Ash stood in the center of the massive stadium, his breath still heavy from the intense final battle against Leon. The cheers of the crowd echoed all around him, filling the air with a deafening roar as they celebrated the newly crowned Monarch, the World Champion of Pokémon battling. Pikachu sat triumphantly on his shoulder, grinning with his usual infectious energy.
"I did it..." Ash murmured, a mix of disbelief and pride swirling in his chest. "We actually did it, buddy."
"Pika-pi!" Pikachu responded, his cheeks sparking with the excitement of their hard-earned victory.
Leon approached Ash with a smile, offering his hand. "Ash, that was one of the greatest battles I've ever had. You really are something special. Congratulations."
"Thanks, Leon!" Ash said, shaking his hand firmly. "You're an incredible Trainer, too. I learned a lot from battling you."
As Leon departed, allowing Ash to bask in his moment of triumph, two familiar figures approached him—Cynthia and Diantha, both still wearing their respective Champion smiles. But there was something different about the way they looked at him now, a certain intensity in their eyes that wasn't there before.
"Well, Ash," Cynthia began, her voice calm but tinged with curiosity, "you've done something extraordinary today. You've climbed to the top, becoming the Monarch. I'm impressed, though not surprised. I've always believed you had the potential."
Diantha, standing beside her, nodded in agreement. "It's true. I remember the strength you showed in Kalos, and to see how far you've come since then… it's truly remarkable."
Ash rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Thanks, Cynthia, Diantha. I couldn't have done it without my Pokémon and all the battles I've had."
Cynthia stepped closer, her eyes narrowing slightly, studying Ash with her usual enigmatic expression. "Now that you're the World Champion, have you considered what's next for you, Ash? Every great Trainer continues to learn, to grow. And every great Trainer needs a great mentor. Someone who can push them even further."
Diantha chimed in, her voice gentle but deliberate. "I wonder, Ash… if you had to choose a teacher, someone to guide you as you enter this new phase of your journey… who would it be?"
The question hung in the air like a sudden shift in the wind. Ash blinked, taken aback by the directness of their inquiry. He hadn't thought about it. A teacher? He had spent his entire journey learning from his experiences, his Pokémon, and his battles. But the idea of being mentored by one of the Champions he looked up to… it was exciting. And daunting.
Seeing his hesitation, Cynthia's lips curled into a subtle smile. "You and I, Ash, have crossed paths several times. I've seen your growth firsthand. I know how your mind works in battle, how you bond with your Pokémon. If you were to choose me, I think I could help you refine your skills, develop your strategies even further."
Diantha stepped forward, her voice more urgent, though still graceful. "But Ash, don't forget about me. We may have only met briefly during your journey in Kalos, but I've seen your spirit, your adaptability. There's much I could offer as well. Kalos has its own unique battling style, and I could help you discover more about the artistic side of Pokémon battling, making you more versatile."
Ash felt the pressure rising. Both Champions were offering him something incredible. He admired Cynthia deeply—she had been a guiding figure throughout his journey in Sinnoh. But Diantha… she represented something newer, more mysterious. He'd battled her only a few times, but her calm demeanor and strategic mind intrigued him.
He glanced between the two Champions, noticing something that surprised him. They both seemed… anxious. Cynthia's usual confidence was still there, but there was an almost imperceptible tension in her posture. Diantha, usually poised and composed, had an intensity in her gaze that Ash hadn't seen before.
"You want me to choose between you two?" Ash asked, feeling the weight of the decision.
"Not choose between us," Cynthia clarified, though her tone betrayed a hint of something more personal. "But if you were to have a mentor… who would you prefer? Someone who knows you well, or someone you've yet to fully understand?"
Diantha's eyes softened. "We're not asking you to make a decision now, Ash. But as Champions, we're curious. Who do you think would be the right teacher for you?"
Ash swallowed, his mind racing. He didn't want to hurt either of their feelings. He respected both of them immensely. Finally, he took a deep breath.
"I really appreciate both of you offering to help me," he began carefully. "Cynthia, I've learned so much from you already. You've been a huge part of my journey, and I know I could grow even more with you. And Diantha, we've only battled a few times, but I respect your style and what you bring to the table."
He paused, looking at both of them. "Honestly? I don't think I can choose right now. Both of you have so much to offer, and I'm not the kind of person to just pick one way forward. I'd love to learn from both of you, if that's possible."
Cynthia raised an eyebrow, her smile returning in full force. "Both of us, hmm? That's an interesting answer. I suppose that's very much like you, Ash."
Diantha chuckled softly. "I should have expected that. You've always been someone who forges their own path."
Ash felt the tension ease, and the two Champions seemed more relaxed. "If I can, I'd like to take what both of you have to offer and use it to get even stronger. My journey's not over yet, and I'm always looking to learn."
Cynthia nodded, satisfied. "I think that's a fair answer, Ash. You've always been good at balancing different perspectives. Maybe that's what makes you the Champion you are now."
Diantha smiled warmly. "I agree. Whether it's from me, Cynthia, or someone else, I have no doubt you'll keep growing, Ash."
Ash grinned, feeling relieved. "Thanks, Cynthia. Thanks, Diantha. I'll keep pushing forward, and maybe someday I'll be able to battle both of you again. And who knows? Maybe I'll even surprise you."
The two Champions exchanged glances, their competitive spirits ignited by Ash's challenge.
"I look forward to that day," Cynthia said, her voice carrying a note of anticipation.
"As do I," Diantha added, her eyes sparkling.
A week later...
Ash stretched out on a lounge chair in the peaceful backyard of his home in Pallet Town, enjoying the calm of a quiet afternoon. The past week had been a whirlwind—victory at the Master 8 tournament, becoming the World Champion, and then the surprising offer from both Cynthia and Diantha to mentor him. Now, at last, he had some time to relax with Pikachu by his side, the little Electric-type snoozing happily in the sun.
"Things have been pretty wild, huh, buddy?" Ash muttered, looking up at the clear sky.
"Pika...chu," Pikachu yawned, too content to respond properly.
Ash chuckled, closing his eyes and letting the warm breeze wash over him. But the peace didn't last long. A familiar voice suddenly broke through the calm.
"Ash! There you are!"
Ash sat up quickly, recognizing the voice immediately. "Brock?"
Sure enough, Brock came running toward him with a determined look on his face, holding a small bag of supplies in one hand. As he got closer, Ash noticed something strange in his expression—Brock looked... agitated?
"Brock, what's going on?" Ash asked as his friend skidded to a stop in front of him.
Brock crossed his arms, his brow furrowed. "I heard from some of the other Champions that both Cynthia and Diantha offered to be your mentors! You know how unfair that is, right?! Two amazing, beautiful ladies—both of them interested in helping you out. Do you even know what that means?!"
Ash blinked in confusion, rubbing the back of his neck. "Uh... yeah, they offered to help me get stronger. They're both really strong Champions, and I figured it'd be great to learn from both of them."
Brock stared at him, dumbfounded, before shaking his head vigorously. "Ash, that's not what I meant! I'm talking about—well, you know—having two lovely ladies take an interest in you like that!"
Ash gave him a blank look. "Huh? What are you talking about?"
Brock sighed dramatically, slapping his forehead. "Ash, Ash, Ash... this is why I'm here! As your best friend, it's my duty to teach you the art of being a ladies' man. You have two amazing women offering to spend time with you! You've got to take advantage of this opportunity!"
Ash felt his face heat up, suddenly fidgeting under Brock's intense gaze. "W-What do you mean? They're just offering to be my mentors! It's nothing like that."
Brock leaned in closer, his expression full of exaggerated seriousness. "Ash, trust me. You've spent so much time traveling and battling, you haven't even thought about the finer things in life! Like romance! Cynthia and Diantha aren't just powerful Trainers—they're both stunning, elegant, and—"
"Brock!" Ash interrupted, flustered. "I'm not looking for anything like that! I just want to get stronger as a Trainer, and they can help me with that. That's all!"
Brock shook his head again, looking both disappointed and frustrated. "Ash, you've got so much potential, and not just in Pokémon battles. You need to understand how to—"
"Brock!" Ash groaned, throwing his hands up. "I don't even know what you're talking about half the time. I'm not interested in all that 'ladies' stuff. I'm just focused on becoming a better Trainer."
Brock sighed, clearly exasperated. "You're hopeless, Ash. Absolutely hopeless."
Ash laughed nervously, scratching his cheek. "Yeah, well, I've already made up my mind about Cynthia and Diantha. When the time comes, I'll train with both of them. It's not about anything else."
Brock stared at him for a long moment, then finally relented, shaking his head with a smile. "Alright, Ash, alright. I guess you'll figure it out in your own way. But don't say I didn't try to help you broaden your horizons!"
Ash grinned. "Thanks, Brock, but I'm good. I've got enough on my plate without worrying about... whatever it is you're talking about."
Brock sighed one last time before breaking into a grin of his own. "Fine, fine. But if you ever need advice about—well, you know—you can come to me."
Ash chuckled. "Sure thing, Brock."
As they settled into a more relaxed conversation, Pikachu stirred from his nap, yawning and giving Brock a quizzical look.
"Pikachu, you don't understand either, do you?" Ash said with a grin.
"Pikaaa," Pikachu responded, shaking his head in confusion.
Brock just laughed, throwing his hands up in defeat. "You two are a lost cause. But that's why I'm here—keeping you on your toes!"
Ash smiled, feeling grateful for Brock's friendship, even if his advice often left him more confused than before.