[500th spectacular!]

Thanks for 500 Favorites! That's a fantastic milestone for a story like this. And we're just about to get the 5th badge of this story. Whoo!

I also bought the AI art thing and created this story's cover art! (I'm proud of how accurate I made it, and Ash looks good in black!)

Speaking of bad ideas, I decided to create a Discord for this Story! Come on in and see the characters I created! Talk about plots and ideas I definitely won't steal! And have fun talking with other weirdos like you about this Bizarre World of ABA! Remove parenthesis please.

https(semicolon)(slash)(slash) discord.(gg) (slash)8dF8amBx

"So, what is the Agile Style and the Strong Style?" Ash asked the Patrat while swinging his wooden sword.

The Patrat had much better form than the rest of Team Luckless. He spoke while swinging his weapon. 'It is straight to the point in their names: Agile Style is the ability to use a move faster while sacrificing its power. Strong Style is the opposite, where you increase the power of an attack at the price of strained muscles that slow you down. Both require more energy to use, so Pokemon attacks with limited usage are cut in half if you were to only use either Style.'

Astro looked at the temporary teacher. "I've been able to use moves really fast before." The Riolu thought back to when he launched a barrage of Vacuum Waves. "Does that count?"

'In essence, yes. Yet, there is a subtle difference between using a move faster and the Agile Style. Observe as I do a regular Cut.'

Team Luckless stopped what they were doing as the Patrat performed the move. Ash noticed that even for a common Pokemon, there was honed skill behind the swipe.

'Now,' Patrat took a step back and repeated his stance. 'This is the Agile Style of Cut.'

However, this time, Patrat performed two slashes at the same speed a regular did. Ash noticed that the two slashes seemed weaker than the regular one, which he did learn earlier.

'As you can see, Agile Style is perfecting a move to the point where one can use a move twice in the span of one attack, not simply using an attack faster. Next, we move on to Strong Style.' Patrat deeply inhaled as he reset his stance. The next attack was much larger than the regular move. It had more range, and anyone pitied the fool at the receiving end of such an attack. Yet, for the first time, Patrat gasped after the move. While he didn't look winded, the attack took more effort than Agile Style did. 'It may look different, but Strong Style combines two moves into one, strengthening its power yet slowing the user afterward. It is mainly used for finishers or reversals.'

'Impressive! Can we master any of these?' Notus asked with a wing pointed.

'We will begin with the move that all of you use the most and work from there.' Although Patrat said this, Ash wondered something.

"Hey, what was your trainer trying to do? Candela said something about combining the Styles?"

The Patrat turned to the human with a look of confusion. 'My... trainer? Ah. She is not my trainer but my trainer's granddaughter.'

Ash put together what that meant. "Wait, you belong to the previous Gym Leader?"

'I am his 'latest' Pokemon, a grandson of his core team. I partook in his 4th and lower Gym battle challenges.' The swordsmon explained. 'But back to your previous point: as a practitioner of the Hisuian Styles, my teacher spent years honing and eventually finding a way to combine both styles. My teacher called it: Unite Style.'

'It should be easy, right?' Prince Nidorino asked. 'Simply hit very hard and very fast at the same time!'

The Patrat placed his hand on his chin. 'In essence, it is that, but Agile and Strong Style are opposite ends of the spectrum. Agile Style needs to weaken the move to strike faster. Strong Style enfeebles mobility to gain power. Attempting to use both simultaneously cancels each other out but drains energy. One is more efficient in using the regular move.'

"But your teacher used it? How?" Ash raised his brow.

'Hmm, he did not tell me or anyone else. Yet, I saw what he did. I do not believe he used them both at the same time. Rather, it only looked like he did.' Patrat mused aloud while Ash got more confused. 'To further explain my thoughts, I feel as if I need you to understand Agile and Strong Style first.'

The Unova Pokemon started off with Astro. He instructed the Riolu to use Vacuum Wave, the most used attack in the fighting Pokemon's arsenal. Everyone watched as Astro was soon able to use Vacuum Wave Agile Style, firing more than he ever did before. Now that he understood one Style, Patrat instructed Astro to use a Strong Style. Again, Astro was adept at understanding the energy of his moves thanks to his natural Aura. It didn't take the young prodigy long to use Strong Style.

Yet, Astro was paying attention to what Patrat informed them. The Riolu could feel the flux and flow of his attacks. That's why he knew it wasn't possible to use them both simultaneously, as Patrat suspected. While Patrat instructed the others on the moves they use the most, Astro kept switching between Agile and Strong Style. He noticed that while they were different, something was intriguing in how the Styles changed the nature of the move. Since Astro wasn't even a year old, he couldn't explain it, but his instincts through Aura made him focus on the changing aspect of the styles.

When Astro stopped and readied his stance similar to Patrat's, everyone around him stopped and stared at the concentrated Emanation Pokemon. The Riolu inhaled before, in a flurry, fired two Strong Style: Vaccum Waves at the speed of an Agile Style. Although the attack missed its intended target of a nearby tree and cracked the walls behind it.

"Woo-hoo! That was awesome, Astro!" Ash went down to his starter. "What was the cool move you just did!?"

"HOW DID YOU MASTER THE UNITE STYLE!?"

Team Luckless and Patrat turned to see an alarmed Ena running toward them. When she did, she towered over the raven-haired teen. "I have spent agonizing months attempting to understand how to use what my Grandfather showed. Even my Pokemon could not replicate it despite years of training under him! How is it that you were able to nearly mimic it in under an hour!?"

"I... did you ask Patrat?" Ash offered as he looked at the Unova Pokemon.

"Takezo?" Ena turned to the Patrat, who waved at her. "Wait, he knew how to use it!?"

Ash took note of the Pokemon's name. "Well, no. But he said Unite Style wasn't combining the two styles. I don't even know how Astro did it."

"Wait, said?" Ena looked confused. "You can understand him?"

"You don't?" Ash has forgotten that not everyone can understand Pokemon speech. The teen also forgot that until this year, he previously didn't understand Pokemon. In his defense, he has grown used to and fond of his new friends.

Ena shook her head. "I don't have time for this. How did your Riolu perform a Unite Style?"

Ash turned to Astro. "How did you do that last move?"

'I felt the flow!' "He felt the flow," Truly, trainer and Pokemon bonds were deep if Ash repeated those words with conviction instead of doubt.

But as one could imagine, those words did not help soothe the soul of the samurai gym leader. "That doesn't answer anything!? What stance did it use, the hand positions, how was he breathing!?"

"Ena," Candela raised her voice. "Stop shaking the kid."

Indeed, while asking questions, she shook the raven-haired teen, not unlike a snow globe.

Ash regained balance after his world stopped spinning. "Well, Takezo did say the moves only looked combined."

Candela raised her brow. "Wait, I've seen the two Styles before. And it definitely looked like Sensei was able to execute both of them at the same time."

Ena looked back to Ash. "She's right. Have your Pokemon perform it again. We'll see for certain what Takezo meant."

"Hey, Astro, can you do that again?"

The costumed Riolu turned and performed the same move. Or at least that is what should have happened. Instead, Astro punched the air, and nothing happened. The fighting Pokemon felt confused before he biffed the air more times. Using his Aura, Astro found out— 'I can't use Vacuum Wave anymore!'

'You can't?' Jigglypuff asked.

Astro yelped. 'Ow! It hurts when I try to use the move! I can still use my other moves, though.'

"Astro says he can't use Vacuum Wave anymore. And it was the only move he could use Styles on." Ash figured quickly that both Strong and Agile Style had the drawback of draining the usage of a Pokemon Attack, which meant the price of the Unite Style sealed the move from being used for the rest of the battle.

Ash didn't like how the older girl started to tremble while gripping his shoulders tighter. "Fine. Rest here for the next few days. You may take one of the guest rooms. Carlos will lead you there, as he should have the first time." With that, the girl walked off.

"Hey, wait! What about my Gym Challenge!?"

"Fine, we'll have it early tomorrow. Then teach me." That was all Ena said before quickly making her way out.

"Sorry about that, Ash," Candela offered with a sigh before patting the teen on the back. "I'll stick around too; make sure Ena doesn't exhaust herself." With that, the Valor Leader went after her friend.

Wes and Bea walked up to Ash next. "So, what is the Unite Style?" Wes asked first. "It sounds like a big deal to the super serious gal. ... Why does that nickname feel taken?"

"I heard something odd, though," Bea looked confused. "You can understand Pokemon?"

"Only thanks to Astro," The teen turned to the costumed Riolu. "Show them, buddy!"

The Emanation Pokemon flashed his eyes briefly, making both Wes and Bea blink before waving his paw at them. 'Hello!'

"What," Wes was the only one to speak as Bea continued to stare. "What just happened?"

"Well, Astro has this natural Aura he uses to power up his moves and translate words. He used it on me when he was born, but he had to make contact with me."

'I learned it from your psychic powers!' The Emanation Pokemon commented.

'Why is a fighting-type better with psychic powers than I am? ¡This is muy injusto!' El Almohada whined while he was sprawled on the ground from exhaustion.

"That Drowzee has a Paldean accent," Bea spoke while her mind struggled to comprehend current events.

"Huh. I should visit Paldea one day." Wes muttered out loud before looking back to Astro. "Also, don't do that flashy-eye thing without warning."

'Got it!'

"I can understand Pokemon." While continued to reboot, Wes turned to Ash.

"Do you know how to double battle?"

"I've done triple battles before, but not double." Ash thought back to his battle in Cerulean and his fight against Nidorino's Uncle back in Mt. Moon.

"An odd base, but moving on." Wes understood it was better not to ask questions. "Apparently, this gym focuses on double battles."

"Why is that Nidorino calling himself a prince?"

"Double battles?" Unlike Wes, Ash didn't hear Bea whispering in disbelief.

"Yeah. I've done a lot of those before." An understatement, Wes thought to himself. But who could he share it with here?

"Really? Can you teach me a few pointers?!" Ash's eyes brightened at the thought of learning more Pokemon battle strategies.

"Well, you have time, so why not?" The Orreian turned to the Galarian. "Do you still want to learn more about Double Battles?"

"Why are they calling Spearow a girl? But she has a deep voice!?"

Wes continued, "I'm going to take that as a yes."

Bea didn't know why she couldn't sleep. Or rather, she couldn't pinpoint the main reason as to why she couldn't sleep.

Failing to win a battle she needed to or understanding Pokemon?

A flash in the distance made Bea look toward the temple. Wait, was Ena still training up to now?

Bea found herself walking towards the temple, and, true enough, she saw the girl swinging her blade and focusing on her target dummy. The Galarian girl wanted to stop her; Bea saw too much of herself in the Kantonian Gym Leader. All the worst parts that almost ended her life.

Yet before she could move, the fighting-type gym leader watched Ena freeze mid-swing. The raven-haired girl sighed before sheathing her blade and making her way toward an exit. Yet, she sat on the floor, her legs dangling off the elevated boards, and sighed when looking at the night sky.

"Ah? Takezo." The black-haired samurai turned to see her Grandfather's Pokemon walking up to her. "I don't suppose you'd teach me what you taught to the challenger?"

'I would if I could, mistress.' Bea still found it odd to hear the voices of Pokemon.

Ena sighed and looked up to the sky. "I wish I could understand you as that young trainer does."

Bea had half a mind to point her towards Ash's bizarre Riolu.

"It's so," Ena rubbed her head. "Unfair. Grandfather did everything he could to uplift the dojo into a proper gym, but people still see us as lesser. How could everyone still look down on us even after everything Grandfather has done? If not for Candela helping out, would this gym even have challengers? Or perhaps... am I the one who can't live up to my Grandfather's gym?"

Bea was silent as Ena confessed her woes.

"I am tired, Takezo. Maybe this was all for naught."

The Galarian Gym Leader didn't know why she didn't stop Ena. But she hated it, especially when she spotted Takezo staring right at her as the samurai left.

Although he would never admit it, Wes noticed Bea was off on the morning of Ash's battle. Was she still bothered by her loss? Maybe she couldn't wrap her head around understanding Pokemon? Wes discovered his two Pokemon were much snarkier than he wanted them to be. There was a lot of "brotherly banter"— read as annoying bickering—between the three. But, no. The Snagger suspected it was something else by the way Bea kept her eyes on Ena.

But now it was time for the Gym Leader to face her challenger: Ash.

Candela spoke as a referee. "The 4 VS 4 double battle between Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town and Gym Leader Ena Kyushi will begin! Trainers, choose your Pokemon!"

Both trainers threw out their Poke Balls.

"Go, Jigglypuff and Prince Nidorino!"

"Enter the field, Misha and Phul!"

For Ash, he sent out Jigglypuff and Prince Nidorino. For Ena, she sent out an Audino and Slaking.

"Ready?" Candela asked as the four Pokemon readied themselves. "Begin!"

"Misha," Ena shouted to her Audino. "Use Simple Beam on Phul!"

'Fighting evil by moonlight~!' Her Audino didn't hesitate and attacked her partner with a bizarre circular beam. But why was she twirling a lot?

Ash and his partners were the only ones who focused on something else. 'Why is she attacking her own ally? Is she not supposed to battle us?' Prince Nidorino raised his brow.

(Guys, wait! That move has the power to change Pokemon Abilities!) Ash knew Slaking had one of the worst abilities in the Pokemon world. Truant halved the Pokemon's energy, making it not even move or listen to a trainer more times than not. If not for Truant, Slaking would be a devastating Pokemon that could rival even lesser legendaries. But thanks to Ena's understanding of double battles, she used Misha to remove that hindrance from her Pokemon!

The Slaking's eyes snapped open. With energy much like his pre-evolution, he jumped up and landed on his feet. Phul pounded his chest as a heavy-metal drummer would and screamed with enough force to create a shockwave.

Ash Ketchum had the unfortunate timing to fight one of the strongest non-legendary Pokemon at the height of his power. Many would consider him losing right at that moment.

'Aha! A worthy foe appears!' ...If one wasn't Prince Nidorino. 'But even this mighty opponent shall fall to me, Prince Nidorino! Future King of—'

"Phul, use AS Bulk Up!" Ena pointed her hand out. The evolved Pokemon beat his chest again, and a noticeable aura rose around him.

Everyone else knew that the Simple Ability doubled stat increases. That meant the strong Slaking grew more potent with a single Bulk Up. If that wasn't enough, Agile Style increased his speed enough to move while performing the boost.

"Now, use AS Bulldoze!" Ena shouted as the Slaking rushed at speeds no one expected the Pokemon to move.

Luckily for the challenger, he started to tell his commands. (Nidorino, Rock Tomb underneath both of you!) The prince used his Life Orb and a rock to launch him and Jigglypuff into the air. Just in time before Phul rushed through the rock as if it wasn't even there.

Jigglypuff floated high and went for Misha as Prince Nidorino landed back on the ground to meet eyes with the Slaking.

'Puny, purple thing!' The Slaking flexed his muscles and spoke with a thick accent, 'I know what is best: to crush you, see your defeated form before me, and hear the lamentations of your trainer!'

'Puny? Puny!?' A tick mark appeared on Prince Nidorino's face as he powered up with Focus Energy. His hind paws glowed as Slaking attempted to rush him with another speedy Bulldoze. Prince Nidorino used Double Kick for movement, using the first paw to speed away from the attack. The poison type landed on the second hind paw—still holding energy—before vaulting towards his attacker.

It's true; Phul already was a bulky Pokemon, but with his new ability, Simple, and the usage of Bulk Up, the Slacking had incredible defenses.

But that didn't deter Prince Nidorino; maybe it spurred him on. Indeed, physical attacks wouldn't do much to Phul, but it didn't stop the royal from twisting mid-air, empowering his hind legs again, and slamming both into the side of Phul's face.

Regular attacks wouldn't do much, but what about Critical Hits? Attacks so precise that they bypass stat boosts? And what about two of them that were super effective?

Everyone watched Phul collapse hard on the ground from the boosted attack of Prince Nidorino.

'I am Prince Nidorino, plebeian! Never look down on me again!' Prince Nidorino declared through gasps and huffs.

"Misha, AS Healing Pulse!"

'Winning Love by Daylight!' While Misha and Jigglypuff were battling, the Gym Leader's Pokemon backed off and fired another speedy beam attack on her downed ally. Slaking got up and shook his head. 'I eat fighting moves for breakfast. And right now, I'm hungry!'

As Nidorino avoided more speedy blows from Phul, Ash knew he had to take down Misha, or she'd keep healing all of the Slaking's damage.

"Jigglypuff, use Disarming Voice!"

'Yoom-Tah!' The round Pokemon shouted a shockwave at the healing Pokemon.

"Counter with Strong Style Disarming Voice, Misha!"

'In the name of the moon, I will punish you!' The Audino gave a dramatic pose before shouting her own attack. The explorer felt himself being overpowered.

Ash saw this, including how Phul's attacks got closer and closer to hitting Prince Nidorino. He remembered Wes' words: how Double Battles were a team effort, not two 1v1s.

(Jigglypuff, back off and use Roll Out towards the Slaking!)

The dual type did so, breaking off and slamming into the knee of Phul after he caught and held Prince Nidorino up by his hind leg. The Slaking winced but didn't look hurt. Still, the posion type freed himself and regrouped with Jigglypuff.

Phul growled as he turned to the two Pokemon.

"Phul, SS Hammer Arm!" At the command, the Slaking lifted his arms as they flared with opaque energy. An instant later, he brought them down on the floor. The shockwave caused an earthquake that made many, except Candela and Ena, lose their footing. Prince Nidorino and Jigglypuff were not as lucky. The Poison type flew like a skipped stone. Jigglypuff was much the same, but his body helped him more than the future king.

Phul, seeing his opponent immobilized, charged in with another empowered Hammer Arm down on the poison typ—

'YOOM—!'

Something interrupted the momentum of Phul's attack. Jigglypuff rolled in and used Strength to block the incoming attack. However, the young prodigy couldn't handle the overwhelming power of the Slacking. His squishy body worked against him. Even with Strength, his body was already pressed into half his size. Phul concentrated again and pushed further into his attack.

Prince Nidorino opened his eyes and saw his friend protecting him. Ash linked an order, and the prince's Life Orb started to glow. A second later, a Rock Tomb geysered from beneath the three and launched them into the air. Jigglypuff acted fast as he realized the pressure behind the attack was gone. Still holding on to Phul's fist, the pink Pokemon used Strength to pull and spin the Slacking before hurling the evolved Pokemon... at Misha!? "TAH~!"

The two crashed into each other at the speed of a full-powered truck. Prince Nidorino got back up; feeling his Focus Energy waning, he used Double Kick to shoot off at incredible speed. He saw the two partners slowly getting up, and the prince pured the last of his Focus Energy into his Horn Attack.

In the span of a blink, Prince Nidorino rushed through the two with a precise slash before sliding to a stop.

'She is the one Sailor Mis...' 'I'll be ba...' Both Pokemon fell from the critical and empowered move of Prince Nidorino.

'Ha! Ha!' The young prince laughed despite how much he gasped for air. 'That is what you get for underestimating me!'

"And two down! Gym Leader Ena, choose your next two Pokemon!"

"Is that really it?" Bea and Wes overhead some nearby Team Valor members. "I heard she was supposed to be tougher than that."

"Maybe it's nepotism. I heard Candela grew up in this dojo and the gym leader was like a little sister to her."

Wes spotted Bea clenching her fist after hearing the words. On the battlefield, Ash frowned when he saw Ena's grip on her next Pokeballs trembling. Yet Ena exhaled and threw out her next two combatants.

Twin Dittos.

"Yin, Yang, prepare!" As soon as Ena commanded this, the two Dittos took the form of Prince Nidorino.

'Oh no!' Jigglypuff gasped and put his two limbs to squish his face. 'Two extra friends! How will I ever know who's who?'

'They... they...' Prince Nidorino looked at the two, trembling and biting his lip— 'They are beautiful!'

Ash balked as his poison type stared in admiration at the two enemies. Then he remembered how Prince Nidorino gets whenever he sees his reflection.

"Let the battle continue!"

"Yang, use Rock Tomb Strong Style." At Ena's command, the copycat Pokemon used a move with similar power to Prince Nidorino's attack without his enhanced Life Orb.

Ash ordered the poison type to dodge, but...well...

'What a magnificent attack!' Prince Nidorino cried out before getting hit by several boulders pressing at him from all sides.

'Noooo! Friend!' Jigglypuff gasped dramatically as the Prince of Mt. Moon fell to a pile of broken rocks, swirls in his eyes. 'He had so much to live for!' The puff ball's eyes started to water while he sniffed.

(Prince Nidorino is not dead.) But the event was avoidable. Ash supposed there were downsides to his Pokemon having vivid personalities. But he still wouldn't trade them for the world. Yet it didn't solve his current problem: which Pokemon would Ash use next? Facing off against two Dittos meant he'd have to be fighting his own Pokemon. And there was also the chance of him and everyone losing track of who is who. Wait, what is he thinking? Ash has a Pokemon that goes beyond sight. But should he pivot Astro out now? Logic said yes, but... Ash felt off. Something about the twin Dittos didn't feel right. He felt this odd distortion coming from his psychic powers. As much as he didn't like it, he reached for a different Pokeball. Instinct told him he needed Astro as a last resort. "Go, El Almohada!"

The psychic masked wrestler appeared on the field. '¿Por qué veo doble?'

'Uh-huh!' Jigglypuff nodded. 'They're like cloonnneeesss! Oooooo! Attack from the clones~!' Ash didn't know if Jigglypuff was trying to be scary or impressed. He didn't have time to question it further as Candela called the fight to continue.

"AS Transform!" The two in question changed their forms at the speed of a blink. This time, one became Jigglypuff, and the other became El Almohada. Without wasting a second, the clones attacked their copy. But they performed it in a way that they created a dust cloud to obscure everyone's vision.

"Guys!" Ash cried out before two figures backed off to him.

It was a Jigglypuff and masked Drowzee, but was it his? He could try linking an order with the Drowzee... wait a second... the one on the opposite side was already huffing and puffing. El Almohada had horrible stamina, and Ash didn't have enough time to train that yet! (El Almohada, use Reflect!)

The one closer to Ena did so, making the three other Pokemon look confused. Ash's mind fired a hundred thoughts in milliseconds. They copied their appearance and powers, but he bet they didn't know their personalities! "Jigglypuff! If you hit the Drowzee that isn't using Reflect, I'll buy you all the Perfect Apples you can eat for five minutes!"

The pink puff closest to Ash gasped in awe before firing a Disarming Voice right at the Pokemon next to him. Huh! That problem solved itself easier than he thought it would, and he didn't need Astro yet!

"I must admit, you're the first to see through that ruse quickly!" Ena shouted. "But that is not enough! Yin, use Bitter Malice on Drowzee!"

"I have never heard of that move before." Bea found herself saying out loud that Wes agreed. The move sounded like a region-only attack. Wait a second, Dittos couldn't use attacks the other Pokemon didn't know...

Shadows started to swirl and surround El Almohada. The psychic panicked and jumped on top of his Reflect screen before using it to catapult him toward the real Jigglypuff. This was a good move for the wrestler, as the area exploded in a torrent of ghostly swirls. Not only that, dark ice covered the fallout of the attack.

"What kind of attack is that!?" Wes blinked as he saw the result of the strike.

Jigglypuff rolled towards the fake Drowzee before jumping off the momentum and intending to use Strength to punch the false mon. However, the dual type blinked as his attack went through the faker. The action reminded Ash of Jigglypuff's battle with Joe the Sableye. But why? The only time attacks phased through was when...

Hey...?

"Yin, use Sludge Bomb, Strong Style!" Ena capitalized on Jigglypuff's mistake. The odd Drowzee crossed his arms before a bubble of concentrated poison exploded underneath the part fairy type. The Fake Jigglypuff used Strength on a distracted El Almohada, only to be blocked by the Reflect Barrier following him around. The psychic typed yelled as he fled with his hands up in the opposite direction but turned to see the fake Drowzee's attack fade away.

In the center of the poison geyser, Jigglypuff was out cold—in a literal sense—since the edges of his body looked frostbitten. But how? Jigglypuff got hit by a poison attack, so why were there traces of ice on him?

"Jigglypuff!" Ash recalled and told his carefree Pokemon to rest. Yet, as he did, the raven-haired trainer pieced together the mysteries of this fight. El Almohada did not know a move called Bitter Malice or Sludge Bomb. Dittos were supposed to copy the attacks of those they took the form of. But Dittos weren't the only Pokemon that could change their appearance. Which meant— "That's not a Ditto!" Ash whispered before he picked up Astro's Pokeball.

"Go, Astro!" As soon as the battle resumed, it was Ash's turn to go on the offensive. (Astro, close your eyes and use your Aura! El Almohada, use Rest!)

(Huh?) Astro's ears flew upward from use of his powers. (Ash, what is that!?) The blue Pokemon pointed over to the fake Drowzee. Ash nodded as he recognized what Pokemon he was actually facing. But something was still off, that first move—something bothered him constantly.

Ena shouted. "Of course you have one of the only Pokemon that can see through this tactic, but even that is not enough! Yang, change into the Riolu!"

'I see!' Dream Mode El Almohada puffed his chest. 'Your malvado twin is here to take your place in the wedding between you and Cheese-chan! Do not worry, amigo, by the power of paperwork, we can defeat them in basketball!'

'I don't know what you said, but let's get to work, El Amohada!'

(Almohada, use Light Screen! Astro, jump off that Reflect barrier and use Foresight on the fake Drowzee before Focus Blast!)

The two Pokemon moved at their trainer's command. Astro charged and threw a Focus Blast right for the fake Drowzee. The False Pokemon jumped away to avoid the attack, but the orb froze before it hit the ground. The attack continued and sailed right for the fake Pokemon, but Ena acted fast. "Use Bitter Malice to parry the attack!" The fake performed the strange move to clash with the incoming Focus Blast. The explosion forced a dust storm to fill the arena once more. The fake Drowzee widened her eyes when Astro closed the distance and slammed a Force Palm above her head?

No, above the illusion's head.

Astro's palm met a torso, and the impact of the blow flew past the body that took the hit. The false psychic type's form failed, showing everyone what Pokemon could copy forms outside a Ditto.

It was a Zoroark, but their kind was usually black, not stark white. They also didn't have flowing "hair-like" ends tipped in red.

"What is that Pokemon?" Bea, with everyone else, stared at the haunting yet beautiful creature.

"An endangered Pokemon Species only found in Sinnoh." Everyone looked at Candela. "They're called Hisuan Zoroarks. Or rather, they were thought extinct until Sensei found several eggs and raised the creatures as his own."

"They're also a ghost type." People turned to Ash. "Jigglypuff couldn't land a hit on him, and it was like whenever he fought against a ghost type! But since you're a normal type gym leader, I guess that Zoroark is a normal and ghost type!"

Ena nodded before pointing towards her Ditto. "Yang, transform into Yin!" At her order, the Ditto transformed again, mirroring his ally in all her majestic form.

"Shadow Sneak, Agile Style!" Both Pokemon turned into blurs before rushing each of Ash's Pokemon. Luckily for the pair, the Reflect Barrier's energy weakened the physical strikes. But if things continued, Ash would lose the battle.

The teen started to notice the attacks focusing on El Almohada. He linked this to both Pokemon. "Of course, they are angry that I stole their papayas!" The logic didn't make sense, but Ash felt like the dreaming Pokemon could feel a realization to the problem. Hopefully, his sleeping Pokemon would come with a plan to counter this situation he couldn't figure out!

Ash wasn't expecting El Almohada to run up to Astro and put the emanation Pokemon in a choke hold.

'Errkk! Krak! Mergh!' Even without an Omni-translator, many could tell Astro was confused at the sudden attempt.

"El Almohada, stop!" Ash cried out to his sleeping psychic. The psychic did so, only to form a Reflect Barrier into what looked like a folded steel chair before smashing it into the head of one of Ena's Poke—wait, both odd Zoroark stood in stunned silence! Did El Almohada do that on purpose to confuse and stop them!? Ash would question it later, "Astro, strike the other one with Focus Blast!"

Luckily, the blue Pokemon regained his senses and attacked the other stupified Gym Pokemon. A little underhanded, Ash thought, but since El Almohada was sleeping, it was hard to predict how he moved. He'd apologize later. For now, Both of his Pokemon were on the offensive. Astro had much more luck with Foresight, allowing him to land super effective blow after blow on whichever target he landed them on. His opponent attempted to use that strange ghost move again, as cold shadows surrounded the opponent and Astro. Yet, Riolu decided now was the time; he circled his hands from outward to inward as energy gathered into his palms.

Yang, the Ditto, felt a familiar but different spike of energy coming from the fighting type in front of him. Worried, he used a Strong Style version of Bitter Malice on the fighting—

Yang finished the attack; it's just that it got overpowered by two giant fists of air pressure, or rather the Unite Style of Vacuum Wave. The swarm of shadows parted akin to a blast ripping clouds like paper. Yang flew from the impact before hitting a wall with a splat! His gooey form turned pink before spilling into the floor.

"So that was the Ditto." Ash wondered which shift-shaper he knocked out. Either way, he wasn't going to underestimate...

"Hey? Did you see that move that Riolu did?" "Yeah, what the heck was that!? It looked like Strong Style with Agile Style!" "Hey, wait. Isn't that the Style the Master created before he left?" "Huh? You mean some random trainer pulled it off when his granddaughter couldn't?" "Wow, talk about talentless. Even with a rare Pokemon and stronger moves, she's losing to some random kid." "I guess I was right: nepotism made her a gym leader."

Ash didn't mean to freeze up when he overheard the murmurs. But he looked over to see Ena looking down with her bangs covering her eyes. Yet, Ash spotted her hand clenching the blade fiercely. The teen turned to both Wes and Bea. Bea narrowed her eyes toward some of the Valor members, and Wes kept his eyes on him. Wes broke eye contact first, glancing once at Ena with a quick nod.

Ash got the message. Forget the chance to strike and win: help her.

"WOW! THAT WAS AMAZING!" Everyone turned to Ash as he pumped his fists. "I would have lost Astro if that move hit! You're strong, Ena, really strong!" The raven-haired teen turned to his pair of Pokemon. "But there's no way we're losing here!"

(Astro... that Unite Style you did, can you teach it to the last Pokemon?)

(Huh? Okay!) (¡Ya veo! We are attempting to do business with them!)

Astro and El Almohada ran up to Yin, but to only more skilled trainers, the pair were missing on purpose. Each strike and grapple attempt was easy to avoid.

'Hi!' Astro spoke between strikes. 'You wanna learn that cool move I did? All you gotta do is start using the Agile Style, but before you let it rip, switch it to Strong Style!'

Yin's eyes widened at the simple explanation. All the Riolu did was change the nature of the attack mid-charge? Wait a second, manipulating moves to move fast before changing it to Strong Style? The white Zoroark lept back and turned to her trainer. Ena snapped out of the stupor and saw Yin smiling. The samurai spotted the confident look on her Pokemon's face; she glanced between the Riolu and her Pokemon until her eyes widened as she realized. Could it be? Ena's eyes narrowed before she solidified her stance. "Yin, use Bitter Malice... Unite Style!"

The white Zoroark gathered energy before unleashing two giant storms of shadow energy right underneath the opposing pair. The torrent of the attacks combined, creating an explosion of cold air that made everyone brace themselves. As everyone regained their senses, they saw Astro and El Almohada frozen solid in dark ice... with swirls on both of their eyes. Candela remained neutral, even as the corner of her mouth twitched upward for half a second. She then called the match, "The winner is Gym Leader Ena!"

Ena was surprised the naysayers suddenly started to cheer. "Did you see that!?" "What was that move?!" "Wait, can anyone do that type of move!?" "I wanna learn that next!" "No, me!"

The samurai Gymleader still felt stupified at the fact she had won and that her Pokemon performed a Unite Style at last. As the crowd gathered around her, she spotted the trainer, who helped her, walking up to his friends.

"Aww, man! I lost!" Ash sighed when he went back to both Wes and Bea.

"You looked like you had it. Unfortunately, the gym leader had that ace up her sleeve." Wes said with a light shrug.

Bea was more direct as she figured out what Ash did. "That was kind of you, Ash. Sacrificing your victory to help your opponent out."

Ash blushed at the compliment as he scratched his chin. "I wanted to help her out. She looked so sad, and winning like that... would leave a bad taste in my mouth."

Wes had done dirty tricks to win before, but he wouldn't resort to beating emotionally taxed trainers. Not that he faced any of them in the first place, but... "I can see that."

"Yo!" The three turned to see Candela and Ena walking up to them. "Great battle there, Spark's Rookie!" The Valor Team Leader had her signature fiery smile back on her lips. "Seeing you battle up close was a treat! I almost wish you joined my team first!"

"Thanks! I did my best." Ash turned to Ena. "But next time, I'll win!"

"Hmm," The girl held a calm smile and closed her eyes. "I wonder. Will that be necessary?"

"What!?" Ash blanched after hearing that. "I can't challenge the Gym again!?"

"You can," Ena remained serene, even as she brought out her hand. "I was simply wondering if you would do it even as I hand this." She took Ash's hand and placed something in his palm.

Ash saw what looked to be a small icon of a red and blue katana crossing each other. It took a second for the teen to realize what is was. "Wait, is this a badge!?"

"That is the Combat Badge, proof that you have won against one of the two Gyms of Saffron," Ena said.

Ash raised his brow as he heard this. "But I lost?"

"True, but a gym leader can choose how to give their badges. I give you the badge because you embodied what my Grandfather always tried to teach his challengers: have fun. Even as you battled and helped me, you were genuine with your Pokemon." Ena said before relaxing. "But please, how did you make Yin use a Unite Move?"

"Astro said that it's not both styles at the same time: it's one style into the other. From fast into strong and maybe even strong into fast." Ash thought out loud.

"That's it? That's all I needed..." Ena stopped herself and exhaled, "I suppose that's why my Grandfather thought he didn't need to teach it to me. You earned the Badge, Ash. I deem you worthy of a victory in theme and not battle."

The raven-haired teen looked at his new badge, gleaming under the light.

Ash continued to look at his new badge as he and Wes started to leave. "I know I'm in a hurry, but when the league is over, I'm challenging Ena to a double battle again!" His excitement went down. "But I really need to train more! My last travel buddy said I wasn't strong enough, and losing here proved that..."

"So, you also seek strength?" Wes and Ash didn't know what to expect when they turned around, but it definitely wasn't Bea. Or rather, it wasn't Bea lugging a backpack larger than her as if it weighed like a feather. "Excellent! Then I will journey with you."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Wes turned on his heel. "I thought you were going to stay with those other Gym Leaders."

"The idea held merit," Bea said. "However, a former experience warned me staying in one place to train would be detrimental. I have plenty of time, and traveling with both of you seems like an excellent way to further my and my Pokemon's strength! I wish to join!"

"I don't see why not! The more, the merrier!" Ash smiled as he looked at Wes.

"Honestly, I'm just tagging along 'cause it's easier. Like I can convince people to do what they should and shouldn't do."

"What an undisciplined response!" Bea huffed as she moved closer to the Snagger. "You may be an expert in double battles, but your attitude needs vigor!"

"What?" The Orreain raised his brow.

"As payment for helping me in double battles, I will repay you by shaping your soul into that of a worthy fighter!" Wes could see literal fire lighting up in the girl's eyes. "Your very presence should defeat enemies in but a single glance!"

"Whoooaaa! That sounds cool!" Wes alarmingly turned to Ash as he gasped in awe at the idea.

"That is why we will begin now! A good 10-mile sprint should warm us up!" Bea grabbed—which Wes found it like a vice grip—the Snagger's free wrist before running ahead and pulling the blue-themed Orreian along.

"Hey! I didn't agree to—why is your grip so—ow! Ash, a little help here!?"

"You're right, Wes! I should bring out all our Pokemon to train too!" Wes couldn't correct the young teen on account of the pain in his right hand... caused by a certain Galarian.

Bea turned to the raven-haired teen. "An excellent suggestion, Ash! Truly, this was a wise decision of mine!"

Wes argued that. Or he would have if Bea stopped yanking his arm.

And so, a Gym Leader of Galar, The First Savior Snagger of Orre, and the unluckiest Trainer from Pallet Town began their journey through the rest of Kanto.

What a bizarre trio...

[Author Notes]

It feels good to finally know Scarlet/Violet's Region name in Paldea. I can officially call El Almohada's accent Paldean instead of (Spanish).

So, here's some context as to how I'm working the Styles from Legends Arceus in this story. I created the Unite Style based on Pokemon Unite and gave it drawbacks. To give an idea: if I implemented Unite Style in Legends Arceus, it would drain 4 uses of a move, then lock that move from being used for the rest of the battle, even with switching. I had to ensure there was balance and not just a one-sided stomp.

Anyway, hooray! This story reached 500 Favorites! (And we're a little above 20 chapters!) Thanks again for all your support for this story!

Bea: it feels odd to be a part of this story. Yet, the thought of being challenged in new ways only shows I am not finished in my journey!

Wes: Why am I only meeting weirdos?

Sabrina: Trust me, you haven't seen anything yet.

Ash: I just noticed that none of my Pokemon evolved yet. The last time any of my Pokemon did, it was Prince Nidorino. And he did it before I caught him back in chapter 8! When are they going to evolve?

Honestly, I was planning for Notus to evolve during the 4th badge. But I couldn't make it fit. Now, I haven't found the right time.

Speaking of time, let me introduce Takezo!

Takezo: greetings.

Believe it or not, he's from an old account of mine. I thought it would be fun to bring back an easter egg of mine. But I'm so embarrassed about other things that I won't say where he comes from.

Takezo: anxiety and second-guessing yourself does have consequences up to now. But perhaps you should be honest and confess your sins to your readers.

When I'm braver.

Wes, Ash, Bea, Sabrina, Spark, and their Pokemon:...

Okay, so I may have lied about being two different people when I was one and the same. But that's all I did, and all you're getting from me!

Anyway, because I upload bi-monthly, I received news of Iono, the V-Tuber/influencer of the Paldea region! The person looks fun. So fun that I thought of a fun interaction.

Extra: Pokemon Influencers VS Country Bumpkins (And Criminals) (And Fitness Experts).

Iono: Hello, Everyone~! Your eyeballs are MINE—caught in my Electroweb! Whosawwhatsit? Iono! And we're here in Kanto thanks to our special sponsor: Team Instinct! And we're here on a super duper exclusive tour of the famous three teams of Kanto! Oooh! Those two look like members! Yooohoo~! You there~!

Ash: Hi.

Wes: Loud.

Iono: So, tell me and my fans on the internet! What is Team Instinct like?

Ash: What's an internet? A Pokemon?

Iono: ... What?

Ash: Wait, is it the name of your Rotom?

Iono: Iono is in a state of confusion! You sound serious!? How do you not know the internet!? Do you live under a Rock Tomb or something?

Ash: No, I live in Pallet Town.

Wes: Technically, it's out in the countryside. And it's far from a lot of tech. Wait, I thought you grew up near a lab?

Ash: I only used the practical machines. Professor Oak banned me from the software stuff like the big computer when I brought a sick Magneton near it. Come to think of it, I've never used a computer before.

Iono: What!? Well, what about a phone! You just gotta have one!?

Ash: What does a phone have to do with that? Do I have to call someone?

Iono: I don't believe this! Iono has been hit with confusion!

?: Hmm, what's this?

Ash: Hey, Bea!

Bea: I heard you speaking of being confused and winded. Clearly, it is from a lack of training!

Wes: Aaannnddd I'm gone.

Bea: (Grabs Wes' hand before he escapes.) That is why we must make ten laps around the city! All of us!

Iono: W-What? I-I don't need to...

Bea: (Grabs Iono's sleeve)

Iono: W-Why is your grip so strong!? I-It- can't be! Am I stuck in someone else's electro-web!?

Wes: I'd apologize, but it wouldn't be sincere. You're stuck with us now.

Bea: Come on! We must grow stronger together! (Starts running, dragging two different people along very easily.)

Ash: Alright! (runs after.)

Iono: W-Wait! Stop! NOOOOOOOOO!

{Author Notes}

So, I'm obviously looking forward to all the new Pokemon the Paldea Region offers. Maybe later on I can even include some of those cool Pokemon in the story. But for now, thanks again for the huge support this fic receives. I have a lot more fun idea I can't wait to just toss in this story like fruits into a blender! I hope this finds you well! Peace out and please review, follow, and favorite!