No more pokemon this chapter. Just some drama. Hope you enjoy.

Ash was joined by Pikachu, Eevee, and Gible as he flew on Pidgeot. Pidgeot had grown a good deal and was able to take the extra weight effortless. Now they were just watching the scenery go by. From Pallet Town to Goldenrod was a good moth long walk. By ship you could go in two day, but by flying, it was only close to eight hours. In case Pidgeot got tired, Ash also managed to bring Fearow.

Ash frowned at what Professor Oak had told him.

"Of course I can arrange for you to carry eight. You will be able to have twenty on you by a week's time," Professor Oak claimed as if it was nothing.

Ash literally thought he was joking and asked, "How would I be able to carry that many pokemon? Why even have the six pokemon rule?"

Professor Oak gave him a curious look before stating, "You really didn't think Gary handled all those pokemon of his six at a time, did you?"

Ah frowned and thought. He remembered at the Silver Conference when he had checked up on Gary's pokemon profile. Gary had over fifty that were trained perfectly. Fifty that he could send into battle. Brock had just said he must have transferred often and kept them working at Professor Oak's. Ash really didn't think about it at the time, but now he realized that it would be too difficult.

He turned to Professor Oak and said, "I never really thought about it, but I guess not. No way could he have trained all his pokemon six at a time."

Professor Oak nodded and explained, "See, through most of Kanto Gary was going with six. However at the end, he started to have too many pokemon. He started carrying more. Naturally he had to choose six for when going to a gym battle, but he traveled with more. He usually carried anywhere from eight to a dozen through Johto."

Ash sighed and asked, "So how do the rules work?"

Professor Oak quickly continued, "See the six pokemon rule is, a test. Not many people can train more than six pokemon at a time. They usually struggle with that number. A trainer only has to ask. A trainer will never ask for more, if he has trouble with six, but if he can handle more, why not allow it. Ten is the limit before you need to actually make an appeal at the regional pokemon league headquarters. Then you can carry a max of twenty. Gary did that in the month leading up to the Silver Conference. They set that limit because they thought feeding such a large number of pokemon would be impossible. If someone has a permanent location, like a battle frontier or gym, they can have all their pokemon be transferred there."

Ash held up a hand angrily and asked, "You mean I could have asked to carry more pokemon at any time?"

Professor Oak shook his head and answered, "No. The supervising professor must also approve the decision. If I had said no, you wouldn't have been able."

Ash now asked, "And would you have said no?"

Professor Oak grinned before shrugging and stating, "Not till after the Silver Conference. Before that and I would have thought you would be overwhelmed."

Ash gave him a hard glare before letting out a small smile and admitting, "I probably would have. So, in a week's time, I can carry twenty."

"Professor Oak nodded and stated, "I wouldn't recommend it unless you are close to a town, but yes. You could carry seven."

Ash sipped his tea and said grudgingly, "This would have come in handy during the Battle Frontier."

Ash watched another clearing go by. He looked at all the pokemon there, but none that he wanted. He took the time to look at Fearow's poke ball. Fearow and Pidgeot were the only flying types he had that could carry them for long periods of time. Swellow was far too small, Noctowl was small for its species, and Staraptor was still growing. Charizard was out of the picture too.

Fearow was a tough nut to crack. While it accepted it had been caught, and followed his orders, it didn't like it. The first day had been pretty annoying as it fought with Pidgeot, but Ash had one thing going. Fearow respected only power, and his pokemon were definitely powerful. Fearow seemed determined to become stronger, so it wasn't causing too much trouble. He actually seemed to enjoy it when it came down to it. Currently he was trying to learn Sky Attack, which Pidgeot had shown to his other flying types. All except Staraptor could learn it. Fearow was even contributing by showing Hyper Beam. Fearow may not enjoy Ash the greatest, but Ash had a feeling it would come around. That didn't stop him from hoping that Pidgeot could go the entire distance.

Ash called to Pidgeot, "See any potential pokemon?" Pidgeot shook its head and Ash gave a sigh. He had hoped Pidgeot's great vision would allow it to spot a pokemon he could capture, but still nothing had shown up. Looks like he'd have to go to Goldenrod first.

After another hour, Goldenrod finally came into view. The large town was punctuated with a large radio tower. Ash quickly ordered Pidgeot, "Find the pokemon center, and land there." Pidgeot squawked in confirmation and started to circle as it searched for the pokemon center. After ten seconds, Pidgeot started flying. After another minute or so, Ash landed in front of the pokemon center. He recalled Pidgeot with a word of thanks and looked around. He decided to circle around first, and started walking next to Pikachu, Eevee, and Gible.

Ash smiled at what he saw. A Blaziken and Glaceon was currently battling a Wigglytuff and Cacturne. As he watched, Glaceon dodged a Gyro Ball before being hit by a Pin Missile. Cacturne was then hit with Fire Spin. As Ash sneaked up behind May, Harley called enough. Now Ash was situated behind May without anyone able to see him.

He felt that her pokemon were turning to her, and when she raised a hand Ash said in a relatively good impression of her, "Good job, now I can finally go stuff my face with food." Ash heard laughing as May turned around with fury on her face.

Fury turned to shock before Ash was pulled into a painful hug. Ash coughed several times before finally commenting, "Why does everyone intend to give me internal bleeding due to hugs?"

May pulled back with a squeak, and Ash saw who was with May. Solidad walked up with a smile and a grumpier Harley coming up. Ash exchanged quick greetings before looking at May again.

"How did you get here so quick?" May questioned immediately. She was still wearing the greener outfit she had when she came to Lake Valor for the Wallace Cup.

Ash shrugged and said simply, "Flew."

She seemed confused and asked, "Staraptor?"

Ash smiled and shook his head before explaining by releasing Pidgeot. Pidgeot touched down and looked around at the surrounding group. May looked awed, and Solidad started examining it. He finally looked up and claimed, "A beautiful Pidgeot. More of a battler than an appeal pokemon, but still beautiful. Far larger than mine it."

Ash nodded and explained, "Pidgeot was one of the pokemon I caught when I first started my journey. It's been protecting a herd of Pidgey and Pidgeotto since then." Wanting to quickly get off the topic he turned to May and said, "Pretty good battling there, but you had a clear type advantage."

May seemed to catch the challenge in his voice and quickly claimed, "I don't need a type advantage. Right here, right now. My Blaziken against your Pidgeot."

Ash raised his eyes and said, "That's a challenge I can't deny. I'm still hurting from that tie we had. Plus I want to see how Pidgeot does in a real match." Ash then walked over to one edge of the battlefield as Pidgeot started flying. Blaziken eagerly got on the other side as May walked to her box.

Pidgeot has gotten much stronger since he'd left it, and it had the type advantage. This wouldn't last too long. Ash gave a signal showing May had the first move. He heard her call out a Fire Spin.

Ash easily countered, "Twister." The dragon type attack destroyed the Fire Spin, but Blaziken jumped out of the way before it could connect. Ash quickly ordered, "Quick Attack." Pidgeot started moving towards Blaziken with a silver stream behind it.

"Blaziken, counter with Fire Punch."

Ash watched as Blaziken started running towards Pidgeot. He then calmly commanded, "Increase your speed with Tailwind." Pidgeot immediately sped up and connected with the stomach of Blaziken. Blaziken flew back with a cry before jumping back to its feet.

"Blaziken, use Sky Uppercut," May yelled with panic in her voice.

Ash countered again, "Double Team, and then use Aerial Ace." Pidgeot dodged by creating a circle of copies around Blaziken. When Blaziken was trying to figure out which one was real, all the Pidgeot started diving at the same time. Blaziken jumped to try and avoid it, but the real Pidgeot disappeared and reformed right next to Blaziken. The attack connected and sent Blaziken to the ground heavily.

"Blaziken get up," May called desperately. Blaziken was struggling after the super effective attack. Finally it stood with a roar. May cheered and ordered for Blaziken's strongest attack, "Overheat."

Ash ordered, "Don't dodge, Pidgeot." Pidgeot knew what he was thinking and nodded. Blaziken let out a vicious stream of red-yellow fire at the hovering Pidgeot. Ash now calmly commanded, "Mirror Move."

Now Pidgeot screeched and glowed white before letting out an identical attack. The two attacks connected and exploded. Ash grinned. Now that move wouldn't be as powerful, and then he saw Blaziken breathing heavily. The rush of moves and taking damage was taking a lot of impact. Ash now ordered, "Finish this with Sky Attack."

May looked nervous at the most powerful flying attack before ordering, "Hit it with Blaze Kick. Max Power." Blaziken jumped with its right foot flaming. Pidgeot dived when it was surrounded with pure white energy. The two connected, but there was no doubt the winner. Pidgeot blasted through and connected beak first into the stomach of Blaziken. The super effective attack smashed it into the ground with a cloud of dust rising. The dust cleared to show Blaziken unconscious.

May raised a poke ball and returned her strongest pokemon gloomily. She then walked towards Ash with her head down. When she got up she whispered, "I lost. You were just too powerful."

Ash returned Pidgeot before looking at the sad May. He then questioned suddenly, "Why did you lose, May?"

She looked up confused for a moment before saying, "I couldn't hit you."

Ash nodded and explained, "You lost because you didn't have a defense. As soon as your first attacks failed, you covered your weaknesses by attacking. After I used Tailwind to increase Pidgeot's speed, you attempted to attack repeatedly. You allowed yourself to panic. With Pidgeot's superior speed, you should have worked on defending till an opportunity arose. When you attacked, Pidgeot was able to use its speed to dodge and then attack when Blaziken was most vulnerable. It's like my battle with the Battle Ace, Tucker. I thought that attacking would defend me the best, but I won when I started thinking and breaking down his combinations. Sometimes, a defense is the best offense. I dodged and took my opportunities ,and when Blaziken got tired, I capitalized and launched Sky Attack. Remember the hit and run strategy Tyson used. You should work on that. It would come in useful during the Grand Festival."

May nodded still looking sad and Ash felt bad. He didn't have to beat her so dominantly, especially before the Grand Festival. He smiled at her and led her to the stands where Solidad and Harley were watching.

"That was impressive, Ash. I don't think May has lost like that in a while," Solidad claimed in a praising voice.

"Yeah, you seemed more the coordinator than May did," Harley commented smugly.

Ash saw May start to look sad again, so Ash quickly stated, "Well, I had the type advantage, and Blaziken has already been training today. Pidgeot was fresh." He scratched his head at the lie, but he figured saying Pidgeot was probably more tired than Blaziken wouldn't help May's mood. Solidad seemed to notice though, but May started to look happier. Ash then grinned and stated, "And what would you expect from one of the Sinnoh League favorites. I'm in the top five for favorites to win."

They all laughed at his confidence. Sometimes, distractions work. May was now laughing with the rest. May now noticed his pokemon who had been waiting at the side. She burst out and ran over to them. She gave Pikachu a hug, who returned it happily. She then looked at Gible and Eevee before calling, "I saw your Gible on television, but when did you get an Eevee?"

Ash walked over and said, "Just a week ago. Professor Oak gave it to me as congratulations."

May hugged Eevee and claimed, "It reminds me of before Glaceon evolved."

Ash laughed at the pained expression on Eevee's face before saying, "Hey, don't kill Eevee by hugging." When Eeevee was released from the embrace, Ash looked around before asking, "Hey, where is Drew? I thought you guys would be hanging out together."

For some reason that question caused them all to go quiet and uncomfortable. Ash recoiled from the sudden change in atmosphere and held up his hands before joking, "Did his grandma die or something?"

May looked at him for a second, and Ash was shocked to see tears forming in her eyes. She led Ash to the stands and sat down before explaining, "Ash, I have a favor to ask. Drew has changed since he's come here. At first he was the same, but he's gotten really cocky and arrogant and…ugh."

Solidad continued, "He won his five ribbons without losing once. Now he thinks he's all that, but no one will risk any heavy battling before the Grand Festival."

Harvey now spoke in an annoyed voice, "He's now almost as annoying as infomercials."

Ash looked at Harley after the uncommon expression before saying simply, "And you want me to battle him?" May nodded, and Ash asked, "But I thought you liked him, May? Like romantically."

May started coughing before saying, "I thought you didn't realize that."

Ash sighed. He then explained, "I chose to not immerse myself in such things. Sticking to my strength of battling. That is what I preferred to do. I'm not stupid. I'm pretty sure you kept all those roses he gave you. I doubt that was for 'memories.'"

May looked embarrassed as Solidad and Harley gave her disbelieving looks. She finally snapped, "Okay, I did like him. Did."

Ash sighed and excided to figure all this out. He asked calmly, "What happened?"

She stiffened, but still explained, "After the first few contests and the Wallace Cup, I started traveling with Drew. Hew sort of knew I like him, but it wasn't what I thought it would be. He sort of expected you to do everything on your own. There really wasn't any talking as you did stuff. He seemed to prefer traveling on his own. I then realized that he was only good at the conversations that happen when you see each other once a month."

"You mean he's a good flirt, but a bad traveling partner," Ash said bluntly.

May sighed and nodded before continuing, "Eventually I get really annoyed of this. When I lost a contest, he didn't help me at all. He just left you alone. It was like not having a traveling partner. When in Kanto and Hoenn, I'd see him and he'd make me feel special with his roses and not so subtle praise. But in Johto, he just seemed to get on my nerves. I decided to stop traveling with him after I won my fourth ribbon."

"But then he got kind of possessive. I think he realized I no longer favored him, and he started getting annoyed whenever I was with someone else. Now he's a downright pain to be around. He really doesn't think he can lose, and what's worse is that he might be right. We need someone to just give him a quick beating."

Ash stood up and cracked his knuckles before joking, "A physical or pokemon battle beating. Either is fine with me. I thought you guys went together well, but I never really liked that guy."

May hugged him again and Ash flinched in pain from the hug. When she pulled away she said, "Thank you, Ash. We really appreciate this. He's practicing at the stadium."

Ash nodded before commenting, "And I don't appreciate being used as a means to teach someone a lesson. Also," he then placed a hand on her head and asked, "When did I get taller than you?"

Ash walked into the stadium. It had taken a good ten minutes to walk there before he went through the gates. Now he watched the deserted stadium at the single trainer standing in the middle. Ash watched for a second before yelling, "Hey, Drew."

Drew looked around to see Ash walking down to him. He turned his back and said, "I don't really want to talk right now, former traveling companion of May."

Ash stopped and countered, "And I don't really want to talk to you, but May wanted me too, also former traveling companion of May."

Drew turned around angrily. He obviously didn't want that mentioned. He then smirked and stated, "I assume they asked you to beat me in a battle." Ash nodded and Drew continued arrogantly, "Okay, I always wanted to beat you. Always thought you were over praised. You become a star after you win a simple gym battle. I never got why May thought so highly of you. Just another trainer who doesn't know the act of subtlety. Always trying to muscle through everything."

Ash listened emotionlessly before retorting, "And I always thought you were an arrogant playboy. And apparently it's gotten worse. I was really didn't like that whole stupid rose thing, but I held it down since May liked you. Now, I actually got requested to beat you. A simple double battle should do fine."

Drew angrily nodded. Ash walked a good distance away before yelling, "I'll release my pokemon first. Won't change a thing. Show them your will, Rhyperior, Spiritomb." Rhyperior let out a roar and Spiritomb simply had to be there to look intimidated.

Spiritomb and Rhyperior. A perfect tag team. Spiritomb had no weaknesses, and Rhyperior had Solid Rock. Both are versatile and know different elemental attacks. Not to mention the secret weapon. Their command over the three mediums.

Drew looked at Ash's shiny Rhyperior. He then said loudly, "Just an oversized monster. Just what I would expect from you. I know about Solid Rock. I won't be stupid enough to get caught in that. However, I will use pokemon that are more resistant to its attacks. Go Roserade, Starmie." The grass and water types appeared and looked at their foes.

Ash smirked. He completely ignored Spiritomb. He even sent a pokemon out that was at a disadvantage. This would be even easier than he thought. He signaled for Drew to start.

"Roserade, Magical Leaf. Starmie, Bubblebeam."

"Spiritomb, shelter behind Rhyperior." Spiritomb followed and the attacks hammered uselessly against Rhyperior. Ash knew though that even Rhyperior couldn't take that forever and he ordered, "Freeze those attacks with Ice Beam." Rhyperior shot the attack, and froze the incoming projectiles. The bubbles were frozen solid and joined the leaves as they dropped to the ground. Ash quickly said simply, "Spiritomb, go." Nothing happened and Drew seemed frustrated.

He yelled, "Roserade, use Sunny Day." A yellow ball was shot into the air, and suddenly the air turned incredibly bright and hot.

Ash knew what was coming and ordered, "Rhyperior, Rock Wrecker." Rhyperior started creating the large rock.

Drew also yelled, "Roserade, use Solarbeam. Then Starmie, use Swift."

Rhyperior launched the rock as Roserade launched the green beam. The two attacks connected, and the Rock Wrecker managed to hold the Solarbeam back, but the Swift went right under and crashed into him. Rhyperior didn't even flinch from the weak attack. Now Ash yelled, "Spiritomb, come out and use Dark pulse and Psychic to throw those two in the middle."

From the ground behind Roserade and Starmie, Spiritomb rose. Spirtomb let out a cry before launching the attacks. The Dark Pulse connected with the back of Starmie and then Psychic lift Roserade up and tossed her forward too. The two connected into the ground and struggled to stand after the super effe4ctive attacks. They finally got to their feet and saw where they were to their own, and Drew's, chagrin. They were now positioned right between Rhyperior and Spiritomb.

Drew yelled in panic, "Solarbeam at Rhyperior, and Bubblebeam at Spiritomb."

Ash calmly countered, "Megahorn to split the attack, and Shadow Ball." Rhyperior lowered its head with its horn glowing. The Solarbeam connected, but split upon connection with the bug type attack. The attack smashed into the ground or shot into the open air before disintegrating. Shadow Ball overpowered the Bubblebeam, and almost reached Starmie before exploding. Now Ash ordered, "Rhyperior, Flamethrower, Spiritomb, Shock Wave."

The two attacks were launched and connected with their targets before they could dodge. Roserade took the Flamethrower, and Starmie took the Shock Wave. The two cried in pain before collapsing against each other.

Ash was shocked to see the two struggling to their feet. They were stronger than he had thought to take two super effective attacks each. Only the strong could do that. Ash didn't allow any mercy before ordering, "Stone Edge and Ominous Wind to finish this."

Rhyperior launched the number of large rocks, and Spiritomb shot the purple wind. They hit their opponents and created a small explosion which cleared to show it was over. Drew returned his defeated pokemon, and Ash returned his with several words of praise. He then approached the coordinator.

When he stood in front of Drew, he then asked, "Do you know why you lost?"

Drew glared at him and attempted to shove him as he yelled, "I don't need advice from you."

Ash caught his hand and spun him around before kicking his butt so he fell on the ground. Whatever Drew was, he wasn't a fighter. Ash then exclaimed angrily, "I'm not doing this to help you. I'm showing you how stupid you were by sending those two pokemon. You realized Spiritomb had no weakness, and decided to focus Rhyperior, even when you realized he had Solid Rock. Spiritomb was the key to that battle. Rhyperior was the shield, and Spiritomb was the arm. You actually put out Starmie who had a weakness to dark type moves. The power of this team is their control over multiple mediums. You saw how Spiritomb appeared behind your pokemon. That was possible because he is part ghost. He actually moved underground. This is the third medium. The first two are the ground and air. Rhyperior was the ground, and Spiritomb was the third medium. At the same time I covered the second medium with their electric and ice type moves if someone used a flying type. You even restricted yourself to a single medium. You didn't even think about where Spiritomb was when Rhyperior provided the cover. You weren't prepared for anything."

"Now stop being cocky and continue training. I've been traveling for six years and yet am just now starting to get serious. No natural talent will get you anywhere. You have to work, and keep a cool head. If you continue thinking you can't be beat, you will get beat and lose ever friend you have. If you want to be together with May, stop being an asshole and treat her well. Although you may already be too late. I thought you guys went good together, but you ruined that. Treat her like a lady and maybe you can get that relationship back. I'm not promising anything though. She might have realized that you are just a good for nothing flirt."

He then started to walk away from the furious coordinator. He stopped right before the door when he decided to get one last taunt. Something he had wanted to say many times. He yelled back, "Oh yeah, I always thought you looked gay too." He then walked out of the stadium.

Pikachu was the first to realize Ash was back. Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder as he walked into the pokemon center. Eevee soon came over too with May, Solidad, and Harley in tow. Ash had left Pikachu and Eevee there while he dealt with Drew. He ignored their questions and sat down on the couch with a tired sigh. It had been a long day.

He turned to the curious onlookers and stated, "Drew is taken care of. Rhyperior and Spiritomb showed him a good lesson."

Solidad and Harley looked shocked at his pokemon, but May pulled out a pokedex and started looking them up. Solidad quickly said, "Those two are a perfect tag team combination if your Rhyperior has Solid Rock."

"It does, not to mention it is shiny and far larger than average," Ash couldn't help, but gloat a little. Solidad's mouth hung open in shock.

She quickly said suspiciously, "Well congratualtions, but that seems a little bit too perfect of a team for you to just think of. Is there another reason that you used those two?"

Ash grimaced. How did she know that. He quickly stated, "Well, it just happens that there is a doubles battle tournament at Lake Valor a month before the Sinnoh League. I haven't used Rhyperior or Spiritomb in a gym battle. I think it would be nice to have them make a debut before the Sinnoh League." Solidad nodded.

May had finished looking them up now and asked, "So what did Drew say?"

Ash shrugged and answered, "Nothing, but I gave him a good enough beating to get him thinking. He'll probably go back to normal. He'll be giving you roses again in no time." May pouted and looked around angrily. Ash briefly wondered whether she would like him again. He had no interest in May romantically, but Ash honestly figured there were better guys out there for her.

Ash stood up and said, "Pikachu, Eevee. We should go sleep now. We have to leave early tomorrow."

May looked up and quickly asked, "But I thought you were going tow watch me?"

Ash quickly replied, "But I don't want to wait around through the preliminaries. I expect you to win through those, and until then, I have business. I have a few old friends to meet and research to do. Pokemon to catch you know. Don't worry, I'll be back in a week when you make the top thirty-two."

He then pat her on the head and prepared to walk away. Ash stopped. His conscious wouldn't let him walk away right now. Ash turned to the group and informed them, "Drew has made some mistakes. Everyone has to deal with problems at one point or another. He isn't actually that bad of a person. Just confused. So please give him another chance. You don't want to throw a friend away." Ash then walked away with his conscious feeling good.

I had Ash play the bigger man.

Don't worry any Drew lovers. I'll make him look better later. Same with Dawn. It's part of the story.

Now Ash is going on some business. Next chapter you'll find out what he does over the next week.

So far it is between Cynthia and harem.