Seven more chapters including this one, and we have closed the book on Hoenn! Then I can plan ahead. For now, all chapters till Maylene are written, so time isn't an issue for me.
Let's finish this chapter quickly, as many things are about to unfold in a couple of chapters.
Location: Crossgate Town
''Coming through! Coming Through! Move out of the way!''
People present at the Rubello Town Pokemon Center coughed their breaths out from the trail of dust left behind, as May charged towards the desk, completely throwing herself at the receptions. Face inches close to the now scared Pokemon nurse, May began to ctah her breath and began ranting.
''Nurse Joy! That Guy! Ash Ketchum! Battle Fest! Won! Where…could…i…find…him….?'' May began to interrogate.
''Calm down,'' the nurse crooned, offering the hasty Top Coordinator a glass of water. May accepted the bottle and gulped it down, as if water was the only thing she could survive upon. Exhaling, she took another sip, and set the empty plastic bottle down.
''Now, you were saying?'' the Nurse inquired, sneaking the bottle and dumping in a waste.
''Nurse, I need to some information about a guy. Ash Ketchum. He was here last night, and he won the Battle Fest held yesterday. He's a good friend of mine. He always has a Pikachu with him.'' May supplied.
''Well, yes. He was here last night.'' Nurse Joy nodded.
''Was? Do you mean he isn't here anymore?'' May implored with big hopeful eyes to get a positive response. Ash was the kind to usually get a room at the Pokemon Center.
''I am afraid he didn't stay over here at the Pokemon Center. He looked like he was in a rush. He exited the building somewhere at 8 PM last night. You can inquire local restaurants or the hotels. Maybe he has stayed over at some hotel.'' The jovial nurse tried her best to be resourceful. ''I am sure Officer Jenny can help you track him down."
''NO!'' May bawled, shrinking down at her knees, dramatic as ever. ''Of all the restaurants and hotels in Rubello! At this rate I'm never gonna find him!''
Rushing from her chair, the pink haired medical, helped May get at her feet. ''Oh now, now. Please don't be so discouraged. I'm sure you'll find him soon.''
Sniffling, May perked her head up at the pink nurse. ''Can I have his details?''
XXX
It seemed that luck was on Ash's side, or maybe this was just a coincidence. An entire trip to Fortree City had been saved. Since past five years, Fortree City had opened itself for expansions and Crossgate Town was one of them. And this year, the PokeRinger Competition and Feather Carnival was to be held on the same day. And that day would be today. Earlier mentioned luck comes into picture, when Ash learnt that the winner of the Pokeringer Competition will face the Gym Leader of the Fortree City, none other than Winona. And that is how two birds could be killed with one stone.
Ash ambled amongst the streets of Crossgate. No place on Earth worshipped the Flying Type Pokemon like this place. A heaven for ornithologists. The festival was always a place of unrestrained joy. The costumes lit up the summer's day, a riot of colour to rival any gardener's paradise. Music filled the air, festive beats lifted the spirits and made the people want to move, jump and sing. It was a time to celebrate being alive, celebrate the wonders of creation and be one with the community. The air tasted so heavenly with the chefs alongside the parade, every delicious thing ready to be shared with friends.
Almost no-one walked anywhere, they danced, skipped, jogged, jumped, hopped and wiggled. It was the day when extraordinary was the norm and just being alive was a riot. We humans make our festivals, so whatever you want to change to suit your ethical standards and dreams of a healthy Earth, just change it. It's your culture too and culture is a living thing, able to breathe and grow.
Ash marveled at the sights of different bird Pokémon, drooling over all those tasty dishes, the entertainment. Really pulled him back into his childhood days, but all he was rearing for was to enter the PokeRinger Competition and challenge Winona, the gym leader. It was set to commence at later that afternoon, which gave Ash exactly the time for leisure he needed. This was an authentic Festival he wouldn't quit upon, and so he decided to stay in Crossgate for the day. One of the best features, he could rent his own treehouse. Man he always wanted to stay in those! Sadly that dream was planned when he was a kid….
XXX
Multicolored flags were hoisted above the amphitheatre that fought the winds bravely. Fireworks went off inauguration, red, blue and green lit the sky, and the crowds, just the small population of Crossgate went wild with intensity.
''Hello and welcome to the annual Pokeringer Competition which is gonna be one dandy event if you'll make some noise! This year, the Feather Carnival and the Pokeringer Competition are in cahoots! A double bonanza for the people of Crossgate Town! The rules are very simple Trainers can only choose Flying type Pokemon! A hot air balloon will suspend a ring, and will be hoisted in the air. Two participants will battle against one another, and their Pokemon will retrieve the ring and deliver it to the goalpost. The Pokemon who does so wins. A trainer may choose upto three choices!''
''Ladies and Gentlemen! It's time to announce our standings, but first let's meet our honorable guest, by special invite: The Gym leader of Fortree City, WINONA!" The audience howled loudly, as the announcer gestured wildly to a corner, before Winona was revealed seated in a special booth, in a tower. ''The Victor will receive a honorary Citizenship of Crossgate Town for life, and this year, will also get a chance to challenge Winona!''
''Thank you!'' the jovial leader cooed into her mic. "To all of our participants, and the audience as well, I hope you enjoy this festival until the very end!"
Just the voice made the auditorium filled with pale pink and red hearts of the pervert men. Rest, we just excited to get the even started. Faces of all Participants with their entered Pokemon were flashed on the much larger than before rectangular e-billboard. When it placed his face in the extreme corner, Ash was relieved the competition didn't go cold on him.
Identities began swapping and the standings were fixed. Ash found himself placed in Block A, along with three other trainers. The Competition got down to business, and Swellow's experience quickly ensured Ash would rule that block. One by one, Noctowl and Garchomp, technically not a flying type, began to throw out one contestant after the other.
XXX
Four faces occupied the screen, as the crowds began ranting the names they supported.
''And now time for our Semifinals! First up, its gonna be Joseph Philips against our defending Champion Morgan Shepherd. Then, in the next battle, it's gonna be newcomer, AK against last minute challenger, Victor Sturridge!''
Ash's eyes scanned the room, to be met with the pair that was looking out for him. Victor's and his gazes met, narrowing their eyes in a silent acknowledgement.
The matchups got the crowds riling up, showering cheers for the semifinalists. Ash watched the screen as both contestants stood across from each other on the battlegrounds. He had analyzed their pattern, now gambling in his mind for the victor to emerge.
''Seems to be like another packed house and the participants have got everybody stoked too! The crowd is going absolutely gonzo with anticipation, early moments away from kicking off the opening session! Joseph has been resorting to a defensive style of battling with his Skarmory that could render Morgan's strategy totally useless. But let's not forget Morgan's Aerodactyl can make all the difference in this match!''
Throw about throwing a wrench into the works, when a large pole with only one hook began cropping up from the battle field. The wind balloon was released in the air, with a pocket sized ring dangling from the balloon. The only effort to be taken was to grab that ring before your opponent and land it into the hook. Sounds simple, but it takes mucho skill of the Pokemon and concentration of the Trainer to pull it off. The players prepared for the battle, as the two combatants hoisted themselves in the air and headed for the ring.
''This match has got underway, and looks like neither competitor is wasting any time heading for the ring! This race is definitely on!''
Joseph cleverly used defensive maneuvers against Aerodactyl with Iron Defense and Flash Cannon, and made Skarmory ride the winds to reach the balloon, but Morgan had different plans. Aerodactyl broke away the spiral descent, and once again rocketed itself in the air, making a chase for the Steel Type.
''I wouldn't put this one just to bet yet cuz Morgan isn't gonna roll over and got to sleep just yet!''
''Now just to separate Men from the boys,'' Morgan snorted, ''Aerodactyl, spinning Fire Fang attack!''
Igniting its bared fangs and spinning beyond acceleration, the prehistoric predator caught up to Skarmory, and violent chomped the neck region. Yelping out in pain, Joseph watched helplessly as his Pokemon was whirled around and mercilessly sent crashing down to the face of earth.
''Ouch!''
Elimination competition, Aerodactyl pulled the ring with its powerful jaws and tossed it towards the post with concentrated accuracy!
Horns blew signaling end if the match, as Aerodactyl began orbiting the sky.
''GOAL! And Morgan has snatched victory from the jaws of defeat to become our first ever Finalist which unfortunately leads Joseph in the lost column as well! Bad news for Joseph! But a big break for the Champ!''
Smirking, Morgan just gave a lazy wave at the crowd, as he recalled his Pokemon. Retreating from the fanfare. Ash was smart to realize he had to keep an eye out for that guy. But for now, his sights were on Victor, still staring at him. After all, he was only another rung in the ladder.
XXX
The lookers were still rowdy and loud ever since the last climatic fight Ash had fought, prompting the announcer to shout loudly over the roaring audience. ''We are down to our last match of the Semi Finals. And It's time to make some noise for our next round. It is the much talked newcomer AK against our rookie sensation Victor Sturridge! So don't go anywhere!''
Ash made his way to the arena, confidence visible in his stride as he reached his box. He stopped turning to gaze at the opposite walkway, from where Victor had just entered. Across from his was the overconfident visage of Victor, a smirk worn on his features.
''For the very last battle of the semis, first we have AK, who has come out of nowhere to remain undefeated in the Tournament. It anybody has a shot of meeting Morgan in the finals, it's AK!''
The audience erupted once again.
''And from the unknown parts of Kalos, one of the smoothest Trainers around, let's hear it for Victor Sturridge! He has been one chilly dude in this entire ringer! Only one of them can make it to the finals ahead, where they'll face Morgan Shepherd for the coveted prize and a chance to be in the field with Winona. And it's obvious both competitors are willing to give their best!''
''I hear you are a just loitering around,'' Victor yawned, face faltering in a smirk ''Well, enjoy your visit, AK, coz it's gonna be a short one.''
''Sounds like someone's getting overconfident.'' Ash stressed, not responding to the cockiness of the trainer.
''Feast this!'' the Kalos native pulled out a PokeBall and flashed it under the bright sunlight. ''This is gonna be your doom!''
''Full of hot air, aren't ya kid?'' Ash fished out a Pokeball as well. ''Your words don't even sting.''
Victor grit his fangs. At the end of the exchange, the faces had filled up the screen.
''And looks like the Trainers are already hooked up!''
''And…begin!'' the referee allowed.
''Get the lead, Noivern!'' Victor yelled, releasing the dragon type, trying to look every bit intimidating.
''In that case,'' Ash rolled out his Pokeball forward. ''Swellow, I choose you!''
Flying above the air much more quietly, the softest caw escaped Swellow's beak. Though Noivern was more fierce looking, Swellow was knowledgeable enough to know the weakness and strengths of these dragon types. After all, he had the opportunity to train with one.
Winona, high above the ground, was very much enthralled to see the flying types.
On signal, both Pokemon dash forward in a race to reach to the balloon.
''And we have got to another flying start! AK is one of those trainers, who have always got a trick or two up their sleeve! I can hardly wait for what surprise he has stored in for Victor!''
''Double Team!'' Ash commenced.
Taking a break from the chase, Swellow doubled to tripled to every pertinent 'Pleds'. One after the other, the clones began circumscribing Noivern to an aerial limit.
''No sweat!'' Victor laughed off. ''Use Supersonic to locate the real one!''
Charging the ears, that always served any Noivern as formidable weapons, a screech began to hunt down the real body of Swellow, using the ancient technology of ultrasound. While Noivern and Victor were more focused in identifying the correct Swellow from the images, Ash decided it to play hard ball.
''Now Agility!''
The sound rings began to connect nothing but empty air, as every clone now began to vanish all of a sudden. One would swift past the Sound Wave Pokemon, the other would claw the back of the airborne dragon. To use Supersonic, a Pokemon required high concentration, and Ash was seizing that opportunity.
While the onlookers could only see the Noivern defending off against the disappearing speedy clone, their eyes were momentarily taken off the ring hanging down from the balloon. Grasping this opportunity, the real Swellow had already laid its beak on circlet.
''Hurricane!'' Victor grimaced.
Irate, Noivern repeatedly flapped its wings conjuring up strong misdirected winds that began to grew a behemoth on the field. One after the other Swellow clones began bursting into poofs, later to be lashed out the discovered originator, letting him know what had eaten its clones was only a taste of it's power.
''Would you closely look at Swellow's beak! It has grabbed the ring, folks! But all that stands between the bird and the goal post is now an angry Hurricane! This is the wildest attack I have ever seen!''
''Don't forget I can chalk one up to the time,'' Ash grinned widely, calling out for the next move, ''Brave Bird right in that Hurricane!''
Gutsy and life risking stunt, but Swellow was determined to take that challenge. Tightening its clutch on the ring, the Pokemon courageously approached the vortex of Hurricane. It's light body was pushed back in the first effort, but right here on this ground was when Swellow learnt to overcome it. That was the moment it had evolved into a Swellow. And now, it was going to show everybody what it could do as a Swellow.
The pressure from the attack began making it gearing forward to the center of the Hurricane, allowing the Pokemon to enter the initial stage.
''Holly Molly! Swellow has just entered the violent Hurricane!''
''What's he thinking?'' Victor mused.
From the standing, Morgan looked on as well.
Winona was praying to the winds, to protect Swellow.
''We can't see any sign of Swellow from up here!"
Just as the maneuver was apparently composed, it unfolded without a hitch. Swellow emerged through the strong twister, coated in persistent and rebellious flames. The blue heat clung to him in a white aura.
''Waita minute! Do my eyes deceive me or did Swellow just pass through the Hurricane?! That was totally intense!''
''LLOW!'' it cried, appearing right before Noivern's terrified eyes, swerving up after passing through its very own target. With all of the built momentum and all of Victor's denial, it had little trouble catching up with Noivern, striking it with its radiant, flaming body. The beak struck hard, and Noivern was wrecked out of the air.
''And there it is folks! The fatal blow has been struck!''
Placing the ring in the spot, Swellow shrieked in a triumphant victory and Victor's name was written off the Pokeringer Competition.
''And GOAL!''
''The round goes to AK yet again! I have never seen something so exhilarating in my entire life! That was a thrilling and a wild ride!''
''There, you totaled now?'' Ash smirked, brushing off a finger under his nose.
''Grr….'' Victor bit, recalling his Pokemon. ''I'll never forget you AK!'' he spat.
''Sure, come see me when you'll stack up!'' Ash flashed a cheeky grin.
''So the finals are now set! It's AK vs Morgan Shepherd!''
The crowds screamed in applause giving up it up for the Ash and Swellow.
XXX
''Welcome back to the Crossgate Town annual Pokeringer Competition, as we close in on today's main event! It all boils down to this: the battle for the tough spot between our two finalists!''
On the same time, Ash and his opponent settled themselves in the trainer boxes, pupils not once taken off against one another. Their faces occupied their screens, and the host began to introduce them in earnest.
''On the left, is the returning fan favorite and the current Champion, Morgan Shepherd, and his opponent, the sensationalist icon who has quickly stole the hearts of Crossgate, AK! I don't know about you guys, but I am seriously stumped for today's action!''
''Choose your Pokemon!'' the official requested.
''Aerodactyl, let's go!'' Morgan, the quicker won, tossed his signature choice throughout the tournament. The rock type materialized from its capsule, giving a fierce caw, launching itself skyward.
''And Morgan plans to stick with Aerodactyl, whose ferociousness has put the lid on many competitors!''
''Garchomp, I choose you!'' Ash winded up before lobbing another Pokeball forward.
Small tremors rippled out from the platform where Garchomp materialized with a heavy thud. Hunching forward to regard its opponent, it let loose a fearsome roar that echoed over.
''The clash between these two Pokemon seems to be a nightmare! Both trainers are deep in mental preparation even as we speak! AK seems no stranger to Morgan's tactics, but can Garchomp get an opportunity to kick it freestyle. I don't think it'll matter as Aerodactyl has always been overpowering since the past!''
''I'll show him what it really means to be a Champion,'' Ash scoffed. ''They will be singing a different tune if I flash out who I really am.''
The balloon was hoisted high in the air, with Pokemon fixing their eyes on the small ring hanging from it.
''Begin!''
''To the skies!'' both trainers yelled in unison.
Leaving dust picked up behind, Garchomp's speed had already made him take a lead in front of Aerodactyl, in the quest to bring the ring.
''And both trainers are off to a smooth launch!''
''Agility to get behind Garchomp!'' Morgan yelled.
In a blink, a gray blur vanished and Aerodactyl could be seen lingering a danger on Garchomp's back.
''Aerial Ace!'' the trainer followed.
''Ramming its hard skull into Garchomp's back, the Fossil Pokemon made the dragon type elicit a painful cry. Forced into a startling flight, Aerodactyl took the lead, leaving the pseudo grimacing behind.
''So you want this fast, huh?'' Ash quirked a brow. ''Catch up for a Brick Break!''
With an intention to pulverize the Pokemon, in a whizz the Mach Pokemon, surprised Aerodactyl with his agility and struck a glowing claw with a brute force. The Fossil dragon howled, the whack threw it completely off balance.
''Flamethrower!'' Ash yelled.
''Dragon Breath!'' Morgan countered
The hot flames and the mystical draconic beam collided, followed by an explosion, shrouding the air in deceitful smoke.
''And the Pokemon have decided to engage in a Faceoff!''
''Not for long!'' Morgan smirked. ''Aerial Ace!''
''I agree!'' Ash threw a hand forward. ''Giga Impact!''
''Close your eyes folks, as this collision may seem brutal!''
Instantly, Aerodactyl's flight path turned into a nose dive that set its wings aglow with bright white energy. Dive-bombing himself, Garchomp's body radiated off a violet and orange swirl, heading for Aerodactyl. The two Pokemon met in a terrific collision, once again a new explosion booming the field. Aerodactyl, lacking the years of experience Garchomp had, could barely fend off against its opponent.
''What power!'' Winona gasped.
The impact was too overpowered for it to hold back in self defense, and it went spiral down with gravity doing the rest of the job on behalf of Garchomp.
''Aerodactyl!'' Morgan watched on with a teary eye. The crash was enough to spray on some dirt. Winona intently looked down as the dust settled, then she saw it. Aerodactyl, was down for the cause, while Garchomp had retrieved the ring.
''And Aerodactyl is down! Morgan's chance of victory is gone with the Wind!''
With the score, the Mach Pokemon towered over its fallen victim, roaring its cries of triumph in the sky. Morgan's image disappeared from the screen to make room for Ash's face, that took the center, and ''WINNER'' was spelled out in large.
''And with final score, AK has reigned over the competition! Let's give him a huge hand!''
Fans screeched out and whistled ''AK'' in deafening noises over the short and fast conclusion.
A short, organized scramble brought an elevated stand to Ash's corner on the field, where he stood proudly along with Garchomp, Noctowl, Swellow and obviously Pikachu. With the judges surrounding the podium, Ash began reminiscing the first time he stood over that stage. What a pleasant memory it was that he shared with Swellow. His glance fell on the Gym Leader approaching him.
''That was a very coordinated performance I saw. You and your Pokemon show a great spark of teamwork and creativity. I can hardly wait to see that mixture in our upcoming battle!'' Winona greeted with a wink.
''Likewise!'' Ash pumped a fist.
'Pika!''
''GARRR…''
''Coo….''
''LLOWW!''
Ash ceremoniously accepted the accolades, presenting it for a group picture. Multicolored sparkles burst in the sky, earning thunderous applause.
XXX
And finally that moment of the evening arrived, Ash had been psyched up for. His trainer box was hoisted on a tower, right across the tower where Winona was positioned. He studied her for a moment, quickly recognizing the chant she made to the winds.
''Oh great sky above, I ask you to lend me the power of your wings. Grant us the power to conquer even the strongest of the stormy winds. And please guide us to your great blue world, and let us share its infinite power and majesty!'' she cried to the dusky skies with gusto, rejuvenated with an undesirable energy.
''Hey, who are you talking too?'' Ash hollered from the other end.
''The God of the Wind,'' Winona smirked. ''Why? Would you oppose a God?''
''I would if I don't see one around,'' Ash twisted his lips, rotating to look for a myth.
''Then face the might of a devotee,'' Winona furrowed her brows, gracefully tossing a Pokeball forward. ''Altaria, follow the wind!''
With voice just as elegant as the owner, Altaria took her form, elegantly riding the winds.
A Pokeball was released from Ash's grip in a winded up toss down at the platform as well, from which Krookodile burst forth with an enthusiastic showmanship, showing off his newly bought eye shades.
''KROOK!'' he thumped on the floor he had landed with ease.
''And AK had made an interesting yet strange choice against Winona's speedy Altaria!''
''This will be a two on two match between the winner of this year's Pokeringer Competition, AK and the Gym Leader of Fortree City. Both trainers are allowed with substitutions, and there will be no time limit. The battle will conclude when both Pokemon of either party cannot continue to battle! Proceed!'
The with the flags down, Ash made the first move. ''Stone Edge!''
''Krooo…'' Lazing grumbling, the reptile spun to fire a massive set of sharp stones at the partial dragon type.
''High in the air!'' Winona ordered.
Picking up speed, Altaria ascended high to the sky at an altitude, where the stones would lose to gravity. The stones rained down, impaling the ground.
''She's using the sky,'' Ash smiled. ''This will be easy.''
''Dazzling Gleam!''
Polished in a bright multicolored aura, Altaria swooped down at the battlefield to lung into the crocodile.
''Hyper Beam to get in the air!'' Ash punched forward.
A brilliant destructive beam was released in a life threatening attempt right inches before his feet. The field was swallowed in the beam's light, intensity of the attack sent a rush of air through the field, and the referee found himself nearly stumbling from the force. Altaria could only push through a risen cloud of dust, completely missing the target.
''And looks like AK won't be happy until he blasts this field into the orbit! What a show! But hey! Where is Krookodile?''
Altaria cautiously drove itself back in the air, but still no signs of Krookodile.
''What's going on!? I hate to this but looks like Krookodile has left the building!''
''Dragon Claw!'' Ash voiced out loud to the skies. Everyone turned to a glint high in the sky, they had mistook for a star. The picture became clear, and Krookodile was back into the fray, nails purple and extended sharp.
''And here Krookodile comes, falling from the sky like a raging meteor!''
''Huh?!'' Winona gasped, covering her mouth.
Passing right through the airborne Altaria, the sand reptile made a quick slash right across the face before flipping on the ground deep below. It landed on the sturdy feet, patiently waiting for something. It was a sound.
A sound of something dropping from the sky. Perhaps, the Pokemon he had just defeated, in one sharp blow. Altaria lay in a heap behind Krookodile, swirls in her eyes.
''Altaria is no longer able to continue. Krookodile wins!''
A flash of red light recalled the bird to its pokeball, in Winona's palm. "Good work, dear," she'd lull, depositing the capsule.
Standing tall, the Intimidation Pokemon roared, letting his ability Moxie took its effects.
''And there it is! An early knockout of the battle! I hate to say it but looks like Winona has only one Pokemon left that can collect all the marbles!''
A red beam retrieved the dark-ground type from the field, leaving a fading afterimage of his figure. With a smile, Ash chucked a new Pokeball forward. The ball spun, to let out its contents, releasing one of the unique Pokemon he had in arsenal. Light flourished on the field, and the shiny Noctowl began to hoot on the stage.
''We will not let the pride of Flying Types fall!'' Winona grunted. ''Swellow, to the air!''
The much larger, and with a brighter shade of feathers, Winona's Swellow appeared from its Pokeball and scaled the air. Noctowl's gaze slid up to regard the opponent's Pokemon who circled overhead, only before turning a glare downward, affixed at its opponent.
''I don't believe my eyes folks! Is this really going to be a battle between two shiny Pokemon? These are the moments that just take us off-guard, you know!''
''Ready for more?'' Ash cocked a brow.
''Never more ready! For the grace of the flying types!'' she lifted a hand straight. ''Swellow, Aerial Ace!''
Talons tucked and wings spread out, Swellow began its dash. The speed made winds howl and grounds below crumble. There was no chance in the world dodging that. But Noctowl didn't display any reaction to it. Instead, it was more occupied, in picking something off the ground.
''And what do I see? Noctowl is not moving! If it doesn't Swellow might ram through it!''
''Reflect!'' Ash commanded.
Noctowl shimmered with a bright light that projected forward into a solid psychic barrier right in front of Swellow's nose. The enraged bird slammed into the barrier with such force that it ricocheted off and careened through the floor.
''And I believe it's our turn! Extrasensory!''
''Swellow, watch out!" Winona gawked.
Just when Swellow attempted to pull itself into the air, Noctowl cast his psychic powers on the bird, roughly chucking it through the air and dropping it with a loud thud.
''And AK seems to be enjoying to toy around with Winona!''
''Swellow, Aerial Ace to get in the air and use Double Team!''
With one eye still one, Swellow wined as it struggled to weigh itself up on the ground. Marshalling the strength it had, it rose high in the sky with a vanishing blur and multiplied itself into several copies.
Remembering Reflect would still protect Noctowl for a while, it would be best to use long range attacks from above. ''Now all of you use Air Slash!''
Whipping the length of their wings around, the Swellows cawed, stirring up wild, howling swirls of air currents in the center of both wings. And then the pressurized orbs were set free to bombard upon Noctowl, unless it would do something.
''Extrasensory to knock them all back!'' Ash instructed resolutely.
Obliging dutifully, another vortex of multicolored beams were used to bat out the swirling spheres right where they arrived from. The howling pressures hit their owners and the afterimages began to disperse, until the real one squawked when hit with another whiplash of Extrasensory.
Slapped right across, Swellow's flight was disoriented which gave Ash all the opportunity he was waiting for. ''Moonblast!''
Best time to use a move like that, Noctowl began draw power from the moon above, and chirped. With a softest hoot, his body released a pink glow that unleashed a beam of lunar energy.
Hit! And that was when Winona knew that she had lost the battle!
Swellow lay on the floor, sprawled out.
Moment of silence before the commentator squealed. ''And yet again, AK has managed to give us a fabulous show! He has emerged victorious without a difficulty! Man, what an event! Way to end the Feather Carnival!''
Catching a glimpse of the gym leader sulking, Ash grinned. Appreciating the owl, that had occupied his shoulder, Ash crooned. ''We don't need to rely on some God, now do we?''
And another one in the bag! Chapter 38 is done!
Whoo! Had spent a lot of time on this.
Anyway, we are halfway to complete the Hoenn arc. Two more Gyms, and some recurring faces, and we are done with Hoenn.
Time for Q&A
Are you gonna make Ash have two Gengars?
Finally! I knew someone would ask me this. Yes, I plan on giving him two Gengars. I think both of the Gengars would hit it off. And if he can have 30 Tauros, why not 2 Gengars. You see I hadn't anticipated they would give Ash a Gengar and I had posted my story much before Sword and Shield.
Will this be advanceshipping?
Yes, Chunky. Sorry it has to go this way.
When can we see Ash's Dragonite?
In the Elite 4 Drake chapter.
The Next listings on Back in Action!
Rafe
Drew
Katie
Thanks!