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Mizuro: So-

Seishin: Dah! The readers have been waiting long enough for this! No intro! Cold open!

Pike: But we told them that-

Seishin: That wasn't 'longer'! It was a three-month hiatus!

ROLL IT!

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Zenmasu: I Can't Afford To Lose This Battle, So I'll Go All Out On My Attempt

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Giovanni snapped. The ground next to him opened as a pedestal with a glass covering rose upward. The glass slid away to reveal ten pokéballs. He took one, enlarged it, and held it out; all the while with a stoic expression on his face, "May we begin?"

Ash held out a pokéball as well and glared determinedly, "Sounds good."

The referee raised a hand and brought it down, "Start!"

Giovanni tossed the pokéball ahead, "Nidoqueen!"

Ash brought his hand back in and pointed ahead with his other hand, "Pikachu! Take the field!"

The Mouse Pokémon smirked and ran up to his side of the field before moving into his fighting stance. At the same time, his Drill Pokémon opponent appeared and looked down at him.

Ash put the pokéball back into stasis and placed it on his belt.

Giovanni just stared calmly, 'A subtle fake out. Still, an odd choice…'

Nidoqueen's eyes narrowed as she smirked, "A pikachu? Seriously?"

Pikachu rolled his eyes, "Yeah yeah. I've heard it before." He glanced back at his trainer.

Ash noticed, smirked, and nodded.

Pikachu smirked and looked ahead, "So what are we starting with? Earthquake? Magnitude? Bulldoze? Or did I just happen to luck out by getting you as an opponent?"

"Luck out?" Nidoqueen asked; smirk remaining, "Don't make me laugh."

Ash and Pikachu's eyes narrowed, 'So she does have a ground-type move.'

"Sludge Wave!" Giovanni called out.

Ash held out a hand, "Thunderbolt!"

Nidoqueen grinned as a blob of dark purple sludge shrouded her, "Your trainer's a fool!" She held out a claw as a stream of the Poison-type attack shot towards the Electric-type.

"Chuuuu!" Pikachu cried out as he unleashed a bolt of lightning at the oncoming stream.

The attacks collided and exploded violently in midair. Nidoqueen's eyes widened before she shielded them as the smoke covered the field. She perked up when she noticed a white flash and glanced downward before her eyes widened again.

Pikachu glared up at her as he canceled Quick Attack, "Is that so?"

"Iron Tail!" Ash shouted.

Pikachu's tail lit up white before he shot up and slashed Nidoqueen across the chest. The Poison/Ground-type grimaced and glared up at the freefalling Electric-type.

'When did it-' Giovanni thought before calling out, "Flamethrower!"

"Thunderbolt!" Ash shouted.

Nidoqueen opened her mouth and immediately blew a stream of flames at Pikachu. Pikachu smirked and unleased the Electric-type attack at the Fire-type attack; detonating them right in the Drill Pokémon's face.

"Queen!" Nidoqueen cried out from inside the cloud of smoke.

Pikachu flew back and skidded to a halt. The smoke faded to reveal Nidoqueen glaring angrily with a few scorch marks on her face.

'Impressive.' Giovanni thought before calling out, "Earth Power!"

"Quick Attack!"

Pikachu took on his white outline and shot forward. Nidoqueen grinned wickedly and stomped. A series of cracks split the ground at her feet and continued forward. All the while, a yellow glow could be seen in them.

Pikachu continued running straight towards the cracks until-

"Now propel!" Ash shouted.

The Viridian Leader's eyes narrowed slightly, 'What?'

Nidoqueen stared in shock as Pikachu jumped over the cracks and fired another Thunderbolt right at them. Another explosion went off and threw Pikachu high into the air. The Mouse Pokémon then held back a paw, fired a rainbow beam from it, and then shot said beam with Thunderbolt.

Yet another explosion went off and shot Pikachu right towards Nidoqueen. As he soared next to her, he reached out and grabbed her horn to swing up and stand on her head. Nidoqueen blinked in shock before glancing up at her opponent.

Pikachu smirked down at her, "Y'know the safest places to be when there's a quake move? In the air or on top of the user." He grinned, "And I just realized. I think I'm out of range from your Flamethrower, now."

Nidoqueen glared and reached up to grab him. Pikachu jumped back to dodge the claw, stopped himself by grabbing one of the spines on Nidoqueen's back, and swung Iron Tail at her back.

Nidoqueen grimaced and glared back, "Why you little-" She winced.

Ash, Pikachu, and Soot noticed and smirked.

"Sludge Wave!" Giovanni called out.

Pikachu's eyes widened and he jumped to the ground as Nidoqueen became engulfed in a blob of dark purple slime. She glared back and held out a claw to shoot the attack at Pikachu. In response, he lit up from Quick Attack and sped back to his side of the field.

Pikachu skidded to a halt and let out a breath.

Nidoqueen noticed and grinned wickedly, "Getting worn out, are we? Too bad for you, I-"

"Come back, Pikachu!" Ash called out; cutting off the Poison/Ground-type. He looked at the ref, "And by that, I mean I'm returning him."

"Understood." The ref said with a nod.

Nidoqueen tensed up as her eyes widened. She gritted her teeth angrily.

Pikachu turned and ran up to his trainer.

Ash kneeled down to pet the Electric-type, "Nice job, bud."

Pikachu grinned, "Thanks." He looked back at Nidoqueen and whispered, "Do you think he noticed?"

Ash glanced at the Drill Pokémon and then at Giovanni before whispering, "Hard to say. He's not easy to read." He smiled and spoke in his usual tone, "Take it easy for now. We've got a long battle ahead of us."

Pikachu gave a thumbs up and ran over to stand next to Clefairy. The Mouse and Fairy shared a glance, smiled, and looked back ahead.

Ash stood back up and removed a pokéball from his belt, "Now then." He enlarged it and threw, "Arbok, your move!"

The ball burst open as the Cobra Pokémon emerged and glared at his opponent. Nidoqueen gritted her teeth as she felt Intimidate take effect.

Giovanni noticed his chest; poker face remaining, 'Speed pattern, huh?'

Arbok smiled, "So, a battle between Poison-types. This could be fun."

Nidoqueen just glared, "Don't flatter yourself, serpent. You're just a stand-in until the pest comes back out."

Ash frowned as his eyes narrowed. Pikachu, Clefairy, Soot, and Electra sweat dropped.

Arbok deadpanned, "Well, sorry for trying to make small talk."

Brock noticed Electra's reaction and frowned worriedly, "What did she say?"

Electra looked at him in confusion before perking up, "Oh right!" She cleared her throat, "She said … 'don't flit- flat-er yourself, sip- serp-ent. You are just a standing- uh, stand in until the-" She frowned uncomfortably, "the, uh … pest-"

"Okay, I get it now." Misty jumped in while sweat dropping, "You don't have to continue."

Electra sighed in relief, "Thanks."

Nidoqueen perked up and looked at the female Electric-type in surprise.

"Ice Fang!" Ash shouted.

Nidoqueen snapped out of it and looked at Arbok. Her eyes widened when she found him already lunging towards her with four light blue bolts extending from his mouth. Arbok struck her in the gut with the Ice-type attack.

"Queen!" The Poison/Ground-type cried out before putting a paw on her stomach. Arbok hurried back to his side of the field before she could retaliate.

"Use Surf!" Giovanni called out.

Nidoqueen glared and held out her arms. A massive tidal wave rose up, swept over her, and moved towards Arbok. Nidoqueen jumped up through the wave to stand on it as it continued forward.

Ash pointed, "Charge in with Protect!"

Giovanni's eyes narrowed slightly, 'Charge?'

Arbok smirked and hurried towards the wave. The eye markings on his chest lit up blue as a circular, turquoise shield appeared in front of him before he shot straight through the wall of water.

Nidoqueen looked back in shock. Surf crashed down on the empty space and the water dissipated a moment later. Protect faded away as well.

Giovanni stared calmly, 'Ah. Screen-style.' "It can't use Protect twice! Flamethrower now!"

"Dodge, then Ice Fang!" Ash shouted.

Nidoqueen inhaled and blew a stream of flame. Arbok shot out of the way effortlessly and rushed towards the Drill Pokémon. He opened his mouth as his Ice Fang formed again.

Giovanni's eyes narrowed, "Earth Power!"

Nidoqueen glared at Arbok, cut off her attack, and raised her foot again. However, this time, she tensed up and grimaced as a bolt of electricity traveled along her body.

Giovanni stared in mild surprise, 'Paralysis?' He looked at Pikachu and cracked a small smirk, 'Static. Well played.'

Nidoqueen's eyes widened as Arbok lunged and clamped down with the energy fangs again.

"Queen!" Nidoqueen cried out again. Nidoqueen shivered terribly before her eyes shot open and she glared down at Arbok. She opened her mouth and inhaled.

Arbok's eyes widened before he shot back as Flamethrower shot down on where he was. He grimaced as the stream of flame just barely grazed his chest.

Nidoqueen glared before groaning, falling to her knees, and crashing to the ground; eyes swirling. The Cobra panted before smiling.

The ref raised a hand, "Nidoqueen is unable to battle!"

Electra smiled, "Yes! Ash has the lead!"

Togepi waved his arms happily, "Togepriii!"

Brock frowned, "Yeah, but this battle isn't anywhere close to over."

Nidoqueen clenched a claw in frustration and shakily pushed herself to sit on her knees.

"Nidoqueen."

The Poison/Ground-type tensed up and looked back to find her trainer looking at her with the same expression he's had the whole battle. Ash and his Pokémon all perked up in surprise.

"I do not recall ordering that last Flamethrower." The Gym Leader said coldly.

Nidoqueen's eyes widened worriedly, "B- but, Boss-"

"However," Giovanni continued before glancing at Ash, "given the circumstances, I will overlook it, this once."

Nidoqueen's eyes widened before she sighed in relief.

Giovanni held out her pokéball, "Return." The beam shot and absorbed the Pokémon.

Pikachu frowned, "Hm… You weren't kidding about him being strict."

Ash stared calmly and muttered, "Yeah. Still, I'm happy to see he keeps his team in good health. But I kinda doubt we'll see any more freestyle for the rest of-" He stopped and perked up in realization, 'Wait a second.'

Clefairy noticed and looked at him curiously, "Ash?"

Soot looked up at him curiously before perking up and looking ahead in surprise.

Giovanni placed the ball back in the pedestal and grabbed another one before throwing it, "Nidoking!"

The ball burst open as the male Drill Pokémon emerged. Nidoking looked over Arbok calmly, cracked his neck, and moved into his fighting stance without a word.

Arbok sweat dropped while smiling nervously, "Okay then…"

Ash's eyes narrowed, "Hm." He looked at his Poison-type, "Arbok, you good for one more?"

Arbok glanced back at him for a moment. He smirked determinedly and nodded.

Ash smiled, "Alright." He glared, "Ice Fang!"

Giovanni held out a hand, "Aqua Tail!"

Arbok reformed his Ice-type attack and shot forward. Nidoking's tail became engulfed in a massive water vortex that extended upward. The water cyclone shot towards the Cobra Pokémon.

Arbok's eyes widened before he cut off his attack and lurched to the side. Aqua Tail splashed down where he was.

Soot's eyes narrowed as she muttered, "Ranged vortex-style."

"Now Earthquake!" The Viridian Gym Leader called out.

"Protect!" Ash shouted, "You know what to do!"

Nidoking jumped and stomped down. An endless series of white pulses extended outward from him in all directions. Arbok sprang over the oncoming pulse but began falling back down towards it.

Arbok glared as his markings lit up again and Protect formed on the ground. He landed on and jumped off the shield and towards Nidoking; unaffected by the Super Effective attack. Nidoking's eyes widened in surprise.

Giovanni's eyes widened slightly, 'Placement control as well?'

"Now, Ice Fang!"

Arbok lunged, formed the Ice attack, and clamped down on Nidoking's shoulder. Nidoking tensed up and gritted his teeth.

Giovanni's eyes narrowed, "Throat Chop!"

The group's eyes widened as the male Drill Pokémon held out a claw, lit it up dark purple, and quickly struck Arbok in the throat.

"cha." Arbok coughed hoarsely as Ice Fang faded. He fell back and crashed to the ground; eyes swirling. Nidoking sighed and eased out of his fighting stance.

The ref raised a hand, "Arbok is unable to battle!"

Ash smiled sadly and held out a pokéball, "Nice work, Arbok! Return!"

As Arbok disappeared, Brock frowned and muttered, "Wow. Never realized how brutal that move actually is."

Misty looked at him in confusion before she jerked and looked ahead again, "Oh … right…"

Togepi looked up at Misty in confusion, "Huh?"

Soot sweat dropped while smirking.

Ash looked down at the pokéball with a soft smile, "Get some rest." He put the ball away, brought out and enlarged another, and threw it, "Aerodactyl! Enter the fray!"

The ball burst open, and the Fossil Pokémon materialized on the field. He looked at his opponent with a determined smirk and moved into his fighting stance. Nidoking tensed up slightly from Pressure but shook it off and moved into his fighting stance as well.

Giovanni held out a hand, "Aqua Tail!"

Ash mimicked the man, "Dodge with Aerial Ace!"

The water cyclone extended from Nidoking's tail and shot forward. Aerodactyl's wings took on a distorted white glow as he kicked off the ground.

Nidoking looked up at Aerodactyl and swung the attack around to try and hit him. The Fossil Pokémon swerved and rolled around the Water-type attack before shooting straight past Nidoking, nailing him in the chest with a wing, and skidding to a halt. Nidoking grimaced.

"Aqua Tail!" Giovanni shouted.

Nidoking looked back at Aerodactyl before forming and swinging the water attack at him. Aerodactyl grinned, turned, and shot Fire Blast at the attack. The attacks exploded violently and shrouded the pair in steam.

"Aero!" "King!" The combatants shouted/cried out as a metallic clang sounded.

Aerodactyl jumped back out of the cloud and flapped once to propel back and land on his side of the field. The steam cleared to reveal Nidoking holding the side of his head painfully.

Giovanni's eyes narrowed slightly, 'Again with these unannounced attacks?'

Ash smirked, "Nice work, Aero-" He stopped and his eyes widened as Aerodactyl tensed up uncomfortably with a small cluster of purple bubbles rising up from his head. Nidoking perked up and smirked.

The trainer's eyes narrowed, 'Crag. Poison Point. We need to wrap this up.' He held out a hand, "Giga Impact!"

Aerodactyl glared, kicked off, and became shrouded in an orange-striped, purple sphere of energy. He soared towards Nidoking at an alarming rate.

Giovanni's eyes narrowed, "Intercept with Poison Jab!"

Nidoking lit up both of his claws light purple and charged the oncoming Fossil Pokémon. He stomped and shot both of his claws at Aerodactyl. The pair clashed midfield and fell into a power struggle.

Aerodactyl overpowered the Poison/Ground-type and forced him to skid back. The Rock/Flying-type landed and looked ahead with a determined smirk. He flinched and stared in shock when he saw Nidoking still standing; albeit panting heavily.

Soot frowned worriedly, "Oh no."

Giovanni pointed, "Aqua Tail!"

Nidoking's eyes narrowed as the Water-type attack spiraled into the air. Aerodactyl grimaced and put his wings over his head as the attack crashed down onto him.

Brock, Misty, Electra, and Togepi flinched and shied away from the impact. Pikachu and Clefairy stared worriedly. The water cyclone burst out of existence to reveal Aerodactyl lying on his stomach with an uncomfortable frown on his face; teeth clenched.

He growled and slowly began pushing himself up to sit on his knees. He shakily stood back up and glared at Nidoking with a determined smirk. Nidoking gritted his teeth and Giovanni's eyes narrowed.

Ash smiled, "Alright! Now-"

"Aer!" Ash's Pokémon cried out as purple electricity crackled across him. "ro…" He moaned as he fell forward and crashed to the ground; eyes swirling.

The group stared in shock.

The ref raised a hand, "Aerodactyl is unable to battle!"

Nidoking blinked in surprise before sighing in relief.

Ash smiled sadly and held out a pokéball, "Nice work, Aerodactyl. Get some rest. You've earned it." The beam shot out and absorbed the Fossil Pokémon.

Togepi frowned, "So much for a lead…"

Ash took a deep breath and looked at Nidoking intently, 'One Super-effective, two neutral, and an intercept against Giga Impact using Poison Jab. And he doesn't have Sheer Force, so his Poison Jab isn't as strong as mine, at the base line. After all of that, he has to be close. Still, he has fast moves for short, mid, and long range, so getting in that last hit without a scratch won't be simple.' He smirked, 'To think this guy is only his second Pokémon. We're gonna need a guarantee.'

He looked down to his side, "You ready for your first Gym Battle?"

Soot snickered and started walking, "I'd hardly consider this a battle."

The water trainer, breeder, and the shoulder riders all perked up in surprise as the canine walked out onto the field.

Giovanni perked up in surprise, 'First?'

Clefairy smiled excitedly and raised a hand, "Go get 'em, Soot!"

Soot smirked and moved into a pouncing stance.

Giovanni watched curiously and glanced at Nidoking, 'Odd.' He looked at Soot again, 'I thought her ability was Intimidate.' "Nidoking." He said; catching his Drill Pokémon's attention, "She's strong."

Nidoking stared at him for a moment before looking back at the Bite Pokémon; still panting. He took a deep breath and moved into his fighting stance, "Understood."

Giovanni held out a hand, "Earth-"

He was cut off and stared in shock as a massive explosion erupted from Soot. The Dark-type shot forward at high speed, clenched her right claw into a fist, and threw a Sucker Punch towards Nidoking's gut. She perked up slightly.

"Ki-" Nidoking coughed as the fist made contact.

Soot continued past him and skidded to a halt on her remaining three legs. Her right foreleg fell to the ground at Nidoking's feet.

Nidoking fell forward and crashed to the ground with his eyes swirling; just barely missing the arm.

The group stared in surprise. Except Ash, who smiled proudly.

"Woah…" Misty muttered.

The referee stared in shock. After a second, she flinched, shook her head rapidly, and raised an arm, "N- Nidoking is unable to battle!"

Giovanni stared in surprise. He composed himself and looked at Soot, "I'll admit, I was aware of your inheritance and the matter of your leg being removable. But I was unaware that it could be forced off."

Soot perked up and looked at him, "Oh, that's not what happened. I just didn't want to hurt him too bad." The Gym Leader's eyes widened slightly as she continued, "I overestimated the necessary velocity and Nidoking's remaining stamina. I didn't notice until I was about to hit him." She looked back at the fallen Drill Pokémon, "If I didn't detach to break my follow through, I probably would've bruised him internally." She pouted sourly, "Would've been fine if he were at full strength, though…"

Giovanni stared blankly, 'She thought that far ahead and adjusted … after starting the assault?' He took a deep breath, 'This mightyena…' He perked up upon realizing something and looked at Soot again, "One other thing, if you don't mind. What would you have done if you used your left foreleg for the attack? I was under the assumption quadruped canines didn't have dominant limbs of that nature."

Soot smirked slyly, "That choice was intentional for a different reason." She looked back at him with a cheeky grin, "My arm can't exactly circulate poison through the rest of my body when detached, now can it?"

Giovanni's eyes narrowed slightly, 'Even taking the possibility of Poison Point into account.' "I see." He grabbed a pokéball and held it out, "Return, Nidoking." He placed it back in the pedestal, grabbed another, and enlarged it.

At the same time, Soot walked over to grab her leg, reattached it, and continued towards Ash, 'Well, that was a nice warm up. I should probably leave the next one for-'

"Flygon!"

Soot stopped, perked up, and looked back as the Mystic Pokémon appeared in the air and started flapping. They let out a battle cry before looking down at Soot determinedly.

Pikachu and Clefairy stared at the Ground/Dragon-type in shock. Ash smirked.

Togepi stared in awe, "Woooooah."

Brock stared in surprise, "Huh. Did not expect a Hoenn Pokémon."

Misty blinked in surprise, "Same."

Electra blinked in surprise, 'Is it that weird?'

Soot looked over the green Pokémon curiously, "Huh…"

Ash noticed and looked at her in surprise, "Do you wanna battle them, too?"

Soot raised a brow; still looking at the Gym Pokémon, "Um…" She shook her head, "Naw, I'm good. She seems plenty tough, but I've trained enough with Aerodactyl and the others to be a little too used to winged opponents." She started walking to Ash again, "It'd be fairer to give someone else a chance."

Flygon deadpanned, 'Fairer, huh…' She perked up, 'Wait, why is she responding as if-'

"Alright." Ash said before looking at the ref, "Soot's returning."

The ref sweat dropped, "I kinda figured…"

Flygon blinked in surprise before looking at the ref and then back at Soot, "Wait, you're speaking human?"

Soot snickered and she continued walking, "Well, in my defense so can the pikachu in the jacket."

Electra smiled and waved.

Ash smiled before petting his hatchling, "Nice work." He looked at the Fairy-type next to him, "Ready?"

Clefairy smiled determinedly and nodded, "Yeah!" She removed her bow and placed it on the ground before running out onto the battlefield and took on her fighting stance.

Soot sat down next to Ash and looked ahead calmly. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

Flygon frowned nervously, 'Oh boy. Fairy-type.'

Giovanni held out a hand, "Stone Edge!"

Ash smirked, "Dazzling Gleam!"

Flygon cried out again and took on a white outline. Two crossing rings made of floating jagged stones appeared around her. At the same time, Clefairy became engulfed in a sphere of rainbow energy and kicked off to charge at Flygon.

Flygon reeled her wings back and flapped forcefully towards Clefairy; shooting barrages of the stones at her. Clefairy continued charging as the rocks ricocheted off the Fairy-type attack. She jumped up towards Flygon.

Giovanni's eyes narrowed, "Dodge it!"

Flygon flapped to the side and shot out of the way of the oncoming Fairy Pokémon. Clefairy cut off her attack and glanced over at her opponent.

"Psychic!" Ash called out.

Clefairy held a hand towards Flygon as her eyes lit up turquoise. Flygon grimaced as an outline of the same color covered her.

Clefairy landed on the ground and held her other hand towards Flygon. The Ground/Dragon-type straightened forcefully in midair.

Giovanni's eyes narrowed, "Outrage!"

Clefairy perked up in surprise but kept her focus on the opponent. Ash's eyes narrowed.

Flygon glanced at the Gym Leader in confusion, 'What? But she's a-'

"Fairy!" Clefairy shouted as she brought her arms down. Her opponent plummeted out of the air and slammed into the ground.

Flygon grimaced, "Okay, fine!" Her eyes shot open and took on a frantic gaze as an unstable red outline covered her.

Giovanni glared, "No! Not now!"

Flygon stood up immediately and let out a feral roar. She glared at Clefairy furiously.

"Clefairy!" Ash shouted, "Wake-Up Slap!"

"Right!" Clefairy shouted back. She ran straight towards the raging Dragon-type.

Giovanni's eyes narrowed, 'Odd. Why wouldn't he capitalize with Dazzling-' He perked up and stared in mild surprise.

Flygon glared and swung a claw at Clefairy. The Fairy Pokémon responded with a Wake-Up Slap counter. The girls continued exchanging attacks as such; neither seeming to get an edge.

The Ground-type user stared in surprise, 'Outrage isn't stopping? It should've canceled itself from contact with a-' His eyes widened a bit, 'Contact…' He focused on Ash's Pokémon, 'with a Fairy-type…'

Clefairy batted away the claw yet again.

Giovanni perked up in realization, 'It's not connecting with the Pokémon! It's connecting with a Fighting-type attack! It still applies despite being basic-style!' He gritted his teeth and looked at Ash harshly, 'Crag! He's prolonging Outrage until the Confusion takes effect! There's nothing I can do!'

Ash noticed the Gym Leader's gaze and smirked, 'He figured it out.' He looked at Flygon again, 'At least now I won't have to explain.'

Flygon raised a claw again and prepared to strike. She flinched as the red glow faded and started swaying with an uncomfortable frown on her face.

The trainers acted immediately, "Dazzling Gleam!" "Fire Blast!"

Flygon looked at Clefairy and opened her mouth as a fireball appeared in front of it. Unfortunately for her, the attack began fluctuating wildly.

Flygon hurt herself in her confusion.

"GON!" The Mystic Pokémon cried out as the attack exploded in her face.

Clefairy continued with Dazzling Gleam and rammed Flygon in the gut. Flygon launched back and crashed to the ground. Clefairy landed and looked at the Ground/Dragon-type cautiously.

The Mystic Pokémon just lied on her back with her eyes swirling.

The ref raised an arm, "Flygon is unable to battle!"

Clefairy smiled brightly and raised a hand, "Yes!"

Ash smiled, "Nice work, Clefairy. But be ready just in case."

Clefairy smiled at him determinedly and nodded, "Got it!" She ran back to her side of the field and turned to look at the Gym Leader determinedly.

Giovanni frowned and held out a pokéball to return Flygon. He grabbed another and threw it, "Steelix!"

The Steel/Ground-type appeared on the field and looked down at Clefairy.

The Fairy-type sweat dropped and smiled nervously, "Oh…"

Ash sweat dropped, "Yeah …" He gestured for her to come, "Alright, Clefairy-"

"Use Block!" Giovanni shouted.

Ash's eyes widened in shock as Steelix glared with her eyes glowing red. Pikachu grimaced and the spectators stared worriedly.

Ash reached back and pulled out Clefairy's pokéball. He grimaced when he saw a red X covering the entire front of the capsule and looked ahead to find Clefairy staring back at him in shock.

Ash perked up, shook it off, and smiled determinedly, "It's okay, Clefairy! Just give them what you've got!" 'We'll have to rely on Wake-Up Slap, for the most part,' He put the ball back on his belt as his smile saddened, 'to at least get a few hits in…'

Clefairy perked up and looked at Steelix, 'Give them what I've…' She put on a small smile, "I understand, Ash." She glared determinedly and moved into her fighting stance.

Steelix smirked and moved into her fighting stance as well.

Ash pointed ahead, "Wake-Up Slap!"

Clefairy kicked off and ran at the Iron Snake Pokémon.

Giovanni snapped, "Iron Tail!"

Steelix immediately swung her tail out; dragging it along the ground to sweep the Fairy-type. Clefairy glanced at it and leapt high into the air as the tail passed by. Unfortunately for the pink Pokémon, Steelix kept going with her swing and rounded the attack to strike from above.

Clefairy grimaced and threw up Dazzling Gleam as the tail hit and threw her to the ground. Dazzling Gleam burst on impact as Clefairy tumbled back and landed in a heap. She pushed herself up and shook it off.

"Rock Slide!"

Steelix stood up straight and took on a red outline. Clefairy hurried back to her feet and stared intently as she waited for the rocks to form.

Ash noticed something and looked up. He jerked and looked at his Pokémon, "Clefairy, it's rain-style!"

Clefairy's eyes widened before she looked up. A handful of large boulders fell into existence, each through a white ripple that faded immediately after the rock exited.

Clefairy grimaced and started jumping around to try and dodge the falling boulders. Just barely, more often than not. She held up her hands and caught the last one with Psychic. She gestured forward and threw it at Steelix.

"Iron Tail!"

Steelix swung and destroyed the rock effortlessly. Clefairy and Pikachu frowned worriedly. The rest of the boulders on the field shattered out of existence.

Ash's eyes narrowed, 'They blocked it? But Steelix has a times four-' His eyes widened, 'Sturdy! He's trying to avoid all damage in case of an all or nothing!' He smirked, 'Well, sorry. Not my style.' "Metronome!"

Clefairy held up and started waving her fingers as they lit up white. Giovanni stared intently and Steelix glared apprehensively.

'Feels like-' Clefairy's eyes widened fearfully, 'Oh no!'

Clefairy grimaced and held her arms forward as a yellow sphere formed between them. She tossed it into the air as a massive surge of electricity erupted from it and blanketed the field.

Ash grimaced, 'Parabolic Charge?!'

Steelix smirked as the electricity covered her; having no effect.

Giovanni cracked a small smirk, "Iron Tail!"

Steelix pointed her tail at Clefairy and thrust it forward to strike her in the chest.

"Fairy!" Clefairy cried out as she flew back and crashed to the ground; kicking up a cloud of dust.

"Clefairy!" Pikachu cried out worriedly.

Soot frowned, 'That's gotta hurt.'

Ash stared intently and muttered, "Come on, Clefairy."

The dust began to settle. Everyone perked up in surprise when they saw a faint moving glow from inside. As the dust continued fading, they all saw Clefairy kneeling and panting slightly as she continued with another Metronome. The glow stopped.

Clefairy's eyes widened in shock. She looked at Steelix blankly before glaring determinedly. She hurried to her feet and broke into a mad dash towards the Steel/Ground-type.

Giovanni's eyes widened slightly, 'What the?' "Steelix, Rock Slide!"

Steelix took on a red outline again as rocks rained down towards Clefairy. The Fairy-type glanced up for a second and started jumping around to dodge the boulders; continuing forward the whole time.

Pikachu stared in confusion, "What's Clefairy doing? What the Yvel did Metronome give her?"

Ash just stared worriedly, 'Clefairy, what the Yvel did you-' His eyes widened, 'Wait! You can't mean…'

Clefairy jumped up to and off one of the boulders and landed on one of Steelix's spikes. Steelix looked down at the Fairy Pokémon in shock right as she hurried up to place a hand on her main body. Clefairy smiled calmly and closed her eyes. Right before her entire body lit up white.

Clefairy used Self-Destruct.

A massive explosion erupted from the Fairy-type and kicked up a large cloud of dust over both combatants. Everyone in the area stared in shock.

"Clefairy…" Pikachu muttered.

The ref snapped out of it and raised an arm, "Self-knockout attack! Clefairy is unable to battle!"

Ash gritted his teeth and glared ahead as the dust slowly began clearing. Steelix was still upright but panting heavily while looking towards the ground in shock. Clefairy was lying on her back in front of her and scorched all over.

Giovanni let out a small sigh in relief.

"Clefairy!" Ash called out in alarm. He rushed out onto the field to get her.

Steelix noticed, tensed up, and backed up to let the boy get to her. Giovanni stared curiously.

.

**Flashback**

Koga perked up upon remembering something. He looked at Giovanni, "Oh, one more thing-"

Giovanni looked at him harshly, "I feel I've made myself clear on being informed of his team any further."

Koga deadpanned, "Not that. It's something you might need to watch out for." He straightened up, "Ketchum seems to have a tendency to run out onto the field to collect some of his Pokémon when they lose. Even if it isn't one that prefers to remain outside its pokéball."

Blaine looked at him in surprise, "What?"

Erika perked up, "Oh, yeah. I remember him doing that for his-" She tensed up and smiled sheepishly, "uh … well, a Pokémon that his friends said was-" She frowned somberly, "was rescued from an abusive trainer. Even after defeating Weepinbell, it- he almost started crying about losing to Gloom and had to be comforted by Ash."

Most of the other Gym Leaders stared in surprise. Joy frowned and clenched a fist in frustration. Lance noticed and frowned sympathetically.

Koga perked up in realization before glancing at the Celadon leader, 'Could she mean the charmander?'

Sabrina looked at him, "Yeah, that's the one."

Koga tensed up and shot her a harsh glare. Sabrina smiled happily.

Giovanni glanced at the Fuchsia Leader before nodding, "Understood. I'll keep that in mind and inform the Pokémon."

Blaine snapped out of it and nodded, "Oh, uh, yeah. Same."

Sabrina perked up and looked at Blaine with a raised brow, "Wait. I thought your battlefield wasn't connected to the trainer box."

Blaine tensed up and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "Right." He put a hand to his chin, "Um … I guess I can tell the darmanitan not to question it if he wants his Pokémon brought to him."

.

**Flashback End**

Giovanni continued watching curiously.

Electra frowned as her ears drooped, "Poor Clefairy…"

Togepi frowned worriedly.

Ash kneeled down to pick up his Pokémon before nudging her slightly, "Clefairy."

The Fairy-type stirred awake and looked at him. She smiled tiredly before perking up and looked towards Steelix. She frowned sadly.

Ash glanced up at Steelix before standing back up and walking back towards the trainer box with Clefairy in his arms. The Fairy Pokémon just looked downward sadly.

Ash looked down at her with a frown and muttered loud enough for just her to hear, "You okay?"

Clefairy gave a small nod, "Yeah. But … I couldn't beat her…"

Ash smiled softly and petted her, "Hey, it's alright. You did great out there."

Clefairy glanced away somberly, "But, if those Metronome would've just-"

"Don't get hung up on that." Ash said to cut her off and catch her attention, "Metronome is wildly unpredictable. No one can know what it'll do until it's too late to change it. That's why you've been practicing feeling the move before using it. Remember what we talked about?"

Clefairy smiled tiredly, "Work with what you're given."

Ash nodded, "And that's exactly what you did. You kept calm in the face of using a self-K.O. attack and immediately thought of how to use it efficiently. Even going so far as to not tell me to catch Steelix off guard. You did great, Clefairy."

Clefairy nuzzled him, "Thanks."

The pair made it back to the challenger area. Ash removed his backpack, placed it on the ground, and placed Clefairy in front of it for her to lie back on.

The trainer picked up Clefairy's bow and started putting it back on her, "Take it easy. You've earned some rest." He finished and stood back up.

Clefairy nodded and leaned back. Pikachu walked over and put a paw on her shoulder. The Fairy-type looked at the Electric-type, smiled softly, and patted the ground next to her. The Mouse Pokémon smiled and took a seat next to the Fairy Pokémon.

Clefairy leaned against Pikachu's shoulder. Pikachu smiled softly and placed a paw on Clefairy's back. Ash glanced back at them with a soft smile before glaring ahead.

The trainer brought out another pokéball, 'She's already weakened. Let's try this.' He reeled back and threw it, "Pidgeotto, enter the fray!"

The ball burst open as the Bird Pokémon emerged in the air, at eye level with Steelix. She glared determinedly. Steelix stared her down.

Giovanni held out a hand, "Use Rock Slide!"

"It's rain-style!" Ash called out before holding out a hand, "Quick Attack!"

The Iron Snake Pokémon lit up red again as the boulders formed and fell towards Pidgeotto. Pidgeotto took on a white outline and shot out of the way of the attack. She changed course and made a beeline towards Steelix.

"Iron Tail!" Giovanni called out.

Pidgeotto perked up and changed course in an instant to shoot higher up. Steelix's tail swung past where she was.

Giovanni gritted his teeth, 'Do all of his Pokémon act on their own?!'

Ash smirked, "Now Ominous Wind!"

Pidgeotto cut off Quick Attack, reeled back, and flapped her wings ahead forcefully as a gust of purple wind shot from them. Steelix grimaced and shied away as the ghost wind crashed down on her head.

Giovanni stared up at Pidgeotto in mild surprise, 'He manage to teach it that?' He shook it off and glared, "Rock Slide!"

"Get in close with Quick Attack!"

Both sides started their attacks once again.

Pidgeotto swerved around the falling boulders and continued towards Steelix.

"Steel Wing!" Ash shouted.

Pidgeotto smirked and lit her wings up white. She held out her wings and twirled in the air to slash away at Steelix. The Steel/Ground-type grimaced.

"Dragon Tail!"

Pidgeotto's eyes widened, and she glanced over as Steelix's glowing turquoise tail swung in and hit her in the side. The Normal/Flying-type burst into a surge of red energy as the tail continued through her.

Ash could only stare in shock as the light shot around his back and into Pidgeotto's pokéball. Another pokéball on Ash's belt opened and the white light shot towards the field.

Bulbasaur appeared and blinked in shock, "Huh?"

Soot sweat dropped and muttered, "Oh crag."

Giovanni blinked, 'That'll have to do.' "Block!"

Steelix's eyes lit up red again. Soot glanced over at Ash's belt as a red X appeared on the face of Bulbasaur's pokéball. She looked ahead again.

Ash gritted his teeth in frustration; not needing to check, 'Great. She's a full-blown disrupter.' "Sorry, Bulbasaur. She used Dragon Tail to send Pidgeotto back."

Bulbasaur frowned and moved into his fighting stance, "Geez. They're not playing around."

Steelix panted slightly and moved back into her stance as well. Without warning, Bulbasaur kicked off and charged Steelix.

Giovanni's eyes narrowed, "Iron Tail!"

Ash swung out a hand, "Vine Whip!"

Steelix swung her tail out to sweep the field. Bulbasaur brought out his vines and used them to help him jump over the tail. Like before, Steelix continued her swing to strike Bulbasaur from above.

Bulbasaur smirked and formed a blue sphere under his left two feet. The Hidden Power detonated on the spot and caused Bulbasaur to barrel roll out of the way of the Steel-type attack.

Giovanni's eyes widened slightly, 'What?!'

Bulbasaur detonated a few more of the pseudo-Psychic-type attack to right himself and land back on his feet.

Ash smiled, "Alright!" He pointed, "Now Hidden Power!"

Bulbasaur's eyes narrowed as a swarm of the attack appeared around him. He started rapid firing at Steelix.

Giovanni glared, "Block with Dragon Tail!"

Steelix lit her tail turquoise again and swung it around wildly to take out most of the spheres. Though, a few managed to slip through and nail her. Steelix flinched as the Psychic attacks struck.

Ash smirked, "Hidden Powder!"

Bulbasaur pointed the tip of his bulb at Steelix.

Giovanni perked up in surprise, 'Powder?' His eyes widened in realization, "Steelix! Rock Slide! Block that attack at all-"

"Too late!" Bulbasaur called out as a Hidden Power shot out of his bulb and nailed Steelix in the face; covering her head in blue dust.

Steelix swayed with a tired look on her face before falling forward and crashing to the ground. She snoozed calmly as she laid on the field.

Ash smirked and held up a hand, "Solar Beam!"

Bulbasaur pointed his bulb upright again as light particles began flying into his bulb.

Giovanni gritted is teeth, "Steelix! Wake up!"

But Steelix was fast asleep.

Bulbasaur's bulb lit up pure white, "Ready!"

Ash pointed a finger gun, "Fire!"

A massive green beam of energy erupted from Bulbasaur's bulb and shot towards the Steel/Ground-type on the ground. The attack exploded in Steelix's face and kicked up a large cloud of smoke around her.

"GAH!" Steelix cried out as the attack struck; having been woken up by it.

Bulbasaur and Ash stared at the cloud apprehensively. Giovanni glared. Everyone else watched in anticipation. The smoke faded to reveal Steelix still lying on the ground but, this time, with her eyes swirling.

The ref frowned and raised an arm, "Steelix is unable to battle!"

Bulbasaur sighed in relief.

Giovanni frowned and held out a pokéball, "Well done, Steelix. Return."

Steelix disappeared into the pokéball. Giovanni put it away and threw another, "Camerupt!"

The ball burst open, and the Fire/Ground-type appeared in a flash. They looked at Bulbasaur with a smirk.

Bulbasaur deadpanned, "Hm…" He looked back at his trainer, "Hey, remind me! Block is one of the ones that doesn't wear off until I lose, right?!"

"'Fraid so!" Soot called back, "Good luck!"

Bulbasaur sighed, faced Camerupt, and moved into his fighting stance. He took a deep breath and glared determinedly.

Camerupt grinned, "Do you actually think you stand a chance? You're not winning this, plant."

The Seed Pokémon rolled his eyes, "Yeah, I realize that. But I'm stuck out here and it's more detrimental if I don't even try to weaken you for whichever of my teammates takes my place. I might as well do something before going down, right?"

The Eruption Pokémon blinked in surprise; having not expected a response like that, "Oh … okay then." He moved into his fighting stance.

Giovanni held out a hand, "Lava Plume!"

Camerupt glared as a massive jet of flames and smoke shot out from the volcanoes on his back. Bulbasaur grimaced as the flames spread out around the battlefield.

Ash glanced up and gritted his teeth, 'No rafters.' He looked at Bulbasaur, "Propel and stay up!"

Bulbasaur jumped up and formed/detonated a Hidden Power at each of his feet. He shot high up into the air as the Fire attack swept over the field below him. He continued detonating more of the pseudo-Psychic-type to remain airborne.

Camerupt looked up at him in surprise through the flame shroud, "Woah…" He glanced down at his own feet, 'Could I do that, too?'

"Rock Slide!" Giovanni called out.

Camerupt snapped out of it and pointed his volcanoes upward. He perked up in realization.

.

*Bulbasaur

The Seed Pokémon's eyes narrowed, 'Rock Slide, huh?' He glanced upward, 'I should be too high up for rain-style.' He looked down again warily and detonated another set of Hidden Power, 'So it has to be a throwing style like Onix's.'

The cloud of flames and smoke parted as a swarm of massive rocks shot into the air high above Bulbasaur. The rocks all arched forward and fell towards the Seed Pokémon at an alarming rate.

Bulbasaur looked up at the rocks with a determined smirk, 'Called it.'

The Grass/Poison-type began forming and detonating Hidden Powers all over as he swerved around to dodge the falling stones. All the while, Camerupt stared in an odd mixture of awe and frustration. The trainers and Pokémon in the challenger area stared intently.

As Bulbasaur maneuvered around the last few rocks, he noticed a red glow out of the corner of his eye and glanced over. His eyes widened when he saw a red sphere-style Hidden Power swerve around the rock on a collision course with him.

"SAUR!" Bulbasaur cried out as the attack exploded against him and threw him into one of the boulders. He bounced off right before getting nailed back into the boulder by a second sphere.

Everyone in the group flinched. Giovanni glanced at Camerupt harshly. The Eruption Pokémon didn't notice the man's glare and smiled at seeing his combo work.

Pikachu perked up and looked at Ash, "Pikapi. Pichu ka."

Ash perked up slightly.

The rocks burst out of existence as Bulbasaur plummeted to the ground. He quickly snapped out of it and formed and detonated a handful of Hidden Power around him to right himself and land on his feet.

Ash grinned, "Nice job! Now, Hidden Power!"

"Hidden Power, as well!" Giovanni called out.

A swarm of the light blue sphere formed around Bulbasaur. Camerupt glared as a larger swarm of red spheres appeared around him. The swarms shot towards each other and set each other off. A large explosion erupted in the middle of the battlefield and shrouded the space in smoke.

A handful of Camerupt's attack shot through the cloud and nailed Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur grimaced and started trembling slightly. However, his body began taking on a green outline.

Ash smirked and Giovanni scowled, 'Overgrow.'

Bulbasaur shook it off and looked at Camerupt with a smirk. Camerupt glared back.

Ash clenched a fist, "Hidden Powder!"

Giovanni glared, "Lava Plume! Don't let that attack hit!"

Camerupt tensed up and looked back at the man in confusion. He shook it off quickly and unleashed his attack again.

Bulbasaur pointed his bulb as a Hidden Power shot out of it. The sphere shot through the mass of flames and ended up detonating before it could get close. The blue spores began burning up on the spot.

Camerupt looked at the burning dust in shock, "W- what the- RUPT!" He cried out as a volley of Hidden Power blew up in his face.

Giovanni gritted his teeth.

'He really should've seen that coming.' The Grass/Poison-type looked at the oncoming Fire-type attack and smiled calmly, 'Well, good luck, Squirtle.' He closed his eyes as the flames swept over him.

Camerupt shook it off and looked ahead. Everyone else stared intently. The flames subsided to reveal Bulbasaur lying on his stomach and with scorch marks all over.

The ref raised an arm, "Bulbasaur is unable to battle!"

Ash smiled sadly and held out a pokéball, "Nice work, Bulbasaur. Get some rest." The beam shot out and absorbed the Seed Pokémon.

Misty sighed, "They're tied again…"

Brock frowned, "Yeah. It seems like neither can keep an advantage."

Ash pulled out another pokéball and threw it, "Squirtle, your move!"

The ball opened and Squirtle appeared on the field. He looked at Camerupt, smirked, and moved into his fighting stance. Camerupt sweat dropped, frowned uncomfortably, and did the same.

Giovanni stared curiously, 'Both a bulbasaur and squirtle. Interesting.'

"Squirtle, Aqua Tail!"

The Tiny Turtle Pokémon charged at Camerupt as a spiral of water surrounded his tail.

Giovanni stared calmly, 'Enhance-style.' "Earth Power!"

Camerupt hopped up to his hind legs and fell back down to forcefully stomp the ground. A series of yellow glowing cracks tore through the ground and continued toward Squirtle.

Squirtle just continued charging the cracks until-

"Jump and retract!" Ash called out.

Squirtle smirked and jumped over the approaching cracks before tucking his head and limbs into his shell. But with Aqua Tail still in use.

The Water-type shot high into the air with a stream of water tailing him.

Giovanni sweat dropped, 'Should've seen that coming…'

Camerupt stared in shock before looking at Ash, 'Can all of his Pokémon fly?!'

Ash smirked, "Now, Zen Headbutt!"

Squirtle cut off Aqua Tail and popped back out of his shell. He positioned himself and free fell towards Camerupt. As he fell, his head took on a light blue glow.

"Counter with Hidden Power!" Giovanni called out.

"It's Dark-type!" Ash shouted, "Break into Hydro Pump!"

Giovanni's eyes widened and he looked at Ash in shock, 'How did he-' He tensed up and looked at Squirtle, 'Wait, Hydro Pump?!' He glared and shouted, "Continue with Hidden Power! Block that attack!"

The glow on Squirtle's head faded and he pulled his limbs into his shell again. Five high-powered streams of water erupted from the shell and began spinning Squirtle like a top. He shot straight towards Camerupt.

Giovanni's eyes widened, 'Rotation-style?!'

Camerupt grimaced before shaking it off and glaring. A swarm of his Hidden Power appeared around him and shot towards the approaching opponent.

Squirtle's Hydro Pump tore through and threw the spheres off course effortlessly. He continued forward and rammed into the Fire/Ground-type; spraying him mercilessly.

"CAMERUPT!" Camerupt cried out as the times four Super Effective attack tore away at him. A large cloud of steam blasted out and shrouded him.

Squirtle jumped back out of the steam and smiled triumphantly.

Ash noticed and his eyes narrowed, "Don't let your guard down yet, Squirtle. He might not be out."

Squirtle flinched and quickly moved back into his fighting stance.

The steam cleared to reveal Camerupt still on his feet and looking at Squirtle tiredly, "ow…" He groaned before falling to lay on his stomach; eyes swirling.

The ref raised a hand, "Camerupt is unable to battle!"

Squirtle blinked in surprise before looking back at Ash; deadpanned, "You were saying?"

Ash sweat dropped, "Okay, in my defense, I half expected his ability to be Solid Rock. The battle with Bulbasaur didn't give a ton of info."

Squirtle perked up in surprise, "Wait, what? Bulbasaur battled him?"

"Yeah." Soot responded, "Steelix knew Dragon Tail and Block."

Squirtle nodded, "Ah."

"Return." Giovanni called out.

Ash and Squirtle looked back ahead as Camerupt disappeared into the red beam. The Gym Leader put the ball away, grabbed another, and threw it, "Seismitoad!"

The ball opened and the Vibration Pokémon appeared on the ground. They looked at Squirtle and smirked.

Misty perked up and blinked in surprise, "He has Unovan Pokémon, too?"

Brock looked at her with a raised brow, "Don't you have a basculin, now?"

Misty glanced at him; deadpanned, "You know for a fact that's different."

Ash frowned, 'Crag. This one's gonna be tough. Their only weakness is Grass and no one else has a move from that type. Not to mention there's a chance their ability is Poison Touch. It'd be a lot easier if I still had Bulbasa-' He shook his head, 'No. You just had this conversation with Clefairy.'

He stared Seismitoad down and put a hand to his chin, 'Immune to Electric and resistant to Poison, Rock, Steel, and Fire. Still leaves us plenty of neutral. If it is Poison Touch, we need range and-' He perked up.

Seismitoad stared at the silent yet expressive trainer in confusion before looking at Squirtle, "Is he okay?"

Squirtle nodded; also looking at Ash, "Yeah, he's just thinking stuff over. You get used to it. Also, starting to think I'm not gonna be your-"

Ash held out a pokéball, "Squirtle, return."

Squirtle smirked back at the Water/Ground-type, "Called it." The beam connected as he vanished.

Ash put the ball away and threw another, "Pidgeotto! Enter the fray!"

The ball opened and the Bird Pokémon appeared high in the air in a flash.

"Pidgo!" She cried out excitedly.

Giovanni's eyes narrowed slightly, "hm…"

Ash pointed, "Use Air Slash!"

Giovanni swept a hand outward, "Muddy Water!"

Pidgeotto opened her beak as a light blue sphere appeared in front of it. A swarm of light blue, curved blades shot out from it and towards Seismitoad.

Seismitoad inhaled deeply before firing a massive surge of brown water from his mouth.

The attacks collided in midair and exploded violently.

"Ice Punch!"

Seismitoad burst through the cloud and shot towards Pidgeotto with an icy mist covering his fists.

Pidgeotto's eyes widened before she lit up white from Quick Attack and shot out of the way. Seismitoad swung and missed. He shot an annoyed glare at the Normal/Flying-type as he fell back to the ground.

"Ominous Wind!" Ash shouted.

Pidgeotto cut off Quick Attack and swung a wing at Seismitoad as a gust of purple wind shot from it. Seismitoad crossed his arms across his chest as the attack struck him and threw him to the ground.

Seismitoad got back to his feet and shook his head rapidly. He glared up at Pidgeotto. Pidgeotto just stared back calmly.

Giovanni's eyes narrowed, "Muddy Water!"

"Counter with Ominous Wind!"

The Water/Ground-type inhaled and unleashed the Water attack again. The Normal/Flying-type flapped the Ghost-attack at the stream. The attacks collided and exploded; covering the airspace in smoke again. Unseen by most of the beings present, Pidgeotto rapidly lit up in a series of different colors.

Ash smirked, 'Yes! The full stat boost!' He swung an arm out and snapped, "Air Slash!"

A light blue glow lit up the cloud as Air Slash shot down through the cover and towards Seismitoad.

Seismitoad smirked, 'Gotcha!' He jumped back to avoid the attack and kicked off to leap high into the air. He shot towards the source of the attack and activated Ice Punch again. He reeled back and swung at Pidgeotto; sweeping away the cloud cover in the process.

Seismitoad's eyes widened in shock when he saw nothing except the Air Slash sphere in front of him. He looked over to find Pidgeotto hovering far off to the side.

Pidgeotto cracked a small smirk as her Air Slash vanished. She opened her beak as another sphere appeared.

'Source detachment. Impressive.' Giovanni's eyes narrowed slightly, 'But expected from that style.' He thought before shouting, "Now, Muddy Water! Aim the opposite direction from it!"

Seismitoad glanced down at him in confusion. Pidgeotto raised a brow before perking up in realization and looking at Seismitoad in alarm. But she realized too late.

Seismitoad complied with the demand and shot towards Pidgeotto; much to his own surprise. He stopped the attack and turned to look at her in shock. He smirked wickedly.

"Ice Punch!"

Seismitoad spun, bashed Pidgeotto in the side with his freezing fist, and shot her towards the ground.

"Pidgo!" The Bird Pokémon cried out as she plummeted and crashed into the ground.

Seismitoad landed in front of her.

"Drain Punch!"

Seismitoad clenched a fist as a green sphere of energy covered it and drove a punch into Pidgeotto's chest.

Pidgeotto coughed as the attack knocked the wind out of her lungs. Seismitoad stood back up and lit up green as the scuff marks all over him began fading. He lept back to his side of the field.

Pidgeotto slowly and shakily got back up. Though she was shivering terribly, and a patch of ice was on her wing.

Ash's eyes widened, 'She's frozen…' He frowned, reached back, and held out a pokéball, "Return." The beam shot out.

Pidgeotto glanced back and jumped to the side as the beam hit the ground. She ducked down and spread out her wings, "I can keep going!"

Ash stared in surprise before frowning, "Pidgeotto, I'm sorry but you're in no condition to continue."

Pidgeotto looked back at him, "Maybe, but-" She perked up and looked at Giovanni. Her eyes narrowed slightly, "Pikachu, whisper the translation for me. Soot, try to make it believable."

The Pokémon present all perked up in surprise.

Seismitoad blinked in confusion, 'Wait, what?'

Pikachu's eyes narrowed as he whispered, "Ash, Pidgeotto wants me to translate for real."

Soot frowned, "Pidgeotto wants you to listen for a bit."

Ash's eyes narrowed slightly, 'Hm.' He perked up and blinked in surprise before nodded, "Uh … sure."

Giovanni raised a brow curiously, "Seismitoad, stand down for a moment." He glanced at the hidden camera, 'This could be useful.'

Seismitoad visibly relaxed. Though he was still looking at the Bird Pokémon in confusion.

"Ash," Pidgeotto said, "you remember what you told us before, right? How sometimes we'll have to fight hopeless battles for the team to win."

"You remember all that work we put in for today, right?" Soot lied, "We all trained like Yvel so we could be prepared for this."

Pikachu whispered the translation under his breath; only loud enough for Ash to hear. As well as Clefairy who was right next to him.

Ash frowned and gave a small nod, "I remember…"

"My signal was 'Enter the fray'." Pidgeotto continued, "Not 'your move'. You knew it wouldn't be easy or that I couldn't actually win. So, isn't my goal here just to weaken him? Even if I can't fly?"

"I'm frustrated after that round with Steelix." Soot said, "I got thrown out like nothing. And it might as well be the same with this guy. Am I really supposed to be okay with getting done in by a little Ice? Just like that?"

Pikachu relayed the real message.

Ash frowned sympathetically, "Pidgeotto…"

'Oh, frustration angle.' Pidgeotto glanced back at Ash determinedly, "If I'm already this weak, there might not be much I can do against another opponent." She smirked, "So let me do what I can and go down the right way."

Soot frowned sympathetically, "I want to help more than that. Let me prove that I'm stronger than I was when we met. I promise I can do this, da-" She tensed up and smiled sheepishly, "uh, Ash." She snorted, "Oh, dear Arc. I'm so sorry. I completely ruined the moment."

Pikachu smiled and translated again.

Ash chuckled before smiling softly, "It means that much to you, huh?"

Pidgeotto gave a small nod.

Her trainer smirked, "Alright, then." He held out a hand, "Then show 'em what you can do!"

Pidgeotto smirked determinedly and glared back at Seismitoad.

Seismitoad stared in confusion and moved into his fighting stance, 'What the Yvel was that about?'

Misty blinked in surprise before leaning closer to Brock and whispering, "The Yvel's gotten into her?"

Brock sweat dropped, "I am just as lost…"

Electra chuckled sheepishly with her ears drooping and muttered, "This is gonna be a long one…" She moved closer to Brock's ear and started whispering what Pidgeotto was actually saying. As best she could.

Giovanni stared calmly, 'I suppose this is the one Erika referred to.' "Shall we continue?"

Ash glared determinedly, "Yeah!" He held out a hand, "Steel Wing!"

Pidgeotto lit her wings up and kicked off to charge at Seismitoad.

Giovanni cracked a small smirk, "Counter with Drain Punch!" 'No matter the circumstance, Drain Punch should sap away its energy so long as contact is made.'

Seismitoad's eyes narrowed and he smirked, 'Like Yvel! I need to finish this!' He clenched his fists as they took on an icy mist and jumped towards Pidgeotto.

Giovanni gritted his teeth.

The combatants met at the center of the field and threw their attacks at one another. The Steel and Ice attacks clashed as their users fell into a power struggle.

"I could've sworn I heard your trainer say Drain Punch." Pidgeotto said while glaring up at her opponent.

Seismitoad smirked, "Nice try. Why the Yvel would I use a Fighting move on a Flying-type when I have an Ice move?"

Pidgeotto's eyes narrowed slightly, 'He doesn't realize it, does he?' "You … used it earlier, though…"

Seismitoad tensed up slightly and glanced away, "Th- that's different. He just blurted-"

Pidgeotto glared, 'Now!' She shifted her wing and side stepped to parry the Ice Punch and throw Seismitoad off balance; much to his shock.

She pivoted and rolled to slammed both of her glowing wings into Seismitoad's back.

"TOAD!" Seismitoad cried out as the Steel attack drove him into the ground.

Pidgeotto jumped back and flapped once to land further away from the Water/Ground-type. She smirked as the glow faded, "Rule one of battling. Keep your eyes on your opponent."

Seismitoad grumbled and started pushing himself back up.

"Seismitoad!" Giovanni shouted, "I told you to use Drain Punch!"

Seismitoad glared in frustration, "Fine!" His fists each became engulfed in a green energy sphere, and he shot towards Pidgeotto again.

Pidgeotto glared, 'Can't let it connect!'

Seismitoad pivoted and swung. Pidgeotto leaned to the side and stared at the fist intently as it shot by. Her eyes widened slightly as they flashed light blue. Ash and Soot noticed and perked up in surprise.

Without thinking, the Normal/Flying-type shifted her gaze to Seismitoad and she swung a wing at him as a green sphere appeared on the edge. Seismitoad could only stare in shock as the attack struck him in the side of the head and knocked him away.

"Gah!" He cried out as he tumbled along the ground.

Pidgeotto stared at Seismitoad in shock as a green light covered and healed her. Giovanni grimaced.

Pikachu stared in shock, "W- what the? Was that Drain Punch?"

Clefairy blinked in surprise, "I didn't know she could learn that." She tilted curiously, "I thought you would've used Kangaskhan to teach her that."

Ash stared in shock, "That isn't it. Her kind can't learn Drain Punch." His shoulder riders looked at him in surprise as he grinned excitedly, "But they can sure as Yvel learn Mirror Move."

"Mirror Move?" Clefairy asked.

Soot smirked wickedly, "It's like a Flying-type Copycat with a restriction that actually makes it better in certain cases. It can only copy someone else's move that targets the user. Even if that 'someone' is a teammate. In other words, it can't call one of the user's own moves by accident."

Pikachu's eyes widened, "So, whatever Seismitoad uses-"

"Pidgeotto can send it right back." Ash said excitedly. After a second, he perked up in realization, "Wait…" He looked at Soot, "Don't her kind normally learn that after evolving?"

Soot blinked in surprise, "Oh … yeah." She looked up at Ash, "She didn't happen to find an Everstone without me noticing, ri-"

A bright light shone out from the field; catching the attention of everyone in the area. Seismitoad stared in pure shock as his opponent began growing in size and changing shape slightly.

The light faded and the Bird Pokémon perked up and looked down at herself in shock, "Huh?"

Soot smiled, "There it is."

"Alright Pidgeotto!" Clefairy cheered before flinching, "Uh, Pidgeot!"

Pidgeot looked back at her before looking down at herself again, "Huh. That was a lot more sudden than last time…"

Ash smiled, "Congratulations, Pidgeot!" His eyes narrowed determinedly, "But we'll celebrate this later! For now, we have a battle to finish!"

Pidgeot smirked determinedly, faced Seismitoad, and spread her wings, "Right!"

Giovanni glared, "Seismitoad! No more Drain Punch!"

Seismitoad sat up and glanced back harshly, "Make up your mind already…" He leaped back to his feet and moved into his fighting stance again.

"Ice Punch!" Giovanni shouted.

"Mirror Move!" Ash called out.

Seismitoad kicked off and covered his fists in an icy mist. Pidgeot charged at the Vibration Pokémon and stared intently before her eyes blipped light blue. An icy mist coated her wings as she continued towards him.

The pair stomped and pivoted as their Ice Punches collided with each other. They continued bashing the Ice attacks against each other; neither seeming to get the upper hand … or wing.

Seismitoad threw one more Ice Punch at Pidgeot's head. This time, she side stepped to avoid, jumped, and fired a pointblank Ominous Wind to propel herself back. The Water/Ground-type scowled as the Ghost-type wind washed over him.

Pidgeot landed back on her side of the field and smirked determinedly. She flinched and grimaced as a cluster of purple bubbles rose up from her head. She slumped over as a purple tint became present on her beak.

Ash grimaced, 'Oh crag! It is Poison Touch!' He perked up and looked closer at his Bird Pokémon, 'Then that means.' He smirked, "Pidgeot! The ice is gone!"

Pidgeot perked up and glanced over at her wing. She smirked, jumped back into the air, and started flapping.

Giovanni's eyes narrowed, "Muddy Water! Shoot it out of the sky!"

Seismitoad inhaled and fired another stream of brown water at the Bird. Pidgeot smirked and dove straight towards the Water-type attack. Her eyes flashed before she inhaled and fired Muddy Water from her beak.

The brown sprays of water collided midfield and pushed against each other.

Seismitoad glared with his mouth moving into a smile as the stream continued, 'That's not gonna help! You're not even a Water-type!' Seismitoad's attack began pushing back at Pidgeot's, 'It's only a matter of time until-'

The Vibration Pokémon's eyes widened when the opposing stream stopped immediately and his shot clean through the air. Pidgeot swerved around the stream and dove straight towards Seismitoad at an alarming rate with her wings glowing.

Seismitoad could do nothing but stare in shock as Pidgeot shot by and slashed him in the chest with Steel Wing. She skidded to a halt with her wings still glowing. She let out a held breath as the glow faded.

Seismitoad stared off into space for a moment. He chuckled weakly but didn't look back, "You weren't trying to overpower my attack, were you? You just held it off to pick up speed."

Pidgeot smirked; looking ahead still, "Of course. Even if Mirror Move is Flying-type, I don't get a STAB bonus from your attacks."

Seismitoad chuckled again, "True." He fell to his knees, "Good game." He fell forward and crashed to the ground with a content smile on his face.

The ref stared in shock before raising an arm, "Seismitoad is unable to battle."

Pidgeot looked back at him and smiled kindly. She then tensed up as her poison affliction got in one last hit. "Freaking Yvel." She groaned before falling back.

Ash perked up and kicked off.

Giovanni looked at him and visibly jumped when he saw Ash cross over half the field and skid on his knees to catch his Pokémon.

Ash nudged the Normal/Flying-type gently, "Pidgeot. Are you okay?"

Pidgeot smiled at him tiredly, "Eh, I'll live." She looked down and perked up in surprise, "Woah."

Ash blinked in surprise, "You alright?" He followed her gaze and saw her talons clenching and unclenching repeatedly

Pidgeot stared curiously, "Yeah. Just … getting used to the extra talon."

Ash chuckled; having guessed the reason. He pulled out her pokéball, "Get some rest."

Pidgeot smiled as she disappeared into the beam. Ash stood back up and walked back to the trainer box.

The ref blinked in surprise before raising an arm, "Uh … Pidgeot is unable to battle…"

Giovanni just continued staring at the trainer in shock, 'How on earth did he do that?! I've seen blitzle that can't move that quickly!' He looked at Brock and Misty. The pair noticed and looked at him curiously.

The Viridian Gym Leader snapped out of it and shook it off, 'Calm down!' He re-composed himself and glanced at the cameras for a second, 'That feat is merely another thing to examine later.' He glanced at the other Gym Leaders again, 'Still, neither seem phased by what just happened.' He looked at Ash again, 'Is that actually normal for him?'

Togepi blinked in confusion, "Why is the thin hair human looking at us funny?"

Electra translated.

Brock sweat dropped and smiled sheepishly, "I guess Ash's sprint might've startled him."

Misty smirked slyly, "Well, yeah. He saw a ten-year-old moving at-" She perked up and put a hand to her chin, "Wait, was he moving at top speed?"

Brock perked up, raised a brow, and crossed his arms, "That's a good question, now that you mention it. It's not like either of us have a speed gun."

Ash made it back to the trainer box and turned to face the Ground user again.

Giovanni snapped out of it and held out a pokéball, "Seismitoad, return." The Pokémon disappeared into the beam. He placed the ball back into the pedestal and threw another, "Marowak!"

"Primeape! Your move!" Ash called out as he threw his own pokéball.

The Bone Keeper and Pig Monkey Pokémon materialized on the field. Marowak glared and moved into his fighting stance while brandishing his bone club.

Primeape glared excitedly, cracked his knuckles, and crouched down. Then, almost immediately, he kicked off and charged at Marowak.

Giovanni tensed up, 'He didn't even give a command!' He glared and ordered, "Earthquake!"

Marowak spun his bone overhead before jabbing the ground with it. Right as the ground started shaking, Primeape jumped, ignited Fire Punch, and clapped downward. An explosion erupted from him and threw him higher into the air.

Marowak flinched and stared in shock. Giovanni watched the airborne Fighting-type in annoyance and let out a quiet grumble.

Ash smirked, "Now Ice Punch!"

Primeape shook off Fire Punch in one quick motion and clenched his fists again as they became shrouded in unstable light blue energy.

"Brutal Swing!"

Marowak snapped out of it and held out his club as it lit up red. He swung it at the falling primeape's fist to counter the Ice Punch.

Marowak followed through with the swing and flung Primeape back. The Pig Monkey Pokémon landed on his feet.

Giovanni's eyes narrowed, 'Wait a moment.' He held out a hand, "Earthquake again!"

Marowak raised the bone and struck the ground again. Primeape glared determinedly before he jumped forward and ignited Fire Punch again.

"Primeape!" Ash called out.

Primeape perked up.

"Now Stone Edge!"

The Ground-type swung his bone club outward as a swarm of floating jagged stones appeared around him. He pointed the weapon ahead and fired the stones at Primeape.

Primeape glared and clapped again. This time ahead. The explosion knocked away a small handful of the rocks and threw him back. He crossed his arms as the rest of the Stone Edge tore away at him.

Primeape skidded back to a halt and looked ahead at Marowak determinedly. Marowak glared.

Giovanni stared in surprise, 'It shot back to lessen the speed of the attack? How the Yvel did it know to do that from its name alone?' He shook it off and held out a hand, "Brick Break!"

Marowak held out and straightened his left hand as it and his bone lit up white. He kicked off and ran at Primeape.

'Dual-style, huh?' Primeape ignited Fire Punch yet again and charged.

The pair met mid-field and clashed. They broke off and continued throwing attacks. Every attempt was met with the other blocking, parrying, or countering them in some way.

The now frustrated Marowak glared and swung Brick Break -the bone one- at the Pig Monkey Pokémon as hard as he could. Primeape's expression turned to disappointment as he sidestepped to dodge the attack. Marowak's eyes widened in shock as he stumbled forward and glanced at Primeape in shock.

Primeape glanced at him and lit his hands up white. He pivoted and dealt a two-handed Brick Break to Marowak's back.

"WAK!" The Ground-type cried out as he was forced to the ground and kicked up a cloud of dust around him. A faint clatter was heard from the cloud.

The dust cleared to reveal Marowak lying on his stomach with his eyes swirling. His bone was sitting a few feet away from him; having been knocked away in the hit.

"Marowak is unable to battle!" The ref announced.

Giovanni's eyes widened in shock, 'In only one hit?!'

Primeape looked over at the bone club. Marowak groaned and started pushing himself back up. He perked up when he saw something white in front of him and looked ahead.

"You gotta remember to stay calm when things get tense." Primeape said as he held out Marowak's bone club, "Get too angry and it might cost you the battle."

Soot snorted as she held back a laugh.

Marowak blinked in surprise before chuckling and smiling, "That's rich coming from one of your kind." He took his weapon and pulled himself back to his feet.

Primeape let go and chuckled, "Yeah, well my case is mostly about the ability."

Marowak blinked in confusion, "Abili-" He tensed up and his eyes widened, "Your ability is Anger Point… That's why-"

Primeape's expression turned sly, "Yup." He walked closer and patted him on the shoulder, "But don't worry, you're not the first to use Stone Edge on me. That would be the volcano guy's rhydon." He turned and started walking towards Ash.

Marowak stared ahead in shock before chuckling again and shaking his head, "Freaking Yvel." He turned to look at his trainer, glared furiously, and pointed a thumb back.

Giovanni stared calmly and glanced at Primeape, 'I see.' He nodded, "Well fought, Marowak." He held out his pokéball, "Return."

Marowak cracked a small smirk as he disappeared into the beam.

Primeape made it back to his side of the field, turned to face the opposite side, and crossed his arms.

Ash smiled, "Nice work. You up for another round?"

Primeape rolled his eyes, "Funny."

Ash chuckled and looked ahead, "Well, Primeape's staying in. I don't think it matters what the opponent will be."

Giovanni's eyes narrowed, "I see." 'So many signifiers of rebellion and disloyalty yet it still reacted to him without hesitation… I can't tell whether he can actually control it.' He took another pokéball and threw it, "Golurk!"

The Automaton Pokémon appeared in a flash and looked down at Primeape with an unreadable expression. Primeape just glared at the Ground/Ghost-type towering over him.

Ash's eyes narrowed, 'Hm. Immune to Fighting, but weak to Ice and Dark. He hasn't seen Primeape's last move, but assuming it's Dark would be a smart guess. Which only makes the choice stranger. We haven't seen a rhyhorn line Pokémon, so his ninth might not be a better choice.' "Primeape, stay sharp."

Primeape moved into his fighting stance. Golurk moved into their fighting stance as well.

The Fighting-type kicked off and broke into a sprint again.

Giovanni held out a hand, "Earthquake!"

Primeape's eyes narrowed, 'Again?' He ignited Fire Punch.

Golurk stomped and the ground began shaking. Primeape jumped and clapped into the air again. Golurk perked up in surprise.

Primeape flipped to clap in the direction opposite Golurk to shoot towards them. He rotated again to face Golurk and shrouded his fists with Ice Punch. He reeled back to strike when-

"Don't let it hit!" Giovanni shouted, "Catch it with Hammer Arm!"

Primeape's eyes widened as Golurk's arm lit up white and shot up to grab Primeape by the arm.

"Ah!" Primeape cried out as he was forced to stop. The Ice Punches faded and Primeape started struggling to free his hand.

Golurk's other arm lit up white as he threw a punch at the trapped primeape. Primeape grunted as the Fighting-type attack struck him in the … entire front of his body. Everyone in the group flinched.

Ash grimaced before shouting, "Use Assurance!"

"Tch." Primeape groaned in annoyance. He then swung back and then forward to deliver a kick to Golurk's wrist. The Automaton flinched and dropped Primeape. Giovanni gritted his teeth.

Primeape landed and jumped back to his side of the field. He glanced back at Ash in annoyance.

Ash shrugged, "Well it worked, didn't it?"

Primeape glared.

Ash deadpanned, "Hey, you know I can't control whether it's kick-style. Besides, you know I'm still working on Throat Chop. This stuff takes time."

Primeape sighed, "Fine." He looked back ahead at Golurk and moved back into his fighting stance.

Giovanni raised a brow.

Ash noticed, "He prefers punching over kicking. We didn't have time to teach him a different Dark-type attack … that we have access to."

"And how does that relate to Throat Chop?" The Gym Leader asked.

"My training methods." The trainer answered vaguely, "I prefer to keep the details secret, but I will say that they're similar to a Move Tutor's."

"I see…" Giovanni said while sweat dropping. He shook it off and held out a hand, "Shadow Punch!"

Primeape's eyes narrowed, 'From this range?' His eyes widened as Golurk held up both arms and shrouded them in black energy with a purple outline, "Shoot-style!"

Golurk reeled their left arm back and punched the air in front of them. The energy shot from the Automaton Pokémon's hand and soared towards Primeape.

Primeape jumped to the side to dodge the phantom fist. As he fell back to the ground, he looked at Golurk again and tensed up when he saw them already throwing another punch with their right.

He crossed his arms over his face as the Ghost-type attack struck and shot him back. He tumbled along the ground and laid in a heap. He moved to stand on his knees, shook it off, and hurriedly got back to his feet.

"Don't let up! Stone Edge!"

Golurk pointed their right arm at Primeape as their hand retreated to form a cannon. The inside lit up white for a second before a swarm of jagged stones shot out of it.

Primeape lit up his hands with Brick Break and started batting away at the oncoming stones wildly; shattering the ones he hit. A few still managed to get through and graze him.

"Now Shadow Punch!"

Golurk immediately cancelled Stone Edge, brought their hand back out, and fired two more punches for the Ghost-type attack. Primeape glared and countered with Ice Punch.

The fists exploded on impact and covered Primeape in a chilled mist. Primeape charged out of the side of the cloud but perked up in surprise when he found a large shadow looming over him.

Primeape looked over and his eyes widened in shock when he saw Golurk standing directly over him.

Ash's eyes widened in shock, "Oh crag."

Giovanni cracked a smirk, "Hammer Arm!"

Golurk's right arm lit up white before they shot it down directly onto Primeape; kicking up a cloud of dust. Golurk tensed up slightly.

Ash noticed and his eyes widened, "Primeape…"

Golurk pulled their fist back and took a few steps back to get to his side of the field. The dust faded to reveal Primeape lying on his back with his eyes swirling.

The ref smiled and raised an arm, "Primeape is unable to battle!"

Ash sighed and smiled sadly. He held out a pokéball, "Nice work, Primeape. Return." The beam shot out and absorbed the Pig Monkey Pokémon. He put the pokéball back on his belt, 'He relied on Shadow Punch and Hammer Arm for actually dealing damage and nothing similar to Lock-On seemed to happen for either of us. So Golurk's ability might be Iron Fist. If it's Klutz, they're just that strong.'

He pulled out another pokéball, enlarged it, and threw, "Squirtle! Enter the Fray!"

Squirtle emerged and looked over at his opponent with a determined smirk. His smirk faded and his eyes widened as he looked up to find the Ground/Ghost-type looking down at him.

"Uh…" Squirtle muttered before looking back at Ash and pointing a thumb at Golurk, "you want me to battle him?"

"Them." Soot called out, "Golurk are genderless."

Squirtle glared, "That is not the point!"

Ash sighed, "Yeah, sorry Squirtle. Primeape couldn't beat them."

Squirtle perked up and his eyes widened, 'Primeape?' He looked back at Golurk and looked over them intently. After a second, he smirked and moved into his fighting stance, "Read ya loud and clear, Ash!"

His trainer cracked a small smirk and put a hand on his hip, "You wanna show him up that bad, huh? Sounds good."

Golurk moved into their fighting stance.

"Shadow Punch!" Giovanni called out.

Golurk's fists took on the black and purple glow and literally threw a pair of punches at Squirtle.

Ash held out a hand, "Counter with Aqua Tail!"

Squirtle's tail took on a water spiral before he jumped and spun to bat away the first one.

"Squirt!"

Unfortunately, he didn't notice the second fist and got blown forward. I.e. towards Ash.

Squirtle crash landed and looked up at Ash; deadpanned.

"Yeah, sorry." Ash apologized while sweat dropping, "Should've mentioned it was a double shot." He pointed ahead, "Ice Beam!"

Squirtle jumped back to his feet, turned to face Golurk and opened his mouth to form a light blue ball of energy that broke out into a series of matching-colored bolts.

The Gym Leader grimaced before shouting, "Shadow Punch!"

Golurk shot the Ghost-type attack at the oncoming Ice-type attack. The fists both collided with the freezing bolts and burst; canceling each other out.

"Aqua Tail!" Ash shouted.

Squirtle broke into a sprint towards Golurk as his tail took on the water spiral.

"Stone Edge!" Giovanni shouted.

Golurk pointed their right arm ahead. Their hand twitched a bit but refused to disappear into their arm. They jerked and kept trying to retract their hand.

Giovanni looked at Golurk in alarm. His eyes widened when he saw a patch of ice on the edge of Golurk's right hand, "What?!"

Ash smirked, "Yeah, that'd be from Primeape. He really doesn't like going down without leaving something behind."

Giovanni looked at Ash in shock, "But when did it do that? It never hit Golurk with Ice Punch."

"The hit that finished him." Ash answered, "Primeape likely countered with Ice Punch when Golurk got that last hit in with Hammer Arm. He knew he was done for, so he banked it all on one status affliction."

Giovanni grimaced and looked up at Golurk who was still struggling with their hand. He glared, "Just use the other-"

"Too late!" Squirtle cut him off. He jumped up and struck Golurk in the knee. The Automaton Pokémon tensed up and fell to sit on their other knee; forcing Squirtle to jump back.

"Hydro Pump!"

Squirtle retracted into his shell and began firing geysers of water from each opening.

"Gaaah!" Golurk cried out as the Water-type attack washed away at him.

Squirtle popped back out of his shell and looked at his opponent to find the lines on their face fluctuating. When Golurk began falling forward Squirtle smirked and started walking back to Ash.

"Shadow Punch!"

Golurk's face markings lit up again. Squirtle perked up in alarm and looked back to find a pair of the Ghost-type attack shooting towards him at an alarming rate. They were already too close for him to dodge.

"Squirtle!" The Tiny Turtle Pokémon cried out as he was thrown back and crashed to the ground.

Golurk continued their fall forward and crashed to the ground; shaking the area.

Squirtle slowly got back to his feet while holding his head uncomfortably, "Ow…" He perked up in surprise as his body took on a distorted blue outline and looked over himself.

Ash smiled and Giovanni gritted his teeth, 'Torrent!'

"Golurk is unable to battle!"

Pikachu, Clefairy, Brock, Misty, and Electra sighed in relief. Togepi looked up at Misty curiously before mimicking her.

Ash cracked a small smile, 'Only two more.'

Giovanni held out a pokéball, "Return." Golurk vanished from the field. Giovanni put the ball away and threw the next one, "Claydol!"

The Ground/Psychic-type appeared in a flash and hovered over the field.

Ash perked up in surprise, 'Claydol?' He raised a brow, 'Huh. I guess Golurk did have a Fighting immunity instead of just a resistance.' He frowned, 'Still, that won't make this any easier.' He looked at the ref, "Squirtle's staying in."

The ref just nodded.

Squirtle glanced back at Ash, 'He didn't ask…' He took a deep breath before glaring at Claydol and moving into his fighting stance, 'We must be getting close.'

Giovanni held out a hand, "Bulldoze!"

"Propel!" Ash shouted.

Claydol levitated upward slightly before slamming their 'feet' into the ground. The battlefield began shaking wildly.

At the same time, Squirtle jumped up and tucked into his shell with Aqua Tail in use. He shot high into the air and avoided the attack. Claydol tilted upward to watch curiously as the Water-type did so and levitated above the ground again.

"Now shoot it down with Psybeam!"

Claydol aimed their cannons up at Squirtle as a pair of rainbow-colored energy beams shot out.

Ash gritted his teeth, 'Crag! From cannon-style!' "Counter with Ice Beam!"

Squirtle popped back out of his shell and fired the freezing bolts in response. The attacks collided in midair and exploded violently; shrouding the combatants from each other's view.

Claydol perked up in surprise when they saw a faint glow from the smoke. A second later, Squirtle shot down through the smoke and toward the Clay Doll Pokémon with Zen Headbutt at the ready.

"Dodge!" Giovanni called out.

Claydol shot in Ash's direction immediately to avoid the attack.

Squirtle smirked, 'Rule one of battling.' He cut off Zen Headbutt and flipped once to land on his feet. He readied Ice Beam and turned to face Claydol, 'Keep your eyes on your-' He tensed up, canceled his attack, and frowned when he saw Claydol still looking at him. He deadpanned, "Right… you have eyes on the back of your head…"

Two of Claydol's eyes that Squirtle could still see briefly shifted to a horizontal line and back; their version of a blink, "The what of my head?"

Squirtle raised a brow, "… the back?"

Claydol tilted slightly, "I still don't foll-" They perked up, "Oh! Oh, right. Sorry, I haven't been referred to like that since I was a baltoy." They chuckled sheepishly.

The Tiny Turtle Pokémon blinked in surprise, "What now?"

Soot put a paw to her muzzle and called out, "Squirtle, a claydol body loses the concept of front, back, and side when they evolve from baltoy. They just keep top and bottom. Their entire horizontal physiology is omnidirectional."

Squirtle looked at her; deadpanned, "You lost me after 'entire'." He perked up, 'Wait, top and bottom?' He looked at Claydol curiously before his eyes narrowed, "Huh…"

"Psybeam!" Giovanni shouted.

"Close in with Hydro Pump!" Ash responded.

Claydol aimed and fired the rainbow beams again. Squirtle charged ahead, jumped up, and tucked into his shell. He skidded along the ground as the Water-type attack fired and propelled him across the field.

Psybeam crashed against one of the water jets and got canceled out immediately.

"Rock Tomb!" Giovanni shouted in alarm.

Still aimed at Squirtle, Claydol's cannons started firing a swarm of purple orbs. The spheres hit the ground and sprouted a jagged gray rock from the point of impact. Squirtle charged through the rocks and shattered them near-effortlessly. But he was slowing down.

As he approached another rock, Squirtle cut off Hydro Pump, came back out of his shell, and jumped onto and off the rock. Ash's eyes widened in realization as Squirtle landed on top of the Clay Doll Pokémon.

The Tiny Turtle Pokémon grinned, "Now then." Aqua Tail spiraled into existence.

"Squirtle!" Ash shouted in alarm, "Get off them! Now!"

Squirtle looked at Ash in surprise, "What? But they can't-" He perked up when he noticed something out of the corner of his eye and looked over. His eyes widened when he saw one of Claydol's cannons suspended in midair and aiming right at him, 'Their arms aren't attached to their body?! But-' He perked up in realization, 'Front, back, and … side…' He chuckled nervously, "Well crag."

Giovanni snapped, "Psybeam!"

"SQUIRTLE!" The Water-type screamed as the rainbow beam shot him clean off the Ground/Psychic-type and threw him out into the field. He landed on his back and bounced once.

"Now Rock Tomb!"

Claydol's cannon returned to their main body, and both aimed at an upward angle before firing the spheres into the air.

Squirtle sat back up right as one of the spheres hit the ground and burst up into a jagged gray rock; making him flinch, "Woah!" Another sphere hit the first rock and burst at an angle to strike Squirtle in the chest. He flinched and fell to his knees with a paw on his chest.

The rest of the spheres started hitting the ground around him at an alarming rate. Squirtle shook it off, stood back up, and looked around. He grimaced when he found himself completely surrounded by the Rock Tomb.

"Bulldoze!"

Claydol levitated up again and slammed back into the ground. Squirtle stared in shock before glaring and firing off one last Ice Beam.

"Dol!" Claydol cried out as Ice attack struck.

Squirtle cracked a smirk before the shaking ground began to tear away at his stamina. The attack subsided at the same time that Rock Tomb shattered out of existence.

Squirtle fell to his knees and then to the ground; eyes swirling.

The ref raised an arm, "Squirtle is unable to battle!"

Ash grimaced and ran out onto the field to get his Water-type. Claydol stared in surprise and moved away to give Ash room.

Ash made it to the Tiny Turtle Pokémon, scooped him up, and started walking back to the trainer area. Squirtle let out a tired sigh.

Ash glanced down at him and whispered, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. Just dizzy and a little frustrated. I didn't know their arms could fly." Squirtle said quietly before glancing back at Claydol, "How the Yvel are you supposed to hide from one of them?"

Ash smiled sadly; still whispering, "Usually, you don't." Squirtle looked at him in surprise as he continued, "Claydol don't have blind spots in any direction except for up and down, and they're stationary pupils mean their upward and downward peripheral aren't the best. But they're only possible ability is Levitate and they can learn Earthquake. So below isn't always effective without the right moves."

"For non-flyers on a flat field, the best course of action is a head-on assault or a hit-and-run strategy without trying to stay out of sight. Which is why both defenses are their best stats." Ash glanced down at the Water-type; still smiling sadly, "Climbing on top of them would've been useful if they didn't have any from cannon-style or telekinetic moves. But that would only happen if they were trained poorly."

Squirtle blinked in surprise before chuckling, "I see." He smiled sadly, "So, I really did just mess up."

Ash petted him as his smile turned soft, "Hey, I'm the trainer here, remember? It's my job to prepare you for tough match ups. I made the mistake of not accounting for a claydol."

Squirtle snickered and smiled up at him slyly, "Oh, yeah. I guess it is your fault then." He looked down and frowned, "But, seriously, the way you put all of that, it seems like Pidgeotto, Aerodactyl, or Primeape would've been better choices than me." His eyes narrowed and he clenched a fist, "Tell me my battle wasn't important."

Ash glanced down at him for a moment before looking ahead, "The outcome shouldn't decide the match, if that's what you mean. Claydol's his second to last and we still have three left. Including Soot."

Squirtle sighed in relief and smiled, "Good."

"Yeah, don't worry. I'm being careful." Ash said as he glared ahead determinedly, "We have a lot riding on this battle."

Squirtle perked up and glanced up at Ash curiously.

The trainer and Water starter made it back to the trainer box and Ash pulled out a pokéball, "Nice work, Squirtle. Get some rest." Squirtle smiled calmly as the beam shot out and absorbed him.

Ash put the ball away, pulled out another, and threw it, "Kingler! Enter the Fray!"

.

**Flashback**

The Shellfish Pokémon looked around, "At the rate we're moving, we'll be in Viridian in about a week. It goes without saying that we'll have our work cut out for us."

He clenched a fist and grinned determinedly, "So, let's use this next week to our fullest. We'll train like Yvel and get us that Earth Badge!"

"Yeah!" Everyone cheered. Well, almost everyone.

"Actually," Charizard said while scratching his cheek sheepishly, "maybe I should sit this one out."

Everyone else's eyes widened as they looked at him in surprise.

Primeape deadpanned and spoke in monotone, "Funny. Where's the punchline?"

The Flame Pokémon chuckled, "I'm serious." He looked at Ash again, "I've been taking part in every Gym Battle since Celadon. It'd be better to give someone else a chance."

Arbok and Aerodactyl perked up in surprise as he continued, "Plus, you said 'Earth Badge,' right? Brock's the Rock-type main eight so I'm guessing this one's Ground-type. They can learn a ton of Rock-type attacks too and I've got a times four weakness to that." He smiled, "In comparison, I'm not that good of a choice. It'd be better if you called the professor and switched me out."

Ash frowned, "Charizard…"

Aerodactyl glared, "But battling a lot mean you better at battle, right? You have more experience."

Arbok nodded, "Yeah. If type match-up's the issue, I should go. I'm the only one of us who's weak to Ground-types."

Pikachu cleared his throat, "Ahem."

Arbok looked at him before sweat dropping, "Right, sorry."

Pidgeotto flapped over and looked at the Cobra Pokémon, "Hold it, I should be the one going. Our team already has three Flying-types, and my other type is just Normal. Charizard has better variety."

Ash held out his claws, "Guys, hold on! We can work something-"

Charizard let out a loud roar. Everyone in the clearing jumped and looked at him in shock. Most of the surrounding wild Flying-types flew off from their trees.

The Flame Pokémon cleared his throat, "Sorry." He looked around, "Guys, I really am serious. All of you have a move that's Super Effective against Ground and/or Rock-types, and my only bonus is being immune to Ground attacks."

He looked at his trainer, "I really think it's for the best, Ash."

"I mean … I guess you're not wrong." Ash admitted somberly. He looked at his Fire-type sadly, "But even if you don't want to participate, that doesn't mean you have to go to the ranch. It'll most likely be a six-on-six."

"But it's better to have everyone ready than to have someone who won't participate." Charizard argued, "I'm the best choice to leave."

Ash frowned and glanced away sadly, "I … well, but I- I don't want you to think that you have to-"

"Ash." Charizard said as he walked up, put a claw on his trainer's shoulder, and looked him in the eye, "This isn't some kind of self-doubt thing again. It's strategy. You said we only get one shot at this Gym so we need every advantage we can get. Plus, I've taken part in three Gym Battles since joining you." He looked back at everyone else, "Can anyone else say that?"

Pidgeotto raised a wing, "Pewter, Cerulean, and Fuchsia."

Charizard sweat dropped, "Right…" He shook it off and looked at Ash again, "Point is, you've let me participate in more Gym Battles than most of us." He smiled softly, "I'm not the same little charmander who still needs that as a form of therapy."

Aerodactyl and Arbok perked up and stared in confusion. Soot and the rest of the team frowned nervously.

Ash tensed up and chuckled nervously, "I- I see…" He sighed and smiled softly, "But yeah … I guess you aren't." He smiled sadly, "Though, are you really sure about this? It could be a little over a week until we're in Pallet."

Charizard shrugged, "Eh, I wouldn't mind some downtime. Besides, if I get bored, I can help train the tauros with Muk." He smirked cockily, "Who knows? I might beat you to the punch and teach a few of them Flamethrower …" He frowned and raised a brow, "Can tauros learn Flamethrower?"

Ash smiled, "Actually, yes." He hit the symbol on his chest, lit up green, and reemerged in dragonite form. The Dragon/Flying-type smiled and pointed a claw back, "How about the two of us talk it over on the way to the Pokémon Center?"

Charizard smiled, "Yeah. Sounds good."

Ash smiled and looked around at everyone else, "Guys-"

Squirtle smiled and raised a paw, "Yeah, we know. Freestyle practice."

Soot smirked, "And I'm in charge."

Ash smiled and lifted off and into the air. Charizard flew after him. Everyone else just watched as the pair disappeared into the distance.

"Hey!"

Ash's Pokémon perked up and looked over to find Misty, Brock, and their teams staring at them.

"What the Yvel's going on over there?!" The vaporeon shouted.

.

**Different Flashback**

Charizard deadpanned as he soared through the air with his trainer and Dark-type teammate on his back; en route to Cerulean, "Gotta be honest!" He shouted over the rushing wind, "I thought the next time we'd see each other would be more … meaningful! And at the Ranch!"

Soot shouted the translation.

"Yeah!" Ash shouted back, "Me too! Sorry!"

"It's cool!" Charizard shouted back, "I get this is probably important!" After a moment, he perked up and glanced back at Ash in confusion, "Wait, we were at the Gym when you brought me out, right?! Were you actually planning to have me battle?! And who'd you send back?!"

"No one!" Soot shouted back, "We sent over my ball!" She then translated for Ash.

Ash shrugged, "It was in case something came up or Misty changed her mind! Just didn't expect that 'something' to be Gary! Besides, the Gym has a transfer device and challengers are allowed to change their team right before the match! I was gonna send you back if we actually got in!"

Charizard blinked in surprise, "Really?! That's pretty generous for the toughest Gym in Kanto!"

Soot smirked, "That's actually part of why it's the toughest! It's a trap! A lot of challengers end up losing due to last minute changes!"

Charizard snorted and looked ahead again, "Sounds kinda cheap!"

Soot snickered, "Yeah! A little! You just have to make sure not to get psyched out!"

After a moment of silence, Ash perked up upon remembering something and smiled, "Oh! I almost forgot! Krabby evolved a few days ago!"

Charizard smiled but kept his eyes on the sky, "Really?! Nice! I'll have to congratulate him next time I see him!"

.

**End All Flashbacks**

Kingler emerged in a flash and stared down Claydol determinedly, "King!" He opened his claws with a *shing* sounding out.

Giovanni deadpanned, 'If this one can fly as well, I swear to Arceus…' He shook it off and held out a hand, "Bulldoze!"

Ash held out a hand, "Charge and Crab Hammer!"

Claydol lifted up and slammed into the ground again. Kingler tensed up uncomfortably but toughed through the tremors and continued towards the Ground/Psychic-type to nailed them in the head with his larger claw.

"Dol!" Claydol cried out as they were thrown away from Kingler. They managed to stop themselves and straightened up.

The Viridian Leader stared calmly, 'Well, that's that question answered.' "Rock Tomb!"

"It's sprout-style!" Ash shouted, "Knock it away with Brick Break!"

Claydol aimed their cannons directly at the Water-type and fired. Kingler crouched down, closed his claws as they lit up white, and started batting away at the Rock attack.

He knocked the spheres around the field wildly and a gray rock burst out where the spheres ended up hitting. Claydol let out an annoyed grumble and the rocks all burst out of existence.

Giovanni's eyes narrowed, "Psybeam!"

"Hidden Power!" Ash shouted in response.

Cannons still aimed, Claydol fired the Psychic attack at Kingler. A white sphere appeared on the Pincer Pokémon's forehead and exploded out into a beam of energy. The Psychic-type and pseudo-Dragon-type attacks crashed and exploded; clouding the area between them in smoke.

A second Hidden Power parted the cloud and struck Claydol directly in the head, "Clay!"

Kingler then charged through the dust and bashed the Clay Doll Pokémon with another Crab Hammer. Claydol grunted and started falling over.

"Crag…" Giovanni mumbled under his breath before shouting, "Explosion!"

Kingler's eyes widened as Claydol lit up pure white.

Ash grimaced, 'There's not enough time!'

A massive explosion erupted from the pair and shrouded them in smoke.

The ref raised an arm, "Self-knockout attack! Claydol is unable to battle!"

Everyone else in the area stared intently as the dust began settling. It faded to reveal Claydol and Kingler lying on the ground; both with eyes swirling.

The ref smiled, "Kingler is also unable to battle!"

Clefairy pouted sourly. Pikachu sighed and patted her on the back.

Soot glanced at her, "Hey, in your defense, they used Explosion. From the size of the blast, if looked like you rolled a Self-Destruct."

Clefairy perked up and looked at her, "What's the difference?"

"Self-Destruct is twenty percent weaker." Soot said.

The Fairy Pokémon blinked, "Uh-"

"Self-Destruct is like getting hit by Cut four times and Explosion is like five." The canine clarified.

"Oh." Clefairy said with a nod before grumbling sourly, "So I really did just get unlucky…" The Electric-type patted her back again.

Ash smiled sadly and whispered, "It happens." He held out a pokéball, "Nice work, Kingler. Return."

Giovanni held out a pokéball to Claydol, "Return."

Both of the Pokémon disappeared into the beams. The Gym Leader put the pokéball back in the pedestal and grabbed the last one. He held the last pokéball out; revealing it to be an Ultra Ball.

"Here we go." Brock muttered while staring intently, "Down to his last Pokémon."

Misty clenched a fist and glared determinedly, "Come on, guys. You've got this."

Togepi glared determinedly as well. Though Electra was staring at the 'different colored pokéball' curiously.

Giovanni reeled back and threw the ball, "Now! Rhyperior!"

The Ultra Ball burst open and the fully-evolved Drill Pokémon materialized on the battlefield. Rhyperior glared ahead and let out a battle cry; making Electra tense up and Togepi flinch. Misty noticed and petted him.

"Soot?" Ash asked without looking.

Soot took a deep breath before opening her eyes to glare ahead determinedly, "I'm ready."

Ash smiled proudly, "Good."

Soot started walking out onto the field.

Giovanni glared cautiously, "Rhyperior, this is not going to be an easy battle. Remain on alert."

Rhyperior smiled while glaring determinedly and moved into his fighting stance, "Understood, Boss."

Soot smirked and moved into her stance as well. Her eyes narrowed and Rhyperior shivered briefly but glared back.

Giovanni's eyes widened, 'It is Intimidate?!' He glared, 'Crag! She held it back earlier!' "Earthquake!"

Rhyperior clenched a fist and threw a strong punch into the ground. A white pulse spread out from the impact.

Soot smirked and kicked off to charge Rhyperior as the ground began shaking. She jumped over the Ground-type attack as a red sphere of energy appeared on each of her paws.

Giovanni perked up in mild surprise as the spheres detonated on the spot and flung Soot high into the air, 'Hidden Power this time?'

Soot held out her forepaws as a swarm of Hidden Power formed around her. She gestured ahead and threw the swarm at Rhyperior.

The Viridian leader glared, "Stone Edge!"

Rhyperior stared at Soot blankly. He snapped out of it and glared as his body took on a white outline. A crossing ring of jagged stones appeared around him. He held out a claw to Soot as the rocks shot off rapidly.

The Stone Edge tore through the Hidden Power spheres and detonated them on the spot. The mass of explosions scattered both sets of attacks. But a few of each managed to slip through.

Soot detonated another handful of Hidden Power to shoot down and avoid the last few stones. She righted herself in the air and landed on all fours.

Rhyperior crossed his arm as a pair of Soot's Hidden Power struck. He grunted and stumbled back.

Giovanni glared, 'Super Effective. Still, from the reaction, it doesn't seem to be Water or Grass.' "Use Megahorn!"

Rhyperior shook it off and broke into a wild charge towards Soot. As he did, the horn on his nose lit up white and extended.

Soot jumped up to her hind paws as all of her paws became engulfed in a purple-outlined, black mass of energy forming larger claws. Rhyperior lunged and Soot shot her forepaws into the Bug-type attack. Her hind claws dug into the ground to hold her in place as Rhyperior tried to push through the Ghost attack.

Giovanni's eyes widened in shock, "Shadow Claw?!"

Soot smirk and blipped her eyes to and from the banette style, "The banette DNA opens a few doors!" She opened her mouth as a Hidden Power formed.

The Gym Leader glared, "Thunder Punch!"

Still trying to push with Megahorn, Rhyperior clenched his right fist as a mass of electricity shrouded it and threw a punch towards Soot's side. Soot glanced over at the fist. What happened next took only a second.

Soot canceled Hidden Power and her frontal Shadow Claws to let Megahorn pass, moved her paws into the path of Thunder Punch, and used Shadow Claw again to grab the attack. She leaned her head to the left as Megahorn narrowly scratched her right cheek and then canceled the hind Shadow Claws. A cluster of Hidden Power formed and detonated along her right side as she used Rhyperior's fist as a pivot to swing around the Ground/Rock-type. She then did a quick twirl on a hind paw to deliver a slash to his back with Shadow Claw.

"RHY!" The Drill Pokémon shouted as he stumbled over and crashed to the ground.

Soot canceled Shadow Claw again and finished the spin before falling back to all fours behind Rhyperior. She turned around to look at him curiously, rubbed her right cheek with a paw, and frowned, "Hm. Guess I underestimated you."

Everyone else in the area stared in shock. Except Ash who was smiling proudly and Rhyperior who was still lying on the ground.

"Woah…" Misty and Pikachu muttered at the same time.

Giovanni stared in pure shock before glancing over at the hidden cameras, 'Thank Arceus I got the high-speed ones.' He shook it off and glared, "Rhyperior!"

His Pokémon jerked and hurriedly started moving back to his feet. At the same time, Soot kicked off.

Rhyperior stood back up and turned to glare at Soot. His eyes widened when he found Soot running around him. He looked around frantically as he tried to follow her.

Giovanni held out a hand, "Earthquake!"

Soot smirked and jumped up as Rhyperior threw a punch into the ground. Then the ground exploded.

Giovanni's eyes widened in shock as a massive cloud of dust shrouded his Ground/Rock-type and Ash's Dark-type.

"Ground-type Hidden Power!" Ash called out, "They're a lot better than Grass at making landmines!"

Giovanni sweat dropped, 'Interesting comparison…' He straightened up, 'Still, now I know the type.' "Stay calm Rhyperior! Watch for her and prepare Stone Edge!"

A dim light appeared from the dust cloud. After a moment, a swarm of Stone Edge shot out of the dust. Then another in a different direction. Then again.

Giovanni glared, "Focus! Don't fire until you're sure it's actually her!"

The Stone Edges stopped firing entirely. The dust started settling and Rhyperior's silhouette became more visible. He was looking around cautiously as the Stone Edge rings continued floating around him.

A shadow quickly shot across Rhyperior's back and slashed him with Shadow Claw before detonating Hidden Power to shoot away.

The dust around Rhyperior faded from the blast as he flinched and fired Stone Edge towards the assailant. As a result, Soot's leg flew out of the remaining cloud.

Rhyperior's eyes widened as another explosion went off behind him and cleared away more dust. He managed to glance over just in time to find Soot shooting towards him with her mouth open and a layer of ice covering her teeth. He grimaced as the Dark-type clamped down on his shoulder with Ice Fang.

Rhyperior aimed Stone Edge at Soot and fired again. Soot let go of his shoulder and shot away with Hidden Power … mostly. A few stones still managed to nick Soot as she ran over and reattached her foreleg.

The rest of the dust cloud settled. Rhyperior let out a tired sigh and turned to face Soot again; awaiting his trainer's orders.

"What-" Giovanni muttered while staring in shock, "what the Yvel?"

The referee looked at him in surprise, "Sir?" Rhyperior glanced back at him in confusion.

Soot smirked slyly and glanced at the ref, "Miss, if you would, please tell me what moves I've used this match? The battle earlier, included."

The ref looked at her in surprise, "Um …" She started counting on her fingers, "Shadow Ball, I believe Sucker Punch, Shadow Claw, and Hidden Power." After a moment, she tensed up and her eyes widened, "and" She put up a fifth finger and looked at Soot blankly, "Ice Fang?"

Rhyperior's eyes widened before he shot a quick glance at the ref and looked back at Soot, "Wait, what?"

Ash, Pikachu, and Clefairy smirked.

Brock stared in mild surprise, "Huh… I almost wasn't sure if they were serious."

Misty sweat dropped and smirked, "Well, happy to know we can still be surprised."

Giovanni stared in shock, "H- how- What did you-"

Soot smiled, "It's actually kinda simple. I've been changing my move set from memory since the battle with Nidoking." Giovanni's eyes widened further as she continued, "And before you ask, it's not Inheritance …" She sweat dropped, "in the sense you're thinking…" She shook it off and smiled happily, "I was just raised well."

The ref glared, "Hold on a second! That has to be against the rules!"

Ash looked at her calmly, "How so?"

She tensed up, "T- trainer's aren't allowed to change their Pokémon's move set during a battle! I know that for a fact!"

Ash smiled, "Right. So, we haven't broken any rules."

The ref glared at him, "Of course, you-"

"No." Giovanni said in mild frustration, "He's right." The ref looked at him in surprise as he continued, "The rule says 'Trainers may not alter the move set of their Pokémon between or during rounds of a match.'" His eyes narrowed, "However, so long as a Technical Machine isn't involved, there are no rules against a Pokémon learning a new move on its own. At any point in time."

The referee's eyes widened in shock before she looked at Ash.

Ash smiled, "Yup. Just like how Pidgeot replaced Quick Attack with Mirror Move during her battle with Seismitoad." He pointed a thumb back at the entrance, "And you'd know if I even owned a TM because of the sensors at the door."

Giovanni let out an annoyed "Tch." He glared and pointed, "Use Thunder Punch!"

Rhyperior's fists took on a shroud of electricity and he charged the canine. Soot jumped to the side as Rhyperior swung down and struck the ground.

"Don't let up!" Giovanni shouted.

Rhyperior continued swinging the Electric-type attack at Soot. Soot kept jumping around to dodge; sometimes using Hidden Power to do so.

Rhyperior's eyes narrowed slightly as he knelt down and threw a right sweep. Soot jumped up to dodge. The Drill Pokémon smirked.

Rhyperior canceled the sparks on his right, put his arm to the ground to push himself forward, and jabbed with his left Thunder Punch.

Soot stared in mild surprise, 'Not bad.' She took a quick deep breath and let out a scream in the form of a series of light blue rings.

Rhyperior grimaced, canceled Thunder Punch, and covered his ear holes. He was forced back from the sound waves but managed to use them to get back to his feet.

Soot launched back from her sound attack and skidded to a halt.

Giovanni grimaced, 'Hyper Voice as well?!' He shook it off and glared, "Megahorn!" 'No. Just calm down and think.' Rhyperior kicked off and charged Soot as Giovanni put a hand to his chin, 'Before, she only used Sucker Punch and Shadow Ball. But now she's using Hidden Power, Shadow Claw, Ice Fang, and Hyper Voice.' He gritted his teeth, 'But there are still too many unknown factors.'

'I've been changing my move set from memory since the battle with Nidoking.'

'Since Nidoking.' Giovanni thought as Soot propelled over the charging rhyperior, 'Why would she add that detail rather than being vague? Does that imply there's a time limit or was it a bluff to make me think there is? Could that be why they bothered to explain it?' His eyes narrowed, 'And to make it worse, she can apparently know moves that aren't natural for mightyena. "A few doors" implies she can't learn everything a banette can, but that still isn't enough information to narrow anything down.'

Soot glanced over at the man and cracked a small smirk. She landed again, turned to face Rhyperior, and charged him. She took a deep breath.

Rhyperior stopped and turned to face Soot when she started running. He grimaced and covered his earholes again as Soot jumped towards him and unleashed another Hyper Voice. Soot cut off the attack, quickly set up Ice Fang, and grazed him in the shoulder as she shot by. Rhyperior flinched.

Giovanni gritted his teeth, 'Crag! We need to wrap this up!' "Earthquake! Now!"

Rhyperior immediately clenched a fist and drove it into the ground. Soot frowned and used Hidden Power again to stay airborne. Rhyperior turned to face her when the explosion went off.

"Charge it!" Giovanni shouted, "And use Stone Edge!"

Rhyperior complied. Soot's eyes widened, she inhaled, and screamed another Hyper Voice. Most of the oncoming rocks were thrown off course by the attack and clattered onto the ground before bursting out of existence. Soot crossed her forelegs in front of her and gritted her teeth as the rest barraged her.

Rhyperior continued his run and got up next to Soot. The Dark-type glanced at him in alarm.

"Thunder Punch!"

Rhyperior skidded to a halt, pivoted, and threw his sparking fist towards Soot's back. Soot held out her right foreleg, grabbed the upper part of her leg with her left, and tore off the appendage in one swift motion. Shadow Claw formed on the detached limb as she moved it around to block the Thunder Punch.

Giovanni and the referee's eyes widened at the sight.

Rhyperior stared in shock. He glared and followed through with the punch; sending Soot flying forward.

Soot repositioned her right leg and detonated Hidden Power from it to spin around. She reattached her leg and skidded back to a halt on her side of the field. She then tensed up as a bolt of electricity traveled across her body. Brock, Misty, Togepi, and Electra flinched and stared fearfully.

Giovanni's eyes widened before he grinned, "Now!" He pointed and shouted, "Megahorn! Full Power!"

Rhyperior broke into a mad sprint towards Soot as his horn lit up and extended. Soot stared down the approaching Ground/Rock-type. Rhyperior jumped ahead and lunged at-

"SOOT!" Ash shouted.

Giovanni and the referee looked at him in surprise before the Gym Leader's eyes widened in shock. Soot glanced at her father to find him holding out a pokéball to her. She cracked a sly smirk.

Ash smirked back, "Return!" The beam shot out.

Soot looked back at Rhyperior as the attack drilled into her head. Soot stuck out her tongue as she finished dissolving into red energy. The Ground/Rock-type stared in shock as his opponent vanished. He stumbled forward in an attempt to stop and crashed to the ground.

Giovanni stared in shock, 'What the Yvel?! But she's his last Poké-' His eyes widened, 'Wait.' He looked towards the challenger box and his eyes widened, 'He still has the-'

"Pikachu!" Ash shouted while pointing ahead, "Finish it!"

Clefairy smiled and stopped leaning on the Mouse Pokémon as he jumped up to his hind paws, got on all fours, and shot onto the field and towards Rhyperior with Quick Attack.

Giovanni shook it off and held out a hand, "Earthquake!"

Rhyperior shakily pushed himself to his knees, balled a fist, and hit the ground; shaking the area. Pikachu cancelled Quick Attack, jumped, and held a paw back. He charged Signal Beam on his paw and shrouded himself in electricity. The attacks detonated and threw him higher into the air.

As he did all of this, he noticed Rhyperior's smaller horn spark a bit and cracked a smirk.

"Stone Edge!"

Still on his knees, the Drill Pokémon glared up at Pikachu and formed a ring of jagged rocks around himself. The rocks shot into the air towards the Electric-type.

The Mouse Pokémon held his paw back and propelled himself forward at high speed. The rocks missed completely.

Giovanni watched the airborne Pokémon as he shot by to land on the wall behind him and then jumped off. What happened afterwards made the man flinch, and his eyes widen in shock, "What?!"

Rhyperior glanced back at him in confusion. He then perked up in surprise when he felt his ability taking effect and glanced up at his second horn, "What the?" He looked back again and his eyes widened.

Pikachu was falling towards Rhyperior with a surge of electricity covering him. He shot straight towards the Ground/Rock-type as if he was being pulled towards him.

Electra stared in shock, "Wha- How is he-" She perked up and glanced back at her tail. Her eyes widened, "Lightning Rod…"

Brock smiled as he watched Pikachu, "Yup. Just like at Cinnabar."

"Pika!" Pikachu called out as he shot down towards Rhyperior's back. He cancelled the spark shrouded and his tail lit up white, "Pika!" He spun and swung his tail down, "Chu Pi!" He slammed Iron Tail into the back of Rhyperior's neck, shot by on the follow through, and skidded forward to a halt.

"Gah!" Rhyperior coughed. He fell forward and crashed to the ground; eyes swirling. Pikachu looked back at his opponent and smiled happily; tail wagging slightly.

The ref stared in pure shock. She took a deep breath and held up a hand, "Rhyperior is unable to battle. With two Pokémon remaining, the winner is" She gestured to the challenger, "Ashton Satoshi Ketchum…"

Everyone spectating cheered and ran up to Ash. Pikachu ran back to his trainer and jumped into his arms to nuzzle him. Ash couldn't help but chuckle.

Giovanni stared blankly at his downed Drill Pokémon before looking at the celebrating group. After a moment he smiled calmly, 'Well played.'

.

**Short Skip**

Everyone was gathered at the center of the field.

Clefairy and Pikachu were on either of Ash's shoulders. Clefairy was eating a Sitrus berry and Pikachu had a packet of ketchup since he didn't really take any damage. Though, the referee kept giving the Electric-type weird looks. Soot already came back out of her pokéball and was standing next to Ash.

Giovanni deadpanned, "So … you call the act of switching your moves … Multifaker…"

Soot nodded and had on a stoic expression, "That's right. We put a term to it to tell it apart from learning a move by more common means." She grinned, "Also, for fun."

Giovanni sweat dropped, "Rather bold of you to treat such a powerful technique so casually."

Soot snickered, "It's not as powerful as you think. Multifaker takes a ton of practice and requires one Yvel of a memory to do at all. Plus, it requires too much concentration to do during a battle." She smiled, "To be honest, I only faked Shadow Ball to Hidden Power and Sucker Punch to Shadow Claw. We played it safe and replaced Fire Fang and Play Rough with Ice Fang and Hyper Voice a few days before we first came here." She deadpanned and raised a paw, "And, no, I can't break the four-move limit. I've been asked that before."

Misty glared sourly and mumbled, "It was an honest question…"

Soot snickered again, "The other conditions are that I can only fake-in moves I've known before, and that repetition is necessary for the mental version. I have to switch my moves back and forth pretty often, so I don't get rusty."

Misty perked up and looked at her in surprise, "Wait, you do?"

Soot looked back at her, "Well yeah. Haven't you ever noticed that I almost never participate in move training?"

Brock stared in surprise, "… I kinda thought you were just content with your move set."

Soot grinned, "Nope. Multifaker practice."

Giovanni blinked in surprise before glaring and smirking, "I see. So that display in the first round and the explanation were done to make me overthink your abilities."

The Bite Pokémon grinned, "Pretty much."

Ash smiled, "But it was also to get you so focused on her, that you'd forget that I still had Pikachu." He reached up and scratched the Mouse Pokémon on the head.

Pikachu smiled happily and leaned into the scratches.

Giovanni sighed, "Yes, I'm ashamed to say it took me until after the battle to realize that." He raised a brow, "Still, you actually planned that far in advance? Right down to only having the Phantom and the pikachu left for my final Pokémon?"

Ash chuckled, "Well, not Pikachu specifically. Just someone you might overlook. We only came up with that surprise tactic to deal with one of your stronger Pokémon."

Giovanni put on a small smile, "I see." He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a green badge resembling a leaf, "I suppose you truly have earned this."

Ash perked up in surprise before taking the Earth Badge, "Oh right. Thank you." He looked at the badge in his hand and chuckled sheepishly, "I nearly forgot about this."

Giovanni stared in mild surprise before chuckling, "More focused on the other reward, I assume?" He smiled calmly, "Don't worry. I am a man of my word. It will be delivered to Professor Oak as soon as possible."

Ash smiled brightly and nodded, "Thank you."

Misty hurried up to Ash and hit him on the back; startling him slightly, "Well, what are we waiting? Let's get to Pallet, asap."

Ash smiled, "Right. Let's head straight there."

Clefairy cleared her throat, "Fairy."

Ash sweat dropped, "After a stop by the Pokémon Center." He looked back at Giovanni, "Thanks again for the battle."

Giovanni smiled, "It's merely my job. I wish you luck in the League."

Ash smiled, "Thank you."

With that, Ash and co. headed towards the exit to make their way to the Pokémon Center.

Ash perked up upon remembering something and looked back at the Viridian Leader, "Oh, and" He smiled happily, "please tell Clay and Mr. Moore I said thanks for letting you use their Pokémon, today."

Giovanni and the referee's eyes widened in shock. Brock, Misty, Pikachu, Clefairy, Electra, and Togepi perked up and looked at him in confusion. Soot smirked without looking back.

Ash just grinned and continued walking towards the door. His friends followed.

"Ash, what did you mean by that?" Brock asked.

"I'll explain at the Center." Ash said casually before stretching, "We just got done with an eighteen round battle and I'd really rather sit down."

Misty raised a brow and started counting on her fingers.

.

*Earlier

"This gym battle will be between the Viridian City gym leader, Giovanni, and the challenger, Ashton Satoshi Ketchum of Pallet Town!" The referee announced, "Only the challenger may substitute, and the battle will be decided when one sides Pokémon are unable to continue! Should the challenger be victorious, they shall be awarded the Earth Badge! Should the challenger be defeated, they will be banned from challenging the Viridian Gym for the remainder of this year's League Season!"

Ash and Soot glared determinedly. Pikachu and Clefairy gulped and looked at the Gym Leader anxiously. Brock, Misty, Togepi, and Electra looked ahead anxiously.

"For an eighth badge battle, protocol dictates that this will be a six-on-six!" The ref called out, "However," The group perked up and looked at her in surprise as she continued, "due to a special recommendation brought about by the challenger's party limit, the Viridian Gym has been given the privilege to offer Ash Ketchum a ten-on-ten battle instead!"

Ash's eyes widened in shock, "Wait, what?!"

Misty looked at Brock in shock, "That can happen?!"

Brock stared blankly; still looking ahead, "First I'm hearing of it."

The ref looked at Ash, "Should you accept this proposal and come out victorious, a secondary prize has already been decided on!"

Ash blinked in surprise and looked at Giovanni, "What … what does she mean by 'prize'?"

Giovanni cracked a small smirk, "A new addition to your team." Everyone's eyes widen as he continued, "And a rather exotic one at that."

"S- Seriously?" Soot asked in shock.

Brock and Misty looked at each other in shock.

"A new teammate?" Pikachu muttered in shock, "Just like that?"

Clefairy smiled excitedly, "Woah! I didn't know this Gym did this!"

Ash perked up, glanced down at Clefairy, and then looked down thoughtfully for a moment. He looked at the man again, "Is this prize thing some kind of hidden bonus for the main eight route or a trial run for a new policy? I've never even heard rumors about something like this."

His Mouse and Fairy Pokémon perked up and looked up at him in surprise.

"It isn't." Giovanni responded, "Bluntly put, this is a special privilege exclusive to you."

The other Gym Leaders and the shoulder riders all jerked a bit and frowned worriedly. Soot frowned uncomfortably.

Ash frowned uncomfortably as well, "H- hold on a second, why just me? Gym battles aside, I haven't done anything to deserve something like this."

Giovanni perked up in surprise before chuckling softly, "If you truly believe that, then your humbleness extends much more into naivety than we expected."

Ash blinked in surprise.

"During that main eight meeting, much more than just your Gym Battles were discussed." Giovanni said, "Dark City, Porta Vista, and the Saint Anne, to name a few. All major crises that the three of you played a vital role in resolving; saving countless lives. According to reports, most were without any form of compensation in return."

Everyone perked up in surprise. Except Togepi who tilted in confusion.

The Ground-type user closed his eyes and smirked, "After hearing about all of that and your performance in past battles, I requested this extension to accommodate for your team and to give you more of a challenge. It was all of the other Gym Leaders and Lance himself who opted for a secondary prize to go with it. To claim this offer isn't also intended to be a thank you would be an obvious lie."

Ash's eyes widen in pure shock. Brock, Misty, and Soot jerked and stared in shock. Pikachu, Clefairy, Electra, and Togepi stared in confusion.

Electra blinked in surprise, "Uh, who is … Lance?"

No one answered her but the ref perked up and looked at the talking Electric-type in surprise.

Giovanni looked at Ash with a stoic expression, "Your trainer file was examined by everyone except Blaine and I to decide the species. It has been preselected as something that is believed to benefit you. But it is still inexperienced, so you will be responsible for training it. Should you accept the challenge and succeed, it will be delivered directly to the professor that sponsors you."

Ash perked up.

The Gym Leader took on a much sterner expression, "However, make no mistake. I have no intention of holding back and my leniency halts at the additional prize for the ten-on-ten. Regardless of the challenge you accept, your defeat will result in you being banned from my Gym as normal. You will not receive a second chance. Do you accept?"

Ash stared blankly. After a second, he let out a brief chuckle, "Accept? You think I have a choice?"

Giovanni perked up in mild surprise.

"You said it yourself," Ash said, "the Pokémon's already been chosen. Whether they know the reason, it's something they're probably looking forward too. If I accept and lose, I trust they'll be told I wasn't strong enough to earn them. But if I don't accept the challenge, no matter the outcome, they'll think I didn't want them or that I wasn't willing to take a risk for them." He grinned, "How could I do something so selfish?"

The Viridian Leader's eyes widened as Ash glared at him determinedly, "I can put up with not being good enough. But I can't accept turning down someone without giving them a chance. I don't have a choice but to take this challenge, Giovanni."

Brock and Misty smiled softly, 'Of course…'

Giovanni stared in surprise. After a moment, he chuckled again, "You make this reward sound like an ultimatum." He looked at Ash, "Very well. Now, before we begin, I will allow you access to our transfer device to touch up your team if you wish."

Ash perked up and glanced away thoughtfully. Giovanni frowned as he did so.

The challenger noticed and smiled at him happily, "Actually, yeah. I think I will. Thanks."

Giovanni mumbled something under his breath. He straightened up and gestured to the side, "Very well."

.

**Flashback End**

Giovanni watched with a small smile as the group left, 'And to think I doubted him for making a change.'

The referee looked at the door anxiously.

The Boss noticed and glanced at her. He looked ahead again, "Well done, Wendy. Thank you again for substituting today."

Wendy snapped out of it and nodded, "Thank you, ma- Gym Leader, sir." She shot a quick glance at the camera Ash noticed earlier, "Will you need me for another match today?"

Giovanni shook his head, "No. That challenger was the last for the day. Charles should be back from vacation tomorrow."

The substitute ref nodded, "Understood." She turned and walked towards a doorway.

Giovanni pulled out a phone from his pocket, dialed, and put it to his ear.

After a few rings, Lance's voice came on the line, "Giovanni? I didn't expect to hear from you so soon."

"Ketchum arrived earlier than expected." The Ground-type user said, "From what I could tell, he came straight here after Cinnabar. He took the challenge and received the Earth Badge. You're clear to send it."

"Nice. We'll get right to it." Lance said happily, "I'm happy to hear he went along with it. I guess the incentive helped."

Giovanni let out a brief chuckle, "Yes, but not in the way you think."

"Huh?"

Giovanni smiled, "You'll see in the recording. I'll get that set up and send it over immediately."

Lance's tone became more serious, "Good. So, what's your opinion?"

The Gym Leader looked at the door calmly, "Ketchum, Slate, and Waterflower didn't seem stressed or overly alert, and I had every outdoor camera recording as well. I'll make sure to send in that footage along with the indoor feed. Regardless, they seemed to be calm."

Lance sighed in relief, "Well, that's good to hear, at least. So you really think they aren't connected?"

"I never said that." Giovanni said, "But the idea that these creatures are non-hostile and prefer seclusion seems to be more plausible. Now, there are two more matters we may need to discuss."

"What's that?"

Giovanni's eyes narrowed, "First, I need you to arrange for a telepathic Dark-type to attend the next meeting. There were some conversations today that I would like translated."

"Huh? But Sabrina said she could understand her-"

"I'm afraid that won't do." Giovanni cut him off, "I can't go into the details, just yet. But know that this precaution is entirely necessary."

Lance went silent for a moment before clearing his throat, "I see… And the other matter?"

Giovanni cracked a small smirk, "A much more lighthearted one. Ketchum saw through us."

"WHAT?!"

Giovanni grimaced and pulled the phone away. He groaned and put the phone back to his ear, "Please refrain from shouting. And that isn't what I meant. He saw through the situation with the imports. Right down to figuring out who I got them from."

Lance sighed in relief, "Oh, thank Arceus." After a second, he took on a surprised tone, "Wait, seriously?"

Giovanni smiled, "Koga was right about the boy being sharp. I almost hate to suggest it, but didn't Slate have an alternate incentive in mind?"

"Yeah. But we actually might not need it." Lance said happily.

Giovanni perked up in surprise, "Why's that?"

"The Inspector and I were in a meeting with someone a little while ago. They said they wanted to give Ketchum something as thanks for his help in the past. Or, well… the way he put it made it seem more like a publicity stunt."

Giovanni raised a brow, "What do you mean by-"

The loudspeakers whined on before a loud "Mya!" sounded out.

Giovanni perked up and looked at them in surprise.

"Was that your persian?" Lance asked.

"I have to go." Giovanni said before hanging up and rushing through the door behind him.

.

*Giovanni's office

The Boss slammed the door open and looked at the Classy Cat in alarm, "Persian, what's wrong?!"

Persian pointed a paw at the phone, "Nya!"

Giovanni blinked in confusion before hurrying over, taking the phone, and hitting redial. After a few rings someone picked up on the other end.

"What's going on?" Giovanni asked immediately. After a few seconds, his eyes widened, "What?!"

The Boss propped the phone against his shoulder, pulled up his sleeve to look at his telepathic inhibitor, and frowned, 'Not enough time to stop by headquarters and recharge it. I'll just have to hope it lasts.'

He sighed and grabbed the phone again, "I'm on my way. Get Mewtwo ready." He hung up, typed on the keypad, and hit star. A wall to his left slid open to reveal a passageway.

"Come on." Giovanni said before hurrying through the hidden door. Persian jumped down and followed.

.

.

Seishin: Now, I'm sure you're all wondering. What the **** is the Pokémon he's getting?!

The answer iiiiiiiiiiiiiis *smiles and points* to be revealed later!

Ohirume: *grins* Sorry.

Just know that it's practical. You are free to interpret that statement however you wish.

…

Ohirume: *stoic expression* Now, onto my reasoning for this.

I've stated before that my opinion on giving Ash an exotic Pokémon for the Yvel of it is … not the highest. I've read more than a few stories that lose believability this way.

*smirks with hand to chin* But Saphroneth does it right with their most recent story "Legendarily Popular." Comedy. Gold.

*shakes it off* What I'm doing here isn't a Deus Ex Machina with a Pokémon from a far away region showing up wild in Kanto just for him to catch.

It's a reward from the region's highest ranking Gym Leaders and Champion. Done because of him and his friends acting in response to major disasters that the anime practically glossed over. Just like all of the movies.

And it can be exotic because these people have connections. Very few Pokémon species are legitimately out of the question.

*shrugs* If you think I'm just making an excuse to give him something, you're probably right. You don't have to agree with my reasoning or my way of approaching this, and you don't have to like it either. Just know I don't plan to make this something that happens often.

If you wanna complain about it, all I ask is that you wait until the reveal to do so. Be it about the reason or the species.