Author's note:
Hello, Storymaker2 here. It wasn't easy but I this chapter done, I've been planning it for a long time and I think I did well. But in reality it's up to you guys to determine if I did well so please enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not own pokemon
Chapter 13 : Battle chateau
Several days had passed since Ash and the others left Camphreir town. Each day Ash and Red woke up early to do training sessions with their Pokémon. One morning Ash and Red were having a practice battle.
"Pancham use leer", "Charmander use growl". Pancham's eyes glowed blue as he hit Ash's charmander with leer and lowered his defenses. After being hit with leer Charmander let out a loud growl that lowered Pancham's attack power.
"Pancham use arm thrust".
"Charmander move to the side and try to scratch the side of his head", Charmander did what Ash said but Pancham was quick to respond.
"Pancham use your left arm to block him then use karate chop". Pancham to his left arm up blocking Charmander scratch. He then smashed his right arm into Charmander knocking him to the ground.
"Did you forget who you're facing Ash".
"Don't give up Charmander" Charmander got up and growled at Pancham.
"Pancham use karate chop".
"Charmander duck down and lean back". Charmander did what I said and he avoided the karate chop.
"Nice try, Pancham arm thrust and aimed for his legs".
"Charmander use your tale to block his attack, then use scratch on his left leg". Charmander swung his tail around an knocked Pancham's arm out of the way . Once it was out of the way Charmander scratched the back of Pancham's left leg making him lose his balance and stumbled backwards.
"Flamethrower!" , "Char mander!" He shouted as he unleashed a torrent of fire right into pancham.
"Alright great work Charmander!", "PIka!".
"Alright I think it's time we give them a breather" Red said.
"Sounds good". The two took out some bottles of water and gave each of their Pokémon a drink.
"Alright once they're done we should get back to the pokemon center" Red said.
"Hey, Red do you mind if we talk a little".
"I'm always here for you little bro".
"Red we're twins please stop calling me little brother".
"That's never going to happen".
"Anyway, I've been thinking about our next gym battle. I talked with Clemont about the gym leader, his name is Grant and apparently he's a rock type trainer".
"Rock type huh, well Pancham knows fighting type moves and you have Riolu. But still the rest of our pokemon don't really have any effective moves against rock types" Red said.
"I was thinking about that and I've been looking though the pokedex at moves our other pokemon can learn. Pikachu can learn iron tail, Fletchling and Fletchinder can learn steel wing, and our Charmander's can learn dragon claw, and rage. Which may not be super effective against rock types but it will do more than fire moves and scratch" Ash said.
"You've got a good point Ash" Red looked back at his pokemon.
"So do you guys want to start now?". "Char!", "Cham!", Fletchlinder squawked.
"Alright lets get training" Ash said. "Pika!", "Char!", "RIo!". After another few hours of training Ash and Red made their way back to the pokemon center. When they went inside they saw the others eating breakfast at one of the tables.
"Bonnie I don't care if you thought she was nice , you do not ask random girls to marry me!" Clemont almost screamed.
"But she had lots of pokemon with her". Serena saw Ash and Red walk towards them.
"Hey guys how was the training session?".
"Great as usual" Red said.
"Well while you guys were training we stopped by the market and refilled our supplies. So we can head out when you're ready" Clemont said.
"Uh actually, there is something I wanted to ask you guys" Serena said.
"Go ahead" Ash said.
"You see I heard about a place called the battle chateau that isn't far from here".
"Battle chateau?" Red said.
"Ah yes I've heard of the battle Chateaus, they are very upper class establishments around Kalos. From what I hear that many great trainers go there to battle".
"I would really like to see what it's like there" Serena said.
"Of course, we can head out right now if you want to" Ash said.
"Really! Thanks guys". After finishing breakfast the group left the pokemon center and followed the map towards the battle chateau.
"Is the battle chateau really a fancy place!?" Bonnie said sounding excitement.
"From what the information in this pamphlet I picked up at the pokemon center says, trainers from all over Kalos usually come to them and they were started by several extremely wealthy former Pokémon league champions".
"Former champions, alright now I really what to see what this place is like" Ash said. after another few minutes of walking the group reached a riverside. Built directly over the river was a large Castle like manner with large blue windows on the sides, a large blue rooftop, and a small gate in the front with a man wearing a very well trimmed tuxedo and bow tie, with a monocle on his right eye.
"alright I think we're in the right place" Red said. They walked up to the man who saw them coming towards the gate. He gave a respectful bow then looked back at them.
"Welcome to the battle Chateau , my name is Winston i'm the overseer of this chateau".
"pleasure to meet you, I am Serena. There are my friends, Ash, Red, Clemont, and Bonnie. We're new to the battle chateau and we were hoping they could find out more about what goes on here".
"Of course follow me inside". Winston opened the gate and led them into the manner. Serena and the others were amazed when they saw the inside of the battle chateau. The floors and walls were made of white and black marble, with fine silk rugs and tapestries. Near the sides of the walls were black marble columnists and authentic knight armor.
"this place is incredible" Clemont said.
"It really is super fancy" Bonnie said. Winston led them to a pair of women wearing maid's outfit's who respectfully bowed to Winston.
"Good morning Winston do you have new members?" One of them said.
"Indeed Clara, would you mind helping me explain to them how battle Chateaus work?".
"Of course not, let me start. You see the first battle Château was created several hundred years ago during the medieval ages. The ruler of Kalos, who was also a renowned Pokémon trainer and duelist, started the first chateau as a means for nobleman and knights to raise their status in society by proving their abilities against each other and Lance duels and Pokémon battles".
"Several years ago a few former Pokémon champions from around the world met in Kalos and found a descendant of the king who originally started the battle Chateau. Together they decided to pool their money and start a series of new battle chateaus" Winston said.
"In a battle chateau once a week at tournament is hosted at a battle chateau. Members compete against each-other in pokemon battles and with each victory your rank in the chateaus will increase".
"Rank?" Serena said.
"Yes , they are based of the ranks the king of Kalos gave his noblemen. There is baron/baroness, Viscount/Viscountess, Earl/Countess, Marquis/Marchioness, then Duke/Duchess. If anyone can make it to the rank of Duke or Duchess they will be eligible to compete in the grand festival that takes place at the original battle chateau. The winner earns the highest rank possible Grand Duke/Grand Duchess".
Serena was amazed at how the battle chateau worked, the ranking system, and how elegant the entire thing was. Serena finally knew, this is what she wanted to do.
"Winston could we compete in these tournaments?" Serena asked.
"Yeah they sound fun" Red said.
"Your in luck the tournament for this week is today and as new members you are eligible to enter. However, for some of the other battle chateaus you will need be at least at the rank of Baron to compete. But if you win enough battles in the tournament today you can reach the rank of Baron".
"Sweet, this sounds great" Red said.
"very well, I'll put your names in as members and you can wait in the lounge with the other members until the tournament starts. Oh but first you'll need to get changed".
"Changed?" Ash said.
"Oh course this is very formal facility, you must be in very formal attire to participate in battles here". Ash, Red, and Clemont sweat-dropped. Bonnie and Serena on the other hand were very excited about the idea of dressing up in formal cloths.
In a changing room Ash and Red had changed into formal suits with Pikachu and Red's charmander watching them.
"Well we may have to wear these, but we'll get plenty of battle experience here"Red said.
"Not only that but did you see the way Serena lit up when Winston explained the tournament and how the battle Chateaus work. I think she might have finally found something she wants to do on her journey" Ash said. Ash and Red started to hear a little laughed behind them. They turned around and saw their pokemon watching Clemont as he tried to get the suit on.
"Come on Clemont if you want our help just ask for it" Red said.
"I can do this I know I can!" Clemont said as he tried to get the pants on before falling over. Just then Ash felt someone grab his shoulder and put something in his hair. Acting mainly on instincts Ash grab the man by his arm and hurled him against the wall holding the man's arm behind his back. Moments later Ash realized it was Winston.
"My my for a young man you've got strength, I'm sorry for sneaking up on you like that" he said.
"Oh sorry Winston, but what were you trying to do?".
"Combing your hair of course, it's far to messy for the tournament. Yours to young man" He said looking at Red. Ash and Red sweatdropped. Ash sighed, "Just get it overwith". Pikachu and Charmander laughed a little as they watched their trainers's always messy hair get combed by Winston. Meanwhile Clemont still tried to get the suit on.
"Come on I know I can do it" He said as he tried to get the pants on again. Chespin and Heliolisk were watching as he fell over again. Heliolisk shook his head while chespin laughed a little.
Meanwhile Serena and Bonnie K mouth of the women's dressing room. Bonnie was wearing a pink dress with a yellow bonnet and her hair. "I look so pretty don't I skitty. Serena come out you look amazing!". Serena came out of the dressing room. She was wearing a red dress with her hair was done into a poneytail with a red bow near the front.
"Wow You look so pretty Serena" Bonnie said.
"Thanks Bonnie, I wonder if the boys are almost ready?". Moments later Ash and Red walked out with their pokemon. Serena had never seen Ash in such a formal suit, or combed hair for that matter, she thought he looked so handsome.
"Well don't you two look handsome" Serena said.
"Uh thanks, you look beautiful" Ash said. Hearing him say that made Serena blushed so much she almost couldn't hide it.
"Hey where's Clemont?" Bonnie said.
"He's still trying to get his suit on, he finally agreed to let Winston help him" Red said. A minute later Clemont came out in a suit and bow tie with his pokemon close behind him.
"Well it was harder than I thought it would be but i'm ready" .
"Very good, you may now enter the lounge area and socialize with the other members" Winston said as he opened the doors. Ash and the others were amazed when they saw the lounge area. The walls were painted light green, the carpet was a nice red and light red. There were several blue couches and chairs, some around coffee tables. A few potted trees. Some chanticleers overhead, a set of stairs leading to an upstairs section, and even a small library.
"wow this place is incredible" Serena said.
"Feel free to enjoy, the tournament starts in an hour" Winston said before he walked out. Ash and the others walked around the lounge. Dozens of men and women of varying ages filled the lounge. All of them were dressed in formal suits and dresses like Ash and the others. Some of the trainers had pokemon out with them.
"I can't wait for the tournament to start" Red said.
"Ohh hello" A voice said. Red and the others turned around to see a young woman around our age wearing a blue dress standing in front of them. The girl had long Brown hair, green eyes, and tanned skin.
"You guys must be new to the battle chateau. My name is Shauna" She said.
"Hello I'm Red, this is my brother Ash. These are my friends Serena, Clemont, and his sister Bonnie". Red said before he and the others noticed Bonnie wasn't next to them anymore.
"Huh where's Bonnie".
A few feet away A pretty young woman with a litleo next to her was talking with two older woman. She felt someone tugging at her dress and turned around to see Bonnie.
"You're really pretty miss" She got down on one knee and said "Will you marry my brother".
"Bonnie!" Clemont screamed when he saw what she was doing. His face turned red as he sprinted over and grabbed her.
"I'm so sorry" Clemont said to the young woman who looked a little freaked out.
"Did she just propose for him?" Shauna said.
"Yeah it happens" Red said.
"So tell me more about you guys. Where are you from?".
"Ash and I are from Kanto, we moved to Lumoise city a few weeks ago and started our journey with professor Sycamore".
"I'm from Vaniville Town , I'm also a student of professor Sycamore".
"Really he helped me start my journey to, what pokemon did you guys pick?". Serena let out her Fennekin.
"I picked Fennekin" She said as Fennekin jumped into her trainer's arms.
" Sycamore let me choose Charmander as mine".
"Pikachu was my starter pokemon".
"Pikachu, and charmander? I've never heard of that before at least not in Kalos".
"I'm not actually a student of professor Sycamore, I'm the Lumoise city gym leader" Clemont said.
"Really!" Shauna said.
"Yes, I'm traveling with these guys to get more experience of that I can become a better" Clemont started.
"Clemont Bonnie's gone" Red said. Clemont noticed Bonnie had freed herself from his robotic arm and was now by another young woman.
"Ahh! Bonnie no!" He screamed as he ran over towards her. Red and the others sweat dropped.
"Well the pokemon professor Sycamore gave me was, Sally".
"Who?" Serena said.
"Oh right, you don't know her" Shauna said as she took out a pokeball. A small froakie came out and hopped into her trainer's arms.
"This is Sally".
"Oh a froakie" Red said.
"After we started our journey I knew I wanted to become a grand Duchess. I've been training for the last few weeks and caught a few Pokémon. But I only joined the battle Chateau earlier this week ,I haven't had a chance to compete in a tournament yet".
"Well this will be our first tournament to, but Ash and I are actually aspiring to enter the Pokémon league" Red said.
"Oh so you guys are here to gain battle experience".
"Well we are, but Serena wants to compete in the grand Festival" Ash said.
"You do" Shauna said.
"Yes, I really like this place and the idea of the tournaments. I've been looking for a goal to achieve on my journey and I think this is what I was meant to do" Serena said.
"Well it'll be nice competing with you. But since you guys are new here let me introduce you to some of the members I've become friendly with" Shauna lead Ash, Red, and Serena through the lounge while Clemont chased Bonnie.
"No Bonnie!" Clemont screamed as he saw her propose to another young women.
Meanwhile Shauna introduced Ash, Red, and Serena to some of the other trainers she knew. Eventually she showed them tall men in black Kalos army service dress uniform were talking to each other. One man had slightly tanned skin with blue eyes and black hair. Both soldiers were wearing berets with their service uniforms, except his was red with two gold bars on the emblem. Also on the side of his shoulder was a path of the Kalos flag with a gold sword that had wings on it.
The other man was slightly taller with dark skin, gray eyes and black hair. His service uniform unlike the other soldiers had 3 yellow stripes shaped almost like arrows stacked on each other on the sleeve and his beret was green. Ash and the others noticed that there were a few colored stones.
"Guys I would like to introduce you to Captain Badour and Sgt Zakuro they always come here when they're not on duty" Shauna said.
Capt. Badour turned to them "Hello Shauna I these new members?".
"Yes, this is Ash, Red, and Serena".
"Please to meet you" Ash said as he extended his hand out. The two soldiers shook his hand before red did the same.
"So this going to be her first tournament here, I think you're going to like it" Sgt Zakuro said.
"hopefully it will get Ash and I ready for our gym battle in Cyllage City" that caught Zakuro's attention.
"You two want to face Grant?".
"Yeah, we've been doing a lot of training and if he's anything like Viola he certainly isn't going to be an easy trainer to defeat" Ash said. Sgt Zakuro smiled.
"He is very skilled trainer. Now you two say you've faced Viola?".
"Yeah we both defeated her and got bug badges" Ash said.
"well you should be proud from what I hear she's quite a skilled gym leader".
"Sgt I almost forgot Col. Bacot wanted us to finish those reports before tomorrow, we should probably do that before the tournament starts".
"why do you have to do those when we're off duty" Zakuro said.
Ash and the others talked a bit more with Shauna while they waited for the tournament to start. They were joined by Clemont to finally caught Bonnie.
"Aww but brother she was about to say yes".
"Bonnie you are never to do that again".
"Yeah that's gonna stop her" Red said. Serena was looking out the windows at the river the chateau was built over.
"The view is incredible".
"it really is, I only wish I found out about this place sooner than I did. I'm so excited about becoming a baroness" Shauna said.
"Me too" Serena said. Back at the entrance to the lounge another trainer wearing a white dress walked in.
"Good morning miss" Winston said to her.
"Good morning Winston" She said back before walking into the crowd. She looked around a bit before she saw a few familiar faces.
"So how exactly does this tournament work Shauna?" Serena asked.
"It's pretty simple, the traders who are signed up for the tournament are put into brackets. If you win your match you move up in the bracket and just keep moving up as you win. Like Winston said if you win enough battles your rank will move up. Eventually only two trainers are left and they battle in the tournament championship. The winner receives more ranking points than anyone else in the tournament".
"So you don't technically have to win a tournament to enter the grand Festival?" Serena said.
"No you can't get to the rank of duke without winning the tournament but you'd have to enter more tournaments then".
"Well I didn't expect to see you all here" a familiar voice said. Ash and the others turned around to see Viola with her hair tied into a pony tail.
"Viola good to see you again" Red said.
"It's nice to guys again to, but what are you doing at the battle Chateau?".
"We're here competing in the torment" Serena said.
"Really I am too" Viola said.
"So if you're a member of the battle Château and a gym leader what rank are you?" Ash said.
"I'm a Marchioness, though I've only been in a few tournaments so far".
"Well well I was wondering when you'd get here Viola" she turned around and saw Sgt Zakuro standing there.
"Oh Zakuro there you are" Viola said almost nervously.
"So I heard that these two young men one badges from you" Zakuro said. Viola blushed a little.
"Well just you wait Grant, you'll be in for a surprise when they face you". Ash and Red were both dumbstruck.
"Wait a minute your Grant the gym leader!?" Ash said.
"Yes, I am and I'll be watching you two during the tournament" Grant said before walking off with Viola.
"We should watch him to, get some intuition on his Pokémon" Red said. a few minutes later Winston walked back into the lounge.
"Attention everyone the tournament shall begin in 10 minutes the brackets are posted in the galler room".
"We should check out who were facing and where" Shauna said.
Shauna led them to another room in the Château where the other trainers had gathered. After waiting for some of the other trainers to move before they could see the postings. Serena saw she was in match 2 against a girl named Suzy who was a new member. Ash was facing off against a new member named Dalton. Shauna was facing a boy named Carl. Red was facing a girl named Carol, and Clemont was facing off against a new member named Tim.
"Well looks like we're all facing new members like us" Ash said.
"They normally do that to make sure trainers of equal skill level face off against each other" Shauna said.
"Well then you'll never face me" Serena grit her teeth and tightened her fists as she remembered who's voice that was. She slowly turned around and saw Sara standing behind them with several other students from Camphrier academy.
"What are you guys doing here?".
"Students are allowed to come here and compete in the battle of Châteaus. And if you're wondering I'm baroness. If you have any ideas of competing in the grand Festival you may as well give up now. You don't belong here".
"Hey don't talk to her that way" Ash said.
"Oh Ash you're here" She said.
"Who is this girl?" Shauna asked.
"Just some jerk from the Camphrier academy who has a thing for Ash" Red said.
"I'll see you later Ashy, and you should save yourself the embarrassment of losing" Sara said to Serena before walking off with the other students.
"I hope I face Sara so I can shut her up" Serena said.
"That's the right attitude"Clemont said. After another seven minutes the tournament started and Serena was the first in the group to have her battle. Her match was in a large room with marble floor, 2 sets of knight armor, and 4 black marble columns.
Standing across from her was Suzy. Ash and the others were on the sides with Viola and Grant.
"You can do this Serena!" Ash said. Serena took out her first Pokéball and held it to her face.
"I know we can do this, something I can aspire to do and acomplish. Go Furfrou!" Serena threw the pokeball forward and Furfrou came out. Suzy took out her first pokeball and threw it forward. A small Bidoof came out and stood in front of his trainer.
"Let the match begin" the battle overseer said.
"Bidoof start off with the rollout" Bidoof curled himself into a ball of stone then hurled himself at Furfrou.
"Furfrou look out!" Furfrou quickly moved away from Bidoof as he rolled at him. Furfrou moved out of bidoof's path but bidoof immediately changed his direction and started rolling back at Furfrou.
"Furfrou used tail whip and push him away from you". Furfrou waited until his opponent got close then moved out of his way while smacking him with his tail. This caused Bidoof's defenses to lower and made him turn back to normal.
" Alright Bidoof use tackle", Bidoof quickly turned around and tackled Furfrou before he could move.
"Nice job now follow up with the rollout" .
"Furfrou use tail whip again!" Furfrou waited until Bidoof was close then moved out of his way while smacking him with his tail. Once again Bidoof fell out of his rollout.
"Bidoof use rollout!". Bidoof quickly curled back into a wall of rock and smacked into Furfrou.
"Oh no she's hit Furfrou twice now" Bonnie said.
"It's all right I think Serena has something planned" Ash said. Furfrou got back up and smiled as he looked as Bidoof rolled at him.
"Furfrou use headbutt" Furfrou lowered his head and sprinted at Bidoof.
"Is she crazy" Suzy said. To Suzy's surprise when Furfrou made contact with bidoof the rock ball he was in burst open and Bidoof was knocked out cold.
"What!? Bidoof!".
"Bidoof is unable to battle the winner is Serena".
"We did it Furfrou!" Serena said as she ran over and hugged her Pokémon.
"I see she lowering bidoof's defenses until she could knock him out in one strike" Shauna said.
"She is getting a lot better. I'm proud of her" Ash said. Serena walked back over to them with Furfrou.
"You were awesome Serena" Red said.
"thanks guys, I can't believe I just won my first match".
"Speaking of which, I think my match is coming up soon" Ash said. A few minutes later Ash was in a similar room with his opponent.
"I choose you Riolu!" Ash said as he threw his pokeball forward and Furfrou came out.
"Go Starmie!" Dalton said as the purple starfish Pokémon came out.
"Starmie start off with Swift".
"Riolu dodge and use quick attack" Riolu quickly avoided each of the incoming stars then slammed into Starmie.
"Starmie quick use confuse ray".
"Riolu use foresight". Riolu focused heavily on his opponent as the confuse Ray made contact. Despite it's effect, Riolu managed to stay focused by using aura. Ash felt a strange connection with Riolu as he did this.
"Riolu use quick attack".
"What!?" Dalton said as he saw Riolu Sprint forward without confusion and hit Starmie.
"Grrr, starmie use Hydro pump" .
"Riolu dodge and use force Palm!" Riolu easily avoided the incoming Hydro pump, once he was clear Riolu smashed his Palm into the jewel center of Starmie. After contact was made Starmie was knocked out.
"Starmie is unable to battle" The overseer said.
"Great job Riolu!" Ash said.
"Well that was quick" Grant said.
"I told you he was an amazing trainer" Viola said. Over the next few hours the others have their matches one by one.
"Fletchinder Flame charge!" Red shouted. Fletchinder covered himself in fire and flew into his opponents dustclops, knocking him out.
"Dustclops is unable to battle!".
"We did it!" Red said.
"Froakie agility then water pulse!" Shauna said. Her Froakie quickly moved from side to side as a graveler hurled rocks at her. Once she was clear Froakie blasted Graveler with water pulse.
"Graveler is unable to battle".
"We won!" Shauna said.
"Meowth use double team" A meowth quickly made a dozen copies of himself and surrounded Clemont's Helioptile.
"Parabolic charge!" Clemont said. Heliolisk opened his frill and unleashed an electrical charge that hit every one of the copies including the real meowth , knocking him out.
"Meowth is unable to battle".
"Heliolisk we won!". The group met back in the lounge as they waited for the round two postings.
"We all made it to round two!" Serena said with excitement.
"Round two is going to be very exciting. Everyone is paired off with a partner and has a double battle" Shauna said.
"Really that sounds exciting, I can't wait to see who I get paired with" Clemont said. After another few minutes they went back to the posting board and saw who they were paired with.
"hey Shauna were paired together" Red said.
"We are, sweet we'll beat whoever they put against us". Clemont looked at the board and saw he was paired with some girl named Haley.
"Alright but how do I find her?" Clemont said.
"Excuse me are you Clemont?" A soft voice said. Clemont looked behind him and saw a girl around his age with black hair in a poneytail, and blue eyes.
"Oh yes, I guess we'll be partners for the next round".
"You're really pretty, will you marry my Clemont!" Bonnie said as she got down on one knee. Clemont's face turned red.
Serena looked for whom she was paired with and felt excitement fill her body when she saw it was Ash.
"Looks like were paired together Serena".
"I'm so sorry Ash, it won't be your fault when you don't win this round" Sara said as she walked by.
"I won my first battle!" Serena said.
"Everyone has a lucky day" Sara said.
"I really hope I face her" Serena said. A few minutes later Ash and Serena were in their room as their opponents a Baron and Baroness Stood on the other side of the room.
"Let the match begin!" the overseer said.
"I choose you Charmander!" Ash said as he sent out his charmander.
"Fennekin lets do this!" Serena said as Fennekin came out. When Fennekin saw it was Charmander she was fighting with she got a little more excited.
"Go Kirlia!" The baroness said.
"Go Scraggy" A Kirlia and Scraggy came out and faced their opponents.
"Charmander start off with flamethrower".
"Fennekin back him up with ember".
"Charmander!", "Fenn!" both Pokémon shouted as they unleashed their fire attacks.
"Kirlia use psychic" Kirlia's eyes began to grow as the fire stopped directly in front of her and Scraggy.
"Scraggy use sand attack!". Scraggy to his hand forward as sand flew into Charmander's and Fennekin's eyes.
"Oh no" Serena said.
"Scraggy use low kick" Scraggy ran forward as Charmander and Fennekin tried to get the sand out of their eyes,
"Charmander swing your tale directly in front of you when I say now", "Char!" Ash waited until Scraggy got close.
"Now!" Charmander swung his tale directly in front of him and knocked Scraggy out of the way.
"Ash" Serena said amazed at what he had just done.
"Charmander use flamethrower!".
"Kirlia use teleport into psychic" Kirlia disappeared and then reappeared in front of Scraggy. Once she was in front of him she used psychic to stop the flamethrower once again.
"Fennekin use flame charge" Fennekin covered herself with fire and then sprinted forward. Before Kirlia that even react she was hit with flame charge and knocked back a few feet.
"Scraggy use focus punch!" Scraggy quickly got up and slammed his fists directly into Fennekin's face knocking her back a few feet.
"Fennekin!".
"That looked like it hurt" Red said.
"Fennekin stay with us!" Bonnie said.
"Scraggy finish her with low kick".
"Oh no Fennekin you have to get up!" Serena cried. Fennekin tried to get up but the focus punch had taken a great toll on her.
"Charmander stop him !". Charmander was about to intercept when Kirlia turned to him.
"Kirlia use confusion" Kirlia hit Charmander with a psychic attack that immobilized him.
"Charmander you have to fight through it". "Char" Charmander saw Fennekin in pain and how Scraggy was coming to finish her off. "Charmander!" despite the pain and Charmander broke free from confusion and sprinted at Scraggy.
"Fennekin no!" Fennekin closed her eyes as Scraggy closed in on her. At the last possible moment Charmander's claws began to glow Violet and he smashed them into Scraggy , knocking him out. Fennekin opened her eyes and saw Charmander standing in front of her.
"What just happened?" Serena said.
"Charmander learned Dragon claw!" Ash said.
"What? Oh it doesn't matter Kirilai use psychic" Kirlia's eyes glowed as she telekinetic leak picked up Charmander and prepared to hurl him into the ground. Fennekin finally got the strength to get up.
"Fenn!" She screamed as she unleashed flamethrower and torched Kirlia.
"Fennekin , did you just learn flamethrower?" Serena said. When the flames cleared Kirlia was covered in soot and then fell backwards.
"Kirlia is unable to battle" The overseer said. Serena and Ash went over to their Pokémon.
"Fennekin I'm so proud of you, learning flamethrower like that".
"I'm proud of you to Charmander, you saved Fennekin". Fennekin looked back at Charmander and blushed a little. Later Shauna and Red were having their match.
"Charmander use flamethrower".
"Skiddo use headbutt!" Shauna said. Charmander unleashed flamethrower on his opponents Golebat as Skiddo smashed his head into a raticace knocking her out.
"Golebat and Raticace are unable to battle".
"Alright!" Red said.
"We won!" Shauna said.
"Looks like you and Haley are the only ones who have to win now" Ash said.
"Right we can do this!" Clemont said.
Several minutes later Clemont and Haley were in another room for their battle.
"Chespin pin missile!" .
"Fennekin use ember!" Haley said.
"Fletchinder Dodge and use flame charge".
"Totodile extinguish her with watergun!". Fletchinder quickly flew forward and avoided chespin's pinmissile. Once he was clear he covered himself in fire and slammed into chespin.
"Oh no Chespin!" Chespin was knocked out by the flame charge. Meanwhile the totodile unleashed a powerful jet of water that extinguished ember and hit Haley's fennekin knocking her out.
"Oh no" Bonnie said.
"Chespin and Fennekin are unable to battle". Clemont sighed as he picked up Chespin.
"It's all right chespin you tried your hardest".
"Looks like Clemont won't be going on to round three" Red said.
"That's too bad" Serena said. Later after a nurse looked at all of their pokemon, Serena and the others went back to the postings for round three. When Serena software she was paired up against she didn't know whether to be happy or scared.
"Serena who are you facing?" Clemont asked.
"Sara".
"Good you can finally shut her up" Shauna said.
"It'll be my pleasure". Serena went to the room for her battle and stood across from Sara.
"I've been looking forward to this I can finally show you how much better I am" Sara said.
"We'll see about that", Serena took out Fennekin's Pokéball and threw it forward. Fennekin came out and growled when she saw who they were facing.
"Aww your little Fennekin, to bad I have this pokemon" Sara threw a Pokeball forward and a large blue frog like Pokémon came out.
"What is that?" Serena said as she opened her pokedex "Frogadier ,It can throw bubble-covered pebbles with precise control, hitting empty cans up to a hundred feet away".
"That's the evolved form of Froakie" Shauna said.
"That's not good" Red said.
"She can still do this I know she can" Ash said.
"Don't get scared Fennekin".
"Frogadier, use water pulse".
"Fennekin dodge and use tail whip". Fennekin quickly moved out of the way as waterpulse hit the ground near her. Once she was clear Fennekin ran forward slapped her tail into Frogadier lowering his defenses.
"Frogadier use smokescreen" Frogadier unleashed a black ball of smoke that burst into a thick screen around fennekin.
"Now hit her with pound".
"Fennekin just run forward and use flamecharge!". Fennekin covered herself in fire and sprinted forward as fast as she could. As Serena hoped Fennekin hit Frogadier before he could hit her.
"Serena's actually doing pretty good" Ash said.
"Hmp, you'be gotten lucky so far but now it's time for me to and this. Frogadier double team into bubble" Frogadier quickly made a dozen copies of himself and surrounded Fennekin. Once she was surrounded Frogadier and all the copies hit Fennekin with bubble.
"Fennekin!".
"Now use water pulse!" The real Frogadier unleashed water pulse and hit fennekin dead on, knocking her out.
"No!".
"Fennekin is unable to battle" .
"Ha ha, what did I tell you ,you're nothing compared to me" Sara said. Serena felt as if she had been hit in the gut. She had failed Fennekin and lost the match. Serena walked over and picked up fennekin.
"I'm sorry Fennekin", "Fen" Fennekin said with a sad expression on her face.
"Serena lost" Red said. Ash walked over to her and put his hand on her shoulder.
"Serena it's alright, everyone looses sometimes, is what you learn from your losses that makes you a better trainer". Serena gave a slight smile and turned towards him.
"Thank you Ash". They walked back over to the others.
"It'll be alright Serena. Everyone loses some time" Red said.
"Yeah I mean I just lost" Clemont said.
"Thanks guys, I really appreciate it". Later in another room Ash was facing off against captain Badour.
"Fletchling use agility into razor wind". Fletchling quickly moved as a Dragon rage flew past him and prepared to use razor wind.
"Haxerous use hyper beam!" Captain Badour haxerous opened his mouth and unleashed hyperbeam, which blew through the razor wind and hit fletchling, knocking him out.
"Fletchling!" Ash said, He ran forward and caught Fletchling before he hit the ground.
"Fletchling is unable to battle".
"It's alright Fletchling we did our best" Ash said.
"Looks like Ash lost too" Red said.
"The competition is really getting stiff".
"Pancham dodge and use scratch" Red's pancham moved back as a flamethrower hit the ground in front of him.
"Delphox use psybeam!" The delphox blasted pancham with psybeam knocking him out.
"Oh no" Red said.
"And there goes Red" Ash said. Red retured his pancham.
"You did all I can ask of you pancham". Later in another room Shauna was having her match.
"Litleo use ember" .
"Graveler use rollout" Graveller rolled himself forward as the embers hit him. despite being hit by ember Graveller continued on and hit Litleo knocking her out.
"Litleo is unable to battle".
"Oh well, we did our best litleo" Shauna said as she returned her litleo. The group went to see Viola face off against Grant in their third round match. Ash and Red were watching closely knowing they would have to face Grant soon.
"Onix use rock tomb".
"Surskit use agility". Viola's surskit quickly moved across the ice it created as onix hurled dozens of rocks towards her. Using her agility Surskit avoided each one but after a few well placed shots she was completely surrounded by rocks.
"Oh no" Viola said.
"Onix use flash cannon!" Grant said. Onix roared as he unleashed a powerful white beam. When flashcannon hit Surskit the explosion blew her out of the rocks and she landed in front of Viola unconscious.
"Surskit is unable to battle". Viola sighed as she walked over to her surskit.
"You did well Surskit , don't think you didn't".
"Well done onix I'm very proud of you. Viola I'm also impressed in how much you've improved since we last battled". Viola blushed a little.
"Thanks Grant".
"He's not going to be easy to beat" Ash said.
"I guess we'll have to do some more training" Red said. After the final match of the tournament all of the contestants had met in the main hall. Winston was staining on top of a stage with a young man who had entered the tournament.
"I would like to present the winner of this weeks tournament, Jason Isaac", the rest of the contestants applauded as Jason and his Noivern bowed.
"As for the rest of you, I am pleased to say most of you have earned a rise in rank". A maid walked up to Ash and the others.
"I am please to tell you that you are all now at the rank of Baron, or baroness".
"Really!" Serena said.
"Sweet!" Ash said.
"Now that the tournament has been completed we will have our ceremonial post tournament ball in the ballroom" Winston said.
"Ball?" Ash said. Winston lead them to the ballroom where a small concert band had gathered. Winston gave them the ok and they started playing very formal music.
"Viola may I have this dance" Grand said bowing before her. Viola blushed a little.
"Of course".
"Hey she looks really pretty!" Bonnie said as she saw a girl and ran towards her.
"Bonnie no!" Clemont screamed as she chased after her. Red noticed that Serena was standing in a corner alone looking depressed.
"Serena looks pretty bummed out. Maybe we should talk to her". Red said.
"I think she just needs to be alone right now. Sometimes that just what a girl needs" Shauna said.
"Maybe you're right. Anyway may I have this dance?" Red said as he formally bowed in front of Shauna.
"Oh Red, of course" Shauna said as she took his hand. Despite making it to the rank of Baroness she still felt very bad about how Sara treated her, and how she lost to her. She felt like she had failed her pokemon and that was even worse then loosing.
Ash and Pikachu noticed that Serena was looking very depressed.
"She looks very sad, we should say something to her", "Pika" Pikachu nodded.
"Hello Ash" He turned around and saw Sara standing behind him.
"I told you, I was a better trainer than her. Now it's proven, what say we dance handsome".
"You're a jerk Sara, just leave Serena alone" Ash walked away from her and over to Serena.
"Serena are you ok?". She looked over and saw him.
"Oh Ash, I'm doing ok".
"You don't look like you're doing ok. Serena something is bothering you and you need to tell me". She sighed.
"It's just, I can't help but feel I let my pokemon down. I mean how Sara treats us and I let her get away with it. I mean how could I just let my pokemon" She started.
"Serena, you can't people like Sara make you feel inferior. You may have lost the match today but you learned from it, you and your pokemon. Your pokemon know this as much as you should. They know you did everything you could and put all your effort it, and in the end that's what really matters". Hearing Ash say this made Serena think and realize he was right.
"And Serena , no matter what anyone says know that you are a great pokemon trainer, and that you have a great relationship with your pokemon and that's all that really matters" Serena's face started to blush.
"Thank you Ash". The band started to play another song. Ash bowed before Serena and said "May I have this dance".
"Yes" She almost shouted. Ash took her right hand with his left and put his right arm around her back. They slowly moved around the dance floor looking into each other's eyes. PIkachu eventually jumped down and joined the other pokemon as they danced to the music.
Pikachu danced next to Riolu who was next to Pancham who was next to Red's charmander. Fennekin was in the corner still a bit shaky from when she was knocked out.
"Char charmander" Fennekin looked over and saw Ash's charmander standing behind her.
"Fenn", "Charmander" He said nudging her to join the others. Fennekin blushed a little then followed him over. Pikachu and Red's charmander watched as they danced next to each other.
"Pika , pikachu" Pikachu said pointing to Ash and Serena then Ash's charmander and Fennekin.
"Char charmander" Red's charmander said nodding. Serena looked into Ash's eyes and thought for a moment.
"Could now be the time to tell him. Everything seems right, just do it" She said.
"Ash, there's been something I've been meaning to tell you for a long time" Serena said nervously.
"I know, what you're going to say" Ash said.
"Huh, you do".
"Yes , and I've been waiting to tell you that I feel the same way".
"Really!" Ash swept Serena off her feet and kissed her.
"Serena , are you ok" Serena opened her eyes and realized she had been fantasizing again.
"You kind off dazed off there" Ash said.
"Oh sorry".. Serena looked into Ash's eyes again and decided not to tell him yet. The moment was so perfect she wasn't going to let anything ruin it. She simply enjoyed their dance as the the moonlight lit up the ballroom and the river below.
So that concludes chapter 13. I'm going to say this right now, the idea for Serena and the battle chateau was not my original idea, I got it from FanaticLAguy06's story and yes he gave me permission, Personally I thought it was brilliant. Anyway , yes Grant is in the Kalos Army and there is a reason why which will be explained later. As for other possible shippings hinted in this chapter (yeah you all know which ones I'm talking about) they may or may not happen. It depends on what you guys think of the idea.
Also I've been asked about Ash's charmander not listening to him when he evolves. Personally I didn't think it was the worst idea to have that happen in the anime since Ash was such an inexperienced trainer with a very powerful pokemon. However, I thought it was dragged on to much. I can say Red's charmander will do no such thing but I'm not completely certain with Ash's. Just know that I haven't decided yet, and even if I do end up doing it, which I may not, it won't be quite as bad as in the anime.
However, If enough of you simply tell me via PM or review that you do not what that to happen I won't do it. In any case I hope you enjoyed the chapter and please review, comment, question, or suggest.