The next day, after school, Ash and Nemona, with Pikachu riding on Ash's shoulder, strolled through Mesagoza's bustling shopping districts. The sun bathed the city in warm golden light as the two chatted and laughed, ready for a fun afternoon. Their first stop was Capbourg, a well-known clothing store filled with trendy hats and accessories. Ash had been thinking about freshening up his look and decided to try on some hats. Pikachu leaped onto a nearby rack, curiously poking at the colorful selection while Nemona eagerly scanned the shelves to help.

Ash grabbed a sleek, dark blue cap first and plopped it onto his head. "What do you think of this one?" he asked, turning to Nemona with a grin.

Nemona tilted her head thoughtfully. "Hmm, not bad! But it doesn't really scream 'Ash,' you know?"

Ash laughed and swapped it out for a wide-brimmed sun hat, which immediately made Nemona burst into giggles.

"Okay, that one's a no!" she said, covering her mouth to stifle her laughter. Even Pikachu squeaked with amusement.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," Ash said, smirking as he grabbed another hat—a red-and-white snapback similar to the one he already wore. "What about this one? Feels kinda familiar."

Nemona crossed her arms and studied him for a moment before nodding. "Now that's more like it. Honestly, though, I think the one you're wearing suits you best. It's classic Ash."

Ash adjusted his usual hat and chuckled. "Guess I'll stick with the original for now. No need to mess with perfection, huh?"

Nemona rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, please! But yeah, it's definitely your style."

With their hat-shopping adventure complete, the two continued to explore the shopping district, stopping to admire various stores, from bakeries with mouthwatering treats to artisan shops selling handcrafted souvenirs. Pikachu was thoroughly enjoying the outing, occasionally hopping off Ash's shoulder to investigate interesting sights, much to the amusement of passing shoppers.

"So, what's next on the list?" Ash asked, glancing at Nemona as they strolled.

"Hmm, how about some accessories?" Nemona suggested. "I've been eyeing this shop that sells friendship bracelets—maybe we could grab something matching?"

Ash blinked. "Yeah, that sounds cool!"

...

After some time exploring the shops and picking out matching friendship bracelets, Ash, Nemona, and Pikachu decided to treat themselves at a Sugar-N-Ice ice cream stand. The cheerful vendor greeted them with a wide smile as they approached.

Ash scanned the colorful menu displayed above the stand. "What do you think, Pikachu? Mint Chocolate Ice Cream sound good?"

"Pikaaa~!" Pikachu chirped excitedly.

Nemona, meanwhile, pointed to one of the stand's most popular options. "I've got to try the Fizzy Ice Cream! Everyone says it's amazing!"

The vendor nodded eagerly. "Excellent choices! Coming right up!"

Within moments, the vendor handed over their frozen desserts—two cones of Mint Chocolate Ice Cream for Ash and Pikachu, and a sparkling, effervescent Fizzy Ice Cream for Nemona.

Ash reached into his pocket to pay, but the vendor quickly waved his hands. "Oh, no, no! It'd be disrespectful to charge the Monarch," he said with a grin.

Ash blinked in surprise. "Wait, really? You don't have to do that—"

"It's an honor to serve you," the vendor insisted.

Nemona giggled as Ash reluctantly put his money away. "Well, guess you'll have to get used to these perks, Mr. Monarch!" she teased, nudging him playfully.

Ash scratched the back of his head, chuckling. "I'm not sure I'll ever get used to it, but... thanks, I guess."

The group found a cozy bench nearby and settled down to enjoy their treats. Pikachu happily dug into its cone, its cheeks sparking faintly with delight.

"This Fizzy Ice Cream is so good!" Nemona exclaimed, savoring the tangy, bubbling flavor. "It's like a party in my mouth!"

Ash took a bite of his own cone and grinned. "The Mint Chocolate's pretty awesome, too. Pikachu seems to think so, too."

"Pika-pi!" Pikachu agreed enthusiastically, licking its cone with gusto.

As Ash savored the last few bites of his Mint Chocolate Ice Cream, he noticed some commotion out of the corner of his eye. He turned his head slightly, catching sight of a group of students dressed in star-styled uniforms, complete with helmets, sunglasses, and emblazoned star logos. Their loud voices and exaggerated gestures stood out against the otherwise cheerful atmosphere of Mesagoza's shopping district. The group appeared to be harassing a pair of younger students. One of the star-styled students, likely the leader, held out a flyer with a bold star emblem on it.

"Come on, kiddos! Team Star's where all the real action happens. Join us, and you'll never have to deal with those boring academy rules again!"

The students backed away nervously. "W-We're not interested..." one of them stammered, clutching their bag tightly.

Another member of the star-themed group stepped forward, blocking their path. "Aw, don't be like that. We're just trying to help you... broaden your horizons." The tone of the statement was anything but friendly.

Ash frowned, setting his cone down on the bench. "Really? These guys again?" he muttered, standing up.

Pikachu hopped onto his shoulder.

Nemona noticed his sudden change in demeanor and followed his gaze. "Team Star, huh? They just don't know when to quit," she said, standing up beside him with an eager grin. "You thinking what I'm thinking, Ash?"

Ash nodded. "Let's give them a reason to leave those kids alone."

The two made their way toward the scene, Pikachu sparking more aggressively as they approached. One of the Team Star members noticed them and nudged their leader. "Uh, boss? We've got company."

The leader turned as they recognized Ash. "W-Wait... that's... isn't that the Monarch?"

"And the battle-crazed student council president is with him as well...Not good!" Another Team Star member added.

Ash crossed his arms. "You guys just don't learn, do you? Picking on other students? That's not how you make friends."

Nemona chimed in. "Yeah! Why don't you take your 'recruitment tactics' somewhere else? Or are you looking for a battle?"

The leader straightened up, trying to regain their composure. "We're not scared of you! Team Star doesn't back down from anyone—even the Monarch and student council president!"

Ash smirked, stepping forward. "Then let's settle this the old-fashioned way. A Pokémon battle. If I win, you leave those students alone—and maybe think about how you treat others."

The Team Star leader hesitated for a moment before pulling out a Poké Ball. "Fine! But don't think we're going to go easy on you!"

As Ash and Nemona were about to square off against Team Star, a commanding voice cut through the tension.

"This is where we have to step in."

Everyone turned to see two familiar figures approaching: Geeta, the chairwoman of the Pokémon League, and Rika, one of the Elite Four. Their presence instantly shifted the mood, with Team Star visibly paling at the sight of the powerful duo.

"The Chairwoman... and her lackey?" one of the Team Star members muttered under their breath, earning a sharp glare from Rika.

"Lackey?" Rika repeated in a low but dangerous voice. "Care to repeat that? I could take some... extreme measures to make you reconsider your words." She cracked her knuckles for emphasis, and the offending grunt shrank behind their leader.

The Team Star leader looked between Geeta and Rika nervously but tried to save face. "W-We don't want any trouble with you two! We were just about to leave!"

Geeta raised a hand. "Leaving might be wise. Causing a scene here in Mesagoza does nothing to further your cause—or your image."

Nemona blinked in surprise, stepping closer to Ash. "Wait, Geeta and Rika are back in town? Since when?"

Ash glanced at Nemona before returning his gaze to the chairwoman and the Elite Four member. "Looks like this just got a lot more interesting," he muttered.

Rika turned her attention to Ash, frowning. "What's this all about, kiddo? Shouldn't you be focusing on... I don't know, things that actually matter, rather than wasting your time with some wannabe gang?"

Geeta, however, raised a curious eyebrow. "Now, now, Rika. Perhaps this is an opportunity to see how the Monarch fares against unexpected challenges. I, for one, am interested in how he and Nemona might perform as a team."

Rika flushed slightly, crossing her arms. "You're just trying to cause trouble, aren't you?"

The chairwoman smirked faintly, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Oh? Or is it you're worried about Ash's performance and want to check on him yourself?"

Rika's face turned a deeper shade of red as she stammered, "Wha—no! I just... I mean, I thought it'd be good to, you know, supervise..." Geeta chuckled softly at her friend's flustered reaction, which only made Rika glare at her.

Meanwhile, the Team Star leader had had enough of the interruptions. "Okay, enough! Are we battling or not?!"

Rika shot them a sharp look. "I could wipe the floor with you in seconds, but fine, have your little battle. Just know that I'll be watching."

Geeta nodded approvingly. "An exhibition match, then. A double battle between Ash and Nemona against Team Star. Let's see how our reigning Monarch handles himself in the field."

Nemona grinned, her enthusiasm lighting up her face. "A double battle? This is going to be so much fun! What do you say, Ash? Ready to show them what we've got?"

Ash gave a confident nod, stepping forward. "Let's do it."

The Team Star leader growled under their breath but prepared their Poké Balls. "Fine! Don't blame us if you regret this later!"

...

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as a growing crowd gathered to witness the double battle. Among them were Rika and Geeta, their sharp eyes observing the field with anticipation. The match had become the talk of the moment, with students and townsfolk alike stopping to watch the Monarch and Nemona in action against Team Star. Ash and Nemona took their positions opposite the Team Star Leader and their grunt. The grunt tossed out a Poké Ball, releasing a feisty-looking Yungoos, while the leader confidently summoned a Rellor.

Ash tilted his head in confusion. "Wait a second... What are those?"

Nemona stifled a laugh as she teased, "Seriously, Ash? You've been in Paldea for how long now? And you still don't know the local Pokémon? Maybe you should spend more time paying attention in class instead of napping through lectures."

Ash rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, his cheeks tinged pink. "Okay, okay, you've got a point..." he admitted, earning a few chuckles from the onlookers.

Team Star, however, wasn't amused. The leader crossed their arms, glaring. "Are you two done stalling? We're here to battle, not chit-chat!"

Nemona smirked, placing her hands on her hips. "Oh, don't worry. We're ready to go. Right, Ash?"

Ash nodded, turning to Pikachu. "Hey, buddy, I want you to sit this one out for now. Let Lucario have some fun with this one." Pikachu's ears drooped, looking disappointed, but he hopped off Ash's shoulder with a small, understanding cry. "Thanks, Pikachu," Ash said before tossing a Poké Ball. "Lucario, let's do this!"

In a flash of light, Lucario appeared as it stretched and readied itself for battle.

Nemona reached for her own Poké Ball, tossing it high into the air. "Let's go, Floragato!"

A sleek, green, feline Pokémon landed gracefully beside Lucario.

Ash blinked in surprise at the unfamiliar Pokémon. "Wait, that's Floragato? When did Sprigatito evolve?"

Nemona grinned proudly, holding up a finger as she wagged it playfully. "Oh, I've been doing some secret training behind your back. Gotta keep you on your toes, Monarch!"

"Figures," Ash muttered with a smirk, shaking his head.

The Team Star leader groaned, visibly annoyed. "Enough with the banter already! Rellor, Yungoos, let's show them who's boss!"

Rellor clicked its tiny legs together and rolled its golden ball into place, while Yungoos let out a fierce growl, baring its sharp teeth.

The Team Star Leader wasted no time in commanding their Pokémon. "Rellor, use Mud Shot!"

"Yungoos, follow it up with Mud Slap!" the Team Star grunt added.

The two Pokémon sprang into action, coordinating their attacks. Rellor launched a glob of muddy energy from its golden ball straight toward Lucario and Floragato, while Yungoos swiped at the ground, hurling a spray of dirt in their direction.

Ash reacted quickly. "Lucario, dodge it!"

Lucario's eyes glimmered as it leaped gracefully into the air, flipping over the incoming Mud Shot.

Nemona was just as quick on her feet. "Floragato, use Quick Attack to get out of there!"

Floragato became a green blur, darting to the side with incredible speed, evading both the muddy barrage and the follow-up from Yungoos. The agile Grass-type came to a stop beside Lucario, smirking confidently as it flicked its tail.

"Nice moves, Lucario!" Ash called out with a grin.

"Not bad, Floragato!" Nemona cheered, giving her partner a thumbs-up.

The Team Star Leader growled in frustration. "Don't just stand there! Keep up the pressure!"

Rika, watching from the sidelines, crossed her arms with a smirk. "Looks like Ash and Nemona are in sync already."

Geeta nodded, a hint of a smile on her lips. "It's rare to see such quick coordination between two trainers. This match might be more interesting than I expected."

Ash clenched his fists. "Alright, let's show them what we can do! Lucario, use Aura Sphere and aim for Rellor!"

Nemona joined in seamlessly. "Floragato, back him up with Leafage on Yungoos!"

Lucario formed a glowing blue orb in its palms, hurling it toward Rellor with pinpoint accuracy. At the same time, Floragato whipped its tail, sending a flurry of sharp leaves spiraling toward Yungoos.

However, the crowd collectively sweatdropped when Lucario's Aura Sphere and Floragato's Leafage collided midair in a mistimed combination, dissipating in a harmless burst of energy.

Rika sighed, shaking her head with a faint smirk. "So much for that 'sync,' huh?"

Geeta chuckled softly, folding her arms. "They're still warming up. Give them time."

The Team Star grunt leader smirked, seizing the moment. "You two aren't as coordinated as you think! Rellor, use Rollout!"

The brown beetle Pokémon tucked itself into its ball and began spinning rapidly toward Lucario.

The grunt partner followed up. "Yungoos, use Take Down! Boost Rellor's momentum!"

Yungoos charged behind the rolling Rellor, slamming into it with full force. The additional power sent Rellor barreling forward at incredible speed, aimed straight for Lucario like a rocket.

Ash's eyes narrowed. "Lucario, brace yourself and stop it!"

Lucario planted its feet firmly into the ground, raising its paws just as the spinning Rellor collided. The sheer force of the attack made Lucario skid backward, its claws digging into the ground to hold its position. Lucario gritted its teeth, struggling to keep the Rollout in place.

"You've got this, Lucario!" Ash shouted, his voice full of encouragement. "Don't give in! Show them your strength!"

Lucario growled in determination, its aura flaring. With a mighty push, it managed to halt Rellor's momentum entirely.

"Now! Force Palm!" Ash commanded.

Lucario's paw glowed with powerful energy as it slammed into the rolling Rellor, sending it hurtling back with explosive force. The sudden counterattack caught Team Star off guard, and their jaws dropped in disbelief.

Nemona wasn't about to let the moment go to waste. "Floragato, use Leafage on Rellor, now!"

Floragato flicked its tail again, sending a barrage of sharp leaves toward the airborne Rellor. The leaves struck their mark, knocking the Rellor off balance and forcing it to crash to the ground in a daze.

The crowd erupted in cheers as Nemona shot Ash a triumphant grin. "Not bad, partner! Looks like we're back in sync!"

Ash chuckled, giving her a thumbs-up. "Wouldn't have it any other way!"

The Team Star duo growled in frustration, realizing the battle wasn't going in their favor. "Don't think it's over yet!" they yelled, preparing their next move.

"Rellor, use Rollout again!" barked the grunt leader.

Ash reacted immediately, his confidence unwavering. "Lucario, fire off another Aura Sphere! Let's end this!"

Lucario wasted no time, forming a glowing sphere of energy between its paws. With precision and power, it launched the attack directly at the rolling Rellor. The Aura Sphere streaked across the battlefield, colliding with the Bug-type Pokémon mid-spin. The impact caused an explosive burst, sending Rellor flying back and landing in a heap, defeated.

The grunt leader stared in shock. "No way... Rellor's down?! Just like that?!"

Ash gave a confident smirk, pumping his fist. "Nice work, Lucario! That's how we do it!"

Meanwhile, the grunt partner looked over at her teammate, clearly worried. "Boss, are you okay?!"

Nemona seized the distraction immediately. "Floragato, now's your chance! Use Slash!"

Floragato lunged forward with incredible speed, its claws glowing white as it delivered a clean, powerful strike. The attack hit Yungoos squarely, sending it skidding across the battlefield. The Pokémon let out a weak groan before fainting, marking another victory.

The grunt partner's jaw dropped. "Yungoos, no! How did I—"

Nemona cut her off with a playful grin. "You really shouldn't turn your back on an opponent. Rookie mistake."

The crowd erupted into applause and cheers, amazed by the seamless teamwork between Ash and Nemona. Rika gave a low whistle, clearly impressed. "Okay, I'll admit, that was smooth. They're not just good—they're really good."

Geeta nodded, her smile widening. "A Monarch and a Champion-in-training. I expected no less."

The Team Star duo looked at each other, defeated but begrudgingly respectful. "Fine... You win this round," muttered the leader, recalling their fainted Rellor.

Ash stepped forward. "Maybe next time, instead of causing trouble, you should try challenging trainers the right way."

Nemona chimed in with a wink. "Yeah, because if you keep this up, you'll just keep losing to awesome trainers like us!"

The Team Star members grumbled but nodded, retreating with their pride wounded.

Moments later...

As the crowd continued to dissipate, Ash and Nemona walked over to Rika and Geeta, both of them still buzzing with excitement from the battle. Ash was grinning, but then his stomach let out a loud, unmistakable growl. His face instantly flushed with embarrassment, and he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

"Heh... guess I'm a little hungry," Ash chuckled, trying to brush off the noise.

Rika raised an eyebrow, shaking her head in disbelief. "You really just had to do that, huh, kiddo?" she teased, crossing her arms.

Geeta chuckled lightly at Ash's blushing face. "Well, well, it seems the Monarch needs some food after all that excitement," she said, with a teasing glint in her eyes. "Tell you what, since you two gave us such a good battle, how about we treat you to dinner?"

Ash's eyes lit up. "Really? You'd do that for us?" He couldn't help but smile at the offer.

Geeta grinned. "Of course. But," she added, raising a finger, "it's actually Rika who's going to pay for it. She's the one who suggested we go out to eat."

Rika's eyes widened in mock horror. "Wait, what?!" She glared at Geeta, who only responded with a sly smirk.

"You said it yourself, didn't you? They deserve to be treated for a job well done."

"Since when?!"

Nemona couldn't hold back her laughter, and even Ash chuckled. "Guess we'll get some free food after all," he said, nudging Nemona playfully.

"Fine, fine," Rika muttered, rolling her eyes but clearly trying to hide a smile. "I'll pay for dinner. But this better not be some kind of expensive place."

Geeta didn't let up, however. "Oh, it's a great place! I'm sure you'll love it." She then turned to Ash and Nemona with a wide grin. "Let's head over to Go-For-Broke Grill. It's one of the best spots in town."

"You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?" Rika accused with a deep frown.

Geeta simply smiled, strongly hinting that she was.