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As soon as Ash’s eyes landed on Alain he broke into a grin and greeted the trainer. And obviously, challenged him to a battle. He wanted to show more of what Greninja can do, what he can do.
Alain had agreed, and the two were now standing at opposite ends of a battlefield. Alain sent out his Charizard, while Ash followed with Greninja.
Clemont, Bonnie and Serena were on the sidelines cheering him on as always.
“Go Greninja, go!” Bonnie bounced.
Ever since Ash discovered Greninja’s new form, he’d been more eager to battle than ever, to find out what it could mean for his journey to become a Pokemon master. The adrenaline was new and exciting, Ash had never felt anything like it! It was all still relatively new, but that made him want to train even harder!
Ash felt himself grinning already, and the battle had barely begun. It was going to be a good day, he could feel it, like he and Greninja were already in sync.
He caught Alain’s gaze from across the field. And Ash knew he was intrigued by the battle. That a thing he liked about Alain. Even though Ash was younger than him and probably less experienced, he didn’t underestimate him.
It got heated almost immediately. And Ash was loving it! He could feel Greninja was too, so it didn’t surprise him that they clicked quickly, Greninja’s movements became his own, his mind was Greninja’s.
Clemont was in awe by the power of the synchronization, or at least Ash guessed he was. The inventor was using a lot of big and complex words while vigorously typing on his computer while looking at the results of his machine.
But Ash couldn’t focus on that, Alain was really giving him a challenge with his mega evolved Charizard. But he and his Pokemon pushed through.
“Use cut!” Ash called.
Moving in unison with Greninja, the frog Pokemon threw itself at the dragon.
“Dragon-claw!” Alain ordered.
Charizard blocked Greninja’s cut, using its other claw to get a hit on Greninja.
A sharp pain hit Ash’s jaw, and instinctively took a hold of it. Ouch.
The downside to the awesome power of the synchronization, was Ash in a way also fought with Greninja, as in he sometimes feels the damage.
Ash kept on going, continuing the battle as normal. Then Alain really started giving him problems, really showing his strength. Normally it would just excite Ash, but as blow after blow kept on coming on Greninja, the sudden pangs of pain around his body became more frequent.
But all it was do to is to grit his teeth and continue. Him and Greninja were so in the moment, there felt no difference between them now, he could really feel the intense power!
He had to admit, the battle started to get a bit blurry from his point of view, but all was good.
Charizard sent a thunder-punch right in the water types gut. Ash nearly stumbled over. Okay, he had really felt that one.
His body froze, literally. He couldn’t move, not a muscle, not his eyes, was he breathing? Internally Ash panicked, this had happened before, and there he’d passed out.
He heard Serena call from the bench, “Ash, are you okay?” She sounded worried.
He wished to respond, but his voice couldn’t muster up words, body stiff as he watched the battle unfold.
Mega Charizard continued to sent attack, not letting Greninja or Ash recover from the last, eager to end the battle and claim victory.
The pain was overwhelming, it came from everywhere, and he still couldn’t move!
Then his head exploded, or it felt similar. Ash hitched and his vision went completely black.
The rest was confusing. The world became nothing but darkness. Occasionally he could hear muffled voices around him, but it was impossible to decipher anything.
Ash slowly opened his eyes, he felt his entire body complain in pain before he fully recognized what was happening or had happened.
He saw a blurry figure hovering over him, his mind couldn’t quite catch up, but it was a mix of pinks, honey blonde and patches of blue. It was really pretty. Beside was a smaller figure of yellow, and small circles of red and a hint of black.
Wait. It was Pikachu! And Serena! Ash blinked and his vision finally cleared along with his mind.
His upper body shot up, and glanced around.
Pikachu let out a happy cry and nuzzled its cheek against Ash’s.
“Ash!” Serena gasped, and her arms wrapped around him.
“Uh, hey- what-“ Ash fumbled, still feeling a bit slow.
The embrace was short, and once she pulled back Serena studied him with deep concern. Clemont and Bonnie also hurried over, mirroring her expression.
“What a relief, you’re awake!” Clemont said.
“You completely blacked out!” Bonnie chimed in, “We got so worried!” By her frown told they still were.
“Are you alright?” Clemont asked.
Ash grunted, shifting his position slightly. “I think so?”
“Are you really sure?” Serena pressed.
Ash gave her a smile, and that seemed to relax her, a little.
“Ash, what happened? You were in the battle, then you froze again but-“
The room went still, his friends exchanged glances. Pikachu muttered quietly against Ash.
He looked between them, “But what?”
“You…” Serena started, but couldn’t finish the sentence.
“Coughed up blood.” Clemont said finally, looking serious.
Ash blinked. Okay, not what he’d expected.
“Ash, what exactly happened when you bonded with Greninja?” Clemont continued.
Good question, what had happened? It was like last time it’d become overwhelming, but worse. He recalled the feeling of not being able to move a muscle, but still felt the twinging all over his body. It hadn’t been fun. Not at all.
He opened his mouth to reply, but remembered something. Greninja! If Ash got affected that badly, what state was his Pokemon in?
“Greninja- how’s Greninja?” Ash quickly questioned.
“He’s fine, passed out when you did, but is at normal health after Nurse Joy took hand of him.” Serena explained.
“Focus Ash! What happened?” Bonnie urged.
Ash scratched the back of his neck, trying his best to explain. “Uh, I felt like I was like super in sync with Greninja, and it was going good! But then it got- like too in sync? The pain was more frequent, and then my body completely froze in place! But unlike last time, I didn’t immediately pass out, I just…stood there as the battle went on- then it felt like my whole head exploded! And yeah…I blacked out I guess?”
His friends all looked disturbed, even Pikachu.
Serena’s hand covered her mouth, “That sounds like absolute torture!” She gasped.
“You were..too in sync? What does that even mean?” Bonnie asked.
Clemont studied Ash closely, his frown deepened. “Ash…are you sure the synchronization is safe?” He said slowly.
“Of course!” Ash said without thinking.
His friends sent him a look.
«I truly feel like the bond is something special, that we can reach new heights with it- that’s what Olympia said, right?” Ash insisted.
“But I bet she would hardly suggest it if she’d knew that it could hurt you!” Serena stressed, Clemont and Bonnie nodded along.
“I believe that I and Greninja can find a balance,” Ash grinned, scratching Pikachu behind its ear as the Pokemon looked worried up at him, “Somehow, I just know it’s right.”
Serena didn’t look completely convinced.
Just then Ash fully took in his surroundings. It looked to be the poke center, but he was placed where they put the injured Pokemon. He was the injured, in a way, even a heart monitor beside him.
Ash didn’t like the feeling, and tried to get out of the bed.
“Woah- is that such a good idea?” Bonnie said.
“Are you truly feeling well?” Clemont followed.
“All good!” Ash reassured, and got on his feet. He swayed a little, making Serena reach out to help him, but he regained balance.
The door opened, and Nurse Joy stepped in. “Oh, how wonderful, you’re awake!” She stepped closer to the group, and studied Ash. “I wouldn’t recommend standing so quickly, whatever happened in your battle took a hard toll on your body.” The nurse explained softly, but firmly.
“You should sit down again Ash…” Serena gently pressed.
“I’m fine, really.” Ash assured.
“Are you?” Bonnie muttered under her breath.
Pikachu climbed onto his shoulder, and he exchanged a glance with his partner. “Can I see Greninja?” He asked Nurse Joy.
The pink haired examined Ash one last time, before slowly nodding. “Alright, if you truly believe you’re fine.”
“I do.” And it was true, despite the lingering fatigue, he felt full of energy now. The mysterious bond he and Greninja had only revealed more questions about it, and Ash wanted to master them! Train like he never has, determined to find that balance, and reach both his and Greninja’s potential!
The group went together through the corridor of the poke center, where they ended by the entrance. Ash was surprised to see Alain waiting on one of the stools.
The trainer immediately rises upon seeing them. “Ash, I’m glad you turned you fine after all.” he sighed.
Ash couldn’t help but break into a small grin. “Thanks for waiting for me, Alain!”
“Of course, you didn’t exactly look in great condition.” Alain said.
Ash rubbed the back of his head sheepishly as he could feel the concerned and disapproving look Serena sent him.
“Now,” Alain crossed his arms, his frown deepened, “Would you mind explaining what happened?”
Ash did his best to explain.
Alain was quiet for a few moments, looking thoughtful. “I…apologize for instructing Charizard to attack while you were frozen, I swear I didn’t notice it.”
“It’s all good!” Ash smiled.
“I think the next battle…we should all be more observant.” Clemont said.
Bonnie and Serena agreed.