Chapter 26: The Role No One Wants

"Be a sweet dear and help us out, May."

Harley threw a hand in May's direction, his fingers curling dramatically as if presenting an irresistible offer.

The shed fell into silence. The reactions varied—Ash and Brock observed without a word, May let out an exasperated sigh, Alain hesitated, and Harley, proud of his own decision, stood with his hands on his hips.

It was Brock who finally broke the silence. "I'll leave the decision to you guys—just count Lucario out," he said. Without waiting for their responses, he turned and left the shed.

Now, with her club advisor gone, May felt freer to express her frustration. She turned on Harley with an irritated glare. "And what makes you think I'd agree to that?"

Harley's smirk widened as he placed a hand on his hip. "Oh, I'll even prepare a cute Lucario costume for you," he cooed, then leaned in mischievously. "Imagine Drew seeing you in it."

Blood rushed to May's face, turning her cheeks a flustered shade of pink-red—a mix of embarrassment and anger. "What even gives you the idea that I'd want that?" she snapped, a memory of past humiliations with Harley flickering in her mind.

Harley's eyes glimmered with amusement. "Would you really like me to explain?" he teased, before shooting a glance between Alain and Ash. "I think we both know why."

May, at a loss for words, clenched her fists. Nearly slamming the empty bowls she was holding onto the table, she then hurled one at Harley in frustration. "How long are you going to keep holding onto that childish truth-or-dare?"

Harley caught the bowl effortlessly and grinned. "Until it no longer affects you. It's all up to you, really."

Alain let out a tired sigh, finally piecing together the familiarity between his classmate and the girl. He honestly couldn't care less about how Harley handled the replacement—he just wanted this over with.

Ash, however, felt the complete opposite. He wasn't entirely sure what the history between May and Harley was, but one thing was clear: May wasn't enjoying this. They had worked together in the Breeder's Club enough for him to feel a sense of responsibility toward her.

With that in mind, he stepped forward, cutting between the bickering pair. "How about I take the role instead?" he suggested. "I mean, I don't see why none of your classmates would want to play a cool Pokémon."

To emphasize, he mimicked Lucario's stance—arms crossed, legs apart, eyes sharp, a perfect impression of the aloof yet powerful Pokémon standing in the corner.

Harley blinked in surprise before breaking into a grin. "Right! Let's go!"

Without warning, he moved behind Ash and began comically pushing him toward the door. "Bye, May! Say hi to Drew for me!" he called just as he and Ash disappeared outside.

"As if!" May yelled, her irritation evident. She huffed as Alain followed them out, leaving her alone in the shed.

She sighed. "I hope Ash will be fine," she muttered, knowing firsthand how pushy Harley could be—he had just demonstrated it quite literally. A flash of memory of previous embarrassments added to her irritation.

A sudden clatter caught her attention, and she turned to see several Pokémon playing with the now-empty bowls Ash had left behind. Her shoulders slumped. "Great… Now I have to finish our task alone."

(๑• .̫ •ू๑)

As Ash followed Alain and Harley to a different building, he decided to ask something that had been on his mind. "So… how often do you guys rehearse for the play?" He hoped it wouldn't take too much time away from his club.

"About twice a week," Alain answered. "But that'll probably increase as the festival gets closer. We've got less than a month left."

Harley waved a dismissive hand. "Don't worry, dear. I'll write a formal letter to your club advisor after I get the student council's approval. Can't have them thinking we just stole a first-year away." He winked.

Ash wasn't sure if that was meant to be reassuring or not, but at least he'd be spending time with third-years. Maybe he'd learn something advanced from them.

Soon, the three arrived at an indoor training field, where the air buzzed with activity. Students were scattered around in various rehearsals—some practicing lines, others mimicking Pokémon battle stances.

Harley gestured dramatically. "Here we are, kid!"

Ash raised an eyebrow. "I'm just two years younger than you."

Harley ignored him completely. "I'll be off to the student council office. Shouldn't be an issue—our vice class rep is on the council, after all." He turned to Alain. "You go ahead and introduce Ash to the one handling the Pokémon role training."

Before Alain could even acknowledge the request, Harley twirled away and left.

Alain sighed, then looked at Ash with a smirk. "Get ready," he said. "You're about to find out why none of our classmates wanted to play Sir Aaron's Lucario."

Something in Alain's tone made Ash gulp.

Alain led him across the field to a group of students catching their breath after an intense practice session. At the center of it all stood a tall girl, slightly taller than Ash, with long blonde hair tied in a high ponytail that reached past her waist. Her bangs split in the middle, framing her face, with a single strand falling between her sharp blue eyes. She looked… intense.

"Korrina!" Alain called out.

The group around her practically collapsed in exhaustion, seizing the chance to rest while she turned toward them. One student lay face-first on the floor, mumbling, "I'm free…" before rolling away. Another weakly fist-bumped the air in triumph.

Alain introduced her. "This is Korrina. She's in charge of training the Pokémon role actors. Korrina, this is Ash. He's taking over for Damian as Sir Aaron's Lucario."

Korrina's eyes lit up. "Oh, awesome!"

Before Ash could say anything, she grabbed his wrist and pulled him toward the group. "Alright, everyone, listen up!" she announced. "Ash here is stepping in for Damian, so you guys keep working on your fight scenes—I need to give him a crash course on his role."

Some students exchanged knowing glances, noting Ash's signature yellow tie—a clear marker of his first-year status—but none said a word. Instead, they took the opportunity to slip away before Korrina could rope them into more training.

Ash barely noticed, too focused on Korrina as she suddenly launched into a rapid series of martial arts movements, striking against an invisible opponent with precision.

Ash blinked. "Whoa…" he muttered. It was impressive, sure—but also way too sudden.

Korrina spun back toward him. "Alright! Your turn!"

Ash hesitated. "Uh… could you do that one more time? Maybe… slower? And shorter?"

Korrina frowned. "Huh? That was already slow." She folded her arms. "I grew up training with a Riolu—it evolved into a Lucario just before I transferred here last year. This is the speed we practice at. If anything, that was me going easy."

Ash felt his stomach drop.

"Don't worry," Korrina continued, grinning. "I'm gonna make sure you get this down exactly how I picture it!"

Ash muttered under his breath, "Now I really get why no one wanted the role…"

A few students nearby snickered at his suffering. One even whispered, "RIP, first-year."

Korrina raised an eyebrow. "What was that?"

Ash straightened up, slapping on an overly enthusiastic grin. "I said, let's get started, ma'am!"

Korrina beamed. "That's more like it!" She immediately launched into another sequence—this time, incorporating moves that mimicked a Lucario dodging an Aura Sphere and holding a battle-ready posture. Her pace quickened, and Ash found himself straining to keep up, his body already aching from the previous rounds.

Several students watched from the sidelines as Ash struggled to match Korrina's pace. It wasn't just difficult—it was brutal. She was supposed to be slowing down for him, but instead, she seemed to be getting faster. The moment Ash started to grasp a sequence, she'd transition into another move, leaving him scrambling to follow.

"I swear she's testing him," one student murmured.

"No way, she's just like that," another whispered back.

It wasn't a surprise to anyone that Korrina had been chosen to coach the Pokémon role actors. She never stopped talking about her Lucario and how they trained together back in Kalos. If anyone knew how a Lucario should move, it was her. But that also meant she had high expectations, especially for the one playing Sir Aaron's Lucario. She couldn't take the role herself—she had already been cast as Queen Rin—but that didn't mean she'd go easy on whoever had to fill the part.

Even Alain, who had been observing with his arms crossed, shook his head at Korrina's enthusiasm. 'At least Ash isn't giving up,' he thought.

That was already more than he could say for most of their classmates. But Alain only hoped Ash would manage to keep up and actually sell the role decently. They really didn't need any more setbacks.

But to everyone's surprise, an hour and a half later, Ash was still standing. Not just standing—performing.

By now, he was moving through a martial arts sequence of his own, his body flowing between attacks and stances, though still at a beginner's pace. Sweat dripped from his forehead, trailing down his face and soaking into his already damp shirt, but he barely noticed. A small smile tugged at his lips. He was actually starting to enjoy this—even if every muscle in his body screamed in protest.

Korrina, watching him, nodded approvingly. His movements weren't as fast or refined as hers, but he carried himself with genuine intent to learn. It was a far cry from her classmates' strained, half-hearted motions, weighed down by their own disinterest in the art.

She smoothly tossed a towel toward him, landing it right on his head. "Wow, Ash, you're learning fast," she said, handing him a bottle of water.

Ash took a quick drink before setting the bottle down and using the towel to wipe the sweat from his face. "Thanks, Korrina. I'm just following your instructions."

Korrina grinned. "Don't get carried away—we've barely started."

Before Ash could respond, a loud clap echoed through the training hall.

"Alright, fairies, that's it for today!" Harley announced, hands on his hips. "We'll continue working on individual scenes tomorrow and put everything together as we go. We can't expect things to be perfect right away, but we should focus on making improvements. See you tomorrow, darlings!"

Ash blinked. "And all of a sudden, I'm a fairy now," he muttered under his breath, earning a laugh from Korrina.

"You'll get used to him," Korrina assured him. "Though don't let Harley push you around too much—he tends to forget boundaries." She made sure to speak just a little louder than necessary.

Harley, who had been casually slinging his bag over his shoulder, shot her a knowing smirk. "Says the one who overworks our classmates with Pokémon roles."

Ash chuckled to himself—both of them had valid points.

Korrina waved a hand dismissively. "Just go home already. You need your beauty rest."

Harley touched his cheek dramatically. "That, I will. But first—" He turned to Ash, who was taking another sip from his water bottle. "How's the newbie holding up?"

Korrina crossed her arms. "He's doing fine. Just needs more practice. We'll work on it—he doesn't have much dialogue anyway. Just a few 'roars' here and 'barks' there. So we can mostly focus on making good fight scenes."

"As is the case with the other Pokémon roles," Harley noted with a shrug. "Alright, good job today, Ash. And thanks for volunteering. Tell May we could still squeeze her into the cast if she wants—maybe as a tree or a blade of grass." He laughed as he walked away, punctuating his exit with a final dramatic flourish: "Lucario of the Year, anyone?"

Ash shook his head in amusement. "Uh-huh. Thanks, Harley."

Korrina rolled her eyes but smirked.

Ash turned to her. "I should get going too—I left my bag in my club. Didn't have the chance to grab it earlier…" He trailed off, remembering how Harley had quite literally pushed him out of the building.

Korrina nodded, and the two walked out together. They exchanged waves before parting ways outside.

(๑• .̫ •ू๑)

As Ash made his way back to the school ranch, he found himself reflecting on the day. The sudden change in his routine had been refreshing. This would only last for a month, so he might as well enjoy it.

Beyond that, Ash realized just how much he needed this martial arts training with Korrina. Seeing her intensity reminded him of how strong he needed to be—not just in Pokemon battle, but physically as well. Strength wasn't just about commanding powerful Pokémon; it was about endurance, discipline, and pushing past his limits. If he wanted to stand against true challenges, he couldn't rely on talent and determination alone—he had to sharpen his body just as much as his mind.

His thoughts drifted back to Shamouti Island—to the fight with Team Rocket, where he had found himself in direct combat. There would be times when he couldn't always rely on Pikachu or any of his future Pokémon. Some situations might require him to take action—just like when he had faced that Dragonite and Machoke.

Before he knew it, he was back at the school ranch. He spotted his book on the table where he had left it earlier. Opening it, he flipped through the pages until he reached the section titled:

Aura Augmentation

Ash exhaled. "Nah, this is way too advanced for now." He leaned back slightly, tapping the page with his finger. "I haven't even confirmed if I have strong enough Aura to use. I still can't get a grip on that sensing exercise…"

He sighed, closing the book. "All the more reason to keep trying, then. Until I find a more definitive way to tell if I can actually use Aura. It wouldn't hurt to try."

With that, he made his way to the club's locker area.

Just as he was about to leave, Brock called out to him.

"Hey, Ash," Brock said, glancing at the book just before Ash slid it into his bag. "I got Harley's formal request for your temporary absence from our club for rehearsals—along with the student council's approval."

Ash nodded. "Will that be okay with you, sir?" He knew Brock still had the final say in the matter.

Brock studied him for a moment. "Are you enjoying yourself with them?"

"Yes, sir," Ash replied. He hesitated for a beat before adding, "Just as much as I enjoy being in our club." He wanted to assure Brock that he wasn't abandoning his duties.

Brock smiled. "Good. I have no problem with it." Then, his expression turned curious. "Any progress with your Aura?"

Ash shook his head. "None yet, sir. But I don't plan on giving up. Maybe I just need more time to practice the exercises I read about."

Brock chuckled. "I figured you wouldn't give up so quickly."

They talked for a few more minutes about club matters before finally locking up for the night.

The last wisps of winter clung to the air, sending a lingering chill through the campus. As Ash stepped outside, he pulled his jacket a little tighter and stretched his arms, feeling the strain of the day's training. In that quiet moment, he couldn't help but think, 'Tomorrow will be another day of practice. And who knows? Maybe Korrina has a few more surprises in store.'

And he was ready for it.

(๑• .̫ •ू๑)

The next day, after class, Ash decided to make a quick stop at the Breeder's Club before heading to the play rehearsal hall. Even if he didn't have time to stay long, he still wanted to log his visit in the club's logbook and see if there was anything small he could help with.

As he walked through the locker area, he spotted May gathering some of her things. He hesitated for a moment, debating whether to tell her about Harley's remark from yesterday—how she was still welcome to join the play as a "tree" or "blade of grass." Ultimately, he decided against it. There was no point in stirring up something unnecessary.

Instead, he simply said, "Hey, May."

She looked up and greeted him back before quickly asking, "So, how did it go yesterday?"

Ash shrugged. "Not bad, actually. I kind of enjoyed it. I'll be heading back in a bit—I already committed to the role, after all."

May sighed in relief. "Thanks for that. Harley was going to force me into it, but thankfully, you took his attention off me."

"Don't mention it. Honestly, I was just curious why nobody wanted the role in the first place," Ash admitted, remembering Korrina's antics. "And, well… now I know why."

May tilted her head, about to ask what he meant, but Ash beat her to a question of his own. "By the way, what did Harley say to almost force you into accepting? Did I miss something?"

May's grip on her bag strap tightened ever so slightly. "Ah—uh, well—um, I'm actually in a bit of a rush! Sir Brock's waiting for me in one of the sheds!" she stammered before quickly turning on her heel and walking away.

Ash frowned slightly as he watched her leave. Something about her reaction didn't sit right with him. It wasn't like May to get that flustered over a simple question. Still, if she didn't want to talk about it, he wouldn't press.

He exhaled, heading to the table to log his visit. As he finished, the front door swung open, and Brock stepped inside, just arriving.

(๑• .̫ •ू๑)

At the rehearsal hall, Ash and Korrina were practicing a battle sequence. They clashed their props—a wooden staff for Ash and a dulled training sword for Korrina—executing a series of fast-paced strikes.

Just as Ash was about to block Korrina's next swing, a voice suddenly spoke from right behind her.

"Hey."

Korrina yelped and stumbled forward, startled. Fortunately, Ash instinctively reached out and caught her wrist, helping her regain her balance.

Recovering quickly, she scowled and instinctively kicked backward.

"Whoa!" A green-haired boy jumped back, barely avoiding her foot.

"Huh?! Conway!" Korrina exclaimed, glaring at him. "How many times do we have to tell you to stop sneaking up on people like that?!"

She gestured toward the rest of the class, who all nodded in agreement.

"And how many times do WE have to tell you to stop kicking around whenever you get spooked?" Conway retorted, adjusting his glasses with one hand while holding a PVC pipe—modified with electronic attachments—with the other.

He turned to Ash. "So, you're the Ash that Harley recruited? I remember seeing you in a training battle before."

Ash perked up, not entirely sure which battle Conway was referring to, but it still felt nice to be recognized. Then, he recalled something else. "Oh! And you were the student who interviewed us that time about Team Rocket trying to steal the school's Pokémon. You're the Journalism Club president, right?"

Conway smirked, clearly pleased by the recognition. "Yep. Before I got dragged away by that hyperactive Barry. Oh, and I also managed to secure a spot in the Student Council with him." He adjusted his glasses again. "In fact, I'm the one who approved Harley's request to let you participate in the festival."

Korrina rolled her eyes. "Great. Now that you two are all caught up, can you finally tell us what you need, Conway?"

Conway sighed dramatically. "So impatient, as always." Then, he lifted the modified PVC pipe. "This is what I've been working on as the one in charge of practical effects."

He pointed it away from them and pressed a trigger. A muffled boom sounded as a concentrated blue smoke ball launched from the pipe, traveling at an impressive speed before hitting the far wall. Upon impact, the sphere expanded and burst in a ripple effect, dispersing harmlessly into the air.

Ash and Korrina watched, stunned. Then, in unison, they said, "An Aura Sphere."

Conway grinned. "Exactly. I can just hide in the background, time Ash's movements, and—bam! A practical Aura Sphere!"

Korrina smirked. "I can't believe you actually did something right, Conway."

"That's not really the best way to acknowledge his work," Ash chided, shaking his head. He walked closer, eyes gleaming with curiosity. "This is amazing. Can I see it?"

Conway nodded, "Of course. Unlike some people, I know a fellow enthusiast when I see one."

Now up close, he noticed the slight hum coming from the device as Conway handed it to him. The material was sturdy but surprisingly lightweight, and there was a faint warmth from the electronic modifications along the side.

Ash's fingers traced the trigger mechanism as he studied it with fascination. "How does it keep the smoke compressed until impact?"

Conway's smirk widened. "Ah, now that is a trade secret."

Korrina scoffed and turned away. "Boys and their toys," she muttered with mock disinterest, though there was an amused glint in her eyes.

Ash ignored the comment, too fascinated by the device in his hands. He was starting to think this play might be even more exciting than he initially thought.

(๑• .̫ •ू๑)

A/N: I hope that even with these past few chapters being packed with club activities, natural friendship interactions, and the introduction of both new and familiar characters, it's still clear that the plot is steadily moving forward. Ash is growing—he's far from a passive character. He chose on his own to help Charmander and search for its trainer, he sought out a book on Aura and is actively trying the exercises, and he even stepped in for May when she needed support. He's training both his body and mind, pushing himself forward through sheer determination and a willingness to take on new challenges.

Bloddymoon, BNRBC, Guipa, Guest:

Regarding the shipping discussions—don't worry, there's no real pressure on me to decide anything. I specifically chose Dawn, Chloe, and Serena for various reasons. Each of them plays a significant role in Ash's development.

•Dawn's energy blends well with Ash's desire for adventure.

•Chloe's intellect resonates with Ash's drive for self-improvement.

•Serena's kindness complements Ash's selflessness.

I genuinely enjoy writing all of them. They help me a lot in introducing new things to Ash.

There's also Melody from the Shamouti arc—I didn't want her to be just a plot device. Instead, I gave her a role that echoes Ash's belief in hard work rather than relying on destiny.

And then there's his mentorship with Korrina, helping fuel his determination to grow physically stronger as well.

Thanks for reviewing! It's great to know that people notice the details I've put effort into. It really helps fight off that lingering doubt about whether I'm writing things the right way.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy watching Ash's School Life unfold!