I'm glad everyone has been liking the story so far. The best is yet to come! Enjoy!
Ash and company have been traveling towards Snowbelle City for quite some time. On their way there, they met up with Diantha, the champion of the Kalos Region. Dawn and Serena were fonding over her while Ash looked to have a battle with her. They had a wonderful battle with Ash and his trusty Greninja nearly overpowering Diantha and her infamous Gardevoir. Due to her tight schedule, Diantha had to leave, but that is not to say that she was not impressed and intrigued by the phenomenon between Ash and Greninja.
In the home stretch of their travels to Snowbelle City, Ash and his friends decided to rest up for a bit. Ash, being the trainer he is, decided to have a battle with Dawn. Of course, Dawn couldn't refuse this challenge and they headed out towards the field.
Each trainer was giving it their all and so was their Pokemon. It was Ash and Greninja versus Dawn and her Piplup. A battle between two water starters.
"Greninja, use Water Shuriken!"
"Ice Beam, followed by Drill Peck!"
Greninja quickly launched the water shuriken towards the Penguin Pokemon. Before it made contact, the ice beam froze the water shuriken which caused it to slow down. Piplup then broke the water shuriken using Drill Peck which caused the broken pieces to fly towards Greninja. Piplup along with the broken pieces hit Greninja hard.
"Awesome move Dawn!"
"Thanks Ash!"
Ash smirked. He loved battling against Dawn's unique battle style. "Use Cut!"
"Drill Peck!"
The two attacks collided and each Pokemon was sent flying back, both were out of breath.
"Hey, Ash, why don't we call it here? We don't want to have to run to Nurse Joy!" Dawn asked.
Ash nodded his head. They did come to the Pokemon Center to regain energy after all.
Dawn went to her bag and pulled out a bag. "Piplup, Greninja, would you guys like a Poffin? You have worked so hard and you guys deserve it!"
The water starters nodded with joy and quickly ran to get a Poffin. Pikachu jumped off of Ash's shoulders to see if he could get one as well. Dedenne did the same. Suddenly, another familiar starter came rushing out of his Pokeball.
"Chespin!"
The group had gathered around Dawn, hoping to get one of her sweet Poffins.
Dawn laughed. "Of course you guys can have some!" She said as she handed them out.
The rest of the group smiled at the sight.
"It's been a while! How's it going everyone?"
Everyone turned to see who was addressing them.
Ash smiled. "Hey Sawyer!"
Dawn looked and realized she did not recognize how this boy was. He had dark green hair and a vest and shoes that matched his hair.
Sawyer turned to Dawn "I just saw your battle! The way you used Ice Beam and Drill Peck was amazing! I was taking lots of notes!" He then showed Dawn his notebook.
"Oh… well I'm glad you enjoyed it!"
"Oh my! I realized I never introduced myself. My name is Sawyer!"
Dawn smiled. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Dawn!"
Sawyer then looked at Dawn. "Wait you just won the Hoenn Grand Festival!"
Dawn gave an awkward smile. "Yeah…"
"I'm from Hoenn!"
Ash spoke up. "So Sawyer what brings you around here?"
Sawyer turned to Ash. "I'm just on my way back from Snowbelle City!"
"So that means you got your last gym badge!" exclaimed Clemont.
"That's right!" Sawyer said and he showed them his complete badge case.
Everyone was super impressed by his accomplishments.
"Wow Sawyer! That's so cool!" Said, Dawn. She then nudged Ash with her elbow. "Guess you have some catching up to do"
Ash laughed. "That's awesome that you got them all! Now I gotta catch up!"
Sawyer sighed. "I was kind of jealous when I saw your badges the last time we see each other, so I worked really hard to get the rest of them!"
Serena then asked Sawyer what type of gym the Snowbelle gym is. Sawyer responded that it was an ice type gym.
"That means water types will go great! And I'll use Greninja for the win!" Said Ash while making a fist.
Dawn sighed while Serena said "Since the two of you did so well against Diantha!"
Sawyer was taken back by this news. "You battled against the Champion?!"
Bonnie smirked. "She was using Mega Gardevoir too! And Ash and Greninja merged and it was so cool!"
Sawyer was still shocked. "Like the time we had a battle?"
"Not quite it was more… I don't know… but it just really clicked" responded Ash.
Bonnie jumped held her arms up in the air. "Greninja had a huge Water Shuriken on its back! And its head got all pointy-looking like 'voomp' and it was awesome!"
Clearly, Bonnie's descriptions were not the best and Sawyer was still confused.
Serena smiled and turned to the youngest. "I don't think Sawyer knows what you mean"
"So why don't we show you? How about you battle Greninja and I?" exclaimed Ash.
Dawn sighed again but it could barely be heard because Sawyer quickly accepted Ash's challenge.
…
In the forest nearby, Pokemon were running for their lives. Strange roots were chasing them and destroying their homes. This was a result of an experiment that was being conducted by a mysterious group of people known as Team Flare.
"The results of the experiment are beyond our expectations…"
The main scientists turned towards a container that held Pokemon which looked like Squishy but had some slight differences.
"Was there any damage to the cells?" Asked the scientist
"No sir. Their energy depletion level is greatly reduced"
The scientists laughed. "Good…"
…
In an unknown building, a man was bright spikes orange hair and a matching beard. He was wearing a dark gray suit with orange trim. Around the collar was a fuzzy white like material. He was one video call with the scientist that was conducting the experiments.
"I see. Continue the experiments. Make sure it is fully operational Dr. Xerosic"
"Understood. Out." Said Dr. Xerosic. Then, the video call ended.
The man turned around and walked right towards a container that contained one Pokemon which looked identical to Squishy except it had a blue belly. As the man came closer, the Pokemon back up as far as it could.
The man smirked. "We'll need you a little further down the road…"
…
Back at the Pokemon Center, Squishy was trying to make contact with his other half but received no response.
"Squishy! Ash and Sawyer are going to battle!" said Bonnie as she walked up to the Pokemon.
Squishy turned around.
"Hey Squishy, what's wrong?" She said as she grabbed Squishy into her hands. Bonnie then realized. "You're worried about someone. You have the same look Ash had when he saw Olympia's vision of Dawn"
Squishy looked surprised that Bonnie was able to know what was troubling it.
"Like Dawn says, no need to worry! You always have us!"
Bonnie began to sing her song for the little Pokemon which calmed Squishy right down.
The rest of the group walked out as Ash took Greninja to get cared for before his battle. Ash and Greninja put on their battle pulse meters and they and Sawyer then walked to their respective places on the battlefield.
Dawn, Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie sat down on the nearby steps to watch. Pikachu decided to watch on the sidelines and sat right on Dawn's lap while Piplup sat on her head.
"Go Sceptile!"
"I choose you, Greninja!"
Sawyer was super serious about this battle. He was battling against a person he idolized so much. Even though he had all eight badges, he had to prove to Ash that he deserved those badges.
"Alright Sceptile use Leaf Blade!"
'Use Aerial Ace!"
With its quick speed, Sceptile and Greninja sprinted towards each other. The two moves clashed with one and another over and over, showing how either side was not giving up.
Sawyer commanded Sceptile to use bullet seed while Ash told Greninja to use Water Shuriken. The two attacks collided causing lots of smoke to form.
"Use Leaf Blade!"
Using the smoke as a cover, Sceptile was successfully able to land the attack.
This made Ash sweat.
Sawyer has really improved since the last time we battled. If I… but what if Sawyer counters that?
…
Clemont looked at the battle pulse meter chart. "Ash and Greninja aren't merging like they did when they battle against Diantha!"
Dawn saw this and looked towards Ash, then back at the battlefield.
…
"Greninja, use Double Team!"
Greninja jumped into the air and tens or hundreds of Greninjas appeared.
Sawyer told Sceptile to use Leaf Blade to get rid of them all which it did quickly. Now knowing which Greninja is real, Spectile charged but Greninja was able to escape.
'Use Cut!" Greninja unleashed the attack but Sceptile was able to easily dodge.
"Leaf storm!"
Being so close to Sceptile, Greninja had no time to escape and was directly hit with the super effective move.
After being hit with two super-effective moves, Greninja was struggling to stand up.
"Come on Greninja! You have to get up!" cheered Ash.
With this, Greninja was able to stand.
"You two are good!" said Ash.
There are some things you just can't know unless you have a battle. Sawyer has gotten really strong. He worked really hard. But if I lose here?
Ash turned to look at Dawn.
How am I supposed to protect her?
…
Dawn and Pikachu noticed that Ash was now looking at them.
"Pika-pi Pikachu!" Cheered Pikachu.
"Come on Ash! You can do it!" yelled Dawn.
…
With that, Ash looked back at his Pokemon.
"Let's do this! Greninja Aerial Ace!"
Greninja then ran around in a circle and was able to get behind Sceptile. It appeared as though Greninja was finally going to be able to a hit but Sceptile dodged and his Greninja with another leaf blade.
"Alright Greninja, it's time to battle as one!"
Greninja then ran in a circle again as both it and Ash began to concentrate. Greninja zoomed all around the field.
Then Ash realized.
It's not happening!
…
Clemont then looked at the graph. "The waveforms are separating!"
Bonnie and Serena gasped while Dawn stayed quiet.
…
Ash was shocked that it wasn't working, he wasn't giving any commands to his Pokemon neither. He just stood there.
Why isn't it working? How did we do it in the first place?
Ash wasn't the only one that was shocked. Sawyer didn't expect this but he wasn't going to go easy on Ash.
"Use Leaf Storm!"
Without any instructions, Greninja didn't know what to do. He got hit directly with the leaf storm which caused him to fly up.
"Finish it with Leaf Blade!"
Sceptile jumped up and hit Greninja right in the stomach, causing a cloud of smoke to appear.
"Greninja!" yelled Ash.
Greninja fell to the ground, revealing that it had fainted and Ash had lost the battle.
Ash quickly ran to his Pokemon's side to make sure it was okay. Pikachu joined Ash in this.
Sawyer on the other hand, was shocked at this result. He just beat his idol. He cheered and thanked his starter Pokemon for all his hard work.
…
The Kalos natives stood up as they were shocked that Ash lost.
"I can't believe Ash lost…" said Bonnie.
Clemont sighed. "I guess it's impossible to win every single battle…"
"But Sawyer has gotten really strong!" exclaimed Serena.
"Right. Sawyer must have trained very hard to have gotten that strong so quickly!" Agreed Clemont.
Dawn just stayed seated. She didn't really react to Ash's loss.
…
Ash returned Greninja and after thanking it for a good battle. He then looked down, his hat covering his eyes.
"Pika…" said his partner with concern.
Ash took a deep breath and let out a half-smile towards the Electric Mouse. "Sawyer got me good"
Sawyer then approached Ash. "Ash… do you think I've gotten strong?"
Ash then turned to the dark-green haired boy. "Yeah… you're really strong!"
Sawyer smiled and clutched his notebook with pride.
Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie ran up to the duo with Dawn trailing behind. Ash then returned the battle pulse meter to the inventor.
"I wonder why it didn't work today…" said Ash.
"I don't know either. Your battle pulses didn't intersect at all"
"I know why" said Dawn.
Everyone turned to face Dawn. She hadn't said much of anything since Ash challenged Sawyer.
"Ash wasn't battling like Ash"
Everyone looked at Dawn confused as to what she meant.
"Ash was hesitating, doubting his own strength"
Ash looked down, he knew Dawn was right.
Dawn then walked up to Ash and put her hand on his shoulder which caused Ash to look up at her. "It's okay to doubt yourself sometimes, it allows us to grow, just me I know" Dawn said that last part with a wink. "Sawyer surprised you with his strength but just because he was so strong doesn't mean you should lose sight of who you are"
Ash smiled.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Ash then turned to Sawyer.
"You better not just used to beating me, okay?"
Sawyer smiled "Okay!"
Ash then made his hand into a fist. "Now, let's get back on the road to the Snowbelle City Gym!"
"Hey do you think I could come along? I would love to see your gym battle and see the true strength of Greninja!"
Ash nodded. "Of course, you can watch me win my eighth gym badge!"
…
After a couple of days of travel and a wardrobe change. Ash and company finally arrived at Snowbelle City.
"Snowbelle City, we are finally here!" declared Ash.
Bonnie was super excited. "Yay Snow!" She said as she and Dedenne rolled around in it.
"Bonnie! You'll catch a cold!" Said Clemont.
Serena then turned to Ash. "Just think. Your eight Gym badge! It won't be long now until you're in the Kalos League!"
This got Ash pumped up. "Yeah! And I'll finally catch up to Sawyer!
Bonnie then walked up to rejoin the group saying. "I wonder if we will meet Ash-Greninja today!"
Everyone looked at Bonnie confused as to what she meant.
"Ash-Greninja?" asked Serena.
"It's the name I made up for when Ash and Greninja merge!"
Dawn laughed. "It's a perfect name! Greninja does look like Ash!" Then Dawn whispered into Bonnie's ear. "Or does Ash look like Greninja?"
Bonnie laughed while everyone else just looked at the duo confused.
"What was that Dawn?" Asked Ash.
The two girls looked at each other and laughed some more.
"No need to worry!" They said in unison.
This caused Ash to grunt a little. "You know that's when I worry the most!"
Dawn laughed. "Come on! Let's not waste any more time! Someone has a gym badge to win!"
This of course, made Ash completely forget about whatever Dawn and Bonnie were laughing at before. As he hurried off towards the city.
…
The group was climbing up a mountain to get to the gym. Serena looked to make sure it was the right place. Once she confirmed that it indeed was the Snowbelle Gym, Bonnie made a race and said that the first one there, gets a prize. This caused Dawn, Serena, and Clemont to chase after her.
Ash and Sawyer stayed back. Ash then turned to the green-haired boy and said "Just watch. I'm going to do it. No doubt I'll get my eighth badge today! Then, we'll battle at the Kalos League and I'll show you how strong I am! Then, you and I will even the score!"
Sawyer smiled. "You're on Ash!"
"Ash! Sawyer! Come on and hurry! Otherwise you'll get left behind!" yelled Serena.
"The first one to get there gets a prize! So hurry!" said Bonnie.
With that, Ash and Sawyer ran up to meet the group. Ash, being the competitive and impatient person he is, ran until he was the first one to get to the gym.
"Pikachu and I win! So what's our prize?" Asked the boy.
Everyone else slowly came into the gym with Clemont being the last one and quite out of breath.
"Well…" said Bonnie.
Ash began to tickle the little girl. "Bonnie you said there would be a prize! I want my prize!"
Bonnie was laughing hard "There… isn't.. um… Dawn… has… your prize!" Bonnie said through the laughs.
Ash then stopped and looked at Dawn. "So do you have our prize?"
"Um, yeah! Here's a poffin!" Dawn said. That was the first thing that came to her head. She gave Ash the poffin. "Now, my friend is here for a gym battle!"
Suddenly, the doors opened, and then some Pokemon were standing in the hallway. Serena took out her Pokedex and revealed that the Pokemon were Bergmite.
A voice from the loudspeaker came on and welcoming them and it told them that the gym was cold and to make any preparations now.
"We are all ready to come inside!" Said Ash.
Then the next-door opened and the battlefield was revealed. It was a beautiful room with everything covered in ice. In the middle of the back wall, sat a man sitting on an ice chair. He had light blue hair and a bright blue jacket which he wore like a cape.
"I'd like a gym battle please!" Said Ash.
The man spoke. "Very well, My name is Wulfric and I'm the Snowbelle City Gym leader!"
"Don't you get cold sitting on ice all day?" Asked Bonnie.
This caused the gym leader to laugh. "You know, when you get to my point, you can feel a hearted heart even when you're sitting on ice! So I'm super comfortable!"
Wulfric then looked and saw a familiar face in Sawyer.
"You there! I remember you from before…"
"Right!" Said Sawyer. "I challenged you to a gym battle!"
"I remember! Quite the heated battle! Now, who is my next challenger?"
Ash spoke up. "I am. My name is Ash Ketchum, from Pallet Town!"
Wulfric then asked how many badges Ash had to which he responded saying that he had seven.
Ash then shoved his jacket towards Dawn. "Here hold this"
Serena saw this and said, "Aren't you going to get cold?"
Dawn smiled, "Go get em Ash"
…
Ash and Wulfric took their places on the battlefield along with the referee.
"The Snowbelle City Gym battle is about to begin! Each side will have the use of three Pokemon and the battle will be over when all three of on side's Pokemon are unable to battle. Furthermore, only the challenger will be able to substitute Pokemon!"
"Let's get this show on the road!" Yelled the gym leader.
"Right, Hawlucha, I choose you!" Ash said as he threw the Pokeball.
Then the Wrestling Pokemon appeared. He slipped around a little, not realizing that the battlefield was frozen as well.
"Go, Abomasnow!"
When the Pokemon appeared, it started to hail inside the battle area.
…
Everyone else was watching the battle from the balcony.
"This could be bad" said Clemont.
"Why is that?" Asked Serena.
Dawn continued. "Abomasnow's ability makes hail fall on the entire battlefield. Hail can cause lots of damage if Ash isn't careful"
Dawn was watching this battle closely she leaned on the top of the railing and watched.
…
"Hawlucha, full throttle right off the bat! Use Flying Press!"
Hawlucha then jumped and flew towards Abomasnow, making direct contact with it. After landing, Hawlucha took some damage from the hail.
"Now High Jump Kick!" Commanded Ash.
"Use Ice Shard!"
Hawlucha saw that the attack was coming but with all the hail and plus the ice shard attack, it couldn't dodge. Hawlucha was able to land, but still took damage from the falling hail.
"Wood hammer!" Yelled Wulfric.
Abomasnow jumped high and ran towards Hawlucha. Ash instructed Hawlucha to dodge and the use flying press. Hawlucha was able to successfully dodge and land the attack, causing Abomasnow to fall hard.
"We're just getting started, use High Jump Kick!" Yelled Ash.
Hawlucha ran all around and then landed the attack right on Abomasnow's belly. This caused Abomasnow to be flown back towards the wall which knocked it out.
"Abomasnow is unable to battle! Hawlucha is the winner!"
Wulfric returned Abomasnow and thanked it for all of its hard work. "Now, your turn!"
The gym leader threw the Pokeball in the air and there appeared a huge Pokemon, Avalugg.
Ash had never battle against an Avalugg. "Let's wrap this up quick, use Karate Chop!"
Hawlucha launched into the air. Wulfric then commanded Avalugg to use Stone Edge. Hawlucha was able to dodge the stones that appeared from the ground and was able to make contact with the Iceberg Pokemon.
Then, Avalugg's body began to glow. Ash and Hawlucha were taken back by this.
"It's ability is Ice Body. You see Ash when hail is falling, any damage my Avalugg takes is slowly healed"
Ash was definitely not expecting this. "Let's keep this up, High Jump Kick!"
"Gyroball!"
Hawlucha jumped into the air and flew towards the target. Avalugg then spun around so fast that when Hawlucha made contact, it was too much and Hawlucha got knocked back.
"Keep on going with Flying Press!"
Hawlucha began to prepare for the attack when it took damage from the falling hail. This gave Avalugg an opening to take a final hit on Hawlucha to faint it.
"Hawlucha is unable to battle, Avalugg wins!"
…
"Poor Hawlucha!" said Bonnie as she frowned.
"It fought hard" said Serena.
Everyone was talking about how Hawlucha did such a great job. Meanwhile, Dawn looked at Ash and sighed.
…
Ash looked up at Dawn and saw her face. Not wanting to distract him, she gave him the most reassuring look she could. Then, Ash turned to Sawyer, this made him even more focused.
"Alright, Talonflame, I choose you!"
Ash threw the Pokemon and the Scorching Pokemon was revealed.
"Let's do this! Use Flame Charge!" commanded Ash.
Using its speed, Talonflame was able to make contact with Avalugg. Then, Avalugg's body began to glow, indicating that it was healing.
Ash grunted.
"Pika-pi," Pikachu said with concern
"Use Avalanche!" Yelled Wulfric.
Talonflame was unable to dodge the attack and the avalanche made a direct hit, causing Talonflame to be thrown to the ground.
When Ash asked if the Scorching Pokemon was okay, it struggled to get up. While Ash was encouraging his Pokemon, Wulfric commanded Avalugg to use Stone Edge. At the last second, Talonflame was able to get up and avoid the attack.
Ash didn't know what to do.
But… we can't win unless we attack.
"Talonflame, use flame charge!"
Talonflame was able to make contact again and once again, Wulfric instructed Talonflame to use Avalanche. The same thing happened again with Talonflame getting hit and being thrown to the ground, only this time, Talonflame couldn't handle it and fainted.
"Talonflame is unable to battle! Avalugg is the winner!"
…
Serena covered her mouth, showing how shocked but also concerned she was.
"That Avalugg is something else!" Said Clemont.
"Ash can do it!" Exclaimed Bonnie.
…
Ash was taken back. He didn't expect Wulfric to have such a strong Pokemon.
Avalugg… he's.. he's so strong!
Ash recalled Talonflame and then released his final Pokemon.
"Greninja, I choose you!"
Greninja released that the hail was hurting him a little.
"Try not to worry about the hail Greninja!" Said Ash.
Greninja nodded. Then, Ash commanded Greninja to use cut. Greninja ran towards the Iceberg Pokemon. Then, Wulfric told Avalugg to use Stone Edge. Greninja was able to avoid the attack and land a clean hit.
"We're still in this, Use Aerial Ace!"
Greninja landed quickly and sped towards Avalugg.
"Gyroball!"
The two moves collided again but Greninja couldn't handle the attack. Greninja flung backward and was able to land.
"Let's see what you think of this! Greninja, use repeated Water Shurikens!"
Avalugg spun in place while it took the attacks. Smoke appeared due to the collisions when it faded away, it was revealed that the Water Shurikens froze at Avalugg's feet, meaning the Iceberg Pokemon can't move.
This shocked Wulfric.
"Use Cut!"
Greninja made direct contact with Avalugg but due to the impact, the ice broke and Avalugg could now move.
Wulfric was surprised by this.
"What do you say we give them a little bit more of our power?"
Greninja nodded.
"More! Stronger and Stronger!" Then the merge was complete and a water tornado appeared around Greninja.
…
"Here it comes! It's Ash-Greninja!" Yelled Bonnie.
…
Wulfric turned to the girl and asked what an Ash-Greninja was.
Ash was psyched. "Let's do this! Use Aerial Ace!"
Greninja, faster than before, made contact with Avalugg. Wulfric then commanded Avalugg to use Avalanche which hit Greninja directly. Greninja wasn't the only one that felt this. Ash grunted as he could feel Greninja's pain.
…
Sawyer asked why Ash grunted and Clemont explained that when they are in total synchronization, Ash feels everything Greninja is feeling.
Serena and Bonnie cheered for Ash, with Serena starting to get slightly concerned for him.
Dawn still stayed quiet. Her penguin partner was a bit worried over his trainer's silence but didn't want to push her.
…
Back on the battlefield, Ash was getting heated.
I want to win! I need to win! This is the battle of all battles!
The face of Sawyer from their talk earlier formed in Ash's head. Then, Olympia's vision of Dawn in the darkroom appeared.
I need to be strong to protect the ones I love!
Greninja turned around in confusion. Then Ash instructed Greninja to use Cut. Greninja did as it was told and ran towards the Iceberg Pokemon.
"Avalugg! Use Stone Edge!"
Stone appeared all over the battlefield. Greninja was able to dodge or strike right through them with no problem. Greninja hit Avalugg. Then, Wulfric repeated his command and Avalugg followed. This time, Greninja didn't have enough time to react and got hit.
Ash grunted as once again he felt the attack.
"Aerial Ace!"
Greninja sprinted forwards and hit Avalugg multiple times which sent the Iceberg Pokemon backward a little.
"Wow… incredible power. But even so… Avalanche!"
Greninja got hit hard by the powerful attack. Ash could tell by how much he was hurting as well.
"Stronger. Stronger! Alright Greninja use Cut!"
Greninja ran towards Avalugg and with perfect timing, Wulfric commanded Avalugg to use Ice and which caught Greninja's cut and slowly started to freeze the Ninja Pokemon.
"Now Gyro Ball!"
Avalugg spun hard faster and Greninja couldn't hold on. Greninja was thrown to the wall so hard that the naked eye couldn't see it. The collision was so hard that smoke formed around Greninja so one couldn't see if Greninja was still okay.
"Greninja!" Yelled Ash.
Then, he felt his whole body go numb. Ash's eyes began to roll backward and he fell backward.
"Pika-pi!"
"ASH!" Yelled Dawn.
Everyone else gasped in fear.
The smoke cleared away and a fainted Greninja was revealed.
"Greninja is unable to battle! Avalugg is the winner! So the victor of the match is Wulfric!"
Dawn was quickly down the stairs and ran right next to Ash's side.
"Ash, are you okay?"
"Pika! Pika-pi!"
Ash slowly opened his eyes and saw that Pikachu and Dawn were right next to him.
"Dawn… does that mean I lost?"
Dawn looked at him with saddened eyes. Ash knew what that meant. He knew that he had lost. Ash's hands became tight fists.
Wulfric then walked up to the trio and they all looked at him. "I hope you learned something today. Being rigid can make you tough, but fragile too. You're better off being flexible. Some adapt like water without changing, so what about you?"
Ash then looked down.
Wulfric continued. "How far you go depends on how much you believe in your Pokemon. Unfortunately, you haven't earned your badge yet.
…
Back at the Pokemon Center, Greninja had to go to emergency care. The group sat around a fire waiting for Nurse Joy.
No one said a word.
Then, the door opened and Nurse Joy came out. Everyone stood up and turned around.
"How's Greninja?" Asked Ash.
Nurse Joy put her hand to her heart. "Greninja had taken lots of damage. But it will be fine. You have my word"
Ash looked at Nurse Joy distraught. Greninja was in a lot of pain and he was at fault.
Sawyer then headed out and the group was standing outside facing him.
"You're leaving now?" asked Ash
Sawyer nodded. "Yeah, I need to start getting my Pokemon ready for the Kalos League". Sawyer extended his hand out to Ash. "Bye Ash. I'll be waiting for you"
"Yeah" Ash said as he shook Sawyer's hand.
"Okay everyone, see you around!"
Everyone waved and said their goodbyes as Sawyer headed off.
It's all going to work out. The person I admire so much is going to come back and be stronger than ever. And I'll be waiting for him. Bye Ash. See you at the Kalos League.
…
Ash was Greninja's room. Greninja laid on the bed and had his back turned towards Ash. Ash didn't know if he was sleeping or not.
"Sorry about today Greninja" said Ash.
Ash started to clenched his fists. "If I had just been stronger… I should have been able to draw out your true power"
Ash looked down. "How am I supposed to be a role model? If I can't even win… How… How am I supposed to protect Dawn?
Ash's hands were red from holding them so tightly. "If only I was stronger…"
…
Everyone else was sitting by the fire just like before. Bonnie had fallen asleep on Clemont's lap. Pikachu was in Dawn's arms with Piplup laying on her head.
Suddenly, the door opened and Ash came out. He put on his jacket and started to head towards the outside door.
Piplup jumped to Dawn's side as she and Serena stood up.
"Pika-Pika?"
Ash stopped.
"Ash?" asked Dawn in a worried voice.
Ash then opened the door and without turning around. "I want to be alone"
"At this time at night, it's cold outside Ash" said Dawn.
Ash still didn't turn around. "No need to worry. I'll be back soon. Sorry, Pikachu"
Dawn sighed.
That's when I worry the most
With that Ash left.
Serena stood up to chase after him but was stopped by Dawn. Serena looked at Dawn with tearful eyes.
"He needs to be alone for now," said, Dawn.
Everyone just looked at the door with worry in their eyes. Pikachu just turned around to face Dawn's chest and hugged her tighter. Dawn knew how worried Pikachu was of Ash, she was too. Dawn just sat down and made Pikachu face her.
"No need to worry Pikachu. Ash is the strongest person I know. He will be okay"
Pikachu looked at Dawn with eyes filled with tears. The last time Ash was like this was after his defeat with Paul but even then, it wasn't this bad. Pikachu was worried over his best friend. This was the first time Ash told Pikachu to leave him alone. Dawn could see in Pikachu's eyes just how worried he was. All she could do was hug him.
…
It was the next morning and Ash still hadn't returned. Dawn woke up to find Pikachu holding her tightly and Piplup inside her covers. Dawn woke the two up and they started to get ready.
Dawn went out into the lobby and found Clemont and Serena still by the fire.
"Ash still isn't back?" asked Dawn as she sat down next to Serena. Piplup and Pikachu were now on her lap.
Serena and Clemont looked to her and nodded their heads.
Then Bonnie walked around the corner, holding Squishy and Dedenne on her head, similar to Dawn. "Good morning! Where's Ash?"
Serena looked down. "Ash… he needed to be alone for a bit"
Clemont sighed. "No need to worry. He'll get hungry and come back for lunch!" Clemont said, trying to cheer up his little sister.
Serena clutched her hands. Dawn realized this and out her hand on her shoulder to calm her down. Serena looked at her with worry.
…
Outside, Ash was all alone sitting on a log. He looked down, not showing his eyes. There were footprints all around him. Showing how his thoughts consumed him.
He had been thinking all night. Even though it was cold. Ash's thoughts didn't allow him to feel it. There were just so many questions that Ash. All night was looking to find those answers.
…
Back at the Pokemon Center, Nurse Joy told the group that Greninja disappeared last night.
"Pika…"
"It's back to full health so there isn't much to worry about. Do you guys know where it went?"
The group shook their heads no.
…
In the forest. Greninja found a tree and climbed on top of it. He sat on a branch and closed his eyes. Even though it was cold, Greninja couldn't feel a thing.
…
Dawn was sitting in the group by the fire. She placed Pikachu and Piplup out of her lap and to the seat next to her. She went to Ash's bag and grabbed something.
They looked at her confused.
"I'll be back"
Dawn then walked out the door and headed towards the forest.
…
Ash was sitting on a log. The forest Pokemon began to look around at him.
"I want no… I need to pull it together. I have no choice! I need to be strong!" Ash clenched his fists once again.
…
Clemont, Bonnie, Serena, Piplup, and Pikachu went outside. Bonnie went to play in the snow while everyone else stood on the porch.
Pikachu still looked really upset, even more now that Dawn and Greninja were gone. Piplup noticed this and put a flipper on Pikachu's back.
Bonnie was busy rolling a snowball. She then stopped. "Ash is going to be back right?"
"No need to worry Bonnie" responded Clemont.
Clemont was holding Ash's Pokeball belt. Pikachu then jumped on Clemont's arm and tossed them so the Pokemon came out of their Pokeballs.
Pikachu then explained to the Pokemon what had happened. Immediately, Hawlucha turned around and ran into the woods and punched a tree.
Serena sighed when she saw this
Ash, please come back
Clemont noticed how Serena was concerned.
"Hey what's wrong?"
Serena looked at him. She then became so overwhelmed with emotion that she gave Clemont a hug to which he returned.
"I'm just so worried about Ash, he wasn't acting like himself"
Clemont sighed. "He'll be back, I know it"
…
Greninja stared into the sky and memories of its last two battles flooded his thoughts. How Sceptile was able to beat him and how Avalugg threw him as if he was nothing.
Greninja hated feeling like he was weak. He was ashamed of his performances.
…
Dawn had been running all over the place looking for Ash. Man did he do a good job of hiding himself.
Finally, out of the corner of her eye, she saw the boy's red cap. She ran up to him out of the breath.
Ash looked up to see who was making the noise. It was the last person he wanted to see.
"I'm sorry Dawn, I shouldn't have left you like that…"
He then lowered his hat and covered his eyes once again.
"Ash I know how you're feeling and…"
"You have no idea what I'm feeling right now!" Ash screamed at her.
Dawn was taken back at what he said. She was mad.
"How dare you tell me I don't know how you feel! I know exactly how it feels to lose twice in a row!" Dawn started to cry out of frustration.
Ash still looked down.
Dawn continued, "I felt like I was worthless, a failure, I THOUGHT I WAS GETTING IN THE WAY OF YOUR DREAMS"
This hit Ash hard. How could Dawn have thought that? And how could he not have known? Ash looked up and saw Dawn crying. Even though this wasn't a new sight, somehow it was different.
"So don't you dare… tell me I don't know how you feel"
Dawn stood there waiting for a response from Ash. As mad as she was, she wasn't going to leave him alone anymore.
"I can't protect you"
Ash looked up to face Dawn.
"How am I going to protect you when I can't even get my last gym badge?"
Dawn went over and sat on the log next to him. She then looked at the sky.
"Ash, I don't think you realize just how incredible you are"
Ash continued to hide his eyes.
"You're a natural leader, you care about other people so much, putting their needs before your own and most importantly, you never give up"
Dawn looked to the red-capped boy.
"That's why you're the strongest person I know"
Those words had never touched Ash harder. He couldn't hold it back anymore. Tears started to fall down his cheeks.
Ash turned to Dawn and looked up into her eyes. Her eyes were a bit swollen from before.
"Ash, I'm going to be fine. I can take care of myself"
Dawn paused a little. "You don't have to be perfect to show how strong you are"
Ash then gave her a hug and buried his face into her chest. Dawn wrapped her arms around him. After meeting Ash's friends and seeing how much they looked up to him. It didn't allow him to feel like he could have any failures.
Ash released his grip on Dawn.
Dawn then stood up and began to walk away.
"The real Ash I know is strong and never gives up, but he also doesn't focus only on the win but his Pokemon too…"
With that, Dawn walked back to the Pokemon Center.
Ash looked up at the sky.
The real Ash?
Ash then had a flashback to his proudest moments, when he saved Charmander from Damien, when he beat the Battle Frontier with his longest partners, his win against Paul finally proving his worth, how he stood in front of those Sparrows to protect Pikachu.
Ash then realized that he had messed up. He scratched his hand aggressively and yelled out of frustration.
"I'm so done with this! Dawn is a Top Coordinator! She is more than capable of taking care of herself! The real Ash is back!"
Ash started to stretch out. "If there is something I don't understand, I'm going to keep moving and if I mess up, that's okay!"
Ash stood up and spun his hat back around. "It's okay to not be perfect"
With that, Ash ran into the forest. He ran up a hill fast, so fast that he did not prepare for the quick shift from upwards to downwards. This caused Ash to fall down the hill and land right on his bottom
…
Back at the Pokemon Center, Bonnie, Clemont, and Serena were worried about Ash and Dawn's disappearance. Ash's Pokemon were busy training as much as they could before their trainer came back.
Suddenly Dawn appeared and her eyes were red. Piplup ran towards her and followed her.
"Dawn? Are you okay? Did you find Ash?" Asked Serena.
Dawn gave a half-smile. "Oh… I'm okay… Ash is too" With that, she went inside the Pokemon Center.
…
Inside her room, Dawn sat on her bed. She had cried all the way back from her talk with Ash.
"Piplup?" Said her partner.
Piplup sat next to her. Quickly, Dawn grabbed Piplup and began to cry hard. She let it all out. Even though she never showed it, she was terrified of her future. Seeing how much Ash was letting it control him made her crack. She didn't want to be a burden for Ash or anyone.
Suddenly, Dawn looked outside and saw that the snow was starting to fall. She ran outside to make sure everything was okay.
"Dawn! Head back inside! The snow is supposed to get really heavy!"
"But what about Ash?" asked Serena.
Dawn clenched her fist. "I'm going to get Ash back!"
"I'm coming too!" Said Serena.
"Me too!" Exclaimed Bonnie.
"Let's go!" Clemont said as he gathered his belongings.
…
The snow had been piling up on Greninja. He remembered what Ash had told him the night before.
If only I had been stronger…
Greninja was done with this! If Ash wanted to get stronger, they were going to get stronger together. He stood up and jumped to find his trainer.
…
"Pika Pi!"
Pikachu was out in front. Dawn had taken them to the place where she and Ash had their talk but Ash was nowhere to be found. Luxray even used its X-ray vision but was unable to locate him.
The storm was starting to get even heavier.
The group started to panic a little as the snow got even heavier.
Squishy then communicated with its cells to help find a safe place for the group to stay. Squishy guided them to a cave where they decided to stay until the storm died down.
Typhlosion and Braxien were able to keep everyone warm but that didn't stop Dawn and Serena to worry about Ash.
"Oh Ash, I hope you're okay…" said Serena.
"It will be alright" said Bonnie.
"Thanks, Bonnie, It's just that I admire Ash so much" Serena continued.
Clemont smiled. "Me too. Ash is sure one of a kind. We'll get back to looking for him soon!"
"We know Ash is more than capable of taking care of himself, there's no need to worry" said Dawn.
…
In another cave, Ash sat there. He then looked outside and saw all the Pokemon in the snow looking at him.
"Hey, come here! I won't hurt you!"
Ash then extended his arm out. "See it's okay!"
Ash then had a flashback to when the same thing happened to him many years ago. He had said the same thing to wild Pokemon when he was inside a tree.
Ash opened his arms wide. "You'll be warmer in here. Come on! Let's stay together!"
Then, the Pokemon ran towards him and went right into his arms.
Suddenly, Ash heard noises. When he looked closer, he saw that there was a group of Spewpa that was on a tree branch that was hanging over a large cliff. Ash jumped into action, telling all the other Pokemon to stay put. Ash then climbed up and down the tree multiple times to save them.
There was one more Spewpa to go. Although it was reluctant, The Spewpa slowly started to crawl towards Ash. Right after it jumped into Ash's hands, the branch broke. Ash and the Spewpa started to fall but they were caught.
When Ash saw what was wrapped around his waist, he knew who saved them.
"Greninja!"
Suddenly, a gust of wind caused the Spewpa to fall off of Ash's hands and down the cliff.
Ash and Greninja knew what they needed to do. They merged together and Greninja jumped down to save the Pokemon.
The two of us need to work together!
Greninja felt different. Suddenly, the water tornado that surrounded it back a large Water Shuriken on its back.
Greninja was able to catch the Spewpa and with mental instructions from Ash, Greninja was able to get back on top with his trainer.
Ash turned around to face the Ninja Pokemon.
"Thanks so much… and sorry I wondered you"
They two fist-bumped and returned back to the cave with the rest of the Pokemon.
Back in the cave, Ash began to tell the Pokemon a tale of when something similar happened to him. Due to his eagerness of wanting to meet new Pokemon, Ash went out of the forest alone and got lost. When it started to rain, Ash went under a tree and brought Pokemon with it. This moment made Ash truly realize how much he wanted to become a trainer.
"I'm sorry Greninja. I realized it when I was alone. After seeing Olympia's vision and telling Sawyer I'd win my eighth badge. I thought that the only way I could prove my strength is by beating Wulfric fast. I thought I had to do it all because I'm the trainer. But that's not how to get strong. You need good teamwork meaning you get strong together. I was only able to save these Spewpa because you were here with me Greninja."
Ash stood up and walked over to where he could see Greninja face to face
"Please, Greninja, lend me your strength, and let's work together as a team!"
Greninja nodded in agreement and the two shook hands.
…
After the storm was over, Ash and the Pokemon went outside. The Spewpa began to evolve into beautiful Vivillon and they flew away into the night sky.
…
The rest of the group came out of the cave. It was foggy and they couldn't see much. Then two figures were approaching them. The group couldn't see who it was but as they got closer. It was revealed to be Ash and Greninja.
"Hey, guys!"
"Pika-pi!"
Pikachu ran towards his partner and jumped into his arms.
Clemont, Serena, and Bonnie ran towards the trainer with Dawn just walking over. She was nervous to see him.
"Pikachu! I'm sorry I made you worry"
Pikachu was so happy to have Ash back. He quickly went to his spot on Ash's shoulder.
"Hey! We have been looking for you!" exclaimed Bonnie.
Clemont smiled. "I'm glad you're okay!"
Ash bowed to his friends. "I'm sorry everyone. I shouldn't have run off like that"
Serena smiled. "We're just happy that everyone is safe!"
Ash turned to the bluenette and saw how puffy her eyes were. "Thank you, Dawn"
Dawn looked at him with a confused face.
"I would have never been able to get out of it if it wasn't for you"
Dawn half-smiled. "But Ash…"
"Dawn, you have and never will be a burden to me, okay?"
"Okay…"
Squishy was relieved to see that everyone was okay. It tried to communicate with its other half.
Can you hear me? Ash and Greninja thought of each other even when they were apart. Now, the bond between them is stronger than ever. Dawn was able to help Ash get out of a hard place because of everything they have experienced and the amazing bond they have… Is it possible that this world of humans and Pokemon is something that we can believe in?
Squishy didn't get a response.
…
Back at the Pokemon Center, Bonnie ran towards the TV and saw her hometown on it.
It was revealed that the Kalos League would be taking place in Lumiose City.
"Wow! Lumiose City!" Exclaimed Ash.
"Pika-Pika!"
"I know! We're going to be there!" declared Ash as he ran forward. He then realized that Greninja wasn't following him.
Ash turned around. "Greninja, what's wrong?"
Greninja then held out his hand which was holding a Pokeball. Greninja then squatted down and rolled the Pokeball towards Ash.
This brought flashbacks to when Ash first caught Froakie.
Ash reached down to get the Pokeball.
"I get it Greninja, I won't lose my way again and we will get to the League. But first? The Snowbelle Gym!" Ash held the Pokeball out.
Then Greninja nodded in agreement and fist-bumped the Pokeball.
Dawn looked at the exchange and smiled.
That's the real Ash. The Ash I know and fell in love with…
This chapter was 25 pages long and 8,245 words! Oh my goodness! I hope it wasn't too long! Now it's Ash's turn to have two losses in a row! The scene when Dawn talked to Ash when he is down is one of the scenes I was most excited to write. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed and stay safe!