Author's Note:

Here it is, the second Orange league battle. This is probably the closest gym to the canon... But we get to see Haunter again, she has been absent from this story for far too long. Sorry for the long update but work has been hell Not much else to say, Sandslash will get a gym battle but he hasn't had sufficient time for Ash to work with him yet. This is probably the shortest chapter of the Orange Island arc so far but that isn't really a bad thing, some chapters just end up being shorter. Question Time:

Jasmine:

Q) Will Sandslash ever trust Ash fully and completely? A) Only the future will tell.

Any way remember to vote in the poll and with that, let's begin...

Chapter 9: Ash VS Danny: Teamwork

The group is currently on the back of Lapras, swimming towards Navel Island and Ash's second Orange League badge. It is the closest gym to Cissy's but that doesn't mean they are next to each other. It has been a week and half since they ran into Virgil. This is because the Orange Islands are huge.

Whilst travelling, the group have been stopping at islands along the way to spend the night and train, as well as give Lapras a break. The group hasn't been able to swap Pokemon as none of the islands they have stopped on have had a Pokemon Centre. Ash knew he was going to make a couple of rotations for the upcoming gym as he promised Ivysaur he could partake since he couldn't compete in the Mikan gym. Plus, he was going to rotate Pokemon after this gym anyway. He promised them all the chance to compete, and he plans to fulfil that promise.

Serena has also been training hard, working on both appeal performance's and battle combinations. While Delphox and Eevee are adamant about perfecting the first round. Farfetch'd is by far the most enthusiastic about the battle round which is sort of surprising but it makes sense when you realise the battle round combines his two favourite things, battling and showing off. Kabuto has also been working hard. Although leaning a little more to battling than the appeal round, he really is trying his hardest. Kadabra has been working hard on his regular training while Beedrill is also trying to get the whole "combination" thing down.

Drake has also been doing well with his Pokemon. Of course, they have been keeping up with their training but Drake has been joining them. While not lazy, Drake has never been the physical type, spending more time studying then playing. Despite this, he too is starting to notice that he is getting stronger and is also feeling closer to his Pokemon.

Misty has been splitting her time between working on her tan and training her Pokemon. Of course, she is still aiming to become the best type water trainer she can before she takes over the gym, but it won't be long before they visit Trovita Island which is why she wants her tan to be perfect.

"Laaaaa!" Lapras cried out.

"What is it, Lapras?" Ash asked. He turned to see what the Transport Pokemon wanted and saw what looked like a massive mountain in the distance. Ash can remember reading that the Navel gym is on the heightest point of the island and that is the only island anywhere near here.

"Navel Island coming up." Lapras informed.

"Thanks, Lapras." Ash thanked. He knows that he won't be able to challenge the gym tonight as the sun is already setting. Although that isn't too big of a deal since he wants to call Professor Oak anyway and make a couple of rotations.

"So, Ash, who do you plan to use in your battle?" Serena asked.

"As long as I don't need to fulfil specific requirements like with Cissy, I promised both Ivysaur and Lapras the chance." Ash explained. "I know Sandslash wants a gym battle as well, but the Navel gym is supposed to focus around teamwork of Pokemon. That isn't really his area.".

"Most gyms use a three on three format." Drake replied. "So that leaves you with one spot left.". Ash smiled and nodded in response. First thing he will do when he gets to land is make some team rotations.

"Wow, the mountain looks even bigger close up." Misty exclaimed as the group looked back to the mountain.

Although the shore is still a couple of minutes away the mountain really is big. It is supposed to be the biggest one in the whole of the Orange Islands. The cliff side back on Mikan Island was hard enough to climb but that would be downright painful.

"I bet that mountain has something to do with the gym." Drake spoke up. "Remember the Mikan Gym used the whole island.".

The others nodded in agreement as the mountain got bigger. It was so tall that they couldn't see the summit since it went above the clouds. One thing is for sure, this will be one gym to remember.

"Ah, Ash my boy. It is good to hear from you." Professor Oak greeted from the video phone. "How is your Orange League going? And how is the GS ball?".

"The GS ball is fine. It's going good, Professor. And I am having my second gym battle tomorrow." Ash smiled. He has Togepi asleep on the table that the video-phone is on since it is pretty late. "That's actually why I've called, I want to make a couple of rotations.".

"Certainly, my boy. All your Pokemon have been working hard and read for a gym battle." Professor Oak informed. "Who will you be switching?".

"I definitely want Ivysaur..." Ash replied as he entered a thought about who else to bring. Since the Orange gyms are so different, Ash can't just pick his Pokemon based on type advantage.

"What about me, darling?" Haunter popped in front of the Professor's face.

"Gaw! Haunter, you're going to give me a heart attack!" The Professor told the ghost poison type.

"Well the author has to introduce me into the story someway." Haunter retorted.

"WE ARE NOT IN A FAN FICTION!" Ash shouted. He really is tired of needing to tell his Haunter that.

"Yeah, sure, whatever you say." Haunter shrugged it off. "Now you can switch me into the team so the readers can have a good laugh... After all that soppy emotional stuff, last chapter they need some proper entertainment, or we will lose them to a Japanese Anime which involves tentacle po...".

"No Haunter!" The author cut her off before she could go to some weird place.

"Please Haunter... Just... Stop." Ash pleaded.

"Can't stop, won't stop, can't stop the..." Haunter started to sing. "NO! No Author, I won't re-use a joke like that. Who do you think I am? Chuggaaconroy?".

"Um Ash, I hate to interrupt but I have Ivysaur ready to switch." The Professor interrupted. "Will you be taking Haunter as well?".

"... Sure." Ash sighed in defeat. He loves Haunter as much as his other Pokemon, she can just be a massive handful. Even more so than Sandslash. Hopefully this won't be as bad as it normally is though.

"See, I told you the Author would have me join the team." Haunter told her trainer as she floated through the screen too appeared with Ash. She dropped her own Pokeball into his hand.

"Um, Haunter. How did you do that?" Ash asked.

"Magic." Haunter replied sarcastically as she waved her hands around as some sort of sparkly powder fell from them. Ash's Pokedex started vibrating, so Ash opened it to see what's up.

"Please select which Pokemon you wish to send back." The device requested.

The screen came to light with the pictures of: Pikachu (whose image was crossed out), Charizard, Sandslash, Haunter, Tauros, Dragonair and Lapras. Well, he is going to swap Tauros for Ivysaur so out of the remaining, Pokemon Dragonair is the least adept at cold temperatures, like at the top of the mountain where the gym presumably is. With his decision made, Ash clicked Dragonair's picture and he felt the Ultra Ball teleport away.

"Ash, Ivysaur is ready to be switched. Who are you sending back?" The Professor drew the raven-haired boy's attention. Ash decided to just ignore the ghost poison type and turned back to the screen.

"I'm sending Tauros, Professor." Ash informed as he showed him the Safari Ball. He placed it in the transporter before it was surrounded in electricity and teleported away. Another Pokeball appeared in the electricity before it died down. Ash smiled and picked it up. "Ivysaur's arrived safe and sound Professor.".

"Same with Tauros Ash." The Professor replied as he showed the Safari Ball to the eleven-year-old. Ash smiled in response as the Professor yawned. "Now if you excuse me, Ash. It is time I went to bed.".

"Okay Professor, thanks." Ash smiled as the screen turned black. Ash smiled as he turned around, he looked at the Pokeball in his hand before letting out his grass poison type. Ivysaur appeared in front of him. "Hey there Ivysaur.".

"Hey..." Ivysaur yawned in response, he was asleep in the Pokeball due to the time difference between Kanto and the OI. Sure, it is bedtime here as well but Ivysaur was put to sleep a couple hours back.

"We have a gym challenge tomorrow, and I'm sure Pidgeot and the others told you guys how it is different from a normal gym." Ash explained. Ivysaur nodded as both Pidgeot, Primeape and Gyarados explained what happened in the Mikan gym. "Well it is on top of a snowy mountain, presumably. So, I want to make sure your still up to the challenge.".

"Of course." Ivysaur replied sounding offend. He yawned again. "Just let me sleep first.".

"Sure buddy." Ash smiled as he returned his grass poison type. While Ivysaur is out of his normal element in a snowy area, he is also one of Ash's most welcoming Pokemon, there is a reason he acts like an ambassador at the ranch so he is perfect for a challenge based around Pokemon teamwork.

"Does that mean I get to partake as well?" Haunter asked in a sing-songie voice. Ash looked at the ghost type to find she has turned her eyes to look like big blue ones out of an anime and fluttered them to try and look innocent. Ash sighed and held out her Pokeball.

"We will see how well you behave." Ash replied. "Now return.".

"Your no fun." Haunter muttered before being hit by the red light and returning to her Pokeball. Ash clipped the Pokeball to his belt and turned around, picking up the sleeping Togepi as Pikachu climbed onto Ash shoulder. With everything sorted they went to find the others before getting a good rest for the gym battle that awaits.

The group has just left the Pokemon Cafeteria after a breakfast. It is now the morning that Ash will be facing the Navel Gym. They were about to ask Nurse Joy if she had directions to the gyms location but before that, a man walked up to them. The man looks in his early twenties, medium length auburn hair, quite tanned with a muscular body. He is also wearing a friendly smile.

"Danny." The man greeted as he held his hand out. "I'm the Navel gym leader.". Upon realising who he is, Ash returned the gesture and shook hands.

"Hi, I'm Ash Ketchum and I came for a gym battle." Ash greeted with a wide smile.

"I know, that's why I'm here." Danny replied. "I like to meet all my challengers, and Nurse Joy let me know of your arrival last night.".

"I'm Misty." Misty introduced herself. "I specialise in water type and set to take over the Cerulean gym in Kanto.".

"Misty, what a lovely name." Danny smiled. As the hand shake with Ash ended, Danny offered the same gesture to Misty who also had the tiniest hint of a blush hit her cheeks. Is it a requirement of all male Orange League gym leaders to be charming? First Rudy back in Kanto and now Danny.

"Drake." Drake introduced himself as the hand shake with Misty ended.

"Nice to meet you, Drake." Danny smiled as he also shook hands with the raven-haired boy.

"And I'm Serena." Serena introduced herself as the handshake between Danny and Drake ended.

"Serena. I bet your as sweet and serene as your name suggests." Danny smiled as he also shook her hand. Ash frowned and slid to her side, wrapping his arm around Serena's shoulder.

"Yeah, she is." Ash mumbled. "She is also my girlfriend.".

"Ash!" Serena whispered harshly. While she is normally happy to be in his arms and if this was back before they got together she would love the idea of him being jealous. They are boyfriend and girlfriend, she isn't going to fall for another guy because he complimented her.

"Oh, um... Sorry." Ash muttered in embarrassment. He should know better than get jealous because some guy complimented her. She is his girlfriend and he trusts her. Not to mention, there is over a ten-year age gap, that is far too large especially considering their young ages.

"Don't worry about it." Danny smiled not bothered about the possessive tone Ash used before. Ash shot him a grateful smile.

"And he said I have to behave." Haunter muttered as she watched the events from her Pokeball. It is homely place with an old oak chair and warm fire whilst neatly filled with little knickknacks. "What? I got a good interior decorator.". The author sweat dropped as Haunter addressed the readers again.

"So, what are we waiting for?" Ash asked, excited.

"Excitement, I like that." Danny smiled. "If you want to follow me, we can get going. Your friends can join us too.".

The group walked across the island, following the gym leader. Ash was talking with Danny who revealed he too has a test for the challenger to pass before the real competition begins. Although Danny didn't reveal what the test was. The others also took in the sights of the island. It is a just like a small village, kind've like Lavender Town back in Kanto just without the fog surrounding the place. Plus, the giant mountain had a lot of the walk in the shade which meant it wasn't a massive tourist spot unlike some of the islands they've been too.

They were in awe but not really surprised at the place they ended up at. It was the base of the mountain but blocking off access to the base was a giant gate with an equally tall fence going presumably all the way around. Danny walked up to a panel on the side of the gate and placed his hand against it. Once he moved it away, the gate opened.

"This is pretty tight security." Misty commented.

"Both security and safety are top priorities in all Orange League gyms. This mountain is dangerous to climb when alone, even in a group it isn't easy." Danny explained. "This is to stop anybody from climbing it without proper permission.".

"Cissy's gym was pretty dangerous and I didn't see any sort of safety measures there." Drake commented.

"Just because you didn't see it, doesn't mean it wasn't there." Danny commented. "Any sort of physical activity is over seen by a psychic Pokemon, who is trained to put a stop to the challenge if it gets too dangerous. Cissy just doesn't tell her challengers because it gives them a safety net.".

"Does that mean your challenge has something similar?" Ash asked. "Speaking off, can you tell me what sort of test I need to pass?".

"The test is simple. You need to climb the mountain, without the use of your Pokemon." Danny explained. "As for your question. I have a Pokemon who will be watching us as we climb but don't expect him to help with every little thing. He will only intervene if necessary and not for little bumps along the road. He isn't a safe net to be tested.".

Ash nodded in understand as he looked back to the mountain before him. Unlike a lot of mountains, he has travelled over, there isn't a clear trail in sight, so that mean he will be climbing to start with. Just because he knows there is a Pokemon watching who will keep them safe, to an extent, doesn't mean this will be easy.

"Wait, Ash can't even use his Pokemon?" Serena asked in a concerned voice.

"His Pokemon have already proven themselves, since all challengers need to have competed in a regional league. This is to make sure the trainers are willing to face the same hard-ships." Danny explained. "I am required to climb the mountain as well, under the same restriction.".

Serena nodded in understanding although wasn't completely happy about it. Still, through Kanto they faced tougher challenges like Team Rocket and Mewtwo, Ash could do this as well. She just isn't thrilled about the thought of him doing it.

"Don't worry Serena, I already climbed the cliff at Cissy's gym, right?" Ash tried to reassure.

"Although there is a height difference between that cliff and this mountain." Serena deadpanned caused Ash to blush and sheepishly laugh in response.

"Um, Danny. Do we need to climb the mountain too?" Misty asked. She is happy to support Ash as he takes on this gym but she doesn't fancy climbing a mountain to do so. Danny turned to the water type trainer who was blushing in embarrassment, she doesn't want to sound weak, she just doesn't fancy climbing a mountain, and she isn't exactly dressed for it.

"Oh no, there is a cable car around the side. It will take you up to the summit." Danny explained. "Feel free to stay in the cabin up there as it can take a few hours for us to meet ya.".

"That's a relief." Misty sighed since she doesn't need to climb the mountain.

Danny smiled at her before he turned back to his challenger. He smiled as he saw the two Pokemon by his side, not because Togepi is a rare Pokemon but you can see the bond between the three of them. This is why he took a position as gym leader in the Orange League.

"Serena, will you take care of Togepi?" Ash asked.

"Of course." Serena smiled as she went to grab the fairy type.

"Dada." Togepi cried as he gave his daddy the biggest hug he could.

"Hehehe, thanks Togepi. Behave for Serena okay." Ash told the young fairy type.

"Ena..." Togepi smiled as Serena took the fairy type. Ash stared dumbly at the fairy type as Serena planted a kiss on Ash's cheek. Was it just his imagination or was Togepi trying to say Serena?

"Good luck." Serena whispered after she planted the kiss. Although Ash was still focused on Togepi, is the Spike Ball chirped happily as Serena, Misty and Drake walked away around the mountain towards the Cable Car.

"Well Ash, are you ready to get going?" Danny asked. Snapping the raven-haired boy out of his thoughts. Ash smiled with a flame of determination in his eye and nodded to answer the gym leader's question. Danny smiled and started to climb the cliff side. Ash also started with Pikachu on his head.

"Did you hear what Togepi said, Pikachu?" Ash asked. To his dismay, Pikachu shook his head in response...

The two trainers have been climbing for a couple of hours by this point and Ash was starting to feel it. They are taking a short break on one of the ledges, but what caught Ash's attention is the change as they got higher. It only looks like it gets thicker as they go up. Lucky, the climbing section of the mountain is over but they still have the snow trail to trudge through.

"Ready to keep moving?" Danny asked his challenger.

"Sure am." Ash replied as both of them stood up.

Danny was leading the way around the trail with Ash and Pikachu following shortly behind. Pikachu is on Ash's shoulder and despite not being allowed to use his Pokemon to help, Danny is fine for Pikachu to stay out as long as he doesn't assist them in any way.

As they were walking, Ash thought to all the Pokemon he has on hand. Pikachu, Ivysaur, Charizard, Haunter, Sandslash and Lapras. Ash doesn't know what sort of challenge the normal gym will be and he can't expect it to be a straight forward battle after the mini competitions in the Mikan gym. Well, Danny hasn't mentioned that he needs Pokemon that met a certain requirement so hopefully that means he can use any of them.

This gym is said to be based around teamwork of the Pokemon which would mean: Pikachu, Ivysaur and Charizard are all good choices since they work well together, despite working with Ash since the night in the cave Sandslash meant it he was only going to be trying to work with Ash, which means he still doesn't talk to anyone so he wouldn't work well in a gym for teamwork. Haunter is... Haunter, not the best but could definitely be worse. Lapras, could do well. She gets on okay with Dragonair and is very friendly, sure Charizard scares her but she seems to get on with Pikachu. Guess before Ash makes his final decision he should see what the challenge is...

"Ash look out!" Danny shouted.

It was too late, Ash had been so focused on who to use in the gym that he wasn't paying much attention to his steps. He accidently stood a little close to the edge and the snow gave way. Before he could react, Ash was falling down the mountain. A small rock was pointing out of the side of the mountain and Ash's back scraped against it. Once he reached the ledge below, he came to a stop.

"Arg!" Ash cried out in pain. Although to Ash it seemed to be happening in slow motion, it was over within a matter of seconds. Out of instinct Ash grabbed a Pokeball. "Charizard, fly me back up to where I...".

"Don't Ash!" Danny shouted. "If you use a Pokemon than you will need to start it over again!".

Ash realised what Danny said was true and he put the Pokeball back on his belt. Standing up, Ash cried in pain as he felt around his back. Finding the painful spot on his back, Ash rubbed it a little, wincing from the pain. Moving his hand away he found blood traces on his fingers. Great. Ash isn't able to reach around and treat the injury himself, but he also can't receive help until this is over. Well, might as well get going again if only to sort this scrap out soon rather than later. Ash started to climb the mountain side he just fell down and saw Danny waiting. A thought occurred to him.

"Danny, I thought you said you had a Pokemon to stop stuff like this happening." Ash questioned as he climbed the mountain.

"The Pokemon is watching us, he is a Hypno." Danny explained. "He would've used Future Sight to see what would've happen and because it wasn't too bad he decided not to intervene. If the fall could've broken a bone or worse than he would've caught you with Psychic.".

"Gee, how nice of him." Ash grunted as he continued to climb the mountain side despite the pain in his back. Lucky, it was only a small drop so it didn't take him long to reach the place he once.

"Hypno isn't meant to make this easy, he is there to stop any serious incidents." Danny explained. "If you can't handle it, I could always call him and we stop the challenge right now.".

"No way!" Ash shouted as he stood in front of the gym leader. "My Pokemon and I have worked too hard to just give up. We don't give up until it's over.".

Danny smiled inwardly as he looked at his latest challenger. This is the type of trainer who he respects and is the reason he joined the Orange Crew. It honestly reminds him of himself back when he took on the Orange League. After all, every gym leader in the Orange League is a past challenger who ended up facing Drake out of their respective groups. They were all personally selected by Drake to take on the gyms, and he wouldn't be surprised if Ash was offered the same position when the time comes. Drake has always had a hidden talent for finding great trainers but before that time...

"Well let's keep moving than." Danny suggested and turned around before continuing the trek up the mountain with Ash and Pikachu shortly behind.

Despite the pain in his back, Ash wasn't going to back down, before long he would have his second Orange badge. One thing is for sure, climbing a mountain is tougher than he thought and he thought it would be tough to being with.

Serena, Misty, Drake and Togepi are in the cabin at the top of the mountain. Serena is currently giving Togepi a bottle of warm milk, despite eating solid food he still needs a drink and in the cold environment a warm bottle is perfect. She hasn't long finished her own cup of hot chocolate while sat by the window to watch for Ash and Danny to show up. It has been close to four hours since the test and it was making Serena worry.

"Hey Serena, do you want another hot chocolate?" Misty asked as she came to check on the honey-blonde girl. "Drake's just put the kettle on for his tea.".

"Thank you, Misty, but no. I want to save some for Ash when he shows up." Serena replied with a grateful smile.

"Toge-Priiiii!" Togepi let out a happy cry from her hand.

The two girls looked at the young fairy type to see him looking out of the window with a cheerful expression, he is also trying to keep his balance since he has the milk bottle in his hand and it is actual quite a bit taller. Turning to look out of the window, they found Danny reach the top of the snowy mountain with Ash shortly behind him. Serena wasted no time in running out of the cabin to greet him.

"Drake, they're here." Misty informed as she followed behind Serena. Drake walked out carrying to cups with him in a less excited pace. Of course, he is happy that Ash made it but instead of over reacting he got them both a hot chocolate ready after the presumably tough climb.

"Dada!" Togepi cried as he jumped out of Serena's hands, dropping the bottle in the process and giving his daddy the biggest hug he could.

"Ash!" Serena cried out as she reached him. She through her arms around him in a tight hug. Unfortunately, that sent a jolt of pain through Ash's body. Before this the cold weather had seemed to numb the pain in his back but that wasn't the case anymore.

"Arg!" Ash cried out in pain from the sudden pressure on his back.

"Ash, are you okay?" Serena asked

"Dada?" Togepi asked in an upset tone.

"Ash had a little fall on the way up, nothing serious but we should get it checked out properly now we're here." Danny explained as he accepted a hot drink from Drake.

Ash wore a sheepish grin as he looked at Serena. He also gave Togepi a reassuring hug which calmed down the fairy type. He was expecting Serena to start crying and go hysterical but to his surprise (and relief) she didn't react like that.

"Well let's get it looked at." Serena put on a friendly smile. Grabbing Ash's free hand, she walked him back to the cabin. While not thrilled that Ash hurt himself, if he could continue the test than it clearly isn't too bad. In the past, she probably would've become all clingy and burst into tears, maybe she is maturing ever so slightly.

After having his back injury checked on, it was nothing to serious but he had a nasty scrap which was cleaned, the two boys drank the hot chocolate Drake made for them before going outside of the cabin to get down to business.

"Well Ash, you past the test and now I accept your challenge at my gym." Danny explained. "This challenge is set up to show the teamwork between the Pokemon you have, you need one Pokemon who knows an ice move. If you need, you can you the phone if you need to swap them around.".

"Thanks, but no-thanks Danny, I already have a Pokemon who can use Ice Beam." Ash explained as he thought about Lapras. He did promise the Transport Pokemon a chance at a gym battle and she worked long and hard with Dragonair to master that move.

"Very good, then I'll show you my Pokemon first." Danny explained as he held three Pokeballs. "Come on out, guys.". In a flash of light, Danny's three Pokemon appeared. They were: Nidoqueen, Scyther and Geodude.

"Awesome, so what sort of challenge is it?" Ash asked excited. One thing that Drake noticed was that none of the Pokemon seemed the tiniest bit bothered by the cold environment. They have clearly been raised well since none of them are adapt for the cold weather.

"We are going to have a sledge race down the mountain, but you need your Pokemon to create the sledge out of ice." Danny explained. "You are limited to only three Pokemon and all Pokemon used need to be on the sledge when you use it.".

Ash nodded in understanding as he went over his current team. Lapras is needed as she is his only Pokemon on hand. Although not suited for the cold environment Ivysaur would be good at chipping the ice away, while Charizard would probably just melt it. That leaves one space left.

"What about flying or levitating Pokemon?" Drake asked as he looked at Danny's Scyther.

"A Pokemon who can freely move through the air is allowed to fly alongside the sledge but to win the race, all the Pokemon need to be together." Danny explained. "I have Scyther as the main driver when going down the hill.".

As Ash heard this he had a simultaneous very good and very bad idea. It is a good idea because having a main driver to steer them is a good idea, the bad part is the fact that his only Pokemon to work like that is Haunter, and he isn't so sure she is in the right frame of mind to be a driver. Well, since Sandslash wouldn't work well for this challenge either, looks like he doesn't have a choice.

"So, Ash, have you decided who you're going to use?" Danny asked.

"Yes, I have." Ash replied as he took out three Pokeballs. Pikachu saw this and realised he wouldn't be used. While upset because he wants to get a good battle in, he knows that he wouldn't get one in this gym anyway so he jumped from Ash's shoulder and climbed on to Serena's. "Come on out, guys.". In a flash of light Ash's three chosen Pokemon appeared: Ivysaur, Haunter and Lapras. Ivysaur and Lapras looked at Ash expectantly while Haunter...

"Ten-thousand years! Will give you such a creek in the next!" Haunter cried out as she rubbed the back of her head. Yep, trusting Haunter to drive him anywhere other than up the wall is definitely a mistake.

"What is wrong with you!?" Ash asked, exaggerated.

"Oh, I got bored of watching you climb the mountain so I watched this move." Haunter replied. "It rhymes with Perpadin.".

"Wait, you can see what happens outside of the Pokeball?" Ash asked.

"Normally no Pokemon can but if I can break the forth wall than I can break the vision barrier at the same time." Haunter laughed.

"Whatever..." Ash groaned not even bothering to have this argument. "Look you three, it is time for the gym match. How do you feel about a sledge race?". Ivysaur and Lapras cried happily to show they are happy to win this gym match.

"But I haven't seen Cool Runnings yet." Haunter whined. Ivysaur took out a Vine Whip and whacked the ghost to keep her in line. Unfortunately, that back fired on the grass poison type when Haunter replied with. "Oh, kinky.". Ivysaur sweat dropped and took a step back out of fear.

"HAUNTER!" Ash scolded.

"Fine..." Haunter groaned before she clicked her fingers and a cheer leading out appeared on her with two pom-poms. "Go team!".

"Um, are they okay?" Danny asked the rest of the group with a confused expression on his face.

"Believe it or not, this is normal for them." Misty explained while she and the others had sweat drops on the back of their heads.

Ash VS Danny (Creating The sledge):

Ash was stood behind the three Pokemon he chose for this gym, with Danny and his time in the same position. Danny already explained that creating the sledge isn't part of the race and how they want to do it properly. While Ash was nervous because the sledge needs to be big enough to fit Lapras in, Danny's also needs to fit in Nidoqueen so it wouldn't put them at a disadvantage.

"Alright Nidoqueen, use Ice Beam and create the sledge base." Danny instructed.

Nidoqueen let out a powerful cry as a beam of ice shot out of her mouth. It struck the ground and slowly a large pillar of ice started to form as Nidoqueen slightly tilted her head so the Ice Beam was always near the top of the pillar.

"Okay Lapras, you use Ice Beam as well. Just like Nidoqueen." Ash instructed.

Lapras let out an elegant cry as she tensed up. Focusing her ice type energy at her mouth just like Dragonair showed her. An Ice Shard appeared at her mouth and was relatively small. Just like she was shown by the dragon type, Lapras pushed with all she could and a beam of ice shot out of the Ice Shard. It struck the ground and wasn't nearly as big as Nidoqueen's and was a bit wobbly as Lapras tried to keep focused.

"Come on Lapras, you can do it." Ash encouraged.

Lapras had a small flame of determination enter her eye. Ash has not only gone out of his way to help her find her family but he has also spent a lot of time whilst travelling to help train her. It was because of him that she learnt this attack and he is trusting her to help in this important gym match. She can't let him down, not after what he's done for her.

With a whole new level of determination, Lapras pushed even harder and the Ice Beam doubled in size. As the Ice Beam started to form a pillar of ice where it struck on the ground, Lapras adjusted her head to ensure the Ice Beam was at the top of the pillar. Although, it soon became too much for the transport Pokemon and the Ice Beam came to a stop as she was panting heavily. She is still an infant after all, and that took a lot out of her.

"That's enough, Nidoqueen." Danny also stopped his Pokemon.

Looking at the two pillars of ice formed, they looked pretty similar in size, width and height. The main difference is that Lapras' is slightly longer and wider mainly because she couldn't keep the Ice Beam steady like her opponent. Still, she worked hard to learn that attack and it has clearly paid off. Ash smiled at the work and ran up to the Transport Pokemon.

"Awesome Lapras, that was great." Ash congratulated. "I am so proud of you.".

Tears appeared in Lapras' eyes as Ash gave her a gentle hug. She nuzzled herself into his stomach as she happily accepted the gesture. Proud, that was the best thing Ash could've told her. Back with her parents she was the youngest in the group and always babied. She was never taught any moves or how to battle simply because she was so young but that has changed with Ash. She has proven she isn't the timid little girl they first met. Although she misses her parents dearly, she has to admit that meeting Ash and his friends was probably the best thing that could've happened.

"I wouldn't celebrate just yet. You still have to carve a sledge out of the ice pillar." Danny informed them before looking over his Pokemon. "Geodude, if you don't mind.".

Geodude nodded and hopped over to the ice pillar Nidoqueen made. Clenching his fists, he slammed it into the base of the ice pillar and it went straight through it, causing the Ice Pillar to fall on its side. It than jumped on top of the giant piece of ice and began to punch the centre of it, chipping the ice away.

"Right." Ash replied before looking towards his grass poison type. "Ivysaur, you're up.".

Ivysaur let out a cry and stepped forward towards the Ice Pillar Lapras made. Shooting out two razor sharp leaves from the bulb on his back, they flew at the ice pillar and cut around the base weakening it.

Charging forward, Ivysaur struck the pillar with enough force to break it at the base which the Razor Leaf weakened. He also caused the centre of the pillar to crack where the Take Down struck it. Like the other ice pillar, it lay on the ground.

"Good job Ivysaur, keep it up." Ash encouraged.

He knows he doesn't need to tell Ivysaur what to do, after all Ivysaur helped the Professor create a new lake at the ranch when a war broke out between some grass and water types. There is a reason he is an ambassador at the Oak Pokemon lab.

Shooting six vines out of his bulb, Ivysaur started to whack the centre of the pillar where the cracks from the Take Down were. After a couple of good hits, the cracks shattered into small shards. Ivysaur used his vines to clear them out of the soon to be sitting area before continuing to whack away at the pillar.

After a good couple of minutes of the two Pokemon working on the separate ice pillars, Ivysaur and Geodude stood in front of the pieces they created. Geodude's was a lot neater which clearly comes with experience while Ivysaur has the back pretty much destroyed so it could fit Lapras inside.

"Nidoqueen, would you please move the sledge to the starting line?" Danny requested kindly.

Nidoqueen nodded and walked up to the ice sledge behind Geodude. Picking it up with incredible strength, she easily moved it towards the edge of the cliff. Ash sighed, none of his current team are exactly physically strong so how could he move their sledge to the starting position. Lucky Haunter had the answer.

She enlarged one of her hands and easily picked up the ice sledge, tossing it behind her carelessly it landed besides the other sledge and it was a miracle that it didn't break. Before anyone could response to her actions, she used her enlarged hand to pick her 'team' up. She dropped them into the sledge. Ivysaur was at the very front, Ash was behind him while Lapras was in the back. Haunter was floating behind Lapras with her two disembodied hands holding each side.

"Alright, I've been playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to prepare for this." Haunter declared with a lot of determination.

"What!?" Ash exclaimed.

"I've seen the author's plan, obviously." Haunter replied matter-of-factly. "I knew what he was going to do for this gym and I also know that at the lake of rage he is going to...".

"STOP IT HAUNTER!" The author scolded.

"Fine..." Haunter sighed. "At least I'll be in the Power of One arc.".

Everyone just decided to ignore the rambling ghost poison type. Looking at the second sledge they saw Danny and his team were in a similar position. Geodude was in the front (like Ivysaur), with Danny seated in the middle and Nidoqueen in the back. Scyther was outside of the sledge with his scythes stuck in the sledge. Ash was wondering how Scyther plans to steer when he isn't able to see over Nidoqueen.

"The race will start when the horn goes off." Danny informed Ash and his team. "The way down is shown by the different signs and it is the first team to reach the finish line. Your friends can take the cable car back down and there will be signs to show them to the finish line as well.". Serena, Misty, Drake, Pikachu and Togepi nodded and made their way over to the cable car. This was it, time for the real challenge to begin...

Ash VS Danny (Sledge race):

The horn sounded throughout the entire mountain, Geodude, Danny and Nidoqueen leaned forward as Scyther started to beat his wings, soon the gym leader's team was sledging down the mountain. With Danny giving information to Scyther, acting as his eyes. Ash turned around to see his ghost poison type giving herself a manicure.

"Haunter! What are you doing!?" Ash exclaimed in anger. "The race has started!".

"I am giving myself a manicure." Haunter replied as she examined her work. "What does it look like.".

"Well we need to get going or we won't be able to win!" Ash exclaimed.

"Say the magic word." Haunter teased.

"Please." Ash gritted his teeth. This is possibly the worst start they could've had.

"That's better." Haunter sighed happily as she grabbed the sledge again. "And, cue the music.". Out of no-where the Sonic X - theme song started playing. "Huh, I guess this will have to do.".

Before any of them could respond, Haunter shot into the sky with the sledge and her team in tow. Landing on the slope of the mountain, the team was moving down at a blinding speed. No-body in the sledge could see left or right as the sledge was blowing snow away in two giant waves. Being forced to look forward the trio in the sledge had a terrified look on their faces as they were quickly coming up on Danny's sledge.

As they pasted the gym leader the snow waves being pushed to the sides by the sledge towered over them. Before Danny or his Pokemon could react, the snow had covered all of them and brought their sledge to a complete stop. Haunter looked back as they quickly disappeared out of sight.

"Now that's what I call, being snowed in." Haunter laughed at her own joke.

"Haunter! Focus! Big Rock!" Ash shouted in a panick. Haunter turned to look at the incoming rock and her eyes sparkled.

"Oooh, this is finally my chance." Haunter declared as she sped the sledge up without even trying to avoid the rock.

"HAUNTER!" Ash shouted as the sledge hit the rock. Soon the entire team was air born. Ash, Ivysaur and Lapras cried out in fear as Haunter had a different idea.

"I believe I can fly, I believe I can touch the sky. I think about it every night and day." Haunter sang. "Spread my imaginary wings and fly away.".

"Haunter! You can float normally!" Ash shouted in complete fear as the ground was quickly coming back towards them. "What is wrong with you!?".

"You know, Ashy, darling. If you keep asking that than maybe it is you with the problem." Haunter retorted with a smug look.

"JUST DO SOMETHING!" Ash shouted in fear.

"Well we can always try this." Haunter replied as she pulled a giant yellow star out of thin air, the star had two black eyes on it. "I might've borrowed it from an Italian plumier who has a skill for rescuing Princess'.".

Flipping the Super Star in the air Haunter swallowed it and she started to glow multiple colours. Grabbing a hold of the sledge, it along with everyone in it also started to glow multiple colours. Slamming into the ground, Ash was pleasantly relieved to find they were all in one piece.

Looking forward, they could make out the finish line but instead of slowing down for a safe finish Haunter seemed to be picking up speed. Letting go of the sides, Haunter jumped into the sledge on top of Ivysaur.

"Falcon Punch!" Haunter shouted as she threw a flaming fist forward as they passed the finish line. Everything became surrounded in smoke. Serena, Misty, Drake, Pikachu, Cubone and Togepi all looked on with confusion as to what is happening.

As the smoke cleared, the group could make out a podium. Haunter was floating over the first-place part while holding a trophy, Lapras was in the second place with Ivysaur in third. Ash was still in the sledge looking like he was going to throw up.

"The sad part is, that is the closest we will get to another F-Zero." Haunter pointed out. "Ya here that Nintendo, we all know you read Pokemon fan fics and I've just called you out.".

"Urg, at least I won my second badge." Ash weakly replied before fainting in the sledge.

It is the day after Ash's gym battle with Danny and the group is setting off for Ash's next gym battle, on Trovita Island. They spent the night on Navel Island to let Lapras rest after the gym battle. Danny also handed Ash the Sea Ruby Badge, which was a seashell shaped like an oyster with a green gemstone in the centre.

The team also made a few rotations before leaving. After her performance in the gym battle, Ash realised he had more than his fill of Haunter for a while so he sent her back to the lab along with Ivysaur and Charizard. His current team consists of: Pikachu, Wartortle, Muk, Sandslash, Aerodactyl and Lapras since he went for those who haven't really travelled in the Orange Islands or had a proper chance at a gym battle. With the obvious acceptations being Pikachu and Lapras.

Serena also made a few rotations so her current team is: Beedrill, Seadra, Eevee, Farfetch'd, Kangashkan and Seel. While Kabuto is really working hard on both his appeal performance and contest battle combinations, he has been on her team since the start of this journey so she felt like it was time she sent him back. Delphox also went back because she wanted to spend some time with Ash's Charizard.

Misty didn't make too major of changes to her team but her current line-up is: Starmie, Goldeen, Tentacruel, Kingler, Psyduck and Poliwag. Although subtle the group noticed Misty did make an instant interest when Drake mentioned Trovita would be the next gym Ash takes on. While they might not know why, they certainly know Misty is looking forward to the next major stop on their journey.

Drake's current team is: Cubone (obviously), Victreebel, Machamp, Snorlax, Jolteon and Pinsir. While it has been a slow start, Drake can say he is starting to feel close to his Pokemon other than Cubone. Obviously, they aren't as close as Ash is to any off his Pokemon or share the bond Drake has with Cubone but that is to be expected. The true test to see if Drake has learnt the secret to bonding will be how he handles a wild Pokemon but who knows when the opportunity will arise?

The good news is, it won't take long to reach Trovita Island, they should be there tomorrow at the latest. The problem with that is, Trovita is a big island and the gym is on the opposite side of the island. While Lapras could swim around to get there, it would be quicker to walk across the island plus Lapras could use a rest after all her hard work recently, but that is for a later as the journey continues...

Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...

"Ha! The author thought he would get me through an appearance without swearing. Well I am going to S*** over that idea." Haunter appeared out of no-where and spoke to the readers. "Don't worry my fans, I will be back for the Power of One arc. TTFN, ta ta for now.".