I ended up renting out the entire restaurant’s space. I don’t know how, but the small meal I offered ended up becoming a full on block party, too.

Paul wasn’t there, but Barry, Nando, some dude named Conway, and a bunch of others were present as well. I genuinely did not recognize them all, but Ash somehow knew each and every one.

Brock ended up helping out in the kitchens, and he used this opportunity to try to flirt with the women he served. Whenever they looked uncomfortable or turned him down, Croagunk was quickly on his case to make sure Brock was moving on.

This place was packed with Pokémon. Almost every trainer had their teams out, and the frequent shouting from the kitchens told me they were all eating their fill. What I appreciated the most was the fact that while I had offered to pay for the meal, I had forgotten that competitors eat for free. The Conference might have been in the finals, but no one here ended up spending any money. Hearing that caused my wallet to cry tears of joy, and my Pokémon made sure to eat as much as they could.

Ninetales was jumping around with another trainer’s Froslass, Mawile and Rapidash were out front, quietly chatting with one another. Whimsicott and Altaria were on the roof, for some reason, and Dedenne had chosen to spend most of his time with Pikachu. It wasn’t often he got the chance to talk to an Electric Type his size, especially one as strong as Ash’s starter.

Nando proved himself a musician as he and his Pokémon worked together as a surprisingly effective band. Despite his and his Pokémon leaning towards instruments usually reserved for calm, peaceful tunes, the music they played was upbeat and jovial.

I made sure my team were all relaxing after today’s match, and I got some food for myself. I sat down with Ash, as promised, and Dawn joined us as well.

We weren’t alone at the table, as a small subset of our team members joined us as we ate. By the time our meal had ended, Pikachu was nursing a bottle of ketchup, Dedenne had passed out in the remains of a salad, and Dawn’s Piplup was drowsily trying his best to stay awake, bobbing his head up and down in irregular intervals.

One Pokémon at the table I didn’t expect was Ash’s Sneasler. I hadn’t seen one up close before now, but I was surprised to see that it was almost Ash’s height. The lanky Pokémon sat in the booth with us, but it was currently passed out after spending most of its energy on healing after the battle. A long claw was resting on its stomach as it snored lightly through the sound of Nando’s music.

"So Ash," I started. "Before today, I didn’t even know you had caught Sneasler. Was he a recent catch, or am I just that unobservant?"

"Hm? Sneasler?” Ash looked up from where he was munching on the last bit of his fries. “We met in one of those underground biome things. There was a big one that was like an entire mountain! It was really cool, but not too many people are allowed in. I only got there because Steven invited me.”

My eyebrows raised. I didn’t know about that.

"That's unexpected," I replied.

"I know, right? It was like there was a mini Mount Coronet underneath Mount Coronet! Anyway, Steven wanted my help because the cavern was threatening to collapse inwards, which would have been awful for the Pokémon both there and on the surface. A Pokémon called Enamorus was raging—”

"Hold up. I'm sorry. Enamorus? The Legendary Enamorus?"

Ash nodded as if what he said wasn’t that big of a deal.

“Yeah, the big pink one. It had apparently been sleeping for a long time, and it was causing a whole underground storm. I met Sneasler there; he was angry at Enamorus for destroying his home and wanted to challenge it. We climbed the mountain together and fought the Pokémon until it calmed down.”

Ash took another bite of his fries. As he did, the previously unconscious Sneasler stealthily brought a claw forward to steal the rest off of his plate. Ash tried to grab another one only to look down to see they were all gone. Pikachu laughed at the situation.

“I feel kind of betrayed. A Fairy Type Legendary and Steven didn’t call me.”

“Oh, I forgot!” Ash suddenly explained. “He wanted me to apologize to you on his behalf. He said you were too focused on training for the Conference to bother.”

“...I guess,” I said sadly. “I don’t suppose Enamorus is still in the region?”

“Huh? No, it flew off. Steven said it was probably going to Unova.”

A chance to meet the sole Fairy Type Legendary I knew of in Sinnoh, gone just like that. I couldn’t blame Steven for his choice—Ash had plenty of experience dealing with Legendaries, if he knew it or not—but I do regret having missed that chance.

“Sounds like it was exciting,” I mumbled.

"Terrifying, more like," Dawn said. "What Ash isn't sharing is that he went off alone down there. Brock was helping Professor Rowan with something, my mom was helping me after my win in the Grand Festival, and Steven got split up from Ash halfway through! Imagine how we felt when he told us about it after the fact, with that insane story and Sneasler by his side!”

Dawn glared at Ash, who let out a nervous chuckle. She took a big sip of her water and crossed her arms, still staring at him.

Ash looked away, rubbing the back of his head.

"Sorry about that, Dawn. I got caught up trying to help Sneasler. I didn't seek out trouble, I promise!"

Yeah, trouble always somehow finds you.

A waiter came by, doing a sweep of the restaurant to collect the empty plates and other dishes. Table by table, trainers loaded up his tray until he was carrying an absolute stack. I watched him walk to the kitchen, where a nearby Alakazam used its telekinesis to help him stabilize his load.

"But, with the Conference coming to a close, you two realize this is basically the end of the season, right? What are your plans for the future? Where do you plan to go?"

Dawn and Ash gained thoughtful looks on their faces. Dawn tapped her cheek, and Ash pursed his lips out in thought.

I asked this for two reasons, primarily. The first was genuine curiosity. The second was just to see how much I'd messed up the timeline. Dawn hadn’t won the Grand Festival in what I was familiar with, and I wanted to make sure Ash would actually go to Unova next.

Dawn was the one to speak, first.

"Well, my mom is a Top Coordinator. And I am too, now," Dawn said. "She gave me all this information about what my new status means. A lot of people and businesses are trying to recruit me to represent them, but it’s all so overwhelming. My mom says they’re so desperate because its rare that someone wins the Grand Festival on their first attempt."

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Congratulations again, by the way," I said.

"Thank you," Dawn replied. "But, my mom also said that a lot of Coordinators retire after becoming a top Coordinator. I don’t know about that, personally. Like, my journey just started. I don’t want it to end so soon. But...”

Dawn waved to signal for Ash and I to move closer. I leaned in, but Sneasler had to push Ash forward before he understood what’s going on.

"I heard there's an exclusive circuit for Top Coordinators that happens every five years. It's set to start up in Johto, so I was going to try to compete," she whispered. “Since May won her Festival in Johto, and Lisia hers in Hoenn, I think it would be a good thing to focus on while I decide what to do next.”

Dawn then sat back up and casually waved her hand back and forth.

"But you didn't hear that from me. Got it?"

"Yup."

"No, what?" Ash said. "I thought Contests were supposed to be a big public thing. Why would the advanced circuit be secret if they're—"

"I thought it sounded cooler that way, alright?" Dawn huffed. She slumped back and crossed her arms in her seat. Ash was subjected to yet another nasty look from her.

"And what about you, Ash?” I asked. “You still have the battle for third place coming up tomorrow, but what's your plan next? A new region, I assume."

"Yeah! I might not win, but I'll definitely be up there on the podium with you, Alex!" Ash cheered. "But, after that, I don't have any regions in mind. I'm definitely going home cause I miss my mom and I want to spend time with my Pokémon. As for the future..."

Ash stared forward in thought, clearing thinking heavily about this. It took a few moments, but his eyes soon lit up. He had an idea.

"Hey, you're sponsored by Sycamore, right?" Ash asked me excitedly.

A slight feeling of dread started to settle into my stomach.

"I am," I replied cautiously.

“Great! Then, if you’re connected to Sycamore, and if he’s some kind of Mega Evolution expert, I bet I could learn a bunch of stuff from him on my path to becoming a Pokémon Master. There’s also probably a bunch of Fairy Types there, so if I go to Kalos—”

"No!"

My shout carried my voice above the music, and I unconsciously slammed my hands down on the table in a knee jerk reaction. Nando and his team paused their playing to stop the music. My yell was so loud that everyone in the restaurant turned to look at me.

I hadn't expected to yell like that, and neither had anyone else. Ash sat back, staring at me and blinking in confusion. Quickly realizing my mistake, I stood up and chuckled a bit, trying my best to play it off as nothing special.

"Sorry, everyone. Got a bit too excited, there,” I said.

The other trainers didn’t really believe me, but they still turned away. I may have overreacted, but there was too much relying on Ash going to Unova next that the very idea of him going to Kalos scared me to my soul.

Off the top of my head, Ash’s Tepig might never be rescued before it starved. Also, Ash going to Unova meant that Giovanni might still go through with his plans involving Meloetta. If there was ever a time for the crime lord to be captured, it was there.

The music slowly returned as I sat back down in my seat.

"What was that?" Dawn questioned.

"It's... nothing. Don't worry about it. Ash, please promise me you won't go to Kalos for at least another year, alright?"

Ash nodded, then scrunched his face up in thought once more. It was clear he was already trying to think of another option. He didn't even seem phased by the out of character outburst I just made.

"Then I'm not so sure where to go,” he said. “The world's such a big place, and I have time to figure it out. I'm sure something will crop up, right?"

"Right," I said. “I recommend Unova, personally, but it’s up to you.”

Ash nodded, but he didn’t make any noises to confirm.

I wasn't sure what lured Ash to Unova in the anime, but I made a mental note to talk to Steven or Cynthia about it to ensure something still happened to motivate his visit.

"But what about you, Alex? What are you doing next?"

My train of thought was interrupted when Dawn asked her question. Ash suddenly looked up at me, excited, and he scooted forward in his seat to get a bit closer.

"Yeah, Alex! Your Pokémon are really strong. They beat mine." He laughed. "You must have really traveled around a lot to get that strong. I want to know where you're going next!"

"Oh, I, uh. I haven't given it too much thought—"

"Oh, come on!" Ash exclaimed. "We told you what we're doing next. What about you?"

I bit my lip as I raked my mind for an answer. I felt dumb, but I honestly hadn’t expected for my question to get turned around on me like this. There were a few regions I wanted to go to, mostly to see the different Fairy Types there. Both Alola and Galar were at the top of my list, but I also knew there were regions out there with Pokémon I’d never even seen before.

This world was so vast. The idea of training a Fairy Type I knew nothing about had a certain appeal to it.

"I don't know,” I said. “I've been so focused on this Conference in particular that I've pushed off all of my thoughts for the future. Though... I did receive one offer that seemed interesting."

"Oh? What is it?" Dawn asked.

"The Pokémon League wanted to hire me."

Ash spit out his drink.

"The Pokémon League? You gotta take the job," he said excitedly.

"What?"

"All of the strongest trainers work for the League!" Ash exclaimed. "Lance, Steven, Cynthia—"

"Ash, you're just listing out the Champions," Dawn chided.

"I know, but being hired by the League is what all the coolest trainers do! You get to do so much when you work for them. I can’t cause my mom won’t let me. What kind of job did they want you for?” Ash asked.

"I'd travel the world on their behalf and help solve any issues I come across."

Ash's eyes started to sparkle. He honestly kind of looked like Rapidash when he got excited. Next to him, Dawn looked at me like I was stupid.

"And you're still debating whether or not to take it?" she said in disbelief.

"No, I mean, doesn't getting hired by the League feel kind of final? Like by doing that my journey ends in one way or another?"

Dawn and Ash exchanged a look.

"Not at all."

"Not really."

The surety in their voice caused me to wince.

"Fine, fine. Guess I was just being overly paranoid. Again. I mean, I know I’ve purposefully been putting off the decision, but the benefits of the job do seem really good. And then there’s...”

I let my sentence trail off, not finishing my thoughts on the topic. I didn’t want to mention how both Steven and Cynthia had been weirdly insistent on my taking their offer. It made me think something else was going on. I think I had just been stuck on the idea of tying myself to somewhere or something when I’d had complete freedom to travel so far.

Neither Ash nor Dawn commented on my resistance to share more information.

"I think I’ll take the job. Probably. I’ll ask them for more specific details,” I said.

The moment I said that, there was a loud thunk, and Ash slammed a hand down on the table.

"Yeah! Good for you, Alex! And now, a toast!"

Ash stood on the table and raised his glass of soda up into the air. The action was a bit ridiculous, and I couldn’t help but to feel a bit embarrassed.

Once more, all the people in the room stopped talking to look Ash’s way. Instead of stopping, however, Nando shifted what music he was playing to something more dramatic. Because of course he did.

"To future adventures, forever and unending!" Ash shouted.

I pulled my head down a bit when Dawn stood up too.

"To Contests and performances, shining and spectacular!" she yelled.

From the kitchen, I heard the familiar voice of Brock call out as well.

"To doctorates, cooking, and hot babe—urfgh!"

Croagunk interrupted Brock, but his shouting had still been in the proper spirit of things.

"To music and merriment," Nando added over his music.

"To calculation and strategy," another trainer said.

"To Pokémon battles and tournaments!"

"To thieving and— I mean, to making money and experiencing new things!"

One by one, everyone in the room slowly stood up, holding their drinks in the air. It felt ridiculous how caught up everyone suddenly was, but Ash’s attitude could be infectious like that. As more and more people spoke, I found myself smiling, enjoying the moment. Eventually, everyone had said something they appreciated, and I was the last one left.

I chuckled softly then stood up. My cup of water was held up high.

"To Fairy Type Pokémon and victory in the Conference,” I said.

As I said that, Ash suddenly got another glint in his eyes.

"To Pokémon!" he cheered.

"To Pokémon!" we all cried in unison.

The entire restaurant then chugged whatever drink they had, me included, and several gasps for air and rounds of happy laughter immediately followed. Nando and his various musical Pokémon switched what they were playing to an even more upbeat tune, and everyone in the room started to talk quite animatedly.

For the trainers in this room, the season was over. They had no more battles left for them to compete in. In a way, this party was like a goodbye to the region, as I imagined everyone here would soon be traveling out of it.

As I sat back down in my chair, Ninetales walked to my side, mildly bloated from how much she ate but looking satisfied after her conversation with that Froslass. She sat down next to me, and I brought up my hand to pat her cold head. She leaned into my touch.

Ash and Dawn also sat back down, and I hummed softly. As they chatted together about their plans for the future, I had different thoughts on my mind. Sinnoh might have been over for everyone else, but for me, I wasn’t quite done. There were a few more miscellaneous tasks I needed to take care of in the region, but most importantly, one major thing remained.

I had a battle to get through tomorrow: the finals of the Conference. My opponent, Gavel Grey, wouldn't make it easy, either. He was a Steel Type specialist who had trained in Iron Island for months just like I had. His team’s Type advantage over my Fairy Type team would make the fight an uphill battle.

But we would still win in the end, anyway. I knew we would.