Eevee successfully evolved into Sylveon, a testament to the deep connection and high level of trust it shared with Serena.
This wasn't about how long Serena had owned Eevee—it was proof of their bond, of their friendship that had blossomed into something even greater.
Evolution elevated Sylveon's strength considerably, and alongside Ash's Hawlucha, they claimed victory in the dance battle!
Pierre then announced the next Rookie Class Pokémon Showcase city: Fleurrh City!
After the excitement of the performances and battles, the event concluded with a grand feast.
Trainers, performers, and Pokémon alike enjoyed a luxurious banquet. Finally, under the blessing of Pierre and the radiant Kalos Queen Aria, the ball ended in perfect harmony.
"Serena, let's meet again in Fleurrh City," Miette said, stepping forward with her usual confident smile. "I won't lose to you this time. Let's give it our all!"
Serena nodded firmly. She wasn't about to lose either.
Then, leaning close, Miette whispered into Serena's ear with a mischievous grin, "And you and Ash—make sure to take care of each other. When should I expect a wedding invitation, hmm?"
"Wha—?!" Serena's cheeks flared crimson, making her look like a Flareon about to burst into flames.
Miette laughed cheerfully at her flustered reaction and waved goodbye before walking off.
And so, with the ball behind them, Ash and his friends set off toward their next destination.
When they arrived in the next city, fate brought them face-to-face with a familiar rival.
Sawyer!
Ash, now fighting alongside his Greninja, immediately found himself facing Sawyer's Sceptile.
Unlike the last time they met, Sawyer's Grovyle had fully evolved into a powerful Sceptile. His growth was undeniable.
"Sceptile, even if Ash's Pokémon has the Water-type advantage, we cannot underestimate him! Use Bullet Seed!" Sawyer commanded.
"Cha-mo!"
Sceptile darted forward, unleashing a barrage of glowing seeds from its mouth.
"Cut through it with Night Slash!"
"Ku-ka!"
Greninja drew his blade-like arms in a samurai's stance. With a swift strike, it cleaved through the seeds and charged toward Sceptile with breathtaking speed!
"Aerial Ace!"
"Sceptile, don't let it get too close—use Leaf Blade!"
As Greninja closed in, Sawyer's nervousness betrayed him. His commands wavered slightly, a mistake that in Pokémon battles could make all the difference.
Steel met steel—Greninja's Aerial Ace clashing against Sceptile's Leaf Blade. Sparks flew in a fierce exchange of blows.
"Quick Slash—Night Slash combo!" Ash called out.
"Quick Leaf Blade!" Sawyer countered instinctively.
Ash's eyes widened. Sawyer had improvised—combining Quick Attack with Leaf Blade. Though nervous, his creativity had produced a new move!
"Not bad at all, Sawyer," Ash praised sincerely.
Sawyer scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Th-thank you, Ash! I came up with it after studying your Greninja's Quick Slash and training with Sceptile over and over. We still have a long way to go, though!"
Their battle escalated as both Pokémon traded fierce attacks. Despite Greninja's precision, Sceptile's raw power made the fight evenly matched.
The intensity of their match soon attracted a crowd. Among them, a young man stepped forward from the Pokémon Center. His piercing gaze locked onto the battle.
Alain.
The sight of two Pokémon using combined techniques stirred his curiosity.
"Interesting," Alain murmured as he observed.
Ash's voice rang out again. "Sawyer, you and Sceptile need to strengthen your bond. With it, Sceptile has the potential to Mega Evolve!"
"What?! Sceptile can Mega Evolve?!" Sawyer's eyes widened in shock. "Then what Mr. Steven told me… it was true all along!"
Excitement blazed within him.
Ash smirked. "That's right. Let me show you what true evolution looks like! Greninja—let's go!"
"Ku-ka!"
At the mention of Mega Evolution, Alain's interest spiked even higher. After all, he was currently investigating Mega Evolution under Lysandre's orders. Any hint of its secrets fascinated him.
"I'll need to challenge him later…" Alain muttered under his breath.
Back on the battlefield, Greninja's aura flared. Ash and Greninja's movements synchronized perfectly. Their hearts and minds fused into one.
A towering column of water erupted, wrapping Greninja in a whirlpool. At its core, a transformation was taking place.
The water shifted and molded, flowing into massive shuriken-like wings on Greninja's back. The legendary form—Ash-Greninja—had appeared once more.
The sheer force of its presence sent a wave of pressure across the field. Sawyer instinctively stumbled back, his breath caught in awe.
"Night Slash!" Ash commanded.
Greninja mirrored his every move, drawing its watery blade. With a single, thunderous step, it shattered the ground beneath and surged forward in a blur.
Before Sawyer or Sceptile could react, Greninja's blade struck true. The attack crashed against Sceptile with overwhelming power, sending it flying across the field.
The crowd gasped.
Alain's eyes widened. "So this… is another form of Mega Evolution?"
He leaned forward, eyes locked on Ash. This trainer—this boy—was more than just another competitor.
This was someone he would have to challenge.
And soon.
--------------
T/N:
Access Advance Chapters on my
P@treon: [email protected]/PokePals