Hi there, and welcome to chapter four. Hope you like what's coming. Let's start!
The midday sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows across the rugged, canyon-like terrain of South Province. The red-hued rock formations stretched endlessly, their jagged edges framed by sparse vegetation and the occasional trickling stream that carved its way through the craggy landscape. A few wild Pokémon darted between rocks, their movements quick and agile to avoid the heat of the day.
Ash and Pikachu trudged along the dusty path that twisted through the canyons. Ash had his hands tucked into his jacket pockets, his gaze shifting between the uneven ground ahead and the towering cliffs that surrounded them. Pikachu, perched on his shoulder, occasionally flicked its tail, keeping a lookout for any surprises.
"So, Artazon's just past this canyon," Ash said, glancing at the wooden signpost that confirmed he was on the right track. "I wonder what kind of opponent we'll face this time. Sunflora Arena, huh? Sounds... cheerful."
"Pika pika!" Pikachu chirped, though its ears drooped slightly.
Ash sighed, his thoughts wandering to a darker topic. The match in Artazon was something he could prepare for. It had rules, a clear goal, and a chance to test his skills. But the mysterious threat Arceus had warned him about? That was a different story.
"No clues, no leads, nothing," Ash muttered, rubbing the back of his neck as he walked. "How are we supposed to find something when we don't even know what it is? Or where it's hiding?"
"Pikachu…" Pikachu murmured, its small paws clutching Ash's shoulder in sympathy.
The canyon grew quieter as they continued. The only sounds were the occasional rustle of wind through the sparse shrubs and the distant cries of wild Pokémon. Ash's steps slowed as he gazed at the jagged cliffs, his mind replaying the encounter with Serena back in Mesagoza.
"She didn't remember me," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Not her, not Mom, not even Professor Oak… What kind of power could wipe away everything like that?"
Pikachu nuzzled his cheek, offering a small spark of comfort.
"Thanks, buddy," Ash said, managing a faint smile. "At least I've got you. We've been through so much together—I guess we'll just keep going, one step at a time."
"Pika pika!" Pikachu responded, its determination matching Ash's.
The path grew steeper, forcing Ash to climb over large rocks and navigate narrow ledges. The heat was intense, and sweat dripped down his forehead as he pushed forward. Every so often, he stopped to take a sip from his water bottle, offering Pikachu a few drops as well.
"Man, this place really makes you work for it," Ash remarked, pausing to catch his breath. He shielded his eyes against the sun, spotting a flock of Squawkabilly circling high above. For a brief moment, he thought he saw a larger, darker shadow among them, but it vanished just as quickly.
"Probably just a Corviknight," he muttered, though a chill ran down his spine.
As the canyon began to widen, the rugged terrain gave way to a more open, rocky plain. In the distance, Ash could see the familiar windmill of Artazon, its blades turning lazily in the breeze. The sight of the town brought a sense of relief, and Ash quickened his pace.
"Almost there, Pikachu," he said, his voice filled with determination. "Tomorrow's battle is gonna be tough, but we've got this. We always do."
"Pika pika!" Pikachu cheered, its tail wagging energetically.
Despite his renewed focus on the match, Ash couldn't completely shake the unease that lingered in his chest. The words of Arceus echoed in his mind, a constant reminder of the invisible force working against him.
The canyon behind them seemed to close in as Ash and Pikachu stepped onto the cobblestone streets of Artazon. The town's vibrant energy greeted them, with its colorful murals and cheerful Sunflora statues scattered throughout. Trainers and locals bustled about, their voices lively and full of excitement.
For now, the mysteries of the past would have to wait. Tomorrow's match was calling, and Ash knew he had to give it his all. With the windmill turning slowly in the distance and Pikachu perched proudly on his shoulder, Ash headed into Artazon, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead
…
Deep within an isolated cavern, far from the bustling cities of Paldea, a hidden laboratory buzzed with activity. The chamber was massive, its rocky walls pulsating with eerie, iridescent light emanating from clusters of glowing crystals embedded in the stone. These crystals bathed the entire lab in hues of cyan and violet, casting long, flickering shadows across the floor.
Scientists clad in white coats and tactical gear worked feverishly, their faces illuminated by the glow of high-tech monitors and holographic screens. Large mechanical pods lined the walls, each containing Pokémon in various states of enhancement. Tubes, wires, and glowing conduits snaked around the pods, connecting them to an imposing central machine that emitted a low, ominous hum.
In the center of the room, one pod was the focus of everyone's attention. Inside it lay a creature unlike any other—a sleek, futuristic-looking Pokémon with a strange blend of organic and metallic features. Its body shimmered under the crystal light, its frame reinforced with biomechanical plating that pulsed faintly with power.
"Status report!" barked a stern man in a black tactical uniform, his voice sharp and commanding.
A nearby scientist nervously adjusted their glasses, fingers dancing over a keyboard. "Subject's vitals are unstable, sir. The enhancements are pushing its systems beyond their natural limits. Neural synchronization is breaking down."
"Then fix it," the man growled, his glare sharp enough to pierce through the chaos of the lab.
"We've been trying," the scientist stammered, "but it's rejecting the implants. It's… it's as if the creature itself is resisting!"
Within the pod, the Pokémon's body twitched violently. Sparks crackled around the machinery as the energy levels spiked. Warning lights began flashing across the control panels, and alarms blared, adding to the cacophony.
"Neural synchronization is collapsing!" another scientist shouted. "Energy output is reaching critical levels!"
"Shut it down now!" the man in black barked.
But it was too late.
With a deafening roar, the pod shattered. Shards of reinforced glass and chunks of metal flew in all directions, forcing the nearby scientists to dive for cover. The Pokémon emerged from the wreckage, its metallic body glowing with unstable energy that arced across its frame like electricity. Its eyes burned with a feral, red glow, and the air around it crackled with raw power.
The creature let out a guttural roar, shaking the very foundation of the cavern. Without hesitation, it lashed out, destroying equipment and sending heavy machinery hurtling through the air. Sparks and flames erupted as the lab descended into chaos.
"Contain it!" the man in black shouted, signaling to the armed guards stationed around the room.
Security personnel sprang into action, releasing Pokémon designed for combat—steel-clad behemoths like Metagross and Magnezone. They moved quickly to encircle the creature, their trainers shouting commands.
But the enhanced Pokémon was unstoppable. With a single swipe of its reinforced claws, it sent a Metagross crashing into the cavern wall, shattering the crystalline structures embedded there. The crystals pulsed erratically, as if feeding on the chaos and energy in the air.
"It's too strong!" someone screamed as the creature unleashed a devastating energy blast, obliterating a section of the lab and exposing raw crystal veins glowing with an otherworldly light.
Amidst the destruction, a dark figure stepped into the room, their silhouette framed by the chaotic glow of the crystals. Cloaked in shadow and wearing a hood that obscured their face, their presence was commanding and unnervingly calm. A group of three similarly clad individuals flanked them, their faces hidden by metallic masks that reflected the flickering light.
"Enough," the figure said, their voice cold and composed, cutting through the noise like a knife.
The creature froze mid-attack, its glowing eyes locking onto the figure. For a moment, its rampage halted, its rage subdued by the sheer weight of the figure's presence.
The hooded figure raised a hand, and in their grasp appeared a strange Poké Ball, unlike any seen before. Its surface shimmered with dark, pulsating energy, almost alive. The ball emitted tendrils of shadowy light that seemed to dance in tune with the crystals' glow.
"Bring it to me," the figure commanded, their voice dripping with quiet authority.
"Yes, Sir," one of the masked individuals replied, their voice distorted and metallic.
At the figure's command, the masked goons released an array of Pokémon. They moved in unison, forming a coordinated assault to subdue the rampaging beast.
The creature roared again, its resistance reigniting as it fought off the attackers. The cavern trembled as the battle escalated, the glowing crystals vibrating in harmony with the unleashed energy. The hooded figure watched in silence, their dark Poké Ball pulsing rhythmically in their hand.
As the beast prepared another devastating energy blast, the hooded figure finally acted. With a flick of their wrist, they hurled the dark Poké Ball toward the creature. The ball released a surge of malevolent energy, its tendrils snaking out to ensnare the Pokémon.
With a pained cry, the beast's eyes became red and a powerful electric move was unleashed. Everyone was thrown around while the creature propelled itself higher and higher, finally leaving that place full of crystals.
"Find it, and take it back" spat the black figure, putting back his hat.
The three hooded figures stepped up and merely nodded, before disappearing into a portal which appeared and disappeared in the time of a blink.
…
The town of Artazon was like a dream brought to life. Serena stood at the entrance, her gaze sweeping over the vibrant streets adorned with colorful sculptures of Pokémon, each piece uniquely crafted to tell its own story. The towering windmill at the center of the town spun lazily in the soft afternoon breeze, its rhythmic creaking blending harmoniously with the sounds of chirping Fletchling and the chatter of townsfolk.
Serena took a deep breath, the fragrant scent of flowers from the sprawling gardens filling her senses. "It's so beautiful," she murmured, adjusting the brim of her grey fedora as Sylveon trotted beside her, cooing softly.
She walked down the cobbled paths, admiring the artistry around her. A massive sculpture of a Sunflora, its petals crafted from golden metal plates, caught her attention. The way it gleamed in the sunlight made it seem almost alive. Serena ran her fingers along the smooth, cool surface, marveling at the craftsmanship.
"This place feels alive with creativity," she said, turning to Sylveon, who responded with an enthusiastic cry. "It's the perfect inspiration for my next routine."
Her Delphox and Milotic rested in their Poké Balls, while Serena took the day to explore and draw inspiration for her next contest in Levincia. With its reputation for cutting-edge technology and glitz, Levincia was known as the stage for performers looking to showcase modern and electrifying routines. Serena knew she'd need something truly spectacular to stand out there.
She pulled a small notebook from her bag, flipping through sketches and notes she had made for her upcoming performance.
"Let's see… the windmill's movement, the way the sculptures shimmer… maybe we can create a routine that feels like it's alive, just like this town," she mused aloud.
Sylveon hopped up onto a nearby bench and tilted its head, as if giving Serena a questioning look.
She chuckled. "Don't worry, Sylveon, I haven't forgotten your part. You'll be the heart of it, as always."
The two continued their stroll, eventually making their way to the windmill. Its towering frame loomed above them, the wooden blades casting long, shifting shadows across the grass below. Serena found a spot beneath a tree and sat down, her notebook resting on her lap. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the tranquil sounds of the town fill her mind.
Yet, as peaceful as the moment was, a nagging thought crept into her consciousness.
The boy she had met in Mesagoza.
Serena opened her eyes, staring absently at the notebook in her lap. His face was hazy in her memory, but his warm smile and the way he'd spoken about his Pikachu lingered. There had been something oddly familiar about him, a sense of connection she couldn't quite place.
"And then… those blackouts," she whispered to herself, her fingers tracing the edge of the notebook.
Since her journey began in Paldea, there had been moments—brief but jarring—where her mind would go blank. She would suddenly find herself standing somewhere with no recollection of how she got there, or she'd wake from restless dreams with tears on her cheeks.
"Who is he?" Serena wondered aloud.
Sylveon climbed onto her lap, nuzzling her gently as if sensing her unease. Serena smiled, stroking her partner's soft fur. "Thanks, Sylveon. I'm fine, really."
But the question lingered. The boy with the Pikachu… why did she feel like she knew him? And why couldn't she remember?
Shaking her head, Serena returned her focus to her notebook. She sketched out a new idea for her routine, inspired by the swirling motion of the windmill and the radiant glow of Artazon's sculptures.
"This will work," she said, determination returning to her voice. "We'll make something unforgettable."
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the town, Serena stood and stretched. She turned to Sylveon with a confident smile.
"Come on, Sylveon. Let's go practice. We'll give them a show they'll never forget in Levincia."
Sylveon chirped happily, and the two made their way toward the open field near the edge of town. But even as she focused on her preparations, the boy's face and her strange blackouts stayed at the edges of her thoughts, like shadows she couldn't quite catch
…
As Serena wandered through Artazon, her gaze fell on the large garden near the center of the town, bursting with vibrant Sunflora that swayed in the gentle breeze. At the heart of the garden stood an imposing man with wild green hair, his long coat swaying as he carefully studied a nearby sculpture of a Vivillon made entirely of vines and flowers. His sharp features were softened by the way his eyes seemed lost in thought, as though the sculpture were whispering its secrets to him.
"That must be Brassius, the Gym Leader here," Serena murmured to herself, recognizing him from a magazine article about Paldean artists. Sylveon perked up at her side, seemingly curious about the man as well.
As if sensing her gaze, Brassius turned and locked eyes with Serena. A curious smile crossed his face as he approached her, his boots crunching softly against the gravel path.
"You have the look of someone who appreciates the beauty of creation," Brassius said, his voice calm and deliberate.
Serena blinked, then smiled. "I do! The sculptures in this town are amazing. I was actually drawing inspiration for my contest routines."
Brassius' expression brightened. "A fellow artist, then! You are a performer, I take it?"
She nodded. "Yes, I'm a Pokémon Coordinator. Contests are my way of blending creativity and battles into something unique."
Brassius tilted his head, intrigued. "Fascinating. Art takes many forms, and yours seems to lie in motion and harmony. Would you indulge me in a brief sparring match? I believe the dance of battle can reveal much about a person's artistic soul."
Serena hesitated for a moment but then smiled. "Sure, I'd love to."
Brassius gestured toward an open patch of grass near the edge of the garden. Serena followed, pulling a Poké Ball from her belt.
"I shall use my trusty Sunflora," Brassius declared, releasing the Grass-type Pokémon. Its petals glimmered in the sunlight, and it struck a pose as if aware of its own beauty.
"Then I'll go with Altaria!" Serena called, releasing her partner in a flash of light. The graceful Dragon- and Flying-type soared into the air, its fluffy wings glowing in the golden rays of the setting sun.
The battle began with a flourish.
"Sunflora, Solar Beam!" Brassius commanded, wasting no time.
Sunflora absorbed the sunlight around it, charging a powerful beam of energy.
"Altaria, dodge and use Dragon Pulse!" Serena countered.
Altaria elegantly twisted in the air, narrowly avoiding the Solar Beam before releasing a shimmering pulse of draconic energy. The attack struck Sunflora, but it stood its ground, shaking off the blow with surprising resilience.
"Magnificent!" Brassius exclaimed. "The elegance of your Altaria's movements is a testament to your artistry. But art must also endure hardship! Sunflora, use Sunny Day!"
Sunflora's petals glowed brightly, intensifying the sunlight and giving it an aura of vitality.
Serena smiled, her confidence growing. "Altaria, let's turn that sunlight into a show! Use Sky Attack!"
Altaria soared higher, its body glowing with a radiant light. The crowd of Sunflora in the garden seemed to look on in awe as Altaria descended with breathtaking speed and grace, striking Sunflora with a powerful impact.
Though Sunflora stumbled, it managed to stay standing, its resolve impressing both trainers. Brassius raised a hand, signaling the end of the match.
"That is enough," he said with a warm smile. "Your mastery of battle is undeniable, but it is your passion that truly shines. Each movement, each command—it speaks of your dedication to your craft."
Serena blushed slightly, recalling how much she had poured into her performances over the years. "Thank you. Battling with you has given me some new ideas. Watching the way Sunflora moved, and the way the sunlight interacted with its petals… it's inspiring."
Brassius nodded knowingly. "Inspiration strikes when least expected. It is a flame that burns brighter when shared." He gestured toward her outfit. "Perhaps your attire, too, could reflect the brilliance you exude in battle. A performer must embody their art, after all."
Serena looked down at her clothes, then back at Altaria, whose feathers glistened in the sunlight. An idea began to take shape in her mind. "You're right. A new outfit could add a whole new dimension to my performance. Thank you, Brassius!"
He smiled and bowed slightly. "It was my pleasure. May your art continue to flourish, and may your contests captivate all who watch."
"Oh, another thing," added the inspired artist; "while fights tend to be rougher, inspiration can come in every form from everything around. It all depends on the eyes and heart of who's observing. With that in mind, if you are interested, tomorrow there will be a great Pokémon battle here. I'm counting on seeing you there to expand your talent. You have great talent, young girl" he said, mustering a smile before walking away, not interested in what Serena could have retorted.
As Serena walked away, her mind buzzed with inspiration. She sketched furiously in her notebook, envisioning a new outfit that mirrored the elegance of Altaria and the vibrant energy of the sunflowers she had seen in Artazon.
"Altaria, Sylveon," she said, holding up her notebook for them to see, "what do you think? This could be the start of something amazing."
Both Pokémon chirped happily, as if agreeing with her.
Serena smiled, determination gleaming in her eyes.
…
The canyon-like terrain of South Province was bathed in the fiery hues of the setting sun, casting long shadows across the rocky outcrops and winding paths. The faint rustle of wind echoed through the cliffs as Ash stood at the edge of a plateau, Hisuian Braviary perched beside him, its majestic feathers ruffling in the breeze. Greninja crouched silently on a nearby boulder, its piercing gaze scanning the area for any sign of movement.
Ash adjusted his cap and looked at his Pokémon. "Alright, guys, let's keep our skills sharp. The World Coronation Series isn't gonna be easy, and we don't know what's coming next. Let's give it everything we've got!"
"Braviary!" Braviary cawed, spreading its powerful wings.
"Greninja!" Greninja nodded, leaping gracefully from the boulder to stand beside its trainer.
Ash glanced around the rugged landscape. The South Province was teeming with wild Pokémon, and it didn't take long for a trio of Lycanroc—two Midday Forms and one Dusk Form—to emerge from behind a cluster of rocks. The pack growled lowly, their sharp eyes fixated on the intruders.
"Perfect," Ash said, his excitement bubbling. "Let's see how we handle this!"
The lead Lycanroc, a Dusk Form, snarled and lunged forward, signaling the start of the battle.
"Braviary, take the skies! Greninja, stay on the ground and back it up!" Ash commanded.
Braviary took off with a powerful flap of its wings, soaring above the battlefield. Greninja darted to the side with incredible speed, effortlessly dodging the lunging Lycanroc.
"Braviary, use Esper Wing!" Ash shouted.
Hisuian Braviary's eyes glowed with psychic energy as it dove toward one of the Midday Lycanroc. Its glowing wings sliced through the air, landing a direct hit and sending the Lycanroc skidding back with a pained yelp.
"Greninja, Water Shuriken!"
Greninja leaped into the air, spinning rapidly as it launched a barrage of shimmering Water Shurikens at the other two Lycanroc. The attacks struck true, but the Dusk Form Lycanroc countered quickly, leaping at Greninja with its fangs bared.
"Dodge it and use Double Team!" Ash called.
Greninja somersaulted out of harm's way, creating multiple illusory copies of itself that surrounded the snarling Lycanroc. Confused, the wild Pokémon snapped at the clones, its attacks hitting nothing but air.
"Braviary, finish it with Brave Bird!"
Braviary soared high into the sky before diving at incredible speed, its body glowing with blue energy. The impact was devastating, sending shockwaves through the rocky terrain and scattering dust and debris. The remaining Lycanroc yelped and retreated into the shadows, defeated.
Ash grinned, running over to pat both of his Pokémon. "Great job, Braviary, Greninja! You're both incredible."
Braviary cawed proudly, while Greninja gave a quiet nod, its stoic nature unshaken.
Ash took a moment to sit on a nearby rock, wiping the sweat from his brow. Pikachu, who had been observing the battle from a safe distance, climbed onto Ash's shoulder and nuzzled him affectionately.
"Thanks, buddy," Ash said, scratching Pikachu behind the ears. "
Braviary landed beside him, its feathers still glowing faintly from the energy of the battle. Greninja stood nearby, its sharp eyes watching the horizon as if sensing something far beyond Ash's comprehension.
"Tomorrow we will do great and improve our rank!" Ash busted out exclaiming, raising his fist up in the air.
Pikachu squeaked in agreement, while Braviary and Greninja gave firm nods. After all, it was a pleasure being on the road again, together.
…
The morning sun cast a warm glow over Artazon as the town buzzed with excitement. In the center of the vibrant plaza, surrounded by artistic sculptures and lush greenery, the battlefield was set for a thrilling World Coronation Series match between Ash and Gym Leader Brassius. Word of the battle had spread quickly, drawing a sizable crowd of spectators, including one special guest—Serena.
Serena had been invited by Brassius himself after their sparring session the day before. Dressed in a light yellow sundress and her signature hat, she sat in the stands with Sylveon curled up at her feet. She glanced around at the lively crowd, her curiosity piqued. Imagine the surprise she felt when the boy challenging Brassius was revealed to be none other than the kind boy from Mesagoza. Now she was full on board with the fight. She didn't know why her heartbeat increased and her blood made her feel all pumped up like she was the one battling. But one thing was for sure. She couldn't help but cheer for the boy with the cute Pikachu.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Brassius stepped onto the battlefield, holding a Pokéball in one hand and his signature thorny whip coiled in the other. His dramatic flair was on full display as he addressed the audience.
"Ah, the beauty of battle as an art form! Today, we paint a masterpiece upon this canvas of earth and grass!" Brassius declared, his voice echoing across the plaza.
Across from him, Ash adjusted his cap and grinned. "I'm ready to give it everything I've got! Let's make this a battle to remember!"
Brassius gave a nod of approval, impressed by Ash's enthusiasm. "Very well, Challenger. Let us begin!"
The referee stepped forward, raising a flag. "This is an official World Coronation Series battle! Each trainer will use one Pokémon, and the match will end when one is unable to battle. Trainers, send out your Pokémon!"
Ash reached for his Pokéball, his confidence unwavering. "Greninja, I choose you!"
In a flash of light, Greninja appeared on the field, its sleek figure crouched and ready, its scarf-like tongue fluttering in the breeze. The crowd murmured in awe, as Kalos Pokémon were not this common in Paldea.
"Wow… That boy has a Greninja. Maybe he visited Kalos" thought Serena, fidgeting with her blue ribbon.
Brassius smirked, twirling his Pokéball before tossing it into the air. "Let us dance, my queen! Tsareena, to the field!"
The elegant grass-type Pokémon materialized, standing tall with a regal air. Tsareena flicked its leafy legs, exuding an aura of strength and grace.
Serena leaned forward in her seat, intrigued by the matchup. "Tsareena is completely different from the Sunflora from yesterday… She looks like a great fighter" said the girl, suddenly worried. Sylveon, at her partner's side, felt that shift.
The referee dropped the flag. "Begin!"
"Tsareena, start with Trop Kick!" Brassius commanded.
Tsareena leapt into the air, its legs glowing green as it aimed a powerful kick at Greninja.
"Greninja, Double Team!" Ash countered.
Greninja moved like a blur, creating a series of illusory copies that surrounded Tsareena. The Grass-type's attack hit one of the copies, causing it to dissipate, while the real Greninja appeared behind it.
"Follow up with Water Shuriken!" Ash called.
Greninja spun and hurled a barrage of glowing Water Shurikens at Tsareena. The attack landed, forcing Tsareena to skid back, but it quickly regained its composure.
"Most impressive," Brassius said, a gleam of excitement in his eyes. "But let us elevate this performance! Tsareena, Terastalize!"
Brassius held up a sparkling Tera Orb, and a brilliant light engulfed Tsareena. When the glow faded, the Pokémon was wearing a hat resembling a light bulb and sparkles of energy were generated by the phenomenon.
"An Electric Terastalized Tsareena?" Ash muttered, his mind racing. "That's gonna make things interesting."
"Tsareena, Tera Blast!" Brassius commanded.
Tsareena got surrounded in a electric aura and jolted forward, cracking the pavement under her. Greninja had no time to react and was hit by the super effective move.
"Are you okay, buddy?" shouted a worried Ash. Greninja got up, holding his torso but nodding.
"Now, Greninja! Aerial Ace!" Ash commanded.
Greninja darted forward at blinding speed, its movements slicing through the air as it landed a clean hit on Tsareena. The impact caused the Grass-type to stagger, but it stood firm, sparks still crackling around it. It was not effective.
"You fight well, Challenger," Brassius said, his voice filled with admiration. "But art must evolve to reach its pinnacle! Tsareena, Tera Blast once more!"
Serena watched Ash as he seemed cornered, gritting his teeth, until he suddenly smiled confidently. Looking at Greninja, they nodded to each other, perplexing even Brassius.
"Together we will get stronger, stronger, stronger, STRONGER! LET'Z GOOO!"
Greninja's appearance changed significantly as he got engulfed in a stream of water. His body became more streamlined, with a sleeker, more ninja-like look. His blue coloration deepened, and his facial markings became more pronounced, giving him a more aggressive, focused expression. He also grew a large, pointed crest on his head. Finally, the water stream converged in forming a shuriken on Greninja's back.
Everyone around gasped as never they have witnessed such a transformation. Serena was completely in shock. Who was that guy? A Greninja mega evolving without a key stone?
Ash, mimicking the move with his body, confidently exclaimed: "Now, Water Shuriken! Let's end this!"
Greninja leaped into the air, summoning a massive Water Shuriken that glowed with intensity. He hurled the attack directly at the oncoming Tera Blast. The two moves collided in an explosion of energy, sending shockwaves across the battlefield.
When the dust cleared, Greninja stood tall, his sharp eyes locked on Tsareena. Tsareena, however, swayed unsteadily before collapsing to the ground.
"Tsareena is unable to battle! Greninja is the winner!" the referee announced.
The crowd erupted into cheers, and Ash let out a breath of relief, patting Greninja on the back. "Great job, buddy! You were amazing!"
From her seat, Serena watched the battle with wide eyes. The intensity, the strategy, the bond between Ash and Greninja—it all left her in awe. For a moment, she felt a strange sense of familiarity, as if she'd seen something like this before.
Brassius returned Tsareena to its Pokéball and approached Ash with a nod of respect. "Well done, Challenger. You have proven yourself not only as a trainer but as an artist of battle. Truly, this was a masterpiece."
Ash smiled, shaking Brassius's hand. "Thanks, Brassius. That was an incredible battle."
As the crowd began to disperse, Serena found herself unable to take her eyes off the trainer who had just claimed victory. There was something about him—something she couldn't quite place.
Sylveon nudged her gently, snapping her out of her thoughts. "Let's go, Sylveon. We've got work to do," she said, fighting the urge to go to talk to the boy and going away, her mind swirling with thoughts of the mysterious trainer.
…
Ash settled into his room at the Pokémon Center, the soothing atmosphere of the facility providing a sense of calm after his long day. Pikachu curled up on the bed beside him, already dozing off. The TV, left on in the background, flickered with the evening news. A report about a rampaging Pokémon in Zapapico ran, mentioning the tragic death of a man during the chaos. But Ash, already half asleep, didn't catch the details. His eyes slowly closed, the static hum of the TV lulling him into slumber, oblivious to the grim news playing in the background.
….
That night, Serena lay on her bed in the small hotel room in Artazon, the soft hum of the city outside barely reaching her ears. The night was cool, and the faint light of the setting moon filtered through the curtains, casting soft shadows across the walls.
Her eyes wandered to the window, the city lights flickering as the world outside seemed to settle into a peaceful lull. The silence was broken only by the occasional rustle of her blankets or the distant noise of a passing car. Serena turned to her bedside table, where her phone lay, showing a few unread messages—mostly from her mother and friends wishing her well in the upcoming contest. She smiled faintly, but the smile didn't quite reach her eyes. Despite all the distractions, a nagging thought lingered in her mind, refusing to let go.
As she closed her eyes, the feeling of something missing washed over her. It was subtle at first, just a strange emptiness in her chest, but then the vision came.
The image of a boy flashed in her mind, his face as familiar as her own but distant, like a figure seen through a fog. He had dark, spiky hair and a warm smile that sent a wave of warmth through her. There was something deeply comforting about him, something that made her heart ache. But the more she tried to focus on the image, the more it faded, slipping away from her grasp like smoke in the wind.
Her breath caught as she saw, for the briefest moment, a flash of blue—something familiar, something important. A ribbon. Yes, it was the same color as the one she had tied around her wrist, but she couldn't remember when she had received it. The memory was fleeting, like a dream she couldn't hold onto. Her hand instinctively went to the ribbon on her wrist, the soft fabric still there, but somehow, it felt as if it should mean more than it did.
"Who was he?" Serena whispered softly, more to herself than anyone else. But the question hung in the air, unanswered. The boy's face, the ribbon, the warmth—none of it made sense. Her mind was racing, trying to piece it all together, but every time she thought she had it, the memory danced out of her reach.
She sighed and rolled over onto her side, pulling the covers up higher as if shielding herself from the questions that lingered in the back of her mind. She could still feel the emptiness, the yearning for something she couldn't define.
The dim light of the room flickered as the TV in the corner hummed softly. The screen was showing a news report, but Serena wasn't paying attention. Her mind was too clouded, too far away, drifting into memories that were just beyond her grasp. She didn't notice the details, the flashing images of a rampaging Pokémon in Zapapico, nor the reporters speaking urgently about the incident. All she could hear was the steady beat of her own heart and the quiet ache in her chest.
It wasn't until the noise from the TV became a low murmur in the background that Serena sighed again, her eyes growing heavy. She tried to push the questions aside, telling herself that tomorrow would be a new day—one full of contests, battles, and the chance to create something beautiful. But as her eyelids fluttered closed, that lingering feeling of loss still haunted her, like a song she couldn't remember the words to.
The boy with the blue ribbon, the memories she couldn't place, and the feelings she couldn't define all swirled around in her mind, until finally, sleep claimed her, carrying her away from the confusion. But even in the quiet of the night, the longing didn't fade.
It waited.
And cut. This was more of a setup chapter but nonetheless, I hope you liked it.
Review and let me know your thoughts.
Until next time,
See ya!