I wanted to get this out sooner but I wasn't sure how to handle it. I enjoyed journeys well enough (although the mezase pokemon master episodes were a waste) but looking back at it while trying to write this reminded how messy it can be sometime. Anyway, this is the aftermath of Ash and Leon's from different perspectives and various points of time. Enjoy!

Delia:

The one person with a smile who could match Ash's at the moment was his own mother.

Delia was ecstatic for her little boy. Ash had done it. Against all odds, he'd come around and pulled out a win! He was the Monarch, the top ranked trainer!

He'd come such a long way...she still remembered how he used to rush off to play with the Pokémon in the forest. Ash always used to take the chance to spend time with Pokémon, to learn what he could about them. Sure, he wasn't the best with academics and he started out poorly all around...but his heart was in the right place.

As much as she missed him, she was happy that he was out there following his dreams; he'd made so many great friends too. Delia still had the occasional phone call with Misty; the girl really was such a sweetheart. There were times when she'd come to see Ash and even if she didn't find him, she chose to spend time with Delia herself and they'd gotten to know each other quite well. Brock was busy with his studies so she didn't see or hear much about him but it was always a pleasant surprise to see how he flourished. He seemed so much happier as a doctor too. The boy had recently passed by on his way to another hospital and they'd had a lovely time catching up, both expressing their pride and joy for Ash. The three were undoubtedly the closest of friends.

Delia was admittedly glad Brock was over whatever happened in the Orange Archipelago. She never did learn why the poor boy always moped when Professor Ivy was mentioned…even if she did refuse his advances, that was a bit much…

Ash had progressed in leaps and bounds over his travels; she'd hardly recognized him when he first came back after the Indigo league. Not only did he learn from his friends, he served as an inspiration to them and others, it just made her all the prouder of him. Then he even helped people like May and Serena adapt to the life of a trainer. As she understood, May had faced some especially rough spots when she was in Kanto but she was certainly doing much better for herself. People even called her the Princess of Hoenn, giving such titles was an honor. Serena was also growing to be a big name on the contest scene; the girl had called up Professor Oak to know if Ash was back, clearly intent on seeing him in person. Delia was looking forward to meeting her, Ash had so many good things to say about the girl.

Sure, her son had his own stumbles and falls. She still remembered a few months ago when that trouble between Pikachu and Riolu started, it had just been unintentional and she knew Ash tried his best. It seemed to her that he and Riolu were almost too much alike sometimes. Both just lost themselves in the excitement of the battles and their growing strength and Pikachu just got the wrong idea. As if Ash would just stop caring for his Pokémon, especially his number one partner. The bond between the two was a true marvel, even that final round was just another reminder of how far they'd come.

To say nothing of Ash's other Pokémon of course, Delia was quite familiar with all the ones in the lab. And not only did they adore their trainer, they were quite friendly to her as well. Some of them were a rowdy bunch but that was okay, they made things lively. There was no denying that they were a family in every sense of the word, with her own little boy right at its center.

Hm, would Ash come back to Pallet soon or would he go straight to Vermillion and the Cerise laboratory? Either way, she had to make sure, they have much to talk about. Besides, an occasion like this deserved a worthy celebration.

Professor Oak:

Words couldn't describe how proud Professor Oak felt.

The previous battles of the Masters Eight had been impressive, more than proving how they'd earned their rank. But he was sure many would agree that the final match was the crowning jewel of the tournament.

Oak had only heard of Leon before but the man truly was every bit as impressive as his reputation declared. He'd never seen anyone so passionate, so in tune with their Pokémon since...well, possibly Ash. No wonder those two got along so well, they were quite similar in some ways.

To think that young beginner would grow to be the Monarch…truly a momentous achievement.

It may be a bit tactless to say but Ash's beginnings certainly weren't promising. Even leaving the fact that he'd overslept aside, Pikachu's attitude had been so bad that he'd had to drag the mouse along after he electrocuted them all. And yet he'd refused to wait until Oak got new starters, something the professor had chalked up to his impatience. However, it wasn't long before Ash's faith was proven to be well-founded. The fiasco with the Spearow flock led to a lifelong friendship.

To say his journey was full of surprises would be an understatement. One thing Oak learned from Ash's first journey was that Kanto's gyms really were in dire need of an inspection. More than once he'd run into complications because something went wrong at the gym. Between the Sensational Sisters' carelessness and Sabrina's mental state at the time-to say nothing of the fact that Team Rocket's very leader had pulled the wool over all their eyes for years. There was certainly no shortage of trouble there. And then there was that mess at the Indigo league.

Thanks to Team Rocket stirring trouble again, Ash and his team had been exhausted and it led to him losing the match against Ritchie. The referee had been completely unprofessional (the only reason Oak hadn't actually taken action was that he hadn't known what really went down until it was too late) both teams needed to be at the best of their health. Sure, Charizard's disobedience issues remained and there was no telling what would've happened if he wasn't. But the situation certainly should've been handled better.

He had to give it to Ash though, the boy sure managed to pick himself up from the ground up and try again. Not only that, he'd even beaten Drake. The Orange league may be minor compared to the other league but that didn't undermine the man's ability. In fact, he'd been nigh undefeated before Ash came along. He may not have taken the man's position but Oak always figured Ash was too much of a rolling stone for that anyway.

And that was just one example of his achievements, there was definitely no forgetting his influence on people. Oak's own grandson being a prime example. He hadn't wanted to admit it but he'd been quite worried about the boy. Gary had worked hard to learn as much as he can before setting out but a lot of people hadn't seen that and he eventually let all the praise and status go to his head. But only Ash had seen him for who he was, their rivalry had suddenly come to a halt after the Indigo league until their all-out battle at the Johto league. The two had really fought their hearts out there, truly earning the other's respect. At the end of the day, despite the setbacks and all their spats, Ash was undoubtedly his grandson's closest friend and for that Oak would always be grateful.

The professor had to admit that Ash's Sinnoh league was among the most intriguing of his challenges so far, two reasons being Paul and Tobias. He'd never really heard of anyone who made such an impact on Ash like the boy had before. And in some ways, they were indeed similar, both passionate about battling and determined to keep growing stronger. But the ways they went about their goals couldn't be more different, which made their rivalry all the more understandable. But Paul was already changing his ways and they naturally had Ash to thank for that, the boy had even helped him prepare for the Masters Eight, in his own way. It was remarkable how people could change.

Now Tobias on the other hand…Oak had no idea what to make of him.

It seemed he'd just up and disappeared after his elite 4 challenge and no one had any idea what that was about. Even Cynthia was rather thrown off by the mysterious teen, apparently, he had a full team of legendaries and Ash had been the only trainer bar the Elite 4 to beat any of his Pokémon. The boy remained a true mystery.

Although in some ways, the same went for Ash. Strange as it had been, he still remembered meeting him in the forest so long ago (or it was a few years for Ash, time travel was confusing). And in the end, he was blown away by the boy who went so far to do the right thing, saving a Pokémon he hardly even knew despite all the risks. Facing up to the dangers where others would have fled and giving his all to stop a man with delusions of grandeur. Once again, he found himself thinking of the Shamouti prophecy, wondering if Ash's chosen one status extended even beyond that.

The smile returned to his lips as he noticed Noctowl outside. Well, questions and mysteries aside, one thing was for sure. Few would be none happier for Ash than a certain bunch of Pokémon still celebrating in the gardens.

Gary:

If anyone had told Gary either of them would be where they were today, he would've laughed.

Okay, becoming a researcher was maybe not that surprising. He'd always been in awe of his grandpa's work, coming to enjoy learning as much as he could. The brunet couldn't deny that he did consider it early on, but the path of a trainer had appealed to him more.

But Ash of all people becoming the Monarch?

Now that he definitely wouldn't have seen coming, ever.

Gary was honest enough with himself to admit that he'd been a real jerk before. The battle with what he later learned was Mewtwo had knocked his ego down to size, something he very much needed. It was honestly embarrassing.

Really, the cheerleaders and that car...what had he been thinking?

Ash on the other hand had been a brash idiot and a hothead who simply charged into things headfirst without a second thought. A lot of the kids in town had been intimidated by Gary, feeling that he had the resources and knowledge to best them as trainers so they didn't really try.

Not Ash though, even back when the boy used to get on his nerves, that was one thing Gary respected about him. He'd never given up, no matter how bad his losses were, he got back up and tried again.

He'd always been a natural with Pokémon, Gary had to admit. It was like he had this way of reaching their hearts without even realizing it. One prominent example of that was Ash befriending some of the forest Pokémon with such ease, they took care of him and helped him come back home when they deemed necessary.

Gary wasn't even upset at losing in the Johto league, they gave it their all and he wound up making peace with Ash in the process. Admittedly, he hadn't been sure how to even begin as a researcher. Despite the times where he'd stumbled and the trouble he'd faced at first, the satisfaction of seeing all his hard work come to fruition was worth it. It was another reminder of how little he actually knew despite all the work he'd put in over the years.

Even with his travels, he kept track of what was going on back home, calling to check on Professor Oak every now and then. And that was how he heard of the Sinnoh League, Ash kept improving and he knew it but the boy had really proved that then. The main reason that league in particular stuck out with him had been Tobias. Gary had actually wondered if he could ever meet someone who apparently had a full team of legendary Pokémon, just to learn what they'd be like. But the man was like a ghost, there was no telling where he'd be now. He'd never heard a word about him throughout his time in Sinnoh.

He encountered his old friend every now and then, soon learning that despite how much time passed, Ash had changed in some ways but in others he was still the same. Gary supposed the same went for himself. It was funny how despite his smarts and analytical thinking, Goh reminded him of the old Ash, perhaps that was why needling him had been so amusing.

He'd actually been looking forward to watching Ash's battle against Leon, only to learn that they were to go find Mew at the same time. Good thing it was so easy to find a recording.

Gary honestly didn't have words he felt adequate enough to describe the match.

Now Leon's reputation spoke for itself, he'd heard of the man defeating Lance in passing but his skill truly was astounding. Learning of what he'd done for Galar left Gary all the more impressed with the man, no wonder he'd been the Monarch all this time.

But Ash had more than risen up for the challenge.

Every time it looked the match was over, his old friend managed to gain his second wind. Each and every one of his team shared his resilience and they fought their hearts out there. The match was truly mind-blowing.

Now he was used to Ash coming up with the most unexpected things and somehow making it all work but the boy was still doing it. How could Pikachu Gigantamax without going back to his poke ball? He thought that was a pre-requisite for the phenomenon. And what was up with Lucario's variant of the Aura Sphere anyway?

He wished he could say that was as weird as it would get when it comes to Ash. Nope, it was just the beginning of the list. Not for the first time, Gary wondered how his grandfather dealt with Ash's adventures so much. Trying to figure out how the boy even pulled half of what he did was a complete headache.

Well, at least he made life interesting.

Gary looked up as he heard the familiar growl, meeting Arcanine's gaze. Well, they were already this close, might as well go see what was happening back home. If he knew Mrs. Ketchum and his grandpa, they were already planning a celebration.

Goh:

Goh couldn't think of anyone who'd made such an impression on him as Ash did.

He'd convinced himself to give up on friendship after that big misunderstanding with Horace. The closest thing he'd had to one was Chloe and it didn't really feel like they were friends back then.

But then that fateful day happened. He didn't know what was more surprising, that they met Lugia and rode with it for so long or that he finally found someone he could truly call a friend.

If anything, getting to know Ash made him realize what he was missing out on.

He'd gone and convinced himself that things were fine as they were, that chasing Mew and making it his first Pokémon was what all he wanted. But even despite all his smarts, Goh realized he was completely naïve. Especially now that he'd seen Mew in action, he wouldn't have stood a chance.

His starter Pokémon may not have been the one intended but he certainly wasn't about to complain. Goh hadn't thought he'd made such an impression on Scorbunny when he stepped in to help but it seemed he certainly had. Plenty enough for the fiery rogue to chase them all the way over to the plains after the departure, turning him down still made him feel bad but he had his heart so set on his longtime goal. Even then, Scorbunny was worth it.

The Pokémon had fit right in, immediately trying to help Goh fill up the pokedex and they had a great start. It hadn't been all sunshine and rainbows, as his first evolution proved (Goh really had been trying to help, he never realized how badly Scorbunny took his words) but they worked through that. At the end of the day, even when he changed so much, Raboot remained a steadfast partner he could rely on. He'd always admired Ash and Pikachu's bond (though for some reason Ash kept refusing to tell him how they came to meet, judging by Gary and Professor Oak's reactions, it seemed funny) and while it seemed unlikely to him at first, he felt like he was on his way to building a strong rapport like that with Cinderace. The thought never failed to make him smile.

He really felt bad about missing the final battle, Ash had done so much to support that it felt like he had to be there as his friend. After all, the boy didn't have to come with him through all the missions but he had, and with gusto. Ash's enthusiasm was actually infectious and it helped spur Goh on past the hardships in his way.

It had been a surprise to find how hard he took the loss to Bea but Goh refused to give up on his friend, trying time and again to cheer him up. And he still felt proud of his success on that front, seeing that familiar spark in the boy's eyes was great.

The fact that Ash had met many pokemon he'd only heard about never ceased to amaze him. He'd even encountered Mew, it was smething he'd heard in passing from Professor Oak but the man had warned him that it wasn't a good story in the end and Goh couldn't bring himself to breach the topic after that.

Really though, he met the legendary birds of Kanto, Johto's beasts, he saved Hoenn from Kyogre and Groudon's battle…and that was just naming a few of these encounters! He didn't think it'd be an exaggeration to say that people would give limbs to have half the kind of insane luck Ash seemed to be born with.

Imagine his surprise to learn that Ash had been a champion this whole time. Sure, he'd heard of the Alola league. The region getting its first champion ever was a big deal. He'd just never thought it was Ash all along. And hearing of what the boy had been up to honestly blew his mind. He was pretty sure many would agree that Ash was a hero many times over but the boy remained humble and even bashful about his accomplishments. Goh liked that about him though. Despite all he'd seen and done, Ash thought of himself as just as another trainer who loved Pokémon and he found that refreshing.

And now they were both on their separate ways, pursuing their own adventures. A thought that used to fill him with dread but now it made him proud to know he'd come this far. While he did miss Ash's company, he felt he had grown stronger, strong enough to keep striving to his goal.

Plus, it wasn't like they wouldn't see each other again.

Project Mew had been one surprise after the other, especially the last mission. They all knew the Genesis Pokémon was strong but Mew had decimated them. Goh wasn't sure their other Pokémon would've been able to help even if they had been able to use the rest of their poke balls. To say nothing of Mew's antics of course, one moment blasting those Pokémon and healing everyone the next. Trying to keep up with it was enough to give one whiplash, quite a mysterious being indeed.

But it just made Goh all the more raring to learn and understand it someday.

Turning at the sound of footsteps, Goh smiled at Inteleon ''Hey, I wondered what you got off to.'' But taking one look at his friend's face gave him an answer ''Lemme guess, Misty found you again?''

The fully evolved starter didn't have to reply, his utterly exasperated posture said plenty. They'd just been passing Cerulean city when Goh remembered that the gym leader was an old friend of Ash's and it left him curious to meet her. He'd certainly hadn't expected her…enthusiastic reaction to Inteleon. The boy could appreciate her strong love of water types even if she did come off as a bit much.

''Come on, we're close to Cerulean cape. It should be a nice change of pace…''

Cynthia

Well, it may not have been the impact she'd expected but the Masters Eight certainly left a mark on her.

To think she'd considered retiring from battling in favor of her research, it was safe to say that'd be one decision she would've regretted.

And how could she not after such a battle?

She'd known her fellow champions were strong but none had amazed her with their progress as much as Ash. The boy had really made an impression back when they met in Sinnoh. His passion and big heart steering him forward towards his goal, opposed by Paul's pragmatism and ferocity. Perhaps it was better to say that both of them were passionate in their own ways. They both wanted to be the best and aimed to grow stronger but their methods couldn't be any more different and perhaps that was why they clashed so much. She was ever so pleased to watch their match in the Sinnoh league and it really proved how far both had come. Frankly, the fact that Paul had actually forgone the world tournament all together in order to focus on becoming a gym leader was another sign of his growth, she very much doubted the old Paul would've done that.

And they knew just who to thank for that change. Throughout their numerous encounters and despite the loss at Lake Acuity, it was safe to say no one had impacted Paul as much as Ash had.

It had been a pleasant surprise to see the boy and his Pikachu again, their bond truly heartwarming. The fact that he was helping sweet little Kirara like that only just emphasized his kindness.

She'd intended on going out with a bang, giving her absolute best for every right. The blonde figured that if it was going to be her last competition, she would give it a hundred and ten percent. And Ash had been more than a match for her.

While her tactics had overwhelmed him, he'd always managed to pull himself up and continue trying. The bond with his Pokémon shining as bright as the sun with each of them fighting their hearts out, as always, his skills and the ways he managed to bring out the best of his team never ceased to amaze. Before Cynthia had even realized it, any thoughts of leaving her battling behind had longs lipped her mind and she was completely immersed in a way she hadn't been in quite some time. Just when she thought it was research that brought her such joy and passion now, she couldn't be more wrong.

She didn't think she'd be alone in saying that their new Monarch was more than worthy of the title.

Iris

Iris wasn't sure when she stopped cheering.

Ash had won! He actually beat the world champion!

To think it was the one she deemed a goofy little kid who managed to triumph over the Masters Eight…

Then again, that wasn't all there was to him, was it? Imagine her shock when she learned of his past adventures and achievements. Some of the leagues seemed a bit lackluster to her but the Lily of the Valley conference had been incredible. Even disregarding that Tobias guy (and honestly, he was all kinds of weird) there were all those strong trainers, like Paul. She'd heard about him from Cynthia and Professor Oak. The girl wondered what it would've been like if he'd participated in the tournament, battling him would've been a real challenge, she bet.

When she'd asked just why he never said anything about all he'd done in the past, she was told he simply didn't see the need, he'd just done what he had to. The humility was a welcome surprise and a reminder that she had been too hard on him sometimes. There was no denying the fact that Ash was a hero through and through, their world would've been way worse off had he not intervened.

But man, to think he met the Creation Dragons-Iris was so jealous!

It had been really nice to see him again, knowing he'd been participating in the world cup left her excited for a rematch with him. Besides, it was so worth surprising him with her new status as champion. And of course it figured that his new team would be total characters just like the ones she was familiar with.

Dracovish had definitely been the big surprise, meeting the pokemon had her looking up the galarian fossils. And okay sure, Dracovish was pretty much a sweetheart but seriously, mixing and matching fossils…what kind of person actually thought of something like that?

Iris had especially liked his Dragonite though. Her obvious love of dragons aside, the pokemon was just hard not to like. If only her own Dragonite could be even half as nice on occasion. Not that she liked him any less of course but thinking of some of the trouble he caused in the past…the girl fought back the urge to sigh.

It felt nice that she could reach out to Ash's Dragonite like that though. The pokemon was generally pretty docile and despite her general issues with battling, Iris respect that she wanted to battle for Ash and her team's sake. She didn't even know how or why she became able to reach the heart of dragons but it never stopped making her happy.

She'd been thrilled when she made it to the masters eight, thinking she could reach the same stage as legends like Cynthia and Diantha inspired to keep working harder. It really did hurt that she lost to Cynthia but in the end, she still came that far, she fought amongst the best trainers in the world. And she would always be proud and so thankful to all her Pokémon.

Iris didn't think she'd be wrong to say that the absolute best moments of the tournament were all in that final match. Wow…just wow…

It was a shame she couldn't watch the final match in the stadium but an urgent matter requiring the champion's intervention came up and she didn't want to be irresponsible. Boy was glad she didn't miss it in the end, calling the battle epic would've been the understatement of all time.

She wondered where Ash would be now. The boy traveled so much that it was hard to get a hold of him but she hoped she could congratulate him at least.

Chloe and Dawn:

''I meant like this, see?''

Dawn's eyes lit up as Chloe put the finishing touches on the cake. ''Oh, you're right-that looks great!''

''Pretty sure we're the only ones who'd appreciate the aesthetic, just wait till Ash decides to wolf everything down.''

Dawn snickered ''He still does that, huh? No surprise there…''

''I know, right? Actually, I still have the pictures from that cake making tournament…'' Chloe fiddled with her Rotom dex, revealing them all.

The girl couldn't help the snort that escaped her at the sight of Ash's cake ''What even is that?''

''You think that's weird? It actually tasted really good.''

''Wait, as in Ash actually learned how to cook?'' Now that would be the day. She still remembered the stories Brock told her about attempting to teach him in the past. And if the descriptions were anything to go by, she was really, really glad to have missed them.

''Nah, if what Goh told me is anything to go by, it's a one hit wonder.'' Chloe shook her head ''He's got to feel really bad he missed the finals, talk about lousy timing…''

Dawn had to agree. Goh had been even more psyched about Ash's progress than the two of them together, only Project Mew's timing forcing him to leave when he did. Sure, there were loads of recordings but nothing really beat seeing it in action.

She wondered what happened on his end…

With the cake done, Chloe leaned back in her seat, smile growing as she watched Eevee play with Piplup. The two of them had conspired to set up a little feast for Ash and his Pokémon in celebration. Sure, they were definitely going to mark the occasion with an actual party but their friend had really earned this.

''So, I guess Eevee hasn't made up her mind yet?''

Green eyes met blue ''No but that's okay, she's clearly happy as she is now. We're going to visit her old home again and see if anything's changed now that so much happened. After that…I guess I'll be going on my own journey.''

A delighted gasp ''Chloe, that's great!''

The girl couldn't help smiling back ''Well, watching Ash and Goh really had me wondered what it'd be like and I talked to Dad before coming here. I'll be a research assistant for the time being. I overheard Goh talking about setting off after Project Mew and going by Ash's style, I'm not sure he's sticking around.''

''That I can believe.'' Dawn agreed. Ash was way too much of a rolling stone to just go back to the usual routine. Besides, after pulling off such a win? Dawn didn't think she could've done that either. ''So, what're the chances I can get you to try a contest?''

''Been there, done that.'' The blasé answer made Dawn's mouth drop, Chloe grinning. ''I already did Slateport. We wanted to meet this really skilled trainer with a Sylveon and she was doing a special performance for the contest. She was really nice and we talked a lot and somehow, she convinced me to do it.''

''Wait, in Slateport and with a Sylveon…you met Serena?''

''You know her?''

''Well, not exactly but I heard a lot about her. She's really been making her name known in the contest circuit. There was even talk about the two of us facing each other as a promotion for an event once but the whole thing flopped. She's doing some collab work with my friend May, turns out she's the most likely candidate to be Kalos Queen.'' Dawn recounted, smiling. ''And if you saw the current Queen, you'll know dethroning her is anything but easy. That Aria's really something else!''

''Wow…'' Chloe never doubted Serena's skills but that was beyond her expectations. She'd gotten used to the girl's company so it was easy to forget but Dawn was a Top Coordinator too, just like Lisia.

She really had met some incredible people in such a short while and that definitely included Ash.

The girl hadn't known what to think of him at first but seeing the way he was with pokemon, the good influence he made on Goh…those were all good signs. Goh had always seemed lonely to her over the years but he'd just remained focused on his studies. They'd try and try to convince him to leave at least for a short while but it was always the same thing with that boy.

''Well, that's enough about me. What're you plans now?''

''No idea!'' Dawn's utterly nonchalant tone almost made her fall over ''I've been exploring regions and sharpening my skills as a coordinator, even when I've gotten the top rank, I can keep getting better. And it's fascinating seeing contests in different regions, I heard that the committee was considering looking into opening them in Galar but that's still up in the air. But even if I don't have plans, there's always a new adventure, something exciting waiting right in the corner. I've learned so much about myself and my team, about the world and my potential, it's incredible!''

Chloe smiled ''I hear you. I didn't even realize how much I missed out on until the boys started staying at the lab.''

''But you're already there and it feels great, huh?'' Dawn beamed at the consequent nod ''Buneary's still got her model gig and one of mom's old friends got in touch with me about cooperating with her to advertise and expand her business. Lila's store was amazing, I'm so curious to see what she has in mind.''

''Oh, I forgot she was from that magazine!'' The former mused ''That sweater was cute but Buneary really rocked that dress. She looked like a snow fairy in that picture.''

''Right?'' Dawn's pride in her pokemon made the other girl smile wider ''It's my favorite and it makes her really happy. I never would've known we could make such an impact if we hadn't kept on traveling, you know?''

''For sure!'' The thought made Chloe all the more eager to start her own travels. She wondered what kind of experiences awaited her and Eevee out there. Her eyes found the evolution pokemon, who gave a happy trill ''Let's make the most of this, okay?''

Dawn turned as the door opened ''Oh hey, Ash! Over here!''

Leon:

He'd lost.

It was a strange feeling. Sadness mixed with perhaps a bit of anger, wondering if he could've done better. Perhaps Sonia was right and he was a bit of a sore loser? Not like he had any way of knowing before…

Still, there was no denying the pride he felt regarding his successor. He found it hard not to like Ash, the one trainer who seemed to have passion for Pokémon that rivaled his own. Even Raihan had mentioned that the boy reminded him of his longtime rival in some ways and Leon could actually see it. That day where they wound up in the mountains among the Wooloo had been a very pleasant surprise. Starting out as one of their usual training excursions, it was quite nice to spend the time with someone who enjoyed training and loved Pokémon as much as he did.

The boy had certainly made an impression. While everyone had been in awe of his and Lance's match months ago, the clear declaration and desire to battle was a surprise. Perhaps they could've battled earlier if things had worked out any differently, but this match made everything worth

He still felt ever so grateful to Ash and Goh for their efforts to stop the second Darkest Day. Eternatus had been the greatest challenge he and his team had in…well, possibly ever, actually. Just when he thought he could capture the Pokémon and stop all the chaos, it broke out. And the boys somehow discovered the Rusted Sword and Shield (he'd heard tales about the legendary heroes before but he'd never in his wildest dreams imagined that he'd see them in person). The artifacts that they now learned belonged to Zacian and Zamazenta, the true heroes of the legend.

And then that day in the mountains, having Ash may have been a surprise but it actually made things more fun. He'd actually been keeping an eye on the boy's progress ever since their first encounter and he would admit to have been looking forward to a chance to battle him, especially after he beat Raihan.

And Ash certainly didn't disappoint. That had been the best battle he had in years!

''Miracle of miracles, he didn't get lost.'' Sonia's voice snapped him out of his thoughts, the girl approaching with Hop and Charizard in tow.

''Too bad this can't become a regular thing.''

Leon couldn't say he wasn't expecting the jabs ''How exactly do you expect me to get lost when I never left the building?''

''If it's you, you'll find a way.'' His little brother deadpanned, one glance at Charizard made it clear that he agreed.

Even his own starter…nice to know how much faith they had in him. And okay, he did get lost occasionally but surely, he wasn't that bad, right?

He certainly knew better than to verbalize the thought. This was one battle he would never win…

''Come on, are you really here just to make fun of me? And here I thought you could have something nice to say…'' Leon mock huffed, lips quirking as Wooloo arrived, giving a happy cry when their eyes met. ''…come on, let's go home. After this, I'm more than ready to call it a day.''

Well, that's that!

I did consider adding Paul but considering his short involvement in the show, there wasn't really much to say that I didn't mention in his side in the earlier chapters. I kind of wish they gave him a bigger role though; it would've been interesting to get more of a perspective about how he changed over time. But overall, those are the characters who I think had a decent impact on the show. Okay except Professor Cerise, but I wasn't sure what to say with him. What I could think of fit in Goh's side. I hope the characters aren't OOC, I was hoping to avoid that. Working on this made me miss the older series, horizons is great but I guess I'm feeling nostalgic.

That's enough from me now. Hope you liked this!