Ash yelled over to Volkner, "We've been looking forward to this match. Pikachu takes pride in his power."

Volkner quickly replied, "Then we won't disappoint you."

"Thunderbolt, Pikachu."

"Thunderbolt, Raichu."

The two attacks connected and struggled to push the others back. Finally the two attacks simply exploded against one another. Volkner growled as he realized that his Raichu actually didn't have a power advantage against Pikachu.

Ash grinned and called, "Pikachu may not be evolved, but we've been partners for my entire journey. He is the strongest of his kind." Pikachu shook his fist as he called agreement.

Volkner quickly yelled, "Raichu, Thunderbolt at full power."

Ash countered, "Use Light Screen." Pikachu summoned up a yellow plate in front of it, and the electric attack smashed into it. At half power, Pikachu didn't even feel bothered by the attack.

Volkner growled again before yelling, "Fine, Thunder." Raichu let out a scream as it let out the powerful Thunder attack.

In response Ash ordered, "Use Dig. You know what to do."

Pikachu disappeared underground, causing the attack to miss, and Volkner and Raichu were forced to wait for Pikachu to surface. After several seconds Pikachu appeared behind Raichu and launched a Quick Attack. Pikachu smashed into Raichu's back and forced the pokemon to its stomach. When Raichu turned around, Pikachu was already underground again. Raichu growled in frustration.

Pikachu repeated this tactic several times and it showed on Volkner. Volkner yelled irately, "Stop hiding." In responce Pikachu repeated the tactic again before disappearing underground. Volkner yelled, "Prepare Iron Tail and hit it when it comes out."

Raichu nodded and his tail started to glow as the pokemon concentrated. After a second Pikachu surfaced and Raichu jumped. Pikachu did a hasty Iron Tail to defend. Raichu had the greater momentum and weight, so Pikachu got launched backwards. Pikachu slid back on his feet as he landed. Pikachu immediately went underground.

Volkner immediately yelled, "Jump into the holes and use Thunder to stop their running." Raichu immediately jumped into the network of holes that Pikachu had been creating. Ash watched as suddenly the holes started to glow with a yellow light. Then an explosion occurred and the holes caved in. Ash watched emotionlessly as the field suddenly dropped by several inches to create an area of freshly moved dirt.

Ash wasn't worried and several seconds later Pikachu to surfaced, practically unharmed. Ash quickly explained, "You messed up. Light Screen was still up. It halved the damage, and it wouldn't have done much in the first place. Plus, Pikachu knows Dig, so the dirt didn't hurt him. Can the same be said of Raichu, Volkner."

Volkner realized and anxiously watched the dirt. Finally Raichu slowly surfaced. True to Ash's word, Raichu looked more harmed than Pikachu. Volkner had to take advantage of Raichu being the evolved form of Pikachu. Power wasn't the solution, and Raichu's greater size made it impossible to be as fast. So he had to use Raichu's size.

Volkner yelled, "Use Volt Tackle, Raichu." Raichu started to run at Pikachu a he surrounded himself with a yellow aura.

Ash quickly countered, "You use Volt Tackle too." Pikachu started to mirror the actions of Raichu as they charged each other. The two jumped and connected. Amazingly, Pikachu was equal to Raichu. The two stayed in midair for several seconds as they battled for dominance. Finally an explosion created smoke that concealed the two. After it cleared, it showed both standing and Pikachu with a grin plastered across his face as he banged in his on his tiny chest in defiance. Raichu and Volkner both had shock on their faces. Ash explained, "Raichu has done two Thunderbolts and two Thunders. That has lowered his electric power. Pikachu on the other hand has absorbed one of each. This has increased his power. This has more than nullified Raichu's greater size."

Ash continued by ordering, "Pikachu, keep using Volt Tackle till I tell you different."

Volkner was confused. He's been repeatedly outsmarted and so far, Raichu was losing completely to a Pikachu. He decided to go with what he had to and yelled, "Raichu, match all of its Volt Tackles. Keep going till you win.

Ash watched as Pikachu and Raichu kept crashing into one another. One…Two…Three…Four…Five. Ash felt a smile growing as they continued to clash. Finally he ordered calmly, "That's enough Pikachu."

Pikachu stopped and Raichu stopped in confusion too. Volkner was confused. Ash saw that Volkner could only see Pikachu and the backside of his Raichu. Ash decided to explain Volkner's folly. "You messed up. You have forgot the basics of Volt Tackle. It is a recoil move. Since Raichu and Pikachu are equal in power, those repeated Volt Tackles didn't deal any damage, but they did deal recoil damage. Pikachu has overcome that. Like Flint and his Infernape using Flare Bltitz, Pikachu no longer suffers from using Volt Tackle. The same cannot be said for your Raichu."

Volkner watched as his Raichu turned around. Raichu was in major pain. Electricity was coming off of his body because the repeated Volt Tackles. Raichu had just taken half his health away, while Pikachu was still practically unharmed.

Volkner knew he had to do something. So he yelled desperately, "Use Iron Tail."

Ash quickly yelled, "Counter with Iron Tail." Pikachu jumped above Raichu before they connected their tails. Ash immediately continued, "Now Twist."

Pikachu gave his tail a ninety degree twist. Pikachu's zigzag tail actually caught in the Z shape of Raichu's. Now Pikachu started spinning frontward and was dragging Raichu with it. Raichu was letting out a panicked cry as he was moved through the air. Pikachu was spinning relatively slow in the center, but with the added length of both their tail, Raichu was flying through the air extremely fast.

Ash now yelled triumphantly, "Now use Slam." Pikachu used the momentum of the spin to throw Raichu into the ground. Raichu slammed down back first and let out a pained cry. Ash continued, "Now use Iron Tail on Raichu to jump, and then use Thunderbolt."

Pikachu continued its spin till it was right above the downed Raichu where it slammed a glowing tail into Raichu's stomach. The force caused Raichu to let out another cry as Pikachu was flung into the air. Pikachu then let out a growl before letting out a ferocious Thunderbolt.

Ash was forced to shield his eyes from the intense light. When it slowed he saw in a blurred vision, Pikachu land on the ground. His vision cleared, and Ash saw Raichu slowly getting to its feet. It was clearly valiant.

Volkner knew they had to knock Pikachu out in one shot. So he quickly yelled, "Hyper Beam." Raichu started to charge up the ball of orange energy.

Ash grinned. True, Pikachu couldn't learn Giga Impact or Hyper Beam, but they had a way to use them to their advantage. He yelled, "Use Volt Tackle." Volkner gasped at the obvious trap, but it was too late to stop. Raichu launched the beam. Ash watched as the beam approached the glowing Pikachu. At the last second Ash yelled, "Spin and top it off with Iron Tail."

Pikachu jumped right above the Hyper Beam, and used the energy to start spinning head over heels. Pikachu started to have its tail glow amidst the swirling yellow energy as Pikachu spun. It was a lights show as the swirling ball of energy descended on the immobile Raichu. Raichu was forced to watch as his fate approached.

Pikachu smashed the Iron Tail right on the top of Raichu's head. Volt Tackle topped with an Iron Tail, and an added spin created enough power to defeat Raichu twice over. Without making a sound, Raichu was slammed into the ground with enough force that it created a small crater. Pikachu landed breathing heavy. Not much damage, but exhaustion from all the attacks. Raichu wasn't moving at all inside the crater.

"Raichu," Volkner yelled as he jumped onto the field to run over to Raichu.

The audience was in shock. Even if they knew Pikachu's power, they never expected that. Only Gary and Scott even thought Pikachu would win, but they were astonished by the actual result. Pikachu dismantled what many considered Volkner's strongest pokemon. Raichu couldn't get anything going. Raichu didn't stand a chance.

"That was planning," Lucian finally spoke up. Ash had everything planned. Every possibility was taken care of.

"Volkner is taking Raichu to a transporter. He must want to get Raichu to the pokemon center as soon as possible," Flint said quietly. Flint was thinking of all their training. He had helped train Raichu. He never thought Ash would even beat Raichu, much less beat it in such dominating fashion.

Cynthia was the first to speak, "Volkner isn't going to use that pokemon, is he?"

Flint nodded his head and claimed gloomily, "Volkner never thought Ash would get this far. Neither of us thought Ash could beat his Raichu. He always carried that sixth pokemon with him."

Scott spoke up in his raspy voice, "Would you to please explain what you are talking about?"

Flint started to say painfully, "The pokemon Volkner registered as his sixth, is a monster. Arguably it is as powerful as his Raichu. Just one difference. This pokemon doesn't hold anything back. It will attack and attack without regard for anything. It doesn't even listen to Volkner."

"And Volkner is going to use this pokemon," Bertha questioned skeptically.

Flint started to talk exasperatedly, "We never thought he would have to. He always carries it on him so that it doesn't get released on accident, so he had to register it. Ash doesn't stand a chance, but most likely Volkner will get disqualified."

"And what is this pokemon," Lucian questioned.

Cynthia answered grimly, "You'll see in a second."

Ash was confused on why Volkner was looking at his last pokemon so long. He had been looking at it for close to a minute now. It might have to go through Pikachu and Gible, but this was slightly ridiculous. He looked slightly afraid of the poke ball.

Ash finally yelled, "Are we going to start any time soon?"

Volkner hesitated before throwing the poke ball. Ash watched as a large yellow and black human-like creature came out. It was yellow with black stripes and patterns spread over its body. It was by far Volkner's largest pokemon. It stood as high as a tall human and looked extremely powerful. It also had two tails and two antennae on its head. An Electivire.

Before Ash could register anything else Electivire let out a roar and charged Pikachu. Due to shock, Pikachu couldn't get out of the way as Electivire kicked him into the air with Low Kick. Electivire than jumped into the air and slammed Pikachu into the ground with Karate Chop. Pikachu slammed into the ground heavily, and as Pikachu got up, Electivire launched a Thunder attack. The attack paralyzed Pikachu temporarily and allowed Electivire to nail Pikachu in the stomach with Iron Tail. Pikachu was launched into the barrier wall.

Ash briefly heard the robot announce, "The match has not begun. If Electivire attacks again, then it shall be disqualified."

Electivire clearly didn't care and charged at Pikachu with a ThunderPunch. Ash quickly jumped forward. He managed to grab Pikachu and turn away as Electivire threw the attack. The attack nailed Ash in the back and launched him into the wall with Pikachu clutched to his chest.

Ash didn't waste any time in announcing, "I forfeit on the behalf of Pikachu." This managed to catch the attention of the Electivire and it stopped. Pikachu started to yell on his chest in anger. It could still go.

The entire audience was silent and the only noise came from the robot as it announced Pikachu out of the competition. Ash slowly stood up and walked to his box. Pikachu was still protesting being forced out.

As Ash faced Volkner, the latter asked, "Why did you forfeit for Pikachu?"

Ash gave Volkner a glare before replying stonily, "If that attack hit Pikachu, you would have been disqualified. I don't want to get my eighth badge because you are disqualified. Now as soon as I release my last pokemon, the battle starts. I will then defeat that Electivire, and earn my eighth badge the right way."

Volkner looked ready to drop from guilt as he muttered, "I'm really sorry, Electivire just doesn't listen to me."

Ash held up his hand instantly to stop the apology. He then exclaimed viciously, "It doesn't matter. Your inability to control your pokemon had ended up costing me. You can't change that now, but I shall get revenge for it. My sixth pokemon won't lose, and it will beat your Electivire. Now let's start."

Ash then pulled out his poke ball as Volkner froze in astonishment. Ash stared at his last pokemon, but was interrupted by Volkner asking, "You took a ThunderPunch. You could be injured."

Ash quickly replied in an annoyed voice, "No, I'm fine. I have taken electric attacks by Pikachu, and I sparred with Infernape to help it learn Close Combat. You should stop worrying about me and get that Electivire to listen to you."

"That's surprising. I didn't think Ash could think like that," Scott claimed in astonishment.

Gary actually laughed which made everyone look at him before he stated, "And to think Ash's Charizard didn't listen to him for months after it evolved. Although that mainly helped his opponents."

Flint reacted with shock as he asked, "Ash has a Charizard, and it didn't listen to him."

Gary nodded and explained, "He caught it as a Charmander, but after it evolved into Charmeleon, it didn't listen to him. Supposedly though, it then evolved so it could battle an Aerodactyl. Although as I said earlier, it cost Ash more than his opponents."

Cynthia quickly questioned, "What do you mean?"

Gary grew serious and explained, "You all know Ash got top sixteen in his first League. He deserved to get a lot better than that. He battled a trainer much like himself. Before the match though, Team Rocket kidnapped him. He got out, but ended up with fewer pokemon who could battle. He ended up needing a pokemon that could defeat another Charmander and a Squirtle. He only had Bulbasaur and Charizard left. He opted for Charizard, but it went to sleep instead of battling."

"It went to sleep? In the middle of the Indigo League?" Aaron questioned in alarm.

Gary nodded and continued, "That's how it hurt Ash more than his opponents. Volkner's Electivire looks to just want to battle everything. Charizard wouldn't battle any pokemon it didn't consider strong enough. It battled the Charmander for being a fellow fire type, but was so much more powerful than the Pikachu that it didn't consider it worth it. Then, in the middle of the stadium, went to sleep. Ash finally managed to tame it when he was going through the Orange Island. It became his trump card. It helped him win there, and at the Silver Conference. It was actually his pokemon that defeated me and my Blastoise. He then ended up losing to a far more experienced trainer and his Blaziken, but they injured the Blaziken so much it couldn't compete in the next match. That cost their opponent his next match. Now it is training at the Charicific Valley. It might be his strongest pokemon when it comes down to it, but I still remember when it took a nap and cost Ash their battle."

Scott then spoke up, "Not to mention it defeated an Articuno in a one on one match for the Knowledge Symbol."

Cynthia raised her eyebrows as she commented, "I didn't know that. Ash briefly mentioned he had a Charizard, but he didn't talk about it. Maybe this is bringing up some bad memories of those times."

Gary nodded then asked, "By the way, does anyone know what Ash has for his sixth pokemon since Gliscor is off training?"

Bertha immediately questioned, "Ash had a Gliscor?"

Gary nodded and stated, "Yeah, but recently it is off training. I haven't actually asked Grandpa what his sixth pokemon is now."

Cynthia smiled and stated, "It sure is something."

Everyone looked at her before bursting out, "When did you see it?"

Cynthia smiled and said calmly, "I saw Ash a little while ago after he caught a Spiritomb. I saw his sixth pokemon then."

Now everyone burst out again, "Ash caught a Spiritomb."

Cynthia nodded quickly, and Gary finally asked in a resigned voice, "So what is his sixth pokemon?"

Cynthia gave another smile and teased, "You'll have to see for yourself."

Flint frowned and claimed, "Volkner told me he saw what it was, but he forgot. It was used to bust out of a cage, and he forgot in the high pressure situation."

Cynthia smiled again and informed them, "I will tell you though that it is part ground type, and has a double weakness to ice type moves."

Everyone then tried to think of a pokemon like that, but they were interrupted when Ash released it.

Ash looked at Gible's poke ball. Even if it was new still, he trusted it. He said confidently, "I trust you, Gible. Show them your will." He then released his dragon type.

Gible jumped onto the field and started to stare at Electivire. Gible didn't back down to the fact it was twice as tall, and almost seven times heavier. Gible got into a ready stance and waited for orders.

Once again Electivire attacked without orders. It started charging with a glowing fist, which Ash recognized as an ice punch. This time though, Ash was ready and ordered, "Dodge and use Metal Claw." Gible waited till Electivire swung, and then jumped in. Gible then slammed a silver claw in to Electivire. Electivire didn't seem damaged though and used Low Kick on Gible. Gible caught itself and waited for Electivire.

Volkner was trying vainly to command his pokemon, "Electivire, keep a distance and use Focus Blast."

Electivire ignored him and charged forward with another Ice Punch. Ash calmly ordered, "Dodge and use Shadow Claw followed by Dragon Claw." Gible once again stepped in and attacked, once with gray claws and the other time with glowing blue claws. This time Electivire felt it and let out another growl before swinging again. Ash ground his teeth. This Electivire was able to take amazing amounts of damage due to its anger. Ash would have to use more power. Ash yelled, "Same thing, but this time combine Dragon Rush and Iron Head."

Gible paused as it thought about the attack. It had learned a massive amount of moves in training, and probably was having difficulty. Ash had never practiced this move, but he attempted it. Gible once again stepped in and launched itself at Electivire. First it glowed blue, and then silver energy started to mix in. The blue and silver torpedo smashed into Electivire's chest. Gible launched the pokemon across the battlefield.

Ash grinned. Even if Gible still had four more new moves, one was all that would be needed. The grin disappeared as Ash saw what Electivire then did. Electvire stood, let out a roar, closed its eyes, and started to glow blue. It knew Rest. That is bad.

Ash desperately yelled, "Use Dragonbreath followed by Dragon Claw." Gible launched a jet of green flames which surrounded Electivire. Gible then jumped forward and nailed it with a Dragon Claw. Electivire launched into the wall from the attack, but Ash saw it stop glowing and jump up as it was fully healed. Ash growled.

Electivire ignored Volkner who ordered a Light Screen. Electivire started running forward as it started to surround itself with purple energy. A Giga Impact.

Ash quickly yelled, "Dodge with Dig." Gible immediately burrowed into the ground to avoid the attack. Electivire ran right over it, and Gible hopped out behind it as it stopped. Ash quickly yelled, "Keep using Shadow Claw till it can move. Then use Dragon Pulse."

Gible jumped forward and started striking Electivire in the back with repeated Shadow Claw. Gible managed to hit it quickly in repetition, and Electivire let out grunts as each one connected. Finally Electivire started turning around slowly as it regained the ability to use its muscles. Gible immediately jumped back and closed his mouth with a pained look on his face. Dragon Pulse was now Gible's strongest attack, but it still seemed hard for the pokemon. Finally Gible threw its head forward and spat out an orb of blue energy. Gible collapsed backwards in exhaustion. The attack though launched into the stomach of Electivire right as it turned around. The attack launched Electivire back and it landed on its back again. Ash saw to his chagrin that it once again started to use Rest, and Gible needed to rest after Dragon Pulse.

Ash watched as Gible finally stood up as Electivire came out of Rest. No matter how strong Gible was, Rest was just slowly destroying them. They needed to keep attacking and not allow Electivire any time to use Rest.

Volkner though was extremely mad and yelling, "Listen to me, Electivire. You can't muscle through this. You are getting destroyed out there. You can't keep using Rest. If you keep ignoring me, you will lose."

Electivire still disregarded Volkner and launched a Hyper Beam. Ash didn't even bother to give an order as Gible dodged on his own. This would be so easy if they didn't know Rest. Electivire just kept launching attacks at random. Power was the only thing it had.

Now Ash saw Electivire charging with a ThunderPunch of all things., Ash calmly ordered, "Use Bite." Gible waited and opened its jaws as Electivire swung. Gible managed to engulf the entire massive fist of Electivire. The electric attack naturally didn't hurt Gible, but Electivire howled. It then started to swing Gible around as it tried to get it off. It ignored Volkner's orders for a Brick Break with the other hand and did a Thunder. Gible didn't even feel it and continued to hang on.

Ash now commanded, "When you can, send it flying." Gible waited till Electivire tried to slam it onto the ground. Gible landed on his feet and actually lifted Electivire into the air. Electivire was frozen in shock and couldn't do anything as it was thrown into a wall. Electivire tried and failed to stand up. It then started to use Rest again.

Ash cursed again and he ordered desperately, "Use Dragonbreath on it the entire time." The green flames started to pound against the Electivire. The attack looked to be roasting the pokemon alive, but after a minute, Electivire got up completely healed. Gible collapsed backwards as he tried to get his breath back. Ash started to shout angrily, "This is ridiculous, Volkner. Gible will faint from exhaustion before your Electivire lands a shot. If you can't get it to listen to you, then you should just forfeit now. There is no point to this battle then."

Volkner thought about it for a second before yelling at Electivire, "Come on Electivire. Why won't you listen to me? You can't win this unless you listen to me. You used to, what changed?" This time Electivire looked at Volkner with anger and rage in his eyes.

Suddenly Ash felt a pain in his head as images and memories flowed through his mind. Electivire was thinking some things so powerfully that his aura was picking it up. Ash saw an Elekid get hit with an Iron Tail and fly into a wall before getting sucked into a poke ball. Ash then saw the Elekid training with Volkner and his Pikachu. Elekid finally managed to defeat Pikachu with a Brick Break. Ash then watched as Elekid started to glow as it evolved into Electabuzz. Ash even felt its pride and love to battle. Ash also felt its urge to please Volkner by becoming powerful. Ash then watched as Electabuzz lost to Flint and his Monferno. Electabuzz knew it had disappointed Volkner, and threw itself into the training as Volkner attempted to evolve him into Electivire. Finally he managed to do it. He felt the pride of his master, but then it all went wrong. Electivire kept winning battles, but he started to get used less and less. Soon he was lucky to battle once a month, and that was what Electivire lived for. To battle and please Volkner. Finally his despair turned to anger. He had done everything. He had worked so hard and evolved to please his master, but soon he found himself obsolete. Why listen to someone who didn't appreciate him? Why?

Ash shook his head to rid himself of Electivire's thoughts. He then called to Volkner, "Volkner, why did you stop using Electivire after it evolved?"

Electivire looked at him in shock, and Volkner looked confused. Finally he answered, "What do you mean?"

Ash frowned and snapped, "I mean that after Electivire evolved, you started to use him less and less. Why?"

Volkner looked even more confused and asked, "How do you know that, Ash?"

Ash grew annoyed and answered irately, "I just read Electivire's thought and memories. Now please explain why you stopped using Electivire."

Volkner seemed confused but answered, "When it evolved it was too strong. It didn't know how to control its power and ended up hurting his opponents. I stopped using him till he learned how to control it, but then he stopped listening to me. I haven't been able to use him since."

Ash felt himself go furious before saying slowly, "And did you ever explain all this to Electivire?"

Volkner looked confused and asked, "What do you mean?"

Ash finally exploded and yelled, "I mean did you ever tell Electivire why you stopped using it? That may seem obvious to you, but all he knew was that suddenly, you never allowed him to battle. It evolved so it could help you, and then suddenly you give it the cold shoulder. What was it suppose to think? Now did you ever tell Electivire why it couldn't battle?"

Volkner and everyone in the arena froze. He never blew up like this, but Ash felt overwhelming anger at Volkner. It is a trainers job to help his pokemon. To not communicate with their pokemon is utter failure on the trainer's part. Then to not try and understand his pokemon, and simply lock them inside a poke ball. Ash is surprised Electivire doesn't just fry Volkner. Volkner just figured Electivire understood what he was thinking, and when he didn't, Volkner took the easy way out and just thought Electivire was a wild monster. He never tried to figure out the problem, and Electivire is the one that suffered. Ash couldn't find anything more detestable.

Ash then watched as Volkner realized what was wrong. Volkner walked over to Electivire and started talking to it so nobody could hear them. This took several minutes, but finally Electivire nodded. Volkner hugged the giant pokemon and ran back to the box.

Volkner then yelled, "Thank you, Ash. Electivire will listen to me, and now we can give you the battle we promised."

Ash thought for a second before nodding curtly. If Electivire could get over it, then he could. Plus, Gible got a small break and was a bit fresher now than before. Ash waited for Volkner to start.

"Use Light Screen." Electivire then created a golden wall in front of it. Ash cursed again. Smart move. Volkner then continued, "Use Focus Blast."

Ash countered, "Use Dig to dodge and then attack. Then Dragon Claw." Better stick with dragon and ground type moves for now. Gible burrowed underground and dodged the Focus Blast. Gible disappeared for a second before erupting from underneath Electivire. Gible smashed into Electivire and tossed it into the air with a cry of pain. Gible then jumped after it with a blue claw.

Volkner yelled desperately, "Counter with Brick Break." Electivire grunted and straightened in midair to smash a fist into Gible's claw. Gible hung in midair for a second before being overpowered. Gible smashed into the ground as Electivire dropped down twenty feet away.

Ash watched as Gible got to his feet before ordering, "Use Draco Meteor." Gible started to glow a deep orange as it attempted the strongest dragon type move. Finally he launched the red ball into the air. It reached its peak and started a descent. Another failure. Even with all the training, Gible still couldn't successfully do Draco Meteor.

Volkner laughed and ordered confidently, "Watch and use Protect when it's about to hit." Electivire grunted as he watched the descending attack intently.

Ash then yelled, "Now use Dragon Pulse." Gible grunted and launched the attack as fast as possible. Electivire got distracted and looked at the approaching Dragon Pulse. The distraction stopped it from using Protect and both the attacks connected at the same time. The two powerful dragon type moves connected and created a solid sphere of energy. It then excploded with enough force to rival the Explosion earlier. Ash watched as the smoke cleared. He cursed at what he saw.

Electivire was standing despite being covered in marks. Volkner then yelled, "Looks like that Light Screen managed to blunt the attack enough to survive. Now, Electivire, use Rest." He finished with a grin.

Ash cursed again. Gible needed time to recharge after that fast Dragon Pulse. Ash yelled, "As soon as you can, get ready to perform your strongest Dragon Rush."

Gible struggled to rise to his feet and started to glow blue. The glow was triple the size of Gible when Electivire got up. Ash then yelled, "Now, Dragon Rush." Gible growled and became a streaking blur as he sped towards Electivire.

Volkner quickly countered, "Focus Punch." Electivire ran forward with a glowing fist. The two attacks connected and Ash was forced to shade his eyes at the ensuing light. He watched as Gible somehow managed to slowly push the most powerful fighting type attack back, but then Volkner ordered, "Now, Hyper Beam."

Electivire roared and shot the ornage beam right into the face of Gible. The attack launched Gible back and continued to push him back. The attack drove Gible the entire way across the battlefield before pushing him into the wall, and continued to attack. The beam caused dust to rise as multiple explosions continued the attack. Finally after a full five seconds. The attack stopped. Ash thought it might be the most powerful Hyper Beam he'd ever seen.

He watched as the dust cleared from the intense attack. It cleared showing Gible stuck in the wall. Ash knew it was over. No pokemon could take such an attack. The robotic referee raised its arm and started to announce the result, but Cynthia stood up and yelled, "Look at Gible."

Ash looked at his pokemon and saw Gible was slowly wedging himself out of the wall. Finally Gible dropped to the ground as the robot declared Gible fit to battle.

Ash looked proudly at his pokemon before yelling, "Didn't think we'd have to do this, but ,Gible, use Rest." Gible nodded and sat down as he started to glow blue.

Unfortunately the time it took Gible to recover and start the attack, Electivire ended his recovery period. Volkner couldn't take the time to question the move before he ordered desperately, "Electivire, use Focus Punch."

Ash watched as Electivire ran at Gible. He would reach first and Ash decided to implement their final plan. Ash waited until Electivire was right about to attack before yelling as loud as possible, "Gible, use Sleep Talk."

His loud voice managed to reach his sleeping pokemon and it opened its mouth. Out came a stream of flames. Flamethrower. Electivire roared in pain as the attack stopped Focus Punch. Electivire was too close to move away and the flames started to fill the arena with the smell of burning fur. Ash had been planning to use Flamethrower for shock right after the Sleep Talk, but this worked just as well. Finally Gible opened his eyes and the Flamethrower stopped, but Volkner immediately yelled, "Use Focus Blast." Electivire fought through the pain and slammed the ball of energy onto Gible, creating another explosion.

Ash cursed as he had to cover his eyes once again. A Focus Blast at point blank could cause major damage. The dust cleared showing both pokemon barely standing. The entire front of Electivire was burnt and it was swaying back and forth, and Gible was almost beaten too. The Rest hadn't managed to clear all the exhaustion, and then there was the Focus Blast.

Ash and Volkner exchanged a look. Neither could use Rest or they would be knocked out before they woke up. It came down to one last move. They knew what it had to be.

"Electivire."

"Gible."

"Ice Punch."

"Dragon Claw."

"Full power."

Both their pokemon then shot at each other with all the energy they had left. Ash couldn't watch as the two were about to collide, and closed his eyes. He heard a dull thunk, but no sound was made.

Ash opened his eyes fearfully and saw the result. The entire left side of Gible's face and fin was frozen solid, but the right claw of Gible was embedded in the torso of Electivire. Ash watched as Electivire groaned and took two shaky steps backwards before toppling on its back.

Ash was frozen as he dimly heard the robot speak, "Electivire is unable to continue. The winner of the match is Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town."

Ash wobbled before Pikachu gave him a shock. Ash then ran towards Gible, and gripped the pokemon in a bone crunching hug. The dragon returned it and Ash heard Pikachu yelling triumphantly. They had done it. They had got their eighth badge.

Gible started to glow a deep orange and shot out a Draco Meteor. Ash watched emotionally as the attack succeeded. It exploded in the air and rained meteors in a perfect circle around them. Pikachu added to the light show with his strongest Thunderbolt. The viewers all across Sinnoh and the other regions watched the celebration of explosions and thunder surrounding the emotional trainer as the rest of his pokemon came out to celebrate their triumph. The TV ended with Ash Ketchum surrounded by his pokemon.

Thanks for reading, and I welcome any comments. Flames or not.

I'm going to have Ash catch much more pokemon, send in any you hope to have him catch. I've already got several in mind, but I would enjoy more.