(Opening Song: Pokémon World)

So you wanna be the Master of

Pokémon!

Do you have the skills to be

Number one!?

I wanna take the ultimate step

Find the courage to be bold (Pokémon)

To risk it all and not forget

The lessons that I hold

I wanna go where no one's been

Far beyond the crowd (Pokémon) Yeah!

Learn the way to take command

Use the power that's in my hand

Oh hey!

We all live in a Pokémon world

(Po-ké-mon)

I wanna be the greatest Master of them all!

(Greatest Master)

We all live in a Pokémon world

(Po-ké-mon)

Put myself to the test

To be better than all the rest

Ungh!

So you wanna be the Master of

Pokémon!

Do you have the skills to be

Number one!?

We all live in a Pokémon world

(Po-ké-mon)

I wanna be the greatest Master of them all!

Got the power right in your hands

Po-ké-mon!


Days have gone by after the incident at Shamouti Island. Around the world, people believed Professor Oak when he announced that an unknown pokémon was able to quell the chaos. He purposefully left out the prophecy, Lugia and the Three Legendary Birds, and most importantly…Ash's involvement. Samuel had also discussed with Professor Ivy the importance of Ash's involvement in everything be considered classified information. She didn't disagree.

Cynthia also emphasized the importance of Ash's name being kept out of the final report on Shamouti Island. Shady organizations would try to monopolize Ash if they ever discover his ability to use Aura, or his natural ability to calm and soothe pokémon. Cynthia theorized the reason pokémon felt safe around Ash was because of his warm Aura.

Pokémon can sense the aura of humans, and are able to determine if they have hostile intentions or not. The reason they feel protected around Ash is because his aura is warm, kind, protective, and safe. Him being able to understand them allows the ice to be broken, but it's his aura that naturally gathers them around him.

Ash listened to her words carefully and thought about them later on. In a deep part of his mind, he believed deep down the reason pokémon were so comfortable around him during his childhood was because they could feel his intention in wanting to help them and nothing more. In a way he was right. All his pokémon friends from back then could feel his kind nature, even now years later that hasn't gone away. Him being the "Chosen One" had nothing to do with why pokémon were naturally drawn to him—it was because he was being himself. Pikachu and his other pokémon confirmed this. They cared about him because they love him, and he loves them back.

With his thoughts reassured, he was able to sleep without worries or doubts.

He still had questions and knew just the person who could answer them. He'll have plenty of time to ask his questions when the Orange League is over.

Right now they are on their way to Pummelo Island where Ash will have his battle against the Orange Crew Supreme Gym Leader—Drake.

"There it is! Pummelo Island." Tracey said, spotting it in the distance.

"Yeah." Ash could see it.


After earning four Orange League Badges, Ash and friends are heading for the Orange League—where he's confident this will be his toughest opponent yet.


"We're finally here. Are you ready to give it your all, Pikachu?" Ash asked.

"Pika Pika (I'm always ready)!" Pikachu replied. He then noticed something in the distance. It wasn't just Pikachu, Lapras also noticed and stopped suddenly.

"What's wrong, Lapras?" Ash asked.

Lapras gestured for them to look over at the other side of the water. They saw it was some kind of pokémon gliding fast through the water.

"What is that? I can't see it." Ritchie tried leaning forward to get a better look, but that didn't help.

"Another water pokémon, maybe?" Serena wondered.

Tracey lifted his binoculars. While he was able to see it more clearly than the others, he couldn't fully see what kind of pokémon it was. The mysterious pokemon took flight before disappearing into the sky.

"It's gone…" Tomo said.

"That wasn't a Water Pokémon. It couldn't have been." Misty would know.

Ash had a gut feeling just what kind of pokémon that was. But until he has concrete proof, he'll keep it to himself.

Pummelo Island

"Hello, I'm here to battle for the Orange League trophy." Ash said to the man as he showed him his four badges.

"Another one, eh? Let me just verify all four of these badges." The man scanned them with his scanner. All four were verified along with Ash's picture showing up next to his four badges, "Well, now. It says here you've come all the way from Pallet Town, Mr. Ash Ketchum. Is that right?"

"Yes, that's my hometown." Ash confirmed.

The man paused for a moment before remembering something. Why did that name sound familiar to him? Wait, could it be possible?

"Young man…would you happen to be the Ash Ketchum that won the Indigo League?" The man asked.

Ash smiled, "Yes, sir. That's me."

"Well, I'll be! Who would have thought the person challenging Drake is a League Champion!" He grinned, "Drake might have his work cut out for him this time! While they were talking, Tracey and Serena were busy staring at a statue of a Dragonite that was familiar.

"This statue feels familiar." Tracey was sketching it.

"It does. We've seen this before." Serena was just trying to figure out where.

"Fenne (I wonder…)." Fennekin said.

"Okay, Mr. Ketchum. Your winner's trophy match is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 10' o'clock sharp at Pummelo Stadium." The man said.

"Okay, thank you." Ash thanked him, "First thing we should do is find out where the stadium is."

"Good idea." Misty said.


"There it is. Pummelo Stadium, where you'll have your big battle tomorrow." The man showed him where the stadium is.

Ash felt nostalgic, "The size of the stadium reminds me of the Indigo League Stadium."

"And this," the man respected their attention to another building next to the stadium, "This is the Palace of Victory."

"Palace of Victory." Ash said.

The man brought them inside, "Well, that's the official name, but most folks know it now as the Orange League's Hall of Fame."

Tracey stopped as he saw the same statue, "It's the same statue." Where has he seen this pokemon before?

"All these photos, displays, and trophies are here to honor every trainer who's been victorious in the Orange League since the establishment of the winner's trophy." The man showed them the numerous pictures of trainers and their pokémon, displayed for them to see.

Ash saw the many faces of those who have won the Orange League. These trainer's worked very hard to make it here.

"To get into the Hall, a trainer has to defeat the four members of the Orange Group and the Pummelo Gym Leader in a Full Pokémon Battle." The man explained.

"Just like the Indigo League. In the Semi-Finals and Finals, it was a Full Battle with both trainers using a full party of six pokémon." Ash recalled how hard a Full Battle is. A trainer has to knock out all six pokemon of the opposing trainer in order to win. It's more stressful than a normal battle or a three-on-three battle.

"I'm sure you've all must have noticed that competition in each one of the Orange Island Gym is very different. That's because the Orange Group believes it's important to test both trainers and their pokémon under lots of different circumstances to prove how well they work together. And if you are able to win the four Orange Island Gyms and win the Orange League, you all deserve to be in the Hall of Fame."

Tracey had a question, "And what's that statue doing here?"

Ash smiled, "That's a nice statue of a Dragonite."

The man smiled, "That's right, young man. Dragonite is the guardian of this Island."

"I knew it!" Tracey knew he wasn't seeing things.

Serena looked it up on her Pokédex:

[Dragonite, the Dragon Pokémon. This extremely rare and highly intelligent type is able to fly faster than any known Pokémon.]

"Hey, I wonder if that huge flying thing we saw…" Tracey had a thought.

"Was a Dragonite? It was. My Dragonite loves to fly fast, even when we were training for the Indigo League." Ash smiled, remembering how his Dragonite loved flying around when they were training. He wonders if it's having a competition with his other flying types to see who can fly the fastest?

"It must have been the Gym Leader's Dragonite getting some exercise." The man said.

"He has a Dragonite, too?!" Ritchie exclaimed.

"No way…" Misty said.

"Yes, Dragonite's the reason nobody's ever beaten Drake." He revealed.

"I'm not surprised. Dragonite's are well known to hold a lot of firepower, and have a high defense." Ash knows this because he studied a lot about Dragonite under Professor Oak and he has one himself.

The man nodded, "Well, good luck Ash." He knows this boy won the Indigo League, but how will he fare against Drake?


Speaking of Drake. He was currently standing in the middle of the stadium, staring at a Dragonite statue.

"I wonder if there'll ever be a challenger strong enough to triumph over us." He sighed. Drake was starting to doubt there was anyone strong enough to defeat his Dragonite. And speaking of Dragonite, it flew down and landed behind him.

"Welcome back." Drake greeted.

Dragonite nodded.

"Nice Dragonite."

Drake turned to see Team Rocket standing there, "Very nice." James said.

Drake wasn't bothered by their presence, if anything he was curious to know why they were here, "Is there something I can help you with?"

They did their moronic motto. Drake stared at them for a moment before he spoke, "If you've come to battle me, you'll have to apply…"

Jessie laughed at him, "We wouldn't dream of battling the Champion."

"Who cares about a trophy." James pointed at the Dragonite standing behind Drake, "We want your Dragonite."

"You can't be serious?" Drake wondered if this was some kind of prank.

"Deadly serious." Jessie took out a pokeball.

"Seriously deadly." James also brought out a ball.

Meowth grinned, "Either way."

Drake had enough of them, "Dragonite, use your Hyper Beam." Dragonite came up from behind Drake, eyes glowing as it opened its mouth and sent a Hyper Beam attack at them.

"We're blasting off again!"


Ash turned and looked up at the sky, "What was that?"

"What was what?" Misty asked him.

"It's strange, but I thought I heard Team Rocket." Ash replied.

Misty sighed, "I'd like to say you were hearing things, but we all know it was probably them."

No one disagreed.

"Anyway, do you know what Pokémon you'll be using?" Tracey asked.

Ash smiled, "I do. First, I have to make a call to Professor Oak and make some switches." He took the liberty of looking at Drake's information about what kind of pokémon he uses and made his decision.

"Who are you choosing, big brother?" Molly asked.

Ash smiled, "It's a secret." He said, playfully.

Molly giggled.

Ritchie gave him a dry expression, "Don't start acting like Pat."

"Are you going to use Snorlax?" Serena asked.

Ash shook his head, "Snorlax ate about an hour ago, meaning it's sleeping like a rock. I'll be sending it back so Professor Oak can get a good look at him. Besides, he needs to meet my other pokémon anyway."

"Smart move. Snorlax will be too tired to move." Tracey said.

Ash nodded, "I wanna keep it a surprise for now, but trust me, it'll be worth it."

"Just because you said that I want to see who you'll use now." Misty was starting to feel eager now.

Ash smiled, 'Drake, I'm curious to see just what kind of Pokémon Trainer you are.'


"Welcome, Pokémon fans! Pummelo Stadium is pulsing with excitement as we get set for the first Orange League competition of the season! Entering the arena is Drake—the Leader of the Orange Crew and the undefeated Pummelo Island Gym Leader!"

Drake entered the field with a smile, interested to see who his opponent will be this time.

"Opposing him from Pallet Town is Ash Ketchum—winner of the Indigo League! Will he be able to break Drake's winning streak?!

Drake almost stopped in his tracks at that. The challenger is the recent winner of the Indigo League? But he looks so young! A prodigy perhaps? They both stood before each other. Both had smiles on their faces.

"I've heard a lot about you. It's nice to meet you, Drake." Ash smiled, extending his hand.

"Likewise, I never expected the challenger would be the recent winner of the Indigo League." Drake was impressed.

"The trainers begin with a traditional handshake."

"Welcome to Pummelo Gym, Ash. And the Orange League's trophy match." Drake said.

"I'm happy to be here." Ash said.

"Are you ready to battle?" Drake asked.

"I'm ready." Ash smiled.


Who's That Pokémon?

It's…Dragonite!

"Dragonite!"


"This is a full six-on-six Pokémon battle. When three of one trainer's pokémon are unable to battle, there will be a field change." The referee explained.

'This is just like the Indigo League.' Ash thinks.

"The Gym Leader is forbidden to switch pokémon during battle, but the Challenger may switch pokémon at any time." The field changed after the ref was finished explaining the rules.

"The battle will begin on a rock and water field!"

"This winner's trophy match is about to begin, so choose your pokémon and good luck to you both." The ref said.

"And now, we'll see which Pokémon the trainers choose! An important decision which could give us an idea of a strategy these opponents are planning!"

A bell ring went off, signaling for the battle to begin.

Drake smiled, "I hope this one leaves a good impression." He sent out a Ditto.

"Ditto (Hello)!" Ditto greeted.

Ritchie couldn't believe Drake's first Pokémon was a Ditto, "It's a Ditto!"

Serena scanned it:

[Ditto, a Transform Pokémon. It is able to rearrange the cells of its body and assume any form. Its only attack is Transform.]

"If that's its only attack then won't this be much more difficult for Drake?" Serena questioned.

"Don't let its appearance fool you. Ditto can transform into any Pokémon, and use their moves depending on how the opposing trainer raised the pokemon its transformed into." Tracey explained.

"Oh." Serena wondered if Ash would be okay.

"He'll be fine. Trust me when I say that Drake's Ditto is going to be in for a fight." Misty smiled at her.

Serena noticed Ritchie, Molly, and Tomo were also relaxed and decided to have faith in Ash.

'You can do it!'

"Orange Crew Leader Drake has made Ditto his first choice! Transform is Ditto's only technique, but this Pokémon turns its opponents strengths into its own! Which can be devastating!"

Ash smiled, 'It really does leave a good impression. Good move, Drake.'

"Now, let's see which of his six pokemon the Challenger will choose!"

Ash already decided, "Luxray, I choose you!" Out came Luxray!

"Luxray (Come)!" Luxray was ready to face Ditto.

"Oh, my! The Challenger has chosen a very unique Pokémon I've never seen before! This strange pokemon looks ready for battle!"

"You can do it, Luxray!" Molly cheered.

"Ursa (Don't lose)!" Teddiursa encouraged.

"Ditto versus Luxray...battle begin!" The ref declared.

Drake was interested in the strange pokemon, but decided to focus on the battle, "Ditto, Transform!"

Ditto's body glowed before Transforming into Luxray.

"Ditto has Transformed into Luxray!"

"Wild Charge."

Luxray's body becomes surrounded by yellow electricity as it charges at Ditto-Luxray—slamming into the Transformed pokémon. Ditto-Luxray slammed into one of the rock pillars in pain.

"Whoa! Talk about brimming with power! Luxray actually did some damage to Drake's Ditto!"

Drake was just as surprised. It usually takes a lot more effort to really hurt his Ditto. Not bad.

"Ditto, use Thunder Shock!"

Ditto-Luxray got back up as its body glows yellow before releasing a yellow lightning bolt from its body at Luxray.

"Quick Attack." Ash countered.

Luxray runs at Ditto-Luxray, a white trail of energy is created behind it. Thunder Shock hits mark…but Luxray easily shook it off and slammed into Ditto-Luxray again. Ditto-Luxray rolled on the ground for a bit before slowly getting back up.

"Unbelievable! Not once but twice has Luxray managed to get a good hit at Drake's Ditto! Not only that, but it shakes off Thunder Shock like it was nothing!"

'He's better than I thought! I may have finally found someone who can give me a real challenge.' Drake thinks, smiling.

"Use, Shock Wave."

Luxray's body becomes surrounded in light blue electricity.

"You, too, Ditto! Use, Shock Wave!" Drake countered.

Ditto-Luxray's body also becomes surrounded in light blue electricity.

Both pokémon release a beam of light blue electricity at each other. The double Shock Wave hit their marks as both pokémon were electrocuted by the attack. When the attack was over, Luxray opened its eyes, standing firm and ready to keep going. Ditto-Luxray swayed, barely standing.

"You guys see that?" Tracey asked them.

Misty nodded, "Ditto can copy Luxray's attacks, that's true, but…"

"It doesn't have Luxray's obvious physical shape or endurance." Tracey observed.

Serena was relieved. This means Ash will take this win.

"Use, Agility."

"Luxray's body becomes surrounded by a white aura and tackles Ditto-Luxray. That attack finally knocked it out as Transform lost its effect when Ditto was finally knocked out.

"Ditto is unable to battle! Luxray wins! Trainer's send out your next Pokémon!" The referee announced.

"I don't believe it! The Challenger knocked out Drake's Ditto without much effort!"

Drake returned his Ditto with a pleased smile. This kid really is something else. That Luxray of his certainly had powerful attacks, but the difference between his Luxray's and Ditto was obvious. Luxray was in better physical shape and endurance. Ditto didn't have either of that. His opponent probably wanted to test and see that for himself, and he got his answer. Not bad.

"This next one's gonna rock you!" Drake sent out another pokémon.

Onix came out of the pokeball, ready to fight.

"For his second Pokémon, Drake has chosen Onix—a rock type that's strong against electrical attacks! Let's see how Ketchum responds!"

"Luxray, return." Ash returned Luxray.

"The challenger has recalled his Luxray for a well-deserved rest!"

"Gyarados, I choose you!"

Gyarados roared so loudly that people in the stands had to cover their ears. Drake however, was impressed. What a powerful roar!

"Talk about a powerful roar! That Gyarados is just itching for a fight!"

"Gyarados is strong, that's for sure. How do you think it'll do against Drake's Onix?" Tracey asked Misty.

"I may not like Gyarados, but I know for a fact that Ash's will win this one!" Misty was confident in Gyarados's win.

"Same. Gyarados is strong and not a pushover at all." Ritchie added.

"Go, Gyarados, you can do it!" Serena cheered for Gyarados. She had become her favorite water Pokémon on Ash's team, with Lapras and Blastoise next in line.

"Gyarados certainly has the type advantage, but Onix is a tough battler!"

But so is Ash's Gyarados.

"Iron Head."

Gyarados's head becomes surrounded by a white aura and slammed right into Onix.

"Another direct hit from the challenger's Pokemon!"

"Onix, use Dig!"

Onix burrowed into the ground.

"It looks like Drake is having Onix hide underground! How will the challenger respond?!"

Ash wasn't worried, for he can actually sense where Onix is underground. The snake-like rock type was slithering slowly towards Gyarados.

"Why isn't Ash telling Gyarados to do something?" Serena questioned.

Ritchie figured it out, "Of course! I see what he's planning!"

The others gave him confused looks.

"Onix, knock Gyarados in the air and use Bind!" Drake commanded since Ash wasn't making a move. He looked at Ash to see the boy smile. His eyes widened as he realized something too late.

'Wait, did he—?!'

"Aqua Tail."

Onix knocked Gyarados in the air after coming up from underground, but before it could use Bind on the water/flying type, Gyarados was faster, as her tail became surrounded in swirling water before slamming it down on Onix's head. The rock type's head was slammed into the ground.

"What a slam! Gyarados quickly counters Onix before it can react!"

Drake couldn't believe it. He'd been played! His opponent was waiting for him to tell Onix to come back up from underground, then proceeded to have Gyarados quickly counter Onix while it was in the air. This kid is a battle monster!

"That was an amazing Aqua Tail!" Tracey praised, "And talk about being strategic! Ash waited for Drake to tell Onix to come out and attack Gyarados—only for Drake to fall right into Ash's trap!"

"That Aqua Tail looked beautiful! This is why Water Pokémon are the best!" Misty gushed.

"Gyarados is the best!" Molly cheered.

"Ursa (Keep it going)!" Teddiursa smiled.

"Gyarados is gonna win this!" Tomo said, excited.

Serena was smiling, "Gyarados is amazing! It's official, she's my favorite Water Pokémon!"

"At least someone aside from Ash likes Gyarados." Ritchie threw that comment at Misty.

Misty glared at him.

"Now, use Whirlpool."

Gyarados points its tail at Onix and waves it around in circles, creating a whirlpool. Onix was unable to react as the move overwhelmed it, knocking it out.

"Onix is unable to battle! Gyarados wins!" Trainer's send out your next Pokémon!" The referee announced.

"Another knockout! Another easy victory for the challenger! If I wasn't actually here to see it, I'd never believe it!"

Drake returned Onix with a thoughtful expression. How strange. Two of his pokémon were taken down without much effort and for the first time…he doesn't know how to feel. Well, that's not exactly true…there's a feeling of elation. A feeling he hasn't felt in a very long time!

Drake smiled, "You're doing well, but you won't have a ghost of a chance against my third pokémon. Go, Gengar!" He tossed a pokeball.

Gengar came out all smiles, "Gengar (Let's have some fun)."

"And there goes Drake's powerful Gengar! Don't let that smile fool you, folks! That ghost pokémon is a strong trickster! What sort of pokémon will our challenger choose from his side?!"

"Gyarados, return." Ash returned Gyarados, "Gardevoir, I choose you!"

"Gardevoir (I won't go down so easily)!" Gardevoir declared.

"And our challenger goes with an interesting Pokémon I've never seen before!"

"Gardevor's really strong. I wonder how long Drake's Gengar can last?" Serena wondered,

Ritchie smiled, "We're about to find out."

"Battle…begin!"

"Psychic Terrain."

Gardevoir extends its arms and creates a purple dome of energy that surrounds it and Gengar.

"What move was that?" Serena asked.

"I'm not sure." Tracey was curious to know what kind of move that was himself. He'll be sure to ask Ash about it later.

Drake was also curious but didn't dwell on it for very long, "Gengar, use Confuse Ray!"

Ash nodded his head at Gardevoir, "Teleport and Confusion to send it flying into one of the rocks." He projected his aura inside his head to communicate with Gardevoir telepathically.

Gardevoir teleported quickly, confusing Gengar. As the ghost pokémon was looking around confused it was blindsided when Gardevoir appeared behind it. Gardevoir's eyes glowed blue as its body became surrounded by a blue aura. Gengar's body becomes outlined in blue energy, which was the only warning it got before Gengar was slammed into one of the rocks. And since Psychic Terrain is still in effect, Psychic type moves are much stronger.

Ritchie winced, "Ouch, brutal."

"Yeah, Gardevoir sure doesn't show any mercy." Serena observed.

"Drake's probably trying to figure out what his next move is going to be." Tracey said.

"If he has one." Misty said.

"Gengar, try using Hypnosis."

Gengar recovers and puts its hands together.

"Counter with Psybeam."

Gardevoir fires a magenta beam of energy with multicolored particles inside from its palms at Gengar, the attack slamming right into the ghost type and sending it flying back.

"What an upset! Gengar hasn't been able to land a single hit on the challenger's pokémon! What will it do?!"

"Don't give up, Gengar! Use Night Shade!"

"Counter with Psyshock."

Gengar fires a dark crimson beam at Gardevoir. Likewise, Gardevoir creates a stream of purple energy in between her hands before firing a purple beam of energy at Gengar. The two attacks collide in an explosion that engulfs the entire arena, leaving Drake in shock.

Tracey covered his eyes with his arm, "That was some explosion!"

"I can't see!" Misty was holding onto Togepi as her eyes were closed.

Smoke covered the field for some time. Drake and Ash both were waiting for the smoke to clear to see which of their pokémon would remain victorious. After what felt like an eternity, the smoke finally started to fade as the field became visible. Standing there tall and proud was Gardevoir without a scratch on her, while Gengar fainted.

"Gengar is unable to battle! Gardevoir wins! Trainer's send out your next Pokémon!" The referee announced.

"I can't believe it! Drake's Gengar has fainted, leaving Gardevoir as the victor! This challenger is the first Trainer to knock out three of Drake's pokémon in a row!"

Drake recalled Gengar with a smile, "You were amazing out there, Gengar. Get a good rest." He looked up to see his opponent hugging his pokémon before returning it. He was right. This kid is a battle monster. And for the first time in a long time…he felt excitement! With three of Drake's pokemon defeated, the field changed. It was now a desert field.

"Let's keep this battle going! Come out, Venusaur!" Drake sent out his Venusaur.

"Venusaur (Prepared for battle)!" Venusaur declared.

"Another one of Drake's strongest takes the field! Now, what pokémon will our challenger choose?!"

"Delphox, I choose you!" Ash sent out the fox pokémon.

"Delphox (Playing with fire now, are we)?" Delphox said, smirking.

"The challenger brings out another interesting pokemon! Let's see what this one can do!"

"Venusaur versus Delphox! Battle…begin!" The ref said.

"Sunny Day."

Delphox's eyes become fiery, releasing a white beam of light into the sky, causing the sun to shine brighter.

Drake didn't bother questioning Ash's strategy as he already learned in order to win he'd have to pull out all the stops, "Use Solar Beam!"

Venusaur began to charge up a Solar Beam, but Ash wasn't about to let it charge up to full power.

"Mystical Fire."

Delphox swings its wand stick around in a circle, forming a ring of red-orange fire in front of herself. Delphox releases a red-orange stream of fire surrounded by rings of fire from the tip of its wand stick at Venusaur. The fire attack came at Venusaur so fast it didn't have time to fully charge up Solar Beam.

"Venusaur!" Drake cried out.

"Talk about hot! Delphox burns Venusaur with a smile on its face!"

Tracey realized what Ash did, "Sunny Day is a good move for boosting fire attacks."

"I'm surprised Delphox's attack was able to hit Venusaur. It's hard to see anything in this desert field." Misty commented.

By some miracle, Venusaur was still conscious but that fire attack really did a number on it. The poor grass type was barely hanging in there, but refused to go down.

"Venusaur, use Vine Whip!"

"Fire Blast."

Delphox releases a 大-shaped blast of yellow-orange fire from its stick at Venusaur. Vine Whip was useless against Fire Blast as the attacks easily plowed through it and slammed right into the grass type.

"Venusaur!" Drake cried out.

On screen, it showed Venusaur fainted. If the audience wasn't surprised before the battle started then they are now. For the first time in a long time, a challenger was able to defeat four of Drake's pokémon without any of the challenger's pokemon taking any damage! The audience felt excited because Drake finally had a decent challenge in years.

"That's another one of Drake's pokémon down! This challenger is unstoppable!"

Drake returned Venusaur, "You did a great job, get a good rest." He smiled before taking out another pokeball, "Now, come out Electabuzz!"

Electabuzz came out of its pokeball ready to fight, "Buzz Buzz (Don't get cocky just because you're doing well)!"

"Drake sends out his Electabuzz! This pokemon is Drake's strongest electric type pokemon!"

Ash smiled at that, "Delphox, return." He looked at Pikachu with a smile, "Your turn, buddy."

"Pika (You got it)!" Pikachu ran onto the field.

"And the Challenger sends out his Pikachu! Will this little pokemon be enough to defeat Drake's Electabuzz?!"

Ash smiled, 'Underestimate Pikachu at your own risk.' He thought.

"Electabuzz vs. Pikachu! Battle…begin!" The red announced.

"Electabuzz, use Thunder Shock!" Drake started off with a thunder attack. Electabuzz fires yellow electricity from the ends of its antennae at Pikachu.

"Tail in the air." Ash said.

Drake was confused by the odd command as Pikachu crouched down and lifted its tail in the air as Thunder Shock was absorbed.

Ash could see the confusion on his face and decided to explain, "Pikachu's hidden ability is, "Lightning Rod." Attacks like Thunder Shock and Thunderbolt won't do anything."

"So I see." Drake inwardly cursed, but he should have known that wouldn't work.

"Iron Tail."

Like what happened with Rudey, Pikachu disappeared then reappeared before a surprised Electabuzz before slamming his metallic tail right in its gut. Electabuzz was sent flying.

"Ouch! Talk about fast! That Pikachu has some serious speed!"

Electabuzz got back up, unwilling to go down just yet. Who knew that Pikachu could pack a punch like that?

"Use Thunder Punch, Electabuzz!"

"You, too, Pikachu."

Both Electabuzz and Pikachu's fists glow yellow and sparks of electricity surround their arms. Electabuzz missed Pikachu due to him being smaller and more agile. Pikachu easily maneuvered out of the way of Electabuzz's Thunder Punch and hit it with his own—punching it right in the face.

"That Pikachu may be small, but it really packs a punch!"

"That's the way to do it, Pikachu!" Misty cheered.

"You show that Electabuzz you're the strongest!" Serena encouraged.

"Finish this with Volt Tackle.

Pikachu runs at Electabuzz, his body then becomes surrounded by golden electricity before tackling Electabuzz and sending it sprawling out on the ground. The electric type fainted.

"Electabuzz is unable to battle! Pikachu wins!"

"I can't believe it! Drake only has one pokémon left while the Challenger has all of his ready to go! This is simply unbelievable!"

"Yes! Drake only has one more pokémon left! Ash's got this!" Ritchie said, confident in his cousin's win.

"Don't be too sure, Ritchie. Remember that Drake's last pokemon is considered to be undefeated." Tracey reminded him.

Ritchie was confused at first, then remembered, "Dragonite…" damn, how could he forget?!

"I wonder who Ash is going to choose." Misty had a feeling she knew who he'd choose, but wanted to see.

Drake returned Electabuzz then removed the poke ball from his necklace, "Looks like it's your turn now. Go, Dragonite!"

Dragonite appeared in all its glory.

"And there it is, folks! Drake's strongest Pokémon that he's saved for last—Dragonite!"

The crowd went wild. Which wasn't all that surprising since Dragonite is Drake's strongest pokémon. It's also popular because Dragonite helped Drake earn his current title. Ash k we just the perfect pokemon to stand on equal grounds with Dragonite.

"Come here, Pikachu." Ash said.

Pikachu ran back over to Ash as the raven haired trainer brought out a pokeball, "You got this. Charizard, I choose you!"

Charizard stood there, ready for battle, "(Let's see what you got)!"

"And our Challenger sends out a Charizard! Who will prevail?! Dragonite or Charizard?!"

"Dragon Rush." Ash made the first move.

Charizard's body becomes surrounded in a light blue orb with white streaks as he flies at Dragonite.

Dragonite found itself unable to move.

"What's wrong with Dragonite? Why isn't it moving out of the way?" Serena wondered.

"Because, Dragon Rush is a move that focuses the body into a weapon with incredible power. Any pokemon becomes unable to move." Tracey explained.

Drake was impressed, "Dragonite, use Water Gun to stop Charizard in its tracks."

Dragonite opened its mouth and fired a Water Gun attack, but it missed as Charizard maneuvered out of the way. Dragonite fired again, but Charizard once again evaded while still flying at Dragonite. Dragon Rush hit Dragonite full force, sending it flying back. Dragonite was left dazed, but still standing.

Ritchie felt his teeth, "After taking a hit like that, Dragonite's still standing."

"Not surprising. Dragonite isn't Drake's strongest pokemon for nothing." Misty frowned.

"Dragonite, use Ice Beam!"

Dragonite opens its mouth and forms an orb of light blue energy in front of its mouth where it fires multiple light blue beams of energy from the orb at Charizard.

"Counter with Flamethrower."

Charizard opens his mouth and fires a torrent of flames at the Ice Beam attack. Both attacks collide, causing an explosion.

"Use Dragon Rage."

"You, too, Dragonite!"

Both pokémon release a ball of orange fire towards each other. Once again, both attacks collide and send the two pokemon flying back. Dragonite and Charizard were both still standing.

"Incredible! Charizard is actually able to hold its own against Drake's Dragonite! This battle is at a stand still!"

It was tense in the field as Dragonite and Charizard both refused to go down. This battle wouldn't be over until one of them is down for good. Before either Drake or Ash could give another command a net came out of nowhere and landed on Dragonite.

Ash groaned, only three idiots would interrupt a battle just so they could catch a pokémon. Who you may ask? Simple, Team Rocket. And he was proven right when they were in their usual hot air balloon and said their stupid motto.

"Team Rocket, leave now! We're in the middle of a battle and don't have time for your nonsense!" Ash warned them.

Jessie laughed at him, "There's no need to act like that. You did us a favor by weakening Dragonite so we could capture it."

"That's right." James smiled.

"If you ever get tired of acting like a twerp we'd like for you to join our little team! Maybe even tell us your secrets!" Meowth grinned.

Charizard sneered and was getting ready to send them flying.

Drake had just about enough of them himself, "Dragonite." He called to his pokemon, who looked at him, "You know what to do, don't you?"

Dragonite nodded before cutting the net with its wings then flying right at Team Rocket and sending them blasting off by flying through their balloon.

"We needed that like home in the head!" Jessie said.

"We blew it!" Meowth confessed.

"Now I'll never get those nachos!" James whined.

"We're blasting off again!"

Tracey looked sympathetic, "I almost feel sorry for them."

Misty had an unsympathetic smile, "Yeah, almost…but not quite."

"Togi (Not quite)!" Togepi smiled.

"How about not at all." Ritchie didn't feel sorry for them at all.

Serena, Molly, and Tomo nodded in agreement.

"Sorry about that interruption, folks! Now, let's get back to the battle!"

"Fly up Dragonite and use Body Slam!"

Dragonite flies into the air and throws itself at Charizard.

"Flame Charge."

Charizard becomes outlined in red flames as it charges right at Dragonite. Both pokémon collided with each other as another explosion happened. Smoke covered where the two collided before the audience saw Dragonite fall from the sky and land hard on the ground. Charizard also landed…but on its feet. Charizard was determined to not lose against Dragonite.

"Dragonite has fallen! Is this the end?!"

Dragon gets up, ready to keep battling.

"Dragon just won't stay down." Serena was starting to get worried now.

"It's determined to keep fighting till the very end." Tracey said.

Ash knew he needed to put Dragonite down for good. Charizard can hold his own, but even he gets tired. And he can see his friend is hanging in there, despite taking some serious damage from Dragonite.

He has no choice…he's going to have to use that move.

Charizard turned to look at him and knew it, too. Okay, then.

"Outrage."

Misty and Ritchie's eyes widened, "He'a using Outrage?!" Ritchie exclaimed.

"I didn't think he'd resort to suing that move, but maybe Charisse's has a more firm handle over it." Misty reasoned.

Tracey and Serena were confused but decided to watch and see what happens.

Charizard's eyes glow red and his body becomes surrounded in a red aura. Before Drake could give Dragonite a command, Charizard appeared before the dragon type and proceeded to slash at Dragonite with its claws.

"Whoa! Dragonite got blindsided by Charizard before it could even attack!"

"Dragonite, try to get away from Charizard!" Drake urged.

Dragonite took to the air, when it looked down its eyes widened when Charizard flew after it with incredible speed. Charizard did an upward slash that sent Dragonite flying upwards.

"Dragonite!"

Charizaed didn't let up as he slashed across Dragonite's face again, then used another slash to send it crashing to the ground. A loud thud sound was heard as smoke covered where Dragonite had landed.

Charizard landed before Ash, eyes still glowing red, but refrained from attacking for now.

"Dragonite has once again fallen! Will it stand back up?!"

Dragonite did indeed stand back up, but slowly. Charizard's eyes went back to normal as Outrage lost its effect. Instead of being confused, Charizard was calm. Both stared each other down before Dragonite closed its eyes and fell forward, having finally fainted.

"Dragonite is unable to battle! The winner of this competition is Ash Ketchum!" The ref called it.

Charizard smirked.

"The challenger wins the match! The challenger wins the match! The challenger wins the match!" The announcer was excited as the crowd roared their pleasure at having witnessed an amazing battle!

"He did it!" Misty and Serena smiled.

"They all did it." Tracey was happy for his friend.

Charizard sighed, exhaustion having finally caught up with him. Ash rubbed his side, "Feeling tired?"

"(A little…)." Charizard leaned against Ash, but only a little bit.

Ash smiled, "Don't worry. After this, you can sleep all you want. Just don't sleep all day like Snorlax does." He joked.

"(Hell no)!" Charizard looked offended by the joke, making Ash chuckle.

Drake was smiling, "Dragonite, return." He looked at the pokeball, "I'm very proud of you."

Ash's picture along with his pokémon appeared on the screen, "Ash Ketchum has beaten the undefeated Orange Crew Champion—earning himself a place on the Orange League Hall of Fame, and the winner's trophy!"

Ash took the trophy from Drake as his pokémon surrounded him. The crowd was still happily cheering for his victory. The same atmosphere as when he won the Kanto League, only this time…he can actually smile to his heart's content.

"You really deserve that trophy. You're a great pokémon trainer." Drake meant every word he said. Never before has he ever met a trainer like Ash. He'd never thought he'd have fun battling ever again, but his battling spirit has been reawakened thanks to Ash.

"It wasn't just me. My pokémon battled with me and fought hard. My accomplishments are their accomplishments." Ash replied. All of his pokémon agreed with him.

"We'll be sure to tell Brock about this." Ash said.

"Pi Pikachu (You bet we will)!" Pikachu smiled.

In the Hall of Fame room, Ash's picture along with his Pokémon was plastered there right with the others.


And so, with the help of his Pokémon friends, Ash wins the match, the winner's trophy, and his rightful place in the Orange Island League's Hall of Fame. Quite an accomplishment for a kid from Pallet Town, wouldn't you say?


It's not surprising that even after defeating the Orange Crew Leader, receiving a winner's trophy, and being honored in the Hall of Fame—Ash is still smiling.


The smile on Ash's face was still present as felt proud to have won against Drake. It was also fun for him, too. Both he and Drake truly enjoyed their battle, the likes of which felt similar to when he and Pat battled in the finals.

Coming to the Orange Islands was the right choice as Ash was almost sad to leave, but knew he had to in order to continue his journey.

Suddenly Lapras turned as it spotted something in another direction. Ash and those who were riding in Lapras had to hold on so they wouldn't fall in the water. Lapras swam full speed ahead as the other water pokémon followed after the young pokemon.

"Lapras, what's wrong? Do you see something familiar?" Ash asked.

Lapras cooed and kept her eyes forward. In the distance Ash spotted a school of Lapras ahead. This would explain Lapras's excitement.

"It's a whole school of Lapras. It must be the same one Lapras got separated from." Ash said to the others.

"There's so many of them!" Serena took notice.

"We finally found Lapras's family!" Tomo smiled.

"Do you think they'll recognize Lapras when they see her?" Molly asked, hopeful.

"They should." Ritchie answered.

Tracey sketched them, "This is amazing! I've never seen so many Lapras together."

"I wonder if maybe Lapras's mother is among them?" Misty wondered.

"I hope so." Ash kept looking to see if one was going to stop and swim over to them once they see Lapras. It feels like so long ago, how they found Lapras washed up on the beach with idiot trainers being cruel to the baby Lapras. Ash making those idiots leave and brought her to the Pokémon Center before taking her along in their journey so she could reunite with her mother.

"You finally get to see your mother again, Lapras." Ash smiled.

Lapras was equally happy. She calls out to them, they turn and stare at her before proceeding to ignore her and keep swimming away.

Ash noticed this and frowned.

"Hey, what with the cold shoulder?" Ritchie didn't like this.

Lapras followed behind them and called out to them again. One of the light-colored ones responded back to Lapras's call, but another Lapras came and made it swim forward.

"What's wrong?" Misty questioned.

"I don't know." Ash wasn't happy they were ignoring Lapras since she was so young.

"You jerks! What's the big idea ignoring Lapras like that?!" Ritchie got made on Lapras's behalf. This was reminding him of the time where and Ash were first treated with a cold indifference during their childhood. Lapras is just a baby, they have no right to treat her like this!

A Lapras with a dark blue mark on its forehead used a Water Gun attack to keep Lapras away.

"Why are they attacking us?! Lapras are supposed to be friendly and hate battle!" Tracey couldn't understand why they were acting so hostile towards them.

"(Stay away)!" The same Lapras warned, most coming out of its mouth.

"A Mist attack." Ash said.

Lapras was sad as the pod swam further away through the mist, disappearing from sight.

"They're gone." Misty said, sadly.

Ash was more worried about Lapras right now, "Lapras…" the poor pokémon started to cry, which made Ash even more furious.

Pokémon Center

"[Yes, that behavior is unusual. But I suspect those Lapras were reacting that way because they're afraid of humans.]" Professor Oak theorized.

"But what would make them so afraid of people?" Misty wondered.

"[It could be that some humans have been attacking them, or—]" Professor Oak was cut off by an enraged Ritchie.

"What kind of bastards would attack those Lapras?!" Ritchie snapped.

"It's probably those Pokémon Pirates." Officer Jenny approached.

"Pirates?" Serena repeated.

"It's a Pokémon no capture zone, but we've had reports Pirates have been poaching Pokémon just off shore." She explained.

"When you say Pirates, you mean actual Pirates?" Ritchie couldn't even believe it.

"Yes, we call the lead Pirate, Captain Crook." She said.

"How original." Misty said, dryly.

She explained how Captain Crook has been terrorizing the Lapras for fun and pleasure, making them sick.

"What a heartless jerk." Misty frowned.

"Sounds like something Team Rocket would pull." Ritchie said.

"Could you tell me more about them?" Officer Jenny asked.

"Gladly, they're three of the sneakiest, snakiest, losers you'll ever meet." Ritchie described Jessie, James, and Meowth.

"Who are you calling a loser?!"

"But he's got the rest right."

Ritchie couldn't believe his ears, "No way…those three are actually here?"

They ignored their stupid motto as the doors opened to reveal a bandaged Team Rocket.

"So it is you!" Ritchie accused.

"You're wrong, kid. We haven't poached a thing." Jessie said.

"I don't even like poached eggs." James added.

"Yeah, right! Give me a break!" Ritchie didn't believe them.

"Sorry, but we can't spare any!" Meowth jerked in pain as he moved too fast.

"If you really are telling us the truth, that'll be a first." Misty didn't believe them, either.

"They are." Ash said, coming out of nowhere.

"How's Lapras feeling?" Serena asked.

"Better. Still feeling upset about what happened. Anyway, these three aren't lying for once." Ash said.

"That's right! There's a first time for everything and this time we're the victims!" Jessie complained.

James went on a rant about the pirates using pirate terms the gang barely understood. Meowth tells them how those pirates blew up their submarine and sent them blasting off.

Ritchie was unsympathetic, "Hmph, sorry your heart, but you can't say you didn't deserve it."

"Pika (That's right)!" Sparky agreed.

"I admit, we had it coming." James admitted.

"Guess we are pretty crummy." Meowth didn't deny it, either.

Jessie smacked them both upside the head, "This is no joke! Were victims!" The other two groaned.

Officer Jenny wanted them to come down to the station to give a statement, but the three declined and ran away. She chased after them.

"I hope they just keep going and never come back." Ritchie said.

"Ash, what do we do about the pirates?" Misty asked him.

Ash didn't even think about it and answered, "We're going after the pod. With any luck we'll run into those pirates. Then, I'll take it from there."

Misty didn't even bother to ask what he meant by that.

They left the center quickly and were on the waters again. Their goal was to find the pod and hopefully the Pirates, so they can put a stop to their poaching.

"Over there, look!" Molly pointed.

The Lapras pod was there, but following close behind them were the Pirates Officer Jenny told them about. Those Pirates were firing cannons at them, too!

"What are they doing?!" Ritchie yelled.

Tracey used his binoculars, "Those aren't cannon balls, their Tentacruel."

Serena scanned them:

[Tentacruel, the Jellyfish Pokémon. Its potent poison stingers can quickly paralyze its victims.]

"Those pirates are forcing those Tentacruel to bully the Lapras!" Misty was furious with them.

"I'll go get Officer Jenny!" Tracey volunteered as he sent out Marill and jumped in the water.

"We'll protect the Lapras while you get Officer Jenny." Ash said.

"Be careful and hurry back, okay?" Misty said.

"Kay. Let's go, Marill." Tracey said to Marill. Marill nodded and they swam away to alert Officer Jenny about what was happening.

Ash turned his attention back over to the pirates, "Lapras, let's go!" Lapras swam fast towards the pirates. If these idiotic pirates really think they were just going to let them do as they pleased, then they were in for a big surprise.


Who's That Pokémon?

It's…Electrode!

"Electrode!"


The Lapras pod were surrounded by the Tentacruel. And the situation didn't get any better because soon the Pirates closed in on them.

"Now we got 'em outnumbered. Poor devils." The Captain smirked, "Poison Sting!" The Tentacruel got ready to use their Poison Sting attack.

"Thunderbolt!"

Pikachu sent a powerful Thunderbolt at the Tentacruel, unfortunately the Lapras Pod got shocked, too, but they should be able to recover. This act got the Tentacruel's attention and made them back away, not wanting to be shocked again.

"How dare you attack my Tentacruel!" The Captain yelled at them.

"Shut up! We did it to protect those Lapras!" Ritchie yelled back.

"Leave them alone, you big bully! They didn't do anything to you!" Molly joined in.

"Get lost, you creep!" Tomo growled.

"Who do you think you are to attack them like this?!" Serena glared.

"Just wait till Officer Jenny gets here to arrest you!" Misty said.

Ash was the calmest out of all of them. Which unfortunately for the Pirates wasn't a good thing, "Leave the Lapras alone…or face a real threat you can't run away from." He threatened.

"You pipsqueaks ain't gonna ruin my poaching! Light the cannons and fire when ready!" The Captain ordered.

"Aye, Captain."

The canons got ready to fire but Ash had already had enough, "Gyarados, I choose you!" Out came the blue serpent pokémon.

"RAAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!" Gyarados roared.

The two Pirates reared back in absolute shock, not expecting a Gyarados to come out of the pokeball. And she was not happy with them. Guards had become very fond of Lapras during their travels and didn't appreciate these two being cruel to her pod.

"Wha—wha—wha—wha—" The second in command couldn't even talk properly.

"Why did this crazy pipsqueak call out a Gyarados?!" The Captain exclaimed.

"Cause he's Ash." They all said.

Ash crossed his arms, "Last chance. Leave the Lapras pod be or my Gyarados will make sure there's nothing left of you."

The Captain looked like he really wanted to give in but his pride wouldn't let him, "L-Like I'd ever be scared of some pathetic Gyarados!"

Idiot.

"Hydro Pump."

Gyarados fired a powerful Hydro Pump at the Pirates, destroying their boat in the process. This action surprised the Lapras Pod and the Tentacruel.

Ash ignored the pirates as they were trying not to drown, "Misty, I'll leave the rest to you."

"Aye, captain!" She joked.

He smiled then turned his attention to the Tentacruel, "If you want to avenge them then follow me. Gyarados stay here." Gyarados nodded as she knew he wanted her to keep an eye on the pirates.

Ash, Lapras, and Pikachu managed to get the Tentacruel to follow them, while Gyarados watched the pathetic pirates, who were kept afloat by Misty's pokémon. The others also stay behind to assist just in case.

They lead the Tentacle far enough. The Lapras Pod should be able to swim away without any problems now. The Tentacruel surrounded them, but they weren't afraid.

"Are you ready, Lapras?" Ash asked her.

Lapras was ready. She wasn't afraid.

Just as the Tentacruel were about to attack, they were all frozen solid. They were all hit by an Ice Beam attack.

"Who…?" His question was answered when he saw it was the Lapras Pod. That was a surprise. Ash was sure they would have swam far away from here. At the head of the pod was a female Lapras—possibly the mother of his Lapras! He couldn't help but smile when the two had their happy reunion.

"Your mom really does love you. Don't forget that." Ash smiled. Lapras was extremely happy because she was finally home where she belonged, and Ash was happy for her.

Officer Jenny arrived and hauled the Pirates away, and all of them were more than eager to get as far away from Gyarados as possible. Ash included, if his menacing glare was any indication.

"By the way, how did these pirates get all bruised up?" Officer Jenny noticed the bruises on their faces.

"Probably done by the fallen debris of their ship…right?" Ash's smile was saying this: "Speak and I'll destroy you."

All of them eagerly nodded and said that's what happened. Ritchie snorted, "Lily-livered chickens."

Misty snorted, then approached the Tentacruel, "Okay, Tentacruel. All of you are free to go." They nodded happily and jumped back in the water before swimming away.

Ash went over by the edge of the boat and saw Lapras looking up sadly at him. He gestured for Gyarados to bring him down so he could say goodbye.

Gyarados brought him down and he rubbed the top of her head, "Goodbye, Lapras. Take care of yourself, okay? I'll miss riding on your back, but it's time for you to go home."

Lapras cooed, sadly.

"I know. But now you can protect yourself just fine. So the next time a pokémon or human messes with you, you can fight back and protect yourself." Ash said. Lapras nuzzled his face and Ash let her, "We'll miss you. Be good for your mom, okay?" Lapras responded by licking his face, making him smile.

Both see the Lapras Pod calling Lapras over, including her mother. Ash smiled at Lapras, "It's time to go."

Lapras was sad. She had so much fun with Ash that she didn't want to leave. He was nice to her when they first met, would stay with her whenever she came out of her pokeball and had a nightmare. He became a father to her.

"Go on."

Lapras smiled, giving him one last nuzzle before swimming over towards her mother and the pod. He watched the two nuzzle each her affectionately.

Gyarados brought Ash back over to the boat and he jumped down from her head. The scene made him smile.

"I really hate to see Lapras go. But she belongs with her mom and family." Misty smiled.

"Yeah." Ritchie said.

Ash waved, "Take care of yourself, Lapras!"

"Pika Pika (Good luck)!" Pikachu waved.

"Thanks for the ride through the Orange Islands!" Tracey thanked.

"We love you!" Misty said.

"Stay safe!" Serena waved.

"I hope we meet again someday!" Molly waved.

"Bye!" Tomo said.

"Let's meet again someday!" Ritchie waved.

Lapras bid them farewell and jumped in the air. Someday, they will meet again. They will.


As their voyages in the Orange Islands draw to a close, Ash and his friends bid farewell to a great pokémon and a great friend. So long, Lapras. Smooth sailing.


Next Time: Homecoming & The Next Destination