I don't own Pokémon or the characters.
Hey guys! Did you like the last chapter? Yes, I know it was shorter than the last one, but I just wanted to get an update out for you guys.
Enjoy this chapter guys!
Remember to review!
"So are you guys ready for Ash's battle tomorrow?" Dawn asked her friends.
The gang decided to go back to the girls' room after they had dinner. It was a very pleasant time spent with friends. They talked about Paul's battle and the possible Pokémon the next Elite Four member might use. The group decided to leave when Tracey began to frustrate Paul because they didn't want to pay for any broken plates that Paul would've thrown at the sketch artist.
"Yeah, I wonder what Pokémon he's going to use," May thought out loud.
"I bet he is going to use Charizard tomorrow!" Max replied.
"Actually, Max, I don't think so," Brock told the young trainer. "Ash has been using different Pokémon every time he battles. It's like he's giving every one of his Pokémon a chance to battle."
"I noticed that, too," Gary added.
"Ash isn't stupid," Paul said getting everyone's attention. "He knows that if he uses the same Pokémon over and over, his opponent will know what to expect. It's a very smart tactic which makes him a very tough challenger to face."
"So Ash might not use Charizard?" Max said with a sad face.
"Sorry buddy, but I highly doubt it," Paul replied.
"Speaking of Charizard," May interrupted. "Did you guys remember what it did?"
"What are you talking about May?" Misty asked.
"You guys don't remember?"
"May, why don't you refresh our memories," Brock said. "It will make it easier to explain what you are talking about."
"Do you guys remember when we were attacked by Team Flare?" May asked.
Everyone nodded. They recalled the horrible event the evil organization did during the little festival in the plaza after Ash's battle.
"Remember that triple move they used on us?" the Hoenn Princess asked.
"Are you talking about that Ice Hyper Beam?" Brock asked. "It was the Ice Beam that fused with the two Hyper Beams."
"I think I know what you're talking about, May," Paul interjected. "It was when Ash saved us from the attack. I had never seen anything like that before. I've seen moves used as a combination, but never have I seen moves fused in that way."
"Yes," May answered them. "But did you see how powerful Charizard was? He overcame the attack with just one Flamethrower; Charizard overpowered three powerful moves and was still able to continue its attack."
"I remember that," Dawn said thoughtfully.
"My whole point is: how powerful do you guys think has Ash become?" May finally stated.
Everyone was lost in thought. They really didn't know how strong Ash has become. However, they all knew he was not the same trainer that made rash decisions in battles. It kind of scared everyone to think if Ash were to ever go dark—even though they knew it would never happen because it was Ash they were talking about—how great a threat he would be.
"Do you guys remember when Pikachu beat Drayden's Dragonite with one attack?" Brock also recalled.
"It's like Ash trained every one of his Pokémon to become powerful," Gary said.
"Did he really just say that?" Paul thought to himself. "I'm surrounded by idiots," He sighed before he answered. "Of course Ash trained his Pokémon to become powerful. I'm pretty sure that is the goal of training."
"Yeah what Paul said!" Tracey said backing up his friend.
"I can't wait to get away from him," Paul thought as he looked at Tracey.
"Well, I think it's time we go to sleep," May told her friends. "It's already late, and I want to be at the stadium early just in case Ash decides to show up earlier than he is expected to.
"You're right, May," Brock replied.
With that the guys got up and went to their rooms. The girls each took turns going in the bathroom to change into their sleep ware and brush their teeth. After everyone was ready, they all quickly fell asleep with the exception of May.
She lied on her back in her bed and stared the ceiling. Quickly realizing she was not going to fall asleep at the moment, the brunette reached into her bag and took out a pair of earphones. She connected it to her Pokétch to listen to some music hoping it would help her sleep. However, May found herself in deep thought rather than sleeping. She started to think about all her adventures with Ash when they travelled through Hoenn and Kanto.
"Why didn't I just tell him how I felt then," May thought. She sighed and took off her ear pieces. She knew it was going to be a long day tomorrow, so she closed her eyes hoping to get some sleep in before tomorrow's events.
(The Next Morning)
"I can't wait to face Steven!" Ash said grinning. "I heard that after beating Wallace for his title back, he trained his Pokémon to be even stronger—especially his Metagross!"
Serena smiled at Ash's excitement. "What Pokémon are you going to use today?" She asked.
"I don't know, yet," He replied. "Steven is a strong trainer, so I'll have to be smart about the Pokémon I choose. This is going to be so fun!"
"I thought you were excited for the new challenger…?" Bonnie asked the Champion.
"Yeah but this is Steven we're talking about," Ash said. "He is said to be more powerful than both Cynthia and Drayden put together. That did, however, was said by the Hoenn civilians."
"Anyways, Ash, we should get going to the stadium," Clemont said.
Ash nodded.
"Let's go, buddy," He told Pikachu who had been on his shoulder the entire time.
"Pika!"
With that the little group walked out of the Champion's suite and made their way towards the stadium. As soon as they got there, Ash went to retrieve the Pokémon he was going to use for the battle.
(With May and the Group)
"May, is it really necessary to wake us up an extra two hours early?" Dawn whined. "We would get on time. It's not like Ash's battle stadium is on the other side of town—it's only a few blocks from the hotel!"
May had already woken up everybody hoping to get to the stadium early. She wanted to get good seats of the battle, or the chance to see Ash before the match even started. May would prefer the latter but as long as she got to Ash she would not complain.
"I figured if we wake up early and get there as soon as possible, we could maybe find Ash!" May defended herself.
"You know I'm usually not one to agree with people, but May has a point," Paul said tiredly. "If we meet up with Ash right now, I won't have to deal with the remaining elites. They are getting stronger, you know. I'm not just using all my Pokémon to make it interesting—I'm barely winning by luck."
"Well, at least you guys didn't have to wake up Misty!" Dawn exclaimed ignoring Paul's remarks.
"There's no point in arguing now, right?" May stated. She turned to the rest of the group. "Hey guys, do you guys want to get something quick to eat before the match?"
The group nodded and made their way to the food court at the stadium. The group ate their food as they searched for their seats.
"I think the match is going to start in a bit," Gary stated as he sat next to Misty.
Everyone was finding their seats until…
"Why are you sitting next to me?!" Paul said frustrated.
"Paul, calm down," Brock tried to calm the Pyramid King. "I'm sure Tracey has to a good reason for sitting next to you."
They all sat down. Brock sat next to Max just in case he needed to explain something to him. May sat next to Dawn who was sitting next to Paul holding his arm.
"Hey Paul," Tracey said getting the trainer's attention. "Why is Dawn holding your arm? Is she okay?"
"Tracey, she is my girlfriend." Paul replied.
"When did you and Dawn get together?!" Tracey asked. "I thought you two were just close friends like us."
"When did I say he and I were close friends?" Paul thought. "When did I say we were friends!?"
(On the Battlefield)
"Ladies and Gentlemen!" the announcer said. "Are you ready for this exciting match up?!"
A huge roar erupted from the crowd. They were excited to see the match but even more excited to see the Kalos Champion. The people love Ash and love anything that has to do with him. They felt very fortunate to have Ash as their champion and leader of the Kalos Region.
"In the red corner, we have Steven Stone from Hoenn!" the announcer yelled. The crowd screamed as the champion walked to his corner and waved his hand to them. "And from the green corner, we have our Champion of Kalos, Ash Ketchum!"
The crowd exploded in cheers when they heard Ash's name. He slowly started to walk out onto the battlefield with Pikachu on his shoulders. They both waved to the crowd which caused the audience to cheer even more louder.
"I won't ever get used to this, Pikachu," Ash said as he smiled to his partner.
"Pika pika chu Pikapi" Pikachu replied.
"You're right, buddy," Ash said. "Maybe after this we should take a break until the person who's challenging the Elite Four wins or loses. Right now, though, let's focus on beating Steven!"
Ash shook his head to clear his mind. He knew he needed to focus on his battle, or he would make mistakes that could cost him the match.
"You ready, Ash?" Steven yelled across the field.
"Of course," Ash replied.
"Champions, send out your first Pokémon!" the referee announced.
"Armaldo, await my command!" Steven said as he threw a Poké ball in the air.
"Armaldo!" the bug and rock Pokémon roared.
Armaldo looked straight at Ash waiting to see who he was going to send out. He knew whoever Ash would send out would be a strong opponent.
"Pikachu, you ready to battle?" Ash asked his loyal Pokémon.
"Pika!" the yellow rodent nodded as it jumped off Ash's shoulder and ran onto the field. Pikachu's cheeks were giving out small statics of electricity. He didn't like missing the battle with Cynthia, so he was eager to make up for lost time.
"Are the champions ready?" Steven and Ash nodded. "Then let the battle begin!"
"Rock Blast!" Steven ordered.
Armaldo put his claws to the center of his stomach and started to form large rocks.
"Armal!" Armaldo tossed the large rocks towards Pikachu.
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack to dodge!" Ash countered.
Before the large rocks reached him, Pikachu quickly dashed away around the battlefield. Armaldo repeatedly threw rocks towards the mouse, but Pikachu just disappeared—continuingly dodging the Rock Blast.
"Now, get close to Armaldo!" Ash commanded.
Pikachu quickly charged forward towards the fossil Pokémon. As he got close, Steven made another command.
"Quick, when Pikachu gets close, use X-Scissor!" Steven countered.
When Pikachu reached the bug and rock Pokémon, Armaldo raised his glowing white-claws and slashed at Pikachu making an "X" symbol. The attack collided with the yellow mouse sending it flying.
"Pika" Pikachu cried in agony. The electric mouse stopped himself from crashing by planting his tail to the ground; Pikachu then smiled. It had been a while since someone got a lucky shot on him. He, as well as Ash, made a mental note not to make the same mistake again.
"Been awhile since someone actually got Pikachu with a direct hit," Ash said. "Actually, it's the first time he's taken a surprise attack like that since we became champions."
"Ash, I figured out your strategy with Pikachu," Steven explained. "If Pikachu attacks from close, his attacks are much more effective. I just need to keep you guys away from us."
"It's not true, but I'll just let him believe that," Ash thought. "Pikachu, use Electro Ball!"
"Pika!" the yellow rodent said as it fired an electric ball with great speed towards Armaldo.
"Intercept it with Rock Blast."
"Quick, Pikachu, get close and use Iron Tail."
As Armaldo threw large rocks towards the Electro Ball, Pikachu charged at the bug. The electric mouse's tail turned into metallic metal that shined brightly because of the Sun. When he was close enough, Pikachu jumped in the air and whipped the Iron Tail towards Armaldo's head.
"Use X-Scissor!" Steven tried to counter.
"Armal!" The fossil Pokémon roared as he slashed at the little rodent's tail.
Armaldo's claw and Pikachu's tail clashed trying to push each other back. Pikachu, however, used a little bit more of his power to break through the bug and rock type's attack and bashed the Claw Pokémon on the head with the Iron Tail.
"Mal!" Armaldo cried in agony as it went down on one knee. Pikachu returned back to Ash's side.
"He is out," Ash commented.
To his surprise, the claw Pokémon got up. However, it still looked dazed from the attack.
"Wow, Steven," Ash said in surprise. "That was a direct by Pikachu. I thought it would have been out for sure."
"Well, Ash, I have trained my Pokémon well," Steven said as he smiled at his Pokémon. "I made sure to raise their defense the most."
"We'll see if it can take another attack," Ash was fired up. "Pikachu, use Thunderbolt."
"Pika Chuuuu!" Pikachu said as he sent a massive thunder attack towards Armaldo who did not appear to be entirely focused, yet.
"Use Endure!"
"Really?!" Ash thought out loud as he saw the thunder attack make contact with Armaldo.
The Thunderbolt entirely engulfed the fossil Pokémon. As the attack settled down, everyone could see how badly damaged Armaldo was. It was even admitting smoke from its body.
"Arma-ldo," Armaldo said painting from the attack it just took.
"Quick, use Earthquake!" Steven said.
Armaldo jumped with whatever energy it had left and stomped on the ground causing the stadium to shake tremendously.
"Pika," Pikachu said as he tried to keep his balance.
"Use Electro Ball!" Ash retorted.
Pikachu charged up an electric ball and threw it with great force to the bug and rock Pokémon.
"Arma!" Armaldo eyes widened as he saw the attack approaching. Before the attack landed, Armaldo smiled as it knew its opponent found the opening it needed to win the match.
The attack landed a direct hit causing the field to be surrounded in a dust cloud. As the dust cloud disappeared, Armaldo was on the ground with swirls in its eyes.
"Armaldo is unable to battle; the winner is Pikachu!" the referee announced.
The crowd went wild as they saw their champion win the first round. They started to chant Pikachu's name throughout the stadium. There was no doubt that Pikachu had become one of the people's favorite Pokémon to watch in battle. Why not? It was cute and strong.
"Return, Armaldo," Steven recalled his Pokémon. "Go, Cradily!"
The Hoenn Champion sent out the Barnacle Pokémon.
"Do you still want to battle Pikachu?" Ash asked.
"Pika-Pika-Pikapi?" Pikachu said as he made movements with his hand.
"No, I won't give you six bottles of ketchup if you keep winning," Ash replied rubbing his head.
"Pika!" Pikachu protested.
"Fine, if you win this next match, I'll give you one bottle—that's it!" Ash negotiated.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu squealed happily. He then got into his battle stance.
"Cradily, use Stone Edge!" Steven ordered.
The fossil Pokémon made a fierce look before surrounded itself with small stones. It then shot them towards the little rodent Pokémon who just smiled as the attack came close.
"Use Thunderbolt," Ash stated calmly.
"Pikachuuuuuu!" Pikachu exclaimed as he sent the Thunderbolt towards Cradily.
The stones were easily destroyed by the electricity being admitted by the little mouse. Steven looked surprised; he had never seen an electric move used defensively against a rock move.
"Cradily, now use Seed Bomb!"
"Dily!" Cradily said as it fired a giant seed towards the thunder type.
"Pikachu, slap it away with your tail."
"Pika!" Pikachu said as it slapped the grass move to another direction. Steven made a quick command while Pikachu was busy with the attack.
"Quickly, use Ingrain while Pikachu is distracted!" Steven grinned at that move.
Cradily planted his tentacles into the field as roots started to form in the ground. The roots then attached to the fossil Pokémon as it started to glow green.
"Use Iron Tail, Pikachu!" Ash was taking advantage of the situation.
Pikachu charged forward with his Iron Tail towards the Barnacle Pokémon. He jumped when he was close enough and slammed his tail onto Cradily's head making it cry out in pain.
"Pika!" Pikachu said as he jumped back towards Ash.
"If Cradily didn't get its health back from the Ingrain, it would have been out for sure," Ash stated out loud.
"My mistake to leave you open like that, Cradily," Steven apologized. "I don't make the same mistake twice, though—use Earthquake!"
Cradily slammed its tentacles to the ground and started to make the ground shake. Ash and Pikachu, however, predicted the attack was going to used.
"Jump and use a full power Volt Tackle!" Ash ordered.
"Pikapikapikapikapika," Pikachu started chanting as it charged to Cradily. He was easily dodging the ground that would surprisingly popping up from the floor because of the Earthquake.
Boom! It was the only sound that the audience heard when Pikachu's attack collided with Cradily's midsection. The attack caused an explosion on the field. As the smoke cleared, everyone could see Cradily on the ground with swirls in its eyes, and Pikachu was just standing on the field without appearing to be tired.
"Cradily is unable to battle, the winner is Pikachu!" the referee announced.
The crowd went wild once more for Pikachu's victory. They knew the Kalos Champion had greatly increased his chances of winning this match.
(With May and the Group)
"I can't believe he beat two of Steven's Pokémon with just Pikachu!" Max announced.
"Pikachu sure is powerful…" Gary added.
"Makes me even more happy that I don't have to battle Pikachu at all." Misty said nervously.
"Wow, Paul," Tracey said. "If you have to battle Ash and he uses Pikachu, there is no way you will win."
"I hate you," Paul stated without looking at the Pokémon watcher. "I hate you with a passion."
Dawn let go of Paul's arm to allow him to cross his arms in frustration. She then turned to May who was watching the battle in awe. The blued-haired smiled before speaking.
"So how does it feel to be in love with the most powerful trainer in the world?" Dawn teasingly stated to the brunette.
May blushed a deep shade of red. "Dawn! Do you have to say stuff like that in public?"
"Yes, yes I do," Dawn said. "It makes me laugh to see you so flustered over Ash."
The Hoenn Princess sighed. She knew Dawn was going to tease her all day about this. May then tried to change the subject back to Pikachu.
"What do you think about Pikachu?" May asked. She hoped it would change the subject.
Dawn stop her teasing and looked at the brunette.
"I don't know, May," Dawn said as she looked back at the field to see the trainer bending over to scratch the little mouse's head. "I told you Ash is powerful."
May smiled. "He's going to be a great dad someday," May blushed at thought she just had. Was she just thinking of Ash having kids, or having kids with Ash?
"Why are you so red, May?" Brock asked. "Are you feeling okay?
"Oh nothing," May quickly replied. "I'm fine; there's nothing to be worried about, Brock."
"Guys they are about to send out their next Pokémon." Dawn said as she grabbed Paul's arm again who stopped fighting with Tracey.
(On the Field)
"Cradily, return," Steven said as he recalled his Pokémon. "Go, Aggron!"
"RAAA!" Aggron roared as it emerged from its ball.
"Pikachu, you did a great job!" The Kalos Champion told Pikachu whom next to him.
"Pika!"
"Aggron, huh?" Ash stated as he pulled out a Poké ball. "Go, Staraptor!"
"Star!" the Predator Pokémon exclaimed as it stared at Aggron fiercely.
(May and the Group)
"Why is Ash using Staraptor?" Max asked confusingly about the choice the Ash made.
"Max, don't you look up to Ash?" Paul asked.
"Of course I do!" Max replied. "He's like a brother to me!"
May blushed nervously trying to ignore the statement her little brother just made.
"What is Paul is trying to say is Ash has always been like that," Brock told the young trainer. "Ash always likes using Pokémon that have a disadvantage to show they can overcome it. I guess that is one thing we know that hasn't change from him."
"You're right, huh?" Max replied.
"Of course I am," Paul stated.
"Of course Paul is," Tracey added to the frontier brain.
"Don't repeat what I say," Paul said.
Tracey nodded. "I won't repeat what you say," He said.
Paul turned and stared with a blank expression at the sketch artist whom was smiling at him.
(On the Field)
"Aggron, use Avalanche!" Steven ordered.
"Ag!" Aggron roared as he summoned ice-covered boulders above its head. The steel type then sent them towards Staraptor who just flying in place.
"Dodge it," Ash countered.
"Raptor!" Staraptor exclaimed as it disappeared causing the attack to miss its target.
"What!" Steven yelled. "Where is Staraptor?"
"Aerial Ace!"
"From where?!" Steven gasped. He saw Staraptor appear behind Aggron and slammed its beak into his Pokémon's back.
"Ron!" the Iron Armor Pokémon cried in pain.
"Don't give up, Aggron; use Autotomize and go for a Head Smash!" Steven said.
Aggron started to glow sliver; it roared while feeling the Autotomize move come into effect. The steel type looked at Staraptor briefly before quickly changing from glowing sliver to blue. With its new speed, Aggron dashed to hit Staraptor with Head Smash.
"Staraptor, use Brave Bird!" Ash countered.
"Star!" Staraptor exclaimed as the bird flew in the air. When it was high enough, the Predator Pokémon engulfed itself in a flame before glowing blow and charging towards Aggron.
Both Pokémon collided and caused an explosion on the field. When the smoke cleared, Steven began to speak.
"That should take care of Staraptor."
He saw Aggron roar as the fierce-looking bird was on the ground. Aggron then walked back to its trainer's side. Steven was about to speak until Ash interrupted him.
"Steven," Ash said getting the Champion's attention. "You should not underestimate my Pokémon just because you landed a good hit. It doesn't mean the battle is over—you're getting overconfident."
"What do you mean, Ash?" Steven smirked. "I have beaten your Staraptor, and I will not lose another Pokémon in this battle."
To the Hoenn Champion's surprise, Staraptor arose from the ground with an angry expression on its face. Steven looked at the bird carefully; it didn't appear to have taken too much damage.
"I would have to guess, Steven," Ash explained. "That Staraptor was just testing Aggron's strength. It has a habit of doing that to its opponents for some reason. And no, I have nothing to do with it. I think it is a pride thing, but I'm not sure."
"Pika…" Pikachu nodded knowingly.
The Hoenn Champion clenched his teeth. "Okay then, end it with Giga Impact!"
"Wait for it to get close," Ash stated calmly
"What is he doing?" Steven thought. "I can't seem to figure out his battle strategy. It doesn't matter because once the attack lands I will win."
When Aggron was two feet away from its opponent, Ash ordered an attack.
"Full power Close Combat!"
Saraptor threw his wing to the Iron Armor Pokémon's face before sending a kick to the midsection. The bird increased the speed of its attacks as it repeatedly threw kicks and punches to Aggron.
"Agg!" Aggron cried out in agony.
After a final blow to the face, the steel Pokémon fell on its back with swirls in its eyes.
"Aggron is unable to battle; the winner is Staraptor," The referee announced.
The crowd cheered for another victory for their champion. They were quiet when Staraptor had collapsed on the ground, but they cheered when Ash's Pokémon stood up causing their doubts to disappear.
(With May and the Group)
"Amazing…"
"I know, Max," May told her brother. "Ash keeps surprising me, too…"
"This match isn't going to last much longer," Paul interjected. "Ash has the momentum on his side, and his battle strategies are far more complex and effective than anything Steven has come up with so far. Not to mention Ash hasn't lost a single Pokémon, yet."
Everyone just stared at Paul. They knew he had a point.
"So how do you plan on beating Ash if you make it to that point?" Dawn asked her boyfriend.
Paul grinned. "I have a team that I'm saving specifically to face Ash." The Pyramid King told the group. "I'm sure I will have a good chance of beating him. Champion or not, Ash is still a trainer with weaknesses, and I've already figured out a few flaws in his tactics."
"Would you care to tell us some?" Gary asked curiously.
"No," Paul said.
(Back on the Field)
"Excadrill, battle for me!" Steven said as he tossed his Poké ball in the air.
"Drill…" the drill Pokémon said as it appeared.
"Return, Staraptor," Ash brought the Predator Pokémon back. "Seismitoad, I choose you!"
A big, blue toad appeared in front of the crowd. It didn't look intimidating, it just stood there with no emotion.
"Um…okay," Steven hesitated. "Let's just try and end this fast Excadrill—use Drill Run!"
"Excadrill!" the ground and steel type said as it put its claws together and spun rapidly taking the form of a drill which headed towards the water and ground type.
The Drill Pokémon landed its attack on the water and ground type's stomach which caused an explosion. Excadrill appeared out of the smoke cloud and jumped back towards Steven.
"Don't let it recover—use Giga Impact!" Steven ordered.
The Drill Pokémon charged forward through the smoke and landed another direct attack on its target. The Giga Impact caused another explosion, and Excadrill, again, jumped back to Steven whom was now smiling.
"That should be it," Steven stated. He looks towards Ash and was surprised by the Kalos Champion's expression—he was smiling.
"Like I said, Steven," Ash finally spoke up. "You shouldn't get overconfident."
As Ash said those words, the Vibration Pokémon appeared out to dust with no emotion on its face like when it had first arrived on the field. All of a sudden, it took a deep breath and got into a battle stance.
"Seismitoad, Hydro Pump!"
The water and ground type released a powerful jet stream of water towards its opponent. Steven was shocked but was able to react.
"Dodge, and use Drill Run!"
The Drill Pokémon jumped out the way of the water attack and leaped towards Seismitoad with a Drill Run.
"Full power Drain Punch!" Ash countered.
Steven was about to stop his Pokémon, but it was too late. When Excadrill was a few inches away, Seismitoad quickly swung its arm back and forcefully thrusted it onto Excadrill's face. The frog then started to glow green as it drained all the energy of its opponent. After the attack concluded, Seismitoad removed its arm from Excadrill's face which caused the Drill Pokémon to fall forward with swirls in its eyes.
"What!" Steven exclaimed. "How could my Excadrill go down in one shot?!"
"Seismitoad landed a direct hit," Ash then continued. "Your Excarill was also probably tired from the strong attacks it had to do, too."
"Excadrill is unable to battle; the winner is Seismitoad!" the referee announced.
The crowd cheered.
(With May and the Group)
"I love you, Ash!" a random fan girl yelled behind the group.
Another girl screamed the same thing as well as many other fan girls.
May started to feel jealous. "Hey!" She fiercely said with the hint of anger. "Be quiet! You're distracting him!"
"May, calm down," Dawn told her friend. "They are just random girls that will never meet Ash."
"Lucky Ash," Brock said with his head down. "He can get any girl he wants while I have none!"
Smack! Was all everyone could hear when May's hand hit Brock behind the head. As Brock rubbed his head, Max spoke up.
"Hey guys, the match is about to start."
(On the Field)
"You ready, Steven?" Ash asked.
"Of course," Steven smirked as he gripped a Poké ball in his hand.
Boom!
Ash turned his head to the direction where he heard the sound. "What was that?" He said.
"It sounded like an explosion," Steven stated.
"Master Ash!"
Ash and Steven turned and saw Ed running on the field. He was breathing heavily when he approached them like if he had running for a while. He quickly regained his composure before speaking to the Champions.
"Master Ash and Master Steven, Team Flare is attacking the Steven Co. just outside of Kalos!" He said. "I saw them arrive and came running here to the stadium to tell you."
"What!?" Steven exclaimed. "Ash, you must help me run them off."
Ash nodded as he sent out Staraptor and Steven sent out his Archeops to fly to Steven Co.
(With May and the Group)
"There has been an emergency in town that requires Champion Ash's attention," The referee announced. "For that matter, the rest of the match will be postponed, and we are advising you all to go home."
Everyone, but the group, got up and calmly started exiting the stadium to head to their homes. They were disappointed that the match had to be postponed, but they understood that Ash has a responsibility as Champion of Kalos to protect the town from criminals.
The group turned and looked at each other.
"We need to follow them!" Dawn said.
"I know, Dawn…" May stated worriedly.
"Well then, let's go!" Max exclaimed.
With that the group started to run in the direction where Ash and Steven flew off to. As they were running, they saw more members of team flare and the three woman who attacked them in the plaza go the opposite direction to where they were going.
"Stop!" Paul announced. The group stopped and stared at Paul confusingly.
"What is it, Paul?" Gary asked. "We need to help Ash."
"I know that," Paul said. "But why are these Team Flare members going in the opposite direction of where Ash and Steven are going? It would only make sense that they would head to Steven Co. as well.
"So what are you saying, Paul?" May asked.
"I'm saying maybe we should follow those idiots while Ash and Steven handle whatever is going on over there." Paul said as he pointed to the direction of the Champions.
"But what about Ash?" May asked worriedly. She really wanted to make sure Ash was okay, and the only way she would know is if she was there in person to see him well.
"He'll be fine, May," Dawn said as she stood next to her boyfriend. "He is the Champion you know."
May knew her friends were right. She nodded as they went to the direction of the other Team Flare grunts. The group saw them enter what looked like a museum and decided to just confront Team Flare.
"What are you guys doing!?" Dawn yelled when she opened the door to the museum.
Bryony, Celosia, and Maple turned around looking annoyed that they had been followed.
"You," Bryony said as she pointed to one of the Team Flare grunts. "You finish collecting the data, and we will handle these kids."
"Yes, ma'am!" the grunt replied.
All three women turned around with a Poké ball in their hands. Maple spoke up first.
"You kids again, huh?"
"We're not kids!" Tracey yelled. "That's Misty, Gary, Max, May, Dawn, Brock, and Paul!"
Paul shook his head in frustration. The sketch artist didn't realize he just gave his friend's names to the evil organization. The three admins just laughed at the sketch artist.
"Your friend is an idiot," Celosia said as she pointed at Tracey. "He doesn't realize that now we can do our research on all of you and find out all your personal information."
The group looked at Tracey with frustration in their eyes except for Paul who was staring at Celosia.
"Yes, he is an idiot," Paul gritted his teeth. "But he's my idiot, and no one can call him that but me! Magmortar stand by for battle!"
The group just looked at the pyramid king. They wondered why would Paul defend Tracey if the artist causes him so much stress. Dawn was the only one who smiled at her boyfriend's act. She knew Paul better than anyone in the group; she knew deep down Paul cared for Tracey even if Tracey causes him so much grief.
"Aww, you do care," Tracey said.
"Don't push it!" Paul replied. "I'm going to regret ever defending him, aren't I?"
"If it's a battle you want," Bryony said as she tossed her Poké ball. "Then a battle you will get—Liepard, wait to attack."
The Cruel and Blast Pokémon just stared at each other. Celosia then sent out her Weavile, and Maple sent out her Drapion.
May and Dawn decided to battle Celosia while Brock and Max decided to take on Maple. Paul made a gesture to leave him alone to battle Bryony.
"Misty, Gary, you guys should go get officer Jenny over here," Tracey said. "I'll stay and make sure to back up Paul."
"What about the others?" Gary asked.
"Oh, they'll be fine," Tracey said. "But I can help back them up too if they need it."
Both Misty and Gary ran out the museum to go get the officer.
(With Paul)
"Magmortar, use Flamethrower!" Paul commanded.
"Lieperd, use Shadow Ball," Bryony countered. "Then use Shadow Claw!"
Both Magmortar and Liepard fired their attacks towards each other. Once the moves collided with each other, Liepard took advantage and charged at Magmortar with its claw glowing purple. It slashed the Blast Pokémon making it cringe.
"Magmortar, get up and use Thunderbolt!" Paul quickly made a command.
Magmortar quickly set up his cannon arms and fired a massive electrical attack to the Cruel Pokémon.
"Raa!" Liepard cried in agony as the Thunderbolt shocked its body.
Before Bryony made a command a Team Flare grunt appeared.
"We have gotten all the information we needed," the grunt said. "Shall we make our getaway?"
Bryony looked to her right and saw that Celosia wasn't handling May's Delcatty and Dawn's Mamoswine very well. She then looked to the left and saw Maple was also struggling with Brock's Crobat and Max's Gallade.
"Okay, but first," Bryony smirked. "Liepard use Night Slash!"
Liepard swiftly charged forward to complete the attack.
Paul smirked because he had a plan for the cat if it decided to do another close range attack. However, Paul's eyes widened when he saw Liepard go around Magmortar and head straight for him. He closed his eyes as he felt a sharp claw slash his arm.
"Ahhh!" He yelled.
Dawn turned her head when she heard the yell because she knew who it was. "Noooo!" Her eyes were forming tears as she ran towards her boyfriend.
"Marill, use Hydro Pump!"
The blue mouse fired the massive water attack to Liepard. It collided directly with the purple cat sending it crashing against a wall.
"Grrr, Celosia, Maple, let's retreat!" Bryony yelled. "We got what came for anyway."
The three women recalled their Pokémon and quickly left the museum.
Tracey returned Marill and ran to where Brock was checking Paul's shoulder. Everyone had already gathered around the two when Team Flare had exited. May had calmed Dawn down and told her that Brock would take care of him.
"We need to get him the hospital," Brock said sternly. "The wound is pretty deep, so we need to move quickly."
Gary and Misty had arrived with Officer Jenny when the group was about to exit the building. Max and Brock decided to stay behind and explain to Jenny what happened in the museum while the others took Paul to the hospital. They hoped Paul's injury wasn't as bad as Brock made it out to be. But the group would know until they reached hospital.
Well guys, that will do it for me this time. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. I know this one came earlier than the last one but I will write when I have time. Anyway guys, I have some awesome news to tell you! I am starting a new story! It is an advanceshipping story that doesn't have the usual plot of having Ash disappearing and coming back strong; it's similar but different. First chapter should be up hopefully by tomorrow. And don't worry, I will work on this story as well, but I have this idea I want to get out of my head.
Well guys, I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and I will try to have the next chapter up as quickly as I can.
Anyway see you guys on the next chapter!
Don't forget to review because I really want to know what you guys think.