Ash and Pikachu strolled through one of Beacon's quieter hallways, enjoying the rare moment of peace. It had been an interesting couple of days—meeting new friends, learning about this world, and getting to know more about everyone's pasts. But something about today felt… off.

Pikachu's ears twitched as it suddenly stopped walking, eyes narrowing. "Pika?"

Ash followed Pikachu's gaze and noticed a woman moving through the halls with a bit too much caution. She wore a black and red outfit, her golden eyes sharp and focused. She seemed to be observing the academy with far more interest than a normal student should.

Ash tilted his head. "Hey… she looks kinda suspicious."

Pikachu nodded in agreement.

Curiosity getting the better of him, Ash casually walked over to her. "Hey there!" he greeted with a friendly wave. "I'm Ash. And this here is Pikachu."

The woman immediately turned to face him, her expression shifting to a charming smile as she adjusted her posture. "Oh? Well, hello there." Her voice was smooth and confident.

Ash wasn't convinced. "I don't think I've seen you around before. Are you a new student?"

The woman blinked, then quickly regained her composure. "Why, yes. I'm a transfer student. From Atlas."

Ash crossed his arms. "Atlas?"

Cinder's smile faltered slightly. "…You've never heard of Atlas?"

Ash scratched his cheek. "Uh, nope. This is my first time hearing about it."

Pikachu tilted its head, also suspicious. "Pika?"

Cinder studied him carefully, as if trying to figure out if he was messing with her. "It's one of the four major kingdoms. A prestigious place known for its technological advancements."

Ash nodded slowly, still unsure. "Huh. Sounds fancy."

Cinder smirked. "It is."

Ash narrowed his eyes slightly. "So… what's a transfer student doing sneaking around like she's up to something?"

Cinder's smirk didn't waver, but there was a flicker of annoyance in her eyes. "Oh, you misunderstand. I'm simply familiarizing myself with the layout of Beacon."

Ash raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. Sure."

Pikachu crossed its tiny arms, unconvinced. "Pika pika."

Cinder let out a soft chuckle. "You're quite perceptive for someone who doesn't even know what Atlas is."

Ash frowned. "I dunno, something about you seems… off."

Cinder's golden eyes gleamed as she took a slow step toward him. "You're quite bold to say that to someone you just met."

Ash shrugged. "I just call it like I see it."

The air between them grew tense for a brief moment. Then, Cinder's smirk widened as if she had decided something. "Well, I suppose I should get back to my 'studies.' Wouldn't want to get lost in such a big school."

Ash watched her carefully as she turned on her heel and sauntered away, her presence lingering even after she was gone.

Pikachu huffed. "Pika…"

Ash nodded. "Yeah… something about her just doesn't feel right."

He made a mental note to keep an eye on her.

The next day, however...

The next day, Ash and Pikachu were wandering through another part of Beacon, exploring more of the academy's vast halls. It had become a bit of a habit—meeting new people, running into familiar faces, and sometimes catching those who seemed a little too interested in things they shouldn't be.

And sure enough, there she was again.

Cinder Fall.

She was moving with the same calculated grace as before, subtly examining the area, her golden eyes sharp and focused. If she was a student, she sure didn't act like one.

Pikachu's ears twitched, and it let out a wary "Pika…"

Ash sighed, placing his hands on his hips. "Okay, now I know you're up to something."

Cinder stopped mid-step and turned her attention to him. She let out a soft chuckle, her expression unreadable but undeniably amused. "Well, well. We meet again."

Ash raised an eyebrow. "You say that like it wasn't totally obvious I'd run into you again."

Cinder smirked and took a slow step forward. "I suppose you could say fate enjoys bringing us together."

Ash crossed his arms. "Uh-huh. Or maybe you just have a habit of snooping around places you shouldn't be."

Pikachu nodded in agreement. "Pika pika."

Cinder let out an amused hum. "You're becoming quite the nosy one, Ash." Her smirk turned playful. "But I'll admit, it's a little charming."

Ash blinked, caught off guard for a second. Then he chuckled. "You're lucky Yang isn't around right now. She'd probably be jealous if she heard you flirting."

Cinder arched an eyebrow, clearly entertained. "Oh? And what makes you think I'm flirting?"

Ash smirked. "Call it a hunch."

Pikachu snickered, covering its mouth with its tiny paws. "Pika pika."

Cinder laughed softly, shaking her head. "You really are interesting, Ash."

Ash scratched the back of his head, still watching her carefully. "Well, you're suspicious, so I guess we're even."

Cinder chuckled but didn't deny it. Instead, she slowly started walking past him, her gaze lingering on him for just a second longer than necessary.

"Try not to worry too much about me, champ," she said smoothly. "I wouldn't want you to get too distracted."

Ash narrowed his eyes. "Yeah, sure. Totally not suspicious at all."

Cinder simply smirked and walked away, disappearing into the halls.

Pikachu sighed and shook its head. "Pika pika…"

Ash let out a breath and muttered, "I really don't trust her."