The Battle Castle
The Battle Castle stood a mile down the road and although it was most certainly a castle as far as design goes, it wasn't nearly as big as castle ruins that Ash had seen nor as old as it looked rather modern as far as design goes. As they got closer Ash recognized one of his more recent rivals stepping out the door, seeming to have won against the Frontier Brain as he held what appeared to be a frontier symbol of some sort in his hands.
"Hugh, hey!" Ash called out, giving his rival a wave along with a smile. "You beat the Frontier Brain?!"
"I don't see how this is your business but yes, I have." Hugh rolled his eyes. "I doubt you'll have much luck if I hardly won then there's no way that you will seeing how I've beaten you already." Hugh placed his hands into his pockets before continuing on his way.
Ash stared after Hugh for a moment longer before eventually turning around as he gave the others a wave. "Come on, let's get going before the Frontier Brain goes on break!"
"Pika!" Ash and Pikachu were rather quick on rushing inside, it'd been awhile since they had gone up against a powerful opponent and they were quite excited to get things underway!
"Lady Caitlin I'm so pleased that you've returned!" Two figures stood in the middle of the battlefield, one he recognized as the Unova Elite Four member Caitlin but the other was somebody he'd yet to meet. The man was dressed up in proper butler attire, wearing a black and suit suit top with purple dress pants, his amber eyes were behind a pair of glasses and his short black hair was slicked back in a rather fashionable manner.
"Darach, I trust you've been taking care of our castle?"
"Of course my lady, it's just like how you left it!" Darach reassured her.
"Good, I may be a Elite Four member now but I still care about this place. Brings back so many fond memories..." Caitlin sighed out before taking a glance to the side as she noticed Ash, recognizing him as one of the top participants from the Unova League a few years prior. His performance there wasn't exactly impressive but she still thought it worth keeping an eye on him. "Heh, looks like you've got yourself a challenger dear."
"Hm? Oh why hello there, you must be Ash Ketchum!"
"How do you know my name?" Ash tilted his head as the others soon arrived behind him.
"Scott informed me that you'd be coming eventually, said you'd be easily recognizable due to the Pikachu on your shoulder." Darach pointed out Pikachu who nervously rubbed the back of his neck upon being pointed out. "So you've come here for a battle I presume? Sorry but I must decline, lady Caitlin's here and I haven't seen her in over a year. I'd very much like to spend some time with her-"
"Hold up Darach, we could do a double battle!" Caitlin proposed as Ash's heart started to excitedly race, getting to battle an Elite Four member and the first of the Sinnoh Frontier Brains?! He was literally shaking from excitement, especially as he hadn't participated in a double battle in what felt like a long time!
Darach gave Caitlin a look before looking towards Ash. "Do you accept then? You'll need to choose a partner of your own to face against us, keep things fair. Two brains fighting against one isn't exactly fair."
"I accept!" Ash excitedly pumped his fists while looking towards Marnie. "Want to be my partner for this?"
"O-Of course, I'd love to!" Marnie couldn't help but blush at the suggestion before giving him a quick nod of confirmation.
"This will be a full six on six battle with each trainer utilizing three of their Pokemon!" Darach explained the rules as the four trainers got into position. "Both sides are allowed to switch at any time and once a team is no longer able to battle, the winner will be declared!"
Dawn was unable to hold back a fairly large smile as she and Zach stood by themselves on the sideline. Lucario smirked to himself as he saw Dawn inching closer to his trainer, the jackal turned and gave Cinderace a light nudge.
"Carrr!" 'We should give them some space.'
"Ace?" Cinderace looked towards her trainer and smirked to herself before nodding in agreement as the two Pokemon edged away from the trainers.
"My my looks like I arrived just in time!" Scott exclaimed as he took his place by the referee. "Ash Ketchum battling an Elite Four member and a Frontier Brain at the same time? What a treat!"
"Seeing how we're the hosts we'll reveal our Pokemon first," Darach grinned as he threw a Pokeball forward. "Staraptor let's fly!"
"Sigilyph let's take to the sky!"
"Star!"
"Sigi!" The two Flying types burst out and hovered above the ground as they awaited Ash and Marnie's choice in Pokemon.
"Gigalith I choose you!"
"Ready?"
"Of course, let's not keep Scyther and Boldore waiting!" Ash exclaimed.
Zach smirked lightly as the two trainers placed the Pokeballs into the trading machine slots. The machine's lights activated as Boldore and Scyther's images appeared on the screen, the images moved across the screen as they swapped position with each other before the machine dinged to indicate the process was complete.
"Should we trade back now?" Ash questioned.
"Hold on, I want to make sure Scyther's okay first!"
"Heh, alright. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to check on them first." Ash chuckled as the two opened up the Pokeballs.
"Boldore!"
"Scyther!" The two Pokemon cried out shortly before their bodies were engulfed by a bright blue light. Large red crystals started forming across Gigalith's body while a protective red metal armor formed around Scyther's body.
"Gigalith!"
"Scizor!" The two Pokemon cried out.
"You look awesome, Scizor!"
"Scizor!" Scizor smiled at his trainer's praise.
"I can't wait to see what moves you learned, Gigalith!" Ash exclaimed.
"Gigalith!"
"In that case I choose Krookodile!" Marnie shouted as she tossed a Dusk Ball forward.
"Krooko!"
"Use Sandstorm!" Marnie cried out.
"Krooko!" Krookodile stretched out his arms and roared out causing a fierce sandstorm to kick up and cover the battlefield.
"Giga..." Gigalith let out a soothing groan as he felt himself growing stronger.
"Solar Beam!" Caitlin ordered.
"Whirlwind!" Darach shouted.
Staraptor flapped his wings causing the sandstorm to part just enough that they could see the opposing side as a blast of solar energy fired from Sigilyph's third eye. The blast struck Krookodile and knocked him back, Krookodile grunted out as his knee gave out for a brief moment before recovering as Gigalith helped him back to his feet.
"Smackdown!" Ash shouted with a throw of his arm.
"Lith!" Gigalith slammed his foot against the ground causing a sharp projectile to fly out and soar towards Sigilyph, piercing the Pokemon's body and forcing it to land as it seemingly lost the ability to fly!
"Close Combat!"
"Staraptor!" Staraptor soared through the sandstorm before repeatedly pecking and thrashing against Gigalith.
"Crunch!"
"Krooko!"
"Starrr!" Staraptor cried out as Krookodile sank his teeth into his wings.
"Power Gem!" Ash shouted.
"Giga...lith!" Gigalith's crystals began glowing as light shot from them and took the form of a large pink energy beam. Gigalith let out a roar as he unleashed the attack on Staraptor, blasting the Pokemon across the field where he came to a collapsed heap before his trainer as swirls filled his eyes.
"Star..."
"Staraptor return,"
Caitlin smirked to herself as Sigilyph locked onto Krookodile once more. "Solar Beam!"
"Sigi!" The blast of solar energy fired across the field and struck Krookodile's chest, the crocodile groaned out as he held his chest before collapsing onto his side as swirls filled his own eyes.
"Krookodile return,"
"Entei let's heat things up!" Darach shouted out as he threw a Pokeball forward.
"Entei!"
"Entei?!" Marnie's eyes widened as an anxious look was briefly visible. She didn't have much experience fighting against Legendary Pokemon. "Grimmsnarl I need you!"
"Snarl!" The demon Pokemon snarled out as he emerged from his Dusk Ball.
"Gigalith use Stone Edge on Entei!" Ash shouted out.
"Giga!" Gigalith slammed his feet against the ground causing several pointed rock pillars to emerge, the rock pillars rushed across the field and closed in on Entei before crushing the Legendary! Entei uttered out a pained roar but still seemed eager and raring to fight.
"Sunny Day!"
Entei roared out as the battlefield became bathed in sunlight.
"Solar Beam!"
"Sigi!" Sigilyph fired off another beam of solar energy, this time at Gigalith. Gigalith grunted out as he was knocked back by the attack.
"Spirit Break!"
"Snarl!" Grimmsnarl rushed towards Entei before unleashing his fury upon the Fire Legendary, giving him a swift and powerful kick before delivering a powerful blow to his back! Entei grunted and gasped out as the attacks struck before uttering out a yelp as Grimmsnarl lifted him above his head, Grimmsnarl flashed Entei a smirk as he threw him back at the ground before landing on top of him!
"T-Tei..." Entei weakly groaned as his fighting spirit was crushed.
"Marnie have Grimmsnarl climb on top of Gigalith!" Ash called out.
"Hm?" Marnie gave Ash a questioning look before realizing what exactly he had in mind. "Sure thing, Grimmsnarl climb onto Gigalith's back!"
"Snarl..." Grimmsnarl climbed on top of Gigalith.
"Earthquake!"
"Giga!" Gigalith slammed his feet against the ground causing the ground to violently shake about, Sigilyph and Entei's bodies shook along with the ground. Their eyes rolled about as their bodies swayed back and forth before Sigilyph fell against the ground in defeat. Entei was still standing as the earthquake died out, the Fire type boldly gazed towards his opponents as he awaited his trainer's orders.
"Sigilyph return, Metagross darling it's your turn!" Caitlin tossed forward another ball which promptly burst to reveal the Steel/Psychic Pseudo Legendary.
"META!"
"Entei use Eruption!"
"Entei!" The Legendary raced across the field and stretched out as a large geyser of fire came flying from his mouth, meeting Gigalith head on!
"G-Giga..."
"Bullet Punch!"
"Meta!" Metagross' arms glowed red as he spun towards his opponent, striking Gigalith repeatedly in the face until the rock monster had enough as his legs gave out on him.
"Lith..."
"Gigalith return, you were great out there and deserve a long rest!" Ash praised as he returned Gigalith to his Pokeball. He looked across the field once more as he began considering his options. "Greninja I choose you!"
"Gre!" Greninja cried out as he burst from his ball.
"Snarl!"
"Gre!" The two Dark types gave each other a nod of respect before staring their opponents down.
"Water Shuriken!"
"Greninja!" Greninja threw several water shurikens at Entei, soaking the Legendary Pokemon.
"Hyper Beam!" Caitlin cried out.
"Metaaa!" Metagross fired off the orange-yellow energy beam towards Grimmsnarl.
"False Surrender!" Grimmsnarl dropped to his knees upon the attack making it's mark on him, the demon Pokemon gave Metagross a sorrowful expression as he began waving a white flag. Metagross tilted his head to the gasp before gasping out as Grimmsnarl's hair suddenly lashed out and wrapped around him. Metagross cried out as he was tossed about!
"Join in with Night Slash!" Ash shouted out.
"Ninja!" Greninja's arm turned a sinister shade of purple as he rushed forward and slashed out at his opponent! Metagross was pushed back but still appeared able to continue.
"Solar Beam!" Darach shouted.
"Entei!" The Fire Legendary's mouth quickly filled with solar energy as he prepared to fire it at Greninja.
"Tank it!" Marnie shouted. "Then retaliate with Stomping Tantrum!"
"Snarl!" Grimmsnarl leaped in the way of the blast and held out his arms as he shielded Greninja from the attack, the demon Pokemon gritted his teeth before slamming his foot against the ground causing large pieces of the battlefield to splinter up and fly towards Entei!
"Tei..." Entei groaned.
"Alright Greninja let's hit them with a Water Shuriken!"
"Gre!"
"Meteor Mash!"
"META!" Metagross's body became covered in a blue aura as he blasted across the field, Grimmsnarl groaned out as Metagross struck him in the chest. The demon Pokemon momentarily dropped to a knee and that was all Darach needed to see.
"Eruption!"
"En...tei!"
"Counter with Water Shuriken!" Greninja quickly leaped in the way of the attack before chucking a water shuriken into Entei's mouth, dousing the flame! Entei's eyes widened as he felt the water striking at the insides of his body, his eyes began rolling upwards before he collapsed against the ground in defeat as swirls filled his eyes.
"Entei return, Gallade let's finish this!"
"Gallade!"
"Giga Impact!"
"Gallade..." Gallade charged across the field as a orange-purple aura surrounded his body.
"Leap up and hit him from behind with Night Slash!"
"Gre!"
"Thunder Punch!" Caitlin suddenly cried out.
"Gre!" Greninja gasped out as he was struck by Metagross' electrically charged punch keeping him trapped in place as Gallade charged towards him.
"Gallade!"
"Greninja!" Greninja cried out as he was sent flying back by the attack, the frog slid across the ground before coming to a halt as he laid in front of his trainer's feet. Swirls formed within his eyes.
"Greninja return," Ash recalled Greninja to his Pokeball before giving Pikachu a look. "Pikachu I choose you!"
Pikachu smirked and gave his trainer an approving nod as he leaped from his shoulder and onto the battlefield. "Pika!"
"Dark Pulse!"
"Snarl!" Grimmsnarl snarled out as a black-purple beam of static energy formed within his mouth, the demon Pokemon took aim at his opponent before firing it off at Metagross!
"Meta..." Metagross grunted out as the attack pushed him back before finally dropping to his knees as the long battle had taken it's toll on him.
"Metagross return, Gardevoir you're up!" Caitlin threw forward another Pokeball which burst open to reveal a Gardevoir.
"Gardevoir!"
"Ready my love?" Darach asked.
"Of course my darling," Caitlin smiled as the two reached for their Mega Rings.
"Let's show these two the power of our love and bond with Mega Evolution!" The two shouted simultaneously.
Ash clenched his fists lightly while Marnie looked on with a bit of an anxious look as the two Psychic types were engulfed by a bright pink light.
"Gallade!"
"Gardevoir!" The newly transformed Mega Evolutions cried out.
"Dazzling Gleam!"
"Gardevoir!" A sphere of rainbow colored energy formed around the Mega Pokemon as she charged across the field before throwing herself at the demon Pokemon!
"Snarl!" Grimmsnarl cried out.
"Follow up with Night Slash!"
"Gallade!" Gallade's arm blade turned a black purple as he raced forward, his arm moved back as he prepared to slash Grimmsnarl!
"Oh no you don't, Thunderbolt!"
"Pika... chuuuu!" Pikachu's cheeks sparked as the electric mouse fired off an electrical bolt towards Gallade.
"G-Gallade!" Gallade cried out and stopped midway as electricity began surging through his veins.
"Spirit Break!" Marnie cried out.
"Snarl!" Grimmsnarl grabbed hold of Mega Gallade, pinning his arms against his body as he hoisted the Mega up before slamming his body against the ground! Grimmsnarl then violently lashed out and delivered a series of powerful blows and kicks before leaping away from him.
"Gardevoir..." Gardevoir narrowed her eyes as she didn't appreciate seeing her mate beaten down like that.
"Psychic!"
"Gardevoir!"
"P-Pika?!" Pikachu cried out as he began levitating through the air.
"Fight it with Volt Tackle!"
"Pika... pika pika... pika!" Pikachu began running in place as golden electricity formed around him and before Gardevoir could drop him, Pikachu blasted directly through her psychic attack before making his way towards her! "PIKA!" Pikachu cried out as he charged into her, knocking her back and giving her quite the electrical shock!
"G-Gardevoir!"
"Hey Ash, Grimmsnarl can handle one Mega but I'm not sure he can fight off against two forever. Why don't you end this with your special technique?"
"Huh?" Ash gave Marnie a questioning look as he didn't understand what she meant at first before coming to a realization as he noticed her glancing towards his arm. "Oh! Pikachu, catch!"
"Pika!" Pikachu leaped up and grabbed hold of Ash's hat as it was thrown at him before the two began moving in perfect synch.
"This is sure to be interesting," Scott crossed his arms as a smirk formed across his face.
"10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt!" Ash cried out.
"Pika...CHUUUU!" Pikachu's cheeks sparked a variety of colors as he began draining electricity from the storm clouds. The two Mega Pokemon gave each other a worried glance before crying out from surprise as electrical bolts that came in every color of the rainbow came flying towards them!
"It's so..." Darach started.
"Beautiful..." Caitlin finished.
"Gallade!"
"Garde!" The two cried out as the electricity surged through the veins before coming to a collapse as the power was too much for them to handle, the pink light covered their bodies once more as they reverted back to their base forms. Both Psychic types laid sprawled out across the battlefield as swirls filled their eyes.
"Alright Pikachu we did it!"
"Pika!" Pikachu raced back towards his trainer and leaped onto his shoulder to return his hat to him.
"Snarl!" Grimmsnarl turned around and pulled both Ash and Marnie in for a tight hug causing the two along with Pikachu and Morpeko to gasp out for air! "Snarl!" Grimmsnarl affectionately cooed.
"Pika..."
"Morpek..." The two rodent's narrowed their eyes from annoyance shortly before giving Grimmsnarl, and their trainers along with him, an electrical shock!
"Ahhh!"
"Those two make quite the team don't you think, darling?" Darach asked with an amused smirk.
"Of course, they make quite the cute couple too!" Caitlin remarked.
Caitlin and Darach returned their Pokemon before approaching Ash. Darach held out a Frontier Symbol in his hand while giving him a smile. "This is the Valor Symbol, take it and I wish you luck on the remainder of your Frontier Quest!"
Ash took a hold of it before giving them an appreciative nod. "Thank you," He then turned to Pikachu before posing. "We just got... the Valor Symbol!"
"Pi Pikachu!" Pikachu posed alongside his trainer.
"I've got a gift for you as well," Caitlin reached into her pockets before producing a Mega Evolution stone, one that looked quite familiar to Ash as he'd seen it before. "This is Gardevoirite, don't worry I have extras." She reassured him. "Grimsley informed me that you own one and I do think you deserve a reward for beating me so I'd like for you to have this."
Ash stared at the Mega Stone for a brief moment before flashing Caitlin a smile as he took hold of it. "Thank you, I'll make great use of it!"
"I'm sure you will. Alder was right about you, you really were something. I'm sure the other Elite Four members will be eager to battle you if you ask now that you've beaten me," Caitlin laughed before giving Ash a polite nod. "Maybe we'll even have a full six on six someday!"
Scott let out a laugh before approaching Ash. "He sure is something alright, he cleared out the entire Kanto branch of the Battle Frontier!"
"No way, you beat Brandon?!" Darach's face was that of pure shock as Ash rubbed the back of his neck with a nervous laugh of confirmation.
"And we've got a reward for you too Marnie, it might not be much but we're sure that you'll appreciate it nonetheless. There have been reported sightings of the Dark type Pokemon Darkrai near Canalave City. If you all hurry then you just might get there before it disappears!" Darach exclaimed.
"Really?!" Marnie's eyes lit up at the prospect of encountering the Dark type Mythical.
"Heh, good thing Corviknight evolved. Him and Latias should get us there in no time!" Zach remarked.
"Well that's quite the coincidence as Canalave City is where I'm sending you next!" Scott turned to Ash before handing him a piece of paper with directions and also as a reminder in case he'd forget. "The Battle Factory is your next destination!"
Ash took the directions from Scott and gave him a nod of respect before thanking him. "Thank you Scott, and thanks to the two of you for that awesome battle!"
"It was no problem, look me up if you're ever in Unova again!" Caitlin called out.
"Take care!" Darach waved. "And good luck, you'll need it to beat Palmer!"
An officer was watching the security feed for an impound lot, a pile of doughnuts sat by his side while a bored expression spread across his face. He honestly didn't know why he was bothering with this as nothing ever happened around here, it wasn't as if anyone was going to break in and steal something as all the owners were either incarcerated or no longer of this world.
His Rotom Phone soon went off as the name of his best friend and fellow patrolman appeared. "Oh hey Frank, yeah just another boring day here. At least it's an easy paycheck, just get to sit on our butts and do nothing all day. Nothing ever happens around-Frank are you okay?" He asked as a grunt was briefly heard before the line went quiet. The officer looked towards the camera feed and saw it turned to static. A look of concern was visible as he grabbed hold of Pokeballs containing security Arcanine before making his way out of the security booth.
"Frank? Frank you out there?" He turned on his flashlight and began making the rounds. As he neared the vehicles he heard a set of footsteps. "Frank...?"
"Whose Frank?" Pokemon Hunter R stepped out from around the corner, parts of his cybernetic limbs had grown rusted and damaged but otherwise he appeared to be in perfect health.
"Y-You! B-But Glacia said that you died, how is this possible?!"
"Reports of my death were greatly exaggerated mate," Pokemon Hunter R waved it off. "I simply generated a forcefield around my head that allowed me to breathe just long enough for them to suspect my demise. Then while they were distracted I snuck away, unfortunately my ship had been impounded and with Salamences injuries it took quite some time to track my baby down. Now I know where it is, I'm taking her back!"
"Not if I have anything to say about it, you're under arrest!"
"Yeah, that's not happening!" Pokemon Hunter R raised his cybernetic arm and fired off a golden blast, freezing the guard in place as the golden material surrounded his body. Pokemon Hunter R smirked to himself as he walked towards the ship to inspect the damage. "Bah... the repairs to both my ship and body are too costly! I'll have to expand my horizon and chase something else, finding a shiny Pokemon could take far too long. Need something valuable and close..." Pokemon Hunter R slammed his regular arm against the computer. "But what? Oh yes, that'll do nicely!" The Pokemon Hunter smirked as Darkrai's image appeared on the screen.
Yeah I'm not that confident in writing double battles heheh...
"Where is Alain though, shouldn't he be the champion?" He didn't beat Diantha and not every rival needs to become a Champion, Trip's not. Ash will be getting a rematch against Alain but it won't be as part of the Pokemon World Championship as I honestly don't see Alain participating