"Care to explain how this is going to help our situation?" Ash asked from the backseat.
"It's public research, and only for the day." Professor Cerise reassured.
"Can you at least tell me what I'll be doing?" Ash asked.
"I've given you all the information I've been given, you'll be given a test to measure your skill set, just like everyone else." Professor Cerise said.
"Okay, then why are they requiring you to come with me?" Ash asked.
"You have a reputation of getting distracted." Professor Cerise commented.
"Not so much distracted as it is challenged." Ash retorted. "And how is me taking a test going to show anything?"
"Ash, I don't even know what the test will entail, just that we are all being tested." Professor Cerise pointed out. "We're here, let's get this started."
As they exited the van, Ash could tell instantly they were underground.
"Professor, if you will come with me, I'll bring you to your station." One worker said.
"Ash. Ketchum. Come with me to the testing area." The other said.
"Good luck Ash, remember to stay calm." Professor Cerise encouraged.
"Come on Pikachu, let's do this." Ash said.
"Through these doors is your test, best of luck." The worker said. "This is off the record, but I'm a big fan, I was at the Alola League."
"Thanks?" Ash said confused.
Entering the doors, Ash saw he was in a stadium, but rather than cheering fans it was filled with people with clipboards in lab coats.
"Ashton Richard Ketchum. You will be tested on your ability to create a team to battle, not knowing who your opponent will be. In front of you are six of your Pokémon, pick the three you will use carefully." The representative from the other day said.
"Snivy, Muk, Donphan, Talonflame, Cradilly, and Buizel." Ash said to himself. "Seeing as I don't know who I'm up against, having ariel movement like Talonflame is an easy choice." Ash said picking up two Pokeballs. "I've made my choices."
"You we're instructed to choose three Pokémon, where is your third?" The representative questioned.
"By my side like always, my third is Pikachu." Ash said confidently.
"Pikachu was not a choice given, you must choose one of the given options." The representative said, trying to remain calm.
"Oh relax. If you didn't want him picking Pikachu, you should have made that clear." Professor Oak said walking up.
"Professor, man am I glad to see you." Ash said with relief. "Do you know who my opponent is, I'd like to try and start on friendly terms with them, all things considered."
"Ash, this isn't a friendly match, they are seeing if you are fit to fea with legendary Pokémon." Professor Oak warned. "Even with Pikachu, this will not be an easy match." Professor Oak sighed. "I'm sorry Ash, I did everything I could, but your opponent is the strongest battler on the board."
"No way!" Ash said excitedly. "Please let me say it!"
"Very well Ash, I suppose I can give you that much." Professor Oak said with a chuckle.
"Professor Oak, I challenge you to a battle!" Ash said.
"Rotom, come on out." Professor Oak said calmly.
"Snivy, I choose you!" Ash called out.
"Rotom use Thunderbolt!"
"Snivy use Leaf Blade!"
Professor Oak's Rotom was as quick as ever, quickly avoiding Snivy's attack, sending a blast of electricity at its opponent.
"Rotom use Ominous Wind!"
"Snivy use Leaf Storm!"
The leaves shot around the arena, striking Rotom from every direction.
"Rotom use Shadow Ball!"
"Snivy use Vine Whip!"
Snivy's vines began snapping at Rotom as the plasma Pokémon zipped around, firing an attack at Snivy.
"Need a different approach, I can't just rely on Leaf Storm." Ash said to himself. "Snivy, come back for now! Come on out, Talonflame! Use Flame Charge!"
"Rotom use Thunderbolt!"
As Talonflame picked up speed she was easily able to outmaneuver the incoming attack.
"Now use Razor Wind!"
"Counter with Ominous Wind!"
The blasts from Talonflame's wings sliced through the air, sending Rotom to the ground.
"Good work Rotom, take a long rest." Professor Oak said. "Now Ash, I hope you're ready for my next friend. Dragonite, come on out! Use Twister!"
"Talonflame get out of there with Flame Charge!"
Talonflame flew faster and faster trying to escape the twister, eventually rocketing out of the spin, almost crashing into the stands.
"Talonflame use Steel Wing!"
"Dragonite use Hyper Beam!"
Charging straight at Dragonite, Talonflame came into full contact with the Hyper Beam before it was even able to react, the bird crashing to the ground.
"Talonflame return. You were amazing, and now I have an opening." Ash said. "Snivy come on out and use Attract!"
A circle of hearts surrounded the recharging Dragonite, and when they were absorbed, Ash knew he had an opening.
"Snivy use Leaf Storm!"
"Dragonite use Dragon Rage!"
Dragonite struggled between trying to attack, and the storm surrounding him, taking heavy damage in the process.
"Snivy use Vine Whip!"
"Dragonite use Twister!"
Unlike with Talonflame, when Snivy went careening through the air, she was unable to catch herself, falling to the ground defeated.
In the stands
"Your expert battler seems to be loosing Cerise." The representative scoffed.
"You underestimate Ash. It's when he's backed into a corner that his best work shines through." Professor Cerise said with confidence.
"Pikachu use Quick Attack!"
"Dragonite use Dragon Rage!"
Pikachu's smaller size and higher speed gave it a huge advantage easily avoiding Dragonite's attack.
"Hey Pikachu! Remember how we beat Drake! Aim for the antennas! Use Thunderbolt!" Ash shouted across the field.
Pikachu leapt on top of Dragonite's head, releasing its electricity through the great dragon, the large Pokémon falling to the ground with a resounding boom.
"Dragonite return." Professor Oak said. "Who'd have thought that waking up late all those years ago would lead you here Ash, and with Pikachu still fighting by your side. I suppose it's only fitting for you to meet my first Pokémon. Charizard! Let's go!"
"Pikachu use Discharge!"
"Charizard use Flamethrower!"
Sparks and flames flew across the battlefield as it was student vs master in a battle of the ages.
"Pikachu use Iron Tail!"
"Charizard use Headbutt!"
Pikachu and Charizard charged at each other, as they closed in, Pikachu leapt up, using their different momentums to spin around Charizard's neck with his Iron Tail, flying into the air.
"Pikachu use Thunderbolt!"
"Charizard use Flamethrower!"
Pikachu and Charizard fired their respective attacks at each other, creating a cloud of smoke covering the arena.
"Pikachu use Quick Attack!"
"Charizard use Wing Attack!"
A blast of wind cleared out the smoke, showing Charizard now alone in the arena.
"Pikachu!?" Ash called out.
"Pi-Ka!" Pikachu shouted leaping off of Charizard's back.
"Charizard use Fire Spin!"
"Pikachu use Discharge!"
Electricity and flames spun around each other, creating a bright flash.
"Pikachu, dive and spin!" Ash called out.
Pikachu dove through the colliding plasma at his opponent, readying for impact.
"Now finish it with Iron Tail!"
Pikachu slammed down on Charizard's head, the larger Pokemon falling in defeat.
"Good match Ash." Professor Oak said, walking up to him. "I never had a doubt in your skills."
"Thanks Professor, I just hope that they agree with you." Ash said, looking up at all the researchers. "NOW WILL SOMEONE GIVE ME BACK THE POKEMON YOU TOOK FROM ME!"