The early morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm, golden glow over the hotel room. The faint hum of the bustling city outside served as a gentle reminder that the world was already awake and alive. Inside, however, Ash lay sprawled across his bed, his trademark cap askew on the bedside table. Pikachu was curled up beside him, its ears twitching as it murmured a sleepy "Pika..."

Brock's loud voice shattered the tranquility. "Rise and shine, Ash! It's a brand-new day!" he called out.

Ash groaned, blinking against the sunlight as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. His hair stuck out in every direction, giving him an unkempt appearance. "Huh? What time is it?" he mumbled, his voice thick with drowsiness.

"Pika…chuuu," Pikachu yawned, stretching its tiny limbs before hopping onto Ash's chest.

Brock leaned against the doorway with a smirk, his arms crossed. "Time for you to realize you slept in way past sunrise!" His teasing grin widened as Ash shot up, the realization hitting him like a Thunderbolt.

"Seriously?!" Ash exclaimed, panic flashing across his face. He swung his legs over the edge of the bed, running a hand through his messy hair. "Ugh, I can't believe I missed the morning!"

Brock clapped a reassuring hand on Ash's shoulder. "Don't sweat it, there are no matches to miss today. Just be careful tomorrow!"

Ash sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "That's not the real problem. I missed saying goodbye to some of my friends who got eliminated yesterday... I'll have to apologize later. Maybe I can send them a message or treat them to something next time I see them."

Brock nodded, his expression softening. "How much people you don't know yet ? Anyway, they'll understand, Ash. For now, let's get you something to eat. The hotel's cafeteria has a pretty impressive breakfast spread, and I'm guessing you're starving."

As if on cue, Ash's stomach growled loudly, eliciting a laugh from Brock. "You read my mind," Ash admitted with a sheepish grin. He grabbed his cap, flipping it onto his head with practiced ease before heading for the door.

During the trip to the cafeteria, Brock hummed a cheerful tune in an unnatural manner and Pikachu perch on Ash's shoulder, its ears perked up and alert. The vibrant hotel lobby bustled with trainers, each carrying an air of excitement as they chatted about last night's performances.

Once they settled at a table with their breakfast trays, Brock's tone shifted. "Ash, there's something I want to ask you. Man to man."

Ash paused mid-bite, raising an eyebrow at his friend. "Huh? What's up, Brock?"

"Is there something you're not telling me?"

Brock leaned forward, his gaze intent as Ash set his fork down, his brow furrowing.

"What do you mean? Ah..! You feeling okay today?"

Brock waved off the question with a faint smile. "I'm fine, still working through some things, but this isn't about me. You know you can't hide anything from me, right? You've been in the spotlight a lot lately."

Ash scratched the back of his head, unsure how to respond. "I mean… I'm used to it by now. What's the big deal?"

Before Ash could respond, Rotom came out of nowhere, flipping through trending topics. "Check this out," he said, turning the screen toward Ash.

The image on display made Ash's jaw drop. Pictures of him and Dawn lit up the device, with captions speculating about their 'relationship'.

Headlines blared phrases like 'Ash Ketchum and Dawn: The Celebrities Couple We Didn't Know We Needed!' and 'Are Sparks Flying Between Two Stars?'

"W-What?! That's ridiculous!" Ash stammered, nearly knocking over his glass. "We're just friends! This is all… all wrong!"

Brock chuckled, clearly enjoying Ash's flustered reaction. "Relax, relax. It's just the media blowing things out of proportion. But... Dawn might have a few thoughts about it."

Ash groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "We talked about this yesterday. She seemed fine with it in the end, but... ugh, I didn't think it'd turn into a first page of the news ! I mean, seriously? The performances yesterday were way more surprising than some dumb rumors. I assured her the opposite, huh.. Do you think.. she's again mad?"

Brock's smirk softened into a knowing smile."Only one way to find out, just in case. Better to clear the air before things get weirder."

Before Ash could respond, Goh appeared at their table, his casual demeanor a sharp contrast to Ash's flustered state. "Morning, guys! You heading somewhere?"

Ash jumped at the chance to change the subject. "Yeah, I'm gonna catch up with some friends and maybe do some training. What about you?"

"I was thinking of checking in with Chloe," Goh said, gesturing toward the exit. "Wanna come along?"

"Sure!" Ash replied with a grin, his earlier worries momentarily forgotten. He turned to Brock. "What about you?"

Brock leaned back in his chair, taking in the sunlight from the window, appearing contemplative. "I think I'll stick around here for a bit. Who knows? Today might just be my lucky day..."

Ash laughed, shaking his head. "Good luck with that, Brock. Try not to get into too much trouble!"

The morning sun bathed the festival grounds in a golden glow, lending the scene a surreal warmth. Flags bearing the insignias of various Contest Pokémon fluttered in the gentle breeze, their vivid hues complementing the lively music wafting from a nearby stage.

Ash, Pikachu perched on his shoulder, walked with an eager bounce in his step. Goh followed beside him, scanning the lively surroundings with a mixture of curiosity and excitement. The festival seemed to hold a world of possibilities, each turn offering something new to discover.

As they approached a more secluded area, the noise of the crowd faded slightly, replaced by the rustle of fabric as a large private stand came into view. The stand was cordoned off with elegant, velvet ropes, and its design hinted at exclusivity. Inside, the faint sound of Pokémon training echoed—a rhythmic blend of commands and attacks.

Ash's sharp eyes caught sight of two familiar figures standing just outside the stand, their postures subdued in contrast to the cheerful atmosphere. His face lit up. "Hey, look who it is, Pikachu!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement. "Wait here, Goh—I've gotta say hi to some friends!"

Goh glanced toward the stand, his expression curious. "Oh, them? I don't think I know those guys."

Ash grinned but didn't wait for a response. With his characteristic disregard for boundaries, he slipped past the ropes, his confidence undeterred by the implied privacy. Goh hesitated for a moment before following, intrigued.

"Hey, guys! How's it going?"

As they approached, Tierno turned, his usually exuberant demeanor replaced by a concerned furrow of his brow. "Ash!" he called, his voice tinged with relief. "Man, it's been a while! But…" He paused, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm not really in the mood to dance today."

Trevor, standing beside him with a clipboard clutched to his chest, gave a small nod. "Good timing, Ash. We're kinda worried about Shauna. Have you seen her today?"

Ash's cheerful expression faltered, replaced by a look of concern. "No… Is she okay?"

Tierno sighed, crossing his arms as he glanced at the ground. "She's been pretty down since getting disqualified yesterday. We've tried cheering her up, but…" He hesitated, his voice trailing off.

"She doesn't answer us," Trevor finished quietly, his tone heavy with worry. "We thought taking her around the festival stands might help, but she's been avoiding everyone."

Ash's gaze hardened with determination. "I get it. If I see her, I'll make sure to contact you. And if there's anything else I can do, just let me know!"

Tierno managed a small smile, his gratitude shining through. "Thanks, man. You're the best !"

Ash gave him a thumbs-up. "No problem! By the way, how are things going for you guys?"

As Tierno and Trevor began to update Ash on their own progress, Goh's curiosity led him to drift toward the entrance of the private stand. The faint sounds of Pokémon moves caught his attention, and he peeked inside, careful not to disturb the scene.

The interior revealed a sleek, state-of-the-art training arena. The polished floors shimmered under the glow of ceiling lights, and holographic panels projected intricate terrain simulations. At the center of the space, Serena stood with her Sylveon, its ribbon-like feelers swirling gracefully around it. He recalls the girl from yesterday's performance with her Alcremy near by.

Goh remained in the shadows, captivated by the scene unfolding before him. Sylveon darted across the arena, its movements precise and elegant as it executed a dazzling Fairy Wind. The shimmering pink gust spiraled upward, creating a spectacle of glittering motes that danced in the air like stars.

With perfect timing, Serena called for a Swift, and Sylveon responded instantly. The golden stars from the attack wove seamlessly into the swirling Fairy Wind, creating a breathtaking display of light and color.

"Not bad," Miette remarked, her tone cool yet slightly impressed.

Serena smiled, her gaze never leaving her Pokémon. "I'm proud of you, Sylveon," she said softly, her voice carrying a warmth that matched the Pokémon's glowing ribbons. Sylveon turned to her with a joyful cry, its eyes sparkling with affection.

Leaning casually against the railing nearby, Miette studied her friend with a raised eyebrow. There was a smirk on her lips, but her eyes betrayed a sharpness, a knowing glint as she spoke.

"It's crazy, you know," Miette began, her voice a mix of teasing and blunt honesty. "You've grown in so many ways—your performances, your confidence—but when it comes to your crush? The moment he shows up, it's like you're still the same lovesick girl from four years ago." She paused, leaning in slightly for effect. "I thought you'd made some real progress on that front..."

Serena's face flushed instantly, her gaze dropping to Sylveon, who tilted its head curiously at her. She shifted on her feet, struggling to form a response. "I… I thought so too," she admitted, her voice quieter now. "We kissed, after all…"

Miette straightened, her expression turning incredulous. "Hello, wake up, girl! It's not rocket science! Unless you've got some ironclad proof that he's not into girls—which, let's be real, you don't—then all you have to do is go for it! He's a boy, Serena—not some untouchable dream! You're not twelve years old anymore."

Serena clenched her fists, her voice defensive but tinged with uncertainty. "I-I know that. But Ash isn't like other boys! He's… special."

Miette rolled her eyes so dramatically that even Alcremie mimicked the motion with a soft sigh. "Pfft, please. That's such a cliché 'girl-in-love' line. He's a guy, Serena. And look at you! You could have every guy at your feet if you wanted, Ash included. You just need to put in a little effort!"

"As if I haven't tried!" Serena shot back, her voice rising slightly. She bit her lip, frustration seeping into her tone. "As if I haven't tried.. Yesterday, I wanted to make things clear, to let him know how I felt. But how could I have known the day would spiral into chaos like that? That whole… drama with Dawn in front of everyone…" She trailed off, shaking her head. Her tone softened, almost as if she were speaking more to herself than to Miette. "It wasn't supposed to happen like that."

Unnoticed by either of them, Goh remained behind them. He had arrived in time to catch the conversation, and now his eyebrows shot up in surprise. The public drama with Ash and Dawn? So, she was really worried about that..

Miette let out a low sigh, crossing her arms. "Okay, so things didn't go as planned. Big deal. You told me he doesn't have feelings for Dawn, right? So why didn't you seize the opportunity?"

Serena hesitated, her shoulders slumping as the weight of her own reflection pressed down on her. "I… I did try," she admitted, her voice wavering. "But I think I was too direct. I thought… I thought he'd feel the same to make the day of our reunion memorable as I did, but…" She sighed heavily, shaking her head.

"I should've focused on reconnecting, on rebuilding what we had instead of pushing for something more… It's been so long since we saw each other, and I was naive to think things would pick up exactly where they left off in Kalos as if no time had passed." Her hands clenched into fists, determination flickering in her eyes.

"I won't make that mistake again, though! This time, I'll take my time and rebuild what we had."

Miette raised an eyebrow, her skepticism evident. "Oh, sure. Take your time—And by taking it slow, you mean waiting so long that he slips through your fingers again? Let me guess: another last-minute kiss before parting ways for who knows how many years?"

Serena's face burned. "N-No!" she stammered, her determination flaring. "This time, I'll make it clear. No more misunderstandings." Serena nodded to herself, as if trying to convince her own heart. "I just have to find the right timing."

Miette scoffed. "Oh, sure, the 'perfect timing.' That's worked out great for you before. Like waiting until the literal last moment of your trip to Kalos to kiss him. Genius move. I'm sure Ash—being the romantic mastermind he is—completely got the message." Her sarcastic laugh echoed in the 'almost' empty arena.

Outside, Goh crossed his arms, his curiosity deepening. So Serena's really been struggling with her.. Wait a minute..? D-Did I heard well ?! Serena kissed Ash on the past ?! Why he never..?

Serena shot her a glare. "How long are you going to keep mocking me for that ?"

"Once again.. Until you stop acting like a lovestruck twelve-year-old!" Miette quipped, her tone playful but laced with a hint of seriousness. "Alright, here's the deal. The next time you're with him, your goal is simple: kiss him. Minimum. Remind him why you're unforgettable."

"D-Don't put pressure on me like that!" Serena protested, her voice cracking slightly.

"Pressure? Sweetheart, that's called motivation." Miette countered, jabbing a finger in Serena's direction. "Just don't repeat the same mistakes. This time, leave no room for ambiguity. Go headfirst—just like him! You don't have a lot of days with him here, so make them count."

"If I don't feel the right mood for it, I won't force anything!" Serena snapped, her frustration clear.

Miette smirked knowingly. "Want a tip on how to create the mood? Physical contact. Don't forget—eye contact, your sweetest smile, and lean into his conversation. If you can steer things just right and catch him in a moment of weakness, bam! You've got him. And if you play your cards perfectly… well, it could go even further than a kiss if you know what I mean."

Serena turned scarlet, her voice faltering. "M-Miette!"

Miette chuckled, giving her a wink. "What? Just some food for thought to your date." Upon addressing Serena, Miette's sunrise eyes sparkled with a mixture of mischief and sharp observation of new guests. "Oh, hello, Ash."

The words jolted Serena back to reality.

"GAAAAAAAH?!" she yelped, spinning toward the perceived intruder with wide, panicked eyes.

From the door, Goh stepped forward, raising his hands in an apologetic gesture as his presence finally acknowledged. "Relax, it's just me," he said with a sheepish smile. "Sorry to eavesdrop, but I couldn't help overhearing."

Serena's shoulders sagged as she exhaled in relief. "Goh! Oh, thank Arceus—you scared me! I thought—" She caught herself mid-sentence, shaking her head. "Never mind. Just… promise me you won't repeat anything you heard, okay?"

Before Goh could answer, a familiar voice cut through the room.

"Promise not to repeat what?"

Serena froze, her heart nearly stopping as she turned to face the newcomer, her voice rising several octaves. "Eeep! Ash?! Oh my goodness! When did you… How did you…?" Her words tumbled out incoherently as her wide blue eyes locked onto him.

Ash tilted his head, utterly oblivious to the tension. "Huh? I just walked up. Is everything okay?" he asked, his tone as casual as if they were discussing battle strategies.

Serena floundered, struggling to find her words. "Uh, n-nothing! It's just, um—"

Miette stepped in smoothly, a sly grin on her face. "Oh, hi, Ash! Serena was just saying how she wanted to take a stroll around the stands, you know, like the good old days. Perfect timing!"

"Oh yeah? When do you want to go? Now ?"

Serena whipped her head toward Miette, her cheeks practically glowing. "Miette! You didn't have to—ugh!" she hissed under her breath.

She leaned closer to Miette, their conversation dropping to a hurried whisper. From a few feet away, Ash and Goh exchanged curious glances.

"I can handle this myself!" Serena muttered fiercely.

Miette raised an eyebrow, her voice equally low but dripping with mock concern. "Desperate times call for desperate measures, Serena. Don't waste the opportunity—he's standing right there!"

Serena sighed, her thoughts racing. This isn't how I planned my schedule. Why does Ash have to show up now for our date?

A cheerful "Pika pika!" broke the tension as Ash's Pikachu perked up, its ears twitching. Bounding forward, it stopped short when another Pikachu emerged from behind Serena's legs.

"Pikachu, look!" Ash exclaimed, crouching down with excitement. "Hey, isn't that the Pikachu we saw at the restaurant yesterday?"

Serena shifted nervously, her voice barely above a whisper. "Uh, actually… that's my Pikachu."

Ash's eyes widened with surprise, then delight. "No way! Really? That's awesome—it's funny how we both have Pikachu!"

Miette chuckled knowingly, clearly suspicious. "What a… coincidence."

Serena shot her a warning glare, "Miette, shush!" before nudging her sharply.

Curiosity and enthusiasm swept over the two Pikachu as they approached each other, cheeks against cheeks, exchanging sparks of playful energy. Before they began playing together, their electric cheeks briefly sparkled in mutual excitement.

Ash grinned at the sight, his boyish enthusiasm shining through. "Heh, our Pikachu seem to get along great," he remarked.

"It's.. a good sign!"

Serena's Pikachu tilted its head curiously before bounding toward Ash. Kneeling down, Ash extended a hand. "Hey there, little Pikachu! Wanna say hi?"

Serena's Pikachu sniffed at Ash's outstretched fingers before nuzzling against his cheek. "Aw, you're friendly, huh?" he said with a laugh.

"Wait! Don't—" Serena began, but her warning came too late.

Zap!

Ash toppled backward, his hair standing on end as electricity crackled around him. He blinked up at the ceiling, a dazed smile on his face. "W-Whoa, that was a s-shocker!" he managed, his voice still lighthearted despite the jolt.

"ASH!" Serena shrieked, rushing to his side. Her heart pounded as she knelt beside him, Sylveon and Goh following closely behind. "Oh my Arceus, are you okay?! I'm so sorry! My Pikachu has this habit of using Thunder Shock on people she likes!"

Ash sat up slowly, his grin as unshakable as ever. "I'm fine! It's just like old times, huh, buddy?" he said, glancing at his own Pikachu, who chuckled in response.

Miette also burst into laughter, clapping her hands together. "Wow, Serena, looks like your Pokémon is bolder than her own trainer. Talk about making sparks fly!"

Serena shot her a glare. "Miette! Can you stop being so annoying for one day?"

"Come on, Serena," Miette teased, feigning innocence. "Pokémon often imitate their trainers. It's not my fault the comparison makes sense!"

Before Miette could continue, Serena clapped a hand over her mouth, silencing her with an exasperated sigh. "That's enough out of you!"

Goh chuckled from the sidelines, his arms crossed as he observed the playful chaos. "You guys have a pretty fun dynamic, I have to admit."

Ash grinned, brushing off his jacket. "Yeah, it's always like this with Miette. Serena's reactions are just so fun to watch."

Goh, holding an empty soda can, tilted his head towards Ash, his expression somewhere between curiosity and contemplation.

"Well," Goh began, tossing the can into a nearby recycling bin, "I don't want to intrude here, so I think I'll go check on Chloe. You coming, or staying put?"

Ash, ever the picture of carefree energy, nodded eagerly. "Yeah, sure. Let's go!" He turned to Serena, whose demeanor shifted from composed to bashful under his expectant gaze. "Serena, want to join us for the walk?"

Caught off guard, Serena's hands instinctively clasped in front of her. "Oh, um... I'm actually in the middle of practicing with my Pokémon for tomorrow's contest," she said hesitantly, her voice soft but resolute. "I'll catch up with you both at the stands later. I'll send you a message—just, uh, make sure to check it, okay?"

Ash's expression brightened with understanding. "No problem! I promise I won't miss it this time. I'll even have Rotom remind me!" He grinned confidently, giving her a thumbs-up before turning back to Goh. "Alright, let's move on!"

As the two boys disappeared into the bustling plaza, Serena let out a long breath, her shoulders sinking slightly.

Miette, who had been quietly observing from a nearby bench, rose with a knowing smirk. "You know," she said, her tone dripping with mischief, "you could've just asked him to help you practice. Would've been a perfect excuse to spend time together."

Serena shot her a withering look, her cheeks tinged pink. "Give me a break," she muttered, brushing past Miette to refocus on her Pokémon.

Meanwhile, Ash and Goh meandered through the urban plaza, their pace casual but purposeful. Around them, the city buzzed with activity—some couples having fun on the different stands, children snapping pictures of pokemon they met, and fans marvel at cosplayers dressed as popular coordinators. Even Ash was surprised by some of his friends' cosplay.

Still, Goh's sharp eyes caught sight of an entrance marked "Authorized Personnel Only," and without hesitation, he veered towards it. "This way," he said confidently, motioning for Ash to follow.

"Uh, Goh—?"

"Relax, Ash," Goh interrupted, pushing open the door. "Trust me, this is the place."

Inside, the atmosphere shifted. The noise of the plaza was replaced by the faint echoes of commands and Pokémon cries. In the center of a spacious training room, Chloe and May stood amidst an array of practice targets, their Pokémon poised and attentive.

"There she is," Goh said triumphantly, pointing to Chloe. "And looks like she's training with May!"

Chloe turned toward them, her brows furrowing slightly and the hands on her hips. Her Eevee, perched on her shoulder, gave a curious chirp. "Oh, great... You two know this is a private area, right?" she teased, though her tone held no real reproach.

Ash, scratching the back of his head sheepishly, stepped forward. "Uh, May? What are you doing here?"

May glanced up from adjusting her Blaziken's position, flashing a warm, confident smile. "I offered to train with Chloe," she explained matter-of-factly. "We're on opposite sides of the bracket, so it's not like we'll face each other anytime soon. It's a win-win—helping each other out and all that."

"That's smart. How's it going?"

Chloe chuckled nervously, her fingers brushing Eevee's fur. "Pretty great, actually. May's been giving me some solid advice. I still have a lot to learn, though."

Goh leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "If I remember right, May, why didn't you ask your boyfriend Drew to train with you? Isn't he, like, your partner in crime?"

May's expression shifted to playful exasperation as she crossed her arms. "Oh, come on. I can't spend all my time with him. I didn't have the opportunity to train much with Chloe unlike Drew! Besides, it's not like we're glued together or anything."

Chloe giggled, sharing a knowing look with Eevee. "Yeah, you gotta have your space, right?"

"Exactly!" May said with a nod. "And honestly, I still love our friendly rivalry as coordinators—It's much more satisfying to gain some distance for that. Who knows? If we both make it to the finals, it'll make for an satisfying showdown."

Ash grinned, his admiration evident. "You guys are really dedicated. It's awesome seeing how you push each other to be better."

May laughed lightly, her sapphire eyes sparkling. "Of course! it keeps things exciting—and keeps us on our toes."

Ash's voice grew thoughtful, his usual upbeat tone softening. "That's awesome and inspiring in some ways! It's cool how you and Drew have that balance. You're rivals but still a couple… It's like you've found the perfect mix of competition and support. That's something special !"

For a moment, the room fell silent. Chloe blinked in surprise, her mouth slightly agape.

Goh's jaw dropped, though her eyes widened in mock disbelief. "Did Ash just... say something interesting about romance?"

May raised an eyebrow, shooting Ash a teasing smirk."Did I hear that too right? Whoa, did I just step into another dimension? Ash is talking about relationships now? Somebody pinch me!"

Chloe stifled a giggle. "It seems that he has evolved in a certain way... I know someone who will be delighted."

Ash rubbed the back of his neck, his cheeks faintly pink. "Hey, don't get used to it, alright?" He quickly shifted the subject, his familiar energy returning. "But, May, how about a battle? You still owe me after losing that food contest yesterday!"

May's expression shifted instantly, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Oh, I'm definitely up for that. I still owe you payback for beating me in that stupid contest !"

Chloe chuckled, stepping back to give them space. "Looks like Ash is back to his usual self. That was quick."

Goh grinned, his earlier surprise replaced with amusement. "Yep, that's the Ash we know. It's weirdly reassuring!"

The group made their way toward the Chloe's training field. The area bore the marks of countless practice sessions—subtle indentations in the dirt from repeated landings, faint scorch marks on the ground, and even a few stray petals left behind from previous performances. The remnants of Chloe and May's earlier training refining their Contest combinaison lingered in the air, a faint mix of floral fragrance and the lingering heat of a Fire-type's presence.

Ash stretched his arms, rolling his shoulders with a confident grin as he stepped onto the battlefield. The contrast was striking—where dazzling flourishes and synchronized movements once filled the space, now stood the promise of a head-to-head clash of pure battle instincts.

A few steps away, Goh and Chloe observed from the sidelines.

Chloe folded her arms, her gaze flicking between the trainers with fake intrigue. Goh, meanwhile, curious, stuffing his hands into his pockets. However..

His gaze then focused on something other than the fight.

Out on the field, May stood confidently, her sapphire eyes gleaming with anticipation as she tossed a Poké Ball into the air.

"Alright, Blaziken, you're up!" she declared. In a burst of white light, the powerful Fire- and Fighting-type emerged, landing with an agile grace. Its intense gaze locked onto Ash, flames flickering from its wrists as it awaited its next challenge.

"Now, bring back your Sceptile for the second battle!" she called out, a playful challenge in her tone.

Ash smirked, spinning a Poké Ball between his fingers before gripping it tightly. "Heh, a rematch ? Good idea, but I have something else in mind... A Fire and Fighting type pokemon battle!" With a sharp flick of his wrist, he launched the Poké Ball. "I choose you!"

A burst of light exploded onto the field, revealing the burly, flame-bearded titan, Emboar. The Fire/Fighting-type landed with a resounding thud, its powerful frame radiating intensity as flames curled from its shoulders.

May blinked in surprise before breaking into a grin. "Whoa! You have an Emboar? When you told me about Fire and Fighting type, I was sure you'd go with Infernape for a speed battle!"

Ash chuckled, a confident glint in his eye as he folded his arms across his chest, his stance loose yet brimming with anticipation. "Heh, maybe one day. But right now, I'm feeling good about Emboar!"

May smirked, flicking her hair back in a swift, effortless motion, the strands catching the light before settling neatly against her shoulder. "Alright then, surprise me!"

"Count on it! Emboar, Bulk Up!"

The colossal boar let out a deep grunt, flexing its powerful arms as sinewy muscle tightened beneath its thick hide. A fiery glow pulsed around its body, a visible surge of raw strength coursing through its massive frame, causing the very air around it to waver from the heat.

May raised a brow. "A basic power boost? A little underwhelming for a 'surprise'! Alright, if that's the game you want to play—Blaziken, Flame Charge!"

Blaziken burst forward, flames engulfing its entire body as it became a speeding fireball. It zipped across the field with incredible agility, striking Emboar head-on. The impact sent a trail of scorched earth in its wake, and Blaziken skidded back, its speed now even greater.

Ash grinned, the thrill of the battle lighting up his face. "Haha! Yeah, this is gonna be fun. Again, Emboar! Bulk Up!"

"Boosting your strength won't help if you can't hit us. Blaziken, keep up the pressure! Again, Flame Charge!"

Blaziken darted in again, a fiery blur as it slammed into Emboar, its speed increasing further with each successful strike.

Emboar continued to tense its muscles, its body growing even sturdier. The flames from Blaziken's charge licked its armored hide as the attack connected, but Emboar barely flinched, its reinforced frame absorbing the blow.

Ash narrowed his eyes, his fingers twitching slightly at his side. "Wow... this is gonna be tricky."

May chuckled, the confidence in her voice unmistakable. "Oh, Ash, this is only the beginning! Now, Acrobatics!"

Blaziken leaped into the air with stunning agility, twisting mid-air before diving down at Emboar with rapid, precise strikes. The attack landed with a crushing impact, sending the bulkier fighter skidding backward.

Ash clenched his fist, his jaw tightening as he steadied himself. "Oof! That Acrobatics is impressive... but we'll land a hit soon!"

"Oh? I won't give you that chance! Close—"

"Emboar, strike first!"

Before Blaziken could unleash Close Combat, Emboar's fist shot forward like a cannon blast, dark energy crackling as it cut through the air.

"Sucker Punch!"

The blow connected hard, sending Blaziken reeling. Ash seized the moment. "Now, trap it! Heavy Slam!"

Emboar wasted no time, lunging forward and grabbing Blaziken mid-fall. With sheer brute force, it slammed the fiery avian onto the battlefield, the ground trembling beneath the impact.

May gasped, the flicker of concern flashing in her eyes. "Blaziken! Don't let it pin you down—just like with Snorlax! Free your legs, get those kicks out!"

Blaziken gritted its teeth, its toned legs flexing before unleashing a barrage of rapid kicks. With a final forceful blow, it shoved Emboar away and flipped back into position, panting slightly but still ready.

May exhaled, a smirk creeping back onto her lips. "Phew... Alright, back at it! Keep up the speed advantage! Blaze Kick!"

Blaziken's foot ignited, flames crackling as it dashed forward. Emboar reacted instantly.

"Speed or not, we'll land a hit! Emboar, Sucker Punch!"

Ash smirked, anticipation flaring in his eyes.. But May was already a step ahead. "Stop!"

Blaziken abruptly shifted its momentum, pulling back at the last second. Emboar's punch missed entirely, leaving it wide open.

"Low Kick!"

Blaziken spun low, sweeping Emboar's legs out from under it. The massive boar crashed onto its back, sending a shockwave through the battlefield.

Ash's eyes widened, his breath catching for just a second. "Whoa... amazing feint!"

May flashed a victorious grin, folding her arms. "We've trained for this. No one can beat us in maneuverability!"

Ash chuckled, raking a hand through his unruly hair, the wild strands falling back into place. "I gotta admit, your Blaziken is at champion level... but don't forget, you're up against the World Champion himself!"

"Oh, I know very well. That's why I won't let you recover!" May's posture remained firm, arms crossed, her confidence unwavering. "With Acrobatics' speed, you're already on borrowed time, Champion!"

Blaziken shot into the air again, twisting into another blinding Acrobatics attack.

Ash's eyes gleamed, his grin sharpening. "As if we'd be afraid of your aerial tricks! Hammer Arm, now!"

Emboar roared, raising its massive fist before slamming it into the ground with tremendous force. The sheer force sent tremors ripping through the battlefield, causing the terrain to shift. The shockwave disrupted Blaziken's movement, throwing off its timing just long enough for Emboar to push itself back to its feet.

"Now, Double-Edge!"

Emboar surged forward, its entire body glowing with raw power as it charged with reckless force.

"Blaziken, jump—quick!"

At the last second, Blaziken pushed off with incredible force, soaring high above as Emboar's attack narrowly missed.

Blaziken glanced and adapted his position in the air, like a meteor preparing to strike.

May's confident voice rang out, her blue eyes flashing with intensity. "Double deception for you! Your Emboar's running on fumes—I told you he wasn't a tank! It's the end now! Blaziken, give them everything you've got—Flare Blitz!"

Blaziken's body erupted into a swirling inferno, the flames surrounding its form roaring with untamed power. From its aerial vantage point, the Fire-type tucked its limbs in and plummeted downward, streaking toward Emboar like a flaming comet.

Ash, unfazed by the impending collision, grinned with exhilaration. "Using the speed of the fall, huh? I don't care! Emboar, we're not backing down—Flare Blitz, full power!"

Emboar roared in response, summoning a raging blaze around its bulky frame. The fiery boar dug its feet into the ground, then launched forward with seismic force, charging headfirst into the descending Blaziken.

For a moment, the battlefield was engulfed in chaos. Blaziken's accelerated momentum gave it the early advantage, slamming into Emboar's chest with explosive force. The impact sent a shockwave through the ground, scattering embers across the field. Yet, despite staggering from the first hit, Emboar planted its feet and pushed back.

May's eyes widened in disbelief as her Pokémon was forced into a contest of endurance, the raging firestorm of both moves consuming the battlefield in a blinding explosion of red and orange. Heat rippled in waves, and a fiery burst surged outward, shaking the air like a thunderclap.

When the smoke began to clear, May gasped. Blaziken had been sent hurtling backward, its form crashing into the ground, limp and motionless.

"K-K.O?!" May stammered, the realization hitting her like a ton of bricks. "Blaziken…! But—how?!"

On the other side, Emboar stood victorious but barely. Its breaths were heavy, its powerful legs trembling, but it remained standing, flames still flickering around its body. A triumphant grin spread across Ash's face as he absorbed May's shock, congratulating his pokemon with pats on his back.

"You didn't see that coming, huh?" Ash chuckled, pushing his cap up slightly.

May was still trying to wrap her head around it. "I mean… Emboar had Bulk Up's defense and attack boost, but even then… Blaziken hit first! Fire moves aren't even that effective against Fire-types!"

Without warning, a familiar digital chime echoed between them.

"Ahem! I believe it's time for an EXPLANATION!"

The brunette blinked. "Uh… hello?"

Rotom Phone spun into view, its screen flashing with excitement. "In a NORMAL scenario, this would be a tough call to make, but Emboar had a very SPECIAL advantage! A surprising plot twist indeed!~"

May folded her arms, her expression scrunched in puzzlement. "Wait, you mean Blaze? I didn't see any sign of it activating."

Ash smirked, tilting his head slightly as he shook it. "Nope, not Blaze."

"But Fire-type starters almost always have Blaze! What else could it—?"

May furrowed her brows as Rotom Phone's screen lit up. "WRONG! Ash's Emboar has the ability 'Reckless', which boosts the power of moves that cause recoil damage—like Flare Blitz!~"

A realization dawned on May like a sudden downpour. Her eyes darted back to the exhausted Emboar, then to Ash, who was grinning from ear to ear.

"You… you baited me? You tricked us into thinking it was just a normal Flare Blitz, but the whole time, you were waiting for the perfect moment to maximize Reckless' power?" May groaned in frustration before breaking into a grin. "Wow… what a 'Sucker Punch' from you, Ash!"

Ash burst into laughter, rubbing the back of his head in a boyish, carefree motion, "Heh! You never asked what Emboar's ability was!", before crossed his arms, beaming. "beside, can't beat a World Champion that easily!"

May exhaled in surrender, shaking her head with a chuckle. "Okay, okay—you got me. Again. But man, that was close! I'll admit, your strategy was solid."

The World Champion gave her a thumbs-up. "Really close, you're no pushover yourself! I'd hate to be one of your future opponents on this contest. I bet you'd give even the best of 'em a run for their money!"

May tossed her hair back in a dramatic flourish, her smirk playful. "Thanks! I mean, I can play things more delicately and elegant depending on my Pokémon, but with Blaziken? It's way more fun going all out with brute force!"

As their excitement settled, they both finally noticed the state of the battlefield—or, rather, the utter destruction left in their wake. The once-pristine training ground was now riddled with deep cracks, scorch marks, and craters where their Pokémon had unleashed their power.

May winced, her fingers twitching at her side. "Uh… you think Chloe noticed?"

Ash tilted his head, listening. In the distance, Chloe's unmistakable voice rose in irritation, though it didn't seem directed at them.

"I heard her, but… I don't think she's yelling about us."

The Hoenn coordinator exhaled in relief. "Good. Let's keep it that way."