At last this supplemental collection to my Heart series has begun after teasing it for a while. While I have explained it some in the past, it is time to actually go into detail as to what this actually is and will contain, as well as its unpredictable upload schedule. When I created the Heart series it was originally supposed to be a oneshot to get a pearlshipping idea out of my head. It morphed into a 6 part short story to cover everything I wanted to cover accurately. That was 'Follow Your Heart' (now also known as Heart 1 in the collection). After it was well received, and because I felt it needed it, I quickly wrote and uploaded a sequel, 6 part, short story called 'Home Is Where the Heart Is' (Heart 2) to kinda close the loop on Ash and Dawn's journey of the heart in a nice way. However, by this point the writing had fully taken hold of me and I decided that it was time to turn this project into a full story and as such 'Dreams Come From the Heart' (Heart 3) was born. Dreams is different from the others as it is a full novel length story (currently projected at 64 or so parts) and as such requires a different upload pattern (weekly not daily) and is still only partially drafted. As I was writing Dreams I noticed one thing however, I couldn't include everything I wanted. Various scenes that I liked the idea of, or that came to me after the outline stage, just didn't fit the main plot line as they were too filler, distracting, or had little to no furtherance but were still fun and interesting. As such, I decided to write them down anyway and release them in a separate collection of sporadic events that have occurred during Dreams (and when the time comes the sequels) but that didn't make the cut, though at least one supplement is likely to actually now be placed in the main series after some reconsideration. These will include events alluded to in Dreams but that didn't happen in the main storyline but are not important enough to be needed for the plot, more just fun side things or talks that didn't really have a major impact. However, if people feel like I have made a mistake and a supplement should be elevated to the main series do let me know and it can be done. All supplements will be released, if possible as their priority is below that of the main series, when they would have otherwise occurred chronologically in Dreams. As they are not part of the main Heart series they will not have part numbers, just simple titles.
Anyway, as to the first supplement, this is a collection of Pokemon battles that were alluded too over the last few parts (Parts XVIII, XIX, and XX) but as they all happened at once and after the culmination of the birthday arc at the end of Part XX they were not necessary to the main series as that has to progress now to the main adventure. There are actually going to be 2 supplements released this week as a second one was detached from this to make space and is not battle focused. That second one will have some more importance to Dream but I will address that in the supplement. That is all for now, hopefully y'all like this idea of supplementing the Heart series with the side stories that just could make the cut (think of them as filler episodes in the anime), and now sit back and enjoy the first Supplement For the Heart: Battles Galore.
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon.
Battles Galore
"The battle between Ash and Max will be a full 6 on 6 battle." Brock called out from the side of the makeshift battlefield they'd set up behind Professor Oak's lab. "For the sake of time and to test how they use their Pokémon, neither party will be allowed to substitute during the battle."
"You ready Max?" Ash asked with a smile as he pulled out his first Poke Ball. "It's time."
"I've been ready for this for years." Max replied as he held out his own ball. "Finally I get to battle you."
It was the day after Ash's birthday and many of the guests were now gathered at the battlefield eager to watch the first of many battles scheduled for the day. The marque and tables from the night before were being packed away by a team of Machops, Machokes, Machamps, and a lone Gurdurr of all Pokémon, all at the direction of Gary.
They were making good work and Gary had insisted that he didn't need any help with it though Casey had decided to do so anyway. Everyone knew that was more to do with the Electivire at Gary's side than actually helping out but so long as Casey didn't get in Gary's way he didn't mind.
The guests who had stayed were all standing at the other side of the battlefield to Brock though keeping a decent distance from the combatants as Ash's battles had a habit of getting messy and destructive. Almost all were still present from the night before with a few exceptions who had already left for various reasons.
Tyson had stayed for breakfast but had already said his goodbyes and headed out as he had to catch a plane to Sinnoh that afternoon to begin his intensive training on Iron Island. Barry and Bianca had both also rushed off as well, in different directions, their inability to stay put for a long time showing as they both wanted to get on with their respective journeys.
Trip too had left after breakfast to go to Pewter City and challenge Forrest, he didn't need to stay for the battles as he felt that he wouldn't learn from them anyway. To him training was more important than watching others battle. Ash had tried to get his rival to stay but Trip was determined, though was friendly when he left and promised to see Ash at the Indigo Conference at the end of the season.
The others who had left were Macy, who had left though at the end of the night before as no one had seen her since the end of dinner. It was the same with Kenny and Conrad as neither made it to breakfast, though Ash knew that the former had left at the start of the party and not after it. The last person who wasn't present was Nando who had left to follow his own path in his usually way.
Everyone else was present and looking forward to the upcoming battles. Several battles had already decided who they would face the night before during the celebration. Dawn and Angie would be up next, Brock and Cilan after that, then Morrison and Stephan, Iris and Georgia, Burgundy and Cilan, and lastly Zoey and May had agreed to demonstrate a contest battle to finish it off. Any other battles were to be held afterwards if there were still people wanting to battle and knowing Ash's friends, many would want that.
"On my command, both trainers will send out their first Pokémon simultaneously and the battle will begin." Brock said before pausing to look at Ash and Max to make sure they were ready. When they nodded, Brock added. "Begin!"
"Corphish, I choose you!" Ash yelled sending out his first Pokémon.
"Lairon, you're up!" Max yelled at the same time.
Ash smirked; he had the edge in this first battle but that was just due to dumb luck as he had no idea what Pokémon Max would choose first. Corphish would have a type advantage over the steel/rock type Lairon and Max knew it, the boy knew Pokémon better than Ash did but book knowledge wouldn't help Max against Ash. It would be good practice for him against an opponent like Ash.
"Come on Ash, you can do it!" Dawn cried shaking a pair of pom poms she had somehow managed to find and cheering for him as always, ignoring the glances she was getting, while Buneary and Piplup joined her. "Win baby!"
"Buneary." Buneary said with a wink at Pikachu as she shook her own pom poms. "Bun Buneary."
"Corphish, Crabhammer!" Ash ordered pointing out as he got into the battle, he was going to stick with water type moves for this one.
"Cor, Corphish!" Corphish yelled leaping at Lairon, his claw glowing white.
"Lairon defend with Harden!" Max called out just in time.
Corphish's glowing claw came down hard onto the slower Lairon. Just before it hit Lairon's body flashed in the sun as it reinforced its body with the defensive boost move. Corphish's claw bounced off the attack doing some damage but nowhere near as much as Ash had wanted.
"Counter with Metal Claw!" Max ordered. "We won't let type dictate this battle."
Lairon roared as it reared and its claws turned to steel. It lunged at Corphish with a slashing motion but Ash was ready for the attack.
"Corphish dodge and use Bubble Beam." Ash said and Corphish obeyed at once.
Corphish leapt to the side just in time and Lairon slashed air, missing by inches but Corphish's faster speed allowed him that advantage. The move also exposed Lairon's side and Corphish opened his claws and let out a stream of bubbles that made direct contact with Lairon.
The water type move was supper effective and even with the boost that Harden caused, it did a decent chunk of damage as Lairon was thrown to the side in pain but it wasn't enough to knock it out. It shook its's head and glared at Corphish, Lairon wasn't down yet.
"Finish it with another Crabhammer!" Ash called sensing his victory and Corphish leapt high, right at the still slightly stunned Lairon.
"Corphish!" Corphish yelled as he raised a glowing claw and brought it down on Lairon's head before Max could react.
The blow drove Lairon onto its belly, its legs splayed out in a star shape and its tongue lolling out of its mouth. When Corphish removed his claw Lairon's eyes were swirls, it had been defeated.
"Lairon is unable to battle." Brock declared raising his hand on Ash's side. "Corphish is the winner."
"Wow, let's go Ash!" Dawn called out while the others just muttered at the display. "Keep it up!"
"Lairon return." Max said with as a smile as he called back his Pokémon. "You did well, you were at a disadvantage from the start but we will work on this for next time. Not bad Ash, I was expecting you to still be sharp and so far you're not disappointing me."
"What did you expect." Ash replied with a smirk. "I have been training hard ever since I last saw you."
"As have I." Max said as he pulled out his next Pokémon. "I think you will struggle with this one though, it's a little different. Shedinja, you're up!"
Max threw out the Poke Ball and it burst open. Out came a brown Pokémon that floated in the air in front of its trainer. It looked like the dead carapace of a bug with a small moon like sign floating over its head.
Ash had to admit, he was impressed. He had met one Shedinja before and remembered that it was a tricky Pokémon to deal with. Dawn continued to cheer for Ash as she looked at the curious new Pokémon, she would have to look it up after the battle. Dawn was so focused on the battle that she didn't notice that Misty was paralyzed with fear nearby at the sight of a bug Pokémon.
"I wasn't expecting this." Ash admitted though he vaguely recalled that Max had mentioned the Pokémon the night before. "Where'd you get it? If I recall, it is an odd evolution quirk or something like that."
"I evolved it." Max said adjusting his glasses. "My second catch, so third Pokémon overall, was a Nincada. After some tough battling and its aid catching an Aron, it evolved. It was at night and next thing I knew I had both a Ninjask and a Shedinja in front of me. I wasn't complaining as they are both useful, it was just a surprise. Something about the time of day and not having a full party gives life to Ninjask's shell or something like that."
"Huh, I am sure that Professor Rowan or Gary would know but its beyond me." Ash said, interested in the odd evolution but deciding to ask about it later. "Where's your Ninjask?"
"Ninjask is back home with dad." Max said. "I can only have 6 Pokémon on me at any one time so I keep my roster balanced and Shedinja is better at the moment than Ninjask."
"Well then let's get this going." Ash said with a smile as he returned to the battle. "Corphish, Crabhammer!"
"Shedinja, don't move." Max said as a glowing clawed Corphish leapt at it. "You know that won't affect you."
Shedinja silently obeyed and stayed put. Ash was surprised at that. He knew that water type moves could affect a bug type and it wasn't like Max to make such a mistake so what was the younger boy playing at?
It turned out that Max hadn't made a mistake. The glowing claw bounced harmlessly off the Shed Pokémon as if nothing had happened much to Ash's surprise.
"Vice Grip!" Ash ordered.
"Stay put." Max said and again the attack bounced harmlessly off.
"What in Arceus's name is going on?" Ash asked confused and a little frustrated.
"Shedinja is a special Pokémon." Max said smugly adjusting his glasses again. "It is a bug and ghost type, the only Pokémon with that combination, and it has a unique ability that gives it multiple immunities, including to water and normal type moves like you just used."
"Corphish, return." Ash grumbled calling back his Pokémon much to everyone's shock. "I forfeit my first Pokémon in this battle."
"Ash has recalled Corphish which is against the rules." Brock called out confirming Ash's decision. "As such Ash had forfeited Corphish in this battle. Therefore the victor is Shedinja."
"It was easier than risking injury and damage in a fruitless battle." Ash said as he pulled out his second Pokémon, one he was certain would affect Shedinja. "No point in leaving Corphish out there where he will lose no matter what he does. You can't win if all your moves are ineffective."
"A wise move." Max agreed with a nod. "So who's next? You will have to choose wisely to even scratch my Shedinja."
"Oh I know who I have that can affect it." Ash said with a smirk as he remembered exactly how the last Shedinja he had seen had been beaten when Misty had used her Gyarados to beat it. "Torkoal, I choose you!"
"Oh yeah, that will do it." Max said getting serious and focusing on the battle again. "Alright Shedinja, Shadow Sneak!"
"Iron Defense!" Ash countered.
Unfortunately, before Torkoal could defend himself, Shedinja's shadow extended and snuck behind Torkoal. It then struck Torkoal in the back and sent him forward just as he went into his shell, doing a good bit of damage in the process. It was one of those moves that always went first apparently.
There was one benefit to it though. The move had sent Torkoal forward and into a startled Shedinja. Max clearly had not been expecting the attack to be that powerful as the force of the hit stunned his Pokémon but as it wasn't a move did no damage. Still it gave Ash the opening he needed.
"Torkoal, use Flamethrower!" Ash yelled pointing out. "Point blank range."
"Torkoal!" Torkoal roared as he popped his head out, opened his mouth and spurted a gout of flames right into Shedinja's face before it could react.
The flames washed over the bug/ghost type and it disappeared for a moment. When the flames cleared, a blacked Shedinja remained hovering for a moment before it coughed out a cloud of soot and crashed to the ground, swirls for eyes.
"Shedinja is unable to battle." Brock called out. "Torkoal is the winner."
"Alright!" Ash yelled as Torkoal wandered back to stand in front of Ash as Max returned his Pokémon. "That's how we do it."
"Go Torkoal!" Both Dawn and Misty called out though the latter was because it meant that the bug Pokémon was no longer present.
"You did great, fire is super effective and it landed so there was no hope for us." Max said to the Poke Ball before putting it away and pulling out his third. "Not bad Ash, try this on though. Mightyena, you're up!"
Max threw out the ball and it burst open. The Bite Pokémon roared as it was let out and glared at Torkoal, snarling with raised. Hackles as it did. Ash grimaced as Torkoal went weak at the knees briefly and began to cry. Clearly Max's Mightyena had the Intimidate ability which would weaken Torkoal's attacks but that wouldn't stop him and Ash just needed the right opening to win this one.
"Mightyena, Bite!" Max ordered.
"Iron Defense!" Ash countered as Mightyena lunged at it. "You got this Torkoal."
Torkoal instantly withdrew into his shell just as Mightyena snapped its powerful jaws on it. The dark type attack glanced off the shell and did minimal damage. It was just what Ash had hoped for. He had a plan to beat Mightyena but he had to be patient for it to work.
"Follow it up with Thunder Fang!" Max said pressing his advantage.
"Keep up your Iron Defense!" Ash called out. "And build up heat Torkoal."
Torkoal didn't respond but Ash saw his shell begin to glow and smiled, his plan was working. Max clearly hadn't realized this as he didn't abort his attack, the boy was too blinded by his belief in the victory to let up. Instead Mightyena's teeth sparked with electricity as it again clamped down on Torkoal's shell, sending a charge into it but again doing minimal damage to Torkoal.
"Now Torkoal, Overheat!" Ash ordered.
Mightyena and Max didn't have time to react to that. As the former pulled away from another minimally effective attack, Torkoal popped his head out of his shell, opened his mouth and a massive funnel of flame shot out. There was no space for Mightyena to dodge it.
The powerful fire type move, made more powerful by being the first time it was used in this battle, struck Mightyena at near point blank range and sent the dark type flying back in a howl of pain. Mightyena crashed into the ground and skidded to Max's feet leaving a noticeable furrow as it went. When the dust settled, it was on its side with swirls for eyes.
"Mightyena is unable to battle." Brock called out. "The winner is Torkoal."
"Torkoal." Torkoal said with a smile sending smoke out of his nostrils and shell.
"Way to go Torkoal." Dawn yelled as she continued her cheering though she was surprised that Ash was being so defensive, it was a rare tactic for him to use. "Keep it up! You can win this!"
"You did great boy." Max said with a smile as he returned Mightyena to its Poke Ball. "We will work hard on breaking such a defense in the future, it will come in handy when we face Flannery. Alright Ash, time to see an old friend. Kirlia, you're up!"
Max threw out his fourth Poke Ball. It burst open and a bipedal green and white Pokémon standing on what looked like its toes formed in the center of the battlefield. It's one visible eye looked intently at Torkoal as it held its ballerina style pose, calmly waiting for instructions from Max.
"I knew you would go back for that Ralts." Ash said with a smile. "Good to see you are raising it correctly."
"Yeah she's doing great." Max said with a smile. "I made her a promise and I came back for her as soon as I could. She was more than willing to join me and we've been together ever since."
"Kirlia." Kirlia called out in her songlike voice, pleased to be called upon.
"Alright Kirlia, show Ash what we've learned." Max said. "Psychic!"
"Iron Defense again!" Ash yelled as Kirlia sent a blast of pure psychic power at Torkoal.
"Torkoal!" Torkoal said as he withdrew into his shell just in time.
The attack hit and sent Torkoal back a bit but did little damage again. Just as Torkoal popped his head out to look around, Max yelled his next attack.
"Confusion."
"Iron Defense!" Ash countered once more and Torkoal again withdrew into his shell.
Again the attack hit, this time lifting Torkoal up and slamming him into the ground hard but again it did minimal damage. After so many Iron Defenses, Ash knew that Torkoal's defense was almost maxed out, it was time to go on the offensive and win this.
"Torkoal Flamethrower!" Ash ordered.
"Protect!" Max called out in response.
Torkoal opened his mouth and a gout of flames shot out and went straight for Kirlia. At the last moment Kirlia's Protect activated and the attack harmlessly parted around the Emotion Pokémon's barrier. Ash wasn't done yet though.
"Follow it up with Body Slam." Ash called out and Torkoal leapt into the air and towards Kirlia with a cry.
"Protect again." Max called out.
Kirlia tried to perform the move but the problem with Protect was that it was hard to use it twice in row, it had a habit of failing if it was tried again. This was one of those times and Kirlia's move fizzled out, just as Torkoal crashed down on her with the full weight of his body, flattening her into the ground. All Kirlia could do was look up in shock as the attack landed.
Torkoal leapt off and backwards to reveal a stunned but still conscious Kirlia on the ground beneath it. Ash was not going to let that stand.
"Finish this with Flamethrower!" Ash ordered.
"Dodge Kirlia." Max yelled but to no avail.
Kirlia was still dazed from the Body Slam and wasn't able to stand and dodge in time. instead, the gout of flame hit Kirlia squarely in the chest and sent her flying backwards with a yell of pain. She rolled a little before coming to a stop on her back at Max's feet. her eyes swirls.
"Kirlia is unable to battle." Brock declared. "The winner is Torkoal."
"Torkoal!" Torkoal said with his usual smoke to signal his pride at winning his third battle of the day.
He was on a roll and his pride was sky high right now. Hopefully the others on the ranch were watching and taking notes. This was how one of Ash's Pokémon rolled, their trainer expected their best and they delivered for him and themselves. Torkoal's cred with the others was soaring, he would be the envy of many when all of this was done.
"Go Torkoal, keep it up." Dawn cheered. "3 for 3, you show them who's the boss."
"Kirlia return." Max said returning his first capture to him. "You did great old friend, I failed you with that second Protect. I should have known it might not work but I panicked, I won't in the future. Alright Ash, I was hoping to save my next Pokémon for Pikachu but you have forced my hand."
"Bring it Max." Ash said confidently. "Torkoal's on a roll and can handle anything."
"Torkoal." Torkoal agreed with a puff of smoke from his nostrils.
"Not for much longer." Max said with a smile as he pulled out his 5th ball. "Marshtomp, you're up!"
Max threw out his evolved starter Pokémon. The teal colored Mud Fish Pokémon burst out ready to battle. Ash swore at the sight of it. He had forgotten that Max's starter had been a Mudkip, there was no way he could win this battle when he had a two disadvantages to it. Water and ground types were strong against fire types and Marshtomp was both.
"Marshtomp, Muddy Water!" Max ordered.
"Torkoal, Iron Defense!" Ash called out knowing that it was futile even with the high defense that Torkoal currently had.
Torkoal withdrew into his shell as the wave of brown water hit him head on. The force of the unique move blasted Torkoal back and he popped out of his shell from the impact, only adding to the damage he was taking. Even with the high defense there was no way to withstand the attack.
Torkoal crashed to the ground, bounced a few times and then came to a stop on the back of his shell. His head was out, his legs splayed and swirls for eyes showing that he had finally been defeated.
"Torkoal is unable to battle." Brock said raising his hand to Max. "The winner is Marshtomp."
"Torkoal return, you did amazing old friend, taking down 3 in one battle is impressive." Ash said as he recalled the Coal Pokémon before looking Max in the eye across the battlefield. "Not bad Max though you should have probably used Marshtomp earlier, that would have at least saved one of your Pokémon. Strategy is always key in battle, especially a full one like this."
"True and I will learn from this experience." Max said with a nod. "I should have used Marshtomp earlier, that is true. I was expecting you to use Pikachu already and Marshtomp is best against him given his ground typing. I also wanted the others to get some practice against Torkoal though. I know Flannery has one so I figured the experience was worth it for them."
"A wise idea, always good to practice against a Pokémon you know a gym leader has and will likely face when you see her." Ash said in agreement. "Take what you learned today to Lavaridge Town then, it will help you. However, I will not be using the same style, I know Marshtomp and I know what is best against it, something I happen to have."
"Then send it out." Max said though he had a feeling he knew which Pokémon Ash was going to use and he knew he likely wouldn't win but it would be a good challenge nonetheless. "I could use the practice against a type advantage Pokémon."
"We shall see." Ash said as he pulled out his third and likely last Poke Ball if everything went according to plan, though that was a rarity in a Pokémon battle. "Sceptile, I choose you!"
Ash threw the ball out and it burst open. A second later the Forest Pokémon stood tall and proud in the battlefield ready to fight. Instantly he put his reed in its mouth and looked at his opponent. Sceptile grinned, he knew he would win this one. He was a fully evolved, top tier Pokémon of Ash's, it was time to show that off and make it clear to that Charizard that he was no longer the top Pokémon around.
"I had a feeling that it would be Sceptile." Max said as he adjusted his glasses in preparation for the battle. "This will be tough but not impossible. Marshtomp, Mud Bomb!"
"Dodge and counter with Leaf Blade." Ash ordered.
Marshtomp opened its mouth and sent out a series of mud bombs right at Sceptile. Sceptile simply leapt up and forward with his powerful legs, easily clearing the attack and extending the Leaf Blades from his arms as he did. He then brought them down onto Marshtomp.
Even if Max could have called for a dodge it wouldn't have worked, Sceptile was just too quick for Marshtomp to avoid. The attack made contact with super effective power as it was super effective against both of Marshtomp's types.
Marshtomp was driven to the side and into the ground as Sceptile leapt back to stand in front of Ash, arms folded across his chest as he waited for the results of his attack. When the dust settled Marshtomp was on his side with swirls for eyes.
"Marshtomp is unable to battle." Brock called out. "Sceptile is the winner."
"Wow, go Sceptile!" Dawn cheered. "One more left, you can do it Ash!"
"You did great." Max said as he returned his starter. "Taking out Torkoal was a good start but it was an uphill battle against Ash's Sceptile. I promise you that we will train and when we next see him we will win regardless of type advantages."
"I look forward to that." Ash said with a smile. "Your Marshtomp has promise, it will take you far in Hoenn."
"Thanks Ash." Max said as he pulled out his last Poke Ball. "Time for my last Pokémon and the anchor of my rotation."
He knew he wasn't going to win this battle but if he could take a few more with him Max could hold his head high after the battle with Ash. Max had one Pokémon left and it was his most powerful. He was the ace of Max's lineup and the one he knew best given who it was.
"Well send out you last one." Ash said as Sceptile got ready for battle. "I have a feeling your last one is your best. You have been holding one out until the end, that is what I would do."
"I learned from the best so here is my best." Max said as he threw out the ball. "Slaking, you're up!"
The Lazy Pokémon burst out and stood tall in front of Max looking tired but ready. The fully evolved normal type looked around slightly confused but settled its gaze on Sceptile who nodded at it in challenge. Sceptile had faced one of these Pokémon before and knew that it was strong and fully evolved, this was the kinda battle that showed just how powerful Sceptile was. He was looking forward to it.
Ash had to admit, he was impressed. Max seemed to have full command over the powerful Pokémon, something that few trainers with Max's relative inexperience could handle but then again this was a Slaking, a Pokémon Max had grown up with given his father's penchant for members of the Slakoth evolutionary family. It shouldn't be a surprise that Max would know how to gain one's trust.
"I see you really are Norman's son." Ash complemented. "I bet he was happy you caught one."
"Well it was a Slakoth when I caught it but yeah he was." Max admitted with a proud smile. "And I know the evolutionary family well so it wasn't hard to level him up and evolve him. Slaking is my rock for when things get tough and a fitting Pokémon to face your Sceptile."
"True, so come on then." Ash said with a smile. "Show me what you learned from your father."
"Slaking, Yawn!" Max ordered.
"Jump over it and use Leaf Blade." Ash countered hoping Sceptile could avoid it. "Don't let it hit you."
Sceptile crouched and at the last minute leapt high and over the cloud looking attack that would have made him fall asleep though he barely cleared it. As soon as he was over it, Sceptile again used Leaf Blade and brought it down onto Slaking, hard.
"Slaking block and take it." Max ordered knowing that Slaking wasn't fast enough to dodge it.
Slaking did what Max ordered, crossing his arms over his head and taking the blow, the force of it driving him back a few paces. Max grinned, he knew he had an opening and he wasn't going to pass it up.
"Now use Counter."
"Damn." Ash said knowing that there was no way to block it. "Hold in there Sceptile, I know you can handle it."
The powerful fighting type move, made more powerful by the fact that Slaking had taken a physical attack before using it, hit Sceptile clean in the chest and sent him flying back. Sceptile hit the ground hard and rolled a little before coming to a stop. Slowly he got to his feet, battered but still able to fight. His opponent was powerful, good, the better they were the harder they fell when Sceptile beat them.
"Solar Beam!" Ash ordered knowing he was going to have to go with pure power to beat Slaking.
"Hyper Beam!" Max countered with Slaking's most powerful move.
It would come down to timing and Ash knew that it wasn't on his side. The sun was out but not strong enough to for Sceptile to absorb faster than usual so he was going to be hit by the Hyper Beam but Ash could use that. If Sceptile held in there then the battle and as such the match was Ash's.
At Max's orders Slaking had opened his mouth and the orange energy began to charge in his maw. Then, well before Sceptile was able to attack, the powerful move blasted out and hit Sceptile squarely in the chest.
"Hold on Sceptile, I know you can do it, I believe in you!" Ash called out. "Keep absorbing the sun!"
Sceptile cried out in pain as he was again thrown back and hit the ground at Ash's feet hard. However he was a powerful and fully evolved Pokémon, he was not out of it yet. Not by a long shot. It would take more than two hits to knock the Forest Pokémon out of this fight.
After all, Sceptile had a reputation to uphold. He had defeated a Darkrai, a mythical Pokémon that no one else had beaten in the entire conference. He was one of Ash's anchors, one of the aces who came in when Ash needed power to win.
Sceptile was going to show them all that he could compete on Charizard's level, he was going to show them that he too was one of the best Pokémon Ash had. That was when his ability kicked in, right as he was nearing his limit, and he smiled. He had the power to win this for Ash.
Sceptile suddenly glowed green as all his remaining energy focused on powering up his grass type moves. With a groan of effort, Sceptile rose first to one knew and then to his feet. He was batter and bruised but he was still standing and was still absorbing the sun for his own attack. With his power boosted he was ready to attack. Opening his mouth, Sceptile shot out the strongest Solar Beam he had ever used.
Slaking had no hope. He couldn't move after a Hyper Beam and Max had been counting on the combination of Counter and Hyper Beam to beat Sceptile. Not only had he failed but he had accidently triggered Sceptile's Overgrow ability and now Slaking was going to pay for it. All Max could do was dive out of the way of what was about to happen.
The powerful grass type attack collided with Slaking in the center of his chest. He let out a roar of pain as he was thrown backwards at high speed. It was a good thing Max had dived out of the way or else his Pokémon would have hit him and flattened Max.
Instead, Slaking soared past him and hit the ground hard, skidding along it and creating a deep furrow until he came to rest a good 50 yards away at the base of a tree. Even from this far out they could see the swirls in his eyes indicating his defeat.
"Slaking is unable to battle." Brock declared raising his hand to Ash. "Sceptile is the winner! Slaking was Max's 6th and last Pokémon so that means that this battle is over. The winner is Ash."
"Yay!" Dawn said running over to Ash and launching herself into his arms as Ash returned and congratulated Sceptile for the victory, promising a good rest to recover from the battle. "I knew you would win."
Ash just embraced his girlfriend as she kissed him, ignoring the glares of jealousy and cheers directed at their display of affection. Soon they broke apart but Ash kept his arm around Dawn's waist as they waited for Max to return from checking up on Slaking.
Max hadn't been listening or watching what was going on. He had run over to check on Slaking to make sure he was ok as soon as the battle was over. The large Pokémon would need rest to recover from the battle but otherwise he seemed fine. Max breathed a sigh of relief as he returned Slaking to his Poke Ball.
"You did well." Max said with a smile. "I thought we had it with the Hyper Beam but Sceptile is stronger than I remember. We will make sure those moves are stronger next time we meet Ash, we won't let him win again."
Max turned and walked back to the battlefield to congratulate his friend and hero. He was a little down because he had only taken out 2 of Ash's Pokémon but it had been a good learning experience for him going forward. He knew how good Ash was and the battle had taught him a lot, next time he would win.
"Well done Max." Ash said offering Max his hand which the younger boy shook. "You did well, surprised me a few times in that battle. You're quite unpredictable."
"It could have been better." Max admitted. "But I will learn from this and next time I see you will be different."
"I look forward to our rematch." Ash said. "Though I won't use the same team again. My Hoenn team made sense against you this time, next time I am mixing it up."
"I can't wait to see what you throw at me next." Max said. "It will be the same for me, I will have different Pokémon for you to face."
"As I expect." Ash said with a nod. "It will be fun."
"As nice as this is Ash, I have a battle to win and a rival to put in her place." Dawn reminded them. "And you two are on the field."
"Oh yeah." Ash said sheepishly. "Good luck babe."
"Thanks, I won't lose." Dawn said as Ash gave her a chaste kiss before he and Max left. "Not when I have a claim to defend after all."
Angie had been waiting for this an had already walked over to where Max had been and had a Poke Ball ready, a look of determination on her face as she got ready to face Dawn. She knew what this was about and what Dawn intended to prove with it. That didn't mean she was going to roll over and let Dawn beat her. If Dawn wanted to assert her dominance then she was going to have to earn it the hard way.
Dawn went over to where Ash had been and got her own ball ready as she took a battle stance. She knew exactly who she was going to use to beat Angie. This was about Ash, about showing her second rival that she was the dominant one and thus deserved Ash's love. Dawn had gotten Ash, she had beaten all her rivals for his heart and she was going to prove she deserved it. That meant that she wouldn't hold back at all.
"You ready for this?" Dawn asked with a smirk.
"Ever since you challenged me." Angie called back with a grin. "I will not disappoint. You are going to have to really prove it to me that you deserve Ash. Beat me and show me that you are truly the one for Ash."
"Oh I will." Dawn said back. "This is about Ash and putting a rival in her place, I would expect the same from him against his rivals to my heart. I warn you; I am not going to hold back. I will be using my strongest Pokémon that I feel will be best against you."
"I expect no less." Angie said. "As will I. Ash deserves our best."
"Alright the second battle of the day, the battle between Dawn and Angie, is about to begin." Brock called out getting their attention. "As agreed, this will be a simple one on…"
Brock didn't finish explaining the battle before Misty appeared behind him. She had been stalking over there ever since the end of Ash's battle with Max to be ready and as soon Brock began to speak she grabbed his ear like old times. Misty then dragged him back and threw Brock behind her and onto his ass forcefully before taking her own place at the refs spot, Piplup and Azurill at her heals.
"Oh no you don't." Misty called out over her shoulder at the now sprawled out Brock. "You have your own battle to prepare for and I want the honors of refereeing this one for obvious reasons. I know what this is all about, Dawn, Angie, do you mind?"
"Er no." Angie said not exactly sure who the aggressive redhead was but she had a gut feeling that this was the person who Dawn had faced the last time she had challenged a rival. "I'm good with it if Dawn is."
"If you must." Dawn said with a sigh. "Just try to behave yourself Misty, I don't want a repeat of last time."
"Hardly." Misty said with a smirk and a wink at Dawn that made her go red . "Alright let's begin again. This is the second time that I know of in which Dawn will be proving herself over a rival for Ash because she is so insecure when around the many who have fallen for Ash."
"Insecure!" Dawn yelled. "You imitated a volcano when we met!"
"And I had my reasons, all good, for my reaction." Misty said dismissively. "Anyway, this is Dawn's second battle about Ash. Unlike the last one, this will be a simple one on one battle so quick and easy for everyone. Both girls will send out their Pokémon at the same time and the winner will be the last Pokémon standing. I will be the judge for this battle. I ask that you please keep destruction to a minimum ladies. We don't want a repeat of last time."
"Piplup." Piplup agreed with a nod, he did not want to suffer again just because his trainer had to assert her dominance over a rival to her mate. "Pip, Piplup."
"Last time!" Dawn said incredulous at Misty. "If I recall correctly, and I know I am, it was you who destroyed things."
"Let's not get bogged down with semantics like who almost put Piplup through a wall or who destroyed half the celling." Misty said as most people just looked on in confusion and Ash just groaned at it. "That is not for here or now. I want a nice, clean match this time."
"Yes because both of those where you." Dawn grumbled but decided it wasn't worth the fight.
"What is Misty talking about?" Max asked Ash confused at the exchange between the girls, a feeling shared by almost everyone present. "Did Misty and Dawn have a battle before this?"
"Long story, I'll tell you later as it is a good one." Ash said as Dawn and Angie got ready. "Let's watch this first."
"Are you ready?" Misty asked and Dawn and Angie both nodded. "Alright on my command, begin!"
"Luxio, lights on!" Angie said sending out her starter and closest Pokémon, Ash was not surprised that Angie had evolved her Shinx since the last time they had seen each other.
"Mamoswine, spotlight!" Dawn yelled throwing her behemoth out.
The crowd gasped as the Twin Tusk Pokémon materialized with a roar, shaking the ground as he landed on it. Angie's eyes went wide at the sight of the massive ice and ground type. Dawn hadn't been joking about not holding back in this battle. She didn't know that Dawn had such a Pokémon in her rotation. It was going to be an uphill battle all the way but a good training experience for Angie nonetheless.
"I hate ice types." Iris said with a shiver nearby remembering her own match with Dawn's Mamoswine. "Especially strong ones like that Mamoswine."
"I love it." Georgia said staring in wonder at the powerful ice type. "I have to get me one when I am in Sinnoh, or at least get a Swinub so I can raise it into a Mamoswine. One of those will be a great dragon busting Pokémon."
"Angie is at a major disadvantage." Max pointed out adjusting his glasses and going into academic mode. "Dawn's Mamoswine is a ground type as well as an ice type, Luxio can't use any electric type moves against it."
"No it can't." Ash agreed a little surprised that Dawn was going with such an overwhelming advantage but then again he knew what this was about so it didn't surprise him that Dawn would go for the sure win in this battle. "Usually she saves Mamoswine for big battles given his power and strength but I have a feeling Dawn really wants to win this one."
"I warned you." Dawn said with a smirk at the still stunned Angie. "When it comes to Ash, there is no holding back for me. Even if you weren't using Luxio I would have probably used Mamoswine against you."
"Clearly." Angie agreed before getting her game face on. "Very well, let's get this over with. If nothing else, this will be good practice for Luxio against a type that has a significant advantage over him. Now Luxio, Quick Attack!"
Dawn knew that the attack was going to go first and did nothing. As strong as Luxio was, there was little it could do against a Mamoswine with a normal type attack. That was proven when the attack hit Mamoswine in the forehead and just bounced off with minimal damage and a slightly surprised Luxio. Mamoswine just glared at the annoying pup that had tried and failed to attack him.
"Mamoswine, counter with Earthquake." Dawn yelled.
"Mamo!" Mamoswine roared as he reared up and slammed his feet down on the earth.
"Luxio, brace yourself!" Angie yelled as the powerful ground type attack hit. "Not much we can do against this so just hold it together."
There was no way to dodge the attack unless Luxio could get in the air and he couldn't, at least not for long enough to take no damage. The ground shook violently causing them all to stumble while Luxio growled and tried to hold on as it took damage. It was a losing battle and he fell to his knees at the apex of the attack adding to the super effective damage he was taking from the ground type attack.
"Take Down!" Dawn yelled as soon as the earth stopped shaking and pointing at Luxio.
"Dodge it." Angie ordered.
Luxio leapt to his feet and dove out of the way as Mamoswine charged showing off his superior speed. His speed and agility were the major advantages that Luxio had over Mamoswine but Dawn wasn't going to let that Luxio get away with that.
"Transition into Ice Fang." Dawn called out as Luxio leapt to the side. "Sweep your tusks at it."
"Mamo!" Mamoswine bellowed as he aborted the Take Down attack and encased his tusks in ice.
He was still running at full speed and this was what allowed the sudden change to work. While Luxio had managed to leap out of the way of the Take Down attack, he was still injured from the Earthquake and feeling its effects in his reaction time. That was why he had not been expecting Mamoswine to suddenly turn his head and catch the electric type in the side and hurl it forcefully away.
The blow was glancing but Mamoswine's sheer strength added to it and Luxio was lifted of his feet and thrown sideways. He crashed into the ground several feet away, right in front of Misty and was slow to get up. A patch of fur on his side was frozen and it was clear that the battle was nearing its end but not over yet.
"Finish this!" Dawn yelled. "Focus on Luxio and use Earthquake!"
"Mamo!" Mamoswine roared as he reared up again came crashing down at full power, showing off a little for his trainer as he did so.
"Luxio return." Angie said returning her injured Pokémon and forfeiting the battle just as the attack hit. "I yield, Dawn wins."
"Dawn I'm going to get you for this!" Misty yelled realizing what was about to happen. "Mark my words, I will have revenge."
With no Pokémon there, an unstoppable move and all of it directed right where Luxio had been, the attack continued to go forward and hit Misty. Dawn had not exactly intended for it to happen but she wasn't complaining too much given that it was Misty. The Cerulean Gym Leader was thrown backwards and off her feet before landing hard on her ass a good 10 feet away in an undignified heap.
Unfortunately both Piplup and Azurill were in the area of attack as well and both were also thrown back flailing and wailing, their small stature making them easy prey for the powerful move. Dawn winced knowing that she had once again let Piplup get in between here and a rival, indirectly this time, and hurt him and she felt really bad about Azurill. She was in for a few annoying wake ups from Piplup for this one.
"Sorry." Dawn yelled with a grimace. "I wasn't expecting Angie to return her Pokémon when she did."
"Yeah sorry, I knew I had lost so if figured it was best to end there before more damage was taken." Angie said as Misty got to her feet, glaring at Dawn with both Piplup and Azurill joining her in her glare, both wanting to attack Dawn then and there. "That move was going to knock out Luxio, it was for the best."
"Angie has withdrawn Luxio and forfeited the match." Misty growled out still pissed at Dawn. "Therefore the winner is Dawn and Mamoswine. Once again Dawn has shown her dominance over a rival though I for one hardly think that was a fair matchup."
"I disagree." Angie said causing the few who agreed with Misty to gasp as Dawn returned and congratulated Mamoswine. "This was a battle fair and square. Dawn challenged me and I accepted her challenge. She knew I would use Luxio as he's my best Pokémon and the one who I am most confident in. That gave her an advantage if she had a ground type, which I didn't know she had but should have assumed. Mamoswine was the best matchup against Luxio and Dawn used it perfectly. I have a lot to learn but I will learn and grow as a trainer. I need to be able to beat a ground type with Luxio as I will face more in my time and one day I will."
"Thank you Angie." Dawn said as she walked out to meet Angie in the middle of the battlefield and shook her hand. "Sorry for going a little over the top there, when it comes to Ash my emotions seem to get the better of me these days."
"I expected it." Angie said with a smile. "Given what this was about I knew it would be emotionally driven. I underestimated you though. When we met I just thought you were a gifted coordinator who favored small, cute, and agile Pokémon that fit your own style. I never expected you to have, let alone use, a Pokémon like Mamoswine."
"Back then he was just a little Swinub that I had only recently caught." Dawn admitted. "He evolved quickly, way too quickly for me to really process and he became a lot stronger. We had some growing pains but in the end I earned his respect by showing him just how much he meant to me and refusing to give up on training him. I love him as much as I love all my Pokémon and he gives me a certain edge in battle that is unexpected to most given my appearance. I know I will face powerful Pokémon so I need one myself."
"Clearly." Angie said with a nod. "Next time I won't underestimate you. I will beat you when we next face off. Today you showed your dominance, next time you won't be so lucky."
"I look forward to it." Dawn said with a laugh.
"If you two are done being nice can you please leave the field." Misty said as she returned to her position. "Brock is up next and I will remain the judge for his battle."
"Oh yeah sorry." Dawn said as she and Angie turned and left to rejoin Ash.
Dawn had a feeling that Misty was staring at her ass the entire way and she was pretty sure that was all part of whatever mind games Misty was playing with her, especially after Dawn had accidentally put Misty on her ass. Dawn didn't mind however, she was too happy having once again bested a rival and shown her dominance over that rival.
That also meant that it was time for her to claim her reward. That reward was of course a brief but heavy kiss with Ash on the sidelines while Brock and Cilan set up at their respective ends and Misty continued to glare at her.
"Now that that pettiness is over, we can move on to our next battle." Misty said bringing everyone's attention back to the battlefield. "I ask that the spectators refrain from public displays of affection as it makes us all queasy, thank you."
Dawn just responded by kissing Ash again to annoy Misty. Two could play the games and Dawn was going to match Misty blow for blow in their petty war. Dawn had beaten Misty, both in love and battle, and she was going to make sure Misty always knew that while Misty would always annoy Dawn. Neither was going to back down and they both knew it.
"Anyway this will be another one on one battle for time and apparently evaluation reasons, whatever that means." Misty said once Dawn was done and everyone was again watching and Brock and Cilan had signaled that they were ready. "Send out your Pokémon on my orders. Begin!"
"Croagunk, I choose you." Brock said throwing out his primary battle Pokémon and constant chaperone.
"And for me I will select my constant companion Pansage." Cilan said as he fancily tossed out his own Poke Ball. "Come on out and help me my friend."
Both Croagunk and Pansage materialized at the same time looking at each other intently. Pansage was his usual happy, smiling self as he jumped around while Croagunk squatted there calmly looking at his next foe, his cheeks expanding at a steady rhythm as his Anticipation prepared him for battle.
"What an interesting flavor." Cilan said looking at Croagunk. "I am getting a taste of protectiveness and a lot spice from Croagunk."
"Yeah he's one of a kind." Brock said with a smile. "He chose me, not the other way around. Let me show you just how good my Croagunk is."
"Well I think we shall start with a Bullet Seed." Cilan called out and Pansage opened his mouth and sent out the attack.
"Croagunk block it with Poison Sting!" Brock ordered.
Croagunk opened his own mouth and sent out a series of purple needles of poison type power. They met the Pansage's seeds in midair and exploded causing no damage but a lot of smoke in the process.
"A good block." Cilan said with a nod of appreciation. "But you will struggle with this one, Pansage, Solar Beam."
Pansage had clearly already been building up the sunlight while Croagunk had been blocking the Bullet Seed as Pansage began to power up the move faster that Ash's Sceptile had managed it. Brock knew that it wouldn't do as much damage as usual as it wasn't effective against Croagunk but Brock was not planning on taking any damage.
"Intercept it with Brick Break!" Brock ordered.
Croagunk croaked as he leapt forward, his hand glowing white with power just as Pansage released his Solar Beam. The powerful grass type attack blasted towards Croagunk. The Toxic Mouth Pokémon raised his glowing hand and chopped it down right as the Solar Beam reached him. The force of the blow pushed Croagunk back a little but with a roar he threw the attack off much to everyone's surprise.
"Well I think that I have seen enough." Cilan said as he clicked his fingers and spun in place, Pansage mirroring his actions.
"Here we go again." Iris said with a groan.
"What is going on?" Brock asked confused while Croagunk just blinked at Cilan.
"It's evaluation time!" Cilan said while Pansage just spoke his name giving his own evaluation of Croagunk. "Your Croagunk is certainly powerful and you have a strong bond with it that all can see. I sense…"
Whatever Cilan sensed they would have to ask about later. Apparently while Brock just gaped in confusion at the odd man he was facing, Croagunk had decided that the sudden evaluation time and distraction was the perfect moment to attack and win the battle.
With a croak, his fingers turned purple and he jabbed Pansage hard in the chest. The powerful poison type move was super effective and Pansage crumpled, his eyes swirls indicating the end of the battle.
"What?" Cilan said staring in shock at his Pokémon. "What just happened? I was only trying to do an evaluation…"
"Croa." Croagunk croaked before he jabbed Cilan in the solarplexius with a second poison jab having already walked up to Cilan.
"Why?" was all Cilan could get out as the poison took hold and he crumpled.
"I love that Croagunk!" Iris yelled as Croagunk grabbed Cilan's ankle and proceeded to drag him away. "Finally, someone shut up Cilan during one of his damned evaluations."
"Oui zat is one tres powerful Pokémon." Burgundy said with a smile in her odd way of speaking. "At last some silenced zat pesky wannabe connoisseur. I must thank that Croagunk. Merci Croagunk, merci."
"Er well clearly both Pansage and Cilan are unable to battle." Misty said surprised at the sudden change in the battle. "So the winner is Brock and Croagunk."
"I am not complaining that that didn't happen to me but I still don't know why." Brock said looking at his retreating Pokémon who was still dragging Cilan.
"Um Brock, you, er, may want to go deal with that." Misty said pointing to the disappearing Croagunk going Arceus knew where. "I have no idea where Croagunk is dragging Cilan off too."
"Right." Brock said running onto the battlefield and picking up a coming to Pansage before running after his own Pokémon. "Croagunk come back here, you should only do that to me. Wait, you shouldn't do that to me either but definitely not someone else."
"Ash." Dawn whispered to get his attention while everyone was still recovering from what the hell had just happened. "I think we should take a break from the battles."
"What?" Ash asked and Dawn pointed to May who was watching but standing off to the side where she had been since the start. "Oh, yeah, you're right, we could take a break."
"I think May could use a distraction and we didn't get to spend a lot of time with her yesterday." Dawn said. "Let's take her on a walk around the ranch. It is a while before she is up and this may cheer her up, bad pun not intended."
"Yeah, good point." Ash said taking Dawn's hand and leading her over to May while Morrison and Stephan stepped forward to prepared for their own battle. "We could all use this."
The battles had been fun but Dawn was right, they had had their battles but they hadn't spent any time with May and Ash felt bad for that. It was time to rectify it. Coming up behind the distracted coordinator, Ash tapped her on her shoulder to get her attention and suggest that they go for a nice walk.
Well that is it for the first supplement. There are just so many battles that I had to focus on the main 3 that were fun and important, though one of the other ones will be referenced in the next supplement. As alluded to, the next supplement will be an Ash, Dawn and May supplement and will be the second time in this universe were there is a part focused on May. This is for two reasons, the first being that I did not do much with May other than Part XVI and a brief appearance in Part XVII and I feel like she deserved more but for obvious reasons got relegated a little during the birthday arc. The second reason is a little different and I will not mention here as that is the part that will eventually become important around Part XLV (as well as the parts preceding and postceding it) but because that is over 20 parts away it wasn't important enough to merit an appearance in the main series. That is all I have for now, please review my work as they are important to me both for keeping me driven to write and to help grow this story going forward, as well follow it and me for more updates, favorite it if its that good, and of course any questions raised will be addressed at the start of the next supplement. Until next time.
Stringdog