Hey all! Another chapter coming at ya, this one a bit more plot building with (ofc) some Amourshipping goodness. Honestly, I'm sorry/not sorry for unashamedly forcing romance scenes in where I can. But in my defense: I'm just a girl. I love simple things.

On the plot side, a few notes: First of all, I didn't get to the gym battle just yet because the chapter got too long. But I'll for sure cover that next chapter, which will be shorter and should therefore be done more quickly. Key word: should.

Another note: I made some changes to the "order" of the Team Star Bosses. Like, in the games, you would tackle the Bosses via a different progression than how Nemona and the crew will. I have reasons for this: there's plot progression and I need people to be in certain places as the story continues.

Last note: Amethio, as it appears in Horizons, is going through a redemptive arc, which was to be expected. However, I'm not even going to pretend to tie things up perfectly with Horizons. I already have a lot of pots cooking in the kitchen haha. Nonetheless, I do have plans to prime Amethio for future character development, but most of that development will not be portrayed in this fic. Other Explorers will appear rather briefly, but again, it will be clear that they are on "other missions" while the Turo/Tera Industries situation is being handled by others (like Hamber obvi).

Again, I always strive to make the story as "canon" or running along the same vein as the anime as possible, but with the more mature themes we'll be seeing and so on, there will inevitably be departures from what Pokemon would have probably done. But that's a fanfiction AU for ya ;)

Another very very quick note: on FF . net updates will be delayed a day or so as I ALWAYS see more typos or mistakes after I post and it's so much more of a hassle to correct them on FF . net site. So, that's why you won't be seeing the update in both locations right away.

Chapter 29: In the Shadows

"Hold up, lemme get this straight," Iono said, her cotton-candy hair flipping as she leaned back in her seat, feet kicked up atop a soundboard. She glanced around the room with eyes glittering with intrigue, then swiveled her chair around, shoes sliding off the board with a thud. "So Team Star is really this misunderstood group of misfits, but everyone else has got it into their brains that they're bullies when really they were the ones being bullied?"

Arven, Goh, and Aliquis all exchanged glances, blinking in unison. Meanwhile, Penny just sighed and observed Bonnie, who was tinkering with a DSLR camera along with her Dedenne nearby.

It was Nemona, eyes sparkling under the studio lights, who responded with fervent enthusiasm. "That's right! And so we want that to change. To tell Team Star's story!" The class president beamed, grounding her fist into her open hand, while her Pawmo chirped approvingly at her shoulder.

"Ya don't say," Iono exclaimed, swiveling around in her chair. Her canines gleamed in the light as she leaned forward, her excitement palpable. "This story has it all: plot, intrigue, misunderstandings, angst!"

Arven, slightly overwhelmed, chimed in, "Er, is that a good thing?"

Penny remained quiet, her Vaporeon's keen eyes narrowing at the scene, reflecting her trainer's growing concern.

"Let's frame it this way," Iono proposed, her voice echoing slightly in the spacious studio. "We'll start with straight-up interviews—raw and unfiltered. Team Star's got a story that's all rumors and misconceptions. We just gotta get 'em to talk." Turning back to Nemona, she asked, "What do ya think?"

"I thought we agreed to keep members anonymous…," Penny interjected softly, "respecting privacy…"

Nemona, caught between her conviction and the excitement of working with Iono, struggled visibly. Finally, she said, "Well, maybe some of the bosses—Mela and Giacomo—wouldn't mind… I mean, who isn't excited about being on Iono Zone!"

Continuing, Nemona turned to Penny, her hands animated. "As long as we show them respect and genuine interest, they might open up! I'll take the lead on the interviews. As class president, it should probably be me. Besides, they know me now—they'll open up!"

At this, Penny stiffened. Her expression grew cold and thoughtful, her discomfort apparent.

Arven, who was adjusting a nearby softbox so that the LED light wasn't shining straight into his pupils, noticed her withdrawn demeanor. "You okay?" he whispered, leaning in closer after having fought off the piece of lighting equipment.

Penny shook her head subtly, her voice low. "It's turning into 'The Nemona Show.' She cares more about how she looks than how Team Star might feel," she sighed, her glasses flashing as she looked up at the botanist. "Isn't this supposed to be about hearing them , not us?"

Arven blew out a long breath. While not one to get involved in interpersonal conflict, it seemed to always seek him out anyway. Eventually, he nodded, his lips twisting into an anxious frown. "Yeah. It's tricky. Nemona always means well…" he scratched the back of his head, "It's easy for her to get… caught up."

Meanwhile, Iono continued, oblivious to the side conversation. "Once we get some Bosses to be down with everything, we can set up a mock interview here. I like to test the lighting, the angles—make sure it feels perfecto , if you catch my drift."

Aliquis chuckled from in front of a line of test screens, the soft glow illuminating his amused expression. "We could always put Arven in costume and have him test your stuff. He's into playing dress up, anyway."

Raising an eyebrow, Bonnie glanced over with a smirk. "No offense, but Arven is literally the last person in this group I could see being into cosplay."

Arven, his face a mix of shock and amusement, waved his hands wildly. "Thank you!" He then turned to Aliquis, his voice a low growl, "You said you would never bring that up ever again."

Nemona looked over her shoulder at them and cocked her head. "Bring what up?"

Goh, who had been casually sharing peanuts with Grookey at the snack bar for technicians, chimed in obliviously, "The time he dressed up as Serena to help Ash out with a date."

A heavy silence fell over the room, punctuated only by Penny's cough.

Arven's cheeks flamed and he whirled on the Ace trainer accusingly. "You told Goh ?"

Aliquis sweatdropped and scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, but it was like a long walk over to the city." He cast a glare towards the cityboy before muttering through bared teeth. "And Goh promised not to tell anyone…"

Suddenly aware of everyone's attention, Goh raised his hands defensively. "And I didn't!"

Iono, unable to suppress a snicker, pointed at the Kanto boy, "Bro, you literally just yelled it across the room."

Goh blinked and exchanged glances with Grookey, realizing his mistake. "Oh, I said that out loud?"

Arven slapped his hand to his face, muttering in Spanish, " La madre que me parió. "

Bonnie grinned impishly and patted Goh on the arm. "And just when I began to wonder why we keep you around."

Before more chaos could ensue, Penny finally spoke up, her voice sharp and cutting through the humor. "Look, we just need to be careful about the interviews. If people don't want to talk, then we can't make them. I don't want this to backfire, make things worse for Team Star because we didn't listen enough."

While a huge fan of Iono, Penny knew that the influencer could get wrapped up in making things more entertaining than real. She thrived off sensationalism, and while she did her best to be integrous—she could also get carried away.

Nemona bit her lip, caught between excitement and caution. "Yeah…but some Team Star members might need some encouragement, and that's okay!"

Penny tried not to let her frustration show. "True, but—no offense—I don't think the encouragement should come from you."

The air suddenly felt a little stiff and awkward as everyone went still.

Nemona narrowed her eyes, her defensiveness creeping in. "And why not? I can be a pretty encouraging person."

Penny didn't cower, folding her arms across her hoodie. "No offense, but you're not exactly relatable to the typical Team Star grunt. We're talking about a group of outcasts. Not a bunch of perfect, straight-A students with impeccable records and a tendency to overachieve."

Iono's own brows shot up, and her mouth puckered into a soundless whistle as she exchanged awkward glances with her Bellibolt. "Whoa, let's retract the claws, ladies. We can cat-fight later, but not during my brainstorming sesh." She then took out her phone to start typing notes. "Alrighty—Team Star Bosses. Who else we got besides the two you mentioned? We'll need more voices to add some variety."

Goh shrugged, the room still quiet. "Uh, we were planning to take down another Team Star boss's camp soon anyway. What was the dude's name?"

Penny interjected, "First of all, the next Boss is a girl. And can we please stop saying 'take down'? We're not trying to beat them but understand them."

Iono, pointing a finger at Penny, nodded in agreement. "True. And I do wanna make sure our video does that, so the more interviews, the better. And footage of their camp would be cool—ya know, to see their community."

Nemona, trying to keep up her spirits, assured, "We'll get those interviews. And that footage. Don't worry!"

Penny, again tempering Nemona's enthusiasm with irritation, amended, " If they agree to it."

Nemona's eyes flashed with frustration, but she merely nodded for the moment.

Amid the flurry of conversation and the soft whir of camera equipment, Iono's keen eyes locked in towards the not-so-subtle interplay of tension between Penny and Nemona. Her expression softened, her leadership instincts kicking in to smooth the edges of the group's dynamic. With a gentle, reassuring smile, she turned her attention fully towards Penny. "Look, if Team Star doesn't want to do the video, then they don't have to. I don't have to run anything on them at all if it's going to make them uncomfortable," she said, her tone sincere and understanding.

Briefly, Iono's gaze shifted to her Bellibolt, who buzzed softly at her side, sharing a quick, silent communication that seemed to lighten her spirit. She turned back to the group, her smile still in place. "Sure, I'm in the entertainment business, but I never want that to be at someone else's expense, ya know? So don't worry-o if they're not interested. It's no biggie. And I'm sure you guys will find another way to help 'em!"

Penny's shoulders visibly relaxed as she exhaled a long, held breath, her eyes meeting Iono's with a small, grateful smile. "Thanks," she murmured, the tension in her voice melting away, reassured by the influencer's understanding and supportive stance.

Meanwhile, Nemona attempted to mirror Penny's relief, but the muscles in her jaw tightened slightly, betraying her true feelings. She was caught in a whirlwind of emotion—eager to help Team Star in a way she truly believed would make a lot of difference. But, she also recognized the importance of what Penny was advocating for—respect and consent. Nemona's brow furrowed as she grappled with her dual desires: her determination to fix the Team Star problem and her respect for Penny's approach and weird connection to the group.

At the thought of that connection, Nemona's eyes flickered with a trace of suspicion towards Penny. Why was Penny so deeply empathetic towards Team Star anyway? Did she know something the rest of them didn't? This question gnawed at Nemona, but she quickly dismissed it, shaking off the doubtful thoughts. Her determination only grew stronger, fueled by what she considered a new challenge. She resolved to ensure that the voices of Team Star were heard, even if she had to do a little convincing.

The evening cast a soft, violet hue over the city streets of Levincia, the fading light intertwining with the bustling cityscape. After their meeting with Iono, the group found themselves navigating the dense, lively sidewalks, heading back to their hotel amidst the neon glow of shop signs and street lamps.

Penny walked slightly behind the others, her hands knotted together, a deep furrow etched between her brows. The air was cool, brushing against her skin, mirroring the chill of the frustration she felt inside. She watched Nemona leading the group ahead, her voice cheerily piercing the hum of the city as she chatted animatedly with Pawmo. Determined, Penny quickened her pace until she was walking beside Nemona.

"Nemona, we need to talk," Penny said, her tone more serious than usual.

Nemona turned, her expression shifting from her usual cheer to a hint of annoyance. Her ponytail swung as she faced Penny. "Sure, what's up?"

"It's about the video... the way you're handling it," Penny began, her voice steady, trying to keep her nerves from betraying her inner turmoil. She wasn't aiming to hurt Nemona—after all, she considered her a close friend—but it was critical that Nemona understood the heart of the issue.

Nemona's eyes narrowed slightly though she turned to face forward, trying to appear nonchalant. "And how am I handling it?"

Penny felt a surge of frustration at Nemona's dismissive tone, and she nearly growled in response. "I feel like it's becoming all about you!" Her voice, though controlled, carried a sharp edge. "This project is supposed to be about Team Star, about their stories, not a showcase for how good of a leader you can be."

As Nemona's brows knit together, her defensive instincts surged. "What are you even talking about? I'm just trying to make sure this video—our mission to help Team Star—works."

"First of all," Penny raised a finger to Nemona's face, "this isn't a 'mission' or a graded assignment. This is people's lives. All we want is for Team Star to feel accepted back into their school community and—if they are willing—to let them tell their story. When you dominate the space, it doesn't leave much room for other people. It's like this video is like a documentary about your leadership, not their experiences. I mean, do you even care about Team Star? Really?"

Stung by the question, Nemona whirled around to face Penny, her expression a mix of hurt and indignation. "How can you even ask that?!" she exclaimed, her voice rising. "Look, I know I'm really excited to work with Iono, but it's not because I want to be in one of her videos, Penny. As Class President, I do actually care about school issues, despite what you may think. Not only that, but we're friends now. You are my friend. And you clearly care about Team Star for reasons you're not telling me right now and that's fine, but friends care about what other friends care about. And I really believe that this video can help people see the truth about Team Star and really help them! That's why I keep pushing it and I don't know why you're so scared about it!"

As Nemona's words trailed off, Penn stopped cold, her stance rigid amidst the fading city lights. Was she afraid? Penny looked inward for a moment and realized she was. But how had Nemona noticed?

Penny stared at the class president, assessing. Suddenly, she saw the truth in Nemona's intentions; her friend did care deeply. And maybe Penny wasn't used to people caring about the things she cared about—or even used to people seeing her—but she realized that Nemona was trying. Of course, la presidenta still had her attention hogging tendencies, but…she was getting better. Despite still insisting her way was the best way—her dynamic personality still leaving scant space for quieter voices—Nemona was growing. Penny had to admit it.

"Sorry…I believe you. I believe you're trying to help…I'm just asking you to, I don't know, be a little more self-aware?" Penny's voice softened, her words chosen with care though carrying a mildly exasperated plea. "Like, you don't know what it's like for people who were bullied. You're beautiful, popular—everyone likes you and pays attention to you and even if they didn't, you wouldn't care. It's not the same for Team Star people. They step in the same room as you, and your personality swallows them up, whether you mean it to or not. You know what I'm saying? If we're going to convince Team Star Bosses to do this video, we need to make sure that they lead their own narrative."

Nemona's face, usually alight with confidence and enthusiasm, shifted as Penny spoke. A flicker of realization crossed her features, and a sad frown formed on her lips. The weight of Penny's words seemed to settle on her shoulders, grounding her usual spirited demeanor. "I'm just trying to do the right thing…" she murmured, looking actually distraught at the idea of having committed some error.

"I know you are, and you're doing a lot of great things. I mean, no one at school even cared about Team Star before you brought it to everyone's attention." Penny tried to reassure, though her eyes pleaded for Nemona to really hear her. "But…this isn't about you."

"I know, I know…" Nemona looked away briefly, grappling with the honesty in Penny's words. When she met Penny's gaze again, her expression had softened, a mix of realization and humility tempering her usual confidence. "And maybe I was a bit…'much' back at the studio," she admitted, smiling sheepishly. "I just got excited about the idea."

"And it is a good idea," Penny's lips quirked up mildly, "but only if Team Star is willing to tell their story. We can't tell it for them…"

Nemona's smile grew, and she began to return to her sunny self. "No, you're right. Thanks for bringing all of this up. Even if I don't like hearing it."

Penny nodded, feeling a surge of relief and satisfaction that Nemona seemed to genuinely absorb her perspective. "Thanks for listening, Nemona. It means a lot."

With a squeal and happy to be back on the same page, Nemona brought Penny into a bone-crushing hug. Penny grunted while Pawmo patted her head.

"You know," Nemona pulled away, her tone light and carefree once again, "I meant what I said. We are friends. And I care about what you care about—even if I'm not even sure how you grew to care so much about Team Star…but, as a friend, you can tell me anything! You know that right?"

Penny, caught off-guard by the sudden shift and the probing nature of Nemona's curiosity, looked away quickly—ignoring even her Vaporeon's expectant look. The STEM student tried not to react, her hands trembling slightly as she grappled with the layers of her own connections to Team Star, still veiled in personal secrecy. She simply nodded, her gaze fixed on the darkening street.

As the evening deepened into night, the group finally arrived at the hotel where they were staying, courtesy of the luxurious arrangements by Tulip. The hotel itself was a grand affair, its gleaming facade illuminated by tasteful lighting that accentuated its modern architecture and elegant design. The lobby was spacious and decorated with lush plants and contemporary art pieces, making a striking impression as they entered.

By the elevators, a familiar scene unfolded. Nemona spotted Ash, Serena, and Pikachu waiting by the elevator doors. Her face lit up with a warm smile as she dashed towards them.

"Oh, hey guys! Perfect timing, huh?" Nemona exclaimed, winking as she greeted her friends.

Bonnie, following closely behind, wrapped Serena in a hug but quickly recoiled with a puzzled expression. "Uh, why are you wet?" she sniffed and grimaced slightly at the dampness.

Serena, wrapped in Ash's vest to fend off the chill, shivered and explained with a light laugh, "We had a little run-in with Team Rocket while shooting our video…"

Standing beside her with a sheepish smile, Ash added, "Yeah, they threw some water balloons at her."

Aliquis, overhearing the conversation, sniffed the air and looked confused. "Wait, so are these guys, like, serious criminals or…?"

"Definitely not…" Goh snorted and shook his head, his tone dismissive.

Inside the elevator, everyone caught up on their respective adventures and misadventures of the day. Once at their room, Serena finally found her keycard and opened the door to the suite. The group, eager for some relaxation, poured into the warmly lit space, immediately feeling a sense of relief wash over them.

Their suite was equally impressive as the lobby—a large, expansive set of rooms that boasted a shared common area, plush furnishings, and panoramic windows offering views of the city's skyline. It was more than comfortable; it was opulent, designed to cater to every need and comfort.

Upon entering, they were greeted by the aroma of food cooking. Brock was busy in the kitchen area of the suite, skillfully managing several pots and pans on the stove. The sight of him cooking and the delicious smells wafting through the air instantly made everyone's stomach growl.

Bonnie exclaimed as she and Dedenne entered the kitchen, "My hero!" Her voice carried a girlish gratitude that brought a chuckle from Brock.

"You all look exhausted. Dinner's almost ready," Brock responded, his tone warm and welcoming.

Most of the group and their Pokémon immediately gathered around the dinner table, drawn by the promise of a hearty meal. However, Serena, still feeling the chill from her earlier drenching, decided to head for a hot shower first. Ash gently guided her shivering form towards the room she was sharing with Bonnie, his hand subtly supportive on her back. Pikachu hopped off Ash's shoulder and scurried to save their seats at the table, ready to enjoy whatever delicious stew Brock had prepared.

Once inside Serena's room, Ash lingered by the doorway. "Hey, are you sure you don't want to eat first?" he muttered softly, his eyebrows knitting together.

Serena laughed, knowing that Ash, no matter what state he was in, would always choose food before doing anything else. In fact, she was surprised he hadn't seated himself at the table right away. Regardless, Serena motioned to her still soaked clothes. "I'm going to get cleaned up first," she said, then added with a reassuring smile, "Besides, I want to start editing that video so we can send it to Iono right away! Then you can have your gym match!"

Ash's grin widened, and a faint blush tinged his cheeks as he watched her sit on the bed to remove her shoes and peel off her long, wet socks. "Well, um, okay," he stammered, scratching the back of his head as he slowly backed towards the door.

Serena stood, moving towards the bathroom, but paused midway. She shrugged out of Ash's vest and walked back towards him, a hint of color blossoming on her cheeks. After a quick glance around the open door to ensure the others were still preoccupied, she coyly approached the young champion. Handing him his vest back, she rose on her toes and planted a quick kiss on his lips.

"Thanks for this. I always loved wearing it," she whispered, pulling away with a soft smile. "Save me a plate?"

Ash nodded, his voice a bumbling murmur, "Yeah." He was leaning in, hoping for another brief taste of her lips when—

Bonnie's voice cut through the moment, laced with a smirk. "Ash, if you want to switch rooms just say so."

Serena and Ash jumped apart, their faces turning bright red. The sudden intrusion of Bonnie's voice snapped them back to reality, their brief moment of closeness shattered by the tease.

Serena huffed in exasperation, "Bonnie!"

Bonnie stood firm, her hands on her hips, and Dedenne perched atop her head, its tiny chuckles adding a fresh layer of awkwardness. "I'm just saying. If you wanna make out with your boyfriend in our room, a warning is only fair."

Serena rolled her eyes as she turned back to head towards the bathroom. She paused at the threshold, shooting back with a sly grin, "Bonnie, one day you're going to be giving your boyfriend a sweet, innocent kiss and I'll be the one to interrupt." She winked, turning Bonnie's moment of triumph into one of mild horror.

The young girl's face then contorted in disgust, so vivid that even Ash couldn't help but laugh, despite the deep flush still warm on his cheeks. "Uh, not gonna happen because I'll actually close the door," Bonnie retorted, quick to defend her future dignified privacy.

Serena's eyes sparkled with a wicked glint as she caught Bonnie off guard. "Oh, so you've thought about making out with a boy? That's cute."

It was now Bonnie's turn to blush furiously, her cheeks turning a bright shade of red as the tables turned. Ash, sensing the escalating sibling-like banter and wanting no part in this particular conversation, decided to make his retreat.

Raising his hands in surrender and whistling lightly, Ash sidestepped out of the room, "Okay, well, I'm gonna go get some food…"

The dinner table was bustling with lively conversation as everyone settled into their seats and dug into the food. Plates were passed, and laughter mingled with the clinks of cutlery. Full of enthusiasm from their productive day, Nemona began recounting their time with Iono and their ambitious plans to try and help Team Star with an expository video.

"If the Bosses are willing to talk, of course," Nemona said, winking at Penny mid-bite, acknowledging their earlier conversation.

Ash, ever the supporter of his friends' adventures, listened with keen interest, his eyes wide with enthusiasm. "That's awesome, guys! Sounds like a great idea," he said, genuinely impressed by the initiative.

Nemona nodded appreciatively at Ash's encouragement then turned to the rest of the group, her expression growing serious as she delved into their next steps. "After Ash's gym battle, we'll be heading north and following some coordinates Giacomo sent me. Looks like we're going to see…" she trailed off, pulling out her phone to double-check, "Eri."

Aliquis abruptly stopped, a spoon halfway to his mouth. "Wait…Eri? Like…former class queen, Eri? Um…she was a great trainer, on the track team, and super hot…How did she end up with Team Star?"

Penny murmured under her breath, just loud enough for those nearby to hear, "You didn't hear how she was harassed by a bunch of girls because they were jealous?"

Arven nodded solemnly as he stirred his soup in an attempt to cool it. "I remember that…"

Penny looked around the table, her voice firm, "Doesn't matter who you are. Anyone can be a target for bullies and anyone can be made an outcast."

Aliquis hummed thoughtfully, a new understanding dawning on him. He exchanged glances with his Meowscarada, contemplating the complexities of Eri's situation. "Well, if she challenges us to a battle, it's not going to be an easy win."

"Hopefully, it won't come to that," Arven sighed nervously and slid Mabosstiff some of his stew into a bowl.

The conversation then shifted as Bonnie turned to Brock, forking a side plate of roasted potatoes. "What did you do today besides make us this deliciousness?"

Brock perked up, dabbing his mouth almost too delicately with a napkin. "I bought our tickets to Pallet Town," he said, nodding towards Ash, who gave his friend a grateful thumbs up. "And then I wrote Tulip about four love letters. I'm stuck on which one I should send."

The group collectively sweatdropped at Brock's romantic endeavors, a mixture of amusement and mild concern washing over them. Bonnie's eye twitched slightly as she offered her own blunt advice, "How about none of them?"

Freshly showered and clad in her cozy pajamas, Serena stepped out from her room, a pink bow adorning her honey-blonde hair. The soft scent of her shampoo lingered as she moved gracefully into the common area where the group was gathered. Her light laughter almost escaped her lips as she caught the tail end of the conversation about Brock's romantic plans.

Approaching the Pokédoctor, who seemed dejected, Serena placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, her voice gentle and encouraging. "Maybe we see how things work out with Miriam before we move on, hm?" she suggested, trying not to giggle at his dramatic despair.

Brock sighed heavily, a hand running through his spiky hair in frustration. "Miriam will never love me. It's hopeless!" he lamented, his voice tinged with melodrama.

"Don't think like that!" Serena squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. "When we get back to the academy, maybe we can plan for you to, in a very calm way, ask her out on a date."

At her words, Brock's demeanor brightened instantly, his eyes forming into hearts as he brought his hands to his cheeks, overwhelmed by romantic fantasies. "Oh dear sweet Miriam. Forgive me for faltering! But I will not give up on our love!"

Goh, slightly confused, looked around and asked, "Wait, who's he talking to?"

Bonnie, her voice muffled by her soup, muttered, "To his delusions."

Serena shot Bonnie a look that immediately quieted the younger girl, her gaze both amused and slightly admonishing. Turning away from the scene, Serena walked over to the kitchen to grab some food. As she moved, Ash's eyes followed her, his gaze lingering on how her silk shorts clung low on her hips, revealing her smooth midriff. Feeling a sudden rush of warmth, he had to clear his throat and swallow a large gulp of water.

Catching Ash's reaction, Aliquis leaned back in his chair, an amused smirk playing on his lips. Ash's glower only earned an eye roll from the Ace trainer, who then continued eating nonchalantly.

Her bowl now empty, Nemona stretched her arms over her head and yawned before finding a sudden second wind, "Hey! Anyone want to play a game or something?" She pointed towards the living room area and pulled out a deck of cards from her pocket.

"Me! Me! Me!" Bonnie exclaimed, jumping up with excitement, Dedenne echoing her enthusiasm.

Eyeing Nemona's ever-ready deck of cards, Penny asked with a mild disbelief, "You just keep cards with you all the time?" Really, though, why was she surprised?

Nemona raised a finger with a mischievous glint in her eye. "You never know when an opportunity for more fun will present itself."

"Right…" Penny responded, her tone dripping with skepticism.

Aliquis reached into his pocket and produced two bombónes , tossing one to Meowscarada with a shrug. "I'd be down. As long as we don't play 'Go Magikarp' or something lame," he quipped, watching as Meowscarada cooly caught the treat.

Serena, setting up her Rotom Phone on a side table, responded with a warm smile, "I'll watch! I just need to edit the promo video."

Arven fidgeted with some papers he had pulled from his backpack. "I also have to do some homework for, uh, a project I have after break." He glanced up, meeting Serena's gaze for a brief moment.

Meanwhile, Ash grimaced slightly and scratched the back of his head, looking somewhat torn. "I want to go and take Koraidon out a little, but if you all are still playing when I get back I'll join!" His voice held a hint of regret at missing out but a promise to return soon.

Nemona clapped her hands, her voice ringing with excitement. "No worries! I'm sure we'll be up all night!"

At this, the room erupted into nervous laughter.

As the evening unfolded, the group collectively decided to take a brief intermission to tidy up after dinner and refresh themselves. The cozy atmosphere of their suite made it easy to slip into a comfortable routine. While Ash had already excused himself to take Koraidon out, the rest of the group lingered, using the downtime to change into pajamas and prepare for a relaxed night of games and socializing.

While the others got ready, Serena was engrossed in editing the promo video on her phone with Pancham at her shoulder, helping. Next to her, Arven settled into a single sofa, a picture of concentration with his computer and a bunch of papers balanced on his lap, while Mabosstiff curled comfortably at his feet.

The room held a quiet hum of activity, with only Brock visible in the background, methodically cleaning up the kitchen, his movements creating a gentle backdrop of clinks and swishes.

After a while, Serena looked up from her screen, catching Arven's gaze. She handed her phone to Pancham, who took it with surprising dexterity, and leaned towards Arven from her couch. "Hey," she began, her voice soft, bridging the distance between them, "how are you?"

Arven glanced up, then looked around briefly, noting their relative privacy with only Brock nearby. He whispered back, a hint of urgency in his tone, "I'm okay, I just... I just need to find the next Herba Mystica…You know—before they get impatient." He sighed, the weight of his quest momentarily pressing down on him.

Serena nodded understandingly, her expression empathetic. "Can I help?" she offered,her concern genuine.

Arven managed a small smile, touched by her willingness to support him. "It's nice to just be able to tell you the truth," he admitted, his voice low. "But honestly, I'm still looking for any clues as to where one might be."

Serena smiled back warmly and reached over to squeeze the botanist's arm reassuringly. "Just let us know," she encouraged, her gesture conveying both comfort and a readiness to assist, reinforcing the bond of trust and friendship solidly built between them.

With the city lights distant in the horizon, Ash and Pikachu found themselves back at the coastal cliffs they had passed earlier on their way into Levincia. The area was serene, with the soft sounds of waves crashing against the rugged shoreline below and a gentle breeze stirring the night air. Standing at the edge, Ash stretched his arms wide, rolling his shoulders back and inhaling deeply, a content sigh escaping his lips as he embraced the peace of the natural setting.

"Alright, Koraidon! Come on out!" Ash called out, his voice echoing slightly in the open space.

With a burst of light from his Trust Ball, Koraidon emerged, his scarlet scales and long plumes glistening under the moonlight. The creature shook himself vigorously, a happy huff sounding from his throat as he acclimated to the cool night air. His majestic form contrasted starkly with the tranquil surroundings, yet he seemed perfectly at ease in this natural habitat.

Ash and Pikachu couldn't help but laugh as Koraidon, full of pent-up energy, began to frolic around the cliff's edge. The Pokémon leaped and darted about, his movements graceful yet playful. Pikachu clapped his little paws in delight, his laughter mixing with Ash's as they watched their friend enjoy the freedom of the open space.

Koraidon's exuberance was infectious, and it wasn't long before Ash found himself running alongside him, the two racing against the backdrop of the starlit sky, their joyful shouts carried away by the sea breeze.

Catching his breath, Ash came to a stop and rested his hands on his hips, watching Koraidon with affection. The majestic dragon Pokémon settled into a calm stance, issuing a low, contented rumble from deep within his throat, clearly enjoying their nighttime escapade.

"Oh! Before I forget, Serena sent these for you." Ash remembered, pulling out a couple of Poké Puffs carefully wrapped in wax paper from his pocket. He unfolded the paper, revealing the treats.

Koraidon's eyes immediately lit up at the sight of the desserts. With eager, gentle nibbles, he gobbled up the Poké Puffs, making quick work of the delicious morsels. Once he was done, he crouched low towards Ash, his large eyes filled with a wondering, hopeful gaze.

Ash couldn't help but laugh at the expression. "You want me to ride you, huh? Okay, but don't push yourself too much!"

Koraidon responded with a soft chortle, clearly pleased. Ash then approached and mounted Koraidon, now much more adept at the process after several practices. He swung a leg over with a smooth motion that spoke of growing familiarity and confidence.

Settling into place, Ash found his balance as Pikachu hopped up and sat snugly in front of him, nestled securely between Ash's arms which gripped Koraidon's antennae.

Koraidon took off with a powerful grace, his massive body gliding effortlessly beside the cliffs. The moon hung bright and full in the sky, casting a silvery light over the meadow and sparkling on the ocean waters below, turning the scene into a breathtaking tableau. Ash's face broke out into a wide smile as the cool night air rushed past them, the exhilarating freedom of flight mixing with the serene beauty of their surroundings.

The young champion felt a surge of joy and wonder at the vastness spread before him—the cliffs a stark silhouette, the gentle lapping of the waves in the background. For a moment, his thoughts drifted to Serena, her supportive smile, and her gentle encouragement earlier that day. He appreciated how she always seemed to understand the pressures he faced, offering not just her support but also sharing her strength.

However, as the ride continued, Ash's mind inevitably turned to the darker currents running through his life. Thoughts of Navarro and the ominous machinations of Tera Industries crept in, casting a shadow over everything. Despite the progress he was making in his quest for gym badges, doubts nagged at him about how this was truly helping in the larger scheme of things. He felt stuck, caught in a web of uncertainties about Navarro, Geeta's whereabouts, and Turo's disappearance. These burdens seemed to rest heavily on his shoulders, growing more solitary and daunting by the day.

Ash's resolve hardened. He was determined to unravel these mysteries, no matter how deep he had to dig or how uncomfortable the truths might be. He knew it was up to him and Serena was right—people were relying on him now. He would want to speak with Professor Oak once they reached Pallet Town, hoping that a return to his roots might offer some clarity and a chance to reset.

Sensing Ash's determined shift in mood, Koraidon responded instinctively. His body transformed, his tail curling into a wheel behind him and his neck expanding and reshaping into a wheel in front. Suddenly, the creature was zooming along the cliffside path, faster than Ash had ever experienced before. The rush of speed was exhilarating, a physical manifestation of Ash's internal surge of determination.

So lost was Ash in his thoughts and resolve that he almost didn't register the change in pace. It wasn't until Pikachu, perched securely but startled by the sudden acceleration, let out a high-pitched squeak that Ash snapped back to the present. His eyes widened as he realized just how fast they were moving, a rush of adrenaline flooding his system as he gripped Koraidon's antennae tighter.

"Whoa!" Ash yelped, holding on to his hat with one hand to keep it from blowing away.

Ash soon lost his concentration. The sudden shift in his focus caused Koraidon to revert back to his normal form. The mighty creature slowed, panting with exertion from the burst of speed. Coming to a gentle stop, Koraidon craned his head around to look back at Ash with a large, expressive orange eye, as if checking on his rider's condition.

Ash, also panting from the adrenaline, steadied himself and blinked in bewilderment. "What just happened?" he asked aloud, his heart still racing from the unexpected acceleration.

The incident reminded Ash of a similar transformation he'd seen Cyclizar undergo during Blitz games. He remembered Saguaro mentioning how Cyclizar could feel the emotions of their riders, which led him to a sudden realization. "Was that…was that because of me?" he questioned, looking into Koraidon's attentive gaze.

Koraidon nodded his head, confirming Ash's suspicion that his intense emotions had triggered the transformation.

Considering this, Ash suddenly felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him, as if some of his own energy had been sapped during the episode. "Sorry," he murmured, rubbing the back of his neck. He wasn't exactly sure why he was apologizing—maybe it was out of concern for pushing Koraidon too hard. "I was just thinking about everything. You know—about what's going on around here in Paldea. About how to get you home." Ash's voice trailed off as he and Pikachu carefully slid off the dragon's back.

Koraidon blinked slowly and turned his gaze towards the water, seemingly contemplative.

Ash sighed, exchanging a look with Pikachu, who watched intently with his usual alert expression. The young champion then turned back to Koraidon. "You know, maybe you could help?" Ash began, his tone cautious yet hopeful. "I mean, do you know how you even got here? Why you're being chased? Do you know anything about Professor Turo?"

Koraidon's reaction was immediate. He snapped his head towards Ash, his eyes flashing with an emotion that was difficult to decipher—perhaps a mix of recognition and concern. But just as quickly, the massive Pokémon turned his gaze back to the sea, stretching his long neck to look out over the water as if considering something.

Then, quite unexpectedly, Koraidon reached his snout around toward his own plumes, huffing in a way that seemed to signal something important. This drew Ash's attention sharply. Narrowing his eyes, Ash studied Koraidon's back and noticed something unusual. Tucked away behind the vibrant, purple and white plumes was something distinctly out of place—something that shone even in the dim moonlight.

It was a glittering object, embedded within the plumes yet distinct from them. Its colors caught the light, reflecting a spectrum that reminded Ash of a rainbow—much like the vibrant, crystalline structure in the image he had seen.

With a mixture of curiosity and respect, Ash looked towards Koraidon, silently asking for permission to investigate further. Understanding Ash's intent, Koraidon nodded slightly, giving his consent.

As Ash gripped the mysterious object and pulled it from Koraidon's plumes, an intense surge of energy immediately flowed through him. He cried out, a mixture of surprise and pain, but the object remained firmly in his grasp, his fingers unable to let go as if magnetically locked to it. Suddenly, everything around him turned white, a blinding light enveloping his senses.

In this overwhelming whiteness, Ash felt an incredible rush of energy both leaving and entering his body all at once, creating a sensation that was both exhilarating and terrifying. As he struggled to understand what was happening, a shape began to materialize in his blurred vision—a shimmering blue gem or perhaps a shell made entirely of jewels, sparkling with an otherworldly light. Dancing around the shell were other Tera Shards, one for each Pokémon type.

Then, within this expanse of white, a figure appeared. The man was clad in a white lab coat. When the man turned, his profile revealed, Ash recognized him instantly—it was Professor Turo. Though he couldn't see his face fully, Ash could hear the professor's faint whispers, echoing softly yet urgently around him.

"The tıme mɑchine...hɑs fınally..." Turo murmured, his tone filled with a mix of triumph and ominous intent. "Behold. Behold. This is the time machine we perfected using the power of the Terastal phenomenon…Perfected using the power of Terapagos…"

As Ash tried to step forward in the surreal, white expanse of his vision, the figure of Professor Turo began to morph and change as though malfunctioning bizarrely; the man's voice glitching in an unsettling way.

"Hello, child. Childrenen. Childnen. Childeren. Children…Initiating restart." Turo's voice echoed disjointedly around Ash, the words twisting and turning in a way that made no sense, as if the very fabric of the memory—or whatever this experience was—was unraveling.

Driven by a mix of confusion and urgency, Ash wanted to move closer, to understand what was happening, to reach out to Turo and demand answers. However, just as his determination peaked, everything began to retreat from him. Turo and the enveloping white light started to recede, growing distant as if being ripped away by an unseen force. Ash's vision blurred, the white brightness intensifying to an almost blinding degree.

Was this a memory? It felt more like…What was happening? What was—

Suddenly, Ash was ripped from the disorienting experience. He gasped, his body convulsing as he coughed and sputtered back to reality. The Tera Shard—unlike any of the one's he'd seen in Clavell's office—slipped from his numb fingers and landed with a thud on the ground. Its rainbow, glittering surface dulled the moment it left his touch, lying innocently on the ground despite the profound effect it had just exerted.

Pikachu, realizing the distress Ash was in, had administered a strong shock, pulling his trainer back from the brink of whatever strange trance he had fallen into. Ash didn't find himself minding the abrupt interruption; he felt totally empty, drained of energy, as if remaining in that memory any longer could have resulted in him losing himself completely.

Slowly, Ash regained his senses, feeling the cool grass beneath him. He realized he was lying on his back, gazing up at the night sky scattered with stars. Beside him, Koraidon and Pikachu peered down, their expressions filled with concern.

"Pika! Pikachu!" Pikachu exclaimed, his voice tinged with worry.

Ash managed a faint smile, reassuring his best friend, "I'm okay, buddy. Thanks."

He then turned to his side, his attention fixing on Koraidon as realization crossed his face. "You had that shard the whole time," he noted. Koraidon looked a bit ashamed but nodded in acknowledgment. Ash understood, though; Koraidon probably needed to ensure he could fully trust Ash and had only now deemed him worthy of such a significant revelation.

Ash nodded, his eyes shifting to the rainbow Tera Shard lying in the grass a few feet away. With effort, he propped himself up into a sitting position; his arms resting on his knees. "Thanks for sharing that with me. Do you… know what I saw?" he asked Koraidon.

Koraidon shook his head, clearly as puzzled as Ash was.

Ash continued, trying to piece together the fragments of his vision, "I saw Turo… he was talking about the machine. The machine that maybe you came from. He said that it was because of something called a Terapagos. Does that mean anything to you? Do you know what that is?" Ash's thoughts drifted back to the mysterious blue gem-like object he'd glimpsed, wondering about its significance.

Koraidon blinked and slowly shook his head again, his confusion evident.

Ash blew out a long breath and took off his cap for a moment to run his hands through his hair. Resettling it, he murmured, "Well, me neither."

After a thoughtful pause, Ash looked at Pikachu and then back at the Tera Shard. "But it's a helpful clue. I mean, I have no idea how I saw what I saw through that Tera Shard, but it seemed important. It could lead us to Turo's energy source for the time machine…"

He eyed the Tera Shard warily, hesitant to touch it again. Turning to Koraidon, he suggested, "Say, why don't you keep that thing for now since I can't seem to go near it. Let's take it to an old friend of mine who might want to study it." Ash smiled, already formulating a plan. "Then we can take it to Clavell and see what he says."

Koraidon nodded, then used his jaws to gently grip the object and tuck it back into his plumes, securing it safely.

"Thanks again for trusting me," Ash said, giving the dragon a weary but genuine grin. Koraidon nodded solemnly and bowed his head in a great show of equal respect.

Ash touched the scarlet dragon's snout and soon enough allowed the Pokémon to help him back to his feet. Still weak and drained, the young champion allowed Koraidon to help him back towards the edge of the city.

From a vantage point on a nearby cliffside, a figure observed the scene unfolding below with intense scrutiny. Amethio, his amethyst eyes narrowing, watched as the bright glow emanated from Ash's hands, a glimmer that didn't escape his keen observation. A low growl formed on his lips, an involuntary reaction to what he perceived as a potential threat or a significant discovery.

As the glow dimmed and Ash and his Pokémon prepared to leave, a shiver ran down Amethio's spine—not just from the cool night air but from the implications of what he had just witnessed. The power that radiated briefly but brightly hinted at something Amethio knew could change the balance of what he and the Explorers understood and sought to control.

Turning sharply to his Ceruledge, who stood wreathed in silent purple flames beside him, Amethio snapped with a mix of urgency and command in his voice, "Come on. Let's go." His words were clipped, betraying his concern and the sudden need to act and reassess everything.

Serena bit her lip, deeply focused on the final edits of the promotional video while the click of cards and loud banter echoed around her. She meticulously adjusted clips and transitions, her concentration absolute until she reached a particular part of the video: Ash, shirtless, his tanned muscles glistening under the sun's rays.

The honey-blonde gulped as she replayed the clip, her fingers hesitating over the controls. She pulled her Rotom Phone a little closer to her chest, ensuring that no one could casually glance at her screen. Each replay made her heart beat a bit faster, and she shivered slightly, feeling a mix of admiration and something more personal at the sight of Ash's strong physique.

"Are you cold, Serena? Need us to turn the air up?" Brock asked, looking up at her from the floor where they played their game. He had noticed her shiver.

More heat was the last thing Serena needed. She placed a cool hand on her cheek, trying very hard not to let the growing flush spread across her face. "No–no! I'm okay," she responded quickly, her voice a little too high-pitched.

Bonnie eyed Serena with a raised brow, her curiosity piqued. "What are you looking at?" she asked, leaning slightly to try and peer at the honey-blonde's phone. Serena quickly put it down, her movements a bit too swift.

"It's just the promo video. I'm almost done editing, but you all can't watch until it's done!" Serena declared, masking her irritation and trying to deflect any further inquiry.

Nemona, completely engrossed in the game, played a card down atop the growing pile on the floor. "Fair enough," she said casually. "Aliquis, draw two."

Aliquis, who already had a sizable hand in a game where the goal was to get rid of cards, groaned. "You have it out for me…"

As the shuffling of cards continued, Serena quietly pulled her phone back out and resumed her focused editing. Sprawled comfortably across the back of the sofa, Pancham watched her for a moment with a mischievous gleam in his eyes. He snickered, clearly amused by his trainer's repeated viewing of certain clips, which caused Serena to cast a slightly annoyed glance his way.

"Thanks for your help, Pancham, but I think I got it from here," Serena said, her tone a bit clipped.

Pancham smirked and hopped down, joining the other Pokémon gathered by the TV, seemingly content to leave Serena to her task.

The honey-blonde let out a little sigh, her fingers tapping lightly as she made the final adjustments to the video. As the night wore on, the group began to wind down. Arven, looking particularly tired, called it a night first, quietly retreating to the room he shared with Brock.

Soon after, the card game wrapped up with Penny declared the victor, much to Nemona's visible irritation. Light-hearted accusations of sneaky tactics and luck were thrown about, but the game ended on a cheerful note.

One by one, the group dispersed to get ready for bed. Bonnie, rubbing her sleepy eyes, looked over at Serena, who was still engrossed with her phone. "Are you coming?" she asked, a yawn punctuating her question.

Serena looked up, also bleary-eyed, and managed a yawn through a smile. "Five more minutes. I'm done, just downloading the video to send to Iono," she responded. Her gaze then shifted towards the door, a hint of concern crossing her features as she added, "I also want to make sure Ash gets home okay. He's been gone a while."

Brock, who was nearby organizing some things, nodded in agreement. "I'm sure he's fine, but probably a good idea," he reassured her.

Everyone exchanged tired yet affectionate goodnights before heading off to their respective rooms, leaving Serena alone in the living room with her Pokémon.

Serena yawned again, feeling the weight of the long day finally settling in. She took out her Poké Balls, addressing her partners with a warm smile. "Alright, guys. Great job today! Rest easy." She returned them for a well-deserved rest, her eyes drifting once more to the door, her thoughts lingering on Ash's safety and the adventures of the day. As the download bar on her phone slowly filled, the quiet hum of the night accompanied her vigil, the soft light of the screen illuminating her hopeful expression.

Settling back into the plush cushions of the sofa, Serena drew a soft blanket over herself, trying to coax her body and mind into relaxation. Yet, as the room quieted and her tasks for the evening concluded, her mind, unbidden, drifted back to the image of Ash's tanned, glistening muscles captured in the sunlit video. The visual replayed in her mind's eye, sparking a cascade of fluttering sensations she hadn't anticipated.

As she lay there, enveloped in the warmth of the blanket, her imagination wandered further. She found herself wondering what his bare chest might feel like beneath her fingertips—smooth, warm, the firmness of well-defined muscles subtly shifting with each movement. This image quickly escalated in her mind, transforming into vivid flashes of kissing Ash while pressed against his shirtless body. In her daydream, she would run her hands across his torso, tracing the lines of his muscles down to his arms, pulling herself closer to him. She imagined Ash's breath, warm and quickening, traveling with his lips from hers, gliding down her jaw to the sensitive skin of her neck.

Rather abruptly, Serena threw herself off the couch and began to busy herself in the kitchen, even though Brock had already left it spotless. She moved pots and wiped down counters, her movements more about soothing her racing heart than actual necessity.

Just as she was aligning the spice jars one more time, the sound of the suite door unlocking caught her attention. Ash and Pikachu stepped through, looking utterly exhausted and worse for wear. Instantly, all thoughts of her earlier daydreams vanished, replaced by only clear concern.

"Ash! Are you okay? What happened?" Serena quickly closed the distance between them, placing a hand on his arm, feeling his unsteady gait.

Ash winced slightly at seeing her. He had hoped she'd be asleep so as to not worry her. "Um, you weren't waiting for me, were you?" he asked, relief and regret washing over his tired eyes.

Serena scooped up an exhausted Pikachu into her arms and returned to Ash's side. "I just finished downloading the video and sent it to Iono…Ash, what happened?" she pressed, guiding him gently toward the couch.

"It's kind of hard to explain…" Ash started, his voice low as he grimaced again, the soreness of his muscles evident as he moved.

Despite his fatigue, Ash began to recount the night's events. He told her about the Tera Shard that Koraidon had revealed, how touching it not only triggered some kind of power swap, but visions so vivid they shook him to the core.

"I saw Turo muttering," Ash tried, his brow furrowing as he tried to piece together the fragmented images. "He mentioned something called 'Terapagos' and I saw this blue thing, full of jewels or crystals..." His voice trailed off, considering how the vision of Turo changed quickly after—as if the figure had stopped being Turo, but some different version of the professor all together.

Ash paused, his expression growing more puzzled. "I just don't know what any of it meant. It kind of felt like I was in a memory at first, but then...I don't know. This sounds crazy. It was like then the whole vision changed and it stopped feeling like the past but more like the future."

Ash rubbed his face, Turo's strange voice saying "Hello, child. Childrenen. Childnen. Childeren…" bouncing off the walls of his mind.

Ash shook his head, trying to move on as he pieced together his thoughts. "But I'm wondering if this Terapagos thing is some kind of energy source Turo used to power his time machine," he speculated, tiredly removing his cap to run a hand through his hair. "I'm just more confused than ever. But I plan to maybe get some answers when we go to Pallet Town. Between Professor Oak and Professor Cerise, they're bound to know something ."

Serena nodded as she listened patiently. She turned from the kitchen counter where she had been preparing a ketchup-smothered snack for Pikachu, her movements fluid and nurturing. After placing the snack down for the tired Pokémon, she moved back to the couch to sit beside Ash, a glass of water for him in her hand. "I know it might be confusing, but it's wonderful Koraidon trusted you enough to finally tell you about the shard and let you see it," she said gently. "You said it was like a memory? Koraidon's memory?"

Ash reconsidered this point, then shook his head with some frustration. "I don't think so...but I have a feeling that part of what I saw took place before Turo brought Koraidon through the machine…" He sighed, suddenly overwhelmed.

"Don't worry too much about it right now. You need to rest," Serena urged softly, moving closer to him. She could feel the tension in Ash's body, his muscles taut with the stress of the unknown. Gently, she brought her cheek to his, her hand sliding down his arm to intertwine their fingers. Her touch was soothing, intended to relax him and provide comfort.

Ash sighed, his body responding involuntarily to her closeness. His muscles eased under her touch, and his fingers squeezed hers. He knew she was right. Nothing seemed clear while he was so tired and it was so late. He needed to rest and get a fresh start tomorrow.

He was also confident that the professors in Kanto could help. It would be good to get their perspective on everything happening in Paldea since Clavell's own knowledge seemed limited to what Scarlet Academy's researchers were allowed to investigate. And compared to Tera Industries, that wasn't much.

Ash turned his head towards Serena, a soft smile lighting his face as he whispered, the words barely audible in the dimly lit room, "I'm glad you were still awake."

Serena returned his smile, her eyes sparkling. "Well, don't get too used to it. It's way past my bedtime," she winked affectionately. "But I wanted to make sure you could challenge Iono as soon as possible!"

"Thanks for that," Ash's smile widened and he raised his fist, "We're a team!"

Serena's giggle filled the quiet space as she wrapped her arm around his neck, pulling him close to plant a kiss on his cheek. She then pulled back slightly, her hand gently brushing through his hair, pushing the wild locks away from his face before handing him his water. In a quieter tone, she added, "I am glad you're okay, though. I didn't like what happened to you when you touched the Tera Shard in Clavell's office. You need to be careful with those things, Ash. Some may hold more power than others."

Ash hadn't thought about that before, but given his recent experience, it sounded painfully plausible. Still, he maintained a boyish grin and downed the water in one go. "I'll be careful. I promise," he laughed, putting the glass on the floor.

Serena wanted to believe him. With hands resting briefly on his chest as he turned back to her, the honey-blonde gazed at her boyfriend and tried not to let the worry well up to the surface of her pale face. "You're going to be the death of me, Ash Ketchum," she whispered, meaning to keep the thought to herself.

Ash's expression sobered immediately, and he shifted to face her fully, taking both her hands in his. "Don't say that. I don't like you saying that, even as a joke."

Serena blinked, taken aback by his reaction, then quickly tried to reassure him. "Sorry. I only meant that I'm always going to be worried about you," she explained softly, her voice sincere. "I can't help it."

Ash's tension eased, his shoulders relaxing as he let out a breath. "I'm always going to be worried about you too, you know."

"That's ridiculous," the honey-blonde gave a rather unlady-like snort before teasing, "I'm not the one who has superpowers and always has to save the world, remember?"

"They're not superpowers…" Ash mumbled, a touch of insecurity in his voice, "not really."

After a long breath, and actively trying not to think about creeps like Lebarón or García, the young champion added, "But that doesn't matter. I'll always worry a little when you're not with me, is all. But I know—I know—you can take care of yourself."

Ash flashed Serena a grin before she could open her mouth to say exactly what he knew she'd say.

Serena wore a gratified expression, her eyes reflecting the soft light of the room. With a coy tilt of her head, she leaned closer to Ash, her movement slow and deliberate. Her nose brushed his, causing Ash's breath to catch. "I do like having you by my side," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her lips then gently brushed his, back and forth—soft as a tender-taken breath—before she pulled back slightly, her smile radiant. "Even when I'm not in danger."

Ash shivered, a blush spreading across his cheeks, his amber eyes darkening as they lingered on her lips. "I definitely like being by your side," he found himself saying, thoughts scattering. Managing to regain some composure, Ash looked back up into her sparkling blue gaze, his smile growing. "Especially when you get like this."

Serena pulled back and arched her brow. "What do you mean 'like this'?" she ask, a hint of challenge in her voice.

Ash's smirk widened, his expression teasing. "In one of your kissy touchy moods," he quipped and began to laugh.

Serena's face blossomed into a dark shade of red, her embarrassment tinged with a flicker of indignation. Her mind was still trying to work through the fact Ash had just said 'kissy touchy' when she began to stammer. "I-I have no idea what you're talking about."

Ash's grin became more smug, his eyes twinkling. He gently stopped her as she began to withdraw her hands, holding them firmly yet tenderly in his. "I feel like I always have to beg you to kiss me and stuff, but right now you've kind of—I don't know—been all cuddly. Was it because you saw me beat up?" His eyes flashed teasingly. "Should I get hurt more often?"

Serena actually glared at him through her crimson cheeks, "Don't you dare." The honey-blonde looked around the common area, suddenly self-conscious. Only Pikachu was nearby, acutely ignoring them, his face smothered in ketchup.

Finally, she turned back to Ash who was chuckling at her visibly flustered state. He couldn't help but feel satisfied about the fact that he had the upper hand—something he felt like didn't happen very often. Of course, he didn't mind not having the upper hand.

"I was trying to get you to relax," Serena defended herself with a little huff. "You looked so stressed and frustrated when you came in. I was only trying to help!"

"Oh, so I should look stressed more often?" Ash's grin grew lopsided as he continued to tease.

Serena continued to pout and rolled her eyes, her hands still held captive in Ash's. "You know you can just ask me whenever you want kisses, Ash," she said, her voice lowering slightly. "You didn't seem to have a problem with asking earlier on the beach."

Feeling bold, Ash slowly moved her hands around his waist, drawing her in closer. "Well, sometimes, I don't want to have to ask. I mean, don't you want to kiss me as much as I want to kiss you?"

Caught off guard, Serena awkwardly fell against the young champion. She tried to pull her hands back to readjust their position, but Ash kept a firm grip and she grew a little frustrated. "Ash!"

In the midst of their playful struggle, Ash also lost his balance on the couch. With a little yelp, he fell backwards, and with a thud, they both ended up on the floor, Serena landing on top of him.

They both groaned. Ash rubbed the back of his head, wincing from the impact.

Serena stirred and looked worriedly down at him. "Ash! Are you okay?" When she saw that he was perfectly fine, just a bit dazed, her expression shifted to one of mild reprimand as she half-pushed herself up against his chest. "Happy now?" she grumbled.

Ash, still recovering from the surprise of their fall, blinked up at her. He flushed at their close proximity but couldn't help the lopsided smile that spread across his face. "Actually, kind of."

How? How did Ash always manage to disarm her so completely? How did he always make her mind go blank and her stomach flutter with a million Butterfrees? How did he manage to look so adorable in moments like this, making her feel so intensely loved with just one of his earnest looks?

She sighed, the tension easing as her fingers found their way back into his hair, her touch gentle. "You know, that was a silly question you asked earlier," she mused aloud, her eyes softening further.

Still a bit dazed by the warmth of her body atop his and her gentle strokes in his hair, Ash looked up at her, confused. "What do you mean?

Serena slowly lowered herself back down, her smile melting into a look of deep affection just before her lips met Ash's in a long, firm kiss. Ash immediately relaxed under her touch, everything else fading away as he felt the familiar warmth of her mouth on his.

After a moment, Serena pulled back slightly for air, only to dive back in for another kiss, this time deeper and with more ardor. She took control—dictating the rhythm and depth of their connection—her lips confidently working against his, her hands moving to cradle his cheeks, holding his face just so.

Caught up in the whirlwind of sensations, Ash did his best to match her pace. But when Serena slightly parted his lips with her mouth to shift the angle of their kiss, his mind blanked out completely. His hands instinctively moved down to her hips, gripping her as if she were the only solid ground in a spinning world. His thumbs brushed against the bare skin of her midriff, making small, instinctive circles that sent a wave of warmth through both of them. Drowning in the closeness and the softness of her skin, Ash couldn't suppress a groan that escaped deep from within his chest.

Feeling his reaction, Serena deepened the kiss for a moment longer, her own heart racing at the sound he made. She then gently pulled away, her mouth lingering on his, softly tugging at his lower lip in a final, tender gesture. She drew back just enough to look into his eyes, her own glittering with affection and a hint of triumph.

Ash could only blink and blink, his mind reeling as he tried to process the rush of emotions and sensations. He waited for her to come back to him, hoping she would.

But Serena looked satisfied for now. Trying to hide her quick breaths, she admitted with a shy smile, "I love kissing you. Maybe more than you like kissing me."

Internally, Ash decided that was impossible, but still he couldn't find words. So instead he just shook his head, deadly serious.

Serena laughed softly, her voice light and playful. Gathering her strength—which was more effort than she expected—she managed to crawl off of Ash and stand up, her legs trembling slightly like jelly.

"Come on," she said, extending a hand to her boyfriend, her voice steadying into one of encouragement. "You have a gym battle to win tomorrow! You need to sleep."

Ash really didn't think he needed sleep now—he felt like he could run a marathon or touch fifty Tera Shards and be totally fine—but still he took her hand and let her help him up.

Their goodnights were a series of smaller kisses between murmurs and whispered laughs. It seemed as though they were still trying to battle out which one liked kissing more. When Serena finally managed to tear herself away from Ash and slip behind her bedroom door, Ash was left standing in the room with a goofy grin on his face.

Turning to Pikachu, Ash linked his hands behind his head with a satisfied sigh, "I really think I'm getting better at the kissing stuff."

Pikachu just gave Ash a deadpanned look. To the small rodent, it seemed more like it was only a matter of time before Serena did something that made Ash self-combust. Still, the Electric mouse said nothing, licked his fingers clean of the last traces of ketchup, and hopped off the counter to follow his somewhat deluded but endearingly enthusiastic trainer to their room, ready for whatever tomorrow would bring.

The next morning, the digital world of Paldea exploded. As soon as Iono received the promo video Serena had painstakingly edited, the gym leader wasted no time broadcasting it across her channel. The response was explosive. The video spread like wildfire.

"This already has thousands of views…" Penny muttered, her glasses reflecting the flickering comments as she scrolled through her phone.

The rest of the gang, each engrossed in their own Rotom devices, also tuned in to watch the video that was quickly becoming a sensation across the region. As soon as she finished watching, Nemona whirled on Ash. "You didn't tell us you got a new Pokémon!"

Aliquis looked equally annoyed for being out of the loop, "And a Finizen, bro. When were you going to spill!"

"Looks like a pretty good Pokémon too." Goh looked up the Water type Pokémon and appeared impressed.

Ash, caught off guard and mid bite into his pancakes, could only muster a confused, "Uh?"

Amidst the morning commotion, Serena, who had slept in a little later than usual, emerged from her room. She rubbed her eyes sleepily and stretched her arms above her head, adjusting the pink bow in her hair as she moved towards the kitchen where Arven was brewing coffee. "Morning!" she greeted everyone sunnily, her voice bright and cheerful despite just waking up.

Bonnie ran up to the honey-blonde, her Rotom Phone screen held outward. "Serena, this video is amazing! You and Ash were so great against Team Rocket!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm evident. Then, with a knowing smirk and a gentle nudge to Serena's side, her eyebrows popped up and down, "And you really made Ash look like the star of the show."

"Not hard to do apparently if he takes his shirt off," Penny deadpanned, tossing her Vaporeon a pancake, "That's what most of the comments are about anyway."

At this, Nemona and Bonnie snorted with laughter while Serena just blanched. Somehow, in the blink of an eye, the honey-blonde was behind Penny's shoulder watching the Eevee trainer scroll through the hundreds of comments beneath the video. While most of them were arguably about how excited users were to see Ash battle Iono, a good handful gushed about Ash's "hot body." Some users even went as far as to say how much they'd love to "run their hands across his abs."

Unable to stomach more, Serena stepped back as Penny tried to offer a sympathetic look, though it came off more as a grimace in response to Serena's blazing expression.

"Arceus, someone douse her with water before she kindles…" Penny's lips pursed and quickly left the video's comments section.

Ash looked up from his food, confusion written all over his face. "Wait, what's wrong?" he asked, swallowing his pancakes. "Serena, why do you look like you've just seen Miette?"

At Ash's comment, Bonnie and Dedenne couldn't contain themselves; they doubled over laughing, clutching their sides.

Trying to regain some composure, Serena turned away from Penny's phone screen and busied herself with pouring a steaming cup of coffee—perhaps a bit too forcefully, as she ended up spilling some on the counter. "I'm fine!" she declared, a bit too loudly, causing her to curse under her breath—a slip that made everyone in the room freeze momentarily.

Finally noticing their stares, she wiped up the mess and forced the tightest smile she could muster. "Really, I'm fine! I'm so happy you all love the video!"

Goh, oblivious to the underlying tension, chimed in with a smirk, "I mean, it's crazy Team Rocket came through again." Grookey, perched on his shoulder, snickered in agreement.

Nemona shifted the conversation back to the upcoming event. "Well, Ash, it looks like your battle against Iono tonight is at nine! That's the time she put in the video."

Aliquis whistled, a mix of awe and apprehension in his voice. " Joder , that skyline is going to be packed…"

"…with a bunch of screaming girls," Bonnie snickered, not missing a beat.

Serena chose to ignore the younger girl, closing her eyes and blowing the steam from her coffee, though a vein appeared at her forehead.

Ash looked over at Pikachu, and the two exchanged a determined look. With his fist raised in readiness, the young champion responded to Nemona's comment about the upcoming battle. "We'll be ready long before then! Won't we, buddy?" he declared confidently.

"Pika, pi!" Pikachu chirped in agreement, his own enthusiasm matching Ash's.

Goh grinned at Ash's excitement. "You gonna train before then? Need a buddy?" he asked, eager to join in.

"You bet!" Ash grinned back, always appreciative of his friends' support.

Nemona, not wanting to be left out, chimed in with her usual competitive spirit. "Hey! I want to train too! And I want to see Finizen!"

Aliquis quickly added, "Well don't leave me out!"

Ash smirked at his friends' eagerness. "I'm not stopping any of you from coming, but my team and I are going all out!"

From the kitchen, Brock, spatula in hand, shook his head with amusement at the lively banter as he crossed his arms in front of his apron. He then turned to Serena, who had remained notably quieter than usual. "And what are you going to do today?" he inquired gently.

Serena tapped her fingers against her mug thoughtfully before taking a careful sip of her drink. "I think I'm going to go shopping…" she said, then turning to Arven, she asked, "Want to come with me?"

Arven gave her an odd look. "Um, why?"

"I need someone to tell me what looks good," the honey-blonde returned with a fiercely determined look of her own.

Penny looked up from her phone and raised an eyebrow. "Well, then I'm coming too."

"I need to get some souvenirs for my siblings before I head back to Kanto," Brock smiled, taking off his apron, "Mind if I join?"

Serena smiled back at the growing group, pleased with the company. "Not at all!"

Ash watched the exchange with a hint of concern. "What are you trying to buy?" he asked, his tone slightly wary.

Serena shrugged, pretending to act indifferent. "Oh, nothing. I just thought I'd try and find something to wear for your battle tonight. It's going to be all over the internet, after all." Her words were light, but her intentions were clear…she wasn't about to go into that arena without a plan…especially if there were going to be a bunch of girls getting ideas about Ash. She would need to shut that down right away. And she would do it by looking her absolute best .

Ash only nodded, offering her a reassuring smile. "Well, don't worry too much about it! I'm sure whatever you packed is fine!"

Serena suppressed the urge to grumble into her drink. She was not going to look fine , she was going to look flawless .

Bonnie did a little twirl and hummed, "I think I'm going to go with Ash and watch the training. Plus I want to meet that super cute Finizen!"

Serena also bit her lip to stop herself from muttering that Bonnie was certainly not invited.

In the eerie calm of a fog-enshrouded alien landscape, a hooded cloaked figure emerged from a cavern deep into the heart of the mysterious terrain. The world around them was an eldritch tableau of monumental beauty and otherworldly mystique, with massive waterfalls cascading from seemingly impossible heights, their waters crashing into layers of verdant cliffs below. The mist hung heavy in the air, diffusing the light into a soft, ethereal glow that bathed the landscape in a supernatural luminescence.

The figure's cloak fluttered slightly in the gentle, moist breeze as they walked with a purposeful yet cautious gait. Each step was deliberate, navigating the lush, green undergrowth that carpeted the floor of this alien realm. The hood obscured their face as they passed by strange, star-shaped flowers that seemed to pulse gently with a life of their own, glowing faintly in the dim light. The sun was far away in this deep in the crater.

Accompanying the figure was a tired and worn Alakazam.

As the hooded figure and their exhausted partner approached, the dense fog broke apart and cleared as they neared a dilapidated building nestled against a rugged cliffside. The structure, stark and imposing, appeared to be a relic from another time, its surface weathered and overrun with wild, creeping vines that seemed to claw at its walls. Illuminated by the soft glow of the environment, the building stood as a silent testament to forgotten endeavors.

The structure featured large, impenetrable doors that seemed more fitting for a fortress than a mere building. But the figure knew that through those doors, one would be able to access the deeper levels of Area Zero—secret depths locked away from even Tera Industries.

As the duo neared the building's entrance, the figure halted, their gaze drawn to a control panel mounted beside the door. The panel, equipped with glowing indicators and an aged interface, suggested advanced technology that contrasted sharply with the building's outward decay.

The figure's eyes, barely visible beneath the shadow of their hood, fixed on the panel with a mix of impatience and determination. Their Alakazam, sensing the gravity of the moment, stood alert yet weary, its psychic energy beginning to pulsate as if ready to assist.

Finally, with a fluid and assured motion, the figure reached up and slowly pulled down her hood. Her long, flowing black hair cascaded down to frame her face while piercing blue-violet eyes blinked with an otherworldly depth of knowledge and coolness. Her expression remained impassive, almost innocently curious as she cocked her head to the side while studying the building lock system.

Finally, she finished her approach to the control panel with a sense of purpose. Her movements were precise and practiced, indicating familiarity and a degree of authority. She touched the panel's screen and awoke a series of strange symbols and lights.

"Turo, it's me. Geeta," she spoke into the device, her voice almost like a distant song that wasn't quite anchored to reality. Breathing deeply, La Primera awaited a response from the other side of the line, her gaze steady and expectant.

The control panel's lights flickered erratically, hinting at the activation of its sophisticated technology. Geeta and her Alakazam instinctively stepped back, giving the device space as it came to life. Suddenly, from the blue screen of the control panel, a bright light emerged, quickly coalescing into a holographic projection.

The hologram that materialized was a full-sized, three-dimensional image of Professor Turo. He stood before Geeta as if he were there in person, his presence marked by a sense of detached intellect. Turo was dressed in a long, white lab coat, his attire completed with a dark, fitted suit that appeared futuristic in design.

His posture was upright and rigid, and his face expressionless—almost distrusting. His hair and beard, perfectly groomed, added to his rigid appearance. The holographic Turo looked around briefly, as if orienting himself, before his gaze settled on Geeta, recognizing her presence.

Without so much as a greeting, or a change to his expression, Turo's holographic form addressed Geeta abruptly. "Did you capture the Miraidon?" His voice carried a sense of urgency and a hint of impatience.

At this, a muscle feathered along Geeta's jaw. "No…not yet," she replied, her tone tight.

"Then why are you here again?" Turo's response sharpened. "I told you I cannot open the gate to Sector 1 without the key."

Geeta's eyes flashed but her words remained even and deliberate. "Miraidon keeps escaping through her portals. I tried following her this last time, but we were still separated. I was wondering if you knew where her portals might lead." She paused, her frustration simmering as she added, "I can't help you without capturing the Miraidon. You've made that clear."

Turo blinked strangely, as though looking through Geeta rather than at her, then turned his gaze towards the sky outlined by the crater's cliffs. "I do not know," he admitted finally. "She won the territorial battle between Koraidon and herself. She has full reign over this area. She could be recovering in the deepest parts, which you cannot yet access."

Geeta felt her fit involuntarily clench. "Then why do you not capture her? Are you not stuck at Zero Lab?" She detested these games. She detested the lack of control over the rules.

Turo's response was delayed. "You know I cannot leave the laboratory walls," the professor replied flatly.

The champion of Paldea let out a long sigh through her nose. Not for the first time, she wondered at how odd this man was, how impersonable. "I do not know that, actually. You've never explained why."

"I cannot explain why," Turo stated simply, his expression unreadable.

Geeta eyed him carefully but chose to move on, sensing the futility in pressing him further. "There has to be another way to access the lock mechanisms to the gates that lead to Zero Lab, no?"

Turo shook his head, definitive and unyielding. "There is not. Three gates. Three keys. Miraidon has the first. You must capture her to retrieve it."

Geeta rubbed her temples, trying to alleviate the frustration that knotted her brow, her attention barely straying from the distant roar of some anomaly that vibrated throughout the crater. "Fine. Then I will have to wait for her to come out of hiding," she said, her voice carrying a mix of resignation and resolve. "She will inevitably return to protect her territory." Internally, she decided that she needed to prevent Miraidon from escaping through a portal next time, no matter what.

Turo's hologram shifted, clasping his hands behind his back as though awkwardly searching for any gesture that might make him appear more approachable. "Perhaps there is a way to draw her out sooner. As I have said, she is extremely aggressive and territorial. It is why the other more dominant Paradox Pokémon, such as Koraidon, are being driven out of the crater and finding refuge across the region. It is plausible that you can draw her by intruding upon one of her claimed territories with another powerful Paradox Pokémon."

Geeta understood this strategy and nodded, satisfied to have a next step. "That could work." And based on what she knew regarding territorial Pokémon, La Primera understood that Miraidon would be less likely to flee if defending her land. "Is there a Paradox Pokémon you recommend? One that would trigger her?"

The professor considered the question unblinkingly. "There is Koraidon."

"Koraidon," Geeta replied slowly, "is indisposed as of now. He is too weak."

Turo's lips twisted in concern. "Is he safe?"

Geeta considered. "For now."

The professor did not look appeased. However, as though knowing such things were now well out of his hands, he moved on. "There is a Primeval Salamence Heath referred to as Roaring Moon," Turo eyed the ground, lines of guilt creasing his brow. "He is a very dangerous specimen, but he should be here in Paldea. I saw him come in…"

The professor trailed off, his gaze dancing around the floor with a degree of paranoia. "Where he is now, I do not know. He has most likely gone out of the crater to seek his own territory. I would look on mountaintops and inside Terastal caves…"

The champion remained silent for a long moment, her gaze drifting as the fog began to thicken around her. She scanned the area quickly, her eyes looking for any of the strange and dangerous Pokémon that inhabited the place. It would do no good to be confronted by one and delayed. At the mere mention of Roaring Moon, Geeta's eyes had lit up with desire. She tried to obscure it, turning back to Turo's hologram.

"I expect more information from you soon, Turo." Her voice was firm as she drew her hood back up. "You know, I am only helping you in order to get inside Zero Lab before Navarro does. But that will be impossible if I am unable to capture Miraidon, and find the next two keys."

"One key at a time. I cannot skip protocol," Turo responded, his voice steady despite the glitch in his hologram as he turned away from her. "I'm confined here for a reason. While it is far from ideal, perhaps it's for the best that I remain isolated in the crater's depths."

"It's not for the best, not for everyone," Geeta countered sharply, her eyes narrowing with a strange and impassioned conviction. "Paradox Pokémon are still breaching Paldea, bringing power and danger with them. They could easily fall into the wrong hands. As the champion, I must put a stop to this. I must restore this region to a perfect paradise." Her vision continued to blaze as all her frustration at last hissed between her teeth.

This couldn't be all about Sada. Geeta refused to believe it. There had to be more. There was so much power here.

"What have you done, Turo?" the champion's voice grew eerily calm once more, "Why have you endangered Paldea?"

Turo was silent for a long moment before responding, "If you free me, you will see."

Geeta nodded slowly. She moved to turn away but paused, her hood obscuring half her face, which took on a strange, contemplative expression, as she sent one last look the professor's way. "Do you believe in the pursuit of perfection, Turo?"

Again, the professor only blinked. "If you free me, you will see."

And then he was gone.

Okay, so that's where Geeta's been. But I'm sure you all have questions and…yeah. You should. Of course, this arc that we're in has definitely had a whole "where in the world has Geeta been?" vibe and that will continue for Ash and co for a little while longer.

So, the Tera Shard and Ash's aura connection will be explained later on. And even in Pallet Town we will have some more clarity on how it is all connected. But again, I interpret Ash's aura to be more fluid in its ability to manifest differently depending on what is the trigger.

But like, let's talk about our love birds :3 I just can't get enough of them and writing their little romantic scenes is just so fun. I mean, come on. How cute can they be! While Serena is for sure taking most of the control on the kissing, I can't wait until Ash gets enough experience to turn the tables. But of course, we must wait. He's still a fresh spring flower. Again, so is Serena but she's had all kinds of time to think about kissing Ash XD

Anyway, it will be fun to bring Serena into Ash's past via Pallet Town. They'll have a lot to talk about and connect on which will further their relationship. Yes, there'll be lots of kissing but also lots of conversation and meeting people too :)