Part 4: Fraxtured Strategies

"…And that means that Aaron and his Gabite are the first challengers moving onto our next round," Freddie said. "Now, it's time for our second battle is – Ash versus Iris!"

"I LET you win earlier," Iris said. "But I'm not holding back this time."

"I don't expect you to, Now let's get this battle started!"

"Okay, Axew, use Outrage!"

"Dodge it with Dig!"

"Don't fall for it, Axew! BEHIND YOU!"

"Now, Gabite, use Dragon Claw!"

"Quick use Dragon Rage!"

"….And Dragon Rage hits HARD, sending Gabite flying in to the wall!"

"GABITE! Can you still battle?"

"Gah-bite!"

"Great! Now use Bite!"

Axew struggled valiantly to escape Gabite's vice-like mouth. Then suddenly, it began to glow.

"Is it? All right, Axew is evolving," Iris exclaimed.

"…And it's learned some new moves," Ash added scanning his Pokedex.

"…Dragon Pulse and Dragon Claw," Drayden said before Freddie could ask him.

"Now, Fraxure, use Dragon Pulse!'

"Dodge it, and use Crunch!"

"Wait for it, wait…DRAGON CLAW!"

"…And Ash's Gabite is knocked out, making Iris the second contestant to move onto out nect round!"

"You did great, Gabite," Ash said trying not to sound disappointed. "Now return, and get a good rest."

Ash made his way up to the stands, taking a seat next to Cilan.

"The two of you battled quite well out there," Cilan said trying to cheer Ash up.

"Yeah, but I'm just bummed to lose so early in the competition."

"Ah, but you have the chance to watch one of your friends WIN, and that alone should be sweet enough to lessen the sting of an early defeat."

"You're right," Ash said with new found confidence. "I may be out of this competition, but I can still cheer Iris to victory."

"Pikachu," it said jumping back onto his trainer's shoulder.

"Now that sounds like a recipe even Pikachu could follow!"

"Now for our FINAL match-up: Aaron vs Iris!"

"I will not lose to a NOOB like you," Aaron taunted.

"We'll see about that! Fraxure use Outrage!"

"Dodge it with Dig!"

"Outrage is an extremely powerful move IF it hits, otherwise…"

Gabite burrowed its way underground, but Fraxure continued punching and kicking the air until finally headbutting the arena wall.

"Come on, Fraxure, SNAP OUT OF IT!"

"Now use Dragon Claw," Aaron said as Gabite jumped out of the ground behind Fraxure. "Keep using it!"

Gabite got in several swipes before being knocked back by Fraxure's tusk when it suddenly turned around.

"ALL RIGHT….dang it," she said watching her Fraxure spin around gaily as waltzing with a partner only it could see.

"That's the thing about confusion," Cilan said. "It leaves a bitter taste in both the pokemon and trainer's mouths – especially when they cannot be recalled to their pokeball."

"Now," Aaron shouted. "Use Dragon Pulse!"

Fraxure could see the move coming, but it was too late.

"Fraxure is unable to battle," the ref called. "That means the victory goes to Aaron and Gabite."

"Wow," Ash said. "That was a tough loss. I was really hoping she could pull through."

Drayden then walks to the center of the battle field.

"I would like to thank all of our competitors – but especially our winner, Aaron - for the fantastic battles they put on today. It was a pleasure to be a part of such an amazing spectacle showcasing the amazing power of dragon-type pokemon and the indomitable spirit of those who chose to train them."

"Is that it," Ash asked. "Just a speech?"

"No," Cilan said ominously. "I think he's got other plans cooked up for our champion."