Conqueror

by lunarockmewtwo

Ash Ketchum and Cynthia Carolina, two young trainers ready to take on the world, leave Pallet Town with their starters for a grueling and long journey. Struggles, hardships, and difficulties await them as they press on. Can our Young Protagonists press forward and 'Conquer' the world or will they be 'conquered' instead? Only time may tell!

28. Battle Against The Specter!

"Happy New Year Everyone!"

And Finally! This is the final chapter set in Lavender Town! Ash takes on Anpu in this chapter with a First Complete Battle! Having already given two relaxing chapters in the past two, here's one action packed! Without any further ado let's move on!

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.

Xxx

Battle Against the Specter!

"A-Ash?" Leaf mumbled, trying to crawl over to his limp body. Above him, Mismagius chuckled.

"Oh humans." She sneered. "You're so fragile yet you try to be so brave and bold. Aren't you dead now?" She looked at Ash and a twisting sound was heard, the Kantonian shrieking out in pain.

"No! Leave him alone!" Leaf pleaded. Mismagius simply laughed.

"Why should I?" Chains ensnarled Leaf and slammed her against a spiky pillar. "After all, no one here can stop me." Leaf's whimpered as Mismagius closed up on her. "Not even your savior."

A large blade made of dark energy was formed. "Aren't you going to cry Leaf?" She swung the blade into her, a blood wrenching scream escaping Leaf's lips as the sharp tip dug deep into her, tearing apart her skin-

"Leaf!"Leaf woke up with a start, getting up in a sitting position. "Hey, hey. You're okay." Leaf looked around, mind reeling from the nightmare she just suffered.

Ash cupped her sweaty face in his hands, forcing her to focus on him. "You're safe Leaf, you're with me. We're in Lavender Town." Leaf reached for him with trembling hands.

"A-Ash," She trembled. Ash took her hands in his own, holding them tightly. "It… it was a nightmare." She realized, mumbling. Her eyes trailed to the clock and winced at the time it was.

"It's okay Leaf." Ash assured her, pulling her into a hug. Leaf rested her head against his chest, breathing deeply and holding him tightly. Ash rubbed her back soothingly, resting his chin on her head.

"Ash, promise me one thing." Leaf mumbled.

"Anything." Ash replied.

"Promise that you'll never leave me." She told him.

"I won't. I promise you." Ash whispered back softly. "I'll always be there when you need me."

"I'm sorry if I disturbed you Ash." Leaf mumbled.

"Hey, no need to apologize." Ash reassured. Ash sat down on her bed and, still keeping her in a protective hug, began to rock her back and forth slowly and gently.

Leaf, mind exhausted from the nightmare and relaxed from being near Ash, closed her eyes and went unconscious pretty quick. Ash, making sure she was asleep, decided to leave her tucked in.

"Don't…" Leaf mumbled as he was about to release her from his grip. "You promised not to leave me…"

"I'm not leaving you." Ash replied but Leaf didn't reply, already in deep sleep. Sighing, Ash made himself comfortable against the head of the bed and closed his eyes.

Sleep was all too welcoming for him.

Xxx

"Well, I must say you have made great progress." The Elder said as the Sun Pokémon lifted a couple of objects using her ESP. "We have done everything we could to help you. Time heals all wounds."

Mystic nodded and settled the objects down. "Can you use your ESP properly now?" The Espeon nodded. "You will feel some moments of weakness using it since it's new for you but with some practice it'll feel natural."

Gengar raised his paw up in a high five which Mystic returned. "Meditate, and try to channel your energy properly. If it feels to be erratic or stronger than normal, meditate. It'll help you harness your newly found powers."

Mystic dipped her head in acknowledgement. "Anpu has been training hard for his battle with your trainer, I guess so is he." He asked, referring to Ash. The Sun Pokémon nodded. "Now, I must be heading out. It was a pleasure to help you Mystic."

Mystic uttered a soft cry, stopping him. "Yes?" Luna meowed a few questions to him.

"Telepathy," The Elder frowned deep in thought. "There's no doubt you have a great bond with your trainer. The only hurdle you have to overcome is your current dilemma. The day you can properly control your powers, you can access Telepathy and whatnot." Mystic nodded.

She repeated her second question, and the Elder hummed in thought. "Luna," He smiled. "You wish to know more about her?" Mystic nodded. "Very well then, I can attend my other duties sometime else."

He settled down and began to tell Mystic about Luna, and what kind of warrior she was, her origin, the quality she was cherished for, all until her death.

Mystic flicked her tail around, a bit awed. "Quite the legend she is," The Elder smiled. Mystic nodded. "Have you considered the question I asked you before?"

Mystic nodded, voicing her doubts. She wasn't sure she could carry on the legacy of someone so great, so valiant, so strong. So… words couldn't express how she felt!

"Fear and insecurities, the demons that stop us from achieving so much." The Elder stated. "Why don't you trust yourself, Mystic?" Mystic looked at the Lavender Tower through the window. "Do you blame yourself for the passing of member of Leaf's team?"

Mystic nodded. She yipped, saying that she was unable to even protect herself. How could she protect her fellow teammates?

Mystic's scream rang across the tower, Misdreavus laughing at her agony. "That's more like it." She grinned. "Scream more! No one is going to save you this time!"

Her claws tightened, squeezing Mystic with enough force to crack her bones. "I'm not the Princess for nothing." She growled deeply. "I'm Spiritomb's Chosen One." Her eyes glowed red. "We Are The One. This World Is Ours." Her voice was deeper.

Mystic continued to shriek in pain, struggling as her bones reached the verge of breaking. Misdreavus continued to rip her apart alive, her blood splattering the floors.

Mystic blinked, clearing the foul thoughts. "You couldn't have done anything to save your fellow mates Mystic. You are the very reason they are still alive and healthy. Without you, entire Lavender Town would have been doomed."

Mystic's gem flashed weakly. She looked at the Elder and questioned why exactly he thought she was worth the title of Luna. "Some things cannot be answered so easily. Not everything is black or white. There is grey, and then shades of grey."

"But if there's one thing I can say, it's that you deserve the title." Mystic exhaled, closing her eyes. "So, what do you say. Will you accept the title of Luna?"

Mystic thought about it for the last time before opening her eyes.

She nodded.

Xxx

"Hey Luna and Charmander," Ash told the two Pokémon. "I have to send you to Professor Oak for a few days." Charmander let out a growl in resistance. "Hey, Aunt Luna will be with you don't worry."

Luna let out a soft cry making him growl silently. "Hey, I'll call you back as soon as possible. Don't worry." Ash told the Fire Lizard. Charmander let out a sigh before nodding, refusing to look at him.

"Hey Charmander, don't make that face." Ash told him, picking him up. "I have to do it. I don't have any choice." Charmander's scowl lessened and he finally nodded. "Good boy." Ash settled him down and scratched Luna behind the ear.

"See you soon girl." Ash said grinning as the Espeon leaned into his touch. "Take care of yourself and Charmander, okay?" She nodded. "Do visit my Mom. She'll love to see you two." She nodded and jumped in Ash's grip, licking his cheek.

Ash chuckled, knowing how hard it was for all of them. Luna needed him even though she had made quite the progress with the Elder's Gengar. And Charmander was still not quite that old to be separated from his parental figure.

Furthermore, they were never really separated before. Ash had already talked to Skylar and the avian really wanted to go visit Route 1 and check up on it too. Ash said that she could do that while she was at Professor Oak's and the avian nodded.

Ash just hoped her aggressive nature wouldn't get her into any trouble.

Ash hugged the Sun Pokémon tightly, holding her for some more seconds before letting go. "Atta girl," Luna nodded and Ash pulled out their pokéballs.

Returning them, Ash got up and, entering the Pokémon Center, went straight to the Video Phones and dialed up Professor Oak. "This is harder than I thought." Ash muttered, really wanting Luna to be beside him.

She was with him from the day they had met and never really stayed apart. Ash knew he had to be fair with the entire team and keep rotating them but he would be lying if he claimed that Luna was the same for him like the Pokémon.

He loved all of them but his attachment with Luna was just tighter. Ash considered it was fair since the Espeon was his starter but…

"Ash my boy." Professor Oak's greeting snapped him out of his thoughts. "Do you want to switch your team around? Your Pikachu, Haunter and Seadra are raring to join you."

"Yeah." Ash said, sighing and placing the three pokéballs in their socket.

"Why the long face Ash?" The Professor asked. Ash took off his hat and ran his finger through his unruly, wildly grown hair.

"I've never been away from Luna." Ash answered. "Espeon, I mean." Professor nodded. "It's just… hard."

"We all have a special bond with our starter." He replied. "I know it's hard, but you need to treat the entire team fairly."

"I know." Ash cleared his thoughts. "So, you have Oceanus, Haunter, and Zeus with you?" He nodded. "Let's get this over with." Professor Oak placed their pokéballs in his side and the transmission began.

The balls disappeared in a bright white flash, beginning the process. Soon enough, the balls switched around. "I got them." Professor Oak held Luna's and Charmander's pokéballs up.

"Same." Ash replied. "Thanks Professor." He was ready to cut the call when Professor Oak stopped him.

"Zeus has some surprises for you." With that mysterious line, the call cancelled. Ash blinked.

"…Did he evolve?" Ash questioned himself. Shrugging, Ash decided to begin his training. Getting up, Ash made his way towards the training fields.

Finding one unoccupied, Ash released his entire team. Viper, Haunter, Oceanus, Ivysaur, Lairon, and Zeus appeared. Zeus ran over to Ash, faster than before, and nuzzled him happily.

"Hey Zeus," Ash chuckled, ruffling his electrified fur and ignoring the static arcing off him. "You seem pretty strong." Zeus nodded in agreement, squeaking that he had been training hard!

"Hello Oceanus," Oceanus trumpeted a greeting before firing off cold water. Ash let out a shriek as the weak blast of icy water left him drenched. He neighed in humor as Ash fell on his butt. "Glad to see you're the same." Ash said, getting up and trying to ignore his cold clothes.

"So, we're facing off against Anpu in a full six on six battle." Ash told them. "It's our first time having such a battle so we're pretty inexperienced. However, I have seen some battles before beginning my journey and I have a rough idea."

"All of your battles are interconnected and we need to get the advantage in majority of the battles in order to get a win." They nodded slowly, digesting it. "Our battle is in a couple of days so we have ample time to train and strategize."

"I want you guys to learn some new moves and practice the old ones too. Show me your moves first."

And so the preparation began!

Xxx

"The day is here." Leaf told Ash as they finished taking breakfast and got up. Ash nodded, setting his cap.

"Yup." Ash answered.

"This is your first full battle. Are you really ready?" Leaf questioned Ash. Ash looked at her with a deadpan look.

"Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence Leaf." Leaf chuckled, throwing an arm over his shoulder.

"I know you'll win. I'm just messing with you." Leaf answered. "Anpu is really strong though. Be careful."

"Aye aye Captain." Ash mock saluted. The duo reached outside the newly built and opened Lavender Gym, a large building with Lavender Town Style designs.

"Look who's here." Anpu called out, reaching him. Extending a hand, Ash took it.

"Thought I'll chicken out?" Ash smirked.

"Nah," Anpu looked at Anpu. "Here for Moral Support?" Leaf nodded. "Good, he'll need it."

"We'll see." Ash replied simply. The trio entered inside the gym, Ash inspecting the internal structure. Most of it was still in construction but from what Ash could deduce, it was one hell of a gym.

"Impressed?" Anpu questioned. They nodded. "The field's over here. Everyone is waiting."

"Everyone?" Ash asked, blinking. Anpu simply grinned.

"You'll see." The two reached a room, door large and having ancient Lavender Town inscriptions. "C'mon." Anpu opened the door and entered inside.

"You can do it Ash, I believe in you." Leaf whispered in his ear encouragingly, squeezing his hand in support. Ash nodded and the two followed Anpu inside.

Ash froze as a roar of applause erupted at his appearance. He looked around and saw the entire population of Lavender Town in the stands, waiting for the battle to commence.

"Holy…" Ash mumbled, looking around and feeling squeamish.

"Hope you don't mind that I invited them!" Anpu called out from the other side. "They were ecstatic when I announced our battle date!" Ash simply nodded.

"Hey Ash." Leaf called, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Don't focus on them Ash. Focus on the battle. Beat that smug leader at his own home turf."

"I will." Leaf hugged him as 'Good Luck' and walked over to the stands to find a good seat. She didn't have to bother, however, since the children she played with in the Festival had saved one for her. "Thank you." She replied sweetly.

Ash took his position in his "Trainer Box" looking at Anpu and inspecting the field. It was a plain sandy one with the roof and infrastructure providing enough shadows for Ghost to easily weave between the planes of existence.

"Let's begin." Ash declared. The referee did as he said.

"The battle between the Challenger Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town and Gym Leader Anpu is about to begin! Each side will use six Pokémon and the battle will be over when one side is out of usable Pokémon! Only the Challenger is allowed to substitute! Are both sides ready?"

"Hope you're prepared Ash!" Anpu hollered. Ash grinned back, hand gripping the Dusk Ball on his belt.

"I'm born ready Anpu!" Ash responded.

"Trainers, choose your Pokémon!" Ash threw the Dusk Ball in the air while Anpu called out a humanoid Pokémon in a white kimono. Ash raised an eyebrow at the choice.

"Froslass the Snow Land Pokémon. The soul of a woman lost on an icy mountain possessed an icicle, becoming this Pokémon. The food it relishes on is the souls of men."

Ash didn't have proper time to analyze or take in Froslass's battle style at the Lavender Tower. All he knew was that she wasn't easy to defeat. Also, it was Ash's first time battling against an Ice Type, something he had no experience against. Ash would have to be careful.

"Let the battle begin!" The referee declared. Haunter fired off a Night Shade spontaneously.

"Blizzard!" Froslass let out an echoing cry and unleashed the freezing wave of cold air. The Night Shade and Blizzard met and exploded, cancelling the other out. "Hail!"

"Shadow Punch now!" Ash commanded. Haunter sent one of his claws flying in the smoke, aiming for Froslass. There was a cry of pain, signifying the pinpoint accurate move struck.

This also had the added effect of cancelling the Hail. "Ice Beam Froslass!"

"Retaliate with Shadow Ball!" Haunter formed the orb and sent it flying towards the arcing tri beam. The two met and, once again, exploded. "Now Shadow Punch!"

"Shadow Sneak!" Froslass dropped down in the shadows, dodging the Shadow Punch for once, and sneaked behind Haunter. Ash was prepared though.

"Confuse Ray!" Haunter turned around just as Froslass appeared behind him, and launched a pulsating orb of light in her face. Froslass's pupils dilated as Haunter quickly messed with her senses, confusing her.

"Froslass!" Anpu cried out in alarm. Ash pressed on with Shadow Claw, sending the Ice/Ghost Type hovering away.

"Follow up with Shadow Ball!" Froslass uttered a cry of pain as the orb blasted, dealing heavy damage to her. "Now Night Shade!"

"Snap out of it and use Hail!" Anpu tried. Froslass blinked, and her dilated pupils returned to their normal size. Unfortunately for her, they weren't in time and the Night Shade struck.

Ash was impressed at how quickly Froslass broke out of the Confuse Ray. Though part of that was because Haunter was new to battling and his skills were rusty. Plus, Confuse Ray was a very tricky move to use.

Froslass quickly moved away with Shadow Sneak, maintaining a moderate sized distance between Ash's Ghost and her, and chanted. "Shadow Ball!" Haunter unleashed his orb as fast as he could, wanting to disrupt Froslass's hail.

Unfortunately, Froslass had plenty of time and dodged the orb. The weather turned chilly all of a sudden and fog obscured Ash's vision. "That's cold." Ash muttered, shivering a bit as a gust of cold wind rolled over him.

"Great job Froslass!" Anpu cheered. The residents of Lavender Town cheered a bit as they saw their fan favorite turn the battle in his tide. "Now haunt em!"

Haunter felt someone sneak up behind him and moved away, spinning around and firing off a hasty Shadow Ball. He let out a confused cry as his Shadow Ball fizzled off a few meters away and a haunting laughter echoed in the gym.

"Try Shadow Punch Haunter!" Haunter nodded and sent a punch flying. He then cried in pain as an Ice Beam struck him square on his back. Haunter called his punch back, opting for another Shadow Ball instead.

There was a taunting call, and Haunter found himself on the receiving end of a Blizzard. He growled in irritation as the Hail pelted him. Ash's mind raced for a solution.

"Spread your Night Shade out Haunter!" Ash called out. Haunter nodded and formed his favorite move. Then, he unleashed it in a wide spread manner. There was another chilling laugh, and Haunter was blasted with yet another Ice Beam.

"Keep it up Froslass." Anpu encouraged. "Once in her environment, Froslass is untouchable Ash!" The new Gym Leader boasted. "Your Haunter cannot match her level!"

"Yeah whatever." Ash ignored him. "Stay calm Haunter! Getting worked up won't get us anywhere!" Haunter let out a sigh to relax and focused. "You know what to do boy! Just like we practiced."

"Ooh, mysterious." Anpu smirked. "Froslass, use Blizzard again!" There was another echoing cry, and Haunter found himself pelted from a Blizzard again.

"Wait for it Haunter." Ash urged. Haunter stayed put in his place, enduring the Blizzard to the best of his ability. Anpu raised an eyebrow at Ash's command.

"Finish him off Froslass!" Anpu declared. Froslass let out another echoing evil cry and doubled her efforts on the Blizzard. Ash waited for Haunter's move.

After a few moments, Haunter fired off a Shadow Ball. Froslass let out a surprised call and barely dodged the orb. Haunter threw his hands forward and they wrapped around the Ice/Ghost Type.

Froslass let out a surprised look and then gasped as stinging, painful venom infiltrated her body. Haunter smirked and pulled her in, preparing a Night Shade.

"Froslass!" Anpu cried as the powerful attack struck Froslass, sending her careening back. The Hail cleared out, revealing a battered Haunter and a struggling Froslass.

"Great job Haunter!" Ash smirked. Anpu stared at Ash and Haunter in surprise.

"How did you do that?!" He questioned.

"Easy." Ash replied. "Haunter was simply biding his time. He waited until the Blizzard weakened and he had perfect aim on Froslass. The rest you know."

"I never expected that." Anpu admitted.

"Being a Gym Leader, you have to expect the unknown." Ash tutored. "Haunter! Finish her off with Shadow Ball!" Haunter, clearly in better shape than Froslass, formed the orb and fired it off.

"Destiny Bond." Froslass let out a final chilling laugh before accepting her defeat in the Shadow Ball. She collapsed down, clearly knocked out. Haunter chuckled in victory before groaning in pain.

"Gr." Ash growled as Haunter fainted as well. The crowd cheered at Anpu's clever move. "That's new."

"Froslass and Haunter both are unable to continue! Trainers, choose your next Pokémon!" The referee declared. Ash returned Haunter, praising it for a job well done.

"Guess you didn't see that twist coming!" Anpu hollered. Ash nodded in agreement. "There are more surprises awaiting you!"

"We'll see." Ash answered, selecting his next Pokémon. Viper was not so patiently waiting for her chance. He grabbed the Luxury Ball while Anpu selected his next choice.

"Go Frillish!" Anpu selected his next choice. A blue jellyfish like pokémon resembling young royalty came out, facing the Servine with a frown.

Viper stared at him with narrowed eyes, prepared for the slightest movement. Ash brought out his half-white pokedex to scan the foreign Pokémon.

"Frillish the Floating Pokémon. They paralyze prey with their poison, and then drag them miles below the surface, never to return." Ash gulped at the livid description and exhaled.

"What's with Ghost Types and their haunting stories?" Ash questioned Anpu. The Gym Leader smirked.

"That's partly the reason for their shine." He answered. "No holding back Frillish!"

"Stay alert Viper." Ash warned. "Maintain your distance." Viper nodded. Ash hadn't seen her closely as well. He was battling blindly, just like with Froslass. The Palletian would have to be careful.

"Frillish vs. Viper! Battle begins!" The referee began. Viper didn't activate Overgrow just yet, wanting to get a feel from Frillish first. Anpu took the first move this time, ordering a Water Pulse.

"You know what to do Viper." Ash muttered. She nodded, dodging the attack gracefully, and boosted up using Swords Dance. Frillish blasted out another Water Pulse, which Viper batted to the side with Slam.

Viper landed and quickly covered the distance between herself and Frillish, tail elongating in a Leaf Blade. Frillish let out a cry of pain as the super effective attack hit him, sending him levitating back.

Viper gasped as she felt her Leaf Blade falter. Frillish quickly recovered and fired off an Ice Beam which Viper barely dodged. The Servine unleashed a Leaf Storm as distraction, one that Frillish managed to avoid, and maintained her distance.

"Everything okay Viper?" Ash questioned his Grass Type. Viper shook her head. The duo of trainer and Pokémon looked at the Frillish who had healed up using Recover.

"Frillish! Use Night Shade!" Frillish let out a cry and ghostly waves rolled of him, racing towards Viper. The Grass Type countered with Leaf Tornado, boosting up again with Swords Dance prior to it.

The two attacks met and cancelled the other, dispersing. Viper looked at Frillish with a little bit of apprehension, trying to activate her Leaf Blade.

"You cannot use Leaf Blade?" Viper nodded. "Activate Overgrow. We cannot take any chances." The Servine boosted up, a faint green aura surrounding her.

"Frillish use Rain Dance!" Anpu made his next move. Viper quickly reacted with Vine Whip, formidable reflexes enhanced with Overgrow, and her vines wrapped around Frillish.

"Glare!" Ash commanded quickly. Viper glared at Frillish, her red eyes taking on a scary glow. Frillish froze, failing to activate his Rain Dance as fear overtook him. "Now Swords Dance into Mega Drain!"

"Ice Beam Frillish!" Frillish was unable to move as Viper began to drain energy out of him, the Glare taking its effect. Ash smiled at the successful strategy. "Snap out of it!" Anpu ordered.

"Grassy Terrain Viper!" Ash said, wanting to gain the edge. Viper quickly charged the surrounding with Grass Type energy, feeling even more focused and enhanced now.

Frillish managed to snap out of his petrified state and dug his tentacles into Viper's vines, pumping poison into Viper. The Grass Type let out a pained gasp and slammed him down, loosening his grip.

Viper retreated her vines back, feeling a bit stiff from the poison Frillish delivered. She found her ability to use Vine Whip get blocked and growled.

"Frillish use Night Shade!" Frillish fired off the ghostly waves towards Viper who retaliated with Leaf Storm. The Leaf Storm, boosted from the Grassy Terrain and Overgrow, broke through the Night Shade easily, moving forwards and impacting-

-nothing.

Viper let out a pained cry as an Ice Beam hit her back and jumped from the spot, turning around and trying to spot Frillish. The jellyfish based Pokémon had disappeared already.

"Shadow Sneak." Ash growled. "Synthesis Viper." Ash commanded. Viper nodded, staying alert while healing herself. She spotted a Water Pulse coming towards and jumped from the spot, twisting and unleashing a Leaf Storm in counter.

"Hide!" Anpu smirked. Viper landed down and looked around wearily, trying to spot the Floating Pokémon. "Enjoying our specialty Ash?"

"Not really." Ash answered, trying to find a counter. Shadow Sneak was a big pain since Frillish could just hide and attack. Haunter was down too or Ash could've sent him to battle in the shadows.

The residents of Lavender Town looked on in excitement, no doubt enjoying Anpu's cleverness. Frillish appeared again and unleashed a Water Pulse which Viper managed to dodge and hid back again.

"Deactivate Overgrow Viper." Ash muttered slowly. "You'll burn yourself out." Viper nodded and the green glow around her faded. "Recharge the Grassy Terrain."

"Now!" Anpu ordered suddenly. Frillish appeared behind Viper and delivered a potent dose of Poison Stings inside her. Viper gasped and quickly jumped away from the spot.

She then stumbled as Frillish's unique poison began to stiffen her body. Viper quickly reactivated Overgrow, wanting to end the battle as quick as possible.

"Now Hex!" Anpu ordered.

"Viper jump back!" Ash hurried, knowing the added bonus of Hex. Viper quickly jumped back, dodging the waves of the aforementioned move. Frillish didn't let up, however, and unleashed an Ice Beam. "Leaf Storm! Go on the offensive!"

Viper flipped in the air and let her sharp leaved storm rip. It met the Ice Beam and cut through it, narrowly hitting Frillish who had hidden back into the shadows.

"We don't even have to do anything now Ash." Anpu grinned. Viper boosted up with Swords Dance, negating Leaf Storm's effect, and glanced around alertly.

Ash wondered his next course of action. Anpu was full of surprises. First that Destiny Bond and now Poison Sting. Ash sincerely hoped that Viper would be able to hold on.

"Synthesis!" Ash informed. 'How do I drag Frillish out?' Ash wondered worriedly. Viper could easily take Frillish down but only if her moves made contact.

Mist began to roll in on the battlefield, concealing everyone's view. Viper let out a gasp as the poison took its toll and felt her Synthesis weaken.

"This is my arena Ash!" Anpu chuckled. "You cannot beat me here."

"We'll see." Ash replied absent-mindedly. "I cannot see anything Viper! It's all on you girl!" Viper let out an affirmative cry. "I believe in you!" Viper felt a Water Pulse racing towards her and jumped from her spot, sending another Leaf Storm.

As expected, it impacted nothing. Viper felt someone pull her tail and turned around. She found nothing and hissed in anger. Gathering her might, she jumped and unleashed a Leaf Storm in every direction.

The scattered leaves impacted nothing but did disturb the Mist a bit. Viper took a good read of the field and, boosting up with Swords Dance, summoned Grassy Terrain.

"End this with Blizzard Frillish." Anpu commanded. Viper kept an alert eye on the field, looking from where the freezing winds would appear. For a few moments, nothing happened.

Then she felt someone sneak up from behind her and twisted, slashing with Leaf Blade. Her attack cut through thin air, leaving her bewildered. She felt the poison deal its effect and stumbled.

Viper felt the chilly winds hit her and deal heavy damage. Viper endured the attack, trying her best to figure out a way. She boosted up with Swords Dance, not giving in yet.

"Leaf Shield!" Ash commanded. Viper summoned a Leaf Tornado and wrapped it around her, creating a protective wall of leaves. She quickly healed as much as she could through Synthesis.

Viper saw her Leaf Shield get torn apart with Night Shade and jumped from her spot, looking over the field. She felt the Mist roll a bit strangely in a certain direction and fired off a Leaf Storm in its direction.

It flew over nothing but Viper did notice something. Her eye caught onto something and the Grass Type sent her vines forward. They struck nothing and Viper jumped from her spot again.

Viper panted, the poison having chipped away most of her energy by now. She hated this! The Frillish was purposely stalling to win a cheap victory!

"I can do this all day." Anpu quoted. Ash thought of a solution to this predicament. He knew Mist would stay for a certain time and then roll off…

As soon as he said that, the Mist began to disperse. Viper jumped in the air and unleashed a powerful Leaf Storm in all directions. As expected, Frillish slipped into the shadows yet again.

"Grassy Terrain!" Ash ordered. Viper boosted the ground up, feeling her exhaustion lessen due to the boost. Frillish appeared behind her, firing off an Ice Beam. The Grass Type jumped in the air using Vine Whip, twisting around and using Leaf Tornado.

The leaves encircled the entire battlefield, Frillish sneaking back into the shadows. "Stay alert!" Ash kept a trained eye on the field, looking for a darting shadow. "There!" Viper quickly unleashed a rough Leaf Storm, managing to get Frillish.

"Break through with Blizzard!" Anpu ordered. Viper sent in more leaves, making a thick Leaf Shield which trapped Frillish in between. Frillish gasped as the leaves repeatedly cut him, even his Blizzard unable to break through.

"Charge Solar Beam!" His Grass Snake landed on the ground, panting and stiffening as the potent toxins made themselves known. The Grassy Terrain boost helped her pull through though, and the Servine began to charge.

"Shadow Sneak away!" Anpu tried. Frillish tried to jump into the shadows but the Leaf Shield negated the effect. "Keep trying! Viper cannot use Leaf Shield and charge Solar Beam at the same time!"

"Don't underestimate her." Ash smirked as Viper doubled her efforts. Frillish continued to use Blizzard, Night Shades, and Ice Beams to try and break through.

The Leaf Shield began to disperse making Ash tense. He looked at Viper and found her mostly charged. Frillish switched to Shadow Claw, tearing at the wall of leaves.

Viper let out a cry signaling she was ready. Anpu noticed that and his eyes widened. "Break through!" Frillish tore a hole in the Leaf Shield, widening it with Blizzard and breaking through.

"Let it rip!" Ash commanded. The Leaf Shield dropped, freeing Frillish. The Floating Pokémon felt an intense beam approaching him and looked up.

"Frillish!" The Solar Beam hit Frillish and an explosion swallowed him. Viper nearly fell down, only Synthesis keeping her standing. Ash covered his face with his arms, the shockwave almost blowing off his cap.

Ash grinned as the smoke finally cleared and Frillish was shown to be knocked out. Anpu exhaled, returning his Ghost/Water type. The Lavender Town residents all looked at Viper in awe, not quite believing the results.

"Frillish is unable to continue! Servine wins!" The referee declared. "Gym Leader, choose your next Pokémon!" Viper dragged herself in front of Ash, panting.

"Epic job girl!" Ash praised. "I know I can believe in you!" Viper smirked, relishing in one of her few proper wins. She'll add more in the near future that was for sure.

"You're doing great Ash!" Leaf cheered on from the stands.

"Ready for my next choice?" Anpu asked, already playing with his third choice's pokéball. Ash looked at Viper and took in her condition. She was at her last leg that was for sure. The Servine was barely holding on with Synthesis.

"Think you can fight?" Viper nodded. It'll take a lot to take her down! "We're ready!" Ash looked at Anpu with a wild grin. Anpu released his next choice, the Banette he had captured in Lavender Tower. Viper tensed at his appearance.

"Banette vs. Servine! Battle begins!"

"Shadow Barrage!" Ash raised an eye curiously at the name. Banette focused and vaguely spherical objects of Ghost Type Energy formed. With a gesture, the globs sped towards Viper.

"Leaf Shield Viper!" Ash ordered. Viper took a deep breathe, refocusing, before firing off her own shield. The two met and destroyed each other.

"Astonish!" Viper was startled as Banette reformed before her. "Night Shade!" Banette utilized her pause tremendously and unleashed his Night Shade. Viper dug her Leaf Blade in the ground, trying to endure the attack.

Unfortunately, even her stamina burned out and the Grass Snake was sent flying back. She hit the ground in front of Ash hard and collapsed down.

"Servine is unable to continue! Banette wins! Challenger, send out your next Pokémon!" Ash returned his knocked out Grass Snake, praising her for a job well done.

He looked at Banette, wondering who to choose. "Your Servine is really strong Ash!" Anpu grinned. "Even stronger when you're guiding her."

"Thanks." Ash grabbed Zeus's pokéball. The Pikachu was fast and could potentially pick off Banette quickly. That thought, Ash threw his first capture's pokéball in the air. "Zeus I choose you!"

Zeus came out, grinning mischievously at Banette who eerily grinned back. Anpu looked at the mouse, having no previously analysis of it. "That's a new one." He commented.

"Let's do it Zeus!" The Electric Mouse challengingly called back.

"Pikachu vs. Banette! Battle begins!" The referee announced. Zeus slipped into Quick Attack immediately, covering the field quickly. Banette quickly slipped into the shadows, darting around.

"Thunder Dance!" Ash ordered. Zeus stopped in the middle of the field and let loose a widespread Discharge, covering most of the field with electricity. Banette growled as his area of movement was severely restricted. "Now Thunderbolt!"

"Night Shade!" Banette quickly unleashed the wave of darkness, seeing the current focusing on one spot. The two charges met and exploded against the other, Banette slipping into the shadows again.

Zeus jumped through the smoke, swinging an Iron Tail for Banette only to find no one in sight. Banette lunged at him from behind but Zeus jumped away, firing off a Thunder Wave at Banette.

Banette ducked under the attack, diving back into the shadows. Zeus darted around yet again using Quick Attack, not wanting to stay in one place.

"Double Team!" Ash called out. Zeus multiplied rapidly, a dozen Pikachu blurring around the field.

"Wipe them with Night Shade!" Banette appeared in the middle of the field, crossing his arms and using Night Shade. The mentioned technique spread out like a dome, spreading out across the field.

"Break through with Quick Tail!" Zeus sped in; hitting the dome with a Quick Attack boosted Iron Tail, and broke through. "Now Thunder Wave!"

"In the shadows!" Anpu ordered immediately.

"Flash!" Banette tried to dive into the shadows only for the shadows to disappear. He growled as the Thunder Wave hit, paralyzing him. "Quick Tail now!"

"Scary Face!" Banette suddenly appeared to be a lot scary making Zeus halt. "Now Night Shade!"

"Thunderbolt Zeus!" The Pikachu snapped out of his stunned state and retaliated the Night Shade with his trademark bolt of lightning. The two exploded against the other.

Zeus jumped through the smoke yet again, swinging another Iron Tail. Banette grinned at the same strategy being used and let loose a Night Shade.

He then growled as electricity coursed through his veins. "Quick Tail!" The real Zeus leapt forwards and rammed his Iron Tail into Banette's back.

"Shadow Claw!" Banette slashed at the Electric Mouse only for the paralysis to kick in. Zeus circled Banette, a trial of electricity behind him. "Night Shade!"

"Quick Tail back to back!" Ash grinned. Zeus used Double Team to further confuse Banette and began to rush in, battering Banette with Iron Tail from all sides.

"Banette!" Anpu cried out as his Ghost Type was hit from all sides. Zeus was relentless in his strikes, using his superior speed to maximum use. Ash smiled at the way the battle was turning out. At this pace, Banette would be out pretty soon.

Banette stumbled forward only to be jerked to the side and then back. The cycled continued with no obvious pattern. Anpu saw the strikes continue and then nodded.

"Protect into Night Shade!" Banette quickly formed the dome, letting Zeus ram into it. Then, he quickly shook off the pain and slammed his palm into the ground, releasing his dome shaped attack.

"Back!" Zeus hit the dome and used the recoil to jump back, dodging the Night Shade. "Thunderbolt!"

"Let it hit." Anpu muttered. "When you're on the verge of fainting, use Pain Split." Banette nodded and endured the attack, gasping at the pain.

The Lavender Town residents let out worried signs as Anpu began to lose the match. Ash narrowed his eyes at how Anpu was playing this match. He was in control in both of the previous matches so what occurred this time?

Anpu couldn't choke. He was too experienced to choke, especially when they were fighting on even grounds. Maybe he wasn't as experienced with Banette?

"Pain Split!" He got his answer when Banette, who was on the verge of collapsing, let out a relieved cry and Zeus collapsed down on the ground from the sudden pain.

"Zeus!" Ash called out in worry. He looked at the Banette who looked refreshed. "Gr," The audience cheered, no doubt enjoying the sudden shift of events.

"Shadow Barrage!" Banette formed a ring of small shadowy balls, firing it towards Zeus. Zeus quickly unleashed a Discharge, intercepting all of them before impact. "Phantom Force!"

"Flash!" Zeus quickly illuminated the arena, rendering the Phantom Force useless. "Now Quick Tail!" Zeus leapt to his feet with a grimace, and raced forward.

"Sucker Punch!" Zeus yelped as a shadowy fist hit his face. He was pushed back but quickly found his footing. "Enjoying Ash?" Anpu asked cockily.

"Yup." Zeus panted the exhaustion from the Pain Split evident. "Can you continue?" The Pikachu nodded. Ash knew that Zeus was the most suited to fight against a tricky foe like Banette.

"Shadow Barrage Banette!" Banette formed an orbit of Shadow Balls and flung them towards the Electric Mouse. Zeus took off in a dash, zipping around them with ease.

"Quick Tail!" Ash ordered.

"Sucker Punch!" Anpu retaliated. Zeus jumped in the air and slammed his accelerated tail into Banette's Sucker Punch, losing most of his momentum and getting blasted with a Night Shade.

"End this with Shadow Barrage!" Banette formed two rings of stronger than before Shadow Balls and flung them at Zeus.

"Discharge!" Ash ordered. Zeus growled and let loose wild electricity, intercepting the balls before they reached him. "Return for now!" Ash gritted his teeth, recalling the Electric Mouse.

"What happened Ash? Banette too much for your mouse?" Anpu questioned. Ash simply picked Oceanus's pokéball.

"Someone else wants to have their gym debut." Ash tossed Oceanus's pokéball in the air. "Oceanus I choose you!" The Seadra materialized, roaring his arrival to everyone.

"Oh, that's a strong one." Anpu commented, looking over Banette. "Ready Banette?" Banette nodded.

"Seadra vs. Banette! Battle Begins!" The referee declared. Banette immediately dove into the shadows to attack Oceanus.

"Rain Dance!" Ash ordered. Oceanus could use the slippery wet floor for Agility.

That was the problem with Oceanus. The Seadra was a beast both on land and in water but locomotion was still a major problem for him, especially against enemies capable of diving into another plane of existence.

Banette appeared from behind Oceanus and slashed at his back. Oceanus winced a bit but quickly turned around, unleashing a Bubble Beam. Banette, worn out from his battle with Zeus, was a bit slow to escape.

"Shadow Barrage!" Anpu ordered. Banette appeared a bit to the left and unleashed his balls. Oceanus countered back with Bubble Beam, the technique strengthened due to the rain.

Ash grinned as the rain began to wet the field. Defeating Oceanus in such an environment was very hard. The two attacks collided, the Bubble Beam forcing its way through.

"Switch to Night Shade!" Anpu ordered. Banette quickly switched attacks, managing to block the Bubble Beam.

"Agility!" Ash ordered. Oceanus sped across the field, reaching Banette within a second. "Hydro Pump!" Banette blinked as Oceanus appeared in front of him before being blasted away into a wall by the Hydro Pump.

"Banette! Pain Split!" Anpu ordered. Ash's eyes widened.

"Smokescreen!" Oceanus spat out pitch black smoke, cloaking himself from Banette's view before the Marionette Pokémon could use the technique.

"Shadow Barrage in the smoke!" Anpu hollered. Banette formed the rings and threw them in the smoke for scouting.

"Don't move, I have a plan." Ash whispered. Oceanus tanked the tiny balls, not even wincing.

"There! Use Pain Split!" Anpu said, eager to flip the tables around.

"Agility into Hydro Pump." Ash commented. Oceanus sped from behind the smoke, moving at the edges and flanking Banette from behind. Greeting the Marionette Pokémon and letting his prankster attitude fly, Oceanus blasted Banette away. "Banette!" Anpu called out in worry.

His Ghost Type hit the ground, skidding to a stop, unmoving. "Great job Oceanus." His Seahorse sped in front of him and whinnied happily. "You wanna continue?" He nodded. He just began! Hell if he'll stop now!

"That was clever." Anpu smiled. "I should've called for a Sucker Punch though."

"Banette was too tired. He wouldn't have been able to move much less use Sucker Punch." Ash told him. Anpu returned Banette and grabbed his next choice.

"Let me show you a foreign Pokémon Ash." Anpu grabbed his next pokéball. "Aegislash haunt em!" The Ghost/Steel dual type appeared, testing his sword.

Ash pulled out his pokedex to scan his foe's new choice.

"Aegislash the Royal Sword Pokémon. Generations of kings were attended by these Pokémon, which used their spectral power to manipulate and control people and Pokémon."

"Seadra vs. Aegislash! Battle begins!" Oceanus immediately fired off a couple of Water Pulses to test the foreign Pokémon. Aegislash slashed the Water Pulses in half making Oceanus tense.

"Aegislash use Autotomize!" Anpu commanded. Aegislash's body shifted and suddenly got lighter. "Now use Flash Cannon!"

"Retaliate with Hydro Pump!" Aegislash fired off the blinding blast, aiming at the Water Horse. Oceanus unleashed his boosted Hydro Pump, slipping into Agility.

The two attacks met and cancelled the other out, Oceanus using the cover to sneak behind Aegislash. Aegislash slipped into the shadows, dodging his Scald.

"Psycho Cut!" Oceanus grunted as Aegislash's blade cut into his back, through his scales. Turning around, he unleashed another Hydro Pump, Aegislash shifting into Defense Mode and enduring the hit but being pushed back.

"Whirlpool!" Ash ordered. Oceanus quickly reformed the water into a swirling tornado, throwing it at Aegislash. Aegislash, already in Defense Form, was unable to evade and got trapped. "Now Ice Beam!"

"Metal Sound!" Aegislash unleashed a horrifying voice of metal grinding against metal, disrupting the Whirlpool and Oceanus. "Now Night Slash through!"

Aegislash shifted into Attack Mode and cut the weakened Whirlpool into half, escaping successfully. Oceanus carried on with his Ice Beam, Aegislash moving his Night Slash in front and easily cutting it apart.

"That Aegislash is strong." Leaf mumbled, squeezing the hem of her skirt in worry. "You can do it Ash!"

"Bubble Beam Oceanus!" Oceanus began to spit a stream of bubbles at Aegislash who, per his trainer's command, threw a Psycho Cut forward. "Agility into Smokescreen!" Oceanus blurred around the field, spitting ink black smoke all around.

"Into the shadows Aegislash." Anpu commanded simply. The Royal Sword Pokémon did as he asked, hiding away from Oceanus who ran across the field spitting black smoke.

"Rain Dance!" The rain, beginning to clear away, was reinvigorated. "Now Twister! Sweep the entire field!" Oceanus rumbled in effort and a swirling tornado of draconic energy formed, sucking in the Smokescreen and water from the rain.

It got thicker and stronger, Oceanus in its center. "What the…" Anpu's eyes widened as the Twister got larger and stronger the more it swallowed the provided materials.

The residents all looked in awe at the scary looking Twister that loomed at Ash's side, getting bigger, denser and stronger. Leaf couldn't help the smile on her face at the power Oceanus was displaying.

"Force him out!" Ash roared, knowing Oceanus couldn't hold this Twister for much long. Oceanus rumbled and the field began to get torn. Aegislash's shadow shifted, moving from one spot to another.

"Aegislash use Flash Cannon!" Anpu roared, drenched from the storm Oceanus had formed. Aegislash, realizing it was futile to hide, came back out and unleashed the blast.

It impacted the side of the Tornado and struggled against its layers for a few moments before an even stronger Hydro Pump pushed back against it, hitting Aegislash and forcing him into Defense Mode.

"There! Let it rip!" Ash hollered. Oceanus roared and willed the Twister forward towards the Royal Sword Pokémon. Aegislash saw the large Twister moving towards him and tried to slip away into the shadows.

However, his earlier strategy of being lighter and faster backfired and Aegislash found himself get dragged into the Twister. "Protect!" Anpu called out as a last ditch attempt.

Aegislash formed the barrier around him just as he got sucked inside the unstable Twister and it began to batter him. "Bubble Beam and Ice Beam Oceanus!" Ash grinned.

Oceanus roared and began unleashing a non-stop mixture of hard watery bubbles and Ice Beam. It mixed into the wild Twister, hitting Aegislash harder.

"Do it!" Ash roared after a few moments. Oceanus, panting with effort, focused and the Twister swirled uncontrollably before collapsing on itself, tearing Aegislash's Protect apart and dealing heavy damage.

Aegislash groaned as the Twister imploded in a heavy mixture of blackish cold water, hitting the ground hard. Oceanus immediately capitalized on the moment and unleashed a Hydro Pump, hitting him and smashing him into the wall behind Anpu.

The audience was stunned at the power Ash's team possessed! Each member was a force to be reckoned with. It was no wonder they were the Saviors of Lavender!

"That's some strength." Leaf mumbled, feeling her worries wash away as Ash seemed in command of the battle for now.

Seadra, though not Dragons, had draconic traits and were, to an extent, capable of utilizing Draconic energy. Combining it with their most comfortable element, water, gave much better control over such taxing techniques.

Ash had Oceanus practice this technique in Rock Tunnel. It wasn't perfect yet but at least Oceanus, with the boost provided by Rain Dance, could sometimes prevent the Twister from collapsing within seconds.

It required a lot of willpower, raw strength, and stamina, all of which Oceanus had a lot of. Ash wanted to mix a lot of elements and make it far more deadly and lethal but he was bounded by limits currently. When Oceanus evolved into a Kingdra would the technique really show.

"Aegislash!" Anpu cried out in alarm. Oceanus sagged, swaying from exhaustion. Ash noticed it immediately and decided to substitute him.

"Zeus I choose you!" The Pikachu came out, squeaking at Anpu and Aegislash threateningly who had managed to peel himself off the wall and back onto the field.

"Aegislash you okay?" Anpu asked. Aegislash, metallic body dented from the Twister, gave an agreement. "What was that?!" Anpu questioned.

"Just something we have been working on." Ash replied, looking at the rain. It was going to stay for some time, during which Zeus's attacks would have an increased accuracy.

"Pikachu vs. Aegislash! Battle Begins!" The referee declared. Zeus, per Ash's command, immediately fired off a bolt of electricity.

"Shadow Sneak into Night Slash!" Anpu retaliated. His Ghost/Steel Type slipped into the shadows and darted around the field, Zeus taking off into a Quick Attack as well.

"Thunder Tail!" Electricity coated Zeus's tail and, seeing Aegislash form in front of him and swing his sword at him, parried the hit with his tail. To his surprise, Aegislash's Night Slash was stronger and pushed him back.

"Psycho Cut!" The dark blade shifted to a pinkish glow and Aegislash continued to swipe at Zeus. The Pikachu began to dodge, slipping left and right to dodge it.

"Flash!" Zeus burst into a blinding light, startling Aegislash. "Now Thunder Wave!"

"Protect!" The paralyzing electricity crackled uselessly against the green barrier. "Now Flash Cannon!"

"Thunderbolt!" The two attacks met quickly, exploding violently. Aegislash slipped into the shadows and appeared behind Zeus, slashing at him with Night Slash and hitting him hard. "Zeus!"

"Now use Psycho Cut!" Aegislash rolled his sword for better momentum and aimed at the downed Electric Mouse. Zeus unleashed a Discharge, clipping Aegislash and slowing him enough to roll out of the way.

"Dig!" Zeus dug into the ground quickly, infusing it with Quick Attack and escaping Aegislash's close quarter's excellence. He appeared far from him, panting and wincing.

"Gr," Ash gritted his teeth as the rain began to clear. Aegislash was one tricky opponent, and never in his life had Ash seen an Aegislash in action. He was battling completely blind.

"We have him on the ropes Aegislash!" Anpu grinned. "Flash Cannon!"

"Quick Attack into Double Team!" Zeus blurred into motion, making a dozen copies of himself and racing towards Aegislash. Aegislash began to shift his Flash Cannon from one copy to another, trying to find the real one.

"Thunderclap!" Ash called out. Zeus, the real one, erupted into a Flash and let out a blooming cackle of lightning, numbing Aegislash's hearing and vision. "Now Thunder Wave!"

"Protect!" Anpu yelled, protected from the Thunderclap due to the Psychic Barriers. The paralyzing electricity was, once again, blocked from the Protect.

"Now Thunder Tail!" Ash grinned. Protect couldn't be used again so soon and with his senses disturbed, Aegislash was defenseless!

Or so he thought.

"King's Shield!" Aegislash shifted into Defense Mode and held his shield out, a darkish barrier forming outward. Zeus, who had jumped to ram his tail into Aegislash, found his momentum breaking immediately and his strength get reduced.

"What?!" Ash exclaimed.

"Head Smash!" Aegislash slipped forwards, slamming his shield into the airborne Electric Mouse. Zeus let out a squeal at the hit and raced back towards Ash, hitting the ground hard and skidding to a stop several meters away.

Aegislash, shield dented, panted from the effort. Zeus cringed from the hit, struggling to get to his feet. The crowd cheered at the way Anpu handled the situation and his current momentum.

"Hey buddy, you alright?" Zeus, on his feet, nodded. His heavy panting proved otherwise. "What was that?"

"King's Shield, a move only an Aegislash could learn." Anpu replied. "I hope your mouse enjoyed his impact with it!" Ash gritted his teeth, greatly regretting not researching more on Aegislash. He was more focused on his team and the Pokémon he had presumed to be in Anpu's team. Even though he had seen Aegislash in the tower before dammit!

"You can do it Ash!" Leaf cheered on from the sides.

'I need a plan, and fast.' Ash thought.

"End this with Night Slash!" Anpu called out. Aegislash burst forwards, his sword glowing a malicious black. Ash saw the panting Zeus and, knowing he could not possibly beat the Ghost/Steel Type in close quarters, quickly formulated a plan.

"Iron Tail!" Zeus yipped and steeled his tail. The Electric Mouse jumped, twisting for better momentum and meeting Aegislash's Night Shade. "Now jump!" Zeus grinned and let Aegislash swing him in the air.

"Flash Cannon Aegislash! He's almost down!" Aegislash nodded and formed the blast. Zeus reached the apex of his jump and began to fall back down.

"Zeus!" Ash called out determinedly. "Volt Tackle!" Zeus quickly charged up a couple of times and yelled out. Electricity cloaking him, the Pikachu descended down like a lightning meteor.

"Let it rip Aegislash!" Anpu called out. "If he passes through, shift back to Defense Mode!" His Pokémon fired off the Flash Cannon, hitting the descending Zeus's Volt Tackle.

"You can do it Zeus!" Ash called out. Zeus pushed through the Flash Cannon, cutting through it. "Charge!" Zeus gathered more electricity, straining his body even further.

His Volt Tackle destabilized a little making Zeus cry out in exhaustion. Ash gritted his teeth at that, clenching his fists. "You can do it Zeus! I believe in you!"

"You can do it!" Leaf roared from the sidelines. The crowd cheered on the two Pokémon as the battle reached its climax.

"No he can't! Get him Aegislash!" Zeus cried out, determined to take Aegislash down with him too, and pushed through, Aegislash's renewed Flash Cannon failed to stop him and Zeus came dangerously close to Anpu's Ghost/Steel Type.

"Thunder Tail!" Ash called out.

"Night Shade!" Anpu countered. Zeus swung his metallic tail coated with electricity at Aegislash's Night Shade. An explosion occurred, Ash gritting his teeth as the shockwave forced the barriers to strengthen.

The Lavender Town residents all waited impatiently for the results, a little awed at the power Zeus possessed. The Electric Type was one strong Pikachu!

The smoke cleared, showing the fate of Aegislash and Zeus. The Steel/Ghost Type was down for the count with Zeus on top of him, knocked out as well but with a triumphant look. Ash smiled at the results.

"Aegislash and Zeus both are unable to continue!" The referee declared. "Trainers! Choose your next Pokémon!" Ash returned his First Capture, showering the pokéball with praise. Zeus deserved all of it and more.

"Man! Your entire team is tough!" Anpu commented, already having selected his next choice. "I'm so glad we decided to have a Full Battle!" Ash smirked.

"Me too! You're really strong for a new Gym Leader." Ash grabbed Lairon's pokéball. The Seadra had yet to make his gym battle debut. Anpu tossed his selected choice in the air.

"Go Sableye!" Ash thought a little over his choice. Sableye was fast and relied a lot on Phantom Force from what he saw in Lavender Tower. Lairon wasn't really suited for such a foe but so were Oceanus and Ivysaur. The Steel/Rock Type was the best choice.

"Lairon I choose you!" The Iron Armor Pokémon came out, roaring at his opponent. Sableye hissed back, eager to battle a species who shared the same environment, dark caves.

"Lairon vs. Sableye! Battle Begins!" The referee called.

"Mean Look!" Anpu called.

"Autotomize!" Ash hollered. A dark barrier spread from Sableye, spreading across the field and encasing the two Pokémon. Lairon lightened himself, looking at himself and the field.

"Power Gem Sableye!" Anpu called. Sableye formed the pinkish gem and shot it towards Lairon who took it with Iron Defense. The Power Gem barely fazed him. "Those are some impressive defenses."

"Our turn! Rock Slide!" Ash called out. Lairon roared and large rocks materialized from thin air above them, falling down on Sableye.

"Phantom Force!" Anpu called. Sableye slipped into the shadows, escaping the falling boulders, and shifted to Lairon's side.

"Iron Defense! Then Metal Sound!" Ash called. Lairon's steely plates thickened and, as Sableye came from behind him to hit, he unleashed his horrific Metal Sound.

Sableye covered his ears futilely, stumbling back, as Lairon slammed into him with Iron Head, knocking him back. Sableye stumbled back, watching as Lairon rushed towards him again.

"Brick Break!" Sableye grinned maliciously and, hands glowing red, slammed it into the approaching Iron Armor Pokémon's head. Lairon grunted at the hit, his Iron Head cancelling the Brick Break out.

"Stone Edge!" Sableye felt the ground under him shift and he tried to dodge but it was too late. The ground under him burst, a spiky rock hitting his front and knocking him away where several more rocks slammed into him.

"Disable!" Anpu ordered. Sableye's eyes glowed and Lairon felt something lock away in his mind. He grunted, trying to use Stone Edge again but its use being forgotten somehow.

"Rock Slide!" Lairon acted immediately. Now that was something he could use! Large boulders formed above Sableye and began to fall on him, Sableye awaiting further orders from Anpu.

"Detect!" Sableye locked eyes on the boulders and slipped between them with ease, escaping without a scratch through the entire onslaught.

"Dig!" As Detect faded away, Lairon burst from under Sableye and hit him hard, knocking him back in the air. "Now Iron Head!"

"Foul Play!" Sableye focused and slammed his hands into the approaching Lairon, stopping him even though Lairon had used Iron Defense. "Now Brick Break!" Sableye lifted his left paw up and slammed it back into Lairon, the Iron Armor Pokémon's feet digging into the ground at the hit.

"Metal Sound!" Lairon let out his favorite screech, disorienting Sableye and preventing him from another Brick Break. "Now Roar!"

"Astonish!" Sableye made a haunting face as Lairon shifted to Roar, startling him and slipping into the shadows using Phantom Force. Lairon shook his head, clearing his thoughts.

"Is Stone Edge usable now?" Ash asked. Lairon nodded. "Rocky Terrain!" Lairon lifted his feet and roared mightily. As he slammed it down, the whole battlefield began to shake and tear.

"What the?" Anpu gasped as the battlefield morphed in front of him. Rocks jutted out, the ground began to grow uneven, better suiting Pokémon that dwelled in caves and rocky places.

Like Lairon.

Lairon felt movement behind him and a Stone Edge jutted out, blocking Sableye's Phantom Force. More Stone Edges appeared, hitting him and pushing him away from Lairon's elevated position.

"Hope you like the redesigning!" Ash grinned, looking at the field. Lairon panted slightly, the Rocky Terrain having taken some out of him. Anpu looked at the battlefield and then at Lairon, unable to comprehend the power Ash's Pokémon really had.

"He's so strong." Leaf heard one of the kids say. "Can Anpu even beat him?" Leaf knew the answer to that as she looked at the confident Ash and Lairon. She knew for a fact that she was nowhere as strong as her childhood friend.

From Viper's endurance, Zeus's speed and quick reflexes, Oceanus's monstrous strength to Lairon's ability to alter the field to better suit himself, Ash surpassed her in every aspect.

He did say that he was working on a lot of new techniques and moves in Rock Tunnel. He did only training in the month he stayed there. The results were showing.

His title as the "Savoir of Lavender" was justified.

Ash looked over the field, recognizing the flaws on his second glance. Rocky Terrain wasn't perfect or mastered, but it got the job done. Ash doubted Sableye could touch Lairon now.

"Sableye Disable!" Ash smiled at the approach. Anpu didn't want Lairon to do something again. Well, he could try.

Sableye felt the ground under him shift and jumped to the side as a Stone Edge erupted. Before he could comprehend Lairon's intelligent strategy, Lairon struck him with another Dig.

"Sableye!" Anpu cried out in worry. Ash decided it was time to end this battle while he could.

"End this!" Lairon grunted and slammed Sableye down, roaring and hitting him with an Iron Head. Sableye growled as sharp rocks formed right behind him and got broken from contact as Lairon's Iron Head delivered heavy damage.

"Sableye!" The crowd watched in worry as Lairon dragged Sableye across the whole field, no doubt pummeling Sableye really hard. "Detect into Astonish! Then Brick Break back to back!"

Sableye focused and, touching Lairon's head, stopped his Iron Head. Lairon felt his rampage stop as Sableye stumbled back. Then, before Lairon could act upon the gap, he rushed forward and stunned him with Astonish.

"Iron Defense!" Ash ordered, gritting his teeth as the tables turned. Sableye began to slam his Brick Break into Lairon repeatedly, dealing heavy damage blunted by Iron Defense. "Now Metal Sound!"

"Phantom Force!"

"Shift!" As Sableye prepared to jump back into the shadows, he found a sharp rock blocking his path. He cringed as the close proximity with Lairon resulted in heavy effects from the Metal Sound.

"Detect!" Anpu hollered. Sableye's eyes flashed and he was suddenly unaffected from the Metal Sound. "Brick Break!"

"Rocky Rain!" Another not really unique line, but it got the job done. Lairon focused, enduring the Brick Break. Rock Slide, on a larger scale, began to fall from the sky.

"Phantom Force!" Anpu called out, realizing the danger.

"Don't let him!" Lairon bit down on Sableye's hand, pulling him back and grinning evilly. Sableye struggled, saying that he'll be heavily damaged from the attack too.

Lairon unleashed a Metal Sound, stunning him, and he threw the Darkness Pokémon to the side, altering the terrain to shield him. "Sableye!" Anpu roared as his Ghost was smashed under the large boulders free falling from the sky and raining terrain on the whole field.

Dust rose in the air from the collision as the Rocky Terrain and Rocky Rain impacted. Ash stared at the field, covering his mouth with his sleeve to prevent choking on the dust.

"Gr," Anpu gritted his teeth. 'What is he?' He wondered. The audience stared on impatiently, wanting to confirm what they dreaded. Leaf stared at Ash in awe as he calmly waited.

"Sableye," Anpu called out as his ghost was found out cold. "Where's Lairon?" The ground in front of Ash shifted and Lairon came out, roaring his victory.

"Great job Lairon!" Ash congratulated. Lairon simply grunted in response, starring at Anpu smugly as he returned the downed Sableye.

"That's really impressive." Anpu said, grabbing his final pokéball. "I knew you were strong and all but this, this is insane!"

"We trained a lot, and we still have a long way to go." Ash replied, looking at the dents on Lairon's armor. "We give our best in every battle!"

In hindsight, Ash should've released Lairon way before. Zeus and Viper could've used the cover Rocky Terrain provided and he could've been better off towards the end.

He had a lot to learn, and he was learning.

"Let's end this." Anpu enlarged Gengar's pokéball. Ash nodded and stood calmly. Gengar was Anpu's strongest Pokémon. He would have to play it carefully and calmly. "Gengar! Haunt em!"

The Shadow Pokémon came out, grinning maliciously at Lairon who sneered back. The crowd cheered as Gengar came out, his species trademark grin on his face.

"Stay careful Lairon." Ash told his Steel/Rock Type. Lairon grunted back.

"Get him Ash!" Leaf cheered. Ash gave her a smile and nodded, setting his cap.

"Lairon vs. Gengar! Battle Begins!" The referee declared. Lairon roared and his plates grew denser and sturdier.

"Shadow Ball!" Anpu ordered. Gengar formed a couple of balls and fired them off in different directions. Ash kept watchful eyes on them, especially when they all swerved and honed in on Lairon.

"Shield!" Lairon grunted and rocks erupted from around him, blocking the Shadow Balls. They did blast the rocks into smithereens though, giving an estimate of Gengar's power.

"Now Disable!" Lairon growled in irritation as his Stone Edge was blocked once again. "Dark Pulse!"

"Gr," Ash gritted his teeth. "Dig!" Lairon dug into the ground, dodging the quickly unleashed Dark Pulse. The Dark Type move blasted his previous position into smithereens.

"Gengar is so strong." Leaf mumbled. "You can do it Ash!"

"You know what to do Gengar," Gengar nodded and split into various copies, all standing calmly on the field. Lairon grunted, unable to find the real one above him.

"Autotomize!" Lairon lightened, digging a lot faster. "Now Metal Sound!" Lairon took a random guess and leapt at one of the copies above him, missing by a large margin as the copy floated away. He unleashed the horrible music, disrupting the copies.

"Drain Punch!" The real Gengar jumped from Lairon's shadow and punched his comparatively weaker underbelly, knocking the breath out of him and throwing him back.

"Lairon!" Ash called out in alarm, knowing that must've hurt real bad. "Rocky Rain!"

"Hypnosis!" Gengar floated above Lairon and unleashed the hypnotic waves, lulling him into sleep but not fast enough. Large rocks rained down on the field, Gengar diving into Lairon's shadow to dodge them.

"Gr," Ash growled, realizing Anpu's cleverness. Hypnosis had left Lairon defenseless against Rocky Rain, and he ought to have taken some damage.

"Hyper Beam!" There was an explosion, and a heavy body skidded across the ruined Rocky Terrain. The dust from the Rocky Rain cleared, showing an asleep, battered Lairon and a recharging Gengar.

"Dammit." Ash cursed. "Lairon! Get up!"

"Gengar, Dream Eater!" Gengar grinned sinisterly and pink tendrils wrapped around Lairon, extending from the Shadow Pokémon. Lairon growled in his sleep as the Ghost began to sap his energy away.

The crowd cheered as Anpu began to build momentum against Ash and Lairon while Leaf bit her lip in worry. Ash had to do something, and fast!

At last, Lairon stirred and Gengar quickly boosted his actions. One of Lairon's eyes opened, and a line of sharp rocks jutted towards Gengar. The Shadow Pokémon was quick to dodge but Lairon already transformed the field to his liking.

"You okay Lairon?" Ash asked the Iron Armor Pokémon. Lairon shook his head groggily before roaring. "Gengar knows Drain Punch, Hypnosis, Shadow Ball, Double Team, Dark Pulse, Hyper Beam and Dream Eater." Ash reminded himself.

Gengar floated above the field, trying to find Lairon who was hidden in the Rocky Terrain. "Shadow Ball! Blast the entire field apart!" Ash smiled lightly. They could try.

Gengar focused and rained the orbs on the rocky field. It blasted, damaging the field and breaking away rocks and boulders, but new would grow to cover their place.

Gengar continued for several moments before grunting in annoyance. "It's no use." Anpu realized. "Stop Gengar! Try to sense for him!" Ash knew that Lairon could stay hidden for a long time but he didn't have a proper way to hit Gengar.

Gengar had the ability Levitate, using which he could just hover above the field while Lairon stayed hidden in his homelike field. This battle was at a standstill for now.

Ash remembered he was trying to teach Lairon Sandstorm for better cover. He wasn't exactly successful with that and couldn't wait until Lairon learnt it to battle Anpu.

"What are you trying to do Ash?" Anpu questioned, eyes darting all over the field to spot Lairon.

'Honestly, I don't even know myself.' Ash thought. Lairon was acting on his own, and Ash was fine with it. "You'll see." He mumbled. Lairon grunted, finished with his handiwork.

"There! Thunder!" Anpu ordered, seeing a Steely glow. Lairon roared, appearing in front of the duo, and formed a shield of rocks. The Thunder tore apart, hitting Lairon's steely dome. Lairon endured it easily, shaking his head and throwing the sparks off him. "What?!"

"Iron Defense," Ash realized. "Do it!" Lairon nodded and unleashed another Rocky Rain. Gengar looked above him just to see large rocks near him. The large boulders carried him down, slamming him into the field.

Lairon dove into the field, using his previously dug fields and reaching Gengar within moments. Appearing behind him, he unleashed a Metal Sound and then slammed into him with Iron Head.

"Psychic!" Gengar quickly regained his bearings and focused. Lairon felt his body stop against his will, and growled. A Stone Edge erupted from under Gengar, forcing him to jump back.

Gengar let out a startled gasp as the ground him broke apart, the Shadow Pokémon falling into the hole. The Psychic around Lairon faltered and the Iron Armor Pokémon roared, using his Rocky Terrain and trapping Gengar within the ground.

"Bulldoze!" Ash hollered. Lairon slammed his front paws into the ground, the shockwave spreading across the field and tearing the broken field apart.

"Gengar!" Anpu called out in alarm, knowing the damage Bulldoze could do to an underground Pokémon. The Rocky Terrain swayed, breaking apart from Lairon's hit.

"Hook, bait, sinker." Ash smiled. Lairon roared triumphantly, looking at the destroyed field. "You did it Lairon!"

"Not yet!" Anpu retaliated. The ground shifted around a crack, and a battered Gengar dug himself out, glaring at Lairon. Lairon growled, firing off a Stone Edge immediately.

Gengar retaliated with Shadow Ball, the two exploding against the other, and he sent forward shadowy fists. Lairon's armor flashed with Iron Defense and he easily endured them.

"Double Team!" Anpu called. Gengar split into various copies, surrounding Lairon from all positions. Lairon raised his legs up and unleashed another Bulldoze.

Gengar simply floated above, speeding towards the Iron Armor Pokémon. "Metal Sound!" Lairon let out the screeching sound, or tried to. Gengar disabled it the very next moment it began.

"Watch out!" Lairon grunted as Gengar slammed a Drain Punch into his side. "Iron Defense! Dig!" Lairon boosted his defenses again, wincing as the repeated Drain Punches dealt moderate damage. He dug into the ground to escape, but Gengar stopped him with Psychic.

"Hypnosis!"

"Roar!" Lairon roared intimidatingly at Gengar, scaring him and making him hesitate. "Rocky Rain!"

"Hypnosis!" Gengar tried again as large rocks fell on the field. Lairon growled, feeling the sleep very tempting once again, and fell into sleep. Large boulders fell on the two, hitting them and dealing damage.

"Return Lairon!" Ash called, returning his Iron Armor Pokémon as soon as he was visible. He quickly grabbed Oceanus's pokéball and threw it, revealing the Seadra in all his glory.

"You okay Gengar?" Anpu asked his final choice. Gengar nodded, staring at the slightly panting Oceanus. The Water Type stared back challengingly.

"Gengar vs. Oceanus! Battle Begins!" Gengar immediately formed a bolt of lightning and threw it at the Dragon Pokémon. Oceanus formed a Whirlpool in front of him as a shield, letting it take the Thunder.

The Electric Charge tore the Whirlpool apart but failed to reach Oceanus who quickly called for rain. "Now Thunder wouldn't miss," Anpu told Ash.

"Smokescreen!" Oceanus unleashed the pitch black smoke around his side, cloaking himself from Gengar. Gengar unleashed a widespread Thunder, trying to search for the Seahorse.

Oceanus sped behind Gengar, surprising him with a powerful Hydro Pump. Gengar was blasted away, quickly levitating in the sky and retaliating with Thunder. Oceanus sped across the field, easily outrunning the charge, and unleashed a Whirlpool.

"Shadow Ball!" Gengar formed a ring of shadowy balls and unleashed them in random directions, letting them hone in on Oceanus.

"Whirlpool!" Oceanus formed the swirling waves and hid in them, letting the Shadow Balls hit them and get repelled away.

"What?" Anpu blinked. Oceanus rumbled and threw the Whirlpool towards Gengar, freezing it with Ice Beam. Gengar floated to the side, dodging it with easy, but wasn't ready for the Twister that followed.

It sucked him in, twisting and thrashing him around. "Psychic! Rip it apart!" Gengar focused and grabbed the Twister, slowing it down.

"Hydro Pump!" Ash ordered. Oceanus fired his strong burst of water towards the airborne trapped Ghost Type. Gengar, finally managing to free himself of the Twister, grunted as the Hydro Pump hit him hard.

"Thunder!" Gengar quickly regained his bearings and threw the bolt of lightning towards the Seadra. Oceanus sped away with Agility, opening his mouth and unleashing explosive bubbles. Gengar dove into the broader shadows, dodging the Bubble Beam.

"Smokescreen!" Oceanus spat inky black smoke on the battlefield, cloaking majority of it. "Stay alert!" Oceanus rumbled in agreement and kept changing positions.

"You can do it Ash!" Leaf cheered. The residents of Lavender Town watched on tensely, knowing Anpu only had his last Pokémon while Ash had two behemoths in the form of Lairon and Oceanus, and one unrevealed Pokémon.

"Wide Spread Thunder!" Anpu growled. Gengar leapt out and unleashed a barrage of weaker but wider Thunders. Oceanus retaliated immediately with Ice Beam, hitting the exposed Gengar through the smoke thanks to his ability.

The Thunders hit the field, dispersing their charge into the wet rocky terrain. Oceanus blocked the few lances heading towards him with Bubble Beam.

"Confuse Ray!" Oceanus blinked as Gengar appeared right in front of him, staring him right into the eye. There was a hypnotizing yellow light, and Oceanus felt his pupils dilate.

"No! Oceanus!" Ash cried out. Oceanus succumbed to the Confuse Ray, looking around widely.

"Now Toxic!" Anpu grinned. Gengar stabbed his claws into Oceanus, delivering the potent poison into him. Oceanus moaned out in pain, struggling wildly but Gengar dove into the shadows and away safely.

"Return!" Ash ordered, pulling out his pokéball.

"Mean Look!" Gengar quickly acted, unleashing the imprisoning waves. They washed over Oceanus faster than the pokéball, trapping the Water Type.

"Gr…" Ash growled, knowing Anpu had outsmarted him. He purposely called for the Thunder while Double Team was active, knowing they'll act on the window of opportunity.

"Mega Drain!" Ash's face paled. Gengar unleashed the leeching tendrils, wrapping them around Oceanus. Oceanus tensed as his energy began to get sucked out of him.

"Snap out of it Oceanus!" Ash called out desperately.

"Thunder!" The tendrils crackled with electricity and Oceanus let out a cry of pain. The rain above began to clear up as well, taking away Ash's advantages.

"Oceanus!" Ash called out. Oceanus stirred, the effects of Confuse Ray wearing off. Gengar strengthened both of his attacks, wanting to end the Seadra quickly.

The residents of Lavender Town cheered, knowing Anpu had it in the bag now. Anpu smiled evilly, relishing in the fact he finally had an upper hand on Ash.

Oceanus blinked, the Confuse Ray wearing out. He cringed and sagged at the damage dealt by Thunder and Mega Drain. "Agility!" Ash called out hastily.

"Hyper Beam!" Gengar quickly formed the destructive beam and, before Oceanus could act, unleashed it. The Seadra stared as the beam approached him.

"Oceanus!" There was an explosion as the Hyper Beam made contact. Smoke cloaked his fate, Gengar panting from his position.

"Oh no…" Leaf mumbled, expecting the worst. The crowd stared tensely, tension in the air so thick you could cut it with a knife.

"Oceanus…" Ash mumbled as the smoke began to disperse. Anpu exhaled, smirking and basking in his victory. The smoke fully cleared, and you could see the Dragon Pokémon lying in a crater knocked out cold.

"Seadra is unable to continue! Gengar wins! Challenger select your next Pokémon!" The referee declared. The crowd exploded at the victory. Ash returned Oceanus, thanking him for his performance.

"That was clever," Ash commented, going over his last two options. "Using Double Team and Smokescreen so cleverly."

"Glad you think so," Anpu smiled. "Gengar and I have been together for way too long! We're not going down easily!"

"I wouldn't like it any other way." Ash replied. "Gengar is easily the strongest Pokémon from your team."

"Yeah!" Ash selected his next choice, deciding to use Ivysaur. Lairon was banged out from the last round, and Ash didn't want Gengar to recover any more energy.

Ivysaur was a Grass/Poison Type, due to which Mega Drain and Toxic would be essentially useless. Also, Gengar didn't really have any strong moves against Ivysaur except Psychic.

"Ivysaur I choose-"

"Can we take a small break?" Anpu interrupted. Ash blinked. "We have been battling for the past hour or so and the battle is still going strong."

"Sure," Ash replied, attaching Ivysaur's pokéball back to his waist. The referee nodded and stepped back, the trainers walking back to their benches.

"Hey," Leaf called out, walking over to the wincing Ash. "How're you feeling?"

"Man, full battles are so long and tense." Ash replied. Leaf grinned and walked behind him, looping her hands around his neck.

"They are fun to spectate." She replied.

"That they are," Ash replied, leaning back into her touch. "Anpu's Gengar is something else man."

"Yeah." Leaf replied. "Before his arrival, it seemed to be an one-sided battle majorly. But now…"

"Don't worry, I'll win." Ash grinned.

"That I don't doubt." Leaf replied, rubbing her cheek against his. Ash felt a bit weird. Leaf was being awfully affectionate from the moment he rescued her from the tower… "But still, be careful."

"I will," Ash replied. Leaf pulled back and lightly massaged his shoulders. "Ah yes," Ash said, closing his eyes and easing up his shoulders.

"Gengar may look better but he's exhausted." Leaf guided him. "Most of his attacks are ranged as well. Try to stay in close quarters but be aware of Confuse Ray and Hypnosis. Also, he can surprise you with Disable."

"Anpu is the most comfortable with Gengar and their synergy is very high, even higher than yours and Luna's." She continued. "You need to trust Ivysaur just as much, and battle calmly. Get worked up, and you fall into Anpu's trap."

"Whoa, that's some high level analysis." Ash blinked. Leaf blushed a little.

"Just stating what I observed." She replied. "You have Lairon and Ivysaur both. Keep calm. You can do it."

"Okay," Ash replied, getting up as the referee got up as well. "Thanks for the advice." Ash said, hugging her. Leaf hugged back, grinning.

"Do me a favor," She said. "Win it." Ash nodded. Leaf left for the stands while Ash fixed his cap and walked over to his trainer box.

"Ready Ash?" Anpu asked. Ash nodded, cracking his neck and grabbing Ivysaur's pokéball. Gengar floated over to his position, preparing himself.

"Ivysaur vs. Gengar! Battle Begins!"

"Sweet Scent!" Ash ordered immediately.

"Mean Look!" Anpu commanded.

A sweet scent spread across the field, anyone breathing in it getting lax and lazier. Gengar focused and a dark dome swallowed the battlefield including Ivysaur.

Ash narrowed his eyes, knowing Anpu had called Mean Look for a reason. Maybe he wanted to trap Ivysaur and had a couple of tricks up his sleeves, or maybe he didn't want to lose any edge due to substitution.

"Stay sharp Gengar!" Anpu ordered. Ivysaur boosted up with Growth, growling at the Shadow Pokémon. "Psychic!"

"Energy Balls!" Ash ordered. Ivysaur formed the balls and fired it off rapidly, Gengar quickly freezing them with Psychic. Ivysaur fired off sharp Razor Leaves towards Gengar who quickly slammed the Energy Balls into them.

"Now Leech Seed!" Gengar winced as vines wrapped around him, sucking energy off him. Ivysaur quickly threw a couple of Seed Bombs towards Gengar who slid into the shadows and darted away.

"Sweet Scent again!" Ash ordered. With Leech Seed active, Gengar was on a timer. He just had to make sure Ivysaur wasn't affected with Hypnosis or Confuse Ray.

"Psychic!" Gengar appeared right behind Ivysaur, using Psychic and barraging him. Ivysaur winced, feeling his knees tremble. To Gengar's surprise, however, Ivysaur threw a Seed Bomb back which hit the Shadow Pokémon and threw him back.

"Now Sweet Scent!" Ash ordered. Ivysaur unleashed the sweet scent once again, its effect stacking on Gengar and making him very lax and lazy.

"Disable!" Ivysaur blinked as his flower stopped, his ability to use the move suddenly paused. "Now Hypnosis!"

"Close your eyes!" Ash hollered. Ivysaur, trusting Ash, did as he asked. Gengar's hypnotizing eyes flashed uselessly.

"Dark Pulse!"

"Protect!" Gengar's dark blast washed uselessly over the green barrier, Ivysaur opening his eye and unleashing a barrage of Energy Balls. Gengar quickly retaliated with Shadow Barrage, the two different types of spheres colliding and cancelling each other out.

Gengar's Shadow Punch hit Ivysaur on the face, punching him with enough momentum to make him skid back. Gengar fired off a Confuse Ray but Ivysaur closed his eyes once again, using Growth.

"Hyper Beam!" Anpu commanded.

"Protect!" The destructive beam hit the barrier with enough destructive force to destroy it, but failed to carry through. "He can't move now! Use Seed Bomb back to back after Growth!" Ivysaur began to throw one bomb after another on the Shadow Pokémon, getting him hard and blasting him away.

"Into the shadows as soon as you can!" Anpu ordered. Gengar, cringing at the repeated Growth boosted Seed Bombs. His recharge period ended, and Gengar slipped into the shadows. "It's all or nothing now!"

Gengar appeared in front of Anpu, panting. "Phantom Beam!" Gengar closed his eyes and focused, a cackling dark ball forming between his paws.

"What is he doing?" Ash mumbled. "Ivysaur Growth! Then Protect!" Ivysaur nodded and boosted himself once again. Gengar finished charging his attack and grunted.

"Disable!" Just as Ivysaur formed his Protect, Gengar disabled him and fired off the Phantom Beam. Ivysaur blinked, adapting to the changes far too late.

"Ivysaur!" Ash called out in worry as an explosive rivaling ones made by Hyper Beam happened. The crowd cheered, no doubt for the fact that Anpu finally got Lavender's famous technique down. "What was that?!"

"Phantom Beam! The Ghost variant of Hyper Beam!" Anpu replied, the smoke clearing up. "It packs quite a punch!" Ash gritted his teeth as the smoke cleared. "What?!"

Ivysaur got up with a wince, panting as the Phantom Beam took its toll. Gengar growled, on his last legs for sure. "You okay?" Ivysaur nodded, breathing slowly. He activated Synthesis, using whatever scarce lightning the gym had to heal himself.

"How did Ivysaur survive that?!" Anpu called out. "I know Ivysaur have an exceptional endurance but that's… that's insane!"

"The training in Rock Tunnel is paying off." Ash mumbled. "He can't move for some time now Ivysaur! Solar Beam!"

"Gengar, let's end this!" Gengar nodded, knowing he couldn't outlast Ivysaur anymore. "One last Phantom Beam!" Gengar grimaced, moving on sheer will and reforming the cackling sphere, forcing his efforts through the recovery period.

The crowd watched on tensely as both Pokémon charged their strongest attacks. Leaf clutched the hem of her tank top tightly. She knew Ash had Lairon left too so she wasn't overall worried. However, knowing Anpu he must have something planned.

"Fire!" Ash ordered. Ivysaur fired off his Solar Beam, Gengar struggling to gather his energy.

"Now!" Gengar grinned and slipped back into the shadows, dodging the Solar Beam, and appeared right in front of Ivysaur with his Phantom Beam.

"Fire!" Anpu ordered. Ivysaur blinked as the large attack hit him point blank. The blast threw him back hard, skidding and rolling across the field. Gengar grinned before collapsing, no doubt exhausted from the battles.

"Ivysaur!" Ash called as his Grass/Poison Type skidded in front of him. Ivysaur growled, using the energy gained from Leech Seed and forcing himself up.

"And it ends." Anpu smiled a bit sadly, returning Gengar. There was silence for a few moments, and then,

"Gengar is unable to continue! Ivysaur wins!" The referee declared. Ivysaur let out a snarl as the crowd exploded into cheers, glad to see the long but entertaining battle end.

"You did it Ivysaur!" Ash said, running over to the exhausted Grass/Poison Type and hugging him. Ivysaur collapsed in his grip, grinning tiredly. "Rest easy now, kay?" Ivysaur nodded and Ash returned him back to his pokéball, getting up.

"Congratulations!" Leaf said, running over to him and tackling him into a hug. Ash hugged her back. "That was one nerve wracking match!"

"I know," Ash chuckled. "I genuinely thought I was losing it for a moment."

"But you still won," Anpu said, reaching him. "That was one hell of a battle, I'm glad we held a full battle." He extended a hand.

"Yeah," Ash took it and shook it. "You'll be a force to be reckoned with when you properly adapt with your team."

"Same can be said about you too, fellow savior." Anpu grinned. He reached into his pocket and produced a badge. It was shaped like a Gengar's head, with red eyes and teeth evident on the purplish surface. "As proof of your victory, I present to you the Phantom Badge."

"Finally," Ash smiled, taking the badge in his hands. "My third badge!" Ash exclaimed.

"You'll be steamrolling Erika next!" Leaf told Ash cheerily.

"I most probably will, but Cynthia told me to not underestimate her." Ash reminded her. "Eh, we'll cross that bridge when we'll come to it."

"There's something else I want to give you, for your excellent purpose." He reached into his jacket and produced a purplish disk. "Consider it as thanks for such an explosive debut Gym Battle."

"What's this?" Ash asked, taking the disk in his hand.

"The TM for Destiny Bond." Anpu replied. Ash blinked. "It's multi-use, so feel free to use it on Luna and Haunter. You have a TM Reader too, right?" Ash nodded.

"Thanks a lot." Ash said, inspecting the disk. "It'll help a lot in tough situations."

"It will. Just make sure not to rely on it too much." Ash nodded and bagged the TM. The crowd of Lavender Town began to chant "Ash", their voices echoing within the gym.

"You've got quite the fan following in Lavender Town." Anpu smirked. Ash chuckled nervously.

"I'll get my Pokémon to Nurse Joy." Ash told him. "I'll see you later now!" Ash headed towards the exit a bit faster than usual.

"Never thought Ash could get flustered." Leaf teased.

"Never thought I'll be so famous!" Ash replied. Leaf broke into laughter. "I felt so uncomfortable there! How will I battle in the Indigo League?"

"Cross that bridge when you come to it," Leaf parroted. "Now, let's get something to eat. I'm starving."

"Quite the foodie I see," Ash teased.

"Hey, your battle drained me." Leaf puffed her cheeks out.

"Sure it did." Ash laughed.

Xxx

"Well, can't say I won't miss Lavender." Leaf smiled as she slipped her bag over her neck. "It was… eventful." Her eyes trailed at the tower.

"That's one way to say it." Ash chuckled, picking his backpack and shouldering it. "Next stop, Saffron City." Ash saw Leaf fiddling with her cap nervously. "Hey, what up?"

"I was wondering if you'll like to accompany me to Saffron." Leaf replied. "I don't really want to travel alone for some time, and we both can use the company."

"Sure, I wouldn't mind some time with my childhood friend!" Ash replied enthusiastically.

'Cynthia will.' Leaf thought bitterly before mentally kicking herself. Great, she was becoming jealous of one of her friends.

"So, let's go!" Ash said, snapping her out of her train of thoughts. The brunette nodded and the two headed down the stairs, handing the keys to Nurse Joy.

Already having taken breakfast, the duo headed outside the Pokémon Center to see a large crowd having gathered.

"Um…" Leaf's eyes darted from person to person, and she involuntarily clasped Ash's hand for support. Ash squeezed it gently.

"Saviors," The Elder greeted. "We heard you were leaving." Ash nodded.

"Yeah, it was high time we continued our journey." Ash answered. The Elder looked at Leaf who smiled back.

"I have made something for you." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a feather. "This is a Lunar Wing. It will keep away bad dreams." Leaf considered it before taking it.

"Thank you Elder. This means a lot." She replied, bowing her head.

"Now, we wouldn't want to delay you any longer." The Elder said. "We came here to bid our-"

"Hey Leaf!" Anpu interrupted, running over. The Elder looked at him making him blush in embarrassment. "Very sorry Elder." He turned to the brunette. "I have a gift for you."

"Aw, no gift for me." Ash asked in mock hurt. Leaf elbowed him making him chuckle. "I'm joking."

"What is it?" She asked Anpu. Anpu held out a pokéball. "Huh?"

"It's a Ghost Type Pokémon. She was really adamant of going with you. I know you wouldn't like that particular species given the events and time, but…"

Leaf took it, feeling a connection to the pokéball. She stared at it unblinkingly, feeling really tempted, oh so tempted to release whoever was within.

"I'll take her." Leaf said, and released the Pokémon inside. The Ghost Type materialized, Leaf's eyes glued to the bright flash. The Elder looked at the brunette analytically, feeling something terribly wrong in the making.

The Pokémon finished materializing, a species Leaf had "befriended" in the tower, and one who had accompanied her from the day she entered it to the day she left. The Pokémon did a playful twirl before looking at Leaf and floating up to her level.

Leaf stared blankly at the Misdreavus Pokémon, pupils dilating as the Screech Pokémon did playful twirls and circles around her. A part of her felt immense joy at the sight of the Misdreavus.

However, Leaf didn't let it show. She stayed frozen, eyes chasing after the Screech Pokémon. "Hey, you okay?" Ash asked the brunette. Leaf smiled eerily and nodded.

"Just peachy." Misdreavus stopped circling her and hovered in front of her. "Hey Misdreavus, I heard you want to come with me." Leaf asked.

'I want to destroy you Leaf.' Misdreavus replied. A part of Leaf was shocked at the fact Misdreavus could speak but the major part of her didn't react at all, knowing no one but only she heard it. 'I'm going to kill you from the inside.'

"She's perfect. I'll have her." Leaf looked up at Anpu. "Thanks for the gift Anpu." She reached forward and hugged the Gym Leader.

"My pleasure." Anpu replied, hugging her back. He felt Leaf's nail slightly dig into his back.

"Oh, the pleasure's all mine." Leaf whispered in his ear provocatively as she broke the hug.

"It was really eventful here in Lavender but it's time we continue." Ash told the crowd. "We'll make sure to stop by the next time we cross paths."

"Ash, can I talk to-" Leaf interrupted the Elder.

"We would love to stay and chat but it's high time we leave. The Ghosts around Lavender might still be violent enough to attack us and the Wild Pokémon doesn't really like trained Pokémon or trainers." Leaf cut in.

"I'm sure we can handle both of them." Ash replied.

"Like you handled Rhydon in the Rock Tunnel?" Ash shut up at that. "Exactly my thoughts." She returned the Misdreavus, pupils returning to normal.

"Safe journey." The Elder blessed them. Leaf looked around, regaining her senses completely.

"C'mon." Ash told Leaf. The brunette nodded and the duo left for the path heading towards Saffron. The Elder's eyes remained on Leaf as she left.

"Is something wrong Elder?" Anpu questioned. The Elder shook his head.

"Where did you find that Misdreavus?" He asked back.

"I was roaming around in the tower when I found the Misdreavus. Why?" He questioned curios.

"Which floor?" The Elder continued.

"F3 or F4? Why?" The Elder let out a worried sigh. "Tell me Elder, what happened?" The crowd had dispersed by then.

"God bless the girl."

Xxx

And with this, the Lavender Arc is officially over! Ash and Leaf are heading to Saffron and Cynthia to Fuchsia! Expect a chapter in late February or early March now! Until then, see you!

Response to Reviews:

UltimateCCC: I'll consider them. Thanks!

Vital Info: I have tons of plans for a lot of places, not going to spoil anything. Not only Lavender, but Cinnabar, Seafoam Islands, Altomare, and you already saw the twist in Celadon. I have a lot of things planned for both of our Protagonists too! Thanks for the review!

Mark Andrew: I can't answer any of your questions since it would just be spoiling things but yeah, they may or may not happen! Thanks for the review!