Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It would be an exaggeration to say the school grounds have been completely changed. However, it’s undeniable that the battlefield has been repainted, and now there’s temp barriers up to keep the surrounding standing crowds back and protected, rigged up cameras and microphones now surrounding the place.

There’s a steady trickle of people heading towards the school leading from the main road, and its small car park is filled completely with vans and cars belonging to the press. Ride Pokémon are dropping people off only to immediately circle back around on an errand to fetch even more attendees. Ash scratches under Pikachu’s chin as he heads towards the Pokémon School’s main building, schooling his nerves and reminding himself of what Kukui had told him in preparation.

”They’re gonna be pushy” the Professor says, rushing around with his lab coat inside-out as he makes his breakfast- a pre-prepped loco moco pack that’s reserved for when Kukui is in a bit of a rush to leave the house in the morning, used to waking up much earlier and having ample time to start his day. “Lots of reporters from all over the world came for the Manalo Conference, and the announcement of this battle was soon enough afterwards that many were still in Alola and able to extend their trip for this. That means loads of the reporters there today won’t be Alolan, and so will be Team Lance rather than Team You.”

Ash is sat at the breakfast bar eating his breakfast in a far more lax manner: pancakes lathered in syrup topped with streaky bacon that Ash pretends not to notice Pikachu stealing. “But it’s you, Kahuna Hala, Professor Oak, and Misty that’s commentating, right?” Misty’s repping Lance technically, but she wouldn’t be anti-Ash, at least not genuinely.

Ash watches as Kukui runs a brush haphazardly through his hair, cringing with the ferocity the Professor casually commits to the act. Ash’s hair, although thick, is low maintenance as straight hair tends to be from Eastern regions, but Kukui’s seems infinitely more thick, wavy and frizzy on the rare occasions he lets it out “That’s for the actual battle.” Kukui says, eyeing the microwave as his food rotates leisurely inside, clearly not getting the memo that Kukui wants it to be ready instantaneously.

“Pre-Interviews are important, Ash.” His next words come muffled through the hairband he holds between his teeth as he manipulates his hair into a bun “They get people watching excited and passionate for battling- your battle- but most- agh- most importantly,” his voice trails off subconsciously as he focuses on finishing off his hair “…they’ll be a big first impression for you internationally, and’ll set the tone for your Championship.” And, by extension, set the tone for Alola as a League region.

“So what kind of-“ Ash is cut off by the microwave beeping and Kukui’s following elated curses “What should I expect?”

Kukui grabs his food and decants it into a shallow bowl, leant now against the counter as he attempts to shovel the food into his mouth immediately “Auē! Hafaghauh, Fuck hot! Ah- uh. All reporters are given access to the ground floor reception of the school. You, Lance, and I’ll go there before the battle- maybe half an hour beforehand?- to be open to press-conference interviews. There’s no seating for them, but they’ll be in a set space separated by your assigned table, and I’ll be close by to give them a firm word if they’re being too much.” Kukui talks of managing them as if they’re one of his Pokémon school classes.

“So they’ll just ask stuff about battling?” Ash asks. Kukui wobbles his head in a So-So gesture as he swallows his mouthful. “Mostly, yes. It’s Pre-Battle interviews- I know you’ve seen ‘em before. They’ll ask about how your first week as Champion has been too, perhaps. Relations between you and Lance’ll likely come up. Pre-Battle interviews can end up getting repetitive after you’ve been doing them for a long time, but you’re new content.” Kukui grins “I recon you’ll be plenty popular.” His grin turns slightly distainful, as the implications of his own words set in.

The realisation that Kukui’s probably got loads of experience with the press strikes Ash. His controversies when he returned from Kanto, him becoming the Regional Professor, his endeavours as the Masked Royal, and again more recently he’s been subject to interviews and questionings regarding the League. Ash nods along, taking his word.

“Some of ‘em will try and get off topic though.” Kukui maddens slightly as he begins again “You’ve got ample controversies surrounding you, and that equates to engagement to news agencies. Try and ignore them, be assertive. Urge them to stay on the topic of the battle, keep the control. It’s their honour to talk to you, remember that. They’ve all been given firm forewarning but Tapu know they won’t all listen. Be. Firm. Yeah, Keiki? Otherwise they just don’t listen.” Ash keeps nodding, taking it all in as gospel.

Kukui grins slightly to Ash. “But most importantly, just be your normal self, Ash. Everyone here already loves you, hm? You can win over the masses in a heartbeat with your charisma, ey?”

Ash beams at Kukui at this, who then cheers for it, and lets himself be confident as he finishes his morning routine. Kukui had then run ahead to the school to sort out some admin or preparations or whatever, so Ash and Pikachu were left more time to make their way to the school on their own in a good few hours.

It's funny, how a battle with the world’s number four’s far less daunting than facing a few reporters for 30 minutes.

Even with ample forewarning- the place being swarmed with the vehicles carrying recording kit, flocks of people milling about, and the sounds of bustling crowds and conversations coming out muffled from inside the school- Ash still finds himself a little stunned upon walking in to see so many people. Despite the school’s air conditioning and the size of the foyer, the room is hot, stuffed full of people and machines whirring away. Three tables are stationed in a line at the other end with flat backdrops covered in the logos of sponsorships stood up behind them, each separate enough from the other to have congregated their own individual crowds.

They’re for me, Kukui, and Lance Ash concludes, recalling previous hints Kukui had given last night, and after catching a flash of the latter shuffling about behind the backdrop. He takes the hint, keeping to the edge of the room as he makes his way to behind the screens, praying the crowds of people talking amongst themselves don’t spot and swarm him.

Short stealth mission over, he lets Pikachu hop off his shoulder and rush up to Professor Oak to greet him, he and Professor Kukui having been engaged in an amicable chat. Ash’s attention turns to Lance who’s some further steps away, who’s in his own conversation with Misty. Hala’s not here yet Ash notes, and a slight insecure worry that the Kahuna won’t turn up niggles at the back of his mind.

“Ah! Young Ash! I’m so Happiny to see you’re all well and good! How’re we feeling about the match today?”

Ash’s attention snaps back to Professor Oak and he smiles at the headmaster “We’re pumped! Can’t wait for these interviews to be over so we can get on the field!” “Pika-pikachu!” His partner carries the sentiment far more assertively in his tone.

Professor Oak guffaws in glee and raises his hands placatingly, one designated to pat the side of Pikachu’s head “My, my! Just as expected, Ash, as eager to battle as ever. I’m afraid these pre-match interviews are just something you Xatu get through in order to get to the meaty main of the battle! It’ll be over in no Tympole!” He claps a hand on Ash’s shoulder, and he smiles wide at the Professor. Pikachu jumps across the bridge the gesture creates and settles on Ash’s free shoulder.

“You feeling ready for interviews, then? Nerves good, know what you’re doing?” Professor Kukui asks. It’s clear he’s going for cool and casual but his own nerves on Ash’s behalf peak through his words. He’s worried for me Ash notes. But is it genuine parental concern, or a belief that Ash doesn’t have what it takes?

“What if Ash wants to step down before that happens?”
“Then that is within his right.”
“Do you think he’d step down?”
“I don’t think so…. But I would not blame him if he did.”

Right. That’ll certainly fill him with confidence going into these interviews.

“Yup! Me and Pikachu have taken on worse opponents; this’ll be a piece of cake!” Ash assures with a mock bravado to hide his actual bravado, and Pikachu’s own response sounds just as convincing to anyone that isn’t Ash.

Kukui smiles genuinely at Ash, looking a little relieved at the simple assurance, and Ash almost feels guilty for it. He catches Lance waving at him through his peripheral and turns to face the other Champion. Once Lance sees he has Ash’s attention he notches his head in the direction of the screens they’re stood behind- and, by extension, the crowds that are on the other side- and mouths ‘You ready to go?’

Ash really isn’t. He nods and smiles, sending two thumbs up Lance’s way. Again, the adult smiles and relaxes at Ash’s little white lie, mood so clearly dictated by Ash’s own.

It’s fine.

Ash, Kukui, and Lance step around their screens at the same time to take their respective seats, and noise from the crowds of reporters picks up- growing louder in anticipation as they shout out questions from the get-go. Ash presses the nail of his thumb into the pad of his index finger, the slight sharp pain it ellicts grounding him long enough for him to sit down. When hidden by the table he allows himself to distract himself by fiddling with his hands on his lap, and he smiles his brightest wide smile to the crowd, knowing Pikachu is doing the same on his shoulder.

Right. Champion Satoshi Ash Ketchum. Champion. He’s got this.

The questions start innocently enough. For the first few minutes it’s establishing queries- basic information being rehashed about Ash that’s already public knowledge but won’t be common knowledge to everyone watching quite yet, considering how new Ash is.

It gets slightly more in depth after that, but hardly so. Was being a Pokémon Trainer always his goal, is it true he’s staying in Alola until the League’s established, is he going to continue attending the Pokémon school. It’s still basic information that virtually everyone who knows Ash even through a friend knows, but still the sorts of things the average person won’t.

It does get more specific after that, but less information based. What’s his preferred style of battle? How does he feel going up against Lance as an equal? What’s it like to use Z-Moves? Questions that are more targeted at Ash- with the sort of answers that would differ depending on who you ask. It’s more subjective. A feel for who Ash is as a battler and as a person. They never go too deep into anything, another reporter Ash calls for eager to cover another area. Kukui was right about Ash being fresh content- there’s seemly loads to talk about.

However, he feels like Kukui’s stressing and constant explanations and assurances regarding the interviews had… made Ash feel far more dreadful than he needed to. This isn’t that bad. At all. The small crowd that’d camped outside the Professors’ house to hound him were ten times worse.

Here they’re all quiet whilst he’s answering the questions, and don’t jump in to make him sound bad before he’s even finished speaking. They’re loud and insistent when Ash is done speaking each time, calling out names of news agencies and beginnings of questions he can barely make out amongst the sea of voices, but as soon as Ash points and calls permission for someone to project their question the rest fall silent again. It’s far more… civil. Ash feels less like a Remoraid surrounded by Sharpedos and more like… someone out of water looking down into a pond of Carvanha. They’re imposing and intimidating as a group, but Ash’s out of danger and protected. He’s not exactly relaxed, but they can’t do any real damage to him like this.

His assessment doesn’t hold up for the last five minutes of the interview, however. It of course starts innocently enough, but it soon snowballs, and before he knows it someone’s pushed him into the Carvanha pond.

The press still yell insistently between questions, so Ash tilts to the side to get a better view of those in the crowd he hasn’t called upon yet and points to a man with a Hoenn Central news logo on his partner’s camera kit. “You! Hoenn Central.”

The interviewer, practiced as he is, doesn’t even spare a second between being selected and calling his question. He speaks in Galarian, despite a previous question at the beginning of the segment having established Ash is fluent in all seven languages associated with the now-eight League regions.

“Having been raised in Kanto, what’s it like knowing you’re up against the Champion of your region you presumably looked up to? Do you think it’s more intimidating, as he was a figure you’d have always viewed as undefeatable?”

For the first time there’s a murmur about the crowd, presumably growing restless with the shortening remaining time and complaining that a similar question had been voiced already. Ash doesn’t let it phase him, and tries to approach the question in a way that doesn’t have him repeating anything.

“Oh, man,” Ash begins, and the mumbling quietens whilst he thinks how to begin “To be honest, I’ve met Lance quite a few times before, so obviously I’ve seen him battle and take down-“ criminal organisations, pretty sure you’re not supposed to just imply that Lance often goes undercover even if it’s been publicly speculated for years ”-opponents,” he hopes he didn’t hesitate too noticeably there “So I know he’s a super strong battler, but more than anything I’m just excited to face him, right Pikachu?” His partner Pokémon agrees enthusiastically, sparks flying. The Hoenn reporter moves onto the next question breezily, ignoring how the complaints grow more insistent from surrounding press peoples at him sneaking in a second question “If you’ve met, have you and the Champion battled in the past?”

Ash takes a moment to think, and after a moment realises “Oh, man, no I haven’t! I’ve battled other Champions, but now that you’ve mentioned it I haven’t battled Lance yet!” Then he laughs, and jostles the shoulder Pikachu’s on “Kinda ironic, considering he’s the one I’ve known for the longest.”

“Champion Ash!” Another voice, female, interjects, in Alolan this time, before Ash states he’s done with the question as he did before. Complaints grow louder as the crowd curates even more unrest, but the woman’s voice is louder still “Unovan Live- how has the lifestyle and attitude to battles and training in Alola differed to other regions? It’s apparent you’ve at least travelled to and competed in the Leagues of 6 other regions!”

“Oh!” Ash startles at the change in reporter and language and his eyes flit around to try and find the camera of the crew that corresponds to the woman. She said Unovan, right? His brain takes a moment to keep to Galarian, going with her native accent on instinct. He doesn’t bare mind to how odd it might sound, having just replied to the Hoenn interviewer in a more neutral accent “Uh, yeah you’re right!” There’s some complaints over Ash answering the woman who spoke up without being selected, but since he’s already addressed her he can’t change his mind now, and he powers through, trampling the angrily voiced protests down. He feels Kukui’s interest pique from the table beside him, likely from the growing volume coming from Ash’s section “Well, I grew up in Kanto and first journeyed there, so that was my introduction to Pokémon training, but I think after being in Alola for a year now, this region’s attitude and approach to Pokémon training and Pokémon as a whole suits me and our style best.” he grins wide, jostling his shoulder with Pikachu on it to prompt an enthusiastic agreement that none of the reporters understand, but likely get the gist of. He needs to reestablish control of the crowd again.

“So you’re saying Alola’s style of training is superior and better than other regions’?” before he can continue his turn-based interviewer selection method from before, another voice speaks up, in Sinnohan, and Ash panics a little, unable to match the voice to the face that said that. He just rambles out to the crowd, switching language reflexively to match the question’s and to respond as quickly as possible, to clear things up before they snowball as quickly as possible. “No, no! It’s just for me personally!” He tries to calm himself down. There’s yelling. The complaints aren’t just directed towards other members of his crowd, now.

Don’t panic, Kukui said some of them will try and use dirty tactics. Keep a level head, treat it like a battle. Be confident. He switches back to Galarian. Control. “I’ve met loads of people and everyone raises and trains their Pokémon differently,” he omits the fact he sees many of these methods as wrong, several faces coming to mind, Damian, “And although I think Battle-Focused Trainers are less common here, at least specifically those who train as a profession, the culture of raising and training along-side Pokémon is really refreshing! It only took a short while to get used to not just battling any stranger you come across, though.” he chuckles, trying a little to lighten the mood. The interviewers jump back into yelling questions at Ash, instead. He struggles to pick out the voice of someone calling more politely for his attention so he can select them for the next question in a hope to reestablish a calmer interviewing process.

“KILN- Kanto International Live News here, do you really think you can win a battle against a much more experienced Champion?” Another reporter barks loudly from the crowd in rather rude, informal Kantonian, and Ash frowns a little at just how biting the tone sounds, even though the many other insistent calls for his attention. “I mean, Wataru is crazy strong, like I said I’ve seen him battle a bunch! But me and Pikachu are just excited to get to go all out with him!”

Pikachu begins enthusiastically adding on to Ash’s response, paws curled as his cheeks crackle with electric energy- making a clear warning about how he’s not very pleased. The reporter doesn’t look very impressed as he speaks up again, and Ash can find him in the crowd this time. He has auburn hair and dark eyes. An Ekans is wrapped around his neck like a scarf. “Is it not presumptive to think an unevolved Pokémon could take on any of Champion Wataru’s highly trained Pokémon?”

Ash recoils a little at the rude implications and blatantly aggressive tone before the man continues on without letting Ash get a word in to refute “Not to mention Pikachus are very common and not at all known for their strength, unlike other mid-stage evolved Pokémon who might get away with the blatant disadvantage and stand a chance.” A pair of nearby reporters with red and blue hair from what seems to be an independent news agency turn and gape at him in genuine shocked outrage. Pikachu frowns and his cheeks begin sparking in further warning.

The crowds had quietened throughout the reporter’s questions, some cameras even turning to capture the man, and yet Ash feels like more eyes are boring into him analytically, challengingly. He understands Kukui’s warnings far better, now “To my understanding, it’s your starter Pokémon? Why haven’t you evolved it yet?”

Ash switches back to Galarian to answer the man, trying not to let his anger boil and show. This dude is really hitting his and his partner’s bad spots and he knows he has to just internalise it and channel it into the battle later to prove this guy wrong, but Pikachu is on his shoulder muttering unkind words that go unheard to everyone else, and it only riles Ash up more “Pikachu does not want to evolve and that’s his choice to make. That’s not the only way for Pokémon to get stronger! Like I said we’re gonna go all out with Lance, no holding back!”

Ash desperately wants to divert the conversation, knowing his smile is incredibly tense right now. He feels a snarl threaten the corner of his lips. You’re not an immature child anymore. Prove you’re not. Show you can be diplomatic, that you can handle the challenges Champions face, that you’re not going to just quit. This is just as asshole trying to get under your skin, letting it work would be losing. This is just a man with a camera, he has no real power unless you give it to him.

For once the crowd is silent, eager to allow the interaction to continue on the account it might produce some marketable drama. The man sounds cocky when he talks. Ash’s eager to take his smugness and shove it right back at him “It’s apparent that of all the Leagues you’ve competed in prior to this, the only other you’ve made it to the finals in has been last year in Kalos, where the rest of your team had been fully evolved. Do you not think you could have won that League had you evolved your Pikachu considering how closely it ended?”

Ash is honestly more caught off guard at the mention of the Kalos League than anything else in that awful point of view. No one really mentions the Kalos League like, at all. For several obvious reasons of course: the following Kalos Crisis and the apparent censorship that came after it revolving around him and Greninja- trying to prevent anyone else from getting the same ideas as Lysander.

This guy knows at the very least about Ash coming second in the League by a close call, and the nature of his team being fully evolved. What more does he know?

Ash suddenly very much does not want to engage in this conversation, sticking it to the man be damned.

Then, by a miracle Ash nearly considers a divine gift, a familiar female voice comes out “Ash! It’s Alexa from Kalos’ Lumiose Press!” Some interviewers complain at the interruption, whilst others begin hollering their own versions of the Kanto man’s questions. What they don’t know is just how perfect of an out Ash’s been provided with.

Pikachu finds her in the crowd first, head snapping round and an overjoyed “Pika-Pika!” Coming from him when he jumps off of Ash’s shoulder into the crowd, who all half-scream and part suddenly as best they can to avoid the incoming Pokémon. He lands in Alexa’s arms who, now that Ash can actually see her at the back of the crowd from where she’d been hidden by her now-parted fellow press people, looks a little shocked, pun not intended. She grins up at Ash as he recognises her, and his face lights up from the sudden change in his dynamic with the crowd and from the familiar face “Alexa! What are you doing in Alola?”

“Following the hottest news of course.” She grins back, stepping forward as the crowd of reporters give her an easier access to the Champion, camera operators stepping back to capture the two of them and their interactions, curious as to how to the two know each other. The previous question is nearly forgotten in light of this new revelation they can capture “It’s so good to see you!” Ash says happily as he stands up from his seat, hands on the table as he leans over it, resisting the urge to just vault it like Pikachu had to reunite with an old friend. “Back at you! And congrats for winning the League and becoming Champion! Viola sends her regards, too.” she talks as if there’s not dozens- really, millions, globally- of eyes set on her, and then she grins “It was her idea for me to come, said I needed a holiday anyways.”

Ash smiles “Ah! Thank you! I hope you enjoy your time in Alola, we should catch up after our battle!” And Pikachu agrees with the concept enthusiastically from Alexa’s arms. A Pokéball on her hip erupts and another blur of yellow tumbles onto the floor, Helioptile barking up at Pikachu who notices and recognises the other Pokémon. He hops down to reunite with the fellow electric type. Some cameras follow the Pokémon to capture their interaction, whilst the rest remain on Ash and Alexa.

“I’d love that” she beams back genuinely “I could interview you as well?” She asks, prompting. For a moment Ash wonders if she only wants to meet up for the purpose of an (evidently highly contested for) interview with him, before he examines her face and realises she’s offering more of a ‘get out of jail free card’ for him.

He’s undoubtably going to have to give an interview after the battle, all the enthusiasm around the match making such obvious. And interviewing with someone he trusts like Alexa, as opposed to a stranger like that Kantonian man will be a mercy for him. That, or he has to suffer through another media scrum, which he’s decided will always be the worst-case, given how quickly he’s already learnt they can spiral. So, he smiles and replies “Oh, of course!”

Alexa smiles and her eyes dart to Ash’s side, and he follows them to notice Kukui stood up from his table and circling it to approach Ash’s, his own crowd half-dispersing and half calling out last-ditch effort questions. The Professor isn’t even noticing them. Perhaps Ash looks slightly too pleased to see him, because Kukui, bless the man’s perfect soul, turns to Ash’s crowd and yells “Alright guys! Thirty minutes’ up, you know how it works!”

There’s immediately complaints, some of them rather unkind using all sorts of language, but Kukui acts as if they’re not even reacting “If I were you, I’d start heading to the field to get the good spots before they run out, battle’s starting in ten!”

Somehow that does kick several of them into gear, and the crowd begins thinning as people peel away from it in small groups. Ash looks questionably to Kukui, suffering a little bit of emotional whiplash at the sudden changes in tone over the last minute, and Kukui pats his shoulder reassuringly. “Head to the small pavilion that leads to the battlefield. The only thing you have to worry about now is the battle: you head out when Prof. Oak introduces you. Lance’s first so you can follow his lead.” Ash nods, and manages a smile to the Professor, who looks relieved and smiles back. They continue to pay no mind to the crowd.

He squeezes Ash’s shoulder once more, perhaps more for himself than Ash, and drops it, notching his head as he starts to walk away, signalling Ash to follow. He begins doing so before pausing and turning around.

“Oh- wait- Pikachu!” Ash calls back at the crowd in realising the electric mouse’s absence, and the Pokémon darts through between the legs of the reporters to reappear on Ash’s shoulder. Kukui looks at the two of them fondly and chuckles softly “Right then. Let’s get you out there.”

xx_345_L
@Puffabskaq

Dude I’m watching the pre-match interviews rn and both of them confirmed they knew each other??? ASH WHO ARE YOU??? Does everyone just know each other in Kanto????

15:03 27/06/XX Twitter for CheriPhone

Silly 5
@Symbioticoaistttt

Replying to @Puffabskaq

Were you only watching Ash/Kukui’s interviews? Lance went into quite a lot of detail on how they knew eachother!

15:19 27/06/XX Twitter for CheriPhone

Sumowood
@treeman_72

theirs a hell of a lot of hype for such a short match onevone and lance is way stronger I get the diplamocy or whatever but the referees introduction is gonna be longer than the actual match Pikachull faint after like one hit from dragonite

15:15 27/06/XX Twitter for CheriPhone

HELLIIENN
@helloioptical

Replying to @treeman_72

Bro knows nothing about powerscaling. I’m not saying he’ll win but Ash beat Tapu Koko with that Pikachu- it’s not gonna be an easy win for Lance, even tho I think he will.

15:16 27/06/XX Twitter for LumPhone

Camell
@camelotcamerupt

Replying to @treeman_72

If you click on the icon on the bottom left of your keyboard youll discover smth called punctuation you fucking quagsire

15:20 27/06/XX Twitter for LumPhone

Cherri Berry Babe
@W45t1n9B3rr15

Replying to @camelotcamerupt

The hypocrisy goes crazy

15:23 27/06/XX Twitter for KoPhone

Meep :P
@lizazazazazzz

Replying to @camelotcamerupt

What’s wrong with quagsires :(

15:32 27/06/XX Twitter for LumPhone

KT
@Foamfrog

GO SATOSHI GO WATARU MAKE KANTO PROUD!!!

15:31 27/06/XX Twitter for CheriPhone

Ruth
@totallynotruthless__

LANCEEEE ❤️❤️❤️❤️🗣️🗣️🗣️ #Teamlance EASY WIN CMONN 💪💪💪

15:48 27/06/XX Twitter for CheriPhone

Boxhead
@theclownprince09

LETS GOOO ITS STARTINGGG!!! SHOW EM THE SPIRIT OF ALOLA ASH!!! #Teamash

15:52 27/06/XX Twitter for KoPhone

Gary Oak ✔️
@ShigeruuuOkidooo

Get his Ass, Ketchum!!!

15:53 27/06/XX Twitter for CheriPhone

Gary Oak ✔️
@ShigeruuuOkidooo

Replying to @ShigeruuOkidooo

Lmao Ass Ketchum

15:53 27/06/XX Twitter for CheriPhone

“Alright guys! Is everyone ready for the Battle!!?”

There’s a roar across the grounds that’s impressive enough to rival a Galarian stadium. There’s a large League Arena-sized space cleared, markings repainted, an invisible force field already erected about it. Upon Lance’s request, said force field is to be made to surround the crowd rather than to be a dome over the battlefield, enlarging the match’s stage size into the sky.

There’s temporary barriers and a few guards stationed about the edge of the standing crowd that stretches out to basically the entirety of the rest of the impressive school’s grounds. Cameras are set up on the balconies of the Pokémon School and trees that overlook the impromptu stadium, accompanied by several drones with their own high-quality cameras stationed in the sky and far, far out of the range of where the battle is likely to extend to. Kukui is sat on a high up balcony of the school, overlooking the battle with Professor Samson Oak- on account for his school grounds being used- alongside Kahuna Halla, and Misty- the Kanto representative of Lance, despite her being more likely to root for Ash for personal reasons.

Kukui feels a little bad for the bias of the panel, but he had personally asked Misty to make an effort to defend Lance for the sake of Ash’s public appearance after the beginnings of accusations of bias and rigging in the Alolan League online: which she agreed to. Lance had brought it up to her already, and she’d insisted she’d have reached the same conclusion on her own. It’s not like she’s against Lance winning, either. Something about someone having to break Ash’s recent winning streak before it gets to his head.

There’s an array of microphones and cameras too set up around them in a fashion that ensures they have clear views of the battle bellow. In addition, a screen in the corner of the balcony is live displaying the streams from several of the cameras pointed at the battlefield. Of course, on other balconies space has been issued to VIP or high-paying quests and several reporters for different regions, with several more being stationed in the crowds, but Kukui’s group’s live commentary will be broadcasted and translated to several international broadcasting channels.

Kukui is just buzzing with excitement. This is what the League was for! If he’d shown this all to himself from not even a year ago, he’d be in utter awe that his plan even worked, let alone this well. He sympathises with the people conspiring that the League was rigged, because honestly Ash was the best person they could have as Champion. Outside of course of his great personality, he has so many connections outside of the region that seems to be fast tracking Alola into the spotlight.

Kukui’s got no doubts that the other Champions would have treated Ash civilly and engaged with him and his region, but Lance had been on his way to Alola in record time following Ash’s League win. He’s giving proper guidance and aid to Ash not just as a fellow Champion but as a friend, and had talked to Kukui about the other Champions and League Associates doing the same. Of course some people would think there’s foul play regarding Ash’s Championship, Kukui thinks to himself bemusedly, it just sucks that those people are so insistent and rude regarding their beliefs “Then please cheer as loud as you can as we welcome the long-time reigning Champion of Kanto and Johto to Alola, Lance Chevalier!”

The crowd grows impossibly louder as Lance makes a display of souring out of where he’d been waiting in a sectioned off area on his internationally recognised Dragonite, performing a flip in the air- Kukui is beginning to recognise that flare for dramatics Ash insists Lance harbours- before they land in Lance’s spot at the opposite end of the battlefield. Lance raises a hand to the crowd as they continue to cheer, Dragonite cheerfully waving with both of her arms enthusiastically and letting out a burst of an attack into the air.

Misty, Lance’s appointed specialist, takes over for this, leaning forward with a prideful smile as she begins projecting her voice into her microphone “Lance was born in Blackthorn city in Johto and raised in Viridian City, Kanto. He’s the longest reigning current Champion, having been the Champion of Johto for 15 years and of Kanto for 11- being the first individual to be the Champion of two regions, partially unifying Kanto and Johto. He’s proficient at raising strong dragon-type Pokémon as seen by his partner Dragonite, who he was notable for possessing due to their rarity when he debuted as Champion. He was also one of the first to partner the fossil Pokémon Aerodactyl, a species that was not long ago still extinct!” The crowd is still cheering distantly as Misty relays the stream of impressive facts about Lance. It even surprises Kukui, who already knew Lance was an impressive figure but hadn’t quite realized the extent of it. If he wasn’t so loyally believing of his kid and his abilities as a battler he would have started to worry over how Ash’d fair in this fight. Lance’s own words find him, that no matter who the battle falls to, it’ll be close. If a Champion with as many achievements as Lance can have such faith in Ash, then by Tapu Kukui can too.

“Lance is known for being down to earth despite his long-reigning status and for being unafraid to get involved in helping his community- being a good friend to myself and others. But of course, he is best known for being a member of Kanto’s Elite Four, a Champion, and one of the strongest Trainers in the world!” Misty cheers, and Kukui’s impressed at her ability to hype up the crowd even further, who’s back to cheering enthusiastically and near ear-bleedingly loud. His impression of Misty was an old friend of Ash’s who happened to be a Gym Leader- but my could she project her voice well. Kukui supposes that comes with the job of dealing with a younger Ash- who even he claims was a much more brash and stubborn version of his current self.

Kukui leans forward as it’s his turn once more to call out through the speakers “And now, please can we have another round of applause for our own: the first Champion of Alola, Ash Ketchum!”

And once more the crowd explodes at this- which Kukui takes as a testament to how Ash’s region loves him (or at least loves that their region is now finally represented interregionally, loves Ash for what he represents for Alola’s future.)

Ash, not having a flying Pokémon to mount and enter the arena on in such a dramatic fashion, runs onto the battle grounds with childish excitement, each of his Pokémon out of their Pokéballs and surrounding him. He waves his hands in big swoops to the crowds as he runs, and his Pokémon all holler or wave in tandem, Rowlet circling in the sky above Ash and Incineroar letting out bursts of flame. Kukui thinks it’s quite a nice display. A young Champion of a newly emerging region, surrounded by his Alolan Pokémon to showcase his pride as their Trainer, but also of the attitudes to Pokémon Alola holds that Ash spoke so highly of just half an hour ago. He also imagines the lot of them watching Lance’s entrance and quickly deciding amongst themselves how to upscale him.

Kukui’s heart swells with pride as Professor Oak begins Ash’s introduction “Ash Ketchum was born and raised in Kanto, too, from Pallet Town! He’s travelled to and competed in the Leagues of 7 regions at the age of only 17, as well as having partaken in and won the Orange Islands League, becoming said Sub-League’s Champion, and the Battle Frontier in Kanto, turning down the opportunity to be a Frontier Brain!” Kukui balks at that, considering that it’s new news to him. Misty just looks smug, though, so perhaps he’s just the only one who didn’t know. Kahuna Halla doesn’t react either way, thus Kukui concludes Professor Oak probably got this information from his Kantonian cousin. Perhaps this was a part of his original plan to intimidate Lance. It’s worked on Kukui, at least.

“He won the Manalo Conference and became Alola’s first Champion-” the crowd suddenly roars a cheer again, cutting Samson off, and the Professor has to pause until they simmer down before he can continue, grinning none the less “…after only a year of building his current team. He aided our region greatly in the defence against Ultra Beasts- including having caught and used one on his team for some time. He’s encountered and fought the Tapu on several occasions, earning their approvals.” Hala besides them nods solemnly, but doesn’t speak up “He discovered a new Lycanroc breed and discovered and evolved a Pokémon of myth, Melmetal- both of whom are still on his team!”

The crowd cheers again as the Professor takes a break, before finally reinstating “Ash has respected and engaged in our Alolan culture, is a friend to many- both people and Pokémon- and today we’re here to cheer him on for his first Inter-Champion battle against Champion Lance!”

The announcers leave the crowd to build excitement up between them, and to allow several reporters to translate or hypothesise to their respective news stations as they watch the two Champions wait. Ash is talking with his team, all of them hyping each other up and generally just looking so innocently excited for this battle. Pikachu had either stolen or been given Ash’s hat to wear out onto the field- it’s always 50/50 with him.

Lance is more withdrawn, Pokéball in hand as he rolls it between his fingers, shrunk. He’s shares a look with his Dragonite, only picked up thanks to the cameras trained on him, before he pats the Pokémon on the arm once and turns forwards to face the battlefield, eyes steeled and determined but with a smile threatening to escape through the corner of his lips. Dragonite looks relaxed, as if she’s not about to hurl herself into battle. Kukui supposes years of practice at being at the top does that for you.

“Alright folks!” Kukui speaks up once more, getting the attention of the crowds again as he leans forwards in his seat in anticipation “This’ll be a one-on-one battle! That obviously means no substitutions, and only one mechanic can be used per team. Once either Ash or Lance’s chosen Pokémon is unable to battle, then the other wins! In the event of a draw, the two Champions can decide between themselves on either settling the match as a draw, or on how to decide a winner. This is an official match, but make sure you guys have a great time and go all out!” He calls out, getting fired up himself. Man, he wishes it was him down there on the battlefield! He sees the both of them nod, Ash now also facing forward in determination, both of them smiling wide. Pikachu remains on his shoulder with a similar expression, sparks flying from excess anticipated energy “Let’s cheer ‘em on! Champions, release your Pokémon, and let the battle begin!”

Ash can hardly hear himself think amongst the cheering from the crowds, and man is it firing him up.

He wants to prove himself to Lance, to Alola, to the world that he and his Pokémon are strong, that he’s to be respected as a Pokémon Trainer. To be seen as an upcoming Pokémon Master. To prove he’s worthy of representing this region he’s fallen in love with.

He has zero doubts on who he’ll send out, and at Kukui’s announcement to release his Pokémon, he tilts his chest to the side and outreaches a hand, yelling a pumped up “Let’s go!” as Pikachu runs along his arm and launches himself onto the battle field, quadrupedal and cheeks sparking, hat still on his head. The two of them thought it would be a nice way to show themselves publicly, to be seen as a team. Pikachu is Ash’s and Ash is Pikachu’s. Plus, Pikachu thinks he looks more intimidating, and Ash (secretly) thinks it makes him look cute. Plus, something-something give the press something to talk about something-something. However, once Pikachu is on the field he turns back and calls to Ash, throwing the cap back high in the air for him to catch, returning it safely on his head for now. This’ll be an intense all-out battle, and Ash isn’t quite ready to sacrifice his cap to be at the mercy of Dragonite’s Hyper Beam. It’s had a good run, though.

The crowd cheers at this, his own team behind him following suit and his grin grows impossibly wide. It wasn’t that long ago that the League finished- not at all- but every time one finishes, he always finds himself unable to wait for the next one- the collection of so many strong Trainers, of all out battles, of the roar of the crowd watching and cheering him on. He lives for it, and he knows his Pokémon do to.

Lance throws a Pokéball with his whole body, to Ash’s honest shock, because Dragonite is already out of her ball and an Aerodactyl comes out, roaring as it’s released from the ball in a flash of blinding light, that alone displaying its strength.

Ash hadn’t even considered Lance using a Pokémon other than Dragonite, his friends’ logic of him using his ‘most recognisable partner Pokémon’ having extended in his mind to Lance, too. Not that that would change which Pokémon he’d release- publicity of using his partner Pokémon aside, Pikachu is his strongest and longest Pokémon and he had no doubt he’d battle with his partner in such an important one on one. Plus, it feels right to battle the Kanto/Johto Champion he’s known the longest with his Kanto starter Pokémon he’s had the longest. Distantly, Professor Oak and Misty begin talking about Pikachu and Aerodactyl to the crowd but it all drones out.

He knows Aerodactyl is a much faster Pokémon, but besides that it’s similar to Dragonite in that it’s still a flying Pokémon with a strength in physical attacks, although Ash now has the type advantage. Still, that doesn’t really matter to Ash, not that much. He has and always will be a firm believer that all other tactics in a battle surpass type matchups, having been known to pit Pikachu against ground types many times in the past and winning. Ash knows Lance likes to go in hard and fast, and knows Pikachu is similarly a fast hitter, so it shouldn’t be a surprise he chose Aerodactyl.

Man, maybe he did learn something from the Pokémon school. Over his Pokémon journey he’s learnt technicality tactics definitely have a place in Pokémon battles besides winging it with hardheaded-ness, and he’s improved a lot from it. But he knows battles like this also need what he’s had from the start: motivation and heart. He and Pikachu are gonna be in sync and have the trust and familiarity with each other needed to pull off sudden and outlandish tactics with only a few words.

They’ve got this.

There’s a referee to the side of the match, despite Kukui being the once to have announced the terms of the match, and she drops her raised arm to initiate the battle.

Before her arm is even dropped Ash sees Lance move suddenly to place two fingers to his wrist that begins glowing and- Oh! Oh! “Begin!”

“Let’s show Alola our full power, Aerodactyl!” Lance yells, his voice enforced by the soul-deep power of the process of Mega Evolution.

A band on Aerodactyl’s tail that Ash hadn’t noticed glows, and the Pokémon rears back in the air and roars to the sky, wings spread out as it’s encased in extreme white, tendrils of energy stretching out towards Lance with his own extending to Aerodactyl, connecting between them, pulsing and crackling with Mega Energy.

Lance raises his arm, the crowd is going wild, and Ash feels that characteristic pull in his chest towards the two of them whilst they Mega Evolve. It’s similar to Z-Moves in many ways and yet so different. He feels the Aura in him thrum from the energy, feels a phantom twinge of the feeling of a bond phenomenon, and he grins as he and Pikachu brace themselves against the display of Aerodactyl revealing itself in its Mega Evolved form, roaring with a volume that nearly shakes the earth. The newfound power it has rolls off it in waves, and Ash can feel how the Pokémon’s soul, its energy and power, is intertwined with Lance’s own. It had only been half a year since he’d visited and battled Brock and Misty back in Kanto, and yet he’d nearly forgotten what the power of Mega Evolution felt like. What it felt like to him. He thinks others should be jealous.

The crowd, understandably, is screaming at the display and Ash knows between the local Alolans and several tourists from other regions, this’ll be the first time the a lot of them will have ever seen a Mega Evolution in person, of those that missed Ilima’s match in the first bracket of the Manalo Conference. Even then, it’ll be the first time many have seen a Pokémon of this power level alone.

“Lance’s Aerodactyl has Mega Evolved!” he hears Misty’s voice across several speakers, muffled by the force of the crowd and the pumping of blood in his ears. She begins listing off some facts about it, something about Leagues in Kanto and the mechanic originating from Kalos, but Lance has commanded Aerodactyl to close in on Pikachu already, battle begun, the Pokémon suddenly far faster than Ash has ever seen an Aerodactyl. He distinctly remembers Professor Kukui’s list in class of which Pokémon are currently known to be able to Mega Evolve, but it had completely passed his mind since he’d never actually seen a Mega Aerodactyl, himself. He should have connected the dots seeing Lance’s key stone earlier in the week. Man! So cool.

Aerodactyl is approaching with insane speed, wings glowing with a charged-up Wing Attack, and Ash suddenly clicks his mind into the battle- he understands how some of his more science-based-strategist rivals got so easily distracted and overwhelmed in the past, now- and yells.

“Use a Quick Attack to dodge it!”

“PI-ka!” His partner yells in determination and glows before he whizzes under Aerodactyl’s line of trajectory at the last second, timely avoiding the attack. The crowd cheers at the opening display. The Aerodactyl stops before it can hit the floor and screeches, changing directory to try and catch the tail end of Pikachu, having heard Ash’s command and anticipated the dodge.

Ash loves battling more experienced Pokémon. Younger more inexperienced ones always only follow their Trainer’s commands, not often acting on their own accord unless they’re rebellious, and then that’s a whole other problem. Without Lance’s direct command it had known to stop before crashing in the ground, had known Pikachu would somehow try and dodge and tried to stop it from doing so. It just makes a battle so much more complex and challenging. Becoming less just an exchange of blows, and moreso involving tactics outside of typing and moves and stats. They’re the kind of battles Ash lives for.

“Follow after it!” Lance commands, and the Aerodactyl shoots after Pikachu now, close to the ground, and Ash knows the same tactic won’t work twice “Meet it with an Iron Tail!”

Pikachu pivots suddenly, Aerodactyl already right behind him, and meets it with a momentum charged Iron Tail, contact between Pikachu and the Aerodactyl stopping the latter dead in its tracks but pushing Pikachu back a little. Even though Pikachu has the advantage of the floor as leverage, Ash knows he won’t win this wrestle for pure strength, so he yells “Point blank Thunderbolt!”

“Retreat! Charge Hyper Beam!” Lance commands immediately before Ash even finishes his own, and the Aerodactyl manurers so it’s in a position to push away with a beat of its wings “Change it to an Electro Web! Trap it!”

Pikachu had already charged up its electricity for the Thunderbolt so the Electro Web is instantaneous at the change of command, and Aerodactyl falters- but doesn’t stop- in charging its Hyper Beam in order to swoop low and dodge the attack, but Pikachu is not where it once was, commanded by Ash to use a Quick Attack to launch itself in the air just above the flying Pokémon. Ash distantly hears one of the announcers talking about him refusing to let Lance use the sky as a safe space to retreat to.

“Now Iron Tail!”

“Rock Slide!”

Pikachu’s Iron Tail misses, its momentum sending him down and making him drop to the floor as the Aerodactyl roars- Ash always thinks there’s something more innately powerful about a Pokémon’s roar when it’s Mega Evolved, something more intwined in it- and summons several rocks that begin hurling towards Pikachu at impressive speed. The crowds haven’t quietened.

“Quick Attack! Dodge them and send some back with Iron Tail!”

Pikachu does as commanded. Rock Slide in nature is hard for a Pokémon to specifically aim with, but this is no ordinary Pokémon, rather a highly trained Mega Evolved Pokémon, so Pikachu has a difficult time evading them and struggles to get the moment to send one back with Ash’s proposal, so he changes it “Jump on them!”

This is a familiar tactic to Pikachu, and he executes it well, beginning to ascend again “Charge your electricity as you climb!” Pikachu forfeits a little bit of his speed, and in exchange sparks of electricity can be seen crackling out of his cheeks.

“Charge!” Lance yells, and Aerodactyl stops summoning Rock Slide in favour of reeling back and opening its mouth to screech, light forming in its open maw foreshadowing the attack coming Pikachu’s way.

“Thunderbolt, now!” Ash roars, voice booming across the battlefield at the same time as he hears Lance command “Hyper Beam!”

Both Pokémon on the battlefield yell, intense energy exploding from both of them and meeting in the middle at the speed of light, an impossibly loud boom erupting and making the crowd yell. Ash and his Pokémon have to brace against the incoming force from the explosion, dust picking up and smoke billowing out, obscuring the battlefield and the Pokémon. Ash’s ears ring from the explosion and he knows in the few seconds it takes for his hearing to return, Lance’ll have had the opportunity to command Aerodactyl without him making it out over the distance and disturbance in the middle of the field.

Ash can tell Pikachu is for the most part unharmed, and lands safely on the floor again somewhere within where the dust picked up. Aerodactyl’s presence, too, is known to him; instead of directing Pikachu to where he should send his next attack, Ash waits in an attempt to gage Aerodactyl’s next move. There’s something about Mega Evolution that makes Ash so much more aware of the Pokémon, like the sharing of Aura between Pokémon and Trainer just amplifies everything the Pokémon gives out: not just its strength, but its sheer presence.

That’s how Ash can tell with a spike of danger when the Aerodactyl suddenly charges up an attack and barrels towards the ground, but not towards Pikachu.

He has no idea what the move is, but given the Pokémon is confidently targeting the ground and not Pikachu, he knows it’s an attack that channels through the earth. Like a Stone Edge or Frenzy Plant. That’s all the information he needs.

Thinking quickly, he yells “Pikachu! Launch into the air!” and he hears his partners muffled voice of affirmation. Ash tries to channel the further instruction for Pikachu to use a move at his earliest opportunity, syncing their intuition.

Moments after he gives the command the earth shakes with force, the crowd crying out as even with the force field the ground underneath their feet rumbles, but not as much as it undoubtedly does in the centre of the battlefield.

The move, now apparent to be Earthquake, clears the battlefield of dust just in time to show Pikachu sending an Electro Web straight at Aerodactyl, the Earthquake only serving Pikachu the ability to locate where Aerodactyl is via the move’s epicentre, before the latter can locate him. The fraction of time it took for the dust to clear and restablish Aerodactyl’s vision was not enough for it to foresee the attack until it’s too late.

Lance reacts quick enough to give out a command to Aerodactyl, but the Pokémon doesn’t recover quick enough to react to the command, yelling as the Electro Web surrounds the Pokémon, pinning it the floor and ensuring it takes a good hit of damage too.

The crowd roars at the first cleanly landed attack of the match, the announcers rambling excitedly about the strategy Ash had just carried out and how did he know? but Ash can’t relent now that they have the upper hand, not against such a fast and strong Pokémon, he knows now is as good of an opening as he’ll get, so he grabs his cap, yells at Pikachu to get his attention as he lands, and throws it.

Pikachu jumps into the air and back to Ash to catch the cap on his head as Ash raises his fist into the air before crossing his arms in front of his chest, activating the Pikashunium-Z and channelling everything he can into the crystal on his wrist “Alright Pikachu!” He calls out. In the distance he recognises Lance commanding Aerodactyl to use wing attack to escape the Electro Web, and the crowds and commentators recognising what’s coming and going wild, but he just focuses on himself, Pikachu, and the energy surrounding them in that moment.

He pushes his fist forward in which Pikachu pounds with his own, and he feels the connection between the two of them secure as the both of them begin glowing, the light given off by the crystal in the corner of his eye almost blinding. Pikachu spins and slaps a tail to the palm of Ash’s hand as he turns back to face the battle, and again Ash feels a pulse of Z-Energy, of Aura flowing from him to Pikachu, feels everything building and climaxing and it’s electric.

At the cost of receiving some extra damage Aeradactyl is now free of the Electro Web and ascended into the minor safety of the sky. The Z-move is well under way with no possibility of Aerodactyl attacking fast enough or with enough force to stop Pikachu. Lance doesn’t let that allow him to falter, and commands “Hyper Beam, now Aerodactyl! There’s no dodging this!”

“Pika-pika!” Pikachu slaps his cheeks as a warning spark erupts from them, visibly surrounded by the Z-Aura as Ash commands with grander “Now, Pikachu! Ten-Million-Volt Thunderbolt!”

“Now, Aerodactyl!”

Pikachu yells, jumping into the air as localised thunder clouds surround the battlefield during the once sunny Alolan afternoon, all striking their energy into Pikachu as he’s surrounded by an intense electric Aura.

Aerodactyl, Hyper Beam charged in its mouth, suddenyly throws its head forward and howls a beam of pure white light out to Pikachu.

In the instantaneous same moment, Pikachu, with the full force of his tiny body, curls up and screams, beams of blinding technicolour light erupting from him and shooting to Aerodactyl with enough energy to tear the earth underneath its trajectory apart.

The two beams meet in the middle of the battlefield, a sonic boom erupting from the lightning-quick attacks meeting with full force, and for a moment both are evenly matched, but Pikachu bellows out a cry, voice hoarse and strained from the volume and effort he puts into the attack, and a flash bang of light erupts over the venue as one second Aerodactyl and Pikachu’s attacks are neck to neck and the next the Z-move slices through the Hyper Beam like butter and pulverises Aerodactyl, slamming it to the floor and pinning it there as Pikachu exudes the rest of the attack.

A few more seconds and it’s over, and Pikachu drops to the floor on all fours, panting from putting his absolute all into the move but still standing, still raring to battle. Although he hasn’t taken any serious damage in the match now, Ash knows Pikachu’s ability to withstand and charge his own attacks has now been reduced, so their tactics will have to grow more defensive and slow. But, in exchange, Aerodactyl is seriously damaged. Z-Moves are no joke, and he wouldn’t be surprised if at the very least Aerodactyl’s Mega Evolution transformation is out of commission.

Smoke is once again up, the crowd is for once silent in shock, it can’t be… there’s no way Aerodactyl’s…

“The Z-Move Ash has performed is unique to him and Pikachu, another testament to the legacy he’s paving in Alola.” Kahuna Hala’s voice breaks the silence in a calm tone as everyone holds their breath for the dust to clear and as Ash and Pikachu try to catch theirs. “His first Z-Crystal was an Electrium-Z, bestowed to Ash by Tapu Koko Itself not long after he arrived in Alola, a Pokémon rarely seen even by myself, virtually never by Alolans, and is practically non-existent to foreigners.”

The dust begins to clear, the crowd remains silent, Hala continues on “This Electrium-Z transformed into such specialised Z-crystal once during Ash’s quest in Ultra Space to battle the invading Ultra Beasts, reverting back after the move was performed. It was only after the exhibition match with Professor Kukui and Tapu Koko last week did this transformation remain permanent. Ash and Pikachu are the only known individuals in Alolan History to have access to this specific Z-move. It is much more powerful than the average Z-Move, but in turn is far more costly of Pikachu’s battling stamina.”

The dust finally clears and Pikachu groans in exhaustion as he stands up to a bipedal stance, glaring at Aerodactyl, laying in a small crater in the ground.

The Aerodactyl that is still Mega Evolved, and with an Aura alluding to a very charged very powerful Hyper Beam, that Ash hadn’t noticed because he’d put his all into the Z-move, and had made the mistake of letting his guard down.

Ash’s eyebrows raise in alarm, and his heart rate picks right back up again “Pikachu! Mo-“

“Now Aerodactyl!” Lance cries, and Aerodactyl lifts itself enough to target a Hyper Beam at Pikachu, having charged it up alongside regaining its energy whilst everyone had stood around waiting for the battlefield to clear. One second Aerodactyl is near-passed out, the next it has a blinding light erupting from it heading Pikachu’s way.

Pikachu, who’s only meters in front of Ash. Ash, who’d said it was fine if they didn’t have force fields up during the matches to Kukui. That he’ll have his Pokémon if worst comes to worst, and Kukui can reassure himself with some Psychic Pokémon on standby. But no Pokémon can maintain a forcefield throughout an entire match, no Pokémon would be faulted for their guard being dropped the same as everyone else’s.

Ash, who is much too human and squishy to receive a charged Hyper Beam from a Mega Evolved Aerodactyl, and who is stood directly behind Pikachu. Ash, who is much too slow to evade an attack that moves at near light-speed, who can only watch it barrel his way in a blink’s time.

Still, it’s Pikachu’s name he yells in alarm as he forces his arms infront of himself in a cross and braces himself, the Pokémon behind him only having enough time to too yell in alarm in their wishes to protect him, but unable to actually do anything, from the instant nature of the attack.

The Hyper Beam hits Pikachu true, throwing him back behind Ash, and in his last moments’ panic of Oh fuck he’s not about to die is he? he forces all that’s left of his Aura out of him, his body and soul weak from the Z-move they’d just performed, motivated to at least save his Pokémon behind him. In a split second he panics, reaches inside of himself to the festering presence of Aura that rests there, and pushes, closing his eyes and mentally preparing to see Arceus as he feels himself turn inside out and his soul is bared to the Pokémon attack, leaving almost nothing inside him.

The blinding light comes, and the force of the Hyper Beam hits him, but instead of it vaporising him, he only feels it pushing against his Aura, a screaming forcefield protecting his body. Pikachu had unfortunately taken the brunt of the force, so what was left of the Hyper Beam was enough to knock the wind out of Ash from the effort of keeping it off of him and his Pokémon, but not enough to crack through. It buys enough time for Melmetal to jump in front of Ash and meld its body into a better shield, allowing Ash to drop his own and fall to his knees in exhaustion, feeling what remains of his Aura slink pathetically back into his body. He feels seconds from passing out himself, a weak emptiness in him that makes him feel physically ill. The possibility of him throwing up or passing out in the next five seconds is distinctly non-zero.

Understandably, there’s cries of panic from the crowd as Melmetal takes the last of the Hyper Beam, not enough left to do any proper damage to it. And Lycanroc nudges Ash to get him to stand up. Ash looks around in a panic, seeing Pikachu on his back some distance behind Ash. He can hardly focus his eyes enough to see him, but the yellow of his fur is unmistakeable, and Ash had always been one to put concerns for his Pokémon’s health above his own.

“Pikachu!” He yells in alarm with a breaking voice, less concerned about the match happening and more about his partner being okay but before he runs to his partner he hears a very weak “piiikaaaa” that not only tells Ash he’s okay, but that he’s somehow still kicking. Ash should have had more faith in Pikachu, clearly. His buddy’s only taken one direct attack, after all, even if it was one that’s nearly as powerful as a non-Z-Move can get. The previous scrapes and exhaustion on top isn’t quite enough to knock him out. But Ash’s heart is hammering in his chest, and he feels half dead, so practiced instincts had kicked in and had him worried for his partner.

Pikachu rolls onto his front rather pathetically, the referee that had run over in preparation to announce Pikachu unable to battle watching closely and frankly shocked that the Pokémon is holding himself up. Ash’s cap is little better than a tattered rag, now, and it falls off of Pikachu’s head lamely. The Pokémon looks at it a little dumbly, then looks back at Ash apologetically.

Despite being winded and exhausted (near unconscious) from having to perform his little party trick he doesn’t even like to think about, let alone practice, Ash smiles weakly at Pikachu “It’s okay, we’ll get another one.”

“Pi…” he says sadly, before pushing himself up to his hind feet with effort, wobbling a little, and trapsing back into the battlefield, charred and bruised and with barely much in him, but still up.

Of course, the crowd and announcers go crazy, raving on about the ability to take such a powerful attack after exhausting itself from an all-out Z-Move and a fast-paced battle. Ash is a little relieved to see Aerodactyl is currently barely even standing, let alone flying, and is in no shape to make any sudden moves.

The Pokémon and Trainers face each other down, not willing to let the other recover long enough to tide the battle over, but both also knowing their Pokémon hardly have the energy to generate another attack, let alone take one.

Ash knows it’ll have to be a long range attack, Pikachu unable to dodge anything close range with his reduced energy, and with Aerodactyl’s much higher physical offense, so getting in close with Quick Attack isn’t a good idea. Leaving either Thunderbolt or Electro Web.

Problem is, Pikachu’s electricity has been absolutely exhuasted, and Ash knows he doesn’t have much more to give himself, considering he’s lucky he’s still conscious, leaning on Incineroar for support. Lance is alternating between training a worried glance on Pikachu and Ash- himself not being drained from the battle the same way the other three are- and looking even a little regretful for the tactic he pulled off almost literally killing Ash.

Ash doesn’t like that look, that look of concern coming Lance. He has to fight not to see it as condescending, to see it as worry over whether he pushed Ash and Pikachu too far. This is an all-out battle, he doesn’t want Lance to even consider holding back. Ash’s gaze turns sharp and he grits out “Pikachu, finish it! Thunderbolt!”

“Piiii-kaaa..” Pikachu begins charging up, taking longer than he would even in his early days, and electricity begins crackling around him. Lance’s eyes widen, and Ash again struggles not to read that as surprise that the both of them are still going, before he snaps out of it “Aerodactyl! Use Wing Attack to block it!“

Pikachu does not move from where he’s stood and only digs his paws into the battlefield to ground himself as he shoots out a Thunderbolt, its speed nowhere near what had been demonstrated earlier in the match. Aerodactyl grunts, bringing its glowing wings up and folding it over its body, and times it just right to parry the Thunderbolt, pulling its wings apart at the moment it would have hit, the energy of its own attack dispersing the electricity again at the cost of taking some damage.

Pikachu growls in frustration, his breath ragged. It’d only been a week since the intense battle between them and Professor Kukui, and although that was enough time for Pikachu to recover almost entirely, it’s apparent the latent exhaustion has put Pikachu on a slight backfoot in terms of stamina. If they overdo it, Pikachu might get electrically overloaded and have his energy destabilised. But man, they’ve gotta win this.

Again, they’re at a stand off, trying to strategise, and although by no means is Aeroadcatyl in a good shape, it looks like it’ll start recovering if Ash doesn’t do something soon and allows them to both rest. Although both Pokémon are equally damaged, Pikachu has the exhaustion that comes alongside using a Z-Move, whereas Aerodactyl’s Mega Evolution still looks stable. That’s a Pokémon that’s used to Mega Evolution, how long has Lance been training it? Ash hadn’t even known he’d had a Key Stone a week prior.

The crowds are growing progressively louder, egging both of them on with individuals cheering for their favourite side to finish it. Ash’s head is throbbing though, and he can’t think straight. He can’t even stand straight, still leaning against Lycanroc slightly. Getting in close still isn’t an option, with Pikachu’s exhaustion and Aerodactyl’s greater speed, so Ash only sees one viable solution left.

Unfortunately, Lance seems to make a call first “Earthquake!” Ash has enough time to watch as Aerodctyl rears back and digs its wings into the ground with all of its might, unsettling the earth and cracks and fissures erupt and spread outwards from it, gaining on Pikachu.

“Jump up and onto your tail!” Ash calls, and Pikachu does as told, the sheened glow betraying an Iron Tail as he grips onto it and holds it below him like a shield to block him from the debris that’s unsettled and flung about by the Earthquake, chunks of earth being pushed up at him. He endures the hits, hardly able to stand as he lands again, and Ash makes the final call “Thunderbolt right now!”

Lance is startled, almost as if he wasn’t expecting Ash to command such and begins his own command “Aerodactyl! Use Hy-“ And then Lance hesitates: pauses long enough for Pikachu to finally build enough to release a slower Thunderbolt rocket across the battlefield at Aerodactyl, who’s too weak to push off the ground and fly, and nowhere near fast enough on its feet to evade “Rock Slide!” Lance finally commands, but it’s too late, Aerodactyl only has enough time to roar in preparation before it’s hit with the Thunderbolt, and that’s the last thing it needs before it seizes up and collapses forward, de-evolving mid fall and thumping into the earth.

Ash’s eyes are wide and Pikachu remains silent and panting, swaying even when standing on four legs as he watches the referee now run to Lance’s side of the battlefield, inspect Aerodactyl briefly, and raise her hand up to the top floors of the Pokémon school, where Kukui’s voice follows “Lance’s Aerodactyl is unable to battle, Ash and Pikachu win the battle!”

There’s only the briefest pause before the crowds erupt into applause, Incineroar and Lycanroc roaring and howling respectfully in victory.

Pikachu allows himself to collapse flat on his stomach, panting to the side and wincing from the effort it took to stay standing long enough. “And with that, Ash’s first Inter-Champion battle ends on a victory! Everyone give a round of applause for our region’s Champion!”

Lance retrieves Aerodactyl and thanks the referee, before he begins making his way across the battlefield with Dragonite, a lightly alarmed jog in his step that he hopes isn’t picked up by the audience.

Ash heaves out a heavy breath, staggering forward and dropping to his knees in front of Pikachu, tentatively picking up the Pokémon and cradling him to his chest “You did well Pikachu, ‘m proud of you.” he mutters, wincing at how out of breath he sounds. Man, note to self. No using Aura and Z-moves back-to-back. No using Aura ever, actually.

“Satoshi!” Lance looks down at Ash, and since when was he standing there? “Damnit- are you okay?”

Ash forces a smile, and hopes Lance ignores the way he wavers. His other Pokémon come to surround him, and Dragonite looks around, alarmed, alerting Lance of something and making the other Champion look around them too.

“I- alright we gotta get you out of here before the reporters come and hound you whilst you’re like this. Can you stand?” Lance’s voice gets a little alarmed, and Ash nods. He’s distantly aware of the fact the crowds are still raving on about something or another, and through the cracks in the circle his Pokémon formed around him he catches glimpses of camera drones and people heading his way, but everything feels really far away right now “I- uh. Yeah” and he does so, admittedly very wobbly.

Dragonite goes to hold Ash up, but Lance stops her, muttering something about not giving the press something to harass him further for, and begins guiding Ash back into the Pokémon school. The shouts from the crowd turn more concerned or outraged- Ash can’t discern which.

They make it into the Pokémon School and Lance permits Dragonite to now lift up Ash- cooly ignoring his complaints- and send them ahead to find an empty classroom upstairs before the news reporters pounce on them here in the lobby, Rowlet following suit.

Lance turns to Lycanroc and requests he goes and retrieves Kukui and Misty, asking if the Pokémon knows where they are. It nods an affirmative and scampers up the stairs ahead, Lance following up at a more normal human pace with the remainder of Ash’s Pokémon.

When he ascends the stairs Dragonite is in a hallway calling for him with waving arms, nodding at a doorway to indicate Ash is in there. At the same time, Kukui and Misty arrive, both looking at Lance in alarm, Lycanroc barking and running ahead “Is Ash okay?” Kukui asks, terribly alarmed, and his tone is so paternally concerned that in another situation Lance would happily use it to poke fun at Ash.

“He’s conscious and standing but he’s not in amazing shape.” Lance says, moving into the classroom with Dragonite. He doesn’t want to alarm the Professor too much- it’s really not that bad- but Lance knows the last thing Ash needs is for this minor stunt to be performed under the eyes of every major News Outlets’ live broadcast. They just needed to move him out of the sight of everyone and to prevent Kukui from getting unnecessarily panicked in front of any cameras, too.

Ash is sat in a classroom chair, slumped over with Pikachu passed out on the desk in front of him, half-conscious, arms circled around his partner as if his last thought is always to protect him, and Rowlet is perched on his head hooting trying to get him up.

“Satoshi, what the hell?!” Misty shriek-yells, storming forward, and the face Kukui pulls at her for such a rude tone after his boarder had fainted is a little funny even given aforementioned situation.

“F’k auff Kasumi” Ash slurs, which gets a clip ‘round the ear from Misty, which in turn gets Kukui to firmly step forward between the two in full mother-Kangaskhan mode “Right- okay. Ash? Keiki, you with us?”

Ash sits up suddenly, forced bright smile on his face which is less bright and more flickeringly dim, and he raises a thumb “All good, Prof.”

Meanwhile, Lance moves around the desk silently and pulls a mini restore out of his pocket, spraying it over Pikachu, who’s body seems to relax from the relief, but he’s still drowsy and likely won’t be back to himself for a good few minutes. Both of them seem to be going through a major adrenaline crash, and Lance himself feels jittery from it too, although he suspects not in the same way as the Pokémon and Ash does. Lance genuinely considers using the restore on Ash.

One of Kukui’s Pokéballs erupts from his pocket, a Lucario coming out of it on its own accord and leaning over Ash and barking in alarm. Lance and Misty’s eyebrows raise and they look to eachother, because that’s definitely implying something. It all but confirms what they thought they saw happen during the Hyper Beam, but knowing about verses seeing his Aura abilities are very different things. Lance never travelled with Ash, and Misty wasn’t present for when Ash’s abilities were realised and any other involvements they had, but that doesn’t make them oblivious. It however means they’re less likely to instantly recognise it, perhaps. Whatever doubts they had near-vanish when faced with a Lucario that isn’t even Ash’s forcing itself out of a Pokéball in concern.

“Whose bright idea was it to not have a force field up around Ash?” Misty turns and asks the other two adults accusatorially and not at all like she is the grand age of 18. Both of them look sheepish none the less, although Lance helpfully supplies “I didn’t have one either.”

Misty’s sharp glare at Lance lets him know that the comment wasn’t helpful, but Kukui is glaring at him too, deciding to give his own piece to the Champion “Someone shouldn’t have fired a Hyper Beam at a Pokémon that was right in front of a kid he knew wasn’t protected by a force field.”

“Someone shouldn’t have promised there were enough safety precautions up.” Lance bites back, before frowning and huffing. He can keep a cool head, regardless of any adrenaline crashes and protectiveness towards Ash “Right, this isn’t helping. He’ll be fine- his Aura is just shot, can your Lucario help?”

“His- what?” Kukui bites out, clearly high strung, his confused concern rearing aggressively, and that sends Lance through a loop. He looks to Misty, alarmed, and she glances his way in mutual mild panic. Oh shit he doesn’t know is clear as day on both of their faces to the other.

Lance had kind of half assumed he would know, considering his oblivion earlier in the week to Lances prods at Ash about his reputation of withholding information about his past. He thought he knew at least something, especially with Ash living with Kukui’s Lucario for a year. Being a Lucario Trainer by no means makes you an Aura Adept, but Lance would have thought Kukui would have picked up a thing or two about Aura even as a concept.

And especially with Kukui being there for all of the weird stuff that’s happened to Ash for Alola, and considering he saw Ash get hit with a Hyper Beam, saw the way it curved around a barrier, saw the way he collapsed after it, indicating he has expended energy, considering he knows Ash’s team and knows their moves. Knows there’s no barriers, knows the backup psychic Pokémon didn’t react in time. They had been too foolish to forget that interferences from the crowds weren’t the only reasons Trainer forcefields exist, especially in such high staked battles. Humans, even those like Ash, are far more susceptible to injury from Pokémon moves. They do not have the Aura to protect themselves. In hindsight Ash probably wouldn’t have died, although his split-second panic was justified. He still would have been seriously injured, and it would have immediately raised suspicions amongst viewers over why he didn’t die.

But oh dear, the Meowth’s out the bag, and now he and Misty are on cleanup.

So Lance does what all good grown-ups do and dodges the question “Johtan phrase” he mutters. The look he ignores Misty giving him is so blatantly unimpressed he considers pulling rank on her just to get her to stop throwing accusations his way, so he preoccupies himself by moving around the desk towards Ash and looking down at him. To anyone else he would just look tired, and Lance hopes that’s all it’ll be, that whatever Ash had done to defend himself from the Hyper Beam had worked in time. However, this is not at all his area of expertise, so he looks to Kukui’s Lucario, trying to convey his thoughts, hoping Lucario had already read Ash and understood what needs to be done even from Kukui’s Pokéball.

Lucario huffs in leu of any communication and puts his forehead to Ash’s and breaths out, eyes closed and concentrating. Lance glances Kukui’s way to gage him as he looks down at the scene. He seems confused by the silent exchanges between those around him, but at the back of his mind something’s clearly ticking. Long-discarded dots coming back to the surface and beginning to connect. The Professor’s smart, he specialises in moves, he has a Lucario, he knows Ash well. He’ll figure it out soon.

And it’s all Lance’s fault. From the Hyper Beam to saying too much. Damnit, he hopes Ash forgives him, he doesn’t know if the kid’ll survive with one less actual adult in his life, what with his tendency to cast them out so readily if they get too close. It was bound to happen, Lance himself had planted the seed in Kukui’s mind to try and get him to pry Ash open a little more, had almost just told him outright that morning before Pikachu and Ash had interrupted their argument.

Lance just hopes it would be in a way that’s somewhat within Ash’s control: he knows how much he doesn’t like having much of a choice over a situation. Especially when it’s being broadcast on live television. Today’s incident wasn’t the first time, and it worries Lance more about Ash’s mental health than his physical. He's a tough kid, but one of these days he’s bound to encounter his final stroke, and Lance won’t forgive himself if he’s that last straw that breaks the Mudsdale’s back.

The Lucario doesn’t have to give much, just enough to stabilise Ash, and Lance doesn’t sneak and spray Ash with a potion behind his back because he’s a grown responsible adult. Suddenly Ash is less out of it and just woozy, moaning a little as he holds his head “Man that really took me out, huh?”

“Pika…” Pikachu agrees tiredly from the desk, quickly eyeing Lance and he realises with ashamed embarrassment that the mouse definitely heard all of that, and now Kukui is back to doting on Ash and Lucario steps back.

Lance and Misty send a quick searching look Lucario’s way, and he just nods, calm, confirming Ash is fine and will be fine. Lance lets out a breath he’d been holding since he ordered the Hyper Beam, and finally turns to Ash, interrupting Kukui’s mother henning because that’s really not what the kid needs right now “Well done for winning the match, Satoshi.”