1. Ash's Story (Part 7: Kalos)

Chapter 88: Final Flare

The League lights stayed on long after sunset, turning the training fields outside the competitor lodging silver and gold. I stood with Greninja across from Alain and Charizard, the four of us breathing in the same quiet space between battles. Tomorrow's final would decide the Kalos League, but neither Charizard nor Greninja wanted to wait until the stadium opened. They stared at each other with the same fire they had carried since the first time we understood what Alain's challenge meant.

"One exchange," I said. "No forcing anything."

Alain nodded from the other side of the field. "Charizard wants to know Greninja's rhythm before tomorrow."

"And Greninja wants to answer," I said.

Greninja's steady look reached me without words. "Only what we choose together."

We moved once, fast enough that the air cracked around Cut and Dragon Claw. The attacks met, then pulled apart before either side pushed too hard. Charizard's tail flame brightened, Greninja's hands lowered, and both of them looked satisfied that the answer would wait for the final.

Dad called my name quietly. "Ash."

I turned so quickly that Greninja had to step aside to avoid my heel. Mom and Dad stood at the edge of the field, both wearing travel coats, both looking like they had arrived with more worry than luggage.

"Mom! Dad!" I ran over before I could stop myself.

Mom hugged me first, tight enough to remind me that League finals and world crises did not make me too old for her arms. Dad placed a hand on my shoulder, his eyes moving from Greninja to Alain and then to the distant stadium.

"Who would have thought you would reach this point in Kalos like this?" Mom said.

Dad smiled faintly. "Battling your other self for the Kalos League winner. That is something even our family records do not see often."

"It's still a real battle," I said, glancing back at Alain. "I asked him to do it because Charizard and Greninja both want this. I want it too."

Alain met Dad's eyes with quiet seriousness. "I will not hold back."

"Good," Dad said. "Ash would hate that."

I looked toward the city, where Lumiose Tower glowed beyond the League grounds. "I'm still worried about Team Flare. Malva is here. Lysandre is alive. They still have the other Zygarde Core."

Dad's expression hardened. "We have not found their exact location yet, but Team Alpha is ready in Kalos. If they move, they will not find the region defenseless."

Clemont lowered his voice. "The energy readings around the League are normal for now, but that does not prove they are safe. Team Flare hides signals well."

David nodded. "If they are waiting for the final, they will want the largest audience and the highest emotional reaction."

"Then tomorrow is exactly the kind of stage they would target," Elline said.

Mom brushed a bit of dust from my sleeve, and the small, ordinary motion made the warning feel heavier. "Right now, finish the League. You and Alain both chose everyone over Team Flare once already. Tomorrow, show Kalos what that choice looks like when it is turned into a battle."

I nodded slowly. "Whoever wins, the final still matters."

"It matters because you both want it to matter," Dad said. "That is enough."

Serena walked over with Pikachu in her arms, and Pikachu reached toward me immediately. His proud look settled against my chest when I took him. "Tomorrow is the next promise."