Hi everyone, long time no see. I'm sorry about the long wait for this chapter, but like I said before that my Date a Live story is my main focus. At least before the year ends, I'm gonna update this story. I wanted to do it twice, but I didn't have enough time to do it. I can at least update this again before the 5th day of the next month. Now; to answer some reviews.
Cipherdragonite: Not gonna happen! Some rules are meant to be broken, but this one rule isn't one of them! To make things interesting; there have to be some limits.
flurry: Wish granted.
Juan Pablo: Not happening.
Guest: Sorry about the Korrina thing.
fangs of death: Thanks for that.
Trey Cooper: Your wish has been granted.
fanfic meister: Just keep on reading and you'll see more of what's to come.
Beyblade and pokemon bro: Oh Ash, I wished you were still the star! Hopefully one day I'll see you again.
Glaxy: I'm glad you're enjoying my story.
Duel King 64: That guy can keep blowing hot air, but that's all he can do.
StrongGuy159: I intend to.
Tony Anderson: Thanks for answering my questions, and thanks for the support.
daleaaronallen82: Not gonna happen!
kieranroy22: We'll see.
(Rude) Guest: Keep on talking, it'll just make it more fun to screw with you.
Guest (2): Latias' attack merged with a Psychic type move, thus making it both a Dragon and Psychic type move.
That's all the reviews answered for today everyone. Now; enjoy my chapter as much as you can.
Chapter 27: Lavaridge Town and battle.
The sky was a clear blue color color with little to almost no clouds in sight. For Lavaridge Town and its residents, it was another peaceful day for everyone, but for a group just on the outskirts of the city; it's perfect for their long awaited arrival here.
"Guys, it's Lavaridge Town!" Verity exclaimed with a wide grin, standing together with May and Max on the end of Jagged Pass and had a good view of Lavaridge Town. The Twinleaf girl was carrying Piplup in her arms, Jirachi was ridding atop Max's head and May had her Klefki floating beside her. "Piplup!" Piplup called out cheerfully, raising both her flippers into the air.
Max laughed happily, before looking over his left shoulder to the rest of the gang lagging behind. "Come on guys! We're finally here in Lavaridge Town and you're all slowing us down! I thought you of all people would be excited to finally be here, Ash!" The young 8-year-old boy exclaimed with an excited voice, before going back to looking at the view of their destination.
Max wasn't wrong; Ash, Brock, Sorrel, Pikachu and Lucario were lagging behind their travel companions, but there was a reason for that. During their trip down Jagged Pass, Ash and Sorrel had found some items on the way down. The young Rainbow Hero was staring down at three items in his hand; two in the left and one on the right with Pikachu ridding on his left shoulder.
Ash was holding two TMs he found; TM43: Flame Charge and TM69: Rock Polish. Like mentioned before; he found them on Jagged Pass, but that wasn't the big treasure he found. No, it was what he's holding in his right hand; a brand new Mega Stone. It was a red, brown and green Mega Stone; a Tyranitarite it is. It was decided since he's the only one with a Tyranitar, he'd have it and Ash was more than happy to agree with that. He and Pikachu were already making plans to train Tyranitar on Mega Evolution next time they transfer teams over.
Sorrel, on the other hand, was holding a single item with his right hand with Lucario walking beside him on the right. It was a Moon Stone that the young Pokémon Professor-in-training was holding. Unlike Ash with his discoveries, the Veilstone boy got this stone after defeating a trainer named "Expert Shelby" in a battle. She was a tough old lady with her Medicham, Hariyama and surprisingly, her own Lucario. Sorrel went with his own Lucario, Aerodactyl and Poliwrath. Poliwrarth faced Medicham, but got defeated by the Fighting and Psychic Type.
Aerodactyl, however, made up for it by taking out Medicham and Hariyama by itself. Sorrel switched out for Lucario to face the old lady's one, and his one was the victor. Expert Shelby was impressed with Sorrel's skills and gifted him a Moon Stone. He was grateful for the gift, but didn't really have any Pokémon to use it on. So, he decided to keep it in case the situation ever came up.
Unlike the other two boys, Brock didn't discover anything new. Instead, he was looking down at a Metal Coat he was holding with his right hand. This Metal Coat is the one Sorrel discovered back in Mauville City. Sorrel gave it to Brock because it could work for Brock's Onix and help it evolve into a Steelix.
Brock was thankful for the gift, yet was still indecisive about using it to evolve Onix. He's known about Onix's ability to evolve into Steelix since his, Ash and Misty's journey in Johto, but never really thought about evolving his starter. Brock wasn't against the idea, just didn't feel right about it yet since he hasn't used Onix for some time now. Maybe he will later, just not right now.
All in all; their journey down Jagged Pass was a good one. Not only did they pick up some good items, but even battled a few trainers. Expert Shelby wasn't the only one; there were a few others named "Picnicker Diana", "Camper Ethan", "Fairy Tale Girl Nellie" and "Hiker Eric" and they all gave some good experience. May battled with her newly evolved Gastrodon, Skitty and Klefki. Brock even got to battle with his Onix again, and even with Solrock and Marshtomp. And add the cherry on the top; no trouble from Team Rocket.
Anyway back to the present, Ash raised his head and gave a wide grin at seeing Lavaridge Town. "Finally, after everything we're finally here!" The Rainbow Hero exclaimed with delight, something that Pikachu shared as it raised its right fist into the air. "Pi-pikachu!" Pikachu cried out, just as Ash, Brock, Sorrel and Lucario stopped beside their travel companions and stared down at the town.
Sorrel put his new Moon Stone away, then looked over to a river in the city. "Sidenote: This city is famous for its hot springs". The Veilstone boy told his friends, much to May's excitement and Jirachi's confusion. "A hot spring!?" May exclaimed in delight, clapping both hands together and getting Klefki to look at its trainer in confusion. "Not just that, but their sand baths as well". Brock stated, further increasing the brunette's excitement at hearing this.
"I read about that a little bit ago. It's said that the heat from the sand is supposed to take away all your tiredness". Verity remarked, looking down at Piplup with the Water Type looking up at her with both of them displaying eager expressions to try that out themselves. Jirachi tilted his head in confusion as he has no idea what a hot spring or a sand bath is.
The mythical Pokémon of the Hoenn Region glanced down at its future trainer. 'Max, what's a hot spring and sand bath?' Jirachi asked Max with a confused voice, getting the 8-year-old boy to blink in surprise. "Huh?" Max looked up, then reached up and took hold of Jirachi with both hands and brought him down to look at the Wish Pokémon. "You don't know what a hot spring or sand bath is?" The Petalburg boy asked with wide eyes, having never thought Jirachi didn't know about the two at all.
Jirachi shook its head, right as Sorrel turned to look at it and Max. "Looks like Jirachi still has a lot of things to learn about the modern day". The dark green-haired boy stated, placing both hands on his hips. Max looked up at the older boy with a sympathetic smile, then nodded to him. He turned to look back at Jirachi and spoke. "Don't worry, I'll tell you all about hot springs and sand baths, Jirachi". The 8-year-old boy told his best friend, much to Jirachi's excitement at hearing this.
"I say we go on ahead and get a sand bath right now!" May exclaimed with an eager voice, throwing her right fist into the air. "We can do that after my Gym battle". Ash stated, much to May's displeasure at hearing this. She turned to look at her boyfriend with a pleading expression for him to reconsider, but unfortunately the Rainbow Hero was firm on his decision.
"I've waited a good while for my Gym battle May, and gone through a lot to get here. And be honest, you'd be acting the same way as me if it were a Pokémon Contest". The Rainbow Hero told May, much to her further displeasure since she couldn't really argue with that. "We should still take this chance to restock on supplies. Brock and I will head to the Poké Mart and the Herb Shop. I heard that they sell Revival Herbs there". Sorrel told his sworn brother, much to Ash's fascination at hearing this.
"Revival Herbs, huh? Those will be very helpful in an emergency". Ash stated, then turned to look at Sorrel. "Okay, you guys handle that. Me and the others will head to the Pokémon Center to heal up and wait for you there". The raven-haired boy told his sworn brother, which Sorrel nodded to him. "Well, let's go! The faster Ash wins his battle, the quicker we can relax and enjoy ourselves!" Verity exclaimed, throwing her right fist into the air.
The whole gang chuckled, before they began walking down to the path that'll lead to Lavaridge Town. Unknown to them was that soon, Ash was gonna have a reunion with an old friend of his that he hasn't seen for a long time. A friend that was one of his biggest motivations to do well and not give up on his Pokémon journey.
(Opening: Pokémon Journeys opening: 1, 2, 3, version 2)
With a green background, three mirrors appeared, one vertical with a rainbow background, the second with a blue background and the third had a green. All three mirrors were showing three familiar pairs of legs of three certain trainers. These windows then closed before opening again, this time showing Ash, Verity and Sorrel all running with eager looks. Ash was running forward, Verity was running right and Sorrel left. The mirrors all closed and disappeared to reveal the title "Pokémon Legend of the Rainbow Hero" in colorless letters, before the Rainbow Wing fell past it, changing the letters all into a rainbow color.
'Hey, you still not ready? C'mon, hurry up!'
The three old friends were standing in a triangle position with their backs towards each other with different coloured grounds below them. Ash's ground was a rainbow colour, Verity's an electric blue and Sorrel's a green color. Ash put his cap on his head with a grin, before adjusting his backpack. Pikachu and Espeon then appeared, jumping onto his shoulders, much to the Rainbow Hero's joy.
'You all packed and ready to leave?'
Verity knelt down for a moment, before she stood up to reveal that she was holding Piplup in her arms with the two partners smiling happily at one another.
Sorrel and Lucario were standing right besides each other with the two looking through Sorrel's notebook that he was holding with his right hand. The two partners looked at each other and smiled.
'I'll show you this wide mysterious world'
Ash, Verity, Sorrel, Pikachu, Espeon, Piplup and Lucario were all gathered together, talking to one another happily. It changed to show Sorrel adjusting his right shoe with Lucario stretching his paws out next to his trainer, while Verity had her arms wrapped around her boyfriend's right hand as she gave him a peck on the cheek, resulting in Ash's face turning flushed with Pikachu, Espeon and Piplup laughing in front of them. It then changed to show Ash and Sorrel standing in front of one another, giving a fist up to each other, before Verity appeared from below and wrapped her arms around her two old friends' shoulders, bringing them into a group hug with her eyes closed happily and the two males smiling.
'And skip the slow send-off'.
Ash, Verity and Sorrel then ran out of a Pokémon Center into the outside world. Inside the Pokémon Center, Brock watched them ran out from a bench next to a window, Max and Jirachi were playing together, before they turned to look out the door. May was handing in her Poké Balls to Nurse Joy, before she turned around and gave a warm smile.
'Be it through fire or through water'.
'I'm fumbling blindly through the days'.
'When I don't even know what the next second will bring'.
Ash, Verity and Sorrel were all standing in front of a computer screen as it showed pictures of the legendary trio of Kanto, Moltres, Zapdos and Articuno in three separate pictures with the background showing a map of the Kanto Region. The screen then changed to show Lugia and Ho-Oh in two separate pictures with the background showing a map of the Johto Region.
The computer screen changed to show three separate pictures of Groudon, Kyogre and Rayquaza with a map of the Hoenn Region as the background. The screen changed to show a single picture of Dialga, Palkia and Giratina together with a map of the Sinnoh Region as the background. It changed once more to show a single picture of Zekrom and Reshiram flying around each other with Kyurem in the center with a map of the Unova Region as the background.
The computer screen changed to show two separate pictures of Xerneas and Yveltal with a map of the Kalos Region as the background. The screen then changed once more to show two separate pictures of Solgaleo and Lunala with a map of the Alola Region as the background. Finally, it changed to show a single picture of Zacian (Crowned Sword) and Zamazenta (Crowned Shield) in front of their shrine in the Slumbering Weald.
Ash, Verity and Sorrel were looking over a folding map, before Ash turned excitedly to Sorrel and said something to him, getting him and Verity to turn their attention to him with the Pokémon Coordinator telling her boyfriend something. Pikachu, Espeon, Piplup and Lucario all sat down besides one another and snacked on some cookies gathered around their trainers.
'Each and everyone one of my memories'.
Ash's left rainbow colored eye showed the brightly flashing Rainbow Wing, before the screen zoomed out to show the Rainbow Hero in his transformed state, falling towards a bright light when Ho-Oh came by and flew around with the camera spinning around as well. Ho-Oh flew off as Ash did a flip and pulled out a Master Ball with his left hand. It gleamed with psychic energy, before it burst open with a white beam coming out.
'Can always be found inside a Ball'.
The white beam cleared to reveal Latios flying in the sky with Marshadow on his back, before Latias joined him from the right, now flying besides her brother with the sky above them filled with dark clouds. The two Eon Dragons then flew faster and out of view
A Poké Ball hit the ground and rolled over to Ash's feet. The camera changed to the inside of it with a round shadow showing the outside with the red top transparent. Ash, Verity and Sorrel gazed at the Poké Ball in wonder, before the Twinleaf turned to look at her old friends. The three stepped back as the device opened with a blue light filling the screen.
'On 1, 2, 3, dive in!'
A spotlight shined down on Ash as he thrust his right hand out with a grin, before all his Pokémon charged ahead with spot lights on all of them as well. Pikachu, Espeon, Venusaur, Blastoise, Grovyle, Raikou, Zoroark, Snorlax, Timburr, Deino, Sableye, Corphish, Meganium, Tauros, Kingler, Muk, Typhlosion, Nidoking, Gallade, Kabutops, Skrelp, Rapidash, Gengar, Primeape, Hitmonlee, Ampharos, Ursaring, Donphan, Feraligatr, Tyranitar and Trevenant all charged on ahead on the ground, while Latios, Latias, Charizard, Taillow, Pidgeot, Heracross, Scizor, Lapras, Flygon, Dragonite, Magnezone, Skarmory and Noctowl flew above them with Marshadow riding on Latios' back and Lapras floating thanks to Espeon's Psychic attack.
Pikachu suddenly sparkled with electric, before he leaped and fired Thunderbolt at Sorrel's Aerodactyl, who dodged it by flying by.
'I've got the future plans I imagined in my pocket'.
Verity's Milotic came out of nowhere with a spotlight on her and fired a Mud Shot attack at Sorrel's Lairon, striking the Rock and Iron Type and sending it sliding across the ground past Sorrel, who cried out in surprise. From the side jumped in Lucario with his paws together with an Aura Sphere in between them, getting Sorrel to smile as his Aura Pokémon fired the Aura Sphere, causing the camera to turn around to show Verity standing behind her Milotic, having wide eyes as the blue sphere grew closer.
The screen changed to show Team Rocket all together in the forest with Jessie standing to the right, James to the left and Meowth in the middle. Then from the sides, their Pokémon came out and stood behind them. Jessie had her Seviper, Dustox, Wobbuffet, Trubbish and Gothita gathered behind her, while James had Cacnea, Axew and Parasect behind him.
The three gave confident looks, before the two humans brought out Poké Balls and threw them forward as their Pokémon cheered, before the devices burst open to reveal bright white lights.
'Greeting someone new is always fresh'.
Ash stared up at the sky in amazement as Mega Latios faced off against Primal Kyogre in the air above with it raining heavily around them. Latios charged up a Luster Purge, before he fired it at Kyogre, who narrowed its eyes at the approaching attack.
'No need to hesitate! Try!'
Atop a grassy hill with the sky covered in dark clouds, Verity's Lopunny and Sorrel's Poliwrath stood 10 feet away from each other, before they charged in and began sparking in hand to hand combat with neither of them having the advantage.
Ash, Pikachu, Espeon, Latias, Zoroark, Donphan, Corphish and Dragonite all jumped up and cheered with a rainbow background. Verity, Piplup, Furret, Glameow, Vaporeon, Tangrowth, Kingdra and Lopunny all jumped up and cheered with a blue background. Finally, Sorrel, Lucario, Luxray, Accelgor, Lairon, Victreebel and Poliwrath all cheered with a green background.
'Let's have a fight!'
Atop the Sky Pillar, Ash, Verity and Sorrel all stood side by side with Pikachu riding on his trainer's right shoulder as Mega Sceptile, Mega Houndoom and Mega Gardevoir in front of them, all facing up at the sky where a shiny Mega Rayquaza was roaring down at them.
'1: Once the battle is done'.
The Hoenn Region champion Steven and his Mega shiny Metagross appeared with a silver background. The screen changed to show a stadium, where Steven waved his left hand out, giving a commanded as Mega Metagross unleashed a Flash Cannon attack. The camera shifted to show a Dragonite counter the Flash Cannon with a Hyper Beam attack with Lance standing behind the Dragon and Flying Type, having an excited grin planted on his face.
'2: And we're laughing or crying'.
The Johto Region champion Lance and his Dragonite appeared with a dark blue background. The screen then changed to various photos, the first showing Ash holding up the Johto League Silver Conference trophy in his hands, the second showing Verity holding up the Slateport Pokémon Contest Ribbon in her right hand, the third revealing Sorrel researching a set of ruins with his back turned to the camera.
The fourth photo showed all three friends and their partner Pokémon all together. Verity was in the middle, having a wide smile on her face with her eyes closed with her right hand wrapped around Sorrel's shoulders and left hand around Ash's shoulders, bringing the two smiling males into a group hug. Piplup, Pikachu and Lucario were all in front of their trainers in the photo, smiling wildly at the camera. The final photo showed them all leaning in towards the camera with happy faces.
'On 3, let's be friends!'
The screen changed to show Professor Oak, Tracey, Misty, Delia, Azora and Sylvia all together in Professor Oak's backyard with Azora holding her Pokémon in her arms. Professor Oak and Tracey smiled at each other; Misty winked at the camera and gave the peace sign with her left hand. Delia placed her hands down on Azora's shoulders and smiled down at her, getting Azora and Sylvia both to smile up at her.
The screen changed to show Forina with the sky black and various nocturnal Pokémon about, before Jirachi flew through his homeland, leaving a sparkling trail. A wild Ludicolo jumped into view in a forest, surrounded by several confused Marshtomps, before they all began dancing.
'Any day and every day, that's always been my rule'.
Ash, Verity, Sorrel, Pikachu, Piplup and Lucario stood on a cliff overlooking a city next to a tree with a blue sky filled with clouds. Time began changing as the sky changed to reveal a more clear blue one, then an orange sky as the sun began to set and then a beautiful night sky filled with stars.
The screen changed to show the Raizen Mountains, then to Mount Tensei, right where Ash battled Ho-Oh so long ago.
'With this unpredictable, boundless world awaiting'.
In the Petalburg City Gym, Norman opened his determined filled eyes, before the camera zoomed out to show that he was in the Petalburg Gym's battlefield with his Slaking in front of him. Norman crossed his arms, while Slaking roared as it began pounding its chest like a gorilla.
The screen changed to show Ash kneeling down, before he got up on his feet and walked into an opening surrounded by a white light with Pikachu by his right side.
'Let's go! Every time you trip and fall'.
With a yellow background, Pikachu's ears perked, before both he looked up at Ash as he walked forward with a wild smile that grew wilder as he looked down at Pikachu with a rainbow background. With an icy blue background, Piplup cried out as she looked up.
'Let's go! You pick yourself up by my side'.
With a blue background, Verity walked forward with a grin, before it grew as she looked down at her partner. With a silver background, Lucario's ears perked, before turned his head right to look at Sorrel as he walked forward, before he turned to look at his trusted partner with a green background.
Three mirrors appeared and showed the three old friends in separate mirrors with their Pokémon team. Sorrel was in the left mirror with his Lucario, Bagon, Bouffalant, Aerodactyl, shiny Ariados and Poliwrath around him, facing their direction with a green background. On the right mirror, Verity stood with her Piplup, Suicune, shiny Togepi, Vaporeon, Kingdra and shiny Gardevoir besides her as they faced right with a blue background.
In the middle mirror in between the three was Ash with Pikachu, Dragonite, shiny Trevenant, Donphan, Kingler, and Primeape, all facing forward with a rainbow background.
'I choose you'.
Sorrel lifted his left hand, Verity raised her right hand and Ash held up both of his hands, before all three friends hi-fived each other.
(Opening song ended)
In the town of Lavaridge Town; Ash, Verity, May and Max were all walking together with Pikachu ridding on Ash's left shoulder still, Jirachi and Klefki were floating beside the Maple siblings and Piplup now walking next to Verity. Just as they planned earlier, they split ways with Sorrel, Brock and Lucario for them to restock on supplies while they head to the Pokémon Center.
Speaking of which, it just came into view. Lavaridge Town's Pokémon Center was a large building with the Pokémon Center symbol right where it was meant to be. Big enough for lots of people to come in and stay for a few nights and so on. "Have you guys ever noticed that some of the Pokémon Centers are alike, and others have their own look?" Max asked with a curious voice, comparing this Pokémon Center to the ones they've seen before.
"Well, I guess they're just original with their own designs I guess". Ash remarked, placing both hands in his pants' pockets. The gang stopped in their tracks 5 feet away, before May turned to look at her boyfriend. "So, what's your plan for the Lavaridge Gym?" The brunette asked with a curious voice, certain that Ash has already come up with a plan to handle this Gym.
"Natasha said that it was a Fire-type Gym, remember? So, the best choices to go with would be Kingler and Donphan. Using Trevenant would be a bad idea". Max remarked as he held up his right hand's index finger, going over the best and worse options for this town's Gym. Ash just gave a confident grin with a chuckle, before holding up his right fist and stared down at it. At that exact moment; the center's front doors opened and someone began to walk out.
"You guys just watch and see! By tomorrow, the Lavaridge Gym Badge will be in my badge case with my other badges!" The Rainbow Hero exclaimed strongly, eyes flashing a rainbow colour that was too quick for anyone to notice. "Pika-pi!" Pikachu cried out, throwing his right fist into the air in an excited manner. Verity, May, Max, Piplup, Klefki and Jirachi all smiled at the raven-haired boy and his starter at seeing their strong spirits.
But then; a voice from up ahead spoke. "Ash?" A feminine voice said with a surprised, but soft tone. The gang blinked in surprise, before they looked forward and saw someone standing right in front of the Pokémon Center. Ash widened his eyes and let out an almost unheard gasp of disbelief at seeing the person because it was a longtime friend and someone important to him from his hometown.
It was a young woman that appeared to be 20-years-old. She had long sable brown hair with a flicked outside fringe, green eyes and fair skin. For clothes; she has on a blue turtle neck top with a long delicate chain with a pendant over it and a white long coat with sleeves. She also had black long pants with black pump shoes. And currently, she was staring at the Rainbow Hero with a surprised face.
(Play Friends in My Heart)
"D-Daisy!?" Ash exclaimed, catching his travel companions and starter by surprise before they all looked over to him. The adult female, called Daisy, grew a kind smile as she gently raised her left hand. "So, Grandpa was right about you coming here to Lavaridge Town". Daisy said with a happy voice, sizing Ash up by looking at him up and down. She then began to walk over to him.
The Rainbow Hero was still stunned however, at seeing her. So much that he didn't give a reply and just stared at her. Verity snapped him out of out by taking hold of his right shoulder and shook it. "Ash? Who is this? Someone you know?" The twinleaf girl asked her boyfriend with a curious voice, wondering how he knows this woman before them.
Ash blinked, before he turned to look at Verity and smiled at her. "She's an old friend of mine from Pallet". The Rainbow Hero answered, then turned to face Daisy just as she stopped in front of him and the others. Ash first turned to look at May, Max, Klefki and Jirachi, then over to Verity and Piplup. "Everyone, this is a childhood friend of mine from Pallet Town; Daisy". Ash introduced his friends to Daisy, right as he turned to look at her. "Daisy Oak". He added, much to the surprise and shock of Pikachu, Verity, May, Max and Piplup at learning this while Klefki and Jirachi just blinked.
Daisy smiled at the Rainbow Hero, before she brought up her left hand and gently placed it against Ash's right cheek. This action caused Verity and May to gasp a bit in jealousy, while Ash slightly widen his eyes with a small flush. "You've really grown up a lot since I last saw you". The long brown-haired girl said with a happy voice, smiling down at Ash with care.
Ash's very heart skipped a beat at Daisy's words, before he looked away to the side. "I-It's been 3 years since we last saw each other, after all" The raven-haired boy said with a nervous tone, something that took Pikachu by surprise. The Electric-type looked at his best friend in confusion, while Max took a step forward to Daisy. "Um, excuse me miss Daisy?" The young boy spoke with a nervous tone, catching Daisy's attention.
She turned to look at Max with a curious expression, taking a moment to look at the Jirachi floating beside him, before looking back at Max and retracting her hand. "A-Are you related to Professor Oak?" The Maple boy asked Daisy, a question that made her tilt her head for a moment and then smiled at him. "Yes, I am. He's my grandfather". Daisy answered Max, much to the surprise of everyone at learning this. The only exception was Ash as he shook his face to rid himself of that blush.
"You're Professor Oak's granddaughter?! That's amazing!" Max exclaimed with a wide grin, yet Daisy just shook her head. "Not really. I'm nothing really compared to my grandfather". The brown-haired girl told May's younger brother, yet Max didn't appear to believe her just as he kept staring at Daisy with wide eyes full of amazement. Daisy gave a nervous smile at the boy, then turned to look at Ash.
The Rainbow Hero took that moment to open his mouth and speak. "Daisy, what are you doing here in Lavaridge Town, much less in Hoenn?" Ash asked with a curious voice, honestly thinking that she'd still be in Kanto. "I came here because grandfather asked me to come see you and give you and your friends some of the newest Pokédex models". The brunette answered, much to the surprise of everyone at hearing this.
"Newest Pokédex models?!" Verity questioned in surprise, which Daisy turned to look at her and nod in confirmation. "That's right". The granddaughter of Professor Oak answered, then gave a small frown upon noticing something strange. She had been told that Ash was traveling with five others, but she counted 3 right now.
The brown-haired woman turned to look at her old friend. "Ash, where are the rest of your friends? I have one of the newest models for all of you". Daisy told the Rainbow Hero, to his slight surprise at learning this. "...They're off gathering supplies for us right now. For when we leave Lavaridge Town". Ash answered, much to Daisy's understanding at learning this.
"I see. I'm in no rush, so I can afford waiting a bit". Daisy said with a soft voice, getting a nod from Ash since he wanted to spend some time with her. "We can take this chance to catch on what we've done since we last saw each other". The Rainbow Hero said with an eager voice, earning a small giggle from his childhood friend. Still, Daisy didn't raise an objection since she wanted to spend some time with her old friend as well.
Verity, May, Max, Pikachu, Piplup, Jirachi and Klefki watched how the two Pallet Town residents interacted with each other, but were more surprised at how Ash was acting around Daisy. It wasn't strange to see Ash acting so friendly with someone, but what was surprising is how eager he seemed to be around Daisy. They all wondered just what Ash's relationship with her was.
(Half an hour later/ Music end)
It has been half an hour since Ash's unexpected with his old friend Daisy Oak. The Rainbow Hero, Verity and May handed their Pokémon over to Nurse Joy for her to take a look at them. Brock and Sorrel handed their Pokémon over to their friends so that they wouldn't have to waste more time than necessary; only Lucario stayed with them in case trouble came looking for them. So, Nurse Joy was checking and healing almost the whole gang's Pokémon right now.
Right now; Ash, Verity, Daisy, May, Max, Pikachu, Piplup and Jirachi were in the hallway where the entrance was. May had recalled Klefki earlier so that Nurse Joy could look after the Steel and Fairy-type. Pikachu, Piplup and Jirachi didn't need a checkup since Ash, Verity and May healed them with Max Restores, no need for Full Restores since they just needed to re-energize.
As for right now; Ash was standing in front of Daisy, who was leaning forward a bit as she gently scratched underneath Pikachu's chin, much to the Electric-type's delight. Verity, May and Max stood to the side with both Piplup and Jirachi in their trainer's hands (Max's hands for Jirachi's case). They've been watching Ash and Daisy interact for a bit and while it was understandable for him to spend time with her; May and Verity couldn't keep feeling a bit jealous of the attention their boyfriend was giving Daisy.
"Man, I never thought that Professor Oak had a granddaughter. I know about his grandson Gary Oak, but never heard of this Daisy Oak before". Max remarked, staring at the side of Daisy's face from where he stood. "Maybe it's because she isn't as well-known as her brother and grandfather". Verity commented, eyes slightly narrowed at the older female with a hint of jealous in her eyes.
Verity wasn't one to feel jealous, but this was a rare case. She has no idea who Daisy Oak is or what her relationship with Ash is. He's never talked about her before and yet, he seems very close to her. Verity highly doubted whatever it was between Ash and Daisy was romance related since Daisy's older than the Rainbow Hero by a good 8 years, but anything is possible.
Just then; the Pokémon Center's doors opened, catching the attention of Verity, May, Max, Pikachu, Piplup and Jirachi. They turned to see Sorrel, Brock and Lucario entering with the Veilstone boy leading. Immediately, the three of them turned to look at their friends and smiled at them. "Hey guys, we've got everything we need!" Brock called out with a wide smile, waving his left hand at them all.
"We also found a few extra things when we were out shopping". Sorrel informed his friends, before he blinked upon noticing Ash wasn't with them. "Hey, where's Ash?" The Veilstone boy asked with a curious voice, placing both hands in his coat's pockets. Instead of answering Sorrel's question, May pointed over to Ash and Daisy with her right hand's index finger.
Sorrel, Brock and Lucario turned to look at where May was pointing at and saw Ash now speaking to Daisy with Pikachu smiling at the 20-year-old female. Before Sorrel or Lucario could speak, Brock suddenly let out a gasp and it was his usual one that he lets out whenever he lays eyes on a beautiful girl that he's fallen in love with. The former Gym Leader "somehow" leaped up into the air, then landed on the ground next to Daisy on his right knee.
Ash, Daisy and Pikachu looked at Brock and saw him gazing at the brunette with his love-struck expression, right hand on his chest and left one held out to her in a gallant way like a gentleman. "I have never laid eyes on such a fair maiden like you, beautiful. I thought the town's hot springs were the most amazing thing here, but I was proven wrong the moment I laid eyes on you". The Pokémon Breeder said with a passionate and lovesick voice, a deep blush on his face as he continued to stare at Daisy.
Daisy blinked at Brock, honestly confused by his words and why he's kneeling like that. Normally at a moment like this; Max or Throh would have stepped in and ruin Brock's "quest for love", but not this time. Throh is getting healed up and Max, well it's because May asked him not to. Since Daisy's attention was on the former Gym Leader now, it was a perfect chance to learn from Ash himself on what his relationship with Daisy is.
Verity and May went over and wrapped their arms around Ash's arms, grabbing both his and Pikachu's attention. "Ash, what is your relationship with that girl?" May asked her boyfriend with a slightly jealous tone, cutting right to the chase and not wasting time. Ash blinked at May, while Sorrel, Lucario, Max, Jirachi and Piplup all gathered around the Rainbow Hero, curious to hear his answer themselves.
Ash then let out a sigh, both eyes closed in exhaustion, but still responded. "Daisy's an old friend that I've known since I was young. And to be honest, I had a very obvious and powerful crush on her". The Rainbow Hero revealed to his friends and companions, much to the shock of them and Pikachu at learning this. "You had a crush on her!?" Max whispered, turning to take another look at Daisy and took a guess on what her age is.
Ash let out a sigh of shame, reaching up and hold of his hat's brim with the right hand's thumb, index and middle fingers and slightly pulled down on it. "It was so powerful that she was one of my biggest motivations to do well and not give up on my journey". The Rainbow Hero told his friends, much to the fascination of Sorrel at learning this. "Wow... You must have liked her a lot then". The Veilstone boy remarked, honestly amazed that his sworn brother had such strong feelings for this "Daisy Oak".
"I was too young to understand that it wouldn't have worked for us. I outgrew my crush for her". Ash told his friends, slightly lifting his hat a bit to look at Daisy just as she gave an uncomfortable smile at Brock. Verity and May felt great relief at hearing this since their worries of another girl having romantic feelings for Ash were driven away. They had no idea that there was a few more girls that had romantic feelings for the Rainbow, one they encountered just yesterday and closer than they think.
Ash let go of his hat's brim and pulled his hand down. "I know that it's pointless and a bad idea to try going for something that won't happen, but I still care about her a great deal. I just want to spend some time with her after finally seeing her again after she left Pallet". The Rainbow Hero told his friends, much to their understanding. Unknown to them was that Ash kept something from them concerning his feelings for the granddaughter of Professor Oak.
They all turned their gaze over to the brunette and saw Brock still flirting with her. Daisy gave an uneasy smile at the former Gym Leader with her eyes closed nervously. "I-I'm real flattered, thank you very much. But I'm not really looking for a relationship right now. Right now I'm just here to deliver something to Ash and his friends". The brunette said to Brock with a nervous tone, feeling an urge to take a step back yet resisted it.
What Daisy said caught Sorrel by surprise, wondering what she was delivering to the Rainbow Hero. Ash, on the other hand, saw how uncomfortable his old crush was and decided to help her out. "Hey Daisy? Now that we're all here, why not show us what it is Professor Oak wanted you to deliver to us?" The Rainbow Hero asked Daisy, catching the attention of both her and Brock.
They turned to look at the raven-haired boy, before Daisy gave him a thankful smile for helping her out. "Of course. I'll be right back". The brunette replied to her old friend, turning around and walked away. Brock watched her leave with a comical gloomy face at loosing another chance on his "quest for love", while everyone else was wondering what the delivery was.
(Play Friendly Feelings)
5 minutes later; Daisy walked up to the gathered group, carrying a square size box with both hands. She stopped right in front of Ash and smiled down at him. "Here you go, Ash". She said softly, handing the box over to Ash who took and held it with both hands. The Rainbow Hero, Pikachu and the others looked down at the box in wonder as they had no idea what's inside.
Luckly for them; Daisy intended to tell them. "Inside the box are Rotom Phones for each of you". The brunette told Ash and his friends, catching all of their attention as they turned to look at him. "Rotom Phones?" Verity questioned with a small frown, thinking about the Pokémon Rotom and what its connection to this was.
Daisy nodded to the Twinleaf girl, right before she placed her right hand in her coat's pocket. "Rotom Phones are, you could say, the Pokédex of the Galar Region, but much more". She told her friends, capturing their attention once more just as she brought out what appeared to be a red phone from her coat's pocket. However, it was different as it had Rotom features like a Rotom was inhabiting within it.
She held it up for everyone to see, not to mention the Rotom face on the back of it. "It's a bit like a phone and Pokédex together, possessed by a Rotom. It hosts a multitude of functions and applications, including a Pokédex". Daisy told them, right before she directed her Rotom Phone to Pikachu on Ash's shoulder. The device's screen lit up, before it changed to show a picture of Pikachu, along with its type and information.
'Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon. An Electric type. Pikachu have pouches on their cheeks that can store electricity, which they release if threatened. Male and female Pikachu have differently shaped tails.' The device spoke, much to the gang's surprise as they turned to look at Daisy's Rotom Phone. "Whoa... That's amazing!" May gasped in awe, clapping her hands together in a delighted manner.
Daisy spared May a quick smile, then looked back at Ash. "The Rotom Phones used to only be apart of the Galar and Paldea Regions, but Grandfather was friends with its creator and managed to convince him to make some for you and your friends, Ash". The brunette explained to Ash, yet his focus was only focus on two specific parts that she said. 'The Galar and Paldea Regions?' He questioned inside of his mind, growing a bit excited at the thought of having more places to have adventures at.
"The Rotom Phones can act like a normal phone, letting you call, take pictures and even keep up to date on the latest news. As for its Pokédex fuction, it can look up any Pokémon from Kanto to Paldea, show its type and much more. It can even help you travel through the regions". Daisy explained to the gang, much to their further amazement at learning this. "Wow, that's amazing". Sorrel stated with an amazed look, before turning his gaze over to the box in Ash's hands.
"Like all the other Pokédexs, the Rotom Phone will work for the Pokémon Box Link. There's a few more features that it has, but it's probably better for you all to find out about them yourselves". The granddaughter of Professor Oak told them, lowering her Rotom Phone and looked at Ash. "The Rotom Phones were designed to match you all in some way. Go ahead and open it, Ash". The 20-year-old female told her old friend, urging him to open the box.
Ash looked up at Daisy and nodded to her. He knelt down on his right knee and placed the box down on the ground. He grabbed hold of the top of it and pulled it open, revealing a few phone cases inside with Rotom Phones, but they were all different from the one Daisy had.
A few seconds later; the whole gang even Max, were holding Rotom Phones that were all different from each other, but it was mostly out of color. Ash held a Rotom Phone that was designed after Pikachu with his right hand. It had the colors, ears and tail all to match the Electric Mouse Pokémon. The Rainbow Hero stared at it with a curious expression, while Pikachu had a smile at seeing the device modeled after him.
With Verity; she was holding a sky blue Rotom Phone with her left hand. Unlike Ash's one, it wasn't a designed one and more like Daisy's one only a different color. The Twinleaf girl was staring at her new item with curious eyes, before she looked down at Piplup and saw the Water type staring at Verity's Rotom Phone in curiosity.
Sorrel held a white Rotom Phone with the right hand with Lucario standing right beside him; both of them staring at it with curious eyes. It was a normal model, only white coloured just like the ones Verity and Daisy had. Sorrel couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed that his model didn't have a different design from the normal ones, yet didn't complain.
May and Max were standing right beside each other with Klefki and Jirachi floating close by; both Maple siblings holding their own Rotom Phones. May's one was an orange colour, while Max had a green one. It was a surprise that they both got one for each other, but it wasn't an unwelcome surprise. It worked just fine with them since it'll help them both greatly.
And Brock was holding a dark brown Rotom Phone with his right hand. Like almost everyone else's ones, Brock's Rotom Phone had a normal design and just had a different color. The former Gym Leader had no reason to complain though since this device will help him greatly with coming up with ways to become a better Pokémon Breeder. And even keep in contact with his family.
Ash turned to look at his old friend, then gave Daisy a smile of appreciation. "Thanks for delivering these Rotom Phones to us, Daisy". The raven-haired boy thanked his old friend, something that Daisy just shook her head at. "It was no trouble. Besides, I got the chance to see you again after so long". She replied to her old friend, getting a small laugh from the Rainbow Hero.
"Hey... If you're in no big rush, why not come and watch my Gym Battle?" The Rainbow Hero suggested to Daisy, much to her slight surprise at hearing this. "You wouldn't mind me being there to watch?" She asked him with a surprised voice, honestly surprised he'd want her there to watch his Gym Battle. "Of course not. I'd really like for you to see how much I've grown since that day you left Pallet Town". Ash answered, putting his new Rotom Phone away in his pants' pocket.
Daisy spent a moment or two staring at Ash, before she grew a small smile and nodded to him. "I heard about how you won the Johto Region Silver Conference, so I'm curious to see how strong you've become. Alright Ash, I'll come watch your Gym Battle". The brunette told Ash, filling him with excitement upon hearing this. "I'm gonna give you a show you aren't gonna forget anytime soon". Ash told his childhood friend, getting a giggle from Daisy as she folded both hands.
(Music end)
Ash turned to look over to Sorrel and saw his sworn brother still exammining his new Rotom Phone. "Got everything we needed?" The Rainbow Hero asked Sorrel, catching his attention as he looked and nodded to Ash. "Everything. Plus, a little extra". Sorrel answered, putting his Rotom Phone away in his coat's pockets. He then brought out a silver colored disk with his right hand and a small stone with his left hand.
Ash looked at the two items Sorrel was holding, while Pikachu jumped into Daisy's arms with the 20-year-old woman catching the Electric Mouse with a smile. The Rainbow Hero widen his eyes in surprise at identifying the items to be a TM and a Mega Stone.
He looked up at Sorrel's face and saw a smirk displayed at him. "This is TM75: Swords Dance. I got it from a black belt near the market. And as for the Mega Stone, it is a Houndoominite that I found lying on the ground". The Pokémon Professor in training told his sworn brother, passing the TM over to Ash. The Rainbow Hero caught the TM with his right hand and spared a moment to look at it. Ash looked back at Sorrel and nodded in approval to him.
Unknown to the whole gang that their old "friends" Team Rocket was close by. Turns out that the Lavaridge Pokémon Center was connected to a hot spring at the back for trainers and their Pokémon to soak in and relax. And right now; Team Rocket were relaxing in the hot springs after the big battle with both Team Magma and Aqua yesterday, not to mention the long track down the mountain to reach here.
Jessie, James and Meowth were all in the same hot spring with all their Pokémon out and relaxing with them. Seviper, Dustox, Wobbuffet, Trubbish, Gothorita, Cacturne, Axew and Parasect all had their eyes closed in bliss as they soak in the warm and relaxing waters next to their trainers. James was almost naked with only a towel around his waist, while Jessie had one wrapped around her body.
It was unknown if this was a mix gender bath or not, but it didn't really matter to Team Rocket and their Pokémon right now. "Ahhh! This is the life". Jessie moaned out, leaning against a rock with her arms resting against two closer ones as well. "I have to agree with you on that. After an intense day like yesterday, we deserve this". James commented, resting against a rock himself with both hands folded behind his head.
Meowth was floating on his back, letting out a pleased breath. "Almost makes me just want to stay in here for da whole day". The Normal type remarked, "unable" to find the strength to get out of this relaxing hot spring. It was soothing his soul and ridding all of the stress he's been feeling for a few days now.
At Meowth's words, Jessie opened her eyes and grew a small serious frown. "As much as I want to stay here and relax, we can't waste too much time. Another half and hour and we're gone". The female adult told her teammates, much to the disappointment of James, Meowth and their Pokémon at hearing this. "Oh well... Let's just rest and enjoy ourselves until we have to go". James said with a sigh, getting a cry of agreement from Cacturne and Axew with both of their raising a hand into the air.
Jessie stood up from the water, keeping a hold on the towel wrapped around her body with the right hand. "Seviper, Gothoriat and Wobbuffet, onto the sand baths for us". She told her Pokémon, before she turned and began to get out of the hot spring. "Seviper/ Gothorita/ Wobbuffet". The three said softly, getting up from the warm waters and followed their trainer to the sand baths.
(A little bit later/ Play Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire OST Gym Music)
Almost right after the gang got their fully healed and refresh Pokémon from Nurse Joy; the gang left and went straight to the Lavaridge Gym for Ash's Gym Battle. May recalled her Klefki too since she wanted the Stell and Fairy type to rest up. Daisy accompanied them since she promised Ash to watch his Gym battle as well.
It didn't take too long for them to arrive at the Gym, which looked more like Norman's Gym than the others that they've all been to so far. It was a tall red and white two-story house with a gate that had a Pokémon statute at the top and two small flags at the sides of the gate. Ash and the others stood in front of the gate with the Rainbow Hero calling out loud. "Hello, I'm here for a Gym Battle!" Ash called out, loud enough for anything to hear from the inside. "Pika-pika!" Pikachu exclaimed, ridding on Ash's right shoulder again.
"Anyone here!" Brock called out as well, yet got no response from inside. This left the whole gang and Daisy confused at no one responding to their calls. "That's weird. I guess there's no one around". Max remarked, carrying Jirachi in his arms with the Wish Pokémon holding onto his best friend's hands. "Try one more time". May suggested to her boyfriend, arms folded behind her back.
"Is anybody here?!" Ash called out one more time, finally getting a response but it wasn't what they were expecting. "Hothothothot!" A feminine voice cried out, right before a female that looked to be Daisy's age ran in from the side. She had red hair that she had tied up in a ponytail, peach skin and wearing an multi colored outfit of black, blue red and white with a green jacket that was on fire. (Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby appearance)
Verity gasped in surprise, watching the older woman run around the entrance, flailing her arms around as the green jacket continued to burn. "Piplup, quickly! Use Hydro Pump!" The Twinleaf girl exclaimed, holding her starter out with both hands. "Piplup!" The Penguin Pokémon cried out, right before it opened its beak and releases a powerful stream of water with white rings of water around it at the girl.
Hydro Pump struck, but thankfully didn't hurt the girl. She just blinked in surprise at the flames burning her jacket died down completely. Once done, the Hydro Pump died down completely and revealed the girl soaked, but unharmed. The red-haired girl let out a sigh of relief, shoulders dropping a bit. "Whoa, what a relief". She stated, before growing a confident face.
She grabbed hold of her jacket, then threw it off much like Team Rocket and gave the gang the thumbs up with her right hand. "Thank you!" She thanked them for the help and immediately, Brock was love struck again. "You're welcome!" The former Gym Leader exclaimed with anime heart shape eyes, right before his head went off volcanic anime style as well. He comically slides up to the red-haired female with both hands clapped together, while she stared at him in confusion.
"That burning fire is in my heart". He said to the red-haired female, much to her confusion at why he's acting like this. Brock threw both arms out into the air, but before he could continue his advance a bright white light came out of his pocket and...
Kablam!
The bright light quickly took shape and brought Brock into a firemen's lift, holding his body across its shoulders, jolting them hard into position and bringing pain to the Pokémon Breeder. The light cleared to reveal that it was Throh, who had a disappointed frown on its face. Daisy and the red-haired girl gasped in surprise at seeing this, while the gang sighed.
Throh turned around and walked away a bit, all the while still continuing to bring the pain to its trainer. "Throh". The Fighting type said as it passed Daisy, who watched Throh with wide eyes. "Your friend and his Pokémon have an... interesting relationship". The brunette said with an unsure voice, getting a small nervous laugh from Ash and Pikachu since they couldn't really argue with her on that.
May turned to look at the red-haired girl with a curious expression. "How did your clothes catch on fire, anyway?" The Maple girl asked, wondering if an accident happened or it was something else. "I was training with Mag and Meg". The unknown female answered with her left hand against the hip, catching Sorrel's attention at who she was talking about.
"Friends of yours?" The Veilstone boy asked with a curious voice, getting an answer that didn't come from the girl before them. "Slugma!/ Magcargo!" Two voices cried out, right before a Slugma and Magcargo came in out of nowhere from the girl's left and right. The red-haired girl got down on her left knee and gave a happy smile with both eyes closed as she pat both Slugma and Magcargo on the head, much to their delight.
"They're my sweet Slugma and Magcargo. We were all training together, trying to get Meg to evolve when their Flamethrower sort of caught me on fire by accident". She explained to them all, before opening both eyes to look at the gang with a curious look. "Hey, wait, what are you guys all doing here?" The red-haired female asked, wondering why they're here at the Lavaridge Gym.
(Music end)
"I came here for a Gym Battle!" Ash answered with conviction, much to the red-haired girl's excitement as she shot up to her feet. "A Gym Battle?!" She asked in excitement, before holding both arms up in excitement. "Alright! A challenger, finally!" She added, much to the confusion of the gang, including the now freed Brock and Throh beside him.
The red-haired girl jumped over anime style to in front of Ash and leaned down to get a better look at him. "I've been waiting so long for a challenger!" She said with both hands clapped together, before separating them and placed the left hand on her chest. "I'm Flannery". The red-haired now named Flannery introduced herself, before holding her right hand out for a handshake.
"Howdy". She greeted the Rainbow Hero, right as he grew a grin and took her hand in a handshake. "Hi, I'm Ash and I'm from Pallet Town". Ash greeted Flannery back with respect. "Pika-pikachu". Pikachu commented from his best friend's shoulder, greeting the red-haired girl warmly. "I'm Verity from Twinleaf Town in Sinnoh. And this is my Piplup". Verity introduced herself and Piplup, bringing up the Penguin Pokémon as it waved at Flannery.
"My name Sorrel and I'm from Veilstone City". Sorrel greeted the red-haired female, while Lucario gave a small growl as a greeting. "Hi Flannery, I'm May". May greeted Flannery with a bright and friendly smile with both eyes closed. "And I'm Max, and this is Jirachi". Max introduced himself and Jirachi, looking down at the little legendary in his arms as Jirachi gave a wave of its right hand.
"Hi, my name's Brock". Brock introduced himself with a nervous sweat, careful to not tick off Throh again. Speaking of the Fighting type, it crossed both arms and nodded to Flannery as its way of greetings. Daisy placed her right hand on her chest, then spoke. "I'm Daisy from Pallet Town as well". The brunette introduced herself to Flannery, just as Ash and Flannery let go of each other's hands.
The red-haired grew suddenly grew an excited expression once more, right before she jumped 10 feet away from the gang. "A Gym Battle... And it's all mine!" She cried out in delight. Brock and Sorrel frowned a bit at what they heard as it meant that Flannery was the Gym Leader. "Hold on. I thought that the Lavaridge Gym was run by an older man named Mr. Moore". The former Pewter City Gym Leader remarked, recalling what he heard about the Lavaridge Gym. Sorrel gave a nod of the head, having did his own research on this town's gym and its Gym Leader.
Flannery didn't stop to explain herself; instead, she brought out an enlarged Poké Ball with her right hand. "Torkoal, now! Go!" The red-haired female exclaimed, holding the Torkoal like a baseball player and tossed it forward. The device spun through the air, before it stopped spinning and burst open, releasing a powerful white beam that shot out and struck the ground.
It quickly took shape, before clearing to reveal a Pokémon that Ash has never seen before. It is a tortoise-like, quadrupedal Pokémon. It has a large, black, rock-like shell with holes that glow with a red warmth. Its skin is reddish-brown with gray-black bands on its legs and neck. It has a long neck and its eyes seem permanently closed. "Torkoal!" The Pokémon named Torkoal cried out with energy, ready for battle at its trainer's command.
Flannery grinned with confidence, holding up a single bit of coal with her right hand. "Are you ready?! Here's some coal!" She exclaimed, throwing the coal into the air. "Koal". Torkoal turned its head and ate the coal that Flannery tossed. It turned to face Ash, munching on the coal a bit before swallowing it. "Torkoal tork...tork!" The Fire type groaned, before blowing out smoke from its nostrils and the top of its back; sounding like a locomotive horn.
"Yeah!" Flannery exclaimed, giving the victory sign with her right hand's index and middle fingers. "Now, you're ready!" She added, giving a spin of the body before throwing her right fist into the air. Ash stared at Flannery's Pokémon with interest, growing a liking to it. "That's a Torkoal, huh". The Rainbow Hero said to himself, bringing out his new Rotom Phone with his left hand and held it up.
"Pi..." Pikachu said softly as Verity and May leaned in to look at Ash's Rotom Phone, just as it scanned Torkoal and displayed an image of it. "Torkoal, the Coal Pokémon. Torkoal burns coal within its body to produce energy. As a defense, Torkoal is able to release smoke from its nostrils and its back to confuse enemies". The Pikachu themed Rotom Phone explained, revealing data on the Fire type before them all.
Ash turned his Rotom Phone off, then looked up towards Flannery's Torkoal with an interested grin. "Wow... Now that's a Pokémon I wanna get for myself". The Rainbow Hero stated, taking a mental note to look up where to find Torkoal to find and catch one later. "Kay Torkoal, let's show him the kind of battle that would make my grandpa proud!" Flannery exclaimed with spirit, her Slugma and Magcargo going to behind their trainer. "Tork...!" The Fire type exclaimed, blowing out smoke from its nostrils and the top of its back once more.
Ash and Pikachu widen their eyes in surprise at seeing this because it meant Flannery was ready to battle them here. "Hold on! You guys can't just start battling like that!" Max cried out with wide eyes, coming in between Ash and Flannery while Jirachi just blinked innocently. The female Gym Leader stared at the young boy with wide eyes, realizing that he was right about that.
"Yeah, you're right. All Gym Battles are fought on an official field, aren't they?" Flannery said with both eyes closed in a cheeky manner, left hand scratching the back of her head and right one on the hip. "Yes". Max answered with an annoyed voice and sweat drop, wondering how this girl forgot something important like that.
A minute or two later; Flannery lead them and her Pokémon all inside to the Lavaridge Gym's battlefield, but they were met with a surprise there. The whole battlefield was a total wreck; rocks and whole were everywhere, and the field wasn't in anyway in good condition for a Gym battle. Flannery gasped at seeing her battlefield like this, while everyone else was surprised.
"This is your battlefield?" Ash questioned with wide eyes, unable to believe what he is seeing since every Gym battlefield he's seen was in perfect condition. "This is no battlefield, it's too big a mess to be one". Sorrel remarked, hands pressed against his hips as he turned to look left and right.
Flannery grew a nervous expression, one again scratching the back of her head and had a hand against the hip. "Yeah, well, now that you mention it, I do seem to remember that my opponent in the last battle really liked to use Dig a lot. Sorry about that, I got so caught up in training, I sort of forgot to clean up. Oh well". Flannery apologized, dropping her head in embarrassment while everyone else sweat drop at how she got carried away from something so important.
Ash let out a sigh because this meant that his Gym Battle was gonna be postpone until this mess has been cleared out. "We'll help you clean up the battlefield, then have our Gym Battle". The Rainbow Hero told Flannery, much to her relief at hearing this. "I'd say that's a good idea. In case you didn't know, a Gym Leader's not just responsibly for battling, but also for creating the right atmosphere for the Pokémon". Max explained, raising his left hand with the index finger out.
"Ahehe". Brock laughed a bit at Max's words, but didn't really disagree with him on that. "Thanks for that insight, Max". May thanked her brother, closing both eyes in a gratitful way. Max turned to look at his sister, while Jirachi floated around his best friend to Max's head. "Well, that's what dad says". The young boy told his sister, catching Flannery's attention at what he said.
"What? Your dad?" The female Gym Leader questioned, catching May's attention right before she turned to look at him. "Sorry about that. You see, our dad is the Gym Leader of the Petalburg Gym". May told the older female, catching Ash's attention at the mention of the Petalburg Gym. 'That's right... After I get the Lavaridge Gym badge, I'll have four and will finally be able to face Norman in an official Gym battle'. The Rainbow Hero thought with a growing smirk, feeling his very spirit shake with excitement at the thought of finally facing the father of his travel companions.
"Wow! So that means you're Norman's kids!" Flannery exclaimed in amazement, right before Brock came sliding anime style to the female Gym leader with heart shape eyes and hands clapped together. "And I too happen to be a Gym Leader from the Pewter Gym. As well as being the son of a Gym leader". The Pokémon Breeder told Flannery, then took a step closer to her.
However; the former Gym Leader felt a dark glare directed at him from behind. Brock lost his lovesick look and gave a gulp, before growing a small frown. "Fine, you win. I'll stop". Brock stated, then looked over his left shoulder to see Throh standing right being him with both arms crossed and a dark glare directed at its trainer. "Throh". The Fighting type remarked, turning to look away to the side.
Max gave a sweat drop at seeing this, but couldn't help feeling a bit inferior to Throh. 'He's been keeping Brock on a tighter leash than I ever did. I'm starting to feel like I'm under threat of losing my job'. The young boy thought to himself, thinking back to how Misty, Chatot and now Throh handled Brock and how they did a better job than him. Max let out a defeated sigh with both eyes closed, getting Jirachi to glance down at him in confusion.
Sorrel and Lucario stared at Brock and Throh with a sweat drop for a moment, before they both turned to look at Flanney. "Anyway, shall we get started on cleaning up your battlefield?" The Veilstone boy questioned Flannery, which she gave a nod of the head. She pointed over to a nearby storehouse near the stands of the battlefield with her right hand. "There's shovels over there, enough for all of us". Flannery told Sorrel, bringing her hand down as she spoke.
Sorrel nodded to the female Gym Leader, before he and Sorrel started walking over to the storehouse. Verity and Piplup watched them go, before the Twinleaf girl turned to look at Flannery. "If you want, we can call out our Pokémon to help with cleaning your battlefield". She offered to Flannery, certain that they'll complete the clean up faster with more hands to help.
"I appreciate the offer, but no need. I'll just get my Pokémon to help". Flannery replied to Verity, much to her wonder at what she meant by that. "Your Pokémon?" Verity questioned, then glanced down to Flannery's Torkoal, Slugma and Magcargo and wondered if she meant them. Flannery faced forward, then brought both hands to both sides of her mouth to amplify her voice.
"Everyone, come here please! I need your help with cleaning up the battlefield!" Flannery called out loud and clear, getting everyone to look at her in confusion at why she's being so loud. Flannery brought down both hands and placed them on her hips, growing a small smile as she did so.
It was silence for a good few seconds, until the rocky battlefield started to slightly shake from a mini earthquake. Ash and the gang glanced down at the ground with slightly wide eyes, while Flannery and her Pokémon all smiled right before they turned to look at another double door entrance to the battlefield. At that moment, something banged hard on the door from the other side three times, catching everyone's attention.
The double door fell from its hinges and slammed down on the ground, kicking up a bit of dust. Then, multiple Pokémon, a total of seven, entered the battlefield with cries. There was a Blaziken, Houndoom, Camerupt, Arcanine, Rapidash and two Pokémon that Ash, May and Max have never seen before.
One was a large, vaguely humanoid, red-and-yellow-striped Pokémon with an egg-shaped body. It has pink lips on its dark face. It has yellow, tubular arms with a black "band" on both and three small claws on the black part of each "hand". Its legs are small in proportion to its body with pink thighs, red feet, and black shackles around its ankles. It has one large yellow flame on its head, as well as large red flames on its shoulders and tail. Additionally, it has four pink spikes on its back. It has an organ that resembles a magma chamber.
The other one's a Pokémon that resembles a sentient chandelier. It has a striped, round head, and round, pupil-less yellow eyes. There is a ring of small, black spikes on top of its head with a tall, purple flame in the middle. From a black spike below its head, black arms curl upward. These arms are tipped with purple fire.
All these Pokémon came right up and gathered around Flannery with the red-haired girl laughing in delight. "Wow! A Blaziken, Houndoom, Camerupt, Arcanine and Rapidash!" May exclaimed in awe, her eyes focused on the Blaziken as a sign of her strong desire to evolve Combusken into one herself someday. "But what are those other two Pokémon? I've never seen them before". Max remarked with a confused frown, catching the attention of Daisy.
The brown-haired woman turned to look down at the young boy beside her and smiled at him. "Flannery's last two Pokémon are a Magmortar and Chandelure. A Magmortar's a Pokémon from the Sinnoh Region, and Chandelure's from Unova". Daisy told Max, now grabbing his attention. The Maple boy looked up at Daisy, right as she held her right hand up and gestured to Magmortar and Chandelure.
"Use your Rotom Phone. It'll tell you about them". She told her new young friend, which Max nodded to Daisy. He brought out his new Rotom Phone with his left hand, took it into both hands and held it sideways. First, he pointed it at Magmortar and the device scanned it, screen changing to show an image of the Fire type. "Magmortar, the Blast Pokémon and the evolved form of Magmar. It launches fireballs that can reach temperatures over 3,600 degrees from the ends of its arms and lives in volcanic craters". The device spoke, giving out information about Magmortar to Max.
The 8-year-old boy grew a surprised face at learning Magmortar is the evolve form of a Magmar, but didn't think too much about it. He then directed his Rotom Phone over to Flannery's Chandelure with the screen changing to show an image of the Fire and Ghost type. "Chandelure, the Luring Pokémon and the evolved form of Lampent. Chandelure uses its dancing flames to hypnotize opponents". Max's Rotom Phone gave out information about Chandelure, getting a small shiver from Max at learning this.
Jirachi looked a bit uncomfortable at seeing so many Fire types gathered around. He was part Steel type, so he was weak against Fire types like the ones Flannery had. Max looked up and noticed his best friend's uncomfortable expression. He raised an eyebrow at seeing that, before bringing both hands up and took hold of Jirachi. Max brought the mythical legendary to in front of him and gave a reassuring smile, one that Jirachi nervously returned.
A little bit later; Ash, the gang and Flannery stood beside Flannery's Pokémon with all the humans holding shovels in their hands. "Alright cleanup crew, let's get this on the way!" The Rainbow Hero exclaimed with spirit, ready and get this all fixed up quickly to have his Gym battle. "Yeah!" The rest of the gang, Jirachi included, cried out in response with Pikachu, Piplup and Lucario crying out as well.
Flannery's Pokémon all cried out energetically, ready to get to work themselves. Flannery gave a smile at seeing this, before she looked up towards the sky. "Grandpa... While you're traveling, I hope you're keeping an eye on me". The female Gym Leader said, hoping her grandfather is enjoying his journey and keeping up to date with how she's doing.
(Meanwhile/ Play Everyday Life)
At the edge of a cliff overlooking Lavaridge Town stood an old man with gray hair and blue eyes (Anime appearance), carrying a travel backpack. This is Mr. Moore, Flannery's grandfather and former Gym Leader of the Lavaridge Gym. He's retired from being the Gym Leader because of his newfound fascination with Pokémon poetry. He decided to go on a journey to study more of poetry and left his granddaughter in charge of the Lavaridge Gym.
However, he's come back to his home town out of concern for his granddaughter. The truth is that despite naming her the new Gym Leader, Mr. Moore hasn't given her any proper training to be one. So, he has returned from his journey out of concern for Flannery. "As much as I'm loving my journey, I'm just so worried about my little Flannery. I hope she's doing alright with all her Gym Leader duties". The old man said with a worried voice, pleading that his granddaughter was doing okay.
"Mr. Moore has been gone for three days now". A feminine voice said from Mr. Moore's right, much to his alarm. He turned around to see a few more old people, a couple of friends of his headed his way. He quickly hid behind a tree and remained still and silent to not draw their attention. "Love to know where he is". One of the three remarked, an old man just like Mr. Moore. "I wonder if he's passed through Fallarbor Town". The last of the group, another old man, said with a smile as he and the other two passed the tree Mr. Moore was hiding behind.
"I wonder how his poetry is coming". The only old woman of the group said with a curious voice. "I'm anxious to read some of it". The other old man wearing blue stated, words that made Mr. Moore gulp. His face was twitching at the very thought of being discovered by his friends especially after the sendoff they all gave him. "I can't very well go back. Especially not after that sendoff they gave me". Mr. Moorse said to himself, deciding to use his experienced skills of disguising himself to help with his current situation.
(Back at the Lavaridge Gym)
Everyone has started cleaning the battlefield and were making good progress so far. Brock recalled Throh out of fear of it stopping any of his advances on Flannery. Anyway right now; May, Max and Jirachi were all working together to carry a rather large and heavy rock away. And walking next to them was Flannery's Magmortar, effortlessly carrying two large boulders with its hands as if it were no problem.
Nearby; Ash, Verity, Brock, Daisy, Sorrel Flannery Pikachu, Piplup, Houndoom, Arcanine and Rapidash were all filling in holes of the battlefield with dirt to fill it out. Flannery's Torkoal, Slugma, Chandelure, Camerupt and Magcargo were rolling the rocks around. And finally, Lucario and Blaziken were smashing the large boulders into pieces with their brute strength by punching or kicking them.
Flannery paused in her digging and turned to look at Ash with an apologetic smile. "Sorry for this mess, guys. Believe it or not, I was planning on doing all this cleaning up myself". The red-haired girl told Ash, catching his attention. He stopped digging and turned to look at Flannery with a soft smile. "Don't worry about it. We don't mind lending a helping hand". The Rainbow Hero replied to Flannery, before he turned to look at Sorrel right as he spoke up. "The faster we finish cleaning all this up, the sooner Ash can have his battle". he stated, not stopping even as he talked and continued digging.
Unknown to them all is that a little bit away in the close by mountains; Mr. Moore was watching them through binoculars just like the ones Team Rocket uses every now and then. He had put on a fake brown wig and mustache, even glasses to keep his eyes concealed, all for his disguise. "No...! Flannery didn't even take care of the battlefield like she's supposed to! Having her opponents help with the cleaning is an utter disgrace. And what's more; she's shown all of her Pokémon and given away any chance of taking her opponent by surprise!" Mr. Moore literally "cried" on his left sleeve, feeling so disappointed with his granddaughter's unprofessionalism.
Little did Mr. Moore know that on the other side of a large boulder he was standing next to was Team Rocket; both Jessie and James dressed and refreshed. They were looking through binoculars of their own at the gang helping Flannery clean her battlefield, but their gazes were on Flannery's Pokémon. "Oh wow, quite the gang of Fire types. Don't you think?" James questioned his teammates, looking right at Flannery's Arcanine since it reminded him of his beloved Growlie.
"Yeesh! I'm counting 10 of them and they're fully evolved Pokémon at that. Those Gym Leaders are tougher than I thought". Meowth remarked, looking right at Magmortar and shivered a bit at the thought of getting crushed underneath its foot. "Yeah... I'm starting to think Gym Leaders actually hold back a lot with newbie trainers". Jessie said, thinking back to the Gym Battles Ash were apart of back in Kanto and Johto.
"The ones that the twerp has been battling in Hoenn have all been a lot tougher than the ones before. I wonder if it's because they know he won the Johto League Silver Conference". James said with a curious voice, lowering the binoculars from his eyes. Jessie lowered her binoculars as well, before she held up her right fist with an expression of resolve. "Oh, who cares! Let's get down there and get to stealing!" The female adult exclaimed, resulting in both of her teammates looking at her as if she had two heads instead of one.
"Are you crazy? This isn't like yesterday with those grunts from Team Magma and Aqua, those are Pokémon belonging to a Gym Leader! They're probably well trained and know some powerful moves! I don't know about you two, but I for one don't want to become extra crispy!" Meowth exclaimed with a small glare, recalling all the times they got literally burned in the past and how much it hurt.
Jessie looked down at the Normal type with a small frown. "You think I don't know that! After yesterday and the relaxing morning we had, I'm not in the mood to try any sneaky business! Let's just do the direct approach and get right to it!" She exclaimed with a proud voice, yet James just shivered a bit at the thought. "That's just a scenario that screams out that we're gonna get burned to a crisp! And I highly doubt we'd actually manage to steal even a single one of the Gym Leader's Pokémon". The former rich boy said with a hint of comical fear in his voice, already picturing them all getting hit with Flamethrower.
"Managing to steal at least one and sending it over to the boss would be a bonus, but that's not the main aim of battling them". Jessie told her teammates, getting James and Meowth to look up at her in confusion. "What do you mean by dat?" The Normal type questioned Jessie, a bit confused since their main purpose is stealing Pokémon yet she just said that wasn't the main focus of battling them.
Jessie chuckled with pride as she rested both hands against her hips. "Yesterday thanks to the hard battling; my Gothita evolved into a Gothorita and James's Cacnea became a Cacturne. All our hard work paid off yesterday and two of our Pokémon finally evolved!" She explained with a smirk, right before James and Meowth turned back towards the Lavaridge Gym.
"I get it now. The battle's nothing more than a push for our Pokémon to get closer to evolving". James said with a smirk, before holding up his binoculars and looked through them again. "Just imagine us having a team of fully evolved Pokémon of our own. Our chances of actually managing to steal stuff and catching Pikachu will be a lot higher than they are now". Meowth said with an eager smirk, then started cackling.
"You know what else would increase our chances? Getting more Pokémon". James stated, lowering his binoculars and looked up at the sky above. Meowth and Jessie blinked at James' words, before the Normal type nodded since he couldn't argue with that. "Jimmy boy has a point there. With more Pokémon, we can match them better than before". Meowth stated as he crossed both arms, taking a mental note to keep on the lookout for any strong Pokémon they come across in the future.
"We'll worry about getting more Pokémon later, let's just get ready to battle!" Jessie exclaimed, throwing her right fist into the air. She then took a step forward, but stopped upon noticing something in the corner of her left eye. She turned and saw Mr. Moore, once again looking through his binoculars again. "What?" She questioned in surprise to see someone else spying on the gang and Flannery.
James and Meowth looked over to Mr. Moore, both of them frowning at the old man. "Now who could that be?" The former rich boy questioned, wondering if Mr. Moore was a spy from Team Magma or Aqua. "He doesn't look to be from Team Aqua or Magma. Not to mention that he's too old to be apart of them". The Normal type Pokémon said with a curious voice, pointing out Mr. Moore's age. "Then why is he up here, spying on them like us?" Jessie questioned with her own frown, yet her voice finally caught the old man's attention.
Team Rocket and Mr. Moore stared at each other without a word for a good few seconds, until James broke the silence. "Hello". He nervously greeted, before both groups gave a cry and ran from each other's sights.
(Music end)
A little big later; Ash and everyone have stopped cleaning up the battlefield for now to take a break. Flannery brought everyone some juice and Pokémon food for her Pokémon, Pikachu, Piplup, Lucario and Jirachi. May, Max, Verity, Daisy and Flannery were all sitting down on the stands as they enjoyed their juice, while Ash, Sorrel and Broke were all standing up. As for the Pokémon, they were all sitting down and eating their own bowl of Pokémon food.
Both May and Max brought their glass cups up and had their juice in one gulp. The two brought their glasses down and let out happy sighs. "Yummy!" The oldest Maple sibling said with a pleased voice, having enjoyed the refreshment greatly. "Good time for a break, right?" Flannery asked with a smile, which Daisy nodded to her new friend. "I agree with you on that". The brunette stated, then went to enjoy her own cup of juice.
"So, Flannery, what are the rules for your Gym?" Max suddenly asked the new Gym Leader, catching her by surprise at the random question. Flannery looked up at the sky, right hand's index finger touching the side of her face. "Ummm, I think grandpa always changed things around based on his opponents". The red-haired female answered with an unsure voice, much to Max's displeasure at hearing this.
"Come on! Are you really the Gym Leader here?" Max questioned, resulting in May giving her brother a frown of disapproval. "Max, stop it". She told the younger Maple sibling, yet Flannery wasn't discouraged by Max's words. She got up on her feet and pointed to herself with her right hand's thumb. "I'm the Lavaridge Gym Leader alrighty! Gym Leader for three whole days!" Flannery revealed, much to the gang's surprise at hearing this.
Ash turned around to look at Flannery with wide eyes. "T-Three whole days?!" The Rainbow Hero questioned, finally realizing why Flannery seemed so new at being a Gym Leader because she is new. Flannery brought her left hand down, then brought up the right one and scratched her cheek with a nervous smile. "Yeah. Before that, my grandpa was". The red-haired girl told Ash, much to Verity's curiosity at hearing this.
"Why not tell us a little bit about your grandpa?" Verity suggested to the red-haired female, wondering what kind of man Flannery's grandfather is. "Sure, no problem". Flannery replied, lowering her hand and closed both eyes in a fond way. "Everyone knows him as "Old Man Moore". And boy, did he ever have a strong Typhlosion". The red-haired girl began, already catching Ash's attention at the mention of a Typhlosion.
The Rainbow Hero gave a smile as he thought about his own Typhlosion and all they've gone through in Johto. "They were an absolutely unbeatable team. But then one day, all of a sudden, he really started getting into Pokémon poetry". Flannery continued, now getting a sweat drop from Verity at what she heard. 'Pokémon Poetry? How does that work exactly?' The Twinleaf girl questioned inside of her mind, not really the least bit fascinated by that stuff.
"He even started a Pokémon poetry club. One of his old friends named "Gavin" came out with a whole book of Pokémon Poetry called "The Hidden Byway". It became a best seller. At least among the older crowd, they just couldn't get enough. It tells through poetry of his travels and encounters with Pokémon. With almost the whole village there to say goodbye, grandpa was off on a journey of his own for Pokémon poetry". Flannery finished explaining to her new friends how she became the new Lavaridge Gym Leader.
"Well, that explains how you became the Gym Leader without knowing too much about it". Max stated, something that Sorrel gave a nod of his head. "He's right. There's nothing wrong with your grandfather pursuing what he loves, but he should have taken the time to properly train you a bit instead of just leaving straight away". He said with a small frown, thinking about a dear friend of his that was to become a Gym Leader herself. He can only hope she's been properly prepared and is doing well.
"Looking back on it now, I guess you guys have a point". Flannery said with a small wince, starting to wish her grandfather taught her a little. "That reminds me Flannery; got any badges here? You're gonna need a Lavaridge badge to give out after the battle". Max told the red-haired female, speaking with full confidence that his idol will win his Gym battle against Flannery.
"Being prepared is a good thing Max, but there's no certainty Ash'll win. It'll all depends on how well they battle with their Pokémon". Daisy told the young boy, reaching out with her left hand and gently stroke Max's head. Flannery threw Daisy a thankful smile, before she looked up and tried to think on where her grandfather put the Lavaridge Gym badges.
A few minutes later in Flannery's house; the gang, her, Pikachu, Piplup, Lucario and Jirachi have been looking through Mr. Moore's office for Lavaridge badges, but couldn't find them. "Oh, where are they". Flannery said with a worried voice, currently looking through her grandfather's desk for the safe he kept the badges in. "I think grandpa always kept the badges in a small safe". The red-haired female told her new friends, sparing a moment to take a look at them with all of them searching as well.
Unknown to them all is that outside; the disguised Mr. Moore was spying on them from atop a tree branch and still using binoculars to watch. "I know I move them around every week so that they'd never be stolen, but you should know where I put them, come on!" The old man exclaimed, before he lowered his binoculars and glared through his glasses and the window. He let out an annoyed cry, deciding to just help his granddaughter himself.
Back inside the house; Flannery was now looking through her grandfather's wardrobe, but didn't see the safe there. "They're gone!" She stated, right before the room's door opened and someone walked in. "Excuse me?" An old, but kind voice spoke up, catching Flannery's attention. She looked over to see an old man standing outside the room, looking right at her.
He had a gold afro, fin line curly mustache and sunglasses. He wore a blue shirt with pink flowers over it, short brown shoes and blue sandals for footwear. Unknown to Flannery was that this old man was her grandfather in disguise. "I'm sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if I could possibly use your restroom, please". The disguised old man requested from his granddaughter, speaking with an accent so that she wouldn't recognize him by voice.
Flannery walked up to the old man with a confused face. "Uh, sure? It's down the hall". The red-haired female told her disguised grandfather, sounding a bit confused herself. "And if you'd be so kind, I will be needing some tissue as well". Mr. Moore added, before he turned to his right and started walking down that way. "Uhh?" Flannery grew even more confused than before, watching the old man walk to the bathroom.
In just half a minute; Mr. Moore arrived at the bathroom and opened the door. "Ahhh, here's the bathroom". The disguised old man said with a pleased grin, before looking up towards a bench and saw a small safe there. "Oh look! There's a safe!" Mr. Moore exclaimed, swiping his left hand up and pointed towards the safe with the index finger. "Huh?" Flannery came up and looked inside to see the safe, while Mr. Moore went up and took hold of it and brought it off the bench.
"Uhhh?" Flannery walked up to her disguised grandfather, just as he opened the safe with his left hand and looked inside to see 5 Heat Badges safely nested inside of it. "Oh, well look at that! If it isn't some Lavaridge Gym badges!" The disguised old man exclaimed, before turning to face Flannery and handed the safe over to her. "So that's where they were". The red-haired girl said in relief, looking down at the badges inside the safe.
"You're welcome". Mr. Moore stated, folding both hands behind himself and walked past Flannery. Ash and the gang had gathered outside the bathroom, having overheard Mr. Moore and Flannery earlier. Ash and Sorrel were at first on guard at the stranger, but Lucario reassured them that he wasn't a bad person and actually had good intentions. So, they decided to relax around him.
"Hi. Who are you?" May asked with a curious voice, wondering if this was somebody important. "Me? No one, I'm just passing through, yep!" The disguised old man waved both hands up, before he turned to his right and walked off. The gang watched him go, while Flannery walked out of the bathroom and looked at the leaving old man. "Didn't you need the bathroom?" She said in confusion, much to Mr. Moore's comical alarm at hearing this.
"I...just realized there must be one in... my hotel room! Yes, that's it! Bye-bye!" Mr. Moore said in a panic, before taking off out of the house, leaving everyone confused. "He was weird". Flannery stated, having no idea that it was her grandfather she's calling weird. "Hey, weird or not, at least he found the badges for you right". Brock said with a grin, catching the attention of Flannery.
She turned to look at her new friends with a smile and held the safe out of them all to take a look. "Can I see?" Max asked, him and the others taking a look at the Heat badges inside. "So those are the Lavaridge Gym Heat badges, huh". The Rainbow Hero said with a grin, feeling eager to win his own and add it to his badge case. "They really give off the Lavaridge Town impression". Sorrel commented, impressed with the design of those badges.
Flannery raised the safe, looking down at the badges inside. "I think I really need to get a little more organized". The red-haired female stated, closing the safe's top with her right hand. Verity smiled at the older female for a moment, before she glanced over to the hall that the disguised old man scurried off to and wondered who he was.
A little bit later; the gang, Flannery and her Pokémon were back to work on getting the battlefield clean. Everyone had the same jobs as before, except now May and Max were now helping with digging, and were making great progress as they're almost done. Max suddenly stopped to look over to Flannery with a curious face. "So, you do have a judge for the Gym battle, don't cha?" The 8-year-old boy asked Flannery, catching the red-haired attention.
She turned to look at the young boy with wide eyes. "Oh shoot!" Flannery exclaimed in alarm, something that made Sorrel sigh a little in disappointment. "You cannot be serious". The Veilstone boy said to himself, starting to get a bit worried for his old friend that she could be making the same mistakes as Flannery. "One of grandpa's students always did it". Flannery told her friends, face falling a bit from realizing another mistake she's made.
"Well, where is he? If he is a student of your grandfather, then he shouldn't be too far away, right?" Diasy asked her new friend, pausing in her digging to look at Flannery. The Lavaridge Gym Leader turned to look at Daisy with a nervous face with both eyes closed. "He's actually on vacation right now since grandpa's on his trip". Flannery told them, resulting in Ash's face falling a bit since that could delay his Gym battle.
"You know you can't have a Gym battle without a judge". Max pointed out, before looking over to Verity. The Twinleaf girl let out a small sigh, knowing exactly why Max's looking at her like that. Just as she opened her mouth and offer to be the judge, a doorbell went off. This caught the attention of all the humans, Pikachu, Lucario, Piplup and Jirachi.
They all quickly went to the Gym's front and saw someone there. It was Mr. Moore again, only in a different disguise now. He now had a brown wig like before, brown mustache and square glasses. He was now wearing a blue shirt with a yellow armband wrapped around his left bicep with a Poké Ball, navy blue shorts with lighter blue trim and black dress shoes.
"Can I help you, sir?" Flannery asked the disguised old man, wondering why he's here at her Gym. "I'm with the C.P.P.G.J, which is the comity for popularizing Pokémon Gym judging. I'm a judge". The disguised Mr. Moore said, coming up with a random lie to explain "who" he is and "why" he's here. Sorrel and Daisy narrowed their eyes in suspicion at the old man's words, but remained silent for now. He didn't seem like the type to cause trouble.
"I was sent here at the request of the previous Gym Leader; Mr. Moore". Mr. Moore lied to them all, in a way. Flannery bought it though and looked at her disguised grandfather with wide eyes. "What? My grandfather?" Flannery asked in surprise, before clapping both hands together in delight. "What a sweetheart! I knew it, he really is worried about me!" The red-haired female exclaimed in delight, yet Max didn't buy it.
"You wanna know what I think? Your grandpa should have left you more prepared before he went away". The 8-year-old boy remarked, words that cut Mr. Moore mentally as he coughed a bit. "That's a nasty cough". Max stated, resulting in Mr. Moore sweat drop at how he was caught just now. He comically moved his left shoulder to the back of his head and rubbed it. "I'm fine, great!" The disguised old man stated, taking a mental note to keep it all in instead of letting it out like that.
Sorrel narrowed his eyes at the old man, before he turned to look at Lucario beside him on his right. "Is he trouble?" He questioned the Aura Pokémon, catching Lucario's attention. The Steel and Fighting type turned to its trainer and shook its head in response, something that erased all of Sorrel's concerns. He trusted his partner with all his heart and if he said that this man in front of them wasn't trouble, then Sorrel believed it.
"Now we have our judge, and almost have everything we need to have our battle. All that's left is fixing the battlefield and we're ready to go". The Rainbow Hero said with an eager voice, yet the disguised former Gym Leader of Lavaridge Town grew a nervous sweat drop once more. "Ahhh... You know, I could help with that". Mr. Moore stated, hoping that nobody finds out his secret as he helps them.
A minute later and everyone was back to fixing the battlefield with Mr. Moore now helping them. Thanks to the hard work of them and Flannery's Pokemon, it was almost ready now. Verity, May, Max, Daisy, Piplup and Jirachi all stood to the side as they watched Lucario and Blaziken pulling a steamroller to smooth the battlefield. "Fighting types really help out with construction work of any kind". Verity commented, words that Piplup agreed wholeheartedly as it nodded its head.
"Their strong strength really helps out. It must be why people have Fighting types be the main force of construction work". Daisy said with both hands folded behind herself, amazed with how humans and Pokémon co-exist and help one another. "I still think that Flannery's grandfather was acting pretty irresponsible by going off and leaving her on her own like that". Max remarked, crouching down and took Jirachi into his hands with the Wish Pokémon smiling at his best friend.
Mr. Moore just happened to be nearby, digging with a shovel of his own and heard Max's comment just now. He coughed two times because those words cut him mentally. Mr. Moore's coughing caught the attention of the four humans and their Pokémon as they turned to look at the old disguised man. "You sure you're not sick?" Max questioned the old man, starting to get a bit worried.
Mr. Moore brought his left arm up and cleared his thought. "I'm fine!" He groaned out, mentally kicking himself for giving himself away again. "When grandpa gets stuck in his head, he just can't seem to think of anything else". Flannery told Ash, Sorrel and Brock, much to Mr. Moore's panic. He shot around to see the four had taken a break and talking to each with Flannery holding her shovel's handle with it stabbed into the ground.
"Umm...I uhhh..." The old man stuttered, catching the attention of the three as they turned to look at him. "Oh yes, I know just the type! Ahehehe!" Mr. Moore laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his head with the right hand again. Suddenly the doorbell went off, catching everyone's attention as they turned to look at the double door that's repaired thanks to some Psychic type help. "Now who could it be?" Flannery questioned, wondering who was ringing the doorbell now.
All of a sudden; an explosion went off on the other side of the double door, knocking it from its hinges and sent it slamming down on the ground, kicking up a bit of dust with smoke coming in. Everyone, the Pokémon included, cried out in surprise at the rather unexpected development. But before they could speak; music started going off from the other side of the now destroyed double door entrance.
(Pokémon Anime Song - Roketto-Dan yo Eien ni)
The smoke cleared to reveal Jessie, James and Meowth all standing right in front of the destroyed door, dressed in their outfits that they wore when they singed. All three of them held microphones with their right hands, large speakers behind them and capes slightly blowing from wind created by that explosion.
With a galaxy background behind them; Jessie and James went back to back with each other, their heads tilted down and their microphones held up in front of them. Then, spotlight shined down on the two as they then turned to look at the camera, both having matching grins as they brought their microphones closer to their faces. "You know us as Team Rocket, and we fight for what is wrong! We're tired of our motto, so we thought we'd try a song!" Jessie and James sang together in perfect synchronicity, turning around to face the camera fully.
The background changed to a fully bright one with Jessie and James rushing past one another, both with confident grins on their faces. "Jessie!" The female adult called out her name loudly with a sense of enjoyment. "James!" The former rich boy called out his name with the screen changing to show the two posing at the camera with a black background and multiple lights behind them. "The speed of light, prepare to fight!" The two continued on as the bright lights in the background unleashed bright lights, blinding the screen for a few moments, before clearing to show Meowth, standing in front of a green background charms like his own in it, holding his microphone up. "Meowth, that's right!" The Normal type called out with a massive grin on his face.
The screen then changed to show Cacturne, Axew and Parasect all together with a black background with yellow bright colours crossing over behind them. Cacturne stood with his arms held up into the air, Axew was slashing the air with its right claw and Parasect held its pincers out to the camera. The screen changed once more to show Seviper, Dustox, Wobbuffet, Trubbish and Gothorita together with the same black background, only had blue bright lights crossing over behind them. Seviper had its mouth wide open to the camera, Dustox flew with its usual grin, Wobbuffet was giving a salute with his right hand, Trubbish had a sleepy expression and Gothorita was smirking confidently from beside Wobbuffet.
The screen changed once more to show Jessie, James, Meowth and all their Pokémon all together with a black background behind them with red lights cress crossing behind them, facing the camera. James had his arms crossed, Jessie was resting her left hand against her hip and Moewth had both his paws up. Axew was ridding atop of Parasect's back, Trubbish was on Seviper's head and Wobbuffet was still saluting.
"I am the handsome one!" James singed with a focus and in the zone expression on his face with his eyes closed and holding up his right fist with a colorful bubbly machine background behind him. The former rich boy then faded from view and was replaced by Jessie, who had a conceited and arrogant expression. "I'm the gorgeous one!" Jessie sang with a voice full of life, holding her microphone up to her face.
The screen then changed to a black background with different coloured swirls. Jessie, James, Meowth, Wobbuffet, Axew, Cacturne, Parasect, Dustox, Seviper, Trubbish and Gothorita were all rolling left in different styles with their bodies. "Looking good is lots of fun! We get some things wrong, but we keep rolling along!" The two humans sang together, despite rolling around with their Pokémon.
The screen then changed back to show Team Rocket standing with their Pokémon with the black background with the red lights. It changed again to show Cacturne, Axew and Parasect back together with the black background and yellow lights. The screen turned back to show Wobbuffet, Dustox, Seviper, Trubbish and Gothorita all together with the black background and blue lights. The screen changed again to show Jessie and James, only their heads were enlarged a bit and were giving silly faces at the camera with a black background that had green light cress crossing together.
The screen changed one last time to show Jessie, James and Meowth standing over the planet somehow with a small light behind them as they continued to sing. "We want to capture Pikachu, we hope to do it soon!" The three sang together, the two pumping their left fists up as they continued on, while the Normal-type pumped his tail up. "And when we do, we'll be the new stars of this...!" Jessie, James and Meowth continued, before giving a dramatic phase for a few seconds, and then did different poses. "CARTOON!" The three finished as the screen changed to show Jessie and James standing back to back to one another, holding their microphones with both hands and their eyes closed. The spotlight shining down on them then turned off, signaling the end of the song.
(End music)
"Seriously?! You guys again!" Ash exclaimed with an annoyance frown, something that Pikachu matched perfectly. Daisy, Flannery and Flannery's Pokémon were all confused at who these people were, while Mr. Moore was on full alert because he had spotted them spying earlier when he was spying himself. "Can't you just give us all a break?!" Sorrel said with an irritated voice with Lucario growling at the three troublemakers.
Daisy turned to look at May, Max and Jirachi with a curious face. "Who are those three? And how is that Meowth able to talk?" The brunette asked them, catching May's attention. She turned to look at the older female with a serious face. "They're thieves that steal other people's Pokémon!" May answered, much to Daisy's shock at hearing this.
Max and Jirachi looked up at Daisy as well. "According to Ash; they've been chasing after him and Pikachu ever since they started his journey. And as for how Meowth's able to talk, I don't know". The young boy added in, shifting Daisy's attention over to him. "That's right! And this time..." Jessie began, speaking on her microphone still. "We're here to steal those Fire types!" James finished for his partner, much to the alarm of Flannery at hearing this.
She narrowed her eyes at the three members of Team Rocket. "You're in over your heads if you think I'm gonna let you steal my Pokémon!" The red-haired female cried out with a defiant tone, all of her Pokémon giving out a cry of agreement to their trainer's words. Jessie, James and Meowth all smirked at Flannery, before tossing the microphones over their shoulders, before grabbing hold of their suits and tore them off, revealing the two adults wearing their Team Rocket uniforms underneath.
(Play Pokémon Anime Sound Collection - Sinnoh Wild Pokemon Battle)
"Oh yeah! Tell that to this! Axew, use Rock Tomb!" James exclaimed, rearing his right hand back with an enlarged Great Ball in hand and tossed it forward. The device burst open and released a bright white beam into the air, quickly taking shape before clearing to reveal Axew. "Axew!" The Dragon type cried out with narrowed eyes, before multiple gray rocks outlined in white energy form around Axew and it throws them forward at Flannery's Pokémon.
Blaziken, Houndoom, Arcanine, Rapidash and Lucario all leaped into the air to dodge, Chandelure flew upwards while Magmortar and Camerupt quickly got in front of Mag, Meg and Torkoal to defend them. Some of the gray rocks crashed into the steamroller and destroying it, others struck the battlefield with everyone crying out in surprise as they moved back for safely. The last few slammed into Magmortar's crossed arms and Camerupt's head yet the two Fire types remained strong and standing.
Blaziken, Houndoom, Chandelure, Arcanine, Rapidash and Lucario all landed on the ground with Chandelure floated down next to Houndoom. The gray rocks all disappeared, but Team Rocket was ready to act on that exact moment. "Dustox, now Stun Spore!" Jessie exclaimed, throwing a Poké Ball forward. It spun around, before bursting open and released a white beam into the air.
It took shape, then cleared to reveal Jessie's beloved Dustox with it flapping its wings. "Dustox dox!" The Bug and Poison type cried out, before flapping its wings and releases a mist of orange powder at Blaziken, Houndoom, Chandelure, Arcanine, Rapidash, Camerupt, Magmortar and Lucario. It struck and all eight of them cried out in distress as yellow electricity appeared and danced around them.
"Lucario!" Sorrel exclaimed in concern for his trusted partner. "My Pokémon!" Flannery also exclaimed in concern for her seven Pokémon that were paralyzed. "And now it's my turn!" Meowth exclaimed with a smirk, leaping into the air and passing Axew as it fell and landed on its feet. "Have a taste of Shadow Claw!" The Normal type cried out, holding out his right paw out with the claws coming out.
Meowth's lower arm became surrounded by a black aura with a purple outline. The aura then takes the form of a huge claw, before Meowth fell down towards Chandelure and struck it with Shadow Claw, greatly pushing the Ghost and Fire type back with it crying out in pain. "Axew, Slash attack on that Magmortar!" James commanded, pointing towards the Fire type with his right hand's index finger with the left hand out to the side.
"Ax axew!" The Dragon type exclaimed, leaping towards Magmortar with its right arm out. Axew's right hand claws then glow white, before it slashes at Magmortar right on the stomach, landing a direct hit and pushing it off its feet. "Seviper, Poison Tail!" Jessie cried out, tossing Seviper's Poké Ball with her right hand. It burst open and released a bright light that quickly cleared to reveal the Poison type.
"Seviper!" The Fang Snake Pokémon exclaimed, right before the end of its tail began glowing a bright purple light. It went forth and slammed Poison Tail into Houndoom, landing a direct hit and sent it flying off its feet. Chandelure, Magmortar and Houndoom all crashed onto the ground on their backs with yellow sparks still dancing around them, while Meowth, Axew and Seviper landed a few feet away with their attacks disappearing.
"Ahhh! My Magmortar, Houndoom and Chandelure!" Flannery exclaimed in concern, looking down at her three hurt and paralyzed Pokémon. She lifted her head up and glared at the thieves and their Pokémon, before throwing her left arm out. "You're gonna pay for that! Torkoal, use Overheat!" The female Gym leader commanded, just as Verity tossed an enlarged Great Ball out. "Vaporeon, Aurora Beam go!" Verity commanded, joining in on the battle.
Torkoal leaped into the air over Camerupt, while the white beam came up right next to the Fire type. "Torkoal!" Torkoal cried out, while the beam took shape and cleared to reveal a Vaporeon. "Vaporeon!" The Water type exclaimed, right before they both attacked. Torkoal opened its mouth and its mouth glows white. It then fired a white flame that has a red-orange flame spiraling around it, while Vaporeon created a glowing bluish green orb and launches a glowing green and black beam.
Both Overheat and Aurora Beam shot forward beside one another, heading straight for Meowth, Seviper and Axew yet the three didn't panic and instead grinned with confidence. "Wobbuffet, Mirror Coat now!" Jessie shouted out, throwing another Poké Ball out like it was a curve ball. It spun around through the air, before suddenly stopping and opened, unleashing a white beam.
It struck the ground in front of Meowth, Axew and Seviper, quickly took shape and cleared to reveal Wobbuffet with the Psychic type smiling its usual smile. "Wobbuffet!" The Psychic type exclaimed, right before Wobbuffet's body became surrounded in a white reflective aura. The two attacks slammed right into Wobbuffet, before they were redirect towards the paralyzed Pokémon.
Flannery and Sorrel gasped in horror for their Pokémon, but their concerns were about to be put to rest as Ash acted right then. "Use your Protect to protect them, Trevenant!" The Rainbow Hero exclaimed, holding up an enlarged Great Ball with his right hand before throwing it. The blue device quickly burst open and released a white beam that came down in front of Blaziken, Houndoom, Chandelure, Arcanine, Rapidash, Camerupt, Magmortar and Lucario. It quickly cleared to reveal Ash's shiny Trevenant with a sparkle briefly appearing around it.
"Trevenant!" The Ghost and Grass type yelled out, raising its hands and formed a big green force field in front of its body and the others behind it. Both Overheat and Aurora Beam slammed into the green force field, but thankfully wasn't able to break through it and quickly died down. Trevenant lowered both hands, the green force field disappearing right as Torkoal and Vaporeon landed beside the Ghost and Grass type.
(Music end)
Verity, Sorrel and Flannery all gave Ash smiles of gratitude for the save. "Nicely done, Ash". The Veilstone boy praised his sworn brother, which Ash gave him the thumbs up with his right hand in response. Verity turned her gaze over to Team Rocket and their Pokémon, narrowing both eyes dangerously at them. "They're proving to be a bit tough today, but we've got this! Let's go Piplup!" The Twinleaf girl exclaimed, slightly raising her right fist. "Piplup!" Piplup cried out, taking a step forward to join the battle.
"I'll take care of this!" Mr. Moore suddenly cried out, coming up in front of Verity and Piplup with an enlarged Poké Ball in his right hand. "Huh?" Verity, May, Max, Piplup and Jirachi all blinked at the old man, honestly surprised at him stepping up into the challenge. "Go, Typhlosion!" He yelled, throwing the device up into the air. Once high enough, the Poké Ball opened with a bright light coming out.
It came down in front of Trevenant, Torkoal and Vaporeon and kicked up a bit of dust, before clearing to reveal the fully evolved Fire starter of Johto; Typhlosion. The Fire type roared with its flames coming to life. Flannery blinked in surprise at seeing the Typhlosion, mind thinking back to her grandfather and his ace.
(Play Pokémon Anime Sound Collection- Sinnoh Gym/Elite Four Battle Theme (Movie 10 Remix)
"Typhlosion, Flame Wheel now!" The disguised old man commanded, thrusting his right fist out. The Fire type roared out, before falling down onto all fours and took off running to Team Rocket's Pokémon, right before its body becomes surrounded in flames. Jessie narrowed her eyes at the sight, before she turned to look at James beside her. "James, take care of that!" The female adult told her old friend, trusting him to handle the Typhlosion.
James nodded without looking over to Jessie, bringing out a shrunken Poké Ball with his right hand and enlarged it. "Cacturne, use Spikey Shield to stop that Typhlosion!" The former rich boy exclaimed, before tossing the Poké Ball forward. A bright light erupted out of the device and crashed onto the ground in front of Meowth, Axew and Seviper, quickly taking shape and cleared to reveal James' recently evolved Cacturne.
"Cacturne!" Cacturne exclaimed, before holding up its arms and brought its forearms together. The spikes on its arms began glowing green, before producing a green force field covered with spikes. Typhlosion came running right into Cacturne's Spikey Shield and rammed right into it, before immediately getting back back with Flame Wheel disappearing and the Fire type hissing in pain.
"What?!" Mr. Moore called out in surprise at seeing his own attack end in failure like that. "Now's our chance! Axew, Rock Tomb!" Jame ordered with a confident smirk, holding up his right fist. "Dustox, Gust go!" Jessie commanded, thrusting her right hand forward. "Axew!/ Dustox!" Both Axew and Dustox cried out as the Dragon type leaped into the air, while the Poison and Bug type flew.
"Axew!" The Dragon type cried out with narrowed eyes, multiple gray rocks outlined in white energy forming around Axew and throws them forward at Typhlosion. "Dust...dox, dox dox!" Dustox cried, flapping its wings strongly and released a powerful gust of wind at the Fire type. Meowth all of a sudden leaped up into the air with a confident grin with both arms out. "No way am I missing out on dis! Aerial Ace!" The Scratch Cat Pokémon cried out with spirit, before diving down towards the Fire type with his body becoming surrounded in white streaks.
Kablam!
Aerial Ace, Gust and Rock Tomb all landed direct hits on Typhlosion, resulting in it crying out in pain before it crashed into the ground on its back and sent sliding across it a bit before stopping. "Typhlosion, are you okay?" Mr. Moore asked with a worried voice; him and everyone else staring down at the down Fire type. Typhlosion growled out in response, climbing back up to its feet and glared at the three just as Meowth and Axew landed on the ground with Dustbox flying right above them.
"Typhlosion, Flamethrower NOW!" Mr. Moore yelled out, starting to get a bit annoyed himself from Team Rocket proving to be a bit more challenging than expected. The fully evolved Fire type took in a deep breath, before unleashing a stream of fire from its mouth at the three that attacked him. "Wobbuffet, Mirror Coat again!" Jessie shouted out, throwing her right hand forward. Wobbuffet came in front of Meowth, Axew and Dustdox from the side, then gave its usual salute.
"Wobbuffet!" The Psychic type exclaimed, right before Wobbuffet's body became surrounded in a white reflective aura. Flamethrower stopped just right in front of Wobbuffet, before it changed course and started heading for Typhlosion. Mr. Moore gasped in dread at seeing this, while Verity narrowed her eyes. She reared her left hand in, then threw it out to the side.
"Vaporeon, protect Typhlosion with Whirlpool!" Verity called out, catching Mr. Moore by surprise as he turned to look at her. "Vaporeon!" Vaporeon cried out, running up to in front of Typhlosion and stopped in front of it. A large whirlpool appeared Vaporeon's body, right before Flamethrower came into contact with it and was stopped in its tracks.
"Ash, now's your chance!" Sorrel suddenly exclaimed, turning to look at his sworn brother. Ash narrowed his eyes, before giving a nod because he knew what Sorrel meant. "Trevenant, Phantom Force!" The Rainbow Hero commanded, slightly raising his right fist. "Trevenant!" Trevenant cried out in response, creating a purple portal beneath itself and sunk into it.
After a few seconds; the Mirror Coat enhanced Flamethrower died down completely with Wobbuffet's body losing the white reflective aura. But then another purple portal appeared beside the Psychic type on its right, right before Trevenant came out of it. The Ghost and Grass type gave a cry, grabbing Wobbuffet's attention. It began to turn towards Trevenant, only for Ash's Pokémon to ram its left hand into Wobbuffet, landing a direct hit with Phantom Force.
"Wobbu-!" Wobbuffet cried out as it was sent flying, before crashing into a wall hard and kicked up dust that covered it from view. "Ahhh! My Wobbuffet!" Jessie cried out in concern and alarm at seeing this. The dust quickly cleared to show Wobbuffet lying against the wall with swirls in its eyes, showing that it wasn't able to battle anymore. "Trevenant!" Trevenant exclaimed with a pleased look, before jumping back into the purple portal and reappeared back on the other side.
As all of this was happening; Brock, May, Max, Daisy and Jirachi were tending to the paralyzed Pokémon with Full Heals. "Just hang on, this'll make it better". Brock said to Flannery's Ninetails, kneeling down beside the Fire type before spraying it with the Full Heal in his right hand. Max, Daisy and Jirachi sprayed their Full Heals on Magmortar, Camerupt and Houndoom. Almost immediately, the yellow sparks of electricity dancing around them all disappeared with all the Fire types growing relived expressions.
Sorrel was with his Lucario, left hand on the Aura Pokémon's right shoulder and holding up a Full Heal with his right hand. "Don't worry old friend. This'll make it the paralysis go away". The Veilstone boy told his trusted friend, before spraying the Full Heal on Lucario. Just like with the others, the yellow sparks disappeared and Lucario let out a breath of relief. Sorrel chuckled a bit as he brought the now used up Full Heal away, glad that he bought a good number of them earlier in the day.
May was tending to Flannery's Blaziken, which had collapsed on its right knee. "You're gonna be all better in just a second". The brunette said to Blaziken, before holding up the Full Heal and prepared to spray it on the Fire and Fighting type. But then Jessie, who had just recalled her defeated Wobbuffet to its Poké Ball, noticed what May was doing and wasn't gonna allow it.
"Oh, no you don't little girl! Dustox, Energy Ball!" The female adult commanded with a grin on her face, thrusting her right hand out. "Dustox! Dust!" The Poison Moth Pokémon cried out, opening her mouth as she formed a light green energy ball in front of her mouth, before she fired it at May and Blaziken. The brunette looked over her left shoulder, then frowned at the incoming attack.
"Combusken, Fire Spin go!" May cried out, grabbing an enlarged Poké Ball from her bag, spun around and tossed it. The device opened and let out a bright light that cleared to reveal Combusken with the Young Fowl Pokémon taking a stance. "Combusken! Com!" May's starter exclaimed, then opened its mouth and a ball of fire appears in its mouth. It then shoots a vortex of fire that went and rammed right into Energy Ball.
Both attacks struggled against one another for a moment or two, before they exploded. Combusken closed its mouth, while May returned her attention to Blaziken and sprayed it with the Full Heal. The paralysis was gone in an instance; Blaziken opened its eyes to reveal the defiant look in them, before climbing back up on its feet. "Blaziken!" The Fire and Fighting type cried out loudly, raising its hands with fire coming to life around its wrists.
Blaziken's cry caught the attention of Flannery and Combusken as they looked over. Flannery grew a relived smile at seeing not only Blaziken, but her other Pokémon were getting better. Combusken blinked at seeing her evolved form, before growing a grin. "Glad to see you're raring to go, Blaziken". Flannery said with a confident grin, watching Blaziken as it walked up and stopped right next to Combusken.
May and Flannery looked over to one another, then nodded at each other with matching grins. The two faced forward, before thrusting their right hands out as if they were reaching for something. "Combusken/Blaziken, Fire Spin!" They cried out in perfect harmony, as if this wasn't the first time they've done this before. Both Blaziken and Combusken opened their mouths and released spiraling flames at Team Rocket and their Pokémon.
"Dustox, Poison Sting!" Jessie commanded, swiping her right hand out with a massive smile on her face. "Dust...tox-tox-tox!" The Bug and Flying-type cried, opening her mouth and fired purple darts. "Cacturne, Pin Missile!" James exclaimed, punching the air with his right fist. "Cacturne!" The Dark and Grass type exclaimed, before shooting white streams of pins from its spikes.
Both Fire Spin attacks came together to form a larger spiral of fire. It clashed against both Poison Sting and Pin Missile, the result being the four attacks keeping each other in place as their power matched each other. May and Flannery grit their teeth at seeing their combined attack stopped like that, before they were taken by surprise by Mr. Moore.
"Typhlosion, help them out with Flamethrower!" The disguised old man suddenly cried out, getting May and Flannery to look over at him. Typhlosion let out a mighty roar, before releasing a stream of flames from its mouth. It merged with the combined Fire Spin attack, enlarging it by twice its size, before the spiraling flame broke through Poison Sting and Pin Missile.
It rammed right in and engulfed both Dustox and Cacturne with the two crying out in pure pain since they were weak against Fire type moves. Jessie and James gasped in surprise at seeing this, right before the flames died down with both Dustox and Cacturne collapsing on their backs. They groaned, swirls in their eyes as a sign that they couldn't continue anymore.
(Music end)
"We're turning the tides! Keep it up!" Ash remarked with wide eyes, seeing an end to this battle. He turned to look over to Brock, Max, Daisy and Jirach just in time to see them cure Arcanine, Rapidash and Chandelure. Arcanine and Rapidash climbed up to their feet, while Chandelure floated up into the air with all three of them glaring at Team Rocket.
Jessie and James had just recalled their defeated Dustox and Cacturne to their Poké Balls, before putting them away. The former rich boy glanced over to the small horde of Pokémon across them, while Meowth, Axew and Seviper gathered before the two humans. "Things are starting to go against us. Maybe we should retreat now". The blue-haired man suggested to his comrades, a single stray of sweat dropping down the right side of his face.
"We're not going anywhere! If we're leaving, it'll be with one of those Fire types or us blasting off!" Jessie snapped as a reply, facing forward instead of turning to look at her old friend. "Yeah! We're not giving up just yet!" Meowth cried out, before taking off in a charge. James gave a shrug of his shoulders, before throwing his right hand out. "Go forth and use Focux Energy, then Dragon Claw Axew!" The former rich boy commanded his Dragon type, deciding to follow his teammates' example.
(Play Pokémon Anime Sound Collection - Team Rocket's Sinnoh Theme (Instrumental)
"Axew!" The Dragon type roared out, its body becoming outlined in a red aura. It then started running forward, before a light-green aura formed around each of Axew's hands and they turn into a claw-like shape. Axew was soon running right beside Meowth, who spared his friend a quick smirk before facing forward again. "Now, have a taste of my Night Slash!" The Normal type cried out, creating a purple energy sword in the palm of his right paw, before he then grabbed it with his left paw.
"Combusken, Sky Uppercut!" May commanded, punching the air with her left fist. "Arcanine, Extreme Speed!" Flannery commanded, throwing her left hand up into the air. "Combusken!" The Young Fowl Pokémon cried, her right hand's claws glowing a light blue colour before charging forward. Arcanine howled, becoming surrounded by white and clear aura as it charges forward at blinding speed.
Meowth leaped up, before swinging his purple energy sword down and hit Arcanine on the head. The Fire type flinched, but remained strong and rammed its head right into Meowth, landing a direct hit with Extreme Speed and sent the Normal type flying. Combusken didn't have as much luck like Arcanine did. Once she was in front of the Dragon type, Combusken swung her glowing claws down, yet Axew jumped to the side at the last moment and managed to dodge.
The Tusk Pokémon leaped up and swung Dragon Claw right underneath Combusken's chin, landing a direct and a critical hit. "Ahhh! Combusken!" May gasped in concern for her starter. Combusken took 3 steps back, before almost collapsing only for Blaziken to come and placed both hands on Combusken's shoulders to steady her. The Young Fowl Pokémon looked up and gave Blaziken a thankful smile, one that the Fire and Fighting type returned.
Axew landed on the ground, glaring at the two Fire and Fighting types. "Now Seviper, use Dig!" Jessie suddenly commanded with a wide smile, pointing down at the ground in a sort of dramatic way. "Se...viper!" The Poison type cried out, before leaping up and dived down, barrowing underground and left a hole. "Awww, not another one!" Flannery complained at the sight of another whole they'll have to clean up later.
"Axew, Slash attack go!" James commanded the Tusk Pokémon, scratching the air with his right hand as if he had claws. "Ax!" Axew exclaimed as his right claw glowed white, before he leaped towards Combusken and Blaziken, intending to hit them both this time. But this time; Verity was ready to act. "Not this time! Vaporeon, fight back with Double Kick!" The twinleaf girl cried out, slightly raising her right hand and threw the left one out to the side.
"Va...poreon!" The Bubble Jet Pokémon cried out, taking off running for a moment before jumping over Blaziken and Combusken. It came down and turned before kicking Axew right in the face with one of her feet, then flipped around and kicked the Dragon type with her other foot. The Tusk Pokémon cried out in pain and surprise, its right claw losing its white glow as it took a step back, before glaring at Vaporeon as the female Pokémon landed 10 feet away.
"Don't take that from them! Use Rock Tomb!" James commanded with a frown, pointing his right hand's index finger towards the Aqua Mouse Pokémon. Axew cried out as its body became outlined in white energy, before he raised its head. Multiple gray rocks outlined in white energy then formed around its head in the shape of a ring, before they began to fall towards Vaporeon.
"Use Whirlpool to protect yourself!" Verity called out, rearing her right hand in before throwing it out. "Torkoal, help them out with Gyro Ball!" Flannery commanded, holding up her left fist and then punched the air with it. "Torkoal!" Torkoal cried out, then started spinning in a fast counter-clockwise motion. As it spins, a light-blue aura surrounds it, with a bright white light running horizontally across the light-blue aura surrounding Torkoal.
The Fire type floated off the ground, before taking off into the sky and began crashing through some of the multiple rocks, shattering them on contact. Meanwhile; a large whirlpool appeared Vaporeon's body and covered her from view. The rocks that fell and came into contact with the whirlpool were stopped in their tracks, before shattering. The whirlpool covered Vaporeon charged forward and rammed right into Axew in a tackle, pushing it off its feet.
"Nicely done Vaporeon! Now, finish it with Aurora Beam!" Verity commanded, bringing both hands together and threw them forward. The whirlpool surrounding Vaporeon swiftly cleared away, before Vaporeon created a glowing bluish green orb and launches a glowing green and black beam.
Blam!
Aurora Beam landed a direct hit on Axew with the Dragon type crying out in pain. It was then sent flying a rocket towards James, who gave a startled cry. He brought both hands up and managed to catch Axew, but was forced to take 2 steps back. The former rich boy quickly caught his balance, then looked down at his dragon type where he saw swirls in Axew's eyes, a sign that it cannot battle any longer.
Just then; Seviper emerged from the ground underneath Arcanine, landing a direct it on its stomach. The Fire type let out a cry of pain, before it was sent flying and crashed down on its back. "Arcanine!" Flannery exclaimed in concern, while Jessie just grinned at the sight. "Good Seviper! Now, use Bite attack on the twerp's Trevenant!" The female adult commanded, throwing her right hand forward.
Seviper turned to look over towards Ash's Trevenant, before leaping towards it with its mouth wide open. "Not this time! Magmorter, use Psychic!" Flannery commanded, rearing in her left hand and then threw it out to the side. "Magmorter..." The fully evolved Fire type responded, right before its eyes began glowing a bright light red color. Then all of a sudden; Seviper's body was surrounded in light red energy.
The Poison type blinked in surprise, right before it was sent flying in the direction of Team Rocket, knocking into Meowth along the way. Jessie and James both cried with wide eyes, right before Seviper slammed into them, pushing them off their feet. Team Rocket was sent crashing onto the ground right outside the building.
"Now's our chance! Trevenant, Rock Slide!" Ash commanded, punching the air with his left fist. "Trevenant!" The Grass and Ghost type cried out, before multiple gray rocks appeared in front of Trevenant in the shape of a ring. It then puts its hands forward, sending the stones flying towards Team Rocket. "Blaziken, Fire Spin!" Flannery commanded, throwing her right hand forward.
Blaziken let out a cry, opening its mouth and released a spiraling flame. "Typhlosion, Flamethrower!" The disguised old man suddenly cried out, joining in on this group attack. Typhlosion let out a mighty roar, before releasing a stream of flames from its mouth. Rock Slider, Fire Spin and Flamethrower all headed straight to the down Team Rocket and struck, creating a powerful explosion on contact.
Team Rocket was sent blasting off into the sky like a jet, while the powerful gusts of wind from the explosion hit Ash and everyone else fully. Everyone shielded their eyes with their arms, or shut their eyes, but what they didn't notice was Mr. Moore's wig and fake mustache was blown away. "Oh well, we gave it a try". James remarked as he, Jessie, Meowth and Seviper blasting through the air from that explosion's force with the former rich boy still holding his unconscious Dragon type.
"At least we found out that our Pokémon were strong to give a Gym Leader some trouble, so I'd count that as a win for something". Jessie said with a grin, both arms crossed in a proud way. "Haha! This battle was proof that we can become strong enough if we train hard enough!" Meowth laughed out, both paws resting on his hips. Jessie and Meowth laughed eagerly at the thought of becoming powerful one day.
James just let out a mentally exhausted sigh with his shoulders dropping a bit. "Yes, that is great to hear and think about. But for now..." The blue-haired boy began, before he, Jessie and Meowth all cried out loudly at the exact same time. "TEAM ROCKET'S BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" They cried out, going higher into the sky before eventually disappeared from sight, leaving nothing behind except a twinkle.
(Music end)
The shockwaves and powerful gust died down, allowing everyone to open their eyes. "And once again; we come out on top!" Max exclaimed with a massive smile, getting a joyful laugh from Jirachi. 'Yeah! We're on top and they're on the bottom!' The legendary Pokémon cried out joyfully, much to the amusement of Sorrel, May, Daisy, Lucario and Combusken as all three of them looked at the two best friends.
Ash, Verity, Pikachu and Piplup went over to Trevenant and Vaporeon, praising them for their efforts. The Rainbow Hero rubbed Trevenant's right arm while Pikachu climbed to the top of its head with the Grass and Ghost type displaying an overjoyed face. Verity was holding Vaporeon as if she were a baby with the Water type smiling at its trainer. "Great job, Vaporeon". The Twinleaf girl praised her Pokémon, tickling Vaporeon's stomach with her right hand with the female Bubble Jet Pokémon giggling.
All of Flannery's Pokémon gathered around her with the red-haired female smiling in relief. She spared a glance at her new friends, grateful for all they've done for her and the help they've given her. She began to turn her head to look at the old man that helped as well. "Thank for your help. I really..." She began, only to stop and widen her eyes in disbelief at seeing Mr. Moore without his disguise on.
The old man hasn't noticed his disguise was gone; he was just happy everything ended well. Mr. Moore looked over to his granddaughter and gave a big smile at her. "I'm glad that I was able to help, young..." He spoke, only to stop and blink at the shocked look Flannery was giving him. "G-G-Grandfather!?" Flannery exclaimed loudly, catching everyone's attention.
Ash, the gang, their Pokémon and Flannery's Pokémon turned over to look at Mr. Moore, who had wide eyes upon finally noticing his disguise was gone. "Ahhh! My disguise!" The old man exclaimed in panic, his Typloshion walking over and stopped behind its trainer. "That's Flannery's grandfather?" May questioned in surprise, standing beside her Combusken with the two of them staring at Mr. Moore in curiosity.
"They don't really look alike". Verity stated, seeing no resemblance between Mr. Moore and Flannery. "It must be because Flannery took after the other side of her family. Still, the fact remains that this man is Flannery's grandfather". Sorrel remarked, turning his gaze over to Brock and narrowed his eyes at him as if he were daring the former Gym Leader to try something. Fortunately, Brock contained himself and didn't do anything.
"G-Grandpa... Why are you here? I thought you left on your journey?" Flannery questioned her grandfather, wondering why he's come back here. Mr. Moore struggled to form words for a good 20 seconds, until he let out a defeated sigh. He scratched the back of his head with the right hand, then answered with a nervous grin. "Well... I guess I was just worried about you". The old man answered, words that erased Flannery's shocked expression and replace it with a soft smile.
"Grandpa, you're still a big worried wort". The female Gym Leader stated, though she was touched that he'd postpone his journey to come back to help her. "Well, if you left her better prepared, you wouldn't have to worry so much". Max remarked, placing both hands on his hips with Jirachi following his movements. Mr. Moore laughed nervously from Max's words, before giving a fake cough.
Ash, Pikachu and Trevenant all chuckled from watching them, before the Rainbow Hero looked over to Verity. The tomboy noticed her boyfriend looking at her and turned to look at him. She gave a smile with both eyes and a tilt of her head, which Ash returned with his own smile.
(A little bit later)
With their business with Team Rocket over with; everyone got back to cleaning up the battlefield. By the time it was sunset; they all managed to finish. Ash, Verity, Sorrel. Brock, May, Max, Daisy, Flannery, Mr. Moore, Pikachu, Piplup, Lucario and Jirachi stood in the middle of the now spotless battlefield that was in perfect condition for a battle now. Everyone had recalled their Pokémon earlier since they didn't need so much help after reaching a certain point, and Flannery sent her Pokémon away to relax.
"All done!" Verity, May, Max and Jirachi all cried out cheerfully at finally finishing the job of cleaning up the battlefield. "How can I possibly thank you all?" Mr. Moore asked the gang, though he already had a good idea on what their answer will be. "With a four-on-four Gym Battle, that would be appreciated". The Rainbow Hero answered, turning to look at Flannery and her grandfather as he spoke.
The red-haired Gym Leader smirked at Ash, folding both hands. "Okay, challenge accepted". Flannery declared, more than ready to have an official Gym battle with the Rainbow Hero. Ash grinned at hearing that, but then Mr. Moore spoke up. "But the day's nearly over. Let's save the battle tomorrow". The old man suggested, reminding everyone how late it was.
Ash let out a sigh because he couldn't argue with that. It was too late to have a battle, not to mention that Flannery's Pokémon took some damage from that battle against Team Rocket. "You must all be exhausted. I think you should all experience our relaxing sandbathes". Mr. Moore suggested once more, an idea that Brock, Sorrel, May and Max were more than happy to agree to.
Ash turned to look at Daisy and gave an apologetic smile at her. "Sorry Daisy, but it looks like we're gonna have to wait". The Rainbow Hero apologized, feeling a bit bad that she's gonna have to wait now. Daisy smiled at her old friend, then shook her head at him. "It's no trouble. I'm in no rush, so I can afford to wait a bit". The brunette told her friend, right as Pikachu climbed up to Ash's left shoulder.
Ash grew a relived smile to hear those words; glad to hear he wasn't causing Daisy any trouble. "Pikachu pi". Pikachu said to his best friend, catching Ash's attention. He looked at the Electric Mouse Pokémon, then smiled at him. "Yeah, you're right. Maybe those sandbathes will be good". The Rainbow Hero said to his best friend, honestly a bit eager to try the sandbathes himself.
(The next day/ Play Pokemon D/P Music - Sinnoh Gym Leader Battle)
Yesterday's afternoon went well for the gang and Daisy. They all got sandbathes in the backyard of Flannery and Mr. Moore's Gym where a lake and their own private sandbathes were. They all enjoyed it and once they were done; they head to the Pokémon Center to sleep for the night. Ash made no change with his current team, confident with the Pokémon he has right now.
The next day came quickly and almost immediately after eating breakfast and getting ready for the day; the gang left the Pokémon Center and went straight to the Lavaridge Gym. Ash didn't waste time and went straight into the Gym without stopping, not even giving the others a chance to ask him what his plan was.
Finally; the moment of Ash's fourth Gym battle has arrived. Ash and Pikachu stood across Flannery on the right side of the battlefield, while she stood on the left side. Mr. Moore stood on the judge section, holding two flags with both hands as he's acting as the judge for this Gym battle. And as for the others; Verity, Sorrel, Daisy, May, Max, Brock and Lucario all sat on the stands behind the judge section, Piplup and Jirachi sitting comfortably on their trainers' laps.
"Ash was really in a big rush to get this thing started. He didn't even tell us his strategy". May remarked, watching her boyfriend closely and saw the excitement in his eyes. "I guess it's because he's waited a good while for this, and an old friend is watching him battle after all". Verity said with a grin, turning right to look at Daisy, who was sitting right next to her. The 20-year-old woman had a small, eager smile of her own because she's finally about to see the Rainbow Hero battle.
"Anyway; Flannery's gonna be using Fire types for certain. We saw all her Pokémon yesterday, so Ash knows what to expect". Sorrel said with a small frown, both hands resting on his knees. "Ash's best choices would be Kinglar and Donphan for this since they Water and Ground types, both effective against Fire types". Max said with a confident grin, certain that Ash has got this battle in the bag.
"Even so; that doesn't mean this'll be easy. Flannery may be a new Gym Leader, but she is still an experienced trainer with powerful Pokémon. It'll take more than type advantage to win this battle". Brock remarked with narrowed eyes, thinking back to all the past Gym battles Ash has undergone and how type advantage wasn't always the key factor.
"This Gym battle between Flannery, our first year Gym Leader, and Ash from Pallet Town will now begin!" Mr. Moore declared, yet what he said got a small glare from Flannery. "Grandpa, do you have to say that I'm new?" The red-haired girl said with a frown, bringing both her fists up in an irritated way. Mr. Moore turned to look at Flannery and narrowed his eyes at her. "No grandpa stuff out here, Flannery. You'll address me as judge". The old man told his granddaughter with a disapproving frown.
Flannery anime sweat drop because her grandfather was right about that. "Ah, alright". She said with a nervous smile, rubbing the back of her head with the right hand. "Trainers can use up to four Pokémon, though only the challenger is allowed to make substitutions!" Mr. Moore spoke out loud the rules of this Gym battle, much to Flannery's comical panic at hearing that last part.
"Say what!?" She exclaimed in panic, grabbing Mr. Moore's attention once more as he turned to look at her. "Do you not know the rules?" He questioned Flannery, getting her to sweat drop again and rub the back of her head with the right hand once more. "Yeah, of course I do. Hahahaha..." She laughed nervously, resulting in Mr. Moore sweat dropping and letting out a mentally exhausted sigh at his granddaughter.
Flannery lost her nervous smile and sweat drop, holding up her right hand's index finger. "Well Ash, it's showtime!" The new Gym Leader stated, something that Ash let out a chuckle since he agreed with her on that. "You can say that again. Now; bring it on!" The Rainbow Hero exclaimed with spirit, holding up his right fist as a sign of how fired up he was.
Flannery gave another sweat drop at seeing how Ash was more fired up than her about this Gym battle. 'Geez, it's almost like he's the Fire Gym Leader and I'm the challenger'. The red-haired female thought to herself with a nervous laugh, honestly feeling a bit small compared to Ash right now. "Now, are the contestants ready?!" Mr. Moore questioned the two with a serious frown and both eyes slightly narrowed.
"Yes!" Ash and Flannery answered at the exact same time; both ready to rock it out there. "Begin!" Mr. Moore cried out, raising both flags up and officially starting the Gym battle between the two. Flannery immediately brought out an enlarged Quick Ball with her right hand. "Arcanine, time to go!" The red-haired female cried out, before tossing the device forward.
The device burst open and released a bright white light that came down and struck the ground. It took shape, then cleared to reveal Flannery's Arcanine with the Fire type letting out a powerful howl. "Arcanine, huh? This outta be interesting". Sorrel said with a fascinated smile on his face, wondering how his sworn brother will handle this. "Flannery's Arcanine will be a bit of a problem because it knows Extreme Speed". Daisy commented with a hint of worry in her voice, looking over to Ash with concerned eyes.
The Rainbow Hero held up an enlarged Poké Ball with his right hand. "I've got this, no sweat! Go, Kingler!" Ash exclaimed, rearing his hand back before tossing it out. The device opened and released a white beam in the air that cleared to reveal Ash's Kingler. The Pincer Pokémon let out a cry, before landing on the ground and slammed its large pincer down hard, making a small earthquake.
(Ash, Kingler + 3 V.S Flanner, Arcanine + 3)
(Meanwhile/ Play Pokémon Johto Journeys BGM - Team Rocket's Secret Strategy (Johto Version)
As Ash was having his Gym battle against Flannery; outside Lavaridge Town in the forest was Team Rocket training with all of their Pokémon out. They've made some good progress so far because Dustox learned Sludge Bomb to replace Poison Sting, Trubbish replaced Rock Blast with Seed Bomb, Gothorita got Foul Play to replace Pound. As for James' Pokémon; Axew replaced Focus Energy with Dragon Dance that Axew worked hard to master. Parasect learned Hyper Beam and got rid of Metal Claw, Cacturne didn't learn any new moves, but it wasn't any trouble since it learned Spikey Shield recently.
Jessie, James and Meowth all stood to the side as they instructed their Pokémon in their training. Seviper was training against Axew, Parasect against Gothorita, Cacturne facing Trubbish and Dustox was simply flying around as it took a break. "Everything looks well and they're training good". Meowth stated, both paws resting against his paws as he watched Trubbish launch a Sludge attack at Cacturne, which it deflected with Thunder Punch.
"We've been training since six in the morning with our only breaks being breakfast so far. We need to get as much training done today because there's no doubt that the twerp will win and start heading off to the next town". James remarked, watch Parasect leap at Gorthorita to attack with X-Scissor yet failed because the Psychic type used Foul Play to dodge and attack at the same time.
"And with us moving around to keep up with the twerps, we won't be able to focus fully on training. But on the plus side; it'll give us new chances to capture wild Pokémon to either add them to our team or send them to the boss". Jessie said with a confident grin, holding up her right hand with the index finger out. "Seviper!" Seviper suddenly cried out, catching the attention of Jessie, James and Meowth.
The three looked over to the Fang Snake Pokémon to see it slithering towards Axew with the Dragon type frowning at its training partner. "Axew!" The Dragon type cried out with narrowed eyes, before multiple gray rocks outlined in white energy form around Axew and it throws them forward at Seviper. The Fang Snake Pokémon dodged with incredible speed, continuing its way over to Axew, before leaping up into the air.
Seviper gazed down at Axew, before diving down towards the Dragon type with its mouth wide open. "Se...viper!" The Poison type exclaimed, right before the inside of Seviper's mouth became covered in flames and it bite down on the left side of Axew's body. The Dragon type cried out in pain at the attack, before Seviper reared its head back and threw Axew away with the flames in its mouth dying down. Axew crashed onto the ground, but quickly got back up and glared at Seviper.
Jessie, James and Meowth all smiled at witnessing that development. "Well, well, I'll be a monkey's uncle. Seviper has learned a new move itself". James said with a pleased voice, glad to see Sevi[er was making progress just like the others. "Dat that Fire Fang, a Fire type move". Meowth identified the move that Seviper just used to his teammates. "Perfect. With that move, things are gonna get a lot hotter up in here". Jessie said with an eager voice, rubbing her hands together in a sort of greedy way.
However; a familiar voice cried out from above without warning. "Deli deli!" Someone cried out, catching Team Rocket and all their Pokémon by surprise as they teased their training. "That voice... Don't tell me that it's..." James began; him, Jessie and Meowth looking up towards the sky and saw their old friend Delibird flying towards them, holding its sack with its mouth.
"DELIBIRD!?" The three cried out in surprise to see the Ice and Flying type because it has been a while since they last saw it in Johto. "Deli deli!" Delibird greeted its old friends as it landed in front of them. Jessie and James crouched down to be eye level with Delibird, while Meowth walked up to it. "What are you doing here in Hoenn, Delibird? Do you know how far it is from headquarters?" The Scratch Cat Pokémon questioned, wondering why Delibird made such a long trip here.
"Deli deli". Delibird answered, going into the sack it was carrying with its left flipper. The Ice and Flying type brought its flipper out and held something out to Jessie, James and Meowth. The three looked and saw that it was a black Rotom Phone with a small book around the same size and atop them both was a folded letter. "Isn't that one of those Rotom Phones the twerps got from that new girl?" James questioned as Jessie took the three items with both hands.
The female then stood up on her feet, holding the black Rotom Phone with her left hand and the other two with the right hand. James stood up on his feet and took both letter and book from his partner. He unfolded the letter and read it out loud. "This Rotom Phone has been entrusted to you because of your growth in strength. Prove yourselves worthy of it and that you are of some use". The former rich boy spoke the words written on the letter, growing an overjoyed smile because it was proof that their origination had taken notice of them finally.
Jessie and Meowth turned to look at James with overjoyed smiles of their own, just as happy as the former rich boy. "Deli deli". Delibird bid farewell to the three, before it turned around and took off flying once more. Meowth watched their old friend fly away, before Delibird eventually disappeared from sight. "Just drops in out of nowhere, makes a delivery and then flies away. I'm starting to wonder if it takes days off or not". The Scratch Cat Pokémon remarked, before turning to look at James.
The blue-haired male folded the letter again, then held the book with both hands and gazed down at it. "This seems to be an instruction manual on everything about the Rotom Phone". James told his teammates, much to Jessie's fascination at hearing this. "Really? Well, start reading and find out everything about this thing as you can". The long-haired female told him, before tossing the Rotom Phone over to James.
The blue-haired man caught the device with his left hand, then looked over to Jessie. "I'll handle the training until you're done. For now, just focus on reading that thing". Jessie told James, then turned to look at all the Pokémon and threw her right hand to the side. "Back to training, all of you! We won't stop until it's time for lunch!" The female adult told them all, receiving affirmative cries from them all before they went back to their training.
"Don't worry about it, Jimmy boy. Leave it to us". Meowth told his good friend, before walking over to join Jessie. James narrowed his eyes, before he gave a nod of the head. He sat down on the ground, crossed his legs and opened the book; beginning from page 1 while Jessie and Meowth continued the training of their Pokémon.
(Back at the Gym/ Play Pokémon Johto Journeys BGM - Johto Champion Battle)
"Let the match begin!" Mr. Moore declared, raising both flags up and officially starting the Gym battle. "I'm gonna take care of the problem with type advantage first! Arcanine, Sunny Day!" Flannery exclaimed, pointing her right hand's index finger directly up towards the sky. Arcanine looked directly up at the sun, before roaring loudly at it.
The sunlight all of a sudden intensified, increasing the heat by double. May, Max, Daisy and Jirachi looked up at the now blazing sun with worried faces. "Oh no! Now Kingler's Water type moves won't be as powerful as normal". Max stated, concerned for Kingler's chances of defeating Arcanine now with Sunny Day in effect. "Not only that, but Fire type moves are now powered up because of Sunny Day". Daisy added in, resting both hands atop of her knees as she spoke.
Despite the increase in temperature, Ash and Pikachu just kept smirking with confidence. "It'll take more than a little bit of hot air to make me quit". The raven-haired boy stated, words that got a chuckle from Flannery. "We'll see about that. Arcanine, Flamethrower!" Flannery commanded, rearing her left hand in and then threw it out. The Fire type gave a cry, before releasing a stream of fire from its mouth at Kingler.
"Saw that coming from a mile away. Kingler, Swords Dance to defend!" The Rainbow Hero exclaimed, bringing up his left hand before throwing it out forward. Kingler let out a grunt, before multiple light-blue swords circle appeared around it. The swords started spinning around, right before the stream of fire struck them. To Flannery's surprise; Flamethrower was deflected by the light-blue swords without making contact with Kingler.
The swords stopped spinning and pointed towards Kingler, end first, before disappearing. A yellow aura goes upwards along its body, boosting Kingler's attack power. May let out a gasp of suprise at witnessing this. "Whoa, no way!" The brunette exclaimed in surprise at seeing Kingler use Swords Dance to protect itself. "That was impressive. I wonder where Ash learned the idea of using Swords Dance to defend like that". Verity said with a curious voice, honestly impressed with her boyfriend's strategy.
"We saw a Gym Leader use that same tactic back in Johto. I guess Ash was inspired by it to make his own version". Brock told his friends, thinking back to one of Ash's Gym battles in Johto. "I guess it's a good thing that Ash used that TM to teach Kingler Swords Dance then". Sorrel commented, thinking back to last night and how Ash used the TM he discovered to teach Kingler a new move.
"Big deal! We still got this! Arcanine, Extreme Speed!" Flannery commanded, throwing her left hand up into the air. Arcanine howled, becoming surrounded by white and clear aura as it charges forward at blinding speed. It turned into a blur, before striking Kingler and bouncing off of the Water type. The Fire type started a barrage of attacking and bouncing off with Kingler closing its eyes in pain.
"Extreme Speed is a bit of a problem, so let's get rid of that. Use Knock Off and send Arcanine flying!" Ash cried out, bringing up his right fist before punching the air with it. Kingler let out a grunt, opening both eyes before holding its large pincer in front of itself. Kingler's large pincer became surrounded by black sparks, before it moved with surprising speed and rammed it right into Arcanine's right cheek, landing a direct hit.
Flannery gasped in surprise at Kingler landing a direct hit on her Arcanine when it was using Extreme Speed like that. "Nice direct hit!" Verity called out with a bright smile, watching Arcanine get pushed back forcefully across the battlefield. "And with Swords Dance's effect, Knock Off's power was three times as strong". Daisy said with an amazed smile, impressed with how fast Ash's Kingler was with how large it was.
Arcanine stopped sliding across the ground, raising its head to glare at Kingler. "Not bad, but I still got a lot of fight left! Flamethrower again!" Flannery commanded, holding her left hand out. The Fire type let out a growl, before opening its mouth and released another stream of flames at Kingler. "Block it with Crabhammer, and then attack!" Ash commanded, holding up his left arm as if he had a shield attached to it.
Kingler grunted, before its left large pincer suddenly became surrounded in water. It held its pincer in front of itself, right before Flamethrower struck yet was blocked by the water surrounding Kinger's pincer. The Water type let out a strong cry and swung its pincer out, dispersing the flames completely before it hits the ground with Grabhammer, sending an invisible shock wave towards Arcanine.
Kablam!
The shockwave hit Arcanine, causing it to flinch and grunt in pain, but remained standing. "Awesome!" Max cried out with a massive smile, truly amazed with his idol's way of battling. "Crabhammer's power may be lower because of Sunny Day, but Swords Dance makes up for that. Smart thinking to use it to defend and attack". Brock said with an impressed smile, looking up towards the sky and the still blazing sun since Sunny Day's effects were still in.
"Nice job Kingler! Now go in and use Crabhammer again!" Ash commanded with a confident grin, swiping his right hand out to the side. Kingler gave a cry in response, bringing up its water covered pincer, before leaping into the air. Flannery let out a gasp as she and Arcanine looked up at the Water type falling towards the Legendary Pokémon.
Flannery grit her teeth, before throwing her left hand out to the side. "Arcanine, Roar!" The red-haired female cried out, catching Ash and Pikachu by surprise at hearing this, Arcacine gazed up at the Water type. before letting out a might roar with an echo with it. Kinglar widened its eyes in surprise, before red energy appeared and engulfed the Water type from view, before it shot out towards Ash.
The red beam went to one of Ash's Poké Balls in his pocket, getting the Rainbow Hero and Pikachu to gaze at Ash's pocket in surprise. Once the red beam disappeared completely, a bright white light suddenly erupted from Ash's right pocket, went out and struck the ground in front of the Rainbow Hero. It quickly cleared and revealed Donphan with the Ground type displaying a frown. "Donphan!" The Armor Pokémon cried out, raising its trunk into the air.
(Music end)
"What the!?" Ash cried out with wide eyes, turning his gaze over to Donphan, who was facing forward without a single trace of fear. "Of course. Flannery's wild card for Arcanine is Roar. It not only forcefully recalled Kingler, but revealed one of Ash's four Pokémon". Sorrel remarked with a frown, realizing what the damage that move of Flannery's done to Ash.
Mr. Moore gazed over to Flannery, then nodded in approval for her tactic. Now she knew two of Ash's four Pokémon and would be able to come up with a strategy for the two. 'If she keeps using Roar, she'll be able to find out what Ash's whole team is. Keep at it, Flannery'. The old man thought to himself, eager to see more of what his granddaughter can do.
"I hope you weren't counting on Kingler to get you a win, because now your plan is ruined! Arcanine, run around Donphan with Extreme Speed!" Flannery commanded with a confident voice, a new plan already forming in her mind. Arcanine howled, before taking off and became surrounded by white and clear aura once more. It started running around Donphan super fast, leaving afterimages and making it appear as if a whole horde of Arcanine was running around the Ground type.
"Don!?" The Armor Pokémon exclaimed in surprise, before looking over to its left, then right and repeated the actions because he couldn't keep up with Arcanine's speed. Ash grit his teeth at seeing this, while Flannery smirked at the sight. "Good! Now, Flamethrower!" The red-haired girl commanded, starting to relax a bit. Arcanine and its afterimages turned to look at Donphan and then, seemingly, released streams of fire from their mouths that hit Donphan on all sides.
Donphan shut its eyes and let out grunt of pain at the rather powerful attack. "...!" Ash grit his teeth at seeing this, trying to think of a solution to get Donphan out of this mess. "This isn't good. Unless Ash thinks of a way to get Donphan out of this, it'll eventually lose". Brock remarked with a frown and both arms crossed. "Hang in there Donphan!" May cried out to the Ground type, full of belief that Donphan can survive and turn this around. 'Hang in there!' Jirachi cried out to Donphan with Piplup shouting out in encouragement.
'Darn it! Just how do I get out of this?' The Rainbow Hero questioned inside of his mind, before he blinked upon remembering how Kingler landed a hit with Crabhammer. "That'll work! Donphan, jump up high and hit the ground with Rollout!" Ash commanded, rearing his right hand in and then threw it out. Donphan opened his eyes to reveal the resolve in them, before letting out a mighty cry.
"Donphan!" The Ground type cried, before leaping up into the air. Donphan curled into a ball and started rolling with incredible speed, before diving down and struck the ground hard. The impact released a shockwave that spread it and hit Arcanine on its left side, resulting in the Fire type screeching in pain as it was pushed off its feet and sent slidding across the ground a bit.
Flannery gasped in surprise at seeing this, while the others smiled at the sight. "Alright, he found a way out!" May called out in joy with a big smile. "He used Rollout the same way that Kingler used Crabhammer, as a special attack instead of making psychical contact. Not bad". Daisy said with an impressed smile, amazed with Ash's tactic. Sorrel looked up towards the sky and saw that Sunny Day's effects were gone and that the sun was back to normal. "And Sunny Day's gone, meaning now the chance for Ash to attack". The Veilstone boy remarked, turning his gaze back to the battlefield.
Arcanine got back on its feet and glared at Donphan, who wasn't curled up anymore and was now standing a few feet away from it. "Keep it up Donphan! Giga Impact, now!" Ash called out with a confident grin, punching the air with his right fist. "Donphan!" The Armor Pokémon exclaimed, before jumping into the air and its body becomes surrounded by a purple aura with yellow streaks of energy spiraling around the purple aura. It began falling towards Arcanine with the Fire type staring up at it.
"Arcanine, send Donphan away with Roar!" The red-haired female cried out, much to the annoyance of Ash and Pikachu at hearing. Arcacine gazed up at the Ground type, before letting out a might roar with an echo with it. Donphan widened its eyes in surprise, before red energy appeared and engulfed the Ground type from view, before it shot out towards Ash.
The red beam went to one of Ash's Poké Balls in his pocket, getting the Rainbow Hero and Pikachu to gaze at Ash's pocket with narrowed eyes. Once the red beam disappeared completely, a bright white light suddenly erupted from Ash's left pocket, went out and struck the ground in front of Ash. It quickly cleared and revealed Ash's shiny Trevenant with a small sparkle briefly appearing around it. "Trevenant!" The Grass and Ghost type exclaimed, raising its hands.
"Trevenant?! Why would Ash use a Grass type in a Fire type Gym?" Max questioned with a confused frown, thinking that Ash made a mistake by choosing Trevenant to be one of his four Pokémon to use in this battle. "Calm down. I'm sure Ash has got something planned". Brock told his young friend, belief in Ash still strong despite the circumstances going against his way now.
"A Grass type, now's our chance! Arcanine, Sunny Day!" Flannery exclaimed, pointing her right hand's index finger directly up towards the sky. Arcanine looked directly up at the sun, before roaring loudly at it. The sunlight intensified once more, heat going back to what it was just a few moments ago. "Again!?" Verity complained with annoyance, honestly wishing she could just make it rain right now.
(Play Pokémon Johto Journeys BGM - Johto Wild Pokémon Battle)
"Flamethrower!" Flannery ordered, holding up her left hand. The Legendary Pokémon unleashed another Flamethrower attack right at Trevenant, yet the Grass and Ghost type remained calm. "Trevenant, Rock Slide!" Ash commanded, punching the air with his left fist. "Trevenant!" The Grass and Ghost type cried out, before multiple gray rocks appeared in front of Trevenant in the shape of a ring. It then puts its hands forward, sending the stones flying forward.
The stones easily pushed past the stream of flames and headed onto Arcanine, landing a direct hit and knocking the Fire type off its feet. "Huh?!" Flannery gasped in surprise, watching as her Arcanine land forcefully on its right side. "Always a good idea to have a move for a situation like this; when you're the one with the disadvantage". Sorrel remarked with a grin, something that Max and Jirachi nodded eagerly in agreement with.
"Flamethrower, one more time!" Flannery commanded with a trace of panic in her voice now. Arcanine lifted its head and fired a stream of fire once more at Trevenant. "Now, Protect!" Ash commanded, holding his right hand out like he was touching a wall. "Trevenant!" The Ghost and Grass type yelled out, raising its hands and formed a big green force field in front of its body.
The stream of flames hit, yet wasn't able to break through. Flamethrower quickly died down, reveling Trevenant unharmed with the green force field disappearing. Flannery grit her teeth from seeing this, before she reared her left hand in and then threw it out. "Arcanine, attack with Extreme Speed!" The red-haired female commanded, much to her grandfather's alarm at hearing this.
Arcanine howled, before taking off and became surrounded by white and clear aura once more. It came right up and tackled Trevenant, but no damage was done whatsoever, much to Flannery's surprise. "And that's it; Horn Leech". Ash ordered with a confident voice, snapping his right hand's fingers. Trevenant's horns glow light green before it charges towards Arcanine with its horns pointed at.
It made contact and an explosion went off, much to Flannery's concern for Arcanine. "Arcanine!" She cried out, waiting with her breath held as the smoke from the explosion slowly cleared. Trevenant was standing tall and proud, while Arcanine was lying down on its right side with swirls in its eyes, a sign that it cannot battle anymore. "Arcanine is unable to battle! Trevenant wins!" Mr. Moore declared, raising his left flag up to signifying Trevenant's victory.
"Nice work Trevenant!" Ash praised the Elder Tree Pokémon for its efforts. "Pi-pikachu!" Pikachu complimented his friend as well, much to Trevenant's joy as it gave a happy face. "That's right one Pokémon, 3 left to go". Brock remarked with a pleased grin, giving a nod of approval. "Arcanine still did a bit of damage though. It got three of Ash's Pokémon out, dealt a bit of damage to Donphan and Kingler and Flannery's remaining three Pokémon are all full of energy". Verity told her friends, reminding them of the damage that Arcanine did to Ash's chances of victory.
"But I don't understand! Why didn't Extreme Speed do anything to Trevenant?" Flannery questioned with a confused frown, recalling her defeated Arcanine to its Quick Ball. "Extreme Speed may be a powerful move, but it is still a Normal type move. And Normal type moves can't do anything to a Ghost type like Trevenant". Ash told the new Gym Leader, turning to look towards her as he spoke.
Flannery let out a gasp of realization from Ash's words, before smacking her forehead with the left hand. 'How could I have forgotten something important like that?!' The red-haired female questioned inside of her mind, lowering her hand and looked over to Mr. Moore. The old man stood like a proper judge and didn't turn to look towards Flannery, staying professional about his job for this battle.
After a moment of staring; Flannery narrowed her eyes before facing forward. 'I can't make a mistake like that again. I'm gonna show grandpa that I have what it takes to be a Gym Leader by winning this match!' The red-haired female said inside her mind, determined to win this match. She brought out a shrunken Ultra Ball with her left hand, then enlarged it. "You're turn now Magmorter, show them what you're made of!" She cried out, before tossing the device out.
The Ultra Ball opened with a bright white light coming out. It slammed down on the ground, kicking up a bit of dust before clearing to reveal Magmorter. "Magmortar!" The Blast Pokémon cried out, full of energy and spirit. Ash narrowed his eyes at the sight of Magmortar, while Max and Jirachi gulped a little.
(Music end)
"Looks like Flannery's getting serious now. Magmortar seems to be radiating power". Daisy said with slightly narrowed eyes, easily able to see that Magmortar was one of Flannery's strongest Pokémon. "I'm certain that Ash can defeat that thing with no problem". Max said with a confident voice, full of belief that his idol can defeat Magmortar without issue.
"Trevenant, let's start off with Phantom Force!" Ash commanded, slightly raising his right fist. "Trevenant!" Trevenant cried out in response, creating a purple portal beneath itself and sunk into it. "Mag? Mortar?" The Fire type muttered to itself, first looking to its left before turning to the right. 'Stay sharp, Flannery. It you don't react fast enough, Trevenant will land a hit'. Flannery thought to herself, narrowing both eyes as she kept her eyes around her Magmorter.
After a moment, another purple portal appeared beside the Fire type on its right, something that Flannery noticed immediately and acted. "Magmorter, Thunder Punch to your right!" The female Gym leader told her Blast Pokémon, much to Magmorter's alarm at hearing it. Trevenant came out of the portal, but Magmorter turned around at that exact moment with its left fist surrounded by yellow sparks, which grow into a ball of electrical energy.
Both Trevenant and Magmorter swung their left fists out with the result being their fists slamming into each other; Phantom Force against Thunder Punch. Sparkes of energy came from the clash of attacks, before an explosion went off with both Trevenannt and Magmorter pushed back by 10 feet. "Phantom Force and Thunder Punch canceled each other out!" May cried out with wide eyes, yet this didn't bother the two trainers battling.
"We've still got some fight left! Rock Slide!" Ash called out, going with his best move for this opponent. "Trevenant!" The Grass and Ghost type cried out, before multiple gray rocks appeared in front of Trevenant in the shape of a ring. It then puts its hands forward, sending the stones flying towards Magmortar. Flannery gave a grin at seeing this because she has been waiting for a chance like this. "Magmortar, use Psychic to stop Rock Slide and sent them back!" The new Gym Leader ordered her Blast Pokémon, much to Ash's surprise at hearing this.
"Magmorter..." The fully evolved Fire type responded, right before its eyes began glowing a bright light red color. Then all of a sudden; the stones was surrounded in light red energy and stopped in midair. They were then sent flying right into Trevanant and began hitting him one at a time, shattering contact. Trevanant cried out, eye shut in pain before the last stone hit and blasted it off its feet and onto its back.
"Trevenant!" Ash exclaimed in concern, while Flannery smirked. "Now Magmortar, Fire Blast!" The red-haired Gym Leader commanded, punching the air with her right hand. "Mag...mortar". The Blast Pokémon raised its right arm and its hand disappears into its arm cannon. A ball of red-orange fire then appears in front of the cannon and Magmortar fires it at the down Trevenant. When the ball hits, it exploded and covered Trevenant from view.
Ash placed the left hand over his head to keep his hat from flying off from the shockwaves, but the Rainbow Hero's focus was on Trevenant. "Trevenant!" The Rainbow Hero cried out in concern. "Pikachu pi!" Pikachu exclaimed, worried for the Grass and Ghost type. A few moments passed, before the smoke caused by the explosion cleared to reveal Trevenant still lying down on its back only with swirls in its eyes.
Mr. Moore noticed quickly and did his duty as the judge. "Trevenant is unable to battle! Magmortar is the winner!" The old man declared, raising his right hand with the red flag. "Alright!" Flannery exclaimed in victory, throwing her right fist into the air. "Magmortar". The Blast Pokémon said with a pleased voice, lowering its right cannon as it turned back into a hand.
"Fire type moves are effective against Grass types after all. Not to mention that Fire Blast is one of the strongest ones, and add in the effects of Sunny Day will deal a lot of damage". Sorrel said with both arms crossed, placing his left leg over the right hand. Lucario let out a small growl in response. "This battle isn't close to over yet, and Ash still has Pokémon with the type advantage". Daisy said with a small smile, keeping her cool since it was too easy to panic.
Ash held out Trevenant's enlarged Great Ball with his right hand, recalling the defeated Elder Tree Pokémon to the device. The Rainbow Hero looked at his Great Ball with a soft smile. "I'm proud of you for giving it your all, Trevenant. Take a nice long rest for now". Ash said to his defeated Pokémon inside the device, before putting it away.
Ash and Pikachu faced forward in time to see Magmortar turn to face them, before they both narrowed their eyes. "Okay, here goes! Kingler, let him have it!" Ash exclaimed, throwing an enlarged Poké Ball with his right hand. The device opened and released a white beam in front of Ash that cleared to reveal Kingler. The Pincer Pokémon let out a grunt, still full of energy despite the hits it took from Arcanine.
(Play Pokémon Johto Journeys BGM - Johto Wild Pokémon Battle)
"This won't be a problem! Magmortar, Psychic go!" Flannery commanded with a confident smirk, feeling good about her chances now. "Magmorter..." The fully evolved Fire type responded, right before its eyes began glowing a bright light red color. Then all of a sudden; Kingler surrounded in light red energy, much to its surprise. The Pincer Pokémon let out a cry of surprise, before it was lifted off of the ground and floated up in the air.
The spectators watching all gazed up at Kingler floating above them with worried expressions. "That's not good. Kingler can't move like that". May said in concern, unable to think of a way for Ash and Kingler to escape this predicament. "Keep your cool. I'm certain Ash has something in mind for this". Verity told her friend, slightly tightening her grip around Piplup because she's a bit nervous herself.
Ash and Pikachu stared up at Kingler with narrowed eyes, before the Rainbow Hero let out a sigh. "I was hoping to save this a bit later, but I got no choice". Ash said to himself, before he threw his right hand out. "Kingler, Mud Shot!" The Rainbow Hero commanded, much to Flannery's surprise at hearing this.
Kingler grew a determined face and let out a grunt in response, before holding out its giant pincer towards Magmortar. The Water type opened it, before firing multiple light blue energy balls from its pincer at Magmortar. "Mag!?" The surprised Blast Pokémon cried out, right before getting hit by the barrage of Mud Shots and forced to close its eyes shut. A bit of the mud from Mud Shot was left behind on Magmortar's body as well.
The light red energy surrounding Kingler disappeared, resulting in the Water type falling from the sky yet managed to land on its four legs, creating a mini earthquake. "Pika pika!" Pikachu cheered at seeing Kingler free from Psychic. "We're on a roll Kingler, let's keep it up! Swords Dance!" Ash cried out with spirit, throwing his right hand out once more.
Kingler let out a grunt, before multiple light-blue swords circle appeared around it. The swords stop and pointed towards Kingler, end first, before disappearing. A yellow aura goes upwards along its body, boosting Kingler's attack power. "We can't afford to let Kingler's attack go up any higher than it already has! Magmortar, Cross Chop!" Flannery shouted, holding up her right fist and punching the air with her left one.
"Magmortar!" The Blast Pokémon exclaimed with a grin, crossing its arms to form an "X" and ran towards Kingler. But for some reason, it wasn't as fast as it used to be when battling against Trevenant. "Block it with your pincer, Kingler!" The Rainbow Hero called out, holding up his left forearm as if he had a shield. Kingler let out a grunt, before holding its larger pincer in front of itself.
Magmortar came right up and slammed into Kingler with its "X" crossed arms, yet the Water type blocked it perfectly with its pincer. The force behind Cross Chop did push it back by 3 feet though. "Don't let up! Thunder Punch back to back!" Flannery commanded, eyes narrowed in a serious frown as she spoke. "Mag...mortar!" Magmorter cried out, throwing both arms out as its fists became surrounded by yellow sparks, which grow into a ball of electrical energy.
The Blast Pokémon started punching Kingler's large pincer with Thunder Punch repeatedly, the Water type flinching from every hit. Ash narrowed his eyes at seeing this, before thrusting his right hand out. "Counterattack with Knock Off!" Ash cried out, refusing to just stand back and let this happen. Kingler let out a grunt, opening both eyes before holding its right pincer out to the side. Kingler's smaller pincer became surrounded by black sparks.
Right as Magmortar slammed another Thunder Punch into Kingler's large pincer; the Water type slammed its smaller one right into Magmortar's stomach, landing a direct hit with Knock Off. "...!" The Blast Pokémon gasped, the yellow sparks surrounding its fists disappearing as it took a few steps back. "That had to hurt". Brock winced, rubbing his own stomach with both hands as if he was hit there.
"Magmortar, Fire Blast!" The red-haired Gym Leader commanded, punching the air with her right hand. "Mag...mortar". The Blast Pokémon raised its right arm and its hand disappears into its arm cannon. A ball of red-orange fire then appears in front of the cannon and Magmortar fires it at Kingler. "Mud Shot!" Ash commanded, rearing his right hand in before throwing it out to the side.
Kingler let out a grunt in response, before holding out its pincers forward. The Water type opened them, before firing multiple light blue energy balls from both pincers. Fire Blast and Mud Shot clashed against, a stalemate between the two for a few seconds until both attacks created an explosion in the battlefield's middle. The smoke quickly cleared to reveal Kingler and Magmortar unharmed.
"This is getting old! Magmortar, Cross Chop!" Flannery shouted, holding up her right fist and punching the air with her left one. "Magmortar!" The Blast Pokémon exclaimed with a grin, crossing its arms to form an "X" and ran towards Kingler. "I agree with you, time to end this match between my Kingler and your Magmortar! Crabhammer!" Ash exclaimed, holding his right hand out as if it were a claw.
Kingler grunted, before its left large pincer suddenly became surrounded in water. The Pincer Pokémon remained still and made no move, while Magmortar drew closer to it. Once Flannery's Fire type was right in front of it; Kingler thrust Crabhammer forward and met Cross Chop head-on. Kingler and Magmortar had another power struggle for a moment or two, before Crabhammer broke through Cross Chop and landed another hit.
"Mag!" Magmortar gasped with wide eyes, right before something surprising happened. Flames suddenly appeared around Magmortar and Kingler for a moment, before the ones surrounding Magmortar disappeared. Kingler grunted in pain, taking a step or two back as the flame continued to burn it, while Magmortar was still as a statue for a moment before collapsing on its back.
Flannery gasped in concern, looking directly towards her fallen Blast Pokémon and saw that Magmortar had swirls in its eyes; a sign that it cannot battle anymore. "Magmortar is unable to battle! Kingler is the winner!" Mr. Moore declared, raising his left hand to signify Kingler's victory.
(Music end)
Despite Kingler's victory; none of the gang cheered because they were all worried about what was happening to Kingler. The flames haven't cleared away and were still inflicting damage to the Water type. "Flame Body; Magmortar's ability. Looks like it left Kingler a parting gift". Sorrel remarked, identifying what just happened and why Kingler's getting hurt like that.
"Things are shaking up intensely. Flannery's got 2 Pokémon left, and Ash has 3. In terms of who has the most Pokémon, it would be Ash. But in terms of energy; Flannery has the advantage. This could go two ways". Daisy said with low, yet serious voice. She may not be as strong as Ash or her brother when it comes to battling; but she knew a few things from traveling around for so long now.
Flannery recalled Magmortar to its Ultra Ball, before looking at the device with a grateful smile. "Thanks for all you've done for me, Magmortar. I'll handle the rest". She said to the Ultra Ball she's holding with her right hand. Flannery put the device away and looked over to Kingler. Despite standing and withstanding the flames surrounding it; the Pincer Pokémon was hissing in pain from the effects of getting burned.
Flannery gave a grin at the sight, before holding up an enlarged Poké Ball with her left hand. "I choose you Torkoal! Show them what you've got!" The red-haired female cried out, tossing the device up into the air. It opened and let out a white beam that struck the ground, took shape and cleared to reveal Flannery's Torkoal with the Coal Pokémon standing tall with energy. "Torkoal!" The Fire type exclaimed, before blowing out smoke from its nostrils and the top of its back.
(Play Pokémon Anime Sound Collection- Hoenn Elite Four Battle Theme)
"Gyro Ball!" Flannery commanded with a confident grin. "Torkoal!" Torkoal cried out, then started spinning in a fast counter-clockwise motion. As it spins, a light-blue aura surrounds it, with a bright white light running horizontally across the light-blue aura surrounding Torkoal. The Fire type floated off the ground, before taking off like a UFO and began a barrage of attacks on Kingler; hitting it and then flying away, before restarting the process over again.
The barrage of Gyro Balls quickly stopped as Torkoal erupted out of its shell and landed 5 feet away from Kingler. "Mud Shot go!" Ash cried out, not giving up on Kingler just yet. Kingler grunted, before holding out its pincers forward. The Water type opened them, before firing multiple light blue energy balls at Torkoal.
"Oh, please! Torkoal, Stone Edge!" Flannery commanded, thrusting her left fist out and punching the air with it. "Tor...koal!" The Coal Pokémon cried out; standing up on its hind legs with an orange aura surrounding its body. It then slams its front legs down onto the ground, causing multiple jagged light blue stones to come out of the ground, moving towards Kingler.
Mud Shot made contact with one of the jagged stones, managing to break through it and the one behind it, before disappearing. Stone Edges continued on however and a single jagged stone erupted out of the ground underneath Kingler, striking right underneath and sending the Water-type flying into the air.
Ash and Pikachu gazed up at Kingler with wide eyes. Flannery, however, smirked with confidence. "Finish it with Gyro Ball!" She commanded, rearing her right hand in and then threw it out to the side. "Tork...oal!" The Fire type exclaimed, spinning around in Gyro Ball again and shot out into the air. It charged course and flew down, slamming right into the flame engulfed Kingler's face.
Ash and Pikachu gasped in concern at seeing right, right before gravity did its thing as Kingler both sent falling and pushed downwards until it crashed down on the ground, kicking up a bit of dust. "Kingler!" Ash exclaimed in concern for his old friend and Pokémon. "Pika-pi!" The Rainbow Hero's starter cried out, just as worried as well.
The dust soon cleared to reveal Kingler, no longer covered in flames, lying on a creator in its own shape with swirls in its eyes, along with Torkoal atop of it. "Kingler is unable to battle! Torkoal wins!" Mr. Moore declared, now lifting the red flag up to signify Torkoal's victory. Torkoal leaped off of Kingler and landed five feet away, before blowing out smoke again.
"Now things are just two on two now. And Kingler was one of Ash's best options in this battle". Max said in dismay at seeing Kingler defeated by a Fire type. "Gyro Ball's power depends on how slow the user is, so since Torkoal wasn't really fast, it dealt a fair bit of damage. Not to mention that Kingler getting a burnt status condition drained its stamina". Sorrel said out loud, reminding the young boy how the Pincer Pokémon had taken a good amount of damage from its battles before.
"Don't worry guys; Ash still has a good chance. He still has Donphan and one last Pokémon that's still full of energy". Verity told her friends, smiling with faith that her boyfriend will still win this Gym battle. "Piplup pip!" Piplup cried out, raising both flippers into the air. May looked over to Verity, then smiled and gave a nod of the head. She looked over to Ash and cried out to him. "Come on Ash! You can do it!" The brunette exclaimed, believing in Ash no matter what happens.
Ash recalled Kingler to its Poké Ball, holding the device out with his right hand. "Thanks for your hard work, Kingler. Rest for now". The Rainbow Hero thanked his old friend, right as Kingler was fully recalled. It immediately put that Poké Ball away in his pocket, then brought out another one. "Donphan, come on back out!" Ash shouted out, tossing the device out, which it almost immediately opened and released a bright white beam.
It struck the ground and cleared away to reveal Ash's Donphan with the Armor Pokémon standing tall, despite the damage it took against Archanine. "Donphan is weak from battling Archanine, so this is our chance for a quick victory! Torkoal, Gyro Ball again!" The Lavaridge Gym Leader commanded, a confident grin displayed on her face. "Tork...oal!" The Fire type exclaimed, spinning around in Gyro Ball again and shot out towards Donphan with the intention to strike him.
Ash, Pikachu and Donphan narrowed their eyes at Torkoal using Gyro Ball. The Rainbow Hero slowly lifted his right hand up, before gripping it into a fist. "Donphan, combo attack of Giga Impact and Fire Fang!" Ash commanded, thrusting his right fist and then punched the air with the left one. Flannery gasped in surprise at hearing this, while Mr. Moore turned to look at Ash.
"Don-don-don..." Donphan began, taking off into a charge and its body becomes surrounded by a purple aura with yellow streaks of energy spiraling around the purple aura. The Ground type then opened its mouth and its mouth becomes surrounded in flames. The flames spread to Donphan's tusks and onto the purple aura, changing its colour to a flaming red color.
Donphan leaped into the air, heading towards Torkoal with the Fire type coming with Gyro Ball. The two draw closer until they made contact.
Kaboom!
An explosion immediately went off the instant that Donphan and Torkoal came into contact. Just 3 seconds after the explosion went off; a hurt Torkoal came falling from the smoke cloud left behind, wailing until it crashed down on its back. Flannery gasped in concern, gazing down at her wailing Pokémon as it struggled to turn over off of its back and back to its feet. "Oh no, Torkoal!" Flannery cried out, wishing she could go over and help Torkoal out yet knew she couldn't right now.
Donphan came falling down from the smoke cloud above, complete unscathed by the collision of power just now. The Armor Pokémon landed on its feet, then let out a cry and raised its trunk, ready for whatever else that's thrown its way. "Nicely done, Donphan!" Ash praised his old fiend that he hatched from an egg so long ago. "Pika-pikachu pi!" Pikachu called out in joy, waving his hands up and down in a joyful manner.
"Amazing! A combination attack of Giga Impact and Fire Fang together overpowered Gyro Ball completely". Brock commented with a nod of approval, amazed with his old traveling companion for coming up with another combo attack. "I didn't think it was possible to combine two moves into a single one like that. Ash used to lack imagination back when he was younger, but that's not the case anymore. He's truly changed thanks to his journey". Daisy said with an amazed smile, mind flashing to a young Ash around 6 years of age. It truly amazed her how much Ash has changed since he started his journey.
"Anyway; what do you think the name of this combo attack is? Fire Impact or Giga Fang?" May asked with a curious voice, turning to look at Verity with the Twinleaf girl turning to look at her. "Taking one part out of the two attacks used for the combo attack, huh? Classis". Verity said with a grin, before returning her gaze to the battlefield. "Uhhh, guys? While that attack was impressive, there's just one little problem. Look". Max suddenly spoke up, pointing towards Donphan with his right hand's index finger.
Everyone looked and saw Donphan standing completely still, no hint of movement whatsoever. "Donphan still used Giga Impact and its aftereffects are that it can't move for a bit". The 8-year-old boy informed his travel companions and friends, reminding them the consequences of using Giga Impact. "Don't worry about that; just look". Sorrel said with a grin, pointing over to the still wailing Torkoal as it tried to flip over back onto its feet.
"It'll take a few seconds for Torkoal to get back on its feet. That'll give Donphan enough time to recover". Verity explained to her friends, smiling a confident smile full of belief. "Come on Donphan! Recover already!" May cried out to the Armor Pokémon, providing moral support for Ash and his Pokémon.
(Music end)
Flannery grit her teeth in frustration; watching her struggling Torkoal for a moment or two before she blinked in realization. "Torkoal, use Gyro Ball to get back on your feet!" The red-haired female commanded, much to Mr. Moore's curiosity at what she's planning. "Torkoal!" Torkoal responded crossing its legs and tucking its head in, then started spinning in a fast counter-clockwise motion.
Torkoal flew into the air, before flipping over and ceased spinning. The Fire type fell to the ground and landed on its feet, before letting out a joyful cry at no longer being upside down. Donphan narrowed its eyes at Torkoal, before releasing a cry itself and lifted its trunk up as well. Ash and Pikachu smiled at the sight of Donphan being able to move again.
The Rainbow Hero held his right hand out with the index finger out. "Donphan, Rollout go!" Ash ordered his old friend, pressing the attack. "Donphan!" The Ground type cried, before taking off into a charge. Donphan did a small jump, curled into a ball and started rolling with incredible speed towards Torkoal. "Use Stone Edge to stop it!" Flannery commanded, holding her left hand out.
"Tor...koal!" The Coal Pokémon cried out; standing up on its hind legs with an orange aura surrounding its body. It then slams its front legs down onto the ground, causing multiple jagged light blue stones to come out of the ground, moving towards Donphan. "Donphan, keep using Rollout and smash your way through them!" Ash told the Armor Pokemon, punching the with his right fist.
"Don-don-don-don-don!" Donphan cried in response, going faster than before. With incredible strength; Donphan began smashing its way through the jagged rocks and grew closer to Torkoal by the second. Flannery grit her teeth, before throwing her right hand out. "Time for our best move! Torkoal, Overheat!" The Lavaridge Gym Leader commanded, going with their best attack. "Torkoal!" Torkoal cried out, opening its mouth with it glowing a white colour. It then fired a white flame that has a red-orange flame spiraling around it.
Ash widened his eyes in alarm at the sight of Overheat, fully aware that it was one of the strongest Fire type attacks there is. "Pikachu pi!" Pikachu exclaimed in concern for his close friend, while Ash waved his right hand back. "Donphan, get back and dodge!" The raven-haired boy told Donphan, a commanded it was more than happy to obey. It ceased spinning for a moment, before spinning backwards just in time as Overheat was now literally in front of it.
Overheat was now chasing the rolling backwards Armor Pokémon, just a mere inch or two away. After a moment or two, Donphan turned to its left and skillfully managed to dodge with Overheat continuing on and struck the battlefield wall. Ash and Pikachu sighed in relief at seeing this, while Donphan slightly jumped, uncurled itself and landed on his feet.
"That was too close for comfort. If Overheat hit, then Donphan might have been knocked out of the match". Brock said with a nervous look, truly a bit relived that Donphan managed to dodge successfully. "And with Sunny Day's effects, Overheat's power would have increased by double". Max said with a nervous voice, yet that just got a small chuckle from Sorrel.
"You don't have to worry about that. Sunny Day's effects ending not too long ago". The Veilstone boy stated, catching Max by surprise at hearing this. Max turned to look at Sorrel for a moment, before gazing up to see that true to Sorrel's world; the sun was back to normal. "And not only that; Overheat's power decreases dramatically after every time its used. So, if Flannery uses Overheat again, it won't deal as much damage as the first". Verity said with a grin, stroking Piplup's head in a comforting way.
(Play Pokémon Anime Sound Collection - Regirock/Registeel/Regice Battle)
"We've still got a chance of winning this, so let's take it! Donphan, Gunk Shot go!" The Rainbow Hero exclaimed, pointing forward with his right hand's index finger. "Don…phan!" The Armor Pokémon roared out, lifting his trunk up before firing multiple globs of sludge surrounded in a gold aura from its mouth. "Torkoal, Iron Defense!" Flannery commanded, throwing her left hand out to the side.
"Tork!" The Fire type exclaimed, pulling all of its limbs into its shell right before the shell and body becomes outlined in white and briefly shines. The globs of sludge struck Torkoal's shell, yet did little to no damage at all. "Crap! Iron Defense increase Torkoal's defense to psychical attacks big time, and all of Donphan's moves are psychical attacks". Ash said with his teeth grit, fully aware of what Iron Defense does.
"Good work Torkoal! Now, Gyro Ball!" Flannery called out with a confident smile, throwing her left hand out. "Tork...oal!" The Fire type exclaimed, spinning around in Gyro Ball again and shot out towards Donphan. "Stay still and take it head on!" Ash told his Armor Pokémon, much to the surprise of his friends at hearing this. "Ash, what are you doing?!" Daisy cried out in surprise, yet Ash didn't pay her any mind.
Kablam!
Torkoal landed a direct hit on Donphan's front, resulting in the Ground type flinching in pain yet remained still. "Hang in there Donphan! Send Torkoal flying!" Ash cried out, throwing his right fist into the air. Donphan burst open his eyes to reveal the look of resolve. "Donphan!" The Armor Pokémon exclaimed, before throwing his trunk up and sent Torkoal flying out of control into the air.
Flannery gasped in surprise, looking up towards her out of control airborne Torkoal with the Fire type crying out in panic. "Now, hit Torkoal with a good Fire Fang!" Ash exclaimed, opening his right hand like a claw before clenching it shut. "Don...phan!" Donphan exclaimed, opening its mouth and its mouth becomes surrounded in flames. The flames spread to Donphan's tusks, before it leaped into the air.
Donphan headed straight into Torkoal and rammed right into its stomach, before an explosion went off from Fire Fang. A smoke cloud was left behind, before both Donphan and Torkoal fell from inside it and landed on their feet. The two were standing across each other, both panting with their teeth grit as a sign that they're growing exhausted.
Ash and Flannery took notice of this and realized their Pokémon were close to their limit. "Torkoal's almost out of energy. I've gotta wrap this up fast". The red-haired female said to herself, before throwing her left hand out. "Torkoal, attack with Stone Edge!" Flannery commanded, punching the air with her left fist. "Tor...koal!" The Coal Pokémon cried out; standing up on its hind legs with an orange aura surrounding its body. It then slams its front legs down onto the ground, causing multiple jagged light blue stones to come out of the ground, heading for Donphan again.
"This'll work for us just fine! Donphan, use Rollout and climb up into the air!" Ash commanded, rearing his left hand in before throwing it out to the side. "Donphan!" The Ground type exclaimed, taking a small jump and curled itself into a ball. Donphan landed, then took off spinning forward and right it made contact contact with a single jagged stone, it didn't smash through and instead began climbing it all the while still spinning.
"What?!" Flannery exclaimed in surprise, right as Donphan reached the top and jumped high into the air. Airborne; Donphan uncurled itself and gazed down towards Torkoal and saw the Fire type staring up at him in astonishment. "Now Donphan, Giga Impact!" The Rainbow Hero commanded with a smirk, bringing his left fist up before bringing it down and held it up.
"Donphan!" Donphan cried out; its body becomes surrounded by a purple aura with yellow streaks of energy spiraling around the purple aura. Donphan began diving down towards the Coal Pokémon with the intention of striking with Giga Impact, but Flannery wasn't about to make this easy. "Torkoal, fight back with a full power Gyro Ball!" The red-haired female ordered, rearing her left fist in before thrusting it out.
"Tork...oal!" The Fire type exclaimed, spinning around in Gyro Ball and took off into the sky. Donphan and Torkoal quickly drew closer until they made contact and created a large and powerful explosion in the air. The explosion released a shockwaves that forced everyone to shield their eyes, hair and clothes blowing a bit widely. "Donphan!/ Torkoal!" Ash and Flannery cried out in concern, right as the shockwaves died down completely.
Both Donphan and Torkoal fell from the smoke cloud and crashed down on the ground, kicking up a bit of dust. It covered the two from view for a couple of seconds, before it cleared to reveal both Donphan and Torkoal flying down on the ground in front of each other with swirls in their eyes. Mr. Moore looked at the two unconscious Pokémon for a moment, before raising both flags up.
"Both Donphan and Torkoal are unable to battle!" He declared, much to the surprise of the gang at hearing this. "Both of them are knocked out?!" Max cried out with wide eyes, having honestly expected Donphan to win that match with how well it was doing. 'Big surprise!' Jirachi remarked, honestly amazed with Donphan's efforts in managing to get a draw and not lose to Torkoal.
"Now it's one on one". Brock stated with narrowed eyes, which Verity gave a nod of the head with a serious frown. "Not to mention that they're both full of energy without a single bit of damage done. This'll be a no holds bar match". She said with a low voice, certain that they're in for one tough battle. "The only question left is which Pokémon will they use". Sorrel said with a grin of excitement, feeling his very soul trembling in excitement.
(Music end)
Ash and Flannery recalled Donphan and Torkoal to their Poké Ball, before looking at the devices with soft smiles. "You turned things around and made my chances of victory bigger than before, thanks Torkoal". Flannery praised her defeated Coal Pokémon, before putting the Poké Ball away in her pants' pocket. "You, Kingler and Trevenant have all fought hard and I'm proud of all of you, Donphan. I won't let your efforts go to waste". The Rainbow Hero said softly, spending a moment to stare down at the device.
Ash directed the Poké Ball to Pikachu, allowing his best friend to say something to Donphan inside. "Pikachu pi pika". The Electric Mouse said to his slumbering friend inside the device. Ash then put the Poké Ball away, before both he and Flannery made eye contact with each other. "You're doing pretty good for a new Gym Leader, you know that Flannery?" The Rainbow Hero said to his opponent, much to Flannery's appreciation at hearing that.
"Thanks Ash, but I'm just doing my best". Flannery replied to Ash, then held up an enlarged Poké Ball with her right hand. "And as a Gym Leader; it's my duty to not give up and fight to the bitter end with everything I got!" The red-haired female added with conviction, before rearing her right hand back and held the left arm up. "I choose you...Blaziken!" She cried out, then tossed the Poké Ball out.
The device spun through the air for a few moments, before stopping and burst open; releasing a bright white beam that struck the ground below. It took shape, before it cleared to reveal the Blaze Pokémon; Blaziken. "Blaziken!" The Fire and Fighting type cried out to the heavens; raising its fists and lighting up the flames around its wrists.
"Well, this takes me back to when we faced Harrison and his Blaziken. At least there shouldn't be any Mega Evolution this time". The Rainbow Hero said to himself, then held up an enlarged Poké Ball with his right hand. "Blaziken's a Fire and Fighting type, so Ash's best choice would be Dragonite". May said with a small frown, thinking it would be safe to go with Dragonite against Blaziken. "Maybe, but something tells me Ash wants this to be interesting". Daisy said with a small smile, certain that her old friend wasn't going to go with the easy option.
Ash held the Poké Ball out, before rearing his right hand back. "Get ready; because it's time to start thrashing!" The Rainbow Hero exclaimed, then right his Poké Ball out. Almost immediately; the device opened and released a white beam that ascended into the air. It quickly cleared away to reveal...Primeape!
"Primeape!" The Pig Monkey Pokémon exclaimed, before falling and landed on its feet 110 feet away from Blaziken. "What?! Why did Ash choose Primeape over Dragonite?!" Max questioned with wide eyes of disbelief at his idol's choice of last Pokémon to battle with. Brock started laughing in amusement, while Sorrel and Lucario shook their heads with small smiles.
"Honestly; Ash never takes the easy option. He always picks the option that gives him the most excitement". Verity said with a grin, before chuckling as she rubbed Piplup's head. May let out a long sigh with both eyes closed, before she opened them and smiled. "I should take a page out of Ash's book more often". The brunette said to herself, directing her gaze to the Rainbow Hero and stared at him with affection and longing.
(Play Pokémon Anime Sound Collection - Groudon/Kyogre Battle)
"Bulk up!" Both Ash and Flannery exclaimed at the exact same time. Primeape and Blaziken gave a strong cry, before flexing their arms and their bodies becomes surrounded in a crimson aura, enhancing the attack power and resistance to physical attacks. "Now, High Jump Kick!" The Lavaridge Gym Leader commanded, bringing her right knee up as if she were using the move herself.
"Blaziken! Blaziken!" The Fire and Fighting type cried out, leaping into the air with its right knee out before it began glowing a yellow color. It began diving down towards Primeape with the intention to strike, but Ash had no plans of letting it be easy. "Fight back with Power-Up Punch!" The Rainbow Hero commanded, punching the air with his right fist.
"Primeape!" The Pig Monkey Pokémon cried out in response, leaping into the air with his right fist reared back. Primeape's right fist became surrounded in an orange aura, before it thrust Power-Up Punch forward and clashed against High Jump Kick. The result being both attacks meeting in a stalemate, sparks of energy being conducted from the power behind both attacks.
After a moment or two; both Primeape and Blaziken broke their power struggle and landed 10 feet away from each other. "Not bad Ash, but that doesn't mean you're gonna win! Blaziken, Fire Spin!" Flannery ordered; still full of spirit and confidence. "Blaziken!" The Fire and Fighting type exclaimed, opening its mouths and released a spiraling flame at Primeape.
"I wouldn't accept anything less! Primeape, Ice Punch go!" Ash called out, displaying a smile of excitement on his face. The Pig Monkey Pokémon gave a grunt in response, rearing its right fist back again only now it was glowing bluish-white. Primeape thrust its right fist out and fired a ball of icy energy forward.
Fire Spin and Ice Punch passed each other and continued onto their targets. The ball of icy energy struck Blaziken's left cheek, while the spiraling fire hit Primeape right on its face and quickly disappeared. The force behind both attacks pushed Primeape and Blaziken a step back, but they quickly recovered and glared at one another. "Not bad. Acrobatics!" Flannery exclaimed, throwing her left hand out.
Blaziken let out a low growl; its body outlined in white before charging forward at an incredible speed towards Primeape. "A Flying type move will deal some damage, so let's go with this! Bulk Up again!" Ash told his oldest Fighting type, cracking his right knuckles. "Primeape!" The Pig Monkey Pokémon growled out; flexing his arms once more with Primeape's body once again surrounded in a crimson aura.
Kablam!
Blaziken landed a direct hit on Primeape by ramming into it, resulting in the Fighting type flinching in pain, even taking a step back yet that was all. Primeape opened its eyes to glare at his opponent, something that got a flinch from Blaziken, before the Blaze Pokémon leaped back and landed 10 feet away. "Let's keep up the pressure! Acrobatics again!" Flannery commanded, throwing her right fist into the air out of excitement.
Blaziken took off into a charge once more; body outlined in white once more. Ash, though, had no intention of letting things go like last time. "Dodge that at the last second, then hit back with Power-Up Punch!" Ash told his old friend, holding up his right fist. "Primeape!" The Fighting type responded, remaining still as Blaziken drew closer to him.
Just as Ash told him; Primeape dodged at the last second by stepping aside to the right, much to Blaziken's surprise. The Pig Monkey Pokémon reared its left fist back as an orange aur appeared over it, right before Primeape rammed Power-Up Punch into Blaziken's stomach. The Blaze Pokémon gasped for air and in pain, right before Primepage threw its fist further up and sent Blaziken flying.
Flannery breathed out in dread, right before Blaziken crashed down hard on the ground in front of her on its back. "That had to hurt". May remarked with a wince, feeling her own stomachache as if she were hit there. "No kidding. Especially with Primeape's increase in attack power from Bulk Up and Power-Up Punch". Daisy said with a smile, catching Max's attention as he turned to look at her.
"What do you mean Power-Up Punch increased Primeape's attack power?" The young boy asked with a curious voice, unaware of Power-Up Punch's special power. Sorrel spoke up and saved Daisy the trouble of explaining herself. "Power-Up Punch is a move that increases the attack power of a Pokémon that uses it. Primeape's used it twice and with Bulk Up's power up; Primeape has powered up big time". The Veilstone boy explained to his young friend, much to Max's surprise at learning this.
"Blaziken, can you go on?" Flannery asked her Fire and Fighting type, watching as Blaziken got back up on its feet. The Blaze Pokémon looked over its right shoulder and nodded to Flannery. "Blaziken". The Fire and Fighting type said to its trainer, much to Flannery's relief at hearing that. "Great to hear, old friend. Now, Fire Spin go!" The red-haired female ordered, thrusting her left fist out.
Blaziken nodded once before, before facing forward. "Blaziken!" It cried, opening its mouth and unleashing a spiraling flame at Primeape. But much to the Fighting type's surprise; Fire Spin struck the ground it front of it and formed a circle around Primeape. The flaming circle then transformed into a tornado of flames that covered Primeape from view and inflicting damage to it.
"Primeape!" Ash exclaimed in concern, almost taking a step forward. "Chu pi!" Pikachu cried out in alarm, fully able to see that Primeape's in trouble right now. "Creative way to use Fire Spin, I have to admit". Verity said with a small frown, slightly tightening her grip around Piplup with the Water type paying it no mind since it was too focused on the battle.
"It's the same way that May had Combusken use Fire Spin back in the Fallarbor Pokémon Contest. I guess sometimes trainers think up the same idea every now and then". Sorrel said with a frown himself, leaning a bit forward now. May gave a small grunt at Sorrel's words, yet said nothing in objection because he wasn't wrong about that. "All that matters right now is how Ash is gonna get out of there". Max said with a frown, keeping firm in his belief in Ash.
"Now Blaziken, use Bulk Up!" Flannery commanded with a confident grin, seeing this as her chance to make a comeback. "Blaziken!" The Blaze Pokémon exclaimed, flexing his arms once more with Blaziken's body once again surrounded in a crimson aura. Ash grit his teeth at seeing this, followed by throwing his right arm out. "Use Ice Punch to freeze Fire Spin solid, Primeape!" The Rainbow Hero called out, going with the best option he could think of right now.
What Ash said surprised everyone with Pikachu and Primeape being the only exceptions since they trusted with their trainer with all their heart. "Primeape!" The Fighting type exclaimed, bringing both fists up as they became surrounded by swirling energy that changes from white to light blue. The Pig Monkey Pokémon started punching the fire tornado in front of it with Ice Punch with all its strength.
After the fourth punch; Fire Spin instantly froze solid. Flannery gasped in surprise at seeing Ash's crazy plan actually work, while everyone else smiled at the sight. "Wow, now that's amazing to see". May said in awe, honestly been expecting her boyfriend's plan to fail yet was proven wrong. "Ice Punch's power must have been high enough thanks to Bulk Up and Power-Up Punch to freeze the fire completely. Looks like Fire doesn't always win against ice". Daisy said with a small giggle, holding her right hand right in front of her mouth.
(Music end)
"Not only that, but now Ash has an ice shield around Primeape, now it can use Bulk Up as much as it wants". Sorrel said with an amused smile, getting a small chuckle from Lucario at realizing Flannery's attack was now protecting Primeape from Blaziken. "This is his chance to increase Primeape's attack and defense, he can't waste it". Verity stated, releasing her grip around Piplup's body and placed both hands down on both sides.
"That's exactly what I intend to do! Bulk Up again!" Ash told his oldest Fighting type, raising his right hand and turned it into a fist. "Primeape!" The Pig Monkey Pokémon growled out; flexing his arms once more with Primeape's body once again surrounded in a crimson aura, increase its attack and defense power once more. "We can't afford to let Primeape to keep powering up like that! Blaziken, use High Jump Kick to break through and hit Primeape!" Flannery commanded, kneeing the air with her right knee.
"Blaziken!" The Fire and Fighting type exclaimed, taking off into a sprint towards the frozen pillar of tornado of fire. Blaziken then leaped high into the air, before beginning to dive down towards the frozen tornado with its yellow glowing right knee out. Blaziken's High Jump Kick attack made contact and immediately shattered the frozen tornado.
Blaziken continued on to Primeape, but to the shock of it and Flannery; Primeape caught Blaziken's knee with both hands. "What!?" Flannery gasped with wide eyes, while Ash just smirked at the sight. "Nice! Now, spin Blaziken around and send it flying!" The Rainbow Hero exclaimed, holding his right hand up with the index and middle fingers out.
"Primeape!" The Fighting type responded, taking a firm grip on Blaziken's knee before he started spinning around with Blaziken along for the ride. After spinning around three times, the Pig Monkey Pokémon let go and hurled Blaziken into the air with the Fire and Fighting type crying out as it was sent flying. "Blaziken!" Flannery cried out in concern, gazing upwards at her airborne Blaze Pokémon.
"Now Primeape, Ice Punch!" Ash called out with a grin, bringing his right hand up before throwing it to the side. The Pig Monkey Pokémon gave a grunt in response, rearing its right fist back again only now it was glowing bluish-white. Primeape thrust its right fist out and fired a ball of icy energy up into the air towards Blaziken. "Quickly, dodge it!" Flannery cried out with a hint of panic in her voice, something that caught her grandfather's attention.
"Blaz!" Blaziken cried out in response, twisting around in mid-air and managed to maneuver out of the way of Ice Punch as it flew past. "Nicely done Blaziken! Now, use High Jump Kick full power!" Flannery cried out, regaining her confidence from before at seeing things shift her way again. "Blaz..i...ken!" The Blast Pokémon exclaimed, descending down towards Primeape with its left glowing yellow knee out with the intention to land a powerful hit.
What they didn't know was that this was exactly what Ash wanted and was waiting for.
(Play Pokémon Johto Journeys BGM - Johto Victory Theme)
The Rainbow Hero grew a grin, before rearing his right hand up and then threw it down in a swipe. "This is what we've been waiting for! Primeape, Dig go!" Ash cried out with utter confidence, much to Flannery's shock at the move he just said. "Primeape!" The Fighting type cried out in response, jumping up a little before digging underground using its hands, leaving a hole behind.
"Blaz!" Blaziken exclaimed in surprise and panic, continuing downwards and unable to stop itself. It quickly reached and rammed its knee down on the ground with the glow disappearing. Blaziken flinched in pain, knee in deep pain because of High Jump Kick's recoil damage from missing. "Blaziken!" Flannery cried out in concern, unable to go over and heal the Fire and Fighting type.
"Brilliant! Ash waited for the right time and opportunity to reveal that Primeape knew Dig! And thanks to it; Blaziken's High Jump Kick missed and dealt massive damage to it!" Daisy exclaimed with a bright smile; fully approving of Ash's strategy of keeping Primeage's fourth move a secret. "And Primeape's Dig isn't done just yet". May said with a grin, now almost certain of Ash's victory.
Blaziken was now kneeling down on its right knee, both arms on its injured one and eyes closed in pain. Unfortunately for the Blaze Pokémon; Primeape's attack wasn't over just yet. The Pig Monkey Pokémon suddenly erupted out of the ground in front of Blaziken and...
Kablam!
Slammed an uppercut right underneath Blaziken's chin with its right fist with a determined cry. Blaziken was blasted off of its feet and into the air, before it came crashing down on its stomach. Primeape landed on its feet and glanced over to its down opponent, wondering if Blaziken couldn't continue or could still fight.
"Blaziken, stand up please!" Flannery pleaded to her Blaze Pokémon, panic clear in her voice once more. "Blaz..." Blaziken groaned out, managing to get up on its left knee before flinching in pain with both hands going to its knee once more. "Oh no! Blaziken's taken too much damage from that High Jump Kick, it's having trouble simply getting up on its feet!" The red-haired girl said to herself, mentally kicking herself for getting carried away like that.
"Time to end this, Primeape! Charge in and finish it with one last Power-Up Punch!" Ash commanded, punching the air with his right hand. "Primeape!" Primeape exclaimed, taking off into a charge with its right fist reared back, right before an orange aur appeared over it. "Blaziken, quickly! Stop it with Fire Spin!" Flannery cried out in panic, losing her cool with how things were going.
"Blaziken!" Blaziken cried, lifting its head up and opened its mouth, unleashing a spiraling flame at the approaching Primeape. "Don't stop Primeape! Keep on going and make a way through with Power-Up Punch!" Ash told his old friend, speaking with conviction as he refused to back away from something like this. "Prime primeape!" Primeape exclaimed, thrusting its right fist out and punched the spiraling flame.
To the utter astonishment of Flannery, Mr. Moore and Daisy; Primeape continued to charge forward through the Fire Spin with Power-Up Punch without any signs of stopping. "Huh!" Flannery gasped in shock at what she's seeing with her eyes. "Amazing!" Daisy said in awe, eyes wide with wonder. "Prim...ape!" Primeape cried out with all its soul, drawing closer to Blaziken until eventually making contact and landed a direct hit on Blaziken's face.
The moment Primeape made contact with Blaziken, a powerful explosion went off with a smoke cloud covering them from view. Ash and Flannery stood with their teeth grit, waiting for the smoke to clear and show what happened to their Pokémon. It wasn't just them waiting with their breath held; everyone else was as well because this could be what decides the match.
After half a minute, something that felt like an eternity to everyone, the smoke began to clear slowly. Primeape stood with a few scrapes and burns here and there, but still had the energy to fight. Blaziken, on the other hand, was lying down on the ground on its stomach, swirls in its eyes as a sign that it cannot battle anymore. Mr. Moore took a quick look and raised the green flag to Ash's side. "Blaziken is unable to battle, Primeape's the winner! Thus, the victory goes to the challenger; Ash Ketchum!" The old man declared Ash and his Pokémon the winner of this Gym Battle.
(Winner: Ash, Kingler, Donphan, Trevenant and Primeape!)
(Music end)
Verity, May and Max all immediately rose up from their seats and cheered for Ash's victory. "Way to go!" Max cried out in joy for his idol's victory. "You won!" May exclaimed, both eyes closed in a joyful manner and arms in the air. "Ash did well. I'm impressed he managed all of that without a Z-move". Brock remarked, honestly surprised that Ash didn't use one of his trump cards in the battle.
"Ash didn't really have any moves that matched with any of the Z-Crystals he had. Still, those TM's are very handy". Sorrel remarked, which Lucario gave a nod of the head because he agreed with his trainer about that. "I'd have to agree with you on that. Ash used two of them to teach Primeape Power-Up Punch and Dig". Verity said with a grin, wrapping her arms around Piplup again and held the Water type.
Daisy had a proud smile on her face, staring at Ash with a fond expression. 'Oh Ash... You've grown up so much since I last saw you and you're just 12-years-old right now. I can only imagine what you'll be like in a few years time. You'll truly become a force to be reckon with'. The brunette thought to herself, growing to see the kind of impact Ash will have on the world of Pokémon.
Ash and Pikachu walked over to Primeape with the Fighting type turning around to face them both. "Awesome work out there, Primeape. You truly are a champion". The Rainbow Hero said to his old friend, holding his right fist out to Primeape for a fist pump, something that the Fighting type didn't keep him waiting for long. "Prime..." The Pig Monkey Pokémon said softly, pressing its left fist against Ash's in a fist pump. "Pika pi". Pikachu said energetically, jumping from the ground to Primeape's arm to its right shoulder. The two old friends smiled at one another with Ash watching them with a soft smile.
"Blaziken, return!" Flannery called out, holding Blaziken's Poké Ball out with her right hand and recalling her defeated Blaze Pokémon. Once Blaziken was fully recalled to its Poké Ball, Flannery turned the device around to look at it with an appreciated smile. "We lost the battle, but I know you did your very best to for me Blaziken, and earned yourself a good long rest". She said softly to the resting Pokémon within, proud of Blaziken and the others for battling hard.
"Flannery". Mr. Moore sudden spoke, catching Flannery's attention completely. She turned and saw her grandfather walking up to her with a frown displayed on his face. "You did well in that battle, but made a few mistakes. The first was against Ash's Trevenant by using a Normal type move, the second by not using Torkoal's Iron Defense sooner and lasty; having your Blaziken use High Jump Kick with such a huge distance. You battled well, yet there's still much room for improvement". The former Gym Leader told his granddaughter her shortcoming in the battle she had.
Flannery let out a sigh, slightly dropping her head because her grandfather was right. She did battle well, but not flawlessly. "I understand, Grandpa". She said with a low voice, accepting the fact that she's not a fully ready Gym Leaader just yet. At Flannery's words; Mr. Moore's face turned soft a bit. "Still; you gave Ash a battle one that I've never seen before. Even managed to defeat two Pokémon that you had a disadvantage against. And I'm quite positive that you'll make an excellent Gym Leader". He told his granddaughter, much to Flannery's immense joy at hearing this.
"Wow, you think so?" She asked with a growing smile, spirits lifted from her grandfather's words. "Just remember the passion that brought you to this place to begin with, and you'll be great". The old man told Flannery, words that she intended to always remember. "I will! I'll remember your teachings Grandpa, and someday I'm gonna be a Gym Leader who'll make you proud". Flannery swore, holding up her right fist to express how determined she is.
Mr. Moore nodded with a pleased smile at his granddaughter's words. "I'm proud already, Flannery". He told her, much to Flannery's joy at hearing this. The pair of grandfather and granddaughter turned their gazes over to Ash and saw him surrounded by his friends as they congratulated his victory. Flannery and her grandfather walked over to the gang, their footsteps catching the attention of all of them.
Ash, Verity, Sorrel, Daisy, Brock, May, Max, Pikachu, Piplup, Lucario and Jirachi all turned around to face the pair, just as they stopped in front of them. "Congratulations Ash and thank you for a great battle". Flannery both thanked and congratulated the Rainbow hero, having truly enjoyed the battle greatly. "Thank you too". The Rainbow Hero responded, both for her words and for the enjoyable battle. "It's my pleasure to award you this Heat Badge". The red-haired woman stated, holding up her right hand with a Heat Badge resting on the palm.
Ash took the prize with his right hand and brought it up to take a good look at his fourth Gym Badge. "Thanks a lot, Flannery". The Rainbow Hero thanked Flannery, sparing a quick moment to look at her before going back to admiring his new badge. "Wow... Haha, alright! I won...a Heat Badge!" Ash exclaimed, holding his new badge out in a victory pose just like in the old days. "Pi-pikachu!" Pikachu cried out in joy with both eyes closed in a happy manner. "Primeape!" Primeape also cried out in joy, same expression as Pikachu.
Ash quickly brought out his badge case with his left hand, opened it and added the Heat Badge to his collection; making it a total of 4 badges he has now. "That makes four Gym Badges you have now, Ash. You're halfway to all 8". Verity remarked as she walked up to Ash's right and May on the Rainbow Hero's left, both girls gazing at their boyfriend's badge case.
"Now we just need to find the next Gym for you to challenge". May said with a playful smile, no clue that Ash had that long planned out. "No need to think about it. I've already know where I'm getting my fifth badge". The Rainbow Hero stated, to his girlfriends' slight surprise at hearing this. "Really? And where is that, exactly?" Sorrel asked with a curious voice, placing both hands on his hips.
Ash's gaze wondered to an empty spot of his badge case, the spot where his fifth badge will be soon. "I've got four badges now. That means now; I can finally face Norman in an official Gym Battle". Ash said with an eager voice, catching May and Max by surprise at hearing this. The Rainbow Hero then closed his badge case, right before his eyes flashed a rainbow colour for a moment.
"Time to go pay Petalburg City a visit". Ash said with a confident voice, feeling his very spirit quiver with excitement at the thought of finally battling Norman. Pikachu and Primeape grew confidence faces of their own, just as eager as their trainer. Everyone smiled at the Rainbow Hero and his Pokémon; the only exceptions being May and Max.
The pair of brother and sister turned to look at each other with uncertain faces at the thought of Ash battling their father for different reasons. For May; it was because Ash is her boyfriend and she didn't know how to feel about him battling her brother. And for Max; the Rainbow Hero had become his idol after seeing him battle and making it possible for Jirachi to stay with him.
Speaking of the Wish Pokémon; Jirachi noticed his best friend's distressed face and grew worried. 'Max? What's wrong?' The Steel and Psychic type asked with a concerned voice, flying up from the ground to beside Max. Jirachi's voice snapped the siblings out of their thoughts, before the younger one turned to look at his best friend.
Max gave an uneasy smile at his future starter and shook his head. "I-It's nothing to worry about Jirachi. Don't worry". The 8-year-old boy replied, taking his best friend into both hands and held Jirachi close. Jirachi wasn't convinced by Max's words, but decided to drop the subject for now and just hug Max back.
May gave a small smile at her brother and his best friend. She turned her gaze over to the Rainbow Hero, gaze turning soft and full of affection. She may not like the idea of Ash battling her dad, but it could be worse. She just hopes that nothing really bad happens when the time comes.
(Date a Live: Day to Story)
"This is the tale of a long, long journey…"
"Of a hero who left home to save you".
The screen was pure black, before slowly lighting up to reveal the night sky full of bright stars. The camera started going downwards, eventually showing the back of the kneeling down form of Ash, who was kneeling on a light blue ground. The Rainbow Hero was kneeling down on his left knee, his right resting on the right knee and head tilted down with eyes closed.
The camera zoomed in and shifted around to show the Rainbow Hero slowly opening his eyes to reveal them lightly glowing a rainbow colour with the night sky around him transforming into a sunset sky with clouds. Ash tilted his head up to look out across the sea towards the rising sun in the distance, before his Rainbow Hero wings appeared on his back and spread out fully.
He continued to look out across the distance, before the sunlight from the rising sun soon blinded the camera.
"From a land of fairy tales, a hero set off on a journey".
Ash stood on atop of a hill overlooking his hometown, Pallet Town, still kneeling down in the same position with his wings spread out, head tilted down and eyes closed once more. Pikachu came into view, spun around and then smiled at the camera as he closed in and came over the screen.
"Passing through the grassy plains to find his princess".
Once Pikachu left the screen, it changed to show Ash now in Mount Tensei's summit with the Rainbow Rock a little bit away in the distance, still in the same position. Then, Verity came into view with a wild smile on her face. She stuck her tounge out at the camera as she closed in and came over the screen.
"Overcoming pitch black caves and stormy mountains".
Once Verity left the screen, it changed to show Ash now in the Secret Garden of Alto Mare, still kneeling down in front of the pound where the Soul Dew rested. Bianca then came into view with a soft smile directed at the camera, before closing in and came over the screen.
The screen then changed to show Ash in Forina, down on solid ground and still kneeling down with his head tiled down.
"His sword held high".
The Rainbow Wing then came up from below and came over view in the camera, before disappearing to reveal a patch of grass with a dark background. The camera moved across to the right, eventually showing Ash still in his kneeling down position with his Rainbow Hero wings spread out fully.
"The flames of courage burns in his eyes".
The Rainbow Wing floated down out of nowhere right next to the left side of Ash's face. The Rainbow Hero then opened his rainbow glowing coloured eyes and brought his head up, and then proceeded to stand up fully.
"I'll cast of the clutches of darkness and take your hand in mine".
A familiar right hand, belonging of that of a certain Twinleaf girl, reached out with Ash's left hand reaching out towards it as well. The two hands then gently grabbed hold of one another with a rainbow light appearing in between them. The light grew much stronger and blinded the screen.
"Always with my sword in hand".
The screen changed to show the Rainbow Wing floating down from the night sky full of stars, before images of Ash's traveling companions started to appear one by one. First, it was Misty, who gave a wave with her right hand, then changed to show Brock, who had his arms crossed and smiling at the camera.
"I'll break through the darkness to find you".
May, Max and Jirachi then all appeared together with the oldest Maple sibling having her arms wrapped around her brother's neck from behind, hugging him with a bright smile. Max and Jirachi both had wide smiles with their eyes closed with the former holding his best friend in his arms in a happy embrace.
The Maple siblings and Jirachi disappeared from view, before it changed to show Sorrel and Lucario, standing back to back with one another, both looking at the camera with confident expressions on their faces.
"No matter how hard it is, I won't ever give up".
Then, both Verity and Piplup appeared with the Twinleaf girl having her arms wrapped around her starter's stomach, holding the Water type close. Both Verity and Piplup were giving mischievous looks right at the camera, before they and the Rainbow Wing disappeared from view.
"So come and take my hand".
"The eternal flames of courage (Dead or Alive)".
"Fills the world with light".
Azora and Sylvia then came up into view, facing the camera directly with narrowed eyes. The two flew a little bit away from the camera, before the blue haired girl pointed her right hand forward and gave a command. Sylvia gave out a cry as it unleashed a Fairy Wind attack right at the camera, before the two faded away.
Rainbow coloured flames erupted from below the night sky and burned bright, before briefly covering the camera completely, only to quickly die out to reveal Ash and Verity standing beside one another at a beach a few feet away from the water. And a little bit away were a few grass covered rocks with flowers behind the pair of boyfriend and girlfriend. Ash didn't have his Rainbow Hero wings anymore, but Pikachu was now on his right shoulder, while Verity was still holding Piplup in her arms.
The four were looking out across the distance towards the rising sun as it rose up, brining another day full of adventure for the Pokémon World.
And that is that! Another chapter done and now just one left. I should have an easier time with next chapter because it's just one episode I'm doing. I will tell you this; next chapter will have many surprises. I won't give any spoilers, just know that Ash will get a Pokémon that isn't just Torkoal. Please be patient until I finished the next chapter; hopefully it'll be before the year ends.
Until then, see ya.
