The man who faded

The train came to a smooth halt at Mesagoza Station. Serena stepped onto the platform, her suitcase rolling behind her. The bustling energy of the Paldea region's largest city hit her immediately—lively conversations, the calls of street vendors, and the occasional chirping of Pokémon filled the air.

Adjusting her wide-brimmed hat, she smiled. "This is it, Delphox," she said, glancing at her partner walking beside her. The elegant Fire/Psychic Pokémon gave a nod, its bushy tail swaying gracefully as its golden staff shimmered faintly in the sunlight.

Serena reached down to pet Delphox affectionately. "This region feels different already. Let's show them what we're capable of."

The streets outside the station opened into a sprawling plaza, and Serena's eyes widened at the sight. Mesagoza was a city of wonders. The massive Naranja Academy loomed in the distance, its intricate architecture dominating the skyline. Below, the cobblestone streets buzzed with activity—trainers battling, students chatting, and merchants hawking wares ranging from berries to handmade accessories for Pokémon.

Serena passed a florist's shop where a Lilligant danced gracefully in front of a crowd. The onlookers clapped, charmed by the Pokémon's elegance. Serena paused for a moment, admiring the performance, before continuing her journey.

As she reached the center of the plaza, her eyes landed on the Mesagoza Contest Hall. It was a towering structure adorned with banners depicting silhouettes of performing Pokémon. The bright colors and glittering lights made Serena's heart race with excitement.

"This is where it all begins, Delphox," she said softly, gripping her suitcase handle tightly. Her other Pokémon, Milotic, emerged from its Pokéball with a flash of light. The serpentine Water-type coiled gracefully beside Serena, its scales gleaming in the sunlight.

"Let's check it out," Serena said as she led her team toward the Contest Hall.

Inside, the energy was electrifying. Coordinators and their Pokémon practiced routines, filling the air with dazzling displays of light and sound. Serena registered herself for the upcoming Mesagoza Contest, receiving her official Contest Pass and schedule of events.

The receptionist smiled warmly as she handed over the materials. "Welcome to the Paldea Contest Circuit! We're thrilled to have a performer from the Hoenn circuit joining us. Best of luck in your debut!"

Serena nodded, her heart swelling with determination. "Thank you. I'll give it my all."

As she left the hall, she decided to head to a nearby park to begin rehearsing her routine.

…

The park was serene, with patches of lush grass and a small pond glimmering in the afternoon light. Serena set down her bag and released Delphox and Milotic from their Pokéballs. Both Pokémon stood before her, their eyes filled with anticipation.

"Alright, you two. Let's work on the new routine," Serena said. "We need to synchronize your moves perfectly to make a great battle if we get the chance."

Delphox twirled its staff, its fiery energy flickering brightly, while Milotic flicked its tail, creating ripples in the pond.

"Let's start with Aqua Ring and Will-O-Wisp," Serena instructed.

Milotic began, summoning glowing rings of water that floated gently around its body. Delphox followed, conjuring pale blue flames that danced through the rings without extinguishing them. The combination created an ethereal display, drawing the attention of passersby.

"Perfect!" Serena said, clapping her hands. "Now, Delphox, use Psychic to guide the Aqua Rings upward, and Milotic, follow it up with Dragon Pulse!"

Delphox's eyes glowed, and the water rings floated into the air in a swirling pattern. Milotic then unleashed a vibrant Dragon Pulse, the beam weaving through the rings and refracting into a dazzling display of colors.

A small crowd began to gather, watching the pair with awe.

"Alright, one more step," Serena said, her voice filled with excitement. "Delphox, use Fire Spin to create a spiral around Milotic, and Milotic, finish with Ice Beam to freeze it in place."

Delphox spun its staff, summoning a vortex of fire that encircled Milotic. Milotic followed by releasing a precise Ice Beam, solidifying the flames into a sculpture of fiery ice. The onlookers erupted into applause.

"Great job, both of you!" Serena said, smiling brightly. She walked over to her Pokémon, kneeling to hug them. "We're going to make an amazing impression at the contest."

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of gold and pink, Serena packed up her things. She couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement for the road ahead.

"This is just the beginning," she said softly, gazing at the horizon. "Let's show Paldea what we're made of."

With her Pokémon by her side, Serena made her way back to Mesagoza, ready to take her first steps in the Paldea Contest Circuit.

…

The hum of the airplane's engines filled the cabin as Ash stared out the window, watching the endless expanse of clouds stretching into the horizon. Pikachu sat quietly in his lap, his ears twitching occasionally at the faint sounds of chatter from other passengers. The journey back to Paldea felt quieter than it should have, yet Ash couldn't shake the heavy thoughts lingering in his mind.

His trip to Kanto had been nothing like what he expected.

"Pikachu," Ash murmured, gently scratching behind his partner's ears. "I thought going back home would help… I thought it'd feel like home."

"Pika…" Pikachu looked up at him, his bright eyes clouded with concern.

Ash sighed, his fingers brushing against his hat as he pulled it lower over his eyes. "But it didn't. Mom… she didn't even recognize me. And neither did Professor Oak. Even the lab didn't feel the same without all our Pokémon."

The memory stung more than he wanted to admit. Seeing the familiar landscape of Pallet Town had ignited a spark of hope, but that hope had been extinguished the moment he stepped through his mother's door. She had greeted him like a stranger—a polite, distant smile, not the warm embrace he had grown up with.

"I kept thinking maybe something would trigger her memory," Ash said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "But it didn't. It's like I was never there. Like… I never existed."

Pikachu nuzzled against his chest, a small gesture of comfort. Ash smiled faintly, grateful for his partner's unwavering support.

"And the professor…" Ash continued, his gaze still fixed on the clouds. "He was so excited to meet 'a promising young trainer from Paldea.' He didn't even know who I was. And all my Pokémon—they weren't there. No Bulbasaur, no Charizard, no Infernape. It was like they'd never been caught."

The emptiness of the lab had hit him harder than he'd expected. All the bonds he'd formed, the battles he'd fought alongside his team, the memories they'd shared—it was all gone, erased as though it had never happened.

Ash clenched his fists, his reflection in the window showing a mix of frustration and determination. "Something's not right, Pikachu. This isn't just about people forgetting. It's like something's actively keeping me out of the world I knew."

"Pika pi," Pikachu said softly, his tail tapping against his arm.

Ash leaned back in his seat, letting his eyes close for a moment. The hum of the engines and the gentle sway of the plane were almost soothing, but his mind refused to rest.

"I don't know what's going on, but I'm not giving up," he said firmly, his voice filled with resolve. "If there's one thing I've learned, it's that you don't give up on the people—or Pokémon—you care about. We'll figure this out. Somehow."

The captain's voice crackled over the intercom, announcing their approach to Mesagoza Airport. Ash opened his eyes, looking down at Pikachu with a small smile.

"Back to Paldea, buddy," he said. "Guess it's time to move forward."

"Pika!" Pikachu chirped, his cheeks sparking slightly with excitement.

As the plane descended, the sprawling city of Mesagoza came into view. Its vibrant streets and towering academy were a stark contrast to the quiet simplicity of Pallet Town, but there was a sense of opportunity in the air—a feeling that maybe, just maybe, the answers Ash sought could be found here.

Grabbing his bag from under the seat, Ash braced himself for whatever came next. His journey was far from over, and though the road ahead was uncertain, he was ready to face it head-on.

With Pikachu by his side, he stepped off the plane and into the bustling Paldean city, his resolve stronger than ever.

…

The room was quiet, save for the gentle hum of the air conditioning and the faint rustling of leaves outside the window. The moonlight streamed through the sheer curtains, casting a soft silver glow across the small but cozy hotel room. Serena sat on the edge of her bed, her hands idly stroking Sylveon's velvety ears.

The Fairy-type Pokémon purred softly, nuzzling against her trainer's lap. Serena smiled faintly, her mind distant. She wore a pale lavender nightgown that shimmered slightly in the moonlight, and tied around her upper arm was a simple yet familiar blue ribbon.

Her fingers traced the ribbon's fabric. It was soft, worn from years of being kept close. It had become a habit for Serena to wear it during her travels, though she couldn't remember why it meant so much to her.

"Why do I hold onto this so tightly, Sylveon?" she asked quietly, almost as if speaking to herself.

"Sylv?" Sylveon tilted its head, its wide eyes glowing faintly in the moonlight.

Serena let out a soft sigh, her gaze fixated on the ribbon. "Every time I look at this… I feel something. Like there's someone I've forgotten… someone important."

The room grew still as she closed her eyes, letting her thoughts drift. For a brief moment, an image flashed in her mind—vivid yet fleeting. A boy with dark, messy hair, a warm, determined smile, and bright, passionate eyes. He stood in the sunlight, his figure slightly obscured, as if she were trying to recall a dream that was slipping away.

Her heart clenched unexpectedly, and her eyes snapped open.

"Who… was that?" she murmured, her voice trembling.

Sylveon, sensing her unease, gently nuzzled her arm, the ribbon fluttering slightly in the breeze from the window.

Serena shook her head, trying to dismiss the strange sensation creeping over her. "It's silly, right, Sylveon? It's probably just my imagination." She forced a small laugh, though it felt hollow even to her.

Sylveon climbed onto her lap, curling up and wrapping its feelers around her wrist as if to comfort her.

Serena leaned back against the pillows, her fingers still brushing against the ribbon. Her thoughts were a storm of confusion and longing. She couldn't shake the feeling that the boy she saw in her vision was tied to the ribbon… and to something deeply important.

"Maybe… I'll figure it out someday," she whispered to herself.

As she drifted off to sleep, the ribbon caught the moonlight, glowing faintly as if it held secrets waiting to be uncovered. Sylveon remained curled by her side, its wide, watchful eyes glancing at the ribbon before finally closing, joining its trainer in a restless sleep.

Outside, the city of Mesagoza shimmered under the night sky, but within the quiet hotel room, Serena's heart was heavy with questions she didn't yet know how to answer.

…

The sun was setting over Mesagoza, casting the towering Uva Academy and the bustling city in shades of orange and gold. Ash stood at the bustling town square, Pikachu perched on his shoulder as usual. The streets were alive with trainers, students, and vendors preparing for the evening's festivities. The boy was still adjusting to the vibrant, lively atmosphere of Paldea, but it reminded him of his travels in Kalos and Alola in the best ways.

"Looks like the city never slows down, huh, buddy?" Ash said, flashing a grin at Pikachu.

"Pika!" Pikachu squeaked cheerfully, its tail wagging with excitement.

As they wandered toward a food stall selling some delicious-smelling snacks, Ash suddenly heard an energetic voice calling his name.

"Ash! Hey, Ash!"

He turned to see Nemona jogging toward him, her ever-present grin plastered across her face. She stopped a few steps away, catching her breath briefly. Her green Uva Academy blazer gleamed under the setting sun, and her competitive spirit practically radiated from her.

"Nemona!" Ash greeted, waving. "What's up?"

"Good to see you're back!" Nemona said, hands on her hips. "I thought you were still in Los Platos after that amazing battle with that Kangaskhan trainer! People are still talking about it!"

Ash rubbed the back of his head, embarrassed by the attention. "Ah, it was nothing. I just went back to Kanto for a while and now I'm back. So, what's new?"

Nemona's eyes sparkled with excitement as she leaned in slightly, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. "Oh, you haven't heard, have you? There's a huge Pokémon Contest happening in a few days right here in Mesagoza!"

Ash blinked, tilting his head. "A Pokémon Contest? You mean like the ones they do in Hoenn and Sinnoh?"

"Yeah!" Nemona exclaimed. "Apparently, they're trying to expand contests to Paldea, so they're hosting this big event to kick things off. Trainers from all over are coming to compete. There's gonna be performances, battles, and everything!"

Ash's curiosity was piqued. He had seen contests before, thanks to his friends May and Dawn. The unique combination of artistry, strategy, and battling had always intrigued him, even if he had only tried it a few times himself.

"That sounds pretty cool," Ash admitted, crossing his arms thoughtfully. "So, trainers are performing with their Pokémon? Like showing off moves and battling too?"

"Exactly!" Nemona nodded enthusiastically. "It's not like the battles you're used to, though. It's all about style, creativity, and showing the bond between you and your Pokémon. I think you'd be amazing at it."

Ash chuckled, feigning ignorance to please her enthusiasm, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "You think so? It sounds like a fun challenge!"

Nemona grinned. "We should totally check it out! Even if we don't compete, it'll be awesome to watch. Who knows? Maybe seeing it will give us some ideas for your battles. Plus, a lot of people are coming—trainers, performers, even people who've traveled far just to watch!"

Ash nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. Pikachu chirped in agreement, his cheeks sparking slightly with excitement.

"Alright," Ash said with determination. "Guess we'll be watching it together then!" he said, fist bumping with the girl.

As the two walked together through the bustling streets, Nemona pointed out posters advertising the upcoming contest. Vibrant artwork of Pokémon performing dazzling moves adorned every corner of Mesagoza, promising an unforgettable spectacle.

"Let's see what you've got, Paldea," Ash murmured to himself, a small grin forming on his face.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting Mesagoza in the soft glow of streetlights, the promise of a new adventure—and perhaps a chance encounter—loomed just ahead.

…

The soft morning sun poured into Serena's hotel room, casting a golden glow over everything. Sylveon stretched lazily on the bed, its ribbons curling and uncurling as it woke up. Serena, seated at the small table by the window, sipped on her tea while flipping through her contest planner.

"Alright, Sylveon," she said, jotting down notes in her book. "I think we're ready."

Sylveon chirped in agreement, hopping off the bed to nuzzle Serena's arm.

Serena smiled and looked out the window, her eyes landing on the bustling streets of Mesagoza. The city was alive with activity as trainers and their Pokémon prepared for another day. Somewhere out there, a stage awaited her, filled with possibility.

After finishing her tea, Serena packed up her contest outfit and triple-checked her Pokéballs. She wanted everything to be perfect for today's competition.

"Let's grab breakfast, Sylveon, and then do a quick warm-up," she said as she slung her bag over her shoulder.

They made their way to the hotel's dining area, where the aroma of fresh pastries and brewed coffee filled the air. Serena opted for a simple breakfast of toast and berries, while Sylveon happily munched on its Pokémon food.

As they ate, Serena glanced at the blue ribbon tied around her arm. She paused, her fingers brushing against it lightly. For a brief moment, an image flashed in her mind—a boy with a bright smile. She frowned, trying to recall more, but the memory slipped away like water through her fingers.

"Sylve?" Sylveon tilted its head, sensing her distraction.

"It's nothing," Serena replied, shaking her head with a small smile. "Just… a feeling."

After breakfast, the pair stepped out into the lively streets of Mesagoza. The city buzzed with energy, its open plazas and towering academy building providing a stunning backdrop. Serena's heart swelled with determination as she made her way toward a quiet plaza to prepare for the contest.

But as they neared the plaza, the sound of cheers and shouts caught her attention. A battle was unfolding, and the energy of the crowd was infectious.

"Let's see what's going on," Serena said, weaving through the crowd with Sylveon at her side.

In the middle of the plaza, two trainers were locked in an intense battle. On one side, a Grimmsnarl loomed, its dark, imposing figure radiating menace. On the other side stood a Hisuian Braviary, its vibrant plumage gleaming in the sunlight as it soared confidently through the air.

The Braviary's trainer—a young man with a determined expression—called out commands, his voice cutting through the noise of the crowd.

"Braviary, use Esper Wing!"

Braviary's eyes glowed with a psychic aura as it unleashed the move, streaking through the air with incredible speed. Grimmsnarl snarled in response, the move not effecting it. The trainer who ordered the move didn't seem fazed. On the contrary, he smiled.

"What kind of Braviary is that?" Serena whispered to herself, her eyes wide. She had never seen a Hisuian form before.

The battle raged on, with Grimmsnarl retaliating using Spirit Break, its fists glowing with dark energy as it lunged at Braviary. But Braviary evaded effortlessly, circling high above the plaza generating a powerful Hurricane. The clash of the two moves sent shockwaves through the air, causing the crowd to step back in amazement.

"Braviary, finish it with Brave Bird!" the trainer called out.

Braviary flapped its wings with incredible force, launching itself at full speed towards Grimmsnarl. The dark-type Pokémon tried to resist, but the sheer force of the move was too much. Grimmsnarl collapsed to the ground, unable to battle.

The crowd erupted into cheers, the intensity of the battle leaving them in awe.

Serena found herself clapping along, her admiration for the trainer and Braviary growing. "That was incredible," she murmured, her eyes still fixed on the trainer.

As the trainer approached his Braviary to congratulate it, Serena felt a strange sense of familiarity, though she couldn't place it. Shaking her head, she turned to Sylveon.

"Come on," she said, smiling. "We've got our own stage to prepare for."

As she walked away, the image of the Braviary and its trainer lingered in her mind, sparking a curiosity she couldn't quite explain.

…

Ash groaned, burying his face deeper into the soft bed. The sun had already crept through the window, warming the room with its golden rays. Pikachu, perched on the desk nearby, was munching on a berry he had snagged from the academy's breakfast buffet.

"Five more minutes, Pikachu," Ash mumbled, his voice muffled by the pillow.

"Pika pika!" Pikachu responded sharply, nudging Ash's arm with a tiny jolt of electricity.

"Alright, alright, I'm up!" Ash yelped, sitting up abruptly and rubbing the back of his head. His raven hair stuck out in every direction, and his iconic hat had fallen off, resting on the desk.

Ash yawned, stretching his arms, and glanced over at his Rotom Phone on the bedside table. A blinking notification caught his eye. Picking it up, he tapped the screen, and the cheerful voice of the Rotom assistant greeted him.

"Attention, Challenger Ash Ketchum! You have been scheduled for a World Coronation Series battle in Mesagoza Plaza! Opponent details and location provided. Estimated time until battle: 45 minutes!"

"WHAT?!" Ash exclaimed, jumping out of bed. "Forty-five minutes?! Why didn't I get notified earlier?!"

"Notification was sent ten minutes ago. Please check your settings for reminders!" the Rotom Phone quipped.

Ash groaned, grabbing his hat and tossing it onto his head. "Come on, Pikachu, we've gotta go! No time for breakfast!"

"Pikaaaa…" Pikachu sighed, reluctantly hopping onto Ash's shoulder.

The two bolted out of Ash's dorm room, the door slamming shut behind them. Ash hurried down the hall, narrowly avoiding bumping into a few students along the way. The Uva Academy was bustling with activity, but Ash didn't have time to chat—he had a battle to get to.

"Which way to Mesagoza Plaza?" Ash muttered, glancing at his surroundings. He spotted a sign directing him in the right direction and nodded to Pikachu.

"Pikachu, we've got a race to win!" Ash grinned as they picked up the pace.

By the time Ash reached the Plaza, his heart was racing, and he was out of breath. The Plaza was already buzzing with excitement. The circular area was surrounded by cafes and shops, and a decent-sized crowd had gathered to watch the World Coronation Series battle unfold. The atmosphere had the feeling of a festival, with everyone eager to witness the battle that was about to begin.

"Made it!" Ash panted, sliding to a stop near the designated battlefield. His opponent, a tall trainer with a confident smirk, was already standing there, arms crossed.

"You're cutting it close, challenger," the trainer teased, tossing a Pokéball into the air and catching it effortlessly.

"Better late than never!" Ash shot back, adjusting his hat and grinning.

The referee, standing at the edge of the battlefield, raised a flag to signal the start of the match. "This is an official World Coronation Series battle! Each trainer may use one Pokémon. The battle ends when one Pokémon is unable to battle. Trainers, send out your Pokémon!"

Ash grabbed a Pokéball from his belt, his face lighting up with determination. "Let's do this, Braviary!"

In a flash of light, Hisuian Braviary appeared, its magnificent wings spread wide. The crowd murmured in awe at the sight of Braviary, especially since many of them were seeing this regional variant for the first time.

The opposing trainer raised an eyebrow before releasing his Pokémon—Grimmsnarl. The imposing Dark/Fairy-type loomed menacingly, its hair-like tendrils twisting and turning as it gave a low growl.

The referee dropped the flag. "Begin!"

"Grimmsnarl, use Light Screen!" the opponent commanded.

Grimmsnarl raised its arms, creating a shimmering barrier of psychic energy that reduced special attack damage.

"Braviary, start strong! Use Esper Wing!" Ash called.

Braviary's eyes glowed with psychic power as it dove into the air, its glowing wings leaving a trail of light behind it. The attack hit Grimmsnarl, unfazed by the attack. He wanted to test the Light Screen and now he had the answer he was looking for.

"Not bad," the opponent smirked. "Grimmsnarl, counter with Spirit Break!"

Grimmsnarl charged forward, its fists glowing with dark energy. It swung them at Braviary, landing a powerful blow that sent the Hisuian bird reeling but not defeated. Braviary regained its balance midair, clearly ready for more.

"Hang in there, Braviary! Use Hurricane!" Ash ordered.

Braviary flapped its wings with tremendous force, conjuring a fierce storm that surrounded Grimmsnarl. The winds howled as debris swirled around the plaza, and the crowd shielded their eyes against the gusts.

Grimmsnarl struggled to move, but its trainer wasn't done yet. "Grimmsnarl, push through the storm and use Play Rough!"

Despite the winds battering it, Grimmsnarl charged forward, its movements slow but still filled with power. It reached Braviary and landed a solid hit, sending the bird crashing into the ground with a painful cry.

"Braviary, don't give up! Finish it with Brave Bird!" Ash shouted, his voice filled with determination.

Braviary soared high into the sky, its body glowing with intense energy as it dove down with incredible speed. The collision was like a burst of light as Braviary's beak collided with Grimmsnarl. The shockwaves shook the plaza, and the crowd gasped in awe.

Grimmsnarl stumbled back, unable to continue. It collapsed to the ground, unable to battle.

"Grimmsnarl is unable to battle! Hisuian Braviary is the winner!" the referee declared.

The crowd erupted into applause, and Ash beamed with pride. Braviary chirped triumphantly, its wings flapping with excitement. Ash went to his Pokémon to congratulate her. She was becoming quite the battler.

From the edge of the crowd, Ash heard a familiar voice calling out. "That was amazing, Ash!"

Ash turned to see Rosa, the girl he'd met in Los Platos earlier. She was clapping her hands, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

"Way to go, Ash! You and Braviary were incredible!" she shouted, her voice filled with excitement.

Ash grinned, waving back at her. "Thanks, Rosa! What are you doing here?!"

"Hmpf, I'm following my side project and his climb through the ranks of the PWC!" she said with a sly smile, shily rotating her left foot on the ground.

Ash was impressed that this girl wanted to follow his progress. Pikachu went to greet her and was rewarded with some scratches under his chin which made him coo in delight.

The boy then noticed the time on the giant clock in the middle of the plaza and gasped: "The Contest!"

Pikachu heard that and jumped to his favorite spot. Ash quickly dismissed the girl: "I'm sorry Rosa, I have to run! It was great to see you again! Bye!" and with that sprinted into a run through the many streets of Mesagoza.

"Wait. Where's the contest hall?"

Pikachu sweat-dropped. He gave Ash a soft slap in the face and then pointed in the opposite direction.

The boy sighed and inverted his run.

A classic Ash Ketchum morning.

…

"Finally!" panted Ash, his breath fast and fatigued. Pikachu jumped from his shoulder and sniffed the air. The place was huge and the mouse Pokémon leaded his partner to his friend waiting for them.

The buzz of the crowd was palpable, and the stage was alive with lights, colorful decorations, and excited whispers. Trainers and Pokémon alike were busy preparing for the upcoming performances, and Ash couldn't help but smile at the infectious energy. He caught a few familiar faces as he scanned the arena—then his eyes fell on Nemona, sitting near the front, waiting for him.

She spotted him and waved him over. Ash grinned sheepishly and jogged to where she was sitting.

"Late as usual, huh?" Nemona teased as Ash slid into the seat next to her. "You're really cutting it close this time, Ash."

"Yeah, well… that battle took longer than I thought," Ash admitted with a small shrug, his eyes still glinting with excitement. "But I'm here now! So, what's this whole contest thing about? Looks pretty awesome."

Nemona raised an eyebrow but didn't comment further, instead directing his attention to the stage. "You're going to love it. But first, you should be prepared. Some of the performances here are really spectacular."

As the lights dimmed, the crowd fell into a hush. The first contestant appeared on the stage, the spotlight illuminating them as they prepared their Pokémon for their performance. Ash watched with wide eyes, absorbing the grandeur of the contest. Every movement, every attack, was executed with precision and grace. Still, his mind was mostly elsewhere—until the next contestant took the stage.

The atmosphere shifted as Serena walked onto the stage, her Delphox at her side. Ash's eyes went wide as he saw her, standing confidently with her fiery companion, the same familiar smile he hadn't seen in years lighting up her face. Pikachu couldn't believe what he was witnessing.

Nemona nudged Ash's shoulder lightly. "Well, that's Serena. She's pretty famous around here, especially for contests."

Ash barely heard Nemona's words, his attention completely absorbed by Serena's graceful presence. Serena's performance was nothing like he had ever witnessed before. Her movements were a blend of elegance and strength, as if every gesture she made with Delphox was part of a beautiful, intricate dance. Delphox responded with precision, its flames trailing beautifully as it performed a dazzling array of moves, including a stunning combination of Flamethrower and Psychic energy.

"Delphox, finish with Mystical Fire!" Serena commanded, and the flames erupted, sparkling in the air and enveloping the stage in an explosion of color.

The crowd cheered wildly, but Ash couldn't tear his gaze away from the performance. He blinked rapidly, feeling an odd tightness in his chest. He knew Serena was talented, but this—this was something beyond anything he had seen before. She had grown so much, become even more beautiful and capable than he had remembered. And as the contest came to a close, he realized that his eyes were a little misty.

The lights returned to their normal brightness as Serena finished her routine and waved to the crowd. Ash couldn't help but feel a deep, emotional pull, the years of distance between them suddenly feeling so much heavier. He quickly wiped his eyes, trying to hide the sudden rush of emotions.

Nemona, who had been watching Ash closely, raised an eyebrow. "Hey, are you okay? You're looking a little… teary-eyed?"

Ash quickly wiped his face and shook his head with a nervous laugh. "I'm fine! I just got caught up in the moment, you know?"

Nemona gave him a skeptical look but didn't press the issue. "I get it. Serena's something else. She's been working hard for this. But hey, now you can see why I'm so excited about this whole contest thing. You can't help but get caught up in the energy, right?"

Ash nodded, his eyes still glued to Serena, who was bowing to the audience, her face radiant with pride. "Yeah... she's amazing."

"I guess you've got a soft spot for her after all," Nemona teased with a grin.

Ash blinked and quickly shook his head. "No! I mean—yeah, but… it's not like that!" He stammered, his face reddening slightly. "She's just—she's really grown, and I'm proud of her."

Nemona was taken aback: "You know her?" she asked. "Well, yes" he answered, his eyes transpiring sadness; "But I don't know if she remembers him" he whispered, gazing at the pink ribbon on his wrist.

The Paldean champion wanted to investigate further but let it go. She saw his friend very deep in thoughts. Only Pikachu seemed to grasp what the boy was thinking.

As the next performance began, Ash tried to focus on the rest of the show. But for the rest of the evening, he couldn't shake the emotions Serena's performance had stirred up in him.

…

The arena was alive with energy as the final round of the contest was set to begin. The spotlight shone down on the stage, and the crowd buzzed with excitement. Ash, still captivated by the events from earlier, was eager to see what came next. Serena had earned a place in the contest's final round, and he was more than ready to see her perform once again.

Nemona, beside him, grinned. "This is it, Ash. Serena's final battle. You're going to love this one, too."

Ash nodded, his attention still on the stage as the announcer's voice rang out, declaring the next battle.

"Contestants, prepare for a double battle! On the left, we have Serena from Kalos, with her Delphox and Milotic! And on the right, we have Clara from the Galar region, with her Toxtricity and Grimmsnarl! Contestants, take your places!"

The crowd roared as both teams took their positions. Serena was standing confidently on one side, Delphox and Milotic by her side. Delphox, with its fiery, elegant fur, stood tall and poised, while Milotic, graceful and serene, gently swayed her long tail. Both Pokémon looked determined, ready to showcase their skill.

Ash's eyes narrowed in anticipation. This was going to be a spectacle. He could already see the powerful synergy between Serena and her Pokémon, especially after the performance he'd seen earlier. But what impressed him most was how she had grown as a trainer.

On the other side, Clara stood tall and composed, with a mischievous grin on her face. Toxtricity, its electric and poison types crackling with energy, stood next to Grimmsnarl, its dark, menacing form ready for battle.

Serena turned to her Pokémon with a warm smile. "Alright, you two, let's show them our best. Delphox, Milotic, you've got this!"

"Delphox!" the fire-psychic type called out in response, its eyes filled with fiery determination.

"Milotic," Serena whispered softly to her Water-type, who swayed its tail in a smooth arc as if preparing for the battle ahead.

Clara raised an eyebrow and gave a confident smirk. "Let's show them what real power looks like, Toxtricity! Grimmsnarl, we'll crush them!"

The battle began with a dramatic clang of the starting bell, signaling the start of the contest.

"Toxtricity, use Overdrive!" Clara called out.

With a sudden surge of electricity, Toxtricity unleashed a crackling wave of sound, sending bolts of electric energy across the arena. The blast aimed directly at Milotic, but Serena was quick to respond.

"Milotic, Aqua Ring to shield!" she ordered.

A shimmering ring of water surrounded Milotic, its defensive shield absorbing the electric blast. The crowd cheered as Milotic gracefully swam in the air, her defensive move protecting her from the brunt of the attack. Clara's points suffered the first drop.

"Now, Delphox—use Mystical Fire!" Serena commanded, her voice firm.

Delphox raised its staff, and a burst of mystical flame erupted, streaking toward Toxtricity, engulfing the remaining water and electricity and creating yellow and blue sparkles all around the Fire attack. The fiery blast was precise, and the electric Pokémon staggered back, looking dazed but still standing strong.

"Grimmsnarl, use Spirit Break on Delphox, Toxtricity, Boomburst to support!" Clara called.

Grimmsnarl lunged forward with terrifying speed, its fists glowing with dark energy, jumping rhythmically with the soud waves generated by Toxtricity.

"Delphox, dodge and counter with Psyshock!" she ordered.

Delphox gracefully spun out of the way just in time to avoid the heavy blow. It then launched a powerful psychic blast toward Grimmsnarl, the energy sending the dark-type reeling. Grimmsnarl growled in frustration but remained on its feet, showing its resilience.

"Milotic, Dragon Pulse!" Serena commanded with a sharp voice.

Milotic coiled its body, gathering energy in its serpentine form, and released a burst of Dragon Pulse toward Toxtricity. The energy collided with the electric Pokémon, sending it sprawling across the stage.

"Great job, Milotic! Now, Delphox, finish it with Flame Charge!"

Delphox dashed forward, its body surrounded by flames, as it zoomed toward Grimmsnarl with incredible speed. The fiery attack hit directly, sending Grimmsnarl skidding across the arena with a pained howl.

"Time is over!" cried the announcer as a loud buzz erupted from the dome's speakers. Serena's points were quite intact while Clara's have dropped considerably.

The announcer's voice rang out with excitement. "And that's it! Serena and her Pokémon, Delphox and Milotic, have won the round! Congratulations, Serena!"

The crowd erupted into applause, cheering for Serena's flawless performance. Ash stood up from his seat, clapping loudly. His heart swelled with pride as he saw Serena's victory. There was something about the way she and her Pokémon performed that left him in awe.

Serena stood tall on the stage, breathing heavily but wearing a proud smile. Her Pokémon flanked her, their eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

The announcer stepped forward, holding a shiny ribbon in his hands. "And now, the moment we've all been waiting for! Serena, you've earned this ribbon as the winner of today's contest. Congratulations!"

"Thank you so much and thank you to all my fans here and back in Hoenn and Kalos. We won't never give up, until the very end!" commented a slightly worn-out Serena, Delphox and Milotic cheering behind her.

Serena accepted the ribbon with a graceful bow, her smile never fading. The crowd cheered even louder as she held up the prize, her Delphox and Milotic standing proudly beside her.

Ash couldn't help but smile, his eyes glistening as he watched the scene unfold. It was so clear to him now: Serena had truly become a champion in her own right, her bond with her Pokémon stronger than ever.

Still, a question lingered in his heart. And despite all the excitement, he wasn't sure if he wanted to know the answer.

…

The sun was setting, casting beautiful shades of orange all around the city of Mesagoza. Ash and Pikachu had long waited outside on a bench. The crowd had dissipated and the reporters had too not so long ago. The boy was hoping to see Serena exit the building and have some time with her.

Some die-hard fans were already there but he would be faster.

Finally, from the sliding doors, a feminine figure emerged.

It was a girl, wearing a grey fedora with black stripes. She had red earrings and wore a sleeveless

Turtleneck sweater with a red skirt with white stripes, black stockings and brown boots.

Her hair was slightly longer than in Kalos but similar to the one she had when they last met in the forest approaching Mount Coronet.

"Serena!" Ash called, all his nervousness fading into enthusiasm as he got up and ran to the performer.

The girl turned around, her blue eyes widening for a moment before turning back to normal. She showed a smile and approached the man who was coming towards her: "Hi there! You are the boy who was fighting before!" she exclaimed, recalling the morning.

She wasn't sure why she felt driven to this guy but for sure she wasn't going to show it.

Ash froze there. Even the girl who claimed to love him. Arceus was right.

Pikachu grew worried seeing his pal not moving. Serena was uneasy at the scene and was about to go away when the mouse Pokémon jumped into her arms, cooing affectionately.

"What a wonderful Pikachu you are!" Serena exclaimed, her heart full with joy at the display.

"Yes, Pikachu is my best friend," said Ash, alerting the girl with a warm calm smile.

"He likes you!" he finished.

"He?" so you also refer to your Pokémon as people!?" asked an impressed Serena.

The bond between those two was clear. That boy, mysterious as he was, seemed something else.

Ash's heart fluttered a little at her comment, sensing that there was something about her tone that was almost… familiar. He had always felt that Serena understood him in ways others didn't, that she saw his bond with Pikachu as something more profound. But now, it was as if that bond between them had been forgotten.

He glanced at the blue ribbon tied around Serena's wrist, the one he had given her all those years ago in Kalos. The blue ribbon, the one she wore when they shared so many memories together. It was a symbol of their time together, their bond, a piece of their shared past.

Ash's breath caught in his throat, and he tried again. "Serena…" he began, his voice faltering just a bit. He raised his hand to point at the ribbon on her wrist, but the words didn't come as easily as he hoped.

"That ribbon," Ash said softly, trying to catch her attention, his voice barely above a whisper. "Do you… do you remember where you got it?"

Serena looked down at her wrist, her fingers tracing the ribbon absentmindedly. "This?" she asked. "I don't know. It's just something I've had for a while. It's really nice, though."

Ash felt a sting in his chest, his stomach sinking. This was it—she didn't remember. She didn't remember the time they spent together in Kalos, the contests, the laughs, the tears. It was like a whole chapter of his life had been wiped away from her mind.

But Ash refused to give up. There was something else. He reached for the pink bow tied around his wrist, the one Serena had given him back in Hisui. "This one," he continued softly, holding up the pink bow. "I still wear it. It's a gift from you… remember?"

Serena's gaze flickered down to the bow and back to Ash, but her eyes didn't light up with recognition. She smiled politely, though there was no spark of familiarity in her gaze. "I'm sorry," she said, her voice kind but distant. "I don't remember… but it's a nice bow. You must care for it a lot."

Ash felt his stomach twist. He couldn't hold onto the hope anymore. He smiled through the pain, his voice quiet. "Yeah, I do."

Serena nodded, still with that warm smile. "It was nice talking to you. You really seem like a good person and a great trainer, Ash. Your battle this morning motivated me to do great. Take care, okay?"

Ash watched as she turned to leave, his heart heavy. Serena was walking away, the person who had meant so much to him—yet she didn't even remember him.

Pikachu jumped onto Ash's shoulder, nuzzling him gently. "Pika pika," he said softly, offering comfort in his own way.

"Yeah, I saw that too" Ash answered. He knew that Serena wasn't lost completely. The doubts she had while speaking with him, the way she looked at him. Deep down, she still held all the memories of him.

"Chu, Pikapika!" commented Pikachu.

"Yeah, she's here to perform and I'm here to get back on feet and solve this mystery. Our paths will cross again."

They stared at each other and smiled, with resolution. For the first time since they had arrived in Paldea, they felt something new: hope.

….

Serena couldn't stop smiling. Her hand was caressing the blue ribbon. That guy. She sure hoped to see him again.

That night the moon seemed bigger and brighter.

"Maybe it's the spring!" she giggled to herself, coming back to her room.