Episode 119: Dragon Master Class

Ash, Brock, and Brenda, joined by Iris, are preparing to board a hover boat. The boat is relatively small, and there seems to be no one else boarding.

Having reunited with his old friend Iris, Ash, as well as Brock and Brenda, have been invited to attend a special event for Dragon-Type trainers by the aspiring Dragon Master. What could this event be? Let's find out.

Brenda asks, "Do we really get this boat all to ourselves?"

Iris answers, "Drayden told me that it's a private boat chartered just for people on their way to the Dragon's Roost. Most of the special guests have already arrived, so it's probably just us left now."

She is immediately proven wrong when a disgruntled voice asks, "What are you doing here?"

Everyone turns around to see Ryu and Dragonite standing behind them.

Ash crosses his arms. "I could ask you the same thing."

"I'm here because this is an event for Dragon-Type trainers. A title that you have no claim to."

Iris steps forward and greets politely, "They're here as my guests. My name's Iris, and I'm training to become a Dragon Master." She looks to Ryu's Dragonite. "Wow, that's a great Dragonite you have there. I have one too, actually."

Axew pops out from her hair to say hello as well. "Axew ew!"

Ryu raises a brow in interest. "You have a Dragonite? Really?"

Ash pipes up, "Hey, I have a Dragonite too!"

Ryu looks to him skeptically. "Really? You expect me to believe that? Then why didn't you use it in our last battle?"

Ash slouches slightly. "Oh, well… it wasn't really available at the time…"

Ryu doesn't buy it. "Likely story." He looks back to Iris. "Why would you bring the likes of him to the Dragon's Roost? It's a place reserved only for Dragon-Type trainers."

Iris is slightly offended by the statement. "How about because they're my friends?"

Ryu says nothing more. He simply shakes his head in disapproval and boards the boat.

Iris crosses her arms angrily. "The nerve of that guy. Who is he?"

Ash explains, "That's Ryu. He's a trainer who exclusively uses Dragon-Type Pokémon, claiming that they're better than all other Pokémon. He's trying to become a Dragon Master too."

Brock adds, "He and Ash have had their fair share of disagreements in the past."

Brenda chuckles. "That's an understatement."

Iris shrugs. "Oh well. Come on, we better get aboard."

The hover boat has taken off. Ash and the others stand out on the forward observation deck, enjoying the fresh sea air. Ash says, "Hey Iris, maybe you can help me figure something out."

"What is it?"

Curemodo's trying to use a new move, I just don't know what the move is, so I can't help it out. Maybe since you know so much about Dragon Pokémon, you could figure out what it is."

Iris nods happily. "Sure, I'd love to help."

With that, Ash pulls out Curemodo's Pokéball and sends it out. "Okay Curemodo, let's show Iris that new move of yours."

Curemodo nods. "Modo." Everyone stands back as it prepares to attack. Like before, it begins to gather a blue-green energy around its body. It charges this energy momentarily, then just before it can launch the attack, the energy fizzles away. Curemodo looks embarrassed. "Modo…"

Iris looks really impressed. "Wow, I think that might have been Dragon Force."

Ash questions, "Dragon Force?"

Iris nods. "Yeah, it's one of the most powerful Dragon-Type attacks. Not only that, but Curemodo aren't usually able to learn that move. This is something special."

Hearing this, Ryu, who stands looking in the opposite direction with Dragonite, is momentarily interested.

Ash asks, "Any suggestions on how to train it to master the move?"

Iris shakes her head. "I'm afraid not. I've never had a Pokémon that knows Dragon Force before."

"Oh, that's too bad."

Iris goes back to looking out at the sea. She closes her eyes and takes in the feel of the sea breeze against her face. She comments, "You know who would enjoy this breeze?" She pulls out a Pokéball. "Come on out!"

From the Pokéball, Emolga appears. It happily cheers, "Emol emol!" It perches and the railing and enjoys the breeze.

Iris asks, "Doesn't that feel nice, Emolga?"

Emolga blissfully agrees, "Emol."

Without turning to face Iris, Ryu remarks sarcastically, "Some Dragon trainer you are."

Iris swivels around. "Excuse me? What was that?" She puts her hands to her hips.

Ryu sighs and turns around. "You claim to want to be a Dragon Master, and yet here you are with a Pokémon that isn't a Dragon-Type."

Before Iris can object any further, Ash steps forward. "So what if she has a Pokémon that isn't a Dragon-Type? All being a Dragon Master means is that you've mastered the Dragon-Type. It doesn't require you to use nothing but them. Iris has plenty of Dragon-Types, and she's still working her way towards the eventual goal of being a Dragon Master. So what if she caught a few other kinds of Pokémon along the way?"

Ryu sighs. "I don't know why I have to explain this to you. Any time she wastes with any other type of Pokémon is time she could have spent with Dragon-Type Pokémon. It's simple logic that even you should be able to understand."

Ash shakes his head. Exercising self-control, rather than getting angry with Ryu, he simply suggests, "Or maybe, the experience she gains training a variety of Pokémon will help her with her Dragon Pokémon."

Iris looks at Ash. She seems impressed. She says under her breath, "Wow Ash, when did you grow up? I've never seen you like this before." Then she steps forwards and declares, "It doesn't matter. The Pokémon I catch and train is my business. Dragons are my favorite type of Pokémon, but that doesn't mean I'm going to lock myself into catching them and only them."

Ryu shrugs. "Do what you want to. But don't complain when you fall short of becoming a Dragon Master."

This does it for Iris. "Okay, that's enough. You and me are going to battle right now. I'll show you who the stronger Dragon trainer is."

Ryu laughs. "Fine. Dragonite and I could use a warm-up before we reach the Dragon's Roost."

As they take their positions for a battle, they don't notice a periscope sticking out of the water behind the boat. It belongs to Team Rocket's Magikarp submarine.

Inside the giant fish Pokémon, Team Rocket pedals away to keep up with the boat. Meowth complains, "I miss the days when we only had to chase regular boats. These high-speed hover boats are way too fast to keep up with."

James points out, "Well maybe if someone would just get to installing the powered drive system already, we wouldn't have to worry about pedaling so hard."

Meowth retorts, "Hey, I told you already, the powered drive system is on backorder. I keep calling them, but they keep saying they don't have it yet."

Jessie comments, "Surely with all those massive robots you build, you could manage to make a proper submarine engine."

Wobbuffet agrees, "Wobbuffet!"

Meowth stops pedaling to cross his arms. "Clearly you don't know the first thing about underwater propulsion if you think that it's that simple." He realizes that the hover boat is starting to get away from them, and quickly goes back to pedaling, even more fervently.

Back above water, Iris and Ryu have positioned themselves for battle. Dragonite stands in front of Ryu, ready for battle.

Iris says, "Alright, you wanted to see my Dragonite? It's time for you to see my Dragonite."

Dragonite appears from its Pokéball and roars. Its gaze immediately locks on to Ryu's Dragonite. It marches straight up in to the other Dragonite's face and barks a challenge.

Ryu's Dragonite doesn't flinch or recoil, but it doesn't give Iris' Dragonite the pleasure of a response either. It simply stares back at the Pokémon. Iris' Dragonite takes this a challenge to a staring contest, and it stares right back. The two sit like this for several moments.

Brock says, "A Dragonite versus Dragonite battle. This should prove to be interesting."

Ash complains, "Really makes me wish I could have used my Dragonite in my last battle against Ryu…"

Iris calls, "Okay Dragonite, that's enough. Let's get into position to start this battle."

Dragonite reluctantly backs down, never taking its eyes off of the other Dragonite as it backs up.

Once it's ready, Iris wastes no more time. "Okay Dragonite, show them your Thunder Punch!"

Completely ready for battle, Dragonite leaps off the ground and flies at Ryu's Dragonite at top speeds, preparing to punch with an electrified fist.

Ryu calmly counters, "Catch it, then Thunderbolt."

Iris questions, "Catch it?"

Ryu's Dragonite raises its arms and grabs ahold of Dragonite, stopping it almost immediately. Then, through the points of contact that it holds on, it pumps an intense burst of electricity straight into Iris' Dragonite.

"Now Aqua Tail!" Ryu's Dragonite slams Iris' down to the ground, swivels around, and slams it with its tail covered in a raging whirlpool.

Iris shouts, "Dragonite, get back up and use Dragon Rush!"

Iris' Dragonite roars fiercely as leaps up and becomes cloaked in a blue energy. On its way up, it slams right past Ryu's Dragonite, leaving it no chance to dodge.

Iris says to herself, "I see we're going to have to go all out on this one. Okay, Dragon trainer, let's see how you feel about a little ice." She smiles mischievously. "Dragonite, use Ice Beam! Now!"

Dragonite halts its ascent then turns back to the ground. From high above it attacks with the frozen beam.

Iris states, "Gotcha'."

But Ryu doesn't seem to care. "Stop it with Draconic Fire!"

Ryu's Dragonite looks up at the incoming Ice Beam unflinchingly and attacks back with a purple breath of flames. The flames melt right through the beam and go high enough to contact Iris' Dragonite.

Iris gasps. "No way! He just stared down that Ice Beam like it was nothing. Not even a moment's hesitation. If this guy's a Dragon trainer, how could that be?"

Ryu continues, "Now show them our Dragon Rush."

Before Iris' Dragonite can get the chance to recover from the Draconic Fire, Ryu's Dragonite has already taken flight, aimed directly for it. Like Iris' Dragonite before it, Ryu's Dragonite becomes cloaked in an intense blue energy as it charges straight into Iris' Dragonite.

The force of the impact sends Dragonite hurtling to the ground, landing with an echoing thud. Dragonite is quick to get back up, but it's as if a switch has been flipped. It roars with intense anger, then fires off a Flamethrower aimlessly into the air in a show of rage.

The color drains from Iris' face as she realizes what's happening. She shouts, "No, Dragonite! You have to keep it together! We have to work together if we're going to win this!"

But Dragonite doesn't listen. Instead it flies straight up at Ryu's Dragonite, ready to attack with Thunder Punch. Much like before, the Thunder Punch is countered.

Ash shakes his head. "This isn't good."

Brenda asks, "What's happening?"

Ash explains, "Dragonite's a bit of a rowdy Pokémon. If it gets too angry during a battle, it will stop listening to Iris altogether. They had this mostly worked out, but I guess since Dragonite's taking this battle personally, it must have been set off easier."

Brock agrees, "That's not good. If Dragonite won't obey Iris' orders, then this battle is lost."

Iris' Dragonite has moved on to throwing a flurry of Thunder Punches at the other Dragonite. Ryu's Dragonite dodges each of the sloppy attacks.

Iris shouts, "Dragonite, please! If you want to win you have to stop this!"

But Dragonite doesn't listen.

Ryu shakes his head in disapproval. "Pathetic. Dragonite, let's finish this."

Ryu's Dragonite knows exactly what to do. It grabs one of the arms of Iris' Dragonite as it uses Thunder Punch, like it did before, then throws the Pokémon overhead, hurling it towards the ground. As Iris' Dragonite falls, Ryu's then prepares for another Dragon Rush and dives straight down. At the same time that Iris' Dragonite hits the floor, Ryu's Dragonite impacts it from above with Dragon Rush, so it takes damage from both sides.

Iris asks with concern, "Dragonite?"

When the dust settles, Ryu's Dragonite stands victoriously atop Iris', which has been knocked out.

Iris sighs as she recalls Dragonite. "So much for that…"

Ryu walks up to Iris and states, "Your Dragonite has much in the way of raw power, but it is clear that you two need more training together to work out its… aggressive personality." He turns and walks away.

Brenda says, "Wow, I think that's the closest I've ever heard him come to giving a compliment."

Brock adds, "That must mean he still has at least some respect for you as a Dragon trainer."

Iris shrugs. "I don't care what he thinks. He's taking this way too seriously."

Ash agrees, "That's Ryu for you. He takes just about anything too seriously."

Iris looks at the Pokéball that contains Dragonite. "I really thought that Dragonite and I had sorted everything out while we were traveling in Johto. Unfortunately, it still acts up from time to time, when it really takes a battle personally. In a way, it shows that Dragonite cared about winning that battle just as much as I did, but that doesn't mean it helped."

Ash consoles, "Don't take the loss too hard. I've lost to that guy a few times now."

Iris looks to him in surprise. "He's beaten you? Wow, that guy must be really good."

Ash nods. "As much as I hate to admit it, he's strong. Really strong. One of the strongest trainers I've ever fought. He could be a great trainer, if only he would open his mind."

Who's that Pokémon!?

It has a generous habit of sharing its food with people and Pokémon, so it's always scrounging around for more food.

The hover boat docks on a small island mostly covered by a volcano. On the side of the volcano is a castle built with elaborate masonry meant to resemble the head of a dragon.

Iris announces, "Welcome to the Dragon's Roost!"

Ash, Brock, and Brenda take in the sight with awe and fascination. Even Ryu seems focused on the island ahead.

The group treks to the castle. Once inside, they are greeted by a variety of Dragon Pokémon and their trainers. And not just any trainers. Many of the trainers gathered are instantly recognizable. They include Lance, Claire, Drake, Drayden, Drasna, Ryuki, and Raihan.

Ash's eyes widen in surprise upon seeing everyone. "Wow, it's like a gathering of the greatest Dragon-Type trainers ever!"

Iris laughs. "That's exactly what it is."

Lance, who is chatting with Drake, notices Ash. "Well, well, well, if it isn't Ash and Brock. Good to see you guys."

Ash agrees, "Yeah, good to see you too. How's it going?"

Lance laughs. "As good as ever. The work of a Champion and a Pokémon G-Man is never done. This gathering is one of the few things I get to do with my free time."

Drake raises a brow in interest. "So Lance, you know Ash as well?"

Lance nods. "Indeed. He and his friends have helped me out of a few tight spots."

Iris gushes with disbelief, "Wow Ash, you know both Lance and Drake!? They're two of the most legendary Dragon Masters!"

Ash shrugs. "You meet a lot of people when you've been traveling as much as I have."

Iris isn't the only one impressed. Ryu stands nearby, staring at Ash, his glare only slightly betraying the jealousy he feels.

Lance looks to Iris. "And you must be Iris. Claire has told me a lot about you."

Iris blushes. "Really? She mentioned me to you?"

Then Claire steps up. "Well why wouldn't I? An up and coming Dragon trainer like yourself deserves to be talked about."

Then Drayden steps in behind Iris. "Now, now. Let's not give her too much praise. She still has to prove herself here."

Iris leaps up in surprise. "Oh, Drayden! I didn't see you there."

Drayden crosses his arms and asks, "Iris, have you readied yourself for the challenge ahead? If you wish to someday be accepted into our organization, then you'll need to demonstrate your full ability as a Dragon trainer."

Iris clenches a fist confidently. "Yes, I'm ready."

Drayden nods. "Good. The Master will be coming out any moment now greet everyone. You and the others will both be given a chance to prove yourselves with a task that he requests. You must be ready for anything."

Iris nods. "I am."

Axew agrees, "Axew!"

Before anyone else can say anything, everyone goes quiet as look to a balcony up above. A man has stepped out on to it. The man is an imposing figure. He wears a black form fitting body suit with red accents. Over it is a light gray cloak with gold plates of armor attached at various locations. Going down the back of the cloak is a row of red spikes. The cloak is fashioned by a broach with a shiny gemstone. His hair is a deep brown and spikey, and his face is intimidating.

Ash whispers to Iris, "Who's that?"

Iris explains in a whisper, "That's the greatest of all Dragon Masters. Dragon Master Holloman. He's the one who created the Dragon's Roost and organizes gatherings of the world's greatest Dragon Masters."

Ash looks back to the man. "Wow, if he's stronger than Lance, Claire, or Drake, he must really be something else."

The man announces, "Welcome one and all to this year's Gathering of the Masters. The Dragon-Type is the proudest of all Pokémon, and we here seek to honor that pride. Each and every one of you has dedicated themselves to the mastery of Dragons, one of the hardest feats a Pokémon trainer can accomplish. And this year I am proud to say that we have two new fledgling Dragon trainers brought here to show their worth, in hopes of someday being invited to join our ranks and become full-fledged Dragon Masters." He pauses as everyone claps for Iris and Ryu.

Then Ryu steps forward and declares, "Enough of these platitudes!" This draws several gasps and surprised murmurs.

Holloman looks to Ryu skeptically. "Is there something you wish to say?"

Ryu nods. "I've come here for more than to be accepted by you. I've come to challenge the best. I request that my trial be a battle with you!"

Everyone gasps at his gall and bluntness.

Iris asks with disbelief, "What is he doing?"

Ash chuckles. "This is actually pretty typical of him."

Drayden steps towards Ryu and explains, "The only way to earn a battle with the Master is to compete in this year's Tournament of Masters. If you win that, then you'll be able to-"

Holloman holds a hand up to stop Drayden. "I am impressed by this young one's courage and charisma to challenge outright. Both are traits befitting a Dragon Master. Very well. My challenge for Ryu will be for him to face me in a battle. We'll see how long that charisma lasts."

Ryu bows his head respectfully. "Thank you, Master."

It's Delibird!

Ryu and Holloman have taken up positions on a battlefield in the center of a massive chamber. Everyone sits on one side or another watching. Drayden has taken position as a referee. He announces, "It has been decided that this will be a three-on-three match with modified rules. This match will be played in three rounds, with both trainers using a different Pokémon in each round. The winner is whoever can win two of these rounds. Are these rules clear?"

Holloman nods. "Indeed."

Ryu grunts an affirmation.

Iris says with excitement, "I can't believe I'm about to witness one of the greatest Dragon Masters of all time in battle. This is going to be amazing."

Holloman is the first send out a Pokémon. "Roar, Tyrantrum!"

He sends out a Tyrantrum which, appropriately, roars in challenge.

Ryu looks his opponent over, then selects a Pokéball. "Noivern, to battle!"

Noivern appears and flaps its powerful wings, creating bursts of wind. "Veeeern!"

Brock comments, "It looks like Ryu is going with one of his most speedy Pokémon to combat the large and slow Tyrantrum. He's put thought into this, that's for sure."

Ryu gets things moving by ordering, "Noivern, use Wing Attack, full speed!" Noivern takes off with a burst of incredible speed, bringing it in close to Tyrantrum.

Holloman commands, "Catch it with Draco Fang!" Tyrantrum may not be as fast as Noivern, but it's able to react with perfect timing in order to chomp its glowing fangs down in the incoming Pokémon. It waves its head around with the helpless Noivern inside its mouth for several moments, then tosses the Pokémon aside.

Noivern lands, looking beat up, but not out for the count.

Holloman declares, "Our opponent will receive no mercy and experience our full power! Use Head Smash!"

"Tyraaaaaan!" Tyrantrum roars, then charges head-on at the downed Noivern. As it does so, it becomes cloaked in a harsh white light.

Ryu unflinchingly orders, "Boomburst!"

Noivern looks towards the charging foe and unleashes a powerful sonic screech from its ears. The intense sound disrupts Tyrantrum's attack, forcing it stop dead in its tracks as it roars in pain.

Ryu grins. "Now get up and use Dragon Pulse from above!" Noivern manages to lift back up off the ground. It quickly flies straight over Tyrantrum and attacks downwards with a purple and green sphere of energy.

Holloman counters, "Dodge, then use Stone Edge!" Tyrantrum recovers from the previous attack and leaps to the side. It roars as it summons a barrage of pointed stones to be hurled at the Pokémon above it.

Ryu urgently orders, "Out of the way!" Noivern flies to the side in an attempt to dodge, but Tyrantrum is able to adjust the trajectory of the stones accordingly, and eventually the attack hits, sending Noivern plummeting from the air. It lands with a thud.

Upon close inspection, Drayden holds up an arm and announces, "Noivern is unable to battle! Holloman wins this round!"

Ryu grimaces as both trainers recall their Pokémon.

Holloman states, "You did everything you could in that battle. You picked a good match-up. But in the end, it just wasn't meant to be for you. Let's see how to respond to my next choice." He selects his next Pokéball. "Roar, Dragapult!"

Dragapult appears. It and the Dreepy on its head roar, "Draaaaaaag!"

Brenda asks, "What in the world? That Pokémon has two other Pokémon on its head!"

She pulls out the Pokédex. "Dragapult, the Stealth Pokémon and a Dragon and Ghost Combo-Type. Dragapult can fly at supersonic speeds, while remaining practically invisible. When it gets caught in a fight, the baby Dreepy it carries on its head are more than willing to be fired off as missiles. Evolves from Drakloak at level 60."

This Pokédex description seems to have given Brenda more questions than it answered.

Ryu says to himself, "There's no way I could match Dragapult in aerial combat. I need a Pokémon that can firmly stand its ground." Upon saying this, he knows wo to use next. "Kommo-o, to battle!"

A Kommo-o appears and holds its arms out as it roars, "Kommo!" Its scales add to the roar with all kinds of clanking noises.

Ash says with surprise, "Wow, Hakamo-o must have evolved!" He gets an idea and takes out a Pokéball. Curemodo appears from it. "Take a look Curemodo, Hakamo-o evolved again. Now it's a Kommo-o. You want to watch its battle?"

Curemodo's attention is already intensely fixed on its rival.

Kommo-o has noticed it too. Looking back at Curemodo out of the corner of its eye, it says, "Kommo-o o," as if to say, "Now watch a real battle."

Holloman starts the battle this time by ordering, "Dragapult, use Lock-On!" A red reticle appears on Kommo-o's stomach. It flashes as it locks on. "Then use Dragon Darts!" Dragapult lowers its head, and the two Dreepy launch from their sockets at high speeds.

Ryu cracks a grin. "You wasted your time. You didn't need lock on, because Kommo-o was never going to dodge in the first place. Use Counter!" Kommo-o glows orange as it reaches out and literally plucks the incoming Dreepy right out of the sky. It spins around to reverse their momentum, then throws them right back at Dragapult.

One Dreepy shouts in warning, "Dreeeeep!" While the other just seems to be having too much fun to care.

Dragapult is taken off-guard and unable to avoid the redirected attack. The Dreepy both crash into it.

Kommo-o grins, taking another glance at Curemodo through the corner of its eyes to make sure it's watching.

Brock comments, "That must be the next evolution in Kommo-o's strategy to always stand its ground. Wow."

The Dreepy have repositioned themselves on Dragapult and Dragapult has recovered. Holloman says, "An amusing tactic, but not one that will work twice."

Ryu declares, "Then we'll just have to attack differently. Kommo-o, Scale Barrage!" Kommo-o lifts its arms and fires the scales off of them as projectiles.

Holloman quickly orders, "Phantom Force!"

Dragapult disappears entirely just before the scales can hit their mark.

Ryu advises, "Ready your Counter. Attack back the moment you see it."

Kommo-o looks around cautiously as it cloaks itself in an orange light once more.

Without warning, Dragapult reappears above Kommo-o on its rear side and dives down to attack. Kommo-o hears this, attempts to swivel around to counter, but isn't fast enough to block Dragapult's attack. It's thrusted several feet back.

Ryu quickly orders, "Get your bearing and use Dragon Force!"

Ash asks in surprise, "Did he say Dragon Force!?"

Curemodo adds, "Modo!?"

Kommo-o quickly gathers energy and then unleashes it as a beam. It takes a moment to look back to Curemodo and give it a smug grin.

But then Holloman orders, "Phantom Force again!" Dragapult disappears once more.

Kommo-o takes a moment to try to catch its breath, but this leaves Dragapult enough time to quickly reappear, and the moment it does, Holloman orders, "Dragon Darts!"

Ryu urges, "Counter!"

But Kommo-o isn't able to counter fast enough. The two Dreepy hit their mark before bouncing back to Dragapult. Kommo-o is knocked to ground, left unconscious.

Curemodo is shocked. "Modo…"

Ash says, "Wow, Kommo-o could use Dragon Force perfectly, and it still wasn't enough…"

Drayden declares, "That's it! Kommo-o is unable to battle! With two matches won, that means that Dragon Master Holloman is-!"

Ryu interrupts abruptly, "No! Give me the last round!"

Drayden crosses his arms skeptically. "You've lost two of the three total rounds. There is no reason to continue battling."

Betraying more emotion than is typical of Ryu, he shouts, "I don't care! I need to prove myself! Give me the last round!"

Drayden looks to Holloman as if to ask permission. Holloman nods. Drayden nods back. "Well, in that case, the battle will continue."

Ryu gathers his emotions and nods respectfully. "Thank you." He recalls Kommo-o and looks behind him to Dragonite. "It all comes down to you. Are you ready to show them what we're made of?"

Dragonite nods and grunts an affirmation.

"In that case, Dragonite, to battle!" Dragonite flies out on to the field.

Holloman has already recalled his Pokémon and selected his next Pokéball. "You've fought well, but I must warn you. You are about to face the strongest of all my Pokémon." He throws the Pokéball. "Roar, Charizard!"

A Charizard emerges from the Pokéball, but it's not just any Charizard. It's colored black and crimson. It's a Shiny Charizard. It also wears an elaborate crown-like headpiece.

Brenda gasps. "Woah! That Charizard is colored differently!"

Ryu demands. "A Charizard!? Why is the master of Dragon-Type Pokémon using a Charizard?"

Holloman crosses his arms. "Are you so certain that my Charizard isn't a Dragon-Type? Take a closer look at it."

Ryu glances skeptically at it. He realizes that a black and blue gemstone is built in to the crown. Ryu's eyes widen. "Mega Evolution!"

Holloman nods. "Exactly." He taps the brooch on his cloak, which upon closer look is actually a Keystone. A magnificent light emerges from both the Keystone and the Charizardite X. Holloman announces, "Now witness the bond between a Dragon Master and his first Pokémon! Go, Mega Evolution!"

The light from the Mega Stone links to the light from the Keystone and Charizard becomes cloaked a dazzling orb of rainbow light. Moments later, the orb explodes outwards, revealing that Charizard has transformed into Shiny Mega Charizard X. The Mega Evolved Pokémon roars.

Ryu, only for a moment, looks intimidated, but then he gathers himself and with his usual brand of confidence, announces, "Nothing has changed! Dragonite, show them your power! Aqua Tail!" Dragonite soars towards Charizard, its tail becoming covered by a fierce whirlpool.

Holloman orders, "Attack with flames so hot they burn away even water! Draconic Fire!"

Charizard roars, breathing an extremely powerful breath of blue flames just as Dragonite is turning to lash with its tail. The fire sweeps across Dragonite, flash evaporating the water cloaking its tail.

"And now that it's close, use Fire Punch!" Dragonite's momentum continues to carry it towards Charizard, despite its attack failing. Charizard readies a fist which has become cloaked in blue flames and delivers a powerful punch that sends Dragonite somersaulting backwards through the air.

Ryu urges, "Dragonite, regain control!" Dragonite flaps its wings in a desperate attempt regain stability, but it tumbles too fast.

Holloman announces, "And now, witness my ultimate Dragonic Technique! Charizard, use Flare Blitz and Dragon Rush! Dragon Overdrive!"

Brock gasps, "To be able to use both Flare Blitz and Dragon Rush at the same time! They have to have perfect mastery over their moves!"

Iris says with excitement, "They don't call him the greatest Dragon Master for nothing!"

Charizard roars as half its body becomes cloaked by blue flames, and the other by purple dragonic energy. Then there's an explosion of light as the two halves mix together to cover the entire body. Now purple energy dances with white-hot flames as two ebb and flow across Charizard. Then Charizard takes to the sky, and as it rises, its cloak begins to take on shape. It flies straight at the now downed Dragonite, and as it does the cloak grows larger and takes on a more definitive shape. Moments later and the cloak has now taken the form of a phantasmal serpentine dragon with massive wings and a terrifying maw.

Ryu can't help but be awed by the sight. But still he fights back. "Dragonite, there's no dodging or blocking this! Let's attack it head on with Dragon Rush!"

Dragonite gets up and flies up to the meet the impressive attack with Dragon Rush, but the moment the two collide, Dragonite is instantly overwhelmed and tossed to the ground. Charizard continues on with its ultimate move, plowing into the downed Dragonite and creating a massive explosion with a concussive blast.

The entire room shakes as everyone watches in awe. Even Lance looks impressed.

Drayden shakes off his speechlessness in order to announce, "Dragonite is unable to battle! Dragon Master Holloman remains the winner!"

Ryu clenches a fist in front of him, looking like he's about to say something, but then the hand drops as the atypical look of defeat washes over him.

Iris says with disbelief, "That Dragonite was so powerful, and yet it didn't even stand a chance against Master Holloman. He is above and beyond anything else I've ever seen…"

Ash says, "This happened once before to Ryu, but he's gotten so much stronger since then. I thought that this would be different…"

Ryu recalls Dragonite and hangs his head, uncertain of what to do next.

Holloman has walked across the field to Ryu and places a hand on his shoulder, "Ryu, you battled admirably. I did not hold back. I showed you my full power. And there's a reason for that. There's something I wanted you to learn. Do you know what that is?"

Before Ryu can even ponder an answer, the entire room shakes once more as one of the walls explodes. On the other side of the wall is a gigantic mechanical Florges with a red R on its front. Jessie and James' amplified voices announce, "Guess who!"

Everyone looks up to the machine with shock and fear.

The Narrator closes in a serious tone, Things didn't go so well for Iris or Ryu today, and now things are about to get worse. Stay tuned…

To Be Continued…