Author's Note:

Here it is, the next gym battle and boy, does it feel weird having such a short gap between gym five and six. I don't think we've had a gap this small since the orange islands. Not that it really matters. Also, this is the longest chapter in Hoenn (so far). I will say, we've got quite a bit of a wait until the next gym chapter, being fifthteen chapters away. This one isn't much special; we just have more Steven and nothing much else. We'll see his conclusion in this little mini-arc next chapter (the Fortree / Steven one), and I think you'll like it but that's getting ahead of me. We also get more exploration on an arc I'm really excited about, and I think a lot of you guys are too given the responses to chapters around her so far. Which I am also super psyched to get further into. Don't forget to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin

Chapter Fifty-Five: Ash verses Winona: Bravery

Ash smirked widely as he stood at the base of the Fortree gym. Cranking his neck all the way back and he still couldn't see the top of the building due to the clouds blocking his view. Feeling his heart thump against his chest, he took a deep breath, "I challenge you!"

"And I accept!" Winona's voice shouted back. The large gate blocking off the staircase opened, revealing the gym leader stood a few stairs up, with Steven stood behind her on his Metagross, "now my gym isn't exactly built for spectators so your friends will need to view this from our hot air balloon. It should go without saying but if any Pokémon deliberately attacks them, then they'll be eliminated."

"Of course," he nodded, turning to his friends, "guess I'll see you guys later."

Brock gave him a firm handshake and serious nod while Max and May each added in their own words of encouragement. Serena quickly engulfed him in a hug and peck on the lips. He smiled sadly watching them head over to the Swablu shaped hot air balloon which had a gym worker waiting for them.

Turning towards the staircase, he followed the two experienced trainers up. As they walked, he couldn't help but notice Steven, who was sat on top of his Metagross, who floated up beside them at the same sort of speed. He also wasn't dressed in the same formal suit as the previous days, this time wearing a slick plain button black shirt with an open colour and matching, black-creased suit trousers. He also didn't have any of the rings on his fingers, but he did have that colourful stone pinned over his heart. Mentally shrugging, he figured this was his casual gear when not making formal public appearances.

"I should also warn you Ash, we run a strict out-of-bounds rule in this gym," Winona drew his attention, "if any Pokémon is thrown off the side and falls below a quarter of the building... same goes with if a Pokémon flies below that distance, then they'll be deemed unallowed to continue."

"What if-"

"Don't worry, I have a Xatu as a support Pokémon," she explained, "if a Pokémon does fall below it. They'll catch 'em before crashing. So, they'll be safe but won't be allowed to battle. And if you have a flying type fly out of bounds in any other direction then you'll get thirty seconds to return or the same result."

"Got it." He nodded.

"The same applies to my own Pokémon, obviously, and we've got balloons set up to mark the bounds area in the sky," she continued.

"Cool so-" He stopped in space, feeling his ears burst. Blinking, he looked around, "whoa."

"Your ears just pop?" she asked.

"Y-yeah," he muttered. Shaking his head to regain his composure, "so I got a question. What do you do if someone can't climb up here?"

"For those physically unable to climb, we've got a lift inside," she replied.

"And those scared of heights?" he asked.

"You scared, Ash?" Steven asked, raising an eyebrow.

"N-no, it's just... something that occurred to me," he muttered, "I've ridden higher than this on Pidgeot before."

"Well, you need to learn that no-one is afraid of heights... it's the fear of falling that truly scares them," she replied, "and that's part of what this gym tests, bravery is needed to earn a feather badge from here. Without it then you can't truly reach your full potential as a trainer."

"Do you know what the true definition of bravery is?" Steven asked, to which he shrugged, "it is knowing that something will hurt... and doing it anyway. Of course, that is also the definition of stupidity."

He pinched his lips together but couldn't mull over what was said for long as they reached the top of the temple. Stepping off the staircase, he looked around to see the top being a slightly bigger than normal gym field with two large pedestals where the trainer boxes should be. Glancing over the edge, a sea of clouds blocked his vision from the ground. Looking across the clear blue sky, he felt a cool breeze despite the sun burning down on them. Several balloons littered the sky, along with the Swablu shaped hot air balloon. He also noticed Kahili from the golf course stood in the middle of the field, with referee flags in hand.

"I'm going to join the others to watch from afar," Steven bowed, his pseudo legendary taking off to fly across the sky with him on back.

"Winona, challenger," the golf expert greeted, "your scheduled for a four-on-four battle where the challenger may substitute at any point, but the leader shall not. With no time limit but our usual strict out of bounds rule in action. Are you both agreed?"

"Yes," both of them replied in unison.

"Good," she smiled, "then take your places on the stands and we'll begin. As gym leader, Winona shall reveal her Pokémon first."

Nodding, he walked over to the stand. Looking up at it, he gulped. They were already high up but now she wants him to stand even higher? Reaching the back, he stopped onto the platform. The back closed off and it rose up from the ground, like an automatic lift. As he reached the top of the stand, he looked across the field to see Winona with her first Pokémon already stood on the field.

His body was wrapped in green leaves on the chest and head with a light brown underside. Possessing large, broad green leaves on the back, which were the wings capable of flight. A long neck extended out of his bulky body with a thin, black line around. He noticed the long neck allowed for the head to reach up just below where Winona stood. Bright yellow and pink nanab berries dangled from the chin. Glancing down to the feet, he noticed the bright yellow toe-nails matching the fruit as he scanned his first opponent, he may have Leaf's but this one is clearly bigger and stronger so any tips he can get will help:

Tropius, The Fruit Pokémon. Children of the southern tropics eat as snacks the fruit that grows in bunches around the neck of Tropius. This Pokémon flies by flapping the leaves on its back as if they were wings. They're some of the kindest and friendliest wild Pokémon despite their large size

"Ash," Winona's voice appeared. Glancing around he found some sort of speaker panel on the control board, "this is so we can communicate and also allow your friends to hear us. Kahili also has access to communicate with us so we can hear any calls she makes."

"That's good to know," he replied, running his hand over his four Pokéballs selected for this battle.

"Tell me," she continued, "do you know why I hold my gym battles at this location?"

"Isn't this the old worshipping grounds for Rayquaza?" he asked.

"That is true," she nodded, "but this field is also the perfect environment for any flying type Pokémon. To win on this field, you need true mastery of the sky and that is also why I have us stand on this podiums. This is the closest we humans can get to flying unsupported and we have to deal with the wind, just like those who fight for us at these high altitudes. It is the true test when facing a flying type! So, tell me Ash, who shall be your first Pokémon?"

"I choose... Torkoal!" he shouted, holding his device out.

A red light shot down and his pure fire type materialised on the field. He shook his head and looked ahead at their opponent. Drawfing in comparison to the grass flying type, he kept his calm expression. Despite the cool wind blowing past his face, he noticed the sun rays scorching down more intensely.

"Your Torkoal?" she quirked an eyebrow up, "interesting choice... hardly suited for a sky-high aerial battle."

"We're not about to let you lead us into an unfavourable match up, Winona," he called back, "and I don't recall a rule being I need to use flying types."

"Your right," she nodded, "but it doesn't matter. If you can't take advantage of the field, then your already at a massive disadvantage."

He frowned and glanced between the two Pokémon. His coal Pokémon tightened up his stance, looking up to the large fruit Pokémon. Letting out a blow of smoke from his nostrils and back shell. It quickly blew away on the wind. Glancing to the side, he gave the referee a nod to indicate he was ready.

"Tropius verses Torkoal," Kahili declared, holding a flag up in either direction, "let the battle begin!"

Winona verses Ash: Round one

Ash narrowed his eyes as he studied the field. His pure fire type stood with energy building up around his shell. He knew him well enough to know he liked to set up and test his opponent before dismantling opponents and after how effective he's proven to be, he's happy to let him handle the start of the battle.

Glancing over to Tropius, he saw the grass flying type flap his wings. With a long build up, the fruit Pokémon became airborne. His shadow covering Torkoal.

Knowing that this would prevent him from collecting solar energy, he frowned. Pinching his lips together, he saw the fire type step forward.

A massive cloud of smoke erupted out of his shell. Covering their entire half of the field from view. The corner of his lips flicked up as he knew what his fire type was up to. He may not switch up his strategy too much from opponent to opponent but if it works, it works.

The grass flying type tilted back, flapping his wings harder. A powerful gust blew the smoke away, revealing Torkoal as his shell shimmered silver.

Blocking his face with one arm, he used the other to hold his hat down. Grimacing as the powerful gust blurred his vision. Tears leaking out to the side.

Clenching his teeth, he glanced down to the floor and found Torkoal stood still... he seemed completely unfazed by the powerful wind from their opponent.

Ending the blast of wind, Tropius shook his head back and forth. Several small brown seeds showered down over his side of the field. His coal Pokémon withdrew back into his shell, spinning on the spot. Causing the leech seeds to bounce off harmlessly.

A series of razor-sharp leaves shot down onto his fire type. Each one effortlessly bouncing off his shell, littering the floor around him.

"Tropius, we need to go full offensive!" The flying type specialist commanded, "let's try the last resort!"

Narrowing his eyes, he saw solar energy start to gather around their opponents back. Frowning, he knew Solar beam wouldn't be enough to knock-

"They're going to try and blow you off the edge!" he shouted, remembering the specific automatic disqualification.

His pure fire nodded, the shapes in his shell glowing with a bright red colour. It didn't take long for the grass flying type to launch his attack.

A bright white beam shot across the field. Forming a white ball at his mouth, it quickly caught fire. Launching it, the weather ball collided with the solar beam.

Using the explosion to launch a follow up, he let out a wide-spread stream of flames. Containing the initial explosion, it seemed to absorb the energy and push it back the other way. A shockwave echoed and, barely pushing Torkoal an inch across the ground while Tropius went flying backwards.

"Earthquake!" Winona shouted.

Squinting to see past the explosion, he tightened his fist. The Fruit Pokémon rode the explosion in a wide berth, picking up moment before diving to the field.

Slamming back down on his original starting position, the entire floor shook. Grabbing ahold of the rails, he squeezed his eyes shut and grinding his teeth together from the earthquake, he tried to peak across the field. Torkoal stood at the epicentre of the ground type move.

Although he seemed unaffected. Quickly realising he used his own Bulldoze as a seismic-shied similar to their battle against Slaking and Norman.

Torkoal quickly launched out a purple gas from his mouth. Using the winds new direction to deliver it straight into Tropius' face.

With the shaking fading, he slumped down on the stand, trying to catch his breath. When he tried to swallow, he realised his mouth was completely dry.

Tropius stumbled backwards, coughing, and shaking his head. He watched as the grass flying type leaned around and plucked some berries from under his wing. As he turned back, he caught a glimpse, recognising them as lum berries. The glance of more growing under there visible for a brief second.

"Tropius has a unique ability called harvest, which allows him to grow berries under direct sun light." Winona's voice echoed over the coms.

Clenching his fist, he watched as the fruit Pokémon recovered from the poison. Having regained his composure, he used the rails to pull himself back up.

"I believe I've seen enough of this opponent Ash." Torkoal turned to look at him. "I ask for permission to put an end to this battle."

He glanced over to the grass flying type, who looked disgruntled. With a pinched, twisted lips and narrowed eyes, wrinkling his face. Inwardly smirking at the effect his fire types words seemed to have brought a certain glee as he glanced down to the pure fire type, "sure."

The fire turtle gave a single nod and turned back to their opponent. Withdrawing into his shell, he started spinning across the field with surprising speed.

Winona's Pokémon started to flap his wings. Despite the gust from the attempted take off, Torkoal shot underneath the fruit Pokémon.

Exciting his spin, he sat underneath the Pokémon as he left the ground. With the red parts of his shell glowing red, a massive burst of heat shot up out of the hole on top. Striking Tropius directly in the stomach as he collapsed back down on top of the fire type.

Torkoal walked over to the side, launching out a swift barrage of embers. Striking his lum berries under his wings, causing them to burst into flames.

"Try a running take off to create some distance!" Winona shouted.

Her grass flying type took off across the field, flapping his wings as he tried to leap into the air. It certainly looked awkward as it ran away.

His coal Pokémon seemed unbothered and took a deep breath. Shooting out a massive stream of flames after their opponent. The flamethrower engulfed their opponent, causing him to trip and fall. Sliding right up to the edge of the field, the bonfire continued to radiate heat.

The wise mentor of his group ended his flames and turned to Winona. Giving a bow of his head, he walked back over to his original starting place.

As he turned to face her once more, Tropius was finally put off. He laid flat on his stomach, head down, with swirls in his eyes and soot covering his body.

"Tropius is unable to battle," Kahili declared, "making the victors of this round the challengers, Ash and Torkoal!"

Ash let out a sigh of relief. Maybe it's just the high altitude messing with his head, but this certainly seems like a harder battle to focus on. Glancing down to the field, he noticed his pure fire type glancing up at him with his regular calm expression.

"I believe that was the desired result?" he asked.

"Y-yeah." He sighed, relaxing against the rail. Glancing over the field, he noticed Winona recall her grass flying type, holding the device against her heart with eyes closed. If he were to guess, she sent silent well-wishes towards Tropius for the hard thought battle. "Ya know Torkoal, one day I'm gonna figure out all your tricks. Every time I think I know your limit, you surprise me."

"When you do, please let me know," he smiled, "I too would find use for that information."

"You mean you don't even know?" he asked.

"I'm as powerful as I need to be," he replied, "it is why I always let my opponents move first. So, I can study and react accordingly."

"But couldn't that put you in a difficult situation or cost you a match?" he asked.

"Perhaps," he nodded, "but also not. After all, the first one to move in a game of chess, is the first one to make a mistake."

"You did well Ash, your Torkoal has been well trained and had a counter measure for every trick we had prepared for fighting at a disadvantage." He couldn't help but inwardly smirk at her praise. "You caught both me and Tropius off guard. Especially with your Earthquake seismic-shield tactic."

"Gee, thanks Winona!" He smiled. Glancing down to the floor, he noticed Torkoal letting out a cloud of smoke in agreement with his cry. "But were not going to forget that this match is only just getting started."

"That's true, and don't think I part with badges from my gym that easily." She narrowed her gaze, holding out another Pokéball. "Pelipper, take to the sky!"

A red light shot out and just above the ground materialised the large, white-feathered bird with a massive yellow beak, which took up most of the face and extended out along the underside of her body. A blue crest sat on top of her head. With three blue-digits on each of the large wings which lightly flapped, keeping her above the ground. She had blue flipper-like feet with three webbed digits on each. While the eyes were difficult to read due to being more black semicircles with a horizontal white line between them. Reaching for his device, he scanned the vaguely familiar Pokémon, having seen some on his journey:

Pelipper, The Water Bird Pokémon. The final evolved form of Wingull. This Pokémon is able to swim or fly for great distances over the ocean. The large body stores energy as reserves and in dangerous situations helps ferry small water types to safety by carrying them in the beak. They are typically calm natured

Putting the device away, he glanced up to the sky. The sun disappeared behind a dark black cloud, limiting the lighting on the field. Although, several side lights from all directions turned on to help mitigate this. Droplets of water fell down over the field, quickly turning into a downpour.

"Alright Torkoal," he called out, reaching for the device on his belt, "return for now. I might need you later and this isn't the opponent for you."

A red light absorbed his pure fire type, sucking him back into the device. Clipping the Pokéball back onto his belt, he felt a strong gust blow against him. He squeezed his eyes shut and held onto the rail due to the powerful cold gust. Squinting through his soaked face, he noticed the Fortree gym leader stood tall despite her hair being blown by the wind. Her arms crossed over her chest with an undeterred stare over the field, like she wasn't affected by the rain.

"When up this high, you need to be prepared for all sorts of weather!" She informed, "so tell me, Ash, who'll be your next Pokémon?"

Running over his three remaining Pokémon, he quickly ruled out Metang. This situation is far too similar to when he caught the steel psychic type and he'd hate to bring back any traumatic experiences and have him lose control once more. While Crawdaunt would work well in the rain, he doesn't really have a good counter for Pelipper, and she's proven to have several counters for normal weaknesses which would leave-

"I choose you, Seviper!" He shouted, holding he next device out.

His pure poison materialised on the floor in front of Pelipper. Letting out a low hiss, she crouched. Her tongue lightly slivered out as her jagger tail swayed side to side. He smirked seeing as her black and purple skin would blend in perfectly with this environment. If there was one thing he decided on for this team, it was those who could easily handle opponents without much input. Which would really help with his limited vision during this storm.

"Pelipper verses Seviper," Kahili declared, "let the battle begin!"

Winona verses Ash: Round two

Ash narrowed his eyes as he watched the battle get underway. Wiping the rain off his face, he tried to make out what was going on but due to the extreme weather effects, he couldn't. Taking a deep breath, he knew Seviper hunted best in dark places which should give her an advantage right now.

Squinting harder, he noticed a black blur which he assumed was his pure poison type. As she lept at their opponent, the bird rode the winds.

Despite being close to the ground and hardly agile like some other fliers. She continued to avoid his huntress, using the high wind currents for movement.

A blast of purple liquid shot out but was countered by a jet of water. Washing the venoshock away, he could only assume it struck Seviper head on.

Chewing on his inner lip, he noticed the large-beak Pokémon shimmering with a mystic light. Reaching for his Pokédex, he looked up the move:

Stockpile: This move increases the defensive abilities of the user for a while after use

Clenching his fist, he put the device back into his pocket. His pure poison type being blow around by the wind in the air.

"With all his defence and set up, this is like fighting Torkoal," he mumbled to himself, running through ideas in his head.

Landing on the ground, the water flying smirked. Waving her wing in a come and get motion towards his poisonous serpent.

Seviper sneered at the implication. Wasting no-time in slivering across the ground, keeping low. Even with the lights helping fight the storm, he struggled to make her out. A thin layer of water now covered the field from the constant downpour. His pure poison type leaving ripples in her movements.

The confident bird countered her pounce with a wing to block her fangs. Holding it up in the air, with a shimmering of metal shining under the field lights.

While his serpent swung her tail around. Stabbing under the wing with a powerful jab. Landing in front of her with narrowed eyes.

"Haze!" He shouted.

His poisonous snake let out a thick white cloud. The smoke caused the water flying to stumble backwards, coughing, and shaking her head.

Using the opening once more, she pounced. Stabbing her fangs down onto his beak, she spun her tail around the side. Knocking into her side, she sent the water bird rolling through the water. With a low hiss, she shot out a blast of purple liquid over their opponent.

Flapping her wings, she desperately tried to take off. The previous venoshock and the rain helping weight down the large-beaked Pokémon.

"Hurricane!" Winona hollered.

A powerful wave of wind echoed from the large wings, blowing both Seviper and the water on the field. She stabbed both her fangs and tail into the ground, wincing from the powerful gust as Winona's second Pokémon blew herself high into the air, disappearing from sight due to the field lights not lighting the sky.

Squinting through the rain, he realised that he couldn't properly make out his own Pokémon either. Being a nocturnal hunter, she is skilled as disappearing.

His eyes widened as he realised something. Even if they act like it doesn't, they must also be negatively affected by the weather just like they are.

"Use Dig Seviper!" he shouted.

Despite not seeing it, he could only assume she found a way to do it. Closing his eyes, he truly hoped the risk would turn out for the best.

Just as he predicted, the water flying type moved closer to the field to examine it. After scanning the field, she took a deep breath. Launching out a powerful blast of water, the hydro pump struck the ground, cracking the hole and making it bigger.

Biting his lower lip, he watched with wide eyes. A second jet of water shot up out of the water and into the sky behind Pelipper.

A black blur zoomed out in the water. With a wide smile taking over his face, he saw his huntress do exactly what he thought of moments ago.

Riding the jet of water up, Seviper went flying into the air. Straightening her body, she swam with the current as she soared high above the field. Leaping out of the hydro pump geyser, she shot directly into their opponent. Due to her large size, Pelipper was unable to avoid their collision.

His poison snake constricted her body around the large water bird. Sinking her large fangs down into her back, right where the wings connected.

Both Pokémon came crashing down. Sliding crossed the slightly flooded field; she was forced to let go. Using her tail to stab the ground, stopping her roll.

While Pelipper continued across the ground, landing right in front of him. Glancing down at his opponent, he noticed a purple mark between her eyes with heavy panting. A mystic glow shimmered over her body as she stood back up.

Seviper pounced forward with her mouth wide open. Her two large fangs glew bright purple as she closed in on their opponent.

Winona's water flying type dived to the side, rolling through the water. Avoiding his fang snake Pokémon as she landed where the water bird once stood.

Sending her dagger-tail sideways. Pelipper coated her wings in metal. Blocking the blow from his pure poison type, he deflected back, creating distance.

A strike of lighten shot down behind their opponent. He frowned seeing Seviper's eyes widen as the bottom of her mouth opened. Chewing on his inner lip, he tried to think of what made her freeze... as his eyes locked with her's, he couldn't help but feel the fear radiate off her.

"Seviper?" He blinked.

It was too late. Pelipper launched out a massive hydro pump straight into her face. Knocking her back across the field, she came dangerously close to the edge. Using her tail to stab the ground halt her movement, a white blur blocked his view of the pure poison type.

Their opponent smacked both metal-coated wings on either side of her head. With a slight jump, the water bird spun and smacked one wing into her.

Following through, the second wing whacked her. Knocking her back over the side of the field. Running to the edge of his stand, he tried to look for her.

A flash of light materialised to the side and on his stand materialised a Xatu with his snake-fang Pokémon. Holding his hand over his heart, he felt it trying to burst out of his chest. Taking deep breaths to regain his composure, the psychic flying disappeared in another teleport.

"Seviper has left the field and been deemed unable to battle," Kahili declared, "making the winners of this round, Winona and her Pelipper!"

Max frowned as he watched the battle on the screen. Despite being in a hot air balloon around the battlefield, they were floating just out of range of the established field. While making out the field from this distance was difficult, they had a video camera and screen allowing them to view it as if on the platform.

Switching to the screen of Ash's trainer's box, he saw the older boy kneeling in front of his pure poison type. While said Pokémon was turned to side, despite speaking to her, they couldn't make out what due to the storm sounds drowning it out and him not being stood over the microphone. It took a couple minutes, but she glanced up to him before he recalled her into the device. Standing back up, he approached the side of the rail once more.

"I wonder what's gotten into Seviper?" May asked out loud, "she's not exactly one to be thrown around and why'd she just freeze in place?"

"I've got an idea as too why," Serena muttered. Shaking her head, she put on a smile and faced them once more, making her voice much clearer, "but don't worry. When were done here, Ash will check on her? I'm sure of it. For now, let's just enjoy the rest of the battle."

Nodding agreement, he turned back to the screen. Switching it back to the wide shot of the field with both trainers in view, he noticed the water flying type back down on the field. While Ash stood with a narrowed gaze and Pokéball in hand.

"Don't take it personal Ash but I always like to throw in an example of the out of bounds rule," Winona explained with a smirk, "especially when high-level challengers. Makes things more interesting to see how they react when a Pokémon is disqualified despite still being able to battle."

"I get it," he nodded, "but I've got to ask, what if a dark type is thrown over edge? Psychic wouldn't catch them."

"We have other safety measures in place," she replied, "such as platforms which are effected by psychic. They're simply caught by them instead."

"Alright," he nodded, hold his device out, "then I choose you, Crawdaunt!"

In a flash of light, his newly evolved water dark type materialised on the field. Shouting something out towards the opposing side whilst snapping his claws for emphasis, he guessed it was some sort of taunt, knowing the rogue Pokémon. Pinching his lips together, he turned back to the older trainers.

"Why'd he pick Crawdaunt? Neither water or dark is a particularly good typing for flying and seems counterproductive to Torkoal since one fights well in sun and the other in rain."

"If I know Ash, it's because Crawdaunt evolved recently," Brock smiled, rubbing his chin in thought, "consider this more a test for how Crawdaunt in his new form. He hasn't really had a chance to truly put him through this sort of challenge since the weather institute."

"Not to mention, they cover each other's weaknesses. Flying types are commonly paired with other typings so the two help cover a lot of options," Serena added, "and with the rain, he's in the best advantage he could've asked for. It's not as bad a choice as it might seem on the surface."

Turning back to the screen, he waited with bated breath. Both duel water types stood opposite each other, with the newest addition looking ready to pounce at any minute. Biting down onto his trembling lip, it felt like forever before-

"We have an unscheduled Pokémon in the battle space," Kahili's voice echoed over the comms.

Looking up from the screen, he felt his cheeks burst into flames as his Castform hopped over the cloud line. Turning from the water-form to fire form with each hop. Laughing as she played around.

"O-Ozone!" he stuttered louder than planned.

The weather Pokémon stopped in her tracks and turned to look at him. Blushing lightly, she floated over to his side, landing on his shoulder. He tried to voice something, anything but nothing came out. He could feel the other eyes burning holes in the back of his head as he sunk on the spot.

"Pelipper verses Crawdaunt," Kahili declared, "let the battle begin!"

Winona verses Ash: Round Three

Ash watched as his opponent flapped her wings once more. Taking off into the stormy sky. His own Pokémon opened both his claws, shooting out a barrage of brightly glowing stars which spun through the sky. Striking the water flying type, she was brought back down to the floor with a splash.

Using the opening, Crawdaunt scattered across the ground. Water splashed to the side as he closed in, hardly fast but neither was their opponent.

Pushing herself up from the ground, feathers drenched in water with the purple mark ever-present. She opened her beak, letting out an icy breath

"Now nuh di time tuh chill out, yuh hear mi," Crawdaunt declared, "but eff yuh nuh busy lata-"

His water dark type's claws spewed with water. Crossing them in front of his face, he continued forward, using a crab hammer shield.

"Not the time or place Crawdaunt," he mumbled, covering his face.

Reaching their opponent, he brought both claws down on the upper beak. Forcing it shut, and throwing her face down into the dirt, he opened the large pincers and stabbed them for the wings. Delivering two vice grips on the flying-appendages, he knew what his Pokémon was planning with the move.

Thrashing around, he was knocked back by the water bird Pokémon. She pushed herself up, frantically flapping her wings in to build up another hurricane.

Slowly she took off with the slow build up. Her grimacing face proving Crawdaunt was somewhat successful in his previous attack.

Said water dark type was blown slightly by the wannabe hurricane. Opening his claws, two powerful jets of water shot out, blowing him against the current.

Sliding underneath the water flying type, he reached up and snapped a claw onto her foot. Crying out in pain, their opponent cancelled the powerful move and soared over the field in a clear attempt to escape his grasp. His feet lightly kicking off the ground as he was pulled along.

The two Pokémon crashed down onto the floor as he finally let go. Rolling close to the edge, they both pushed themselves up from the flooded-field.

"Looks like we might need to go two for two, Pelipper," Winona called out.

His eyes widened but Crawdaunt was already moving. Charging in claw first, he delivered a quick one-two-punch with his double crab hammer.

Raising her wings above both of them, they shimmered in metal. Bringing them down on his head, he appeared stunned from the close-ranged blow. She held them high above once more, panting heavily as the poison took its toll. He pinched his lips together at what exactly she was up to.

A massive bolt of electricity struck down from the cloud. Engulfing both Pokémon, they cried out in pain.

With the natural attack fading, the water bird Pokémon grabbed hold off his water dark type. Swing him around, his eyes widened as he focused on the edge.

Snapping his claws closed, he dragged their opponent with him. Letting go of his opponent, he used one claw to fire a water gun to slow his moment whilst grinding the other against the water-floor. Skidding across the ground, he stopped just at the edge of the field as Pelipper went sailing off the edge.

Entering a nosedive, she tried to open her wings to change direction but to no-avail... she ended up swooping just below the outlined mark for the battlefield.

"Pelipper has left the field and been deemed unable to battle," Kahili declared, "making the winners of this round Ash and Crawdaunt!"

Ash let out a sigh of relief as his rogue Pokémon scattered back across the field. He made it just below the podium he stood on with a questioning look on his face. His head tilted to the side with raised eyebrows and a quizzical smile on his face.

"Waah gwaan wid yuh?" he asked.

"I thought you went over the edge for a moment there," he panted

"Yuh cyaa get rid of mi dat easily," he smirked, turning back to face Winona. She seemed to have already recalled her partner and once again held the device against her chest with a down-turned head and closed eyes, "Wi doing dis aready or nuh?"

"Guess you want to keep going then, Crawdaunt?" he asked, smiling down to the rogue Pokémon.

"Course," he snapped back. "Wah yuh tek mi fi?"

While he did take a nasty blow from the thunder, he certainly seemed alright to continue and Pelipper hardly hit him other than that. Even if the thunder within the storm is ever-present, he couldn't deny the rain would give him an advantage... smiling down at him, he made his choice.

"Your Crawdaunt certain seems unique. Normally our self-made thunder would stop any water type in their tracks. So, I guess we'll need to step it up another notch," Winona nodded, holding her next device out, "Skarmory, take to the sky!"

In a flash of light, a silver-grey avian Pokémon with a long, metallic blue neck, legs, and tail (which had hooked ends) stood opposite his Crawdaunt. She had eye eyes which shone under the field lights, leering just above a pointed beak with several pointed teeth, and a triangular crest on top of her head. Red feathers made up the under-sheaths of the shape wings. As she rolled her flying-appendages, he noticed each capable of moving independently. The wings actually appeared to be hollow, and relatively thin despite the armor coating. Each foot stood in the water, covering the from sight but he noticed each one had three toes making up the talons, two in the front and one in the back. He swelled hard and pulled out his Pokédex:

Skarmory, The Armored Bird Pokémon. Skarmory's steel wings become tattered and bashed in from repeated battles. Once a year, the battered wings grow back completely, restoring the cutting edges to their pristine state. Wild Pokémon of this species are extremely territorial

Putting the device back into his pocket, he pinched the bridge of his nose. He's faced several Skarmory whilst on his journey and even seen some battle other trainers, but they all have one thing in common. Extremely aggressive in nature and this one seems no different. While his previous two gym opponents here were more defensive in style, he couldn't help but think this is where Winona gives a hand at offence... which would be just as difficult to handle.

Part of him felt like switching Crawdaunt for Torkoal would be his best option right now but he already promised his water dark type the chance. Not to mention, he'd really suffer once his fire type brought the sun back out so best not to mess himself up for later in the battle.

"Skarmory verses Crawdaunt," Kahili declared, "let the battle begin!"

Winona verses Ash: Round four

Just like before, he watched their opponent take off as the first move. Unlike Pelipper, however, Skarmory seemed far more agile and quicker to become airborne. His water dark type launched out two high-powered bursts of bubble beams, one out of each claw. Which quickly covered the distance in-between.

Crossing her wings over her chest, they shimmered with a different silver coating. Blocking the duel beams, she ascended higher into the stormy sky.

His rogue Pokémon ceased his attack seeing the ineffective way to knock her down. Snapping his claws in anger as Skarmory disappeared from sight.

"What could she be up to?" He muttered to himself, trying to spot the armor Pokémon within the stormy sky but to no-avail.

Maybe she's trying for a sneak attack, using the limited lighting to hide the approach... or maybe they'll-

A massive strike of lightening coloured the sky and revealed the steel flying types location. Striking her directly, she let out a loud, ear-cringing cry whilst being struck by the natural electricity. His eyes widened at the sight; did they do this on purpose? Surely, they have experience of fighting in a storm like this.

Their opponent broke out through the lightning bolt, diving straight down. A golden yellow coating surging through her body as she closed in.

"I-it's like some sort of... thunder... armor," he uttered in disbelief.

Straightening out her flight, she soared over the ground. His Crawdaunt aimed his claws, ready to launch off a counter to her approach.

Dipping the tip of her wing into the water covering the floor, electrified the entire field. His rogue Pokémon froze in place, static covering his body as she continued to fly in. His mouth dropped and eyes locked onto the inevitable collision with a sizzling sound coming from the steel flying type.

She shot straight across the field. Crashing into his rogue Pokémon, he went rolling along the floor while Skarmory landed looming over him.

Striking her wings down like some sort of fighting type. She dance around on the floor, throwing his newly evolved Pokémon around. Getting her wings underneath him, he cried out from the electrical discharge. Launching him up into the air, she prepared for another blow as he came down.

Grabbing his Pokéball, he quickly zapped his fully evolved Pokémon from the air. Sighing in relief, he clenched the ball tightly in his hand.

"Crawdaunt has been recalled," Kahili declared, "meaning the challenger will need to send out his next Pokémon to continue!"

Holding the device up to his forehead, he squeezed his eyes shut. Mentally sending a message even if he knows it won't reach the Pokémon inside, "rest up, Crawdaunt, I might need you later."

Clipping the device back to his belt, he stared back across the field. Skarmory soared back across the field, her golden armor still sparking with an electrical charge as she hovered behind her trainer. Locking eyes with the predator Pokémon, she let out a loud, ear-piercing cry.

"Tell me Ash, how do you like our tactic?" Winona asked, "we realised a while ago that the rain helps reduce Skarmory's weakness against fire types and incorporated that into our strategy. Then Pelipper's drizzle progressed to where it became. First time she was struck by lightning did not end well."

"But it looked like she deliberately seeked out it in our battle," he called back.

"She did." Winona crossed her arms in defiance. A smirk spread over her lips. "Unlike most of her species, she prefers to battle far more offensively. Her determination allowed her to take the charge and deliver it as a power boost against our opponents. It's how we came to rule these skies!"

The armoured bird Pokémon let out a louder cry and swooped forward. Smashing down onto the flooded field, an electric charge travelled through the entire field. Causing the water to bubble and pop as she narrowed her gaze. He couldn't help but swallow hard at the intimidating Pokémon he now has to face.

"The challenge must select his next Pokémon now!" Kahili instructed.

His hand fell to his belt, hovering over the two Pokéballs remaining. Normally Torkoal would be the ideal opponent against this species, but he's already battled, and the field is also massively against him. Closing his eyes, he took the final device off his belt... now's as good a time as ever.

"I choose you, Metang!" He hollered.

A red light shot out of his device and his newest team member materialised, floating above the field. Despite floating over their opponent, Skarmory looked up with a defiant glare. Tightening his fist, he sunk his teeth into his lower lip. His eyes chancing a glance over to Winona.

She blinked as her nose wrinkled and lips pinched together. Focusing her gaze on his final Pokémon for the battle, her lips flicked up into a smirk, "well Ash, I must say I like your style. Tackling obstacles head on. I assume this is the same Metang I've heard so much about?"

"Yeah," he nodded.

"Then I look forward to see what you've got up your sleeve," she smirked, "and for the chance to partake in a true aerial battle. Your spoiling me."

Narrowing his gaze, he watched the electrical-charged Pokémon flap her wings. Ascending up to the same height as is iron claw Pokémon, the two stared each other down. A flash of lightening coloured the sky as a strand of wet hair fell down between his eyes.

"Skarmory verses Metang," Kahili declared, "let the battle begin!"

Winona verses Ash: Round five

His steel psychic stared down the opponent as she charged forward. Smashing her charged up wing into his face, he was knocked back by the blow. Shaking his head, he ducked down as another wing tried to swipe from the side. His metallic red eyes were wide at the speedy assault.

Turning on an axis, he took off along the far side of the field. Flying around the field, he made good pace, but the raptor wasn't deterred.

Watching the two Pokémon zoom around the field, he couldn't help but wonder if the rain was starting to lighten up. Roars of thunder drew his attention.

Even if fading, the thunderstorm was still an element in the match... and being a giant metal beast within the storm is asking for him to be struck.

"Metang!" He cupped his mouth to louden his voice, "use Magnetic rise to protect against the lightning bolts!"

Giving a small nod, his steel psychic type stopped mid-air. With his red eyes closed, an electrical charge surrounded his body, but it gave Skarmory a chance to meet him and smash her body straight into his face. Knocking him down towards the field, he caught his path before crashing.

The steel flying type came down with the electrical charged wings. Smashing into his own iron arms, which he raised above to take the blow.

His iron claw Pokémon was knocked back as the raptor went on an assault. He ended up blocking each wing slash with his arms, grimacing from each blow.

"Even if its powering up Skarmory... it's still hurting her," he muttered, seeing similar winces on the armored bird. A plan forming in his head, glancing to the sky. He held his breath as a flash quickly blinded his eyes. Turning back to field, he yell, "confusion straight up!"

A psychic wave radiated out of the steel psychic type. Grabbing the lightning bolt, it struck down between them.

Knocking both Pokémon away, he smirked seeing Skarmory crash down into the puddle. Steam sizzling off her body as she rolled around.

While his own Pokémon was knocked back through the air. Stopping his recoil, he shook his body and face him with wide eyes.

"Change down and use double thunder punch!" he shouted, "one on Skarmory and one on the water!"

In the blink of an eye, he dived down on their opponent. His two iron claws shimmering with an electrical charge. Smashing one down into the semi-water field, he delivered the other direct into Skarmory's chest. With an explosion engulfing them both, water went spraying everywhere.

His newest team member shot up out of the explosion. Stopping just in front of him with a beaming expression over his stoic face.

The smoke cleared, revealing Skarmory on her side. Swirls replaced her eyes as she laid motionless on the field.

"Skarmory is unable to battle," Kahili declared, "meaning the winners of this round are Ash and his Metang."

He couldn't help but smile widely as the call for the battle was made. His steel psychic type charged forward, wrapping his large iron arms around him, and lifting him off of the ground with a spin. Unfortunately, he was still a giant metal beast, which caused him to cry out in pain.

"Oops, sorry," he whispered in a meke voice, letting him back down onto the podium. Rubbing his arms in a soothing manner, he couldn't help but give the guy a small smile. Even if he's a part of a pseudo legendary line, he is just really sweet and tender. Possibly one of his most emotional Pokémon around.

"It's okay, Metang," he patted the partner on his head, "just be careful in the future. I know your excited to get a victory and keep full control."

"Thank you," he whimpered, with either a tear or rain drop dripping down his would-be cheek.

"Do you wanna rest up for a bit?" he asked, "you might've won but you did take a couple nasty blows from Skarmory."

"N-no." He shook his head... which shook his entire body in addition. "Torkoal, Crawdaunt, Swellow... none of them would willingly switch out s-so I won't."

"Are you sure?" he asked, "I mean, you don't need to compare yourself to any of them. You should take things at your own pace."

"I'm sure," he nodded, "besides... i-if I'm gonna control my strength, I need to be pushed like I was before... When we first met."

"Alright, if you're sure," he sighed, "but if it gets too much then I'm switching out."

"But-"

"I did with Crawdaunt, and I would with anyone else," he replied, "you're not going to be an acceptation here either. Okay?"

"Okay." He nodded. "Hey Ash."

"Yeah."

"I-I'm really glad you're my trainer... even if Steven decides that you won't be after today."

Giving his newest team member a small smile as he set back out onto the field. Glancing past his iron claw Pokémon, he looked up to the sky, noticing the rain having stopped despite the black cloud still looming over head. Turning his attention to the field, he noticed Winona already having recalled her Skarmory and her final Pokémon now out. Stood on the field was a large Altaria. A much larger one than May's and even Lisia's, from what he remembered.

Gulping at the hardened stare in her eyes, he remembered hearing them being very calm and tranquil Pokémon... but this one looked like anything but. He might have a three to one advantage in terms of numbers but that hardly means anything right now. His eyes darted down to see some sort of necklace around her throat, which held a familiar looking gem. Not only did it appear to match the one on Steven's Metagross, but Claire's Ampharos had one back in the Blackthorn gym. This one being pink on the outer shell with a flame symbol of cloud-white and sky blue.

Swallowing hard at the implications of this challenge, he reached for his device. He might've faced a mega evolution before, but it was hardly easy and that was with a team of his hardest hitters and most experienced Pokémon. If nothing else, this is like an uphill battle. Using his device, he scanned her:

Altaria, The humming Pokémon. The final evolved form of Swablu. Altaria sings in a gorgeous soprano. Its wings are like cotton clouds. This Pokémon catches updrafts with its buoyant wings and soars way up into the wild blue yonder

"I feel it goes without say, Ash but Altaria here is my strongest Pokémon," she replied, "and we don't hold back."

A loud battle cry echoed out of the dragon flying type as she spread her wings with a narrowed glare. His eyes darted between their opponent and his iron claw Pokémon. Biting down on his inner cheek, he felt tears sting his eyes... shaking his head, he couldn't let Steven worry him now, if he does than he's already lost. Wiping his eyes with his soaked sleeve, he narrowed his gaze. Heart thumping against his chest.

"Altaria verses Metang," Kahili declared, "let the battle begin!"

Winona verses Ash: Round Six

His steel psychic type charged straight down. With the claws on the end of his thick metal arms sparking with electricity. Smashing the down in a swift one-two punch combo, they pummelled into the cloud shield surrounding the opponent. While the dragon flying type remained unmoved.

Both arms shimmered into a shiny silver colour. In a flurry he delivered a quick barrage of bullet punches into the humming Pokémon.

Bits of cloud flew off while expanding around the fully evolved opponent. Making her disappeared from sight. As he continue his assault, a figure shot up.

Taking off from the cotton guard shield, Altaria rocketed into the sky. His eyes widened at the speed of her ascent, shaking his head he glanced back down.

"She's no-longer in the cotton!" he shouted, "above you!"

The iron claw Pokémon stopped his assault, turning up to the sky. Locking his arms at his side, he took off with great speed but not a match to the opponent.

Squinting into the light grey cloud, he saw his newest team member catch up. Pinching his lips together, he wonder how or why when his eyes widened in realisation. She allowed him to catch her but at a distance far enough away that he wouldn't hear him.

Frowning, he could only watch as the two went soaring around the field. His iron arms sparked with electricity as they races around the sky.

While a dark blue flame of dragon type energy surrounded Altaria. The duo crashed into each other in a sort of dance, trying to land a massive blow.

Soaring higher above the field, he knew they were still too far away. Not to mention the rushing wind would drown out his voice at this speed.

"What's the matter Ash?" Winona asked, turning to face her she stood confidently with her arms crossed and a smirk on her face, "after your Torkoal, I thought all your Pokémon would be held to a similar standard. At least if your using them against me in our gym match."

A bright blur drew his attention. His steel psychic type came crashing down onto the field, leaving a creator in the ground.

Slowly pushing himself up, he shook his body with cautious movements. His head turned to the loud squawk from above. A second sun formed in the sky as it crashed down over the field. The fireball smashed down on top of his iron claw Pokémon, evaporating the little water which remained on the field.

"Metang!" he cried out, leaving over the rail for a glimpse of his team member.

Raising up from the ground, surrounded by fire. His pre-evolved pseudo legendary looked directly into him but gone was the emotional-fragile spirit he met and replaced was the unstoppable beast who laid waste to the route connecting to Fortree.

With glowing eyes, he let out a wave of telekinetic energy. Raising up the flames which covered the floor into a sort of shield.

From above came a massive blue ball of dragon type energy. Catching the draco meteor in the fire blanket, a massive explosion took place in the air.

"Now that's what I call raw, unadulterated power," Winona declared, a smirking gleam smile, "just the match up I like."

Somehow containing the blast within his psychic shield, it erupted upwards. Flooding the sky with the blast, blowing away any remaining clouds.

He turned and shot off into the explosion. Disappearing from sight as he blinked in surprise at the show of psychic strength.

"Do you have any idea what Altaria's done?!" He cried out, looking back to Winona.

Desperately looking back up to the sky, the reminence of the explosion blocking both Pokémon from view. Holding his breath, he looked for the slightest movement to see either of the Pokémon. How any Pokémon could survive that blast would be beyond him, not even his Snorlax could at point blank range.

"You severely underestimate my Altaria, Ash," she replied in a matter-of-fact tone, "if you think that she can't handle herself, that is."

A massive blur shot down between the two of them, crashing into the field. Dust blew up between them and covered the result. Running over to the rail, he tried to squint through the cover. Clenching his teeth down into his bottom lip, he tightly gripped the rail, causing his knuckles to turn white.

The dust settled and he let out his breath. His head dropped as the sight of Altaria on top of his steel psychic type. She walked off the pseudo.

"Metang is unable to continue," Kahili declared, "meaning the victors in this round are Winona and Altaria!"

Back in the hot air balloon, Max couldn't tear his eyes off the screen. His bottom lip trembled as he watched the raven-haired boy recall his fallen pseudo legendary. While Altaria lept back up next to Winona on the podium. Focusing on his friend, he saw him drop onto his behind as he held the device containing his newest team member against his forehead. Feeling an empty pit in his stomach, he blinked, trying to wake himself up from... whatever this was.

A warm fuzzy feeling sizzled against his stomach. Glancing down, he found Ozone rubbing herself in for a sort of hug. The corners of his lips flicked up into a smile as he wrapped his arms around her, feeling his heart swell at her show off affection. "Thank you."

Glancing up from the embrace, he found the champion floating nearby on his Metagross. Normally, he'd be thrilled to meet the man in person but with everything going on with Metang, he couldn't help but be slightly resentful. He might not have known Treecko and Ozone for all that long, but he already loves them both dearly. He could only imagine how Ash is feeling with the pressure of having to prove he's the best option for the psychic steel type.

He noticed the steel type specialist jotting down some sort of notes in a small hand-note-book. Chewing on his inner cheek, he unintentionally tightened his own grip which he only noticed when his weather Pokémon cried out, scurrying from his embrace.

"Opps, sorry Ozone." he blushed.

"Your nervous, Max." Serena crouched down so they were at an eye-level. "Wanna talk about it?"

"Erm, it's just-" He glanced to the side, staring directly at the silver-haired man. The corners of his lips dropping even further.

"You're worried about Ash & Metang?" she asked, to which he gave a small nod.

A hand landed on his shoulder, and he turned upwards to see Brock staring down at him. Giving a small, reassuring smile, "I wouldn't worry too hard. Ash has been in much worst situations and things turned out just fine. You'll just make yourself ill if you try and take on someone else's burden like that."

"And you shouldn't hold it against Steven either," Serena added, drawing his attention away from the Hoenn champion, "we might know Ash, but he doesn't, and he does have a job to do. A lot of people wouldn't be going to this length to see whether or not Ash is capable so even if we don't like it-"

"But what if-"

"-is exactly the sort of thing you shouldn't be asking," Brock interjected, "keep your chin up, focus on the here and now... and we'll deal with the answer when we're given it. He's been through something similar before, but it was much worst."

"This isn't your fight, Max," May added, crouching down to Serena's height.

"What do you care anyway?" he asked, crossing his arms, "and why haven't you flown off on Altaria again? Isn't Lilycove got a contest coming up?"

Turning around, he couldn't help but notice Serena standing back up. Despite having hushed voices, he clearly heard her whisper, "don't worry about him, it'll just take a while for him to accept and move on."

While he knew what Brock told him about forgiving and forgetting, he just couldn't. He came incredibly close to losing not only his own Pokémon but also Duskull, Zangoose and Lairon. If he ran into any other aqua grunt then-

"It seems the next round is ready to start," Brock announced.

As he turned back to the screen, he noticed Altaria back on the field, stood just over the hole left by the steel psychic type. Crossing his arms around his stomach, he chewed on his inner cheek. Opposing the dragon flying type seemed to be Crawdaunt once more.

"Crawdaunt verses Altaria," Kahili declared, "let the battle begin!

Winona verses Ash: Round Seven

Max watched as the third round with Ash's water dark type started just like the previous ones. With the avian opponent attempting to take off whilst the rogue Pokémon launched out a projectile to keep them down. This time being a barrage of swift stars which curved around, attacking from either side.

A wall of cotton was left in the tail, breaking off as each homing attack hit. Although seeing the unfazed expression on the humming Pokémon wasn't good.

She ascended high above the air with the swift stars following suit. Looping around, she dived straight down, all the while being pursued.

As the dragon flying type closed in, Ash's newly evolved Pokémon switched two duel bubble beams. Striking her chest, they did little to slow her down.

Crashing into the ground, she sent the rogue Pokémon rolling across the floor. Landing just behind him, the swifts followed and crashed into the original user.

Pushing himself up from the blow, Crawdaunt's eyes were narrowed, and rage filled. Making some loud cries whilst slamming his pincers together for emphasis.

"Oh no," Serena gasped, "I'm pretty sure he just used taunt on Altaria."

"But why is that bad?" He asked, glancing away from the screen, "it'll mean she can't continually use cotton guard to block his attacks."

"It also means Altaria's been forced into an offensive style," Brock replied, "and the only time we've seen Winona go on the attack was Skarmory, remember."

His eyes widened and he turned back to the screen. The fully evolved gym leader Pokémon was soaring around the sky, with Ash's own partner on the back of their opponent. Zooming in the camera, he noticed Crawdaunt holding onto the cloud-feathers with both pincers trapping some within.

Watching her sparatic movements with quick turns and dips, into ascends with twists made Max feel sick just watching. His legs trembled at the thought.

Shooting high into the air, she came to a sudden stop. The momentum sent Ash's water dark type flying higher into the air, spinning around.

Firing a weak water gun as he reached his apex. The rogue Pokémon readjusted his stance and fell back down towards the bird of prey.

A bright ball seemed to form at her head, but a thin beam shot down. It was icy pale blue and seemed to have a cool air surrounding it.

Piercing the moon blast, it exploded, and the combination blew the humming Pokémon down. Following after her, the newly evolved Pokémon launched out two water guns against the ground. Despite helping to slow his decent, he still smashed into the field nearby the dragon flying type.

"Whilst she's down try a similar victory like we got against Pelipper!" Ash shouted.

Being the first to push himself up, Crawdaunt slowly walked across the field. Snapping his claws into her cloud-feathers, he dragged her towards the edge.

"Nice try Ash." Winona smirked. He quickly switched camera angle to see the gym leader stood with half closed eyes and one arm over her chest, with the hand supporting her opposing elbow as she rested her chin on the second arm, "but don't think you'll get away with our own tactic twice in my gym."

The water dark type stumbled back as the dragon came to a stop. His claws filled with cotton as more cloud-feathers surrounded the humming Pokémon.

He turned back and snapped his claws on the wings once more. Each time he pulled; more cotton fell off whilst their opponent began glowing.

"I think taunt might've wore off," he gulped.

Erupting out of the clouds, she tackled the water dark type out into the open air. Sending her talons in, she clutched him before he fell below the bounds.

Swirling back up, she sent Ash's rogue Pokémon flying back onto the land-field. Launching out a high-pitched disarming voice.

Striking his body as he flew across the field. The fairy type move smashed him straight into the podium which made up Ash's stand. With Winona's partner landing next to her trainer, his heart sank seeing the newly evolved Pokémon in Ash's team flop down onto the floor, swirls in his eyes.

She could've let him fall out of bounds to win the match... but decided being offensive would be the better option. Message received.

"Crawndaunt's unable to battle," Kahili declared, "making the winners of this round Winona and her Altaria."

Ash sighed and slouched as the red light recalled his partner. Closing his eyes, he tightly gripped the device as he clipped it back to his belt. Ever since Altaria came out, it was like facing a completely new gym leader. She hadn't given Altaria one command and she easily manuvered through both Metang and Crawdaunt like they were nothing... even proving she could've got a bounds-knock-out before just giving a regular knock-out instead. A true show of power.

"I must say, Ash, I've been heavily disappointed in the second half of this battle," Winona declared, "and now all you have left is Torkoal. Might as well just give up now. He might've done well against Tropius but that was type advantage and as proven, Altaria is on a whole different level."

Frowning at the suggestion, he looked up to stare straight across the field. She might have the advantage, but they still have a chance to pull this off. He had to admit, if she was training May and her own Altaria, it made sense how they quickly became such a threat at yesterday's contest. He could imagine even a week under guidance would've been productive for both of them. Swallowing hard, he unclipped the device off his belt.

"I choose you, Torkoal!" He tossed the device up into the air. A red light shot down, materialising his pure fire type on the field. Catching the Pokéball back in hand, he flipped his hat around and smirked across the field, "we don't give up until it's over!"

His coal Pokémon added emphasis with his own battle cry, shooting black smoke out of his nostrils and the hole on his back. Stepping forward, he gave a glance back with his face relaxing into a more calm expression. "How do you wish I handle the battle?"

"It's just you and me left, Torkoal," he replied, "it's now or never."

"Understood." He gave a small nod. Turning back to face the two opponents.

Altaria lept down from the stand and landed right in front of Torkoal. Looming over him despite the intense sun shining down over them. The raising temperature was quickly drying out his cloths from the previous storm earlier in the battle.

"Altaria verses Torkoal," Kahili declared, "this will be our final round in today's match. Let the battle begin!"

Winona verses Ash: Round Eight

He watched as the humming Pokémon took off once more. His fire type slowly stepped closer to the centre, watching her soar around. With a deep breath, she launched down a burning dark-blue ball of dragon type energy.

Torkoal, unfazed, formed a fire ball at his mouth. Shooting up, he followed with a flame thrower. The weather ball collided and exploded with the dragon pulse.

Using the intense flames, he blew the explosion back into the air. It blew away on the wind current as Altaria ducked underneath.

Glancing across the field, he noticed Winona's eyes widen for a split second. He couldn't help but smirk, guess Torkoal's stronger than she anticipated.

Diving down, she crashed into Torkoal as he withdrew into his shell. A silver shimmer covered his shell, with her talons snatching him off the ground.

Flying over towards the edge, he quickly guessed what her plan was. Taking a deep breath to warn them, he soon realised he didn't need too.

Spinning around with a grey outline around his shell. The two went flying down and disappeared just below the field. Running to the edge, his heart stopped.

As he reach the far rail, his breath returned. Torkoal came flying up with a fire rocket giving him flight. However, the attack wasn't like his flamethrower or heat wave, being more white with a tint of fire. Landing squarely back on the field.

He noticed the dragon flying type soaring away from the field for recovery. Pulling out his Pokédex, he checked out the new move:

Inferno: An intense condenses beam of raw fire type energy is fired. It's guaranteed to inflict a burn on those hit by the attack

"When did you learn Inferno, Torkoal?" he asked as the coal Pokémon slowly walked back over the field.

"Long before we met, son," he replied.

"Really?" he pinched his lips together, "but you hadn't used it before."

"Never faced an opponent where I needed too," he replied.

"Well then-" His eyes widened seeing the dragon flying type appear above. Launching down a dragon pulse, "look out!"

Withdrawing into his shell, the ball hit the ground just behind. Exploding upon contact, it sent him flying. Landing on the back off his shell, he looked up to see a second of the same move aiming straight for his coal's Pokémon unprotected stomach.

"Counter shield!"

His pure fire type had five streams of flames shoot out of his shell. One from the holes for each leg and one from his head. Spinning around on his upside-down shell, the flames twisted around him. Flying up over the field, whips of fire swirled around like a vortex.

Several streams smashed in the dragon pulse. Knocking it back slightly before igniting it in an explosion, catching Altaria in the blast.

Dropping from the explosion, she ended up trapped within his fire counter-shield. Smirking as she tried to break out but to no-avail.

"Your gonna need to heal and regroup," Winona instructed.

Flicking her wings to the side, she burst into a dark blue flame all over her body. Diving down, the dragon rush protected against the fire whips.

The dragon flames erupted as she crashed into the side. Sending Torkoal flying as his counter-shield dispersed in the air.

Withdrawing from his shell, he launched out another inferno. Redirecting his momentum, they went soaring high up into the sky as he flipped back around.

Falling straight back down, he released a thick black smoke on his decent. He caught sight of him landing directly on the roosting opponents back as the smokescreen completely blocked their view. He smirked knowing it was to trap their opponent down with him and block Winona's view to prevent help.

"Just fly straight up!" Winona shouted.

It took about half a minute, but he noticed the smoke gain a bright red colour. An intense heat radiated out from the self-made barrier. He covered his face and moved to the back of his stand, coughing from the new type off field.

Glimpsing over the field, he noticed the humming Pokémon burst through the smoke. Static and flames surrounded her body as she soared around.

He quickly noticed her limited movements as she flew. Sweeping back over the field of smoke, she let out a cool mist.

Slowly the smokescreen faded into nothing. His Torkoal stood centre field with an unfazed, calm expression.

"Well Ash, it seems like I under-estimated your Torkoal, but this is where we end this battle," she declared, holding her hand up to the sky as a ring marble sparkled under the sun. Taking it off her finger, she grasped it in her palm, beams of light shooting out of her fist, "now Altaria, mega evolve!"

Similar beams of light shot out of the marbel necklace, and the two sources connected mid-air. A pink crystal formed around her, and a bright glow engulfed her shilluette from within before it cracked open, revealing the new form for their opponent.

He took in her new appearance as she soared around the field. She had more extensive cloud-like plumage, with a large mass extending around from her back. Each glimmering with an iridescent sheen. Spreading out her wings, he noticed they were more distinct than in the original form, and her blue belly was now exposed. Additional fluff surrounded the neck like a collar, and her head was adorned with a hat-like crest. A single, small feather curled out from her forehead although the remaining facial features were unchanged. The tail-feathers had grown into a long pair of wavy streamers, with three central plumes.

Seeing her land opposite his fire type, he couldn't help but gulp at the size comparison. Last time he faced a mega evolving Pokémon, he knew exactly what he was getting into and still lost... and now all he has is a one-on-one match... hopefully their previous efforts were enough to overcome this obstacle.

He took a deep breath and launched out a massive inferno beam. The burning attack struck the mega opponent head on, but she was unmoved.

Spreading her wings, the cotton surrounded her bulked up and expanded out. Filling her side of the field and quickly moving over to his.

Trapping his coal Pokémon within the sea of fluff. He ended his attack, seeing as he couldn't break through.

The entire stadium started shaking, grabbing onto the rails, he fell onto his behind as he peaked down to the field. Despite having his seismic shield trick, it appeared that Torkoal took the full force of the earthquake as he shook back and forth. Grimacing as he attempted to hold his ground.

"We use the cotton wall as a barrier for the seismic tremors, rebounding the vibrations back," Winona smirked, "now it's time to end this."

Altaria took a deep breath. A bright flash built up in her open beak. Shooting out a massive ball of burning dragon type energy. It smashed into Torkoal's face.

Sending his coal Pokémon flying, he smashed shell first into the cotton barrier. Flopping onto his stomach, he laid unmoving with swirls in his eyes.

"Torkoal is unable to continue," Kahili declared, "meaning the victors are Winona and her Altaria."

Feeling his bottom lip tremble, he took off and leaped over the side of the rail. Landing on the cotton wall for a soft landing, he worked his way through the wall over to his fallen partner... maybe he was starting to take the wise mentor for guaranteed, since he's been so dominant in every battle so far. Reaching the pure fire type, he fell onto his behind. Tentatively reaching out to touch his shell with his hand.

Quickly sliding his backpack off his back, he took out his first aid kit. Breaking the revive under Torkoal's nose, he took in a whiff of the smelling salt and regained consciousness, slowly looking up to him. Letting a small smile spread over his lips, he followed up by spraying a super potion on him.

"Thank you Torkoal," he sighed in relief, relaxing back, nearly falling over, "I shouldn't have let you continue after Altaria went mega."

"I was just as happy to continue." He shook his head. "And I believe we found one of those limits we previously talked about."

"B-but... how are you not fazed?" he asked, blinking rapidly.

"I am not part ghost type," he shrugged, "those Pokémon are usually the ones to go phasing, correct?"

Wiping his two eyes with his thumb and finger, they moved together to pinch his nose. Shaking his head at the dry sarcasm, he couldn't help but chuckle at the coal Pokémon's response. One wouldn't think he just lost a battle with how he's speaking.

"How are you so calm still?" he asked, "we just lost-"

"No, we didn't," he interjected, "it only becomes a loss when we accept it as the final result. Right now, it's just a step back on our path forward. What was it that you said when our battle begun? We don't give up until it's over? Well, I don't believe it's over yet."

Smiling at the optimistic Pokémon, he pulled out the device and recalled him for rest. Whispering a thank you to his Pokémon, he clipped it back to his belt and pulled himself back up to his feet just in time to find Winona stood over him with her Altaria returned back to her regular form. The humming Pokémon seemed to be removing the cotton wall with defog, just like how she countered smoke screen earlier.

"I must say Ash, you've impressed me," she nodded, "it's been a long time since a challenger pressured us into using mega evolution. Had we not used it then I can't be sure which of us would've won that last battle."

"What're you saying?" he asked.

"That we both look forward to when you're ready to retry this challenge to try and earn our feather badge," she replied, holding her hand out.

Swallowing hard against the lump in his throat, he reached out and shook hands with the flying type expert. He could definitely see why she was the one up for the elite four position against Norman. She's been arguably the toughest gym leader he's ever face or tied with the likes of Claire and Uncle Green.

"What's the matter?" she asked.

"It's just... this was our chance to prove to Steven I could be trusted to handle Metang," he muttered, "what am I supposed to do now?"

"I don't know," she admitted, "but I suggest you start by getting the Pokémon that battled today to Nurse Joy. You don't want him take more than just the one with him, do you?"

Nodding in agreement, he turned and headed over to the staircase. Setting off back down the monument which made up the Fortree gym, he shoved his hands into his pockets. Right now, he could really do with someone to talk too... while Serena, Brock, May, and Max are great, it's not any of them who he truly wishes to have by his side right now... between Seviper and Metang, he could really use a Pokémon to tell him it'll be alright... he needs Pikachu.

He sighed as he placed the three Pokéballs down on the counter. The Chansey opposite smiled and gave a small nod, taking them through the double doors to the treatment wards. Letting out a low sigh, he turned and unclipped a separate device off his belt. Clenching it in his hand, he set off outside, walking across the tree-top bridges, he made his way to the edge of the city where no-one was around.

Reaching the ideal position, he held the device out and let his pure poison type out. He'll certainly send her to Nurse Joy as well but first he wanted to chat after what happened and doing it without the others around seemed to be the best time.

She materialised on the wooden bridge and stared at him for a brief second. With infrequent blinking, she turned her head around, staring down at the ground below them. Taking a seat on the floor next to her, he noticed her eyes burning bright red with moisture threatening to escape. Spreading her body out long ways, trying to exile all the breath from her body. He tentatively reached out, stroking her scaling skin and all she did was turn away from him.

"You feeling alright, Seviper?" he asked. Pausing for a few seconds, she didn't make an attempted response, not even a threatening hiss like the other times she didn't want to speak. Heh, he would actually like it if she did since it would show she was herself, "that was some battle today, right?"

Closing his eyes, he turned his head upwards. Appreciating the clear starry sky above them with the cool gentle breeze.

"I wanted to check you was feeling okay because... how do I say this?" he muttered the last part. "I know how tough a loss can be, but it wasn't just a lost battle today. When that thunder struck behind Pelipper I noticed something I've never seen in you before... fear."

"I don't feel fear," she grumbled. Her voice was meke, low and almost not audible.

"Everyone feels fear at one point or another," he replied, "it's nothing to feel bad about. It's something that connects every living being-"

"I don't connect with others-"

"But why?" he asked. "You really haven't been yourself recently. We haven't even struggled to keep you and Zangoose apart."

"You're going to keep asking until I, aren't you?" She hissed, with his only response being a comforting stroke along her body once more. Rolling her eyes and head, she stared up to him so he offered a reassuring smile, "for as long as I can remember, I've had the same nightmare. It's a stormy night and lightning strikes. I'm exploring an unknown forest, completely alone. Then I find him-"

Chewing down on his inner cheek, he felt an anger bubble up within her aura. Her nose twitched and the dagger tail swayed back and forth. "Who?"

"Who'd you think?!" She snapped, stabbing her fangs down on the air. "Zangoose. Not just any one but the one your bird caught."

He couldn't help but gulp at the pure hatred in her voice when she said his name... it reminded him of Sandslash when they first met... or even Drake.

"He's killed my mother and hiding her body in the side of a cliff... not allowing any of us to send her off properly," she hissed. Tears escaping down her cheek as she turned her head, "then the lighten strikes a-and... he's standing over me. He was going to kill me, but the other Seviper save me... the last bit after the lightening is a bit of a blur but-"

Squeezing his own eyes shut, he remembered being shown that situation from Zangoose's own memory back when they first met, curtsy of Serena. While he knows what happened, he can't deny that with her feelings radiating off her, she truly believes this nightmare... and given how vivid her thoughts are, it's exactly like reliving a memory. Reaching out once more, he pushed thoughts of convincing her otherwise away, she needs support and that is for Zangoose.

"What's brought this up?" he asked, "I know you mentioned it when we met but it never affected you like it did today?"

"When I went to that lab place." She sighed. "I ended up getting hurt and this shiny meal on wings showed up."

"Noctowl?" he muttered.

"He did this weird mind thing and showed me my mother... but she wasn't alive. Her throat was slashed, and eyes lost the light," she grumbled, "and we're back in the forest with the same storm... he said he'd show me my fear b-but-"

"I don't think your scared of your mum." He sighed. "I think... your scared your letting her down-"

"I am!" she snapped. Stabbing the ground with her dagger tail. "Every day that murderous-bastard breaths... but every time we've faced, I haven't been able to finish the job... I'm letting her down and there's nothing I can do about it."

"I don't think your letting her down," he replied, "I think your mother would just want you to be happy and live your best life... spending it trying to get revenge just... that's the opposite of-"

"You never knew her," she hissed, "how would you know?"

"Because she was a mother and I know what my own mother would want," he replied, "and at risk of being stabbed or bitten, I have to ask. You never properly met her either, from what you've said. So how would you know?"

"The other Seviper told me," she grumbled, "she was the best hunter in our pack, and they raised me like their own. Told me all about her."

"Do you think hurting Zangoose will make things better?" he asked.

"No... killing him will."

"It won't bring your mother back," he replied, "do you know what I think?"

"No. And I don't care either-"

"You avoid caring to avoid hurting," he sighed, "but the side effect of that mindset is... you avoid healing too."

"And?"

"I think you should ask yourself why Zangoose hasn't finished you yet?" he explained, "I mean, if you fought and you were trying to kill him then he would've had the chance to do the same too you... but he only subdued you, every time. And from what I've seen, he doesn't initiate any fight"

"He's just playing mind games with me," she hissed, "why kill me once when he can kill me every day by taunting me with his own life?"

Sighing, he let the thoughts die in his head. She is certainly set in her mindset and... well... he can't really blame her. Sure, their moral code is different, but they also come from separate worlds. Letting her relax under the moonlight, he just sat beside her and offered reassurance that he was here to talk. He really wanted to help her right here and now but if Sandslash taught him anything, it's that mental scars last longer and hurt harder than any physical ones.

Once she dozed off into a light snooze, he recalled her back into the device and stood up. Making his way back to the centre, he couldn't be sure of the time or how long they were out there. Upon eventering the building, he noticed Serena sat on table, chatting with Steven Stone of all people. He made his way over to the reception desk and handed over Seviper's Pokéball before turning to join them.

"How's Seviper?" his girlfriend whispered, gently grasping his own as he took a seat.

"As well as can be expected." he sighed. "But I think it's time we got her to speak with Zangoose. She can't continue like this."

"I'll speak to him," she reassured.

"This just isn't your day, is it kid?" Steven asked, standing up from the desk. "Look Ash, I'm not going to beat around the bush. I'm still undecided on the matter of Metang. I know you're a good trainer and want to do what's right. So, I have one more request. I got the idea from speaking with Serena here."

"What is it?" he asked.

"Just join me tomorrow on the edge of the Fortree, where the path connects to route one-twenty." He replied. "And bring your Aerodactyl."

"Aerodactyl?" He blinked.

"By all accounts, he is your strongest Pokémon, correct?" he asked, "it'll make more sense there... oh and Serena, could you also join us."

"Erm sure," she stuttered, "s-should I also bring a Pokémon."

"Just what we talked about," he smiled, "oh and don't give away what we've discussed please."

"I won't," she nodded.

He watched as the steel type specialist made his way out of lobby and he relaxed into the seat. Feeling his girlfriend move to rest her head on his shoulder as she wrapped herself around his arm. Tilting his head to side, he felt like he could just fall asleep.

"So where did you come us with that, what did you call it?" She asked, "counter shield? It looked a lot like the effect Kirlia made in yesterday's appeals round."

"Hehehe, I might've caught a bit of the contest from the outer monitor," he chuckled nervously.

Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...