Everyone was in shock by what had occurred. May had challenged Max to a battle in the hopes of teaching him a lesson, but her younger brother had won. To make matters worse, he looked as if he hadn't even broken a sweat. The traitors started feeling that getting the group disqualified would be harder than they had originally thought.
"Well May, it looks like I'm staying," said Max, before pointing his pokéball at Dengo. "Dengo, you were awesome. Return and have a good rest."
Max returned his pokémon as his friends gathered around to congratulate him on his victory. They were about to leave, but the traitors weren't finished with him.
"Hang on," demanded Misty. "This match doesn't count."
"What are you talking about? I beat her fair and square," stated Max.
"Nothing about this fight was fair," stated Misty.
Max rolled his eyes and asked, "What, are you going to accuse me of drugging my pokémon as well?"
"We don't have to," said Iris. "You were banned from becoming a Pokémon Trainer, meaning it's illegal for you to own pokémon, so you should've never been allowed to battle in the first place."
Max sighed.
"In your regions maybe, but down here, I was granted permission by the head Professor himself," stated Max. "So, while I may be prohibited from Pokémon Training in the other regions, that's not enforced here."
"None of what Professor Oak says is enforced here," said Ash.
The battle had been so intense that it had caught the attention of the surrounding spectators, which included some of the other traitors. The first to arrive was Serena, quickly followed by Tracy, Cilan and Todd.
"What's going on here?" asked Serena, seeing her friends, including the defeated May.
Serena spotted the other group and couldn't believe her eyes.
"No way," she stated.
"Ash is still alive?" asked Cilian.
"I'm alive and kicking," said Ash.
"This is something you can only believe if you see it," stated Tracy.
"I have to take a photo of this. This could be big news," said Todd taking a photo.
Todd glanced at Trip, Paul, Alain, Sawyer and Zoey. He gave them a nod and they nodded back. They knew they couldn't reveal their allegiance here, but hopefully they'd be able to soon.
"Well everyone, this reunion's been fun, but we've got a million better things to do," said Ash. "Let's go guys."
Misty, however, was not going to let Ash get away with this.
"Hold on," ordered Misty.
"What now?" groaned Ash.
"Max might have proved himself worthy of competing in this competition, but there's no way I'm letting someone like you compete, especially considering you're going in with drugged pokémon," hissed Misty.
"What exactly do you plan to do about it?" asked Ash.
"Same thing as May did. We're going to have a battle. If I win, not only will you forfeit, but you're going to hand all your pokémon over to Professor Oak so they can be safe," demanded Misty removing a pokéball.
"I don't think so," said Ash turning his back.
"Why you scared you'll lose?" asked Misty.
"No, it's just not worth my time," said Ash.
This infuriated Misty.
"You're not leaving until we battle," demanded Misty.
Ash sighed.
"Alright, just to shut you up," said Ash.
"Hold on Ash," said Dawn. "As you already said, she's not worth your time. Let me deal with her."
"Sounds good. This could be a good warm up for you," said Ash.
"Sorry Bluey, but you're not the one I have a problem with," stated Misty. "I came here for a challenge, why would I want to battle some contest performer who not only supports cheaters, but more than likely cheats herself."
"Pretty big words coming from the leader of one of Kanto's weakest gyms," stated Dawn.
"Excuse me the Cerulean City Gym is the strongest in the world," gloated Misty.
"Then how come many beginner trainers are able to win a badge there?" asked Gary. Everyone laughed.
"That's not the point. I don't have to waste my time on someone who wouldn't even be a challenge," said Misty.
"Then why are you so hesitant to fight me if I'll be such an easy victory?" asked Dawn.
"As I've said it's not worth my time," said Misty stamping her foot angrily.
"Then let's make it worth your time," stated Ash. "Same bet, but you battle Dawn instead of me. If she loses, I'll surrender my pokémon to Professor Oak."
Misty smiled.
"Alright Ketchum. You've got yourself a deal," said Misty.
"Two pokémon each?" asked Dawn.
"Sounds good to me," said Misty.
Misty and Dawn headed to the opposite ends of the stadium. Brock stood in the middle again as referee.
"The battle between Misty Waterflower and Dawn Berlitz is about to begin. Each trainer will be allowed to use two pokémon each and the battle will be over when all the pokémon on one team are unable to battle," declared Brock. "Battle begin."
"Misty calls Azumarill," she declared throwing her pokéball.
The Aqua Rabbit Pokémon appeared before them.
"So, starting with something that's part fairy type?" thought Dawn. "Perfect opportunity to show my new evolved form of Eevee."
Dawn was about to choose Veneon, when she remembered that Brock and Ash had told her about a specific phobia Misty had.
"Actually, I think this will be better," thought Dawn.
"Ariadose, spotlight," called Dawn throwing a pokeball.
The large black coloured, red backed spider pokémon appeared before them. Misty froze in fear, she still had not gotten over her fear of bug types. She had a feeling that Dawn's choice of Ariadose wasn't a coincidence.
"Ash and Brock told you I'm afraid of bug pokémon didn't they?" demanded Misty.
"They might've mentioned it," stated Dawn.
"That was a cheap move," stated Misty. "But I'm not going to let you defeat me just because you chose a bug type."
"You know the funny thing is Misty, this isn't even a bug type. The Stralian Ariadose is a poison/dark type," said Dawn, taking out her pokédex. "Let me enlighten you."
"Ariadose, the Long Leg Pokémon. This species of Ariadose is far more venomous than the more common species and the webs it spins are tougher and more sticky. This is considered by many to be one of the most venomous creatures in the Stralia Region," said Dawn's Pokedex.
"Now that's something else," said Todd taking a photo of the creature.
"Whatever, it still looks like a bug and is just as slimy and disgusting as all other bugs and I'll be happy to squish it," stated Misty before gesturing to Ariadose. "Azumarill Bubble Beam."
Azumarill shot a powerful beam of bubbles at Ariadose.
"Psychic," ordered Dawn swiping her hand.
Ariadose's eye glowed a bright blue and stopped the beam in its place. After which the creature used its psychic abilities to shoot the attack back at Azumarill.
"Dodge it," ordered Misty clenching her fists.
Azumarill jumped out of the way just in time.
"Nice try, but you'll have to do better than that," stated Misty crossing her arms.
"Spider Web," ordered Dawn pointing.
Aridose shot a thick coat of silk at Azumarill before Misty had a chance to counter. Azumarill was so caught up in the silk that it found it difficult to move.
"How dare you trap my beautiful water pokémon in disgusting bug web," said Misty as her eyes went red from anger.
"Well, you can't accuse me of cheating, it's a legitimate move," stated Dawn.
"Whatever, Azumarill Aqua Tail," ordered Misty with a clenched fist.
Azumarill's tail glowed and charged at Ariadose. This proved difficult because of Spider Web.
"Poison Jab," ordered Dawn throwing a fist at Azumarill.
One of Ariadose's feet glowed bright purple and took the attack head on cancelling it out.
"Poison Jab again," ordered Dawn throwing another punch.
"Dodge it," ordered Misty desperately.
Unfortunately, Azumarill wasn't fast enough and took the hit at close range sending it flying to the other side of the field.
"Now use Cross Poison," ordered Dawn waving her arm.
Ariadose jumped into the air, made an X with its two front legs which again glowed purple and it struck the weakened Azumarill. Amazingly, Azumarill didn't faint from the attack. It weakly stood up and got ready to attack Ariadose.
"Good job Azumarill, we can still win this," said Misty confidently.
"I don't think so Misty. You see Ariadose being a bug should've been the least of your worries. No matter what region you're from it's a poison type, meaning it has an advantage over fairy types like Azumarill," stated Dawn. "I'll admit though, I did choose it to throw you off your game."
"You're as bad as Ash," stated Misty taking out Azumarill's pokéball. "Azumarill return."
The red beam of light shoot from the pokeball and hit Azumarill, but nothing happened.
"What the?" asked a shocked Misty.
"Um Misty, Spider Web prevents your pokémon from fleeing. Azumarill's not going anywhere for now," stated Dawn. "But it will be soon. Ariadose, Poison Jab."
Too weak to move, Azumarill was helpless as Ariadose attacked with another Poison Jab. Azumarill fell to the ground defeated.
"Azumarill is unable to battle, the winner is Ariadose," declared Brock while gesturing to Dawn's side of the field.
Misty angrily returned Azumarill. Dawn was tougher than she had anticipated, but she wouldn't make that mistake again. It was time to use her trump card.
"Misty calls Gyarados," declared Misty, throwing another pokeball.
The large dragon like water/flying pokémon appeared before them.
"This'll be a much bigger challenge," thought Dawn.
"Ariadose return," said Dawn, before choosing her next pokémon. "Now, Boxaroo spotlight."
The large green and brown kangaroo with red boxing glove hands appeared before them. Misty looked at the creature with great confusion.
"What the hell is that?" asked Misty.
Dawn sighed before using her pokédex.
"Boxaroo, the Jump Punch Pokémon and the final evolved form of Wallaleaf. This pokémon is amongst the best jumpers in the world and is known to throw punches that can knock out legendries. Combining this with its grass type moves makes this a force to be reckoned with," said Dawn's Pokédex.
"Let me guess. It's a grass type?" asked Misty unimpressed.
"Grass/fighting actually. And it's one of the starters given to new trainers of this Region," answered Dawn.
"Fascinating," said Todd, taking another picture. "I have a feeling I'm going to have a great time in this Region."
"How predictable. Do you honestly think you can beat my water pokémon just by using a grass type?" asked Misty arrogantly.
"That's the general plan," stated Dawn.
"Well don't forget, Gyarados is also a flying type, meaning the damage taken by grass attacks will be reduced," stated Misty.
"I won't have to worry about that," thought Dawn.
"And there's one thing you didn't count on. Gyarados can use an attack that's rare for water types. One that makes it dangerous to grass types," stated Misty who then pointed. "Gyarados, Flamethrower."
Gyarados opened its mouth and shot at intense blast of fire at Boxaroo. As always, the heat of the Stralia Region made it far more intense.
"Dodge it by jumping," ordered Dawn throwing an arm to the sky.
Boxaroo jumped high into the air, easily evading the fire. When the fire cleared, Misty was mortified to see that nothing was there.
"Hey, where'd it go?" asked Misty looking around.
"Look up," said Dawn pointing to the sky.
Misty looked up and was blown away by how high the creature had jumped.
"What the?" asked Misty.
"Were you not paying attention? The pokédex said this pokémon is one of the best jumpers in the world. You can't be that surprised," said Dawn before clenching her fist. "Now Boxaroo, Solar Beam."
Boxaroo started charging what would be a devastating attack.
"You idiot, it takes a long time to charge a Solar Beam and you've left yourself wide open, which gives me plenty of time to…"
Misty trailed of when she saw Boxaroo shoot a bright beam of energy at her Gyarados. The attack had come so suddenly that she didn't have time to order Gyarados to evade the attack and was hit by the entirety of the Solar Beam. Thankfully for Misty the attack hadn't delt too much damage and Gyarados was still standing.
"Ok that's it, no Solar Beam can charge that quickly. That just proves you cheated. What drugs did you get from Ash?" demanded Misty.
Dawn rolled her eyes.
"An intense sun not only increases the strength of fire attacks, it also greatly reduces the time it takes to charge a Solar Beam. In this region, most Solar Beams are instant," stated Dawn.
"Oh sure, a Solar Beam that's instant," scoffed Misty.
"Um, actually Misty she's correct," said Iris.
"Wait what?" asked Misty.
"In intense sunlight, the time it takes to charge a Solar Beam is greatly reduced," said Alain. "The move's called Solar Beam for a reason."
Dawn laughed a little at this.
"You claim to be a great Pokémon trainer but you're ignorant about a pretty basic fact," stated Dawn with crossed arms.
"Oh yeah, well now that I know all your tricks I'm not going to fall for that again," said Misty.
"Whatever you say," said Dawn before swiping her arm across the field. "Boxaroo, Solar Beam."
Boxaroo shot another instant Solar Beam.
"I'm not falling for that again. Gyarados, Flamethrower," ordered Misty pointing.
Gyarados shot a beam of fire to counter. The attacks collided and fought for dominance. Though both had been strengthened by the intense sun, it was still a battle of grass vs fire, meaning Misty had the advantage. Flamethrower shot through the Solar Beam and hit Boxaroo. Dawn's Pokémon took a fair amount of damage, but it was still standing.
"Now, get in as close as you can, we don't want that giant rat to dodge again," ordered Misty pointing.
Gyarados charged until it was right in front of Boxaroo.
"This is over, you can't dodge this," declared Misty clenching her fists. "Flamethrower."
"I don't think so," retorted Dawn gesturing at Gyarados. "Boxaroom, quick Thunder Punch."
Boxaroo sprang into action, electrified its fists, and landed a direct punch to Gyarados. Being a water/flying type, Gyarados was helpless against the electricity generated from Boxaroo's fist.
"I guess you thought getting close enough to ensure Boxaroo couldn't dodge would ensure your victory? stated Dawn, folding her arms. "What you didn't count on was that Boxaroo can use Thunder Punch, a move that's super effective against Gyarados."
Misty was furious, but she had one more trick up her sleeve that Dawn couldn't prepare for.
"Gyarados, retreat," oredrered Misty.
Gyarados headed back to Misty's side of the arena.
"What's wrong. Give up?" asked Dawn.
"Not a chance, because Gyarados is about to get stronger than your silly little pokémon could ever dream of," declared Misty.
"And just how is it supposed to do that?" asked Dawn.
"I recommended you take a close look at my hair band," said Misty pointing.
Ash and his friends squinted and could see a bright multicoloured stone dangling from her hair band.
"A key stone," stated Clemont.
"Exactly, now look at Gyarados' forehead," stated Misty.
Upon Gyarados' forehead was a small orange stone.
"That's right, a Gyaradosite," stated Misty. "Gyarados mega evolve."
The stones and Gyarados glowed turning it into a far more powerful creature then before. Gyarados was now a Mega Gyarados, which had a more dragon like appearance. Its tan underbelly was now black, red scales had been added and it now had a large fin on its back.
"I wasn't expecting that," stated Dawn, as she looked at the new creature in horror.
"I knew you weren't and that's how I now this battle is mine. You should've finished me when you had the chance," said Misty, who wasted no time continuing the battle. "Flamethrower."
"Dodge it," said Dawn desperately.
Boxaroo jumped into the air, narrowly avoiding the attack.
"Hyperbeam," ordered Misty pointing to the sky.
"Protect," said Dawn who knew it was crucial Boxaroo remain standing.
Boxaroo covered itself in a barrier, protecting itself from taking any damage as it fell to the ground.
"Now's your chance. SOLAR BEAM," yelled Dawn, wanting to end this before Misty could counter.
"Not gonna happen. Flamethrower," ordered Misty.
Mega Gyarados opened its mouth but shot no flames.
"Misty, a pokémon has to recharge after using Hyperbeam," stated Tracey.
"Oh no, how did I forget that?" asked Misty realising she'd made a grave error.
"Not only that, you made a big mistake by having Gyarados Mega Evolve," said Clemont. "Because a Mega Gyarados is a water/dark type, not a water/flying type, meaning you no longer have any resistance to grass attacks."
"What?" asked Misty.
"Dawn, quickly before Gyarados has time to recharge," pleaded Ash.
"No problem. Boxaroo finish this," ordered Dawn clenching her fist.
Boxaroo fired the Solar Beam and Mega Gyarados was helpless as the beam hit its target. Just as Clemont said, despite Mega Gyarados now being stronger, it took more damage from the Solar Beam then it would have as a regular Gyarados.
"It also occurred to me that since a Mega Gyarados is part dark type it should also be weak against fighting attacks," said Dawn smiling. "Boxaroo, Close Combat."
Boxaroo charged at Mega Gyarados and threw a barrage of painful punches. Despite Boxaroo being unguarded during this attack, it was causing to much damage for Gyarados to fight back. Once the attack had ended Boxaroo jumped back towards Dawn.
Mega Gyarados did nothing in retaliation. It reverted to a regular Gyarados and fell to the ground unconscious.
"Gyarados is unable to battle the winner is Dawn and Boxaroo," said Brock gesturing to Dawn's side.
"Boxaroo, you were awesome," said Dawn jumping for joy before giving Boxaroo a hug. She then presented Boxaroo's pokéball. "Thank you so much, return."
After Boxaroo had returned all of Dawn's friends ran to the field to congratulate her on an amazing battle.
Misty couldn't believe it. She'd lost.
"How could I lose to a Coordinator?" asked Misty in disbelief.
"I might be a Coordinator, but I regularly train with Ash, so my skills as a battler shouldn't be taken lightly," stated Dawn.
"Actually, they should," said Iris. "There's no way that someone like you could beat Misty."
"Then how did I beat her?" asked Dawn sarcastically.
"You said you regularly train with Ash, so I'll bet he supplied you with drugs for your pokémon," accused Iris. "In fact, I have to wonder just how many of you fight dirty."
"Enough with this drugging nonsense," stated Dawn.
"You have no proof that any of us drugged our pokémon. All you have is the word of Professor Oak and considering you choose to believe him over your own friend without a shred of evidence shows that all of you are terrible friends," stated Brock.
"We don't need evidence," said Kenny.
"Yeah, Professor Oak is the greatest Pokémon Researcher in the world and he has no reason to lie," said May. "And if you think about it. You stole all the evidence before a proper judgement could be made."
"That gives us all the evidence we need to know you're guilty," said Serena.
"I'm glad I stole that evidence. It helped me see who my enemies were," thought Ash.
"And Brock you have some nerve to lecture us on being bad people," stated Misty. "Do you have any idea what happened to your family when you ran away?"
Brock had a feeling he wouldn't like the answer.
"For some reason your father refused to believe the accusations against Ash and openly defended him. He was thrown in jail leaving no one to look after your brothers and sisters, who have now all been split up in the foster care system!" explained Misty. "What kind of older brother abandons their siblings in their time of need?"
Brock was shaken by this. He had no idea that had happened to his family. What had become of his siblings? Did they resent him now for going on the run with Ash instead of staying behind?
All the commotion had caught the attention of others.
"What's going on here?" asked a man pushing his way through the crowd.
It was Professor Oak. When he saw Ash and his friends an evil smile spread across his face.
"Ash Ketchum, as I live and breath."
"Professor Oak," said Ash.
"So, you thought it would be a good idea to come out of hiding when all the Professors were gathered together in one Region?" asked Professor Oak. "What exactly were you trying to accomplish?"
"I'm hoping to clear my name and prove to the entire world that you lied," stated Ash.
"Well, you won't accomplish that. I'm going right to the authorities of this Region and telling them what you did," declared Oak.
"They already know the story and they don't believe it," said Ash. "No police officer in this Region will convict me based on your word."
"Then I'll get the police from Kanto to come over and they'll bring you to justice," said Professor Oak.
"I don't think so," said a voice.
They turned to see Professor Gidyea approaching.
"Who're you?" asked Professor Oak.
"I'm Professor Gidyea, resident Pokémon Professor of the Stralia Region and I'm sorry to tell you this Professor Oak, but you're in my jurisdiction and you won't lay a hand on Ash or his friends while they are citizens of this Region," stated Professor Gidyea.
"How dare you speak to me like that. Do you have any idea who I am?" asked Professor Oak.
"Professor Samuel Oak. Resident Professor of the Kanto Region and the most respected researcher in the world. But that doesn't change the fact that this is my Region, and you have zero jurisdiction here," stated Professor Gidyea.
Professor Oak started fuming with anger.
"Well, I think we've proven our point. Not only have we been permitted to compete in this competition, but we've already proven our strength against other competitors," said Ash. "I think we're done here."
"Agreed," said Dawn.
Ash and his friends were about to leave but Professor Oak wasn't finished.
"This isn't over Ash, sooner or later you'll face the consequences for what you've done," said Professor Oak before storming off.
"He's right. One way or another we'll make sure you can't hurt anymore innocent pokémon," said Iris.
With that most of the traitors left. To the surprise of Ash and his friends. Paul, Trip, Sawyer, Alain, Zoey and Todd remained behind. Remembering that Paul had allowed Ash to escape that night back in the Sinnoh Region, Ash wondered if those that remained had secretly been supporting him. Paul gave Ash a nod, as did everyone else positively confirming Ash's suspicions.
"Dawn, despite everything you've done, I'm eager to see how much you've improved," said Zoey without giving away her true alliance.
Paul then shook his head towards the traitors indicating that they were going to follow them. Ash didn't argue because he knew it was best they remain undercover for now. Ash gave them a returning nod and they left.
"Well, it's good to see some of your friends believe you," said Clemont.
"Agreed and I have a feeling we're going to find more support as time goes by," said Ash.
Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed the second battle. Special shoutout to katanaeyegaming for the advice given to improving my battles. Please let me know what you think in the reviews and feel free to make guesses on what may happen going forward.
Before I go I just want to say a big thankyou to everyone for the support given to this story. I know this is a concept that is greatly overdone, but I've always found these stories to be an interesting take on the world of Pokémon and writing this has been an absolute treat.
Thanks again for reading and I'll see you next time.
