Author's Note:

Here it is, the first of the victory tournament (top eight) and the first full battle of the league. We get a conclusion for the Granbull situation but overall, it's just a fun chapter after the drama of the last chapter. Hope you enjoy it. I wonder if you notice what sort of team, I put together for Ash to face Jimmy with. We also get a look in on Drake and what conclusions he's come to. Don't forget to vote in the poll, it changes when we make it to Hoenn and with that, let's begin.


Chapter 95: Silver Conference - Ash VS Jimmy

Ash walked across the grounds of Silver town, making his way towards his battle. He still had some time, so he wasn't in any hurry and the fact that Serena was wrapped around his arm, her head resting on one of his shoulders, as Pikachu rode on the other.

"So... are you ready to face Jimmy?" she asked.

"Of course," he replied, "but I don't want to have a repeat with my battle against Vincent."

"I know you don't," she replied, "your kindness is one of your best qualities."

"I don't think I'd be nearly as kind if I didn't have your influence," he admitted.

"Hmm... I love hearing you compliment me," she cooed, nuzzling herself deeper into the embrace, "no need to stop now."

"Hehehe," he chuckled at the attention-seeking, "well, your also the cutest, friendliest and bravest person I could ever have hoped to meet."

She rubbed her head around and nuzzled herself into his chest, as his arms moved around her shoulder, "oooh, I love you... but I don't think I'd be nearly as brave, if I didn't have you as an influence."

"I'm not that brave," he replied, engulfing her.

"Your right," she giggled, "but your recklessness is close enough... and that forces me to be brave enough to pull you out."

"I wouldn't have anyone else pulling me anywhere," he whispered, "so what should we do when the battles over? It's gonna be a couple days before any other battles... assuming I make it through todays battle."

"I know you will," she cooed, "but unfortunately, I won't be available immediately after. I'm gonna check on Leaf. She said she'd watch your battle on tele but didn't want to chance running into Drake... if it helps, I'll try to take her out after since she enjoyed that yesterday, maybe I could text, and you'd come over to see us."

"I'd like that?" he admitted, "I hope she's doing okay."

"She's getting better," Serena admitted.

As they continued to walk across the silver town grounds, they past the first stadium. Paul's battle against Miki was being held there, or it was. The large screen over the entrance was showing casing the match. It appeared to be some sort of forest field, or it was if the burnt trees were any indication as a Skarmory was downed on the floor, Raichu standing over him.

The screen switched to the image of Paul and six images of his team underneath. His team appeared to be: Nidoking, Magmar, Raichu, Honchkrow, Ursaring and Fearow. The words 'winner' appeared under the images. Apparently, he won with only losing two Pokémon.

"She never stood a chance," he muttered.

"Nope... but you do," Serena replied, "after you win today, I know you'll keep winning until you make it to the conference winner." Smiling down at her, he kissed the top of her head and they continued on towards the second stadium.

Reaching the stadium, the couple turned to each other. Parting their hands, Serena looped her arms around his next and gazed lovingly into his eyes, as he stared into her sapphire-blue orbs. His hands reaching around her waist and collapsing together.

Pushing herself up the last couple of inches on her tippy toes, she connected her lips with his. Closing his eyes, he just let himself get lost in the moment with his girlfriend. With Serena spending most of the conference with Leaf and him dealing with this whole Granbull situation, they have hardly got to spend any time together. While its neither sides fault, he is just happy to get any moment he can. Losing himself in the shows off affection, he soon became aware of the need for air and reluctantly pulled away. Leaning his forehead against her's, they opened their eyes and looking into each other's eyes.

"I've missed that," he admitted.

A sweet, yet devious smile grew on her lips. She let her arms fall down and grab his jacket, pulling him into a more forceful kiss. He felt her body pressed up against his. Her arms wrapped around his back, making the gap between them practically none-existence. He felt his cheeks heat up, but he was unsure if it was her brazenness or from the close proximity. While nothing knew from her, it was more embarrassing when she's like this in public.

Pulling away, she moved her mouth next to his ear and whispered, "well do well in your battle and they'll be more where that came from."

"Hehehe," he chuckled nervously as she let him go with a wink, "r-right, well... I should get going."

As he went to step away, Pikachu jumped down from his shoulder and landed on Serena's, "I'll be going with her since I'm not in the battle. Good luck and keep your head up."

"Oh, alright... do you mind Serena?" Ash asked.

"Of course, not," she smiled, scratching him under the chin, "I'm sure Sylveon would like the company."

"You don't need me to hold your hand now," Pikachu pipped up, "go and run along. You're a big boy now, I've taught you well."

Ash figured Serena must've heard the same speech from her ESP as she cutely giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. Shaking his head, they bid each other one more goodbye before heading off once more.


Ash stood in the wing that lead out onto the field. His fingers fiddled with the microphone attached to his jacket, the thing that allowed the audience to listen to both trainers during the battle. The bright sun blinded out the exit out onto the field although the breeze of fresh air was quite refreshing. His hand dropped to his side as he fiddled with a Pokéball. He already knew who he wanted to start with, unless it's an obvious type or power disadvantage.

"Good morning ladies, gentlemen, children and Pokémon of all species!" the announcer echoed among the cheering crowd, "this is the first of the top eight battles today, seeing which of our finalists shall be moving on from here! First today we have Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!"

Taking this as his cue and walked out onto the field. Using his hand to block the blinding sun, he stepped up to his trainers' box as the crowd cheered. He felt a little bad about not having Pikachu with him, but he knows he is watching in the stadium with Serena.

"Ash has caused quite a ruckus at last night's interviews with allegations being made live!" the announcer continued, "how will they play out is anyone's guess but right now we're here to see him battle! So, let's introduce his opponent, one of the underdogs of our finalists as it's his first league but another fan favourite as the younger brother of our beloved champion! Help me welcome Jimmy Gold to the field!"

He watched the cap wearing kid walk out, their eyes met, and Jimmy seemed to focus on him. While he appeared nervous, almost scared to look around at the cheering crowd. He made it to opposite trainers' box, as a referee took up the trainers stand in between them.

"And it looks like the field will be our ice field for the first half of this battle between our two trainers!" the announcer explained, "So let's get this battle underway and pass it over to our referee for this match to explain the rules to our competitors!"

"This will be a six on six battle between our two trainers, either side can make substitutions at any point and there is no time limit. Both sides have registered their teams beforehand but can use them in any order they like," the ref explained, he raised his hand up to gesture to the score board above. The two images of Ash and Jimmy took turns with a light flashed between the two images before ultimately landing on Ash's face, "and Ash shall reveal his Pokémon first. Once one side loses three Pokémon, we'll take an intermission and swap the field."

The field opened up and an ice field raised up from between them. It had a few ice pillars stood up between them, scattered all over but overall, it matched the field at Mahogany gym almost like they took it out for the stadium. He unclipped a Pokéball from his belt, already knowing how to start this battle.

"As a special treat, we have three new fields to add to our collection," the announcer took over, "those being a swamp field, a desert field and a forest field. So along with the plain field, the second half of the battle shall be performed on one of the new fields while the first half is selected between the original four! Rock, water, ice, and grass! How will our competitors be able to adjust to these new environments? Only one way to find out!"

"I choose you, Granbull!" Ash shouted, tossing his Pokéball up into the air.

In a flash of light, his Fairy Pokémon landed on the icy field. She shivered immediately upon landing but straightened her face and slammed her fists against her chest and the ground, not to different to how Primeape works himself up. He smiled at the excited Fairy Pokémon.

"And this is a surprise! Ash Ketchum has decided to start off the match with his Granbull, who seemed to be the centre of the commotion last night," the announcer explained, "exactly what or why is unknown but it's certainly going to be interesting since she isn't normally the type of Pokémon to thrive on the ice field! Let's see which Pokémon Jimmy will use to counter this one!"

"Go Octillery!" Jimmy shouted, tossing his own Pokéball into the air.

In a flash of light, his pure water type appeared on the field. It was a red-orangey coloured, cephalopod-like Pokémon with large, round eyes and a turret-like mouth. There were yellow bumps on its squishy looking head and yellow suction cups were scattered over its eight tentacles. Ash pulled out his Pokedex to give this Pokémon a refresher in his mind:

Octillery, the Jet Pokémon. The final evolved form of Remoraid. Octillery grabs onto its foe using its tentacles. This Pokémon tries to immobilize it before delivering the finishing blow. If the foe turns out to be too strong, Octillery spews ink to escape. The suction cups and bumps tend to be smaller on females of this species.

"So, Jimmy's must be female," Ash thought to himself, based on what he saw. While in terms of type, they were pretty evenly matched, he can't help but think Jimmy takes the advantage on this field. Those suction cups gives Octillery a nice stable standing while Granbull has next to no experience on this sort of field.

"Granbull verses Octillery!" the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"


Ash verses Jimmy: Round One

"Get in close!" Ash shouted.

His fairy type started running on all fours across the field. Leaping from one spot to the other with incredible speed. You could almost feel the momentum building up around her. She made one final leap, ready to tackle their opponent.

Octillery ducked his squidgy head under the Fairy Pokémon. Granbull flew overhead. Two of her tentacles reached out and wrapped around her ankles.

Pulling the child-like Pokémon down, she slammed onto the ice. Jimmy's Jet Pokémon Slivered over and attached herself to his Pokémon's back.

Granbull pushed herself up but both her arms and legs were being restrained by the water type.

"You need to try and break free!" Ash shouted, "Play Rough!"

Granbull began to glow with a pink flame around her. She thrusted her arms forward and stomped her feet around. Although her movements were heavily restricted. Octillery hardly seemed effected, if she even felt it. From her expression, Ash knew his own Pokémon was becoming frustrated.

"Scald!" Jimmy shouted.

Octillery shot a blast of water out of her snout and direct onto the back of his fairy types head. Granbull screeched out in pain as steam raised off her.

"Quick! Fall onto your back!" Ash shouted.

The fairy type Pokémon jumped up and fell backwards, slamming the squidgy Pokémon onto the icy field. Her tentacles released and Granbull was able to stand up once more. She turned around and the pink outline appeared once more.

"Octillery!" Jimmy shouted, "try to take control again!"

Granbull began unleashing a brutal assault on the pure water type. Most of her punches and kicks landed directly but those which landed on the ice cracked the field beneath her physical strength.

As she took the beat down, Octillery wrapped her tentacles around her once again. She winced with each punch but manuvered her way back onto the back.

From the position of control, Octillery used her grip to continue on Granbull's assault. Now, however, she was punching making her punch herself.

Stumbling backwards, the fairy type Pokémon growled in anger. Blood trailing down her nose as she struggled to escape.

"Go towards one of the pillars, I have a plan!" Ash shouted.

"Watch out Octillery, I don't know what yet, but we need to be ready for whatever they are doing," Jimmy retorted.

Granbull made her way over towards the closest ice pillar, continuing to beat herself up as she did. She used her arm to smash the pillar apart, having the pointy top bit fall onto the ground in front of her. She attempted to reach for the weapon.

"She's trying to use that icicle to attack you!" Jimmy shouted, "shoot a water pulse up! The momentum would add to the power!"

Ash smirked.

The Jet Pokémon looked up and launched a ball of water straight up. Granbull continued to dance around as Octillery attempted to keep her in place. Looking above he watched the water pulse reach its apex and began to fall. Watching carefully, Ash narrowed his eyes.

"Relax and turn!" Ash shouted.

Granbull did. Octillery pulled her back, expecting more resistance and spun on her heel. The water pulse landed directly on Octillery's head, knocked her off onto the cold field. Looking ahead, he saw Jimmy's shocked expression at the turns of events.

"And in a shock turn of events, Ketchum's escape plan only became possible when his opponent gave him the tools to pull it off," the announcer explained among the cheering crowd, "but how Jimmy responds to this will determine the outcome of this first round!"

"You never had a plan, you just made us think you did!" he shouted, "you made us panic and try to counter it to give you something to escape with."

"I'll be honest, I didn't think it would work but I'm really glad it did," he smiled.

The fairy type Pokémon turned around, panting heavily. She reached down and picked up the confused water type, slamming her down on the smashed ice pillar, she grabbed one tentacle in each hand. Punching into the ice slab, she tied the two appendages together. Grabbing another two tentacles, she did the same thing, trapping her opponent on the ice slab.

"Sludge bomb!" Jimmy shouted.

Ash's eyes widened as he realised that they held that attack back as a last resort.

"Ice Fang on her mouth!" Ash shouted.

Jimmy's Jet Pokémon took a deep breath as Ash's fairy type opened her mouth. Biting down hard on her opponent's snout, ice began to form around it. Octillery's head began to expand and grow. As the child-like Pokémon released her grip, the water types mouth was completely frozen over.

She clenched her fist as Octillery's eyes widened. She wound the fist back and it began glowing white. Swinging forward, it slammed into the frozen over mouth. Sludge spewed out through the cracks, missing the force needed to hit Granbull directly. Shaking her fur from the toxic sludge, Octillery's deflated head flopped to the side, swirls replacing her eyes.

"Octillery is unable to continue!" the ref declared, "making the winners of this round Ash and his Granbull!"


Charles Goodshow smiled as he stared down at the field. Ethan's brother, Jimmy, had recalled his Octillery with a sombre expression but he was more focused on Ash. Granbull ran across the field and tackled him down to the floor, licking him in affection. It reminded him of the boys Gyarados and while he knows it was out of the kids control, it truly is a shame. An affectionate Gyarados hadn't been seen before and he highly doubted another would be found.

He turned to the side to see Madame Muchmoney sat with a scowl. Following her eyeline, he looked down to see she was looking directly at Ash and Granbull.

"Quite the sight, isn't it," he spoke up.

"How you could allow barbarian sports to take place," she dismissed, "it's disgusting."

"Maybe for you, but Granbull looks pretty happy down there," Charles commented, "let me ask you, Madame Muchmoney, why are you so set on disgracing young Ash? He's a child. I remember speaking to your husband-"

"I no longer have a husband," she snapped, "we got divorced in case you missed it."

"No, I saw the headlines," he confirmed, "from what I've heard, you did quite well in the settlement. You got a few million and the mansions in Johto, Unova and Alola. Which again begs the question, why single out this child? He hardly has anything in terms of wealth, especially compared to yourself."

"It's not about money, it's about status," she hissed, "what does it say about my influence if I'm undermined, by a child of all things. The mere thought he could give her anything I couldn't-"

"Better you spare dominating a child through fear of losing your influence, than going through with this charade and losing your influence through self-sabotage," he cut her off, "you was born into money, so you never wouldn't noticed it."

"Notice what?" she asked.

"Money is many things, but the thing it is known as more than anything is cold," he explained, "the expression cold hard cash has to come from somewhere, after all. I may have it now, but I didn't always, so it's easier for me to notice."

"And why should I listen to this?" she asked.

"Because I have one more question," he replied, "how could anyone who was born into the coldness, offer the warmth that Granbull obviously requires?"

Discretely looking to the side, he saw Madame Muchmoney with a look of thought struck across her face. He can understand the threat of new blood coming and taking what he's achieved, with every new intern on the PLA board he has to consider if they'll be the one to take his presidency someday but if he can get her mind turning on the idea then maybe, just maybe, he can point out to her just how futile this crusade of hers is.

Turning back towards the field, he saw that both trainers had recalled their respective Pokémon and Jimmy already brought his own out. A fast looking Beedrill and while not best suited for an ice field, it's a smart choice since he won't go skidding across the slippery surface.

"I choose you, Heracross!" Ash shouted as his single horn Pokémon thudded onto the icy field, "I wanna see some head to head battling between these bug types, Jimmy!"

"Careful what you wish for, Ash," Jimmy retorted.

"And our two trainers decide to go ahead with a battle of the bug types, Beedrill for Jimmy and Heracross for Ash!" the announcer explained, "while not the usual sort of field for this match up, we've seen two opponents of the same type square off and it always results in a fierce clash so hold on to your seats!"

The two bug types squared off, Heracross flexing his arms more attuned to his fighting type, as Beedrill zipped from one spot to the next, only going left or right as he didn't approach further. From what he got from understood, this Beedrill was one of Jimmy's first caught Pokémon. Ethan was always excited when he got an update from his brother about his travels. He may act like the cool young champion in public but in private, he is a brother at heart and always will be. It's one of the things he respects most about the young man.

As for Ash's Heracross, it certainly looks strong. Maybe not up to the standards of Ethan's one but that's to be expected. While he was sure that Ash has the experience to win this battle, it's going to be interesting especially since Ethan spent a month at home before the league and from his accounts, he spent a lot of time getting his brother ready. Not many trainers are lucky enough to have a champion as a coach. It's going to be interesting to see how Ash handles it.

"Heracross verses Beedrill!" the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"


Ash verses Jimmy: Round Two

Ash watched closely as Beedrill shot forward, wings spread and singers glowing bright purple. Soaring across the field, his bug fighting type Pokémon lowered his head and his horn glew white. A rapid-fire barrage of pin missile stingers shot out.

It struck the poison bee Pokémon and caused him to steer upwards to avoid the onslaught. Ending his Pin Missile, Heracross shot into the sky after him.

Spreading his wings, Heracross entered an aerial ace as he pursued their opponent. The third stinger on Beedrill shot out several poison stingers backwards.

They struck Heracross head on, but he wasn't deterred. He continued forward and slashed his wings against him.

The two duel-bug types were neck and neck, flying around in a loop. Beedrill resumed his poison jab attempts as Heracross' horn glew bright white. Fighting off the stingers with his Megahorn. The two continued on for a while, neither side giving an inch.

"Heracross, he is a superior flier!" Ash called out, "bring the battle back down!"

His single horned Pokémon reached out and grabbed his opponent's skinny arms beyond the stingers. Leaning backwards, both bugs entered a spiral dive.

The two bug types smashed into the field, although Heracross had let go to get a little distance between them. His horn smashed into the ice and cracked around the impact. Landing on his feet, he hauled his ice up, sending a chunk of the field into the air.

His horn quickly glew white and he launched a barrage of pin missiles once more. They slammed into the ice chunk and smashed it into pieces.

The small rocks hailed down over Beedrill, who winced. He attempted to take off once more but at a much slower rate, only once the ice chunks ran out.

"And Ketchum makes a smart move by eliminating Beedrill's flying abilities!" the announcer declared, "how will Jimmy handle this turn of events?"

"It's time for all or nothing!" Jimmy shouted, "attack head on!"

Beedrill dived down with his third stinger leading the charge, his other two glowing purple at the same time.

"Heracross! Make the most of this development!" Ash shouted.

His single horn Pokémon stood up and crossed his arms over his face. Jimmy's poison bee Pokémon smashed into him. He quickly began attacking him with a barrage of poison type attacks. Heracross was pushed against the icy field as he grimace against the onslaught.

Ash kept a close eye on him. After nearly a minute of enduring the attacks, a purple mark appeared between his eyes.

"Counter!" he shouted.

Heracross glew with a red outline and wound a fist back. Shooting it forward, he thrusted it into the poison bee Pokémon.

Beedrill was sent flying across the field and landed in the creator Heracross created when he sent that ice chunk flying. The red outline continued to roar around him, like a raging flame as he stepped closer to the bug poison type, who was climbing out of the hole.

"W-what's happened to him?" Jimmy asked.

"He has the guts ability," Ash replied simply, "when I saw Beedrill go in for a collection of poison type moves, I figured now would be a good chance to try and activate it. Of course, even if he wasn't poisoned, it would've tired Beedrill out at the same time. Now finish this Heracross!"

Reaching his opponent, Heracross thrusted his horn down. It went straight under his opponent and he sent him flying.

Turning to follow him, he held both hands against each other in front of his belly. Tensed up, a white power ball formed between his hands as it forced them back. The white ball turned into a rock and he launched it forward.

It slammed into the poison bee Pokémon as he landed on the icy field. As crumbles scattered around his body, Beedrill was revealed with swirls in his eyes.

"Beedrill is unable to battle," the ref declared, "making the winners of this round Ash and his Heracross!"


Ash smiled as his bug fighting type lazily flew back across the field. He landed on his head, suckling the top of his cap in a show-off affection. Laughing at the tickling feeling on the top of his head, he rubbed his single horn Pokémon to return the gesture as he fell on his behind. Unable to see clearly, through his waves of chuckles causing his eyes to squeeze close. He did peer out to see Jimmy recall his first caught Pokémon, with a word of thanks to his Pokéball.

"And Ketchum makes it two of two!" the announcer declared, "how Jimmy will handle this and if he could make a comeback must be playing on his mind! We will only be able to find out in one way so let's see what next!"

"You okay to keep going Heracross?" he asked his single horn Pokémon.

"Of course," he smiled, through a wince of pain. While he felt bad about letting him get poisoned, they did speak about this strategy beforehand.

"And Ketchum has decided to stick with his Heracross!" the announcer explained, "now the only question is, who will Jimmy use to try and turn this around?"

"Go Electrode!" Jimmy shouted as he released his pure electric type. It looked like an upside-down Pokéball with a face. Ash pulled out his Pokedex:

Electrode, The Ball Pokémon. The final evolved form of Voltorb. One of Electrode's characteristics is its attraction to electricity. It is a problematical Pokémon that congregates mostly at electrical power plants to feed on electricity that has just been generated. It is known for self-destructing.

"That Electrode?" he asked, putting his device away, "is it..."

"One of the Pokémon from our little adventure at Mt Mortar? Yeah, it is," Jimmy replied, "we stayed around a few days to check they were okay and just to recuperate ourselves. When we did try to leave, Electrode, who was a Voltorb followed us."

Ash smiled at the story, at least something good came out of that event. He watched his bug fighting type fly back out onto the field, he was slowly succumbing to the poison, but the power boost should be enough to finish Electrode at least... then he can rest in his Pokéball until he's needed for the second half.

"Heracross verses Electrode!" the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"


Ash verses Jimmy: Round Three

His single horn Pokémon hovered lightly over the field and charged forward. His horn glowing bright white as he closed in on his opponent. Weirdly enough, the pure electric type just gave a hard stare as it stood its ground. He knew it was likely just slip around but that only made Ash question the choice more.

"Explosion!" Jimmy shouted.

Ash's eyes widened in fear, he voice died in his throat as he realised his bug fighting type was already too close.

Electrode glew bright white and an explosion exploded from Electrode's position. A thick cloud of black smoke, a red underside filled the heart as a shockwave pushed out from it. Quickly engulfing Heracross along with it. Ash had to hold onto his cap as it passed by him.

With the smoke fading, it revealed most of the field caved in and the two Pokémon lying down on the crumbled ice.

"Both Pokémon are unable to continue!" the ref declared, "since Jimmy has lost three Pokémon already, we'll


Ash recalled his single horn Pokémon, with a sombre stare. He looked down at the device in his hand and mentally kicked himself, he never considered that Jimmy would use such a tactic and especially not so early. Was he really just that desperate to take away one of his Pokémon? Attaching the device to his belt, he turned around and walked back into the waiting wing.

Taking a seat in the bench, he released a breath he didn't know he was holding. Placing his hands on his face, he ran them up through his hair, knocking his cap off balance and placing it on the seat next to him. Blinking a few times, his mind went back towards the battle.

This was a great experience, possibly the most fun battle he's had since the Silver conference began. While he was winning, it wasn't the same as when he swept Vincent with just Aerodactyl. Of course, it stung that the last round ended just as abruptly. He never wanted Heracross or any of his team to go down so easily. It also stung that Jimmy felt that was the only option but that was why he went with a team completely built of Pokémon caught in Johto.

A patter of footsteps drew his attention, turning towards the door which lead deeper into the stadium, he saw the handle turn. With it being pushed open, he was relieved to see Serena stood with Pikachu on her shoulder, eating a tray of fries... drenched in ketchup, of course.

"Hey," she smiled sweetly, "you're doing a good job."

"Thanks," he stood up to meet her, engulfing her in a hug, "I'm glad that your here."

"Be thankful that Mr Goodshow allows close friends and family in to see those competing during the intermission," she smiled, "Brock, Misty and your mum say you're doing great as well."

"They should've came down," he sighed.

"We didn't want to abandoned our seats or overwhelm you all at once," she admitted, looping her arms around his neck, pushing herself up to peck his lips a couple times with her own, "and none of them could do that so..."

"Well, then I'm glad it was you who came," he replied, leaning his forehead against hers. His eyes discretely turned to the side, too see Pikachu, who had jumped down onto the bench, still eating his fries, "let me pay you back for the fries. You shouldn't-"

"Actually, I didn't," Serena cut him off, "I think Pikachu has something to tell you."

"Huh?" he replied, turning towards his electric starter. The mouse Pokémon put his food down and picked something else up, a wallet. He tossed it through the air and Ash caught, only realising once it was in his hand that it was his.

"I erm, found this," Pikachu explained.

"Where did you find it?" he asked.

"Bottom of your bag," Pikachu shrugged, biting into another fry, "I didn't want you to lose it, so I kept it safe."

"You didn't want me to lose it... from the bottom of my bag?" Ash asked.

"We both know how you are," Pikachu replied, "now do you want to keep arguing with more do want some more kissy time before the battle resumes?"

Ash shook his head at his starter's cheek, chuckling as he did. Realising he didn't want to spend the entire intermission arguing with his starter, he turned his attention back to his girlfriend. Leaning in, he connected their lips once more.


Charles stretched out from chair, turning towards his guards they understood the silent request. One of them left the room soon after. Wondering around in the room, he saw the three butlers on one side of the room. Stood to attention and silent as always.

Sighing to himself he wondered back to his seat, his eyes drifting over his own security who were muttering among themselves. While they are forever professional, he knew the need to relax and would encourage any and all of his staff to do so, even when working. He encouraged interaction between them, whether friendly banter or even for his assistance who rarely sees anyone, she is constantly listening to music. Seeing the butlers so lifeless is heart-breaking.

Reaching his original seat, he saw madame Muchmoney sat on her phone. He wasn't sure how long she had her head stuck on that device, "so what do you make of those other rounds? You've been pretty quiet since Ash brought out his Heracross."

"Why should I focus on that bug or any other of his team?" she asked, "I came here to see Granbull."

"I know your looking into some business ventures of your own," Goodshow replied, turning back to the window where bits from the battle so far was playing on the large screen, "its commendable. I wish luck in your avenues when they show themselves."

"Thank you," she replied, putting her phone down, "I assume you have a point to make."

"It's just, no-one would enter a busy deal, regardless of industry, without doing their research," Charles replied, motioning to the screen which showed the single horn Pokémon affectionately suckling on Ash's cap as he laught in glee, "you'd look into everything that business is currently involved in. You'd check out the competition to see if there is a better companion for you to deal with."

"Your point," she asked.

"He may not be Granbull, but he clearly has a soft spot for his Heracross," Charles replied, "and I'm sure, if you pay attention, he'd show that same kindness to every Pokémon that he uses today. Tell me, do you know about the orange league?"

"I don't," she replied, "I barely know about this league. The closest I got was my previous husband, he had some involvement with the interviews through his co-ownership of Goldenrod's radio tower. I suppose he owns the whole place now, after what happened to director Hiro."

"Director Hiro was a good friend of mine," Charles informed.

"I'm sorry," she bowed her head in a sincere matter.

"It was a shame, but that time reaches all of us eventually," Charles sighed, "but as I was saying. The orange league isn't like a regional conference. It is an invite only league and the only ones to receive the chance to compete are those that prove themselves."

"So those that have won a regional conference?" she clarified.

"No, that would be the battle frontier," he replied, "the orange league isn't about finding the strongest trainers, but the kindest. Only those trainers who have proven themselves compassionate and loving, not to one but all Pokémon."

"And?" she asked.

"Young Ash was invited to the last gathering," he explained, "he actually won, and I might say, has been one of the kindest trainer's I've had the privilege of watching."

"Why are you so desperate to defend him?" she asked, "I may have only seen you at do's and stuff, but from little I know you, I never took you as a father."

"I'm not and I feel my time to be has past," he replied, "but I know his father and... I owe him a debt that could never be repaid."

"Does the kid know about it?" she asked.

"No, well, not all of it anyway," he replied, "I know I can't force you in anyway but that man, I owe him a debt that could never be repaid. We all do, and yet he's never asked for anything in return, not even thanks. The least I could do is watch over his son's when they come to my neck of the world."

"And we're back!" the announcer declared, "we've already ran the dice, and the second half will be ran on a swamp field!"


Bidding his girlfriend goodbye once more, he received his cue to return to the field. Just like before the loud crowd roared as he walked out to his trainers' box and looking across the plain field, he saw Jimmy doing exactly the same. A smile overtook his face as the thrill of the battle returned.

The floor opened up and a new field raised up from beneath them. A sea of brown decayed water, bubbles slowly raised and popping through the old rotting vegetation and black trees. A strong repulsing smell filled the air, leaving a taste of thick, stagnant air, left in his mouth. Just based off sight, it was a perfect place for poison, water, and bug types. It was definitely a new type of field for Ash, but he was strangely excited at the prospect of battling on it.

"The battle shall resume with the same rules as before," the ref declared, "as Ash started the first half with his choice, this time Jimmy shall be the one to reveal his Pokémon first!"

"Go Gliscor!" Jimmy shouted, revealing his large flying scorpion in a flash of light.

He landed on one of the patches of dry land, standing on his tail, he loomed tall over much of the rotting vegetation. His legs had two toed and a slightly darker circular coloration on the underside, and its tail has two barbs, giving it the resemblance of vampire fangs. His arms were red with thin, stiations and are completely detached from its black wings, and each ended with large pincers. He had dissemble, red, chamber ear-insides, and its eyes were yellow. It had six visible fangs in its mouth, and its waist, like its arms, was red and striated. Gliscor's body resembled that of on open mouth, with the pointed protrusions coming from its upper torso resembling fangs, another vampire quality. It appears to be partially covered in an insect-like exoskeleton.

Out of every Pokémon he knew Jimmy had, this one the one which feared him the most. Only having seen it in the battle where it evolved with his Togepi, he also knew it was Jimmy's second strongest only behind Typhlosion... at least he's seen battles of Ethan's Typhlosion and also saw how Serena's Quilava battles but the mysterious of Gliscor added to its intimidation factor. He pulled out his Pokedex for a refresher on it:

Gliscor, The Fang Scorpion Pokémon. The final evolved form of Gligar. Its flight is soundless. It uses its lengthy tail to carry off its prey... Then its elongated fangs do the rest. Some of its species are very skilled with toxins that researchers believe it might be morphing into a part poison type.

Putting his device away, Ash narrowed his eyes and looked closer. A purple mark appeared over Gliscor's nose, "wait, is it-"

"Poisoned?" Jimmy finished the sentence, "yes. He found a toxic orb, an item that inflicts the holder with a terrible poison status."

"But wouldn't that-" Ash went to ask again.

"He also has an ability called poison heal," Jimmy answered, "he is being healed by the poison instead of the opposite. I did want to save him for later, but I realised he would be the perfect way to turn around the first half of our battle."

Ash quickly went through his list of five remaining Pokémon. His only real option to deal serious damage to him would be Croconaw but he doubted he could go one to one with it... while not the best option, he knew he'd be better getting a feel for its battle style before coming up with a way to counter it so he made his choice, "I choose you, Noctowl!"

In a flash of light, his shiny normal flying type appeared and landed on the field in front of him. Ash knew he wasn't on the best terms with his owl Pokémon since they disagree on his refusal to use aura, but he was one of his smartest battlers, and would be able to handle himself well. Having him battle to reveal Gliscor's style, while not the usual style of his, sometimes needs must.

"And Ketchum has made a surprise entry, going with a rare shiny Noctowl!" the ref declared, "it seems were in for a battle of the flying types! Question is, which will come out on top and how will the two trainers adjust to this new type of field?! Only one way to find out, so stay tuned!"

"Noctowl verses Gliscor," the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"


Ash verses Jimmy: Round Four

His normal flying type took off from the starting position, heading straight up into the sky. He was hardly the fastest Pokémon but he quickly past the tree line on the swamp field. Ash was slightly concerned as he was never the type to make the first move, what was he up to?

Gliscor's eyes followed him. As Noctowl came to a stop, flapping his wings to stay airborne, he scrunched his tail and used it to launch him upwards.

He was ascending much quicker than Noctowl. A momentum barrier formed around him, as he was on a direct course for Noctowl.

The shiny owl looked down on him. His head-crest glew a light blue colour. Waves of ESP echoed downwards, striking Gliscor.

They didn't appear to cause damage, or even affect him as he continued onwards. Noctowl dived and moved to the side, easily avoiding his opponent. He landed down on ground and watched the sky with a bemused expression.

Gliscor was now flying around the sky, seeming to attack an invisible opponent, and swooping to dodge none-existence attacks.

"You really like messing with people with hypnosis, don't you Noctowl?" Ash asked.

"When your good at something," Noctowl shrugged, "of course, you wouldn't know about that."

"Gliscor! I don't know how but he's tricked you into seeing something!" Jimmy shouted, "dive straight down and ignore what you think you see!"

The ground flying type made a sharp turn straight down and closed his eyes. He crashed through the treeline and straight into the muggy water.

Noctowl narrowed his eyes and hopped closer to the swamp pool. Gliscor burst out, claw first and grabbed him. They turned and went back into the sky.

"Noctowl!" Ash called out, "try to escape with Uproar!"

The two Pokémon continued to soar around, Noctowl struggling to break free. His crest began to glow blue once more but Gliscor shook him to stop it.

He decided to think he wasn't deliberately ignoring him and instead tried a psychic attack since the rushing wind would make sound moves less effective. He used a similar tactic with Aerodactyl when facing Azumarill, after all.

Gliscor opened his wings and came to a stop mid-air, using the sudden loss of moment to send Noctowl flying in a downward spiral.

Crossing his arms across his chest, several small sharp rocks shot up from the ground. They began orbiting around him.

Noctowl attempted to adjust his flight, barely avoiding the muddy pool but he wasn't able to take control fully, scraping across the earth patch in front of Ash.

He struggled to push himself up from the dirt, coughing out dust from his beak. A series of rocks rained down on him, causing him to collapse once more.

His body glew white as he entered a roost healing. Ash chanced a look up at his opponent with a bad revelation, a very bad one. He has seen Gliscor's fighting style before... it's very similar to his Aerodactyl's and none of his Pokémon have been able to overcome him yet.

"He's trying to recover! Don't let him!" Jimmy called out, "finish it with Cross Poison!"

Obviously, they have some difference in terms of move sets but overall, that is the best way to describe his style.

Gliscor raised his pincers above his head and swiped them down in an X shape. A purple cross appeared in front of his body as they dived down. Ash attempted to call out for his normal flying type, but it was too much. A cloud of dust blew up and Ash had to cover his face from the blow.

He coughed on the cloud as his eyes squeezed shut. As it settled, he looked out to see the fang scorpion Pokémon.

"Noctowl is unable to continue," the ref declared, "making the winners of this round Jimmy and his Gliscor!"


Silently, he held his Pokéball and recalled his fallen shiny Pokémon. Once he was secure in the device, he stared down at it. While they don't always see eye to eye, it stung that he had to use him as a way, but he really didn't have another option.

"And Jimmy makes a strong start to this second half, but he's still falling behind by one Pokémon," the announcer explained, "so will Ketchum's next Pokémon be able to get him back on track or will Jimmy close the gap even more?"

Taking a Pokéball of his belt, he realised that he still doesn't have an exact plan of disabling this beast. So, he will go with the one thing that he does know what types its weak to, so his best bet right now is going with a type advantage. With his decision made, he narrowed his eyes over the field.

"I choose you, Croconaw!" Ash shouted, releasing his jolly water type. He performed a small dance on the spot before striking a pose, receiving a loud cheer from the audience. He looked up at the Pallet native with a curious look.

"So... battle?" he asked.

"Yep," Ash replied, "against Gliscor."

He looked towards the fang scorpion Pokémon, "he's big."

"So, do you want the good news or bad news?" Ash asked.

"Both please," Croconaw asked, with an innocent look.

"Bad news is, his fighting style is most similar to Aerodactyl," Ash explained, "obviously with some differences but that's the closest comparison I could make. Oh, and he also is self-healing through being poisoned."

"You mean that dinosaur you keep around and the one that has never been defeated at the lab?" Croconaw asked, "not even by your dragon?"

"You're talking like you've never met him," Ash replied.

"Well... I haven't," he replied, "he's scary so I kept my distance."

Ash sighed, and pinched the ridge of his nose, "...right." Part of him was hoping Croconaw had talked to him about battles or paid attention to the battles at the lab so he had some idea of how to counter Gliscor... this one is turning out more difficult than originally anticipated.

His big jaw Pokémon walked out onto the field, standing just below the ground flying type. He was so small in comparison that it was almost hilarious, especially when he waved up towards him in a friendly manner.

"Hello, mister Gliscor," he greeted, "I know we're gonna battle but I hope we can still be friends."

"Croconaw verses Gliscor," the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"


Ash verses Jimmy: Round Five

He watched Jimmy's ground flying type swipe his pincers down on his pure water type. Hoping up in the air, he entered some sort of break dance in front of his opponent. Gliscor continued to try and grab him but he effortlessly avoided his attempts.

"And Ketchum has brought another surprise with his dancing Croconaw!" the announcer declared, "how will Jimmy respond?"

As he went in for another snap, Croconaw dived under his legs. Turning onto his back, he shot a blast of water onto the back of Gliscor's head.

His tail went around to swipe him. He grabbed on and used it to get back on to his feet. The momentum sent him flying and he landed on Gliscor's back, opening his mouth his fangs enlarged with ice. He bite down hard.

"Into the sky!" Jimmy shouted.

Gliscor cried out in pain but used his tail to stand up. Before Croconaw could jump off, they shot up into the sky.

He cowered on the back of Jimmy's ground flying type as he attempted to reach him off. Neither his pincers nor tail could quite reach him.

They began soaring around the sky in a very disruptive manner. Twirls and dives made it incredibly difficult for Ash's big jaw Pokémon.

"Croconaw! You need to get off of him!" Ash called out.

The fang scorpion Pokémon flew past, barely overhead and the screams of terror curtsy of his water type was left in the back draft. Guess he'll need to help him out with that small detail.

"Take a deep breath and use Aqua Tail!" Ash shouted.

Watching them fly high off the ground, he tail pointed up. Water spewed out and he swung it down on him.

Gliscor entered a downward spiral as his Big Jaw Pokémon was left in the air. He too soon started to fall back down to the earth.

"Water Gun straight down!" Ash shouted.

As Croconaw fell through the sky, a small get of water shot out of his mouth. It smashed into the muddy pool of swamp water. He continued to fall as he got closer to the earth. Ash realised that it wasn't enough to break his fall!

"Croconaw!" he cried out.

The jet of water nearly tripled in size. The sludgy water erupted out, sending splatters in all directions. Croconaw began to slow down.

His big jaw Pokémon dived into the swamp water and disappeared from sight. Gliscor picked himself up from the tree's he crashed into. He reappeared at the edge of the pool next to Ash. Climbing out, he attempted to shaking himself clean, making vomiting motions.

"You alright buddy?" he asked, his eyes drifting to the movements behind, "look out!"

Gliscor soared over the ground and grabbed his water type off the ground. Quickly landing on his tail, he used it as a spring to gain more height.

Reaching the apex of the climb, Gliscor sent Croconaw flying even further. The water type helplessly scrawled around in the sky. He entered a fast fall, turtled on his back, helpless to do anything.

Jimmy's ground flying type followed him downward. Crossing his pincers in an X shape, he entered another Cross-Poison attack. He crashed down on the water type. Another cloud dust erupted around them. When it settled, Gliscor was stood on his tail, over the down big jaw Pokémon.

"Croconaw is unable to battle," the ref declared, "making the winners of this round Jimmy and his Gliscor!"


Ash quickly recalled his fallen friend and stared down at his Pokéball. He was his last option with a massive type advantage. He was starting to regret not bringing a heavy hitter and instead using just a team consisting of his Johto Pokémon. It felt right in the moment, but he was quickly running out of options.

Not only was Gliscor powerful but his self-healing is the main option. Despite Croconaw landing many super effective hits, Gliscor isn't showing it...!

His eyes widened and filled with excitement, quickly swapping the device in his hand with another on his belt. He enlarged it in hand and smiled down at it. So far, he has been trying to overpower Gliscor, but Jimmy came up with a smart strategy. Best way to counter a smart strategy is with his own.

"Jimmy has evened the score board, with both sides having lost three Pokémon!" the announcer explained, "and his Gliscor's poison heal makes it seem ready and raring to go! So, the question is now, how will Ash respond? Or has he met a challenge he isn't able to overcome?"

"I choose you, Meganium!" Ash shouted, as he tossed his Pokéball into the air.

In a flash of light, his pure grass type appeared on the patch of land right in front of Ash. She stared over and locked eyes with Gliscor, who snapped his pincers an offensive manner. She turned towards him with annoyed expression on her face.

"That isn't Typhlosion," she growled.

"No," he admitted, "but Gliscor has already beat both Noctowl and Croconaw. I have a plan to beat him now but only you can pull it off."

"Fine," she rolled her eyes, "but don't think that this will stop me from showing that overgrown honey-badger a thing or two."

"Of course, of course," Ash held his hands up, not wanting to anger the herb Pokémon, "but unless we beat Gliscor, no-one will be facing Typhlosion. I just need you to listen carefully and follow my plan exactly."

"Yes, yes," she replied, "unless it's a stupid plan, then I'm likely to ignore it."

She rolled her neck and stepped forward, properly onto the field. Despite Houndoom being a natural leader and his dark type, Meganium, he would argue is his scariest member of his Johto team. She isn't even considering the chance she'd lose this match up... her stubbornness is one of her most admirable traits.

"And Ketchum makes an unlikely choice in his Meganium!" the announcer explained, "one has to wonder, why he would pick a Pokémon with a type disadvantage is anyone's guess! Could he have a plan, or has he run out of options with type advantages?"

"Meganium verses Gliscor," the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"


Ash verses Jimmy: Round Six

Ash watched as his grass type stood her ground. Their opponent launched himself back into the air through the use of his tail, looping around he began diving on her with another X shaped attacked. Instead of a Cross Poison, however, this one was an X-Scissor attack.

"Restrain him!" he shouted.

His herb Pokémon released several large vines, instead of sending them at the fang scorpion Pokémon, she used them to push herself up.

Soaring into the air, Gliscor's bug type move missed. Meganium slammed down on his back, trapping him on the ground.

"Aromatherapy!" Ash added.

Meganium's flower extended as she let out a calming, echoing cry. A sort of pollen expelled out in mystic waves and struck Gliscor, removing his poison.

Jimmy's ground flying type battered his feet, pincers, and tail against the ground. Unable to handle the shaky nature, Ash's grass type was thrown off. Gliscor stood back on his tail and used it to take off once more.

"Nice try Ash but while he still has his Toxic Orb, he'll be back to healing himself in no time," Jimmy called out.

"Well you had your turn," Meganium smirked, "now it's my turn."

Gliscor entered another dive with his wings leaving a trail in the air. It was clearly an aerial ace attack, guessing he didn't want to miss once again. The purple mark over his nose was back. He slammed into the grass type and she scrapped across the ground, grunting as several more vines shot out.

She wrapped them around the ground flying type, slamming him against the ground. Shaking her petals, a vary of seeds shot out of her petals.

A series of vines extended over him, some thicker than others. Gliscor cried out in pain, sprawling on the ground.

"How is leech seed doing all that?" Ash asked.

"Only a couple of those were Leech Seeds," Meganium answered simply, "the others are worry seed. I can't imagine that poison feels too good with that special ability of his. Now if you excuse me."

She used her vines to wrap around Gliscor's tail, and swung him over head, slamming him into the muddy-swamp-water.

Lowering her head, a series of razor-sharp leaves shot out and struck the ground flying type. White solar orbs began to gather in her flower.

After nearly a minute, she ended her razor leaf and took a deep breath. Swinging her head around, she fired off a powerful Solar beam.

It struck Gliscor head on and exploded upon contact. An explosion of swamp water fired in all directions. Jimmy's fang scorpion Pokémon was blown by the force and smashed into the ground in front of his trainer. The ref moved closer towards him before raising his flags.

"Gliscor is unable to continue!" the ref declared, "making the winners of this round Ash and his Meganium!"


"Rest up for now, Meganium, I'll want you for later," he told her, quickly recalling her. While he knew that Jimmy would likely save his starter until the very end, he didn't want to risk Meganium stubbornly attempting to finish off his team. While not certain, he can't afford any more surprises like that Gliscor.

Looking across the field, he saw Jimmy switching Pokéballs after saying some words of thanks to his fallen fang scorpion Pokémon. He looked up and locked eyes with Ash, a flame of determination burning within. Ash smiled as he knew this was going to be good battle, regardless of who they each use.

"Go Girafarig!" Jimmy shouted, releasing his fifth Pokémon.

In a flash of light, his normal psychic type appeared on the field. She was a hooved, quadrupedal Pokémon with a long neck (in comparison to the rest of her body. She had a white blaze on her muzzle, which ended in a round, pink nose. She had two-horns with bulbous tips on top of her head. Her front half of her body was yellow with black spots, while the back half was black with yellow spots. She also had many triangular, pink spikes along her back. Ash pulled out his Pokedex:

Girafarig, The Long Neck Pokémon. Girafarig's rear head also has a brain, but it is small. The rear head attacks in response to smells and sounds. Approaching this Pokémon from behind can cause the rear head to suddenly lash out and bite. Females of this species have smaller, darker sections than males.

"Jimmy has revealed his Girafarig as his fifth Pokémon!" the announcer explained, "while not looking nearly as intimidating as his Gliscor, one knows that appearances can be deserving! So, who will Ash pick to go up against her? Let's find out!"

He reached to his belt and unclipped a Pokéball. While he knew Houndoom had a massive type advantage, he was also his last Pokémon yet to battle. Wanting to keep him fresh for as long as possible, he made his decision.

"I choose you, Granbull!" he shouted.

In a flash of light, his fairy type reappeared on the field. She looked around at the swampy field as her eyes widened in excitement. Ash was a little confused, as he assumed a fairy type wouldn't like this environment, but he quickly remembered how much his Fairy Pokémon enjoyed getting dirty and playing around.

"Granbull verses Girafarig!" the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"


Ash verses Jimmy: Round Seven

He watched his Fairy Pokémon run out across the field. She, apparently, wasn't concerned by the field as she ran straight across the muggy water. It was clearly a thick sludge as she didn't fall straight in and she was moving quick enough to make that happen. It also caused it to splatter everywhere.

Blobs of the swamp sludge shot out of the pool, surrounded by waves of ESP. They smashed into her face, but she wasn't deterred in the slightest.

Reaching the other side of the field, she slammed into the normal psychic type. Rolling on the ground, she ended up straddling their opponent.

She opened her mouth and her fangs enlarged, shuddered in dark type energy. Biting down hard, Girafarig cried out in pain.

"Try and use Psybeam to send her flying!" Jimmy shouted.

As the fairy type Pokémon continued to use the long neck Pokémon as a chew toy, the opponents tail raised up and tapped her on the shoulder. Granbull ended her assault and turned around to look at it with confusion.

A multicoloured beam of psychic type energy shot out of Girafarig's main head. Granbull became airborne, smashing into the swamp.

Jimmy's normal psychic type struggled to her feet, as Ash's energetic Pokémon resurfaced. She was quick to start swimming across the pool.

Closing her eyes, a golden box appeared around her. It solidified just in time as Granbull slammed into it. She didn't break through. Realising this, she began banging hard on it as fairy type energy radiated off her. Watching it, Ash just realised how similar her style is to Sandslash... hit stuff until it faints.

"Zen Headbutt!" Jimmy shouted.

A blue light flashed from within Girafarig's reflect barrier. She charged forward and sent Granbull back into the sludge.

The sludge erupted upwards in a sort of cyclone. Ash barely made out his Fairy Pokémon within the mess.

Granbull came flying out of the side of the cyclone as it settled back down into the hole, although a lot was splattered everywhere. She smashed into the ground and rolled over in front of Ash. Her pink fur almost complete gone and replaced by sludge.

"You okay Granbull?" he asked, stepping closer to look.

Her eyes burst open!

"Can I do that again?" she asked, filled with excitement.

A smile overtook his face as her child-like wonder returned. She rolled over onto all fours and took off for Girafarig once more, this time taking the land route.

As she took off across the ground, Ash couldn't help but notice that she was slower than before. Even if she was still as filled with energy, it was clear that her previous bout and this one was starting to take effect. He should finish it quickly.

She was hit by a rock, that was sent with ESP. A second one was quickly following it.

"Grab and return to sender!" Ash shouted.

Standing up, she cancelled her run. Grabbing onto the rock, it pushed her back as her heels dug into the ground. Coming to a stop, she lifted the projectile over her head and lobbed it back with all her force. Entering her run once more, it smashed into the reflect box. Destroying it.

Granbull charged straight ahead and tackled her to the ground. A pink flame erupted around her as she punch, kicked, and just generally beat up Girafarig.

The long neck Pokémon's tail extended up again and bite her should, causing Granbull to turn towards it. She did not look happy.

Returning the gesture with her own crunch, Girafarig cried out in pain. Releasing the smaller head, she grabbed a hold of it and flung opponent over her shoulder, smashing her into the ground. Clenching a fist tight, it glew bright white.

Punching Girafarig square in the face, she was knocked back down to the ground. Swirls filled her eyes as she laid still on the ground. Seeming to return to her happy demeanour and leaped back into the swamp water, freely swimming through the pool.

"Girafarig is unable to battle," the ref declared, "making the winners of this round Ash and his Granbull!"


Ash held out his Pokéball and quickly recalled his fairy type from the middle of the swamp. Looking down on it with a fond smile, "thank you, Granbull, you did great so now rest up." After how it went at the Eckruteak gym, he knew not to use a Pokémon when they likely wouldn't be needed. He has a very good idea who Jimmy's final Pokémon is, after all, and he's certain the combination of Houndoom and Meganium can handle it.

"And Ash takes control off the battle once again!" the announcer explained, "it's come down to Jimmy's final Pokémon while Ash still has three Pokémon remaining. Although two have them have already battled, so the question is who will be coming out on top of this one?! Let's find out!"

"Go Typhlosion!" Jimmy shouted, tossing his final Pokéball into the air.

In a flash of light, his pure fire starter appeared on the field. Standing back on his hind-legs, revealing a bulky yet long and agile body. Its underbody was a cream-colour, but the back and top of his head were dark green blue. He has a short, rounded snout and small, triangular eyes and ears. When his mouth opened, sharp canine teeth and a thick tongue was visible. Each of his paws had three digits and there was a coarse, spiky fringe of fur along his rear. Across the back of his neck, a fire erupted out of what Ash knew to be those red spots similar on Cyndaquil and Quilava. Ash pulled out his Pokedex:

Typhlosion, The Volcano Pokémon. The final evolved form of Cyndaquil. Typhlosion obscures itself behind a shimmering heat haze that it creates using its intensely hot flames. This Pokémon creates blazing explosive blasts that burn everything to cinders.

"And it seems Jimmy is following in the footsteps of our regions champion and his own brother!" the announcer declared, "last time we saw the champions starter fall, was during his championship match when he took the title three years back! But has Jimmy raised his to be just as strong?!"

The volcano Pokémon let out a cry and slammed a closed fist into his opposing open hand. With everyone around cheering, Ash went over his options in his head. As long as he can keep Granbull up, he doesn't need to worry too much about his last two Pokémon, who both have proven to be head strong battlers who don't want to step down. Obviously, he promised Meganium the chance to battle him but since she already battled, maybe he should even the odds first.

"I choose you, Houndoom!" Ash shouted, unclipping, and tossing his Pokéball into the air.

He appeared on the floor and crouched low, letting out a threatening growl. Ash was pretty nervous about this match up, if only because he knows Typhlosion is Jimmy's strongest Pokémon. Even if he struggled with Gliscor because of not knowing how to handle it, the possibilities of what it could do is endless. Not to mention, this being the second worst field for a fire type match, only falling to a water field itself.

"And Ketchum has revealed his last Pokémon in his line up," the announcer explained, "looks like he is yet again making the same types face off as he goes with his own fire type. Who will win is anyone's guess so hold on to your seats!"

"Houndoom verses Typhlosion," the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"


Ash verses Jimmy: Round Eight

Each side let loose with a powerful flamethrower straight across the field, Ash had to cover his face from the intense heat. They collided over the swamp pool and wrapped around each other in a cyclone. The sludge water became a burning battlefield as the two Pokémon ended their power clash.

"Guess your easily matched," Ash told his Dark Pokémon.

Houndoom didn't reply vocally, crouching low and turning towards the side. Typhlosion was revealed rolling across the ground with great momentum.

Dodging to the side at the last minute, the fire starter attempted to turn back. Taking too large of a wide berth, he had to exit the rollout to avoid the pool.

Landing on his heels, performing a twist mid-air. The dark fire type leaped forward, tackling his opponent, and straddling on top.

He bite down hard on his shoulder as Jimmy's starter attempted to struggle from underneath. Having his back leg kicked out, he released his grip.

Typhlosion struck his chest with a few mighty blows sending him flying thanks to the bad footing. Standing up, he approached the downed Dark Pokémon.

"Houndoom! I've got an idea but it's risky!" Ash called out, "try and give yourself a power boost!"

His shard shaped tail flicked forward, stabbing the pure fire type as Houndoom took off over the burning swamp water. Like Granbull, he was quick enough to move without sinking in. A flicker of purple appeared within the flames before the field exploded with Houndoom at the heart. Typhlosion, despite being a fire type, had to cover himself from the intense blast as a shock wave blew past everyone on the field.

From within the flames his Dark Pokémon emerged. His thin red eyes trailed off with orange flames. His mouth slightly open with a fire ball ready to launch, his razor-sharp fangs hang down, thirsty for blood. His dark black fur illuminated by a burning orange glow. It was a sight of nightmares.

"And it looks like Houndoom activated his own Flash Fire ability, giving himself look deserving of his dark typing!" the announcer explained.

His dark fire type launched from his position and out of the creator. The swamp sludge must've evaporated beneath the intense heat.

Landing to the side of the pure fire type, he bite down on his scruff. With all his strength, he tossed him to the side. Forcing him down into the pit.

Disappearing within the flames, Houndoom entered a pursuit of his opponent. Squinting to try and make out what was happening, Ash could barely make out the silhouettes from within the intense heat haze. As the flames died down, the two Pokémon were locked in duel.

Houndoom was dancing his opponent, going in for quick precise slashed with either fang or claw. As Typhlosion attempted a more powerful punch.

"Okay Typhlosion, feel free to reveal your secret!" Jimmy called out.

Ash's eyes widened as he turned back to the field. Enraged by the intense power boost he gave himself, Houndoom launched in for another attack.

Their opponent held his hands together with an orangey-white ball of energy forming. He threw it upwards and smashed into his Dark Pokémon.

Houndoom was sent flying backwards as the fire starter formed a second Focus Blast in his hand. Ash was unsure if those original punches were Brick Break or just general punches but seeing him harness fighting type energy here, he wouldn't be surprised.

His dark type Pokémon was struck by the second blast. Slumping down on the ground as the flames died around them.

Typhlosion flexed and let out a mighty battle cry as he stood over the downed dark fire type.

"Houndoom is unable to battle," the ref declared, "making the winners of this round Jimmy and his Typhlosion!"


Ash silently recalled his fallen dark fire type. He stared down at the device in hand with a solemn expression, "I'm sorry bud, if I didn't have you boost yourself with that explosion then maybe you would've been better equipped to face Typhlosion... those fighting moves caught me off guard."

"And he's done it! Jimmy is once again making a comeback with his Typhlosion!" the announcer cheered among the screeching crowd, "but the question remains, how will Ash deal with this now? Both his Granbull and Meganium have already battled and neither side holds much of a type advantage!"

"Alright Typhlosion!" Jimmy cheered, swiping his thumb across his face, and sending a thumbs up in that direction, "you rock, you rule!"

"I've gotta say Jimmy, you've raised your Typhlosion well," Ash praised, "that Focus Blast really caught me off guard. I didn't know the species could learn it."

"It was Ethan's idea and he helped us perfect it," Jimmy replied, "originally it was meant to counter a rock type, but it works on dark types, as well."

"It sure was," Ash smiled, enlarging a Pokéball in his hand, "but now it's time we finish this! Meganium, I choose you!"

His pure grass type slammed onto the field once more. She looked around at what remained from the burnt-decayed field. The herb Pokémon turned towards him with a less-than-impressed expression, "I'm gone for two rounds, if that and this what you do to the place. Can't you keep one field intact?"

"I-it was mostly Houndoom... and Typhlosion, they kinda set the place on fire," Ash winced as he saw her expression changed.

"I made it clear Typhlosion was mine, why let that mutt have first go?" she asked, "unlike others, I don't need my opponents softening up."

"W-well you already faced Gliscor," he stuttered, "I-I thought it would make it a little more even."

She sighed and shook her head, sending Ash a dirty look, "I'll deal with you later, Ashton. For now, you better hope the honey-badger is in a decent condition and able to give me a decent fight."

"And Ash goes with his Meganium to face off against Jimmy's Typhlosion," the announcer explained, "not a great match up but considering the condition of his Granbull after her last match, it's probably his safety option. Question now is, will he be able to overcome the champions brother or not?"

"Meganium verses Typhlosion," the ref declared, "let the battle begin!"


Ash verses Jimmy: Round Nine

She charged forward to the edge of the cliff, with Ash seeing a stream of flames shoot up in front of her. Stretching out some vines, she reached out and grabbed piles of sludge scattered over the field. One by one, launching them into the air. They must've landed as the flamethrower came to a stop.

Using them to push herself up, she leaped off the high ground and went flying across the field. Throwing momentum down, she body slammed her opponent.

The ground began shaking violently and Ash had to dive to the floor. Glimpse over the edge, he saw his herb Pokémon burst into flames.

As her Earthquake came to an end, stumbled back as the flames died down. Typhlosion was quick to his feet, unleashing a flurry of close-range slashes.

If Ash had to guess, he'd say that taking the brunt of the earthquake combined with his powerful eruption took a lot out of him so Typhlosion was biding time to catch his breath... looking back at the field, it was clear Meganium would not accommodate that time.

She sent a flurry of vines out, wrapping them around his limbs immobilising him. Sending a wave of razor leaves direct into his stomach, he grimaced.

Roaring as he struggled against the restraints, Typhlosion took a deep breath. Unleashing a massive flamethrower, Meganium became a fireball.

Despite that, however, her vines remained stable, unflinching. Lifting her opponent up, she spun him round and slammed him back down on his stomach.

As the flames around her died down, she unleashed a thick purple powder over him. Finally releasing his restraints, she stepped back, a magical multicoloured glow covering her body as solar orbs moved around. Her burn marks disappearing as Typhlosion weakly made his way back up to his feet.

"And Meganium turns the ties on Typhlosion, not only healing her own wounds but inflicting poison!" the announcer declared, "along with taking a powerful earthquake early on, it seems the end of this bout is upon us!"

"Not if we have anything to say about it!" Jimmy declared, "right Typhlosion!"

His fire starter let out a mighty roar as he flexed once more, the crowd cheering him on. Ash felt a proud smile come to his face; Jimmy truly has grown up from that nervous kid he met back in Professor Elm's lab. Despite their determination, however, Meganium seemed prepared.

Stretching his arms out, both fists clenched shut and burst into flames. Swinging his left hook forward, he prepared to deliver a powerful punch.

Ash's herb Pokémon extended her vines. Wrapping them around the closest fist, she pulled him off balance and down to the ground.

Rearing back on her hindlegs, she slammed them down on the ground. The second earthquake was just as powerful, Typhlosion's pain screams echoing.

Jimmy's fire starter began glowing with a red outline. A sort of semi-visible flame burning all over his body. A more permanent flame covered him as he slammed into the pure grass type, knocking her off balance. Ash's eyes widened as he realised his Blaze ability must be kicking in.

"Careful Meganium!" Ash warned, "his anger and that power boost make him even more dangerous than before!"

He saw a smirk enter her face as Typhlosion stood up, preparing another flame thrower. Using two vines, she wrapped his mouth shut.

Her petals vibrated as a pink powder exhaled out. As it passed over the fire type, he relaxed against the restraints.

Letting her vines go, Typhlosion lazily stood in place, a peaceful expression on his face. Jimmy's cries echoed but it was too late. Meganium charged forward and slammed into him with her full strength. She sent him flying into the wall of hole, where he flopped down onto his stomach.

"Typhlosion is unable to battle," the ref declared, "making the winners of this round and the those moving onto the top four, Ash Ketchum from Pallet town!"

The screen overhead replaced the battle format with a massive image of Ash, his six Pokémon used in images under him. A large title card which read 'winner' in capital shining letters overhead. With crowd erupting around him, Ash felt a smile overtake his face... although it disappeared as he remembered what else he has to sort out this day. Forcing another smile as to not raise suspicion, he turned to the field and recalled his grass type with a word of thanks.


Ash walked out of the Pokémon centre with Granbull by his side and Pikachu on his shoulder. After the battle, he took his team for a check-up and met up with his friends beforehand. Unfortunately, his brother wasn't anywhere to be found and Gary was off for his battle. While he wishes to see him compete, first he has a meeting to attend too. Part of him tried to get Granbull to be checked over but she was adamant about attending the meeting.

After bidding his friends and mum goodbye, they continued down the street. His hand was gripped tightly by the fairy type, as he felt her nervousness increase with each step. Closing in on the stadium, he saw his brother leaning against the wall next to the doors.

"Drake?" he asked, "what are you doing here?"

"Came to see you," he replied, "I know you've gotta see Mr Goodshow, so I won't keep you long."

"Where have you been?" Ash asked, "I've hardly seen you since your battle with Gary."

"Short answer, I was trying to think of how I got that situation so wrong," Drake sighed, "I was so certain that I predicted his team and was caught off guard."

"Drake..." he tried to interject.

"I realised, I tried to predict how an emotional person would react without the slightest cue on how emotions work," Drake continued.

"Drake, don't do this," he shook his head, "you have come so far from-"

"Its true Ash, I may be better with Pokémon, but I don't feel emotions," he interjected, "I've got all the characteristics of a human. Flesh, blood, bone, but I don't feel what they are meant to feel. I doubt I ever will. And I don't want that to interrupt your friendships. I know Leaf is like a sister to you."

"What are you saying?" Ash asked.

"... after Johto, when you head off to Hoenn. I won't be going with you," he explained, "I'm going to be heading off to Unova instead."

"You can't be serious," Ash shook his head, "you know we've got to face... something, in Hoenn. We'll need your help."

"No, you won't," he sighed, "you didn't really need my help with Rocket at the Radio Tower, and you'll handle this new threat yourself."

"Where's all this coming from?" Ash asked.

"I finally had Raikou find me... I know you mentioned the run in you and Serena had with it," Drake explained, "he told me that I need to go there and investigate that Pokémon protection group that's making noise over there... Plasma."

"We can come with you and-" he got cut off.

"No Ash, you and Serena are needed for whatever is happening in Hoenn. By all accounts, that's the more pressing threat," he replied, "and I need this. A chance to go off on my own. A fresh start if you will. Besides... a Pokémon protection group is sure to have some grey lines. A boy scout like yourself might not be able to do what's necessary."

"Drake," he shook his head with a sigh, feeling his Fairy Pokémon tug on his hand, "look, I need to get going. But this isn't over. We're going to talk about this later. Alright."

"I don't think I really have a choice," Drake replied, as he is dragged along by his pure fairy type, "but I'm not changing my mind."

Ash continued to work his way through the stadium. Granbull stopped dragging him along and had more treated behind his leg. Reaching the door to Mr Goodshow's office, he paused and took a deep breath. Raising his hand, he gave a few quick knocks.

"Come in," the president's voice echoed.

Reaching for the handle, he pushed it down and stepped inside. As he entered, he relaxed slightly. Charles was stood on one side of the room with a cup of presumably coffee in hand. His security guards were scattered around but neither the women nor her butlers were present.

"Ah, Ash, I'm glad you could make it," he smiled, "I trust your Pokémon all alright after the battle?"

"Y-yeah, I just dropped them off with Nurse Joy," he replied, "Granbull, however, wanted to come here... speaking off."

"Madame Muchmoney has to give her apologises... some business arrangements came up and she had to take her leave," he replied, "but she did mention, that seeing Granbull battle, she never saw her so happy... even after getting covered in that sludge. It seems she has seen the error of her ways and will be dropping the case against you... she also asked me to pass on an apology for Granbull herself, she claimed it was never her intention to hurt you."

Ash sighed and relaxed, a smile over taking his face as he felt Granbull wrap herself around his leg. Smiling down at her, he scratched the top of her head before turning back towards the Pokémon league president.

"But... Mr Goodshow," he spoke up.

"I've told you Ash, call me Charles," he replied.

"Charles," he repeated, "what about what she put Granbull through, when she was a Snubbull, I mean. Will she be punished for it?"

"Unfortunately, other than your translations of her experiences, which have to be taken with a grain of salt given your relationship," he explained, "and her influence with her wealth. It's unlikely any investigation will take off and it's better to not to poke the Ursaring with a stick. She has dropped her case, just be thankful for that and don't test your luck."

Closing his eyes, he nodded in understanding.

"Now if you excuse me, I have some other business to attend to," he approached the door, opening it for the raven-haired boy, "I still have a conference to run, after all."

Ash nodded in understanding and walked towards his door. Stepping out of the office, the door closed behind. He collapsed down to his knees. Receiving a large hug from Granbull, he returned the gesture and couldn't help but smile, as the giant weight was lifted off his shoulders. Still...

"Sorry I couldn't help you get any sort of retribution for her behaviour," Ash apologised.

"Don't be, the less time I spent near her the better," Granbull replied, "I have a second chance. An opportunity to move on and do what I love! I wouldn't want anything else!"

"Well congratulations," Pikachu pipped up, "you beat a typical Karen... and she didn't even speak to your manager, it would've been interesting to see her face off against Serena, I'll admit. Clearly nothing the universe has to throw at us will even come close to her level of threat."


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