Chapter 7: A New Girl In Town

Zinnia is in this chapter! And oh man oh man will it be a fun one for you. Let's see how fun this'll be. Thanksgiving week holiday note, happy early Thanksgiving, Make sure to eat plenty of food and drinks. Spend time with family. Go see the world or go to the movies with others if you have to.

Fun Fact: This chapter will contain romantic lovey-dovey stuff. Your gonna have lots fun reading this one for sure.

"AAAAHHHH!!!"

A scream can be heard from Nemona's room. Ash, Penny, and Arven run in to investigate.

"WHAT?! WHAT?! WHAT?!", Ash yells in worry.

"Its finally happening!" Nemona gets all excited while holding a magazine. "Zinnia, the legend of Hoenn is coming here to Paldea! Look!" Nemona shows them thr magazine.

Ash and Penny we're amazed as they looked at Zinnia in the magazine. When Arven saw the picture of her though, it caught his eye in terms of love. "Holy moly! She's hot!!!"

Nemona, Ash, and Penny have nervous unnerved smiles on there faces and look at Arven, blinking their eyes twice.

"Arven...? You don't happen to see Zinnia as your fan crush, do you?", Ash asked with concern in his eyes.

Arven blushes and admits it zero hesitation. "Of course I see her that way. I wasn't borm yesterday. Just look at her, Ash. She's cute."

Ash disliked everything that Arven was thinking about this Zinnia girl. "Arven, I have a friend of mine named Brock back at Kanto. And I'm gonna tell you right now, you do not want to become like him." Ash was worried he might uncomfortably might go through another Brock upright.

Arven was offended by Ash's comment but also curious since he brought up Brock, who he's never heard of. "And why not?"

"Because he always, and I mean ALWAYS, hits on girls. And most of them he's met have rejected him."

Arven's jaw dropped in shock after gasping. "How dare you! I'm sure me and Zinnia will go on a lovely date together! And when I ask her out, she'll totally say yes!"

Ash's Rotom Phone has rung. And he looks at the message. "Well good luck with that, pal. But I got some of my old Pokémon I've got to prepare to prove my worth around here. So I'll meet Zinnia later." Ash walks out of Nemona's room.

Nemona was cheerfully smiling for Ash. "That's our Ash! He's feeling better then usual after that night."

Penny frowned, thinking about Ash crying from that festival. "I feel so bad for that boy. Why does Liko have to be such a jerk sometimes."

Nemona scowls in hatred towards Penny. "Kind of like you."

Penny put her fist up violently at Nemona. "Shut up! I love him!"

"YOU don't get to love him! I do!", says Nemona walking up to Penny and shoves her aggressively.

"You just want to bother him over stupid Pokémon Battles, just like with the other students!"

"HOW DARE YOU??!!"

"ENOUGH!", Arven yelled, separating the two. "Fighting over Ash won't solve anything. Now if you excuse me, I think it's time we go see the most wonderful Pokémon Trainer hero of Hoenn."

Nemona and Penny feel ashamed for arguing when Arven made a good point. "Your right, Arven. Today's the big day. We shouldn't be fighting."

"Good. I'm so excited to see her!" Arven just can't take his mind off of Zinnia.

One thing Nemona and Penny can agree on, both of the girls start teasing Arven about Zinnia being his fan crush. "Arven and Zinnia sitting in a tree: K-I-S-S-I-N-G! First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes—!"

Arven enraged at the two. "IF YOU FINISH THAT SONG WITH A BABY IN AN UNDERCARRIAGE I WILL CLOBBER THE BOTH OF YOU!"

Nemona and Penny had a small nervous smile and nodded rapidly, responding to Arven's threat while also having sweat stream down their faces.

The three all walk outside of Nemona's room.

Outside of Naranja, everyone was applauding and cheering as they saw a Rayquayza flying down to some people. A Trainer jumps off of Rayquaza and sticks the landing in dominance. They introduce themselves to those people. "Hello! I'm Zinnia! The hero of the Hoenn Region. And I am a Draconid dedicated to my past ancestors of Draconids. I'm basically the next generation."

Her fans we're dazzled by Zinnia's story. They all take pictures of her. Zinnia was getting very flattered. "Aw, guys! No need for pictures!"

But the fans didn't really care. "BUT WE LOVE YOU!"

"YOUR OUR HERO!"

Nemona took pictures of Zinnia from a far distance. "She's so cool!"

Arven also took pictures but he took them more quicker than Nemona. "She's too pretty!!!"

Penny is overwhelmed to see Arven and Nemona act like this. "I'm just going to gaze upon her than take pictures at least."

Director Clavell shows up out of nowhere to help Zinnia have more space. "Alright you fanboys and fangirls. Commemrative items and merchandise staring Zinnia will be held at Levencia with Iono. Get going you silly doodles!"

The fans scream like crazy and run to Levencia. Clavell is taken during the crowd rushing to Levencia. "Why me?! Is this because I announced it?! SOMEONE HELP!"

This stampede made Zinnia lose her balance and she was about to fall. That is until Arven caught her and helped her back up but she also leaned on Arven. "Watch it you weirdos!", Arven yelled at the crowd. Arven looks at Zinnia. "I am so sorry, Zinnia! Are you okay?"

Zinnia observed Arven's eyes. Her eyes sparkled, seeing Arven as some sort of person that might be apart of her life. Arven looks at Zinnia the same way, but also nervously blushes. Zinnia gets off of Arven from leaning on him. "Sorry, sir. I... who are you?"

"I'm Arven. And I'm a huge fan."

Zinnia smiled softly and held Arven's arms. "I heard of you! Can you help me? I'm searching for an incredible Dragon Type Pokémon."

Arven was sweating. He didn't know what to say, except he was listening to when she said she needed help finding a dragon Pokémon. "Sure thing! Anything for you!"

Nemona and Penny were jealous that Arven was about to hang out with Zinnia. "Hey! Your just going to leave us ha—" But Penny whispers in Nemona's ear about something. Both Nemona and Penny then grinned. "Nevermind.", Nemona finished. "You to go ahead and have your fun. Will be going now." Nemona and Penny parted ways with each other.

Zinnia was so happy to see Arven. "Come on, Arven! Catching that Dragon Pokémon I'm searching for can wait! Let's get to know one another." Zinnia gently took Arven's hand and they both hopped on Rayquaza. Rayquaza flew up the sky and Arven was starting to enjoy it. "I'm going for a ride on a Legendary Pokémon! So radical!"

Ash was training his old Pokémon at the Cabo Poco stadium near the beach where he won his battle against Nemona. Pikachu, Fuecoco, and Clodsire were watching.

Lucario praticed his Aura Sphere. "Lucario! Luca!!"

"Good job, Lucario", Ash said with support. "Keep it up."

Solgaleo practiced its Sunsteel Strike. "SSOOOLLGGAAA!!"

"Keep the energy going, Solgaleo!"

Naganadel uses the small rocks as target practices by using Dragon Pulse. "NAGANADEL!!!"

"Excellent Naganadel."

Melmetal was practicing its Double Iron Bash. "Mel-Mel-Metal!"

"Why don't you swing those arms a lot faster, Melmetal! Your doing awesome!"

Sirfetch'd powers up its Meteor Assault. Dracovish powers up its Fishious Rend.

"Sir-Fetch'd!"

"Draco-Dracovish!!!"

Both of them charge at each other with their signature moves and crash into to each other resulting in a huge explosion.

"WOAH! Dracovish, Sirfetch'd, I am amazed!"

Pikachu wagged his tail in entertainment. "Pikachu pika!"

Ash looks at his exhausted Pokémon. "Alright, it seems that you guys need a break. You all deserve it."

His Pokémon start getting some rest.

"Hello Ash!", said Nemona.

"Nemona? You've been watching me train my Pokémon?!"

Nemona nodded. "Yeah! Your Pokémon are great! I've never knew this would be how you were the Champion Monarch of Galar."

Ash grinned as he wants to reveal something to Nemona. "You want to know the truth?"

Nemona looked around confused. "What truth?"

"I'm not just a Champion Monarch, but I'm champion of the Alola Region."

Nemona gasps in shock. "YOUR KIDDING, RIGHT?!"

"Nope. In fact, me and Pikachu gave it our all. It was epic."

Nemona became proud of Ash. "You are so strong! If you can somehow get through to Liko with this team of Pokémon, her strength will be no match to yours!"

Ash chuckled. "You wanna see something cool?"

"Of course."

"Hey Pikachu, I might need you for this!", Ash shouted to Pikachu.

Pikachu ran over to Ash.

"Just be clear, you might wanna stay back from this one.", Ash suggested to Nemona.

"Oh, okay." Nemona took a lot of steps back.

"Alright Pikachu! Spin around using Thunderbolt!"

"Pikachu!!!"

Pikachu forms a grounded Thunderbolt in a whirlpool technique.

Nemona was interested in this. "What kind of technique is that?! It looks amazing!"

"That's one of my Ash Battle strategies. This one was when I beat Cynthia's Spiritomb back in the Masters 8 Tournament of Galar."

Pikachu stops spinning around.

Nemona was clapping her hands. "Are you freaking kidding?! Ash! Do you know how awesome you are?! You can even teach me how to do your strategies!"

Ash saw the admiration in Nemona's face. He never knew Nemona really thought Ash was that awesome. "I can, but it takes a lot of skill though."

Nemona pats Ash head. "Forget about skills! Ash, you wanna know something? I was always bored of people losing to me. But you? You changed all of that. Your the reason why I think Pokémon Battles are more fun than usual. And see you doing creative strategies to win a Pokémon Fight?! Heck, even Liko could learn something from you."

Ash hesitates a little bit. He grumbles," I don't want to think about Liko right now. But you are correct. Even Liko needs to know about how strong I truly am against her. I just need to try harder."

Nemona wanted to smack herself in the face in shame. She forgot that mentioning Liko might get into Ash's head that much. Especially what happened during that Anniversary. "Oh...! Ash no I-!" Nemona hugged Ash gently. "Sorry! I'm so sorry!", she cooed.

Ash laughed a bit. "It's fine Nemona, you didn't know."

Nemona then puts her hands on Ash shoulders and looks at him seriously. "No! You look at me." Ash looks at Nemona. "I understand you. I understand that you need to focus. But... I just want Liko to stop all of this. All of this chaos. All of this outrage. All of—! Everything she is doing is wrong. And I just don't get it. But if you can somehow become champion of this region, I'm know you can change all of this."

Ash understands why Nemona kept mentioning Liko. It must be hard to not focus on her right now even those she might be doing something terrible without anybody noticing.

Nemona also wanted to reveal something to Ash. "I have a truth I want to share with you too. About my past." She looked down with a bit of a depressed look. "People tend to run for the hills and reject my Pokémon Battle offers. It's like they wanted nothing to do with me. And everyday I just felt alone at those times. But ever since you got here, my life turned around. I don't know what it is about you... but you are one of the most amazing, most talented, most experienced trainers I've ever seen. And I love the kind of person you are, even now."

Ash blushed a huge lot and smiled passionately at Nemona. His lips pecked her on the cheek. Nemona blushed a bit to. "As long as I'm here with you, I won't ever leave you, Nemona. I promise."

Nemona's heart beated fast and fluttered with beauty. "Oh Ash..."

He kissed me on the cheek. He's so cute! And he's such a sweetheart! Now is your chance Nemona! Tell him how you feel and kiss him!

"Ash? I've been waiting to tell you this from the moment of your battle with Katy. But I think I might have—"

But Penny walked over to see what those to we're discussing and disturbed Nemona's moment. "What ya two up too?", she asked.

"OH COME ON!", said Nemona angrily.

"Hello again, Penny. We we're just talking about my battle strategies.", Ash answered in flustered nervousness.

Penny tapped her fingers together. "Well, you've hung out with Nemona and Arven a lot lately, so- c-can I-i get a turn?"

Ash held Penny's hand gently. "Sure you can. We care about you too, ya know." Ash sort of hesitates as he wants to lean in for a hug. "Penny... you don't mind if I gave you a hug, right?"

"I don't mind at all, friend!" She grabs him and gives him a big hug.

Nemona growls and clenches her fists with huge temper. Her veins can be shown on her forehead while in anger like she's in a cartoon.

Ash blushes a bit for Penny and is in a very wonderful thought of her.

Should I just like her and Nemona both. They're both really kind and caring to me. I'm really in love with them both.

"Hey, Nemona. You don't mind if I take some time to spend the day with Penny, do you?"

How could Nemona say no to Ash? Sure she's jealous of Penny, but she doesn't want Ash's feelings hurt. However, she would love to punch Penny dead in the face if she had the chance. "Sure Ash! Go ahead!", said Nemona who said this sarcastically, gritting her teeth.

"Thanks Nemona. Everyone, return." Ash recalled all of his Pokémon.

Ash and Penny held hands while walking together.

"I've got to spy on them. I swear if Penny kisses him before I do, I'm gonna lose it!!! So operation figure out what they're up to is a go!"

Zinnia and Arven roam around Cascarrafa.

"So this is Cascarrafa?", said Zinnia. "This place is amazing!"

Arven chuckles charmingly. "I know. It seems like the best place to hang out."

"You've definitely picked the right city. I love a person who's fancy. You really know how to make a woman comfortable, don't you Arven?", Zinnia says in a flirtatious manner.

Arven's face turned as red as a tomato right now. He didn't know Zinnia had an attraction side to her. "Yep! And I thought we could have a date he- I MEANT— phew boy! Is it hot out here?!" Arven felt like he was too hasty to say such a thing like a date.

Zinnia thought it would be impetuous to do this, but she flirts with Arven even more and gently pinches his cheek which makes him almost want to faint. "You cute precious baby! Why am I starting to like you so much, Arven?"

Arven had no words for what Zinnia is doing right now. And how does Zinnia know about him anyway. "How do you know me by the way?"

"Oh! Some friends of yours told me all about you. I saw you in some files about your research and... You look handsome." She pressed her finger on her lip.

Arven was actually quite curious to get to know Zinnia now. "That makes since. I don't know why I'm freaking out, but maybe I'm starting to like how pretty you are too."

Zinnia gasps in passionate romance. "Arvy-poo! Your such a nice cutie."

Arven smiles lightly while blushing. "Thanks. What can I say, I'm a very caring guy."

Zinnia looks at the elevator and sees a Pokémon standing on it. "Look! It's the Dragon Type I was talking to you about!" She points at it.

Arven glances at the Pokémon Zinnia is pointing at. "Woah! That's a Cyclizar!"

"So that's it's name, huh?! I have to catch it!"

"Then let's do this!"

Arven and Zinnia looked at each other and nod their heads. They both run to Cyclizar. Cyclizar panicked as it sees the two come running near it.

"Cycli-Cyc!"

It quickly presses the button to start the elevator multiple times. The elevator goes up before Zinnia and Arven could even reach it.

Zinnia and Arven see the other elevator and decide to go on that. They follow Cyclizar up. As Cyclizar stops near a fountain, Arven and Zinnia have it cornered.

"We got you now! Let's do it, Salamence!" Zinnia brings out her Salamence.

"Sala-Salamence!"

"Go Toedscruel!"

"Toedscruel!"

Ash and Penny also arrived to Cascarrafa. And they sit by an empty Pokémon Battle arena.

"Lots of people are enjoying this place huh?", says Ash.

"Cascarrafa is a unique place to be in.", Penny replied.

Penny decides to move a bit closer to Ash and lean on him. "You picked a perfect area. This place is my favorite one. Cascarrafa has so many cool things you can explore around here."

Ash looked up at the towers with the elevators on them. "Then why don't we explore the place together."

Penny loves to adventure the town with Ash. "I would love that."

Ash and Penny get up and decide to go to a restaurant. Meanwhile, Nemona is stalking them. She is going around and hiding in places where the two won't see her. "I can't believe this! They're on a date?! Me and Ash should be dating! Not her! Ggrrr!"

Nemona breathed calmly to channel her anger. "Calm down, Nemona." She talks to herself. "You just need to find out what might happen."

At a restaurant, Ash and Penny are sitting down laughing and having conversations. Nemona looks at this from the window outside of the restaurant and feels disgusted. "NO! That should be me in there!"

"You must've been really hating on Team Rocket."

"Yeah. But... no way to get rid of them. Even though I know who's behind all of this."

Penny nodded to agree with that. "Say, Ash, did you ever want an Eeveeloution on your team?"

Ash never thought of an Eevee or what they evolve into. "Not really. Pikachu probably won't like it."

But what Penny was planning, was to give Ash compliment out of the blue. "Because your the most adorable Eeveeloution on the planet."

Ash face was all buttered up. He really loved Penny's compliment. "And your the most cutest Sylveon I've ever met." He giggles cutely.

Penny started romance panicking a bit and blushed a lot.

Dear Arceus I love him! I love how he did that! Where did he learn that from?!

Penny calms herself. "Thank you. That was a really nice thing to say."

Ash starts getting a little bit flirty with Penny by completing her dyed hair. "Not only that, but didn't I ever tell you how beautiful your hair is. Blue and red are nice colors for you."

Penny giggled of embarrassment but also joy. "Stop it!"

Then they both giggled.

Nemona was totally infuriated. Her face was red with fury. She was steaming hot like boiling water and was about to explode. She wanted to just run in there and deal with this without any consent. But she kept her cool again because she doesn't want to do something she'll regret to hurt Ash. She looks back through the window and sees Ash and Penny holding hands at the table.

"Penny... I uhm. I know it should be Nemona I should love, but... I have feelings for both of you."

Penny blushed with beauty and accepted what Ash was implying. "Really, Ash? You don't have too... I know yoy and Nemona have things in common."

Ash continued further. "But we have something in common too. We're kind of adorable and basically dorks at times." Ash hesitated so that Penny understood cleary what he meant by dorks. "Not saying your a dork! I mean—!"

"No, it's fine. I totally get it." Penny grasped Ash's hand gently so he knows that what he's saying is true.

"Penny..."

"Yeah, Ash?"

He didn't know how to ask it, but he takes a breath of fresh air to get the words out of his chest. "Will you be my girlfriend?"

Penny was just sitting there suprised, flushing with passion. "Yes... I will."

The two beam at eachother gleefully. Snd then, not even a minute later, they slowly have their faces lean near eachother. Their nose and eyes meet. Then before you know it, something beautiful happens there lips touched beautifully. Penny caresses Ash's cheek while kissing.

Nemona had a face of going into a meltdown after having her gain a heartbreak. Her must've sounded like it just shattered into a million pieces.

As Ash and Penny stopped kissing, Ash emotions made it seem like he felt extremely loved. He's never really had an actual true girlfriend before. All the other girls Ash has met, except for almost Serena but for confusing reasons, would never truly give him too much of a boyfriend to girlfriend treatment before.

"How was that?", asked Penny, getting all jittery and nervous.

Ash passionately simpered. "I liked it a lot."

Nemona had enough and rushed into the restaurant. She then meets up with the two. "I don't mean to interrupt something, correct?", Nemona sarcastically asks.

Ash was all confused by Nemona's sarcastic facial expression. "N-no. We were just u-uhm."

"Oh Ash! I'm not mad at you... can I just have a word with Penny for a second?"

"Sure." But then Ash also realizes he hasn't seen Arven all day. "But have you guys seen Arven?"

"Last time I checked while I was spying on yo- HIM and Zinnia! He was helping her catch a Cyclizar." Nemona was happily relieved that she caught herself before snitching to herself that she actually spied on Ash and Penny,

Ash got up from the dining table quickly. "I'm gonna go check on those two. I know I'm not supposed to worry about Liko for now, but there's no telling what she's up to. Besides, Zinnia is new here! It's best to keep her safe."

Nemona had high regard to Ash dedication of making sure Zinnia and Arven are okay. Penny also respected Ash's decision, but worries about his safety as well. "Okay. Just be careful Ashy!"

Ash snickered at Penny's pet name for him. "Don't worry. I've dealt with danger on lots of my adventures. I'll be fine."

As Ash walked out of the restaurant, Nemona and Penny went into the girls bathroom to talk where no one else could see them. Once there, Nemona had a dark look on her face. Penny was scared knowing what's coming. "N-Nemona. L-l-listen to me, okay? I didn't mean to..." She stutters trying to explain herself to her.

She rephrases the words. "You watched us kiss; didn't you?"

Nemona turned around. Her orange eyes turned violent. She gripped her fist tightly. Her face became vicious like heck. Penny gulped and shook rapidly.

"Penny? What the Giratina?", she growled.

Penny bit her lip. She's feared of Nemona's reaction to what she just did with Ash. "Nemona! I apologize, but didn't you hear him?! He likes you too! He likes us both!"

"And told you don't want to mother-flipping share!!!", she barked at Penny. "I don't want to share because I don't trust you! One minute you show up after that "Cassiopeia" person hanged up the call on Ash. And the next minute, you go lovey dovey on him." Nemona clenches both of her fists. "Not to mention the fact that you literally called him "Ashy" just now??!! Maybe your Cassiopeia in disguise just to touch Ash! The whole Team Star is a fake! So admit it!"

Penny wasn't going to let that slide. What Nemona said made her heart beat but brushes off about being the suspect. "WOAH! E-e-eexxcccuusseee mmeee???!!! Me?! Cassiopeia?! Are you mental?!"

Nemona felt wounded of the question of being mental. "I'M NOT MENTAL! How dare you even jump to that conclusion??!! Your the one that just had to come here, and you had to get me involved in my dumb jealousy against you all because you see Ash as some sort of passionate tool to you!"

The insults and tantrums Nemona was throwing, made Penny snap. "Says you who sees him as a Pokémon Battle tool!!! Your SO obsessed about Pokémon battling, and your trying to put your obsession of that on him aren't you?! You can't even think about what Ash would want if he was tired of Pokémon Battling for one day! And your to stupid and ignorant to know better!"

Those harmful words almost had Nemona's soul leave her body. She looks at Penny in a feeling harmed sort of way. She never heard anyone say such hurtful things to her before. "Penny... why did you say those things to me? That hurts. I'm trying to become better."

But Penny didn't even care and started attacking Nemona further. "Uh huh. Sure ya did. Why don't become better when Ash saves the world and you only care about battling him more than hugging and kissing him."

Nemona finally snapped in a fit of rage. "AT LEAST I DON'T OBSESS OVER STUPID EEVEELOUTIONS ALL DAY!!!" Nemona opens up her regrettable eyes after yelling those things to Penny. She tries reaching her hand out to Penny hesitantly. She attempts to speak in a calm manner to her the moment see she's Penny leak one little tear. "Penny. Look at me, girl. Look at me. I didn't mean that. I think we're just having a rough day. Come on. Stay with me."

Penny's face went darkly blank after Nemona decided to hurt Penny with words back. "You want to play that card? Fine..." She walks closley to Nemona. "LET'S PLAY!!!" She strikes an aggressive punch at Nemona's nose. Nemona falls to the ground from that punch. Penny is panting after letting out her violence. But then soon realizes, what she did was a terrible mistake. She starts hesitating and has goosebumps rolling up on both of her arms.

Nemona gets up from off the floor and looks in the mirror. She starts breathing in panic mood and starts crying and screaming as she sees that her nose is bleeding. "AAAAAAAAAAA!!!"

Penny wanted to hug Nemona, but after what she did, Nemona probably wouldn't want that. "Nemona!!! Omg! Sorry! I couldn't stop myself!" She attempts to gently touch Nemona's shoulder. "It's okay! Let's go find Ash!"

"DON'T TOUCH ME!!!! DON'T YOU EVER TOUCH ME!!! NEVER DO I EVER WANT TO SEE YOUR FACE EVER AGAIN!!! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!!!" That huge ballistic scream from Nemona made Penny dash away like living heck.

Penny ran straight out of the restaurant and started crying in tears while running. "Dear Arceus I should've never done that! Ash will hate me for sure! She even found out I'm Cassiopeia!!! I got to tell Team Star before my cover is blown! What choice do I have!" And so Penny finally reveals her true colors. Who knows what she'll be doing next.

At the fountain area, Arven and Zinnia are winning the battle against Cyclizar.

"Salamence, use Dragon Rush!", yelled Zinnia.

"Use Power Whip!", said Arven.

Salamence attacks Cyclizar with Dragon Rush from left to right. Toedscruel uses Power Whip and pummels Cyclizar into the ground. Cyclizar faints. Zinnia throws her pokéball at Cyclizar. A successful catch was victorious.

Zinnia claps her hands together. "I caught my Cyclizar! This'll totally help you with your research now."

Arven didn't notice that Cyclizar was part of the research. "Huh?! That's why you wantex Cyclizar? Say, thanks."

"No, thank you.", Zinnia assured him. "Because of you, we make a pretty good team. And speaking of pretty good, you deserve a reward."

Arven's eye twitches as he's in an akward state. "What kind of reward are you referring to?"

"Follow me.", she says as she gives Arven the follow me gesture with her finger.

Arven follows Zinnia to somewhere for some odd reason.

At an abandoned area of Cascarrfa, Zinnia looks around to see if there are people near by.

"Zinnia, what is this about?", Arven asked all nervous like.

"You'll see." Zinnia gently pushes Arven to a wall. She puts her arms near the wall in front of Arven. She starts getting passionate pensive and flirty like. "I've been waiting to make out with someone for a long time."

Arven froze up with embarrassment, getting all unnvered and nervous about Zinnia's intentions. "Woah woah woah! Hey hey hey hey! We just met for like 3 hours. I understand why you want to do this, but we would have to get to know one another a whole lot! It's not just something that's done all willy nilly."

"Don't worry, Arven. We're just getting started. You're my hottie so I can't just sit here and do nothing to you, can I?", she said in a purring and captivating voice. Her face was on sultry mode against Arven.

Arven was about to freak out but he's only nervous and unnerved. Okay! Arceus I love this woman, but where on the planetary Earth is Ash!!!

Zinnia cupped Arven's face with her hand. "You know I'd do anything for you, babe. You can be my new Draconid even. How's about it, baby?" Her passionate intentional flirting still prevailed at this point.

Arven was sweating so much, that it feels like being burned alive soon by the heat. He was seriously smiling nervously and having the feeling of disturbance on his side. He nods to Zinnia's weird question. "I wouldn't love anything more than that! Tha-that sounds... a-awesome!" Arven then makes a blank stare as a attempting concept for Zinnia to leave him alone and stop what she's doing. "Also it's hot out here..."

"I can fix that up nicely, pretty boy. Now pucker up for mommy." Zinnia puckered her lips as she was prepared to kiss Arven.

Thankfully, even though as a sign of threatening danger, a random Deoxys teleports out of nowhere. Not just any Deoxys. Liko's Deoxys. The Attack Form one.

A communication chip is attached to Deoxys purple crystal on its chest so that Liko can speak through it. Arven stares at the Deoxys in fear. "Zinnia... there's a Deoxys behind you. Please not in front of the Extraterrestrial DNA Pokémon..."

Zinnia licked her lips. "Then let it look."

Not a minute later, Liko's Deoxys turns around and discovers the two. Liko speaks through the communication chip. "Zinnia. I haven't found results yet to bringing your comrade Aster back, but working progress is working progress and..." Her voice then paused.

Zinnia froze and stopped what she was doing, got off of Arven and the did a salute, looking up at Attack Form Deoxys. "Eeww! What the heck! You like this guy?! He's my enemy!!!" Deoxys face of disgust even shows that it granted what Liko is saying.

Zinnia embarrassingly panicked for what just happened just now. "MASTER LIKO! I can explain!"

Arven had questions lingering around his mind right now. "Your master?! Liko is your master now??!!"

"Tch! Wasn't that obvious, Arven? Or are you just gonna sit there and just pretend that Zinnia was using you."

Arven was concerned as he was confused. "What does she mean?"

Zinnia hesitated to answer. "I-I may or may n-not have been working with Liko for 3 weeks. And she also wants me to kidnap you. But-"

Liko's voice from the chip sounded annoyed and disappointed. "Zinnia, your supposed to capture this dude by knocking him out with something or something like that. Not do sensual inappropriate cards on him just to sike him out and distract him!!! What's with you!"

Zinnia grins in a nervous state of shame. "It was an accident-"

"As my mother would tell me, there are no such thing as accidents. Now without further ado, get him."

Zinnia didn't however comply to Liko's demands. Well at least not anymore. "No! My job was to help you and your dream! Not this! I'm sorry, but I'm out of this."

The voice in Liko was a sign of temper. She growls angrily because Zinnia's response was not compliant. "How dare you not comply and deny my commands! Oh wait, you've been getting close with Arven now huh?"

Arven had to take care of this situation. "GET OUT OF HERE! You have no use kidnapping people!"

Liko had an wheezing laugh as Arven yells at her. "Sheesh! Relax. All I need is a simple offer."

"Well the offer is off! We're not going anywhere with you", Zinnia claims as she hold Arven's hand.

But then Ash shows up to this commotion. "Did someone say offer?" Ash was joyful to have found Arven and Zinnia. "I would be happy to oblige." Then he's inturrepted by seeing a Deoxys around here. "Holy cow! You found a Deoxys!" Ash also looks over to Arven and Zinnia. "Have you two been holding hands?"

Arven and Zinnia blush and let go of eachothers hands. Arven brushed off the moment, thinking Ash was going to poke fun of him. "W-what?! Me?! Holding hands with her?! No."

Ash chuckled and playfully teases him. "Oh really? Because I'm over here looking for you two while doing my own fun shenanigans and your holding hands with the Draconid."

Arven clears his throat to explain to Ash about his and Zinnia's relationship. "Okay. Look. My and Zinnia share a companionship of things... we are basically a couple with benefits and our relationship is—"

Liko had enough of this conversation and was getting very impatient. "There is so much happening here. Everyone shut up." Deoxys stares at Ash. "You know, Ash, you have become very persistent in finding me. Is it me your following, or am I just simply following you?

Ash starts ringing a suspicious in his head for who is speaking through the communication chip Deoxys has on his chest. "I know that voice... Liko?!" His voice sounded in a scolding and worrisome tone.

"Tee-hee-hhee-hee! You figured me out." Her voice sounded like an adorable child playing games with people.

Ash face comes to a shocking realization. He stares at the Attack Form; concerned that Liko keeps catching Legendaries and Mythicals. "You caught Deoxys in its Attack Form, didn't you?" Ash sends his hand out to the Deoxys to talk sternly to Liko, knowing that there's a camera Liko is looking through from the communication chip. "Liko! I get why your doing this, but if you keep doing this, who knows what'll happen!"

"You'll just hurt lots of people, over and over.", Zinnia added in worry.

Liko justifiably defends her actions. "I am doing this to become a Pokémon Master like you, Ash! I was a failure when I kept losing battles, but the older I grew, the more I got stronger by going towards this path. Fortunately, Lugia and Mew are next before capturing Arceus. Then I will destroy my enemies and crush them once and for all. Maybe help you get Team Rocket out of the way."

Something sparked that made Ash wonder what she meant by "her enemies". She had enemies like Ash with Team Rocket? How is that possible?

"Wait, Liko. Other than the other things you told us that horribly happened to you, what is the most reason your doing this...? There are probably enemies near you too, isn't there?"

"How do you think arch enemies we're a thing. Gibeon and his Explorers were villains who fueled me into war. They are my Team Rocket."

Ash gasped in horror, feeling even more badly for Liko and what she's went through. Zinnia and Arven flinched hearing this information shockingly.

Ash growled and snarled, cursing out The Explorers. "Those monsters. It was THEM. They hurt you!"

Liko laughs adorably. "Your really starting to understand me a bit now, do you?" Liko clears her throat before speaking out her next plan. "So, since I got a bit foiled, I'll be leaving you three alone. Zinnia, since you betrayed me, you are no longer necessary. And— Heh. That's about it. I got nothing else."

Ash clutched his fist, waiting for the moment to tell Liko this. "Liko, before you go right now, one request."

"I'm listening..."

"Once we both become champions of Paldea, I want to give you a real battle. And I want you to know that I won't give up showing you the Pokémon Master way! Because that's what friends do! And you are my friend Liko. You just have to see it."

Liko went silent for a second, not knowing what to say until this. "Very well, Ketchum. I'll be waiting and won't engage against you until we're both prepared. But... just be prepared. Because you know the old saying, "Being challenged in life shall be inevitable, defeat is declared optional. You want to defeat me and my original Pokémon? My legendary Pokémon might be trickier. And I'll be waiting to see how you outsmart them." All of this Liko said was genuine. She might be starting to a tad bit open up to Ash. But only for now as she sees him as sort of an enemy. "Ta-ta for now, Ash.", she says in a near kind voice.

"Deo-Deox." Attack Form Deoxys waves goodbye and phases out of disappearance.

Ash softly smiled to the temporary genorus side of Liko. He knows there is still good in her. But now after founding out of this, he understands now that whoever the Explorers are, they made her this way.

"Can someone explain what just happened?", Zinnia says, under a confusing state.

"Explanations will be available later. Right now, we're just happy for you, Zinnia.", Ash brought up. "You joined the right side after realizing what Liko was truly doing was wrong, and you defended Arven even. You really are a hero of Hoenn."

Zinnia laughs off the compliment. "Why thank you, Ash! When I joined hands with Liko, I thought she needed me as her bodyguard assistant. But never knew that she used me. Gotta watch out for trusting people like that."

Arven gently pats Zinnia's shoulder. "As long as we stay as a team, no obstacle or danger can attack us from any conner." Zinnia nods to that, smiling, but then her face turns to a awkward frown when she sees Nemona coming up to the others, holding her nose. "I guess someone was in a type of danger today?"

Ash freaks out seeing Nemona all upset and hurt like this. She had her tissue up her left nostril. He runs to check up on her. "OH ARCEUS! Nemona! What happened?! Are you alrigt?! Oh no, your nose!"

"Blame Penny.", she whispered.

"..." Ash didn't understand. What does she mean blame Penny? "Nemona? What's wrong... why are you taking this out on Penny."

"She. Punched. Me.", she told him in a serious dark depressing voice.

Everything romantic that just happened with Ash and Penny is has now become a heartbreak of everlasting destruction. Ash winced in regret for experiencing loving affection towards Penny. If he could turn back time and trace his passionate steps towards Nemona, that would've been nicer. "I should've never kissed her."

Nemona's eyes exploded into a widespread. She has a thought of it being her fault, but she knows Ash knows that there is a real scapegoat, which would be the one who cause Nemona pain.

Ash remained calm and comforted Nemona. "Okay. Okay, Nemona. It's okay. Where did she go?"

"I don't know, but she... ran out. I screeched at her to get out."

"Okay.", Ash said in a soft voice to make Nemona feel more comfortable. "Whatever happened, we're going to fix it."

Nemona smiles for several seconds. "Many thanks to you, Ash."

He gives her a nice and gentle back rub. "Your so welcome, Nemona. I promise, I won't let anything like that happen to you ever again. Never ever."

Arven and Zinnia have their faces curl up into a big smile. They love the moment of Ash and Nemona.

"Hey, guys. Why don't we go home? It's been a long day."

Arven was cool with Ash's idea. "Yeah, buddy! Agreeable! I'm both tired and beat."

All of the four start having a walk back to Naranja.

"But no, you guys do understand how hard it was to find you guys, right." Ash joked.

"As hard as Arven?", Zinnia said.

"WHAT'S WITH THE DIRTY JOKES, WOMAN?!", Arven yelled, looking traumatized.

Both Nemona and Ash started cracking up laughing. At the moment of Arven and Zinnia.

Asado Desertin Paldea.

Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket, visits to explore more of the region.

"Hmm. This place seems more like a grand opportunity to catch any new Pokémon imaginable.", says Giovanni.

"Isn't all rather fascinating to you?" A voice was heard.

Giovanni turns around from behind him and sees a man in a white suit. "And who are you?", asked Giovanni with interest.

"The names Gibeon. I'm the leader of the organization call The Explorers. And it seems you and I have strong enemies that always cripple our plans."

Giovanni picks up a pebble from his sleeve and plucks it off. "So what your saying is, our own teams should propose an alliance?"

Gibeon continues with a villianous smirk. "You and I both have our own goals in this world. Liko and that Ash boy are the ones out to rip that away from us. If we get them out of the way, this entire world will be ours to conquer."

Giovanni chuckles evily. "I'd say I'm interested. But what do our fellow band of helpers get in exchange?"

Gibeon understands the terms of exchanges and nods before answering. "Money, fame, and fortune. The three things that benefit us and our team so well. It'll be easy money at least in your image."

Giovanni liked that deal and mischievously grins. "You got your self a deal, Gibeon. Looks like you and I will be the perfect winning team."

Gibeon and Giovanni lend out eachothers hand, and they do a firm handshake. The true, main villains are after our greatest heroes. And danger will be more imminent then ever.

Penny starts rushing to her members of Team Star's base. But she was in a black hoodie with her face covered in the shadows.

"GIACOMO!"

Giacomo was making music on his computer in DJ style. But was respectfully interrupted by his leader. "Cassiopeia! My master... I was just, making the most perfect hip hop music the world will ever see. But anyway, what can I do you for?!"

"There's no time to explain. A girl named Nemona almost blew my cover. I need you to plan to capture her and hold her hostage until I give you further commands.

Giacomo freezes with a shocked surprise. "That's bad news, huh? You got it, ma'am! I shall take care of this immediately. Just say the word and I'll get everything set up and ready."

Penny sighs in relief that Giacomo is ready to help her. "Okay. Here's the plan..."

What is happening in Paldea? Why is there so many evil people around. Will Paldea be saved by these threats. Of course they will! Ash Ketchum is around and so are others.

Who ever is a vile enemy threat, Team Star, The Explorers, Team Rocket, AI Sada and Ai Turo, and Liko, the heroes will not be blinded by these villains deceptions. Paldea will be saved.

And everything bad that has ever happened and is still happening, will be put to end very soon.

At Naranja, at night, in Arven's room, Arven is ready for bed, and Zinnia is laying next to him.

"So, Arvy! How's the Nemona girl doing?", she asked.

"Let's just say... she's depressed as a sad Pikachu after being given the fist-a-chu." Arven thought it was funny to make a punchline, which Zinnia chuckled to.

Arven looked like he had two questions in his mind. "Hey Zinnia? Who is Aster that Liko mentioned? And what was it like catching Rayquaza?"

Zinnia smiled charmingly to hear that name. "Aster was someone dear to me. That is until they we're no longer alive when I was born."

Arven frowned feeling bad for her. "I'm so sorry."

"It's fine. But I have my Whimsur I nicknamed Aster after them. It makes me more happy that way."

Arven was glad for Zinnia to have a mesmerizing moment like that. "That's cool!"

"As for Rayquaza...", Zinnia continued. I was following my prophecy of catching it to save the world from a meteor of space."

Arven had an akwardly concerned look. "Did you live?! Even if you couldn't breathe oxygen."

"Oh it was easy. Some friend of mine back at Hoeen gave me an astronaut helmet.", Zinnia answered.

"Good thing you survived afterwards then.", Arven pointed out in relief.

"Liko also has her prophecy too. But her's is different from mine." Zinnia decides to tell Arven what is going on with Liko since she was around her for a bit.

Arven blinked having his a bit serious and worried like. "What prophecy is she trying to do?

Zinnia sighs as it would be a lot for Arven and maybe even the others to process. "The specific Legendaries and Mythicals she wants, it's all to catch Arceus. To be The Chosen One. With the correlated help of Terapagos and the pendant, she'll probably be unstoppable."

Arven eyes twitched unnervingly. "What do you mean by that?"

"As in well— both Arceus and Terapagos learn all of the 18 Pokémon Types. So if Liko we're to catch the two that resemble and symbolize that, that just makes her even an overpowering Pokémon Master above Ash."

"Oh my god.", Arven said in shock. "Your kidding."

Zinnia shakes her head. She isn't joking at all. "Believe me, I wish it was a joke to begin with." She goes ahead and caresses Arven's righr cheek. "But hey. Don't stress. Ash is finding a way to end all of this. And we're hear to help him with that. Just don't let this stuff get to your head so much, okay?"

Arven declares to live with that quote. Sure this is all getting chaotic, but Arven should take a break from thinking about it too much. "Thanks Zinnia."

"Your welcome." She kisses his forehead and he blushes. "Now goodnight, Arvy-poo." She yawns. "I love you.", she says before closing her eyes to fall asleep.

"Love you too.", Arven says, playing with Zinnia's hair for five seconds before falling to sleep.

Love, romance, passion, affection. All of it is the same thing. Everyone has a love interest until eventually they become a couple. Who knows, maybe the same thing will happen with Ash and Nemona soon. Because in Ash's room, while sleeping, Ash is giving Nemona company as they both snuggle together while they sleep right now.

Wasn't that great! Hey, hey, Ash about to prepare a real battle with Liko soon in the future of this story, huh?! Isn't that cool?!

So the adventures are gonna continue with lots of epic stuff. And I know you guys were probably expecting, Zinnia, Arven, and Ash VS Liko, but that would ruin how Ash wants to show Liko a true battle with just him and her. But there will definitely be more Zinnia, that I promise!!!

I'm going to take a break from writing more chapters the rest of this week to celebrate Thanksgiving. It's the most wonderful time of the year along with Christmas after all. So see you around and like I said, make sure to eat plenty of foods and spend time with families. Chapter 8 will be somewhere around this December.