After the lights dimmed and the applause faded, the gang packed up and resumed their journey—this time heading toward Pewter City, where they planned to visit Brock's family.
Ash walked a few steps behind the group, his gaze drifting toward the horizon. Though the night's performance still lingered in his thoughts, something else pulled at his heart—Cynthia. Her voice, her presence, the battles they shared… they haunted him in quiet moments like this.
But he shook the feeling off with a small, determined smile.
"I'll definitely meet her again," he whispered to himself. "No matter what it takes."
As they approached O-Hina Town, the peaceful rhythm of their journey was suddenly broken. Up ahead, a crowd had gathered, buzzing with excitement and curiosity. The group slowed, exchanging puzzled glances.
"What's going on?" Misty asked, stepping closer.
Ash quickened his pace, pushing through the crowd alongside Brock and Sabrina, Pikachu alert on his shoulder. Eevee trotted faithfully beside him.
As they pushed through the crowd, colorful banners and stalls came into view—decorated with sparkling Poké Dolls of every shape and size. A sign overhead read: "Princess Festival – Today Only!"
Misty's eyes lit up instantly. "No way! The Princess Festival is back! This is my favorite event!"
Before anyone could say a word, she grabbed Ash's arm and tugged Sabrina's hand, practically dragging them toward the festival stalls.
"Come on, you two! You have to see this!" she exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across her face.
Poor Brock watched them go, left standing alone amidst the crowd, a mixture of amusement and mild exasperation on his face. "Guess it's just me and Togepi, then…"
Misty practically bounced as she led Ash and Sabrina through the bustling festival grounds. "The Princess Festival is a huge deal here every year! Trainers and fans come from all over to see the handmade Poké Dolls—some even trade them. It's all about celebrating the bond between Pokémon and their trainers in a fun, creative way!"
Ash nodded with a smile. "Yeah, I know about it. We've been here before. But seeing Misty this excited… it's kind of contagious."
Sabrina walked quietly beside them, her eyes wide as she took in the colorful stalls and the cheerful chatter around her. She had spent most of her life inside the gym, focusing on training and discipline. Moments like this—light, carefree—felt almost foreign. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she was missing out on simple joys.
Misty noticed the thoughtful look on Sabrina's face and smiled gently. "Hey, Sabrina… since you're my 'harem sister,' I'm gonna make sure you have the best day ever here. You deserve it."
Sabrina blinked, then gave a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Misty. I'd like that."
Misty and Sabrina wandered deeper into the festival, laughter and music filling the air. Stalls brimmed with vibrant Poké Dolls, hand-painted with delicate detail, while children and trainers alike marveled at the displays. Misty's excitement was infectious, and Sabrina found herself smiling more freely than she had in a long time.
As they strolled past a large notice board, Misty's eyes caught an official announcement posted near the center of the festival grounds.
"Hey, look at this!" Misty said, pointing.
The announcement read:
Queen of the Princess Festival
Calling all female trainers!
Each trainer must use exactly four Pokémon in battle.
Contestants are split into two divisions; winners of each division proceed to the finals.
All contestants wear formal traditional Japanese attire—usually a kimono and a hand-held fan.
Before the competition, all contestants will stand in a row on stage for the crowd to admire.
Prizes for the winner:
A brand new set of exclusive Pokémon Princess Dolls.
A photo opportunity with the famous movie star and event announcer, Fiorella Cappuccino.
Misty's eyes sparkled. "Wow, this looks amazing! I've always wanted to compete in something like this."
Sabrina tilted her head, curiosity blooming. "It sounds… beautiful. And challenging."
Misty grinned, nudging Sabrina playfully. "You should enter! It's the perfect way to enjoy the festival—and show off your Pokémon skills."
Sabrina hesitated but felt a warm excitement growing inside her. Maybe this was the fun she'd been missing.
Meanwhile, the festival buzzed louder as trainers began gathering near the stage. The anticipation of the Queen of the Princess Festival competition was palpable, and the crowd's cheers filled the air.
Misty and Sabrina stood backstage, each dressed in elegant kimonos that made them shine among the other contestants.
Misty's kimono was a vibrant shade of orange, adorned with delicate patterns of water lilies and waves—an homage to her Cerulean roots. The fabric shimmered softly as she moved, and the hand-held fan she carried matched perfectly, painted with a koi fish swimming gracefully.
Sabrina's kimono was a deep, serene green, decorated with subtle crescent moons and stars that seemed to twinkle under the festival lights. Her fan, decorated with silver and emerald accents, completed the look with a quiet elegance.
Both trainers knew they stood out—not just for their skill, but for their striking presence.
As they stepped onto the stage, the crowd's murmur grew into excited applause. The contestants lined up in a neat row, each radiating pride and determination. Misty exchanged a quick, confident smile with Sabrina, feeling the shared thrill of the moment.
Fiorella Cappuccino, the famous movie star and event announcer, appeared at the front of the stage, her own kimono gleaming under the lights. With a warm smile, she raised her microphone.
"Welcome, everyone, to the Queen of the Princess Festival! Today, these talented trainers will battle using exactly four Pokémon each, showcasing not only their skills but their grace and spirit. May the best trainer win!"
Misty gripped her fan, ready to prove herself—not just as a gym leader's sister, but as a fierce competitor in her own right. Sabrina, calm and composed, felt the quiet fire of ambition burn inside her.
The stage was set. The battle—and the festival's crowning moment—was about to begin.
From the edge of the stage, Ash watched as Misty and Sabrina stood gracefully among the contestants. Their kimonos shimmered under the festival lights—Misty's vibrant orange glowing like the sunset, and Sabrina's deep green radiating quiet elegance.
Ash's eyes widened in admiration. "Wow… they look incredible," he thought, a proud smile spreading across his face.
He quickly pulled out his camera and snapped several photos, making sure to capture every detail—the delicate patterns on their kimonos, the confident way they held their fans, and the determination shining in their eyes.
Catching their gaze, Ash gave each a warm smile and a subtle thumbs-up. Misty winked back, her cheeks tinged with a light blush, while Sabrina offered a small, appreciative nod.
Ash felt a swell of affection and pride. Seeing them like this—not just as his companions but as strong, beautiful trainers—filled him with a quiet joy.
"Go get 'em, Misty. You too, Sabrina," he whispered to himself, already looking forward to cheering them on.
As the crowd's excitement swelled, Ash's Pokémon gathered nearby, ready to support their trainers.
Pikachu's cheeks sparked with electricity as he let out an enthusiastic "Pika, pika!" He hopped up and down, waving his tiny paws like a cheerleader, eyes locked on Misty.
Eevee twirled around happily, tail flicking with delight as she barked softly, joining in the encouragement for Sabrina.
Meanwhile, Togepi nestled comfortably in Brock's arms, clapping her tiny hands and chirping happily, clearly cheering for her beloved "mothers."
The small but spirited group brought an extra layer of warmth and energy to the festival grounds. Their cheers seemed to lift Misty and Sabrina's spirits even higher, filling the air with hope and determination.
Announcer Fiorella Cappuccino raised her fan with flair, her voice ringing across the excited crowd gathered in O-Hina Town.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Round One of the Princess Festival Tournament! Each match will be a 4-on-4 battle. Style, strategy, and synergy will decide who moves forward—and who goes home!"
The contestants were called in pairs onto two stages set side-by-side. One to the left. One to the right.
"Let the Princess Festival Tournament begin! Our first match—Misty Waterflower of Cerulean Gym vs. Kanna of the Skyfeather League!"
Kanna's Pokémon:
Pidgeot
Altaria
Swanna
Pelipper
Misty's Team:
Starmie
Seaking ♀
Kabuto ♀
Pikachu ♀
🎤 Battle Start!
Round 1: Starmie vs. Pidgeot
Kanna opened with her Pidgeot, wings flashing as it soared. Misty coolly tossed her Poké Ball.
"Go, Starmie!"
"Pidgeot—Aerial Ace!"
"Counter with Rapid Spin, then Thunderbolt!"
Starmie spun, deflecting the hit, then unleashed a crackling bolt that struck Pidgeot midair. The crowd roared.
"Finish it—Scald!"
Steam rose as Pidgeot went down.
✅ K.O. – Misty leads 1-0
Round 2: Seaking ♀ vs. Altaria
Altaria sang a haunting tune with Perish Song, then began charging Dragon Pulse. Misty calmly adjusted her fan.
"Aqua Ring, then Megahorn!"
Seaking tanked the hit thanks to healing, then slammed Altaria with a glowing horn. The final Waterfall pushed Altaria out of the sky.
✅ K.O. – Misty leads 2-0
Round 3: Kabuto ♀ vs. Swanna
Swanna's speed and grace were tricky. It dodged Kabuto's Ancient Power, then used Hurricane.
But Misty grinned. "Now—Rock Slide!"
Rocks showered from above, catching Swanna mid-flight. It tried to recover, but one final Slash from Kabuto ended it.
✅ K.O. – Misty leads 3-0
Final Round: Pikachu ♀ vs. Pelipper
Pelipper used Protect, stalling for Stockpile and Roost. Pikachu danced around attacks with Double Team.
"Time to zap! Electro Ball!"
The glowing ball crashed through Pelipper's defenses. It tried to recover—but a final Iron Tail sealed the win.
✅ K.O. – Misty Wins 4-0!
Announcer: "Misty advances to the Quarterfinals!"
Ash clapped hard. "That's my Misty!"
Misty waved shyly as the crowd cheered.
Round 1: Sabrina vs. Miko (Dark-Type Specialist)
Miko's Pokémon:
Mightyena
Cacturne
Umbreon
Houndoom
Sabrina's Team:
Kadabra ♀
Lapras ♀
Mr. Mime ♂
Dragonair ♀
Round 1: Kadabra vs. Mightyena
Dark-type—bad matchup. Sabrina didn't flinch.
"Mightyena—Crunch!"
"Kadabra—Teleport behind, then Dazzling Gleam."
Kadabra flashed behind Mightyena and struck with fairy light. It yelped and fell.
✅ K.O. – Sabrina leads 1-0
Round 2: Lapras ♀ vs. Cacturne
Cacturne used Needle Arm, but Lapras's Ice Beam froze it in place before it could move a second time.
"Surf!"
A crashing wave ended the round.
✅ K.O. – Sabrina leads 2-0
Round 3: Mr. Mime vs. Umbreon
A defensive battle. Umbreon stalled with Moonlight and Confuse Ray, but Mr. Mime outmaneuvered with Barrier and Psybeam, eventually winning with Focus Punch.
✅ K.O. – Sabrina leads 3-0
Final Round: Dragonair ♀ vs. Houndoom
Fire flared as Houndoom unleashed Flamethrower. Dragonair danced around it.
"Dragon Dance, then Aqua Tail! Now, Thunder Wave! Finish with Twister!"
A whirlwind lifted Houndoom and sent it crashing down.
✅ K.O. – Sabrina Wins 4-0!
Announcer: "Sabrina advances to the Quarterfinals!"
Ash leaned over to Misty, whispering, "Both of you are incredible."
Misty blushed. Sabrina simply nodded, her eyes glowing with excitement.
🔶 Quarterfinals – Misty vs. Ayame (Grass-Type Specialist)
Announcer Fiorella Cappuccino:"Up next in the Quarterfinals—we have Cerulean's own Misty Waterflower, facing off against Ayame of Golden Bloom Grove!"
Ayame's Pokémon:
Roserade ♀
Lilligant ♀
Ludicolo ♂
Venusaur ♂
Misty's Pokémon:
Gyarados ♀
Staryu
Horsea ♀
Psyduck ♂
Round 1: Horsea ♀ vs. Roserade ♀
Roserade launched the first move with Leaf Storm—but Horsea dodged gracefully, skating across the watery field generated by Misty's hidden Rain Dance strategy.
"Now, Horsea—SmokeScreen, then Twister!"
The swirling dragon wind caught Roserade off guard, forcing it back. It tried Sludge Bomb, but Horsea snuck in with a close-range Hydro Pump, scoring the first knockout.
✅ Misty leads 1-0
Round 2: Staryu vs. Lilligant ♀
This was a rhythm-based fight. Lilligant used Quiver Dance, boosting its speed and special attack. Staryu responded with Recover and kept pressure on with Ice Beam.
Misty narrowed her eyes. "Keep distance—then hit with Rapid Spin + Bubblebeam combo!"
The move disrupted Lilligant's rhythm, and a final Ice Beam sealed the round.
✅ Misty leads 2-0
Round 3: Psyduck ♂ vs. Ludicolo ♂
Ludicolo grooved and moved, dancing through attacks with Teeter Dance and Energy Ball. Psyduck stood cluelessly… until its eyes glowed.
Ash squinted. "Oh no… it's happening again."
"Confusion!" Misty called quickly.
Psyduck, in full psychic burst mode, lifted Ludicolo off the ground and slammed it down. A second psychic wave knocked Ludicolo out cold.
✅ Misty leads 3-0
Final Round: Gyarados ♀ vs. Venusaur ♂
The crowd held its breath. Venusaur was massive and battle-worn, and its Leech Seed caught Gyarados early.
"Hang in there—Dragon Rage, then Bite!"
Venusaur countered with Solar Beam charged instantly under harsh sunlight. The explosion hit—but Gyarados powered through, roaring with fury.
"Hurricane!"
The massive windstorm blew Venusaur off its feet, spinning the petals off the field. It couldn't get up.
✅ Misty Wins 4-0
Fiorella:"Misty Waterflower secures her place in the Semifinals!"
🟢 Quarterfinals – Sabrina vs. Lina (Fairy-Type Trainer)
Lina's Pokémon:
Wigglytuff ♀
Clefable ♀
Mawile ♀
Sylveon ♀
Sabrina's Pokémon:
Hypno ♂
Nidoqueen ♀
Eevee ♀
Omastar ♀
Round 1: Hypno vs. Clefable
This was a battle of tactics. Clefable used Cosmic Power and Minimize. Hypno used Hypnosis to slow the momentum.
"Now, Nightmare and Dream Eater!"
The crowd gasped as Hypno consumed Clefable's energy, leaving it drained.
✅ Sabrina leads 1-0
Round 2: Nidoqueen ♀ vs. Sylveon ♀
Sylveon came in singing—Hyper Voice echoed, pushing Nidoqueen back. But Sabrina commanded with a sharp voice.
"Poison Jab, dodge left, then Earth Power!"
Nidoqueen slammed the field, cracking it and launching Sylveon upward—then finished it mid-air with a brutal Thunder Punch.
✅ Sabrina leads 2-0
Round 3: Eevee ♀ vs. Wigglytuff ♀
Wigglytuff was tanky, using Defense Curl and Rollout. Sabrina smiled.
"Let's test you. Quick Attack—dodge and return."
Eevee danced around the massive Wigglytuff, then launched a sneak Shadow Ball from behind. The move connected, and Eevee used Iron Tail to finish it.
✅ Sabrina leads 3-0
Final Round: Omastar ♀ vs. Mawile ♀
Mega Mawile wasn't allowed, but its raw strength was still fearsome. Omastar used Protect and countered with Hydro Pump and Shell Smash.
"Now—Ancient Power!"
Glowing stones surrounded Mawile, knocking it off its stance. It tried Iron Head, but Omastar's boosted speed let it dodge.
"Surf, end it!"
Mawile fell with a splash as the wave crashed down.
✅ Sabrina Wins 4-0
Fiorella:"Sabrina advances to the Semifinals with flawless technique!"
Ash brought fresh drinks to Misty and Sabrina backstage.
"You two were incredible out there," he said with pride, holding out their towels. "You made it look easy."
Pikachu and Eevee danced around them, cheering, while Togepi giggled in Misty's arms.
Misty smirked. "You better be cheering for me in the Semis."
Sabrina sipped tea calmly. "Let's just say… we may be on a collision course."
Ash laughed nervously. "O-oh. Right. You two might actually face each other…"
Semifinals – Misty vs. Reina (Electric-Type Specialist)
Announcer Fiorella Cappuccino:"We're down to the final four! In this match, we have the fiery water master from Cerulean City—Misty Waterflower—against Reina, the lightning prodigy from Kanto's Thunder Coast!"
Reina's Pokémon:
Raichu ♀
Electrode ♂
Luxray ♂
Ampharos ♀
Misty's Pokémon:
Seaking ♀
Starmie
Kabuto ♀
Pikachu ♀
Round 1: Seaking ♀ vs. Luxray ♂
Luxray charged in with Wild Charge, sparking across the arena. Misty's Seaking took the hit and retaliated with Aqua Ring, healing on the spot.
"Megahorn, now!"
The sharp antlers struck Luxray cleanly across the jaw, sending it reeling. Reina tried Thunder Fang, but Seaking tanked it thanks to Lightning Rod—absorbing the electricity and powering up her Water Pulse, finishing Luxray off.
✅ Misty leads 1-0
Round 2: Kabuto ♀ vs. Ampharos ♀
Ampharos played defensive, using Light Screen and Thunderbolt. Kabuto's speed gave it an edge, sliding in with Rock Slide and Aqua Jet.
Misty clenched her fist. "Time for Ancient Power!"
Kabuto glowed with primal energy, flinging glowing rocks into Ampharos before it could launch Dragon Pulse. The hit took it down.
✅ Misty leads 2-0
Round 3: Pikachu ♀ vs. Electrode ♂
Electrode went in wild with Explosion attempts, but Misty's Pikachu kept a low profile, dodging and striking with Iron Tail.
When Electrode used Double Team, Misty smirked. "Pikachu—Thunderbolt! Full spread!"
The blast wiped out all clones, striking the real one. Electrode tried Self-Destruct in desperation, but Pikachu used Quick Attack to bounce away just in time. Electrode fainted from its own move.
✅ Misty leads 3-0
Final Round: Starmie vs. Raichu ♀
A fast, dazzling duel. Raichu used Volt Tackle and Grass Knot, while Starmie countered with Rapid Spin and Psychic. The crowd was on edge.
"Now, Hydro Pump, straight shot!"
Raichu tried to dodge but slipped on the soaked arena. The water blasted her out of bounds.
✅ Misty Wins 4-0 – Advances to the Finals!
🟢 Semifinals – Sabrina vs. Tamiko (Ghost-Type Specialist)
Tamiko's Pokémon:
Mismagius ♀
Banette ♀
Chandelure ♂
Gengar ♂
Sabrina's Pokémon:
Alakazam ♂
Dragonair ♀
Mr. Mime ♂
Lapras ♀
Round 1: Mr. Mime ♂ vs. Banette ♀
Banette unleashed Shadow Sneak and Will-O-Wisp, aiming to burn and confuse. Mr. Mime raised Reflect and used Dazzling Gleam to counter the shadows.
"Now—Psychic Terrain!"
The field glowed pink, giving Mr. Mime boosted attacks. A final Psybeam pierced Banette's mind and knocked it out.
✅ Sabrina leads 1-0
Round 2: Dragonair ♀ vs. Gengar ♂
This was the most intense round. Gengar was slippery and mischievous, using Substitute and Hypnosis. Sabrina calmly commanded Dragonair to Shed Skin through sleep and launch a Dragon Rush.
The elegant serpent danced mid-air, her tail glowing before slamming into Gengar. It disappeared into the mist, knocked out.
✅ Sabrina leads 2-0
Round 3: Lapras ♀ vs. Mismagius ♀
Mismagius used Magical Leaf and Perish Song—Sabrina knew time was limited. She responded with Sing, lulling the ghost to sleep.
Lapras then used Ice Beam and Surf to knock her out before the Perish Count could trigger.
✅ Sabrina leads 3-0
Final Round: Alakazam ♂ vs. Chandelure ♂
Fire and ghost energy collided with psychic force. Flamethrower met Future Sight, while Energy Ball clashed with Calm Mind.
Alakazam floated, his eyes glowing fiercely.
"End it—Focus Blast!"
The concentrated sphere of fighting energy exploded against Chandelure's form, dousing its flame.
✅ Sabrina Wins 4-0 – Advances to the Finals!
🌟 Backstage – Just Before the Finals
Ash looked between Misty and Sabrina, both standing in full kimono and radiant with focus. He tried to smile but looked nervous.
"You two… are gonna fight in the finals now."
Misty cracked her knuckles. "We knew it might happen."
Sabrina folded her fan. "And I have no intention of holding back."
Pikachu and Eevee stood nervously, while Togepi blinked in surprise. The mood was thick.
Ash laughed nervously. "Well… good luck to both of you?"
Princess Festival Tournament – Grand Finals 💥 Misty vs. Sabrina
Location: O-Hina Town Festival Arena – moonlit night, floating lanterns lighting the airAudience: Packed, cheering, Fiorella Cappuccino narrating with energyPrize: A limited edition set of Princess Pokémon Dolls and a photo with Fiorella herself
Announcer Fiorella:"Ladies and gentlemen! The moment you've all been waiting for—the GRAND FINALE of the Princess Festival Tournament! In one corner, the fierce Waterflower of Cerulean, Misty! And in the other, the calm and commanding psychic, Sabrina!"
🎵 Traditional music plays. Misty in an elegant orange kimono with koi patterns; Sabrina in a deep green kimono with crescent moon motifs.
Ash, standing in the front row with Brock, holds up his phone, snapping photos of both. "They look… amazing."
Pikachu and Eevee cheer from Ash's side. Togepi claps happily from Brock's arms.
🏯 Rules
4 Pokémon each
Standard elimination
No type restrictions
Judges will rule in the event of an even knockout
🔶 Round 1: Misty's Gyarados ♀ vs. Sabrina's Lapras ♀
A majestic clash of titans.
Misty starts strong with Dragon Rage, but Sabrina's Lapras counters with Sing to stall. Gyarados, roaring, powers through sleep with Outrage, forcing Lapras to retreat into Ice Beam.
Both Pokémon give everything. After a blinding Hyper Beam from Lapras and a Hydro Pump from Gyarados—they both collapse at the same time.
✅ Double Knockout (0-0)
🔷 Round 2: Misty's Psyduck ♂ vs. Sabrina's Mr. Mime ♂
Crowd giggles as Misty's wild card takes the field. Psyduck waddles in, confused as ever.
Sabrina smirks, confident. "Light Screen."
Mr. Mime dances into a Psychic, flinging Psyduck into the air… until…
💥 Psyduck's headache activates!
His eyes glow blue. Zen Headbutt! Confusion! Mr. Mime tries to set up Barrier, but Psyduck unexpectedly wins the mind war and knocks him out.
✅ Misty leads 1-0
🟢 Round 3: Misty's Starmie vs. Sabrina's Alakazam ♂
Fast-paced. Elegant. Calculated.
Starmie spins with Rapid Spin, evading Psybeam. Alakazam uses Recover, but Misty counters with Thunderbolt. It's an electrifying chess match.
Final moment—Psychic vs Hydro Pump. The clash fills the arena with mist and light.
Alakazam is still standing—but just barely. He fires one last Shadow Ball.
Starmie collapses.
✅ Tie – 1-1
🔶 Final Round: Misty's Horsea ♀ vs. Sabrina's Dragonair ♀
The smallest vs. the most elegant.
Horsea opens with Smokescreen and Agility, confusing Dragonair. Sabrina keeps her cool: "Calm Mind. Then Dragon Pulse."
Horsea zigzags, retaliates with Bubble Beam. Sabrina calls for Wrap, and the Dragonair coils gently but firmly.
Misty yells, "Hydro Pump, now!"
Dragonair uses Thunder Wave, slowing Horsea mid-attack.
They charge—one in a wave of water, the other glowing with dragon energy.
They collide— and both Pokémon faint in a spectacular spiral of water and psychic energy.
✅ Double Knockout again – Final Score: 1-1
🏁 Tournament Ends in a Tie!
The crowd gasps—then erupts into applause. Fiorella Cappuccino walks onto the stage.
Fiorella (laughing):"In all my years announcing, I've never seen a final like this! The judges have agreed… this battle ends in a beautiful, unforgettable tie!"
She turns to Misty and Sabrina. "And as such… both of you will be crowned co-winners of the Princess Festival!"
🎁 Each is handed a half set of Princess Pokémon Dolls. Misty and Sabrina exchange glances, then nod, stepping forward and combine their sets to form one full collection.
👑 Coronation Photo Scene
Misty and Sabrina, standing together in their kimonos, holding the shared trophy. Fiorella stands with them, striking a theatrical pose for the camera.
Ash watches from the crowd, pride in his eyes. "They were incredible…"
Pikachu and Eevee cheer loudly. Togepi jumps excitedly in Brock's arms.
💖 Epilogue Scene – Sunset at Festival Garden
Ash stands near a sakura tree, watching the lanterns float up into the sky.
Misty and Sabrina approach, both still in their kimonos.
Misty: "Well, Your Highness. Did we impress?"
Sabrina (gently): "You didn't blink once during the battle."
Ash chuckles. "How could I? You two were… perfect."
Suddenly, Misty leans in and kisses Ash on the right cheek. "Thanks for always cheering for me."
Sabrina, with a soft smile, kisses his left cheek. "And believing in me."
Ash's face turns bright red. "Wha–? H-Hey!"
They both giggle, linking arms on either side of him as they stroll back through the glowing streets of O-Hina Town.
Behind them, a paper lantern floats upward… carrying the symbol of a heart.