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~*~ 3. Evolving Strengths ~*~

"Gary," Ash was genuinely pleased to see him. Mr. Ketchum studied the boy's face curiously, as he jogged his memory.

"Ah, you are the Professor's grandson!" Alex exclaimed, snapping his fingers.

Alex was about to ask something else, when Ash interrupted. "So how's your research, Gary?"

There was a tinge of surprise on Alex's face. So he didn't know that Gary was a researcher. Brock then realized what Ash did, and commended his quick-wit in handling their introductions.

Gary was taken aback by Ash's sudden question but answered, "I am specializing on ancient Pokémon research, and guess what?" He said with a casual air of arrogance, "We managed to defossilize about ten varieties of Pokémon."

"Ah, so you decided to follow your grandfather's path after all?" Alex nodded to himself, "Research is in your genes, boy."

Gary let out a small laugh at this, "I guess you expected me to be a trainer. I am sorry I couldn't put the promise from ten years ago."

"No," Alex nodded in displeasure. "Holding onto promises gets you nothing. One must follow his own heart. If your heart says you want to be a researcher, then so be it."

Ash frowned at the man for some reason. Brock sensed it too. He was being nice to Gary all along, and not to mention he spoke with Brock and Cilan in the same fashion too. So he was being rude only to Ash?

"Mr. Ketchum," Gary brushed his hair, and said with a sly grin, "I didn't give up on my other dream yet."

Now that startled me. What did he mean by that? Dad simply raised an eyebrow in response, as if demanding a full explanation from Gary.

"I intend to win the Campion's League," he said. His statement made me gasp for a brief second.

Gary's gaze shifted to me. When our eyes met, I realized he was asking for my reaction. So if he was reverting back to the old Gary, then there was only one way I could react— a trademark Ketchum's only confident smirk.

I asked, "You left the battle circle for three years. Won't you be all rusty now, Gary?"

Gary's face relished with a smile. It's been a while since I had thrash talked with him.

"Unfortunately for you Ash, I didn't ignore my battling even during research," Gary's face seemed like he was hiding a cunning grin. "Watch out, Ash. I maybe stronger than you."

"Then how about we see how good you are?" I asked, pointing my finger at the Pokeball on his belt. The smile on Gary's face grew wider. He wants this; I could notice it even if he doesn't say so.

"Now aren't the two of you a lively couple of hot-headed young trainers," Dad put a hefty arm on each of our shoulders. The two of us had to put extreme effort to just stand. "But this isn't the time for a battle. Gary I have a question for you."

"What is it, Alex?" He asked, he was more familiar to dad than I thought. When did they meet? I can't remember. Maybe my birthday party? I threw in a proclamation that I would become the strongest trainer in the world that day. That's when he pulled my pants and made fun of me. Now thinking about that day. Dad must have enjoyed me suffer. He obviously made friends with Gary at that time.

Dad asked him, "The Champion's League rules state that only trainers with forty official badges from five regions can participate in the tournament. How many do you have?"

"Ten from Kanto, eleven from Johto," Gary said, rubbing his nose. I swear his nose looks as big as a Fearow's beak when he does that. "But it doesn't matter according to the new rules." He opened his green duffel bag, and extracted a blue-covered book.

"The league catalogue?" Dad frowned as he took the book and flipped the pages. He stopped in the midst of reading something and eyed me, "Ash, did you read this?"He asked.

I never saw a book like that, and everyone knew I hate reading books. Was it something important? "Uh, no?" I answered promptly.

There was a momentary pause. The whole world around seemed to freeze, as if it were struck by Kyurem's ice beam. The look on my father's face ranged along the same lines one would put in front of a catastrophe or completely distressful news. In other words the book was something important that I ought to read.

I could see something behind Brock shake vigorously. Four figures suddenly disappeared from my line of vision. It was those four. I swear those girls were laughing at me now. "I was uh, planning to read it tomorrow," I tried to save my face from embarrassment.

Dad raised an eyebrow, "Tomorrow?" He asked. I realized it was a rhetorical question.

"Uh, yeah," I scratched my hair sheepishly. "Tomorrow."

"Ash," Gary was hard suppressing a grin. "Tomorrow is the Champion's league registration."

"What?!" I cried, loud enough to throw Pikachu off my shoulders. Nobody told me about that! Weren't registrations done a day or two before the actual league starts? Why didn't anyone tell me about it?

"Well in his defense," Brock interrupted. "The catalogue was released only a week ago, and he was on a ship back to Kanto."

"A week?" Dad gasped and turned to me. "Ash do you realize how people in Rosenburg wait for this?" He said pointing at the blue book.

Rosenburg. Rosenburg! Why does he keep mentioning the same name? If he really loves that place, then why did he return? Does he care anything about mom, his wife?

I opened my mouth to say the same. But I was stopped when another figure entered the scene. I simply couldn't speak like that, not in front of her.

Brock was tensed. Ash was about to burst out. Oh, why should those two be like this? Looking at Ash's face, it seems like he was about to throw a scalding remark any time soon, and Mr. Ketchum was eagerly waiting to counterattack. Coming from a family that faced severe situations, Brock knew how simple words could destroy relationships and cut people's hearts like no knife or sword could ever dream to, that is, without spilling any blood.

The atmosphere was cold, the same cold he faced when Bulbasaur drenched Rapidash. The both of them were painfully alike in personality, and acknowledging that only made them madder.

But then like a cool breeze that could sweep any fatigue, like a magic that could drag one from the pits of hell itself, Delia Ketchum appeared.

"My, my," she clapped her hand. Whether she was oblivious or she purposely wanted to ignore the coldness around, she spoke with a warm innocent smile like a Sunflora's. "Isn't he just like you, honey? Too focused on his goal that he forgets the important things. But isn't that why I am here for?" She showed the blue book she hid behind her. "Ash, I brought your catalogue from the online store." She handed the book maintaining the bright smile.

"L-Like me?" The older Ketchum seemed surprised and offended at the same time.

"Of course," she beamed. "Don't you remember how you forgot to register for the league and then had to pay the janitor a lot to put your name in?"

"That janitor!" Alex's face turned red, "He's a top notch business man now. He owns the Kanto Battle frontier. I hate his guts for bargaining with me like that."

"Scott was a janitor?!" They all exclaimed.

"Yeah," Alex muttered bitterly, He turned to his son, his anger wasted on the millionaire-turned-janitor. "Ash, read it out."

"Y-yes," Ash opened the book and searched for the page with rules page. After finding out the correct page he began reading with quite difficulty.

"The champion's league 2012-2013 has a complete new set of rules as opposed to the rule carried out for the past 130 years. This time the tournament will face a tier system. Trainers with any amount of league experience amounting from 1 second to even a thousand years can participate in this tournament. Yes, even if you are a trainer who just began his journey you can register at the respective Pokémon Centre near you. However a trainer should submit his Pokédex as a proof or should carry at least one Pokémon with them during registration. "

"What the—" Mr. Ketchum's face lost colors. "It must be that damn Scott. He is a part of the board of directors now. "

"Scott has shares in the League?" Brock asked. Now this was genuinely surprising.

"Yeah, a freaking twenty percent."

"Wow, twenty percent is just too much," Brock conferred. The PLA had a huge turnover amounting to many billions. It was the second best sport after soccer and baseball in terms of popularity. But the new rules—

"I see," Brock scratched his chin. "So by letting beginning trainers battle, Scot is planning to draw in a huge number of crowd than usual. Even people not interested in the league will come and watch if their friends or children will be participating."

"Excellent deduction Brock," a new voice said. Professor Oak and Tracey were behind them, carrying a large tray containing Pokémon food. "Now Ash this means you'll have to face Gary in the Champion's League."

"It isn't called the Champion's league till you reach Tier 1," Mr. Ketchum interjected, before reading further. "All applicants are automatically put in Tier 7, irrespective of League experience and any position they previously have. The tournament from Tier 7 to 6 is Pokémon World Tournament, Rosenburg cup. But, if you are a current certified Gym Leader then you get into Tier 5, which is called the Pokémon World Leaders Tournament. And if you are a certified member of Elite Four, you will be in Tier 2, the tournament is then called the World Elite Tournament, and then finally if you are one of the Champions of the Unova, Sinnoh, Hoenn or the combined Johto-Kanto champion you will be in Tier 1. It's then called the Champion's League."

"Ah," Professor Oak said thoughtfully, "Although it seems like they degraded the tournament, in hindsight they actually improved the quality of the tournament."

"How is that?" Alex asked. "They are literally allowing anyone who can wear a pant."

"The new system will filter out all the beginner trainers, Alex. Only the best of the best will reach the top. It's far better than the usual Champion's League. If you win you could actually boast that you defeated everyone below you."

Alex took a sigh, sinking in what the professor said. "What do you guys think?" He asked Ash specifically.

Ash however, pumped his fists into the air and exclaimed, "No matter what the rules are, I will win this tournament no matter what!"

"Idiot," Alex muttered while wincing at his own remark, owing to the fact that he was exactly the same like him. "Well I guess it's good, but the people at Rosenburg will be pissed off."

"Then in that case I believe all of you should participate in this tournament," the Professor nodded to Cilan, Brock and the four girls behind.

"Iris and Misty will be in Tier 5," Cilan said, "Now that has a fantastic taste to it. We all could aim to reach those two." The girls beamed proudly of the sudden status they were given.

"What I want my son to reach is Cynthia or Lance," Alex commented, which brought out an eerie silence among the group. "Ash, our battle was interrupted earlier. But my question stands, will you take my offer?"

Ash looked down, contemplating for a second. Now something like that was a surprise from Ash. He thinks very rarely, Brock thought. "Only if you accept my battle style." He replied firmly.

So even if an experienced trainer who was also his father told him to change his battle style he wouldn't do so. Is this the same Ash whom he battled in the Pewter Gym? It was a wonder how time changed people. He has grown from a brat who only wanted the title of Pokémon Master to a powerful trainer who sticks to his ideals. Without his knowledge Brock was beaming proudly at Ash. Noticing which Cilan placed a friendly arm around his shoulders.

"Seeing Ash talk like a grown up makes me dizzy for some reason," Misty said. Brock then realized she missed some of his growth in the Hoenn League, Battle Frontier and Sinnoh League. Even he missed his growth in Unova, but nothing shook Ash as much as that one person did, namely: Paul. Brock witnessed the biggest changes in Ash's life. While it was true that Dawn watched the same, but she didn't knew the Ash from before, so she couldn't register it as a change.

Iris whispered, "Really? I still think he is a little kid."

Misty smiled, "You should have seen him back then. He used to brag for a whole week just because he caught a Caterpie."

"Fine," Alex agreed after a deep pause, cutting the murmurs between the girls. "But I need time. I won't take much. But till then you are on your own."

"Well let's put all this discussion aside and have a good night's sleep."Delia announced. "All of you will be busy with the registration tomorrow." She said to her son, "Ash I think it's better if you camp out with your friends tonight. We can always catch up later."

"Yeah," Alex agreed, "Friends are very important Ash. It's really hard to find people you can trust these days. Take care of my son, all of you." He smiled at them. The veteran trainer then led his wife towards the exit. "So when did you close the restaurant?" He asked his wife as they slowly disappeared out of earshot through the door. Mrs. Ketchum replied something back, but Brock couldn't make out what it was.

"Well I and Tracey have some feeding to do," Oak said. "You guys have your time."

The night was far more disappointing to her. She has canceled many appointments to visit him. The reunion with his father postponed half of it. But at least Mr. Alex was kind enough to give Ash to them for the night. But the boy was already asleep, apparently tired from the three day journey from Unova. Perhaps May and Dawn were equally disappointed, but they were already indulged in discussing about contests.

"So you love him?"

Misty jumped at the sudden question. She found Iris, in her pink, worn night dress hanging upside down from the sturdy branch of some tree.

"I-I," she panicked for a second. She placed a hand on her chest, and found her heart pounding like a race horse. But she was different from three years ago. She was used to tough situations as a gym leader, and she knew the best thing to do was to take a deep breath and clear her mind from all idle thoughts. "I don't know. I feel so sometimes, but sometimes I think it's just an attraction because I hung out with him for two years."

"A dilemma, huh?" Iris folded her arms with a foxy smile on her lips, "You are really interesting and daring to accept like that. You did better than May."

"Wait, you asked May?" It didn't dawn upon her that the other girls were travelling partners too, and might have considerable feelings towards him. Not to mention, she was completely out of touch with the 'new' Ash who talked stuff like battle style and what not.

"I did," she replied.

There was a momentary silence as Misty wanted her to speak further, but Iris didn't. The dragon trainer watched haughtily as Misty burned with curiosity. Misty realized the cunning fox behind her and understood the kind of stalemate she was thrown into.

"So what did she say?" Misty asked, trying very hard to look unconcerned.

"Well, she was in a dilemma too," Iris said. "Although she said she never gave it much thought. So you seem to be advanced on the relationship thinking. Maybe you love him the most."

"Wait, why me? You didn't ask Dawn yet, right?" That was an awful self-defense, but it seems Iris wants to corner her into admitting something she would regret later on. Thinking about him a bit and confessing are in different levels altogether. Misty wasn't keen on touching the second, not yet.

"Oh so you want me to pick on Dawn?"

Misty asked, hoping to corner Iris. "So you admit you are picking on me?"

"Yes, I am."

Her guts be damned to hell! How could she talk something like this? For god's sake Brock and Cilan might be listening to them. They should at least move away from the boys. What if something worse happens? What if Ash listens? She glanced at Ash's sleeping figure, to confirm her doubts. Much to her sanity, the boy was snoring loudly while attempting to roll inside his sleeping bag.

"Fine, let's pick on Dawn tomorrow, okay?" Misty said. She felt guilty about putting Dawn in a fix like that, but even she was curious about her. But of course not as much as she was about Iris. Was Iris simply playing with her or could it be a psychological play for the tournament? Nah, it couldn't be the latter. She wouldn't droop so low. Ash never associated well with people who have malicious intent.

"Fine," Iris agreed. Her eyes brightened with a new idea, "Hey wanna sleep on the tree with me?"

Misty considered the offer for a second, realized playing along her terms would be safer for now and agreed. "I'll try."

"So is everybody aboard?" Dad's booming voice echoed through the group. We were on Oak's jeep, with Dad at the helm. Brock sat beside Dad, while the four girls somehow fitted themselves in the back seat. Cilan and I were forced to take the uncomfortable, empty and crooked space in the back which was supposed to be for luggage. Gary was driving his own car and already took off few minutes ago. So much for my ego, I should have gone with him.

"Yeah," everyone with the exception of Cilan answered with full energy. Cilan might be paranoid about the long journey to Viridian sitting in a dangerous spot. The both of us could easily be knocked out of the jeep if dad would drive rashly.

But of course trivial matters like that was none of my concern. What mattered to me now was the registration! I know it's kinda weird to get all riled up for a tournament which was one year away, but the excitement kept beating the energy into my body.

While it was said that the registration was open for a whole month, we won't be able to book the suites if we go late, or so dad says. Apparently tenting outside for the whole league wasn't an acceptable option for him.

"Hang on Ash," Misty teased, "We don't want the future Pokémon Master injure himself on his way to the registration." She was holding onto Pikachu who preferred being with her than the cramped up space we were in.

Cilan asked noticing the Pokeballs on my belt, "You are bringing your Pokémon?"

I replied, "Yeah, if I run into some strong trainer during the registration, I will beat him if he tries to smack talk with me."

Cilan laughed, amused at my reason.

"Here we go!" Dad yelled, jerking the jeep to a start while almost throwing me and Cilan outside in the process of doing so. The sommelier was definitely unhappy.

"Whoa," the ever-busy Viridian city was busier than usual. In fact there were people everywhere no matter where one looked at. At some point I wondered if it was a League registration or a Tsunami refugee campaign.

They were all trainers. All of them were chattering excitedly, perhaps speaking about their dreams to win the league like I always did. That's right; everybody who participates in a League wants to win. But only a few can actually manage to make the dream a reality.

The jeep screeched to a halt before the Pokémon center where the crowd was denser than it was on the streets.

A cramped up Cilan and I jumped down. My body was aching all over owing to all the bumps along the road.

"Did the two of you make in one piece?" Dad peeped behind. Did he really expect us to fall down somewhere?

"Somehow," Cilan let out a sigh, massaged his arms, and then dusted his dress clean.

"Pretty hectic isn't it?" Gary appeared from the crowd, playing with the keys in his hand. "Even registering for the league can get competitive."

"Ah, don't tell me we have to stand in that big line!" Misty exclaimed. Indeed the line was long, in fact very very long. So long that it started from the Pokémon Centre's main door and extended all the way down the main road. It was as long as one could see. They were all waiting eagerly for the clock to strike 8 AM.

"You are a gym leader of Kanto, Misty." Dad scoffed at her reaction. "I think you can figure out the rest."

And that was how Misty, May, Cilan, Dawn, Iris, Gary, Brock and I were inside the Pokémon Centre before the registration even started. A couple of people yelled while we entered, and some threatened to throw stones at the glass door, but luckily, Officer Jenny maintained the peace for us.

However the excitement I was holding inside couldn't wait any longer as I saw Nurse Joy standing by the counter with a computer, and a printer beside her. That was definitely the registration desk.

"Nurse Joy, register me!" I was already jumping at the counter. But before I could even reach my destination someone pushed me, knocking me off my feet.

"Nurse Joy! My heart breaks with the knowledge that you have to register these participants all by yourself!"

It was the usual infatuated Brock, and he was currently holding Nurse Joy's arms. I could only let out a helpless sigh.

"Is Brock a sommelier too? Iris asked, watching his actions curiously.

"No he's just a weirdo." Misty said with a frown.

"Not much difference," she whispered into Misty's ears. But if I heard it from this far, Cilan might have listened that too.

"Iris," Cilan said, putting up a scowl, "I don't like the way you give people the wrong notion about sommeliers."

"Its fine, Cilan," Misty found his reaction funny, because she laughed, "I know better than to believe what Iris says."

"I actually want to know what a sommelier does," May joined the conversation.

"Really?" Iris asked, "You should see his tasting time. What a big pain!" She earned another scowl from Cilan, but I wondered if she cared.

"It isn't as bad as Iris makes it out to be," Dawn said in an attempt to cheer him. "You actually look cool when you do the 'tasting' thing."

"You really love teasing people don't you?" Misty said, as if the two of them know each other pretty well. "And you call Ash a kid?"

"Oh Misty," Iris brushed her long hair, "Should I tell everyone about what we discussed last night?"

"Hey!" Misty exclaimed. "It's supposed to be a secret."

Iris turned to me, "Hey Ash wanna know what Misty said last night?"

Before I could even have a chance to reply Misty grabbed Iris and closed her mouth, "I didn't say anything, okay?" She said glaring at me.

"Uh, okay?" I said. What the hell was that supposed to be?

"It sure is lively here," Gary lent me a hand and yanked me back to feet. I was too busy watching Iris's antics; I didn't realize I was on the floor all the time. "We better get the registration going before the clock strikes 8. Those people outside look like they are gonna come and kill us. Why is Mr. Ketchum taking so long to park his car?"

"Dad won't be participating in the League," I said. "Let's do the registration thingy."

"What?" Gary looked surprised, "Why wouldn't he? He spent the last ten years on it, right?"

"I don't know," I said, my voice was somewhat low and dejected. He didn't tell me anything about it last night. I should perhaps ask him when I get the chance. But whatever reason he was hiding, it's really painful to let go of the goal you wanted to achieve. Just what happened to make him do it?

"Fine let's register ourselves," Gary said.

"Hey Gary," I asked out of curiosity. "How do you remember my dad? I don't remember him mixing with the kids much."

I wanted to ask if dad encouraged while he made fun of me but decided against it because that seemed silly.

"You remember that party when we were kids," Gary said. So it was the party after all. I hate that man, he loves ridiculing me.

"I bullied you that day," he said. I hate when he puts it like that. "Your dad was all drunk that day. He threatened me when we were alone and told if I were to ridicule your dream again he would throw me in the Pallet River."

"What?" I stared at him unbelievably. I never expected dad to do that. Threatening a five year old? Gary could have complained to the police. But I felt relieved that all my earlier assumptions were wrong.

"He told me I could make fun of you though," Gary chuckled. "I thought he was strange. But now I see the difference between ridiculing you and your dreams."

Uggh, my opinion on this man keeps changing every second.

The registration went quite quickly. It was apparently made easy for handling the large crowd. All I did was hand my Pokédex, put a thumb impression on some kind of scanner. Following my lead Gary, May, Dawn, Cilan, Iris, Misty did the same.

Leaving only Brock.

"Brock, aren't you registering?" I asked the same.

"Brock has applied as a Pokémon doctor," Nurse Joy replied with her trademark smile. "He wants to use the League as an intern project."

"Really? That's cool." I actually didn't know what an intern was, and I had no intention to tell anyone about it.

"So you weren't simply flirting huh," Misty said. She casually checked her watch, "Well guys its eight 'o' clock, let's go and leave Nurse Joy to the mass of commoners." She spoke as if she was the imperial queen to the kingdom called Kanto.

And they say I am haughty and overconfident. Them hypocrites!

Although Misty felt slightly guilty about cheating the people by using her influence to register first, that was worth it. They were waiting for Alex to show up. The said man mysteriously disappeared after he left to park his jeep. Maybe he was struck in a line of cars in the parking garage?

"Guys, I need to book a ticket to Twinleaf for tomorrow," Dawn said, "I am going to the booking counter."

"I'll come with you," Ash offered.

"Thanks, I am not familiar with Viridian city; I really need your help." She smiled.

"Why are you thanking me? We are friends not strangers," Ash put on a bright innocent smile.

Why the heck is he so cheeky with her? Oh wait, that's his usual personality. Misty cursed herself for momentarily thinking about him in the wrong way. Ash could cheat a woman perhaps, but he needs to learn to love one for that to happen.

Ash asked, "So you will leave tomorrow, huh? I wish you could stay a few days."

"Buneary has a dress up pretty soon," Dawn said. "I should focus on that for now."

"What about you May?" He asked the brunette.

"Max's tenth birthday is one week from now. I will stay till then," May replied. "So I will hang out for a couple of days."

"Iris?" He asked the annoying dragon trainer.

"I have just become the gym leader, I can't afford much time here. I don't want Drayden pulling me back all the way to Unova. So I will be leaving soon too."

"I see, so all of you will be leaving pretty soon," he looked disappointed.

'What about me?' Misty wondered. Why did he ask everyone else and not her? So he really doesn't care about her? She was furious, not that Ash didn't ask her the same question but to the fact that she was actually bothering about something trivial.

"You didn't ask Misty yet," Iris asked snidely.

Mew damn you Iris.

Ash who didn't notice the devious smile on her face replied casually, "Cerulean is pretty close to Pallet. I can visit her any time."

That's right. He didn't forget about her after all, Misty sighed in relief.

"Yeah, you can visit her any time," Iris said and repeated the last word once again, "Any time," she grinned deviously.

The trainers around gave a mixed reaction to this. While Cilan put on a sympathetic expression, May and Dawn stared at Iris, as if she was unbelievable. Brock who knew Misty's character, however took a cautious step back. If she weren't fuming red, Misty probably would have clobbered Iris with something. That girl is just too much!

"Heh, I get the joke," Gary smirked, unaware of the volcano beside him.

"Nobody asked you Gary Oak!" Misty snapped at the young Professor.

"Ouch," he said mockingly.

"What's the joke?" Ash asked, feeling left behind. "I didn't get it."

"You are the joke," She yelled at the Ketchum. "Gary bring your car, I am going back to Pallet!"

"Aye, aye madam!" Gary saluted her.

Cilan said, "I will come with you too. I don't want to be in that jeep again."

"Count me in," Iris said, ignoring the stern glare from the water Pokémon trainer. The threesome then followed Gary's lead to the parking station where he left his car.

"Well let's go to the harbor then," I said leading the way. Brock, May, Dawn followed me. The harbor was pretty close to the Pokémon centre. It was a couple of blocks away.

"So how did the Wallace Cup in Johto go?" I asked. That was the last thing we talked when I met Dawn in Unova.

She exchanged a worried glance with May, "It was a small disaster."

"What happened?"

"We made it to the top four. I lost to Drew," Dawn replied.

"And I lost to Zoey," May finished.

"Wow, so who won?"

"Drew," Dawn said. "Zoey didn't like him at all. She raged for a whole week about it."

"And that's not it," May added. "Drew got to battle Wallace himself."

Brock added, "That must be quite an honor for a coordinator."

"It was," May said enthusiastically, "And guess what? He won!"

"He what—?" I exclaimed.

"Are you telling me Drew won?" Brock was shocked too. "Wasn't he the former champion of Hoenn before Steven took in the reins?"

What the heck. Nobody told me that part. I knew he was Juan's student. Then it makes less sense for Drew to win.

"Well, Drew had the field advantage, and he kept dodging the attacks," May said, "He didn't even attack back. Wallace went easy on him."

"Zoey said it was a cheap way to win," Dawn added.

"But a win is a win," I said. "Dodging a Champion level trainer's attacks is a great feat itself."

A win is a win no matter what. That's what I believed. It's stupid to put the blame on the field or weather. If you lost a battle then it means you lost and nothing else.

"Wallace beat Steven to the Champion throne in 2008," Brock said. "Steven got it back in 2010."

Well that answered my doubt. Talking about Champions, Cynthia came to my mind. She told something about me having some potential and she even talked about Paul—

"Hey Dawn," I asked the blue haired girl, "Did you hear anything from him?"

I realized I didn't mention who the 'him' was. Paul need not be in her mind like he was in mine.

"Him?" She was confused. "Do you mean Paul?"

"Yeah," I said. She somehow caught my drift, luckily. "Did you hear anything from Paul?"

"I heard a couple of things from Barry," she said. "I heard he defeated Brandon and is training under him in Kanto."

"Paul's in Kanto?"

I could meet him and tell what Cynthia thought about the two of us. "Where is he now?"

"I am not sure," she said. "Well I can try contacting Barry for you."

"Ash," Brock brought my attention. He pointed at something distant at the Viridian port. "I think the guy you are searching is right in front of us."

Huh? I swiveled to where Brock pointed. At a good distance away from us, two boys of my age were visible. Each of them had a gigantic grass type beside them and were engaged in a conversation.

I had no doubt. It was him. That purple hair, that purple jacket, it was him!

"Paul!" I yelled at the top of my lungs and dashed towards him immediately.

"Ash wait!" May yelled.

But it's Paul! I can't wait here when he's right in front of me!

Paul noticed me as I came closer. His expression suggested that he was surprised to see me too. He muttered my name in surprise. The surprised face turned into a smile as he finally registered me.

I stopped a few feet before him to catch hold of my breath. There was a brief silence between us as we stared at each other. It all seemed like a dream. I knew I would meet him someday, but not like this. It was a pleasant surprise for both of us.

Calming my breath I finally managed to speak, "It's been a while, Paul."

"Yeah," he said with a warm smile uncharacteristic of his previous cold self. "You seem to be energetic as usual."

"Freakin' Viridian Gym," Alex muttered. He had several bad memories about this gym. Things he liked to forget about. If 'that man' still lived here, he would have broken the gym's door to pieces and try to burn him up with his Rapidash. But he ran away, to some freaking' underground where no one would ever hope to find him. He hated him, but he accepted that he was good at what he did.

"Fuck you Giovanni," he muttered under his breath. It was almost time; Ash and the others might be waiting for him.

"Hey did you see that? Ash Ketchum from Pallet is fighting that guy with Drapion." An enthusiastic kid shouted at a group of children who were busy playing mock Pokémon battles.

"That nasty guy who used poison on Ash's Pokémon?" A young girl asked, apparently looking scared.

"Yeah!"

The kids rushed towards the direction where the port was.

Alex was amazed how he underestimated his son's fame. Apparently making it to the top ranks in Leagues consecutively could make you popular. A smile crept on his face as Alex imagined his son's reaction to his newfound fame.

But wait. A guy who used poison? Guy who used Drapion? He never watched any of Ash's battle but he remembered a news article about an epic battle in the Sinnoh League that made its way into the Rosenburg Times' third page. He remembered the picture of a Gliscor dodging Drapion's Pin missile. The photo was quite artistic, he remembered.

So Paul is here, huh? Quite interesting.

"You seem to be energetic as usual."

Dawn was surprised to see the smile on Paul's face. She knew there was some change in him during the battle, but this? Was this what Cynthia said?

"When one life meets another life, something will be born."

The guy in front of her, it is hard to call him Paul. He's completely different. He doesn't carry the same negative aura anymore. Instead he was shedding a positive light like Ash. Did losing to Ash really affect him that much?

"Well, I guess you are Ash?"

Their attention shifted to the new face beside Ash.

"My name's Vincent from Fuchsia City," he lent a firm hand to Ash.

"The name's Ash Ketchum, from Pallet." Ash shook his hands with Vincent.

"I know everything about you," the blue haired Vincent said. "You turned Paul into a monster, you know?" He chuckled.

Ash threw a questioning glance at Paul. "Ignore him," Paul said.

"I am not kidding, Ash," Vincent said. "Paul and I were friends. We got our starters the same day. He changed a lot since Reggie lost. He hardly talked to me back then. The only thing he did was battle and battle."

Dawn's attention shifted to the enormous Venusaur beside Vincent. Calling it enormous was apt, because it was considerably larger than May's.

"Ash," Paul said. "Ever since I lost to you. I questioned my strength. I knew I lacked compassion. It's hard to learn something like that. But I tried, and I won against Brandon."

"Isn't that great?" Ash smiled back earnestly. His face lightened up with a new idea.

"Let's have a rematch Paul," Ash pointed to Torterra, "I want to battle your strongest Pokémon."

"You want a one-on-one with Torterra?" Vincent looked between Ash and Paul. "You are quite the strange guy, Ash."

"Its fine," Paul said, "Let's battle."

"Well Paul did you forget the registration?" The blue haired Vincent asked. "Your ship's gonna depart by afternoon."

"I'll do it in Sinnoh," Paul smirked.

A considerable crowd surrounded the battlefield the two trainers chose. The normal crowd would mostly ignore a Pokémon battle, but Viridian was currently full of trainers prepared for registration and they apparently took interest in the Pokémon battle.

"Ash versus Paul," Alex muttered. "Let's see how good it is."

Their battle ground was a small public park nearby. Paul had a well-grown Torterra on his side. Alex could tell with a mere glance how powerful the Pokémon was.

'He seems to be a lot stronger than Cynthia said,' Alex wondered. Was there actually a Pokémon in Ash's team that can fight this monster? Maybe that Infernape or Pignite could. Staraptor or Noctowl wouldn't be a bad choice either. Or better he could use that Glalie. It seemed good enough, and with an overwhelming type advantage it could defeat Torterra.

"Tauros, I chose you!"

With a mighty roar, the Wild Bull Pokémon signaled its presence. Its eyes were intimidating, carrying a rage fitting of a Pokémon with such stature. But that could have been wonderful only if Torterra showed any signs of intimidation. The Pokémon which was larger than Tauros merely watched its opponent like it was a minor trifle to be filed away.

Once again, his son made a strange decision. Instead of going with a type advantage he chose a Pokémon with a neutral type against Torterra.

"I was actually expecting Pikachu," Paul stated. "Well I guess you are wary of my Torterra's strength."

Ash remained silent, sending out his trade-mark-Ketchum smirk. He loved when his son put that look, but he seemed to use it too often than necessary.

So Paul was expecting him to do worse and use a Pokémon with type disadvantage? But yeah, from what he knew, he couldn't put his son above that.

'Let's see how your prediction goes, Cynthia.'

Ash will make the first move. It was a silent agreement between the two of them. Ash always loved to attack first and Paul always loves to study the opponent's attack first. It was an excellent match between their opposite tastes.

"Get ready, Tauros!" Ash signaled his Pokémon. The Pokémon was pumped by the trainer's motivation as it snorted and glared at Torterra with intimidating red eyes.

So he constantly motivates his Pokémon by reminding that they were in this together. Then he should do the same too.

"Let's win this, Torterra," he said trying to sound as natural as possible. The Pokémon turned to its trainer mildly surprised, but it turned back to its opponent and gave out a small grunt.

So encouragement works.

Are small trivial things like encouragement really this important? The Sinnoh League proved to him that it was a yes. He decided to show affection to his Pokémon if not for their sake, for winning at least.

He liked winning.

His attention shifted to Ash. He carried the same aura of confidence as ever. There were no doubts of his chance to win. Cocky as usual. Then he should remain passive till he gets high and high and drop him down.

Tauros were known for their physical prowess and their head on attacks. However Torterra was an ace at taking such attacks. Even a Flareblitz from Infernape wouldn't take him down, not that he would ever do something rash like that. So, what was it? Return? Tackle? Double Edge? Take Down? Rock Climb?

There were too many options, and he didn't know what that Tauros can use. So which attack is it Ash?

Ash raised his hand to the air, "Tauros—" Whatever it could be, Torterra could handle it without a sweat.

Ash completed his command. "Bulldoze!"

Damn that brat.

Tauros growled in response and lifted its front leg and landed the foot heavily on the soft ground. The ground instantly shook in response, shockwaves erupted from the surface, strands of leaves were thrown astray, blowing the wind at the same time.

The tremor shook the ground beneath Torterra. The heavy Pokémon planted its feet to the ground, its large expanse preventing it from any damage. Being a grass type meant that the damage done was further less.

Then why did he use this move? Ash isn't a fool. That much he could say.

'What is it, Ash? Are you predicting some kind of reaction from me?'

Paul waited till the Bulldoze ended. Torterra didn't budge, not even a tenth of an inch. So whatever Ash expected him to, Paul gave him a clear message: 'I won't move till you attack me head on.'

It was an open provocation and Ash would definitely fall for it.

"Bulldoze, one more time!"

Again? This time Paul was genuinely surprised.

The Bull Pokémon repeated the ground shaking move once more. The same thing repeated. Torterra didn't bother the attack and stood still.

Was he aiming for some kind of field effect? He took a look at the ground. The field was made specifically for Pokémon battles. It was a plain field with some grass and bushes here and there. If it were a muddy field then what Ash did could make sense.

"Dorderaa!" The Pokémon grunted at its trainer. Apparently doing nothing was boring it.

That's when the realization hit Paul.

"Holy Miltank," Alex didn't knew whether to laugh or be proud of his son's strategy. It was a dumb strategy, in a way but it actually takes some brain to think things in a different angle.

Ash intended on forcing Paul to attack. He was trying to wear down Torterra slowly with Bulldoze. Of course it won't work in long term because the damage done was very less. He simply wants to do some damage till he wears off Paul's patience.

Ash knows that the Paul guy was waiting for him to attack. He's scared if Paul might be setting up some kind of ambush if he attacks head on.

At this point Alex could throw a guess: Ash knows a lot about the other kid's Torterra. Knowing his son he might have actually challenged Paul to use his Torterra.

But the strategy he was using now was more like an attempt to draw the game, not win it. A Tauros can never put a Torterra in stalemate. Patience was a virtue Torterra possessed, not Tauros.

So if the Paul guy was actually smart and stays put, Ash would be the first to lose his patience. And the Ketchum's are well known for their impatience. So—

"Tauros, Take Down!"

Ash finally snapped.

Dust rose over the field as my Tauros charged at the gigantic tortoise with power enough to make a truck feel small.

Tauros was finally happy. He hated sitting and uselessly plowing the ground with Bulldoze. It's sad that my strategy was a failure. I tried provoking Paul's Torterra into attacking but it didn't work.

"Block it!"

Paul's commands were simple and never carried more than two words. It was an effective way of communicating. I wish I could be like him, but it's not my style.

Torterra braced for the attack, plunging its feet deep into the soil. As the wild bull came closer, Torterra pushed its skull forward to meet Tauros's head with its own.

Like a resonating sound wave, dust rose behind Torterra's hind legs similar to the one raised by Tauros's charge. The gigantic Pokémon was pushed a few steps back before it managed to hold its ground.

The wall of mass stopped the destructive force called Tauros from moving any further, but at the same time it didn't push forward in return. In otherwise it was simply being defensive. In that case—

"Put more power into it!"

Tauros did as directed. It put more power into the attack, this time forcing Torterra a few more inches back.

"Just like that buddy!" I encouraged.

Tauros let out a roar and put more power once again. The tortoise let out a surprised grunt as the Pokémon pushed it more and more. It could easily retaliate perhaps, but the trainer didn't make a move yet.

'This is my power, Paul.' I wanted to say. But knowing Paul this was just an attempt to give me false comfort.

"Torterra Gigadrain!" He commanded at last.

"Fall back!" I cried, almost immediately.

The stone like projections on Torterra's back grew a brilliant green. Three vines grew out of the projections and went on to grab Tauros. But having being warned well before Tauros stopped its charge and jumped back just in time. The green vines struck the ground, penetrating deep into the soil. The tortoise Pokémon opened its jaws in surprise to find its target safely behind the Gigadrain.

Paul glared at me, not expecting me to react so quickly. 'So you predicted me to do that?' was the look in his eyes.

Yes I did.

"Stoneedge!" He didn't waste a moment.

Torterra having failed to hit the target decided to take its revenge with a Stoneedge. A circular array of rocks was found orbiting around Torterra. The projectiles were then sent one after the other at the bull Pokémon.

Steel against Rock!

"Counter it with Ironhead!"

The bullet like stones was bounced like harmless pebbles when a flash of bright light shot past them. The flash charged at the immobile Torterra and struck it head on.

Torterra let out a painful grunt, the four claws on its feet plunged onto the ground to stop itself. But the soil said otherwise and crumbled under its grasp until friction finally dominated Tauros's attack power. With an unexpected snarl, Torterra took a step forward and pushed Tauros back with its head. Even the ever docile Torterra couldn't tolerate getting pushed back like that.

Tauros back tracked a few steps back. Torterra was glaring at him, prepared to go for the offense.

I was really in a fix here. I wanted to have a head on confrontation with Torterra, but the problem was getting into a close ranged battle with Torterra was dangerous, and the only attacks Tauros knew were close ranged ones. For once I wanted to curse my thoughtlessness.

But, if we could do a hit and run tactic, then maybe we could have a chance. Or I could do that.

"Tauros, Take Down!" I commanded.

Tauros charged at the tank, the ground trembled as its hooves touched the ground. I would never want to be on the receiving end of the attack, But Torterra was a completely different case. To take an attack like that he must have a really hard shell. I wonder if my Torterra could take attacks like that.

"It's coming," Paul's eyebrows twitched. "Gigadrain!"

The three green vines shot for the head-on charging Tauros.

"Full force!" I exclaimed.

Tauros doubled its speed as the tortoise came closer. At the same time when it crashed into Torterra with a sound similar to banging a wooden door, two of the Gigadrain caught Torterra by the horns.

But the impact of the Takedown was larger than anyone expected, Tauros pushed and pushed Torterra back.

"Hold fast!" Paul said.

It was only a matter of time before Gigadrain takes over Tauros and leech its health away.

"Tauros, lift Torterra into the air!"

A collective gasp surrounded me. Everyone was taken aback by the command, even Paul. He stared at me with a bewildered expression.

Tauros lowered its head, catching Torterra's horns with its own.

"Impossible," Paul muttered with a frown.

"It won't make it," someone muttered.

"That Torterra is too heavy," another of the crowd commented.

Defying all other expectations, fighting the impossible, Tauros rammed the ground with its feet and propelled up the weight on its horns. At first Torterra's hind legs rose by half-a-inch, the green vine sparked with energy as it began to absorb Tauros.

"It actually lifted it!" There was a buzz in the crowd.

"Just wait, it will put it down in a second." A nameless woman was bragging to her friend.

They were all wrong. I believed in my Pokémon.

"You can do it, Tauros!" I cheered.

"Pika!" Pikachu cried in encouragement.

My last words had a significant effect. Tauros grunted, snorting a gallon of air out of its lungs. With an unbelievable motion it lifted Torterra completely off the ground and tossed the hefty mass into the air.

A collective gasp surrounded me, as almost everyone around stared at Torterra, ten feet above the ground, with open mouths.

With a ground-breaking impact, that almost shook me off my feet Torterra landed with a heavy thud, crunching the ground underneath. My vision was blurred by the dust that enveloped the entire region.

I covered my face with my hand, dust and smoke was something I saw lot often in Pokémon battles. The trainers around however were unprepared, and coughed as the dust seeped into their nostrils.

It wasn't before a whole minute that the vision returned. Two silhouettes appeared as the dust thinned down. One was the standing Tauros and the other was Torterra, upside down, limped to its left, groaning in pain.

Paul's purple eyebrows were touched down in a frown. He was mad. Being in a disadvantage was my advantage after all.

"Get back to your feet," Paul said, except his voice didn't have the same curt expression, or snappy tone he had whenever his Pokémon fell in an uncomfortable situation. He changed.

Torterra tried to swing its airborne right leg. The entire shell moved about the grounded left part, using the tree on the right part of its shell as a fulcrum and heavily landed its right foot.

Torterra managed to come out of its uncomfortable fix in just one swoop. There weren't any useless struggles, only a perfect swing of its entire body to get out of the situation all other turtle Pokémon dreaded in a battle. I knew how difficult it was because I have three such Pokémon.

It was simply amazing.

Paul has trained his Torterra to come out of the most extreme situations. He thinks a lot more than just attacks and defense. Unlike me, he trained his Pokémon on every single outcome, no matter how less likely it was.

"Your Tauros is good," Paul smiled. But behind it was a calculative shrewd trainer. He was preparing to counterattack. It couldn't be helped that the only course of attack we had was a straight on collision.

"If it were anything else than your Torterra we could have won already," I retorted back.

Tauros was steadily losing his stamina. But as long as we dodge his attacks, we could still use a ton of Take Downs.

"We have cornered them Tauros," Ash said to his Pokémon, "Let's finish this once for all, Take Down!"

It was true, Brock realized. Torterra was pretty ragged, but would it be finished with the next attack? Unlikely. This was Paul's Torterra they were talking about. Ash knows it better than anyone. Maybe he was simply encouraging Tauros to put it all.

Tauros charged at its opponent, the usual trail of dust following it.

"Ash seems confident," May commented. "They are doing the same attack again."

"Gigadrain," Paul said. His voice was back to serious mode.

"Again?!" Dawn exclaimed. "Didn't Torterra fail the first time?"

"Paul isn't Ash," Brock stated. "He won't use the same move again unless he's very sure about it." Brock stated.

"Wow, you make Ash sound bad," May said.

"It's just that Ash's way of doing things is unusual," Brock said.

Torterra prepared its three green sparkling vines once more. As Tauros approached the Tortoise, the said Pokémon sent two vines to grab Tauros's horns one more time.

Ash exclaimed, "Let's lift it again Tauros!"

"Grab its neck," Paul said at the last minute.

Brock exclaimed, "This is bad!"

Perfection.

Paul liked it, and wanted it more than anything. And this was perfect.

Torterra's three vines completely took control of Tauros. It was foolish to stop Tauros's charge directly. He made the mistake first time. The first time, he tried to catch hold of the horns and pull it down to the ground, but Tauros was too fast and strong for Torterra to do that. But this was—

Perfect.

Tauros let out what was a mixture of a grunt and a groan. Two vines held the horns, while the third was wrapped around its neck, like a leash. The sudden pressure on its neck stopped Tauros completely.

"Don't give up Tauros, attack!"

Tauros pushed itself forward, despite the painful leeching vine on its neck and tackled Torterra. But the attack lacked the previous momentum.

Gigadrain began its work, leeching away Tauros's health. Consequently Torterra's fatigue was slowly disappearing. Its ragged breath was becoming steady.

Yes its breath was ragged. Most people don't notice when Torterra goes out of breath because it normally takes one breath per 3 minutes or so. But when damaged heavily it takes two per minute. Hardly noticeable for an outsider, but the trainer can easily figure out its situation.

Tauros realized the trouble it was in. Its legs were slowly losing energy. It panicked and tried to move back, but the leash around its neck stopped it.

"Tauros!" Ash panicked. Things were finally going his way. A smile crept across Paul's face.

Tauros tried to desperately pull back, but what it could only do was raise its two legs and fall forwards again. Escaping was impossible, Paul made sure of that.

He noticed the expression on Ash's face. The panic was still there, but he was calmer. His brain seems to be working.

When Ash's cornered he would do something crazy. Paul knew that much. But predicting what he would do was the exciting part. He should think the same way Ash does.

What could he possibly do in a situation like this? Ramming into Torterra was impossible, they were too close to do that, and would only waste energy. Then that would leave his—

Legs. He noticed Tauros's legs were completely free. Yes, he would do that. Then the attack coming would be—

"Tauros use Bulldoze on Torterra's head!" Ash cried, with his fists clenched.

Just as expected. Then he shall let him do that, let him squirm his freedom back.

Tauros lifted its front legs at once and thrust them at Torterra's weak spot, the part above its head.

Wham!

The impact was larger than Paul thought. The power Tauros put on the attack was harder than usual. The impact on its head caused Torterra's hind legs to rise. The tortoise's grasp on the bull was loosened. Tauros used the chance to stagger back.

Now for the final attack.

"Frenzy Plant!"

Just as Tauros began to distance itself from the Pokémon, twelve large monstrous and jagged plants rose from the ground. The bull halted its retreat and looked back in terror.

Three of the plants went for Tauros. It all happened quickly the Pokémon had no time to dodge.

Paul could have used Frenzy plant earlier, but there was an issue, He didn't know Tauros's fourth move yet. Besides Tauros was so fast that, unless it was a surprise it could actually dodge the attack. Missing a Frenzy Plant was something Paul couldn't afford.

But now it's over. It's game.

"Your horns!"

'Horns?' Paul was bewildered.

The Frenzy plants were supposed to strike Tauros, and the impact should be good enough to toss it away a good distance. But instead—

Tauros was still standing underneath the three plants, its legs trembling under the impact. It held the Frenzy plants between its horns!

The attack would have finished Tauros if it had hit. But Ash made sure it didn't. The battle wasn't over yet. Only Ash can do something unusual like this.

There were still nine frenzy plants under Torterra's control. He could try finishing the bull off. It wasn't too late.

Ever since Torterra learned Frenzy Plant he learnt the strengths and weaknesses of the attack. Torterra could summon twelve plants at once. Each of these plants could be used once before they turn immobile. Paul used this fact many a times for his advantage. There was no time to make a decision; he should just strike while Tauros was still defensive.

"Finish it off!" Paul barked his command.

Torterra having understood his command moved the remaining nine plants at once.

Meanwhile Tauros wriggled out from below the three plants only to find nine more lunging at it.

"Tauros, Double Team!"

'What the heck!'

As Frenzy Plant #4 moved onto Tauros the Pokémon jumped above it and split into six images.

Not good at all.

Fine then he would strike them all at once.

"Attack them all!" Paul barked.

Frenzy Plant #5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 hit the five images. When #10 was about hit the real one, the Pokémon leapt away from the crashing plant.

#11 and 12 were aimed to catch it but the Pokémon dodged them with relative ease too.

Paul gritted his teeth with immense dissatisfaction as Tauros weaved between the plants and came towards Torterra.

This was what he feared the most, and to think he actually let that happen.

"Torterra can't move," there was a smile of victory on Ash's face, "Take Down!"

A powerful impact knocked Torterra a good foot away.

"Dorderaa!" The Pokémon growled in pain. Tauros did an excellent job.

"This time use Iron head."

Tauros moved back and charged once more, this time with a flashy aura surrounding it. It struck Torterra once more, this time with more power.

The heavy Pokémon was sent sliding like a football. But as it slid back towards Paul, its legs finally regained mobility and clasped the ground underneath, braking itself to a stop.

Paul had a deep frown on his face. Torterra must be reaching its limits. Heck it should have fainted by now, I just couldn't believe how many attacks it could take. I understand Torterra were supposed to be defensive but this was too much.

Paul's stance changed. He looked all laid back till now, but now he seemed more excited. Maybe he finally decided it was time to go full offensive.

"Stoneedge!" He commanded.

"Use Double Team to dodge!"

The six images of Tauros were rained upon by the sharp projectiles, but the original darted between them and stood before Torterra unscathed.

"Gigadrain!" The Pokémon said as done.

"Dodge again!" Tauros hopped above the vines aimed at its leg, then dodged the next one that tried to grab its neck and the final one that tried to plunge its belly.

"Don't let it go! Keep attacking."

The vines chased Tauros, trying to pierce the bull. The bull Pokémon jumped, hopped, and sprinted. He dodged every last of them. At some point I lost the count of rounds we dodged the attack for.

The relentless Gigadrain finally stopped despite the trainer not commanding so. Torterra was out of breath, I noticed. He was panting, opening and closing his jaws to take in the air through his mouth along with his nose.

I examined my own Pokémon. Tauros was worse; its legs were bruised, trembling ready to buckle down anytime. It struck its tongue out as it desperately tried to take the fresh air inside.

Torterra shifted its body and grumbled something to Paul. Paul closed his eyes, and smiled in satisfaction.

Did something happen?

"You have finally brought Torterra down to half its health," he proclaimed.

You have to be kidding me. Tauros was almost down. It's just a bluff. It's just a bluff.

"We could do it the slow way," Paul said. "I could keep attacking you. Your Tauros has good stamina but I wonder how long it could dodge. Your Pokémon must be reaching its limit."

I remained silent. It was all true. This was what happened in Lake Acuity too. Gliscor kept attacking it with super-effective attacks, and Chimchar hit repeatedly with flamethrowers, which could have hurt a lot despite the light screen and yet he had a lot of energy left. We were actually better this time. Tauros did a lot more damage than Gliscor and Chimchar combined. Should I be proud?

"Thanks to you I found a new strength within my Pokémon," Paul said.

New strength? Thanks to me?

"Torterra, activate it," he said casually placing his arms inside his pocket.

"Activate what?" I asked.

As if to answer my question Torterra stretched its body. A green aura surrounded every corner of its body, from the head to the short tail behind.

It was pure energy and Torterra was full of it. It was Torterra's special ability, Overgrow.

"B-But how?" Overgrow was a special ability that kicked when the Pokémon was extremely low in health. It was a temporary surge of energy. A last resort. Not something you can unleash whenever you want.

"Thanks to you I found a new strength within my Pokémon."

"You turned Paul into a monster, you know?"

So this was what they were talking about. Paul used his Pokémon as brainless tools and yet brought out strength out of them. But now he treated them with love and respect. I always thought the only difference between me and Paul was I cared for my Pokémon, and caring for my Pokémon's feelings was my strength. That was actually why I managed to defeat Paul in the Sinnoh League. But now I lost my advantage. I had no upper hand above him. The truth—

I am outclassed.

I can't beat him, not like this. This isn't the Paul I know, he's something more. The smirk he carried wasn't arrogance, it was confidence. He didn't say he would win, he knew he would win. I-I…

"Pikapi?" Pikachu noticed the hesitation inside my eyes.

"I know Pikachu," I said. "I can't lose to him. I won't lose to him."

"Let's decide this in one move," Paul said.

Just like the Sinnoh League battle.

"Fine by me," I said.

We studied each other. His eyes bore into me and mine into him.

"Tauros—"

"Torterra—"

We said at the same time.

"Take Down!"

"Frenzy Plant!"

Tauros charged at the glowing tortoise as if it were the last wall he needed to cross to reach paradise. The wall however proved too strong for him to scale.

With a final grunt Torterra performed the dynamic grass type move, Frenzy Plant. The ground splintered, giving way to the enormous trees from underneath.

The sights before made me gasp at once. The crowd which constantly muttered comments turned silent and the determined Tauros lost its will and stopped in its tracks.

Lying before was literally a forest of frenzy plant. They were innumerable, making the last Frenzy Plant a big joke in comparison. The plants moved like organisms that had a life of their own. Standing amidst the forest was a bright green light, the mastermind, the final boss, Torterra.

The attack made me lose any hope at once. I couldn't win, not against this. No one can win against this. This was monstrous, unearthly. I doubt if even Mewtwo could win against this.

Maybe the last statement was an exaggeration but that was what I felt at that time.

I lost.

"You turned Paul into a monster, you know?"

Yes I did. A monster not in the sense that he was a demon to slay, or a terrible person but an extremely powerful trainer that you cannot imagine to defeat, even on your best day.

I looked at Tauros, terrified as its legs trembled and unconsciously took a few steps back. It irked its ears, waiting for me to say something encouraging, but I was too stupefied. Pikachu didn't add any encouragement either. I can't blame him.

If anyone can still see a chance of victory in front of this, they are either ridiculously strong or don't have a brain inside their head.

"Finish it," I heard Paul's muffled voice from behind the wall.

The plants rained on Tauros, as it didn't even try to dodge the attack. Telling to dodge that was the worst practical joke one could make.

Silence engulfed the huge gathering. Everyone including Alex neither moved nor made any noise.

"I won," Paul said breaking the impregnable silence.

The field was all battered. The trees that were brought from the ground slid back into the ground. Torterra was standing still, like it stood from the beginning. It never moved, it was only pushed, thrown by the other Pokémon. It never moved on its own.

Tauros was unconscious, sprawled on its four legs. Its tongue was stuck out, eyes dazed. Its body was filled with injuries and cuts all over.

Ash lowered his head, defeated. His fists were no longer clenched. They simply hung to his shoulders as if they had no energy in them. His face was partially covered by his red hat.

He silently walked over to Tauros and brushed the unconscious Pokémon's fur. "You did an excellent job. I am proud of you." His voice was weak, almost inaudible. He took the Pokémon inside its Pokeball.

Paul did the same before muttering praise for his Pokémon.

The silence returned. Ash simply looked into the ground. He lost the courage to face Paul.

Alex knew how it felt to be in his position. He experienced it more than once. No, he experienced it on a regular basis in Rosenburg.

A single clap broke the silence. The person clapped once more, and was soon joined by a wave of claps. Alex hesitated for a second, but decided to join in the mass of clapping.

It was good while it lasted.

'Cynthia your predictions on Paul were wrong.'

Paul doesn't need five more years.

"Ash," the blue-haired Vincent lent me a hand. I wanted to refuse him. I can stand on my own. But I took his hand anyway. "Now you understand what I meant? He's practically unbeatable now."

The crowd began to disperse now that the fun was over.

Brock was close by. He approached us and placed a friendly arm on my shoulders. "You were amazing Ash. It's just that—"

"He's better." I cut in. I am not a kid anymore. I can accept facts, to an extent at least.

"Don't worry Ash," Dawn said. "You can beat him the next time if you train hard. I can help if you want. You have one year for the League."

I wonder. I doubt if even Charizard could beat that power. Even if I were to rely on Charizard, in a full battle he could always use five other Pokémon that can take care of Charizard.

"Not to pour water on your dreams but," Vincent said. "Paul is going to train under Brandon in Snowpoint till the next year."

"Brandon?" May asked, "The frontier brain? Why would he go to Sinnoh?"

"Brandon left his three Regis in Snowpoint. So they would train—" Dawn paused. "Oh, hey Paul."

Paul walked towards us. There was a slightly uncomfortable look on his face. He was perhaps contemplating on how to talk after defeating me like that.

Despite the pressing doubts of future in my heart, I smiled. "You were amazing Paul."

Paul seemed to be shocked by the response. He looked at me bewildered for a second. "I owe it to you and Brandon."

"Where's he?" I asked.

"He said he'll follow me up after he finished something here."

"Well Paul," May stepped forward, "My name is May, and I am a coordinator from Hoenn."

Paul looked at her hand for a second, and gingerly touched her hand. For some reason he shifted his eyes to the ground as if he were hiding something. Something was wrong with him.

"Wow," Dawn whispered into my ear.

Vincent who heard her chuckled.

"To all of you, let me reintroduce myself. My name is Vincent. Paul and I were rivals since we got our first Pokémon."

"Saur," the Venusaur behind him growled.

"Your Venusaur is really huge," May said examining the Pokémon.

The conversation casually drifted off topic. I remained silent all the time. Paul and I exchanged awkward glances once in a while. For some reason he was silent too. The topic moved from introductions to their hobbies to Brock's love life. At that point Brock cut the conversation. "Dawn aren't you supposed to book a ticket to Sinnoh."

She let out a gasp, "Oh, I forgot. Let's hurry!"

"Paul, the S.S Sinnoh might be here anytime soon," Vincent reminded him. "You gotta go too."

The S.S Sinnoh bellowed as it sent a final warning signal to its passengers who were yet to board.

Paul and Ash moved closely with Vincent a few steps behind. They didn't have any conversation, they simply walked together.

"Who would have thought they would become so close," Dawn said. Brock had to agree. Ash and Paul were bitter rivals the last time they saw them together.

"Paul doesn't seem to be the type to open himself to others," May said. "Did you see him blush when we shook hands?"

"Maybe he isn't used to have people around," Brock said. The only person he saw Paul move closely with was Reggie. He seemed to be close to Vincent too.

"He used to be extremely rude," Dawn said. "He never even considered talking with me. The only thing we talked about was Ash."

"I could take a guess," Brock said. "Paul isn't used to talking with people. Maybe he reasoned with himself that talking to people is just a waste of time. Hence the rude remarks."

Brock could tell so because his youngest brother was similar too. The correct word was—

"An introvert," Brock said after thinking for a while. Having a large family paid off.

"I guess," May agreed.

Brock and the two girls stopped at a distance from the three trainers. Before boarding the ship Paul turned back and said something to Ash. He couldn't hear what it was but it stung Ash, because even from the distance he saw Ash clench his fists.

"Goodbye Ash," Vincent waved to me as he took the bus to Fuchsia. "It's nice meeting you. Good luck with your league training."

"Same to you too!" I waved back. He seemed nice; it was my obligation to return the courtesy back.

"Alright guys, time to go home," I collected their attention. "Dad must be sick of waiting for us."

"Ash, what did Paul tell you before he left?" Brock asked.

The mention of what Paul said earlier made me stiffen.

"I wanted to say this because you are my friend. I guess I could call you that."

"Ash, get stronger."

With just three words he told me a lot. He told me I wasn't ready for the league. He wanted me to get stronger because he wants to defeat me at my full strength.

It was something Paul shared with me alone. I needn't tell about it to anybody. "Three words," I said instead and walked towards the main road.

"Three words?" Dawn asked in confusion.

"Three words!" May squealed at the same time. I didn't know what she understood from that, I simply didn't care.

As we approached the main road a familiar figure was standing there, resting his back on the jeep. "You kids have kept me waitin' for two hours."

"You watched me battle, didn't you?" I asked ignoring his remark. I saw him watching the battle, but I didn't give it much thought back then. He disappeared right after it.

He sighed, "I did."

"What did you think?" It was a straight question. At this moment I wanted someone who could reply to me honestly. Brock, May and Dawn poured words of encouragement, but that wasn't what I needed. An honest opinion and the only person who could give that was dad.

"You sucked," he said. For some reason I wasn't hurt, I was actually expecting that. A mischievous smile crept on his face, "Just kidding. You were excellent."

I was excellent? What a joke. "Dad I don't want your sweet talk. Be honest."

"I am not your mom dummy," he pounded on my head with his bare knuckle. "You were excellent, and that's that."

"But I lost," My eyes sank to the ground. I felt ashamed.

"This isn't like you kid. Bounce back when you lose, that's the Ketchum way!" Alex said. "So that Paul guy overwhelmed you, huh?"

It was true. Every time I lost, I always recovered immediately. Sulking like this, the last time I did so was when Brawly beat me in the Dewford Gym.

"Kid," he said after a pause. "I swear it on the crushes those girls have on you," Dad pointed to May and Dawn who were watching the whole ordeal between me and dad. "I'll make you strong."

"Mr. Ketchum, that's highly inappropriate!" Dawn shrieked impulsively, her face was red.

May was about to say something too but stopped as she realized what Alex meant.

"D-Dad?" Ash was shocked. He was trying to say something but he was too shocked to say anything.

Brock began, "Mr. Ketchum, are you saying that—"

"Yes. I'll train Ash for the League starting from tomorrow."

May looked at Ash, studying his reaction. "Does that mean you have accepted my battle style?" He asked.

"Not completely," his father said. "But I see how you consistently get results with it so we can work on it. Besides the things my teacher Mao taught would suit you better than they suit me."

"Really?" Ash seemed excited.

"Yeah," the father said. "The league starts on October 1st 2013. That's exactly 364 days from tonight."

May casually checked her watch. It was indeed October 1st today. Then she remembered Max's birthday was October 7th. Her little brother would finally have a Pokémon. It's been two years since their journey with Ash.

Ash grew up well as a Pokémon trainer. 'I shouldn't fall back either.' She warned herself.

She smiled as the Ketchum ordered his Pikachu to thunderbolt to check if he was dreaming. The rodent promptly obeyed him.

Authorial Rambling

I liked writing this chapter. I suppose I shouldn't be commenting on what I wrote, so you guys comment on it instead.

The Paul I am showing you guys might be weird outside battles, but in a battle Paul is as ruthless as ever. I personally love writing Paul. He's a grumpy kid with attitude, its fun to play with him.

Vincent is based on the girl who defeated Richie in the Indigo League Semifinals who has an Ivysaur. I thought it was a guy, but when I checked it was a girl. I didn't like changing the gender so I made him a complete OC. I even adjusted her age.

In case you want to check her Google 'Pokémon Assunta'

Time Line: I have adjusted the anime time line to present. So it means Ash started his journey in 2007 and Alex left the family in 2002.

A Question for Reviewers

Name a Canon CoTD/ League Rival you want to see in the World Tournament. It won't be necessary that Ash battles them all, but I'll at least bring their character during the course of the League.

Btw I don't accept OC requests, I make my own.

Other News:

Legend of the Dark Prince

I am still stagnant on my other fic: Legend of the Dark Prince. The chapter to be posted is ready, but I have a bit of conflict with myself about a certain character. People waiting for it: Be patient. I am also going to edit the first few chapters because the quality seems to be lacking when compared to the newer chapters.

Romance and The Pokemon Master:

I will be very happy if anyone would adopt this story. You can start the story from the scratch, and write your own plot or continue with mine. Interested people can PM First come first serve.

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon. But I own this fan fiction.