Pummelo Island: Beach, Afternoon…

Ash pulled out a pokeball and let Lapras out. Once she appeared, the transport pokemon was confused as her trainer was looking at her with a firm yet sad expression.

"Lapras, we need to talk." Ash began slowly.

"Did I do something wrong?" The water/ice type was greatly concerned. "Lap…"

"Lapras, after the semifinals concluded, I realized our time in the Orange Archipelago is coming to an end." Ash continued. "I'll need to leave for Kanto to gather the missing Indigo League Badges and might only be able to spare a day or two."

At first, Lapras was trying to figure out why her trainer was sad; however, that was quickly solved by his words. Her trainer's time in this region was running out which meant there wasn't much of it left to find her family.

"I promised to help you find them Lapras, but we've been over nearly all the archipelago." Ash stated. "That's why you need to start considering what you want. I can release you and let you search for yourself since you've grown a lot with me.

You could also join the team as a full member and spend any time you're not with me back at Oak's lab, with the others, like you have been doing every time I've needed to send you there. This is your choice, and I will follow it no matter what you want."

Lapras looked from her trainer to the sea with a sad expression. She wished things could stay as they were, but deep down she knew this decision would come. It wouldn't be fair to Ash or his friends if they stayed. This conversation did bring something new to her mind.

She hadn't realized it, but Ash, as well as his team, had become her family too. Ash had a lot of qualities that were like her mother and father. Those same qualities could be seen throughout Ash's whole team. This being a new thought, she couldn't decide now.

Ash saw the conflict within his pokemon, so he rested a hand on her neck drawing the transport pokemon's attention. "Listen Lapras, my friends and I can spare one to two days depending on how this next battle goes. With whatever time we have then, we'll head back to Tangelo Island.

Charizard and Pidgeot can have us there in mere hours. We'll then spend whatever time is left looking for your pod in that area. I just want you to know everything I've told you because if we don't find your pod, you'll have to then tell me what you want."

Lapras gave a slight smile at that since Ash really was a lot like both her parents. Honestly, it felt good to have this responsibility since she was always the baby of the group. Ultimately, this responsibility would take a great deal of contemplation.

"You clearly need time to think, so why don't I send you back to the lab?" Ash asked to get her attention. "I don't think you're currently in a state to battle."

That was one decision Lapras could make right now. For as much as she wanted to battle for Ash, she knew her current state of mind wasn't going to help him.

Lapras nodded at that. "Lapras."

Ash returned his water/ice type and began walking back to the pokemon center to make the exchange. He was already running down his list of available pokemon to select the right one that could work with the other two he intended to use.

Pummelo Stadium

"I would like to welcome back our lovely audience!" The announcer declared, making the crowd cheer. "It is time our finalists made their way to the stadium where they will battle for the right to take on the champ tomorrow! It's Ash Ketchum on the right and Cheren Servine on the left."

Ash and Cheren were both at their respective sides, so the two of them walked on out before coming to stand across from each other in their trainer boxes. This was it. A rematch both trainers wanted since the end of their first battle.

As a referee appeared on the ref stand, the crowd cheered and were clearly raring to see this battle between two of the finest challengers they've seen in a long time. Once the ref called for this to begin, the final battle of the Orange League would kick off.

"This will be a three-on-three battle between Ash and Cheren to see who will move onto the champion battle tomorrow." The ref declared. "Both sides can make substitutions at any point and there is no time limit. Cheren shall reveal his pokemon first."

"We'll do this together, Stoutland!" Cheren declared.

He threw out his first pokemon, and the normal type appeared ready for battle.

Ash was quick to select his pokemon. "I choose you, Onix!"

The Hisuian Onix appeared roaring in anticipation for this battle. Even if he was a last-minute substitution for Lapras, he wouldn't let that hold him back. The gem serpent would give his absolute best on this grand stage.

"Onix VS Stoutland…" The ref raised his flags. "Begin!"

Ash VS Cheren (P. I)

"Superpower." Cheren instructed.

"Use accelerock." Ash commanded.

Before Stoutland could be surrounded by fighting energy, Onix was surrounded by rock type energy as he rushed forward slamming into the big-hearted pokemon.

"Now, set up hail." Ash commanded.

"Use stomping tantrum." Cheren ordered.

Onix roared causing clouds to appear above the battlefield which sent down hail as Stoutland rammed into the gem serpent pushing him back with the super effective move. This was quickly followed by the big-hearted pokemon taking some damage from the hail above.

"Alright, let's ramp this battle up." Ash declared. "Flash canon."

"Brace yourself Stoutland." Cheren instructed. "We need your thunder wave."

Due to snow rush, Onix got his attack off first blasting Stoutland with steel energy; however, the big-hearted pokemon managed to weather it before sparking with electricity. When it was fired, Onix took it receiving no damage but being inflicted with paralysis in return.

"Let's push onward with rock slide." Cheren commanded.

"If they can weather an attack, we can do the same." Ash stated. "Once they're attack is done, use rock polish."

Rocks rained down from above impacting into Onix hard. When the gem serpent attempted to use rock polish, paralysis hit making him incapable of doing so in the moment. Before either trainer could proclaim their next move, something happened.

"What move is it using?" Cheren questioned.

Hisuian Onix was suddenly awash in a vibrant aura prompting Ash to pull out his pokedex.

Crystallize: If a Pokemon is inflicted with any status conditions, this move heals it.

"Looks like Ash's pokemon have really taken after him making this battle all the more dangerous." Cheren realized.

This battle was difficult enough when Ash was the epitome of adaptability but knowing his pokemon followed that trend just made this more difficult.

"This is great Onix!" Ash cheered at his pokemon was no longer affected by paralysis. "Now that you have your movement, let's end this with your full power blizzard."

"We won't give up!" Cheren declared. "Stoutland, answer them in kind with super power."

Onix began summoning the full force of a blizzard while Stoutland cloaked himself in fighting energy and charged. As he ran, the cold ate away at his speed; however, everyone could see the normal type slam into Onix just before the ice type attack took full effect.

Rather than being unable to see the result, everyone could see that Stoutland had fainted. This was due to Onix glowing a brilliant white as he evolved. Like the Onix he had been, this evolution naturally bore a near identical appearance, save looking like blue crystal, to Steelix.

As the blizzard ceased, the newly evolved pokemon declared his victory. "Chrysalix!"

Ash immediately took out his pokedex:

Chrysalix, the Gem Serpent Pokemon. Chrysalix is the evolved form of Hisuian Onix. Whereas its prior form was said to have been found on land, it is said this pokemon lived deep underwater. The pressure associated with living within bodies of water are what strengthens its hide.

Evolution Note: It was observed that after a Hisuian Onix learned the move Crystalize, they'd tend to evolve not long after.

Type: Ice/Rock

Ability: Crystal Case

Sex: Male

Current Moves: Accelerock, Crystallize, Rock Polish, Body Slam, Freeze-Dry, Mud Shot, Ancient Power, Icicle Crash, Rock Slide, Ice Beam, Scald, Flash Canon, Dark Pulse, Dragon Pulse, Meteor Beam, Blizzard

Almost as soon as Ash got the details on his pokemon's new evolution, Chrysalix fainted. Even though he hadn't taken a full force super power, it was still enough damage to the point that the energy needed to evolve pushed him over the edge and into unconsciousness.

Pummelo Stadium

"Both Stoutland and Chrysalix have fainted resulting in a double knockout." The ref decreed. "Since Cheren's pokemon fainted first, he must reveal his next pokemon before Ash."

"That was an insane first round folks." The announcer declared. "Ash's Hisuian Onix managed to beat Cheren's Stoutland before immediately evolving. This used up whatever energy was left in the tank resulting in the now Chrysalix fainting as well.

As such, it has been ruled as a double knockout bringing this battle to a two on two where no one trainer seems to have the clear advantage. This is still either trainer's battle, and I cannot wait to see who comes out on top."

"You performed well Stoutland, so return." Cheren declared as he returned his pokemon.

Ash returned his own pokemon. "You were amazing Chrysalix, so returned to get some rest."

It didn't take long for Cheren to pick his second pokemon. "We'll do this together, Bouffalant!"

Ash already knew who his second pokemon was, so he picked their pokeball. "I choose you, Scizor!"

"Scizor vs Bouffalant…" The ref raised his flags. "Begin!"

Ash vs Cheren (P. II)

"Swords dance." Ash instructed.

"Cotton guard." Cheren ordered.

The astral sword danced around Scizor raising her attack by two stages while Bouffalant was awash in grass energy raising his defense by three stages.

"Scizor, swords dance again." Ash ordered.

Even with his mind for strategy, Cheren couldn't grasp what Ash was plotting. While the Pallet native has used set up moves prior, it was usually one set up move followed by immediately going on the offensive. Ultimately, he'd just have to play this the best he could.

"Bouffalant, use cotton guard once more." Cheren commanded.

The astral swords danced around Scizor once more, raising her attack by two more stages. In contrast Bouffalant was awash in grass energy again raising his defense up the maximum six stages.

"Swords dance one last time." Ash ordered.

"At this rate, he might be preparing for me to make a move." Cheren thought. "Bouffalant, use hidden power."

While he would make the first move, the normal specialist decided it'd be best to engage on his terms. That was in keeping their current distance and attacking with the only fire move Bouffalant knew in his fire type hidden power.

As the astral swords danced around Scizor for the final time, raising her defense to the maximum of six stages, spheres of fire flowed around Bouffalant. They were then launched at the bug/steel type looking to create a nearly similar situation from the Mandarin Tournament.

Ash merely smiled at this. "Scizor, use baton pass!" Scizor returned to her pokeball resulting in the spheres of fire hitting nothing as they then petered out, and he then chose his final pokemon. "I choose you, Hitmonchan."

As the fighting type emerged, three sets of astral swords danced around him raising his attack to the maximum six stages.

"Looks like this is truly a grievous miscalculation on my part." Cheren smiled upon now seeing what Ash had planned. "To think he'd take my strategy and turn it to his advantage in this battle."

"This is outstanding!" The announcer declared. "Ash showed he was paying keen attention to Cheren's battle with Harrison. He had Scizor max out her attack before using the move baton pass to give the boost to his remaining pokemon."

After seeing Cheren's match, Ash figured out how to properly utilize baton pass. Without that battle, Ash never would have thought such a move could be used like this. He'd just seen it as a convenient way to withdraw Scizor should the need arise.

Thanks to Cheren's match, the Pallet native quickly came to understand the move and was then able to correctly implement it as a counter to Bouffalant cotton guard. After all, what use was maxed stages of defense against a pokemon whose attack was also maxed out?

"Even knowing how he adapts to situations; I was blinded to the most obvious route." Cheren thought. "If there's one thing I learned from the time after Hilbert brought me back to who I was, it's that sometimes you got to go beyond logic."

When logic dictates you've been outplayed to this extent, the proper course is to surrender. The thing about pokemon is that while logic can get you far, you never truly know the results of any given battle unless you play them out. Win or lose, Cheren would play this battle out fully.

"Bouffalant, use zen headbutt." Cheren ordered.

"Hitmonchan, intercept with mach punch." Ash commanded.

Hitmonchan sped in slamming a powerful fist into Bouffalant. While their respective attack and defense increases perfectly mirrored each other, Hitmonchan had an ace in the hole beyond the fact that this was a stab super effective move.

Iron fist was one heck of an ability that only made any punching moves thrown that little bit stronger. All of this resulted in Bouffalant being punched off his feet before landing hard on the ground. Of course, this wouldn't be enough to faint the normal type.

Bouffalant, use focus energy." Cheren instructed.

Considering the situation, Cheren had to grasp every advantage to end this battle in his favor. He was not blind to the fact that the punch was abnormally strong. Boosted attack couldn't be the answer, and stab on a move on par in strength to quick attack wouldn't produce such a result.

This left only one reasonable deduction being that this pokemon had iron fist for an ability. As such, the normal specialist would attempt to fight against that the only way he could. In the form of this move ensuring the next attack would land a critical hit.

"Time to bring this home." Ash declared. "Hitmonchan, use focus punch."

A large amount of wild fighting type energy sprang up around Hitmonchan's fist before he slowly began working it down into a more controllable state. If Bouffalant would come at them with a critical, then Hitmonchan would overcome them with the strongest move in his arsenal.

"Bouffalant, use zen headbutt." Cheren commanded.

"Hitmonchan plant your feet and put your back into this next punch." Ash instructed.

Unlike the prior zen headbutt, this one was far stronger and intense as it flowed around Boufflant's head. In return, Hitmonchan managed to ready himself for the coming pokemon. His feet were planted, and he was ready to punch with all his might.

Bouffalant soon took off running right at the fighting type who arched his fist back. The two soon collided with the psychic energy from zen headbutt managing to collide against the fighting energy from focus punch.

It was a psychic stab move meant to be a critical up against a fighting type, ability boosted punch. Neither pokemon wanted to lose, but this was not a situation where the power was equal. Despite the move being psychic and critically boosted, Hitmonchan still had more going for him.

As a result, the psychic energy cracked apart allowing Hitmonchan to land the punch across Bouffalant's head. The normal type was sent flying past Cheren before crashing the ground with swirls in his eyes. Bouffalant had fainted.

Pummelo Stadium

"Bouffalant is unable to battle, this round goes to Ash." The ref declared. "Cheren please send out your remaining pokemon."

"That was really intense." Ash thought.

"Somehow, I knew it'd come down to this last pokemon." Cheren thought.

If Cheren hadn't come up with that strategy to battle Harrison, then this next pokemon he was about to use would have been his second choice. This pokemon had quickly proven to be one of his strongest in the short time he's had him.

Considering Hitmonchan still had his boosts, and Ash seemed to have no intention of returning him, this next pokemon may be Cheren's only hope to at minimum close the gap. Win the whole thing? Cheren would think about that if this pokemon could faint Hitmonchan.

"Bouffalant, you performed extremely well, so take a rest." Cheren declared as he returned his pokemon and exchanged pockeballs. "We'll do this together, Snorlax!"

As the normal type appeared, Ash was immediately on guard. While Snorlax wasn't his dad's strongest pokemon, from before he left, the pallet native knew full well this species of pokemon was a tank and could still hit hard.

"Hitmonchan vs Snorlax…" The ref raised his flags. "Begin!"

Ash vs Cheren (P. III)

"Let's end this quickly with close combat." Ash ordered.

"Snorlax, use endure." Chere commanded. "Then, use psychic to send that fighting type back in front of Ash."

Given Hitmonchan's attack was maxed out, this combination of attacks were the two to start with if Cheren wanted any chance to remain in this. As Hitmonchan came in swinging at Snorlax, he glowed with normal energy taking the attacks while remaining standing.

The normal type then picked Hitmonchan up with psychic energy, moved him back to just before Ash, and smashed him into the ground dolling out massive damage especially with Close Combat having lowered both fighting type's defenses.

"Hitmonchan, Snorlax is weakened so finish this off with a drain punch." Ash ordered.

"Snorlax us rest and follow it up with sleep talk." Cheren ordered.

The reason Cheren specified the distance he did was to buy time for Snorlax to fall asleep. This instantly healed the pokemon. That said, the distance wasn't enough to stop Hitmonchan from hitting drain punch. What health he gained, even as large as it was, wouldn't be enough.

Sleep talk went off granting Snorlax the lucky draw of giga impact. The normal type was suddenly cloaked in normal energy and smashed into the fighting type knocking him unconscious. Snorlax, who was still sleeping, now didn't need a moment to recharge either.

Pummelo Stadium

"Hitmonchan is unable to battle, this round goes to Cheren." The ref declared. "Ash please send out your remaining pokemon."

"Hitmonchan, you were amazing out there and deserve a long rest after that." Ash returned his fighting type, who gave his absolute best out there, before swapping to his last pokeball. "I choose you, Scizor."

"This is it folks." The announcer declared. "The culmination of everything these two have experienced since their first day in the Oeange Archipelago.

"Scizor VS Snorlax…" The ref declared. "Begin."

Ash VS Cheren (P. IV)

"Scizor, use flash canon." Ash ordered.

"Snorlax, sleep talk." Cheren commanded.

Scizor pointed one of her pincers towards the sleeping pokemon and fired a beam of steel energy. In return, Snorlax, still sleeping, stood up with his fist cloaked in fire as he ended up drawing fire punch. The normal type pushed his fist into the beam effortlessly overcoming it.

It didn't stop there as he charged the bug/steel type. While the battle was different, the fact that this was another four times effective, physical move was not lost on Ash. In fact, he had worked with Scizor to specifically turn this to their advantage.

"Scizor, use counter." Ash commanded.

As Snorlax slammed home fire fist into Scizor, it certainly hurt just as rock slide had all the way back in the Mandarin Tournament. This time, Scizor would not fall, nor would she fight on as to not be abandoned by the only decent trainer she's ever had.

Ash wouldn't abandon her if she didn't win. No, she'd fight because like her trainer she wanted to win. As such, she managed to take in all the damage from this extremely effective move and imbued it into her right pincer.

"Snorlax, sleep talk!" Cheren tried.

Unfortunately, this is where perhaps one of Snorlax's only real weaknesses came into play. The normal type wouldn't be fast enough to contend with a Scizor, at this close a range, without proper set up. Since the normal type didn't have that, Scizor slammed home a powerful strike.

Whereas Bouffalant fell just past Cheren, Snorlax was launched all the way to the wall below the stands. His body formed a crater within it, but the normal type seemed like he wasn't done. He managed to pry himself from the wall…only to collapse a moment later with swirls in his eyes.

Pummelo Stadium

"Snorlax is unable to battle." The ref declared raising his flag on Ash's side. "The victor of this battle is Ash Ketchum, who is moving onto the champion battle."

The crowd went wild.

"Scizor!" Ash yelled happily before rushing onto the field and hugging his pokemon. "You were amazing. With your help, Hitmonchan won his battle, and you just won yours. By bringing it home, I get to face a champion. Thank you!"

Scizor was still one of Ash's more stoic pokemon, but in this instance she did reciprocate her trainer's hug. Despite her body language seeming uncomfortable with it, the noticeable smile on the bug/steel face told anyone who saw it how the pincer pokemon really felt in that moment.

Pummelo Island, Later…

After celebrating with his Scizor, Ash took off to the pokemon center so his pokemon could all receive proper treatment. As he walked there, people would stop to look at him with a couple even wanting their picture taken with him.

Eventually, he managed to get his pokemon healed before rotating them back to Professor Oak for the team he intended to use against Drake. Now he was heading off to the hotel where he'd meet up with Serena and James.

As he walked along the path, Ash smiled upon seeing the normal specialist. "Hey Cheren."

"Ash." Cheren nodded in greeting. "Congratulations on your victory. It was well deserved."

"Thanks." Ash smiled. "I do feel a little bad that none of you get the chance to challenge Drake now."

"That's how it goes." Cheren shrugged. "Only one could earn that right, and it was you. In the end, it simply means we weren't ready. Besides, none of us are walking away empty handed. We got the badges and pokemon we met along the way to show for our time here."

"Still, you gave some impressive battles, and you were one of the toughhest trainers I've battled." Ash declared. "I bet your home region, Unova, has a lot of cool pokemon beyond just the ones you've shown."

"Unova is one of the regions with the most diverse pool of pokemon you'd ever see." Cheren smiled. "One of these days, you should certainly check it out."

"I'll likely go there one day, but there's a league in every region." Ash shrugged. "I'll let whatever Serena ends up wanting to do after her upcoming big battle dictate what region I potentially take on next. What about you? What's your plan?"

"I got that letter of endorsement from Chairman Rose, so my plan is to take my normal specialty to the next level by taking on the hardest league in the world." Cheren responded. "I'm heading to Galar."

"The hardest league in the world." Ash smiled. "I hope I eventually get my own endorsement to go there."

"I'm certain you will." Cheren chuckled. "Who knows? If I'm strong enough, Galar might end up being the place I decide to become a gym leader in. Then, we'll get the chance to have another battle."

"I'd certainly look forward to it." Ash responded.

"Anyways, I got to be going." Cheren nodded. "Good luck against Drake."

With that, Cheren walked away, Ash smiled as he watched his new friend disappear. Once he was gone, Ash continued one his way to the hotel. On the path, he passed by the stadium which was now empty.

"What do you think Pikachu?" Ash looked at his starter. "A quick detour before we reunite with the others?"

The electric type nodded in agreement. "Pika!"

Ash smiled as he walked into the stadium and out to the battlefield. Without the prospect of a battle, he noticed the statue of a Dragonite. It was quite big but not exactly life size.

"Tomorrow, we'll be taking on one of our toughest battles." Ash looked at the statue with determination. "After everything we've been through, I think we got a good shot at winning."

"Chu." Pikachu agreed.

Little did Ash know; he wasn't entirely alone. Drake had arrived only to stop within the shadows of one of the upper hallways upon seeing Ash. The night before the champion's match, whenever they happened, he always came to the stadium.

For all those times prior, he's never seen the challenger do the same. It only solidified his belief, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Ash would be the challenger to finally give him a good run for his money. A battle he's been yearning for years at this point.

Win or lose, Drake was now certain that tomorrow would be a battle worth remembering. Depending on the results, the champion might just end up making quite the decision on his own future. What he would end up doing beyond this battle.

Hotel, Later…

Ash was having a hardy dinner, with his friends, at the table in their room celebrating the fact that he made it this far. Tomorrow, he would have a full six on six battle with Drake. Despite what they had overheard from the few people not native to the islands, Ash was still excited.

According to nonnatives, Drake might be the Orange Archipelago's champion, but none of them seemed to compare his strength to any champion from the major regions. There were even arguments out there that said he might not even stack up to Elite Four members.

Mostly that was between natives and nonnatives, but the point remained that most nonnatives considered Drake merely gym rematch level at best. To Ash, he could care less how other people rated Drake's strength. After all, he'd see it for himself through their battle.

"Ash, have you decided which six pokemon you're going to use?" James inquired.

"After actually winning, I knew exactly who I'd bring." Ash replied with a smile. "Obviously, Pikachu was my first choice since I haven't used him for any of our prior battles here. Then, I decided I'd use Nidoking since he's always been solid.

Of course, Charizard was a must since he's one of my most powerful. Galarian Rapidash is next since she deserves to compete in the region she was caught. My fifth choice is Umbreon since he evolved here. Lastly, Pidgeot as she pulls through when I need her.

"That sounds about right when you consider it's a team put together by you." James commented.

"It certainly does." Serena agreed. "In the end, it wouldn't matter what team Ash used because I know he'll win."

The rest of the meal was filled with general chatter and excitement for the upcoming match. Eventually, Ash had to get to bed since he wanted to be at his best just like his pokemon. Win or lose, Ash wouldn't let sleepiness be the deciding factor.


Nightshadegirl: Hopefully, this battle lived up to your excitement.

Vital Info: I am really content with how I had Cheren battle. Let me tell you, it wasn't easy coming up with that strategy, but I suddenly remembered that one girl Ash faced in the Hoenn League. I drew a blank on her name, but she took full advantage of switching her pokemon manually to the point I figured an improved strategy on that really fit Cheren here.

The Grey Jedi 2020 (Ch. 2): Overall, I'm glad my story was able to entertain you with a few unique points you're not used to seeing. As for Ash, he is a shonen anime protagonist, and they do tend to be rather slow across all the stories I tend to see. At the same time, having the changes I have made happen does mean Ash isn't quite like his canon counterpart.

The Grey Jedi 2020 (Ch. 3): Yeah, not exactly the best episode for our rocket trio. Where most see that, I saw opportunity. As for what I think is happening there in canon, it's the sort of twisted 'we know what's good for you' mentality. They probably didn't try for another child because that would be admitting failure. Not to mention there are other ways of becoming a man without being a stuffy noble as well. In the end, this gave me the opportunity to make James a main character.

Elemental-Aura:

90-

When it came to this battle, Ash wasn't really part of it, so I delved into Cheren's mind. I will admit that typically he doesn't think of battles as a puzzle, but I think that's what this battle with Harrison would be. As I hope I've proven, Harrison was one of the strongest competitors means it'd take some serious thought on a person like Cheren to win.

As for Croconaw, I think that's what the anime could have done. After all, how much fun would it have been having an eventually Feraligator who loves to dance and is a bit goofy. I would have loved to see a pokemon that's typically portrayed as menacing just being this fun-loving, dancing pokemon. Honestly, it's so easy to do to since the anime wouldn't have had to chance anything between evolutions.

Of course, the battle did present that golden opportunity to showcase that Ash's newer pokemon have been giving their best. Naturally, I felt an evelution here would have been a little too soon for the ghost type. Especially since I had another evelution planned for this chapter. Yeah, poor Tad. Hey, at least he made it reletively far. The semifinals and sharing third place isn't that bad even with only eight competitors.