I was feeling like you guys deserved for me to throw you another bone, so here we are, the third chapter of the day. This one is another short one, but after this, chapters are going back to their normal length.

Also, some people have been saying that they would like for there to be a bit more Ash and Misty stuff. This will come in due time (Next Chapter). However, I would like for all of you to keep in mind that this is listed as "Adventure/Romance" not "Romance/Adventure". This does mean that sometimes the romance will be taking a back seat to the adventure aspect of the story, however I promise you that the romance aspect will receive just as much attention as the adventure aspect. (I'm actually currently writing a very lengthy chapter focusing on nothing but Ash and Misty).

Well, enjoy everybody!

"Are you ready to battle?" Bruno shouted from across the gym. The battlefield the battle was being held on wasn't as plain as the one in Koga's gym. The floor was covered in rocks and gravel. It somewhat reminded Ash and Misty of the battlefield in the Pewter City Gym.

"You better believe it!" Ash shouted back. The rules were clear, a one on one match. No substitutions, and following more traditional rules of martial arts, if a Pokémon was knocked out of the battlefield, it would automatically lose.

Off in the empty bleachers, Misty sat with Pikachu resting in her lap, Ash once again had told his yellow friend to sit this one out. Though this time the electric rodent had no objections to the idea, knowing that Bruno's fighting type Pokémon could easily overpower him. The Cerulean Gym Leader looked down at the mouse and began scratching him behind the ears, causing the little Pokémon to let out a squeak as he began kicking his leg.

"Alright then." Bruno nodded at his competitor. "Machamp, get out there!" The four armed fighting type was already out of his Poké Ball, and stepped onto the battlefield, cracking all sixteen knuckles as he did so.

"Champ!"

Ash started to contemplate on which one of his Pokémon would be best suited for the fight. Charizard could be strong enough, but Machamp probably knew a few rock based moves. Sceptile sacrificed durability for nimbleness, so in an up close fight he wouldn't last long. Then there was Snorlax. The giant Pokémon would be more than strong enough to hold its own against a Machamp. It was definitely the most durable Pokémon he had, and if the rock smash Machamp had preformed earlier that day was any indication of how strong it was, then this thing could certainly dish out a lot of pain. Knowing this, Ash figured it would be best to pick a Pokémon that could withstand a lot of abuse.

"Go Snorlax!" The black haired trainer tossed the red and white sphere onto the battlefield, releasing the often sleeping Pokémon. Much to Ash's satisfaction though, Snorlax didn't need to be awakened upon his release. The gargantuan Pokémon stood tall over Machamp, and was without a doubt much stronger when it came to brute strength. However, speed was certainly not something that was on his side.

"Machamp," Bruno gave the first command. "weaken that Snorlax with brick break!" The fighting type acknowledged his master's command, and rushed towards the fat normal type, his upper right fist glowing.

"Snorlax, stop him with a body slam!" Snorlax nodded, and began running towards Machamp, causing the rocky ground to shake with each step the humongous Pokémon took. Bruno's Machamp showed no intent of stopping his attack and going for a counter instead, as the monstrously huge Pokémon charged his way.

The two rushed towards each other, and upon meeting in the center, Snorlax jumped up into the air, spreading his arms out as his gigantic body began to fall onto the fighting type. Seeing that the normal type was about to drop all of its weight on him, he lunged his glowing fist towards the gargantuan Snorlax, hitting him square in the stomach.

"Oh no Snorlax!" Ash cried out, hearing Snorlax grunt in pain as the mighty fist smashed into his stomach.

If that wasn't enough, by some amazing feat of strength, Machamp had managed to hold Snorlax suspended in the air by holding him up with the same fist he punched the giant Pokémon with. The painful expression was quite apparent on the normal types face, as it groaned upon having all of its weight collide with the four armed Pokémon's powerful punch.

"No way!" Ash couldn't believe the sight before him.

"Machamp, use your strength to throw Snorlax out of the battlefield!" Bruno was not wasting any time with this fight.

Machamp then used the strength of all four of his arms to hold the giant Snorlax over his head. The fighting type then turned to the nearest edge of the ring, and prepared to toss it out of bounds.

Ash had to think quick, if he didn't react soon, his Snorlax would have been tossed out of the ring and that would be the end of the match. It was quite clear that Machamp was having to use all of his strength to hold up the gargantuan Pokémon. If there was much more weight above him, there'd be no way he could hold him up.

An idea hit him.

"Snorlax! Use harden!" Snorlax quickly responded, engulfing itself in a white light, causing his skin to become nearly as tough as stone. This in turn also raised his overall weight and density. Below him, Machamp's arms began to shake as the weight above him grew to the point that it became too much for him to hold. The four armed fighter tried to quickly toss Snorlax out of the battlefield, but as he tried to toss it, his knees buckled. The second Machamp's strength had vanished, the one thousand plus pound Pokémon dropped on top of him, smashing him.

Misty jumped up from her seat "Yes!"

"Pika pi!"

Ash on the other hand still didn't think it was over, and judging by the calm expression on Bruno's face, he knew it wasn't over yet. Then sure enough, Snorlax was lifted up just the slightest bit, and tossed to the side by the fighting type, freeing himself from underneath Snorlax.

Both Pokémon remained on the ground for a moment though. Snorlax still hurting from the punch it received, and Machamp still recovering from being smashed by over a thousand pounds. The two began struggling to their feet, taking deep breaths as they tried to shake off the damage that had been dealt to them.

"Snorlax," Ash called out to his giant normal type. "you've got to hold in there. I know you can beat him!" Snorlax, breathing heavily, looked over at his trainer and friend, and gave him a nod.

"Machamp," Bruno shouted. "That Snorlax may be tough but I know you can take him down with no problem!" The fighting type cracked all of his knuckles once again as he faced the giant Pokémon. The two locked eyes with one another, and then rushed towards each other once more. Once the two collided for the second time, they both locked into a test of power, Snorlax holding Machamp's upper arms with his gargantuan hands, while Machamp tried pushing back Snorlax with his immense strength. "Now we got him just where we want em'!" Bruno shouted.

Ash looked down to see the hands of Machamp's lower arms balling up into fists. "Uh oh."

"Decimate that Snorlax!" Machamp then began throwing a series of blindingly fast punches into Snorlax's round belly, making loud thuds each time his fists collided with the normal types. Though Snorlax's durability was quite remarkable, there was no way he could continue to take hits like this for an extended period of time.

"This isn't good." Misty's mouth was slightly agape. "Snorlax can't let go of Machamp, but he can't just sit there and let him keep punching him either." A scowl then crossed her face as she leaned against the rails. "Ash!" She shouted. "You've got to hurry up and do something! Snorlax can't take much more!"

Ash knew Misty was right, if he didn't do something, Snorlax would be out in no time. The trainer tried to think quick. He would just tell Snorlax to harden, but his skin couldn't get much thicker than it already was. Even if it could, Ash would only be stalling his imminent defeat. As Snorlax's cries of pain filled his ears, he knew that he had to get him out of there now. He looked at how close the two were to each other, particularly their heads. It looked like Snorlax and Machamp's faces were only mere inches away from each other.

I've got it!

"Snorlax," Ash shouted, Snorlax's little ears perking up upon hearing his master. "Use headbutt! Without hesitation, the giant normal type smashed his head against Machamp's skull, causing him to cease his series of punches. "Now," Ash called out another command, seeing that his opponent was dazed. "keep hold of him and use hyper beam!"

Bruno's eyes widened. "Machamp! Get out of there!" The fighting type tried to struggle out of Snorlax's powerful grip as the normal type opened up its mouth, revealing a brilliant light that began to grow brighter and brighter. Despite the powerful Pokémon's efforts to break itself free, they all proved to be in vain.

Snorlax unleashed the powerful beam, blasting the Machamp at point blank range. As the white beam of light engulfed him, Snorlax let go of the Pokémon, allowing it to fly back as the force of the beam sent it soaring across the battlefield, and hopefully out of bounds.

"Yes! He did it Pikachu!" Misty jumped up with glee, certain that there was no way that even the most powerful of Pokémon could still fight after taking a hit that powerful from that close.

"Pikachu!" The mouse seemed to be just as happy.

Even Ash couldn't help but smile as the rocky battlefield became engulfed in smoke and dust. "I think that's it Snorlax." He said to his companion. "Good job buddy."

"Snore." The giant normal type turned to his trainer and gave him a smile. "Lax."

"Use cross chop!" Bruno shouted from behind the smoke.

"What?!" Ash and Snorlax turned towards the smoky battlefield and saw a glowing white "X" behind the thick dust. Machamp leapt out from behind the smoke, his upper forearms crossed, glowing brilliantly.

"Maaaaaaa…" He soared across the air, closing in on Snorlax, Ash unable to react in time to give a command. "Champ!" The Pokémon's forearms smashed directly across Snorlax's massive body, sending him flying back upon making contact, just barely staying in bounds.

Snorlax laid flat on his back, unmoving as Machamp stood tall over him. Ash was completely dumbstruck by the fighting type's ability to first withstand being crushed by a Snorlax, and then continue fighting after taking a direct hit from a hyper beam. Though the attacks had certainly taken a toll on the four armed fighter. Cuts and bruises were splattered all across his muscular body, and he was breathing quite heavily as he let out a victorious cry.

"Looks like it's over." Bruno chuckled as the smoke began to clear, allowing Ash to see the martial arts master. "You underestimated Machamp's power, and because of that you lost the battle. Ash looked down at Snorlax, who was completely unconscious.

"Oh no…" Misty gasped as the smoke cleared. Before her she could see Snorlax lying flat on his back, while Machamp still stood tall. "How could he keep fighting after that hyper beam?"

"Pikachu." The mouse's tone was quite doleful.

The black haired trainer shook his head as he looked down at Snorlax. Bruno was right, he had underestimated Machamp's power, and because of that he got the upper hand and took down Snorlax while he was distracted by Ash's boasting.

"I can still give you the badge if you want it, Ash." Bruno said as he crossed his arms. "You've already earned it for helping me in the mines."

Ash shook his head. "No."

"Suit yourself." Bruno shrugged as he turned around, and called Machamp to follow.

"The battle's not over yet." Ash uttered.

Bruno stopped in his tracks. "What do you mean?" He turned back to the trainer, a puzzled look on his face.

"Wake up Snorlax!" Upon hearing his master's command, Snorlax's eyes shot open, and he quickly got back onto his feet, all of the fatigue he had gathered throughout the battle seemingly gone.

"What the…" Bruno and Machamp both stood there, speechless and completely bewildered by what they were seeing take place before them.

Ash looked up at the gym leader and gave a sly grin. "You're right, I did underestimate your Machamp's power." Ash took hold of the brim of his cap and turned it around. "But you underestimated my Snorlax as well!" Snorlax slammed his fist into his palm and gave a serious look towards his opponent. "While you thought you had already won, Snorlax was using rest to recover from all the damage you dealt to him."

Bruno's jaw dropped. "No way!" He felt so stupid for being so ignorant as to not actually check to see if his opponent was actually unconscious, or just resting.

Meanwhile on the bleachers, Misty and Pikachu began to jump up and down joyously upon seeing Snorlax stand back on his feet, ready to battle. "For someone so dense, he sure is good at keeping tricks up his sleeve." Misty said with a smile. "Go Ash!"

The trainer from Pallet looked over at his redheaded friend, smiling as he gave her a nod.

Bruno glared at the Snorlax and his trainer. "Machamp, finish that thing off with a focus punch." His Pokémon acknowledged the order, and drew his upper right fist back, energy beginning to flow into his hand.

"Snorlax!" Ash called out to the refreshed Pokémon. "Use giga impact!" Snorlax, completely refreshed, began charging towards the fighting type. A shield of orange streaks began surrounding him as he did so, while a purple light engulfed his body. The Pokémon dashed across the battlefield at shockingly fast speeds for a Pokémon of his weight and size, while Machamp held his position, his fist glowing brighter and brighter. Snorlax started to close in on his opponent, gathering more and more energy with each step he took.

Bruno felt a bead of sweat trickle down his cheek. "Use focus punch now!" Machamp hurled his powerful fist forward as Snorlax came within striking distance.

"Now channel the giga impact into a mega punch!" Ash shouted to his Pokémon

"What did he just say?!" Bruno was completely and utterly shocked by what Ketchum had just said. Snorlax then drew back his fist as he came within striking distance of Machamp, the streaks of orange and the glowing purple aura directing towards the gigantic Pokémon's glowing fist.

As the two fists made contact with one another, a loud "Bang" could be heard, a shockwave filling the entire gym, knocking both Bruno and Ash off of their feet. Feeling the impact of the blast, Misty held Pikachu close to her as the force pushed her down onto one of the bleacher's benches.

Ash and Bruno got back onto their feet and looked onto the battlefield to see that the two Pokémon were still fist locked with one another, neither one giving an inch. Sweat poured down their faces as their powerful punches pressed against each other, creating a brilliant light that made it hard to see who was winning the struggle. Snorlax began to snarl as he channeled all of his energy solely into overpowering his opponent. Machamp tried to match the massive Pokémon's strength, but between being fatigued and also being generally weaker than the gargantuan beast, Machamp made a worried expression as he realized he was being overpowered. His elbow began to bend just slightly, giving into Snorlax's amazing strength. The second he did, the purple fist smashed against the fighting type's skull, sending him flying backwards, slamming against the wall behind Bruno.

"I..I don't believe it." Bruno was shocked by the events that just unfolded before him. "Not once have I ever seen Machamp become over powered in a test of strength." Bruno fell to his knees, completely in disbelief. He looked over to see the redheaded girl running down from the bleachers and congratulating Ash. Bruno couldn't help but smile at the sight.

"That was a great fight Bruno." Ash praised as he recalled Snorlax. "You did great out there." The trainer whispered to his powerful Pokémon as he put him back in his Poké Ball.

Bruno stood back onto his feet, and walked over to Ash's side of the battlefield. "You've impressed me, Ash." He said as he recalled Machamp into his Poké Ball. "You should be proud of yourself." He reached into his pocket and handed the fist shaped badge to Ash. "Now, without any shadow of a doubt, you have earned the Power Badge."

Ash took the badge from his defeated opponent, nodding to show his immense amount of respect for the martial arts master. "Thank you Bruno."

"You have nothing to thank me for." Bruno smiled. "You've earned this badge."

Ash and Misty began to smile as the black haired trainer pinned the badge to the inside of his jacket, right next to the Venom Badge. "I guess its off to Gainesboro now." Ash said, looking over at his redheaded friend.

"Looks like it."

As long as we get out of this boring mining town, I'll be happy. She thought.

"Well you best start leaving now." Bruno spoke. "That's a three week trek. Two weeks if you don't take any detours."

Ash smiled. "Well I guess we should get going then Misty," He turned back to his friend. "unless you want to stay for a while?"

"No!" She barked, causing Ash and Bruno jump back from her exclamation. Seeing the shock she brought upon the two, she took a moment to regain her composure. "I mean…" Her voice became much gentler and sweet.. "I'd love to go to Gainesboro. I hear there's some really cool stuff there. So we should probably leave as soon as we can." Ash and Bruno were still a bit taken back by her initial response.

"Uh.. Okay Mist, whatever you say." Ash stuttered.

The two then said their goodbyes to Bruno, and made their way out of the gym. Since the two had entered the gym, nightfall had overtaken Chester Town, allowing the warm summer night breeze to blow against their skin.

"You did great, Ash." Misty looked over at her black haired friend, giving him a smile.

"You really thought so?"

"Of course! Snorlax did amazing out there!"

Ash snickered. "Ya know, back in the old days you'd tell me what I could've done better, and that if it wasn't for luck, I would've lost."

Misty rolled her eyes. "Well that was when you were a stupid little kid."

"Oh gee, thanks." He replied sarcastically.

"Don't get too happy." She said. "Just because you're a better trainer than you were four years ago, doesn't mean your not a moron."

Ash made a half smile at her joke. "Well just because you're prettier than you were four years ago doesn't mean you don't have a bad attitude."

Misty blushed. "Aw, you think I'm pretty Ash?" She asked playfully.

"Don't flatter yourself." He then felt a smack on the back of his head. "Hey!" He cried out.

"Don't even start Ash," She said plainly. "I'll do it again if I have to."

"But I was just saying that…" There was another smack. "Okay, I'll stop now."

"Yeah, that might be a good idea." She giggled under her breath as the two trainers left the mining city of Chester Town.

Well, I've got some bad news for all of you guys. Tomorrow may be my last daily update for quite some time. I have Chapters 1-16 done, buuuuut the latter of the 6 still need to go through their first round of revision, plus I'm also working on new chapters. That, and also Sunday is me and my girlfriend's 2 year anniversary so I probably will not be getting anything done on Sunday.

So, with that said, I'm going to let you guys decide. would you great readers out there rather me release these chapters as they are completed (somewhere between ever 2-3 days), or would you rather for me to take a week off from updating so I can focus on writing new chapters, and then release another ten or so chapters within the span of 3-5 days?

Inbox me, tell me in the reviews, whichever you'd prefer.

So tomorrow I'll be posting my last daily chapter, and I'll have a word for you on how I will approach future updates.

Goodnight everybody!