Welcme back everyone. Last time, Serena lost in the Vaniville Town Rookie Class Showcase due to the addition of a new round. To her surprise, Jessilee managed to beat not only her, but also Shauna to claim the Princess Key.
Oh, by the way, it isn't a love triangle as explained in this chapter. It's more like this: Serena likes Ash, Calem likes Serena and Ash is oblivious to all of this.
Ash vs Calem: A Battle of Rivals!?
"Everyone ready now?" Serena asked as she placed her fedora back on her head and grabbed her backpack. Placing it onto her back, Serena looked over to the entranceway and noticed that Ash back yet. He had gone for an early jog to get a little exercise in after not doing much training while they all stayed in Vaniville Town.
"We're all set, but Ash isn't back yet," Clemont answered as he took his bag off his back and sat down.
"Knowing him he probably got lost," Bonnie added in as she sat down on Serena's couch. She was probably right due to the fact that Ash was always getting lost easily. "We should just wait here for him."
As if on cue, there was a knock at the door. Heading to open, Serena realized it was Ash. "Sorry about being late," he admitted while rubbing the back of his neck. "All the houses look the same... And when I thought I was at your home, it turned out to be the wrong house."
Sighing, Serena couldn't help but laugh at Ash's story. "What would you do if you had no one to give you directions?" She asked while getting a shrug in response. Deciding to not dwell on the situation, Serena was about to head out the door with the others when her mom stopped her.
"Serena, where are you off to?" Grace asked as she noticed that her daughter and her three friends looked to be leaving. "You didn't forget about the party Calem's parents are throwing him today. Did you?"
"Not at all," Serena answered while mentally kicking herself. She had wanted to get out of here before her mom could try and say anything about the party. Even though she was good friends with Calem, she didn't enjoy the fact that he had feelings for her. She didn't want to hurt her friend, but she also had no interest in him like that. "We just really need to get going. Ash has a really important battle to get to and we can't make him wait any longer."
Ash, not realizing the truth behind Serena wantig to leave just shook his head. "I can wait one more day, Serena," he said while placing a hand on her shoulder. "Why don't we all go over to Calem's party. It wouldn't be right to not go."
"Well, now that it's settled, why don't we get going to the party," Grace said as she walked out the front door. Personally, she didn't care for the party either, but it wouldn't look good if both her and Serena didn't show up.
"Oh, maybe I can find a keeper at the party for Clemont!" Bonnie cried out as she followed behind Grace. "There's bound to be at least one person there who can take care of my brother."
"Bonnie, please don't embarrass me today..." Clemont maoned out as he followed behind his sister. The lat thing he needed was Bonnie asking every single girl she met today to take care of him. "I'm too young for a relationship!"
Ash and Serena were the last two out the house as Serena closed the door behind her. Looking at her childhood friend, Serena offered a small smile. "Sorry about this, Ash. I know just how much you wanted to get going towards your first match."
"It's fine," Ash said happily as the duo kept pace with the others. Yeah, he would rather be on the road than going to Calem's party but it was important for Serena to go. "We can just leave first thing in the morning. Ambrette Town isn't going anywhere."
"Welcome!" Calem said as he brought the group of five behind his house. He had been expecting Serena and her mother, but not the others so upon sight of them he had to put on a fake smile. Clemont and Bonnie he liked but it was just Ash he couldn't stand. "I'mglad all of you could make it."
Walking into the backyard, the entire group was amazed by the party. Calem's parents had gone all out with it as there was a large tent in the middle of the backyard where an entertainment group was performing. There was also a buffet of food that caught Ash's attention. The party was packed with almost everyone from Vaniville Town and it reminded Ash a little on his first Pokemon League where his mom threw him a party as well.
"Please, help yourself to anything you want," Calem said as they passed the buffet table as everyone eyed the exquisite food that lined the white clothed table. "Also, the entertainment is here all day so please, feel free to watch them. They're pretty good, a roaming circus made up of five siblings."
Everyone nodded in agreement as they walked by the tent, catching sight of one of their acts. There appeared to be a boy riding on the back of a Rapidash while they both performed a few tricks.
"Ohhh! Look at them all!" Bonnie cried out before separating from the group. Right in front of them was a group of pokemon that must have belonged to Calem.
"You like them, Bonnie?" Calem jokingly asked as they approached his pokemon. A Chesnaught then approached him as the duo clasped hands. "Hey, Chesnaught. Enjoying the time off?"
"Ches!" The grass and fighting type cried out in agreement. He was enjoying the relaxation after their journey through Kalos, but was also ready to get back on the road. "Naught, chesnaught!"
"I know, me too," Calem said as they let go of each other's hand. Chesnaught had been his first pokemon and they shared a bond like no one else. "I promise, we'll hit the road in a few days. Mom and dad want to see us for a little," he answered while Chesnaught walked off to join the other pokemon.
"Calem," Bonnie started to say as she played with a Meowstic. "Do you mind if I stay here with the pokemon and play with them?"
"Go right ahead," Calem told the young girl as they continued walking across the party. Looking behind, he had noticed that all of his pokemon had swarmed over to Bonnie and was glad they were treating her well. "Now why don't we continue on?"
"I'd love to, Calem, but I need to go train for a little. Do you mind going on without me?" Ash asked as he took a step back. The party was nice, but he was really itching to get some training in with his pokemon. Looking over at Clemont, he had a question for him as well. "Do you think Chespin and Bunnelby could help me out?"
"Of course, we'll go find an open area right now," Clemont stated as the two boys apologized before running off. Or, in Clemont's case, tried to run. They felt bad about just leaving, but it actually made Calem excited since he was now alone with Serena.
"Umm, Serena," Calem said as he started to lead the Performer to a secluded area of the party. He had planned a confession of sorts for his feelings and knew that right now was his best chance of admitting his feelings to her. "Do you mind following me?"
"S-Sure," she replied nervously. If this was what she assumed it to be, then Serena had no idea how to let Calem down softly. She had no feelings at all for the boy, but didn't want to break his heart.
The duo walked across the entire field until they entered a small clearing in the woods just behind Calem's house. The area appeared to have been set up by Calem as the entire area was cleaned perfectly. Sitting on a nearby rock, Serena looked to her left as Calem sat down right next to her.
"Now, you're probably wondering why I brought you here," Calem started to say as a light blush appeared on his face. This was going to be harder than he thought. Swallowing all of his nerves, Calem forced himself to speak. "But, there's something that I've been meaning to tell you for a while now. And it can't wait any longer. Serena... I... I," he started to say as an explosion occurred in the distance.
"That might be Ash and Clemont battling," Serena said as she stood up. This could be the perfect excuse to get out of Calem's confession without hurting his feelings. "Their battle must be heating up, let's go watch!" She saif while running off towards it.
Calem sat there for a moment as he glared in the direction that Serena just ran off in. "Sure..." he muttered while walking in the same direction. That Ash just knew how to ruin everything for him.
"Alright, Hawlucha, use X-Scissor!" Ash cried out while throwing his fist forward. The Wrestling pokemon ran across the open field as he crossed his arms against each other. They then began to glow a light blue as he made his way towards Chespin.
"Keep him away with Pin Missile, Chespin!" Clemont countered as the spikes on Chespin's head all stiffened. They then shot off the white orbs as they all approached Hawlucha.
The flying and fighting type wasn't worried at all as he dodged each of them with extreme precision before appearing in front of Chespin. The grass type was surprised by Hawlucha and had no time to react as Hawlucha's arms crashed into him.
"Chespin!" Clemont cried out as the grass type tried to stand back up, only to fall back down from fatigue. Looking over at Ash, Clemont knew they were done for the day. "Thanks, Chespin, you were great! Wow, Ash, all of your pokemon seem to be in excellent condition."
"Thanks," Ash said as he recalled Hawlucha to his pokeball. "Of course, they wouldn't be this well off without all the help everyone has given me."
"It's already over?" Ash could hear Serena's voice as the two trainers turned their heads to see the Performer walking towards them with an upset Calem behind her. "I was really hoping to see you two battle again."
"Yeah, we just finished," Ash said as Pikachu jumped up onto his shoulder. "It was an amazing match as well, too bad you missed."
This gave Calem an idea. What if he battled Ash and beat him? Then Serena would like him more since she enjoyed great battles. Deciding to go through with it, Calem stepped forward. "How about you battle with me? It seems like everyone wants a good battle, so why don't we face off. Unless your afraid."
"That's a great idea, Calem," Ash said excitedly as he ran up to the boy. Calem was caught off guard by Ash's excitement at the idea of a battle and had to take a step back. "I just need to run to the Pokemon Center and switch a few of my pokemon."
"Why? You need your strongest to handle me?" Calem asked as he started to sound overconfident. He already decided to go with his three strongest pokemon, but was curious to see who Ash would use.
"Well, I wouldn't say they're my strongest, but I want to give the ones who didn't battle in the League a chance as well," Ash answered as he rubbed the back of his head. He really wanted to give them all a chance at some point since it wouldn't be fair to them. "Give me about fifteen minutes and then we can begin.
"You ready now?" Calem asked as he sounded a little annoyed. Ash had said it would only take him about fifteen minutes, but the trainer had gotten lost on his way to the Pokemon Center. Nodding in agreement, Ash showed that he was ready. "Alright, this will be a three-on-three battle."
"And I'll be the referee," Clemont offered as he stood off to the side where it roughly in between the duo. "This match has been agreed upon as a three-on-three match. Once one side has lost all three pokemon then the match is over! Now, begin!" Clemont explained before dropping his arm to signal the beginning of the battle.
"I'll choose first," Calem said as he gripped a pokeball in his hand. He was going to start off real strong with one of his best pokemon. "Go, Altaria!" He cried out as the dragon and flying type emerged from its pokeball.
"An Altaria..." Ash muttered as he looked at the Humming Pokemon before gripping a pokeball of his own. This one appeared to be of a different design as it was blue on top with a red strip that went across the blue section. Tossing it forward, Ash cried out. "Totodile, I choose you!"
The Lure Ball opened up as the water type emerged on the field with his usual joyful dance by kicking his feet while jumping around. "Totototo," the water type chanted until coming to a rest in front of Ash. The Big Jaw Pokemon was excited for his first real battle in a long time.
"Altaria, start off with our strongest attack!" Calem stated while snapping his finger. They were going to show Ash, and mostly Serena, just how strong they were. "Use Dragon Rush!"
"Tariaaa!" The Humming Pokemon cried out in agreement as it flew towards its opponent. In less than an instant the dragon and flying type was covered in a blue aura that was reminiscent to a large dragon.
"Dile?" Totodile muttered in confusion. The water type had never experienced an attack of this magnitude. At least not this early in a battle.
"Totodile!" Ash called out as he saw the look on his pokemon's face. "Just relax and do what you do best!" Ash explained as he knew the only way Totodile would dodge this attack was through his unorthodox style of battling.
Understanding what Ash meant, Totodile managed to relax and act more like his usual self. Instead of trying to dodge the attack, the Big Jaw Pokemon merely danced around as he jumped around the field while kicking his feet around freely.
"I don't know what they have planned, but we aren't stopping! Keep pushing forward Altaria!" Calem demanded as Altaria continued to soar forward. Unfortunately, Totodile had managed to time his dance at the perfect time and had jumped right over Altaria. "But how!?" Calem said angrily. Shaking his head, Calem tried to calm himself down. "It doesn't matter, go right after him!
"I knew you could do it, Totodile!" Ash praised the water type as he spun around in the sky and faced Altaria as it appeared to be flying right at him now. "Okay, time to show everyone how strong you are! Use Ice Punch!"
The command had shocked everyone. They had no idea that Totodile knew such a move, but then they realized the water type must have learned it during the time Ash had trained with all of his pokemon.
Raising his fist above his head, Totodile started his freefall descent before colliding with Altaria. The two attacks met head on as Totodile's frozen fist collided with Altaria's head as an explosion erupted from the two attacks.
Falling down towards the ground, Totodile performed a front flip as he landed back on his feet with ease. Altaria however was in a tailspin before recovering and gliding just above the ground prior to flying over to its trainer.
"Altaria, now use Dazzling Gleam!" Calem called out once Altaria was flying right in front of him. Opening its wings wide, Altaria released a bright light that managed to collide right into Totodile. The water type was flung backwards from the blast as he skidded across the ground. "Follow it up with Dragon Pulse!"
"Totodile are you alright?" Ash asked only to notice an incoming attack. Thinking quickly, Ash ordered a new command. "Use Scald on the ground to propel yourself high above the blast!"
"Dile!" Totodile commented as he opened his mouth despite being pressed against the ground. Within an instant, the steaming water emerged from his mouth as it pushed the water type high above the blast. Looking down, Totodile watched as the Dragon Pulse crashed right into the ground, creating a crater.
"I thought you'd try something like that," Calem responded confidently as he snapped his fingers again. "Now, Altaria, take the to the sky and strike Totodile with Steel Wing!"
"Al," the Humming Pokemon agreed as its wings glowed white while stiffening up. Then, in one swift movement the flying and dragon type was off. Before Ash or Totodile knew it, Altaria was already slamming its wings into the water type.
"Totodile!" Ash cried out in concern as the water type was falling towards the ground at an alarming speed. There was no way to stop the collision, but maybe they could slow Totodile's descent just a little. "Quick, aim a Scald at the ground!"
"Stopping his flailing around, Totodile aimed a well-placed Scald right at the ground. Managing to slow himself, Totodile landed softly on the ground only to be hit backwards by Altaria who had been following him the entire time.
"That Altaria is fast," Ash muttered as he watched the Humming Pokemon circle back around for another hit. "There has to be another way to stop it," Ash thought as an idea came to his mind. "Quick, stop it with Scary Face!"
"Totodile danced happily for a second before a nasty scowl appeared on his face. He immediately sent the look right at Altaria who appeared intimidated by the attack and started to slow down a little, giving Ash and Totodile their chance.
"Now, Totodile, use Ice Punch!" Ash commanded as Totodile threw his now frozen fist right into the approaching pokemon. Altaria had no time to dodge the attack and took the full force of the attack head on. Falling backwards, it was clear who the winner was.
"Altaria is unable to battle! The winner is Totodile!" Clemont decided as Altaria was returned to its pokeball.
"Totodile that was great, now take a nice long rest," Ash said as he recalled the water type back into his pokeball. "Now, Swellow, I choose you!" Ash cried out as the flying type emerged in the sky.
"A Swellow," Calem muttered as he reached for his own pokeball. Tossing it out, the device opened up and revealed his next pokemon. "Go, Meowstic!" Appearing before him was a female Meowstic who had the same annoyed expression as Calem did.
"Okay, Swellow, start off with Aerial Ace!" Ash ordered while throwing his fist forward. Calem watched as Swellow disappeared for a brief moment before crashing right into his Meowstic at an alarming speed. The boy didn't know if he should be annoyed at Ash's strength or fascinated by how strong others could be.
Shaking his head, Calem knew that he still had to win this battle. He just had to prove to Serena that he was a better trainer than Ash. Gritting his teeth together, Calem pointed his index and middle fingers forward and issued his first command.
"Meowstic, use Psybeam!" The psychic type launched off the blue streaky beam in no time as it hit the back of Swellow. The flying type was momentarily shocked by the attack but quickly regained its composure before swooping back around for another attack. "We won't let you get close! Now, Thunderbolt!"
Meowstic was covered in electrical energy as the energy continued to build up inside of it before launching it straight at Swellow. Both Ash and Swellow didn't seem worried about it at all though.
"Quick, dodge it with Double Team!" Ash cried out as copies of Swellow emerged from the original. Within seconds, there were a dozen Swellow all flying right at Meowstic as the Thunderbolt collided with one of the copies.
"Which one is the real one?" Calem asked as he started to sound worried. Maybe he was out of his league battling Ash. No, he was not going to give up, not as long as this battle was for Serena. "Meowstic, Thunderbolt once more!" He cried out as loud as he could. Listening, Meowstic fired off the largest attack she could as all of the copies were destroyed. "Hey, where'd Swellow go?" Calem asked while looking around.
"We're right here!" Ash cried out triumphantly as everyone looked up to see Swellow dive bombing right towards Meowstic. "Now, let's end this with Sky Attack!" Ash commanded as the flying type was surrounded in a bright white aura.
"Stop it with Thunderbolt!" Calem, issued as the psychic type listened. Despite the electrical move striking Swellow directly, the Swallow Pokemon was unharmed as it flew right through the blast and struck Meowstic head on. Smoke filled the area as everyone waited for it to clear so that they could see what had happened.
"Meowstic is unable to battle!" Clemont issued the declaration once the smoke faded to show Swellow still flying while Meowstic was on the ground defeated.
"We lost again..." Calem muttered as he recalled Meowstic into her pokeball. It was bad enough that they lost the first round, but to also lose the second as well was even worse. He now had to hope for a comeback with his strongest pokemon. "Alright, we've just been going easy until now! Go! Chesnaught!"
"Ches!" The Spiny Armor Pokemon cried out as he appeared from his pokeball. He knew the situation was bleak with them already having lost twice. It was all up to him now to try and sweep the entire match.
"Swellow, take a nice rest," Ash said as he recalled Swellow. Despite the type advantage over their opponents, Ash wanted to give his third pokemon a chance to battle as well. "Okay, Scraggy I choose you!" Ash cried out as he tossed the third pokeball out.
"Scraggy, scrag!" The fighting and dark type cried out as he stared down Chesnaught. Scraggy tried to intimidate his opponent only for Chesnaught to be unaffected by the stare down.
"Okay, Scraggy, start off with Focus Blast!" Ash ordered as Scraggy placed his two hands together while a blue sphere of energy started to form. Raising it over his head, Scraggy was prepared to toss it right at Chesnaught as the sphere grew in size. With one swift movement, Scraggy threw the sphere with everything he had.
"Spiky Shield," Calem countered without beating an eyelash. With Chesnaught out on the field, he seemed to be much more confident than how he was with Meowstic. Nodding in agreement, Chesnaught slammed his two fists together as a large shield was formed out of green energy as it surrounded Chesnaught and blocked the Focus Blast with ease.
"Now, Headbutt!" Ash cried out quickly once the shield had disappeared. Calem hadn't even noticed that Scraggy had gotten in close to them. Rearing his head back, Scraggy quickly launched it forward as it appeared to be a direct hit.
"Block it with Needle Arm!" Calem continued to counter as Chesnaught raised his arms. They were then enveloped in a green shade of energy as spikes grew off of the arms. Moving them quickly, Chesnaught used his right arm to block the Headbutt attack as Scraggy bounced back harmlessly before swinging his left arm right into Scraggy.
The Shedding Pokemon skidded across the ground before coming to a stop right in front of Ash. Getting up, Scraggy indicated that he was fine to keep going and wanted to get back at the grass and fighting type for that last blow.
"Alright, Scraggy, let's show them just how tough you can be!" Ash yelled out as he pointed his index finger forward. "Let's show them your High Jump Kick!"
"Scrag!" Scraggy cried out as he got in close to Chesnaught. Once close enough, Scraggy jumped high into the air as he twisted his body around. Swinging his leg forward, the appendix started to glow an orange-red in color right as it struck Chesnaught in the neck.
"Great job, Scraggy!" Ash complimented the fighting and dark type on landing a direct hit. However, it appeared to do nothing as Chesnaught grabbed ahold of Scraggy's leg and held the Shedding Pokemon upside down.
"Please, do you believe that an attack like that could actually hurt us?" Calem asked as he smirked at Ash. If this was the best they could do, then it was going to be easy. "Now, use Drain Punch!"
"Chesnaught!" The grass and fighting type cried out as he punched Scraggy with his free hand. Ash could only watch as Chesnaught's now green fist connected with Scraggy and sent the Shedding pokemon flying backwards again.
"We're not finished yet!" Calem continued while snapping his fingers. As if on cue, Chesnaught broke out into a sprint as he chased after the flailing Scraggy. "Needle Arm once more!"
"Scraggy!" Ash cried out as the pokemon forced himself to come to a halt. Rolling on the ground, Scraggy got up really quick and lunged towards Chesnaught. "Use High Jump Kick!"
"Just like we thought!" Calem responded as he saw Scraggy jumping towards them with his leg a shade of orange. Before the attack could land however, Chesnaught dropped his arms as they stopped glowing green. "Now, Spiky Shield!"
Chesnaught quickly raised his arms once more, but this time the sight of a shield was present. Ash could only watch as Scraggy crashed into the shield only to bounce off and crash into the ground, but what surprised him was the fact that Scraggy appeared to be hurt more than usual if High Jump Kick failed.
"Don't tell me you don't know the effects of Spiky Shield?" He asked only to know he was right. "I'll explain then. When a pokemon touches the shield it receives damage due to the spikes present on it. So, I knew you would be drawn into an attack and used it. But, time to end this! Chesnaught, use Drain Punch!"
Chesnaught swung his arm down onto the tired Scraggy as his glowing green fist connected with the fighting and dark type as he drained the last bit of energy out of him. Finishing the attack, Chesnaught pulled his fist away from Scraggy to show that the pokemon was defeated.
"Scraggy is unable to battle! The winner is Chesnaught!" Clemont declared as Ash recalled Scraggy into his pokeball.
"You did great today, Scraggy. Now take a nice long rest," Ash said as he praised his pokemon for his hard work today. Gripping a pokeball, Ash tossed it forward again. "Alright, Swellow, I choose you!"
"Swellow!" The flying type cried out, happy that it was having another shot at battling. Taking to the skies immediately, Swellow waited in anticipation as both it and Ash waited to see if Chesnaught would move first.
Waiting long enough, Ash decided to take the first move instead. "Swellow, start off with Aerial Ace!" He ordered while throwing his left fist forward. Swellow however was already off and flying right at Chesnaught as a white aura surrounded its body.
"Wait until it gets close," Calem responded as if he was now bored. He had watched the way Ash had battled during the first two matches and despite his shock and surprise at how well he battled, it was obvious that this boy enjoyed using a good offense. Once Swellow was within striking distance, Calem issued his command. "Knock that bird back with a Needle Arm!"
Chesnaught raised his two arms as they were both enveloped in the familiar, green, spiky energy that Ash had seen before. Chesnaught continued to keep his arms raised until Swellow was right in front of him. Once that happened, Chesnaught clapped both of his hands together and trapped the flying type between his arms. Then, with one swift movement, the grass and fighting type threw Swellow backwards.
Ash watched as the Swallow Pokemon spun around in the air before crashing hard against the grassy field. Not one to give up easily, Swellow forced itself back onto its feet before flying high into the sky.
"That's the spirit, Swellow! Now, let's get in close with Agility and then follow it up with Sky Attack!" Ash issued while praising his pokemon for its endurance. Not only had it just taken a beating, but Swellow had also put up with a super effective hit from Meowstic's Thunderbolt earlier in the battle.
"Swellow!" The flying type cried out as it flew across the field while vanishing every few seconds only to reappear in a different location. Finally in front of Chesnaught, Swellow was now glowing a bright white as it approached the Spiny Armor Pokemon.
"Brace yourself," was all Calem mentioned to his starter as the grass and fighting type pokemon braced his entire body for the attack. Getting hit by the attack wasn't easy for Chesnaught, but the opening it gave him was perfect. "Now! Drain Punch! Fast!"
Chesnaught swung his right arm around as fast as his body would allow him and managed to strike the retreating flying type square in the back with his glowing green fist. The blow managed to throw Swellow off its course and started to fall back towards the ground.
"Quick, Swellow, straighten yourself out with Aerial Ace!" Ash issued as he watched not only Swellow avoid crashing into the ground, but Chesnaught appeared to have healed from the Drain Punch as well.
Calem watched as Swellow soared across the sky as both it and Ash were falling into his trap. Once Swellow was too close to stop its attack, Calem issued the command that Ash had forgotten all about.
"Spiky Shield!" He cried out while snapping his fingers again. The Spiny Armor Pokemon quickly formed his signature shield as Swellow tried to stop itself from flying right into it. Swellow's momentum was too much however and there was no way for the flying type to stop.
Crashing into the shield, Swellow felt the aftereffects just as Scraggy had before while being flung backwards. Ash grit his teeth as he watched the shield be dropped. It was starting to make things hard for him. Just as he was about to issue another command, Calem beat him to it.
"End this with Rock Slide, Chesnaught!" The Vaniville Town boy cried out while pointing forward. Ash was shocked as he never expected Chesnaught to have a move like this. Ash had no time to react as Chesnaught raised his hands above his head while rocks all fell from the sky.
Shaking off his shock, Ash got his head back into the battle and issued another idea. "Use Agility to dodge those rocks!" He called out to the Swallow Pokemon, but it was too late. Too many rocks were falling at too fast of a rate for Swellow to avoid them. As the falling rocks made it too difficult to fly, Swellow felt itself pelted by the attack before crashing into the ground. Without a chance to get back up, Swellow was immediately buried under the rocks.
Ash could only watch as he noticed the rocks start shaking as Swellow tried to escape them. After a few more seconds, Swellow finally broke free as the flying type sent the pile of stones it had been buried under flying in all directions. The strain from all the battles had taken its toll however as the flying type soon collapsed after freeing itself.
"Swellow is unable to battle! The winner is Chesnaught!" Clemont declared as Ash recalled his defeated flying type. "The winner of this final battle will win the entire match!"
"Now this is a battle," Ash stated happily as he grabbed ahold of Totodile's pokeball. "Calem, you've trained Chesnaught extremely well. But, I'm not going down without a fight. Totodile, I choose you!"
Totodile emerged from his pokeball dancing once more as he kicked his feet around happily. Once finished, Totodile looked up at his huge opponent as he gave the grass and fighting type a glare before breaking it and dancing again.
"Totodile, please, I need you to focus right now," Ash pleaded as Totodile finally finished dancing. Calem just watched the entire display in confusion since earlier in the match Totodile hadn't danced this much. Looking determined now, Totodile was ready to battle again. "Great! Now, let's start off with Ice Punch!"
"Tototo," Totodile muttered as he ran towards his opponent. The water type pulled his fist back as it was enveloped in an icy freeze.
"Now, Spiky Shield!" Calem called out as he believed that Ash had forgotten about this move once again. Chesnaught raised his two arms as the green shield was formed right as Totodile was about to strike.
Ash smirked as he saw the shield form once more. "Not this time, Calem! Now, Totodile, use Scald to push yourself up and over the shield!" Ash cried out as the Big Jaw Pokemon fired off the stream of hot water. The blast was just strong enough to carry Totodile up and over the shield as he struck Chesnaught right on the top of its head with the Ice Punch.
"You won't get off easily!" Calem cried out as excitement filled his words. Something about battling with this boy had turned his anger into excitement, but he couldn't forget what he was battling for. "Use Drain Punch!"
Chesnaught reared his fist back as it was slowly enveloped in a green glow. Throwing it forward, the attack never landed due to quick thinking by Ash.
"Stop it with Bite!" Ash ordered as the falling Totodile clamped down hard onto Chesnaught's fist. The Bite attack had prevented the grass and fighting type from finishing his attack and had given Ash a perfect opportunity. "And now use Scald!"
Totodile loosened his grip on Chesnaught's hand just enough so that he could fire off the stream of steaming water. The heat from the attack being able to actually harm the Spiny Armor Pokemon as Totodile flew high into the sky due to his attack.
"Now, before he can counter! Use Needle Arm!" Calem called out as he tossed his arm off to the side. Nodding, Chesnaught's two arms glowed green as he waited for the falling water type to be in distance for an attack. Once close enough, Totodile tried to bite down onto the first hand just as he did with the Drain Punch but was met with a Needle Arm from Chesnaught's second fist.
Rolling across the ground, Totodile came to a stop in front of Ash. "Totodile are you okay?" Ash asked as the water type struggled back onto his feet. He was already tired from his battle with Altaria and Chesnaught was no easy opponent either for the little water type. However, Totodile wasn't ready to go down just yet.
"Totodile?" Ash asked in awe as the water type got back onto his feet. This time however, Ash could see the determination in his eyes. Instead of dancing happily, Totodile stared forward as he eyed Chesnaught. Then, to Ash's surprise, a light blue aura surrounded Totodile as his eyes also changed to a light blue in color. Unsure of what was happening, Ash pulled his pokedex out.
"Torrent, Totodile's ability where once it is fatigued, all water type moves gain an increase in strength along with a slight boost for Totodile itself," the pokedex explained before Ash put it back away.
"So it's just like Blaze..." Ash muttered as he watched on in surprise at just how serious Totodile looked. "We'll show them just how strong we really are then! Use Ice Punch!"
"This again," Calem muttered as he watched Totodile run across the grassy field with an increase in speed. Waiting for the right moment, Calem snapped his fingers as if he was bored. "Chesnaught, Spiky Shield."
"Ches!" Chesnaught grunted as he raised his arms in front of his body once more. Waiting as the shield was fully formed, Calem was already prepared for an attack from above as well. He was then surprised as he heard a command he wasn't expecting.
"Slide underneath them, Totodile!" Ash told the water type as Totodile listened to the command and slid right underneath the large pokemon. Now on the backside of Chesnaught, Totodile prepared an attack. "Scald, let's go!" Ash yelled out while pumping his right fist.
"Dile!" Totodile cried out as he fired off the stream of boiling hot water. This time however, the blast appeared to be even larger than before as it collided right into Chesnaught and pushed the grass and fighting type forward.
"And now Ice Punch!" Ash commanded as Totodile dashed forward after his opponent.
"Block it with Drain Punch!" Calem quickly countered as Chesnaught turned around. His fist barely had time to lock in place against Totodile's and the duo were now in a stalemate as Ash noticed that Chesnaught was now glowing a shade of green. "And end it with Needle Arm!" Calem cried out as Chesnaught's free arm glowed green.
"This isn't over yet!" Ash responded confidently as Totodile grinned in agreement. "Now! Scald!" Ash cried out as Totodile fired off the water type move once more. The stream of water crashed right into Chesnaught's face as it allowed Totodile to dodge the incoming attack with ease. However, that wasn't the only reason they were happy. Upon impact, Chesnaught's entire body had burst into flames for a short amount of time.
"Clemont, what just happened?" Serena asked as she watched the flames die down around Chesnaught. She was unsure of how a water type move had created fire. "Why was Chesnaught on fire just now?"
"Scald is a move where there is a slight chance of the target getting burnt from the attack," Clemont explained as they watched Totodile descend from the sky. "Also, a pokemon who has been burnt will be hurt throughout the battle along with his strength being weakened."
"Oh," Serena replied, realizing that this would be good for Ash and Totodile.
"Now finish this with Ice Punch!" Ash commanded as Totodile was picking up momentum as he continued his freefall. Pulling his right fist back, the little water type waited for his chance to land the finishing move.
"Block it with Drain Punch!" Calem cried out in a hurry. He didn't know what to do now that Chesnaught was burnt. The young trainer watched as Chesnaught's fist was struck dead on by Totodile's own fist.
The two trainers watched as neither pokemon backed down from their confrontation until Ash noticed the determination in Totodile's eyes. With one last push, and a little help from Chesnaught's burn, Totodile pushed right through Chesnaught's fist and smashed his Ice Punch right onto the grass and fighting type's head. Totodile landed on the ground as he started to dance happily right as Chesnaught collapsed onto the ground.
"Chesnaught is unable to battle! The winner of the battle and match are Ash and Totodile!" Clemont declared as he pointed in Ash's direction.
"I lost..." Calem muttered as he recalled Chesnaught. Still, even with the defeat he didn't feel bad. Something about giving it his all had made him happy. Maybe Serena was still impressed even though he had lost, he would have to ask later today. To his surprise though, Ash was standing in front of him and extending a hand.
"That was a great battle, Calem," Ash said as Calem took his hand. Helping the boy onto his feet, the two trainers locked eyes as smiles crossed their faces. "Thanks to you and Chesnaught, Totodile and the others all had an excellent chance to train. Without you two, who knows if I would have been able to get an intense battle like that."
"Thanks," Calem said as he couldn't help but smile at the trainer who just beat him. He could tell why Serena had always talked about him when they were younger now. If Ash was only ten percent of the person he was now when Serena met him as kids, he would have been an amazing person. "Next time we battle, Chesnaught and I will be sure to win!"
"And Totodile and I will be ready to give you guys a hard fought battle!" Ash cried back as he watched Totodile dance around.
"Totototo," the water type cried out as he danced happily around the grass field. It may have been destroyed a little because of their battle, but it was nothing that some yard work couldn't fix. Stopping his dance, Totodile looked around as if something was wrong. "Dile?" He asked before a bright white light covered his entire body.
Totodile's body grew in size as the light started to die down. Ash watched on as not only did Totodile grow, but he also looked different as well. His jaw was bigger than before as he also sported three red spikes on his head. He also had a diamond shaped spike on his tail along with two spikes on his back.
Pulling his pokedex out again, Ash scanned the new pokemon in front of him. "Croconaw, the Big Jaw Pokemon and the evolved form of Totodile. Its powerful jaw is used for attacking. If it loses a tooth, they are able to grow back quickly," it explained before being put away.
"This is amazing, Croconaw!" Ash said as he embraced the water type in a hug. He hadn't expected Totodile to evolve after the battle, but this was a present surprise. "All that training paid off after all!"
"Crocococo," the Big Jaw Pokemon cried out happily as he started to do his signature dance. It was kind of funny seeing the larger pokemon dancing now that it didn't look like Totodile, but Ash wouldn't want it any other way.
"So where do you plan on going next?" Calem asked Serena as she helped him clean up after the party. Ash had ran off to the Pokemon Center to heal his pokemon so they could leave in the morning and Clemont and Bonnie were cleaning up in a different section of the party.
"We're leaving for Ambrette Town first thing in the morning," Serena answered as she threw away a pile of used plastic plates. "I can't wait to see Ash battling an Elite Four member. It's going to be so amazing."
Calem nodded in agreement as he wished Serena would talk about him the way she did for Ash. Looking at his childhood friend, he could feel a blush coming across his face as she stood perfectly in front of the sunset. He couldn't take it anymore and knew he needed to tell her how he felt.
"Serena... Can I tell you something?" Calem asked as he stopped cleaning for a moment. He then looked at Serena with a determined face as he waited for her response.
Serena looked up from the pile of plates she was about to toss out and noticed his determined look. The Performer knew that there was only one thing he could have been that determined about. "Sure... Go ahead," she said, dreading the words she was going to tell him.
"Serena, I've known you for a very long time. We've been close friends since we were both infants due to us being neighbors. But, I've always felt like we should be more than friends, like there was something special between the two of us that we only shared," he said before swallowing. He knew he was rambling on now and just had to get it over with. "I... I... I love you! I love you as more than a friend and want you to travel with me as my girlfriend!" He cried out while looking down at the ground in embarrassment. He could feel his face heating up as he couldn't bring himself to look at his crush.
Serena didn't know how to respond. She had always had a feeling that Calem liked her, but to Serena he was nothing more than a brother. "Calem..." she started to say, trying to be careful of her words. "I'm flattered that you think of me like that, but the truth is, I also think we have a close bond. But to me, that bond is more like a brother-sister bond," she answered truthfully as she saw the depressed look on his face. "You see, I know there's someone out there who will like you for who you are, but there's someone out there for me as well."
"Is it Ash?" He asked while hiding the disappointment in his voice. After their battle today, Calem had finally understood why Serena could have possibly liked someone like him. Looking up, he noticed the deep blush on Serena's face and smiled since it was true.
"Y-Yeah," she answered, finally admitting to someone that she really liked Ash. The closest she had been to this was when Miette and Shauna teased her. In both instances she had claimed to like Ash's positive attitude among other qualities while never outright stating she liked him. "I just don't know if he'll ever notice me. Ash is... Dense."
"Well, I know you'll get through to him eventually," Calem said while smiling at his friend. It may have hurt to be declined by her, but he wanted to see her happy as well. "Just don't give up with him. It may take a while but don't stop."
"Bye, Calem," Ash cried out as he waved to his new friend and rival as his group approached the Vaniville Town gate the next morning. The boy had decided to walk them out of town and see them off. "And next time we meet let's have a battle again! I know Croconaw will be up to the challenge!"
"Yeah!" Calem replied while smiling at the boy from Pallet Town. "And I'll be rooting for your during your Elite Four challenge. You better not lose to any of them Ash!" He said before facing Serena. "And I'll be watching your Showcases as well, Serena. I expect to hear that you made it to the Master Class again."
"Thanks, Calem," Serena said as she gave her friend a big smile. She was glad that he had taken everything relatively well especially with what the situation was about. "I'll make sure to win three Princess Keys. But you make sure to train as well!"
"Right! Next time I'll be the one winning the Kalos League!" Calem cried out happily as the group started their walk out of town. "Goodbye, everyone!" He yelled as they vanished from sight.
The computer stationed inside of the testing room for Operation Homonoia started to go off as a call was being transmitted. One of the grunts answered the phone to see his three superiors on the other end.
"Sirs!" He cried out in shock at the sight of Jessie, James and Meowth. They had left control of the base in the hands of the grunts while they traveled Kalos for more information that could be used for their operation. "What is the honor of having you three call?"
"How are the tests going?" Jessie asked nonchalantly. She wasn't interested in small talk. Once they finished this conversation, it was back to practicing for her next showcase. "Has everything been running smoothly?"
"Everything has been well here," the grunt replied as he showed them a quick scan of the room. "But we have encountered one slight problem."
"And what would that be?" Meowth asked as he eyed the grunt. He had been warned about a talking Meowth being a part of the Kalos branch, but he had just thought his fellow grunts were teasing him. Seeing Meowth now though, he wasn't sure to be amazed or scared by the fact he could talk.
"We cannot generate enough electricity to properly power the entire machine," the grunt responded as he showed them a chart showing the machine and its energy output based on the amount of power that is being input. "We cannot extend the radius to any Route further than Route 3 due to this issue. Likewise, tests 002 through 005 have all ended in the same results as test 001 where the pokemon seem to grow hostile and are unresponsive."
"Interesting," James replied as he stroked his chin. He would have to look at the machine and see where the energy shortage was being caused. "I'll look at it the next time we're in Lumiose City. But for now continue running the tests on the pokemon we have at the base. We can't afford word of this getting out. And, any word from Mike and Sil?"
"I understand, sir," the grunt responded as he saluted his three superiors. "And no, we have not received any contact from the duo since they arrived in Dendemille Town earlier this week. At the current rate they were traveling, they should reach Anistar City by tomorrow night."
"Very good," Jessie replied as she stood up. "Jessie, James, and Meowth are out. Keep up the good work!" She told the grunt before ending the call.
So, like I said, no love triangle/drama. That isn't for me. But, Calem did give Ash a run for his money in that battle. It required Totodile activating Torrent and getting a burn off to win. Plus he evolved. Personally, if Totodile ever returns, he should evolve to finish off the Johto trio all being in their mid-evolution stages since the other two evolved once.
An important update about my schedule. Recently, my work fired a few employees. And until they find new workers, myself and the other employees will be covering their shifts and the shifts they usually work after this week. Because of that, I don't know how much free time I'll actually have and so I'll update whenever I get the chance but I will make it a point to update 1-2 times a week. Thanks for understanding.
Thank you for reading the chapter and supporting this story. Please leave a review letting me know what you enjoyed and how I can improve the story.