Author's Note:

Okay, so here is where I make a kind of major change to the cannon. I won't spoil it, but other than that change, we will find out about how Serena met her Roserade, and we see Paul.

A lot of people have asked about Ash getting none cannon Pokemon, and Serena getting none cannon Pokemon and some of his Pokemon evolving. I have an idea for how I want to do Ash's none cannon Pokemon, and it will happen at the cross over from the Sinnoh adventures to the Kalos adventures, so he won't be catching any more none cannon Pokemon. I will give him two evolutions before the end of Sinnoh, for Pokemon I can see evolving in the cannon episodes, and I won't spoil which ones. As for Serena's Pokemon, she will only catch one more Pokemon in Sinnoh, and have one evolution, her egg will also hatch, but as for the rest of her Pokemon which she can get during some older regions, I will take suggestions for what they could be, when the time comes.

I didn't want to reply to reviews this way, but with so many being about the same topic, I just wanted to reply to all of them in one go. With that out of the way, enjoy...

I do not own Pokemon... But if I did, then that would be Onix-pected (sorry for the bad pun).

Chapter 2: Chim Charred

Currently, Ash and Dawn are facing off against each other with three Pokemon on each side. Ash has: Pikachu, Turtwig and Bruizel while Dawn has Chimchar, Piplup and Roserade. Off to the side, Brock is stood with Serena, also alongside them is: Sudowoodo, Gligar, Fennekin, Croagunk, Staravia and Serena's egg, which she is holding.

"Alright, Pikachu, Turtwig and Bruizel; I want to use all three of ya at the water type Pastoria gym, okay." Ash informed his trio.

"Pika!" Pikachu agreed.

"Tur!" Turtwig agreed.

"Bui ie!" Bruizel agreed.

"Great." Ash replied. "Chimchar, Piplup and Roserade, we need some training partners.". The three mentioned Pokemon agreed. While Roserade isn't a fan of battling herself, she is happy to help out her friends with training. "Okay Dawn, go ahead and call out some moves!".

"Got it!" Dawn replied. "Chimchar use Flamethrower, Piplup use Bubble Beam and Roserade use Sludge Bomb, let's go!".

Chimchar jumped and fired a powerful flame out of his mouth. Piplup also jumped and fired a barrage of rapid pace bubbles out of his mouth. Roserade started spinning like a dancer, and several toxic blobs of sludge were fired.

"Wow Serena, your Roserade sure likes to dance." Brock pointed out. "It sorts of reminds me of Ash's Totodile.".

"What do you mean, Brock?" Serena asked. As Ash called out his counter attacks.

"Bruizel, use Water Gun! Pikachu, Thunderbolt! And Turtwig, use Razor Leaf!" Ash countered.

Bruizel expertly fired his water guns at the incoming Sludge Bomb, and dissolved the Poison Type attacks, in the air. Pikachu launched a powerful Thunderbolt towards Chimchar's Flamethrower, and the two attacks, cancelled each other out. Turtwig fired of several Razor Leaf's to cancel Piplup's Bubble Beam.

"What I mean Serena, is Ash's Totodile was always doing his own little happy dance." Brock replied. "It was actually quiet amusing to see the jolly Pokemon dance around in front of some big opponents.".

"Wow Brock, I bet Ash has loads of Pokemon." Serena replied, amazed. Ash has travelled so much. Would she ever get to travel as much as he has?

The six Pokemon landed as their respective attacks came to an end. Each side was pumped up to keep going.

"Wow, you guys are training really hard." Ash told his gym trio. "Keep it up and that Pastoria Gym badge is as good as ours.".

"Pika!". "Brui!". "Turtwig!". The trio Of Pokemon cheered respectively. Ash and his gym team walked over to Dawn and the other three Pokemon

"And thanks to you guys for helping us train." Ash thanked. Chimchar, Piplup and Roserade all replied gratefully in their native tongues.

"Gli Gligar, Gli!" Gligar got excited from the side lines, and shot off like a bullet. He glided into Ash's face, like his usual landing style. Ash fell on his behind while Gligar gave him a tight hug.

"Wow, Gligar is at it again." Dawn commented.

"Hehehe, Gligar is so cute." Serena giggled as she and Brock walked over to the group. Ash sat up, and was able to pull Gligar off his face. Gligar heard Serena's comment and turned to face her. He stuck his tongue out, and shot her a wink. "Cutie pie.".

"It looks like Gligar wants to get in on the action, as well." Brock suggested. Ash turned Gligar back to face himself.

"Sorry Gligar, but you've got to wait a little longer to be in a gym battle." Ash told his flying ground type, as tears appeared in Gligar's eyes. "First we've got to get you lot of experience battling against lots of different trainers.".

"Gli Gligar." Gligar nodded with determination, whipping those tears away. He then jumped back, accidentally hitting Ash in the face with his tail. Ash grunted as he fell on his back. Gligar landed in a battle stance... Until he realised what he did.

"Ash!" Serena exclaimed as she knelled down beside him. "Ash are you okay?".

"I think Gligar is just showing off that battling spirit." Brock suggested, as Ash sat up. Serena quickly wrapped her arms around him, rubbing his back.

"Hehehe, I'm okay Serena." Ash reassured, then he turned to his ground flying type. "You didn't mean to do it, did ya Gligar?".

"Gli Gligar Gli Gli Gligar." Gligar replied shaking his head. Ash smiled and stood up.

"Well Gligar, what would you say to a practise battle against us?" Brock suggested, as he motioned towards himself and his Sudowoodo.

"Sudowoodo." Sudowoodo replied, showing he is happy to battle.

"Gligar Gligar." Gligar cheered happily. Gliding slight away and entering a battle stance. Ash stood up.

"Well Brock, looks like Gligar is up for it." Ash commented and the group took their places, with the other Pokemon joining Serena and Dawn on the side lines.

"This is one serious practice battle." Dawn commented, sensing the tension building.

"Piplup..." Piplup agreed.

"Fennekin..." Fennekin agreed.

"Okay Gligar, start off with Steel Wing!" Ash shouted.

Gligar soared towards Sudowoodo, coating his wings in metal. Ash noticed the higher winds picking up speed, and made a mental note to keep Gligar low to the ground.

"Hammer Arm, Sudowoodo!" Brock countered.

Sudowoodo charged at the oncoming Gligar. Whacking his hand into Gligar's head, the ground flying type was stopped in his tracks. Gligar was sent flying high, as a result. The winds proved strong, carried Gligar away.

"GLIGAR!" Ash shouted as his Pokemon was forced away. He quickly turned back to his other Pokemon. "Staravia, after Gligar!".

Happy to help, Staravia took to the air, riding the winds to catch up with his team member.

"Quick Everyone, we need to go after them!" Ash told the group and they took off running. Ash was leading the way, with Brock shortly behind, and the two girls brought up the back.

"Hey Dawn... What happened with Gligar..." Serena panted whilst running. "I thought... Flying types... Could ride on... The wind.".

"Well, ya see..." Dawn replied, in a similar manor. "Gligar... Can't move his... Wings to fly... Like Staravia can... So, the wind... Just blows him away...".

Next to a small lake, a purple hair boy was in the middle of a battle with his Electabuzz, against a wild Drapion. The Electabuzz was firing off a powerful Thunderbolt, which was holding Drapion in place. After a minute, it subsided.

"Gliiiii!" A small voice called from above. A Gligar was crashing down towards the purple haired trainer, with tears in its eyes. The trainer simply stepped out of the way, and Gligar crashed into a rock behind the trainer.

The wild Drapion used the distraction to bury underground, escaping this battle before he ended up being caught.

"Don't worry, it's not our problem." The trainer told his Electabuzz, before turning back to the runt who just dropped in.

A teary eyed Gligar managed to push himself up from the rock and turned around. Seeing his trainers biggest rival has him fearful. Gligar backed all the way up against the rock, as the trainer and his Electabuzz stared him down.

In the air, Staravia noticed the situation, and turned around so he could lead the group here.

Running along, Staravia soon soared alongside Ash. Ash was happy to see his flying type.

"Hey Staravia!" Ash called out. "Did you find Gligar?".

"Star, Staravia." The normal flying type nodded and started to change direction. Ash began following his normal flying type, with the rest of the group following shortly behind.

"You stopped our training, get out." The purple haired boy, coldly told the watery eyed Gligar. Just as Ash and the others showed up.

"Wha... It's Paul!" Ash exclaimed in shock. The rest of the group stopped behind Ash as the two rivals stared at each other.

"Gli... Gligar!" Gligar cried. Gligar used the opportunity and ran at Ash, happy to see his trainer back.

"Are you alright, Gligar?" Ash asked, as he gave the Pokemon a comforting hug. "We were worried.". Chimchar, along with the other Pokemon spoke to Gligar in their native tongues, but when the fire monkey saw his old trainer, he hid behind Ash. Serena looked at Paul, as Roserade also hid behind her leg.

"Hey, you're that boy." Serena exclaimed. Paul glanced up at her.

"And you are?" Paul asked, coldly. Serena was momentarily shocked, before red filled her face.

"I'm the one who treated your Roserade after you abandond her!" Serena shouted, angry. "The names Serena, by the way.".

"Humph." Paul hmphed. "I don't have a Roserade... It was wasting too much time, dancing.".

"What!?" Serena raged. "I thought a trainer was supposed to bring out the best in a Pokemon, if you tried, Roserade could've perfected its own style.".

"Why should I waste my time on a pathetic dancing Pokemon?" Paul asked coldly. Roserade teared up at her old trainer's words. Serena bent down and gave the grass poison type a hug. "Just like I told it then, pathetic.". Serena narrowed her eyes at the boy upsetting her grass poison type.

Pikachu and Turtwig stepped up to Electabuzz.

"Turtwig." The grass type greeted.

"Pika Pika." Pikachu greeted.

"Electa." Electabuzz greeted, with a smirk.

"Did you have your Pastoria Gym battle, yet?" Ash asked as he stood up, after comforting Gligar.

"I can't imagine what a gym battle has to do with a losing coordinator like you." Paul remarked.

"Wha..." Brock gasped.

"Paul, what do you mean?" Dawn asked, also shocked.

"I saw the Wallace Cup." Paul bluntly replied.

"I entered the Wallace Cup, because Wallace, the contest master, asked me too." Ash replied. "He thought it would be some good experience for Bruizel, and help his battle skills.".

"Brui Brui." Bruizel added.

"Ehe." Paul lightly chuckled, with an arrogant undertone.

"What's so funny?" Ash asked, taking offence.

"Remember the reason I entered the tag battle at Hearthome City?" Paul asked.

"Yeah..." Ash asked, unsure where this is going.

"Well you gave me a hard time because I used it to get my Pokemon in shape for a real match." Paul continued. "But you've done the exact same thing at the Wallace Cup, get it.".

"What did you say!?" Ash exclaimed, angry at what Paul was suggesting.

"Pika Pi!" Pikachu exclaimed, cheeking that Ash is alright. He has very rarely seen Ash get angry over all their travels together.

"Brock, I smell a fight coming on." Dawn exclaimed to the oldest travelling companion.

"Hmm..." Brock mused.

"Hold on Paul, Ash only has what's best for his Pokemon as a first goal." Serena stepped forward. "And if he didn't enter then I might not have found him, get it.".

"Yeah Paul, and I was only focused on winning it with my Pokemon... While you were only bothered about powering your Pokemon up." Ash exclaimed. He calmed down and turned to Serena. "Thanks Serena.".

"It's okay, Ash." Serena replied, planting a quick peck on his cheek.

"Pathetic." Paul remarked.

Ash clenched his fist, as all his Pokemon got ready to enter a fight.

"The fact of the matter is, I did win it." Paul replied. "And you weren't able to win the Wallace Cup now, were you. Just another example of just how strong you aren't.".

Ash was boiling with anger, with his fist clenched, all his Pokemon looked at him with worry.

"Ash... Please calm down." Serena spoke soothingly, as she gave him a half hug. Ash took a deep breath.

"Look, we both have the same goal of winning the Sinnoh League someday, right." Ash replied. "And of course, we want to beat the Sinnoh League Champion, Cynthia, too.".

"Your point?" Paul asked, bluntly.

"After you battled Cynthia, you told me to do whatever I want." Ash replied. "To battle my own way, and you said that is what you were going to do, too.".

"I... Guess I said that." Paul replied.

"Well, ever since that time, I've been thinking more and more about what it really means to be strong." Ash replied, as his throat dried up. "That means believing in the strength of my friends, that's because I trust and love them.".

"Pika!". "Chim!". "Tur!". "Brui!". "Staravia!". "Gli!". Ash's team cheered at Ash's speech. Serena held her hand over her heart.

"Oh Ash..." Serena whispered, blushing.

"That's why I'm working so hard to help my Pokemon become as strong as I can be. The way I know how." Ash continued. "We might have the same goals, but the way we reach them couldn't be more different.". Paul smirked in response, clearly not moved like Ash's Pokemon or Serena.

"Ehehe, you sure can get worked up." Paul replied, almost laughing.

"What!?" Ash angrily asked. A hand ended up on his shoulder, it was Brock.

"Easy Ash. Calm down." Brock stopped the raven-haired boy. "Didn't any of the things Cynthia said, mean anything to you Paul?".

"I'm sure because of our meeting today, something powerful has been placed in each one of us." Cynthia spoke, in a flash back. "Something important, something which will make us stronger in our own ways.".

"That's not my thing." Paul replied, honestly. The group gasped, clearly not expecting that response.

"Chimm..." Chimchar also gasped.

"We're wasting our time, return now." Paul told Electabuzz, returning the electric type. Paul turned and walked away, without a second glance.

"Not so fast Paul, let's have a battle." Ash called out. "I wanna show you how strong we've gotten.". Paul didn't stop.

"Chimcharrrr." Chimchar growled, and he ran in front of Ash. "CHIM CHIMCHAR!". Paul stopped when her heard his old fire type. Paul turned to face them, again.

"Fine by me." Paul smirked. "How's best of three sound?".

"You bet." Ash replied. Chimchar ran back to Ash's side. "Thanks, Chimchar.".

The two trainers were stood opposite each other in a makeshift battlefield. Brock took the position of the ref, while Serena, Dawn and the Pokemon were stood behind Brock. Dawn already did a coin toss, to decided that Ash would chose first.

"Who should I choose first?" Ash asked himself, looking over to see his Pokemon, one was clearly ready to battle.

"Gli Gligar!" The ground flying type called out.

"Alright Gligar, I choose you!" Ash replied, and Gligar glided out in front of Ash, entering a battle stance, ready to face any of Paul's Pokemon. "Gligar is going to be my first choice.".

"And foolish too." Paul smirked as he gripped his Pokeball. "Gliscor, stand by for battle.". Gligar's evolved form, and old leader appeared and entered a battle stance, scaring Gligar. Serena pulled out her Pokedex:

Gliscor, the Fang Scorpion Pokémon, and the evolved form of Gligar. It watches its prey as it hangs from trees by its tail and attacks from above when it sees the chance.

"Paul chose Gligar's evolved form on purpose." Dawn pointed out.

"That isn't very nice." Serena replied. "It just puts more pressure on Gligar.".

"Hey Gligar, don't worry." Ash told his Pokemon. "Just stay calm and we can win this, like a team.".

"Gligar." Gligar replied, getting ready for battle.

"Begin." Brock declared.

"Gligar, X-Scizor let's go!" Ash called out to his ground flying type.

Ash's ground flying type, charged at his evolved form, with an X-Scizor attack.

"Knock Off, Gliscor!" Paul countered.

Gliscor stood still on his tail, as his pre-evolution closed in. The evolved Pokemon didn't even flinch. When Gligar was mere inches away, Gliscor whacked its pre-evolution with his claw, cancelling the X-Scizor.

"No Gligar!" Ash called out, seeing his ground flying hit the ground, hard.

"That looks painful." Serena whispered, gasping at the sight of the attack.

"Come on Gligar, Sand Attack!" Ash shouted.

Gligar quickly dried his eyes, and stood up. scooping a pile of sand in his claw, the ground flying type flung the sand at his evolved form. He quickly repeated this action using both of his claws.

"Good job Ash!" Serena cheered. "That's smart, he's making it hard for Gliscor to see him.".

"But look at Gliscor." Dawn replied, worried. "It is almost like it doesn't feel a thing.".

"Finish with Guillotine!" Paul commanded.

Gliscor leaped high above the Sand Attack, effortlessly, and then began to dive towards Gligar. Holding his claw out, it glew white ready to end the match.

"Quick, counter with Steel Wing!" Ash shouted.

Gligar jumped up towards the oncoming Gliscor, while powering up his Steel Wing. Due to being smaller, Gligar easily slide out of the Guillotines away, and landed his Steel Wing on Gliscor's side. Unfortunately, the evolved Pokemon landed on his tail, seeming un effected. Gligar circled around in the air.

"Gliscor, finish it with Stone Edge!" Paul grunted, he wasn't expecting Gligar to move out of the way.

Gliscor let out a massive battle cry as several rocks began circling him. Pointing his claw at Gligar, the Stones started firing in that direction. Gligar saw the incoming attack and started to panic.

"Dive Gligar and dodge it!" Ash shouted.

Hearing Ash's instructions, Gligar had a look of determination strike his face. Gligar dived to the ground dodging the stones, Gligar started to do a sort of celebration dance thinking he has out done his evolved formed.

"Change direction!" Paul shouted.

Gliscor slammed his claw down, and amazingly the Stoned followed its movements. They started falling right on top of Gligar. It too fast, and there was no-way for Gligar to escape. The Stone Edge struck Gligar head on, with each stone making a hit. Gligar fainted before the last stone even touched the ground.

"Gligar is unable to battle." Brock declared. "The first round goes to Paul.".

"Gliscor return." Paul called his Pokemon back, swiftly. He wants to end this battle, quickly. Ash ran over to Gligar.

"Gligar!" Ash shouted as he kneeled. He picked his fallen Pokemon up in his arms. "Are you okay, Gligar.

"Gli Gli." Gligar cried, with watery eyes. What a first battle, he just lost and it didn't look like any of his attacks even touch Gliscor.

"It's okay Gligar, you battled really hard." Ash reassured. He pulled out Gligar's Pokeball. "Now take a nice rest.".

"Now's the perfect time for you to tell your Gligar that a loss is the trainer's fault!" Paul called out.

Chimchar wasn't happy, when he was with Paul, he always belittled the fire monkey, blaming him for every loss. It is one thing to be cruel, but another to be a hypocrite and Chimchar won't stand for it.

"Ursaring, stand by for battle." Paul called out his second Pokemon. Upon entering the field, Ursaring let out a battle cry. Serena pulled out her Pokedex:

Ursering, the Hibernator Pokémon. An excellent tree climber, it snaps trees with its front legs, and eats the fallen fruit.

"Ursaring... then I'll chose..." Ash pondered, looking at his five remaining Pokemon.

"Chim Chimchar!" Chimchar shouted out, stepping forward.

"Chimchar, you want ago?" Ash asked.

"Chimchar." Chimchar nodded in agreement.

"Alright then Chimchar, I choose you." Ash replied, calling his fire type out to battle. Chimchar ran out into the field, ready to battle the trainer who once put him down.

"This is interesting." Serena commented. "Chimchar sure seems fired up. Doesn't he Fennekin.".

Fennekin, however was looking out over to the fire monkey. She still remembers how Chimchar saved her when in the battle with that Team Rocket, and took on two Pokemon at once. The fire fox couldn't help but blush, looking forward to seeing the fire type in, what is clearly an important battle for him. Serena saw this and giggled.

"Do you like Chimchar?" Serena whispered in her starters ear. Fennekin looked shock and quickly shook her head.

"Fen-ne-kin." Fennekin stated bluntly, but her blush told another story. Serena giggled as she thinks it's cute that her starter has a crush on one of Ash's Pokemon, but decided to leave it, and just watch the battle.

"Begin." Brock declared.

"Chimchar, start off with Flamethrower." Ash ordered.

Chimchar jumped in the air, and unleashed a power stream of flames out of his mouth. The flames struck Ursaring head on. Paul could've easily had Ursaring dodge it, but he wanted to see just how much stronger Chimchar has really gotten.

Ursaring crossed his arms, and whilst the Flamethrower was able to push him back, it didn't cause much damage. Ursaring roared as he forced his arms down, breaking the Flamethrower up, with ease.

"Paul didn't even try to dodge!" Serena exclaimed, in shock.

"Guess Paul was just confident about it." Dawn replied, with a frown.

"Huh, Focus Blast." Paul replied, with an arrogant smirk.

Ursaring formed a light blue ball of energy in his hands and threw it at Chimchar, overhead. The attack went flying toward the fire type.

"Dig, and dodge it!" Ash shouted.

Chimchar would've loved to block it with his bare hands, like Ursaring did with Flamethrower, but he isn't stupid. Chimchar quickly buried underground, dodging the Focus Blast. Paul knew how to deal with a digging Pokemon.

"Hammer Arm, in the ground!" Paul countered.

Ursaring's arms glew white and in a show of strength, he slammed them into the ground. Shock waves were sent throughout the floor, causing Brock, Serena, Dawn and the other Pokemon to become wobbly.

Chimchar took the brunt of the shock waves, being underground, as it had a similar effect to earthquake. To most of the group's surprise, Chimchar was sent flying up, out of the ground, creating a new hole with his exit. Chimchar went high into the air.

"Urg..." Ash grunted, seeing his disadvantage. "Chimchar, Flame Wheel go!".

Mid-air, Chimchar curled up into a ball, and covered himself in flames. The fire ball started spinning, and went straight towards Ursaring. The normal type, didn't even flinch in response.

"Catch that!" Paul responded.

As the flaming Chimchar closed in. Ursaring slammed his paws together, catching the flame wheel in his bare hands. Once Chimchar came to a complete stop, Ursaring lifted Chimchar above his head, and threw him into the ground.

Chimchar had clearly taken a lot of damage, but wasn't willing to give up. Filled with determination, Chimchar pushed himself back up. Ash smiled seeing Chimchar's determination, and knew his next cause of action.

"Use Scratch!" Ash shouted.

Chimchar jumped from the ground and began scratching away at Ursaring's stomach. To Ursaring, it was more of a tickle, and wasn't really bothered by the little annoyance.

"Secret Power!" Paul countered.

Despite not feeling the scratch attack, it was getting a little annoying and Ursaring is one Pokemon quick to anger. Grabbing Chimchar in both hands, the Fire type was lifted in front of Ursaring's angry face. The normal type began to glow a sort of pink aura as he used Secret Power. Chimchar took the brunt of the attack.

"Now Headbutt." Paul continued.

As the lights faded away, And Ursering quickly lifted Chimchar towards his head as he sent his head towards Chimchar. Ursaring used Headbutt, and as it collided, Chimchar was sent flying across the field.

"Chimchar Flamethrower, and make it a big one." Ash instructed.

"Chiim..." Chimchar nervously replied, as he looked down. He was flinching from the Headbutt.

"Hey Chimchar, are you alright?" Ash asked, as Ursaring growled threateningly.

"What's gotten into Chimchar?" Serena asked worried.

"Fenn-ekin..." Fennekin muttered sadly.

"I know Headbutt can make the opponent flinch but." Dawn replied.

"Are you sure its Ursaring's Headbutt that's got you so scared?" Paul asked, with a confident smirk.

"Come on Chimchar, snap out of it!" Ash encouraged. The rest of Ash's Pokemon cheered encouragement as well.

"You can do it, Chimchar!" Serena added, while Fennekin barked some encouragement.

"Chimchar, we've worked so hard together since you joined the team, and I know you want to show Paul just how much strong you have become." Ash told his fire type. "I believe in you, Chimchar!".

Something amazing happened with Ash's speech. It touched Chimchar's heart. They have been through a lot together. Ash helped him overcome his fear of Zangoose to save his friends, then he was able to battle, and win in the Veilstone gym, Chimchar never won a gym battle when with Paul, and now he can show his old trainer his new power. The Power he gets from.

"Chim... CHARRRRRR!" Chimchar cried as his hold body glew white. His body began to grow and the flame on his tail seemed to grow as well. Chimchar was evolving...

"Wow Chimchar... You've evolved." Ash told his fire type as the glowing stopped. A Monferno now stood in his place. Fennekin blushed seeing Chimchar's new evolved form. Ash pulled out his Pokedex:

Monferno, Monferno, the Playful Pokémon and the evolved form of Chimchar. Monferno launches aerial attacks off of ceilings and walls, and its fiery tail is used as one of its weapons. Ability: Blaze. Move(s): Mach Punch, Scratch, Leer, Ember, Fury Swipes, Flame Wheel, Work Up, Flamethrower, Dig, Aerial Ace

"Alright Monferno, lets show off some of that new power." Ash told his newly evolved Pokemon, who agreed and entered a battle stance. "Use Mach Punch!".

Monferno, clenched his fist as it glew. Monferno shot off towards Ursaring, with his powered-up fist above his head. He was moving much faster than he did. Paul looked at his old fire type, seeming slightly perplexed. Why didn't it evolve when he was training it, by the attacks it used earlier, it didn't seem to have gotten any stronger.

"Counter with Hammer Arm." Paul quickly responded, putting the thought to the back of his head.

Ursaring had his arms glow again and was able to swing them around to block Monferno's Mach Punch. Instead of sending the fire fighting type flying, like last time, both Pokemon stood their ground, each side barely giving an inch. Although Monferno's still felt the damage done prior to his evolution.

"Headbutt, go!" Paul shouted.

Since they seemed to be even in strength, Paul knew he had to try a different approach. While the Hammer Arm blocked Mach Punch, Ursaring swung his head around, and knocked Monferno away. The collective damage seemed to be building up.

"Monferno!" Ash shouted. His voice, filled with concern.

The fire fighting type was stood away from Ursaring, panting heavily. He has clearly taken a lot of damage. It has taken so much damage that Monferno knows it's almost over. He heard Ash's voice and looked towards his trainer.

"Monferno... Are you alright?" Ash asked, concerned. The flaming tip of Monferno's tail was burning bigger and brighter than before. The whites of Monferno's eyes were a light shade of red. His blaze ability was activated.

"MMMMMOOOONNNNFFFFEEEERRRRNNNNOOOOO!" The fire fighting type cried. In its moment of weakness, it's greatest strength has been revealed.

"What the... What happened?" Ash asked, seeing his fire type lose control.

"What's going on with Monferno?" Serena asked, as he held her hand over her heart. Fennekin also looked on worried.

"So, it's finally awake." Paul muttered as he remembers when he first saw this raw power, back when he caught Chimchar.

"This must be what Paul was talking about but..." Ash commented. "That doesn't look like any Blaze, I've ever seen.".

"But Monferno wasn't being cheered on by its friends." Brock crossed his arms as he examined the fire type. "Monferno wants Ash to win, and he also wants to prove to Paul its strength. And when you add in all the support from Ash's Pokemon... That will explain where all the massive power comes from.".

"Looks like we've finally gotten through to Monferno. Time to show Paul what he is made off." Ash commented as a smile formed on his face. "Full power Flame Wheel, go!".

Monferno curled up into a ball, as the flames from his tail surrounded him. The size of the Flame Wheel was much bigger than anyone in the group, has seen. It was even bigger than Ursaring.

"Ursaring, Focus Blast!" Paul commanded.

Forming another Focus Blast in his hands, Ursaring threw it at the incoming Flame Wheel. The two attacks collided, but Flame Wheel was too powerful, and it obliterated the Focus Blast and continued towards Ursaring.

The normal type tried to block it, but this time it was too powerful. Pushing through Ursaring's arms, the Flame Wheel hit his whole body. Ursaring was sent flying back, and crashed on the ground, with swirls in his eyes. Paul frowned at the turn of events.

Monferno landed in his original position, as the flames from the Flame Wheel disappeared. Slamming his fists against his chest, as the flames from his tail shot out everywhere, looking like a star. Monferno began crying manically. Paul recalled his Ursaring without another word.

"That is probably the most powerful Flame Wheel, that I've ever seen." Paul spoke in a neutral tone.

"Hey Monferno, you won it." Ash told his fire fighting type.

"The battles over." Serena commented worried. "Please stop.".

"Fenne." Fennekin added, also worried. This is a side of the fire Monkey she hasn't seen yet, and doesn't like the look of.

"I don't think Monferno can even hear us." Brock pointed out.

"Monferno, stop it!" Ash shouted.

Suddenly, Monferno turn towards Ash. The fire fighting type jumped and formed another Flame Wheel. The fire ball went straight towards Ash, whilst it wasn't as big as the one against Ursaring, it was still big and powerful. Ash was barely able to duck out of the way.

Monferno hit the floor behind Ash, then started jumping around the area with the Flame Wheel still surrounding him. As he touched the nearby forest area, the flames spread and the greenery quickly caught fire.

"I'm out of here." Paul commented. "We can battle again, when you learn to control that Blaze.". With that, Paul walked away, but Ash was more concerned with Monferno.

"Quick Bruizel, use Water Gun and put out those flames." Ash ordered. Bruizel nodded and got to work stopping the flames.

"Piplup, use Bubble Beam and help Bruizel out." Dawn told her starter, who join in and help Bruizel stop the flames.

Monferno was still jumping around and Ash saw the fire fighting type coming towards them again. This time, however, Ash charged at Monferno as well. the two collided and Ash held Monferno in a tight hug, as the Flame Wheel engulfed Ash as well.

"ASH!" Serena shouted as the flames block the sight of both Pokemon and trainer.

"Monferno stop!" Ash pleaded as the fire Monkey was crying out. In one swift action, Monferno bite down on Ash's shoulder. Ash cried out in pain. "Arg, Monferno stop. It's over, OVER!".

"No Ash!" Serena cried as she tried to run forward.

"Serena stop, Ash will handle it." Brock stood in her way.

"No Brock I got to." Serena tried to push past him, but Brock brought her into a hold to stop her.

"Ash will handle it." Brock repeated. On the other side of the flaming ball. All of Ash's other Pokemon were going to help as well, but Pikachu stood in their way. Monferno continued to cry out as Ash held him in a tight hug.

"Stop Monferno you've won already, the battle is over. You've already won." Ash explained, not letting go of Monferno. "Monferno, STOP!". With the last word, Monferno's eyes returned to normal. The flames dyed down. Blaze was over...

That night, Ash was still awake in his tent. Looking down he found Serena with her head resting on his chest, as she breathed softly in her sleep, her arms were wrapped around his body, loosely holding on. Smiling at his peaceful girlfriend, Ash placed a quick kiss on her forehead.

With his head lying back in his sleeping bag, Ash started to stroke her long golden hair, as he closed his eyes, but his mind went back to earlier, when Monferno lost control. He promised his fire type he would help him learn to control it, but how will he do that?

And... Done. Hope you liked the first appearance of Paul, and the changes I've made. Remember to Review, Follow and Favourite. Stay tuned for the next chapter: A Crasher Course in Power (I am missing out, Cream of the Croagunk Crop, as it is just filler, and I won't be doing every episode just the ones I see as important), and in case this wasn't obvious, Team Rocket will only appear when they do something worthwhile, and not every chapter. See ya later...