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Chapter Text

On the Hoenn sea was a ferry that had a certain trainer with his partner Pikachu. Ash Ketchum, aspiring Pokémon Master, eyed the island ahead. Ever Grande City, home to the Ever Grande Conference.

"We're almost there! Can you believe Pikachu?" Ash asked his faithful starter. "Pikachu!" The Mouse Pokemon responded.

"Well, isn't someone fired up?" May, one of Ash's traveling companion and a coordinator, inquired. She had recently had her first Grand Festival coming in Top 8. She was depressed for a while, but she got over it.

"Of course he is," Brock, another one of Ash's traveling companion and future Pokémon breeder, added. "It is Ash to get so excited for this tournament. As all trainers do."

"Well, we shall see if he gets further than the Silver Conference," Max, the youngest traveling companion and May's little brother, said.

"So, Ash," Brock asked, "how do you plan to tackle this league?" Ash thought for a while before answering, "Well, I was thinking about just using my Hoenn Pokémon for the tournament."

"Hmmmm," Brock began to think, "...perhaps you could probably use some of your older Pokémon like before. If you were to just use your six Pokémon over and over, you could over tire them out."

Ash mauled over what Brock had said. It was true, he could tire them out and if he kept using his six, other trainers might be able to counter his Pokémon. "Yeah, you're right Brock. Plus I know that a few of our friends at the lab are itching for battle."

"Sweet!" Max shouted, "I'm just getting excited at seeing your Pokémon in person!"

Ash smiled at the youngster's joy. Ketchum nodded to himself, bringing over some of his older Pokémon for the Hoenn League was a great idea. And maybe they could help train his Hoenn team.

"I would like to register for the Hoenn League," Ash told the Nurse Joy. "Alright, I will just need to see your Pokédex." Ash complied and handed over his Pokédex. Joy scanned his Pokédex before handing it back. "Here you go. You are now successfully registered for the Hoenn League. The League begins in a week. Good luck!"

"Thank you," Ash said before heading over to the P.C. He dialed up Oak's number and was greeted with the Kanto professor himself. "Ah! Ash my boy, good to see you again!" The professor said before being consumed by the all-loving purple sludge of Muk. Ash just chuckled as Pikachu briefly sweat dropped at the Poison type's affection. "Hi Professor Oak and Muk," Ash greeted.

After getting Muk off of him, Oak managed to ask, "So what can I do for?"

"I'm currently at the Hoenn League and was wondering if you could see over a few of my Pokémon for some training," Ash informed. He was starting to like this idea.

"Ah! Of course, I know your Pokémon have been missing some action. Plus, I bet they would be glad to meet your new teammates!" Oak said. "Which ones are you thinking about having at the moment?"

Ash thought about it. Grovyle was a fast Pokémon, Swellow was great in the air so a Flying type would be great, Corphish seemed to be in need of some better moves, Torkoal needed a Fire type tutor, and Glaile was his most recently evolved Pokémon and his only current Ice type. He had to think carefully.

"Alright!" Ash said, "I have decided..."

"So, Ash?" May asked as they walked to a secluded forest area, "What Pokemon did you bring over?" "You'll have to wait and see," Ash said proudly. "C'mon Ash!" Max asked giddily, "I want to see which Pokémon you brought over! Maybe your Squirtle! Or your Bulbasaur! Or maybe even your Tauros!" Max continued to list the Pokémon Ash had used in the Silver Conference while Ash sent out his three Hoenn Pokémon he had on hand.

Said Pokémon was Grovyle -who stuck his signature twig in his mouth-, Swellow, and Corphish. "Alright, guys," Ash addressed his Pokémon, "We made it to the Hoenn League!" His Pokémon yelled their cries. "Now, we have a week before the league and I want everyone to train. There is always room for improvement which is why I brought over some of my older Pokémon to aid in training." Ash reached for the three Pokeballs that housed his older members. "Come on out!"

The first Pokeball released a yellow sauropod with a leaf near her nose and a ring of leaves around her neck. The second one released a golden owl with orange wings. And the third was a large crab with a huge left pincer.

"Hey guys!" Ash told his Pokémon before getting Body Slammed by Bayleef. "Hahaha!" Ash laughed as Bayleef nuzzled him, "I missed you too, Bayleef." The Grass Johto starter nuzzled a bit more before let her trainer get up. Grovyle looked at the other Grass type, slightly blushing at her. The Johto Pokémon turned her gaze to him, which the Hoenn Grass type turned away to hide his blush.

"Alright, everyone! Meet my Bayleef, Noctowl, and Kingler!" Ash told the gathered party. "Wow!" Max said before gushing over the older Pokémon. "Amazing! Your Bayleef and Noctowl! Though I didn't know you had a Kingler."

Ash just smiled, "Yeah, I was planning on using him for the Johto League, but an accident prevented me from using him," briefly remembering the Voltorbs that shocked him and prevented him from using the Pincer Pokémon from battling in the Sliver Conference, "But that won't happen this time." Brock nodded at that, having Ash's older Pokémon around the newer ones seemed to be a reunion for the trainer.

"Alright time to pair up," Ash said before dividing the three into groups. "Bayleef, I want you to work with Grovyle. He's a fast Pokémon but could use some range moves. Also I want you to practice some of your own moves." Bayleef nodded before getting Grovyle's attention. The two starters began to square off.

"Swellow, fly with Noctowl. Maybe you two could help each other out with aerial maneuvers." The two bird Pokémon nodded and took off.

"Corphish, I will use you to battle Kingler." The Ruffian Pokemon cheered before getting ready to battle the larger crustacean. They made their way across each other before the battle officially began. "Alright Kingler, use your instincts!" "Kooki!"

"Start off with Bubble Beam, Corphish!" The crayfish Pokémon started off with opening his pincers and released streams of bubbles. Kingler responded by firing a small stream of water from his mouth. Water Gun easily deflected the Bubble Beam.

"Now, Crabhammer!" Ash shouted. Corphish's pincers glowed white and rushed towards the crab, who responded with his glowing pincer. Both Crabhammers collided, causing dust to keep up at the amount of power.

"Wow!" Max pointed out, "Kingler must be a heavy hitter to match Corphish's own Crabhammer!" Brock nodded, "Of course. Kingler helped Ash win the first round of his Kanto League. All by himself."

"Vise Grip!" Ash commanded. He knew Kingler was bigger but getting up close and personal was how he fights. Corphish clamped his pincers around the larger crustacean, not doing much. Kingler fired a cascade of bubbles himself, hitting Corphish. The Ruffian Pokémon backed up before getting hit again with Bubble.

"Use Harden!" Corphish shimmered, raising his defenses and took a Bubble better than the last two times. Kingler then readied a orange ball of energy in his claw. Corphish widened his eyes at the attack.

"Alright, that's enough Kingler. Take five." Ash said, not wanting to hurt one of his Pokémon. Kingler canceled his Hyper Beam before approaching the Hoenn crustacean. The Pincer Pokémon briefly praised his work, which caused the Ruffian Pokémon to puff up with pride. But then it seemed like Kingler began to lecture Corphish on some of his moves.

Ash smiled at this. He figured those two would get along great. Ketchum looked up to see his two Flying type Pokémon flying around. Swellow was glowing white with energy all around him as Noctowl shimmered with a yellow glow around him. The two birds flew at each other and collided with their Aerial Ace and Sky Attack respectively. They broke off and flew around each other, readying themselves.

Ash turned over to his two Grass types. Bayleef swung her head leaf and fired a few short leaves. The Razor Leaf was aimed at Grovyle who spend out the way with Quick Attack before swing his own head leaf for Pound. Bayleef responded with her Headbutt that matched their strength. Ash could have sworn he had seen a faint tinge of red along Grovyle's face.

Ketchum overheard Max constantly ask Brock questions about his older Pokémon and Brock provided answers to the best of his abilities. Pikachu had dozed off in May's lap (Professor Oak had given him the ability to hold seven Pokémon) as the coordinator seemed to be in deep thought. Possibly reflecting her performance in the Grand Festival.

Ash would address that later. Right now, he was training. And this felt right. Using his older Pokémon would definitely help him with the League. Perhaps he could call a few people...

Dusk came and Ash was on his bed, looking up at the ceiling. His mind was all over the place, thinking of ways his Pokémon could improve for themselves and with his help. Tomorrow he planned on working with Torkoal and Glalie by trading over Swellow and Corphish. He was sure to call on them again.

All in all, he was glad he was calling upon his older Pokémon to fight with him in the league.

Chapter Text

Day 2

Ash was on the field, bright and early. Pikachu tagged along, but was still a bit drowsy. Max was there too, interested in what Pokemon Ash had brought this time. Ash sent out his Grovyle, Torkoal and Glalie before sending out Bayleef and two other old members. One was a small teal mouse like Pokemon with red spots while the other was an enormous Pokemon.

Bayleef performed her usual display of affection with a Body Slam. "Woah! Your Cyndaquil and Snorlax!" Max said with sparkles in his eyes. He got close to the Johto Fire type, which the Pokemon replied with igniting his back flames. Max recoiled, not wanting to burn his hand but bumped into Snorlax, who was slightly up but still sleeping.

"Alright!" Ash said, "this morning, I want Bayleef and Grovyle to continue your training. Torkoal and Cyndaquil, you two can practice your Fire type moves along with your other moves. Glalie and Snorlax, can I trust you two to work on your moves?" The two Pokémon nodded. "Great, I will be with Cyndaquil and Torkoal for the morning half."

The Pokémon took off to train, as Ash beckoned Max to come along so he could keep an eye on him.

"Alright, Cyndaquil," Ash started once they were a good enough distance, "show Torkoal what you can do!" "Quil!"

The Fire Mouse Pokemon started by igniting his flames. Taking a deep breath, he expelled a Flamethrower into the air. He then spun around, creating stars. After his Swift attack, he exhaled a stream of smoke. Smokescreen dissipated and revealed Cyndaquil shrouded in flames before rolling like a wheel. Flame Wheel came to a stop and Cyndaquil stood back in his original position.

"Nice one, Cyndaquil!" Ash applauded. Torkoal was blown away by what the first stage starter did. If only he could do that...

"Alright, Torkoal," Ash addressed getting the Coal Pokémon's attention, "I want you to practice your Fire type moves. I also read up w but on other moves, so we will address that later. Okay?" Torkoal nodded. But the thought still wondered in his head. The Fire type tortoise reluctantly complied and readied himself for some hard training.

The two Fire types worked together hard, sort of growing a fondness for one another. It was 11 o'clock when Torkoal glowed red before releasing a red-orange energy blast in front of Cyndaquil. The Fire Mouse nodded and concentrated himself before expelling an Overheat himself. The attack took some energy out of him. Torkoal, in PokeSpeech, explained how Overheat worked and that it would take practice before that. Cyndaquil continued to listen before glowing.

Cyndaquil's body become slightly longer and slender while growing short ears. The light died down and revealed a new Pokémon. "Qui!"

"Awesome, Quilava!" Ash cheered before scanning his newly evolved Fire type.

[Quilava, the Volcano Pokémon and the evolved form of Cyndaquil. Quilava keeps its foes at bay with the intensity of its flames and gusts of superheated air. This Pokémon applies its outstanding nimbleness to dodge attacks even while scorching the foes with flames.]

"Alright, now we can take your training to the next level!" Ash said. Quilava flared his head flames with excitement as Torkoal let out a happy cry.

Afternoon came and Ash was reading up on his Pokémon. Brock found him and cooked for Ash, Max, and the gathered Pokémon as May also joined to see the progress Ash made with his Pokémon.

After lunch, Ash wanted to see everyone's progress. Starting off with Grovyle, the Wood Gecko Pokémon started with his arm leaves glowing. Rather than taking a green shine for Leaf Blade, they took a red glow this time. Grovyle then took began to inhale on a nearby tree, with green wisps of energy now appearing.

Bayleef was next, the Leaf Pokémon swinging her head leaf with determination. She swung her head leaf again, sending out an assortment of leaves. But unlike Razor Leaf, these leaves were multicolored. Bayleef then shimmer with a blue outline before conjuring glass square made in front of her.

Glalie went third, which the Face Pokémon opened his mouth and generated energy fangs. Dispelling them, Glalie then created a drift of freezing air from his mouth. The Blizzard attack stopped after Glalie chuckled mischievously. And finally the Face Pokémon charged forward with his face-body with an silver energy.

Snorlax, oddly enough, got to his feet and prepared to demonstrate what he had learned. The Sleeping Pokémon started by generating orbs of green energy that circled him. Hidden Power ended and Snorlax started to charge electricity. The Sleeping Pokémon fired a Thunder at a nearby rock, causing it to break apart.

Quilava decided to give a new attack a go. Concentrating, the Volcano Pokémon's head flame began to glow and unleashed an eruption of flames from the top. Next up, Quilava began to cover himself in flames and perform Flame Wheel. After rolling around, Quilava generated energy that covered his whole body and started to maneuver himself nimbly.

Torkoal went last, not that he minded. The Coal Pokémon shimmered for a brief second before conjuring fossils in front of him. After that, Torkoal began to glow red and unleash an Eruption like Quilava did moments ago. After that, the tortoise Pokémon expelled a purple gas cloud from his nostrils, which everyone had to hold their breath to prevent poisoning.

In a surprising turn of events, both Bayleef and Glalie glowed teal green and created a barrier that seemingly blocked the Smog attack.

But overall, Ash was proud of his Pokémon's process.

"Ash Ketchum." A voice on the loud speaker announced, "You have a call." Ketchum was confused, who could be calling him at this time? Perhaps his mother to make sure he was changing his underwear, hopefully he wouldn't be embarrassed by that.

At the P.C., Ash logged in and clicked on the video chat. Oddly enough it wasn't his mother but also not Professor Oak as well.

"Hiya, Ash!" Ranger Mason greeted. "Oh! Hey, Ranger Mason!" Ash greeted back.

"How are you doing?" "Doing great! Just arrived at the Hoenn League yesterday and doing some training with Pokémon."

"That's great to hear!" The Ranger replied, "Actually I was going to call you about your recent league."

"What do you mean?" Ash asked.

"Well-" the Ranger began before an olive green blur appeared in front of her. "Lar!"

Ash chuckled, "Hello again, Larvitar." "Lar!" The Johto Rock/Ground type cheered before Mason got back on screen. "Back to what I was saying, Larvitar and his mother saw you battle in the Johto League."

"They did?" Ash questioned. "Yep! And that got Larvitar into training himself!" Mason added. "Wow! Amazing, Larvitar!"

"Tar!" The Rock/Ground type puffed up with pride.

"Which is why I'm calling you," Mason admitted. "The thing is Larvitar needs a trainer. All the training on Mt. Silver made him tough and ready but he also seems like he wants to see the world."

"What are you suggesting..." Ash began. "Yes, Larvitar wants to be your Pokémon." Mason finished.

Ash couldn't believe what he was hearing. Larvitar wanted to be his Pokémon! And Brock had mentioned once that Larvitar was a Pseudo Legendary Pokémon, so he could have a potential powerhouse on his team.

"Are sure Larvitar? What about his mother?" Ash questioned. "His mother felt like he was ready since he was training and since you were the first person to hatch Larvitar, he sorta of imprinted on you as his father," Mason informed.

"Alright then," Ash answered, "He needs a Pokeball, doesn't he?" "Yes, you can transport a Pokeball to me." Ash nodded and placed an empty Pokéball on the machine before transferring over. Mason took the Pokeball and tapped it against Larvitar's skin, causing him to be observed by the Pokeball. A ding later and Larvitar's Pokeball came back.

"Alright, that's all I needed to tell you. Take care of Larvitar and good luck in the Hoenn League!" Mason said. "Thanks!" Ash replied before they ended the call. In his hand now rested a potential powerhouse. He smiled at the ball and was glad. Ash had never thought of getting a Larvitar but it seemed faith was kind to him. And he knew just just who to bring tomorrow.

Chapter Text

Day 3

"And that's what happened," Ash told May and Max about his adventures and recent capture of Larvitar. Needless to say, they were both shocked at the story. "Wow, that's so sad. Being separated at such a young age," May said. "Must have been hard on Larvitar's mom," Max finished.

"Yeah," Ash admitted, "but after seeing me in the Johto League, Larvitar began to train himself to be stronger and wanted to see the world. And since I hatched him, he imprinted on me." Brock nodded along with that statement, hatched Pokemon usually imprint on the first person or Pokémon they see. Example: Misty's Togepi.

Ash had sent out Larvitar and his friend: a small, light blue elephant. Phanpy, Ash's other hatched Pokémon, was great friends with the Rock Skin Pokémon, probably due to typing. The two were chatting as the other Pokémon were training.

Swellow had returned and was practicing his Flying type moves against Noctowl, who was working on Flying and Psychic type moves. Ash never had a proper Psychic type on the team, but he knew Noctowl could use learn a few plus some Ghost type moves. This would be great for some additional coverage.

Corphish was getting along with a small blue crocodile Pokémon, both working on their range moves. Ash had decided to bring Totodile back for some training. It seemed the two Water type Pokémon were similar, with Corphish's perky attitude and Totodile's dancing. Kingler seemed like a Pokémon he should later to train his Corphish until he was ready.

Pikachu had finally began to do some training of his own. Since he had learned Iron Tail in a last minute effort during the first Hoenn Gym, Pikachu didn't want to learn anything last minute. His Electric type moves were great and all, but he knew he couldn't keep winning with Thunderbolt and Quick Attack. Hence why Pikachu had a glowing white paw and cracked a rock briefly. Shaking off the pain, Pikachu repeated the action.

"Alright, time to see what you got, Larvitar!" Ash said before scanning his new member.

[Larvitar, the Rock Skin Pokémon. Raised on nutrients it finds in the dirt, it eats roughly a mountain's worth of dirt before it becomes a pupa.

Gender: Male

Ability: Sand Veil

Moves: Screech, Hidden Power, Bite, Dig, Rock Slide]

Reading the list and information, Ash was greatly impressed by the Rock/Ground type. "Okay, Larvitar. Let's do some practice!" Ketchum said. The Rock Skin Pokémon nodded before squaring off against Phanpy. The two baby Pokémon readied themselves before the Long Nose Pokémon started by curling into a ball and rolling towards Larvitar.

"Use Screech!" Ash commanded and Larvitar started by unleashing sound waves from his mouth. Screech caused the Rollout to swerve off course and Phanpy uncurled. Glowing green, Phanpy fired off a few green orbs.

"Counter with your Hidden Power!" Larvitar glowed green himself and fired his own green orbs. The two Hidden Powers exploded upon contact.

"Dig!" Larvitar leapt before Digging in a fast pace. The Long Nose Pokémon heard the command and decided to retaliate. Lifting his forelegs, the elephant Pokémon slammed them back into the ground which created an Earthquake. Larvitar, being underground, was dealt double the damage before coming up and striking with his cone. Phanpy stumbled back from the impact before shaking off the attack.

The Long Nose Pokémon trumpeted with a smirk. The Rock Skin Pokémon responded with a smirk of his own. "Rock Slide!" Larvitar shimmered with a white glow and cried to the sky. Above them, rocks began to fall from portals. Phanpy glowed green and fired Hidden Powers nonstop to prevent any rocks from falling on him to the best of his ability. A few rocks fell around the elephant Pokemon.

"Use Bite!" Larvitar ceased his Rock Slide before rushing in. Phanpy saw this and ran down his opponent. The Ground type charged with a Take Down attack, colliding with the dual type. Larvitar held on from the attack and Bit into the trunk.

Phanpy endured the Dark type move, still performing Take Down and ran towards one of the fallen rocks. The two collided before Larvitar leapt off and on his feet.

"Alright, you two," Ash addressed, "Great training!" His two baby Pokémon puffed up with pride at the praise. They loved whenever their "father" complemented them.

"Now, Phanpy. Nice use of your Hidden Power and that Earthquake was great. But I want to work with some new moves you can learn. Larvitar, excellent performance of your first mock battle! Your execution of your moves was incredible. With more training, we can get you to learn more moves!" Ash informed.

The two baby Pokémon nodded and were ready for the next hurdles in their training.

In the afternoon, Ash was with his two on hand Water types. Totodile was dancing around as Corphish was being his chipper self. Ketchum had a brief destination in mind for them. His other Pokémon were with his friends, training themselves. Brock, having experience with Rock and Ground types due to him being the previous Pewter City Gym Leader, opt to teach his two baby Pokémon some great moves.

The destination was the beach. A perfect place to train Water types. Ash had been informed that like his previous leagues, the terrain would switch from time to time during the latter rounds. Ketchum took it upon himself to train his water types on the proper terrain.

"Corphish, Totodile," Ash said, getting the two's attention, "time to practice your swimming skills. The Hoenn League will have a few Water terrains and I want you to practice your underwater maneuvers." Both nodded and immediately hit the waves. Ash wasn't sure if they were either excited for the ocean or training.

A few hours passed and Ash was still there on the beach. He saw the Ruffian Pokémon occasionally on the beach and the Big Jaw Pokémon often burst happily in the water. He was readying up on their information in the Pokédex, wanting to see any potential moves he could have them work on.

But all that changed when a net from the ocean was fired on the two.

"Corphish! Totodile!" Ash cried. The two Water types struggled to be free but no avail. The source of the net began to burst from the water and revealed to be...

A large Magikarp?

The "Magikarp" began to have its fin pop out and reveal the "masterminds" behind the abduction.

(Cue the infamous motto)

"Team Rocket!" Ash snarled.

"The one and only, twerp!" Jessie remarked.

"Thanks for the Pokémon!" James replied.

"We will be taking them to da boss after we snag your Pikachu!" Meowth said.

Ash growled, these three clearly knew never to give up. They had followed him throughout Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn now. And he wouldn't let them steal his Pokémon, no matter had many times they tried.

"Use Vise Grip and Bite to get yourselves free!" Ash called out. The two Water types nodded before getting to work. Totodile lived up to his species name, effectively gnawing himself from the ropes. Corphish was able to snip away the net and ran towards Ash's side. Their trainer agreed that affection would have to wait, so they ready themselves.

"Ugh! I knew we should have a more thicker thread!" Jessie said.

"We were on time table!" Meowth retorted.

"Perhaps, we could bicker later," James chided in, "Twerp at twelve o'clock!"

"Fire Bubble Beam and Water Gun!" Ash shouted. The two fired their respective attacks at the hull of the submarine, but it did nothing.

"Hahahahaha!" TRio laughed. "Our Magikarp sub is built to witness any Water type attack that comes our way!" Meowth boasted.

Ash and his two Pokémon growled with that information. Corphish and Totodile glanced at each other and nodded.

Both soon began to glow and grow. Corphish grew larger pincers and star on his forehead. Totodile grew a large fin on the top of his head and his jaw became bigger. The light died down and revealed two evolved forms. "Craw!" "Croc!"

Ash was amazed at his Pokémon, wanting to scan them right now but he had bigger Magikarps to fry. Both literally and figuratively.

"Alright you two, fire again!" Crawdaunt stepped forward before opening his pincers. He began to channel some energy and fired two purple double helix spirals. The attack did massive damage to the hull. Croconaw got himself ready and rushed at the submarine. Scaling the vessel, the evolved Water Johto starter's claws turned teal green and elongated themselves. Croconaw began to claw and scratch the hull to no end. After finishing his handiwork, he leapt off and landed near his trainer.

"Look what you did to our ride!" Jessie complained.

"Do you know how much it will take for this to buff out!?" James added.

"Too bad, I don't care!" Ash said. "Fire away!" His two evolved Water types cried and fired a Dark Pulse and a chill of freezing air towards to trio, who huddled in feared. The Magikarp sub exploded and sent the man, woman, and feline flying away as they usually do.

"Probably should have made the sub built to withstand all attacks," Meowth mused.

"Of course you would say that now," Jessie said.

"But back to the task at hand," James said.

"Looks like Team Rocket is blasting off againnnnnnnnnnnn!" They said before becoming a twinkle in the sky.

Ash let out a brief breath of relief before smiling at his Pokémon. "Awesome work you two!" Crawdaunt and Croconaw smiled to the best of their ability. They felt much stronger now and were glad to evolve at last.

"Come on, we have to tell the others!" Ash said before heading back with the Rogue and Big Jaw Pokemon in tow.

Another night in the room, and Ash had told his friends what had happened. They were surprised to know Team Rocket was here but they knew they would try anything at this point, Brock especially.

As everyone dozed off, Ash was staring at the ceiling again. Crawdaunt and Croconaw had evolved! Something he kinda wondered about if they ever could. Having used first stage starter Pokémon was useful most of the times, but occasionally he wondered if they had enough experience. Bulbasaur and Squirtle agreed on holding off evolution, but his other Pokémon seemed they wanted to evolve.

And that was fine by him. He wasn't one to force evolution, but if his Pokémon wanted to get stronger by evolving, who was he to deny such a chance.

Chapter Text

Day 4

Ash watched his Pokémon hard at work. It was Day 4 and the League was almost here.

Changing it up, Grovyle weaved through an assortment of Magical Leaf from Bayleef. The Johto Grass type was doing expectational on her training. Grovyle then rushed in with red leaf blades, swiping in quick succession. The Leaf Pokémon responded with a glass screen in front of her, Reflect canceling Fury Cutter since it is a physical attack. And Ash could have sworn there is a small hint of unspoken affection between the starters.

Torkoal snorted, spewing two streams of purple poison at his target. Toxic struck his opponent, but it did nothing considering Muk is a pure Poison type. The Sludge Pokémon shook it off went with his own attack. He conjured an energy trash bag that he threw at the Coal Pokémon. Torkoal, lacking speed, tucked himself in his shell before shimmering with an iron coat. With Iron Defense, Torkoal tanked the hit. Still in his shell, the tortoise Pokémon began to spin around, generating a sliver ring as he did. Taking off, Muk was met with a Gyro Ball to his stomach...

Which made the Coal Pokémon immediately want to get free, since the smell of the Sludge Pokémon was emitting became unbearable for him.

Pikachu was with a small green toad Pokémon with a closed green bulb on its back. Bulbasaur was working on some new moves, mostly some Poison type moves to aid him. Ash had told him about learning a few Poison type moves that would be great for the Seed Pokémon. Pikachu, being the oldest member of the team, was a great sparring partner for the Kanto Grass starter and vice versa. Bulbasaur was repeated struck with Quick Attacks, courtesy of Pikachu. Taking a shot, Bulbasaur's eyes glowed green. Pikachu came rushing in behind, but was tripped up by a knot of grass. The Seed Pokémon smirked before grabbing the Mouse Pokemon with his vines.

On Ketchum's right, a large dark blue beetle Pokémon was practicing punches. Being part Fighting type, Ash wanted to start utilizing some Fighting type moves on for Heracross. Ash needed to have a personal Fighting type to teach Heracross a few moves. But where would he get one?

It wasn't know to anyone if Pokémon could be found here, let alone Fighting types. And while Snorlax has a few punching moves, the Sleeping Pokémon was built for taking this and dishing back in a rather slow manner.

Then it hit Ash. Of course! He hadn't seen him for what felt like ages! He so had to call him up and see how he's doing.
...

Ash waited for the video call to pick up. He was anxious. Would they even remember him? What if he got released?

"Hello?" The video chat picked up and revealed a man in a muscle shirt. "Oh! Hey, Ash!" Looks like they did remember him after all.

"Hey, Anthony," Ash greeted. "Man, it feels like it's been ages since we've talked!" Anthony said. Then in all too familiar furry Pokémon appeared in screen. "Pri!"

"Hey, Primeape," Ash acknowledged, "How have things been going with the Grand P1?"

"They have been going great!" Anthony said enthusiastically, "Primeape has had some many wins under his belt at this point!" The traine showed him the many trophies he had won. "Woah! That's impressive!" Ash noted. "Yep! Though Primeape has been feeling a bit..." Anthony started, "... say not having a challenge."

"How come?" Ash wondered aloud. "Well, it's nothing," Anthony dismissed, "it's just Primeape has been looking for a challenge recently. Not to mention we have seen some of your league battles from time to time."

"Primeape watches my battles?" Ash asked. He didn't know that. "Yeah! Of course! You're his trainer! Why wouldn't he?" Anthony informed.

"I guess I never thought of it like that," Ash admitted. His first Fighting type was cheering him on from the sidelines. It made Ash regret regret not getting his Pokémon earlier.

"Anyways, the reason I'm calling is if..." Ash started, "... could I have Primeape back?"

"Of course!" Anthony said, "Don't get me wrong, winning is great and all, but over time it is starting to get a bit tedious."

"Great!" Ash said excitedly. "Still have my Pokeball?" "Right here," Anthony said holding it. "So Primeape, ready to be with your trainer once again?"

"Ape! Ape!" The Pig Monkey said, ready to fight. "Alright then!" The fitness trainer said before returning Primeape to his Pokeball. "Thanks for taking care of him," Ash thanked as he retrieved the Pokeball.

"No problem!" Anthony said, "Good luck in the Hoenn League!"
...

In his hand held one of his most unused Pokémon. He felt bad for Primeape. The Fighting type had been cheering him on from the sidelines and he didn't even know. Well, time to change that.

"Come on out!" Ash said bringing out his returned Fighting type. The ball bursted opened and revealed the Pig Monkey Pokémon, bursting with energy.

"Ape!" Primeape cheered before turning around and hugging Ash. "Hehehe, good to see you too."

"Wow! A Primeape!" Max said, fascinated by the appearance.

"Is that the same Primeape from the P1 Tournament?" Brock questioned. "The P1 Tournament?" The Maple siblings asked. "It's quite the story," Ash explained before telling them it.

"So, Primeape is basically a world champion?" May concluded. "I guess so when you put it like that," Ash chuckled before getting his current party to greet the returning member.

Pikachu and Bulbasaur went first, having known the Pig Monkey the longest (even in the short time they met). Muk went next, giving the Fighting type a hug that he had to shrug off. Bayleef and Heracross went next, the former using her vines and the latter shaking with his arms. Grovyle gave a nod of acknowledgment and Torkoal let out a happy stream of smoke.

"Alright I want everyone to go back to your training," Ash informed, "except you, Heracross." The Single Horn Pokémon nodded before coming over to his trainer. "Alright, I want you to spar with Primeape. I think you should learn a few Fighting type moves." The beetle nodded before readied himself. "Great, Primeape, show us what you have been up to!"

The Pig Monkey Pokémon shook himself and jumped a bit before putting his fists up. Heracross showed his horn before charging in with a white glowing horn. Primeape readied himself by glowing with a red aura around his body. Bulk Up allowed him to brace for the Horn Attack which he caught before using Revenge, knocking back the Bug/Fighting type.

Heracross caught him with his wings and flew in again, this time with an orange streak after him. Primeape cupped his hands together, forming a blue orb in between. He threw it towards the charging Single Horn Pokémon who flew into it. The beetle Pokémon flew out of the explosion and charged again with a lime green coated horn this time.

The simian Pokémon responded to the Megahorn by slamming his fist into the ground, causing a wave of stone spires to rise out of the ground. Heracross charged through all of them, weakening his horn as he did. Heracross eventually made it to Primeape but the Bug type move was weaker after crushing through multiple Stone Edges.

"Alright that's enough!" Ash called, he had seen enough and was sure Primeape was could beat Heracross when they were not sparring. "Okay, Heracross," he addressed to his Bug/Fighting type, "while head on attacks are your thing, perhaps we need to teach you some range moves along with some Fighting type moves." The Single Horn Pokémon nodded, feeling a bit sore from his rush down attacks.

"And Primeape, nice moves!" Ash congratulated, "You have certainly been training yourself to the max." The Pig Monkey Pokemon puffed up with pride from the praise. "Now I want you to teach Heracross some Fighting type moves, got it?" "Pri!"

It was the evening and all of his Pokémon had made more progress like the days before, most notably Heracross.

Demonstrating what he learned, the Single Horn Pokémon summoned multiple swords that circled him before rushing with a flurry of punches and horn attacks. After using a Swords Dance boosted Close Combat, Heracross flew in the air, the horn covered with an indigo glow. The Bug/Fighting type then came across a boulder and performed Brick Break that split the rock in two. The Johto Bug type let out a happy cry as Primeape looked in pride. The Fighting type learned a few moves himself from the Bug type, so he too was getting some experience himself.

Ash returned his Pokémon, except Pikachu, for the night and went to his room for some resting with the Mouse Pokemon in tow. Ketchum smiled at the thought of his Fighting type being back on the team. He definitely would use him for upcoming battles in the Hoenn League and maybe in the future when he thought of it.

Chapter Text

Day 5

Ash decided to go a different route today. He was currently having mock battles with all of his Pokémon except Pikachu right now.

Crawdaunt gained an indigo outline on his pincers and rushed towards Kingler. The Pincer Pokémon generated a metal coated claw that blocked the Night Slash. Both met at a stalemate before backing up. The crab like Pokémon fired a boiling hot glob of water at the lobster like Pokémon. Trying one of his new attacks out, Crawdaunt began to summon a wave of brown water around himself. Muddy Water seemingly absorbed Scald and was sent towards the Water type who conjured a green shield, Protecting him from the attack.

Glalie charged with a sliver aura at his opponent: a large bull Pokémon with three tails. The leader Tauros who goes by Stampede, came in, with glowing white horns, signaling Horn Attack. Iron Head met the Normal type attack, causing dust to kick up. Both were pushed back, the Wild Bull Pokémon snorting aggressively before going in for a Take Down. Coming in close, Glalie generated his chilling energy fangs and bit into Tauros' hide. The Normal type back began to freeze over, but in a surprise, Tauros' three tails turned to metal and whacked the Face Pokémon, prompting him to release the bull.

In the skies, Swellow surveyed his surroundings searching for his fellow aerial opponent. In a flash, Swellow was struck with by a glowing blue "meteor." Righting himself, the Swallow Pokémon scanned his surroundings again just as the same 'meteor' struck him. The third time, Swellow flapped his wings in rapid succession before sending blades of blue energy at the 'meteor.' The blades struck true and revealed the meteor to be Noctowl using Zen Headbutt. The two bird Pokémon hovered a bit before Swellow glowed purple and rushed the shiny Owl Pokemon.

And lastly, Pikachu cleaved a rock with a glowing white paw. The Mouse Pokemon now had another answer to Rock types other than Iron Tail with Brick Break becoming a success. The Electric type began to concentrate a fired a pink beam at another rock, blasting it apart. Signal Beam was down. Pikachu was getting more pumped to show his opponents what for with these new moves.

With Ash today was Brock and Max. May was currently at a spa in the hotel, for some relaxation. As usual, Max was bombarding Brock with questions about Ash's older Pokémon.

Ash meanwhile was reading up on some his Pokémon's new moves. Crawdaunt had learned some Dark type moves, which Ash was on board with, Glalie learned some more Ice type moves which was great since he lacked those moves, and Swellow was excelling in his aerial combat and maneuvers. His older Pokémon were also doing great as well. He didn't want to overshadow his older Pokémon with the newer Pokémon but at same time he wanted to have all of his Pokémon to have a chance to shine.

When the afternoon came, Ash and his friends ate lunch that Brock had whipped up. As they were enjoying lunch, they soon overheard a crowed beginning to form. "Hm? What's that all about?" Ash questioned. "I say we go and check it out," Brock suggested. The three nodded and Ash returned his Pokémon.

The crowd seemed to be watching a Pokémon battle. "Hey guys!" May called over, getting the boys attention. "May, do you know what's going on?" Ash asked. "No clue. All I heard was this trainer challenging someone," the coordinator responded before gesturing to the current battle.

One trainer had brown hair, black eyes, a maroon shirt with a teal collared jacket, with tan pants and blue sneakers. Beside him was a Meowth with a hat and boots. The trainer was commanding a teal metallic four legged Pokémon.

The other trainer was commanding a Machamp.

"Machamp, use Cross Chop!" His trainer said. Machamp charged his opponent with glowing hands.

"Iron Head!" the brown haired trainer called. Metagross shimmered with silver energy and charged at an insane speed that smashed through the Superpower Pokémon.

"No way!" Max shouted. Ash, May, and Brock were as shocked to see this Steel/Psychic type just smash through the Fighting type's move.

"Now let's finish it off! Use Psychic!" The brunette said. His Metagross complied as the eyes of the Iron Leg Pokemon glowed blue. Machamp soon was outlined in blue and sent flying to the ground. Kicking up dust, it was revealed Machamp to be knocked out.

The brown haired trainer called back his Metagross before coming over to his foe. "Great battle," he said as he shook hands with his opponent.

"Woah, he sure is strong," Ash let out. He pulled out his Pokédex to see what Pokémon that was.

[Metagross, the Iron Leg Pokémon and the evolved form of Metang. Because the magnetic powers of these Pokémon get stronger in freezing temperatures, Metagross living on snowy mountains are full of energy.]

Ash whistled at that. Reading some more, Ash found out this Pokémon is one of the two Hoenn Pseudo legendaries. No doubt that this trainer is competing in the league.

"Alright! Anyone else want a go?" The brown haired trainer called out. The crowd was silent as they were in awe of his strength.

"I'll give you a battle!" Ash said and readied himself from the challenging trainer. The brunette trainer smiled and readied himself next. "So, what's your name?"

"Ash," the Pallet Town trainer introduced. "I'm Tyson," the brown haired trainer said, "How about a three-on-three?"

"Fine by me," Ash grinned, excited to challenge a new potential rival.

"Hariyama, you're up!" Tyson said, sending out the Fighting type.

"Tauros, I choose you!" Ash called as he sent out his Normal type.

"Hari!/Moo!"

"Hariyama, Arm Thrust!" Tyson shouted and the Arm Thrust Pokemon rushed with his opened palm strikes. "Tauros, use Hidden Power!" Ash called out. The Wild Bull Pokemon glowed, creating green orbs and fired them away at the Fighting type. Hariyama cringed through the pain, still charging through the attack. Eventually, the Arm Thrust Pokemon made it over and slammed his glowing palms into the Wild Bull Pokemon, who mooed and was shoved back a reasonable distance.

"Flamethrower!" Tauros took a deep breath and sent a torrent of flames towards his opponent. Hariyama endured the pain before shaking it off.

"How did Hariyama withstand Flamethrower?" May asked. "Hariyama must have the ability Thick Fat, an ability that reduces Fire and Ice attacks," Brock deduced. "So, Ash will need to stay clear of Fire and Ice attacks to do damage," Max put together.

"Hariyama, Focus Blast!" The Fighting type cupped his hands together before generating a yellow orb which was flung at Tauros. "Iron Tail to bat it back!" The Normal type turned his three tails to metal and swung them around, smacking the Focus Blast away. "Now Zen Headbutt!" Tauros let out a moo and charged with blue Psychic energy towards Hariyama.

"Meet it with Heavy Slam!" Hariyama charged as well, covered in silver energy before leaping and falling towards Tauros, who redirected his Zen Headbutt towards the falling Fighting type. The two moves collided and caused an explosion. Both Pokemon were blown back and it seemed like they were on their last legs.

"Hariyama, finish them Brine!" "Tauros, use Thunderbolt!" Both Pokemon either fired or charged then fired their moves, Hariyama shooting water from his palms and Tauros with a lightning bolt respectively. Both moves hit their intended targets, causing another explosion. When the smoke cleared, both Pokémon were down and out.

"Awesome work out there, Tauros/Nice work, Hariyama," both trainers said as they called back their Pokemon before drawing their new Pokeballs.

"Go Donphan/Swellow!" The Armor Pokemon let out a trumpet as the Swallow Pokemon chirped in the air.

"Donphan, start off with Sandstorm!" Tyson said. The Ground type trumpeted and generated a sandstorm that obscured the battlefield, much to the dismay of the onlookers.

"Swellow," Ash cried through the weather effect, "Use Work Up!" The Hoenn Normal/Flying type gained a red aura around himself. "Now, go for Ominous Wind!" The bird Pokemon flapped his wings, creating a purple gust of wind. Donphan dodged the Ghost type attack in a fast pace. Swellow then buffed in the Sandstorm attack, causing his flight pattern to falter a bit.

"It seems Donphan has the Sand Veil ability!" Brock noticed.

Ash gritted his teeth with that information. If he can recall, Sand Veil boosts the Pokémon speed. And Swellow was one of his fastest Pokemon. Then he got an idea.

"Swellow, blow away the sandstorm with Hurricane!" The Normal/Flying Pokemon cawed and began to flap in a rapid pace. The winds eventually blew away the Sandstorm allow Swellow to see...

an incoming form of Donphan curled up.

The Rollout struck Swellow causing his flight to falter again but regained his altitude. "Donphan, Rollout again!" The Armor Pokemon continued to bash the Swallow Pokemon nonstop with the Rock type attack. Each attack was growing stronger nonstop as the Swallow Pokemon began to take more and more damage. Eventually Swellow fell to the ground, on his back.

"Alright, Donphan! One more Rollout!" Tyson commanded and the Armor Pokemon charged forward.

Ash grit his teeth at the incoming Ground type. The onlookers and his friends watched as the Normal/Flying Pokémon was doomed to get hit. Until Ash had an idea.

"Swellow, grab Donphan's ears!" The Swallow Pokémon heard and complied, causing the Armor Pokemon to come to a halt, much to everyone's surprise. "Now time to fly!" Ash shouted. His Hoenn bird Pokemon cawed and began to lift Donphan off the ground.

"Woah!" Tyson said as he watched his Pokemon get lifted from the ground. Swellow reached a sensible altitude before dropping his Ground type cargo to the ground, causing dust to kick up. When the dust cleared it revealed Donphan to be unable to battle.

"Great going, Donphan," Tyson praised, "Gotta say Ash, color me impressed! Never had I meant someone who shouted such a command!"

"Thanks for the compliment," Ash replied as he returned Swellow. "But now for the finale! Meowth, let's go!" Tyson said as his dressed up Scratch Cat Pokémon entered the field, tipping his hat as he did.

"Pikachu, let's go," Ash told his faithful starter. "Pika!" the Mouse Pokemon cried and ran onto the battlefield. Tyson's Meowth meowed and readied his claws for battle.

"Start off with Fury Swipes!" Meowth's claws grew and turned white as the costume Pokémon attacked by swiping claws nonstop against his opponent. Pikachu was scratched nonstop until Meowth leapt back.

"Signal Beam!" Ash said and his only Electric type fired a pink beam of energy at the cat. "Use Thunderbolt!" Meowth charged up and fired a lightning bolt at Bug type move. Both fought for dominance until they were was an explosion.

"Quick Attack!" Pikachu ran forward with a white trail and bashed Meowth in the chest. "Iron Tail!" Both trainers said and the two Pokémon turned their tails to steel and whacked each other at close range.

"Hyper Voice!" Meowth let out an echoing shout that caused Pikachu to be blown back. Pikachu skidded to his side of the battle before standing up and growling. Meowth merely flashed a grin, possibly to the irritate the Mouse Pokémon.

"Pikachu, use Skull Bash!" Pikachu tucked his head in and leapt forward with his head in front. Skull Bash connected and Meowth was pushed back. It was Pikachu's turn to smirk as Meowth got back up.

"Go in for Night Slash!"

"Use Brick Break!"

Meowth's claws took a dark hue and the cat slashed at Pikachu who had a glowing paw. The Mouse Pokémon swung down just as the Scratch Cat Pokémon slashed across Pikachu's chest. There was a brief flash from Night Slash which caused Pikachu to roll back.

Both Pokémon were panting, each attack having put a toil on them.

"Say Ash," Tyson addressed his opponent, "It's been quite the battle, but it's time to wrap this up!"

"Couldn't agree more!" Ash replied.

"Pikachu!/Meowth!" Both trainers said. "Use Thunderbolt!"

Both cat and mouse unleashed their separate bolts of lightning. They met at a stalemate, both Normal and Electric type pouring energy to win at the end. In the end...

Meowth's Thunderbolt pushed through and shocked Pikachu. The Thunderbolt caused an explosion to kick up and Pikachu was out of the battle.

Ash ran onto the field and cradled his starter. "It's okay, Pikachu. You did your best," Ketchum reassured to the defeated Pokémon.

"Nice battle, Ash," Tyson complimented as he made his way over to his opponent, "Any chance you are competing in the Hoenn League?"

"You bet!" Ash replied. "Great! Hope we can face each other again there," Tyson promised before before returning Meowth and heading over to the Pokémon Center, no doubt to treat his Pokémon. Ash watched his retreating figure as his traveling companions came up to him.

"He's a strong trainer," Max commented. "No doubt, you just made a new rival," Brock added.

Ash couldn't help but nod. He sure did. And now he would even work harder to beat Tyson.

"Ash Ketchum, you have a call."

Ash made his way over to the PC and booted up the camera. To his surprise, it was Sabrina, the Saffron City Gym Leader.

"Hello again, Ash," Sabrina greeted with a smile. "Hi, Sabrina!" Ash greeted back, "I'm surprised that you called me."

"Yes, I sensed your surprise feelings. I am contacting you regrading a teammate of yours."

Ash was confused at that statement. Teammate? He couldn't recall having a teammate that he gave to the Kanto Psychic type Gym Leader. "What teammate?"

"You left you-" Sabrina started before a smoke bomb went off in her face. The smoke dispersed and revealed soot covering the Gym Leader. A purple floating mass behind her was laughing at her. "Haunter," she finished with a smile, unbothered by the prank.

Ash then remembered Haunter...

and how he never really caught him or remembered him till now. In his defense, he only had him for a while, at least longer than Primeape.

"Actually, when I think about it," Ash admitted, "I never really captured Haunter in the first place..."

"Huh," Sabrina said, "Well, nonetheless, Haunter has watched your battles. He wants to battle alongside you!"

"R-really?" Ash wondered aloud. Another Pokémon he had forgotten about had watched him battle!

"Yep. I sensed Haunter's wanting to battle alongside his trainer, so I thought of calling Professor Oak, who informed me that you were competing in the Hoenn League," the psychic informed.

Ash mauled the idea over. He would have his first Ghost type Pokémon. They were known for being crafty, specializing in mostly range and status moves. Plus this could help with any future Ghost types he might capture in the future and aid in Noctowl's training since Noctowl's were known for tricks as well.

"Alright! I would be glad to have Haunter on my team," Ash said excitedly.

"Well said," Sabrina added before telekinetically lifting a Pokeball and captured Haunter. She then sent the Gas Pokémon via transport and to Ash.

"Now, since Haunter is on your team, you could potentially get a Gengar," Sabrina mentioned.

"A Gengar? How?" Ash asked, curious in how to get the evolved form. "It's simple, all you have to do is trade," the Saffron Gym Leader informed, "like a mock trade or using a trade machine."

"Hmmm... Interesting," Ketchum said, thinking about the idea. "Thanks for the advice!"

"No problem," Sabrina said, "I wish you good luck in the Hoenn League," before hanging up.

Ash held the Pokeball in his hand, contemplating the decision of evolving his recently 'recapture.' This decision would have to wait till morning.

Chapter Text

Day 6

"So do you want to evolve?" Ash asked the next morning to his Ghost/Poison type. He had told/reminded his current traveling companions about his adventures with Haunter.

The Gas Pokémon greeted Ash by tricking him before hugging him after so long. Haunter was introduced to team members on hand: Pikachu, Grovyle, Bayleef, Bulbasaur, Muk, and Glalie. Haunter was especially fond of Glalie, the two being both mischievous Pokémon.

When the question was asked, Haunter thought the potential idea over. During his time at the Saffron Gym, he had seen a few Gengars that battled Sabrina and was impressed at seeing them trick up their opponents. After a minute of thinking, Haunter nodded.

"Great!" Ash cried and returned Haunter to his Pokeball. "Alright, Brock, let's mock trade." Brock nodded before pulling out a Pokeball to trade. It was an instant transition as Haunter popped out and began to glow white.

Haunter's floating claws became shorter and attached themselves to Haunter's body. His physique changed as well, growing in size. The light died down to reveal Gengar. "Gar!" the Shadow Pokémon cackled.

In Brock's Pokeball, his Graveler popped out himself and glowed in the same manner. His physique changed, his two pairs of arms becoming shorter and his rock exterior growing in size. Graveler evolved into a Golem. "Gol!"

Both trainers swapped back their respective Pokémon and Ash sent out his Gengar before scanning him.

[Gengar, the Shadow Pokémon and the evolved form of Haunter. On the night of a full moon, if shadows move on their own and laugh, it must be Gengar's doing.

Gender: Male

Ability: Cursed Body

Moves: Lick, Night Shade, Psychic, Shadow Ball]

Ash whistled at the mention of his Ghost/Poison moves. He only remember Haunter having used Lick before. But now he was glad that he had an official Ghost type on his team.

"Alright Gengar and Bulbasaur, I want you to practice with Muk on some Poison type moves. Give them a bit of an edge. Also practice some of other moves at your disposal," Ash instructed. His on hand Poison type Pokémon nodded and went to a selective area to train.

"Glalie, I plan to work with you in general today, so eyes on me." The Face Pokémon gave a nod.

"Pikachu, do some self training. Practice a few new Electric type moves." The Mouse Pokémon squeaked and readied himself to work on a few moves.

"Bayleef and Grovyle, keep practicing with each other." The two Grass starters gave their respective affirmatives and went to work.

"Alright, Glalie," Ash began facing his Ice type, "Let's see your progress." The Ice type grinned before showing off his new moves. Glalie backed up before giving firing a Dark Pulse from his mouth. Afterwards, Glalie inhaled then exhaled a rush of frozen air. And finally the Face Pokémon then cried to the sky and summoned a dark black cloud. The cloud began to rain an assortment of ice.

Ash looked at what his Ice type had just learned, which was Dark Pulse, Frost Breath, and Avalanche, all very good Ice type moves. "Okay, Glalie, let's see what new moves you can learn..."

As usual, lunch time came around and Ash wanted to see his Pokémon's progress after eating. He had seen Pikachu's process so the Mouse Pokémon didn't have to demonstrate any new moves.

Bulbasaur went first, firing seeds in quick succession. Then the Seed Pokémon conjured an green ball from his mouth and fired away. Bulbasaur sent out his vines, but instead of their usual green, they turned purple, showing a process in Power Whip. The Grass/Poison type's final move was generating a glob of poison and hurled it.

Muk went next, lunging his way over. In a surprise of events, the Sludge Pokémon generated a charge and fired Thunderbolt. Muk's "hand" took a dark purple hue and made a jabbing motion with it. Next up, Muk began to move his entire body, creating a wave of poison that surrounded him and acted as protection in a way. The final move for the Poison type was unleashing a torrent of flames from his mouth.

Gengar started off with a indigo covered fist, showing off his Shadow Punch, before the fist turned into a claw. Gengar made a series of drowsy induced lights, which wasn't made to be as strong. The Shadow Pokémon made a ring of ghostly fire before firing it. Gengar ended his display and made an yellow orb and threw it away.

Bayleef glowed with a faint aura and conjured fossils from beneath her. The Leaf Pokémon then spewed a stream of poison from her mouth, demonstrating Toxic. Her eyes glowed green and made a knot from grass afterwards and finished with putting her head leaf to her mouth and whistled into it. Grass Whistle caused a brief wave of sleep but the heroes shook it off.

Grovyle fired larger seeds, showcasing Seed Bomb had upgraded from Bullet Seed. The Wood Gecko Pokémon began to blitz around the area with the help of Agility. And for his final move, Grovyle exhaled bluish flames.

Glalie demonstrated his moves from before, then created a blue orb of water. Firing the Water Pulse, the Face Pokémon created a shard of ice and fired it at the Water type move, causing a small explosion. Glalie finished his appeal with a ball of ghost energy.

Ash applaud his Pokémon for their hard work and allowed them to eat. As they ate, Bayleef and Grovyle were noticeable close to each other. Ash noticed their connection and decided to finally address the growing affection between his two second stage Grass types. Ash wasn't as dense when it came to Pokémon love.

Taking a brief break, Ash and his two evolved Grass types for a walk in a secluded area. Grovyle walked had a tinge of red around his face while Bayleef was being happy.

The Wood Gecko Pokémon wasn't good when it came to romance. Battling and standing his ground was great in all, but he had zero experience with love. Grovyle, even as a Treecko, was never infatuated with other Pokémon.

"Alright, you two," Ash said, turning around and addressing his Pokémon, "I think I know what's going on with you two." Bayleef just weakly nodded as Grovyle attempted to deny the feelings. "Grovyle," Ash said in a comforting tone, "It's alright if you like Bayleef." Grovyle sort of huffed at the claim, but his mannerisms said otherwise.

Bayleef meanwhile didn't deny the fact she had a thing for the Wood Gecko Pokémon. She was always infatuated with Ash from the moment he saved her from Team Rocket when she was a stubborn Chikorita. Even as Bayleef, she wanted Ash to love her. But Grovyle had caught her eye. These recent spar sessions had made the Hoenn Grass starter attractive in her eyes.

"Come on, Grovyle," Ash said, "There's nothing wrong with you falling in love." Grovyle became a bit stubborn, not wanting to admit he had feelings for Bayleef. The Leaf Pokémon noticed and thought he was beginning to deny that he wasn't feeling in love anymore. She slowly became to have tears run across her face.

"Grovyle, don't be like that," Ketchum said. He wanted all his Pokémon to be happy. It didn't matter if they were on the same team, Grovyle felt too prideful to admit his feelings towards Bayleef.

"Bay!" The Leaf Pokémon cried and began to run away, not wanting to look her crush in the eyes. Grovyle balked at that, realizing he had hurt his crush's feeling. "Grov!" The Wood Gecko Pokémon began to chase after her, saying in PokeSpeech that he was sorry for being in denial but the Johto Grass Starter continued to run, not wanting to look him in the eyes. Ash secretly sighed before running after his two evolved Grass types.

After sometime, Ash managed to find only Grovyle and was searching for Bayleef. "Bayleef! Hey Bayleef!" "Grovyle!"

"Ugh, we wouldn't find her before the sun goes down," Ash said before turning to Grovyle, "Grovyle, there is nothing wrong with being in love with Bayleef." The Wood Gecko Pokémon just nodded before some tears began to appear. He wiped them away, trying to hide his pain.

Ash said, "Hey, listen to me. I know you're a bit prideful and don't want emotion to get in your way, but it's okay. When you find her, tell her how you feel." Grovyle wiped his tears before getting his usual serious face on. With an affirmed cry, he became determined to see Bayleef again.

"BAY!"

Both trainer and Pokémon heard the cry and began to pinpoint it. Ash heard it again and rushed towards its location. Ash and Grovyle eventually found Bayleef only to see a familiar threat harboring Bayleef in a cage.

"Well what do you know?" Meowth said.

"A Bayleef for show!" James rhymed.

"And now..." Jessie began.

"The boss will give us a 'whoa!'" the TRio cheered, delighted they could capture such a rare Pokémon.

"Bay!" the Leaf Pokémon shouted in defiance. "Eh? What do you mean your trainer will come for you?" Meowth said.

"Come to think of it," James noticed, "Haven't we seen this Bayleef before?"

"You might be getting mixed up with the many Pokémon we have stolen before, James," Jessie commented.

Ash and Grovyle growled at seeing their teammate/crush captured in the same clutches that have been stalking them. The Wood Gecko knew this was his fault and refused to see Bayleef in pain all because of his pride.

"Vyle!" Grovyle immediately appeared with Ash behind him. "Team Rocket! Give me back Bayleef!" Ketchum roared.

(Team Rocket motto)

"AH! I knew it!" James realized.

"So this Bayleef is yours?" Meowth said.

"Correction. I think you mean 'was' considering we found her weeping in the forest," Jessie chided in.

Grovyle became furious. He readied a Fury Cutter, preparing to free his crush. Bayleef just ignored the Hoenn Pokémon, she was no longer interested in the Grass type.

"If you think, you're taking Bayleef away, you have another thing coming!" Ash shouted, "Fury Cutter!" Grovyle rushed in with red blades.

"Nice try! Seviper go!"

"Cacnea! Join in!"

Jessie and James summoned their respective Pokémon, ready to battle. Grovyle slashed in a rapid succession on the Fang Snake Pokémon since she was the closest, but Seviper used Wrap, constricting Grovyle's movement.

"Cacnea, close range Pin Missile!" The Cactus Pokémon fired white pin-like missiles right at the Wood Gecko's face. Seviper added insult to injury with Wrapping around tighter.

"Grovyle get free!" Ash called out, the Hoenn Grass starter kept taking damage from the unfair position he was in. The assault eventually ended and released a battered Grovyle.

"Hey, twerp!" James said, "Hand over that Grovyle of yours and maybe we will let you have your Bayleef instead!"

Ash grit his teeth at the jab. He would never surrender one of his Pokémon to people like them. Grovyle made an effort to get up, even with his bruised body. Seviper reared up as Cacnea extending his spikes in his most dangerous manner, even if he was shorter.

"Gro... Grovyle! Grovyle! Vyle!" the Wood Gecko said defiantly. Bayleef turned a glance at him before listening to what the Hoenn starter had to say.

"Grov... Vyle,' the Wood Gecko began to go on with how he was sorry and how much he like Bayleef. He was never good at putting himself out there, this was a new experience for him. The Leaf Pokémon began to slightly tear up at his declaration.

"Uh? Meowth, what's the twerp's Pokémon saying?" Jessie asked their 'translator.' "The twiop's Pokémon is just confessing his feelings for Bayleef," Meowth informed.

Grovyle stood to his feet before roaring and glowing in a white light. Grovyle began to grown in size as his head leaf diminished. His trio of arm leaf blades began to morph into two, balls grew on his back, and his two leaf tails turned into a single bushy tail. The light died down, revealing a large green lizard.

"Scep!"

"Awesome, you evolved!" Ash said before scanning his newly evolved member.

[Sceptile, the Forest Pokémon and evolved form of Grovyle. The leaves growing on Sceptile's body are very sharp edged. This Pokémon is very agile—it leaps all over the branches of trees and jumps on its foe from above or behind.]

Getting a brief overview of his new moves, Ash gave a command, "Use Leaf Blade!" Sceptile's arm leaves turned a vibrant green and slashed through the two opponents before reaching Bayleef's cage. The Forest Pokémon hacked through the bars, freeing the Leaf Pokémon.

"Oh no!" the TRio cried in horror as their trap was cut opened.

"Bay!" The Leaf Pokémon nuzzled against her savior and Ash smiled. The two Grass starters then narrowed their eyes at the TRio. "H-hey n-now," James said.

"N-no need t-to be a-agressive," Jessie said.

"Will you two quit it?!" Meowth huffed, "We still have Seviper and Cacnea up and at 'em!"

"Oh right..." the two human members said before commanding attacks. "Poison Tail/Needle Arm!"

Seviper rushed in with a purple glowing tail as Cacnea ran in with a sharp arm. Sceptile reeled his head back before spitting out explosive set of seeds that exploded at the TRio's Pokémon. Bayleef joined in, shimmering with a white aura and summoning fossils that she threw at the Fang Snake and Cactus Pokémon.

Bayleef smirked before glowing herself. Her body became bigger, her head leaf shrunk and two stamen sprouted, and her neck leaf bloomed into a flower. The light revealed a large lime green saurpod Pokémon with a pink petal around her neck. "Meg!"

"Alright, you evolved too, Bayleef!" Ash whopped before scanning her.

[Meganium, the Herb Pokémon and the evolved form of Bayleef. The aroma that rises from its petals contains a substance that calms aggressive feelings.]

Meganium and Sceptile both smiled at each other before readying two of their newest moves. Sceptile turned around and generated a cyclone of leaves around his tail before firing them. Meganium's neck petal began to generate various pink petals that began to swarm with the Leaf Storm, creating a Petal Dance and Leaf Storm combination that Seviper, Cacnea and the TRio flying into the sky.

"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off againnnnnnnnnnnn! *twinkle*"

Ash cheered, "Way to go you too!" Meganium and Sceptile beamed at the praise before looking at each other. The Forest Pokémon held his arm, nervousness present on his face. Meganium extend her vine before nuzzling against Sceptile, getting a red blush on his face.

Ash smiled at his Pokémon's affection towards each other, glad he had gotten that settled out.

It was 9 o'clock when Ash went to sleep and once again laid in his bed. Tomorrow was the opening ceremony for the Ever Grande Conference. He felt prepared for the battles ahead. One more day of training and he would show his progress on the field.

He was more pumped than ever for the Hoenn League.

Chapter Text

Day 7

Phanpy was curled into a ball, rolling towards Larvitar. The Rock Skin Pokémon opened his mouth before firing a dark purple double-helix blast at the Long Nose Pokémon, which struck true. Phanpy uncurled, damaged from the Dark Pulse, before trumpeting and firing green orbs for his Hidden Power.

Quilava dashed in with a white streak around his body at his opponent. Torkoal opened his mouth, creating a glob of poison, intent on performing Sludge Bomb. The Volcano Pokémon sped out of the way of the Poison attack before curling himself into a ball. The Coal Pokémon spun around, meeting the Rollout with Gyro Ball, winning the lock up. Quilava rebounded and fired a Swift, landing hits on Torkoal.

Heracross flew in, horn lime green for Megahorn at Pikachu. The Mouse Pokémon ran towards his opponent, his paw turning white paw glowing for Brick Break. The Bug and Fighting type move met, sending a shock wave. The Electric type jumped back before generating an orb of electric along his tail. With a mighty "Chu!", Pikachu hurled an Electro Ball at the Single Horn Pokémon. The Bug/Fighting type simply readied himself, Enduring the hit before shaking off the projectile move.

Primeape unleashed a barrage of punches and kicks on his opponent. Said opponent endured each hit before getting to their feet. Snorlax got up and charged with blue psychic energy and slammed headfirst into Primeape. The Pig Monkey Pokémon shook off the Zen Headbutt and retaliated with a red aura surronding his body. Using Revenge, Primeape was able to strike a serious blow against the Sleeping Pokémon. Snorlax faltered back a bit, but stood his ground.

Kingler had his claw poised for Hammer Arm and swung it down. Muk merely absorbed the attack due to his slime like physiology and gave a close-range Thunderbolt, electrocuting the Pincer Pokémon. Kingler shook off the Electric attack before opening his claw and firing multiple globs of mud from it. Muk gave his glob of mud, except it was bigger. Kingler's Mud Shot and Muk's Mud Bomb met and caused a mini explosion between the two Ground type moves.

Sceptile came in, his elbow leaves glowing with green energy, as he swiped nonstop at Meganium. The Herb Pokémon summoned a Reflect before firing multicolored leaves at the Forest Pokémon. The Hoenn Grass starter knew he couldn't avoid this move and decided to take it head on. Sceptile's tail turned to metal as Meganium elongated her tail with a turquoise scaled tail. They swung Iron Tail and Dragon Tail respectively, meeting at a stalemate.

Crawdaunt glowed with a red aura before opening his pincers to unleash Hydro Pump. Torrents of water poured towards Croconaw who, surprisingly, dodged with dancing still. The Big Jaw Pokémon formed energy fangs and Crunched down on the Rogue Pokémon, who shook off the attack. Since he was at close range, Croconaw was subjected to a Crabhammer before getting hit with high pressured Liquidation.

Swellow was caught in yellow energy rings from Noctowl's Extrassensory. The Owl Pokémon planned to slam the Swallow Pokémon into the ground but the latter flew free with the help of Secret Power. Swellow gained a smirk on his beak before creating a black mirror that imitated the Extrassensory and restrained the shiny Pokémon. However, Noctowl countered with a breeze of silver crescents towards the move, canceling it out. Both birds circled each other, readying their next move.

Bulbasaur had his vines out ready to take the incoming Tauros. Said Tauros came in with two white glowing horns. The Seed Pokémon unleashed Power Whip, effectively grabbing the Wild Bull Pokémon by his horns and tossed him away. The Normal type picked himself up, before generating an orb of ice which shot three arcs. The Kanto Grass starter spewed multiple green seeds that exploded upon reaching the Ice Beam, taking it out of the equation.

Glalie gave Gengar a face full of Icicle Spear before getting some distance. The Shadow Pokémon shook of the attack, before sparking and using Thunderbolt, which managed to shock the Face Pokémon. The Ghost/Poison type conjured a ring of ghostly flames before hurling it at the Ice type, who put up a Safeguard to prevent any status conditions. Gengar's smile took a frown before going in with a Shadow Punch, landing a decent hit on Glalie, but left him open to a Crunch.

Ash smiled at his Pokémon making process with each training. Tonight was the opening ceremony of the Hoenn League, so Ash made many rotations throughout the day to see where each of his Pokémon were.

He was glad Brock had mentioned bringing back his older Pokémon and it gave him a chance to use them again. It also gave his newer Pokémon a chance to learn new moves. Sceptile now had a better assortment of Grass type moves, Torkoal learned a few Poison type moves, Crawdaunt had a more diverse move set rather than the four he always had, Swellow excelled at his aerial ability while learning new moves, and Glalie had a better move set with his Ice type moves.

Overall, Ash was glad that he utilized his time to train his Pokémon to become better then they were before.

The opening ceremony began at 6 o'clock in the Ever Grande Conference.

"Hello trainers and welcome to the Ever Grande Conference!" Charles Goodshow announced. "You are here because you have made the requirements to enter the Hoenn League. Look to your right and left, as the trainers around you could be your potential opponent. I wish you the best of luck in the League!"

Ash and Pikachu looked up at the giant monitor with the many faces of trainers competing against each other. To the Pallet Town native, he was excited to face any new trainers that could potentially give him a challenge. To this time, he had trained his Pokémon, old and new, which provided him the ability to give his Pokémon evolutions and moves that could give him an edge in the battle.

Ash noticed the familiar faces of Morrison and Tyson in crowd, so he would get the chance to compete against them. Looking up on the screen, two other trainers stood out to him. One trainer is a young boy with lime green hair. Another seemed to have brown hair covered by a white hat and a green bandana across his forehead.

The trainers' face on the monitor began to shuffle, then reappeared with the first matches of the preliminaries. Ash found himself beside a trainer in a white gi. While he didn't know his name, Ash couldn't wait to battle his opponent.

Chapter Text

"Metang, use Take Down!"

"Electabuzz, go for Thunder Punch!"

Metang hovered forward with orange energy outline of itself as Electabuzz's fist began to spark and went for a jab. The two Pokémon collided with each other and kicked up dust. Metang floated back to its trainer as Electabuzz was shoved back to his.

"Use Thunder Punch again!"

The Electric Pokémon charged his fist again and rushed in, ready to end the fight.

"Confusion!"

The Iron Claw Pokemon's eyes shined blue before halting Electabuzz in place. "Now Take Down to finish it!" Metang rocked forward with another orange energy outline and nailing the restrained Electric type. The Kanto Electric type was knocked back and down for the fight.

"Electabuzz is unable to battle. Metang is the winner. Therefore, Morrison of Verdanturf Town advances through the preliminaries!"

"Alright, we did it!" Morrison, one of Ash's Hoenn rivals, cheered before hugged Metang, who cheered along with its trainer.

From the stands, Ash, Brock, May, and Max watched the whole fight through. Seeing how Ash's body was later today, he figured he should watch his rivals and potential opponents to get an upper hand on in future matches. Morrison got himself lucky with Beldum evolving into Metang which gave him the extra boost it needed to end the match.

"Woah, Morrison sure has gotten stronger," Max recognized.

Brock nodded, "Yep, that makes him a trainer to beat."

Ash silently agreed before they left to check out Tyson's match.

"Water Pulse!" Vivica, Tyson's opponent, shouted.

Her Pokémon for the match is Persian, who was up against Meowth. The dressed up Scratch Cat Pokémon had just used Double Team to confuse the Classy Cat Pokémon. The Water Pulse was blasted onto the ground, creating a huge wave of water that washed the copies away, along with the actual Meowth.

"Use Shadow Ball!" Vivica continued her attacks.

Creating an orb of spectral energy, the quadruped cat Pokémon shot the Ghost type move towards the cowboy dressed cat. The attack made contact with the ground, knock Meowth back to a wall.

Deciding the counterattack, Tyson called for his next move, "Iron Tail!"

Meowth's tail turned to steel and he rushed towards his evolved form before slamming it. The Classy Cat Pokémon was sent flying back before catching herself.

Tyson kept up the pressure, "Thunderbolt!"

Vivica responded this time, "Dig!"

Meowth began to charge and fire a concentrated lightning bolt but missed due to Persian having Dug away from the attack. Meowth didn't stop there though and fired in the hole, striking the evolved form and causing an explosion underground. Said explosion ended the match as Persian lied defeated.

"Persian is unable to battle. Meowth is the winner. Therefore, Tyson of Mauville City is the winner!"

The crowd cheered at the brunette's victory but Meowth began to extend his claws the downed Classy Cat Pokémon. The crowd's cheer turned to one of fear as the Scratch Cat Pokémon attacked. Tyson, though, quickly returned him to his Pokéball before any damage was done and gazed at it.

"Exploud, use Hyper Voice!"

The Loud Noise Pokémon took a deep breath before bellowing sound waves across the battlefield towards his opponent.

"Altaria, Safeguard!"

The Humming Pokémon shimmered green and casted a teal forcefield that took the sound attack. Altaria began to flap his wings before ascending and getting into position.

"Use Dragon Dance then Sky Attack!" His trainer, a lime green haired boy, called.

Altaria glowed with a red aura with bits of black storm like particles around himself before a yellow aura covered him.

"Exploud, cut it off with Screech!" Guy* shouted.

The Normal type let out a brief roar before firing sound waves that were to disorient the attack. The Dragon/Flying type flew through the sound attack with his Sky Attack and collided, causing Exploud to fall defeated from the Flying type move.

"Exploud is unable to battle, Altaria is the winner. Therefore, Wally of Petalburg City is the winner!"

Altaria flew over to Wally, who chuckled at his affection.

"That was quite the match," May said from the stands.

"You said it," Max commented.

Ash, now thanks to watching the battle, had learned the boy's name was Wally. And Ash couldn't help but grin at the thought of challenging him to a battle.

It was finally Ash's turn to battle as he made his way to the battlefield. Pikachu was on his shoulder, ready in case he was to be selected to battle. Ash's opponent, a young martial artist in a white gi approached the battlefield from his end before they both stopped at their selected corners.

The referee began the match, "This battle is between Gilbert and Ash. Trainers may only use one Pokémon for this battle. Battle begin!"

"Hitmonlee, go!" Gilbert said, throwing out the infamous Kanto Kicking Pokémon.

"Primeape, I choose you!" Ash said, showing his Fighting type.

Both Kanto Fighting types Pokémon were summoned and eyed their opponent. Hitmonlee had a bit of a cocky look on his face but Primeape had experience in fighting all types of fighting types at this point. The Pig Monkey Pokémon rolled his arms before getting in a boxing stance.

"Start with Rolling Kick!" Gilbert commanded and the Kicking Pokemon leapt into the air, before extending his leg down to strike his opponent.

"Detect!" The Pallet Town native shouted and Primeape's eyes glowed red for a brief moment before sidestepping the Rolling Kick. Ash took this opportunity to capitalize, "Go for Low Kick!"

The Pig Monkey Pokémon took the chance to swept his right leg, as Hitmonlee was still in the air and was sent back to the ground. Primape puffed up before do a "bring it" motion with his gloved hands. The Kicking Pokémon took offense to that taunt and leapt back into action, ready for more.

Gilbert took the next attack, "Use High Jump Kick!"

The martial artist's Pokémon took to the air again, but this time went down with a knee strike.

"Primeape, Bulk Up then Aerial Ace!" Ash said.

Primeape glowed with a red aura, his muscles increasing in size before leaping towards the descending Fighting type. With a white streaks surrounding himself, the simian Pokémon met the human-like Pokémon head on, causing a small explosion to occur.

Both Fighting types were sent back, the simian flipped and landed on his feet before letting out a cry while the humanoid Pokémon hit the ground with a thud before getting to his feet.

Gilbert grit his teeth at his Pokémon's pain. His Hitmonlee was exceptional when it came to most opponents, especially other Fighting types, but this Primeape had him stumped. If only he knew that Primeape had encountered plenty of Hitmonlees before.

"Use Mega Kick!"

"Catch it with Fling!"

The Kicking Pokémon once again extended his foot but the Pig Monkey Pokémon caught it before hurling it over himself and into the stadium wall behind the martial artist. The evolved form of Tyrogue managed to pick himself up but slighlty cringed in pain from the impact.

"Rush back in and use Mega Kick!" Gilbert shouted. He wanted to end the battle quickly.

Hitmonlee shook off the pain, thinking it was nothing, and ran back in before launching his foot forward.

"Primeape, Vacuum Wave!" Ash called for.

The Pig Monkey Pokémon leapt in the air before spinning, creating a drift around himself. He then launched it into his opponent, causing the Kicking Pokémon to fight the drifts of wind. Unfortunately, Hitmonlee was taken along with the wind and sent towards the ground. The wind drifts dispersed, before revealing an unconscious Hitmonlee.

"Hitmonlee is unable to battle, Primeape is the winner. Therefore, Ash from Pallet Town is the winner!" the referee declared.

"Way to go Primeape!" Ash cheered and Primeape punched his fists in the air in celebration.

"Linnone, go for Gunk Shot!"

The Hoenn Normal type conjured an energy trash bag before hurling it at his opponent.

"Dodge it!" the white hat trainer said to his Pokémon.

Said Pokémon was his Breloom, who dodged it by jumping.

"Pin Missile!" Nicholai* said.

Linonne's fur fizzled before firing multiple energy pins towards the Grass/Fighting type.

"Counter them with Seed Bomb!"

Breloom inhaled before firing multiple large green seeds that intercepted the Pin Missile.

"Now, Sky Uppercut!"

The Mushroom Pokémon rushed in with a glowing claw and landed an uppercut at the Normal type. Linoone was sent back to Nicholai and down for the count.

"Linoone is unable to battle, Breloom is the winner. Therefore, Brendan of Littleroot Town is the winner!" the referee declared.

Ash and his friends attended the battle as this Brendan trainer had caught the Pallet Town's eye. Brendan seemed like an amazing trainer and like Wally, he was hoping to battle him.

The preliminary matches of the Ever Grande Conference concluded that night and Ash, along with the other competitors, all watched the flame become lit signaling the end of the preliminaries.

"That torch lightening concludes our preliminary matches! And now for your next three rounds, they will all be double battles! So teamwork between the two Pokémon you choose should help you in these next rounds!" the announcer informed.

On the screen, images of the trainers began to swirl around before stopping and showing who each trainer would be up against in the first set of double battles. Ash found his picture with a teal haired guy.

However he was, Ash was sure that he would win the match against him.

Chapter Text

The referee announces, "This Double Battle is between Morrison of Verdanturf Town and Gavin of Ganga Town. Trainers send out your Pokémon!"

Morrison went first, "Growlithe, Gligar!" He sent out the Puppy and Fly Scorpion Pokémon. "Bark!/Gli!"

Gavin rolled his shoulders before throwing out his Pokémon, "Go Machamp and Marowak!" sending out the Superpower and Bone Keeper Pokémon. "Champ!/Wak!"

"Battle begin!" the referee said.

Morrison struck first, "Growlithe, Take Down!"

The Puppy Pokémon barked before running with orange energy towards his opponent.

"Marowak, intercept it with Headbutt!" Gavin commanded.

The Bone Keeper Pokémon rushed in himself before collided skull first with Growlithe. The attack was proven effective as the Fire type was knocked back.

"Gligar, go for Guillotine!" Morrison said.

The Fly Scorpion flew in with silver, glowing claws and flew down towards the Marowak, before Machamp got in the way. "Use Karate Chop!"

The Superpower Pokémon's hands glowed white in the form of a karate strike and swung one down that interrupted the OHKO move and Gligar flew back to his side. Growlithe managed to rise to his feet and growled, wanting to be back in the action. "Flamethrower!"

The canine Pokémon unleashed flames from his mouth but Marowak swung his bone, deflecting the flames with a Bone Club attack, courtesy of Gavin asking for said move.

The muscular trainer called for his next attack, "Go for Dynamic Punch!"

The four armed Pokémon ran in with a glowing fist and nailed Gligar, who was trying to fly in again. "Now Cross Chop!" Machamp placed his arms together, still glowing with Fighting energy and lunged at his target, successfully hitting him.

"Hang in there, Gligar! Use Steel Wing!" Morrison called for. The Fly Scorpion Pokémon flew in, wings hardened into metal and sliced the Superpower Pokémon, effectively injuring him.

Meanwhile, Growlithe was struck with a Bonemerang from Marowak. The Puppy Pokémon made an attempt to use Flamethrower, per request from Morrison, but the Bone Keeper rushed in with a Headbutt.

"Now, Ice Beam!" Gavin shouted. Marowak formed an orb of ice energy that fired three arcs and froze Growlithe's legs. "Bone Club!" The skull faced Pokémon began to whack the canine Pokémon with his bone.

"Machamp, Vital Throw!"

"Counter with Guillotine!"

Machamp rushed in but Gligar intercepted with silver glowing claws. Guillotine did not connect but Machamp was still sore from the Steel Wing.

"Gligar, Steel Wing back to back!" Morrison called for. The Ground/Flying type flew with his wings turning to metal and bombarded four armed Fighting type non stop. "Now, Guillotine!" Gligar then rushed in with silver claws and sliced the Superpower Pokémon, this time taking him out of comission.

The referee made the call, "Machamp is unable to battle!"

Gavin grit his teeth before having Marowak take care of Growlithe. "Keep using Bone Club!" The Bone Keeper bashed the Puppy Pokémon before holding his club like a baseball bat and knocked Growlithe out of the fight, which the referee called out.

"Growlithe is unable to battle!"

Now it was one on one.

"Marowak, Headbutt/Gligar, Guillotine!" Both trainers called for.

Both Ground types rushed in, Marowak skull first and Gligar with his claws out and glowing. The Bone Keeper Pokémon jumped and rammed the Fly Scorpion Pokémon, which resulted in them being sent towards the ground.

"Ice Beam!" Gavin commanded which his Ground type formed the orb of ice and fired three arcs that struck Gligar's wing. "Bonemerang!" Marowak threw his bone, striking dual Ground type and sent pummeling towards the battlefield.

"Time to finish this! Marowak, Bone Club nonstop!" the muscular trainer. The skull faced Pokémon ran in, bone poised and ready to whack the bat-scorpion hybrid Pokémon out.

"Gligar, get out of there!" Morrison became worried as his Pokémon was not able to fly with the ice on his wing. Gligar struggled to rise as Marowak came running. A determined glint appeared in the Fly Scorpion Pokémon's eyes and his tail turned to metal. The newly learned Iron Tail from Gligar ended up defeating the Bone Keeper Pokémon.

"Marowak is unable to battle, Gligar is the winner! Therefore, Morrison of Verdanturf Town wins!"

Morrison ran onto and congratulated Gligar, "Nice job, Gligar!

"Gli!" he said before being returned to his ball.

Ash walked onto the stadium as his opponent did as well. Both trainers came to a stop on their respective sides as the referee made their announcement, "This Double Battle is between Ash of Pallet Town and Dominick of Inua Town. Trainers send out your Pokémon!"

"Kingler, Noctowl, I choose you!"

"Tropius, Swalot, help me out!"

Ash sent out his Pincer and shiny Owl Pokémon while Dominick sent out the Fruit and Poison Bag Pokémon. Oohs and aahs were heard in the stands as the shiny Johto Pokémon was revealed on the battlefield. After the four Pokémon were sent out, the referee began the battle.

"Tropius, take to the skies and use Leaf Tornado!" the teal haired trainer said. The tropical sauropod Pokémon flapped his wings and took to the sky before releasing a green tornado of leaves towards Ash's Pokémon.

Ash called for a defensive measure, "Kingler, Iron Defense! Noctowl, Heat Wave!"

The crab Pokémon shimmered with an iron flash over his exoskeleton and the owl Pokémon began to flap his wings and create orange gusts of heat. The Iron Defense made Kingler able to take the hits and the Heat Wave burned a majority of the leaves while also hitting the two opposing Pokémon.

"Swalot, Sludge Bomb on Kingler and Tropius, use Gust on Noctowl!" Dominick commanded.

The purple Hoenn blob like Pokémon widely opened his mouth and spat a glob of brown sludge. The Sludge Bomb struck Kingler, but the Pincer Pokémon hung on. The Fruit Pokémon flapped his wings that made a breeze, slightly affecting the Owl Pokémon. The shiny bird merely regained altitude and the crustacean shook his pincer in anger at the Hoenn Poison type.

"Kingler, try Rock Slide!" Ash shouted. His Water type complied with glowing sliver and summoning rocks from above. Raining about the tropical and blob Hoenn Pokémon, clipping the former and burying the latter.

"Noctowl, Shadow Ball!" The owl generated a pair of shadowy orbs and fired them at the two.

Dominic decided to counter that attack, "Swalot, use your own Shadow Ball!" The Poison Bag expanded his mouth before conjuring his own ghostly energy orbs to counter. Both Shadow Balls collided with each other, creating an explosion. "Go for Shock Wave!" The Hoenn Poison type generated a blue charge and fired two electrical currents towards the owl and crab which struck them both.

"Noct!/Kook!"

"Noctowl! Kingler!" Ash cried.

"Aw yeah! Tropius, Solar Beam!" Dominick shouted as the Fruit Pokémon began to charge solar energy in his mouth.

Ash grit his teeth, "Can you two stand?" Both his Pokémon slowly got up and rose to their feet, ready for more. "Great!"

"Fire now!" Dominick said and Tropius shot a blast of solar energy towards the two opposing Pokémon.

"Noctowl, fly away and Kingler, use Protect!" Ash commanded in hopes of the Grass type attack not hitting his Pincer Pokémon. The crab conjured a green shield that Protected him from the attack as Noctowl evaded the attack.

"Kingler, fire a Blizzard! Noctowl, Zen Headbutt on Swalot!" Ash capitalized. Kingler opened his huge pincer and sent a chilling gust of snow towards Tropius, which struck the Grass/Flying type and sent down. Noctowl flew in, surrounded by blue Psychic energy and rammed Swalot.

"Shadow Ball and Leaf Tornado!" Swalot fired a shadowy orb and Tropius unleashed a tornado of leaves towards their opponents.

"Counter with Mud Shot and Heat Wave!" Kingler fired a few globs of mud and Noctowl flapped his wings, creating a gust of heat. Both moves collided, Shadow Ball and Mud Shot exploding while Heat Wave burned through the Leaf Tornado and struck the two Hoenn Pokémon.

Tropius eventually flew down, clearly tired, as Swalot was panting somewhat.

"Kingler, finish Tropius with Blizzard!" Ash said and the Pincer Pokémon fired another chilling gust of snow that hit the Fruit Pokémon. The Grass/Flying Pokémon fell over, unconscious from the attack.

"Tropius is unable to battle!" the referee made known.

Dominick returned his fallen Pokémon before commanding Swalot again, "Use Shock Wave again!"

This time though Ash had a plan for the super effective attack, "Use Metal Claw and Steel Wing!"

Kingler's claw turned to metal as did Noctowl's wings. Using their Steel type attacks, the Shock Wave began to conduct into the Steel moves.

"Hey, isn't..." Max said from the stands.

"Yeah! That's the same trick Winona used during Ash's gym battle!" May recalled.

"Seems like Ash took a page out of Winona's book," Brock said, impressed.

"Alright!" Ash grinned before going in, "Noctowl, use Extrasenory and Kingler, ready Hyper Beam!"

Noctowl's eyes shined yellow before trapping the Poison Bag Pokémon in a yellow beam of energy and Kingler release an orange energy beam, hitting Swalot and taking him out of the match.

"Swalot is unable to battle! Kingler and Noctowl are the winners! Therefore, Ash of Pallet Town wins!"

"Way to go!" Ash cheered as Noctowl landed near his trainer and Kingler scurried alongside him, cheering themselves, "Kookie!/Noct!"

With the match concluded, Ash took liberty in healing his teammates up. After their work today, they deserve a break.

With the rest of the matches ending, Ash and his rivals saw their next opponents. He didn't get much information, as he saw he was battling a someone who looks like a conductor. Looking further into the information, he discovered that his opponent used Fire types. With that information in mind, he knew what Pokémon to use for this match.

Chapter Text

"Mightyena, use Snarl!" Hodge* yelled as the Bite Pokémon howled, unleashing dark purple soundwaves towards his opponents. Snarl hit the two Pokémon before Hariyama rushed in with glowing palms for Force Palms.

"Blaziken, counter with Focus Blast!" Brendan called to his starter. The Blaze Pokémon cupped her hands together, generating a yellow orb. The Blaze Pokémon hurled it towards Hariyama, who opt to punch it.

What he didn't take it account was that Focus Blast wasn't aimed at him as it missed and hit Mightyena head-on. The explosion ended the Dark-type sound move and revealed that Mightyena was on his last legs. Having watched his teammate, the Arm Thrust Pokémon got distracted and was met with a Zen Headbutt, courtesy of Ludicolo. The Psychic-type move rammed the Fighting-type off balance as the Grass/Water-type leaped back to his side.

"Blaziken, finish it up Sky Uppercut! Ludicolo, Hydro Pump!" Brendan commanded.

The bipedal avian Pokémon rushed in with her claws glowing blue before running past the sumo like Pokémon. At an insane speed, the Blaze Pokémon nailed an uppercut and knocked the hyena-like Pokémon out. The Carefree Pokémon unleashed a torrent of water at the Arm Thrust Pokémon, also taking him out.

"Hariyama and Mightyena are unable to battle, Blaziken and Ludicolo are the winners! Therefore, Brendan is the winner!"

"Way to go, you two!" Brendan cheered as his Pokémon pumped their fists at the win.

"This Double Battle is between Ash and Clark. Trainers send out your Pokémon!"

"Charizard, Quilava, conduct your flames!" Clark said, summoning his two Fire types.

"Croconaw, Glalie, I choose you!" Ash said, sending out his team for the match.

The Kanto fully evolved starter let out a roar while the Johto Fire-type starter expelled his flames. The Water Johto starter crossed his arms, grinning, while the Ice type got his game face on.

"Wait, Glalie?!" May said from the stands, in shock of Ash's choice.

"Yeah! Why bring an Ice-type to a Fire-type match? Especially with two Fire types?!" Max cried out.

"Relax, guys," Brock reassured the Maple siblings, "We've seen Ash take down Pokémon with type disadvantage before, remember?"

Both Maple siblings nodded, but they still worried for Ash's sake.

"Battle begin!" the referee declared.

"This shall end the Glalie. Charizard, Heat Wave! Quilava, Flame Wheel!" Clark commanded. The two Fire types began their attack on the weaker link of the two opponents, Charizard flapping his wings to create a gust of orange waves and Quilava spinning into a flame coated wheel, charging towards the Ice-type.

Ash had a smirk, he knew that Glalie would be the target of the two Fire types but he had a counter towards that. But part of him wanted to hide his surprise. He decided the former given the current position he is in. "Croconaw, Hydro Pump on Heat Wave! Glalie, Water Pulse!"

Croconaw spewed a gushing torrent of water that sizzled out the Heat Wave's approach. Glalie created a blue orb of hydro energy and fired it at the Volcano Pokémon's attack. The Water Pulse doused the Flame Wheel and knocked Quilava back towards his ally.

Clark began to grit his teeth at the development. The conductor didn't take into account that Glalie would have learned such a type advantage move. Nonetheless, he would still win this battle. "Steel Wing and Quick Attack!"

Charizard's wings took a metal covering and flew towards his opponents alongside Quilava, who was dashing with a white streak behind him.

Ash took action again, "Glalie, meet that Quick Attack with Iron Head! Croconaw, Dragon Dance then Dragon Claw!"

The Face Pokémon charged forward in a silver aura towards the Volcano Pokémon, effectively nailing the Normal-type attack away. The Big Jaw Pokémon glowed red with storm particles around him and green claws grew from his blue claws before leaping up and matching the Steel Wing from the Flame Pokémon. Clark's Charizard grit his teeth but the Dragon Dance boosted attack provided Croconaw the strength to match the Steel Wing with Dragon Claw.

"Now, Hydro Pump!" Croconaw took a deep breath before unleashing a torrent of water, directly in the fully evolved Kanto Fire-type. The Water-type attack immediately did its damage towards the pseudodragon. Charizard roared in pain as the gush knocked him back. He rose and growled alongside Quilava.

Clark continued to do his best to take out the two Pokémon, "Quilava, Flamethrower! Charizard, Dragon Breath!"

Ash shouted, "Glalie, Earthquake! Croconaw, leap up!"

Both Fire starters began to charge their flames and draconic energy respectively, but the Ice type quickly dropped to the ground, causing the terrain to shake from the Ground-type attack. Croconaw leaped up to avoid it while Charizard was lucky enough to fly up but Quilava was hit and defeated.

"Quilava is unable to battle!" the referee declared. Clark returned his fallen Pokémon before attempting to defeat his opponent with his pseudodragon Pokémon.

Speaking of which, Charizard took his turn to expel Dragon Breath. The teal draconic energy effectively struck the Big Jaw Pokémon, sending him into the Face Pokémon. Glalie was able to catch himself and Croconaw fell to the ground but was able to get up.

"Use Heat Wave!" The Flame Pokémon flapped his wings, sending a gust of orange waves.

"Glalie, use Protect! Croconaw, extinguish Heat Wave with Hydro Pump!" Ash ordered. Glalie summoned a green shield to Protect him while Croconaw fired high pressured water towards the Fire-type attack. The two attacks collided, some waves striking the Face Pokémon shield, and causing a steam explosion.

"Be on your guard, Charizard," the conductor instructed his Pokémon, who nodded as Charizard kept an eye for any incoming attacks.

"Double Team!" Ash shouted.

Clark heard the command, but then he wasn't sure which Pokémon performed such a move. The cloud finally cleared to reveal six Glalies. Clark gaped as Fire/Flying-type was taken aback at the many Ice-types in front of him.

"Now Water Pulse and Aqua Tail!" Ash commanded. The multiple Face Pokémon conjured a hydro-powered orb before firing. Croconaw sprang from his position and charged forward, his tail swirling with water.

"Charizard, shoot down the Water Pulses!" Charizard snapped out of his shock and unleash his flames. The Flamethrowers shoot down about three Water Pulses, but the other three made contact with the Flame Pokémon. The Water Johto starter came around and swatted Aqua Tail into the Kanto Fire starter, knocking him out of the fight.

"Charizard is unable to battle! Croconaw and Glalie are the winners! Therefore, Ash is the winner!" the referee announced.

"Alright!" Ash cheered as Croconaw danced on the field while Glalie chuckled.

"Donphan and Blastoise are unable to battle!" Tyson returned his Ground-type, giving a few words of praise, as his opponent returned his Kanto Water starter.

"Aggron, use Metal Claw!" Johnny, Tyson's opponent, ordered. The Iron Armor Pokémon's claws turned to a metallic covering and charged towards his opponent.

"Sceptile, use Detect!" Tyson called for. The Forest Pokémon's eyes shined red before dodging swipe after swipe from the Steel/Rock type. The Hoenn Grass starter then jumped back to a reasonable distance.

"Aggron, use Iron Defense!" The ceratopsian like Pokémon shimmered with an iron coat, raising his defenses.

"Sceptile, go for Solar Beam!" The green lizard-like Pokémon began to charge solar energy with the seeds on his back.

"Use Iron Head!" Aggron pawed the ground before charging with a silver aura around himself. Sceptile then released the Solar Beam attack, halting Aggron's Iron Head before fully taking him out of the fight.

"Aggron is unable to battle! Sceptile is the winner! Therefore, Tyson is the winner!" the referee announced.

"Nice work out there, Sceptile!" Tyson praised as the Forest Pokémon flashed a thumbs up to his trainer.

Since their battles were done for the day, Ash decided to kick back and relax as his Pokémon deserved it. Of course, this didn't last long as Morrison began to challenge Ash to other events. His traveling companions were off doing activities that interested them: May and Tyson checked out Ever Grande's food court with Max in tow while Brock was deadset on fluttering with all the Nurse Joys and Officer Jennys around.

That night, the matches for tomorrow were announced. Ash found out his next opponent was an Ace Trainer from the looks of it. Before heading back to his room, he discovered that his next opponent was Vito Winstrate. The last name rang a bell as he remembers battling the Winstrate family during his time in Hoenn. He was surprised to him compete in the Hoenn League but thrilled for his next opponent.

Chapter Text

Ash, Pikachu, Brock, May, and Max were currently in the Ever Grande Conference data room. They had some time before Ash's match against Winstrate and Ash wanted to know what his opponent had in store.

"Why are we here?" May asked.

Brock answered, "Ash's match doesn't begin till later. By using the data room, Ash could discover what types of Pokémon Vito uses and counter them."

Max spoke, "Wait. What about Ash's information?"

"It's all in here Max," Ash said, "How long I have been a trainer, my Pokémon and their moves, my qualified badges, stuff like that."

Ketchum added to the statement by typing in his name and displaying what the computer had so far about said himself. It showed his qualified gym badges being the main eight and the Pokémon used so far: Pikachu -while never used-, Croconaw, Glalie, Noctowl, Kingler, and Primeape while others have yet to be used like his Tauros. There was also information about his previous league ranking and battles, showcasing a few matches.

Ketchum discarded his information before finding Vito. Reading the information, Ash found out Winstrate had been a trainer for four years and his the following Pokémon: an Alakazam, a Shiftry, a Walrein, an Electrode, and a Swalot. Thinking, Ash decided to pull a few matchups in his head.

He thought about having a Bug-type coming in handy for Alakazam and Shiftry but that changed in case they had a counter move for them. Having faced a Swalot before, Winstrate might not use him again. Walrein was hardy and bulky, providing a challenge with its Water/Ice-typing characteristic. And Electrode would have been a dangerous opponent. Ash would have to think about that later.

While he was there, Ash opt to search up a few other trainers.

He started with Morrison to see how he was doing currently. Showing the badges and scrolling through the team, Ash discovered Morrison's roster: Swampert, Metang, Gligar, Growlithe, Girafarig, and Steelix. He briefly remembered meeting all the same Pokémon when he first meet Morrison.

Checking out Tyson's roster, Ash came across: Meowth, Donphan, Sceptile, and Hariyama. Ash considered himself lucky to battle him beforehand and get an overview like with Metagross.

Then there was Wally. The lime green-haired boy had a Gardevoir, Magneton, Altaria, and Roselia. Reading more, Ash discovered the Petalburg City native had just begun his journey this year.

Lastly on Ash's radar was Brendan, who had: a Blaziken, Breloom, Ludicolo, Milotic, and an Armaldo. Looking over the team, Ash found it interesting and discovered that this was Brendan's fourth year taking on the Ever Grande Conference.

With that knowledge, Ketchum went back to his game plan with Vito. Brock offered a few suggestions and Ash listened, thinking of a strategy. Now armed with ideas, Ash picked out the Pokémon he wanted to use.

On another battlefield, Wally was currently stumped against his opponent. Using both his Delcatty and Gardevoir, he found himself battling the speedy Ninjask and the invulnerable' Shedinja.

"Fury Cutter and Shadow Sneak!" Keanu* commanded.

The Shed Pokémon melted into a shadow while the Ninja Pokémon blitzed forward with red glowing claws. The latter slashed relentlessly on the Prim Pokémon before the former struck the Embrace Pokémon with the Ghost-type move.

"Gard!/Catty!"

"Delcatty! Gardevoir!" Wally cried. The beginner trainer grit his teeth.

"Gardevoir, Shadow Ball on Shedinja!" Wally shouted and directed the main Pokémon he wanted out first.

The white-gowned humanoid Pokémon rose to her feet and summoned ghostly energy towards the undead cocoon Pokémon.

"Ninjask, Bug Buzz!" Keanu defended. The Bug/Flying-type blitzed forward before flapping his wings, sending red sound waves towards the Ghost-type move. The sound waves shot down the purple orb.

"Delcatty, use Assist!" The feline Pokémon glowed a white aura before generating a charge. She unleashed a Thunderbolt that missed the Ninja Pokémon due to the Speed Boost ability.

"Ninjask, Night Slash! Shedinja, Shadow Claw!" Both dual Bug types extend their claws, the former having a black claw and the latter with a ghostly claw.

"Gardevoir, Psybeam! Delcatty, try a Blizzard!" The Embrace Pokémon fired a multicolored zig zag beam while the Prim Pokémon fired a chilling gust of snow.

Blizzard hit the Ninjask but Shedinja's Wonder Guard appeared preventing any damage. The Ninja Pokémon powered through before slashing at the Normal-type Pokémon while the Shed Pokémon claws at Psychic* Pokémon. Both attacks do massive damage towards the two.

"Delcatty, try Assist again!" Wally cried out. He became relieved when a red ring honed in on Shedinja, signaling a Lock-On attack. Now it was just the chance of getting a super-effective attack. It depends on luck.

"Assist again and Gardevior, use Charge Beam!" Delcatty glowed with a white aura as Gardevoir fired an electric yellow beam. Ninjask avoided it while Shedinja hovered in place with his Wonder Guard ability.

Unfortunately, the Shed Pokémon didn't take into account an Assist Shadow Ball that struck him. The undead cocoon Pokémon fell to the ground and Wally no longer had any issues with the Wonder Guard ability.

"Shedinja is unable to battle!" the referee declared. Keanu recalled his Pokémon and gave it a few words of praise.

Wally let out a breath of relief, now the Ninjask just remained. "Gardevior, Future Sight!"

The Embrace Pokémon's eyes flashed with a blue glow, tapping into her psychic powers and predicting a wormhole. Keanu grit his teeth as he wasn't sure when the Psychic-type attack will hit so he made progress with the duo before him.

"Ninjask, it's up to you! Use Aerial Ace!" The flying cicada Pokémon dashed with white streaks around himself. He rammed the Prim Pokémon before swerving around and striking the Embrace Pokémon.

"Blizzard again!" At close range, Ninjask got a taste of snow. The attack cause the Bug/Flying-type to hover closer to the ground.

"Quick, Charge Beam!" The human-like Pokémon fired an electric yellow beam, hitting the insect Pokémon. As soon as the Electric-type move hit, the Future Sight sent psionic blasts towards the Ninja Pokémon. The impact caused an explosion before revealing Ninjask with swirly eyes.

"Ninjask is unable to battle! Gardevoir and Delcatty are the winners! Therefore, Wally is the winner!"

Wally smiled at the defeat of his opponent before praising his two Pokémon for their work.

Ash walked onto his field with a calm demeanor. Eyeing his opponent, Vito is a seasoned trainer from what he remembered reading but Ketchum was considered himself prepared.

The referee said the usual declaration before they sent out their Pokémon.

Ash went first, "Larvitar, Gengar, I choose you!" The recently 'returned' members appeared, "Tar/Gen!"

Vito sent out his next, "Alakazam, Swellow, go!" The Swallow Pokémon flew into the air while the Psi Pokémon mediated before snapping to attention. "Swellow!/Ala!"

The choice of Alakazam made Ash grateful for his choices but Swellow threw him in for a loop. Nonetheless, Ash had the battle to win.

"Swellow, Quick Attack!" Vito commanded. The Hoenn regional bird Pokémon cried before flying straight towards her opponents.

"Larvitar, use Rock Slide!" Ketchum shouted. The Rock Skin Pokémon cried to the sky before silver portals caused rocks to fall. The Swallow Pokémon maneuvered through the fallen debris with outstanding skills. She aimed at Gengar and struck, surprising Ash.

"Gar!/What?!" The Shadow Pokémon was in pain while his trainer saw that the Normal-type move managed to hit a Ghost-type.

"How did Swellow manage to hit Gengar?" Max asked Brock.

"It must be the ability, Scrappy. It enables Normal and Fighting-type moves to hit Ghost Pokémon," the Pewter City Gym Leader explained.

"Wow. Talk about luck to get a Swellow like with that ability," May commented as the travelers turn their attention to the battle again.

Ash called out for his next move, "Larvitar, use Dark Pulse! Gengar, Thunderbolt!"

"Alakazam, Energy Ball! Swellow, Air Slash!" Winstrate ordered.

Alakazam generated a green energy ball before firing it. Larvitar opened his mouth and released dark-purple double-helix spirals that hit the Energy Ball. Swellow flapped her wings, sending air-fueled crescent blades while Gengar unleashed a yellow bolt of electricity. The Thunderbolt hit the Normal/Flying-type as the Air Slash hit the Ghost/Poison type.

"Gengar, Toxic!" The Shadow Pokémon fired two streams of poison directly at the two opponents.

"Alakazam, Safeguard!" The Psi Pokémon summoned a teal-green forcefield that covered him and his ally. The Toxic bounced off the Safeguard, preventing any status moves from affecting the two.

Ash began to grit his teeth at the development. The Ace Trainer was beginning to take a toll on him. But he wouldn't go down just yet, "Larvitar, Screech!" The Rock Skin Pokémon cried sound waves that disoriented the two opponents.

"Now, Shadow Punch on Alakazam!" The purple ghost Pokémon hovered close before firing a shadowy punch into the spoon-wielding Pokémon. The Ghost-type attack did its work.

"Use Wing Attack!" Swellow swooped in, wings glowing, and slammed her wings into Gengar.

"Use Foul Play to send Swellow over here!" Ash said, getting one of his ideas. The Shadow Pokémon grabbed the Swallow Pokémon by the wing and flung her over to Ash's side.

"Larvitar, Rock Slide again!" The first form Johto pseudo legendary summoned boulders again and rained upon the Hoenn regional bird, taking her to the ground.

"Follow up with Hidden Power!" Capitalizing on the moment, Larvitar sent four green orbs that struck Swellow. An explosion occurred that revealed the blue-feathered bird to still hang on.

"Reversal! Shadow Ball!" Swellow glowed with a faint brownish aura before slapping her wing against Larvitar. The Fighting-type move sent Larvitar flying before landing on the field. Gengar received the shadowy orb and was blasted back onto his side as well.

Swellow returned to her side and Alakazam waited patiently for their next move.

Ash couldn't help but gawk at what Vito was doing to his team. He seemed like he planned for this. But Ketchum still wouldn't cave in.

"Alakazam, Charge Beam! Swellow, Endeavor!" The spoon-wielding Pokémon created a beam of electricity as the Hoenn regional bird fired a red energy beam herself.

"Larvitar, Dig! Gengar, phase away!" The Rock/Ground type burrowed underneath to avoid the Normal-type move and Gengar phased away, avoiding the Electric-type attack. Ash let out a breath of relief before getting another idea.

"Dark Pulse!" he yelled in hopes of Larvitar hearing him before directing to Gengar, "Sludge Bomb!"

From the ground, the Dark-type move hit the Psi Pokémon from below. Alakazam cringed in pain before getting hit with a glob of poison. And at the same time, Safeguard dispersed.

Ash immediately took action seeing the Normal-type move down, "Toxic on Alakazam quickly!"

"Swellow, intercept it!" The Swallow Pokémon appeared right in front of Alakazam, ready to take the blow.

"Hidden Power!" The Rock Skin Pokémon appeared and fired two green orbs that collided with the Normal/Flying-type, which caused her to descend a little. The change in the flight pattern caused the Toxic to hit its mark on the Psychic-type Pokémon. The Psi Pokémon now had a faint purple mark before bubbles appeared.

Alakazam was poisoned. Badly poisoned.

Ash took the time to capitalize on the status effect, "Go for Hex!" Ghost/Poison-type's eyes shined red, casting a glance onto the Psychic-type. The latter felt the attack double due to being poisoned.

Now it was Vito's turn to be frustrated. He knew he was on a timer now but the Gengar was the main problem. "Swellow, Quick Attack again!" The Swallow Pokémon flew fast with a white streak behind her. She was about to land her attack...

"Gengar, Poison Jab!" Before the Shadow Pokémon's hand turned dark purple and jabbed the Hoenn regional bird. A small mid-air explosion occurred, both Pokémon fell to the ground.

Swellow fell to the ground, unable to battle with the swirls in her eyes, and Gengar managed to hover, catching himself.

"Swellow is unable to battle!" the referee declared. Vito returned his Pokémon, praising the work she put in, before turning back to the battle.

"Psycho Cut!" Alakazam summoned a crescent blade of psychic energy before firing it towards the two opponents.

"Both of you, use Dark Pulse!" Ash cried. Both of his Pokémon fired their double purple helix spirals which collided with the Psychic-type move and caused a minor explosion.

"Energy Ball!" Alakazam summoned a green orb before firing towards Larvitar which hit. The small olive green Pokémon was skidding back but held on and growled.

"Dig and Shadow Punch!" The Rock Skin Pokémon burrowed into the ground and the Shadow Pokémon sent a shadowy punch.

"Alakazam, Reflect!" The Psi Pokémon cast a psychic glass screen, protecting him from the Ground and Ghost-type moves.

Ash's frustration returned with the defensive move up. Then he got an idea.

"Larvitar, Hidden Power!" The Johto pseudo legendary conjured green orbs and hurled them, bypassing the Light Screen which allowed them to damage the Kanto Psychic-type.

"Now, Hex!" The Kanto Ghost/Poison-type's eyes shined red towards Alakazam. The latter felt his body tense up and before falling to his knees.

Ketchum grinned, the Psi Pokémon is on his last legs. Time to wrap this up.

"Larvitar, Dark Pulse!" The Rock/Ground-type fired purple double helix spirals and struck the Psychic-type out of the fight.

"Alakazam!" Vito cried but the spoon-wielding Pokémon was unconscious.

"Alakazam is unable to battle! Larvitar and Gengar are the winners! Therefore, Ash is the winner!" the referee declared.

"Way to go!" Ash cheered as Larvitar ran back to his 'father.' The little pseudo legendary had won his first battle and Ash was proud of him. It was the same with Gengar as the mischievous ghost pulled out a smoke bomb and covered his trainer and teammate in soot, but the two laughed it off.

"That was a nice battle, Ash," the Ace Trainer said, approaching the Pallet Town native.

"It sure was," he responded before they shook hands after their match.

After the match, Ash was in the Ever Grande Stadium, along with his rivals. Ash recalled it would be six-on-six battles from here on out. So now, he could bring out more of his reserves and use them.

Staring at the screen, he saw that his opponent would be a woman with long teal hair. After recognizing his opponent, Ash turned in for the night, coming up with strategies to beat his next opponent.

Whatever she threw at him, Ash had to be ready for the next few battles.

Chapter Text

Ash entered the field with a calm demeanor. He approached the field with Pikachu on his side. Across the field, Katie appeared with a confident smirk.

"This is a six-on-six battle between Katie and Ash. Trainers, please look to the screen," the ref said before it showed a wheel. The wheel had four icons: rock, water, ice, and grass. The wheel flashed in a clockwise order before stopping on the rock icon.

The field itself began to descend before rising and revealing the rock terrain. The Pallet Town native heeded Brock's words before coming onto the field: when one trainer loses three Pokémon first, there will be a brief break and the terrain will change. With that in mind, he had to be ready for the battle.

"Trainers! Send out your first Pokémon!"

"Go Venomoth!/Noctowl, I choose you!" Both trainers simultaneously said before the Poison Moth Pokémon fluttered on Kaite's side while the shiny Owl Pokémon hovers on Ash's side. On the screen, both trainers' image had five empty slots as the first one was occupied by their first choice.

"Your Noctowl," Katie comprehended, "Not a bad choice. However, it won't last long."

"Battle begin!" the referee declared.

Katie immediately took action, "Stun Spore!"

The moth-like Pokémon flapped his wings, sending a spread of orange colored spores towards the owl.

"Noctowl, burn it with Heat Wave!" The owl flapped his wings, sending searing hot waves towards the spores. The spores were immediately burned before reaching the moth, damaging the Poison Moth Pokémon as it did.

"Disable!" Fighting through the Fire-type move, Venomoth's eyes shined blue before Noctowl flashed white, Disabling Heat Wave for a short time.

"Air Slash!" Noctowl flapped his wings, sending air-fueled crescent blades only for Venomoth to return to his Pokeball. On the screen, Venomoth's background turned gray while the image remained colored.

Katie sent out her next Pokémon, "Go, Misdreavus!" The Screech Pokémon appeared, giving a ghostly wail upon her entrance, "Missssss..." On the screen, Katie's second Pokemon appeared.

"Noctowl, Shadow Ball!"

"Misdrevaus, Psybeam!" Misdrevaus fired a zig-zag multicolored beam which collided with a spectral energy orb. The impact caused the two to explode.

Ash frowned at the use of the Johto Ghost-type. Whatever he had, it seemed to counter. But he still had a few more moves at his disposal. "Night Shade!"

The Owl Pokémon's horn turned dark before firing a beam of spectral energy, hitting the Screech Pokémon in the progress. The Ghost-type move caused the Ghost-type to hover to the ground at a close altitude.

On her side, Katie figured that even though her Misdreavus was fresh, she couldn't hold on much longer. But she was determined to get in one last move as Ash called for the finishing blow.

"Night Shade again!"

"Destiny Bond!"

As Noctowl fired spectral energy for a second time, Misdreavus shined purple before sending a pair of eyes towards her opponent. Both moves hit at the same time, Noctowl feeling the effects of Destiny Bond and falling signaling that both Density Bond worked and Misdreavus was out.

"Both Pokémon are unable to battle!" On the screen, both Pokémon images faded to gray, signaling their defeat. Both trainers returned their fallen teammate, gave words of praise before Katie sent out her third choice.

"Dugtrio!" The three-headed Mole Pokémon erupted from the ground as they were sent out. "Trio! Trio!"

Ash contemplated his next move, being careful. "Phanpy, I choose you!" The Long Nose Pokémon appeared and trumpeted, "Phan!"

"A Phanpy, eh? Not what I was expecting but it will still go down," the Ace Trainer remarked.

"Oh yeah? We'll see about that!" Ash promised before taking action, "Hidden Power!"

The elephant Pokémon trumpeted and fired green orbs towards the mole Pokémon.

"Counter with Tri-Attack!" The Kanto Ground-type created a triangle before firing a barrage of fire, ice, and lightning that matched the Hidden Power.

"Bulldoze!" The three-headed mole pumped up and down in a rapid succession, sending a bulge of earth towards the small pachyderm.

"Earthquake!" Phanpy reared on his hind legs before slamming his forelegs and sent a tremor through out the arena. The Bulldoze ceased and Dugtrio shuttered from the aftershock.

Katie was taken aback by the small Ground-type having that much strength but she wasn't willing to let that stop her. "Sand Tomb!" Dugtrio spun in a circle, creating a pit of sand that slowly expanded.

Ash called out for his Ground-type, "Phanpy, get out of there!"

The Long Nose Pokémon made an effort to flee but the Sand Tomb soon got him, pulling him close into the center. Phanpy began to found himself sliding down, unable to escape.

Ash knew that Phanpy would be hit hard, so he had to find a way to escape. "Use Rollout!"

The elephant curled into a ball before rolling against the sandy soil. Phanpy's 'signature move' wasn't as effective and the sand continued to pull him into the Mole Pokémon. The two eventually met and the Long Nose Pokémon was knocked away before Dugtrio resurfaced and the Sand Tomb dispersed.

"Now, Earth Power!" Dugtrio glow before sending yellow cracks across the earth and hit Phanpy.

"Bulldoze again!" The Kanto Ground-type sent a bulge of earth towards the Johto Ground-type.

"Defense Curl!" Phanpy had enough energy to curl himself into a ball and absorb the damage. Phanpy shakily rose before panting in exhaustion.

Ash decided to make his next move count, "Water Gun!"

"Water Gun?!" Katie gasped.

The Long Nose Pokémon fired a blast of water from his trunk and hit the Mole Pokémon, doing a great deal of damage.

"Sucker Punch!" Ignoring the Water-type move, Dugtrio dug underground before appearing and slammed a head into Phanpy. The Dark-type move hit hard as the Johto Ground-type trembled and as he tried to rise but he was on his last legs.

Ash picked up on this and wanted to end strong, "Use Earthquake!"

Katie called for her own move, "Tri Attack!"

As the three-headed mole conjured a triangle and sent its tri-elemental attacks, the small elephant slammed his forelegs that sent a tremor. Earthquake didn't do much while Tri Attack did significant damage with the ice portion. The ice part did its part and knocked out Phanpy.

"Phanpy is unable to battle! Dugtrio is the winner!"

"Great work out there, Phanpy," Ash praised, return his baby Pokémon. Noctowl would have been great for this but now he's out. And he wanted to keep his other three for the next fight. Ash turned to his starter, "Your turn, buddy."

Pikachu nodded before getting onto the field, "Pika!"

"Pikachu, now? This should be over quickly," Katie thought aloud, "Sand Tomb!"

"Quick Attack!"

Pikachu ran forward with a white streak trailing behind him. Dugtrio spun and created a hole with a swirling funnel of sand. The Mouse Pokémon sped right into the trap before sliding down the slope.

"Hidden Power!" Pikachu glowed and fired green orbs from his tail. It hit the Mole Pokémon which made him cease the encroaching sand pit.

"Dig!" Both trainers said and both Pokémon burrowed underneath.

"Speed up with Quick Attack!" Pikachu heard his trainer and dug even faster with a white streak behind. The combination provided quite the impact underground and both Pokémon were knocked away. Dugtrio skidded back to his side, panting, while Pikachu landed on his feet but was also mildly tired. The Ground-type was super effective and did triple damage with the three heads.

"Swift!" The Electric-type fired several stars from his tail, hitting the Ground-type.

"Earth Power!" Dugtrio went up and down, sending yellow cracks along the ground.

"Skull Bash!" Pikachu tucked his head in and leapt forward, skull first. The mouse nailed the moles but a quick Sucker Punch sent the mouse back. Dugtrio fainted on the spot, followed by Pikachu.

"Both Pokémon are unable to battle! This match is a draw!" the ref declared. "Trainers, please return your Pokémon and take a five-minute break."

Ash ran onto the field, cradling his starter. Pikachu let out a small cry of sorrow but Ash reassured it would be okay.

In the stands, Ash's friends were talking amongst themselves.

"Wow, Ash is behind," May said with worry.

"Well, he still has three rested and ready," Brock informed, "All he knows is Venomoth, so this could give him an edge."

"Yeah. Although, how did Phanpy learn Water Gun?" Max asked the Pewter Gym Leader.

"It's Phanpy's Egg Move. A move passed down from the parent to the offspring," he explained to the spectacled boy.

Both Maple siblings nodded before waiting for the battle to continue.

Returning from the locker room, Ash had Pikachu with his friends since he already fought. Katie reappeared holding a Pokeball in her hand and ready. The field shifted to a Water field which both trainers were ready for.

"Go, Golduck!/Crawdaunt, I choose you!" Both trainers sent out their aquatic-based Pokémon. Crawdaunt snapped his pincers menacingly and Golduck crossed his arms, sizing up his opponent.

Katie mentally frowned, unable to use any of her Psychic-type attacks. Without further ado, she went first, "Fury Swipes!"

"Match with Crabhammer!" Golduck rushed forward, claws long and swiped only to be greeted with a water-encompassed pincher that match each swiped. "Crunch!" While it was typically a biting based move, the Rogue Pokémon snapped his claws on the webbed fingers of the waterfowl, cringing in pain.

"Hydro Pump!" the Ace trainer commanded. The blue Duck Pokémon unleashed a gushing torrent of water from his beak.

"Dodge and Night Slash!" Crawdaunt ducked underneath, let his claw glow with dark energy and slashed Golduck across the stomach. The bipedal duck clutched his stomach in pain before falling to his knees.

"Swords Dance!" Not taking the chance, Ash wanted a power up move before ending the match. Crawdaunt summoned swords that performed a ritual in increasing Attack. "Now, Liquadation!"

The Rogue Pokémon's right pincer gained an aquatic blue sword and slashed again. The Water-type went reeling back before a Dark Pulse hit him even further into a wall. Slumping down, Golduck was revealed to have KO'd.

"Golduck is unable battle, Crawdaunt is the winner!"

"Great job, Crawdaunt!" Ash praised as Katie recalled her Duck Pokémon. The Ace trainer sent out Venomoth again, who fluttered around the Hoenn crustacean. The Water/Dark-type leered at the Poison Moth Pokémon.

"Stun Spore!" The moth flapped his wings to send an orange cloud of spores down to the Rogue Pokémon.

"Into the water!" Crawdaunt dove into the water before the spore cloud reached him.

"Rock Slide!" From the depth, the Rogue Pokémon shimmered with a white aura and portals appeared that dropped rocks onto the Poison/Bug-type to the pool. Venomoth struggled to stay afloat, making him helpless on the water.

"Finish with Waterfall!" Ash commanded. Crawdaunt channeled hydro energy and converted the pool into a fountain that washed Venomoth up and out of the water.

Falling down and onto a platform, the moth was revealed to have swirly eyes which the referee made the call, "Venomoth is unable to battle!"

"What a change of pace! Ash has put Katie down to two Pokémon! Will she be able to make a comeback?" The announcer said at the current state of the battle.

Katie recalled her Pokémon before grabbing a new one, "Go, Scizor!" The red mantis like Pokémon snapped her pincers at being called out. "Sci! Zor!"

This time Ash had Crawdaunt return before selecting his next Pokémon. He had Noctowl on hand for a Flying type but since he was unable to battle he had to make do with his second to last choice. And with Crawdaunt being a Dark-type now combined with Scizor's speed, Ketchum wanted to do his best.

"Go, Croconaw!" Ash sent out the Johto Water starter.

"Croc!"

Katie raised an eyebrow at the Pokémon but she still planned to win this match. "Scizor, Quick Attack!"

The bug Pincer Pokémon took off like a bullet and slammed her mass into the Big Jaw Pokémon before Ash could even blink. Granted he typically used the move but it was quite different from when he was battling it. Shaking the thought, Ash decided to power up first. "Dragon Dance!"

Croconaw, having recovered, shimmered with a red aura as black storm particles surrounded him.

"Metal Claw!" Scizor took a metallic glow to her claws before soaring into Croconaw again.

"Meet it with Shadow Claw!" The blue bipedal crocodilian gained a ghostly outline around his claw and slashed the Steel-type attack with his own claw attack. "Now Thrash!" The Johto reptile began to punch and kick in a series of blows. Scizor endured them all before she gave herself some distance.

"Bullet Punch!" Katie ordered and the metal evolved form of Scyther came in with silver pincers against and pummeled the Johto starter herself this time. "Ice Fang!" On one punch, Ash's Pokémon bit into Scizor's pincer before it began to freeze over.

"Shake it off!" Scizor flailed her claw to get the crocodile off but it was doing nothing since he was latched on her claw. Getting nowhere, Katie went for a different approach.

"Double Team!" The Bug/Steel-type separate herself into clones, Croconaw falling to the platform as he was surrounded. "Now, Bug Buzz!" The Scizor released red sound-waves that blasted the crocodile in a fit of irritation.

"Croconaw! If you can hear me, swing Aqua Tail!" Ash shouted over the Bug-type sound move.

The Big Jaw Pokémon heard his trainer and glowed blue when water surrounded his tail. Swinging around, the Water-type move hit all duplicates before the real Scizor avoided.

"Use Hidden Power!" She opened her pincers and fired green orbs from within. Croconaw ducked par to his trainer's command and unleashed a Blizzard. Scizor wasn't deterred and flew in with an Iron Head, ignoring the Ice-type move. The physical Steel-type move hit the Big Jaw Pokémon and the receiver went to his side, fumbling.

"Quick Attack one more time!" Katie called. Scizor blitzed again but she was meet with a new move.

"Use Aerial Ace!" Croconaw had his tail glow with energy before smashing it into the red mantis. Ash called for another Aerial Ace which this time the Big Jaw Pokémon rushed forward with white energy. The crocodile slammed into the Johto Pincer Pokémon and knocked her out of the fight.

"Scizor is unable to battle! Croconaw is the winner!"

Ash grinned at the mention of Scizor's defeat. Now all he had left was one more and he would move on to fight in the next round. Katie returned her Steel/Bug-type and was silent before sending out her last Pokémon.

"Go, Walrein!" The blue walrus roared at being summoned as he landed with a thud. "Walrein!"

Ash, excitedly, gave his first attack. "Use Hydro Pump!"

Croconaw took a deep breath and spewed a torrent of gushing water towards the Ice Break Pokémon. But much to Ketchum and the Johto starter's surprise, Hydro Pump bounced off the Water/Ice-type's body. "What?!/Croc?!"

Katie went for her attack next, "Icicle Spear!" The Hoenn pinniped charged ice energy before firing an icicle with precision. The Ice-type move hit Croconaw dead center and out of the fight.

"Croconaw is unable to battle, Walrein is the winner!"

"Now that's a twist! Ash is now down to two Pokémon, one being Crawdaunt and the other a mystery! Will Katie make her comeback or will Ash pull off a victory?" the announcer said.

Katie and Walrein mimicked each other's expression, confident in their win. With Ash, he began to think about how to beat Walrein. He sent Crawdaunt back out, who was somewhat tired but the Rogue Pokémon could do the work for now.

"Use Metal Claw!" Crawdaunt dove into the water, swimming fast thanks to his training, and slammed his metal pincer into the Hoenn pinniped. Walrein was able to endure the hit before shoving off the Steel-type move.

"Close Combat!" Still close, the Rogue Pokémon began to pummel the Ice Break Pokémon relentlessly. Katie made her play after the Water/Dark-type ended his attack.

"Frost Breath!" Walrein expelled a gust of cold air that blew Crawdaunt back. "Now, Signal Beam!" The blue walrus fired a pink beam that hit lobster in the chest and back. Crawdaunt began to grow exhausted from the two attacks, evident in his panting.

"Odd," Brock commented from the stands.

"What do you mean?" May asked.

"Frost Breath is supposed to have a critical hit when it hits a Water-type," Max explained, "But it didn't have the flash when it does."

"Must be Crawdaunt's ability, Shell Armor," Brock deduced, "An ability that prevents critical hits."

"Wow. Talk about a lucky break," May said as they watched the battle continue.

"Walrein, time to finish this fight! Use Avalanche!" Katie commanded. The Water/Ice-type cried from above, creating black clouds that rained heavy chunks of ice onto the Water/Dark-type. Crawdaunt was hit nonstop as dust clouds kicked up from the barrage. When both clouds parted, it revealed Crawdaunt unconscious.

"Crawdaunt is unable to battle! Walrein is the winner!" the ref said and the screen showed they were on their last Pokémon. The announcer came on the speaker, "And now Ash Ketchum is down to his last Pokémon! It's a nail bitter now with both trainers wanting to win!"

Returning the Hoenn crustacean, Ash praised him for his work before selecting an old teammate. "Go, Bulbasaur!"

The Kanto Grass starter appeared on a platform with a determined glint in his eyes, "Bulba!"

"Bulbasaur?!" The Maple siblings said in shock.

Brock took this time to reassure them, "Relax. Bulbasaur knows how to fight even when it's against larger opponents."

Max relaxed a bit, remembering that Bulbasaur battled a Meganium during the Silver League ending in a draw. May relaxed herself but still worried about Ash's Bulbasaur.

"A Bulbasaur..." Katie muttered to herself, "Had I not battled his Phanpy I would underestimate it but this Bulbasaur seems to know what is it doing." She called her attack out next, "Use Ice Beam!"

Walrein conjured an orb of ice before firing the icy energy towards the Seed Pokémon.

"Dodge it!" Bulbasaur slammed his vines onto the platform and boosted his jump, avoiding the Ice Beam. The Ice-type move froze the water field solid.

"Go for Bullet Seed!" The Grass/Poison-type turned his bulb towards the Water/Ice-type's position and fired spurts of green seeds.

"Into the water!" Walrein dove underneath the surface causing the Bullet Seed to miss as the plant-toad hybrid landed on his opponent's platform.

"Now Ice Beam!" From her position, the Ice Break Pokémon appeared and fired another Ice Beam towards the Seed Pokémon. This time, it landed a direct hit but didn't freeze the Grass/Poison-type over.

"Disappear and repeat!" Katie commanded. The blue walrus dove underneath the water and began to reappear in multiple places all over the field.

Ash's face grew one of frustration as the pinniped continued to dive and reappear. Looking around the field, he noticed the frozen water around the platform and got an idea.

"Use Power Whip on the water!" Bulbasaur knew his trainer had an idea and extended his vines. They glowed purple and were swung down on the water, causing a shock wave that forced the Ice Break Pokémon out of hiding.

"Quick, another Ice Beam!" the ace trainer ordered and the walrus complied firing another beam of cryokinetic energy which the plant-toad hybrid avoided due to his trainer's wishes. The Ice-type move causes the remain water of the field to change into ice. Katie was taken aback and realized she had been fooled into using the move to freeze the pool into a makeshift Ice field.

"Now Power Whip!" The Seed Pokémon extended his vines again and smacked the chest of the Ice Break Pokémon. The impact sent Walrein into the wall, making Ash encourage Bulbasaur.

Katie, however, was unfazed and smirked at her next command. "Mimic."

Several bright pink energy burst and surround Walrein as she summoned her own energy vines that slap Bulbasaur away. The walrus lumbers over to her platform and grins while Bulbasaur glares at her.

"Use Sludge Bomb!" The Kanto Grass starter generates a glob of poison and threw it at the Hoenn pinniped. The Poison-type attack hit head on but Walrein endured it before now glaring at the smug look on Bulbasaur's face.

"Body Slam!" The walrus leapt into the air and planned to crash down onto the plant-toad hybrid. Bulbasaur dodged the attack and fired Bullet Seed along the thick blubber of the Walrein.

With frustration, Katie made her move, "Ice Beam!" The Ice Break Pokémon fired the chilly energy but missed.

"Power Whip!" Bulbasaur extended more purple vines and slammed Walrein again and again with a barrage of vine attacks.

Katie decides to counter this herself, "Use your Mimicked Power Whip!" The pinniped gained energy vines and combatted the tendrils with her own.

"Grab the tusks!" Ash shouted which made Katie gasp in shock. The Kanto Grass starter stopped battling the Mimicked attack and wrapped them around the tusks. "Now, throw and charge Solar Beam!"

With much strength, Bulbasaur was able to lift Walrein and throw him before his bulb gathered solar energy. The airborne pinniped flailed about in the air defenseless. The Seed Pokémon eventually gathered enough energy as the Ice Break Pokémon came plummeting down and released the solar powered attack. The beam hit Walrein dead-center in the chest and across the ice field, rendering herself unable to battle.

"Walrein is unable to battle, Bulbasaur is the winner! Therefore, Ash is the winner!" the referee claimed.

The crowd cheers at the conclusion of the match and the announcer comes on the speaker, "What an astounding change of pace! Ash Ketchum's quick thinking allowed him to secure a win! And with that Bulbasaur of his too!"

Said Pokémon leapt into Ash's arms and nuzzled with joy at the win. Katie recalled her Pokémon and walked over.

"Not bad," the ace trainer commented, "You caught me by surprise with that last command. That was a great match."

"Thanks for the match, Katie," Ash replied and the two trainers shook hands with one another while the crowd continued to cheer.

That night in the stadium, the qualified trainers had saw their match for tomorrow and two trainers had different reactions.

One, a look of surprise, and the other with a look of excitement.

Ash looked up and grinned at his next opponent...

while Morrison's mind began to trail off.

"Well, can't say I wasn't expecting to fight you like this," Ash admitted but he pumped his fist, "But I hope you're ready for a great battle tomorrow."

Morrison looked as his rival with contemplation. On one hand he was afraid to fight a friend, but at the same time he was glad to finally battle Ash.

The latter fact made the final decision for him, "Yeah! I hope you can bring it! Can't wait to battle you!"

Both rivals took off for the night and planned their team for tomorrow's match.

Chapter Text

Ash faced Morrison across the field. The Pallet Town native looked the Verdanturf Town native, a hint of readiness in the latter's eyes for the battle before them.

The field shifted to an ice field and the referee informed the two trainers to send out their Pokémon. Morrison sent out his first Pokémon which is Girafarig, when Ash sent out Kingler for their first battle.

Ash thought back to last night's conversation he had with Morrison before their battle...

Prior to the battle, Morrison was doing some training in the forest with his Metang.

"Metang, use Take Down!" He said and the Iron Claw Pokémon charged forward with an orange outline. Morrison continued to watch his Pokémon before an image of Ash's face appeared on the tree.

"Metang, stop!"

Before reaching the tree, the second stage pseudo stopped in its track to his trainer's commands. It spun around in confusion towards its trainer, wondering why he said to halt its attack.

"Sorry, Metang..." Morrison began, "... It's just... I can't fight Ash!" He began to clutch his fist in frustration and closed his eyes in fear. "He's my friend... even if he is my rival... I just... never thought I would be fighting him here and now..."

"I know it can be hard."

The kimono dressed trainer turned around to see Ash and his friends.

"Gah!" Morrison jumped before composing himself, "How much did you hear?"

"Enough," Ash said.

Brock took this time to spoke up, "Battling against a friend can be tough for anyone. But you can't let that decide your battle."

"If you don't want to battle, maybe you should just forfeit," Ash said, surprising Morrison and the Maple siblings.

"What?!" Morrison said.

"You heard me," Ketchum replied. "If you don't bring your best, then why battle?"

"I... I..." the kimono wearing trainer stuttered before shaking his head clear of any hesitation or doubt and showed a determined expression on his face. "No! I will battle you at my best! Just wait and see!"

Ash grinned, "That's what I want to hear! I'm giving it my all too!" Morrison gave one back, no longer conflicted and apologized to his Pokémon for his behavior. Metang accepted the apology and pumped its claw in the air, ready to give its all too. Pikachu shared his trainer's expression and wanted to battle too.

"Woah," May said, "Looks like Morrison got his fighting spirit back."

"Yeah," Max commented, "Although why would Ash encourage Morrison like that?"

"That's just Ash for you," Brock informed them, "He wants to fight trainers at their best, no matter if they are friend or rival."

Both Maple siblings nodded before they, Brock, and Ash turned in for the night and left Morrison to train for their fight tomorrow.

"Ready Morrison?" Ash called from across the icy terrain.

The Verdanturf town native smiled before responsing, "You bet Ash! Girafarig, start with Light Screen!"

The two-headed ungulate cried out, summoning a glass screen in front of himself.

"Kingler, go for Brick Break!" Ash said and the Kanto crustacean scurried across the terrain before using his massive pincer that was glowing white and swung it down, shattering the Light Screen.

"Rig?!/What?!" Both opponents said when Ash followed up, "Use Metal Claw!" Kingler took his his pincer again, taking a metal sheen and swiped at Girafarig, nailing a hit.

"Energy Ball!" The Long Neck Pokémon conjured a dark green orb and fired it, hitting the Pincer Pokémon. "Now Assurance!" Girafarig gained a dark hue and charged into Kingler. The impact sent the Kanto crab skidding across the ice in pain.

"Kingler, Mud Shot!" Regaining his energy, the crustacean pointed his huge pincer and fired a total of five globs of mud, each hitting the two headed giraffe.

"Charge Beam!" Shaking himself clean, Girafarig worked up a charge and fired a concentrated beam of electricity towards Kingler.

"Protect!" The crab generated a green forcefield that defended him from the Electric-type move. Ash knew he could have used Metal Claw to absorb the damage but competitors could have caught onto that and work their way around it.

"Girafarig, Calm Mind to Zen Headbutt!" Closing his eyes and picturing a soothing drop of water, the ungulate felt a peace with himself. A determined look appeared on the Johto hoofed Pokémon and ran with a blue psychic glow around his head, albeit with some stumbling as he ran.

Ash picked up on the Psychic-type move but noticed how the Long Neck Pokémon lacked traction on the ice field. Which led to him getting an idea.

"Kingler, skate across the ice!" The Pincer Pokémon hurried his trainer's words and obeyed to the best of his ability. Taking off himself, the Kanto crustacean was sliding on the ice. He managed to avoid the two-headed giraffe, which sent him in a collision course with a nearby icicle. Zen Headbutt shattered the structure but the user was slid into another icicle.

"Clamp an icicle to throw yourself towards Girafarig! Then use Night Slash!" Ash said.

"Girafarig, hurry and get up!" Morrison cried in worry for his Pokémon. The Long Neck Pokémon did his best but continued to stumble without the proper traction.

The Pincer Pokémon, however, heeded his trainer's commands. He clamped down on a nearby icicle, spun around, and skated towards the Normal/Psychic-type. His pincer took a dark hue and slashed it across the giraffe, who cried out in pain. The Dark-type move did its work and the Long Neck Pokémon was unconscious from the attack.

"Girafarig is unable to battle, Kingler is the winner!"

"Nice job out there, Kingler! Get some rest," Ash said before returning the Pincer Pokémon to his Pokéball.

"You were great, Girafarig," Morrison praised his Pokémon before getting out a new Pokeball, "Go, Growlithe!"

The Kanto Puppy Pokémon barked with an eager expression to fight.

"Larvitar, I choose you!" Ash sent out the Rock Skin Pokémon, who chirped at being called out, "Lar!" Growlithe let out a growl, Intimidating the Johto pseudo legendary.

"Growlithe, start with Agility!" Morrison ordered and the Puppy Pokémon ran on the terrain better than Girafarig with his claws.

"Larvitar, Screech!" The Rock/Ground-type Pokémon unleashed soundwaves that made disoriented the Fire-type and swerve into an icicle. Shaking off the crash, Growlithe woofed again and ran towards the reptilian.

"Go for a Flame Wheel!" The canine picked up his pace and flames covered him before converting into a wheel-like appearance.

"Dark Pulse! Knock it off-course!" Larvitar fired a series of dark purple double helix spirals into the incoming Fire-type move, hitting the puppy Pokémon. The Dark-type move intercepted the run and Growlithe growled at the attack.

Morrison weighed his options before calling out his next move, "Howl then Flamethrower!"

The Kanto Puppy Pokémon Howled to the sky, raising his attack and unleashed flames upon the ice field.

"Dig!" Larvitar clawed the ground but the ice was rather hard to uncover. This led to the reptilian getting roasted but managed to hold on. The Rock Skin Pokémon growled at being covered in soot, shook it off, and cried fiercely to the canine.

Ash mentally face palmed at the fact the ice was harder to dig under but made a new call, "Rock Slide!"

This time, the olive green reptile cried to the sky. From above, portals dropped rocks onto the field.

"Dodge them!" the kimono wearing trainer said. The Puppy Pokémon evaded the incoming rocks at first but soon was cornered and rocks fell onto him. The canine unburied himself with some bruises but managed to hold on.

"Now Reversal!" Growlithe jumped with a faint brownish aura and rammed Larvitar in the chest. The Fighting-type move did its work, knocking the reptile into icicles that broke upon impact. The Johto pseudo legendary felt himself ache but pushed on, not ready to give in.

Ash began to worry for his only Rock/Ground (at this moment) and held the ball in his hand, ready to recall him. Larvitar caught onto his trainer's actions but shook his head in refusal. Getting up, the Rock Skin Pokémon yelled to Growlithe, ready for more.

Ketchum nodded, put the ball away and decided to give Growlithe all he got. "Dark Pulse!"

Larvitar gave his Dark-type move all he had, hitting the Puppy Pokémon. An explosion occurred, sending Growlithe over to his side of the field. The Kanto canine was then revealed to have swirls for eyes.

"Growlithe is unable to battle, Larvitar is the winner!"

Ash let out a sigh of relief and praised the Rock Skin Pokémon for his work. The Rock/Ground type nodded with appreciation before shining blue. Larvitar began to morph, his cone beginning to split into three as four spikes appeared on the side of his face. His lower half has gained a cocoon which covered his whole body.

When the light died down, Larvitar was no longer present and out came Pupitar.

"Pupi!"

"Woah..." Ash was blown away by the evolution before using his Pokédex to scan Pupitar.

[Pupitar, the Hard Shell Pokémon and the evolved form of Larvitar. Even sealed in its shell, it can move freely. Hard and fast, it has outstanding destructive power.]

Putting up the device, Ash was proud to see Pupitar. He was on the path of becoming strong. Ash figured it must have been mostly the training from Mount Silver and his first few fights to make him evolve to be stronger.

"Great work Pupitar! Return for now," Ash said. The silver pupa made no attempts to rebel this time and returned to his Pokéball.

Morrison had already returned Growlithe, apologizing to him and grinned to himself. Fighting at his best was great and against a friend made him want to win. "Go, Swampert!"

The Hoenn Water starter appeared on the field with a fierce expression on his face. "Swamp!"

"Kingler, come back out!" The Kanto crustacean reappeared and snapped his pincer in response.

"Swampert, start with Ancient Power!" Morrison called. The blue amphibian let out a roar before shimmering white and sending fossils towards the crab.

"Block with Metal Claw!" Ash defended. Kingler swung his metallic pincer and shattered a few fossils before getting overwhelmed by the Rock-type move. Ketchum realized that the crustacean had probably a short time of recovery and was beginning to take its toll.

"Hammer Arm!" Swampert launched himself with white glowing arms before swinging down.

"Protect!" Ash quickly responded. Kingler managed to generate a green bubble and Protect himself from the Mud Fish Pokémon's attack. The Protect ended but Swampert remained close the Pincer Pokémon.

"Ice Punch!" The Hoenn Water/Ground-type punched the Kanto Water-type with an icy coat, nailing Kingler who was sliding away.

"Retaliate with Hidden Power!" The crustacean fired several orbs that struck the amphibian, who roared in pain.

Ash saw the crab moving slower as he was slowly losing energy from the Ice Punch and the earlier use of Ancient Power. Ketchum decided to make his last few attacks count. "Use Blizzard!"

Opening the large pincer, Kingler fired a chilling gust of wind that didn't stop the Mud Fish Pokémon.

Morrison made his attack, "Use Superpower!"

"Continue with Blizzard!" Ash countered.

Swampert managed to charge through with a red aura as Kingler added to the Ice-type move. The blue salamander continued to get through the storm and reached the crab. With a flex of his body, Kingler was knocked away and fell to the ground, unable to battle.

"Kingler is unable to battle, Swampert is the winner!"

Ash praised the Pincer Pokémon for his work before pulling out his next Pokémon.

"Go, Meganium!" The Herb Pokémon appeared and slammed into the ground while roaring, "Meg!"

"Hmmm," Brock said in the stands. "Meganium on an ice field. She won't have the traction to fight but she does have a type advantage over Swampert."

"What if that makes the battle harder for Ash?" May asked.

"I doubt it," Brock reassured, "Meganium has more range moves than physical. Even then, she is a major powerhouse in strength."

On the battlefield, Morrison took action. "Use Ice Punch!" The blue amphibian charged in with an icy fist, planning to punch the pale-green sauropod.

"Magical Leaf!" Meganium's flower neck unleashed several multicolored leaves that sliced at Swampert, dealing super effective damage.

"Now, Seed Bomb!" Ash said. She had picked up the attack from her new mate and Meganium was more than happy to oblige.

She reared her neck back before firing several explosive seed projectiles, bombarding the Mud Fish Pokémon nonstop. Faltering underneath the power, Swampert managed to stand and gave the sauropod a snarl.

"Swamp…"

Meganium met the snarl with a growl of her own, "Meg…"

"Use Muddy Water!" Swampert was on all-fours and generated a wave of brown water.

"Counter with Leaf Storm!" Meganium whipped up a spiral of leaves that clashed with Muddy Water as both attacks passed each other. Muddy Water splashed the Herb Pokémon as Leaf Storm blasted Swampert back. Both starters were sent to their trainers' side and managed to stand again.

"Meg/Pert!"

Ash went in for the finishing touch as Swampert had dealt with super-effective attacks, he was no doubt on his last legs. "Use Petal Dance!"

Morrison, for what could possibly be his last attack, shouted, "Swampert, Earthquake!" The Hoenn starter understood and with his last act, he slammed his two forelimbs in front, creating a tremor that cracked the field just before the onslaught of pink petals consumed the amphibian.

Meganium nearly slipped as the Ground-type took its effect on the field but managed to withstand the attack and saw the unconscious form of Swampert.

"Swampert is unable to battle, Meganium is the winner! Since Morrison has lost three Pokémon, we will have a five-minute intermission," the ref said.

Ash returned Meganium and left just like Morrison as the ice field descended.

Both trainers made it back to the field, now swapped to grass terrain.

"Trainers, choose your Pokémon!" the ref said.

Morrison pulled out his Pokéball, "Go, Steelix!" The steel serpent appeared and roared throughout the stadium.

"Tauros, I choose you!" Ash said, choosing the Normal-type bull who snorted at the size of his opponent. The bull mooed Intimidating Steelix with his ability.

"Battle begin!" the referee declared.

Morrison got the first attack this time, "Dragon Breath!"

The Iron Snake Pokémon unleashed a chartreuse green breeze from his mouth. The draconic breath headed straight towards the Wild Bull Pokémon.

"Dodge it and use Flamethrower!" Ash countered. The bull avoided the Dragon Breath and snorted a stream of flames towards the serpent.

"Dig!" The Steel/Ground-type burrowed immediately underground, avoiding the Fire-type move. Morrison thought he would have the upper hand as he cracked a smile…

"Earthquake!"

That stopped the grin from the Verdanturf Town native as the Normal-type slammed his hooves into the ground, creating a tremor. Said tremor damaged the underground Steelix until the serpent managed to come from underneath and strike the bovine.

Tauros grunted and pawed the ground, as if he was daring the Steel/Ground-type to try that again. Steelix gloated the bull and roared with a hint of smugness.

"Steelix, Iron Tail!" The metallic serpent's tail turned to a harder metal and slammed into the bull's hide.

"Now Crunch!" The Iron Snake Pokémon opened his jaw, lurching forward to Crunch the Wild Bull Pokémon.

"Protect!" Tauros was able to conjure a green shield that Protected him from Steelix's Crunch.

"Now Flamethrower quick!" Ash said. The bull snorted flames and managed to hit the disoriented snake from his position.

"Follow up with Zen Headbutt!" Tauros charged forward with a blue psychic glow around his body.

"Dragon Breath!" Steelix managed to recover and bellowed chartreuse green breath. The attack landed on the Wild Bull Pokémon but the Normal-type plowed through the pain.

"More power!" Morrison ordered and the Iron Snake Pokémon poured on more and more draconic energy. The increased power of the Dragon-type move caused Tauros to have a slower pace in his run.

"Go, Tauros!" Ash encouraged and Tauros mooed with all his might and leapt at Steelix, causing an explosion. The smoke and impact made both trainers cover their eyes before seeing the result.

Steelix had collapsed to the ground while Tauros was barely standing on his hooves.

"Steelix is unable to battle, Tauros is the winner!" The ref declared and the crowd went wild.

Ash let out a breath of relief as Tauros mooed in victory. Morrison recalled his fallen Pokémon before sending out his next Pokémon.

"Gligar, let's go!" The pink bat-scorpion flew in the air before seeing his opponent.

Ash made a quick command, "Use Rest!" Tauros bellowed before falling asleep, standing up. Green energy shimmered as the bull slept. "Return for now," he followed as he called back his bull.

"Why use Rest and then return?" Max asked Brock in the stands.

"Rest allows a Pokémon to recover but at the same time makes the Pokémon fall asleep. Ash must be going for a healthy Tauros so he can use him again," Brock deduced. "Unless the user has Sleep Talk, it's a risky play."

"Go, Meganium!" On the field, the Herb Pokémon appeared again and saw her Ground/Flying-type opponent.

"Gligar, Screech!" The Fang Scorpion Pokémon sent disorienting sound waves like Larvitar -now Pupitar- did earlier in the match. The sauropod cringed as the Screech hit her dead-on.

"Now, X-Scissor!" Gligar flew in with a crimson glow on his claws and landed a double slash on Meganium's hide.

"Leaf Storm!" The Johto Grass starter managed to unleash a flurry of leaves at the close Ground/Flying-type, and was hit but managed to regain altitude.

Ash knew that he wouldn't be able to land any super effective moves on Gligar given how he is a part Flying-type. But he planned to make progress one way or another.

"Poison Jab!" the Verdanturf native said with an emphasis.

The bat-scorpion hybrid quickly flew in with a dark purple claw and planned to jab the sauropod in the flank.

Ash took immediate action, "Sunny Day!" The Herb Pokémon roared as the sunlight grew harsh. The Fang Scorpion Pokémon jabbed at the sauropod but there was no purple hue on the Johto starter.

Ketchum let out a sigh of relief. He recently learned that Meganium has the ability Leaf Guard, which makes her immune to status effects when Sunny Day is present. He made an advance, "Magical Leaf!"

Meganium summoned multicolored leaves and flung them, striking Gligar at close range. "Seed Bomb!" She made her next assault, spewing large energy seeds that exploded as the Fang Scorpion Pokémon weaved through.

"X-Scissor again!" Gligar managed to nail another crimson X on Meganium, the receiver cringing in pain from the Bug-type attack. She nearly dropped as she was taking nonstop damage from super-effective attacks.

Ash saw this and planned to wrap this up and let her get a few more hits. "Petal Dance!" Meganium's flowers flapped before releasing pink energy petals that swirled and nailed Gligar.

"Alright, Gligar! Let's finish this! Aerial Ace!" Morrison cheered.

The Fang Scorpion flew in with white streaks covering his entire frame and slammed head-first into the Herb Pokémon. The pale-green sauropod cried out in pain as she fell to the ground with swirls in her eyes.

"Meganium is unable to battle, Gligar is the winner!"

Ash praised Meganium for her hard work before drawing another Pokéball, "Swellow, I choose you!"

The Swallow Pokémon looped in the air before seeing his opponent. Both Flying-types eyed and circled one another before getting commands were issued.

"End this quickly with Guillotine!" Morrison ordered. Gligar's pincers glowed with a silver aura and flew in to deliver a quick OHKO move.

"Hidden Power!" Ash countered. Swellow generated several glowing orbs before firing them. The Hidden Power smashed into the Ground/Flying-type, interrupting Guillotine.

"Gar!" The bat-scorpion hybrid cried in pain from the super effective Hidden Power before regaining his altitude.

"Use Secret Power!" The Swallow Pokémon glowed purple before ramming into the Fly Scorpion Pokémon, sending the purple hybrid down and sleeping.

"Gligar!" Morrison cried out, the Ground/Flying type now sleeping in the air.

"Wait, how did Secret Power do that?" Max asked Brock.

"Secret Power works differently depending on the terrain. Most of the time though, it can cause paralysis. However on the grass field, it can cause a sleeping ailment," Brock explained.

"Aerial Ace!" Swellow flew with precision, striking the sleeping Gligar out of the air.

"Iron Tail!" Morrison yelled. To his luck, the Fly-Scorpion managed to turn his tail to steel but missed due to the drowsiness.

"Go for Hidden Power again!" Ash said. The Hoenn regional bird fired several orbs again, striking the bat-scorpion hybrid again.

"Now, Air Slash!" Swellow flapped his wings, sending air-fueled crescent blades, continuously striking Gligar all over.

"Gligar, please wake up!" the Verdanturf native pleaded. There was a brief movement in the Fly Scorpion's eyebrows as the eyelids opened up slowly.

"Now finish it with Aerial Ace!" The Swallow Pokémon dove in with white streaks all over and nailed Gligar. Which made the bat-scorpion open his eyes, now awake.

"Gli!"

Morrison cheered, "Alright, Gligar! Steel Wing!" The Fly-Scorpion Pokémon gained altitude once again and flew in with metallic covered wings.

"Swellow, again!" Both Pokémon collided, creating a mid-air explosion. The bird flew back, a bit injured while the bat-scorpion plummeted down, no doubt unconscious from all of the previous attacks he took while asleep.

"Gligar is unable to battle, Swellow is the winner!"

"Ash is in the lead with four Pokémon! Three revealed and one a mystery! Will Morrison be able to make a comeback?!" the announcer said.

Returning Gligar to his Pokéball, Morrison took a deep breath and grinned. "All up to you. Go, Metang!"

Morrison's last Pokémon appeared and floated before banging its claws together, "Tang!"

"Steady, Swellow," Ash said to his Pokémon. He knew that his chances of taking down Metang would take a while. So he decided to make it worth it.

"Let's start strong! Secret Power!" Swellow glowed purple and charged in.

Morrison smirked, "Not this time! Metang, dodge and use Ice Punch!"

The Iron Claw Pokémon evaded the attack and landed a chilling punch onto the Swallow Pokémon. The attack did its work since the bird had been tired from his previous battle.

"Swellow is unable to battle, Metang is the winner!"

Ash returned the bird before bringing out his choice, "Go, Tauros!" The Wild Bull Pokémon appeared but like the Ground/Flying-type before he was snoozing. Now Ash could only hope his sleeping Pokémon would wake up now.

"Take Down!" Morrison had Metang already took off and on the bovine's path.

"Tauros, use Flamethrower!" the bull was fast asleep and the Iron Claw Pokémon just rammed him. The impact sent the bovine skidding away.

"Flamethrower again!" Ash called. This time Tauros managed to snort a torrent of flames at the second stage Hoenn pseudo legendary. Metang cried in pain before floating back.

"Use Confusion!" The Steel/Psychic-type's eyes flashed blue and a wave of psychic energy pushed the bull back.

Ash grit his teeth in frustration. If he sent out Pupitar, he would most likely get clobbered. But he was sure his final choice would work so he needed Tauros to put in some work too.

"Tauros, wake up!" Ketchum yelled. The bull opened his eyes instantly and narrowed them out the sight of the pseudo legendary. While he had recovered, now he had taken some damage and was ready for some payback.

Ash let out a breath of relief and made his next play, "Use Assurance!" Covered in a black aura, Tauros charged and nailed Metang.

"Follow up with Zen Headbutt!/Meteor Mash!" both moves were shouted at the same time and the Pokémon took off, the bull covered in psychic energy and the pseudo legendary with silver. Both met and kicked up dust before an explosion went off at the sheer power.

Tauros was sent flying back as Metang floated back but managed to hold on. The Wild Bull Pokémon landed on his side and was revealed to be unconscious.

"Tauros is unable to battle, Metang is the winner!"

"And now that Metang is on the field, Morrison is sweeping through Ash's team! With Pupitar being weak to Steel, it's most likely that Ash will send out his last choice! Or maybe the return of his newly evolved Pokémon?!" the announcer said to draw attention about the battle's conclusion.

Ash retrieved the leader of the herd and pulled out his last Pokémon. "Let's do this! Snorlax, I choose you!" The Kanto giant appeared and stood tall against the pseudo legendary.

"Snorlax?" the Maple siblings said with surprise.

"Don't sell Snorlax short," Brock commented, "He can take hits and deal the same amount of damage to. He's definitely one of Ash's powerhouses."

Morrison looked at Snorlax in surprise before taking action, "Take Down!" Outlined in an orange aura, Metang charged forward.

"Mega Kick!" Snorlax launched with a glowing foot and met the pseudo legendary in a stalemate. Each powerhouse glared at each other before breaking apart, Metang sparking with recoil.

"Superpower!" the Sleeping Pokémon surrounded himself with a red aura and pummeled the Iron Claw Pokémon relentlessly.

"Iron Defense then Confusion!" Metang shimmered with a silver coat, increasing his defense, then its eyes turned blue and a wave of psychic energy blasted Snorlax. The slumbering giant stood his ground.

"Double-Edge!" The Normal-type giant rushed with energy surrounding him and plowed into the Steel/Psychic-type. Snorlax sparked from the recoil damage but managed to survive it.

"Pour everything you have into Meteor Mash!" Morrison claimed to end the battle. Metang swirled with a silver aura and planned to plow Snorlax again.

"Alright Snorlax, last wrap this battle!" Ash declared. He punched the air for emphasis in his next move, "Earthquake!"

Snorlax stomped the ground, sending a tremor that shook the pseudo legendary and halted his rushdown. "Now Fire Punch!" The Sleeping Pokémon's fist gained fire and punched the Iron Claw Pokémon directly.

The Ground-type and Fire-type move sent Metang crashing across the field and skidded to a halt that kicked up so much dust. When the dust cloud finally disappeared, it was revealed that it was unable to battle.

"Metang is unable to battle, Snorlax is the winner! And since Morrison is out of Pokémon, Ash is the winner!" the referee declared.

Ash ran onto the field and gave his Snorlax a hug, despite his size, "Awesome job out there, Snorlax!"

"Lax…" the giant said, proud of his work and knew he would be given a treat for today's battle.

"You were great out there, Metang," Morrison addressed before returning his ace Pokémon. He and Ash met in the middle and shook hands with each other.

"Glad I got a chance to battle you, Ash," the Verdanturf native said.

"The feeling is mutual," Ash replied. Sure fighting a friend isn't easy, but it would make a trainer better. That's something Ash knew from multiple experiences.

"I'll be watching on the sidelines for now. Hoping you will win it all!" Morrison declared.

Once again, the Top 8 of the Ever Grande Conference stare at the screen, waiting for their opponent to reveal themselves. Coming to a stop, Ash grinned.

His next match was against Tyson.

"Hey, Ash!" his opponent said. Ash turned his attention to the brunette. "Let's battle with no regrets tomorrow!" Tyson declared.

Ash's grin grew bigger. "Wouldn't dream of it!" He was determined to beat the trainer. Pikachu and Meowth shared the same look as their trainers. They wanted to battle again and with everything they got.

Chapter Text

"Roselia, Sludge Bomb!" The sentient dual-wielding rose plant generated a glob of poison and threw it towards the opposing Whiscash. The Whiskers Pokémon was twitching in poison on the Ice Field he was battling on. In hindsight, the catfish's trainer should have chosen a more efficient Pokémon for this fight.

"Finish with Magical Leaf!" Wally said. The Thorns Pokémon fired several multicolored leaves that struck the Hoenn Water/Ground nonstop to the point of defeat.

"Whiscash is unable to battle! Roselia is the winner! Therefore, the victor is Wally!" the ref declared.

The lime-green haired trainer relaxed before smiling at his victory.

"Dark Pulse!" Cacturne unleashed a dark-purple double helix, striking the opposing Grumpig.

"Use Bounce!" The Manipulate Pokémon jumped in the air before coming down with a light-blue aura.

"Sucker Punch!" The Scarecrow Pokémon swerved out of the way before landing a black aura punch, knocking the purple swine out of the match.

"Grumpig is unable to battle! Cacturne is the winner! Therefore, the victor is Brendan!"

"Nice work, Cacturne!" Brendan cheered and the green scarecrow crossed his arms, looking smug with his win.

The field rose, taking the form of a Grass field for the first half of the match. Ash and Tyson eyed each other across the field, Pikachu and Meowth doing the same.

"This is a six-on-six match between Ash and Tyson. Trainers, send out your first Pokémon!"

"Sceptile, go!" Tyson said, sending out his own Forest Pokémon who appeared with a confident look on his face. "Scep!"

The day before, Ash took a look at Tyson's lineup giving himself a refresher about what Pokémon the brunette had. He planned out what Pokémon to bring and went in on his choices. Now, it was time to put them to work.

"Muk, I choose you!" Ash said, sending out the Sludge Pokémon. "Mukkkkk!"

In the stands, Brock carefully analyzed the appearance of Ash's choice. "Hmmm… that's not what I was expecting. Using Muk against a fast Pokémon like Sceptile. That's a 50/50 chance."

"Does Muk have any good win records?" May asked.

"The only thing I can remember is Muk's victory over a Bellsprout by absorbing the blows."

"But we saw Muk work on some other moves. Maybe Ash is trying to utilize them instead?" Max thought aloud.

"Whatever the case maybe, Ash will come on top! I'm sure of it!" Morrison cheered.

On the Grass field, Tyson was making his own assumption about Ash's choice. 'Interesting. I would have thought he would have gone with Glalie or match speed with one of his own. But we can still take down Muk, no biggy,' the brunette thought and went first.

"Use Dragon Claw!" Sceptile's claws elongated to a scaly green hue before rushing at Muk. The Hoenn starter slashed nonstop on the purple sludge with his claw-based attacks.

The Sludge Pokémon merely absorbed hit after hit, unfazed by the attacks.

"New plan, Leaf Storm!" the green lizard turned his bushy tail around, creating a cyclone of leaves that struck the purple sludge but still absorbed the blow.

"Alright, Muk! Sludge Bomb!" Ash finally said. The Poison type spewed several globs of poison towards the Grass type.

"Dodge with Quick Attack!" Sceptile zipped away with a white trail, avoiding all the globs before reaching the sludge. "Leaf Blade!" Sceptile's arm leaves turned to a vibrant green and slashed at Muk again. Just as the Hoenn starter finished his attack, purple bubbles appeared on his face.

"Looks like Muk's sluggish behavior has helped him with Sceptile being poisoned!" the announcer noticed.

Brock began to understand, "Of course! Muk's ability must be Poison Touch!"

"Poison Touch?" May asked.

"The user has a slim chance of poisoning upon contact," Brock explained, "It must have been the reason Ash chose Muk in the first place. Poison allows the receiver to receive damage nonstop, not to mention hinder them."

"See? I told you Ash had a plan!" Morrison said.

"Poison Jab!" Muk's own 'hand' took a dark purple and jabbed directly into the Forest Pokémon's stomach, a cry emitting from the receiver from the super effective attack.

"Let's continue Muk! Use Flamethrower!" the Pallet Town native shouted. The Sludge Pokémon exhaled a massive amount of flames that consumed the lizard.

"Sceptile!" Tyson cried with concern. He had rushed in and not thought of the possibility that he could get poisoned. And now, his first Pokémon of the match was going to cost him.

The Forest Pokémon endured the Fire-type attack and was on one knee, cringing in pain.

"Venoshock!" Muk unleashed green volleys of acid that struck Sceptile and shocked him due to the status effect. A yell later and the Hoenn Grass starter was defeated.

"Sceptile is unable to battle, Muk is the winner!"

Tyson returned his first choice, "Sorry about that Sceptile. That's on me," he apologized before drawing his next choice. "Shiftry!"

The Grass/Dark-type appeared on the Grass Field and threw his leaf fans out, "Try!"

"Muk return," Ash decided. Shiftry was faster than Sceptile but Ash had a way to counter the Wicked Pokémon. "Heracross, I choose you!"

The Single Horn Pokémon fluttered before slamming into the ground and let out a determined cry, "Hera!"

"It seems Ash is going for type advantage in this match! What tricks does Heracross have to keep up with Shiftry?" the announcer commented.

"Alright, Shiftry. Let's not take this lightly. Start with Sunny Day!" The Wicked Pokémon threw a miniature sun that caused the sunlight to turn harsh.

"Heracross, Fury Cutter!" The Single Horn Pokémon took flight and rushed with a red glowing horn.

Tyson threw a smirk, "Dodge." Instantly, Shiftry avoided Heracross and was across the field in an instant.

"Herc?!" the blue stag beetle cried as he began to chase down the wooden Pokémon all over the field.

"How is Shiftry moving that fast?" Ash thought aloud.

"It's Chlorophyll, Shiftry's ability," Tyson answered, "Chlorophyll increases speed when Sunny Day is active."

Ash was taken aback by that. He didn't expect this Pokémon, who he was pretty sure was already nimble, to be even faster. He grit his teeth at this as he saw Heracross try to catch Shiftry but failed at every turn.

"And that's not all. Heat Wave!" Tyson revealed and the Wicked Pokémon fanned searing hot waves towards the Single Horn Pokémon who cried in pain.

"Heracross!" Now Ash shouted in concern. The blue stag beetle landed with some soot on his exoskeleton but managed to shake it off.

"That was unexpected! You typically don't see a Grass-type use Fire-type moves! Seems Tyson thought this one through!" the announcer exclaimed.

"Swords Dance!" Ash decided if he couldn't hit his opponent, he could power up for the time being. The Bug/Fighting-type summoned several energy swords that circled him, increasing his attack.

"Air Slash!" The Wicked Pokémon fanned several air-fueled crescent blades towards the Single Horn Pokémon.

"Endure!" Heracross put his guard up, Enduring the incoming blades. Letting out with grunts, the beetle managed to hold on from the barrage of air blades.

"Now, Shadow Ball!" Shiftry manifested a shadowy orb and threw it.

"Destroy it! Pin Missile!" Heracross fired energy needles from his horn, destroying the orb and landed his range attack onto the agile Grass/Dark-type. Shiftry grunted in pain from the attack, feeling his legs buckle.

"Now Aerial Ace!" Ash revealed. The Single Horn Pokémon took flight and rushed with white streaks, allowing him to nail the Wicked Pokémon.

"While Heracross is close, Heat Wave!" Shiftry fanned searing hot waves that struck Heracross.

"Close Combat!" Managing to stand his ground, the beetle rushed with a flurry of horn strikes and punches onto the agile Grass/Dark-type. "End this with Megahorn!" The horn turned to a lime-green color before bashing Shiftry. The impact made the Wicked Pokémon gain swirls in his eyes.

"Shiftry is unable to battle, Heracross is the winner!"

"What a comeback! Even with a combination like Sunny Day, Chlorophyll, and Heat Wave, Ash managed to pull out a win!" the announcer said.

"Return, Shiftry. You did great out there," Tyson praised before selecting his third Pokémon, "Go, Hariyama!"

The Arm Thrust Pokémon landed with a thump and shook the earth before extending his hands. "Hari!"

"Can you still battle, Heracross?" Ash asked his Pokémon.

"Hera!" the Single Horn Pokémon confirmed.

"Ok, then," Ash said before going for his first move, "Megahorn again!" Heracross gained the lime-colored horn once more and charged at the sumo-like Pokémon.

"Meet it with Force Palm!" Hariyama thrusted his hand just as Heracross was on him, before the palm unleashed energy that caused static around the beetle while being blown back.

"Heracross!" Ash yelled. The Bug/Fighting-type grunted before a red aura emitted from him and he let out a cry of determination, "Hera!"

"What's up with Heracross?" May asked.

"That must be Guts," Brock commented as the group turned to him, "If a Pokémon with that ability gets a status effect like poison or paralysis, their attack increases."

"Which means Heracross will hit harder!" Morrison cheered.

"Heracross, Aerial Ace!" Ash said.

Heracross zoomed across the field, ready to strike as his aura flared with Guts.

"Now Smelling Salts!" Hariyama slapped his hands together, glowing white before slapping the incoming beetle away. The impact sent Heracross to the ground with swirls in his eyes.

"Heracross is unable to battle, Hariyama is the winner!"

"Woah! What was that?!" Morrison exclaimed in shock.

"Smelling Salts," Brock said grimly, "I've heard it doubles in damage if the user is paralysis but also cures it."

"So Ash got a free cure at the cost of doubled damage," Max realized.

"Yeah and now Ash is down by one Pokémon," May said.

"You did great out there. Take a long rest," Ash praised his fallen Single Horn Pokémon. He reached for his third Pokémon. He remembered that Hariyama has Thick Fat so he won't be able to use any Fire or Ice-type attacks. But his choice made sure that he would win. "Go, Snorlax!"

The Sleeping Pokémon landed with a thump and roared loudly, "Snor!"

"Your Snorlax," Tyson commented, "Impressive in strength like my Hariyama. A battle of strength! Hariyama, Focus Punch!"

"Snorlax, Mega Punch!" Ash countered.

The sumo-like Pokémon and sleeping giant ran towards each other with glowing fists before punching one another in the stomach. Both staggered before standing their ground.

"Double Edge!" Snorlax rammed Hariyama with energy surging around him. The Arm Thrust Pokémon stood his ground before raising his left leg and slamming to the ground. The Sleeping Pokémon followed in suit before glaring at the sumo.

"Looks like this battle turned to a sumo match!" the announcer jokes.

Ash cracked a smile himself. He remembers the Sumo Conference in Johto he partook in with Snorlax. This might be different but it's still a battle.

"Looks like a standoff! Hariyama, Strength!" Tyson said. The Fighting-type glowed with a faint white aura and rammed into Snorlax, who didn't budge.

"Snorlax, Zen Headbutt!" Ash countered. The Sleeping Pokémon tucked his head in with a psychic glow before headbutting the Arm Thrust Pokémon.

"Force Palm!" Hariyama shook off the attack before launching his hands forward and let energy expel off of them and onto Snorlax, but the sleeping giant withstood.

"Mega Punch!" Snorlax withdrew his fist and launched it, socking Hariyama away and stumbling backwards.

"Focus Punch!" Hariyama threw his own now brown-glowing fist that punched the wind out of Snorlax. Both giants were at a stand-off, signaling that they were tired from the exchange.

Both trainers picked up on that and decided to end it, "Body Slam/Heavy Slam!"

Snorlax leaped forward as Hariyama charged with silver energy. The two heavyweights collided with each other before they struggled for dominance. The Sleeping Pokémon and Arm Thrust Pokémon glared before collapsing themselves.

"Hariyama and Snorlax are unable to battle! This match is a draw! Since Tyson has lost three Pokémon, we will now go to a 5 minute break," the referee said. Both trainers returned their Pokémon and walked off with their partners.

"Wow. I didn't expect Hariyama to match Snorlax's strength like that," Morrison commented.

"Given how Hariyama is a Fighting-type, it makes sense," Max deduced.

Brock noted, "Snorlax is built for taking hits and dishing out damage back. Hariyama is the same, so the match could have gone either way. But Ash has a lead now with only Muk known along with Pikachu."

"It's a no-brainer that Meowth is Tyson's choice too," Max reminded, "And that Meowth is tougher than Team Rocket's."

Elsewhere, a talking cat sneezed.

Back on the battlefield, the terrain changed from grass to rock.

"Welcome back, folks! Last time on this field, Ash managed to get Tyson down to three Pokémon while only losing his Heracross and Snorlax in the process. Will this allow him to come up on top or will Tyson take the win?"

Tyson drew his next Pokéball, "Go, Zangoose!" The Cat Furret Pokémon appeared and let out a roar, "Zang!"

Ash selected his choice, "Come back out, Muk!" The Sludge Pokémon slumped onto the field and moaned, "Mukkkkkk!"

'Good thing I came prepared this time,' Tyson thought, knowing what Zangoose can do.

"Muk, use Thunderbolt!" Ash shouted, taking the first move. Muk generated a charge before sending a yellow bolt of electricity.

"Dodge it then Crush Claw!" The cat-mongoose hybrid weaved out of the way before running at full speed and with a crimson paw. The hybrid smashed his glowing claw into the pile of sludge.

"Now, Close Combat!" Zangoose began to relentlessly deliver multiple strikes against Muk, the Sludge Pokémon enduring each one before the hybrid let up.

"Use Toxic while Zangoose is close!" The Poison-type spewed two streams of poison that the Zangoose took.

"Direct hit!" Ash cheered but that went away when Zangoose was revealed not to be poisoned. "Huh?!"

Tyson smirked, "Sorry, Ash. But Zangoose has the ability Immunity. Which is why I choose him! X-Scissor!"

The Cat Ferret Pokémon crossed his arms in a 'X' fashion, charging in with a crimson energy. The hybrid landed the attack against the sludge, who let out a pained moan.

"Well, just because we can't poison Zangoose, doesn't mean we are limited! Brick Break!" Ash called for.

The Sludge Pokémon swung his arm down, striking the cat-mongoose who hissed in pain.

"Thunderbolt!" At point-blank, Muk electrocuted Zangoose but the hybrid held on.

"Sorry, Ash, but this match is mine! Zangoose, Night Slash!" Tyson declared. The cat-mongoose's claws darkened and were slashed twice across Muk's body, who slumped over with swirly eyes.

"Muk is unable to battle, Zangoose is the winner!"

"And now the first round of the second half goes to Tyson! Will Ash make a comeback?" the announcer wondered.

"That was a clever tactic," Brock commented, "Zangoose's ability allowed it to withstand being poisoned."

The Maple siblings nodded as Morrison shouted, "Well, Ash can overcome it! I know he can!"

"Thanks, Muk," Ash praised his Poison-type before pulling out another Pokéball. "Primeape, I choose you!" The simian appeared and pounded his fist together. "Ape!"

Tyson saw that the Cat Ferret Pokémon was somewhat tired from Muk's battle despite coming out on top. "Zangoose, let's make this work. Swords Dance to Crush Claw!"

Zangoose summoned illusionary swords which circled him and pounced with a crimson claw.

"Alright, Primeape, use Cross Chop!" The Pig Monkey Pokémon crossed his arms in front of him before lunging to meet the pounce. The hybrid and primate collided before Primeape won the exchange.

Zangoose came crashing down, exhausted from his skirmish with the living sludge. He panted and managed to stand again.

"Looks like this round is mine, Tyson! Rock Smash!" Primeape winded up a fist, glowing brown before swinging it and hitting Zangoose directly in the face. The hybrid was sent tumbling across the field and had swirls in his eyes.

"Zangoose is unable to battle, Primeape is the winner!"

Tyson returned his fallen feline, "Nice work out there, Zangoose. Your loss will be avenged. Go, Metagross!"

The metallic quadruped landed on the Rock field and smashed its forelegs together, eager for a fight, "Meta!"

Ash began to sweat. While he did battle Morrison's Metang, Metagross was definitely going to be a challenge with its high defenses. Especially since it's a pseudo legendary. With Primeape rearing to go, Ash felt like he could do some damage.

"Get ready, Primeape. Start with Low Kick!" Primeape dashed across the field and swung a low-bearing kick.

"Metal Claw!" Metagross turned its claws to iron before swiping and meeting the kick, causing an explosion. The simian was sent flying from the sheer power but managed to land on his feet.

"Such sheer power from Tyson's Metagross! Primeape definitely will have to be on his toes to match Metagross' strength," the announcer said.

"Vacuum Wave!" Primeape spun around before sending a drift towards the quadrupedal metallic creature who merely shrugged it off.

"Okay then, Bulk Up then Rock Smash!" The simian glowed with a red aura, muscles growing before running with a brown-glowing fist.

"Iron Head!" Metagross charged itself with a silver aura faster than Primeape and collided head first. The Pig Monkey Pokémon was sent flying again, this time not landing on his feet.

"Primeape!" Ash shouted. The simian slowly got up and panted from exhaustion. He was not used to fighting with strength but promised to give it his all.

Ash picked up on this and decided to make Primeape's last moments count. "Okay, let's make these last moves count."

"Prime!"

"Aerial Ace!" The simian nimbly ran across the field, the Iron Leg Pokémon's eyes tracking the movement.

"Meet him with Metal Claw!" The pseudo-legendary turned its foreleg claws to steel and was about to strike the simian.

"Now switch to Assurance!" Primeape managed to turn his fist to a dark hue and slam it against Metagross' claw. Another explosion went off, this time both deliveries managed to be sent back but Primeape landed with swirly eyes.

"Primeape is unable to battle, Metagross is the winner!"

"Return, Primeape," Ash said, "You were awesome out there." He placed his Fighting-type's ball back before grabbing a new one, "Go, Quilava!"

The Johto weasel appeared on the field, flames ablaze, "Qui!"

"So, you're still going for type advantage," Tyson commented, "Let's see what happens. Iron Head!"

"Smokescreen!" The Volcano Pokémon exhaled thick black smoke that covered the Iron Leg Pokémon's vision and halted its attack.

"Stay sharp, Metagross!" Tyson warned.

"Flamethrower!" From the smoke, flames struck the metal four legged Pokémon from behind. It let out a grunt from flames before trying to locate Quilava.

"Again!" Quilava fired another batch of flames that struck Metagross, who swiped empty air with a Metal Claw. The Steel/Psychic type was soon getting hit from all sides by Flamethrowers and eventually got irritated.

Tyson grit his teeth before getting an idea, "Metagross! Spin to clear the Smokescreen!" His Iron Leg Pokémon listened and began to spin rapidly, clear the smoke and reveal Quilava's position.

"No more hiding, Ash. Metal Claw!" Metagross instantly capitalized on the exposed Johto Fire starter, swiping him away.

"Lavaaaa!" The Volcano Pokémon was swiped away before landing and ignited his flames once again.

"Use Psychic to restrict it!" The metal titan's eyes flashed blue and captured the weasel in its grasp. Quilava tried to struggle but it was proving null.

"Overheat!" Glowing red, the flaming weasel fired a red-orange blast that struck the pseudo-legendary, disrupting its concentration. "Now Inferno!" Ash took his turn to capitalize. Quilava took another deep breath and unleashed blue flames towards Metagross, who recoiled before retreating.

Tyson saw the Metagross couldn't take anymore from the rapid use of Fire-type moves so he made a last-ditch effort, "Ok, Metagross. Let's make this last move count. Iron Head!"

The quadrupel metal creature charged headfirst with a silver aura and zoomed across the field.

"Flame Wheel!" Ash shouted. The weasel ignited his flames before running across and spinning into a wheel. Both Pokémon clashed, a stalemate occurring. There was a struggle between the two Pokémon, both wanting to win against the other. An explosion occurred, obscuring the vision from the audience, trainers, and their Pokémon on the sidelines.

When the explosion died down, it revealed only one Pokémon standing.

"Lava!"

"Metagross is unable to battle, Quilava is the winner!"

Ash let out a cheer, "Awesome work out there, Quilava!" The Volcano Pokémon flared up, proud for his win even though he was excited.

"Metagross, return," Tyson said, "Thanks for the hard work out there." He pocketed his fallen Pokémon before turning to the dressed up cat. "You ready, Meowth?"

"Nya!"

The Scratch Cat Pokémon appeared on the field, claws sharpened and ready to pounce.

"And now Tyson is down to his last Pokémon, his trusty Meowth! Does he have what it takes to beat Ash's two remaining Pokémon?" the announcer asked, the battle reaching its end.

"Can you continue, Quilava?" Ash asked his Johto Fire-type. The weasel, albeit scuffed up from the battle against the metal titan, blazed his flames fiercely.

"Let's make this count, Aerial Ace!" Quilava ran with white streaks around him, nimbly maneuvering himself towards Meowth.

"Thunderbolt!" The dressed-up cat generated a charge and fired a yellow lightning bolt towards the weasel who was able to dodge it and strike the feline.

"Hyper Voice!" The Scratch Cat Pokémon let out an echoing shout that made the Volcano Pokémon fly away. He crashed back to the ground and steadily got up.

"Thunderbolt one more time!" Meowth generated another charge and struck Quilava head-on before ending the bolt, making Quilava fall to his feet.

"Quilava is unable to battle, Meowth is the winner!"

"Thanks for your help Quilava," Ash thanked, returning his fallen Pokémon and then turned to his starter. "You ready, buddy?"

"Pika!" The mouse said before sprinting onto the field, ready for a rematch.

"And now we are done to their final Pokémon! Looks like a game of cat and mouse! Who will be victorious?"

"Thunderbolt!" both trainers shouted. The cat and mouse generated charges before unleashing them upon one another. The bolts collided, fighting for dominance until there was an explosion.

"Use Thunder!" Pikachu flashed yellow and gave a singular bolt of electricity this time.

"Thunderbolt again!" Meowth fired another bolt of electricity but Pikachu's Thunder overpowered it and shocked the Scratch Cat Pokémon away.

"Quick Attack now!" The Mouse Pokémon ran quickly with a white trail, planning to ram into the cat.

"Double Team!" Meowth flashed white and Pikachu ran through a clone before he was surrounded by the cat.

"Shock Wave!" Pikachu threw a wave of electricity around him from his tail, shocking a majority of the clones which dispersed.

"Meowth, use Iron Tail to channel it then strike!" Tyson ordered. The dressed up feline turned his tail to steel, absorbing the electrical attack before running.

"Meet it with yours!" Pikachu turned his own tail to iron and clashed with Meowth's, sparks flying as they met.

"Wow, they are both evenly matched." Max commented.

"Seems like it. It will be hard to decide the winner. It will come down to who wants to win more," Brock said as he and Ash's friends watched carefully.

"Night Slash/Brick Break!" Meowth developed a darkened claw and Pikachu raised his hand to strike. The mouse hit first before the cat swiped him away.

Each Pokémon were now on their respective side, panting from the attacks.

'One last attack,' both trainers thought before making their move.

"Pikachu, full-power Thunderbolt!/Meowth, Thunderbolt! Give it all you got!"

Both Kanto Pokémon unleashed their charges to one another, the bolts clashing for dominance once again. The mouse gave his all and the dressed up cat wasn't holding back.

Then one bolt won the clash and struck its opponent, making them fall to the ground.

…

…

"Meowth is unable to battle. Pikachu is the winner! Therefore, Ash is the victor!" the referee declared.

"Way to go Pikachu!" Ash cheered as he ran onto the field and picked up his tired starter.

Tyson returned his Meowth, "Thanks for the amazing effort out there."

Both trainers met in the middle and gave a handshake, displaying good sportsmanship.

"You gave one heck of a battle out there," Tyson complimented.

"You did too," Ash said back, "I always like to give it my all. Right, Pikachu?"

"Pika!"

Tyson cracked a smile, "Well then, good luck with the next two battles. I plan to stick around a bit longer." With that the two trainers parted ways for the day.

"Congratulations to our current Top 4 trainers for this year's Hoenn League! Quite the lineup and we are excited to see the battles that await us! Turn to the screen to see your next opponent!"

The four trainers saw their cards spin around before displaying their opponent.

Ash grinned at his next opponent.

On the screen, Ash would be battling Wally.

Chapter Text

"This will be a six-on-six Pokémon battle between Wally and Ash! Trainers, look at the screen."

Both trainers looked at the screen, awaiting the terrain to be selected. Ash himself couldn't believe how far he had gotten in this league. He never expected to reach Top 4 in his third journey. Perhaps the idea of bringing older Pokémon was rather more beneficial than he thought.

The ground rumbled before the Water Field appeared first. Wally got his first Pokémon out, "Azumarill!"

The Aqua Rabbit Pokémon appeared and jumped with a cute expression, "Azum~"

"Pikachu, let's go!" Ash said. The Mouse Pokémon ran onto a pad, emitting a charge.

"Battle begin!" the referee declared.

Ash immediately shouted, "Thunderbolt!" The mouse fired a yellow bolt of lightning towards the rabbit.

"Jump into the water!" Azumarill dove into the pool, avoiding the bolt before swimming towards Pikachu. "Use Aqua Tail!" The aquatic rabbit's tail glowed blue with water surrounding it before swinging it.

"Use Quick Attack to dodge it!" Pikachu sped away from the swirling water and landed a safe distance. "Electro Ball!" The mouse made a sphere of electricity around his tail before lobbing it, and nailed the rabbit.

Azumarill managed to get up before giving a fierce look. "Ice Punch!" Azumarill dove into the water, swimming fast before appearing with a chilly fist. The Aqua Rabbit Pokémon slugged the Mouse Pokémon with the freezing fist. "Now Superpower!" The blue rabbit flexed with a red aura, overpowering the yellow mouse.

Pikachu crashed on a pad as Azumarill was ready for more. "Hyper Voice!" The aquatic rabbit bellowed sound-waves that made the mouse cover his ears.

"Use Thunderbolt!" Ash shouted over the soundwaves.

Pikachu readied a charge and fired a bolt of yellow electricity that hit Azumarill, interrupting the soundwaves. "Now, Quick Attack into Iron Tail!" Ash's starter sprinted across the pads before landing a hit on with his metallic tail. The Steel-type move was enough to send the Water-type* out of the battle.

"Azumarill is unable to battle! Pikachu is the winner!"

"Return, Azumarill," Wally lamented before praising the rabbit. He selected his next Pokémon, "Roselia!"

The Thorns Pokémon did a pirouette before bowing, "Rose~."

"Pikachu, return for now," Ash said. The Mouse Pokémon ran back to his trainer's side. The Pallet Town native chose his second Pokémon for the match. "Crawdaunt, I choose you!"

The Rogue Pokémon snapped his pincers menacingly, "Craw!"

"Seems this time Ash is using the field to his advantage with Wally going for type advantage now! Talk about how the tables have turned!" the announcer jokes.

"Iron Defense then Crunch!"

"Magical Leaf!"

After shedding a metallic shine, the lobster took to the water, swimming fast as the dual-wielding flower threw multicolored leaves. The crustacean endured the leaves before appearing and Crunching the living rose.

"Roselia!" Wally cried. "Poison Jab!"

The Thorns Pokémon's roses turned to a venomous purple and jabbed them into the Rogue Pokémon's thorax, causing the crustacean to release her.

"Swords Dance to Liquidation!" Crawdaunt summoned swords for a boosting ritual then covered his pincher in a watery coat. The lobster swung the blade but Roselia managed to dodge it.

"Sludge Bomb!" With grace, the Thorns Pokémon fired a glob of poison that hit the Rogue Pokémon in the head before oozing from the poison.

Ash realized he was now on a timer with Crawdaunt's status effect. Not sure how much strength he had, Ash took a play, "Waterfall!"

Fighting through the toxicity in his body, Crawdaunt sent a stream of water that caught Roselia in its grasp. The lobster then swam upstream and rammed into her, sending the rose onto another platform.

Crawdaunt oozed from the poison before Ash ushered another move, "Dark Pulse!" The crustacean fired a pair of double-helix purple spirals at the perennial flower. Roselia was hit and weakly stood.

"Leech Seed!" She fired a seed that covered her opponent in vines. Crawdaunt struggled to move before feeling weaker himself while Roselia replenished her strength. After feeling the draining, Crawdaunt felt the poison in his system again.

"One last move," Ash muttered before yelling, "Crabhammer!"

Wally shouted his own move, "Petal Dance!"

Crawdaunt hopped into the water and swam with a menacing appearance. He drew his claw back, glowing blue as it did. Roselia spun around several times before sending a vortex of pink petals that consumed the Water/Dark-type. The Petal Dance was taken up before slamming down onto a platform to reveal an unconscious Crawdaunt.

"Crawdaunt is unable to battle, Roselia is the winner!"

"Ouch! Crawdaunt will be feeling that in the morning!" The announcer lamented.

"You were great out there, Crawdaunt," Ash praised, returning his Hoenn crustacean.

"Thank you, Roselia," Wally thanked, returning his Pokémon as well. He selected his next choice, "Delcatty!"

The Prim Pokémon appeared and mewed, "Del~"

"Bulbasaur, I choose you!"

The Seed Pokémon let out a growl, seeing his opponent. "Bulba!"

"Delcatty, start with Shadow Ball!" The housecat fired a spectral ball towards the plant-toad hybrid.

"Bullet Seed!" The Kanto Grass starter fired several spurts of seeds from his bulb, shooting down the spectral sphere and hitting the housecat.

"Blizzard!" The Prim Pokémon mewed, sending a flurry of snow towards the Seed Pokémon who was powdered.

"Sludge Bomb!" Bulbasaur hurled a glob of poison through the flurry and hit Delcatty where she stood.

"Hit them with Payback!" Covered in a black aura, the housecat leapt across the platforms before striking the plant-toad hybrid.

"Power Whip!" Bulbasaur grew two purple vines and slammed them against Delcatty. The housecat hissed as she flew in the air. Rightening herself, the Prim Pokémon landed with grace.

"Assist!" Delcatty's tail wagged back and forth before her eyes shined blue. Shortly after, Bulbasaur was outlined in blue and thrown into the pads.

The Seed Pokémon grunted with each slam, "Saur! Saur! Saur!"

"Use Blizzard again!" The Prim Pokémon pulled in the plant-toad hybrid before unleashing another flurry of snow that powdered Bulbasaur relentlessly. Eventually, the housecat released her telekinetic hold and Bulbasaur landed on a pad.

Struggling to stand up, the Kanto Grass starter got to his feet. Ash decided to make these last moves count. "Sludge Bomb to Magical Leaf!"

The plant-toad hybrid fired a glob of poison from his mouth that caught the housecat before multicolored leaves were unleashed against her. Delcatty hissed as the assault continued.

"Ready Solar Beam!" The Seed Pokémon prepared to fire a blast when Wally shouted, "Sucker Punch!"

The Prim Pokémon danced around the pads and landed a tail slap into Bulbasaur's face. "Finish with Blizzard!" The Hoenn feline gave another flurry that encased the Kanto Grass starter before shattering to reveal the latter's swirly eyes.

"Bulbasaur is unable to battle, Delcatty is the winner!"

Ash returned his first Grass-type, "You were amazing out there." He pocketed it before looking at Pikachu, "Your turn, buddy!"

"Pika!" The Mouse Pokémon chirped and ran onto the field again.

"Quick Attack!"

"Assist!"

Pikachu sprinted across the pads while Delcatty waved her paws. She unleashed chartreuse colored breath that the mouse avoided before ramming into the housecat.

"That was Dragon Breath." Tyson recognized.

"Which means Wally has a Pokémon on his team that knows the move." Brock added.

"Thunderbolt!" The Mouse Pokémon fired a yellow bolt of lightning, frying the housecat before letting up. The Prim Pokémon hissed at the yellow rodent.

"Now Signal Beam!" Pikachu fired a pink energy beam from his mouth.

"Dodge!" Delcatty jumped up and avoided the attack. "Now Hyper Voice!" The housecat let out soundwaves that disoriented the mouse.

"Electro Ball!" The Mouse Pokémon charged up a sphere of yellow electricity and threw it, striking the Prim Pokémon.

"Assist one more!" The housecat waved her paws then unleashed a magenta beam that exploded upon contact against the mouse. Once the smoke cleared, it revealed the outcome.

"Pikachu is unable to battle, Delcatty is the winner! Since Ash has lost three Pokémon, we will go into a short five minute break." The referee said.

Once the pool was drained and closed up, Ash ran onto the field and picked up his starter. "Thanks for your work out there, Pikachu. Don't worry, I'll be sure to win this."

As both trainers returned to their sides, Ash's friends voiced their concerns.

"Ash is behind," May said.

"With five against three left, Ash might lose this." Max admitted worringly.

"I wouldn't count Ash down yet," Brock said, "He has bounced back before, even from a losing streak." Tyson and Morrison nodded in agreement.

The field shifted to the ice terrain as both trainers walked back on.

"Welcome back, everyone! For those tuning in just now, Wally has Ash on the ropes right now! With a five Pokémon lead, Wally could be the winner already! However, Ash has three remaining Pokémon so he could make a comeback!"

"Delcatty, come back out!"

"Pupitar, I choose you!"

The housecat mewed and she landed on the ice while the gray pupa hopped to attention.

"Start with Blizzard!" The Prim Pokémon blew a flurry of snow straight towards the Hard Shell Pokémon.

"Iron Defense!" The pupa shimmered with a metallic shine just as the flurry hit him. Grunting, Pupitar held on with his increased defenses.

"Shadow Ball!" Delcatty summoned a sphere of spectral energy and shot it.

"Hidden Power!" The pupa threw several green orbs, destroying the spectral sphere. "Rock Slide!" With a faint aura, the 2nd stage Johto pseudo legendary roared and portals dropped boulders from above. The purple feline yipped as the boulders rained from above.

"Assist!" Waving her paws, Delcatty threw several multicolored leaves from her collar. Pupitar was struck with Magical Leaf.

"Dark Pulse!" The Hard Shell Pokémon fired dark purple double-helix beam straight at the Prim Pokémon, who was defeated once the move hit.

"Delcatty is unable to battle, Pupitar is the winner!"

Wally thanked his Pokémon before sending out Roselia. "Rose~"

"Pupitar, return." Ash said before selecting his next choice. "Torkoal, I choose you!"

"Tor!" The Coal Pokémon snorted with a plume of smoke.

"Roselia, Sludge Bomb!"

"Torkoal, Heat Wave!"

The sentient rose threw several globs of poison when the tortoise blew orange-red heat waves. The Heat Wave destroyed the Sludge Bomb before continuing and hitting the Thorns Pokémon. Once she was able to stand, the sentient rose huffed as she was covered in soot.

"Magical Leaf!" Roselia threw multicolored leaves at Torkoal.

"Lava Plume!" Glowing red, the Coal Pokémon let out an explosion of heat that incinerated the leaves from reaching. "Now, Overheat!" The tortoise glowed red and unleashed a red-orange blast that caught the sentient rose and blasted her away.

"Roselia is unable to battle, Torkoal is the winner!"

"Wow! Already a few minutes in and Ash has managed to even the score by taking two Pokémon down! Now that these two are even, the battle is all downhill from here!"

Wally had already returned Roselia. He knew that he wasn't going to win that match and hoped to poison Torkoal. He was caught off guard by the tortoise's power. He carefully chose his fourth Pokémon for the match. "Magneton!"

The triclops Magnet Pokémon hovered and sparked. "Ton."

"Discharge!" Magneton released several blue streams of electricity that zapped Torkoal.

"Sunny Day!" Hanging on, the tortoise released a miniature sun, causing the heat to come down harshly. "Now, Heat Wave!" The Coal Pokémon unleashed searing red-orange waves, frying the Magnet Pokémon.

"Magneton, Tri Attack!" Thrusting their magnets forward, the magnetic triclops unleashed a fire-lightning-ice triangular blast at the tortoise.

"Iron Defense!" Torkoal took cover, bunkering down with a metallic glow. The tri-elemental blast hit the Coal Pokémon. Un-bunkering himself, the tortoise snorted.

"Fire Blast!/Thunderbolt!" Torkoal was quicker, firing a kanji-shaped flame, hitting Magneton before it fired a yellow bolt of lightning, zapping Torkoal.

A singed Magneton hovered dangerously low since it was dealt super effective damage. And a fried Torkoal panted, exhausted from their scuffle.

"Lock On then Zap Cannon!" The triclops fired a reticle at the tortoise. Developing a sphere of electricity, the Magnet Pokémon shot it, scoring a direct hit. Torkoal held on but was briefly paralyzed.

"Torkoal, wrap this up! Inferno!" Powering through the paralysis, the Coal Pokémon expelled blue flames, landing directly on the triclops magnet. Once the blue flames ceased, the Magnet Pokémon fell to the ground.

"Magneton is unable to battle, Torkoal is the winner!"

Wally gave a few words of praise to his Electric/Steel type and then pulled out his next Pokéball. "Go, Flygon!"

The Mystic Pokémon emerged from her Pokéball. "Fly~."

"Start with Sandstorm!" The insectoid dragon flapped her wings, creating a sandstorm that snuffed out the Sunny Day. "Bulldoze!" Slamming her tail onto the ground, a bulge of Earth came towards Torkoal.

"Use Body Slam to dodge!" Buffering in the sandstorm, the Coal Pokémon attempted to do so, but the paralysis kicked in, halting his movement. The Bulldoze smacked the tortoise away.

"Now, switch it up to an Earth Power!" This time, the Hoenn dragon used her full force, sending yellow cracks along the ground. Torkoal grunted as he endured the Earth based attack and weather.

"Finish with Hyper Beam!" Taking a deep breath, the Desert Spirit let loose a magenta beam, striking the Coal Pokémon in the chest. An explosion occurred and Torkoal had swirlies in his eyes.

"Torkoal is unable to battle, Flygon is the winner!"

"What a match folks! Both trainers are now officially down to their last two Pokémon! With both two being Ground or Rock, the Sandstorm shouldn't hinder them! However, it might come down to their final Pokémon. Let's wait and find out!" The announcer exclaimed.

"Pupitar, I choose you!" Ash said, choosing his second to last choice. The Hard Shell Pokémon appeared and chirped.

"Screech!" Pupitar let out a ear piercing cry, lowering the green dragon's defenses.

"Rock Slide!" Ash immediately followed. The sliver pupa dropped boulders from above, hindering Flygon.

"Flygon, are you ready?" Wally asked. The Mystic Pokémon roared, saying yes. "Dragon Breath!"

"Take it then Dark Pulse!" Pupitar took the chartreuse flames before expelling a dark purple double-helix beam straight at the desert dragon. She took the attack and hissed in pain.

"Steel Wing!" Turning her wings to metal, the Desert Spirit soared and struck the shell with all her might.

Cringing in pain, the Hard Shell Pokémon went himself weak from the attack. Ash knew that Flygon was more than enough for Pupitar to take and a few final moves.

"Rock Slide!" Pupitar dropped boulders from above again, catching Flygon and hindering her. "Dark Pulse!" A dark purple double helix spiral beam erupted from the Rock/Ground-type and scored a hit.

"Flygon, another Hyper Beam!" The Mystic Pokémon fired her own beam, this one colored magenta. The strong Normal-type move exploded against a wide-eyed Hard Shell Pokémon.

Once the smoke cleared, the pupa had swirlies for eyes.

"Pupitar is unable to battle, Flygon is the winner!" By this time, the Sandstorm had dispersed.

"Ohhhhh! That's gotta hurt. Two Pokémon down but Flygon seems like she can't continue much longer! Can Ash pull out a win or will Wally win it and proceed?!"

"You were great out there, Pupitar." Ash thanked his fallen choice. Gripping the last one, he knew that his final choice could do it.

"Sceptile, I choose you!"

From his Pokéball, the Hoenn Grass starter appeared and placed his signature twig in his mouth. "Scep."

"Quick Attack then Dragon Breath!" The Forest Pokémon sped towards the dragon, colliding with her chest. Rebounding, the lizard expelled chanteuse flames, dealing super effective damage.

Flygon growled before feeling her recharge period end. "Use Earth Power!"

"Jump!" The lizard managed to avoid the yellow cracks with his altitude. "Seed Bomb!" Opening his mouth, Sceptile delivered several explosive seeds onto the insectoid dragon. "Now dive and Leaf Blade!" Taking his trainer's actions, the Forest Pokémon dove with vibrant green elbow arms. With a swift slice, the lizard struck Flygon once more.

"Dragon Breath!" Flygon attempted to unleash chartreuse flames at her opponent.

"Use yours!" Sceptile quickly used the same move, clashing their flames together and an explosion occurred.

"Quick Attack and Leaf Blade!" The Forest Pokémon sped through the smoke, slamming full force before swiping his vibrant green elbow leaves. The Mystic Pokémon cried out as she fell over and was no longer able to battle.

"Flygon is unable to battle, Sceptile is the winner!"

"And now we are at their last Pokémon! Who will win it?! Ash's speedy Sceptile or Wally's ace in the hole?!" The ref said on the edge of his seat.

Wally, having returned Flygon, took a deep breath. He pulled out his final Pokéball, gazing at it. "Alright, it's all up to you. Go, Gardevoir!" The Embrace Pokémon appeared with a bow. "Gard~."

Sceptile made a calculated gaze at the sight of the green and white humanoid Pokémon, who shot a fierce look at her opponent.

"Sceptile, let's finish this quick! Seed Bomb!" The lizard spat out several explosive seeds at the Psychic-type.

"Catch them with Psychic and hurl them back!" The Embrace Pokémon's eyes glowed blue and caught the seeds in her telekinetic grasp. With a swing of her hand, she threw them back at the Forest Pokémon who was bombarded with them.

"Leaf Storm!"

"Light Screen!"

From the smoke, a cyclone of leaves erupted and spirialed towards the humanoid Pokémon. In response, Gardevoir set up a reflective glass barrier that prevented the Leaf Storm from reaching her.

"Icy Wind!" Gardevoir swiped her hand, sending a chilly breeze and struck Sceptile. Blocking with his arms, the breeze only made the lizard shiver.

"Now Psybeam!" The Embrace Pokémon fired a zig-zag multicolored beam from her palms towards the Forest Pokémon.

"Dodge then Fury Cutter!" Crouching, the Hoenn Grass starter avoided the Psychic range move before blitzing with red elbow arms. He swiped fiercely and scored multiple hits on the humanoid Pokémon who cried out in pain.

"Fire Punch!" Gardevoir's fist ignited with flames and punched Sceptile close up.

"Iron Tail!" The Forest Pokémon quickly responded with a metallic covered tail swipe and scored a hit on the Embrace Pokémon.

"Psychic to Psybeam!" Eyes glowing blue, the humanoid Pokémon caught the lizard in her telekinetic grasp. Adding onto the pressure, she fired a zig-zag multicolored beam and dealt damage to her opponent. The Grass-type reeled back in pain but managed to stand. As he did, a faint green aura took over his body.

"It looks like Sceptile has reached Overgrow range!" The ref explained.

"Mega Drain!" Ash shouted. With a burst of speed, Sceptile inhaled and green wisps of energy left Gardevoir's body. The lizard regained some health for the attack but the humanoid Pokémon still had energy to spare.

"Fury Cutter again!" The Forest Pokémon's elbow leaves took a red glow and began to slice relentlessly.

"Another Icy Wind!" Through the rush of attacks, the Embrace Pokémon swung her arm out and sent a chilly breeze that halted the lizard in his tracks. "Now, Fire Punch!" Gardevoir's fist ignited again and punched Sceptile away.

Skidding back, Sceptile rubbed his cheek before growling. Gardevoir narrowed her eyes.

"Both final Pokémon are giving it their all! Neither one wants to give in!" The ref said with fire in his eyes.

Ash and Wally looked at their final Pokémon, who were on their last legs it seems like. So, they made their final move.

"Solar Beam/Psybeam!"

Sceptile's seeds on his back absorbed sunlight while Gardevoir prepared psychokinetic energy in her hands. With a determined glint in her eyes, the Embrace Pokémon went first, firing a zig-zag multicolored beam towards the Forest Pokémon.

"Jump!" Using some of his remaining strength, the Grass-type jumped in the air, avoiding the range Psychic-type move. All charged up, the lizard unleashed a concentrated blast of solar energy from his mouth and struck the humanoid Pokémon directly.

After being dealt with by the solar-powered move, Gardevoir grit her teeth in pain. Sceptile landed just as she fell down with swirly eyes.

"Gardevoir is unable to battle, Sceptile is the winner! Since Wally has no more Pokémon available, Ash is the winner!" The crowd went wild for the winner.

"What a turn of events! Sceptile managed to give Wally's Gardevoir a run for her money and managed to secure the win for Ash! Even though Gardevoir lost, she still gave it her all!"

Wally ran onto the field and slowly helped Gardevoir up. "Hey, hey. It's okay. We made it far for our first league, didn't we Gardevoir?"

"Gard." The humanoid Pokémon said weakly.

Ash and Pikachu followed in suite and hugged Sceptile around his neck. "Amazing job out there, Sceptile!"

"Pika!"

The Forest Pokémon had a proud look on his face at the compliment. "Tile."

The Pallet Town native approached the greenhorn trainer and held out a hand. Wally accepted it and shook hands.

"He's moving onto the finals!" May said excitedly.

"This is getting intense!" Max exclaimed.

"You said it!" Morrison added, eager for Ash's finals.

"Has Ash made it to the finals before?" Tyson asked.

"Nope, this is his first time." Brock informed him, "I have to say, he's grown from his time in Kanto. But now the question is, will he beat Brendan?"

"You battled really well out there, today." Ash complimented and broke off the handshake.

"Thank you. It's my first league so I admit I was nervous." Wally bashfully admitted.

"Well, you did better than most. I commend you on that." Ash said. "So, what are you going to do now?"

The Petalburg trainer thought for a brief second before answering, "I think I'll stick around for the final match. Brendan helped me a lot on my journey."

"Yep, he's going to be a challenge." Ash noticed. "And I'm prepared to give it my all." Both of Ash's Pokémon agreed on that.

"Pika!"

"Scep!"

Chapter Text

"Welcome all, folks! Today is the day! The Hoenn League finals! This year, we have seen many trainers duke it out, all battling it out for the chance to become this year's Hoenn league winner!" The ref said as the crowd exploded with cheers.

"From the left side, we have Ash Ketchum! An extraordinary trainer with an impressive array of Pokémon! He previously competed in the Indigo League and Silver League prior and has used strategies to overwhelm his opponents!" Ash and Pikachu walked onto the field, a confident look on the trainer's face.

Top 2. Ash couldn't believe how far he has gotten in this league. He owed it to his Pokémon. He couldn't help but thank them for getting this far in his journey.

Whether he would win or lose, he was proud of their accomplishment.

"And from the right side, we have Brendan Birch! Taking on his fourth time in the Hoenn League! He made it to Top 4 last year but now's in the Top 2! Will he beat Ash and move on to fight the Elite Four?" Brendan made his way onto the field, waving ever-so slightly. He looked mildly embarrassed but shook it off once he got to the battlefield.

"This will be a full six-on-six match between Ash and Brendan! Once a trainer has lost three Pokémon, there will be a 15-minute break. Trainers, send out your first Pokémon!"

"Volbeat!"

"Swellow, I choose you!"

The male Firefly Pokémon buzzed out of his Pokéball just as the Swallow Pokémon appeared and cawed.

"Battle begin!"

"Start with Tail Glow!" Brendan immediately shouted. Volbeat's tail glowed brightly, increasing his special attack. "Now, Thunderbolt!" Volbet generated a charge and fired a yellow bolt of lightning towards Swellow.

"Dodge with Quick Attack!" The swallow avoided the attack with a white trail before slamming directly into the firefly. "Now, Air Cutter!" Swellow flew back and fired X-shaped aerokinetic projectiles, hitting Volbeat nonstop.

"Volbeat, Struggle Bug!" The firefly glowed lime green and unleashed a burst of energy, hitting the swallow. "Now, let's slow you down, Thunder Wave!" Volbeat shot a wave of electricity that captured Swellow.

"Looks like Swellow's gonna be slower now!" The announcer recognized. However, Swellow had a smirk as a red aura flared up.

"Use Double Edge!" Brendan shouted. The firefly rammed the bird with an orange aura. Wincing, the firefly sparked with recoil.

"Reversal!" Swellow slammed his wing directly into Volbeat, sending the insect down.

"That looked like a lot of damage!" Max exclaimed.

"Hmmm." Brock thought to himself before realizing it. "Swellow must have Guts too!"

"Like with Heracross?" May remembered.

Brock nodded. "Makes sense. Back when he was a Taillow he was stubborn and shook off most Thunderbolts from Pikachu."

Brendan realized what the effects of Thunder Wave had caused and immediately regretted it.

"Aerial Ace!" Ash shouted. Surrounded with white energy, the Swallow Pokémon rushed in and struck the firefly once more.

Volbeat hovered to the ground, damaged from all the moves now. "Try a Thunderbolt!" Volbeat generated a charge and fired a bolt of lightning.

"Look out!" Swellow was prepared to avoid it but paralysis caused him to freeze up and get hit.

"Swell!" The Hoenn national bird cried before the voltage ended. Luckily, he managed to take it and flying some more.

"Another Aerial Ace!" Swellow streaked towards Volbeat, taking the firefly out of the battle.

"Volbeat is unable to battle, Swellow is the winner!"

"Ouch! A Guts-powered Swellow is a force to be reckoned with! And Brendan's the first to lose a Pokémon!" The announcer exclaimed.

"Thanks, Volbeat." Brendan praised.

"Swellow, return." Ash said, returning his Hoenn bird. Despite Swellow having Guts, paralysis also hinders speed and that's how Swellow usually battles. So he wanted a fresh choice for the next Pokémon.

"Dusclops!" Brendan sent out the Beckon Pokémon, who wail ghastly. "Dusc…"

"Crawdaunt, I choose you!" Ash sent Crawdaunt out, the crustacean snapping menacingly. "Craw!"

"Night Shade!" A beam of spectral energy was fired from Dusclops' eye, blasting Crawdaunt.

"Use Waterfall!" Crawdaunt shook off the Ghost-type move and created a stream that trapped the cyclops phantom. Using the stream, the Rogue Pokémon plowed into the ghost.

"Night Slash!" While close, the crustacean delivered a slash from his darkened pincers.

"Thunder Punch!" The Beckon Pokémon threw an electrified fist, shocking the Rogue Pokémon. "Blizzard!" Next the ghost unleashed a flurry of snow at the crustacean, encasing Crawdaunt in ice.

"Crawdaunt!" Ash shouted in concern. "Try to break free!" The frozen lobster struggled before shattering free of his ice prison.

"Shadow Ball!" Dusclops brought his hands together, summoned a spectral sphere, then threw it at the exhausted Crawdaunt.

"Destroy with Dark Pulse!" The Rogue Pokémon fired two double-helix from his claws, destroying the Shadow Ball and scoring a hit on the Beckon Pokémon.

"Shadow Punch!" The ghost cyclops launched a shadowy punch at the crustacean, who braced for impact.

"Iron Defense, quick!" With a metallic shine, Crawdaunt took it and held on from the blow. "Waterfall again!" Crawdaunt summoned another stream and slammed full force into Dusclops.

"Wrap this up with Liquidation!" A watery sword appeared in the lobster's pincher and was slashed in quick succession into the ghost cyclops. The phantom fell with a swirl in his singular eye.

"Dusclops is unable to battle, Crawdaunt is the winner!"

"And just like that, Brendan has lost another Pokémon! But Crawdaunt doesn't look like he can keep this up." The announcer commented.

"Thanks for the help, Dusclops." Brendan said to his fallen Pokémon. "Exploud!" The Loud Noise Pokémon landed on the field and roared. "EXPLOUD!"

Ash prepared to deal with the volume monster, "Crawdaunt, use Swords Dance!" The lobster summoned illusionary swords to perform the ritual, feeling his attack boost. "Now, Liquidation again!" The Rogue Pokémon stormed across the battlefield and was primed to strike with another watery sword.

"Exploud, Hyper Voice!" Taking a deep breath, the Loud Noise Pokémon bellowed soundwaves that stopped the Rogue Pokémon in his tracks. "Keep it up then use Mega Punch!" Exploud slowly walked forward, still roaring at Crawdaunt, who stopped his attack to cover his ears. Once close enough, Exploud reared his fist back and socked Crawdaunt away.

Crawdaunt fell down with swirls in his eyes, signaling his defeat.

"Crawdaunt is unable to battle, Exploud is the winner!"

"Thanks for the help, Crawdaunt." Ash said, returning the crustacean before sending out his next choice, "Glalie, I choose you!" The Face Pokémon appeared with a chuckle. "Gla! Lie!"

"Avalanche!" Glalie roared and dark clouds appeared above Exploud, raining heavy chunks of ice onto the volume monster. "Now Iron Head!" Charging, the floating head was covered in a metallic aura, smashing right into the Normal-type.

"Brick Break!" The volume monster slammed a brown glowing karate chop directly onto the chilly face, causing Glalie to cringe. "Now Fire Blast!"

"Glalie, Protect!" Exploud fired a 大-shaped flame at Glalie, who Protected himself with a teal forcefield. Ash let out a breath of relief then continued. "Dark Pulse!"

The Face Pokémon released dark double-helix spirals towards the Loud Noise Pokémon, striking head on.

"Exploud, Rock Slide!" The volume monster summoned rocks from above, raining down on the floating head.

"Ice Shard!" Glalie managed to rise from the debris and fired shards of ice, hitting Exploud nonstop.

Both Pokémon began to start panting, the toll of the battle getting to them. Both trainers noticed and readied their final moves.

"Iron Head!/Giga Impact!" Glalie charged with a metallic glow around his figure, Exploud with white energy surrounding himself. Both Hoenn Pokémon clashed into one another and created an explosion.

Once it cleared, the referee made his call.

"Both Pokémon are unable to battle, this match is a draw! Since Brendan has lost three Pokémon, we will have a fifteen minute break."

Ash and Brendan returned their Pokémon, applauding their work and went back to the locker room.

"Ash has the lead!" Max cheered.

"Yeah, but I don't think we can count Brendan out just yet." Tyson voiced.

"He's had four years of experience and this is his fourth attempt." Brock recalled.

"So, do you think Ash can win this?" May asked, concerned for her friend.

"We'll have to wait for the remainder of this match." Brock said.

"Welcome back everyone, to the finals of this year's Ever Grande Conference! Ash currently holds the lead with four Pokémon but Brendan won't back down without a fight! Who will win?! I'm on the edge of my seat for this match!"

"Armaldo!"

"Swellow, I choose you!"

The extinct shrimp emerged and swiped his claws, "Armaldo!" The bird cawed out while in the middle of his loop. He was given a chance to recover from his paralysis, so he no longer had Guts activated.

"Armaldo, Rock Blast!" The Plate Pokémon sent several rocks at the Swallow Pokémon.

"Evade!" Swellow weaved through them all and gained altitude. "Now, Air Cutter!" The swallow unleashed his own projectiles, X-shaped aerokinetic blades that barely chipped the extinct shrimp's defenses.

"Aqua Jet!" Armaldo jetted off the ground, covered in a watery veil, slamming into Swellow. "Iron Tail!" Armaldo followed up with a hard strike from his tail, causing Swellow to fall rapidly.

"Swellow!" Ash cried out. The Swallow Pokémon cratered into the ground but managed to stand. "Reversal!" Swellow glowed with brown energy and took off, slamming his wing into Armaldo, who was sent back a distance.

"Follow up with Secret Power!" The Swallow Pokémon took flight, shrouded in purple, and rocketed towards the Plate Pokémon.

"Iron Defense then Crush Claw!" Armaldo shimmered in a silver aura, taking the hit. His claw became red and thrusted it forward, colliding with Swellow. The Hoenn regional bird cawed out in pain.

"Alright, Rock Blast!"

"Use Quick Guard!"

Swellow set up a brown forcefield that prevented the rock projectiles from hitting him but he was still straining.

"Aqua Jet one more time and add Crush Claw!" Armaldo took off with a watery coat and thrusted a red gleaming claw. Swellow was given no time to react and was hit hard, resulting in his knockout.

"Swellow is unable to battle, Armaldo is the winner!"

"Thanks for your help out there, Swellow." Ash thanked his Hoenn bird. He picked wisely and chose his fourth Pokémon. "Torkoal, I choose you!"

The Coal Pokémon emerged and snorted defiantly. "Tor-Koal!"

"Why go with Torkoal?" May voiced, "Brendan's Armaldo has some Water-type moves so that will be a problem."

"Well, Torkoal knows some Poison-type moves." Max explained. "Those could help whittle away some of Armaldo's health. And Armaldo is part Bug."

"But also Rock, don't forget." Tyson added. "So, Fire-type moves will be somewhat effective."

"Torkoal, Sunny Day!" The Coal Pokémon released a miniature sun, harshing the heat rays and weakening any future Water-type moves Brendan plans on using.

"Heat Wave!" Torkoal expelled orange-red searing heat waves from his mouth, damaging Armaldo.

"Armaldo, Rock Blast!" The extinct shrimp was determined and fired several rocks at the tortoise. Torkoal endured the hits, grunting as he was pelted.

"Torkoal, are you okay?" Ash asked and got a smoke stack from the tortoise, signaling he was fine. "Ok then, Inferno!" Torkoal spewed blue flames, blasting his opponent into submission.

Armaldo managed to stand and shook himself. "This wouldn't be as strong but we'll still make it count! Aqua Jet!"

"Gyro Ball!"

The second Armaldo took off in his watery coat, Torkoal tucked himself in and spun around to meet the Water-type move in the air. Both Pokémon clashed for power through their moves before Torkoal managed to win since Sunny Day was still up and the Plate Pokémon was weakened from his earlier battle.

"Quick, use Sludge Bomb!" The tortoise spat several poisonous globs that bombarded the extinct mantis. "Now Solar Beam!"

Torkoal charged up solar energy in his mouth, preparing to fire it.

"Earthquake!" Armaldo, while on the ground, slammed his tail, sending a tremor that disrupted the move. "Now, Rock Blast!"

Armaldo fired a barrage of rocks, Torkoal taking constant fire from each attack. Soon both Pokémon were panting from the array of attacks delivered. Just then, the Sunny Day was at its peak.

"Let's wrap this up! Rock Smash!"

"Crush Claw, finish it!"

The extinct mantis thrusted his claw forward and the tortoise leaped with a brown-glowing foot. Both Pokémon hit each other and collapsed from their battle.

"Both Pokémon are unable to battle, this match is a draw!"

"Looks like Armaldo was too tired from his match against Swellow. Plus Torkoal had some nice moves." Brock commented.

"Yeah, and now they have two left." Tyson said.

Ash and Brendan returned their Pokémon then selected their fifth choice. "Sceptile, I choose you!/Cacturne!"

Both Grass types appeared, the lizard placing his signature twig in his mouth while the scarecrow tipped his hat. Just as they entered, Sunny Day ended.

"Cacturne, start Needle Arm!"

"Sceptile, use Dragon Breath!"

The scarecrow rushed with his arm in a vibrant green spiky outline. The lizard on the other hand, released chartreuse flames that managed to halt the scarecrow in place.

"Quick Attack then Fury Cutter!" Sceptile dashed forward with a white trail behind him, plowing directly into Cacturne before following up with rapid strikes from his now red gleaming elbow leaves.

"Poison Jab!" In the middle of the Fury Cutter, Cacturne's hand took a venomous shade of purple and was thrusted into Sceptile's stomach, causing the reptile to grunt in pain. "Now, Foul Play!" The Scarecrow Pokémon grabbed the Forest Pokémon, tossing the latter away.

"Sceptile, use Leaf Storm!" Luckily, Sceptile rightened himself in midair and landed before releasing a cyclone of leaves towards Cacturne.

"Dark Pulse!" Cacturne released a spiral of dark energy that clashed with the Leaf Storm. After the stalemate, both moves ceased and Sceptile faced his opponent.

"Seed Bomb!/Sucker Punch!"

Sceptile was about to spew the explosive seeds but Cacturne nailed him in the face before he could spit one out. "Now, Poison Jab again!" The Scarecrow Pokémon prepared to dive his poisonous arm into the Forest Pokémon.

"Detect!"

Sceptile's eyes flashed red and weaved left, dodging the Poison-type move. "Dragon Breath!" The lizard released chartreuse flames that engulfed the green scarecrow. "Now Iron Tail!" The lizard proceeded to bring his tail around in a metallic coat and knock the desert dweller across the field.

"Pin Missile!" Cacturne landed and released several lime-green energy-like missiles from his spikes. Sceptile blocked to the best of his ability but was bombarded by the Bug-type moves. "Sucker Punch!" Cacturne threw another punch, socking Sceptile in the face.

"Giga Drain!" Sceptile quickly retaliated by siphoning some energy from Cacturne who gasped in mild pain.

"Ok. Time to end this, Fury Cutter!" The Forest Pokémon's elbow leaves turn red and relentlessly slashed at the Scarecrow Pokémon. Back to back, the scarecrow grunted in pain.

"Iron Tail!" Sceptile brought his tail around, clad in metal, landing a devastating hit and resulting in knocking out Cacturne.

"Cacturne is unable to battle, Sceptile is the winner!"

"What a comeback! From two knockouts, Ash has a slight lead with Sceptile and his sixth Pokémon! Leaving Brendan with one Pokémon. How will this turn out?!"

"Thanks Cacturne, don't sell yourself short." Brendan thanked his fifth Pokémon before pulling out his final choice. "Ok, it's all on you. Salamence!"

The Hoenn Dragon Pokémon emerged and let out a loud roar that caused everyone to cover their ears. Most of the audience was in shock at seeing the pseudo-legendary before them.

"He has a Salamence?!" Max, Morrison, and May exclaimed.

"A pseudo-legendary…" Tyson remarked, "That will be tough for Ash to take down." Brock was inclined to agree, remembering how it took two Pokémon to take down Tyson's Metagross during his match with Ash.

On the field, Ash was about to return Sceptile before the lizard looked back and shook his head. Ash understood what he wanted and respected his choice, "Ok, Sceptile. If you have some fight left in you, let's show it!"

"Scep!"

"Quick Attack to Giga Drain!" Sceptile sped across the field and siphoned some energy from Salamence, recovering some health.

"Salamence, Dragon Claw!" The quadrupedal dragon took off and flew with a teal-aura claw, swiping at the lizard. "Steel Wing!"

"Detect!" Sceptile's eyes shined red, dodging the metal wings of the Salamence before jumping back. "Dragon Breath!" Sceptile spewed chartreuse flames, engulfing the pseudo-legendary.

"Air Cutter!" Salamence sent X-shaped aerokinetic blades, striking Sceptile all over. "Heat Wave, now!" The dragon followed up with releasing orange-red searing heat waves, burning Sceptile.

Sceptile fell to his knees and struggled to stand. A green aura overtook the lizard, signaling Overgrow had taken into effect. "Leaf Blade!" Sceptile prepared his elbow leaves, taking a vibrant green glow before rushing and slicing into Salamence.

"Salamence, Hyper Beam!" The Dragon Pokémon unleashed a magenta colored beam that exploded at close range and defeated the Forest Pokémon. Salamence proceeded to glow with a faint red aura, her Moxie ability increasing her attack.

"Sceptile is unable to battle, Salamence is the winner!"

"Oooohhhhh! Now both trainers are down to their last Pokémon! Now I'm literally on the edge of my seat! Who will win now?!"

"Thanks Sceptile, you were amazing out there." Ash said to his fallen Grass-type. Pocketing him, Ash turned to his starter. "Ready, Pikachu?"

"Pika!"

The Mouse Pokémon ran onto the field, emitting sparks of electricity from his cheeks.

"Thunderbolt!" Ash capitalized on the fact Hyper Beam had a recharge period.

Pikachu unleashed a powerful bolt of yellow lightning, zapping Salamence into submission.

Salamence roared in mild pain before shaking it off. She growled and felt her recharge period end. Brendan noticed and shouted, "Heat Wave!"

Salamence flapped her wings, sending the searing orange-red heat waves that scorched Pikachu. "Quick, use Steel Wing!"

"Electro Ball!"

The rodent swung his tail around, an orb of electricity hurled into the charging pseudo-legendary.

"Dragon Claw!" The Dragon Pokémon elongated her claws and swiped, destroying the orb and slammed her metallic wings into the Mouse Pokémon.

"Shock Wave!" Pikachu released a blue wave of electricity, zapping Salamence once more.

"Roost then Earthquake!" Salamence landed on the ground and feathers surrounded her, replenishing her health. Then she reared up and slammed her forelimbs to the ground, sending a tremor that shook Pikachu.

"Pika!" Pikachu cried as he felt the tremor.

"Now, Hyper Beam!" Salamence prepared a magenta energy beam and fired at the disoriented mouse.

"Light Screen!" Pikachu managed to create a reflective glass screen that blocked the Hyper Beam. Now the Dragon Pokémon had to recharge from her move.

"Hit 'em with Thunderbolt!" Pikachu released a yellow bolt of lightning, zapping Salamence once more. She growled at the cheap shot.

"Electro Ball!"

"Heat Wave then Dragon Claw!" The pseudo-legendary released searing orange-red heat waves countering the orb of electricity, which exploded once more. Then she rushed in with her claws outlined in a scaly pattern, slashing the mouse away.

Pikachu hit the ground but managed to get up, albeit shaky. Ash noticed his Pokéon on the verge of collapsing before adjusting his hat.

"Pikachu, no matter how this battle ends… Just know, I'm proud of you and the performance our team did this time." Ash admitted with a smile to his starter.

Pikachu reciprocates the feelings until he finally collapses, tiring from his battle with the dragon.

"Pikachu is unable to battle, Salamence is the winner! And since Ash has no more Pokémon available, Brendan is the winner of this year's Hoenn League!" The ref stated. The crowd went wild at the conclusion of their battle.

"Right on, Salamence!" Brendan cheered and ran to his pseudo-legendary. He gave her a hug on her neck but the dragon tried to look mature, although her face was red with embarrassment.

Ash picked up Pikachu in his arms before consoling him, "It's ok, buddy. We'll get them next time."

"You were great out there, Ash." Brendan congratulated his opponent. "Your team was nothing to be ashamed off."

"You too." Ash said and shook hands with the finalist.

"Such a shame Ash lost." Max said dejectedly.

"Yeah, and after making it so far." May adding, also dejected.

However, Brock wasn't dejected. "Don't feel too bad. If you ask me, Ash has improved after using some of his older Pokémon. This is the farthest I've seen him get in a league."

Both Maple siblings nodded at that. It's true, it seems like Ash and his Hoenn team have improved and seeing Ash's older Pokémon in battle was very impressive.

The awards ceremony was grand. Brendan was awarded the 1st cup and given the chance to take on the Elite 4, which he accepted as he was determined to become the Hoenn Champion.

Ash was awarded 2nd place, getting a silver cup while Wally and Brendan's semi-finals opponent got bronze trophies. The green-haired trainer felt accomplished at his first attempt at the League, planning to do more training.

After the ceremony, Tyson and Morrison waved goodbye, heading back to their hometowns for some downtime while Ash and his friends were prepared to go their separate ways.

Little did Ash know, he was about to take on another challenge.