The Paldea Saga: Treasures and Trials

by Pocketbook

Tired of the burden of fame, Ash Ketchum, Monarch of the World, decides to disappear into a whole new adventure in the far-away land of Paldea. Eager to participate in the region's famous "Treasure Hunt," Ash must first attend Scarlet Academy and its rigorous Battle School, where he'll meet trials a plenty alongside new friends and rivals...and old flames. SatoSere.

30. Chapter 30: Sparks Fly

Hey! So finally we get to the gym battle! And I know I said this chapter was going to be short, but, I lied. What else is new? Quick note: More notes and announcements at the bottom of this chapter. Thank you to thevigilantspider who is my unofficial proofreader!

Without further ado!

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Chapter 30: Sparks Fly

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In the heart of Levincia, where the city's vibrancy met the competitive spirit of its trainers, a public clay battlefield served as the stage for Ash, Nemona, Goh, and Aliquis's rigorous training session. The gritty texture of the clay beneath their feet and the cheers from occasional onlookers from the surrounding park added an electric atmosphere to their preparations.

Ash stood intently watching Kilowattrel as she soared above, her wings slicing through the air with precision. He noticed a shift in her usual rhythm; instead of the streamlined bolt of electricity she typically fired, there was a burgeoning, radiating pulse of energy gathering around her.

Beside Ash, Goh was focused on Gimmighoul, hoping to see what exactly his newest Pokémon had to offer. "Gimmighoul, you're up! Show 'em what you got," Goh called out.

Gimmighoul paused, a hint of bewilderment flickering in his gold eyes. He glanced sideways, his gaze drifting towards Grookey, Charcadet, and Pikachu, who were gathered off on the sidelines next to Bonnie and Dedenne. The little group seemed to sense Gimmighoul's hesitation; Pikachu chirped encouragingly, Grookey beat a rhythm with his stick, and Charcadet began punching the air as if to show the little treasure hunter how it was done.

Bonnie, holding Dedenne, waved her hands and called out, "You can do it, Gimmighoul!"

With a determined nod, Gimmighoul puffed up his chest and moved forward in a…Tackle.

On the other side of the field, Nemona cheered on her Pawmo, who dodged Gimmighoul's attack. "Vamos Pawmo, Thunderbolt!"

With an enthusiastic squeal, Pawmo unleashed a crackling bolt of electricity, demonstrating precision and power.

Beside her, Aliquis maintained his composed demeanor, directing Meowscarada with a strategic eye. "Meowscarada, Leaf Storm, now!" he commanded.

In a graceful whirl of movement, Meowscarada summoned a swirling tempest of leaves that danced around the field, elegantly striking training targets with the force of nature.

Amidst this flurry of activity, Ash's attention remained fixed on Kilowattrel. He observed her attempts to shift her attack pattern. Instead of the narrow, focused beam of a Thunderbolt, she was trying something broader, an all-encompassing wave of electrical energy that resembled something new.

Realizing the potential of this new approach, Ash knew it was time to adapt. "Kilowattrel, are you trying to use Discharge?" he asked, his voice filled with excitement and curiosity. Kilowattrel chirped affirmatively, her body bristling with electric energy.

"Let's go with it then! Try Discharge, Kilowattrel!" Ash encouraged. Understanding her trainer's approval, Kilowattrel ascended slightly, then unleashed a massive burst of electricity. The attack radiated outwards in a stunning display, covering a wide area and engulfing Pawmo, Meowscarada, and—unfortunately—Gimmighoul.

Clearly, Kilowattrel had used the new attack with little control.

As the residual sparks of Kilowattrel's massive Discharge dissipated into the air, the battlefield was momentarily quiet. Pawmo, caught in the electrified blast, shook off the residual energy, a few stray sparks crackling from her fur.

Meowscarada, on the other hand, wasn't as fortunate. The leaf storm that had moments before whirled majestically around the field now lay scattered and singed. The Pokémon herself twitched slightly, her movements sluggish as paralysis took hold, flowers petals drooping sadly at her sides.

Meanwhile, Gimmighoul had borne the brunt of it all. The small ghost-type lay motionless, the glow from his coin-like eyes dimmed—a sure sign of fainting. Goh sighed as he approached his downed Pokémon. He gently returned Gimmighoul to his Poké Ball with a soft murmur of encouragement, promising a swift recovery once they were back at the Pokémon Center.

Goh then turned to Ash and Kilowattrel, groaning. "Way to go, 'team,'" he muttered.

Ash and his Frigatebird sweatdropped and exchanged embarrassed grins, "Yeah, sorry about that."

Rolling his eyes, Goh released Cinderace onto the field. Motivated by the change, Ash decided it was a good time to give Kilowattrel a rest after her rigorous exercise and called her back. In her place, he sent out Finizen, the dolphin Pokémon emerging from his Poké Ball with an enthusiastic splash.

"Alright, Finizen! No pressure, but we just want to see what moves you've got!" Ash encouraged, his voice filled with excitement and curiosity about his new Pokémon's capabilities.

At the sight of the cheerful dolphin Pokémon, Bonnie clapped her hands delightedly. "Oh, he's so cute!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy as she watched Finizen bounce up and down.

With the training session back in full swing, Goh commanded his Cinderace confidently, "Cinderace, let's turn up the heat—Pyro Ball at Meowscarada!" The fiery Pokémon nodded, concentrating as he summoned a blazing orb and then kicked it powerfully towards Aliquis's Pokémon.

Simultaneously, Nemona directed her Pawmo with equal determination. "Pawmo, Wild Charge—go after Finizen!" The little electric Pokémon dashed forward, electrical energy crackling around her as she targeted the new challenger.

Seeing the incoming threat, Ash quickly called out to his Pokémon, "Finizen, dodge it!"

Quick on the uptake, Finizen's body became surrounded by water and he shot himself like a rocket out of the way.

"Okay, so Water Pulse and Aqua Jet. What else ya got up your sleeve?" Ash smirked, impressed with Finizen's agility and eager to discover more of its abilities.

As the training continued, Pawmo was relentless in her pursuit, but Finizen skillfully dodged the electric attacks with surprising speed. Eventually, however, Pawmo managed to catch up, landing a sharp Bite on Finizen's tail. Irritated by the sudden pain, Finizen reacted instinctively. Opening his mouth wide, the dolphin Pokémon emitted a high-pitched, disorienting Supersonic. The sound waves buffeted Pawmo, leaving the electric mouse dazed and stumbling around in confusion.

As Ash watched the unfolding action with keen interest, he called out another command to his resourceful Pokémon. "Cool! Now hit her with Water Pulse!"

Finizen drew in a deep breath and unleashed a powerful Water Pulse from his mouth. The sphere of water hit Pawmo square on, sending the electric mouse skidding across the clay field, her fur slick and matted from the impact.

Before Pawmo could shake off the water and regain her footing, Finizen took the initiative to further control the battlefield. With a strategic flair, the dolphin Pokémon released a dense Mist from its blowhole, engulfing the area in a thick, obscuring fog. The visibility dropped almost instantly, casting a ghostly pall over the training ground.

Aliquis glanced over from his engagement with Meowscarada, his blue eyebrows arching in approval. "That will come in handy."

Seizing the moment, Ash shouted through the mist, "Okay, now Aqua Jet!"

Emerging like a specter from the white shroud, Finizen accelerated with a burst of speed, the Aqua Jet propelling him directly towards the still disoriented Pawmo.

Pawmo, feeling the impact, absorbed the hit with surprising resilience. Her cheeks sparked with stored electric energy as she shook off the last vestiges of confusion. Reinvigorated, she looked determinedly towards where Finizen had struck.

Nemona, rallying her Pokémon, called out, "Come on, Pawmo! Use Wild Charge again!"

With renewed vigor, Pawmo charged, her body crackling with intense electricity, and connected with Finizen. The electric attack was super effective, causing Finizen to shudder under the shock, his movements becoming sluggish as paralysis set in.

Seeing his Pokémon nearing its limit, Ash quickly intervened. "Hey! Nice work, Finizen," he said warmly, approaching with a Full Restore in hand. Kneeling beside the paralyzed dolphin, he administered the healing spray, which instantly alleviated Finizen's condition. "It's great to see what you can do. But let's rest for tonight, okay?"

Finizen chirped in agreement, instantly feeling much better. The Pokémon looked up at Ash with eyes full of admiration and gratitude, happy for the training and feeling a step closer to the hero he aspired to be.

The group then took a well-deserved break for lunch, settling down to enjoy sandwiches that Arven and Serena had thoughtfully packed for them. Bonnie and Dedenne were seen frolicking around with Finizen, who relished the playful company. Meanwhile, the other Pokémon gathered in small clusters, munching on their food.

At some point, Charcadet approached Finizen and began demonstrating some of his own moves. Whether he was giving the dolphin friendly pointers or just showing off his skills—Ash couldn't tell.

Aliquis chewed thoughtfully on his tomato sandwich and looked across to Ash with a strategic gleam in his eye. "So what's your gameplan, bro? Battle's probably a three on three."

"Yeah!" Nemona leaned in, her expression curious. "Who are you going to use?"

Ash looked at his Pokémon, thinking. He was tempted to bring Pikachu into his arsenal, but it would go against his desire to continue using a fresh team in Paldea—at least until the League. But now with the pressure from Navarro growing on him…

No, it would still probably be expected of him to use his new team, especially Finizen since he was featured in the promo video. But Ash was a little concerned; from his own video investigation, he knew Iono had strong Electric Pokémon. Kilowattrel could hold her own, but Finizen didn't seem to have much tolerance for Electric attacks, or a great defense in general yet. He would need to be offensive with Finizen and rely on Kilowattrel to be more defensive and wear out Iono's Pokémon. Then Characadet could…

Ash looked at Charcadet, who was doing a series of fiery acrobatics much to Bonnie and Finizen's delight. Ash rubbed his chin in thought. Charcadet would have to be his closer. If Finizen at least weakened Iono's first opponent, Kilowattrel would have the strength and stamina to finish the job and take on the second one. But Ash would need Charcadet to hold his own against the third opponent.

"Hey, Charcadet!" Ash called out, his voice cutting through the laughter and chatter of their break.

Charcadet's head whipped around, his eyes locking onto Ash. With a sprightly leap, the little fire sprite trotted over to his trainer, giving a small, enthusiastic salute, as if already anticipating him being next in the training session.

Ash laughed, reaching out to rub Charcadet's fiery head, albeit wincing a bit from the heat. "Hey, buddy. So, I need to talk to you," he began, his tone shifting to a more serious cadence, catching Charcadet's full attention.

Charcadet blinked up at him, his playful demeanor fading into a more focused expression.

"I see you working really hard these days and that's so great," Ash encouraged, his voice warm with pride. "You're getting really strong. I'm going to need you during the battle today, but it's going to be very important that you listen to me. You can't lose your cool or do your own thing, okay? I'm going to need you to trust me. Do you think you can do that?"

Charcadet's eyes sparkled with determination and a keen desire to make his trainer proud. He nodded vigorously, a fiery puff of smoke escaping his helmet as he gave a firm, affirmative grunt.

Ash smiled broadly, giving his partner a thumbs up. "Awesome, Charcadet! I knew I could count on you!"

Pleased with the affirmation, Charcadet hopped onto Ash's shoulder, his posture eager and ready, his eyes alight with excitement to start his training.

---

Meanwhile, weaving beneath the large skyscrapers, Penny, Arven, Brock, and Serena explored Levincia's retail landscape. Serena marched with a determined stride, her mind fixed on a mission of fashion and personal expression, though she couldn't help but notice the ubiquitous promo videos playing in almost every store they passed. Each screen featured Ash prominently, often shirtless, drawing groups of adoring fans—mostly girls and some guys—who huddled eagerly to catch a glimpse of the famed trainer.

Serena's brow furrowed as she noticed that the snippets showcasing her and Ash as a couple were either overlooked or talked over, which irked her. "Don't people have better things to do right now?" she muttered, barely disguising her annoyance.

"It's Saturday. Everyone shops on Saturday," Penny replied matter-of-factly, scanning the crowds and the stores with a casual interest.

Serena huffed, pushing through the latest boutique they had entered—a designer store with sleek decor and an air of exclusivity. Very few items caught her eye, but she pulled a thin, pink dress off a nearby display wall and draped it over herself, considering the look before adding it to her growing pile of potential purchases. Arven and Mabostiff, tasked with holding her selections, looked comically overwhelmed by the mountain of fabric accumulating in their arms (or paws).

"Er, don't you think you have enough?" Arven grunted, his arms draped in dresses and skirts, a weary look crossing his face.

Serena paused, glancing at Sylveon who was perched nearby, then back at the pile. After a brief moment, she and Sylveon shook their heads in unison. "Nope," she responded, her voice light but firm.

Penny, browsing through some racks with various shades of periwinkle and pink, made a face, "Why does it look like spring threw up in here?"

"That's a summer collection—inspired by bubblegum pop or something," Serena replied, sighing as she considered the rack herself. "But, in all fairness, I don't want to look like something sweet tonight."

"What look are you going?" Penny eyed the Kalos Queen with some intrigue.

Serena considered this for a moment, her cheeks tinting with a blush. "Oh, you know. Just…" She waved a hand vaguely, then turned to a struggling Arven and Mabostiff and sighed, "I guess I can try some things on now and figure it out."

"Yes please," Arven exhaled, relieved at the prospect of lightening his load.

"Mabo…stiff…" the large dog Pokémon added, looking equally burdened.

Appearing out of the men's section, Brock chuckled at the botanist's plight and then announced his own plans. "Well, I'm going to go next door. Looks like it's got cool trinkets. I'll meet up with you all later."

After waving him off; Serena, Arven, and Penny headed to the back of the store to the reserved dressing rooms. Serena began trying on a plethora of outfits, ranging from preppy skirts and blazers to chic cocktail dresses that sparkled under the boutique lighting. Each piece brought a different aspect of her personality to the forefront, yet none seemed to fully capture the statement she wanted to make.

"What about this one?" Serena asked, stepping out in a sleek, sequined number that shimmered with every movement.

Arven, who was quickly going cross-eyed from the barrage of similar-looking outfits, managed a weak, "Um, it's nice?"

"Not really my style," Penny sniffed dismissively.

Serena, growing exasperated, shot back, "No offense, but we have pretty different styles."

Penny shrugged, unfazed. "Well, you haven't told us what look you are going for. So how are we supposed to help?" The STEM students exchanged knowing glances with both Eevee evolutions before continuing, "Why are you going through all the trouble anyway?" She then looked at Serena closely, trying to understand her friend's sudden fashion frenzy.

Serena bit her lip, assessing her reflection in the trio of mirrors. "I, uh… I don't know. I just got…annoyed…with all those girls going crazy over Ash and I guess I want to make a statement."

Penny tilted her head and adjusted her glasses. "You know you have nothing to worry about—with Ash that is." She crossed her arms in front of her hoodie, a small smirk playing on her lips as she leaned against the nearby wall. "He looks at you as if you were some angel walking the earth itself."

Arven nodded, adding thoughtfully, "She's right, you know."

Serena managed a small smile at the two of them. "Thanks, guys. But really, I'm not worried about Ash, I just…" She trailed off, unsure how to articulate her feelings without sounding possessive.

So Penny voiced the thought for her. "You want to tell all the other girls to stay the hell away from him, hm?"

Serena winced, her nose scrunching up, but she nodded slowly and managed a nervous laugh. "Pretty much."

Penny grinned and walked up to Serena, pulling her into a hug which surprised the honey-blonde, causing her to blush. "Then why didn't you just say so? Urgh, I love it when even the pretty, nice girls have a dark side," she declared, turning to the overwhelmed botanist. "Arven! Put up all those other dresses, Serena's not going to need them."

Arven looked at the immense pile and sighed resignedly. "Right…"

"Wait? What are you—?" Serena started, taken aback by Penny's sudden decisiveness.

"You don't want to use a silly dress to intimidate other girls," Penny interjected, raising a hand to cut her off. She began to scratch her chin and pace the dressing room floor thoughtfully. "In fact, you're going to have to drop the 'nice girl' look altogether for a night. No, no—you're going to have to go edgy."

Serena looked at Sylveon, the word 'edgy' rolling around her lips as though it were a foreign concept. Eventually, she asked, "What do you mean?"

Penny's grin widened, her eyes gleaming with a mischievous light. "When you walk into that arena, you're not going to want to just look 'cute.' You're going to want to come in with more spice, right?"

Serena flushed, but she nodded, her heartbeat quickening as she placed a hand to her chest.

"Then it's settled. We need to change stores. Pronto," Penny clapped her hands as she led the way out of the boutique, ready to help Serena craft the perfect look to make her statement loud and clear.

---

Back at the public clay battlefield in Levincia, Ash and Charcadet were now paired up against Goh and Cinderace, their training session intensifying with each move and countermove. Charcadet, Ash's spirited little fire sprite, was showing off his agility and strength, darting around the field with fiery enthusiasm that was hard to match.

"Okay, Cinderace!" Goh shouted, "Blaze Kick!"

"Meet it with Fire Punch!" Ash countered.

Charcadet hesitated a moment, new flames flickering in front of his hand as though he were powering up for something different. However, eventually, the fire sprite listened and met Cinderace's kick with a blazing fist.

The collision caused a brilliant burst of light and heat that pushed both Pokémon back several feet. The impact sent a cloud of dust swirling around them, and when it settled, both Pokémon stood their ground, panting but ready for more.

Ash, who had been watching closely, noted the intensity and hue of the flames that Charcadet conjured. Something about the way the fire had flared up during the clash caught his attention. "Nice job, Charcadet!" Ash called out with excitement and pride. "That Fire Punch was right on target!"

Charcadet turned to his trainer, a bright flare in his eyes that spoke of his fiery spirit and readiness to continue. However, Ash decided it was a good moment to pause. "Alright, let's call it a day for you, buddy," Ash said as he approached Charcadet, still eyeing the lingering sparks on the Pokémon's fists. "You did great today."

The Fire type grunted affirmatively, pleased with the praise. With a contented puff of smoke, he trotted back to Ash's side, ready for a well-deserved rest.

Goh retrieved Cinderace as well and joined Ash just as Nemona and Aliquis also walked up to them from the sidelines.

"That was some training session, huh?" Nemona smiled, watching as Cinderace shook off the dust and excitement from the spar.

"Yeah, it really was," Ash replied, a thoughtful look crossing his face as he recalled the collision of fire and energy.

"Charcadet's got a lot of raw power," Aliquis nodded, "He just needs to refine it a bit, and who knows what he'll be able to achieve?"

With the day's training wrapped up, the group exchanged a few more thoughts on their Pokémon's progress and potential strategies for the upcoming battle, each trainer walking away with new insights and a renewed sense of excitement for what the show to come.

---

Penny led Serena and Arven, along with their Pokémon, to a boutique that was starkly different from the previous one. This new store was nestled in a trendier part of Levincia, known for its cutting-edge style and avant-garde aesthetics. The façade itself was a statement, with sleek, dark glass and bold, metallic accents that hinted at the daring fashions inside.

Upon entering, they were greeted by posters of models sporting edgier, yet undeniably chic outfits. Each poster featured sharp, dramatic makeup and hairstyles that matched the boldness of the clothing. The styles here were decidedly more revealing than what Serena was accustomed to, with swathes of fabric cut out in artistic designs that played with shadows and light.

Serena initially seemed a bit out of her element, her eyes wide as they scanned the array of unusual and bold garments. The clothes featured here made liberal (or sometimes minimal) use of leather, lace, and metallic elements, presenting a radical departure from her usual wardrobe choices.

Penny, on the other hand, was in her element. With an excited gleam in her eye, she began pulling various pieces from the racks—each selection more daring than the last—and handed them to Arven, who once again found himself the default shopping cart. Mabostiff, ever the loyal companion, tried to assist by gently holding some lighter items in his mouth.

As Penny laid out her vision for each outfit, describing how they could transform Serena's look from sweet and elegant to bold and striking, Serena's initial hesitation began to melt away. Gradually, she found herself getting caught up in Penny's enthusiasm, her own creativity sparked by the potential transformations each piece could bring.

"Imagine walking into the arena with this," Penny said, holding up a sleek, black bodysuit paired with a high-waisted, metallic belt and ankle boots. "It's not just hot, it's powerful."

Serena, now holding a daring cut-out dress against herself, looked in the mirror and had to suppress a squeak. The reflection staring back at her was different, more formidable—undeniably stunning, but…definitely revealing. "I didn't know you were so into this style," Serena admitted, a smile creeping onto her face as she turned from side to side.

Penny waved a hand towards her hoodie and legging, "Look, I dress like this for convenience. I'm not trying to draw attention to myself on the daily, but when I feel like it…" The petite girl placed a bold leather jacket against herself, "I guarantee double takes."

The store soon echoed with their laughter and chatter as they shared stories of past fashion successes and early missteps. The girls tossed more items into Arven's arms, who managed them with a good-natured grumble, the pile teetering dangerously high.

As Serena and Penny delved deeper into the racks, they stumbled upon a collection of tight skirts, some so daring they even had Serena blushing.

"You know," Serena said with a giggle as she held up a particularly bold denim piece, "I once had to dress like Ash and battle for him while he was sick in a tent. That was probably the most 'unstylish' I've ever felt!"

Penny looked at her and then burst out laughing. "That must have been painful. Ash only has one pair of jeans—from what I can tell."

Serena grimaced, joining in the laughter. "And back then, he only had one pair of cargo pants. I was always washing them." The memory brought another round of giggles.

Wiping tears from her eyes, Serena continued, "But really, I put on his vest, his hat, and hid my hair—everything and battled with Pikachu. The other trainer really thought I was Ash! I guess his mannerisms are pretty easy to copy."

Penny smirked, briefly scrutinizing a tube top before placing it back on the rack. "If you're studying them hard enough," she quipped with a tease.

Just then, Penny looked as though she'd been struck by lightning. Her expression lit up, her mouth agape as she turned to Serena. "Arceus, I just had the best idea," she exclaimed, grabbing Serena's hand with excitement. "Oh my gosh, if we pull this off, everyone in the whole region is going to know you mean business when it comes to Ash Ketchum."

Taken aback by Penny's sudden enthusiasm, Serena stammered. "Huh?"

"We're going to need tight, tight denim—but like mini cut-off skirts, platform shoes. And everything needs to be cropped. You're showing skin tonight." Penny's eyes sparkled with mischief, and she flashed a wicked smile. "Oh—! And where do you think he can get a hat that looks like Ash's?"

Caught in the whirlwind of Penny's infectious energy and daring plan, Serena's face turned a deeper shade of red. However, at the mention of the hat, a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "That shouldn't be too hard, actually…"

---

As the day transitioned into a cool evening, it seemed as though the streets of Levincia grew only more crowded and alive with people. Serena and Penny, linked arm in arm, led the way, their conversation light and thoughtful. Vaporeon and Sylveon by their sides. Behind them, Arven and Mabostiff, laden with shopping bags, followed.

"So what's your story? How did you get mixed up with Team Star in the first place?" Serena asked, genuinely curious about Penny's past.

Penny hesitated, her expression tinged with nervousness. "They just tried to recruit me... They know I've been bullied," she began, her voice low. "I went to Galar for a while to escape it all and just... find myself, you know? But I came back to Scarlet Academy to finish my schooling because I decided I wasn't going to let those things dictate my life anymore. So I guess now I just sympathize with Team Star and want to help."

As Serena listened intently, her admiration for Penny grew with each word. "You're really brave," she said sincerely, giving Penny's arm a gentle squeeze. "It takes a lot of courage to face things head-on like that and even try to change things."

"Thanks, Serena," Penny replied, looking down at her Vaporean, who gave her trainer a little smile and licked her fingers.

As they rounded a corner, Brock caught up with the trio, holding up one of Ash's signature hats. "They pretty much sell this at every souvenir shop," he laughed, handing the red and white cap to Serena. He then gave her a curious look, "What's it for?"

Serena took the hat with a mischievous grin and replied, "It's a surprise," giving him a playful wink.

Brock and Arven exchanged a look, then the Pokédoctor said, "Well, I'm going to head back to the hotel to make an early dinner before the match."

"I guess I'll go help," Arven nodded, dreaming of the idea of food. He felt like he'd burned all his calories for the day twice over.

Serena smiled, and she and Penny decided to make the most of their evening in the city. "We're going to get dinner out," Serena explained, glancing at her companion, who smirked, "and then I'll probably get ready at Iono's studio. Can't ruin my surprise outfit."

The Kalos Queen then took the shopping bags from the botanist, leaning in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek as thanks. "Appreciate the help, Arven," she smiled excitedly.

Arven couldn't help but smile smally at Serena's excitement. "You girls have fun," he sighed, scratching the back of his head as he watched the duo skip away.

Brock's eyebrows shot ups and he pursed his lips, "Um, should we be worried about Ash?"

Arven sighed and exchanged glances with his Mabostiff, who nodded rather sagely. "Let's just say I've spent the last few hours holding mini skirts, cropped tops, and a variety of hosiery," then with a deadpanned expression towards Brock, "what do you think?"

"Arceus," Brock groaned. "You get to do all of the fun things…"

At this, Arven fell over.

---

Back at the hotel, the suite was filled with a comfortable warmth as Ash, Nemona, Bonnie, Aliquis, and Goh—and their Pokémon—returned from a long day of training, their spirits high and appetites strong. They were greeted by the inviting setup in their spacious dining area where Arven and Brock had arranged a cozy meal. Plates and utensils were neatly laid out beside an array of hearty dishes spread across the central table.

As the group entered, Arven and Brock, who were adjusting the last few dishes on the table, looked up. "Hey, we better eat quickly if we're going to make it to the studio on time," Brock informed them and then noted Ash's quick scan of the room, "Serena and Penny are getting ready; they'll meet us at the arena."

Ash's initial reaction was a slight dip in his cheerful demeanor, a frown momentarily crossing his face. "Oh, okay," he responded, trying to mask his disappointment. "Why couldn't they just get ready here?"

"Serena's planning something special for tonight. She wants it to be a surprise." Arven rubbed his face and decided that he deserved extra olive oil all over his bread.

Ash's expression brightened at the thought. "Really? Then I've really got to show off for her tonight!" His competitive spirit rekindled, Ash's momentary disappointment was replaced by a bubbling enthusiasm.

"Good luck," Arven muttered inaudibly to the young champion and stuffed his mouth before he could say more.

Everyone took their seats around the table, diving into the dishes that included steaming rice, fresh salad, and warm loaves of bread. The casual chatter filled the suite, with Bonnie sharing some of her rice with Pikachu, who immediately lathered his dish in ketchup. Ash discussed his training with Brock and Arven, who were both keenly engaged, occasionally adding their own insights into the conversation.

The dinner proceeded quickly, with everyone aware of the time and the need to head to the arena soon. As they ate, the suite's large clock ticked towards 8:00 PM, reminding them of the approaching match. Plates were cleared, and everyone started to gather their things, the atmosphere charged with anticipation.

"Alright, is everyone ready?" Ash stood up, energized and eager, his chair pushed back with a scrape. The rest of the group mirrored his readiness, standing and collecting their belongings.

The suite was a buzz of activity as they did a final check for personal items and gear. Once everything was accounted for, they filed out of the suite, their steps quick and purposeful. The hotel's hallways echoed with their determined strides as they made their way towards the lobby.

---

As the group made their way to the Levincia Gym, they were met with a rather expected and ebullient welcome. Iono had requested they meet at the gym's offices first, hinting at a "grand entrance" for the night's event. The anticipation built as they approached the modern glass doors of the gym lobby, which slid open to reveal a scene bustling with activity.

Ever the vibrant and eccentric personality, the bubble-gum haired girl bounded up to the group with a twirl the moment they entered. Her entourage of tech and film crew hustled about, capturing every moment, while a pair of makeup artists darted forward to add the final touches to her already camera-ready look.

"I hope this doesn't come as too much of a surprise, but our battle's being broadcast live to the world! So let's get some makeup on you," Iono announced with a broad, infectious smile, her voice echoing slightly in the spacious lobby.

"Uh, no thanks," Ash responded quickly, stepping back slightly as the makeup crew approached with brushes and powder at the ready.

Iono, with a swift hand gesture, brushed away the makeup duo and giggled. "Anyway, based on your promo vid, I know you can bring in those sweet, sweet viewer numbers— Er, I mean, you sure can bring some real passion to my stream! Nyohoho!" She turned to the others with a gleam in her eye. "We'll head now to the Skyline Arena. You all will be standing in the VIP section so that our cameras can get some perfect pics of you all screaming your heads off with excitement, got it?"

Nemona gave a thumbs up, her enthusiasm matching Iono's energy. "We got that covered."

Arven looked a bit bewildered and murmured, "Do we…?"

Turning back to Ash with an impish grin, Iono leaned in close. "Your girlfriend is arriving after us and I gotta say," she whispered, the impish grin broadening, "she looks spicy, if you know what I mean."

Ash did not and could only respond with a confused, "Huh?"

"She'll also help make this livestream a viral hit! Anyway, andiamo! We're going to be late!" Iono exclaimed, her voice a mix of excitement and urgency.

With that, she ushered them toward the exit where a pair of sleek black cars awaited. Its doors opened smoothly, revealing a luxurious interior that glimmered under the lobby's bright lights. Iono enthusiastically pushed Ash and Pikachu into one car and everyone else towards another. The gym leader then scooted in close to Ash, giving him a little wink before the camera crew also piled in.

The car's engine hummed to life, and as it glided out of the gym's parking area, the city lights of Levincia blurred past them.

The Million Volt Skyline Arena was a breathtaking spectacle of modern architecture and technological marvel, set against the backdrop of Levincia's five tallest skyscrapers, illuminated towers and sweeping curves of steel and glass that reflected the electric energy of the city. The towers were adorned with dynamic, glowing panels that changed colors, casting vibrant lights that danced across the structure and the night sky. These lights not only illuminated the arena but also pulsed in sync with the events happening within. In the centermost building, a large jumbotron waited to display the action on its enormous screen.

The main battle stage, located centrally, was built on a platform that seemed to float directly above the water, creating a stunning visual effect as the reflections of the arena's lights danced across the dark waves below.

The majority of the fans were positioned in the outer ring of the stadium, which arched around the water-bound battlefield like a giant embrace. This ring allowed the energy and cheers of the crowd to resonate across the arena and amplify the intensity of the battles.

VIPs, on the other hand, had a more privileged viewing position. They stood on a sleek, modern bridge that extended from the outer ring directly to the central battlefield. This bridge, lit with rows of embedded lights, provided the VIPs not only an unobstructed view but also a sense of being part of the action, as they were closer to the battle than any other spectators.

As the sleek black cars glided into the VIP bridge, the roar of the crowd escalated into a thunderous cacophony of excitement. The Skyline buzzed with the energy of thousands of fans as the bridge was momentarily transformed into a grand entrance way, with security personnel efficiently parting the crowd, ensuring a clear path for the night's highlighted participants.

As Ash, Iono, and the others stepped out of the cars, they were met with flashing cameras and waving banners, the crowd's excitement palpable in the air, thick with the scent of popcorn and the resonant sounds of Pokémon battle anthems.

Ash blinked and tried to cover his face so as not to get all dizzy from the flashing lights. His heartbeat started to hammer in his ears. This was definitely the largest crowd he'd battled in front of in a long time, and the pressure wasn't something he could just shrug away. Sure, he was used to high stakes at this point, but he felt as if there were something beneath this facade now. It was as if he could feel Navarro's eyes watching him; could feel the shadow of Tera Industries looming over him—and not just because their skyscraper was the centermost one within the Skyline. For a moment, he started to reconsider his battle strategy—wondering if he should have gone against his own beliefs, just this once, and called upon some tried and true team members to ensure a win.

Pikachu, sensing his partner's turmoil, climbed onto Ash's shoulder. With a gentle tap on his trainer's cheek, Pikachu offered him a reassuring smile and an encouraging thumbs up.

This cut through the anxiety that had begun to cloud Ash's mind. He smiled back at his best friend, feeling some of the tension begin to drain away. Suddenly, he was brought back to the core of what their journey was about—trust, teamwork, and never giving up. Ash knew that reverting to his old, reliable teammates might offer a better chance at victory, but it would stray from the growth and challenges he had set for himself and his current team. It just wouldn't be who he was.

At this, Ash grew determined. He shouldn't let fear dictate his actions or alter his perspective. Even though the stakes were now higher than ever, not just aiming for a gym badge but restoring some kind of balance to a region that seemed to be losing it, he knew that being afraid was not the answer. Trusting his partners, old and new, was what had always guided him through countless challenges.

Soon enough, Ash and Iono made their way toward the center of the arena, stepping confidently onto the battlefield that seemed to float above the sea. The special lighting on the battlefield highlighted their figures, casting dramatic shadows that played over the liquid canvas below. Their images were soon displayed on the jumbotron. Around them, the fans in the outer ring and on the bridge leaned forward, their cheers reaching a fever pitch.

Meanwhile, Nemona, Bonnie, Aliquis, and Goh were ushered to the designated VIP section.

Bonnie playfully lifted a pinkie and giggled with Dedenne, "Ooo, we feel fancy."

Equally thrilled, Aliquis took out his phone to begin filming the view and the crowds, "I've never been able to watch a battle from here. This is awesome!" He clicked the end of the recording and started a new message, "I gotta send this to Ohara."

Beside them, Nemona and Pawmo, cheered wildly. They waved banners and shouted encouragement, while Arven tried his best to dissolve into the air.

On the battlefield, Iono, microphone in hand, amped up the crowd with her dynamic presence. "Ladies and gentlemens! Are you readyyyyyy?!" she shouted.

The response was deafening, a hearty roar that vibrated across the steel docks.

"It's the live-stream battle of the century with Monarch of the World, Ash Ketchum!" Iono announced, her voice booming over the speakers.

The crowd erupted into a frenzied uproar, with the cheers of young women resonating the loudest across the arena. Ash, standing in the middle of this chaos, winced slightly at the overwhelming noise but managed to wave politely to the crowd. Yet, his eyes continuously swept over the VIP section, searching for Serena. Each scan of the crowd that came up empty made him increasingly uneasy. He had grown to appreciate her presence as a calming anchor in times of stress, and her absence now felt particularly stark.

Just as he was grappling with his concern, another surge of excitement swept through the crowd—ooos, whistles, and gasps filled the air. Ash's attention snapped to the source of the commotion. Another sleek black car had pulled onto the bridge, its arrival marked by the flash of cameras and the shifting of the crowd as they tried to get a better look.

As the SUV came to a halt. The door opened, and a long, elegantly clad leg stepped out onto the asphalt, immediately drawing the attention of everyone nearby. The driver came around to help the passenger out, and Serena stepped out from the car. Her entrance shook the arena.

Penny emerged shortly after, striding confidently at Serena's side. The crowd, as if by an unspoken command, parted smoothly to allow them passage.

Every head turned, some doing double and triple takes at the Kalos Queen, whose appearance was nothing short of stunning. She was almost unrecognizable in her daring new attire that contrasted sharply with her usual style. She wore red and black platform boots that made her steps resonate with an assertive thump. These boots led into black see-through stockings that vanished into a tight black denim mini skirt, held snugly around her hips by a studded belt. Over a black tube top that revealed a generous expanse of her lean torso, she wore a vest nearly identical to Ash's red one, though hers was cropped to accentuate her waist. Completing her look, she sported a replica of Ash's iconic red and white hat, angled stylishly to allow her short blonde ponytail to swing freely from the hole at the back. Accessorizing the look were layers of thin gold necklaces around her neck, large hoop earrings, and a smoky, sensual mask of makeup that resembled dimly the kind she wore in her advertisements around the city.

Ash froze, his jaw slackening.

Iono grinned wildly and brought two fingers to her lips, emitting a sharp, attention-grabbing whistle. "Kalos Queen in the casa! Ow, ow!" she shouted, her voice echoing around the arena. Turning to Ash with a playful wink, she teased, "And looks like you match? 'Cept I'd say she's elevated your look just a touch."

Ash's lips twitched. He was trying to smile, but his mind was short-circuiting because his eyes were too busy following the lines of her legs and the smooth, toned skin of her stomach and—

He had to shake his head violently, swearing a little under his breath. He didn't want to say it or even think it, but…Ash only knew one word that could describe Serena right now, and he'd only heard Gary and Goh use it—of course, when they had said it, it had made Ash angry. But Serena was his girlfriend. So, it was okay for him to think the word, right…?

Either way, the word kept repeating itself in Ash's mind whether he liked it or not:

Hot.

Serena looked hot.

Ash gritted his teeth as it all washed over him. He suddenly realized what exactly that word meant: That you used it to describe how someone looked when they lit you up from the inside with some kind of burning fire. And with that definitely, Ash had to adjust his description.

She looked very hot.

As Penny and Serena met up with the others, the reactions from their friends were instantaneous. Bonnie glanced up at the honey-blonde, her eyebrows high on her head.

"Great, now Ash isn't going to be able to concentrate," Bonnie clicked her tongue like a disapproving mother, her tone half teasing, half serious.

Goh murmured under his breath, "She's not wrong." He didn't expect his comment to be heard, but Arven nudged him sharply, prompting a defensive response. "What!? Ash can't take his eyes off her as it is!"

"It's true." Penny adjusted her glasses and chimed in confidently, "But he'll be fine. In fact, he'll make this battle quick so he can make-out with his girlfriend."

Serena's cheeks turned a deep shade of pink at Penny's blunt prediction, while Bonnie giggled wildly.

Nemona couldn't help but tug at Serena's new outfit, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "I love it! Arceus," She winked playfully at Serena. "With the way you're matching, everyone's going to know you're together—if they didn't already."

"That's the point," Penny stated with a smirk. "Well, that and to tell all the other girls to get lost."

Goh grinned and gave them a thumbs up. "Mission accomplished."

The girls all fell over and Arven sweat dropped, tugging the well-intentioned city boy away.

Meanwhile, Aliquis turned his attention to Penny, noting her transformation as well. Even Penny had switched up her usual style with a new leather skirt that matched a similarly styled jacket. "You clean up nice too, by the way," he remarked with a nod.

"Of course I do." Penny snorted with a proud lift of her chin. "What? Just because I'm a gamer in STEM who likes to wear Eevee hoodies means I can't have a fashion sense?"

Aliquis felt his eye twitch and decided it was better not to answer that.

---

Back on the field, the atmosphere intensified as Ash and Iono were directed forward towards a large camera that displayed their faces on the enormous jumbotron. Pikachu stood by Ash's side, his small stature contrasting sharply with the enormity of the setting.

Before the camera light flashed on, Ash had to cast another glance towards Serena, finally catching her eye. From beneath her hat—his hat?—she winked at him, her smile radiant and encouraging. And then he saw her lips move, shouting his name, her voice cutting through the noise and reaching him clear as day.

Feeling a surge of warmth spread across his cheeks, Ash grinned back at her, his heart swelling with pride and reassurance from her support. Her eyes were on him, and him alone. And that was a great feeling.

With a slight puff of his chest, Ash turned his attention back to the camera; his focus sharpening as best it could considering how much of his mind still lingered on Serena's outfit…

Meanwhile, Iono was still working the crowd, practically bouncing on her sparkling boots as she spoke directly into the frame.

"Your eyeballs are MINE—caught in my Electroweb! Whosawhatsit? Iono! 'Ello, 'ello, hola! Ciao and bonjour!" Levinicia's gym leader exclaimed, her voice crackling across the water all around them and her face illuminating the skyscraper screen.

With a playful grin, she kept waving her oversized sleeves and cueing lights and sounds, "It's time for the Iono Zone, everybody! Today's challenger is flyin' high like a Wattrel! Iiit's Ash Ketchum, Monarch of the World! Yayyy!"

Placing her microphone beneath Ash's nose, Iono wiggled her eyebrows, "How're ya feelin' about this battle, Ash?"

"Uh, ready to do my best!" Ash responded, his tone firm as he shared a determined nod with Pikachu.

"Boom! Our monarch is a straight talker here, 'eyyy? No nonsense! I like it!" Iono cheered, her enthusiasm contagious. She then turned back to the audience, her voice rising to whip up even more excitement. "All righty, then! Who's ready to see me kick some butt?"

The crowd responded with resonating cheers throughout the arena.

Iono nodded and handed the microphone to a crew member on standby as the camera light clicked off. "Looks like they're all gettin' hyped! Guess we better find our way to our spots…" She then leaned in towards Ash, giving him a coy nudge in the ribs and eyeing him with a mischievous glint in her hazel eyes. "But first, you might want to say a few words to your lady friend. Bet you're dyin' to."

Ash turned bright red, pulling at his collar as his eyes darted momentarily to Serena. "Uh…"

Iono, sensing his hesitation but pushing for a bit of pre-match drama, urged him on. "The cameras will love it," she said, gesturing to the many Rotom phones floating around them, recording the live stream from different angles. "Hurry up!"

Feeling flustered and completely out of sorts, Ash found himself walking towards Serena, his steps heavy and his throat dry. Pikachu, having now hopped on to his shoulder, patted Ash reassuringly on the head.

The crowd screamed his name as he approached, but he made a beeline to where his friends and Serena were standing. When he got there, Ash gripped the waist-high rail that separated them, standing directly before the honey-blonde, his nervous smile flickering across his face as he tried not to eye her up and down…again.

Serena, catching the flickers of nervousness and the flush on Ash's cheeks, leaned forward to the railing, her hands also gripping the metal. "Hey, you," she said with a bright smile, hoping to ease his discomfort.

Ash stumbled over his words, "H-Hey…I, uh…" He scratched the back of his head and pulled at the collar of his black shirt again. Really, did it get warmer all of a sudden?

"Iono wanted me to say something to you—I mean, I wanted to say something anyway, of course, but didn't know what and then she made me come over here and…" He gestured vaguely towards the production crew then shook his head as if trying to clear it. "I'm glad you're here," he finally managed to tell her, "I would've, uh, said that anyway."

Serena looked at Ash, momentarily confused, then noticed a few Rotom Phones tracking their interaction. Her mouth formed an "oh" before she offered him a comforting smile. "Ash, you don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with. Forget about me if you have to, and win that badge."

Ash let out a short laugh through his nose. He didn't think she realized how impossible that would be with her looking like she did. Regardless, her encouragement made him feel lighter and he gave her a genuine smile.

The young champion then opened his mouth to say more, but he was cut off as Serena leaned in close to whisper against his ear, "Iono's all about putting on a show, Ash. I'm sure she battles that way too." Pulling back, her gaze hardened with determination, she added, "I wouldn't be surprised if her only strategy was to be flashy."

Ash blinked. A few things crossed his mind just then: one, it was more important to Iono to put on a show than to actually win; two, Iono would likely be using moves that were more powerful than practical in her attempt to put on a show. Ash could use that against her, setting up counters, exploiting openings, and capitalizing on his team's stamina.

And then three: Serena, dressed like that, and whispering to him about battle strategy seconds before his match was by far the hottest thing Ash had ever experienced.

Somewhere in his daze, Ash could faintly hear Iono's teasing voice calling him back to the battlefield, as well as the crowd's playful "ooos and ahhhs." He turned to see the gym leader confidently taking her position on her side of the arena, her stance full of swagger and showmanship. Drawing in a deep breath, Ash turned back to Serena one last time, his heart momentarily catching at the sight of her bright and beautiful face half-gleaming, half-shadowed beneath the brim of her hat.

"Hey," Serena said tenderly. She gripped the railing tighter, resisting the urge to reach out and wrap her arms around the young champion—mindful of their very public setting and not wanting to push Ash out of his comfort zone. She could be satisfied for now by just the way he was looking at her. "Go get 'em."

Ash's face split open into a wide grin, a lightness filling him at her words. It was reassuring to know that this Serena—edgy, fierce-looking, and dangerously beautiful—was still his Serena. "Yeah. I will!" Ash responded and, mustering all his courage, he leaned forward to place a quick peck on her cheek. Red-faced at the burst of cheers and whistles from the crowd, he turned around to jog quickly to his side of the field.

Serena watched him go, wide-eyed and warm-cheeked. After a moment, she placed a hand over her chest, her heart swelling at the little tender act.

Beside the honey-blonde, Bonnie snorted, unable to resist a comment. "He had no idea what to do with you just now."

Penny nodded with a wry smile on her face. "He was floundering worse than a Stunfisk, that's for sure."

"You guys are too hard on him," Brock chuckled and shook his head as he folded his arms across his chest. "This is his first relationship, after all. We can't all be connoisseurs of le romance," he defended.

Aliquis groaned, rolling his eyes. "You're one to talk, bro! We were almost late 'cause you insisted on buying flowers for all the pretty girls here!"

Goh and Grookey snickered beside the two and Nemona and Pawmo covered their faces with their hands—or paws.

Meanwhile, Ash and Iono were now in position, each standing on opposite ends of the battlefield. Pikachu positioned himself by Ash's feet, his small form bristling with electric energy, ready to cheer on his team.

Iono gave a little twirl that caught the light of the stadium. "Let's get this show on the road! How strong is our Monarch? Let's find out together!"

She reached for her Poké Ball, giving it a dainty but precise throw into the air. As the ball burst open in a flash of light, it released her chosen Pokémon—Bellibolt. The Pokémon appeared in the center of the battlefield with a cheerful, quirky expression. The round, frog-like Pokémon with a large, rubbery body dominated by a massive belly marked with a pattern resembling an electrical outlet, blinked its large, expressive eyes at the crowd and croaked.

Ash turned his hat backwards with a determined flourish. He cracked his knuckles confidently, a smirk playing across his face as he reached for his belt and pulled out a Poké Ball. With a practiced, spinning throw, he called out his choice for the match.

"Finizen! You're up!" Ash's voice carried clearly across the battlefield.

Iono quirked her brow up with interest, her arms outstretched. "Ooo, using your new partner! Risky move, boy-o!" she taunted. "Well, gimme a battle that'll electrify all my viewer pals!" After another twirl, she commanded her Pokémon, "Bellibolt—Thunder!"

Ash nodded, anticipating something dramatic, and he swiftly reacted, swinging an arm across his body. "Finizen! Aqua Jet out of the way!"

Finizen responded instantly, his body becoming enveloped in water as he propelled himself off to the side like a rocket, trying to dodge the incoming electric attack. However, some of the Thunder managed to strike the watery current, and tendrils of electricity began searing their way toward Finizen through the disrupted water.

"Hey! Get out of the water!" Ash shouted, realizing the danger as electricity followed the path of the Aqua Jet.

Finizen looked up, seeing the creeping electricity, and abandoned its Aqua Jet just in time, dodging out of the electrified trail.

But Iono was quick to capitalize on the moment. "Bellibolt, Sucker Punch!" she called out sharply.

Almost instantly, Bellibolt appeared right behind Finizen, its foot glowing with dark purple energy. With a swift and powerful motion, Bellibolt kicked the dolphin Pokémon in the back. The impact sent Finizen flying across the field, back towards Ash, who clenched his fists in frustration and concern as his Pokémon hurtled through the air.

The crowd erupted, the roar deafening as they reacted to the intense exchange of moves and strategy.

Finally skidding to a stop, Finizen soon righted himself. His blue eyes sparkled with an undiminished resolve that reflected his readiness to continue the battle.

"Alright, way to stay strong, Finizen!" Ash encouraged, he then pointed towards their opponent. "Use Supersonic!"

Responding to Ash's cue, Finizen opened his mouth and released a series of blue sound waves. The waves rippled across the battlefield, too expansive and quick for Bellibolt to dodge. As the disorienting sounds enveloped the Elefrog Pokémon, Bellibolt began to show signs of confusion, his movements becoming erratic and disoriented.

Iono, watching her Pokémon falter, groaned in frustration. "Perrrfect… Come on, Bellibolt! Use Thunder again!" she commanded, hoping to regain control of the battle.

However, Bellibolt, still under the effect of confusion, misinterpreted the command and instead summoned a Water Pulse. The attack, completely unintended, was easily dodged by Finizen, who smirked as the slick clay of the battlefield only made him faster and move more easily.

"Aqua Jet!" Ash seized the moment, directing Finizen to take advantage of Bellibolt's confusion.

Finizen, agile and quick, used Aqua Jet, propelling himself at high speed towards Bellibolt. The impact of the attack was powerful, throwing Bellibolt backwards from the force of the collision.

"Now, Water Pulse!" Ash followed up immediately, keeping the pressure on.

Finizen complied, opening his mouth to gather a swirling blue energy ball. After a moment of charging, he fired the watery orb at Bellibolt. The Water Pulse shot across the field, a direct and forceful projectile.

Still grappling with confusion, the Elefrog was unable to evade the incoming attack. The Water Pulse hit its mark, and being slammed repeatedly onto the ground was not Bellibolt's idea of a good time.

Iono, visibly stressed by the unfolding events, rubbed her face in exasperation. "Mamma mía… Bellibolt! Earth to Bellibolt! Use Thunder, hello?!" she pleaded, trying to snap her Pokémon out of its confusion.

After a few tense moments, Bellibolt seemed to shake off some of the confusion, bouncing back onto its feet with renewed energy. Charging up, the Elefrog Pokémon began to glow with the buildup of electric power.

"Finizen—Mist!" Ash commanded, his voice cutting through the static-laden air.

The Hero Pokémon immediately released a thick white cloud from his blowhole, enveloping the battlefield in a dense, obscuring mist. The visibility dropped almost instantly, casting a ghostly pall over the arena.

Bellibolt, undeterred by the sudden fog, unleashed multiple Thunder attacks at Iono's insisting. The bright bolts of electricity crackled fiercely as they shot into the cloud, disappearing into the white haze. The crowd held its breath, the tension palpable as they waited to see the outcome of the powerful electric strikes.

Back in the stands, Serena and the others watched anxiously, each of them on edge as the battle unfolded.

"Finizen sure is holding his own for a rookie," Aliquis noted with a hint of admiration.

Goh, his arms crossed, added, "For sure, but his moveset isn't doing much against Bellibolt."

"That frog looks tired already though…" Nemona observed.

Clearly frustrated, Bonnie huffed and stomped a foot in the ground, "Why didn't Ash just go with Pikachu instead! I don't think Finizen was ready!"

Serena placed a hand on the younger girl's shoulder, her expression calm and a small smile gracing her lips. "Because Ash is all about trusting his Pokémon and taking on new challenges in order to get stronger," she explained gently. "And he wants to give all his Pokémon a chance to prove themselves!" Internally, Serena reflected on how this approach was so characteristic of Ash and his enduring optimism.

"Serena's right," Brock chimed in with a smile of his own, "He's the strongest trainer in the world because he's always had a knack for getting his Pokémon to trust him without question."

Back on the field, the mist began to clear. There was no sign of Finizen where the fog thinned, leaving a momentary void that puzzled the onlookers. Ash, however, wore a knowing grin.

"Aqua Jet, now!" Ash punched the air.

Suddenly, from the murky remnants of the clouds, Finizen burst forth. The dolphin Pokémon shot out like a torpedo, appearing directly behind Bellibolt. With no time for the Elefrog Pokémon to react, Finizen struck it hard, the force of the Aqua Jet amplified by the surprise attack.

The crowd erupted into cheers and shouts as Bellibolt staggered from the unexpected hit.

"Again!" Ash commanded sharply.

Finizen, still surrounded by a swirling current of water, responded with incredible agility. In the blink of an eye, the dolphin Pokémon executed a swift U-turn and sliced through the damp arena and towards Bellibolt once more. Each strike seemed to imbue Finizen with greater speed, the Pokémon becoming a blur of motion—appearing and disappearing from all sides, making him exceedingly difficult for Bellibolt to mount any effective defense or counterattack.

Iono, witnessing her Pokémon's struggle to land a hit, began to show signs of dramatic frustration. Stomping her feet petulantly, she called out, "Urgh! Bellibolt, Reflect!"

At her command, Bellibolt's body suddenly became enveloped in a shining multicolored coat, creating a protective barrier around itself. As Finizen launched another attack, the Reflect barrier activated, stopping the Aqua Jet in its tracks and sending Finizen flying backwards through the air with a startling force.

"Now! Thunder!" Iono seized the moment, directing Bellibolt to capitalize on Finizen's vulnerability.

Bellibolt unleashed a brilliant bolt of lightning. The arena lit up as the electric power connected with Finizen, engulfing him in a brilliant yellow light. The crowd gasped as Finizen, overwhelmed by the powerful attack, crashed to the ground.

"Finizen!" Ash called out, his voice filled with concern as he watched his Pokémon collapse.

"Pika! Pikachu!" Pikachu expressed his own concern with sharp, worried cries.

As the smoke and dust from the impact settled, the arena fell silent, the audience holding its breath. When the visibility cleared, Finizen was seen lying motionless on the arena floor, clearly knocked out from the intensity of Bellibolt's attack.

Iono couldn't contain her excitement. "Whoo! And that's what I call a show! This stream's gonna trend like crazy! I can't wait to see those viewer numbers go up, up, up!"

Ash, holding his Poké Ball, returned Finizen with a small, appreciative smile. "Thanks for working hard, buddy," he murmured and then looked back out towards the battlefield. He smirked, noticing a very tired looking Bellibolt. Finizen had performed better than Ash could have hoped, pushing Bellibolt to its limits.

"Let's finish the job, Kilowattrel!" Ash declared, his confidence unshaken. He threw a new Poké Ball into the air, from which Kilowattrel emerged with crackles of electricity, soaring and twirling across the arena with an impressive display.

Above them, the jumbotron played pivotal shots of the battle, mirroring what was being streamed to viewers around the world. However, during the transition, one particular shot zoomed in on Serena as she watched the battle with intense focus. Her expression was one of deep concentration, her blue eyes glistening like sapphires.

This image caught Ash's attention as he glanced up at the large screen. Seeing Serena's face magnified and illuminated for everyone to see made his lips part a little and his face grew warm again. However, all that warmth quickly turned to irritation as he heard low-pitched whistling and hollering from sections of the crowd. Ash's forehead vein twitched visibly. Didn't other guys know she was with him? Did they somehow not get the memo? What was their problem, anyway…

Ash was so caught up in his emotions, watching Serena in the stands and growing increasingly annoyed by the catcalls directed at her, that he completely missed the battle officiant signaling the start of the next round.

Iono noticed Ash's distraction and giggled with opportune mischief. "Bellibolt, let's ground that bird. Water Pulse!" she commanded with glee, seizing the chance to take advantage of Ash's lapse in focus.

From the stands, Serena, confused by Ash's daze, tried to figure out what had captured his attention so completely. Following his stare to the jumbotron and seeing her own image, she gasped and then yelled, "Ash!" Her voice somehow cut through the cacophony of the crowd—or at least it seemed to, as Ash saw her call out his name. The sight of her calling him back to reality made his cheeks flush even deeper, and he snapped his attention back to the battle.

His eyes ignited with a renewed fiery focus. "Kilowattrel, Quick Attack!" he shouted, regaining his composure.

Instantly, Kilowattrel's body was outlined in white, the Frigatebird zooming swiftly out of the way of Bellibolt's incoming watery assault. With blinding speed, Kilowattrel collided against the Elefrog Pokémon, delivering a powerful blow.

Iono, watching the swift counterattack, whistled in admiration. "That Kilowattrel's fast…"

Encouraged by his Pokémon's agility, Ash pressed the advantage. "Keep using Quick Attack!" he instructed, observing how tired and dazed Bellibolt appeared.

Bellibolt tried to counter or use Reflect, but he was too slow or kept failing to initiate the move in time. Kilowattrel, relentless and swift, zoomed back and forth across the battlefield, striking the Elefrog Pokémon like a tireless boomerang. Each collision further weakened Bellibolt, who struggled to keep up with the pace.

Finally, taking a critical hit, Bellibolt could no longer withstand the barrage and fell to the floor, knocked out. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as Kilowattrel soared victoriously above the field, having decisively turned the tide of the battle in Ash's favor.

The officiant raised a hand, signaling Kilowattrel the winner. With a nod of acknowledgment, Iono recalled her Pokémon. She then prepared for the next round, her competitive spirit undiminished. "Time for more sparks and flashes, huh? Luxray, light up this place!" She released her next Pokémon into the arena.

With a flash of light, Luxray appeared, its intimidating presence marked by gleaming eyes and a Star-tipped tail that swung viciously.

Ash nodded, assessing his new opponent. It wasn't an easy matchup, but he was determined to do his best. "Kilowattrel, Aerial Ace!" he commanded, making the first move.

Kilowattrel responded by soaring towards Luxray and flipping in the air. She became engulfed in streaks of white light, turning into something like an aerial torpedo. The Frigatebird flew into the Electric type, disappearing momentarily before reappearing right in front of the feline, delivering a cutting blow.

Luxray took the hit hard, skidding across the clay arena in a cloud of dust, its footing momentarily disturbed by the force of the impact.

Iono reacted quickly. "Quick, Wild Charge!"

Luxray, recovering from the initial shock, charged at Kilowattrel while the bird was still low to the ground. The Gleam Eyed Pokémon's body became surrounded by crackling yellow electricity, increasing its speed as it tackled its opponent.

"Kilowattrel!" Ash cried out as he watched the collision.

The attack sent Kilowattrel to the ground. However, the residual electricity from the attack began to soak into the bird's feathers, causing a surprising effect—the static seemed to rejuvenate Kilowattrel rather than harm her.

Ash grinned.

From the crowds, Bonnie looked up at Nemona, her face etched with confusion. "Wait? How didn't Luxray's attack do more damage?"

Nemona, ever the enthusiast for explaining Pokémon dynamics, lifted a finger in the air. "Ash's Kilowattrel seems to have the Volt Absorb ability, which means electricity actually restores her health!"

Goh, who had been checking this information on his Pokédex, pumped his fist in the air. "Let's go!"

Meanwhile, Iono pouted, realizing her strategy had backfired. "Well, shoot! Luxray, let's change tactics. Use Swift!"

Luxray unleashed a barrage of star-shaped rays at Kilowattrel, forcing the Frigatebird back to the ground once more. Not wasting a moment, Iono followed up with another command. "Crunch!"

Luxray's mouth opened, and a yellow aura shaped like a set of teeth formed around it, ready to bite down on Kilowattrel.

"Kilowattrel, watch out!" Ash shouted, his voice urgent.

Kilowattrel managed to evade just barely, but Luxray was relentless. It came at her again, this time biting down on one of her wings.

From the stands, Serena winced, her concern palpable. She couldn't help but call out, her voice filled with both worry and support, "Come on, keep fighting, Kilowattrel!"

The Frigatebird flapped and struggled fiercely, her wings beating against the air in a desperate attempt to free herself from Luxray's firm grip.

Muscled tensed across Ash's jaw as he worked quickly to devise an escape for his Pokémon.

"Kilowattrel! Use Discharge and blind Luxray!"

Kilowattrel summoned her energy and released a burst of electric power in all directions. Although the attack was not very effective against the Electric-type Luxray, the sudden explosion of light momentarily dazed and blinded it, causing the feline to release its grip on Kilowattrel.

"Awesome! Now use Quick Attack and follow it up quick with Aerial Ace!" Ash seized the moment of advantage.

Kilowattrel's attacks landed precisely; she darted towards Luxray in streaks of white and then spun into her Aerial Ace. Luxray, still trying to shake the bright light from its gleaming golden eyes, was battered this way and that, clearly disoriented by the rapid assaults.

Iono's lip curled into a determined growl. "Alright, no more miss nice girl. Luxray, use Ice Fang!"

"Aerial Ace!" Ash countered immediately.

Both Pokémon charged at each other in a dramatic showdown. Kilowattrel, again zooming in streaks of light, suddenly appeared right in front of Luxray and connected with a powerful strike. However, before the Frigatebird could retreat, Luxray's jaws, covered in blue icy energy, bit down hard on the Kilowattrel's leg.

Despite the pain from the super effective attack, Kilowattrel summoned her impressive strength and began flying upwards, attempting to shake off the glowering feline. Yet, the grip was strong, and Kilowattrel quickly began losing strength.

Still outlined in white, as if caught in another Aerial Ace, Kilowattrel rose about fifty feet into the air with Luxray clinging stubbornly to her. "Kilowattrel! Slam Luxray to the ground!" Ash shouted from below.

Wincing against the cold and pain, Kilowattrel changed directions and began diving like a meteor toward the clay arena with desperation. Luxray's eyes went wide with realization too late.

Iono shouted, "Let go! Hurry!" But it was no use.

Kilowattrel swung Luxray toward the ground with all the force she could muster. Both Pokémon disappeared in a cloud of dust as they collided with the earth. Hard.

A ripple of smoke issued out from the crash.

When the dust cleared, Luxray was knocked out on the floor. Kilowattrel, exhausted and injured, flapped weakly on the ground, taking a few wobbling steps before ultimately succumbing to her injuries and fainting as well.

The audience roared with approval, swept up in the drama and intensity of the battle. The jumbotron captured zoomed-in shots of both Iono and Ash, each panting, with thin lines of sweat running down their temples.

Iono, her fangs on full display in a wide grin, reveled in the sound of the cheers. She recalled her Pokémon with a happy thanks and then turned to wave her arms at the crowd, continuing to build the excitement.

As Kilowattrel returned to her Poké Ball after a stellar performance, Ash praised her warmly, "That was amazing. Rest easy." He then glanced down at Pikachu, a small smile playing on his lips. "Ready to see Charcadet do his best?" he asked.

Pikachu enthusiastically gave Ash a thumbs up. "Pika!"

Ash took a moment to search for Serena in the stands. Catching her gaze fixed intently on him, he puffed out his chest and stood a little straighter. With a confident sniff, he drew out his last Pokémon, "Charcadet! Let's light this place up!"

Iono watched with interest, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "Oh? Not Pikachu, huh? A big oopsie, really." She then turned to the crowd, rallying them with her charisma, "Loyal fans—I need to hear you cheerin'! Gimme all you got!"

The arena's excitement seemed to shake the docks. Nemona was practically squealing in Penny's ear, "This battle is amazing! How many people are watching?!"

The STEM student winced but managed a reply as monitored the livestream statistics on her phone, "Thousands upon thousands…"

The battle's climax approached as Iono prepared for her final move and unleashed her last Pokémon, Mismagius. The ghostly Pokémon floated onto the field, its eerie, purple body casting a spectral presence. "We need a grand finale, Missy," Iono declared, her oversized sleeves dancing in the air, "Dazzling Gleam!"

Mismagius immediately complied, releasing a bright, sparkling light from her body. The attack spread across the battlefield, coming directly for Charcadet.

Ash was quick to react. "Punch through it, Charcadet!"

Emboldened, Charcadet's fists became surrounded by pale red flames. The fire sprite charged forward, diving into the rainbow spectrum with fists outstretched. He punched a hole through the wall of light, emerging on the other side with only minimal damage.

Impressed yet undeterred, Iono smirked, acknowledging the move. "Cute," she winked at Charcadet and then grinned. "Missy, Shadow Ball!"

Mismagius responded to her command instantly, creating a dark, swirling ball of energy in front of her mouth. With a sinister hiss, she fired not one, but multiple dark orbs at Charcadet, intending to catch the fiery Pokémon off guard with a direct hit.

"Dodge it!" Ash called out urgently.

Charcadet's small, nimble body darted swiftly across the battlefield, his agility and small frame allowing him to dance and weave through the continuous onslaught. The fire sprite executed a series of somersaults and flips, dodging one Shadow Ball after another in a spectacular display of acrobatics. However, the relentless attack eventually found its mark, and one of the dark orbs connected solidly, colliding with Charcadet in a forceful impact.

"Charcadet!" Ash cried out, his brows furrowing as he watched his Pokémon struggle to regain his footing after the hard hit. Despite the setback, Charcadet's eyes narrowed, gleaming with determination and the thrill of the challenge. Around him, fire seemed to be spontaneously forming, flickering and sputtering between his small hands as if he were trying to conjure his own elemental response—balls of fire ready to meet the shadowy assault.

Meanwhile—at Iono's command—Mismagius prepared for another attack, charging up for yet another Shadow Ball. Ash, momentarily wondering if Charcadet was about to reveal a new move, quickly snapped back to the reality of the battle.

"Hey! Stay sharp! You're gonna have to punch your way through again!" he shouted. It was too late to conjure up something more potent or avoid Mismagius's attack completely. But Ash knew that, with Charcadet, charging head-on into an attack reduced the surface area impacted and controlled the angle of collision, which then mitigated damage.

Refocused by Ash's command, Charcadet reignited the blazing fire at his fists. With a fiery resolve, he jumped and spiraled toward the oncoming Shadow Ball. He sliced through while the fire and shadows resulted in an elemental explosion that sent a haze of smoke sweeping across the battlefield.

Iono clapped wildly. "Whooooaaa! That's what I'm talking about!" she exclaimed, thrilled by the spectacle.

Amidst the dissipating smoke, Ash maintained his concentration, coughing slightly as he shielded his eyes with his arm. "Charcadet!" he called out, peering into the smoky field, hoping to catch a glimpse of his Pokémon. Spotting a flicker of fire within the haze, he let out a breath of relief.

Above the fog, Mismagius levitated, trying to gain a better view of the obscured landscape—a tactical error. Ash's grin spread across his face as he recognized the opportunity.

"Look up, Charcadet! Night Shade!" Ash commanded.

From within the smoke, multiple black beams outlined in streaks of dark red exploded from beneath Mismagius, striking her with a super effective hit. The sudden and unexpected attack caught the Ghost type off guard, rocking the witch-like Pokémon.

Iono's mouth popped open in shock as she witnessed the effectiveness of Ash's counter. Not one to give up easily, she reached into the pocket of her voltage yellow coat and pulled out her Terastal Orb. Without a moment to lose, she threw it over her Magical Pokémon. "Come forth, shiny li'l lightbulb! I'm not done yet! Iono power, goooooo!" she exclaimed.

As the Terastal Orb broke over Mismagius, a golden crystalline shell began to piece itself together around her hovering body. Above the ghostly Pokémon's head, an Electric Tera Jewel emerged, gleaming brightly beneath the arena lights. The jewel undulated with vibrant yellow energy, signaling her transformation into an Electric type.

Ash had a feeling it would come down to this, and he figured it was time to let Charcadet show off his own prowess in his Terastal form during a proper battle.

Pulling out his own Tera Orb, the young champion caught Charcadet's cinder gaze. "Ready to show 'em everything you got?" he asked.

Charcadet nodded, his eyes flashing with determination and excitement.

With a confident throw, Ash tossed the Terastal Orb over Charcadet. In moments, the Fire type was enveloped in a shimmering crystalline shell radiating a red hue. On his head, a Fire Tera Jewel appeared, pulsing with intense energy. Charcadet retook the field, more ready than ever.

Iono, playfully manipulating one of her hair clips, couldn't help but tease, "Danger—high voltage! Sorry if it's TOO shocking, 'eyyy!" With a dainty twirl, she pointed at her Pokémon. "Mismagius, Charge Beam!"

Mismagius, now surrounded by yellow sparks, unleashed a massive blast of electricity from its body aimed directly at Charcadet.

Ash responded quickly, "Offset it with Night Shade!"

Charcadet tried to counter, but the enhanced power of Mismagius's Terastal Charge Beam cut through the darkness, striking Charcadet squarely in the chest and sending him reeling backward.

Ash nearly kicked himself for not using a Fire type move instead, but he didn't falter. Seeing Charcadet bounce back, he gave him an approving nod. "Flame Charge! Come on!"

Charcadet's body became enveloped in red flames—his fire enhanced by his Terstal Form—and he hurtled himself toward Mismagius with incredible speed. But at the last moment, the ghostly Pokémon vanished, only to reappear elsewhere, evading the attack effortlessly.

"Try again!" Ash commanded.

Charcadet repeated the move, each attempt growing increasingly frustrating as he kept missing. His fists ignited with fiery energy, and in a surge of frustration, he launched a Fire Punch. However, that too missed its mark, and Mismagius, reappearing suddenly behind the fiery sprite, slammed him with another Charge Beam.

"Charcadet!" Ash called out, concern evident in his voice.

The impact caused Charcadet's crystalline veneer to crack slightly. Struggling back to his feet, fire sputtered all around him and his hands began forming white-hot flames.

Ash, suddenly recognizing what Charcadet was trying to do, threw a fist in the air, "Hey, Charcadet! Do it! Incinerate!"

Charcadet's expression shifted into a sly grin, his confidence surging. A vibrant ring of orange, red, and yellow light began to form in front of his hands. Within moments, from this luminescent ring, the Fire sprite conjured a series of massive fireballs. With a powerful thrust, Charcadet shot them towards Mismagius.

This time, the ghost-type Pokémon had no escape route; the fiery storm was too vast and too swift. The fireballs engulfed her, leaving no space for evasion.

The crowd erupted into a deafening the inner bridge, Aliquis clutched his head in disbelief, "Charcadet just used Incinerate!"

"That's new!" Goh exclaimed, his eyes wide with surprise.

Bonnie, with a little shrug, remarked, "I guess he finally put his temper to good use."

"We all need an outlet." Penny nodded philosophically.

Serena, unable to contain her excitement, cheered loudly, "Whoo hoo! Let's go Charcadet!"

On the battlefield, the effects of Charcadet's fiery barrage were evident. Mismagius's own Terastal shell began to crack under the intense heat, the Pokémon looking visibly distressed and overwhelmed by the relentless fire.

Desperate, Iono commanded, "Charge Beam! Come on!" hoping to counter the fiery assault.

Mismagius, rallying her strength, tried to meet Charcadet's next Incinerate attack with another overwhelming flood of electricity. However, as the fireballs collided with the electric stream, explosions erupted, sending clouds of smoke and sparks into the air, creating another smoky fog that obscured everyone's vision.

"Use the moment, Charcadet!" Ash shouted, seizing the tactical advantage.

As the smoke slowly dissipated, it became clear that Charcadet had cleverly positioned himself directly beneath Mismagius's levitating form. The ghost looked everywhere but down, unaware of her opponent's proximity.

Charcadet's fists, still ablaze, gave Ash the cue he needed. "Fire Punch!" he grinned.

"Missy!" Iono shouted in a last-ditch effort to warn her Pokémon.

But it was too late. Charcadet exploded upwards, his fist crackling with heat as he landed a powerful punch against Mismagius. The impact was so severe that the Pokémon's Tera Shell shattered into a million pieces. Before Mismagius could recover from the blow, Charcadet, fueled by his increased power from the Tera jewel, lifted his little arms again. From the center of the newly formed ring of fire, one last red orb of fire emerged.

A blinding light enveloped the arena as the Incinerate attack struck its target. When the light faded, Mismagius was seen lying on the arena floor, clearly unable to continue the battle. The crowd's roar reached a crescendo, celebrating Charcadet's spectacular victory and the dramatic conclusion of the battle.

Ash and Pikachu leaped into the air, their excitement uncontainable. The young champion flipped his cap back around with a swift, practiced motion. "Alright! Way to go, buddy!" he cheered as Charcadet, now reverted to his normal form, bounded into his arms.

Back in the stands, Ash's friends erupted in whistles and clapping, their cheers lost within the audience's frenzy.

"Remind me to never get on Charcadet's bad side. Ever," Arven muttered with a mix of awe and a hint of fear.

Serena clapped enthusiastically, unable to hide her pride. "He was amazing, wasn't he!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with admiration for both Pokémon and trainer.

Meanwhile, on the field, Iono was taking a moment to spin around, her arms wide open as she soaked in the admiration and cheers from the crowd, who had been thoroughly entertained by the thrilling matchup. After completing her spin, Iono turned back to Ash, her face beaming with a bright smile. "You're as flashy and bright as a 10,000,000-volt Thunderbolt, friendo!" she declared, then turned to address her fans, "Thanks for cheerin' us on anywho, loyal fans!"

She presented Ash with the Electric Badge and then whipped out one of her Rotom Phones, positioning it for a selfie with Ash, "Screencap this quick! This'll be a shot you'll wanna save in your brainspace forever!"

Only later would Iono see that Ash's eyes were closed and only Pikachu managed to smile.

After the picture, fans began to swarm the battlefield from the bridge. They were armed with cameras, pens, and notepads, all eager to get autographs and pictures with the victorious monarch. Amidst the sudden mob, Iono winked at Ash, "Good luck gettin' back to your girlfriend! Cheers!" she said, before being swept away by her own mob of fans.

Meanwhile, the others watched as Ash was quickly surrounded and overwhelmed by the crowd. Aliquis whistled, noting the chaos, "Don't think we'll be seeing him any time soon."

"Well," Nemona said with a grin, placing her hands on her hips, "Anyone up for some midnight churros?!"

Everyone, except for Serena, heartily agreed. As they began making their way out against the crowd and out of the dockside arena, Bonnie turned to the honey-blonde with a teasing nudge, "Aren't you coming, Serena? I'm sure Ash will be just fine…" she wiggled her eyebrows playfully.

Serena eyed the crowd rushing towards Ash—many of them girls with phones in hand, eager to snap a picture with the hearthrob champion. She knew she had nothing to worry about…not really…but poor Ash did look very overwhelmed and seemed trapped by the adoring fans.

With a calm smile and a strategic wink, Serena made her decision, "I think I'm going to help him out a little. See you all at the hotel?"

"Sounds good," Penny gave her a knowing grin, and this was followed by nods and affirmations from the others. "Bye!" "See you later!" they called out as Serena headed back to aid her wide-eyed boyfriend.

As she made her way through the crowd, a path parted before her, the sea of fans yielding to her confident stride and striking appearance. Heads turned, and whispers spread like wildfire, a mix of admiration and envy rippling through the onlookers as they took her in.

Meanwhile, Ash, Pikachu, and Charcadet were caught in a whirlwind of autographs and pictures. While his Pokémon reveled in the attention, Ash's cheeks ached from the forced smiles he kept offering. He craned his neck, scanning the crowd for Serena or any of their friends. His heart sank when he saw his group leaving without him.

"Hey!" he called out, hoping they would hear him. "Hey!" he tried again, his voice tinged with desperation. He didn't see Serena with them. Where was she?

Trying to move through the crowd proved futile; more people seemed to engulf him by the second. He felt hands tugging at him from all directions, the world spinning slightly as the sensory overload began to take its toll. He recalled Charcadet to his Poké Ball and yelled for Pikachu, who quickly scampered back to his shoulder. Ash blinked rapidly, trying to stabilize his vision, but it was all too much.

"Sorry, I—sorry. I have to—" he stammered to the fans, his words trailing off.

Then, cutting through the noise, a familiar voice reached him, "Ash…"

As soon as he felt Serena's hand on him, relief crashed over him like a wave and Ash felt like he could suddenly breath in deeply again. She looped her arm in his, pulling him close, her lips against his ear. "Let's get out of here," she whispered firmly.

Turning to face her, Ash's vision cleared immediately as he focused on her beautiful face. A genuine grin spread across his face, the first in what felt like an eternity. "I'm really happy to see you," he admitted, lifting the bill of her cap for a better look at her. "I thought you'd left me."

"Never," Serena replied with a reassuring smile, squeezing his arm.

She gently guided Ash back towards the bridge. As they moved together, the crowd, recognizing their closeness and perhaps respecting their moment, gave them more space, some with resignation, others with a newfound respect.

As they made their way across the water and out of the Skyline Arena, reporters and other influencers descended upon them, their questions piercing the brief calm.

"Ash, are you and the Kalos Queen official?"

"Serena, what's it like to be on the arm of the Monarch of the World?"

The couple tried to ignore the relentless questions, focusing instead on each other and their escape. However, the press was persistent, not willing to let this potential comments slip away.

Amidst the chaos, Iono shouted at them, "Take my car, lovebirds!" She pointed them towards a sleek black SUV, like the one they'd come in, parked on the street and a driver waiting by the door.

Ash took hold of Serena's hand, guiding her through the throng of reporters. He gave them a firm but polite push, his patience thinning under the press's relentless questioning. Opening the car door, he let Serena in first, with Pikachu quickly leaping into her arms. Ash followed, closing the door sharply behind him, shutting out the barrage of faces and questions from the crowd.

Once inside the quiet sanctuary of the car, Ash, Serena, and Pikachu exchanged glances, their shared relief sighing into the air. And then, they burst out into laughter.

"Where to?" the driver asked, looking back at them through the rearview mirror.

Ash scratched his head, a bit disoriented by the quick change of environment, and Serena quickly gave the name of their hotel. As the car pulled away, Pikachu hopped onto the third row seats to investigate the refreshments laid out for them.

The first few minutes of the ride passed in silence, allowing them all to decompress. Their hands remained intertwined.

Eventually, Serena looked over at Ash's still overwhelmed expression, her brow creasing with mild concern. "Hey," she began gently, "you okay?"

Ash startled and turned to her, a grin slowly spreading across his face, "I am now. That was…a lot…"

"I know," Serena replied understandingly, bringing her other hand over their joint ones, adding extra support. "But you did great. Not just in the battle in but," she gestured vaguely towards the window and the press and the fans they left behind, "with all of this too. You're doing great."

Ash sobered a bit, nodding slowly. The fame part really was hard for him. He didn't want to be unkind to anyone, but sometimes he just wanted to be left alone. To enjoy his wins with his Pokémon and his friends in quiet moments. He had gotten this self-conscious feeling in Kanto when being surrounded by so many people, and now the feelings were coming up again. But he felt so much more calm with Serena by his side. She could always ground him; always call him back to himself even when everything around him was chaos.

Of course, sometimes she was maybe a little too effective at calling him back.

Ash eyed her outfit again, swallowing hard, unable to hide the way his eyes deliberately traced the length of her legs beneath the dark stockings…then across her stomach…and the exposed lines of her collarbones beneath her short-sleeved vest.

Serena noticed Ash's roaming gaze and looked down, trying to hide her warm face and the little satisfied smile lifting the corner of her mouth. She shivered, embarrassed that she liked it when Ash looked at her like that—as if he couldn't look away; as if she was all he could see.

Serena tried to keep her voice from shaking. "Like my outfit?"

Ash's face turned a deep shade of red, shaken out of his obvious gawking. He quickly looked away, trying to find anything else to focus on, "You almost made me lose my concentration, you know…" he mumbled, then risking a side-eyed glance at her, "during the battle, that is."

Serena met his eyes, a full smile spreading across her face. "What do you mean? I was just trying to support my boyfriend. Didn't you feel supported?" She scooted a little closer, fluttering her eyelashes playfully at him.

Ash, growing increasingly flustered, stumbled over his words, "Y-Yeah, but you look…"

He had no idea what he was saying at this point. Really, he was struggling to hold back these strange visions of her that came upon him with startling strength. Ash wanted to take Serena in his arms and kiss her senseless. But he was still so nervous about initiating things like that. There had really only been a couple of times he'd felt brave enough to take control, but even then he felt like he'd been clumsy. At the end of the day, romantic things—physically intimate things—were still new to him, and so far he'd really been following Serena's lead in order to know what was normal or okay to do in a kiss.

He had no context for any of that stuff save what she'd given him…Except now, seeing her in that outfit, Ash found his imagination hard to control. His imaginings were vague inchoate things. More like impressions. He had the distinct feeling that if he were to focus on them—like a camera focusing on a subject—-those impressions might become less blurry. But he was afraid of that—afraid of what he might see—and so he chose not to shake them out of his mind for now.

Still, it was hard for Ash not to so obviously eye Serena up and down again. Even looking into her smoky eyes made his whole body heat up and he realized she was still waiting for him to finish what he was about to say.

Totally flustered, Ash blurted the first thing that came to mind.

"You look…hot…"

Everything froze.

Serena coughed and sputtered on air, her face a bright crimson berry at this point. She could have sworn the car swerved and somewhere Pikachu gave a squeak. Her mouth fell ajar a little and she stared at Ash as though wondering if she'd even heard him right.

At her reaction, Ash came back to his senses and he buried his face in his hands, "Arceus, no—sorry! I meant…Sorry, please don't be mad!"

Serena, still in a state of shock, eyed Ash now with complete confusion, "Wait, Ash, I'm not, uh, mad! I just…" and then she was laughing nervously. "I just never thought I'd hear you say the word 'hot' like…that."

Ash groaned, his face still hidden, "Yeah, neither did I…and the thing is, I've heard other guys say that about you before and hated it because it sounded disrespectful. And I never want to sound that way towards you, Serena. Ever!"

Now trying to pry Ash's hands away from his face, Serena bit her lip to keep from laughing more at how hard on himself he was being, "Ash! It's not disrespectful when it comes from you," she tried to reason. Lowering her voice—and trying to ignore how hot her cheeks felt—the honey-blonde whispered, "I mean, I kind of like hearing you say that about me…"

At this, Ash peeked an eye out from between two fingers, "You do?"

Serena flushed even more and pulled away to tap two fingers nervously together, her mouth growing small as she mumbled, "Ah. I mean, I did wear this outfit hoping to get your attention and, well, some kind of reaction out of you. You know, to prove to everyone that you only had eyes for me."

Ash snapped his head, "But I do only have eyes for you. I mean, you're the kindest, prettiest, most incredible person I know and I love you! Of course I only have eyes for you!"

Serena felt steam leave her ears. How could he just say those things as if it were the easiest thing in the world and then almost peel over saying the word "hot"?

The honey-blonde cleared her throat and tried to hide her burning cheeks, "I know, Ash. I guess what I'm saying is that, ah, sometimes I want you to think I'm, er, hot…" She took a deep breath, "it's another way of saying I'm beautiful—of making me feel wanted, if that makes sense." She shivered, feeling suddenly self-conscious. "So, it's okay. Really."

She tried to give him an easy smile but it was racked with embarrassment, nerves, and a weird giddiness.

"But," Ash started to say, considering what she said, "I don't like it when other guys say you're hot, because you're more than just that, you know?"

Serena felt something in her melt and she placed a hand on Ash's arm, "And that's why you can call me whatever you want, Ash, because you know me. And you know I'm not just defined by one thing or another."

"Yeah," Ash said, his mouth quirking up a bit now, some easiness returning.

Serena, moving closer to him again, "And you know, we can't help what other people say about us, but…I don't like hearing other girls say that you're hot either."

"Why?" Ash gave her an odd look. He didn't even know other girls said that about him.

Serena just leaned in closer, kissing his cheek and murmuring, "Because you're more than that too."

Ash pulled back to look at her intensely for a moment and shifted so that he could really face her, his heart beating hard against his chest. He felt that strong feeling—those strong impressions—coming back to him, and this time he wanted to do something. He didn't want to alway ask or wait to kiss her, he wanted to just kiss her and leave her breathless the way she left him.

Carefully, Ash slipped off her hat, and let her blonde hair fall around her shoulders. After a pause, admiring her even more in the flashes of street lights flickering past them, Ash leaned in to plant a soft kiss on her mouth.

Serena felt her breath stop and her cheeks bloom pink. As his lips tentatively and shyly moved around hers, Serena shifted in her seat, taking back Ash's hand to place it on her waist. She could sense him holding something back but she wasn't sure what.

And then he deepened the kiss, just a little, as if testing the waters of an unfamiliar river. He wasn't sure why, but he felt like he had to be careful right now. He wanted to take her in his arms and kiss her passionately like he'd done a while ago back in that cave after their battle with the Titan Bombirdier, but he felt like his intentions would be a little different now. Back then, he'd just been so happy that she was okay and safe and that they weren't arguing anymore. Now…he felt that if he were to really act on his feelings right now, his intentions wouldn't be so…pure?

With enormous effort, Ash pulled away, breathing hard but smiling, "So, I can call you hot when you wear things like this, huh?"

Serena returned his smile, her lip caught teasingly between her teeth. "Sure, Ash. But what about this outfit makes me 'hot' compared to other things I wear?" she asked with feigned innocence.

"Uh," Ash internally groaned when half her bottom lip went behind her teeth. "Well, the outfit really makes me want to kiss you. A lot."

Serena sobered slightly because deep down she wanted her outfit to make him want to kiss her. Really kiss her. Kiss her in a way she wasn't even sure she knew how to be kissed.

"Oh…?"

Ash quickly added, feeling a need to clarify, "Not that I don't always want to kiss you. I don't know, I can't explain it."

And he really couldn't because he didn't know just how to explain the kind of kisses seeing her like this, and all shadowed by the dim light, made him want to give her.

"Hey," he grinned, his mind suddenly running in a different direction, "you should wear this to Pallet Town!"

Serena's response was swift and definite. "Absolutely not."

"Wait, why?" Ash cocked his head to the side, actually confused.

Serena laughed nervously and scratched her cheek. "This is not an outfit you meet someone's mother in. As you figured out, it's for making your boyfriend want to kiss you!"

"Yeah, but she wouldn't know that," Ash countered, almost smug, and even Pikachu slapped his face from the third row.

"Of course she would, moms know everything!" Serena asserted, pulling away from him to cross her arms in front of her.

"Okay, well…"Ash conceded with a reluctant nod. He couldn't argue with that last point.

Serena's laughter lightened as she reassured him, "Don't worry, I'll dress like this again for you, Ash. You'll just have to wait and be surprised." She winked, sealing her promise with a coquettish smirk.

Ash grumbled a little but decided to be satisfied with that promise. He looked down and noticed her hat now lying between them. With a toothy grin, he placed it back on her head.

"Can you at least wear this sometimes? So that everyone knows you're my number one fan?" Ash chuckled and scratched his nose.

Serena giggled, adjusting the cap so that it was positioned on her just right. She touched the bill of her hat to his. "You got it."

The honey-blonde then began to talk more about the battle and how great Ash and his Pokémon did. And while Ash loved every second of hearing her chatter on excitedly about all that, at some point he had to stop her because she still looked too amazing not to be kissed.

And Ash tried not to let the edges of his imaginations come into focus as he carefully kissed her all the way back to the hotel.

---

In the den of his grand estate, Navarro watched the final minutes of Iono's live streamed match intently, an amber drink in a crystal glass in hand; his smile wide but empty, not quite reaching his eyes. He inhaled deeply from a cigar, letting the smoke out slowly, savoring the moment yet detached. Around him, a group of men—diplomats, shareholders—socialized and smoked and drank, their eyes not fixed on the large television as intently.

Behind Navarro, Guillermo Lebarón stood rigid, his hands clasped behind his back, his handsome face scrunched in clear distaste. "The Monarch continues to use a rookie team, I see," he commented, unimpressed, adjusting a brand new suit sporting the Violet Academy crest.

Swirling his drink leisurely, Navarro replied without looking away from the screen, "And he continues to make progress in collecting his badges."

As well as falling in love with that girl, Navarro reflected, pleased to watch Ash leave with the Kalos Queen on his arm. He was even more satisfied to see how the Monarch's eyes never left hers—in fact, the couple clung to each other within the throng, their eyes locked on the other; a clear indication of their growing attachment.

The CEO stole a darkly amused glance at Lebarón, who only sneered at the television before stalking away towards a different corner of the room.

"It's his way," Joaquín, the governor of Levincia's province, looked over with a nervous expression from a leather sofa opposite Eduardo. "The Monarch builds up teams in every region, and somehow they become incredibly strong."

"And he seems to have the makings of a great team here in Paldea," Navarro added thoughtfully.

Diego García chortled, slapping his knee in amusement as he stood smoking right beside the television screen. "He will defeat La Primera, and Area Zero will be yours, Eduardo."

Navarro smirked, his eyes glinting with ambition. "And you will be the governor of the Southern Province come next year." He lifted his glass, a bit lazily.

Hands in his pockets, Fernando Alcázar came around the back of Navarro's sofa, a hint of distrust in his otherwise expressionless face. "Your celebrations seem premature, gentlemen."

"What do you mean?" Navarro asked, his tone smooth but edged with caution.

Alcázar shrugged nonchalantly and moved smoothly to pour himself a drink from the bar. "Oh, I have seen some interesting financial reports of the company, Eduardo. That is all."

Navarro's gaze flitted back and forth across the room. He narrowed his eyes slightly at the governor of the Northern Province but he attempted a chuckle, masking his concern. However, he did lower his voice. "Which ones? Did you see that we have made more profit this last year than we have the past five combined? Or the ones regarding our future projections?"

Fernando laughed, but it was a cold, hollow sound. "Neither. I'm talking about the spending reports for Tera Industries."

García shifted uncomfortably in his seat, turning to Navarro with a hint of unease. "What does he mean?"

"What I mean," Fernando continued before Navarro could speak, "is that while your company has certainly made more in profit, there has also been spending that seems… unaccounted for. But, perhaps, you could tell us, Navarro? Where has half the profit gone? Shareholders wish to know."

Navarro stretched his neck, cracking the joints, his hands finding Absol's fur reflexively. It was so like Fernando to cause a scene—to make this public. But Eduardo needed to remain calm. "Shareholders should just be grateful for their twenty-five percent increase in asset values," the CEO began casually, standing and making his own way to the bar where Alcázar stood so as to make this a more private conversation.

"True, but it is hard to be grateful when twenty-five percent could be fifty, or greater?" Fernando countered, his voice rising and his own composure began to slip.

Joaquín began to wipe his forehead with a kerchief, looking uncomfortable. "Rather late to be talking business, no? Perhaps we should—"

"It may be possible that some of the profit has gone into ensuring that some certain shareholders retain their positions of power. And it would be better for them not to be available publicly, lest there be legal complications," Navarro replied coolly, draining the last of his glass and refilling it calmly.

Fernando remained silent, his jaw clenching.

García, tentatively but now eyeing Navarro with new suspicion, asked, "Does this have to do with Turo? We have been very patient with that situation…"

"And you will need to continue to be patient," Navarro interjected more sharply than he would have liked. Clearing his throat and adjusting his tie, he cocked his head at them and smiled, "You have no choice."

"We don't, do we?" Joaquín mused aloud.

"Pardon me, señor, but some of your operations in the Crater are shrouded in more secrecy than we like," Fernando pointed out.

From the shadows of the conversation, Hamber stiffened—materializing seemingly out of thin air.

Navarro just laughed, however, making a show of looking unaffected. "What is this, Fernando? I put you in a prominent position, made you rich, and now you try to begin a coup while enjoying a little soirée?"

"We're just asking questions…" Fernando replied, seemingly to calm himself.

"No, you are losing your nerve," Navarro retorted, his tone scoffing.

"Well, then be more discreet," Alcázar sneered between tight lips, "You are losing control and some of us do not like it. We might be forced to…"

"Are you trying to threaten me?" Navarro challenged, raising an unimpressed eyebrow. "Do tell me, who is this 'we' you speak of? Do you all not have the nerve to arrange a proper meeting and discuss this like gentlemen?"

"Some prefer to remain unnamed," Fernando stated flatly.

At this point, Navarro's eyes flashed with restrained rage, though the glare he sent the northern governor was chilling. "Go tell your friends, Alcázar, that if Tera Industries is ruined, so will all of you…"

"Perhaps…" Fernando met the challenge, his voice growing low and nearly inaudible to the others, "but I am sure there is a narrative in which we realize disentangle ourselves from your affairs and instead reveal your corruption. You know how the truth is very easy to bury. And then, there is always the possibility of new leadership…" He proposed, leaving the threat hanging in the air.

"You're out of your depth," Navarro's grip tightened on his glass, but he only smiled condescendingly, "When Geeta is no longer La Primera, Isabel will lose her support. There will be no more regulations for the Crater. Therefore, nothing will be 'corrupt.' It will not even matter what is public knowledge at that point, my friend, and perhaps spending reports can be made more detailed. If I see fit. But at the end of the day, Tera Industries will always be mine. Don't be so misled, Fernando. My shareholders do not own me, I own them," Navarro declared confidently, patting the governor's cheek before beginning to move away.

Fernando tempered his reaction to avoid drawing more attention to a conversation that was quickly becoming humiliating. Rather, he turned swiftly back to glance at the screen to see Ash Ketchum being swarmed by fans. "Then let's hope for all our sakes that Geeta is, in fact, soon out of the picture."

Soon the party was over and all left the den, leaving Eduardo Navarro alone with Hamber. The CEO's jaw clenched and unclenched as he processed some unsettling revelations.

Maintaining his composure as best he could, Navarro addressed Hamber with a controlled tone of restraint. "Hamber, those reports were supposed to be manipulated were they not? How did Fernando get a hold of the originals?"

Hamber's mustache twitched, "I do not know."

At this, something in Navarro snapped. He moved over to the bar and took hold of a bottle of wine and threw it across the room. It shattered against the wall.

Breathing hard a moment, Eduardo then stiffened, standing tall once more and smoothing back pieces of hair that had come undone from the stiff gel.

"You are well aware that the forthcoming quarterly reports will likely reflect even greater challenges." Navarro began slowly, collapsing into his leather couch, reaching for his golden cigarette case. "Each day that we are denied access to our own laboratories, we see diminishing profits—a situation that is unsustainable."

He lit a cigarette and immediately inhaled deeply, his thumb and forefinger pinching the bridge of his nose, "We are currently barred from three critical sectors. Three! This loss of access to essential parts of the Crater means we are unable to extract the necessary Tera Crystals, significantly hampering our operations. How is it that we have yet to locate Turo, or at the very least, find a way into the Zero Labs?"

Hamber remained silent, absorbing his employer's frustration.

"The challenges I face are multifaceted and growing," Navarro sounded cold, distant. "With the upcoming festival that Lebarón is hosting, we anticipate a surge in tourists resulting in a demand for Tera Orbs—a demand we are currently ill-equipped to meet due to restricted operations. This limitation has necessitated a temporary halt in both the expansion of our operations and our research into the broader applicational scope of Tera Orbs outside Paldea. Not to mention, we are losing copious amounts of money…"

He paused, allowing the gravity of the situation to resonate. "This unfortunate series of delays could inevitably lead to a waning of shareholder confidence. It is imperative that we rectify the situation and make Tera Industries profitable once again."

Truth be told, Navarro could care less about the shareholders. He needed the money. He needed access to the Crater. For Teresa, to find her cure; to pay for the research and the dangerous explorations and to find the tree…

Seeing the exhaustion and resignation settling in Navarro's features, Hamber decided to offer 'selfless' counsel.

"What we require most is additional time, señor. Rest assured, Turo will be located in due course. In the interim, it may be prudent to consider liquidating a high-value asset to alleviate our current financial constraints," he suggested calmly, but there was an evident strategic gleam in his eye.

Navarro looked steadily at his advisor. "What do you mean?" His words were sharp and clipped, almost defensive.

Hamber met Navarro's look with a steady gaze, his voice maintaining its calm demeanor as he elaborated subtly on his previous suggestion. "Consider, if you will, the potential in reallocating resources from underutilized assets. Estates, secondary businesses, family heirlooms…It's an approach many overlook, but if we are hoping to obscure the company's financial troubles for a quarter or two, it might provide the necessary liquidity to bridge our current operational gap."

Navarro's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, the wheels turning as he processed Hamber's advice. He knew the gravity of the situation required significant measures, yet the idea of parting with any of his valuable assets was not a decision to be taken lightly—and something so public as the sale of an estate or business would still unsettle shareholders and employees.

But…

His mind flicked to a family treasure, a piece of significant worth—invaluable really—one that he kept very secret. Very hidden. But one that could potentially solve his immediate financial issues for not just the time being, but for a long while…if he were to find a buyer.

"There might be something..." Navarro murmured, almost to himself, contemplating the weight of using such a personal treasure for corporate salvage. But as the reality of what that would entail settled in, he straightened up, his expression firming with resolve.

"No," he said finally, a decisive edge to his voice as he met Hamber's gaze. "We'll find another way. That's a last resort."

Hamber bowed, seemingly respecting the agreement. "Of course," the advisor replied, and quietly left the room, his fists clenched.

---

Alriiiiiight….Welll, I hope this lived up to the hype. Next chapter: Pallet Town! And a bunch of fluff (if you haven't gotten enough already.) Anyway, a few notes:

Let's play a game: If it takes 400k words to get to the point where Ash calls a girl "hot" ; how many to you think it will take for him to …. You know….

I imagined Ash to be traveling Paldea in an outfit that looks like Red from the video games. No reason except that I liked that outfit, so this is me being indulgent. But anyway, that is what Serena was matching.

What else, what else…Clemont and Clavell will pop up again soon; so will Gary and our contest girlies. Pallet Town will take about 2-2.5 chapters, but interspersed will be some short scenes for the other characters. Coming back from Pallet Town, we'll hit a Blitz Game that will have a Drama with a capital "D" and dive into the contest scene. And then soon our couple will need to split up for a little while #sadness. But don't worry, there will be a lot of kissing before then. And they won't stay parted for long.

As always, let me know what you think I love hearing from all of you!