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The crowd had grown painfully quiet, with the field empty. Three discolored silhouettes appeared next to Ash and Jimmy's faces on the scoreboard, and three untouched pokeballs with them.

"In that case, let's keep it going!" Ash grinned, reaching for his belt. A pokeball was gripped, and chucked forward. "Torkoal, I choose you!"

"Koalll!" Torkoal stomped a foreleg down, breathing thick black smoke from his nostrils.

"I agree!" Jimmy beamed, tossing a ball of his own. "Go, Ambipom!"

"Oo-ah!" The two-tailed primate stood, flashing a wide, enthusiastic grin.

"An Ambipom… They're tough customers." Ash smiled to himself. He'd watched Dawn raise his, after all. "Torkoal, Body Slam!"

Torkoal shifted on all fours, swaying back and forth several times. With a grunt, he launched forward, throwing his heavy body at Ambipom.

Jimmy's eyes widened. "Agility!"

By the time the words left the trainer's mouth, Torkoal had thrown his weight unto where Ambipom stood.

"It missed…" Ash frowned. After a moment, his brow twitched. "Torkoal, behind you!"

Startled, Torkoal expelled a puff of steam, turning his body around as quickly as possible.

Balancing with the hands on his two tails, Ambipom suspended himself above ground, roughly in the same spot Torkoal had started.

"It's fast…!" Ash smiled to himself. "And, we put all that effort into Torkoal throwing his weight around."

Overhearing his trainer, Torkoal started to sniffle.

"Ah!" Guilt drained the color from Ash's face. "But, that's fine, Torkoal! We'll just have to try harder!" He pointed towards Ambipom. "Flamethrower!"

"Koal!" Eager to deliver on his training, Torkoal spat a wild blaze.

"Agility, again!"

In the face of oncoming flames, Ambipom sprinted forward. A purple blur disappeared into Flamethrower.

"Wow! Flamethrower hit Ambipom head-on! Whatever it and Jimmy were thinking, their strategy came with a cost!"

"Nice one!" Ash praised, snapping his fingers.

"Not quite!" Jimmy sneered.

"Huh…?" Ash gasped. "Torkoal!"

Torkoal had let Flamethrower die, expelling steam in pride. But, he quickly found himself in something else's shadow.

Ambipom hung just overhead, a mischievous glint in the pokemon's eye.

Jimmy threw out a hand. "Double Hit!"

Ambipom screeched, throwing his tails around.

"Iron Defense," Ash ordered.

Torkoal startled, sinking into his shell.

"Ambi!" Ambipom cried, smacking the hard shell with each of her tails.

She hissed, coddling the hands on her dominant extremities.

"Iron Defense wards off the danger of Double Hit! Ambipom doesn't seem to be liking the results!"

"Okay, that's not good," Jimmy thought aloud. "Ambipom, Baton Pass!"

Ambipom hopped over Torkoal, clapping her two tails together. What looked to be a baton was magically conjured, dragging the Long Tail pokemon back into her waiting pokeball.

"Huh!?" Ash gawked. "What kind of move just returns a pokemon to their pokeball?"

An orange glow flickered along Ambipom's pokeball as he returned it to his holster. Another pokeball was reached for, and it sported the same glimmer. Jimmy tossed that one forward.

"You take over, Togekiss!"

"Toge~!" Beautiful white wings spanned, carrying the Jubilee pokemon high above in but the blink of an eye. He coasted the skies with ease, skating patterns with swift turns and dips.

"It's fast…" Ash marveled, unconsciously widening his stance. "Torkoal, watch out-"

During Ash's warning, Togekiss shot down, making a line for Torkoal.

By the time the trainer from Pallet could draw a breath, Togekiss had vanished from sight.

Instinctively flinching, Ash searched the sky for the fairy type. "Where'd it go!?"

"Pika…?" Pikachu's ears twitched. It was only then that he noticed a shadow hanging over the two. He tapped Ash's shoulder. "Pikapi!"

Togekiss was hanging right behind the two, giving Ash what almost looked like a smirk.

"Okay… Now I know how Blake felt, with Pidgeot." Ash smiled to himself. This was only getting more interesting.

"Pretty amazing, huh?" Jimmy boasted. "Togekiss rides the skies like no one else!"

"I can see that!" Ash smirked. "Togekiss are steady fliers, but they're not usually that fast… It's almost like she got a speed boost, too…" In the middle of his sentence, the bulb went off in Ash's head.

"Of course! That Baton Pass… It must've passed Ambipom's Agility to Togekiss!" Now, that was new to him.

"About time you figured it out," Jimmy taunted.

"Hah… Well, in that case, return, Torkoal!" Ash held out a pokeball, recalling his own pokemon. "For this one, we're gonna fight speed with speed…" Another sphere was snatched from his belt, and tossed into the air. "...and no one can hang in the air quite like Swellow!"

"Swellow!" Swellow cried, flying opposite of Togekiss.

"Both trainers have swapped pokemon to suit the situation! It seems we're about to have an aerial battle, between Swellow and Togekiss!"

Ash didn't waste a moment. "Quick Attack!"

With a flap of her wings, Swellow shot like a bullet, trailing a blazing silver path.

She cried a tune of victory when she smashed brutally into Togekiss, sending him tumbling.

"And, Swellow opens with a brutal Quick Attack!"

Togekiss continued rolling backwards through the air, before flapping his wings to bring himself to a halt. "Kiss!" He hummed, casually brushing his wings off.

"It didn't do anything!?" Ash swallowed. "And, Swellow hits like a truck."

"Not for long," Jimmy replied. "Use Charm!"

"Togekiss!" The Jubilee pokemon chanted, gliding towards Swellow without care. As he came close, he turned into a gentle horizontal spin, both wings at full span.

"Kiss!" Just short of crashing into Swellow, he halted, throwing one wing out, another crossed over his chest. He winked at Swellow, flashing just about the smuggest smile a Togekiss possibly could.

Two pink hearts circled Swellow, enveloping her. Consequently, the bird flustered, backing up from her opponent. She'd be mortified to notice the streak of red over her beak. But, that strength and speed… he was sort of cute.

"Swell!" Sweating, the flying type shook her head, reclaiming her composure. She was in a match, right now! She couldn't afford to lose focus!


"Now, that's just about the most dramatic use of Charm I've ever seen," Misty remarked.

"Of course, ~!" Marina boasted, folding her arms with conviction. "Togekiss only learned from the best! To dishevel your opponents, you need a healthy dose of confidence, and then some; really let yourself shine!"

"It really worked wonders on Swellow." Brock held a hand to his chin, nodding and humming in thought. "Hm. Togekiss has the right idea. A proper gentleman, who uses all of his charm to go for broke!"

Koda shot a look at Brock. "Whose side are you on?"


"Now that we've weakened it, let's fight back," Jimmy resumed. "Ancientpower!"

Togekiss backed up to give himself some distance, throwing out his wings. Several huge boulders floated about him, enveloping the Jubilee pokemon in a mysterious flash of light.

Ash's brow twitched. "It looks like Ancientpower boosted Togekiss." That, on top of Charm, could spell trouble. "Dodge those, with Quick Attack!"

Togekiss launched his barrage, and Swellow took off, swerving past the first boulder with grace.

She startled when, passing the first, she found herself face to face with a second rock.

Ash threw a hand out. "Steel Wing!"

Glimmering silver overtook Swellow's wings. She spun, striking at the boulder with her limbs.

Large dents and cracks were busted into the mass, but it persisted, slamming into Swellow.

"She should be plenty strong enough to break that…" Ash's fists tightened. "It must be Charm… Come on! Give it another try!"

"Swellow!" Still pinned to Ancientpower, Swellow sounded her cry, relentlessly battering the boulder as it plummeted closer to the ground.

Ash didn't dare breathe. At the last moment, he watched Swellow bust through. "Great! Now, combine Steel Wing with Quick Attack!" He roared, pointing towards the air.

Swellow shook out her feathers, zipping forward quickly enough to kick up dust.

The few remaining rocks were cleaved in two by Steel Wing, bolstered by Quick Attack's momentum.

"Not bad at all!" Jimmy grinned, brushing his thumb over his nose. "Togekiss, Double-Edge!"

Togekiss smirked, barreling towards Swellow with a full-body tackle.

Not guarding itself at all, Togekiss left itself open to be smashed by Swellow's Steel Wing.

But, Charm had done its work. Togekiss pushed on, throwing himself into Swellow's torso.

"Spin off that," Ash coached, "then, Quick Attack!"

Swellow grunted, pushing herself to spin off to the side. Togekiss soared on past.

"Swellow!" The flying type cried, shooting forward with a silver gleam.

Togekiss cried, irritated, as he felt a painful blow to his back. He turned to face Swellow.

"Not bad at all, Jimmy praised. "Metronome!"

Togekiss began to lull rhythmically, back and forth. After a moment's rest, he was surrounded in a crackling, golden aura.

Watching from below, Ash gasped. "That's Volt Tackle!"

"Pikachu…!" Pikachu gawked, astonished. That was his move!

"Kiss!" Togekiss cried, throwing his electrified body at his opponent.

"Swellow's too close," Ash cursed. "We can't outrun that - Double Team!"

Togekiss smashed into Swellow - or, at least what he'd thought was Swellow. The flying type vanished, leaving several floating copies of herself surrounding Togekiss.

"Now, Air Slash!" Ash ordered.

Each clone raised their wings, conjuring a contained twister, roughly the size of a beach ball.

Togekiss was ambushed, struck by several illusions, and one very real assault that crashed into his right wing. He recoiled, shaking some of the soreness out of the extremity. "Kiss…!"

"Let's see how your Swellow likes this!" Jimmy pointed towards Swellow. "Metronome!"

Togekiss recovered, raising each of his wings to rhythmically shake from side to side. "To…. to… togekiss~!" With a chirp, he threw his wings forward. A loud, crackling storm of blue and violet flames shot forward, plowing through Double Team's clones.

Consumed by heat, Swellow squawked in pain.

"What's that move!?" Ash quickly reached for his Pokedex.

"Inferno: A powerful fire type move. This move always leaves a burn on the opponent."

"Now, that's bad…" Ash deposited Dexter with a frown. "But, if there's one thing Swellow knows, it's sticking it through a tough fight!" He looked up to his ailing pokemon, investing his hopes in his own words. But, something about Swellow caught his eye. "Huh…?"

After a flash of fire snapped at Swellow, burning her feathers, it was consumed by a strong, crimson aura. She threw her wings outward, defying the pain with a loud battle cry. "Swellow!"

"What's this!? Togekiss' Metronome stuck Swellow with a burn, but Swellow only seems to have gotten stronger in response - this must be Swellow's Guts ability!"


"I didn't know Swellow's ability was Guts!" May gasped, clutching her fists in awe.

"I didn't either," Max agreed. "But, I guess it makes sense… It'd explain a lot about Swellow."

"Maybe that was what allowed her to put up such a great fight against Pikachu, when Ash first caught her," Brock thought aloud. "She always took electric attacks surprisingly well."

"Go, Swellow!" Dawn cheered, waving her pom-poms. "You've got guts, you've got spunk, show 'em up until they're sunk!"

"Empol!"


"So, she's got Guts… I'm not surprised!" Ash smiled to himself. "You've always been stubborn as they come. So, let's put that determination to work!"

"Swellow!" The avian agreed, raising her wing to Ash.

"Right on!" Jimmy flashed a thumbs-up. "But, we've got plenty of guts, ourselves! Togekiss, Metronome!"

As Togekiss began to wave his wings about, Ash threw a hand aside. "Double Team!"

A crackling green orb formed in between Togekiss' wings.

"So, that's Zap Cannon… Togekiss, don't throw that, just yet," Jimmy ordered.

Ash raised a brow. "What's he up to?"

"Togekiss had the fortune to summon up a Zap Cannon! But, with Double Team, Swellow has left Jimmy and his pokemon stumped!"

Each image of Swellow floated in sync, completely identical. Suddenly, a burst of flames interrupted the charade. One of the Swellow cried in pain.

"Bingo!" Jimmy grinned. "Do it!"

"Togekiss~!" The Jubilee pokemon raised Zap Cannon above his head, chucking it at Swellow.

"Dodge that!" Ash shouted, desperate.

Swellow flapped her wings, only just recovering from her burn. She only saw Zap Cannon coming when it was mere inches away.

A shrill, pained cry drowned out Zap Cannon.

All eyes were on Swellow, as she tumbled out of the sky, her limp body hitting the ground with a thud.

"Swellow!" Ash gasped.

Swellow laid in a heap, motionless. A wing raised briefly before falling flat.

"A devastating Zap Cannon from Togekiss has dealt a decisive blow! Is this the end for Swellow!?"

Ash's shoulder tightened. "Come on… I know you've got more fight in you."

Ash's hopes were trampled when the referee raised a hand. "Swellow is unable-"

"Swell!"

Wings pushed against the dirt, even as a numbing charge crackled among their feathers. Swellow cawed, pushing herself onto her feet. "Swell…"

Another burst of flames consumed her.

"Swellow is still hanging in there, by a thread! But, with that burn, the situation doesn't look good!"

Ash winced, watching a wisp of smoke die away from his companion's hide. "Hey, are you feeling okay…? I know you'd never want to give in, but whatever happens, don't worry about it."

The avian threw her wings out in response, boasting her crimson aura. "Swellow!" She'd be damned if she was just going to quit. Especially after that Togekiss had made a fool of her.

She shot a gaze at the coasting Jubilee pokemon. He barely even seemed to acknowledge her presence at this point. He'd regret that.

Ash grinned. "Sorry, Jimmy, but we're not done yet! Swellow's still got plenty to prove!"

"Hey, if you want to apologize, then do it by giving us your all!" Jimmy smirked, jerking a thumb towards himself. "But your Swellow looks like she's running on empty, now. She's still hurting from Zap Cannon!"

Ash looked to Swellow, who was preening her feathers that were bothered by static. He smiled to himself. "Jimmy, you've got a lot to learn about Swellow. She's never been one to go down to just a little electricity!" With glee, Ash pointed forward. "Use Steel Wing!"

With a caw, Swellow flapped her wings, ascending with a burst of speed.

"I was hoping you'd go for broke!" Jimmy beamed, throwing a hand out. "Ancientpower!"

"Kiss!" Togekiss sing-songed, tossing several magical boulders towards Swellow.

Ash clutched a fist. "Cut right through!"

A shining coat of metal covered Swellow's wings. Stray static flocked to the conductive material, allowing the extremities to glitter with a golden charge. Falling into the shadow of a much larger rock, Swellow narrowed her eyes.

"Swell!"

A narrow line ran through the rock mass, splitting it in two. Swellow burst through, turning into a barrel roll to avoid the brunt of another rock. It was given a dismissive slash, leaving a large dent.

"Now, that's something I've never seen." Jimmy smiled, ignoring the sweat trickling down his forehead. "There's no helping it! Use Double-Edge, and go for broke!"

"Kiss!" The Jubilee pokemon's eyes narrowed. He threw himself at the last of Ancientpower, not at all surprised when it crumbled.

A gleam of gold and silver crossed him, soaring past.

The crowd held its collective breath as the two crossed.

Swellow winced, shaking off the remaining static from Steel Wing.

Togekiss looked up to his afflicted pokemon and smirked. "Not bad. Not bad at all."

With that, the Jubilee pokemon plummeted.

Seeing the swirls in his eyes, Jimmy recalled Togekiss before he hit the ground.

The referee turned his eyes from Togekiss to Jimmy, and raised a hand. "Togekiss is unable to battle! Swellow wins!"


"What a beautiful Steel Wing!" Misty marveled, clasping her hands together.

"Woo-hoo!" Dawn whooped, repeatedly pumping her pom-poms in the air. "Good job, Ash! Way to go, Swellow!"

"Ash has always been one for those come from behind victories," Professor Oak quipped.

"There was no way Togekiss was going to survive that one," Max whistled. "Boosted by guts, and doubly super-effective. With the electricity hurting its flying type, and Steel Wing being strong against its fairy type, piled on top of Guts…"

"That's killer," Koda finished.


"So, how's that?" Ash boasted, resting a hand on his hip, closing the other into a fist. "Now you've seen what Swellow can do!"

"Awesome stuff, Ash! I can see how you made it this far." Jimmy smirked, reaching for his pokeball holster. "But, there's more where that came from! Look alive, Ambipom!"

"Ambi!" The long tail pokemon made its second appearance, flicking his tails about.

"Now, I know you wanna stay in, even in that state, right?" Ash looked up to Swellow.

The flying type hung just above, looking weary. She huffed, raising a wing. "Swellow!"

"Alright! Then, there's no time to waste! Use Air Slash!"

Swellow spun her raised wing, spinning up the violent winds before tossing them at Ambipom.

"Use Double Hit," Jimmy coached.

"Pom!" Ambipom spun around, whipping one of his tails past Air Slash.

The coming gust of wind tore into Air Slash, slowing its spin to a mere wisp. The following tail swiftly did away with the attack.

"It didn't even touch it…!" Ash stared, eyes wide. "What power!" He pointed forward. "Then, let's settle this! Quick Attack!"

"Swell!" Swellow cried, shooting downward in pursuit.

"Get ready!" Jimmy cautioned.

Ambipom tensed, her tails whipping about.

A blaze suddenly boomed around Swellow.

"Bingo," Jimmy muttered. He threw a hand out. "Hyper Beam!"

Ambipom cried, firing a golden blast at Swellow.

"Watch it!" Ash called out.

Swellow shook her head, bucking off the initial pain. But, all her limbs felt heavy. She didn't see Hyper Beam coming.

A thunderous explosion boomed, and a body tumbled out of the smoke.

The referee looked to Swellow, who laid with spanned wings, unconscious. "Swellow is unable to battle! Ambipom is the victor!"

Swellow's image on the board went grey, as she was recalled. This round of applause was less enthusiastic than the rest; even for those rooting for Jimmy, it was hard to be happy for Swellow's defeat. Valiant, gutsy comebacks were historically fan favorites.

Jimmy accepted this quickly. "Your Swellow's really something else, Ash."

"She is, and there's more where that came from! Torkoal, it's your turn, now!"

"Torkoal!" The Coal pokemon made his second appearance, stomping the field with his hind legs.

'We already had this match-up… but, there's no guarantee they won't use Baton Pass, again.' Ash's eyes narrowed. He remained uncharacteristically quiet in thought.

"Pikapi?" Pikachu nudged his trainer's pant leg. "Pika!"

"Thanks, Pikachu." Ash snapped out of his trance, giving a thumbs-up to the mouse. "Gotta keep my head in the game… Alright, Torkoal! Use Flamethrower!"

"Tor… koal!" Torkoal cried, firing as directed.

"Dodge it, with Agility!" Jimmy countered.

"I don't think so," Ash replied, as Ambipom started to move. "You won't escape us again! Torkoal, the field!"

Torkoal's jet of fire fanned out, completely missing the speedy purple monkey. The battle field, however, ignited. The flames spread, a dark black pattern being carved across the grown with glowing embers remaining. In the sky, Ambipom struggled to adjust his trajectory mid-air, swinging its tails to shift himself. It landed on a single foot on a patch of still-brown earth.

"Just like playin' the floor is lava as a kid," Jimmy noted. He poked his tongue out, bending over so his hands were on his knees. As he considered the field, he realized his options were limited. "Well, damn. I dunno if I wanna send anyone out on this quite yet. So… Let's make the most of this! Ambipom, Double Hit!"

Ash's eyes gleamed. "Torkoal, Body Slam!"

Ambipom jumped up first, both tails at the ready. Torkoal took off across the ashy earth, unbothered by his native element. Ambipom's first tail slapped across Torkoal's face, sending the tortoise skidding off course. The second hit Ambipom used to propel itself backwards, landing on the carefully selected cool patch of earth. That was when Torkoal leapt forward, clearing the little air it could manage.

Swift as it was, Ambipom tried to dodge; it was no use, Ambipom was pinned under Torkoal.

"Ambiiii!"

Jimmy's eyes widened. He clenched his fists. "Hyper Beam!" It was more of a reflexive call than one that had been carefully thought out.

The other trainer barely had time to respond. "Iron Defense!"

It worked, all the same. Ambipom opened his mouth. A little ball of white light formed and then exploded out. A pillar of pure light blinded the audience temporarily, blasting Torkoal off the normal type. When the light faded, Torkoal was on his back.

He gleamed silver. He struggled for a moment before huffing, blasting a burst of fire out of its shell to flip himself back onto its feet. He'd survived the Hyper Beam, thanks to the Iron Defense.

"Well, crap," Jimmy muttered, eyes flicking from the twitching, tired Ambipom to the waiting Torkoal.

Ash didn't miss his opportunity. "Flamethrower, now!"

The normal type staggered back, washed over by fire. he was burned now; it was impossible for it not to be. Between the cooling coals under its feet and the recent fire attack he didn't yet have the energy to dodge, it was inevitable.

"Now, Rapid Spin!" Ash called.

Torkoal tucked into its shell, spinning across the field.

Jimmy, however, wasn't going to just take a second attack. "Knock it back with Double Hit!"

Ambipom moved, raising its first hand to shield itself from Torkoal's attack. As the tortoise grinded against the tail-hand, the second tail came around, smacking Torkoal off track like a disturbed toy top.

Ash gritted his teeth. "Flamethrower!"

Jimmy threw a hand out beside himself. "Hyper Beam!"

Both pokemon obeyed. The light and fire flashed out. They met in a chaotic, combusting collusion. The explosion expanded before bursting, forcing both trainers to cover their faces.

Ash's jacket whipped around him, and he felt Pikachu clutch onto him to keep from being blown away.

When Ash looked up, he first noticed his hat had been blown off his head and onto the ground beside him. He left it for a moment, checking the field. Across the battlefield, Jimmy stood, his hat also blown away in the destructive move clash. Ash looked to their pokemon, then.

Ambipom trembled on two legs. Torkoal didn't look to be faring much better, only more stable due to being on four legs rather than two.

It wasn't much of an advantage, but it was all that Ash needed, since Ambipom wasn't going to be able to dodge.

Ash watched as Jimmy stiffened. He called out for the next attack all the same. "Torkoal! Now, quickly! Use Iron Defense and Rapid Spin!"

Shining metallic gray once more, Torkoal swept across the soot covered field, whipping the ashes around him like flower blossoms during a wind cherry blossom viewing.

The fire type collided with Ambipom, sending the normal type flying into the air before landing in a heap. The cooled ashes settled around Torkoal as he untucked.

"Ambipom is unable to battle! This round goes to Torkoal!"

Satisfied with this announcement, Ash bent over to pick his hat up. He dusted it off, returning it to its rightful place on his head. Jimmy did likewise, though he slapped the hat against his thigh to clean it rather than gently brushing it, as Ash had done.


In the stands, Dawn's jaw hung slack, mouth open. "I've seen explosions before, but…"

Marina nodded. "Yeah… That's not the biggest I've seen, but it's pretty up there."

"Hyper Beam's a very high energy move," Brock said, mostly unprompted. "Flamethrower ignited all that power there. It's not a good idea to combine such volatile elements."

Recalling her own encounters with explosive moves, Dawn shivered a bit before lifting a pompom to cheer for Ash. "That's not quite what I was hoping for as far as an explosive victory, but I'll take it!"


Back on the battlefield, Jimmy had returned Ambipom. He considered his next pokeball for a moment before smiling.

"Alright, big guy! It's all on you!"

In a beam of light, Typhlosion appeared. The behemoth seemed larger than most, more muscular. Ash wasn't quite sure if even his own matched it in mass. The Johto starter's ears were pinned back and a frantic smile crossed its lips. It looked eager.

Ash's eyes flickered to his Torkoal. "Iron Defense, and then Body Slam."

Jimmy didn't share Ash's cautious strategy. "Flame Wheel!"

Typhlosion was faster than Torkoal. Tucking into itself, it ripped across the field, slamming into the silver-coated tortoise as it was beginning to pick up steam for its initial blow. Torkoal skidded back, feet knocked out from under him. He struggled to regain his footing.

Jimmy didn't relent. "Thunder Punch!"

Ash's eyes widened with the quickness of how Typhlosion untucked and ran across the field on all fours. It was like watching Mamoswine switch into freight train style fighting! "Torkoal, Rapid Spin!"

Twirling to meet Typhlosion in combat, Torkoal was instead slammed into by clasped paws. Typhlosion struck Torkoal down into the ground, hard enough to leave a slight dent in the earth with the impact.

The announcer's voice carried over the speakers. "Torkoal is unable to battle! Typhlosion wins this round."

Ash whistled. "Thanks, Torkoal." He looked over to Jimmy. "That's some Typhlosion you've got there."

The Johto trainer grinned roguishly. He put a hand under his chin, getting ready to brag. "Yep! That's my baby; my most reliable; my absolute number one; my starter." He clenched a fist. "Typhlosion is my ace in the hole."

The Kanto trainer nodded in understanding. "I get what you mean. I'm excited to see what all Typhlosion can do, but…" He pulled out his final pokeball for the match. "I've got someone very reliable, too." He tossed the ball up. "Sceptile, I choose you!"

Entering the scene by landing crouched, ready to strike, Sceptile's yellow eyes narrowed as he spotted Typhlosion. The Hoenn starter moved slowly, muscles tense and coiled in anticipation of the battle coming soon. He chewed on his favored twig, in the meantime.

Typhlosion, seeing its opponent's fighting form, crouched over, all four paws on the ground. It snorted with delight.

Knowing he'd need the speed advantage when the typing was already against him, Ash ordered their first move. "Leaf Blade!"

A green blur, Sceptile tore across the field. In a breath's pace, Sceptile's glowing green blade cut across Typhlosion's face. The fire type's face whipped down at the impact. After the initial blow, Typhlosion smiled, eyes locking onto Sceptile's form.

Jimmy nodded. "It's fast. But, is it strong?" Undeterred, he stretched a hand out. "Flamethrower!"

Ash grit his teeth, nose wrinkling in a grimace. "Leaf Blade!"

The fire type's head swung towards Sceptile, jaws opening to reveal a throat full of fire. The flames along Typhlosion's neck danced higher. Sceptile raised an arm, once again glowing with vibrant natural energy. The stream of fire billowed out, but Sceptile's blade cleaved it in half. Like a river splitting around a rock, the Flamethrower parted on either side of Sceptile.

A good sport and excitable, Jimmy hollered. "Aw, you're kiddin' me!" He jumped into the air. "That was sick!"

Ash nodded, eyes trained onto Typhlosion. "You're not kidding… Typhlosion absolutely tanked that first Leaf Blade. This won't be an easy battle." The Kanto native smiled. "I'm glad." They couldn't stand around and gush over their pokemon, though. They had a battle to complete. "Sceptile, use Rock Slide!"

Sceptile jumped back as a multitude of various stones were summoned.

"Typhlosion, knock 'em back with Thunder Punch!"

As they fell, Typhlosion swung its fists. The smaller stones were sent flying across the battlefield as debris. The larger stones, however, were shattered, having too much mass to simply change direction. As powerful as Typhlosion was, it only had two forepaws and was only so fast. The Rock Slide quickly outpaced the fire type, burying it under the rubble.

Ash threw a hand out. "Leaf Storm!"

Sceptile ran forward, turning his back to the rubble to conjure a storm. As he began, Jimmy spoke up.

"Flame Wheel, now!"

Bursting out from the rocks, Typhlosion lunged for the grass type. The fire type was cut by the grass type attack, but Sceptile was pounced on. The two tumbled across the battlefield, Sceptile sliding out of Typhlosion's grasp and range in the turmoil.

"Flamethrower!" Jimmy ordered.

Deciding it had worked well last time, Ash ordered a repeat. "Rock Slide, defensively!"

This time, rather than forming a long, punishing drop of rocks vertically summoned, the Rock Slide was summoned so that the mass of rocks was laid out horizontally, falling in a protective shield both before Typhlosion and, hopefully, on him. Flamethrower encountered these encumberments.

Jimmy wasn't going to let Typhlosion get hit, though. "Climb 'em with Flame Wheel!"

Typhlosion focused on the task at hand. Kicking off the few already fallen boulders, the fire pokemon tucked into himself, practically throwing himself onto one of the still falling boulders. He raced across them, positioning himself to be able to pounce on Sceptile again.

"Crap, he's tryna get the drop on us! Sceptile, get up there!" Ash's heart hammered in his chest. The battle was incredibly fast. Sceptile's second Rock Slide hadn't even finished executing and they were moving onto other tactics!

Sceptile climbed into the air, making sure to position above Typhlosion with the falling rocks. The grass type smirked at its opponent, cocking its head. Typhlosion snorted, feeling thoroughly challenged.

"Flamethrower!" Jimmy called.

"Dodge it!"

Sceptile leapt out of the way as Typhlosion's fire consumed the rock the grass type had just been standing on.

Ash noticed Sceptile's positioning and smiled. "Perfect! Leaf Blade!"

Jimmy frowned. "Dodge it!"

Unfortunately, their fast-paced aerial battle was coming to an end. A streak of green sliced under Typhlosion, and the rock he stood upon split in half. Plummeting, he landed with a skid on the battlefield below.

Sceptile grass type now stood on top of the second pile of rocks, keeping a close watch on Typhlosion.

Ash considered the field. They could use this to their advantage. "Sceptile, you remember what I told you about baseball?" the trainer asked.

The grass type spared a glance at Ash before nodding. Kicking one of the smaller boulders into the air, the grass type sent it flying with the flat edge of a Leaf Blade. The boulder was sent flying.

Jimmy's eyes bulged. "Are ya kiddin' me?! What kinda made up," he began to grumble, but cut himself off. "Typhlosion, dodge it!"

The Typhlosion began to run circles around Sceptile, dodging the numerous 'boulder' balls Sceptile was launching towards the fire type. Unfortunately, Sceptile was faster than Typhlosion. After a few tries, the Hoenn starter correctly judged its target and struck true.

Typhlosion was swept off its feet at the impact, stunned so that it landed on its side.

"Leaf Storm!" Ash immediately called, wasting no time to switch their tactics.

Sceptile kicked off the pile of rocks, summoning the Leaf Storm mid-jump as it raced towards Typhlosion. The leaves pummeled the fire type.

After the attack, though, Typhlosion shifted before righting himself. He raised onto his hind legs, roaring to the sky.

"Tyyyyy!"

Ash gulped, impressed but not quite intimidated. "That thing just won't give in…"

Jimmy nodded. "Of course. My Typhlosion's about as stout as they come. He's my most reliable partner."

Ash furrowed his brows. He couldn't afford to let Sceptile get hit, then. If this match came down to a matter of exchanging blows, he wasn't sure Sceptile's endurance would outlast Typhlosion's. They had to exploit the speed advantage to win.

Not content to dwell on their internal processes, Jimmy ordered his Typhlosion again. "Flamethrower, head on!"

"Leaf Blade to split it again!" Ash ordered.

Once again, Sceptile deflected the fire attack.

That was what Jimmy was counting on. "Flame Wheel!"

"Block it!"

The behemoth Typhlosion rolled up on Sceptile, fiery form grinding against Sceptile's Leaf Blade. The attack, however, could only last so long against fire. It soon burned up, sending Sceptile sprawling back at the impact of the Flame Wheel.

"Flamethrower, quick!" Jimmy yelled.

Untucking, Typhlosion spat a trail of flame on Sceptile.

Ash frowned. "That's two hits in one go… We can't do that again!"

"Flamethrower!" Jimmy ordered when the first one faded, revealing Sceptile, who naturally scrambled back to its feet.

"Dodge it!" Ash ordered, not really interested in turning this into a contest of tanking attacks.

Sceptile crouched before leaping out of range of Typhlosion's Flamethrower.

Jimmy frowned. "Dang. That was a good spot, too. Oh well, let's try to keep it close range! Typhlosion, Thunder Punch, and a whole lot of them!"

Running after its opponent, Typhlosion cornered Sceptile between the two rock piles.

Ash grit his teeth. "Dodge 'em! Look for an opening to get out of that corner!"

Sceptile obeyed to the best of his ability. When Typhlosion jabbed at his left cheek, he ducked right. When the fire type clawed with crackling, electrically charged claws for Sceptile's right hip, he leaped to the left. The exchanges continued until Sceptile saw an opening to jump up and back, getting out of range again.

That was the momentary distance Ash needed. They had to really make a dent in Typhlosion's defenses, and he knew just how. "Outrage!"

Sceptile bent over, practically steaming. The grass type leaned onto all forwards before lunging at Typhlosion. He shrieked, slashing at his stomach.

The draconic energy struck true, sending the fire type skidding backwards. Typhlosion grunted, raising his head to regain his bearings. He found no relief, when a fist slammed into his jaw.

Sceptile lashed out with successive, rabid blows, hammering Typhlosion's face and chest. A punch to the head was followed by a spinning kick to the abdomen, and crimson-tinted slash to the face. Any measure of measured agility and footwork was lost in a mindless frenzy.

Jimmy grinned like crazy. "All that energy…! Mega cool!"

A final punch to Typhlosion's gut came with a hiss, and Sceptile collapsed, supporting himself with one knee. His head was spinning, coherent thoughts slipping through his clutches like sand.

Typhlosion huffed, worn down. His fur was ruffled. Sceptile, meanwhile, clutched his head.

"Yep, there's the draw back," the Kanto trainer noted. "But, we made the dent."

Jimmy put his hands in his pockets. "Alright, Ash, if you wanna play with temper tantrum type moves, I'll show you a real hothead." He lifted his hand in the air, crying out for the next move. "Typhlosion! Blast Burn!"

Typhlosion's pupils narrowed to pin pricks. It roared. The audience fell to a hush. There was something primal and ancient about that roar, a cause for a pause of reverential observation. The fire type slammed its claws on the ground. It shook before yielding to fountains of fire bursting all over the field, snaking out from Typhlosion's position all the way to Sceptile.

It was too bright. Ash squinted before looking away. His teeth rattled as the ground shook. When the move was over, he looked at the field. The rock piles from the previous moves were gone. Laying in a heap was Sceptile. For a moment, his breathing hitched.

Had they lost?

"What a terrifying Blast Burn! Sceptile just might be down for the count."

Ash's fears were alleviated when he noticed the subtle glow on the grass type's form. As he stirred, the glowing grew brighter.

"Overgrow wouldn't activate if Sceptile was down for the count," Ash reasoned, relief flooding him.

Typhlosion, temporarily spent by the powerful attack, trembled and dropped onto all four limbs. As Sceptile gathered its senses, the two pokemon briefly regarded each other.

"I spoke too soon – Sceptile is still hanging in there, and with that Overgrow glow, it's sure to be fiercer than ever!"

"What's it been? Three fire type moves, now?" Jimmy asked. "I lost count… I gotta wonder how many Sceptile can take, though."

Ash tilted his head, smirking. "Dunno. I lost count of how many hits Typhlosion took a long while ago, so no hard feelings."

"Oh, ho, ho! You've got jokes. But, can you handle the heat?! Flamethrower!"

"Leaf Storm!"

Typhlosion threw his head forward, launching an inferno.

Sceptile lifted a hand, summoning a cyclone of leaves in response.

Panicking, Typhlosion fell flat, as Leaf Storm blew through Flamethrower with ease. He only narrowly avoided the emerald storm that blasted away above him.

Jimmy winced. The move's enhanced power had left him speechless. "Thunder Punch!"

"Leaf Blade!" Ash called after.

Typhlosion snarled as its claws crackled with electricity.

Sceptile remained silent, flicking a wrist to create the glowing blade.

The two ran towards each other, meeting in a rapid-fire exchange of blows. When Typhlosion would make to hit Sceptile, the Hoenn pokemon would parry. When Sceptile tried to slice Typhlosion, it would catch the blade with a crackling claw. Ash and Jimmy watched silently, drinking it in.

Sceptile's swordsmanship outdid Typhlosion's boxing abilities, though. After blocking Typhlosion's' latest jab, the grass type slipped the blade under Typhlosion's arm, striking the fire type and sending him tumbling to the side.

"Four!" Jimmy yelled. "I bet four fire type attacks is all Sceptile can take! Bet on it! Typhlosion, use Blast Burn!"

From where it was crouching, Typhlosion roared once more, getting ready to set off another awe-inspiring attack.

Ash, meanwhile, quickly ran through the potential scenarios. He settled on what he hoped would counter it. "Sceptile, up and over with Leaf Storm, and then counter with Outrage!"

The glowing grass type nodded, aiming its Leaf Storm at the ground. Propelled into the air, it missed the initial tremors marking the beginning of Blast Burn. The blades on his arms took on a deep red glow, as did his eyes with them. He shrieked, plummeting down to slam his assault into the geysers of heat.

The epicenter of Blast Burn was split, spraying errant flames and hot ashes all about the field. Sceptile hissed in pain, as his leg was scorched by a spraying fire.

Typhlosion shuddered. Its endurance was massive, but even it had limits. The fire on its back grew higher, its Blaze ability triggered by pure exhaustion.

"One more try," Jimmy said. "This time, with Blaze boosting it. Typhlosion, Flame Wheel!"

Ash furrowed his brows. "Sceptile… I know we haven't really practiced this for battle, but you're gonna have to trust me. Outrage with Leaf Blade!"

The grass type growled, slowly turning his gaze back to Ash. A primal thirst for violence dominated his mind – Ash's words only scraped at his consciousness.

Ash pursed his lips. "Sceptile! You gotta listen to me. It's now or never!"

"Ty!" Typhlosion boomed, his back igniting like a furnace. He charged, becoming completely coated in white-hot flames.

Ash's eyes went wide in horror. "Sceptile! I believe in you!" As Typhlosion charged, the air grew harder. Ash roared, throwing a hand forward. "So, let's finish this together!"

Sceptile's eyes shot open. Deep down, beneath the unbridled fury, a nostalgic warmth caressed his heart. The voice that had guided him, through thick and thin. The man that had held his hand, even in his worst days.

"Phlosion!" Typhlosion snarled, lunging at his hunched opponent.

"Scep…" Raising the familiar sword, it focused, managing to coat it with a draconic, pulsing blue-and-yellow energy. As he turned, the fireball that was Typhlosion was upon him.

"Tile!"

Sceptile's crackling blade smashed into the inferno. Hot embers and flashes of draconic energy splashed about as a great weight came down on the exhausted grass type's arm. He buckled to one knee.

From within the gigantic Flame Wheel, Typhlosion roared. He threw his weight onto Sceptile.

Sceptile's teeth gnashed. Clawed feet dug into the dirt.

"I think this is the final clash! Who will come out on top!?"

"Now!" Ash cried to the heavens, throwing a finger above his head. He pointed forward. "You can do it!"

Gleaming red eyes widened, regaining their original golden hue. Sceptile bucked with his occupied blade, pushing himself onto his hind legs. His opposite arm slashed forward.

Flames flew every which way, baking the field.

Typhlosion was sent careening back, rushing past Jimmy so quickly the teen's bang was stirred. Jimmy and Ash both immediately looked to where Typhlosion had crashed.

True to its nature, the fire type was there, back slumped heavily against the wall with rubble and scorch marks all around it. Its upper lip trembled in a growl as it glared at Sceptile. For a moment, the two pokemon locked eyes, an intense rivalry brimming between them.

But, there had to be a winner. Fighting exhaustion and failing, Typhlosion's flames went out first. Then, it slumped over, eyes shut. It was knocked out.

The stadium erupted into cheers. Ash ran out towards Sceptile as the announcer spoke.

"Typhlosion can no longer battle! The match goes to Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, and his Sceptile!"

"Talk about a heart-stopping conclusion! Both Typhlosion and Sceptile went all-out in a final clash, with their prides on the line! Typhlosion fought the good fight, but Sceptile was just a bit stronger! What a conclusion to the semi-final round!"


"Yes!" Dawn whooped, punching both of her pom-poms in the air, before throwing one forward with a wink and a grin. "That's exactly what I'd expect from Ash and his team!"

"Ugh, they were so close." Marina pouted, collapsing into her seat to rest her cheek in her palm. She huffed, standing back up after a moment. "But, they went out in style! And, part of being a great trainer is accepting defeat with grace! Just like Ash and Sceptile, Jimmy and Typhlosion are walking a shining road to victory!" As she delivered her speech, Marina flashed a victory sign, earning a bit of applause from surrounding spectators.

"Maybe you should be an announcer!" Misty commented, clapping briefly for Marina, before turning her attention back to the victors.

"As if! If I was just up in an announcer's box, I'd be denying the world this gorgeous face!" Marina refuted, pointing an index finger to each of her cheeks pushed out by a grin.

A sweat drop ran down the group's foreheads, collectively.

"…Anyway," Brock, picked up, "what a battle. Two expert trainers walked into that arena, but only one could walk out a winner. And, ash earned his way to his highest rank in a conference, yet."

"That's right!" Delia gasped, cupping her hands over her mouth. "This is his first time in the finals!"

"He and Sceptile look really happy, right now." May observed, looking fondly on the scene.


Ash caught Sceptile under his arm, supporting the prideful pokemon.

"That was risky. You really came through."

Bruised and exhausted, Sceptile let down his guard, leaning into Ash's shoulder. "Sceptile." A glance was spared to the weary Typhlosion, who'd been called back to his ball. He let his eyes fell shut. Their training had certainly paid off.

Pikachu jumped onto the pokemon's opposite soldier, nuzzling him. "Pika Pika!" he cheered.

Ash briefly waved to the audience before clicking Sceptile with its pokeball, putting him away. Catching Pikachu in his arms, he made a quick getaway to see the Nurse Joy.


Ash jogged through the backstage halls of the stadium.

"Hey, man, wait up!"

Ash looked over his shoulder, watching Jimmy jog to catch up with him.

"What? You gonna gimme one of the greatest matches of my life and not even gimme a fist bump after? What kinda mess is that?" the Johto trainer chided.

Ash laughed, scratching the back of his head. "Sorry! Sceptile's got a bit of an ego, and I figured it wouldn't wanna see anyone if it's all shaky and stuff!"

Jimmy nodded. "I get ya, I get ya. So, let's walk and talk!"

The two boys fell into step by each other.

Ash let out a sigh. "Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I beat it, but… That Blast Burn was something. I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like it!"

Jimmy smiled. "Ya like it? It's somethin' we picked up from this real exclusive move tutor out in the Sevii Islands. Name's Kimberly. She also teaches two other moves, called Frenzy Plant and Hydro Cannon. She's kinda picky with who she'll teach 'em to, so I'm lucky I got Blast Burn outta the ordeal."

Scratching under Pikachu's chin, Ash considered this information. "Sevii Islands, huh? That's just off Kanto's coast."

"Yep." The teen looked over to Pikachu. "Hey, speakin'a Kanto, isn't Pikachu your signature? Why didn't ya use him?"

Ash grinned bashfully. "Uh, well… We've got our reasons, and no offense, but I was tryna save him for the final round."

Jimmy, clearing mocking the fact he could have been insulted, put on the theatrics as the two approached the nurse's station. "Oh, I see! I see! I'm not good enough for your starter, huh? Yeah, yeah, you country guys are all the same! Think you're too good for us streetwise guys."

Rolling his eyes, Ash nodded. "Yeah. That's it."

The two greeted the Nurse Joy and handed over their teams to be taken care of.

A thought struck Ash. "... I haven't even checked about whether it's legal for Pikachu to wear his thunder vest during battle."

"His what?" Jimmy asked. "You mean that little… weird sweater he's got on?"

Pikachu's tail swished a bit. He tilted his head. "Pi… Pika."

"You're second guessing it, now?" Ash answered, drumming his fingers on his forearm. "You sure you'll be okay?" With that, he addressed Jimmy's question. "It's to calm his nerves."

"He's jumpy? I ain't never heard of a jumpy Pikachu," Jimmy stated.

"It's a long story. Trust me, I'm happy he has it," Ash insisted.

"Pika..." Pikachu laid into his stocky arms on Ash's shoulder, momentarily. His brows furrowed. He couldn't hide from his problems, forever. If they weren't even sure whether it'd be legal, perhaps he had to get over it. He sat up, making eye contact with Ash. "Pika. Pika, Pikachu!"

Ash pouted, his heart beginning to race. "But…"

Pikachu sternly held his gaze.

The trainer sighed. "You're right. It's your call. If you think you can handle it, then I'll put my faith in you."

Satisfied, Pikachu smiled to himself, flicking his tail, before licking Ash's sliver-marked cheek. "Pika!" Admittedly, during the past few matches, he hadn't turned to rely on the vest's embrace, very often.

The Johto native smiled at the two. "That's the spirit! Well, you've got a day off tomorrow, before the finals. You'll have time to unwind, and even run through that paperwork, in case Pikachu changes his mind."

Ash didn't seem as excited about this news. "... Right, there's a whole day." He wasn't sure what he was going to do with all that excitedly anxious energy. It was like waiting for Christmas. He shrugged. "We'll find something fun to do, I'm sure."

Jimmy took his tray back. "Well, I dunno about you, but since I don't gotta be fresh faced during the finals, I think I'm gonna go out and party."

Ash, intrigued, took his team back before following Jimmy towards the exit. "A party? What kind?"

The conference winner smirked. "Oh, man, Ash, buddy, if you've never been to a mid-conference block party, you haven't lived. They're to die for."