pokemon Fighting Dreamers

''Would you like to have a battle with me?' That's all you had to say?'' Cinderace was discussing with Bea in their room of the Pokemon Center.

''Well, yeah, what did you expect?''

''Don't play with me, you were going to say something else but you stopped, why was what? What were you going to ask him?''

''That was exactly what I was going to say, After all, they say the best way to get to know someone is a Pokemon Battle.''

''Ah, so you do want to know him.''

''Perhaps...But I still have doubts.''

''Doubts?! You still?! ...Alright, let's recap...Has he done anything suspicious?''

''No.'' Bea answered.

''Has he treated you somehow badly?''

''No.''

''Has he been impolite for even a single second?!''

''No...''

''THEN WHAT'S THE DAMN PROBLEM?!''

''I don't know.''

''What do you mean by 'I don't know'?!''

''I just don't know, a part of me wants to trust him, it really does, but another part can't stop thinking that this is going to end badly.''

''Well, from what you told me, Ash risked his life and the life of his Pokemon just to help you, either he's way too kind or way too dumb.''

''Honestly seems like he's both.''

''So what will we do now?''

''Let's spent the the rest of the day training.''

''You think we can't handle him?'' Cinderace asked a bit offended.

''I saw that Pikachu take down a dozen of Linoones like nothing, if his other Pokemon are that tough we need to be prepared.''

''I feel like you just want to impress Ash.'' Cinderace said teasingly.

''This is not about that.''

''You know? I think you defeated that Obstagoon just to impress Ash.''

''I fought that Obstagoon to save you, IDIOT!''

Meanwhile the two girls were arguing, on the other side of the room was the rest of the team watching the discussion, Hitmontop was calm, since he was Bea's second Pokemon he was already used to their arguments, Rufflet as the newest member looked a bit worried by how all this would end, meanwhile Quilladin was enjoying the show, eating a bowl of popcorn that he's got from who knows where.

''Shouldn't we stop them?' Rufflet asked.

''No, it's fine, that's how they show their love.'' Hitmontop answered.

''Yeah, don't worry, newbie, this is the norm here.'' Quilladin added and offered Rufflet a popcorn which he ate.

Meanwhile, outside of the Pokemon Center was Ash, talking with Riolu and Oshawott.

''Alright guys, we'll have a battle tomorrow and since you two still haven't got a chance to meet each other, I thought you should have a little friendly battle, what do you say?''

''Osha!'' the otter prepared a Razor Shell as soon as he heard that, giving Ash an idea.

''Hey, Riolu, can you use Copycat to mimic a Razor Shell?'' The boy asked and Oshawott laughed as he was sure Riolu would be unable of doing it without a Scalchop, however Riolu copied it as he would do with any other move making the otter Jaw drop.

''Alright, we'll do a simple game, you guys will fight like swordmen using Razor Shell but you can't use any other moves, whoever breaks the sword first loses, understood?''

Oshawott and Riolu nodded to their trainer and looked at each other, Oshawott did the first move but Riolu quickly blocked and countered it, both Pokemon clashed swords back and forth for roughly a minute, they were fighting as equals until Oshawott stumbled and fell on his back, Riolu jumped and tried to land a slash but Oshawott blocked it just in time, both Pokemon were pushing on a power struggle and stood on their position until the two swords broke at the same time, Riolu nodded and offered his hand to Oshawott, the later accepted and Riolu helped him get back up.

''Well, that's a tie, Good work both of you, now return.'' Ash said retrieving both Pokemon.

''You know, Pikachu? Is kinda funny, everytime we try to leave Hulbury something happens that make us stay, if this keeps happening I'll have to move here.'' Ash and pikachu laughed and walked back to their room.

Next day, 2:00 PM

Bea and Cinderace were at the front door of the Pokemon Center waiting for Ash.

''You okay?'' Cinderace asked

''Of course, this is just a normal battle.'' Bea answered.

''If this just a normal battle why are you so nervous?''

''I'm not nervous.''

''You've been tapping you foot for five minutes.''

Bea then noticed Cinderace was telling the true and stopped tapping.

''Uh, it's nothing.''

''Why aren't you more honest with yourself?''

''Cinderace, we had already finished this conversation.''

''No, we didn't, you can't escape this forever, Bea!''

''That's it! Return.'' Bea pulled out the Premier Ball and returned Cinderace.

''When I get out of here, I'm gonna-'' The Ball retrieved the rabbit before she could finish talking.

''If she keeps that up i'm seriously going to lose it.'' She said to herself

''Hey there, Bea.'' Ash said as he came from the front door.

''Oh, Ash, thanks for coming.''

''No problem, are you ready for the battle?''

''Yes, of course, come with me.'' She pointed and lead Ash to the battlefield in the back of the Center.

''It will be a simple 3 vs 3 with switches allowed.'' Bea explained getting in position.

''Are you going to use Dynamax?'' Ash asked.

''No, in fact. I can't, Dynamax can only be used in power spots where the Dynamax energy is strong like in the stadium and since you said you're not used to it, I though a battle without it would be more fair.''

''Well thanks, I should really go buy that band too.'' Ash said and got on his position as well.

''With all that said, let us begin, I'll start with Rufflet.'' She released the avian who then flew to her shoulder.

''Sounds good, Riolu, I choose you!'' Ash released the canine who was ready to battle.

''A RIOLU?! Not only you had other pokemon, you had specifically a Fighting type?!'' Bea angrily shouted. ''You really made me went through all that for no reason?!''

''I told you, the heat of the moment made me forget...'' He tried to excuse himself.

''Fine, FINE! Whatever, This is Rufflet's first battle, but you better don't hold back just because of that.''

''Of course not, but this is also Riolu's first battle.''

''I guess that makes things a bit more fair, well then, Let's begin, ready Rufflet?'' The bird Pokemon nodded and flew to the battlefield.

''Let's start with Quick Attack.'' Ash ordered and Riolu rushed towards the bird.

''Crush Claw!'' Rufflet's claws were covered by a white light and he flew towards Riolu, grabbing him by the neck and stopping his run.

''Take him up and throw him.'' Bea ordered and Rufflet flew some meters up, it then launched Riolu to the ground.

''Use Vacuum Wave to stop the fall.'' Riolu created a wave of energy and launched it at the ground slowing down the fall and landing safely.

''Rock Slide!'' Rufflet's body was surrounded by a white light. The white light then turned into rocks that orbited around him, Rufflet then started spinning around firing the rocks at Riolu.

''Break them with Sky Uppercut and then use Copycat!'' Riolu quickly launched multiple punches breaking the rocks with his fists and once they were all pebbles, Riolu used copycat and just like Rufflet did, it launced rocks at his opponent.

''Dodge them with Aerial Ace!'' Rufflet was covered by a wind and quickly flew through the rocks avoiding them, once he was out of danger Bea gave another order. ''Good job, now go for Riolu!''

''Copycat!'' Riolu jumped and imitated the Aerial Ace but Rufflet had more force and knocked Riolu back.

''Crush claw!''

''Sky Uppercut!'' Both attacks clashed and the Pokemon stood on their place.

''Keep 'em coming!'' Bea ordered.

''You too, Riolu!'' Ash said as well.

Riolu and Rufflet started firing a flurry of blows, after a few hits, Riolu managed to land a clean Uppercut sending Rufflet up.

''Use Brave Bird!'' Rufflet was surrounded by a blue aura that took the form of a giant bird, it then rushed down to crash Riolu.

''Quick attack!'' Riolu ran towards the enemy attack, at first glance the power difference was obvious, a mere Quick Attack wouldn't overcome a Brave Bird, but Ash already already had a plan for that.

''Copycat the Brave Bird!'' The boy said and Riolu jumped to mimic the Brave Bird and with the impulse he already had from the Quick Attack it managed to beat out Rufflet's attack crashing him onto the ground.

''Aerial Ace!'' Bea said and Rufflet quickly got up to perform the attack.

''Vacuum Wave!'' Riolu launched the wave and hit Rufflet mid-air leaving the avian unable to battle.

''Good job, Riolu!'' The canine nodded but then it fell on his knees. "Are you okay?" Ash asked worried.

''Looks like the recoil of Brave Bird was too much for him.'' Bea said.

''You must be right, Riolu, you should take a rest for now.'' The canine shook its head as he wanted to keep fighting despite the damage he has taken, so Ash had to think of something else. ''I know, how about you sit on that bench and watch the battle while you rest? It could be a good chance for you to learn some things.'' Riolu sighed and accepted walking to the bench. He won the battle, but he knew he shouldn't get cocky about that, after all he was a barely a rookie that managed to beat another rookie.

''Alright Riolu, pay attention to the rest of the battle.'' Ash said as he pulled out another Poke Ball from his pocket.

"Oshawott, I choose you!" Ash said and the otter came out with his Scalchop on his hand.

''Thanks Rufflet, you did well.'' Bea retrieved the bird and then looked at Ash. "That was pretty impressive, you managed to outsmart me even with a Pokemon on type disadvantage."

''If I had a coin for everytime I've heard someone say that.'' Ash said with a rather nostalgic smile. ''Type match-ups aren't everything, Bea.''

''Of course they aren't.'' She pulled out a Quick Ball. ''Let's go, Hitmontop!''

As Hitmontop got out it started to quickly spin like a top scaring Oshawott making him walk back to Ash.

''Oshawott, you promised it.'' Ash said and the otter just sighed on got back to the battlefield.

''Let's go for an Aqua Jet!'' Oshawott was covered by water and flew towards Hitmontop.

''Hitmontop, Triple Axel!'' Hitmontop jumped in the air and started spinning, his feet were covered by a white cold energy and it landed three kicks, the first one stopped the Aqua Jet, the second one froze it and the third one knocked it onto the ground breaking the ice and revealing a shivering Oshawott.

''Use Drill Run while he still on the ground!'' Hitmontop spun and rushed to the ground using the spike of his head as the point of a drill.

''Oshawott, use Aqua Jet to get out of the way!'' Oshawott did as told and moved just in time, Hitmontop crashed on to the battlefield but the Drill Run kept going beneath the surface as if used the move Dig.

''Where is he? Oshawott guard up!'' Ash then noticed a trail of ground rising up going towards Oshawott.

''Come out now!'' Bea said.

''Behind you! Razor shell!'' Just the moment Hitmontop got out the ground Oshawott turned back and slashed him with the Razor Shell sending him flying back a few meters.

''Hitmontop! Are you okay?'' The pokemon grunted and enduring the pain, got back up. ''We are not done yet, use Triple Kick!'' Hitmontop quickly jumped and directed the attacks and while Oshawott was able to block the first two kicks, the last one knocked the Scalchop out of his hands.

''We got him! Drill run!''

''Hydro pump!''

''What?!''

Before the Drill Run could reach him, Oshawott crossed his hands and a giant shot of water stopped Himontop's attack knocking him back again.

''Oshawott, go get your Scalchop back.'' Ash ordered while Hitmontop was recovering from the last hit.

''Quick, Reach him with Rapid Spin and the hit him with Triple Kick!'' The fighting Pokemon quickly got on the spike of his head and dashed towards Oshawott, before it could reach the Scalchop, Hitmontop landed three quick kicks and sent him flying, it then got close up to see if Oshawott was knocked down.

''Revenge!'' Ash said and Oshawott was covered by a red aura, before Hitmontop could react, the otter quickly got back up and landed a powerful punch that sent Hitmontop flying to the wall.

''Let's end this! Aqua Jet!''

''Get up and use Drill run!''

Both attacks crashed, but Oshawott's revenge dealt too much damage leaving Hitmontop almost without energy, the top Pokemon slowly stopped spinning and Oshawott overcome it with Aqua Jet, knocking Hitmontop down and leaving him unable to battle.

''Good job, Oshawott!'' The otter sat down exhausted and took a moment to breath.

''Thanks, Hitmontop.'' Bea said recalling him and then looked at Oshawott. ''I really didn't see that Hydro Pump coming, he seems to small to know such a move.''

''We're full of surprises.'' Ash said proudly placing his hands on his hips as Oshawott got up to imitate his trainer's pose.

''Yeah, I can see that, but don't think you've won just yet. I still have my trump card. '' Bea then pulled out Cinderace's Premier Ball. ''You said type match-ups aren't everything, let's put that to test...''

''Cinderace, let's crash!'' The rabbit came out of the Poke Ball but instead of looking ready to fight she was sleeping on the ground and while this gave Ash and Pikachu some nice memories, Bea wasn't happy at all.

''Cinderace, what are you doing?! We are in the middle of a battle!'' Her trainer exclaimed.

''So?'' The Pokemon asked still faking sleep.

''So?! You have to fight!''

''No, I don't want to.'' She rolled on the ground and yawned.

''Why not?!''

''Cause you won't listen to me!''

''Are you serious?!''

''I won't move a single finger until you say you're sorry.''

''Bea, is everything alright?'' Ash asked seeing the conversation from the other side of the field.

''Yes, just give me a moment.'' Bea answered him and then looked back at her partner. ''Cinderace, come on!''

''I'm waiting...''

''Sigh, I'm sorry...Now get up and fight!''

''Meh, good enough, we'll continue this later, what's the situation?'' Cinderace asked finally getting up.

''We're losing 2 to 0, but his Pokemon are weakened from their battles, we can still turn the tables.''

''2 to 0? Guess you weren't exaggerating when you said we needed to be prepared, but don't worry, turning tables is my speciality.''

''Alright Ash, we're ready to continue.''

''Good, can you keep going Oshawott?'' Ash talked to the otter only to notice it was looking at Cinderace drooling with hearts in his eyes ''Uh? Not again.'' Ash was a bit annoyed, but it's not like he didn't expect this to happen eventually. Once Oshawott got back to his senses, it ran to a nearby bush and picked some flowers, he ran back to the battlefield and gave them to Cinderace. But instead of taking them Cinderace rolled her eyes and created a small flame on one of her fingers, burning down the flowers and leaving Oshawott crying.

''Cinderace, that was way too rude!'' Bea said feeling bad for Oshawott.

''You're one to talk, Miss 'you don't know me at all'!''

''That's not the point!''

''Of course it is, you want me to be romantic? Why don't you go and tell that boy how he makes you feel!''

''Stop saying that or el-''

''Or else what?! You're gonna sing 'I won't say I'm in love' while I do the muses' part?!''

''It's fine, Bea.'' Ash interrupted the arguing thinking they were still talking about Oshawott. ''He falls in love all the time and this is how it always ends.''

''You're lucky he doesn't understand a word I'm saying or else I would have already-''

''Cinderace! Uh, you should at least apologize to Oshawott.''

''Fine, uhm, Sorry buddy, but...you're not my type.'' Cinderace squatted and put an arm on Oshawott's shoulder, but he was still crying. ''Hey, look at the bright side, there are plenty more water types in the sea, I'm sure you'll find the right one someday, Also, if you're in a bad streak of love that just means at some point you'll have a big lift, like that guy who was rejected 100 times and then ended up having 100 girlfriends that really, really, really, really, really love him, How does that sound?'' Oshawott stopped crying and nodded still a bit sad. ''Why don't we continue the battle? That will make you feel better.'' Cinderace gave Oshawott a friendly punch on the face making him smile and get back on his position.

''Geez, I'm really good at making motivational speeches, I should make a seminar or something.'' She said to herself and got back in her position as well.

''Let's go for an Iron Head!'' Bea restarted the battle.

''Counter it with Aqua Jet!''

Both attacks crashed but Cinderace outpowered him, knocking Oshawott back a few steps.

''Electro Ball!'' Cinderace charged electricity and launched the ball at the otter.

''Deflect it with Razor Shell!'' Oshawott quickly got back up and used Razor Shell to deviate the ball.

''Electro Ball again!''

''Razor Shell!'' The scene repeated as Oshawott successfully deflected another time.

''Who are you? Genji?'' Cinderace asked annoyed.

''I have an idea, Kick an Electro Ball into the air.'' Bea said.

''What?'' The Pokemon asked confused.

''Just do it!'' Cinderace did as told and once the ball was about to fall onto the ground, Bea gave another order.

''Now kick it up again!'' Once again Cinderace kicked the ball but this time it grew in size.

''Oh, I see what you're doing.'' The rabbit kept kicking the ball up and down until it was almost of her size.

''That doesn't look good.'' Ash commented from his side.

''Now throw it at him, with all you force!'' Bea ordered and Cinderace kicked the giant ball directly towards Oshawott.

''Block it with razor Razor Shell!'' The otter tried to block but the Electro ball made it through his shield and exploded knocking out Oshawott.

''Down goes one.'' Cinderace celebrated.

''Good job, Oshawott, return.''

''Pikachu, you go next.'' Pikachu nodded and was about to jump from Ash's shoulder, but Riolu used Quick Attack from the bench and stood infront of Cinderace.''

''Well, what do we have here?'' Cinderace asked jokingly.

''Looks like Riolu wants to fight next.'' Bea pointed out.

''Are you sure, Riolu? You're still a bit damaged from the battle with Rufflet.''

''OL!'' The Pokemon barked, surprised by Cinderace's power and wanting to face her himself.

''Alright Riolu, give us your best.'' Ash said.

''Cinderace, Pyro ball!''

''Use Copycat!'' Riolu imitated the attack but Cinderace's ball was much bigger and destroyed Riolu's, the latter managed to avoid the attack by jumping.

''Vacuum wave!''

''Electro ball!'' Once again Cinderace's attack was much more powerful and beat out Riolu's, this time he was unable to dodge and received the hit.

''Iron Head!'' Before Riolu could get back up, Cinderace jumped and headbutted him, the attack flung him to the wall knocking him out.

''And down goes two!'' Cinderace cheered as she jumped in the air. ''Can't touch this!''

''Thanks, Riolu, you did well.'' Ash returned Riolu and looked at Pikachu. ''Well Pikachu, it's up to you.''

''Come at me, little mouse, I'm on a streak!'' Cinderace said.

''Looks like you're a showboater after all.'' Pikachu commented with a serious face.

''What did you just call me?!''

''Cinderace is really strong!'' Ash said.

''Of course, but I can tell Pikachu is really strong as well.'' Bea replied.

''Yes he is; and now we'll show you how we battle.''

''Then come and get us! Iron Head!''

''Pikachu, Iron Tail!'' Pikachu jumped to land the hit and Cinderace charged the attack to counter, but Pikachu's impulse was enough to overcome.

''Pyro Ball!''

''Electroweb!'' While Cinderace was charging the attack, Pikachu launched an Eletric-charged web to the ground and Cinderace's feet got glued on the web making her fail the move and fall.

''Quick Attack!''

''Cinderace, Scorching Sands!'' The rabbit stomped on the ground firing it up and burning the web, she then a kicked a pile of the hot sand towards Pikachu who wasn't able to avoid and failed the attack.

''Now Pyro ball!''

''Iron Tail again!'' Pikachu managed to get up in time and cut the ball in half with his tail, the rodent then kept going until it hit Cinderace in the head.

''Thunderbolt!''

''Scorching Sands!'' Cinderace got up and kicked the sand, The lightning flew through it and while the Thunderbolt successfully landed it had no effect on Cinderace at all, surprising both Pikachu and Ash.

''What's wrong, little mouse?'' Cinderace said with a grin.

''Cinderace's ability is Libero.'' Bea explained. ''She changes its type to the type of the move she uses, so when she used Scorching Sands, which is a Ground type move, she turned into a Ground type as well.''

''So that's why Thunderbolt had no effect.'' Ash said. ''But that just sounds like Protean with extra steps.''

''What is Protean?'' Bea asked.

''Well, it's an abi-'' Ash was about to explain but Bea stopped him.

''No, wait! Don't answer me, I think I've got the idea, Why do all our conversations end up like this?''

''Heh, I don't know.'' Ash scratched his head.

''Alright, Pyro ball!''

''Electroweb!'' The web caught the ball and exploded mid-air.

''Quick Attack!''

''Iron Head!'' Cinderace stopped the attack with her head and shoot Pikachu to the ground.

''Don't let him get up, Pyro Ball!'' The ball directly hit Pikachu and knocked him down, Pikachu then tried to get up but fell again, after a few seconds, the mouse still didn't get up and the trainers thought the battle was over.

''Are you okay, Pikachu?'' Ash asked worried.

''Pi...ka!'' The rodent finally got up and all of a sudden Pikachu's body started glowing covered by a blue aura.

''Is he...Evolving?'' Bea asked.

''No, Pikachus don't evolve just like that.'' Ash answered.

''Something else is happening.'' Cinderace said as she prepared for whatever was about to come.

A giant wave of water appeared beneath Pikachu's feet lifting him up, the water then started moving towards Cinderace with Pikachu riding on top of it as a surfer. It then crashed down the fire Pokemon and exploded leaving an injured Cinderace, a confused Pikachu and two surprised trainers.

''Well, that was...unexpected.'' Bea didn't believe what she just witnessed.

''Unexpected?! That was fricking plot! Where the heck did that Surf come from?'' Cinderace complained while coughing water.

''Wow...Pikachu that was awesome!'' Ash exclaimed

''I didn't know a Pikachu could use Surf like that.'' Bea said still surprised.

''Me neither, this is the first time Pikachu has done it.'' Ash answered excited.

''Cinderace, can you still fight?''

''Of course I can.'' She said trying to dry herself.

''Pikachu, Iron Tail!''

''Use Pyro ball!'' Cinderace tried to use the move as usual but she wasn't able to fire up the rock.

''I can't! I'm too wet!...wait, that doesn't sounds rig-.'' She stopped talking as Pikachu landed the Iron Tail directly on her face.

''Use Thunderbolt!''

''Block it with Scorching Sands!'' Cinderace stomped the ground but this was too wet to heat up.

''Still nothi-!'' She once again received a direct hit from the rodent.

''Argh, use Iron Head!''

''Thunderbolt again!'' The attack directly landed on Cinderace's head making her fall down to the ground, Cinderace got up but shortly afterwards she fell on her knees.

''Use Surf again!'' Ash ordered and Pikachu glowed blue creating a wave of water again.

''How's that for a little mouse?'' Pikachu said with a grin on top of the wave.

''Very...funny.'' After muttering that, Cinderace was covered by the water and was left unable to battle, Bea then quickly rushed to the battlefield to check her state.

''Cinderace, are you okay?''

''H-Hold me closer Bea, it's getting dark.'' She said in pain.

''W-what?!'' Bea almost felt like her heart stopped.

''Tell Aunty Em to let Old Yeller out.''

''...Don't scare me like that, Take a rest, you were amazing.'' Bea retrieved Cinderace to her Poke Ball, she then sighed and kneeled down on the battlefield.

''You okay, Bea?'' Ash asked getting closer.

''I'm fine, it's just...Let's just say I've been having a bad streak recently.''

''Really? Well, believe me when I say we all have bad streaks from time to time.''

''I guess so...Still, you are way stronger than you look, Ash.''

''You're really good too, right, Pikachu?''

''Pika!'' the Pokemon gave her a thumbs up.

''Why don't we go the center to heal our Pokemon?'' Ash said offering his hand.

''Sure, let's go.'' Bea accepted his hand an got up.

After giving their Pokemon to Nurse Joy both trainers sat on a couch together to wait.

''Hey, Bea, are you going to take the Gym challenge?'' Ash asked.

''No, I'm not.''

''Then what is you goal?''

''My goal?''

''Yeah, like, what do you want to do on your travel?''

''I...I don't think I understand the question.''

''I mean, aside from the traveling itself, what do you want to be? For example, I want to become a Pokemon Master, some people want to be Pokemon Doctors, other are into Pokemon Contests; and the list goes on, there's even something called Dragon Buster.''

''Well, now that you mention it, I'm not sure, I guess I just wanted to explore the world and all that.''

''Is that so? Then I hope you find what you want to do.''

''Yeah...sure, still, a Pokemon Master...That's a pretty big deal, isn't it?

''Yes, it is, But I'm closer everyday, soon enough I'll be Ash Ketchum, the Pokemon Master!''

''Ketchup? Like Ketchup and Mayo?''

''No, Ketchum with an M.''

''Oh, sorry.'' She laughed a bit.

''Bea, all you Pokemon are fully healed.'' Nurse Joy called and the girl went to received her Poke Balls.

''Thanks, Nurse Joy.'' Bea then headed back where Ash was with a rather sad face. ''So...you're going to Turffield, I guess this is where we part ways.''

''For now, but I Hope to see you again soon, Bea.'' Ash offered her a handshake which Bea accepted.

''Hope to see you again too, thanks for everything.'' She said as she went upstairs and back to her room.

''Bea, hold on a second.'' Ash said from the bottom of the stairs.

''Yes?'' She stopped and looked at him.

''Would you like to travel with me?'' He said this with a big smile, He has been thinking about it since the battle started, normally he wasn't the one that asked that question, but with all they've done together, it seemed like the logic thing to ask.

''...What?'' Bea was so shocked that she barely managed to say that.

''You see, I love to travel with company and it's been pretty fun to be with you and since you said you don't know what you want to do in your travel, maybe I could help you with that, I could help you find out what you want to be. You and your Pokemon are pretty strong too, I'm sure that we'll all make a great team together, what do you say?''

''That...that actually sounds pretty good.'' She smiled and her face lighted up, of course she wanted to spend more time with Ash, what would be better for that than traveling together with him? She walked down a few steps and was about to accept the offer, but something deep inside stopped her and didn't let her do it. ''No...I'm sorry Ash, but I can't go with you.'' Without saying anything else Bea turned his back on Ash and started walking back upstairs.

''Oh...It's alright, be safe.'' Ash said trying to hide the fact that he was a bit disappointed.

''Yeah...you too.'' Bea kept walking upstairs and left Ash alone.

''Ash, all your Pokemon are fully healed.'' Nurse Joy called again and the boy went to get his Pokemon back.

''Thanks, Nurse Joy.''

''How are you feeling, buddy?'' He asked to pikachu once he was on his shoulder.

''Pika!'' the mouse said happily.

''Alright, Why don't we go but that Dynamax band now, Pikachu?'' Trainer and pokemon walked outside of the center and headed to the shop, Pikachu noticed his trainer was looking a bit down so the Pokemon asked in his lenguage hoping his trainer would understand.

''Pika?''

''I'm okay, I asked Bea if she would like to travel with us, but she declined.''

''Pika?'' The mouse said sadly lowering his ears.

''You wanted her to come with us too?'' Ash said and Pikachu nodded.

''Well, I guess it was a bit of a sudden proposal after all, she must have had her reasons, but I'm sure we'll meet her again, so let's not be sad, we have a long journey ahead of us.''

Ash made it to the shop and crossed the front door, everything looked like it would in a normal store except for a man close to a wall lying on the floor on top of some rubble, Ash got close to him and noticed a hole on the roof, apparently he fell from there.

''Sir, are you okay?'' Ash asked to the man but he didn't answered, he was looking at the hole in the roof with dead eyes.

''Hello there, welcome to the Battle shop!'' Another man called Ash from the counter and the boy walked towards him.

''Uh, is he okay?'' Ash pointed to the man on top of the rubble.

''Yeah, don't worry, that's just Ron, he does that all the time, Anyway my name is Billy, what can I do for you?''

''I would like to buy a Dynamax band.'' Ash said.

''Of course, we have plenty of those, hang on a second.'' The man searched down the counter and came out with a small white box full of Dynamax bands. ''Pick the one you prefer.'' Ash looked at the bands and since they were all exactly the same, he just picked the one on the center.

''I'll pick this one.'' Ash took the band and placed it on his wrist just like he saw Bea using it. ''So, how do I use it?''

''Well, it's pretty simple, You see this screen-like thing? When you want to use Dynamax, press it here, then you have to recall your Pokemon to its Poke Ball, the band will absorb the Dynamax energy in the area and direct it to the Poke Ball that will then turn huge and that's when you have to throw it, the Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokemon will come out ready to battle.''

''So, I have to return the Pokemon to its Ball to use Dynamax?'' Ash asked a bit worried.

''Indeed, but just for a few seconds.''

''Sorry Pikachu, but it looks like you'll have to endure it.''

''Pika...'' The rodent complained with an annoyed face.

''Your pal is not a fan of Poke Balls, is he?'' Billy asked after looking Pikachu's reaction.

''No, he really isn't, how much do I owe you?''

''Just give me 50 Sawbucks and you're good to go.''

''Here you go, thanks Billy.'' Ash handed over the money and left the shop.

''Good luck, kid!''

After a few more walking Ash made it to west of the city, pretty close to the place where he caught Riolu, it was 3:00 PM and the sun was shining in the sky ''Here we are, Pikachu, Route 5.'' Ash said ready to take the first step but before doing that, Ash looked to the sides and waited a minute, in case something were to happen making her stay in Hulbury yet again, after 2 minutes of nothing but some Fletchings flying, Ash started walking a bit more relaxed. ''Seems like we are good to go, Pikachu.''

''Pika...'' The mouse let out a relieved sigh.

Back to the Pokemon center, Bea was in her room and had just released Cinderace.

''Geez, that battle was rough, but when we get a rematch I'll show him.'' The rabbit commented streching, but she didn't receive an answer, She noticed Bea was looking to the floor, so the fire Pokemon sat next to her. ''Hey, what happened?''

''Ash happened...he asked me to travel with him.'' She answered.

''Really? that's great!'' Cinderace rejoiced, but then she noticed her trainer wasn't enjoying the moment as much. ''Why aren't you happy?''

''Because I refused.'' Bea said still looking down.

''You what?! You! YOU! Why are you like this?!'' Cinderace was getting tired of Bea's denial.

''Cinderace, I-''

''No! Not anymore! I'm sick of you and your negativity!''

''Why do you insist so much with him?''

''Why don't YOU insist?! You smile so much when you're with him, you look so happy! And then, just when you and he are getting closer, you take all the steps back and act like you've never met him! Why do you keep trying to push him away?!''

''Cinderace...that has nothing to do-''

''BEA!'' The rabbit shouted her lungs out and then calmed down. ''...How do you feel when you're with Ash?''

''I-''

''And be honest, please...If you don't want to be honest with him at least be honest with me.''

Bea though a few seconds before answering. ''You...You're kinda right, I do like being with him, he's so positive that...he makes me feel better, happier perhaps.''

''Positive, uh? Alright, what else do you think about him?''

''He's really determinated, he's a pretty good battler too, he just seems like a good person overall.''

''Good, I think you're getting my point now, why don't you go downstairs to tell him you reconsidered his offer?''

''Cinderace, even if I want to go, it's way too risky, he's taking the Gym challenge, we could end up back in Stow-on-side, it's not just about you guys and me, Ash could be in danger too.''

''There are 18 gyms in Galar and he just need 8 badges, you just need to convince him to not go to Stow-on-side and everything will be fine, come on.''

Bea stood silent and looked down again.

''I know, let's do this...'' Cinderace sat behind Bea and covered her trainer's eyes with her paws. ''Just close your eyes and let the voice of love take you higher.''

''Would you stop using metaphors?! Is like I'm not using this hairband at all!''

''Sorry, what I mean is: Close your eyes and listen to your heart, let it give you the right answer.''

Bea closed her eyes and thought about all those moments she has shared with Ash in the last few days, all the things they've done, all the things they've said, all those thoughts quickly flood her mind.

''I was worried that something had happened to you.''

''I'll do everything I can to help you.''

''Just trust me!''

''What you did was really impressive.''

''It was pretty fun.''

''You're really good too.''

''I hope that you find what you want to do.''

''Would you like to travel with me?''

She couldn't have more doubts, she felt like she didn't had the right to do so. ''I'm a horrible person...'' Bea said sadly lowering her head again.

''At least you realized it.'' Cinderace said jokingly. ''But accepting your mistakes is the first step to fix them, so...what are you gonna do now?''

''I'll try to make all of this worth it...Let's see if he's still on the center.''

''Yeah, go get him, girl!''

Bea and Cinderace quickly ran outside of their room and downstairs but Ash wasn't in the couch anymore, so Bea rushed to talk with Nurse Joy.

''Excuse me, Nurse Joy, can you tell me in which room Ash Ketchum is?''

''Sorry, he checked out a few minutes ago.''

''So he already left...'' Bea said.

''Where do you think he could be? Cinderace asked her trainer.

''Did he mention where he was going? Bea asked to Nurse Joy again.

''Uhm, let me think, yes, I think he said he was going to buy a Dynamax band.''

''Then Let's go to the battle shop, he must be there.'' Cinderace said.

''Alright, thanks, Nurse Joy, I'm checking out too.'' She handed over the keys and ran to the shop.

''He's not here either.'' Bea opened the door and saw the shop was empty, she then walked towards the man on the floor.

''Excuse me sir, have you seen a boy with a cap and a Pikachu? She asked to Ron who still didn't answer.

''Hey girl, I saw him.'' Billy answered from the counter. ''He bought a Dynamax band some minutes ago and left.''

''Maybe he's at the Stadium testing it.'' Cinderace said.

''Then let's go.''

Once again they ran to their destination but at the Stadium they only found emptiness.

''Not here...What now?'' Bea said starting to lose hope.

''So that's it?! You're giving up?!'' Cinderace tried to motivate his trainer.

''I'm not giving up, just let me think, he said was going to Turffield, Turffield, Turffield...Route 5!'' She jumped the stairs of the stadium and ran to the west of the city.

''Hey, don't leave me here!'' Cinderace quickly caught up to her trainer and let out a small laugh. ''I love how that boy just makes you lose all your cool.''

''Shut up!''

After reaching route 5, Bea finally got a glimpse of Ash at the distance.

''There he is!'' As tired as she was, Bea didn't stopped running, she needed to talk with Ash, she wasn't going to let him get away, not now that she finally made up her mind.

''Ash! Ash, wait up!'' She called.

''Bea?'' Ash looked back and stopped walking.

''What happened? Zigzagoons again?''

''No, no, Actually, Ash.'' She stopped a moment to catch her breath. ''I...I have a request.''

''Request? And what would that be?''

''You asked me if I wanted to travel with you...is that offer still up?''

''Well, yes, I-''

''Look, I know what I said, but I thought about it and I...I...''

''Bea, of cour-'' He tried to talk but she interrupted him.

''No Ash! Please, Before you say anything, I have to talk this time!'' Ash stood silent and made a hand signal telling her to go on, Bea took a deep breath and kept talking.

''I know you probably feel like I've been trying to avoid you all this time...and that may be truth, so first I want to apologize, you have done so many things for me since we met and I haven't done anything for you, even when I told you I don't know what I want to do, you said you wanted to help me find out, and I simply refused everytime you showed me kindness, if you don't want me to go with you anymore I'll understand, but for now...this feels like the right thing to do, I want to go with you, I'm totally sure and I promise I'll help you with all I can just like you've helped me, so please...LET ME GO WITH YOU!''

''Bea, of course you can travel with me.''

''W-what? Really?''

''Sure, you just had to said you needed a moment to think.''

''Uh...well...I guess that little speech wasn't necessary, now was it?'' She said a bit embarrassed.

''Not really, but it was a very nice of you.''

''Heh, thanks...''

''Then I guess that makes us partners.''

''Of course...'' Bea offered a handshake and Ash accepted it.

''Lead the way, partner.'' Bea said but Ash shook his head.

''Why don't we both lead?'' Ash offered.

''If that's what you prefer.'' She said standing next to him.

Side to side, the trainers and their Pokemon were now together, walking onwards a new chapter of their lives, but what kind of adventures are waiting for these two fighting dreamers? Well...we will see soon enough.