pokemon Fighting Dreamers

''Because he stole my Candice!''

''...I did what?''

''You know what you did!'' Maylene continued her rants.

''I haven't seen Candice in like 4 years...''

''YOU F*CKING IDIOT!'' Maylene tried to get closer to Ash again, but Bea kept herself on the way.

''You better don't give one more step!''

''Alright, Maylene, let's calm down.'' Dawn stepped in. ''Why don't you explain us what's going on?''

''I ain't telling you shit! You are part of this too!'' Maylene yelled pointing at Dawn.

''Me?''

''How can you be okay with this?! Is this even legal?!''

''Maylene, what are you talking about?'' Dawn continued to ask.

''I'm talking about the fact that you know this dude is three-timing you and you do nothing about it!''

''Three-timing...W-Wait! We're not in a relationship!'' Dawn stuttered with a blush.

''In any case, it wouldn't be three-timing if we all know about it.'' Flannery said still trying to help Ash get back up.

''Flannery, you're not helping.'' Bea replied still with her guard up for Maylene.

''...Are you sure?'' Maylene asked.

''O-Of course I am!'' Dawn stuttered again.

''...Fine, you, I trust, Dawn.'' Maylene finally lowered her fists and Bea did the same.

''Alright, now that we cleared that up, what's the deal with Candice?''

''Fine, I'll tell you.''

A few hours before.

Candice told me she needed my help for something important so I invited her to my house.

''Maylene! Thanks for receiving me!'' The Ice Expert called opening the door since Maylene had already given her a key.

''Candice!'' Maylene quickly ran downstairs too see her. ''Nice to see you, what do you need?''

''I just needed to tell you something.''

''Really? Well, I wanted to tell you something too.''

''I...well, you go first, mine is a bit personal.'' Candice tried to hid a blush but it didn't go unnoticed for Maylene.

''P-P-PERSONAL?!'' Maylene yelled out. ''Well, mine is too! That's not fair!''

''Fine, fine, let's say it at the same time.'' Candice held Maylene's hands and now she was blushing as well.

''O-Okay-''

''1...'' Candice started to count.

''...2...'' Maylene continued.

''...3!''

''I'm in love with Ash!'' Candice finally yelled out.

''I'm in love with y- ...what?''

''Yes! He's so striking!''

''I...that's...that's...'' Maylene felt like her whole world started to fall down.

''Well, what were you going to tell me?''

''I...I'm in love with yo...yogurts...I love yogurts.'' Maylene simply looked down.

''Oh, that's nice too.''

''So...you fell for Ash, uh?''

''That's right! And look at this this!'' CAndice searched for her phone and opened the chat that the Sinnoh Gym leaders shared, pointing at a Message Roark posted about having met with Ash. ''He's back in Sinnoh! This is my chance!''

''I'm...so happy for you.''

''You need to help me make him fall for me! I got a great plan! But I need you to call him here so he doesn't suspect, what do you say?''

''...I'll be glad to help.''

''Really?''

''Of course...let's get you a...boyfriend.'' Maylene tried to talk feeling a lump on her throat.

''Thank you, Maylene! You have to call tomorrow so I have enough time, I knew I could trust you, after all, you're my best FRIEND.''

As Candice said that last word, Maylene fell down in pain holding her chest.

''Are you okay?'' Candice asked.

''Better than ever...'' Maylene said still on the ground. ''I'M GONNA PUNCH THAT IDIOT IN THE STOMACH!''

Back to present time.

''And that's what happened...'' Maylene ended the flashback.

''I can tell you're a woman of word at least.'' Flannery said referring to fact that Maylene did punch Ash in the stomach.

''Still, I thought you and Maylene were already girlfriends.'' Bea said.

''We're not, it was just a rumour that came up during the snow storm incident.'' Maylene explained embarrassed.

''Maylene, look.'' Ash talked finally back on his feet. ''I don't want to get between you two so-''

''Wait, so you don't like Candice?'' Maylene asked.

''N-No, there's no way I would!''

''Why not?! You're telling me she's not good enough for you?!''

''That's not what I said!''

''So you like her or not?!'' Maylene asked in anger again.

''No! I mean, I guess she is really cute, but-'' Maylene launched an strong blow and Ash barely dodged it. ''Could you calm down?!''

''No, I won't! I gave her my life! I took care of her! I protected her from all harm! And now she tells me she fell in love with this idiot that she met once!''

''Hey, why is everyone looking at me?'' Flannery asked noticing that.

''Maylene, I really don't want to interfere between you and Candice.''

''I...you sure?''

''Of course.'' Ash calmed down seeing Maylene did it as well.

''Then explain why do you have three girls following you!''

''We are just traveling together! ...now that I think about it, Victor is traveling with three girls too.''

''Yeah, sure, you just want to turn Candice into one of them!''

''This group is already getting crowded in my opinion.'' Bea said mildly annoyed.

''...Fine, then you and I are going to have a battle.'' Maylene pointed at Ash.

''Why?'' He simply asked.

''Because I'm sure Candice only fell for you because you became champion! So I'm gonna show her I'm stronger than you!''

''Uh, right then, I'll be holding back to make sure you win.''

''No, you won't! You think you're too big for me?! Go to town on me! Break me in half!''

''What's up with that choice of words?'' Flannery asked.

''Sneasel, let's go!'' Maylene quickly released the Ice Type.

''A Sneasel?'' Bea asked. ''I thought you were a Fighting specialist.''

''I am, I got this Sneasel from a trade with Candice.'' Maylene explained.

''Oh, right.'' Ash just remembered something. ''When I fought Candice, she had a Medicham in her team.''

''Yup! That was mine!'' Maylene said with a proud grin. ''Alright, Ash, let's fight!''

''Wait a minute, where is Candice?'' Ash asked.

''Uh? She's at my house right now, why do you ask?''

''Well, if you want to impress her shouldn't she see the battle?''

''No! I mean yes, but I won't let you get close to her! You're just gonna take advantage of the poor Candice! You womanizer!''

''Stop calling me that!'' Ash was honestly getting annoyed.

''Hey, Maylene!'' Someone called from behind.

''C-CANDICE!'' Maylene stuttered.

''What's up? I...Ash?! Ash, you're already here?!''

''Hmm, Hi, Candice!'' Ash simply said.

''Don't talk to her!'' Maylene yelled again.

''What?'' Candice asked her.

''N-Nothing! I said nothing!'' Maylene yelled one more time and then tried to calm herself. ''I- what are you doing here?''

''You were taking a lot of time to come back so I came looking for you, the battle girls told me you went to this way.'' Candice then took a hold of Maylene's arm and took her a bit far away from the rest. ''Why didn't you tell me Ash was here already?''

''I, hmm-''

''I told you to call him tomorrow, I didn't have time to prepare anything, I told you this was important, I really want to be with him.''

''I know, I...sorry.'' Maylene sighed and looked down again,

''Oh, well, don't sweat it, let me see what I can do.'' Candice then walked back to Ash and noticed his companions. ''Oh, dawn, you're here too!''

''It's been a while right?'' Dawn asked shaking hands with her.

''It sure has, and you brought some friends too.''

''Name's Flannery, Gym leader from Lavaridge, Hoenn.''

''I'm Bea, from the Galar region.''

''Nice to meet you two, I'm Candice, Snowpoint Gym Leader...Uh, did I interrupt something, guys?''

''Maylene wanted to have a fight with me because she-'' Ash was about to explain but Maylene jumped infront of her.

''Because I wanted to see how much he's grown!''

''...Right, that was the reason.'' Ash simply agreed.

''Very well, it's okay if I'm the referee?'' Candice asked.

''D-Do as you wish.'' Maylene replied.

''Right then, Lucario, I choose you!'' Ash released his Pokemon who stood in front of Sneasel.

''This will be a simple 1v1 battle, if both trainers are ready then the battle begins now!''

''Let's begin Lucario! Bone Rush!'' Lucario put his paws together, a light blue energy appeared between them, Lucario then spread his paws apart and a long blue bone stood on his right hand.

''Icy Wind!'' Sneasel opened her mouth and a stream of cold air was shoot to Lucario.

''Use Bone Rush to disperse it!'' Lucario rotated the bone infront of him creating a shield that dispersed the clod air around. ''Go after Sneasel!'' Lucario dashed forward and smacked Sneasel with the bone, breaking it in the process.

''Lucario, Metal Claw!''

''Counter with Night Slash!''

Both moves crashed but Lucario quickly took over and slashed Sneasel down.

''Sky Uppercut!'' Before Sneasel could react Lucario ran at him and landed the upper hit.

''Sneasel!'' Maylene shouted worried.

''Smack him down with Bone Rush!'' Lucario jumped and then used Bone Rush to hit Sneasel to the ground.

''Get up and use Whirlpool!'' Sneasel started to spin like a top as a whirlpool appeared around her, she then tossed the attack to Lucario.

''Do a Counter Shield and send it back to them!'' Lucario used Bone Rush and spun around, the whirlpool followed his movements and was sent back to Sneasel.

''Freeze it with Icy Wind!'' Sneasel breathed the cold air, freezing the ice in the middle of the battlefield.

''Break through with Aura Claws!'' Lucario performed the move and broke through the frozen whirlpool, hitting Sneasel along with many ice shards that flew off as shrapnel.

''Now Bone Rush!'' Lucario rose the bone to the air and then smacked it down to Sneasel, leaving the latter knocked out.

''Sneasel is unable to battle! Lucario is the winner and the battle goes to Ash!'' Candice announced as Maylene knelt down in despair and Lucario fist bumped with Ash, Candice then went to congratulate the winner.

''Congrats, Ash, you've become a really strong trainer!''

''Uh, thanks Candice, but it's no big deal.'' Ash replied embarrassed.

''H-Hey, what about me?!'' Maylene complained from the ground.

''You? Uh, well, you lost pretty badly, Sneasel didn't even land a single hit.''

''...'' Maylene started to shed some comic tears.

''Ash, would you like to hang out with me?'' Candice asked.

''Uh, well-'' Considering the situation, Ash thought he should decline, still tho, he didn't want to be mean and for one reason or another every girl in the place except for Candice wanted him to decline as well, although, Maylene was the first to step in.

''He doesn't want to go!'' The pink-haired shouted.

''You don't?'' Candice asked.

''I don't?'' Ash asked as well.

''Of course you don't!'' The three girls accompanying him shouted and then they looked at each other.

''R-Right, you said we had to talk about battle strategies, remember?'' Maylene tried to make up something.

''Uh, right, I forgot.'' Ash decided to follow her.

''Great, sorry, Candice, but I'll have to take him...pretty far from you.'' Maylene grabbed Ash's arm and started to walk away with him. ''Why don't you talk a bit with his girls?''

''You've made it worse, I didn't even think it was possible, but you've made it worse.'' Maylene was talking with Ash in her Gym.

''Well, you told me to go all out.'' Ash defended himself

''I know what I said! damn it, you only want to have Candice for you!'' Maylene began her suspicions again.

''I already told you I don't!''

''And why should I trust you?! I bet you pass your days wandering over yonder searching for your next victim with that irresistible face of yours!''

''My what?'' Ash didn't quite hear that last bit.

''Shut up! Argh! Alright, the battle didn't work, I need a new plan...sigh, I hate to ask, but...how do you attract so many girls?''

''It's not like that's the plan, I'm simply being myself.''

''I ain't buying that! If you're saying the true then help me with Candice!''

''Maybe she's just not into girls, what if she only sees you as a friend?''

''Why would you think that?!''

''I mean, if she were to be a lesbian I would have expected her to like Zoey.''

''Who the f*ck cares about Zoey?!''

''Alright, alright, so what's your plan then?''

''We have to make a wild Pokemon stampede and then I'll save her last moment!''

''Isn't that kinda dangerous?''

''That's the point! Alright, how about I stand in front of her half naked carrying a letter that said 'EAT ME'.''

''...That sounds like a bit too much, why don't you just tell her?''

''I'm...I'm not gonna risk our friendship, I can't confess until I'm sure she feels the same way.''

''That sounds...really scary.''

''It is! And it doesn't matter how hard I try or who I ask for help, I'm nowhere even close, I even asked her favorite artist for help, but she doesn't even answers my messages, she's such a prick! And now I have to deal with you! The fact that you only have to say 'yes' and she'll be totally yours is stupidly scary!''

''Maylene-''

''I-It's just...it's so...so unfair!'' Maylene knelt down to cry and Ash got closer to her. Maylene suddenly trapped him in a hug.

''I'm sorry, I shouldn't blame you for this, it's my fault for not telling her sooner.''

''...Maybe you could-''

''Oh, here you are guys!'' Candice appeared behind them.

''GAH! Stop doing that!'' Maylene complained scared still hugging Ash.

''I...what are you two doing?'' Candice asked noticing their positions.

''...PISS OFF!'' Maylene tossed Ash to the ground.

''Hey, Candice, where are the girls?'' Ash asked trying to get up.

''Well, Dawn and I already caught up, Bea and Flannery are quite nice too, I was going to take them back to your home, since we made you came all the way here we should at least serve you something.''

''Alright, guess we're going too.'' Ash said, Candice nodded and left the Gym, leaving Maylene and Ash alone there.

''Maylene, you-''

''Ash.'' Maylene interrupted. ''...not now.''

Ash then walked along Maylene to her house, where Candice and the girls were already waiting for them, everyone then left their Pokemon playing outside.

''Oh, I almost forgot! Roxie's doing a concert now!'' Candice exclaimed from the Kitchen while she was preparing something.

''You two know Roxie?'' Bea asked.

''Of course we do, Candice is a big fan of her.'' Maylene explained.

''Turn on the TV! She said she made a brand new song for this concert.'' Candice continued to fangirl.

''I'm on it.'' Maylene searched for the remote and once everyone was one the living room she turned on the TV.

''HOW IS IT GOING, WYNDON!'' Roxie's voice echoed in the whole place, she was standing in a big stadium along her band. with thousands of people on the crowd.

''Hope you're all great! I'm doing fine! I've been traveling Galar with this amazing fellas! Give an applause to Vic, Marnie and Gloria!''

The camera quickly centered in the aforementioned who were in the PIV section of the crowd.

''Hey, Ash! Look! I'm on TV!'' Gloria waved her hand to the screen.

''Gloria...'' Victor said laughing while Marnie hid behind him from the camera.

The camera then went back to Roxie.

''Alright, alright, I guess most of you came here for that new song I mentioned, right?''

''Well, that's great! Because we're starting with just that one! This song is dedicated to someone who came at me asking for help but honestly she helped me a lot instead, alright guys, give me that calm vibe we've been practicing.'' Roxie looked back at her band, Nicky, the drum player was now playing a piano and Billy Jo, the guitarist was playing a violin, both started to play softly on their instruments.

''This son is called 'Dear, Roxie'. I hope you all like it. This is a bit of a soft song but it's fine, as much as I love hardcore rock, light things are good too, but don't get too used to it, I'll bawls your eyes out after this one.'' Roxie tapped along the vibe and soon started to sing.

...

Hey, dear Roxie

I wanted to write you this letter

Tho honestly, I don't know if you're gonna read it

I write you for something really important

Is a life or death situation

Please, don't think i'm exaggerating, I tell the true

...

''Wait a second...'' Maylene said to herself as the lyrics seemed very familiar. Roxie then continued to sing.

...

My name is Maylene and I write you from Veilstone

...

''What?'' Candice asked.

''It could be another Maylene!'' The Pink-haired tried to save herself, but the remote had disappeared.

...

There's this girl, that I can't get out of my mind

...

''Somebody turn off the TV!'' Maylene pleaded.

''Actually, I want to see where this leads.'' Dawn asked.

...

And she's such a fan of yours, she loves all your songs

I guess you already know where this goes.

...

''What in the...'' Candice wondered.

...

This is the thing...I simply can't talk to her

And maybe...you could give me a little help

To tell her that I'm dying for her

All I need is a more poetic way

Those things about romanticism, I really suck at them

Please, just give me something pretty

Please, just give me something special

I just want to give her all of my love

But I'm not sure if I'm enough

...

''How's that? Like it so far?'' Roxie stopped singing and talked to the audience. ''Well, guess what? Maylene send me another message, let give it a read.

''No, please don't!'' Maylene shouted.

''You know you can't talk to her through the TV, right?'' Bea asked.

...

Mrs. Roxie

I'm here writing you another time

You didn't answer, didn't know you were of that kind

I know that you're a busy artist

But I'm a desperate disaster

Please, you have to help me!

To tell her that I'm dying for her

All I need is a more poetic way

Those thing about romanticism, I really suck at them

Please, just give me something pretty

Something that will surely impress her

I just want to give her all of my love

But I don't think I'm enough

...

''Maylene sure needed help, uh?'' Roxie stopped the song again.

''You're not helping! You're not helping at all!'' By that point of the song, everyone was simply looking at Maylene who hid her blushed face.

''But truth is...I need some help too; And her letter made me realize something, so here's my answer, girl!''

''I don't want to hear it!'' Maylene shouted in fetal position.

...

Hey Maylene

Excuse me for the delay

I hope you don't mind

This little copy-paste

...

''I DO MIND!''

...

I'm no expert in love, don't know where you got that from

Truth is that I have some love troubles myself

This is the thing...wordiness don't equal feelings

Is not about fancy metaphors...is about what you are meaning

So you ask me

what should you tell to your girl?

Just tell her that you're dying for her!

I don't think that there is a better way!

Those things about romanticism, are just a weird chess game

When it comes to love and feelings

Being direct is the key here

Just tell her 'I'll give you all of my love'

I'm sure it'll be enough.

...

As Roxie ended the song, everyone in the crowd was crying.

''Alright! That's enough, lovey dovey! Let's rock out!'' Roxie shouted as Billy Jo tossed her Violin aside and went for a guitar solo.

''Yeah, but one last thing.'' Roxie talked again and looked at the camera. ''Ash, if you are seeing, I'd like to tell you something, I am-''

The TV suddenly turned off and everyone looked at Bea who was holding the remote with a death glare. ''I'm sure it wasn't anything important.'' our Fighting girl said.

''Well, I think we should leave you two alone.'' Ash was the first one to stated the obvious, surprising the rest of the girls, who quickly followed him outside of the living room. Candice still had her gaze set on the TV while Maylene was simply looking down trying not look her into the eyes.

''Maylene...that was-''

''I...yeah, that was me.'' Maylene interrupted her still not looking at her

''And that girl?''

''...That was you.'' She simply admitted.

An Awkward silence filled the room, but Candice broke it again.

''Why did you never tell me?''

''I tried to do it many times, I was going to do it today, but then you told me about Ash so...I thought I had to back down and help you, even if I don't wanted you to be with him.''

''M-Maylene, you're the person I care the most in the whole word, if you had told me, I would-''

''Y-You would?!'' Maylene stuttered with a blush as Canice held her hands ''T-That means?!''

Candice looked at her and realized that her long-life friend had been like that for a long while and she somehow didn't notice her feelings. ''That means yes, I'd love too.'' Candice accepted her and Maylene shed some tears of joy.

''B-But...what about Ash?''

''Considering his current situation, I think Ash has enough girls for a while.''

''Oh, well, t-that's great so...what do we do now?''

''How about this?''

''Candi-'' Candice quickly went in for a lip kiss and broke just as fast. ''T-That was...'' Maylene's mind turned off for a second.

''Uh? Maylene...'' Candice tried to talk to her.

''Yeah, something wrong?'' Maylene tried to talk still with her head on the clouds.

''Ah, well, your nipples...''

''My nipples?'' Maylene looked down. ''OH MY GOSH!'' She quickly covered her chest.

''You were...really excited.''

''Sorry! Sorry! I killed the moment, didn't I?''

''No, no, it's fine.

''...Are you sure you're fine with letting Ash go?'' Maylene asked still not totally believing how smoothly everything went for her.

''Of course, I mean, I'm not saying he's not well-looking, but it seems like it was something passenger in the end, although if you want we could still have a threes-''

''C-CANDICE!''

Meanwhile from the next room, Ash and the girls heard everything and after the confession they all walked back to the living room.

''I'm glad everything played out just fine.'' Dawn said.

''I still think that was just happened was a little too convenient.'' Bea replied.

''Come on, Bea, just let the power of love do its thing.'' Flannery said.

''Yeah, whatever, anyway with all that happened, I forgot why I wanted to come to Veilstone in the first place.'' Bea stepped forward and offered her hand to Maylene. ''Maylene, it was a pleasure to meet you, I'd like you to know that I deeply respect your work.''

''I, my thanks.'' Maylene accepted the gesture. ''Sorry for the first rough impression then.''

''It's alright, I've made some harsh first impressions myself.''

''Sorry to you too, Ash.'' Maylene apologized again.

''Don't worry about it, glad you made it.''

''Yeah, this is a bit embarrassing now, isn't it?'' Candice asked.

''Seriously, don't worry.'' Ash was already getting used to this kind of moments.

After saying goodbye to the Gym leaders, Ash and co. went outside of the house to recover their Pokemon, where they were all training or resting, as for Cinderace and Infernape they were sitting next to each other.

''Hey, are you okay?'' Infernape asked her.

''...no.'' Cinderace simply answered.

''Do you want to talk about it?''

''No.''

'You sure?'' Infernape insisted.

''N-, I mean, yes! I mean, why do you even care?!''

''Just tell me one thing...why do I make you doubt?''

''...''

''Cinderace?''

''ARGH! Fine, Look, since I was an Scorbunny I had to take care of Bea, I was all she had, so I always had to take the big decisions with her and I never doubted, not even once, because I wanted the best for her, but now this is about me and just me and then there's you...you're confusing me, I don't know how I'm feeling about you.''

''What are trying to say?''

''...I...As I told you I don't even know myself, pfft, I hate when Bea is right.''

''Why don't we have a battle?'' Infernape suggested.

''A battle...you serious? Here I am, asking for emotional support and all you want to do is fight!''

''I'm just saying, maybe a battle could help you understand what are you feeling.''

''And what if it doesn't help me?!''

''You won't lost anything by trying, right?''

''...''

''Cinderace said that she would like to have a battle with Infernape, is that alright?'' Bea asked to Ash once they were with their Pokemon.

''What do you say, Infernape?'' Ash looked at his Pokemon who nodded. ''Looks like we're good to go.''

Knowing the drama with them, the rest of the Pokemon wanted to stay outside to see the result of the battle.

''Let's begin with Shadow Claw!''

''Jump up!'' Cinderace did as told and jumped up causing Infernape to miss the mark. ''Now Zen Headbutt!'' Cinderace lowered her head and headbutted Infernape down.

''Mach Punch!'' With a quick blow, Infernape pushed Cinderace away. ''Mach Punch again!'' Infernape dashed forward and punched Cinderace one more time.

''Get up and Pyro Ball!''

''Flamethrower!''

Both moves collided in the air causing a fiery explosion.

''Mach punch!''

''Counter with Zen Headbutt!''

Crashing in the middle of the battlefield again, the moves seemed equals but Cinderace quickly won the struggle.

''Is that all you got?'' Cinderace asked.

''No, but thanks for asking.'' Infernape replied with a grin.

''Flare Wheelz!'' Infernape charged against Cinderace surrounded by flames and sent the rabbit flying to the skies and falling behind her trainer.

''Cinderace!'' Bea called worried.

''I'm okay!'' Cinderace dusted herself off and ran back to the battlefield.

''Mach Punch!'' Infernape dashed forward again.

''Try to hold his arm!'' Cinderace somehow managed to grab Infernape's arm and hold tightly. ''There, now Zen Headbutt!'' Infernape tried to block with his free arm but Cinderace got through and hit him right in the forehead.

''Do it again!''

''Shadow Claw!'' Infernape charged the move wth his free hand and countered the psychic move, slashing Cinderace's face, forcing her to let him go.

''Pyro Ball!''

''Get through with a Mach Punch!'' Infernape jumped in the air and punched through the ball with ease.

''Zen Headbutt!''

''Keep the impulse and use Flare Wheelz!''

Once more time, both Pokemon crashed their oves in the middle of the battlefield, with both of them being send flying back.

''Huff, wow...'' Bea trailed off. ''It seems like Infernape and Cinderace are equals.''

''They sure are going toe to toe.'' Ash said.

''How are you feeling?'' Infernape asked.

''Not necessary better.'' Cinderace replied.

''...Alright, I think I've got an idea, hit me.''

''...What?'' Cinderace asked with a blink.

''I won't block, so feel free to attack how you want.''

''What's the catch?''

''Let's just say something interesting will happen if you damage me enough, hit me with everything you got, Cin!''

''Hmm...Hey, Ash, I think we should let them fight on their own this time.'' Bea suggested, hearing Cinderace's side of the conversation.

''Really?'' Ash asked looking at Infernape and he nodded, thinking it was a good idea. ''Fine then, go ahead.''

''Uh, what?!'' Cinderace asked.

''Just you and me, no pressure.''

''Ugh, fine.'' Cinderace sighed and jumped kicking a Pyro Ball and Infernape took the hit without resisting.

''Is that all you can do?'' Infernape asked with a mocking smile.

''ARgh!'' Cinderace got angry and hit Infernape with several High Jump Kicks.

''Come on! You kick like a Hitmonchan!''

''Oh, no you didn't!'' Cinderace jumped with a Zen Headbutt and launched Infernape to a wall, she then kicked a Gunk Shot and a Pyro Ball, both moves collided in the air, creating a massive explosion. Cinderace repeated this combo several times until she exhausted herself.

''Was that...enough?!'' Cinderace shouted between pants as Infernape exited the dust created by the explosion.

''Definitely.'' Infernape's eyes turned bright red and his body was surrounded by a fiery aura, the flame on his head also grew bigger.

''I, uhm...I'm feeling kinda aroused right now.'' Cinderace said to herself.

''This is...Blaze.'' Infernape talked in an echoed voice. ''...This is the power of a Fire starter that ascended past a Fire starter.'' Infernape's flame then grew even longer thean before. ''Sparring time is done, I'm going all out, ready?''

''Let's do it!'' Cinderace said excited for the challenge.

Infernape jumped forward and Mach Punched Cinderace in the blink of an eye.

''Ouch, hah, so you're fast?'' Cinderace said recovering from the hit. ''I think I can handle that.''

''Think again!'' Infernape expelled a giant Flamethrower and Cinderace was struck directly by it, leaving the rabbit on the ground. ''What? You're giving up already?''

''Looks like that thing also boosts your ego.''

Cinderace made a High Jump Kick but Infernape simply dodged and she crashed into the ground. Infernape then attacked with a Shadow Claw on each hand, Cinderace did her best to dodged but she was ultimately reached. Infernape then jumped with a Mach Punch but Cinderace lowered her head just in time to land a Zen Headbutt sending Infernape back.

Cinderace then saw a big nearby rock, she jumped onto it breaking it into pieces, Cinderace then kicked the debris up and shot various Pyro balls at Infernape who tried to counter with Mach Punches but there were too many balls and Cinderace quickly got the upper hand. knocking Infernape down, Infernape got up again, the flame on his head turned blue and he charged with a Flare Wheelz hitting Cinderace clean, although Infernape had to back down because of the recoil.

''Keep going Cinderace!''

''You can do it, Infernape!''

Cinderace kicked some dirt to Infernape's eyes blinking him temporarily. She then tried to hit him with a High Jump Kick but Infernape sensed her movements and countered with a Mach Punch, the attacks stood equal for a moment, Cinderace began to Crumble but she managed to outpower Infernape although he felt her leg was very damaged.

''Not yet!'' Cinderace jumped up with a Pyro Ball as Infernape made a Flare Wheelz still on the ground, the Pyro ball was absorbed by it, Infernape kept spinning in the same place until the fire dispersed, Infernape had the Pyro Ball on his hand giving Cinderace a fierce look.

''Skidoosh.'' With all his strength Infernape tossed the Pyro Ball back at Cinderace and this exploded onto her, Cinderace was sent flying and she fell down unable to battle.

''Cinderace, you okay?'' Bea asked getting close to her partner.

''Mamaaaaaaa, oooooo.'' Cinderace sang with swirls on her eyes.

''Yup, she's fine.'' Bea said relieved.

''Great job, Infernape.'' Ash congratulated his Pokemon who went to see Cinderace as she regained her senses.

''Hey, that was a great battle.'' Infernape said once he was infront of her.

''Yeah, yeah, shut up.'' Cinderace replied still on the ground.

''Do you feel better now?''

''No...in fact, I feel more confused.''

''Well, sorry that I didn't help.''

''Don't sweat it...still, thanks for trying to help me.''

''No need to thank.''

''I'm glad those two get along.'' Ash said looking at the scene next to Bea.

''Me too, Cinderace won't admit it, but I'm sure she enjoys their moments together a lot.''

''Infernape sure enjoys them too.''

''Ash, where are we going now?''

''There's one more person in Veilstone that I'd like to visit, someone named Paul.''

Meanwhile in Hearthome

May and her family had already arrived to the hotel and everyone was preparing their rooms.

''Uh, May, I was checking up some things here.'' Max called entering her sister's room. ''It's about the final round and I have a question.''

''What questions?'' May asked putting aside some luggage.

''Who's gonna be your partner?'' Max asked and May gave a flew blinks.

''Partner? What do you mean?''

''I mean that the final round consists of three separated acts, first round solo, second round with a pairing, and third round with a battle, the winner is whoever wins two rounds first.''

''P-PAIRING?!'' May exclaimed. ''But what?! When?!''

''You seriously didn't know?''

''N-NO, I didn't, oh no, oh no.'' May started to freak out in the bed.

''What are you gonna do now?'' Max continued to ask.

''I...I know! I can ask Brendan for help!''

''You think he'll be your partner?''

''Of course! He came to see the contest after all, why wouldn't he agree? I'm he's gonna say 'Sure May, you can count on me!'.''

A few moments later.

''Sorry, cousin, but you're alone in this one.'' Brendan said with dead eyes.

''WHAT?! WHY?!'' May exclaimed.

''Because I came to the contest to be Lisia's partner in the second act.''

''You what?! Why would you that?! You're going against your own family!''

''Well, Wallace was going to be her partner, but he ended being way too busy since he was organizing his wedding with Steven, they didn't have enough time, so Lisia asked me to take his place and we've been practicing for a few months now.

''You traitor!''

''I already told you Lisia asked me first!''

''So that's how it is, uh?'' May quickly searched for her phone. ''What if I showed your girlfriend this picture where you are soooo close to Lisia?'' May referred to a picture where Brendan and Lisia were doing a performance together, they just happened to hold hands at the moment of saying goodbye to the fans.

''Are you trying to blackmail me?'' Brendan asked.

''...Maybe...'' May said looking to the sides.

''My girlfriend is a fan of Lisia anyway, she knows we are just friends.''

''Yeah sure, I bet that big forehead of hers doesn't even lets her think clear! Why else would she be dating a traitor like you?!''

''Alright, that's enough, I'm leaving, good luck, May.''

''GET BACK HERE!'' May called but Brendan kept walking away. ''...What am I going to do now?!''

''I mean, it is your fault for not investigating.'' Max said from the sides, he was looking at the whole conversation.

''M-Max, can you-''

''Nope, don't look at me, you know I have two left feet.''

''This isn't...no, I know, you said that the winner is the one who wins two of the three acts, right?''

''Correct.''

''Then all I have to do is win the first act! Then I'll say my partner was sick and they'll give the second to Lisia, then we'll be one on one and I'll just have to win the third act and done!''

''Well, that sounds like a plan, but what if you lost the first act?''

''...Then I'd be dead.''

''Straightforward, uh? I still think you have enough time to ask someone to be your partner.''

''Even if I have the time, we couldn't practice enough to make the act worth it, this is my only chance...I have to do it...on my own.''

Back to our gang in Veilstone, the sun was alrady setting and Ash led them to Reggie's house, where the aforementioned was right infront of the house feeding some Pokemon.

''Reggie, nice to see you!''

''Ash? My look at you.'' ''What brings you here to the ranch?''

''I was wondering if Paul was here.''

''He's not, he's been traveling other regions the last few years in fact, I don't know where he is right now.''

''Well, that's a shame.'' Ash said.

''Sounds kinda irresponsible too.'' Flannery added.

''I can give you his number tho, let's see if he wants to talk.''

Ash handed Reggie his Rotom Phone and the latter wrote Phone's number, giving the phone back to Ash, he made the call and the phone kept ringing for a few seconds.

''I honestly don't think he's going to-'' Ash suddenly stopped talking once the call was answered and Paul was on the other side of it, none in the room moved a muscle and everyone, even Paul simply stood still.

''...''

''...''

''...''

''...''

''...''

''Just what are you all holding your breaths for?!'' Bea broke the silence, not understanding the situation.

''I...it's been a while, Paul.'' Ash finally talked.

''It sure has...Wait, what are you doing in my house?''

''I came to Veilstone to see Maylene, then I wondered if you were here too.''

''Well, I'm not, currently I'm taking the Gym Challenge of the Galar Region.''

''Galar!'' Ash exclaimed. ''You're in Galar?! I'm taking the challenge too!''

''You are?'' Paul asked maintaining his expression.

''Yes, I have 3 badges now, what about you?''

''I'll battle for my 7th tomorrow.'' As always, Paul liked to be some steps ahead, even if he didn't know it.

''I see...then I guess I'll see you at the league.''

''...Yes, I guess so.'' Paul simply cut the call.

''Uh, wait, Paul!''

''He just cut the call on your face.'' Dawn said.

''All that drama for a 30 sec call?'' Bea asked. ''Who was that guy?''

''Paul was my rival here in Sinnoh...he really pushed me to my limits.'' Ash explained.

''I bet he's excited to know that you'll be in the league too.'' Reggie said.

''He didn't look particularly excited.'' Flannery said.

''Paul isn't exactly an expressive person.'' Ash replied.

''That's right, but I'll tell you this.'' Reggie got his attention again. ''Paul really respects Ash as a rival, not to mention he was really surprised after what you did in Alola.''

''Oh, right, I forgot to congratulate you!'' Dawn exclaimed.

''There's no need to, but is seems like everyone got a word of that, even Paul...lots of thing happened here in Sinnoh...'' Ash then looked at his former traveling companion. ''Dawn, would you like to talk in private for a second?''

''I...sure.'' Dawn simply answered slightly surprised by the request.

''Hey, wait, why are you-'' Bea was about to say something but Flannery interrupted her.

''Come on Bea, let them have their moment, not everything has to be about you, let's play a chess game or something.''

Ash took Dawn outside, it was night already, he simply stood there gazing t the sky so Dawn decided to talk first.

''Is something wrong Ash?''

''No...There's nothing wrong, but that little talk with Paul got me thinking, I didn't even ask how have you been this last years.''

''Uh? That's no big deal, Ash.''

''No, it is big deal, I...I'm sorry.''

''Sorry?'' Dawn didn't quite understand.

''Even though we did all those things together, even though we traveled together for a year, I...I hate to admit it, but I kinda forgot about you, I never tried to call or see how you were doing, so sorry.''

''You're being too harsh on yourself, we took different paths, that's all, but now we're together again so...I guess we can make up for lost time now, right?''

''I'd love too.'' Ash gave that signature smile f his and Dawn couldn't help but smile back. ''Right, first tell me, how was Johto?''

''Johto was great! I participated in some contest there, I also met this girl Whitey. We traveled together for a while and she participated in contests with me.''

''Whitney, the Gym Leader?'' Ash asked.

''The one and only, she was pretty annoying at first but we became really good friends, do you know her?''

''Of course, she was the third Gym Leader I fought in Johto.''

''Weird, he never mentioned you.''

''Well, I was just a trainer she fought back then, she probably doesn't even remembers me.''

Somewhere in Goldenrod.

''One of these days you'll be mine, my sweet Ash Ketchum, mine alone.''

''You okay?'' Dawn asked seeing Ash's dead glare.

''...I just got a bad feeling right now...anyway, keep going Dawn.''

''Well, that's pretty much it, I met Jasmine there again and I spent most of the time in Johto, then I went to Kanto for a few weeks, then back to Johto and here.''

''I see...''

''Well, what about you?''

''If you know I became champion I guess I don't have much else to say, everything stayed pretty much the same for me, some battles here, legendaries to help.''

''And you won a league.''

''Right, that's the one thing that changed.''

''I'm really happy for you, tho I wish I had gotten a word of it sooner, you could be sure I would have traveled there to cheer on you.''

''I think you're exaggerating.'' Ash said with a laugh and he received a quick forehead flick from Dawn.

''No, I'm not! I would have crossed the land to be there! I still have my cheerleader outfit after all.''

''Why do you still carry that?''

''Just in case, I haven't use it in a while, but I'm sure I can still do the work. What would you say if I used it while you have a battle here?''

''Well, I didn't come to Sinnoh for the battles.''

''But if you end up having one?''

''If I end up having one...I'd really appreciate it.''

''Then it's decided! I'm gonna be your aid!''

''By the way, how are your Pokemon?''

''Oh, they're great, I actually didn't catch any new Pokemon, but...'' Dawn searched for a Poke Ball and tossed it to the air with a Typhlosion coming out of it.

''Typhlo!''

''Your Quilava evolved!'' Ash exclaimed.

''That's right!''

''Ty-Ty!''Trainer and Pokemon made a pose together.

''That's great...hey, I know I already said it, but...I really missed you, I'm happy to see you again.''

''Pokedex entry 132, Ash.'' Dawn replied.

''...What?''

''Ditto, silly, hehe, me too.''

''Oh, I get it.''

''Pfft,I...hey, do you hear that?''

''Hear what...'' Ash suddenly heard the sound of something falling and looked up, noticing a large figure coming down at them. ''Watch out!''

Dawn, Ash and Typhlosion moved out of the way and a Ursaring fell knocked out in the place they were.

''Is that Paul's Ursaring?''

''Where does he come from?''

The two then heard explosions from the back yard of the house and went back inside

Meanwhile with Bea and Flannery.

''Do you have any fours?''

''Flannery, we are playing chess.''

''Ah...''

''Do you even know how to play chess?''

''Of course I do! ...go to jail?''

''Guys!'' Dawn shouted kicking the door of the house.

''Hey! I just fixed that!'' Reggie complained from the kitchen.

''What's wrong?'' Bea asked.

''Something happening in the back yard.'' As Ash said this, Paul's Gliscor came flying through a wall.

''Oh, come on!'' Reggie complained again and went to the back door along with Ash and co.

Paul's Pokemon were all at once fighting a rabbit-like Pokemon but this was too fast for them, said Pokemon attacked with an Ice Punch on Paul's Torterra leaving it frozen, Drapion then held the Pokemon with his pincers, but the rabbit used its ears as whips and smacked the scorpion on its face until he set it free, Paul's Pokemon then started to slowly back down.

''Is that a Lopunny?'' Dawn asked.

''I'm not sure.'' Bea said searching for her Rotom Phone. 'Mega Lopunny, the Rabbit Pokemon, It swings its ears like whips and strikes its enemies with them. It has an intensely combative disposition.'

''If it's a Mega then that means it has trainer, right?'' Flannery asked.

''Yes, I mean, that's how it works.'' Ash answered.

''Well, until that trainer arrives we'll have to control her.'' Bea said.

''I'll leave the fight to you.'' Reggie said. ''I have to check on Paul's Pokemon.

''Cinderace!''

''Infernape!''

Both Pokemon attacked with their Fighting Type moves, but Lopunny wrapped her ears around them and crashed them with each other.

''We'll help too! Typhlosion, Fire Blast!''

The move was about to hit but Lopunny countered using a sudden Water Pulse.

''Gallade, Psycho Cut!'' Bea released her Pokemon and he made the move but the Lopunny swung her ears around stopping the slash before it could land.

''Lucario, come on out!''

''Torkoal, Ninetales, you too!''

Dawn's Buneary, who was clinging to Pikachu, jumped infront of the Lopunny and tried to tell her to calm down, the Lopunny then raised her leg and tried to kick down, but Pikachu jumped just in time to protect her with an Iron Tail.

Lopunny crossed her arms and she was covered by a white light, multiple hearts appeared around her, the hearts broke into pieces and Lopunny jumped and began to slash Pikachu several times with her claws

''Gallade, Aura Sphere!'' Gallade tossed the ball, finally landing a clean hit on the Lopunny.

''Oh? Is there something wrong?'' Gallade asking looking at Lucario, who was giving him a weird look..

''I can't use my Aura Sphere properly but it seems like you have no trouble at all.''

''Well, it's pretty easy, it's not about you guiding the aura, is about the aura guiding you.''

''...that doesn't make much sense.''

''It doesn't have to, just look at this.'' Gallade tossed an Aura Sphere to the Lopunny, but she quickly wrapped one of her ears around Cinderace and put her infront of her to take the hit.

''Oh, sorry about that.'' Gallade apologized.

''You just have to feel it, no pressure, just go with the flow.''

Lucario sighed and put a paw infront of him, pointing at Lopunny. He closed his eyes and blue sparks came out of him.

''There, you almost got it, now keep calm and focus the energy in one spot.''

As this was happening Lopunny formed various Water Pulses and knocked down all the Fire Pokemon, she then looked at Lucario who was about to shoot.

''I'll give you some time, unleash it when you're ready.'' Gallade stood infront of Lucario and attacked with several Psycho Cuts, but the Lopunny spun around breaking them all with her ears

''Lucario?'' Ash asked calling, his Pokemon looked back and gave him a nod. ''...Aura Sphere!''

Lucario shot a massive Aura Sphere, Gallade moved out of the way and the move hit Lopunny directly, leaving her unable to battle on the floor.

''She's down!'' Flannery exclaimed.

''But why the Mega Evolution doesn't wears off?'' Dawn asked.

''I...I think I got a feeling.'' Bea searched in her bag, she found a Fast Ball and tossed it to the Lopunny and to everyone's surprise, the ball opened and absorbed the Mega Lopunny inside of it.

''The what?''

''T-That's not.''

''But how?''

However after a few wags, the ball broke open and the Lopunny came out looking steadily at the trainers. The rabbit jumped forward and landed two kicks on Bea who barely had time to block them, the Lopunny then jumped away and disappeared in the night.

''Is everyone alright?'' Reggie asked to Paul's Pokemon and they all nodded.

''What was all that? Who started that fight?'' Paul Pokemon then pointed in the direction that the Lopunny ran away. ''So it was her.''

''That was...you okay, Bea?'' Ash asked helping her get back up.

''I'm fine, don't worry.'' Bea said rubbing her arms.

''What was that Lopunny doing here?''

''I think I remember something...'' Reggie began to talk. ''Some years ago a Buneary stayed here with Paul's Pokemon, she stayed here some weeks, I gave her food and she spent that time here, one day she simply disappeared and I never saw her again.''

''You think that Lopunny was the same Buneary?'' Dawn asked .

''That would explain why she appeared here out of all places.''

''Maybe, but that still doesn't explain the Mega Evolution.'' Flannery continued the doubts. ''And why did Bea's Poke Ball absorb her?''

''A wild Mega evolution...but that's impossible.'' Dawn trailed off.

''Honestly, Dawn, with all I've seen, I can safely say that nothing is impossible.''

''Whatever it was...I don't think this will be the last time we see her.'' Bea then looked for her Rotom Phone. ''Rotom, you scanned the Lopunny, can you tell us something about her?''

''Let me see...her moves were Frustration, Double Kick, Ice Punch and Water Pulse, aside form that, I can tell that the Mega Evolution energy irradiating from her mas massive, as if she has been in that form for years.''

''Years? Are you sure?'' Bea asked.

''Of course, but that's all I could tell from my quick glance.''

''Thanks Rotom.''

''Well, I could offer you to pass the night here, but it seems like that fight broke down the house.''

''It's okay, Reggie, we'll go to the Pokemon Center.''

As Ash said, they were to the Pokemon Center to sleep, the plan was to go to Hearthome to see may on the next day, everyone had a separate the room, the night went calm and next day they all had breakfast, then they exited the center, Ash was leading the way along with Dawn and Flannery and Bea were a bit behind as the Galar native explained the rules of chess. Ash's Rotom Phone then began to ring.

''Ash, we need your help!'' A desperate voice called from the other side of the Video Call.

''Lucas? What's wrong?''

''Sandgem Town!'' Lucas tried to talk but the call kept turning into static. ''Team Galactic! They are-''

''Lucas!'' Ash exclaimed as the call was cut off. ''Mars, what did you do?''

''Mars?!'' Dawn exclaimed worried. ''W-Wait, Team Galactic!''

''I'll explain in the way there, we're going to Sandgem!'' Ash was about to start running but Dawn held his wrist giving him a worried look.

''Ash, Sandgem is really close to Twinleaf, mom could be in trouble.''

''...We'll go there too, don't worry.''

''We better start heading to the blimp station then, It'll take us 10-15 minutes to get there.''

''Let's hope Lucas can hold the fort until then.''

After explaining everything to Bea and Flannery and taking the blimp, Ash and co. made it to Twinleaf and quickly ran to the lab, the place had some walls destroyed and Prof. Rowan was outside of it, catching a breath.

''Prof Rowan!'' Ash ran to him. ''Are you okay?''

''I'll be fine Ash, it's nice to see you again, although I would have preferred to encounter in better terms.''

''So it's true? Team Galactic is back? Mars was still working for them?''

''Yes and no.'' Prof. Rowan answered with a sigh.

''Uh?''

''Team Galactic is back but it seems like Mars has nothing to do with it.''

''Where is she then?'' Dawn asked.

''And where is Lucas?'' Ash asked as well.

''...Please come inside.'' Prof. Rowan took the gang inside, almost everything was destroyed, then there was Mars, sitting on some Debris.

''Oh, great, you're here too.'' Mars said referring at Dawn.

''Mars, where is Lucas?'' Ash asked.

''T-They...they took him, it all happened so fast, they came out of nowhere, Lucas and I were organizing some papers..they took the Poke Balls with the Regis, Lucas tried to stop them and they took him too and I...I should have done something.''

''Mars, this isn't your fault.'' Prof. Rowan tried to talk to her.

''No, it is my fault! They knew I was here, they knew about the Regis, they must have been following my steps.''

''If they came here for the Regis then why kidnap Lucas?'' Bea asked this time.

''...Because of me, they must want something from me.'' Mars looked down again.

''Mom isn't answering my calls.'' Dawn looked at her phone worried.

''Team Galactic probably cut the communications from nearby towns.'' Prof Rowan explained.

''Don't worry, she has nothing valuable for them, I'm sure she's fine.'' Mars tried to help as she could.

''But why would Team Galactic be back now?'' Dawn kept asking.

''And if you haven't done anything for them, why would they want you back?'' Ash asked again accusing Mars.

''I don't know!'' Mars finally shouted. ''Why are you all asking me that?! I tried to leave all that behind and I was doing just fine and then...and then this happened.''

''...Sorry, Mars.'' Dawn apologized

''Look Mars, we want to help.'' Ash said. ''But if you don't know what's going on, then who knows?''

''That would be me...'' A man wearing a SWAT uniform and a helmet appeared in the front door.

''Uh...Looker?'' Ash asked.

''Dang it! I knew this outfit wouldn't work!''