Chapter 74: Never Giving Up

"It's been one week since the terrifying attack on Lumiose City by the group of Pokemon hunters led by the man named Raphael, a former coach for the Laverre University Interschool Pokemon League Battle Team. Fortunately for the city's residents, damage to key locations, such as Prism Tower, Professor Sycamore's Pokemon Laboratory, the university buildings and the upgraded arena and performing theatre was kept to a minimum. Even the Pokemon Centre, which was targeted by a strike in an attempt to steal a key Pokemon in last week's IPL Performance Championship, has managed to repair most of the damage done to the building, and is operating at close to full capacity for the many injured Pokemon following the attack.

"Reports are still unclear as to what went on outside of the city, but sources close to the situation believe the timely arrivals of a group of wild Pokemon from the Wetlands and a band of bug type Pokemon trainers known as 'the Hive' were able to support a group of students from the school as they headed out to free the trapped Pokemon and confront the hunters' leader.

"Much credit has been given to Champion Diantha for securing the arena from a band of hunters, but the Champion has actually attributed the success of the battle to the school's determined students, most notably the members of the IPL teams. As well all know, the Gym Leader, Clemont, sent out a powerful message to the city, along with unleashing a group of strange robotic Pokemon that managed to secure many areas of the city. The well known 'superhero' of Lumiose City, Blaziken Mask, had high praise for the inventor and Gym Leader, calling him 'the true superhero of Lumiose City' and saying he and his friends are shining examples of what a Pokemon trainer should aspire to be."

The news report continued playing on the television in the Pokemon Centre, many people in the lobby looking over to Clemont as they showed a replay of his message he'd sent out that night. It was extremely embarrassing. He would've much rather had them talking about how Trevor and Tierno saved the residence buildings, or how Bonnie had rescued Dawn and the others, or how Dawn had commanded the fighting at the Pokemon Centre, or how Ash and Anton had saved the stolen Pokemon or how Serena had saved Ash and how they had teamed up to finish Raphael.

But no...Clemont was somehow the face of the victory. "Why did Blaziken Mask have to mention me?" he asked himself, shaking his head and ignoring the stares.

"Must be a big admirer of yours," Meyer said. Clemont's father was currently doing some repairs on the electricity in the Pokemon Centre. It was mostly up and running, but with the roof being fixed, they'd needed to fix up the lighting.

"I never even saw him!"

"You should be happy, big brother!" Bonnie exclaimed. "I bet there will be lots of girls that want to take care of you, now!"

Unfortunately, Bonnie had the right of that. Clemont had seen the smiles and winks coming his way everywhere he walked in the city this past week. Ever since that first clip had been shown with Blaziken Mask singing his praises. What a miserable week. Why had he been so brave and confident against the hunters? Ash was an incredibly bad influence. Korrina too. His eyes widened, looking to Korrina, who was clenching her fists in frustration at Bonnie's comment.

Bonnie seemed to realize her mistake a moment later, glancing at Korrina apologetically. "Oh...sorry. I keep forgetting you and Korrina like each other because you guys won't admit it yet."

"Bonnie!" they both hissed, faces going red.

Meyer burst out laughing, but managed to contain himself a moment later. "All right, that's enough, Bonnie." He looked to Clemont, a hint of amusement still in his eyes, but he hid it as he spoke up again. "Son, I think I could use some of the electrical tools you have at your gym. Do you think you could fetch them for me?" He listed off a few he needed. "Bonnie, I might need your help, so could you stay here while Clemont and Korrina go?"

Clemont was a bit embarrassed at the look his dad gave him, but nodded gratefully nonetheless as he and Korrina got up to head out of the Pokemon Centre. As they began walking towards Prism Tower, they stayed fairly quiet. After a few minutes, though, Clemont found Korrina's hand taking his. He glanced at her, wondering if he could muster up the courage he'd had the night of the hunter attack. This was much more nerve-wracking.

Korrina didn't show much nervousness herself, bur she kept glancing at him as though trying to say something. She settled for small talk. "So...I guess the IPL comes back this weekend. I'm surprised it's still going through."

"Diantha managed to protect the arena almost perfectly," Clemont pointed out. "I doubt we could've had it otherwise, unless we used the basic field. Although there was some damage there as well."

"Your robots protected it as well," Korrina said, nudging him playfully. "Give yourself a bit of credit. Just because you don't like what the news is saying, doesn't mean you can't acknowledge how great you are."

Clemont laughed a bit at that. "I was scared the whole time, Korrina. I couldn't have done it without you there with me."

"I'll make sure to stay by your side as much as possible then," she said simply. "Including in cheering you on for your championship battle. It's six on six, right?"

Clemont nodded. "Each team gets six Pokemon split throughout their three trainers. Ash wanted us to each use two, but Trevor wanted to focus on just using his Charizard after all his training with Flint. I think he might've used Aerodactyl, but his Pokemon were pretty wiped out in the hunter battle at the Pokemon Centre."

"So three for Ash, two for you and one for Trevor?" Korrina nodded, apparently thinking it made sense. She understood battle strategy like few others. She probably saw it more clearly than Clemont. "Think you're ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," Clemont said. "I think Bunnelby is stronger than ever after having Bonnie work with him fighting the hunters. He seems super determined."

Korrina laughed at that, bringing a smile to Clemont's face. "Bonnie's the best." She glanced back in the direction of the Pokemon Centre, and Clemont's smile faded, heart racing as he realized what she was thinking about. "So...what do you think happens after the IPL? I've heard Dawn is thinking of doing something new...and Ash and Serena seem to be considering something. What about us...I mean...you?"

Clemont eyed her a moment, noticing her avoiding eye contact. "I guess I keep doing what I'm doing. Focus on being a better Gym Leader. Maybe if Ash leaves, I'll work hard with Trevor on leading the IPL team next year. Other than that..." He hesitated, seeing Korrina's expression. She seemed disappointed. "I...I'd like to spend some more time with you, too. Somehow."

"I wish we could have something to work on together outside of school. We both have our gyms to take care of, so we can't transfer like Ash and the others." She frowned. "My grandfather always talks about how he wishes I could do something more. I'd like to find out what that is."

"We'll find out together," Clemont told her. "I'm sure we can find something. It would be great if we could..." He blushed, looking awkwardly at his feet. "You know...um...spend more time together."

"I don't think either of us is very good at this," Korrina then said, smiling as she looked away. "I've found myself doing some strange things to get your attention, Clemont, and I don't think I even realized why most of the time. And I can't tell if you've been doing the same thing, or if you're just that nice."

Clemont had no idea how to respond to that, but somehow he found himself doing so. "Well...I mean...hopefully I'm nice, but...I..." He glanced at her hand holding his, and found himself smiling. Something came over him, and he spoke without really thinking. "Bonnie's right, Korrina. About...what she said. At least for how I feel." He took a deep breath. "I-"

His eyes widened as a strange but wonderful new feeling tingled through his body. His brain had gone fuzzier than it did when one of his inventions exploded, but this time, it was pleasant fuzziness. Like warm, fluffy clouds. His fingers felt numb, but he was vaguely aware of them no longer being held in Korrina's hand. Instead, they were...holding Korrina.

They broke apart, gasping, both of them surprised. Clemont was still holding Korrina, but for some reason, didn't let go. She didn't seem to mind. She had her arms around him, too. Their faces were inches apart. How did that happen? Clemont wondered, eyes widening.

"What...what just happened?" he asked, voice shaking.

"You...kissed me?" Korrina said, a tremble in her own voice. She looked pleased though.

"Oh." I did that?

"Yeah."

"That was...nice." What am I saying?

"It was."

"I'm glad Bonnie didn't see that."

Korrina laughed. "Lots of people did, though."

Clemont paled, looking around, seeing some smirking faces from some people passing by. Good grief. What's happened to me? He looked back to Korrina, both of them still holding onto the other. "You don't think this will be on the news, do you?"

"Would that be a bad thing?" Korrina asked, eyes shining with amusement and glee.

Clemont sighed, a small smile coming to his face. "Maybe not."

"So...how about another?"

It didn't end up on the news, but Clemont was ready to tell the world that he was the happiest person alive.

Dawn sighed as she stepped away from the phone in the lobby of the training facilities. It was done. She would no longer be attending Lumiose University once the IPL was completed. Her journey was taking her back to Sinnoh. It felt like it should've been a more...impactful moment for her. Instead, she just felt sad to leave her friends.

She'd discussed it with them the night before. They'd encouraged her. Ash and Serena hadn't said it outright, but it appeared they'd be leaving as well. At least, Serena seemed to be leaning that way. It was just how their paths were taking them. Dawn had learned a great deal about friendship, teamwork and leadership. Now it was time to take those skills home and fine tune them so that she could truly become the Top Coordinator she wanted to be.

Dawn smiled as she thought of her friends' support as she made her way towards the small theatre in the training facilities. They had known her reasons for going to Jubilife University. Those who didn't know her would assume she was going there to learn from her mother, who was going to teach there. Of course, that would be valuable to her, but she could learn from Johanna any time. No, it was the Sinnoh region's own version of the IPL that enticed her. It would focus much more heavily on Coordinating. With Dawn's new appreciation of performing techniques learned from Serena and Shauna, and even Tierno's dancing manoeuvres, she felt she'd be able to really shine fully moving her focus to Coordinating again.

Lumiose University had given Dawn a chance to lead a team with very different styles. Now she would be able to take the variety of skills she'd developed, and lead a new team with a blended approach to the same goal. It would be a fascinating new challenge.

She entered the small theatre, seeing Marie and Trevor waiting in two of the seats near the front of the stage, watching Tierno and Shauna having a sparring battle. He'd wanted to work on Shauna's battling skills a bit in a contest setting, knowing she'd need them without Dawn the next year. He'd mentioned her strength in the hunter battle, and that using her performing talents, she could easily prove capable in Coordinating.

"All right, Blastoise," Tierno called out, not noticing Dawn's arrival as she sat down next to Marie, "spin and use Hydro Pump!"

"Ivysaur, use Vine Whip to hold him in place, and then use Sweet Scent!" Shauna countered.

Dawn raised her eyebrows at the order, surprised by Shauna's cleverly timed move. It was definitely the kind of thing that would work in a contest battle if used right. Ivysaur certainly seemed capable, too, quickly whipping vines out and blocking Blastoise's spin, keeping it aimed in such a way it couldn't fire off its Hydro Pump. A moment later, the Sweet Scent was sent out, Ivysaur dropping Blastoise as it emerged from its shell, looking dazed.

They both seemed to decide that was enough for the moment, stopping and seeing Dawn having arrived. "What do you think, Dawn?" Shauna asked excitedly. "Not bad, huh?"

Dawn smiled, pleased at Shauna's enthusiasm. "You're fighting like a Coordinator already. That would've scored some major points in an official battle. Blocking an attack with such precision and then showing off Ivysaur's beauty and soothing nature with Sweet Scent would clinch you the match against a lot of trainers."

"Well...I went easy on her," Tierno joked, shrugging. "I didn't have my rhythm quite down yet."

"You danced for about five minutes straight to warm up!" Trevor pointed out, chuckling. "You were sweating as Shauna blocked each attack you threw her way."

"You've gotten overconfident, Tierno," Marie added, eyes shining with amusement. "After Dawn helped you get good enough that you were able to win against so many professionals, you thought you didn't have any further to go."

Tierno folded his arms. "That's not true," he said, looking to Dawn, who grinned as the others laughed. "I'm more motivated than ever to become a better Coordinator. Dawn helped me discover something that fits who I am perfectly. I can't wait to show you how much better I've gotten when we get to face off in a real contest, Dawn."

The others stopped laughing, now looking impressed by Tierno's words. Dawn appreciated it all the more as she noticed the determination in Tierno's eyes. "We'll both become Top Coordinators, Tierno," she promised, pumping her fist in excitement. "Then we'll battle to see who's the best in the world!"

"You'll have to count me in on that challenge."

The group looked to the back of the theatre at the voice, and Dawn saw Casey entering through the door she'd come through before. The Laverre Coordinator still looked tired from the ordeal with the hunters. Whatever Raphael had done to her and her Meditite had exhausted her, and they'd both been wiped out. Dawn was glad she'd been able to intervene when Officer Jenny was rounding up hunters by the Pokemon Centre that night. It had been clear to her after the battle that Casey hadn't been in control.

"You look better, Casey," Marie noted. She sounded a little hesitant, and Dawn could see the others were that way, too. They'd all been kind enough with Casey since the battle, though, despite their uneasiness. It had just been a messed up situation.

"Not really," Casey said with a laugh, approaching the group and stopping near where Dawn sat. "I can help out with the repairs that still need to be done, though. I've been wanting to do what I can to help since...you know."

"Can you remember anything yet?" Dawn asked. She knew Casey had mentioned her memories being fuzzy, as though she could almost see what she'd been doing, but not clearly enough to understand.

"Sort of," Casey said, frowning and sitting down. "I think...I think Raphael tested his trick a few times. It seems like it was something his Medicham did with Psychic to create a link with a trainer and their Pokemon that pulled out a...dangerous hatred in both of them. It must've been how he created those Mega Stones and Key Stones." She hesitated, holding a pokeball in her hand. "He actually gave me my Meditite at the start of the year. He'd been planning to use me for that long. Meditite didn't know, but...it still feels weird to be so close to it, knowing that it was all a sick and twisted plan."

"That connection is real, Casey," Shauna said, kneeling down next to her Ivysaur, patting it gently. "I saw how your Ponyta and Blitzle looked at you. The connection you make with your Pokemon is still pure. That's why you were able to free yourself from what Raphael did."

"She's right," Tierno said. "Raphael probably picked you because you're so close to your Pokemon."

Casey looked at them in surprise. Dawn could see that she felt she didn't deserve that praise, but she smiled gratefully nonetheless. "You guys are so nice. I'm sorry I hurt you."

"We got out of it in the end," Marie said, smiling. "The important thing is it's over and you managed to beat what Raphael did. Just like Gabby and Ash did when their Pokemon were controlled. You guys cared so much for your Pokemon, and them for you that Raphael could never win."

Trevor nodded at that, but looked thoughtfully at Casey. "It's strange, though, isn't it? Why did these connections work so differently? Altaria and Lucario were sent into a rage, right? But Gabby and Ash didn't get affected. And then hunters who used the altered Mega Stones in other cases had control of their Pokemon. Raphael's was apparently a normal set of stones, but he and Medicham seemed to connect with anger so it functioned in a similar way. I don't understand it."

"I think it had something to do with the Key Stone meant to bring out the power with love and trust," Casey said, thinking for a moment. "With the ones that weren't altered connecting with the altered Mega Stones, it created an unstable anger in the Pokemon. When the two altered stones were used, the anger was stable in a twisted way, and both the trainer and Pokemon could use it. At least...that's sort of how I remember feeling."

"Geez...it's almost like Raphael brainwashed an entire army of hunters," Tierno said uneasily, looking nervously at the others.

"Maybe he manipulated them," Dawn said, shaking her head and looking to Casey. "And maybe he twisted how they interacted with their Pokemon. But there's one thing we should always remember." They all looked to her, unsure of what she meant. She smiled. "Ash was right. They were never going to win. They couldn't. Raphael and his hunters focused on fear, anger and hate. We were there to stop it at every turn with teamwork and love. When we were all fighting at the Pokemon Centre, I was scared, sure, but I couldn't help but look at all of us fighting for one another, making sure that we kept our city safe and our Pokemon by our side."

"So...that is your final decision?"

"It is. I'm a bit nervous about it to be honest, but...I think it will be good for me. And my Pokemon."

"And I'm sure it will be good for the people and Pokemon of Alola as well." Lusamine stood up from the seat opposite Serena's, smiling as she held out her hand. "I'm looking forward to working with you, Serena. I truly believe you'll do great things in Alola."

Serena smiled, reaching forward and shaking Lusamine's hand. "I'm looking forward to it as well. Will you tell Hala my decision when you see him?"

"I'll tell him!" Serena looked to Lillie in surprise, seeing her nearly ready to jump out of her seat in joy. Clearly she was glad about Serena's decision. "We'll need to get you enrolled right away!"

"I guess that's settled then," Lusamine said, smiling in amusement. "Thank you for meeting with me, Serena. Please tell Ash and the others I wish them the best of luck in their final match."

Serena nodded, getting to her feet. She quickly thanked the excited Lillie for passing on her message for Hala, and then departed, waving farewell to her and Lusamine as she left the sitting room in Sycamore's lab and headed to the door. As she stepped outside, she could feel her heart racing from her nervousness for that meeting and what it had led to. It was a bit scary knowing she would be leaving.

But it was also exciting.

"You look happy."

Serena jumped, looking to the side of the walkway leading out from Sycamore's lab towards the sidewalk. Ash stood waiting there. Surprisingly, Pikachu wasn't with him. Serena looked around, wondering if he was scurrying around somewhere, but couldn't spot him. When she glanced back at Ash, he was grinning.

"I...I had a good meeting with Lusamine," Serena said slowly, looking at him in confusion. She was a little flustered. Despite everything that had happened on the night with the hunters, including what had happened between her and Ash, she was still uncomfortable. Not because she was worried about confessing how she felt. She'd done that, and so had he. No...it was just that they'd barely seen each other. They'd been so busy. "Where's Pikachu?" she asked.

"He's hanging out with Bonnie and Dedenne at the Pokemon Centre," Ash said, stepping forward. He looked a little hesitant himself, but he reached out a hand. Serena took it, smiling slightly, and they began to walk. "I just came from there. Clemont's dad has done an awesome job repairing the lighting. With the roof almost fully repaired, it looks like nothing even happened there."

"That's a relief," Serena said, shuffling a little closer to Ash as they began to walk. He seemed to appreciate it, smiling at her in response. They were both new to this, and it was a bit awkward. But despite that, Serena's heart soared with happiness. She needed to know one thing, though. "You...you were meeting with Hala earlier, right?"

"Yeah," Ash said. He sounded unsure, now. They both knew what the other's meeting would be about. They had agreed not to speak of their decision, though. They wanted to decide on their next step without worrying about what the other would do.

"Well?" Serena asked, stopping and turning to him, pulling him into position so they could look each other in the eyes. "What...what are you doing?"

"You first," Ash said, eyes darting away nervously.

Serena felt nervous, too. It would totally suck if they had to separate after such a short time together. But...they would make it work regardless. Or...maybe...maybe they would get something better. "We'll each say which place we'll be going to at the same time," Serena said. "At the count of three. Deal?"

Ash nodded, taking a deep breath. "But first...no matter what, Serena. I'm happy for you whatever you decided. We'll make it work."

Serena nodded. "Me too." She leaned forward, kissing him lightly. "One..."

He smiled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Two."

They both closed their eyes. "Three."

Serena realized she was holding Ash in a tight grip, and he was much the same. Even though they had counted to three, it seemed like the moment dragged forever. They'd agreed to say it, though, so each spoke, opening their eyes as they said where they would be going to school the next year.

"Alola."

For a moment, they stared at each other. It was as if they were making sure they had heard the other correctly. Ash spoke first, slowly beginning to smile. "Really?" he asked.

Serena nodded, her own smile coming to her face. "I couldn't say no to such an exciting new journey." She paused. "I guess we're the same in that way."

Ash hesitated, his smile slipping a bit. "I don't know how I would've felt if you were staying here. I would've been happy for you, of course, but..."

"That doesn't matter, Ash," Serena said, shaking her head. "We're meant to continue our journeys together. We made our decisions so that we wouldn't feel like we were making the other change their minds. I think this shows just how special this will be. We both love adventure so we chose the same thing. That's why we love each other. We love the excitement of a new place, new Pokemon and new opportunities."

Ash looked back at her, silent for a moment. Then his smile returned. "Couldn't have said it better myself." They stood there a little longer, taking it all in. Even though there was a little more to do here in Lumiose, this was the start of something new. After a look to the sky, where a flock of Fletchling were flying over the city, Ash took Serena's hand again, and they began to walk.

"Have you talked to Anton recently?" Serena asked as they crossed the street, heading towards a small park. "Gabby mentioned he was able to take his Fletchinder out of the Pokemon Centre to begin strengthening its wings again."

Ash nodded, pointing towards two figures in the distance. It was Anton and Gabby. Vivillon was with them, demonstrating some simple flying exercises for a delicate looking Fletchinder. "He's been spending all his time with Vivillon and Fletchinder. He's happier than I've ever seen him."

"It looks like it," Serena said, watching a moment. Anton and Gabby didn't see them, but they didn't head over. Serena felt that they needed the time alone. Ash seemed to feel the same.

"I don't think I could've pulled off that final attack with Greninja if I didn't see Anton with Fletchinder, and then working with Vivillon." He looked thoughtful, smiling as they watched Fletchinder hovering a few seconds next to Vivillon. They continued walking.

"You were fighting as strong as ever," Serena said. "What do you mean?"

"Anton had let Raphael cause him pain that he'd never been able to deal with," Ash murmured, shaking his head at the thought. He smiled, though, pausing as he looked back at Serena. "But he did deal with it. He decided to do what he could to change what happened. At least change what he could. He did everything he could to get them back, and they still loved him when he found them. We're meant to have these bonds with Pokemon. Raphael could try as hard as he wanted to change that, but it was never going to happen. I knew this and understood it more clearly than ever when Absol caught me and Greninja. It gave us the power to use the move. I don't think it could ever fail again."

Serena felt her heart swell with pride at Ash's words. He could be silly and reckless sometimes, but he understood Pokemon like no other. And he understood people, too. He understood how important friendship and trust and love were to the world. That was why she loved him.

That was why their journey together would be greater than she could ever imagine.

On the day of the IPL finals, Ash stepped back, looking in the mirror as he finished putting on his Lumiose Luxrays uniform for the last time. It was a strange feeling. It was just an outfit, but it represented one of the most unique adventures he had taken thus far in his time as a Pokemon trainer. In a way, it was like the different outfits he'd worn throughout his journeys to different regions, although this one was for specific battles. Still, it was a link to a challenge he would never forget, and the team of friends he would do anything for.

He turned to look at Pikachu, the electric mouse sitting on his bed, ears perking up in excitement as Ash finished up. "This is it, buddy," Ash said with a grin. "The IPL finals! It seems like forever ago we were battling Anton in the first match. Now look how far we've come."

"Pikaaa..." Pikachu replied, nodding thoughtfully.

Ash held out his arm, and his partner Pokemon scurried up it to his shoulder, positioning himself comfortably as Ash headed out the door of his room. Clemont had already gone to the stadium, as had all the others. So Ash went down the elevator with only Pikachu. He knew it had surprised his friends that he'd wanted to meet them a little later, but he knew he needed this time. There was someone he needed to talk to.

Anton was waiting for Ash outside the Greninja building. His Vivillon was resting on his head, and it flew off as Pikachu hopped off of Ash's shoulder, the two of them greeting one another. Anton turned immediately to walk towards the arena, and Ash quickly caught up to walk alongside him. There was no longer any hostility from Anton. Ash knew he still hated what he had done so long ago and what it had led to, but he'd begun to right the wrongs of his past, and it was making a difference.

"How's Fletchinder?" Ash asked, breaking the silence after a few minutes of walking. "Flying any better after some work with Vivillon?"

Anton nodded. "It'll be a long time, but there's been some progress. Fletchinder was in worse shape than Vivillon, I think. Maybe not physically but..."

Ash didn't press for more information. He understood. "I'm sure it's looking forward to seeing you battle."

That brought a small smile to Anton's face. "It is. Gabby's going to take care of it during the match so it'll have a front row seat. I didn't know if it would want to, but I guess it'll be a bit like old times."

"We'll need to make sure to put on a good show," Ash said, grinning as Anton glanced at him. "It'll be our last battle for awhile, you know."

"Gabby mentioned it would be. She says you and Serena are going to Alola next school year." Anton looked interested, but Ash did see a flash of disappointed in his eyes. "Your training there must've impressed you quite a bit then."

Ash shrugged, thinking on it a moment. "I'm not sure what it is exactly. There's a lot there that interests me, really. Maybe it's just that there's so much there. So many new things to experience." He laughed, looking ahead to Pikachu and Vivillon. "I'm not the kind of person to stay in one place too long I guess. Coming here was different, that's for sure."

"You definitely made the most of your time here," Anton murmured, smiling as Vivillon flew around Pikachu, "Who knows how all this would've played out without you. Raphael probably would've slipped away. I would've stayed miserable."

Ash shook his head. "You would've found a way. But that's not what happened, so we don't need to worry about that." He paused, glancing at his rival, and now friend, out of the corner of his eye. "You shouldn't forget what you did against the hunters, Anton. Goodra might've helped us find the camp with the cages with his Swanna, but you willed us there. You saved Fletchinder. Even if we'd beaten Raphael, those cages could've been moved by someone else. And then you and Vivillon were a huge part in beating Raphael in the end. I didn't have the determination needed without seeing you guys refuse to give up."

Anton was silent for awhile after that, and before Ash knew it, they were nearly right out front of the arena. There were a lot of people outside, but most were likely already inside. Ash didn't see any sign of his friends, so he assumed they'd be in the waiting room with the coaches. He and Anton would have to split here...before meeting on the battlefield later. Pikachu and Vivillon returned to them as they stopped out front.

"That means a lot, Ash," Anton finally said, looking to the arena, eyes resting on a sign out front advertising the final IPL match. "I'm glad things were finally able to change for me. My sister, too. You and your friends were a big part of that. I wasn't very nice to you, but you still stayed kind."

"We always had something in common," Ash said, grinning back.

"What's that?"

"We both love Pokemon...and we refuse to give up."

Anton eyed him another moment, and then smiled as well. He held out a hand. "Let's have a great battle out there, Ash. Tell Clemont and Trevor to do their best as well."

"You got it!" Ash said, shaking his hand. "We'll make this a championship match to remember."

And with that, the two Battle Team captains turned in opposite directions, heading towards their respective waiting rooms. They had a battle to prepare for.

The IPL finals were about to begin.