The fateful day had finally arrived. After days of anticipation, the academy grounds were a buzz of excitement, a sea of students and adoring fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the world's strongest Pokémon Trainer. Banners bearing Ash Ketchum's name and images of Pikachu fluttered in the crisp morning air. The energy was electric, and for most of the crowd, it was a moment they had only dreamed of.

No one felt the pressure more than Liko. Standing near the front of the gathering, her heart pounded relentlessly in her chest. She gripped Sprigatito's Poké Ball tightly, her fingers trembling.

"Liko, are you okay?" asked Ann, noticing her friend's pale face.

"I-I'm fine," Liko stammered, though her voice betrayed her nerves. "It's just... it's Ash Ketchum. I've admired him for so long. What if I mess up if I get to talk to him?"

Ann gave her a reassuring smile. "Relax. You're not battling him, are you?"

"She might," Roy chimed in with a playful smirk. "You never know. Ash might throw out a challenge to the crowd, and then we'll see if you're ready."

"Not helping, Roy," Liko muttered, her cheeks flushing.

Roy's eyes sparkled with excitement. "What? You've gotta admit, battling the Monarch would be amazing. I can't wait to see him in action."

"Neither can anyone else," Ann added, gesturing to the massive crowd.

On the grand podium at the center of the academy grounds, the Headmistress, a stately woman with an air of authority, stood alongside Professor Cerise. Cerise had a calm smile, though his eyes sparkled with anticipation. He had seen Ash's growth firsthand during the young trainer's last journey with Goh, and now he felt a mix of pride and nostalgia knowing how far Ash had come.

The Headmistress raised her hands to calm the crowd. "Students and esteemed guests, today we are honored to welcome a trainer whose name has become synonymous with determination, perseverance, and excellence. From humble beginnings in Pallet Town to becoming the Monarch, Ash Ketchum has inspired millions worldwide. Please give a warm Indigo Academy welcome to Ash Ketchum!"

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, the sound nearly deafening. Liko's breath hitched as she craned her neck to see. Her hands balled into fists, trying to steady herself. This is it. He's really here.

As Ash stepped onto the stage, wearing his signature cap and a confident smile, the noise somehow grew even louder. Pikachu perched on his shoulder, waving enthusiastically to the crowd with a cheerful "Pika-pika!"

Liko's heart skipped a beat. There he was—her idol, the trainer who had achieved what so many others could only dream of. He looked so approachable, yet there was an undeniable aura of greatness about him.

"Thank you, everyone," Ash said, his voice amplified by the microphone. "It's amazing to be here at Indigo Academy. Pokémon battles have taken me all over the world, but meeting trainers like you is what I love most. You're the future, and I'm excited to see what all of you will accomplish."

The crowd roared again, and Ash laughed sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Wow, you guys are loud!"

Roy elbowed Liko lightly. "There he is, in the flesh. Aren't you glad you came?"

Liko nodded, her voice caught in her throat. She could barely process the moment.

After his speech, Ash stepped back to let Professor Cerise speak briefly about the importance of mentorship and growth in Pokémon training. Meanwhile, Ash leaned over to talk to the Headmistress, sharing a quick laugh with her.

When Cerise finished, the floor was opened for a Q . Hands shot up all around, and Ash pointed to a young boy in the front row.

"What's your favorite Pokémon battle ever?" the boy asked, his voice filled with excitement.

Ash grinned. "That's a tough one! I've had so many amazing battles, but my match with Leon in the World Coronation Series finals is definitely up there. It was a battle that pushed me and Pikachu to our absolute limits."

"Pikachu!" Pikachu agreed, raising a tiny fist in triumph, earning a chorus of laughs from the crowd.

As more questions followed, Roy nudged Liko again. "Go on, ask something!"

Liko hesitated, her nerves threatening to overpower her. But with Ann and Roy's encouragement, she timidly raised her hand. To her surprise—and horror—Ash pointed right at her.

"You there!" he said with a smile. "What's your question?"

Liko stood shakily, her voice barely audible. "H-hi, Mr. Ketchum. My name is Liko. I just... I wanted to ask... how do you stay so confident, even when the odds are against you?"

Ash's expression softened. "That's a great question, Liko. Honestly? It's because of my friends—both my Pokémon and the people I've met along the way. They've always believed in me, even when I doubted myself. And I learned that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. It's okay to be nervous or scared. Just remember why you started your journey in the first place."

Liko's eyes widened as his words resonated deeply. She nodded, her grip on Sprigatito's Poké Ball relaxing.

As the Q ended, Ash turned to the Headmistress and Cerise. "Think we have time for a quick battle or two? I'd love to see what these trainers can do."

The Headmistress smiled. "I think we can make time for that."

The announcement sent the crowd into a frenzy. Roy's hand shot up immediately. "Pick me! I'm ready to battle!" he shouted.

Ash laughed, pointing at Roy. "All right, you're up first!"

Roy turned to Liko with a triumphant grin. "Wish me luck!" he said before sprinting to the battlefield.

Moments later...

Roy and Ash took their respective positions. The crowd had grown even livelier, their cheers echoing across the academy grounds. Liko, standing beside Ann, felt her heart hammering in her chest as she watched the match unfold before her.

"This is going to be amazing!" Ann exclaimed. She glanced at Liko with a teasing grin. "So, who are you rooting for? Your idol, Ash, or your buddy, Roy?"

Liko's face turned beet red. "I-I don't know! I mean, Roy's my friend, but Ash is... well, Ash!"

Ann giggled, nudging her lightly. "You're so easy to tease."

Liko groaned softly, her attention snapping back to the battlefield as Professor Cerise stepped into the center to officiate the exhibition match.

"This will be a one-on-one Pokémon battle!" Cerise announced. "Both trainers may use one Pokémon each, and the match will conclude when one Pokémon is unable to battle. Trainers, are you ready?"

Roy grinned. "You bet I am! I've been waiting for this moment!"

Ash returned the grin. "You've got spirit, Roy. Let's see what you've got."

Roy pointed dramatically toward Ash. "I'm Roy from the Rising Volt Tacklers! Let's make this an awesome battle!" With a flourish, he grabbed his Poké Ball and released his partner. "Fuecoco, let's show 'em what we've got!" In a flash of light, Fuecoco appeared. The little Fire-type crocodile let out a squeaky growl, its tiny mouth opening wide.

Ash blinked in surprise, his eyes widening slightly. "Whoa, what Pokémon is that? I've never seen one like it before."

Cerise stepped in with an explanation. "That's Fuecoco, a Fire-type Pokémon native to the Paldea region."

Ash nodded, taking in the information. "Got it. Thanks, Professor." He glanced at Pikachu, who was already perched on his shoulder, eager to battle. "Well, buddy, looks like we're up against something new."

"Pika!" Pikachu replied with a determined look, leaping down to the battlefield.

The match began with Cerise raising his hand. "Trainers, begin!"

Ash wasted no time. "Pikachu, start us off with Quick Attack!"

In a flash of yellow, Pikachu became a blur, darting across the battlefield with incredible speed. Fuecoco barely had time to react before Pikachu slammed into it, sending the little Fire-type skidding backward.

"Fuecoco!" Roy called out in concern. The small Pokémon quickly got back on its feet, shaking off the hit. "Phew, you're tough! Now, use Tackle!"

Fuecoco charged forward with surprising determination, but Ash smirked. "Dodge it, Pikachu!"

Pikachu easily sidestepped the attack, its movements fluid and precise. Fuecoco stumbled slightly, but Roy quickly rallied. "Okay, let's try Ember!"

Fuecoco opened its mouth, spitting a small burst of flames toward Pikachu.

"Counter it with Electro Ball!" Ash commanded.

Pikachu leaped into the air, summoning a crackling ball of electricity at the tip of its tail before launching it directly at the oncoming Ember. The two attacks collided midair, creating a small explosion that momentarily obscured the battlefield.

The crowd gasped in awe at the clash, and Roy's confidence surged. "Fuecoco, follow up with Bite!"

Fuecoco rushed forward, its tiny jaws glowing with energy. Ash's eyes narrowed as he calculated his next move. "Pikachu, use Iron Tail to block it!"

Fuecoco lunged, its jaws snapping toward Pikachu, but Pikachu's tail shimmered with metallic energy and swung down in a powerful arc, meeting Fuecoco's Bite head-on. The impact sent Fuecoco sliding backward again, but this time, it managed to stay upright.

Roy clenched his fists. "You've got this, Fuecoco! Let's keep pushing!"

Ash couldn't help but admire the passion in Roy's voice. It reminded him of his younger self—full of energy and a desire to prove himself. "Not bad, Roy. You've got a lot of heart."

On the sidelines, Ann leaned closer to Liko. "Roy's really giving it his all. Think he can hold his own?"

Liko, though nervous, couldn't take her eyes off the battle. "He's doing great... but Ash and Pikachu are on a whole different level."

Back on the field, Roy grinned, pointing at Ash. "I'm not done yet! Fuecoco, let's go for another Ember!"

Fuecoco launched another burst of flames, but Ash was ready. "Pikachu, Quick Attack—straight through the Ember!"

Pikachu zipped through the flames with dazzling speed, emerging unscathed and striking Fuecoco directly. Fuecoco let out a cry and toppled over, struggling to get back up.

Cerise raised his hand. "Fuecoco is unable to battle! Pikachu is the winner. The victory goes to Ash Ketchum!"

The crowd erupted into cheers as Roy rushed over to his partner, gently helping it to its feet. "You did awesome, Fuecoco. Thanks for giving it your best."

Fuecoco chirped happily, nuzzling Roy despite its exhaustion.

Ash approached Roy with a smile, extending his hand. "Great battle, Roy. You and Fuecoco are gonna go far if you keep working together like that."

Roy took Ash's hand, his grin returning. "Thanks, Ash. That means a lot coming from you. I'll keep training, and next time, I'll be the one to win!"

Ash laughed. "I'm looking forward to it."

Liko watched the exchange with a mixture of awe and inspiration. Her earlier nervousness began to fade, replaced by a growing determination. One day, I'll battle him too.

Later that evening...

Most of the students had dispersed. Ash stood by a small table, finishing up signing autographs for a group of giggling female students.

"Thanks so much, Ash!" one of the girls gushed, clutching the signed item close as her friends giggled behind her.

"Yeah, no problem," Ash replied with an easy smile, rubbing the back of his neck as the girls walked away, whispering among themselves.

Pikachu, perched on Ash's shoulder, gave a teasing smirk. "Pika pika!"

Ash chuckled nervously. "What? I'm just being polite!"

As the crowd thinned, Professor Cerise approached, his warm smile reflective of a long day well spent. "You've really made an impression on these students, Ash. They'll be talking about today for weeks."

"Glad I could inspire them," Ash replied, crossing his arms. "Speaking of inspiration, how are Chloe and Goh doing? It's been a while since we all went our separate ways."

Cerise nodded thoughtfully. "Chloe's doing quite well—she's continuing her studies and research on Eevee's evolutions. Goh has been diving deeper into his Project Mew missions. He's as driven as ever."

"That sounds like them," Ash said, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "Tell them I said hi next time you talk to them."

Before Cerise could respond, a small voice interrupted. "E-excuse me."

Ash and Cerise turned to see Liko standing a few feet away, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. She looked nervous, her cheeks tinged pink as her gaze flitted between Ash and the ground.

"Oh, hey!" Ash greeted, tilting his head as he tried to place her. "You're, uh…" He paused, scratching his head. "Sorry, it's been a long day. Have we met?"

Liko's blush deepened as she shifted uncomfortably. "I-I was the one who asked you about your journey earlier... w-with the pendant."

"Oh, right! Liko, wasn't it?" Ash said, snapping his fingers as he finally remembered.

Pikachu perked up, looking at Liko with curiosity. "Pika pi?"

Liko nodded shyly. "Y-yes. I… I had something I wanted to ask you."

Ash raised an eyebrow, folding his arms. "What's up?" Her heart pounding, Liko opened her mouth, but the words seemed to stick in her throat. Ash's curious gaze and Pikachu's expectant expression didn't help her nerves. After a moment of silence, Ash tilted his head. "You okay?"

"I-I'm fine!" Liko stammered, then quickly bowed her head, avoiding the stares she could feel from nearby students who lingered in the area. She took a deep breath and, before her courage could waver, blurted out: "Please make me your student! I want to learn from you!"

The weight of her words hung in the air. Ash blinked, his mouth opening slightly in surprise. Pikachu's ears twitched, and he tilted his head, equally baffled.

"Wait… what?!" Ash exclaimed.