Author's Notes
BAARREEEEELLLYYYY MADE IT! 1st of August coming in clutch.
It's getting tiring, I know. But this chapter's another short one.
Tis another setup chapter but for Serena this time. (It's a pretty important one since its worldbuilding)
Team Flare's been a tad quiet lately so I wanna make sure Serena gets some powerups before I write another confrontation.
The next chapter's where the good stuff is: Chuck vs Ash.
You might recall how Chuck's Gym cannot be skipped due to what I have planned.
And believe me, I have some plans...
Reviews, there's only one that needs some explaining but thanks to Regulus, Wissper and Tainan for your reviews! Really appreciated them.
blueJJay0:
I wonder if the mystic eyes of death perception are gonna make an appearance in the future and who's gonna have them.
Ah yes, the MEoDP.
The most broken pair of eyes in anime. (Yes, including Sharingan/Jougan or whatever bs Boruto's been cooking to make sure Sasuke becomes irrelevant)
Death Perception IS going to appear but who's having them is a spoiler.
(It's not Ash lol)
Alright, a bit short but I'll reach 120% of my potential for the next chapter, toodles!
Chapter 81: Growth
"There are no guarantees in Pokémon Battles."
"No matter your status, anybody can defeat you; even if you're a Champion."
- Lance, Chapter 28
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.
.
Ever since that day, I had always replayed that scene countless times.
We were just playing, frolicking near a forest while our Dads were busy.
And then… we saw it.
That sight was forever burned into my brain.
The blue dragon with red wings.
…
Ash and Pikachu took a side as they faced Brendan and Nana.
The raven-haired boy felt apprehensive as he did not want to hurt the hyena.
"You're still looking down at us," Brendan frowned.
"What? No, I'm not!" Ash denied.
They were deep within the forest, surrounded by the woods.
It was to prevent awakening the Centre's residents as their battle might get noisier.
"Let's do an Unrestricted Battle. That's your specialty, right?" the white-hatted boy said.
Ash, on the other hand, was still in slight shock at Brendan's current behaviour.
He could not understand why he was doing such a thing.
"Let's start."
"Arf!"
It was for a moment.
The raven-haired boy was observing the hyena.
And then…
0.13 seconds elapsed.
"Dodge with-!"
A slight hesitation costed Ash the first move.
"Pika!" the electric mouse growled in pain.
It was [Bite].
By all accounts, it would not pose a threat for Ash and Pikachu.
But the speed at which Nana executed the move, adding the fact they were a few metres apart… it was too surprising for Ash.
Mind's Eye caught it, but the boy hesitated.
"Do you know, Ash? What a Trainer needs in battle?" Brendan asked.
"Most people would say skills and talent, right?"
Ash wondered where this was going.
"But my childhood teacher in Hoenn once taught me that the most important thing to a Trainer is 'mindset'."
'Mindset?' Ash blinked.
"Right now, my mindset for to take you down… is 'fighting for my life'."
Nana pounced from above, baring her fangs at Pikachu once more.
"[Quick Attack]!"
A speedy Pikachu zipped out of range, twirling in the air away from Nana.
"[Hyper Beam]!"
A beam of light shot towards the airborne mouse, who sparked his cheeks in response.
"Counter with [Thunderbolt]!"
BOOM!
"Pika?!" Pikachu squeaked in astonishment.
'What? That [Hyper Beam] didn't resist as hard as I thought,' alarms blared in Ash's head.
Tmp, tmp, tmp!
"Nana, [Snarl]!"
"Arffff!"
Rings of purple emanated from the hyena, damaging Pikachu as he felt his lightning getting weaker.
"Pikachu, get some distance!" Ash panicked.
A [Volt Tackle] retreat created space, but the damage Pikachu took was present.
"A [Hyper Beam] without a recharge?" Ash took a deep breath.
"My mentor was a Normal Gym Leader. He managed to teach Nana how to use it despite Poochyenas never having that kind of move before," Brendan answered.
"Doesn't explain the lack of refractory period."
"I had Nana do an Equivalent Exchange. In return for zero recharge, [Hyper Beam] would be weakened by half."
For Brendan to create an Equivalent Exchange for [Hyper Beam], it highlighted how strong he was as well as a certain person of interest who used said move.
'That means Drake's Dragonite was that strong. A [Hyper Beam] that was strong AND without an Exchange is crazy…' Ash recalled, impressed by the orange dragon's recharge or seemingly lack thereof.
Before Ash could ponder longer, Nana was already back on the prowl.
"[Snarl]!"
'Damnit!' Ash gritted his teeth.
Another emission of purple rings hit Pikachu, causing him to wince in pain.
"Tch, we're going in, Pikachu! [Thunderbolt]!"
Gold lightning collected as the mouse launched his signature attack.
…Only for Nana to shrug it off with minimal damage.
"Wha?!"
"[Snarl] weakens the opponent's Special Attack. The reason you fell for it is cuz you weren't taking us seriously," Brendan said.
"[Bite]!"
But instead, Nana's glowing fangs transformed.
Her white energy blackened, manifesting outwards as dark curved fangs.
'No way, Nana learned [Crunch] at this time?!' Ash could not believe his eyes.
"Pikaaaa!"
His partner's cries of pain shook him.
He shot [Thunderbolt] multiple times, but was still unable to even shock Nana.
The hyena's body riddled with electrified wounds, but her eyes remained steadfast as if she was trying to prove a point.
Both her and her Trainer wanted the same thing:
Ash's acknowledgment.
"[Hyper Beam]!" Brendan cried out.
Still trapped within the dark fangs, Pikachu could only writhe in uselessness as the hyena finished him off with a blinding white light.
BOOOOOM!
The raven-haired boy stood in stunned silence.
The reality hit him.
He had lost.
Pikachu had lost.
They were utterly defeated by the novice Trainer.
Ash thought he had the upper hand, but it was Brendan.
The white-hatted boy had been hiding his prowess all this time.
"Partner, ya alright?" Ash carried the injured mouse.
"Pikapi…" Pikachu gave a weak thumbs up as he grinned.
…
The two Trainers returned to Ash's camp.
The raven-haired boy tended to the two Pokémon's wounds as the Centre's Nurse Joy was asleep at this hour.
'Better not wake her up…' Ash concluded as he wrapped Nana's paw tenderly.
"Sorry," Brendan suddenly uttered.
"Dude, your mood is all over the place. Pick one and talk, man," Ash groaned with a displeased expression.
"Besides, what kinda friend beats up a guy and apologizes right after? Seems stupid," Ash pouted.
"...Pft, hahaha. I guess so," Brendan laughed.
After the two Pokémon were recovered, they played around the campfire with the white-hatted boy's other Pokémon while their Trainers talked.
"I'm the one who should apologize, Brendan," Ash started.
"You were right. I was looking down on you, but it wasn't for what you think."
Brendan and his Pokémon listened before wondering what Ash was doing.
The raven-haired boy lifted his clothes, revealing the scars on his body.
What caught their bewildered eyes was the X-shaped scar etched onto his heart.
"T-t-that…! That can't be!" Brendan stuttered in horror.
"How did you… survive?"
"It's a long story," Ash smirked, unaware of the ghastly faces of the others.
…
The raven-haired boy told him everything:
His death at the hands of Mewtwo.
His revival. His AURA.
Everything prior to Johto.
The only thing Ash did not reveal was Zacian.
He did not understand why, but he felt uneasy whenever he tried to add her in.
And so, he opted to not tell Brendan.
"So it was you? The Mewtwo discovery and Shamouti Crisis?" the white-hatted boy breathed out.
"Yeah," Ash nodded without missing a beat.
'I mean technically it was Archer's doing during Shamouti…'
"Just yeah?! Dude, you died!"
"I mean, I'm here now."
Brendan had half a mind to smack the clueless Ash.
'For the love of… How did Serena put up with this guy?!' he felt a certain migraine creeping up.
A sleeping Misty slumbered well, knowing another had experienced the headache that was Ash Ketchum.
"So? Is that why you keep babying me?" Brendan calmed down.
"I never meant it like that. It's just that ever since I encountered so many threats, and I'm sure they'll keep increasing knowing my luck, I don't wanna see anybody going through what I did," Ash explained.
"I was hunted throughout Kanto. At the very least, I wanted you to have a hassle-free journey."
The white-hatted boy understood.
The reasoning was messed up, but understandable.
Although he was mostly horrified and angry at Ash's logic, Brendan was at least glad his friend did not think of him as a burden.
Finally, Brendan responded.
In the form of taking off his white hat.
"...?!" Ash was surprised.
The boy's hair was soot black.
And on his forehead were two gigantic claw marks.
"...This is a story of a boy and a girl."
Ash sat straight, awaiting for Brendan's continuation.
"They were 5 years old at that time, childhood friends who played all day long because their fathers worked together," the soot-haired boy gave a melancholic smile.
'5 years old? Around that time, I was…' Ash reminisced.
His fated encounter with a straw hat girl.
"One day, while they played near a forest… a Salamence appeared."
'Salamence?'
"She… she almost died. If the boy… If I hadn't pushed her away just a second later, she would've… she would've…" Brendan's hands trembled, remembering the traumatic experience.
"Pika," Pikachu hopped onto Brendan's shoulder, rubbing his red cheek on his face.
The boys' Pokémon quickly gathered, comforting the soot-haired boy as he calmed from their assuring company.
"Thanks, guys," Brendan sighed in relief.
"After that, all of us battled Salamence. I don't know how long it was after getting slashed on the head, but we eventually drove it off."
"And then… she looked at me," he laughed despairingly.
"I can never forget the way she cried her eyes out, shrinking in fear at my bloodied face."
"That's why I prefer Contests now. Beauty is better than violence, right? But, pft. Ironic how I gotta battle 8 Gyms to get a License to do that."
'That explains why Brendan and his Pokémon are strong. But what's a Salamence?' Ash thought while opening his Dex.
[=]
Salamence, the Dragon Pokémon
Salamence came about as a result of a strong, long-held dream of growing wings. It is said that this powerful desire triggered a sudden mutation in this Pokémon's cells, causing it to sprout its magnificent wings. While basking in the joy of flight generally keeps this Pokémon in high spirits, Salamence turns into an uncontrollable menace if something angers it.
[=]
"Dragon…"
Dragon...
The soot-haired boy felt a sudden wave of hostility emitting from Ash, turning towards him in fear.
"Ash?"
"Huh?"
At once, the raven-haired boy's air shifted back to normal.
It was as if his demeanour was cloaked.
"...Nothing. It's getting late," Brendan shook his head.
"...Thanks, Brendan."
An abrupt gratitude from Ash had the soot-haired boy surprised.
"I really needed that loss, it was refreshing. And thanks for opening up to me, Brendan," he smiled.
The boys shared a snicker, boding each other goodnight.
"By the way, you still remember that girl?"
"...No. Not even her face," Brendan shook his head.
"But there is one thing I remember: the childhood name I gave her."
"What was it?"
"...Sapphire."
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I felt myself drifting off to sleep.
It had been a long time since.
Tired out of my mind, I sank further.
Within my drowse, I half-expected Zacian to come out.
But she did not come.
I remembered her words of being preoccupied with something.
Knowing that made me feel calm.
Because I knew she was still with me.
But my sleep was altered.
What?
My eyes opened wide.
I felt the stinging cries of men outside.
My surroundings had changed.
It was a room of carved stone, a bed I sat with quilt.
Where… Where am I?
The flames of the candles flickered as I cowered.
But it was not 'me'.
BAM!
The wooden door slammed open as 'I' flinched.
"Sister!" an unknown girl hugged 'me'.
"O, thank the gods! My sweet sister."
Sister? Me?!
Now I was really worried.
…For a completely different reason.
"What hast happened, Sister Elaine?" 'I' asked with quiver in 'my' lips.
Now I'm talking? Who am I?!
"...Father has perished in battle. We must make haste to Mother," the girl named Elaine answered grimly.
"Father…" the person I inhabited fell to her knees.
"Quickly, sister. Let us go!"
Before they exited 'my' room, I took notice of a mirror.
A quick glance would do.
I needed to know who 'I' am.
And my eyes laid upon the looking glass.
…Only to find it cracked beyond repair.
Not yet, Tonelico.
"GAH!" I yelped.
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.
.
The meadow welcomed the raven-haired boy as he fell on his back.
"Zacian!" he beamed.
He sat up, hugging the tall woman.
Tis good to see thee as well, darling.
"What was that? Did I become a girl or something?" he questioned frantically.
Fufufu, nothing to worry about. Thy manhood is still intact.
"...Ew! Gross!" the boy covered his front.
Hm, children are quite sensitive about the anatomy at such age.
I do question this era's teachings.
"Enough about that. Just what happened?"
…T'was the dream cycle.
"Dream cycle?"
Aye. Though rare, an Incarnation is able to peer into the past of their Legends.
"So that vision just now, it was your memory?"
…A story for another time.
'Must be something she doesn't wanna talk about. Best not to push it,' Ash noted.
"And Legends refer to…"
Legends are those who created a pact with mortals. An Incarnation's beginning.
"But you're not a God… right?"
The snow-haired woman smiled daintily.
Perhaps, perhaps not.
"Whuh?" Ash blurted stupidly.
…I must confess something to thee, Tonelico.
The raven-haired boy heard the edge of seriousness in her words and listened intently.
Guardians bless their Incarnations with gifts and the like. However, I do not view them as such.
That is why I call these so-called Blessings… Stigmas.
"Stigma? Am I sick or something?" Ash tilted his head.
Tis a trait. It symbolises the union of a Guardian and their Incarnation.
Think of it as a birth certificate.
'A trait?'
"Does that mean I inherited something from you?" Ash asked.
Aye. Because of our bond, some of it may have passed onto thee, much to my displeasure.
"It can't be that bad, Zacian," Ash stared dubiously.
I'm glad thou thinks as such, but tis not.
The trait I was born with is known as Three Faces.
"...Three Faces?"
In modern terms, tis similar to split personalities inhabiting a singular body.
"Cool. So I have 3 godmothers?" Ash lit up with the ignorance of a newborn.
Seeing such innocence caused the snow-haired woman's body to unwillingly hug the clueless boy in a fit of affection.
Honestly, thy demeanour mirrors Delia!
But the woman was glad it was. Her affection was infectious as Ash giggled at the woman's face rubbing and tickling him.
"So? Do your personalities have names, or do I have to call them by number?"
Oh? And what number would I be?
"Of course you're number 1?" Ash answered with a look that said it was obvious.
Kya~ So I am thy number 1?
'This woman's a riot…' he kept that to himself.
Ahem, to continue…
'Um, no. It's too late to act dignified now…'
My current face is known as the Warrior Maiden, Zacian.
"Ohhhh… that sounds so cool!"
Fufufu, that gladdens me to hear.
The second face is a more… ugly one.
"Can't remember if you've said this before, kinda think you did…"
(*Chapter 59)
Their conversations continued all throughout Ash's sleep.
…
The days we can spend together are soon to be limited, Tonelico.
But tis necessary for us to meet in the real world.
Willst thou be fine? Willst thou be happy?
Such thoughts plagued me recently.
Entering the Root once more was a boon… For now, I can leave thee with this.
SYSTEM CREATION: 86% COMPLETE
Oh, my little raven.
I cannot wait to feel your embrace.
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The following days were of travelling to Olivine City.
Due to the geography of Johto, the aforementioned city was in-between their location and Cianwood City, their next destination.
Although Ash wanted to challenge Jasmine first, Misty rejected his proposal.
This was due to Provisional Trainers like Brendan having to follow a certain sequence of Gym Leaders. Unfortunately for them, Chuck was before Jasmine.
As they travelled, Misty noticed how close Ash and Brendan had become after the day of their 4th Badge.
In fact, they were so chummy that it was getting harder to not think of them as brothers due to their appearances.
'Weird… They were definitely bickering that day and now they're all buddies suddenly? Must be a boys thing,' she concluded.
…
Olivine City, Johto Region
A familiar scenery greeted Ash as he was once more stepping foot into the port city. Only this time, they arrived at sunset.
"Just as bustling as ever," he commented while taking in the sea's air.
"You've been here before, Red?" the white-hatted boy asked.
'Calling him Red now?! Just how close did they get?!' Misty stared dumbfounded.
"Yeah, both Misty and I arrived in Johto here. Was a really freaky coincidence, right?"
"You got that right, R- Ash," the redhead nodded.
The group walked into the heart of the city, Larvitar taking in the sights as it was his first time seeing such a place.
"Yogi!" the green reptile cooed at the sight of the sea.
A vast surface of blue, lit beautifully by the evening glow.
"It's beautiful, right?" the raven-haired boy smiled to which the baby nodded.
"There's someone I wanna show this to…"
A promise from his childhood.
'I wonder how she's doing now?'
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Pokémon Academy, Kalos Region
School started as per usual, but with Cynthia's absence due to her Champion duties, Professor Sycamore would take over homeroom in her place.
Since exams were coming up once again, the students of Class A or what was left of them due to most getting their Provisional License, merged with Class B.
With the joint classes, everyone studied in groups.
A honey blonde sat with perfect posture, writing down her notes with neat handwriting…
All so she could ignore the sleazy orange spikes chatting next to her.
"Hey, Ice Queen. I don't know if you know…" Cross blabbered.
"No I don't," she quipped while writing.
"I'm actually from Alola, y'know?"
"And I'm from Kalos."
Her curt responses merely fueled the spiky haired boy to continue.
"Hahaha! I was thinking how 'bout you give me a tour of Lumiose?"
"Just the two of us."
As he finished his words, the study group had quite the number of angered individuals.
Of course, Tierno as an admirer of the honey blonde was included but so were other notable ones.
Calem and Shauna, who were both childhood friends of Serena and her staunch protectors since her return from Kanto.
Alain and Kimia, the honey blonde's older friends who caught her uncomfort with Cross.
Finally, Gary and Blue. Both of who were incredibly riled by the spike-haired boy's behaviour.
Trevor was the only one trying to think of a way to mediate the two.
"Haah… Cross?" Serena sighed.
The Alolan boy perked up, grinning as he awaited her reply.
His wish was granted.
"S'il vous plaît, gardez votre sale langue loin de nous. En fait, repoussez-le dans cette vile grotte que vous appelez une bouche."
Her piercing royal blue eyes drove their gaze deep into Cross' eyes, which caused him to instinctively look away in fear.
Two reactions were present for the Kanto natives:
"Eh? What did she say, Green?" Blue whispered to Gary. (Not quite fluent in Kalosian)
'Holy shit, she didn't hold back!' Gary clutched his head in bewilderment. (Very fluent in Kalosian)
"E-Eh… That was some intense flirting," Cross shrugged it off.
Just like that, Serena's day just went a lot worse.
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.
.
The green blobs heard the penthouse door clicked open, revealing the honey blonde as she had returned from school.
"Welcome back, Serena," they wobbled joyously.
"Hey, guys. Did you two have fun here?" she smiled, her spirits lifted after seeing the Cores.
"Verily so. This 'anime' is aesthetically pleasing to watch," Squishy nodded to itself.
"How wrong of you, my other self. Clearly, realistic drama paints a more vivid and engaging scenario," Puni-chan disagreed.
"Wow, you guys really had fun," the honey blonde commented as she headed into her room to change out of her uniform.
…
Serena returned to the living room with her pink loungewear while her Pokémon yipped away at their day at school.
"A boy dares to philander with our girl?! How ludicrous!" Squishy fumed.
"An Alolan boy at that! He shames the Island Deities' teachings!" Puni-chan agreed aggressively.
"Teachings? Oh, the Na Waiwai*?" Serena recalled vaguely.
(Alola's treasured values*)
"Serena, it is time we teach you some self-defense," they wobbled.
"Self-defense? If it's that, I do know how to fight," the honey blonde assured as she was taught how to in the past.
"It is not physical training we are imparting, dear," Squishy shook its head.
"Oh, then what is it?"
"Without Cynthia here to protect you, let alone us, we must hasten your growth," Puni-chan explained.
"True, I don't think I can beat those Valkyrie ladies again without borrowing your powers again. And really, I feel apprehensive doing that when you guys are already weak from that Foreigner sickness," Serena nodded in understanding.
The girl was calm and able to see the bigger picture, not one to head into trouble without thinking.
"We are now going to teach you… Runes."
"...Runes?"
.
.
.
Runes.
Ancient symbols which once inscribed, automatically realized the rune's meaning into reality.
"The red suits, Team Flare. To make sure you are well-equipped to face them in the future, it is best you have a hidden card to surprise them," Squishy explained.
"However, this might be difficult for you, Serena. The Primordial Runes are another language by itself despite only having 24 of them," Puni-chan.
But the Cores' expression turned into one of muted surprise when the honey blonde revealed her exam papers.
Apparently, Serena excelled tremendously in Languages, even better than Gary.
It could be said that it was her strongest subject.
"Not to brag but I've never gotten less than 100% before since starting school. As for the Runes, I think I can handle them," she displayed a cheeky grin.
'Red used to speak broken Kalosian to talk with me. Not that I didn't like it, it was cute how hard he tried,' she smiled devilishly as she remembered the 5-year-old stuttering all over his words.
Serena wanted to be at least great in Languages so that she and Ash would not have communication problems in the future.
The Cores were truly glad to have Serena as their custodian, exponentially increasing their desire to make the girl their Incarnation.
They only regretted the fact they were weakened now.
"Ahem, very well. As we've said before, there are 24 unique Runes to learn, each with its own meanings and the phenomenon they bring about into reality," Puni-chan continued.
"For example…"
The green blob hopped onto the back of Serena's hand. Then, its worm-like 'leg' glowed and began to draw a symbol on her knuckles:
ᚢ
"Uruz."
The rune activated, granting the honey blonde a sudden burst of power within her hand.
"Woah!" she yelped at the energy welling up.
"That Rune is Uruz. A strengthening symbol that grants the user immense strength depending on the amount of AURA fed into it," Squishy said, amused by the girl's reaction.
"AURA? But I can't use it though since I'm not a Wielder, right?" Serena recalled with a confused tone.
"That's right, that's where Runes come in handy. The symbols require you to draw them in order for them to activate," Squishy hopped onto the honey blonde's head.
"The motion of drawing the Rune as well as the body part you used to draw creates a link connecting your reserve with the symbol. After that, it goes dormant until you chant its name."
"I think I get it. Basically, even if someone accidentally drew the Rune, it doesn't activated since no one would know the Rune's name… Wait. Isn't that just gatekeeping?" the honey blonde said all except whispering that last part to herself.
And so, Serena's training(?) began.
.
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.
A few days later…
Serena stood on the battlefield of Cynthia's penthouse, brandishing her black bow.
Her bowstring taut, the arrow straightened; she let it fly.
Fwooooo!
The arrow sang across the room but before it could hit the target, Serena focused onto the sharpened head: a Rune engraved upon it.
"Isa!"
The arrow stabbed into the target, exploding into a starburst of cold ice.
"I did it!" the honey blonde beamed.
"Well done, Serena," the blobs nodded in approval.
"Fouuuu!" Fennekin sparkled in awe.
"Vui…" Eevee was jaw-dropped similarly.
'Phew, it's hot. Makes sense since summer's close... Gotta cool down,' Serena let out a puff of air.
ᛁ: Isa, the Rune of Ice.
However, depending on its interpretation, it could also mean 'stillness'.
The honey blonde tested that interpretation with a second arrow, discovering another effect:
"Isa!"
This time, the flying arrow halted midair as if it had been stopped by an invisible force.
"Cool… It's basically a paralysis condition," she whistled.
The Cores were more than impressed.
The honey blonde was just as skilled as their previous Incarnation all those centuries ago, but what made Serena such a prodigy was her level of proficiency.
The girl managed to master Runes in just a few days as opposed to their estimated timeframe of months.
A sense of pride welled up within them akin to parents towards their child.
"It isn't so bad. It's just the comprehension of the Runes that needs learning," she said without realizing how talented she was.
"Since I don't actually use AURA nor do I need to in order to activate them, it's just a memory game of what the Runes do."
A complete opposite of Ash Ketchum.
Serena was born a prodigious child who excelled in everything she did while Ash was someone who hyperspecialized in one thing.
"Congratulations, Serena," Squishy hopped in glee.
"Now whenever that Cross boy ever dares set foot anywhere close to you…" Puni-chan darkened.
"...Hit him where it hurts!" Serena shot a satisfied smirk with a thumbs up.
The Cores were truly proud of her.
'It's been a few days since I've heard from Red now that I think about it,' she thought to herself.
'If I remember, the next Gym's at Cianwood City. I wonder if he's having trouble there.'
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"Heracross is unable to battle! Machamp wins!"
Reconciliation between friends.
A downed beetle in the face of a four-armed fighter.
The cycle of dreams between souls.
"Oi, oi! We've been over this, brat!"
Runes.
Current record: 0 to 20.
The boy grinned.
"AGAIN!"
Chapter 81: Growth
"Yessir!"
Author's Notes
ASH:
We losing our streak with this one!
It's about time Ash loses. And believe me, this is just the beginning.
No one likes a story where the MC wins all the time, it gets stale after a while.
So looking through my past chapters, I realized this dude hasn't lost an official battle since the Orange Islands!
Technically, Brendan and Misty now have wins over him but those were for sparring.
As you can see at the end of the chapter, Ash is gonna have a losing streak starting next chapter.
Chapter name's Growth yet his growth is taking place next chapter lol.
BRENDAN:
Oh yeah. We Adventures now.
If you think about it, Brendan has a really shitty childhood compared to even Ash. (not really though since we haven't covered a certain incident)
At 5 years old, Brendan had to fend off an overgrown salamander with wings, get his forehead slashed, traumatized his beloved.
All within a span of 10 minutes. That's kinda fucked up if you think about it.
That's why Ruby being a Contest nerd is justified since they were children, the time they were most vulnerable.
But Fated!Brendan's gonna be a lil more Battle-y in the future since Johto's finale is gonna change our boys... and not in a good way.
Also, they really twins fr fr.
DREAM CYCLE:
Dream cycle baby!
To those who are unaware, in the Fate series, a Master and Servant can see each other's past in the form of dreams.
Because of this, even if the Master doesn't know their Servant's identity, it can possibly be revealed through the dream cycle.
Why am I fixated on this? Well, Ash is now able to scroll through Zacian's 'past'.
And why 'past'? Because it doesn't just reveal her backstory... it could also reveal her 'long journey, across the stars and worlds'.
RUNES:
Listen guys. The ability to write symbols and using 'magic' is cool af.
Giving Serena a power up for later use is like me having to pull out a band-aid on a delicate wound.
But since subtlety can go fuck itself, I decided to rip it off as fast as possible.
You might notice that Serena's first Rune is Isa, meaning Ice.
Hm? What does that mean?
Idk...
With that, next chapter's gonna be a good one. (I'm lying)
Academy no Extra!
A perfect day at Pokémon Academy spurred a certain tan girl to ask a question:
"Hey guys? I was wondering... Let's say Ash gets here in like 4 to 5 years, right?" Shauna spoke up.
"Yeah?" everyone's attention was now on her.
"I heard that boys change their type of girls around that age too..."
"Shauna, why would you say that?!" Calem exclaimed, shaking the poor girl into a tizzy.
"I-I-I'm just saying!"
The honey blonde's brain had shut down.
"You don't hafta worry about that," Gary commented resolutely.
"That guy's the stubborn type. He'll never change certain things about himself."
"Yep, yep! No cause for concern, Sere-chan," Blue assured.
"Phew..." the honey blonde let out a sigh of relief.
"But... does anyone even know his type?" Alain asked, adding fuel to the gossip.
The teen was merely adding to the conversation, unintentionally triggering off the childhood friends.
"He definitely likes blondes," the orange-haired boy answered immediately.
"He likes girls on the older side," the chestnut-haired girl did the same.
Serena was glad to hear that since she ticked all the requirements.
But a sudden face in their group came to mind:
"Ah."
Everyone turned towards Kimia.
"D-Does this mean I have a shot with my prince..." she whispered to herself, cheeks heating up.
"..."
"GARY! BLUE! DAMAGE CONTROL!" Calem shouted.
"On it!" they nodded.
"Ah... It's over..." the honey blonde slumped over her seat in defeat.
An imaginary bell rang.
"But look, Serena! You knew him the longest, right? You have an advantage here!" Gary mouthed off in a hurry.
"That's right! Plus, he's addicted to your charm, right?! The gap moe between the Ice Queen and the cute you is sure to knock his socks off!" Blue went for the finisher.
"..."
"...That's right! I was worried for nothing!" she beamed.
'Nice save, Bluey!' the orange-haired boy gave a thumbs up.
'Hmph, when it comes to sweet talk, I'm undefeated!' the chestnut-haired girl smirked condescendingly.
"Hey, I have charm too..." Kimia puffed her cheeks playfully.
"I don't really think you have the facilities for 'gap moe'," Alain said plainly.
"But still..." the honey blonde counted her fingers.
"A blonde who's older and has gap moe... Ah."
As soon as she stopped counting, the whole group stiffened.
A tall, beautiful woman with long blonde hair.
Hailed as the strongest Trainer they knew of as well as an avid lover of ice creams.
Older? Check.
Blonde? Check.
Gap moe? Check.
'Oh...'
'Oh shit.'
Trevor and Tierno were silent.
"...We can't let him meet her," Gary abandoned ship.
"Yeah, there's no beating that," Blue agreed.
"Yep," Alain shook his head.
"Unfortunate," Shauna nodded.
"Synonyms for sorry," Calem pitied.
"Khh! She's a goal for all girls," Kimia could not help but agree.
'NOOOOOOOOOOOO~!' Serena wailed in her head.
The person in question sneezed in her office in Sinnoh.
"Achoo! Who's talking about me?"