Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ash smiled as the sun started to set on Professor Oak's lab, the teen visiting there with his class in the Alola region for the time to see the many differences between the Kanto and Alola region's Pokémon. He even got to see some of his old ones that were hanging out around the field like Muk and his Tauros, along with Misty and Brock who also came by.

"It was sure nice to see them again, right Pikachu?"

"Pika-Pika!"

Ash smiled at the response from his faithful companion, who was on his shoulder for the time being as they waited for the food to be prepped. Though that did make him wonder where the rest of his Pokémon were, as he didn't see them out when they were touring the fields with his class.

'They're probably out there training again...' the 17-year-old thought with amusement as his mother came by carrying a relaxed Litten in her arms and a smile on her face.

"Hello Ash, did you like the surprise?"

"I sure did!"

He meant it too; since it was a long day of exploring the fields with his friends seeing all the various Pokémon along with the sudden appearance of Team Rocket. Getting back to Professor's Oak to see a buffet all set and ready for them to eat was a sight to see, something that wasted no time in lifting everyone's spirits as Rotom moaned something about not being able to complete the Kanto Pokedex.

It was a pleasant time for everyone involved until a voice suddenly called out from the distance.

"Professor Oak!"

Everyone paused to look over the person who shouted, which happened to be a slender girl with lilac-colored hair and eyes wearing a long-sleeved lilac shirt that had a large white collar, making her way toward Professor Oak with steady yet determined pacing.

"Hey Professor, who is that?" Kiawe asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I don't know Kiawe..." the professor said with a thoughtful gaze as he wondered who this arrival was, as he had no idea of another person joining them for this field trip. While he didn't think it was anything to worry about, he still wanted to make sure given the encounter they had with Team Rocket earlier. Yet that didn't seem to be a problem, given that the focus of the new arrival was locked on Professor Oak once she noticed him mingling with his cousin after a brief double take.

"Ah Anabel!" the region's professor greeted her with a smile and a raised eyebrow, "I supposed it is that time again?"

"Yes, I need to call Ash," she said much to the surprise of the people around her, "Another challenger is taking the Battle Frontier."

While the title went over the heads of the students, Kukui's eyes widened at the name. Knowing about the organization that most trainers would only hear glimpses and whispers about in their travels, if at all. Really, he only knew about it since he was a professor and needed to know the many functions and institutions involved with Pokémon. Though that still raised one question...

What did it have to do with Ash?

"I'm afraid I can't do that," Professor Oak said with a sly smile on his face that took Anabel aback, seeing that she was never refused the chance to do so when she came by before.

"What? Why not?"

"Because he's standing right over there."

She followed his pointed gaze until her lilac eyes met the warm familiar brown ones that she associated with Ash. The young man wearing a sheepish grin while rubbing the back of his head as Pikachu eagerly looked on.

"H-Hey Anabel..."

Everyone watched as Anabel looked on in surprise before a large smile started to break out on her face along with a red hue on her cheeks, much to the confusion of everybody. They were even more taken back when she suddenly rushed forwards and enveloped him in a large hug. One that surprised Ash, but soon followed with a laugh as he hugged back before doing a twirl, the two separating briefly for a moment to look at one another while ignoring the dumbfounded expression of everyone there.

"You should've told me you were coming!" Anabel cheerfully exclaimed, "I would've shown up much sooner if I knew!"

Ash looked at her with a sheepish expression, one that she never grew tired of whenever he had to explain something to her.

"We were only coming for a day, and I didn't want to bother you with whatever you were doing."

The joyous look on their faces continued on before Anabel's diminished somewhat and started to sport a more serious tone that made him pay more attention.

"We have another challenger doing the Battle Frontier. I was just about to make my way to Professor Oak to let him know so that he could give you a call," she explained before a more amused tone grew, "But it seems like you beat me to it."

Ash chuckled a bit as Pikachu scampered his way back onto his shoulder, giving the new arrival a cheerful call that made Anabel smile as well.

"Hello Pikachu. Ash didn't get into any more trouble now did he?"

An exasperated sigh left the electric type's lips before a series of calls rang out from his mouth, something that made the others around him try to follow, but give up halfway through. Yet was taken aback when the lilac-haired girl nodded along to his speech, finally sighing along with the Pikachu before giving Ash a knowing look once the Pokémon's rant was finished.

"He's just as reckless as ever huh? At least he has you keeping him in check."

"Pika..."

The boy in question was only able to sheepishly chuckle at being chastised by Anabel and Pikachu, rubbing the back of his head with a nervous smile. Though it was only then that Anabel noticed the numerous people that were giving them odd looks.

"Ash, are these all your new friends?" she then paused as she saw some familiar faces, "Oh hello Brock, Misty, Delia. It's good to see you."

"It's nice to see you too dear," Ash's mother said in a warm tone, as Brock and Misty gave their own greeting with a smile.

Ash eagerly grabbed the hand of Anabel and guided her towards his new friends from Alola, who looked at the interaction between them with interest. Though they were in no way prepared for his introduction as he gestured to the new arrival with an eager smile.

"Hey everyone, this is my girlfriend, Anabel. She's a really tough trainer in the Battle Frontier."

Anabel blushed a deep red at the straightforward introduction but was happy that Ash didn't beat around the bush about their relationship (especially given his last group of friends' reaction to it). Though she couldn't help but giggle at the dumbfounded expression on their faces now, already knowing what they were already thinking.

Ash seemed to just notice their blank expressions though, looking between the others with a frown and a slightly furrowed brow. Not quite sure why they were looking at him like that when they didn't even bother introducing themselves to her, it was quite rude to be honest.

"You got a girlfriend?!"

He winced alongside Pikachu and Anabel at their conjoined shouts, but while this slightly amused Anabel and Pikachu, Ash had a look of indignation and slight frustration.

"Hey, what does that supposed to mean?!" an irritated Ash said with crossed arms while Pikachu snickered on Anabel's shoulder, "You guys didn't even say hi yet!"

Seemingly aware that they haven't introduced themselves to Anabel yet, they looked at Anabel sheepishly before stepping forward and introducing themselves and their Pokémon. Happy to meet a new companion of Ash's.

"I'm Lillie, and this is Snowy!" the bright blonde girl dressed in nearly all-white said while gesturing to a pure white Vulpix that sat beside her, "I've only recently hatched her."

"Vul!"

Anabel blinked in surprise at the odd coloration as she only did some light reading on the region when she heard that Ash was going to visit the region, "I've never seen a Vulpix like that before."

"That's because that's the Alola form," Ash informed her with an eager smile, "Some Pokémon have different looks and typing than the ones found here."

"Interesting," the lilac-haired girl said in understanding, "so it's an Ice type in Alola?"

"And Fairy." the floating Pokédex happily added, much to the surprise of Anabel who never saw the floating device before now.

Before anyone else could introduce themselves to her, Anabel crouched on her knees and looked into the eyes of Vulpix thoughtfully, much to the confusion of Lillie who worried that the new arrival could see something that she couldn't.

Meanwhile, Snowy tilted her head in confusion over the sudden focus coming from Anabel. Yet despite the intense eye contact, Snowy didn't feel intimidated or bothered by it as she stared back into the human's lilac-colored eyes.

"I can tell that you care an awful lot about one another," Anabel finally said with a smile as she looked between Lillie and Vulpix, "You guys must trust each other a whole lot, but don't be afraid to open up to others."

Lillie stared in shock as Anabel then started to pet Snowy, a feat very few were allowed due to Snowy's shy nature when it came to meeting new people. Even more so, when Snowy let out a coo after a particular scratch was made behind her ear.

"Really? She must trust you an awful lot if you're her first partner."

The group stared on in shock as the Ice and Fairy type confirmed Anabel's statement by turning to look at Lillie with a smile and wagging tail, letting out a coo that showed nothing but adoration for her trainer.

"H-How did you know that about us?"

Ash looked on in amusement as his class and even Professor Kukui stared at Anabel with dumbfounded expressions, remembering the first time he encountered her ability when he challenged the Battle Frontier a couple of years ago.

"I can sort of get a feeling of what a Pokémon is saying based on their emotions," Anabel answered while standing up to full height, "It's not perfect, but it can help sometimes whenever trouble arrives."

Now it was Ash and Pikachu's turn to chuckle at the group's dumbfounded expression, even more so when Rotom somehow displayed the same face on his screen.

"Bzztztzt! Updating data!" Rotom started floating around Anabel while taking pictures with a shocked voice piercing through as Anabel braced herself for the barrage of pictures, "Not only can Pokémon talk like a human, but a human can somewhat learn what a Pokémon is saying!"

This in turn managed to bring the rest of the group out of their state of shock as well, stepping forward to introduce themselves and their Pokémon to the lilac-haired girl. Wanting to hear what she might have to say about their own companions.

"My name is Lana," a blue-haired girl wearing long blue pants said before gesturing to her partner on the ground, a blue seal-like creature with a large distinctive pink nose, "and this is my friend Popplio!"

"I'm Kiawe," a shirtless dark-skinned boy with red highlights and red shorts introduced himself before looking towards a Marowak that Anabel was used to seeing in a different color and a large bipedal creature with a large shell and spines sticking out the back, "and these are my partners are Turtonator and Marowak."

The three Pokémon let out a greeting of their own, with Popplio standing on its back flipper while clapping its two front ones while the others let out passionate cries of their own, something that made Anabel smile.

"It's nice to meet you all," Anabel said cheerfully to Ash's friends as the three Pokémon greeted her back before the lilac-haired girl looked between the Pokémon with interest. Something that made the trainers lean forward with anticipation over what she might say about their Pokémon.

"This Marowak is a different typing than the ones here, correct?" Anabel asked.

"That's right, it's a fire and ghost type," Kiawe answered.

Acknowledging the different variation, Anabel peered into the creatures in front of them to see what she could learn about them. Already she could tell they spent a lot of time with their trainers perfecting their moves, whether it be in battle or the day-to-day stuff. Even if Popplio's weren't as intense as Kiawes', there's doubt about the amount of pride and unwavering resilience that lay underneath them that strove them to reach greater heights for their partners.

"I can tell you guys love training with them very much, and I have no doubt that your friends will help you much, much stronger," Anabel said as the three in question let out a cheer while the trainers beamed in pride before Anabel gave a pointed look at Kiawe's Marowak, "But maybe try not to be so hot-headed when it comes to battling."

"Maro," the fire and ghost type denied with crossed arms, much to the amusement of everyone and an exasperated Kiawe. Though that didn't stop a slight smile from appearing on the fire enthusiast's face.

"I'm Mallow," A green-haired girl with gray overalls stepped forward with an eager smile that made Anabel blink for a moment, already feeling her excitement even without looking too deep into her emotions, "And my partner in the kitchen is Steene!"

A bipedal grass type with two long green leaves that resembled hair stepped forward with a slight bow, saying its name in greeting and with a joyful smile on her face.

"I'm Sophocles," the chubby boy with bright orange-haired greeted with a smile, "And my partners are Togedemaru and Charjabug."

The round and grey creature with cheeks similar to Pikachu and the green rectangular bug with sharp jaws let out a cheer of their own, stepping forward to await their own evaluation.

While not battle or training-orientated like the last set she viewed, Anabel could feel the love radiating inside as they looked back. The way they helped their trainers no matter how difficult or challenging the task ahead of them lies, wanting nothing more than to support them and their dreams while standing at their side.

"You guys' love helping each other out, don't you?" Anabel asked the three Pokémon who gave out a cheer in return, "I'm sure they deeply appreciate all that you've done for them."

Mallow and Sophocles smiled greatly at the compliment from Anabel, happy to see that they were taking care of their companions.

Anabel smiled at the Pokémon and the trainers, always delighted to see the bonds between them whenever she got that chance. Though she noticed that there were a couple of the creatures that she wasn't introduced to yet, turning to Ash with a questioning look of her own.

"What about the rest of them? Are they your's Ash?"

An excited look took over Ash's face after hearing that question, showing off that familiar beaming smile that often made her form a massive one of her own.

"Yeah! I made a bunch of new friends so far on my visit!" Ash exclaimed with joy that made Anabel giggle even as the boy guided her towards the Pokémon that she hasn't been introduced to yet while holding her hand.

"This one is Rowlet," Ash pointed toward a small owl-like creature that had brown feathers with two green leaf-like tail feathers, "He was my first catch in Alola, but he really likes to sleep a lot."

"Really?" she asked in amusement while shooting him a sly look, "Looks like you have a lot in common already."

Kukui had to stifle a laugh after hearing that, used to Ash's sleep-ins at his home while the person in question could only chuckle at the connection. Not denying the fact at all as Rowlet flew up from the floor to perch on her shoulder, tilted his head with a coo that Anabel granted with a scratch to his chin.

"This one is Lycanroc," Ash pointed to an orange canine with a large mane and some pointed rocks on his neck that greeted them with a wagging tail, "He evolved not too long ago into this form. Which hasn't been seen before!"

"A new form?" Anabel asked in shock as the rock-type tilted its head up in pride.

"Beep Beep. Allow me."

The floating device floated in front of her with a smile before the screen changed to show two other canines, one that was a similar build to Ash's, but missing the large mane and sporting a light brown where the orange should be. While the other was red in color and bipedal, with a slight slouch in his posture, a vicious expression with blazing red eyes and sporting the large mane that she currently saw on Ash's.

"Lycanroc is a rock-type that has two different forms based on when it evolves. It evolves into Midday Form Lycanroc during the day and Midnight Form Lycanroc during the night. In addition to having different looks, they also have different personalities. With the Midnight form being aggressive and the Midday form being calm and collected," the Pokédex then closed to show a smile emoji on its screen, "We started to call this one a Dusk Form since it evolved at dusk. Seeing that this is a form that hasn't been seen before, I will document every new experience and growth for future use in the Pokédex!"

Anabel was impressed by the admittance from Rotom, leaning forward to get a closer look at Ash's Lycanroc who happily barked at the attention. She noticed something odd about the rock type as she looked into his blazing green eyes, something that made her frown. She still felt that same love and affection that she usually felt with all of Ash's Pokémon along with his sense of battle, but there was just something buried deep inside that didn't feel right. Not anything bad per se, just something that tipped her a bit off. Was it pride? Ego maybe? Arrogance?

"It's very nice to meet you Lycanroc," she complimented as she shrugged the matter off for the time being, not seeing any immediate problems with the rock-type, "I really like the color of your fur."

The orange-colored canine smiled while tilting its head up in pride, relishing in the praise.

She finally made her way toward the last of Ash's companions. A small black kitten with red highlights in the arms of Delia with its eyes closed, though it did peek an eye open when he heard Ash making his way towards him.

"That's Litten," Ash explained while giving a rub on the fire type's head, "We may not have gotten along at first, but we are working together to get much, much stronger! Isn't that right?"

Despite the sleepy state that it was in a few moments ago, Litten gave off a meow of agreement much to the delight of Delia and Anabel. Before making himself comfortable back into the arms of Ash's mother who stroked its back with her hand. Already Anabel could feel the red-hot desire of getting stronger despite its lackluster appearance now, making her smile. But she also could tell that it didn't always feel this way, only being relevantly new to the idea of working with a trainer.

"He's going to become very strong," Anabel turned to Ash with a smile," I can feel it."

Ash returned the gesture with a grin of his own, the two momentarily lost in their world much to the amusement of everyone around them. Though that didn't mean others still didn't have some lingering questions, as Kiawe stepped forward with a confused frown and crossed arms.

"You said something about how you needed to call Ash," Kiawe said while he glanced at Ash with a thoughtful expression, "something a challenger taking the Battle Frontier?"

"What is a Battle Frontier anyway?" Lillie jumped in with a question of her own, "Ash said that you were part of that group, but I don't think I heard anything about that in Kanto so far in my readings."

A beat of silence was formed as Anabel let out a knowing smile alongside Pikachu while Misty and Brock deadpanned at their friend's ignorance. Ash sheepishly fiddled with his fingers at the looks given to him, an uncharacteristic show of nervousness in their usual enthusiastic and outgoing friend.

"You didn't tell them yet, did you?"

"I mean... it didn't come up?"

Anabel let out an amused sigh alongside Pikachu, who have been in this scenario several times by now to know that it couldn't have gone any different as Ash rubbed the back of his head. Thankfully Brock stepped forward to explain the organization due to his journey with Ash.

"For starters, a Battle frontier is a group of powerful trainers that functions kind of like a gym but is much more intense. Moving from facility to facility that gets progressively harder until you beat all of seve-eight," he suddenly corrected himself before continuing on, "It is separate from the Pokémon league, usually only accessible if you have an invitation to challenge it."

"They're super tough." Ash jumped in, "It took me a couple of tries before I can fully complete it."

While the students' eyes widened in shock at how intense this group sounded, they nonetheless nodded in understanding of the description and the fact of Ash's participation in it. Kukui looking on from the side in slight shock that Ash completed the whole challenger before. Though he realized that he didn't really know much about Ash's travels as a trainer, making a note to ask him whenever they got back to Alola. All the commotion stopped however when Lillie pointed out something that seemed unfamiliar to them.

"Gym battles? I've heard that other regions had them for the league, but I never actually gotten to see them in person or how they functioned."

Now it was Anabel's turn to blink in confusion, as she was sure that everyone would at least know what a gym battle was and how it functioned. Thankfully Ash was there to clear up the misconception if only a little.

"The thing is Anabel; they don't have gym battles in Alola."

"Really?" Anabel blinked in slight amazement while Ash nodded at her, making her look back toward the group with a raised eyebrow, "...Huh, interesting."

"If you had something to compare them to, it would be like the trials we have in Alola," Kukui decided to jump into their conversation seeing the confusion in his students, "Where a challenger would fight a gym leader, or kahuna in your case, for a badge instead of a Z-crystal. The leaders of the Battle frontier are called 'frontier brains'," Kukui briefly explained before rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly, "There was actually a gym battle set up for you guys tomorrow so that you can experience it, hence our special guests here."

Their students all widened in surprise once more as a look of realization took over Ash, looking at Brock and Misty with an elated smile.

"So that's why you guys are here!"

"Pi Pikachu!"

A grin grew on Brock and Misty's face despite the surprise being ruined, a sense of confidence surging inside of them as they stated their roles with pride.

"That's right, I'm the Cerulean Gym Leader that specializes in water types," Misty said with a wink.

"And I'm the former gym leader of the Pewter Gym that specialized in rock types!" Brock added with a smirk and crossed arms. Happy to announce his role even if he wasn't an active leader in it anymore.

The class from Alola looked on in awe at the people they were getting to know were also gym leaders, with Lana looking at Misty in awe at another water-type enthusiast.

"But it looks like we are going to have to put it on hold if Ash has to take on a challenger tomorrow," Misty deflated from her pose with a slight frown on her face.

Anabel winced at the fact that she basically stole Ash from their plans for the upcoming challenger, feeling bad for disrupting their flow even if she didn't really have a say in the matter. Yet felt a bit better when Ash grabbed her hand in a comforting manner.

"It isn't your fault, Anabel. You didn't know that we were coming anyways."

"Pika Pika..."

Anabel smiled at the reassurance from Ash and Pikachu, feeling the warmth and truth behind his words as they locked eyes while ignoring the coos of the people around her. Happy to share this moment together after being apart for some time.

"But what does the Battle Frontier have to do with Ash?" Sophocles asked with a tilted head as the two broke out of their state and shifted the conversation back to the original topic, "Why does he have to take on the challenger if it is a private organization?"

Kukui was thinking the same thing while trying to put all the pieces together, reaching for his drink seeing that the conversation was now back to a state with much less confusion.

If Ash had already taken the entire challenge, he should've been in connection with at least some of the other members given that his girlfriend was one of the brains. Though to ask an outsider to fight against a challenger was an odd choice and something that he couldn't see the Battle Frontier doing if it was an official organization. So why...

His eyes widen as the numb realization started to take place, the only way he could fight against the challenger was that he WAS already part of the group in the first place. And for that, to happen...

"It's because I'm one of the Brains," Ash cheerfully stated.

While Kukui choked on his drink over the confirmation of his thoughts, the other students looked on with shock that their friend and classmate were part of this elusive group to begin with. Kiawe going up to Ash and shaking him by the shoulders.

"You're one of the Brains?! How did you do that?!"

"I-I just took on the B-Battle Frontier as a challenger," Ash said in a daze as he shook back and forth, "If y-you beat all of the B-Brains, you can become one yourself."

Anabel wondered how many times they can be surprised in one afternoon, not quite sure if their hearts can take any more excitement. Though eventually, Kiawe managed to let go of Ash as he took his head in amusement.

"I already knew you were strong, but this really puts things into perspective."

Ash could only chuckle nervously at the praise from his most competitive friend, not used to singing his accomplishments to others as Anabel looked on in amusement and understanding. As Ash never really talked about his past adventures whenever he went to a new region, wanting to get the most out of his journey without being put on a pedestal. Though Ash soon shook out of his state to look at Anabel with an excited expression while clenching his fist in anticipation with Pikachu mimicking his actions on his shoulders.

"All right!" Ash suddenly exclaimed much to the surprise of everyone there, "I am so ready to challenge them! When are they supposed to show up?"

Anabel giggled at his usual excitement of getting to battle a tough opponent and turned to tell him of his opponent's arrival.

"Calm down Ash, he beat me earlier today," Anabel informed her boyfriend, "but he said he had to do some stuff before he can show up. Which means he would probably be here by tomorrow afternoon."

Ash nodded with the same excited look on his face before a troubled frown formed as he glanced at Professor Kukui and Principal Oak with a conflicted expression, realizing something important about their schedule.

"But if the Challenger is coming tomorrow, then we won't have any time to battle against Brock or Misty for their gym battle. I don't want to take them away from that after they went out of their way to meet with us," Ash said with crossed arms, "Maybe they would have to go without me to the gym battle while I stay here."

Everyone around them frowned at the idea of Ash not being able to join them on the field trip due to his upcoming opponent, with some feeling a small bit of disappointment of not getting to see Ash battle as a 'Frontier Brain'.

Thankfully for them, Kukui was also in the same boat wanting to see how far his student would go in the battle with an unknown opponent. Turning to ask Principal Oak with a questioning and hopeful look on his face.

"Surely there's a way to see both of them? Maybe we see how Ash challenges and then go do the gym challenge? It shouldn't take a long time, right?"

Each of the students waited with bated breath over what the principal might say about the idea of an extension. Looking at him with a pleading gaze that all hoped would sway in Kukui's favor, yet it was largely unneeded.

"Sure, I don't mind pushing the visit to a few more days. It could be a great learning opportunity," the principal said with a shrug before a sly smile grew, "But we would have to inform the parents before we make any decisions, that would be tenta-CRUEL."

Anabel, Misty, and Brock deadpanned at the pun while the others sweatdropped with a nervous laugh, already used to seeing their principal make numerous puns so far throughout the school year. Though they were all glad that their visit to Kanto would be granted, at least for the time being before they informed their parents.

Kukui clapped his hands to gain everyone's attention with a wide smile on his face, "Alright everyone, there might be a slight shift in plans, but let's dive right into it like a quick attack and learn as much as we can!"

Everyone let out a cheer at their teacher's usual enthusiasm before going back to setting out the plates for them to eat while Ash made his way towards Bulbasaur, bending down his faithful grass-type who stopped eating for the time being to see how the conversation would go.

"Hey buddy," Ash said with a smile and a pat on Bulbasaur's head, "you think you can let all the others that are here to meet up at our usual spot for tomorrow?"

"Bulba!"

With a smile, the Kanto starter hobbled away from the rest of the group to prepare its signature signal of Solarbeam to that let the others know Ash was here. Getting into a slight crouch with its four legs and using the last remains of the afternoon sun to charge up the attack, the bulb on its back started to glow as it held in the attack with minimal strain. Wanting to send out a massive blast throughout the entire field of professor Oak's lab.

"That should be good enough Bulbasaur," Ash advised with a smile before thrusting a fist forward, "Let it rip!"

"Bulba!"

Bulbasaur followed his order and released the massive beam of light towards the darkening sky, the signal shooting up and exploding in a massive shower of sparkles that spread out throughout the darkening sky as everyone gasped at the display.

"So pretty..." Lana said with a breath of awe, as she never saw a demonstration like this before by a single move from a Pokémon.

"I never knew grass-type moves could be used like that," Kiawe added in his own two cents while also looking at the sparkling sky in amazement.

Once Ash was satisfied with the outcome, he thanked Bulbasaur before heading back to his class who were animatedly chatting with Anabel. Wanting to know more about her after seeing everything that she has done with their Pokémon.

"Anabel!" Ash stepped forward with his expression demonstrating his usually never-ending excitement alongside Pikachu, "Since you battled the challenger you must know who it is right?! I don't think I can wait until tomorrow!"

"Now Ash," Anabel chided with a smile at his display, "you know I can't share the identity of the challenger before the match. You are going to have to wait for Scott to arrive with him just like you used to do when you took the challenge."

"Aw man…"

She giggled along with the rest of his friends as he slumped in disappointment, the young man turning away with crossed arms and a pout before he ultimately joined in on the laughter.

Anabel locked eyes with Ash and Pikachu as a fond and warm smile started to grow, happy to see how much fun he was having in this new region even if there wasn't a league to compete in. Though that did make her mind drifted off to the person she battled who sported the same look and also had a Pikachu on his shoulder, seeing similarities between them and Ash.

"Hey Ash, do you have a brother?"

Ash blinked alongside Pikachu who looked at her oddly, not quite sure what this had to do with the challenger or the odd question given how long they knew each other by now.

"No, why?"

Anabel searched his face for a moment for any signs of dishonesty, but only saw the familiar cluelessness he displayed whenever he was faced with a complex problem or situation.

"No reason," she shrugged knowing he wouldn't lie about this sort of thing before she grabbed his hand, "Now come on, I bet you are starving."

A growl from Ash's stomach was all the confirmation they needed as he laughed with a red hue on his face, happily following his girlfriend towards the large amount of food that was finally ready as they caught up with one another. Though his mind momentarily drifted towards the odd question she asked, curious about why she would ask such a thing after knowing him for so long.

He eventually shrugged the matter off, following her towards the others as they prepared their plates for the large feast in front of them, idly wondering what sort of opponent he would be facing tomorrow.

(Meanwhile, in the Viridian Pokémon center)

A certain young man with brown hair and a Pikachu on his shoulder waited eagerly at the front of the lobby. Unable to contain his excitement as Nurse Joy returned with a small package.

"Here is your package sir," Nurse Joy said with a smile, "I'm surprised that you were able to obtain one of these items. I heard that they are very hard to come by."

A smile made its way onto the boy's face as he opened the small box delicately, seeing two shimmering stones with a rainbow leaf-like symbol embedded in the center. Though one was notably larger than the other and more orange in color.

"To be honest, I'm surprised too," the boy answered before turning his attention back towards the item in his hands, "But I've been working hard to earn this ever since I heard about it."

He turned towards the electric type on his shoulder, wanting to know his opinion on the new item.

"What do you think Sparky? You think Zippo will like it?"

"Pika Pika!"

Chapter Text

The sun rested high above the sky shining throughout the plains of Pallet Town, with the group from Alola preparing themselves for the day ahead of them in the Ketchum household. Having stayed the night before in a giant sleepover while Anabel went back to her own dwelling, as she was unprepared for a sudden sleepover and wanted to get a few things ready for the next day.

Meanwhile, Kukui and Principal Oak were busy calling all the parents back home to let them know of the sudden changes and possible extension of the trip. With many of the parents cheerfully agreed as long as the students were returned by the end of the school week. The news being a huge boost in morale for the students who wanted to see as much as they could before going back to their respective homes.

After a big hearty lunch generously given by Ash's mother, the gang prepared themselves to head out of the Ketchum household with Anabel already waiting in front. Sporting a simple purple T-shirt that matched her hair and eyes along with a pair of brown cargo pants.

The only one they were waiting for was Ash, who said he wanted to change before they headed out. Though they didn't have to wait for long as he finally made it out of the house with the familiar sight of Pikachu on his shoulder. Yet wearing a different set of clothing that they weren't used to seeing.

A pair of black jeans fitted him instead of the capri pants he wore in Alola, along with a shirt that looked very similar to the one Anabel wore yesterday complete with the sharp collar. Except this one was more fitted for his build and was more like a regular shirt to fit his lifestyle, with a dark navy blue being where the purple was on Anabel's.

But the thing that stood out to them the most was the several symbols embedded into the upper torso part of his shirt. A design that went over the head of most of the Alolans, but not to the people who were there to see him join the Battle Frontier. As the symbols were the ones found on the hats he wore whenever he went to a region, from Kanto to the recently added Kalos. All placed in an arch on his upper torso where his heart was, a way to show that he kept the adventures he had in mind whenever he was on the battlefield.

Though while the rest of his wardrobe may have changed, he still had the cap he wore in Alola on his head.

Ash noticed their gazes and smirked with a knowing look as he puffed his chest out in pride, "If I'm going to be going against a challenger, I need to look my absolute best!" he declared as Pikachu mimicked the posture on his shoulder with a cheerful cry.

Anabel and Delia looked on in amusement and pride at his honest declaration while Brock and Misty looked at it with mirth and nostalgia, remembering their own journeys with Ash after seeing the symbols embedded on the shirt.

"I must say that it suits you well," Kukui added in his own two cents as he was the most used to seeing Ash in more disheveled states, namely Saturday mornings.

"Profile Updated," Rotom said as he snapped a couple of pictures of the new outfit.

Ash was amused by their awed expressions due to his outfit change but did a brief double-take at the sight of his mother joining the group as well.

"Are you coming too mom?"

"Of course!" Delia said with a smile as she shut and locked the door behind her, "It's been a while since I've seen you battle an opponent as a frontier Brain. I kind of want to see how much you improved."

"Alright!" Ash cheered in excitement as Pikachu did the same, "Let's get going!"

His classmates shared his excitement as Ash led the way with Anabel walking right beside him, the group walking down the dirt-paved road and away from the Ketchum household.

Yet as they continued to move onwards the Alolans were slowly puzzled, as the path they were walking on happened to be the direction where Professor's Oak lab was.

Unfamiliar with the Frontier, the group was confused about why they were heading this way seeing how they didn't see any buildings in sight other than the occasional houses that were spread across the plains when they came the day prior. With Kukui asking about the location of Ash's facility seeing how he was the most familiar with the topic of the Battle Frontier and how they operated.

"Ah, that would be because it is behind the lab," Anabel happily supplied as they walked towards the direction of the laboratory, "a ten-to-fifteen-minute walk into the forest to be precise."

The Alolans blinked in confusion at the odd placement of the facility, thinking that a place would at least be in some sort of building or large arena given Ash's taste in battles.

"In the woods? Not that I'm questioning your choice seeing that I haven't seen it yet, but wouldn't it be better inside a building?" Kiawe asked.

"It's not that odd," Anabel shrugged, "Scott lets us design our facilities however we see fit. No matter how weird or outrageous it may seem to others."

"I still don't know how they managed to make the Battle Pyramid without anyone knowing about it," Brock added his own two cents into the conversation with a shake of his head.

Ash also shrugged before a slight smile formed on his face, recalling his own area with fondness and an extra pep in his step.

"I knew that I would be traveling a lot, so I really wanted to make something that would benefit my Pokémon more than me when it came to the facility. Plus, I think it really makes for some awesome battles. Right Pikachu?"

"Pikachu!" the mouse cheered in agreement.

"Who's Scott?" Sophocles asked seeing that someone new was mentioned.

"He is the founder of the Battle Frontier for the Kanto branch," Anabel explained with a slight shake of her head in amusement, "I don't know how he manages to operate this and some of the other businesses he owns, but I stopped questioning his lifestyle and methods a long time ago."

The information about the arena and the mysterious owner only made the students more excited to see what this organization had to offer. Even going as far as to ask for hints of what Ash's facility will look like, yet was met with a surprisingly stubborn Ash refusing to spoil anything until they saw the place for themselves. Making the others wonder what sort of area Ash could come up with while discussing their own thoughts and ideas about what they may see in the facility.

Anabel smiled at their positivity as the Alolans walked ahead, as it was nice to get some feedback on the Battle Frontier from others. Though this allowed her and Ash a rare moment of peace that made the young man aware of a small detail about his girlfriend.

"Hey, your hair is longer."

Anabel jumped a bit at the sudden observation from the usually distracted Ash and turned to see his brown eyes giving a warm and inquisitive stare alongside Pikachu who sat on his shoulder. Making her hold the end of it in surprise since it wasn't that long since she last saw him, the hair reaching the back of her neck and nearly reaching her shoulders.

But it was still nice that he noticed.

"Y-Yes, I thought about growing it out to try something new," a now self-conscious Anabel looked on nervously, "Do... you like it?"

"Yeah! It looks great!" Ash said with a beaming smile and a look of amazement that was focused on her hair, "You should let it grow out more!"

Anabel blushed while sporting a shameless grin on her face, always delighted when Ash threw a compliment her way. With Ash looking at the expression a chuckle of his own as a red hue took on his own face.

"Now Anabel, you shouldn't let Ash influence your hairstyle," his mother playfully chided at the side hearing the conversation, "Heaven knows I can never comb that untamed hair of his no matter how hard I try."

A snort managed to escape her lips as Ash gave an embarrassed shout to his mother, the lilac-haired girl covering her mouth with her hand as soft giggles managed to escape. Making Ash grin despite the embarrassment put on him by his mother at the moment. Chuckling along with her while smiling, happy to spend this time with her now that he was able to visit.

As the last of her laughter faded away, she idly caressed the extended part of her hair while wondering what she would look like if she let it grow. A small smile managed to break through as she recalled the sight of his adoration and fascination with her hair.

By now the group managed to finally make it up the steps to the entrance of Professor Oak's lab. The door opened to a surprised Tracey, who blinked at the sheer number of people at the door but nonetheless welcomed them in with a smile.

"Hello Ash, the professor told me you were coming today. Got another challenger coming?"

"You bet! I'm so stoked to see who it is!" Ash cheerfully shouted while the rest followed inside Professor Oak's lab. Though before they could ask where they should start heading next, Ash headed over to the computer where Professor Oak was working.

"Ah Ash, you finally arrived," he said before pulling up the information of his captures and Pokémon, "What three are you going to use for the challenger?"

Ash crossed his arms and hummed as he thought about who he should use, not knowing who the opponent is or what type of Pokémon they will have when they show. Though he eventually shook his head and as always, went with his gut and thought of the three that he wanted.

A quick glance over his shoulder and saw the others watching their interaction closely, obviously curious about what Pokémon he would choose. Making him smirk and whisper his choices to the region's professor as he wanted to keep his choices a surprise.

"Those are good choices; they've been wanting to battle recently," the professor commented with a smile as he went to get their Poke balls much to the disappointment of the others around him.

Pikachu watched closely as the professor deposited three poke balls into the young man's hands, making the electric type furrow his brow for a moment before his eyes widened at the realization that Ash wasn't going to use him for this upcoming battle.

"PIKA?!"

Ash jumped at the outcry from the electric type on his shoulder, making him flinch at the shocked and betrayed expression of his most trusted partner.

"S-Sorry buddy, but I wanted to give someone else a try battling seeing that you are with me in Alola."

While Pikachu understood where his trainer was coming from, that didn't mean he was happy with the decision. Slumping over on his shoulder in disappointment as a displeased pout was made onto his face. An act that made Anabel pet the electric type on the back in a show of comfort while Ash chuckled sheepishly.

With his Pokémon already chosen for the battle, Oak opened the back door to his lab and gestured for everyone to exit out the back, with the others doing so with only a bit of hesitation before Ash looked back at the lab with a frown.

"Wait you aren't going with us?"

"Don't you worry Ash," the professor chuckled as his concern, "Tracy will join you once Scott comes with the challenger as I have a list of responsibilities to complete."

Ash nodded in understanding before leaving to let the door shut behind him, knowing the busy life of a professor if his stay with Kukui were any indication.

Looking ahead of him, he saw the enormous group of people in front of him walking into the dirt path road that led into the forest. With his Alola friends, Professor Kukui, Brock, Misty, Principal Oak, and even his mother looking around the forest with a sense of excitement.

He grew a bit nervous at the thought of so many people watching him battle, but the fact that he was going to battle the challenger that afternoon drove those worries away. Looking ahead with a grin on his face before being stopped by Anabel, who grabbed onto his wrist and was looking at him with concern.

"Hey Ash, I didn't get to ask earlier seeing that we were talking to your friends, but are you ok?"

He blinked alongside Pikachu at the sudden question much like the curveball she threw at him yesterday. Yet knew that this one was much more serious given the worried look in her eyes compared to the curious one she gave him yesterday.

"Yeah, I'm doing fine," he said a bit too joyfully, "Alola is so much fun! I'm learning so much about the region and meeting so many new Pokémon! Why wouldn't I be ok?"

"Ash, you know that's not what I meant."

He winced at the slight frustration leaking through her voice and finally locked eyes at the stern and concerned look that she was giving him. Realizing why she might have said it while tampering down his excitement enough to give him an honest and sincere answer.

"Anabel, I'm fine," grabbing her hand in a rare moment of tenderness while locking eyes, "Really, I mean it."

She kept her eyes locked on him before dropping the matter seeing the confident reassurance, facing forward once more as a sigh of relief managed to escape her lips. But she couldn't help herself from making sure after everything that he went through so far.

After joining the Battle Frontier, he went on to travel throughout Unova as a means of continuing his goal of becoming a Pokémon master. Which was something that she was lucky to be a part of as it was a rare time that she had a free schedule from her duties in the Battle Tower. Though while Ash never said anything during the journey, she knew that he felt pressure about winning the league seeing that he was a newly appointed Frontier Brain. Wanting to prove to them that he had what it took to earn his spot.

After that, he was so focused on winning when he went to travel with Kalos that he almost lost sight of the important things around him. A fact that she pointed out to him when he came to visit for another upcoming challenger, but was only driven into his head with the help of Serena. A fact that Anabel learned when she went to see him in the Kalos league.

Now during his trip to Alola, he was much more relaxed about the way he interacted with his Pokémon while looking much more confident in his abilities as a trainer while learning about the world around him. It brought a smile onto her face seeing how happy he was right now, even if there was an absence of a league.

She looked on with fondness before nudging his side with her elbow, knocking him out of his stupor as she walked ahead of him with a cheeky smile.

"Come on, you are supposed to be leading the way, aren't you?"

Ash looked on in surprise before a grin made its way onto his face, pushing ahead toward the front of the group alongside Anabel and smiling at the sounds of Pokémon that surrounded the area. Feeling connected to them even if he couldn't see any of them at the moment, with many of the others feeling the same.

Well... almost everyone.

"C-Can't we pick up the pace a little?" Misty shuddered while anxiously looking at the forest around her, "I forgot that your area was in a place filled with b-b-bugs..."

Ash and Brock sweatdropped at the reminder of Misty's fear of bugs, having momentarily forgotten about it over the excitement of facing a new challenger. Ash turned over his shoulder to try and reassure his friend who was shuddering and grimacing every so often when a bug-type was seen or heard.

"Come on Misty, it's only a ten-minute walk. Surely you can bear it until then?"

Given the scowl that she was currently giving him, he only could chuckle sheepishly before facing forward once more sweating bullets. Knowing not to set her off after traveling with her through Kanto and Johto while making him unsure of what to talk about as the group made their way deeper into the forest. Thankfully for him though, he was saved by Kiawe who wanted to know more about the illusive group that Ash was able to join.

"If I recall correctly you said that there were eight different Brains that were part of the Battle Frontier, right?"

"That's right," Anabel supplied with a nod while ignoring the sigh of relief from Ash.

"Then if you don't mind me asking, what are your rankings?"

The group looked on in interest, wanting to know where they stood in this field that many of them had never seen before. Kukui taking his gaze away from the surrounding wilderness to focus on the conversation at the mention of Ash.

"I'm actually the 7th right now," Ash cheerfully explained much to the shock of the others around him, "When I first started off I was 6th right before Anabel. But after my trip to Unova, they decided to put me in 7th after seeing how well I performed in the league."

(Note: In this AU, Ash was in the finals but lost.)

Anabel opened her mouth to correct his statement, only to close it abruptly before looking off to the side with pursed lips. Not wanting to spoil Ash's humble statement with her own inquiries about her boyfriend's current rank. Though the act was not lost on Brock and Kukui who narrowed their eyes in confusion, the former gym leader looked between them in slight concern.

"You're 7th?! I didn't know you went up a spot!" an unaware Misty said with shock, unhappy that she was only finding this out now.

Ash winced again at the fact that he once again kept someone out of the loop, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly as Pikachu gave his own apologies on his shoulder. Much to the amusement of his new Alolan friends, though that did make Mallow curious about his past adventure.

"You traveled to Unova?"

"Yeah! Anabel went with me too!" Ash said with a bright smile as he recalled all the adventures they had in that region, "You will see some of my Pokémon from there when we get to my area!"

At that the Lilac-haired girl shook out of her flustered state, looking back on that adventure with fond memories even if there were some less-than-stellar moments sprinkled throughout the journey.

"It was a lot of fun traveling again on a journey," she mused with a smile, "maybe I should do it more often whenever I have the time."

"You totally should!" Ash said with a beaming smile that Pikachu mimicked on his shoulder, "You should take a day off and come to Alola! There are so many things to see and do that I'm sure you will love it!"

"Pika-Pika!"

"I'll keep that in mind," Anabel said with a laugh that made the grin on Ash's face spread out in joy.

While the others looked at the sense with a sense of fondness and awe at the closeness of their relationship. Some couldn't help but question how this relationship came to be, seeing how Ash never mentioned his relationship when he came to Alola and the type of person he was. Making Lillie step forward with only a moment of hesitation before tapping Ash on the shoulder.

"Um... Excuse me," the timid girl drew the attention of Ash and Anabel, who turned towards the blonde with a raised eyebrow.

It was no secret to everyone there that Lillie was a sheltered girl, only viewing the world using books and research until she started going to the Pokémon School. This also involved the topic of romance, which involved numerous stories and magazines of people falling for one another. So naturally, she was curious how her overzealous friend and classmate got together with Anabel, who seemed much more polite and refined.

"I was just wondering how you guys got together," Lillie asked as her face turned bright red at her blunt questioning, not meaning to offend them as she anxiously waved her hands in front of her, "N-Not that there's anything wrong with that! I was just curious seeing how Ash can be a bit..."

"Hyperactive?"

"Overexcited?"

"Kind of spacey?"

Ash grumbled at his friends' description of him while feeling the tips of his ears burn, not helped by the sound of Anabel's laughter as she tried to cover it with her hand while looking at him with mirth no matter how nice or pretty it sounded. The adults weren't doing much better, with even Pikachu cackling up a storm to the point that Ash had to catch him before he hit the ground, though his companion was still laughing in his hands much to his dismay.

Once Anabel finally managed to calm her laughing fit a bit, she looked over to Ash who was pouting and looking off to the side fuming over their jabs and teases. Her gaze turning softer and fond as she recalled all the fun they had together over the years.

"While Ash may seem like the type of person to not pay attention to the world around him unless it involved Pokémon or battling. He can be quite attentive and caring when he really puts his mind to it," she started off with a smile while ignoring the indignant grumble from Ash, "It was something that I noticed when he first challenged the Frontier. The way he interacted with his Pokémon was so much like mine that I couldn't help but be drawn toward him."

Ash's face softened as a small smile started to form and the red on his face took on a whole new meaning, sharing a glance with Anabel to see her staring right at him with a loving and caring gaze.

"And as we started to train together for his initiation into the Battle Frontier, that feeling only started to grow more and more. And even if we didn't get there right away, I was more than happy when I found out that Ash felt the same way towards me."

Ash returned the caring look that Anabel was giving him, ignoring the looks that many of the others were giving them as they focused on each other.

Even if the Alolans only met Anabel yesterday, they could tell that she cared an awful lot about Ash by how deep her affection was for him. A feat they never would've guessed given how dense or hyper he may seem at times. Yet the look that their friend gave towards the girl dispelled any of those doubts that their friend was unknowledge of romance.

While the others looked on in amazement at the depth of their relationship, Lana looked away from the scene for a moment after seeing something enter her field of vision. Squinting at it from a distance with curiosity and intrigue.

"Hey, what's that?"

The question asked by water-loving Alolan made everyone look up to see a fenced-off area made of wooden planks that made Ash and Anabel perk up in excitement. The young man charging ahead of the group with an excited Pikachu on his shoulder as Anabel followed along. The girl not caught off guard at all as she laughed along at his enthusiasm, used to this kind of behavior after traveling and being together for almost three years now.

The group watched as Ash, Anabel, and Pikachu looked over the wooden railing that had a large wooden overhead with large smiles. A golden circle in the middle of the wooden arch with a heart embedded in the center, reminding Kiawe of the family ranch from back home. Yet the sight that lay beyond the wooden fencing was nothing like his home in Alola.

Just beyond the fence was a large grassy plain similar to the one they saw yesterday on Professor Oak's property, allowing plenty of space for Pokémon to run and play. Yet just a couple of hundred feet beyond those plains were different battle areas built just further in, each having a variety of different terrains and Pokémon training with one another.

One such field was a large lake, with numerous platforms of rock scattered throughout the water for any land-based Pokémon to stand on as well as two platforms at the ends where the trainers would presumably stand during a battle. At the moment, a weasel and an otter were sparring with one another by shooting blasts of water from their mouths. Diving into the water for a second and jumping out to clash with a glowing fist from the weasel and a blue blade from the Otter's seashell. Before going back to dodging each other's attacks with a determined focus while other water-type Pokémon cheered on from the sidelines, making Lana's eyes sparkle at the sight of the water-based fight and arena.

Another was a rock-based battlefield that left very little cover except for the occasional cliffs and mounds scattered throughout. With Infernape sparring and exchanging blows with Hawlucha, their glowing fists colliding with one another and dodging their opponents' attacks with slight fast-paced movements in their posture. A Scraggy looking at the spar with a determined gaze while throwing faux punches of his own while a Noivern looking on from the side with encouragement.

Another was a grassy plain similar to the ones found in Professor's Oak lab and the one near the entrance, but this one had clear lines drawn to show the boundaries where the trainers and the Pokémon would stand. Along with a beautiful field of flowers that grew just on the borders of the area. It was being used by the grass types who soaked up the sunlight with content looks on their faces.

Another was a flat area made of the type of flooring that was usually found indoors, leaving no clear advantages for either side and tested a person's abilities to battle to the absolute limit. At the moment there wasn't anyone using it for sparring, so it was left empty.

All of them had amazing features that made battling an interesting scene to witness, with ample seating in each for any visitors to see.

Most of Ash's Pokémon were watching from the sidelines where spares were taking place or in the plains, from the ferocious Charizard to the small and absentminded Gibble. Occasionally commenting on the spars and battles with each other while wondering when their trainer was supposed to arrive.

Before they could comment on the amazing field in front of them, the group of visitors had to brace themselves and close their eyes as four fleeting figures suddenly streamed by their faces. Picking up a large gust of wind that made Lille, Ash, and Kukui hold on to their hats as five bird-like creatures pulled up from the ground. One of them suddenly encased itself in flames as the others glowed bright white in an attempt to match their opponent's speed, zooming through the skies at a rate that made it hard to follow as they clashed with one another.

Ash grinned at the sight of his Pokémon training alongside one another and hanging out, glad to see them in action even if he wasn't there to train them. Letting go of Anabel's hand and sprinting ahead of the group with excitement that Pikachu copied on his shoulder, happy to see their friends once more.

"Hey you guys!"

"Pika-Pika!"

As one, the numerous different creatures paused and looked over to see their trainer heading towards them. Making some abandon their training while others got up from their resting spots to charge toward him with their own excitement and joy as they picked up dust under their trampling feet that made Ash smile wide, happy to see his friends after so long.

Pikachu jumped off his shoulder just as he was tackled by Bayleaf, who had sprinted ahead of the group wanting to be the first to cuddle against her trainer before anyone else. Doing so with a large smile on her face while rubbing the teen's face in complete bliss.

"It's good to see you too Bayleaf," Ash said with a laugh.

"Bay..."

The sounds of the stomping feet suddenly halting in front made him look up from the cuddling grass type, the sight of his companions from his journeys filling his heart with joy. Everyone from his beginning in Kanto to his most recent adventure in Kalos.

"Hey everyone, how are you guys doing?"

The response was unanimous as each of them let out a cheerful cry into the air while some of them let loose a powerful attack into the air, the most notable being a Charizard and Infernape with their flamethrower.

Anabel walked over to them with a large smile on her face as well, happy to see how well they were doing despite being away from their trainer for some time. Already feeling the love and adoration in each of their faces as they looked on.

"Hello everyone, it's nice to see you all again."

As one, the group of Pokémon then turned towards Anabel with a cheerful cry, having been used to her presence given the time they spent training for the Battle Frontier and the relationship she had with their trainer. Bringing her into the center until she was pressed against Ash and started to nudge and cuddle her as well. An act that made Anabel laugh in delight and filled Ash's heart with glee seeing all of them getting along.

"Wow Ash, these are all your Pokémon?"

Finally turning his attention away from the massive pile, he turned along with Anabel and his Pokémon to see his friends looking at him in astonishment and awe. Even Professor Kukui looked on in surprise at the amount of Pokémon he had, though Ash noticed that Lillie stayed in the back of the group with his mother with an anxious expression.

"Yeah! These guys have been with me all throughout my journey!" Ash managed to say as he got out of the pile, much to his captures' disappointment, "You guys can let yours out too. There's plenty of space for them!"

Not seeing anything wrong with the statement, the students tossed their Poke balls into the air which made numerous flashes appear on the ground, their Alolan Pokémon coming into sight while letting out a cheer in greeting.

"Oh yeah, you guys come on out too!"

Ash tossed his own captures from Alola out that materialized on the ground with a cheer of their own. Every one of Ash's Pokémon greeted the new arrivals with joy and interest, seeing different variations that they weren't used to seeing as well as Ash's members from Alola. Such as Lycanroc barking excitedly to Ash's Boldore while Turtonator, Marowak, and Litten chatted with the various fire types. Kiawe's Charizard sharing a nod in respect towards Ash's, already feeling the difference in power as members of the same species. Ash's bird-like Pokémon only sweatdropped as Rowlet came to introduce himself only to immediately fall asleep with a snore.

Anabel also released one of her own when Ash made the announcement, an Espeon appearing on the ground and looking around for a moment before spotting Pikachu on Ash's shoulder, who looked on with joy at seeing their friend again.

"Pika!"

Ash and Anabel looked on with amused and fond expressions as Pikachu and Espeon cheerfully called at one another. Catching up after being together after being apart for so long before chasing each other around the field much to the dismay of Togedemaru, who let out a pout seeing the interaction.

"Hey Anabel, I didn't know you brought Espeon along."

Anabel chuckled when Espeon managed to catch up to Pikachu, tackling him onto the ground with a mocking look of superiority that Pikachu rolled his eyes to. Before getting back on their feet to start a whole new game.

"When I told her that you were back in town, she insisted on coming along to see Pikachu again."

Ash nodded along with a laugh before taking a look at everyone and smiling at all the interaction going on between one another, happy to see everyone getting along for the most part. Though they weren't prepared for what happened next.

"Osha!"

The group turned to see the otter-like creature they saw battling earlier gathering a bunch of flowers and hurried towards Steene with hearts in his eyes. A bright red hue on his face as he cheerfully called towards her before getting down on one knee, an act that made the Alolan grass type take a step back in surprise. Unsure what to do with this sudden declaration of love from the Unova water starter.

"Oh man... not again."

"Pika..."

While Ash and Pikachu let out an exasperated sigh, Anabel could only shake her head fondly at the display after seeing it numerous times during her travels with Ash in Unova as others around her started to sweat nervously.

Suddenly a small green bipedal-like creature with sharp eyes broke away from the pack and headed towards the love-struck water type with annoyance. Already used to dealing with this type of problem all the time when she was in Unova as she slammed a vine on the top of the otter's head and made him faint instantly. A big lump already started to form before dragging Oshawott off to the side with a huff.

"Huh, kind of reminds me of someone..." Misty said with a smirk as she and Ash slyly looked toward Brock. Who pointily coughed in his hand and turned away from the scene and pretended to admire the vast forest around him.

"Hey, I've never seen that one before," Mallow pointed out with interest.

"Beep Beep. That's my cue." the Alola Pokédex said with a smile on the screen before turning around to display the creature they just saw, "Snivy, the grass snake Pokémon, a grass type. Snivy uses the large leaf on its tail for photosynthesis. And being exposed to sunlight makes its movements swifter."

"It's also one of the starter Pokémon trainers can get in Unova," Kukui added while looking at the grass type's antics in amusement.

"Thanks again Snivy!" Mallow cheerfully called out while Steene gave her own hesitant thanks as well.

Anabel laughed, "Yeah, you were always the one to keep a close eye on him."

The Unova starter paused in her departure to look at Anabel with a slight hint of surprise, before abruptly turning her head away in a huff as a slight red hue formed on her face. Much to the amusement of Ash's Pokémon and Anabel.

Kukui always smiled at how well this day turned out to be so far, with the students even being able to learn some things from other regions thanks to the slight change in plans. Though he was curious about how the battlefield was chosen given the several options available.

"So Ash, how do you choose which field to use when the time comes? I mean, there are a couple to choose from."

"Oh that's easy, I just let the challenger choose," Ash answered without missing a beat as he went back to talking with his Pokémon.

Anabel could almost feel the incredulous looks everyone was giving him, with Brock and Misty looking at him with resigned amusement as they already knew the conditions whenever they first met him as a new Frontier Brain.

"Wait, you let the challengers choose the battlefield?!" Kiawe asked in shock.

"Yeah," Ash said while petting the head of a Totodile, "It's a lot more fun that way, isn't it?"

Ash continued to talk to his Pokemon, not aware of the confusion he caused around him. Wondering why on earth he would give the opponent the advantage in any scenario while Anabel chuckled at their expressions.

She didn't know why they were so surprised, since that was just the way Ash was when it came to battling. Not focusing on strategies for the most part, but rather on his connection with his Pokémon to pull off various moves and concepts that would leave a normal trainer stumped.

"Now come on! I want to show you all of the battlefields up close!"

Ash continued on without here the response of the others, his Pokémon following closely behind.

"Talk about an ONIX-pected surprise!" Principal Oak exclaimed with a joyful laugh, enjoying the unexpected twists that came from his student. Taking the surprises in stride as he went on to take a look at the battlefields that this Frontier Brain offered, with the rest of the gang catching up after getting over their momentary surprise.

Ash explained each arena that was on display to the best of his ability, with his Pokémon occasionally demonstrating each of their arenas with the use of the movements and moves. Such as the agile water types swimming through the water-based arena with ease along with a joyful Popplio, who joined in after seeing how fun it looked.

The rock-style arena was mostly used for Ash's rock and fighting types, who spared against one another or with the terrain. Increasing their strength by hitting various boulders and cliffs or by increasing their reaction time with others. Kiawe's Marowak seemed especially eager to try it out after seeing Infernape demonstrate his power on a boulder, which he easily broke in half with a Mach Punch.

The grassy plains battlefield didn't seem to have as much of an advantage, but it was well maintained by the various grass types. With the corners and edges littered with beautiful flowers of many shapes and sizes now that they can see it up close.

The last one they saw was the standard battlefield, which Ash explained was the one that offered the least number of benefits for either competitor.

Everyone was amazed by the various stages available for battle, looking at each question in awe while asking Ash and Anabel questions about how it got built. Which the couple happily answered to the best of their ability.

Ash thought he did a pretty good job showcasing the area to his class. Which was a relief, since he didn't get the opportunity to do it a whole lot and was a bit worried that he would screw it up. Though that did make him aware of the amount of time that has passed since they arrived, and the challenger still hasn't shown up yet. Turning to Anabel with a confused frown and slight impatience.

"Hey Anabel, when was the challenger supposed to get here?"

Anabel frowned while also making a note of the time, seeing that a bit of time had passed and Scott still hadn't shown up with the challenger.

"They didn't really say when they would show up now that I think about it, only that they would show up sometime in the afternoon."

She winced at how Ash deflated and the disappointed looks the others made, not liking to be the bearer of bad news after changing so much of their schedule already. Frowning to herself in frustration as she tried to find a way to make it up to Ash and his friends.

Though that made her sight drift towards Pikachu and Espeon, who had long stopped playing with each other and were watching their trainers curiously seeing their faces. Making Anabel smile as Espeon perked up a bit in excitement, having an idea what her trainer was thinking.

"Hey Ash, how about you and I have a battle?"

She watched him blink in confusion before the look changed to surprise, turning to stare at her in awe while a slight glimmer of excitement started to bleed through his eyes. Making her smile as she continued to sweeten the offer with a sly smile.

"I was thinking that since Pikachu wasn't going to battle the challenger this time, he can battle Espeon. She was looking forward to sparring with him after being apart for a while, and I think we can show your friends a battle between Frontier Brains."

The group perked up at the statement from Anabel, even more so when Ash and Pikachu looked more than ready to battle. The two sharing the same eager grin with each other before turning back towards the lilac-haired girl.

"All right!" Ash cheered in excitement with Pikachu letting out his own cheerful cry, "You got yourself a deal! I love battling with you Anabel!"

Ash was fully aware of what he was saying and didn't regret a single word even as a slight blush made its way onto his face. Anabel shared his excitement while her own face took on a slight hue as well, looking at each other with fondness and adoration.

Delia rested a hand on her cheek as she smiled fondly at the interaction, proud at how far the two had come along since they first started dating one another. Though that didn't stop Ash from cheerfully grabbing her hand and leading her off towards the flat and empty battlefield in front of them, with her laughing at his enthusiasm once more as Pikachu and Espeon followed closely behind with their own delighted cries.

"Doesn't she ever get tired of getting dragged around?" Mallow wondered with a mirthful look knowing how hyperactive Ash can get at times. Yet was caught off guard at the sound of Delia's laughter and the fond, exasperated look on Brock's and Misty's faces that drew everyone's attention.

"Nah, that's just how Ash is. Always excited to see the next thing or challenger. I guess it was only a matter of time before Anabel followed along," Brock mused with a smirk seeing the pair give each other a fist bump and wearing matching grins on their faces before making their way towards opposite ends of the battlefield.

"And she was so much calmer when I met her too..." Misty added in with a wistful sigh, yet still had a smile on her face seeing her two friends so happy.

The Cerulean gym leader had long since buried the hatchet with Anabel when it came to her feelings over Ash, having discussed them when she eventually found out about their relationship. Looking back at the bittersweet memory, she couldn't help but recall the ache in her heart and the painful conversations that she had to have with Ash, Anabel, and even Brock.

Though once Ash told her that he didn't feel the same way and had some time to reflect, she truly saw how happy Ash was with Anabel. Giving the lilac-haired girl looks and glances that he never gave her or any other girl as far as she could tell and from what Brock told her on their travels through Hoenn and Sinnoh. Making moving on from her crush more bearable, as Misty truly believed that they were meant for each other.

"Guys! Are you coming over or what?"

The group looked up to see Ash and Anabel pause in their preparation to look over the group in confusion, wondering why they were still standing around. Making them shake from their momentary stupor as they head towards them with excitement and curiosity, wondering what a battle between two Frontier Brains would look like.

Anabel crouched down a bit to talk to Espeon while Ash stretched himself with Pikachu to prepare for this upcoming battle. Both trainers looking forward to battling each other after being apart for some time as the others looked on from the sidelines.

"I saw a battle between two Frontier Brains before. I wonder who would win," Lillie wondered.

"Ash did say he was higher than her in rankings," Mallow stated with a furrowed brow.

"Ash is pretty strong, but we don't know how Anabel battles at all to say a definitive answer," Sophocles added his own two cents into the conversation.

"One thing is for sure; you can count on them not to Slakoth!" the principal replied with a dopey expression on his face, much to the exasperation of the students.

While Kukui rolled his eyes at the pun, he couldn't help but agree with the statements of his students or the principal. Finding himself surprisingly eager to see what kind of strategies or moves these two can pull in a one-on-one battle.

"Pikachu, I choose you!" Ash exclaimed while trading a fist pump to his faithful friend, who quickly got onto the battlefield on all fours with an eager grin and cheeks sparking with electricity.

"Espeon, my friend!"

The Eevee evolution darted ahead until she too was on the battlefield, an eager look in her eyes as she carefully watched Pikachu's movements.

"I will oversee the battle," Misty said while standing ahead of the group to keep a close eye on the two competing, "The battle is a One-on-One between Anabel and Ash, with the battle ending after one of their Pokémon are unable to continue."

Ash clenched his fists and anticipation while grinning at Anabel, who shared her own eagerness in her eyes as she smiled back at him. The two nodded in synch at Misty's rules as the orange-haired girl nodded in understanding, throwing an arm down as one would do for a performance or race.

"Battle Begin!"

"Alright Pikachu, let's start off with a quick attack!"

With a mighty cry, the electric mouse was covered in a white glow before darting off toward Espeon at high speeds. A determined focus was on his face as he charged in while keeping the opponent in his sights.

'Charging in once again Ash?' Anabel thought with a slight smirk before focusing her attention on her opponent, 'Espeon, please use quick attack as well.'

The psychic-type was also covered in the same white glow before darting forward to collide with Pikachu, their heads ramming into each other before being sent backward and skidding across the ground on all fours with gritted teeth.

'Don't let him rest! Use Iron Tail!'

Espeon managed to regain her bearings first and rapidly darted towards Pikachu as soon as the command was made, catching both Ash and the mouse off guard as the psychic struck her opponent's side with a hardened tail. Flinging Pikachu off to the side with a startled cry.

"Pikachu!" Ash cried out in worry.

The group was surprised that Anabel was able to land the first hit, since as far as they could tell Ash was always the one that made first contact whenever he battles an opponent, even if they managed to block it. Though one of them noticed something odd about the way Anabel battled, something that caught him off guard.

"Hey, Anabel didn't even call out a move. Did Espeon start before she had a chance to speak?" Kiawe asked in confusion seeing that Anabel didn't give a vocal command and seeing the collision.

Brock chuckled knowing that they were going to be stumped again, looking at the others with a mirthful chuckle that also got Delia giggling.

"No, that's just the way she operates. She's just so connected with her Pokémon that she's somehow able to convey her attacks with mere thoughts. Even she doesn't fully understand how she can do it sometimes," Brock said with amusement as he kept his eyes on the battle.

The others stared in amazement at Anabel's deep connection to her Pokémon, fully witnessing the full scope of the Battle frontier along with the vast set of abilities and strategies. Though that did make them worry about how their friend is supposed to counter an opponent who doesn't say what they are doing.

"Oh man! How is anyone able to compete against that!?" Sophocles cried out in shock.

"Will Ash be ok?" Lana couldn't help but voice out her concerns seeing such an unusual battling style while holding Popplio in her lap.

"Now guys, Ash probably battled her numerous times at this point. Not to mention that he already beat her once before given that he is a Frontier Brain himself," Kukui looked over briefly to his students seeing their distress but quickly refocused on the battle ahead, wanting to see how Ash reacted to this type of opponent.

All the students nodded uneasily while their Pokémon partners cheered at the battle in front of them, taking in this next experience as Ash's Pokémon also cheered them both on from beside them.

'Alright Espeon, use Zap Cannon!'

A large orb of electricity was formed from the head of Espeon and quickly launched towards Pikachu with a shout, the massive electric sphere heading towards the mouse.

"Dodge it!" Ash shouted with a grin as he clenched his fists in excitement and anticipation.

"Pika!"

The electric rodent used his tail as a makeshift spring, leaping high into the air as the attack harmlessly passed below him. Creating a large explosion behind Ash that shocked everyone who was watching at the amount of power the Espeon demonstrated.

"Now Electro Ball!" Ash cried while punching a fist out.

Pikachu's twirled in the air while electricity started to build on its body, his fur bristling with the voltage as his tail started to form a sphere of static at the end. Before shooting off the attack towards Espeon with a flick of his tail.

Anabel cursed internally knowing that Espeon wouldn't have time to dodge, 'Espeon, please bear it!'

The psychic gritted her teeth as the attack made contact, the electricity coursed through her body while keeping an eye on her opponent as Pikachu landed across the battlefield awaiting the next order from Ash.

"Alright Pikachu, Iron Tail!"

Leaping towards Espeon once more with a battle cry, his tail hardened like steel before Twisting his lower half as he neared Espeon to get a bit of momentum. Who finally felt the last of the electricity leave her system.

'Get ready for it and use psychic!'

With a shout of confirmation, purple eyes glowed bright blue while carefully watching her opponent as he quickly approached her face. Getting a hold of Pikachu just as the tail was about to make contact, suddenly stopping inches away from her face as a blue aura surrounding the mouse made him and Ash cry out in surprise.

'Now throw him back!'

Following her trainer's orders, Pikachu was suddenly flung back towards Ash with a startled cry once more. Tumbling along the ground a bit before getting on all fours, a bit of dirt and scrapes on his fur and body from the barrage.

Ash narrowed his eyes the slightest as he carefully watched his opponent, searching along the field as Pikachu panted slightly. Before a sudden, familiar gleam appeared in his eyes, a trait that let Anabel and Kukui that a plan was made.

"Pikachu! Let's make sure she can't get a read on us. Use quick attack to charge ahead!"

"Pika!"

Anabel watched the mouse's face share the same eager grin with his trainer even as he shouted in confirmation without turning back. Trusting Ash completely as he charged ahead with the same attack from before. Yet Anabel could see that he was much faster, nearly becoming a blur on the field that made her hesitate for a moment. Ash somehow was able to follow where his partner was with narrowed eyes while Anabel frantically searched the area for the electric type.

'Espeon! Please jump up!'

The Eevee evolution leaped into the air at her trainer's command, who wanted the psychic type to be safe from the unseen opponent as she regained her bearing. Yet was caught off guard when Pikachu suddenly appeared on the field once more, sporting a grin that matched Ash's to a tee.

"Now! Pikachu! Iron tail when she lands!"

"Pika!"

Kukui was in awe at the quick thinking from Ash who now shifted the pace of the battle in his favor. As it was only then that Anabel realized that she played right into her boyfriend's hands with Espeon being unable to dodge due to her position in the air.

"Espeon! Block it with your own iron tail the best you can!"

Just as her partner neared the ground, Pikachu charged ahead with his tail already hardened and twisting towards Espeon. Who barely managed to block the initial attack with her own and got sent tumbling back as Pikachu did earlier, taking some minor damage. Though she wasn't able to get a moment of rest, as Pikachu was charging ahead again with its tail once more.

"One more time! Iron Tail!"

Anabel steeled herself as Espeon managed to get onto her own feet, feeling the pace of the battle increase in intensity along with her heartbeat now that Ash got her on the defense.

"Espeon, block with your own iron tail and don't stop until you land a hit!"

The psychic narrowed her eyes before striking her own hardened tail towards Pikachu, who gritted his teeth at the impact before making another swing that was blocked again. The tails collided with one another in a stalemate while also sending out a gust of wind that made everyone cover their eyes from the impact. A testament to how strong the two were after so many battles.

"Keep it up Pikachu! We'll make sure this one hits!"

Kukui watched in amazement as the blows only got quicker and more intense, faster than any of the battles Ash participated in so far bar the one with Tapu Koko. Really seeing the difference as he put his absolute all into his partner's move by actively moving alongside him. Thrusting a fist out whenever he went on the attack and clenching his fist in excitement and anticipation all while sporting a large grin on his face. A feature that he also found in Anabel, even if she wasn't as emotive as him.

"Faster Pikachu! Faster!"

The hard impacts only seemed to increase, with Pikachu's strikes becoming harder and faster than his opponent's. Who could barely keep up with the assault as the psychic type slowly got pushed back.

"GO!" Ash cried out in encouragement just as Pikachu resolved himself with his own battle cry, striking Espeon on her side and sending her flying with a loud smack of his tail.

"Espeon!" Anabel cried out in worry.

"W-Whoa, I never knew Pikachu could get that intense," Kiawe said in awe.

"It's like seeing a whole new person," Mallow added.

They watched Espeon get back onto her feet with a wince, yet she looked more than able to continue as she looked back toward her trainer with an eager look in her eyes.

"Espe."

"I know, I'm getting excited too," Anabel agreed as she watched Ash gain another gleam in his eyes. One that told her that he was feeling the same while also having a sort of plan in mind.

"Now keep firing Electro Balls!"

Pikachu charged himself up with power before flicking his tail repeatedly at his opponent, sending a volley of Electro Balls toward the Psychic type.

"Espeon! Dodge them and get in close!" Anabel shouted in a rare moment of anticipation and excitement.

The psychic type charged towards Pikachu, dodging all the sparkling spheres with grace by sidestepping and running forward as the attacks exploded on the ground behind and beside her. Something that made the students nervous seeing none of the attacks land, but the professor from Alola only grinned seeing Ash's own smile never wavering in the slightest.

Anabel's own face displayed confusion at the sight of her boyfriend's unwavering resilience, yet was shocked when Pikachu had the same face as Espeon finally closed the gap between them.

"Now! Iron tail!"

"Pika!"

Anabel's eyes widen in shock and realization as Espeon mimicked her expression finding Pikachu's attack suddenly changing. The tail ending its electric barrage and becoming a familiar glow while hardening into steel before striking Espeon in the face.

"Espeon!"

"What just happened?" Lillie questioned in confusion at the fast-paced action, "It was almost like Ash...

"...used electro ball to draw in his opponent," Kukui finished her statement in awe. Truly seeing a new side of Ash in his element in the Battle Frontier as he effectively turned the tide in his favor.

Pikachu and Espeon panted slightly in exhaustion at the constant dodging and attacks thrown and knew that the next one would be their last.

The trainers seemed to have realized this too, as Ash and Anabel locked eyes with one another and decided to put their all into the next move. The young man turned his Cap backward with a grin while Anabel's own hands clenched in excitement, a rare sight for anyone who knew her typical demeanor.

"Thunderbolt!"

"Zap Cannon!"

Pikachu and Espeon charged themselves up before firing off their attacks at the same time, with the electric type's thunderbolt stopping the massive orb in its track in the air. A feat that took time to master for Ash and Pikachu as it required a lot of energy and power, yet that didn't stop them from giving it their all as Espeon's own attack slightly increased in size.

Eventually, the massive orb exploded in a massive array of power that made everyone shield their eyes from the light and wind. Unable to see the outcome for a moment before the effects of the collision finally died down. With a panting Pikachu on his four legs overlooking a panting Espeon, the group and trainers looked on in anticipation over who won. Yet was stunned to see Espeon who collapsed a second later.

Misty got up close to see and saw that Espeon had a tired and dazed expression on her face, throwing an arm toward Ash and Pikachu.

"Espeon is unable to battle, which means Ash is the winner!"

"All right!" Ash cheered while Pikachu tiredly did the same. With the visitors releasing their own breath that they were unaware of holding.

Anabel walked up to Espeon who managed to open her eyes at her trainer, cooing under Anabel's touch as she complimented their battle.

"Yes, I believe they have gotten stronger," Anabel agreed with a laugh as she watched Ash approach her with a tired Pikachu in his arms.

"Looks like I win this time Anabel. It was pretty close there towards the end, but I had a lot of fun battling with you again!"

"I had a lot of fun too." Anabel said with a smile that made Ash grin in joy.

They were taken out of their conversation when Bulbasaur and Snivy came up to them and offered the two Pokémon numerous berries they gathered from the forest as a way to replenish their energy. The two combatants took the snacks with gratitude as Leavanny came to give them compliments with a slight bow, with many others soon joining in.

"That was an outstanding battle! Truly an experience you can't get anywhere else!" Professor Kukui praised with eager eyes.

"For sure! I was on the edge of my seat!" Lillie Added in.

"It was like an eruption from Wela Volcano!" Kiawe said in awe and fascination.

Ash and Anabel took the compliments in stride, just glad that they were able to battle each other after being apart while also giving an example of what the Battle Frontier had to offer. Though there were unaware of another pair of eyes that were watching as well.

"Well Ash, it's good to see your skills haven't fallen during your travels."

The young man in question along with the others turned to see a man wearing sunglasses and a blue flower-pattered shirt and shorts walk up towards them with a proud expression while Tracey followed closely behind.

"And I see you have a couple of visitors as well."

"Scott! When did you get here?!" Ash shouted in surprise.

The founder was amused by Ash's exclamation, knowing that he was too focused on the battle to notice his presence.

"In the middle of your match with Anabel," Scott explained before shooting a knowing look, "I see you already beat me here for the challenger this time around."

"Yeah! We were on a field trip when Anabel came to give the call, so I was able to get started right away."

Scott nodded in understating and smiled in amusement at Ash's boundless energy before finally turning to face their unannounced guests with a slight bow.

"Welcome to the Battle Frontier, I'm the founder of the Kanto Battle Frontier: Scott. I started this organization because it was always my dream to see the best of the best, while also expanding the art of Pokémon battles."

"The art of Pokémon battles?" Lillie questioned with a head tilt.

"That's right. As you are aware, no two trainers are the same. Having their own strategies, abilities, and gimmicks when it comes to battles. Whether it be from the way they train their Pokémon or the way they battle," he briefly explained before throwing a proud look towards Ash and Anabel, "As you can tell from their own battle moments ago, Ash and Anabel are far from your typical trainers. Which makes the battle so much more interesting, wouldn't you agree?"

"For sure!" the students shouted in agreement, fascinated by the short introduction of the whole organization of the new arrival. Who washed in the praise with a smug and eager look, making Anabel and Ash roll their eyes at his show boasting.

"Hey Scott, where is the challenger? I thought you were supposed to bring him here?" Anabel curiously asked seeing that the person in question was nowhere to be found.

"Now you guys don't have anything to worry about," the founder reassured them with a smile, "He saw something in the forest on the way here and wanted to check it out. As a matter of fact, I reckon he's going to show up any minute now."

Everyone turned as one while leaning in anticipation to see a figure in the distance walking towards the entrance of the area. The sight of a teen with brown hair carrying a large backpack and a Pikachu with frazzled hair on his shoulder looking around the field in amazement. His expression was one of wonder similar to the ones the Alolans displayed earlier seeing the different kinds of battlefields that were displayed throughout the area but paused seeing the group of people in front of him. Spotting many unfamiliar faces until his eyes locked onto Ash, who had his own bewildered expression mirrored onto the person that he was going to battle.

Ritchie.

Chapter Text

Ash and Ritchie wordlessly stared at one another in shock, surprised that they were meeting each other again after being apart for so long. Brock and Misty also shared their own surprise as the Alolans looked on in confusion, not knowing what to make of this encounter. But the silence only lasted for a moment before a large smile broke out between Ash and the new arrival.

"Oh wow! I can't believe that you're here!" Ritchie exclaimed in joy as he rushed forward and stuck a hand out in greeting.

"Me either!" Ash returned the gesture with a firm handshake and grin as Pikachu climbed onto his shoulder to welcome Sparky. "I didn't know you were challenging the Battle Frontier!"

"And I didn't know you were part of it!"

Anabel looked on in interest at the familiarity between the two, surprised at how well they were getting along despite supposedly meeting each other for the first time. With Ritchie's perking up when he met her eyes.

"Oh Miss Anabel, I didn't know you were here either!"

Ash raised an eyebrow at the title while Anabel laughed softly in amusement at Ritchie's polite gesture. Having already gotten used to it after talking to him and challenging him.

"Ritchie, we're the same age. You don't have to say 'Miss' when you address me. Anabel is just fine."

"Right... I remember you telling me that when we battled," Ritchie admitted with a sheepish laugh.

Ash's joyful expression dampened as he turned to his girlfriend with a slight pout, unamused that she kept him in the dark about a friend coming over to challenge him.

"It would have been nice to know you would be coming though."

Anabel softly rolled her eyes at his stubbornness before gently poking him in the arm, "You knew the conditions of the Battle Frontier: you can't know who you are facing beforehand," she explained as a knowing look appeared. "Besides, you didn't tell me that you knew Ritche anyway. So how could I warn you before he showed up?"

Ash looked off to the side and grumbled at being corrected, but said nothing knowing that she was completely right. Though he did smile when he heard her soft laugh and a small peck hitting his cheek, a gesture that didn't fail to make his face heat up.

Ritchie blinked at the romantic gesture, quickly putting two and two together realizing that these two were more than friends. A fact that he found surprising, but not unlikely given how long it had been since he last saw Ash in person.

Meanwhile, the Alolans couldn't help glancing between Ash and Ritchie in slight surprise after seeing them greet one another. Seeing numerous similarities between their passion and looks even if they were two completely different people.

"It's like seeing double..." Kukui noted with amusement as he stroked his chin with a grin.

Ritchie managed to hear the scattered conversations of the others, turning away from his conversation with Ash and Anabel to see the quizzical stares of numerous people. Making him raise an eyebrow towards his lifelong friend who turned to see what he was looking at before briefly explaining.

"They're with me," Ash started to explain with his signature grin on his face. "We were on a field trip when Anabel told me someone was coming to challenge."

"A field trip?" Ritchie looked between Ash and the unknown group in confusion, one that Ash was happy to answer.

"Yup! I'm in the Pokémon school in Alola right now going through the islands and doing the challenges. We had a trip scheduled here in Kanto when you came to challenge me, so we decided to show them what the Battle Frontier is all about!"

Ritchie raised an eyebrow towards Anabel, a silent question to her if he was really going to school in a new region. She quickly nodded in slight amusement, an act that made Ritchie slightly surprised but quickly accepted knowing that Ash wouldn't lie to him about this sort of thing. Before Ash quickly introduced the new arrival to all of his friends from Alola, Ritchie taking in their names and passions with fascination.

"But that makes me wonder, how did you get an invite to challenge the Battle Frontier in the first place?" Kiawe asked after the last person was introduced and the group was acquainted with one another.

"I heard tales of a person going around Kanto and Johto helping anyone in need, no matter how difficult or challenging the task was," Scott jumped in with a grin on his face. "And when I happened to find him in the middle of a battle, I just knew that I had to send an invitation out."

"Ah well..." Ritchie scratched his cheek sheepishly as a small red hue grew from the praise. An act that amused the Alolans as Ash wrapped an arm around Ritchie with a large grin on his face.

"He and I first met in the Kanto league, which was the first league that I competed in. Though we did meet up again in Johto to help someone out with something."

Ritchie smiled as he remembered their encounter way back then and in appreciation at keeping the Lugia encounter they had a secret even after all this time.

"First the Unova league and now Kanto? Just how many leagues have you participated in Ash?" Kukui couldn't help but ask with a slightly bewildered expression after hearing his feats, even more so when Ash paused to count off his fingers. Mumbling to himself with the eyes of the Alolans widening as the number started to increase till he reached his second hand.

"Six so far, with Kalos being the most recent one I participated in, but I also did some small tournaments along the way," Ash informed them with a smile before being interrupted by Misty.

"Don't forget the Orange Islands."

"Oh right, I competed in that too."

The Alolans looked at him with wide eyes and dropped jaws, unable to imagine the full scope of his adventures through the journey he went on. A fact that Anabel could get behind after only going through one of those journeys with him.

"How do you even have the time to compete if you're part of the Battle Frontier?" Mallow couldn't help but ask imagining his busy schedule.

"The Battle Frontier is not usually open when the Pokémon Leagues are happening, so I allow Ash to journey through regions during the off-season," Scott informed them. "The only condition I have is that he must return if there is a challenger that I personally invited, like today."

Kukui and the students nodded in understanding at the conditions placed on Ash, with the Professor from Alola looking at Ash with a sense of respect. Knowing that it wasn't easy to balance his duties as a Frontier Brain while also traveling throughout the world. Making him see his student and boarder in a whole new light.

"But anyways, I'm sure that Ash would want to get started on the battle right away after being so long. Isn't that right?" the founder said with a knowing smile on his face.

"For sure!" Ash exclaimed before turning slightly with his arm still around Ritchie as he gestured towards the various battlefields with an eager expression. "Choose any of that you want! Then we can get started right away!"

"R-Really?" Ritchie asked in shock at the offer as he looked at each of the arenas. "I get to choose?"

"You bet! You can choose any one of them for our upcoming battle!"

Ritchie paused for a moment and looked at the various battlefields that were available to him, thinking about which one would be the best use for him and the team he had in mind going against Ash before finally deciding on one with a large smile.

"I will pick the rocky one if you don't mind."

"Not at all!" Ash answered back, "I can't wait to get started!"

Ash and Ritchie shared a firm handshake with each other before making their way to opposite ends of the rocky terrain with their electric partners following closely behind them, eager to get the battle underway.

"Well, I better make my way towards the referee spot," Tracy said with amusement towards the others who remained. "I'm pretty sure they're going to want to get started right away."

Anabel watched Ash and Ritchie sprint across the field in excitement, wanting to get started on the battle right away much to the amusement of her and everyone there. Ash's Pokémon followed their trainer's lead as they rushed towards the seating area that was near the field, a gesture that they all took part in as they found their own seats. Yet the purplette paused when Brock suddenly asked her a question as they walked towards the arena.

"Hey Anabel, what were you saying about rankings earlier?"

"...What do you mean?" she asked a bit nervously seeing the focus turned towards the Pokémon Doctor.

"It's just that you looked like you wanted to say something before, but suddenly stopped. So I couldn't help but wonder if something was up."

"I was wondering that too," Professor Kukui admitted as he watched Ash finally make his way onto the field and started to stretch his arms and legs with anticipation. "I noticed your reaction earlier, but didn't want to put you on the spot."

Anabel was surprised that they noticed her reaction given how brief it was but didn't say anything as everyone's eyes turned towards her in interest. Making her sigh as she watched Ritchie setting down his backpack beside him and making his own preparations.

"Before Ash decided to go to Alola, Scott talked with Brandon to see if there were any changes to be made in our current ranking seeing that he was the strongest in our facility and had a good indication of how strong me and the others were against him," Anabel answered seeing Scott's encouraging nod towards her at the statement.

"Who's Brandon?" Kukui asked seeing that someone knew was mentioned.

"Brandon is the Eight Frontier Brain and the strongest person in the entire organization," Brock answered recalling his own experience with the strongest member. "Ash even had to challenge him multiple times before he managed to finally beat him when he was going through the Battle Frontier."

The Alolans nodded in slight understanding and surprise at the description, now knowing who Brandon was and where Ash stood in terms of strength. Having seen their friend go against Tapu Koko with Pikachu a few times by now gave them some level of perception of how the final Frontier Brain can be in the organization-

"Was..." Anabel interrupted their thoughts with an uneasy expression, making everyone shift their attention towards her at once.

"...Was?" Misty repeated while blinking in confusion.

"Yes," Anabel answered with a hint of caution awaiting the outburst. "Brandon was the Eight Frontier Brain..."

The silence that Anabel witnessed was nearly overwhelming, their expressions so stunned and dumbfounded that no words were able to be uttered. Even Brock and Misty were at a loss looking at Ash across the field, the person they saw made countless mistakes at the beginning of his journey now being at the top of the Battle Frontier. Scott smirking to himself in pride from the sidelines at their reaction.

"...Ash is the Eight Frontier Brain?" Delia quietly asked in shock as her eyes welled up in pride, knowing that it wasn't too long ago when her son had to go through their training and initiation before he was able to join.

"Not officially," Scott answered Delia with a more serious tone given the fact that he was talking to Ash's mother. "We were about to discuss it with him the moment the season ended a few months ago, but his sudden announcement of staying in Alola put those plans on hold for the time being."

"...But why now?" Brock asked in stunned surprise at his friend's new ranking. "Why the sudden change now and not before?"

"Well," Anabel started with a sly smile, "have you seen his performance in the Kalos League?"

Kukui frowned as he and none of the students had any idea what Anabel was getting at, as they didn't particularly pay attention to any other league events unless it was for the sake of a lesson at school. Yet the Alola professor noticed the look of shocked realization between Brock and Misty, a frown forming on his face at being the one left out. Making a note to check on Ash's performance in the Kalos region back home.

Scott ignored their continued silence as he looked back onto Ash on the field while tapping the bottom of his chin thoughtfully, "Though now I'm considering putting that conversation off until he finishes learning what he can in Alola so that he doesn't become distracted on his journey. It'd be a shame if the newfound responsibilities started to cloud his judgment."

The founder and Anabel shared a look before nodding and turning back to the group with a raised eyebrow having come to the same conclusion.

"I'd appreciate it if you don't tell Ash this whenever he is done with this battle and heads back to Alola," Scott stated with a frown and furrowed brow, "I would hate to put stress on him when he's technically off the clock and on a journey."

The visitors could only nod dumbly at the statement as they went to the outdoor seating area for the battle, seeing that Ash and Ritchie were done with their preparations and were about to start. Getting themselves comfortable while their excitement grew at the thought of seeing the potentially strongest member of the Battle Frontier about to compete against the challenger.

Ash couldn't help but grin at the thought of finally battling Ritchie after being apart for so long, especially when it was back in his arena in Pallet Town. And despite Pikachu not being the one battling on the field this time around, he could tell his faithful companion felt the same way. Wanting to know how much Ritchie has grown since the last time they battled.

Ritchie's own eagerness was demonstrated by the wide smile that was on his face, with a small sense of restlessness being seen in the way his hands fiddle with the Pokeball on his belt. Looking at his competitor in excitement from across the rocky plains.

Meanwhile, Tracy finally made his way to the sidelines and looked between the two competitors before stating the rules of the match.

"This match will be a three-on-three battle between Arena Guardian Ash and Ritchie. Furthermore, only the challenger will be able to switch Pokémon throughout the match. This battle will be over when one side has no more Pokémon left to battle."

"'Arena Guardian Ash?'" Lana repeated with confusion hearing the new title.

"Ash can't switch out Pokémon?" Kiawe added in with surprise seeing the new rules being stated by Tracy.

"We usually have a certain theme or gimmick for each of our facilities," Anabel shrugged with a slight smile. "It makes each of us unique in its own strange way."

"'The rules for switching are also the same for gym leaders when a challenger comes to our gym," Misty added seeing their confusion. "We do it to test how a challenger will adapt in battle."

"But don't count Ash out just yet," Brock said with a smirk seeing their worry. "Ash usually has a way fight even when it's stacked against him."

While the visitors took in that information in stride for the most part, they still looked back onto the field in anticipation of what is to come. Ash grinning excitement as he gestured out towards the field with an outstretched hand, letting the name of his first Pokémon out with a joyful cry.

"Totodile, I choose you!"

A smile formed on a small, blue, bipedal crocodile as it hobbled its way toward the center of the arena in excitement. Leaping towards the air in a front flip as the other captures behind it cheered it on, sticking the landing with a prideful expression and a delighted cry.

"Toto-dile!"

The viewers of the battle watched as the small blue creature continued to hop in place with a bright smile on its face and occasionally tapping along the ground while ending the dance with a twirl on its foot. Getting cheers and applause from everyone behind him along with Ash and Pikachu.

"Oh wow, a Totodile!" Kukui leaned forward in interest at the starter being used for this match. "Haven't seen one of those in action for a while!"

Ash's Rotom moved forward, wanting to share information about the Pokémon that appeared on the field with the others watching the event.

"Totodile, the big jaw Pokémon, a water type. Despite the smallness of its body, Totodile's jaws are very powerful. While the Pokémon may think it is just playfully nipping, its bite has enough power to cause serious injury," Rotom cheerfully called out while displaying pictures of the Pokémon to the rest of the group.

The Alolans shifted between the picture Rotom displayed and the Pokémon on the field, the adorable performance doing little to counteract the slightly hazardous information about the Johto starter's jaws.

"He's so cute!" Lana squealed while holding her cheeks in delight at the little performance, the praise only making Totodile more delighted as he spun around on his heel once more with a large smile on his face.

"A Totodile, huh?" Ritchie said thoughtfully as he reached for one of the Pokéballs on his belt and threw it out in the field. "Leafy, I choose you!"

A Leafeon suddenly appeared on the field in a shimmer of light, the leaves on its ears and tail flowing gently on the breeze as it looked across the field in interest. Before slightly crouching as it prepared for battle.

"Leafeon, the Verdant Pokémon, a Grass Type. This Pokémon's tail is blade sharp, with a fantastic cutting edge that can slice right through large trees," The Rotom informed the group before turning around and started its recording, not wanting to miss a single moment of the battle.

"Look like Ritchie has the advantage," Sophocles stated seeing the two Pokémon on the field, "I guess that's what happens when you choose before knowing who you're up against."

"Perhaps," Anabel admitted with a shrug, "But typing is not always everything when it comes to a battle. Something that Ash knows from experience."

Despite the disadvantage Ash had, a grin made its way onto his face as he started down Ritchie from across the field. Wanting nothing more than to get this battle started.

"Alright Totodile, it's been a while since we fought together. So let's show everyone here what we're made of!"

"Totodile!"

The water type eagerly cheered before facing forward and staring down at its opponent with a leer, one that made the Lefeaon raise an eyebrow in surprise at its sudden change in tenacity after seeing how playful it was a second earlier. Tracy raised a hand up in the air before officially calling the start of the match.

"Battle begin!"

"Let's get started right away Leafy," Tracy said wanting to get in the first, "use Quick Attack!"

The Leafeon charged towards the Johto starter with a white aura surrounding his body, darting across the rocky field with ease as Totodile stood awaiting his trainer's orders with a large smile on his face.

"Totodile, use Water Gun below you!"

The Johto starter immediately turned his head down and shot a huge stream of water from his mouth, lifting him above the ground as the Leafeon's attack harmlessly passed by below him. Getting a surprised exclamation from Ritchie across the field and the people watching on the side as the Eevee evolution skidded to a stop.

"Now bite onto his tail!"

With a gleeful smile, Totodile dropped back down from the sky and latched onto the tail of the Leafeon with a harsh bite. Making the grass-type eyes widen and tear up from the painful act as Ritchie cried out in worry.

"Leafy, use Quick Attack to get him off of you!"

The Leafeon glowed once more while darting across the field in an attempt to knock the water type off her tail, yet Totodile was still firmly latched on with a smile much to her dismay. Making Ash laugh at Totodile's tenacity knowing full well that his jaws were only second to Gible's. The two frequently gnawed on his head as a way to show their affection.

"You're gonna have to do more than that to get rid of my Totodile Ritchie!" Ash called across the battlefield with a bit of a laugh.

Ritchie clenched his fists, but it was in excitement at the fact that he was finally having a battle with Ash again. Looking at his opponent with a sense of nostalgia even if he was seeing some odd and new tactics, looking at his Pokémon carefully before an idea struck him.

"Leafy, use Leaf Blade to knock him off!"

The Leafeon skidded to a stop as it focused its strength on the end of the tail, the appendage glowing bright green made Ash's eyes widen in shock due to the position of his Pokémon.

"Totodile, let go of his tail!"

The Johto starter didn't hesitate to follow through on Ash's command but was shocked to see the tail of its opponent extending outward in a green glow. Striking the water on the nose as it flinched backward with a pained cry, the super-effective move doing considerable damage.

"Totodile, are you ok?!"

"Toto..." the water type rubbed his snout with a grimace as it glared at his opponent with a leer. Not liking that its attack was rebounded by the grass type.

"Razor Leaf!"

With a flick of its tail, the Leafeon shot out numerous projectiles toward Totolie, whose eyes widened in shock at the incoming attack. But Ash only grinned at the sight as he focused his attention on his water type.

"Let's show them your moves, dodge it!"

The water type twirled on its toes with a large smile on his face, dodging the incoming attack with skips and hops as Ritchie's eyes widened at the act before narrowing his eyes in concentration.

"Keep it up!"

The Leafeon nodded as it continued firing off Razor Leaf at its opponent, who frustrated it by dodging her attacks by skipping and twirling to the sides with a large grin on his face. Slowly making his way towards the grass type with grace as Ash made his next command.

"Water Gun!"

Totodile released a torrent of water from its maw the moment he had a chance to do so, smacking the Leafeon on the face and making it skid backward with gritted teeth. Coming to a stop by a rocky mound with water dripping off the grass type's face and an eye twitching in annoyance at the constant barrage.

Meanwhile, Totodile gave off a smile with slight pants leaving its mouth at the constant movement this battle required. The disadvantage in typing forcing it to constantly outperform its opponent to land a hit, a gesture that Ritchie took notice of.

"Alright Leafy, let's try this one more time. Use Quick Attack!"

The Leafeon had a white aura form around its body once more as it dashed across the field in a zig-zag pattern, getting a startled squawk at the water type as it tried to focus on the approaching threat with narrowed eyes."

"Keep cool Totodile and use Water Gun!"

Totodile gave a grim smile as it tried to focus on the approaching grass type, the exhaustion of dancing around the field caused him to hesitate as it shot a stream of water from its maw once more. Its aim trailed after the speeding grass type as it tore through rocks and pebbles.

Meanwhile, the Leafeon continued to make its way across the field with haste before it eventually closed the distance and slammed into the water type with tremendous force. The Eeveeloution skidded to a stop as the Johto starter was launched towards one of the rocky mounds, landing on its back with a stunned and slightly pained cry.

"Totodile!" Ash cried in worry.

The water type landed on the ground and on its knees as struggled to get back up, glaring at its opponent with one eye open as it righted itself up. Determined to keep on fighting to the very end even with the injuries it received.

"Razor Leaf!"

With a flick of it, another barrage of leaves was shot towards the Johto starter who could do nothing but accept the oncoming attack. A startled cry escaped its mouth as the attack made contact and a could of dust went up into the air much to Ash's and Pikachu's worry.

"Totodile!"

"Pika!"

As the dust settled, everyone could see the sight of Totodile lying on its belly with a dazed expression. Overwhelmed by the efforts of his endeavors and the attacks from Ritchie's Pokémon.

"Totodile is unable to battle," Tracy called out after seeing the state of Ash's Pokémon.

"All right Leafy, let's keep it going!" Ritchie cheered with a fist pump, causing the Leafeon to give a slight cheer of its own even as it eyed the downed opponent with some surprise. Not expecting the fight to be so evenly matched with the type advantage it had.

Meanwhile, the people on the sidelines discussed their own opinions on the battle at hand, seeing the intensity and variations of a Battle Frontier match for the first time.

"He lost..." Kiawe stated with a frown and a hint of surprise in his voice, seeing Ash struggle against an opponent for the first time in a while.

"Well, he did pick a water type against a grass type," Sophocles added in with a scratch of his head, not quite sure what to think about Ash's strategy of picking random Pokémon for this match given how it turned out.

"He still did really good though," Lana said with sympathy at the fallen water type since she liked how playful the Johto starter was and how it used dancing to dodge. Popplio clapped along in agreement beside her as it cheered over the performance.

"The match is still going," Kukui advised the class as he eyed Ash with a growing grin of his own, excited to see what new strategies and moves may be utilized in this battle.

"Totodile, return," Ash called out as a beam of light shot towards the dazed Pokémon, returning it back towards its ball as the teen gave a prideful smile to the Johto starter. "You did great showing off your moves. Now try to get a good rest."

Ash returned the ball to his belt before glancing at the rest of his Pokémon that were watching on the sidelines, perking up at the sight of their trainer as he turned his gaze back towards the battlefield and towards his opponent sporting a large grin. Already looking forward to how this next match will turn out.

"Noctowl, I choose you!"

The normal and flying type Pokémon perked up from the crowd of Ash's captures and glided silently towards the battlefield as the other captures cheered it on. The golden feathers sparkled in the sunlight before landing on one of the rocky mounds gazing at his opponent thoughtfully with a tilt of its head. Looking for any signs of weakness or advantage that it could use for this upcoming battle as Rotom tuned towards the new arrival.

"Noctowl, the Owl Pokémon, a normal and flying type. Its eyes are specially developed to enable it to see clearly even in murky darkness and minimal light," Rotom informed them before turning around to see the specimen with a confused expression on his screen. "But I've never seen this coloration on it before, and the size is a bit smaller than usual."

"All Pokémon have a different color than the ones we usually associate them with, usually referring to them as 'shiny' Pokémon given how they sometimes sparkle," Kukui informed the group as he took the new opportunity to teach them something. "They are extraordinarily rare, so I'm surprised that Ash even managed to catch one."

"It was certainly not easy catching it," Brock said with amusement, "and it had nothing to do with it being a shiny."

Misty chuckled alongside Brock recalling that day, when the normal and flying type used constant tricks and ruses to throw them off guard.

Ritchie watched the new arrival with caution, vaguely remembering the flying type when they met up in Johto so long ago. But not enough to know what kind of moves or strategy Ash had for it as he got ready to continue.

"Let's get the momentum going Leafy!"

"Leaf-eon!"

Ash only grinned at the proclamation from Ritchie, pointing his index finger out towards his opponent's Pokémon before shouting towards the owl.

"Get in close Noctowl!"

The owl spread out its wings elegantly for a moment before taking off into the sky, the feathers shining faintly on its body as it then dove towards the grass type with narrowed eyes.

"Let's put a stop to it with Razor Leaf!"

With a flick of its tail, the Eevee evolution sent a volley of sharp leaves hurdling towards its opponent. Yet Ash and the owl didn't seem too disturbed by the ongoing attack as they continued to charge ahead.

"Dodge it!"

Already knowing how the opponent's projectiles moved based on the previous battle, Noctowl completely turned its body 90 degrees to the right so that it flew on its side, the blades of grass barely missing its body and making Ritchie's and the grass type's eye widen in surprise and shock as the owl continued to make its way towards the Leafeon. Stopping right in front of the grass type with a slightly prideful and knowing look.

"Now Extrasensory!"

A bright aura suddenly emerged from the bird's front cowl, covering the area in front of him with psychic power as the Leafeon was suddenly picked up from the ground. Its feet dangling frantically as it tried to escape its grasp, only to let out a startled cry as it was launched backward onto one of the mounds that littered the battlefield.

"Leafy!" Ritchie cried out in worry.

The Leafeon stumbled for a moment before glaring at its opponent for the attack, the owl only narrowing its eyes in slight admiration that the grass type could keep going as it hovered in the air.

"Quick Attack!"

The grass type charged ahead into the fray once more, but it was much slower than what Ritchie was used to seeing. Making him grit his teeth at the sudden change in tides, looking at his struggling partner as he thought of his next move. Maybe they still had a chance to-

"Air Slash!"

Ritchie stared in shock as the flying type quickly flapped its wings to send out two blades of air toward Leafy. The grass type being quickly struck by the flying type moves in a state of shock, before finally falling over the rocky terrain in a daze.

"Leafy is unable to battle!" Tracy said.

"Alright! Good job Noctowl!"

The Normal and Flying type nodded at its trainer with a hoot before looking back towards Ritchie with a thoughtful gaze, wondering what kind of Pokémon it would face next in battle.

"Wow, that was so fast!" Lillie said in slight awe at the quick conclusion of the battle.

"He didn't even get hit once," Kiawe added in.

Ritchie fiddled with something in his pocket before pausing, feeling a bit bad that he took too long to give his companion an order and being taken out so quick. Forcing him to take in a deep breath before looking over to his faithful companion on the ground, who was looking at him with a determined gaze before the duo nodded in unison.

"Sparky, you ready?"

"Pikachuuu."

Ash blinked slightly in surprise at the question since he thought that the electric type would be the last one to participate in this battle of theirs, but quickly shook it off knowing that he had to focus due to the type of disadvantage he had right now. Giving Noctowl a look of support as Ritchie's Pokémon made his way towards the center.

"Noctowl, let's give it our all," Ash encouraged his Pokémon with a smile.

The owl nodded with a hoot as it peered at the rodent in front of him knowing that he couldn't underestimate it. Watching as Sparky made his way towards the battlefield with an eager grin on his face.

Ritchie watched the action between the two carefully before pointing towards the opponent with a large smile on his face.

"All right Sparky, let's start off with Thunderbolt!"

With his cheeks sparkling with electricity, the mouse nodded with determination as it built up its attack. The hair on its body rose for a moment before a bolt was finally shot toward his opponent at high speeds.

"Dodge it!"

With a powerful flap of its wings, Noctowl flew above the mound that it was sitting on as the attack from Sparky hit the rocky terrain. The large rock that the Pokémon was standing on exploded with several pieces of rumble flying off. But Ash only grinned at the opportunity.

"Air Slash!"

With another powerful flap of its winds, Noctowl sent several blades made of wind hurling toward Sparky. Who narrowed his eyes at the approaching attack while awaiting his trainer's next command.

"Charge in with an Iron Tail!"

The electric type followed his trainer's order as he ran towards his opponent with a hardened tail trailing behind him, smacking any blades of wind that managed to meet his way as the distance between the two shrank. Until the electric type leaped up towards the bird with a determined expression that was matched with just as much vigor as the two trainers called out their next move.

"Air Slash!"

"Iron Tail!"

The two Pokémon cried out as they each swung their attacks on each other, the impact creating a brief cloud of smoke from the collision as the two combatants fell towards the ground. The two standing back up with a grunt from the mouse and a flap from the owl, a bit scuffed from the up-close encounter as they eye each other warningly.

But Ash only smirked as he eyed the numerous pieces of rock that were laid out through the battlefield, having been broken and shaken by the constant attacks from the two Pokémon and the match before. Looking over to his Pokémon with an eager look before he called out his next move.

"Noctowl, grab those rocks around you just like we practiced!"

The owl nodded in understanding as its cowl once again started to glow, picking up numerous stones and rocks from the ground and hovering around its body. The debris acted like a small shield as the rocks spun around its body in a circular motion while Noctowl hovered above his opponent in place with its wings.

Ritchie looked at the new change in fascination and excitement, as he had never seen Ash use this kind of move before. Throwing a finger out toward the flying-type Pokémon and making his next move with Sparky.

"Thunderbolt!"

"Pika!" Sparky shouted in confirmation as electricity started to build on his red cheeks, covering his body with electricity for a moment before firing the bolt at the owl.

However, Noctowl only released its grip on one of the rocks that were in its hold towards the oncoming attack. Stopping the super effective move in its tracks as the rock shattered on the impact and protecting the flying type with ease.

"Now Air Slash!"

The normal and flying type nodded before shooting off two blades of wind after a strong stroke of its wings, causing the unprepared Pikachu on the field to narrowly dodge as it darted backward with a determined look.

Kukui was in awe at the quick thinking from Ash, using the rocks as a sort of barrier while still enabling him to attack his opponent. It was a skill that not many trainers could enact during a battle, as a Pokémon using or coordinating different moves might become too taxing or confusing. Yet it seems that Ash was able to achieve it with some of his captures with ease.

"It kind of reminds me of that other move he used," Misty noted. "What was it called again? Counter Shield?"

"It's not quite the same, but it's pretty close," Brock observed with interest. "While counter shield requires a lot of focus and movement on a certain move, Noctowl seems to be using only a little effort with extrasensory to move those rocks around seeing that he can still use Air Slash."

Kukui heard the piece of information with a hum, recalling a brief instance where this type of movement was mentioned some time ago. It had interested him at the time and even tried to recreate it as an experiment with his own Pokémon, a feat that he had very little success in as he didn't know the full scope of the method. Maybe he can ask Ash about it seeing how Misty spoke of the move and how well his student utilized it.

Of course, he didn't know that Ash was the creator of this particular strategy, focusing too much on the battle to notice the knowing look that Brock and Misty gave each other after seeing the deep intrigue of the Aloan professor.

Meanwhile, Ritchie was looking at the Noctowls' defense with a sense of awe and fascination. Unused to this odd encounter after traveling all over Kanto and Johto several times by now, an eager grin formed on his face as he called to Ash across the field.

"I've never seen a Noctowl pull this kind of thing before Ash, you must've trained very hard to achieve it."

Ash blinked at the sudden compliment before a grin of his own formed on his face and a joyful laugh managed to break through him.

"I can't take all the credit for this move, I learned this from a good friend of mine during my journey through Sinnoh. And I tried to make sure each of my Pokémon can pull this move if the time comes to it, even if it doesn't work as planned. They tried really hard during our training for the Battle Frontier when we first started, so we are going to show you what we are made of!"

The cheers that came from Noctowl and his Pokémon on the sidelines seemed to reaffirm his statement as the flying type seemed more determined than ever for battle. An expression that was mimicked by Ash as pointed outwards with an eager grin.

"Charge in!"

In an instant owl dove straight down for momentum before making its way toward Sparky. An act that caught everyone off guard due to the sudden shift in tone from Ash.

"Sparky you charge in too!"

"Pika!"

The mouse Pokémon charged into the fray without wasting a single moment, wanting to meet his opponent head-on before they both skidded to a stop in front of one another. A slight gust of wind washed over Sparky due to the momentum before the trainers called out their next move.

"Iron Tail!"

"Extrasensory!"

The two Pokémon on the field attacked at once, with Noctowl throwing a stone toward the mouse while it dodged with a duck before swinging its hardened tail toward the owl. Both of them reacted purely on instinct as every swing from Sparky's tail met a rock thrown by Noctowl, the two attacks increasing in tenacity as the spectators watched on from the side.

Ritchie watched carefully as the last stone was thrown by Noctowl, a quick idea being made as he shouted to his faithful partner on the field.

"Throw it back!"

Thinking on his feet, Sparky used the hardened tail to strike the stone back at its opponent like a baseball bat. The projectile was sent to Noctowl forcefully as it hit the flying type in the forehead, sending it crashing to the ground with a cry as it landed on its back.

Sparky smirked at its achievement before leaping into the air and facing its tail down once more, trying to put the finishing blow to his opponent as fast as possible. Yet he wasn't expecting Noctowl to be prepared for his next attack as his body was once again grabbed with his physic power. The owl hovering the electric type in the air above it with a furrowed brow.

Ash grinned at the opportunity that Ritchie had provided him but was thrown off guard when he noticed that Sparky also sported a smirk despite being in a position where it couldn't move. Sparks already emitting from his cheeks as Ritchie called out the finishing blow.

"Discharge!"

Ash's and Noctowl's eyes widened in shock as Sparky released several bolts around the surrounding area, forcing him and the audience to cover their eyes as the entire arena was baked in a frightening yellow glow. The pained screech of Noctowl ringing out as it was hit was the full force of the attack

"Noctowl!"

Ash could only watch in dismay as the electric attack finally came to an end, a small coo leaving Noctowl's mouth as it finally succumbed to the super-effective move. Tracy got a closer look towards Ash's Pokémon who now had a dazed expression on their face after the overwhelming attack. Gesturing an arm towards Ritchie before stating the results of the battle.

"Noctowl is unable to battle!"

"All right! Good job Sparky!" Ritchie called out in encouragement.

"P-Pika-Pika!" the mouse cheered back in response with a sigh, the battle taking a bit of effort.

Meanwhile, Ash called back Noctowl in his Pokeball while looking at it with a proud and fond expression at the battle that his Pokémon displayed.

"You were great Noctowl, you really made them think on their feet. Now take a good rest."

Ash put the Pokéball back onto his belt before looking up across the battlefield and locked eyes with Ritchie, his entire demeanor radiating excitement even though he only had one more Pokémon left in play.

"This is so amazing!" Ash called out much to the surprise of Ritchie and the others watching on the side. "It's been so long since we were pushed this hard in a battle. I can't wait to see what comes next!"

Anabel chuckled in amusement at the declaration while Ritchie looked on in surprise at Ash's statement, the sudden analysis of their battle only strengthened his earlier thoughts from before: Ash has really grown since the last time they met.

"But don't think I'm going to give up yet!" Ash called out with an eager yet knowing grin that took Ritchie slightly aback, the slight edge it had to him making his heart quicken in a thrill. "I'm going to give it my absolute all! So you better do the same!"

"Of course!" Ritchie answered back with the same level of excitement, already looking forward to what came next Ash pointed in front of himself and called out his next Pokémon. Knowing that the Pokémon he was going to call out wanted to fight in an official match for a while.

"Infernape, I choose you!"

With a delightful cry, an ape-like creature with a flaming head leaped from where the other Pokémon were cheering. Landing on the rocky terrain with a slight thud as the flames on his head flickered briefly in intensity, his eyes locking onto Ritchie and Sparky for this upcoming battle before rearing his head back in a mighty shout.

"Infer-APE!"

The Pokémon's cry of excitement and power was felt around him by his mere presence as he beat his chest in pride. Making the rest of Ash's captures cheer in excitement as the visitors looked on in shock and interest at the new arrival.

"Which one was that one again?" Kiawe looked on in fascination as Rotom turned around towards the group once more.

"Infernape, the Flame Pokémon. A fire and fighting type. It tosses its enemies around with agility while using all its limbs to fight in its own unique style," Rotom stated as he took pictures of the ongoing battle.

"It's the final evolution of a Chimchar, a fire-type trainers can first get in the Sinnoh region," Professor Kukui added as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I can't wait to see how this one turns out.

"Ritchie still has one Pokémon left in play though besides Sparky," Sophocles said with a frown seeing the predicament Ash was in. "While Ash is down to his last Pokémon."

"You're right Sophocles," Professor Kukui admitted to his student, "but take a closer look at Ritchie's Pikachu."

Every one of the viewers looked at Ritchie's Pokémon with a keen eye, looking for something that was apparently out of place. After careful observation, Kiawe noticed a familiar sight that he often saw whenever he was training with his own Pokémon.

"He's tired."

Despite the unwavering resilience in the electric type's gaze, the students could now see the small pants leaving the mouth in slightly uneven breaths. The constant and odd attacks from Ash's Noctowl taking in more effort than expected.

Ritchie looked on anxiously as Infernape seemed to stare them down, almost like it was encouraging them to make the first move with its knowing look. A gesture that he and Sparky didn't take lightly as they decided to give him what he wanted.

"Let's wrap this up quickly Sparky and use Thunderbolt!"

With a mighty cry and a slap of its cheeks, the Pikachu on the field covered himself with electricity before shooting a bolt towards the fire and fighting type who only grinned at the upcoming attack.

"Dodge it and get in close Infernape!"

With a simple nod, Infernape quickly charged ahead while spinning gracefully on its heel toward its right. Sparky's attack narrowly missed the Sinnoh starter and hit the ground behind him as he quickly closed the gap between them until he was only a couple of meters in front of Sparky

"Quick Sparky, use Iron Tail!"

Switching from the offense to the defensive, the mouse stopped its electric attack and hardened his tail before swinging it towards the approaching fire type. Who was now only a couple of feet in front of him.

"Grab it!" Ash yelled out in eagerness.

Infernape grabbed the steel-like tail of the incoming Pikachu with a feral grin, stopping Sparky in his tracks as both the Pokémon and trainer gasped in shock at the attack being stopped with such ease. The Sinnoh Pokémon looked unfazed at the impact other than a slight wince in its expression.

"Mach Punch!"

Raising its other arm that suddenly glowed in power, it quickly turned and struck the helpless Pikachu and sent him flying towards the other side of the field. Skidding to a halt across the ground with a pained cry as it struggled to make a last stand against the fire type with a grimace.

"Flamethrower!"

"Thunderbolt!"

Both Pokémon shot their attacks from across the field, the two nearly ending in a stalemate as fire met electricity. It only lasted for a moment before Infernape's attack overpowered Sparky's as it tore through his thunderbolt and made its way toward a surprised Sparky as it landed the final blow.

A large cloud of smoke resulted from the blast made everyone gasp at the quick turnaround. Especially when Tracy stated the result of the match with a slight smile after seeing the dazed expression on Sparky.

"Sparky is unable to battle."

"Yeah! Good job Infernape!" Ash cheered with pride alongside Pikachu. "Let's keep the momentum going!"

"Infernape!" The fire type turned back to his trainer with a determined look and a fist pump, already looking forward to his next opponent as the others on the sidelines looked on in amazement at the quick conclusion.

"...That was so fast," Kiawe said in awe of the power of the Sinnoh starter."Ritchie didn't even have a chance to attack."

"I knew Sparky was feeling the effects of the previous battle but..." Mallow added in with amazement.

"I guess Sparky was too tired to escape from his grip," Kukui said with a thoughtful rub of his chin while admiring the strength of Ash's Pokémon. "Now we will have to see what the challenger will do next."

As Kukui said this Ritchie went over to the ruined field and picked up Sparky in his arms, a gesture that Ash was similar to after many defeats with Pikachu. Watching over Ritchie with a smile as he made his way back to his area after giving some encouraging words to Sparky.

Ritchie paused for a moment as he pulled out his last Pokéball onto his hand and gazed into it thoughtfully, taking a deep breath before a fond smile managed to break through. Finally locking eyes with Ash and tossing the device in front of him and across the battlefield like all those years ago in the Indigo league.

"Zippo! I choose you!"

In a flash of light, a Charizard erupted from its Pokémon with a gleam in his eye as it locked eyes with Infernape and released a mighty roar into the air that even the visitors on the sidelines could feel. Making those who wore hats hold them in an attempt to keep them from blowing away.

"Whoa... It's Zippo..." Ash said in amazement as the winds finally died down.

"Pika-Pika..."

Ash was in awe at the sight of Ritchie's Pokémon after not having seen it in the flesh for so many years. Even Pikachu beside him was in shock at how Zippo grew from the little Charmander that competed so long ago and the Charmeleon from their brief encounter in Johto. Already feeling his blood start to pump in excitement and anticipation of the upcoming battle.

The others around them could feel his power too, with the audience on the side giving their own shouts of awe at such a powerful entrance. Infernape grinned and narrowed his eyes in anticipation while watching the fire-flying type for any sudden moves.

Meanwhile, Ash's Charizard narrowed his eyes in familiarity at the new arrival, recalling his own battle with Zippo in the Indigo League way back. Yet unknown to both trainers on the field, that wasn't the last time they had met. No, the last time they saw each other face to face was when Zippo joined the Charisific Valley a couple of years ago.

He remembered that day well, Zippo had been left by Ritchie in the valley and immediately recognized Charizard and demanded a battle only to be beaten easily by his experience. After that, the two would occasionally spar with one another unless Ritchie came to pick him up, which usually ended in Charizard's victory.

That's not to say that Zippo didn't grow, as with every battle he seemed to slowly close the gap between them. Getting closer and closer to victory as Charizard's wins were getting narrower, with him nearly being worn out the last time he had spared with Zippo a year before Ash called him back. Now, he wondered how much stronger Zippo had gotten in his absence when Ash recalled him in Unova and started participating in the Battle Frontier with the others.

The answer would be in the battle.

"Wow, I never thought I would see Zippo again, you really trained him well!" Ash said with fondness to Ritchie.

"You better watch out Ash," Ritchie declared with pride. "He's grown so much stronger since the last time you met him."

Zippo proved his statement with a pointed look towards his opponent while releasing a small flamethrower from his mouth. A gesture that Infernape took in stride as the flames on his head flickered briefly in intensity.

Ash didn't say anything as he narrowed his eyes at his opponent while Infernape took a step towards the right, with Zippo narrowing his own gaze and mirroring his action by stepping over to his left. Both fire types eyed one another for any signs of weakness as they continued walking in their respective directions, looping on the other side of the ruined, rocky battlefield as Ash and Ritchie looked on carefully.

Meanwhile, the viewers on the side looked on in apprehension, as the feeling of this battle was different than the ones before. A sense of tension rose in the air as the two fire types started approaching their trainers again while never keeping their eyes off the other.

"W-What is happening?" Lillie asked in slight unease seeing the unwavering stance between the two Pokémon on the field.

"They're getting a feeling of one another," Kukui answered remembering when Ash's Lycanroc did the same as a Rockruff on Clawmark Hill. "Gauging each other's strength before they decide to attack."

The viewers of the battle looked on in anticipation as the two fire types continued to circle each other slowly with their intense stares. No sound emitted from their mouths before finally stopping in front of their trainers once more, their eyes never leaving the other as Ash and Ritchie shared a brief glance with one another before finally deciding to act.

"Flamethrower!"

The tension finally snapped like a rubber band as both Infernape and Zippo quickly reared their heads back while their mouths filled with flames. Building up the attack for a brief moment before shooting it off toward their opponents across the rocky plains. The attack collided with one another in a large explosion, creating a large cloud of smoke that made Ash, Ritchie, and the others watching cover their eyes from the collision.

"Mach Punch!"

Infernape quickly recovered and charged ahead with a mighty cry, darting through the cloud of smoke with glowing forearms.

"Fire Punch!"

Zippo also dashed forward with a mighty flap of its wings, clearing the smoke around him as flames grew on his hands. Meeting Infernape head-on as their hands collided with one another in a large impact, snarling at each other with gritted teeth trying to overpower the other.

Infernape's eyes widened when Zippo suddenly doubled down and put more weight into his attack, causing the fists to smack him in the chest and send him flying back towards Ash. Tumbling along the rocks before gripping the ground with his hands and feet to stop his momentum, glaring at the charizard with vengeful eagerness.

"Don't give in Infernape, use Dig!"

Infernape tore through the rocky terrain the moment the command was made, flinging rocks and dirt into the air as Zippo paused in his advances to look around. With Ritchie doing the same as he eyed the ground around him carefully, not noticing the small crack behind Zippo as Ash grinned.

"Mach Punches!"

The ground behind Zippo suddenly exploded as Infernape emerged with glowing fists, the fire and fighting type releasing a pummel of punches toward Zippo's back. Making the charizard's eyes bulge in both shock and pain, not expecting the fast recovery from the Sinnoh starter as the final blow sent Zippo towards a rocky mound. The impact knocked the wind out of him with a grunt and a grimace as rocks were thrown from the landing.

"Zippo!" Ritchie cried out in concern. "Are you ok?!"

A grunt of confirmation was emitted from Zippo before steam emitted from his nose and a snarl left his lips, staring down Infernape even as the Sinnoh starter coaxed him on with a grin.

"What power..." Kiawe muttered in awe along with his fire-based team, the sight of the battle igniting their spirits like a volcano.

Meanwhile, Kukui was in awe at the tenacity and speed of the punches from Ash's Infernape as the short series of blows looked more like Close Combat rather than simple Mach Punches. Further demonstrating Ash's current position and strength as the 8th Frontier Brain.

Ash grinned at the surprised look on Ritchie's face knowing that he caught him off guard, "I haven't been slacking off all this time Ritchie! I meant what I said before, I want you to come at me with everything you got!"

Infernape mimicked his trainer's ambition by releasing an enthusiastic shout, staring down the Charizard on the other side with glee.

Ritchie couldn't help but let out an excited grin at the intensity of the battle, feeling the thrill of battling his longtime friend in a serious match without any setbacks or problems getting in the way for once.

"I wouldn't want it any other way!" Ritchie said in excitement before pointing a finger up towards the air with a large smile. "Zippo! Take to the skies!"

The Kanto starter extended his wings and rose above the rocky terrain with a powerful flap before hovering in place with a steely look in his eyes, staring down Infernape from above as he waited for Ritchie's next command.

"Now rush him with a Flame Punch!" Ritchie shouted out while striking the hand downwards like a performer would. With Zippo diving towards Infernape a mighty roar and the formation of blazing claws once more.

Ash knew that this hit was very different than the one they both started with, as Zippo was approaching much faster and was stronger due to the increase in height and speed.

"Dig Infernape!"

Digging straight down, the Sinnoh starter barely managed to escape the attack from Zippo as rocks and debris were flung into the air from the massive impact. Forcing the Kanto starter to pry his arms from the ground as he looked around for his foe carefully again, not missing the sound of the earth breaking apart behind him again.

"Mach Punch!"

Infernape emerged from the ground like a Mantine from the sea, a smirk on his face as he aimed a super-powered fist toward Zippo's back like he did earlier.

"Use your tail!" Ritchie cried out seeing the attack.

Zippo quickly turned so that his powerful tail smacked his opponent in the face, sending Infernape flying off to the side as Ash and Pikachu cried out in shock and worry at the sudden counter.

"Don't let up Zippo! Use Flamethrower!"

Zippo reacted quickly and shot a torment of fire towards his opponent who could only brace his arms in front of his face as the massive flames reached him. Covering his entire body in an intense heat that made Ash and Pikachu flinch slightly at the intensity.

"Infernape, let's show Zippo and Ritchie what were made of," Ash cupped his hands and yelled out in support and anticipation. "Dive in with Flare Blitz!"

Ritchie watched in amazement as the flames where Infernape stood suddenly doubled in size until the image of an Infernape coated in a blue inferno started to push his way through Zippo's attack. Slowly gaining ground with strong and steady steps as he made his way toward the fire and flying type.

"Zippo, don't let up on that Flamethrower!"

The Charizard doubled down on its attack and increased the output of its flames, coating his opponent once more as the Sinnoh fire type continued to push on through. Charging ahead with a sprint and a steely focus as Zippo's flamethrower continued to wash over his own, a blue speck charging through red-hot flames.

Zippo's eyes widened as Infernape finally closed the gap and rammed into him at full force with Flare Blitz, creating a massive explosion that left smoke and wind blowing everywhere. Forcing all the specters of the battle to cover their faces from the smog and collision of heat that was sent their way, Ash and Ritchie held onto their hats as their electric types partner clung to their pants.

"I can feel the heat from where I'm standing..." Kiawe said as he covered his face, the smirk hidden underneath his arm showing the awe at the spectacle in front of him. "Someday, I want to be able to show that kind of fire."

His Pokémon agreed with his declaration, nodding along while basking in the heat that was suddenly thrown their way while looking on with admiration.

Ash and Ritchie managed to see the results of the collision first, with both Pokémon panting and scuffed from the battle. Yet more than ready to continue on, staring down at one another from the end of the field as Ash and Ritchie locked eyes again.

"I'm having a lot of fun battling you again Ash," Ritchie voiced his thoughts with a smile, "I almost wished that this didn't have to end."

"I feel the same way," Ash returned Ritchie's sentiments with his own. "But me and Infernape aren't through with this battle yet. In fact, we are just getting started!"

The crowd watched in amazement as Infernape's fiery mane increased in intensity for a moment, doubling in size while the fire type's shouted out in confirmation of his trainer's wish. Getting an eager look from Ritchie and his Charizard.

"We're just warming up too!" Richite said while sharing a glance towards Zippo, the fire type sharing a nod before facing ahead with a grin. "In fact, I think we are ready to go even further!"

Ash's eyes widened when Ritchie reached into his pocket and pulled out a familiar stone that was frequent in his journey through Kalos and saw the same orange orb glowing on Zippo that was hidden on a band on his arm due to the similar coloring. Making Infernape tense on the battlefield as the people on the sidelines looked on in confusion and surprise.

"What is that?" Lillie asked with a tilt of her head. "I could've sworn I saw that in a book before."

"Kind of a weird place to show off your accessories," Mallow added with a slight smile, not knowing the significance.

Meanwhile, Brock and Misty looked on in shock as they knew what that gemstone signified. As it was something that they both had on themselves and were planning to surprise the group with their session at the gym.

"Is that a..." Kukui added with wide eyes.

"…Keystone." Ash finished on the field with awe.

"Zippo! Let's get even stronger together!" Ritchie shouted with excitement before lifting the stone high into the air as the gem in his hand started to glow. "Mega evolve!"

The Charizard responded to his trainer by unleashing a mighty roar as the stone on his body erupted with glowing streaks of lights that moved toward Ritche's own stone. The streams of light connected towards one another and made Zippo glow bright as he started to change form.

A deep growl emitted from Fire and Flying type as an extra crest grew at the top of his head while his wingspan started to grow in size, looking much more jagged and threatening with smaller wings developing on the wrists. His fangs extended slightly more outward from its mouth as it released a mighty cry into the air, the transformation complete as a rainbow-colored symbol emitted in front of the Pokémon before fading away.

Meanwhile, the Alolans were just as awed as the rest of the audience as they witnessed this new transformation in the Charizard. Not used to seeing one of their more familiar creatures undergoing a drastic shift in appearance right in front of their eyes.

"W-What just happened?" Lillie fearfully asked.

"That's mega evolution. A phenomenon that allows a Pokémon to evolve even further during battle if their bond is strong enough, but they always revert to their original state right after," Brock informed them before rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Although, I didn't know that Ritchie had one on him when he was coming to battle."

The sun suddenly seemed much brighter than before, with all the grass types feeling the sudden increase in solar energy while the fire types felt an increase in power.

"Did it suddenly get hotter?" Lillie asked as she took off her large hat to put it on Snowy seeing her discomfort.

"Unless I'm mistaken, it seems to be drought activating," Kukui squinted his eyes at the increased sunlight. "It feels a lot hotter than Sunny Day, but it should still have the same effects and increase the power of fire-type moves."

Meanwhile, Ritchie stared at the back of his friend with a large smile seeing that they were able to complete the transformation successfully. Seeing that all their hard work had paid off after everything that they had been through, looking at his partner with excitement as he prepared his next move.

"Alright! We did it Zippo! Let's show them how far we made it with Flamethrower!"

A moment passed and Zippo stayed still as a statue even after Ritchie gave it a command, getting looks of concern from the challenger, Misty, and Brock while others grew confused at the lack of action.

Yet only Ash could see the unfocused and dazed expression on Zippo's face as the Pokémon panted heavily, unaware of the world around him while not responding to Ritchie. The teen tensed in anticipation as he hesitantly called out to his friend across the field.

"Um... Ritchie. How long has it been since you've had that keystone?"

"...Just yesterday, this is the first time we are using it to be honest," Ritchie worriedly responded back seeing Zippo not answering his voice. "Why?"

Pikachu's cheeks started sparkling as Ash's Pokémon abandoned their original seating to stand near the visitors from Alola after a command from Ash. An act that made Lillie tense due to the closeness of so many others but was unable to voice her concern before Brock and Misty shared the same grave look on their faces.

"Oh no..."

"Everyone, stay back!"

The moment Brock's warning left his mouth, Zippo released an enormous roar before charging ahead towards Infernape with fury. Claws demonstrating blazing fists while a huge gust of wind blasted behind him, knocking Ritchie's hat off his head as he looked on in shock.

"Zippo, wait!"

Ash knew from experience that Zippo wouldn't hear anything that Ritchie was saying and tried to get Infernape ready for the next attack.

"Heads up Infernape! Use Mach Punch!"

Infernape's arm glowed up with Mach Punch, but he barely had a chance to block his face before Zippo was already on him. Landing a strike on the ape's forearms and sending him flying back with ease, the impact sending the Sinnoh starter tumbling across the rocky landscape until he nearly stopped in front of Ash and onto his stomach.

Ash's expression steeled as his stance shifted to a much more intimidating and stern expression, knowing full well that he had to put an end to this before anyone got hurt in Zippo's rampage.

"Dig!"

Not getting up from his spot, the Sinnoh starter's eyes snapped open hearing the intensity from his trainer, and dug from where it landed and soon disappeared from sight just as the powerful flamethrower landed on the spot. Causing Ash to wince at the scorching flames in front of him and Zippo to pause in his reign of terror, looking around the field for his opponent frantically in a daze.

"Mach Punches!"

The ground erupted Infernape leaped into the air to quickly deliver a quick series of blows towards his opponent's back. Knocking the wind out of the fire and flying type to and sending him crashing towards the ground with a mighty crash. Rocks and debris were sent flying off in all directions.

Ritchie was nearly in tears seeing the enraged state of his friend, wanting nothing more than to end the fight even at the cost of his victory.

"Zippo! Please stop this!" Ritchie cried in desperation. "This isn't like you!"

"Pika-Pika!"

Zippo ignored Ritchie's pleas and shook in rage at being attacked by his opponent, a tremendous roar erupting from him before shooting off into the air until he hovered above the battlefield. Tossing his head around and throwing Flamethrowers all around him in a frenzy, not caring where they landed or who they hit in his fit of rage.

"Quick Infernape! Use Flare Blitz!"

The Sinnoh starter nodded even as fatigue started to take a toll on his body, making his way toward the Charizard with smooth and even strides while avoiding the occasional flames that were sent his way. Making it up to an untouched elevated mound as he turned towards his opponent. His eyes widened in shock at the sight of a super-powered flamethrower heading his way.

Ash winced at the sight of Infernape getting hit before it could charge up his move, falling off towards the side with a harsh thud. Before Ash could even think about recalling him back into his Pokéball, his heart dropped when he saw a stray Flamethrower heading toward his mother and friends. Their own eyes widened in shock as the flames started to approach them.

But all were surprised when all of Ash's Pokémon shot an attack of their own, stopping the flames from hitting the bystanders as a large explosion was made in the air. A giant could of steam resulted from the confrontation and made all the visitors cover their eyes in fright at the collision. Making the eighth Frontier Brain ball his fists with gritted teeth before shifting his eyes to the rampaging Pokémon.

"LEAVE THEM ALONE!"

Zippo paused in his frenzy and locked eyes with Ash, who was standing tall with a stern look on his face with Pikachu sporting the same look beside him. Extending his arms out to the sides while staring down the fire and flying type despite it being in the air.

"If you want someone to mess with, then here I am!"

Zippo had no problem with that proclamation, rearing his head back as he prepared a powerful flamethrower. A deep growl emitted from him as his maw started to fill with flames, making everyone at the side cry out in alarm.

Anabel held onto Delia's arm tightly in a futile means of comfort, already feeling the older woman shake in fright at the events in front of her. Feeling her own worries start to build up inside as her eyes shifted towards Ash's.

And was surprised to see that his eyes met her own.

Anabel softly gasped as she saw a subtle blue glow take over his eyes, knowing exactly what he was going to do as Ash's firm look softened by the reactions of her and his mother. Not wanting to be the cause of their distress while also desiring to protect them from harm.

Tearing his gaze away from Anabel, Ash turned back towards the threat in front of him just as the powerful Flamethrower was shot out of Zippo's mouth. The last thing the Eight Frontier Brain saw as he thrusted both hands outwards in a stopping motion and Pikachu scampering onto his shoulder was the flames from Zippo heading towards him before his entire vision turned white.