Hey! So I'm back with an update! I know it's been some time, but life's been kinda hectic recently. A couple of comments that were left brought me back, so thank you guys!

Hope you guys enjoy the chapter! Leave a review and let me know what you think!


She chuckles, "Exactly."

The Pokemon Summer Academy may have drawn to a close, but what Casey and her friends have learnt will remain, and Casey's glad about that. She can't wait to see what's to come, not just for herself, her Pokemon and her friends, but for all of the students at the Summer Academy.

Even Conway. Boy, is that guy weird.


Route 210 - Sinnoh

Casey watches in awe as Zoey's Glameow falls to its immensely strong opponent. Zoey sighs, bowing her head, and she almost seems like she was expecting it. Returning her Glameow to its Pokeball, she approaches her tall and elegant dressed opponent with a smile.

They're still on their way to Celestic Town, but they chose to stop at a Pokemon Center on route for a short break. It's from that pit-stop that they've run into their friend Zoey, catching the red-head in the middle of an intense battle that just wrapped itself up.

The battle itself, in Casey's opinion, was interesting to witness. She knows how strong and tactical Zoey is, so to see her lose has come as quite a shock. Her opponent battled alongside a Mismagius, which Casey can recall is a Ghost-Type Pokemon, and it sure seems to be a powerful Pokemon.

It'd be interesting to battle against.

"Zoey, it's a shame that you had to lose." Dawn remarks as the group approaches the two conversing trainers.

"Yeah, but what an awesome battle." Ash chimes in.

Zoey's opponent observes them for a moment before turning to Zoey, smiling, "I would very much like to meet your friends."

"Sure." Zoey replies.

Zoey's opponent turns back to the group, and Casey actually has to concentrate when listening to her speak due to her thick foreign accent. It's not impossible to understand, but it takes a bit of effort at first.

"Au chante." She says politely, "My name is Fantina, and it is a true pleasure."

Fantina, huh? That name rings a bell...

"Guess what! She's the Hearthome Gym Leader!" Zoey explains enthusiastically.

"Gym Leader?"

That's when it hits her.

"My Grandfather's told me about you!" Casey gasps in realisation. She had mentioned the Hearthome City Gym Leaders absence to her Grandpa when they stopped in Pastoria City, and he had taken the time to tell her about what he knew on the Gym Leader, mentioning her name and the fact that she trains Ghost-Type Pokemon.

"He has?" She asks, surprised.

"You battle with Ghost-Type Pokemon! And you've been away from your Gym for ages!"

She doesn't mean it to, but she has to admit that her tone comes across as quite harsh. In her defense, she's expects that she's not the only trainer thats been bothered by Fantina's constant absence. She knows for certain that Ash is, so odds are others are too.

"You see, I've become a travelling trainer just like you, so I haven't really had the time to be at the gym." Fantina replies, and Casey ends up just staring at her perplexed.

Of course, any and all Pokemon trainers are entitled to travel with their Pokemon, but you'd think if you had a responsibility as great as running a Pokemon Gym that you'd opt against such a journey. She doesn't think she's ever heard of a travelling Gym Leader before.

"But there's lots of trainers that want to battle you! Why don't you go back to your Gym?" Ash protests, and it's clear that he's frustrated by her response, which surprises Casey. She would've thought that Ash, out of anyone, would understand her perspective. Then again, he's desperate for that Gym Battle.

Fantina shrugs, speaking in a nonchalant tone, "I'm training, you see."

"I don't get it. What would you need to train for?"

The conversation isn't exactly getting very far, and Zoey seems to notice, as the redhead steps in to offer Fantina some advice on how to handle the situation, "Why don't you just tell them the story that you told me? They won't understand it otherwise."

"I guess you're right." Fantina admits, sighing, and she takes a moment before beginning her explanation.

Everyone, Casey included, listen intently as she talks, curious to understand her reasoning for leaving her Gym behind for so long.

"One day I had a revelation: I wanted to become much stronger. Stronger for every challenger that wanted to come to the Hearthome Gym to challenge. Now, how could I resist that? As a Pokemon Trainer, I had to put in lots of hours studying and, with a bit of luck, I was able to become Top Coordinator. Everyone was generous with their appraisal for my battling technique, and the Hearthome Gym was able to open with me as its leader. As you said, the Hearthome Gym specialises in Ghost-Type Pokemon. I faced off against anyone and everyone that came to challenge me. I fought off many battles, and I always felt that I had to win."

It's a lot to take in, but at least it provides a reason to her absence. Casey kinda understands some aspects of Fantina's situation herself. She's felt that need to win before, though she doubts she's experienced that kind of pressure constantly like Fantina has. She's felt it though, particularly at League Conferences.

It's what makes her losses so unbearable. That and the thought of disappointing her Pokemon and Grandpa.

"I understand that feeling. I always felt the same." Brock muses, and Fantina looks at him quizzically for his comment, prompting Ash to rush in and provide her with an explanation.

"You see, Brock used to be the Gym Leader at the Pewter City Gym over in Kanto."

Fantina gasps, and her eyes light up as she looks at Brock, "Wow! Then there's no doubt that you understand exactly what I mean! Even Gym Leaders are always in training! They want to get stronger too!"

"Fantina's been working hard as a trainer, just like us. She's been doing all the same things that we have, like catching Pokemon and battling trainers and gaining all of that experience." Zoey explains.

"Which finally led me to determine one thing: I had to create a new style of battling. One that would combine the beauty of the Contest with the ferocity of the battlefield!" Fantina proclaims, and Casey can tell by the enthusiasm in her voice that she's sincere in what she's preaching.

"Have you been able to come up with it?" Dawn asks, curious.

Fantina shakes her head, "Not quite yet, but one step at a time. Slow and steady."

The Gym Leader sounds almost shameful, which perplexes Casey because she's beyond impressed by her determination. Sure, her not being at her Gym is frustrating, but after hearing Fantina's story, she fully understands why.

She respects her for it, actually.

"After hearing that, I've got to challenge you!" Casey professes, because she simply can't keep it in any longer. She really wants to battle Fantina.

"So have I!" Ash adds, sounding just as eager, and it seems to be enough to convince Fantina.

"Very well. This is what travelling trainers do." She says, "However, my Pokemon are fatigued, so I'll only be able to battle one of you."

Casey had been expecting that after witnessing Zoey's battle against the Gym Leader. It simply wouldn't be fair to expect her already tired Pokemon to battle back to back like that, but now that raises yet another dilemma. Which one of them is going to get to have the battle?

Casey looks to Ash, and he looks back at her just as conflicted, and neither of them really knows how to act, because neither wants to be selfish but they both really want to have the battle.

But, as always, Brock steps in and makes a logical statement that clears up the situation for them with ease.

"Ash, maybe you should let Casey take this one, since you got to battle Crasher Wake first back in Pastoria City." He suggests, and at first Ash looks crestfallen at his suggestion, but then he sighs and relents.

"I guess you're right." He admits, turning to Casey with a smile, "The battle's all yours, Casey."

"Thanks, Ash." Casey says, smiling, before turning to Fantina, "Is that okay?"

Fantina nods, clapping her gloved hands together gleefully. The two trainers make their way over to their own respective sides of the battlefield whilst the others take a seat on the bench at the side to act as spectators.

"What kind of battle would you like?" Fantina asks, being graceful enough to give Casey the choice.

"A three on three. The battle's over when one side is unable to continue. Just like a Gym Battle!"

Fantina considers the proposed ruleset for a moment before making a proposition of her own, one that Casey's incredibly interested in.

"I have a single Gym Badge in my possession. If you can defeat me, I will reward you with the prize!" She explains, and Casey's excitement's practically bursting at the seams when she realises what that means.

If we win this, then we'll have our fifth Gym Badge! This is huge!

With that thought in the forefront of her mind, she goes to send out her first Pokemon then and there, the newfound motivation driving her every action and word, "Monferno, let's go!"

He springs out of the capsule, planting his feet on the ground as his tail flame roars to life, and both of them stand patiently awaiting for Fantina to send out her battling partner.

"Drifloon! Battle positions, please!" She declares, and then the spherical Balloon Pokemon is appearing on the battlefield, swaying around in the light breeze.

A Drifloon, huh? This could get interesting.

"Drifloon, use Ominous Wind!" Fantina declares, surprising Casey by making the first move. Drifloon points the top of its head towards Monferno and begins to spin rapidly, seemingly charging up its attack, and Casey knows that she's got to act fast before it deals some serious damage.

"Counter it with Flame Wheel!" Monferno nods, forming a ball of raging fire and launching himself at Drifloon, but the Balloon Pokemon dodges him with ease thanks to its floaty movement.

Both Monferno and Casey are taken aback by its swiftness, particularly when it reorientates itself and rushes towards Monferno, striking him with its powerful Ominous Wind attack and causing a hefty amount of damage.

"No! Monferno!" Casey cries, watching in horror as her partner crashes down onto the ground. She's worried for a moment, but then he stands, and she can see the anger and determination in the way that's he's standing. He may have taken some damage, but he's ready to fight back despite that.

"Shake it off and use Flamethrower!" Monferno jumps up into the air, presumably so he can get on Drifloon's level, and bellows a torrent of fire directly at the Balloon Pokemon, who frustratingly dodges the attack without even being prompted to.

"Now, use Hypnosis!"

You've got to be kidding me!

Now, with Monferno being right in its line of sight, Drifloon's body glows and it fires a glowing 'X' from its face right at him. The ominous attack hits Monferno directly, and Monferno's body slacks to the ground as he passes out cold.

"Monferno, no!" Casey cries, desperation laced within her voice, and on a split second decision she makes her next move, "Return!"

Monferno returns to his capsule, Casey sighing in relief when she's certain that he's safe. She could've risked it and kept him out there, but there was no guaranteeing that he'd wake up in time to fight back.

Besides, she's actually got a counter to Fantina's strategy, and she's certain that it's something that nobody's gonna see coming.

"Well, this is interesting."

She glances over at Fantina, who is staring back at her curiously, hand raised to her face as if she's pondering something. She appreciates that, because that means that Fantina's focused and invested in their battle. She's not just cruising through it, she's actually taking the time to observe her opponent just as Casey is to her.

She loves battles like that.

"Electabuzz, lets go!" She cries, launching the Pokeball out onto the battlefield so that Electabuzz bursts out from it, loud battle cry echoing through the space so loudly that her friends flinch.

Fantina doesn't react, instead remaining composed as she makes her next move, "Use Hypnosis again!"

Drifloon complies, using the attack once again, except this time neither Casey nor her Pokemon has to react because they have nothing to fear.

The attack follows through as usual. The difference occurs once it hits Electabuzz, as instead of sending the Electric Pokemon to sleep, it simply dispels around him, fading into a mist as if it were nothing.

Electabuzz turns back to her, confident smirk and all, and she nods back with a smile before looking to Fantina, who is staring at her in astonishment.

She doesn't need to look to know that her friends are doing the same from the sidelines.

"You see, most Electabuzz have the ability of Static, but my Electabuzz is different." She explains, taking full pride in that fact, "His ability is Vital Spirit, meaning that your Hypnosis doesn't stand a chance."

They only discovered it on accident during a battle a while ago. She had just always assumed that Electabuzz had the Static ability like most other Pokemon of his species. Turns out she couldn't have been more wrong, something that's sure coming in handy right about now.

With Fantina and Drifloon still being somewhat stunned, Casey takes her chance and attacks, "Use Thunderbolt!"

Electabuzz strikes with a vengeance, the powerful bolt of lightning striking Drifloon with unmatched ferocity, and the Balloon Pokemon convulses as the electricity crackles around it.

The attack disperses, and as it does Drifloon floats limply towards the ground, landing in the dirt unconscious, the pure power of Electabuzz's Thunderbolt being enough to take it down.

"Oh, no! My Drifloon!" Fantina cries, staring helplessly at her fallen Pokemon, and after a moment she shakily returns it to its Pokeball.

It takes her a moment to compose herself, but once she does she seems to have a plan.

"Very well. I shall try something different." She says simply, reaching for her next Pokeball and throwing it elegantly about onto the battlefield, "Mismagius, battle positions!"

Mismagius appears, drifting above the battlefield just as ominously Drifloon did before it. Casey looks to Electabuzz, who remains focused on his target, and she knows that he's ready for this.

"Alright, Electabuzz! Use Thunder Punch!" She declares, and Fantina's quick to offer a counter.

"Use Psybeam!"

Electabuzz is swift, so swift in fact that he manages to dodge Mismagius' first Psybeam with his fist still crackling with electricity. He continues his charge towards Mismagius, but then the Magical Pokemon strikes for a second time unexpectedly, and it makes a direct hit.

Electabuzz goes flying back, landing in the dirt before Casey's feet, and she watches with a grimace as he stumbles to his feet, clearly hurt.

She's torn, because she knows that Electabuzz is strong and he can easily bounce back from this, but at the same time she knows how swift and strong Mismagius is. She also knows that Fantina still has another Pokemon, and there's a chance that the other Pokemon can also use Hypnosis like Drifloon. She needs Electabuzz able to battle in case that's true.

For that reason, and that reason alone, she makes her next move.

"Electabuzz, return!"

She calls Electabuzz back into his capsule much to his chagrin before reaching for her next Pokeball, grasping it firmly in her right hand and preparing to launch it out into the battlefield, "Alright, Gastro-!"

She halts when light bursts out from her side, Metang materialising before her with a loud cry, and she groans as it hovers before her defiantly, "Metang, what are you doing?"

Why does it do stuff like this?

It ignores her, instead remaining focused on its target, which ironically enough is futile given its situation.

"Metang, Mismagius is a Ghost-Type! Your Psychic attacks won't do a thing!" She explains, trying to reason with the Iron Claw Pokemon, and she knows she's failed when its forearm begins to glow brightly, "And, of course, you don't care."

Metang begins to rush towards Mismagius, clearly preparing to attack using Meteor Mash, and though Fantina orders Mismagius to dodge the oncoming attack, Metang still manages to strike a devastating blow.

Mismagius staggers back with a cry of agony, and Casey stares with a stunned expression on her face as Metang retreats briefly.

"Th-that actually worked?"

Surprised doesn't even begin to describe it. She knows that Metang is an absolute enigma, but even knowing that doesn't negate the surprise she feels every time it pulls something like this.

"Use Dark Pulse!"

Mismagius strikes once again, this time firing a beam of dark circles towards Metang, except the Metal Claw Pokemon reacts before even she does.

It uses Agility to dodge the attack, and what follows next passes by in a blur. It strikes Mismagius with a Metal Claw attack and then quickly follows that up with a Meteor Mash, both of which make direct contact.

Mismagius didn't stand a chance, which is why Casey isn't surprised when it tumbles down to the ground like Drifloon did before it, Fantina crying out desperately for her fallen Pokemon.

"No! My Mismagius!"

Casey doesn't react at first, too surprised by what she's just witnessed to do anything, but once she does she can't contain her excitement and pride for Metang.

"That was great, Metang!" She cheers, looking to the Metal Claw Pokemon whilst Fantina returns Mismagius to its Pokeball, and it turns towards her stoically as she smiles, "Let's keep it up!"

They've actually got a shot here. There's only one more opponent left, and given Metang's strength their chances at winning should have only increased.

Her plan seems perfect, well, all except for one minor detail: Metang's having none of it. The Metal Claw Pokemon takes it upon itself to return to its capsule on its own accord, leaving Casey stood there before Fantina on her own.

You've got to be kidding me.

"I must say, your Metang is very interesting." Fantina remarks from across the battlefield, seemingly puzzled by Metang's unorthodox behaviour, and Casey honestly doesn't blame her for feeling that way.

Metang has to be one of the strangest Pokemon that she's ever met.

"Yeah, it's...something." She murmurs, unsure of what else she can really say. She really doesn't know how to describe Metang.

For a moment she stands there, perplexed, because despite being in the heat of the battle, adrenaline pumping through her veins, Metang remains on her mind and that throws her off.

"Come on, Casey!"

She's snapped out of her thoughts by Ash, who shouts over at her from the sidelines, Pikachu joining in to cheer her on. Turning to them, she smiles.

"You can win this!" He cheers enthusiastically, "Go for it!"

She takes in the faces of her friends. She notices their smiles, their faces of encouragement, and she knows then and there that she has to win this battle. Not only for the Gym Badge, but for them.

Nodding at them all, she turns back towards the battlefield, just in time to see Fantina send out her third and final Pokemon.

"Well, to end the show, I choose my Gengar!" Fantina declares, tossing her third and final Pokeball out onto the field. Her Gengar bursts out of it, it's purple, ghost-like form floating up in the air where it remains, hovering over the battlefield and staring intently at Casey

She can tell just by it's stance that Gengar's a swift Pokemon. It's also got the advantage of being in the air, much like Fantina's other Pokemon. She has a feeling that this is going to get interesting.

"Alright, then! Electabuzz, get back out here!" She declares once she's made her decision. Electabuzz materialises in front of her, lightning crackling around his body in anticipation, and when he glances back at her she nods at him in a silent exchange.

This is it.

She knows he gets it when he turns back towards Gengar, staring at it with fire in his eyes. He's ready for this.

"Use Night Shade!" Fantina commands. Gengar's eyes glow a deep red as it fires a dark crimson beam at Electabuzz unexpectedly, and due to its sheer speed the attack makes a direct hit.

Electabuzz staggers back with a deep groan and Casey calls out to him in concern, "Electabuzz! Are you okay?"

"Bzz!"

He's saying that he's okay. She doesn't know if she believes him or not, but it's not like she has the time to stand around and ask more questions. They need to act fast.

"Use Thunderbolt!" Casey counters, and Electabuzz complies by firing a striking bolt of lightning directly towards Gengar. The Shadow Pokemon dodges it with ease, but Electabuzz doesn't stop there, choosing to relentlessly fire off Thunderbolt after Thunderbolt in an attempt to strike his opponent.

One does strike Gengar eventually, and it causes a substantial amount of damage at that, but that doesn't come without its drawbacks. She glances at Electabuzz, grimacing at the exhausted slack to his stance and the heaving of his entire body as he struggles to regain his breath.

Electabuzz ordinarily has a lot of stamina, but he's taken a couple of incredibly powerful hits so far, and that onslaught of Thunderbolts hasn't exactly helped his case. She knows that he can't keep this up for much longer, and with Monferno being asleep and Metang being uncooperative, they don't exactly have a clear backup plan.

It doesn't help that Gengar's back up on it's feet again, glaring menacingly at Electabuzz. Casey knows that look - Gengar wants revenge for that last attack.

"Use Shadow Punch, Gengar!"

"Dodge it, Electabuzz!"

The fists seemingly come out of nowhere, striking Electabuzz with unmatched ferocity, and any attempts at dodging seem futile. Given the pure speed and surprise of the attack, coupled with Electabuzz's increasing exhaustion, dodging seems out of the question as the attack strikes him, sending him staggering to his knees with a grimace of pain.

"Come on, Electabuzz! You can do this!" She cheers, because she can tell that Electabuzz could do with as much praise as possible right now to get through this. He's clearly struggling, which is why she's so proud when he manages to get back onto his feet, electricity still crackling around him as he prepares to fight back.

That's the Electabuzz I know.

"Great job, Electabuzz!" She praises, "Counter with Thunder Punch!"

Electabuzz's fist glows once again as he charges towards Gengar, and she can tell that when he swings his fist for the Shadow Pokemon he's swinging with all of his strength. For a moment, it seems as if the attack is going to make a direct hit, but as Electabuzz approaches, Gengar manages to dodge with ease.

Electabuzz hastily retreats, barely staying on his feet as Gengar hovers over him tauntingly, the Shadow Pokemon clearly knowing that it has the upper hand.

"You cannot compete with my Gengar's speed, no?" Fantina says, no arrogance in her voice, rather confidence.

Casey respects her for that, but it doesn't dispel the frustration she feels. She knows that Fantina's right. Gengar's too agile for Electabuzz to compete with given his exhaustion, and dodging is also out of the question now. They can't run from this one.

"Now, use Poison Jab!"

They're gonna have to face it head on.

"Grab it!" She commands, trying to ignore the audible gasps she hears from everyone spectating. It's unorthodox, and she knows that Electabuzz knows that too, but he listens to her, grabbing onto Gengar's glowing purple fist and holding it tightly.

She knows that the poison's effect is instantaneous, so she wastes no time in striking back.

"Use Thunderbolt, full throttle!" She cries. Electabuzz pushes through the pain of the poison to fire off the attack, and she doesn't miss the way Gengar's eyes go wide just before the lightning takes over, shocking the Shadow Pokemon to its core whilst the poison still takes its effect.

It's quite the sight - poison going up against electricity - and it's ultimately the former that falls first, crashing down to the ground with electricity still crackling around its body.

She knows what's coming, and because of that she rushes right towards Electabuzz once she's certain that Gengar's unable to battle, catching the Electric Pokemon before he falls just like his opponent. She holds him in her arms, and the fatigued Pokemon looks up at her with an exhausted smile.

"Bzz." He murmurs weakly, and a relieved laugh escapes her at the sight.

"Yeah, you did it, Electabuzz." She praises, reaching into her pocket to withdraw his Pokeball with a smile, "You were amazing. You deserve a nice long rest."

He dematerialises from her arms as red light, entering back into his Pokeball gratefully, and as she pockets his Pokeball she feels someone hovering over her. Looking up, she sees it to be Fantina, who extends a gloved hand out to her that she gratefully accepts.

"Thank you for the excellent battle, Casey." She says, helping the young trainer to her feet, "Your Pokemon were truly remarkable, as were you."

"Thank you, Fantina." Casey replies, smiling, "That means a lot coming from you."

"She's not wrong." Dawn says, approaching along with the rest of her friends, all of whom are smiling proudly at her, "You guys were amazing!"

"Watching your battle has got me all fired up!" Ash says enthusiastically, Pikachu crying out in agreement from his shoulder.

Casey smiles gratefully at her friends, "Thanks, guys."

Turning back to Fantina, she watches excitedly as she reaches into her pocket and pulls out a single Gym Badge, passing it over to her willingly, "As promised, this is for you."

Casey gratefully accepts the badge, and for a moment she stares in awe at the small metallic piece. The dark purple coloration of the badge makes it stand out compared to the rest, and as she looks at it a single thought is on her mind.

We won our fifth Gym Badge!


"Can you believe it, Monferno? We've got our fifth Gym Badge!" Casey says enthusiastically as she polishes the badge in question, enjoying the warmth of the Pokemon Center and the comfort of the armchair she's in.

It's late in the evening now. They've said their goodbyes to Fantina and Zoey, and now it's just their regular group left behind, all crammed together in the corner of the Pokemon Center, keeping away from the dark and cold outside.

She's just cleaning up the badge before putting it away in her case along with the others, and she's still honored and surprised that she gets to do that. She still can't believe they won their fifth Gym Badge today. They're over halfway towards the Sinnoh League now. That's insane!

"Mon..."

She can tell one thing about the tone of Monferno's voice - disappointment.

Sighing, she places the newly polished badge into the case before turning to her partner, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder with a smile.

"Don't be upset, pal. You couldn't really do much about falling asleep. Besides, there's always the next Gym Battle to look forward to." She says optimistically before turning towards her friends for support, "Don't you agree, As-?"

She falls short when she notices the expression on Ash's face. He seems to be deep in thought, chin resting in the palm of his hand whilst Pikachu remains perched on his shoulder, looking just as deep in thought as his trainer.

She looks over at Dawn and Brock, who are both watching Ash just as she is, concern as clear as day on the formers face, "What's up with him?"

Dawn seems just as puzzled by Ash's behaviour as she is, but Brock seems to figure it out in an instant.

"I think he's thinking about your battle with Fantina." Brock replies.

"Our battle?" Casey murmurs, perplexed.

"You had a counter for that Hypnosis with Electabuzz." Ash says suddenly, seemingly snapping out of his tranced state and turning towards the group with a forlorn expression on his face, "I haven't got any Pokemon with that ability."

Oh. Now I get it.

She gets it now. Ash is trying to figure out how he's gonna counter Fantina's Pokemon.

"That ability was amazing, Casey." Dawn says encouragingly, "I've never seen anything like it."

"Thanks, Dawn." Casey replies, smiling, "It sure can come in handy."

She's grateful for Dawn's praise, but it only seems to concern Ash all the more.

"But how am I supposed to counter that Hypnosis?" Ash questions, "Or the way those Ghost-Type Pokemon move?"

She sees where the problem is. Fantina's Pokemon sure are something else, and something tells her that if it weren't for Electabuzz's ability, she wouldn't have her fifth Gym Badge right now. She totally gets why Ash is already trying to figure out a strategy of his own.

She figures she might as well try to help in any way that she can.

"They're swift, I'll give you that, but there's ways of countering that speed." She says logically, "Look, I'm sure that you'll figure it out, and I'll even help you, if you want."

For her, it's a no brainer to offer Ash any help that she can, which is why she's so surprised when he looks at her with both shock and gratitude.

"You will?"

She nods, smile sincere, "Of course. We're friends, and friends help each other out."

"That's right!" Dawn chimes in, "And with both of you working on a strategy, I'm sure you'll come up with something great!"

"You think?" Ash asks.

"For sure!"

Casey raises a fist, smirking confidently at Ash, "She's right! Let's do this!"

Casey makes a promise to herself then and there - she's gonna do anything she can to help Ash get his fifth badge. She does want to battle him at the Sinnoh League, after all, and like she said, they're friends.