"Sigh, even though we were the ones who fished it up, we still got defeated. No excuses when we were outmatched—it's your win, Ash."
Dawn held Piplup in her arms, making a playful remark.
"Dawn, I actually think that Buizel will be better off with Ash. Its battle style doesn't really fit our Contest performances," Zoey added from the side, and Anabel nodded in agreement.
Ash gave a small nod before taking out Aipom's Poké Ball.
"Dawn, I've decided to let Aipom go with you so it can participate in Pokémon Contests. What do you think? This little one really loves Contests. Every time you practice with your Pokémon, Aipom is always watching from the sidelines, completely mesmerized.
I even asked for its opinion, and it said it really likes you. Since I just caught the Buizel you fished up, I think it's a fair trade—Aipom is in your hands now."
And just like that, Aipom ended up traveling with Dawn.
Not to mention, since Ash had already raised Aipom to a solid level, Dawn's overall strength had increased quite a bit thanks to this exchange.
Besides… ahem… Dawn would eventually be family anyway, so it wasn't like he was giving Aipom away to just anyone.
"Great, I think this worked out really well for everyone. But you guys are heading to Eterna City next, right? I'll be sticking around here a little longer. I want to see if I can catch another Water-type Pokémon," Zoey said, adjusting her sunglasses coolly before waving them off.
With that, Ash, Dawn, and Anabel left the riverside and set off for Eterna City.
__
Eterna City
A major metropolis, Eterna City was bustling with activity.
The commercial districts here sold all kinds of Pokémon-related merchandise, ranging from Poké Balls to battle accessories, training gear, and even limited-edition collectibles.
Before doing anything else, the group decided to head straight to the Pokémon Center.
Inside, a broadcast was playing footage of the Champion League Challenge Matches—battles where the winners of regional Pokémon Leagues were granted the right to challenge the region's officially recognized Elite Four.
Each region had four Elite Four members, who were regarded as the strongest trainers below the Champion.
Beating all four granted the right to challenge the one person above them—the reigning Pokémon Champion.
This was a completely different concept from simply winning a Pokémon League tournament.
On the screen, one of Sinnoh's Elite Four, Lucian, was shown taking on a challenger from the previous Lily of the Valley Conference.
The challenger's Pokémon was Scizor, while Lucian was using Girafarig.
Girafarig gracefully dodged Scizor's Fury Cutter before countering with Psychic, sending the Bug-type flying and knocking it out.
"Whoa! So that's Lucian, one of Sinnoh's Elite Four! He's incredible!"
Dawn was in awe, watching how effortlessly Lucian's Girafarig had defeated the top-ranked trainer from Sinnoh's last tournament.
__
Meanwhile, in Another Room…
In a different part of the Pokémon Center, a tall and slender man with shoulder-length, light blue hair and glasses sat reading a book.
He looked to be in his mid-to-late twenties, and the book in his hands was a research document discussing the discovery of the eighteenth Pokémon type—Fairy-type Pokémon.
Then, Dawn suddenly brought up an interesting question.
"Ash, didn't you say that Pokémon Hunter J had the strength of an Elite Four member? But you still managed to beat her. So tell me, if you were to battle Lucian, who do you think would win?"
Hearing that, the man reading the book froze for a moment.
It wasn't the question itself that surprised him—it was the name.
He had to confirm something.
Closing his book, he stood up and walked toward the room where the broadcast was playing.
There, he saw Ash discussing the battle footage with Dawn and Anabel.
The most shocking part?
Ash's analysis of Lucian's match was exactly the same as his own post-battle review.
This young man… was not ordinary.
Curious, he stepped closer.
"That's why, in that battle, if Lucian's Girafarig had adjusted for the weaknesses I just pointed out, its performance would have been even more flawless."
"Pika-Pika!"
Pikachu raised its paw, nodding in agreement.
Anabel nodded thoughtfully—she understood Ash's analysis perfectly.
Dawn, however, was still relatively new to serious battles, so she seemed a bit lost.
Then, a voice spoke from behind them.
"You're absolutely right. That battle wasn't perfect—Girafarig did have its flaws. Your analysis was even more precise than my own. So, you must be Ash."
Ash turned around, already knowing who it was.
After all, the moment he stepped into the building, he had sensed him using Aura.
"Eh? That Ash? What's that supposed to mean?"
Dawn was confused by the statement.
Anabel, however, glanced at the book in Lucian's hand before shifting her gaze to him.
"…Lucian?"
Lucian smiled.
"Yes, as you can see, I am indeed Lucian. But please, just call me by my name. No need for formalities—I'm only a few years older than you all."
He then turned to Ash, his gaze filled with interest.
"Ash, I've been reading your research on Fairy-type Pokémon, which you helped Professor Oak publish. It was truly fascinating."
Lucian adjusted his glasses.
"And I also heard from Dawn that you've defeated someone at Elite Four level before. If you don't mind, would you care for a battle? A friendly match—just to exchange some experience."
Lucian's eyes gleamed with excitement.
"Pika-Pika!"
Pikachu's ears perked up instantly.
Ash grinned.
"Sounds good to me."
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T/N:
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