Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or the concept of Moemon.


Ash was doing some training outside Kasado City before leaving the Whirl Islands, not just to get his Moemon ready for the gym battle against Jasmine, but also to test out Pia's new Light Orb. "Thunder Punch!" Pia ran up to her opponent and struck her with an electrified fist.

"Gah!" Maelstrom cried out in pain as she was knocked to the ground. "Damn. I really felt that one." She grunted, standing up and placing a hand over her stomach. "You were already very strong before, Pia. But now with that Light Orb, you're a force to be reckoned with."

Pia looked at her Light Orb, which was attached to a piece of string and hanging from her neck like a necklace. "I can already feel the power boost from this thing." She said, before looking back at Maelstrom. "Are you still able to continue?"

"I'm not gonna let a boosted Electric move put me down." Maelstrom smirked. "Let's keep fighting!"

Off to the side, Ash and his friends were watching the Aura Guardian's Moemon train, paying special attention to Pia. "Pia's certainly stronger now." Serena said. "That attack looked like it really hurt."

"Yeah." Brock nodded, impressed by the power of Pia's electricity. He then looked at all his other Moemon training. Cindy, Fiona and Youko were training together to better their Fire attacks. Meranda was training Es to better her psychic powers. Elly was focusing on her endurance, so she was training with Rio, taking as many hits as she could before she needed healing. Elizabeth was learning Flamethrower and Fire Punch from Cara. Maki wanted to get a good feel of her Mega Evolution before the gym battle, so Ash Mega Evolved her and had her face Mea, who used Transform to look like her. All of Ash's Moemon were doing their best to grow stronger.

Speaking of Ash, he was currently with Pixie and Cleffy, the two training their daughter since she was old enough to battle now. The Cleffa was so happy to be able to battle now that she evolved into Clefairy right then and there. The evolution not only made her stronger, but also helped her gain a bit more control of her Aura, which was the current focus of this training session.

"Thunderbolt!" Pia fired a bolt of electricity at Maelstrom, who blocked it with Protect without hesitation, the electricity bouncing off and heading for Elizabeth. Now, normally, as a Ground-type Moemon, Elizabeth would be immune to Electric attacks...

"KYAAA!"

...so everyone was shocked when they saw Elizabeth actually getting zapped by it.

"...Did Pia's Thunderbolt just...?" Brock asked after a moment of stunned silence.

"She did." Ash confirmed, just as shocked.

Cara looked down at the twitching Nidoqueen. "Um... You okay there, Liz?" She asked, not sure how to respond to what just happened.

Elizabeth stopped twitching after a more seconds and stood up, glaring at Pia. "What the hell, Pia!?" She shouted angrily. "Why'd you shock me!?"

"Not my fault!" Pia shouted back. "Maelstrom was the one who redirected my attack!"

"Don't pin this on me!" Maelstrom argued.

"GIRLS!" Ash yelled, stopping the argument before it could go too far. "Now, I think the better question would be HOW the Thunderbolt hurt Elizabeth?"

The Ground-type blinked. "Actually, yeah. How DID I get hurt!? I'm a Ground-type! I should be immune to electricity!"

Meranda put a hand on her chin in thought, before turning to Pia. "Pia, would you mind giving me your Light Orb?" She requested. Blinking, Pia nodded and gave her the item. "Now, try using Thunderbolt on Elizabeth again."

"I don't like where this is going." Elizabeth frowned, feeling nervous about the current situation. Pia used Thunderbolt again, but the Nidoqueen shrugged it off without taking any hurt. "Okay, that didn't hurt at all, like it should've."

Meranda nodded and gave Pia back the Light Orb. "Try again now." Pia used Thunderbolt again, and this time Elizabeth cried out in pain as she was electrocuted.

"It worked this time!" Pia said, looking at her Light Orb with surprise.

"So, the Light Orb allows Pia to shock Ground Moemon?" Cleffy asked.

"That can't be." Pixie said, frowning. "If that was the case, it would work for any other Pikachu holding a Light Orb."

"Agreed." Meranda nodded. "Perhaps it has to do with Pia's ability."

"But my ability is Static." Pia pointed out.

"Normally, yes. But, what if possessing the Light Orb changes your ability while you hold it?"

Everyone looked at Meranda with both surprise and confusion. "You really think that's the case?" Es asked.

"It's a longshot, I know, but it sounds plausible." Meranda said.

"Laby?" Ash asked.

"Meranda's right." Laby said. "Take a look at Pia's data." She brought up a digital screen that showed Pia's data.

Moemon: Pikachu

Name: Pia

Species: Mouse Moemon

Type: Electric

Current Level: 93

Scarcity: Rare

Ability: Unknown

Height: 4'07"

Weight: 97.4lbs

Cup Size: A

Weaknesses: Ground

Resistances: Electric, Flying, Steel

Immunities: None

Known Moves: Thunder Shock, Growl, Tail Whip, Quick Attack, Thunderbolt, Grass Knot, Focus Punch, Brick Break, Iron Tail, Agility, Thunder Punch, Volt Tackle, Double Team, Discharge, Thunder, Confusion, Teleport, Psybeam, Light Screen, Psyshock, Psychic, Force Palm, Aura Sphere, Psionic Bolt, Surf, Overload

Evolves Into: Raichu (Thunder Stone)

Evolves From: Pichu

Info: Pikachu are very kind Moemon, and usually rely on electricity. They are good both in bed and in combat, but prefer to fight. They are very loyal Moemon, and want to protect their Trainers. They are very good at sex, and they are very selfish Moemon that want their Trainer's full amount of love. They are a favorite for young children.

Everyone was practically ignoring everything else and was focusing on one area: Pia's ability. "An Unknown Ability?" Pia asked.

"It seems that with the Light Orb, Pia's ability has become one that allows her to electrocute Ground Moemon." Meranda said, satisfaction in her voice at being proven correct.

"How can that be?" Es asked.

Ash had a thought and turned to Brock. "Hey, Brock, can you send out Neir?" He asked.

Brock blinked. "Why?"

"I want to test something out. I'm not gonna have Elizabeth do it, cause she's already been shocked twice."

"Thank you." Elizabeth smiled.

"Well, alright." Brock said, before sending out Neir.

"What's up?" Neir asked.

Meranda, who already knew what Ash was thinking, held up her arm at Neir. "Charge Beam."

A small bolt of electricity hit Neir, and skirled off - then, as Meranda sustained it, Neir frowned. "Can you stop? That's actually starting to hurt."

Meranda ended the attack. "Interesting. The voltage does indeed seem to be a part of it, but not all of it..."

"What?" Pia asked.

"Charge Beam ups the voltage and current going through it as it goes on." The Genetic Moemon explained. "The attack didn't work at first, but it started to affect Neir later." Pausing to think, Meranda nodded. "I have a theory."

"First - the how." Meranda began explaining. "No insulator is perfect, just as no conductor is perfect. With the Light Orb doubling her voltage, Pia's able to cause electrical breakdown, meaning that what's normally an insulator becomes able to take current - and so, she's able to shock Ground-types.

Pia nodded. "Right. So that's how it's happening - but that doesn't everything else."

"Yes, the why is the trickier question. From my understanding, your natural electric voltage is already much stronger than normally seen from Pikachu, triumphing your evolved form, Raichu, and even close to reaching that of Lesser Legendary Electric Moemon, like Zapdos and Raikou, and with training, you were able to reach the breakdown voltage of Geodude."

"But Lightning Rod's a thing, and a lot of Moemon have that ability." Maki argued.

"That's the thing. It's not Lightning Rod that was the key - it's this other ability. It would seem Pikachu have three possible abilities, not two." Meranda revealed, shocking everyone. "Moemon without this ability, which lowers breakdown voltage to something attainable, will almost never get this effect, no matter how powerful they may be."

Pia blinked. "But...so that means you'd need to be a Pikachu, or otherwise have this ability, and be really powerful or this would never even come up."

"Correct." Meranda nodded. "This must be how abilities are discovered - something just doesn't make sense."

"So, thanks to the Light Ball, Pia can now electrocute Ground-types is what we're basically saying." Giselle deduced with a sigh.

"Oak's gonna have a field day with this." Laby said, before pausing for a moment. "I'm thinking we should call it 'Zappy'."

Everyone looked at Ash's Moedex with confusion. "Call it what?" Ash asked.

"Zappy. Like Scrappy, but with a 'Z'."

"That name's stupid." Pia deadpanned.

"Indeed." Meranda bluntly agreed. "Perhaps 'Overconductor' would be a better name for it?"

"That sounds a lot better than Zappy."

"...I'll admit. It really does." Laby said. "Okay, I'll send the data to Oak."

Ash nodded, before sighing in amusement. "Well, this day got very interesting." He said, with everyone nodding in agreement.

"Why don't Serena and I start making food for everyone?" Brock suggested. "It's getting around that time for us to eat."

"Good idea. I'll help out as well." Ash volunteered. "Rio, can you take over for Cleffy's Aura training?"

"Of course." Rio said.

Pia nodded. "Right. While Ash, Brock and Serena make lunch, let's keep training, everyone!" She told her teammates.

Ash's Moemon continued training until lunch was ready. After eating, the gang headed back to Olivine City.


The next day, Ash was at the Moemon Center in Olivine City. When they returned, they saw lights coming from the Lighthouse where Amphy stayed, signaling that she was all better now. This meant that Jasmine was now able to accept challengers, something Ash was excited for. Ash decided to use the same Moemon he suggested before, as well as Vulcanus, feeling the battle might be a six-on-six battle. Just as he made the final preparations, Janina showed up. "Hey, Ash." She greeted.

"Hey, Janina." Ash greeted back. "I just finished preparing for my gym battle with Jasmine."

"Great. I'll lead you to the gym." Janina volunteered. "By the way, you'll be using a full team of six."

'Figured.' Ash thought.

Janina led the gang to the gym, where they saw Jasmine waiting right outside the door. "I've been expecting you, Ash." The Steel-type Gym Leader said, smiling.

"Hey, Jasmine." Ash greeted. "I'm glad to see that Amphy's all better now."

"As am I. Now, I believe it's time for the gym battle I promised you."

Ash smirked. "Let's do this."

Everyone got into the gym for the gym battle. Jasmine and Ash took their place at the battle arena, Janina took her place at the side-lines, being the referee for this fight, and the others stayed behind Ash to watch the battle. "The battle between Olivine Gym Leader Jasmine and Indigo Champion Ash Ketchum will now begin!" Janina declared. "Each trainer will be using a full team of six Moemon, and the battle will be over when all Moemon on either side are unable to battle!" Ash and Jasmine each had a Moemon in hand, each having already chosen who to lead with. "Battle Begin!"

"Coi, come out!"

"Elizabeth, I choose you!"

Jasmine sent out a Magnezone as her first Moemon, while Ash led with Elizabeth.

"Analyzing target." Coi said, looking at Elizabeth. "Nidoqueen. Poison/Ground-type. Zero danger from Poison moves. Very high danger from Ground moves. Preparing Megant Rise."

"Oh no you don't!" Elizabeth exclaimed. "Smack Down!" She hurled a rock at Coi that forced her back to the ground, and then hit her with Earthquake before she could recover.

Pia and Es conjured up a shield to protect the others from the earth-shaking Ground move. "Thanks for the shield, you two." Misty thanked.

"No problem." Pia said.

"Critical damage taken." Coi moaned in pain.

"Oh dear." Jasmine said, worried. "Use Tri Attack!"

"Dodge, then use Flamethrower!" Ash commanded. Elizabeth dodged the beams of fire, ice and lightning and countered with a stream of fire.

"Mirror Coat!" Jasmine quickly commanded. Coi's body glowed an odd pink, and Elizabeth found herself getting hurt by her own flames, but with double the power.

"Damn it." Elizabeth growled, looking a little burnt. "Should've figured that she would have Mirror Coat." She muttered to herself, but quickly got back into focus to dodge an incoming Flash Cannon.

"Stick to physical attacks!" Ash told her. "Use Fire Punch!"

"Keep her away with Sonic Boom!" Jasmine commanded Coi. The Magnezone fired sound waves at Elizabeth, who actually dodged using Dig. "Magnet Rise while she's underground!" Coi elevated into the air using electromagnetism, aiming to protect herself from the ground move.

Ash smirked. "Now, Elizabeth!" At his call, Elizabeth emerged from the ground and into the air, catching Coi off-guard with a point-blank Flamethrower, causing an explosion of flames. The Nidoqueen landed on the ground gracefully, while Coi fell to the ground, unconscious.

"Coi is unable to battle! Elizabeth is the winner!" Janina declared.

"Interesting. Return, Maga." Jasmine mused as she returned Maga. "Tawna, come out!" She sent out a Metagross.

"A Metagross...!" Tomo gasped, seeing Jasmine send out a Pseudo-Legendary Moemon.

"This could be a tough one." Brock frowned.

Elizabeth was also frowning worriedly as she gazed at her opponent. "Ash, I may need to request a switch." She said to her trainer.

"I don't think she'll simply let you." Ash said, frowning. "She might know Pursuit."

"Of course." Elizabeth groaned. "Might as well do my best to weaken her."

"Psychic." Tawna's eyes glowed as she fired a pulse of psychic power at Elizabeth, who quickly used Protect.

"Beat up!" Elizabeth created copies that looked like Youko, Maki, Cara, Pixie and Mea.

"Clones aren't very durable." Tawna said. "Earthquake." She punched the ground and made it shake, taking out the Maki and Pixie clones, but the Youko, Cara and Mea clones were unaffected due to being in the air and attacked her, making her stumble back. She was able to recover quick enough to block Elizabeth's Flamethrower with Ice Punch, though.

"Meteor Mash!" Jasmine commanded. Tawna's fist glowed as she punched Elizabeth in the stomach, making her gasp out in pain, but the Nidoqueen was able to answer back with Counter, hurting her for double the damage she took before she fell to her knees.

"Clever, but not enough." Tawna said, before knocking out Elizabeth with Psychic.

"Elizabeth is unable to battle! Tawna is the winner!" Janina declared.

"You did a good job, Elizabeth." Ash praised as he returned Elizabeth. "Okay, Fiona, I choose you!" He sent out Fiona.

"So, I'm facing a Psuedo-Legendary, huh?" Fiona asked, looking at her opponent. "At least Elizabeth weakened her some."

"Earthquake." Tawna punched the ground, but Fiona had jumped into the air before it started shaking, and then used Psychic to keep herself in the air until the Earthquake ended.

"Flamethrower!" Landing back on the ground, Fiona did a twirl with her wand and fired a stream of flames at Tawna, who repelled it with Psychic, but then the Shiny Braixen followed up with Fire Spin, trapping her in a vortex of flames that were quickly dispelled with Psychic before they could deal too much damage.

"Gravity." Tawna's eyes glowed as she intensified the gravity in the room, forcing everyone who wasn't prepared for it onto their knees. The Metagross then used Earthquake, and because Fiona couldn't jump this time, she got hit full force.

"Fiona!" Ash shouted worriedly as he watched Fiona get battered by the super effective move.

"That had to hurt..." Misty said worriedly.

"Using Gravity to ensure that Fiona couldn't dodge Earthquake this time..." Brock frowned.

"Metagross are smarter than a supercomputer." Es said, frowning. "They'll hardly ever fall for the same trick twice."

"Hang in there, Fiona!" Ash encouraged his injured Moemon. "I know you can do it!"

"That's right..." Fiona grunted as she stood up, her eyes glowing brightly as she glared at Tawna. "I'm not gonna lose!"

A fiery red aura suddenly surrounded Fiona as flames began swirling around her wand. "Blaze!" Wendy gasped.

"Careful, Tawna!" Jasmine warned. "If her Fire attacks hit you now, you're in really big trouble!"

"Acknowledged." Tawna said. "Gravity."

The gravity in the room intensified again, but this time Fiona was ready for it. "Fire Spin!" She held up her wand, and a vortex of flames surrounded her in some sort of protective field.

"Earthquake." Tawna used Earthquake again, but when the attack reached the flames and made them disperse, Fiona was no longer there. "What!?" Tawna exclaimed in shock.

"How did you like my disappearing act?" Her eyes widened when she heard Fiona's voice behind her, but when she turned, she was looking at the head of her wand. "Fire Blast!"

An intense explosion of fire sounded across the entire room, forcing everyone to close their eyes. By the time everyone opened their eyes, they saw Fiona standing over an unconscious - and heavily burnt - Tawna.

"Tawna is unable to battle! Fiona is the winner!" Janina declared, a little shaken up by the explosion.

"Alright!" Ash cheered happily. "Way to go, Fiona!" Fiona gave a tired smile in reply, before she suddenly began glowing a bright light.

"She evolving!" Serena gasped, feeling excited to see the final evolution of her starter.

The light faded to reveal Fiona in her fully-evolved form, Delphox. She wore a purple magician's robe that doubled as a dress, with a long red bottom leading up to a silver robe tied over her torso, leaving room for the red sleeves to stick out. She had long silver and red hair tied up into two pigtails that reached down past her back, but at the top, also stuck out on the sides, just past her silver fox ears. A silver tail stuck out of the back of her robe, and she had shiny red eyes.

Fiona giggled playfully as she looked over her now body. "My, I'm already loving my new look."

"You definitely look amazing, Fiona." Ash smiled proudly.

"One could say she looks bewitching." Laby joked. Silence filled the room as everyone who heard the joke stared at Laby.

"Just show her data, Laby." Ash plainly said.

"Sorry, I couldn't resist." Laby giggled as she brought a digital screen that showed Fiona's updated data.

Moemon: Delphox*

Name: Fiona

Species: Fox Moemon

Type: Fire/Psychic

Current Level: 72

Scarcity: Ultra-Rare

Ability: Blaze

Height: 5'07"

Weight: 131.3lbs

Cup Size: DD

Weaknesses: Water, Ground, Rock, Dark, Ghost

Resistances: Fire, Psychic, Grass, Fighting, Steel, Ice, Fairy

Immunities: None

Known Moves: Heat Wave, Hypnosis, Psychic Terrain, Ember, Scratch, Psybeam, Fire Spin, Light Screen, Psyshock, Flamethrower, Psychic, Shock Wave, Sunny Day, Solar Beam, Fire Pledge, Fire Blast, Dream Eater, Overheat, Mystical Fire

Evolves Into: None

Evolves From: Braixen

Info: Delphox are mischievous and playful, and enjoy using their magic to play tricks on opponents. They focus their powers on grace and elegance, putting on a show for their opponents when they fight in order to appeal to their audience. They can manipulate flames with their wands, and amplify those flames with magic power. They are very attached to their masters, and use their psychic powers and magic abilities to amplify their performances in bed.

"Congrats on your evolution." Jasmine congratulated. "But, um, can you move so that I can return Tawna?"

"Oh, my apologies." Fiona said, using magic to teleport back to Ash's side, allowing Jasmine to return her fallen Moemon.

"Why don't you switch out as well, Fiona?" Ash suggested. "Get a good rest."

"I would like that." Fiona agreed, letting Ash return her.

"That was a close match, but Fiona managed to win." Pia smiled. "And she even evolved for her efforts."

"Now let's see what Moemon Jasmine sends of next." Giselle said, waiting to see what Ash would have to defeat next.

"Prinne, come out!" Jasmine said, sending out an Empoleon. She wore a dark blue suit jacket over a dark blue dress with white lace, and had long dark blue hair with blonde highlights down her back, with gold eyes.

"That's a Water-type Moemon." Misty said, pushing her excitement aside for her worry.

"Um, didn't big brother bring mostly Fire types for this battle?" Molly asked, looking a little worried.

"He did." Tomo grimaced.

Ash himself also found this to be a problem. His remaining Moemon were Fiona, Youko, Elly, Maki and Vulcanus. Fiona is resting right now, and the others, like her, were weak to water.

Except for one.

"Elly, I choose you!" Ash called out Elly.

"My turn!" Elly smiled.

"Is that a Copperajah!?" Jasmine gasped, looking at Elly with excitement. "Wow! This is my first time seeing one up close!"

"Were you thinking about getting one?" Ash asked.

"I heard that they were Steel types and was planning to raise one myself." Jasmine replied. "But I didn't have the time to make a trip to Galar to catch a Cufant."

"I see." Ash nodded in understanding.

"A fellow Steel Moemon." Prinne said, staring at Elly as if judging her. "Interesting. Hydro Pump!"

"Iron Defense!" Ash commanded. Elly solidified her body, allowing her to take the blast of pressurized water much better.

"Intriguing." Jasmine said. "Aqua Jet!" Prinne surrounded herself with water and shot at Elly at high speeds as Elly held out her arms and grabbed her, hardly even skidding back from the force of the collision.

"Revenge!" Elly retaliated with a fierce uppercut into Prinne's stomach, dealing double damage due to being attacked first and sending her flying into the air. The Empoleon recovered and countered with Aerial Ace, but Elly readied herself for the attack, taking it like a champ. "That all you got?" Elly asked, smirking at her opponent as her arm glowed green. "Power Whip!" She delivered a vicious right hook at Prinne's face, sending her careening into a wall.

"That was quite an attack." Jasmine said, admittedly impressed, before turning her attention to her Moemon. "Are you okay, Prinne?"

"I can still fight, Mistress." Prinne said, prying herself off the wall. She then jumped and came down at Elly, spinning in a Drill Peck, but Elly caught her by the ankle and stopped her.

"Superpower!" Elly slammed Prinne into the ground repeatedly, before throwing her away as she fell to the ground, heavily injured.

"No..." Prinne groaned as she stood up shakily. "Not done...!" A water blue aura suddenly surrounded her.

"That's Torrent!" Misty gasped, recognizing the aura.

"Prepare yourself, Elly!" Ash warned Elly, who immediately got defensive.

"HYDRO CANNON!" Prinne gathered huge amounts of water and fired it at Elly in a beam with the last remainder of her strength.

"Iron Defense!" Elly solidified her body with steel energy as the Water-type hit her, resulting in an explosion of water. Elly was knocked to the ground by the explosion, hurt by the attack, but she was still conscious as she was able to stand back up.

"That's it, Elly!" Ash cheered. "Now, Revenge!" Elly nodded and ran at her opponent, who was on her knees from using her last attack. The Copperajah nailed a fierce uppercut to Prinne's jaw, sending her flying into the air before she fell to the ground, unconscious.

"Prinne is unable to battle! Elly is the winner!" Janina declared.

"Impressive." Jasmine complimented as she returned Prinne. "You've trained Elly quite well."

"I'm happy to have a trainer like Ash." Elly smiled proudly.

"Well, time for my next Moemon. Anna, go!" Jasmine sent out an Aggron next. She wore silver-grey armor over a black shirt and black pants, and she had silver hair down her back and a silver helmet, with horns sticking out of it, and bright blue eyes.

"An Aggron!?" Lauren shouted, suddenly emerging from her Moe Ball.

"A Tyranitar!?" Anna shouted, glaring at Lauren as the Tyranitar fiercely glared at her in return.

"Oh boy..." Ash winced. He had heard that Tyranitar and Aggron had a relationship that's as bad - if not worse - than a Zangoose and a Seviper.

"Why is Lauren glaring at that Aggron like she hates her?" Molly nervously asked Brock. Since both were Rock types, she felt like he was the person to ask.

"Well... to put it simply, Tyranitiar and Aggron really hate each other." Brock explained. "They're both found in the mountain regions, and normally, one would expect that there was enough landmass for everyone to live peacefully. Not these two. Tyranitar live in mountain ranges where they decimate the landscape to properly build their nests. Aggron, however, protect the mountain ranges because they feast on the iron ores lying beneath the peaks. As such, their own nests were within the mother rock, where the purest ores can be found."

Molly's eyes widened. "They're basically opposites of each other." She realized.

"That's right." Brock nodded. "And this brought the two species into conflict, leading into earth-shaking battles."

Janina looked at the two glaring Moemon, before looking at Ash. "Um, are you planning to use your Tyranitar?" She asked, feeling nervous because of the intense atmosphere.

"Um..."

"Send her out!" Anna roared in demand before Ash could answer. "I want to fight that bitch!"

"Oh, that anxious for a beating, are you!?" Lauren snarled, cracking her knuckles.

'Looks like I don't have a choice.' Ash thought with a sigh. "Sorry, Youko. I promise I'll use you in the next gym." After muttering his apology, he looked at his two Moemon. "Okay, Lauren, you can fight her. Elly, you come back."

"Sure." Elly said, more than happy to be returned.

"Excellent." Lauren gave a toothy grin as she stepped forward to face her species' arch-nemesis.

"Um, battle begin!" Janina declared.

"Dark Pulse!"

"Flash Cannon!"

The moment the battle started, Lauren and Anna had fired off their attacks, causing an explosion of power.

"Superpower!" The two and rushed at each other, punching each other while at the same time, grabbing each other's fists, resulting in a struggle for power. Lauren was able to win and knock Anna to the ground, and the unleashed a Fire Blast at her, but the Aggron got up quickly enough to dodge and charged with Iron Head.

"Use Iron Defense!" Ash quickly commanded, hoping Lauren wasn't too caught up in her rivalry to ignore him. Thankfully, Lauren listened to him and solidified her body with steel energy, ultimately turning the Defense drop to a Defense boost, allowing her to take the super effective attack better. "Now Revenge!" Lauren delivered a fierce uppercut into Anna's chin, causing her to stumble back before falling to the ground.

"Not bad, bitch." Anna said as she stood up. "However, physical attacks will hardly do much against me."

"She's right, Ash." Laby told Ash. "Aggron are in the Top 10 for Moemon with the highest base Defense at 180. That's higher than even Lauren base attack, which is only 134. Going into physical combat will put her at a disadvantage."

Ash nodded, taking in the information, before focusing back on the battle as he saw Lauren and Anna use Focus Punch on each other, punching each other in the left cheek. "Hydro Pump!" He quickly commanded. Lauren heard and pushed through the pain, firing a blast of pressurized water at Anna. Since the attack was at close range, it left the Iron Armor Moemon with no room to dodge as she was blasted to the wall.

"Are you okay, Anna?" Jasmine asked worriedly.

"I can still fight." Anna growled as she stood up.

Jasmine nodded. "Use Autotomize, then Low Kick!" She commanded. Anna nodded as her body began glowing white, and then she ran at Lauren faster than she could react and did a rolling kick at her feet, making her trip and fall to the ground on her stomach and take heavy damage. "Aqua Tail!" Anna then coated her leg in water and slammed it down onto Lauren's back, making her cry out in pain and cough out saliva.

"That had to hurt." Misty flinched.

"Two can play at that game." Lauren grunted, glaring at Anna as she pushed herself up. She then used Low Kick her self, tripping up Anna and making her fall on her back, but she instead followed up with Earth Power, making the ground erupt from under her arch-nemesis and knocking her into the air.

"You bitch!" Anna snarled.

"They're getting quite vicious." Giselle said worriedly.

"Thankfully, this is a gym battle." Brock said gratefully. "If it were a wild Tyranitar and Aggron battling, it would be much more destructive, since neither would have trainers holding them back."

"Earthquake!" Both Lauren and Anna started making the ground shake, causing the gym to shake violently.

"Whoa! Lauren, take it easy!" Ash shouted, using Aura to stabilize himself.

"Anna, stop!" Jasmine shouted, barely keeping herself from falling over. "The gym's quite durable, but you could still hurt everyone else!"

Both Lauren and Anna stopped, looking embarrassed. "Sorry." They both apologized sheepishly.

"Like I said." Brock said, as if proving a point.

"Dragon Dance, then Focus Punch!" Ash commanded. Dragonic energy swirled around Lauren, fixing her Attack as well as raising her speed, and then she ran at Anna and punched her really hard, knocking her back as the two glared at each other.

"HYPER BEAM!" They both yelled, firing all-powerful golden beams at each other, causing a vicious explosion of power that almost blew everyone back.

"Lauren?"

"Anna?" Ash and Jasmine called their Moemon, but as the smoke cleared it was revealed that neither were conscious.

"Lauren and Anna are both unable to battle!" Janina declared.

"A draw." Ash said, before returning Lauren. "You did good, Lauren."

"Good endurance, Anna." Jasmine praised Anna as she returned her. "Your Tyranitar was powerful, but I can't help but feel that you weren't really planning to use her."

"Not really." Ash admitted. "But she really wanted to battle your Aggron, so I just went with it."

Jasmine nodded in understanding. "Anyway, Toga, go!" She sent out a Togedemaru as her fifth Moemon. She wore a white and gray dress with small brown and yellow triangles, with white mouse ears sticking out of her short gray hair, which went down to her shoulders, black eyes, yellow pouches on her cheeks, and a gray tail in the shape of a lightning bolt sticking out of her tail that was yellow at the tip.

"She's looks cute!" Molly squealed, earning a smile from Toga.

"She's a Togedemaru." Pia identified. "They're basically the cousins of us Pikachu, but they're native to the Alola Region."

"Fiona, I choose you!" Ash called out Fiona, who smiled.

"So, I back out again." Fiona said, looking at her opponent. She took out her wand and prepared to attack, only for Toga to hit her with Fake out and make her flinch back. "Cheeky." Fiona frowned, before unleashing a Fire Blast.

"Spiky Shield!" Toga tensed her body, causing the triangles on her dress to stick up like spikes as a shield formed in front of her with spikes protruding from it, blocking the Fire-type move.

"Spiky Shield may as well simply be Protect." Fiona smirked. "You won't catch me using any physical moves."

"You're right." Toga said. "But if it shields me from dangerous attacks, that's enough for me. Pin Missile!" She made her spikes stand up again, this time firing energy needles at Fiona, but she easily dispatched them with Flamethrower.

"You'll have to do better than that." Fiona giggled.

"Fiona, I understand that you're stronger now that you've evolved, but you shouldn't get cocky." Ash warned. "Who knows what she can do?"

"Your master is right." Toga smirked. "You're not the only one with tricks of your sleeve. Electric Terrain!" An electromagnetic pulse shot through the floor, turning it yellow and coating the battlefield with electricity.

"Oh?" Fiona hummed, looking at the Electric Terrain. "I suppose you'll be using this to power up your Electric moves?"

Toga smirked. "How's this? Rising Voltage!" Placing a hand on the ground, she released a stream of electricity that travelled along the floor towards Fiona, and then a massive bolt of electricity rose from the ground and electrocuted her, making her scream in pain.

"Fiona!" Ash shouted as the Delphox fell to one knee.

"What was that move!?" Molly gasped.

"Never seen that before." Pia said with surprise, having felt the power of Toga's attack.

"That was Rising Voltage." Jasmine answered. "It's a move that was recently invented by a dojo in the Galar region. It doubles in power if used within Electric Terrain." She explained. "When you take in same type attack bonus and the boost from Electric Terrain, and you're looking at a very powerful Electric move."

"No kidding." Ash winced, looking at the damage Fiona received.

Fiona stood back up and glared at Toga. "Well, then I'll just change the field to my advantage. Psychic Terrain!" She released a pulse of psychic power throughout the fllor, turning it purple and changing the electricity to psionic power.

"Figured you would try that." Jasmine smiled. "Use Steel Roller!"

"Steel Roller?" Giselle gasped. "Another new move!?"

Toga curled into a ball and rolled right at Fiona. As she did, Es's eyes widened as she noticed something. "She's destroying the Psychic Terrain!" She exclaimed.

"Fire Spin, quick!" Ash commanded. Fiona waved her wand and summoned a fiery vortex around herself, using it to both protect herself and damage Toga.

"Oh yeah? Payback!" Dark energy swirled around Toga as she tackled Fiona, hitting her for double damage and knocking her to the ground.

"Damn it..." Fiona grunted in pain. She was really hurt at this point.

"Time to finish this." Toga smiled. "Electric Terrain!"

"She's gonna use Rising Voltage again." Pia frowned as the Electric Terrain took effect.

"Fiona, you have enough for one more attack, right?" Ash asked.

"I do." Fiona nodded, a fiery aura surrounding her as her Blaze activated once again. "And I'm gonna make it count!"

"Rising Voltage!"

"Overheat!" As the powerful Electric attack came for her, Fiona gathered all her power into a large ball of flames and fired it at Toga, the two hitting each other with their attacks. In the end, it was clear that both were unconscious.

"Fiona and Toga are both unable to battle!" Janina declared.

"Another draw." Brock said, frowning as Ash and Jasmine returned their Moemon. "Jasmine is truly a strong gym leader."

"Ash still has three Moemon left," Misy listed the current standings, "while Jasmine's down to only one."

"Her Steelix." Serena said. Everyone knew exactly what Jasmine's last Moemon was.

Jasmine took out the Heavy Ball that contained her last Moemon. "Haga, go!" She sent out Haga.

"Figured you would send out Haga last." Ash grinned. "Maki, I choose you!" He called out Maki.

"Let's not beat around the bush, shall we?" Jasmine asked, taking out a Mega Bangle and tapping the Key Stone, which began to glow a rainbow light as Haga's Steelixite reacted to it. "Our true power, formed from properly tempered steel!" Jasmine chanted. "Haga, Mega Evolve!"

Haga glowed the orange-and-purple light of Mega Evolution, and when it faded, the gang got their first look at Mega Steelix. Haga now wore steel armor over her silver shirt, with iridescent crystal shoulder guards, and her skirt extended down below her knees with plates of crystal armor covering the sides, buckled by a belt with a blue hexagon, and she wore crystal boots. Her silver-gray hair remained the same, but her eyes were now blue, and she had a ring of small crystals floating around her, flashing irregularly as the energy of Mega Evolution jumped between them.

"So that's Mega Steelix." Brock said with great interest.

"That looks cool." Ash grinned. "Now it's our turn." He tapped his own Key Stone, and it glowed a rainbow light as Maki's Houndoominite reacted to it. "Let our Auras combine and exceed all expectations! Maki, Mega Evolve!"

Maki let out a echoing howl as a pillar of black flames engulfed her, shocking Jasmine. "Is that supposed to happen!?" She asked Ash.

"Apparently, there's these special effects when I Mega Evolve my Moemon." Ash explained as the black flames parted, revealing Maki in her Mega Form. "And it tends to be different with each of them."

"I see." Jasmine nodded in understanding. "Quite interesting. Haga, Sandstorm!" Haga's ring of crystals rotated faster as she summoned a sandstorm.

Maki held her arms in front of her face and closed her eyes to keep sand from getting into them. "Ash, I'll need your help here!" She requested.

"Got it!" Ash shouted over the roaring sandstorm, protected by a Light Screen set up by Laby. Closing his eyes, he switched to Aura Sight to detect Haga, seeing her coming northwest from Maki's position. "Northwest! Flamethrower!" Maki let out a stream of flames in the direction Ash told her. Ash frowned as he saw Haga avoid the flames. "She dodged... pretty quickly. She must've used Rock Polish."

"Well deduced." Jasmine complimented. "Stone Edge!"

"Incoming from your right!" Ash warned. He saw Maki dodge the incoming pillars of stone, but winced when Haga headbutted Maki with what he believed was Iron Head. "You okay, Maki?"

"That hurt more than it was supposed to...!" Maki grunted.

"Mega Steelix have Sand Force for their ability!" Laby informed. "That means their Rock, Ground and Steel moves are stronger while this sandstorm is in effect!"

"Then I'll get rid of it! Sunny Day!" Maki fired a bright sphere into the sky that expanded into an artificial sun, getting rid of the sandstorm.

"Sandstorm!" Haga re-summoned the sandstorm.

"Sunny Day!" Maki re-summoned the artificial sun.

"Sandstorm!" Haga re-summoned the sandstorm.

"Weather wars..." Misty and Giselle groaned, knowing the direction this was going.

Ash frowned. "Maki, use Taunt first, then Sunny Day!" He ordered.

"Oh, right." Maki said sheepishly. "Should've done that the first time. Bitch is really weak without her Sandstorm."

"Excuse me!?" Haga snarled. "I can beat you even without the sandstorm!"

"Prove it, bitch." Maki smirked. "Sunny Day!" The re-summoned her artificial sun, and this time it wasn't going away. "Now Flamethrower!"

"Iron Defense!" Haga solidified herself with steel energy, allowing her to take the flames better, but they still hurt.

"That looked like it still did a lot of damage." Serena noted.

"Maki's Fire-type moves pretty much do double damage thanks to Sunny Day and Solar Power." Pia said. "However, she loses energy with each attack she does."

"Here's another one!" Maki shouted, unleashing another Flamethrower, but this time, Haga dodged the attack.

"Earthquake!" Haga stomped the ground hard, causing the earth to shake viciously. Maki wasn't able to jump in time to avoid it and fell to the ground.

"Now, Haga!" Jasmine shouted. "Use Body Press!"

'OH SHIT!" Ash thought with wide eyes, already knowing that that move will knock out Maki if it hits. Maki knew this as well and quickly got up, but was unable to dodge in time as the Mega Steelix shoulder charged into her, sending her flying into the wall next to the others with a very loud WHAM.

"Ouch." Pia and Es winced, looking pitifully at the clearly unconscious Houndoom as she reverted back to normal.

"Maki is unable to battle! Haga is the winner!" Janina declared.

"You did your best, Maki." Ash said with comfort as he returned Maki. "I hope you'll be okay after that Body Press." He said to her through the Moe Ball.

"I had heard from Whitney that Body Press was a move that deals damage based on the user's Defense." Jasmine explained with a smile. "I knew that it was the perfect move for Haga, since she has the highest base Defense when she Mega Evolves."

"Yeah, I realized that as well when I first learned about that move." Ash said in reply, before thinking about the situation. 'This is bad. Elly will definitely lose against Haga in this case. My only option is to use Vulcanus.' He brought out the Ultra Ball that contained his final Moemon. "I'm counting on you." He said, before tossing it. "Vulcanus, I choose you!"

Vulcanus emerged from the Moe Ball, poised and ready for battle. "So, it is finally my turn." She said.

"So it seems, Beast of Fire." Haga smirked.

"Vulcanus has to beat Haga for Ash to win." Giselle said, looking worried. "Becuase not only is Elly at a huge disadvantage, but there's no way she could withstand a Body Press."

"You can do it, big brother!" Tomo and Molly cheered for Ash.

"Sandstorm!" Haga re-summoned the sandstorm. The taunt wore off when Maki was defeated, so she could use status moves again.

"Eruption!" Ash commanded. Vulcanus roared and released a powerful eruption of flames that blew away the sandstorm. Since Vulcanus was at full health when she entered the battle, Eruption was at full power and was the strongest move she could use at the moment.

Haga braced herself as she was hit by the powerful Fire-type move, growling as her sandstorm was forcefully dissipated. "Fine then. Earthquake!" She made the ground shake again, but Vulcanus was able to jump into the air in time and avoid it and then countered with Flamethrower, but Haga endured it with Iron Defense.

"Clang!" Jasmine suddenly exclaimed.

"Clang?" Vulcanus blinked in confusion, wondering why the Gym Leader made the noise of drumming steel. It was then that she saw a steel-gray aura surrounding both the human and Haga. "Uh oh."

"Polished and ready to go!" Jasmine and Haga said in unison. "Steel-Clad Iron Tail!" A ginormous steel tail formed behind Haga, and then she willed it to slam into Vulcanus, crushing her.

"Oh no!" Glimmer cried out.

"Hang in there, Vulcanus!" Ash encouraged. A Lava Plume answered his call as Vulcanus melted the large tail and freed herself. The attack may have hurt, but she was not gonna lose like that.

"Stone Edge!" Haga punched the ground, causing glowing blue rocks to rise up at Vulcanus.

"Dodge with Extreme Speed, then use Shadow Ball!" Ash commanded. Vulcunas ran faster than anyone could blink around the Stone Edge, and then quickly moved in front of Haga and slammed a Shadow Ball into her stomach, knocking her to the ground. She quickly followed up with a Bulldoze, dealing more damage while she was on the ground, but then Haga retaliated with Aqua Tail, knocking her away.

"Vulcanus, are you okay?" Ash asked worriedly.

"She's a tough opponent." Vulcanus panted. "I'm not sure how much longer I'll last."

"It's all or nothing." He said. "Vulcanus, Laser Focus!" Vulcanus's eyes glowed orange as she narrowed her gaze at Haga. "Now, let's put all our power in this last attack!"

"Yes!" Vulcanus exclaimed, a red aura surrounding both her and Ash.

Haga knew there was no point defending, since Laser Focus will make this attack a guaranteed critical hit. "Bring it! I'll meet you head on!" She challenged.

"Roar, with the fury of a volcano!" Ash and Vulcanus exclaimed in perfect unison. "Molten Flare Blitz!" Intense bright orange flames surrounded Vulcanus as she charged at Haga like a giant ball of fire.

"GIGA IMPACT!" Haga charged forward, covered in an all-powerful golden aura as she collided into Vulcanus, causing a intense explosion of flames that forced everyone to have to protect themselves. When the flames finally died down, everyone looked to see a scorched battlefied, with Vulcanus panting on one knee, holding her left arm in pain. In front of her was Haga, who was unconscious and back to her normal form.

"Haga is unable to battle! Vulcanus is the winner!" Janina declared. "The victor of the match is Ash Ketchum!"

Ash sighed with relief, thankful that Vulcanus was able to pull through. Seeing the Volcano Moemon stand up, he walked over and gave her a gentle hug, as to not cause her discomfort. "You did it, Vulcanus. Thank you so much." He thanked her, smiling.

"I'm glad...we won." Vulcanus smiled tiredly.

"That was really close." Serena said with relief. "Ash almost lost that one."

Jasmine returned Haga to her Moe Ball. "Great endurance, Haga." She praised her through the Moe Ball, before walking up to Ash as he returned Vulcanus. "I'm glad we were able to have this battle, Ash." She said. "That was absolutely wonderful."

"Same here." Ash replied. "I'll admit. You were the closest to beating me out of all the Gym Leaders I've faced."

"That's nice to know." Jasmine smiled, before handing him a steel-colored octagon-shaped badge. "Here you go. After that battle and you helping Amphy, you definitely deserve this Mineral Badge."

"Thanks, Jasmine." Ash said, happily accepting his sixth badge.

"That was amazing!" Janina exclaimed excitedly. "That settles it. I'm gonna work really hard to become Olivine City's next Gym Leader!"

"That's great." Molly said. "When you do become Gym Leader, and I decide to take the Johto Gym Challenge, I'll battle you for the Mineral Badge."

"Bring it on!" Janina exclaimed, accepting Molly's challenge. Ash and Jasmine both chuckled at the two.

After Ash healed his Moemon, Jasmine and Janina said their farewells as the gang left for Mahagony Town.


The gang were now at a plain on the way back to Ecruteak City, with Ash, Serena and Brock were preparing food for everyone. Tomo and Molly were playing with Pia, Es, Wendy, Glimmer and Sakuya, while the others were relaxing. Although, Lauren noticed that Youko was glaring at her with a pout. "What?" She asked.

"You took my turn." Youko complained. "I was gonna battle in the Olivine Gym."

"Sorry, but I really wanted to battle that Aggron." Lauren shrugged. "Not like you would've fared any better against her. You're a Fire/Bug-type while she's a Rock-type."

"...I mean, that's true, but..."

"Don't worry about it, Youko." Vulcanus said, walking over to them. "Ash said that he was gonna use you in the next gym to make up for it."

"The next gym is Ice, right?" Youko asked, receiving a nod from the Legendary. "I suppose I don't mind."

"If I may, Vulcanus." Lauren spoke, getting the Entei's attention. "I can't help but wonder how things went with your old trainer. I know that Kirei had a wonderful trainer, who recognized her despite her change in appearance, while Raikou's reunion with her trainer...didn't end well." She couldn't help but wince when she talked about Raikou. "But how did things go with you?"

Vulcanus thought about it for a moment, remembering what happened, before answering. "I did regain my memories, and after a little pep talk from Kirei, I decided to seek out my old trainer." She began. "I found her crying at a hillside, sobbing apologies to me about how she left me to die in the old Tin Tower, and not being able to recognize me when I was reincarnated by Mother. I decided to be a bit playful and give her a surprise hug, which sent us both tumbling down the hill." She couldn't help but giggle at the memory. "When I told her that I had forgiven her, using the same smile that I had as a Flareon, she was so happy to see me that we shared a...very passionate kiss." She blushed, earning giggles from Lauren and Youko.

"Sounds like things worked out on your end." Sakuya said, having listened to the conversation. "That's a relief. I was worried after hearing that I pretty much ruined Raikou's life with her trainer."

Vulcanus smiled at her. "Don't worry. I hold no ill will towards you."

Before a reply could be made, a bolt of electricity suddenly hit Sakuya, making her scream in pain and catching everyone's attention. "Sakuya!" Ash shouted, running over to the Celebi.

"Where did that Thunderbolt come from!?" Wendy asked, looking around for the attacker.

"I think she could answer that." Fiona said, pointing her wand in the direction she saw the Thunderbolt come from. Everyone looked and saw a Moemon approaching menacingly.

The Moemon wore a white shirt with yellow sleeve gloves, and yellow tight pants. A spiky tail was sticking out of her back, and she wore a violet mantle. She had hazel eyes that were glaring at the gang, and white hair down to her neck, tied back by a black crown.

"Raikou!" Serah gasped, recognizing the Moemon.

"The Beast of Thunder." Lightning said, frowning. "I was wondering when we would meet her, but she doesn't look like she's here to talk."

Raikou paid them no attention, focusing her glare solely on Sakuya. "So, it was you." She said.

"Huh?" Sakuya asked.

"Don't play dumb!" Raikou growled. "I heard you say that you ruined my life with my old trainer!"

Everyone winced. They had dreaded this outcome. "It's true." Sakuya admitted sadly. "A human had captured me and used my power to destroy the original Tin Tower. I couldn't do anything to resist."

Raikou growled louder, electricity sparking around her body. "So, it's your fault...!"

Ash knew that Raikou was gonna attack Sakuya again and quickly moved in front of her. "Raikou, calm down!" He exclaimed. "Sakuya wasn't in control of her actions at the time!"

"Stay out of this, human!" Raikou roared, firing a Thunderbolt at them, but Pia quickly fired her own Thunderbolt, managing to overpower Raikou's. The electricity didn't hurt the Beast of Thunder due to her ability - which Pia knew was Volt Absorb, but it did make her look at the Mouse Moemon with disbelief. 'How can her electricity overpower mine!?" She thought.

Pia stopped her attack and glared at Raikou. "Look, we get it, Raikou. Your reunion with your old trainer ended terribly, but you shouldn't pin the blame solely on Sakuya." She told her.

"She's right, sister." Vulcanus said, approaching her sister. "Whatever anger you may have, aiming it towards someone who was also a victim is not the answer."

Raikou glared at Vulcanus. "You and Suicune had it better, Entei." She said, sounding jealous. "Your trainers recognized you despite how different you looked after our reincarnation. What about me? Why couldn't my trainer recognize me!?" Her voice sounded like it cracked a bit at the end.

"Perhaps it had to do with love." Youko said, making everyone look at her.

"Love?" Raikou asked.

"Kirei told me that her old trainer cherished her." The Volcarona explained. "She was his starter, and because of that, the two had grown so close that they forged an unbreakable bond."

"And it was because of that bond that Tidus recognized her immediately when she revived, despite her drastic change in appearance." Ash finished, agreeing with her thought process.

"Perhaps you're right." Vulcanus nodded. "I was one of Ravel's closest Moemon, and while she didn't recognize me immediately, she realized I was the same Flareon she had raised, which was why she was remorseful of her actions on the day of Tin Tower's destruction."

Everyone looked at Raikou, who looked down sadly. "...My trainer hardly even cared about me." She admitted, tail drooping.

"Then that answers it." Ash said, frowning that Raikou's old trainer didn't care about her. "Your trainer didn't care much about you, which was why he didn't even bother trying to recognize you."

Raikou sighed. "Perhaps you're right. Maybe I was being foolish believing he would remember me, despite how hard I tried for him." She turned away from the gang. "Maybe I should go now. Sorry for attacking you." Everyone watched as Raikou ran off into the distance until she was no longer seen.

"Poor Raikou..." Molly said softly, feeling sorry for the Beast of Thunder.

"She was certainly dealt a bad hand when it came to her old trainer." Lightning said.

Ash sighed. "Why don't we all eat lunch right now?" He suggested, wanting to lighten the mood. Everyone silently nodded.


Chapter 57 DONE!

Sorry for the wait. Had a lot to think about. Not to mention real life stuff taking up my time.

Pia wouldn't truly be Ash's Pikachu if she didn't have the uncanny ability to shock Ground types every now and then. This time, though, I did my best to explain it. Also, note that Pia will only have Overconductor as her ability while she's holding the Light Ball, otherwise her ability will be Static.

I really made Jasmine look like one of the more challenging Gym Leaders in Johto. Between a Psuedo-Legendary Moemon, two Steel Moemon with secondary typings that give them an advantage against Fire Moemon - which was half of Ash's team, a Togedemaru with Electric Terrain + Rising Voltage and Steel Roller and a Mega Steelix with Body Press, she had a pretty solid team that drove Ash into a corner.

Since Jasmine is in Pokemon Masters, I gave her her Sync Move, I also gave Ash a Sync Move with Vulcanus, since Entei is also in the game, albeit only as a Raid Boss.

Also, the gang had their first encounter with Raikou. It started out hostile, but thankfully, it didn't escalate into a battle.

However, that won't be their only encounter with her. See you guys in the special chapter - Legend of Thunder!