Hey there! Hope everyone is doing well! I'll say, I was feeling pretty unmotivated and then I wrote this chapter and now I'm feeling a little better lol. I am trying to loosen some of my perfectionist tendencies and refrain from going into as much detail as I usually like to? Lol, so sorry if you see a little dip in quality. I'm just trying to push through XD
Anyway, chapters will be a little shorter from now on in order to provide more frequent updates! I'm capping them at 10k words. This might mean that I cut scenes off at awkward moments, but oh well. Aiming for 8-10k makes the chapters seem more "attainable" for me to write so that I'm not just procrastinating and staring at a blank page.
Enjoy this next chapter! As always, I would love to know what you all think :) There have been some questions about the "Kalos Kiss"(synonymous to French kissing, lol) which will be finally addressed here, so there ya go ;)
Also, I am going to try to go back to my weekly updates! Next chapter will be released on Wednesday, July 10th
Chapter 24: Brushstrokes and Battlelines
All his young life, Amethio had navigated the polished corridors of power, immersed in the sterile, official reflections of life. Yet, every encounter with life's raw essence made him recoil. He found it messy, complicated, disturbing. Raised on the belief that the tangible world could never suffice, he was convinced that fulfillment lay elsewhere, in another, purer reality. It was a straightforward conviction—until now.
As he paced back and forth in Hamber's dimly lit office, the paper he had slammed down on the desk seemed to pulse with potential. Amethio had never felt so charged with power and ambition. His entire life had funneled him toward a singular purpose, and now, he was tantalizingly close to its fulfillment. It was akin to the sensation of a tightrope walker nearing the end of his precarious journey across a chasm. Below him yawned the abyss of 'life', a fall he was determined to avoid at all costs. His constant anxiety stemmed from this aversion; he could not, would not fall. Yet, he sensed his lifelong balancing act might soon be over, allowing him to shed his mechanical existence for something more human.
Hamber, his features shaded by the dim office light, stroked his mustache contemplatively. His voice was a low rumble, breaking the tense silence. "So you are saying," he began slowly, "that there could be a second Terapagos?"
Stopping his pacing, Amethio leaned over the desk, his finger jabbing at the document as he declared with stark clarity, "I am saying there is. I took this picture from a page directly out of Turo's diary. In it, he mentions the hexagonal patterns characteristic of Terapagos's shell. Not only this, but the energy in Area Zero is attributed to a Terapagos—those are Turo's own words. He was after it!"
Hamber observed Amethio intently, his expression unreadable. After a moment of charged silence, he replied, "But we still do not know if this is a second Terapagos, or the Terapagos we have now long been pursuing…which is now lost."
Amethio's voice was a growl, thick with frustration. "Yes, but it has supposedly been lost for hundreds of years. This Terapagos has been supposedly seen by Turo within the last decade—otherwise, how would he know about it?"
"We know that one of Heath's books—the Scarlet Book—was with Turo." Hamber countered calmly. "It is possible he learned of Terapagos from the pages of that explorer's journals—not from an actual sighting,"
A shadow crossed Amethio's face, his eyes darkening as he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper, as if the name itself summoned a whirlwind of fear, dread, and awe. "We should still tell Gibeon."
Hamber shook his head, his voice firm. "These theories are too tenuous, Amethio. And we should not even be uttering the Tera Pokémon's name, for fear that our greatest ambitions should be discovered. We are to find Turo and to find Miraidon. Nothing more, understood?"
Amethio nodded, though confusion clouded his features. His fists clenched at his sides, a silent vow forming. Regardless of Hamber's caution, he would uncover the truth. He would prove what Turo knew. He had to.
Ash's excitement buzzed through the air as he eagerly questioned, "Okay, how many is that?" His voice carried a mix of hope and impatience.
Nearby, Brock and Goh exchanged knowing glances. "Two," Goh responded, his voice flat but amused.
"What?" Ash gasped, nearly losing his balance in surprise. "And we have ten more to go?" He glanced over at the two Sunflora they had managed to round up. The Sunflora stood with their leafy arms crossed in front of their stem-like bodies, their expressions anything but pleased.
Rubbing his face in exasperation, Ash muttered, "Why is this even a gym challenge…"
The gym receptionist, her heels clicking decisively on the cobblestone, offered an explanation as she followed close behind, ensuring fair play. "Because Brassius desires that you showcase your ability to 'seek and to find.' He believed it to be a very important skill," she stated, her tone suggesting she'd repeated this line too often. "He always assesses trainers for their artistic potential."
Ash had been nearly buoyant with energy when he and the gang first strolled the sun-drenched plaza of Artazon earlier that morning. The town, known for its art and blossoming flowers, had seemed to shimmer under a warm, morning sun. It was Friday, and classes had shifted to a four-day week, allowing students more time for their Treasure Hunts.
Goh was here to search for elusive Gimmighoul coins, while Brock relished the fresh air, a pleasant change from the urban sprawl.
Bonnie, who was listening to the receptionist's explanation while cartwheeling around one of the Sunflora, trying to spark some joy in the stubborn Pokémon, stopped and looked at her brother—who had also come along to see if his gadgets could detect a Tera Cave nearby.
"Ash is the Monarch of the world. Why does he need to learn to 'seek and find'?" Bonnie complained, hands planted firmly on her hips. She had preferred the promise of adventure with Ash over the costume fittings Serena had going on today.
The receptionist simply offered a bland smile in response. "I'm sure you've heard that Brassius is peculiar. He will explain his methods to you, if, of course, you are able to complete the challenge and beat him in battle."
Ash, gnawing on his lip, fought the surge of frustration. Deep down, he knew that nothing encountered during his travels was a waste of time—yet, he couldn't shake the feeling that he could be doing something more productive to prove himself…but also, he might just be anxious at the thought of meeting Brutus's supposed father. Ash felt like he was starting on the wrong foot.
Suddenly, Pikachu leaped from Ash's shoulder, snapping the trainer out of his thoughts as the rodent spotted another Sunflora darting across the sunlit plaza. The Sunflora panicked at the sight of them and bolted.
With a quick nod from Ash, Pikachu darted off after it, prompting Ash to call into action his other Pokémon. "Okay, well, I guess we might as well split up and conquer! Wattrel, Charcadet!" Ash released his two other Pokémon. Together, they began to canvas the area, searching for the remaining Sunflora. Wattrel soared above, her keen eyes trying to spot the hiding Pokémon among the town's lush foliage.
Yet, as they made progress, Ash soon found himself swarmed not by Pokémon but by a mid-day crowd of fans and press. Reporters bombarded him with questions. "What do you think about Geeta's disappearance, Mr. Ketchum? Do you think she is afraid of a battle with you?" one reporter asked eagerly.
"Will you be back in Mesagoza tonight for the Kalos Queen's final showcase?" another chimed in.
"Is it true that you overcame the enormous Bombirdier rampaging on the West Coast?" a third added.
Ash, ever polite, tried to shoulder his way past the microphones and cameras. "I'm sorry, guys, I'm a little busy…"
Despite his intentions to indeed return to Mesagoza by nightfall—he had left super early to make sure he would be able to make it to Serena's last Showcase—the constant barrage from the media threatened to derail his plans.
Observing his struggle, Bonnie stepped up, grabbing a microphone. "Hi. Ash's press secretary as of right now, so what do you need to know?" Really, she didn't think she was born for anything else at this moment; as though her recent life culminated to this point.
From across the plaza, Brock chuckled, watching the scene unfold alongside a resigned Clemont. "So…is she always this headstrong?" Brock asked, scratching his head with a grin.
"You have no idea," Clemont sighed, remembering their travels together. "When we traveled through Kalos, she kept asking every pretty girl we saw to be my wife."
Brock laughed, half-jokingly pondering, "Um, can she do that for me?" He mused about whether his lack of a little sister was why he'd been unsuccessful with women.
Bonnie's voice rang out through the plaza in a voice as chastising as a mothers, "Of course Ash is going to see Serena perform tonight, are you crazy? He's going to kick this gym leader's butt and then run to go see her and give her a big kiss right after she wins!"
The crowd around her sighed dreamily, caught up in her enthusiasm.
Clemont gasped in horror at his sister's audacity. "Bonnie!"
Brock whistled, quickly deciding that perhaps he didn't need a younger sister after all.
From a shaded corner of the bustling plaza, a suspicious trio (Team Rocket—always, Team Rocket) watched intently as Bonnie fielded questions meant for Ash. Jessie couldn't hide her irritation, her voice dripping with disdain. "Why, look at that little twerpette steal the spotlight. If anyone should be interviewed about the twerp's life, it should be us!"
James, always one to add a theatrical flair, agreed wholeheartedly. "Quite, quite, Jessie. How positively impertinent of her," he declared, adjusting his glasses with an exaggerated gesture of refinement.
Stepping forward from some bushes, Meowth twirled in his elaborate Sunflora costume. "Okay, how's dis!?" he chirped, hoping for approval.
Jessie and James turned and couldn't contain their amusement; they clasped hands, laughter escaping them. "You look perfect, Meowth—or should I say, Sunflora!" James exclaimed, his voice filled with glee.
Ever the strategist, Jessie pointed to the leafy arms of Meowth's costume, which cleverly concealed a high-tech net. "And now all we have to do is lure that Pikachu close so that you can snag him with your Leaf Nets!" she plotted with a wicked grin.
"Quick! Here they come!" James whispered urgently, his eyes scanning the plaza. The duo quickly hid behind a nearby fountain, not before giving Meowth a hard shove into the open.
Disguised as a Sunflora, Meowth mimicked the Pokémon's calls, "Sunflora, flor, flora!" His voice, however, carried a distinct, unnatural tone.
Pikachu, searching nearby, felt his ear twitch at the sound. He knew instantly something was off and sighed heavily. His weary eyes observed the square, longing for a moment of peace. His attitude wasn't exactly any better than Ash's. He had had a long week following the whole Bombirdier thing. First, he had also overheard way too much of Serena and Ash's conversation and then his ears had to pick up Gary and Brock's later ribbing. He really hadn't needed to hear all of that.
But then there was the long week of school that followed. He'd been with Ash during many Battle Studies classes, participating in skirmishes in which Dendra had them using new strategies, and also coaching Charcadet and Wattrel during their nightly training sessions with Koraidon.
Koraidon, ever since having some of the Bitter Herba could sustain more of its special attacks but would still tire quickly. However, he could now run with more stamina and leap rather high. (This was discovered by Ash and Serena during the ride back to Mesagoza following the Bombirdier thing.) Of course, every time they rode off from the group a little, Delphox would give Pikachu this look as though he, a mouse, should be going along to babysit. He didn't know how the Fox Pokémon felt, but Pikachu was more than happy to let Ash and Serena have their space…
Either way, after juggling all of this (in addition to listening to Ash think aloud about how nice Serena looked in this of that—because lately, Ash had been focusing on a lot of physical details when it came to the honey-blonde—every night during their pillow talk conversations), Pikachu was tired. And now he has to hunt down a bunch of animate flowers.
Charcadet's fiery spirit was evident as he trotted alongside Pikachu, his gaze locked on the peculiar-looking Sunflora ahead. As Pikachu veered toward the plant Pokémon, Charcadet's eyes gleamed with a resolute determination. Feeling overshadowed by recent events, where Wattrel's speed and prowess seemed to eclipse his own contributions, Charcadet was desperate to prove himself. The little fire Pokémon had not been called upon during the battle with Bombirdier, and that had stung his pride. Whether real or imagined, the fact that Wattrel seemed to be getting stronger, gnawed at him, fueling his need to outperform and shine today.
With a sudden burst of energy, Charcadet surged ahead, his small form a blur of determination as he raced towards the Sunflora. Pikachu, sensing something amiss with the way the Sunflora's leaves rustled unnaturally, quickened his pace, trying to intercept the eager Fire-type before he could reach the disguised foe.
As Charcadet neared the Sunflora, his focus was so intense that he failed to notice the subtle hints of a trap. The moment he reached what he thought was the Pokémon, the leafy arms of the costume extended, ensnaring him in a hidden net. The little Pokémon struggled, taken aback by the sudden capture.
Suddenly, Jessie and James emerged from some nearby bushes.
From a distance, Ash's eyes widened as he recognized the familiar antics. "Team Rocket!" he exclaimed, frustration coloring his voice.
Goh, leaning against a tree and watching the scene unfold with Grookey and Gimmighoul, couldn't help but shrug at the repetitiveness of their schemes. "Do these goons ever take a break?" he quipped, amusement mingling with disbelief.
Brock sighed. "If they did, I think I'd be concerned for their health…" he joked, well aware of Team Rocket's unyielding persistence.
Ash sprinted towards the trio, his expression one of pure determination. "Hey! Let Charcadet go!" he demanded, pointing an accusatory finger at Meowth, who was awkwardly trying to maintain his balance in the Sunflora costume.
Jessie crossed her arms, smirking slyly at the confrontation. "Maybe we can make a little trade. You give us that Pikachu, and we'll fly up and away on our Meowth balloon," she proposed, batting her lashes.
"Or you can just leave…" Ash retorted sharply, his patience thinning.
James hummed and, with a twirl, released his Inkay. "Where's the fun in that? Let's go, Inkay! Use Psybeam!" he declared, directing the attack to defend Meowth from Pikachu and maintain their hold on Charcadet.
Jessie, not to be outdone, called upon her Yanmega. "Whirl up a storm, Yanmega! Use Silver Wind!" she commanded. The Bug-type buzzed into action, generating a powerful gust aimed to fend off Ash and Pikachu.
Yanmega's Silver Wind kicked up dust and leaves around them, creating a blustery barrier that tried to push Ash and Pikachu back. Amid the chaos, Ash groaned, exchanging a knowing glance with Pikachu, who managed a weary smirk despite the situation.
"I guess a warm-up doesn't hurt?" Ash muttered, half amused and half exasperated, as they prepared to counter Team Rocket's latest antics with their typical resilience.
In the lively dressing room filled with the chatter of young performers and the rustle of luxurious fabrics, Serena found herself surrounded by the exuberant energy of her fellow showcase participants. As Ohara, Ana, and other girls excitedly tried on traditional Paldean costumes, their conversation danced from makeup to the latest fashion trends. Each girl's Pokémon played nearby, mirroring their trainers' excitement with playful antics.
Serena, draped in a dress that cascaded in layers of vibrant red and black, the fabric intricately embroidered with traditional gold thread that shimmered under the lights, mostly listened, a tired but genuine smile gracing her lips. She watched the girls, reflecting on how they had blossomed into true performers under the spotlight. The upcoming showcase was special. Tonight, there would be a vote with the glowcasters, and there would be a winner…just like a true Showcase. Serena, after much deliberation and insistence from the other girls, would also be competing. And the show was going to revolve around the rich culture of Paldea with its traditional dances and costumes. They had chosen fans for the Theme Round, and all dances were to be inspired by flamenco or bolero—styles steeped in the heart of Paldean heritage.
Serena—with her limited time—had been practicing these dances as best as she could, but even she had to admit that she struggled hardening her movements as well as other girls such as Ohara or Ana, who had been taking classes for the traditional dances since they were little, having a passion for the niche. Years of ballet had honed her movements to soft curves and fluid lines, making the transition to the staccato rhythms of traditional Paldean dances challenging. Even some of the other girls seemed to pick up the dances with more natural ease than Serena, who couldn't quite master the abrupt movements in the little time she had.
"So, how's it going with you, Serena?" Ana's voice suddenly cut through the hum of activity, her eyebrows wiggling suggestively.
Serena looked up, a slight furrow marking her brow as she laughed softly, "What do you mean?"
"With you and Ash Ketchum, of course," Ana pressed, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper as she glanced at Serena through a mirror. "How do you keep your hands off each other?"
Lola, a tall pink-haired girl holding a Piplup, snickered, "They don't. Have you seen the pictures SUSU posts of them?"
"Cállate!" Ohara scolded lightly while she pinned her hair in place with a clip.
The room filled with giggles as Serena's cheeks warmed. Though embarrassed, she smiled down at her hands, which played with the red satin of her skirt. Despite the teasing, Serena didn't mind letting the girls get giddy with her; she didn't have anyone else to get giddy over Ash with. Lisia and May—whom Serena had still yet to call—were across an ocean. Meanwhile, her mother would be anything but "giddy." over her daughter being so "in love." But it was critically implanted in the female DNA to be giddy about things like having a gorgeous boyfriend who adored you.
Serena's heart fluttered at the thought of seeing Ash tonight. It had been about two weeks since they'd woken up in that cave together—two weeks since she'd stirred to feel Ash's arm still slung around her—and despite the hovering, grinning faces of all their friends, it had been one of the best mornings in Serena's life, even after Gary made some lewd comment that had Ash shooting up out of the sleeping bag in an attempt to strangle his former rival while Bonnie egged the entire scene on. Despite all that, Serena's heart had been touched because her friends were all okay, and the tension that had been eating away at her and Ash had seemed to truly dissolve.
And now, all that was left was a longing to be near him again.
Upon the group's return to Mesagoza, Serena and Ash had been incredibly busy. As there had been no Exhibition last week in order to prepare for the official Showcase, Tulip had invited Serena to Alfornada to see Casa Lavanda's main warehouse, and had even asked her to participate in a small walkthrough for a fashion show that would take place later in the season. This visit then turned into a ten-day long glamorous business trip, where Serena and Kathi-Grace met all of Tulip's associates, board members, and other various industry figures.
Returning to the city, Serena had thrown herself into rehearsals, but was exhausted…the choreography was hard. Still, she was having so much fun. She only wished she could have squeezed in some time to see Ash these last few days—she could have used a little rest—but he had also been busy with Blitz and preparing for his gym battle in Artazon.
Ana's voice pulled her back to the present, her dark brows dancing with mischief as she and Lola clasped hands. "…so you never answered my question, Serena. Do you keep your hands off each other?"
Serena shook her head as she returned to the moment, finding all the girls staring at her. This time, she blushed deeply now and fidgeted with a headband at her gold hair, "I don't know what you're talking about," she said, her smile tinged with shyness as she attempted to play coy.
Beatriz, a dark-skinned girl from Montenevera had a wide, vivacious grin on her lips as she stroked her Liepard, "Have you shown him the Kalos kiss? I've heard all kinds of things…" Her deep voice hummed and immediately sent the room in fits of giggles and gasps.
"Joder! Kalos kiss? What is that?!" Anna chimed in eagerly, leaning forward with anticipation.
Serena thanked the heavens that Bonnie wasn't with her. She didn't think she could handle her and Ana together in the same room. Ever. But of course, she had originally had the same thought about Bonnie and Gary, and somehow, Serena had managed to survive.
Gently, though also a little curious, Ohara's voice eased into the mild chaos, "You don't have to tell us if you don't want to, of course."
Serena put her hands to her cheeks in an attempt to cool them, her skin flushed from the lively and somewhat embarrassing conversation. "I-I don't know much about it, really…" she stammered, her voice trailing off as she averted her gaze. This statement was both true and not quite true.
In Kalos, where affection was often displayed more openly than in other regions, the concept of a "Kalos kiss" had been familiar to Serena from a young age. Such expressions of love weren't just confined to private moments; they were a part of public life, witnessed in parks, cafes, and bustling city squares. As a young girl, Serena remembered watching these intimate moments with a mix of curiosity and bashfulness.
Eventually, she—like all girls—had undergone the change that usually comes with moving from girlhood to womanhood where the "Kalos kiss" transformed from something less strange and distasteful into something more fascinating and even desired with a profound interest. It wasn't an obsession, but rather a natural intrigue about the depth of connection such a kiss symbolized. Backstage at performances and in casual gatherings, she often found herself amidst discussions about romantic encounters. Her friends Shauna and Miette, more experienced and candid, would share their stories and tease Serena about her more reserved nature.
Miette, with her characteristic smirk, and Shauna, with a gentler approach, had both navigated these conversations with ease, sometimes nudging Serena to explore these experiences herself. However, Serena would just listen and learn, storing away these tidbits of adolescence and romance, which painted her understanding of affection in more vivid hues as she matured. These discussions had left her with a patchwork of emotions and expectations about what such a kiss could be like and mean, especially now when she thought about kissing…him like that…
But what was so special about kissing with your tongue…?
However, as soon as Serena considered that question, a shiver of excitement—and some fear—ran down her spine. She wasn't sure why, but she thought that maybe Ash—and she—weren't ready for that…she was already starting to feel strange whenever she kissed him, or thought of kissing him. Granted, it had been a little while now and so she was missing him. Not only that, but she had had time to reflect on how when they kissed, a warmth seemed to radiate from within her, making her skin hot to the touch—her breath grew short and labored, as if she could never fill her lungs up with enough air. And lately, even her dreams had taken on a vivid and disorienting quality—in them, Ash was holding her…running his hands through her hair….kissing her with lips that opened…
And always, as soon as she built up the courage to slip her tongue inside his mouth, Serena would be jolted from these dreams, covered in a light sheen of sweat.
"Serena…?"
Lola's voice, tinged with concern, snapped Serena back to the present. When the Kalos Queen turned, her movements were hurried and slightly clumsy, her hand accidentally brushing against a box of eyeshadow perched precariously at the edge of the table. The box tipped over, spilling a cascade of colorful powders across the floor, mirroring the fluster of emotions she felt inside.
Ohara, sensing the tension in the air and feeling it was time to shift the mood, cleared her throat pointedly. "Is Ash coming to the Showcase tomorrow?" she asked, her tone gentle yet purposeful.
Serena, grateful for the slight change in topic, stood up and smoothed out her dress, trying to dispel the remnants of her agitated state. "Yes—it's my last one in Mesagoza after all," she responded with a brightening expression. Her hands clapped together energetically as she turned to face the group, her smile broad. "Then it will be up to you all to carry on the show!"
Ana, caught up in the moment, dramatically waved her fan in front of her face, her voice tinged with mock despair. "We're going to miss you! I don't know if we can do it without you."
Serena, touched by the sentiment, placed a comforting hand on Ana's shoulder. "Of course you can. You'll see that tonight! The audience has long stopped coming just for me. They come for all of you!" Her laughter rang out, infectious and warm, as Ana, Lola, and a few other girls ran up to throw their arms around her, their embrace full of affection and camaraderie.
The room erupted in cheers, the atmosphere charged with excitement and mutual support. The girls' voices filled the room, undiminished even as Kathi Grace entered abruptly. Her face was marked by an anxious frown, her fingers tapping nervously over her tablet as if trying to drum up the courage to interrupt the joyous scene.
"Serena…" Kathi Grace began, concerned as she pushed up her blue light glasses to look Serena directly in the eyes. "You should see this."
With a hesitant motion, she turned her tablet towards Serena. The screen displayed a translated page from SUSU, and the headline was stark:
"Famous Kalosian Producer Palermo Breaks Silence on Kalos Queen's Relationship with Monarch…"
Serena's mouth went dry, her heartbeat quickening as her eyes darted across the webpage, absorbing the words that spelled out a new kind of exposure, one she hadn't prepared for.
Before she could fully process the information, her Rotom Phone buzzed insistently in front of her, the screen lighting up with Palermo's name. A lump formed in her throat as she reached for the phone, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. The cheerful atmosphere of the room seemed to recede as she braced herself to face whatever came next.
In the bustling town plaza, chaos briefly reigned as Team Rocket found themselves entangled in their own machinery, caught up around a lamp post. Ash, scratching his head, surveyed the tangled mess of wires and gears with a bewildered look.
"So… I guess you won't be blasting off?" Ash quipped, trying to make sense of the situation. Even he wasn't exactly sure how they'd gotten there.
Jessie, visibly frustrated and growling from her precarious position, retorted sharply, "What does it look like!?"
James, struggling beneath the wires and trying to find some leverage to free himself, began to protest. "As soon as we get down from here we're—"
Ash, checking his watch quickly and cutting James off, apologized hastily, "Shoot! Sorry guys, I have to go! I'll come back for you all!" He really needed to finish his Sunflora hunt or he wouldn't make it to Mesagoza in time to see Serena's performance. It had been too long since they'd seen each other. Too long. He really couldn't think about it too much or else he'd go a little crazy. Instead, he had actually distracted himself not just with training, but with schoolwork—and his progress in that had even left Nemona wondering if the young champion was okay…
Meowth, feeling abandoned, called out in desperation, "Wait, ya can't jus' leave us here!"
Bonnie, standing with her hands on her hips while Dedenne snickered atop her head, quipped curiously, "So, I've always been confused. Do you guys actually get paid? For failing? All the time?"
Jessie, trying to maintain some dignity, huffed and replied with her chin lifted pompously high, "Well, darling, let's just say we have a... generous line of credit. Team Rocket's motto isn't just for show, and neither is our persistence!"
Brock, folding his arms across his chest and muttering to Goh and Clemont nearby, mused, "Huh, who knew?"
Meanwhile, Ash continued his journey across the town plaza. Behind him, corralled by his Pokémon, were nine Sunflora, bobbing along now more cheerily. He still had one more to find. He looked up at the sky, noting how the late morning sun was inching towards its zenith. Taking a deep breath to gather his thoughts, he moved forward.
His path led him unexpectedly to an impressive statue that caught his attention. It was a depiction of a Sunflora, unlike the usual cheerful representations of the species. This one had a frowning face but stood resiliently, stretching upwards towards the sky, eagerly absorbing the sunlight. The statue, with its expression of stoic endurance, was bathed in the warm glow of the morning sun. Carved into the base, Ash noticed the name Brassius along with the inscription, "I did not go gentle into that good night."
Ash liked the statue, feeling a connection with its determined look. There was something about the Sunflora's resilience, its refusal to yield to the encroaching shadows, that resonated with him. Thinking on this, Ash began to wonder why he couldn't locate the last Sunflora. Typically, Sunflora are known to thrive in groups, Ash knew, partly for pollination purposes and also because their collective presence helped to better absorb sunlight through a shared space—but, this last one remained hidden. It should be out in the open, thriving under the sun just like the others—and this statue.
Feeling the sunlight warm his own face, Ash grinned, a realization dawning within him. He ran back to the front of the gym where he found the gym receptionist waiting. The sunlight illuminated her smiling face, making her brown hair glow with hints of auburn.
"I see you have nine Sunflora," she observed, her eyes scanning the group of Pokémon cheerfully soaking up the sun.
Nodding, Ash responded with confidence, rallying his Pokémon with a grin, "And that's all there is. Out here, at least."
The receptionist nodded in return, her hair bobbing slightly with the motion. "Correct. Brassius wants you to understand that art involves not just adding elements, but also knowing what to leave out," she revealed, stepping aside to grant him entry into the gym.
Ash called out to his friends with enthusiasm, "Hey, guys! Come on!" Goh, Bonnie, Clemont, and Brock quickly followed, their steps echoing slightly on the mosaic-tiled floor of the Grass-type gym. The space was adorned with beautiful oil and acrylic paintings depicting various Pokémon in vibrant, lifelike poses. The atmosphere was both artistic and serene, filled with the creativity of the gym leader.
The receptionist, efficiently recalling the Sunflora back into their Poké Balls, addressed the group calmly, "Wait here and I will alert Brassius that you are here."
Clemont, with Chespin perched happily on his shoulder, marveled at the artwork surrounding them. "This art is incredible!" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with admiration.
"This is mostly Brassius's work. He will be pleased you think so," the receptionist responded with a slight smile before walking away to inform the artist of Ash's arrival.
As the gang admired the paintings, they saw depictions of famous trainers and their Pokémon, each canvas telling a story through vivid colors and dynamic compositions. Clemont, having an appreciation for art, noted the expert use of lighting and shadow that brought each scene to life, the brush strokes bold and expressive, indicating a mastery of both medium and subject—and he went on to tell everyone as much, and only Brock really listened.
Upon returning to the lobby, the receptionist announced to someone unseen, "Brassius, your challenger, the Monarch, is here. He passed your test."
Brassius stood with an air of enigmatic intensity, his appearance as striking as his artwork. His complexion was pale, almost as if he rarely stepped away from the dim light of his studio, and shadows played across his sharply angular features, giving him a contemplative and somewhat severe look. His hair, a vivid green, was styled in a manner that seemed both haphazard and carefully calculated, adding to his artistic aura.
His eyes, a piercing gaze beneath furrowed brows, scrutinized the world as if it were a canvas—assessing, evaluating, distinguishing the essential from the trivial with a painter's discerning judgment. This gave him a demeanor of someone perpetually absorbed in thought, perhaps contemplating his next masterpiece or critiquing the world as it unfolded before him.
Dressed in a dark, richly purple shirt adorned with golden triangular cut-outs that mimicked the shape of his sharp gaze, Brassius carried himself with a distinct sense of style that was both bold and unconventional. The yellow tie and artist's palette he held loosely at his side complemented his creative profession, while his trousers and shoes maintained a practical simplicity, grounding his otherwise flamboyant ensemble.
Perched on his shoulder, almost as a gentle contrast to his sharp expression, was a Petilil, its cheerful demeanor and soft, green leafy top bringing a touch of nature and softness to the hard angles of his presence.
Brassius addressed Ash with a voice that was punctuated and proper, reflecting his meticulous nature. "Ash Ketchum. I've heard much," he stated, his tone implying a blend of curiosity and foreknowledge about the young trainer standing before him.
Ash nodded slowly while his lips twitched upwards in a careful smile. He wasn't sure through whom the artist had heard about him and he was hoping he wasn't already starting on the wrong foot.
"I'm glad you noticed that a Sunflora was missing. Art is all about seeing the full picture, you see—trusting your instincts," Brassius observed, his dark eyes assessing Ash thoughtfully, though not unkindly.
"It just hit me when I saw your sculpture in the town plaza…that, really, Sunflora love the sun too much to stay hidden for too long," Ash replied, removing his hat to run a hand through his hair. "It's a really amazing statue, by the way."
Brassius's eyes flashed with a sudden, bright enthusiasm that seemed almost contradictory to his nature. He began to circle the room, looking up at all of the paintings with a growing smile. "Quite avant-garde, isn't it? You know, I made that piece in the throes of an illness. An illness that threatened to take my life," he shared, pausing before a particularly dark work made of shadows and obscure things, drawing the group's respectful silence.
At the artist's words, Ash noticed again how Brassius looked pale and somewhat frail, as if still recovering from something.
"Hassel—a close colleague and friend—encouraged me to continue my work, despite how hopeless and uninspired I felt. He now works at Scarlet Academy, as I'm sure you know," Brassius continued, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia.
Ash noticed Brock nodding in recognition, though he himself wasn't acquainted with the art teacher since Ash actually didn't have a class with him. He was pretty hopeless with art.
Brassius then turned back to the young champion, another small, quirk lifting one corner of his lips. "In any case, even while deathly ill, I decided to complete my pièce de résistance in a hope to leave a legacy. But did you see the script I carved into the statue?"
Ash scratched his chin then nodded, also beginning to smile as he began to feel Brassius's excitement, "It said something about not going into the night? I might not know what it all meant, but I felt like you were just trying to never give up!"
With an amused huff from his nostrils, Brassius attempted to hold back his obvious zeal for the sculpture, "Again, your instincts surprise me. Yes, Sunflora at Dawn is about never giving up—even when it is hopeless. The inscription is from a poem, 'Do not go gentle into that good night'—it's by some Galarian, I believe. Have any of you heard of it?"
As everyone shook their heads but smiled curiously, Brassius's expression lightened with a passionate glow. He began to recite the poem, his voice imbued with a fervor that filled the room:
Do not go gentle into that good night…
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night…
Rage, rage against the dying of the light…
As Brassius concluded his recitation of the poem, the room filled with applause. Ash, not usually moved by poetry—or anything literary—found himself excited by the lines, his determined eyes meeting Pikachu's. He felt like the whole thing was a call to arms against the injustices and evils that threatened the pure and good things in the world—the bond between Pokémon and people, the integrity of nature. It was like a battle cry for everything he stood for.
"I love that!" Ash exclaimed, his fist raised high in solidarity, his enthusiasm undimmed.
Clemont, who had a keen appreciation for the finer aspects of poetry, nodded enthusiastically, his expression animated. "That is wonderful!" he agreed, genuinely impressed by the depth of the poem and its delivery.
Brassius nodded in response, clearly pleased with their reactions. With a sweeping gesture that encompassed the art-filled lobby, he shared his philosophy, "I raged, and now here we are—alive and well—and successful, I might add. Critics love my work, I'm now the leader of this fine gym, and I am always seeking the next great inspiration. Art is all around us! If we are only willing to see," he said, offering a wink to the group, emphasizing the transformative power of seeing the world through an artistic lens.
Brock, hands on his hips, nodded in approval. "Well, that's a pretty great story," he acknowledged, always appreciative of a good turnaround tale.
Bonnie, holding Dedenne, cheered with youthful exuberance, "It is!"
Ash smiled, his thoughts briefly wandering to the absent mention of Brutus. He wondered whether Brassius and Brutus might not be on speaking terms; and maybe that was the source of Brutus's persistent anger. But the difference between Brassius's charismatic persona and Brutus's loser-attitude was confusing. Brassius seemed to be an actually cool guy.
Brassius then shifted the focus back to the reason for their visit. "Well, Monarch? Shall we have our match?" he proposed, gesturing towards some double doors that led further into the gym. "I have been looking forward to your challenge. I see battles as an artform, and I love to test the aesthetic sensibilities of those who challenge me. I've heard you're quite the creative battler, no? Do you think you have something avant-garde to show me?"
Ash's face broke into a wide smile as he glanced down at his Pokémon, lined up beside him, ready for whatever came next. "I'm not sure what avant-garde means, but it sounds cool, and I'll show you what I got!" he declared, his straightforward, earnest approach untouched by the complexities of artistic jargon.
Everyone behind Ash—except for Goh—sighed with mild embarrassment at his simplistic take on Brassius's challenge. Brassius merely smirked, a knowing look in his eyes as he observed Ash's unpretentious readiness. He moved his vine whip behind his back while glancing affectionately at his Petilil, who mirrored his smile.
"Very well. This way to the arena," Brassius announced, leading the group towards the doors that led to a set of winding stairs. "Did I tell you that if you win my challenge, you get a ceramic Pokémon mug? Your choice. I make them," he mentioned proudly, lifting his chin with pride in his craftsmanship.
Bonnie clapped her hands excitedly, her voice filled with anticipation, "Ooo! Can I get one too?"
The battle arena was set atop the rooftop of the gym building, an expansive space that merged the thrill of Pokémon battles with the serene beauty of a well-tended garden. Ash stood on one side of the vibrant field, Pikachu by his side, his other Pokémon safely returned to their Poké Balls for now. Ash's eyes scanned the area, puzzled. "Where'd he go?" he muttered, searching for Brassius.
Pikachu, equally confused, shrugged and echoed, "Pika?"
On the opposite side of the battlefield, near a quaint windmill that added to the pastoral charm of the setting, Brassius suddenly appeared. With a dramatic grin, he leaped off a ledge jutting out from the structure, landing deftly on his feet on his side of the field. He cracked his vine whip with a flourish, clearly enjoying the moment.
"My apologies. I had to make my usual entrance," Brassius said with an amused smirk, embracing his theatrical side.
From the sidelines, Bonnie whispered to the others, her voice tinged with skepticism, "Is it just me, or is this guy a little weird…"
"Bonnie!" Clemont groaned.
"She's not wrong," Goh added, nodding towards the field with Grookey and Gimmighoul on his shoulders as they all shared a strawberry chocolate crepe they'd somehow managed to procure from a vendor.
"He certainly has many parts to his personality," Brock observed, watching Brassius with a mix of intrigue and amusement.
Brassius then stepped forward, ready to discuss the rules of their match. "Alright, Monarch. I propose that we each use two Pokémon for this battle. What say you?"
Ash nodded, then turned to Pikachu, asking, "You good with letting the others take this one too?" He crouched down to be eye-level with his partner.
Pikachu hesitated. He wasn't sure Charcadet was ready, considering the Fire-type's recent struggles with command responsiveness and its overeagerness in training which could lead to mistakes. However, after a moment, Pikachu nodded, understanding the importance of giving the other Pokémon opportunities to gain experience.
Ash stood back up, facing Brassius. "Any restrictions against recall and subs?"
Brassius shook his head. "None at all. Let your creativity run wild. I will also allow—and encourage—Terastallizing."
Motivated, Ash flipped the bill of his cap backwards and pulled a Poké Ball from his belt. "Alright, let's do this!" He then paused, waiting for Brassius to make his first move.
"Very well, Dolliv! We must begin creating our collaborative work of art!" Brassius declared, sending out a green plant Pokémon resembling a human wearing a dress. Its head was a light green, with several leaves and two olive fruits on top.
Ash nodded, anticipating this choice. "Wattrel! Let's start off strong!" As soon as Wattrel burst out of her Poké Ball, Ash commanded, "Aerial Ace!"
Wattrel soared into the sky and dove at Dolliv using her new move, Aerial Ace, a maneuver that was unavoidable and super effective against Grass-types. White streaks appeared around Wattrel's body as she picked up speed in the air, flying like a bullet towards the Olive Pokémon. However, Dolliv endured the hit rather well, demonstrating its resilience.
"A strong start, but it is time for our masterpiece to take shape! Dolliv, Seed Bomb!" Brassius countered. Dolliv responded by firing glowing green seeds from each of its olive fruits at Wattrel. The seeds exploded on impact, though Wattrel managed to outmaneuver most of them quite adeptly.
"Ah! Your Pokémon moves in clean lines. Impressive," Brassius acknowledged, watching Wattrel's agile maneuvers.
Ash grinned, proud of Wattrel's speed. "And she's fast! Just wait—Quick Attack!" He commanded the next move enthusiastically.
Wattrel sped towards Dolliv for a Quick Attack, but at the last moment, Dolliv gracefully sidestepped, evading the charge.
"And Dolliv is patient. Grass Knot!" Brassius called out. Dolliv then created two large blades of grass that rose from the ground and caught Wattrel by her wings, holding her in place.
"Now! Terrain Pulse!" Brassius ordered, cracking his whip for emphasis. Dolliv utilized the energy of the grassy terrain, channeling it into a powerful attack that transformed the surrounding energy into a forceful pulse.
Wattrel took the hit, the impact reverberating through her as she struggled against the grassy restraints.
"Don't give up, Wattrel! Peck your way out of the Grass Knot!" Ash shouted, his voice full of encouragement.
Wattrel, understanding her trainer's command, began furiously pecking at the grassy bonds that restrained her. With each determined peck, the blades of grass began to fray and snap, allowing her to gradually free herself from the entanglement.
"Terrain Pulse again!" Brassius commanded, seeing an opportunity as Wattrel struggled.
Ash quickly countered, "Block it with Thunder Shock, Wattrel!"
The Electric-type Pokémon, now free, unleashed a powerful Thunder Shock. The electricity surged forward, meeting the oncoming wave of Terrain Pulse. The two attacks collided spectacularly halfway between Wattrel and Dolliv, creating a stunning explosion of light and grassy energy. Sparks and green pulses danced chaotically in the air.
"Wattrel! Use the smoke!" Ash seized the moment. The aftermath of the colliding attacks had created a thick cloud of smoke and debris on the field.
Wattrel immediately understood Ash's strategy and darted into the haze, using it as a cover to conceal her movements. The obscured visibility caused Dolliv to lose sight of the nimble Electric bird, leaving Brassius momentarily at a disadvantage.
"Now! Aerial Ace!" Ash saw his chance as Wattrel used the smoke for stealth.
Bursting out of the smoky cloud with incredible speed, Wattrel executed another lightning-quick Aerial Ace. She struck Dolliv squarely in the chest, the force of the attack sending the Olive Pokémon flying backwards, tumbling over the grassy field.
"You put on quite a show, Ash. Now it's my turn to paint on this canvas," Brassius acknowledged the impressive maneuver, yet his tone remained composed and ready to counter. "Dolliv, use Grass Knot, but set the field!"
Dolliv, struggling, recovered and responded to Brassius's command, calling forth large blades of grass that shot up from the ground. The grass blades interlocked and multiplied, forming a complex labyrinth that sprawled across the battlefield. Wattrel, now airborne, had to navigate through the intricate maze of grassy tentacles, her agility tested with each twist and turn.
Brassius, observing Wattrel's flight patterns carefully, waited for the perfect moment to strike. "Now! Use Energy Ball!" he shouted suddenly.
Dolliv, at his command, concentrated energy between its hands, forming a glowing orb of pale green power. As Wattrel emerged from a tunnel within the grassy labyrinth, Dolliv unleashed the Energy Ball. The orb shot through the air with precision, targeting Wattrel just as she cleared the passage.
Ash gritted his teeth as he watched Wattrel face the incoming Energy Ball. "Meet the attack head on, Wattrel—you're strong enough!" he shouted, his voice filled with both concern and confidence.
Wattrel, responding with fierce determination, soared directly towards the glowing orb. With a burst of speed, she sliced through the energy attack, her wings cutting through the force with surprising resilience. Emerging on the other side, Wattrel showed signs of minor damage, but she was largely unscathed and ready for more.
"Now use Peck!" Ash commanded, his excitement building as he saw an opening.
Continuing her straight trajectory, Wattrel's beak began to glow with an intense energy. In a swift motion, she struck Dolliv right on the head. The force of the impact was too much for the Grass-Type, which swayed and then toppled over, clearly fainted from the blow.
The officiant standing off to the side of the field promptly declared, "Dolliv is unable to battle! Brassius must now select his second and last Pokémon."
From the sidelines, Bonnie cheered, "Whoohoo! Go Ash and Wattrel!" Her enthusiasm matched by Goh's impressed reaction, "That was cool!"
Brassius, however, remained composed as he returned Dolliv to its Poké Ball. "Art is creation and destruction. But now, struggle, else your defeat will nourish my Pokémon!" he proclaimed, pulling out his next Pokémon, a Sudowoodo.
Ash groaned internally at the sight of the Rock-type Pokémon. That would be a tough matchup for Wattrel, but he might have just the idea to turn the tide. Looking at Wattrel, he decided, "Rest for now—Charcadet, you're up!" and returned the Storm Petral to her Poké Ball, releasing Charcadet instead.
Charcadet popped out, flames flickering around his helmet and excitement clear in his eyes. He was ready for action, the thrill of battle evident in his eager stance.
"Alright, Charcadet, stay focused and pay attention," Ash instructed, watching his Pokémon attentively.
Charcadet responded with a playful salute, showing he was all in.
Brassius didn't waste a moment. "Very well, Sudowoodo. Rock Throw!" he commanded.
Sudowoodo, with a sturdy posture, hurled several jagged rocks towards Charcadet. Ash quickly reacted, "Dodge it, Charcadet!"
Charcadet nimbly dodged the flying rocks, bouncing off a few with acrobatic flair. He seemed to find the evasion fun, even boasting a bit about how easy it was to avoid the attacks. His light-hearted approach brought a brief (though mildly concerned) smile to Ash's face, even amidst the intensity of the battle.
Brassius smirked, his eyes twinkling with strategic foresight. "Let's carve ourselves a new tactic. Stone Edge!" he commanded.
Sudowoodo responded by slamming the green orbs on its hands onto the ground, causing pointed rock pillars to erupt from beneath the arena. The pillars surged toward Charcadet, but instead of striking directly, they maneuvered around him, rapidly encompassing him within a wall of jagged rock.
Ash, realizing the perilous situation, shouted, "Quick! Get out of there!"
Brassius seized the moment to press his advantage. "Renew Rock Throw!" he ordered. Now trapped within a limited space, Charcadet had very little room to evade. He dodged several stones initially, but eventually, a stray rock struck him. Staggered but resilient, Charcadet managed to slip between two pillars, finding a narrow escape route out of the rock enclosure.
"Charcadet! Ready for our new move?" Ash called out, eyeing the field with renewed focus.
Charcadet nodded, his expression a mix of determination and anger from the earlier hit.
"Night Shade! Let's go!" Ash commanded. Charcadet fired a beam of black and dark crimson energy, outlined in a haunting red from his eyes. The attack, unexpected by Sudowoodo, struck directly, pushing the Rock-type Pokémon back toward the edge of the field. Sudowoodo managed to stabilize itself, crossing its branch-like arms before its body to brace against the impact.
"Okay, now let's use Fire Punch—but focus on the punch and landing a solid hit!" Ash instructed, gritting his teeth, hoping that stripping the flames from the punch could manifest it as a more effective fighting move.
However, Charcadet, still fueled by his earlier frustration, concentrated more on the flames encircling his small arm rather than the punch itself. The move, predominantly fiery, was not very effective against Sudowoodo and only brought Charcadet dangerously close to his opponent.
"Stone Edge!" Brassius countered swiftly. A pillar of stone erupted directly beneath Charcadet, sending him flying upwards.
"Charcadet!" Ash exclaimed, concern etched on his face.
Recovering in mid-air, Charcadet, enraged now and with a desire to prove himself, launched into a Flame Charge on his own accord. Surrounded by an intense blaze, he dove toward Sudowoodo, who calmly prepared another Stone Edge. The rock structure blocked Charcadet's fiery assault, and the little Pokémon collided with the solid stone, rolling off it—fainting from the impact.
Brock, arms crossed over his chest, remarked, "Looks like Charcadet's fiery temper can get him into trouble…"
"Yeah…" Bonnie grimaced and exchanged a look with Dedenne.
Clemont shook his head and clucked his tongue against the roof of his mouth, "Well, Wattrel has every disadvantage against Sudowoodo. It will be interesting to see what Ash does."
Ash sighed as he returned Charcadet to his Poké Ball, realizing they still had much to work on together. However, he couldn't really think about that right now. With a determined nod, he released Wattrel again. "We're not done yet!"
"This is turning out to be an interesting battle, no?" Brassius observed, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"For sure. I'm excited to see how it ends!" Ash replied, his smile crooked yet filled with anticipation.
"Much of art lives on that excitement," Brassius noted as he commanded Sudowoodo once more. "Rock Throw!"
Sudowoodo sent a new barrage of rocks hurtling towards Wattrel. On Ash's command, Wattrel began to swoop and dodge around the incoming projectiles.
Seizing on a sudden idea, Ash called out, "Wattrel! Try pushing against a rock and sending it back towards Sudowoodo."
Wattrel's eyes lit up with determination as she attempted to execute Ash's strategy. However, the rocks came too hard and too fast, and despite her best efforts, she was not strong enough to redirect them. The continuous onslaught of rocks proved overwhelming, leaving her struggling to maintain her agility in the sky.
Ash, struck with a sudden inspiration, called out to Wattrel. "Okay, actually use Aerial Ace on the rocks!" His voice was firm, filled with strategic resolve.
Wattrel chirped happily at the plan, her spirits lifting with the prospect of turning the tide. As she launched into action, white streaks of energy surrounded her body, illustrating her blinding speed. She zipped across the battlefield, bouncing off the incoming rocks with precise touches, effectively redirecting their trajectory back towards Sudowoodo. The Rock-type Pokémon, caught off guard, looked astonished as it hastily moved its arms in front of its face to shield itself from the shower of stones.
When the dust settled, Sudowoodo was visibly injured, its posture showing signs of wear from the unexpected counterattack.
Brassius declared with a grin, "Aha! Allow me to touch this work up slightly!" He took out his Tera Orb and threw it over Sudowoodo. The Pokémon began to Terastallize, its form shimmering as it transformed, taking on a new, crystalline Grass-type appearance. "And now things are as they seem…"
Ash locked his jaw, nodding to Wattrel. They had not spent much time on Terastallizing, but he trusted Wattrel's capabilities. But he was aware that Brassius must have a strategic reason for deliberately changing Sudowoodo into a Grass-type, and now Ash had to use the reversal to his advantage.
"Come on!" Ash shouted, taking out his own Tera Orb and throwing it over the Storm Petrel. Wattrel Terastallized, a large, glowing yellow Tera Jewel appearing above her head, signaling her readiness to continue the battle.
"Art becomes a race against the clock! Let us increase the pace! Trailblaze!" Brassius commanded. Sudowoodo, now glowing green from the shiny crystals enveloping its body, moved rapidly towards Wattrel in a zigzag motion, throwing the bird off with its erratic movements. It then struck her with the orbs on one of its hands, sending shards cracking and breaking off Wattrel as she was thrown back by the impact.
Ash gritted his teeth, seeing the powerful but ineffective attack enhanced by Sudowoodo's Terastal form. "Wattrel, use Quick Attack to get out of the way!" he instructed as Sudowoodo charged again with another Trailblaze.
Wattrel managed to dodge swiftly, evading the incoming attack. "Now, Aerial Ace!" Ash commanded next.
Once again, white streaks appeared by Wattrel's body as she gained speed, aiming to spear Sudowoodo. However, the Rock-type met the attack head-on with its Trailblaze, knocking the bird backward. Wattrel was thrown back, skidding across the grassy floor, dust erupting from the earth beneath her.
Ash blew out a long breath, watching Wattrel struggle back onto her webbed feet. The Electric bird looked weary, her Terastal shell beginning to crack, indicating it might not last much longer.
"Hurry, Wattrel—Watch out!" Ash shouted as Sudowoodo rushed the injured bird with another aggressive Trailblaze.
Wattrel just managed to pump her wings and fly out of the way, only to flutter helplessly back onto the ground some feet away. Ash clenched his fists, his voice filled with belief, "You can do this, Wattrel! Use Aerial Ace!"
Wattrel's eyes flashed with determination as she heard the belief in her trainer's voice. She took flight once more, soaring high into the sky and then dive-bombing down towards Sudowoodo, her body alight with streaks.
"Sudowoodo! Use Stone Edge!" Brassius countered.
As Sudowoodo summoned a pillar of stone in front of it, Ash felt a drop of sweat trickle down the side of his face, realizing that Wattrel was still heading directly into the pillar. "Wattrel!" he cried out in concern.
Just then, Wattrel's entire body began to glow with a brilliant white light, signaling a transformation. Everyone watching from the sidelines had their mouths open in excitement.
"Wattrel is evolving!" Clemont exclaimed, his voice a mix of shock and awe.
As Wattrel completed her evolution into a larger bird, her form now more imposing and majestic, Goh quickly took out his Rotom phone, which began to explain:
Kilowattrel inflates its throat sac to amplify its electricity. By riding the wind, this Pokémon can fly over 430 miles in a day.
As Kilowattrel charged forward, her body rammed with immense force into the stone pillar Sudowoodo had summoned. Her new competitive nature shone brightly as she sacrificed the last remnants of her Terastal shell, harnessing the increased power to slice through the rock. With a surge of energy, her Aerial Ace struck Sudowoodo directly, the impact shattering its own Terastal shell as well.
"Alright!" Ash exclaimed, pumping his fist in the air, thrilled by Kilowattrel's display of strength and precision.
Despite the setback, Brassius quickly composed himself. "Sudowoodo—Rock Throw!" he commanded. The Rock-type Pokémon, recovering from the blow, stomped on the ground, causing rocks to issue forth. It then began hitting the rocks with its bulbs, propelling them at high speed toward Kilowattrel.
Noticing Kilowattrel's wings glowing, Ash quickly recognized that she was attempting to learn a new move. "Forget Peck! Use Air Cutter!" he called out. Kilowattrel flapped her wings, and light blue crescent-shaped blades released from the tips, slicing through the incoming rocks. The rocks exploded into tiny, sharp shards upon contact with the powerful air blades.
Growing excited as he felt the wind at his back—a reminder of something he had practiced with the Storm Petrel—Ash decided to capitalize on the situation. "Okay, let's pick up the pieces and finish this! Kilowattrel, use Aerial Ace to create some wind!"
Kilowattrel's newfound speed made her almost invisible as she sped through the air, shifting air streams into a breeze, creating a sort of tornado as she sped round and round, picking up debris from the battlefield.
The intense winds forced everyone to shield their eyes. Brassius, however, did not look away; instead, he grinned almost maniacally, captivated by the spectacle. "What a masterpiece!" he exclaimed.
Kilowattrel created a vortex of earth and stone, sending it swirling to consume Sudowoodo. Stones split, rocks shattered, and the wind roared.
And then the tornado subsided. The dust and debris settled. It became clear that Sudowoodo was lying on the ground, unable to battle.
When the officiant called the match, Ash jumped up with Pikachu, their hands joined in celebration. "Yeah! That was amazing!"
Kilowattrel came to a graceful landing at the center of the battlefield, looking puffed up and happy. She chirped contentedly as Ash and Pikachu rushed excitedly around her.
Everyone on the sidelines cheered and clapped, sharing in the excitement of the moment.
Clemont, pushing his glasses up onto the bridge of his nose with a proud smirk, commented, "Incredible! Kilowattrel's winds were strong enough to lift the shattered pieces of rock from the floor and send them all right back to Sudowoodo!"
Brock, with a raised finger, added, "Which was pretty much like attacking it with a Rock-type move, which made it super effective."
"That's crazy!" Bonnie exclaimed, then sniffed with confusion. "But why would a Grass-Type gym leader have a Rock-Type Pokémon?"
Brassius, returning his fallen companion with an appreciative nod, responded, "Because Sudowoodo looks like a Grass-Type, and in art things are rarely what they seem." Looking at Ash, he continued, "Of course, I like to play around with his Tera-Type so that Sudowoodo can truly match my aesthetic. This time, the strategy played against me more than anything. In any case, well done, Monarch, but I expected nothing less."
"That was a great battle!" Ash grinned, sharing a look of triumph with Kilowattrel and Pikachu.
Just then, Charcadet popped out of his Poké Ball, looking ragged but eager to give his team some support and not wanting to miss out. He looked on at Kilowattrel with a tinge of jealousy, and feeling ashamed of his own performance earlier.
Sensing this, Ash bent down to scoop up his weary companion. "You'll get there, Charcadet! Don't give up!"
The others came up to congratulate Ash. "Great battle!" Goh exclaimed, and he and Ash clapped hands.
"It seems that my first assessment of you, Monarch, was correct. Ah! My inspiration is overflowing, as if drawn from a bottomless well! Now, here. Take this." Brassius said, handing Ash the Gym Badge. "Now! I will begin on a new piece at once! You must excuse me, I—"
His words were interrupted as the receptionist came striding onto the field. "Brassius, you have a visitor who says he must speak to you. He says it is urgent."
From behind the receptionist, Larry stepped forward, his expression deadpanned. "Well, looks like I'm late to the party."
Okay! So a more battle heavy chapter, but Ash's team gets a new development! A new Pokémon will be on the horizon for him (and Serena, actually), so just you all wait! Next chapter, and a lot of the ones to come will be chalk full of Amourshipping as I find myself most excited when writing a chapter with lots of romance hahaha. So stay tuned. We'll see if Serena drums up the courage to show Ash what a Kalos kiss might look like…and hopefully Ash can control himself when she does XD
Other notes: I'll be using "flamenco" instead of "fuegodanza." Originally used "fuegodanza" literally as a stand-in for flamenco (rather than use just the regular term, I thought maybe I should rename it for the sake of world-building, but Pokémon in general hardly ever does that, so, here we are.) I will go back and replace "feugodanza" where I use it in AO3 to "flamenco." will just stay the same haha. Too much of a hassle to edit chapters.
Also, the poem is not my own. It is "Do not go Gentle into that Good Night," by Dylan Thomas.