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Chapter Text

Four years prior to when he began his Pokémon journey, a six-year-old Ash rushes downstairs to show his mother a poster advertising Professor Oak's Pokémon camp.

Ash: Mommy! Can I go? Please!

Delia: Well Ash, you've asked me the same thing every summer for 2 years now, what do you think I'll say?

Ash: Is that a yes?

Delia: yes, dear, you can go.

Ash: Yay! I can't wait to see all those pokemon! And I'll get to see Chloe too!

Several weeks later, Professor Oak's camp begins, and little Ash is looking around for his friend, and then he spots her.

Ash: Chloe! Over here

Little Chloe spots Ash and runs over to him, and the two excitedly chatter, a pretty adorable sight to see.

Professor Oak sees that everyone is here, so he decides to set off

During the trip, the kids and Oak observe a young Trainer catching herself a Caterpie. Throughout the day, Ash awes at every Pokemon he sees, identifying every Pokémon in sight. While the other kids are impressed, Chloe gets jealous and orders Ash to allow Professor Oak to do the talking instead. However, Ash continues to speak out about his adoration for Pokemon.

While Oak leads the group over a bridge, Ash and Chloe lag behind.

Chloe: Ash, maybe you should focus on making some other friends.

Ash: but Chloe! all these Pokemon are my friends!

The cry of a Nidoking attracts their attention, and Ash hones in on Nidoking's opponent, a Mew. Nidoking uses Earth Power, but Mew simply Teleports to evade. Mew replies with the same move, which easily hits the Nidoking. As Nidoking attempts a Sludge Wave, Mew Teleports away again before retaliating with the same move once again. Nidoking becomes frustrated and launches a Fire Blast at his shifty opponent, though Mew again evades and proceeds to defeat Nidoking with its own Fire Blast. Chloe and Ash are impressed by the mysterious Pokémon, and they give chase as it flies away. In their search, the pair come across a Magmar, though Mew quickly Transforms to its regular form to reveal itself. Mew leaves yet again with Ash and Chloe in pursuit, transforming into a Tauros to run across the land before changing into a Lapras to travel downstream.

Mew overhears Ash and Chloe’s voices and flies away. Afterward, Professor Oak rushes towards the two kids, relieved to have finally found them. While returning to the rest of the group, Oak speculates they encountered a Mew, a Mythical Pokémon believed to contain the genes of all Pokémon.

Ash: Oh man! I hope me and Mew become friends someday! Maybe I'll be friends with all pokemon

Chloe: Sure....

Evenually Oak brings the kids back to his labs and they all go home, Ash and Chloe say goodbye, expecting to see each other at this same camp the very next year

But that year came, and Ash attended camp alone, he didn't know why Chloe didn't show up, he tried to make the best of it, he even met another girl who hurt her leg when he was chasing a Poliwag, his journey started on his 10th birthday, and he tried looking for Chloe, but came up empty handed, he only knew her name and her looks, he vaugely remembered that he father is a professor but he can't remember her last name, evenually Ash moved on, traveled the world and won the Alola league, but he'll never forget his first true friend, and he hoped that one day he'd find her, little did he know, that day came after he came home from Alola.

Chapter Text

10 years later, The morning alarm sounds, waking Pikachu up from his sleep, but a 16 year old Ash remains asleep. As Pikachu walks over to turn the alarm off, Ash grabs the Poké Ball-shaped device and throws it at the wall in his sleep. With the alarm clock broken, Pikachu resorts to zapping Ash to get him up, but this also fails. Soon, Delia enters the room.

Delia: Ash, are you still asleep? You have to get to Professor Oak's lab!

Ash finally wakes up in a state of panic before he and Pikachu rush off to the Lab.

Ash and Pikachu arrive at the lab, where they greet Professor Oak just as he is packing his car. Oak reveals that a new Professor is opening a lab in Vermilion City, and invites Ash to attend the opening ceremony. Ash enthusiastically agrees to come along, as does Delia and Mimey. Delia admits she is looking forward to doing some shopping in Vermilion, much to Ash's disappointment. During the cross-country road trip, Ash is thrilled to see all the wild Pokémon and is determined as ever to become a Pokémon Master alongside Pikachu.

Oak pulls up in front of the Cerise Laboratory, dropping off Ash and Delia while he looks for a parking spot. Eager to have a look around, Ash rushes up the fleet of steps only to be stopped by a yapping Yamper. Ash, however, is overcome by the Electric puppy's cuteness and tries to pat it. He eventually catches it, only to receive an electric shock for his efforts. Yamper spots Pikachu and instantly takes a liking to him. After a day at school, Chloe stumbles upon the scene.

Chloe: Yamper, did you do this?

Yamper barks in response, wishing to be praised

Chloe: no, Yamper, bad! We don't shock people!

Chloe reaches a hand out to Ash

Chloe: Sorry about my Yamper-

Ash: Oh thanks, It's really okay I-

The two's eyes meet, and memories fill their minds

Ash: Chloe?!

Chloe: Ash!?!

The two catch up, Chloe learns of Ash being Alola Champion, Ash learns Chloe's in school and has her first Pokemon, Yamper.

Inside the Cerise Laboratory, Professor Cerise, with his two assistants, Chrysa and Ren, as well as Professor Oak on stage, welcomes the gathered press to his laboratory. Cerise explains that his Institute aims to understand everything about Pokémon to better understand the world. Meanwhile, Ash and Chloe talk.

Cerise receives an alert, and after some analysis of the humidity and wind speeds, he deduces that a rare Pokémon will arrive at the Vermilion Harbor in 20 minutes. Ash rushes off to investigate further, Chloe follows, wanting to see her friend, the Alola Champion in action, and much of the crowd follows, suspecting it might be a Legendary Pokémon. Suddenly, a swirling dark cloud appears over the harbor and a Lugia roars into view. Other expectant Trainers call on their Pokémon to take on the Legendary in a Raid Battle, but Lugia's power easily takes out all of its opponents. Lugia lands by a pier to rest momentarily, though its break is interrupted by a battle challenge from Ash. Pikachu leaps into action, launching a Thunderbolt. Lugia shakes the attack off and replies with a flash of Aeroblast before flying off.

Ash and Chloe remain determined, both leaping from ledges to land on Lugia. Chloe grabs a hold of Lugia's tail, while Ash and Pikachu struggle to hold onto one of Lugia's legs. The two Trainers help each other onto Lugia's back. Lugia, however, doesn't seem to mind having passengers. Abruptly, Lugia flies up even higher to join a flock of passing Fearow. As Ash and Chloe admire the altitude, Lugia descends suddenly towards the ocean. The teens shriek as they anticipate the hard landing, but Lugia uses Hydro Pump to blast a hole into the water surface. Lugia soars through the wall of water and into the oceanic depths, teeming with Water Pokémon. A school of Horsea take the teens by surprise, almost causing Ash and Chloe to run out of air. Luckily, Lugia emerges from the water and take to the sky once again. Chloe is pleasantly surprised as Ash marvels over the wonders of Pokémon, blushing a bit. Suddenly, Lugia tips its passengers off, and they land in a field of flowers. Lugia promptly leaves while Chloe and Ash wave the Legendary goodbye. The pair enjoy the moment, but then realize they don't know where they are or how to get back to Vermilion.

By evening, the two teens finally arrive back at the Cerise Laboratory. There, Yamper enthusiastically greets Chloe and Pikachu. Inside, Ash reveals that Lugia took a liking to them, and Chloe soon comes to the same conclusion as well. Cerise is impressed by the teens insights and proposes they become research fellows at his lab. Ash doesn't quite understand, so Cerise elaborates that he wants them to meet Pokémon. Chloe accepts the honor, but only agreeing to work on days she doesn't have school, while Ash is excited by the future ahead. Delia reminds her son that commuting between Pallet Town and Vermilion City will be tough. At this, Professor Cerise presents the teens with their very own dorm room. The solution is a hit as the two childhood friends are excited to be roomies. Delia also decides that Mimey should also stay at the Cerise Laboratory to keep Ash out of trouble. As Delia and Oak prepare to drive back to Pallet Town, Delia tells her son to eat his vegetables and brush his teeth, to which Ash embarrassedly accepts, but he trties to get his mom to stop talking since he doesn't want to make a bad impression to Chloe, he doesn't know why, but he values what she thinks. Delia also asks Chloe to look out for Ash, much to his embarrassment, again, for some reason he can't explain, he wants to be the one to protect Chloe, not the other way around. Delia then leaves with Professor Oak.

Chapter Text

As Chloe brushes her teeth, she ignores Ash, who is rapidly brushing his own teeth by shaking his head from side to side. Later, Chloe rushes off in a hurry to see Professor Cerise in the lab. She shows him a news article out of Galar that mentions a phenomenon that causes Pokémon to grow giant, intriguing Ash.

Chloe: Can we please go dad?

Ash: Yeah, please!

Professor Cerise: Alright, alright, you two can go.

Ash and Chloe arrive at Wyndon through a plane and train ride. Upon arriving, Chloe takes a moment to check her Rotom Phone for the station concierge where they learn that the next train to the Wild Area is three hours away. Chloe is keen to get going right away, but the option of a bus, which is six hours away, leaves the teens stuck in Wyndon for the time being. Ash suggests they find a place to eat, and he soon locates a store using his sense of smell. They buy a heap of Galar's famous scones. While enjoying the treats, two stones are thrown overhead, hitting a nearby bin. Pikachu goes over to investigate while Chloe and Ash zero in on the culprit - a mischievous Scorbunny. While the teens are distracted trying to get a shot of Scorbunny, a group of Nickit pilfer through Ash's bag for food. The Nickit run off with Ash's backpack, and Scorbunny also makes a getaway. Realizing the Pokémon are working together, Ash andChloe chase them down an alleyway. The teens fall for Scorbunny's bike bell distraction, allowing the Nickit to get further away. Chloe and Ash decide to split up to cover more ground.

Ash soon spots a series of footprints left by Scorbunny down one of the laneways, while Chloe is only finding dead ends. Ash calls Chloe to alert her of the find, and together they spy on Scorbunny and the Nickit. Chloe takes the opportunity to scan Nickit with her Pokédex function, learning that it is a talented scavenger thanks to the soft pads on its feet. Though the device is unable to recognize Scorbunny, with the prospect of an entirely new species exciting the teens. Meanwhile, Scorbunny splits the spoils, and the Pokémon enjoy the scones. Chloe, however, is furious and her comment is heard by Scorbunny. Realizing she has been found out, Chloe rushes out of hiding to approach Scorbunny. However, the Rabbit Pokémon kicks Ash's backpack sky high and out of Ash's reach, much to his fustration at Chloe for making herself found, though he can't stay mad for long. Scorbunny turns its attention to Chloe, though Yamper blocks its incoming Double Kick. Chloe decides to battle Scorbunny, wantong to impress Ash, so she orders Yamper to use Bite. Scorbunny makes a stealthy dodge with Quick Attack, running up a wall before striking down at its opponent, though Yamper dodges. Yamper replies with a Spark, but Scorbunny speeds off, only to run into a bin. Chloe calls for an Roar which shakes Scorbunny,making it fall and defeating it. As Chloe and Yamper celebrate their win, Scorbunny is frustrated by the loss. Pikachu scales a light pole and throws Ash's backpack down to its rightful owner. Ash turns his attention to Scorbunny, but the Pokémon kicks Chloe from behind in revenge. Pikachu promptly shocks Scorbunny and Chloe to settle the situation.

Ash: Wow, you hit hard, that's impressive!

The Pokémon seems chuffed by the compliment, rubbing its face to reveal some of its naturally white fur underneath the soot, much to Ash's surprise.

The scone man from earlier yells at the Nickit for running off with his scones. He corners the Nickit trio in an alleyway, and lifts Scorbunny up by the ears as it tries to intervene. Ash rushes in, apologizing on behalf of "his" Scorbunny's actions. Everyone returns to the scone shop, with Scorbunny and its Nickit friends receiving some complimentary scones. Ash is taken aback as the man says he knew that Ash lied about "Scorbunny". Learning of the Rabbit Pokémon's species name, Ash looks Scorbunny up on his Rotom Phone with a voice command, and is perplexed as to why this Scorbunny is brown instead of white in color. The scone man suggests Scorbunny deliberately covered itself in dirt to fit in with its urban surrounds and the Nickit. He reveals that Scorbunny and its friends have been affecting his business for some time. Hearing this, Ash confronts Scorbunny directly.

Ash: Y'know bud, with those legs, you can do alot more than just steal, maybe you should travel, see the world?

Chloe is immediately alarmed, and as feared, Scorbunny goes on to kick her from behind.

Ash soon realizes that it is time for them to get the train, so they rush off, leaving Scorbunny. The Nickit see that something has awakened within Scorbunny and urge their friend to follow after Ash. Scorbunny refuses and begins to walk away. The Nickit respond by picking Scorbunny up with their tails and carrying it directly to Wyndon Station. Ash and Chloe soon board, while the Nickit toss Scorbunny onto the train just before it departs. In honor of the friend, the Nickit kick a drink can directly into a bin and tease it with a tail wag and pulling of the eye. Scorbunny tears up at the gesture before the doors close shut and the train leaves the station. Scorbunny starts to clean the dirt off itself as its new life begins. Meanwhile, Ash and Chloe recount their encounter with Scorbunny and the Nickit back to the Cerise Laboratory. Cerise thanks the teens for the update and wishes them luck during their time in the Wild Area.

Chapter Text

Aboard a train to the Wild Area, Scorbunny stares out into the countryside before searching for Ash. It soon locates Ash and Chloe eating in a dining car, but the teens are too deep in conversation to notice Scorbunny leaping up to get their attention. Scorbunny walks off in frustration and takes some food off a nearby cart. After a bite, it kicks the fruit away; however, it strikes a passing waiter who loses his balance and accidentally knocks the tray of food over.

The train stops at a station, where Ash and Chloe get off. Scorbunny wakes up but is too weary to hop off. It panics as soon as it spots Ash on the platform, but the doors seal shut and the train takes off again. Scorbunny eventually locates an open window and leaps to freedom. It readies itself before running on the tracks back towards the Wild Area station. Meanwhile, Chloe approaches a concierge for more information about the Dynamax phenomena, and the concierge directs them to follow the red lights. After some exploration and snapshots, Ash and Chloe soon come across a set of crossing signals.

Ash: Maybe these are the lights the concierge was talking about

Chloe: No, it can't be.

They leap over the tracks and rush towards a napping Snorlax. Chloe pulls out her Rotom Phone and begins recording details on Snorlax. After analyzing Snorlax, the teens are left disappointed by the lack of interaction. Meanwhile, Scorbunny is thrilled to finally see Ash again and rushes over to greet him. However, Ash and Chloe are too occupied by Snorlax. Scorbunny responds by kicking a stone, which ricochets off Ash's head and knocks a Sitrus Berry out of a tree and directly into the sleeping Snorlax's mouth. Snorlax chews the fruit and spits out the seed before returning to its slumber. Ash tries to nurse his sore head and as he turns to Chloe he spots Scorbunny. Ash and Chloe instantly recognize it as the very same Scorbunny they met yesterday, and are pleased to see that it has cleaned itself up. As Scorbunny affirms that it has been following them.

Ash: Say, if you've been following us since then, does that mean you wanna join my team?

Scorbunny hops up and down in excitement, confirming Ash's theory, and he readys a Poke Ball

Ash: Alright-

Suddenly, mysterious red lights appear and float towards Snorlax. A burst of energy engulfs Snorlax, causing it to swell to enormous proportions before it emerges in its Gigantamax form. Chloe is quick to point out that Snorlax is now blocking the train tracks, adding that a train is due to pass through in the next eight minutes. Ash has Pikachu use Thunderbolt, but Snorlax is only mildly disturbed and fires off a Hyper Beam in its sleep. Ash resorts to yelling but quickly shelves that idea when Chloe points out the giant berry growing from the tree now sprouting from Snorlax. Chloe figures that Snorlax will wake up if they feed it the berry. Ash is all in and begins to climb on Snorlax and onto its tree. Chloe clambers up with some struggle, before ordering Ash to drop the berry. However, Pikachu's Iron Tail fails to cut through the thick stem and now only four minutes remain before the train arrives. Ash leaps onto the berry, and using his added weight he swings the berry as Pikachu attacks the stem with a flurry of Iron Tails. The berry drops as planned, but gets caught up in the growing shrubs. Chloe tries to push the berry, but his might isn't enough. As the crossing signals sound, the situation grows tense. Luckily, Scorbunny leaps in to help. Ash notices Scorbunny's feet digging into the ground as it tries to push the berry. He recalls Scrobunny's powerful kicks and orders it to use Double Kick. Scorbunny follows suit and the force is enough to cause the berry to rolls towards Snorlax's mouth. Snorlax leaps upwards to grab the berry, and as it plummets, the shockwave stops the approaching train.

Ash realizes Snorlax must have also swallowed Scorbunny, but he is reunited with his friend after Snorlax returns to its usual form. Ash thanks Scorbunny for its help, pointing out that its Double Kick saved the train. Scorbunny is overwhelmed by the compliments.

Ash: Now, let's finsh what I started!

Ash throws a Poke Ball, and catches Scorbunny

Ash and Chloe later return to the Cerise Laboratory. They update Professor Cerise on their adventures with a Gigantamax Snorlax. Yamper runs in and starts barking at Scorbunny, though Pikachu quickly settles the situation. Scorbunny is left feeling jealous of the Electric duo's playful friendship, so it returns to Ash for comfort. Cerise is confused to see Scorbunny. Ash grins as he says.

Ash: Scorbunny is my new Pokemon!

Chapter Text

At the Cerise Laboratory, Mimey leads the rest of the group through some morning kung fu exercises.

Chloe gets a big surprise when Ash tosses her bag to her.

Ash: Chloe, we're going to Hoenn!

They arrive at the Hoenn Battle Frontier, in time to compete in the Battle Frontier Flute Cup. Ash plans on entering with Pikachu and Scorbunny while Chloe hopes Yamper will do fine on it's own. Chloe isn't feeling as enthusiastic as Ash.

The teens meet a Trainer named Hodge, who is riding on his Hariyama's shoulder. He orders Ash to move away from the bins. Hodge has Hariyama lean forward, so he can throw away a drink bottle, only to fall face-first into the bin. Ash pushes the bottle into the recycle bin and is left stunned by Hodge's quick recovery. Afterward, Hodge introduces himself, revealing he is from Lavaridge Town. Hodge reveals that he is also entering the Flute Cup,revealing that he will be using Hariyama and Mightyena.

Soon, Hodge gets an update on his phone, and he learns that he is up against Chloe in the first round. The Battle Frontier Flute Cup soon gets underway, with Hodge’s Mightyena battling Chloe's Yamper. Chloe decides to play it safe by having Yamper attack from afar using Spark. Though Mightyena just rushes in, dealing a single knockout blow with Fire Fang. Chloe is left speechless by the defeat, and kneels down to comfort her fainted Pokémon. Despite Yamper making an instant recovery after a visit to the Pokémon Center, Chloe is struggling to cope with her swift loss.

Ash: Hey, I wasn't the best at battling either, I lost a bunch too! If you want maybe I could train-

Chloe: Y'know, Pokemon are just fine as pets, I don't know why you would want to battle with them!

Chloe rushes out, ignoring Ash's calls

Later, Ash and Hodge have breezed through the rounds and now face each other in the finals. Chloe returns to the stadium in time to watch the match unfold. Ash leads with Scorbunny, while Hodge chooses to go with Hariyama first. Hodge orders a Force Palm, which Scorbunny easily avoids. Hariyama starts firing out a barrage of Force Palms, but Scorbunny continues to dodge them all with its quick feet. Ash calls for a Double Kick, and Scorbunny delivers a direct hit. Hariyama tries an Arm Thrust, but Scorbunny's small size and quick footwork make him dodge. and a few more moves are exchanged, before it results in a double KO. Chloe is starting to see why Ash enjoys battles, but she still has her doubts since Ash is also down to one Pokemon.

Hodge calls out his Mightyena. Ash sends Pikachu onto the field. Hodge starts with a Snarl, though Pikachu swiftly evades with Quick Attack and lashing Mightyena with an Iron Tail. As he descends back to the field, Pikachu uses Thunderbolt, which proves powerful enough to blow a hole in the stadium’s ceiling. Hodge calls for a Sucker Punch, so Mightyena speeds around Pikachu, almost invisible as it bides its time to attack. As Sucker Punch hits, Pikachu is thrown into the air. Ash orders an Electroweb aimed at the ceiling, allowing to rebound with added velocity. Pikachu uses Iron Tail to smash directly into his opponent, knocking Mightyena out and winning Ash the Flute Cup. Idol Hibana awards Ash a set of five flutes in honor of the victory. Hariyama stomps towards Ash at the winner’s podium, before Hodge offers a handshake. However, Hodge leans too far forward and hits the ground.

Chloe: Wow Ash! That was amazing, you battled just like a champion!

Ash: Heh, thanks Chloe...

Ash blushes at Chloe's words

Chloe: Y'know battles are really fun.

Ash: I know right!

By nightfall, the teens return to the Cerise Laboratory where Chloe asks something to Ash...

Chloe: Hey Ash, what were you gonna suggest before I stormed off?

Ash: Oh, well since you may need some help in battling, I was offereing to train you.

Chloe: Is that offer still on the table?

Ash lights up at this

Ash: Of course! We start tomorrow!

Chapter Text

Chloe is at school, the homeroom teacher asks her students to announce their dreams for the future. While much of the class is chatting away, Chloe isn’t so enthused. After a few moments to consider, the teacher calls for someone to go first. She selects Yeardley at random, and he admits that his dream is a work in progress, making the class laugh at the open-ended response. Chloe is next, and before she can speak, many of her classmates assume that she is just going to follow in her father's footsteps and become a Pokémon Professor. The class jeers at Chloe after she admits that she only has Yamper and has never battled before. Chloe starts contemplating whether she likes or dislikes Pokémon before the homeroom teacher intervenes and calls for the class to stop asking questions.

Later, Chloe is suttung outsdie during Lunch, trying to think about what happened back there, but she soon sees a shadow looming over her, and she looks up to see it's Ash, this catches her off guard and causes her to blush.

Ash: Hey, uh your mom said you forgot your lunch and your dad asked me to bring it to you..

Ash realizes something is up. The pair sits on a park bench to talk things over, and Chloe admits that she felt pressured by others to follow her father's footsteps and like Pokémon. Chloe admits she really doesn't know what she wants to do and turns to her friend to ask when he decided to become a Pokemon Master.

Ash: Well, so many people doubted me, they didn't know what a Pokemon Master was, and I wanted to give up back when I was young, but my mom stopped me, telling me I was still so young, and she was right, I hadn't even reached the double digits yet.

Chloe is surprised to learn of this

Ash: But even now her words still stand, we're only 16, we may not be little kids annymore, but we still have a lot of growing to do, I mean I'm trying to learn how to drive, so you have plenty of time to decide on what you wanna do.

Chloe smiles in agreement.

Chloe arrives from school, where she is greeted by Yamper. an inturder Gengar, however, is watching, and the Professor detects a drop in temperature coming from the lobby. Gengar unleashes a large Shadow Ball, though Yamper leaps in the way to defend Chloe from the attack. Chloe immediately scoops Yamper from the ground and prepares to get away, but Gengar is determined to stop her and blocks her path. As the Ghost-type charges up another Shadow Ball, Ash runs into the room with enough time for Pikachu to use Thunderbolt to defeat the attack. Gengar retaliates by immobilizing him and Pikachu with its telekinetic powers. Seeing Gengar's Cheshire grin, Yamper rebounds from the earlier blow and snarls at its foe. Professor Cerise barges into the room and calls for Yamper to use Spark. However, Yamper ignores the command and continues to snarl at Gengar. Cerise is certain that Yamper will listen to his daughter, so he orders Chloe to issue the command. She is reluctant, admitting that she has never called an attack before. Her father reminds her of the dire situation, and after some consideration, she orders Yamper to use Spark. Yamper charges straight through an oncoming Shadow Ball, sending Gengar out of the Laboratory. Everyone is relieved to see Gengar is gone, while Chloe and Yamper embrace each other in celebration.

That night, Yamper affectionately licks Chloe's face while in bed, and she doesn't seem to mind. Cerise and his wife peek through the doorway and are pleased to see their daughter is happy. Ash remarks that Gengar was a tough opponent. Chloe agrees, admitting that she hopes they’ll see it again as she may want a rematch. It turns out Gengar isn't completely gone, rather it is seen standing atop the Laboratory's spire awaiting its next moment to strike.

Chapter Text

At the Cerise Laboratory, Professor Cerise hands Ash and Chloe a ticket each to the World Coronation Series finals. Ren and Chrysa explain that, like Leagues around the world having a regional Champion, the World Coronation Series is where the Monarch is decided. Given that these are the finals, this means the winner will officially be the strongest Trainer in the world. Professor Cerise says that it takes place in Galar, hinting that the stadium where the battle takes place will be full of surprises.

As soon as Ash and Chloe's plane enters Galarian airspace, the lights inside the plane suddenly go out. As a stewardess tries to keep the passengers calm, Ash and Pikachu look out the window, sensing something coming closer. Just then, a giant Pokémon flies past the plane, its form obscured by the clouds. In response, Pikachu's tail sparks a little. As the Pokémon flies away and its silhouette disappears from view, the lights turn back on, leaving both Ash and Chloe excited about Galar's unsolved mysteries.

The plane soon lands in Galar, and a short bus ride later, Ash and Chloe arrive at their destination in Wyndon.

Ash: Hey, where's the stadium?

Chloe: Right infront of you!

Ash looks around, confused, until Chloe directs his head upwards, and Ash is completely blown away by the sheer size of Wyndon Stadium and he's jumping to the bits to see the match, and drags Chloe with him to the stadium. As the two take their seats, they're noticed by Team Rocket, who are sitting a few rows above them. However, unlike usual, they're not after Pikachu this time, having instead been assigned by Giovanni to capture Galar's gigantifying Pokémon, having even received a Rotom Phone for this purpose.

The lights in the stadium turn off and a colorful light show starts as the announcer welcomes the audience to the finals of the World Coronation Series. The top eight Trainers certified by the Pokémon Battle Commission, known as the "Masters Eight", have participated in a fierce tournament, and now, only two finalists remain to compete for the title of Monarch. The first finalist is Lance, a member of the Kanto Elite Four, the winner of the Driftveil City Pokémon World Tournament, an active member of the Pokémon G-Men, and an expert Dragon-type user. His opponent is Leon, Galar's undefeated Champion and superstar, who once defeated 100 challengers from all over the world. The referee, Dan, enters the field on his Aegislash and explains the rules: each side uses one Pokémon, and the battle is over when one side's Pokémon is unable to battle. Lance says that he's seen Leon's skills in his previous battles and expected him to get this far. Leon, in turn, talks how the audience can be a bit cruel, as they want nothing more than to see one of them lose. But he loves pushing through that fear to seize another victory. He says that his invincibility is the result of him learning from every battle he takes part in or sees. Lance declares that words are unnecessary, as it's time to battle and see which one of them is the stronger one.

Both Leon and Lance send out their Pokémon. Leon's choice is his ace, Charizard, while Lance sends out his Shiny Gyarados, much to Chloe and Ash's excitement. Dan gives the signal to start the battle, and Leon makes the first move, ordering a Flamethrower. Lance counters by ordering Gyarados to use Hyper Beam. The two attacks clash, until Gyarados's attack finally overpowers the Flamethrower, but Charizard successfully evades it, causing it to instead hit the audience safety barrier. While Gyarados is recharging, Leon takes the opportunity and tells Charizard to attack with Air Slash, but Lance, well aware of Hyper Beam's drawback, has Gyarados smack some rocks off of the battlefield to block the move. Leon orders another Flamethrower, but instead of blocking or dodging it, Lance orders Gyarados to use Dragon Dance, increasing its Attack power and Speed, at the cost of the Flamethrower making a direct hit. Lance orders Gyarados to use Aqua Tail, and the super-effective move scores a direct hit, knocking Charizard to the ground. Chloe realizes that Lance knew that since Flamethrower was not very effective on Gyarados, it was worth to take the hit while increasing Gyarados's power and speed.

Lance orders Gyarados to use Ice Fang repeatedly. Thanks to the boosts provided by Dragon Dance, Gyarados is able to rapidly attack Charizard multiple times in succession, dealing notable damage. Leon disrupts the rapid fire attack by having Charizard use Fire Spin, trapping Gyarados in a vortex of fire. Lance has Gyarados put out the flames with Aqua Tail, before resuming the Ice Fang assault. However, at that moment, Leon reveals his secret trump card and has Charizard use Thunder Punch, interrupting Gyarados's attack and inflicting great damage on the Atrocious Pokémon. Leon orders more Thunder Punches, but Gyarados blocks them all with Aqua Tails.

Both Leon and Lance are determined to keep the battle going and recall their Pokémon in preparation for their next moves. Lance activates the Dynamax Band on his wrist, causing Gyarados's Poké Ball to grow giant, before throwing it and sending out his now-Dynamaxed Gyarados. Ash and Goh are astounded to see Dynamaxing being used in Galarian Pokémon battles, and understand that this is what Professor Cerise had meant with the stadium being "full of surprises". Team Rocket is also excited to witness Dynamaxing with their own eyes. Leon responds to Lance's move by Gigantamaxing his Charizard, making the match a Dynamax battle.

Lance orders a Max Geyser, but Leon counters by having Charizard use Max Lightning, disrupting the Max Geyser and dealing massive damage on Gyarados. Lance follows up with Max Strike, which Leon counters by telling Charizard to use Max Airstream, which not only pushes Charizard out of the attack's way, but also hits Gyarados, dealing even more damage. Deciding to finish the match, Leon calls out for Charizard's signature G-Max Move, G-Max Wildfire. Lance desperately calls for a Max Guard, which successfully stops the G-Max Move. However, Leon's confidence remains unfaltering, and as soon as the Max Guard dissipates, G-Max Wildfire's secondary effect kicks in, engulfing Gyarados in flames to deal additional damage. Having already suffered a lot of damage in the battle, Gyarados is unable to withstand this and faints, reverting to its normal size as a result. Dan makes the official judgement, declaring Gyarados unable to battle and Leon the winner, making him the Monarch. In the stands, Ash and Chloe are amazed at Leon's strength.

Lance recalls his defeated Pokémon and smiles at Leon. Leon compliments Lance's Dynamax, and Lance reveals that he had once trained at Galar's Dragon Gym, and had been so influenced by the Gym's uniform and its rich history, that he had based his current outfit on it. He adds that while he lost, he's still happy to have witnessed the rise of a new Monarch. He raises Leon's hand in the air, officially announcing him as the Monarch. As the announcer soon reconfirms this statement, Ash declares that he wants to battle Leon, much to Chloe's surprise, sure he just became Alola champion, but Leon is different level of strength.

Outside the stadium, Team Rocket is also feeling excited about the battle they just witnessed, but realize that they must also get back to catching Pokémon. Just then, Wobbuffet notices something, and the trio sees a Drednaw emerging from behind a nearby bush. They use their Rotom Phone on it, but it doesn't provide them with much information of it. Still, they figure that since it's a Galar Pokémon, it must be able to grow giant, and they decide to capture it. As such, they call for Pelipper, who drops them the Rocket Prize Master. As has become a custom by now, they use Meowth's coin to vend some Pokémon, but only one Poké Ball comes out. James remembers how the last time they got only one Poké Ball, the Pokémon inside had turned out to be a Wailord. Jessie excitedly throws the Ball, only for just a small Bellsprout to emerge. The trio is dumbstruck, but Jessie nevertheless decides to go with what they have, and calls for a Power Whip. Despite its small size, Bellsprout quickly proves its strength by dealing heavy damage on Drednaw. Jessie tells Bellsprout to keep attacking, but Drednaw dodges the second Power Whip, causing it to hit the ground instead. From the forming cracks, a sudden red light emerges and engulfs Drednaw, causing it to Gigantamax, much to Team Rocket's horror. Jessie tries to throw a Poké Ball at it, but her throw is completely off and the Ball falls to the ground. With Bellsprout being too afraid to attack anymore, the Rocket trio is left with no choice but to flee into the stadium, with Drednaw following them by extending its long neck after them. Drednaw's head pushing through the narrow corridors results in the whole stadium shaking, causing panic inside.

Chapter Text

A Gigantamax Drednaw is rampaging at Wyndon Stadium. As its head enters the battlefield in pursuit of Team Rocket, Ash and Chloe decide to do something about the situation. They rush outside, where Drednaw has retracted its long neck and looks down on them. They try to tell it to calm down, but it just attacks them instead. Ash figures they must battle it to draw it away from the stadium. Chloe asks if he has any plans of how to fight a Dynamax Pokémon, and Ash casually answers that he doesn't, saying that it just gives them all the more reason to try. He tells Chloe that he can stand back, but she refuses to do so if Ash is fighting.

The two Trainers start attacking, but Pikachu's Thunderbolt, Scorbunny's Double Kick and Yamper's Spark do nothing against the giant Pokémon. As Drednaw extends its neck again, Ash tries to stop it with Pikachu's Electroweb, but it ends up only momentarily slowing Drednaw down, forcing Ash and Chloe to run. Drednaw chases them, but it soon extends its neck to its maximum length, preventing it from chasing them any further. The duo and their Pokémon have stumbled upon a bunch of glowing red cracks in the ground, with red lights flowing out of them and into Pikachu. Just as Chloe recognizes the phenomenon, Pikachu suddenly starts growing giant, and Ash and Chloe back off in a panic as Pikachu Gigantamaxes before their eyes. All of them, including Pikachu, are surprised by this sudden transformation, but their moment of astonishment is cut short as Drednaw prepares to attack again. Ash orders a Quick Attack, but with Pikachu's new, massive form, his usually great speed is reduced to slow lumbering, giving Drednaw plenty of time to use G-Max Stonesurge. The G-Max Move causes Pikachu to stumble back and hit the stadium, shaking it and causing panic inside. Ash next calls for an Iron Tail, and as Pikachu prepares to attack, Leon arrives on the scene, surprised to see a Gigantamax Pikachu. As Pikachu executes Max Steelspike, successfully hitting Drednaw, Leon is even more surprised to notice that Ash doesn't have a Dynamax Band, despite him clearly commanding a Gigantamax Pokémon in battle.

As Drednaw starts using Max Rockfall, Leon calls down to Ash from the balcony he's on, telling him to have Pikachu use G-Max Volt Crash. Ash follows the advice and calls for a G-Max Volt Crash, which not only ends up stopping Max Rockfall on its tracks, but also sends Drednaw flying back. Upon landing, it quickly reverts to its normal form and size. Ash and Chloe are amazed by the move they just saw, and as Pikachu also reverts to normal, Ash congratulates him on the job well done. In the background, Team Rocket emerges from a bush and decides to go capture Drednaw, scurrying off. Leon goes down to Ash and Chloe, and both sides thank and introduce each other. Ash requests to have a battle with Leon, baffling Chloe and surprising Leon. However, before Leon can answer, a stadium personnel comes up to them and says that Dynamaxing isn't allowed here. Ash and Chloe try to explain everything, but Leon bails them out by saying that the two are heroes who saved the stadium from ruin, giving Ash a reassuring wink as the personnel apologizes.

The next day, outside of the Wyndon Pokémon Center, Chloe, Pikachu, Yamper and Scorbunny are enjoying local scones, but Ash is completely zoned out, too much in thought to even eat.

Chloe: Hey Ash, everything okay?

Ash: Yeah! Yeah, just thinking about Leon's battle...

Chloe: You still wanna battle him, don't you?

Ash: Yeah, I do.

Chloe tells him that it isn't going to be easy. If he wants to challenge him, he's going to have to sign up for the World Coronation Series online and win his way through the ranks. The Top 8 Trainers in the rankings are called the Master Class. At the end of each season, these Trainers compete in a tournament, whose winner is declared the Monarch. Ash figures that he just needs to participate in the tournament to get to battle Leon, but Chloe goes into further details to show him how it's not that easy. The participating Trainers are divided into four classes, based on whether an entrant wins or loses a Pokémon battle and looking at the content of the battle. All recently entered competitors compete in the Normal Class, the competitors from ranks 999 to 100 compete in the Great Class, those in ranks 99 to 9 are in the Ultra Class, and the Top 8 are in the Master Class. Since Leon is at the top of the rankings, Ash is going to need to climb through the ranks to reach him.

Ash is having trouble understanding the whole ranking system, but figures that he just needs to win a lot of battles. With his energy restored, he quickly gobbles up his scones, only to almost choke on them. Someone hands him a glass of water to flush them down, and Ash is surprised to notice that it's none other than Leon. To Ash's great pleasure and Chloe's utter astonishment, he says that he's going to accept Ash's earlier request for a battle. Meanwhile, Team Rocket has been wandering around all night, unable to find Drednaw. James suddenly notices a Pokémon hanging on to Jessie's hair, and Meowth uses the trio's Rotom Phone to find out that it's a Chewtle, the pre-evolved form of Drednaw. Upon learning that this Pokémon evolves into the giant Pokémon from yesterday, Jessie decides to catch it, and the trio decides they don't need the Prize matcher, they'll get Pikachu with their own pokemon.

At Wyndon Stadium, Ash and Leon are preparing for their battle. Leon hands Ash a Dynamax Band, explaining that while he was able to use Dynamax without one the day before, Trainers usually use a Band to control Dynamax. He goes on to explain that when a Pokémon Dynamaxes, the names of its moves also change. Chloe takes over for a bit, giving examples of some of these changes: Normal-type moves become Max Strike, Steel-type moves become Max Steelspike, and Electric-type moves become Max Lightning. Leon also explains that since Ash's Pikachu can Gigantamax, his Electric moves become G-Max Volt Crash instead of Max Lightning, and that Dynamaxing is triggered by recalling the Pokémon into its Poké Ball and loading it with power from the Band before sending it out again. Ash remarks that Pikachu hates going into his Poké Ball, but assures they can still manage.

With all the information sharing out of the way, Ash and Leon take their places. Ash chooses Pikachu, while Leon calls out Charizard, just like Ash had hoped he would. While Pikachu has a type advantage, Leon reminds Ash of his unbroken winning streak. Dan starts the battle, and Ash makes the first move by ordering a Quick Attack, which gets countered by Charizard's Thunder Punch. Ash follows up with an Iron Tail, but once again, his attack is blocked by a Thunder Punch. As Charizard goes on the offensive, Ash calls for an Electroweb, but Charizard breaks through it with Thunder Punch before using Air Slash, scoring a direct hit. Despite of this, Pikachu is still standing strong, and Ash has him use Thunderbolt. Charizard answers by using Flamethrower, which starts pushing the Thunderbolt back, leaving Pikachu with only a struggling barrier of electricity to protect him from the Fire-type move.

Fueled by Ash's determination, Pikachu starts applying more power into his attack. Responding to this, Ash's Dynamax Band starts to glow and sends Dynamax energy into Pikachu, causing him to start growing again. As the Gigantamax process takes effect, Thunderbolt is transformed into G-Max Volt Crash, which overpowers Charizard's Flamethrower and actually manages to hit it, knocking it to the ground. Ash is happy to have successfully achieved Gigantamax again, but Leon responds by recalling his Charizard and Gigantamaxing it as well. Ash tells Pikachu to use Max Strike, but Charizard easily dodges it before using Max Airstream. Pikachu struggles to stand up in the face of the powerful blast of wind, but is eventually thrown back. Ash calls for a Max Steelspike, but as Pikachu struggles to stand up again, Leon tells Charizard to use Max Lightning, which interrupts Pikachu's Max Move before he can execute it. Ash decides to go all out and orders a G-Max Volt Crash, and Leon responds with his own G-Max Move, G-Max Wildfire. Both attacks connect, but Charizard manages to endure the Electric attack, while G-Max Wildfire's secondary effect is too much for Pikachu to handle, and he shrinks back down, defeated.

After reverting his Charizard to its normal size and form, Leon goes to Ash and hands him an Oran Berry to restore Pikachu. Ash thanks Leon for the serious battle, and Leon says that battles aren't fun unless they're serious. Ash tries to return his Dynamax Band, but Leon tells him to keep it. He tells Ash that he likes Trainers with rough edges like him, but if he really wants to satisfy him, he needs him to "break out", or, as Chloe puts it, "let 'er rip". As Leon turns to leave, Ash requests for another battle later. Leon accepts this request, promising that their next battle will be an official one in front of a crowd. As Ash and Chloe exit the stadium, Ash declares that he's going to enter the World Coronation Series to face Leon again and defeat him this time to take another step closer to his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master. He turns back to look at the stadium one more time, imagining himself facing Leon in front of a huge, cheering crowd.

Chapter Text

After getting himself a coffee, Ren starts to walk back to the lab. He stops after hearing an odd sound, but quickly dismisses it as the wind outside. A few more steps and he suddenly pauses as a dark shadow casts itself over him. Ren turns and screams as he sees the ominous Gengar that has been haunting the Cerise Laboratory. Ash and Chloe rush out of their room to find Ren slumped against a wall. With tears in his eyes and still shaken.

Ren: That Gengar is back!

Ash: It is?

Chloe: Maybe one of us could catch it!

Ash: Yeah!

Another scream, this time from Chrysa, leads the teens downstairs. Chrysa and Mimey explain that Gengar just appeared, hence the mess. Suddenly Pikachu is thrown into the air, though Ash catches him in time. Gengar starts throwing various items at Ash and Chloe, but becomes frustrated at the lack of a reaction and simply materializes in front of everyone. Gengar launches a barrage of Shadow Balls, frightening everyone.

Chloe: Stop you trickster!

Gengar fades away

Ash: it listened?

Professor Cerise, Ren and Yamper enter the room and start to clean up following Gengar's antics. However Gengar hasn't completely disappeared, rather it has now attached itself to Chloe's shadow.

Chrysa and Ren wonder why Gengar is haunting the lab, and the Professor sits everyone down to explain. Prior to purchasing what is now the Cerise institute, the building was rumored to be haunted by a poltergeist. Professor Cerise explains that he has experienced doors slamming, sudden blackouts and things moving, but he was fine as it always settled down quickly. Chrysa and Ren are not surprised by the Professor's admissions.

Ash: gengar must've stopped when the professor never gave a reaction, at least not the one it wanted, but why did it start?

Chrysa suggests that Gengar must be upset with all the new arrivals, including themselves, Ash, Chloe and the Pokémon. Chloe suddenly feels a chill down her arm.

Ash: Gengar must've cursed you.

Chloe: How do you know?

Ash: I made friends with a Haunter when i first started my journey

Professor Cerise says that Gengar cursing someone is just a hypothesis, which Ash disagrees with the claim.

After the ground collapses under her feet, Chloe and Yamper rush out of the Cerise Laboratory to clear their heads. Gengar, who has attached itself to Chloe’s shadow, is inadvertently dragged along and begins to panic from leaving the Laboratory. After a while, both Chloe and Yamper are feeling better from the run. They continue through the streets of Vermilion City, even passing Team Rocket who are sitting down at a local café. As they round another corner, Chloe bumps into a guy, knocking them both over. Gengar sneers for a moment until he recognizes the other person. Chloe apologizes, while the guy suggests she watch where she is going next time. The man’s girlfriend suggests he must still be cursed, but the guy admits that was three years ago. Ash catches up just as the man says that he is glad “it” is now gone as he was never able to win any battles or catch any Pokémon. Gengar is angry to hear this, and recalls that it was abandoned by the man three years ago. Its Trainer promised to return, though Gengar was left at the abandoned site that later became the Cerise Laboratory. Gengar became angry as time passed and it was still waiting for its Trainer to return. It deliberately scared off potential buyers of the building with its antics.

As Gengar's former Trainer declares that he should never have caught the miserable Gengar, the Ghost Pokémon makes its presence known. Gengar launches a Shadow Ball at its former Trainer, narrowly missing him. Chloe orders the raging Pokémon to calm down, and Ash has Pikachu use Electroweb to stop a barrage of Shadow Balls. Chloe turns her attention to the man. Gengar prepares to lash its former Trainer with a large Shadow Ball. The man repeats his irritation with Gengar and blames it for cursing him before rushing off with his girlfriend. Gengar doesn’t end up launching the attack and disappears when Chloe tries to talk to it. Both Ash and Chloe are furious that Gengar was mistreated in the past, they run off to find it. Watching from a distance, the Team Rocket trio are also interested in recruiting Gengar to their team.

Team Rocket are first to find Gengar, who is sitting by itself. They invite Gengar to join them, explaining the "benefits" like pursuing a path of evil and being able to crush enemies with limitless power. Gengar turns away and, as translated by Meowth, it says that it cannot trust humans. Team Rocket change tact, and James traps Gengar inside a vacuum tube. Gengar becomes increasingly furious, however Jessie dismisses its feelings. As the trio prepare to walk off with their catch, Pikachu breaks the capsule and frees Gengar with an Iron Tail. Jessie is particularly irate to see Ash and Chloe again interfering with their plans. Chloe suggests Gengar help her defeat Team Rocket, taking the Shadow Pokémon by surprise. Chloe elaborates that it should forget about its old Trainer. She explains that it doesn’t have to trust her right away, but Chloe admits she already trusts Gengar. With that, Gengar sneers and steps forward to take on Team Rocket with Pikachu and Yamper.

Team Rocket call on their own support. Meowth and Chewtle step up. Jessie calls for a Water Gun attack, though Pikachu rushes into a Quick Attack to dodge. Meowth uses Night Slash, hurting Pikachu's foot. Yamper uses Bite on Chewtle and fires a point blank spark, weakening the Cewtle. Gengar twirls around to dodge an approaching Fury Swipes before blocking Meowth using Night Slash with its own attack. Chewtle tries to use Headbutt on Pikachu but he fries the turtle and it faints. Meowth is knocked back by Gangar Chloe calls for a finishing Shadow Ball, which blasts Team Rocket off. Ash is impressed by Chloe and Gengar's joint efforts. Chloe remarks that Gengar actually did the work, and thanks the Ghost type. Chloe suggests they should return to the Laboratory. Gengar walks over to Chloe, who unexpectedly faints, only for Gengar to catch her in time.

Later,Chloe wakes up to find herself in her dorm room. Ash explains that Chloe had a fever, and apologizes for blaming Gengar on placing a curse on her. Chloe is instantly reminded of Gengar, and asks where it is. Chloe is hit by an apple followed by a Poké Ball. Chloe realizes Gengar must want to join her, so she calls out to the Ghost who instantly materializes in the room. Chloe asks if it wants to join her, and Gengar gives a faint nod of approval. With that, Chloe tosses the Ball and the Ghost type is officially caught. Chloe is thrilled and calls out Gengar to welcome it onto her team. Gengar however disappears again and makes apples rain down on Chloe. Ash suggests Chloe should eat up if he wants to get better anytime soon, and Chloe obliges, finding the apples to be delicious. Meanwhile, Gengar is standing on the Laboratory’s tall spire and happily enjoying an apple.

Chapter Text

During a practice battle with Chloe, Gengar easily defeats Scorbunny with an Ice Punch, which gengar isn;t happy with since Scorbunny should know a fire type move to counter an attack like that. Scorbunny tells Gengar to step back as it prepares to showcase its own attack. After taking a deep breath, Scorbunny unleashes a measly single ember. Gengar is struck by the disappointing effort and shakes his head, leaving Scorbunny feeling humiliated.

Ash goes up to Scorbunny

Ash: Hey, it's okay pal, I'll help ya!

Chloe is perplexed by Ash's mentoring style, and Gengar walks off. Scorbunny prepares to follow, but Ash tells it to stop. He reminds Scorbunny that its Quick Attack and Double Kick techniques are getting stronger, and a break would be good for them. Scorbunny instantly makes a frustrated face.

Ash: I know you wanna try to learn Ember, but I don't think you can pefect a whole move on an empty stomach!

Scorbunny runs after Gengar

Ash: Okay, I'll be waiting inside!

Over breakfast, the teens plan to venture into Vermilion City to try and catch more Pokémon. Chloe notices that Scorbunny hasn't returned to eat, but Ash assures her that things will be okay. Meanwhile, Scorbunny has been practicing by itself and finally unleashes a promising Ember out of sheer frustration.

Later, Scorbunny joins Ash and Chloe in the city. and it shows off it's progress, though it isn't much.

Ash: Wow bud! You're making pretty good progress haven't you? Don't worry evenually you'll be blasting Ember in no time!

The Teens run into Team Rocket again. Jessie sends out her Chewtle. Pikachu leaps into a Quick Attack and lands a blow. Jessie calls for Chewtle to use Water Gun, and she is surprised by the attack's incredible power. Ash orders Scorbunny to reply with a Double Kick. However, Scorbunny is determined to use Ember, though only manages to unleash a single flame before being defeated by Chewtle's Water Gun. As Team Rocket congratulates Chewtle on a job well done, Pikachu lashes them with a Thunderbolt, sending them blasting off.

Scorbunny remains determined to master Ember in spite of the humiliating defeat. Ash tries to suggest it take a break to calm itself down. Scorbunny responds by kicking its Trainer from behind and runs off.

Chloe: What was that all about?

Ash: Heh, Scorbunny's pretty determined, I guess having lost so quickly to Gengar a Chewtle, Scorbunny's more deterimed than ever to learn Ember! I'm gonna go help him train.

Chloe: Hey! Wait for me!

A familiar cry gets the teens attention, leading them to a park where Scorbunny is furiously training. They watch in secret as Scorbunny stamps its feet in frustration, which kicks up a stone. The stone lands nearby, leaving a singe mark on the path. Ash reiterates to Chloe that Scorbunny is determined to master a Fire move. Ash tries to approach Scorbunny, but it runs off and later bumps into Team Rocket again. Ash and Chloe follow behind, and another Team Rocket battle unfolds. Jessie whips her hair, sending Chewtle out to battle. Ash tries a different approach, and this time he encourages Scorbunny to use a Fire attack. Ash orders a Quick Attack, and Scorbunny complies by sprinting into action. However, Chewtle uses Headbutt, keeping its opponent at bay. Scorbunny returns with a fury of Double Kick, but Chewtle uses its shell to block the attack. Jessie orders a Bite attack, but Chewtle misses its target and instead clamps onto one of the garden arches. Scorbunny follows up with another Double Kick, knocking Chewtle onto the ground. Ash suddenly feels a surge of energy. He suggests Scorbunny try its Fire move. Ash orders Scorbunny to use Quick Attack on the spot, which builds momentum before sparking an intense flame from the friction. Ash promptly throws a stone into the air and has Scorbunny kick it. The superheated projectile speeds towards Team Rocket like a comet, though Chewtle blocks it with a powerful Water Gun. Undeterred, Ash declares that this is their Ember. Suddenly Scorbunny bursts into an intense blue light and evolves into Raboot. Ash is impressed and orders another Ember attack. Raboot follows through, kicking the stone around before hurtling it towards Team Rocket. Chewtle stands to its feet but fails to block the attack, so Team Rocket are sent blasting off again.

Ash congratulates his Pokémon, before checking its new name from his Rotom Phone. He excitedly goes to hug Raboot, but Raboot quickly backs up out of his reach, looking embarrassed, and instead offers a fist bumb, which Ash gives instead.

Chapter Text

At the Cerise Laboratory, Ash learns that the World Coronation Series has over 10,000 participants, with new ones joining in all the time. Since his first step towards reaching Leon is to get to the Great Class, he has to win a lot of battles. Ren suggests he should take on a high-ranking opponent to quickly climb the ranks. Ash searches from his Rotom Phone for any strong Trainers in Vermilion City, and he settles on the Trainer ranked as the 2,109th: Visquez, the substitute Gym Leader of the Vermilion Gym. Professor Cerise informs him that the official Vermilion Gym Leader, Lt. Surge, is away for training at the moment, and Visquez, his substitute, is also a strong Trainer.

Ash and Chloe make their way towards the gym

Chloe: Hey Ash, did you already battle Lt. Surge?

Ash: Oh yeah I did! Boy, It wasn't easy, right buddy?

Pikachu: Pika Pi!

At the Vermilion Gym, Visquez is lecturing a challenging Trainer about his lack of spirit, but also compliments his skills, and shows her respect by finishing off the Trainer's Hypno with her Raichu's Volt Tackle, ending the match. Afterwards, Visquez's assistants, Steve and Tony, inform her that this was the last challenger for the day. Visquez's Raichu still seems eager for more battling, though, and she expresses her hopes of a World Coronation Series participant showing up. Just at that moment, her Rotom Phone alerts her of the presence of one such participant, with Ash knocking on the Gym door seconds later. Visquez, Steve, and Tony open the door for him, and Ash introduces himself, requesting a battle with Visquez. She accepts, and an official battle appointment is made on their Rotom Phones. Inside the Gym, Ash is surprised to hear that Visquez has heard of him, his Pikachu, and his Vermilion Gym battle from Surge. As Visquez explains that her Raichu was also trained by Surge, Ash introduces Chloe to the others. Visquez is honored to learn that Ash has chosen her as his first World Coronation Series opponent. Just then, a Drone Rotom flies in to act as the official referee of the battle.

Ash and Visquez soon take their places at the ends of the battlefield, while Chloe, Steve, and Tony move to the stands. The Drone Rotom explains that the battle will be two-on-two, with both sides allowed to make substitutions. Both of them choose their first Pokémon at Drone Rotom's signal, with Ash picking Pikachu and Visquez choosing Raichu. Chloe checks Raichu's Pokédex entry and encourages Pikachu not to lose. The battle begins with a clash of two Thunderbolts, before Raichu goes into its strongest move, Volt Tackle, right after. Ash has Pikachu use Iron Tail for a grounding effect, repeating his strategy from his Gym battle with Lt. Surge. Still, Raichu eventually pushes through and sends Pikachu flying. Mid-fall, Raichu surprises Ash by using its tail to catch and fling Pikachu. Ash quickly counters by having Pikachu use Iron Tail while spinning, bouncing off a wall to hit Raichu. However, just before the attack hits, Visquez has Raichu use Reflect to shield itself, avoiding a lot of damage. She compliments Ash's skills, and Ash remarks that he's used to turning challenging situations into opportunities. Seeing that Pikachu is tiring out, Ash calls him back for a rest, sending out Raboot to replace him.

Raboot opens up with Double Kick, which Raichu tries to counter with Thunderbolt, only for Raboot to dodge it and deal a direct blow on Raichu. Raboot moves on to use Quick Attack, easily phasing through Raichu's tail and dealing another hit. Visquez tells Raichu to use Volt Tackle, but it gets stopped in its tracks by getting hit by Raboot's feet, which catch on fire, Ash realizes Rabbot just learned Blaze Kick, which sends Raichu slamming into a wall, taking it out of the fight. While Ash compliments Raboot, Visquez recalls Raichu and sends out her second Pokémon, Electrode. She commands it to use Magnet Rise, which not only raises it off the ground, but chunks of the battlefield as well. Visquez explains that they've developed this strategy to counteract the Ground-type moves most challengers use here. Electrode starts bouncing around the floating floor pieces, rapidly striking Raboot from all directions. Even Raboot's attempt at kicking Electrode away with Blaze Kick only momentarily slows down the assault. Raboot tries to use Quick Attack, but Electrode evades the attack and uses Discharge, knocking Raboot out. While Ash recalls Raboot, the effects of Magnet Rise wear off and the battlefield returns to normal.

Ash sends Pikachu back out to face Electrode. Visquez is determined to finish the battle and tells Electrode to use Rollout, which strikes Pikachu time and time again, getting stronger and faster with each hit. Before Pikachu can be defeated, however, Ash tells him to jump on Electrode and use Iron Tail, quickly bringing the Ball Pokémon's rolling to a stop. Pikachu then starts running on top of Electrode to spin it in the opposite direction and gain control over its momentum. Just before Electrode hits a wall, Pikachu jumps off of it, and as Electrode is sent bouncing off the wall, Pikachu lands a finishing Iron Tail. However, Electrode suddenly starts to detonate, the final blow having activated its Aftermath Ability. Ash quickly tells Pikachu to use Electroweb, and when the explosion clears, Pikachu is shown to have used the Electroweb to shield himself, leaving Electrode as the only one to have gone down. Drone Rotom officially rules Ash as the winner of the match.

Ash and Visquez shake hands, with Visquez admitting her defeat and telling Ash that she's going to tell Lt. Surge of this battle, saying that he's sure to want to battle the new and stronger him. Ash is also excited of the possibility of battling Lt. Surge again. Drone Rotom flies off to update the World Coronation Series rankings, and Chloe rushes to the battlefield as well, hugging Ash and complimenting his battle. Just then, Ash receives a message on his Rotom Phone, informing him that his ranking has shot up all the way to 3,763 as a result of defeating Visquez. Visquez, meanwhile, is devastated to see her ranking having gone down. With this victory, Ash has taken his first step towards facing Leon in the Master Class.

Chapter Text

At the Cerise Laboratory, Professor Cerise tells Ash and Chloe how Professor Elm was the first person to make the existence of Pokémon Eggs known, and then he remarks how no one has ever even seen a Pokémon Egg being laid, making their origin a mystery. Ash recalls that he has never seen an Egg getting laid either, and Chloe is impressed to learn that Ash has actually seen an Egg before. This inspires her to look for an Egg as well, and she leaves to search for one with Ash, undeterred by Ren mentioning how finding an Egg won't be easy.

While walking through a local park, Chloe spots what she initially thinks is an Egg, but it quickly turns out to be an Exeggcute. Just then, Ash's Rotom Phone goes off, alerting him that another World Coronation Series participant, a Trainer named Hayden from Fuchsia City, who's ranked as the 1,024th, is nearby and wants to challenge him. Hayden quickly comes into their view, and the Drone Rotom flies in, ready to referee the match. At Rotom's mark, both Trainers send out their Pokémon, with Ash choosing Pikachu and Hayden going with Tauros. Based on the species's Pokédex description, Chloe is able to deduce that this Tauros must've been the boss of its herd. As Pikachu's Iron Tail collides with Tauros's Horn Attack, invisible Aura waves are sent out, and the Egg at the Pokémon Center reacts to them. The battle goes on until Ash has Pikachu use Thunderbolt to finish the match. This causes him to radiate out Aura waves too, and the Egg starts vibrating, which doesn't go unnoticed by Chansey.

The match ends with Ash as the victor, although Pikachu did take some damage from Tauros's Iron Head. Just as Ash tells Pikachu they should head to the Pokémon Center, Ash senses something. Chloe goes to congratulate him but quickly notices his absent-mindedness.

Ash: Someone is calling me...

Chloe: But, no one's here..

Chloe remembers how Ash claimed to be able to hear Lugia's voice, but Ash says that this is different. Hayden congratulates Ash on the good battle, and the Drone Rotom flies away to update the World Coronation Series rankings.

Ash and Chloe head to the Pokémon Center, with Ash rushing ahead without even realizing it. They arrive at their destination, and while Pikachu is being treated, Ash follows the strange sensation to a back room, where he finds the case with the Pokémon Egg inside. Chloe and Nurse Joy follow him, with the former being surprised at seeing the Egg. Ash asks why the Egg has wires attached to it, but before Nurse Joy can explain more than that she had received it from a Day Care worker, the Egg suddenly breaks free from the wires and rolls towards Ash. Seeing this, Nurse Joy suggests that Ash should take the Egg and look after it. She explains that the Egg was originally found in the Sinnoh region, and has been passed down from one Day Care worker to another, but it has simply refused to hatch. Ash happily introduces himself to the Egg and urges it to hatch so it can experience the fun activities outside.

Later, at the Cerise Laboratory, Chloe wonders what Pokémon is inside the Egg, but Professor Cerise tells her that there's no way to be sure until it hatches. Ren and Chrysa explain how an Egg needs to spend time with healthy Pokémon to hatch, so Ash tells the Egg that they're going for a stroll. Chloe says that the Egg can't hear him, but Professor Cerise tells her a tale of how a Jigglypuff had sung to an Egg every day, and when the Egg had eventually hatched into an Azurill, it had sung the same song as Jigglypuff had, indicating that Pokémon can still hear things while inside their Eggs. Hearing this, Chloe quickly introduces herself to the Egg and apologizes for doubting its ability to hear him. They take a trip to the Cerise Park, where Ash introduces the Egg to his Raboot.

That night, while Ash and Chloe sleep, the Egg begins to glow, which alerts Pikachu, who, in turn, wakes up the others. Ash and Chloe rush to the Egg as it begins to crack and glow even more intensively. As the glow dies down, they see that the newly hatched Pokémon is a Riolu. Chloe checks it with her Rotom Phone, which mentions that a Riolu is able to crest three mountains and cross two valleys in a single night. Ash and Chloe introduce themselves to Riolu, but it just looks around, looking for the source of the Aura it had sensed earlier. When Ash reaches out to it and tries asking it what's wrong, Riolu uses Vacuum Wave on him, sending him flying back onto his bed. As Ash gets up and compliments Riolu's strength, it suddenly jumps out of the window and rushes away.

Ash and Chloe are looking for Riolu in the woods. Chloe is pessimistic about their chances of finding it, given what her Pokédex had told them about its stamina, but Ash, knowing that Riolu still doesn't know much about the world, is determined to find it. He admits that the call he had heard the day before had been Riolu calling out to him, and hearing Nurse Joy's description of the Egg had made him feel that Riolu had been waiting for him this whole time, although he now thinks he was wrong. Chloe suggests they split up to cover more ground, and Ash agrees.

As Ash and Chloe search, Riolu keeps attacking every wild Pokémon it comes across, getting attacked back in response. It eventually comes to a rocky cliff-side and starts climbing it. However, it soon turns out Riolu climbed onto an Onix, who tosses it onto a cliff, angered by the disturbance. Riolu starts fighting against the Rock Snake Pokémon, but its attacks do little against the tall Rock/Ground Pokémon. As Riolu is hit by Onix's Dragon Tail, Ash, having heard Onix's cry and followed it, arrives to help Riolu. As he and Pikachu prepare for battle, he starts radiating powerful Aura waves, which Riolu recognizes as the ones it had sensed before. Pikachu uses Iron Tail on Onix, but before he can attack again, Riolu pushes him out of the way and demands to get to battle instead. He accepts and tells Riolu to use Vacuum Wave, stopping Onix's attack. Riolu then tackles Onix, toppling it over, and as Riolu prepares to attack with another Vacuum Wave, Onix finally flees. Ash calls Riolu to stop its attack and compliments it. Riolu stumbles and Ash offers to carry it to the Pokémon Center, but it stubbornly refuses, choosing to walk the way there instead.

Later, once Riolu's treatment at the Pokémon Center is complete, it jumps off the medical table and tries to tell Ash something. Nurse Joy tells Ash that Riolu is probably asking to be caught by him, so, upon receiving a confirmation from Riolu that this is the case, Ash tosses a Poké Ball at Riolu and catches it, making a new addition to his team. He then lets it out, and Riolu proudly takes the lead as the group leaves the Pokémon Center.

Chapter Text

Ash and Chloe arrive in Shalour City in the Kalos region, with Ash participating in a World Coronation Series Battle Festival Challenge. Ash uses Pikachu against a Trainer named Lob with a Clawitzer. Clawitzer prepares to use Flash Cannon, which Pikachu counters with Thunderbolt, but it is suppressed by Flash Cannon's Steel-type energy. From the stands, another Trainer with a Lucario observes Ash and wonders what he'll do next. Ash decides to switch to another move and has Pikachu use Iron Tail. He dodges Clawitzer's Crabhammer and defeats the Howitzer Pokémon, marking Ash's third consecutive win at the Battle Festival Challenge and increasing his ranking to 1,022, thus being one victory away from entering the Great Class, and Chloe watched it all from the stands

Chloe: Yeah! Go Ash!

Later, Ash and his Pokémon are preparing for their next battle, which will rise them to the Great Class if they win Chloe helps with the trainign with her own Pokemon. Suddenly, both Ash and Riolu sense an Aura emanating from somewhere nearby, and Riolu leads them to a Lucario, whom Pikachu and Ash quickly recognize as Korrina's. And sure enough, Korrina herself then also shows up, happily greeting Ash. She introduces herself to Ash's Pokémon and Chloe, especially taking note of Riolu, whom she encourages to grow stronger with Ash. Chloe acts welcoming to Korrina, though some seeds of jealousy are showing within her. Riolu looks at Korrina's Lucario, its eyes filled with admiration. Korrina tells how she and Ash had an amazing battle once, with Ash being quick to point out that he won. He asks if she's taking part in the Battle Festival Challenge too, which she confirms, although she's not doing so as a Gym Leader, but as a World Coronation Series participant aiming to beat Leon. She reveals that her rank is 1,001, meaning that she's also just one battle away from Great Class. They both agree to battle each other to see which of them gets to advance to the next class, and Ash tells Riolu to watch Lucario's battle closely.

At the stadium's Rock Field, Ash and Korrina prepare for their two-on-two battle. The crowd cheers for their city's own Gym Leader. Riolu expresses willingness to battle, but Ash tells it to watch from the sidelines this time. Just as Korrina asks Riolu to root for her Lucario and Ash says that Riolu is going to be cheering for him, Gurkinn enters the stadium stands, meeting Chloe in the process.

At Drone Rotom's signal, Ash and Korrina call out their respective Pokémon, Raboot and Mienshao. Mienshao begins the battle with Acrobatics, making a direct hit, before switching to U-turn. Raboot uses Double Kick to lift up a boulder in an attempt to block the move, but Mienshao simply leaps over it and scores another hit, before switching out to Lucario. Chloe is surprised that Korrina used a move to switch her Pokémon. Lucario uses Bone Rush, which Raboot tries to dodge and counter with Ember, but Lucario either avoids the rock before attacking Raboot, easily taking it out of the fight, much to Ash's shock. In the sidelines, Riolu's admiration towards Lucario only grows. Gurkinn tells Chloe that Korrina's advantage lies in her and her Pokémon fighting as one, but Chloe is confident Ash can win.

As Ash recalls Raboot, Korrina recalls Lucario and sends Mienshao back out, while Ash goes with Pikachu, which Korrina sees as a worthy opponent. The matchup begins with a clash of High Jump Kick and Iron Tail, which seem evenly matched. Mienshao follows up with Double Slap, which Ash counters by having Pikachu use Quick Attack. Pikachu easily doges Mienshao and hits it point blank die to his tiny body. Korrina tells Mienshao to use High Jump Kick, which connects, but Dragonite makes a swift counterattack with a Thunderbolt, taking Mienshao out of the fight and making the battle one-on-one.

Korrina recalls Mienshao and sends out Lucario again. Ash asks Korrina to show off Lucario's true power, and she happily complies, touching her Key Stone and Mega Evolving her partner. Chloe, who has previously only read about Mega Evolution, is in awe at witnessing it in person for the first time. Gurkinn tells her that Mega Evolution is a phenomenon first discovered in Kalos, which brings out a Pokémon's hidden strength through the Pokémon's bond with a Trainer. Ash reassures Pikachu and has it use Quick Attack again. Korrina remarks that playing careful isn't really Ash's style and tells Lucario to use Aura Sphere. Pikachu jumps up with its increased speed in an attempt to avoid the incoming attack, but the Aura Sphere still heads straight towards it upon being fired. Pikachu's counterattack attempt with Electroweb comes in too late, and the Aura Sphere hits its mark. Lucario follows the assault by jumping up and pummeling Pikachu with a series of Power-Up Punches mid-air, eventually sending it crashing down to the rocky battlefield.

Despite all the damage it has taken, Pikachu is still able to stand up. After a moment of thinking, Ash comes up with a plan and tells Pikachu to use Electroweb, surrounding Mega Lucario in a powerful web that send small shocks at it. Korrina fights back by having Lucario launch two simultaneous Aura Spheres in opposite directions, dispersing the web. Both sides then launch their final attacks, Lucario with Power-Up Punch and Pikachu with Dragon Claw. Both attacks connect, and both Pokémon fall, only to shakily stand back up. After a few tense moments, Lucario falls down and reverts to normal, and Drone Rotom rules Ash as the winner of the match. Ash happily congratulates Pikachu, receiving one of its trademark Thunderbolts in return. As a result of this victory, Ash's ranking rises to 921, meaning that he's now in the Great Class. Riolu goes up to Korrina and Lucario, and despite her apologizing for looking uncool with their loss, Riolu is still full of admiration towards Lucario.

Later, Gurkinn congratulates Ash for making it to a higher class, Korrina assures that she's not out of the competition yet, and Chloe is still amazed at how moving the battle was.

Chapter Text

Ash and Chloe's training with Riolu and Gengar, respectively, is cut off by Professor Cerise appearing and handing them tickets to a World Coronation Series Master Class battle in Galar, with Leon himself taking part in the match. Excited to see Leon battle, the two immediately head off to Galar. When they arrive at Wyndon, Ash and Chloe rush towards the Wyndon Stadium, almost being late for the battle due to them stopping for food. Ash and Pikachu briefly stop to look at a statue, but Chloe tells them to hurry up. Once they reach the stands, they let Riolu and Gengar out of their Poké Balls to watch the match. The announcer explains the World Coronation Series has over 10,000 participants, but only the Top 8 can stand in the Master Class and be referred to as the Masters Eight. The first Trainer to enter the battlefield is Raihan, a Galarian Dragon-type Gym Leader who is currently ranked seventh in the competition, having climbed his way up into the Master Class as soon as he joined the event. His opponent is Leon, the undefeated Champion of Galar and the current Monarch. As the referee explains that the battle will be one-on-one, Raihan tells Leon that he joined the event to end his winning streak. Leon is undeterred as the two Trainers take their places and send out their Pokémon. Leon sends out his ace Charizard, while Raihan chooses Duraludon.

At the referee's signal, the match begins, with Duraludon making the opening move with Metal Claw. The attack connects, with Duraludon moving surprisingly fast despite its metal-covered body. Charizard responds by using its own claw move, Dragon Claw. Ash and Chloe notice that Leon has changed up his Charizard's moves since last time. Duraludon uses Iron Defense, blocking the move with its impressive defensive capabilities. Duraludon attacks with another Metal Claw, but Charizard uses Dig before the attack can connect, dealing notable damage on Duraludon while avoiding its attack. Charizard continues the assault with Brick Break, but Duraludon counterattacks with Stone Edge. Raihan's attack makes contact, dealing super effective damage on Charizard. Raihan decides to finish the match and calls for the ultimate Steel-type attack; Steel Beam. As the move charges, Ash and Chloe check its info on Chloe's Rotom Phone, learning that Steel Beam sacrifices the user's stamina for immense destructive force. The attack fires and overpowers Charizard's Flamethrower, slamming it down to the ground. However, despite all the damage it has taken, Charizard still stands up.

Raihan responds to Charizard's resilience by recalling Duraludon and Gigantamaxing it, with Leon also Gigantamaxing Charizard in response. Duraludon uses Max Rockfall, which Charizard counters with Max Knuckle, both countering the attack and dealing damage on Duraludon. Raihan next issues a Max Steelspike, but before the attack can make contact, Charizard uses its signature G-Max Move, G-Max Wildfire, slicing through the spikes before hitting Duraludon. The move's secondary effect damage is too much for the weakened Duraludon to handle, as it falls down, defeated, meaning that Leon's winning streak still remains unbroken. Raihan thinks to himself that he needs to polish his skills at his Gym before rechallenging Leon. As the two shake hands, Raihan tells Leon that he's still going to break his winning streak someday. Ash suddenly cuts in on this, yelling down from the stand that he intends to be the one to defeat Leon, much to Chloe's embarrassment. Leon recognizes Ash and waves at him, but then starts waving in another direction, with the announcer acknowledging Chairman Rose's presence in a skybox.

At the entrance hall, Ash and Chloe observe the statue that Ash had noticed upon their arrival earlier. As they wonder if it depicts Leon, a young woman nearby catches their attention. She tells the two that the statue actually depicts a legendary hero from Galar's past, and starts detailing the legend to them. A long time ago, a great black storm covered the region, and giant Pokémon ran rampant, but the chaos was eventually stopped by a single young hero wielding a sword and a shield. The young woman admits that many details of the legend remain unclear, like who the young hero was, where did the sword and shield go, and what relation the event has to Dynamax. She remarks that she's doing this research as homework for her grandmother, who's a Pokémon Professor, being her assistant. Ash and Chloe introduce themselves, and the young woman introduces herself as Sonia.

Later, while Ash and Chloe are thinking about the legend, a Trainer carrying a fainted Chewtle asks them for directions for the local Pokémon Center, telling them that he was defeated by a strong Pokémon at a nearby bridge. The two decide to investigate and go to the bridge, where they encounter a Farfetch'd carrying a huge leek. Chloe's Rotom Phone informs them that this is Farfetch'd's regional form. Chloe throws a Poké Ball at it to catch it, but it simply slaps the Ball away. As such, Chloe sends out her Gengar to battle it and issues a Night Shade. The Galarian Farfetch'd responds with Night Slash and easily defeats Chloe's Gengar.

Ash and CHloe look dumdfounded

Chloe: How is that even possible....

Ash: Boy, that Farfetch'd is pretty strong if it can take down a fully evolved pokemon...

Farfetch'd seems eager for more battling, but before Ash can send Pikachu in, Riolu emerges from its Poké Ball on its own to battle. As such, Ash decides to put Riolu's earlier training to the test. Riolu opens with Vacuum Wave, but Farfetch'd blocks it with its leek, before winding up for another Night Slash. While it's winding up, Riolu hits it with a Force Palm, but despite the hit, Farfetch'd charges in. Ash counters with another move Riolu picked up during training, Double Team, causing the Night Slash to miss its mark. Riolu then bombards Farfetch'd with a flurry of Vacuum Waves, but after a moment, it sweeps them all aside with yet another Night Slash. Riolu uses Double Team again, but Farfetch'd uses Brutal Swing, dispelling all the copies and hitting the real Riolu. Despite the powerful hit, Ash knows that Riolu still has strength left, and issues a Reversal. The move hits Farfetch'd hard, but it's still not down. To Chloe and Riolu's bafflement, Ash suddenly starts encouraging Farfetch'd to go on as well. Farfetch'd stands up, ready to go on, but as Ash and Riolu prepare to continue, they see Farfetch'd's leek slumping down, showing that it has fainted while still standing.

Ash and Chloe bring all of their exhausted Pokémon and the Galarian Farfetch'd to the Pokémon Center, where Nurse Joy and her two Indeedee treat them all back to full health. Afterward, outside the Pokémon Center, the Galarian Farfetch'd displays its eagerness to still battle more. Seeing this, Ash asks it if it wants to join his team, so that it could get stronger with his other Pokémon. After a moment of consideration, Farfetch'd accepts the offer, and Ash throws a Poké Ball at it, making his second capture in the Galar region. As soon as he lets Farfetch'd out of its Poké Ball, it immediately starts training with Riolu. As Chloe joins in, a camouflaged Sobble appears behind him, momentarily observing the action, before being scared away by the loud noises of the training.

Chapter Text

Ash and Chloe are at the Wyndon Pokémon Center, enjoying various kinds of local curry with their Pokémon. As they eat, they are approached by the Sobble, which turns invisible and starts eating their food. When it finally turns visible again and finds itself surrounded, it starts to cry. To their surprise, Ash, Chloe, and their Pokémon also start to cry, despite none of them feeling sad. Sobble uses this distraction to disappear again, although Ash and Chloe are determined to follow it.

As Ash and Chloe try to find Sobble, Nurse Joy arrives and informs them of the Pokémon's identity upon hearing their descriptions of it. She mentions that Sobble can turn invisible upon coming into contact with water, so it could even be hiding in the fountain behind them. Chloe starts talking to the fountain, telling Sobble that she likes its ability and asks if it wants to come with her. Unaware that Sobble really is hiding in the fountain and had overheard her, Chloe takes the lack of response as a sign that Sobble isn't there. In a moment of frustration, she throws a Poké Ball at the fountain, and, to his and Ash's big surprise, it actually catches Sobble.

Ash: Wow, you actually caught it!

Chloe: I did?!

Meanwhile, Team Rocket is floating overhead in their balloon, which had been blown all the way to the Galar region in the middle of an unsuccessful attempt to sneak up to Ash and snatch Pikachu with a net. To the trio's surprise, they notice Ash and Chloe down below, and they try to sneak up on them again as the two are focused on Sobble's Pokédex entry, but the balloon is once again blown away by a gust of wind.

While Ash and Chloe discuss about Sobble, Ash's Riolu accidentally digs up a Silicobra, which gets their attention. Chloe attempts to catch it, but as a Poké Ball throw fails, she decides to battle it instead, sending her newly caught Sobble against the Ground type. As Sobble is intimidated by Silicobra, its own sweat turns it invisible, and Chloe uses this to her advantage by having Sobble attack Silicobra with Water Gun and Pound. However, Silicobra then spews out some sand, revealing Sobble. When Silicobra attacks Sobble, it starts to cry, causing everyone else nearby to cry too. Chloe's Rotom Phone informs her that Sobble's tears pack the chemical punch of 100 onions. As Sobble cries, Silicobra escapes, and the sand on Sobble is washed off as it runs away, with Chloe being unable to recall it before it disappears completely.

Ash and Chloe follow Sobble based on the trail of crying people, and split up to cover more ground. Chloe eventually finds Sobble at a riverside. She tries to apologize for making it scared, but Sobble just cries some more before diving into the river and escaping again. As Chloe tries to think of a way to counter the effect of Sobble's tear, she remembers something regarding Mr. Mime and gets an idea. When Ash shows up, Chloe informs him of Sobble being headed downstream, so they start following it there.

Further along the riverside, Team Rocket's balloon is revealed to have crashed down near a bridge. They suddenly notice a Pokémon eating their food, and their Rotom Phone informs them that it's called Morpeko. As Morpeko finishes eating their rations, Jessie tries to throw a tin can at it, but misses and instead hits Sobble, who turns visible again as Morpeko runs away. Upon learning Sobble's name and hearing Ash and Chloe calling for it, the trio concocts a scheme to get Pikachu.

Chloe: Ash, this is all my fault, I shouldn't have scared Sobble away.

Ash puts a hand on Chloe's shoulder

Ash: Hey, hey, it's okay, you can't always expect things to go right on the first try.

Chloe blushes at this

Chloe: Yeah, I guess you're right.

Once the two reach the bridge, Team Rocket reveals themselves and shows Sobble in a cage, demanding Pikachu in exchange. Ash and Chloe naturally refuse, so, after recovering from a flood of tears caused by Sobble, Jessie sends out Chewtle, Ash and Chloe prepare for battle, but Chewtle disrupts their offensive with Water Gun.

Team Rocket mocks Ash and Chloe for trying to rescue such a weak crybaby, but Chloe protests that Sobble is not weak, displaying her determination to rescue it. Seeing this, Sobble remembers what Chloe had told it earlier at the fountain, and becomes determined enough to bend the bars of the cage and escape. Jessie and James, upon noticing this, berate each other on buying a cheap cage, and have Chewtle chop on Sobble's tail to stop it from getting away. Sobble starts crying as usual, and although Team Rocket initially thinks their Pokémon is unaffected by its tears, it turns out it was merely observing their fake eyes, and Chewtle was crying from it's real eyes. Ash, Chloe, and their Pokémon, however, are using goggles to protect their eyes from the tears. Chloe explains that she got the idea from remembering how Mr. Mime had once used goggles to protect its eyes while cutting an onion. While Team Rocket's Pokémon are immobilized by crying, the duo's Pokémon launch a combination attack that sends Team Rocket blasting off. With the villains dealt with, Chloe approaches Sobble and apologizes for sending it out to battle without asking first. She then reveals that Sobble has also taught her something new: being always alert allows one to always protect themselves and their friends if need be, meaning that its timidness is not a weakness, but a strength. Sobble almost starts crying in tears of happiness, and Chloe quickly tells it to not do it.

Chapter Text

After receiving an unexpected call from her younger brother Parker, Chloe reaches her father's laboratory and asks Ash if he could help.

Ash: Sure, what's going on?

Chloe: One of Parker's friends recently got a new Pokémon, and that sparked an argument over whether it's cute or not.

The teens arrive at a local park to find several kids bullying Jinny and her Feebas nicknamed Feeby while Parker looks out for his friend. Jinny turns to Parker for support, but he feels torn. Ash pipes up,

Ash: Hey now, Feebas is a great Pokémon, and it evolves into something amazing!

The other kids refuse to believe the him, and quickly take a liking to Ash's adorable Pikachu. Raboot then appears, scaring the bullies away. To cheer Jinny up, Ash and Chloe invite her to Cerise Park.

At Cerise Park, Feeby starts swimming in the water and befriends Chloe's Sobble. Jinny asks the teens what exactly Feebas evolve into. In the lab, Professor Cerise reveals that Feebas evolve into Milotic; said to be the world's most beautiful Pokémon. Parker and Jinny are excited by the prospect, though Ren remarks that making a Feebas evolve takes a lot of effort. Chrysa takes a more optimistic approach, and her research reveals that Slateport City is hosting its annual Friendship Festival. Ash decides he will enter, but Chrysa reveals that only young children like Jinny can participate. Ren adds that it might be a good way to show off Feeby's charm, and Jinny happily cheers that she will enter the festival. Ash and Parker vow to cheer Jinny onto victory. Chloe sighs,

Chloe: I don't know, what are the chances she'll win?

Professor Cerse: you won’t succeed if you don’t try first, Chloe.

Jinny returns to Feeby and announces that they will enter the Friendship Festival together, to which Feeby happily splashes around in response. Ash turns to Chloe for a training plan, with Chloe reading that the festival is a test of friendship and showing off moves. Ash starts off with a practice battle, ordering Feeby to Tackle Pikachu.

Chloe: Ash! The festival isn't a battle!

Ash stops and blushes at the fact Chloe scolded him, and wanst to win her approval back

Ash: Right, maybe something more of a contest?

Ash unveils his new plan – to have Jinny and Feebas perform a swimming routine. Jinny suddenly clings tightly onto Chloe before admitting that she cannot swim, stunning everyone. Jinny adds that she really does want to compete and prove everyone wrong about Feeby. The streak of determination incites something within Chloe, and she offers to help Jinny learn to swim. Chloe sets up a small pool for Jinny to practice swimming and orders Ash to strengthen Feeby's chances with a practice obstacle course. Ash calls professor Oak and has his Buizel assist, and it elegantly navigates through the course before performing a somersault through a ring at the end. Feeby, however, crashes its way through the obstacles and gets itself trapped in a swimming ring. As the training continues, Jinny is beginning to swim confidently while Feeby has improved as well. Next, they have Jinny and Feeby practice together, which goes well. As Chloe calls it a day, she notices a peculiar but pretty-looking Prism Scale on Feeby.

Ash: We did good, partner.

Chloe blushes at the wordplay, thinking Ash is suggesting something, but then she sees Ash is waiting for a fist bump, and after mentally scolding herself she returns it.

Later, Jinny and her supporters take a ship and arrive in Slateport City. Meanwhile, Team Rocket has followed Ash and the others in their Magikarp submarine, and plan to steal the festival Pokémon for themselves.

The Friendship Festival gets underway. Tito and his Corsola get an applause from the crowd before Marin and Seaking take to the stage.

Ash: Say Chloe, what about all the kids who picked on Jinny, shouldn't they also see this?

Chloe: I invited them to my house to watch the event being streamed online.

Next, Jinny, with Feeby in her arms, nervously walks onto the stage before leaping into the performance pool. Feeby makes an incredible leap before swimming around Jinny for a whirlpool effect. Jinny and Feeby's performance is going well, even getting compliments from the crowd and her kindergarten friends watching from Vermilion City.

Team Rocket suddenly crashes the festival and performs their motto, destroying the stage set-up in the process. The trio immediately get to work and start stealing the competitors' Pokémon with the grabber claws on their Magikarp submarine. The trio set their sights on Feeby as well, calling on Chewtle and Meowth. Jessie orders Chewtle to use Bite, though Pikachu intervenes with an Iron Tail. Raboot narrowly dodges a Night Slash from Meowth. As the confrontation rages, Meowth orders Jinny to hand over her Pokémon. Feeby makes an incredible leap to defend its Trainer, but is struck down by Meowth's Fury Swipes. Feeby's oddly colored scale falls off as a result. Jinny tries sticking the scale back on before using her body to defend her flailing Pokémon. The act of kindness triggers evolution, and Feeby emerges as a Milotic. Jessie orders Chewtle to attack withHeadbutt, but Milotic uses Wrap followed by Water Gun to batter it away. Ash orders a follow up Iron Tail from Pikachu, which sends Moewth crashing into Team Rocket before Feeby sends the villains blasting off with a Twister attack. The nabbed Pokémon are consequently freed and start returning to their Trainers. Jinny and Feeby later receive a special award from the festival organizers for their display of friendship.

Returning to Vermilion City, Jinny and Feeby's hard work and cooperation are praised by the other kindergarteners. Ash and Chloe, watch on as the kids now play together, both agreeing that Pokemon are amazing.

Chapter Text

Ash is eager to extend his World Coronation Series winning streak, and he and Chloe have traveled to the Fighting Dojo in Saffron City to challenge the Karate Master. However, while Ash's Riolu is sparring with the dojo's other Pokémon, Ash is informed that the Karate Master is currently in the middle of another battle. Suddenly, Ash's Rotom Phone alerts him of the presence of another World Coronation Series participant, and he realizes that the person must be inside the dojo. However, just as Ash is about to enter, a fainted Hitmonchan flies through the doorway and lands on top of Ash. The Hitmonchan turns out to belong to the Karate Master, who's just been defeated by his challenger. The other Black Belts present express their amazement towards the strength of the challenger's Grapploct, a Pokémon that Ash hasn't heard of before.

Just then, the challenger's Rotom Phone informs her of Ash's presence, and Ash eagerly issues a challenge for an official World Coronation Series battle, which is accepted. Ash's opponent introduces herself as Bea from Galar and requests to use the dojo as a battlefield, which the Karate Master agrees to. The Karate Master tells Ash and Chloe that Bea is a Fighting-type Gym Leader from Galar and a master of Galar Karate who travels the world to challenge dojos in her pursuit of greater strength.

Chloe: Wow, Bea's rank is 751, that's gonna make her hard to beat.

Ash: So? I've won every battle so far! And I already beat a Fighting Type Gym Leader, Korrina.

Bea: Korrina, you say? I battled and defeated her myself, she is very overconfident.

That comment gets under Ash's skin, Korrina is his friend, and it's not cool for some galar rando to shame her.

BEa: So, why have you entered?

Ash: I wanna battle and defeat Leon.

Bea: That's what I am aiming to do.

Ash: Well, looks like only one of us can do that...

A Drone Rotom appears to referee the battle, which will be two-on-two. On Rotom's signal, the Pokémon are sent out. Ash chooses Farfetch'd, while Bea chooses Hawlucha. Hawlucha begins the battle by using Hone Claws to power itself up. Farfetch'd uses Night Slash, which Hawlucha avoids before hitting Farfetch'd with a Karate Chop, causing it to accidentally drop its leek. Hawlucha then follows up with Flying Press, which Farfetch'd avoids while retrieving its leek. As Hawlucha charges towards it, Ash has Farfetch'd use Brutal Swing. The move connects, but while Farfetch'd is still spinning, Bea tells Hawlucha to finish it with Flying Press. Using Farfetch'd's leek as a springboard, Hawlucha jumps into the air, and while Farfetch'd is still recovering from the spinning, the Flying Press connects and knocks the Wild Duck Pokémon out.

As Ash recalls Farfetch'd, Bea surprises everyone by also making a switch, recalling Hawlucha in favor of Grapploct.

Chloe: That must be the Pokemon The Karate Master faced!

Karate Master: Yeah, my Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan didn't stand a chance against it.

Before Pikachu can step onto the battlefield, Riolu steps forward, wanting to battle instead. Ash accepts Riolu's request and declares that Riolu is his second Pokémon. Riolu begins with a flurry of Vacuum Waves, but Grapploct uses Detect to dodge them all and charge forward, preparing to use Close Combat. Riolu uses Double Team, but Bea has Grapploct dispose of the illusory copies by using Liquidation. Riolu tries to block the move, but the flurry of blows is too much for it to block, and the Emanation Pokémon takes heavy damage. Ash tries to risk a close-range attack with Force Palm, only for Riolu to barely escape being ensnared by Grapploct's tentacles.

Ash gets an idea and tells Riolu to use Force Palm below of its feet, sending out a cluster of floor pieces to distract Grapploct. However, when Riolu tries to charge in with another Force Palm while Grapploct's back is turned, the tentacle around its waist snatches it from mid-air. Grapploct ensnares Riolu's body and arms in a tight Octolock, with Bea criticizing that Ash's strategy has too many wasted movements. Ash notices that Riolu's legs are still free, and has it use them to jump, genuinely surprising Bea for the first time. Riolu jumps upwards and turns around mid-air, causing Grapploct to hit the ground first and unintentionally release its grip from Riolu.

Grapploct next uses Liquidation, which Riolu counters with Reversal, a move that grows in power the more damage the user has taken. The two attacks clash and push both Pokémon back, but as Riolu falls on its knee from exhaustion, Grapploct charges in and ensnares Riolu in another Octolock, this time making sure to bind its legs as well. Bea tells Ash to surrender, but Ash refuses to give up. As such, Bea has Grapploct use a close-range Liquidation, defeating Riolu and granting Bea a near-flawless victory. Ash is crushed by his clear loss, and as his ranking drops to 930, Bea leaves the dojo after thanking the Karate Master for letting them use it.

Later, Ash's Farfetch'd and Riolu are healed at the Pokémon Center.

Ash: I'm so sorry guys, I let you both down.

Chloe: Aw, c'mon Ash, don't think like that.

Riolu tries to reassure Ash that he didn't do anything wrong, and Farfetch'd doesn't really care

Ash: But don't worry Guys, we'll train hard and beat her next time!

Chloe blushes at this, that's the Ash she knows.

Chapter Text

Following his defeat at the hands of Bea, Ash and his Pokémon are jogging as a part of their training to win next time. Hearing this, Chloe and her Pokemon decide to join them. Ash suddenly gets an alert on his Rotom Phone, with his next World Coronation Series opponent standing only feet away. Drone Rotom soars into to oversee the one-on-one match, with Ash calling on Riolu against a male Trainer and his Octillery. Ash notes that Octillery will probably move like Bea's Grapploct and warns Riolu to stay back as much as possible. Riolu starts the battle off with a flurry of Vacuum Waves. Octillery evades the Vacuum Wave barrage before striking back with Psybeam, which manages to confuse Riolu. In its daze, Riolu is unable to escape Octillery's Wrap attack and is struck down by a point-blank Octazooka blast. Ash rushes to aid his Riolu, though the defeat causes his official ranking to drop from 930 to 975.

Ash's disappointment quickly subsides when he receives another battle invitation, this time from a female Trainer with a Tentacruel. Ash again calls out his Riolu, warning it to keep its distance. Riolu starts off strong, evading an oncoming Bubble Beam while firing off several Vacuum Waves. However, Riolu gets too close to its opponent and is battered away by a tentacle. Tentacruel follows on with a Bind before using Poison Sting, leaving Riolu unable to battle. Ash's official ranking drops for the third consecutive time, now down to 1,021, landing Ash back in the Normal Class, much to his disappointment.

Meanwhile, in Mauville City of the Hoenn region, a large sandstorm has appeared out of nowhere. A hauntingly beautiful song from inside the sandstorm seemingly hypnotizes the people, and they walk towards it. Reports of the strange phenomenon soon reach Cerise Laboratory, with Ren, Chrysa, and Professor Cerise left baffled by it. As they consider that the strange song may be the work of an unknown Pokémon.

Chloe: I'll go check it out dad, Ash will too!

Professor Cerise: Great!

Chloe sees that Ash is still sulking, so She has Gengar pick him up and walk him out the door.

Ash and Chloe arrive in Mauville to find the city half-buried in sand. With a new Pokémon mystery to uncover, Ash quickly cheers up. Putting on their Go-Goggles, the teens and their Pokémon walk directly into the sandstorm. They brave the vortex winds to reach the eye of the storm where they rush towards the distant cries for help. As three people are dragged into a pit, a Trapinch appears, snapping its jaws. Chloe consults her Pokédex, learning that Trapinch digs bowl-shaped pits to trap and hunt prey.

Chloe: C'mon Ash! Beat that Trapinch!

Ash: What's the point? I'm useless.

Chloe rolls her eyes and has Gengar defeat it. The three people thank their rescuers before leaving.

Ash and Chloe hear the same song again, this time being ambushed by a flying Vibrava. Chloe sends out Sobble to face it, only for it to be scared into going invisible. Vibrava retaliates by creating sound waves from its wings, which instantly induce a headache over Chloe and the others. Chloe again has Ganger easily beat the Vibrava.

Chloe: A Flygon must be nearby!

Soon enough, a Flygon bursts from the desert sands. Chloe instantly concludes that Flygon is the source of the song, which was created by the desert wings hitting Flygon's wings. She believes Flygon must have whipped up the sandstorm so it could build its nest without being disturbed. Chloe throws a Poké Ball but quickly realizes that she and Ash will need to battle it first. Chloe chooses Sobble to assist, while Ash erroneously selects Pikachu and orders a Thunderbolt attack. Flygon is unaffected by the Electric-type attack,

Chloe: Ash, FLygon is part Ground type, don't you remember?

Ash: Oh Arceus dammit!

Ash switches Pikachu out for Riolu and orders a flurry of Vacuum Waves. Flygon whips up another Sandstorm to defend itself, though Sobble's barrage of Water Guns eventually break through.

Ash realizes that Chloe was trying to get the loose sand to react to water, which leaves Flygon open to a combo of Water Gun and Vacuum Wave attacks. Flygon switches tactics and dives underground using Dragon Rush to navigate the sand-like water. It eventually strikes Sobble, forcing Chloe to recall it before having to contend with an outburst of tears. Ash tries to think of a counter-strategy, but due to his thoughts about three consecutive failures in the World Coronation Series, he can't do it and eventually, Flygon strikes him and Riolu down. Ash's battle spirit is completely broken and he feels powerless to do something, leaving Chloe to fight on her own. As Flygon flies back up, Chloe orders Gengar to use Shadow Ball. However, the move misses its mark and Flygon goes into a Dragon Rush yet again. Gengar takes its time to listen to Flygon and it manages to successfully evade Flygon's sneak attacks. Flygon evades two Ice Punch attacks and responds with a Draco Meteor shower. Chloe orders Gengar to keep dodging while closing in to attack, a strategy that Ash questions. However, Chloe follows through, using the Draco Meteors to help Gengar get leverage before having Gengar use Ice Punch on one of the meteors. The combination proves a success, knocking Flygon to the ground before Chloe makes the catch. The sandstorm over Mauville City dissipates as a result. Chloe lets out a mighty cheer, thanking Gengar for its amazing effort.

Ash: Chloe, that combo was awesome!

Chloe: Thanks Ash, I learned that from you y'know.

Ash: Huh?

Chloe: All the battles I watched, seeing you come up with crazy unpredictable strategies inspired me to make my own, I really wanted to use Ice Punch, since it's a move that would have the most damage, and Gengar seems to like that move.

Inspired by this, Ash vows to continue aiming to battle Champion Leon and realizes his mistake

Ash: I guess I only attacked from afar after the battle with Bea.

Pikachu and Riolu nestle up to Ash, supporting his rediscovered confidence thanks to Chloe's newfound determination.

Chapter Text

Chloe walks in to see Ash packing.

Chloe: Say, Ash why are you packing.

Ash: Well, after the loss against Bea and landing back in the Normal Class, I figured I should probably train, and I know the perfect place, Alola!

Chloe: Really? Can I come with?

Ash: Sure!

Ash and Chloe take a plane and arrive on Melemele Island, where Professor Kukui is waiting outside the airport to pick them up. Ash formally introduces Chloe to his close friend Professor Kukui, a teacher from the Pokémon School and part of his "Alola family". Kukui turns his attention to Chloe's Yamper and the ever-nervous Sobble, adding that it's the first time he has seen them in-person. Kukui then drives the boys to his home, where Professor Burnet, with her newborn baby Lei in her arms, welcomes them inside. Ash greets Lei, meeting him for the first time. Stepping inside, Ash's Alola team of Incineroar, Rowlet, Lycanroc, and Melmetal enthusiastically welcome their Trainer and Pikachu back with a group hug. Ash introduces them to Chloe, and the Pokémon rush over in an equally excited manner. Before Ash and Chloe can settle in, Burnet adds that Mallow and Ash's other friends have prepared a welcome party over at the School.

With that, Ash and Chloe set off for the School at a running pace. Reaching the sand, they stop for a moment to admire the glistening blue sea around Melemele Island.

Chloe: Y'know Ash, ever since I caught Flygon, I've just been iching to catch more Pokemon!

Ash: Is that right? Well maybe we can explore for a bit.

Next, the teens are chasing after a Grubbin through the forest.

Ash: Be careful Chloe! Grubbin can escape by digging underground!

Ash and Pikachu decide to run ahead after the Grubbin escapes underground, only to lose track of Grubbin and Chloe as well. Chloe and Yamper, meanwhile, get side-tracked by something else burrowing, which soon reveals itself to be an Alolan Dugtrio. Unable to stop their running momentum, Chloe and Yamper step off a cliff and fall into the water below. Chloe is pulled ashore by Lana's fishing rod, while Sandy rescues Yamper. Lana greets Chloe with an "Alola!", to which Chloe remarks that she'd like to be put down. Lana rests Chloe on her Ride Lapras. As Chloe introduces himself, Lana realizes that the girl's name is exactly the same as Ash's friend. Ash and Pikachu, meanwhile, are spotted by a familiar friend, Rotom. Ash's Rotom Phone then scans Rotom with its Pokédex app, declaring that Rotom in its Pokédex Forme has no other functions outside of being a Pokédex. Rotom is insulted by the remark, rebutting that it has voice changing and recording capabilities as well. Rotom then returns its attention, adding that it has come to escort Ash and Pikachu to the School for the welcome party. Ash replies that they still need to find Chloe, to which Rotom adds that Chloe is already waiting at the School with the others.

At the School, Chloe and her Pokémon are speechless and feeling nervous around all of Ash's friends. Sophocles is keen to dissect Chloe's Rotom Phone to examine its technology, while Mallow and Lana's enthusiasm is proving overwhelming, plus it irks Chloe's jealousy at how close Ash was to them. Kiawe arrives at the School in a tense manner, introducing himself as Ash's Alolan rival. He wonders whether Chloe is a strong battler and challenges her to a match to test her strengths, much to Chloe's concern. A tense stare down between Kiawe and Chloe ends when Rotom with Ash and Pikachu arrive.

Mallow declares that they can now get the party started. Everyone sits down to enjoy the delicious food and Pinap Berry-Honey drinks prepared by Mallow while they update Ash on the latest news. Sophocles reveals that he plans to return to the Mossdeep Space Center to research extraterrestrial Pokémon in his bid to become an astronaut. Lana then reveals that she just received a letter from Lillie.

Chloe: Who's Lillie?

Ash: She's one of our classmates, right now she;s on a journey to find her father.

Mallow: Yeah, if you though Ash was close to me and Lana, he and Lillie are like inseperable!

Chloe feels both embarrased and jealous, not only did the other girls know she was jealous, but now there's a girl even closer to Ash

Lana reads the letter out aloud, which reveals that Lillie and her family are on board a train using Magearna's Soul-Heart to track down Mohn. Lillie promises to return to Alola once she has found her father, promising to write again in the meantime. Hearing how everyone is making progress on their dreams, Ash decides to challenge Kiawe to a battle. Kiawe, however, replies that he has already challenged Chloe and is determined to evaluate his capacity as a rival. Chloe is confused by the concept of being a rival, to which Kiawe shouts that the person closest to Ash must be strong to help him achieve his dreams. The others warn Kiawe that he is getting too fired up, but Kiawe ignores them and orders Chloe to the battlefield. As Ash interjects, Chloe immediately accepts the challenge after hearing Kiawe's sentiments.

On the battlefield, the match of Goh and Flygon versus Kiawe and Turtonator gets underway. Turtonator approaches with a Dragon Tail, but Flygon evades and strikes back a Draco Meteor, temporarily knocking Turtonator off-balance. Kiawe is impressed and decides to turn up the heat, activating the power of his Z-Ring. He warns Chloe first that he is about to face one of the most powerful moves in Alola, but Chloe refuses to back down. As Kiawe remarks that he wouldn't expect anything less from one of Ash's rivals, Chloe rebukes the comment, declaring that she is a friend (Though saying that stings Chloe, but she's not sure why) and that everyone must strive to achieve their dreams on their own. Even so, Kiawe appreciates her courage before summoning his Z-Move, Inferno Overdrive. Chloe orders Flygon to use Sandstorm to counter; however, the effort is overwhelmed by the Inferno Overdrive. The attack steamrolls ahead, leaving Chloe and Flygon to brace for impact.

As the explosive force of Inferno Overdrive hits, everyone on the sidelines is stunned to see Chloe and Flygon emerge unscathed, with Kiawe's Marowak having intervened just in time. Ash remarks that this must have been Kiawe's plan from the beginning. Now smiling, Kiawe walks over to Chloe and offers her a hand up. Chloe instead grabs Kiawe's wrist and declares that while she is no rival, she can certainly look after Ash. Kiawe praises Chloe's stubbornness, having earned her trust. Flygon also receives a cheer from Kiawe’s Pokémon. Kiawe asks Chloe what his dream is, and she confidently declares that while she doesn't know what her dream is just yet, she will find out.

Weeks go by, Ash and Chloe stay in Alola, Ash contaly battles Kiawe, Chloe, Kukui, Hau and other Alolan trainers in order to train up his Pokemon and prepare to get back into the Great Class, Ash and Chloe return to the Cerise Laboratory, Chloe tells Ash that they should visit Alola again sometime, and Ash promises that they will.

Chapter Text

Ash is busy training with his Pokemon, Riolu vs Farfetch'd and Pikachu vs Raboot, but they don't train for long as Chloe rushes in.

Chloe: Ash! Ash! Bea's World Coronation Series ranking went up to 193!

Ash is keen to have a rematch against Bea, so the teens boat over to Cianwood Gym in the Johto region where Bea is training. Inside, Cianwood Gym Leader Chuck has his Poliwrath exchange blows with Bea's Grapploct in an intense heat. Bea suddenly receives a notification on her Rotom Phone, and Ash challenges her to a battle. Bea, however, only remembers Ash as the "Riolu Trainer", taking him by surprise. Even so, Bea accepts his challenge. Chuck remembers Ash from their previous Gym battle and allows Ash to use the Gym for his match. Before they get started, Ash adds that he has since bounced back into the Great Class.

The Drone Rotom flies into the Gym to officiate the Great Class two-on-two match between Ash and Bea. Ash calls out Pikachu while Bea starts off with her Hitmontop. Using Gyro Ball, Hitmontop evades a Thunderbolt and clashes with Pikachu’s follow up Iron Tail. Pikachu uses Quick Attack and an Electroweb to break Hitmontop's spin. Hitmontop rebounds with Focus Energy and scores several hits with Triple Kick. Pikachu stands back up again and uses Electroweb on the battlefield. Bea calls for a Gyro Ball to break through the electrified threads, which slows Hitmontop down and does damage each time. Pikachu delivers an Iron Tail followed by a Quick Attack to knock Hitmontop out.

Next, Bea sends out Grapploct. Pikachu jolts forward using Quick Attack, though Grapploct leaps upwards and retaliates with Close Combat. Pikachu hits back with a Thunderbolt after suffering some brutal blows. Grapploct withstands the attack and bundles Pikachu up in an Octolock. Pikachu struggles against the tight squeezing and is unable to counter with a close range Thunderbolt. Ash orders an Iron Tail instead, but Pikachu cannot overcome Grapploct’s firm grasp. Grapploct then delivers a Liquidation attack, knocking Pikachu out of the match.

Ash chooses Riolu to face Grapploct, a familiar opponent for the Emanation Pokémon. A stare down is broken by Riolu moving first, with its Vacuum Wave blasting through Grapploct's Liquidation, shocking Bea. Ash orders Riolu to immediately fall back to avoid getting tangled into Grapploct's tentacles. Bea orders Grapploct to attack with Octolock, and Ash simply smiles and allows Riolu to be ensnared by Grapploct. Riolu remains calm as Grapploct wraps its tentacles around, and it tries to trace its opponent’s movements to break free of the Octolock. Bea notices the tactic, but allows the counter strategy to unfold out of intrigue. Ash orders Riolu to build up its power, to which Riolu closes its eyes and generates an energy field around itself. Riolu then unleashes an explosive Force Palm at point blank range, escaping Grapploct's grip and knocking it down. Next, Grapploct and Riolu collide with Close Combat and Force Palm respectively. Both Pokémon hit their mark and collapse onto the field, ending the match in a draw. The draw ruling means no change to either competitors' ranking.

Chuck commends Ash and Bea's efforts, and suggests they celebrate. He unveils a dessert picnic outside, adding that eating sweets builds up one's stamina. Ash, Chloe and the Pokémon tuck in. Everyone is surprised to see that Bea also has a sweet tooth, as she scoffs down several cakes. Bea complements Ash on his counter strategy for Grapploct's Octolock, though has her eyes set on climbing the World Coronation ranks and beat Leon. Ash vows to continue training and promises not to lose next time, hoping to also face Leon. Chuck is unsurprised by Bea's sentiments, adding that she gets it from her father – a karate teacher in the Galar region.

Bea: I promise you, Riolu Trainer, we will fight again.

Ash: My name is Ash, not Riolu Trainer.

Chloe and Chuck laugh

Chapter Text

At the Cerise Laboratory, a mysterious reddish glow appears inside Ash's bag, coming from his Dynamax Band. The teens decide to ask Professor Cerise the next moring. That moring Professor Cerise pulls up everything he knows about Dynamax. Chrysa and Ren add that recent reports have shown Dynamax occurring right across the Galar region.

Ash: Woah, maybe my band glowing is related to that.

Chloe: it wouldn't hurt to go investigate.

Professor Cerise: Good idea Chloe, I'll buy you two tickets to Galar right away.

Later, the teens are aboard a train to Wedgehurst to meet Professor Cerise's friend Professor Magnolia, Ash and Pikachu indulge in some Galar scones. The train ride comes to an unexpected stop due to some thick fog, and the train doors open to allow the passengers to stretch their legs while they wait. Yamper spots a Bunnelby trying to steal some scones, and chases after it cuasung Ash and Chloe to chase after him into the Slumbering Weald,. Chloe then finds Yamper and has Gengar defeat the Bunnelby, though she has become separated from Ash. Ash and Pikachu are searching for Chloe from another area of the Weald and suddenly they encounter Zacian. Ash tries to scan it with his Rotom Phone, however the Legendary Pokémon isn't registered in the Pokédex database. Similarly, Chloe has a mysterious encounter of her own, meeting Zamazenta. Ash tries to battle Zacian, but Pikachu's Iron Tail goes through it. Chloe sends out Flygon, not noticing Yamper's jealous look, and she commands a Dragon Rush, but the move goes through as well. Chloe has Yamper try an Spark attack, which Yamoer is excited to do, but it doesn't affect Zamazenta. Both Zacian and Zamazenta let out a haunting howl, enveloping the area in a thicker fog. Chloe wakes up to find herself alone in the Slumbering Weald and Ash is still nowhere to be seen. She tries calling him on the Rotom Phone, but Ash doesn’t answer. The train horn sounds.

Chloe: Oh no, the train!

Chloe and Yamper rush back to hopefully catch the train.

Chloe returns to the tracks and sees the train is long gone, and aslo spots some starnge stars in the sky, noting they look a lot like the ones seen when a Pokémon Dynamaxes. Chloe opts to fly with Flygon, but every time she tried, she doesn't get far without losing her balance and falling off. A car suddenly pulls up, and a familiar face, Sonia takes a moment to observe the strange stars. She then turns to see Chloe standing there, much to her surprise. Ash and Pikachu wake up in the Slumbering Weald, and as they decide to head back for the train to meet Chloe, they also spot the mysterious stars in the sky.

Ash runs into town, perplexed by the sight of a Gigantamax Centiskorch outside a stadium or the Wild Area. He decides to confront it himself. Ash orders Pikachu and his Riolu to help calm Centy down. An Electroweb wraps around Centy's face before Riolu scores a direct hit with Vacuum Wave. Centy, however, breaks through the web and prepares to launch a Max Flutterby. Ash adds Raboot to the battle for a triple combo of Ember alongside Pikachu's Electroweb and Riolu using Vacuum Wave again. The attacks cancel each other out while the Gigantamax Centiskorch still stands. Centiskorch prepares to unleash another devastating G-Max Centiferno, leading Ash and his team to scramble to safety. Champion Leon and his Charizard fly onto the scene, striking the Gigantamax Centiskorch with a Rock Tomb. Ash is glad to see some support arrive, and Leon decides to handle the situation by himself. A final blow of Air Slash reverts Centy to its previously friendly self and ends the chaos. Eva rushes to hug her dear friend, while Doug thanks Ash for helping save Centy, though at little confused as to why Alola's champion is in Galar. The unexpected arrival of Leon also receives much praise from the townspeople, as well as two Champions helping the town. Leon stays humble and proclaims that he will be investigating the recent rise in Dynamax Pokémon. As he prepares to leave to fight other Dynamax events, Ash pleads with the Champion to let him help. The glint of confidence convinces Leon to relent, so Ash aboards Leon's Charizard and they go to the next battle.

Meanwhile, CHloe is riding with Sonia. Chloe then remembers to give Ash another call, and this time Ash picks up.

Ash: Hey Chloe! Man, so much has happened, and now I'm assisting Leon with defeating the Dynamax Pokémon!

Chloe: That's really cool Ash! Me and Sonia are traveling to the Turffield to look at some geoglyph,maybe it'll be connected to the outbreak of Dynamax energy across the region. Let's meet up when we can!

Ash: RIght!

As a dark red cloud appears overhead, Ash hangs up the phone as he and Leon prepare to take on their next opponent, a Dynamax Pangoro.

Chapter Text

Chloe and Sonia reach the Turffield geoglyph, hoping to research its connection to the ancient hero legend and the current Dynamax outbreaks across the Galar region. Known as the Darkest Day, the Galar region was engulfed by a black vortex 3,000 years ago. A hero wielding the legendary sword and shield managed to quell the Dynamax Pokémon. Sonia speculates that the Darkest Day will reoccur, noting the similarly tough conditions they face today. Chloe recalls her encounter with Lugia, remembering that a dark cloud appeared then as well.

Chloe: Maybe the dark vortex during the Darkest Day mean that a legendary Pokemon is nearby.

Sonia: Wow, I didn't think about that before...

Ash and Leon soon spot a rampaging Gigantamax Coalossal. Using Farfetch'd and Dragapult respectively, they manage to defeat it. The miners start throwing stones at the Coalossal, but Ash intervenes to protect the vulnerable Pokémon.

Ash: leave it alone! Coalossal didn't mean any wrong!

The miners grumble and storm off.

Meanwhile, Oleana's subordinate is shadowing Chloe and Sonia's car. Sonia and Chloe soon leave Turffield and head towards Wedgehurst, with Sonia learning that Chloe was originally intending on meeting Professor Magnolia for advice on Dynamaxing.

Sonia: Well you're in luck! Magnolia is my gran!

Chloe: She is?!

Sonia shows Chloe several photos of the ancient tapestries located in the Hammerlocke Vault, believed to describe the origins of the Galar region.

Sonia: Got any insight?

Chloe: it looks like those two heroes were the ones who fought the Darkest Day.

Sonia: The current retelling of the Hero legend may actually be wrong, and two heroes may have worked together. I'll tell my gran right away! Maybe that'll make her see I can be a professor! But, she's rather strict.

Chloe enquires into Sonia's motivations, leading Sonia to reveal that she and Leon were once friends. The pair left on a journey together, but they drifted apart after Leon's battling talents were spotted and he became a Champion. Sonia remarks that she could never defeat Leon in a battle, but decided to work with Pokémon in a different way.

Following the defeat of the Gigantamax Coalossal, Chairman Rose and Oleana introduce themselves to Ash. Leon reveals that Rose is the Chairman of Macro Cosmos, a company responsible for the supply of energy across Galar and the one who spotted his talents as a Trainer.

Rose I must say Leon would not stop talking about Mr. Ketchum, you show a lot of promise.

Leon: Rose, do you know anything about the Dynamax outbreaks?

Rose: Me? Why no I don't know anything, perhaps all these outbreaks is a promie of a stronger future!

Leon: No way, we need to stop things now and save the lives of people and Pokémon alike.

The Chairman steers the conversation away from the crisis at hand, suggesting a commemorative dinner is in order. Ash’s grumbling stomach also agrees, while Leon suggests that it is a rather lucrative opportunity. Leon, meanwhile, decides to investigate the Energy Plant for a connection to the Dynamax outbreaks. He believes Chairman Rose knows more than he was saying, recalling the suspicious comment made earlier.

Chloe and Sonia arrive at Professor Magnolia's lab in Wedgehurst by evening. As they discuss their dreams, a Wishing Star crashes nearby. The rather stern Professor Magnolia appears, explaining that a Wishing Star appears to those with earnest dreams. She invites Chloe inside, learning that she comes from the Cerise Laboratory and hoped to learn more about Dynamaxing. Magnolia reveals that Galar particles are responsible from the Dynamax phenomenon, with links to Power Spots found right across the Wild Area that allow Pokémon to undergo Dynamax. She adds that Wishing Star a rich source of Galar particles. Professor Magnolia reveals that she cooperated with Macro Cosmos and developed the Dynamax Bands as a way to control the Dynamax phenomenon. Sonia then enters the room, and presents Chloe with her very own Dynamax Band, fashioned using the crashed Wishing Star. Chloe is thrilled with the gift. She then asks why can Pokémon only Dynamax in the Wild Area or in stadiums, to which Professor Magnolia clarifies that Power Spots are responsible for this. Professor Magnolia adds that she and Chairman Rose uncovered that Galar particles can be used as an energy source, but stops short of elaborating any further. Sonia realizes her grandmother is hiding something, but Professor Magnolia denies it and changes the subject to Sonia's research task. Professor Magnolia takes a moment to review before commending her granddaughter's research, which sheds further light onto the Darkest Day and Galar Hero legends. Magnolia stops short of granting her granddaughter a pass, instead she wonders what happened to the sword and shield from the legend. While Sonia feels disheartened, Chloe suggests this is an opportunity for them to uncover information about the sword and shield.

At Rose Tower, Ash and Pikachu are treated to a feast courtesy of Chairman Rose. Looking over the glistening Wyndon skyline, Rose remarks that he is grateful for being lifted out of poverty and plans to preserve the very best that Galar has to offer. The comment catches Ash off-guard, but Rose quickly changes the subject again. He remarks that Ash certainly has promise as a Trainer and offers to use his resources to support Ash’s battling ambitions. Adding pressure, Oleana notes that Ash is lucky to receive such interest. Ash gives it some thought but ultimately declines, remarking that he wants to travel the world and forge his own path. Rose says nothing more, while Oleana is genuinely furious by Ash's disregard. Ash and Pikachu stay the night in the Rose Tower, placing a call through to Chloe for an update. Chloe reveals that he is at Professor Magnolia's lab, though he and Sonia plan on traveling to the Stow-on-Side ruins to discover more about the Darkest Day. Ash agrees to meet Chloe there, ending the call.

The next day, as Sonia and Chloe prepare to leave for the ruins, Professor Magnolia has a confession to make. She reveals that she broke off her partnership with Chairman Rose because she sensed his ill-intentions, adding that he will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. Professor Magnolia elaborates that she knows that Dynamax outbreaks have something to do with it, however she has no physical proof as of yet. She orders her granddaughter be quick in uncovering the truth, with Sonia and Chloe both pledging to do their best. The conversation, meanwhile, is overhead by Oleana's subordinate who calls to inform Oleana of the new intel. Following orders, the subordinate trails Chloe and Sonia undetected and directly to the mural at Stow-on-Side. He then makes his presence known, summoning his Gigantamax Garbodor to take care of Chlie and Sonia. The presence of the Gigantamax Pokémon reveals the odd-looking mural to be a Power Spot and Sonia notices Galar particles coming from the mural. To even the match-up, Chloe Dynamaxes her Yamper, starting off with a direct Max Flare. Gigantamax Garbodor replies with G-Max Malodor, and the wake of stench knocks Yamper back, sending it crashing into the mural. As Yamper steps aside, Sonia quickly spots statues hidden behind, featuring two knights, as well as Zacian and Zamazenta.

Chapter Text

During a confrontation at the Stow-on-Side mural, Sonia quickly spots statues hidden behind, featuring two knights, as well as a pair of mysterious Pokémon - Zacian and Zamazenta. Oleana's subordinate, however, orders his Gigantamax Garbodor to attack with Max Steelspike. Chloe's Yamper takes the hit before retaliating with Max Darkness, sending Garbodor crashing down. The Macro Cosmos agent orders his Garbodor to get up immediately and attack with G-Max Malodor. However Yamper's Max Lightning lands first, knocking Garbodor out. The agent immediately recalls his Pokémon and flees the area. Yamper returns to its usual form, with its performance in battle earning Chloe and Sonia's praises.

After staying the night at Rose Tower, Ash leaves to meet Chloe at Stow-on-Side. Meanwhile at the mural site, Chloe examines the uncovered statues.

Chloe: Hey, I encountered that Pokemon in The Slumbering Weald!

Sonia and Chloe soon notice a plaque, revealing the names of the mysterious Pokémon to be Zacian, the one holding the sword, while Zamazenta is holding the shield.

Sonia: The ancient legend that surrounds the Darkest Day must be wrong, the two heroes alongside those two Pokémon overcame the crisis 3,000 years ago!

Chloe: Yeah, and the Darkest Day must've been a Pokemon!

Sonia: Of course!

A group of Macro Cosmos agents arrive on the scene, though Chloe and Sonia charge towards them to escape another confrontation. The pair rush to Sonia's car, buckling up and driving to the Slumbering Weald to ask for Zacian and Zamazenta's help in solving the Dynamax outbreaks across Galar. On the way over, Chloe phones Ash to change their meet up arrangements to the Slumbering Weald and updates him on all her latest discoveries about the ancient Galar legend surrounding the Darkest Day.

Leon, meanwhile, continues to investigate the Energy Plant for clues about the current Dynamax outbreaks and Chairman Rose's suspected involvement. He soon reaches the underground facility, just in time to see the energy core become overloaded from an injection of Galar particles. Several beams of red light shoot across the sky, capturing Ash's attention. The Rotom Phone reveals that the source of the red light is somewhere in Hammerlocke.

Ah: Uh, Chloe? Change of plans, I'm heading to Hammerlocke to see what's up with all these red beams.

Chloe: Got it. We'll find Zacian and Zamazenta and meet you there.

A Pokémon finally bursts from the Energy Plant reactor core, revealing it to be Eternatus. As one of the Macro Cosmo employees makes a call direct to Chairman Rose, Leon realizes that the Chairman is behind all of the Dynamax outbreaks. Frustrated, Leon calls out his Charizard to battle Eternatus and stop it from escaping. However, Eternatus flies upwards and emerges inside the Hammerlocke Stadium above. Team Rocket, on a mission to capture Eternatus for Giovanni, remove their mine worker disguises before Meowth launches a rocket-propelled net at it. Eternatus replies with a beam of Dynamax energy, striking Meowth and causing him to Gigantamax. Jessie and James are thrilled with Meowth’s powerful new form and order him to attack. Meowth, however, attacks his teammates in a Gigantamax-induced rage. Ash reachs Hammerlocke Stadium to see Team Rocket fleeing from Gigantamax Meowth. Jessie and James bark orders at Ash to do something about it.

The confrontation at Hammerlocke Stadium is filmed by a passing news crew, with the footage streamed directly to Sonia's Rotom Phone just as she and Chloe have reached the Slumbering Weald. Transmission suddenly cuts out as Eternatus fires off another attack. Realizing the Darkest Day has actually been revived, Chloe and Sonia push ahead to locate Zacian and Zamazenta. Chloe and Sonia call out into the fog, and before long, Zacian and Zamazenta arrive on the scene. The two legendaries then turn away and appear to vanish into the thick mist. Chloe is initially disappointed, but Yamper catches the scent of something up ahead. The trio soon arrive at an altar, and locate the Rusted Shield and Rusted Sword lying there from the ancient legend. Chloe packs the ancient artefacts in her bag, as she and Sonia set their sights on reaching Hammerlocke.

Inside Hammerlocke Stadium, Eternatus attacks, so Ash sends out his Farfetch'd, but Eternatus quicly defeats it, leading Ash to recall it for a rest. Leon and Charizard then arrive on the scene, before Chairman Rose makes an appearance.

Rose: It's true, dear Champions Eternatus, is in fact the fearsome Darkest Day from the legend.

Eternatus tries to escape, however the stadium’s audience safety barrier is helping to keep it contained.

Rose: Galar was about to exhaust all of its energy sources. However, Eternatus here offers incredible energy and will be key to securing Galar's future.

Leon: What are you talking about?

Rose: Why, Eternatus here actually creates Galar particles.

Leon: Rose, c'mon think about how dangerous Eternatus could be!

Rose: Why, helping recruit strong Trainers like you has been part of my plan! I want you and Ash to work together to catch and control Eternatus!

Ash: Us? But why?

Rose: My father once worked in the mines to extract energy, though he eventually passed away following an accident on the job. The loss of my father only motivated me to find a more viable energy source like Eternatus, where no one will need to suffer like I did!

Leon: Alright, I'll do it.

Rose: Excellent!

Leon: I wasn't done, I'll battle Eternatus, then I'll seal it away for good!

Rose is disappointed by his star prodigy's sentiments and calls out Copperajah to attack. Ash makes the first move, having Pikachu strike with Iron Tail.

Ash: Go Leon! I'll deal with him.

The Galar Champion complies, leaving Ash to face-off against Rose. The Chairman calls out his Ferrothorn, so Ash summons his Riolu and Raboot to even things up and make it a Double Battle. While Team Rocket are still being chased by their Gigantamax Meowth, Sonia crashes through the stadium safety barricade and urges Chloe to rush ahead to help Ash out. Sonia is confident she can take on the Macro Cosmos agents by herself, but is quickly feeling intimidated by the quartet of Steel Pokémon she has to battle. Luckily, Raihan arrives on the scene and calls out his Duraludon to assist.

Chloe arrives in the gym, only to be stopped by Oleana

Chloe: I need to see the Chairman!

Oleana: Chairman Rose is busy and would not like to be disturbed.

Chloe: I'm here to stop the Darkest Day!

Oleana's face turns to pure rage

Oleana: That IS disturbing him!

Oleana summons her Milotic

Oleana: The Darkest Day is The Chairman's dream!

Chloe is unfazed by Oleana's intimidation tactics and selects Yamper to battle.

Chapter Text

On the battlefield, Chairman Rose is pleased to see Eternatus absorbing the Galar particles to assume its final form. Ash is determined to end the chaos, so he orders Riolu and Raboot to attack. Rose's Ferrothorn blocks with Iron Defense and Copperajah uses Heavy Slam on its opponents. Riolu prepares to land a counter Force Palm, only for Ferrothorn to intervene while Copperajah tries another Heavy Slam. Ash realizes Rose's strategy involves synchronized offense and defense, so he tries to separate Rose's Pokémon with Raboot's Quick Attack and Riolu using Double Team. Rose then orders both of his Pokémon to use Power Whip, managing to corner Raboot and Riolu. Ash orders his pair to leap at the last moment, leading Rose's Copperajah and Ferrothorn to strike each other down with Power Whip instead. Rose is stunned by the counter-tactic.

Meanwhile, Chloe is facing Oleana in battle inside the stadium foyer. Yamper launches a Spark, though it's not that strong, and is knocked back by Oleana's Milotic using a much stronger Water Pulse. Yamper tries a flurry of weak Spark attacks, though another Water Pulse from Milotic lands instead.

Oleana: What a silly little girl you are. You have the typer advantage, yet can't even manage to land a single hit! You're pretty foolish to think you can stop The Darkest Day, you should give wheil you have still have the chance to, a kid like you shouldn't be here.

Chloe: I won't give up! Spark!

Milotic again counters with Water Pulse, landing a blow on Yamper as well.

Chloe: Okay, maybe Gengar or Flygon can help. Yamper, return!

Chloe pulls out Yamper's Poke Ball, but it doesn't return Yamper.

Chloe: Huh?

Yamper barks to Chloe, and she starts to understand, ever since she started catching more Pokemon and using stronger Pokemon like Gengar or Flygon, Yamper's been feeling left out. Yamper loves Chloe to death and wants to prove itself to her, like how they first battled Gengar, it wants to fight with Chloe here and now.

Chloe: Alright, we're saying in this! Together!

Oleana scores another Water Pulse hit on Yamper and orders it to use Aqua Tail.

Eternatus suddenly launches a powerful Dynamax Cannon at the Hammerlocke Stadium complex, and the other battles pause momentarily. Rose orders his Pokémon to use Power Whip, though Riolu and Raboot leap in front to defend their Trainer and Pikachu. Riolu and Raboot manages to stave off the blows with their paws and evolves into a Lucario and Cinderace respectively to bolster its strength. Ash first calls for a Vacuum Wave and Ember, but Lucario uses its Aura to communicate with him, so he instead tells it to use Aura Sphere and Pyro Ball, defeating Rose’s Pokémon with ease. Ash then rushes off to help Leon take on Eternatus, while Rose rushes to tend to his defeated Pokémon.

Chloe, meanwhile, considers a way to win the battle with Yamper, Chloe then gets an idea, to have Yamper evade as many moves from Milotic as possible, then find an opeing, charge up as much electricity within it's body and produce the strongest Spark it can make. Yamper fulfills its Trainer’s request, charging up a huge Spark so big it evolves into Boltund. Taking a moment to scan it with her Rotom Phone, Chloe orders Boltund to launch its new attack, Discharge. The attack hits its mark and Oleana's Milotic is unable to battle.

Ash and Chloe soon reach the tower summit, where Leon and Charizard continue to battle Eternatus. The teens take a moment to marvel at each other's newly evolved Pokémon before returning to the real situation at hand: defeating Eternatus. Leon focuses his attention on Eternatus's head to stop its attack and has Charizard use a flurry of Air Slash attacks. As Eternatus appears to falter, Leon throws an Ultra Ball at it, momentarily sucking it in. However, Eternatus soon breaks out, with a powerful wave of energy knocking the teens down. Leon is forced to recall his Charizard before fainting from exhaustion. Eternatus then flies up into the sky and transforms into its larger Eternamax form. Watching from his helicopter, Chairman Rose is thrilled by the development while Oleana is taken aback by it. Ash and Chloe step up to take on Eternatus, but it is unfazed by their efforts and retaliates with Eternabeam. While Pikachu, Lucario, Cinderace, and Boltund lay strewn about from the powerful attack.

The Rusted Sword and Rusted Shield suddenly glow blue and red respectively, taking Ash and Chloe by surprise.

Ash: What are these?

Chloe: I don't really know. I found them in The Slumbering Weald.

Sonia reaches the rooftop and rushes to attend to her injured friend Leon. Eternatus then launches another Eternabeam, which again causes the Rusted Sword and Shield to glow. Ash and Chloe realize they must fulfill the ancient legend, so they raise their armaments to defend Galar from Eternatus's evil power. With this, Zacian and Zamazenta awaken at the Slumbering Weald and come to their aid, taking possession of the Rusted Sword and Shield, respectively, and transforming to their Crowned Sword and Crowned Shield forms. Zacian strikes with Behemoth Blade and Zamazenta follows on with a Behemoth Bash. Ash and Chloe order Pikachu to use Thunderbolt, Lucario to use Aura Sphere,Cinderace to strike with Pyro Ball, and Boltund to use Discharge. The attacks hit before the legendary heroes launch their own combined attack to exhaust Eternamax Eternatus. The teens see this as their chance to catch Eternatus, so working together they hurl a large Poké Ball and successfully catch Eternatus. Both Rotom Phones update with information on Eternatus, and the teens cheer. Zacian and Zamazenta quickly leave the area, leaping up into the sky and clearing away the dark clouds. The Dynamax Pokémon also return to their usual forms, ending the chaos across Galar. As the Rusted Sword and Shield return to Ash and Chloe's possession, Leon takes the opportunity to thank them for helping save Galar.

Sometime later, at the Slumbering Weald altar, Ash and Chloe return the Rusted Sword and Shield to their rightful place.

Ash: Thank you, Zacian. Let's battle sometime!

Chloe: Thanks Zamazenta, maybe one day I'll get to battle you, or even catch you!

The teens leave the altar, unknown to them, Zacian and Zamazenta appear momentarily to see them off.

Chapter Text

Arriving at school, the teacher orders Chloe to leave any Pokémon in the school yard to play. As expected, Sobble is overwhelmed by its emotions and starts crying instantly at the thought of being left alone in the school yard with all the other Pokémon. Chloe calls out her other Pokemon to comfort Sobble, and they quickly find the task to be daunting.

Chloe: Uh, I'm sure Sobble will calm down eventually, I'll be back at the end of the day!

Chloe nervously walks off while Team Rocket spy from the bushes, seeing an opportunity to steal all of the students’ Pokémon and soon don school student disguises.

An Eevee wanders out of the Lab after spotting Sobble in the school yard. Eevee tries mimicking Sobble’s waddling walk and sniffles, leading her to be discovered. Sobble instantly becomes scared, and Eevee copies his cries attempt before trying to tackle Sobble, which fails miserably. Sobble finds it funny and calms down. The lab assistants, armed with a net, chase after the Eevee, however Eevee and Sobble run away. Chloe's other Pokemon soon notice the pursuit, and are left confused when they see Sobble and an Eevee being chased. The runaway duo reach the school gates, where Sobble quickly picks up Chloe’s scent and they escape into the school yard.

Meanwhile, Chloe is taking a test when she hears Sobble's familiar cry. Chloe quikly excuses herself and greets Sobble outside, wondering what he is doing at the school. Sobble beckons Chloe to follow him, and he leads her to the school rose garden to meet Eevee. Chloe is speechless and stares intensely at Eevee for several moments. Sobble interrupts the moment when he spots the lab assistants searching nearby, going on Chloes shoulder and disappearing. Chloe hushes Eevee before bundling her up to keep her safe, while the assistants walk past not noticing anything. Chloe soon gives Ash a call.

Chloe: Hey Ash? Something's going on, meet me outside my school

Ash: I'm on my way.

Ash arrives and finds Chloe, Sobble and the Eevee hiding behind a hedge.

Ash: There you guys are, why are you hiding? And where'd the Eevee come from?

Chloe: Sobble found her, and we saw some people trying to take her.

Ash: Hmm, sounds like Pokemon hunters or mad scientists.

Ash comes up with a plan, so he approaches the suspicious people directly while Chloe tries to escape undetected. But the lab assistants soon spot Chloe carrying Eevee away. Ash resorts to having Pikachu shock them, allowing Chloe to make a clean getaway.

Meanwhile, Team Rocket is vacuuming up all of the school students' Pokémon, including Boltund, Gengar and Flygon. Soon, Ash and Chloe stumble upon the scheme, with the lab assistants closely behind, the assisitants orders Eevee to be returned.

Ash: Never!

Chloe: I'd never give Eevee to someone who wants to hurt her!

Realizing that two of them have mistaken them for villains, the lab assistants explain to Ash and Chloe that they're not who they think they are, but just researchers from the Eevee Evolution Lab, much to their surprise. Pikachu gets vaccumed up, cuasing Ash to look over and see Team Rocket. With a sneer, Team Rocket removes their disguises and performs their motto. Summoning the Rocket Prize Master for reinforcements, Meowth leaps into the coin slot to activate the device. Surprisingly, however, the vending machine doesn't work. James resorts to shaking it while Jessie shouts for Pelipper to take responsibility for the malfunction. Pelipper flies back immediately, and agrees to stand in for the battle against the twerps. Pelipper approaches with a Wing Attack, easily knocking Sobble back and not sustaining any damage from his Pound attack. Seeing Sobble get struck down, Eevee breaks out of Chloe's arms and decides it wants to battle as well. As Sobble begins charging up a Water Gun, Eevee uses Copycat to mimic it. James calls for a Hydro Pump next, while Eevee and Sobble launch a double Water Gun attack and send it blasting off. Team Rocket is shocked by Pelipper's quick defeat, but push forward with their scheme as they try to make off with the stolen Pokémon. Ash has Lucario use Aura Sphere to free the Pokémon from the net, followed by Pikachu being freed and launching a Thunderbolt, which sends Team Rocket blasting off.

Eevee is later returned to Pinery and her assistants by evening, with Professor Cerise apologizing on behalf of Ash and Chloe's misunderstanding. Chloe is speechless as she watches Eevee leave with the researchers. The feelings seem mutual, as Eevee leaps from Pinery's arms and rushes to hug Chloe.

Ash: Eevee really loves ya, Chloe.

Ash blushes at his own statemnt, so does Chloe, and Pinery agrees. She reveals that this Eevee is particularly mysterious, as she hasn't evolved during any of their experiments. Chloe clarifies that Eevee refuses to evolve into any of its eight evolutions, and Pinery admits that the genetics of any Eevee are unstable. She also theorizes that maybe this Eevee is hesitant to decide which evolution it undergoes. Pinery then asks Chloe to look after Eevee, and she happily accepts. Eevee leaps from Chloe's arms, wagging her tail in anticipation. Chloe then grabs a Poke Ball out of her bag, and crouches down before Eevee happily enters the Poké Ball. Chloe calls Eevee back out, and she enthusiastically leaps back into Chloe's embrace and quickly makes friends with the other Pokémon. Chloe scans Eevee with the Pokédex function, and considers Pinery's words about Eevee’s many possible evolutions. She then mentally promises Eevee that they will take one step at a time, together.

Chapter Text

Chloe returns to the Cerise Laboratory from school just in time for her father, Professor Cerise, to ask her to come with him. She joins Ash, who is receiving a call from the Curator of the Pewter Museum of Science.

Curator: I've heard rumors of rare Fossils being found in Galar region's Wild Area, and since the professor has said you two should be free. I'd like you two to go investigate what these Fossils are like.

Chloe is hesitant to join the eager Ash on the trip, since she has school, but seeing how enthusiastic her Eevee is of the idea, she changes her mind. As the two travel to Galar by plane, Chloe arranges matters with her teacher so that she can make up for the lessons she's missing by writing a report of her trip.

The group arrives at the Wild Area, which has wild Pokémon all over the place. While playing with Pikachu, Eevee ends up accidentally running into a Boldore. Aggrevated by being hit, Boldore attacks Chloe and Eevee, but Ash uses his Cinderace to defend them and battle Boldore, before defeating it and mkaing it run off.

Chloe: Thanks Ash.

Both teens blush, but they're just old friends, right?

Ash: Uh, Yeah of course.

Ash, and Chloe eventually reach the digging site, where multiple Fossil diggers are already hard at work. As they rush ahead to join the fray, a Mudsdale suddenly uses Double Kick on a rock, sending a boulder towards Chloe, who's narrowly saved by Pikachu's Iron Tail. Ash gets protective and berates Mudsdale's owner, a man introducing himself as Bray Zenn, for his reckless behavior, but the group still follows him when he offers to take them to the rare Fossils he's found. The children examine the Fossils and notice that they're all incomplete, but Bray Zenn is sure that they'll probably find the whole things eventually by just digging from here and there and then they're joined by another Fossil researcher and a friend of Bray Zenn's, Cara Liss.

Working together, everyone excavates a large number of incomplete Fossils. Cara Liss is convinced that the Fossils can still be fit together in ways that defy all previous ideas, showing a simulation of the Pokémon she predicts can be revived from some of the Fossils they have: Arctovish. Bray Zenn makes his own prediction from the other sets of Fossils, predicting a fusion of them dubbed Dracozolt. Deciding to revive them right away, they put color-coded containers over the Fossils, but get confused which container contains which Fossil once they're done. Nevertheless, they bring out their Fossil restoration machines and have them suck the Fossils inside themselves for the restoration process the same way as a Poké Ball sucks in a Pokémon.

As the restoration process is due to last for four hours, they decide to spend the waiting time by cooking curry. As they begin cooking, Bray Zenn inserts the ingredients into the pot with barely any preparation, insisting that they'll just dissolve in the pot anyway. Cara Liss, meanwhile, has accidentally brought chocolate instead of curry roux. Chloe mixes some Moomoo Milk to make whipped cream for the dessert, but while she's off getting sugar, Bray Zenn comes in and takes the whipped cream to be used as a "secret ingredient" for his curry. Mixing whipped cream with curry leaves the teens with wary feelings towards the end result, but when they and their Pokémon taste it, surprisingly, they find themselves enjoying it.

As everyone finish their meals, the Fossil restoration machines signal them that the restoration process is complete. Cara Liss and Bray Zenn let the restored Pokémon out of the machines, but they look different from what they had predicted. The Fossil researchers are unphased and quickly come up with new theories and names for their creations; Bray Zenn dubs his creation Arctozolt, while Cara Liss names hers Dracovish.

Ash: Well, hi Dracovish-

Dracovish responds by trying to bite Ash's head, and ends up chasing him around. Ash tries to stop it with Pikachu's Electroweb, but Dracovish simply bites through it and uses Water Gun, but misses and hits Arctozolt instead. Angered by this, Arctozolt starts using Powder Snow everywhere. Ash and Pikachu slip on the ice created by the attack, as does Dracovish, causing Ash and Pikachu to wind up on Dracovish's back as it runs off. Cara Liss and Bray Zenn, meanwhile, are hit and frozen by Powder Snow as well, so Chloe has Gengar create a Shadow Ball to break them out.

Arctozolt is still rampaging, so Chloe calls out her Flygon to battle it. Meanwhile, Dracovish runs all they way to a distant pond and dives into it. Ash realizes that Dracovish just wanted to have a swim.

Ash: Hey, bud, should we look around?

Dracovish leaps out of the pond and runs back to the digging site, where it crashes into Arctozolt just as Chloe is battling it. Both Fossil Pokémon quickly recover from the collision, with Arctozolt even having calmed down now. Seeing that the Fossil Pokémon like Ash and Chloe, Cara Liss and Bray Zenn suggest they should look after them, since they already got all the data from them that they need. Ash and Chloe happily agree to this, and then proceed to catch Dracovish and Arctozolt, respectively.

Chapter Text

Ash watches as his Pokemon go at it at a sparring match. He's ranked 415 now, and he doesn't want to become how he was when he lost to Bea. Pikachu goes against Cinderace while Lucario goes against Dracovish, Ash takes not that Farfetch'd is just sitting by not doing anything, he doesn't get much time to think about it as Chloe comes in.

Chloe: Hey Ash! Dad wants us to go to Rock Tunnel, a bunch of Geodude outbreak.

Ash: Alright, let's go.

Pikachu hops on Ash's shoulder, and Ash sees Farfetch'd

Ash: Y'know, I think I'll take Farfetch'd with me, we could get some training done.

Ash returns Farfetch'd to it's ball and he and Chloe leave

Ash and Chloe arrive at the Rock Tunnel, no Geodude are in sight. Ash sees nothing wrong with this and sends out Farfetch'd, who begins to train by smashing rocks with it's leek.

Chloe: Why's it so focused on uts leek?

Ash: Farfetch'd wants to be a leek master.

Chloe: A what?

Ash: A Farfetch'd who's mastered all it's leek moves, duh!

Chloe: Of course, how could I forget....

Just then, Ash's Rotom Phone alerts him that another World Coronation Series participant is nearby. The participant, a burly man with a Gurdurrnamed Dozer, and he approaches Farfetch'd and admires its physical build. Farfetch'd gets annoyed and tries to attack him, but its leek is blocked by Gurdurr's girder. A Drone Rotom soon arrives to officiate the battle. Ash and Dozer choose to use Farfetch'd and Gurdurr, respectively, in the one-on-one match. The battle begins. Farfetch'd starts with Night Slash, which is easily countered and overpowered by Gurdurr's High Horsepower, sending Farfetch'd flying. Farfetch'd recovers quickly and strikes Gurdurr with another Night Slash before it can fire off a Focus Blast. Gurdurr gets back up and uses Focus Blast again, but Farfetch'd uses Fury Cutter to slice through it before proceeding to attack Gurdurr itself. However, each blow gets blocked by Gurdurr's girder, until it dodges a Night Slash and strikes Farfetch'd with Brutal Swing, sending it flying into a wall and covering it in a pile of rocks. Unnoticed by Ash, Chloe, or Dozer, a Trainer with a Gallade appears on a cliff above them, observing the battle.

After a few tense moments, Farfetch'd reemerges from the rock pile, with plenty of energy left. Ash has it use Focus Energy, getting it pumped up. Farfetch'd gets angry and charges ahead without a command from Ash. Gurdurr fires another Focus Blast, but Farfetch'd avoids it before landing a hit on Gurdurr with Night Slash. Both sides are determined to keep their winning streaks going, and have their respective Pokémon power themselves up, Gurdurr with Bulk Up and Farfetch'd with another Focus Energy. Both Pokémon then begin a fierce exchange of Brutal Swings, each attempting to overpower the other. Finally, the girder and the leek clash for one last time, and the two Pokémon challenge each other to a test of strength. Eventually, to Dozer's shock, Farfetch'd's leek manages to break through the steel girder and strike Gurdurr, taking it out of the fight. Drone Rotom makes the official judgment, declaring Ash the winner and increasing his ranking from 415 to 381. Dozer, being a good sport, takes his loss with dignity and admits he and Gurdurr still need more training. As Gurdurr is feeling dismayed about its girder being broken, Dozer takes the broken pieces and lets Gurdurr use his pickaxe in the meantime.

Farfetch'd, despite the battle it just had, is still itching for more, and walks away to continue training further away. Ash and Chloe follow it, and the Trainer and his Gallade from before appear.

Ash: What the? Who are you?

Rinto: I'm Rinto, I saw your battle from earlier, and I must say Farfetch'd's battling was rough and unrefined, and it wasn't paying attention to its surroundings, it only won through brute force.

Farfetch'd gets angry at the comments and gets fired up.

Ash: Woah! Calm down Farfetch'd!

Rinto: It looks like Farfetch'd wants another battle, if you're willing it can battle my Gallade.

Farfetch'd nods, accepting the request. The battle begins with Farfetch'd using Night Slash, but Gallade effortlessly dodges every single swing. Farfetch'd next tries using Brutal Swing, but before the attack can even make contact, Gallade uses False Swipe, weakening Farfetch'd enough for it to no longer be able to battle.

Rinto: it seems seems that Farfetch'd is still inadequate, I look forward to battling it again once it improves.

Ash, Chloe and Farfetch'd watch Rinto and Gallade walk off, Ash kneels down to Farfetch'd's level.

Ash: Don't worry Farfetch'd! We'll train together and the next time we see Rinto, we'll win for sure!

Farfetch'd simply shrugs off its trainer's concerns.

Chapter Text

Ash and Chloe's Pokemon are playing in Cerise park, Gengar scares Sobble, which makes it cry and rush into Cerise Labs to get comfort from Chloe. Moments later, Chloe is holding Sobble as it cries.

Chloe: It's okay, Sobble. Maybe you can start scaring Gengar back.

Ren suddenly comes in , lookig very excited.

Ash: Hey Ren, what's got you so worked up?

Ren: I just saw a movie being filmed at Vermilion City's warehouse district! It's a sequel to a movie called "Spy and Sidekick"

Chloe: Really? That's awesome!

Ash: Huh, never heard of it, what's it about?

Chloe:Well, the movie is about a spy and her partner Inteleon.

Sobble perks up at the mention of it's evolved form.

Chloe: Hey, looks like Sobble is interested!

Ash: Why don't we all go see the filiming together!

Chloe: Yeah!

The two teens rush out of the lab.

At the warehouse district, Ash and Chloe see that the movie is being directed by Kublock The spy actress, Jacqueline, and her Inteleon start acting out a scene, until a car unexpectedly pulls in, who try to tell Inteleon to get into the car. When this plan fails, they reveal themselves as Team Rocket.

Ash: Team Rocket?!

Chloe: Ugh, what do they want?

James: We want that Inteleon!

Despite the unexpected interruption, Kublock loves the twist and has the cameras keep on filming, even as Ash and Chloe rush in to confront them.

Jessie and James send out Chewtle and Morpeko. Morpeko uses Aura Wheel, which both Pikachu and Boltund dodge, causing it to hit Kublock instead and knock him out. Jessie then recognizes Sobble and has Chewtle use Bite on it, causing Sobble to start crying and immobilize Ash, Chloe, and their Pokémon with its tears. But then Jacqueline's Inteleon comes in and uses Snipe Shot on both of them, having protected its eyes from Sobble's tears with nictitating membranes. Inteleon turns invisible again and defeats both of Team Rocket's Pokémon with another pair of Snipe Shots, before sending the trio blasting off with a third one. This performance leaves Sobble filled with amazement towards its evolved form.

With Kublock out cold, the filming is cut short for the day. Chloe sees that Sobble is missing and finds it crawling towards Jacqueline

Chloe: Sobble! Get back here!

Chloe picks up Sobble, but Jacqueline and Inteleon already have noticed it.

Chloe: Sorry about that! My Sobble really likes your Inteleon, say maybe we can chat for a bit? I'm a big fan!

Jacqueline: Well, since I'm free for the rest of the day, why not?

Chloe and Jacqueline sit down at a nearby bench.

Jacqueline: Y'know seeing your Sobble reminds me of what my Inteleon used to be.

The two girls tcontinue talking, but Sobble drone sit all out in awe, knowing it could become Inteleon.

The next day, Sobble expresses its admiration towards Inteleon by mimicking its Snipe Shot, but is still scared away when Gengar spooks it again and it runs into Chloe's arms.

Chloe: Oh, it'sokay Sobble, getting stronger takes time.

Ash: Yeah, why don't we train somewhere?

Ash and Chloe head to nearby woods to train.

Chloe: I still don't know what training we should do.

Ash: What about battle training?

CHloe: I think that'll work.

Ash and Chloe set up a practice battle, Sobble vs Farfetch'd. But Sobble is too focused on running away to counterattack.

Chloe: Oh, Sobble's too timid! Maybe it can take advantage of that?

Ash: Maybe it can focus on running and hiding?

Chloe: Wait, that could actually work. Sobble, hide in the woods and we'll find you!

Sobble does so, and this training continues until sunset, with Sobble improving all the time. Ash and Goh decide to call it a day and head back to the Cerise Laboratory, but before they leave they find a member of Kublock's film crew, who states that Team Rocket stole his Gothita and is demanding for Inteleon to come to the location shown on a map they left behind. Ash and Chloe head off to save Gothita, while the film crew member goes to inform the rest of the crew.

The map leads Ash and Chloe to an abandoned mine, where they see multiple small Meowth-themed robots and drones roaming around. But since they're not attacking them, they move past them, then they spot Gothita in a cage at the back of the cave. They rush in to rescue it, but suddenly, another cage forms around them, leaving Sobble as the only one free. Team Rocket then appears.

Jessie: Are you kidding me?! The twerps showed up instead of Inteleon?!

James: Why didn't the cameras catch this?

Meowth: They did, you just didn't check them you old sack for brains!

Wobbuffet: Wobbfuffet!

The trio decide to settle and to capture Pikachu, Boltund, and Sobble along with Inteleon. Wobbuffet and Meowth move closer to Sobble to capture it.

Chloe: Sobble! Remember your training! use Water Gun on yourself!

Sobble obeys its trainer, causing it to turn invisible. With Meowth and Wobbuffet now unable to see Sobble, it starts using Water Gun on them while jumping around to prevent them from finding out its location. James gets fustrated and activates a machine which spreads out a cloud of chalk dust, revealing Sobble's location.

Chloe: Sobble! Run!

Sobble doesn't, it remembers Inteleon's bravery, and decides to fight back instead, and uses U-turn on Meowth and Wobbuffet, before returning to its Poké Ball. Chloe lets Sobble back out and checks the move on his Rotom Phone, Sobble then joins Pikachu and Boltund in breaking out of the cage, and then proceed to send Team Rocket blasting off again.

The film crew arrives, Kublock is excited by the footage filmed by Team Rocket's cameras, and Jacqueline is impressed to see the problem having been dealt with before she could even arrive.

Chapter Text

Ash enters Cerise Labs, he was training with Farfetch'd. But the Professor requested he come see him.

Ash: You wanted to see me, Professor?

Professor Cerise; Why, yes I did. I heard about your training, I want to direct you to the Castle of Chivalry, a training facility in Kalos, run by none other than Wikstrom.

Ash: Y'know training there would be a pretty good idea, you wanna come Chloe?

Chloe blushes, it came out of no where and she didn;t expect Ash to invite her.

Chloe: Uh, sure Ash!

At the Castle of Chivalry, Ash and Chloe meet up with Wikstrom.

Wikstrom: Well I'll be, I'm glad the runner up of the Kalos league came to my castle!

Ash: Well I'm here now! And I need to train, my Farfetch'd and I!

Wikstrom: Farfetch'd hm? A worthy student.

The teens and their Pokémon put on suits of armor as they learn how the program works: each trainer and Pokémon must pass three tasks within the castle, those who reach the top of the castle are rewarded with Knight Medals.

The first task is running ten laps around the castle. The group takes the task on with stride, but their task is suddenly made harder when Wikstrom's Probopass appears on the track and starts using its magnetic powers to pull everyone back. The group pushes through the magnetic pull, until Wikstrom thinks they've shown enough strength of body and spirit, and lets them run unhindered again. Wikstrom then directs them into the castle to take on the second task.

Wikstrom: Welcome to your next challnge. The Labyrinth of Doubt!\

Ash: Cool! What is it?

Wikstrom: It's a maze filled with traps! Are you and Farfetch'd brave enough to go through?

Ash: You know we are!

Ash and Chloe are separated and head in different ways. Ash and Farfetch'd reach a dead end, Farfetch'd opts to smashing through the wall. While Wikstrom watchesthourgh the cameras.

Wikstrom: Well, Farfetch'd has notable fighting spirit and power, but it still can't attain its true power.

Farfetch'd ends up falling into a sudden trap hole and drops its leek, Ash jumps into the hole and saves said leek, narrowly avoiding falling down himself by gripping the walls of the hole. Ash climbs out of the hole and gives Farfetch'd its leek back, knowing how much the leek means to the Pokemon.

Wikstrom: Oh my, it seems that experience changed Farfetch'd.

Ash and Chloe both reach the goal simultaneously, making them both pass the second task. Wikstrom then hands each of them a sword and leads them to a tower for the third and final task: retrieving the key to a locked door leading to the roof from his Klefki, while simultaneously having to fight him and his Aegislash. Farfetch'd and Sobble start attacking Aegislash, while Ash and Chloe engage Wikstrom in a swordfight. But, they fail to get results.

Ash: Okay! Change of plans! Farfetch'd and I will go against Wikstrom and Aegislash. Chloe, you and Sobble go after Klefki

Chloe: Right!

Aegislash starts defending itself with King's Shield, and Ash sees Farfetch'd's reckless attack style is the same one that it used against Rinto's Gallade, it won't work. What Ash doesn't see is Wikstrom cornering him. Wikstrom is about to strike Ash down, but then Farfetch'd selflessly rushes in to block Wikstrom's sword, taking a hit from Aegislash's Sacred Sword in the process.

Wikstrom: Aegislash! Sacred Sword again!

Before Sacred Sword can hit, Farfetch'd uses a new move, Detect, to avoid it, then striking back with Night Slash. Farfetch;d is about to attack again, but Ash calls to it:

Ash: Farfetch'd, look!

Farfetch'd looks over and sees Chloe and Sooble, CHloe holding the key they needed, meaning they all passed.

At the tower's top, Wikstrom rewards Ash, Farfetch'd, Goh, and Sobble with a Knight Medal each.

Ash: Don't worry Farfetch;d! Next time we see Rinto, we'll beat him!

Chapter Text

Ash wakes up from a werid dream he had, he feels a weight on his arm and inds a Grookey clinging to him. and Ash screams in terror, waking up Chloe.

Chloe: Ah! Ash! What!

Ash: There's a pokemon on my arm! I dunno what it is though!

Chloe scans the Grookey with her Rotom Phone, learning more about it as Ash recovers fron his shock.

Chloe: Says here it's a Grookey, It's a Pokemon trainers in Galar can choose as their first Pokemon, just like Sobble and Scorbunny.

Ash: Well, I'm not one to say no to a new Pokemon, so Poke Ball, go!

Ash tries to ctach Grookey, but it doesn't go in the ball, and Ash's Rotom Phone butts in.

Rotom: Don't be a thief! This Pokemon already has a trainer!

Ash: Wait, it already has a trainer?

Grookey wakes up and starts happily hitting everyone on the head with its stick. Mimey enters the room, and Grookey tries to do the same on it too, only for Mimey to dodge or block each of its attempts, until Grookey gets too hungry to continue. Grookey joins Ash and Chloe on their breakfast, only to start creating havoc after Pikachu stops it from stealing his food. Ash eventually holds Grookey still.

Ash: Okay, we really need to fin this little guy's trainer!

Chloe: Yeah, but nothing online says anything about a missing Grookey!

Ash: Wait, what about Boltund?

Chloe: Boltund? How can it help?

Ash: Back when it was Yamper, it had a very powerful nose! It could smell anything! Boltund proably has double that power!

Chloe: Good point.

The teens use Boltund to smell where Grookey came from, and discover that it had entered the laboratory though an unclosed door on a tower, they follow Boltund's lead across the town. Quickly taking a break at a park, Grookey spots some wilting flowers and uses its stick to revitalize them, impressing the teens. The trail leads them to the Vermilion City Poké Mart. They get permission from the Poké Mart clerk to view the surveillance camera footage. They notice the Rocket Prize Master falling from the sky and Grookey emerging from it, before Pelipper appears to pick up the machine, not noticing Grookey.

Chloe: Wait, Grookey belongs to Team Rocket? And they still use that machine?

Ash: Only when they're desperate, and not for much longer, I'm nt letting Grookey stay with them!

Chloe: But Ash, I hate to admit it, but it's their pokemon.

Ash: So? I know those crooks, they've follwoed me my whole journey. I've seen how they've treated Meowth and Wobbuffet, Jessie and James aren't good trainers.

Team Rocket then appears to steal Pikachu and Grookey. Ash has his Farfetch'd free Pikachu and Grookey with Night Slash before attacking Team Rocket with Brutal Swing, prompting them to call out the Rocket Prize Master. Pelipper obediently drops the vending machine down for them, but only one Poké Ball comes out, Jessie throws it, but it's empty. The information leaflet dropping out of the Ball reveals that the Pokémon inside is Grookey. Jessie doesn't believe that the Grookey before them is supposed to be theirs, but is proven wrong when the Ball recalls Grookey on her command. The trio decide to retreat, using a smoke bomb to cover their escape.

Ash: No! They got away with Grookey!

Chloe sees Grookey's stick laying on the ground, she picks it up and hands it to Ash.

CHloe: Not all of Grookey...

Weeks go by, Ash and Grookey miss each other to death. Grookey is miserable in the Rocket hideout, constantly being neglected,a dn without it's beloved stick. One day, Grookey escapes to find Ash, the same day Ash decides to find Grookey to at least return the stick, CHloe comes along too. Boltund's trail leads them back to the park, where Grookey emerges from the same flowers it had revitalized. Grookey and Ash happily hug each other, but thenTeam Rocket appears. Jessie tries to recall Grookey, but Grookey avoids all the attempts to be recalled, then Pikachu knocks Grookey's Poké Ball out of Jessie's hand and breaks it into two pieces, making Grookey a wild Pokemon. Grookey begisn to call to Ash.

James: Meowth! What's Grookey saying?

Meowth: The little brat wants to be caught by the Twerp!

Ash: Of course Grookey!

Jessie: We can't let that happen!

Both sides throw a Poké Ball at Grookey. The Chimp Pokémon smacks Team Rocket's Ball back at them, before letting Ash's Poké Ball catch it, becoming his Pokémon. Ash sends Grookey back out, and has Pikachu use Thunderbolt, sending the trio blasting off once again.

Chapter Text

Ash and Chloe sat in the waiting area of the Pokemon Center, Farfetch'd and Sobble had a practice battle and now are being healed up. Nurse Joy comes oit and the teens reunite with their Pokemon. Ash suddenly gets a notification on his Rotom Phone about the presence of another World Coronation Series trainer.

Chloe: What's up Ash?

Ash: There's a trainer I can battle!

Chloe; Oh really? Who?

Rinto walks up to them.

Rinto: That would be me

Chloe: You're in the World Coronation Series? Ash didn't get that alert when you two first met.

Rinto: Ah, at that time I was only in the Normal Class, now I've worked my way up to the Great Class, like your friend here.

Ash: Well then we can have an offical battle this time! Farfetch'd has gone through training with Wikstrom of the Kalos Elite Four and he's stronger now more than ever!

Rinto: Ah, the Castle of Chivalry, me and Gallade also trained there once.

Ash: Let's have a battle! I'm sure I'll surpirse ya!

RInto: I hope you're right.

Ash and Rinto move to a nearby battlefield to have their battle, while Chloe watches from the sidelines and a Drone Rotom arrives to officiate the match. Farfetch'd and Gallade step forward. Farfetch'd makes the first move with Fury Cutter, but Gallade easily brushes it off. Gallade uses Night Slash, which Farfetch'd avoids with Detect, but Gallade quickly switches to using Psycho Cut, which scores a direct hit, dealing visible damage on Farfetch'd's leek.

Rinto: You're inadequate if a leek that heavy is delfected even once, your Farfetch'd will be thrown off balance.

Chloe: Dude, how can Ash get better if you just call him inadequate all the time!

Rinto: That is only for him to figure out.

Gallade takes the offensive, attacking with Close Combat after breaking through a Night Slash. Ash tries to have Farfetch'd dodge with Detect, but Gallade counters with Feint, which strikes through Detect and slices off the top of Farfetch'd leek, much to the Farfetch'd's shock. Farfetch'd starts lossing the will to fight, but Ash remembers their training and calls out to his Pokemon.

Ash: Farfetch'd! Use the pieces as a sword and shield!

Faetfetch'd does just that, and Gallade uses Psycho Cut. Farfetch'd succeeds in blocking the attack, and both Pokémon begin a fierce exchange of Night Slashes, until Farfetch'd gets caught by Gallade, allowing it to use Psycho Cut from a close range and send Farfetch'd flying straight into Ash. Farfetch'd loses confidence.

Rinto: Shame, you two are still inadequate.

Ash: Our inadequacy is why we'll get stronger! We'll never give up!

Ash's words restore Farfetch'd's confidence, and the battle resumes. Gallade attacks with Night Slash, but Farfetch'd uses Detect to dodge it, before attacking repeatedly with Fury Cutter. Some of the Fury Cutter blows land a critical hit, dealing notable damage on Gallade. Just as Gallade is about to counterattack, Farfetch'd suddenly begins to glow. Its form changes, and its cut-off leek pieces turn into an actual leek sword and shield. The glow fades, and a fully evolved Sirfetch'd now stands before Ash. Rinto has Gallade attack with Night Slash, which Sirfetch'd counters with its own Night Slash. In a surprising move, Rinto has Gallade drop its guard, taking the hit. However, this hit triggers Gallade's Ability, Justified, which boosts Gallade's Attack power when it's hit by a Dark-type move. Both Pokémon launch their final Night Slashes. After a brief struggle, Sirfetch'd overpowers Gallade and defeats it, earning Ash the victory and raising his rank from 273 to 184. Rinto accepts his defeat he and Ash shake hands. Ash and CHloe hea dback to the Lab, and CHloe can't stop talking about the battle.

Chloe: Wow, Ahs you foght so well, and that quick thinking was amazing! You showed off the true strength of a knight, very chivalrous!

Ash: Wow didn't know I had such an admirer.

Chloe blushes and quiets down.

Chloe: I was just so moved...

Ash: I get it, and if I'm so chivalrous, think I can take a girl out?

Chloe:M-Maybe...

Chloe mutters under her breath "I'd like it if you took me out"

Ash: What was that?

CHloe: Nothing!

Chapter Text

Ash and Chloe are being interviewed by a Camera crew while Sobble trains in Cerise Park. After a while, Sobble suddenly evolves. Simultaneously, Chloe gets a notification of Sobble's evolution on her Rotom Phone while seeing the camera crew off at the laboratory's front door, and rushes back inside to see her newly evolved Drizzile. Drizzile, meanwhile, is feeling happy about its evolution, until it sees its reflection on a pond's surface and realizes it didn't become an Inteleon like it had thought, causing it to become depressed.

Ash and Chloe are having trouble finding Drizzile, so Chloe asks her Boltund to help them find it. Drizzile is trying to find a nested spot to withdraw to, it ends up bumping into Boltund, who reports back to Chloe and shows her and Ash the small cave that Drizzile retreated to.

Chloe: Drizzile! Please come out!

Drizzile doesn't responds, so Chloe crawls in herself, finding Drizzile lying down in a small cavern.

Chloe: Wow! Look at you! With more training you can be an Inteleon!

Drizzile refuses to move. Boltund follows Chloe into the cave and carefreely drags Drizzile out for Ash to see. However, it then sheds a single tear and turns invisible before their eyes. Chloe tries to follow its movements through rustling grass and opening doors, but loses it once it's walked out of the laboratory's front door. Ash and Chloe decide to tall to the adults.Back inside, Ash and Chloe discuss the matter with Professor Cerise, Chrysa, and Ren. Chrysa shows them Drizzile's Pokédex entry, which mentions it being intelligent but lazy.

Professor Cerise: A Pokemon evolution can greatly affect a Pokémon's personality.

Chloe: That can happen?

Ash: Yeah, it can. When I first started my journey I had a Charmander, and he and I were so close! The when it evolved into Charmeleon it wouldn't listen to a word I'd say! I wonder why Drizzile acted the way it did.

Professor Cerise: We don't know for certain.

Chloe: I'm gonna go look for Drizzile.

Ash: I'm going with you!

The teens look all over Vermilion, but by sunset, they've not seen a trace of it.

Chloe: Why would Drizzile try to hide?

Chloe then gets flashes of memories from her past, giving her an idea on where Drizzile is. She and Ash run to a dilapidated building on a hilltop. On its rooftop, they indeed find Drizzile, looking up at the starry night sky. Chloe sits down next to Drizzile.

Chloe: I'm sorry that I forced you out of that cave. You wanna know something? I was just like you. I hid myself from the world cause everyone only saw me as the daughter of a professor. I thought my parents didn't understand me, so I stared at the stars for comfort. Just like what you're doing now. You and I are alike, I won't stop you if you want to stay in that cave. It's your comfort zone, but I hope you see yourself the way I see yo. You're amazing even if you aren't an Inteleon yet, and you shouldn't feel like you have to hide.

Ash watches with admiration, and something more. Chloe suddenly finds herself crying, but Drizzile wipes away one of her tears and smiles at her, Chloe takes Drizzile and leaves with Ash back to Cerise Labs.

The next day, Chloe goes to check Drizzile's cave again, and to say goodbye.

Chloe: Alright, Ash and I are headed out, you're more than welcome to join us. Show the world how great Drizzile can be.

Drizzile doesn't respond, so Chloe crawls out.

Ash: Ready to go?

Chloe: Yeah, Let's get out of here-

Drizzile crawls out of it's cave and smiles up at the teens, it wants to come.

Chloe: Alright, Drizzile! Wanna join us?

Drizzile nods, and Chloe returns it to it's Poke Ball and the Teens walk off.

Chapter Text

Ash and Chloe decide to enjoy a nice day in and watch a live broadcast of the Marine Athletic Race from Lilycove City in Hoenn. A Vaporeon ends up winning the race, making Chloe's Eevee cheer.

Chloe: Eevee must really like that Vaporeon. Maybe we should meet it.

Ash: Yeah! Its trainer must know a lot! Maybe I could get a few pointers!

Chloe: And maybe Eevee is meant to be a Vaporeon, and I'm meant for swimming.

The teens book a trip to Hoenn and meet up with Kiley, who heard about them from Chrysa, an old college friend of his.

Kiley: I think you two should participate in the Kids Marine Athletic Race

Ash: Of course! I'll enter with Dracovish

Chloe: And I'll use Drizzile!

Eevee cries out, clearly offended.

Chloe: Sorry Eevee, you just be with me like Pikachu does with Ash!

Kiley takes everyone for a practice swim around the racecourse, and Ash finds out Dracovish moves faster by running on the seafloor rather than by swim. At sunset, everyone gathers at a beach side house to eat.

Kiley: Well Chloe, your Eevee sure brings back memories. Reminds me of even Vaporeon was just a little Eevee.

Chloe: Why'd you chose to evolve it into Vaporeon?

Kiley: Well, I am a pro surfer, and one day, one day I took Eevee on my surfboard. And it loved the ride. And that made the choice asy for both of us.

Ash: Which evolution are you gonna Eevee into?

Chloe: Oh, I'm not choosing anything, Eevee gets to decide that herself.

Ash: You're amazing Chloe.

Chloe goes beet red and her thoughts go everywhere, that was unexpected. What was with him? Why'd he constantly make her feel differently? Sure, it's been ten years, but she doesn't hate him!

Chloe: R-Really?

Ash: Yeah! There's so many trainers out there who won't let their Pokemon have a say!

The next day, the Kids Marine Athletic Race is held, Ash and Chloe, and their Pokémon all standing at the starting line. At the starting signal, they all rush ahead, going through the racecourse. Ash and Chloe are nearing the finish line, but an ocean current washes Drizzile away. Chloe and Eevee swim over to save it, but a bigger current sweeps in, blasting the three far from the racecourse. Ash is about to corss the finish line, but he spots Chloe far from the course, and swims over to her.

Ash: Chloe! Are you okay?!

Chloe: Yeah, but we're basically out of the race. You should go! You can still win!

Ash: I'm not corssing that finish line without you!

Ash reaches out his hand to her, making Chloe get all flustered again. He's just helping her up! Why is this so nerve racking! Still, Chloe hesitantly accepts Ash's hand, and them and their Pokemon swim to the finish line, they didn't win. But they finished together, as true friends do. Friends, right?

That night, Ash and Chloe are packing up to go back to Kanto, Kiley gives Chloe a Water Stone as an option for her Eevee. Chloe offers the stone to Eevee.

Chloe: Eevee, do you wanna be a Vaporeon? Eevee hesitates, but decides not to touch the stone. Chloe accepts Eevee's choice, remembering her mother's words about not rushing things.

Chloe: That's fine with me Eevee. Swimming was fun, but I think I'll look at what else I can be.

Chapter Text

Ash is in Cerise Park as he usually is, training with his team, until Chloe comes in, Interrupting them.

Chloe: Hey Ash! Sorry to interupt, but this came for you. Looks like it comes from Unova.

Chloe hands Ash the letter and he reads it, excitement shining on his face when he finishes.

Ash: Oh it's from Iris!

Chloe: Who?

Ash: Iris! My friend from Unova! She's trying to be a Dragon Master!

Chloe: Oh, it's a she...

Ash: Something wrong?

Chloe: No! Nope! Keep going!

Ash: Anyway, she's in the World Coronation Series and wants to battle me! We gotta go!

Chloe: Yeah, of course. Just wondering, how many girls have you met on your journey?

Ash: Uh, including you nine?

Chloe: NINE?!

Ash: Well, ten if I nclude Bonnie. You sure nothing's wrong?

Chloe: No, just wondring, Who is Bonnie?

Ash: Oh she's a friend from Kalos! I'll tell you about her later! Right now we have a flight to catch!

Hours later, the teens arrive in Opelucid City. Ash leads Chloe to the Opelucid Gym, where they spots an Axew walking around.

Ash: Hey it's Axew! Wonder if it's Iris'.

Chloe So that's one of Iris' Pokemon.

???: Actually, Axew here is mine.

A mean walks out of the Gym, Ash recognizes him: Drayden.

Ash: Hey Drayden!

Chloe: Who?

Ash: Oh yeah! Chloe, meet Drayden!

Drayden: It's good to see you again Ash, nice to meet you Chloe. I am the Opelucid City Gym Leader.

Ash's Rotom Phone alerts him that Iris is ready for their battle, and they all rush into the Gym. At first, the battlefield is dark and empty, but a familiar Emolga appears and turns on the lights, revealing Iris.

Iris: Welcome back Ash!

Ash: Hey Iris! Man that little show was so cool!

Pikachu: Pika!

Iris: After all this time you're still a little kid.

Ash: You're a kid too!

Iris: I'm no kid! I'm the champion!

Ash: So am I! Wait, you're the champion?!

Chloe: How do you guys have such flawless banter?!

The other three look at Chloe in confusion about what she said in her jealous impulse.

Ash: What?

Chloe: Nothing! Nothing!

Drayden: Ahem, you see Ash, after you and Iris parted ways, she continued to travel and battled Dragon-type Trainers, and she eventually became Champion.

Iris: But I don't think I'm a dragon master just yet! So I entered the World Coronation Series to become even stronger!

The battle starts, Ash sends out Cinderace, while Iris sends out Dragonite. Cinderace is left uneased by the fierce stare from its opponent. Iris starts the battle off with a Dragon Rush, which hits Cinderace before it can counterattack , sending it flying onto Ash. Cinderace stands back up and attacks with Pyro Ball, which Dragonite counters with Thunder Punch. The attacks clash and both Pokemon get pushed back, before Ash's Dragonite uses Hurricane. Iris orders another Dragon Rush. Ash tries to counter it with Blaze Kick, but is instantly overpowered. Cinderace is able to stand back up, but Ash sees that it's getting overwhelmed, and recalls it. Ash sends out his Dracovish, who instantly chomps down on his head out of affection. Ash manages to redirect Dracovish's attention to the ongoing battle, and it lets go of him, running into the battlefield as Iris tells Dragonite to use Dragon Rush. Ash has Dracovish use Fishious Rend, which successfully stops Dragonite in its tracks. Iris calls for a Thunder Punch, but with his head stuck inside Dracovish's mouth, Dragonite is unable to hear the command. Dragonite is then immediately struck by a powerful Ice Fang from Dracovish, freezing him solid and then spit out. Unable to battle.

Iris recalls Dragonite and calls out her trump card, Haxorus.

Ash: Wait, is that-

Iris: Yep! Axew's all grown up!

Haxorus starts off with Dragon Pulse, which outspeeds Dracovish's Water Gun and hits it head-on, followed by a Psycho Cut, which causes Dracovish to faint. Ash recalls his Pokémon, and sends Cinderace back out. He's is still exhausted from the previous battle, while Haxorus is unscathed. Ash has Cinderace attack with Blaze Kick. Haxorus counterattacks with Outrage, blocking Blaze Kick and dealing heavy damage on Cinderace. Haxorus becomes confused due to Outrage. Ash plans to take advantge of this, but Haxorus hits his head on the floor, getting rid it.

Ash: What the?!

Iris: Surprise! Me and Haxorus cam up with this strategy so that no one could use Outrage against us!

Ash tries to get Cinderace pumped up for the battle, and it lets out a cry of determination. Iris raises her hand and tells it to relax, communicating with it on a spiritual level.

Iris: Cinderace, I know you love Ash, Haxorus loves me just the same. And as we learned new mvoes together, we mad ebattling more fun, so have fun during this battle, that way Ash'll have fun too!

Ash: What were you two talking about?

Iris: It's a secret!

The match continues as Cinderace blocks Haxorus's Breaking Swipe with Dragon Claw. Iris commands Haxorus to use Psycho Cut, but in a surprising twist, Ash has Cinderace use Pyro Ball on itself, activating Blaze and tanking Psycho Cut. Haxorus uses Dragon Pulse, but Blaze is powerful, plus CInderace dodging with his agility. Drayden sees Cinderace hopping higher and higher, realzing what Ash is planning.

Chloe: What;s going on, Drayden?

Drayden: Ash, he's teaching Cinderace a new move!

Ash: Cinderace! Use Bounce!

Iris tries to counterattack with Outrage, but Haxorus is quickly overwhelmed by the attack, plus the boosted power thanks to Blaze, and is defeated, giving Ash the victory. Ash's rank rises to 99 thanks to that, officially putting him in the Ultra Class. He and Iris shake hands.

Ash: We should battle again sometime!

Iris: Definitely! Once I make it into the Ultra Class!

Chapter Text

Morning at the Cerise Laboratory goes on as usual, until Officer Jenny arrives at their doorstep, telling everyone that she's come here to investigate a case that's been occuring around Vermilion City. She's accompanied by the investigator in charge of solving the case, Inspector Decker, who asks for all the Electric-type Pokémon at the laboratory to be gathered together. The laboratory's Electric types line up, and Decker compares each of them to a sketch he has. He declares that Pikachu is the culprit, much to Ash and Chloe's shock.

Ash: Pikachu's gulity?! Of what?!

Officer Jenny: There's been a string of cases of electricity being stolen from houses around Vermilion City. A witness has seen the silhouette of a Pokémon against a car's headlight, and the sketch Decker has is based on that testimony.

Ash: But it can't be Pikachu! He've been togteher for years!

Decker: Oh really? Where were you last night at eleven pm?

Ash: I... was out like a light!

Decker has Pikachu taken to the police station, ignoring any of Jenny's objections. The three watch as Decker tries to interrogate Pikachu, who just wants his food.

Ash: I still can't believe he thinks Pikachu did it!

Officer Jenny: Me neither, it doesn't sound like the Pikachu of the Alola Champion to do something like this, but the sketch is the only lead we have at the moment.

The lights start flickering, and Pikachu senses something, running away with the others following behind. Pikachu leads them to a house, whose resident says that the electricity thief just struck his house. Since Pikachu was at the police station at the time of the crime, he now has an alibi and is cleared of suspicion. The police searches the area, but the thief manages to slip away without a trace.

Officer Jenny: Since Pikachu was able to sense electricity being stolen, maybe adding him to the investigation team could help them locate the real thief.

Decker: I like that idea, Pikachu, you are now a special agent for the case. Ash and Chloe are also excited to join the investigation, and are allowed to borrow a pair of police uniforms to wear. Fantasizing being officers and saving each other's Pokemon from thieves, thinking about the praise Ash would give Chloe, or CHloe would give Ash! Wait, what?

Hours later, the teens feel exhausted, having learned through experience that police work is busier and filled with more mundane tasks than they had imagined. Jenny thanks the two for their help. Pikachu senses another theft of electricity, but when the trio reach the targeted house, the thief already got away.

Officer Jenny: Is there any way for us to to wait fot the thief?

Ash: Maybe we can! Pikachu can discharge electricity inside a house to draw the thief there!

Officer Jenny: That's a good idea, but where?

Chloe: We can use my place!

They arrive at the Cerise household and Pikachu starts using Thunderbolt into an electric socket, causing all the electronic devices in the household, and Chloe's hair, to go into overdrive. The house attracts the electricity thieves: a starving Team Rocket. They're stealing electricity with their electricity vacuum car in an attempt to feed the electricity to Morpeko and let them eat some actual food for once. The trio start sucking electricity from the house, making the lights in the house go out. The officer trio realize the thief is nearby. Team Rocket attempts to feed the stolen electricity to Morpeko, who turns out to have run off to steal food from the Cerise household. As it runs back to Team Rocket, Ash and Chloe realize the trio was behind the thefts, and Jenny figures out that the silhouette the witness saw was of Pikachu, but of Morpeko.

Jenny attempts to arrest the Rocket trio, but they escape with their car. Ash doesn't let them run off and has Pikachu use Thunderbolt, sending Team Rocket blasting off just as Inspector Decker arrives at the scene. That night at Cerise Park, Decker presents Pikachu with a certificate of appreciation as thanks for helping to solve the case. Jenny also thanks Ash and Chloe for their help. Decker asks Pikachu if he would like to partner up with him as a special agent, but Pikachu simply shocks him in response, making the others laugh.

Chapter Text

Cerise Labs, Professor Cerise is telling Ash about incidents in Sinnoh involving people being kept awake by horrible nightmares.

Professor Cerise: I would normally have Chloe come with you, but I don't want to burden her right after she gets a break from school. So, would be willing to do this mission alone?

Ash: OF course Professor. Tell Chloe I said goodbye for me.

Ash leaves just as Chloe comes back from her school's end-of-semester ceremony.

Chloe: Hi dad! I can't wait for our family vacation!

Professor Cerise realizes he had forgotten all about that, much to his horror.

At Chloe's home: Neighbors shake as they hear a loud "WHAT?!?!"

Chloe: No vacation?

Professor Cerise: I need to keep an eye on an Egg that's close to hatching at the lab.

Talia: And I have a new job on an illustration.

Chloe: But I was looking forward to this! Weren't you Parker?

Parker: Yeah, but I can just go to summer camp instead.

Professor Cerise: Y'know, I just sent Ash to Sinnoh! Maybe you can meet up with him?

Chloe: Hmm, maybe I will. I could surprise him.

Chloe arrives in Jubilife City, and decides to sightsee before surprising Ash. A giant television screen shows an interview with the legendary Top Coordinator Johanna, who talks about an upcoming Pokémon Contest in Eterna City. Chloe thinks seeing a Contest sounds interesting, so decides to head there, waiting at a bus stop. Eevee wants them to walk there, which Chloe agrees to. Chloe still finds the experience enjoyable, despite encountering many mishaps, wondering if this is just everyday life for Ash. Meanwhile, Ash talks with Officer Jenny about the nightmare incidents.

Officer Jenny: The cases seem to move from town to town.

Ash: Interesting, maybe a Pokemon is behind this...

Chloe decides to camp out by a beautiful lakeside. She has trouble setting up a campfire, but succeeds by nightfall and starts cooking food, palling on surprising Ash after seeing the contest. Suddenly, a Piplup runs in and starts eating directly from the pot, only to find out that the food is still way too hot. Piplup is followed by a girl, who introduces herself as Dawn.

Dawn: So, where ya headed?

Chloe: Eevee and I are on are way to Eterna City,

Dawn: No way! I'm actually headint there to take part in a contest!

Chloe: Oh, neat! I'm just going there to watch.

Dawn: Y'know, I've taken part in contests from all around the world, sometimes I go alone or I go with friends. Maybe we can travel together?

Chloe: Yeah! I'd really like that!

Back at Cerise Labs Ash returns somberly with his head down, Pikachu in a similar mood as Ren and Chrysa are darkened by the darkness of the room.

Ash: I'm sorry guys, I couldn't find out what was causing the nightmares.

Ren: Who cares about that? Did you catch any strong Pokemon?

Ash: What? What's going on with you Ren?

Chrysa: He makes a good point. Answer the question.

Ash: You too Chrysa?! What's happened to you two?!

The two suddenly stand into the light, wearing Team Rocket-like uniforms and performs a modified version of the Rocket trio's motto, calling themselves members of "Team Cerise". Ash suddenly finds himself wearing a similar costume, and Professor Cerise reveals himself in a dark suit, laughing evilly as he orders an all-out assault with all the Pokémon at the Cerise Park. Ash runs out of the lab, not making it fair as he bumps into Chloe, who's hardly seen thanks to the shade.

Ash: Chloe! Thank goodness you're here! Everyone's acting so, strange!

Chloe steps forward, revealing she too is wearing a Team Cerise costume. Ash tries to run again, but Chloe tackles him to the ground, looking down on him as she mocks him.

Chloe: Pathetic, Ash Ketchum from Pallet town doesn't stand a chance against us. You are nothing, just a boy who woke up late and got a wreckless Pikachu. The boy that took six years and seven regions to win a league. The boy so pathetic his dad didn't even stick around. You can't stop Team Cerise, and I would NEVER fall in LOVE with someone like you.

Ash and Pikachu jolt awake in the hotel room. Ash falling right off the bed from the nightmare. Ash realizes the culprit behind the nightmares must be close, and rushes outside to see Darkrai nearby, before it vanishes into the shadows. Ash gets his Pokemon and heads to another city, not wanting to go back to sleep. And not wanting to think about what Chloe said in that nightmare, especially that last part.

The next morning Dawn and Chloe head to Eterna City. Dawn ends getting distracted by various things along the way, all while assuring Chloe "No need to worry!" Chloe eventually grows tired of it and calls Dawn thoughtless, offending Dawn and having her call Chloe a spoilsport. Ash arrives in another townand finds that Darkrai is no longer present there. He gathers the reports about Darkrai together and figures out that it seems to be circling around a certain forest, and so decides to check it out.

The sun starts to set, and Dawn and Chloe are still not at Eterna City, and they continue to argue. The argument is quickly interrupted by a sleep-deprived and aggressive Rhydon. Chloe has Eevee use Tackle, but it fails to do much. Dawn takes over, and has Piplup use Bubble Beam. The attack deals notable damage on Rhydon, but it still has enough energy left to counterattack with Rock Blast, which hits Piplup. Eevee steps in and uses Copycat to temporarily learn Piplup's move. Seeing this, Chloe has Eevee use Bubble Beam as well. The attack hits, and Rhydon collapses, having fallen asleep. Both girls impressed at the other's skill. They notice a glow further along their path as Ash approaches the forest, fighting sleep and wishing he had one of Cresselia's Lunar Wings. Dawn and Chloe approach the glow and see it coming from an injured Cresselia lying on the ground, while Ash runs into the forest.

Chapter Text

Dawn and Chloe find an injured Cresselia, which Dawn is able to recognize. Cresselia is wary of them at first, but Eevee and Chloe convince her they mean no harm. Dawn uses medical herbs from her bag to treat Cresselia's injuries, wondering if they were caused by Darkrai and then explaining to Chloe the relationship between the two Pokémon.

Chloe: You're working well with those herbs, Dawn!

Dawn: Thanks, I used to travel with someone who's training to be a Pokemon Doctor.

Chloe: Really?

Dawn: Yeah, we traveled with another friend of mine, he's like a Pokemon fanatic, and he'd constantly talk about Pokémon.

Chloe: No way! I have a... Uh friend who's like that to!

Dawn: Why'd you say it like that?

Chloe: No reason!

Dawn: Is he your boyfriend?

Chloe: What?! No way! He's just my friend who's a boy! We grew up together!

Elsewhere, Ash sneezes, and Dawn and Chloe set up a camp for the night.

Dawn: So, did you come to Sinnoh to see a Pokémon Contest?

Chloe: Not really, Ionly decided to go see one after seeing an interview with some woman named Johanna, heard she's a legendary Coordinator.

Dawn: Oh! That's my mom!

Chloe: WHAT?! Your mom is a legendary Pokémon Coordinator?!

Dawn: Yeah, I actually started my journey to become just like her. What are your parents like?

Chloe: My mom's an illustrator, and her father is a Pokémon Professor.

Dawn: Oo, a profesor?

Chloe: Yeah, and before you ask, no. I'm not planning to be like him. I actually don't know what I wanna do with my life, but meeting Eevee taught me to not to rush things and take my time. You saw Eevee use Copycat, I have my own version. I've tried out all sorts of new things.

Dawn: I get it, when Piplup decided he didn't want to evolve. I was unsure about it at first, but I eventually came to respect Piplup's choice. Coming to a sudden realization of what you want to do after a long consideration is how great dreams are born.

Chloe: Wow, that's a real good saying. Real touching.

Dawn: Well, if you're trying new things, why don't you try entering the Contest?

Chloe: Oh, I don't know. I'm not that skilled like you or your mom.

Dawn: Then I'll show you how it's done!

Dawn dons her Contest costume and sends out Piplup with a Ball Capsule and a Seal to create a flashy entrance. Piplup then uses Whirlpool to appeal, impressing Chloe and making Eevee very excited. Seeing how eager Eevee is to try out appealing as well, Chloe decides to give it a try too. Eevee uses Copycat to copy Piplup's Whirlpool, but despite the promising start, the pillar of water ends crashing down onto Chloe, leaving her soaking wet. Afterward the girls settle down to look after Cresselia.

Dawn: Cresselia can actually use a move called Lunar Dance, to heal up any of it's friends!

Chloe: Oh wow, I wish I coauld've seen that..

The girls rest their heads against Cresselia and find themselves in the midst of a dark fog and start calling out for Eevee and Piplup. The mist clears to reveal a town filled with people, who all suddenly fall asleep and start suffering from nightmares. Darkrai appears next to them. Cresselia appears next to them as well, using a Lunar Wing to dispel the nightmares and wake up the suffering townspeople. Darkrai leaves and Cresselia looks after it, and Dawn and Chloe suddenly wake up. They find out that they had both seen the same dream, and then they notice Cresselia has the same look in her eyes as she had had in the dream, realizing that they had just witnessed Cresselia's dream.

Ash spots a sleeping Bonsly suffering from a nightmare and realizes that Darkrai must be nearby. Darkrai indeed then appears right next to him.

Ash: Darkrai?! What are you doing here? An why are giving people and Pokemon nightmares?! Go back to Newmoon Island!

Darkrai instead flies off, with Ash giving pursuit. Darkrai soon appears before Dawn, Chloe, and Cresselia, and is also spotted by Team Rocket from their balloon. Dawn and Chloe send out their Pokemon to fight, but they realize the look on Cresselia's eyes is asking them not to fight Darkrai, the Rocket trio suddenly drop down in front of them. Jessie and James send out Chewtle and Morpeko and start battling Darkrai. Dawn and Chloe take the opportunity to run away with Cresselia. However, their escape is cut short when they reach seashore and hear someone approaching. None other than Ash!

Ash: Chloe?! Dawn?!

Dawn: Ash?!

Chloe: Ash?!

Dawn and Chloe look at each other

Dawn & Chloe: Wait you know him?!

Ash: Uh, maybe we should calm down and talk this out.

The trio sit by a campfire, talking everything out.

Ash: So, Dawn and I traveled together when I took on the Sinnoh League. Along with my friend, Brock.

Chloe: So I guess this was the Pokemon fanatic you were talking about?

Dawn: Yep, same with you?

Chloe: Yep!

The girls giggles, while Ash pouts that this is how girls view him. Wait, why's he so worried about girl's opinions on him?

Dawn: So, what brought you back to Sinnoh, Ash?

Ash: I was actually investigating the nightmares that have been going on, and now I'm after Darkrai! Why were you here Chloe?

Chloe: Oh, well I was supposed to come here with my family, but they had other plans. So I figured I'd surprise you. But all this happened. Surprise!

Ash: Heh, well that was nice of you Chloe!

Dawn: Actually, Darkrai appeared right in front of us!

Ash: Well, it looks like Cresselia is hurt. Maybe they fought before and she managed to get outta there!

Dawn: Actually I don't think they're enemies.

Chloe: Yeah, I think Darkrai only showed up because it though we hurt Cressila.

The Matori Matrix airship appears above the teens. Matori and a group of Team Rocket Grunts descend down to capture Cresselia, making the teens realize that they had been the ones who had hurt her. The teens send out their Pokemon and battle the Grunts, Darkrai suddenly joins in as well. The Grunts' Pokémon are defeated, so Matori orders the airship's electroshockers to be fired. Darkrai tries to defend Cresselia, only to be severely hurt from the electricity, which was fired at full power. The teens get trapped in a net thrown onto them as the Grunts move in to grab Darkrai. Cresselia floats over Darkrai and uses Lunar Dance, fully healing Darkrai in exchange for expending all of her own energy. With its strength restored, Darkrai uses Dark Pulse on the airship, forcing it to retreat, before using Dark Void to put all the Team Rocket members and their Pokémon to sleep.

The teens free themselves and gathers around Cresselia, lying on the ground and out of energy. Darkrai fires a Dark Pulse into the sky, clearing away all the clouds and allowing Cresselia to use Moonlight to heal herself. The two Pokémon then fly off to return to their respective islands.

Dawn: I get it now! Darkrai came here to look for Cresselia.

Chloe: Yeah, and since Darkrai creates nightmares wherever it goes, people hated it. Cresselia probably lives on Fullmoon Island so that Darkrai won't get lonely.

Ash: Wow, you really can understand Pokemon's feelings, Chloe!

Chloe smiles at Eevee, realizing that Ash is right. As if he's ever wrong, what? Okay, this new light she's painted Ash in is gonna stop soon, right?

The next day, Chloe has a quick call with her dad, who's relieved she's okay, After the call she looks at Ash and Dawn, playing in shallow water with their Pokémon. A pang of jealosy fills her, but she pushes it down. Dawn's her friend.

Chloe: Guys, we should probably head out now so we'll have time to see the Pokemon Contest

Eevee, however, is having too much fun playing to leave yet, so Ash and Dawn pull Chloe into the water to play with them too.

Chapter Text

Ash, Dawn and Chloe leave Eterna City, Chloe still starstruck at all the preformaces, especially Dawn's and she isn't the only one. "You did amazing in the conest, Dawn!" Ash said, proud of his friend. "Thanks Ash!" Dawn replied "Y'know, you should've competed too!" Ash chuckes at Dawn's suggestion "No way! My compeition days are way behind me!" The two close friends share a laugh, making the jealousy within her return. She knows she shouldn't be acting this way, Ash and Dawn were really close, but so were she and Ash, right? "I mean, they're just excited to see each other again, Dawn and I even bonded over the fact we were friends with him." Chloe thought to herself, trying to grasp all these bitter thoughts in her mind "So why do I always get so jealous when he sees another one of his friends? And why is it only when they're girls?!"

Ash and Dawn's conversation gets cut short as Ash's Rotom Phone starts to buzz insistently, making Ash pull it out of his pocket. "Looks like I have another World Coronation Series match!" Ash said excietedly, reading through the invite, Dawn and Chloe looking over his shoulder. Ash brightens in excitement "And it's against Volkner! I wanted a rematch against him!" Dawn buzzes with just as much excitement as Ash "Well, what are we waiting for? Next stop, Sunyshore City!" Ash and Dawn start running through the forests of Sinnoh in excitement, Chloe lagging behind, sulking.

Arriving in Sunyshore City, the trio enter the gym and meet Volkner. Him, Ash and Dawn reminisce Ash and Volkner's previous battle, Chloe feeling left out. "Oh yeah, and this is Chloe! She's a longtime friend of mine!" Ash suddenly said proudly, making Chloe jump, she had gotten lost in her jealous thoughts. "O-Oh! Hi, I'm Chloe!" Chloe shakily said, trying to act as if she was listening in the whole time. Volkner gives her a small smile "Well, it's lovely to meet you, Chloe." Chloe responds with a simple, shy smile. Happy that Ash did try to include her.

The group separates, Ash and Volkner to the battlefield while Dawn and Chloe head to the stands. Ash reaches into his backpack, pulling out his Z-Ring and putting it on. He and Volkner enter the battlefield, an annoncer revealing them and their respective titles. Though while Volker gets a tunderous applause, Ash oly got some light claps, not including the loud cheers from Dawn and Chloe. "How does that work?!" Chloe frustratedly asks "Ash is a champion, yet the gym leader gets more cheers?!" Slumping in her seat, look to her friend for agreement "Right, Dawn?" Chloe sees that Dawn is no longer next to her, just an empty seat "Dawn?" Chlo asks, then sees Dawn near the border separating the battlefield from the audience, in a cheerleader outift, with Piplup holding two pom-poms.

"Dawn, what are you doing?" Chloe asked. "Well, if no one else is gonna cheer Ash on, we should!" Dawn cheerfully responded before offering another pom-pom to Chloe and Eevee "Wanna join in?" Eevee seemed excited about the idea, batting at the pom-pom, but Chloe definitely doesn't have the guts to pull off a whole cheerleader act. Especially not in public "Uh, I'll pass.." picking up Eevee and reutrning to her seat, much to Eevee's protests. "Suit yourself." Dawn says, then she and Piplup start their cheer routine, getting a few chuckles from the crowd and making Ash and Volkner share a knowing smile.

The battle starts and Ash sends out Lucario while Volkner sends out Luxray and sets up Electric Terrain. A quick exchange of attacks makes Ash realize Luxray's increased power thanks to setting up. Ash quickly recalls Lucario back to its ball and sends out Cinderace.

Cinderace quickly gains the upper hand against Luxray by being quick on his feet, but Volkner makes a switch of his own, recalling Luxray for his Fan Rotom. Rotom is even faster than Cinderace, hhitting it with many quick paced attacks and even gets Cinderace paralyzed with a Thunder Wave. Rotom doesn't give Cinderace a chance to breathe either, using Hex right after the paralysis, knocking Cinderace out. Ash recalls Cinderace and Pikachu sprints onto the battlefield.

Pikachu quickly traps Rotom with an Electroweb, but Volkner recalls it before Pikachu can follow up with Thunderbolt, sending out Electivire. Who takes the attack, not getting hurt one bit thanks to Motor Drive, in fact, the Thunderbolt just made Electivire faster. Which Volkner takes advantage of to land a Fire Punch before Ash or Pikachu can react. "Wow, Volkner's gottenway better since I last saw him." Ash thinks before looking over to the girls, Dawn still cheering while Chloe looks on worried "Wouldn't Dawn convince Chloe to cheer?" Ash thinks, "Is she getting bored?" Ash snaps back into the battle and calls out Iron Tail, as does Volkner, creating a mirror clash. But Electivire's two tails overpwoer Pikachu, knocking him back. "Pikachu, return!" Ash calls out, and Pikachu runs off the battlefield back by Ash's side. Ash sends Lucario back onto the field.

Electivire rushes in using brute force, Ash quickly makes a plan and has Lucario use Double Team, creating many clones. Electivire tries using Wild Charge but only hits a clone, Each clone uses Aura Sphere, Volkner thinks quickly and has Electivire uses its tails to hit the spheres back and destroy all the clones, and the real Lucario, causing another paralysis.

Volkner recalls Electivire and sends Rotom back out, "Why did he do that?" Ash thinks in surprise. Rotom uses Hex again on Lucario, making Ash find his answer "Oh, that's why..." Ash thinks, remembering how CInderace fainted. Ash sees Lucario wearing down, but has a new idea "Lucario, Reversal!" He calls out. Making Lucario endure an Air Slash and striking an effective blow, knocking out Rotom.

"Wow, Lucario was able to put up with its paralysis, I must say I'm impressed." Volkner comments, "Thanks," Ash replies "I learned a few strategies to become the Alola Champion."

"YEAH! GO ASH!" A familar voice shouts.

Ash and Volkner look over, even Dawn looks back surprised, seeing Chloe yell that loud, and standing up in her seat. Seeing all the attenion on her, Chloe shrinks back into her seat blushing, though her cheer did earn chuckles from Ash, Dawn and Volkner, with Ash blushing too.

Volkner continues the match by sending out Luxray, it and Lucario spare for a bit. Both Pokemon have taken too much damage before, so they both collaspe after a few exhanged attacks. A double knockout.

Pikachu and Electivire return to the battlefield. Ash orders Pikachu to use Iron Tail, but Electivire counters with Wild Charge which sends Pikachu flying in Ash's direction, landing on his feet. The two Pokemon have another Iron Tail clash, but Pikachu is able to hit Electivire straight on the head, making it stumble.

Ash knows for sure the battle is nearly over, and he knows how to finish it. Looking at Pikachu, he knows they share the same idea "This'll surely wow the crowd!" Ash thinks to himself, tossing his hat onto Pikachu's head. "And maybe Chloe too!"

Ash's Z-Ring powers up, and Pikachu unleashes a powerful 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt, rainbow bolts lighting up the gym in a multicolored glow like that of a kaleidoscope. Leaving everyone in the stands in awe. Electivire stands firm in an attempt to absorb the attack with Motor Drive. The bolts zap into Electivire, casuing an explosion that blinds everyone in its smoke.

The smoke clears, making everyone regain their sight. Ash and Volkner open their eyes to see both Pokemon still standing, but not for long. Electivire, who's Motor Drive has been severely overcharged falls to the ground with swirled eyes. Making Ash the winner, the crowd erupts in a roaring cheer. "FINALLY" Chloe shouted, glad Ash got the applause and cheers he rightfully earned.

Ash checks his Rotom Phone, seeing his rank rise to 64. Though he doesn;t have much time to as the two girls tackle him down in a hug. Volkner walks up to them, helps him up and they shake hands.

"I must say Ash, that Z-move was very impressive" Volkner says, proud admiration glinting in his eyes. "Thanks!" Ash responds, "I wanted to finish with that move the second we got paired up for this match!"

"Well then," Volkner chuckles, "With plans like that, I'm sure you'll be the eye of the storm that'll shake up both the Ultra Class and the Masters Eight."

Elsewhere, Cynthia watches Ash and Volkner's conversation from a giant TV, Chloe blushing as she hands onto his shoulder, while Dawn grins cheekily at her knowing what's going on with Chloe. "Wow, he's really improved..." She mutters to herself.

Chapter Text

Ash and Chloe enjoy a nice breakfast back in Cerise Labs, having said goodbye to Dawn and arriving back in Kanto late the night before. The quiet mood is interrupted by Ren and Chrysa running in looking distressed.

"Professor Cerise!" Ren cried out, "All the data collected in Sinnoh has disappered!"

The three get shocked by such news, disappeared? But how? Chrysa adds on "Ash, Chloe, we're so sorry! All that hard work vainished!" Ash immediately jumps up "You two have nothing to be sorry for!" Ash replies, not wanting to hear the two blame themselves. Chloe blushes seeing Ash not blame Ren and Chrysa "Wow" Chloe thinks, "Ash didn't even blame them for one second."

Professor Cerise leads everyone to the computers, looking through all the logs. "Looks like someone got access into the database." Professor Cerise states with certainty "So, does that mean someone stole it?" Chloe asks, "Looks like it." her father responds.

"See?" Ash says to Ren and Chrysa "Now we know it's not your fault!" Chloe turns back to her dad to hide the growing blush on her face "So, what do we do?" She asks. "We better change all the passwords." Her father responds "Let's get to work."

The four work together to change all the passwords on the computers, Ash and Chloe giving ideas for new passwords. No one knowing that a pair of invisible eyes are wtaching over them, a camera around its neck recording every new password inputted.

Ash and Chloe wake up the next day and enter the main room with confidence, until they see the rest of the staff looking even more dejected.

"Dad, what's wrong?" Chloe asks, Professor Cerise looks up at her, his eyes filled with disappointment in himself. "The security's been breached yet again. This time the data collected in Galar was remove."

That news hits the teens hard, really hard. Chloe starts getting teary eyed, "Galar? But that's where I met Drizzile...." "And where I met Cinderace and Grookey..." Ash adds on, pulling his hat over his eyes at the fact of those memories being lost forever.

"We're so sorry." Professor Cerise says, but Ash puts his hand out, cutting him off from speaking more. "No. This wasn't you're fault, nor Ren or Chrysa's." Ash says, quickly wiping away tears. "But when I find that thief. They'll pay."

Chloe's admiration for Ash grows as he helps the adults further improve security. She deicdes to take her mind off things by grabbing Drizzile's food bowl from his cave. Arriving at the small entrance she picks up the bowl and starts to walk off. Drizzile appears right in front of her, clearly not wanting to leave her alone. Chloe realizes that, plus she knows it sees it ehr tears in her eyes, so she thinks maybe it'd be fine to talk to someone, or some Pokemon. She sits down by the cave, Drizzile sitting beside her. "Something's been happening the past two days..." Chloe started, "Someone's been deleting data from Dad's computers, including a lot of memories I loved. Especially my memories with you. but even those are gone." Drizzile doesn't cry like Chloe expected it to, inetad she's the one tearing up more. Drizzile wiping her tears away as she continues "Ash is pretty sad about it too, but he's determined to find out who did this, and so am I. We'll find that thief and stop them." Chloe nods determinedly at Drizzile, who nods, seemingly determined too before disappering again.

Goh patrols the laboratory at nighttime, but fails to spot the intruder. Just when he's about to head to his own room, however, he spots a door being ajar and sneaks towards it, suddenly joined by Drizzile. Just when the invisible Kecleon starts deleting more data, Drizzile hits her with a Water Gun, stopping her and causing her to turn visible. A voice coming from Kecleon mocks Goh for not noticing the culprit sooner, and Kecleon makes her escape, with Goh and Drizzile giving chase and the commotion waking up Ash and Professor Cerise.

Later that night, Chloe patrols the lab. Chugging energy drinks to stay up as long as possible. She looks everywhere for signs of an intruder, but nothing. She eventually decides to go to bed, but as she walks up the stairs, she finds a nearby door opened slightly ajar. Sneaking toward it thinking she may have struck oil. Drizzile appears next to her, and they sneakily walk in.

The two see seemingly nothing open up computers and delete data. Chloe is left very confused by this, but Drizzile knows more, firing a Water Gun near the keyboard, soaking the thief and making it visible. A Kecleon.

"A Kecleon?" Chloe asks, bewilded "Yes, surprised you didn't figure that out sooner!" A voice seeminly coming from Kecleon barks, "YOU CAN TALK?!" Chloe shouts. Kecleon leaps over Drizzile and Chloe and escapes the room while Chloe and Drizzile chase after. All that noise ends up waking up Ash, Pikachu and Professor Cerise.

Ash and Pikachu catch up to Chloe and Drizzile and they corner Kecleon on the rooftop. Just when they think they'll defeat it. A young boy comes flying in on a jetpack, landing beside Kecleon.

"So," Ash starts, "You must be Kecleon's trainer."

"Yeah!" Chloe adds, "And the thief deleting all our data!"

"That's right." The boy replies with confidence edging into arrogance, "The name's Gizmo. Sorry about all the run ins, but I need to make my own lab somehow."

Chloe's blood boils hearing this. Her, Ash and her dad's hard work and memories erased for such a selfish reason?! Blindly, she orders Drizzile to charge. Drizzile does so depsite Ash trying to stop them from doing something they'll regret. Gizmo swiftly has Kecleon use Sucker Punch, hitting Drizzile heavily.

Chloe angrily barks out for Pound, which Gizmo flawlessly counters with Bind, leading to Drizzile being tossed to a nearby wall. Chloe sees Drizzile hurt and snaps out of her rage. Kecloen prepares to attack once again, but Chloe stands between them. "Oh no you don't! I won't let you hurt Drizzile!"

Ash watches from the sidelines as a blush creeps into his cheeks. A proud smile adorns his face knwoing he'd do the same thing if that were any of his Pokemon. No wonder he and Chloe were tied to the hip when they were younger.

Drizzile sees Chloe daring to get herself hurt to protect, and is in awe, wanting to protect her from getting hurt at all. A bright light evelops it, catching everyone's attention. The light dims down as Inteleon takes center stage. Kecloen tries to follow through with it;s attack before Chloe interrupted, but now Inteleon easily stops it.

Inteleon knocks out Kecleon with ease, Gizmo grabs it and starts to fly off. "Coward!" Ash barks, but Chloe reassures him "Oh, he's not getting away that easily! Snipe Shot!" She yells, knowing about the new move by doing Inteleon research. Inteleon fires the new move right at the jetpack, making Gizmo fall, thankfully Inteleon saves him from the long fall he would have endured. Landing him on the ground of Cerise Park, Ash and Chloe surrounding him.

"Nowhere left to run!" Ash exclaims, "I can't believe you'd delete our hard work to make your own lab!" Chloe only sighs, "It's too late now..." She softly says "The data's been deleted, and we can't get it back." Chloe meets Gizmo eye to eye, his confidence gone now that he can't escape. "I want you to know something. Chloe starts, her voice with sadness and rage, "That data meant a lot to Ash and I. So next time, have some damn consideration for others before you take away something that was never yours."

Professor Cerise rushes into the park. "I overheard everything!" He exclaims out of breath. "This is the culprit?"

"Yep." Ash responds blankly.

Gizmo suddenly stands up and goes up to Professor Cerise quickly as if he had no time left. "Professor Cerse!" He shouts in excitement, "I'm a huge fan!"

Ash and Chloe look at each other baffled, Pikachu and Inteleon share a similar look. "He's... A fanboy?" The teens say in unison.

Gizmo pulls out his Rotom Phone, showing all the data he seemingly deleted. "Don't worry!" He states, wanting Cerise's approval. "The data's not actually gone! I just made it look that way so you'd notice me!"

That news hits Ash and Chloe hard, especially Chloe. Her anger flares up when her dad gives Gizmo an autograph. An autograph?!?! And he's all smiles about it?! Oh Arcues no. "Wait a second!" She yells out, getting everyone's attention. "So you mean to tell me, you made all of us think the data of our hard work was deleted forever, that data holding good memories that Ash and I have, ALL SO YOU COULD GET AN AUTOGRAPH?!" Chloe shouted out, her face turning red, while Ash awkwardly looks away "Not getting tangled in another angry friend" He thinks, "How are the girls I meet the most angriest?" He questions himself.

Professor Cerise looks at Chloe sternly "Now Chloe, let's not let our emotions control our actions. Making us do something we'll regret." Chloe ignores her father's words, staring daggers at Gizmo. Gizmo nervously squeaks out "Um... Yes?"

The neighboring buildings of Cerise Labs have been quiet for hours, but soon they'll be awoken. Gizmo and Kecleon run out of the laboratory while Chloe and Intelon tail them. "YEAH! YOU BETTER RUN!" Chloe yells, adding more noise to contrast the quiet night. Professor Cerise chases his daughter, not wanting anyone to get hurt "Chloe!" He yells, "Let's just sit down and reassess everything!"

Ash and Pikachu watch from the labs doors as the three run off into the darkness of the night. Ash blushes, turning to Pikachu. "Y'know, buddy? Even when Chloe's mad, she's adorable."

Chapter Text

Ash and Chloe take in the sights of the Eclipse Castle, they returned to Johto for this very building. Chloe's dad told them about the Eclipse Festival, and Chloe wanted to go to let Eevee see more potential paths for her. Ash comes along just to support her. The teens see a crest featuring Espeon and Umbreon. Ash looks at it thoughtfully, wondering its deeper meaning.

Eevee, on the other hand senses something and runs off, Chloe following after her. Ash being to lost in thought to notice. Ash doesn't even notice the elder woman approaching him until she speaks.

"I see you're interested in the castle's crest." The elder woman said in a hushed polite tone. Ash and Pikachu jump, not noticing her presence. "Oh, yeah." Ash said, slightly embarrassed, "I was just wondering how all this came to be."

"Well that's easy to explain. Long ago, an Espeon and an Umbreon saved the liege of the castle from an overthrowing attempt during a previous Eclipse Festival. Since then, those two have been honored at the castle for their bravery. They also symbolize the eclipse itself."

"Wow" Ash responds, him and Pikachu moved by the story, but he does have questions "How do you know so much?"

The woman chuckles "Why, I'm the curret liege of the castle, Helia, at your service."

"Woah!" Ash practically shouts, "That's so cool!"

"Well, I won't be the liege for much longer, I plan to pass on my title later today, in fact." Helia replied.

"Still, that's awesome!" Ash replied, his body buzzing "Isn't that cool, Chloe?"

"Who?" Helia asked.

"My friend! She's right-" Ash turned to the space next to him, seeing nothing by air. "Huh, where'd Chloe go?"

Chloe had chased Eevee towards a nearby cliff, Eevee runs too far and falls off, much to Chloe's panic. Though Eevee is brought up by a pink light. A girl's Espeon used Psychic and saved Eevee. As Eevee is returned to Chloe's arm, she thanks the girl profusely. Looking up to meet her eye to eye, only to see her own face staring back at her. The girl seems just as surprised as her. "Who, are you?" She asks

"My name's Chloe, what's yours?" Chloe replies.

"I'm called Soleil." Soleil responds.

The girls get over this crazy surprise, as Soleil gets a fun idea for the two teenage girls.

The four reunite at the Eclipse Castle, seeing how similar Chloe and Soleil look.

"Wow, you look just like her, Chloe!" Ash said to a girl dressed in Chloe's outfit.

"I'm Soleil actually." Soleil responds, she and Chloe giggle while Ash's face turns crimson.

The group settles down, giving Chloe the chance to catch Soleil up on her and Eevee's journey. Letting her choose her own path. Soleil empathizes with her, remembering how her Espeon and Umbreon evolved on their own choice on the same day, one during the day and the other at night.

"These two support each other nicely" Soleil started, "They make up for each other's flaws. I believe that people and Pokemon do the same. Making the world a better place."

Ash and Chloe look on impressed. Both knowing Soleil's got what it takes to be the next liege, while Helia smiles proudly.

Soleil leads Ash and Chloe into another room and shows them a painting. Ash and Chloe soon realize what the painting shows: A former liege, Sorin, being attacked by someone who wants to dethrone him, his own brother, Luno.

"That's an incident I hope to avoid..." Soleil said quietly, Ash anc Chloe sit with her, wishing to give her comfort. But before they can say anything, they hear fireworks. "Looks like the festival's starting. I should go." Soleil said, before walking off.

Ash and Chloe leave through a different exit to watch the festival, but Chloe realizes shee's still wearing Soleil's attire. "Oh shoot," Chloe said, making Ash stop and look over at her. "I need to change! Go on without me Ash, I'll be right back!"

Chloe and Eevee run off, making Ash and Pikachu shrug watching them run back. Ash scoops Pikachu onto his shoulder and they walk away to watch the festival. Chloe nears the changing rooms, but a boy dressed like a ninja crosses her path, startling her and Eevee.

"Who are you?!" Chloe asked

"That shouldn't matter to you, Soleil!" The ninja barks at her.

"Soleil?!" Chloe says, realizing the boy thinks she's Soleil. "I think you're mistaken, I'm-"

The ninja sends out his Ariados and has it bind her with String Shot. He grabs her and flies away on his Noctowl, Eevee frozen in fear in what she saw. Running off outside to alert Ash, who springs into action, protectiveness and anxiety filling his veins.

Ash, Pikachu and Eevee search the nearby woods, having no luck. Eevee suddenly gets a vision, seeing Chloe trapped atop a specific tree. She leads Ash and Pikachu to that tree and Ash gets Chloe down. Relieved she's okay, Chloe blushes as her mind sets in the fact Ash saved her, like a prince and a princess.

The teens return to the castle, overhearing the ninja, who calls himself Ilunas, forcing Soleil and Helia into making him the liege of the castle. Ash and Chloe won't stand for that, so reveal themsleves.

"Stop right there!" Ash shouts angrily. Chloe behind him looking just as upset at the sabotage.

Ilunas looks at them, annoyed at their interruption. He sends out his Ariados and Ursaring alongside his Noctowl, planning to get them out of the way.

"Oh, you wanna fight? Fine then!" Ash says, readying a Poke Ball.

"Ash, wait." Soleil says, making Ash stop and look at Soleil. "Let Chloe and I handle this, we're the ones he wants!"

Ash nods and steps aside, letting Chloe and Soleil take the field. Ilunas's Pokemon attack, Espeon manages to block most attcks with Relfects while Umbreon conterattacks using Snarl. Eevee dodges String Shot from Ariados, attacking back with Tackle. Ariados uses Pin Missile on the three Pokemon, Espeon tries to set up Relfect again, but Eevee beats it to it by using Copycat. After Pin Missile is blocked, Umbreon uses Dark Pluse against Air Slash from Noctowl.

Ursaring catches Umbreon off guard and uses Slash on it's back. Wounding it, Espeon uses Wish to heal Umbreon. Ash and Chloe sees this, remembering Soleil's point on how Espeon and Umbreon support each other.

The solar eclipse starts, which Soleil sees this as an opprounity to beat Iluna's Pokemon. Eevee uses Copycat to use Dark Pluse again to take out Ariados. While the eclipse reaches totality, powering up Espeon and Umbreon simultaneously. They attack together with Psychic and Dark Pulse respectively, taking out Noctowl and Ursaring. Ilunas falls to his knees in defeat, and Soleil approaches him.

"Y'know, Helia was looking for you." Soleil said, looking down at him, making Ilunas look up at her in shock. "The people of the castle contain names originating from the sun and moon, like my name and Sorin's, or Luno's name, and yours..."

Ilunas's eyes widen realizing Soleil knows his origin, while Ash and Chloe piece togther what Soleil is saying, also in shock.

"You must be the desendant of Luno, right? " Soleil asks, offering him a hand up.

Ilunas takes her hand, letting her pull him up. "Yes, I am." He admits, "Luno felt nothing but shame after failing to become liege. I trained my whole life to finally end my family's line of secrecy by becoming the liege myself."

Suddenly, Helia goes up to Ilunas, hugging him, confusing him, Ash and Chloe. She speaks out how she heard of a him, and she apologizes for not being able to find him sooner and not being able to save him from all the hardship he had to go through.

Ilunas's confusion only rises as Soleil makes an announcement "I'll become the liege, with Ilunas at my side." Shocking everyone except Helia.

Ilunas blinks, confused, but Soleil turns towards him before he can get a word out "I knwo you'll be much happier knowing the castle's moon will be returning. I believe that all this fighting won't get us anywhere. We should learn to keep past events in the past and move on togther, so, what do ya say?" Soleil asks, offering her hand in leadership.

Ilunas feels tears well up in his eyes, he never thought things could end peacefully. He takes Soleil's hand and shakily nods, touching everyone's hearts.

Chapter Text

Ash and Chloe watch from the stands of the Shalour City Gym. Seeing Korrina use Mega Evolution, easily defeating her opponent. After the battle, Ash and Chloe go down to the battlefield, reuniting with Korrina and catching up on where they've been. Gurkinn also comes down and reunites with the teens, joinging in on the conversation.

"So, what brings you here, Ash?" Korrina finally asked, "It's not like you to just stop by."

"What? You think I don't miss you?" Ash playfully bit back, making Chloe stiffened at the banter. Trying not to let the jealousy show. Ash softened, being serious now "But actually, now that I'm in the Ultra Class, I wanna try to Mega Evolve my Lucario, think you two can help?"

Korrina beamed, "Of course!"

The group head to the Tower of Mastery, reaching the top floor Korrina hands Ash a pair of Mega Gloves, a Key Stone already embedded into oen of the gloves. Ash slips the gloves on, it felt right to him. Two years since Kalos, two years since he wore gloves. It felt right, plus the added bonus of the Key Stone shining in the sunset. Ash's Lucario suddenly shines in a bright blue light, shocking everyone as they relfexively cover their eyes. Lucario walks to the edge of the balcony and points towards the surronding sea. It's paw in pointing ahead.

"It seems that the Key Stone enhanced Lucario's aura." Gurkinn observed. Korrina's eyes narrow at the direction Lucario's paw is pointing toward. "It must be pointing to Mega Island!" Korrina exclaimed.

The group hop aboard a boat. Sailing toward the island, Gurkinn explains the island to the conufsed Kanto native teens. How it suddenly appeared and soon got its name due to how many Mega Stones were found on the island. The boat soon docks on Mega Island's shores. Gurkinn insists to stay behind to watch the boat. The three teenagers go off without him, spotting a shine in a cave.

They head inside, only to find that the shine was the eyes of a Sableye, they run away, only to slip on a frozen hillside, confusing the teens as the rest of the hill is lush and green. But they have no time to wonder about that as they fall down the hillside sharply towards a ravine. Lucario thinks quickly and uses the spiked backs of its paws to stab through the ice of the hillside and stab into the dirt, holding it in place. Ash gets grabbed by Lucario's legs, Ash grabs Chloe, making her blush and almost letting Korrina fall into the ravine. Chloe grabs Korrina at the lasts second, and Pikachu crawls over Ash to get to Chloe's bag and grab Flygon's Poke Ball. He sends it out, and the kids all land on Flygon and it flies away. The teenagers spot an Abomasnow on the other side of the ravine.

"So that Abomasnow must've froze the hillside..." Ash mused, the girls nodding in agreement.

The group moves futher onto the island, Lucario sensing around for its Mega Stone. Before it can get a good sign, they spot a Pidgeot and Salamence battling, Pidgeot's Gust sends the kids flying off Flygon, landing onto giant lily pads below. Ash and Korrina bounce up and down continuously, whilst Chloe, Lucario and Flygon bonce futher away. Ash and Korrina immediately bonce after them.

Chloe and Lucario land in an area of rocky terrain, pillars of lava erupt constantly. Chloe recalls Fygon, seeing flying as too dangerous. Noticing Lucario's anxiousness towards the pillars, Chloe remembers that Lucario is part Steel Type. Chloe gets an idea to help it out, sending out Inteleon and uses Snipe Shot and Water Gun to guide them safely to a cooler environment, which Lucario appreciates.

Now safe, Chloe pulls out her Rotom Phone, only to find no signal. "Great.." She mutters, "How we will get back to Ash now?"

Lucario perks up, having an idea. using it's Aura to contact him. Meanwhile, Ash's Key Stone reacts to the Aura. Ash closes his eyes finding himself in nothing but a black void, him and Lucario glowing blue. Ash senses Lucario's location, snapping back to reality he and Korrina start heading where Ash's mind guides him. Lucario plans to do the same, but senses something else, it and Chloe heading in a different direction away from Ash. Ash senses this change, realzing that Lucario found the Lucarionite, so he and Korrina head to that location as well.

The group reunite at an area filled with tall metal spikes surging from the ground. "It's the Steel Forest!" Korrina excalimed. Lucario focuses on one spike "That one." Ash suddenly says, confusing the girls. "The Mega Stone's in that spike. Aura Sphere!"

Lucario uses Aura Sphere on the spike, the inpact shatters the spike after a sent shockwave. Revealing the Lucarionite, floating in the spike's place. Before Lucario can grab it, the groups hear mysterious laughter, and an olde man reveals himself, floating above them, though he hides his face.

"Who are you?" Ash asks, creeped out, Chloe hides behind him, depsite knowing she has Pokemon she can use. An Alakazam appears begind the man, the teens realizing that's how the man's floating.

"I..." The man declared "Am the Mega Evolution Sage! And if you wish to gain the precious Lucarionite, then you'll need to get past me!"

"Really?" Chloe peaked out behind Ash, not impressed. "Another random obstacle, can't we just have the stone?"

"It'll be fine, Chloe." Ash confidently said "We'll beat him no problem! Lucario and I accept, great sage!"

The Sage grinned "Good choice."

The Mega Evolution Sage Mega Evolves his Alakazam and has it bring the Lucarionite behind it. Lucario uses Aura Sphare for it to be countered with Psybeam. Lucario creates many clones with Double Team, but a Psychic from Alakazam removes the copies, exposing the true Lucario and firing off a Tri-Attack. Paralysing it.

"Jump on the spikes and get the stone!" Ash commaned, Lucario does so, but the paralysis kicks in mid-jump, making Lucario fall down. Lucario tries again and again, paralysis kicking in each time. Eventually Lucario gets an idea, grabbing Alakazam's beard, giving it the boost to leap over it and grab the Mega Stone.

Ash and Lucario high five, or paw. Celebrating the victory, Chloe and Korrina happily join in. The Sage laughs, harder and harder catching the kids attention. The Sage pulls off his outfit and his beard. Revaling Gurkinn under all the gruff.

"Gurkinn? That was you?!" Ash stated, wide eyed. Chloe just as shocked.

"Yep!" Korrina chimed in "I knew it was him toe whole time!" Making Ash and Chloe turn slowly to her, still surprised, but too tired to confront the two after the day's events.

The boat sails away from Mega Island, heading back to Shalour City. Ash feels his Rotom Phone buzz, seeing a World Coronation Series battle date, against him and Bea, now ranked 30. Ash looks to Lucario, and they share a confident smile, they've lost to her, they've tied to her. This time they'll win. For Sure.

Chapter Text

Ash and Chloe enter the Stow-on-Side gym, wanting to meet Bea before tomorrow's match. They find her training with her Pokemon, it doesn't take long for her to notice them. Bea stops her training quickly "Ah, it's good to see you again, Riolu's Trainer." Bea said stoicly.

Ash sighed, "That's not my name, and I don't even have a Riolu anymore." Ash releases Lucario from her Poke Ball "Oh, my apologies, Lucario's Trainer." Bea replied, making Ash groan. "It's Ash!" He exclaimed.

"No matter," Bea replied, "Would you like to train with me?"

"No thanks." Ash replied, "We're waiting for our friend, Korrina. Maybe you know her. Since you two had a battle."

RIght then and there, Korrina walks in, her face stiff and stern. Worrying Ash and Chloe, Chloe remembering back when they met, she described Korrina as too overconfident. Korrina walks right past them and goes face to face with Bea. Before hugging her and apologizing fantically, confusing Ash and Chloe.

"I'm so sorry!" Korrina cried, "I couldn't get the Lumiose Galettes! But I got a bunch of other sweets!" Korrina held up a bag of sweets as a peace offering. "Wow, good to see you too, Korrina." Chloe said sarcastically. Making Korrina look up and finally notice that they're there.

Everyone settles down to eat, "Wow, I can't believe you two are friends." Ash mused. "Yeah!" Chloe replied, "Bea spoke so badly about you!" Chloe catches Bea's eyeline and coils back "Oh, no offense."

"None taken." Korrina replied, "Bea doesn't battle for fun like me, but I don't hate her for it. Plus, I love how skilled she is at martial arts, and how kind she is to her Pokemon!"

Bea then piped up "And I appreciate Korrina for all the sweets she brings me."

Ash and Bea shake hands, sharing promise to have a good battle tomorrow.

"I promise I'll cheer for both of you!" Korrina said, buzzing with excitement, making Chloe sigh and shake her head. Ash and Chloe settle into their rooms in the Pokemon Center that night.

"What Pokemon do you think she'll use?" Chloe asked, turning to Ash.

Ash rubbing his chin, "Not sure," He mused. "But I'm sure I'll finally win this time!"

Ash and Bea set foor on their respective sides on the Gym Battlefield the next day, the stands filled to the brim.

"And It seems Ash and Bea have a Mega Stone and a Dynamx Band!" The announcer blared into the many speakers, "For those unawrre, battlers are only permitted to one use of Mega Evolution, Dynamax or Z-Moves respectfully."

Ash starts the battle by having Pikachu scamper onto the battlefield, while Bea sends out Grapploct. Pikachu starts with Quick Attack, but Grapploct blocks it using Dectect. Ash's quick thinking makes him see how close Pikachu is to Grapploct, however. Pikachu catches Grapploct off guard by trapping it in an Electroweb. Pikachu tries to attack with Iron Tail, but Grapploct extends its tentacles through the web and uses Close Combat, knocking Pikachu back and giving it time to tear apart the Electroweb.

Ash has Pikachu run back to his side and sends out Lucario.Exciteding Chloe as she and Korrina watch in the stands, remebering how the two Pokemon tied last battle. Ash remembers too, and mentally swears to finally beat Grapploct this time. Grapploct releases a Liquidation and Lucario tries to hide away using Double Team, but Bea has Grapploct spin around, sending water bullets at each and every Lucario clone. Lucario fires an Aura Sphere, but Grapploct blocks again with Detect, Bea then switches Grapploct out for Hawlucha.

Hawlucha hits Lucario with a High Jump Kick, then pounds on Lucario with Wing Attack after Wing Attack. Then lands a Sky Attack, Lucario eventually stands back up and pushes Hawlucha back, and Bea switches it out for Machamp. The Pokemon's fist's clash, Force Palm verses Bullet Punch, whoch machamp quickly wins, trapping Lucario in an onslaught of Bullet Punches and Cross Chops. Ash starts to panic, desperate to save Lucario he taps his Key Stone, trying to Mega Evolve, but Lucario rejects it, freeing itself instead by heatbutting Machamp. Making Ash snap back to reality like a spash of cold water hit his face.

"Sorry Lucario!" Ash yelled, "I wasn't thinking straight!"

"What's this?" The announcer blares "Lucario refused the Mega Evolution? Is Ash and Lucario's bond not as strong as we thought?"

In the pressbox, the announcer suddenly hear footsteps, someone is beside him. "Sorry I'm late!" Another voice blared into the speakers. The announcer looks beside him and sees none other than Leon, shocking everyone in the staduim.

"I think that Ash and Lucario;s bond is too strong." Leon explained through the speakers, "Lucario knows that now's not the time to Mega Evolve, so stopped Ash before they could."

Ash and Bea look up to the pressbox, more motivated by Leon's words, both swearing mentally thet they're going to win. As Lucario and Machamp clash with Reversal and Strength.

Chapter Text

Bea's Machamp holds back Reversal from Lucario by using Strength. Bea thinks she's got Ash on the ropes, but Lucario transfers the energy of Reversal to its feet, landing an open blow. Ash returns Lucario and sends out Sirfetch'd, surprising Chloe, who sits in the stands with Korrina.

"Wait," Chloe said, turning to Korrina, "Shouldn't Ash use another Pokemon? Like Cinderace? It knows a Flying type move."

"Maybe," Korrina replied, "But Ash wanted to face Bea with Fighting types of his own!"

Sirfetch'd starts with Fury Cutter, Machamp counters with Bullet Punch. Sirfetch'd finds an opening, slashing at Machamp with gusto. Bea recalls Machamp and sends out Hawlucha, seemingly angering Sirfetch'd.

Ash knows it wants revenge for their first battle with Bea, so has Sirfetch'd charge in, using its shield to block a Sky Attack. Quickly hitting both a Night Slash and Brutal Swing. Ash directs Sirfetch'd's every move, remembering the training sessions with his own Hawlucha. Sirfetch'd pushes itself to its limit. Landing one last Night Slash, overpowring another Sky attack, defeating Hawlucha.

Bea recalls Hawlucha as Ash yells "You did it, Sirfetch'd!" Sirfetch'd looks back and smiles at its trainer, glad to have won the fight for the both of them, before collasping from exhaustion.

Appreciation fills Ash's features, having Pikachu run back onto the battlefield, whilst Bea sends out Grapploct. Pikachu charges in with Quick Attack, letting Grapploct trap it with Octolock.

"Really, Ash?" Chloe facepalmed, "Did the past two battles teach you nothing?"

Pikachu tries to use Thunderbolt, but struggles against Octolock. Ash realizes quickly that Grapploct is just trying to make sure Pikachu can't be strong enough to use the move.

"Pikachu!" Ash called out, "Relax! Don't fight it-"

"You won't fool me again, Lucario trainer!" Bea cut him off, "Close Combat, now!"

Just like that, Pikachu is hit with the fury of many fists, or tentacles. Sending the Pokemon flying back to Ash's side, swirls in his eyes. Leaving Ash with just Lucario. Ash sends it out, wanting to finish Grapploct off quickly. He calls for an Aura Sphere while Bea commands Liquidation. The movs clash, but the sphere powers through the water. Hitting Grapploct right in the face, defeating it.

Bea recalls Grapploct and sends out her Machamp, only for her to recall it right after. "Lucario Trainer, this has been one of the most exciting battles of my life." Bea began, confusing Ash. "You are a trainer worthy of my respect!" Suddenly Bea's Dynamax band glows and Machamp's Poke Ball enlargens, and Bea thrusts it back onto the battlefield, the ball opens revealing a Gigantamax Machamp.

Ash grins and taps his Key Stone, this time it reacts with the Lucarionite on Lucario's leg. Causing Lucario to Mega Evolve. Lucario starts with Aura Sphere, which is destroyed by Max Steelspike. Lucario then charges in with Force Palm, and gets thrown to the ground with Max Strike. Lucario recovers and and gets back up to land the attack. Bea decides its time to go all out, having Machamp use G-Max Chi Strike.

"Brace yourself, Lucario!" Ash calls out, noticing the sheer power of the move. Lucario stands firm on its feet, covering its face with its arms as the move connects. Fog stirs up, blinding everyone from the two Pokemon, when the fog fades, both Pokemon are still standing, Bea's eyes widen in surprise that Lucario is still standing.

Lucario acts fast and runs up Machamp's giant arm. Giving it an Aura Sphere right to the face. Machamp topples to the ground and revert to its original size. Machamp gets back up, however. Lucario charges in, but this allows Machamp to hit Lucario right in its weak spot with Bullet Punch. Lucario counters with Force Palm, leading both sets of fists to be held by the other's. Force Palm suddenly turns Lucario's paw grey.

"That isn't Force Palm! What kind of move is that?" The annocer asked, astonished.

"Why, I think that's Steel Beam! Lucario has just learned Steel Beam live on the battlefield!" Lon replied through the speakers.

Lucario powers through Bullet Punch, striking Machamp hard and creating an exposion blinding everyone once more. As the smoke clears, everyone sees Machamp lying on the ground defeated, Rotom Drone flies in and declares Ash as the winner. The crowd eryupts in deafening cheers and applause. Chloe and Korrina hug each other as they cheer, tears in their eyes.

Lucario slowly walks to Ash and collapses into his arms, reverting back to normal. Ash hears his Rotom Phone buzz, quickly pulling it out he sees that his rank has risien to 36.

Later, Ash, Korrina, Chloe and BEa stand on the Stadium's empty battlefield as the moon rises. Chloe and Korrina hugging him and repeating congratulations. Though a small part of Chloe wishes Korrina would buzz off so she can hug Ash herself.

"Hey Ash, why the long face? You won!" Korrina asked, notcing Ash's smile not reaching his eyes.

"Oh, I'm just, kinda bummed Leon left right after the battle ended," Ash replied sheepishly, "Kind wished we could talk."

"Perhaps it's for the best," Bea piped up, "You two should only meet on the battlefield."

Chloe glares at Bea for her rejection of the two bonding personally. Though Ash replies, "Thanks, Bea, maybe you've got a point." Making the girl drop her glare.

Ash and Bea fist bup, Bea saying "I promise you, we will battle again someday, Ash." and Ash smiles that Bea has finally acknowleged him.

Chapter Text

The morning sun shines high in the sky in Vermilion City, Chloe dons her school uniform as she walks to school, practically dragging a reluctant Ash with her.

"Chloe, do I actually have to go with you?" Ash whined for what Chloe thought was the 100th time that morning, even Pikachu shakes his head.

"Yes, Ash." Chloe laughed, "I need you to be there for my presentation! My classmates won't know who I'm talking about if you're not there!"

"But I'm the Alola Champion!" Ash moaned, "Pretty sure everyone knows who I am by now."

"And yet we're in Kanto." Chlo replied, making Ash stick his tongue out at her.

As they walk, Chloe stops, spotting a girl playing with a Glaceon. She's never seen that girl around before, probably a new student, she thinks. She quickly turns back to Ash and spots him trying to walk back to Cerise Labs, making her chase him down and playfully smacking him in the arm. Looking back she finds that the girl is gone, but thinks nothing of it as they continue walking.

At Chloe's school, laughter fills the classroom as Chloe speaks in detail about the Ketchum boy. Ash standing next to a darwn replica of him, embarrassed. Chloe opens fake Ash's hat, revealing his brain, "And all Ash thinks about is Pokemon and Pokemon battles!" Chloe concluded, making Ash jump, blushing harder in morification.

"That's not true! I think about other stuff!" Ash said, trying to save his image "Like, what I should have for lunch.." Making Ash murmur about food.

"Ha! Nice boyfriend Cerise!" Someone in the back laughed, making Chloe snap in that direction, blushing hard.

"Who said that?!" Chloe snapped, "He's just a friend!"

Before things can get worse, the very girl Chloe saw before walks in with her Galceon, making the teacher get the class's attention.

"Oh, class!" The teacher began, "This is our new transfer student, Regina and her Glaceon, Mirche. Regina will be staying with use while her parents work in the city. Can someone escort her to the Pokemon Garden so she can drop off Mirche?"

Chloe raised her hand "I'll do it, miss." The teacher nods, while Ash snaps his head to face her in horror.

"Chloe, you're gonna leave me here, with them?" Ash whispered, making Chloe smirk.

"Oh, you'll be fine." Chloe said, elbowing him, "Alola Champion."

Ash grits his teeth and chuckles "Oh, you are so gonna pay for this, one day." Ash said before Chloe and Regina walk out of the room.

As the two walk to the Pokemon Garden, Chloe looks at Regina, who's staring at the ground. "So, Regina, right? I'm Chloe." She began, trying to create some small talk. "I saw you and Mirche playing eariler." Regina doesn't respond, but does tense up at the thought that someone was watching her.

Arriving at the garden, Chloe leads Regina to the park where all the Pokemon play. Ash and Chloe's six Pokemon approach and try to play with Mirche, but the Galceon responds harshly to their requests.

Regina lowers herself to Mirche's level "I'll be back durning lunch, I promise."

Regina and Chloe walk back inside while Mirche watches on in worry for its trainer. As they walk back, Chloe decides to talk woth Regina to get her to open up now that Mirche's gone. "So, what do you're parents do for work?" She aksed, but got no reply "My dad runs the Cerise Lanoratory, maybe you've heard of it?"

"I think I heard my parents saying they're gonna get Mirche examined there." Regina whispered, the words barely hitting Chloe's ears. The girls walk in silence back to the classroom. As soon as Chloe opens the door, her classmates flood out, surrounding Regina and bombarding her with questions, making her very uncomfortable.

Ash quickly pushes to the front of the crowd, "Hey! Hey! Everyone! Calm down, give her some space!" Ash said, trying to calm the crowd of teenagers, "Let's not overwhelm her on her first day."

The teens hear the sound of quick footsteps as Mirche arrives in the hallway. Seeing the situation, Mirche lets out an angry cry and uses Blizzard to freeze everyone. Regina collaspes to her knees. Getting lost in her head, looking at the floor as tears adorn her eyes. Remembering a similar incident years ago, where a similar outcome occurred. Ash and Chloe's Pokemon catch up to Mirche, and see the situation, quickly freeing everyone from the ice.

"W-What happened?" Chloe shivered.

"I-I-I think we were frozen in ice." Ash shuddered.

"That was my fault." Regina confessed softly, "I'm, I'm sorry."

"It's okay!" Ash replied, "No harm was done! We're all just, a little chilly."

By lunchtime, most students avoided Regina like the plague. But not Chloe, she plans to invite her to have lunch with Ash and herself. Only she can't find her, until she remembers her teacher had Regina stay after class so they could talk. Both Ash and Chloe wait by the door, worried that Regina could be expelled for what happened. Chloe takes a look inside, seems like Regina's just as worried.

Chloe eventually lets her worries get the best of her, bursting into the classroom "Wait! Please don't expel Regina, the Blizzard incident was an accident!"

Ash followed right after "It's true miss! Regina didn't mean for any of that to happen!"

To their surprise, even Regina's, the teacher laughed "Expel her, what are you two talking about? I was just telling Regina about the school!"

Ash and Chloe blush in embarrassment, "I guess I jumped to conclusions." Chloe started, "Sorry."

"No harm done," Her teacher replied, "I'll let you three go off to lunch since you two seem excited to spend time with Regina."

As the three walk outside, Mirche finds Regina again. Though it eyes Ash & Chloe with distrust, and prepares to freeze them with Blizzard again. But Regine stops it "These are my friends!" She cried, Mirche looks at its trainer, confused, then collaspes to the ground.

The three rush Mirche to Cerise Labs, where Professor Cerise does a medical scan. "Nothing too serious," He mused "Mirche just needs some rest, but her tempature is shockingly low. Even for a Glaceon."

"Well, Mirche did unleash a really powerful Blizzard today, and was trying to use the move again before passing out." Ash said, using his battling knowledge.

"So that's it," the professor said, "Mirche has been overexerting herself by using Blizzard repeatedly. If this keeps going, it could end badly."

"This is all my fault." Regina muttered, making everyone turn to her, "When I was little, people bullied me. So Mirche learned Blizzard to save me from any mean kids. Over the years Mirche kept using Blizzard, I was an easy target at every school I went to.

Regina sits down, starting to cry, whil the other watch in sympathy, "It's my fault!" She cried, "Mirche always protected me, yet I couldn't protect her! I'm no friend..."

"Hey, hey," Chloe said softly, sitting beside her, "You and Mirche are definitely friends. Mirche always protected you because she cares about you."

Before Regina can say more, Regina's parents arrive, claiming they heard about what happened at school. Already stating their plans to seperate her from Mirche. Causing Regina to stand up to her parents, telling them Mirche was just trying to protect her since she always hid behind Mirche. Regina's parent's are shocked, realizing they were wrong thinking Mirche was holding Regina back, Mirche was being Regina's friend.

Regina gathers the class outside the next day. Apologizing for what happened the day before, then saying she has a way to make it up to them. The students watch in anticipation as Mirche takes the center of the courtyard. Dracovish and Arctozolt joining her. The three Pokemon use their Ice and Water moves to create an icy wonderland, creating ice castles and ice slides. The students run amok, having fun almost immediately. Mirche then uses Ice Beam with the help of Eevee's Copycat to create an ice rink, which Chloe finds beautiful. Ash sees the rink, and suddenly grabs Chloe's hand, dragging her to the rink.

"C'mon Chloe!" Ash said, without thinking, "Let's dance!"

"What?!" Chloe yelped, but Ash didn't respond, already twirling her.

Chloe didn't object after that. Found it kinda cute, Ash didn't wanna stop, so they danced on the ice. Spinning and twirling, laughing till their faces turned red. Pikachu and Eevee eyed each other knowingly, but their trainers brush this off as just being friends with banter.

Chapter Text

Ash and Chloe are in the midst of training their Pokemon, both Pikachu and Eevee trading blows, until Ash suddenly gets a phone call. He stops the battle and pulls out his Rotom Phone.

"Oh, hey Dawn!" Ash said cheerfully, Chloe perks up at the name. Happy to hear from her friend, until Ash's mood suddenly dampens. Then turns to shock. "What?! I can't believe that happened to you! I'll head out to Sinnoh right now!

"What was that about?" Chloe asked as Ash ended the call.

"Apparently, Piplup's been kidnapped. I'm gonna head to Sinnoh to meet up with her Sandgem Town and help her figure out who took him, you in?" Ash requested.

"Of course." Chloe responded.

Ash and Chloe fly to Sandgem Town atop Chloe's Flygon, finding Dawn on a bench, her face filled with worry. Flygon lands and Chloe returns it to its Poke Ball. Relief fills Dawn's features as Ash and Chloe quickly run up to her, asking for details.

Dawn thinks back to eariler that day "Piplup and I were practicing for a contest, when he wandered off. By the time I found him, he was on the other side of a portal, a girl was holding him as the portal closed. She had sunglasses and her hair looked blonde."

Ash rubbed his chin, making a connection with the portal Dawn mentioned "You said a portal, right? Could it have been an Ultra Wormhole?"

"I'm not sure." Dawn answered, "The portal I saw didn't look like a Ultra Wormhole, at least not from what you told me."

Before the three can make any conclusions, Pikachu and swept away by a giant claw. Brought into a familiar Meowth Balloon. "Team Rocket." Ash grits his teeth, now was not the time.

Ash and Chloe act fast, sending out Lucario and Inteleon. Lucario easily frees Pikachu and Inteleon sends Team Rocket blasting off with Snipe Shot.

"Wow, you two work well together!" Dawn mused as the two fist bumped.

"Thanks." Ash replied, though Dawn is soon distracted by something opening behind him.

"Guys, look!" Dawn pointed, "That's what I saw Piplup go through!"

The three watch as the portal opens and out comes Team Rocket, again. This time clad in metallic armor, and looking competent.

"Woah." Ash and observed "Team Rocket again?"

"Yeah, but they're, like cool this time." Chloe added on.

"Well, then I can't imagine what this other Team Rocket's like." AU James laughed.

"Why should we care?" AU Jessie scoffed, "Let's just take those strong Pokémon for ourselves!"

"On it!" AU Meowth yelled.

Meowth fires off a Dark Pulse that hits Lucario and Inteleon point blank. Their Wobbuffet releases an electric net from a gauntlet on its suit, encasing the two Pokemon.

The other Team Rocket starts to retreat, but the three teens quickly give chase. AU Meowth uses another Dark Pulse, causing Ash and Chloe to be knocked back. While Dawn chases them through the portal. Ash and Chloe look and see the portal close, separating them from Dawn.

Dawn quickly comes to her senses, failing to find the other Team Rocket. Finding herself instead in a different town, with a sky adored with an aurora. She spots a sign saying "Welcome to Fula City" Dawn walks around the town. Trying and failing to understand what region she's in. Though finding some reports about this world's Team Rocket. Also spotting many flowers that have yet to bloom, an unusual amount. Plus finding no Pokemon walking the streets alongside their trainers or inhabiting the forests.

Dawn then sees a girl holding a Piplup, the girl having red sunglasses and blonde hair that was dyed at the ends. Matching what Dawn saw that morning. The Piplup spots her and immediately runs into her own arms. Dawn quickly realizing this is her Piplup. Being overwhelmingly happy to find her partner again.

Dawn stomped up to the girl, fury in her eyes. "You!" She pointed to the girl, who shrinked back, "You stole my Piplup!"

The girl blinked, "That was your Piplup? I was gonna return it to you, but the portal closed before I could."

Dawn softened, remembering that the girl did look confused when the portal was closing, "Okay, okay. Sorry about that." She apologized, then seeing an opprotunity to get some answers, she asks, "What's your name, and why aren't there any Pokemon around?"

The girl smiled, forgivingly, "Oh, I'm Risa! And Pokemon used to be around, but... I think I should show you."

Risa went into her bag, pulling out an egg with brown spots, "This was my Eevee, but recently all the Pokemon started devolving, and then they turned into eggs."

Dawn gasped in horror, "Can something like that happen to my Pokemon?"

Risa thought for a moment, "My friend Toren said that those portals seem to connect different worlds. So if you're here, that must mean more are appearing in your world, right?"

Dawn nodded as Risa continued, "So if his words are right, then yeah."

Dawn's anxiety spiked, but she tried to keep calm, "Did your friend think of, anything else?"

Risa nodded, "He thinks that the portals are appearing because space and time are being distorted." She noted, "But I'm not sure what could cause that.

Dawn thought for a moment, beofre two familiar Pokemon came to her mind: Dialga and Palkia.

Meanwhile, back in Sandgem Town, Ash and Chloe are wondering where Dawn went. Though Chloe quickly remembers something from a childhood novel.

"Wait a sec!" Chloe said suddenly, remembering the novel's contents, "Those portals could connect to different worlds!" She theorized, "But what Pokemon could do that?"

Ash perked up instantly, "Oh! Palkia!"

Chloe nodded and checked her Rotom Phone to make sure, one search confirms it. Chloe finds a page, while with limited information says more information is found at the libary within Canalave City. The two fly atop Flygon to said city and enter the library.

"Well, Well, Well, If it isn't the Alola champion." A familiar voice said, making Ash turn around, coming face to face with Cynthia herself. "Cynthia!" Ash said, Pikachu chipred happily to add on.

After a quick hug Cynthia asks, "So, what brings you back to Sinnoh? And who's your friend?" Pointing to Chloe, the Vermilion girl feeling so small in the vicinity of a Champion.

"Oh, that's my friend, Chloe." Ash replied, the girl in question waved, feeling a little hurt at being called a friend, though Ash doesn't notice, "And we're looking for information on Palkia."

"Oh, you're trying to look into all the recent Pokémon disappearances, I can help you." Cynthia said, before searching for some books. Ash and Chloe blinked, realizing Dawn's Piplup, Lucario and Intelon weren't the only ones stolen. Whil Cynthia finds books about Dialga, Palkia and Arceus.

After about an hour of reading and doing research. The three come to the conclusion that Palkia is behind the portals. As they exit the library, another portal opens behind them and out comes the other Team Rocket.

"Oh no." Ash groaned, "Not you again!"

"Well of course we're back." AU James spat, "We know you two could have some powerful Pokemon!"

"And is that the Sinnoh Campion, I see?" AU Jessie observed, "We'll steal her Pokemon too!"

AU Meowth and Wobbuffet take the field, and Cynthia sends out her Garchomp. Garchomp and AU Meowth clash, Dragon Claw clashing against Slash.

"Outrage, Garchomp, now!" Cyhtnia called out

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt! Blast them off!" Ash added on.

The two Pokemon try to attack, but can't use those two moves. "Did they forget the move?" Chloe suggested.

AU Wobbuffet takes advantage of the confusion and traps Pikachu and Garchomp in another electric net. Though Cynthia sends out her Kommo-o to use Outrage, tearing the nets apart.

The other Team Rocket decide to retreat, flying back through the portal they came from, Ash and Chloe following through. The portal closing before Cynthia can follow.

Ash and Chloe find themselves in the other world, seeing no sign of the other Team Rocket. But do see the aurora in the sky like Dawn did, and notice the absence of Pokemon.

"Uh, Chloe?" Ash asked, "Can you get off me?"

Chloe looked down, immediately blushing. Ash had landed lying down. And she was sitting on top of him. "Sorry!" She said quickly, getting off him so he can stand up.

"Thanks," Ash replied, standing up "Ah, that's better! We should probably find Dawn before we find a way back home. And get Lucario and Inteleon back."

Chloe nodded, Ash spots a bystander, a Pikachu on his shoulder, just like him. Ash decides to talk to the guy. "Excuse me sir, do you know where we are?"

Ash tapped the boy on the shoulder, making the stranger turn around. Both Ash and Chloe gasp. The boy had a Pikachu, wore a shirt, vest and shorts similar to his own. Had white shoes instead of Ash's blue and black pair. The boy adorned a hat similar to Ash's very first, but it was his face that shocked the Pallet Town boy to his core.

The stranger, without a doubt. Is him.

Chapter Text

Ash and, the other Ash stared at each other, shocke written all over their faces. Chloe, on the other hand blushed at the idea of two Ash's. The other Ash shakily points his finger at Ash.

"Who the heck are you?!" The other Ash asked.

"I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town." Ash pointed to the other Ash, "Who are you?"

"I'M Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!" The other Ash replied.

"No way! I'm Ash Ketchum!" Ash snapped.

"How dare you point at me!" Said the other Ash.

"You pointed first!" Ash countered.

"Rude to point!" The other Ash pointed again.

"You're the one being rude!" Ash yelled.

Chloe watched the two go back and fourth, pointing at each other like a certain red-arachnid superhero. Eventually her patience runs out, "Enough!" She snapped. Looking to the two Ashs. "Listen, we're from another world! So you're BOTH Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town! Just different Pallet Towns, got it?

The Ashs nod, Ash now remembering a similar adventure he had back in Kalos, while Chloe gets her emotions together, calming down. Ash notices the other Ash is missing a certain Pokemon on his shoulder.

"Hey, uh, Ash? Where's your Pikachu?" Ash asked.

The other Ash's face falls, making Ash regret asking. The other Ash reaches into his bag and pulls out an egg adorned with yellow spots.

"This is my Pikachu." The other Ash started, "Something's been happening today. Everyone's Pokemon, they've been evolving backwards, then they become eggs. It even got my Pikachu.

The other Ash hides his face in his hat, prompting Chloe to put her hand on his shoulder. Though Ash has a new though come to his mind.

"So, you're saying..." Ash began, "Now that we're here. Does that mean my Pikachu could be, like yours?"

Chloe worriedly looked down to Eevee, while the other Ash rubbed his chin. "Guess that makes sense." He mused, "But my friend, Toren. He's a researcher! He could help us! We should head to Fula City! I'll take you there!"

AU Ash sends out his Charizard, and he hops on, flying away immediately. Chloe sends out her Flygon and she and Ash fly right after him.

The three arrive in Fula City after a short flight. Bursting into a Pokemon Center, seeing Toren and two other researchers loading the Pokemon Eggs into a large truck, much to Nurse Joy's objections. Risa and Dawn burst in as well. Leading the two groups of friends to happily reunite.

Suddenly, another Toren bursts in, "Risa! I figured you'd be here!" He began, before seeing, well, himself, "Wait, who the heck is that?!" The fake Toren and the researchers reveal themselves as AU Team Rocket.

"Team Rocket?!" Ash and AU Ash jinxed, making them look at each other.

"Heh, guess we've got a lot in common." Ash suggested, making AU Ash nod.

AU Team Rocket quickly flee the scene. Au meowth staying behind to battle them. Ash and Chloe send out Pikachu, Cinderace and Boltund. The three Pokemon begin to carhge at him, but suddenly devolves into Pichu, Raboot and Yamper respectively, making AU Meowth laugh and run off.

"Oh darn, It's already started." Au Ash noted.

"Maybe you two should recall them." Toren suggested, "That should slow down the process."

Ash and Chloe nod, recalling Raboot and Yamper. Though Ash puts Pichu into his vest pocket. Catching AU Ash's eye.

"Lemme guess, your Pikachu hates the Poke Ball too, right?" AU Ash asked.

Ash chuckled, "Yep! We really are the same!" Making the two Ashs fist bump.

The group rush outside. Toren filling them in on his theory. "Soon, I'm thinking that huamns will start to get younger too! But if Dialga and Palkia are behind this, then we should head to Sinnoh and go to Spear Pillar!" Toren finished.

"I'm just surprised you aren't freaking out that there's two Ashes." Risa commented.

"Oh, that just proves the Multiverse is real." Toren brushed off.

AU Ash and Chloe send out Charizard, Flygon and Gengar to fly everyong to Spear Pillar, only for them to devolve into Charmeleon. Vibrava and Haunter.

"Oh no, the reversal's getteing faster!" Toren panicked.

"So now how are we getting to Spear Pillar?" Ash aksed, "It's not like we can walk there."

"The new boss wants you there anyway. So I'll just watch you lose!" A voice laughed, making the group turn around and see AU Meowth, having never truly left. AU Meowth releases a portal under then from his gauntlet. Making the group fall into another world, AU Meowth quickly jumping in after them.

Ash opens his eyes, finding him and the others in a place of pure darkness. The others awake, and they all see Dialga and Palkia in an intense brawl. Ash starts to run over to the, only for AU Meowth to block his way. Followed by the rest of AU Team Rocket.

"Got 'em right where ya wanted, boss!" Meowth said, and from behind them came a man also clad in metallic armor. Adorned with dark shaded glasses and grey hair, a man AU Ash recognizes.

"Doctor Zed!" AU Ash gritted his teeth, "How'd you get out of prison?!"

"Why, my new employees, of course!" Docter Zed replies, gesturing to AU Team Rocket. "And now, with the Red Chain, I can finally remove all the Zarude in the Forest of Okoya, and that boy... And I can finally obtain the cause for the healing tree!" Zed laughed, "And now I have two Ketchums to destory."

"You know this dude?" Ash asked, even Risa and Toren looked to AU Ash confused.

"Yeah, it's a long story," AU Ash brushed off, before turning to his Team Rocket, "And why the hell would you four even help him?"

"Why, to capture many Pokemon when they're powerless eggs, of course!" AU Jessie began.

"And when DIalga and Palkia tire out, we'll capture them too!" AU James continued.

"And then we'll raise every egg to serve Team Rocket!" Au Meowth added on.

"Wobbuffet!" AU Wobbuffet finished.

Ash and Chloe spot a cage full of Pokemon and eggs, finding Lucario and Inteleon within it. The two devolve into Riolu and Drizzile. Giving the trainers the strength they need to send out their remaining Pokemon to fight. Dawn and Toren send out their Pokemon as well.

"C'mon Ash, we gotta break that Red Chain!" AU Ash said, sneding out Charmeleon and running off, pushing back Zed. Ash picks up Grookey and Pichu and runs after his counterpart. Leaving his friends and hsi remaining Pokemon to fight AU Team Rocket and Zed. Before the Ashes can reach the Legendary Pokemon, Dialga releases a powerful time reversal. Destroying the protective armor that adorned Zed and AU Team Rocket. Sending them blasting off into a portal opened by Palkia, and turning the Pokemon into eggs and the remaining trainers into toddlers.

"Well, now what do we do?" AU Ash said. "I can barely walk!"

Ash sees the towering Pokemon, still brawling. Remembering what he and Chloe learned at the library. "Well, if we can't stop them now. And if Arcues created them. Then Arcues is our only hope." he concluded.

"So, you're saying we, pray to Arcues?" Toren asked.

Ash shrugged, "Seems like the only way now."

The group clasp their hands together. Praying to Arceus to revert everything back to normal. After a little while of praying, the group see a bright yellow glow. A bright image of Arcues appears before the group, making the Red Chain disappear and sending the trainers back to Fula City. Reverting their Pokemon back to normal and the trainers back to their current ages. The group celebrate together, before one last portal opens, dragging Ash, Chloe and Dawn back to their world.

"You're trying to be a Pokemon Master too, right Ash?' Ash asked his counterpart.

"You bet I am!" AU Ash cheered.

"Then let's work towards our dream, and maybe one day, we'll meet again!" Ash yelled.

"Oh yeah! Goodbye Ash!" AU Ash waved.

"Goodbye!" Ash waved back, disappearing alongside Dawn and Chloe as the portal closed.

Chapter Text

Ash and Chloe walk about Wyndon train station, searching for the nearest train to Stow-on-Side. As the two friends chat while searching, Ash bumps into a boy with a ghostly mask.

"Oh, sorry buddy!" Ash apologized, offering to help the boy up. The boy, however, runs off. Ash noticing a ticket fall from his pocket.

"Wait, bud, you dropped this!" Ash said, running after him, Chloe following not too long after. The two follow the boy downa dark flight of stairs, leading them to a secret train station with a ghostly atmosphere.

"Where'd he go?" Chloe asked, looking around the secret station.

Ash spots the boy boarding a train "There!" he points, finding a sign showing all the train destinations. "And look! His train's going to Stow-On Side too! Let's faint two Spearows with one stone!"

Chloe nods, and the two run onto the train just as the door closes. "The Ghost Train is now departing." The PA System declared.

Ash takes a look at the boy's ticket and sees that he's in coach 1. So he and Chloe start traversing through the train. They first enter a luxary coach, finding an Odd Keystone. Curiosity gets the best of Ash and he walks closer to inspect it. grookey suddenly escape his Poke Ball and jumps on Ash's head to play. The Keystone falls to the floor as Ash and Pikachu try to get Grookey off. Ash and Chloe try to lift it back up, but it's too heavy to lift. Chloe notices a strange light emerge from the keystone and enter Ash's body, but Ash doesn't notice. The two eventually leave the Keystone on the floor and move onto the next coach. Before they can leave, the lights flick on and off. Ash's face taking on an unatrual expression.

As the two reach the next coach, Chloe spots shadows through the door's windows. "I've got a bad feeling about what's on the other side." She whispered.

Ash gave her a mocking look, "Why? You scared?" He sneered, pushing her through the door, where the lights turn back on.

Ash's face returns to normal and he comes back to his senses, blushing furiously, "Sorry about that Chloe! Don't know what came over me!"

Chloe gives him an odd look, but nods in forgivness. "Okay, Something's wrong with me." Ash thinks.

The two look out at the coach they;ve entered, seeing many Drifloon, which Chloe scans with her Rotom Phone, finding out that they sometimes drag children into the afterlife. The lights turn off again, and Ash, regaining his unatrual facial expression, grabs some Drifloon and tries to make them grab onto Chloe, much to her horror as she tries to run away. The Drifloon, however, fail to get a hold of Chloe and float away, as Chloe Rotom Phone elaborates, "Sometimes, children instead are the ones to pull on Drifoon."

Ash falls onto his back cackling like a villain. Though his thoughts are swirling with discontent. "Hey! That's not nice." Ash thought, "Why am I being such a bully to her? I hate this!"

Chloe looks through the windows of the next coach, seeing it overgrown with trees and filled with Pumpkaboo. Ash's face regains it's ghostly expression and he forces Chloe through the doors, cackling all the way.

As Ash pushes Chloe through the coach, they spot a swarm of Nincada, which suddenly evolve into Ninjask and fly into Chloe. The girl tries to squirm away, but Ash holds her in place, laughing at her suffering. Pikachu, angered by his trainer's new attitude, uses Thunderbolt. Shocking everyone and sending the Ninjask flying out of the window.

Just then, the doors exiting the coach opens, and the boy from earlier steps inside. His mask showing an expression of surprise "Didn't expect other humans aboard." He murmurs. A large explosion is heard from the luxary coach, the boy and Chloe rush to the window, seeing the coach's roof blown off and a Spiritomb emerges from it. Speaking its lanuage in a rageful tone.

"It seems like Spiritomb wants its spirit back." the boy mused.

Chloe's head snapped to the boy "You can understand it?!" She asked, her jaw dropping.

The boy shrugged, "Could do it my whole time." The boy then looks behind Chloe, where Ash is, "But I think we've got bigger problems."

Chloe turns around toward Ash, his skin now a dark purple he almost looks sick. His eyes an unnatrual bright green it could rival Chloe's.

As Chloe pales at the mere sight, while the boy quickly comes to a conclusion "Seems like the spirit that Spiritomb lost went into your friend."

Chloe gasps at this, partically at Ash being called her friend, "So that's what I saw, and why he's been so cruel." She mutters.

Pikachu acts fast and unleashes Thunderbolt once more, hitting Ash point blank in an attempt to free him, but to no affect. The train itself suddenly rocks, causing a branch from a nearby tree to fall through the window and hit Ash right on the head, knocking him out cold.

Chloe kneels next to Ash, wanting to make sure he's okay, but knows Spiritomb's rampage could derail the train.

"I need to go stop Spiritomb." Chloe said, turning to the boy, "I need your help, I need you to turn him back to normal. Please." she begged, tears glistening in her eyes.

The boy looked to Chloe, unsure, "I'll try." He hesitated.

"Thank you." Chloe whispered, before sending out Boltund and running back to luxary coach. Her Gengar popping out og hits Poke Ball, staring at Ash. The boy sends out his Polteageist and has it pour it's tea into Ash's sleeping mouth. Ash immediately spits out the tea at the mere taste, allowing the spirit to be flushed out of his system, but the spirit hides within Ash's shadow instead. Gengar steps in, diving into Ash's shadow and forcefully grabbing the spirit. Ash and the boy then rush to the luxary coach to help Chloe, Genar making it just in time before Spiritomb blasts Boltund off the train. Chloe then utilizes Gengar's shadow-jumping powers to confuse Spiritomb while Boltund kicks up a piece of debris, allowing Gengar to jump out of its shadow and push the spirit back into Spiritomb, calming it down and making it return to the Odd Keystone.

The Ghost Train makes a stop at a graveyard, where a Ghastly and Haunter take the Keystone and fly off. After around an hour, the train finally docks at Stow-On-Side, and the three trainers disembark it.

"Oh, by the way!" Ash said, reaching into his pocket, pulling out the boy's ticket "You dropped this!" Ash turned round to face the boy, only to see him and the ghost train gone, like they never existed.

"Where'd he go?" Chloe asked to the air, "Where'd the entire train go?!"

Chapter Text

After departing from the Ghost Train, Ash and Chloe walk into the dusk-colored town of Stow-on-Side, walking alongisde various shopping stands as they walk to their destination of the Stow-on-Side's stadium. The two stop at the entrance to the Fighting=type Gym, only to turn left to a nearby building right next door, a smaller, overgrown bulding that had the words "Ghost-type Gym" in spray paint.

Chloe peers in, seeing nothing but darkness "Hello? Allister?" She called out to the void, "I wanted to ask you something about my Gengar! Do you have a minute?"

Out of the darkness, a familiar masked boy emerges, "I've got time." He answered, "What's up?"

Ash and Chloe look at the boy with wide eyes, "Wait, aren't you the kid on the Ghost Train?" Ash finally said after a beat of slience.

"Yep." Allister didn't break eye contect, "That's me."

The group walk inside, Chloe walking alongside Allister as she explains herself, "Well, I'm not much of a battler. But my Gengar's been acting weird lately whenever my Pokemon would train. My dad thinks Gengar wants more, wants to be stronger. So I figured he'd wanna Gigantamax. And I thought that Galar's Ghost-Type Gym Leader could help me train my Ghost-type transform into a form only found in Galar."

Allister nodded, "Alright, but we'll need a bigger space. Let's move to the main stadium."

Ash raised an eyebrow, "Isn't that Bea's gym?"

"We both share ownership." Allister replied.

In the stadium, Allister and Chloe take the field. Chloe recalls Gengar and uses her Dynamax Band on its Poké Ball and sends it back out. Out comes a larger sized Gengar with no other differences to the smaller size.

"Well that's a shame. It can't Gigantamax." Allister observed.

Gengar lets out a groan in disappointment and returns to its normal sizes, Chloe herself disappointed she couldn't help her Pokemon.

"Isn't there another way?" Ash asked, "Like, a potion or something?"

"Not a potion," Allister began, "But there is a way to make Gengar Gigantamax. It's called Max Soup, a soup so powerful any Pokemon that takes a single sip can Gigantamax. All we need are three Max Mushrooms."

Chloe perks up at Allister's words, "Well, what are we waiting for?! We're do we find them?"

"There is a forest not too far from here where mushrooms commonly grow. But it's populated by many Ghost-Type Pokemon, so there will be danger." Allister replied.

Ash smirked, "Sounds like nothing we can't handle!"

The three trainers traverse the haunted forest, quickly finding a Max Mushroom in a graveyard, "Be careful, Galarian Corsola litter this place, and will curse any trainer who disturb them." Allister warned.

Ash rubbed his chin, "There's got to be a way around them." The Pallet Town boy then gets an idea, "I know! Chloe, why don't you ride Gengar over the graveyard and grab it from mid-air? The Corsola can't touch you then!"

"Good idea, Ash!" Chloe blushed. Gengar lets Chloe ride atop his back, allowing her to grab the Max Mushroom with ease and return to Ash and Allister.

"One down, two more to go." Allister took the Max Mushroom off Chloe's hands, "There should be more deeper in the forest."

The trainers traverse deeper into the forest, finding another mushroom growing by a tree, which Ash easily grabs. Not seeing the figure watching him until they all hear a growling behind them, they turn around and see an angry Trevenant who's peace has been disturbed. The three trainers act in the moment and run off rather than fight the beast.

Once out of Trevenant's sight, Gengar spots a Max Mushroom nearby. The mushroom in question being used as a pillow by a wild Drakloak and its baby Dreepy, which adores Ash and Chloe. Allister lures the Pokemon away by placing some berries nearby, allowing Ash and Chloe to pull the mushroom out of the ground.

The trainers walk back to Allister's gym, where Allister quickly brews up a batch of Max Soup with the mushrooms. Gengar stares at the giant pot, seeming very tempted to gobble it whole, but instead offers it up to Ash and Chloe's other Pokemon first.

"Awesome! Gengar wants to share!" Ash exclaimed, "Isn't that cool?"

Chloe looked at her Pokemon in confusion "But why? We made this soup just for you."

Gengar looks to Allister, and the two communicate. "Gengar wants to give his Pokemon friends the chance to grow stronger alongside him." Allister translated from Gengar.

Cinderace, Inteleon and Grookey excitedly sip on smaller portions of the soup, once they're done, Gengar gobbles up the remaints. Chloe smiles at Gengar and rubs his head in praise. Only to spot Eevee out of the corner of her eye, licking up the remains of the soup from the pot.

"Eevee!" Chloe shouted, "What are you doing?! If you Gigantamax, then you can't evolve at all!"

Ash and Pikcahu perk up, "Really?!" Ash asked in excitement

Pikachu chirped, "Pika! Pika!"

"Yeah!" Ash seemed to understand, "You never have to worry about evolving into Raichu again buddy!"

As Ash and Pikachu celebrate, the five Pokemon who had consumed the stew had began in a dark purple light, they can Gigantamax now. As the light fades, Chloe takes Eevee and walks towards Allister.

"Allister, is there any way to reverse the soup? Eevee may not want to be just an Eevee forever." Chloe asked.

"Yes, there is. All you'd need is three more Max Mushroom to create another Max Soup, another one of those shoul cancel out the effects. But, from what I see, Eevee seems quite content." Allister observed.

Chloe looked down at Eevee, who did seem content at the funny bright light that had surronded her body, Chloe sighs, there's no rush for Eevee to evolve, quite the opposite, actually. "I'll think about it." She said to Allister, maybe she and Eevee can get an answer if they see another evolution of the Eevee family.

Chapter Text

The sun rises over Vermilion City with morning warmth. Ash and Chloe lay rested in their bunk bed, having returned from Galar. Ash awakens to find only himself and Pikachu in the room. Thye go down into the main lab, seeing Chloe and Eevee showing Professor Cerise a flyer.

"And we'll also get to see a Leafeon-" Chloe was speaking, before spotting Ash "Oh hey, Ash! Didn't know you woke up!" She said with a sudden excitement.

Ash chuckled, "So, what's going on here?"

"Oh! Erika's doing a Pokémon Flower Arrangement class and me and Eevee wanted to go so that we could meet a Leafeon!" Chloe explained.

Ash raises an eyebrow, "But, didn't Eevee eat the Max Soup? Doesn't that mean she can't evolve?"

Chloe pouted, "I know! But I can just make another to reverse it. I still wanna show Eevee all the options she's got, plus that'll show me what I culd do when I'm older. Like, meeting Leafeon could show me that I'm destined to be a gardener, or a gym leader!"

Ash laughed, "Well, the possibilities are endless with you. Mind if I join?"

Chloe seemed to brighten up, "Of course!"

Ash and Chloe arrive in Celadon City by noon, finding the gym easily as it contrasts among the usual buildings. Though Ash seems to notice the gym's overall structure.

"Look at that, Pikachu!" Ash pointed to the gym, leaving Chloe confused. "Looks like they fixed up the gym since we left!"

"Was there a point when the gym was broken?" Chloe asked.

Ash shrugged, "Long story." And Ash simply walked inside before Chloe can question him further.

The two enter the gym and sign up for the class. Soon coming face to face with Erika herself. Her and Ash's eyes meet, and both click with recognition.

"Well I'll be!" Erika laughed, "If it isn't the biy who saved my Gloom when the gym caught fire! Never thought that rookie would go on to be the Alola Champion!"

Ash laughed, "In the flesh!"

Chloe blinked, "So, that's what you meant?"

"Yep!" Ash replied.

The three go into conversation of perfume production, boring Pikachu and Eevee into playing. The Leafeon Chloe had wished to see peeks out from behind Erika and plays along with the other two Pokemon. Eevee easily mimics Leafeon's movements, causing them to cause some nearby flowers to bloom. The three humans see the blooming flowers as Pikachu scampers back up to Ash's shoulder.

"Well, your Eevee's seem to taken a liking to its evolved form." Erika observed.

"This is Chloe, by the way!" Ash introduced.

Chloe shyly waved due to suddenly being put on the spot, "Hi, my Eevee doesn't really know what she wants to evolve into. So that's why she's so interested in Leafeon." She overshared, earning a lighthearted laugh from Ash and Erika.

The three move to the greenhouse of the Gym, Erika begins the class by decorating Leafeon and giving a lecture on Pokémon flower arranging, which Ash tunes out as he puts what flowers he likes on Pikachu, while Chloe listens while decorating Eevee with precise.

While Ash and Chloe are decorating, they fail to notice Jessie and James sneaking in. The Rocket duo pretend to decorate Meowth and Wobuffet while keeping a keen eye on Ash, waiting for the right moment when trainer and Pokemon to be far apart to steal Pikachu away, until then, they decorate.

"Another way you can show off your Pokemon's characteristics is to put on a little preformance through your decorations, that's what I recommend." Erika had continued her lecture and Ash had picked up those words, ideas begin to fly through his head. Ash quickly spots an old box of Christmas decorations that he and Pikachu quickly rummage through.

Erika eventually calls time, prompting Ash and Chloe to stop decorating while Team Rocket hide away in some bushes. Chloe presents her Eevee, now decorated excatly how Erika's Leafeon was decorated in the ad Chloe had first seen. Earning claps from Erika and Ash.

Ash presents Pikachu next, his partner now adorned with dozens of Christmas lights that Pikachu powers on with Thunderbolt. Providing the girls with an stunning experience, causing Chloe to blush at Ash's improvisation skills.

Suddenly, a net snathes Pikachu away, cutting him away from every decoration Ash had attached. The three trainers quickly spot Team Rocket holding the netted Pikachu up, taunting them.

"You guys again?!" Ash groaned, "Can't you ever quit?"

Jessie scoffed, "How rude!"

"We could never quit if that Pikachu of yours is still around!" Meowth teased, "Besides, ya don't need to worry, Pikachu ain't the only one! We're stealing every Pokemon in this joint!"

"I don't think so!" Erika snapped, "This my gym and I refuse to let you criminals steal! Leafeon, Razor Leaf!"

The net snaps into pieces instantly, freeing Pikachu and causing him to land beside Leafeon, and Eevee joins the battle alongside them as Jessie and James send out Chewtle and Morpeko.

Leafeon unleashes another Razor Leaf towards Chewtle, Eevee copies the move using Copycat. The Snapping Pokemon instantly falls to the supereffective attacks, but upon seeing Morpeko hold its own against Pikachu and gets back up. Glowing in a bright light and evolving into a large beast with a strong jaw and spiked back.

"Who's that Pokemon?" Ash scanned the evolved Pokemon with his Rotom Phone.

"Drednaw, the Bite Pokémon and the evolved form of Chewtle. A Water and Rock Type, With jaws that can shear through steel rods, Drednaw chomps down on its unfortunate prey."

Leafeon and Eevee unleash Razor Leafs again, thinking nothing of it. Drednaw simply chomps down at every leaf before they can hit, tearing them to shreds. Ash thinks quickly and has Pikachu trap Morpeko in Electro-Web and strikes Drednaw from behind with Thunderbolt. Drednaw is forced into place as Thunderbolt hits hard, allowing Eevee and Leafeon to land another two Razor Leafs to finally cause Drednaw to faint. Morpeko transforms into its Hangry Mode and rips through the Electro-Web, charging at Pikachu with sheer force it didn't have before. Ash again quickly comes up with a plan, having Pikachu run around in circles to make Morpeko to become dizzy. Pikachu then catches the Galarian clone off-guard and strikes with a powerful Iron Tail, sending Morpeko flying into Drednaw, those two then crash into the main four Rocket members, sending them high into the sky.

"We're blasting off again!"

"Wobbuffet!"

Ash watches the group fly off "They'll never change." he sighs.

"Maybe, but you'll always be here to kick their butt because you're so awesome!" Chloe exclaimed on impulse, blushing in embarrasment almost instantly.

Ash chuckled in response, a faint blush appearing on his own face "Well, I couldn't have done it without the two of you!"

"Agreed." Erika added in, sensing an awkward teenager conversation was imminent. "It was the thanks of you two that i was able to defend my gym."

Erika signals to a Gym Trainer to go grab her something, the trainer returns quickly holding a small bottle, "And to give my thanks, I'd like to offer you both a bottle of my Leafeon perfume, on the house!"

Chloe eagerly takes the bottle, knowing Eevee would like it, while Ash just politely shrugs it off, "I'll pass. Still not a big fan of perfume, no offense."

Erika smiles, "None taken."

As Ash and Erika catche up, Chloe looks at the bottle, then down at Eevee. Remembering how she can't evolve now and she isn't even interesnt in evolving into a Leafeon. She has to admit herself, gardening and gym leading doesn't seem up her alley. If Eevee's not gonna evolve, is she also doomed to be in the same, unsure place? Forever?

Chapter Text

Ash felt the pain in his arm as Chloe dragged him to the cirus grounds. Her fustration boiling like a freshly made Max Soup.

"I cannot believe you got asked to be a guest star at the Pokémon Circus performance, and were about to turn it down."

"Why does it matter?" Ash groaned, "What champion preforms in a circus?"

Chloe snapped her head towards the boy, the teens meeting eye to eye. "This champion will, and it matters to me!" Chloe's pure gaze was enogh to shut Ash up as they entered the tent. They spot two trapeze artists practicing, each of them having an Eevee as their partner. Which starts to form a theory in Ash's mind as to why Chloe wanted to come here so badly.

Before the two could walk up to them, a man in a pink tuxedo and top hat blocks their view. "Mr. Alola Champion! So glad you could make it, I'm the showman of this here circus, and we are so honored to have you as our guest star!"

Ash chuckles nervously at all the new attention as many circus employees turn to look over at him, even the two Eevee trainers he saw before have begun walking over to them, while the showman notices Chloe, "Ah, you've brought a guest, welcome!"

Chloe stepped forward, "I'm Chloe, sir." She bowed polietly, making Ash gawk considering her earlier attiude. Chloe pulls out a flyer from her backpack and shows it to the showman, "I heard there was going to be Flareon and Jolteon preforming."

Ash's jaw dropped, "So THAT'S why you wanted me to accept?!"

Chloe simply smirked, "What can I say? It'll be good for Eevee, and maybe I'll like being a preformer."

Ash facepalmed, but couldn't help but smile. Same old Chloe from Summer Camp.

"Ah, you must be talking about Harmony and Billy, they're just about to evolve their Eevees." The showman chuckled, causing thw two trainers in question to walk over.

"Hi, I'm Harmony, and this is Bernice." The girl introduced herself and her partner to Chloe.

"And I'm Billy! And this is Toril!" Billy exclaimed, cuddling his Eevee.

Ash and Chloe chuckles at the adorableness of the bonds between trainer and Eevee, until Harmony says "I just love Fire types, which is why Bernice is gonna be a Flareon!"

Billy scoffed, "Please, Fire types are a thing of the past. That's why I'm evolving Toril into a Jolten!" Billy then turned to Ash with upmost confidence, "You understand, don't you Alola Champion? After all, you won the league with that Pikachu there." He pointed to the Pokemon on Ash's shoulder.

Harmony shoved Billy, "He also had a powerful Incineroar!" Leaving Ash, Chloe and the showman to watch awkwardly as the two bicker.

"Hey! Hey! I like both types!" Ash tried to calm the storm, to no avail. The showman eventually steps between the trainers.

"Now, now. Won't you two evolve your respective Eevee's, out dear friend Chloe there wishes to see their evolutions."

"Alright, but I'm going first!" Billy pulled out a Thunder Stone.

Harmony had just pulled out a Fire Stone when her head snapped up, "No way! I'm going first!"

The two trainers quickly got down to their Eevee's level, showing each other. Causing the stones to fall. The Thunder Stone lands on Bernice's head, turning her into a Jolten with golden sparky fur and a white mane. While the Fire Stone lands on Toril's tail, turning him into a magestic Flareon.

The two trainers stare at their partners in shock, the Pokemon now dawning the type they despised. They immediately turn to their bossee to complain.

"I can't preform like this!"

"My entire team is Fire type!"

"Bernice was meant to be a Flareon!"

"Alright alright!" The showman yelled, sliencing the two trainers. "If this is such a problem, then perhaps its best you two simply switch partners for the preformance. We don't have enough time to create an entirely new routine."

Ash's jaw dropped at those words, "You can't do that! Think of the Pokemon! How do you think they'd feel about preforming with someone they don't know?"

Harmony and Billy looked down to their partners, Billy sighed, "If it's for the sake of the preformance, I think it may be best." He said defeatedly, already picking up Bernice.

"I think I can accept it, just this once." Harmony picked up Toril. The two trainers slowly walked out of the tent, refusing to look at each other.

"Now then, shall we talk about your routine, Ash?" The showman tried to ease the tension.

"Sure, I guess.." Ash managed to crack a small smile. While Chloe can't help but look on where Billy and Harmony had walked off.

Later that night, Chloe watches as Ash tries to rehearse his juggling act with Pikachu and Grookey. Though Grookey seems to only have interest in causing mischief.

"No, Grookey! You have to-OW! Not cool, buddy! I thought we agreed no hitting me!"

"Pika Pika!"

Chloe hears noise from afar and spots Harmony and Billy on opposite sides of the field, with the opposite partner. Though they don't seem too excited, Chloe easily seeing the fake smiles and forced words of encouragement, especially when interacting with their rival's Pokemon.

"Guess the swapping partners idea wasn't the best idea, was it Eevee?" Chloe petted her partner, who simply purred in response.

"Ugh! Chloe?!" Ash's voice suddenly called out, "Can you help me tame Grookey? The little guy thinks hitting me in the face is so funny!

"Be right there!" Chloe hopped on the bench and rushed over to Ash's side.

The next morning, Ash and Chloe reenter the main tent to see Harmony and Billy training again, but with their respective partners again. Despite the Electric and Fire Eeveelutions sticking out comapred to each trainer's team.

"Guess Harmony missed Bernice too much." Ash chuckled, "And Billy couldn't be without Toril! You can't take a trainer away from their partner Pokemon, no matter what!"

Chloe giggled as Ash nuzzled Pikachu, though she couldn't help but notice that something was... off. Harmony and Billy still weren't as enthusiastic as they were when she first met them. "They still don't look that happy though..."

Ash paused, looking over the two trainign artists again, "Yeah, you're right. We should check with the showman, see what's going on."

Chloe nodded and the two approched the showman, "Excuse me, Mr. Showman? We couldn't help but notice things still don't seem too great with Harmony and Billy."

The showman sighed, "Well, they came in this morning all gloomy without their partners, so I suggested they switch back. But they still ain't training like they used to. If things don't start getting better, I may have to cancel the flying trapeze act."

"Well, if that's the case..." Harmony's voice cut in, her and Billy having heard the conversation. "Maybe it's best for us to, take a little break."

Billy nodded solemly, "Agreed."

Suddenly, Bernice and Toril run out of the back of the tent. The four trainers follow, finding the two Eeveelutions practicing... together? Hitting targets with Thunder Shock and Ember. Eevee joins in almost instantly, using Copycat to mimic their moves.

"What on earth is Bernice doing." Chloe heard Harmony mutter. Clearly the rivalry is too strong for them to even consider working together like their Pokemon are.

Grookey pops himself free from his Poke Ball on Ash's belt and finds a couple frisbees lying around on the ground. In Grookey fashion, he begins banging on them like a set of drums.

Ash looked down toward the noise, spotting Grookey instantly. "Ah! Grookey! Stop playing with those!"

Grookey didn't listen, and two frisbees end up flying into the air into the training area. Bernice and Toril see the frisbees and use Ember and Thunder Shock on them. Eevee then does the same with Copycat. The combined moves bouncing off the frisbees and creating a sparkling display of colorful fireworks.

"Look at that," Chloe said outloud, hoping to reach the ears of Billy and Harmony. "Bernice and Toril created a whole new performance because they wanted to preform with their partners. They know things are different now, so they created something new, together."

Billy and Harmony look at their partners, seeing the determination in their eyes.

"Well, since these two are giving their all, we should do the same." Billy said proudly.

"Agreed, let's combine our skills and make a great performance." Harmony repiled, and the two shook hands.

The fateful day had arrived. After countless hours of training and changes in the program, opening day was here. Chloe watched from backstage, seeing her father, Ren and Chrysa in the stands as Ash preforms his act. Her nerves getting the best of her, her knees shaking nonstop. Donning a spare outfit Harmony had lent her. Ash finishes his act and walks backstage.

"They're ready for you."

Chloe could barely meet his eyes. "I don't know if I can do this. Like, I sorta told Billy and Harmony I'd intro them on impulse."

"You're gonna do just fine." Ash chuckled, "Am I talking to the same girl that helped stop the Darkest Day? And all that hijinx in Sinnoh?"

"This is different!" Chloe snapped, "Especially since my dad's around. I've never shown him this side of me."

"Chloe..." Ash said, before she knew it, he leaned in and planted his lip on her cheek.

"ASH!" Chloe slapped his elbow, blushing furiously.

Ash spimply spun her around, making her face the stage. "Just focus on you and Eevee." Chloe feels herself pushed onstage, staring up at everyone in the stands.

Chloe takes a deep breath, Ash's words resonating within her. She raises her arm up, Eevee crawling up to her palm. Harmony and Billy then begin their flying-trapeze act at the signal, appearing with each other's partners but swapping them for their own ones mid-swing. They then cover each other's trapeze ropes with their partner's element. Eevee then puts on a fireworks display by launching Embers and Thunder Shocks in succession with Copycat, Harmony and Billy's Pokémon teams join soon after. The audience eyrupts in applause once it ends, bringing a smile to Chloe's face.

Once the visiters exit the tent and the duo help the cast and crew clean up, Chloe is suddenly approached by Billy and Harmony.

"Oh, hey guys, good show right?"

"Not just good, it was pretty great." Billy praised, "Thanks to you."

"Seriously," Harmony added, "If it wasn't for you, the show would've been canceled."

Chloe placed a hand over her heart, "Aw, thanks!"

"And after your friend told us about your goal with Eevee." Harmony said, ticking Chloe off.

"Oh, did he now..." Chloe turned to glare at the boy behind her.

"And that's why we wanted to give you these." Billy concluded, him and Harmony pulling out a spare Thunder and Fire stones.

"Oh, thank you." Chloe seemed to calm down. Thoughts and fears of her and Eevee being stuck return, but right now, she's gotta scold her longtime friend.

"Oh, Ash!" Chloe sang, running at the Pallet-Town boy, who immediately runs away and she gives chase.

"Now hold on! I just wanted to help! You didn't get your Eevee-souvenir yet!"