Author's Note:

Here it is the next big battle chapter and the next step on Ash's road to recovery. Like before, this battle and the person more specifically who he battles will help him move forward. It won't completely resolve the lake issues or anything, but it'll be a step. The battle format, I decided to make it a little different from just a straight up battle where everyone can sub but that's just to stop it expanding forever. I will say that I am trying something new with writing the battles, to make them more dynamic, you might've got a hint of it back in Sandslash battles against Pryce. We are close to the 2 year anniversary of starting Johto and I do hope the next update will be on said anniversary so we will need to wait and see. Anyway, don't forget to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin...


Chapter 68: Battle of the Brothers

Ash sighed. It's been a few days since they met Macy and Brock caught Magcargo. He hasn't been able to spend much time with the new team member, but he seems to get on with Houndoom and everyone generally. Unfortunately, that was the last proper training session he was able to get in. To ensure they get to Blackthorn in time for Serena's contest, it was agreed they should mostly travel in case things come up.

While it makes sense and he'd hate to make Serena miss her contest, it does make it a much for daunting journey. When training or in battle, it's like another world, like everything just disappears and he can focus on the moment... that's always how it's been but since the lake and losing Gyarados, its made a nice escape.

Taking a deep breath, he looked around first thing he noticed was his friends ahead of him. Pikachu was currently riding on Brock's shoulder with him having some sort of conversation with Misty. They were too far away to make out what was being said though. A quick glance to the side, he saw Serena was closer, but she had her Delphox and Cyndaquil out, carrying the latter in her arms. Despite none of them saying anything, it was easy to guess they were in some sort of mental conversation.

Part of him thought about releasing Houndoom so he could spend time with Cyndaquil as last he checked they started a proper relationship but quickly decided against it, he isn't the type to need to be with his partner and he wouldn't want to interrupt their conversation. He is pretty sure she was planning on using them in the contest so maybe its final touches on a routine or something. Two fire types used might be a good way to show sync between her appeals round and battle round.

Sighing to himself, he realised how much he missed ever since the lake. He knows nothing about what happened the last few days. Normally when one of them catch a new Pokémon they get to know them really well, Magcargo probably thinks he is a grump or something. He doesn't even know much about Serena's contest plan.

Looking up in the sky, it was a clear day mostly, other than a few clouds scattered across the sky. He saw a few flying types soaring overhead, but they were too far away to properly make out and really he isn't bothered, probably just some Pidgeotto or something common like them. A quick scan of the ground showed them with a series of mountains to one side, while the other side was more of a forest area. Off in front of them was a large mountain which they'll have to climb to reach Blackthorn as its apparently located somewhere on its body and has some sort of special relation to dragon types in general. Come to think of it, isn't that also the home place of Lan-

A giant jet of flames shot high into the sky, followed by a ground shaking roar. A group of nearby flying types squawked and took off in random directions as the scattering of feet proved the more hidden Pokémon who were ground-bound also left. A few Ratatta were seen scurrying away to add to this, as every came to a stop and looked at each other, all seeming as perplexed.

"What was that?" Misty asked.

"I don't know but it came from just ahead of us," Brock replied, "from somewhere in those trees."

"I think we should go and investigate," Serena suggested.

The others seemed to agree and turned to look at Ash expectantly. Caught off guard, he gasped before quickly nodding his head in agreement. They turned around and Misty started leading the charge with Pikachu running at her heel. Makes sense, if it's some sort of out of control fire type, a water type would be best.

What is wrong with him? Usually he is the first to react and would be leading the charge but just then he was caught like a Stantler in the headlights. Is he been so thrown of his game? Shaking his head as he rushed behind his friends, he narrowed his eyes as his browl formed a frown. He won't be caught off guard like that again. Ash quickly grabbed his Aerodactyl's Pokeball of his belt. That roar didn't sound friendly and he won't lose someone else like he lost Gyarados.


Running through the forest area, his friends came to a stop in front of him, so Ash stumbled into them slightly. Blinking in surprise at the sudden collision, Brock was the first to respond and turned to catch him before he ended up face first in the grass.

"Hey buddy, watch your step," he chuckled lightly.

"Wh-what is it?" Ash asked, as he regained his balance.

"Take a look for yourself," he smiled.

Turning his attention past the breeder, he saw an open circular field within the forest area. It was of decent size and almost nothing out of place from a dozen such areas they found in their journey past. Although the main point of interest was the figures in the centre, a boy, a girl, a Marowak and a large Charizard were all watching in just as much surprise.

"Drake?" Ash coughed, as he felt like it's been forever since he last saw his twin brother or sister-like best friend.

"What's up with you guys?" he replied as they all approached, "it looks like your being chased by a swarm of Beedrill or something."

"Well we heard this battle cry and a flamethrower in the sky and thought a Pokémon was on a rampage or something," Misty retorted, hands on her hips.

"That was Charizard, we was getting ready for training and he just had to make an entrance," Leaf replied, stepping forward so she was eye to eye with Ash. It probably wasn't the time to realise it, but she was a couple inches shorter than him now. Before their travels, she towered over him, "if you ask me, he's taking too much after your Charizard, Ash."

She poked his chest as she did this with narrowed eyes in a disapproving manner. Despite not her meaning to, she poked with a lot of strength, for being a young slender girl, she definitely has a lot of strength behind her physique. It reminded him of how his Phanpy is, really small but super strong at least physically.

"So what are you guys doing here?" Serena asked.

"We was going to do some training," Drake replied.

"Around here, with Charizard?" Misty asked, "but isn't this all a bit, flammable?"

"That's what I said," Drake replied, "but Leaf wanted to stay in the forest to look for some more Pokémon."

"You know I'm close to completing the Johto dex," Leaf stamped her foot, as her lips pouted, "I've already collected over ninety percent of it."

Ash couldn't help but chuckle at how his pseudo-sister was. It was clear that out of these two, she definitely made the decisions in their travels. Not that it's that surprising, she can be very forceful and by his own admission, Drake is scared of her... although why he doesn't just leave her is beyond him, in that case.

"So you getting ready for the Blackthorn gym?" Ash asked.

"Nope, already beat it," Drake smirked, pulling out his badge case for proof. Just as he said, the case was filled with all the eight badges of Johto. The final one being in the bottom right corner and looking like some sort of face with black as the primary colour while eyes of red complimented it, "now we're getting ready for the silver conference."

"Why don't you two have a battle?" Leaf pipped up.

"Huh?" Drake questioned, "I thought you wanted to search for some Pokémon in the forest."

"I did," she replied, "but Charizard made sure there aren't any around anymore so..."

She turned to give the fire flying type a hard stare. Said starter Pokémon lowered his head with a cold sweat visible on his forehead as a single claw scratched behind his head horn. It's almost funny how a powerful Pokémon like him is even scared of Leaf. Like trainer like Pokémon.

"I'm fine with a battle," Ash turned fully towards his brother, "what do you say?"

"Sure," Drake shrugged.

"A best of three?" Ash asked.

"Why not a full battle?" Drake asked, "we haven't had one of them since the league and since their isn't a Pokémon centre nearby we are stuck with whatever team we have on hand at the moment. Except the one exchange our Pokedex's can do because of the recharge time."

"I'm not sure about that," Ash replied.

"Why not?" Drake asked.

"Well one of my current members is my Phanpy, he hatched from the egg I had a couple months back, just after Alto Mare," Ash replied, "and he's been training but he hasn't had a proper battle yet. I don't want him to end up facing Machamp or Starmie or someone like that and just one shot."

"I get that," Drake nodded in understanding before pulling out a Pokeball. Holding it out, a red light shot out and a small brown Pokémon appeared on the grass, "meet Swinub, I caught him about two to three weeks back. He hasn't had a proper battle yet either. Why don't we do a best of five but our first match between these two won't count to the final score. I don't know about your Phanpy but Swinub has been eager for battle."

"I guess," Ash muttered, "but I'd like to run it past Phanpy first."

"Of course," Drake replied. Ash pulled out his Pokedex and scanned his brother's newest capture first:

Swinub, The Pig Pokémon. Swinub roots for food by rubbing its snout against the ground. Its favourite food is a mushroom that grows under the cover of dead grass. This Pokémon occasionally roots out hot springs.

"Now that's sorted, call me when it's my turn," Pikachu scurried up Serena until perched on her shoulder, "bagsy the Stalfos."

Ash sighed before pulling out his own Pokeball. "Come on out, Phanpy!" in a flash of light, his pure ground type appeared on the ground in between the twins, he was faced away from Drake. His bright smile was enough to lighten anyone's day.

"Hiya!" he cheerfully replied. Ash kneeled down so he was closer to an eye level.

"Okay Phanpy, I'm about to have a battle with my brother, Drake and-" Ash was cut off.

"You have a brother?" he asked, his truck raising and lowering in excitement, "like how I have Togetic? Is he your big brother?"

"More or less, he's older by about three minutes," Ash replied, a little uncomfortable with that question, "anyway, I called you out because you haven't had a proper battle yet, the closest being that training against Snubbull a while back."

"Uh huh," Phanpy nodded in agreement.

"Well Drake has a Pokémon who also hasn't had a battle yet. It's got a type advantage, but we wouldn't be counting it towards the final score since we're doing a best of five battle," Ash continued, "it would be more like a warm up. Are you okay with this?"

"Yippee, I get to battle!" Phanpy cheered before looking around, "so who will I be battling?"

"Hahaha, I'll take that as a yes," Ash laughed at his easily excitable ground type, as he stood up he point a finger behind the long nose Pokémon. Phanpy must've realised what it meant because he turned around and scrapped his foot against the ground as he prepared to battle against Swinub. "Hold on, Phanpy. We haven't started yet."

"Oh, sorry," Phanpy replied, losing his battle stance.

Ash couldn't help but smile at the little ground type, he really is energetic and full of life. His excitement at pretty much anything reminded him of how Togetic was, so curious and ready to explore. Despite being at a type disadvantage, Ash knew he was a lot stronger than he looked so maybe this won't be as one sided as someone might expect.

"The best of battle between Ash and Drake Ketchum is about to begin!" Brock declared, "this first match won't count towards the final score but will allow us to see who'll chose first for the future rounds. Neither side may substitute unless it's the end of a round and there is also no time limit. Phanpy verses Swinub... begin!"


Ash verses Drake: (Round one)

"Go straight into a rollout!" Ash called out.

Phanpy nodded in response before running forward, doing a small leap in the air, his body curled up into a ball and he landed back down rolling forward with the momentum from his run giving him the strength to do so. It wasn't exactly fast but that's the beauty of Rollout, it continuously gets faster and stronger.

Swinub was barely visible above the grass but it let out a high pitched squeak before a wind blew back against both Phanpy and Ash. The raven haired boy having to hold his arms up to brace himself as bits of snow hit him as well.

"Quick, go wide and then come back in!" he called out.

Ash could barely watch through the Powder Snow but saw Phanpy shoot out of the side of the attack.

Snow barely covered his body, but it quickly disappeared as he rolled away.

The ice type move came to a stop and Ash shook himself clear of the snow from it. Looking across the field, he saw part of the grass frozen in place, as if the strip was ripped straight out of a winter wonder land. He saw Swinub trying to turn to face Phanpy and he smiled, mobility is one advantage he has here, but he has to be careful for the long ranged attacks in return.

Glancing out, he saw Phanpy speeding around in a circular motion, going at a much faster speed.

"Alright Phanpy charge in!" he shouted.

His pure ground type turned and started rolling towards Swinub.

A second Powder Snow began to form but quickly dispersed as the brown fury Pokémon went flying.

Swinub landed on the grassy field with a thud as Phanpy rolled away, still picking up speed.

Phanpy started to turn around and Ash couldn't but smile even more, once in the flow of the battle Phanpy can really handle himself. Of course, it's not the most difficult strategy they have going at the minute, but he is still doing well for a first time battle.

"Just like when we battled Whitney," he heard Drake mutter from across the makeshift field, "alright Swinub, let's try Ice Shard!"

A ball of ice formed over the small brown Pokémon before it shot out.

It did a circle in the air before shooting straight towards Phanpy. Ash could only watch as it smashed into his ground type.

Phanpy ended up uncurling from the blast and skid across the floor on stomach.

"Now Icy Wind over the field!" Drake hollered.

Swinub began visibly shaking before a cloud of ice shot out from under him and it covered the field in ice entirely.

Ash's long nose Pokémon was caught in the blast.

"Phanpy!" he called out.

Slowly, the ground type shook as it shook the ice off his body. He gave a weak cry, clearly injured by the combo of ice moves.

"Can you start up Rollout again?" Ash asked, it's not the best strategy but it's the one Phanpy knows best.

Phanpy started running along the ground but slipped on the slippery surface when he went to leap.

"Alright then, try Take down instead.

Phanpy stood up and nodded once more.

He began running across the ground, a power barrier forming around him.

As he collided into Swinub, Ash could've sworn he saw some sort of light over the ice ground type.

"Icy Wind!" Drake shouted.

As Swinub went flying, Phanpy stopped in his tracks, clearly hurt by the recoil damage.

The small brown Pokémon did a spin in the air before launching an Icy Wind straight down onto Phanpy.

Swinub landed as the ice blocked the view of the result. It only took a few seconds before the field cleared again, showing Phanpy frozen in the middle completely unable to move as Swinub landed in front of Drake. It was panting but still conscious.

"Phanpy is unable to continue," Brock declared, "making the winner of this warm up Drake and his Swinub but it won't count to the final score as previously agreed."


Ash closed his eyes and held his Pokeball out. He felt it shake slightly as he recalled his frozen ground type. How Swinub survived that Take Down and was able to launch a counter that quickly? He was clearly young and if what Drake said was true, wasn't an experienced battler.

"It was Endure," he head Drake call out.

"What?" Ash asked.

"Endure is how Swinub took the Take Down so well," Drake replied as he pull out a Pokeball and recalled his ice ground type, whispering some words to it before attaching it back to his belt. Turning back to face Ash, "as soon as I saw he knew it, we made his training on timing it perfectly to survive what would otherwise be a finishing move to throw our opponents of guard. Guess it worked."

Ash hung his head, that was actually a brilliant strategy on his brothers end. He won't be able to let him get the better of him again, even his newer members have good thought behind their style to give them an edge. Despite being better with bonding, he is still the same planning trainer he was when he set off from Kanto.

"Thank you, Phanpy, you did great for a first battle," Ash whispered to the device holding his youngest Pokémon. He shrunk it down and reattached it his belt as he looked forward across the frozen field.

"Ash will be revealing his Pokémon first for the next round," Brock called out.

Not that it's a surprise, he did lose after all, even if that round won't count points wise to the end result. As he took in the sight of the field, he knew he had a couple options, he could go with his Houndoom and burn off the heat but as arguably his strongest Johto Pokémon, best save him. He could also go into the sky with either Dragonair or Aerodactyl but again, being some of his strongest Pokémon, its best to save them as well. Maybe he could use the icy field against Drake, if he goes with a more defensive battler then it won't slip them up and his faster team members would have a hard time on their feet. Plus, he is bound to be at a type disadvantage from choosing first so might as well go with someone stubborn who won't be as bothered by such a thing.

"I choose you, Bayleaf!" Ash released his grass type.

In a red flash, she appeared on the icy field and visibly shivered but looked forward at Drake. She partly moved her legs before tensing up in a battle stance, despite mellowing out a lot since evolving, she is still a strong battle spirit and one of the toughest Pokémon when it comes to will power. Regardless of who Drake goes with, even if it's his Charizard, she will give them one tough battle. She proved that against Jimmy's Typhlosion recently.

"In that case, I'll choose Ariados!" Drake replied, holding his own Pokeball out and released his bug poison type. Ash pulled out his Pokedex for a quick refresher on his next opponent as it stood off against Bayleaf on the ice covered grass.

Ariados, The Long Leg Pokémon. The final evolved form of Spinark. Ariados's feet are tipped with tiny hooked claws that enable it to scuttle on ceilings and vertical walls. This Pokémon constricts the foe with thin and strong silk webbing.

Looking at his brother's bug poison type, Ash frowned. He was a lot bigger than the last time he saw him and held himself tough despite the cold condition it found himself in with a hardened stare. Looking deep into his eyes, Ash couldn't help but feel a little freaked by it. Even without having a fear of bugs or anything, he knows a scary Pokémon when he sees one and Ariados is definitely that.

Drake's first caught Pokémon in Johto was much larger than the last time Ash saw him. From what Ash can gather, his brother hasn't caught as many Pokémon in Johto and while that gives him less options to choose from, he also gets a lot more personal training time with each of them.

Ash sighed as he put the device away, guess that goes his plan on using the ice field against Drake. Those hooked feet will give Ariados a better ability to walk on the icy grass than most other Pokémon. Not mention it having a massive type advantage over Bayleaf and as far as he knows, was Drake's first Pokémon caught in Johto so has plenty of experience under him.

Not that any of it matters, Bayleaf was also an early capture in Johto and has just as much experience. Since when did she care about type advantage either, she would take on any and every Pokémon around if she could so Ash shouldn't be doubting her ability when she has overcome bigger type disadvantages.

The two Pokémon barely moved but both tensed up as Brock raised his arms. Ash took a deep breath and calmed himself down. This is where the real battle starts, and he'll be sure to show his brother how far he has come. He won the Orange League after all.

"Bayleaf verses Ariados..." Brock declared, "begin!"


Ash verses Drake: (Round two)

Ash watched as Ariados launched a barrage of purple stingers at his grass type.

Bayleaf spun the leaf on her head, counting with a stream of razor sharp leaves.

The two attacks collided and fought against each other to overpower and run through.

"Get close," Drake instructed.

Ash couldn't quite make out what happened do to the Razor leaves surround Ariados but next thing he knew, a large shadow slide across the ground and under Bayleaf.

"Behind you!" Ash shouted.

Ariados shot out of the shadow before lunching over Bayleaf, the stinger on his head glowing purple.

Bayleaf released two vines which tightened around the bug before flinging him into the frozen field.

The two vines shot behind Bayleaf before pushing upwards.

She went flying.

Landing directly where Ariados laid, the ground shook from the input.

Another shadow appeared a little bit away from Bayleaf and Ariados revealed himself launching another barrage of Poison Stings.

They struck Bayleaf in the back, her cries of agony filling Ash's ears.

"Heal combo!" Ash shouted.

Bayleaf began to glow a mystic yellow colour as her head raised towards the sun.

"Stop Ariados, she's using both Synthesis and Safeguard, you won't poison her, and you don't want to waste your energy," Drake called out, "go from stealth to offense."

A string shot out of Ariados' mouth, it struck a tree and it swung away.

"Isn't that out of field?!" Ash asked.

"We never established an exact field and Phanpy didn't seem to care where he went," Drake shrugged.

"He has a point, Ash, the forest is permitted as battle grounds," Brock declared.

Ash clenched his fist and quickly looked around. He could hear a swooshing sound that was obviously Ariados swinging around the trees.

"Over there!" he shouted and pointed to where he believed Ariados to be.

Bayleaf spun the leaf on her head, two more leaves shooting out.

A branch landed on the ground, harmless.

Ash saw a blur in the sky.

"Get off!" Bayleaf cried.

Turning back to the battle, he found Bayleaf with Ariados stood on her back. She had multiple vines out attempting to prove him off but looking closer, Ash saw his hooked feet digging into her body, holding him in place.

Cross Poison!

Fell Stinger!

Venoshock!

X-Scissor!

One after another, the close ranged attacks hit his grass type. Her cries of agony echoing in his ears. Unable to think of anything or do anything, he forced his eyes shut as her cries seemed to morph to those of Gyarados back at the lake of rage.

"Bayleaf is unable to continue," Brock declared, "the first round were counting goes to Drake and his Ariados."


Ash breathed out. His chest hurt at the decompression left him. Unwillingly, his eyes fluttered open to look at the field. Bayleaf was on her side, mostly covered by Ariados who was slowly walking off her. The bottom of his stomach clenched as the sickening empty feeling erupted. If he could've hurled, he would have.

In the moment where she needed him, his mind was on Gyarados. Battles and training have been up to his way to clear his mind from the lake and everything that happened but now his friend, Bayleaf, suffered in battle because he wasn't focused. Should he even continue after what happened? If his friends get hurt in battle because he can't focus, it's the trainers job to tell the Pokémon about the bigger picture and if he can't do that then...

"What was that, Ash?!" Drake called out, "you left Bayleaf alone! Left her open!"

"Shut up," Ash muttered in response, lowering his head as he felt new tears sting his eyes. He held up a Pokeball and recalled his Bayleaf, just wanting to get her to safety before

"I heard what happened at the lake!" Drake called out, "not exact details but I know something happened to Gyarados and he was taken by the gmen!"

His legs collapsed beneath him. His back hit the cold floor. He could barely make out the sound of Leaf's voice, but it was drowned out by the pained cry of Gyarados from the lake as his thrashing red body appeared in his head.

"Just shut up!" he cried.

He aching knuckles ran through his messy raven hair, clenching tight as he pulled on them, as if trying to pull the memories out. He felt his eyes sting as the familiar sensation of tears stream down his face returned. Each breath getting stuck in his throat, causing him to start to cough.

Something grabbed a hold of his elbow before he was dragged to his feet. It was difficult to balance on them, but he really wasn't trying. Something forced his hands away from his face, leaving him open. Through the blurred vision, he made out the silhouette of his brother.

"Snap out of it!" his brother demanded. His glare was hardened nostrils flaring as he looked down on him, "or if you don't. Then what happened to Gyarados will happen to someone else. Is that what you want?"

"N-no," he weakly replied, using his free sleeve to dry his eyes.

"I get that your grieving what happened to Gyarados but when you let it control you, then you allow it to happen to someone else," Drake explained, "you can grieve but you focus on what is happening. If I was a rocket member, then Bayleaf would've gone the way of Gyarados and so would've Phanpy and everyone else you care about."

Standing by himself, his brother finally let go. Ash rubbed his elbow with his opposing hand in some attempt to sooth it as he watched his brother. Blinking rapidly to return his vision to normal. As he looked up at his twin, he couldn't help but flinch at the harshness written on his face.

"That's better," his frown morphing into a smirk, "now I think it's my turn to pick first in our battle."

As he walked back over the field, stopping in front of his Ariados. Squatting down, he rubbed his bug on the head before whispering something. It disappeared into a red light before he stood back up and turned around. He placed the Pokeball back on his belt before pulling out another Pokeball.

"I think it's about time we got rid of that icy field, don't you?" Drake asked, clearly rhetorically, before holding the Pokeball out, "go Rapidash!"

In a flash of light, his large fire horse appeared. The ice covered grass around her began to melt around her. She stood tall and strong, a complete contrast to the timid Ponyta she once was. Looking closely, Ash could see a familiar bell tied around her neck. Ash pulled out his Pokedex and scanned it:

Rapidash, the Fire Horse Pokémon. The final evolved form of Ponyta. Rapidash usually can be seen casually cantering in the fields and plains. However, when this Pokémon turns serious, its fiery manes flare and blaze as it gallops its way up to one-hundred-and-fifty miles per hour (m/ph)

Ash took a deep breath before narrowing his eyes across the field. His hand dancing across the Pokeballs on his belt. He really doesn't have a bad option to face but does he want to go over the top with either Aerodactyl or Dragonair? He will have to face Charizard at some point so...

"I choose you, Houndoom!" Ash shouted.

His dark fire type appeared on the icy field but that didn't appear to bother him. He stood tall against Rapidash and while he was definitely smaller than Rapidash, Ash saw his brothers pure fire type take a step back. Regardless of opponent, Houndoom always stands strong and clearly has authority over Rapidash now. From what he remembers, as a Ponyta, she was timid, so it makes sense that as a natural leader, he was able to assume dominance

"So I finally get to face your strongest Johto Pokémon," Drake smirked, "this should be interesting."

Ash released his breath, no doubt his brother has looked up about his team in preparation for the silver conference. Maybe he should consider doing that for some of his rivals like Gary or Jimmy... or Paul. Even if he doesn't end up facing them, it's always good to be prepared.

"Houndoom verses Rapidash," Brock announced, "begin!"


Ash verses Drake: (Round three)

A blast of flames shot out in front of Houndoom, melting the little ice left by Swinub.

Rapidash jumped before charging forward, horn first.

Houndoom crouched before running in. He swiped to the left and out of the way before going under Rapidash's legs.

Opening his mouth, electricity crackled before he bite down on a leg.

The fire horse cried out as she stood back on her hind-legs.

Houndoom ran.

Rapidash slammed her legs down and thrashed around as a cloud of dust surrounded her.

Houndoom crouched low, eyes closed, he began to sniff the ground.

Out of the dust, the fire horse bolted out, horn first.

Houndoom rolled over as the horn past where he was a second earlier.

His eyes burst open before he leaped forward. Teeth baring, he struck Rapidash's neck. Latching on, he went flying to the side and pulled the horse down.

Letting go, he twisted in the air before landing on all four legs. He crouched low, snarling as he waited, watching his opponent. With a moment to think about it, Ash knew Houndoom probably didn't need him in this match regardless. He doesn't have such mobility issues and hunted to survive so likely dealt with Rapidash or similar Pokémon on his own or with his pack. A quick glance of his brother, Ash could see him lightly biting his lower lip. Along with Marowak, Rapidash is one of the Pokémon he is closest to.

Rapidash moved a hove to stand up.

Houndoom launched a Shadow Ball which imploded into her side.

"Alright Rapidash, time to go long range," Drake called out.

Before he could consider what it meant. Rapidash's horn glew like when she first charged.

With a swift swipe of her head, a beam shot out of her horn.

Houndoom jumped out of the way.

As he did, Rapidash began to run in the opposite direction, quickly picking up speed before standing up properly, galloping around.

Houndoom stood in the middle of the field, eyes closed.

He formed and launched another Shadow Ball.

Another beam pierced through it.

Houndoom barely jumped out of the way, as it landed where he stood.

He closed his eyes again.

Ash did consider telling him to try and run after Rapidash to speed this up because surely the pure fire type is recovering while on this run but Houndoom is doing fine by himself right now and he isn't nearly fast enough to catch her. Ash's eyes widened as he realised what he was planning.

A glance at Rapidash showed her now charging in.

In a poof of smoke, Houndoom disappeared.

He appeared just before her, causing a startled look on her face.

She jumped high above him.

Quickly he launched a Dark Pulse up.

It struck her stomach and she soon landed on her side with a heavy thud.

A combination of Pursuit and Sucker Punch meant Houndoom was ready for when she would move in. Houndoom proved to be nimble enough to dodge her attacks when somewhat close up so attacking long range wouldn't help. Odor Sleuth helped him predict her movements and he forced her into an unscheduled Bounce so she would be most vulnerable, and he let gravity finish her off. As a battler, Houndoom is up there with Aerodactyl and Tauros for planning and execution plans mid-battle.

"Rapidash is unable to continue," Brock declared, "meaning this round goes to Ash and his Houndoom."


Ash smiled as he watched his brother recall his fire horse Pokémon while whispering to the device. He was too far away and too quiet to properly make out what he said but it was clearly some words of thanks. He put the Pokeball back on his belt before looking across.

"Your Houndoom was good, he didn't disappoint," Drake called out, "but you didn't exactly do much yourself. Remember you need to focus."

Ash felt his anger building up in his body as he heard his brother's criticism. Unable to think clearly, he grabbed his Ultra Ball. It's his turn to pick first again so might as well go with someone who prides herself on independents. As Drake knows. Before that, however he turned to see where his Houndoom had wondered off to. He had made his way over to the side line where his friends were stood... and Serena appeared to have her Cyndaquil out. While it makes sense she'd let her watch Houndoom's battle, Ash hadn't even noticed. Shaking his head, he focused back at the job at hand.

"You're up, Dragonair!" Ash shouted.

In a flash of light, his dragon serpent appeared on the grassy field. She shook her head, as if she just washed her hair, if she had any. Her eyes were half closed as she looked across the field. Great thing about Dragonair is that she is always prepared and doesn't take back talk from anyone.

"I expected you to have Lapras or Dragonair, as the obvious counter to the blackthorn gym," Drake replied, "although I hope you're not relying on just one or two of your older members. She originally thought I was you and made it clear she plans on giving you a bigger challenge in retrospective of your Orange league victory."

Dragonair held herself tall with a hard stare at his brother. Ash couldn't help but chuckle to himself, Drake probably just insult the princess and she would make sure to teach him the error of his ways. She is very stubborn and doesn't take insubordience from anyone.

"Hate to break it to you but my next Pokémon has been specifically trained as of late to fight dragons, they were my main battler in the Blackthorn gym," Drake smirked, "It's your turn, Starmie!"

Ash smiled as he watched the water psychic type face off against Dragonair. Guess Dragonair's usual strategy of using rain wouldn't help against this opponent. The two Pokémon both held themselves well. Unfortunately, Starmie never really had much personality so it couldn't be exploited, like how Houndoom established dominance against Rapidash by using her timidness. Ash pulled out his Pokedex for a quick reminder on this Pokémon despite seeing Misty's recently:

Starmie, The Mysterious Pokémon. The final evolved form of Staryu. Starmie swims through water by spinning its star-shaped body as if it were a propeller on a ship. The core at the centre of this Pokémon's body glows in seven colours. Some believe this line came from outer space and communicate with others through its glowing jewel.

"Careful Dragonair, we don't know what tricks Starmie might have," Ash called out.

The dragon serpent gave a small nod to show she acknowledged him, but she didn't let her posture down. A cool breeze blew between them as a hallowing silence as the atmosphere became the tenses that it's been out of any battle. Despite the score being even, Dragonair has a powerful presence and that was clearly the source of this tension.

"Dragonair verses Starmie," Brock announced, "begin!"


Ash verses Drake: (Round four)

Ash inwardly smiled as Dragonair summoned a rain cloud.

Starmie stood still as an ice beam shot out of the top pointer.

Dragonair crouched low before slivering across the ground, avoiding the ice beam.

She reached her opponent and constricted her body around it. Raising her head up, she let out a loud echoey cry as a powerful bolt of lightning struck down on them.

A bright light surrounded Starmie a moment before.

The lightning bolt struck them; the sound of crackling electricity filled the area as Ash used his arm to block the bright blast. It was clearly a powerful blast and both of the competing Pokémon were at the centre of the blast.

As the Thunder attack faded, both Pokémon appeared unharmed.

"Camouflage, we use it to help with the typical type chart weaknesses!" Drake smirked.

Dragonair got visibly angry at the answer, as her body became surrounded by water before her tail swung out, sending Starmie flying.

The mysterious Pokémon started spinning in the air, in some sort of limited flight pattern.

Ash's princess let out another cry before launching out a powerful beam of dark blue energy.

Starmie stopped spinning and countered with another Ice Beam.

The two attacks collided and seemed to be in a sort of power battle, pushing against each other.

"I'm sorry Ash but Starmie will win this one, I've trained it for the last three months to specifically counter dragons," Drake spoke up before clicking his fingers.

The jewel on the mysterious Pokémon glew before a multicoloured beam shot out. It struck the battling moves and a giant ball of energy before it exploded.

Ash had to close his eyes and cover his face as a powerful wind from the explosion pushed back. A constant buzzing filled his ears as he looked towards the field, a cloud of thick black smoke covered the result and neither Pokémon could be seen.

"Finish it!" he heard his brother call out.

Out of nowhere Starmie appeared spinning around the cloud before diving into it from the top.

It reappeared a second later, stood on top of Dragonair, whose neck was between the lower pointers.

An Ice Beam shot out of starmie's top pointer, straight down onto the serpent.

"Dragonair is unable to continue," Brock declared, "meaning Drake and his Starmie win this round."


Ash sighed as the red light covered his fallen dragon type. She disappeared into the Ultra Ball and he could only look on with sadness. She won't be happy in the slightest, especially since her last proper battle was against Silver and... that was even worst. Hopefully she won't let it get to her or everyone will be in for it.

"That really wasn't fair on my part, sorry Ash," Drake admitted, as he recalled his Starmie. He gave it some words of thanks before clipping the ball back to his belt, "you see, Starmie was my ace against Clair. Our battle turned out to be a two on two double battle. I used Starmie and Charizard against her Kingdra and Dragonite. Charizard was targeted by both and taken out rather quickly but Starmie came back from a two on one battle. It is specific for countering dragons now."

Even if that won't make the princess feel better about the defeat, it did partly make Ash feel better. His brother always was a planner and calculating, and considering how much Clair's strength has been built up, of course he would create a perfect counter to her type. He couldn't help but chuckle as he thought about him possibly trying to get Mimey back from their mum since a fairy type would be an even better counter.

"Guess it's my turn to choose first," Drake smiled, Pokeball in hand, "your turn, Charizard!"

In a flash of light, the larger fire flying type who Drake started his journey with appeared. He let out an earth shaking roar as a powerful flamethrower shot high into the sky, with Ash able to feel the heat from it even from his current distance. It's funny that Drake originally started with Charmander to match their father but with his cunning and planning for battles, he is almost an exact opposite to him in battle. Smiling mostly to himself, Ash pulled out his Pokedex for a quick reminder:

Charizard, The Flame Pokémon. The final evolved form of Charmander. Charizard flies around the sky in search of powerful opponents. It breathes fire of such great heat that it melts anything. However, it never turns its fiery breath on any opponent weaker than itself. Some believe it to be a dragon, but this is not the case.

Putting the device away, Ash took a deep breath. Of course, he has his own Charizard back at the lab but it's always good for a refresher even for Pokémon he is very familiar with, just in case there's a new development or something slipped his mind. Although that won't affect his choice for this battle, out of his two remaining Pokémon, Pikachu made it clear, for him, who he wants to face so that leaves-

"Aerodactyl, I choose you!" Ash shouted, tossing his Pokeball up into the air.

The device burst open and a red light shot down onto the ground. Ash's prehistoric Fossil Pokémon appeared but unlike his opponent, he didn't roar. He stood tall on the grass as his narrowed eyes stared directly at his opponent. Ash considers him his strongest Pokémon, not only for his physical strength but for all his experience to compliment it and he doesn't need to 'prove' that placement through a battle cry. He made it clear in the past that to him, a battle cry is nothing more than a sign of some immature brut.

While Ash doesn't necessarily agree with that, he can understand how he might come to that conclusion. Looking up at the sky, the rain was still present from the previous battle which would help weaken Charizard's fire type moves but the battle will likely become an aerial battle so who knows what will happen.

"Aerodactyl verses Charizard," Brock announced, "begin!"


Ash verses Drake: (Round five)

Aerodactyl charged.

Using his wings to get a tiny bit of lift, he threw his clawed talons forward and they slammed into his opponents shoulders.

His weight pushed through and he ended up on the wannabe dragon.

Detaching his talons, he began to fly before taking off.

With a moment to think before his opponent would recover, he considered how he didn't really expect that to work. Having sparred with Ash's Charizard many times, mainly because he's tried to take the position of strongest Pokémon Ash has, but he became accustom to that opponent knowing his surprise start to allow for a clear take off.

A loud roar echoed behind him.

Glancing down, he saw Charizard try to catch him at a straight shot upwards.

Spreading his wings to hover in place, he summoned many rocks and launched the straight down.

A series of fire jets shot up, but he didn't have to worry, the rocks ensured they were never on target.

As the last rock fell, Aerodactyl followed shortly behind.

Charizard weaved around the Rock Slide and as the last one came down; it went to spin over top.

Roaring, Aerodactyl pounced and tackled him downwards using gravity to help win the strength match.

As they went spiralling down, Aerodactyl's shoulder became burning hot.

Looking, he saw Charizard managed to get off a Fire Fang.

Crackling his own fangs with electricity, he bite down on the shoulder of his opponent.

Feeling the fire flying lizard loosen on his own attack, Aerodactyl pushed away.

The two flying types steadied themselves and ended up staring each other down.

Narrowing his eyes, he decided to wait this time.

Charizard launched another Flamethrower.

Flapping his wings, he too off and began to ascend once more. Out of all his regular opponents, he has to thanks Pidgeot the most for teaching him many of his new aerial manuvers. He may not be as skilful as her, but she has made him much better than he was.

A roar echoed behind him, glancing down and sure enough Charizard was following.

Knowing the higher he went the greater the advantage he had, Aerodactyl continued to ascend before sending another series of rocks downwards to slow his opponent down.

Bringing himself a moment to think things through, he knew he'd need an endgame to this battle. Despite everything, Charizard is proving to be very determined and not likely to tire out any time soon. Unlike Ash's, he also doesn't seem to be getting angry so he can't use that against him either. Maybe he should just go with the classic-

"Hey! Watch where your throwing those rocks!" he heard the orange haired human call out.

Opps, guess he forgot that other people are still down there. Either way, with his endgame decided and realising he was at a very good altitude to make it happen, he stopped ascending and his rock slide to a stop. From this height, he can't really control their landing position and he'd hate to crush his trainer or one of his friends under them as a result. He watched closely and saw the orange lizard approaching at a surprising speed.

"Dragon Dance, I believe, well at least he evened the odds a little," Aerodactyl thought to himself.

Shaking his head, Aerodactyl dived as he knew he had to refocus.

Feeling the wind rush past him, a Flamethrower shot up.

Ducking, it sailed over his head.

Closing in, he tensed up as he felt both his head and tail harden.

Opening his wings, they brought him to a stop right above his opponent, like some sort of parachute.

Using the moment, he swung his tail and whacked Charizard around the face so he could use Flamethrower.

Plunging forward, his head smashed into the fire lizards stomach.

Charizard gasped.

Grabbing a hold of his opponent, his tail reached behind and struck the middle of his wings on his back.

Timing it with him slamming his head into the Flame Pokémon's back.

Charizard cried out in pain.

Releasing his grip, he flapped his wings to maintain altitude as his opponent begins to fall.

Once he fell a bit and picked up enough speed, Aerodactyl charged after him.

Seeing the ground quickly approaching, Aerodactyl knew his opponent would have a rough landing.

Closing his eyes, he felt the power surge through his body for his most powerful attack. This simple moment of peace before the storm allowed him to consider his action plan to finish this battle and he realised one thing... he might've over done it, considering his opponent but that battle cry was meant to show off his power, wasn't it?

He felt a familiar tingling over his body.


Ash gasped at the sight. Aerodactyl somehow sent Charizard into a spiralling spin and unable to recontrol his flight. He was about to crash into the ground but before that, his dinosaur landed on top of him with a giga impact. Aerodactyl has always been a tough one but maybe that was a little too much.

It took a moment, but the field soon became clear and the result was reveal. Smashed and crumbled rocks covered the once grassy plain with Charizard laid belly down on them, swirls in his eyes as Aerodactyl stood tall over him.

"Charizard is unable to continue," Brock declared, "making the winners of this round Ash and his Aerodactyl."

As the dinosaur walked over towards him, Ash noticed he was breathing heavily but was far from being taken down. The raven-haired boy noticed that even since his last major battle with him against the orange League champion, Aerodactyl has greatly improved his aerial combat ability.

"Wasn't that a little... much?" Ash asked.

"That battle cry had me excited," Aerodactyl shrugged, "I suspected he could handle a tough challenge. My bad."

Ash couldn't help but smile at elderly Pokémon while shaking his head. It's nice that he isn't all business now and can actually make jokes even if with a very dry sense of humour. It's actually quite similar to Houndoom now that he thinks about it but Aerodactyl isn't a leader by any means, he is more of a mentor.

"Well return for now, and good job... I think," Ash replied, recalling his strongest Pokémon. Clipping his Pokeball to his belt, he looked across the crumbling battlefield to his brother who was just clipping a Pokeball to his belt, "what did you think of that?!"

"Aerodactyl is as strong as ever, I see. He should do good against Clair, whatever format she makes your battle," Drake replied, "but you still didn't do much to help him, not that he needed it. Evidently."

"It's harder to know how to help in an aerial battle, with it being so far away," Ash called back, clenching his fist, "and a lot of my high fliers like Pidgeot and Aerodactyl don't exactly ask for help."

"Agreed but now it's time for the last bout and we both know whose left," Drake replied. He gave a small flick of the head before the ground type by his feet walked onto the rock covered field. He was much bigger and had a very serious expression on his face. Ash saw his own starter run onto the field as he pulled out his Pokedex:

Marowak, The Bone Keeper Pokémon. The final evolved form of Cubone. They thump their bones rhythmically to communicate among themselves. There are nearly 50 different rhythmic patterns. The bone it holds is its key weapon. It throws the bone skilfully like a boomerang to KO targets.

"Now Marowak, I know you kinda outmatched here so if you ask nicely, I won't use my electric attacks," Pikachu offered.

"He's ground type," Ash pointed out.

"Don't tell him that," Pikachu replied, turning back towards him.

"Just how dumb do you think I am?" Marowak asked.

"Don't make me put a number on it," Pikachu replied, crouching low into his battle stance, "I don't think you can count that high."

Drake's signature Pokémon growled in response, spinning his bone in his hand before slamming it into the ground. His narrowed eyes through the skull on his head was actually quite intimidating, all things considered. Ash shook his head while trying not to laugh, Pikachu has a habit of using his jokey nature to anger his opponent and make them more likely to make mistakes. It's a good strategy, if he could be classed as a strategy but it can also work against him if his opponent gets to mad.

"Pikachu verses Marowak," Brock announced, "begin!"


Ash verses Drake: (round six)

Ash raised an eyebrow as Marowak charged forward.

Normally Pikachu shoots off, but he hadn't moved.

The ground type swung the bone weapon over his head and down onto Pikachu.

His electric type rolled out of the way at the last second.

In one swift movement, Marowak continued his momentum and swiped his bone sideways.

Pikachu jumped and landed on Marowak's skull before jumping off.

He landed nearby as Marowak stumbled forward.

Turning on his heel, Pikachu shot under the ground type.

He slammed into Marowak's behind and knocked him face first into the crumbled rock.

"Hope you had a nice trip!" Pikachu called out, "guess I'll see you next fall!"

Marowak growled in anger, pushing himself up and turning to face Pikachu, bone in hand.

"On guard!" Pikachu cried, spinning around so his metal covered tail was facing Marowak.

The bone swung down, but Pikachu deflected it.

Left!

Right!

Straight down!

Whichever way Marowak tried to whack him, Pikachu deflected it.

Although they were slowly moving back across the field.

"Ya know, I really thought this would tickle my funny bone," Pikachu muttered before zooming of in a speedy quick attack.

Marowak, not seeming deterred, did a jump before slamming back down bone first, shaking the ground.

Pikachu reappeared leaping over the Earthquake.

He slammed his tail down on the Bone Keeper Pokémon's head with a Brick Break.

Knocked off balance, the earthquake stopped.

Pikachu landed safely, standing up on his hindlegs with a smirk.

Marowak scurried to his feet, grabbing his bone before running towards him.

But he tripped... Pikachu does like to use Grass Knot.

Pikachu began bouncing around Marowak in a taunting manner as Marowak pushed himself up. Ash couldn't help but shaking his head at his starter, looking into the ground types eyes he is able to see that when he gets an opening, he'll unleash a lot of pain onto Pikachu. He may not be the fastest Pokémon around, but Pikachu will slip up and it won't be pretty. Part of Ash knew he should stop his starter, but he probably deserves it after how he's treated Marowak so far.

Marowak tried to whack him with his bone again.

Pikachu deflected with Iron Tail.


The blue time vortex swirled around him. This part always makes him feel woozy. Even if having done it a few times, it never really feels any easier on the body, but it does make him wonder, does Celebi also feel like that? It never really complained or showed signs of dizzy-ness or the like.

Shaking his head, he realised they landed.

He was stood in a forest of some description. Obviously no longer in Orre, as that is nothing more than a desert. The decades of war waged on that land ensured that, but it does beg the question of why Celebi brought him here. This wasn't the mission location, far from it.

"Alright Pikachu, you've had your fun!" he heard a voice call out, "give Marowak a break."

Turning towards the source, he saw what was clearly a battlefield of some kind. It was a grassy meadow surrounded by the forest and crumbled up rocks covering most of the ground. A Marowak was in the centre, whacking his bone at its opponent, a small Pikachu. Anyone with knowledge of the type chart could predict the outcome although looking at it now, it appears Pikachu was winning despite its obvious disadvantage.

Closing his eyes, he felt a new presence appear behind him. Turning around he saw the familiar shimmer of Celebi's arrival. The small green forest fairy was floating around without a care in the world. It has to ensure the timeline is kept intact and it couldn't be less bothered.

"Why did you bring me here?" he asked, "you know two people can't meet during their timeline."

"Well don't go over to them then, just watch," Celebi replied, pointing back towards the battle.

Sighing, he turned back toward the ongoing battle. Pikachu was a short distance away from Marowak and clearly doing some sort of mockery. A small smiled appeared on his face as he knew what was about to happen. Marowak lobbed its bone at Pikachu in anger but the electric type jumped out of the way.

The bone hit a tree and propelled back.

Pikachu was facing the ground type making various noises, even being too far to properly hear, he knew it was some form of joke or sarcastic comment but what exactly doesn't really matter. As if planned the bone landed direct on Pikachu's head. He began wobbly walking side to side, as if drunk.

Marowak picked up his bone and stood behind the electric type. He placed the bone around Pikachu's body and pulled back, so he was trapped. A bolt of lightning shot out, but it was probably out of instinct knowing what the mouse was like. Marowak leaned back, pulling Pikachu with him before body slamming him into the ground, sending an earthquake out and shaking the ground with him.

"Why are you showing me this?" he asked again, eyes closed and turning his back.

"To remind you, this is one of your last happiest memories," the mystical time traveller replied, "I know you've got confliction over your mission, but you've seen what Orre has become. If you fail, what happened there will spread across all the regions."

The man couldn't take it anymore. Why is it always his turn? Part of him wanted to run to his past self and warn him about what's to come but he knew that if he did that, it wouldn't make a difference. This self wouldn't have been created if he prevent that future tragedy and so he couldn't warn him. Time travel is weird but in a sense, that is exactly what Celebi wishes for him to do right now.

"Pikachu is unable to continue," the large human of the group, Brock, declared, "making the winners Drake and Marowak and they win the battle overall."

A small smile appeared on his face as the memories of those days came back. In all honesty, Johto was probably the last time he was truly happy. Walking further into the forest as to not get seen when the time vortex activates again, he looked at the legendary Pokémon by his side.

"Okay Celebi... I'm ready," he informed, "

The bright blue time vortex appeared around him once again.


Ash smiled down at his fallen electric type. Cradling him in his arms, he couldn't help but think that he possibly deserved that beating after how cruel he was towards Marowak. Still, it's not a great feeling having lost to his brother. Especially if you count the first battle, which would make the score four to two in Drake's favour.

A hand appeared in front of him. Blinking, he looked up and saw it belonged to his brother who was stood over him with a small smile over his lips. Holding his starter with one arm, he accepted the gesture before being pulled up.

"Good battle, Ash, thanks for that," Drake thanked, although his smile soon lowered into a frown, "but you know I'm right about what happened. There were many rounds which could've easily gone the other way if you was properly focused. Aerodactyl and Houndoom could handle themselves but that won't always be the case."

Ash just lowered his head as he let his brothers words sink in. He knows he messed up, but it was just a stupid battle and after what happened to Gyarados, who could blame him?! His brother took a step closer and leaned in, so his mouth was right next to Ash's ear.

"There's also meant to be that thing Team Rocket we will have a hand in stopping," Drake whispered. Taking a step back, "unless you want the same thing to happen like what happened at the lake, I suggest you get your mind together and focus on what's important."

"Well," Brock spoke up, as the others approached, "I hate to break it up, but we need to get going. We can still get some travel time out of today and we need to get to Blackthorn in time for Serena's contest."

"Oh right, you only need one ribbon for the grand festival right?" Leaf asked, excitement clear in her bubbly voice.

"Right," Serena smiled, "I know. Why don't you two travel with us. If you already have all the badges, then it'll be nice to have the company."

"Thanks but no thanks," Drake replied, "I don't want to give away any tactics before the conference and Leaf wanted to visit some places to fill up her Pokedex before the league anyway."

"Good luck in your contest though, Serena," Leaf added, giving her a bone crushing hug, "and we'll be sure to be there at the grand festival to cheer you on."

"We will?" Drake asked.

"Of course, we will," Leaf replied to Drake before turning towards Ash, "and good luck against Clair. She was the toughest gym leader in Johto for sure."

"Thanks for the heads up," Ash acknowledged.

"I could be wrong, but I think Clair is planning a full battle against you," Drake informed, "so if I was you, I'd prepare for that. Bayleaf, Houndoom and Phanpy are all fine Pokémon but it might be worth bringing Lapras, Snorlax, Alakazam or any of your other heavy hitters."

"What do you think about using Togetic?" Ash asked, "I mean, he's been the most vocal about wanting to battle her."

"I've never seen him battle as a Togetic so I couldn't answer that," Drake shook his head, "but I can't see any harm in it. I mean, he is a fairy type and clearly eager, didn't you once tell me that you'd never turn down a Pokémon who wanted to battle? And if your taking your two powerhouses like Aerodactyl and Dragonair, then..."

"I guess you're right," Ash replied, "but he did have a rough time against Pryce."

"That was his first gym leader and he was at a type disadvantage, I'm not really surprised," Drake replied, "but in the end, it's your choice. I can only give my opinion on your options present."

Ash nodded in understanding before looking down at the starter in his arms. Pikachu was twisting slightly before snuggling into him. A small smirk flicked on the corner of his mouth, if his starter knew what he just did he would be super embarrassing.

"So we'll see you around," Drake added.

Looking back at his brother, he was already walking away with Leaf jogging to catch up. While it was nice of him to give the warning about Clair, it wasn't a nice meeting and he is honestly pleased that he won't be travelling with him. It felt more like how they were before they came to an understanding, with him being more antogonistic towards him, especially with how he only just lost Gyarados... what is Drake's problem anyway?


Drake frowned. A cold breeze blew past him and he shoved his hands into his pockets. Its barely been thirty minutes since they left Ash and the others but that wasn't the reason for his sour mood. No, the reason for it was his current travelling companion, Leaf.

A quick glance to the side showed her walking with her head down. Ever since they left, she hasn't said a word. Normally, that would be a blessing since she has a very bad habit of not shutting her mouth but the tension radiating off her is thick enough to cut with a knife. At least it will be time for the league soon then he will be able to set off on his travels without some sort of companion, just his Pokémon by his side.

"What was that battle all about?" Leaf asked, seemingly out of no-where.

"Pardon?" Drake asked, thrown off by her sudden question.

"The battle with Ash, you was way too tough on him especially after what happened to Gyarados," Leaf replied, "why?"

"You wouldn't understand," he dismissed.

"Try me!" she called out.

Drake sighed as he stopped. He hated when she would get like this, angry for seemingly no reason. Why she chose him to torture by travelling with him instead of Ash and the others or even someone like Gary he will never know.

"Because Ash needed someone to knock it out of him," Drake explained.

"That someone being you?" Leaf asked.

"If needed, yes," Drake replied, "I already knew Serena and the others would've tried they sympathetic approach. While people like Paul or Gary got reactions out of him through being antogonistic. It just made sense to at least try it."

"Do you think it worked?" Leaf asked.

"I don't know," Drake replied. Hopefully it did but based on his reaction as they parted, it probably only made him sink further into that depression, "but even if it didn't, I know he'll be alright."

"What makes you so sure?" Leaf asked.

"Because I know what it's like to be lost, afraid, not sure where to go and someone got me out of that," Drake replied, as he watched the avid adventure, he saw her cheeks burn a bright red as her gaze lowered. Is it really that cold?

"W-who helped you?" she asked, a stutter ever-present.

"Ash did," he replied.

For some weird reason, her red cheeks seemed to fade instantly as her mouth puffed up into a pout. Girls are so weird. Deciding it wasn't worth his time to try and figure her reaction out, Drake continued forward... then stopped again.

"What's Marowak doing?" Leaf asked.

The ground type was stood a little bit away with his bone lying on the path. It appeared to be wet and covered in some sort of water, but the truly interesting part was a small pink Pokémon that Drake knew was a Snubbull stood with him. His ground was listening as it barked at him, but it was more like a conversation than any sort of battle declaration or something.

After a few moments, Marowak pointed down the way they just travelled from. The Snubbull bowed before making its way past them. A wide smile was spread on the fairy types face and it gave a small nod of acknowledgement to Drake as it past. That was honestly one of the weirdest interactions with a seemingly wild Pokémon that he has ever seen. What did that Snubbull even want and how did Marowak seem to know the answer. Well he probably faked it and sent it off in the other direction so they wouldn't have to deal with it. Not that it really matters.

Deciding that he wouldn't get any answers by just asking himself the questions, he approached the ground type. Looking at the disgust on his Bone Keeper Pokémon's face, it was easy to guess that Snubbull probably tried to eat his bone and was thus covered in its saliva. Kneeling next to him, he pulled a cloth out of his pocket.

"What was that all about?" Drake asked.

"Maro Marowak," the ground replied.

"Tell me about it," he smiled, having finished clearing his partners bone.

His ground type picked up the bone and they continued down the path. This time, however, the previous tension that surrounded them had disappeared. Leaf wasn't exactly back to her chatty self but she was over near the forest lining looking out for some Pokemon. In all honesty, travelling with her through this region hasn't been nearly as bad as he might've guessed near the start but it will be better when Johto is over and he is able to set off on his own again.

That does beg the question though, which region would be next? Probably whichever one Ash went to... or will it?


Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...