"Froakie!"
With a cry, Froakie opened its mouth and launched another volley of bubbles toward Clefairy.
Pupupupupu!
"Clefairy, use Splash to dodge, then follow up with Copycat!"
Serena, now full of confidence, shouted the command with crystal clarity.
"Clefaaairy!"
Clefairy's body bounced back gracefully, its footwork light as a feather—almost like it was dancing. It leapt backward, narrowly avoiding the bubble barrage. While still midair, it waved its stubby little arms and unleashed the same move it had just seen: Copycat.
"Clefaaiiry!"
With a bold cry, Clefairy landed and instantly fired a stream of bubbles right back at Froakie.
Pop pop pop pop—!
Ash didn't have Froakie dodge. He let it take the hit directly. It was all part of his plan—to help Serena build up her battle instincts and confidence.
"Great job, Serena," Ash called out with a proud smile. "Froakie's been attacking nonstop, so it's getting tired."
Serena's eyes lit up.
"Clefairy, now's the time! Use Sing!"
Her voice rang out, strong and decisive.
"Clefaairy~!"
Clefairy had fully synchronized with Serena. Their rhythm was in perfect harmony now.
The pink Fairy-type opened its mouth and began to sing—a soft, sweet lullaby carried across the clearing.
The melody flowed gently, but its effect was instant—Froakie's eyelids began to droop. Drowsiness overtook it like a slow wave.
This time, Serena didn't need Ash's help. She spotted the perfect opening and made her move.
"Clefairy, now! Charge in and use Pound!"
"Clefaairy!!"
The moment she gave the order, Clefairy's eyes snapped open. Its tiny legs kicked off the ground, propelling it forward like a blur.
Slap! Slap! Slap!
Its glowing paws swung forward, smacking Froakie in a flurry of slaps. The way it attacked was… surprisingly similar to a girl throwing hands in a fight—but it was undeniably effective.
Ash still didn't order Froakie to dodge. He let Clefairy land the full combo to help Serena stay immersed in the moment.
After a few more hits, Ash finally raised his hand and called out.
"Alright—that's enough, Serena. Have Clefairy stop."
Serena froze for a second, then gasped.
"Oh no! Clefairy, stop!"
She panicked a little, realizing she had gotten too carried away.
"Clefaaaairy~"
Clefairy blinked, then backed off, a bit flustered but obedient.
"I'm so sorry, Ash! I got too into the battle, and I forgot you were just helping me train…"
Serena lowered her head in guilt, her voice full of remorse.
"It's fine," Ash chuckled and shook his head. "Seeing you improve this much so quickly—Froakie and I are actually really happy."
As he spoke, Ash stepped forward and gently picked Froakie up from the ground. Supporting its body with one arm, he subtly activated his Viridian Power—his hand glowing faintly green as he used Healing Grace to soothe Froakie's fatigue.
"Froaakiee…"
The warm energy flowed through Froakie's body, healing its minor injuries and gently waking it from the sleep status.
"You did great out there, Froakie," Ash praised while patting its head.
"Froaa…"
The little frog's cheeks flushed, its eyes curling up into happy crescent moons.
Just then, Serena rushed over with Clefairy in her arms.
"I'm really sorry, Froakie. You helped me and Clefairy with our training, and we ended up treating you like a real opponent, attacking full-force…"
She lowered her head in embarrassment. "I didn't mean to go overboard."
"Clefaaairy…"
Clefairy bowed its head, twiddling its fingers apologetically as it followed Serena's lead and offered its own sincere apology.
"Froaakie~"
Froakie smiled and shook its head. Feeling the pure, heartfelt emotion from both Trainer and Pokémon, it couldn't possibly stay mad.
"And thank you, Ash," Serena added softly. "You taught me so much today… but even knowing all this, I'm still nervous about going out there and battling the other campers…"
Her voice trailed off, and the confident smile she'd worn during training began to fade. The same old anxiety returned to her face.
Ash saw it.
And without hesitation—he stepped forward and gently took her hand in his.
"Eeek~!"
Serena's entire body froze. Her face turned scarlet again. The nervousness, the pressure—it was all suddenly replaced by the rush of embarrassment.
"You've done so well, Serena. So now…"
Ash leaned forward and lifted the sunhat off her head, just enough to meet her eyes.
"I think it's time I told you a little secret."
"A… secret?"
Serena blinked, instantly drawn in by curiosity.
"Yep. A very special secret. One I've never told anyone—not even Gary or Green.
But… would you like to know it?"
Ash looked into her bright, sea-green eyes and smiled. It was warm and dazzling, like the summer sun.
"M-me? I can know it?" Serena asked, almost afraid to believe it.
"Of course. Because I trust you, Serena. I know that even if I tell you this secret, you'll keep it safe and never tell anyone else."
"…Okay," she nodded quickly, her face glowing with joy and emotion. She could barely contain the excitement in her chest.
"Alright then… my secret is—
I'm actually… a psychic. I have powers."
Ash whispered the words with a sly grin, then raised his hand. With a flick of his fingers, a gentle green glow appeared around his palm.
Serena's eyes widened.
Her mouth opened slightly as her hand flew up to cover it. She stared, stunned, at the glowing light.
"You really do have powers! That's amazing, Ash!"
In that moment, Serena completely forgot about her anxiety, her upcoming match, everything. She was too full of awe and wonder.
Ash gave her a wink.
"Of course I do. I'd never lie to you, Serena. And you know what else?"
He leaned in closer.
"My powers let me talk to people using just my thoughts. No words needed."
"Woooah…"
"So when you go out there to battle," Ash said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze,
"I'll be right there, whispering advice into your heart. You won't be alone. I'll always be with you."
"…Mm!"
Serena's eyes shimmered. She nodded eagerly.
For the first time, she believed she could do this.
...
...
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T/N:
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