Hello everyone!

Hope you enjoyed the last chapter! If you haven't read it yet, please do as that is the first installment of Koga chapters that I have uploaded altogether. I think both chapters turned out very well, far better than I expected it! And I am sure you will like the ending to this one as well! This one is filled with thrilling battles!

Usually I don't update the chapters together, since it will kill all the suspense, but let's see how this goes.

As always feedback and reviews much appreciated!


''Don't touch that remote, fellas! With the score locked tied, I am completely amped to see how this round goes and who pulls out the win! Don't be fooled by Koga's Venomoth as it is one tough customer that has ended a lot of streaks on its part! On the other side, Muk doesn't seem to fazed either! This is one holy freaking rumble!''

''Man, this is intense…''May noted, a bead of sweat forming on her brow. ''I haven't sweat this much since Max's battle in the Ever Grande Conference.''

''With Muk immune to poison, many of Koga's techniques won't be seen,'' Misty mumbled, ''Not that he's completely banking on it.''

''Ash is…zzzz…smart enough to know that! He's already anticipated that Venomoth would have moves like Psychic and Disable at disposal.''

''Ughh..what are you mind-readers?'' Misty groaned.

''Don't bite my head off, babe! I'm just a machine!''

''Misty,'' Brock gained the tempered redhead's attention. ''That Venomoth looks awfully familiar right?''

Pouting, she glanced once again at the hovering bug, and despite her disgust for bug types, she immediately recognized it. ''Yeah, the same one he had used in the Gym battle!''

''Well, then good right?'' May intervened. ''Ash already beat that Pokemon before.''

''Not exactly…The battle was interrupted by Team Rocket.''

''Here in Kanto too…'' May gasped.

''In most of Ash's gym battles,'' Brock answered, chuckling.

''Hey, where are they anyway?'' Misty pondered.

''Oh…you are not gonna like the answer…'' May sighed.


''Muk, Mud Bomb!''

The Sludge Pokemon, obedient as his nature, spat compacted masses of mud at the rival. Even flight as its power, Venomoth's birth type denied it the pleasure of a fully known flying type, thus making it vulnerable to ground type moves.

''Dodge it and Disable!''

Zipping past, the poison moth Pokemon displayed remarkable speed, one that would make the opponents extra cautious. Venomoth vibrated ominously as its eyes lit up with a peculiar power. The same light suddenly outlined Muk's body, catching the Sludge Pokémon off guard. The light of Disable lasted for a moment before disappearing.

Getting serious, Ash balled that hand up and held it at his side. "Muk, give 'em your Gunk Shot!"

''Dodge with Double Team!'' Koga countered, making a cross with his fingers.

The sludge monster's wide, putrid maw parted wide, spewing solid orbs of toxins toward the insect and its copies. However, the new horde of summoned copies and the genuine opponent swiftly dodged.

Folding his hands under his sleeves, Koga followed. ''Psychic!''

It was all over a challenge to lift Muk's gelatinous for with psychic, however, luckily with clones backing it up, all psywaves dawned upon Muk, capturing the poison type in a telekinetic hold. If earlier had been any indication, Muk would easily be able to tank the attack. So, instead, he opted to pile on the extra damage that a poison-type like Muk would suffer from Psychic.

The constant dripping of Muk's splashes was an obstacle of Venomoth's Psychic, and the moth only managed to lob the sludge a mouthful of yards away into one of the cobwebs. However, Muk splashed himself down from the sticky hold.

Ash smiled as Poliwrath writhed, calling out to Muk.

''We gotta get rid of the clones,'' Ash grit. ''Use Sludge Wave!''

Muk didn't question his trainer's command, lifting a protrusion from his body as two hands, materializing an excessive amount of sludge between them. The sphere of poison ricocheted upwards, rushing tidal waves of sludge was hurled in the air just above all the fluttering Venomoth, spilling gallons of acidic sludge on the ground.

Misty retched, complaining how she shouldn't have tagged along in the first place.

''No golly! Nothing worse than that smell!''

Drenched in the liquids, the clones puffed into smoke, until only one remained.

''That one!'' Ash pointed at to the sighted moth. ''Body Slam!''

''Pfff..''Koga scorned. ''Do you really think Muk can reach up there. Dodge it!''

Ready to steer clear, Venomoth was moments away from zipping off. One hardly expected Muk to be anywhere near fast enough to pose a threat… However, its expectations were soon to be stomped out. Catapulting from the ground with all of his vigor, blocking the escaping bug's path, by suddenly appearing right ahead.

''What!'' Koga gasped. ''A Muk isn't that fast!''

"That was part of our training," Ash boasted. ''Maybe he doesn't measure up in the speed department, but his attacks hurt like a cannonball~ Lets see you try and shake Muk off.''

Muk latched upon the insect, both plummeting towards the ground.

'Get away!''

Glowing white streaks, the bug tried to zip its way out, however, his body was stuck against Muk's sticky hold. They crashed against the ground, Muk trying to exert his body pressure upon the smothering bug.

''Supersonic!'' Koga screeched.

Collected, Venomoth did as it was told. It wailed out a shrill, horrible sound that came in waves, barraging Muk with an unpleasant sensory overload. Muk's malleable form was pushed away, as the Sludge Pokemon grinded itself against the floor, irritated by the sound waves.

Fluttering up into the air, it hovered for a minute, shaking off the last bits of Muk-splashes.

''Muk, use Shadow Punch!''

''Mukkkk!'' the Sludge gobbled wildly, thrashing himself erratically. Something was wrong.

The peculiar event that's been happening to Muk became clear, much to Koga's growing joy and Ash's concern.

''And Muk has fell prey to the effects of Supersonic! '' The announcer rationalized.

''Oh no…'' May whispered.

''Giga Drain!'' Koga mused aloud.

Venomoth vibrated its wings, orbiting around the irate poison type, absolutely stopping at nothing. Constant zipping left emerald trails behind it, give birth to green sparkles. Wicked parakeet bolts of parasites struck Muk, draining away his energy.

''Damn! This again!'' Ash grimaced.

''I think I have noticed a pattern here,'' Brock mused. ''He first inflicts a status condition on Ash's Pokemon, and then saps away their energy.''

''Muk!'' Ash cried. ''Pull it together!''

''Why doesn't e just switch Muk out?'' Misty thought hard. ''Worked for Snorlax.''

''Probably doesn't wanna let Koga know the tricks up his sleeve.''

"… … … …" Ash showed off his clenching teeth, visibly upset over Muk's afflictions as his arms seemed to twitch and his fists held in tightly.

"Poor Muk," May whispered, sensing its agony all too well

"Man, what's that idiot doing?" Misty yelled in outrage. "He's just letting his Pokémon taking a heavy beating now."

''What do you think I'm trying to do here?'' Ash spat back, one again directing his gaze on the field. Muk's vitality was still being drained away.

''Muk! Gunk Shot!''

Muk who was much busy startled by the chirping birds orbiting around his head, made them his target of murky boulders. The filth flew, painting some trees and cobweb fibres with gross brownish color.

''Quiver Dance!''

The battlefield grew quiet as Venomoth shuddered before fluttering around rapidly, turning and turning. The dance concluded with the moth flexing its tiny legs, landing daintily and lightly on a branch overhanging the field.

''A power-up? While Muk is wide open to attack?'' Ash bit. ''Just doesn't feel right…Body Slam!''

This time, when the tidal wave of Muk came raining down towards Venomoth, the bug made a speedy escape There was no way for Muk to catch up… or to know that he was about to be funneled.

"With the composed, fleet-footed focus that Quiver Dance allows, Venomoth's psychic powers should be at their peak. Use Psychic to put that Muk in its place!"

Forming a wave of telekinetic energy, slamming it against Muk. Though he spread out against the false-wall, he could only go so far before Venomoth stretched the Psychic grip further. The grip eventually flicked, not unlike a hand throwing a ball, flinging Muk against the furthermost tree.

As malleable as the poison type was, Ash knew that this would hurt even Muk.

In retribution, Muk fired volleys of sludge across the air, right at a blank target.

''Psychic again!''

And, thus, began a very vicious cycle. Venomoth lifted Muk up, up, up, as far as its telekinetic grip could carry the beast up, before dropping it. While Muk was too gelatinous for Venomoth to properly grip, it could carry Muk for a bit before dropping him.

''This isn't working!'' Ash clenched his fist. ''As long as Muk's confused, things are bad. Muk, use Sludge Wave once again!''

Regurgitating up a thick pile of toxic gunk, Muk heaved and puked out the stream all over the field.

''Oh dear, I knew I shouldn't have had that taco!''

Thankfully, though, Venomoth's reflexive dodge broke its concentration. There was no Psychic grip, this time.

The reprieve was short lived, though. Just as quickly as it had been broken, the cycle was renewed. Juggling the oozing form of Muk, Venomoth began lifting its opponent once more.

''Venomoth's concentration had been broken before. I have been calling it out all wrong. I should I have just used a move that doesn't miss…'' Grinning, Ash threw a hand outward. ''Shadow Punch!''

Muk unwillingly released his fists, tortured by the sounds ringing in his body. A bleak shadow fired from the extremity, creeping up behind its target, driving Venomoth into the ground.

''Shock Wave!''

Muk's body rippled with electricity as currents were released in all directions. Ash leaped a few steps back, knowing Muk wasn't himself right now. A painful yelp snapped Muk out of his confusion. He blinked, gurgling scanning his surroundings. Why couldn't he remember anything? He was befuddled, gazing at the struggling airborne Venomoth, wincing as the residual static danced on its wings.

''Muk! Are you listening?''

The Sludge turned around, finding his trainer strained and desperate. The poison type bobbed, affirming a yes.

''Great!'' Ash beamed, ''you're back!''

''MUKKKKKKK!''

''Let's finish this! Body Slam!''

Swirling through the air upon Ash's command, Muk headed towards Venomoth. The crash was spectacular. Essentially slamming into Venomoth, Muk let out a victorious battle cry. The bug was sent spiraling down first, stuck underneath Muk's viscid body.

Once Venomoth landed, it was pinned underneath its putrid opponent.

''Bug Buzz!''

A swirling up, a bubble of red waves pulsed through Muk's form, making the poison type writhe back in pain. Freed, Venomoth quickly fluttered away from its opponent in disgust. It was tired of getting splattered with sludge.

A bead of sweat running down his cheek betrayed him, though. 'We may have the advantage, but Muk's taking a lot of hits… Even he's bound to run outta steam, sooner or later. I've gotta finish this, fast.'

''Gunk Shot!''

Koga followed. ''Silver Wind!''

Venomoth quickly buzzed into action, zipping left and right to avoid the corrosive volley. With one dip and swerve after another, the bug danced its way around Muk's stubborn attacks. Not missing a beat, Venomoth began furiously beating its wings, spraying a furious, sparkling wind with silver crescents abound.

Muk let out a cry, irritated with the incoming aerial assault. His slimy body jiggled and gave at the wind, earning another irritated gurgle.

''Double Team!''

Venomoth once again split into a semi-circle of indistinguishable clones.

''Giga Drain!'' Koga followed.

The parasitic bolts appeared from all directions once again, and Muk struggled against the energy sapping attack. Indeed, like Ash had thought, even Muk was beginning to suffer.

"Damn it… Come on. There's gotta be a way out of this," Ash growled under his breath. "We've gotta catch 'em in a trap…" Dark hues traced across the battlefield, hoping to happen upon some sort of hint. Cobwebs, plants and grass rustled by Venomoth's onslaught, puddles of sludge Muk struggled on that'd been eluded by their target…

A small smile picked up in the corner of Ash's lips. With that, Ash threw both of his hands outward. "Alright, Muk! Pain Split!''

Muk bubbled up again, smashing his fist against the ground. The clones of the bug type stopped bolting around, bursting into smoke. Venomoth froze and writhe in pain, scornful of the pain it was experiencing. In didn't do much in the terms of healing but where exhaustion was concerned, Muk was feeling much better, while Venomoth had taken a big hit.

''Minimize, right where you are!''

''Mukkkk!''

The Sludge Pokémon roared, the idea not too complicated for the poison type to understanding. Shrinking himself down to a size, one couldn't catch with naked eye, Muk made the best use of his evasiveness to drown himself into the puddle of sludge that flowed on the ground, thanks to twice usage of Sludge Wave.

That's it! Muk was gone….

''Supersonic! Fetch Muk out!''

Venomoth concentrated, unleashing blue rings of sonic waves upon the toxic spills. Muk could be swimming anywhere in them, thanks to his evasiveness boost. Just like an Itemfinder would blink excitedly upon tracing a hidden item, the sonic waves responded to a movement inside the purple liquids. The tiny Muk was detected.

''Shit!''

''Stun Spore!''

Venomoth vibrated its wings, scattering orange powder as bright as its scales all over the point where sonic waves responded. Muk enlarged himself to original size, his roars soon became a combination of blind fury and pain while yellow sparks appeared to discharge around its legs at sporadic moments.

"Crap…" Ash hissed, fists balling together. His eyes followed Venomoth back and forth. The mobility it had… The way it could flutter between attacks. It was enough to make him sweat.

''Muk, Shock Wave!''

''Disable!''

"Veh-no-mohth!" Venomoth hummed as its eyes glowed, casting the Disable, disarming Muk once again at the temporary bind. Shock Wave died away, leaving Muk unprotected.

Koga's head tilted, arms crossed. "If you find yourself outmatched, it's not dishonorable to just admit it. Knowing your limits is-"

"You know me better than that." Ash interjected. His frown had vanished, a coy smile taking its place on the man's lips.

With wide eyes, Koga peered up.

''Disable!''

Venomoth suddenly felt a jarring numbness in its head, its mind seemingly blank. Or, at least the part of its psyche that had told its body to use the move it was executing. No matter how hard the bug type tried, it just couldn't remember how to harness the move...

''Disable on Disable! What a funny way to look at it!''

''Muk's Disable has disabled your Venomoth's ability to use Disable.'' Ash teased. ''Oh how badly I wanted to reveal that move.''

Koga staggered, letting out a gasp of horror when the foe's confidence bore fruit. ''Quiver Dance!''

Once whirled in an erratic dance, Venomoth orbited around the field. No matter what it threw at that goo, it would just absorb everything like a sponge.

''Psychic!''

With boosted psychic powers that swarmed Muk quickly, the sludge's body was warped in damaging ways, senses manipulated by the otherworldly psychic aura. Lifted off the ground leaving puddles of goo dripping, Muk was hurled against a tree.

''Shadow Punch!'' Ash ordered, a hint of urgency in his voice.

Sliding across the trunk of the tree, Muk thrust two of his hands in a flash of black shadow, and the infallible move struck. Venomoth fled from the frightening sight, but failed to escape Muk's mighty grip. Shadow Punch squeezed tightly around the Poison Moth Pokemon, trapping her in its clutches.

''Break out! Silver Wind!''

With the insect still helpless in the aptly named in the ghoulish clutches, it tried to beat its wings, conjuring a gale.

''Not this time! Fire Blast!'' Ash countered.

With a howl, Muk cried, gathering his power, spitting out a roaring, blazing star, glimmering with a beautiful spectrum of reds and oranges. Unleashed upon the Poisonous Moth, the flames propelled the bug against a tree. The heat from the attack caused the smoke to waft up on air currents.

''Oh man! Can someone decide how much heat can a Venomoth take?!...my daughter once asked me that..(cough)…''

A shrill, distorted cry followed, and the bug type's body fell limp. Venomoth was floor, with swirls marked in its eyes. The referee squinted, soon enough discovering that Venomoth's eyes had turned to swirls. He blew his whistle. ''Venomoth is unable to continue! Muk is the winner!''

''MUKKKK!'' the sludge pile cried, victorious. However, sparks dancing around his body didn't let him keep his joy for long.

''And Ash is in the lead once again! What an awesome display of stamina on Muk's part!''

Koga sighed as sought out Venomoth's Pokeball and returned the fainted bug type. Rotating the capsule, the ninja head muttered some chants of apology, ''You did great, Venomoth. Take a long rest.''


''Just two more like that and our problem is solved.'' May hushed.

''One more close match up, and I'll have a heart-attack!'' Misty objected.

''Come on'' May pouted. ''Don't be a whip. It doesn't get any more exciting than this.''

''Would you prefer to solve some crime games? They are cool stress buster!''

''Okay, where's your switch?''


''Alright, Muk.'' Ash held out the sludge's Pokeball. ''You return too.''

The red flash did hit Muk but the stubborn poison type didn't wish to return.

''You wanna keep battling? Even at this state?'' Ash gaped.

''Mukkk! Mukkkk!'' the Sludge Pokemon accepted.

''Not a good idea Muk. You are paralyzed.'' Ash refused. ''Look, you already took out two Pokemon, and believe me it's a huge achievement. Besides, you are already low on steam. Take some rest!''

''Mukkkk!'' the Sludge's face shook sideways.

Ash exasperated. ''Come on Muk.''

''Mukkk! Mukkk!''

''Okay, if you want it that bad!'' Ash conceded. He wouldn't want to break his Pokemon's confidence, now would he?

Koga snickered, swiftly revealing his fourth Pokeball, lobbing the capsule in a clean arc. The Pokeball burst open, and a blob of light hovered above. Corrosive gases exited the Pokemon's holes, as it wheezed out its name.

''WEEZING!''

''Begin!''

''Alright, Pain Split!'' Ash smiled, thinly.

Coughing, the Poison Gas Pokemon wailed at the loss of his vitality, not appreciating leaving it for some strange Sludge on the ground. Muk heaved to, once again feeling a limb unresponsive. He was standing, but that attack had done quite a bit of damage. Ash and Koga were both going for the jugular.

''Use Smokescreen!''

Weezing didn't hesitate to spray thick, dark fog that shrouded the battlefield.

Ash cocked a brow. ''doesn't he know better than that? Shadow Punch~!''

''Flamethrower!''

This time, a stream of fire came from Weezing's mouth, quickly igniting the clouds. Ash gasped in horror, brows knit in guilt. A booming hellstorm followed that swallowed the corridor in heat.

"Muuuk…!" The pile of sludge groaned, opening his mouth wide, only to collapse.

''Muk is unable to battle! Weezing wins!''

''Muk!'' he hurried forward with as much as speed his feet could boost, kneeling besides the poisonous sludge hen the haze had settled. Swirls in eyes, indicated Muk wouldn't be able to hear a word Ash would say.

''Oh Muk, dude.'' Tapping the capsule that sapped Muk back to its Pokeball, Ash sighed. ''That was awesome! Now I just know who's my strongest poison type.''

''Whoa! And this time Weezing takes the cake, returning the favor! Talk about total annihilation.''

Taking his place back at the field, Ash unclipped hi next chosen Pokeball. ''Alright big guy, you're up.''

Tossing the capsule that burst halfway, blue flashes materializing the silver juggernaut of pure liquid metal. Smashing its two fists of hex nuts together, Melmetal created a friction. Stretching its limbs, Muk took himself for a spin.

''What …What is that?'' May mused with curiosity.

Rotom Dex hovered right in front of her face, supplying every information she desired.

''Melmetal, the Hex Nut Pokemon. Revered long ago for its capacity to create iron from nothing, for some reason it has come back to life after 3,000 years. Centrifugal force is behind the punches of Melmetal's heavy hex-nut arms. Melmetal is said to deliver the strongest punches of all Pokémon.''

''Ash is in possession of a Pokemon like that?'' May gawked.

''I do recall seeing that Pokemon before,'' Misty hummed. ''wasn't it in the picture Ash sent us all those years ago. I think it was the time when he won the Manalo Conference.''

''That's right,'' Brock nodded. ''Now I remember. It's a Steel Type. Ash has just leveled things up here.''

''So he has an advantage, correct?'' Misty asked, delighted. ''Poison Type attacks will have no effect on Melmetal!''

''Incorrect! Melmetal is powerful but lacks speed and ability to dodge. With Weezing's Flamethrower, Melmetal will have to rely on self-defenses.''

''Okay, now you're just trying to make me mad…''

''Melmetal, Headbutt!''

The steel type thundered forward this time, the golden hex nut on its head, bright and shine, packed with metal power.

''Weezing Gyro Ball!''

Weezing didn't hold back either, purring to spin its rotund body at high speed, gaining additional rings around it.

The two Pokemon closed and clashed, releasing audible whistles of wind in their wake. Grinding against one another left an explosion, making both Pokemon hurl back.

''Whoa a Double Slammer just sent both Pokemon reeling from impact!''

''Melmetal, Flash Cannon!''

Melmetal's eye conjured a white orb of energy, filling it with light. A shimmering blast of energy erupted from inside, superheating the air as it beamed directly at Weezing.

''Gyro Ball to deflect!'' Koga bellowed.

Weezing hacked, inching towards the Flash cannon, rotating its body rapidly, its form appearing to turn into a spherical silver ball. The steel beam collided with Weezing, but the Poison Gas Pokémon continued to spin, taking control of the light and dispatching them in every direction while remaining completely unharmed. Once the attack was dealt with, it stopped spinning, heeding an immediate follow-up command from Koga.

''Dark Pulse!'' Koga vocalized.

Embedded with nasty thoughts, several series of purple rings were sailed at Melmetal.

''Iron Defense!''

Melmetal began glowing. Liquids stopped their motion for a second before hardening Melmetal up. The dark rings deflected against the barrier coating of steel, one ring crashing against another, before disappearing.

''Haze!''

Fog began to dense around the field, shrouding it completely. Entire battle was steamed. Just then Koga's voice was heard. Melmetal thrashed trying to dispel the haze, unable to see.

''Nice timing,'' Brock remarked. ''Using Haze, Melmetal's Iron Defense wasn't accounted!''

''Flamethrower!'' Weezing somewhere, hidden inside the fog obeyed with a stream of fire. Persistent flames caught upon Melmetal, enveloping the steel type in a bright spiral of flame. It roared within the discomfort of the flames that threatened to melt its hide.

''Double Iron Bash!''

Standing within the flames, Melmetal trusted Ash. It couldn't see anything, but it stood on its feet, arms held out from it. Even in the obscuring darkness, they gleamed a silvery gray. It span and twirled, turning into a turning top of destruction. Satisfaction rattled through its hexagonal fists as it felt them hit their mark. Its opponent might not be visible, but as it span through the haze, it'd still get hit! Continuous gyration was slowly lifting the haze.

Koga quickly used the opportunity to call for another attack, which turned out to be Gyro Ball. Weezing quickly advanced, its body spinning rapidly.

''Double Iron Bash!''

The mecha spun furiously further, even the flames on its body reduced to mere embers. Two limbs extended of the top, lashing out with brilliant speed. The punch hit Weezing opposite the way it was spinning, hitting with such ferocity that the Gyro Ball attack failed completely. The poison was suddenly left completely unprotected, resulting in another, more accurate smack directly in its…face? After suffering the back-to-back hits, Koga opted for another approach.

''Smokescreen!''

A cloud of inky black smog surrounded the steel type, who tried to stumble out of the grimy air. Being malleable like Muk, this Pokemon had no effects of the smoke, but it didn't appreciate his vision being cloudy.

''Double Hit!''

With the field shrouded in smoke, Ash couldn't see anything but his brows shot up, as he listened in horror when Melmetal's metallic body clanged with resonating soundwaves, letting him know it had fallen. He stepped back, thinking.

He knew what had to be done, and which move to use. Grinning he spoke up. ''Thunderbolt!''

''Melmetal?''

A weak chant called out to him. The obscurity was lifted as it grew thinner, revealing Melmetal fallen and his back stuck against a cobweb, and Weezing relentlessly pounding upon him with round body.

''Damn those cobwebs!'' Ash grit, only his grimace was replaced with a smirk. ''Acid Armor!''

If Melmetal had a face, a cocky grin would be the center of attention. Disintegrating its body using liquefaction, Melmetal dissolved its body into the net. The cobweb couldn't trap a liquid, and thus the fluids that was the Hex Nut Pokemon rained upon the ground. If fate was playing right into its wheelhouse, Weezing missed its target of double hit, now enraptured against its own ally's silk.

''What!'' Koga grimaced. He couldn't believe it! Played into his own dirty tricks.

''What a Turn of events!''

Soon, Melmetal emerged when the molecules of its body began hardening, once against rising at the edge of the cobweb, where Weezing struggled, its shadow dwarfing the poison type.

Ash laughed, jumping up and down like an ape. ''Now, Thunderbolt! Finish this!''

Discharging lightning from its body, feeling a soothe rush of high voltage travelling through them. With a flash of light, Melmetal sent the forked blast of electricity on Weezing. The arc zapped Weezing, and foul smell was emitting from being crisped.

''Not so fast, Destiny Bond!'' Koga combated, making another sign with his hand.

''Fuck!'' Ash deadpanned, aware the move was capable of. Screeching inside the volts, Weezing still managed to open its eyes of both faces, each of them lit eerie. Fangs bored as it gained an intimidating, rebellious look.

Something dark dropped on the ground, and through shadows traveled, stopping themselves at the juggernaut's feet. Weezing managed a faint, suicidal chuckle, before a booming collision elicited a roar of pain. Weezing's consciousness finally faded, and it seeped into a slumber on the cobweb.

Likewise, Melmetal's eye had gained a cross, and it collapsed on his back, with a thud, leaving a cloud of dust. The referee scrutinized, coming to the conclusion both Pokemon were out of commission.

''Both Pokemon are unable to battle! This means each trainer is now left with only one Pokemon! In case of a draw! We will have a super round with one Pokemon each!''

''Unbelievable! Both Pokemon are out cold and knocked away in the field!''

''That was unexpected…'' Misty murmured.

Koga sucked an uneasy breath as he recalled Weezing. He had been at the losing verge, but now it was all down to one Pokemon each. He'd still have the chance to emerge victorious. Reluctantly, he gazed at the last Pokeball he held in his hand. ''My last Pokemon, and my first partner! Together, we'll persevere!" He chucked a Pokeball.

Friendly evolution had induced upon Ash the last time they saw the Pokemon, as the bright light faded, revealing a huge Crobat fluttering its wings. After dreaming within protective wings of purple, within its expansive and flexible shields, the bat launched itself, instantly immersed in the bright sunlight.

Ash smiled, returning Melmetal. "You've fought your fair share… I think you could use a rest."

Right next to the juggernaut's capsule was the very Pokeball Ash unclipped. Holding it up above his head, he let the sphere took a glint of the sunlight before he tossed it into the fray. ''Gengar, I choose you!''

The Shadow Pokemon burst free onto the scene, quite larger and bulkier than Crobat. Hs long tongue emerged from his mouth and he cackled, ''Gen!''

The jumbotron reflected the changes.

''And after pulling a fast one, it has all settled down to the final round. Things can take a brutal turn from here at this moment. While Crobat, Koga's ace, is a tricky one and play with best of the motion, and Gengar, he'll be just hard to find! It's no secret that these two Pokemon have an axe to grind!''

''Three…Two…One…Begin!''

''Gengar, Shadow Ball!''

Gengar snickered, and concentrated, generating twin dark spheres in each palms, launching them at the Bat Pokemon.

''Dodge it and Aerial Ace!''

The ghostly pulsed orbs hit nothing but thin air. Gengar laboriously took flight once more. However, Crobat was already upon him by the time it made it into the air, battering the ghost type with its wings before the spectre could retaliate. Just as quickly as Crobat had attacked, it flew away in a hasty retreat.

''Oh oh! Seems Koga had expected more from the nemesis!''

''Aerial Ace!''

Crobat's acceleration was unbelievable, also impossible to watch out for. From every sides, a blur came, striking Gengar, buffeting him.

''And Crobat's pushing Gengar into a world of hurt!''

''Hey, what's with the tailgating?'' Ash snorted.

''You can surrender!'' Koga taunted.

''Not on your genin ass, I would!'' Ash countered. ''Gengar, Trick Room!''

''Gennnn…'' Eyes lit up, flashed in a faint teal. The arena full of broken earth, cobweb, and puddles of sludge was now surrounded in a faint glow of translucent box.

''And Trick Room has been employed! With his reputation for speed and agility, will Koga be able to counter the vexing fieldadjustment?''

''What do you say, we make this battle last a little longer?'' Ash smiled.

Koga's eyes twitched.

May leaned forward smiling, ''Ash has outsmarted him again.''

With Crobat mere inches away to strike, the bat was befuddled and ashamed of his low pace. With the bat now fully visible, Gengar look on a menacing look.

''Ice Punch!''

A freezing uppercut swept under Crobat's chin, smacking it up into the air.

''Astonish!'' Koga threw a hand forward.

Crobat cried in anguish, twisting its face. Engulfed in a red aura, a soul of the Crobat was passed through Gengar, scaring the ghost type, and ultimately flinching him.

''Now, Shadow Ball!'' Koga followed.

Crobat vanished from the visible spectrum and appeared several feet above the dazed ghost, spitting the crackling violet orb on Gengar's back.

''Gengar, snap out!'' the ghost type swivelled in surprise. Too late. The Shadow Ball landed a direct hit, and the ghost was driven tail-first into the ground.

''That was clever,'' Brock surmised. ''Knowing Crobat won't be nimble under the Trick Room effects, flinching their opponents to land a direct hit is quite deceptive.''

Ash glanced over at Koga, noting the relaxed expression on his face. He clenched his hand. Gengar was even faster than Crobat now, and he'd thought that speed would give him the advantage. But obviously he'd spent a lot of time preparing for that possibility.

His attention was caught by the sight by a black blur zip into the air, with Gengar healthy, just slightly bruised from the impact.

''Will-o-Wisp!''

Gengar cackled, small spheres of unnatural blue fire circled around his body before spiraling out in a wave towards Crobat.

"Your resistance is good… But, a ninja is nothing without a shroud! Crobat, use the ninja arts of camouflage! Use Haze!" Koga held his hand out as he gave the set of instructions, looking appropriately commanding a troop of ninjas.

Flapping its wings furiously, Crobat summoned up a purple fog to obscure its movements. Even the sunlight was filtered through it. Lilac beams of light marked what had previously been strong strains of sunlight peeking through the light cloud coverage above. The spheres of flames were lost into the haze, eventually dissipating.

''Aerial Ace!''

A harsh slap that smacked Gengar from behind made him double-over. With obscurity, Crobat was being quite hard to locate. The Shadow Pokemon was soon barraged by multiple, back to back tackles from Crobat. Though he tried to pull away, the speed Crobat was moving at was enough to leave being dizzying afterimages. and Gengar simply didn't know which Crobat to dodge.

However, the speedy attacks soon came to a well-orchestrated end.

''Gengar, use Dazzling Gleam!''

In the decisive moment before either Crobat could land another attack, Gengar's spiky yet spirited body gave off a brilliant, sparking flash of light inside the haze that temporarily blinded the purple bat, who was nearing for another wing attack. A tainted light that enlarged into a huge pink flash inside the smog whose brightness was enough to force even everyone to shield their eyes. The speed of light was an incredible phenomenon to behold as not only did it strike first, but Gengar's attack was hurting Crobat's eyes.

Its skin appeared to be letting off steam, as though a fire was being ignited on it. The sensation of the Dazzling Gleam was essentially burning.

''Awesome job Gengar, but don't let up, use Ice Punch!'' Ash urged.

Gengar's tongue lashed out, and the ghost type lunged over to the blinded reeling bat, fists swamped with cyan frost. Zoomed with boosted speed of a fleeting shadow, he whaled the bat with a couple of punches.

It was a direct hit once it landed, earning a high pitched cry of pain from the other Pokémon. That made up for the battering Gengar had just received, the ghost decided. He practically galloped away from the battered bat, tongue lolling out of his mouth in a teasing manner.

''Gen…Gen…Gengar!''

The haze had now settled, and battle was clear to the spectators and the cameras.

''Aerial Ace!''

''Again?'' Ash raised a brow. ''Catch it!''

It was an utter embarrassment for Crobat to move inside the Trick Room. Energy still however coalesced around the poisonous bat, and he rushed, believing Koga did have some diabolical plot in his head. There was no dodging Crobat, but that was just fine. Using his two hands, Gengar caught the bat's lower wings before the latter could meet in a full body tackle.

''Alright! Now-!''

Koga smirked. ''Confuse Ray!''

Koga's instructions were swiftly heeded. Gengar found himself circled by two mesmerizing orbs of colored light. His vision became blurred by them, and a slight pain alerted to him that something had touched him, and he should let go. Injured, he released Crobat to attempt to tend to the sudden, uncomfortable chills running through his body.

Ash groaned, hopes for a victory fading. ''Man, not this again!''

"You made that mistake last time too, Ash," Koga said, shaking his head in disappointment. '' You'll never be champion if you make errors like that. Use Crunch!''

''Don't rub it in!'' Ash scowled.

Crobat fluttered, maw wide as it bit down on the dazed and puzzled ghost type. Gengar bellowed out in pain, whimpering and flailing to shake off the bat.

''OHO! AND ONCE AGAIN! ASH HAS FALLEN RIGHT INTO KOGA'S DIRTY TRICKS!''

Irritated, Gengar used his supernatural powers disappearing out of sight, and started to appear all over the field as a phantom force. In his confused state, it wasn't acting like itself, more engaged to fighting his own demons causing a turmoil. When they were too much overpowering, the spectre halted at a corner, wincing at the effects that were eating him from inside.

''It has been an honor to fight you Ash, as you were a worthy opponent, but now I must finish this and settle our score once and for all,'' Koga clenched his fist, filled with greed. ''Aerial Ace!''

''bat!'' it nodded in affirmation, and gust of wind picked up underneath it. It raced ahead, cutting the wind with sharp precision and releasing an aggressive screech before diving downward with stunning speed. Arcs of energy trailed along the stout flying-type as it dove, reaching for irked Gengar.

Ash's jaw just parted for a counter command to exit his mouth, but Crobat had already reached up to Gengar.

Smack!

Crobat's face hit the glass wall of the Trick Room, a red bruise painted on its face. Comically, it skidded down against the wall, distancing itself away later. Winced, its face hurt badly. But how did this happen?

Terrified, Gengar had dissolved himself into intangibility, letting Crobat pass right through him.

''Wow, that really saved the day huh?'' Misty's brows shot up.

Time up! The Trick Room faded, walls disappearing into non-existence.

''Shadow Ball barrage!'' Ash threw a hand out.

Gengar's already freakish smile widened further. Even though in a confused state, the idea of pelting his opponents was irresistible. He went on to conjure one purple sphere after the another, each larger than the previous. They soared, not aimed at a particular target, and it didn't matter where he aimed as long as he was forward. It seemed how unreal how fast it could create and launch them.

''Astonish!''

Thankfully, as Crobat dove forward, he never got to Gengar. A wing was the mark of a shadow ball, causing turbulence in its flight. Now that Gengar had a heard a small wail, even with shut eyes, he knew just where to devour all the fun. Soon, Crobat was bombed with a barrage of ghostly explosions.

As the air cleared, it was spiraling down, steams and trails of smoke left in its wake.

"That's bad news… Hang in there!" Koga shouted, tension rising in his posture at the prospect of his plan falling apart.

Hearing its trainer's voice, emotions steered Crobat to pick itself up, soaring to meet Gengar at an eye level. The ghost was still bewildered but not willing to give up a fight.

''Cross Poison!''

''Shadow Ball!''

As Crobat's upper wings were free, this was an easy enough task. Rearing back only to cross its wings powerfully, a short burst of venomous energy was splayed out with the attack. The two would have met in a terrific collision, if Gengar had not been so hurt by being confused which led to a terrible aim; it caused him to hold back a bit in self-defense. The scissor of poison soaked into Gengar, thank Arceus he was immune.

The two broke off, circling around each other, waiting for an opening or sign of weakness in their opponent.

"Very good, Crobat. Now, let us watch. Haze, once more!" Koga ordered, pleased.

Crobat executed the order immediately, flooding half the field with smoke. The bat was all and well prepared to slink off into the shadows…as the haze around Gengar thickened. But currently determined to act on his own, Gengar smoked away into the haze.

''Crunch!''

Just as fast as it had vanished, Crobat reappeared from a different part of the haze, baring two large fangs that were glowing white.

For a minute no sound was heard till the smog was available on the field. For a bat, it shouldn't have been so difficult to locate its adversary as they were experts in it. Crobat pursued around but no sign of Gengar. With no effect of Haze, it would be best to terminate it. Its beloved shroud of darkness was ripped away as fast as it had arrived, by the gale summoned from Crobat.

The clear field was once again visible in the sight only to find out Crobat was orbiting the field alone, puzzled.

''Huh?! Folks…it seems Gengar has disappeared all of a sudden…''

''Mr. Ketchum, you shall be disqualified if Gengar doesn't appear in the field soon,'' the referee notified.

''Gengar never left the battlefield, Chief! He's there, look!'' Ash pointed his finger at something that was circling the ground. This looked ridiculous because it was Crobat's shadow following the bat wherever it flew.

The referee wouldn't consider this explanation as Gengar still couldn't be found. On his wrist watch, he began a countdown of three seconds, whistle ready to blow. But soon enough, as the second tap was heard, an erratic shadow ball popped from Crobat's shadow, hitting it right in the midsection. Screeching, it tumbled over.

Down below, a simply ecstatic yet sinister grin appeared inside Crobat's shadow. Leaking out, Gengar finally revealed itself, relatively fresh from mental distress.

''Impossible!''

''I'm just using your own techniques against you but with a little twist I picked up over the years! Now, Trick Room!''

''No you don't! Taunt!'' Koga grimaced.

Forking his tongue out and pulling an eye, Crobat began to play its mind games. ''Hey ghosty toasty! What's up with the Trick Room? Are you so relied you can't attack me head on!''

Enough to pop a vein on Gengar's forehead, the specter irked. ''Gen! Gengar! (Oh yeah Batsy! I'll show you!)

A violet bolt was sent to strike at Crobat. Luckily, it was still fast enough to evade it.

''Aerial Ace!''

''Sucker Punch!''

Crobat vanished at the same moment that Gengar swung, both the unfailing accuracy of both attacks meant that Gengar was twisted in exactly the right direction. The attacks collided and neutralized each other, sending both of them back.

A bead of sweat slid down his brow; he couldn't remember the last time he'd felt this out of his depth. Nothing he tried seemed to work. If only we had more speed!

''Shadow Balls!'' both trainers yelled in unison.

As scores of the violet balls began tumbling downwards, just as many shot upwards. The air was rocked with explosions as attack after attack after attack fused and burst; Gengar was sent ricocheting across the air, and even Crobat's speed couldn't keep it from getting rocked by the energy waves. Gengar recovered quickly and, seeing its opponent struggling to regain control of its flight, shot one final Shadow Ball down.

''Whoa! Look at those balls go! The air is rippled!''

''Bite it down with Crunch!''

The bat's maw open wide, as it simply waited for the sphere to arrive and it would chomp it down.

''Infuse with Psychic!''

The definite dark energy of the crackling orb was infused with a layer of blue telekinetic energy, boosting the speed forward. With the multicolored blackened replica, Shadow Ball became powerful and fast enough for Crobat to take a hit right in the chest.

''Crobat!'' Koga gawked.

''That wouldn't be enough, Ice Punch!'' Ash pumped a fist forward.

Though gravity had just become Crobat's new enemy, Gengar hurried the process. With a terrible wail, one chilled fist came in a rush, smashed into Crobat's midsection. Skin jiggled with the blow, bouncing about.

The impact was enough to spray up some dirt. Falling on the ground, Crobat did not rise, laying unmoving in the dirt, its eyes crossed as it slipped into unconsciousness.

Shrieking, Gengar rose into the air, triumph as it flexed is arms. ''What now Batsy? Wish I had used Trick Room Now, didn't you?!''

''Crobat is unable to battle! Gengar wins! With Koga's complete party defeated, the winner is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!''

''And one of them has fallen down! I can't be grateful for witnessing this battle…but most importantly thank God it's over! With a series of trials, Ash Ketchum has finally managed to defeat the Poison Master Koga claiming a second victory in his Elite Four Challenge! Pop the bottles Folks!''

Ash, feeling shell-shocked, slumped to his knees. Despite his dominance at the end of the battle, a small part of him had not expected to win going up against a member of the Elite Four. He looked up to see Gengar alight in front of him. Their eyes locked, and they stared silently at each other for several moments. With a wide eerie grin, Gengar forwarded his fist. Ash instead, threw his arms around the ghost-type and hugged his old friend in gratitude, sensing the same joy he felt in the Pokémon's heart.

''You were awesome Gengar! You're the Champ! This couldn't have happened without you…''

''Gengar!'' the phantom hugged him back.

He turned again as he felt a hand on his shoulder, a sensual smile greeting his face. ''Nice work…'' May leaned down and kissed him. ''…Babe.''

''That kiss is a lot better than any cup!''

''Stop it now!'' a smack from the redhead gym leader knocked the lights out of the announcer.

''Pika!'' the little rodent perched on May's shoulders leaped into Ash's arms.

''We did it, partner!'' Ash chuckled. '' We'd won and things were only going to get better from here on in.''

''Gengar and the others were awesome Ash,'' Brock stepped forward, lightly punching Ash's gut. ''I couldn't have seen a better match.''

''Thanks for the thumps up guys.'' Ash chuckled.

''I am so happy..zzz….!''

''You were tense there a moment though,'' Misty giggled.

''Too tense for my taste, but I pulled it off, didn't I?''

''I suppose that's what counts. Well, congratulations are in orders, I guess.'' Misty smacked Ash's shoulders hard, making him choke out saliva.

''If I had stayed home, never would have seen such an incredible battle, that's for sure…''

''Yeah really, I wouldn't have had so much fun since that pig roast…'' Ash dreamily gazed in the sky, ''Oh now, I'm getting hungry…''

''How about my special salad?'' Misty offered.

Color drained from his face, Ash squinted. ''My hunger's gone….''

Footsteps approaching him wiped the grin off his face. Stoic and with a cold expression, he turned around, finding Koga that had an impassive face that rivaled Ash's own.

''Well then….'' Ash cocked a brow.

''I couldn't be more thrilled at the aspect being defeated by you. A pursuit for power is a quest worth pursuing. Where connections between a trainer and Pokemon are strong enough, my techniques don't stand a chance.'' Koga looked up the sky, spotting a murder of Murkrows. ''I subjected you to every torture I could muster, yet my efforts failed. It must mean I should hone my skills furthers. Go on Ash, to the Saffron City, where in the Grand Dojo, Master Bruno awaits your challenge.''

''Thanks Koga,'' Ash smirked. ''I'm sure one day, we could battle again.''

With a proud smirk yet no leaving a response behind, Koga threw a smoke ball at his feet, disappearing behind a curtain of smoke.

Standing there like an idiot with a hand forward, Ash wheezed. ''You know, next time you wanna pull that off in front of someone, be sure to ask 'If they have Asthama!''

''A fitting end to the Elite Four Challenge folks! I guess just have to wait here before the chopper gets here. Hey, could I use your Pokemon to shield me from the crazy redhead!''

''Well this victory is definitely a feather in my cap!'' Ash pumped a fist. ''Just sip some tea Bruno, I'll be there soon!''


And finally Another Elite Four is down, leaving the gang to proceed to Saffron City, where the master specialist of martial arts awaits them! Not having faced a trainer like Bruno ever before, can he and his Pokemon fend off against Bruno. Find out in the next chapter of 'Back in Action!''