More Supplements for the Heart

by stringdog

No story can tell all that happens on an adventure. Some moments aren't important enough or are too distracting to be included but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be told. This Supplement will tell those stories that didn't make it into 'Winning Takes Heart' but are worth telling. A collection of side battles, minor characters and pearly moments set during the Hearts Series.

9. Training Battles: Round 1

Here is the ninth Supplement for the Heart in 'Winning Takes Heart', released at the right time in the series. This the first of a handful of Supplements that are focused on training battles that would otherwise detract from the main story. This is just the first though, there will be plenty more culminating in a special full battle training Supplement before the Lumiose Conference but more on that when the time is right. For those curious, the events of this Supplement take place between Parts CXVIII and CIX, the morning after Part CXVIII to be specific and that Part alluded to this Supplement in it. There isn't any other admin stuff to add here, that is at the end of the Part. There was one question asked after the last Supplement that I will answer here though it will have more of a relation to the main story I think.

How will the recoil thing of Ash-Greninja deal with these explosive battles? This was asked after the last Supplement, which in turn was after Ash and Kenny's full battle and the explosive end to that. All I can say is that there won't be a battle like Ash and Kenny's again, at least not with that much destruction. Plus I don't think that Ash-Greninja has the move set to do what Mega Charizard did so I don't expect it. As for the whole recoil thing, that is something I will address when the time comes as there is more to it that needs explanation when it happens because I think there's more to it than most realize and I need to double check the anime to confirm this. Sorry for the vagueness, this is the best I can do for now.

Anyway, that is all I have for now so sit back, relax, and enjoy the Winning's ninth Supplement For the Heart: Training Battles: Round 1.

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon.

Training Battles: Round 1

"Alright the three-on-three battle between Ash and Owen will now begin." Dawn said from the rough midpoint of the makeshift battlefield they'd created for themselves. "This is training but will go until one trainer has knocked out all of the other trainer's Pokémon. In addition, both trainers will be allowed to substitute at will. Is that clear?"

"Yes." Ash and Owen said in unison.

It was the morning after Ash and his friends had run into the Kalos Champion Diantha as they reached the Kalos Canyon. She was there filming for her latest film and alas couldn't do more than exchange a few words as she'd met May before, well that and her filming for the day had been halted. That had been because Max, Bonnie and met their new companion Owen who had walked into it mid shoot as they crossed the canyon on their way to Geosenge Town.

After that they were heading back east to Lumiose City so that Max could battle Clemont, or at least that was what they had said but they could end up anywhere as they zigzagged across Kalos doing their own thing. All that didn't matter now though. Owen had challenged Ash to a battle and Ash wasn't going to back down from it as he always enjoyed a good battle.

Max had also wanted to battle so Ash had readily agreed to face him as well in a second three-on-three battle with his other 3 Pokémon after he faced Owen. Then, to top the morning off, Serena and Bonnie would have a battle with each other but that was more a way to try and used Sylveon's Cute Charm ability to determine what gender Bonnie's Litwick's was.

That was all for later though. Now it was time for Ash to enjoy a good battle against some new guy who would likely use at least on Galarian Pokémon against him as he was from that region. It would mark his first experience with a Pokémon from one of the few places Ash had yet to visit.

"The begin." Dawn said as everyone and several of their Pokémon looked on from the sidelines as the battle started.

"Hawlucha, I choose you." Ash said throwing out his Poke Ball and using his newest Pokémon in their first battle together.

"Linoone, game on." Owen said throwing out a Poke Ball of his own.

They burst open at the same time and Ash grinned at the sight of his first Galarian Pokémon, albeit one that was a regional variant and not fully new Pokémon to him. A Galarian Linoone was similar to the ones he knew from Hoenn only with red eyes and black and white markings rather than dark and light brown. Also, its tongue lolled out for some reason as it scampered back and forth in front of Owen.

"Interesting." Ash said looking at the Linoone. "That's the second regional variant I've met and it's still odd to see a Pokémon I've known for years look different and yet a little familiar at the same time. I take it that it's a dark type given it's colors."

"Dark and normal so really a bad matchup for me but I want to test him against such a disadvantage." Owen said. "Got him as a Zigzagoon when he wandered into the daycare looking for food and I cared for him. He's my starter and loves to battle so this will be a good fun. I heard from Max that you've seen an Alolan Marowak as well."

"In my battle against Blaine that Dawn officiated in fact." Ash said with a nod. "He had one and that is where I learned about the regional forms and the uniqueness of an Alolan Marowak above all of them. It was really odd seeing a Pokémon I knew was a Marowak but wasn't at the same time."

"Uniqueness?" Owen asked confused. "I know the Galarian variants well, I've seen almost all of them at the daycare, and how some have unique evolutions but not the Alolan ones."

"Well, when a Cubone evolves in Alola at night, and that Cubone doesn't have to be from Alola as Blaine's was from Kanto, it changes more than any known Pokémon." Ash explained. "It goes from a pure ground type to a dual fire and ghost type. There is no regional Cubone there by the way, only Marowak and that's not the only one like it apparently."

"Woah that is unique, in terms of the type change not the variant occurring when evolving as we have that with Koffing and Mime Jr. in Galar." Owen said clearly surprised at Cubone's special Alolan evolution. "I've never heard of that drastic a type change in evolution before. A single change for a dual type, or the addition of a type sure, but not a single to a dual type that is completely different."

"It's the only known evolution that does that apparently." Ash said. "Blaine explained it to us during the battle. Eevee goes from normal to whatever type it evolves into but that's Eevee and normal types changing on evolution occurs from time to time. My Fletchinder for example went from normal and flying to fire and flying when he evolved."

"True, Eevee is unique on a different level though." Owen said. "And normal type changes do occur in some flying types so there seems to be some elasticity with the type just as there is with the moves a normal type can learn. The complete change though, that is something I'd love to see one day."

"If you two are done geeking out can you please begin." Dawn said impatiently. "We want to get this done by some point in the afternoon so we can begin to cross the canyon. I'd like to reach Shalour as soon as possible so that I can watch Ash win his fourth gym badge."

"Oh, right sorry." Ash said. "Hawlucha, Karate Chop."

"Fighting types are a bane for us Linoone but most of their attacks are physical ones so Hawlucha will need to get in close to be effective." Owen said as Hawlucha began running at them. "Hold it off with Icy Wind."

"That won't be good for you Hawlucha but push through it, I know you can do it." Ash said encouragingly as Linoone opened his mouth and spewed forth a blast of cold air that was flecked with ice. "Land that attack, it will be worth it."

"Hawlucha." Hawlucha confirmed as he ran into the ice.

He trusted Ash and knew that his opponent, a Pokémon he'd never seen before, had to be a dark type which meant he had the advantage in this battle. The Icy Wind would hurt him, a lot as it was super effective, but it would be worth it. He showed it as he plowed through the ice and reached Linoone before it was done with its attack, imbuing his hands with fighting type power and striking it in the side of the head.

That ended the Icy Wind immediately as Linoone was blasted to the side with a wail of pain from the extremely effective attack. He hit the ground hard and rolled putting some distance between himself and Hawlucha and Ash saw the opportunity to land another blow. He wasn't sure how much the Linoone could take having two types weaknesses to fighting type attacks, but he doubted it was much.

"Flying Press." Ash ordered.

"Payback." Owen said as Hawlucha ran away a bit before turning and running at Linoone with his wings spread. "Make it pay for that first attack."

Hawlucha wasn't paying attention to Linoone as he leapt high in the air, hid extended helping him gain height as he began his Flying Press and his body glowed with fighting type power. He then tucked his wings in and corkscrewed a few times while is body glowed and he glided through the air towards his opponent. He opened them just in time to see Linoone leaping up to meet him with his own attack.

The two Pokémon collided in midair with a colossal boom that sent a shockwave out in all directions, though was thankfully over everyone's head, and threw both Pokémon backwards. Linoone, who was leaping up, was simply thrown back into the ground with enough force to crater it and kick up a lot of dust that covered him. Hawlucha meanwhile arched through the air and landed hard on his back on Ash's side in an undignified heap.

Hawlucha was battered but not too badly damaged. He was resistant to dark type attacks so the Payback, while twice as powerful as usual due to the earlier Karate Chop he'd landed, was only at a regular effectiveness against him. Between that and the Icy Wind he was hurting but still had a decent amount left in the tank as he got up and took a combat pose waiting for the next order.

The same could not be said for Linoone, however. The back-to-back fighting type moves had been far too much for his type combination to handle and he'd passed out before he hit the ground. This was confirmed when the dust settled and he was lying on his side in the crater, tongue lolling on the ground and swirls for eyes.

"Linoone is unable to battle." Dawn declared easily. "Hawlucha is the winner."

"Alright Hawlucha you did it." Ash said cheering as Owen recalled his Pokémon.

"Hawlucha." Hawlucha said with a nod as he stayed ready, he would fight on if possible.

"You want to stay in?" Ash asked and Hawlucha nodded again. "Ok then do so, we need this experience so that's a good idea to keep fighting as long as possible."

"You did well Linoone." Owen way saying to the ball in his hand. "That was a tough matchup from the start, but you held in and that Icy Wind will have done a fair bit. I think we can take Hawlucha thanks to the work you set in motion for us."

"Then send out your next Pokémon." Ash said eager to continue as Owen put his away and pulled out a second Poke Ball. "And see if it can beat Hawlucha."

"He's just evolved so this is good experience for him." Owen said throwing the ball out. "Beedrill…no don't do that! Ow, ow, ow, stinger! Watch your stinger!"

As soon as Ash heard Beedrill he reflexively tensed up. He had a terrible relationship with that perpetually pissed off Pokémon and the animosity between them was mutual. However, the moment the Beedrill appeared it buzzed, turned and suddenly began hugging Owen as Ash, Dawn, May and Serena looked on in confusion. It was a lot like James with his Cacnea only instead of spikes it was a stinger that was currently jabbing Owen in the gut.

"Yes I know you love me, but we have a battle and I want you to fight for me, not sting me." Owen said and finally Beedrill pried itself off him and turned to buzz forward and hover in front of him while Owen rubbed his stomach with a slight grimace. "Sorry about that, Beedrill is a hugger and I'm still getting used to it. Thankfully the poison only comes with a move or else I'd have to keep an antidote on me at all times."

"Er yeah I saw." Ash said still wary as he looked at the surprisingly not pissed off Beedrill buzzing in front of Owen. "And I'm confused. I've met many a Beedrill in my time and even the one I caught was aggressive and pissed. They don't like me at all."

"Do you set them off?" Owen asked. "Beedrills are naturally aggressive and territorial so that is understandable that they'd be upset with you. It's very hard not to piss one off really."

"For the most part it's more proximity rather than directly making contact with them." Ash admitted. "Even happened this year when the Fletchling I was chasing cut down some Kakunas and they evolved after hitting the ground. Thankfully Dawn and May dealt with them while I kept chasing that Fletchling that I'd eventually capture."

"Oh, was that in the woods between Lumiose and Santalune?" Owen asked sounding very interested suddenly.

"It was." Ash said confused. "How'd you know?"

"I was in those woods shortly after I got to Kalos looking for some local berries for my next curry when I came across a weak and starving Weedle." Owen said. "It had been the runt of its swarm and didn't get the needed energy to evolve into a Kakuna so was left when the others evolved and the Beedrills looked after the Kakuna, not a lonely Weedle. I found him just in time to nurse him back to health. In the process he bonded with me and sees me as a mother hence the over affection. Now that he's fully evolved he's still trying to get used to his body as he's not the little Weedle anymore."

"Ah that would explain it." Ash said. "Though I am surprised the nature stayed through the evolutions. Sometimes that doesn't happen as a Pokémon gets stronger, especially with the more aggressive evolutions like Beedrill and Gyarados."

"True sometimes it doesn't but I guess he was so happy to evolve that he didn't change all that much." Owen said with a shrug. "I don't mind, better than an aggressive one and all Pokémon have different natures, so I guess mine has a friendly one."

"That is true, I know a timid Pinsir and met an evil Togepi, so rarities exist, but I don't think I'll get used to a Beedrill like this." Ash said. "Doesn't mean I won't enjoy beating it though. Hawlucha, start this off with High Jump Kick."

"Go up Beedrill and use Venoshock as Hawlucha leaps up." Owen commanded as Hawlucha ran at it. "You have the mobility advantage in the air despite Hawlucha being a flying type."

Beedrill did just that, buzzing upward and unleashing a poisonous liquid as Hawlucha leapt up at it. Hawlucha was drenched in it but he pushed through it despite the pain and kicked Beedrill in his body with High Jump Kick as he did. Beedrill buzzed angrily as it was sent further upwards and Hawlucha fell to the ground in pain. He was injured but still in it and Ash was ready. However, it seemed that Owen was faster this time.

"Assurance." Owen said.

Before Ash or Hawlucha could act, Beedrill flipped over and buzzed down fast to slam into Hawlucha as he was trying to get up. The dark type attack that worked similarly to Payback and was about as strong on Hawlucha was too much for Hawlucha after everything and he staggered back before falling over as Beedrill flew up and into the air to put some distance between them. It wasn't needed as Hawlucha's eyes were now swirls.

"Hawlucha is unable to battle." Dawn declared. "The winner is Beedrill."

"Hawlucha return." Ash said recalling his Pokémon and looking at the Poke Ball. "You did well buddy, that was tough given Beedrill's mobility advantage, but you landed a hit in. I know just who to use to counter it."

"Stay in Beedrill." Owen said. "You need the experience and I think Ash will use a Pokémon to meet you on your plain of battle."

"You're right there." Ash said putting Hawlucha's ball away and pulling out his next one. "Fletchinder, I choose you."

The ball burst open and Ash's fire and flying Kalos Pokémon burst forth with a caw as he hovered in front of Ash, his wings beating a steady rhythm in the air. Beedrill looked worried at that and for good reason. In this matchup everything from type to maneuverability favored Fletchinder.

"This will be tough, but this is just what we'd expect to face from a Conference finalist." Owen said. "Poison Sting. Let's create an opening for ourselves."

"Dodge and use Flame Charge." Ash countered. "Show off that mobility Fletchinder."

Fletchinder cawed and ignited himself as he shot at Beedrill. Beedrill for his part aimed his stinger at Fletchinder and fired off the purple needles of Poison Sting. Fletchinder saw them and spun around them before diving and skimming low to the ground. He then shot up flying faster than the tracer of poison could reach him. Finally, at the apex of his flight, he turned and dived as fast as possible right at Beedrill who was now underneath him.

Beedrill had finished his Poison Sting just before the dive and was too shocked to move despite a desperate order to do so. Even if he did, Fletchinder was traveling too fast to do so and slammed into Beedrill at full speed just as the Poison Bee Pokémon was trying to move.

The Flame Charge was super effective and Beedrill was driven into the ground with a crash, only his light weight preventing more than a spiderweb cracks forming from the impact while Fletchinder just soared up and arched back to Ash cawing in victory. It was for good reason, Beedrill was on his back batter and singed with swirls for eyes.

"Beedrill is unable to battle." Dawn declared as Owen recalled Beedrill. "The winner is Fletchinder."

"You did well Beedrill." Owen said to the ball in his hand. "Take a rest, you still need a lot more experience to hang in a battle like that, both health and mobility wise that is, but taking out Hawlucha was good."

"That it was." Ash said recalling Fletchinder. "Now you said you had a new Pokémon to use as well, right? A Skiddo I believe."

"Yes I do." Owen said putting his Poke Ball away and quickly throwing out his third one. "It's a Kalos native grass type I caught in the woods to the south of Coumarine City."

"Good, this will be just the challenge I'm looking for then." Ash said as he pulled out a Poke Ball and his Pokedex as Owen's final Pokémon burst open and Skiddo appeared before him. "But first I need to scan this Skiddo."

Skiddo was a small Pokémon that resembled a goat right down to the cloven hooves only it had dark brown fur everywhere but its face, and lower legs which were white. It also had a green fur collar and a stripe of green down its back ending in a short, green tail. The horns were small and right atop its head branching to either side like a pair of handlebars. Ash thought it looked like a Pokémon one would ride.

"Skiddo, the Mount Pokémon." The Pokedex chimed bringing Ash's attention to it and what it was saying about Skiddo. "Thought to be one of the first Pokémon to live in harmony with humans, it has a placid disposition."

"She's just fully recovered from a broken leg so this will be some needed exercise for her." Owen said. "And practice for you. Ramos uses a Gogoat, Skiddo's evolved form, as one of his Pokémon in the Coumarine City Gym. Max faced it last when we were there and barely beat it as it's Ramos's best I believe."

"Good then I will use this as experience though I may not use the same Pokémon against it." Ash said throwing out the Poke Ball. "Frogadier, I choose you."

"Ah a water type, this time I have the advantage." Owen said as Frogadier appeared before Ash. "But I somehow feel like this isn't as big as I'd like it to be."

"I can overcome a disadvantage that is for sure." Ash said. "And if you win I still have Fletchinder who is as much a bane to grass types as he is to bug types."

"That is true, so this is really a big training experience for you then." Owen said. "I shall endeavor to make it a challenge for you. Skiddo, Vine Whip."

"Double Team and into Cut." Ash said as the vines shot out of Skiddo's neck.

Instantly Frogadier began running at Skiddo and activated Double Team. Several Frogadier clones appeared and a second later all were holding Cut blades in their hands. The Double Team confused Skiddo who started lashing out at the Frogadiers with her Vine Whip but didn't hit the right one. That was costly as the last fake vanished just as Frogadier reached Skiddo and slashed her across the face with Cut.

"Bulldoze." Owen said as Skiddo reared back in pain. "Use that momentum to your advantage."

"Push through it and go for Water Pulse." Ash said. "It won't be as effective as it should be but let's try and confuse it instead."

Frogadier had the ball of water in between he hands as Skiddo's front hooves hit the ground and she unleashed Bulldoze. The ground around them shook violently and Frogadier almost lost his focus. However, he clenched his jaw and pushed through the damage he was taking to finish the attack and then as it was ending he unleashed the pulse of water right into Skiddo's face at near point-blank range.

Skiddo was too close to dodge it and was blasted back by the water type attack, rolling over as she hit the ground. It wasn't that effective, but it put some distance between the Pokémon. More importantly, Water Pulse had a potential confusion side effect, and it triggered this time. Ash could tell by how Skiddo was staggering and cross-eyed when she rose.

"Damn I can't sub out." Owen said. "But a way to get around a confused Pokémon is to use an indiscriminate attack. Vine Whip again."

Before Ash or Frogadier could react the vines shot out of Skiddo and began lashing everywhere withing their range. She was confused and had no idea what she was doing but Ash had to hand it to Owen it was a clever move. The vines would whip all over the field and while Skiddo did whip herself a few times, damaging herself in the process, one of the vines started by lashed around in a wide arc and striking Frogadier in the chest.

The super effective attack caused Frogadier to wail in pain as he was thrown back by the force of the hit. He rolled with it though and landed on his feet, skidding backwards several feet in a crouch but remaining out of the way of the still vine thrashing and confused Skiddo. As he did he suddenly had a new move on his mind and activated it. It would give him the edge in this particular matchup for sure, and his right lower leg glowed with power to show Ash what he wanted to do.

"I have no idea what move that is but go for it." Ash said as Frogadier croaked at him to trust him and Ash did trust his Pokémon implicitly while in battle.

Frogadier smiled as he shot at Skiddo who was still confused and now lashing herself again as Owen tried to calm her down. This was why Frogadier knew that Ash was the one. His trainer couldn't tell what the move was because it wasn't one that was the same type as himself, or even assumed with a Pokémon that had Frogadier's body shape, but he was trusting that Frogadier knew what it was and that it would word. Frogadier was going to repay that trust with a win right now.

With ease, Frogadier avoided the vines that were still flailing and then kicked Skiddo in the side of the head as soon as he reached her. The force of the blow snapped Skiddo out of her confusion, but it also knocked her clean out because it was a flying type attack and as such super effective against her.

Between that, the two other attacks Frogadier had landed and the self-inflicted wounds from her confusion, Skiddo was well past her limit. She didn't notice as she was out of the battle the moment she was thrown to the side. She landed hard and slid on her side for a few feet before stopping with swirls for eyes.

"Skiddo is unable to battle." Dawn declared as soon as she saw that Skiddo was out of it. "Frogadier is the winner. Owen is out of Pokémon, so the winner of the match is Ash."

"Um what was that move?" Ash asked as Frogadier headed back to him smiling in triumph. "And well done Frogadier, you learned something new to win, I'm really proud of you."

"Frogadier." Frogadier croaked, pleased that Ash was proud of him before Ash recalled him for a needed rest.

"If I had to guess, I think it was Aerial Ace." Owen said as he recalled Skiddo. "It doesn't miss and is super effective on grass types so that is the best bet though I was unaware a Pokémon like Frogadier could learn it. Skiddo did really well for her first battle but that Frogadier of yours clearly loves battling, we didn't have much of a chance despite holding a type advantage."

"Huh I didn't realize that you could learn a flying type move." Ash said looking at the ball in his hand which twitched in a rough approximation of a nod indicating that it was indeed what Frogadier had learned in that battle. "In that case, I'm really impressed. You learned a great move and one that balances a weakness you have against grass type. You keep impressing me Frogadier."

"It's impressive for sure." Owen said as he walked away and to the sideline while Max walked up to take his place ready for his battle with Ash. "Thank you for that Ash, it was a good experience and showed me just how good you are, though I'll admit I don't battle that much."

"You did well Owen." Ash said and meaning it, for someone who didn't focus solely on battle Owen had given him a good one that helped Ash's Pokémon get better. "And I am sure in time you will improve, traveling with Max will help as he enjoys battles. I look forward to facing your other 3 Pokémon someday. They're all from Galar so I want to test myself against them as they are so unknown to me."

"I caught or hatched them there though Passimian is actually considered an Alolan Pokémon based on discovery." Owen said. "Though there are plenty in Galar as well and mine is from the colony that has lived in the Glimwood Tangle for centuries."

"Well regardless it will be fun." Ash said before turning to face Max who had a Poke Ball at the ready though Ash made no move to pull out a Poke Ball indicating his choice. "Now Max, shall we?"

"We shall." Max said. "Same rules as with Owen?"

"Works for me." Ash said.

"In that case begin when you're ready." Dawn said deciding it was easier than having to repeat the rules seeing as they already knew them.

"Pikachu, I choose you." Ash said pointing out to the battlefield.

"Quilladin, let's go!" Max said throwing out his own Poke Ball.

The ball burst open, and an odd Pokémon Ash had never seen before appeared. It was a little under a meter tall and basically a round, green, ball thing with subby brown legs, subby arms that were green atop and brown underneath, and a pair of green ears that were orange tipped. Its tail was the same while its face was burnt sienna with a brown tuft between its eyes and on its cheeks.

"What is that?" Ash asked pulling out his Pokedex to scan it.

"Quilladin, the Spiny Armor Pokémon and the evolved form of Chespin." The Pokedex chimed telling Ash that it was the second stage of the Kalos grass type starter option. "It relies on its sturdy shell to deflect predators' attacks. It counterattacks with its sharp quills."

"Interesting." Ash said putting the Pokedex away. "I think you mentioned Quilladin yesterday, now I know what it is."

"Yeah my Chespin evolved pretty early which bodes well for Quilladin's growth." Max said. "I am hoping he evolves into a Chesnaught at some point soon. I've heard of a fighting type tournament in Kalos sometime this year and Chesnaught adds the type when it evolves so it would be fun to participate in something exclusive to Kalos."

"Huh I'll have to keep an eye open for an event like that." Ash said intrigued by the idea, he hadn't entered a fighting specific tournament in years, not since he won that Grand Prix with Primate during his first year in fact. "I have three fighting types now that are in my active rotation for the year, so it sounds like my thing but more on that later. Let's start this battle now."

"I couldn't agreed more." Max said. "Rollout."

"Quick Attack." Ash countered.

Pikachu shot forward just as Quilladin leapt forward and into a ball that rolled at Pikachu. It was a good idea, but Pikachu was a lot faster and with his years of experience with Quick Attack he easily reached Quilladin before the latter could reach its top and slammed into it. Rollout was still in effect and both Pokémon bounce off each other and flew backwards, Quilladin popping out of his ball in the process as his move was forcibly ended by Pikachu.

"Thunderbolt." Ash called out as Pikachu flew through the air.

"Pin Missile." Max said. "You aren't the only one who's picked up this technique Ash. We've been practicing it as well."

Ash was impressed, Max had clearly learned as the two attacks flew across the battlefield while the Pokémon sending them were still in the air. Both found their marks and Quilladin was fried speeding his descent to crash into the earth though his natural resistance to electric attacks prevented the attack from doing too much damage to him. At the same time, the needle like pins of Pin Missile hit Pikachu in the side spinning him around before he too hit the ground. Still, Ash was ready.

"Keep it at a distance with Electro Ball." Ash ordered.

"Dodge it and get in close with Bite." Max countered as Pikachu formed the ball of electricity on the tip of his tail.

Quilladin's teeth glowed as he ran at Pikachu, but Pikachu was not going to miss this time. He waited and then when he knew he had the shot he flipped forward, and the ball shot out and sped at Quilladin. The grass type was too close to dodge it, and the ball hit him in the face as he neared Pikachu frying him with a wail and sending him back.

"Finish this with Thunderbolt." Ash said.

Before Quilladin or Max could react, Pikachu yelled and sent out a blast of electricity at the flying Quilladin. It hit him between the legs frying him with a wail and driving him into and along the ground creating a furrow that ended past Max's right side and out the back of the makeshift battlefield.

They all looked over at the smoking Pokémon to see that Quilladin was on his back with swirls for eyes. It seemed that multiple electric type attacks combined with the Quick Attack and Rollout recoil were too much for the grass type despite his resistance to electric types.

"Quilladin is unable to battle." Dawn declared. "Pikachu is the winner."

"Come back Pikachu." Ash said. "I want to save you for later just in case the others are beaten as well."

"Quilladin, return." Max said recalling his Pokémon. "You did well, that Pikachu has always been tough seeing as it has years of experience with Ash. I guess we need more experience ourselves if we are to one day beat it. I was too complacent there with your resistance and forgot just how strong Ash's Pikachu really is so that loss is on me."

"Pikachu is one of my best for a reason." Ash said as he pulled out his next Poke Ball, the 5th Pokémon he'd used today. "So, who will you go for Max. I am sure you know who this will be if you've been keeping track of my Pokémon like I expect you to do."

"Based on who you've used so far and the fact that you know that I will use Gardevoir last that has to be your Riolu." Max said as he put Quilladin's ball away and pulled out his next one. "So, I will go with a Pokémon that could do with some practice against a type it's weak against rather than the one that has multiple resistances and would turn our battle in a prolonged slugfest. Binacle, let's go."

Max threw his Poke Ball and it burst open. The Pokémon that appeared was just as odd as the one before to Ash, if not more so as at least Quilladin looked relatively normal. Binacle looked like a rock with two arm things on it, both had eyes and claws for hair. They were orange with a white band in the middle of their, er, bodies with brown faces and orange cheek sacs. Ash knew he had to scan this Pokémon as well just to learn more about it.

"Binacle, the Two-Handed Pokémon." The Pokedex chimed. "Two Binacle live together on one rock. When they fight, one of them will move to a different rock."

"Er." Ash said putting his Pokedex away nowhere closer to understanding the Pokémon before him and throwing out his Poke Ball so that Riolu materialized before him. "That is something."

"Yeah I don't understand it either." Max admitted. "I caught him on the coast just north of Cyllage City where we went to train after my first battle and loss to Grant. He was the last piece I needed to beat Grant, but I didn't use him against Korrina or Ramos because of his weaknesses against their type specialties. However, I figured I shouldn't always rely on type advantage as you have shown many times before so here he is."

"That is a good idea." Ash said with a grin as he realized that Binacle had to be part rock type at least if Max was saying that it was weak against Riolu as water types weren't weak to fighting type moves. "Riolu, start this off with a Force Palm and dodge anything thrown at you."

"Stop it with Water Gun." Max said as Riolu began to run at Binacle. "That Riolu only knows moves that require physical contact, don't let it reach you."

Binacle nodded his heads and then both blasted water from their mouths at Riolu as he ran at them. Instantly Riolu leapt to the side and began to run in a slowly tightening circle just ahead of the trailing water that was trying to sweep and hit his side.

His plan was simple. The Water Gun would have to end soon, and he didn't need to activate his attack until he was about to touch Binacle. So, if he ran in a tightening circle pattern, he could close the distance on Binacle and land the attack without taking a hit himself. All he had to do was outrun the water.

It was a close call by he did manage it, just. The water was about to slam into his legs and Riolu let out a little yip of worry, but the move ended just in time, so he pivoted on his right foot and closed the final distance to a tired Binacle.

As soon as he was close enough, Riolu held out his right forepaw and imbued it with fighting type power as he reached the odd Pokémon and placed it on the face of the left-hand thing that was now staring at him in pure shock. He let out a bark of triumph and unleased the shockwave of fighting type power into it.

"Slash." Max yelled as Riolu attacked.

Despite wailing in pain and being blasted back in a spin, the untouched Binacle hand acted on his trainer's orders and his claw flashed with normal type power and slashed at Riolu. Between that and the spin from the Force Palm being used on one side of the Pokémon, Binacle easily got his claws to rake across Riolu's face and stagger him back a step from the blow with a wail of pain.

"Keep it up Riolu." Ash said not knowing that his passive aura was fueling Riolu as he poured his love and support for his Pokémon into his words. "Counter. You can do this!"

Riolu knew for a fact that he could win this because Ash was encouraging him. He spun with the Slash and turned to leap at his opponent, raising his paws above his head and clasping them together as he activated Counter.

Binacle only just finished spinning and steadying himself when Riolu came down with the fighting type attack onto the other head, the one that had slashed him. Thanks to the physical contact of the Slash attack, Riolu's counter was twice as strong and more than enough for the rock and water type to handle. Binacle didn't have the experience yet to survive two super effective attacks, especially one that was twice as powerful as it normally would be.

Binacle let out a groan of pain before both hands fell limp and collapsed to either side of its rock. All could see the result and the 4 swirled eyes that were present. Riolu had won the battle and was standing there panting in surprise at how fast it was.

"Binacle is unable to battle." Dawn declared. "The winner is Riolu."

"Stay in Riolu." Ash said as Max recalled Binacle and Riolu scampered back to take his place in front of Ash. "I know who's coming next and I want you to get some experience against her as she's going to be tough and has multiple advantages against you."

"Riolu." Riolu barked with a nod.

"Binacle, that was good, and your teamwork is getting a lot better." Max said with a small smile to the Poke Ball in his hand. "I know that was fast, but you aren't good against fighting types and Counter was twice as strong because you managed to land that Slash, which I am proud of as it was a tough shot to make but you managed it anyway. We will practice and build your endurance so that you can last longer next time. For now, rest, I have just the Pokémon to deal with Riolu quickly, there's someone else who I really want her to face."

"Then send her out." Ash said as Max put the ball away and pulled out his next one. "Show me your best Max and see if you can earn mine in return."

"I indent to." Max said throwing out the Poke Ball. "Gardevoir, start us off with a Disarming Voice as soon as you appear."

Riolu and Ash didn't have time to do anything as the moment Gardevoir appeared she had her mouth open and let out a charming cry the second her voice could be heard. Riolu wailed in pain and fell to a knee gritting his teeth in pain from the super effective fairy type attack bombarded him with emotional damage.

"Hold in there Riolu and use Reversal." Ash said pouring all his love and support for Riolu into his words. "I know you can do it."

Riolu felt the power of Ash's aura fill him through their connection and rose as the cry ended and he charged. He was going to do this if this was the last thing he did and land some damage on this strong opponent. His Reversal was near max power, so he'd at least get some good shots in on Gardevoir. Alas he didn't stand a chance.

"Psychic." Max commanded as Riolu ran. "Send Riolu back."

"Gardevoir." Gardevoir said in her sing-song voice as her eyes glowed blue and she held out a hand.

A second later Riolu yelped in surprise as he was suddenly stopped in his tracks and lifted off the ground just a few feet from reaching his opponent. Then the pain from the second super effective attack hit him and he was thrown back. Riolu was well past his limit by this point and out cold before he hit the ground and bounced, rolled and then slid to a stop at Ash's feet on his back with swirled eyes.

"Riolu is unable to battle." Dawn said a little surprised as she rarely saw someone get the better of Ash's Riolu but then again Gardevoir had probably the best type combination to counter a pure fighting type that she knew of. "Gardevoir is the winner."

"Riolu return." Ash said recalling his Pokémon and looking at the ball proudly. "You did really well buddy. You showed your skills against Binacle but don't feel bad against Gardevoir. She's Max's best for good reason and has multiple type advantages on you. If she didn't know Psychic it may have worked. In time, as you get stronger, you will be able to deal with Pokémon like her better, I know it. Until then, we will keep working and improving for when that day comes."

"I made sure she knew that move a while back to prevent close quarters fighting as a good portion of steel type attacks tend to rely on contact and she's week against them." Max said as Ash put the Poke Ball away and pulled out his last one of the day. "It doesn't always work but it is useful when it does."

"I see well then let's see how you handle my last Pokémon; he's had some recent experience against a psychic type so this will be different." Ash said throwing the ball out. "Charizard, I choose you."

The ball burst open, and Ash's ace burst forth with a roar and a blast of flames into the air before he even landed on the battlefield. As soon as he did though, he looked out across the battlefield and saw his opponent was a powerful and fully evolved Pokémon who held itself with a poise born from experiencing many battles. Good. This Pokémon was more than worthy of him. Time for another victory to help remind everyone back home just how good he was.

Gardevoir for her part was ready and confident but in her heart she felt a sliver of fear take over as she looked at the Charizard opposite her. That wasn't due to the Mega Stone he had in a gauntlet on his forearm, though that could be a problem if it was activated. No, it was because she could feel the power coming from Charizard. This wasn't just a battler; this was a true warrior who lived for the thrill of battle and was good at it. This would be a challenge for sure, possibly her greatest to date.

"Charizard, Wing Attack." Ash said. "And trust me if something happens, it will be something we know how to deal with."

Charizard roared and sprung forward, wings extended and glowing white as he flew at Gardevoir. Max just grinned, he was ready for this, and it allowed him to remind Ash just where his Gardevoir's true strength lay.

"Show off your power Gardevoir." Max said holding out a hand. "Psychic. Stop Charizard in its tracks."

Gardevoir mirrored her trainers move and her eyes glowed a bright blue. Charizard did as well a second later and then came to a stop less than a foot from her. However, neither Charizard nor Ash were looking unfazed by this which put Max off.

"Flamethrower." Ash said with a grin that Charizard was matching as he was held there. "You fell right into my Psychic counter Max."

Before Max or Gardevoir could process the move, Charizard opened his mouth and a gout of powerful flames shot out of it and washed over a shocked Gardevoir who had no way of avoiding them. Charizard was still in a Psychic hold, he shouldn't have been able to do this she thought but he did, and the flames broke the hold and causing her to wail in pain from the attack. That was just the opening Ash needed.

"Now, Seismic Toss." Ash ordered as Charizard landed on his feet right in front of Gardevoir. "No need for Dragon Tail though, it won't work on Gardevoir, and we don't want another massive shockwave from that combo."

Gardevoir had staggered back a step from the Flamethrower and didn't have a chance to recover before Charizard had closed the distance to her and grabbed her around the waist. He then kicked off the ground and shot into the air as high as he could go using his wings to gain some more height.

He didn't have the boost of Mega Evolution so he couldn't go as high or throw as strong as he did to Mega Alakazam, but he still reached the height he did against that Sceptile that had beaten him. As soon as Charizard reached his apex, he flung Gardevoir over his shoulder and to the ground far below as hard as he could.

For her part Gardevoir just wailed in shock as she hurtled to the ground. What had just happened was an impressive combo that clearly had been done before and neither she nor Max had been ready for it. The only saving grace was that she had multiple resistances to fighting type moves so she wasn't hurt much as she slammed into the ground hard enough to crater it and kick up a lot of dust though the impact did wind her. Ash was still pressing his advantage though.

"Dive and use Flamethrower on that area Charizard." Ash ordered. "Gardevoir is in the dust so light it up!"

"Protect." Max called out as Charizard dove to the ground.

The dust was covering where Gardevoir was so Charizard just decided to strafe the area with an intense blast of continuous flames from his mouth as he pulled up and over the area. The flames were hot enough to blacken the earth around the crater and cut through the dust as Charizard turned to face his opponent, landing on his feet in front of Ash as he did.

However, as he did all he could do was stare in shock at the sight that greeted everyone. Gardevoir was now visible and on one knee in the crater, arm up and protective bubble around her as she grinned and looked at Charizard through the dust and smoke as the flames burned around her. Protect had priority after all.

"Hyper Beam." Max called out.

"Dodge it and use Wing Attack." Ash countered as the Protect fell and Gardevoir, still on one knee, formed the powerful normal type attack between her hands.

Charizard saw the attack as he leapt at Gardevoir and knew he had to avoid it. He had to time it just right as he wings were extended and glowing with flying type power. Then, the moment the orange blast of powerful normal type power was sent at him, Charizard lowered his foot and kicked off the ground mid glide to go high and over the attack much to Gardevoir and Max's surprise.

With the attack having missed, Charizard had the advantage for the moment. He finished his arc and came down onto the kneeling Gardevoir who couldn't move in the wake of the Hyper Beam she'd used. All she could do was stare wide eyed as Charizard came down and slammed his wing into her face and drove her to her back and into the bottom of the still hot crater.

Charizard had to arc up the moment he hit Gardevoir to avoid hitting the earth himself and put some distance between them as he hovered several feet in the air above her. He wasn't sure she was out though, this Gardevoir had impressed him with her toughness and power, so he would stay on guard until he knew he'd won. His opponent deserved the respect of his full attention until the very end.

The Flame Pokémon's wariness was justified when the dust cleared to reveal Gardevoir on her back panting. She may be imbedded into the earth, but her eyes were wide and alert. She was still in this fight and used her psychic connection to Max to let him know that she wasn't out of this battle yet.

"Disarming Voice." Max called out. "That won't miss."

"It may not but you're resistant to it Charizard." Ash said remembering that fire types were resistant to fairy type moves thanks to Dawn's battle with Miette. "Push through it and use Flamethrower."

Charizard just grunted as the charming cry came from Gardevoir's throat. It hurt but it wasn't too bad at all and Charizard wasn't complaining about a little pain. He could easily push through this as he looked down into the crater where Gardevoir was and opened his own mouth. Even as Gardevoir was still attacking, the crater was bathed in fire and a second later the cry abruptly ended. The flames had been the last straw for Gardevoir as she passed out.

This was confirmed when the flames ended and Charizard landed on the edge to look down at his opponent. In the bottom of the crater was blackened earth and an equally blacked Gardevoir on her back with swirls for eyes with a few small fires still burning around her.

"Gardevoir is unable to battle." Dawn said a little stunned by the intensity of the battle. "The winner is Charizard. Max is now out of Pokémon, so the winner of this match is Ash."

"We did it Charizard." Ash said running out and hugging Charizard who celebrated his latest victory with his trainer in traditional fashion, a gout of flames to Ash's face and a smile on his ow.

Max just smiled at it as a crispy Ash fell back and to the ground with a groan. He just walked out to the crater and recalled Gardevoir leaving a Gardevoir shaped imprint in the earth that wasn't as blacked as the earth around it.

"You did great girl and really held in there until the very end against the best Ash has." Max said to the ball. "I'm really proud of you. We will keep getting stronger and challenge them to a rematch one day."

"Gardevoir was really resilient in that battle." Ash admitted as he got up, dusted himself off, and recalled Charizard before heading over to Max. "She's really good. I can't wait to see what she'd be like when you get a Key Stone and find her Mega Stone."

"Same." Max said as Ash held out his hand and they shook. "And when that day comes, I'd like a rematch with Charizard but one where we can both Mega Evolve."

"I'd like that, but we should do it somewhere where we can keep collateral damage to a minimum and avoid injuring the spectators." Ash said as they headed over to the sidelines knowing he'd have to fix the earth when they were all done and before they headed into the canyon. "Both times I've Mega Evolved Charizard I've underestimated his strength and destroyed a lot in the process. I'm effectively banned from Geosenge Town because of what I did to the Pokémon Center there."

"You guys told us about that last night." Max said as they reached the sidelines and joined Owen and May, Ash shaking hands with the former for their earlier battle. "I still can't believe you did that but seeing Dawn's scar and hearing of the other injuries is proof enough. When we have a mega battle, we will make sure only we are in harm's way."

"It is certainly something I'd like to see." Owen said. "After hearing the tale, I am curious to see just how powerful your Charizard is when it is Mega Evolved. That battle gave me a taste and it's clearly very good, which says something about Brendan's Sceptile if it can beat your Charizard. I am confused as to how you broke the Psychic at the start though. I wasn't aware a Pokémon could do that."

"Oh that." Ash said. "That is just what happened against Mega Alakazam at the start of that matchup so I knew that it would work this time as well. Gardevoir showed off her Psychic against Riolu which reminded of when she used it against Dragonite back in Kanto, so I know how good it was. I expected her to stop Charizard, but I've come to realize that Psychic only stops a Pokémon's body, it can't contain a ranged attack at the same time, so I used Flamethrower to break it and set up the Seismic Toss. I think Psychic can only affect one thing at a time, be it a ranged attack or the Pokémon itself."

"Fascinating." Owen said with a nod. "That makes a lot of sense, I'll have to look at it more with Hatenna when she learns the move. It is certainly something to factor into future battles Max."

"It certainly is." Max agreed with a nod as Bonnie and Serena took their places opposite each other though a few feet to the side to avoid the large, now smoking, crater in the ground. "But I think the others are about to start so let's watch. This is the matchup that is more about discovering something than actually being a proper battle."

"Yes, time to find out Litwick's gender at last." Owen said as Ash turned his attention to the battle about to happen. "And then I can make it the best food possible."

"Alright this will be a standard one on one battle between Serena and Bonnie meaning that the winner is whoever knocks out the other's Pokémon first." Dawn said to the girls. "In addition, the Pokémon have already been determined and the main purpose of this is to trigger an ability. On that note, should Cute Charm trigger, the battle can be called if both of you agree."

"Nah I want to fight to the end." Bonnie said with a grin. "And see how good Serena has gotten from the Contests."

"Same, I can't let Bonnie down." Serena said. "We're ending this properly Dawn."

"Very well." Dawn said glad the girls were going to go all out in this battle. "Begin."

"Sylveon, let's go." Serena said throwing out her Poke Ball.

"Come on out my cutie, go Litwick." Bonnie said throwing out her own Poke Ball.

The balls burst open at the same time. Sylveon flipped and mewled happily as she landed in front of her trainer. Litwick didn't do anything too fancy, just appeared and landed before her. Serena and Dawn had never seen the small, sentient candle with eyes, two small arm things, and a purple flame burning cheerily atop its head. Serena had to take out her Pokedex and scan it.

"Litwick, the Candle Pokémon." The Pokedex chimed. "While shining a light and pretending to be a guide, it leeches off the life force of any who follow it."

"Well, that's creepy." Serena said surprised as she looked warily at the smiling Litwick in front of Bonnie. "Do Litwicks really do that? That's so sneaky."

"You should hear Banette's entry." Dawn said remembering the odd entry her Pokedex had given her after her Shuppet had evolved. "It's creepy and useless. Most ghost types have creepy entries, and they usually don't have anything to do with the Pokémon. That said, Spiritomb's is apparently accurate."

"Litwick's is accurate as well." Ash called out surprising everyone as they all turned to stare at him. "What? My first experience with them was a group of 4 of them out in Unova in a mansion we ended up in for some reason. They did leech our life forces and made us sluggish as they and a Lampert, Litwick's evolved form, tried to take us into the ghost world. Second time that happened to me actually though this time we managed to send the Litwicks and Lampert back to the ghost world. I think so at least, my memory of that incident is a little foggy."

"Ok first off, we are talking about another near-death experience you've had Ash that I don't know about." Dawn called out annoyed that yet again Ash had forgotten about almost dying. "But secondly and more importantly that is not helpful now."

"Yeah plus my Litwick is such a cutie, it would never do that." Bonnie said though Serena was sure Litwick gave her a mischievous grin as if to say that it wouldn't do it to Bonnie but everyone else was fair game and she made a note to never hold it. "We found this adorable cutie in a mansion near Coumarine, and it was so lonely and sad that me, Dedenne, Fennekin, and Flabébé had to play with it. We had so much fun that Litwick followed us out of the mansion. I asked it to join me and after a battle with Fennekin it allowed me to catch it."

"That is so cute and so you Bonnie." Serena said. "But shall we start this."

"Yes I guess we shall." Bonnie said. "And so as to focus on contact-based attacks to start out we'll use the only one we know, Astonish."

"We don't know any but if you want to touch Sylveon you will have to earn it." Serena said as Litwick began to charge at Sylveon faster than Serena was expecting. "Swift."

Sylveon just turned and glared in shock at her trainer, she was going to get the Malamar treatment when this was done. Serena usually wasn't this dumb, but she'd managed to show it this time and clearly didn't know it. With a sigh, Sylveon turned and opened her mouth to show her trainer her mistake, she'd slap some sense into Serena later for it to reiterate her point. The stars of Swift shot out of Sylveon's mouth and at Litwick who's grinned broadened and didn't slow down as they passed through it.

"Um what just happened?" Serena asked in shock as Sylveon stood there and let Litwick slam into her before she mewled in pain from Astonish and backed up a step, shivering in a flinch as well.

"Litwick is a ghost type." Bonnie said surprised at Serena's blunder. "It can't be affected by normal type moves like Swift. That is why we are using these Pokémon, remember. Attract won't work so we need to trigger Cute Charm to determine Litwick's gender."

"Oh yeah that, forgot that Swift was a normal type move." Serena said blushing in her foolishness as she looked and saw that Litwick had bounce back a few paces and was now looking at Sylveon with hearts for eyes and swaying slightly as he did. "Well, we can say that that worked as well."

"So Litwick is a guy." Bonnie said noticing the infatuation. "Good to know. Now…"

Bonnie didn't finish as suddenly Sylveon combusted and mewled in pain, shaking as the flames subsided. She gritted her teeth and glared at the sentient candle before her. Somehow it had burned her and now she had to deal with that on top of everything else she had to deal with against a Pokémon that was a really tough matchup for her.

"Well, this has been really helpful." Owen said from the sidelines. "We've learned not just Litwick's gender but his ability as well. Turns out he has Flame Body and not Flash Fire. We didn't have a Pokémon with a fire type attack to test for the latter and Sylveon's burn could only have come from the physical contact as Astonish doesn't have that potential side effect which means that it has to be Flame Body ability that triggered it. It is rare that both Pokémon with contact triggering abilities would do so at the same time, but this has been really useful for us."

"That is good, but we are in a battle and now I am really in a bad spot." Serena said analyzing the situation and realizing that she was not in a good one at all. "The only move Sylveon can use to attack is Fairy Wind so use it, but Litwick has to be part fire type which makes it resistant to a fairy type move."

"You're right Litwick is part fire type as well." Bonnie said as Sylveon spewed forth the pink mist of the fairy type move but Litwick was too infatuated to realize he was being attacked. "And we have an area move that infatuation won't prevent. Smog."

"Oh." Was all Serena could say before a noxious purple gas spewed out of Litwick in all directions and with the limited space between them it hit Sylveon before anything could be done.

Sylveon mewled in pain from the super effective poison type attack and staggered back coughing in the Smog as she did. A second later her burn triggered, and she was engulfed in flames bringing her to a knee. At the same time, Litwick's infatuation ended. He turned to glare at Sylveon on for it.

"Serena, I think we should end this." Bonnie said understanding the situation, Max had been teaching her the analytical side of Pokémon while she'd been teaching him the heart side so she could see what was going on with both her brain and heart. "Now that I know that your Cute Charm will work, I won't be using physical attacks and sticking to Smog and the two ranged fire type moves that Litwick knows. Sylveon can use Protect if I recall but I know from Gardevoir that it doesn't work back-to-back, and she can't hope to win with Fairy Wind alone against Litwick while carrying that burn as well."

"You're right, this is too much of an uphill struggle for me to win so I will concede rather than put Sylveon through needless pain." Serena said surprising everyone as she pulled out Sylveon's Poke Ball and returning it. "I forfeit to you Bonnie. Well done."

Everyone just blinked in shock, or in Litwick's case annoyance as he wanted to battle more, at Serena's decision. Going into this no one would have expected Bonnie to win, let alone force a forfeit, but as with Dawn's now legendary battle with Anabel proved, the right circumstances, Pokémon and moves could negate experience and force this kind of outcome. It would be a learning experience for Serena though, one she'd not want to repeat ever again.

"I am surprised, but I will take it." Bonnie said as she walked out and picked up Litwick who she hugged to her chest. "Sorry Litwick, next time we will get a better chance to battle her and one of her other Pokémon that is more suited to facing you, I promise."

"As do I." Serena said walking up to Bonnie and holding out her hand. "Next time we meet Bonnie, I want a proper battle with you."

"Agreed." Bonnie said putting Litwick on her head to avoid his fire getting anywhere near her hair and shaking Serena's hand while Litwick narrowed his eyes at Serena, and she shuddered at the look she got from the Candle Pokémon. "Next time we will settle this."

"I can't let a forfeit to you stand but that was the right thing for Sylveon." Serena said as they broke apart and began heading back to the camp though Litwick kept his gaze on Serena the entire time. "Now what do you say to me preparing lunch for everyone so you can have something that isn't curry, and we can heal and pamper Sylveon. As well as all the other Pokémon who battled today."

"Yes, she's so gorgeous, I miss grooming her." Bonnie said as the girls headed off their makeshift camp leaving a stunned Dawn just blinking at what had happened. "She needs some berries first to deal with that burn but then I will make her feel special."

"Er, Bonnie wins." Dawn said at last before heading to the campsite to join everyone else. "Guess it is lunchtime. May let's deal with the Pokémon. The guys made this mess, they can clean it up before they eat."

"Agreed." May said turning and leaving Ash, Max, and Owen to deal with the pockmarked battlefield.

It took a few moments for the guys to fully process what had just happened but in the end they realized what was going on. Ash had to admit, he and Max had made the mess, so it was on them to clean it up. With a shrug he called out his healthy Pokémon and they got to work, Max and Owen joining him a moment later to lend their hands to the job at hand.

It had certainly been a fun and interesting morning. They had gotten in some good training and learned a few things about Bonnie's Litwick. However, now it was time to clean up their mess, have lunch and then part ways again. Both groups had their respective journeys to continue but Ash knew that they would meet again. He couldn't wait for that and the adventure that it would contain. He had no idea what was in store when he and Max next met.

Ah a nice little tease to finish the Supplement, one of those hints that will come occasionally in the Supplement and relate to the main story but naturally you will have to wait and see on that front. Otherwise, a nice, straightforward, standard Supplement that deals with some fun practice battles that would otherwise distract from the main story but was still worth telling for a little light reading. Bonnie's battle with Serena wasn't intended to be like that, that's just how it fell when I was drafting it and looked over Sylveon's canon moves and Litwick's natural resistances. It is, as mentioned, reminiscent of Dawn's win over Anabel and shows how experience can only take you so far when there are major hurdles due to types. Other than that, there really isn't much more to say here on this Part. The next Supplement will take place after Part CXI, so it is coming sooner than usual but is a Supplement for a reason. Problems will be updated as soon as the next Winning Part is drafted and said Problem's chapter is edited so expect Monday or Tuesday. That is all I have, as always please continue favorite and follow both me and this story to keep abreast with new releases and keep the reviews coming. Until next time.

Stringdog