074: Ser Lena Metamorphosis (2)
"Croaak" Bubble Frog answered with a determined cry, opening its mouth once more to unleash a rapid series of water bubbles aimed directly at Clefairy.
Puff puff puff
"Clefairy, use Splash to retreat and dodge, then follow up with Copycat!" Ser Lena, having already gathered confidence through previous exchanges, gave the command without hesitation, her voice ringing clear and precise across the training field.
"Piiiii!!" Clefairy responded enthusiastically. In the clearing, its small, agile feet danced nimbly over the debris-strewn ground. It leapt backward with elegance, avoiding the barrage of shimmering bubbles. As the attack passed harmlessly beneath it, Clefairy twirled in midair, light as a feather.
Before the last bubble had burst and even before Bubble Frog landed fully after its attack, Clefairy extended its tiny paws, its body glowing faintly pink the telltale sign of Copycat, a move that perfectly mimics the last technique used by the opponent.
"Piiiii!!" With a high-pitched cry, Clefairy opened its mouth upon landing and fired a volley of bubbles back at Bubble Frog, each water orb sparkling as it arced through the air.
Bang bang bang bang! This time, Ash did not instruct Bubble Frog to dodge. Instead, he watched calmly, allowing Clefairy's mirrored move to hit directly. The bubbles struck Bubble Frog one after another, the attack pushing it slightly back, its flipper arms raised in mild defense.
Ash nodded approvingly, the same way he had when watching Serena perform for the first time in the XY arc of the manga. "Well done, Lena. Bubble Frog's starting to tire from using so many consecutive moves."
"Clefairy, now's the time use Sing!" Lena called out, her voice confident and unwavering. She was no longer second-guessing her actions, having begun to truly synchronize with her partner.
"Piiiii~!" Clefairy's confidence mirrored Lena's. In the open field, its coordination grew stronger with every passing second. The bond between Trainer and Pokémon was visible in their perfectly timed execution.
Sooong...
Voooiiice...
Clefairy's soft, high voice filled the air. Its small body rocked gently as it sang, eyes shut in concentration, fairy-pointed teeth barely visible as its mouth released a peaceful lullaby.
The melody drifted across the training area like a soft breeze. Bubble Frog's alert eyes began to droop, its body swaying slightly. The powerful little amphibian, already fatigued, couldn't resist the soothing notes of Sing. Its eyes fluttered once, twice then slowly closed.
Ash, arms folded, didn't need to say anything. He could see it clearly: Ser Lena had seized the moment.
"Clefairy, now rush in and use Pound!" she commanded sharply, without delay.
Clefairy's song stopped instantly. It opened its eyes, the determined sparkle within them unmistakable. With a short hop, it dashed forward, short legs pounding the earth. As it neared Bubble Frog, its paws glowed with a white sheen Pound was fully charged.
Papapapapapa...!
The little Fairy-type launched into a barrage of blows, its claws slapping down again and again. It looked comical but fierce, like a determined girl throwing wild yet focused punches in a festival competition.
Ash stood still, allowing the exchange to play out. He wasn't worried. Instead, he watched as Ser Lena found her rhythm, letting her lead the battle.
Only after Clefairy delivered several consecutive hits did Ash raise his hand and speak.
"All right, Lena. That's enough. Let Clefairy stop."
Ser Lena blinked, the intensity of the moment momentarily snapping. A surprised expression flickered across her small face as she realized how caught up she'd been. "Clefairy, quick stop!" she called out.
"Pii~yi!" Clefairy slowed to a halt, turning back toward Lena with a proud glint in its eyes.
"I'm so sorry, Ash," Lena said hurriedly, her voice tinged with embarrassment as she lowered her head. "I got so into it, I almost forgot this was training…"
"It's fine," Ash replied with a smile, shaking his head lightly. "Watching you improve so quickly both you and Clefairy Bubble Frog and I are genuinely happy."
While answering Ser Lena, Ash walked over to the clearing and gently picked up Froakie, whose light-blue body was slightly scuffed from Clefairy's attacks. Using the hand beneath Froakie to support him, Ash silently activated the aura-like healing ability granted by the power of the Viridian Forest a mysterious blessing he had once inherited from ancient bonds with nature Pokémon, as described in the Pokémon Adventures manga. The soft green glow was almost imperceptible, as if nature itself was mending Froakie's wounds.
"Crooak" The frog Pokémon let out a light croak as the healing spread through his limbs, his muscles relaxing. Slowly, Froakie's large round eyes blinked open as he emerged from the mild hypnosis state induced by Clefairy's "Sing." The Contest Condition-induced drowsiness wore off almost instantly thanks to Ash's energy control.
"You did really great just now, Froakie. I'm proud of you," Ash said warmly, patting Froakie gently on the head. His tone carried no disappointment—only approval for Froakie's endurance and discipline.
"Croaaak~" Froakie's cheeks flushed with a soft blush, his large eyes curving into happy crescents. Despite his naturally cool and stoic personality, Froakie couldn't help but show his joy at Ash's recognition. It was a rare expression that only those closest to him had ever seen.
After the training, Ser Lena came rushing over with Clefairy in her arms. The pink Fairy-type had also expended a fair bit of stamina, though her small chest was still puffed out in pride from her success.
"I'm really sorry, Froakie," Lena said anxiously, her boots kicking up a bit of construction site dust. "You and Ash helped me and Clefairy train, but we went too far and treated you like a real Rival. We attacked without holding back…"
She looked both apologetic and shaken, the guilt etched into her soft features. "Clefairy, let's apologize to Froakie together."
"Pii-pii~…" Clefairy responded, her ears drooping. She twisted her small fingers together nervously and bowed slightly toward Froakie, her round eyes blinking as she lowered her head in embarrassment.
"Croak." Froakie blinked, clearly picking up the earnest emotions from both Lena and Clefairy. Despite his earlier exhaustion, he gave a small shake of his head and gestured with a wave that it was alright. His emotions, easily perceptible to Ash through the bond enhanced by Viridian energy, carried no grudge.
"Also, thank you, Ash," Lena turned to him, bowing slightly. "You taught me so many valuable things about battling, strategy… and confidence."
But as the idea of actually battling in front of other students entered her mind again, her confidence faltered. Her smile gradually faded, replaced by nervous tension.
"I'm still so nervous thinking about going out there and facing real opponents. What if I freeze again?" Her voice lowered, trembling slightly.
Seeing her reaction, Ash stepped forward without hesitation and gently held her small hand in his. His warm grasp startled her.
"Oh—!" Lena gasped. Her face flushed instantly, a deep pink blooming on her cheeks. The anxiety was momentarily overwhelmed by surprise and bashfulness.
"Ser Lena," Ash said gently, "I'm about to tell you a little secret. Don't be surprised, okay?"
He lifted the straw hat resting on her head, revealing her wide cerulean eyes that met his with slight confusion and wonder.
"A little secret?" she echoed softly, her heartbeat quickening.
"Yup, a real one. Not even Gary or Blue or even my friend Xiaolan know about this." Ash's smile was sincere, like a warm summer day. "Ser Lena, do you want to know what it is?"
Her curiosity overtook her nerves. "Can I really?" she asked, hesitantly but excited.
"Of course." Ash nodded with confidence. "I'm telling you because I trust you completely. I know you'll keep it just between us."
"Yes!" Lena said with conviction, her voice full of emotion. She had never felt so trusted before.
Ash took a small breath and said, "Alright. Here's the secret I'm actually a Psychic."
He paused, letting that sink in.
"I can use low-level telepathy, and I have an affinity for nature thanks to the Viridian blessing. That's how I helped Froakie earlier."
To prove it, Ash concentrated and activated a controlled release of the Viridian aura through his palm. A soft, emerald-green light glowed from his fingers a telltale sign of his unique energy. It shimmered like dew on leaves under the morning sun.
Lena's mouth dropped slightly, and she raised her hand to cover it, eyes wide with astonishment.
"Ash… you really do have Psychic powers… That's incredible!!" she finally blurted, her earlier nerves vanishing like mist.
"Of course," Ash chuckled lightly, releasing her hand and standing tall. "And guess what? I can use these powers to communicate telepathically."
Lena stared at him, completely entranced.
"So, when you're out there battling later," he continued, "I'll still be with you. I can guide you using mental Coaching, so you'll never be alone or unsure."
Her eyes lit up. "Really?" she asked, feeling a surge of courage return.
"Yup," Ash said with a wink. "Even if you forget everything else, remember—I've got your back, Lena."
"Yeah~!" Lena responded brightly, her voice full of new determination, her heart no longer trembling.
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