After a few days, everyone runs up to a roped view area to look across a beautiful city. Trees are scattered among the tall buildings. Mime Jr. points from Growlie's head and Chimecho floats next to James. Meowth rides on his head and Wobbuffet walks next to Jessie."The moment has arrived! Our heroes have finally reached Veilstone city. Now, it's off to find the Veilstone City gym, and gym leader." The Narrator says.

James looks around in awe until he feels a tug on his ear. "Look out!" Meowth shouts. James gasps as a bright blue orb of energy soars over their heads. It continues into the sky.

"What was that?" Jessie says from behind James.

"It feels like the air is shaking," Brock says. More orbs fly into the sky.

"Those are Aura Spheres!" Ash shouts.

"It's coming from down there!" James points behind a white fence. They start scrambling down the dirt path nearby.

"This way guys, hurry," Ash runs past everyone.

A section of fence explodes, sending white splinters and debris through the air. They peek through the gap to see Pokemon watching a battle. There are two Kricketot, three Starly, two Bidoof, a Cherubi, and two Shinx. A trainer cartwheels into the clearing and knocks an Aura Sphere away with her foot. A Lucario growls at her.

"Lucario," Ash says, then opens his Pokedex.

"Lucario, the Aura Pokemon and the evolved form of Riolu. By sensing the aura of its opponents, Lucario can read their thoughts and movements."

They watch as Lucario leaps towards her. She pushes him off and tries to kick his head. He ducks and slides back across the ground on his nimble bipedal paws. He builds another Aura Sphere and fires it at her. She kicks it back at him, her short pale pink hair flowing with her movement. He simply dodges, ignoring the explosion behind him.

"Woah, check out the way she's deflecting those Aura Spheres!" Ash exclaims.

"Aura Spheres?" Dawn asks.

"It's a Pokemon move," James says. "I've heard that Lucario are most known for using it."

"Uh oh, Lucario," the trainer says, "you're angry at me, aren't you?" He responds by putting his front paws together. She gasps. "Are you using Bone Rush?" Lucario spreads his fists, creating a long, glowing, blue bone and jumps towards her.

"Awesome!" Ash says.

"Ash," Jessie says, "what if she gets hurt?!"

"Yeah, Lucario seems to be yelling at her. He keeps mentioning a gym battle," James says.

"Less awesome..." Ash looks back to see the trainer flip out of the way.

"Come on, Lucario, let's stop." The girl jumps over another swing. Lucario spins it above his head, shouting.

"He's saying that she needs to pull it together," James translates. The girl blocks a hit and dissolves the Bone Rush.

"He certainly seems upset," Jessie says.

A shock of electricity hit the fence, making Pikachu and Piplup fall over it. Growlie growls at a yellow and black Pokemon nearby. He leaps over to block his friends. Chimecho grab Mime Jr. to float her to safety on James' shoulder.

"Pika!/What's your problem?" Pikachu yells.

"Lecta-tik-tik-tik." The Electabuzz laughs.

"Electabuzz," Ash and his friends say.

"You're gonna pay for that!" Piplup shouts, running towards him.

"Piplup, come back," Dawn shouts.

"Piplup, don't!" Pikachu runs after them.

"Pikachu, wait!"

Piplup Tackles Electabuzz, only to be thrown into Pikachu. They glare, then start a big fight. Thunderbolts and dust clouds cover the area.

Ash says, "Pikachu, stop!"

Dawn says, "Piplup, you too!"

"Cut this out, now!" Brock says. Pikachu accidentally shocks Piplup.

"Do I have to do everything myself?" Growlie jumps in, pulling Pikachu out by the tail.

"Set me down, let me at him!" Pikachu struggles. He gets free and continues to fight alongside Piplup. He shocks the humans as well and the pink-haired trainer pauses in the background.

"Lucario, we've got to help," she says to her Pokemon. He grunts, then releases an Aura Sphere. The blast sends strong winds past the trainers as the fighting Pokemon scream out. "Lucario, that might have been over the top." Lucario grunts. Electabuzz lays dazed against the tree and Pikachu, Piplup, and Growlie groan on the ground. The trainers run to their sides. "I'm so sorry," the girl says. "Lucario, say you're sorry." He grunts. "What? What do you mean 'it was nothing'?"

"Nothing?" Ash asks.

"Does she understand Lucario?" James asks.

"Maylene, what happened?" A guy runs up, startling Electabuzz, who tries to sneak away. "And where are you going, Electabuzz?" Electabuzz freezes and chuckles nervously.

"Huh, that looks like Paul's Electabuzz," Ash says.

"That must mean you know Paul," the man says. "Oh, and this must be the Pikachu that can use Volt Tackle."

"Huh?" Pikachu tilts his head.

"That's why Electabuzz was giving you grief."

"Wha?" Ash is very confused.

"My name's Reggie. You already know my brother."

"What?! You're Paul's older brother?"

"And Electabuzz belongs to Paul alright. You see, since I'm a breeder, Paul decided to leave all of his Pokemon here with me for a little training."

"I'm Ash and I'm here to challenge the Veilstone Gym. Has Paul battled it yet?"

"Yeah, and he defeated her." Reggie looks to Maylene, who looks sad.

"Woah, she's the gym leader?"

"Right, so why don't you say hello to Maylene, the Veilstone gym leader."

"Awesome! Wow, you've even got a Lucario. Can we have a gym battle soon?"

Before she can speak, James says, "Yeah, me too. My name's James and this would be my first battle!"

"Sorry, but would you mind going to a different gym instead?" Maylene looks to Lucario, only to be knocked back by an Aura Sphere.

"You see," Reggie says, "Lucario's been pushing Maylene really hard like this all day. Lucario's not happy with Maylene as a battle partner yet."

"That's where the Aura Spheres came from," Dawn says.

"Lucario was training the trainer," Brock says.

"Hm, I wonder why Lucario's so upset," James mumbles.

"What's that?" Jessie asks.

"I'm not sure. Maybe I can just talk to him."

"Talk to him? You mean-" Reggie says before James nods. As three men in white robes and black belts walk up to argue with Maylene, James kneels next to Lucario.

"Lucario, what's wrong?" James asks. Lucario grunts, folds his arms, and turns away from James. James frowns.

"What'd he say?" Jessie asks.

"He doesn't want to tell me. He wants Maylene to learn herself." James puts his finger to his chin in thought.

"Well, that didn't help . . ." Jessie says.

"I don't want to be gym leader anymore," Maylene says. Lucario catches it and tries to hit her with another Aura Sphere, only for it to be deflected again.

"Is it because of Paul?" Reggie asks and the air stands still. "Paul fought the Fighting-type gym with Flying-types and his Honchrow took out most of Maylene's Pokemon in no time flat. When Paul went against Lucario, he used Magmar which is a Fire-type and super effective."

Maylene says, "I was totally out of sync. With Lucario and all of my Pokemon. It didn't even seem like a gym battle. No matter Paul said what he said."

"And that would be?" Dawn asks.

"'You're the weakest. The weakest leader I ever fought. And this lightweight badge is just like you.'"

"That's terrible!" Jessie says. "I already don't like him."

"He was also the one who deserted Chimchar," Ash says.

James frowns. "Okay yeah. He shouldn't call himself a trainer."

"Yes, Paul has always had a cruel streak," Reggie says. "I suppose he cares for his strong Pokemon."

"Chimchar is plenty strong!" Ash argues. "Paul didn't even give him a chance. Pokemon can't become strong if you criticize them before they can practice."

"Guys," James says, "Now isn't the time to argue. People have different ways of training and we may not agree with them, but everyone has emotions. This may just be Paul's way of coping with them. Right?"

Jessie smiles and Ash shrugs. "I suppose so."

"But Paul was right," Maylene says suddenly. "I appreciate everything Lucario's been doing for me, but . . . I'm sorry!" She dashes off and Lucario calls for her. "Just stay away!"

"Lucario and I will handle this," Reggie says.

"Aw man, I was looking forward to a battle with Lucario," Ash says.

James says, "Me too."

Lucario grunts, "Wait, but-"

Dawn says, "Hold on guys! Reggie, can I go talk with Maylene?"

"Go right ahead," Reggie replies. "Lucario can take you."

"Alright, let's go, Piplup."

"Yeah!" They run down the green hills.

"I wonder what she's going to do . . ." James says.

"It's probably a girl-thing." Meowth says.

"Just because they're both girls, doesn't mean it's a 'girl-thing'!" Mime Jr. retaliates. James sighs at the arguing Pokemon.

"How about we stay at my place while we wait?" Reggie suggests, catching their attention.

"You wouldn't mind?" James asks.

"Not at all."

When they settle down in the house, Reggie gives some water to the Pokemon as he explains the situation. "Maylene and Lucario were famous in Veilstone City, so it was big news when she became gym leader. But, as you can see, she has her doubts."

"Of course," Brock says, "everyone has doubts at some point. It's especially hard for gym leaders."

"Yeah, Brock should know," Ash says.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Jessie asks.

"We didn't tell you? Well, you see, Brock is the Pewter Gym leader in Kanto."

"What?!" James leaps to his feet with Jessie and crowds around Brock. "You were? Can I battle you?!"

Brock sweatdrops. "I can, but you can't get a badge unless we're at the gym, or at least in the same region." James pouts. "Sorry about that."

"That's fine, I guess. Do you have any pointers for Pokemon battling?"

"Always take good care of your Pokemon and they'll love you back."

James shrugs. "Already knew that." Brock laughs.

A voice from behind says, "Hey, I remember you. How are you?" They see Reggie petting Chimchar.

"I'm good."

"So Ash, I bet Paul was difficult with his tough battle strategies, huh?"

"Nah, I don't care about that. As Brock said, it's more important to care for your Pokemon. But man, I want to beat Paul."

"I still don't know who they're talking about, but Ash sure hates him," James whispers to Jessie and she nods.

"I'd sure like to see a battle between you two," Reggie says to the surprise of Ash. "In fact, I'd like to battle you, to see how my brother's rival matches up."

James jumps up. "What about me? Please! It would be my first battle!"

Reggie scratches the back of his neck. "I wanted to battle Ash, but I suppose. It'll be three-on-three."

"Yes!" James celebrates with Jessie and runs outside in excitement.

"But what about seeing my way of battling?" Ash asks Reggie.

"That can wait for another time. James is very enthusiastic about this. Will it really be his first battle?"

Ash nods. "Yep. Even I haven't challenged him yet. I should get to that soon . . ."

Outside, James talks to his team. "Alright, Meowth, Tropius, Growlie, Chimecho, Carnivine, and Mime Jr. This will be my first battle! Who wants to give it a try?"

Meowth says, "/I could try!"

"Me too!" Growlie speaks up.

Carnivine smiles. "It would be like the old days."

"Alright! Now remember, we'll all try our best, right?"

"Right!"

Reggie, Ash, and Brock come out and take their places. "Huh? What's going on?" Dawn asks as she arrives with Maylene and Lucario.

"James and Reggie are going to have a battle," Brock explains.

"Cool! Our Pokemon should see this," Dawn releases hers, and everyone else follows suit.

"Uh, do you think it would make James nervous?" Jessie looks down at the four Pokeballs in her hand.

"No need to worry."

Brock says, "Although he doesn't know, James actually has years of training under his belt."

"I guess you're right," Jessie says, letting Arbok, Seviper, Wobbuffet, and Dustox join her.

Brock quickly says to James, "It's a three-on-three battle this means each trainer uses one Pokemon for three rounds. Okay?"

"Got it!"

"Bibarel, come on out!" Reggie shouts. The beaver-like Pokemon is released.

"It is on!"

Jessie takes out her Pokedex. "Bibarel, the Beaver Pokemon and the evolved form of Bidoof. It dams up rivers to make a nest and is well known as a hard worker."

"A water type, huh?" James says, "Alright Carnivine, I choose you!"

"I love you!" Carnivine bites James' head after he comes from the sidelines.

"You agreed to battle, so go out there!" James lifts him off and Carnivine takes his stance.

"You get first move," Reggie says.

"Alright, Bullet Seed!"

"Bullet Seed!" Carnivine shoots a group of glowing seeds out of his mouth.

"Bibarel, Super Fang!"

"Too easy." He bites cleanly through the seeds with a glowing tooth.

"Now, Secret Power!" At Reggie's command, Bibarel glows pink and Carnivine suddenly falls asleep.

"Ah!" James gasps.

On the sidelines, Brock explains, "Secret Power's effects change depending on the battlefield. It's very grassy, so it made Carnivine fall asleep."

"Carnivine, wake up!"

"Bibarel, Take Down," Reggie says. Bibarel rushes into Carnivine, sending both sprawling. However, Carnivine was barely hurt, while Bibarel took recoil damage. Carnivine opens his eyes. "He's awake already?"

"Good job, Carnivine!"

"Okay, Bibarel, use Super Fang." Bibarel moves in for another attack.

"Dodge and use Bullet Seed!" Carnivine avoids the attack and defeats Bibarel with a super effective move. "We did it! We actually did it!" James shouts.

Carnivine bites his head. "Carni!/Yes, we did!"

"James, it's not over yet," Brock says.

"I know, but it's still an accomplishment! Besides, this means I can win!"

"Don't get too confident," Jessie reminds him.

"Yeah, I know." He waves her away and she frowns.

"Okay, Swalot, you're next," Reggie says, releasing the purple . . . glob?

Jessie's Pokedex says, "Swalot, the Poison Bag Pokemon and the evolved form of Gulpin. Swalot sprays a powerful poison onto its opponents using its pores."

"Alright, Meowth, your turn!" James calls. Carnivine high fives Meowth as they switch places. "Use Bite!"

"Stock Pile!"

Meowth bites down on Swalot's squishy form. It takes the hit, gulps in some air, and grows larger.

"Hm." James frowns. "Use Scratch!" Meowth scratches across Swalot to another Stockpile. "Okay, use Fury Swipes."

"Swalot, Spit Up!" Before Meowth can react, Reggie's Swalot sends him flying in a blast. Meowth lands on his four paws. He's clearly getting exhausted, but his fur puffs up and he growls, determined to win.

"Stockpile allows the user to take hits while also storing up power," Brock says to Jessie, who looks clueless.

"Sludge Bomb!"

"Fury Swipes!" Meowth slices through the poison blobs, but one ball gets in his eye.

"It stings!"

"Meowth, no!"

"Finish it with another Sludge Bomb!"

"Dodge it!"

Meowth struggles to stand and can't run away in time. He's sent flying to James' feet. "Meowth!" James holds Meowth in his arms. Tears come to his eyes. "I'm sorry . . ."

"Don't be. We tried our best."

"You're right." James wipes away the drops with his sleeve. He sets Meowth down on the sidelines and chooses Growlie.

"Staraptor, you're next!" Reggie says. The bird is released.

Staravia gasps from the sidelines. "It's a Staraptor!"

"Staraptor, the Predator Pokemon and the evolved form of Staravia," Jessie's Pokedex says. "Staraptor's ferocious nature means it has no trouble challenging much larger opponents."

"Staravia, watch closely," Ash says and Staravia nods.

"Growlie, Flamethrower!" James orders.

"Growl!" A line of fire shoots out of Growlie's mouth.

"Staraptor, Brave Bird."

Staraptor dodges the attack, then dives towards Growlie, setting itself on fire.

"Dodge it!"

Growlie tries to dodge, but Staraptor spreads its wings at the last moment, knocking him back. Growlie and Staraptor both crackle with electricity.

"Staraptor was hurt too," Dawn says.

"Brave Bird can cause damage to the user as well," Brock says. "You have to be smart when using that move."

"Growlie, Ember!"

"Dodge it and use Steel Wing!" Staraptor moves out of the way of the fire cloud and cuts across Growlie with a Steel Wing.

"Use Dig!"

"Right." Growlie tunnels into the ground.

"Where is he?" Staraptor looks around in confusion. Growie bursts forth and sends Staraptor flying. Growlie may have succeeded with the move, but one could tell he was getting weary. Staying locked in a mansion most days is not good for a Pokemon's health.

"He's wearing out . . . Finish it with Wing Attack!" Reggie says.

"Sorry about THIS!" Staraptor hits dead on, knocking Growlie out.

"That's two out of three. Reggie wins!" Brock calls out.

Growlie sits up and licks James' chin. "Will you be okay?"

"Of course I will. I'm just glad you helped me out." James hugs Growlie, then heads over to his friends.

Reggie says, "That was a great battle. You did wonderful for your first try."

"Thanks, but my Pokemon are to thank."

"Aw, James!" Carnivine bites his head and Meowth and Growlie rub up against his legs.

"Hey, Reggie. Do you think I could learn Brave Bird?" Staravia asks. At Reggie's clueless face, James translates.

"Oh, of course you can try. I could teach you! And Maylene, will you have the battles with Ash and James?"

Maylene looks surprised. "Well, I-"

"Hold on!" Dawn shouts, making every jump. "I asked her first!"

"You did?" Ash asks.

"Yeah, we thought it could help both of us."

"Is that true?" Reggie asks and Maylene nods.

"Excuse me, but when will it be?" Jessie asks.

"Uh, how about tomorrow?" Maylene asks.

"That's fine with me," Dawn says.

"Okay, can we maybe go shopping?" Jessie continues.

"For what?"

"New clothes?" Jessie blushes as Ash and his friends remember Jessie's tattered dress and James' muddied suit.

"Oh right. I could take you shopping!"

Brock says, "And Ash and I could take James. We wouldn't want you to pick out girly clothes for him."

"Ha ha. Very funny. You just don't understand fashion."

"Neither do I," James interrupts. "I'd rather hang with the guys for now.

"Fine, we should meet back here when we're done."

The friends head off to the city to find some clothes. Brock, Ash, and James enter a normal store called "Sew Nice". They had many things from t-shirts to jeans. Ash and Brock look at some vests while James picks something out.

"Ready?" Brock asks.

"Well, do you think Jessie will like it?"

"Hm," Brock thinks, staring at the outfit. "Yeah, I'd say so." They pay and head back to the house. They continue to wait for Dawn and Jessie.

After an hour, James asks. "Where could they be?"

"Ladies and shopping. What more needs to be explained? Remember, I know what girls like."

"Yeah, sure."

After searching for a while, the girls find a store. "The Rose Boutique? This sounds nice!" Dawn drags Jessie after her. "Ooh, what about this one? Or this one?" She holds up a fluffy pink skirt and shirt, then a purple dress.

"I don't thi-"

"Or what about that?" Dawn rushes over to a frilly white dress.

"It looks like a wedding dress . . ."

"You're right . . . Ooh, look!" As Dawn gets distracted, Jessie sighs before a store across the street catches her eye named "The Hidden Wolf". She leaves and Dawn has to quickly follow her. "Where are you going?"

Jessie doesn't answer, walking in with the sound of a bell.

"Be right there," A voice calls from behind a curtain.

"How about this one?" Jessie points to something

Dawn frowns, "Are you sure? I suppose it fits your personality, but I think it's a little bright."

"Yes, I'm certain."

Dawn shrugs. "Alright, it's your choice."

At the house, James stands up. "I think I hear them."

"I still can't believe you chose that," Dawn says as they come up the hill. "I mean-" she cuts off as Jessie freezes to stare at James. Jessie blushes, then her eyes dart to the ground.

James is wearing a light blue t-shirt, dark green pants, and white tennis shoes with red laces. He looks Jessie up and down with a smile.

She's wearing a lemon-lime colored blouse with forest-green edges, light pink shorts down to her knees, and sky blue shoes with cyan straps. She also had an object around her neck.

"What's that?" James asks, moving closer.

Jessie lifts it in her hand to show him. It was a wooden Mew. "Oh, I got this on the way back. It reminded me of my mother. She . . . went missing looking for a Mew."

"Cool!"

"What?" Jessie looks sad.

"I-uh-I don't mean-um-mean your mother-uh . . . I mean the Mew!" He stutters and shouts, making Jessie giggle.

"I know. I was just messing with you." Jessie says, and James glares at her.

As Jessie shows her necklace to her other friends, Meowth whispers slyly to James, "You know you like her."

"What?" James snaps. "No way."

"You're blushing."

"Well, I-you, uh, you're a cat!"

Meowth snickers.

"Crossing the Battle Line" Season 11, Episode 15

Ash dodges a blue, flaming Brave Bird attack from Staravia. Jessie, James, and Reggie watch in awe as he prompts the attacks multiple times. "That's some hardcore training," Jessie says.

"It's Ash's typical battle strategy," Brock says, walking up behind them.

"I kind of feel like I should stop him," Reggie says. "His strategy is just the opposite of my brother."

"Lecta/Woah." Electabuzz says, off to the side.

James suddenly says, "I want to train too! I'll train while Dawn is battling."

Brock says, "Huh? Don't you want to watch her?"

"Not really. I want my battle to be a surprise! I know Maylene has a Lucario, but I'd like my hard work and my bond with my Pokemon to win. Not taking advantage of different Pokemon."

Brock nods. "Alright, I guess tomorrow we'll see you afterwards. Do you still want to get up early with us?"

"Nah, I'm still kind of shaky from, well, you know."

"Me too," Jessie says. "I would like to get some beauty sleep."

"Hey guys," Dawn says as she walks over.

"Hey Dawn, tomorrow James is going to train, so he won't be watching you."

"Well that's too bad. But I guess not everyone wants to get up at six AM."

"Six AM!" Jessie and James exclaim.

"That's a little early for a battle, don't you think?" James asks.

"The battle starts at eight. I want to train my Pokemon a little more."

"You're not afraid of wearing them out?"

"I'm just going to encourage them. Besides, we also have to get breakfast."

"Meowth./That makes sense." Meowth licks his lips.

AN: Next chapter is done! It has been for a while, and I didn't realize I was writing the chapter after this. I reread and edited this before I published it.

So, meet Maylene and Reggie. Plus, Team Rocket get a change of clothes.