Laramie Ranch Pokemon Stadium (Day 10)

Ash's eyes widened when the announcer mentioned that his opponent had placed in the Top 4 of the Ever Grande Conference. Looking closer, Ash slowly began to recognize his opponent. The boy had always loved watching league battles for each of the regional conferences growing up, even if he didn't recognize the majority of the foreign Pokemon for leagues outside of Kanto. Last year's Ever Grande Conference had been no different.

Reggie Shinji had purple hair done up in a ponytail, although unlike the jerk from the locker room, his hair was spikier. He wore a collared red shirt and black pants. The guy seemed to be around Brock's age or slightly older. From what Ash could remember from those televised battles, the man used his Pokemon with brute force, as opposed to the creative style that Ash preferred to use. Given the strength of Reggie's Pokemon, that was certainly a viable strategy. Speaking of Reggie's Pokemon, Ash strained his memory to see if he could recall any specifics. There was a giant brown beaver, a purple Pokemon that reminded Ash of Muk, an aggressive bird Pokemon, the same scorpion Pokemon that Koga used, a Pokemon that looked like a further evolution of Magneton, and a giant turtle Pokemon. He had a vague idea of the typing on some of these from the moves they used and damage they had taken, but others like the scorpion he was certain of.

Ash was broken out of his recollection when the referee stepped forward. "This will be a 4 on 4 battle. Substitutions will be allowed. The battle will be over when all of one trainer's Pokemon are unable to battle. Trainers, call out your first Pokemon."

"Bibarel, standby for battle!" called out Reggie, who sent out a large beaver-like Pokemon. If memory serves, I believe this Pokemon uses quite a few water attacks, which may indicate a water typing.

"I choose you Ivysaur!" responded Ash, sending out his trusty Grass Pokemon.

"Ivysaur vs Bibarel. Let the battle begin!" declared the referee.

"Start with Razor Leaf!" yelled Ash. Sharp leaves were immediately fired in Bibarel's direction. Reggie did not care.

"Aqua Jet." Bibarel sprinted towards the oncoming leaves, surrounded by a layer of water. The leaves struck true, but whatever damage was dealt, the beaver ignored it and jetted forward into Ivysaur. Ash's Pokemon flew back into his arms, sending both of them to the ground. The trainer quickly recovered, sitting up. The same could not be said for Ivysaur.

"Ivysaur..." muttered a shocked Ash, looking down at the knocked out Pokemon in his lap.

"Ivysaur is unable to battle. Bibarel is the winner," called the referee. Ash continued to stare, lost in thought about what had just happened. I-I've never been so overpowered in a battle before. I don't know if I can win. H-How can I possibly stand up to that kind of strength, thought the boy in horror. Ash could vaguely hear the referee telling him to switch out to his next Pokemon, but he couldn't get out of the mental rut. If he didn't hurry, the boy would likely forfeit.

"SNAP OUT OF IT ASH!" yelled a familiar male teen voice from the crowd. Ash looked up and found his friends in the stands.

"GET BACK UP AND FIGHT!" added Misty.

"DON'T GIVE UP TILL IT'S OVER!" Serena reiterated, eyeing Ash with intensity and a knowing look. They're right. I can't give up yet! This battle is just getting started. I may not be able to match Reggie's strength, but if I play my cards right, I can win! thought the boy with resolve, as he stood back up and returned his Pokemon.

"Pikachu, let's rock," Ash spoke with determination.

"PIKA!" affirmed his yellow buddy, jumping off of Ash's shoulder and onto the battlefield.

"Start things off with Agility Pikachu!" commanded Ash.

"Aqua Jet again!" called Reggie. Bibarel charged the same as last time, completely covered with water. Just before he struck, Pikachu disappeared in a blur, appearing right behind the beaver, who was trying to slow down from his missed charge.

"Follow up with Thunderbolt!"

"PIKACHUUUUUUU!" lightning burst from Pikachu and covered Bibarel completely, making him cry out in pain.

"FIGHT THROUGH WITH AQUA TAIL RIGHT BEHIND YOU!" yelled Reggie. Ash saw Bibarel's eyes open, still covered with lightning, and the boy knew he needed to act fast.

"STOP THE ATTACK AND USE DOUBLE TEAM!" The lightning ceased and Pikachu multiplied into fifteen copies, just as Bibarel's glowing tail of water struck where Pikachu previously was, though it did take down a copy. Fourteen Pikachu now surrounded the beaver Pokemon.

"Water Pulse in all directions," ordered Reggie, refusing to let up. A pool of water slowly began to form beneath Bibarel, getting ready to shoot out everywhere, and time slowed down for Ash. There's going to be no way to dodge the attack, and if it lands, Pikachu is likely done. That means I need to attack now. Pikachu's speed should let me deal the first blow, but it won't matter if Bibarel can tank the hit. Then again, I think we may be able to use Bibarel's attack against him too, concluded Ash, as time sped back up.

"FULL POWERED THUNDERBOLT AT BIBAREL'S FEET AT MAX SPEED!" yelled Ash.

"PIKACHUUUUUUU!" once again lightning raced from Pikachu and his copies, but this time with more intensity and faster. In a flash, it connected with the pool at Bibarel's feet, making the water conduct the electricity, and dealing twice the amount of super-effective damage to the beaver.

"BIBAREL NO!" cried Reggie, showing concern for the first time that battle. Pikachu did not let up though, and Bibarel eventually fell to the floor, causing Pikachu to finally cease the attack. His copies also dissipated at this point.

"Bibarel is unable to battle. Pikachu is the winner!" called the referee.

"UNBELEIVABLE FOLKS! BOTH TRAINERS HAD YET TO LOSE A POKEMON BEFORE THIS BATTLE BEGAN AND NOW THEY ARE EACH DOWN TO THREE. LOOKS LIKE WE ARE IN FOR AN EXCELLENT BATTLE!" sounded the announcer.

"Return Bibarel," softly called Reggie, looking at Ash with newfound respect. Meanwhile, Ash was focused on his own Pokemon. Pikachu may not have taken any damage during his fight, but he used two powerful Thunderbolts, expending precious energy. He could only hope the months of endurance training would pay off and allow his Pokemon to give Ash much needed length.

"Staraptor, your up," called Reggie, sending out a grayish-brown avian Pokemon. A Bird Pokemon? He must be trying to match Pikachu's speed," Ash theorized.

"Agility again Pikachu," quickly ordered Ash, wanting to increase his Pokemon's advantage. Reggie would be having none of that though as he ordered his Pokemon to do the same.

Both Pokemon moved at a fast pace, gaining speed. "Convert that agility into Aerial Ace Staraptor," smirked Reggie. His Pokemon dove towards the ground, beginning the move Ash knew was unavoidable. I hope Pikachu can take the hit.

"Thunder Wave on yourself Pikachu and then brace from impact!" retaliated Ash. Sparks of electricity covered the mouse Pokemon. At the other end of the battlefield, Staraptor pulled up just before hitting the ground, glided forward, disappeared, and reappeared to strike Pikachu head on.

Pikachu was pushed backwards, rolling over and over on the ground in Ash's direction, before coming to a halt. Through sheer force of will and a stubbornness he shared with his trainer, Pikachu forced himself to his feet, shaking slightly from the powerful attack. Staraptor on the other hand, appeared uninjured, flying back to his trainer.

"Raptor!" moaned the Pokemon, slowing down and suddenly enveloped in sparks indicating paralyzation.

Ash took advantage. "Thunderbolt Pikachu!"

PIKACHUUUUUUU!" cried out the battered mouse, sending lightning towards the barely gliding Staraptor.

"Double Team to dodge," tried Reggie, but the paralyzation prevented any movement, allowing the lightning to connect and deal super-effective damage. Pikachu's earlier attacks and the damage from Staraptor had taken it's toll though, and the lightning ended far too soon for Ash's liking. Pikachu panted with heavy exhaustion, while Staraptor crackled with electric sparks emitting from his body, but remained afloat.

"FIGHT THROUGH THAT PARALYSIS AND USE BRAVE BIRD STARAPTOR!" yelled a pumped up Reggie. His Pokemon sensed Reggie's resolve and soared into the air, despite the electricity. Once again Staraptor began a dive, but this time he was covered in a blue energy, and on a path to connect with Pikachu.

Pikachu's too tired to use another electric attack, and i'm not sure he has enough energy to use another special move like Double Team either. Our only chance is to meet this attack head on, Ash thought with a grimace.

"PUT THE REST OF YOUR STRENGTH INTO IRON TAIL PIKACHU!" Ash yelled with a firm voice. Pikachu leaped into the air with his enhanced speed, and spun his body with a glowing tail. In mere moments, Iron Tail met Brave Bird and a loud boom echoed across the stadium. However, Pikachu's Iron Tail did not directly connect with Staraptor's attack. Rather, Pikachu managed to aim his tail and connect with Staraptor's glowing body at the same time that Straptor's beak struck the mouse. Both Pokemon were flung back in opposite directions. Pikachu hit the ground at Ash's feet and nobody had any doubts that he was knocked out. Staraptor slammed into the ground near Reggie's feet, but the bird Pokemon slowly struggled to get back up.

"Pikachu is unable to battle. Staraptor is the"

"RAPTOR," cried out the avian Pokemon, falling forward and interrupting the official. "Both Pokemon are unable to battle!" corrected the referee, seeing the sight.

"What was with the delayed reaction?" wondered Ash aloud.

Reggie sighed, before returning his Pokemon. "That would be the effects of Brave Bird. It is a powerful attack, but deals a significant backlash to the Pokemon who uses it," explained the teen.

Ash nodded in understanding, and then walked up to his own fallen Pokemon, gently picking him up. "Thanks for the hard work buddy. You really came through," smiled Ash.

"Pika," weakly responded the mouse, smiling back at his trainer. Ash set him down behind him against the wall, knowing Pikachu would never forgive him if he returned him to a Pokeball.

"Trainers, send out your next Pokemon," ordered the referee, trying to speed things along.

"Guess it's my turn to go first," Ash said. "Go Charmeleon," called the boy, sending out his trusty Fire Pokemon.

"In that case, Go Swalot," countered Reggie. A giant purple blob showed up on Reggie's side of the battlefield. Pretty sure that's a Poison Pokemon.

"Return Charmeleon," Ash abruptly said, catching everyone else off guard at the sudden change before the battle even got started.

"Princess, get in there," Ash instructed.

"On it!" answered Espeon, running out onto the battlefield.

Ash made the first move fast, wanting to attack before Reggie had similar ideas of switching out Pokemon. "Psybeam Espeon." Psychic purple waves were fired at breakneck speed.

"Stockpile," Reggie responded with poise. Swalot seemed to swallow something unseen and grew in size. Psybeam landed shortly after, inflicting super-effective damage to Swalot. Like Bibarel, the bulky Pokemon seemed to brush off the attack with ease.

Need more power. Good thing Misty let me borrow the TM she bought, Ash thought with a small smile. "Calm Mind," Ash ordered next, while Reggie called for another Stockpile.

Espeon's gem shined bright and energy coursed through her body, upping her special attack and special defense. Swalot grew even larger.

"Now try another Psybeam!" said Ash, watching the situation closely. Espeon shot psychic waves again, and Reggie called for a third Stockpile, making Swalot a truly huge Pokemon at this point. The attack connected with a fierce bang, causing a minor explosion, and obscuring Ash's view.

"Nice try Ash, but not good enough," Reggie said from behind the smoke. "SPIT UP!" Swalot roared and a giant beam of white energy appeared from the smoke, speeding towards Espeon.

"DIG QUICK!" panicked Ash. Espeon burrowed underground, just missing the powerful white energy that harmlessly passed over her. The boy let out a sigh at avoiding the disastrous situation, and then looked across the battlefield, noticing the smoke had dissipated. Swalot stood there, looking like it had barely taken any damage, but back to his normal size. That move! Stockpile must have increased his defensive stats, and then he unleashed it in one attack, realized Ash with widened eyes.

While Ash discovered Reggie's previous strategy, his opponent made the next move. "Use Toxic on the ground around you Swalot. If Espeon decides to surprise us with an attack, she will pay the price." Poisonous purple energy scattered to the ground around Swalot, blocking any attempts at an unhindered subterranean attack.

"Learned that trick from your use of Thunder Wave," offered Reggie with an innocent smile, before ordering another move.

"Let's power up some more until Espeon shows herself. Stockpile." Ash watched as Swalot grew and he knew he needed to act now.

"Pop out in front of Swalot and fire off another Psybeam," swiftly called Ash. Espeon did so at once, breaking through the ground and sending psychic purple waves at Swalot. Due to the short distance between the Pokemon, Swalot and Reggie had no time to react. The attack struck true and this time Swalot cried out in pain from the supper-effective attack.

"AGAIN!" yelled Ash, hoping to end things now. Reggie was ready this time though and called out his own attack.

"SHADOW BALL!"

Espeon's psychic waves connected with Swalot yet again, but not before a dark shadowy orb was fired back. Unfortunately, the close distance between the Pokemon had an equally negative impact on Espeon, and Swalot's attack was true. The super-effective orb exploded upon contact with Espeon and she was thrust back near her trainer, and instantly knocked out. Likewise, Espeon's fourth successful Psybeam added up and Swalot fainted.

"Both Pokemon are unable to battle!" called out the referee.

"ANOTHER DOUBLE KNOCKOUT! THIS TOURNAMENT IS COMING DOWN TO THE WIRE WITH EACH TRAINER HAVING ONE POKEMON LEFT!" blared the announcer.

"How you feeling princess?" Ash softly asked, kneeling down next to his fallen Pokemon.

"Hurts. Hurts everywhere daddy," moaned Espeon.

"You did good. Can I return you to your Pokeball?" asked the boy. Espeon reluctantly nodded and then passed out. Calling her back, Ash stood back up to see that Swalot was also gone from the battlefield.

"I never thought a rookie trainer would push me like this. You've done well Ash," sincerely praised Reggie. "However, the tournament ends here and now, and it will end with you facing my oldest friend. Go Torterra!" A giant tortoise with a tree growing on its back materialized in front of Reggie.

Ash was slightly intimidated by the gigantic creature in front of him, but he refused to show it on his face, and instead gave Reggie a defiant stare. "Don't underestimate me or my Pokemon. Our bond is strong, and now my first Pokemon and friend will prove it! Come out again Charmeleon!" yelled the boy. Ash's fire starter exited his Pokeball for the second time of the battle, and like his trainer, he stared down Torterra with a glare.

"Charmeleon vs. Torterra. Let the final battle begin!" called out the referee.

"Razor Leaf," started Reggie. Torterra fired huge razor sharp leaves at a blazing speed, and they were all headed for Charmeleon.

"Smokescreen and dodge," responded Ash. Chameleon exhaled a large amount of smoke onto the battlefield, before jumping in and avoiding the barrage.

"Flamethrower," continued Ash, pressing the attack. A line of fire shot out of the smoke and struck Torterra, dealing super-effective damage.

Reggie and Torterra remained unconcerned, as the latter acted like the attack was nothing but a minor nuisance. "Leaf Storm." Leaves rose from Torterra's body and stirred themself into a frenzy around the mammoth, before speeding towards the smoke cloud. The leaves were going to encompass the entirety of the smoke, and Ash picked up on that right away

"DIG!" Both trainers heard burrowing and the storm passed through the smoke, dispersing it, but hitting nothing. A hole in the center of the battlefield was proof of Charmeleon's escape. Ash signed in relief, but he began to worry again when he noticed his opponent was smirking.

"Digging twice in one battle isn't going to work. Especially when my partner knows EARTHQUAKE!" yelled Reggie! Torterra raised his front legs high into the air...

"GET OUT OF THERE CHARMELEON!" screamed Ash.

...And slammed them to the ground. The earth gave a might tremble and the battlefield exploded with rocks going everywhere. Charmeleon was flung from his hole high into the air, having just missed his opportunity to escape. What goes up must go down, and the Pokemon soon made his descent, hitting the ground hard with a thud.

"Charmeleon..." Ash weakly called. The Fire Pokemon was on the ground, bruised and battered. However, he was not unmoving. Slowly but surely, Charmeleon forced himself up, staring back at Torterra in anger. The flame on his tail grew to twice it's size, and Ash knew he had to strike fast!

"MAX POWER FLAMETHROWER!"

Torterra had not been idle though. The Pokemon had slowly been accumulating energy, which allowed Reggie to call for "SOLAR BEAM!" Intense heat met pure concentrated grass energy in the middle of the battlefield. Neither Pokemon gave in and the attacks continued from each in a stalemate. Something had to give. Despite the added power to the Flamethrower, it was Torterra's experience and sheer power that began to shift things in his favor. Solar Beam slowly started to push Flamethrower back, and began to get dangerously close to Charmeleon. Another few seconds and this battle would be over.

"YOU CAN DO IT CHARMELEON! I BELIEVE IN YOU!" Ash yelled, putting all of his emotion into the words. Charmeleon heard the call, and heard it well. The power of his attack increased, pushing back Solar Beam. More importantly, Charmeleon began to glow. White light completely enveloped the Fire Pokemon. The form changed to nearly twice his original height, wings sprouted out of his back, the tail doubled in length, and Charmeleon's face became sharper. When the light faded, the previous red body of Charmeleon was replaced with the familiar orange that Charmander previously had. Charizard was here, and he was here to win. With newly gained strength, Charizard put even more power into Flamethrower, forcing the beam back to the center of the battlefield.

"WAY TO GO CHARIZARD! KEEP IT UP!" Ash shouted in joy.

"DON'T YOU LET UP EITHER TORTERRA!" yelled Reggie, who was now completely invested in the current battle. Both Pokemon put even more power into the attacks, resulting in a huge explosion in the center of the battlefield. The resulting shock wave knocked both trainers to the ground and affected the crowd as well. The two titans on the battlefield stood their ground.

"Earthquake again!" Reggie yelled, having recovered. There was the mistake Ash was looking for. Earthquake was perfectly viable against Charmeleon, but Charizard had wings.

"Into the Sky!" Ash ordered. Charizard took off, leaving the ground just before Torterra slammed his legs to the ground. He soared until he was directly above the giant tortoise, and then Ash made his move.

"FLAMETHROWER STRAIGHT DOWN!"

"LEAF STORM STRAIGHT ABOVE YOU!"

A descending stream of fire met a torrent of leaves. This time though, there was no deadlock. Torterra's previous use of Leaf Storm had significantly reduced the Pokemon's special attack. Combine this with Charizard's increased power and gravity, and it was no contest. The flames easily pushed through the Leaf Storm, and struck Torterra's exposed back in a continuous line of powerful fire.

"TERRA!" cried out the Pokemon in pain, for the first time of the battle.

"NO!" Reggie cried in concern. Charizard kept the attack up for a while, but eventually he had to let up. A exhausted and burned Torterra remained, but he remained standing. Then, the battle turned yet again. Torterra glowed with potent green energy.

"Overgrow," Ash muttered with some frustration. At the same time, the exhaustion from Charizard's previous battle as a Charmeleon began to sink in, and he slowly glided to the ground in front of Ash. Red energy encompassed Ash's Fire Pokemon once again and his tail-flame grew to twice its size.

"Blaze," commented Reggie. "Looks like we are nearing the end Ash."

"Yeah. Let's make it a good one," agreed Ash.

"FULL POWERED SOLAR BEAM"

"GIVE IT YOUR ALL WITH FIRE BLAST!" tried Ash. He figured he might as well go for broke, and Charizard did not disapoint. Intense flames met ferocious grass energy. A ball made of destruction power began to form in the center of the battlefield. Both Pokemon poured all of the power into their attacks, making the ball grow even larger. Like before, something had to give. This time, it was the ball in the middle. A final explosion occured, and it covered the entirety of the battlefield. Both trainers fell to the floor yet again, and concessions in the stands went all around, as people had to grasp their seats to stay where they were.

Both trainers wasted no time getting back up, and they found a large layer of dust covering the battlefield. The dust slowly dissipated, and the tanks stood. Both were panting, and covered in marks and bruises.

"Terra..." growled out Reggie's Pokemon with a nod of respect.

Charizard growled back, and offered a similar nod.

Then at the same time, both Pokemon collapsed to the ground, knocked out.

The referee gave a long look at both Pokemon, waiting for any signs of possible movement. None came. "Both Pokemon are unable to battle! As neither trainer has any remaining Pokemon, this match is a draw!" judged the referee.

"A DRAW? I MEAN, THE MATCH IS OVER! THREE DOUBLE KNOCKOUTS IN A ROW HAS PRODUCED THIS UNEXPECTED OUTCOME! GIVE IT UP FOR BOTH OF OUR WINNERS!" yelled the announcer. Loud applause and cheering rang out, as the crowd showed their appreciation.

As soon as the referee made his judgement, Ash rushed onto the battlefield to check his pal's condition. Pikachu, who had slightly recovered from his own earlier battle, followed close behind. "Looks like he is out cold, but at least he's breathing," sighed Ash. "Well done Charizard," smiled the boy, calling his Pokemon back to its Pokeball. He picked up his yellow pal as well, placing him back on his shoulder.

"That was some battle Ash," an approaching Reggie said, catching the boy's attention.

"It was my hardest battle yet," admitted Ash, scratching the back of his head.

"I think I will take that as a compliment, but it's you who deserves the praise. You're really good for someone just getting started," smiled Reggie.

"I would be nothing without my Pokemon," Ash answered seriously.

The two were interrupted from any further conversation by a frowning Lara Laramie. "You know, the two of you have really put us in a pickle."

"How?" asked Ash with some confusion, while Reggie had a slightly amused smile.

"We can make an extra trophy for the awards presentation, which will have to be pushed back an hour so that can happen. We can also split the 500,000 Poke prize in half. However, we only have 1 Pokemon Egg," explained the girl with crossed arms.

Take it Ash," Reggie said right away.

"Wait, but what about you Reggie?" the boy asked, due to his sense of fairness.

"Forget about it. I have plenty of Pokemon Ash, and some of them are pretty rare. You're just getting started and can really benefit from a Pokemon a competition like this will offer. Please, accept it," urged Reggie.

"If you're sure," Ash slowly nodded.

"I am," Reggie reaffirmed.

"Fine, but you get to start the upcoming race," Ash said with a firm look. That was something Reggie easily agreed to.

"Well, that settles that," Lara smiled and clapped her hands together.

Laramie Ranch Pokeathlon Race Track (A Few Hours Later)

The Laramie Ranch Pokemon Tournament officially came to a close with a nice awards ceremony and that was that. Ash took home a a nice trophy, 250,000 Poke, and a pure white Pokemon egg, covered in blue and red markings. He was currently in the stands at a race track, and sitting with his friends. Reggie had already fired off the ceremonial flare to start the race, and all of the Pokemon disappeared from view. The audience could see them through some screens that were set up, but Ash still thought it was weird that they would not be physically present until the end of the race. In any case, Grace and her Ryhorn were prominently featured, and they appeared to be doing pretty well.

"Your mom has some real talent," Ash said to Serena, who was sitting to his left. Misty and Brock sat on his other side.

"Mom's always been good at this kind of thing," Serena replied with little enthusiasm.

Ash leaned in a little closer. "You're still planning on talking to her after the race right?" whispered the boy.

"Yes," whispered back the girl.

"What are you two talking about?" Misty asked with narrowed eyes.

"Nothing," both answered simultaneously.

"Sure..." answered Misty with a roll of her eyes.

"Pay attention guys! Grace is coming up on the leaders," pointed out Brock. The group refocused and indeed noticed what the boy was pointing at. Grace was quickly approaching the Ponyta and Dodrio that were dominating the race. The rocky terrain allowed Ryhorn to regain lost ground. The gang could only hope that her luck would hold out.

Laramie Ranch Entrance (A Few More Hours Later)

As it turns out, her luck would not hold up. The final stretch of the race was a dead on sprint on normal dirt. Grace's Ryhorn may have been unusually fast, but no Ryhorn on earth can possibly match the speed of a Ponyta and Dodrio. Ponyta, as it turns out, managed to evolve in the last few seconds of the race, allowing the Pokemon and her rider, which funny enough was Lara, to win. Dodrio took a close second, while Ryhorn coasted into third. Grace was awarded a a bronze medal and some prize money. After that, the group went out to enjoy an early evening dinner to celebrate Ash and Grace's achievements.

At one point during the meal, Serena asked Grace to talk with her outside the restaurant. They were gone for almost half an hour, but both eventually came back. Grace looked a little down and somewhat resigned. Serena, on the other hand, was relieved. Ash shot her a small smile the moment she sat back down, which was returned.

After dinner, it was time to say goodbye. The gang was currently at the entrance of Laramie Ranch. Serena and her mom would be heading south towards Fuchsia City, so that they could catch an airplane back to Kalos. Ash, Brock, and Misty would travel east, heading towards a place called Stone Town. The city was rumored to house several evolution stones, and Ash desperately wanted a Water Stone to evolve his Shellder at some point. They still has a few weeks before the ship to Cinnabar Island would be back anyway, so no worries on that front either.

"Guess this is it," Serena said with a hint of sadness.

"Yeah, time to say goodbye," Ash nodded, completely oblivious to the girl's true emotions.

"It was meeting you in person Ash, and it was nice meeting you two as well Brock and Misty," Grace smiled.

"The same with you and your daughter ma'am," responded Misty, and Brock answered in a similar manner.

"Take care guys," Ash said, beginning to walk away. He was stopped by the girl that leapt into his arms and pulled him into a bone crushing hug.

"Promise me we will see each other again," Serena whispered," holding the boy tight.

"Uh... Yeah sure Serena," Ash chuckled embarrassingly with a red tint, slowly releasing himself from the grip.

That awkward situation behind them, the groups went their separate ways. It would be quite some time before Serena's desire to see Ash came true.

Safari Zone (Around the Same Time)

After his great battle with Ash and starting the Pokeathlon, Reggie reconnected with his younger brother, and the two departed the ranch right away. They were currently en route to The Battle Pike, which was a Battle Frontier facility located near Fuchsia City. Reggie snuck another look at his brother, who had been far more quite than normal since Reggie's battle. Paul didn't talk much to begin with, but really this was getting to be too much.

Sighing, the boy stopped walking and turned to his brother. "What's up Paul?"

"Up? Why would something be up?" responded his younger brother.

"You know exactly what i'm talking about. Ever since the finals you haven't said a thing, and you've been brooding way more than normal," pointed out Reggie.

Paul paused to consider his words, but conceded that his brother did have a point. "I've been thinking about that boy."

"Ash? What about him?" Reggie asked with curiosity. At this, Paul gave his brother a cold stare.

"I've been thinking about how he, a rookie trainer, could manage to achieve a draw with somebody like you. Was it his skill, or was it your incompetence?"

"No need to be so harsh," muttered Reggie at Paul's blunt question. "Ash is just a good trainer. He has powerful Pokemon, a unique sense of strategy, and a strong bond with his each Pokemon he battles with. Luck also played a bit of a factor with that evolution," concluded Reggie.

Paul simply nodded and said nothing else, bringing out yet another sigh from Reggie.

Paul is going to be Paul I suppose, thought Reggie. What Reggie didn't know is that Paul grasped onto specific parts of his description of his battle with Ash.

Strategy and Strength is right. If I am going to be where I want to, I will need to hone those skills in particular, Paul rationalized, completely ignoring one element of Ash's battle style.

END CHAPTER

We did not get to the Pokemon Party, but the battle with Reggie was pretty long. I hope I did it justice and surprised you guys with the outcome. We also got our first glance at Paul near the end. Finally, Charizard is here!

Next Time - Ash and Co. arrive in Stone Town for a party, big changes happen, and rumors of a new facility opening up come to the gang's attention. Will they act on it? Also, Ash decided what to do with his brand new egg!

Espeon860 - Thanks for the review! Ash was never going to win this battle, but I didn't want him to lose either. I have a plan for his first major loss and this was not the time for it. Hope you liked the outcome.

Ultron0901 - Thanks for the review! I have a plan for another electric type Pokemon for Ash in an upcoming region and it will fully evolve. Stay tuned!

I am Vegito - Thanks for the review! Hope you liked the battle.

Reader - Thanks for the review! I appreciate the thorough analysis, and I will try to respond to the key items. Somebody may or may not qualify from the exam, but that episode will be skipped in this Fanfic. You are correct that Reggie is traveling Kanto for the Battle Frontier as indicated by the end of the chapter. I didn't know that factor about Paul's age, but I am going to retcon cannon and just say that he is the same age as Ash. As for his Turtwig, I am sure you can guess where he will get it from. No early Battle Frontier encounters for Ash or Brock. I am also not sure I will include the other video game protagonists in this story yet, but I will keep your ideas about Lucas and Brendan in mind. Please keep the reviews coming!

Cybresamurai - Thanks for the review! That was the point of this story. Ash is a lovable character with admirable qualities that do not need to be changed. Adding in some competence is more than enough. Hope you liked the latest chapter!

Mrbiggs132 - Thanks for the review! Glad you are invested. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Instead of a recommendation, I have a wager of sorts for you guys. Today, I went to a Halloween event dressed as Ash Ketchum. If we ever get this story to 1K followers or 1 million views, I will change my profile pic for a few days to show a picture of me in the costume lol. For reference, we are around 55K story views.

Remember to review with your thoughts and critique :)

Smell ya later!