Archive of Our Own

"Wait, what’s the Battle Chateau even about?”

Clemont threw him an incredulous look, putting down his cup as Bonnie shook her head with a sigh. To his credit, Ash just shrugged, leaning back on the sofa as he looked up at the ceiling once more. “I know, I know, I should’ve actually asked a little earlier, but it sounded fun!”

“How do you even do this?” Serena mumbled as she brought out her guide, quickly thumbing through the options as she sat on the chair adjacent to him.

It was morning and a warm one at that— the sky was free from clouds, the breeze just light enough to give everyone a light bounce to their steps. This Pokémon Centre was situated on a road that ran parallel to a large river, and the air was just that much fresher for that. Maybe that’s what got Ash thinking more than usual… and there’s another thought. He snorted to himself as he closed his eyes, to the befuddlement of the rest of the group. Pikachu barely moved from his loafing position on the seat next to him.

Serena cleared her throat before reading off the screen. “Well, according to my travel guide, it’s a facility where people can battle other people in a formal setting, befitting of the knights of old. It says that if you win, you’ll get something as a reward, though I’m not sure what.”

“Formal?” Ash scrunkled his nose as he thought about the implications of that. “We don’t have to dress fancy or anything, do we?”

“It doesn’t say anything like that.” She set the mini-computer down on her lap as she looked off to the distance. “Although that is a great idea now that I think about it…”

“Do you think that they serve cake there?” Bonnie said as she looked over the travel guide, with Serena spontaneously laughing and Clemont giving a little shake of his head. Ash shrugged to himself as he mused about the potential battles he can have there, and how it could help him, and what he could do to get ready before they set off once more.

A hand tapped his shoulder from the side, and the Kantonian tried to shrug it off. Another tap, and he groaned, rubbing his eyes before opening them. “Are you really that annoyed with me— Huh?”

“Yo, yo!” A stout young boy raised his arm up, giving them a wide smile. “Heard you asked about the Battle Chateau, yo!” 

Ash blinked. “You heard us?”

“It’s not that hard when you’re that loud, yo!” The speaker touched the highest point of his nose with two fingers, closing his eyes as he nodded along as if he were listening to a particularly deep and heavy song. “Can’t believe you’d come this far without knowing the jewel that graces Rivière Walk, yo, yo!”

Ash glanced a look at the others, who seemed to be similarly experiencing the stages of shock that he went through. Turning back to the two boys, Ash let out a nervous chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck bashfully. “I’m sorry if we disturbed you, then. I’m fairly new to Kalos, so I don’t know everything yet.” He then flashed them a grin, pulling down a determined fist as he declared, “But from what I’ve heard so far, it seems like this is the perfect place to train for my next Gym Battle, so I’m sure it’ll be good no matter what!”

“Yo, looks like someone’s pretty confident!” The boy laughed, then waved at someone who was behind Ash. “Heyo, heyo, bro; I’m right here!”

“There you are!” A younger boy stumbled towards him, a big Flying Type atop his cap as a smaller Fletchling flew around him. “Nurse Joy says that they’re all good to go, yo!” The unknown Pokémon hopped off his head before landing on the first newcomer. “So, who’re you hanging out with, yo?”

There was a scratching sound next to Ash. He ignored it, pulling out his Pokédex as he talked. “Oh, I’m Ash!” He waved before pointing to his partner, “And that’s Pikachu, my buddy. I’m travelling with my friends here—”

“I’m Bonnie!” the younger girl called out, leaning over her seat as she stared at the Fletchling. “That’s so cute!” The other boy smiled as the tiny Pokémon fluttered down to rest on his shoulder, rubbing its head with his pointer finger. Turning around, Bonnie then nudged Clemont, “And this is my brother, Clemont.”

“Nice to meet you,” Clemont said cordially, giving them a small nod. The group then turned to Serena, who was narrowing her eyes at the duo. “And that’s… Serena?” the inventor awkwardly tagged at the end of his introduction.

She squinted for a few seconds more before saying, “Wait, were you both… trying to rap?”

The two brothers froze in their spots, seemingly at a loss for words.

“Anyways, you said that you know about the Battle Chateau?”

“Know about it? We’ve been there for ages, yo, yo!” The youngest quickly shook off his own shock and proudly pointed a thumb at himself. “Name’s Chester, and my big bro here is Nico!”

“It’s great to meet you all!” Nico flashed them a massive grin and his Pokémon squawked happily. Quickly reminded of the mystery, Ash dug out his Pokédex and scanned it, reading the information on the screen before a hand gently pushed it down. “Although I’d rather see your face rather than a Pokédex, yo.”

“Sorry, sorry!” He quickly pushed it back, remembering the name of the Pokémon. A Fletchinder, evolved version of Fletchling. This day was already becoming more interesting with each passing second. “Me and my friends are planning to go to the Battle Chateau, so we’re going to learn about it today face-to-face. You’ve been there many times, right? Are the battles good?”

Nico looked up and took a deep breath before sighing. “Can you believe it, Chester? They said they’ve never even seen the place before! That won’t do at all.” He tapped their couch before moving out. “C’mon, c’mon, we’ll show you the way ourselves. Get you properly acquainted with one of the best battling facilities in the world, yo, yo!” Chester beckoned them forward as they made their way to the door at the end of the Pokémon Centre, and it was all Ash could do to not sprint there himself.

Today was the day.

He’s going to make every battling experience worth it, and it all started now. Walking down the path to the Battle Chateau at long last.

“Will they ever get acquainted with not saying yo?” Serena muttered under their breath as they all walked out of the building into the warm world outside, on the road once more.

Chester grinned as he looked back and said, “It’s just part of our charm, yo, yo!”

She just grumbled in reply as Bonnie patted her arm and Clemont covered his mouth.

The sky was so big and blue.

Ash walked alongside Nico, who was talking while watching the flight patterns of his Fletchinder. “I used to do the Gym Challenge, but once I found the Battle Chateau I just got hooked on it, you know? It’s a totally different environment from what you’ve probably seen before.”

“Really?” Ash was intrigued, listening to his every word. The others were walking behind, and Chester was excitedly babbling about the matches that he had seen in there. Pikachu chirped in marked interest. “What Gyms did you go to?”

Nico shrugged. “It’s been a while. I think the one in Lumiose? But I was a total bummer over there, didn’t even know the Type Chart, haha!” He shot Ash a look, before elaborating with, “The Lumiose Gym is an Electric Type Gym.”

“I know.”

“Did you know that the Fletchling line are all at least part Flying Type?” Grinning at the narrowed eyes Ash gave him, Nico added, “Fletchinder is also a Fire Type! Thought you would’ve looked that up with the fancy Pokédex you’ve got.”

Ash glanced over at Fletchinder who was wheeling in the air, embers scattering with every flap of its wings. He briefly thought about his own and how warm to the touch it always felt like. Just another difference to Kalos and something else to consider. “Okay, you got me there. Say, is your Fletchinder really strong? I’d like to battle you today, if you don’t mind.”

“Hmm, we’ll see how good you are in the Battle Chateau before I make any promises.” Nico shrugged at the incredulous look Ash gave him. “Trust me, it’ll be worth it.”

“We’re here!” Chester called out as the grand building came into view. Coming up in front was a massive archway and a path across the river that it bisected, and the Kantonian peered upwards at the writing above them all, bold and strong.

“What does it say?” Ash asked as he stopped to look up at the fancy font of Kalosian hewn into the stone entrance above them.

Serena squinted up and said, joint with Clemont’s voice, “‘Show your strength with a title’.”

Both Ash and Serena faced Clemont. His gaze was downwards, but he gave them a smile when he noticed their attention. Ash shrugged to himself— after all, Clemont did know a lot and was the one to recommend them here— before walking past the arch and into the courtyard of the Battle Chateau itself, finding himself marvelling at the grand estate and the lake beside it. “It’s… awesome!”

The building stretched as far as they could see, a sprawling expanse of regal charm and wit coalasing into what was before them. Two stories full of ancient tales in and of itself, it was a towering mansion with turretted pavilions, a series of windows spanning the top floor and the bridge spanning over the crystal blue waters below. It was magnificent and it was grand, striking awe to all those who perceived it, and Ash… Well, even with his hunger for the battle, he couldn’t help but scan every corner of the building in his own time, captivated by the sheer power its aged walls seemed to hold.

“So, what are you waiting for?” Nico gave Ash a smirk, Pokémon recalled and shrugging his own shoulders before walking towards the massive doors ahead of them. Fuming and utterly left on the back foot for once, Ash followed, letting the inner light of the Battle Chateau embrace him as he entered inside.

Already the atmosphere felt different— his shoes tapped on polished tiles, the ceilings high and lofty, stairways curling upwards to floors unknown. There was a lady dressed as a maid in front of them, and Nico stopped a few steps away and bowed. Chester came up to his brother and did the same action and Ash, glancing back at his friends, decided to follow in their lead.

A voice rang out, “Baron Nico! It is a delight to see you in these halls once again.”

“And it’s an honour to be here, Duke Chalmer sir.” Nico rose up and dusted himself off, taking the offered white ribbon pin from the maid in front before looking at the old man who entered the space. Said man was walking over to where the maid stood, and everyone else followed the path he made with their eyes as Nico went to speak. “I’ve brought my brother Chester here today so he can start his own challenge and participate in the battles himself.” Chester did an extra bow before giving a meek wave.

“Well, if that is all—”

“I want to do it too!” Ash burst out.

The halls fell into silence. 

“Not cool, yo,” Nico hissed lowly before coughing into a fist. He then put a hand to his chest, making eye contact with the butler as he added, “Pardon us, but is it alright if he can join as well?”

The maid nodded, stepping forward as she greeted the newcomer with a smile. “Of course! We welcome all challengers to the Battle Cheateau. May I ask your name?”

He glanced at Nico, who gave him a purposeful look, before flashing the maid with a big smile. Sticking a thumb to his chest he said, “I’m Ash, and this over here is Pikachu.” Pikachu chirped as Ash bumped his shoulder up. “And we’re both from the Kanto region. This is the first time I’ve ever heard about the Battle Chateau, so I’m really excited to see what it’s all about!”

Both the maid and the old butler looked at each other, before the old man clapped his hands together with a small smile. “All the way from Kanto, you say? Then it’s an honour to be hosting you on such an auspicious day. Welcome, Ash, and may you enjoy your experience here in Kalos’s very own Battle Chateau!” They bowed at him, and Ash felt his cheeks flush with colour as Chester snickered beside him.

The formal pair then walked over to the stairs and Nico gestured for everyone to follow, all of them making their way upwards.

Ash pumped his hands up in joy as Pikachu chirred excitedly. “We’re in, buddy! Can’t wait to battle all those strong Trainers and their Pokémon!”

“I can tell,” Nico commented drily, with Chester giggling beside him. Turning to his brother, the older boy then rubbed his head and said, “You’ve got this, okay? Don’t hold back and show them what you’re made of!”

“I will!” The Fletchling on his shoulder twittered, bending its body back as if readying itself for battle right at that moment. The two brothers then went to hype each other up with a varying amount of ‘yo’s sprinkled within, quickly boring Ash and getting him to reflect on this moment.

This was his chance. This was the perfect place to brush up on his skills. He’ll battle some strong people here, get all of his Pokémon ready, and then make his way through the Gyms.

(Then the League, the Elite 4, and eventually the Champion themselves.)

(And then he’ll be a champion.)

(And then he’ll be the strong one.)

(And then…)

Ash looked back at his own friends, smiling at how Serena was chatting with Bonnie about the place, with Clemont leading the back as usual. There was something about the inventor’s posture that looked… more closed off than usual. Ash squinted, thinking about joining him back there, but then he heard Nico talk about some sort of surprise happening today and his mind blanked just as quickly. “What kind of surprise?” he asked, squeezing himself next to the Fletchinder Trainer as he gave him the cutest pleading look he could muster.

Nico raised an eyebrow. “You mean you came all this way to the Battle Chateau and you didn’t even know about the crowning event? Geez, you sure don’t know much.”

“You see, today is the day where two Trainers will be battling it out for the greatest title that can be bestowed on a knight,” Chester interrupted, causing Ash to quickly let go his attempt of tackling the older brother, “It’s very rare for someone to get up to this stage, especially two people at once, so it’s a very big deal here.”

“A knight?” Ash cocked his head. “We’re not actually battling ourselves…”

The butler gave a polite laugh from ahead of them, turning his head over as he joined the conversation. “Oh, heavens no. We refer to all Trainers here as knights, battling for prestige and glory. As one continues to battle they refine their skills, gaining the experience through fellowship and honour and advancing through the many ranks. As Baron Nico has mentioned, today is very much a special day for the acquisition of a truly rare title indeed.”

“Sounds fancy,” Bonnie piped up, looking intrigued as she came up to the second floor behind them, Serena in tow. “So I can even be a knight one day? And if I beat enough people then maybe become a princess and a queen and—”

Serena tried to stifle her laughter as Duke Chalmer gave her a warm smile. “If you hold on to that energy by the time you become a Trainer, I’m sure that you’ll be a very formidable foe around here, my dear.”

The young girl pumped her arm up. “Yeah! Me and Dedenne can totally take out everyone for sure! And then we’ll get that great title and be crowned and everything!” Dedenne squeaked from the pouchette and everyone chatted, and everyone was happy, and Ash’s eyes were on the doorway ahead of them. The maid noticed and nodded, quickly making her way to the double-set doors and standing beside it.

All the talk quietened down, and the owner of the building stood on the opposite side and cleared his throat. “Beyond these doors is where all the knights congregate. May you all do your best and stay true to yourself.” The maid then opened the doors, and Ash was already stepping through, holding a hand over his eyes as the bright light washed over him—

Another pair of footsteps mimicked his lead. “Man, it sure is a great day for a good battle,” Nico’s voice called out, and Ash squinted at him as the other boy playfully punched his shoulder. “C’mon, the sun isn’t going to last forever! Let me show you around, yo!”

After blinking a few times, Ash realised that the source of the bright lights was, in fact, the sun. Or rather, the massive floor-to-ceiling windows that were installed on the far side of the second floor, flooding the place with illumination that could rival the collective light of every star in the universe itself. Shaking his head (and making sure that Pikachu was alright), Ash bounded over to where Nico was standing, a bar of sorts. The other Trainer was grinning as Ash finally approached him, sitting down on a spare swivel chair and patting the one next to him. “So, this is the parlor of the Battle Chateau. As the Duke said it, it’s pretty much the one place where all us Trainers can meet up and talk before a battle.”

“And this place here is where we can get drinks!” Chester chirped, sitting next to his brother with a smoothie at hand. “Hydration is important!”

“Cool…!” Ash was turning his head around, trying to see everything. There were people milling around, most of them looking focused and ready for battle. “So they’re all knights too?”

“Yup, we all are!” Chester slurped up his drink through the straw before gesturing around. “Outside is the battlefield, you can get a pretty clear view from the balconies, and there’s a room where challengers can get their cape based on their noble title, and over there is where Duke Chalmer gets to check out the view, he gets his own spot you know—”

“Whoa, whoa, yo, you’re confusing him!” Nico chuckled as he picked the cup right out of Chester’s hand. Ash was blinking rapidly as he tried to process the information, eyes darting around the place as he tried to connect the words with the appointed areas. A large hand waved over his eyes before a big toothy smile greeted him, with Nico tipped his hat as he said, “Sorry about my bro, yo.”

Ash was still buzzing with excitement all the same, and all Chester did was make him even more impressed. “No worries, it sounds like there’s a lot to this Battle Chateau than I thought.”

Chester puffed up his chest. “Of course there is! The Battle Chateau is only for the best, yo yo!” 

“They’re still doing it…” Serena murmured as she siddled next to Ash. Shaking her head at his bemused look, she grabbed a nearby cup. “I’m just going to try some of the drinks they have here.”

“Don’t get anything too sugary, the battle is enough of an appetiser,” Nico called as he fended off his younger brother from trying to reclaim his cup. Serena gave him a tight-lipped smile before hurriedly making her way to the other side of the bar, pointedly not giving them any eye contact. Nico looked over at Ash, who shrugged. Maybe she’s just really thirsty?

Thinking about her reminded him to look around for the others; turning his chair around, he managed to spot Bonnie was trying to wrestle a very-awake Dedenne from leaping over the counter and stealing the fruit, passing by Serena who barely reacted as she stared at the self-serve machine and its flavours. After a bit more active search he also caught a glimpse of Clemont talking to the maid lady, who was looking a lot more animated than she was before. 

Everyone was adjusting fine to ths place, and that just made the fire inside Ash burn even brighter. New competition and a new place! What else could he ask for? Turning back to Nico and Chester, he opened his mouth before hearing a loud crashing sound behind him.

He felt claws dig into his shoulder as Pikachu squeaked in alarm, scrabbling off the surface of the bar in front of him back onto his usual perch on Ash. He quickly turned around again to find a man desperately clinging onto the side of a wall, a sight that he was surprised to have missed from the time he had spent being inside the room. Craning his neck closer, Ash hesitantly lifted himself off his seat and took a few steps forward so he could get a better view.

Everyone else other than his friends looked too calm about the incident, which was even stranger to see. He glanced back at Nico, who shrugged. “Don’t worry about it. Grant’s always like that.”

“Grant?” Upon further observation, it seemed that a pillar was knocked over, but there was no item atop it. Was it already cleared before that man started climbing? Why is he climbing? So many questions…

“Anyways,” Chester said, walking up next to Ash, “There are usually battles going off all the time here. Someone else must’ve just finished before we came in, which is why we’re having a break time— it usually goes for up to twenty minutes, depending on how the battle is. People can challenge each other based on their titles, which you can tell with the pins that they have; basically, you have to battle someone that is of the same noble title as you. And if you win enough battles you can climb up the ranks and get a higher title! …Are you with me so far?”

Ash scratched his cheeks with a finger before thumping his chest with a proud, “Not a chance!”

Chester stared at him agape as Nico laughed, coming by them and clapping Ash on the shoulder. “That’s fair. It makes a lot more sense when you go through the whole process yourself, so I wouldn’t sweat all the small details.”

“But they’re not small,” the younger boy whined, looking offput. He then gave a surrpiteous look at his brother. “And before you say anything, don’t, yo!”

“I wasn’t, I wasn’t!” Nico then gave a small wink at Ash. Ash just shrugged, a small smile on his face as he looked around the area.

The Battle Chateau has so much for him. So much potential, so many knights, so many battles watched and participated on its land. Ash wanted to take advantage of it as much as he could for his own future battles, for the Gyms and then for the League itself. He’ll practice, he’ll get stronger, and the results will show.

Then his dream will come true. Then he’ll be a champion, and finally make all that experience worth it.

And then, and then—

“Yo! You just got challenged, bro!”

Ash startled at the loud exclamation as Nico took the gloves off his shoulder and gripped it tight with one hand, grinning at the person behind him as he turned around. “Baron Nico, pleased to meet you.”

The young man in front of him bowed a little. “Baron Farell, and the pleasure is all mine.” A bell started to ring inside the room, deep and reverbating, and everyone’s gazes locked onto the large windows as they opened up— And Ash realised that they were actually doors, and wow if his breath wasn’t taken away before by the splendor of this building, it probably would’ve left now anyways. He gasped as he watched the two boys walk towards opposite ends of the hall, where two small doors were situated to the side, while everyone else were making their ways to the outdoor balcony. “So they’re going to battle now, right?”

“Yup, right out in the tiltyard, yo.” Chester slurped at his drink as he stood up and started to walk there too, waiting for Ash a small while away. “C’mon, we’re going to miss the good spots if you keep lagging behind.”

“Okay, okay, I’m coming.” He walked off with Pikachu on tow, the mouse crackling with anticipation as his wide eyes took in the numbers swarming the patio. As Ash passed the barrier his own eyes caught onto that strange man again— Grant, wasn’t it— as he hung above the topmost ledge of the window-doors. He shook his head as he continued to make his way outside, finding where Bonnie was waving him down with a tall drink next to her. Ash gave her a raised eyebrow at the sight of Dedenne drinking out of the bottle, with her giving him a defensive shrug. He shrugged back with more force to it, and she rolled her eyes and patted the small mouse. Pikachu sat next to Dedenne, chirping in confusion as the latter faced away from him while hugging the bottle possesively against his chest.

Chester tapped the bottom of his cup against the banister before sighing, withdrawing his mouth from the straw. “Dang it. I’m going to get another drink while I’m waiting, do you want anything in the meantime?”

“No, not really.” Ash was practically vibrating, hands gripping the railing with a death grip as he stared at the field in front of him. Wide, massive and expansive wasn’t even covering half of it. The stage was above water, but the river still flowed around it, making it perfect for Water-Types as well as giving ground for other Pokémon. The view was immaculate, allowing everyone to have a good look at the battle happening at any time, and Ash couldn’t believe it, this looks just as good as a Gym Battle by appearances only and the battle hasn’t even startedyet—

“The battle hasn’t started yet, has it?” Serena spoke up next to Ash, making him jump in his skin. Her gaze quickly found the ground as her fingers tapped a quick beat against the same railing Ash was gripping, her voice going soft. “Uh, I’m guessing not. Good thing I came now then, this place looks packed.”

“‘Scuse me, coming through, yo, yo!” Chester squeezed in between them, a jumbo cup within his hands. He looked at the two of them before whispering, “Don’t tell my bro.”

Before anyone could say anything the bells ceased their ringing, and a loud horn blasted through instead. Heads turned downwards, and Ash spied two small figures making their way to the boxes marked for Trainers on either side of the stage below. His breath caught. Was that…

“Those capes look so awesome!” Bonnie whispered loudly as she hung up the banister, kicking her legs out in joy. Serena held in a gasp at the flowing fabric, white hues glinting under the sun. The figure on the right turned his cap around, the sharp Fletchinder eyes facing forward now, and the figure on the left adjusted his cape. Another maid made their way forward, below the balcony but just viewable, and called out, “You may greet the challenger!”

Both knights walked forward, bringing out a Pokéball and pressing them together. A few seconds passed before they turned back and marched back to their places, the same Pokéball still in their hand. Ash’s eyes narrowed as he continued to watch closely, muscles in his arm tightening with the anticipation.

“As knights, it is your duty to battle with the rules of chivalry in mind. Through this clash, deeper connections may be formed, and a victor will be decided not only by the strength of their attack, but of their heart and the courage within. Now, with that in mind…” The maid brought her hand up and then threw it down, sharply finishing with, “Battle, commence!”

“Fletchinder, come on out!”

“Dusknoir, I call upon your aid!”

Two flashes of light revealed the two Pokémon called— Nico’s Fletchinder circling the skies as Farrell’s Dusknoir floated into view. A voice called out, “What a lovely match-up indeed!”, and Ash looked up to see Duke Chalmer standing above them in his own personal corner, an eye on Ash himself.

The old man winked before turning his head back to the field. “I do like to observe some of the matches of the day. It brings me a kind of peace to see a long-lasting tradition of Kalos standing strong with the youth of today, even with Gym Battles remaining mainstream.”

“Pardon for asking,” Serena hesitantly asked as she tucked away the Pokédex (brought out at Bonnie’s insistence), “But do you know when the crowning event is going to happen?”

“Hmm, it should happen at noon, though one of our knights has not appeared as of yet. Still, I assure you that it will be most interesting and a battle of a lifetime, so do stick around for that.” Returning his attention back to the battle at hand, he mused, “Not to take away anything from what is in front of us, of course.”

Ash’s eyes were already glued onto the action in front of him, mapping and watching every move that has been made since the start of the match. Fletchinder was incredibly fast with its Flame Charge and Aerial Ace, but Dusknoir also had a few tricks up his sleeve. A well-timed Thunder Punch made Fletchinder flinch, backing away in the air as the Ghost Type then charged up a Shadow Ball to hit them with. His breath whistled out as he noticed the nods both knights made before calling out their next moves, whizzing by each other and clashing with a bang.

And the thing is, Ash was always captivated by battles. He’s been watching them ever since he first understood what Pokémon were, viewing every match on grainy TV, practicing his throw in the backyard as his mother went out to the restaurant by day. Peering over the windows at Oak’s Lab, roleplaying fights while watching wild Pokémon in the forest all around them. He’s been eating battles off cereal boxes branded with Kanto’s Champion, breathing battles with every though buzzing in his head, dreaming battles every night sprawled on hard ground or soft beds.

And that is to say, he’s finally close enough to touch it.

And that is to say, Ash is so close to the action, he can taste the embers.

All too soon, the battle concludes and both knights bow at each other, capes fluttering with the graceful movement. Ash never expected Nico to be so fluid, so charming, but thus lies in the mysterious power of this place. A power he is eager to experience himself. An announcement rang out across the floor: Baron Nico has now ascended to the noble title of Viscount, and another maid, there’s apparently three around here now, walked by the victor with a blue cape at hand. Ash turned to the turret where Duke Chalmers was and found it empty before feeling a tap on his shoulder.

Turning to Chester, the young boy pulled his mouth off the straw and spoke. “You’re wondering about the capes, aren’t you? You see, for each noble title, you get a different colour cloak which you get at the rooms over there and there.” He vaguely gestured to each side, before continuing. “Haven’t seen it personally, but I heard there’s this whole system there with every size of cape you can ever imagine, and these Pokémon give it to you! But enough of that. Basically, white is for Baron, as you have seen, and blue for Viscount, green for Earl, yellow for Marquis, red for Duke and purple for Grand Duke!”

“So the order is…” Bonnie brought out her fingers and started to count on them, “Baron, Viscount, Earl… uhh…”

“Marquis, Duke and Grand Duke. Wow, that’s a lot of titles.” Bonnie quickly counted them up as Serena listed the rest. The older girl then mused to herself before saying, “You don’t say that we’re probably going to be seeing a Grand Duke crowning, do you?”

“Or a Grand Duchess, don’t forget that!” A familiar voice chimed next to them, and Ash’s heart almost jumped out of his chest as he turned around and faced—

“Long time no see, Ash and Pikachu! And you too, Bonnie and Serena!” Viola laughed as she took in their faces, making a frame out of her fingers as she added, “If you keep those faces up, I’m sure you’ll land a hit in someone’s photo album.”

Pikachu chirped out a greeting as Ash tried to swallow back his voice and maybe his heart as well. Serena gathered her senses the quickest, giving a flustered, “Uh, hello, Viola! _{You’re super far away from the Gym today…}” She then paused, thinking back to what was just said. “Wait, did you just say—”

“Looks like someone was listening.” The Santalune Gym Leader’s clothing looked completely different to the fit she wore a few weeks ago; instead of a loose singlet and trackpants she was in much more formal wear, with a pure-white ruffled blouse and a knee-length skirt. Viola pointed to herself as she said, “I’m a Duchess right now, the female equialent to Duke, and I’m here to finally add the ‘Grand’ to my name. In about…”

Another crashing sound erupted, right when the applause for Nico had ended, and Ash could see Viola roll her eyes as she discreetly covered her mouth with a sigh. “I said ‘grand’ not Grant,” she muttered underneath her breath before turning around and calling out behind her. “Okay, what was it this time? You saw someone bring some shiny new rocks?”

“Why couldn’t it be to applaud the wonderful battle in front of us? Or perhaps the sight of your wonderful face again, my dear Viola?” The man shakily stood up from his fallen position on the ground, rubbing his backside as he threw the lady a smirk. “Sounds like someone isn’t confident today.”

“You’re not getting me with that excuse.” She walked forward, staring him right in the eye with just the amount of resectable distance to sell it. 

Grant kept up the look, lazily drawling, “If you keep coming late, then of course I would watch the doors for you. It’s not my fault the walls wouldn’t let me go in the meantime. But even so, I wouldn’t want to miss the battle of a lifetime, Sunshine.”

She growled, turning away. “You’re insufferable. Can’t wait to wipe the smile off your face on the field today.”

“It’s about sixteen minutes, by the way!”

“I knew that!”

“Do you think they know each other?” Serena whispered as the two separated. Ash shrugged as he kept his eyes on that man as the Gym Leader left his vicinity, so casual yet brimming with…

“Hey, Chester,” Ash asked, still looking forward. “Is Grant strong?”

The young boy nodded as he came up beside Ash. “Didn’t you know? He’s a Duke as well. One of the strongest around here.”

Strongest… Ash felt his hand clench by his side, shaking with excitement. Nico finally came up the stairs to see Ash turning out to the field below with a grin and sighed, already looking put out even with the stylish cape swirling around him and his cap turned back once more.

(This is the place. This is the time. He can get stronger.)

A sugar-crazed Dedenne jumped the newly-crowned Viscount and everyone panicked, action flowing all around them once more.

Serena was standing off at the side as she watched the time tick by. Ten minutes until the crowning event. She glanced at Ash, who barely sat down the entire time they were here, and smiled to herself. Of course he would be excited about this; it’s all he could ever dream of.

A battle between two powerful people. And now, a Gym Leader in the very same building.

Viola did insinuate that she was going to get the highest title. So if she were to battle today, then who would be her opponent? Could it be…

“You’re thinking a lot, aren’t you?” Speak of the Renegade… Serena managed to restrain her fright by putting a hand to her chest gently, catching the eye of the Gym Leader beside her. “Sorry about that, I just wanted to catch you before I go down there. You’re not too busy, are you?”

“No?” Viola was blocking her sight of Ash, but then again, it probably didn’t matter. He had eyes on the battlefield after all.

Viola grinned as she pulled off the strap around her neck. Serena looked down and noticed a camera and her cheeks flushed. The older woman gave her a big smile and said, “If it isn’t too much, I want you to mind my camera for me. It’s going to be a blast down there, and I want to capture every moment.” She petted the bag before holding it up to her. “Just a small warning, though.”

Serena was reaching out towards it before pulling her hands back, eyes wide as she watched the playful face of the photographer slash battler in front of her. “What?”

She gave her a wink before miming a picture snap with both thumbs and pointer fingers. “If you see a good opportunity at all, I want you to capture it, no wait times allowed! This camera is made for seeing the world in a box, so think outside it at all times, alright? If you can do that, then I know this bag is in good hands.”

“I…” Serena has taken way too many opportunities handed out to her lately, and all of them have changed a small part of her. What will this camera do to her now? She tried to look back, but Viola shook her head, putting both hands on her shoulder.

“You’ve got to make the decision on the spot, Serena. Looking back isn’t going to give you the answers here. The only thing that is stopping you is your imagination, so—” Viola looped it over Serena’s head, fitting her with the bag— “I want to see what you can see, okay? So make sure to find what clicks for you, even if it is only one moment on the breeze.”

“But—” The bells started to toll, and Viola let out a long exhale as she started to back away, giving her an apologetic wave.

“Sorry, no time! But seriously, give it some thought, okay?” She quickly made her way to the wide doors, hurrying out with her dress flowing around her and her hair up and looking so different to before.

Serena fingered the flap. Could she…?

The camera clicked just as the sea of people split into two, one woman making her own path through as a particular man watched her from under the eaves.

Just a minute shy of one of the greatest battles yet, in the middle of the illustrious second-floor of the Battle Chateau the silence spread out like a particularly harsh snowstorm, as white as the pair of gloves resting on Viola’s shoulders.

Her right hand slipped off the piece of clothing on her left shoulder, her head turning over to face the challenger. “Really, Grant? It took you until the very hour itself to—”

“Duchess Viola, I would like to challenge you.”

The woman shook her head, before pausing. Gripping the gloves, she then gave him a tired smile as she responded with, “Then it would be my honour to accept, Duke Grant. Now can we finally get to the doors?”

He returned her grin with his own, slipping his hands into his pockets as he regained all his nonchalance to shrug. “I thought you’d never ask.” They turned away to walk towards each side of the room, presumably to get their capes, and the horns sounded again, this time blaring seven times.

A shaky-looking Clemont sitting by the corner of the room was jumped by Ash as the excitable trainer sat next to him, hands already moving around as he chattered. “It’s happening, it’s happening! Do you know what’s going to happen, Clemont?”

“Two Gym Leaders fighting for top spot in the Battle Chateau,” he mumbled, before looking up at Ash’s shocked face. “I mean, two Dukes— Well, a Duke and a Duchess, if I recall correctly. Attaining the highest title. Yeah.” He looked down again, and Ash felt his own mood shift.

Putting a hand on his friend, he sat a little closer to him. “Are you alright?” Ash understood that there were a lot of people around and a lot of talking to go with it, and Clemont wasn’t exactly sociable. They’ve been here for an hour at least. It’s probably been a lot on his nerves. “If you want…”

Clemont shook off the hand and gave him a smile. “I’m fine. Just… need some time alone, that’s all.”

“Oh, okay then.” Ash stood up and looked over at where everyone else were congregating. He should get moving soon if he was going to get a good spot. “Well, then, you know where I am, alright? Call me if you need anything!”

The inventor gave him a small wave as Ash jogged back to the pavilion, squeezing his way through to find that thankfully, there was a small spot where Serena was. Sidling next to her, he noticed the camera in her hands. “That’s new,” he said, laughing at the shocked look she gave him.

She grumbled afterwards, her grip tightening over the device. “Geez, you all need to stop scaring me today!”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” He eyed the camera, noting how new and shiny it was. “So…?”

“So?” She raised an eyebrow, before looking down at what she had and then facing away from him. “It’s just a small thing Viola asked me to do. It’s nothing really.”

“Wait, so she trusted you with—”

“It’s nothing,” she repeated, playing with the scroller at the top of the camera, voice soft. “It’s just until the battle is over.”

Ash nodded and looked over the balustrade. “I still think it’s cool though, you know. Alexa wouldn’t let me anywhere near her ones and we travelled together for a while. Viola must really trust you.”

Serena looked thoughtful at that. “Hmm. Maybe you’re right.”

“Of course I’m right!” He gave her a charming grin. “Tell me one time that I’ve been wrong.”

“Well, last night you said—”

A bugle cut through their talk, and a loud and clear voice echoed across the yard from the turret next to them. Standing straight was Duke Chalmer as he faced forward and said, “Today is a very felicitous day as we had previously just viewed the crowning of a new Viscount, and now we will have the crowning of the highest title coming up before us. Please welcome, Duke Grant and Duchess Viola!”

The applause was thunderous as the two red-cloaked figures entered the courtyard down below. Ash could pinpoint the Duke and Duchess immediately, and that familiar fire started to burn within him. A battle between two strong people? Two very strong people?

(He lost once, and it was to the first Gym.)

“Surskit!”

“Onix!”

This was a battle he couldn’t afford to lose (sight of). He barely noticed when Bonnie popped around, or when Chester and Nico finally found them.

“Battle, begin!”

All of his focus was on what was transpiring down below.

“We’ll go first. Surskit, Ice Beam!”

“Wow, that’s a powerful move right off the bat,” Nico proclaimed as he leaned one side over the railing, cape finally off. Ash’s eyes narrowed; he knew this move. He knew this strategy,

“She isn’t aiming for him,” he whispered as the beam collided with the ground below the Rock Snake Pokémon, spreading out frost and creating a smooth surface for Surskit to glide across. He could see the sweeping movements of Grant as he guided his Onix to slide around as well, and he bit his lips as he thought about the logistics of it.

Onix was very heavy, and they’re Rock as well as Ground Types. They have an internal compass, he remembered, which allowed them to know the way when tunnelling— could that also apply to being spun around on the surface? Either way, they were weak to Ice, and if you got hit enough times it didn’t matter your defense or your attack power.

And Viola’s Surskit was a fast one. A trilling sound bounced across as the Pond Skater Pokémon twirled around the Rock Type, its antenna standing up straight as its Trainer called out a Bubble Beam. Again, a very effective attack. Ash couldn’t help but stare at Grant, trying to figure out what his strategy was. If he were a Duke, he must’ve gone through an impressive amount of battles in this Battle Chateau alone.

Enough to challenge a Gym Leader outside their Gym.

Enough to grasp at the ultimate title here.

The Onix roared as he took the brunt of the damage before its outer layer flashed under the sun.

Was that a move? He couldn’t tell, but by Grant’s posturing, it seemed to be part of his plan. Viola shook her head as she then called for Surskit to throw out Signal Beam and—

(—it slammed into Pikachu when he was down, sparkling hues catching onto the ice on the ceiling and the ground itself and there was nothing he could do, nothing he could say but—)

Onix glided away, smoothly dipping as the beam crashed into where it last were. “Your speed has definitely improved!” Grant called out, and Viola waved her hand at him dismissively.

“You haven’t seen anything yet! Use Bubble Beam once more!”

“Alright, Onix, playtime’s over! Let’s seal their speed in a tomb!”

Surskit glided over to Onix, footwork steady, but then hovering rocks materialised above it. Rock Tomb. If successful, it would definitely stop Surskit in its tracks. But how would it nail it down to just one position?

“Now, Onix!”

Boulders rained down from the sky as Surskit twirled around, an elegant dance that had been directed and guided by the rocks blocking its path. Ash gasped as he noticed the positioning of the rocks itself, the difference of the execution of this move.

“Hey, Nico, do you think that—”

“Yo! He’s actually controlling where Rock Tomb lands!” The older brother sounded impressed, his tone betraying his shock at the accuracy of the move, and Ash felt his blood pumping faster as his hands clenched by his side. Nico was absolutely right: Grant managed to tweak the move to fit Onix in such a masterful way, the move colliding with the ground in a controlled manner and eventually boxing in Surskit. 

The tiny Pokémon shook in its place as Onix loomed above it, having dispersed the rest of the boulders as the Rock-type opened its mouth for a devestating move. “Now it’s your turn, Surskit!” Viola yelled, and Surskit spun around in its place while finally releasing the bubbles in massive quantities, shielding it from sight.

Onix shook his head as Surskit skated out of its prison, gliding once more on the ice battlefield as the two knights readied themselves for the next barrage of moves. Almost instantly they called out for a Signal Beam and a Flash Cannon, and the whole sky briefly flashed white as both attacks collided in mid-air.

Ash’s heartbeat echoed in his ears. His fingers were biting into his palm as his teeth clenched, his neck craning forward as if he could get any closer than he already was. 

He was so close (to understanding to knowing to believing).

The two knights huffed as the smoke of the collision died down. “You’ve really been working on that Rock Tomb, haven’t you?” Viola panted as she conceded over a slight nod of recognition.

Grant waved his arms out as he replied, “Only the best for you! And we’re not even close to done yet.” He flashed her a grin as he called out, “Onix, let’s give them a taste of their own medicine! Rock Polish once more!”

“No you don’t! Surskit, Ice Beam!” The Pond Skater Pokémon slid towards Onix, charging up the super-effective beam, but a glow flashed over the latter as it dully growled, the same glow as before.

When the beam was finally able to fire, Surskit let it rip, ice-blue aiming right at the Rock Snake Pokémon as it finally decided to move and— It dodged it, sliding around the ice much more nimbly than before, wrapping itself around Surskit and roaring at it as it was then forced to retreat from another barrage of beams. “That’s right, Onix! Go with Rock Tomb again!”

“Protect!” The rocks fell from the sky much more quickly, but Surskit threw out a forcefield that warded them away, disintegrating them before they could crash anywhere nearby. “Now go for Ice Beam again!”

This time, the beam hit the tip of Onix's tail, freezing it in place. Surskit hummed as it went to skate around its prey, and Ash just dimly noticed that the others were talking throughout the exchange of moves when Chester let out a low whistle and said, “It’s definitely over now.”

Grant calmly called out, “Onix, jump.”

Everyone’s eyes bugged out, even Ash himself, as the Rock Snake Pokémon pulled itself up to its full height with its whole body as it arched throughout the air, ripping its tail free from the ice with a graceful move that would’ve been expected on a much lighter creature as its Trainer then followed it up with, “And now, Rock Tomb!”

“Bubble Beam!” Viola was quick on the draw, not letting her surprise keep her down, but Onix had a greater view and was quicker now, rocks falling down faster than Surskit could ward them off. The final Flash Cannon was an easy mark with Surskit trapped behind the large boulders, so fast that not even a belated Protect could stop it.

The smoke cleared, and the results were clear to see.

“Fin!” The maid called out, pulling her hand up as the dazed Surskit laid in the impact zone. Ash couldn’t believe his eyes, his ears, as Viola recalled her Pokémon and the two knights walked up and greeted each other, the ceremonial procession soon making their way through in the form of the cloak-bearing maid and the owner of the Chateau himself as they congratulated the knights and especially the victor, fitting him with his new garb.

“That was incredible,” Chester breathed as Nico let out a long breath. “Bro, what do you think about it?”

“That’s no ordinary Pokémon, that’s for sure.” The newly-minted Viscount leaned over the railing as he peered over at the Onix still on the field. Ash could see Grant patting its head as he talked to Viola, the woman giving him a tired smile as he talked about something too low for them to hear.

That Onix certainly was one of a kind. Ash has seen many of them before, has travelled with a friend who had one, but this was different. This was a challenger strong enough to beat a Gym Leader going at their fullest, without second chances, without missing a beat. His heart kept thudding, so loud he could taste the rhythm on his tongue, and his eyes couldn’t peel themselves away from the scene.

There was so much for him to learn. Still, he hasn’t quite gotten his fill of the world yet.

(He needs to be strong. He needs to be stronger than that. He has to be.)

“Ash? Ash!”

He blinked, and the world returned to normal. “Huh?”

Serena gave him a worried look. “You were spacing out there for a second. Are you sure you’re alright?”

“Yeah.” The battle was over. It was a lengthy one, and yet, it felt so fast. He swallowed what he could, feeling his throat keenly. “Just… that battle. Wasn’t it awesome?!”

She laughed at his eager expression. “Of course you’d think that. It was definitely a tough one for sure! I really thought that last Ice Beam was going to end it.”

“Everyone thought that the Ice Beam was going to end it, yo!” Nico turned his back so that he was leaning against the banister while facing the doors ahead. “Not even my Fletchinder is that fast or that strong. I mean, did you see that jump?!”

“Imagine if it squashed ya,” Chester giggled under his breath before Nico gave him a noogie on the head. “Ow! I was just kidding!”

“Kid less, kid.” The Viscount then turned to Ash, giving him a lopside grin. “So, like the battles here? I told you they were on another level!”

Another level was underselling it. Ash’s fingers twitched as he returned the smile, pumping his arm up as he cried, “Of course I do! I’ve battled Viola before, at her Gym, but I’ve never seen such—” (power, strength, strategies he could only dream of)— “skills before! Are all battles here like that?”

Nico laughed. “I never thought you could be even more pumped up than you already were, yo, yo! Why don’t you wait for your own battle to check it out?”

“My own batt—”

“Whoa, I didn’t know you have a Froakie!” Ash looked down at Chester’s exclamation to see Froakie by his feet, just as captivated by the scene below as Ash was, eyes on the Onix as the talks were concluding.

He looked at Serena who shrugged. “That was the next thing I was going to tell you.” 

Pikachu hopped down from his banister perch to chirp at the Pokémon below, but Froakie merely looked back at Ash, desire shining in his eyes. He… wanted that, too. 

Ash crouched down to Froakie and gave him a small pat on the head, watching as the Pokémon barely moved from his spot. He was stubborn, and prideful, and many other things but Ash… understood where the frog was coming from. He could even feel Fletchling’s interest as well from the Pokéball, warming with excitement shared. “We’ll all get a chance to battle today, okay? We’re not going to pass this chance up!”

“And now, may the two newly knighted Trainers come forth for their debut battle!”

Chester poked the top of Ash’s head, beaming at him as the latter looked up. “Look’s like we’re up next!”

“Us?” Ash stood up and dusted himself off, noticing the small nod that Duke Chalmer gave him from the battlefield itself, the Duchess and new Grand Duke leaving the area with their Pokémon recalled. He heard Serena whisper beside him, “I guess there’s always someone better, huh?” while Froakie croaked gently, always facing ahead. Ash was, too.

(Nico nodded and Serena gave him a small cheer for encoruagement, and Froakie tapped Ash’s leg and pointed to the Pokéball. Looks like he wanted to save himself for another battle.)

But that’s okay. 

Watching Chester as he flipped his cap around and flashed them all a big grin, Ash faced Pikachu and rubbed his head with quiet support thumming through them.

They’ll all have a chance to show what they’re made of.

By the end of this day, they will all be stronger than they were yesterday.

(And that’s just what life is all about, in the end.)

Viola was expecting a lot of things, but a mob of children crowding her once she reached the top of the staircase was not it.

“Wow, Ms Gym Leader lady, you were amazing and so cool and I totally thought that—” A young excitable boy with a Fletchling-themed cap squished up next to her, babbling about every thought under the sun as a similar-looking teen came by and pushed him away gently before picking up the same thought train. She shook her head with a small sigh as she saw another cap, albeit a familiar one, making their way through the crowd— she knew through hearsay as well as first-hand experience just how intense Ash can be about battles.

And Grant wasn’t even here to take the brunt of it! “Okay, boys, let me just come on through before…” She walked over to the inside of the building, feeling her usual rush of relief at the thankfully bare walls. Finding a good seat, she sat down before holding a hand up. “Now you can talk, but please make it one at a time. I reserve the right to refuse any question I please though.”

The teen who battled before— wasn’t he a Viscount now? Viscount Nick or something?— gave her a small bow before saying, “I’ve heard about you a lot around here, but I never really got to see your battles before now. Are all Gym Leaders that strong? And if I battle you do…?”

She gave him a polite laugh. “You’re pretty flattering, I’ll give you that. For the record, you can’t get a badge from me over here, but to answer your main question, yeah, it takes a lot to be a Gym Leader.” She briefly thought about the one skulking around here at this very moment, and right on cue Ash managed to push past to raise his own question, the Viscount sighing in the background. 

“Since you’re a Duchess around here, does that mean I have to work my way up to battle you here?” His Pikachu gave her a determined look as Ash balled his fists up with unbridled energy.

Didn’t you just come in here? was the first thought in her mind, but she couldn’t deny him that much. The fact that he’s still ready to battle after everything… Well, she thought that he was done after their first battle. Even with what her sister had told her, she knew the face of a shattered Trainer, and his reaction to failure was very telling; there was no way he was going to come back as he was before. But when he came back with that fevour, when he pulled off that reckless manouver with his Pikachu at the end— it was such a thrilling rush that only a truly seasoned battler could have brought out of her. Maybe she should’ve put more stock in the mystery that were a certain boy’s travelling companions. “Hmm, maybe win a hundred times and then we’ll talk.”

“So if I get a hundred wins I can battle you?” said the younger boy from earlier, eyes twinkling with hope.

The Viscount patted his head. “Not if I get there first. Already got a headstart and everything!” The two started to bicker and Viola rolled her eyes before setting her sights to Serena sitting off at the balcony still. Ash straightened up as he then excused himself, talking about finding his other friends before getting ready for his battle, and then everything became a little simpler for it.

Two woman, a camera. Serena looked back and noticed the gaze of the Duchess behind her, flashing her a small smile before another, less wanted face blocked her vision. Viola sighed as she leaned back on her propped up hand, already feeling tired. “Could you stop doing that, Grant?”

“That’s Grand Duke to you.” He flashed her a wink as he took the seat opposite her, a drink in his hand. She gave him a look. He looked at his drink, before shrugging. “You can get your own, right?”

“Thought you said you were a Grand Duke.” 

He waved his hand out dismissively as an answer, sipping at his cup.

“You’re so annoying.” She stood up, but then heard a tapping sound behind her. Quickly turning her head around she was forced to gasp at the perfectly full and untouched cup of her favourite drink in front of her. Grant just kept sipping.

Viola gave him a stink-eye before sitting down, not deign to respond as she took up her drink. The bells started to ring before stopping shortly, and there was a noticeable lack of a horn following afterwards. Grant raised an eyebrow at that and set his own cup down. “Guess we’re going to be watching some newbies going at ‘em. This is going to be fun.”

She looked down over the balcony before realising that, of course, they were inside. “You planned this.”

“Table at the far right, some small stairs but great view. Perks that come with being a Grand Duke.”

“Or just talking to Suselle.” She stood up and gripped her drink tightly, watching him as he slowly got up and languidly walked over to their new table. Or old table, consider Grant. “She can’t be that satisfied by your ‘charming wit’ all the time, you know.”

Grant shrugged. He was always that blasé with romance, and even now Viola couldn’t determine if it was because he didn’t swing that way (or any way) or if he had reservations. It’s never really come into conversation before and she really, truly, doesn’t care what he does in his spare time except that this sort of phenomena always happens whenever they are around each other (and usually the cause was him). It was annoying in the way that a sudden rainy day while camping was annoying, like broken lenses were annoying, like laggy backups were annoying. That is to say annoying in all the wrong ways. “I told you before, Sunshine, some just like a diamond in the rough.”

“So a dirty block of rock that usually goes undiscovered?” She finally found their seat and took her own, finally being able to see above the battlefield.

He gave a surprised laugh. “How do you keep coming with these? Oh, wait, hold that thought. They’re coming out now.”

There wasn’t much thought to be held, but she stilled her tongue as she watched the familiar visage of Ash walking by along with that younger boy. She continued to drink through the introduction, and Grant shot her a look. She pulled her mouth away to ask, “What?”

“You know this Trainer.” It wasn’t much of a question. She didn’t mind it either way.

“Yeah. Came by my Gym a couple of weeks ago. My sister basically hauled him over from the islands between Kanto and Unova.” She took another sip and let the taste of sweetness rest on her tongue. “He’s a strong Trainer. Definitely not a new one by any means, even if he does come off like one sometimes. I think you’ll like his battling style.”

Grant hummed, that familiar note of excitedness creeping into his tone. “You don’t say?”

Her eyes were on the Trainer from Kanto, watching him bring out a Pokéball and bumping it against the other knight. “Just watch. You’ll see soon enough.”

“Battle, commence!”

“Fletchling, let’s go with Agility!”

“Pikachu, Thunderbolt!” The electric mouse fired off a large bolt towards the speedy bird, Fletchling narrowly avoiding it as it sped around them. Ash grinned at the action— it was clear that Chester was no slouch when it came to training with his Pokémon.

But neither was Ash himself. “Don’t let ‘em escape! Try Quick Attack!”

Pikachu ran after Fletchling, quick footwork catching up to the Tiny Robin Pokémon. Chester flung his arm out as he called out, “Use Agility again, and keep on your path!”

Path? Ash didn’t know what they were up to, but it didn’t matter if they were stopped beforehand. “Pikachu, let’s go with Electro Ball!”

“Pi-ka!” The air hummed with the latent energy coiled in the attacks flung into the sky, once again just clipping past the bird as it looped around the mouse with a cheerful chirp. Ash gritted his teeth at the way none of the attacks were landing— even with Agility, Chester couldn’t expect to outrun Pikachu forever. There had to be something at play here.

That brief moment of hesitation had ended up costing him heavily, as Chester grinned and followed up the move with, “Now we’ve got them! Use Feather Dance!”

“Feather Dance?” Ash watched as the Fletchling chirped and flew around Pikachu, dusting off feathers that were absorbed into his body. The latter sat up and sneezed, pawing at his snout as he glowed briefly, a mute shine that faded away after a few seconds.

Chester shook his head at him. “Don’t tell me you don’t know, yo! Your Attack power just got lowered!”

Pikachu shook himself off before growling, looking back at Ash. Ash gritted his teeth and stared up at the laughing Fletchling— there was always a chance, and he wasn’t going to give up just yet. “Then we’ll go with Iron Tail!”

Fletchling quickly backed away in the air as Pikachu’s glowing tail sliced through the space in front of them, quick, swift movements that closed the gap and eventually slammed into Fletchling in the air. The bird shook the attack off easily, but Ash called out, “Do it again! Don’t let up!” and he watched as every hit landed.

(He won’t give up. If one hit won’t make it, then he’ll just keep coming back until it does.)

Once. Twice. Three times. Fletchling was getting pushed back, looking more sore with each attack, and Chester gaped before returning with, “Block with Steel Wing!”

“Chling!” The Tiny Robin Pokémon flung out wings of iron, narrowly stopping the onslaught, but Pikachu climbed over instead and landed another Iron Tail, flinging the bird downwards. With Fletchling staggering up in the air and Pikachu landed gracefully on the ground, there was just one thing for it.

“Now, Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!”

A bolt from the blue, zigzagging mass of power striking down Fletchling before it could recover its usual height.

And then, and then—

“That’s some kid…”

Viola watched over the pavilion as the Thunderbolt finally dissipated, leaving the Fletchling to collapse onto the ground in a tiny heap. “What did I tell you?”

Grant shot her a look. “Hey! I was justified in thinking that he was insane. No normal Trainer would think to just keep attacking an opponent in mid-air even with reduced Attack power, especially with the restraint to not use a super-effective move until such a potent time.”

“And no normal Trainer would spend hours teaching an Onix to jump. Your point?”

He shook his head and leaned back. “My point is that my back hurts. That battle really had me at the edge of my seat. I did not expect to watch something so exciting today.”

“Yet you said that the results were predictable…”

“Are you just going to keep ragging on me until the sun sets?” Grant raised an eyebrow at her, looking every bit as scolding as he could, before laughing. “Okay! I give it up in face of your considerable pout. One last thing though. That kid… Is that who Dynamite’s with?”

Viola’s fingers tapped on the table. “Yeah. They even came over at my Gym joint at the hip. I have just as much of a clue about it as you do though, so don’t go all Rock Tomb on everything, okay?”

“You should know me better by now.” But there was that crinkle between his brows as he got up, and Viola could feel that calm aura crumple in like a crash sight. She felt a slight urge to warn him somehow: Grant was rarely cautious, and his friendly jabs can tumble over someone who wasn’t ready. Who is on a journey. Who is always overly-prepared, a known worrier, a shadow of themselves.

But his focus was already set, and the shutter posed to take the final step. There was no stopping him, and, well, she was curious too.

Looking around, her gaze caught Serena, still staring off at the battlefield. Viola softened, all that tense energy just flowing out. She might as well— And oh, looks like Serena had noticed her. A pleasant surprise in a day full of them. The teen made her way through the crowd before hovering nearby, squeaking out, “Um, I’m sorry if I kept you waiting! I didn’t know if I should come over when, uh, he came by and you sat here and were talking and, well, all that.”

“No worries, kid.” She flapped her hand as if to clear the air. “I was just relaxing anyways. After dealing with everyone’s questions before and with Grant being as he is, that is. Wasn’t as bad as I feared, though, so what I should be doing is thanking you for your help.” She patted the other side of the table. “Come down here and sit. I’m sure it’ll be loads more comfortable than just standing around while we talk.”

“Hmm.” The teen fiddled with the camera bag, before pushing it across the table. “I did my best, although everything did get a little fast at the end. To be honest, your battle was amazing. I’ve seen the battle you had with Ash before, but I never knew that…”

Viola flipped the bag’s flap open and pulled out the camera. “We’re not all perfect, you know, although it’s nice that you thought that about me. Not to say that the honourable Grand Duke is that good. He was totally wasting his time practicing for this day.” She hummed as she flipped through the photo files. “So, tell me what did you see?”

“Well…” Her fingers swirled over the surface of the table, a dance that reminded the Gym Leader of Surskit. Serena looked up and Viola could see something shining in her eyes, something that she would call ‘perceptive’. “You were very fast, and you used the field to your advantage, or at least turned it to your advantage. But Grant was prepared for that.”

“A rare sight,” she mused as she lingered on a picture of Rock Tomb. He was such a show-off.

“Even though Surskit was small, it still managed to do so much against Onix. It was…”

“Strange?” A picture of Onix in the air. She let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding. Very dynamic, focused on movement. Putting down the camera, Viola looked at Serena. She looked a little older than most starting Trainers were. She was no challenger, nor did she show any interest or prerogative towards one. Just a girl with some spare time, and a favour that needed doing. And yet, here they were. “I trust Surskit. She’s a fast one and I know she’ll have the advantage against Onix, even if Rock Tomb is used. We worked hard, practicing as a team, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s the same with Vivillon too.”

Serena looked off to the side, her fingers stilling on the table. “Did you have Vivillon for long?”

“He’s been the flagship of my Gym, so I would hope so.” She leaned in, trying to look open and nice and totally not snoopy as she asked, “I’m assuming you’ve been with your own one recently, haven’t you?”

The girl stiffened up and made a high-pitched squeaking sound before covering her mouth. Well, mission failed successfully, Viola presumed. “Once you have a Vivillon, it’s hard to take your eyes away from them, isn’t it? Or your heart. Even though they evolve quickly, that doesn’t take away the time you’ve had with them.” A hand onto her shoulder. “Trust me.”

“It’s not that… I just… miss her sometimes.” Serena seemed to soften under the touch, still looking a little shocked. Or empty. Or sad. There are many ways you can view a person, and there were many shades to the Trainer in front of her. “I don’t even have my own goal yet… So it makes sense that she’ll leave, I guess. She has her own life. Just…”

“You don’t lose something just because you lost sight of it.” She pulled her hand away and rested it on the table, watching the girl in front of her. A few weeks ago Serena had stumbled in the middle of the Gym match, standing out in the middle of the harsh scene, not at all connected or tethered to anyone or anything. And now, well, she had so much now. Friends. Pokémon. A journey, and she is travelling with them, all together now, a true team. They’ve grown so much in the time since Viola has last seen them, and that was so precious on its own.

She let out a small exhale before continuing to speak. “You’ve changed a lot since last week on this journey alone. We’re all changing, all the time. People, Pokémon… that’s just how life goes. But all that time you’ve spent with each other doesn’t go to waste because it ended, and that’s because it’s still in you.” A light touch to her head, before Viola touched her own chest. “In your memories and in your heart, you’ll always keep that reminder. And no matter what, you’ll find it that you’ll always share that connection, no matter the distance.”

Serena flushed and Viola gave her a gentle smile. “You know, that’s one of the reasons why I love my jobs as they are: as a photographer and as a Gym Leader, I get to see all kinds of people and Pokémon in their natural state, working together in their own ways. I’m sure that you’ll find something that will speak to you just as clearly, but don’t forget that you are loved just the way you are, okay?”

“Okay…” Serena gave her a hesitant nod, before clenching her fists and giving her a more resolute smile. “Um, thank you so much! I’m just feeling a little lost these days, but you helped me a lot.”

“You helped me just as much, so I’m just repaying the favour.” Viola shook her camera playfully before putting it back on the table. Of all the things she was expecting to do today, giving a pep-talk to someone who wasn’t even a battler wasn’t on her list. There was a reason why she wasn’t addressing the Donphan in the building, and yet she threw herself in front of a hidden one right in front of her instead. But if Serena’s reaction was to be trusted, maybe Viola wasn’t all that bad herself. Just maybe. “Anyways, any reason why your pictures make me feel like you prefer shooting videos? Don’t get me wrong, they’re all wonderful shoots, but your style is very interesting to me.”

The young Trainer let out a nervous laugh. “I used to take pictures when I was younger, though I’ve always loved PokéVision. Still do, actually. Couldn’t really get a video camera though, so I lost interest after a while…”

“Is that so?” Serena’s eyes were bright, the same shade as a Karrablast’s carapace. Viola should’ve just thanked her for the pictures, given some empty platitudes, and then waited around for the inevitable explosion behind her (physical or otherwise). Maybe even leave before that. Not get involved in some messy self-realisation from a young Trainer that wasn’t even a challenger or a budding photographer.

The older woman’s fingers slid against the camera as a small idea blinked into her mind. Giving Serena a smile, she said, “Tell me, did you know about the PokéVision competition coming up soon?”

(But then again, she was never one to keep to herself, no matter the being on the other side of her lens.)

The Horsea finally fell down, and the maid called out the end of the battle.

“Yes! You were great, Fletchling!” The bird flew around in the air, chirping happily before resting on Ash’s waiting arm. Baroness Camille gave him a nod and a smile after recalling her Pokémon, and the trumpet let out two long sounds afterwards.

Ash grinned. Five wins today already, and that meant…

“You’re already a Viscount, huh?” His last opponent gave him an appraising look once the robing ceremony concluded, watching the deep blue of his cape before sticking her hand out. “Well, if you can do it, then you’re definitely one strong battler. I’m glad to have met you.”

Fletchling chirped as Ash laughed to himself, shaking her hand back. “You were really tough though, I thought I was going to lose! That Twister almost took us right out from the beginning.”

The woman gave him one more nod and a wave before leaving the stage, leaving Ash alone on the stage. He looked around, trying to find that familiar cap in the crowd. A pair of white gloves fluttered in the breeze at that moment, red wings beating away as the Fletchinder flew back to its owner before getting recalled.

Ash grinned, fisting the gloves in his hand as he faced the blue-capped boy on the other side of the field, calling back Fletchling and walking towards him with the signal of the referee maid.

It’s happening. He’s finally made it up a whole title in a day, and he’s facing a strong competitor, and his blood is singing. The winds all around them too.

“Ready for the best battle ever?” Nico whispered to him as they stood in front of each other, Fletchinder’s ball in his hand and waiting.

Ash brought out his own Pokéball, tapping against Nico’s as he smiled back. “Only if you are, because we’re not backing down that easy!”

They both shared a grin before retreating, and as the referee started the battle, the sparks were already flying.

“There you are, Serena!”

Said girl gave Bonnie a smile as she stood next to her, watching out the balcony. The last battle for Ash and it’s against the boy he’s always wanted to go up against (well, at least since today). “It’s nice to see you too, Bonnie. How’s Dedenne, by the way?”

“Completely pooped,” Bonnie said in the most deadpan tone ever. Serena held in a giggle at that. 

“You can do it, bro! Keep that Flame Charge going!” Chester was cheering his heart out, almost leaning right out of the balustudes as he pumped his arm up. “Show him who’s the top bird around here!”

“He’s… very excitable,” Serena murmured as she watched him from the side of her eyes. Bonnie shrugged and was about to open her mouth when Chester then faced them and hollered at the top of his lungs, “Just you wait, my brother Nico is going to wipe the floor with Ash!”

The people around them gave the group a look, but just as quickly the Fletchling Trainer turned his attention back to the match and whooped at another successful hit. “Yo! Great aim, there, Fletchinder!”

Both girls faced each other and sighed in unison, before looking down at the battle together. It really was amazing, even with Chester’s ability to vociferate. Fluid and fast; Pikachu against Fletchinder, embers raining down as lightning struck down the ground itself. Ash called out for a Quick Attack and Nico replied with Air Cutter, Pikachu dodging the attack from the ground as he raced forward and catapulted himself up in the sky.

A missed Thunderbolt and a wayward Take Down. Iron Tail against Aerial Ace.

It really was amazing and beautiful all at the same time. Like a dance, steps to take to avoid getting hit and then turn around to hit your next move. The more Serena watched battles, the more she started to understand the way they flowed and ebbed. Attack and retreat. Equal in securing victory for both Pokémon and Trainer.

As it was, it turned out that Chester’s cheering did foresee the outcome of this clash. Ash walked over to a dazed Pikachu as Nico just barely caught his tired Fletchinder, both of them congratulating their Pokémon for their efforts. Said impromptu cheerleader sprung away from the balcony and ran down the stairs, breaking every single law of propriety that could possibly exist in the Battle Chateau as all nearby maids did a synchronised sigh to commemorate the event.

Serena let out her own exhale of breath, leaning on the railing as she watched the sun dip a little lower in the sky. Every day she was learning something new. Trying out something new as well. She thought back to the offer Viola made her, one resting on a chance meeting and a chance to do something she would've never expected.

A PokéVision competition in particular places all around Kalos, open to all people, beginners and experts. It was a little while away, just a week until it started, and their themes varied on location. The one that looked most appetising to her was the theme about the bonds between people and Pokémon in everyday life. Easy and broad enough for her to try. Something to get her going.

She tapped on the railing as she watched the brothers embrace. It sounded fun. She’s always watched PokéVision, getting hooked by the videos people would create. Homemade, professional, stories or a snippet of their real lives. It gave her hope then. Inspiration too. She used to think about what kind of videos she could make with her own Pokémon one day.

And now the opportunity arrived, so easily within her grasp, but with one minor catch: they would have to backtrack once more, in the opposite direction to the next Gym, back to Lumiose City itself.

Could she do it? She didn’t want to inconvenience anyone, but… this was a chance. Her chance.

It could be the dream she was looking for all along.

Footsteps echoed behind her, and she turned her head to see Clemont coming by. Serena waved at him happily, saying, “Welcome back, you!”, right when Bonnie noticed him coming by and ran up with her pouchette in her hands, proclaiming many various deeds she will accomplish and something about the cape.

Serena checked back at the caped people below as they made their way back up the stairs, this time the same ones. They were of pretty good quality. She looked back at Clemont, who started with, “Sorry for—” before closing his mouth. She raised an eyebrow before he said, more quietly but with no less conviction, “Um, well, so did I miss anything important?"

Bonnie shook her head before directly contradicting the motion by telling him about all the capes that she found after chasing Dedenne through the whole second floor, detailing how soft and comfy and how she totally didn’t try them on before the Minccino manning the pulley system started to attack her via tickles. Serena smiled as she beheld the slightly confused expression by a nonetheless familiar face, pitching in with her own guesses as Bonnie went to drag her into the conversation by trying to compare the softness of the fabric and guessing its material.

All these small moments… could they work? Could she make a video worth all of it?

A small yelp echoed from behind her and Serena quickly turned around, finding Ash flopped over the top of the stairs, his own vibrant blue cape over his head. “I’m alright,” he mumbled onto the ground, with Chester and Nico quickly running up behind him before they burst out laughing.

(“You’ve got a good eye for detail. I’m sure you can blow the competition away if you put your mind to it. This is… just one of the many ideas for your next location if you want to continue trying something new on your journey.”)

She smiled to herself, putting a hand to her chest. Yeah. She can make it work.

After all, this was her reason for her journey, right from the very start.

Ash was absolutely humiliated right now, his chin still ringing with the impact as he flipped the cloak away from his eyes.

Pikachu had jumped off him with the impact and was now chittering at him in beratement, Nico finally catching his breath to tiptoe around him while Chester helped Ash up. Both Ash and Serena’s eyes met and he flashed her a smile, looking up to find Clemont and Bonnie watching him with the same amount of worry in their eyes. Once he was finally standing on both feet he then brushed himself off before calling out, "Come over, c'mon, it's really comfy! You should try wearing it too!"

And that’s when everyone’s thoughts blew up in loud voices and random gestures, Ash alone in fending off the horde running over towards him.

After a good twenty minutes of arguments, cloak trying, an angry Minccino and a Thunder Shock that fried everyone, the group were making their way down the stairs to the first floor, having finally satisfied all battling cravings for the day. “You were a good battle, you know that, Ash?”

He rubbed the bottom of his nose bashfully. “Thanks, Nico, but you clearly had the skills to beat me. Your Fletchinder is definitely a strong one for sure.”

“Next time maybe tell us when you have a Fletchling,” Chester grumbled beside them. Ash put his hand up, a mirror to his reaction when the boy almost bowled him over after that match asking him about his ‘hidden ace’ and why he didn't battle with it beforehand. Said boy now squinted through one eye as he jabbed Ash. “And don’t forget, we’re so totally beating you next time! Maybe even with my own Fletchinder.”

“I’ll be looking forward to it.” And Ash was genuine with it. If Chester was ever going to grow as a Trainer, he was going to be a very formidable challenge indeed. He’s already gained the title of Baron by today in another battle with a newcomer, and his progress was going to be a sure thing with the strategies he had under his cap.

Steps winding down to the bottom of the landing, the door facing them once more.

A pair of adults awaited them, involved in their own conversation.

Ash’s heart leapt in his chest: after all, that was the Grand Duke, the man who beat a Gym Leader with barely any struggle. He ran forward, shouting out, “Your name is Grant, right? You were so strong before, how did you train your Onix to move like that?!”

Said man startled and Viola laughed to herself, Grant shooting her a look before clearing his throat and facing Ash. “Just like how I train all my Pokémon. With practice, trust and maybe just a touch of some experimentation. You’ve got to be willing to understand your Pokémon before you can try new things with them, after all.” He winked, and then added, “Not to say you didn’t have some of that yourself, Ash.”

He might just combust on the spot. “Thank you so much! I hope that one day I’ll be able to battle you around here as well. It would mean a lot for me and my team, since we’ve been training a lot for the League.”

Grant glanced over at Viola before clicking his fingers. “Ah, right, you’re doing the Gym Challenge, aren’t you? In that case, we’ll probably be meeting a lot sooner than that.”

“What do you mean?”

Viola shook her head, a playful tone slipping into her voice. “You haven’t realised it yet? This guy here is—”

He elbowed her and finished it with, “I’m the Cyllage Gym Leader, at your disposal.”

All of their mouths dropped.

Then, “WAIT, SO YOU WERE A GYM LEADER ALL THIS TIME!”

Chester pushed his brother away before screaming out in a slightly lowered voice, “So it was two Gym Leaders going at it today?!” and Serena turning her head away while covering her mouth and Ash jumping forward to say, “So what type are you? Is Onix a clue? Are you a Rock Type or something?”

“Whoa, whoa, calm down, all of you.” Grant waved his hands about in front of him before giving them a smile and straightening himself up. “Yes, yes, Rock Type, and before you ask anything else, I’ll be here for a few more days accepting challenges before going on my merry way back to the Gym. So, Ash—” And there was that grin, that look that sparked the fire inside the Kantonian, one that called him to battle— “Use your time wisely, and I’m sure you’ll be able to impress me.”

“I will!” Three voices confidently said. Ash looked back at Nico and Chester, who also raised an eyebrow at him back, and shook his head.

Both Gym Leaders smiled at that, but Ash couldn’t help but think about everything that transpired today as everyone else spoke and his Pokéballs warmed by his side.

That Rock Tomb was no ordinary move. Grant was strong, so strong, and Ash will have to face him at his Gym. His home turf. With formidable Rock-Type Pokémon, if his Onix meant anything.

His fist clenched by his side even as they said their farewells, walking out to see the splendid sunset sparkle over still waters.

“Well, we’ve got to get going now,” Nico called out, giving them a nod. “Lots of training to get to the Grand Duke, you know how it is, yo!”

“You’re going down to me too next time we meet, yo, yo!” Chester added with a rock on gesture tagged with the words. Serena coughed under her breath, and the younger boy said slyly, “It’s catching on to you too, yo!”

She meeped, clasping a hand to her mouth.

“We’ll all get stronger,” Ash promised, returning the nod and giving them a friendly wave. “See you again soon!”

“Bye!”

“See you, yo!”

Another farewell full of thanks and vows, the orange sky above them, crisp air running across the path. The picture of peace.

“Can we… go back to Lumiose City?”

Ash looked over at Serena, who was looking at the sky as they continued to walk down the path opposite to the brothers that they just left behind. Not turning around, she said, “There’s a competition I want to enter. It’s not about battling or anything but… I want to try. If you are all okay with it, that is.”

“If that’s what you want, then I’m fine with it.” He gave her a gentle smile as she turned to him incredulously. He shrugged. “Grant isn’t going to be at the Gym for a while, and I need to practice on the way anyways. If you’ve got a better idea on the location for the meantime, then I trust you.”

“Thanks! I mean, well, yeah. I’ve been meaning to try out the bakeries and cafes around Lumiose since we didn’t spend that much time there, so I’m sure you can still take a break anyways.” Ash put his finger up to dispute the hidden claim of him being a hungry glutton before his stomach growled, and she laughed a little underneath her breath as she checked the guide surrpiteously. “Oh, look, there’s even a Gym there! Maybe you can still get a badge before going over to Cyllage?”

He shrugged, tapping the sides of his leg with his hands. "Are you sure? Last time I went, I got kicked out for not having enough badges." He noticed the tense shoulders of Bonnie ahead of them as he said that and remembered how he first met them— falling down a chute, racing towards the ground, burning up with that need.

So similar to what happened that very same night.

(He has to be better.)

Serena sent him a confused face. "Really? Can Gyms do that?"

"Who knows?” That was Clemont’s voice from behind them, and as Ash checked he noticed how he was looking a little lighter now, putting on a soft smile towards him. “But in any case, I'm sure that the Gym Leader is looking forward to battling you this time around!"

“Well, if that’s the case…” He mused to himself, before shaking his head and looking back at everyone, calling out, “Hey, I wasn’t like I said no or anything!” Pikachu chortled to himself as everyone groaned.

Even Bonnie looked put-off by it, crossing her arms as she turned around and walked backwards. “You’re always running towards a battle! Serena is just trying to be considerate… and my brother too.”

“It’s true, you know,” Serena said simply as Ash face-palmed himself, and the world was light, bright and full of promises.

The next Gym. The next battle. The next one and the next, higher and higher, beyond the sky itself.

There’s always someone stronger. But maybe… Ash can prepare for that. Work with what he has. Polish up every skill in his arsenal and make plans.

(He was so, so lucky today. He found the face of the next Gym and saw one of his tricks in action. He has to make it count. He has no other choice.)

Ash was walking down Rivière Walk with his friends now, laughing and joking and having fun. But tomorrow he will prepare. He will be ready when he faces down his next opponent.

He’ll win it this time, and the next and the one after that. Just like today and every other day before it, every moment he goes through will lead to his victory. It has to.

His journey has just begun, after all.

(In a way, that's the same for all of them.)