pokemon Fighting Dreamers

''Very well Bea, let's have a simple 2v2 single battle, does that work for you?''

''You got it.'' Bea showed a Friend Ball and tossed it to the air. ''Quilladin, let's crash!''

''You said the thing! Finally!'' Cinderace said.

''Alright, may the best girl win.'' Nessa said.

''That's what I'm planning.'' Bea answered with an aggressive stare.

''Now who should I use...'' Nessa said while looking at her Poke Balls.

'This will be easy.' Bea thought. 'All her Pokemon are Water-Types, Quilladin will take care of this.''

''This one!'' Nessa showed them a Heal Ball. ''Dragalge, on stage!'' The sea dragon came out of his Poke Ball with an unusual color and sparkles that flew around for brief instants.

''Uh, what is that thing?'' Bea asked and then Bea then pulled out her Rotom Phone to scan the Pokemon.

'Dragalge, the mock kelp Pokemon, this Kalos native Pokemon uses a poisonous liquid capable of corroding metal to send tankers that enter its territory to the bottom of the sea...Side note: This Dragalge is shiny.'

''Shiny? I've never seen one of those before.'' Bea said as she kept reading the information. ''Dragon/Poison? ...great.''

''Alright, let's do this.'' Milo said. ''If both trainers are ready then the battle begins now!''

''Uh, hey girls.'' Ash tried to get their attention. ''Do I get a word in this or-''

''Quilladin, Leech Seed!''

''...Guess not.''

''Dragon Pulse!'' The purple energy flew right through the small seed and kept going until it was a few feet from Quilladin.

''Dodge it with a Curve shot!'' Quilladin jumped making himself a ball avoiding the Dragon Pulse and rolling in a curve until he was right behind Dragalge. ''Now Dual Chop!'' The Grass starter jumped again landing two slashes on Dragalge.

''Sludge Bomb!''

''Counter with Seed Bomb!''

Both orbs crashed but the Sludge Bomb easily outpowered and kept going with Quilladin barely avoiding it.

''Brick Break!''

''Use Play rough!'' Dragalge's fins were surrounded by a pink aura, the Pokemon then slapped Quilladin off before he could land the Brick Break. ''Keep using Play Rough!'' The algae jumped on top of Quilladin, stopping him from moving and then he slapped him several times.

''Seed Bomb!'' While Dragalge was charging another slap, Quilladin launched the seed, which exploded on Dragalge's face, giving Quilladin the chance to roll away.

''Brick Break!''

''Aqua Tail!'' Dragalge's tail was covered in swirling water and both Pokemon were knocked back.

''Use Leech Seed!'' Quilladin shot a small seed on Dragalge's chest, the seed quickly turned into vines and wrapped the Dragon-Type entirely. ''We got you!''

''No, you don't.'' Dragalge started to secret a toxic ooze from his body, corroding the vines and freeing himself. ''Sludge Bomb!''

''Curve shot and then Dual Chop!'' Like in the beginning of the battle, Quilladin rolled around until he was behind Dragalge.

''Sludge Bomb again!''

Before Quilladin could jump to land the slashes, Dragalge turned around and shot the sphere of poison that hit Quilladin and while the grass Pokemon was knocked back to the ground by the impact it got up almost instantly like he didn't take damage at all.

''Uh? Sludge Bomb one more time!'' Dragalge did as told an the move landed successfully but caused no damage again.

''Wait a second...'' Bea said while pulling out her Rotom Phone. ''Hey, Rotom, could you tell me what's Quilladin's ability?''

''Of course!'' The phone said and quickly scanned the Kalos starter. ''Quilladin's ability is Bulletproof, this ability gives him immunity to bullet, bomb, ball and cannon moves.''

''What? Really?'' Cinderace asked and launched a Pyro Ball to Quilladin, getting effectively blocked by his armor. ''Well, isn't that convenient?'''

''No Sludge Bomb? Fine, Aqua Tail!''

''Dual Chop!''

Quilladin jumped and blocked the tail with one slash, landing the other on Dragalge's face.

''Use Seed Bomb multiple times!''

''Knock them off with Play rough!''

While Quilladin shot the bombs, Dragalge slapped them away, some of the orbs almost hitting Ash and Milo.

''This isn't working, let's try something...launch a Seed Bomb to the air!'' Quilladin didn't question and shot the energy up up to the skies

''Alright, now swallow it!''

''Quil?'' The Pokemon looked back confused.

''Just do it!''

''Din...'' Quilladin opened his mouth and swallowed the Seed Bomb as it fell, he then started to radiate green aura as his whole body glowed.

''Swallow technique, uh? Ash asked.

''How's that?'' Bea asked to Ash. ''Gloria was watching your battle against Palmer in the way here, so I thought this would be a good idea.''

''Hmm, how unconventional.'' Milo said. ''I might try it when I get the chance.''

''Dragalge, Play rough!''

''Trap him with Leech Seed!'' Quilladin shoot a bigger seed this time, completely wrapping Dragalge in a ball of vines.

''Melt them down!'' Nessa ordered as Dragalge started to secrete ooze from his body.

''Don't let him! Keep using Leech Seed!'' Quilladin kept shooting seed until the whole battlefield was covered by them, it was too much for Dragalge to break through.

''Now Seed Bomb!'' Quilladin raised his claws as a huge amount of green energy gathered on top of him until it was 5 times his size. ''End this off!''

Quilladin Launched the giant energy sphere to the still trapped Dragalge creating a massive explosion, when the light caused by it died down, Dragalge was down and fainted between the remains of the vines while Quilladin was gasping exhausted and he sat on the ground to rest and the effect of the swallow technique ended.

''Dragalge is unable to battle! Quilladin is the winner!'' Milo announced.

''That's how we roll!'' Bea cheered on Quilladin.

''Good job, Dragalge...'' Nessa returned the Dragon-Type and then tossed a Love Ball. ''Milotic, on stage!''

'We can do this!' Bea thought. 'Now that she's using a Water-Type we just need to use the Swallow technique again and this will be over...Seed Bomb to the air!'' Quilladin got up and repeated the earlier move shooting the seed up to the skies.

''Froze it with Ice Beam!'' Milotic opened her mouth shooting a stream of ice that completely froze the seed as it feel down.

''Quilladin wait!'' Bea called out but it was too late, Quilladin had already ate the ice ball.

''Quil? ...LADIN!'' The Porcupine held his head as he screamed desperately suffering from the biggest brain freeze you could imagine, it was was cold that Quilladin physically froze in a chunk of ice.

''...wow.'' Milo simply said.

''Launch him up!'' Nessa ordered as Milotic placed her tail under Quilladin using it like a catapult, tossing the block of ice to the skies. ''Wait until he's close and use Dragon Tail!'' Milotic's tail glowed purple as she charged the attack and waited until Quilladin was a few step from the ground, she then moved her tail quickly smacking it against the ground and breaking the ice, Milotic then raised her tail revealing a fainted Quilladin.

''Quilladin is unable to battle! Milotic is the winner!''

''Naturally.'' Nessa placed her hand under her chin While Milotic did a similar pose with her tail.

''Thanks Quilladin...Hitmontop, let's crash!''

''Well Bea, we're down 1 to 1.''

''And I'm gonna win this! One way or another!''

''Hey, don't be so serious, is not like I'm gonna do something bad to him...unless he ask me to do so.''

''Why are you so irritating?! You haven't been here for 5 minutes and I'm already sick of you!''

''Maybe you aren't sick of me, but rather sick of how you feel when I'm around.''

''I'M GONNA BREAK EVERY BONE IN YOUR BODY AND THEN I'LL WAIT 'TIL THEY ALL HEAL JUST TO BREAK THEM AGAIN!''

''Chitty chitty chat chat.''

''Hitmontop, you better kick her ass!''

''Hitmon...'' The Pokemon rolled his eyes annoyed.

''My, they really don't get along.'' Milo said slightly worried. ''Your friend is pretty aggressive, uh?''

''Well, Bea says that she's worried about me.''

'Worried, uh?' Milo thought finally understanding what was going on.

''Hitmontop, Rapid Spin!'' Doing his signature headstand Himontop spun towards Milotic.

''Dragon Tail!'' Milotic tried to smack Hitmontop with her tail but the latter kept dodging and hit with the Rapid Spin on her face.

''Ice Beam!''

''Triple Axel!'' Himontop spun around again absorbing the ice Milotic was shooting and then using it against her with three powerful kicks.

''Use Dive!'' Milotic's eyes glowed blue as she slammed the floor with her tail, the floor then suddenly turned into water and Hitmontop sank down, Milotic then dove in and slammed Hitmontop with her tail, sending him flying up, the snake then jumped out of the water, reaching Hitmontop in the air, she then smacked the Fighting-Type back down and before Hitmontop reached the water, the floor returned back to the normal crashing on the rough floor.

''Now Dragon Tail!''

''Dodge with Rapid Spin!''

Milotic charged the attack as she fell, but Hitmontop got up and avoided the move just in time and Milotic hurt herself hitting the ground.

''Hitmontop, Drill Run!''

''Counter with Scald!'' Milotic tried to stop Hitmontop's impulse, but the latter kept spinning faster and went through the Scald hitting Milotic.

''Well, we have some wacky strategies too, Milotic, let's make an ice castle!''

''A what?''

Milotic raised her tail again and smacked the ground turning into water, Hitmontop saw it coming and managed to jump back just enough to avoid being sank down again, but instead of taking a dive, Milotic jumped and shot a Ice Beam freezing the water, she then kept using Ice Beam around creating several ice pillars around the battlefield, with a final Ice Beam being directed to the skies causing a hail

''Now, why don't we skate a little?'' Nessa said as Milotic slithered quickly around the now icy battlefield.

''I don't know what you're up to but it won't work!'' Bea shouted. ''Hitmontop, use Triple Kick!'' The Fighting-Type returned to the battlefield, once Hitmontop was finally infront of Milotic he jumped to use his attack, but Milotic simply slithered away at quick speed disappearing between the pillars and the snow.

''Dragon Tail!'' Nessa shouted and Milotic appeared behind Himontop, smacking the latter to a pillar before he could even react.

''Break the pillars with Drill run!'' Hitmontop took impulse and jumped in the air swirling around the battlefield breaking through the pillars of ice, trying to leave Milotic no place to hide.

''Keep using Ice Beam!'' Milotic kept creating ice pillars as Hitmontop kept breaking them, Hitmontop finally stopped tired and looked around noticing the place looked almost exactly the same, in fact, it looked as if there were more pillars around.

''Dragon Tail!''

''Dodge with Rapid Spin!''

Hitmontop tried to move, but he was too tired due to the consecutives Drill runs and Milotic landed the hit cleanly, launching Hitmontop to a pillar again.

''Dragon Tail again!''

''Take the hit and grab her tail!'' Hitmontop opened his arms and took the hit grabbing Milotic's tail as tight as he could, the latter tried to wag him away but Hitmontop stayed with his feet on the ground.

''Use Scald!'' Milotic showered Hitmontop with the boiling water but the latter was still holding her tail.

''Hitmontop, Rapid Spin!'' Hitmontop jumped and then rolled around dragging Milotic with him and breaking the pillars of ice. Milotic tried to target Hitmontop with an Scald but she was deviated by the centrifugal force once she expelled the hot water towards Himontop, she ended up burning herself.

''Spin faster, Hitmontop!'' Hitmontop sped up and Milotic was unable to think from the dizziness at that point.

''Milotic! Let her go!''

''As you wish! You heard her, Hitmontop!'' The kapoerer increased the speed of the spin and once there no more remaining pillars, he let go off Milotic launching the latter to a wall.

''Keep the impulse and go for Drill run!'' While still spinning Hitmontop leaned slightly launching himself at high speed against Milotic leaving a trail on the ground, the latter tried to move but Hitmontop reached her before she could do so exploding and blowing up dust, Hitmontop then jumped out of the cloud still spinning, he then kept spinning around Bea a few times until he stopped right infront of her and kneeled down exhausted, the dust cleared and Milotic was down and defeated.

''Milotic is unable to battle! Hitmontop is the winner and the Victory goes to Bea!'' Milo announced.

''Alright, we did it!'' Bea exclaimed.

''Hitmon!'' The Pokemon tried to make a thumbs up but then he remembered he had no fingers. ''...top.''

''Hmm, yes, you won...'' Nessa returned her Milotic and then looked at the cause of all these troubles. ''Ash, would you like to hang out with me for a while?''

''Uh, sure.'' Ash simply responded.

''Great!'' Nessa replied happily.

''WHAT?!'' Bea exclaimed.

''I said I would stop bothering you, I never said I would give up on Ash.'' Nessa smirked and took Ash by his wrist as she walked away. ''Come on, I just got a really good idea.''

''I-I'll see you later, Bea!'' Ash waved goodbye.

''Well, that was unexpected.'' Cinderace said and then looked at Pikachu who was next to her. ''Shouldn't you go with him?''

''Oh, right, I'll tell you whatever happens.'' Pikachu ran following his trainer.

''Bye then.'' The rabbit then looked at her trainer. ''You okay, Bea?''

''I-I-I WON!...and t-then...she just...a-and Ash simply...But I was...grh, PSST, AAAARGH!''

Meanwhile with Vic and Gloria.

The two brothers were going to meet with Marnie in a hotel, after getting a bit of resolve, Victor finally was going to talk directly with the girl about his feelings, he had a gift that Gloria helped him choose, he had prepared a bit of speech, hopefully everything was going to be just fine. They went to the room Marnie had told them she as staying in and they found her talking with Roxie right outside of the door.

''Hey there, lads.'' Roxie greeted the brothers.

''Oh, Vic...'' Marnie looked to the sides embarrassed.

''Marnie, I...'' Victor tried to talk but then looked around embarrassed as well. ''Could you two leave us alone?''

''Meh, I want to see the spice.'' Roxie commented and then looked at Marnie who was giving her a pleading look. ''Don't go look at me with that look in your eyes!'' Marnie kept looking at her with that look in her eyes. ''...Fine, Whatever, just get in the room, we'll be waiting outside.''

''Don't do anything that changes the rating of the story.'' Gloria teased them.

''Unless you feel like you need to.'' Roxie joined the tease. ''Well, get in there!'' The rocker pushed Marnie and Victor inside the room and closed the door as she laughed, right before Marnie opened it again.

''What? I thought you wanted privacy.''

''Roxie, I know you well enough.'' Marnie said. ''You're just gonna stay in the door to hear us, please go to the lobby until we're done.''

''Oh, come on, Mar!''

''Roxie...'' Marnie gave her an angry glare.

''Psst, Fine.'' Roxie gave in and walked downstairs with Gloria following her.

Marnie and Victor sat next to each other in one of the two beds of the room, while Marnie's Morpeko who was eating berries was in the other.

''Uh...Marnie.'' Victor tried to begin.

''Victor, about that Kiss...''

''Yeah, I wanted to talk about that too.''

''I shouldn't have done it, right?''

''No, I mean...I liked it, but-''

''You liked it?!''

''No! I-I mean, yes, it's just...I...um, let me rephrase it.''

Meanwhile down in the lobby, Roxie and Gloria were laughing their asses offs, someone had put a little microphone in their room to hear the conversation. looks like Marnie doesn't Roxie that well, while this was happening a man in a black and white accompanied by an Obstagoon entered the building and walked to them.

''Ah, Roxie, you're here, did you see my Dragon Dance TR?''

''Let me think...'' Roxie said. ''Yes, is the purple one right? It's in my room, you can go get it.''

''Thanks Roxie, see ya later.'' The man said while walking away.

''Uh, that dude looks oddly familiar.'' Gloria said.

''That's Marnie's brother, Piers.'' Roxie replied leaning her back on the couch.

''Marnie's brother Piers?!'' Gloria exclaimed worried.

''Yup.''

''You just sent him to your room!''

''Yup.''

''The room you and Marnie share!''

''Yup.''

'THE ROOM WHERE MARNIE IS ALL ALONE WITH VICTOR!''

''...We have a problem.'' Roxie finally realized.

Roxie and Gloria tried to stop Piers but he had already made his way to the elevator, he then walked to Marnie and Roxie's room and just before Victor and Marnie could put their feelings into words, the older brother knocked the door.

''Marnie, are you here?'' Piers' voice called from outside.

''Who's that?'' Victor asked.

''It's my brother, Piers!'' Marnie exclaimed.

''What?!''

''Uh, y-yes, Piers, I'm here!'' Marnie responded.

''Fine, could you open the door, please? I need to look for something.''

''Uh, sure, give me a moment...Vic, get in the closet!''

''What? Why?!''

''What do you think my brother would say if he found me in a room alone with a boy?!''

''...''

''Just get in!'' Marnie pushed Victor into the closet and locked him in, telling Morpeko to stay silent with a sign, she then went to open her brother the door, trying to look as natural as possible. ''Oh, Piers, I thought you already left to the reunion.''

''Yeah, but I forgot something, I think I left it in your room by accident.'' The man entered the room and searched on the nightstands and bedside tables, while Marnie prayed that he didn't open the closed, Piers eventually found the purple TR in a nightstand. ''Here it is, I promised Raihan I would give him Dragon Dance back after showing it to Scrafty, well, that's all, gotta go.'' While he was leaving, Piers looked at Marnie's Morpeko who was sweating nervously.

''What's wrong with Morpeko?'' Piers asked.

''Uh, he must be worried about our next Gym battle.'' Marnie tried to save the situation.

''Is there something you need to tell me, buddy?'' Piers continued to ask.

''Mor...'' Morpeko looked around while Piers gave him that serious look and Marnie shook her head behind Piers. ''P-PEKO!'' The rodent gave in to the pressure and pointed at the closet, Piers went to open it and found poor Victor in there.

''WHAT THE-?!''

''Uh...hi...uhm.'' Victor tried to say something. ''Do you remember that movie with an scene like this? Well, I'm-''

''OBSTAGOON! NIGHT SLASH! OFF WITH HIS HEAD!''

''Sirfecth'd, Detect!''

Victor called his Pokemon as fast as he could and the duck blocked the hit with his shield.

''Piers wait!'' Marnie stood between the Pokemon trying to avoid a fight. ''This is not what it looks like!''

''What is this freak doing in your room?!''

''I invited him! He's my friend! I-I told him to hide in there because I thought you wouldn't be happy to found me alone with a boy.''

''Of course I'm not happy! Who the fuck is this lad?!''

''I...uhm...'' Victor got out of the closet and stood next to Marnie. ''My name is Victor Sodo Tsurutate, Sir.''

''Aha...'' Piers told him to continue while maintaining his cold stare.

''J-Just like Marnie said, I'm a friend of hers.''

''Keep going...''

''And I...''

''And you...?''

''And I-I.''

''You...''

''Piers, p-please, you're scaring him.''

''He should be scared!''

''Look, Mr Piers, I am-''

''You what?''

''I-''

''You what?''

''I-If you could let me-''

''YOU WHAT?!''

''Mr. Piers-''

''You know what? I don't care! Get out of my sister's room and I better never see you near her ever again!''

''I...I wont go.''

''Why not?!''

''Because...''

''STOP WITH THE ELLIPSIS AND TALK! WHY ARE EVEN STILL HERE?!''

''BECAUSE I'M IN LOVE WITH YOUR SISTER GOD DAMN IT! AND IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT THEN YOU CAN JUST FUCK OFF!''

Aaaand that just happened, Victor was mostly a very calm person, but when he was being pressured, adrenaline might do some things, that adrenaline wears off very quickly tho.

''...V-Vic...you...''

''I-I-I, s-sorry Mr. Piers, I was-''

''You...me...outside...now.''

''P-P-Piers!'' Marnie stood infront of Victor in an effort to protect him. ''What about your reunion?''

''...Fine...You...me...outside...tomorrow morning after my breakfast...got it?''

''I...''

''Got it?'' Piers silenced Victor with a harsh glare and the boy simply nodded, while Piers walked away, Victor built up courage again and talked to him before he reached the door.

''Look, I know that wasn't the best first impression, but I like your sister, okay? I really like her! I only ask for a chance.''

''Tough luck, my friend, but the answer is NO! ...tomorrow.''

''...Tomorrow.'' Victor offered his hand but Piers simply glared away and left the room.

''AND GET OUT OF MY SISTER'S ROOM!'' Piers shouted before slamming the door.

After Piers left the place, Gloria and Roxie entered the room, seeing Victor looking at the floor while Marnie was gazing at him expectantly.

''Geez, I've never seen Piers get mad like that.'' Roxie said.

''Ok Vic, what should I write in your testament?'' Gloria said after Drizzile passed her a page of paper and a pen.

''Victor, I'm really sorry!''

''No, it's fine, I'll just have to fight him. Sirfetch'd, I'll be counting on you.'' Victor said to the duck who nodded.

''You're gonna fight Piers?!'' Gloria exclaimed. ''Vic, he's one of the strongest Gym Leaders in Galar and you almost never battle!''

''That's the point!'' Victor assured her. ''If I beat him he'll have no choice but to accept me!''

''Accept you?'' Marnie asked ''...you...you said you love me...did you really mean it?''

''...I...'' Victor simply walked to her and gave her a big hug which Marnie reciprocated in an instant, that was all she needed. ''Don't worry Marnie, Bet your bottom Pokedollar that tomorrow there'll be sun!'' That's what he said while he broke the hug and held her hands, however his mind was saying something very different. 'I'M SOOOOO DEEEEAD!''

Back to Ash and Nessa.

''Nessa, where are we going?'' He asked as they walked the streets of Motostoke.

''You remember I'm a model, right? I settled a photo session here in Motostoke because of today's reunion, so I was thinking...Why don't you join me? I'm sure the photographer would like to have the Alolan Champion as a guest model.''

''Guest model?'' Ash asked doubtful. ''I don't know, I'm not exactly photogenic, I think I might ruin your photos.''

''Don't say something like that.'' Nessa tried to encourage him. ''I'm sure you're gonna look dazzling!''

''...Fine, I'm gonna give it a try.''

After Ash accepted, Nessa led him Ash to a boutique where a tall man wearing a white shirt and red-green plaid pants was setting a mobile photographic studio with a white backdrop.

''Ah, Nessa, you're finally here!'' The man said and then looked at her companion. ''Who's the kid?''

''Vincent, this is Ash Ketchum.'' Nessa introduced them.

''Hi-''

''ASH KETCHUM! THE ASH KETCHUM?! Oh lord, please forgive me!'' Vincent interrupted shaking Ash's hand. ''It's just, to think someone like you uses such clothes.''

''Hey, my mother made this!'' That was the moment when Ash remembered he forgot to call his mother when he arrived to Galar.

''Why, of course, but you're a champion, is just that...they are so simple.''

''I think you look great.'' Nessa said. ''That 'simple' style just fits you.''

''Oh, well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that, but tell me, what is Ash doing here?''

''I was wondering if you could let Ash join our photo session.''

''ARE YOU KIDDING?! OF COURSE! Do you have any idea of how profitable it would be to picture the alolan champion?!'' Vincent then looked around and whispered on Nessa's ears. ''My company doesn't need to pay extra, right?''

''No, they don't.'' Nessa replied slightly annoyed.

''PERFECT! Stay right here, I'll bring you some clothes.'' Vincent ran to the back of the boutique leaving Ash and Nessa alone.

''Nessa, I'm still not sure about this.''

''Just follow me and we'll be fine.''

''Here, take your clothes!'' Vincent appeared in the middle of them with two bags. ''You're lucky I always pack these things in pair, we start in five.''

Vincent pushed each on them on a different dresser, they changed and came out almost at the same time, Ash was wearing a fully white suit with dark green shoes and a golden belt on his waist while Nessa was wearing a white short dress with red heels, white earrings and a golden belt as well, they both looked at each other speechless for a minute until Nessa decided to break the ice.

''You look really handsome.'' She said as a tone of red burned her cheeks. ''What about me?''

''You're...really pretty.'' Ash barely managed to say blushing slightly as well.

''Y-You think so?''

''I...yeah.''

''Alright you two, come on!'' Vincent called.

''Well, time to work.'' Nessa said walking to the photoshoot.

''W-Wait, what do I have to do?'' Ash asked.

''Just go with the flow, Ash.''

Since the author couldn't find a way to properly describe a photo session, let's just say they made a lot of poses.

''Aaand that's all.'' Vincent said taking the last photo. ''Thank you people, let's call it all a day.''

''Huff, how was that?'' Nessa asked stretching.

''It was pretty fun.''

''Maybe we could do it again another time, have you been in a fashion show before?

''Well, I've seen some but I haven't participated, there was this one in Nimbasa...do you know Elesa by any chances?''

''Of course, why the question?''

''I was just wondering, since you're both models and Gym Leaders.''

''I just remembered...that was the first time I saw you.''

''What? You were there?''

''Yes, I was invited as a guest model, I was supposed to go after Elesa but you and Pikachu stole the show, uh?'' Nessa then stood silent a few seconds before starting to giggle.

''What's so funny?''

''N-Nothing, it's just after that I stayed in Nimbasa for a while and I-I saw your Gym battle and...'' Nessa tried to contain her laughter again but it was futile, and Ash knew exactly what was coming.

''You really only brought one Pokemon!'' She finally shouted bursting out a laugh. ''Y-You, w-what was going on then? HAHAHA!''

''I'm not sure.'' Ash said embarrassedsed. ''I'll admit Unova wasn't my best moment.''

''I-it's alright, I can see you've grown quite a lot, I found out you became Champion of Alola some years later and I was like: 'Wow...What did I miss?'' Then I finally got to knew you and...the battle we had in Hulbury was one of the best battles I've had in my life.''

''Alright people!'' Vincent appeared between them again. ''You go change clothes, I have to go, Nessa perfect as always, Ash really good for your first time, I hope we get another opportunity to work together, here, my business card.'' He offered it and Ash took it. ''Now go away! Harriet! Pack my things! Wheels up in 30!''

''Wow, is he always like that?'' Ash asked.

''He lives every second, yesterday is already late for him.''

After changing clothes and giving them back to Vincent, Ash and Nessa left the boutique.

''Well Ash, we did my thing now it's your turn.''

''My turn?''

''Where'd you wanna go now?'' Nessa asked.

''Well...do you like ice creams?''

''Of course! and I know just the place.'' This time Nessa took Ash by the hand, something that surprised both of them. ''You..you don't mind holding hands with me, right?'' She asked trying to hide her blush, Just like Valerie said, Ash made the dazzling beauty Nessa act like a clumsy 13 year old, although to be fair, this was her first 'zing'.

''...I...no, it's fine.''

Everyone is getting lovey-dovey, Why don't we see how Bea is doing?

''This is ridiculous! This is utterly ridiculous!'' Not so fine apparently.

''Well, Ash agreed to go with her.'' Cinderace said. ''Is not like he was forced to do so.''

''Why did he do that?! And why is Nessa so annoying? She's always acting like she's better than me!''

''At least she isn't leading some bizarre double life.''

''WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON, CINDERACE?!''

''Well, you could just ask Ash to a date.'' Milo talked from a nearby bench, since Nessa went with Ash and there was still plenty of time before the reunion, he simply sat there.

''I tried to!'' Bea ranted again. ''But then Nessa appeared and...ARGH!''

''I mean, you're the person he spends the most time with, aren't you?'' Milo asked again.

''Yes, I guess I am.''

''Then why haven't you made a move already?''

''I...I guess I'm just scared, I've never felt this way before.''

''Listen here little bean, the best way to have a good relationship is to open yourself, you need to be clear, you can't just expect the other person to make the first step, look at what Nessa's been doing for example, She told Ash her feeling so Ash now knows how she feels and I'm pretty sure Nessa just bluntly took him on a date, with all that, what do you think that will happen if you don't do something about it?''

''What do you mean?''

''I'm just saying...Ash could fall in love with Nessa too.''

''You..you really think so?''

''Yes, I've known Nessa for a while and she's really persistent, besides I've never seen her act like this, she really is in love, but it seems like you are as well, so if you want to have a chance you need to make your move instead of ranting around, so what will you do?''

''I...I will ask Ash out on a date!''

''That's the spirit!''

''Yes...Thanks, Milo.''

''My job here is done.'' Cinderace said.

''You didn't do anything.''

Well, back to Ash and Nessa.

Ash was in a bench outside of the ice cream shop. He had a lost stare while Pikachu, who was riding on Drednaw's back while the turtle stood next to the bench, looked at him confused.

''Here you go.'' Nessa snapped Ash out of his thoughts offering him a strawberry ice cream.

''Thanks, Nessa.'' Ash received the ice cream and they both started to eat, Nessa then quickly noticed Ash's lost gaze.

''What's wrong?'' She asked. ''Thinking about...something?''

''Uh, maybe.''

''Well, let's get your mind working a little then.'' Nessa then said the first thing that came to her mind. ''What do you think about me?''

''You?''

''I-I mean my battle style!'' She quickly tried to change the question. ''Since you already fought me and now you saw my fight with Bea, do you think I'm a good battler?''

''Well...yes, I think you're really strong, I'd say you're the strongest Water-Type expert I've met.''

Meanwhile in Cerulean city.

''Psyduck, I got a sudden urge to punch Ash in the face.''

''That means a lot considering all you've been through.'' Nessa said.

''Yeah, you have some interesting Pokemon too, like your Dragalge, it's been a while since the last time I saw a shiny.''

''Dragalge...I know, to pass some time, how about I tell you how I met Dragalge?''

''Sounds good, I guess it was in Kalos when you were visiting Valerie.

''Correct, it was like a month ago, we had just ended a fashion show featuring Valerie's dresses on Cyllage city and I was taking the rest of the day off, walking around the city. I saw some kids forming a circle in the beach and I went to see, they were seeing a tired Skerlp, he was breathing heavily and was very agitated. the kids told me that other people tried to help him but he kept spraying poison around, he even melted some Poke balls, it kept on for a few hours, Skerlp didn't want anyone to get close and people just gave in, but then I noticed the problem...the little one was poisoned.''

''Poisoned?!''

''Yes, I know, looks like he was attacked by a Pokemon with corrosion, that's why he was so agitated, he has never been through something like that before, it was also very hard to notice since shiny Skerlps are almost fully purple just like the effect of poison, I tried to get close but he still didn't let me, then I tried to give him a Pecha berry but he didn't wanted to eat it, he simply didn't trust anyone.''

''Well, if you asked me, I would say he thought people only wanted to caught him since he was shiny.''

''That makes sense.'' Nessa admitted. ''After a while, I remembered something, I went back to the place where I was staying and searched for a Heal Ball, it was a gift from my friend Sonia, I went back to the beach and tried to talk with Skrelp first, since it was the only Heal Ball I had and I didn't want him to melt it."

''Skrelp, I know you're scared but I only want to help you, this is a Heal Ball, it will cure your poisoning and I promise you that after you're cured I'll let you free.'' I'm still not sure if he accepted my help, he simply dropped himself in the ground exhausted, I rolled the ball softly along the sand and he was caught, then I walked the sea to free him, once he was in the water he looked at me and got back to the Poke ball on his own.''

''So he saw he could trust you in the end.''

''Yes, Skrelp has been very loyal since then, he evolved a few days ago while fighting a Gym challenger, actually my fight with Bea has been his first defeat since I caught him.'' As Nessa ended her story both of them finished their ice creams and Nessa got up from the bench. ''Thanks for coming with me today Ash, I really had fun.''

''Well, I'm glad, I had fun too.'' Ash said getting up as well.

''Tell me...did you think of my proposal? You know, all I said back in Hulbury.''

''W-Well, I...I'm not sure.''

''Hey, it's alright if you don't answer me now, I guess it was a lot to digest...But I'll be waiting for an answer, you probably have a bunch of interests around the world, but I think I'm the first one to properly confess, aren't I?''

''Y-Yes...you are.''

Somewhere in Hoenn.

''Ok Braixen, I'm really starting to have a bad feeling.''

''...Nessa...why are you doing this?'' He finally decided to ask.

''What do you mean? You don't like spending time with me?''

''It's not that, I mean, back in Turffield you said you didn't wanted people to think we were a couple, and now we're hanging out together in broad daylight; And those pictures Vincent took are going to end in a magazine, right?''

''You're right, but the thing is that back then I wasn't sure about my feelings, but getting a chance of meeting in you person and battle you was all I needed.''

''S-Still, a girl like you could get any guy in the world, someone more famous, more rich...more mature, I just don't think I'm the best option out there.''

''Humble as always, Ash...You are the best option in my eyes.'' Nessa took off Ash's cap and put it on herself backwards. ''It's not about fame or money, I told you that in Hulbury, I care for what's in the inside, you have a heart of gold, Ash Ketchum and I hope that someday I will have an space in that heart of yours...besides, you keep underestimating yourself, you are very famous, but even so, that's not what I'm looking for.''

Nessa and Ash looked at each other for a moment, both of them blushing, Nessa slightly more, she giggled softly and got closer to him, placing her hands gently on the sides of his neck.

''I'm not looking for a superhero or some fairytale bliss...I just want someone I can turn to...I want something just like this.'' Nessa moved forward slightly, just enough to plant a soft kiss of Ash's left cheek, this kiss was a little longer than the first one she gave him, Nessa then moved away a little, giving Ash a bit of space while he looked to the sides blushing unable of talking. ''My, those are the two cheeks already.'' Nessa hold gently both of Ash cheeks, making him look at her again, just like Bea, Nessa was a bit taller than Ash and that was something she definitely was gonna use to her advantage. ''I wonder what I'm gonna kiss next.''

''N-Nessa...'' Ash tried to stutter something but he was still unable to do so, Nessa simply let out another giggle.

''See? I told you I'd leave you breathless.'' Nessa winked with a confident look on her face, despite the fact that she was freaking out in the inside, she then let go Ash's face and held their hands together. ''Ash...I don't want you to feel forced into this, I don't want to put you in a tight spot neither, I just want to show you that I'm serious about my feelings, so please...tell me that you'll at least consider it.''

''I...I'll think about it.''

''That makes me glad...Come on Drednaw, let's go to the reunion.'' The Gym Leader put Ash's cap back on his head and started to walk away being followed by her ace as Pikachu jumped to Ash shoulder, after walking a few feet Nessa turned around and waved goodbye. ''See ya next time, Ash!''

''...See ya next time.''

Ash stood there a few minutes before starting to make his way to the Pokemon center while his head was drowned in thoughts, there he found Bea, who was sitting on a couch near the entrance.

''Sorry Bea, made you wait didn't I?''

''It's alright...Ash, I would like to ask you something.''

''Right, you were going to tell me something before we met with Milo and Nessa, what do you need?''

''Ash... listen, I know this might look sudden, but I've been thinking it a lot so...would you like to go out with me?''

''I...no.'' Ash trailed off.

''W-W-What?! But why not?!''

''Uh? Ah! Sorry, Bea I was thinking about something, it's just that with the two battles and Nessa I'm a bit exhausted, what were you saying?''

''I-I...I was wondering if you would like to have a date with me.''

''A date?''

''Yes, you know, like the one we had back in Hulbury, with no Zigzagoons this time.''

''I guess it's fine, but I'm still kinda tired right now, can we go out tomorrow?''

''Uh...Yeah, tomorrow is fine.'' Bea said as she thought. 'That will give me time to actually think about what to do...'

''Right then, I'll go to my room, rest well.''

''You too.''

She waved goodbye as Ash went upstairs.

''Well, that could have been worse.'' Cinderace commented from his side as Bea sighed and went to her room as well, Pikachu then quickly came down the stairs and sat next to Cinderace. ''Did something happen?''

''Well...I guess I should tell you...''

After a quick talk, both Pokemon were to their trainer's room.

''What are you doing?'' Cinderace said to Bea who was looking at the roof.

''I'm trying to think what I could do for our date tomorrow, I don't know what Nessa did today with Ash, but I won't let her win this.''

''Yeah...about that, I was just talking with Pikachu about what Ash and Nessa did and...she kissed him again.''

''SHE DID WHAT?!''

''Uh, yes.''

''So that's why Ash was acting so weird.'' Bea then remembered what Milo told her: 'Ash could fall in love Nessa too'. ''What am I going to do?!''

''Well, you just have to kiss him too.'' Cinderace said as if that wasn't big deal.

''Yes, because that's super easy, right?'' Bea asked sarcastically.

''...yes?''

''NO! IT'S NOT! W-We have to get in the mood and all that and then I have to...W-Where should I even...ARGH!''

''Why don't you just have a bit of casual se-''

''CINDERACE! OH MY GOD! I WILL SLAP YOU!''

''I was going to say sentimentalist talk...''

Just before Bea could complete her menace, someone knocked and she went to open it.

'Please don't be Ash, Please don't be Ash.' Bea thought for herself, she really wasn't in the mood to talk with him now, luckily for her, in the door was everyone's favorite scottish. ''Oh, hey, Gloria.''

''Hey, there Bea, you won't believe this. Marnie and Vic's encounter was going just fine, but then her brother Piers appeared and...they didn't get along, Vic will fight him tomorrow...my bro is so dead, anyway did I miss something?''

''Well, Nessa took Ash in a date today and I invited him to one as well, it'll be tomorrow but I'm not sure about what to do.''

''Is that so? Then I'm gonna help you!''

''You will?''

''Of course! Why wouldn't I?''

''Well, I thought you were in love with Ash too.'' Bea admitted embarrassed.

''W-What?!'' Gloria exclaimed nervously. ''W-What makes you think that?''

''Maybe the fact that you have a plushie of him on your coat all the times.''

''What? ...you're crazy...'' Gloria trailed off trying to not make eye contact while Bea only confirmed her suspicions.

''...Gloria-''

''Ok fine! Maybe I'm just a little into him.'' Gloria finally admitted causing Bea to let out a sigh. ''But it's alright, I'll let you go first.''

''What do you mean?''

''Right now you're closer to Ash than me so I'll help you with the date and I won't be an obstacle for you, it seems like Nessa is already taking that role, the thing is that if things end up badly between you and Ash, I might or not try to make a move on him.''

''...Well, I guess that sounds fair, but-''

''You want my help or not?''

''Yes, you are the person who knows the most about Ash, so what should I do in our date?''

''Just leave it all to me.''

After leaving Ash, Nessa walked into a Hotel, where 16 of the 18 gym leaders where already waiting in the lobby.

''Sorry guys, am I late?''

''No, you're not.'' A tall fanged man in a toothed hoodie answered. ''Where have you been tho? You're photo sessions don't take that much time usually.''

''I was just doing stuff.'' Nessa answered.

'Ash is stuff?' Milo thought.

''Ah, everybody, sorry for keeping you waiting.'' Kabu said as he entered the building.

''Well, Kabu, are we starting?'' An older woman with an umbrella asked.

''I'm afraid, we'll have to postpone the reunion.'' Kabu said.

''What?! But why?!'' A blonde teen with top hat and glasses asked.

''The Stow-on-Side Gym Leader, Habe, won't be able to attend today, he called me a few moments ago, he'll ve arriving tomorrow past noon.''

''Well, that's a damned bummer.''

''Gordie faddie Morrison! What would your brothers say if they hear you saying that kind of things?!''

''Fattie?!'' A Pink-haired teen with a white bow on her hair tried to contain the laugh before exploding. ''HAHAHAHA!''

''MOM!''

''First that kid who tries to hit on my sis and now this...This day just can't get worse.''

''He really had to say it last minute?'' Raihan complained. ''Why that dude likes to be mysterious so much? He is even creepier than Allister.''

''Sigh...'' The masked kid sat down with a depressive aura.

''Uh, sorry buddy, you're still pretty spooky and scary.''

''Anyway, please don't worry, everyone.'' Kabu got their attention again. ''I already asked the hotel to prepare rooms for all of you, so stay here and make yourselves comfortable, we'll have our reunion tomorrow at 5pm.''

''Are we really going to postpone the whole reunion just because one of us didn't show up?''

''I'm afraid so, Peony, this is a very important reunion and all of us are equally important, we must respect each one of us.

All the Gym Leaders gave in and went to the rooms Kabu assigned them. as Nessa entered hers, she received a message on her Rotom Phone.

'Hello, Miss Nessa, it's me, Harriet, Mr. Vincent's assistant, he passed me your number and asked me to send you the photos of the session, hope you enjoy them.' As Nessa read the message, her Rotom Phone received all the pictures, she went to scroll them one by one, until she stopped in the one she was looking for.

Vincent took lots of photos, he took photos to both of them separately and then together, one in which they were pretending to have a dinner in a cafe table, one where they having a ball dance, they also took some photos with their Pokemon, but this photo was her favorite, Ash was sitting in a throne-like chair and she was sitting on his lap with her arms wrapped around his neck, Ash was a bit nervous when Vincent explained the position they would take but he played on well, he didn't look awkward at all in the photo, and of course Nessa was more than happy. In fact both of them looked very confortable.

Her contemplation of the photo ended as she received a video-call from her friend Valerie, which she accepted.

''How is it going, Val?''

''Fine I guess.'' The woman asked while staring at a mannequin. ''I still can't think of a good outfit design, is the reunion over?''

''No, Habe didn't show up so they moved it to tomorrow, I'll have to stay here in Motostoke.''

''I see, by the way did you met with Ash?''

''Yes...we had a little date.''

''Really? Well, that smile says a lot, what did you do?''

''First we had a photo session together, he told me I looked pretty, and then...I gave him another kiss and he...''

''He what?''

''You should have looked at his face! He was blushing like hell! His gaze was so lost on me! HE LOOKED SO DAMN CUTE! GAH!''

''Nessa, I'm trying to sleep...'' Milo said from his room, which was just next to Nessa's.

''You're so infatuated...'' Valerie continued to talk. ''I hope you don't end with a broken heart.''

''I'll do my best, I know I almost got him...I wonder if he's thinking about me.''

''Hey, what about Bea?'' Valerie asked again breaking Nessa's fantasy.

''What about her?''

''Did she just let you take him on a date?''

''No, we had a Pokemon battle, we agreed that if I won then she had to let me take Ash for the rest of the day.''

''And I suppose you won.''

''No, I lost...but that's the thing, even after I lost, I asked Ash and he accepted to come with me.''

''He did? ...Well, it seems like you're actually hooking him.''

''I thought you didn't like my fishing metaphors.''

''They're starting to grow on me...'' Valerie admitted.

''Well, good night, Val.''

''Good night.'' Valerie said cutting the call.

Nessa then went to sleep having one thing on her mind. 'I...I'll think about it.' She rewinded that last moment with Ash.

''That's all I needed to hear.'' She said to herself.

Meanwhile on his Pokemon Center room, Ash was...not exactly ok.

'I...I'll think about it.' He was also rewinding on his mind that last moment with Nessa.

''WHY DID I SAY THAT?!'' Ash exclaimed to himself, just as Pikachu entered his room.

''Pi...?''

''Pikachu, what should I do?''

''Kapi?''

''Oh, right...sometimes I'd really like to have a hairband like Bea's, no offense buddy but I would like to have someone to actually talk about this.''

''Pika.'' Pikachu closed his eyes and used his mimic abilities to pretend having spiky hair.

''Meh, calling Brock doesn't seems like the best option.'' Ash said considering his friend's misadventures with love, even after he finally found something with Olivia, she broke up with him a few weeks ago, Ash went to Pewter City and tried to cheer him up without success, Brock didn't want to give Ash the details of the break-up either.

''Pi...pika.'' Pikachu put on a long black and blue wig that he's got from Arceus knows where.

''...Nessa? You're asking me if I like her?'' The mouse nodded. ''Well, I'm not sure, she's really pretty, but this is not like what happened with Giselle, she's not only a pretty face, she's so lively and confident and despite her being famous, she's really humble and I...I kinda liked when she held me like that.'' Ash flinched a moment after hearing his last sentence. ''...I hope this doesn't awaken anything in me.''

''Ka...pi?'' Pikachu raised his ears straight and then pointed at them.

''Uh...Bea?'' Pikachu nodded again. ''Well, Bea is a good friend-'' A thunder was heard in the outside as Ash said that word. ''Uh...right, Bea just invited me on date...it shouldn't be weird, right? We already had one...but that was a friendly date before we met...this one feels different...mostly because of what happened with Nessa today...Bea doesn't act like Nessa but she's always fighting with her...she says is because she's worried about me, but...do you think that she's?...Pikachu, I...I'm so confused.''

''Chu...''

''I don't want to turn things awkward but...maybe I should ask her tomorrow.'' Ash finally dropped himself on bed and tried to start sleeping. 'Tomorrow...just a day away.'