Catching up with a Champion!
Iris shot right up to Cynthia mere moments after Brock was dragged away by Croagunk, the Dragon specialist eagerly jumping up and down as if she were a kid in a candy store as she stared up to meet Cynthia's gaze. "Y-You're Cynthia, the Cynthia! Please you've just got to battle me and Fraxure, we always wanted to see your Garchomp in action!"
"Fraxure frax frax!" Fraxure chimed in while copying his trainer's actions as he leaped up and down alongside her.
Cynthia let out a light giggle before flashing her a smile. "Well when you put it like that how can I refuse?"
"Hey what about me?!" Ash's eye lightly twitched as he shot forward. "I've known you far longer than you've known her and we've never gotten the chance to battle!"
"Pika pi!" Pikachu narrowed his eyes as he appeared to be as frustrated as his trainer, his tail flicked from annoyance as he cast a jealous look at Iris and Fraxure.
"Ash, I had a good feeling that you might win the Sinnoh League that's why I never battled you. Now that you've moved on and are doing the Unova League challenge I'll gladly battle you, I'm quite curious as to how much you and Pikachu have grown since we last met."
"That's fine with me but I'm going first!" Iris exclaimed.
"No way I've known her longer than you have, I should go first!" Ash shouted shortly before the two locked eyes and growled at each other.
"Ash you should let Iris go first, she did ask before you did." Brock pointed out as Cilan nodded in agreement.
"It is common courtesy."
"Pansage pan!" Pansage chimed in.
Ash uttered a sigh of annoyance as he crossed his arms, Pikachu copied his trainer as the two glared at the ground as they realized Brock had a point. They didn't like it but Iris did ask first so it was only right that she battled Cynthia first.
Cynthia's stomach then rumbled rather loudly causing her to blush brightly. "But perhaps we should eat first!"
"I'm down for that!" Ash's words were quickly followed by his own stomach growling out resulting in everyone laughing out.
"I vaguely remember you," Cynthia addressed Zach with a light tilt of her head. "You're the one who beat the Unova League with only five Pokemon correct? I was present as I was in the process of buying this villa at the time, shame about your loss to Grimsley immediately afterwards. What have you been doing for the past seven years? I honestly thought you'd be a Champion by now." Cynthia's words caused Zach to sink in his chair, Dawn sweated as she placed her arm around his shoulder and quickly spoke in his defense.
"He doesn't like talking about the past, he prefers keeping his mind in the present and future!" Dawn gave his cheek a light peck which helped cheer him up as he flashed her a grateful smile.
"And you two are a couple now?" Cynthia tilted her head lightly as a smile quickly crossed her face.
"Yep, we're going to Hoenn once things wrap up here!" Dawn exclaimed as the two of them shared a warm look of affection.
"Yeah I'm looking forward to a change of scenery and spending more time with her. We plan on taking things slow, just enjoying the sights and each other's company as I work my way to the Hoenn League!" Zach's words caused Hilda to smile as she had no idea that he could be so romantic and wholesome! It made her think about her own plans for the future and where she and N would go once the whole Team Plasma situation was dealt with.
"Sounds like you two will have fun!" Cilan smiled while Iris grew a sour look as her eyes shifted towards Ash who was eagerly shoveling food into his mouth.
"Why can't he think that way about me?"
"And you've got a doctor degree now?" Cynthia addressed Brock who nodded in response to her question.
"Right, I'm a traveling doctor or at least I am until I find a girl to settle down with!" Brock laughed out. Croagunk's fist started glowing purple as he prepared to jab Brock. "Whoa Croagunk slow down, I wasn't flirting with her! So I'll probably be traveling with Ash for a good while."
"I'm sure the right girl's out there for you Brock, sometimes it just takes a lot of patience." Cynthia stated. "There's no way a guy like you will be single forever."
"I feel like I'll be single forever..." Iris muttered.
"What was that, Iris?" Ash asked as he turned his head to look at her. Meloetta floated behind him and ran her finger across her throat as she glared at Iris.
"Uh I was just thinking that I'll never be a Gym Leader!" Iris mentally facepalmed at her awful save. Ash seemed to buy it though as he gave her a genuine look of concern as he placed his hand upon her shoulder.
"Don't worry Iris, I'm sure you'll be a Gym Leader in no time!"
Pikachu raised his eyebrow as he looked up at Ash from his ketchup bottle. How could somebody so smart on the battlefield be so stupid off of it? Meloetta flashed a smirk of satisfaction before she stuck her tongue out at Iris.
"And Ash you've got six badges?" Cynthia questioned.
"Yep, just two more to go!"
"Pi Pikachu!" Pikachu excitedly cried out.
"Heh, I don't mean to pry but you'll want to increase your pace if you intend on participating in the tournament and gathering the last two Gym badges. It's two months before the Unova League starts, it'll be here before you know it."
"Seriously?!" Ash leaped up with a startled expression as he was surprised time had slipped by that quickly!
Cynthia giggled lightly at his reaction and slowly began to nod her head in confirmation.
"Man usually I'm a few months ahead!" Ash growled out as he pulled lightly at his hair.
"Just relax Ash, it's not your fault. Team Plasma and Team Rocket have just absorbed a lot of time with their shenanigans!" Hilda placed her hand on his shoulder while Pikachu nodded in agreement.
"Pika!"
"There's still plenty of time to grab your final two badges!" Cilan exclaimed. "We just can't get sidetracked anymore."
"Your right, after I win this tournament I'm gonna put my entire focus on retrieving the final two badges! And then I'll win the Unova League!" Ash exclaimed as he punched at the air before racing towards the villa door as he shouted out. "You hear that, Alder?! I'm coming for you!"
"Pi Pikachu!" Pikachu punched at the air as he shouted out alongside his trainer.
Brock and Cilan stood on the sideline and watched as Iris and Ash prepared for their battle against the Sinnoh champion, Cynthia stood on one side of the beach while Iris stood on the other with Fraxure standing in front of her. Both Dragon specialist and Pokemon had a battle hungry expression on their face as they set their eyes on the Sinnoh champion. Hilda's Xtransceiver had been crushed when Ariana kidnapped her so she had left to go buy a new one in order to call back N as he was most likely worried about her after their call got cut off. Zach and Dawn were also missing as now that Zach's mind was at ease following the Black Knight's defeat he was keeping his word on showing Dawn around the region, they'd be back out on the road soon so they were taking advantage of what time they could get!
The two were currently at the Marine Tube as it had been constructed during over the years since his Unova adventure so it was entirely new to him as well! It was a massive glass covered tunnel that stretched out for miles beneath the ocean, allowing one to easily bypass White Forest and Black City and go straight to Humuilau City if they so desired. However Ash was heading to Black City to compete in the tournament so they wouldn't be going that way. Various Water type Pokemon such as Basculin, Frillish, Mantine and even a stray Oshawott swam through the ocean around them, a Wailord's shadow darkened the tunnel as he overpassed the tunnel, it was quite the beautiful and relaxing sight!
Dawn gazed around the tunnel as she watched the various Water types swimming around them before turning her gaze towards Zach as a bright smile spread across her face. "This was such a good idea coming here, it's so beautiful and almost as if we're actual Water types!"
"Yeah well when I heard about it I thought it'd be a good place to take you, it sounded peaceful and sort of romantic..." Zach trailed off as his eyes locked onto a Milotic swimming along above them with a school of Feebas following after her.
Dawn let out a light giggle as she punched his arm. "It's a good thing we've known each other for about six months now otherwise I'd think you were just messing around with me!" She playfully teased. Lucario stood behind them and calmly stared off into the vast ocean while Piplup was shivering behind the jackal's leg as a Sharpedo swam by and licked his lips upon seeing the small penguin Pokemon, Piplup wasn't exactly comfortable that only a barrier of glass separated him from Sharpedo but he felt a lot safer next to Lucario!
Zach laughed lightly and flashed her a warm smile before directing his gaze towards two small heart shaped Pokemon as they paused directly in front of the two. "Those are Luvdisc right?" He didn't remember there being so many Water types in the Unova region.
"Yep! There's a rumor that couples who encounter them will be blessed with eternal love." Dawn giggled before her cheeks shot bright red as she looked from the Luvdisc and then towards Zach whose cheeks had also grown rather dark upon hearing that. The two stared into each other's eyes for a few moments before quickly embracing each other as their lips met for the first time. Lucario jerked his head and let out an approving growl at the sight before reaching down to tap Piplup's shoulder, the penguin turned and let out a gasp at the sight before clapping his flippers together.
"Thank Arceus you're okay!" N let out a relaxed sigh as his eyes gazed upon Hilda's face once more. Though it was only a screen he still felt immense joy seeing her and hopefully soon they'd no longer need to be apart!
"Well I was kidnapped but it's fine, the danger's over and likely won't happen again since the Reveal Glass was shattered and Ash owns Meloetta."
"Team Rocket tried to use the Kami trio for their sinister deeds?" N guessed with a light growl. "Well I'm glad you're okay, you had me worried sick!"
"He almost came charging into town!" Brooke laughed in the background as she and Chase walked off to give N privacy.
"Y-Yeah, Chase suggested it and I actually considered it for a change. I was worried that maybe Ghetsis-"
"You don't need to say anymore, I don't even want to hear that name again." Hilda waved it off with a light smile before tilting her head. "What of the Dark Stone? Any leads?!" She hoped that he found it soon so that they could be together, she was even considering splitting off from the group once they met him in White Forest!
"Still none yet unfortuna-wait what is that?" N narrowed his eyes as he glanced at the sharp object that rested against a tree behind her.
"This? That's the sword that Zach used when... well you know, shouldn't you recognize it?" Hilda asked with a puzzled expression as she didn't understand why N had a sudden interest in it.
"I've never gotten a good look at it as it was always sheathed. Does he remember where it came from?" N questioned.
"No, didn't you guys make it for him?" Hilda asked.
"Not that I know of, I didn't see blueprints when I trashed Colress' lab notes either! I haven't heard about their Frigate so I assume those plans have been lost." N smirked lightly as at least one of their plans had been busted!
"Strange though that does make a lot of sense, I don't understand how you could make a sword sensitive enough that it'd only move if he touched it! Even Lucario couldn't lift it up!"
"Hold up, put me closer to it." N waved his hands before Hilda moved the Xtransceiver closer towards the sword. "Hm.. might I ask if this ever had a blue glow?"
"Yes actually, it glowed when Zach saved me and the others atop Dragonspiral Tower and again when he restored Pikachu's energy. Pikachu learned a strange move called Bolt Strike afterwards." Hilda explained as N facepalmed.
"Of course, the answer was right in front of us the whole time! Somehow the Dark Stone is the sword! Hilda I always thought you were an amazing girl but I never expected you to be the sister of Zekrom's chosen!"
"Hold up Zekrom chose Zach?!" Hilda's eyes widened. It did make a lot of sense though, Zach was one of the kindest people she knew and a brilliant battle tactician just like the legend said. He wouldn't misuse Zekrom's power either as he refused to even travel with Victini back in the day despite the victory Pokemon forming a bond with him, wanting to use the Pokemon that he raised rather than catching a powerful Pokemon to conquer the League with. Not to mention he was the one to speak up about rescuing the Kami trio when the others were getting ready for Meloetta to try and teleport them out! "Geez Ghetsis almost killed him! I'm surprised he didn't put that together!"
"Well it was just your bloodline he needed for the seal, he really didn't see reason to think that he might be Zekrom's chosen as he didn't get to even accomplish much before Ghetsis captured him. Though he did know that Ash was-" N suddenly went quiet as he realized he said too much.
"Ash is what? Wait... are you telling me that you knew all along who Reshiram had chosen?!" Hilda shouted with a slightly annoyed tone.
N gave her an apologetic expression. "Yes but I had good reason for not speaking about it. Remember how Ghetsis wants the other Dragons? Well you having Reshiram within your group would paint a huge target on your back, one which Ash could in no way handle at the time! Not to mention the legend says both Dragons are necessary if you wish to beat Kyurem, if Ghetsis manages to get even one on his side then we're screwed!"
"That makes sense." Hilda gave a light nod. "So now that you know where it is, you'll join us right?"
"Of course, after all we've got to activate it! I'll send Zorua with Chase and Brooke, they'll fetch the Light Stone for us while I meet up with your group." Hilda began to shake and squeal out as it wouldn't be long before she and N were reunited! Perhaps they could even go out on a date this time!
"I look forward to it, I can't wait for us to reach White Forest!"
"And I'm looking forward to seeing you with my own eyes once more," N chuckled as the two gazed lovingly into the others eyes.
"Alright Salamence watch closely and we'll show you how a true Dragon should battle!" Iris called out to Salamence, having released him from his ball as she hoped the battle with Cynthia would impress him.
Ash couldn't help but facepalm at Iris' words as Salamence let out a huff and turned away yet again. If she truly wanted to win Salamence's respect then she should treat him with respect as well rather than implying that he wasn't a true Dragon. Cynthia couldn't help but shake her head lightly at Iris' words before turning her head towards Garchomp. "Iris you may have the first move."
"Alright! Fraxure use Dragon Pulse!"
"Frax!" Fraxure opened his mouth and quickly fired off a pulse of green and purple dragon shaped energy at his opponent!
"Dragon Rush!" Garchomp's body was surrounded in a blue aura as the land shark Pokemon charged straight ahead and tanked the attack Fraxure had thrown his way!
"Holy s-Dodge it!" Iris shouted but to no avail as Fraxure was nowhere fast enough to outrun Garchomp! Garchomp slammed his body against Fraxure resulting in the smaller Dragon being knocked off his feet and sent flying up into the air!
"Frax!" Fraxure landed head first in the sand and went limp. Iris lowered her head as she returned Fraxure to his ball before looking up with a glare as she could hear what somebody like somebody snorting out laughter, Salamence had a large smirk across his face.
"Sala!" Salamence smirked, the tone of his growl suggested that he was mocking Iris.
"Why you-You should show me respect, I caught you fair and square! Why can't you be more like Fraxure and Druddigon they-"
"SALA!" Salamence blasted her with a powerful stream of fire and promptly turned his back to the girl as she dropped to the ground covered in soot and ash.
Cynthia scratched the bottom of her chin for a moment before speaking up. "Salamence why don't the two of us battle? If you're so confident that you don't need Iris you should prove it."
"You understand him?" Cilan asked.
"No but I understand that tone, I've seen it plenty of times with other trainers." Cynthia addressed. Salamence gave Iris a glare and pushed the Dragon specialist aside as he made his way onto the makeshift battlefield.
"Sala!" Salamence's eyes glowed bright red while a red aura began surrounding his body, the dragon let out a loud roar as he soared across the field and began repeatedly slashing Dragonite with his claws and wings! Garchomp stood still and just let Salamence attack, the land shark hardly seeming phased in the slightest by the attack. Salamence ended the attack and his eyes grew wide upon realizing that he didn't even leave a dent on Garchomp!
"Dragon Rush!" Garchomp slammed against Salamence, sending the large dragon flying through the air before he'd land in a defeated slump next to Iris. Iris stared in shock while Salamence slowly rose up and looked as if his pride had just been shattered in half.
"See? Both of you are holding each other back, you'll never get anywhere if you don't treat each other with the respect you deserve." Cynthia shook her head. "Instead of blaming each other you should focus on working together, if you continue fighting and just casting blame on each other you'll get nowhere and remain like this forever. Both of you need to start being nicer to your teammate."
Iris let out a sigh upon hearing her words. "She's right, Salamence I'm-I'm sorry that I beat you with Guillotine. It was a cheap move and not really one worthy of respect as I didn't beat you with skill, just sheer luck! Salamence I'd-I'd like to start over if you'd allow that, what happened in the past is the past and we'll focus on moving into the future together! What do you say?"
Salamence narrowed his eyes as he let out a light huff. Iris closed her eyes as she expected to be blasted with Flamethrower for the sixth time that day however she'd soon feel a large paw touching her hand, she opened her eyes to see Salamence touching her hand with the dragon's eyes looking directly into her own as he uttered out a light growl.
"G-Great! I promise I won't let you down again, Salamence! We'll become the world's top Dragon masters together!"
Salamence let out a huff as he gave off a light nod.
"Alright it's my turn now!" Ash and Pikachu excitedly leaped out in front of Garchomp, Ash's fists clenched with excitement while Pikachu's tail flicked.
"Pika pi!"
"Ready Garchomp?" Cynthia asked as she gave Garchomp a look, Garchomp let out a roar as their faces grew much more serious than they had been during their battle with Iris.
"Dragon Rush!" Garchomp let out a shout as he shot forward, the blue aura surrounded his body as he attempted to slam against Pikachu!
"Dodge with Quick Attack!"
"Pi pi!" Pikachu quickly zigzagged away, just narrowly avoiding the attack as his tail grazed against Garchomp's leg.
"Use Iron Tail!"
"Pika!" Pikachu's tail glowed a bright silver color as he took a hard swing and struck against Garchomp's back! The land shark let out a growl and quickly turned around to glare at the rat.
"Hyper Beam!"
"Garrr!" Garchomp fired off the powerful orange-yellow beam of energy which quickly met Pikachu's body and exploded upon impact!
"Pika!" Pikachu cried out as he was flung away by the blast and landed on his side. The battle wasn't over yet though as Pikachu slowly began to rise up.
Cynthia crossed her arms with an impressed look as she lightly smirked. "Impressive, you've definitely grown stronger since our last encounter! I do wonder how many blows Pikachu can take before he passes out though."
"You won't get in much more!" Ash exclaimed with a smirk as he threw out his arm. "Alright Pikachu use Iron Tail while they're recharging!"
"Pika!" Pikachu swung his tail and nailed Garchomp directly in his chest! The land shark Pokemon let out a pained grunt as he held his stomach.
"Now use Quick Attack to get behind him and hit him with another Iron Tail!"
"Pi!" Pikachu quickly raced around Garchomp and swung at his back!
"Sandstorm!" Garchomp grunted out before stretching out his arms as a fierce sandstorm kicked up along the beach. Pikachu narrowed his eyes and flattened his ears against his head as he tried locating his opponent. "Dig!" Garchomp burrowed beneath the sand and began moving underground, his fin was still visible but the sandstorm was making it impossible to see!
"I can't see anything..." Ash clenched his fists. "Pikachu just focus and when you feel Garchomp coming up, strike his head with Iron Tail!"
"Pika!" Pikachu flicked his tail as he closed his eyes and trusted his other senses. His ears then twitched shortly before the ground beneath him began to give way, Pikachu swung his tail and struck Garchomp's head as he met the attack head on! Garchomp let out a growl as their attacks clashed for a brief moment before Garchomp overpowered Pikachu and sent him flying! Pikachu flew through the air like a rocket before falling directly into Ash's arms, his eyes reduced to swirls while the sandstorm began fading away to reveal Garchomp breathing heavier than Ash had ever seen him.
"Whoa, you think Pikachu is at Garchomp's level?!" Iris exclaimed.
"Not quite, Pikachu's strong but I still think they have a way to go before they can hope to beat Cynthia in an actual battle." Brock stated. Ash had to agree with him, he hadn't battled Cynthia expecting to win as he just wanted to battle her as he hadn't had the chance yet!
"Brock's right, Pikachu and I still have a way's to go before then." Ash chuckled before clenching his fists. "I'm sure that we'll be ready to take on Alder though!"
"Pi Pikachu!" Pikachu clenched his fists as the two stared determinedly towards the north, where the Unova League was said to be located.
Cynthia let out a laugh before offering them a smile. "Well I wish you the best of luck, Alder may not be the strongest champion out there but he's definitely no pushover. You'll need to go in there and give it your all if you hope to come out with a win!"
"I always give it my all!" Ash clenched his fists. "It wouldn't be fair to me, my Pokemon or my opponent to not do so!" He exclaimed.
Ash then recalled something that he'd wanted to ask her. He reached for a Pokeball and threw it forward to reveal his Gabite! The land shark let out an eager cry upon seeing Cynthia's Garchomp and rushed forward to greet it, Garchomp had an amused smirk and gently pet Gabite's head as the smaller landshark eagerly spoke to her. Ash had no idea what he was saying but he sure sounded excited!
"Cynthia you think you can help teach Gabite a move?"
"Of course I can? What is it?" Cynthia asked.
The move won't be shown for now. I'm not a fan of offscreen evolutions but Gible, Quilava, Totodile and Bayleef evolving in the first chapter were meant to be a sign that Ash had actually trained between Sinnoh and Unova. Gabite's the only one that I mentioned who isn't fully evolved, there are others at the lab naturally. I didn't forget Buizel and Bulbasaur I just love them the way they are, not everything needs to evolve
Next up Keldeo and the Three Muskateers!