For the love of all that is good I am not dead.

Yeesh.
I am going to finish this story.

It may take awhile
Here is why:
I am at my senior year, at an art collage.
As an animator.
I have to make a animated short film at the end of the year.
That's a lot of work.
Not only that, I need to work on my portfolio and find positions for jobs at the end of the year.
That includes, websites, business cards, resumes, cover letters and demo reels.

I am extremely busy and at the end of the day, my art and career will always take priority over my hobbies.
Fanfiction is my hobby.
The reason I was able to update once a month is because I had time to write chapters during them summer.
I have not had much time to write even on weekends.

Don't get me wrong.
I am super glad so many people like and are entertained by this story. I'm glad it brings you smiles and joy and all that good jazz.
It makes me happy, your happiness gives me smiles as well.

Few things can make me grin seeing someone say that got back into Pokemon because of my fics!
That's amazing.
You're Amazing.

But please know that I try to update as soon as I can.
If I do die I told my retaliative to log into my account and post up on it that I did indeed died.

But I haven't. I don't intend to any time soon. And I don't intend to let this story go unfinished.

And so, let's begin!
(and remember to check the bottom for more information)

As always,
Enjoy the chapter

EDIT: YES! Giratina will be in the story! No he will not randomly appear to strangers.
I will get him when the plot requires him.
Stop asking.

DISCLAIMER! The rights to Pokemon belong to Satoshi Tajiri and Game Freak


From One Side to Another: Sides of Unova

By True-InTha-Blue

Chapter 8

Let's Go! The Maiden and Guardian's Arrival!
x

"Very well." Cilan said. "We accept your challenge."

To say Iris was dumbfounded by the turn of events, would be a gross misunderstanding of her character.
While most of the terms, such as 'Battle Frontier', "Castle Guardian' and 'Salon Maiden' were unknown in definition, the feel, presence and pride the emanating from those who said them.

Ash and Anabel.

Two strangers from Kanto with a Pikachu and a Espeon.
One wild and hot headed, the other elegant and composed.

The perceptions Iris has built up in the short time she had known them came crumbling down, blasted away by a fighting-type versus a rock-type. In actuality, she had no idea just who these two were or what was their true personality.

But one thing was true.

Right now, they shared the force of storms and blizzards coming for you. Terrifying and awe inspiring all the same.

A love for pokemon and a love for battle. Shared by two very different individuals who seemed to be equals on this field.

"What''s going on Axew?" Iris didn't know why she was asking her pokemon, the dragon-type would know even less than her; old habits die hard.

"Axeeeewwww..."

" Looks like the fun is about to begin." A voice came from the side.

Hair flew and a shrill shriek came from the young girl when Jed seem to have been waiting on the railing this entire time. Mysteriously appeared from nowhere.
He didn't. He walked.

"W-wait-wait! What! Who! HOW! WHY?!" She all but yelled, the sudden changes going on around her. What was this? Alice in Wonderland? Seems like everyone was insane here.

Jed blinked.

"Hey." He greeted before his attention went back to the upcoming battle.

"Do..." Iris looked on with uncertainty. "You know what's going on?" She focused on the two. "What is... this Battle Frontier they are talking about?"

"The Battle Frontier." Jed started, his eyes still on his friends. "An organization of eight individuals dedicated to the art of Pokemon battling. Far more powerful than any Gym Leader, rumored to rival the Elite Four in terms of strength. Even then, some say they may be even on terms with a Champion. Each offering their own unique perspective and an aspect of the art. They are all different yet share two things. Their love for pokemon and for pokemon battles. Fighting runs in their blood and their lives are tied with their own pokemon and the pokemon around them. A bridge of sort wherever they go to unite a community of humans with the community of pokemon."

"That... was deep..." Iris couldn't help but that was a lot of information to take in.

"Well... I met all eight of them before and they are deep people. Ash and Anabel, especially so. Stick with them... And you'll learn a lot."

Before any in depth analyze could be further conducted, Cress spoke from below.

"But this does present a problem. We don't have anyone to referee our match. Which might be a problem with so much going on with the five pokemon on the same field."

"And that's my cue." Jed said before leaping over the railing and onto the first floor. Of course, once he landed, he tried to suppress a wince. That jump wasn't his smartest idea. That's what you get for trying to look cool.

Trying to not limp now, he spoke up. "I can referee."

"Wait... aren't you the who screamed in town the other day?" Chilli peered young man with skeptism.

Jed shrugged unfazed by the accusation. "Guilty."

From the other side, Anabel sent Ash a look. "So he really did do it."

Chili then noticed something. "Hey Cilan, didn't he also choose to battle you?"

The green haired Gym Leader nodded. "Yeah. Thought I would have the advantage when he sent a dewott against my Pansage. But I couldn't get past how it kept deflecting Bullet Seed with its scalchop and out maneuvered me ." Normally, most trainers that come to the Triple Gym always pick the pokemon that they would have the most advantage against but the Aura Philosopher's case he picked a pokemon he was weak to. His main method of battling is to train technique over strength.

Cilan thought that was crazy but today with the three against two match, that takes the cake.

"I can vouch for Jed's ability as referee." Anabel said before taking out two braces from her backpack. A tuft of white fur stuck out from the satchel, Larvesta was still sleeping unaware of the upcoming battle.

Cilan had no reason to argue. "Very well. I'm glad we have at least someone." He noticed Anabel handing a brace to Ash. "What are those?"

"Limiters." Anabel said crouching down and began to fit it around Espeon. "Like we said, we want a fair battle and a fun one. Please do not be offended by our use of them."

Three against two with limiters?

"Are they insane?" Iris asked to no one in particular as Axew looked on with wonder. Tiny claws clung tighter in his trainer's hair, red eyes glimmered. The dragon was excited.
Meanwhile the fan girls kept even cheering of the inevitable victory of the three boys.

Metal clicked and straps tightened, Pikachu and Espeon shifted around as the their trainer's adjusted the power braces to their figures. They were definitely heavier and restraining. The charge from Pikachu's cheeks felt a bit weaker.
This was because of the small nubs on the insides the pressed into certain pressure points of the pokemon to slightly hinder their power.
A little shake here and there and the two pokemon were ready to battle. Not the most efficient way to limit a pokemon's power, most gym's being able to emit a small field that dampened a pokemon's ability on the battlefield, via trainer's (and pokemon's) permission of course. But the Striaton City didn't focus on that technology much, often being a place where new trainers went first as the Lab for starters was nearby.

Pansage, Pansear and Panpour were all aligned with each of their respective trainer faced off the strange new challenges who call themselves Frontier Brains of the Battle Frontier.

"The Battle of the Gym Leaders Cilan, Chili and Cress versus the Frontier Brains, Ash and Anabel is about to begin." He smirked. "So let's make it interesting." Clapping his hands together, everyone was called attention to this. "The battle ends if all three pokemon on the gym leader's side faint or either Pikachu or Espeon faints first. Hows that sound?"

While the gym leaders, Iris and the fangirls stand in shock at that ridiculous stipulations presented, quite the opposite reactions when it came to the two Frontier Brains. If possible, Ash's grin turned even more competitive. Even the reserved Salon Maiden eyes were gleaming at the prospect.

"That would require Ash and I to even be more careful to watch our backs." She mused, half to herself and outloud.

"And that means we can't just be reckless. I like these terms." Ash said roughly, showing just how anxious he was for a fight.

"Agreed. Espeon? Pikachu?"

"PIKA!"
"PHE!"

The Pokemon cried out in excitement and pawed the ground despite of the heavy limiters on them.
Seeing that there was no arguing with these trainers and their desire for the odds to go against them, did the Gym Leaders finally concede to these terms.

"Now." Jed raised his arm. "Frontier Brains! Gym Leaders!" He swiped it down in show. "Begin!"


Gym Leaders, Cilan, Chili and Cress Vs Salon Maiden Anabel and Castle Guardian Ash!

Acting immediately did Ash and Anabel call out their commands.

"Pikachu!"
"Espeon!"
"Surround them!"

Pikachu and Espeon darted on the opposing sides of opposing Pokemon. Their, speed slower than usual was still faster than what the three gym leaders were use too. As the dust flew in the air did the mood set.
For this battle would not be like the previous, whether the gym leaders wanted too or not. These two trainer's would force them to battle to their fullest.
They would be pushed, they would be tried.
One had to ask, who was really challenging who?

Reacting in panic, did Cilan try to deflect the inevitable attack. A primal call to respond.
"Pansage! Dig all of you out of there!" Responding to the trainer's commands did the grass-type swung his paws into the ground, tearing up the dirt. His fellow Monkey pokemon followed him in the ground.

Yet to the opponents confusion, Pikachu's and Espeon's trainer's did nothing or reacted. Pikachu and Espeon stood there, still.

The action was so uneasy it also made Cilan want to call for a different approach. But things were already on their way.

Pansage launched out with Pansear preparing a Bullet Seed and Flamethrower respectively aimed for Espeon and Pikachu. Panpour came after with a double team just to add confusion to the battlefield.
To a new trainer, they would be distracted by the oncoming pokemon and lose sight of their own pokemon and therefore get hit by the other attacks. It was a great show of coordination on the brother's part and their pokemons.

But our hero's sight never left the true objective.

"Pikachu roll out and use Iron tail on the Bullet Seed!" Ash gave the call for his pokemon.

"Espeon Iron tail as well." Already the two trainers had a plan formed.

Pikachu quickly curled up, pushing off with his tail for the needed speed despite of the handicap and avoided the flamethrower and met at Espeon's side. From there the two pokemon gained metallic sheens are their tails, and then proceeded to deflect the bullet seeds sent from Pansage.

Once the last bullet seed was spent did the counter attack began.

"Thunder Bolt on Pansage!" A simple command from Ash but effective, seeing how the grass-type was helplessly hanging in the air. From there Anabel followed calling for her pokemon to use Quick Attack on the Panpour on the bottom.

But as she did this, did our male hero notice a slight hesitation in the Salon Maiden's voice and her pokemon's actions. Not from nerves of the battle, but merely from the actual use of vocal commands.
For you see, Anabel had the special Ability to communicate with pokemon on a pure emotional level, to the point where she understood their speech. Because she has been doing this for so long, during battle with her own pokemon, did Anabel be able to command her pokemon via empathy.
She was not use to using vocal commands after so long. The reason why she used her voice though...
Well... they did want a challenge,

Because of the Double Team from earlier, did the Quick Attack miss the water monkey.

Pansear landed and Chili was quick to respond again."Flame Punch!" He called for his fire-type to engulf his fist in bright fire that was sent straight to the Psychic type.

However, a thunderbolt called out from the black haired trainer shocked the monkey pokemon in it's tracks.

From behind Espeon, Panpour was ready.

"Panpour use Scratch!"

"Psychic my friend!" But Anabel was getting over her hesitation and was quick to retaliate.

Psychic power held the water-type in place before the pokemon was flung to the ground. And once again, Pikachu and Espeon were back to back ready for the next attack.

Even though so early in the battle, Cilan, and his brothers, were panicking.

'There defence is truly formidable! Each of their own pokemon's power is enough, but together none of our pokemon can seem to even touch them. Like a mountain covered in thorns; impossible to climb.'

Even amongst the depressing thoughts did a spark of hope did linger. Green eyes rested on the brothers on his side.

'No mountain is impossible to climb, so long as there are others to help.'

"Guys." Cilan called to Cress and Chili. "Together! Like they are." Light of knowledge dawned in the siblings eyes and identical grins appeared on them.

Looks like the real battle was getting started.

A respectful nod from the challengers gave way that they understood.

"Pansear Dig!"
"Pansage Dig!"
"Panpour use Mud Sport!"

At once the three pokemon moved in momentum, bonded with each other. The green and red pokemon burrowing and the blue dancing with mud and dirt kicked up along with the residue of the Dig.

A torrent of dirt was rising towards the heroes' pokemon. Towering over them and casting a shadow over the two. But the roar of the wave paled to the roar of the blood that rushed in the Frontier Brains.

They could feel the shift in the mood, the shifting of the air and sense of each other. No words were needed.

"Espeon! Use Psychic to propel both you and Pikachu towards the wave!" Ash said to the psychic type.

"Then use Quick Attack and Iron Tail!" Anabel said afterwards. There was only a moment of hesitation to register the commands before both pokemon were off to do as said.

The glow of Psychic surrounded both Espeon and Pikachu, both shot forward like bullets, then the metallic coating spread over their tails before it crashed into the wave.

A second passed, before the wave of earth broke apart under the power of steel. Yet when Pikachu and Espeon landed, no doubt they came out a bit more scuffled than before. Filing that away in the back of their minds, the trainers aimed for their next attack.

Pansage and Pansear were still in the ground and Panpour was on the surface. Cress was already calling out a move.

"Double Team around them Panpour!" The blue haired waiter called out. The Spray Pokemon rolled forth around the opponents, after images soon surrounded the two, showing no sign of the real one.

"Panpour! Use Use Water Gun!" Cress ordered while his brothers kept up the relentless assault.

"Now Pansear!"
"Now Pansage!"
"ATTACK!"

The two other Elemental Monkeys emerged from the ground hitting Pikachu and Espeon as they were distracted by the Water Gun.

Now it looked like the Brothers were working as a team. With this, did Ash and Anabel decided to press to retaliate.

"Pikachu and Espeon! Quick Attack!" Ash commanded to distract the Gym Leaders and come up with a plan.

The Brothers were determined not to lose their advantage though.
"Panpour! Water Gun!"
"Pansage! Bullet Seed!"
"Pansear! Ember!"

The stremes of elemental attacks aimed right forward to the two pokemon. "Espeon Iron Tail to defend Pikachu!" Anabel needed to by Ash time and new that her pokemon could hold more attacks than pikachu who took a ground type attack.

Ash decided it was best to move in while the focus was on Espeon." "Volt Tackle!" Was all he said.

Using the added speed of Quick Attack, electricity blasted out of Pikachu was his paws hit the dirt in increasing speeds. Even with a limiter, the sheer size of the electric field emitted by Pikachu took a decent space.

"Espeon! Shadow Ball!" When the Gym Leaders distracted by the powerful move, Anabel was left to add a spin of her own.
The purple/black sphere of ethereal energy zoomed forth, right beside the Volt Tackle and in an act of synergy, merged with the bright yellow lightning.

In a flash, right before Volt Tackle reached the Elemental Monkey Trio, the Volt Tackle turned an ominous purple. It sucked the in the air and made into howling wind. The call of the impending end to this match.

In another flash, the three were on the ground passed out with the occasional jolt of electricity causing a twitch in their limbs.

Pikachu was before the three gym leaders, back arched as left over charge coursed through small pokemon, black eyes on the three as though any moments they could leap up and attack.

However, that is why they had a referee.

"All three Gym Leader's pokemon are no longer able to battle." He raised his hand on the challenger's side. "The winners are Ash and Anabel."

The young man's voice seemed to snapped the force of silence that came over the Gym Leaders. The three's hearts were roaring and their voices seemed to have been grabbed by some invisible hand.

Their shoulders slacked, cut by strings and realized that they still needed to do the rest of their duty as gym leaders.
They recalled their pokemon one by one, before looking at each other.

Once again, the sibling bond seemed to communicate silence into words.

They walked forth and before the two and Cilan held out his hand.
"Good Battle." He said with a grin.

Ash grinned widely and enthusiasm he was associated with, clasped hands with the gym leader.
"Yeah. You guys did great at the end. Right Anabel?"

Anabel nodded recalling Espeon. "Indeed. You grew in that battle. Keep it up and you and your brothers will be stronger." She encouraged.

The three brothers nodded before laughing.

"Yeah." Chill said sheepishly. "But you guys really are on a league of your own. You took down all three of us in such a way, it may take us awhile to get out act back together."

"It ended so spectacularly it stunned us." Cress added.

Cilan reached down to pocket and too out two badges. The badge was a vertical line of three diamonds, each diamond having a different color, green on bottom, red in the middle, and blue on top.
"This is the Trio Badge." The green haired gym leader said handing them to Ash and Anabel.
Anabel calmly took hers, staring at it in bewilderment.
Immediately on habit, Ash gratefully took it and rose it above his head.
"YEAH! I got the Trio Badge!" He cheered with Pikachu chiming in. "PIKACHUUU!"

To nearly everyone it caused raised eyebrows from such an outburst. But one started to laugh. Not a malicious or mocking one. Just one that was happy and tickled the funny bone.

Anabel first snorted, trying to hold it before she couldn't anymore and trickled out.

Ash joined in as well, knowing she was laughing because at his outburst and pure excitement of getting a badge.
He rushed to her. "C'mon! You won too! You cheer and raise you arms!" He attempted to get her arms high.
The Salon Maiden face was flushed from laughter and embarrassment, no where near as outgoing as Ash, she attempted to keep them down.

"I can't!" She said between laughs and playfully fighting him off.

Finally, she pushed him away. "You're a dork!" She cried covering her red rose face from the onlookers. A single purple eye peered out between her fingers.

Ash grinned broadly. Her words not even phasing him. "You'll do it. Eventually." He said without a doubt.

On the side, Jed pressed his cheeks and sparkles danced in his eyes at the sight. "So cute." He whispered. They had come a long way in such a short while.

Iris walked beside him. Needless to say, her expression screamed bewilderment like a complex equation was right in front of her.

She didn't know what to make of it.

Neither did the Gym Leaders apparently. Mainly they thought it was two friends being playful.

Of course. Ash didn't seem like the type of guy who would get a girlfriend.

HA!

But back to the plot.

Anabel went back to address the gym leaders. Face still slightly red. "Thank you all for the battle. It has been awhile since I have attempted a gym. It feels good to be the challenger rather than the challenged."

A curious look passed between the gym leaders. Guess it was a good time as any to ask that question. "Now that you mention it. It's common for a ... what did you call it?... Frontier Brain to be challenged? Does it work like Pokemon Gyms?" Cress asked.

Looks like they had a lot of questioned they wanted to ask.

"Let's sit down and talk about it."


The fangirls had to be escorted out. Disappointed that the gym leaders lost, they went to cry their tiny tears at their homes.

Meanwhile, with characters we actually care about. They moved to the cafe, a large enough table to house all seven of them and Pikachu, Espeon (limiters off) and Larvesta.
Axew was still in Iris' hair while the Elemental Monkeys were in their Poke'balls at the healing bay.

"So what you are saying is-" Cilan leaned in. "-is that the Battle Frontier teach the 'Art' of battle?"

Anabel nodded. "Yes. While Gyms focus on helping trainers, mainly beginners, grow and make landmarks, as well as allowing passage into the league, we at the Battle Frontier teach aspects of battle to better help the trainer and Pokemon delve deeper into themselves and appreciate Pokemon Battles as a true way to bond, rather than just make it a power play."
She took a sip of tea.
"Another key difference is that Gyms have limiters and usually focus on one type of Pokemon. A Frontier Brain will go all out. So therefore, it's through invitation that one can participate in the Battle Frontier challenge."

"I see." The green haired teen said.

"So it's to help already experienced trainers get stronger." Chili concluded.

"Yeah. I really improved when I went through the challenge. That's where I met Anabel and eventually I joined."

"Wait. So you were invited and took the challenge?" Iris asked.

Ash and Pikachu nodded.

"You have to." Anabel explained. "Sans those who originally started it, which are Brandon, Spencer and Tucker, everyone including me had to battle them one on one."

"Then depending how you perform, your offered it. If you say yes, then you go under a... Apprenticeship kinda, and in a few months you get your own Frontier Facility and you get ready for the season. Which is a lot shorter than most leagues."

"So I assume you are all off season?" Cress asked eyeing them both. He could see why these two were so strong. Based off what they said, having to fight already strong trainers in order to get in, the requirements were strict and probably brutal.

"Yep! Scott, our boss, allowed me to go back to participate in leagues since that's what I mainly like to do. Anabel's joining me as she one time participated in the Kanto league a few years ago." Ash said with a grin.

Anabel however glowered. "That was our original plan. But said boss, decided I should 'Promote the Battle Frontier in a brand new region! Talk to the big shots and show them the power and moxie of us.'" She said mockingly. "His words. Not mine."

"What about him?" Chili pointed his thumb at Jed, who, having heard this all before, looked positively bored and was playing with Larvesta in a tug of war.

Took a second for Jed to look up and address the question. "I'm Anabel's friend. Met Ash, now I'm his friend. He does that. I participate in leagues but mainly I explore." He said, voice deadpanned and giving nothing away.

"This is certainly more than I expected. I say we're honored to have you two come and show us the way you battle." Ever the gentlemen, Cilan showed his gratefulness.

"Hey! You guys are good. Good way to start back into the Pokemon League." Ash said putting his gym badge inside a case.

"Wish we could do more and give you a better one." Chili was unhappy that the battle was short. It was inevitable with the power scale between the two parties being as large as it was. Still, few things could beat that rush he and his brothers felt when they were fighting.

"Keep training and Pikachu and I will come back." Ash guaranteed this.
"Pi!"

"If you guys want to see these two go all out, how about watching our battle." Jed offered after having lost the tug-of-war to the flame pokemon. Larvesta viciously swung the toy back and forth. "We'll be having it in an hour, when Pikachu and Espeon have healed up. I've already picked out a location."

There was really no reason to say no.

Not with the prospect of seeing another amazing show.


It was a bit away from the the town.

Mainly in a meadow that had a large clearing. You basic wild grassy land space surrounded by trees™.

On a log did the gym leaders and Iris sit, respective Pokemon outside and ready to watch. Anabel's larvesta was awake for once and found itself in Iris' hair.
The darker skinned girl didn't mind.

Ash's Pokemon were out as well. Oshawott, Tepig and Pidove were eager to watch, having missed the gym battle.

Three trainers, Anabel, Ash and Jed stood away from each other in a circle of sorts. It was the only way they could face each other in this triple battle.

You could sense the eagerness in the air. Pikachu and Espeon were already in the field, pawing the ground in their fervor. Trainers, ready as well.

Jed still had yet to call out his Pokemon instead tossing Spinda's pokemon up and down.. "Alright you two. I want you to go full out on me. Special perks included." Basically what the young man was saying is that Anabel should use her empathetic abilities and Ash should use his Aura Sight.
Jed too will be using Aura sight.

"Right." Ash said though it was laced with a bit of nervousness. He was reluctant to say that his aura training wasn't always a priority, and thus he may be a bit rusty (a lot) compared to Jed. And Ash had a feeling Jed knew this too.

Anabel thought about it. "I can do that." Eventually someone would see her do it, so might as well get use to doing it in public again.

Besides, she was against even odds.

"Good. Let's go Spinda!" Jed thus summoned his Pokemon.

"Spinda!" The unique blue spinda greeted the crowd; the trio gym leaders bewildered by the color scheme.

But no time to explain! Let's fight.
A empathetic link connected to Espeon, blue eyes flared with aura and green glowed with it.

No need for introductions, this was battle royal!

"Pikachu! Spin Quick Attack on Spinda!" Ash commanded first, sensing that someone was about to move.

Jed immediately changed his plans to counter once he began to see the vibration in the air around Pikachu. "Guard with Psycho Cut!" He said right when Pikachu was about to hit.

The two clashed briefly with sparks dancing between them, when a blast of Psychic threw both Pokemon away. Espeon's eyes were glowing and a slight smile was on the Salon Maiden.

While kind, never underestimate how cunning Anabel could be.

Both males sensed another Psychic about to launch and thus responded in their own unique ways.
First to react, Ash was on the offensive. "Pikachu dodge and use Thunder Tail!" Speed aided the mouse Pokemon when he dodged the wave of psychic, Spinda following suit as well. Thunder bolt and Iron tail combined together when the mouse Pokemon launched itself towards the psychic type.

Espeon was already ready to parry with an Iron Tail of her own.

Jed was an opportunist. "Spinda! Twin Aura Sphere!" The blue orbs appeared and landed the hits.

No time to cheer, now Espeon and Pikachu were on the blue Spinda, a metallic sheen on both tails as streams of Quick attack flowed from behind. Eyes gleaming.

Spinda gulped as the shadow of death was upon him.

"RUN!" Jed's voice cracked, he too could feel it.

And thus the chase began.

"Can you guys keep up with this?" Iris asked with her eyes still glued to the battlefield. It had only been 30 seconds but already maneuvers, speed and strategy were zooming all over.

It was chaos, far different from the more turned based battle back that the Striaton Gym.

"A bit." Chili squinted as Espeon and Pikachu chased Spinda around in a circle. The spinda was screaming as it barely dodged the attacks.

"It's really hard."

"Indeed. It shows how much I and my brothers have to improve." Cilan admitted humbly. But then abruptly stood up. Eyes shining like the sun above.
"Look how glorious this is! A golden goblet filled with fire of passion and power! For the highest of banquets of those who stand at the pinnacle! Aromas of experience and camaraderie mix together to be a balanced sweet and savory feast!"

Iris and the other Pokemon blinked, but the brothers looked unimpressed and explained. "One of Cilan's 'great' Pokemon Connoisseur proclamations. The girls back in the cafe love the type of stuff he spews out." The red haired brother snorted.

"He certainly has his moments." Cress shook his head. Cilan didn't seem to notice, too enraptured by the battle.

Iris wondered if she was doomed to be surrounded by eccentrics for the rest of her life. Then she blushed.
'I doubt Jed has to deal with this type of stuff.' She thought having forgotten said man's earlier bouts of outlandishness.

Back to the battle.

Jed decided this chase has gone on for long enough. "Spinda. SuperPower." It was though a flip switched.
The fearful expression on Spinda changed to a smirk. Using the momentum from his run he turned and charged towards Espeon and Pikachu, a bright glowing first of white energy.

Iron Tail and Super Power collided with all three Pokemon reeling back. But around Spinda, the flowing energy around him seemed to have increased, and emitted a power that didn't quite make sense.

Ash paused briefly. "Wait. Doesn't SuperPower lower a pokemon's power? Why does Spinda seem more powerful?" Even if he didn't have Aura Sight, Ash would have been able to sense this power up.

Jed sighed. Looks like it was explanation time. "I guess I never really showed Spinda's Ability. Or... Hidden Ability I should say. This is Contrary."

Anabel's eyes narrowed. "Interesting. A ability that switches effects of a move. So in terms of a very powerful move like Superpower which has negative after effects on the pokemon that used it. The Ability Contrary will allow them to become positive. Of course the same could be done to a move with positive affect."

This was very, very dangerous.

"~Bingo! " Jed sang. "Try not to get hit." His voice turned menacing. "Spinda! Dizzy Punch!"

That was especially dangerous, not only being power up by the boost, but even more damage will be added due to the Normal STAB. Not to mention the chance of confusion.

Right now, Spinda was the most dangerous Pokemon on the field.

The Dizzy Punch landed on Espeon who failed to dodge on time. It caused significant damage yet fortunate for the psychic type, no confusion was activated.

A glance passed between trainers, purple met a temporary blue and then a glance towards their Pokemon. An agreement passing in the exchange.

Pikachu and Espeon switched places, Pikachu going toe to toe with Spinda, with his spin dodges just barely being grazed by Aura Sphere infused punches. A preferred way for Spinda to attack close and personal rather than ranged. Thunder Tail had to be implemented from time to time to deflect these blows.

Just when Jed was about to order another Super Power did Anabel act, using her empathetic abilities to command Espeon silently.

Psychic with a rushing Quick Attack Espeon right behind it was b-lining straight towards the Red Panda Pokemon.
At the same time Pikachu had jumped back to launch a Thunder Bolt right at Spinda.

Jed briefly panicked. The two were ganging up on him! Those cheeky punks! He tried to order a way to counter or dodge but his second of hesitation cost him. The attacks landed and sent Spinda flying back.

"SPIIIIIII!" The blue Pokemon tumbled in the dirt, damage obvious. He was still in the game but for how long?

"You two are ganging up on me!" Jed called out their actions.

"And you wouldn't?" Anabel called out.

The Aura Philosopher didn't even hesitation. "Oh yes, completely. I just don't like it being done to me." He knew that he painted himself was a target. That's what you get for explaining something like Contrary to your opponent in the middle of battle. Which is dumb. Very dumb. So dumb that no one in their right mind should do that. He never did that. But this was Ash and Anabel and they would have nagged him after the battle as to why he didn't tell them during it.
Gosh darn them.

They were still kids after all.

And thus, the triple battle turned into a two on one battle.

But now Pikachu and Espeon were being cautious, no longer charging in.
Super Power was Spinda's trump card but in the end, he was slower than the both of them.

He had to be the instigator. "Spinda!. Aura Sphere barrage!"

"Spi!" Blue Aura flared up and a barrage of blue orbs began to rain.

Ash and Anabel ordered their Pokemon to dodge, but Ash had a risky plan.
"Quick Attack Pikachu!" It was risky because that meant less control and one Aura Sphere could ruin it. But Ash had faith in his pokemon.

"Pikakakak!" A trail blazed behind Pikachu.

"Anabel I need Espeon to defend Pikachu!" He asked her.

"Right!" The Salon Maiden sent the commanded needed and Espeon was already blocking the Aura Spheres with Iron Tail from falling on Pikachu.

Jed has a suspicion on what Ash was up too. "Focus on Pikachu!" The aura spheres were a steam now, just barely following Pikachu.

"Volt Tackle!" Ash called the trump card. The Electricity plus the momentum of Quick Attack erupted in the storm and Pikachu veered right towards Spinda. Aura Spheres bouncing off the electric field.

"Spinda Do-"

A blast of Psychic energy came from behind from Espeon. It crashed into Spinda and flung him like a moving wall right into the Volt Tackle.

The two forces collided together, Spinda in the middle. An collision explosion happened of electricity and force, and rocking out of the middle was Spinda flying up to the falling back down.

"Oh no." Jed said before holding up the Poke'ball. The beam of light shot out to the obviously fainted Pokemon. Jed could tell not just by sight but how the aura in spinda no longer flared.

"Spinda's out." Jed said recalling the Pokemon into the ball. "Son of a guns. Teaming up on me." He muttered before retreating back to the log.

Now it was Ash and Anabel.

"Thunder Bolt!"

Shadow Ball met the bolt.

Iris wanted to console Jed on his lost but the white haired man had his attention on the battle, face neutral.

It seemed like he didn't want to talk judging how his eyes darted from both Ash to Anabel.
He was observing and learning.

Learn from your losses and use it for your advantage.
He'll get them back.

Cilan was ecstatic on what was going on. "It's as though a recipe combined into poetry. Those two, whenever they collide it's as though harmony spreads across my taste buds! Though the true flavor eludes me, I want to see more of what these two have to offer!"

Espeon and Pikachu were in a dance of Quick attacks and parrying Iron Tails. By this point, with the two only needing to focus on each other, attacks could be faster and quicker in sequence. The trainer's eyes darted around looking for openings. Occasionally Ash looking at Anabel for any signs of her reacting. That was really just by the skin of his teeth to call out actions to counter Anabel's silent commands.

Aura sight just allowed him to keep up with the fast actions of the Pokemon and sense when they were about to attack.

Anabel however could hear Ash call out the attacks and thus react with that knowledge.

Espeon ascended high and Shadow Ball was descending towards Pikachu. Pikachu dodge but was nicked in the tail.

Ghostly energy flowed in it, causing the electric type to wince.

"Piiiiii..." Looks like Iron Tail couldn't used. That was bad, as that was a great way to counter Espeon.

Speaking of Iron Tail, using her previous jump, Espeon was already streaming down with the Steel-Type move.

So, it was time to fight it.

"Volt Tackle." It was risky to begin a Volt Tackle at a standstill. But Ash had trained Pikachu to do something like that.

Volt Tackle obviously overtook Iron Tail and Espeon was forced back on the ground.

On the other hand, Pikachu was panting from the recoil. It was down to the last hits and Ash was determined to use the most of it.
"Thunder Bolt!" He ordered as soon as Volt Tackle ended.

Anabel was quick to command Espeon who dodged with Quick Attack. She evaded the main bolt but a stray streme stuck espeon right along the back, halting the Pokemon in her tracks.

Paralysis.

"Okay. Let's do this Pikachu!" Ash narrowed his eyes and Pikachu did the same. "Volt Tackle!" Once again the storm of electricity cloaked the Mouse Pokemon and homed in right towards the paralyzed one.

"So Ash is going to win." Iris said seeing the obvious. Chili and Cress nodded and Ash's Pokemon were cheering.

Jed frowned. "Now you should know. No battle is over until the last Pokemon faints."

'Espeon! Please you can overcome this!' Anabel encouraged her Pokemon, trying to use that link to channel the pure raw feelings that have accumulated in this battle.

The blood was pumping, icing her veins to the point they felt on fire. Her heartbeat accelerated, and she felt the same in Espeon.
A battle like this, truly she felt connected to her Pokemon. It was the ultimate form of her bond!

And Espeon dodged the Volt Tackle.

Ash gasped and Pikachu tried his hardest to try to strike again.

But with Espeon high in air and Iron Tail struck true. A sound vibrating that rustled the leaves ever so slightly.

Pikachu slumped on the ground and Espeon landed upright, panting.

The silence of an end flowed over the area. Everything stilled

Ash grinned and grimaced. "Looks like we're down for the count." There was a bit of humor in his voice. It was an awesome end but that sudden change that lead to the lost was equivalent to a sneak punch to the gut. Unexpected and takes the wind out of you.

He picked up Pikachu and watched Anabel recall Espeon.

"Thank you my friend." She said to the Poke'ball before tucking it away. Her hand was still shaking. It was still a close call, it would probably take her a few minutes before she calmed down.

Ash was the same, trying to probably hold Pikachu.

As customary for after battle, trainers must congratulation after battle.

And these two had no qualms about that.

"Gotta say Anabel. That was fun." Ash grinned broadly as Pikachu chirped weakly to congratulate her as well.

A soft hand touched the Electric Type.

Another hand placed to Ash's free one, hidden to their sides.

The Salon Maiden held an expression Ash had seen many times on himself. Pure joy of victory. And... he was glad to have given that to her.

"Thank you Ash."

End of Chapter 8


Yo!

So, I know this chapter is short. But I gave you guys, TWO FREAKING BATTLES!
TWO FREAKING BATTLES WITH MANY OPPONENTS!
That craps hard!

Took a lot of planning, took a lot of research.
I don't like going into this stuff half... well... I like to have all my facts before I write stuff down.
I've made mistakes in the past but I have always tried to stay as true as I possibly can.

I also don't like doing one sided battles.

I HATE! Fanfics that have STUPIDLY overpowered characters who blast through challenges without a sweat.
That is boring as...bbbbb-sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss.
It's boring. It's bad writing.
It's bad character portrayal.
You can have powerful characters and still have them deal with challenges, be it physical or emotional.
Or both.

I will not fall in to that mind numbing overused trope!

Ash and Pikachu, powerful, will have challenges. Their battles will be tougher.

Ash is a guy who doesn't want an easy win. Maybe he was like that in the first season in the anime back when he was 10 but in this fic he is fifteen years old and has matured into a guy who likes a challenge.

Now Ash does has his flaws and maybe in the future will be tempted to overuse this.
But that will rare, and will be well deserved.

Same goes for Anabel.

Jed!... Jed works on a different scale.

Hope you enjoyed the battles... and the fluff, and the humor.
...Speaking of which, I surprised about the support for Jed.

It's encouraging to know I can write a interesting Original Character

Express bad selves with a review. Check it.
Boi!