Indigo Stadium
"I choose you, Venusaur!" Ash shouted as the grass/poison type appeared on the battlefield.
While Venusaur wasn't among his strongest, no pokemon Ash had were truly weak. Additionally, his determination and hard work could match that of Pidgeot. Right now, he needed a pokemon that would not go down easy.
"Venusaur vs Kangaskhan...Begin." The ref declared.
Ash vs Hilbert (P. VI)
"Kangaskhan, use flamethrower." Hilbert commanded.
He was hoping to get in an early, powerful blow.
"Venusaur, fire poison powder into the air above." Ash instructed.
While the normal type would certainly land that blow, dolling out a powerful one, she would be caught by falling poison officially putting this battle on a timer.
"Follow it up with ice beam." Hilbert ordered.
"Venusaur, use petal blizzard but collect them all right in front of yourself." Ash instructed. "Then, if you have any control left, hurl whatever comes about right into Kangaskhan."
Kangaskhan fired off the beam of ice just as Venusaur produced a multitude of pink petals. He collected them before himself managing to form a sort of makeshift shield which took the attack. Almost immediately he could feel his sway over them vanishing.
That is why he put all his power into sending it forward before losing it which essentially resulted in a rather sizable sphere of ice plowing into Kangaskhan's front sending her skidding back. This was followed by the lingering poison taking its toll as well.
"Kangaskhan, use giga impact!" Hilbert shouted.
"Venusaur, end this with venoshock." Ash ordered.
Kangaskhan began charging forward as normal energy encircled her. It was quickly followed by purple energy which doubled in strength. It had registered she was poisoned. This attack did the deed resulting in the parent pokemon face planting and skidding to just before Venusaur.
Indigo Stadium
"Kangaskhan is unable to battle which means this round goes to the green trainer, Ash Ketchum." The ref declared.
Kangaskhan's child reached out sadly for her mother.
"Don't worry, she'll be fine little one." Hilbert walked out onto the field and gently set the baby with her mother before walking back to the trainer box. "Return Kangaskhan." The pokemon were returned. "Thank you for getting me this far."
"Both trainers are now down to three pokemon each, so I'd effectively call this the halfway point." The announcer informed. "As we've come this far, Monta is leading in advantage. Can he keep it heading into the back half?"
Hilbert already knew his only choice since his last two would be Beartic and Samurott. The only option Ash could use that would offset this would be whatever his third pokemon was. If he used them over Venusaur or Pikachu, the Unova trainer could see his chances of victory diminishing.
"Well Ash, I think it's time I fulfill my word from all the way back around Vermillion." Hilbert knew it was time to reveal his first electric type. "I choose you, Galvantula!"
The elespider pokemon appeared prompting Ash to once again get out his pokedex.
Galvantula, the EleSpider Pokémon. Galvantula attacks its prey by shooting electrically charged threads and its front mandibles can hold down opponents.
This got Pikachu's attention. "Pika! Pikachu!"
"You want to battle now, right buddy?" Ash asked with a smile.
Pikachu nodded. "Pika!"
"Alright, let's do it." Ash held out Venusaur's pokeball. "Return for now and take a rest." He then held out his arm. "I choose you, Pikachu!"
Pikachu sprinted down Ash's arm and lept onto the battlefield before sparking his cheeks. "Pika!"
"Now the match has turned into a duel of electric types." The announcer informed as the crowd roared. "One thing is for sure; you can feel the electricity on the air."
Stands
"Given what Hilbert just said, this must be the last pokemon he had lined up to help Ivysaur train." Brock noted. "If that's the case, this isn't about to be easy."
"Pikachu isn't a slouch of an electric type." James reasoned. "Given what we've seen, Ash has clearly closed the gap in skill that was between himself and Hilbert."
"In the end, a battle like this will come down to whose been better with their electric type." Samuel informed.
Indigo Stadium
"Pikachu vs Galvantula…Begin." The ref declared.
Ash vs Hilbert (P. VII)
"Extreme speed!" Ash shouted.
"Sucker punch." Hilbert countered.
Pikachu began blitzing in only for a shadow fist to hit him from the right knocking the mouse pokemon off his feet.
"Now, lunge." Hilbert commanded.
"Pikachu, dodge and use dig on the pillar Kangaskhan left behind." Ash ordered.
Galvantula lunged at Pikachu who zipped underneath him making a break for the pillar of rock still left in the field.
"Galvantula, use energy ball." Hilbert ordered.
"Pikachu, block with iron tail." Ash instructed. "Then, get into that pillar."
Galvantula formed the sphere of grass energy before firing it at Pikachu. The electric type coated his tail in steel energy and slammed it into the sphere destroying it. While this did deal some damage, it wouldn't slow the mouse pokemon down. He lept at the pillar and burrowed within it.
Hilbert knew better than to pursue after Pikachu at this point, so he went with a different strategy. "Galvantula, use rain dance and follow it up with a max power thunder on the pillar."
"Pikachu, begin using icicle crash in the direction you first burrowed into the pillar." Ash instructed. "Then, I'm entrusting the timing to you. When you feel it's right, smash iron tail into your icicle."
Galvantula produced rain overhead while Pikachu was busy drawing on his ice energy to craft a large icicle. This was followed by the bug/electric type sparking with electricity as he called down a massive bolt right atop the pillar.
Given Pikachu had been tunneling through it, combined with the fact it'd been a sudden displacement of the ground prior, the bolt tore through and made the pillar crumble. From within a section of the crumbling mass, a spear of ice tore through the remnants of the pillar.
It slammed into Galvantula with enough force that the electric/bug type was sent skidding right out of the arena. While it had been a massive hit, the fact that the elespider pokemon could then skuttle back into the arena, though panting, showed he wasn't done yet.
No one could quite say the same for Pikachu mostly because they didn't know his condition. The pillar had finished collapsing leaving a lot of rubble that could have easily buried the mouse pokemon. Ash had faith his buddy was fine.
"Pikachu, it's time to end this." Ash declared. "Slam into Galvantula with all you got!"
"Galvantula…" Hilbert began.
It was too late as Pikachu burst forth right underneath Galvantula. He was clearly hurting from what the bug/electric type managed, but he was still very much conscious. The mouse pokemon slammed right into the underside of Galvantula pushing him into the air.
"We won't go out like this!" Hilbert declared. "Galvantula, use wild charge."
"Pikachu, iron tail." Ash commanded.
The elespider pokemon began to fall and coated himself in electricity while Pikachu lept up to meet him with iron tail. They clashed midair, but gravity saw an edge given to Galvantula who drove Ash's starter into the ground with wild charge.
In the end, only Galvantula could stand afterwards as Pikachu was laid out unconscious. The bug/electric type couldn't celebrate as the recoil of wild charge hit him sending the pokemon to the ground with swirls in his eyes as well.
Indigo Stadium
"Both pokemon are unable to battle." The ref declared. "As this is a double knock out, red trainer Hilbert Monta will have to choose his pokemon first."
"Pikachu…" Ash gave a small smile as he walked out onto the field to collect his buddy." You were amazing out there." He gave his mouse pokemon a potion to rouse him. "I promise I'll try to make all the hard work you've put in matter."
"Pika." Pikachu declared before licking his chin.
As he did this, Hilbert returned and thanked his Galvantula.
Stands
"Poor Pikachu." Delia muttered. "I was sure he was going to win."
"Clearly, Hilbert has raised his pokemon extremely well." Brock noted. "Every one of them, in this battle and prior ones, have shown their trainer is a great one. That said, the fact that Ash is keeping up with Hilbert says a lot about him."
"Indeed." Samuel nodded. "Until Misty managed to start knocking out his pokemon, Hilbert had not lost a one in every round prior. The fact that Ash has managed to keep things fairly tied up is a testament to his potential as a trainer."
"Especially given this is just his first year compared to Hilbert's second." Blue added.
Indigo Stadium
"Both trainers are down to their last two pokemon." The announcer informed, as the crowd roared. "Which of them will come out on top and join the top four? At this point, I'd say it's either one's position to take."
"This is the toughest battle I've had since coming to Kanto." Hilbert thought as he made his next selection. "I choose you, Beartic."
Ash set Pikachu by his side before mulling over which of his two pokemon he should choose. Ultimately, it wasn't a hard choice. Ash felt Hilbert's last pokemon had to be Samurott, and he'd need Venusaur to stand a chance. This meant his choice would be the last pokemon to reveal.
"I choose you, Rapidash!" Ash declared.
Galarian Rapidash appeared ready for battle.
"Rapidash vs Beartic...Begin." The ref declared.
Ash vs Hilbert (P. VIII)
"Beartic, reinforce rain dance." Hilbert ordered.
"Rapidash, use psychic terrain." Ash commanded.
Beartic used his rain dance to reinforce the rain around them while Rapidash sent out psychic energy imbuing the whole field with it to strengthen her psychic moves.
"Psycho cut." Ash commanded.
"Surf." Hilbert ordered.
Just as Rapidash was collecting her psychic energy, Beartic blitzed her atop the wave landing a devastating blow. Ash noted, compared to all their prior battles, that Beartic was far faster than any prior pokemon Hilbert used. Even faster than Braviary.
"What?" Ash questioned.
"It's my Beartic's ability swift swim." Hilbert informed. "Typically, it's only given to water types. This boosts my ice type's speed in the rain. It's far more useful in that I don't need the hail now which could potentially end up harming my chances at victory. Now, use aqua jet."
"Rapidash, wild charge." Ash commanded.
He had no illusions about landing this move as intended; however, an electric move in this situation could still have its uses. Case in point, Rapidash did managed to spark with electricity which was helped to fully form due to the falling water.
While Beartic's aqua jet did end up pushing Rapidash back, wild charge still inadvertently went off dolling out a rather spowerful blow. By proxy of being stopped before it could fully be used, Rapidash took no recoil.
"Now, get off a future sight." Ash commanded.
"Shadow claw." Hilbert commanded.
Rapidash did managed to fire off psychic energy into the future of this battle before she was struck by the ghostly claws rapidly dolling out a strong blow.
"Follow it up with metal claw." Hilbert ordered.
"Rapidash, brace yourself and fight back with smart strike." Ash commanded.
Beartic slashed his metal claws into Rapidash further dolling out damage, but she managed to hold strong and come back in with her horn coated in steel energy. There was enough strength behind it to send Beartic skidding back.
"Beartic, finish this with earthquake." Hilbert commanded.
"Rapidash, use bounce." Ash ordered.
Rapidash took some of the earthquake, but she still managed to leap into the air before coming down right on top of Beartic pushing him into the ground. While the ice type hadn't fainted from that, future sight kicked in not a moment later.
The force of the attack, compounded with the set up psychic terrain, was enough to form a crater in the ground with Beartic's body. Rapidash moved off the ice type allowing everyone to see that the freezing pokemon had fainted.
Indigo Stadium
"Beartic is unable to battle meaning this round goes to the green trainer, Ash Ketchum." The ref declared. "Hilbert Monta must now send out his last pokemon."
"Return Beartic." Hilbert returned his fallen pokemon. "You gave as good as you got and did a lot to help us reach this point. Just leave it all to Samurott and I to bring this home."
"Now, Ash officially leads two pokemon to one; however, Hilbert's last pokemon hasn't battled once this match." The announcer informed. "This has been a back-and-forth battle, and I cannot tell you who truly has the edge. In short, it's still anyone's match."
"It's come down to this." Hilbert swapped to this last pokeball. "I choose you, Samurott!"
Hilbert's starter appeared with a fierce expression on his face.
Stands
"This is a very close battle." Blue noted.
"Indeed." Samuel nodded. "It's likely going to come down to the wire."
"Even with Venusaur as an option, Ash already used him meaning type advantage isn't a guaranteed overall advantage." Gary added.
"Still, Ash will win." Serena declared confidently.
Indigo Stadium
"Rapidash vs Samurott…Begin." The ref declared.
Ash vs Hilbert (P. IX)
"Aqua jet." Hilbert ordered.
"Rapidash, brace yourself and use future sight." Ash commanded.
The Pallet native knew he needed to doll out as much damage as possible. Fortunately, things seemed to be leaning in that direction as even though Samurott smashed into the fairy/psychic type with the supercharged water move, Rapidash projected psychic energy into the future.
"Now, follow it up with aqua tail." Hilbert commanded.
"Bounce." Ash ordered.
As Samurott attempted to swat Rapidash with his water covered tail, she bounced into the air.
"Now, come on down with wild charge." Ash commanded.
"Samurott, defend and wrap this up with sacred sword." Hilbert instructed.
Rapidash was cloaked in electricity as she came down only to be met by Samurrot's horn coated in powerful fighting energy. While not as damage absorbing as using a steel move to ground yourself, it still did protect the water type to an extent.
It gave him more than enough protection to pull back his head, allowing Rapidash to fall just a few feet more, before hitting his opponent with sacred sword sending her straight into the ground where she tumbled along it.
Just before she lost consciousness, future sight went off dolling out one last, strong blow as psychic terrain and rain dance both now faded from the battlefield. While it hadn't dipped Samurott into torrent like Ash hopped, Hilbert's starter was still weakened.
Indigo Stadium
"Rapidash is unable to battle meaning this round goes to the red trainer, Hilbert Monta." The ref declared. "Ash Ketchum must now send out his last pokemon."
"Return Rapidash." Ash smiled as he recalled his second to last pokemon for this battle. "You got us to as even a footing as I could ask for. Thank you." He swapped pokeballs and threw out his final pokemon. "I choose you, Venusaur!"
"This is as even a last battle as this announcer has ever seen." The announcer declared. "Ash is left with his battle worn Venusaur while Hilbert has his battle worn Samurott. I believe that while Venusaur has the type advantage, Hilbert has proven his Samurott is one strong pokemon.
I suppose that means there is only one question pertinent in determining who our winner is. That is, how will these respective trainer's use what advantage they do have? It's one that can only be answered through this battle."
"Venusaur vs Samurott…Begin." The ref declared.
Ash vs Hilbert (P. X)
"Alright, let's give everything we got until the very end, Venusaur!" Ash turned his hat around.
"We've come too far to lose now, so let's give it our very best!" Hilbert declared as he took a firm stance.
This was the final battle for one of them, and neither trainer was about to give any less than their absolute best in hopes of cinching their place in the top 4.
"Sunny day!"
"Hail!"
Venusaur and Samurott both attempted to set up a respective weather condition. While rain dance would have arguably been more beneficial to Hilbert, nothing said he didn't know how to create it without outright using it himself.
The seed pokemon cast his sun above just as clouds rolled in. The resulting heat of sunny day on the frigid clouds led to a heavy rain falling on the entire field. This effectively put Hilbert at even the slightest advantage given the strengthening water moves.
"Now, use aqua jet." Hilbert commanded.
"Without the sun, we'll need a different way to maneuver." Ash clenched his fist. "Show them how sturdy you are before catching Samurott with your power whip."
Venusaur managed to withstand the priority move before shooting out a huge vine which he wrapped around the Unovan starter.
"Now, toss him into the air." Ash ordered quickly. "Then, power whip the ground with all you got to follow him.
Venusaur tossed the formidable pokemon into the air with all his might before smashing the whip into the ground leaving a crater as he ascended. No matter the result, Ash intended to go all out, and that included showing the pinnacle of mobility.
Something that only Ash would even think to pull off, and even then, he might not have thought to ever try this had the circumstances not been just right. Three flying pokemon and a starter who never lost his love of mobility even as he evolved.
"Venusaur, use petal dance to catch yourself and double edge to strike Samurott!" Ash shouted.
Venusaur conjured as many petals as possible and moved them underneath himself. It wasn't exactly true flight given his weight, but it was enough to manage a glide. By then imbuing it all with a double edge, it could be a fast glide right into the opposing pokemon.
"That's a gliding Venusaur!" The announcer yelled in pure shook. "In all my years, I've never seen something like this, but it only makes sense to come from the type of trainer Ash has been all league!"
"Ash is a mad genius." Hilbert knew Samurott couldn't avoid this, and a combination that strong was likely to be the end; however, there was still one thing he could do. "Samurott, use endure and hold it with all your might until you hit the ground."
Samurott was cloaked in normal energy as Venusaur rammed his full might and petals into the water starter sending him careening to the ground. The grass/poison type fell as well after losing his platform and took a lot of recoil from double edge.
"Venusaur, sunny day now!" Ash shouted.
Ash knew this now wouldn't end it, so he had to facilitate the proper conditions to do as such. Just before Venusaur crashed, he used sunny day. Unlike before where it was two weather's clashing, sunny day won out dissipating the rain.
Samurott had ended up falling just before Hilbert while Venusaur had crashed down right in the middle which only further damaged him. This ultimately resulted in both pokemon garnering blue and green auras as their respective abilities activated.
Their respective grass and water moves would be maxed out; however, they were just one good move away from fainting. Both trainers were determined that their move would end this in their favor. They knew this was the final clash.
"Venusaur, solar beam at max power!" Ash yelled.
"Samurott, give it everything you got with your most powerful hydro canon!" Hilbert hollered.
Venusaur instantly collected the sun and fired a beam of grass energy at the same time Samurott released a powerful, pressurized beam of water. Both attacks collided, fighting for dominance. It was the sun above and Venusaur's type advantage vs Samurott's experience and stronger move.
"Venusaur, draw out everything you have left!" Ash hollered.
"Don't give in Samurott!" Hilbert yelled. "I know you can draw even just a little more power!"
Both responded to their trainers as their respective moves increased in size and intensity. Their moves continued to clash as neither were willing to give in. Unfortunately, Venusaur lacked the ability to keep going, and as his beam weakened, hydro canon surged forward.
It slammed right into Venusaur shooting the grass/poison type out of the battle field and into the wall behind Ash. The Pallet Native turned to see Venusaur laying halfway through the wall unconscious. As for Samurott, he faltered seemingly about to make this a double knockout.
"Samurott, we're so close!" Hilbert pleaded. "I know I'm asking a lot, but don't go down!"
Upon hearing his trainer's plea, Samurott managed to firmly plant his feet and stood tall. He dared not move a muscle for fear of that being all. In the end, it was clear one pokemon was still standing while the other had fainted.
Indigo Stadium
"Venusaur is unable to battle meaning this match goes to the red trainer, Hilbert Monta." The ref declared. "This sees him moving onto the top four."
"It was a back-and-forth match right up to the very end!" The announcer exclaimed excitedly as the crowd went wild. "In the end, Hilbert Monta managed that little bit more to take the match officially!"
"Venusaur, return." Ash recalled his grass/poison type. "I'm so proud of just how hard you fought. Thank you for giving everything you had. Now, take a well-deserved rest because you earned it no matter the result."
"Samurott, thank you for holding on." Hilbert returned his starter. "I asked a lot of you today, so take this rest now."
Ash and Hilbert then looked at one another before ultimately walking across the battle torn field right to the center of it. This caused the cheering to die down as the two trainers looked at one another. For what seemed like an eternity, neither said anything.
"Well Hilbert, you won." Ash broke the silence and smiled. "Thanks for the awesome battle."
Hilbert looked at the open gesture for a second before smiling and returning the hand shake. No matter where he went from here, the Unovan would remember this as his hardest battle ever.
"I couldn't agree more Ash." Hilbert nodded with a smile of his own. "No matter what, you made me absolutely work for this one."
The crowd roared in agreement with the show of good sportsmanship.
"Would you look at that." The announcer commented. "After such a hard-fought battle on both sides, the two trainers are showing their immaculate sportsmanship. It warms this battle fan's heart to see such a sight between two strong trainers."
Outside Indigo Stadium
Ash left the stadium, with Pikachu on his shoulder, only to see his mom, uncle, Professor Oak, Gary, Brock, James, Serena, Luana, and Ritchie waiting for him. He didn't quite know how everyone would react.
Then, Delia, Luana, Blue, Samuel, and even Gary smiled at him. It was followed by Serena who rushed into hug him. Lastly, James, Brock, and Ritchie came on over patting his free shoulder in a clear sign they approved of how far he made it.
"You have done Pallet Town proud, Ash." Professor Oak stated.
"As one of your Orange Crew, I think I can say you've done the Orange Archipelago just as proud." Luana added.
"But…I lost." Ash replied stunned.
"True, but you made it to the top 8." Professor Oak replied. "Not many first year trainers could say that these days."
"Thanks Professor." Ash replied.
With the slight fear that losing here would have been seen as something negative, Ash was more than ready to celebrate just how far he did come.
Days Later…
"And Magmortar is unable to battle, meaning the winner of this year's Indigo League is Hilbert Monta from Nuvema Town." The ref declared.
Losing to the guy who won the whole thing would only see to improve Ash's already high standing as a trainer. At least, in as far as the people who saw this league were concerned. Hilbert had celebrated with Samurott while Goodshow approached him.
He presented the Unovan with the first-place trophy as well as the card he could utilize to challenge Kanto's Elite Four at any time. Soon enough, the whole group made their way out to congratulate the guy.
When they arrived, the group were surprised to see Hilbert walking out of the stadium with a big man in an Alolan shirt. The man jumped into a red convertible, after shaking Hilbert's hand, and drove away. Hilbert smiled and approached the group.
"Congratulations." Ash spoke first. "You and your pokemon deserve this."
"Thanks Ash." Hilbert responded.
"So, who was that?" James asked.
"His name is Scott." Hilbert replied. "He told me about his own trainer challenge here in Kanto and said it would be good training while I prepare to face Kanto's Elite Four."
"Are you going to do it?" James asked.
"Not sure." Hilbert shrugged. "First, I want to go back to Unova and see my mom before I make a decision on where I go next."
"Well, wherever you go I want you to know something." Ash smiled. "You defeated me here, but one day we will battle again."
Hilbert smiled back at him. "I'll look forward to that day."
With the Indigo League over, it was time to return home.
Pallet Town: Outside Oak's Lab, Days Later…
"Hello everyone and thank you for coming." Professor Oak announced as he stood on a podium overlooking his ranch where this party was being held. "This celebration is in honor of Serena Yvonne and Ash Ketchum.
Over three weeks ago, Serena made it to the rank of Duchess within Kanto's Battle Chateau. As for Ash, he became a champion of the Orange Archipelago before then making it into the Indigo League's top 8."
The crowd consisted of: Delia, Grace, Michael, Lily, Cross, Gary, Blue, James, and almost all of Pallet Town. That wasn't even mentioning all of Ash and Serena's pokemon given they were to be celebrated today. The professor turned to Ash and passed him the microphone.
Ash looked to Serena who was rather bashful with all the eyes on them which told him it'd be best he speaks. "We just want to say, thank you to everyone who supported us. It was a long road, but it's one we're still not done traveling."
The professor then held the mic in front of Serena. "I fully agree with Ash."
She knew she'd have to get better at this, but it would not be today.
"Oh, we also thank you for hosting this party professor." Ash added as he and Seren prepared to step of the stage.
"It was my pleasure you two." The professor smiled as the Pallet natives walked off. "Now, I hope you will all join me in helping these two celebrate their achievements with a great party."
The crowd clapped and cheered for the pair which made Serena blush. They eventually made it over to their pokemon where both knelt before their respective groups.
"We both have to thank all of you as well." Ash smiled. "Without any of you, neither of us would be where we are today."
"You've all been great, and I do want us to remember Butterfree." Serena added. "He may not be here, but this party is just as much for him."
All the pokemon smiled as they entered respective group hugs with their trainers. Certain pokemon, like Scizor, weren't too pleased, but they joined in regardless as to not ruin the moment. From there, the pokemon and Serena dispersed to enjoy the party.
"Hey Ash." Michael greeted with a smile as he approached his pseudo brother. "Congratulations on everything you managed to achieve. You earned it."
"Thanks Michael." Ash respond.
"Have you considered where you're going next?" Michael asked.
"Not yet." Ash shrugged. "James, Serena, and I at least know we want to keep traveling together, but we'll have to talk about it." He chuckled. "After everything that happened, we're planning on taking it a little easy, at least for a moment, before deciding."
"Well, wherever you go, I know you'll likely come up with even more crazy things people wouldn't think certain pokemon capable of." Michael chuckled. "Honestly, keep it up because it makes studying your pokemon a treat."
"Right." Ash agreed.
With that, Michael took his leave prompting Ash to notice his Zeraora leaning against a nearby tree. It was still odd to think he even had a mythical pokemon to begin with, but he was happy all the same that one had wanted to join him.
Ash approached his second electric type. "Hey Zeraora, it's good to see you again."
"Zer." Zeraora nodded resolutely.
"He seems fine." Ash noted with a smile. "I do hope my Riolu appears soon to allow me to use him."
"There you are." James declared.
"Oh, hey James." Ash smiled as he walked towards him.
"Pallet Town has more people than I thought it did." James commented.
"Honestly, more people showed up then I thought would." Ash commented. "I never realized how many were supporting Serena and I."
"Maybe they did and maybe they didn't." James shrugged. "I can't say on that, but I will say that you've pulled off a lot more than most first year trainers would. You're well on your way to becoming a great trainer and many likely see it now."
Ash smiled. "Thanks James."
"Despite what I've said, I do want to make it clear that I already do think of you and Serena as exceptional trainers." James decided to add.
"Don't go selling yourself short." Ash smiled. "You're one yourself, and you've contributed to where we are now."
The two friends shared a smile before Brock came over with a pot of hot noodles. "Hey guys." He nodded. "Man, if there is one thing Pallet can do, its throw a party."
"What's up, Brock?" Ash greeted before himself and James noticed how much he was sweating.
"Brock, are you okay?" James asked concerned.
"Of course." Brock replied. "A little spice is the ingredient for life."
At that moment, the mythical pokemon's stomach growled from hunger.
"Zeraora's hungry." Ash noted.
"Here." Brock offered his noddle dish to the electric type. "Why don't you try a noodle?"
Zeraora shot the rock specialist a critical eye before glancing to his trainer. He figured he could try a little bit. Almost as soon as he ate it, Zeraora's face turned bright red, and a stream of flames shot out of his mouth.
"Zer Zer Zer Zer!" Zeraora cried.
"Oh, they can't be that bad." Ash replied before taking and eating some noodles himself.
He was immediately proven wrong and joined his mythical in running around like a headless chicken.
"Blastoise, cool them down with some water." Serena declared.
The starter took aim and nailed the pair with a reasonable amount of water cooling both down. The mythical now glared at the noodle dish deciding he did not like spicy things. He should have figured since those blasted spicy berries where never his thing either.
"Thanks Serena." Ash thanked his girlfriend.
"Don't thank me, it was Blastoise who helped you." Serena voiced.
This party was exactly what the group needed after their first year as trainers, but this was merely the beginning of a tail which would span regions to come. Even with all they may have achieved, there was much more left to do. Countless stories waiting to unfold.
Not counting the chapter that just list the teams, I'll do better listing those within chapters of the next story, this story took 104 chapters to tell. Over that time, as of 10/31/2023, I acquired 192,853 views, 364 favorites, 341 followers, 418 reviews, and this story was placed in 3 communities. It's my second biggest story on this website. To those of you who stuck around to see this story completed, and those of you who left during the year long hiatus, thank you.
I'd also like to take a moment and extend a special thank you to Vital Info and Elemental Aura who stuck with this story. They've been people I could discuss plot points with and offered no end of pokemon I could give the group. I firmly believe they are the reason a good 25 percent of this story even exists. I'll extend a good 5% to people who've briefly touched this story. Without all of you, I'm not sure what this would have looked like now.
Of course, this is by no means the end. I now invite any of you to check out the next story which should be up by now. It is called Ash's Remixed Journey:Johto.
Nightshadegirl: Well, Ash already has as he finishes out this story in the Top 8 of the Indigo League.