Okay, so this is basically my first time writing Pokemon battles not counting the very brief ones in chapter 3, so I'd like to know what you guys think about them at the end of this chapter. With that said, I hope you enjoy this latest chapter!

Even with Odyssey secretly telling Ash what to do using his telepathy, Ash has been struggling drastically to keep his cool. As soon as breakfast was over, Markenal was quick to order Ash to come with him for his royal duties. True to Timothy's ranting the day before, the head of the household proved to be relentless with forcing Ash to pay attention to all of his various lectures. From trigonometry to astronomy, to fencing, to chemistry, Ash was overwhelmed with all of the information that he does not understand a shred of. In reality, Ash barely understood a few words Markenal says given that his education is only limited to what he knows about all sorts of Pokemon all over the world. Serena, on the other hand, has been in bliss the entire time. To take part in lectures at a royal study made her happy beyond words. In her mind, she secretly treasures every piece of information Markenal says to her and the pauper that she thinks is her fiance.

It takes all of Ash's energy and willpower to appear close enough to look like he's paying attention so that neither the royal tutor or Princess Serena can notice his struggle. Through his telepathy, Odyssey has been making sure that Ash has been staying awake despite never appearing in the same room, but in truth, Ash has another reason to stay awake. With Serena sitting next to him and intently listening to what Markenal is saying with a cheerful smile, Ash wants to give it his all to not appear childish or dumb in the presence of the princess. Part of this is for the sake of Timothy for when he and Ash switch back, but as much as Ash wouldn't admit it, to Odyssey, Pikachu or even himself, he's also doing this because he has admittedly started to grow fond of her after the time they spent last night flying with Aloe.

And yet, the fact that he is growing so fond of the princess worried him. The more he thinks about it, the more he wonders if he really is okay with switching places with Timothy when he finally comes back. The raven-haired pauper starts to feel sad at the thought that the actual prince who switched places before having the chance to even meet this wonderful woman is still destined to marry her and spend the rest of his life with her and have children with her.

As he thinks about the idea of Timothy and Serena getting married. A small thought comes to his mind.

"Why do I care if she marries Prince Timothy?" He says in thought. "After all, he is a prince and she is a princess and she probably would be disgusted if she found out that I am nothing more but a penniless peasant. What reason would she have to want to...marry me?"

Ash begins to blush at the idea and quickly looks down to keep Markenal and Serena from noticing his face.

"Come on, Ash, this is ridiculous," Ash thinks to himself. "You can't seriously think you would want to actually marry Serena, do you? There have to be hundreds of reasons as to why that is a terrible idea even if you take out the fact that she is betrothed to another man. I mean she is a princess who could choose any man of high class she could want if she wasn't already in a marriage agreement with the prince. Why would she even consider for a split second to intentionally spend one moment with a penniless man like you?"

"Timothy?"

Ash snaps out of his train of thought and turns to Serena who looks at him with a concerned look.

"Huh? I'm sorry what's up?" He asks.

"Sir Markenal's lecture is over," Serena answers.

Ash returns to the rest of his surroundings to see Markenal staring down at him with his arms crossed and his eyebrow raised. Ash chuckles nervously as he realizes he drifted too far into his thoughts.

"I hope you didn't miss the entire lecture, sire," the tutor says in a cold monotone voice.

Ash's unease grows until he hears Odyssey's voice again.

"You might have, boy, but I didn't," the Lucario says secretly. "Say yes and I will take it from here."

Quick to get out of trouble, Ash turns back to Markenal and quickly nods, yes.

"Really?" Markenal says unconvinced. "Then perhaps a little exercise of the potion I just lectured on may prove your ability to doze off and listen at the same time. Come along."

Calum who has been standing by the door to the potion room snickers mischievously as Ash gulps and reluctantly stands up and follows the head of the household to the potion table. Serena follows suit interested as the poor man awaits Odyssey's instructions.

"Do exactly as I say and you will be fine," Odyssey growls from the other side of the door.

"Right," Ash whispers as Serena and Markenal stare at him.

"Well?" the old man says with a wave of his hand. "You may begin."

"Right, first take the blue powder on your left side and put a pinch of it on the cup," Odyssey instructions.

"Blue powder?" Ash asks worryingly. "Where is that?"

The prince's Lucario facepalms hard and groans irritated.

"On your left side," Odyssey growls.

Ash turns his head to see a small bottle filled with blue powder. He sighs in relief quietly for he opens the bottle takes a small amount of the powder and puts it on the cup.

"Good," Odyssey says clearly already annoyed. "Now pour water into the cup until it's about halfway and then take a red pebble from the bottled cup on your right side."

Ash quietly obeys the Lucario and starts to become more comfortable as he follows instructions quicker and quicker with each step even though he has no idea what he is making, to begin with, or what is the purpose of him or, for that matter, Timothy to learn it. As he works, Serena begins to smile, amazed by the raven-haired man's work on the potion while Markenal appears to look somewhat intrigued with how quickly the man disguised as the prince is working on it. Even Calem starts to frown at how impressive Ash looks in the presence of the princess.

"Finally," Odyssey says with a sigh. "Stir the cup gently and then show it to Markenal and the princess."

Ash lets out his own sigh as he finishes the last instructions, picks up the cup and presents it to Serena and the prince's tutor. Markenal leans his head to examine the creation very closely and sits back up and merely gives Ash a simple nod with his eyes closed.

"Very good, Your Highness," he says bluntly.

Ash and Odyssey let out a sigh of relief simultaneously while Serena looks at the potion too.

"Wow, that looks amazing, Timothy," she says.

Ash blushes at her compliment. Calem suddenly fumes with anger from seeing the man he thinks is the prince blush at the princess' compliment.

"Now, what's so amazing about that," he suddenly says catching everyone's attention.

"Sergeant, know your place," Markenal says calmly yet firmly. "Knowing how to make such form of alchemy is imperative to becoming a king."

"Poppycock," Calem berates as he takes the cup from Ash's hand. "What good would doing that do when ruling a kingdom.

Markenal's eyes widen at the site of Calem holding the potion recklessly and says, "Careful with that sergeant, it could -"

But before the old man can finish his sentence, the potion explodes just as Calem holds it close to his face. Ash, Serena, and Markenal look in shock as smoke covers the area where Calem is until it disperses to show the sergeant's face covered in soot. Everyone freezes in place until Markenal's surprised look turns back into his cold professional one and he clears his throat.

"Perhaps the prince isn't the only one who could learn a thing or two about paying attention in my study," he says in his monotone voice.

Suddenly, Serena covers her mouth as she begins to laugh uncontrollably at the sight of the embarrassed sergeant. Ash becomes more comfortable and laughs too while Calem feels ashamed at the sight of them laughing at him.

"I am so sorry, Sir Calem," Serena says apologetically in mid-laughter. "It was just so unexpected and you look silly covered in soot."

It takes all of Calem's willpower not to angrily blow up for the sake of the beautiful women in front of him. He takes a deep breath and says, "Think nothing of it, Your Majesty. I'm sure my blunder looks hilarious from your perspective."

Serena nods in understanding as her giggles quiet down and she takes out a handkerchief.

"Please, allow me," she says as she walks over to him and starts wiping his face.

Where it not for the soot covering his face, Serena could see the sergeant blush furiously at the touch of her hand against his face, but the moment is instantly interrupted for him to see Ash cleaning his face as well.

"Let me help too," Ash says politely. "I mean it was my potion anyway."

While any normal person would be thankful for someone to be as apologetic has Ash, the feel of Ash cleaning Calem's face destroys whatever joy he felt from Serena doing the same made his blood boil. In his mind, he wishes to simply grab Ash by the throat and snap his neck where he stands just so that Serena can the only person to clean him up. Finally, both Ash and Serena finish cleaning Calem's face and he walks over to a bucket of water to rinse what's left of the soot. Serena gives Ash a sweet look for aiding her which only frustrates Calem more until Markenal clears his throat.

"Very well," he says before turning to Ash. "Your Highness, this concludes your lessons for today. You and the princess may spend the rest of the day before tonight's banquet however you wish. As usual, I expect both of you to arrive at the dining hall at the proper time."

Without another word, Ash and Serena nod in understanding as they exit Markenal's study with Calem following behind Serena. Odyssey quickly runs away from the doorway just in time for Ash to open the door where the Lucario is walking toward them casually as if he just happens to be passing by.

"Master, I trust your lessons went well?" Odyssey says telepathically for everyone to hear.

"Uh, yes, they did, Odyssey," Ash answers, playing along to Odyssey's act. "I...uh...trust the rest of my Pokemon are well at the castle gardens?"

"Indeed they are," Odyssey answers.

Suddenly, Serena's eyes widen and she turns to Ash.

"Hey, that gives me an idea," she says excitedly. "Maybe now is a good time that I meet the rest of your Pokemon, Timothy?"

Ash turns to Serena and hesitates before he says, "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. If you will follow me to the royal gardens."

Odyssey frowns, feeling that introducing the princess to the rest of Timothy's Pokemon should be his job and not the pauper disguised as him, but before he can speak, Calem gets an idea and steps in.

"If I may, Your Highness," Calem says stepping between Serena and Ash. "It has been some time since my Absol has had a battle against your Gardevoir, Shockwave. Perhaps Her Highness would like to see our Pokemon in action?"

Ash and Odyssey stop walking and look at each other concerned. Calem grins at their reaction while Serena looks intrigued.

"Wow, an Absol and a Gardevoir in action?" She asks enthusiastically. "That sounds exciting."

Calem's grin grows and he turns back to the raven-haired man and says. "Surely His Highness would like to show his skill in a Pokemon battle to his fiance."

Ash feels his heart leap at the idea of Serena as his fiance, but the rest of his mind is struggling to respond, knowing that the sergeant is suggesting a Pokemon battle using a Pokemon that isn't even his. He and Odyssey look at each other again before Ash turns to him.

"Uh, if it's all the same to you, Sergeant, I think it's better that we hold that battle off for another day. We should focus solely on Princess Serena meeting my Pokemon fir -"

"Are you seriously refusing me, Prince Timothy?" Calem says mockingly. "That is so unlike you."

"H-hey, know your place, Sergeant," Ash says trying to sound commanding like Markenal.

"Very well, Your Highness," Calem says mockingly. "Your Gardevoir wouldn't be able to handle another major loss, anyway."

Calem walks ahead of everyone with a proud look. Ash grows irritated at his teasing even though the sergeant said that thinking he is Shockwave's trainer. Serena notices and quickly places her hand on his shoulder.

"Please don't worry about it, Timothy," she says calmly. "You don't have to battle him if you don't want to."

But Ash doesn't listen to the princess and instead walks over to Calem and says, "You know what, why not? After I show all my Pokemon to the princess let's have a battle."

"No!" Odyssey protest to telepathically we're only Ash can hear him. "That is a terrible idea."

Calem, however, grins mischievously again and says, all right then. "One hour then, Your Highness. And I hope you've trained Shockwave well enough this time."

Without another word, the sergeant walks away and Ash stands tall, satisfied with what he just did. Odyssey facepalms again while Serena looks uneasy. Finally, Ash turns around and his toothy grin returns.

"Right," he begins. "Why don't you stop by your quarters and bring Sylveon and Fennekin with you, Serena. Sound good?"

"Oh, yeah, that sounds like fun," Serena says with a smile despite still feeling concerned with Ash's recent actions. "I'll meet you at the gardens then, Timothy."

"Great," Ash says happily as the princess walks down the hall heading to her room. As soon as she is far away, Odyssey walks over to Ash angrily.

"You imbecile!" Odyssey barks telepathically. "What's in heaven's name could have possessed you to accept that battle?! Shockwave is not your Pokemon and you probably have never had a real Pokemon battle a day in your life!"

"Actually, I have," Ash counters. "I used to battle with Pikachu against some kids and their Pokemon at my old village before my parents died."

"Little battles with an electric mouse is not the same thing as going against the sergeant and his Absol," Odyssey snarls.

"I know that," Ash says. "But don't worry, I know a lot about Gardevoirs and Absols from books, so I know all about the general strengths and weaknesses. "

"Knowledge from a book is not in the same thing as experience in a real battle between a Gardevoir like Shockwave or Sergeant Calem's Absol," Odyssey rebukes. "I would hope that whatever books you read includes pointing out that psychic attacks have no effect against a dark Pokemon making Shockwave's psychic and psybeam attacks useless?"

"Well, of course, I know that," Ash says. "But we should have other advantages against something like Absol. Does Shockwave have any fairy-type moves?"

"Yes, he does," Odyssey answers. "He has disarming voice and moonblast. But it doesn't matter, because the sergeant's Absol has superior speed. He always orders his Absol to dodge any move master and Shockwave throw at him with quick attack and gains the upper hand using sword dance slash and night slash. They always win. That's why the sergeant made the challenge because he and the prince have an ongoing rivalry between themselves and the Sergeant's Absol and Shockwave in particular. You just absent-mindedly decided to act in the middle of a conflict that's not even yours and you are officially going to look like a fool on behalf of my master."

"No, I won't," Ash says confidently. "In fact, I would bet on my house that I will seriously damage the Sergeant's Absol if not completely take him down with Shockwave."

"Oh, really? And what in the world makes you so sure?" Odyssey growls.

"Just take me to the castle gardens," Ash says coincidently. 'I want to discuss a strategy that Pikachu and I have done at home with Shockwave. I think he will find to be a nifty idea."

The Lucario glares angrily at the poor, raven-haired man before he sighs and reluctantly guides him and his Pikachu back to the castle gardens.

*******************************************************************************************

45 minutes later, Ash, Pikachu, and Shockwave are standing in the Pokemon battlefield in the middle of the royal garden waiting for Sergeant Calem and his Absol while Serena sits on one of the benches with Holly, Sylveon, and Fennekin on one side if the field while Howl, Aloe, Sonata and Odyssey stand in the other side of the field. Ash has spent 15 minutes discussing strategy with the prince's Gardevoir before the princess arrived with her Pokemon and handmaiden. The remainder of Timothy's Pokemon where quick to greet Serena happily much to her joy. Serena and Aloe pretended to meet for the first time with Odyssey standing so close to them and not knowing of their time together with Ash last night. Serena even presented the Pokemon with a basket full of poke puffs for them to enjoy with Pikachu, Sylveon, and Fennekin.

As Ash and Shockwave wait for their opponents, Serena stares at the raven-haired man, still worried about him. Holly is quick to notice and clears her throat.

"My lady, are you feeling alright?" She asks.

Serena doesn't say anything right away, then she takes a deep breath and says, "I'm worried about the outcome of this battle. I fear that Prince Timothy will definitely lose given the major strategic disadvantage that psychic Pokemon have with dark types. Because he accepted the challenge, logic dictates that he might be humiliated in this battle and that might reflect what kind of ruler he might be when we are king and queen. The sergeant practically bullied him into a battle in front of me after all."

Holly merely chuckles at her mistresses' worries and pats her on the shoulder saying, "I'm afraid this is normal with men. Not all of them are very bright when it comes to matters like showing brute strength between each other. It is so rare to find a man of a calm and strategic mind."

Holly's words do not comfort Serena, however, as she once again puts her hand on the ribbon around her neck and grabs it nervously as her eyes are fixed on Ash. Sylveon and Fennekin notice their master's distress and nudge her with their heads. Serena turns to her to Pokemon and a small smile forms on her face as she pets both of them appreciatively.

Finally, Calem and Absol walk over to the other side of the field with confident grins on their faces. The sergeant cracks his neck while his four-legged Pokemon stretches and growls menacingly and confidently at Shockwave. The Gardevoir silently growls back at his long-time rival and Ash puts his hand on his shoulder to comfort the prince's Pokemon.

"Remember what we discussed, Shockwave," the pauper says. "I know I'm not your trainer, but I need you to trust me. I know we're going to take down that Absol if we trust each other. Can I count on you on that?"

"Gaaaarrrrrr," Shockwave replies, nodding at Ash.

"Alright, let's take down that Absol!" Ash says confidently.

"Gardevoir," Shockwave shouts.

"Pika!" Pikachu says happily.

Serena looks at Ash, surprised by his confidence but then begins to smile admiringly. Even Sylveon smiles and amusement at Pikachu's support for his master making Fennekin displeased.

"You seem a little pumped today, Your Majesty," Calem says in amusement. "Do you actually think you will win this time?"

"You bet," Ash says. "Nothing is going to stop me from winning today."

Calem merely snickers at Ash arrogantly.

"This will be almost too easy," he thinks. "Within a couple of minutes I will not only defeat the prince once again but maybe this will catch the princess' attention and she might become more interested in me. If I can't have her, then I can at least humiliate the man who thinks he will have her before father and I dispose of them both."

Over at the side where Timothy's Pokemon are, Odyssey steps in, raises his paw and speaks for everyone to hear.

"I will be the referee," he says. "This will be a one-on-one battle between Prince Timothy and Sergeant Calem. The battle will be over when either side's Pokemon is unable to battle. Are you ready?"

"Ready," Ash says.

"Ready," Calem says proudly.

"Battle begin," Odyssey announces.

"Alright, Shockwave, use Disarming Voice," Ash calls out.

"Gaaarrrdevoir!" Shockwave shouts as a group of colorful sound waves come out of his mouth and head straight to Absol.

"I figured as much," Calem says with a sigh. "Absol, dodge using Quick Attack."

With a smug grin, Absol jumps into action and easily dodges the disarming voice and rams his head right into Shockwave. Shockwave groans in pain as Absol runs back to Calem's side, pleased with his handiwork. Ash frowns as he thinks about his next move.

"This guy is good," Ash says to himself as he scratches his chin. "Shockwave, can you carry on?"

"Gardevoir," Shockwave replies determinedly.

"All right, then let's carry out our plan," Ash announces. "Shockwave, prepare to use psybeam."

Odyssey, Aloe, Howl, Sonata, Holly, Fennekin, Sylveon, and Serena all widen their eyes in worry. Calem and Absol, on the other hand, both chuckle in amusement.

"Timothy, what are you doing?" Serena calls out. "Psychic moves are not effective against dark types."

But Ash doesn't seem to listen to the princess as he keeps his confident grin while Shockwave prepares a psybeam.

"I guess my teasing made that stupid prince more reckless than usual," the sergeant says in amusement. "Absol, quick attack again!"

Without hesitation, Absol jumps into action, charging after the prince's Gardevoir again. Shockwave, however, stands still as he continues to build up the psybeam. Everyone rooting for Ash watches in worry including Serena who holds onto her ribbon again. Calem grins, excited to see the man he thinks is the prince be humiliated in the presence of the princess. Absol is a few seconds away from Shockwave before Ash makes another command.

"Now! Fire on the ground!" He orders.

"What?!" Calem, Serena, Holly, and Odyssey shout.

Without hesitation, Shockwave fires his psybeam right on the ground in front of him causing the entire floor to break. Absol loses his footing and trips on the rubble, canceling is quick attack as he tumbles to the ground.

"Use disarming voice again, quick!" Ash commands.

Shockwave grins excitedly again as he takes it deep breath and shoots out another set of colorful sound waves. The attack hits Absol, sending the dark Pokemon flying into the air and lands right next to Calem, groaning in pain. The sergeant stands helplessly as Absol struggles to get up. Everyone else looks at Ash speechless has he and Pikachu look at Shockwave proudly.

"Nice job, Shockwave," Ash compliments.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu says encouragingly.

"Gaaaarrrrrr," Shockwave growls proudly.

Serena sighs in relief and quietly says, "Thank goodness. That was such a clever move."

Calem grinds his teeth in irritation as he watches the princess look so relieved to see the raven-haired man get the upper hand. He turns to Absol and asks, "Can you continue?"

"Absol," Absol answers determinedly.

"All right, then let's take off the kid gloves," Calum growls. "Use sword dance them follow with night slash!"

Absol growls and a dozen swords appear around the dark Pokemon briefly before they disappear and Absol glows red before his horn glows purple and with a wave of his head, a purple slash flies over toward Shockwave and hits him square on the chest. Ash, Pikachu, Serena, Holly, Sylveon, Fennekin, Odyssey, Aloe, Howl, and Sonata gasp in worry as the Gardevoir gets down on one knee, struggling to keep himself from falling down.

"Shockwave, no!" Ash calls out helplessly.

"Oh no," Serena says worrying as she holds on to her ribbon again. "What are they going to do?"

"I'm not sure if there's anything they can do, my lady," Holly says. "Dark attacks are super effective against psychic Pokemon and I doubt there's much Prince Timothy can do if Sergeant Calem won't fall for the same trick twice."

Ash grinds his teeth frustratedly. He knows that if he tries to hit Absol with a fairy attack, Absol will just dodge it, and there's only so much he can do with psychic attacks.

"What do I do?" He asks himself. "Shockwave only has two other abilities that are Moonbeam and psychic, so that just leaves me with another psychic ability and another fairy ability available. But I can't hit him with a fairy attack if he's so quick and it's not like I can use his psychic powers to stop the attack...or can't I?"

"Absol, use night slash again!" Calem orders.

Once again, Absol's horn glows purple and with a flick of his head, a large slash flies right toward Shockwave. Ash becomes nervous and takes a deep breath before he sees the rubble from Shockwave's psybeam and gets an idea.

"Shockwave, use psychic to make a barrier with the rubble then fire another disarming voice" he calls out.

Shockwave looks at the pauper disguised as his master in confusion before he mentally shrugs. With a deep breath, the Gardevoir's eyes glow blue with his gaze fixed on the ground. Ash gulps nervously as a blue glow surrounds the rubble and Shockwave lifts them up and pieces them together to make a barrier. The night slash hits the barrier and it explodes causing a dusty explosion. Absol, Calem, Shockwave, and Ash struggle to see anything from the dust, but with his eyes shut, the Gardevoir fires another disarming voice as straight as he can and it miraculously hits Absol, causing the dark Pokemon to fly in the air again and plummet to the ground, struggling to get up.

When the dust clears everyone stares in amazement as they see that Ash's plan worked.

"What?! That's impossible!" Calem shouts. "You can't do that!"

"Apparently, I can," Ash says with a grin. "Now, Shockwave, finish with moonblast!"

Shockwave grins once again as he takes a deep breath and a white beam forms in front of his mouth. The beam grows bigger and bigger until it reaches its limit and the Gardevoir fires it straight at Absol.

"Absol, Dodge now!" Caleb shouts desperately.

But it is no use. Absol is still disoriented from the last attack and only has a moment to open his eyes to watch helplessly as the moonblast engulfs him. The beam explodes on impact and a large puff of smoke appears covering everyone's vision for a few seconds until it eventually clears to reveal Absol lying on the ground with swirling eyes.

Everyone stares at the fainted, dark Pokemon before turning to Odyssey who takes a moment before snapping out of his shock and says, "I can't believe I am saying this, but Absol is unable to battle which makes Prince Timothy and Shockwave the winner."

"All right!" Ash shouts as he and Pikachu jump up and down in excitement.

"Gardevoir!" Shockwave shouts triumphantly.

"Wow, they did it!" Serena says happily as Sylveon and Fennekin cheer. "That was amazing!"

"Indeed, my lady," Holly admits. "I have truly never seen a Pokemon battle like that."

The rest of Timothy's Pokemon run over to Shockwave and congratulate him happily. Meanwhile, Calem gets down on his knees shocked as he stares at Absol.

"I...lost?" He manages to say. "He really beat me? And...and in front of her?"

He looks up and helplessly watches Serena run over to Ash and cheerfully congratulate him making the raven-haired man blush. The sergeant's shock turns into bitter anger as Aloe flies over to Absol and bring some back to consciousness using heal pulse. The dark Pokemon groans as he checks his surroundings and realizes what happened before turning to his master ashamedly. He licks Calem's hand, hoping to cheer him up, but the sergeant just pulls his hand away and stands up.

"Let's go, Absol," Calem mutters.

Absol hangs his head in shame as he reluctantly follows his master out of the castle gardens. Meanwhile, everyone has finished congratulating Ash and Shockwave as Odyssey steps forward to the man disguised as his master.

"How did you come up with using psybeam on the ground?" He asks telepathically.

Ash hesitates and turns to Pikachu who looks back at him with an uneasy look. In truth, they used the attack before when battling a kid named Trevor when his Bunnelby used dig and so Ash had Pikachu use iron tail on the ground to force his opponent off the ground. But because Serena and her company are present, he makes up a lie.

"I...uh...read it in a book once," Ash fibs. "There was a story of a battle where a trainer used an attack on the ground to gain the upper hand. I just decided to try it and see if that would work against Absol."

"Wow," Serena says intrigued. "And how did you come up with stopping the night slash by manning a barrier using psychic?"

"Honestly, I was just thinking outside of the box," Ash answers truthfully. "Sometimes you just have to think of using your Pokemon's abilities in ways that they are not usually meant to be used."

Serena smiles, satisfied with his answer.

"Of course," she says. "You really are an amazing person, Timothy."

Once again, Ash feels a slight pain in his heart, wishing the beautiful princess would call him by his real name. He shakes it off before he replies.

"It's nothing, really," he says humbly. "I bet even you can do it if you wanted to try."

Serena's happy face disappears and she looks away nervously.

"I'm afraid you give me too much credit, good sir", she says. "I'm afraid I have very little experience in Pokemon battling though I have read many stories of such things and many books about Pokemon and their various abilities, strengths, and weaknesses."

"That doesn't mean you shouldn't try," Ash says encouragingly. "After all, you do have two Pokemon yourself that would battle with you if you ever wanted to."

"Not quite. Sylveon does not battles," Serena counters. "Fennekin likes to battle with some of the other Pokemon from my father's castle back in Kanto from time to time, but I've never been allowed to partake in real battles with my Pokemon just because I am a princess."

"Fennekin," Fennekin says sadly.

"Well, then why don't we have a battle with you and Fennekin?" Ash asks encouragingly. "I mean, just because you're a princess shouldn't mean you can't partake in battles or use your Pokemon to defend yourself."

Odyssey raises an eyebrow at the poor man's suggestion. Holly and Serena look at each other concerned as they turn back to Ash.

"Timothy, are you sure that's a good idea?" Serena asks.

"Sure, why not?" Ash answers with a toothy grin. "I don't think you're too old to learn how to have a Pokemon battle and if you say you've read a lot about it, then you've probably got the gist of what happens even without watching my battle with Sergeant Calem. Besides, even if your father apparently deemed it inappropriate for a lady of your status to battle with your Pokemon, I don't."

Serena's eyes widen surprised. She couldn't believe that the man she thinks she is engaged to would dismiss such restrictions based on who she is without question. A small blush emerges on her cheeks and she finds herself smiling again, touched by his encouragement.

"Well, when you put it that way how can I refuse?" She says with an excited smile. "Although, I do ask that Fennekin and I battle a Pokemon that can go easy on us and has less experience."

"Hmmmm, that's a good point, now that you mention it," Ash says as he turns to Timothy's Pokemon and considers that all of them might be too powerful for someone as inexperienced as Fennekin. "Well, then how about you battle with me and Pika - I mean Electchu?"

"Pika!" Pikachu says in agreement.

"Really? That would be great," Serena says enthusiastically. "Fennekin, would you like that?"

"Fennekin," Fennekin answers determinedly has she glares at the yellow mouse that her friend and surrogate sister, Sylveon has taken a liking to. Pikachu looks at his opponent nervously while Sylveon frowns at Fennekin's demeanor.

"Alright, then let's do it," Serena says as she runs over to the other side of the battlefield with a lively smile followed by Fennekin.

Ash smiles fondly at the princess' glee before he snaps out of it and returns to his spot on the field. Holly and Sylveon return to their spots on the sidelines while all of Timothy's Pokemon return to the other side except for Odyssey.

"Don't you think you are overstepping your bounds, young man?" The Lucario asks warningly.

"Ah, there's no sense in me not letting the princess have any fun with Pokemon battling, Ash says with a wave of his hand. "Besides, this way we'll know if she actually likes or dislikes Pokemon battling so the prince will know ahead of time when he comes back."

"If he comes back," Odyssey mutters to himself with a worried look as he walks over to his original spot and reluctantly announces, "This is a one-on-one battle between Princess Serena and Prince Timothy. The battle will be over when either side's Pokemon are unable to battle. Are the competitors ready?"

"Ready," Ash says.

Serena takes a deep breath before she smiles determinedly and answers, "Ready."

"Very well," Odyssey says. "Battle begin."

"All right," Ash says excitedly. "Electchu, use Quick attack!"

Pikachu gives Fennekin a determined look as he quickly runs toward the fox Pokemon and hits her straight on the head. Fennekin flies into the air and lands on all four of her feet still looking at the mouse Pokemon with an eager look.

"Wow, Electchu is pretty fast too," Serena observes.

"Alright, Electchu, use iron tail!" Ash commands.

Pikachu turns his tail into iron and he runs toward Fennekin.

"Okay, what should I use for this?" Serena asks herself and thought before she gets an idea. "Fennekin counter with scratch."

Fennekin doesn't hesitate to obey as she charges at Pikachu with her left, front paw glowing White. The scratch and the iron tail collide bringing the two Pokemon into a standstill until Pikachu swats at Fennekin again and successfully hits her on the face making her fall to the ground.

"Fennekin!" Serena cries out worryingly has Fennekin struggles to get up. "Can you keep going?"

"Fennekin!" Fennekin replies, feeling pumped.

"Okay, Fennekin, use flamethrower," Serena commands.

With a growl, Fennekin shoots a string of fire straight at Pikachu.

"Dodge and use iron tail one more time," Ash calls out.

Pikachu dodges the flamethrower with ease and runs over to Fennekin to hit her again with iron tail. The fox Pokemon tumbles to the ground and this time struggles to get up worrying her honey blond master.

"Fennekin!" Serena calls out again as Fennekin struggles to get up. "Oh, what do I do? I don't know what to do at a time like this."

Holly and Sylveon look equally worried as Fennekin groans in pain.

"Serena," Ash calls out. "Stay calm. You have to work together with Fennekin and believe in her. Trust in your Pokemon."

"I don't know if I can," Serena says.

"Yes you can," Ash encourages. "Trust in Fennekin and her power and you can do anything you put your mind to together. Don't give up until it's over."

Serena's eyes widen at Ash's last sentence.

"Don't give up until it's over..." She says as she freezes into place. "That sounds so familiar."

She turns to Ash who still gives her an encouraging, toothy grin. A flow of memories swirls through Serena's head as she remembers a certain day from when she was very young before she even met Fennekin. Finally, Serena takes a deep breath and turns to her Pokemon.

"Fennekin," she says. "I believe in you. I know with the two of us we can beat Timothy and Electchu. I've known you since I was a little girl and you and Sylveon have been on my side through thick and thin and I can never repay that. So just keep going and together there is nothing that can stop us."

Encouraged by her master's words, Fennekin smile and stands up, facing Pikachu.

"Fen," the fox Pokemon says taking a fighting stance.

"There you go, Serena," Ash says before turning to Pikachu. "Alright buddy, let's use Quick attack again."

Pikachu doesn't hesitate to race toward Fennekin once again. But this time, Serena isn't worried and instead gets an idea.

"All right, Fennekin," she says. "When I say now, spin around using flamethrower. That way, we should be able to hit him when he attacks."

"Fennekin," Fennekin says in understanding.

The princess and her fox Pokemon wait patiently as Pikachu runs toward Fennekin with incredible speed. Serena doesn't blink once has the mouse Pokemon gets closer and closer until finally...

"Now!" Serena shouts.

Without hesitation, Fennekin starts using flamethrower and spins all around herself until an entire whirlpool of fire emerges all around her. Pikachu's eyes widen and he tries to stop his attack, but he is too late as he runs fried into the fire and gets burned instantly. He flies backward and tumbles to the ground groaning in pain, surprising Ash.

"Pikac- I mean Electchu, are you okay?" He asks.

"Way to go, Fennekin," Serena says.

But as soon as she finishes praising Fennekin, she realizes that the fox Pokemon is still inside the whirlpool of fire. Serena starts to grow concerned until she sees a bright light shining inside the fire. Without warning, a glowing figure grows out from the fire to reveal a taller fox looking Pokemon standing on two legs and holding a stick that is on fire. Everyone stares in amazement before Ash laughs excitedly at this moment.

"Oh wow," he says enthusiastically. "Fennekin evolved into a Braixen!"

Serena's mouth hangs open until she smiles brightly in joy.

"Fenne - I mean Braixen, that is wonderful!" she cheers.

"Braixen," Braixen replies with a smile.

"Alright, let's keep on going," Serena says. "Braixen, use flamethrower one more time!"

Braixen takes out her stick and aims it at Pikachu. Instead of firing directly at him, however, she starts making circles with it as fire shoots out, hitting Pikachu.

"Wow, what was that?" Serena asks.

"That would be Fire Spin," Odyssey answers.

"Oh wow. You learned a new move, Braixen," Serena says excitedly.

"Braix," Braixen says proudly.

"Well, we're not going down that easily," Ash says. "Electchu, use iron tail."

Pikachu jumps in the air and his tail turns into iron once again. Serena watches the mouse charge at Braixen in the air.

"Which command should I use?" She asks herself until she gets another idea. "Braixen, catch Electchu's tail."

Ash looks at the honey blonde woman surprised as Braixen lifts her hand to catch Pikachu. Just then, however, Braixen's eyes glow blue and Pikachu suddenly freezes in mid-air. A blue glow surrounds the yellow Mouse as he stares at the Fox Pokemon helplessly.

"I don't believe it," Odyssey says. "She learned psychic too?"

Pikachu's eyes widen at the news while Braixen grins mischievously.

"Alright, Braixen," Serena says. "Now finish him off."

All too happy to comply, Braixen lifts Pikachu higher in the air and forces him to slam into the ground hard. Then she lifts him up and slams him into the ground 3 more times before she finally stops and the dust clears to reveal Pikachu lying on the ground with swirly eyes.

"Electchu is unable to battle," Odyssey announces. "That makes Braixen and Princess Serena the winner."

Serena freezes in place again and her eyes widen as she says, "I...I won? I won! Oh my gosh, I won!"

"Congratulations, my lady!" Holly calls out as Serena runs over to Braixen and hugs her tightly.

"Oh, thank you so much, Braixen," she says happily.

"Braixen," Braixen replies happily as she hugs her master back.

Ash runs over to Pikachu's side and picks him up whispering, "Pikachu, are you alright?"

"Pika," Pikachu replies weekly with a small smile.

"You were great, buddy," Ash says with a smile before turning to Serena. "Congratulations, Serena!"

"Thank you so much, Timothy," Serena replies cheerfully as she and Braixen walk over to him.

Sylveon, meanwhile, jumps off the bench and runs over to Pikachu's side as Ash puts him down so that Aloe can heal him with heal pulse. The fairy type pokemon stares at the mouse Pokemon until the Latias successfully heals Pikachu and he slowly gets up and looks at her light blue eyes. Sylveon walks over to Pikachu and with a small smile, licks him on the face has a way of saying, good job trying. Pikachu blushes furiously and looks away from Sylveon much to her amusement.

"Awwww, isn't that adorable?" Serena coos. "Sylveon has grown to really, really like Electchu."

Sylveon blushes lightly at her master's words and runs over to Serena side in embarrassment. Braixen glares at Pikachu again, still disproving of him winning her little sister's affection. Ash, on the other hand, smiles in amusement.

"Yeah, I guess she is," he says.

Serena turns to Ash and smiles sweetly as she walks over to him.

"You know, I think I know how Sylveon is feeling," she says to the raven-haired man with her hands behind her back.

Ash blushes and avoids eye contact with her nervously.

"O-oh, really?" He asks scratching the back of his head.

Serena giggles cutely at his reaction.

"Why yes," she says. "In fact, I'd say it's romantic that my Sylveon would fall in love with my fiance's Pokemon. It's almost like it was meant to be."

Ash stutters, flustered at Serena's words. Before he can say anything, Serena takes another step closer to him, leans her head and gives him a light peck on the cheek. Ash freezes in place, much to Serena's amusement as she giggles again.

"Well, I think we better get ready for the banquet tonight," Serena says cheerfully. "See you then, Timothy, and thank you so much for my first battle."

Ash mutters out incoherent words as he waves back to Serena with a sheepish grin as she, Holly, Braixen and Sylveon leave the gardens. Both Ash and Pikachu have blissful looks until they turn around to find Odyssey with his arms crossed and a disapproving glare. Shockwave, Howl, Sonata, and Aloe have concerned looks as the prince's Lucario storms over to Ash and Pikachu.

"What do you think you two are doing?" Odyssey growls.

"What?" Ash asks carelessly. "We know now that she likes partaking in Pokemon battles, right?"

"And through that you made a memory of her first battle with her which included her Fennekin evolving and her thanking the man she thinks is her fiance with a kiss," Odyssey snarls. "An experience and kiss that should have been our master's!"

Howl, Shockwave, and Sonata reluctantly nod in agreement while Aloe looks away, secretly disagreeing with the Lucario.

"Well, so what if I did?" Ash challenges with a frown. "Prince Timothy is the one that's going to marry her, not me. He will have his whole life to make memories with Serena."

"That's Princess Serena to you, citizen," Odyssey barks. "So long as she is your future queen, you will not call her so informally."

"Well, maybe she shouldn't be a queen," Ash argues.

Odyssey, Pikachu, Shockwave, Aloe, Howl, and Sonata look at the poor man surprised before Odyssey's anger grows.

"What did you say?" He growls.

"You heard what I said," Ash says. "If she actually deserves to be his queen then Prince Timothy should have stayed here and earned his right to be in Serena's presence much less be her husband."

"That's not your decision to make," Odyssey counters.

"You're right, it's not my decision to make, but it should be Serena's," Ash counters back. "She should decide whether or not she can partake in things like Pokemon battles regardless of her title or gender. And she especially should decide for herself who she can marry because she deserves someone better than a coward like the prince."

"Like who?" The Lucario challenges.

Ash holds his tongue and looks away, uneasy. It takes a moment before Odyssey's eyes widen in realization and facepalms.

"Son of a git," he grumbles. "You fell in love with her!"

"Well, so what if I did?!" Ash yells. "It's not my fault if she's so kind and compassionate and smart and a joy to be around. I don't care what the prince's reasons were to have us switch places. He was a complete fool to avoid getting to meet her. What good is he to her if he won't even give her the time of day?"

"More than you will ever be!" Odyssey shouts. "Master is a prince who will one day become king. Even if he makes a poor husband in your eye, that woman will want for nothing. What good is your attachment compared to that? Do you claim you can provide for her in your real life outside of the castle? Can you guarantee food and shelter and enough money to raise a family with her? Can you honestly tell me that you can make her happy with who you really are?"

Ash stares at the Lucario, hurt by his words. His eyes begin to water as he runs away with Pikachu following behind him. Odyssey takes a deep breath and turns around to find Aloe Shockwave, Sonata, and Howl looking at him disapprovingly.

"What?!" He barks. "Do you have anything to back up his argument? Is there anything you can say that would magically overturn the king's decision to have the princess marry our master? She already has someone and it's not the peasant."

"Laaaaaaaa," Aloe barks back.

"I know his name is Ash," The Lucario says annoyed. "But do you really think the princess will care about that? She thinks the man she just kissed is the prince and not some pauper. Do you think she will be happy if she ever finds out that she's falling for a different person? That she might try to find a way out of the marriage agreement just to be with him no matter his lifestyle? No. No good would come from anything that fool wishes just because he's infatuated with a woman far above his class."

Without another word, Odyssey storms further into the gardens frustrated. Shockwave, Howl, and Sonata look at each other before they walk away. But Aloe stays where she is, looking sadly at where Ash and Serena walked away and worries that she might have helped fan the flames of the romance between them in vain.