Ash the Iron Trainer

by Mar 'Darry' Darren

It was a freak storm. One that separated Ash from Misty and Brock but not with Pikachu. And yet Ash was able to find an entire new region and be reunited with a friend that he never thought he will see again. With four young Pokémon found in a crate as eggs, Ash will take this new region and in the future, Kanto with skill and Mega Evolution!

25. Queen of Dragons

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.

"Pokémon" – Normal Speech

'Pokémon' – Thoughts

Pokémon – Flashback

Pokémon – Move Names and Pokémon Abilities

{Pokémon} – Pokédex

Ash, the Iron Trainer

Queen of Dragons, the Grandmotherly Drasna

Previously on Ash the Iron Trainer;

"YOU WORKED FOR TEAM FLARE!?"

Malva moaned of a headache to hear such an outburst; then again, she couldn't expect anything less than two trainers that hated Team Flare more than anyone else in Kalos. "WHY!? You are a part of the Kalos League, why be part of terrorists like them!?"

"Kid, you are as mature as any ten-year-old. Don't try to grow up to understand what you may have to do someday for the safety of others and especially your home region." Malva retorted softly. "I was merely there to keep a good idea on Lysandre. And who sent that announcement about the Pokémon Factory once you liberated it? Otherwise, Kalos's economy on Pokéballs will collapse."

"What else did you do while wearing the Team Flare uniform?" Ash asked as stoic as a lord once he took all this in. An outburst like his was more than enough for this woman. "If you are just an undercover agent than what else did you do?"

"You are just trying to savage your pride after you yelled at me like I was a traitor, right?" Malva didn't answer and glared this time. "A little thank-you will be nice."

"I will thank you for the nice battle…" Ash responded, "But what words can make up for being part of a criminal group. How would Kalos take that one of its strongest trainers worked as a double agent? That is why I want to know everything so I can make-up to you right in this lobby."

Malva didn't say a word, and this was worrying Serena and Pikachu. Ash, on the other hand, kept his composure together. That was because they weren't going to listen to words for an answer, it is what the eyes are 'saying' that are 'telling the story'. And Malva's eyes were filled with regret, bitterness to one's self and reluctant agreement to Ash's words; that much the two trainers and a Pikachu could tell from this disgraced Elite Four member.

"That purple-colored door over there is the Dragonmark Chamber, you can guess what type it is based on. That is the type she specializes in, good luck." Malva said before she walked away from the two trainers. Who knows where she is headed but perhaps to face the fact she aided the terrorist Team Flare; something that can ruin her reputation and her Pokémon career in a flash.

In the Dragonmark Chamber, the room is first filled with blue mist, which clears as soon as Ash enters the Chamber. Two giant structures shaped like a dragon's wings spread wide open, and a cover shaped like a dragon's head lifts up. Two pipes on each side of the player then start emitting some sort of incense into the air.

"Oh hello!" Ash turned on a whim to see the next member of the Elite Four. And this…woman was definitely someone he never met before. But it was clear that she was dressed for the theme in her own way.

She was dressed almost like a tribeswoman, with bones and a simple dress to show for it. Her shirt was completely brown while her skirt was both that color and light brown in vertical stripes. Holding both pieces of clothing together was a dirt-brown, thin sash that its knot shown up front; to furnish it was the three fang-bones, the two on each side were facing upwards while the one in middle was pointing downward.

Her sandals had high heels for a woman past her prime; with fang bones placed on top the feet, the middle being twice the size as the ones on the sides. On her wrists were more fang bones that were actually flipped outward with their bases on a green bracelet at each wrist. Around her neck and laying on her chest was a very large necklace; other than three more fang bones, the necklace had green and dirt brown beads.

Her hair was the shade of moonlight and while it was smooth above her forehead, the ends were wild and moved like flags in the wind. Finally, she had earrings that were large fangs (big enough to be daggers) that had their bases in a gray brace that is connected to her ears.

"You are the Elite Four trainer that specializes in Dragon types. I never got your name." Ash asked with respect for the power and skill that she woman was giving off.

"Of course! Such politeness for a such young trainer likes yourself!" She said and Ash wasn't amused, "My name is Drasna. I am descended from Dragon type trainers that date back to ancient times on the region Sinnoh!"

"I am Ash Ketchum. I just defeated Malva and learned how she was involved with Team Flare. I am not in the mood for jokes." Ash responded in the emotionless tone of a brooder. But he was going to battle instead. "If you may, please send out your first Pokémon."

"Come out my darling, Dragalage!"

{Dragalge, the Mock Kelp Pokémon, and the evolved form of Skrelp. Dragalge look very much like drifting kelp when they're swimming with the current.}

Dragalge is a brown aquatic Pokémon that resembles a sea dragon. Its main body is curved in way that resembles the number three. Its sides are a dull shade of purple with slender vertical lines. Its pectoral fins and tail fin resemble dried up kelp. It has a straightened brown snout. Dragalge has a red leaf-like crest and brown-green antenna on top of its head.

Dragalge can spit poison strong enough to eat through the hull of a tanker; this territorial Pokémon will spit this poison at whatever trespasses its territory. As a result, it is said that ships sailing through the seas where it lives never return.

"Well then, I've got the Pokémon for this." Ash said, taking out a Pokéball. "Come on out, Aegislash!" Drasna smiled to see the Royal Sword Pokémon sent to the field, as a sword embedded in the handles of its shield.

"I have heard that you discovered four Pokémon Eggs on a beach, and they all hatched into four Steel type Pokémon." Drasna said before, "I am impressed of your story because there is no beach south of Kalos that you will have to run through a forest to get to Santalune City." Ash raised his eyebrow and retained his focus on the match; to be distracted for even one moment can cost him the match right at the spot.

"Whatever, use Shadow Sneak!" Ash called out and his Aegislash merged with the shadows on the ground to attack Dragalge. Yet it seemed to do little to no damage,

"It's our turn, use Dragon Pulse." Drasna said calmly and so did her Dragalge send out a beam of bright, multi-color energy at Aegislash, sending the Royal Sword Pokémon away! "You might have a Pokémon with a resistance but never underestimate my dragons. Now please do Aqua Tail."

Dragalge moved with its tail covered in water but Ash saw a way to counter it. With, "King's Shield!" Lucky for Ash, Aegislash was a sturdy Pokémon like most Steel types. Otherwise, he won't have recovered just in time for the Mock Kelp Pokémon to move in with its attack within seconds. But King's Shield was a priority move and successfully blocked the Aqua Tail. And Dragalge then lost a lot of Attack power as a result. "Now use Autotomize and then Iron Head!"

Aegislash wasted no time to increase his speed and then moved in to land a powerful blow to the head of Dragalge. But the Mock Kelp Pokémon recovered in no time at all and looked just fine. "My, my! You have picked a reliable Pokémon to start this battle for sure!" Drasna laughed, clearly amused. "Now I can enjoy this battle, use Twister please."

Dragalge roared and stirred up a tornado, a literal twister, that engulfed Aegislash with ease. "Now use Thunder please." Dragalge soon shot out a large thunderbolt that worried Ash.

"Gyro Ball!" Ash called out a rather risky move, with a good chance of it not working. But Aegislash started to spin, in an effort to speed up the Twister. And when the Thunder merged with the Twister, "Now!" Aegislash had to feel some of the power from the Thunder attack but the rest of it was being gathered on the other side of the Twister.

And Aegislash was able to manipulate the Twister to send the concreted mass of electricity at the spot where Dragalge was resting, sending the Mock Kelp Pokémon away a couple of feet with the impact force solely. This also canceled out the Twister attack.

"What strategy dear boy! This is the first time in a while that my Dragalge was actually harmed!" Drasna responded with the same calm, yet excitable tone. "Now how are you going to battle?"

"Like this! Metal Sound!" Ash called out and Aegislash started to rub the two metal pieces of his metallic body to create a horrid sound that lowered Dragalge's special defenses. "Now a Shadow Ball barrage!" Ash knew that it will take a lot more than Metal Sound to deal damage to an Elite Four's Pokémon. That was why Aegislash let loose a whole storm of Shadow Ball attacks that hit Dragalge at almost any angle.

"Camouflage please." Drasna said and that was Dragalge's lucky break when the Camouflage move turned it into a pure Normal type. That caused any and all Shadow Ball attacks to pass through harmlessly. Yet that also means that Dragalge can't get any S.T.A.B. bonus from any attack since any Normal type attacks will not be able to harm a Pokémon like Aegislash. "Now your barrage won't work and we had to put outside at a disadvantage, what are you going to do now?"

"Scared Sword!" Drasna had noticed that despite the other attacks, Aegislash only changed stances because of his ability. And this allowed Aegislash to glow bright on the blade part of his body, and hit Dragalge hard. "We are going to keep fighting until one drops."

"Very well, use Draco Meteor!" Drasna stopped holding back and called for the heavy artillery. Dragalge gathered energy in its mouth sending it off near the ceiling of the chamber. The sphere then exploded, sending actual meteors down to the battlefield! This forced Aegislash to try and dodge the powerful attack. "Now use your own Shadow Ball barrage attack!"

"Night Slash, cut your way through!" Ash called out and the Royal Sword Pokémon saw the barrage heading towards him. Now his blade body part was covered with a dark tone, just in time to sever the Shadow Balls before they can hit him. But Aegislash was going to stand in the same place, instead he was going to 'cut' his way through the storm. "Now use Iron Head!"

"Dragon Tail!" Both attacks met each other and this time, there was no winner. Both Pokémon were sent back by the force from that spot. Now it was time,

"HYRDO PUMP!"

"SACRED SWORD!"

Dragalge shot out a large gust of water while Aegislash charged with his blade glowing brightly. The Hydro Pump had halted Sacred Sword for a moment but all the power behind the Fighting type move won in the struggle and hit the Mock Kelp Pokémon, finally defeating it.

"Very good Ash!" Drasna said, still smiling while returning her Dragalge to its Pokéball. "Now show us your scales of iron, Druddigon!"

Druddigon is a large, blue, draconic Pokémon with medium-sized wings shaped like thistle leaves. Its bright red head is harder than rock and is very rough. It has a set of glaring, ferocious pale yellow irises. Its arms are longer than its legs, giving it the appearance of a hunchback. It has a thick, moderately-sized tail and sharp claws on both the hands and feet. It also has tall, conical, red spikes; three on each arm, one on each shoulder, two on each leg, and four on its tail. It has a blunt, brutal snout, and bearing a jaw with no discernible teeth; instead, small fang-like protrusions sprout from its jaws. It has a series of olive, ellipsoid scutes running across its belly.

Druddigon warms its body by taking in sunlight with its wings; if its body temperature lowers, it becomes immobile. It has savage physical strength; it nimbly chases prey around its den, using its outstretched claws to catch them. Druddigon lives in caves, and is carnivorous.

"First use Night Slash, if you please." Drasna commanded and Druddigon moved towards the Aegislash, almost as fast as her Dragalge.

"King's Shield!" Ash called out and Aegislash felt like his body was tore up to use his signature move one more time. Yes, the last time because Drasna had a plan for this King's Shield as Druddigon was halted in its Night Slash; it was even ignoring the effects lowering its attack power.

"This is my juggernaut, young man, so send Aegislash to the ground hard, please." Ash saw that Drasna spoke like a grandmother was even of the age to be a fresh one, yet she was still a member of the Elite Four. And soon enough, Aegislash found his exhaustion finally taking toll and couldn't keep King's Shield up any longer. "Now please use Outrage."

Druddigon had even canceled out its Night Slash when Aegislash lowered the King's Shield. Now the Cave Pokémon glowed red with rage and power before slamming down both its scaly hands down on the Royal Sword Pokémon. For the final act, Aegislash was given a trip bouncing off the foundation of the chamber; finally learning how a pinball feels.

"Thanks Aegislash, return." Ash said with a solemn tone as he sent his battered Pokémon back into his ball. "Come on out, Mawile!" The Deceiver Pokémon looked especially excited to finally be used in an official battle. Training was getting a little boring for her.

"Getting a little obvious, dear boy. Using a Fairy type against my Druddigon? Are expecting to use it against all my dragons?" Drasna asked with a calmer tone after the adrenaline from the first match-up had died down. "Use Superpower." Ash was shocked to see that Druddigon had actually calm itself down instead of getting confused as a result of using Outrage.

But now Druddigon was covered in a red hue of Fighting type energy rather than the draconic type. And Ash knew that it will spell trouble, even for Mawile. "Iron Defense!" Ash called out for his Deceiver Pokémon to glow metallic and become harder to even be scratched. But Druddigon's Superpower attack was able to leave a large bruise. "Now use Iron Head!"

"Block with Night Slash if you please." Druddigon had surprised Ash once again when the Cave Pokémon was able to stop Iron Head. "Now use Fire Fang." Ash was especially worried to see Druddigon bit down on Mawile with all the teeth covered in re-hot flames. And Mawile was screaming from all the pain until,

"Metal Burst!" Ash called out and Drasna widen her eyes this time. Mawile then stopped struggling and started to smirk instead. She was still feeling the pain but this was actually good. Because the pain and damage from the Fire Fang was fueling Metal Burst, a sliver orb that came from Mawile's large jaw and hit Druddigon hard.

"Now use Play Rough!" Ash called out for Mawile to literally 'play rough' with Druddigon and beaten on him similar to those punch-up clouds kids often watch on cartoons. And this time, nothing is stopping Druddigon from feeling all the pain and punishment since he chipped away all his strength and toughness.

"You are such a darling trainer and with very good judgement of your Pokémon." Drasna said as she returned her Pokémon. "For my next dragon…"

"Sound the way through our darkness, Noivern!" This Pokémon reminded Ash of the Dragon and Flying types that he encountered along with his friends in the caves along Victory Road.

{Noivern, the Sound Wave Pokémon and the evolved form of Noibat. The ultrasonic waves Noivern releases from its ears are powerful enough to crush a boulder.}

Noivern is a large bat-like Pokémon with enormous ears suited for precise hearing. It has a mane of white fur sprouting around its neck and upper back. Noivern has two black wings lined with a dusky purple and has maroon grasping claws. A teal membrane fans between its ribcage and wings. When its mouth is open, two pointed teeth can be seen on its lower jaw.

From its ears, Noivern releases ultrasonic waves, which can be strong enough to shatter a large boulder. It uses these waves to freely navigate through darkness, allowing it to easily ambush prey under cover of night. Noivern is known to be extremely combative toward anything that wanders too close to it. It loves eating fruit; thus, approaching it with fruit helps to keep it calm.

"First use Super Fang." Drasna commanded and Noivern revealed sharp looking fangs that bite down on Mawile hard, being a Steel type did nothing to challenge the power of the Super Fang. "Now use Flamethrower."

"One last Metal Burst!" Ash knew that one Metal Burst could stop Drasna's Druddigon but that Cave Pokémon was already exhausted and this Noivern was fresh out of its Pokéball. And while Mawile tried her best to ignore the flames consuming her tiny body, she did send out a sliver ball of light that glowed brighter than the first. And this one actually left something to show on Noivern's body; even sending the Sound Wave Pokémon to the battlefield for a moment.

And it took a moment for Mawile to smile before fainting to the Flamethrower attack. Ash was silent when he returned her back into the Pokéball, "Come and fight, Bisharp!"

"You must be confident that another Steel type Pokémon can last against my Noivern, dear boy." Drasna commented, "Noivern use Flamethrower again." And the Sound Wave Pokémon sent out another stream of flames at Bisharp, stoic as a general and waiting for his first command.

"Use Stone Edge, like we practiced!" Ash called out and the Sword Blade Pokémon generated a storm of large, sharpened stones but none flew off towards Noivern just yet. Instead, they surrounded Bisharp and blocked the Flamethrower. "Now!'

That call was when Noivern howled to feel a very light avalanche of small sized boulders on top of its head and wings. This, of course, caused the Flamethrower to be canceled out. "Noivern, dodge Stone Edge with Dragon Dance!" Drasna actually yelled out and the Sound Wave Pokémon saw the rest of Bisharp's Stone Edge heading its way.

Yet Noivern had enough time to do its dance in order to gain more Attack power and enough speed to dodge the Stone Edge. "Feint Attack!" Drasna raised her eyebrow to why Ash will use such a low-power move that just happened to never miss until, "Thunder Wave!"

"OH!" Drasna proclaimed and then giggled. "You sure know how to pull out the unforeseen and use them to trick us. What a darling trainer you are!" Ash didn't say a word and his Bisharp just jumped down to the ground while Noivern was not laughing through its paralysis. "Now my dear, use Tailwind and Roost."

Noivern actually moved through his paralysis to generate a gust current behind his wings for more speed and then settled down on the battlefield to recover from all the damage but, "Swords Dance and Duel Chop!"

Bisharp moved faster than most Steel type and while he ran, Bisharp increased his fighting spirit and thus his Attack power. Noivern had just started to use Roost when the Sword Edge Pokémon arrived in front of it, slamming one powerful chop to the head before another set it flying to the wall behind Drasna.

And yet, just as Bisharp just as much as blinked, Noivern got up and looked no different a couple of bruises. "That's a real tank right there Bisharp." Ash spoke up and his Pokémon nodded. "So, let's get this over with because we don't have all day."

"I agree." Drasna said so both her and Ash took in a deep breath before shouting out their next commands.

"HURRICANE!"

"GUILLOTINE!" Bisharp growled to feel the sharp winds take upward and try to eat away at his metal skin. It was like trying to walk into the direction of a rapid-moving river. But all that ended when Noivern howled, its paralysis causing the Sound Wave Pokémon to freeze up. This caused the Hurricane attack to be canceled out, nothing was stopping Bisharp landing that knock-out move; and land that Guillotine, he did.

"Come and soar as high as your dreams once did, Salamence!"

{Salamence, the Dragon Pokémon and the final evolution of Bagon. Constant dreams of flight caused a shift in its cellular structure. When it evolved, Salamence finally grew wings.}

Salamence is a quadruped, draconic Pokémon with a long, tapering tail. It is primarily blue with a gray lower jaw and thickly scaled underside. There are red markings on its throat, the underside of its tail, and stripes on the inner surface of its legs. Additionally, there are raised red ridges above its eyes. Three flat fins protrude from either side of its head. It has two pairs of pointed teeth, one in the upper jaw and one in the lower. Each of its short legs has three claws. This Pokémon's powerful desire to fly triggered a mutation that allowed it to grow large, red wings. As an expression of joy, it flies around and releases blasts of fire. If enraged, it becomes uncontrollable and will destroy everything in its path. This Pokémon is found living in rough terrain.

"Use Fire Fang if you please." Drasna commanded and Salamence charged in with fangs covered in fire, a lot like her Druddigon.

"Take it with Iron Defense!" Ash called out and while Bisharp was skeptical, he still willed the durability of his body to reach twofold. The Fire Fang still hurt but not as bad as it could, "Now Thunder Wave!"

"Let go, hurry!" Drasna shouted and Salamence quickly released its bite on Bisharp but Thunder Wave had a very low chance of missing. And Bisharp sure didn't. "Try to fight it and use Flamethrower!" Drasna was especially worried since she already figured out Bisharp combo with Thunder Wave and eventually, a Guillotine attempt.

Too bad that while Salamence did sent the stream of fire, the Thunder Wave must have also made it slower. Slow enough for Bisharp to easily dodge. "Stone Edge!" Ash called out for his Bisharp to send out a storm of rocks.

"Block them with Steel Wing!" Drasna called out and Salamence struggled against its paralysis to cover its large wing with a metallic color, to use a make-shift shield against the Stone Edge. Unfortunately, even this move was too slow to do much good since Salamence was hit by some of the stones anyways. But Salamence wasn't down just yet, "Draco Meteor!"

"Dodge them!" Ash called out and Bisharp saw the power behind those falling stars that came when that large glowing sphere exploded near the ceiling of the chamber. And the Sword Edge Pokémon found it difficult to dodge them since there were more falling stars than both him and Ash thought. Some even landed hard on Bisharp, "Use Rock Polish!"

Bisharp never thought to use it but he willed his body to glow brightly and found himself slightly lighter but definitely nimbler. And it was enough to make it through the rest of the Draco Meteor. "Now move in for a Night Slash!"

"Double Edge!" Salamence charged in, looking like a very thin torpedo of energy against Bisharp and his Night Slash. And the Sword Edge Pokémon found himself fighting a losing battle for him. It only took a moment for Salamence to win over and landed that powerful hit on Bisharp. Yet the Sword Edge Pokémon was able to use the ground beneath him to stop Salamence.

"Get Salamence off with Metal Burst!" Ash called out and Bisharp was able to conjurer up a sphere of silver energy while barely holding back Salamence with only one hand. Bisharp definitely was well-trained since it took only a moment to send the sphere of Steel type energy at Salamance's head.

"Try a Brick Break." Drasna tried to calm herself down, it was only getting her Pokémon hurt, even just slightly. And while Salamence was wondering why such a low-power move, it sent down one of its legs down on Bisharp.

"Block it with Iron Head!" Ash called out and Bisharp charged to meet that Brick Break 'head-on'. And this also gave Bisharp a terrible headache, only annoying at best. "Now Payback!"

Bisharp smirked and used the damage done to top of his head to fuel his merciless attack with his arms covered in darkness. "Guillotine!" Ash called out and Bisharp jumped up into the air, swung down with his arms covered with deadly sharp blades made from Steel energy and ended the match up right there with Salamence. The Sword Edge Pokémon is definitely going to be extra infamous among Ash's Steel types with that deadly combo. But those thoughts will have to come later when Drasna released her final Pokémon.

"Sing us a lovely song, Altaria!" Ash then saw the Humming Pokémon, like the one from the final route in Kalos. Seeing its beauty as a well-cared and trained Altaria, Ash had to urge to suggest that Drasna will share some tips with Serena and her own Altaria. "Earthquake if you please."

Ash knew that this Altaria is leagues above the wild ones from Kalos Route 22, and the field surely shook when this Altaria used one of its legs to slam on the ground hard enough to cause a web of cracks at the impact zone. "Jump!" Ash called out and Bisharp just barely avoided the Earthquake attack. That is because of the one weakness this Sword Edge Pokémon can't overcome; his body weight, that made most Steel types infamous.

And because of that, Bisharp couldn't stay in the air for long. And couldn't land anywhere else than one of the cracks made by Altaria's Earthquake attack. "Now my dearly, use Moonblast." Altaria took the chance when Bisharp was struggling to get free and the large sphere of power hit rather hard. "Now use Sky Attack."

"Bisharp!" Ash called out while the Humming Pokémon went for the kill against Bisharp who couldn't even help himself. "Iron Head!" Now the Sword Edge Pokémon heard those words and, with a malicious grin, used his harden head to meet Altaria's. The sick sound of bone meeting steel was heard through the chamber.

"Oh dear!" Drasna was now horrified to witness such a sight. "Use Rock Smash, hurry!" Altaria was dizzy, hurt and seemed to be having fuzzy vision but still heard its trainer well enough to punch Bisharp hard in the torso, with its claw glowing with power.

"Thank you Bisharp!" Ash then recalled the Sword Edge Pokémon and took out another Pokéball, "I can't keep you out of action any longer, Durant!" Drasna saw that while this Durant was not much different than a regular one, this Durant looked well-trained like the other three Steel type Pokémon that were giving their trainer a reputation unknowingly. "Use Agility and then Crunch!"

Durant shot forward, getting faster for every step made with her six legs, and jumping up to bit down hard on Altaria's wing. And with the head injury, the Humming Pokémon seemed to be extra sensitive to pain. Altaria reacted almost like it was on fire at that wing.

"Shake Durant off with Steel Wing, hurry dear!" Drasna was extra concerned for her Pokémon. If she was any smart trainer than she will have to concede the match, right here and now to tend to her Altaria. It could even have serious brain damage from that deadly and sickling concussion.

But this Altaria was an Elite Four trainer's Pokémon and not to be taken lightly, no matter the circumstance. That is the ironclad rule of being a member of the Elite Four, no mercy and exceptions. And speaking of iron, this Altaria was able to turn the hardness in the damaged wing to that of molten iron; Crunch couldn't even scratch that wing. Nor prevent Durant from being flown off.

"Change of tactics Durant." Ash was wondering why they were still battling even when it seemed that Altaria wasn't in the right of mind. "Time to give some to this Altaria for all our friends falling earlier. Use Retaliate!"

Durant was also worried, she was no fool to how her opponent was shaking like a newborn deer. But she had to keep fighting if Drasna is not going to concede or stop the fight in anyway. With the speed from using Agility, Durant charged to strike at Altaria hard and fast.

But it was that moment there that, "Drasna! If you are not going to return your Pokémon than I can't fight anymore. Especially not when your Altaria is about to fall into a coma.

"It is time my darling dragon!" Drasna shouted, reaching for her necklace and for one of the fangs attached with the beads. She then gently tugged at the center fang, pulling it to reveal a Keystone, like with Malva! And her Altaria then pecked at its wooly cotton to reveal a necklace for itself, with a large stone that had the cat-eye pattern with the colors of pure white and sky blue. "Keystone, bring new sounds and beauty to my dragon's song! Mega Evolution!"

This Pokémon was more like a blue bird stuck in a cloud with how the cotton from its wings grew. {This Pokémon has undergone its Mega Evolution. It is now a Dragon and Fairy type. It now has the Ability Pixilate, which converts Normal type moves to Fairy.}

Mega Altaria has more extensive cloud-like plumage, with a large, fluffy mass extending from its back. The feathers have grown as a self-protective measure, and they glimmer with an iridescent sheen. Its cottony wings are more distinct than in its base form, and its blue belly is now exposed. Additional fluff surrounds its neck like a collar, and its head is adorned with a hat-like crest. A single, small feather curls out from its forehead, though its facial features are unchanged. Its tail feathers have grown into a long, wavy streamer, with three longer central plumes. Mega Altaria's singing voice is even more beautiful than that of its regular form.

"Now use Refresh if you please and show your Hyper Beam." Altaria then glowed with a bright green energy which actually healed its concussion; it even looked like its mind has been cleared! Just in time to let loose a beam of energy that wasn't the bright white like the standard Hyper Beam attack. It was more pink than white.

Durant roared to feel such a move that was still ineffective but dealt damage that she can easily feel through her iron-clad exoskeleton. But she pulled through and saw that Mega Altaria was now feeling the effects of the transformed Hyper Beam. "Use your special move, Rock Climb!"

With Mega Altaria frozen from the effects of its Hyper Beam, there wasn't any time to dodge the battlefield growing a mountain which slammed into its bottom-side. And Durant was literally climbing it and with the speed of a bullet, landed that hit on the Humming Pokémon. Now Mega Altaria had not a concussion but now confusion ringing in its head.

"Iron Head!" Ash called out for his Durant to deal some massive damage since Mega Altaria was still weak to Steel type moves for being a Fairy and Dragon type. It was not like with his Mawile that has the weakness of Fairy types canceled out by being a Steel type herself.

"Cotton Guard." Drasna said with confidence and Mega Altaria increased the amount of puff and cotton around its body, to soften the blow from Durant. When she did hit Mega Altaria, the Humming Pokémon barely flinched. "Now send Durant off of you with Dragon Dance, dearly."

Mega Altaria glowed red and used the motions of dancing to send Durant into the air, helpless. "Now use Sky Attack." Mega Altaria then moved towards Durant with its entire body covered in transparent energy,

"Metal Sound!" Ash called out and Durant used her pincers to send a horrid soundwave that hit Mega Altaria but didn't do as much as slow it down. "Now use Flash Cannon!" Durant sent out the metallic colored beam at Mega Altaria, forcing the Humming Pokémon to take the super-effective damage. "Now use it to dodge the Sky Attack!"

And Durant was able to do so, landing safely on the ground while Mega Altaria had a crash course in an attempt to stop and keep Durant in its sight. "Nice tricks, young trainer." Drasna then said. "But now we are no longer holding anything back. Use Psych Up and then Dragon Rush, please."

Ash widen his eyes, he read about pretty much every Pokémon move from the Pokédex. This one will allow Mega Altaria to copy any stat changes done to Durant, or more specially the speed increase from Agility. "Get away from Mega Altaria!"

Durant tried to run, to get some distance from Mega Altaria, but it was to no avail. Mega Altaria glowed brightly with different colors to become as fast as Durant herself. "Use Dragon Rush, please." And Mega Altaria was able to not only catch up with Durant but landed a powerful hit with Dragon Rush, sending the Iron Ant Pokémon into the air.

"Dig, into the field!" Durant followed Ash to the letter and submerged herself into the cracked battlefield, not knowing of the danger that she willing walked into (or dug into, in this case).

"Earthquake if you please." Drasna said and Ash had no cards left to draw. Nothing can help Durant now since Earthquake does double damage to a Pokémon using Dig. And from one of the holes came the Iron Ant Pokémon herself, finally knocked out and so soon.

"Thank you Durant, return." Ash said with a solemn tone, with guilt at how extra reckless he was. And Ash should've known that Mega Altaria will use Earthquake; that was partly how the Humming Pokémon finished off his Bisharp, for crying out loud! "Now come forth, Charizard!"

"Using a Fire type? You must know more about Fairy type Pokémon than the average trainer." Drasna commented and Ash nodded. "Well know that we don't have to hold back anymore, use Draco Meteor if you please."

Mega Altaria sent out the same storm of falling stars from the few times in the previous matchups. "Dodge with Flame Charge!" Ash called out and Charizard roared before taking flight, engulfed in flames that actually burned through the falling stars while increasing Charizard's speed by one stage each.

By the time Draco Meteor had run out of steam, Charizard as now faster than even the Mega Altaria. "Use Psych Up, if you please." Ash wasn't going to let the same trick work twice on his Pokémon.

"Swagger!" Charizard then glared hard at Mega Altaria, enraging the Humming Pokémon while increasing its Attack power greatly, Mega Altaria was now confused as well. "Now use Steel Wing!" Charizard charged in with his enhanced speed, which Mega Altaria failed to copy, and struck the confused Dragon and Fairy type with his own iron-hard wing.

"Try a Dragon Pulse!" Drasna called out and Mega Altaria tried to calm itself down, only to crash down hard. "Altaria!"

"Well it's like you said, time to go all out." Ash said, rolling down his sleeve to reveal the Keystone bracelet that he received in Shalour City. And Charizard also revealed a Mega Stone hidden on the back side of head, turning it from a head accessory to a choker; the stone gave itself away with the toothpaste pattern within, that was of the colors red and yellow that can be found in a burning flame. "Keystone, respond to my heart. Let us both reach the pinnacle of battle! Mega Evolve!"

And Charizard evolved but retained most of his figure, just with extra details and features. {This Pokémon has achieved one of its Mega Evolution. It retains its Fire and Flying type. Now its ability is Drought, which summons Harsh Sunlight to the field; underneath, Fire types moves are stronger while Water type moves are weaken. Other certain moves are also affected by Harsh Sunlight.}

When Mega Evolved as Mega Charizard Y, this Pokémon becomes more sleek and expansive in appearance, but retains its normal coloration. However, it now has white pupils. It has three pointed horns on the back of its head, the middle of which is longer. Its shorter snout has larger fangs and a ridge on the nose. Its neck is shorter and its hands are much smaller, but its torso and legs are longer. Small wings develop on its wrists, while the ones on its back become larger and now have ragged edges. The back of its tail has a large thorn at the base and three smaller ones near the tip, which now burns with a longer flame. Mega Charizard Y is said to have incredible flying prowess, being able to reach incredible heights.

And once Charizard had Mega Evolved, the chamber was brightened up by sunlight that somehow found its way into the large, darkened room. That had to be the Harsh Sunlight which can be summoned by using Sunny Day. "Let's show here your new power, Fire Blast!"

Mega Charizard roared and sent out the large flames shaped like the Kanji for the term at Mega Altaria. And this one was far greater than the one from Lysandre's Pyroar or Malva's. Ash could tell when it practically scoured the cracked ground and made Mega Altaria cried out in pain.

"Time to get serious, Dragon Rush!" Drasna was actually getting excited from all this. And Ash looked the same along with the two Pokémon,

"Flare Blitz!" Mega Charizard charged in, engulfed in flames while Mega Altaria was the same with draconic energy. And they meet with a bright and loud collusion. "Now use Metal/Dragon Claw!"

From there, it was a real slug fest when both Pokémon clawing at each other, dodging one attack and another. And this went on and on until.

"What do think? What to do a wager? The Pokémon that remains standing will be the winner." Ash offered and Drasna liked the sound of it.

"Very well, young trainer." With that in mind, the two trainers thought hard on which move to use while their Pokémon waited in suspense, never letting the other out of their sight. And then they called out,

"GIGA IMPACT!"

"BLAST BURN!"

Time seemed to slow down as both Pokémon readied themselves for the devastating attacks they were about to perform. Mega Charizard struck the battered battlefield and sent flames underground from his fist, towards Mega Altaria who was covered in bright pink energy (almost in the shape of a torpedo).

That was when it all happened, like a volcano due for its occasional eruption. Mega Altaria was engulfed in the flames of the Blast Burn that ate away at the Humming Pokémon as well as the energy in its Giga Impact.

XXXXX

"Oh, what wonderful Pokémon!" Drasna giggled at her defeat. "Oh you looked so adorable when you were so serious against my dragons! Serena is so lucky to have a trainer such as yourself being her brave knight~!" Ash didn't know if Drasna was teasing him or making a joke. "Regardless, there are only two of us left for you to face. And remember this since it is important…" Ash nodded, "If you should lose to just one of us then you will have to give up your badges and try the Pokémon League again. And, unlike the other regions that have it annually, we can only afford to open the gyms every three years."

This didn't exactly kill the confidence in Ash's soul but definitely caused doubt and anxiousness to settle in. Ash was doing just fine but will he go against Wikstrom, the real Iron Trainer of Kalos?

End of Chapter 25.

*Thanks for the support and the 'welcome'. I was planning to have two matches with the Elite Four trainers in one chapter. But then I changed plans to have one in their own chapter instead. Hope you still like it because I am hoping to get to when the story will near its end. And this will be the fourth mainstream story that I have completed. Wish me luck!*

Pokémon on Hand;

Ash – Pikachu (Male), Aegislash (Male), Bisharp (Male), Mawile (Female), Durant (Female), Greninja (Female), Yveltal (Genderless), Snorlax (Male), Charizard (Male), and Venusaur (Female).

Serena – Delphox (Female), Marowak (Male), Kangaskhan (Female), Phantump (Female), Xerneas (Genderless), and Dratini (Female).

Off Hand;

Ash – Ledian (Female), Kadabra (Female), and Smeargle (Male), Sableye (Male), Lucario (Male), Luvdisc (Male), Talonflame (Male), Gogoat (Male), Lapras (Female), Ferrothorn (Female), Gourgiest (Female), Shuckle (Male), Blastoise (Male), Slurpuff (Female), Poliwag (Male), Snover (Male), Rotom (Female), Banette (Female) Chesnaught (Male), Scyther (Female), Ursaring (Female) and Dragonair (Male), and Ditto (Genderless).

Serena – Furfrou (Male), Spritize (Male), Audino (Female), Luvdisc (Female), Plusle & Minun (Female), Weavile (Female), Gourgiest (Male), Ditto (Genderless), Mr. Mime (Female), Altaria (Male), Swablu (Female), and Poliwag (Female).