The sun setting and cooled air breezing across his skin broke Ash's slumber as he laid on one of the many Melemele Island beaches. It was late at night, the ocean waves calm and collective as the day began to wrap up. Opposite of the Alolan environment, Ash's thoughts were in disarray. It had been a couple of months after his stint in Kalos and he still felt incomplete, not like he used to be. The shitshow his journey ended in left an undesired impact on him that still hasn't been resolved.
Once he had left the region and returned to Pallet Town, Delia had immediately booked tickets to Alola, a much-needed vacation she said when he asked why. It turns out his mom was right, Alola had done wonders for him. Melemele Island was nothing short of beautiful, the breeze from the ocean and the warmth of the sun finally let Ash and Pikachu relax. Not only did it provide a sense of tranquility, but it also distracted the two from their experience in Kalos. Alola offered so much almost like they were repaying him for everything he had done in the past. It did help him forget about Lysandre and the destruction he caused, not only to Kalos but to him as well.
It was a vacation that let him relax for once and let him learn a lot about Alolan culture. Trials were very interesting and let Ash appreciate a new side of Pokemon battling. Going to school was something he never thought he would end up doing but it had been a helpful distraction and it was a useful source in learning more about the regional Pokemon, Kahunas, and Z-moves.
While he respected what Alola and the community had built here, it wasn't the solution he needed. Staying here for as long as he did has helped, it truly did, but it wasn't for him. He wasn't recovering and growing back into the trainer he knew he was. He needed to battle, not the friendly laid-back ones here in Alola, but ones where he had to put everything on the line. The fire inside of him that was burning out, needed to grow, grow back to how it used to be, a hot and large fire that burned at any given chance to battle. The blood rushing through his veins, his heart almost exploding from adrenaline, Ash wanted it, needed it to be the trainer he knew he used to be. Ultimately, Alola was built on different guidelines than the six other regions he had traveled through and it was diminishing his competitive spirit.
Sitting up from his previous position then preceding to stand up, Ash bathed in the ocean air as it blew into his face and ruffled his unfettered black jet hair. Also standing up from his curled position at Ash's feet was his best friend and partner, Pikachu, who was struggling to enjoy the same thing he was experiencing thanks to the oversized red hat on his head.
Distracted by his thoughts, the sun had now been replaced with the moon. Around him, Ash heard the chatter of the last tourists and natives diminish as they headed out, done for the day. Instead of following their example, Ash headed further down the beach until his ankles were covered by the water, Pikachu now on his shoulder as he did not want to be engulfed in chilling water this late at night.
Almost as if they were calling to him, regardless that he couldn't see them, Ash gazed out toward the other side of the ocean where he knew were countless other regions, ones he had already conquered and some he hadn't. Enveloped by a peaceful aroma and soothed by the calming smooth waves gently crashing against him, Ash reflected on his travels; His first day as a trainer, his first battles, capturing new Pokemon and adding to his family, meeting new people, legendary encounters and much more.
The thought of if he had done enough has crossed his mind before, a lot more frequently over this past year. Could he just stop his journey now, put an official end to his years as a trainer and go on with his life? He had already done enough for the world and much more than other trainers his age and older. Six regions with each one having gotten all eight gym badges and competing in the leagues. Also considering he saved each one from destruction at least once, Ash knew nothing was stopping him from just ending it here.
But…. Ash knew there was much much more out there for him. He could still get stronger, he needed to still win a league, catch more Pokemon, and become a Pokemon master. Down in the depths of his heart Ash knew he wanted more, to keep traveling and getting stronger, his Pokemon sought it as well. So no, Ash Ketchum and his Pokemon weren't done, the white flag has not been raised and it wouldn't for a while.
Ash Ketchum was not done with his journey.
What he needed now was to get that battle he desperately prayed for to get rid of his current troubles. The good thing was they were heading to Kanto for a school trip, going back to his roots. There was no place like home, hopefully, he would find his answer there.
Kanto was much colder than Alola and while his companions complained about it, he bathed in the Kantonian atmosphere he had missed during his absence. Precious memories he would never forget flashed through his mind from his very first journey at the young age of ten. Much had happened over his journey with Misty and Brock and it set the course of how he would evolve into a Pokemon trainer years later. Being turned to stone by a clone of Mew was surprisingly a very influential time in his life; especially when those same scenarios would continue to follow him.
The school trip was going well so far, he had gotten the chance to visit Professor Oak's lab and see all of his Pokemon. It still stung when he met up with his Kalos team and only saw three members, Goodra and Greninja were missed by the whole Kalos crew. It was good to see that they were mixing well with everyone else though, they had met some of his other heavy hitters and saw their trainer in a new way. The three flying Pokemon gazed at him differently than they did when he left for Alola, he didn't want to imagine what stories the others told them.
Then he was reunited with Brock and Misty, it was pleasant on his mind to see people he trusted with his life. Kukui was fine and the class was nice but they were inexperienced and thought they knew as much as him which made it harder to connect with them. Ash may not be the best at book smarts but when it involves Pokemon, he was second to none. Under the guidance of the two gym leaders, the class was toured around Cereluan City and introduced to many Kanto Pokemon. It also provided Ash with the chance to catch up with two of his best friends and learn about their recent successes and how they have grown as trainers. Getting a blast to the past, the class arrived at the final stop of the trip, the Cereluan City Gym where Ash "won" his second-ever gym badge.
Which led to this current moment. Standing on the cold hard ground of the Cerulean City Gym battlefield with his best friends, Misty and Brock on the other side. His classmates and teacher were up in the stands with Professor Oak and his mother looking down at this spectacle curiously and skeptically.
Why they were gazing at him that way may have been because he was about to battle his two friends at the same time. While not the weirdest scenario, the fact that his two friends were some of the most powerful gym leaders across the world made the Alola class question his sanity. Ash wasn't bothered by it, he's been doubted many times before and he always proved them wrong. Plus, it wouldn't be enough of a challenge if it was just one of them, Ash knew they knew that as well.
When catching up with the two, he learned of their accomplishments after the last time they had talked and seen each other. The two poked fun at him for being so clueless about what they have been doing considering it was well-known across the Pokemon community. He needed to get a device that let him keep in touch with everyone, he knows his friends would appreciate it.
Misty had replaced her sisters and became a well-known gym leader said to be one of the strongest in the world and known by many as a water type master even though she stated she still had much to learn. Brock throughout multiple long periods of leaves from his gym leader duties, had become an expert in his work and helped many people and Pokemon as a breeder and doctor. He also is known as one of the strongest gym leaders around, being respected by his peers and claimed as the strongest rock-type gym leader. They were claimed to be some of the strongest trainers across all regions, even having a reputation that matched those of the elite four.
So when Kiawe challenged Brock to a battle as soon as they entered the gym, Ash made his presence known immediately. Telling Kiawe and the Alolan crew that he was batting first and they would have to go after him if they wanted a shot at the Kantionan gym leader. He tried to say it as friendly as possible but his desire outdid him and the demanding tone he used left their mouths opening and Kiawe stuttering in shock.
Brock bless him, didn't even question the tone and immediately headed down to the battlefield taking out a Pokeball from his belt and signaling to everyone there that he was using a member of his personal team. A glance at Misty was all it took for her to follow after Brock, doing the same and taking out an aqua ball known to the public as the capture device that holds her strongest Pokemon. Neither questioned his tone, understanding that he needed this, and quickly acted showing they trusted his course of action
Thank Arceus his friends were amazing, he doesn't know what he would do without them.
About to head down the stairs toward the battlefield, Kiawe finally found the strength to talk and argued back, clearly angry at Ash's selfish action based on his tone. Knowing about his hot temper, Kukui acted quickly and tried to be the peacemaker, criticizing both their tone of voice and making a valid attempt at fixing the situation. Not having the patience for it, however, Ash kept walking down the stairs ignoring both of them. Which led to Kiawe exploding in anger and nearly chasing him down the stairs until he was met with Ash's glare.
If the Alola class were surprised by the tone he used earlier, then they certainly lost a few minutes of their lifetime after being introduced to friendly, nice, and kind Ash glaring at one of their own and telling him to back off . That ended any complaints Kiawe had and they all followed him as he silently sat down in the stands. Acting nonchalant about what just happened, Ash continued his way downstairs and walked to his assigned spot on the battlefield across from the rock and water gym leaders.
"You finally done acting like a dick or do I have to watch you have another moment?" Similar to him, Misty was lacking the patience you would expect someone their age to have.
"I'm not sure, are you still going to act like a bitch?" Based on the vein popping on her forehead, Ash could tell her irate was rising from his comeback.
"Calm down you two, you both know we've all been waiting a long time for this battle to happen," Brock calmly told the two teenagers acting as peacemaker.
There was a lot he missed from his journeys with his fellow Kantonians, but if he had to only name one then it would be the fun and playful conversations the three of them had. Looking at the contented and happy smiles the other two wore matching his own, he thinks they agree. What Brock said wasn't wrong either, this has been a battle waiting to happen ever since they split up in Johto.
"Brock's right, You're both finally getting those rematches you wanted. That also means I'll have officially won your badges once I win this." Ash could practically feel his facial muscles move as a grin made itself known on his face. Misty and Brock both followed with grins of their own.
"You are so going down," Misty answered.
"No sprinkler system to save you this time," Brock followed.
All three of them caught and trapped in the excitement of it all, had failed to notice as the atmosphere of the building grew tense, almost suffocating to those not used it. The audience was left to wonder just what kind of battle they were going to see if they were trapped in this state before it had even begun. If only they knew…
With aggression, Misty threw her ball into the battleground, the pokemon coming was immediately engulfed into the quarter water section then slowly after emerged into everyone's sight with an explosion that drizzled the entire arena. Brock then followed, calmly throwing his ball on the other side of Misty's, the pokemon that was released had landed with such force that rocks around the stadium had crackled and crumpled apart causing dirt and dust to drift across the still air.
Ash was unrattled by the two beasts in front of him which no doubt in his mind stood at the top of their species. Reaching and grabbing a Pokeball from his belt, he tossed it, a white flash materializing and releasing the Pokemon inside. Following that, his partner who had been on his shoulder this entire time leaped onto the field, landing next to the Pokemon who used to be a pain in his side. Figuring the need to make his own dramatic entrance, Pikachu rubbed his cheeks, letting electricity freely flow out causing sparks to fly all around him. His companion on the other hand stood still, arms crossed, deciding to wait for the next move as the electricity around him didn't harm him in any way and instead gleamed off the red and black sunglasses he wore.
Everything froze as opponents stared each other down, recognizing each other one by one and smirking in excitement and elation. Wanting to leave it on a high note, Ash made one last declaration before the battle officially began.
"I better see you two use those stones," Misty and Brock shocked that they had been caught shook their heads in wonder before meeting his eyes. Even at this distance, the eye contact he held with them told Ash all he needed to know. They understood, there would be no holding back and that meant using every item in their possession.
Those mega stones he sensed were going to be used because he needed everything to be thrown at him. This was the only way he was going to come back to his true self, while not fully knowing of his struggles, Misty and Brock knew that.
Caught in his thoughts, he almost missed how the ground below him was shaking. Caused by the sharp and powerful war cries of the Gyarados and Steelix on the other side of the arena and his Krookodile and Pikachu.
Watching as Krookodile and Pikachu began to charge at the also-charging opponents, Ash prayed that this worked. Because if not, he wasn't sure what would…
"Do any of you think he stands a chance?"
"Nope, he's facing Misty's Gyarados, don't you know that monster of a Pokemon is feared by everyone and everything."
"Don't forget about Brocks Steelix, it's known to be practically unbeatable."
Normally as he listened to his students' chatter, Kukui would have added his theories and predictions, especially on battle-related topics. But looking at the Pokemon and trainer facing the two beasts, he could say without a doubt that he was stumped on what to think of at the moment. He knew just how strong Gyarados and Steelix were, after all, he studied their footage multiple times curious of their power, and knew they lived up to their reputation.
But Kukui could tell, based on years of experience as a trainer and professor that the Pokemon they were facing were not ordinary in the slightest. It may have been hard to see to his student's untrained eyes but he had no problem seeing how well-trained Ash's Krookodile and Pikachu were.
While the sunglasses were a weird touch, Krookodile stood close to six feet, an irregular height considering the species were known to just be below five feet. Even with the extra height, the croc looked extremely fit with its tail muscles seemingly flexing even though it was at rest and neck muscles easily carrying the enormous snout on its head. The scales protecting its body were dark red, meaning they were cared for and had not lost their strong durability. An issue the Sandile family suffered since they were often away from their homeland where they were taught how to strengthen their skin after being captured, making their scales rust and lose strength. Also, its jaw held extraordinarily long and sharpened teeth which mature the more they are used, showing the experience the Bully of the Sands had.
Gazing at Krookodile's counterpart, Kukui couldn't believe he didn't see the signs until now. Maybe it was the Alolan sun but after actually taking the time to inspect Pikachu, Kukui couldn't believe that Ash has only been a trainer for seven years. A variety of scars, small and large were littered across Pikachu's body, the amount unlike anything he had ever seen. Now scars weren't unnatural for Pokemon trainers, Kukui had his fair share and he had seen an unbelievable amount on Ash's arms and legs alone. But because of how fast they healed, for there to even be one on a Pokemon was just insane and abnormal. Since they battle so much, pokemon develop resistance to attacks which therefore prevents them from having lasting damage on their bodies. The only times they can't protect themselves entirely is by insanely powerful Pokemon, legendary Pokemon . But it doesn't make any sense, you would be lucky to even see one over your entire career as a Pokemon trainer, and even that's pushing your luck. He knows that Tapu Koko had come to Ash and there was a reason behind it but he assumed that was it. However, looking once again at the unbelievable amount of scars covering Ash and Pikachu's body, there had to be something else he was missing.
"There's nothing normal about his Pokemon, what the hell has he done with them?" Kukui whispered to himself in wonder.
"That's the common verdict everyone comes to once they meet him, professor," Professor Oak remarked. He and Ash's mother, Delia, had snickered at his comment, most likely familiar with the reaction.
Even after tutoring and watching over his years as a trainer for more than half a decade, Ash Ketchum was still a very confusing existence to Samuel Oak. Years as an elite trainer and professor had awarded him with the chance to meet and analyze countless trainers who have earned the title of strongest. But even with that, he has never seen anyone like Ash.
Year after year, he would watch as Ash would add to his family and bring back a variety of Pokemon. Even though they did not know each other, his new additions would weirdly immediately fit in with the older and more experienced Pokemon. Maybe it was the close relationship they all had with their trainer or the similar traumatic experiences they knew they all went through because of who their trainer was but his Pokemon easily recognized they were all family regardless if they had traveled together or not. Oak and Tracy would always be amazed at how Ash's Pokemon all would support each other and continue to improve while their trainer was gone traveling the world. They were a close bunch, Ash had built a large and loving family.
Now normally when away from your trainer, a Pokemon's skills and knowledge would deteriorate. Ash Pokemon however were the opposite. Even though they did not have his tutelage, his Pokemon would teach, support, and improve themselves day after day. Whatever Ash had done with the limited amount of time he had with each of them had taught them how to develop themselves. His Pokemon were all extraordinary and it took Oak a couple of years to find out it was because of their trainer.
Speaking of the said trainer, the renowned professor had noticed the difference in his pupil's mood ever since his Kalos adventure. The brightness his eyes shined had diminished, the darkness he hid more easily seen than before. The ending of the league conference had finally brought Ash over the edge. Considering everything he had been through, at least what the professor knew of, Ash did well not showing anything. But at last the Chosen One, no, the teenager looked done with everything Arceus had thrown at him. He was worried Ash would put up his hat and call it quits. He would never blame him if he did, god he loved the kid too much to ever do that, but Ash Ketchum just looked so in his element when battling that he couldn't see him doing anything else.
It seemed like Ash thought the same as he was making his final stand against the world and trying to make his comeback. As soon as heard they were going to the Ceruelum Gym, he immediately headed out taking Delia with him, his old heart racing realizing that Ash Ketchum wasn't done yet.
This brought him and Delia to the stands alongside the Alolan class who had no clue what this battle meant for every Kantionan there. They had arrived just in time as Ash was taking his first steps on the field, something Kukui was very thankful for as they had missed the conflict between Ash and Kiawe.
That was another reason why Kukui had doubts about how this battle was expected to go. The anomaly his student was had shown another side of him in that glare of his. He was still shaken from that, the disbelief that someone so young could have such a dark and powerful glare made him question why Ash was at the school in the first place. The angst and vacant feeling mixed in Ash's dark glare spoke volumes of his experience as a trainer which would correspond well with his odd Pokemon.
Regardless of all of that though, he was facing elite four-caliber Pokemon. Rumors had spread throughout the region of Misty being trained to replace Lorerai, same with Brock who has been seen with Bruce of the Kanto and Jhoto Elite Four. The number of people who have defeated the two gym leaders could be counted on one hand, those same people going on to win the league conference. Some of the most excluded and avoided gym leaders out there in the world, yet the Pallet Town trainer that stood across from them was planning on challenging them at the same time!
"His chances of winning this are extremely low! There's no way he going to win this," his students all nodding in agreement with Sophocles' statement. Although doubtful, Kukui found himself disagreeing and believing that his Kantionan student may pull it off even though the odds were stacked against him. He couldn't ignore what he saw not too long ago about the trainer and his mouse and croc.
"Now now I wouldn't take him out of this just yet, pokemon battling isn't all about numbers and Ash had never let that weigh him down before. After all, Ash has shocked a countless number of people, this won't be anything different than what he's done before." The amount of confidence in Professor Oak's words made his students quiet down and put all of their attention on the field.
His fellow professor wasn't wrong, Ash has shocked him many times in the small amount of time they've known each other. Maybe he had another one in him, unconsciously Kukui leaned over in his seat as the battle began.
"He also has a thing for proving people wrong." Delia's comment and Professor Oak's succeeding chuckle was the last thing Kukui heard before multiple explosions cut his hearing and vision off.
Silence.
A deafening silence.
Even with the clashing of four beasts, Kukui heard nothing. His students were in the same boat since no one commented on the screeching of their fingernails caused by how hard they had to grip the railing to stay in place.
Turns out Professor Oak and Delia were right. Ash had already shocked him and was proving his students wrong, very efficiently at that.
One of the more important lessons he had gotten the chance to teach his students about was double battles. He briefly but clearly explained the importance of never wanting to put yourself in a situation where you battled two trainers at the same time on your own. Many more factors were added that put you at a major disadvantage. Not only are you thinking for two Pokemon at the same time, but you're also going against the minds of two trainers, each attacking with different strategies and tactics. It was very mentally taxing and required a lot of trust on both the Pokemon and trainer's sides to battle well and orderly. It was a situation that even the most advanced trainers struggled with.
But Ash ignored all logic and put himself into that position, even doing it with ease!
Thunderbolts blocked flamethrowers.
Dragon Claws countered Iron Tails.
Dig evaded Crunches.
Strength was matched by power.
Tactics were stopped by quick thinking.
Everything Misty and Brock threw at Ash was matched. Minutes into the battle and the two trainers battling alongside each other have yet to gain the upper hand. The elite Pokemon battling looked unwavered, showing very small signs of exhaustion. The battle was just getting started and Ash was showing his skills as a battler, commanding both of his Pokemon efficiently and helping them cover for each other.
A metallic hum ringed through the air as Steelix swung its tail down in an Iron Tail attack aimed at Pikachu who was distracted evading Gyarados's barrage of moves. Unlike anything he had ever seen before, the Iron Snakes attack was stopped, not by Pikachu but by Krookodile who had caught Steelix's tail with its jaw. The sound of metal crunching could be heard up into the stands, a testament to the strength Krookodile possessed.
With all of its momentum stopped, Steelix was then bombarded by Pikachu's own Iron Tail a countless number of times who had changed targets after realizing the confrontation beside him.
With a roar that shook his body down to the very core, Gyarados launched a hydro pump with much more power than previously showed in an attempt to support his trapped teammate, the attack digging the ground below it.
Finally getting out of Krookodiles grip, Steelix quickly dug into the ground evading the crossfire and leaving Krookodile with no way of escaping the super-effective attack that was quickly coming. Thinking the tides of the battle were at last tilting to one side, Kukui leaned back into his seat. That would be the wrong decision though as Ash and his Pokemon pulled off a maneuver he had never seen before.
"Block it." His stone steel voice was unwavering, and the expectancy for his Pokemon to follow his order without hesitation was clear.
Follow his order they did.
Iron Tail struck the ground with incredible force and accuracy, summoning a thick slab of earth. Stone Edge followed pushing it up and solidifying it in between the incoming attack and his Pokemon. Water collided with earth and stone. Cracking and crumbling under the pressure, Stone Edge barely but surely lasted Gyarados' ferocious attack.
The change in the attack was instant.
As soon as the jet of water had vanished, Ash's Pokemon broke through the damp shield and instantly charged at a faster pace than before in response to Gyarados's attack. Realizing the danger, Gyarados launched a flamethrower across the entire arena burning up the landscape in an attempt to protect itself. Kukui took a second to admire the beauty and strength of the flames that were now lit up along the entire terrain. To have that amount of control and force behind an attack contrary to your typing was extremely rare and extraordinary. Even with its mastery of flames, the effect it had on the targets was lackluster.
Dropping to all fours Krookodile crawled and forced its way through the flames and rocky terrain, its powerful limbs carrying it forward at incredible speed and breaking the ground below it. Like a force of nature, Krookodile ignored the flames, gunning straight through them, the speed and power it charged with protecting itself from any major burns. Contrary to its teammate, Pikachu moved with ungodly grace. Hopping, ducking, spinning, Pikachu used all sorts of movements to dodge every flame in its way. Sparks of electricity would surround the mouse, canceling out stray sparks of fire making little firework explosions.
Fire meant to protect was met by force and grace. It was a beautiful sight to see, the massive and small Pokemon each using their powers to attack.
Grasping the ineffectiveness of its attack, Gyarados changed tactics and instead fired a Hydro Pump with considering less control at the ground. The lack of control and direction of fire had caused the large volume of water to disperse, causing Krookodile and Pikachu dodge in other directions, effectively separating the two. Then just as the two were recovering, Steelix made its existence known, blasting through the ground right below Pikachu and launching the electric mouse into the air.
Somehow launching its heavy body into the air, Krookodile cut through the air closing the distance between itself and Gyarados at an alarming rate. Done with its attacks being avoided and blocked, Gyarados stopped Krookodile's Aerial Ace in its tracks, Crunch trying its best to dig into the opponent's scales.
In midair, Pikachu seeing the dragonic energy building up in Steelix's mouth and purple steam floating from the cracks of its teeth began to build up electricity in its cheeks. Dragon breath collided with Thunderbolt, the following explosion covering the pokemons visions.
Hissing in annoyance more than pain from being caught and now thrown by the powerful fangs, Krookodile quickly caught itself in midair and threw its fist into the ground as the Pokemon landed, attacking with another Stone Edge attack. Caught off guard by its opponent recovering so quickly, Gyarados could do nothing as sharp stones were summoned out of the ground and hit its lower belly, making the water beast stumble and groan.
With no clear vision and falling, Pikachu was at a disadvantage as opposed to Steelix who was much more adaptable in these situations. Ears twitching, Pikachu twisted its body alarmed just in time to see Steelix spinning in a corkscrew straight at it. With no time to counter, Pikachu created a net of electricity slowing down Steelix's Gyro Ball attack. Electroweb doing its job, Pikachu received no lasting damage after being crashed into and flung back to Krookodile.
Gasp
Desperate for air, Kukui loudly heard his student breathe in. None of them had taken a breath over that sequence.
Amazement. Shock. Confusion. It may have been all of them for all he knew but what he did know was what had just occurred was incredible. While all four of the Pokemon battling had taken damage, Ash and his Pokemon dealt more damage. It was just incredible.
Ash had outclassed Gyarados and Steelix, pokemon feared by most for the wild personalities and power they possessed.
With a Pikachu.
"Honestly, what the hell." Despite his words, Kukui found himself smiling. It was funny how unbelievable his student was. He wanted to see more, just who was Ash Ketchum?
Ash has always been the better trainer between the three of them.
While he may have had a rough start and was clueless about practically everything, he's grown over the years. Even during their journey through Kanto, he had been the strongest out of all of them. During the past years as well he's been adding more to what he can offer, gaining more and more experience while the two of them had grown stagnant.
Yes, she may have insulted him when he made a mistake, and he may have judged his choices during a battle but it was all for his growth as a trainer. His mind worked in a way they'd never seen before, it was fascinating but also admiring to see him come up with these crazy ideas in a battle and pull them off. They watched as he learned type match-ups and caught his first Pokemon to saving the world from the most powerful Pokemon in the world.
They were proud of him, no matter what anyone said about the relationship between the three of them they were proud of him and he knew that. He had done so much for others and has continued to grow and grow, getting so much stronger. It was at the point where he was leaving them and everyone else he knew in the dust.
He was alone.
It finally caught up to him after his Kalos adventure. They had watched it happen live, seeing how his heart and soul cracked when the weight of everything finally crept up to him after Lysandre captured him. They had hoped that his vacation to Alola would fix it but the second they saw him again they knew it hadn't. Which meant it was their duty, to help their best friend.
The same one who inspired them to be better as a trainer and person. It was their time to repay him for everything he had done for them in what they knew best, a pokemon battle.
It was also a chance to get back at him for those gym battles…
So yes, Misty and Brock knew that Ash was the better trainer but that wasn't going to stop them from giving it their all into defeating them. Still, watching as he would cancel and evade most of their attacks so easily was frustrating. Also looking at the blank look etched on his face that covered his true feelings hurt to watch. It was a look they had seen before and hated every time they saw it. This wasn't the Ash Misty and Brock knew, who he truly was.
Ash was looking for more, almost begging for more, to get a challenge. Well as his best friends, it was their duty to take that look off him and to give what he was searching for. Sharing a look, they both knew what to do next. It was time to create an advantage.
It was time to change the current battle site.
"Rain Dance!" "Sandstorm!"
Their prized Pokemon acted instantly. Dark clouds formed above the arena and dust remaining from crushed rocks over the battle slowly coming together. The light dissipated, the clear air and lights changing because of the weather being made in the entrapped building. Rocks rose as raindrops sprinkled, rocks spun around as more rain proceeded to fall, then at last sand filled the air producing a sandstorm just as the ground was getting properly hydrated by the rainstorm.
Rain and sand came together, causing havoc and disrupting the vision of everyone there.
As if knowing there was more coming, Ash just stood there with his Pokemon doing the same, ready for the duo's last move.
Misty stepped forward slightly, making the last move with a grin on her face.
"Hurricane!" Her voice carried over to everyone's ears, the bystanders taking a second to realize just what was about to happen. Gyarados began to move and the Alolan class covered their body with anything at their disposal, terrified for their lives as they were about to bear witness to a true disaster.
Rain and sand that were once moving in cohesion began to split. The wind started to speed up, carrying water and rocks with it in all directions. The same wind continued to speed up, the sound whistling and pinching the ears of those there. Then, just as the name suggests, hurricanes slowly but surely appeared traveling around the arena and destroying anything around them.
Rocks crushed, waves crashed, and wind destroyed. At the center of all of that stood four Pokemon and three trainers, staring each other down without a single twitch of the muscle. The battlefield that stood was not a field anymore, no, it was a war site. The walls and infrastructure of the building barely held on, the collection of rain, sand, and wind creating chaos in the entire building.
The power of multiple elite Pokemon, something so few people have was present in the Ceruelum Gym, becoming dangerous for everyone there but they didn't move. Why? Because the ongoing battle was much more important.
Finally, after minutes upon minutes of battling, Ash's blank face showed some emotion. Almost like he was moving in slow motion, Ash's face transformed into something else as the storm continued to rise in intensity.
His brown irises began to glow and brighten.
A smirk rose onto his face looking far too similar to the one his Pikachu wore.
His posture leaned forward in interest just like his Krookodile.
That smirk he wore continued to rise into a full-blown smile, one so many people have grown attracted to.
Then… After what felt like months since many had truly heard it, Ash produced a sound that shook the ground he stood on.
His body shaking, Ash roared in laughter.
Laughing with a smile on his face, Ash was laughing in the face of two Pokemon who could very easily kill him.
"He's laughing!?" The Alolan's classes' yell somehow made it to their ears over the storm they had caused.
Up with everyone else, Professor Oak and Delia were chuckling, protected from the battle by the Professor's Alakazam. The Alolan class and their teacher looked at them curiously and in bewilderment.
Down below, Misty and Brock both had big grins on their face. The sight of Ash enjoying himself was pleasant on their eyes. Now it was time to win the battle.
While everyone was reacting in shock, the Kantonians seemed exhilarated and joyful. Well, Professor Oak had summed it up well when he was asked about it.
"He's having fun." That was all that needed to be said before Ash made his move.
Beat. Beat. Beat.
His heartbeat was racing.
Beat. Beat. Beat. Beat.
The pumping he felt against his chest.
Beat. Beat. Beat. Beat. Beat.
The blood rushed through his veins to his arms and legs.
His smile grew wider.
This was it! The adrenaline of a good battle, that feeling of his chest and blood rising with every move he made! What he was looking for, searching for, missing during his adventure at Alola!
His arm pulled itself into a fist.
He could feel his competitive spirit coming back, raising from the depths to compete against the challengers in front of him. This… This is what he wanted when he challenged his two best friends to battle. What he had desired from them.
Now they needed to turn up the heat.
"Good! Now keep it coming don't you dare stop now!" His voice projected through the storm, reaching the destined targets as they met eye contact with him.
"Use them!" They knew what he meant. Misty raised her hands to her headband, pulling and revealing a mega stone. Brock decided to ditch his shirt, showing everyone the mega stone attached to the center of his necklace. Almost like they were waiting to be summoned, the mega stones flashed with power changing the aura surrounding the two gym leaders. They were ready for the last battle, to give it their all and finish this. Good. So was he.
"Give me all you got!"
His last battle cry.
"With pleasure!"
They responded with their own.
Yellow and blue light outshined the darkness emitted by the clouds above, two separate pairs of yellow and blue wires connected as they slowly turned to white. Gyarados and Steelix became surrounded in light, no longer visible to the human eye. The familiar ozone he was so used to filling the air, gathering to where Gyarados and Steelix were.
Mega stones reunited, bonding, and connecting.
Trainer and Pokemon became one.
Boom!
Ozone and energy exploded, briefly stopping the storm they were in and giving Ash a good look at the changes his enemies have overgone.
The Pokemon who were once there were no longer the same.
The spikes along the side of its body have grown longer and thicker, obtaining a crystal glow that contrasted with its dark surroundings. Its skull and jaw gained more size and thickness, its jaw being added with three spikes prolonged/elongated on each side. What set it apart from its counterparts was the stones floating around it in a circular rotation. Now with a magnetic field, crystal stones floated and spun around its body giving the Pokemon a mystic vibe, something it wasn't known for. The last noticeable thing to note about Steelix's new appearance was the change in its eye color, aggressive red eyes were now blue providing a more calm and serene look.
Repping a new color change, the Pokemon's yellow scales were now black and red, possibly because of the new type changing. The fins along the top of its body were now longer and sharper, giving the Pokemon an impressive wingspan and making it look even more ferocious. Along with that, the crown on its head that used to act more like a shield was not that anymore and now more like a weapon. Black in color and much larger reaching back to the fins on its back and then pairing that with the longer and sharper whiskers it now had, this Pokemon was attributed with many more weapons. Overall, Gyarados looked more like a monster than a Pokemon.
Steelix and Gyarados had mega-evolved, evolving once again and growing even stronger.
The calm but steel-like focus mixed with ferocious and dangerous aggression made a terrifying sight. The aura of the two Pokemon proved all Ash needed to know about the power each of them contained, ready to unleash at him and his Pokemon. For a brief moment his vision warped and instead of the two serpentines he saw a black dragon shooting blue fire into the air as it roared in victory.
Instead of cowering at the unpleasant memory, Ash smirked, grounding his feet further into the ground and reaching his right hand up to the trusty red cap he had on his head. It was time to get his revenge.
"Krookodile! Pikachu! Time to step it up a gear!" Ash shouted, his right hand swinging his cap around.
Pikachu's fur rose and body shook as his trainer and best friends swung his hat around. At long last, they were all getting serious. The two of them have evolved from their young and foolish selves, years of battling and traveling making them an unstoppable duo. They were going to show it to the closest companions they had. Pikachu's cheeks sparked, tail twitched, and Adrenaline flew through his small body like a tidal wave. The mouse was excited for the battle to come. Pikachu and Ash really were battle junkies.
Krookodle now understood what Pikachu and Charizard were saying when they said that Ash was taking it easy over his journey through Unova. This intense, calculating, and mature side to him was something the croc had hardly seen when he traveled with Ash. Krookodile was ecstatic about it. The more Ash got serious, the better competition Krookodile would face. Hopefully, Ash would continue to battle like this in the future, Krookodile couldn't wait to face stronger opponents like he was doing now - that rematch with Pikachu was still in session. The enemies Krookodile faced currently, two beasts of their species that he has never seen before, the Bully of Sand would welcome their challenge.
Gyarados had heard a lot about Ash Ketchum from his comrades. They all spoke so highly about the boy from Pallet Town that the dragon-like Pokemon doubted some of the things they said. A courageous, affectionate, and compassionate boy who would do anything for his Pokemon and friends. While Gyarados didn't care much about that, the serpent was curious about how seriously they spoke of the boy's strength and skill as a trainer. Gyarados respected strength more than anything, it was how he lived and survived in the world, being the best he could and defeating everyone who dared to challenge him. Battling against the boy and his Pokemon, Gyarados didn't dispute his companion's comments. Every attack Gyarados threw was countered and even after mega evolving, a form of his that had made everyone who saw it cower in fear, Ash smiled in excitement. The boy and his Pokemon were strong, Gyarados could respect that. Roaring to the heavens Gyarados made his hunger clear, he wanted to crush the boy.
Steelix was proud. It felt like yesterday when a small boy and his Pikachu challenged him to a battle when he was an Onix. Seeing those same two grinning at Steelix in excitement even after seeing him in his strongest form made him grin, the crystals floating around him making his teeth shine even more. They wanted to battle Steelix at his strongest, he would do as they requested. After all, Steelix still wanted payback for their last battle years ago.
A tense ambiance took over, pokemon and trainers stared at each other waiting for someone to move.
"Hyper beam!" Misty made the first move. A dark purple laser was fired, destroying everything in its path and traveling very fast at its targets, big enough to damage both of them if landed.
"Iron Tail, straight through it." Ash fearlessly faced it head-on.
Positioning itself, Krookodile propelled Pikachu off his snout straight toward the incoming beam of darkness which screamed power. With the added speed and trajectory, Pikachu's metallic tail sliced straight through the laser into the ground, making the attack split and miss the two Pokemon.
BOOM!
The cut attack exploded the wall behind him, pieces of cement lightly smacking his back. Immediately sprinting at the defenseless Pokemon, Pikachu and Krookodile ran through the rain and sand that pelted against their bodies.
"Flash Cannon!"
Close to their target, a steel beam suddenly appeared in front of the two, the ground shaking beneath it. His sharp eyes catching the attack just in time, Krookodile was able to duck underneath, Pikachu, however, wasn't as lucky. Caught at the end of the attack, the blast of the beam of light collided against the mouse smacking Pikachu into the wall.
"Don't stop Krookodile keep going with Dragon Claw." Not even casting a glance at one of his Pokemon being damaged, Ash and Krookodile continued with their pursuit. Unluckily for them, Steelix had delayed enough time for Gyarados to recharge.
"Hydro Pump! Crush it!" Water charged up in its gills making its cheeks blow up.
"Counter with Stone Edge, aim at the jaw!" Stomping on the ground, blue stones summoned out of the ground one by one until the last one extended straight up to Gyarados chin, stunning the Pokemon and making it lose all of its stored water. Dragonic energy gathered in Krookodiles claw, jumping up to unleash the dragon energy on the dragon-like Pokemon.
"Quick Attack." Getting out of its position in the wall, Pikachu vanished only leaving a trail of white as it too joined his teammate in attacking the wavered sea serpent.
Their attacks wouldn't reach their targets however after Steelix put itself between the two, taking the attacks itself with a smirk on its face. Shocked at what had happened, Pikachu and Krookodile were left with nowhere to go as Gyarados swam around Steelix and delivered a devasting Whirpool attack. Bouncing off the ground, groaning in discomfort could be heard by both of Ash's Pokemon.
Ash's curious stare followed Steelix's body, seeing only small bruises even after taking the joint attack from his Pokemon. It had a very sturdy body, it must have been trained a lot to have that level of durability. He would have to ask Brock about it after the battle, Torterra needed some revamping.
"Immovable object meets unstoppable force huh," Ash whispered to himself. He wasn't worried, he's had plenty of experience with that. Steelix and Gyarados were covering themselves well, that just meant they had to get faster.
"Flamethrower!" "Dragonbreath!" The two attacks spread across the arena like a wave, the weather doing nothing in lowering the power of the beams of fire and dragon energy.
"Evade." Krookodile quickly dug into the ground, showing its prowess in its natural habitat as he smoothly moved up and below the attacks. Pikachu vanished, seemingly teleporting from spot to spot as he moved closer while dodging the rays that chased after him.
They weren't getting anywhere staying at a distance, moving up and bringing it to a closer quarter battle is where he could get the upper hand. Understanding this, Ash ordered Pikachu to use Electroweb, the wide-range web intersecting the two attacks and causing a big explosion, three attacks bursting at once.
Thunderbolt shot out of the smoke, the bolt of electricity making its way toward Gyarados until Steelix intercepted, taking no damage. Busy protecting his teammate, Steelix couldn't do anything as Krookodile came out of the ground and launched him away.
"Hydro Pump!" "Quick Attack."
Gyarados never got the chance to blow the croc away, Pikachu appearing and knocking the serpent back into the water.
"Dragon Claw, keep up the pressure." Krookodile leaped, its claws turning blue as he summoned the dragon energy inside of him.
"Stone Edge! Keep it away!" Slamming its tail on the ground Steelix summoned blue stones of all sizes all increasing in length charging at the now airborne Krookodile.
"Breakthrough!" His voice was rising, caught up with the intensity of the battle.
Still using Dragon Claw, Krookodile spun, becoming almost like a corkscrew as he broke through every piece of the attack until landing straight on Steelix's body. Having the advantage of gravity and spinning its attack into one point, Steelix was dealt massive damage making the Pokemon roar in pain.
"Crunch!" Exploding out of the water in fury, Gyarados caught Krookodile in its fangs dragging it to the ground with it.
"Iron Tail Steelix!" Recovering quickly, Steelix pounced into the air and swung its body around multiple times contradictory to its size gathering speed with its attack as it swung its tail down aiming at the trapped Krookodile.
"Deflect it with Iron Tail!" Metal clashed with metal, and while not strong enough to block it Pikachu was able to divert Steelix's strike, making its tail dig into the ground to the left of its target.
"Aerial Ace get out of there now!" Spinning around and loosening the grip on its scales, Krookodile jumped then proceeded to launch itself as increased speeds crashing against Gyarados's jaw.
"Follow with Iron Tail!" Dazed and pressed into the air, the top of his head was then smashed in by Pikachu's Iron Tail beating Gyarados into the ground, its teeth clenching against each other.
"Dragon Breath!" Using its tail as a center of gravity, Steelix twisted and then unleashed a breath of dragonic breath, casting Pikachu away as he was unaware after just hitting Gyarados.
"Quick Attack into Iron Tail!" Somersaulting on the ground to land correctly, Pikachu quickly aimed its body back toward the three giant Pokemon and sprinted over. Ground cracking and the sound of thunder echoing because of how fast he was moving, all anyone could see was lightning before Pikachu slammed its metallic tail into the base of Steelix, creating a trench in the ground as he was pushed back.
With no time to rest, Pikachu flipped back to protect Krookodile from Gyarados's assault who had risen from their previous position of the ground. A rain-boosted Hydro Pump was cancelled out by a Thunderbolt, a speedy Gyro Ball also being intercepted by a strong Dragon Claw from Krookodile who protected Pikachu from Steelix's quick comeback.
The pace was rising, Pokemon and trainers each were given less time to think and had to resort to instincts. It was becoming an all-out brawl.
"Enough! Hyper Beam!" Misty lost her patience, even with the increase in power her Pokemon was still matched by her opponents. She refused to let it keep happening. Gyarados agreed, powering up a much larger Hyper Beam than it has shown before, gravity causing his feet to slide even when he dug his heels as Gyarados sucked in energy. Ash's eyes widened realizing the destruction the attack was going to cause. Cheeks puffed out, Gyarados discharged all of its stored energy, the dark beam heading straight for Pikachu and Krookodile who stood back to back.
"Stone Edge straight up! Carry yourself!" Acting quickly, Krookodile slammed its foot hard into the ground creating a stone pillar that rose Ash's Pokemon to the clouds. The Hyper Beam went right under, the sound of the attack making his ears ring and body tremble under the pressure.
Ash chuckled, Misty and her Gyarados sure were something. It was only right they returned the favor.
"Thunder!" Acting as a lightning rod, Pikachu took in all of the lightning surrounding making it look like a ball of lightning. With so much energy, the excess lightning found itself sparking and discharging itself around the mon. With a cry, Pikachu discharge everything it had straight toward the two foes.
"Flash Cannon!" "Hyper Beam again!" Comprehending that this could very well end if the attack landed, Brock and Misty desperately called out to their Pokemon. Bravely facing the legendary-like attack with grit, Steelix and Gyarados both fired off their commanded attacks. Ash's eyebrows rosed, impressed that Gyarados could fire off two Hyper beams back to back just as the move blended with Flash Cannon molding a beam of black and white energy.
In the face of overwhelming power, Steelix and Gyarados opposed Pikachu with lightning clashing against energy.
BANG!
A detonation occurred, following the confrontation between two incredibly powerful attacks. A bright flash blocked everyone's vanish and fast and sharp winds made his clothes go crazy also blowing his hat away and catching the wind. His ears were still whistling in disturbance when Ash looked up to see Krookodile's large Stone Edge crumbling and breaking. The storm his opponents made was now gone, the explosion disrupting it and causing it to disintegrate.
With a loud crack, the stone pillar broke apart, causing Pikachu and Krookodile to free fall with two enemies awaiting them.
"Gyro Ball! Take him down!" "Spin and use Iron Tail!" Both pokemon spinning in continuous rotations, Gyro Ball met Iron Tail, each causing the other pokemon to skid back to their trainers.
"Hurricane! Blow him away!" "Use the stones to counter!" Blasting a powerful stream of supersonic winds at the falling ground Pokemon, Gyarados was surprised to see Krookodile grab the pieces of its collapsed Stone Edge and cut through its attack. A combination of Aerial Ace and the stone blades in his claws allowed Krookodile to narrowly avoid dangerous damage and escape back to his trainer.
In another sequence of clashes, more tricks and tactics were shown as the battle was coming to an end. Tension was rising as Pokemon and trainers breathed heavily, exhaustion finally catching up to them. This next sequence of attack would be the climax, a winner would be decided. Humans and Pokemon both knew it.
Pokemon battles. A phenomenon where trainers battle with their Pokemon, aiming to defeat other trainers. An occupation where you travel the world, aiming to be the best you can and become one of the best trainers out there.
Misty and Brock along with their Pokemon roared, declaring they would win.
They were respected and feared across the lands, some more well-known than others. They were the protectors for many and enemies for others.
Ash closed his eyes.
With that, some aimed even higher. Transcending what people once thought was the limit for trainers.
He took a deep breath.
They would battle and battle, challenge everyone they would see in the hope of becoming even a little better than they were before. Learn more about Pokemon, become their friends, and create new bonds. Travel the world and meet new people.
Ash opened his eyes.
They would live for Pokemon, breathe for Pokemon, and survive for Pokemon. In the end, they wanted to be the strongest. The strongest trainer in the world, more powerful than anyone else. Now what these people wanted to be, to be named as, to be respected as, was a…
Yelling at the top of his lungs with his Pokemon doing the same, Ash roared, his cry reaching the souls of many.
Pokemon Master.
Smashing his tail deep into the ground, Pikachu used Thunderbolt, making a makeshift earthquake with lightning bolts streaking through the cracks of the earth. Unsettled and unbalanced, Steelix and Gyarados could do nothing as Krookodile and Pikachu charged, more adept in this landscape.
"Crunch!" Leaping from a piece of lifted ground, Krookodile slammed its jaw down on Steelix's head, then showing its exceptional strength brought the much larger Pokemon to the ground.
"Hydro Pump!" "Thunderbolt straight through!" Terrain finally calmed down, Gyarados was able finally to blast off intense water at the charging mouse. Stopping in its tracks, Pikachu's cheeks spark dangerously before discharging a bolt of electricity piercing the oncoming water attack and continuing its way toward the Gyarados.
"Redirect it with Stone Edge!" With a defiant cry, Steelix swung its body down shaking Krookodile off into the air and also launching a barrage of light blue stones that rose out of the ground toward the racing thunderbolt toward Gyarados. Making it just the time, the Thunderbolt deflected off the purposefully angled stones to the now clear sky above the battlefield.
"Hurricane!" "Flash Cannon!" Scurreding up off the ground, Steelix joined his partner in attacking the airborne Krookodile with no way of protecting itself. The wind and steel attack cracking the ground below.
"Quick attack into Counter Shield!" Ash voiced out in a hurry. "Son of a bitch." Brock whispered to himself recognizing the defensive maneuver.
Speeding by the two attacks in a flash of white lightning and reaching Krookodile first, Pikachu hopped on its back and spun using Thunderbolt creating an electric vortex around Krookodile, disrupting the two powerful attacks charging at him.
"Back on the offensive with Quick Attack and Dig!" Krookodile sprung into the ground and Pikachu shot back at the two giants, becoming a nuisance as he bounced back and forth between the two, moving for fast for them to do anything. Springing from the ground, Krookodile dove into Steelix, intending to deal good damage but was shocked to see Steelix practically unaffected by the attack.
"Iron Tail smash it!" Matching the deadly grin on his trainer's face, Steelix slammed Krookodile into the ground with Iron Tail.
"Up, quickly! Back on the attack!" Pushing through the pain Krookodile sprung up, evading Steelix's following Iron Tail and bringing itself to a standstill next to Pikachu who put itself between Gyarados and Steelix. Those same two Pokemon instantly charged, giving no time for rest for any of them.
From then on pokemon resorted to their instincts. Exhaustion rained down on all of them, the thought of attacking being the only thing pushing them on. Attacks followed each other in succession, waiting for someone to make a mistake they could capitalize on.
Surviving the onslaught of attacks as best as they could, Pikachu and Krookodile were reacting at supersonic speeds, having their heads on a swivel to defend against the separate attacks Gyarados and Steelix were barraging them with. Flipping and efficiently moving around each other, Ash's Pokemon displayed incredible chemistry with each other.
Ash could practically feel the rush of blood going through his head, his mind working into overdrive as he compensated for the lack of a trainer beside him. The explosions that ranged off from the battle in front of him followed one another in succession, sounding almost like music to his ears.
Krookodile's draconic claws met Steelix's Metallic tail.
He could feel his sweat fly off his arm as he punched forward, matching his Pokemon as they attacked.
Elements clashed, Pikachu's lightning confronting Gyarados' fire.
The explosions scratched up his clothing, the thin layer of protection doing nothing against the fierce clashes of strong Pokemon.
Jumping over Steelix's Dig, Krookodile dove into his opponent's steel armor with a Crunch, significant damage finally making its mark as the steel armor cracked and dented under the strong pressure.
His arms and legs were bleeding, gushing out from cuts on his skin. He didn't feel any pain.
Pikachu Iron Tailed the water below it, causing an explosion of water that protected it from the oncoming Hurricane, then delivering a devastating Quick Attack.
His body was covered in mud and grim, splashed on his body. He didn't bother wiping it off.
Bouncing off a large Electro Web, Pikachu and Krookodile vaulted over the Hydro Pump and Flash Cannon attacks that collided below them.
When he didn't think it was possible, his smile grew even larger. This! Now this was a Pokemon battle!
Grins filled with excitement, their entire bodies being pushed to the limit as they thought at incredible speeds. Even though he couldn't hear them, Ash knew all three of them were yelling at the top of their lungs, pushing each other past the limits they have set for themselves, their desire to win overwhelming any other sense. Pokemon battles were so fun!
At last, someone had made a mishap, the tides of battle flowing to one side. Battling in an environment where it doesn't excel, Gyarados made a mistake. Lunging too far in the process of attacking left it open to a Dragon Claw from Krookodile straight to its stomach bringing it down to the ground.
Thinking it was over for the Pokemon, Ash was surprised when Gyarados slowly but surely rose. The water serpentine despite being bruised and battered, stood up to its full height, roaring in defiance. The Pokemon wanted to win, and badly. Ash felt the goosebumps on his arms flaring after hearing the cry of declaration.
He giggled, giddy inside. Fuck any thought he had of using Z-moves. He didn't want to use the tool to win this battle, he would win with his strength like he's always done. His opponents deserved it.
With loud uproars, Gyarados and Steelix both swung their massive tails in a collective effort. While Krookodile dug into the ground just in time to evade the attack, Pikachu didn't have the same luxury and was smacked in the face slinging him across the ground, the rough earth cracking under the force the mouse was thrown. With a grunt and wobble in its legs, Pikachu pushed itself up still ready for more even after its beating.
"Flamethrower!" Continuing the assault, a jet of bright and hot fire was shot at the Pikachu.
"Volt Tackle!" Brock widened his eyes at seeing the old killer move back in action, Pikachu covering itself in that magnificent yellow aura and electricity and sprinting straight at the beam of flames coming at it. Seemingly effortlessly, Pikachu breached the attack and continued to go losing very little momentum.
"We finish this now! Keep going!" Pikachu sped up, charging straight for Gyarados intending on finishing it off.
"Quick, Hyper Beam!" Desperation filled Misty's voice, knowing what would happen to her damaged Pokemon if Pikachu would make contact with him. Unleashing the supercharged move, Gyarados wrecked Pikachu's chances of breaking through another of its attacks.
"Evade!" Changing methods, Pikachu jumped up avoiding the powerful attack and letting it reap havoc on the ground below it. Doing this, however, let it open for the next attack. "Stone Edge!" Stones charging at its side, Pikachu was left with no footing to dodge the attack. At least that's what everyone but Ash thought.
"Off the electricity! Go behind!" Pulling off an unworldly move, Pikachu used the electricity that was being discharged from Volt Tackle to jump off the Hyper Beam attack further into the sky avoiding Steelix's Stone Edge.
While Pikachu made had been able to escape any damage from the three attacks launched at it, it was now off target and behind Gyarados with no way of turning since he was in midair. That was until Krookodile, who had been hiding underground ever since Pikachu was launched away, broke through the ground flying through the air toward Pikachu.
Using the ground type as footing, Pikachu caught itself and then proceeded to propel itself off of Krookodile dive-bombing toward Gyarados.
"Finish it!" Squeaking in agreement, Pikachu smashed into Gyarados, a yellow and sparked explosion following the collision creating sharp winds that tore into his clothes. When the smoke cleared, Gyarados, no longer in its mega form was flat on the ground, swirls replacing its eyes with a worn-out Pikachu standing on the larger pokemons crown. Misty had her mouth permanently gaped open, shocked out of her mind after seeing Ash's crazy stunt.
Not losing focus over the short victory, Ash instantly changed gears toward the other opponent still standing. "Stone Edge put everything you have into this!" Slamming all of its limbs on the ground, Krookodile growled as he focused energy toward its body. The earth began to shake, rocks shook as you could practically see the energy being pulled toward Krookodile's claws and tail.
"Stop it now, Flash Cannon!" Digging its tail into the ground to keep itself stabilized against the breaking landscape, Steelix shot off a large beam of steel at the defenseless land croc.
"Endure! Push through it!" Ash's command startled everyone, bringing everyone to a pause to comprehend what Ash had just ordered of his Pokemon. Without hesitating, Krookodile braced itself for the attack and continued to draw in energy preparing for his final attack. An enhanced attack from a Mega Pokemon, and Krookodile was about to take it head-on. The chances of surviving were low, very low.
Glancing at the corner of his cracked and bent glasses and seeing the confident and convinced look in his trainer's eyes, he knew his trainer believed in him. His trainer was convinced that he would take this attack and defeat the monster in front of him, staring ahead Krookodile leaned forward preparing for the damage he was about to endure. He would do it, he had to. Not only for himself but his trainer who had been there for him through thick and thin. Krookodile refused to disappoint him.
BAM!
The chilling steel beam crashed head-on into Krookodile, a smoke eruption erupting into the ceiling and spreading across the entire arena. Silence enveloped the air as everybody there gazed curiously at the spot Krookodile was last spotted. The smoke began to clear, clearing up everyone's view of Ash's Pokemon.
"Holy shit…"
"There's no way!"
"But that's impossible!" Multiple reactions set forth from the sight they saw. Raising from their seats, the Alolan class was left in awe and disbelief at the state of the Pokemon down below.
With an earsplitting roar that brought shivers down everyone's spine, Krookodile announced his presence. Shocking everyone, the smoke cleared up to reveal Krookodile's bruised and battered body but still standing wearing a grin that matched his trainer's. With broken sunglasses at his feet, Krookodile stood strong almost ignorant of its wounds. With a determined glint in his now visible eyes, Krookodile took a step forward toward the gawking rock-type trainer and his stunned Pokemon.
"Let it rip!" Creating a crater below it with a swing of its tail and claws, the energy Krookodile had been storing unleashed. Erupting from all surrounding walls, Steelix was attacked by large blue stones from all angles. In an endless attack, sharp large stones continued to assault the large Pokemon swinging it around the field into another one of its kind. Trapped in a never-ending loop, Steelix could do nothing as each collision with Krookodile's attack caused smokescreens that eventually covered the Pokemon. With one final growl, Krookodile finished its attack bringing multiple stones from all walls toward the last point Steelix was seen, making an explosion that brought sharp winds to the spectators.
With the winds no longer affecting their sight, students and adults were left astonished at the sight of the unbreakable Steelix fainted with evident dents on its strong armor. Amazed at the sight, it took them a second to realize that the battle was over. Ash had won.
Staring at the two Pokemon who achieved victory for him, Ash felt himself finally relax. The tension that filled his body these past few months at last breaking off and leaving him alone. Trauma that messed with his mind vanishing, leaving only the joy that came with winning an intense Pokemon battle. He felt at peace - he almost forgot the feeling. Visions of legendary encounters and villain teams dispersed, replaced with the sight of his smirking Pokemon savoring the hard-fought victory they achieved.
Being the chosen one was horrible. He knew it. His Pokemon knew it. His best friends knew it. He was put at the forefront to deal with all of Arceues' shit, and there was nothing he could do about it. However, he wouldn't give it up for anything.
He had gotten to make his own family, travel the world, learn more about Pokemon, and most importantly battle all kinds of trainers and grow stronger. So yes, being the chosen one and dealing with all the world-ending events sucked.
But it was moments like these, celebrating over the hard-earned battle he had won that he could forget about that. Because in the end…
He loved being a Pokemon trainer.
And he wouldn't stop until he was the best.
Howls broke out from Krookodile and Pikachu, ignorant of the injuries on their bodies from the adrenaline of victory.
Glancing down at his students, Kukui noticed how they were all awestruck by the sight. He was too, what Ash just did was incredible and he was still trying to digest it.
"The Pokemon world is dangerous," Professor Oak explained with an underlying tone. "Many struggle to understand that."
The Kanto professor looked pensive, possibly reflecting on his travels when he was a trainer. He rose his hand, pointing at Ash down below who was walking toward his Pokemon which were stationed in the middle of the destroyed arena.
"That boy down there has survived it." Kukui's never seen the prized professor look any prouder than he did after saying those words.
"If you want to learn anything about Pokemon and this world, you'll find no greater teacher than Ash Ketchum." Those words hit harder than anything Kukui has ever said to his students. While it may have not been said, even his inexperienced students could understand the message beneath that lesson. Put respect to Ash's name.
Kukui smiled at the camaraderie shown between trainer and Pokemon as Ash bumped fists with Krookodile and rubbed between Pikachu's ears congratulating them on the victory. Staring more closely at the Kantonian, Kukui notice how relaxed he appeared. The tense posture he walked around Alola with was loosened, almost as if the pressure of the world was finally released from his shoulders.
Hearing sobbing from his side, Kukui was alarmed to see Delia crying with her hands covering her mouth. He composed himself after getting a closer look at the woman and realizing that the tears flowing down her cheeks were of joy, a bright smile on her face filled with exhilaration and happiness. More possessed than his companion, Professor Oak watched the scene of Pikachu setting Ash's cap back on his head with a bright smile on his face. Upon closer look though, you could see the professor's eyes tear up slightly, the wrinkles on his older face working hard to keep them under control.
Once looking back at Ash to see him bicker back and forth with his Pikachu and Krookodile, Misty and Brock wearing delighted smiles although they had just lost a battle they desperately wanted to win did Kukui grasp that a lot was riding on this battle. Whatever the five Kantonians were searching for from this battle, it seemed as if they got it.
There was a lot Kukui needed to process from this battle. Things he had to think over. The Ash he met and taught at Alola was an imposter, a flawed version of who he was. After watching him battle just now, Kukui learned just who Ash Ketchum was.
Ash Ketchum challenges two of the strongest trainers in this generation at the same time.
Ash Ketchum smiles and laughs in the face of diversity, even when facing two mega-evolved Pokemon.
Ash Ketchum loves the thrill of an intense Pokemon battle, albeit he may get hurt in the process.
Ash Ketchum is a trainer who has a lot of battling and traveling experience.
This, is the true Ash Ketchum.
Ash Ketchum is also a very fucking strong trainer.