Ash found himself on the side of the battlefield extremely quick. He'd woken up and eaten with his pokemon before heading to the gym. As soon as he'd entered Flint and several TV people had immediately ushered him onto the battlefield and he was now facing Volkner. Besides several more TV people, only the group from yesterday were in the stands. The field was different also. There was mainly flat ground, but there was also a pool. Ash wasn't sure the reason anyone would use a water type in an electric type gym.

Volkner raised his voice and yelled, "You ready, Ash. If you lose this match then you must go to another gym to get your eighth badge." Ash simply nodded and waited for the ref to speak.

Instead the robotic ref that Volkner had used last time spoke, "This shall be a full six on six battle. No exchanges shall be allowed. Is each competitor familiar with the rules. Then begin."

Volkner immediately started by throwing a poke ball. Out came a blue and black lion-like pokemon. It glared menacingly at Ash. The Luxray that Volkner had used last time.

Ash thought for a second before picking a poke ball. He tossed it and yelled, "Show them your will, Floatzel."

Out came his newly evolved water type. It was larger than Buizel and had a floating device going from behind its neck to its legs. Floatzel growled in anticipation as it faced its opponent down.

"Why use Floatzel? Volkner is way too powerful to mess around with," Aaron asked in a shocked voice. Scott and Palmer both nodded in agreement.

Flint grinned and claimed, "He wants to make a point. I battled this pokemon as a Buizel, and it was the strongest of its kind that I had seen before. I'm sure that it is far stronger now. If Ash can pull out a win at the beginning, then that could influence the match greatly."

Cynthia then spoke up in a voice that everyone listened to, "And it is pretty smart. Naturally, Volkner will save his strongest pokemon for last. So Ash should save his pokemon with the type advantage for those pokemon. I think that this will be a very interesting match."

Volkner was suspicious of Ash's choice and decided to start smart. Ash heard Volkner yell for a Shock Wave. Ash grinned. Using a move that can't be dodged. He then ordered Floatzel swiftly, "Use Iron Tail to deflect it."

Floatzel smiled and turned its back to his opponent. Both his tails then started to glow, and he put one into the air as the other was touching the ground. Luxray growled as his opponent turned his back and launched the electric attack.

Everyone watched as the attack soared towards the water type, and as one they watched as the attack nailed the top tail. Everyone gasped as Floatzel smiled. The attack was doing nothing. It was hitting Floatzel, but didn't damage him.

Ash grinned and quickly explained, "It's being redirected to the ground. I remembered the idea from Winona, the Fortree City Gym Leader. She had her Pelipper use Steel Wing to redirect Pikachu's Thunderbolt into the ground. The same principle is being applied here. Now Floatzel, as soon as the attack stops, use Agility."

Volkner was forced to watch as his pokemon stopped the attack and Floatzel start to run around extremely fast. Shock Wave would just be deflected so he ordered, "Discharge on the entire field."

His pokemon immediately let out a powerful electric type attack in a directions. Ash watched and ordered calmly, "Dig." Floatzel dug a whole almost instantaneously as the electricity scorched the ground where Floatzel had just been.

Volkner smiled and yelled, "Use Shock Wave into the hole." The electric pokemon let out the attack into the hole.

Ash yelled quickly, "Counter with Razor Wind." A second later, a small explosion appeared underground as the two attacks connected. Ash frowned in concern, but waited for Floatzel to surface. Finally with a howl, Luxray was thrown into the air as Floatzel appeared right below him. Ash closed his fist in triumph and yelled, "Use Water Pulse."

Floatzel launched the water ball at Luxray who was still in the air. The pokemon howled in response and finally hit the ground. After several seconds, it stood up, showing the signs of battle. Floatzel looked much more fresh, despite several marks from the earlier explosion.

Volkner ground his teeth in anger before ordering, "Use Thunder Fang."

Ash smirked and countered, "Ice Fang, followed by Ice Punch."

Two pairs of energy raced at each other. One yellow and the other blue. They connected in the middle and fought against each other. Finally a small explosion happened and before Volkner could say anything else, Floatzel came from the smoke and smashed the attack into Luxray's flank. The pokemon howled as it was tossed backwards.

Ash watched as Volkner watched in concern as his pokemon struggled to its feet. He then yelled, "Very few pokemon can compete with Floatzel in speed."

Volkner frowned seriously and yelled, "Luxray, use Discharge again."

Ash watched as the attack spread everywhere before he yelled at Floatzel, "Block it with Whirlpool." His pokemon quickly created a giant whirlpool which it held in front of it to take the electric assault. Ash waited till the attack was over before continuing, "Now freeze it with Ice Beam and launch it at Luxray."

Floatzel howled as it shot a white beam at the whirlpool. It froze almost instantly on contact, and Floatzel jumped into the air before throwing the attack at its opponent.

Volkner immediately ordered, "Show them your power and use Iron Tail to break through that and hit Floatzel." His pokemon immediately flipped through the air and connected a glowing tail with the block of ice. Amazingly it split on contact, and Luxray soared through the opening to smash its attack on the head of Floatzel. The attack sent Floatzel flying into the ground with a heavy thud.

Ash watched in concern as Floatzel struggled to its feet with the new mark on its forehead. He then yelled, "Use Razor Wind."

Volkner immediately countered, "Block it with Thunder Fang and use Crunch." The two attacks connected and canceled each other out, and this time Luxray lunged down and clamped its fangs over Floatzel's right arm. Floatzel howled in pain and immediately tried to shake the pokemon off.

Ash tightened his fist in annoyance before thinking of the solution. He then ordered, "Get it off with Payback." Floatzel immediately howled furiously and started to pummel Luxray with its left fist. As soon as the grip loosened, Floatzel threw Luxray clear across the battlefield. Luxray landed with a painful noise.

Volkner immediately tried to get the momentum back by ordering, "Use Charge Beam."

Ash watched as the pokemon started to form a yellow ball of light. Ash exchanged a look with Floatzel, who confirmed his own thought. He smiled and ordered, "Rip that Charge Beam apart with Focus Blast."

Floatzel formed a white blue ball of energy in its hands and launched it as Luxray launched the Charge Beam. True to his order, Focus Blast obliterated the Charge Beam before flying into Luxray. The pokemon let out a yelp as the powerful fighting type attack struck it.

Volkner watched as his pokemon slowly rose. He knew one more attack would finish this so he ordered, "Charge." His pokemon started to glow as it gathered energy.

Ash watched in interest and replied, "You wanna play like that, fine. Floatzel, use Bulk Up." Floatzel grinned savagely as he started to glow red. Ash and Volkner exchanged a look before both ordered.

"Spark."

"Use Aqua Jet to speed up your Ice Punch."

Luxray started to run forward as it surrounded itself with white electricity, and Floatzel launched himself at Luxray with a burst of water. Floatzel then smashed his glowing fist into Luxray's head. The two fought for power before a large explosion happened. Ash watched as he knew the result. The smoke cleared to see Floatzel standing over the decisively beaten Luxray.

"Wow, that was impressive." Flint said in a slight bit of shock as he saw Volkner recall his pokemon.

Bertha nodded and stated, "Ash had a strategy prepared for everything. Besides that last Spark attack, its electric attacks did nothing. Floatzel mainly took damage from that Iron Tail and Crunch."

Aaron nodded and asked, "Why did Floatzel win that last attack so easily though?"

Cynthia answered this time, "Between the Bulk Up and the speed up from Aqua Jet, Luxray was just too exhausted to summon up a full powered Spark. I think Ash knew that after the Focus Blast. Otherwise he wouldn't have exposed Floatzel to an electric type attack."

The group watched as Volkner sent out his last pokemon.

Ash watched as Volkner summoned a trio of magnets hovering off the ground. A Magneton. Ash quickly examined Floatzel. Floatzel was covered in tiny scratches, but mainly it was his head and right arm. There was a mark on his head, and a clear bite mark stretched over his arm and fin. Razor Wind was out.

Ash quickly thought. He couldn't withdraw Floatzel, and Floatzel was at the disadvantage again. The only fighting type attack he could do were Focus Blast and Brick Break, but he was too far away to use Brick Break. Any other move wouldn't be effective.

Volkner decided to make the first move as he yelled, "Discharge."

Ash immediately ordered, "Dodge with Dig." Floatzel disappeared underground as the electric attack came within inches. Ash and everyone else waited for Floatzel to appear again. Ash was the first to notice several trembling pebbles and he yelled, "Come out, and use Ice Beam." Floatzel burst out of the ground and launched the white beam.

"Counter with Mirror Shot." The Magneton spun around with almost impossible speed and launched a glowing white ball at the Ice Beam attack. Just as Focus Blast had destroyed Charge Beam, Mirror Shot destroyed the Ice Beam. It split it down the middle and slammed into the middle of Floatzel's forehead. The exact same spot as the Iron Tail earlier. Floatzel dropped to a knee as it rubbed the spot in pain. Volkner wasted no time in ordering, "Use Zap Cannon."

Ash yelled desperately, "Counter with Water Pulse." The powerful water attack somehow managed to hold the Zap Cannon off, and Ash quickly yelled, "Now, charge up another Focus Blast."

Volkner then yelled, "Use Lock-On, and then fire a Zap Cannon at the ceiling." The red circle appeared on Floatzel's torso and the Zap Cannon was launched towards the ceiling.

The much weakened Floatzel was still trying to gather a Focus Blast, but Ash yelled desperately, "Look up, and block that Zap Cannon." Floatzel looked up to see the Zap Cannon change direction in midair and suddenly launch at Floatzel from above. Floatzel did all it could and launched the Focus Blast. The two attacks connected just a foot from Floatzel's head and caused a massive explosion.

Ash watched in concern as the smoke cleared. It cleared showing Floatzel swaying from side to side before finally collapsing backwards. Ash bitterly lifted the poke ball and returned his pokemon and said, "You did great Floatzel. You took out his Luxray."

"Seems like all those attacks on the head took their effect. First the Iron Tail, then Mirror Shot, and finally that explosion. No wonder Floatzel collapsed," Scott commented grimly.

Flint nodded and explained, "Volkner has trained his Magneton to react lightning fast(no pun intended). Floatzel was too tired to summon up its attacks full power. It didn't stand a chance."

Palmer then stated critically, "And Magneton didn't get hit at all. That beginning completely wiped any advantage Ash had going. I wonder what pokemon he will use."

The group then watched as Ash released his second pokemon. Flint immediately jumped up and questioned irately, "Why would he use Staraptor? Magneton knows Lock-On and has high defense. Now any speed or physical assaults will be nullified. Is Ash just going for shock(I repeat, no pun intended)?"

Everyone else also was confused and Lucian spoke up, "Ash knows how to battle. He must have a trick up his sleeve. We all know Staraptor can learn Close Combat. Staraptor's speed could allow it to get close enough. Ash might also have other ideas."

Flint frowned and started to mutter about 'importance of basics.' Everyone else though started to watch as the match began.

Ash was strategizing in his head. He was also cursing himself for not waiting till Staraptor mastered Heat Wave. Too late now. Staraptor was needed to damage and slow down Magneton. Its reaction time was amazing, and Ash knew that Magneton would triumph. Hopefully though, Staraptor could prepare the stage for an easy win by Infernape. If he used Infernape now, he would become far more damaged. It was a hard decision, but Ash knew his pokemon understood.

"Magneton, start off with Iron Defense."

Ash gave a tiny smile. It was a smart choice, to minimize any possibility of physical attacks, but Ash found a good way to start was having your opponent playing defensive. Ash yelled, "Use Agility to get close, Staraptor."

Staraptor immediately started flying extremely fast. She sped towards Magneton. Volkner immediately yelled, "Hit it with Discharge." His pokemon immediately filled the arena with electricity bolts. Staraptor used her incredible speed to dodge them all. Volkner raised his eyebrows and commented, "That is some impressive speed."

Ash laughed and stated, "You haven't seen speed yet, Staraptor, use Quick Attack to power up an Aerial Ace." Staraptor immediately sped towards Magneton with a white trail behind her. She moved faster than most eyes could follow, and disappeared several feet from Magneton. She appeared at its side and connected the attack into the side.

Ash's eyes widened as Staraptor was stopped completely. Volkner wasted no time before ordering, "Now hit it with Mirror Shot." The white orb shot at the retreating Staraptor. Clearly the attack did almost nothing. Ash just needed to build up the smaller damage.

Staraptor twisted to dodge the attack. The attack missed Staraptor's body, but clipped her left wing. It took a second for Staraptor to straighten out, but it didn't appear to cause any major damage. She seemed able to fly straight still.

Volkner still didn't waste any time as he yelled, "Hit it with Zap Cannon."

Ash immediately countered when the electrical energy was launched by yelling dramatically, "Repel it with Twister." Staraptor let out a call as she started swinging her wings rapidly in a weird pattern. Her right wing went over her left, and then the two went back quickly to their original position. When returning they were turned sideways so that no resistance was given. This was repeated furiously and instantly a major tornado was formed. The powerful dragon type attack surrounded the Zap Cannon. The attack was instantly sucked into the vortex and launched into the side wall. The Twister then surrounded Magneton.

The attack forced a metallic groan out of the steel type. Volkner watched in horror as his pokemon started to spin with the Twister. He then got an idea and yelled, "Magneton, use that to speed up your Rollout attack." The steel type started to spin incredibly fast and launched at Staraptor. The attack smashed into Staraptor, stopping the Twister.

Ash growled. He must have taught it that to battle fire types. It wasn't over though, and Magneton sped towards Staraptor. The flying type was still reeling from the super effective attack, and had no chance to dodge. Staraptor was thrown upwards from the attack.

Ash yelled in a distressed voice, "Straighten out, and counter with Brave Bird." Staraptor managed to straighten out and started diving at Magneton, who was attacking with Rollout. Staraptor started flaming as she dived, and before they connected she spread out her wings and the flames evaporated leaving a blue energy. Now the two attacks connected.

Staraptor was thrown out of the smoke. The smoke cleared, showing Magneton still spinning. Volkner grinned and yelled, "Finish this with one last Rollout."

Ash and Staraptor watched as the pokemon neared. Finally Ash ordered sternly, "Stop it." Staraptor screeched and reached out with its feet, and caught Magneton. Each talon was fastened around the magnets around the three heads. Volkner was stupefied by the maneuver, and Ash grinned. Using Brave Bird to slow down Rollout had cost them a lot, but now they would get it beak. He ordered quickly, "Use Close Combat."

Staraptor started smacking her talons and edges of her wings into the steel type. The metallic groan rang out again as the fighting attack took effect. Finally Staraptor smashed a wing into Magneton and launched it into the ground. Dust gathered around the impact site. Magneton floated again, but this time showing clear signs of damage.

Volkner growled and yelled, "Use Lock-On, followed by Zap Cannon." The red circle appeared on Staraptor's torso, and Magneton launched a ball of electricity.

Ash thought quickly. The attack would hit unless it was destroyed. Twister wouldn't work, so Ash ordered, "Use Ominous Wind." Staraptor started to flap her wings and black air started flowing from them. The two attacks connected. No explosion resulted. The Zap Cannon slowed down to a stand still and slowly started to shrink, and yet the edges of Ominous Wind passed it by a hit Magneton. The attack didn't seem too damaging, but it was building up.

Volkner realized this and ordered, "Shock Wave." The attack hit Staraptor. The pokemon squawked in pain and was forced to stop the Ominous Wind. The Zap Cannon shot forward and smashed into Staraptor. Staraptor was launched into the ground, and started to struggle to get up. Electricity was coming off her feathers, she was paralyzed now too. Volkner knew this was the end and yelled, "Use Tri Attack." The three multicolored triangles shot out and drove into Staraptor. The attack pushed her into the wall brutally. Staraptor slid down the wall and failed to get up.

Ash returned his pokemon and grabbed Infernape's poke ball.

"Despite all that, he still lost," Scott said softly.

Bertha nodded and stated brightly, "Yes, but he did quite a lot of damage. Much more than we originally thought he would. I think he was using Staraptor to set Magneton up for a quick defeat here."

Aaron nodded and claimed, "That Staraptor was something. Such speed, and it managed to stop a Rollout attack. And how would you even teach a Staraptor Twister?"

Gary nodded in agreement and commented, "That sure would be something. Ash must have been training really hard for this. Wonder what else his pokemon have prepared."

Flint sprang up excitedly and said, "Now we are going. His Infernape is out. Now we get to watch strong pokemon."

Ash immediately watched as Volkner used Iron Defense again. He then shouted over, "That won't make a difference here. You are just delaying. Infernape is part fighting type. This is a whole different match." Ash then decided to take the initiative as he ordered, "Use Dig followed by Mach Punch."

Infernape instantly disappeared underground. Volkner watched nervously as he waited for Infernape to appear again. With a roar, Infernape rocketed out of the ground to smash a fist into Magneton. It launched the pokemon into the wall. Volkner growled and yelled, "Use Zap Cannon followed by Rollout."

"Counter with Flamethrower." The Flamethrower destroyed the Zap Cannon, but then the spinning Magneton rushed out of the smoke. Ash calmly ordered, "Stop it and use Close Combat."

Infernape clapped its hands together over the spinning pokemon. It only took a second for Magneton to be forcibly stopped. Infernape immediately set to work attacking Magneton. Ash frowned as he saw that the repeated Iron Defenses were indeed slowing this down. Infernape finally kicked Magneton into the wall again. Ash was displeased to see it still floating.

"Magneton, use Zap Cannon."

"Counter with Fire Spin." The vortex of flames immediately stopped the Zap Cannon, and then trapped the Magneton in place unless it wanted to go through a wall of flames. Ash immediately ordered calmly, "Finish this up with Blaze Kick."

Infernape screeched before rushing towards the immobile Magneton. Volkner watched as the inevitable approached. As Infernape jumped into the air with his foot flaming, he roared, "EXPLOSION."

Immediately a monumental explosion happened right before Infernape hit Magneton. Ash covered his eyes as he cursed the sand flying into his eyes. He tried to see Infernape. Could any pokemon take such a close ranged Explosion attack? Dust completely covered the entire battlefield.