Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, I am your host, Pika-Bones, and I bring ch.10 of this fanfic thing. It's been a while since I've updated I think. Was it a week or 2 weeks? I forget. Anyway, I was busy working on a couple of one-shots for advanceshipping week, so if you are interested, you can read those. Of course you don't have to if you're not interested. I wouldn't exactly say they are romantic stories, but feel free to read them if you so desire, though I do apologize if you consider them to be not good （￣～￣;）If you are going to read them, I suggest you read the day 2 theme story, since I feel I did a better job on that one.

Also ORAS is out, so yay! To be honest, if I had a 3DS I'd probably not be writing this and I wouldn't touch this fanfiction this week, especially since R/S/E are my favorite games of all time. I hope you are all enjoying the game, and if you're like me, I hope you get the game soon.

Alright, I've rambled enough, so enough with that, let's get on with this news chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon in any way, shape, or form.

Ch.10: A Battle of Kalos Sky Beauties!

It was early morning, around 5o'clock and our heroes were nice and comfortable in bed.

They had gotten a room in the Pokemon Center the night before after saving the Vivillon. The room had 2 bunk beds with Ash and Bonnie in the bottom bunks, and May and Clemont in the top bunks.

A low noise could be heard in the room coming from Ash, not loud enough to wake anybody up, on the contrary it was kind of… soothing,

"ZZZ…I want to be…ZZZ…The very best…ZZZ…That no one ever was…ZZZ."

"Pika-Pi."

In the room next door though, a certain purple haired trainer was getting prepared for the day ahead, and his first gym battle in Kalos.

Paul exited his room with his bag and made his way downstairs. He went to the kitchen where he grabbed a quick bite and began to prepare his tea.

While he waited for the water to boil in the kettle, his mind began to focus on something else,

"Let's see, the Santalune Gym leader is a bug type leader. That means that Vivillon does have an advantage over with its flying typing. So this should be a good chance to get some good battling experience."

The Kettle began to whistle, snapping Paul's from his thoughts. He set his tea in a plane white cup and added the hot water. After a few moments, he began to sip his tea.

"But Vivillon doesn't have that much battling experience, and there's no way I can train enough today with Vivillon to make up for that" Paul thought as he drank his tea. He then began to walk towards the Pokémon Center exit, "But I'll make sure I get that gym badge no matter what. Might as well get Vivillon warmed up for the gym battle and get everything ready."

By the time Paul exited the Pokémon Center; sunlight began to sneak over the horizon and began to chase away the darkness. It looked like it would be a cloudy morning, and unless the clouds decided to part, a cloudy day. Paul walked exited the Pokémon Center and moved a good distance away from the Pokémon Center, and found a good spot in the plains.

He then brought out the Elegant Pattern Vivillon, in all its beauty.

"Vi-vi-llon" cried the Pokémon as it floated in midair.

"Morning" Paul said simply.

Paul wasn't exactly ecstatic about catching Vivillon. Vivillon wasn't really the kind of Pokémon for him to catch. Maybe he was impressed by Vivillon's showing the other day, but even then, Vivillon didn't show the kind of power he usually looked for. What he saw in Vivillon was different, something he himself couldn't measure, and it annoyed him to no end.

` A sudden look of frustration passed through his countenance before he tossed a second Pokeball.

Honchcrow appeared in a sudden flash of light.

"You're going to have your first battle today. And you are definitely not where you need to be. No matter, we can work on that later. For now, show me the true extent of your power" Paul then directed Honchcrow to move up, "You have one job. Survive."

"Huh" May looked around but saw nothing, just endless white, "Where am I?"

Confused, May began to walk aimlessly, "What's happening, am I dreaming?"

"You could say that" a voice suddenly echoed through the endlessness, causing May to jump.

"Who said that!?" May demanded.

"Geez, don't be such a little scared girl." May suddenly felt something tap her shoulder and she quickly turned around.

To her surprise she was met with… herself. It was like she was looking in a mirror. Somebody that looked exactly was in front of her, with a huge grin.

"W-who are you?" May managed.

"Who, me?" replied the 'other May',

"Hm?" She began, "You could call me a lot of things. You're alter ego, your other soul. You know there are a lot of cultures who have different ideas, concepts, words about these things and they just crisscross and just all becomes a giant mush." The other May emphasized this by making a crushing motion with both of her hands.

"But all you need to know is that I'm you. I'm just the prettier and more smarter one." The other May then put one hand behind her head, and the other on her hip.

May stared blankly, "You mean smarter."

"What?"

"It's not 'more smarter', it's just smarter" May explained.

The other May then dropped her arms to her side angrily, "Who asked you!" She then shook her head, "That's not the point. What you really need to know is that, unlike you, I can do things that you don't have the guts to do."

"What are talking abo-" May was quickly cut off by an index finger.

"Didn't I tell you that I'm you?"

May looked on confused.

"Ash…" The other May said slowly and with a knowing glint in her eye.

A tint of red suddenly appeared on May's cheeks, "W-what are you say-"

May was cut off once again when the other May put an arm around her and brought her in close, "Like I said, I'm you, so this will be a lot easier if we don't lie to each other, I know everything about you." She then pulled May away.

"You remember when you were about to confess to Ash on the boat on the way to Kalos."

May nodded, not denying anything now.

"Well tell me, did it feel like you were watching from a 3rd point of view? Like you weren't in control".

"Y-yeah, I mean maybe, but what does that have to do with anything."

May then saw her point at herself with a big grin.

"Wait, was that you?" May asked in disbelief.

The other May nodded, her grin not leaving her face.

"That can't be right. This is all a dream" said May as she turned around,

"This might be a dream, but what happened on that boat was real. You would never do that, so I took the controls."

May then turned back around, "How dare you do that!" May then lunged for the other May, but the other May easily avoided her and dropped her to the ground.

"Ugh" May mumbled.

The other May the lowered herself down next to May, "Don't get so dramatic. It was for a few seconds. And it's very rare for something like that to happen. Almost never happens. So you must have you really wanted it to happen, I was just there to close the deal."

There was no way May could deny that, and now she was just starting to feel really low.

"But that's not what I wanted to talk to you about." She offered May a hand that May decided to take, "You need to tell Ash how you feel?"

"No, I can't do that." May looked down towards her hands.

"You have to. If you don't do it soon, you'll regret it. Next thing you know, a random loser will come blowing in from nowhere and snatch him away."

"No, not now, I have to wait for a better time. I can't right now" May replied silently.

"Fine then, but don't say I didn't warn you." The other May began to walk away, leaving May standing by herself. But May suddenly called out,

"Wait!" She began, "So does everybody have another soul?"

The other May turned towards May, "Yup, though you could say that every situation can be unique. There's a lot that goes into this shit" She then began to walk away again, "Some may be even more visible than you would think. Bye."

May watched her disappear in the white nothingness, and the entire space began to collapse on itself. May then opened her eyes.

May looked around and began she shift her body as she realized she was back in the Pokemon Center.

The room was still quite dark, but a dim light was coming from outside through the window.

May looked towards Ash who was sleeping in the bottom bunk opposite of her. He was sleeping comfortably underneath a white blanket with Pikachu at the foot of the bed.

She gave a small smile towards Ash before she lowered herself from the top bunk. She then neared Ash's bed and looked at both of the sleeping forms,

"Two souls huh? No that's ridiculous. Then again…" May then moved to the foot of the bed and crouched down to get a better look at Pikachu.

"I wonder if Pokemon have 'another soul' as well." May reached her arm out to pet Pikachu, but before she reached him,

"Pi-Pi-kaaa-choo" Pikachu led out a loud sneeze that caused Pikachu to let out some electricity,

"Ahhhh!" Yelled May the small amount but still shocking electricity going through her body.

This caused everybody in the room to stir in their sleep. Ash then sat up,

"Uh, what happened" Ash began still half asleep, he then saw May on the floor, "May, are you all right?"

"Yeah…Yeah" May began weakly, "It's just been an eventful morning."

After everybody woke up, the group had breakfast, and then they prepared to head out for the final leg to Santalune City.

As expected Paul was already ahead by the time they left the Pokemon Center.

The trek to Santalune City would take a few more hours, so they should be there in a few hours.

Though unknown to them, a honey blonde girl with a pink hat was right on their heels.

Ash marched into Santalune City with his head high, ready to collect his first gym badge.

His friends were following close by when Bonnie spoke up,

"Ash, do you know where you're going?"

"Of course, to the gym, and my gym badge" stated Ash as if it was obvious.

"Well, do you know where the gym is?" Clemont asked.

Ash then turned towards the group with a grin, "No idea."

The Pikachu and the others all sighed deflated.

"I knew we shouldn't let you lead the way, your sense of direction is worse than before" May said irritated.

"C'mon guys. No matter the situation I'll get my gym badge. As long as I go full steam ahead nothing will stop me." Ash ended emphatically as he stepped up onto a fountain and pointed straight ahead. And as if the universe agreed with him, water suddenly began to flow on cue with his gesture.

Then they all heard the snap of a camera, which caused them to turn.

"Thanks for the great shot" answered a woman in a white tank top and short green pants from behind the camera.

"Uh" began Ash confused, "You're welcome."

"I overheard you are all looking for the Santalune City gym, am I correct?"

"Yes, you are correct. Would you happen to know where it is?" Clemont asked politely.

"Certainly" nodded the Sandy Blond, "Head straight, and take the second right. You can't miss it."

"Thanks!" Ash then ran off now, equipped with directions.

"Ash, wait" called out Clemont. He then turned to Viola and gave her a quick bow, "Thank you very much" he then took after Ash with Bonnie.

May then gave a small thanks to the woman with the camera and ran after the others.

She just looked on with her dark green eyes as they ran towards the gym.

"Closed?"

Paul was in front of the Santalune City gym, well, more specifically the closed Santalune City gym.

"Well that's perfect" Paul thought to himself, "Says here the gym leader is on a trip" Paul read a message displayed on a holographic board in front.

Paul then heard the sound of several footsteps coming from behind. He turned around and was not ecstatic about what he saw.

"Dammit."

"Hey look, it's Paul" Bonnie pointed out.

"Hey Paul" Ash said simply.

"The gym is closed" responded Paul as he walked down the steps that led to the gym.

"Really?" Ash responded disheartened, "Oh man, and I really wanted to get my gym badge."

Paul walked by them, "A gym leader that can't maintain their post is an irresponsible one" he said to no one in particular.

"Is that what you believe?" Replied a young woman who appeared in front of Paul.

"Yes, what about it" Paul answered, half knowing who he was talking too.

"You're the nice lady who helped us find the gym" Bonnie mentioned.

"Oh yeah, thanks once again for helping us out" continued Ash.

"Of course, this is my gym after all, and I definitely enjoy visitors" she replied with a smile.

"Your gym? Does that mean you're the gym leader of the Santalune gym" May asked.

"Yup. My name is Viola. Nice to meet you."

"Alright!" Ash began, "My name is Ash, and I want to challenge you to a gym battle."

"Of course I'll accept your challenge. Are you the only one?"

"Me. My name is Paul" he stated

"Very well then. Follow me." Viola led the five into the gym.

Somewhere else in Santalune city, a honey blonde girl with blue eyes full of life rushed excitedly towards the Santalune City gym.

"He's going to be so surprised to see me after all this time. I wonder what the look on his face will be."

"I can't wait to see him again" she said with a smile as she continued towards the Santalune City Gym and Ash.

When Ash and company entered the gym, they were met with a large hallway with a multitude of pictures aligned on the wall.

"Wow, look at all the pictures. They look amazing." May mentioned.

Clemont observed the pictures closely, "They look to be mostly of bug types."

Clemont then looked towards Viola, "They wouldn't happen to be yours, would they?"

"Yeah, they are mine. I'm a professional photographer. Though these are only a few of the ones I have taken."

"You must really have a talent of taking pictures of Bug Pokemon Viola. These pictures are great" Ash commented.

"Why thank you Ash."

"Its true" added Bonnie, "You can tell how much you care about Bug types."

Bonnie suddenly became jumpy, "I know, Viola you're a keeper."

Bonnie then kneeled in front of Viola, "I mean, would you please take care of my brother."

Viola stared at her in confusion, "Uh…"

"Bonnie! What are you doing, I told a million times to stop this" Clemont said overly embarrassed.

"Clemont, you know you need somebody to take care of you. And I'm sure Viola would make a great wife for you" added Bonnie with a smile.

"His wife?"

"Oh no! This is so embarrassing." Clemont then activated his aipom arm and dragged Bonnie away, "You need to learn how to mind your own business."

Bonnie let out a cute giggle, "I hope you think about it Viola."

Everybody looked on towards the blonde twins.

"Bug types huh?" May began trying to break the awkwardness. She then pulled out a pokeball, "Beautifly, come on out."

"Beau-ti-fly" cried the Butterfly Pokemon as it gently landed on May's head.

"Oh wow" let out Viola excitedly as she pulled up her camera and began taking pictures, "You and Beautifly look perfect together. The only thing better than seeing a bug type in its own habitat is seeing one that is so close to its trainer."

May rubbed the back of her sheeplishly, "Thanks Viola, your too kind."

"It's true May, I would know. I saw you grow with Beautifly myself" said Ash.

May gave him a big smile in response, "Thanks Ash, that means a lot."

"So, shall we get this battle started, Ash?" Asked Viola

"Of course! And I'm going to win" Ash let out excitedly.

"What am I, Stunfisk?" Paul thought to himself.

Viola led them to the battlefield, which was surrounded by concrete walls that separated the battlefield from a small forest for Bug type Pokémon. The area had a windowed roof that allowed the sun to light up the forest and the battlefield.

Viola walked to the center of the battlefield to talk to the ref to get the gym battle started.

"Hey Ash and Paul" called out Viola from center field, "who's going first?"

"Me" they both answered simultaneously, causing them to eye each other.

"Um, I'll let you guys some time to resolve this yourself" was all Viola said.

"There's no need to resolve anything. I'm going first" said Paul as he walked down the steps to the battlefield.

"Where you think you're going?" Ash ran in front of Paul, "I'm going to battle Viola first."

Paul sighed and closed his eyes as he reached into his pocket, "Let's flip a coin for it."

He then took out a coin and flipped it in the air, "call it."

"Heads" Ash called out.

The coin spun in the air as it fell to the ground. But before anybody could see if it landed heads or tails, Paul stepped on the coin.

"What are you doing?" Ash asked a bit irritated.

"Are you sure it's heads?"

"What do you mean? It's a 50/50 chance, so it doesn't matter."

"Not exactly. When a coin is flipped in the air, the chances are tipped towards the side that was facing up in the first place."

"Really?" Ash asked skeptically.

Paul gave him a nod, "So, are you still sure?"

The way Paul explained, he made it seemed that it made all the difference, and Ash began to think long on hard. Finally he shook his head,

"Doesn't matter if that's true or not. It's still random, so heads."

Paul removed his foot from the coin. Ash looked at it, and much to his dismay the coin landed tails.

Paul began to walk towards the trainers' box when Ash called out,

"So what was the point of telling me that? You're not one to waste words like that."

Paul kept looking ahead, "Just to make sure that you know how this going to end. Not only will I be the first one to win a badge, but I will also be the last standing. So save you and your friends some inconvenience, you're not going anywhere."

Ash clenched his fist, but he quickly relaxed.

Paul reached for his Pokeball, but stopped when Ash responded,

"That's fine."

This took Paul for surprise.

"We all have our own way to reach our goals. And my friends will help me reach my goals. But there's one thing that will never change" Ash put balled his hand into a fist and placed it over his heart that always burned with passion, "I won't give up till the end."

Paul responded with silence.

"Ash, were about to start the battle" Viola said from across the field.

"Of course. I'm sorry." Ash walked up the steps and to the sidelines with everybody else.

"The battle between Paul the challenger, and Viola the Santalune gym leader will begin" began the ref, "Each side will have the use of two Pokémon. And the battle will be over when either trainer's Pokémon are unable to continue. Only the challenger can substitute Pokémon."

"Magmortar, stand by for battle!" Paul began with no hesitation.

The Blaze Pokémon appeared in a flash of light.

"That's was quick, doesn't a gym leader usually choose a Pokémon first?" May asked surprised.

"It's not an official rule but it is common practice" replied a curious Clemont,

"Looks like his not wasting any time" he thought to himself.

If Ash was surprised he didn't show it as he was unusually quiet.

Viola was surprised as well, but she quickly recovered,

"I see, you seem to be focused on victory. Then show me the depth of field your battle style achieves."

Viola then chose her Pokémon, which was a Surskit,

"Sur-skit" cried the Pokémon as it faced the much larger Magmortar.

Surskit began to skate on the ground as Magmortar stood unflinching, Viola then decided to make the first move,

"Surskit, use Bubble Beam!"

"Counter with Flamethrower!"

Both Pokemon fired at their trainers command, and a cool Bubble Beam met a fiery Flamethrower.

The attack led to the field becoming covered in a light steam.

"Magmortar, use Fire Punch" commanded Paul.

"Surskit, use protect" called out Viola.

"Sur-skit!" Surskit quickly surrounded itself in a protective green barrier, nullifying Magmortars Fire Punch.

"Now, Signal Beam!"

"Sur-Skit!" Surskit fired a streaky pink beam at Magmortar, hitting it in its chest and pushing it back.

"Mag-Mortar!" Cried the red and yellow Pokemon, as it shook off the bug type attack.

"Flamethrower, immediately" ordered Paul, not phased.

"Surskit, dodge quickly" ordered Viola.

Surskit quickly followed and managed to avoid the 3600+ degree Flamethrower.

"Now use Ice Beam on the field!"

Surskit quickly fire an Ice Beam high into the sky, the beams of ice then came down all over the field, covering it in ice.

"I'd like to introduce to our ice battlefield. The stage is now set. Go Surskit."

"Sur-Skit!" Cried the small blue Pokemon as it began to skate circles around Magmortar.

"Now, use Bubble Beam" Viola gestured with arms spread out wide.

Surskit fired a barrage of Bubble Beams as it circled Magmortar, who was struggling to stay balanced as the ice made it difficult to find its footing.

"The ice field is increasing Surskit's speed while making harder for Magmortar to move around" observed Clemont.

Paul ordered Flamethrowers from Magmortar, which barely kept the Bubble Beams at bay.

Paul showed no signs of urgency as Magmortar struggled.

"Alright, I've had enough of this." Paul began his strategy.

"Magmortar, dig in!"

Magmortar did as it was told and sunk its feet into the ice, helping it to keep it balanced somewhat.

"Surskit, keep using Bubble Beam, while it's out of position."

"Sur-Skit!" Surskit fired another Bubble Beam at Magmortar.

"Hold your ground!" Demanded Paul.

Magmortar held its position and held up its arms to take the direct Bubble Beam,

"Mag-Mortar!" cried the Blaze Pokemon as the cool Bubble Beam hit its searing body.

"This is Surskit" Viola then used her hands to make an imaginary camera, "use your picture perfect Bubble Beam and end this."

Surskit fired another Bubble Beam looking to end the match.

"Rock Tomb" ordered Paul.

Magmortar quickly stretched its canon like arms forward and launched several rocks in front of it as a wall.

"Surskit is in trouble" Ash said out loud, which surprised everybody since he had been quiet the entire time.

"What do you mean Ash?" Clemont asked.

"I've seen this before" is all he said before turning his attention to the battle.

The Bubble Beam hit the make shift wall, easily destroying it, causing a small explosion that hid the whereabouts of Magmortar.

"Now, get in close, and end this with a Bubble Beam."

Surskit charged towards Magmortar, but once the smoke parted, Magmortar was nowhere to be found.

"Sur-Skit?"

"Where'd Magmortar go?" Everybody looked for said Pokemon

"Look, in the air!" Bonnie pointed out.

` Sure enough, Magmortar had leaped into the air, using Rock Tomb as a distraction.

"Smog" directed Paul.

Magmortar released toxic fumes from its cannon like arms, which reached Surskit before it could react, causing the Pond Skater Pokemon to choke.

"Paul can end it here" inferred Clemont.

But before anything else happened, a red beam of light hit Magmotar, returning it back into its Pokeball.

"Huh?" Viola, and everybody else for that matter, was caught off guard.

"Vivillon, stand by for battle."

"Vi-vi-llon!" Vivillon appeared on the field with elegance.

"Gust, now!" Called out Paul forcefully.

"Vi-vi-llon!" Cried the Scale Pokemon before unleashing a powerful gust.

Surskit had no time to recover and was quickly sent flying by the super effective gust.

"Surskit!" Called out Viola in vain.

"Surskit is unable to continue, Vivillon is the winner."

"Vi-vi-llon" cried the Pokemon contently as it lowered itself down to the ground.

Viola retuned the defeated Surskit to its Pokeball and her expression softened a bit, "Good job Surskit, you were great. Get a good rest."

Viola's determined expression quickly returned, "I see, your battling does have a good depth of field. But my pride as a gym leader is at stake, winning is no easy task."

She took out her second Pokemon, "Let's do this Vivillon!"

In a flash of light, a second Vivillon appeared on the field, but unlike Paul's Vivillon which had an elegant wing pattern, this one had an altogether different pattern.

"Vi-vi-llon!" Cried the meadow pattern Scale Pokemon.

A smirk appeared on Paul's face, "perfect".

"Vivillon, you just defeated that Surskit with one attack" Paul directed towards his Pokémon, "it would be a disgrace if you lost to that poor excuse of a Vivillon."

"What did he say?" Thought Viola as she took that as a great insult to her Pokemon and herself.

Paul's Vivillon nodded and it led out a loud battle cry.

"What a strategy" thought Clemont as he observed what had transpired, "This is something one would see in a full battle of a high level. What makes it more impressive is that the objective was not to only defeat surskit, but to have Vivillon to gain momentum and confidence."

Just then, the doors to the battlefield opened slowly.

A young lady with a black top and a red skirt slowly entered,

"I wonder where Ash is" thought the young lady as she looked around the room.

She took a couple of tentative steps forward and discovered a battle was taking place.

She saw a blonde woman on the far side of the battlefield and a purple haired trainer in front of her. There were two large avian Pokemon on the battlefield.

She began to think Ash was not here, so she began to step away, but then someone called out towards her,

"Hello, can we help you in anyway?" Clemont asked as he caught Serena.

Serena tuned around, "No thank you I was jus-".

She cut herself off as she Ash and his unmistakable auburn eyes.

Serena's eyes widened, but she quickly got a hold of herself, "Um, I mean I was wondering if it was okay if I watched the battle."

"Sure, why not" responded Clemont, "our friend, Ash is going to battle next."

"O-okay, thanks" responded Serena as she walked towards the group.

May noticed Serena nearing them, and she couldn't help but feel weary.

"Hello, my name is Clemont and this is my sister Bonnie."

"Hi, my name is Serena."

"Nice to meet you Serena."

"It's nice to meet you too Bonnie."

May then decided to join in, "Hi, my name is May. Nice to meet you Serena" May said with a sweet smile.

Serena replied with her own smile, "Nice to meet you. I really like your headband, it works very good for you."

"Really, thanks Serena, I really wanted to try something different. Your hat looks great on you, I can see how fashionable you are."

"Thanks!" Serena replied happily.

May responded with a smile, "I'm being silly, Serena is great."

"Oh and that's Ash" pointed out Clemont.

Ash was concentrating on the battle, but he realized somebody new was with them,

"Hi Serena, I'm Ash, nice to meet you" Ash gave her a big grin, which made Serena look down instinctively.

"Hi Ash, it's nice to meet you" she said shyly.

"So what brings you to the gym? Are you looking for a gym battle as well."

"Um, not really. Actually, Ash, there's something I wanted to-" But before Serena could finish the sound of the battle starting shifted everybody's attention.

"Vivillon use gust" called out Viola as she made the first move.

"Protect" commanded Paul.

Vivillon surrounded itself in the same protective barrier that Surskit use earlier.

"String Shot!" Called out Paul forcefully.

Vivillon quickly changed up moves and fired a stream of white thread from its mouth.

"Use Psychic, and send it back" countered Viola.

"Vi-vi-llon!" cried Viola's Pokémon as its eyes began to glow light blow. The string shot stopped in midair, and the bug type sent it right back where it came from.

"Use Gust, now!" Paul ordered hurriedly.

Vivillon began flapping its wings forcefully, dissipating the string shot and causing Viola's Vivllon to struggle against the strong winds.

"Vivillon! Dive quickly and use psychic one more!"

Vivillon followed orders quickly and dove straight down from the gust's attack area. Its eyes began to glow light blue once again as it focused on Paul's Vivillon.

Paul quickly responded, "Stun Spore quickly, before the attack lands"

Vivillon's wings flaps changed pace and let loose an orange, paralyzing powder.

Viola's Vivillon soon took control of Vivillon's body,

"Give them a taste of the ice field" ordered Viola relentlessly.

Vivillon soon came crashing hard onto the battlefield with a thump.

As Vivillon laid on the ground for the moment, the cloud of powder began to surround Viola's Vivillon, the affects quickly began to show on the Pokemon,

"Use gust, and blow that away."

Vivillon quickly dissipated the dust cloud before it could have more effect.

"Quickly, String Shot!" Ordered Paul.

"Already!?" Responded Viola in response.

"Paul used the Stun Spore to buy time for Vivillon to recover" commented Clemont.

The String Shot was fired without a hitch, and Vivillon soon became wrapped in it,

"Into the ground" gestured Paul with a wave of his left arm.

Vivillon quickly followed and sent Vivillon into the icy battlefield.

Paul gave a small smile, "Let's see how your Pokémon enjoys the ice." But his smile soon disappeared,

"Vivillon, Break free and get above it" Viola commanded with a finger pointed to the sky.

"What!?"

Her Vivillon showed great strength as it broke the String Shot, showing off its beautiful wings once again. It then ascended to the highest point possible.

"Now use Sleep Powder."

Vivillon began to flap its wings releasing a blue powder dust cloud down towards the battlefield, hiding its position.

"Gust, now!" Demanded Paul.

Paul's Vivillon quickly flapped its wings dispersing the cloud before any of its ill effects reached it.

But that was not the issue. Once the dust cloud parted, it revealed Vivillon charging for a Solarbeam.

"Vivillon used the Sleep Powder as a distraction to buy time."

"Vivillon, Tackle!"

"Vi-vi-llon!" Cried the Scale Pokémon as it charged at full speed towards the opponent.

"Vivillon won't make it!" Measured Clemont.

"It doesn't matter" Ash spoke up once again, "He knows that, but as long as Vivillon cuts it off, that's all it matters to him."

"But that means…" Clemont couldn't finish.

May looked up worriedly. It was true, this was going to end with a bang, and their friend, Vivillon, was going to take the full brunt of it.

"Beau-ti-fly" cried May's beautifly slowly.

Viola's Vivillon fired the Solarbeam, but unfortunately Paul's Vivillon was in its breathing space.

The Solarbeam exploded as soon as it made impact with Vivillon, and Viola's Vivillon became caught in it as well.

Both Pokémon came flying towards their trainers, and they hit the sun reflecting ice hard and knocked out.

"Both Pokémon are unable to continue, the battle ends in a draw, the challenger, Paul. is the victor!" Announced the referee.

A heavy silence settled in the room as the battling ended.

A grimace flashed on Viola's face, but her expression softened as she took a deep breath. She then took out her Pokeball and returned Vivillon and praised it for its toughness.

Paul followed and returned Vivillon as well.

Viola then walked up to Paul with a badge in hand,

"Here, this is the Bug Badge as proof of your victory over the Santalune City Gym. It was a hard fought battle on both sides, you and your Pokémon showed great skill"

"Thank you. And it was." Paul said simply before he began to walk away.

"Hey Ash, if you're ready, we can battle anytime" Viola said towards Ash.

"Yeah, of course I'm ready" Ash replied and Pikachu reciprocated.

Ash turned to go to the battlefield, but he stopped as he realized something, "Hey, Serena, what were you going to tell me before?"

"Uh" Serena began uncertain, "It's okay, I'll tell you later. Just focus on your battle."

"Sure, I hope you cheer me on."

"Of course" Serena said softly.

Ash then quickly made his way to the stairs, where he met Paul.

"Are you leaving already?" Ash said as Paul passed him.

Without turning Paul stopped, "Yes."

"You don't want to see me battle, brother."

"Why would I? I already know everything about your battling."

"Maybe" Ash then walked down the stairs towards the battlefield, "But you've got to admit, my battles are always entertaining" Ash flashed a smile.

A grin appeared on Paul's face, he then gave a loud chuckle,

"That is true" he then turned back around to faced Ash, "Fine then, I'll watch your battle, just to see you squirm. Don't bore me."

"I won't." Ash then went down the steps as Paul stood at the top of the stairs.

Serena looked curiously at Ash, then at the purple haired trainer he was talking to, were they friends?

Viola was already standing on the far end of the field.

"The battle between Ash the challenger, and Viola the Santalune gym leader will begin" began the ref, "Each side will have the use of two Pokémon. And the battle will be over when either trainer's Pokémon are unable to continue. Only the challenger can substitute Pokemon."

"This is it. My first step to win the Pokémon League. And I'll battle the best way I know how. Together, me and my Pokémon as one!"

Done! Thanks for reading.

Review if you would like, your feedback is appreciated.

See you next time, peace!