Night.
Lucas and the Pokémon gathered in their new home, watching the final battle of the Silver Conference Finals Tournament together in the spacious, warmly-lit living room, using the large color television just embedded into the wall earlier that day.
The two finalists were Ash from Pallet Town and Harrison from Littleroot Town.
The match could be summed up as a back-and-forth contest.
Both trainers had traveled to challenge two league gyms each and were now making their second appearance at the League Conference.
In terms of raw strength, they were almost perfectly matched.
The deciding factors, aside from how their Pokémon were raised, came down to the trainers' own tactical sense and some other variables.
Ash led with Pikachu, while Harrison chose a Sneasel that also hadn't yet evolved.
It wasn't about going easy; as the commentator explained, many only learned today that Harrison's Sneasel had caused chaos in Ho-Oh Shrine, fending off many skilled trainers who'd already collected eight badges.
The Pikachu vs. Sneasel duel was essentially a contest of speed and agility.
Ash's Pikachu still hadn't matured enough to carry the team alone, not even possessing a lean body—still a bit chubby. In terms of agility, Sneasel had a slight edge, though Pikachu had its own advantages.
Lucas had deliberately instructed Luxray to rigorously "drill" Pikachu, greatly increasing its tail strength.
As a result, the Steel-type move "Iron Tail" was devastatingly effective—a weight too heavy for the frail Sneasel to bear.
Even with Pikachu's underwhelming Attack stat, two consecutive Iron Tails were enough to take Sneasel down.
Of course, Pikachu didn't walk away unscathed—it had received plenty of damage from Sneasel and wasn't in peak condition.
When facing an Onix, both much larger and a Ground-type (an outright type advantage), Pikachu's fire was promptly snuffed out.
Those who'd been hoping Pikachu would go for a two-win streak—including the hardworking Luxray and the stoic Raging Bolt stretching its neck in through the window—were left at a loss for words.
In his mind, Lucas resolved that if he ever got the chance, he'd make Pikachu lose weight and raise its electric output cap.
So what if it's a Ground-type immune to Electricity? Make your electricity so strong there's nowhere to ground it!
Ash's second Pokémon was Quilava. Watching from the side, Ceruledge sat up straight.
During that period, besides Charcadet, Ceruledge had often given Quilava pointers during barbecue sessions!
"Hope this little one does well."
Quilava and Onix were miles apart in terms of size. Each had an advantage: Fire beats Steel-type, Ground beats Fire (though Ground doesn't resist Fire).
Ash always has a bit of "cheat luck," though.
A battle this imbalanced in size and power, he managed to drag into a real fight.
Covered in wounds, Quilava broke through and evolved into Typhlosion mid-battle. The flamethrower, which should have been weak, was used at full power with full health.
Both Pokémon went down together. The score evened at two to two.
Ceruledge watched and was well pleased.
A Typhlosion with such firepower is already qualified to help out at the next grill.
Battle three: Snorlax vs. Hypno. As expected, Snorlax won, only to be taken out by Harrison's fourth Pokémon, Houndoom.
Ash's Snorlax had to have the hidden ability "Gluttony"; otherwise, it might not have lost to Houndoom's flames.
Appletun quietly shrank toward Serperior, feeling Snorlax was almost roast meat by now.
Houndoom lying in the corner merely scoffed at Harrison's:
This firepower really isn't much higher than mine...
Ash next sent in Feraligatr, apparently evolved since last seen. After a fierce fight, it withstood Houndoom's attack on its arm and hit with a powerful Heart Stamp, taking the win.
Seeing this, Politoed and its tadpole kin gleefully hopped around.
A closer look revealed their dance matched the steps Feraligatr, back when it was just a Totodile, used to dodge Houndoom's flames.
Harrison's fifth Pokémon surprised Lucas a tad.
He'd expected a Kecleon or a Miltank—Pokémon featured in the original—but Harrison called out his third characteristic Hoenn Pokémon: Medicham!
A Fighting/Psychic duo, similar to Gallade, with the added potential for Mega Evolution.
Clearly Harrison hadn't touched on Mega Evolution yet while still competing, but it didn't stop Medicham from matching Feraligatr's wild power with more elegant, dance-like moves for a decisive counter.
With a "thud," Feraligatr dropped, tying up the score again.
…
At Naranja Academy, in the students' dorm...
Dressed in pajamas, Penny gazed speechlessly at Shizuka and Paul hunched over the computer screen, completely absorbed.
She quietly regretted telling them the news she'd been curious enough to research herself.
What do you mean, "don't know how to bypass the firewall, so we have to rely on you for the Silver Conference stream"?
Just as shameless as Nemona and Arven!
Looks like tonight's scheduled dance-off with a friend will have to be canceled.
Shizuka, to be fair, was always caring for Paul and Penny, and even Ash, who often came by Naranja Academy for matches.
As long as things didn't involve battling, she could be counted on.
Paul protested, "No!" but his actions betrayed him—now he sat, just as focused as Shizuka.
"The score's tied again—the other side isn't just any trainer," said Paul, frowning.
Shizuka and Penny both nodded in agreement.
Penny knew more than one elite trainer; Shizuka was at least a former Nurse Joy and had a good eye for people.
That Harrison, though he'd only competed twice in the League, must have started his journey as a trainer much earlier than Ash, who just left home half a year ago.
You could see signs of it in Harrison's skilled command during battle.
Ash had originally come to Paldea for Silver Conference training.
Comparing his initial level to his amazing progress under Lucas's guidance, without intensive training, victory would have been out of reach.
With Feraligatr down, Ash sent out his fifth Pokémon: The Annihilape—iron-grey with red eyes.
In terms of type advantages and resistances, both Pokémon had their strengths.
Penny quickly snapped a photo of the scene and sent it to her contact, "Eri."
They'd just finished their Glaseado Mountain Gym challenge; with no signal up there, Nemona was very concerned about Ash's matches, and Eri cared about this new Annihilape evolution too—thus the photo.
The battle was riveting: One was from distant Hoenn, the other, the newly discovered Paldean evolution for Primeape.
To the spectators—even through screens—it was fresh and exciting. The cheers told just how pumped the stadium crowd was.
Watching two Fighting-types duke it out was like a boxing ring: Blow for blow, careful dodges, always ready to strike.
Blood-pumping action.
Eventually, Annihilape's rage broke through its limit. One Furious Fist smashed rock after rock, toppling the locked-on Medicham.
Harrison had only his final Pokémon left.
The end of the finals was drawing near.
…
Johto Region, Silver Conference Venue.
Deafening cheers filled the stadium. Harrison took a deep breath and solemnly threw a well-worn Pokéball.
"I'm counting on you—Blaziken!"
A ball of red light hit the rocky arena.
A Pokémon emerged: white feathers, a V-shaped crest, wrists burning with fire and legs tensed, itching to leap.
The Blaze Pokémon—Blaziken!
Knowing Blaziken was coming, Ash wasn't shocked and murmured: "Finally, Blaziken."
Once I beat you, I'll fulfill my promise to my master!
"Annihilape, don't hold back—go!"
"Annihilape is unable to battle. Blaziken wins. Contestant Ash, please send out your next Pokémon."
The referee's serious voice echoed through the home theater speakers, carefully chosen for Lucas by Citron.
Lucas took a sip of water, expression unchanged.
Though defeated, Annihilape had threatened Blaziken mightily, paving the way for its teammates to enter.
Such is always the case between evenly matched trainers.
No one can guarantee their Pokémon will endure—just give it your all.
Just like Lucas's own challenge for the championship.
He'd breezed past the Elite Four, yet almost ran dry fighting Geeta, defeating her at last with Luxray through sheer bond.
If he tried again now, the outcome could change—but by now, that wasn't what mattered.
Lucas watched Ash on TV, head down as if in thought, waiting for him to send out his last Pokémon.
After a while...
As expected, Ash chose his true "ace" at this stage: Charizard!
Moltrense stopped dozing, opening its eyes.
Arcanine, Victini, and Ceruledge perked up.
All of them, even Victini, had trained with that Charizard, pushing it to gain strength.
If Charizard couldn't win now, perhaps it should stop showing its face around here!
A fierce fight was about to ignite.
Both sides, without words, let their starter Fire-types—Charizard and Blaziken—greet each other with Flamethrower.
Two scorching fire streams clashed, exploding violently.
Charizard, undaunted, broke through the smoke to soar, while Blaziken, not to be outdone, burst upward with explosive jumps, nearly facing off in midair.
Charizard roared on Ash's command, wings wrapped in cyclones, swinging downward as a barrage of Air Slashes swept at Blaziken with no holding back.
Blaziken was something else.
Though it shouldn't have foothold, its long legs fluttered with unmatched speed. The Flaming Kick and Air Slash collided—neither gave ground.
Charizard didn't just stay put, instead using what Moltrense had taught: leveraging both Fire and Flying for greater mobility, it swooped through swirling winds toward Blaziken.
Ash wasn't dumb—he didn't stubbornly try "Seismic Toss" here. Thanks to Lucas's subtle guidance, he avoided major errors when commanding Charizard now.
Now, it all boiled down to raw power—and that nearly-magical "bond."
Luckily, Ash had bonds to spare, and with Lucas's deliberate focus, Charizard's raw power had soared.
At last, Blaziken fell before Charizard.
This time, Charizard remained standing.
Blaziken, relying on sheer will, couldn't get up again.
Johto League Silver Conference Finals:
Ash, from Pallet Town, is crowned champion by Chairman Goodshow himself. The curtain falls.
Lucas sighs as he turns off the TV.
Nearby, Calyrex, cradling a sleeping Cosmog, teases:
"Looks like you won't get to keep those Auspicious Armors hanging up at home!"
Casting a glance toward the living room corner, indeed—the polished, barely-restored Auspicious Armor, glistening from Oranguru's diligent cleaning, quietly hung there.
"I promised, so I'll give them to him anyway. Besides, Charcadet can use them," Lucas smiled.
To say he wasn't reluctant would be a lie—celebratory and Malicious Armors are rare treasures and look good on display.
Yet Ash earned it. What's the loss of one suit of armor for a brimming future?
He'd never be so small-minded as to go back on his word.
Still haven't paid back the three Peat Blocks I owe Nemona's team from Naranja Academy.
So many debts, what's one more!
…
At Naranja Academy student dorms, a suppressed cheer echoes from Penny's room.
Luckily, for the sake of sleep, the dorm's soundproofing is state-of-the-art, modeled after Exploud and Loudred's abilities—so nothing leaks outside.
Everyone loves the dorms' privacy. No wonder Geeta paid dearly for the patent to help train Paldea's next generation.
Inside, Shizuka excitedly grabs Penny and jumps.
Even Penny can't help but smile, swept up in the joy.
Ash may have a social anxiety that makes her toes curl, but he's a genuinely good person, a bit like Galar's Champion Leon: both utterly devoted to Pokémon battle.
Penny respects him.
Meanwhile, Paul sits in a corner, quietly staring at the screen, watching Ash and Pikachu's beaming faces alongside their friends.
Paul's hands clench tight.
Ash is champion now—but where am I?
Paul feels he can't just sit around anymore.
No matter how nonchalant he acts, he's never lost sight of Ash—and doesn't want to be left behind.
…