Part LIX: Burning With Passion

Ash and Misty walked up the underground passageway in the volcano and to the metal door that led to the actual Cinnabar Gym and its interesting battlefield. Blaine had left a message for Ash at the front desk of the Big Riddle Inn that confirmed the battle today and that the gym was accessible the same way as before. It had taken Ash a little while and telling Misty the full embarrassing story about almost seeing Dawn naked, to find the entrance by the Inn's hot springs, something they were going to enjoy after the battle.

Now though, it was time for Ash's 7th full battle challenge against a gym leader and he couldn't wait for it to start. They'd spent the last few days prepping for it and Ash was certain he could win but it was going to be intense. That was both because of the location and Blaine's type preference but Ash was fully prepared for everything just in case, he just hoped it wouldn't come to that.

Misty for her part was just looking forward to watching Ash win again and cheering for him in her cute cheerleader outfit as she always did. Based on the description of the battlefield, only Piplup, in his usual outfit, and Shuppet who had a pom pom on its head spike, would be out for the battle as the other two probably couldn't fit in the gym. Misty also had to carry her egg and have it with her just in case it hatched which it might do at any moment so she had to look after it as well.

She had no idea what the Pokémon inside it was but she couldn't wait to find out. She'd even sent two Pokémon back to the ranch so that she had space for it and another if she ever got a chance to catch one, well that and the two were a pair so she had to send both back.

Misty was ready for it hatch and see what it was. The only problem was that because of the egg, this was the first time Misty hadn't held Ash's hand as they approached a gym, the most unique of the ones she'd seen in Kanto by a wide margin.

Meanwhile Ash's new Aerodactyl was adjusting well and had already passed all of Professor Oak's tests and was making firm friends with Ash's other flying types and Togekiss who was had begun mothering him the moment she realized he was a juvenile. They had found out that Aerodactyl was male out because Snivy had used Attract on Aerodactyl as part of the Professor's tests to help him adjust. It had led the Professor to use it as a test on all the Pokémon there now that they had a way to confirm the gender of all non-ghost type Pokémon.

Ash had already decide to recall Aerodactyl, and all his new Pokémon from their journey when the match was over for and keeping them with him until the Indigo Conference began. For now though, they were all back at the ranch waiting to be recalled.

"Hello Ash, a pleasure to see you again." A man's voice called out as they reached the door and they noticed someone standing in front of it waiting for them. "I'm glad you still remember how to find this place."

Misty did a double take when she saw him. The man was wearing a long-sleeved red shirt that had a blue design around the base in a jagged pattern, red pants and boots with a long green neckless. That wasn't the main surprise though.

No that was the fact that the man was bald and had a think, impressive, white moustache that was identical to the one the man from the Pokémon Center had when they had first arrived on the island. However, he wasn't wearing shades this time.

"Blaine, the pleasure is mine." Ash said reaching the gym leader and shaking his hand not noticing anything off about him. "It's been too long since our epic matchup atop this volcano."

"Not as long as you would thing Ash." Blaine said with a grin that confused the young trainer. "I see you don't recognize me but the riddle champ does, don't you Misty."

"You were the man who sent us on the riddle challenge that ended up with me winning this." Misty said holding up the egg not surprised that he remembered her name. "But you weren't just him, were you?"

"No I was not." Blaine said with a wide grin as he removed the fake moustache and pocked it so that he looked just like he had when he'd first revealed himself to Ash, minus the little white hair he'd had before. "I was also the dirty hippie who helped you by my old gym, and the kind manager who welcomed you to my inn, and excited scientist who congratulated you when you reached the lab and gave you that egg. I also left the Old Amber for one of you to pick up as a little bonus if you reached the lab."

"Wait that was all you?" Ash asked incredulous unable to believe that he'd been interacting with Blaine all along. "That's more elaborate than last time I was here."

"Yes it was wasn't it." Blaine said with a laugh. "And you two were fast, those changes weren't quick and I'm not as young as I used to be."

"Impressive." Misty said and she meant it, she'd not seen it coming and Blaine had really out done himself with the challenge. "You are as eccentric as Ash said you were. I liked the hunt and look forward to finding out what this Pokémon is."

"Well let me know what it is as I don't know either, though I have an idea." Blaine said and Misty nodded, she would do so. "But enough pleasantries, you didn't come for those and we have already exchanged them before even if you didn't realize it any of the times. Shall we enter?"

"Works for me." Ash said and Blaine pressed a button in the wall and the metal door opened and they walked into the Cinnabar Gym.

As the heat haze caused by the magma settled Misty gasped at the sight that had greeted her, as well as the heat the slammed into her as soon as the doors were open. Ash had described the battlefield as a platform suspended over the lava by 4 chains over the corners. That wasn't exactly what it was now.

"I had to make a few changes after I reregistered this as an official gym with the Pokémon League." Blaine admitted as they took in the battlefield. "I failed the first inspection, something about it being too dangerous. Apparently having your battlefield suspended by chains with rock pillars you have to jump on and lava beneath was considered a health hazard to the League. The metal is tungsten by the way, to get approval for my battlefield I had to use a metal with a high melting point so that is what I went with."

"It was destroyed by Team Rocket and back then it wasn't the most, um, conducive for the aggressive battling that usually occurs in gyms." Ash admitted. "This is better I feel."

All Misty could do was nod in agreement as she gapped at the battlefield. Rather than have 4 chains holding up the platform, it was a in full, giant, metal cage. The metal was latticed so you couldn't fall through it. The cage itself was attached both to the ceiling and the walls by more metal spikes that shot out of it at all angles.

It was truly a sight to behold and that was just the outside. Inside the cage was a regulation sized battlefield of earth that had been smoothed and painted with the proper markings. In addition there was a mesh net made of what looked like metal under the suspended gym likely for added security just in case.

The only thing that seemed movable was a metal door that was set into the cage opposite them. A metal bridge with a waist high railing connected them from their platform to the cage. It was impressive to say the least and Misty felt a lot safer seeing it.

Without hesitation, Blaine led them across the walkway and into the battlefield. He then closed and bolted the door behind them before he began to walk across it to his own side while Ash took his position and Misty and her Pokémon made their way to the corner similar to how they'd been in the Saffron Gym and took their places to support Ash. Misty put the egg down and herself in front of it as she took the pom poms off her waist so that they could cheer for Ash.

As Misty looked up ready for the battle to begin she suddenly realized that something was missing, or more precisely someone. The only humans in the cage were herself, Ash and Blaine. There was no ref present for the battle.

"Um, who's officiating this match?" Misty called out bringing Ash's attention to the missing official. "We're the only ones here so how will either of you know when a Pokémon is out."

"Why you of course." Blaine said as he got into position causing Misty to blanch at his words. "Who did you think would officiate?"

"Me?" Misty asked stunned at the suggestion. "Er, someone close to you or who worked for the gym I guess. I've never done that before."

"You've watched Ash battled plenty, right?" Blaine asked. "As well as other Pokémon battles?"

"Well yeah, more times than I can count." Misty admitted.

"So you know how to declare a winner and loser in a battle?" Blaine continued. "And that if a Pokémon refuses to battle it has to be disqualified?"

"I do." Misty said with a nod though the latter part was unlikely even if she'd heard it happen to Ash before. "I've seen enough to know how it works in theory at least or it is just the logical thing as I've never seen a Pokémon disqualified."

"Well then take your position and remember that your word is final." Blaine said and Misty realized that he was serious and she was the only one who could do it. "We will both respect your decisions."

"You can do it Misty; I know you can." Ash said encouragingly with a smile at her. "I don't mind you being the ref so long as Blaine is ok with it."

"Of course I am, I always ask a companion to of the challenger to officiate." Blaine said. "You can even support Ash as you do so long as you are fair with your rulings and I trust that you will be, you have a fair and noble heart based on what I saw during the riddle challenge."

"I'll be fair." Misty promise. "I think I know how to do it; I just wasn't expecting this to be my first time refereeing a battle and I am still surprised you would allow this."

"Let me ask you this." Blaine said to her. "In Ash's 6 other full battle challenges this year, how many of the refs were chosen by him?"

"None." Misty admitted thinking back on those matches.

"And how many of them had connections to the gym leader?" Blaine asked. "Be it family, student or employee?"

"All." Misty admitted as she thought over the various refs she'd seen. "Forrest had his brother, Sabrina her father, Janine her aunt, Surge his protégé, and Dawn and Erika had students of theirs officiate the battles."

"So shouldn't at least one of the gyms allow the challenger to choose the ref." Blain said. "Seems fair to me that one of us have a ref not of our choosing."

"I guess so." Misty said. "I never really thought of it before but I guess you do have a point on the matter."

"Few do but I did." Blaine said with a smile. "Well that and after I abandoned my old gym I no longer took students and I have no family so there isn't anyone else who can really do it. So when you're ready, please take your position Misty."

"Can I let my other Pokémon out to guard the egg?" Misty asked. "I have seen Ash battle and it's usually pretty destructive with Pokémon that aren't flying types flying all over the place. At least 2 gyms had to undergo extensive repairs because of Ash and a third shut down for a bit because of me but that incident was personal."

"Of course, so long as they don't interfere with the battle." Blaine said. "If they do you will have to pause the match and maybe even disqualify a Pokémon depending on what they do."

"They won't, I promise." Misty said shaking her head as she put down her pom poms and quickly let out Espeon and Spiritomb, both getting a surprised look from Blaine for different reasons but Misty didn't notice as she addressed her Pokémon who weren't expecting to be out for the battle. "Now I want you two to guard that egg, understand, it's going to be part of the team when it hatches so your role right now is to protect it."

Espeon nodded while Spiritomb looked at it with confusion but seemed to get it, she hoped, and if not the others could at least explain what Spiritomb had to do. Both moved and stood or hovered in front of it, Piplup joining them taking his role seriously while Shuppet floated above it. It was the best Misty could do.

"Thanks and be on your best behavior, you are not to interfere in the battle at all, only protect the egg." Misty said seriously before she turned back to Blaine and Ash and picking up her pom poms before walking to the ref's spot at midfield and behind the white border line of the battlefield. "Is it ok it I, er, use my pom poms to signal. I, um, don't have any flags on me so this is the best I can do."

"Of course that's fine." Blaine said as Ash was getting fully in the zone for the battle. "They are useful in that regard and we will both understand what you are trying to do with them."

"Ok well then I guess I should check and see if you two are ready to begin." Misty said a little nervously as she took her position and tried to remember how the past refs had started the battles while Ash and Blaine both nodded at Misty to show that they were ready. "Alright, this full battle challenge between the Cinnabar Island Gym Leader Blaine and the challenger Ash from Pallet Town is about to begin. Because Ash has already earned the badge from this gym."

"The Volcano Badge." Blaine said helpfully for her. "Best to use the official name of it."

"Right, because Ash has already earned the Volcano Badge." Misty corrected grateful for Blaine's reminder. "This will not be an official gym battle and as such both participants may substitute Pokémon at will. So, um, begin."

"For my first Pokémon I shall use one that is the fire cousin to one of Misty's Pokémon." Blaine said with a grin and Ash instantly knew what it was, there was only one it could be as Blaine threw out his first Poke Ball. "Flareon, time to heat up!"

"Then I'll start similar to last time but I won't make the same mistakes as I did back then." Ash said as he pulled out his first Pokémon while the orange and yellow fire evolution of Eevee appeared in front of Blaine. "Totodile, I choose you!"

"Going with water to begin with again I see." Blaine said with a nod as Ash's Johto region water type starter appeared before him. "Well you know how I counter it here."

"Yes which means that I have to win this with speed and precision to avoid the heat playing a factor." Ash said. "Totodile, Water Gun."

"Dodge it and use Quick Attack." Blaine countered as Totodile opened his mouth and blasted the water at Flareon. "Show off that you're faster."

"Let's slow it down." Ash said as Flareon easily dodged the Water Gun and began running at Totodile at full speed. "Scary Face."

"Dile!" Totodile said happily before he pulled a sudden Scary Face as Flareon closed in on it.

It didn't fully stop Totodile from getting hit, it couldn't do that against a speed attack like Quick Attack, but it still had an effect as Flareon saw the Scary Face and instantly began to slow as the move cut its speed by frightening Flareon. The Flame Pokémon still slammed into Totodile but nowhere near at full speed making Totodile flip backwards and land with less damage than usual.

They had practice just this move with both Pikachu and Espeon to get the timing down for maximum effect and recovery just in case Blaine used it. It also allowed Ash time to counter attack so long as he was quick enough, which in battle he was.

"Water Gun again." Ash called out. "Send it back to Blaine."

"Dodge it again and hit it with Toxic." Blaine countered as Totodile sent another blast of water out of his mouth right at Flareon.

This time however Flareon was both too close to Totodile and a hair slower than it should be because of the Scary Face to dodge the water type move. The super effective attack slammed into Flareon's face before it could react to Blaine's orders and it was blasted back, bouncing and rolling off the battlefield in a wet heap, it's furry collar and tail mess. However it wasn't down yet as it slowly tried to get up. Ash wasn't going to let that happen as he finished the combo be and Totodile had worked on.

"Headbutt." Ash ordered. "Finish this Totodile."

"Get up and dodge it Flareon, I know you can do it." Blaine said as Totodile launched himself at Flareon but alas Blaine was wrong.

The super effective Water Gun had done a lot of damage to the fire type Flareon and with its speed lower than normal because of the Scary Face, Flareon didn't have the strength to get up and dodge as well. All it could do was look balefully at the speeding Totodile as it got to its feet before Totodile's head hit Flareon's and sent it flying back and rolling across the battle field to lie in a damp, bedraggled, heap just in front of Blaine with swirls for eyes.

"Flareon is unable to battle." Misty declared knowing what to say but feeling odd as she did and raising an arm to Ash's side while shaking the pom pom there for emphasis. "Totodile is the… what the hell?"

Totodile had been dancing in celebration of another victory when he felt the change in him. He'd been putting it off for too long but he figured now was as good a time as ever to embrace it. Already several of his friends had done so for Ash in battle this year so why not him? As he was dancing he let the change occur deep in his cells and he began to glow with a bright light, never once stopping his dance as he changed.

"That doesn't usually happen." Ash said his eyes wide as he watched the evolution take place, the dancing making it hard to watch the changes happening. "Usually they evolve when I need it the most, not right after a victory."

"I guess it was the right time for Totodile to evolve." Blaine said as surprised as Ash as the light faded and an equally happy Croconaw now danced in front of them apparently not losing any of its energy before pulling out Flareon's Poke Ball. "Flareon, return, you did great old friend but Ash was ready for that Quick Attack, clearly he's been putting his break to good use in preparation of facing us."

"What can I say, Pikachu and Espeon know it and it's a really common move so having a plan for how to deal with it works well." Ash said with a shrug as he looked at his new Croconaw. "Stay in Croconaw, let's see how good you are after that evolution."

"Yes let's do so with an old friend of yours Ash, one that already has a victory over a different water type starter of yours." Blaine said and again Ash knew the Pokémon Blaine was going to use as he put Flareon's Poke Ball away and pulled out his second Pokémon of the battle. "Ninetales, time to heat up!"

He tossed out the ball and the Fox Pokémon appeared before him with a bark of challenge, it's tails flicking in excitement as it prepared for battle. Ash had expected this Pokémon seeing as it was the first one he'd faced when he first faced Blaine and the only one of the three he had never actually beaten, a fact he intended to change today. Misty however had a different reaction to seeing Ninetales.

"It's gorgeous." Misty said amazed at the majestic looking Pokémon with gorgeous tails that she'd never seen before, it would look great in Contests and pulled out her pokedex to scan it. "I have to learn more about it."

"Ninetales, the Fox Pokémon." The pokedex chimed as it identified Ninetales. "Its nine tails are said to be imbued with a mystic power. It can live for a thousand years."

"Yes she is a beauty isn't she." Blaine said with a grin as Ninetales seemed to agree with her trainer's assessment. "So Ash, come at me with all you got."

"I intend to." Ash ordered. "Croconaw, Water Gun"

"Dodge that and put it on the defensive with Heat Wave." Blaine countered as Croconaw sent out a jet of water from his mouth. "Then use Nasty Plot as it is dealing with your attack."

Ninetales gracefully leapt to the side of the Water Gun before she opened her mouth and sent out a wave of hot air that covered the battlefield before her. Croconaw tried to avoid it but it was too wide and he was thrown back by the attack. It wasn't very effective due to being a fire type attack but it was still some damage and that would add up in the end. Plus that wasn't the reason for it, the reason was to put Croconaw on the defensive long enough for Ninetales to think bad thoughts and raise its ranged attack strength with Nasty Plot.

"Get in close Croconaw, Headbutt." Ash order and at once Croconaw launched himself at Ninetales as soon as it was up.

"Sent it back with Psyshock." Blaine said. "Show off why Nasty Plot is useful."

Ninetales barked and sent out an odd psychic wave that slammed into Cronconaw's head as he was closing in on her. The moves clashed for a split second, Croconaw suspended in midair as he tried to push through the Psyshock with Headbutt before he was thrown back and hit the ground hard, rolling back towards Ash. Blaine wasn't done yet; this was only the middle of his 3-part combo to take down Croconaw.

"Finish it with Fire Spin." Blaine ordered. "That should do it."

"Hold it off with Water Gun." Ash called out as Ninetales opened her mouth and sent out a swirling vortex of fire right at Croconaw. "I know you can do it."

Croconaw was hurt but he wasn't out of the battle yet. Sure the heat had sapped his strength some but he was still in fighting shape. He easily leapt to his feet, opened his mouth and sent out a blast of water to counter the Fire Spin.

The two attacks clashed as soon as they met, closer to Croconaw than Ninetales because of he'd been later in getting his attack off. The two Pokémon pushed with all their strength as steam billowed out at the point of the two contrasting types meeting but in the end one had to break and just as with a moment before, it was Croconaw who lost.

He'd taken two attacks and the hot, dry air was weakening him as well while bolstering Ninetales in the process. The last of his water sputtered out and was vaporized as the fire pushed through it and hit Croconaw full in the face, sending him tumbling back as the earth floor of the battlefield was scorched and the last of the fire washed over Croconaw.

Despite the effect level, its boost thanks to the Nasty Plot and the prior attacks was too much for Croconaw and he succumb to his injuries and fainted. As the fire ended leaving a slightly panting Ninetales as she'd used a lot of energy to win that battle of wills it revealed Croconaw on his side with swirls for eyes.

"Croconaw is unable to battle." Misty said unable to contain her sadness at Ash losing even if she knew he would lose several Pokémon in the battle and raising a hand to Blaine's side and shaking the pom pom she held in it to emphasize her decision while Ash returned Croconaw. "Ninetales is the winner."

"Stay in Ninetales." Blaine ordered and she barked in agreement with her trainer, she hadn't taken a hit yet so she was still at full health. "Let's see what Ash brings out next to deal with you."

"You did great Croconaw, won a battle for me and evolved at last, I couldn't be prouder." Ash said before putting the unique ball that held Croconaw away and pulling out his next Poke Ball and looking at Blaine. "I have just the Pokémon to finally deal with that Ninetales of yours, and to show you how much I've grown. Donphan, I choose you!"

Ash threw out the ball and it burst open. Donphan landed in front of him with a roar and a raise of its trunk in challenge to Ninetales. It was time to once again win for Ash.

"A ground type, that is a good choice against someone like me under normal circumstances." Blaine said as he held his arms out wide. "But I did build this battlefield to maximize my Pokémon's strengths and negate their weaknesses. The heat saps a water type while lending strength to their inner fire and the suspension keeps it off the ground so a ground type isn't as powerful as it could be on this battlefield."

"True but the battlefield is still earth and that's all I need." Ash said with a grin stamping a foot on the ground for emphasis. "Donphan, Earthquake."

"That I didn't see coming." Blaine said surprise on his face as Donphan reared up and then slammed its feet down on the ground as hard as possible. "Brace yourself my dear, this will hurt but not as much as it would if we were on actual ground."

There was no way that Ninetales could dodge an attack that affected the entire arena as the whole battlefield began to shake violently. The cage creaked slightly but held its own with ease thanks to the numerous supports while the ground shook as Donphan poured all of its power into the move while locking gazes with Ninetales who was gritting her teeth trying to stay standing as her body shook from the move.

Misty, Blaine and Ash were all also braced while Pikachu had leapt onto Ash's shoulder to avoid being affected by the attack. Behind Ash all of Misty's Pokémon other that Spiritomb who couldn't help had braced the egg as best they could while the shaking continued and the two combatants fought a battle of wills between them. Donphan trying to knock Ninetales over and Ninetales trying to stay standing.

This time Ninetales's will was weaker as the super effective ground type attack finally became too much for her and she fell over with a yelp. As soon as she hit the ground, which was still shaking, Ash reacted instantly.

"Rollout." Ash commanded.

"Stop it with Fire Spin." Blaine commanded as Donphan stopped Earthquake and leapt forward, rolling into a ball as it sped towards Ninetales while the last of the tremors ended. "I know you can do it Ninetales."

Ninetales for her part got to her feet quickly and sent out the vortex of fire faster than Ash thought possible showing just how well trained she was. It didn't matter much as all it did was slow down Donphan slightly before the rollout burst through the flames and broke the attack but it was still and impressive effort. Ninetales's eyes went wide as the rolling Pokémon crashed into her.

Donphan took some damage from the recoil but arced away and rolled back to Ash before springing out and landing in front of Ash to see its opponent. Ninetales had been thrown into the air and landed hard on her side but she wasn't out of the battle yet. She was clearly sturdier than Ash had expected but she wouldn't survive Donphan's third attack.

"Donphan, finish this with Hyper Beam." Ash commanded.

"That's just what we need Ninetales." Blaine said with a grin as the orange light formed in Donphan's mouth. "Leap out of the way and use Psyshock as it recovers from using that attack."

Unfortunately Ninetales may still be conscious but she didn't have much fight left in her and the powerful normal type attack was already off before she was on her feet. All she could do was watch in resignation and turn her head away as the blast of orange light took her in the side and sent her sailing back with a wail of pain.

She was out before she struck the latticed metal cage behind Blaine causing it to rattle with her impact. She stayed there for a second, a light sprinkling of dust falling from the ceiling, before she fell sideways and landed on the ground with a thud. A glance showed that her eyes were swirls though Misty did have to crane her neck to confirm it.

"Ninetales is unable to battle." Misty declared raising her arm to Ash's side with a smile and shaking the pom pom at him enthusiastically. "Donphan is the winner. Go Donphan, show Ash that you don't need solid earth to utilize your type."

"I would make a quip or a riddle but I only have a second for this attack while Donphan is vulnerable after using Hyper Beam." Blaine said quickly returning Ninetales, putting the ball away and pulling out his 3rd Pokémon in one smooth move. "Rapidash, time to heat up with Overheat!"

The Fire Horse Pokémon burst from its ball and landed in front of Blaine already ready to attack. All Misty was able to register was the tall, majestic looking unicorn, the horn on its forehead gave that way, with a mane, tail and fetlocks made out of blazing fire before it glowed a bright red and belched out a powerful gout of flame at the defenseless Donphan that was still recovering from using Hyper Beam.

"Brace Donphan." Ash said knowing there was nothing else to do, Blaine had reacted faster than he had expected to get the attack off. "That's the most powerful Overheat will get. I know you can survive this and use your type advantage against Rapidash."

Donphan just grunted as it closed its eyes and lowered its head and let the flames wash over it, grunting in pain from the attack. It lasted for a few seconds, obscuring the Pokémon in flames, before it ended and Donphan looked up at Rapidash who snorted in annoyance at Donphan still standing. The move had hurt but Donphan still had plenty more in it to win this fight.

"That's it Donphan." Ash said with a grin. "Earthquake again."

"Dodge it and attack at the same time with Bounce." Blaine countered with a grin of his own as Ash blinked in surprise at the move. "Didn't expect that now did you."

"No, no I did not." Ash admitted as Donphan reared up and slammed its feet down just as Rapidash leapt high in the air with the flying type attack and avoided the super effective Earthquake by being in the air and away from it. "A good way to avoid a ground type attack is with a move that puts you in the air. Helps negate that advantage I have over you."

"That it is." Blaine agreed as the cage shook and Rapidash arced towards Donphan who was pissed it had missed its opponent. "My Rapidash is one of my most rounded Pokémon."

Rapidash showed that a second later by landing on top of Donphan with all of its hooves and driving it into the ground. It did a decent bit of damage but not enough to really put it down. As Rapidash gracefully leapt backwards with a flip off Donphan Ash saw his opening.

"Rollout." Ash ordered as Donphan was getting up. "This is your window."

As quickly as possible and just as Rapidash's hooves touched down on the ground, Donphan leapt up and into a ball and tore right at Rapidash. There was no time for Blaine to call out an attack or dodge, they were too close and Donphan slammed into Rapidash and sent it flying backwards though it did land on its hooves and skidded a little, shaking in pain and anger as it began to stamp its right forehoof on the ground and snorted flames in irritation.

The disadvantage of being so close did mean that Donphan wasn't at full speed so it didn't do as much damage as it would have liked but it retreated to be in front of Ash. With the whole battlefield between it and Rapidash it could now use the whole field if Ash gave it the command.

"Rollout again." Ash ordered. "This time hit Rapidash at full speed."

"Let's fight fire with fire Rapidash, so to speak that is." Blaine said as Donphan leapt forward and into a ball. "Hit it with Megahorn, full speed as well."

Rapidash reared before it lowered its head and galloped at the Armor Pokémon that was rolling towards it, its horn glowing with bug type power in the process. Despite Donphan starting sooner, Rapidash was one of the fasted Pokémon out there and quickly gained speed so that the collision between the pair occurred just on Ash's side of the battlefield.

The shock wave of the two powerful attacks meeting shook the cage slightly and sent air everywhere, Misty pushing her skirt down to protect her modesty, she wasn't exactly wearing normally panties for the match so that Ash had something to enjoy later. There was no cloud of smoke or battle of will like Misty had seen in the past though. This collision was different.

The force of the two attacks instantly hit the other Pokémon and threw them backwards with yells of pain. Donphan slammed into the earth on its side hard and skidded back towards Ash creating a furrow in the battlefield as it slid over it. Rapidash flipped in the air, an odd sight for a Pokémon with its body type, before it too slammed into the ground and slid towards Blaine, a scorch mark appearing on the earth showing where it had been.

"Get up Donphan, I know you can." Ash said encouragingly.

"You got this Rapidash." Blaine said just as encouragingly. "Show your resilience."

Both Pokémon were still conscious. Donphan panted, clearly near its limit thanks to the hits it had taken and the recoils from its Rollouts, but it slowly got to its feet and faced Rapidash. Rapidash tried to get up, even had one leg in place before the total damage fully hit it, two super effective attacks being too much for it to handle, and it crashed to the side with swirls for eyes.

"Rapidash is unable to battle." Misty said as soon as she could confirm that it was out raising her hand and shaking the pom pom at Ash happily. "Donphan is the winner. That's it Donphan, keep it up and show how strong you are."

"Rapidash return." Blaine said with a smile as he looked at his Poke Ball. "You did great my friend, that Donphan is strong and you held your own against two rock type moves that get more powerful with successive uses, I'm proud of you. You also really weakened it, one more good attack will take it down and I know just the Pokémon to do so."

"Donphan return for a rest." Ash said recalling Donphan much to Blaine's surprise. "What, you pointed out that it doesn't have much left so I decided to sub it out for a bit. I want to rest it just in case I need to take down one of yours that puts up a good fight but won't go down."

"I see, a wise move." Blaine said with a nod as he withdrew his 4th Poke Ball. "A pair of fresh Pokémon it is the. This will be a new matchup entirely."

"Exactly." Ash said pulling out his own Poke Ball and throwing it out. "Kingler, I choose you."

"And for me I will go with another Kanto Pokémon that needs a Fire Stone to evolve." Blaine said and while Ash wasn't certain, he had a feeling he knew what the Pokémon was before Blaine threw his ball out as there was only one remaining Kanto Pokémon Ash could think of that needed a Fire Stone. "Arcanine, time to heat up!"

Kingler had already materialized in front of Ash and begun to scuttled around, its big claw ready for battle for its trainer, when Blaine's ball burst open and the Legendary Pokémon burst forth with a roar of challenge. The orange, black, and yellow canine like Pokémon growled in front of Blaine as it glared menacingly at Kingler who felt an irrational fear not realizing that Arcanine's ability was Intimidate and it was already starting this battle off weaker.

"I had a feeling that that would be your choice." Ash said, Arcanine confirming what Pokémon he'd guessed Blaine was about to use. "After Flareon and Ninetales, the only other Pokémon I know that needs a Fire Stone to evolve is Growlithe so you had be using an Arcanine. This will be fun, they're a strong Pokémon to face."

"A good deduction there." Blaine said with an approving nod. "This volcano is rich in them so it is really useful for me. Now, show me what that Kingler can do."

"With pleasure." Ash said with a grin. "Kingler, Water Gun."

"As I would expect from a water type." Blaine said with a nod as the water shot out of Kingler's claw. "Arcanine, dodge and show Ash why you're my true speed option and not Rapidash. Extreme Speed!"

Arcanine leapt to the side of the attack and easily avoided the super effective Water Gun attack before it seemed to vanish. Ash groaned as Kingler was hit in the side and thrown into the by the blow. Extreme Speed was basically a faster, stronger, version of Quick Attack and Ash had no way to counter it as none of his or Misty's Pokémon knew it so he couldn't practice against it.

Still, Arcanine was fast but it was a fire type so Ash knew that he could win with this with Kingler. He had the type advantage after all so it was working in his favor. However Blaine was a gym leader for nothing so this wasn't going to be easy and with their location he needed to win the match quickly.

"Bubble." Ash ordered.

"Dodge and get in close so you can use Close Combat." Blaine said to Arcanine who had returned to in front of its trainer after its last attack.

"Just what I was hoping for." Ash said with a grin as Kingler sent out a stream of bubble from its big claw, an attack that Arcanine easily avoided before running at Kingler. "Let it get close then stop it with Crab Hammer Kingler."

With Arcanine's clear speed advantage the only way to fight it was up close and personal, something Kingler could do without a problem. However, between the heat and Arcanine having the edge in terms of speed the only way for that to occur was for Ash to let Arcanine get in close. Good thing that they had practiced for just such an eventuality.

At least that was the plan until Arcanine surprised them as soon as it got close. Just as Kingler was going to bring down its now glowing claw with the water type attack that would have done a good bit of damage to a fire type like Arcanine, it leapt over the claw without command, twisted 180 degrees in the air and landed behind Kingler. Then hit it Kingler with the close up and powerful fighting type move.

Kingler wailed in pain as Ash watched in shock at the move while Blaine just grinned the entire time as he watched the successful move. When it was over, Kingler was still on its feet but very shaky and slow from taking two attack. Arcanine just leapt over it again and returned to be in front of Blaine at a light jog.

"I have trained Arcanine for such encounters." Blaine explained as Ash thought about what to do. "Close Combat requires it to be close but that presents an opening to a move like Crab Hammer or something similar so Arcanine knows to leap over and attack from behind when it sees a physical counter to Close Combat."

"And that works?" Ash asked surprised.

"Sometimes, depends on the move and Arcanine's damage in the moment." Blaine said with a shrug. "Now let's finish this, the heat will have done its job and fully slowed down Kingler. Arcanine, Wild Charge."

Ash wasn't sure what that move was but as soon as he saw the electricity spark around Arcanine as it shrouded itself in the type he knew it was going to be bad. Blaine had taught one of his fire types an electric type move which would serve as good compensation for its weakness against water types. This was not good at all.

"Kingler, dodge that and then hit it with Water Gun as soon as it is past you." Ash ordered knowing that it wasn't over until it was over. "That will be your best opening to hit it."

Kingler tried, it really did. It wanted to win this match for Ash. It hadn't been by his side in a long time, and it had the type advantage in this matchup but it just couldn't. It had taken two strong attacks before but that shouldn't have slowed it down as much as Kingler had. No it was the heat of the battlefield that was doing it. Kingler wasn't used to it and it was drying it out fast.

Regardless Kingler tried for Ash as the dog thing shrouded in electricity barreled down on it at full speed. Ash was right, this was the best chance Kingler would get to land a water type attack. Dodge and counter before it could react. Unfortunately, Kingler was just a shade too slow and while it got most of the way out, Arcanine still caught its legs with its own forelegs followed by a flick of the fire type's head that hit Kingler's body as it passed by imparting the electricity into it and sending Kingler flying to the side.

Arcanine shook itself and staggered slightly as it dealt with recoil damage from the move, a fact Ash didn't miss which told him more about the nature attack before it returned to Blaine once again. Meanwhile, Kingler was thrown to the side with a wail before it crashed to the ground and lay motionless, a few sparks still coursing through it as it lay there. Ash didn't need to look, though Misty did, to know that its eyes were swirls.

"Kingler is unable to battle." Misty declared raising a pom pom to Blaine's side and shaking slightly to signal her decision. "Arcanine is the winner."

"Kingler return." Ash said recalling his Pokémon. "No shame in that battle my old friend, you put up a good fight, the speed was just too much and the heat in here doesn't work for you. Blaine's gym is designed specifically to negate his chosen type's disadvantages and he just proved that. Plus teaching a fire type an electric type move is really clever."

"True it is, can't rely on one type now can I." Blaine said with a grin. "Just as I know you have more than one trick in your book Ash. So let's see your next one."

"Pikachu." Pikachu said tugging at Ash's pants leg where he'd moved after Donphan was recalled now that he didn't have to worry about Earthquake. "Pi, Pikachu."

"You're right Pikachu, let's fight Blaine's speed and electricity with our own speed and electricity." Ash said with a nod at his starter and pointing out onto the field. "Go Pikachu, show Arcanine what trye electricity is."

"Pikachu." Pikachu said happily running out on all fours and standing up to face Arcanine in battle, shuddering slightly at its growl that triggered its Intimidate ability.

"I was wondering when that Pikachu would come out." Blaine said with a grin. "It was impressive last time when I took down my Rhydon so I expect it to be even stronger this time."

"Oh he is." Ash said smiling back at Blaine. "Pikachu, Electro Ball."

"Dodge and use Extreme Speed." Blaine countered again as the ball of electricity formed on the tip of Pikachu's tail.

Ash gritted his teeth knowing he couldn't do much against that attack and Pikachu braced himself for it as he sent the ball out at Arcanine and landed facing it. Arcanine ran at the ball before easily sidestepping it and then activated its move and became a blur that hit Pikachu and sent him flying before returning to Blaine's side but this time Ash was ready for the move.

"Thunderbolt Pikachu." Ash ordered as Pikachu was in the air and Arcanine was still on its way back to Blaine not looking back at Pikachu.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu yelled sending the bolts of electricity out of his cheeks at the retreating Arcanine ignoring that he was in the air as he did it.

Before Blaine or Arcanine could react, the bolts slammed into the back of the Legendary Pokémon and sent it crashing to the ground with a wail of pain. Pikachu flipped landed on his feet and scampered back to stand in front of Ash as he glared at his opponent. Arcanine slowly got to its feet and growled at Pikachu as the Pokémon eyed each other warily. This little mouse was better than Arcanine had thought, it would have to be more careful with it now.

"Not bad Ash." Blaine said with an improving tone in his voice. "Coordinating a move like that and landing it at the end takes training, skill, and a fair few hits as well."

"Pikachu has been by my side for years." Ash said simply. "A move like that Extreme Speed won't knock him down for long and making that shot is easy for Pikachu."

"Clearly." Blaine said then try this. "Flair Blitz."

"Two speed based, physical recoil moves, this Arcanine is something else." Ash muttered as Arcanine began to run at Pikachu as it cloaked itself in fire this time.

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt." Ash said, he wasn't sure if Pikachu could dodge it given Arcanine's speed but he could just fry it in its tracks. "Use your own attack to stop it."

At least that was what Ash thought after the reaction to his first Thunderbolt. So did Pikachu as he sent out his favorite attack right into the charging Arcanine. Arcanine roared in pain as it fried and took plenty of damage from the attack but shook it off and kept coming now sparking a little with the last bits of electricity from Pikachu's attack. Somehow either the attack or the sheer willpower of the fire type had kept it on its feet and running at full pelt until it smashed into a wide-eyed Pikachu at full speed.

All Pikachu could do was yell in pain as he was thrown high into the air and over Ash's head. Arcanine came to a skidding halt right in front of Ash panting and clearly in bad shape from the two Thunderbolts it had taken and two recoils it had dealt with but still standing. Ash just turned to wince as Pikachu flew into the cage above the door and then dropped like a stone to the ground.

Flare Blitz was a powerful attack and too much for Pikachu after taking the Extreme Speed as well. As physically strong and as powerful as Pikachu was, and he was stronger than most Raichus, he still had some limitations due to his refusal to evolve. One such limitation was the damage he could take and two strong attacks from a Pokémon as good as Blaine's Arcanine clearly was, was too much for Pikachu and he was out. His eyes were swirls before he had hit the ground behind Ash with a dull thump.

The one thing Pikachu knew before he lost consciousness was that he'd done his part for Ash and their team. There was no way that that Arcanine could take more than one more hit and if it tried a recoil move like Flare Blitz or Wild Charge again it was almost certainly done for. That was good, it wouldn't be a problem for them for much longer.

"Pikachu is unable to battle." Misty said sadly as Ash rushed over to check on his starter and raised a pom pom to Blaine's side with a slight shake of it. "Arcanine is the winner."

"Look after him Piplup." Ash said to Misty's starter as he carried Piplup over to her Pokémon standing guard by the egg. "He did great and will need a good long rest to recover. That Arcanine won't last much longer, I promise."

"Piplup." Piplup said with a nod as he looked over his close friend as Pikachu began to come to.

"Thanks." Ash said as he rushed back to his box pulling out a Poke Ball as he ran only to be surprised when Blaine calmly returned Arcanine as he arrived back in position. "You're pulling it?"

"Just like your Donphan, Arcanine needs a rest and has one hit or attack left." Blaine said simply. "I can tell you're going to use a fresh Pokémon so I will as well and save it for later just in case. Besides, this is one I've chosen especially to face you and seeing as it will be the start of the second half of our battle it's the perfect time for it."

"Alright then let's see it." Ash said as he threw out his own Poke Ball. "Gliscor, I choose you!"

The Fang Scorp Pokémon burst into form in front of Ash and stood there balancing on its tail as it stuck its tongue out and smiled at Blaine. Gliscor was happy to back by Ash's side once again and was looking forward to hugging him once it had defeated whoever it was facing and showing Ash just how much stronger it had become.

"Tell me Ash." Blaine said as he pulled out his 5th Poke Ball but not throwing it out just yet. "How much do you know about type changes upon evolution?"

"A bit." Ash admitted, years of traveling with Brock and evolving his own Pokémon had taught him a thing or two about how typing worked when Pokémon evolved. "When a Pokémon evolves it physically changes and gets stronger. Sometimes that change results in a type being added to a single type Pokémon making it a duel type. A good example is Pokémon that gain flight abilities after evolution like Dragonite or Charizard and as such add a flying type their preexisting dragon or fire type respectively."

"Correct but that's not the only change that can happen, right?" Blaine asked. "There's another kind of change that can occur on evolution."

"You're right it's not." Ash said and he already had a recent example to think on, one that explained why something hadn't worked as had expected it to in his last full battle. "Some duel types change one of their types upon evolving. Often it is their secondary type like how Drapion becomes a poison and dark type rather than a poison and bug type like its pre-evolved form Skorupi. That was why my Torkoal's flamethrower didn't affect Janine's Drapion as much as I had thought it would during our battle."

"Correct but can a primary type change?" Blaine asked still testing Ash, which he answered as he knew it and curious as to where Blaine was going with all this. "Or is it just the secondary type?"

"Yes a primary type can change as well." Ash said with a nod. "Steelix, which our friend Brock has, is a primary steel type with a secondary ground type which is different from its pre-evolved form, Onix, which is a primary rock type. I also know that Altaria becomes a primary dragon type whereas Swablu which is a primary normal type but both are still secondary flying types."

"Once again correct as I would expect from a trainer of your caliber and experience." Blaine said as Gliscor started to get confused at the humans' conversation. "Now what about losing a type? Is that possible?"

"As in going from a duel to a single type upon evolution?" Ash asked his brows furrowed and Blaine nodded at that. "I don't think so, or at least I haven't heard of, or if I have can't remember, a Pokémon that does that."

"There's one that does." Misty suddenly said surprising Ash as Blaine looked at her as if to tell her to continue which Misty did with a little embarrassment at interrupting them. "Sorry, I only know because Erika told me when we had tea together back in Celadon and because I had the Pokémon that can lose a type upon evolution. Bellossom is a pure grass type whereas Gloom is a grass and poison type. I didn't know she was a duel type until then but apparently when a Gloom evolves into a Bellossom it loses its poison type but when it evolves into Vileplume it retains it."

"That would be correct." Blaine said with a nod at Misty. "Though I have heard of a special case of a second Pokémon that loses a type upon an evolution of sorts but I don't know enough about it to confirm. Now lastly Ash, is there a Pokémon that completely changes type upon evolution?"

"Umm." Ash said thinking, he was about to come up empty when Espeon gave an indignant mewl from behind him as if she was listening to their conversation and Ash grimaced at not remembering that seeing as two examples of it had been present today. "Eevee, it can evolve into 8 different Pokémon and 7 are not normal types as indicated by your Flareon and Misty's Espeon which are fire and psychic types respectively. Apparently there is a normal type evolution common in Kalos but I haven't seen it."

"I've heard of that one but as with you I don't know anything about it." Blaine said. "But Eevee is correct though it is a bit of a special case given the nature of its DNA. Now, knowing all that, what about a non-normal type that is a single type but upon evolution becomes a duel type and which both its new types are completely unrelated to its first stage type."

"That I've never heard of." Ash said almost right away as it was true, a drastic change like that was not one he'd ever been told about or even thought possible given what he knew about the nature of Pokémon evolution. "There aren't any Pokémon capable of that as far as I know."

"I thought the same until I was told about it after finding an egg that turned out to be that one special case." Blaine said as he tossed the Poke Ball in the air in his hand and Ash had a feeling he would get that answer when the ball opened. "I had to travel to a specific region and wait for nightfall to ensure it, it was why I was out of the area when you sent me your challenge, but it was worth it. Allow me to introduce you Ash, to the only Pokémon who completely changes types going from a single ground type to a duel fire and ghost type upon evolution."

With that Blaine tossed the ball out without any other announcement and it burst open. A Pokémon formed and Ash and Misty gasped at what they saw. There was no doubt as to what it was, it was similar enough to identify, but it wasn't a shiny variant as there were no stars as the ball burst open.

Unlike the one that Ash knew, which he and Misty had battle several months prior on a side adventure they had had, this one was a dark purple, thinner and with a flame like purple marking on its white bone mask and bone markings on its back. It twirled the bone that was its signature weapon, only this was longer than Ash was used to seeing, in its hand, the ends burst into a sickly, eerie green flame as it did.

"That's a Marowak, right?" Ash asked his eyes wide, Gliscor's as well as it had never seen a Pokémon like the one in front of it. "It looks like one but I've never seen one like that."

"That's because there isn't one in Kanto other than this one that I am aware of." Blaine said grinning widely. "He's one of a kind out here. I found a Cubone egg several months ago and was going to raise it normally back at the inn until a lost tourist from Alola accidently walked in, saw it and asked when it would evolve into the cooler, darker Marowak."

"Alola?" Ash asked confused.

"It will be relevant." Blaine said before continuing. "I explained to him that it wouldn't and showed him a normal Marowak, the one all 3 of us know, which confused him. In response he showed me an Alolan one. Well as soon as I knew its typing I knew that I had to evolve my Cubone into one. So after I beat some arrogant blonde dude from Unova who thought he was hot shit out here in Kanto, I took a leave of absence and Cubone and I went to Alola."

"Which is why you were out of the region at the start of the season." Ash said remembering that Blaine had been away and taken a while to respond to his request and having a feeling that the blonde dude from Unova was Trip as he knew Trip had once lost to Blaine and looked down on Kanto for some reason. "I still don't get why Alola is relevant."

"Because for some reason, likely due to the region's isolated location, all Cubone that evolve on Alola into this handsome Marowak." Blaine explained gesturing to his Marowak who showed of his bone skills in response. "Even odder is that the Cubone doesn't have to be born or bred on Alola for it to happen. All that is required is that it be nighttime and you are on one of the Alolan islands."

"That seems really strange." Ash said confused by it. "Though I can see why you had to go to Alola if that is the only place it can be evolved."

"Oh Alola is even stranger than that." Blaine said. "I learned while I was out there that there are many Pokémon native to Kanto that exist in Alola but are different to the ones we have here making them native to Alola. Geodude, Grimer, Meowth, Rattata, Vulpix, Sandshrew and Diglett and all their evolved forms have different forms with different types, additional types, or different type combos out there."

"That's a lot." Ash said trying and failing to wrap his head around that concept but this Marowak was proof that it was true. "Why is it like that over there?"

"Not sure, something about the isolation leading to different needs or something like that." Blaine said before surprising Ash and Misty even more. "That's not all though."

"There's more?" Ash asked amazed.

"A little yes." Blaine said with a nod. "In addition, any Pikachu evolved there turns into a special regional Raichu that is a duel electric and psychic type while any Exeggcute that are evolved there turn into a giant, different, Exeggutor that is a grass and dragon type rather than a grass and psychic type. Then there's Cubone, which can only evolve at night over there, but turns into this. Why Pokémon of these species not hatched in Alola still evolve into the regional forms out there is a mystery that still hasn't been solved but for some reason they do."

"It's hard to believe but I have to with the proof in front of me." Ash said accepting it as best he could. "Is it just Alola that's like this or do Kalos and Galar have variants as well? I know Unova doesn't but I'm now curious about the other 2 regions I've never been to."

"No apparent Galar has what are known as regional forms as well bit not Kalos." Blaine said. "Though I've not seen one, I've heard that their regional forms are even odder as it isn't just Pokémon native to Kanto but Pokémon also native to Johto, Hoenn, and Unova with a few even either having new evolutions like the Galarian Meowth or evolving unlike their normal form that we would know like the Galarian Farfetch'd."

"This is a lot to process." Ash said reeling from the idea of a Pokémon like Farfetch'd evolving. "I can't believe I've never heard of this before."

"Oh once again it gets even odder in Galar." Blaine said helpfully. "There's apparently one Pokémon, though I'm not sure which one, which has one evolution in out here but its Galarian variant has two. There are also a few that are like Cubone and Pikachu, normal in their first stage but in Galar they evolve into something that looks different, I think Koffing does this there. I've even heard reports that Galar has regional legendary Pokémon that are different here but that I don't believe."

"All good to know for when we visit those regions." Ash said deciding to dwell on all this new info later as he did have a battle to focus on and didn't want to get a headache. "I'll have to catch at least one regional form one day but I think that's enough of a lesson for now, don't you? We do have a battle to get back to."

"I agree, it was a fun detour at the midpoint of our battle, in terms of Pokémon left but we are still in the middle of a battle that we should really resume." Blaine agreed. "So show me what your Gliscor is made off."

"Stone Edge." Ash ordered as he tried to think over Gliscor's other moves and realized that they weren't great for this battle given this particular Marowak's types, other than Stone Edge that was. "That's basically your only good move against it Gliscor."

"Dodge and get in close so that you can land a Will-o-Wisp." Blaine ordered as Gliscor flew into the air and began to form the stones to send at Marowak.

The sharp stones flew at Marowak but he just ran at Gliscor and dodged the attack for the most part, or at least used the bone in his hand to deflect some of them away when he couldn't dodge them. Then as Marowak got neat, he leapt high and used his burning bone to blast the sinister blue fire of Will-o-Wisp into Gliscor's face.

The attack didn't do any initial damage but as Marowak fell back to the ground Gliscor wailed in pain as the burn took effect and Gliscor lost health when it was engulfed briefly in fire. Ash gritted his teeth but he could work with this, Marowak had needed to get near Gliscor to land that Will-o-Wisp so it wouldn't be able to dodge well right now.

"Fight through that burn Gliscor and use Stone Edge again." Ash ordered. "I know you can do it."

"Gliscor." Gliscor said as it closed an eye and sent the sharp stones of Stone Edge out again.

Marowak's eyes went wide and he tried to jump back and out of the way but he couldn't in time as the stones struck him in the chest. They sent him flying back, his bine skittering out of his hand as he bounced and rolled across the battlefield as the super effective attack rocked his body.

"Get up and use Hex." Blaine ordered in response to Ash's attack. "I know you can do it Marowak and your foe is burned, Hex is more effective if there is a status problem affecting your foe. Wait until it is affected by the burn to attack."

"Gliscor, Stone Edge again." Ash ordered. "Don't let Marowak get close to you."

"So that's why the move was so effective." Misty muttered to herself as she watched the match from her spot as ref. "That explains why it worked so well in the tag battle after Porgon2's Tri-Attack paralyzed Nidoking."

Back on the battlefield, Marowak was once again up and rushing Gliscor picking up his flaming bone as he did. Gliscor prepared the stones but as it was almost ready the burn took effect and it wailed in pain and lost concentration so the attack failed. Marowak didn't stop and exploited the brief window he had by launching the relentless attack that was Hex and inflicting a lot of damage on Gliscor that sent it crashing into the ground.

Marowak landed in front of Gliscor grinning as he looked down on his beaten foe, at least that's what he thought until Gliscor got up and winked at him. That was when Gliscor released the Stone Edge that had been ordered but interrupted, it hadn't forgotten that it was supposed to hit this odd Pokémon with the attack.

"Shadow Bone!" Blaine yelled his eyes as wide as Marowak's at the sight of the impending attack.

Marowak began spinning his bone as fast as possible creating a blue/purple flame as the rocks gathered in front of Gliscor. Then, just as Gliscor released the rocks at Marowak, Marowak stopped spinning the bone and stuck.

The attacks happened at mid field so Misty had the perfect view of what happened next. She tried to explain it later to both Ash and a once again disguised Blaine but she couldn't do it justice. Gliscor sent out the sharp stones that all slammed into Marowak's chest and face at point blank range causing a critical hit that no one knew about. However as the rocks hit, Marowak's bone struck Gliscor across the face, hard.

Gliscor crumpled to the ground at once, its eyes swirls before it even hit the ground. Meanwhile Marowak wailed as it was thrown back before it crashed into the battle field, landing on its back and skidding all the way until it slammed head first into the cage behind Blaine as Blaine stared in disbelief at what he was seeing. Misty had seen that Marowak's eyes were swirls the moment it hit the ground causing, as best as she could rule, a tie between the Pokémon.

"Both Marowak and Gliscor are unable to battle." Misty said holding both arms up unsure exactly how to gesture for it as the only ties had been twice during Ash's battle with Surge and Misty hadn't really been focusing on Visquez's arms due to how both instances had been rather explosive. "It's a, er, tie."

"Gliscor, return." Ash said recalling his Pokémon unsure of what had just happened though Misty would tell him later as she had the better view of the match from her position at midfield. "You did well against an unusual opponent neither of us had never faced before. Don't feel bad my friend, you may have feinted but you took Marowak down as well so you did good Gliscor."

"Marowak return." Blaine said with a smile. "Well done, you surprised Ash with everything there but that Gliscor had a move that worked well against you so a tie was well earned. I can't wait to use you in battle again, take a good long rest."

"Well two left each and I think I know your last one, or at least its family." Ash said pulling out a Poke Ball. "And I think you're saving it for last so I assume we are going to do this one nice and quick given the other Pokémon we have left and what they've been through."

"So long as you're using the same last one as I have been expecting since I got your challenge Ash." Blaine said and Ash nodded in confirmation as he pulled out his own Poke Ball. "Good, that is the matchup I've been really looking forward to for years and having it last is fitting so yes, let's get this over quick. Arcanine, time to return."

"Donphan, you're up again." Ash said throwing out his own ball at the same time as Blaine did. "Both have 2 wins this battle and at best two hits left to take, this will be their decider."

"That it will be." Blaine agreed as the two tired, beat up and strong Pokémon materialized again. "And we both have recoil moves, makes this so much more interesting."

Donphan and Arcanine eyed each other warily. Both could tell that the other was a warrior who had won at least one battle today and many more in the past but both were on their last legs. It was likely going to be a collision of powerful moves and pure strength to see who would win this one.

Donphan intended on being that Pokémon. It had already won two for Ash today, it was going to win 3 and tie the record for victories in a full battle by one of Ash's Pokémon this year. That would remind the others that Donphan was not one to be overlooked and could compete with the aces, if not exceed some of them now and earn its spot in Ash's best roster.

"Flare Blitz." Blaine ordered. "Can't use Wild Charge on a ground type like Donphan but we can use this."

"Rollout." Ash ordered at the same time.

Earthquake may have been better but Ash didn't trust it being as effective given Arcanine's speed and resilience. This was for best guarantee and Donphan should be able to hold on, fire type attacks weren't super effective against ground types but rock type attacks were against fire types so Ash had the edge in this clash.

Donphan trumpeted his snout as it leapt forward into its roll and charged at Arcanine who had roared and charged at Donphan at the same time, coating itself in flames as it ran. The two powerful, fully evolved Pokémon charged for a few seconds before they met in the center of the battlefield in a titanic collision that shook the cage with its force.

For a moment Donphan continued to roll against Arcanine as Arcanine ran in place, digging up the battlefield as it snarled against Donphan. Then the attacks took effect and both Pokémon were blasted backwards by them.

Arcanine crashed into the ground and rolled over a few times before lying still with swirls for eyes. The attack and recoil was too much for it and it was out before it had even hit the ground. Donphan however landed on his feet and skidded back until he came to stop hallway between the Ash and the centerline panting heavily but still standing, trumpeting in victory.

"Arcanine is unable to battle." Misty said raising a pom pom to Ash's side and shaking it happily. "Donphan is the…"

Before Misty could finish, Donphan suddenly roared in pain and briefly combusted in flames as the potential burning side effect of Flare Blitz took hold and Donphan was, well, burned. That was too much for the injured Armor Pokémon to take as Donphan's eyes rolled up and he fell to the side with a crash, its eyes now swirls.

"Er, Donphan is also unable to battle." Misty declared unsure what to do in that moment other than point out the obvious as Blaine didn't have an active Pokémon out at the moment. "It's now down to the last Pokémon each."

"Arcanine return." Blaine said recalling his Pokémon and looking at the ball. "You did great my friend, got me back into this battle and took out 3 of Ash's Pokémon in the process, even if you had to leave that impressive Donphan with a parting gift to take it down after losing to it. Thank you, take a well-earned rest."

"Donphan return." Ash said recalling Donphan with a smile. "You did amazing buddy; 3 wins was more than I could have asked for from you today. That burn was annoying but you won that matchup anyway even if you couldn't continue afterwards. Take a rest as I win this."

"Well Ash it has come to this, one Pokémon left each and both haven't been used them." Blaine said with a smile as he pulled out his last Poke Ball. "It will be just like our rematch. This is a whole new match and we both know who's up."

"That it is and I wouldn't have it any other way." Ash said pulling out his own final Poke Ball. "So let's do this. Charizard, I choose you!"

"Magmortar, time to heat up." Blaine said throwing his Poke Ball out as Ash threw his own one out as well confirming that he'd evolved Magmar in the years since Ash had last been here. "Show that Charizard how much stronger you are."

Charizard and Magmortar burst out and landed on the battlefield at almost the same time. Instantly their gazes met and they recognized each other. Charizard hadn't seen this Pokémon before but he knew that it was the evolved form of the Magmar he'd beaten here years ago. It was a worthy foe back as a Magmar, now it was even more worthy as whatever this thing was. Charizard himself was much stronger than last time and he a trick up his sleeve to compensate for Magmar's evolution, well it was on his arm but that was just a technicality.

Blaine looked confused at the leather bracer with an odd-looking stone in the center of it that was on Charizard's left arm. Ash grinned when he saw Blaine looking at it. He'd put it on Charizard the moment his ace, the best of all his Pokémon and one he was almost as close to as Pikachu, though no Pokémon would ever reach that level, had returned to his just in case he needed it. Ash had not forgotten about May's gift; he just hadn't had the need for it now until now but this was the moment he knew he might need it.

It was because of both May's gift and the chance to face Magmar or Magmortar again was why Ash had recalled Charizard for a second time that year. His fully evolved fire and flying type was the only Pokémon other than Pikachu and Dragonair to get multiple full battles this year but there was good reason for it and with the Mega Stone there was now another reason to bring back Charizard. Ash wanted to try it out, he just needed to be pushed to it.

"Alright, I'm going to ask, what is that on Charizard's arm?" Blaine asked bluntly. "And why do I feel like it has something to do with that similar but slightly different stone on your right glove."

"Good eye." Ash said holding up his right hand to show the Key Stone there and bringing attention to it for the first time all battle. "This is called a Key Stone apparently. The stone on Charizard is a Mega Stone called Charizardite, according to my friend who gave it to me. It can Mega Evolve Charizard so long as our hearts are one and seeing as Charizard is one of my oldest and closest Pokémon so I know they are. I've never done it before and this is an emergence use move that I will only use if you push me to it and I expect you to do so Blaine."

"Well I am curious to see what it will do so I intend to do force you to use it." Blaine said interested in what the stones did, he'd heard of Mega Evolution but never seen it in action. "I have surprised you in this battle with my Marowak and now you have surprised me with a potential Mega Evolution. Just as I expected. One more time Ash then, just like before."

"Agreed." Ash said. "Charizard, Flamethrower."

"Cut through that Magmortar with Skull Bash." Blaine countered as Charizard belched out his favorite move. "Those flames will barely affect you."

Magmortar just grunted as he lowered his head at the incoming flames and launched himself forward head first. He lowered it further as he hit the flames, the powerful fire type attack washing over him but doing minimal damage at best as he plowed through the flames. Charizard just kept pouring it on but it didn't slow Magmortar down at all.

As the flames ended, Magmortar shot out of them and slammed head first into Charizard's gut. Charizard gasped, his mouth opening wide as the air was driving from his lungs but it while it hurt it would take a lot more to get really affect Charizard and Ash knew it. Plus in this position Charizard had a great angle for a certain attack.

"Seismic Toss." Ash commanded as Magmortar's Skull Bash ended.

Instantly Charizard wrapped his arms around Magmortar's waist before Magmortar could get away and leapt up and into the air, flapping his wings to gain even more height. He couldn't go as high as he would like as they were in a cave of sorts but as soon as Charizard was near the roof, he flipped over and threw Magmortar down to the ground as hard as possible.

Magmortar made no noise as he was thrown down and impacted into the ground at midfield faster than he could really process the move. The force of the impact shook the floor, cracked it and kicked up enough dust to cover Magmortar in a fine layer of it as Charizard began to flap his wings as he descended. The lack of visibility was something that Blaine was not going to waste.

"Fire Punch." Blaine ordered. "Hit Charizard before it lands."

Before Ash or Charizard could react, Magmortar shot out of the cloud of dust, it's right fist canon thing encased in fire and hit Charizard under the jaw with a savage uppercut that snapped his head back. Still Ash wasn't one to pass up a close contact attack.

"Dragon Tail." Ash ordered as Charizard began to flip back. "Send Magmortar back to Blaine."

Charizard knew that it wouldn't be as effective as he would like but he still could land the attack which was a plus. His tail glowed with dragon type power as he used his back flip from the Fire Punch to lash it out and strike Magmortar across the chest with his glowing tail.

Magmortar wailed in pain as he was thrown back and landed in a heap in front of Blaine once again cracking the floor on impact. Charizard finished his backflip and landed hard on his feet in front of Ash, working his jaw with a roar as Magmortar got to his feet and nodded at Charizard. This duel was not over, nowhere close.

"Fire Blast Magmortar." Blaine ordered.

"Dodge it and use Wing Attack." Ash countered.

Rather than belch the attack, Magmortar used his arm canon to blast out the intense five-point start that was Fire Blast just as Charizard took to the air. Charizard easily flew around it, going between two of the points of it as he did. His flying abilities were now on par with Ash's other flying types having increased them by racing Pidgeot, Swellow, Staraptor and Unphezant back at the ranch. As he did, Charizard's wings glowed with flying type power and he slammed into Magmortar's gut, right under its still outstretched arm.

Magmortar wailed in pain as he was driven back by the attack but it wasn't enough to knock him over or do more than average damage. Plus at this range, he couldn't miss as Charizard continued to push him back and Blaine knew it.

"Flamethrower." Blaine commanded. "Send it back and away from you."

Magmortar grunted as it got its arms under a still attacking Charizard and hit him with a Flamethrower at full power from both arms. Charizard wailed in pain as the fire type attack blasted him back on a gout of flame flipping over and over in the air until he slammed into the ground on the other side of the battlefield and rolled towards Ash. Magmortar was breathing heavily but he took a few steps forward to face his old rival ready for more.

"Charizard!" Ash exclaimed but Charizard looked up and smiled as best he could at his trainer and got up before he pointed to the gauntlet on his left arm and Ash knew what he wanted. "Are you sure?"

Charizard nodded firmly and roared his request. Ash trusted his old friend. They had agreed to only use this if it was absolutely necessary to win and after that hit Charizard clearly thought that it was needed.

While Charizard thought that he could win, he was Ash's best after all and it was hard to beat him short of a type advantage move or an instant KO move like that damned Rhyperior had used on him, Charizard knew that he needed a boost to definitely beat this Magmortar. His old rival was strong and worthy of being the first to face Charizard's full potential. It was time to unleash it.

"Then let's do this." Ash said as he raised his right fist, Key Stone facing Blaine so the gym leader could see what Ash was going to do and touched the stone set into the glove. "For the first time, break past your max Charizard and Mega Evolve!"

Ash couldn't explain the sensation as his and Charizard's hearts became one but the sight was impressive. Tendrils of multicolored energy shot out of Ash's Key Stone and Charizard's Mega Stone before they met in a helix like patter and combined. Then Charizard glowed with the same color and began to change as the gauntlet vanished with the energy.

At spike shot out from the back of his head. His claws shrank slightly as a pair of spiked wing things shot out of his wrists. His tail developed a spike on the top of it and 3 more towards the end of the tail as his tail flame grew in strength. Lastly his wings grew and began more ragged as they did though he didn't grow in size.

As the light faded Mega Charizard roared and belched flames into the air and challenged Magmortar to continue their fight. Magmortar looked stunned for a moment while Blaine was grinning like a madman at the sight.

"Unbelievable." Blaine said in amazement. "I'd heard of Mega Evolution before but I didn't know how it worked until you said it was those Stones, let alone even seen it. Now I have and I must say, I want to do it myself but all in good time. Magmortar, this just got harder but it was never easy to begin with. Flamethrower."

"You too Mega Charizard." Ash called out. "Flamethrower!"

Both powerful Pokémon sent out their best attacks simultaneously. The flames met in the center of the battlefield and created a roiling inferno that added to the extreme heat of the gym and shot upwards in a spinning vortex of fire. Unlike most times when attacks collided and either fought for supremacy or exploded, the Flamethrowers just seemed to add to each other and that was it. Blaine was grinning though; he already had a plan.

"Skull Bash." He suddenly ordered. "Cut through the flames once again."

"Stop Mega Charizard, we won't let it work this time." Ash said as a crazy, slightly desperate idea came to his mind but one that would allow him to test Mega Charizard's new strength as Magmortar launched himself into the flames once again, flying head first at Mega Charizard. "Let's see how much stronger you are now that you've Mega Evolved. Catch Magmortar with your claws."

"Um what?" Blaine asked confused at Ash's order as Mega Charizard ended his attack and looked at the roiling inferno in front of him that was hiding his rival. "That's not exactly what one usually does."

Mega Charizard knew exactly what Ash wanted and he agreed, it was the perfect way to test his increased strength. Holding out his arms and bracing his feet in a staggered stance, Mega Charizard got ready to test his new strength. He knew that he wasn't invincible despite the sudden evolution that the Mega Stone had triggered, but he was better than before and Magmortar was about to learn that the hard way.

A second later the Blast Pokémon shot out of the wall of flames still burning in the center of the battlefield. With a grunt, Mega Charizard caught the other fire type by its flaming shoulders and stopped it. He held it there for a second as Magmortar's Skull Bash continued as Mega Charizard's arms bent and he was forced to slide back a few paces but his new strength, coupled with how much stronger he'd grown in the Charicific Valley, was enough to hold Magmortar off from hitting him though it was only barely.

As the move ended Magmortar looked up at Mega Charizard and he saw the defeat in his rivals eyes and grinned at Magmortar. He'd won this, he just needed the orders from his trainer to ensure that and Ash knew just what orders to give.

"Seismic Toss Mega Charizard." Ash said and instantly, faster than ever before, Mega Charizard shot up to the ceiling in seconds. "And accelerate Magmortar's fall with Dragon Tail."

"Magmortar, Fire Punch." Blaine ordered but it was already too late.

Mega Charizard had reached the apex he needed, limited by the ceiling, he flipped Magmortar over his shoulder and threw him down. As soon as the Seismic Toss was over, Mega Charizard activated his Dragon Tail, still mid flip, and slammed it into a descending Magmortar's chest as he finished his flip. The Dragon Tail caused a lot of damage and both Pokémon knew that as soon as Magmortar hit the battlefield it would be over.

Between the Seismic Toss, the Dragon Tail and the Mega Evolution, Magmortar was nothing more than a red and orange blur as he shot down to the battlefield. The last time he'd lost to this Charizard it hadn't done whatever it had just done but it had thrown him from a greater height because they were outside which had done it. This time it was the speed that was the final straw.

Magmortar slammed into the gym floor with a colossal boom that shook the cage violently and caused dust to rain down from the ceiling. Magmortar then continued through floor and the metal base of the cage as the whole structure continued to dangerously.

The force of the blow, the floor and metal slowed a now out cold Magmortar enough that the metal mesh net caught him and while it stretched, groaned and was ripped out of the wall in certain places, it didn't break, not that the magma would have bothered him, and snapped back with a twang. Magmortar's unconscious body bounced up almost to the bottom of the cage before falling back and bouncing a few more times before final coming to a stop on the net.

Mega Charizard flapped his wings as he calmly returned to the ground to look through the hole with intrigue. Misty, Ash, and Blaine all made their way to the edge of the hole and looked down to see Magmortar on his back in the still shivering and now slightly saggy safety net with swirls for eyes. It was over. Once more Ash had won in what was probably his closest battle to date as he had to use Mega Evolution to tip the scales in his favor.

"Magmortar is unable to battle." Misty said raising a pom pom to Ash's side as the Mega Evolution fell from Mega Charizard in a flash of light and he returned to normal looking happy but exhausted from the battle and still managing a victory roar. "Charizard is the winner. Blaine is now out of Pokémon therefore the winner of this full battle is the challenger Ash from Pallet Town."

"We did it Charizard." Ash said turning and hugging his Pokémon. "You were amazing, that Mega Evolution is awesome, we have to do it again sometime and really see what your limits are with it."

Charizard celebrated the way he knew how to with Ash. He smiled, opened his mouth, and proceeded to douse Ash in a Flamethrower as a sign of his affection for his trainer. Ash just yelped as his head and upper body were blasted by the hot flames.

"Yup, I was expecting that." Ash said as he coughed out Ash and collapsed on his back on the gym floor. "Thanks Charizard."

Misty had dropped her pom poms after Ash's win and was waiting to celebrate with Ash though after Charizard's own celebration, she wasn't going to get her usual post-match victory moment with Ash. Instead she fell to her knees by her charred boyfriend and smiled down at him as he lay looking up at her.

"That was as amazing as always Ash." Misty said with a smile. "Another great win."

Ash just smiled back as Misty lent down and kissed him as passionately as she always did when he won. Misty wasn't going to let this be any different from their other celebrations. Well other than the fact that it was more charred than usual and Ash was on his back and not holding her in her arms.

They stayed like that for a moment as Blaine recalled and thanked Magmortar for a great battle that could have gone differently if Charizard hadn't Mega Evolved but that it had been an experience for both of them. The kiss only ended because it was forced to and not because of how it had ended in the past when the gym leaders reminded them that they weren't in private.

No this time Charizard wanted to celebrate more but he was being respectful and giving his trainer a moment with his mate. He'd already approved of Ash's choice in mate and was happy for him. Still, he wanted to celebrate and because he liked Misty as well, he decided that they should all enjoy this moment together, Charizard style of course.

Charizard opened his mouth again and proceeded to douse his trainer and his trainer's mate in another Flamethrower as a way they could all share this moment of victory. As the kiss was abruptly interrupted Piplup cheered at Charizard's impressive methods and Charizard roared in victory.

"I prefer Piplup's method of ending our moment." Misty said as she coughed ash into Ash's face, chuckling at that before she fell to his hide. "Even Pikachu's Thunderbolt is better than a blast of fire."

"Charizard is just showing affection." Ash said before he slowly sat up and smiled at his old Pokémon and saw Blaine patiently waiting for him. "It means he likes you."

"Wonderful." Misty said but she smiled anyway, she was glad that one of Ash's oldest Pokémon approved of her.

With a groan, Ash got up and then helped Misty to her feet before nodding at Blaine who walked over to them. When Blaine reached them Ash held out his hand and the old gym leader shook it with a smile on his face.

"Well done Ash." Blaine congratulated. "That was some battle for sure, best I've had in years, since our last one in fact. As with before, you are more than worthy to be a trainer and truly deserved that Volcano Badge I gave you.."

"Thank you Blaine." Ash replied. "That was my toughest battle yet for sure, I may have lost had it not been for the Mega Evolution."

"That is a useful trick to have." Blaine agreed. "I'll have to figure it out myself soon."

"I think only a few Pokémon, and only fully evolved or Pokémon that can't evolve at all can Mega Evolved." Ash said recalling what May had told them out in Hoenn. "I'm not sure who can do it other than Charizard and Blaziken for sure but I've heard that a few others like Lucario and the other Kanto and Hoenn starters can. I would suggest asking the Kalos region professor, he's researching it so probably knows it best. I will be telling my friend May, who gave me the Key Stone and Charizardite that I needed, about this later. She's out in Kalos right now and can report to the Professor there."

"I think I will do that." Blaine said with a nod. "It's been a few years since I last spoke with Augustine, perhaps it is time we spoke again and maybe even went out to Kalos for a visit. Anyway, what are your plans now? You have faced 7 gym leaders so only one is left."

"Well we still haven't heard back from the Viridian Leader." Ash admitted. "But we are probably going to go back to the mainland tomorrow so that Misty can find a Contest to compete in there."

"Yeah I am one ribbon shy of qualifying for the Grand Festival." Misty said. "So I really want to win that last Contest."

"Well the Contest season is still going for a few more months I believe." Blaine said. "So why don't you two stay here for a week, free of charge of course, and enjoy the hot springs at the hotel, they're the best on the island, and recharge a bit after that battle."

"We can do that." Ash said looking at Misty. "You down Misty?"

"Why not." Misty said with a shrug. "I'm confident for my next Contest and we could use the hot springs after this, I have been dying to try them out and now that we have a break we can really enjoy them. Plus it will give you a chance to work with Aerodactyl while I perfect my appeal with Shuppet and see if Spiritomb is ready for its battle debut. Sure, we'll stay and enjoy ourselves."

"Excellent and I think a few more trainers will come to the inn as well so you will get a chance to battle them or just get some tips." Blaine said clapping his hands. "I saw a few, including an interesting couple that I think is from Johto, the other day in town and gave them my card. None of them have figured it out yet but I expect them to do so in time so that they can prove themselves worthy and I can battle them. Just don't reveal who I am to them, I like the reveal part."

"Never." Ash said with a laugh. "That is something I'd never deprive them, or you, of."

"Good then why don't you head back to the inn and celebrate as a couple." Blaine said. "I need to prepare how I will fix this and then get my Pokémon over to the Pokémon Center and hand out some more cards in the process."

"We'll have to go there first as my Pokémon are a priority, then we'll celebrate." Ash said. "And thank you Blaine, for the battle and the lodging."

"You and your friends are always welcome at the Big Riddle Inn Ash." Blaine said dismissively. "And Misty, thank you for being the ref today, you did a good job for your first-time effort. I have no complaints though you will have to explain what happened with that tie sometime, I didn't get a good look at it."

"Thank you, it was an experience that I won't forget." Misty said. "And I will try my best, it's not easy to describe."

"Good, now get going, I still remember what it was like to be young once." Blaine said as bowed to them. "Go and have fun the way only young teens in love can."

Ash and Misty bowed back before they turned to let Blaine inspect the hole that Ash had made in his floor. They quickly gathered up their Pokémon, Misty returning all but Piplup who she put on her head as always and picked up her egg. Then Ash opened the door and they walked over the gangway and out of the true Cinnabar Gym.

It had been a great, epic, battle that went all the way until the end and once again Ash had been victorious. That meant that it was time to get Ash's Pokémon all healed up and then they could once again celebrate because for the 7th time Ash had won his full battle challenge with a gym leader.