still being dragged and then hoisted by the mechanical arm.

Jessie, watching the unfolding drama from behind the glass, laughed melodramatically, "Well, well, well, look what we have here—a fish caught on the hook!"

Ash shouted defiantly, "Team Rocket! Let all those Pokémon go! Or else!"

James clucked and wagged a finger, "Excuse me, but you're in no position to be giving orders."

Meowth's smile broadened as he added, "Besides, once we gets the Hero, we'll lets the others go scot-free. So don'ts ya worry your big ole head 'bout it! Except we'll be takin' dat Pikachu of yours too."

James grinned alongside, "Might as well." The trio seemed all too pleased with their catch, not realizing the determination and resourcefulness of their opponents were about to turn the tide of this encounter.

Hanging upside down and dripping, Ash gritted his teeth as he faced Team Rocket's taunts. Just as he was about to respond, his gaze fell on Pikachu riding Finizen in the water below. A smirk spread across his face as he turned back to his captors. "I'll give you guys one last chance…"

Jessie scoffed, placing her hands on her hips with exaggerated arrogance. "Or what?"

Ash grinned, undeterred by the challenge. "Is that a 'no'?"

"Of course that's a 'no,' you insolent—" Jessie began to retort, her face contorted in frustration.

"If you want Pikachu then you're gonna have to keep up!" Ash cut her off, turning his attention to his partner. "Pikachu! Iron Tail!"

"Pika—chu!" Pikachu's tail lit up brilliantly as he executed the attack, slashing through the retractable arm that held Ash. Once severed, Ash plummeted back into the sea with a splash.

Underwater, Ash opened his eyes to the sight of the net full of Finizen and the Hero Palafin, their movements hindered by the strong, durable cords of the net. Holding his breath, he examined the net closely; it was made of some robust material. He realized he would need to take down the machine first and then free them. But most importantly, he couldn't be in the water when the machine went down.

Resurfacing with a large gulp of air, Ash looked around and found Pikachu and Finizen close by, swimming towards him. Pikachu chirped excitedly, explaining to Ash what he'd missed during his brief capture.

"Hey, thanks Finizen!" Ash grinned, acknowledging the brave little Pokémon's efforts. "Um, mind if I hitch a ride?"

Finizen chirped happily and nodded, delighted to be of help.

"Awesome!" Ash exclaimed, his spirits lifted as he threw an arm around Finizen's slippery body.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket watched in frustration as Ash and Pikachu began to get away. Jessie was seething, her anger boiling over at yet another destroyed attachment to their machine. "Come on!" she yelled, overriding James's control and taking charge of maneuvering their Magikarp machine to follow Ash and Pikachu. The net full of Finizen and the Palafin dragged ominously behind them.

On the beach, Serena's eyes widened as she spotted Ash returning with Team Rocket close on his tail. Turning towards her assembled Pokémon, her expression was one of fierce determination. "Alright, guys! Let's get ready! Kilowattrel, go support Ash from the air! Charcadet, stay by Delphox!"

Obediently, Kilowattrel took flight, soaring into the sky with powerful wing beats, while Charcadet hopped onto Delphox's shoulder, ready to unleash their combined fiery attacks. Sylveon and a still-filming Pancham followed closely as Serena kicked off her shoes and ran up, calf-deep into the water. "Hurry, Ash!" she called out, her voice carrying over the waves as she shielded her eyes from the sun.

From their machine, James snickered at the sight of their approach. "Time to show them what else our baby can do!" He pressed a series of buttons, and the Magikarp submarine began to shoot water balloons from its gaping mouth, some splashing near Serena and soaking her.

"Urgh! Seriously?!" Serena exclaimed, dripping and disgruntled.

James, Jessie, and Meowth laughed over their intercom, enjoying their small moment of mischief.

Serena glared at the looming mecha, now alarmingly close to shore. Ash was standing waist deep in the water beside Finizen, with Pikachu back on his shoulder, while the net full of Pokémon trailed exposed behind the submarine.

"Serena!" Ash called, receiving her attention.

"On it!" the honey-blonde responded, her face set with resolve. "Delphox, use Fire Spin to blind them! Charcadet, help out how you can!" Serena commanded.

The Pokémon unleashed their attacks, Charcadet casting his eerie shadows of Night Shade towards Team Rocket's windshields, periscopes, and cameras, while Delphox whipped up a fiery vortex aimed at obstructing their view.

Turning to Sylveon, Serena issued another directive. "Sylveon! Use Swift on that net!" The Fairy Pokémon complied, sending a barrage of star-shaped rays at the net, only for the attack to bounce off the sturdy cords.

As the smoke and shadows cleared, Team Rocket's smug faces reappeared through the windshield. "Nice try!" Jessie's voice taunted from the submarine. "But that net is designed to withstand Pokémon attacks."

Ash's brow furrowed, a muscle feathering along his jaw in frustration. "Alright then, well let's see how your big fish holds up to this!" He looked towards Serena, and the two exchanged a nod of understanding and strategy.

"Delphox, use Psychic and stop that machine in its tracks!" Serena commanded. Delphox's eyes turned a deep blue as she focused her psychic energy, her teeth gritted as she struggled to maintain the power necessary to halt the Magikarp.

"Keep it up, Delphox! Now, Pikachu, Kilowattrel—Use Thunderbolt!" Ash called out. The Electric-type Pokémon unleashed their voltage, but the attack merely fizzled against the submarine's metal hull, doing little damage.

James chuckled, "Ah! You'll have to generate more power than that to get past our rubber lining. Genius, is it not?"

Ash, undeterred, quickly began thinking of another plan. Observing their efforts, Finizen, who had been watching Ash battle with awe, seemed eager to assist. Ash noticed the young Pokémon's enthusiasm and readiness.

Ash gave Finizen a thumbs up, appreciating the Water Pokémon's readiness to assist in their strategic counterattack. With determination set firmly in his gaze, Ash waded as quickly as he could through the water towards Serena. Reaching her side, almost breathless from the effort and the urgency of the situation, Ash's attention momentarily drifted to Serena's soaking white tank-top, which clung to her figure. Yeah…this was not the time.

Ash cleared his throat, refocusing on the task at hand. "Think Delphox's fire can burn that rubber lining off?" he asked, his tone serious.

Serena's smile was confident, her eyes sparkling. "You bet! Mind if we borrow Charcadet again?"

Before Ash could respond, Charcadet gave the honey-blonde a thumbs up, signaling his eagerness to continue the fight. The little Fire sprite seemed thrilled to be at the center of the action, still perched on Delphox's shoulder.

With no time to waste, Serena turned her attention back to Team Rocket's machine, which had just been released from Delphox's psychic grip. "Delphox, use Mystical Fire! Charcadet, ride those flames and use Flame Charge! Make sure all that rubber is burned away!" she commanded, her voice carrying over the noise of the battle.

Delphox summoned a swirling torrent of Mystical Fire, the flames dancing with intense heat and magical energy. Charcadet, fueled by the heat and power of Delphox's attack, leaped from the Fire Pokémon's shoulder and into the heart of the flames. Riding the wave of fire, Charcadet charged forward, his body enveloped in a blazing aura.

As the flames engulfed the Magikarp machine, the heat intensified, effectively starting to melt and burn away its protective coating. The spectacle drew cheers from the gathered crowd on the beach. The execution was flawless, the heat fierce enough to compromise the rubber without causing harm to the trapped Pokémon within the net.

Next, Ash turned to Finizen, Pikachu, and Kilowattrel, a grin spreading across his face. "Okay, now, guys!" he shouted over the roar of the flames.

Finizen launched a powerful Water Pulse just as Pikachu and Kilowattrel unleashed their Thunderbolt attacks. The turret of water intensified the electricity as together they struck the mecha, causing it to smoke and malfunction.

James, watching the systems flicker and fail, grimaced. "Uh-oh. It's not looking good, I'm afraid…"

Jessie sighed and strapped on a helmet with a pout, crossing her arms in resignation. "Someone just give me a countdown."

Holding up his small paw, Meowth obliged. "Three…two…one…"

The Magikarp submarine broke apart spectacularly, sending pieces of debris flying. The attachment holding the net snapped off, loosening the net and freeing all the captives. Now free, Palafin wound up one of its muscular arms and delivered a heroic punch that sent the remnants of the machine soaring high into the air.

As the debris arced across the sky, the familiar chorus rang out from the tumbling figures of Team Rocket, barely audible over the sound of splashing and cheers from the beach.

"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!"

The beach erupted in applause and cheers as Ash, Serena, and their Pokémon watched the spectacle, relieved and victorious.

"Alright, guys!" Ash exclaimed, his face beaming with pride and relief as he gave high-fives to his Pokémon, celebrating their victory over Team Rocket. Turning to Finizen, he said warmly, "Thanks for your help, Finizen. You were really brave."

Just then, the Hero Palafin swam over to Finizen, giving the young dolphin Pokémon a wink and a thumbs up in approval of his courage and initiative. Finizen's eyes sparkled with excitement, clearly thrilled by the acknowledgement from his hero. In a playful gesture, he grabbed Pikachu with his fins, pointing enthusiastically at the Palafin just before the mighty Pokémon disappeared back into the sea. Finizen then chirped excitedly to Pikachu, who turned to Ash and began chattering, as if translating Finizen's enthusiasm.

Ash adjusted his cap over his wet hair and placed his hands on his hips, looking down at Finizen with a gentle smile. "So you want to be a Hero too, huh?" he asked. Finizen nodded eagerly, his whole body vibrating with excitement.

Spreading his hands to indicate his other Pokémon partners—Charcadet, now settled on his shoulder, and Kilowattrel flapping nearby—Ash continued, "Well, I don't know too much about all that yet, but if you want, you can join our team and together we can achieve our dreams! I'm sure we can get you to Hero Form in no time!"

Internally, Finizen felt a rush of joy and purpose. He felt like he had found a new group of friends who recognized his potential and believed in him. Not only that, but this trainer seemed determined and brave and willing to help! With a hearty chirp, the dolphin accepted Ash's offer, his decision clear and enthusiastic. Ash and the other Pokémon cheered, welcoming him with open arms. "Alright! Welcome aboard!" Ash declared.

Meanwhile, Serena trudged through the settling waves to get closer to Ash. The water was now above her knees, but her focus was on the scene unfolding before her. Hand over her heart, relieved and proud, she watched Ash interact with his new Pokémon recruit. When the young champion turned to look at her, he met her halfway with a smile.

"Hi, Finizen! Thanks for helping!" Serena waved towards the new member of his team, her voice carrying warmth and gratitude. Then, turning to Ash, her expression shifted slightly to concern. "Ash, are you okay? That was a little dangerous…"

Ash responded with a sheepish grin, pulling her into a hug that caught her slightly off guard. "Yeah, I know. Sorry about that," he said, then pulling back to scratch his nose. "But we sure made a great team, didn't we?"

Serena's lips formed a mock pout, though her eyes sparkled with affection at Ash's words. Before she could reply, Pancham gave a loud whistle from the beach, grinning widely from beside Sylveon and Delphox. It seemed the little panda had managed to film the entire scene.

"You got all of that?" Serena called back to Pancham, who just smirked and gave her a thumbs up.

Serena laughed, turning back to Ash and fixing his crooked, wet hat. "Well, I think you have yourself an exciting promo video, Mr. Ketchum."

Ash chuckled, his eyes scanning the beach playfully before leaning in to whisper, "I really have to start writing Team Rocket thank you cards…" His voice dropped to a hopeful murmur—warmth spreading across his damp cheeks, "Um, but since we're done, does that mean we get to…you know, have more time to ourselves?"

Serena, also blushing but smiling smally, nodded slowly. "I think that something can be arranged…"

Resting atop Finizen, Pikachu shook his head with a sigh and began to catch the dolphin up on what to expect when it came to the young couple…


Well! Hope you liked this more light-hearted, fun chapter! Ash got a new friend—yay! We finally brought in Dawn, Lisia, and May. Dawn will be here to stay moreso than the other two. This is mostly to add some conflict to the contest scene and to indulgently create some *drama*. Teehee.

As for the battle between Ash and Serena, I hope it came across as more light-hearted. Again, this was not like an official battle between the two of them. Regardless, I hope it was clear that Serena was working way harder than Ash just to keep up, while Ash—though impressed with her battling—was never in any dire position. They were mostly just having fun, and moving forward we will see them training together and Serena learning more from him as she travels with him this arc. Of course, Serena, again, hopefully still came across as more than capable and learning to think outside the box.

Next chapter will see the Iono/Ash showdown and some developments on the Team Star front. Chapter 30, we will be in Pallet Town! Stay tuned!