Episode 27: Diving Into It

Ash is running forwards at full speed, Pikachu right behind him. Brock and Brenda are trying to keep up. Ash exclaims, "We're almost there! Atmos City is just over this hill!"

The time has finally arrived! After preparing day and night after his defeat at the hands of Atmos City Gym Leader Skyler, Ash has finally made it to Atmos City for his rematch. Certainly he feels ready, but was his training really enough?

Ash continues to run up a hill. Once he makes it to the top, he suddenly skids to a stop. He shouts, "Whoa!"

Brock and Brenda catch up. Brenda asks, "What is it?" Her question is suddenly answered when they make it to the top of the hill. In front of them is a massive canyon, which Ash nearly ran right into. In the center of the canyon is an island of raised land. On top of that island is a large metropolis. Airplanes can be seen flying in and out of the city, and around the canyon people can be seen enjoying various air sports such as skydiving, hang gliding, and hot air ballooning.

Ash asks, "How are we supposed to get to the city?"

Brock shakes his head. "I don't know."

The voice of a girl calls, "Hey, you over there, are any of you Ash Ketchum?"

Everyone turns. Perched on a nearby cliff edge is a girl in a deflated hot air balloon. She has long red hair and is wearing a wingsuit. She waves at them. Ash steps towards her and says, "Yeah, I'm Ash."

Before she can respond back, Brock is suddenly in her balloon basket, on his knees, clasping her hands. He proclaims, "Oh great vision of beauty, you must be a pilot, because you have sent my heart soaring. You and I should take this balloon and fly off into the sunset-"

He is cut off by an uppercut from Meteorfight sending him up into the air. "Meteorfight!"

Brock shouts in despair, "Now I really am flying!" He lands with a thud a couple of yards away.

Ash and Brenda approach the girl now. Ash asks, "Were you looking for me?"

The girl nods. "Yes, my name is Ariel, I work for Skyler. He sent me to give you a lift into town."

Ash exclaims, "We could use that! Thanks."

The balloon, which looks like a Pokéball, is now inflated and flying over the gorge. Ash, Brock, and Brenda stand in it with Ariel, who is driving. Ariel is explaining, "Atmos City is called the City in the Sky because the only way in or out is by air. That's why it's become a major hub for both air traffic and air sports. Most cities in Tenno would be using hover craft to cross this gorge, but the tradition of using hot air balloons to cross stretches back to the earliest days of Tenno, back when this city was just a small outpost. So we honor that tradition to day and stick to using balloons to ferry people in and out."

Brenda is taking in the sight. She says in awe, "Wow, I never would have imagined that a city this beautiful could exist."

Ariel nods in agreement. "Yes, it is quite the beautiful sight." She looks out towards the nearing city. "Alright, we're making our final approach. Prepare to land."

Not far behind them, Team Rocket follows in their own balloon. Jessie complains, "Those no good copycat twerps! How dare they even consider using a hot air balloon!? That's our thing!"

James crosses his arms and shakes his head in disapproval. "I always knew the twerps had no honor, and this proves it."

Meowth states, "Settle down you two. You see, here in the air, we have the advantage. We're the ones who have been training in this here balloon since Season One, we're the ones who're better at it. This is the perfect opportunity to capture Pikachu."

Jessie declares, "We'll show them who the master of the hot air balloon is!"

James adds, "And for once it will be the twerps who blast off!"

Meowth chuckles and says under his breath, "With those two aboard, this balloon will never run out of hot air."

Jessie and James return their attention back to the surrounding air, but quickly realize something has changed. They are now surrounded by many other balloons. There are several Pokéball shaped ones, but mostly ones inspired by Pokémon heads. James asks, "Wait, where'd the twerps go!?"

Jessie demands, "You lost them!?"

Just before they break out into a full argument, another balloon flies close to them. This balloon is shaped like a Drifblim. A man in the balloon calls over to them, "Hello fellow balloon enthusiast, I've never seen your balloon around here. Are you here for the festival?"

James asks, "What festival?"

The man answers, "The Annual Festival of Balloons of course! You know, the one where all us ballooners get together and compete to see who the best is. The winner gets a big prize."

Jessie, James, and Meowth all look to each other and nod in mutual understanding. James then says, "Of course, that festival. I thought you meant another festival. We're here to compete and win that prize."

The man smiles. "Great to hear. I'll see you later then."

Arial leads Ash, Brock, and Brenda up to a building in the middle of the city. It appears to be a large aircraft hangar. Emblazoned on its roof the Pokéball emblem of the Pokémon League. Behind the building is a runway. Arial says, "Here we are, the Atmos City Gym."

Ash steps forward and holds up a fist in determination. He looks to Pikachu and says, "Alright, here we are. It's the moment we've been practicing for. Are you ready buddy?"

Pikachu nods. "Pik."

The sliding doors to the gym open up. Out of them walks Skyler. He says, "Ash, great to see you. Professor Pine called to tell me you were almost here. I'm glad that you decided to go through with this match. Not many attempt to challenge me to a rematch."

Ash responds, "There's no way I wouldn't."

"Glad to hear it. Are you ready to get to our rematch?"

Ash nods. "You bet. I've been waiting for this."

"Great, let's go get you and your Pokémon into suits."

Skyler's airplane is now flying in the sky. Ash and Pikachu, back in the same wingsuits as before, Skyler, and Arial sit in the passenger compartment of the plane. Arial explains, "Alright, I'll be the referee for this match. It will be a three-on-three skydiving match. The trainer who renders all of his opponent's Pokémon unable to battle will be the winner. In addition, only the challenger may substitute Pokémon. Any questions?" Ash and Skyler both shake their heads. She then continues, "Also, if the battle ends up taking too long, and we get too close to the ground, I will order an immediate recall of Pokémon and suspension of the battle. If such an event occurs, we will take the next plane up, and immediately restart the battle where it left off." She looks to Ash. "And I will be recording this battle so that your friends may watch it from the ground."

Ash nods. "Thanks."

"Alright, if everyone is ready, we will be jumping momentarily. Please stand next to the jump door, it will open, and then that light on the roof will turn green a few moments later. When it does, jump. Good luck."

As she's saying this, the hatch on the side of the plane opens up. Ash, Skyler, and Arial prepare to jump. The light turns green, and they leap. Skyler pulls a Pokéball of his belt. He declares, "Falcoknight, take flight!" Without throwing his Pokéball, Skyler lets out his first Pokémon. It's a bird Pokémon about half the size of a person. It has long, strong looking legs, with sharp talons. Its front is a dark gray, while its back and head is light gray, almost making it look as if it is wearing armor on its back and a helmet.

"Fallllllllcoknight!"

Ash looks to his wrist, to which his Pokédex is attached. It activates and states, "Falcoknight, the Knighted Bird Pokémon, and Flying and Fighting Combo Type. After spending their youth doing nothing but training, Falcoknight are very proficient fighters. They can attack with jabs from their sharpened talons, or even punch like attacks from their wings. Evolves from Apprentichick at level 17 and into Eagladiator at level 36."

Ash says to himself, "So it's the Evolution of Apprentichick. I bet that means it's a pretty tough Pokémon." He looks to Pikachu, who is strapped to his back, and says, "So let's start off with a show of strength ourselves."

Pikachu nods. "Pika."

Ash unlatches Pikachu and declares, "Pikachu, I choose you!"

Pikachu leaps off of Ash's back and catches the air in its very own wingsuit. "Chu pika chu!"

Arial declares, "Battle begin!"

Ash takes the first move. "Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"

"Pikkkkkkka chuuuuuuuuuu!" Unlike the last battle, this Thunderbolt hits its intended target.

Skyler commands, "Don't let it get to you, move in with Quick Attack!" Falcoknight seems surprisingly unaffected by the attack. With a burst of speed, it moves out of Pikachu's attack range.

Ash shouts, "Quickly Pikachu, do a barrel roll!" Just as it practiced on the balloons, Pikachu manages to roll to the side, getting it out of the way of the attack. Falcoknight flies right by.

Skyler, sounding impressed, says, "Wow Ash, you really have been training. When we battled before you were hopeless, unable to land an attack, unable to dodge. I can tell you've put a lot of work into this."

Ash grins. "I sure have. Let's show him some more Pikachu, use Electro Ball!"

"Chu pikaaaa chu!" Pikachu does an aerial front flip as it sends forth the attack. The attack is executed fast enough that Falcoknight is unable to dodge, and is hit by the attack.

Skyler then says, "Let's take this fight up close and personal! Use Talon Grapple!" The Pokémon climbs into the air, and then dives down towards Pikachu. Once it gets in close, it begins to jab its talons at Pikachu in rapid succession.

Ash says, "Just keep on dodging it!" Pikachu makes several attempts to dodge, and is successful at first, but can't manage dodge the constant barrage. Several jabs make contact. "Pull back Pikachu!" Pikachu manages a backflip that takes it just out of range. "Now slam it with Iron Tail!"

"Chuuu pika!" Pikachu then spins and hits Falcoknight with its Iron Tail attack, knocking it backwards.

Skyler suggests, "Let's wrap this up Falcoknight, Cross Chop!"

The tips of Falcoknight's wings glow white. "Falllllllconknight!" It dives at Pikachu and swipes its wings in an X pattern. The attack makes direct contact. Pikachu is knocked out.

Ash cries, "Pikachu!"

Team Rocket's balloon is lined up with many other Pokémon-themed balloons. James steps forward. He's dressed in some sort of old-fashioned aviator's clothes. Mime Jr. sits on his shoulder. He says in a stern voice, "Alright troops, listen up. We are going to win this festival, and we are going to win it the right way. That means no cheating." He points sternly as he says the last line.

Mime Jr. copies his movements, "Mime mime."

On the opposite side of the balloon, Jessie and Meowth are listening, but barely. Jessie gives a mock salute and says sarcastically, "Aye aye captain."

James snaps, "Cut the attitude soldier, the honor of Team Rocket is on the line."

Wobbuffet appears and does a salute of its own. "Wobbuffet!"

James points and says excitedly, "That's the enthusiasm I'm looking for!"

Then a voice announces over a loud speaker, "Attention balloon enthusiasts, our first event is about to begin! Prepare yourselves for the balloon race! The race will be a lap around the city. First balloon to make it back here wins! On your mark, get set, go!"

James quickly begins to shout orders, "Drop the ballast! Increase the heat! Full steam ahead!" Jessie, Meowth, and Wobbuffet begin to frantically run around to comply. The balloon begins to move forward, along with the others in the line.

Who's that Pokémon!?

This Pokémon chews its way through boulders with its sturdy jaws. Its eyes can see in the darkness underground.

Brock and Brenda are sitting in the gym, watching Ash's battle on a large screen. Arial can be heard saying, "Pikachu is unable to battle."

Brenda says in disbelief, "Wow, even after all that training, Pikachu still lost after almost no time."

Brock shakes his head. "No, there was a major difference this time. Pikachu managed to lay quite a few solid hits before being knocked out. Ash may not be winning right now, but Pikachu's attacks may allow Ash to get some momentum with his next Pokémon."

Back in the sky, Ash grabs Pikachu and re-clips him to his back. "You did great buddy. Don't worry, we'll still win this." He pulls a Pokéball of his belt. Without throwing it, he declares, "Dashilisk, I choose you!"

Dashilisk appears from its Pokéball. It too is wearing a wingsuit. For a moment it appears confused, but then it suddenly begins to enjoy the skydive. It says happily, "Dashilisk!" It does some sort of in-air version of its happy dance.

Skyler observes, "So it looks like you got a new Pokémon. Will it make a difference?"

Ash nods. "It sure will."

Skyler then says, "Alright, let's find out. Falcoknight, use Cross Chop!" Falcoknight moves in for its attack.

Ash commands, "Dashilisk, just like we practiced! Use Scald to dodge!"

"Dashilisk!" The Pokémon unleashes a torrent of steaming water from its mouth, which propels it away from Falcoknight. This causes Falcoknight to stumble.

Ash takes advantage of the situation. "Now, quickly use Scald again, but this time to power up your Dragon Claw!" Dashilisk propels itself back towards Falcoknight now. As it does, it does a spin, allowing it to reorient itself. It brandishes glowing green claws and swipes at Falcoknight.

Back on the ground, Brenda exclaims, "That's the move Ash borrowed from Michelle! He and Dashilisk did it perfectly!"

Brock nods in agreement. "That training really did pay off, not mention Dashilisk seemed to have some natural talent for it."

Back in the air, Ash says, "Great, now that you're close in, use Scald!" Dashilisk uses its Scald attack again, this time aimed at Falcoknight. The attack both hits its target and propels Dashilisk backwards. Falcoknight is knocked out.

Arial declares, "Falcoknight is unable to battle!"

Ash cheers, "Yeah, great job Dashilisk!"

Dashilisk dances around happily again. "Dashi dashi dashilisk!"

Skyler nods. "A very impressive strategy. I'm not sure I've ever seen one like it. Falcoknight, return. Let's see how you do against this one. Take flight Ravenoir!"

A Ravenoir appears. "Rave!"

Ash asks, "You still good to keep on going Dashilisk?"

Dashilisk nods excitedly. "Dashi!"

It's Steelix!

Team Rocket is racing along. They seem to be in first place, but right behind them are two other balloons. James, who is confidently perched with one foot on the edge of the basket, looking forward, declares, "Victory is within reach, but we cannot slack! We must press forward!" Mime Jr. mimics his pose on his shoulder.

Jessie, Meowth, and Wobbuffet are still running around frantically, attempting keep the balloon moving. They are all panting for breath. Suddenly, Jessie stops. She grabs Meowth by an ear and pulls him to the side, where they both crouch in a corner.

Meowth rubs his ear and complains, "Hey, I only have two of those. What gives?"

Jessie says, "Tell me this, why is James just standing up there, doing nothing, while we're doing all the work?"

Meowth shrugs. "Beats me."

"I say it's time we speed things up a bit, if you know what I mean."

Meowth grins mischievously and pulls out a remote. "Oh, I know what you mean." He presses a button. "Activating turbo-overdrive."

As soon as Meowth presses the button, a jet engine comes out of a compartment on the bottom of the basket. It activates, and sends the balloon flying further with extreme speed. James, Jessie, Meowth, and Wobbuffet are slammed against the back of the basket. They all cry out with shock and terror. The speeding balloon easily makes it to the finish line. Meowth struggles to press another button on the remote, but manages. As soon as he does, the balloon comes to a complete stop.

The voice over the loudspeaker announces, "And we have our winner! The Meowth balloon belonging to the team of Jessie, James, and Meowth has taken first place!"

James and Mime Jr. get up and jump for joy, apparently oblivious to how they just won. "Yes, we won, I knew we could do it!" He looks back to Meowth and Jessie, who are still on the floor, and asks, "How did you ever get the balloon moving so fast without mechanical assistance?

Meowth, still sounding dazed, responds, "I guess I'm just a miracle worker."

Back in the air, Skyler commands, "Alright Ravenoir, Night Slash!" Ravenoir flies in close, with its wing tips glowing dark purple. It then slashes its wings, and sends a wave of shadows at Dashilisk. Dashilisk attempts to dodge, but is unable to.

Ash says to himself, "Wow, that was fast. No matter. Dashilisk, counterattack with a Scald powered Extreme Speed attack!" By directing itself with Scald, and building up some momentum, Dashilisk then rams into Ravenoir.

Skyler commands, "Night Slash, again!"

Ash shouts, "Get out of there with Scald!" Dashilisk is just about to use its attack, but it's not fast enough, Ravenoir slashes at it with its wing tips.

It cries out in pain, "Lisk!"

"Alright then, time for some close quarters combat! Use Dragon claw!"

"Night Slash again!" The attacks of the two Pokémon collide. Claws and wing tips continue to go at each other, slashing and attacking, attempting to get the upper hand. After this goes on for a few moments, Skyler then says, "Get it away from you with a direct Aerial Ace!" Ravenoir suddenly changes its tactics and rams into Dashilisk's chest, knocking it back.

Ash says, "Alright, let's go for another Scald!" As it's flying back, Dashilisk looks towards Ravenoir and attacks with Scald.

"Dodge it and use Dark Pulse!" Ravenoir rolls to the side, dodging the Scald, and then sends an orb of dark rings at Dashilisk.

Dashilisk is knocked out. "Dash…"

Arial shouts, "Dashilisk is unable to battle!"

Ash grimaces. "Dashilisk, return." He pulls out another Pokéball and says to himself, "Alright, this is my last chance." He then declares, "Let's finish this Apprentichick!"

"Apprenttttttichick!"

Skyler smiles. "It's time for another aerial battle. I remember this Pokémon from last time. If it has improved as much as your other Pokémon have, this should be a battle to remember."

"That's what I'm hoping for. Apprentichick, Talon Grapple!" Apprentichick dives at Ravenoir, and jabs its talons at it, making contact several times.

"We won't take that one sitting down! Ravenoir, Aerial Ace, followed by Night Slash!" Ravenoir flies up into the air, and then dives downwards. At the same time, it also covers its wings in shadows again.

"Quickly, dodge it with Aerial Maneuvers!" In a flash of speed, Apprentichick disappears, and then reappears behind Ravenoir. "And now, Talon Grapple again!" Apprentichick then flies in and delivers another barrage of talons from behind. This knocks out Ravenoir.

Arial declares, "Ravenoir is unable to battle!"

Ash cheers, "Alright!"

Apprentichick joins, "Apprenttttti!"

A voice declares over a loudspeaker, "Alright ballooners, we only have one event left, and we've narrowed down the competition to Team Meowth and Team Pikachu!" Team Rocket's balloon floats on one side, and across from them is a Pikachu balloon.

Jessie grumbles, "Of course the opponent had to have a Pikachu balloon. They're mocking us."

James says confidently, "Ah, but you forget, here we are in our own element. We shall win this!"

The voice then says, "The final match is called Balloon Fight! Each balloon will select three Pokémon, and they will battle it out in the air. Each Pokémon may only use one move though, so choose wisely."

Team Rocket huddles up. James says, "Alright, first things first, we need a ranged attacker." He points to Jessie. "That will be your Repiv with its Poison Sting. I'll use my Haking as a supporter, its Smokescreen should work wonders. Now our third Pokémon will be a wild card selection…hmm…"

Suddenly Wobbuffet appears again, "Wobbuffet!"

Jessie starts to recall it, saying, "Nobody wants you."

Suddenly James declares, "No, it's perfect! Wobbuffet's Mirror Coat can protect us from any attack they may send our way! This is perfect! We have this in the bag!"

The voice announces, "Alright, prepare your Pokémon and let's get this battle underway!"

Jessie and James send out their Pokémon. Repiv wraps itself around a rope, Wobbuffet stands in the front of the balloon, and Haking floats just above it. The other balloon has selected a Pikachu, which is perched on the front of the basket's edge, and a Plusle and Minum, each of which stands on the sides of the basket.

James declares, "It's time to finally prove ourselves!"

Ash thinks, Alright, he only has one Pokémon left, and I'd be willing to bet that I know which Pokémon that is.

Skyler pulls out his last Pokéball. "It's time to soar Orbitross!" and with that, he calls upon his strongest Pokémon. Ash nods. "Why waste time? Aerial Ace!" Orbitross climbs into the air, just as it did in Ash's last battle with Skyler.

Ash shouts, "Alright Apprentichick, this is what we've been training for! Aerial Maneuvers!" Orbitross dives at high speeds, but Apprentichick effortlessly dodges. "Now Talon Grapple!"

Skyler declares, "We won't fall for that twice, turn around and use Drill Peck!" Before Apprentichick gets the chance to attack, Orbitross Drill Pecks into it. "Now, Sky Drop!" Orbitross then grabs Apprentichick and flies straight up, dragging it behind."

Back on the ground, Brock grunts. Brenda asks, "What is it?"

Brock responds, "Skyler is fighting in a completely different way now. He knew that Ash would be expecting the quick finisher that was his Aerial Ace, so he seems to have adapted a completely different, more brutal method. I hope that Ash can adapt."

Ash seems to agree with Brock. He shouts, "Come on Apprentichick, get out of there!"

"Apre…prenti!" Apprentichick struggles to break free, but it does no good.

Skyler shouts, "Throw it now!" Orbitross hurls Apprentichick downwards. "Now Aerial Ace!" Orbitross then dives down. Apprentichick is too busy regaining flight control to dodge, and is hit by the attack.

Ash grunts. "Use, Talon Grapple!" Apprentichick attempts to attack with its talons again.

Skyler just shakes his head and says, "Sky Drop, once more." Before Apprentichick can attack it, Orbitross grabs onto it one more time, and begins to climb again. Apprentichick struggles, but once again, it can't break free.

Ash shouts, "Come on Apprentichick! You have to do this! You have to break free! The rest of the battle all hinges on this moment!"

Apprentichick suddenly shouts with renewed determination, "Apprenttttttti!" It begins to glow white.

Ash goes wide-eyed with surprise. "What!?"

Brenda also looks surprised. Brock looks intrigued. Brenda shouts, "Look! Look! Is that what I think it is!?"

Brock nods. "Apprentichick is Evolving."

Apprentichick's form begins to change. It grows much large in size, and its legs and talons grow noticeably larger. The white light suddenly breaks in an explosion of sparkles. What was once Apprentichick declares, "Falllllcoknight!" It curls up one of its wing tips like a fist, it begins to glow white, and it then delivers in uppercut to Orbitross, allowing it to break free.

Ash cheers, "Yeah, you Evolved into a Falcoknight! And you learned Sky Uppercut!"

Skyler smiles. "My, my. This battle just got more interesting. But don't think we'll ease up on you now. Orbitross, Drill Peck!"

Ash grins. "Let's do this Falcoknight, Aerial Maneuvers, followed by another Talon Grapple!" Falcoknight, even faster than before, disappears and reappears behind Orbitross. It attacks with a furious barrage of talons, faster and more powerful than ever before. The attacks all hit.

Skyler commands, "Climb into the air!"

"You climb too!" both bird Pokémon fly straight upwards, at nearly equal speeds.

Both trainers commands at once, "Wing Attack!" The two Pokémon suddenly stop climbing, and then fly towards each other. They pass by each other, striking each other with their wings. Both trainers then shout, "Again!" Both Pokémon turn 180 degrees and cross wings again.

Skyler commands, "Aerial Ace, now!" Orbitross climbs even higher. It then dives, preparing for its attack.

Ash grins. "We've got this Falcoknight! Fly straight up and use Sky Uppercut!" The Pokémon are now flying straight at each other, just as they are about to make contact, Falcoknight raises its wing like a fist, and slams it into the diving Orbitross. The combined velocities of the two Pokémon slamming into each other causes massive damage. Orbitross' body goes limp.

Arial declares, "Orbitross is unable to battle, that means Ash the challenger is the winner!" Skyler returns Orbitross.

Ash cheers, "Yeah, we did it!"

Falcoknight cheers, "Falllllllcoknight!"

Brock and Brenda cheer, "He did it!"

Skyler says to himself, "He really did it."

The Meowth balloon is locked in combat with the Pikachu balloon. The Pikachu from the Pikachu balloon sends a Thunderbolt at the other balloon, but Wobbuffet deflects it. James declares, "Great job, now Repiv, you use Poison Sting, but aim at the balloon!" Repiv attacks as it's told. The opposing balloon attempts to dodge out of the way, but not in time. It pops.

The loudspeaker voice announces, "And that's it! This match is over! Team Meowth wins the Festival of Balloons!"

James cheers, "I knew we could do it!"

Jessie and Meowth say in disbelief, "We actually won something!?"

James looks to them and says, "Yes, today we are winners. This glorious day will go down in Team Rocket history. Before long, all Team Rocket operatives will be flying in their very own balloons, using them to steal Pokémon and take over the world!"

Jessie sighs. "Don't get too carried away."

They land the balloon near a crowd on the cliff edge. They get out and a person guides them to a stage. A man, the same man from the Drifblim balloon, and the same voice from the loudspeaker, says, "Thank you one and all for attending this year's Festival of Balloons. I must admit, in 30 years, I don't think I've seen anyone as proficient with a hot air balloon as these three."

James seems very giddy and excited. Jessie, on the other hand, seems bored. She says, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever. Just tell us what we've won."

The man smiles. "I'm glad you asked. Your reward is honorary citizenship in Atmos City!"

Jessie and Meowth both say in outrage, "What!?"

James on the other hand is very excited. He runs up to the man and eagerly shakes his hand, saying, "Oh thank, you, this is such an honor. I'm so glad I was able to meet fellow balloon enthusiasts such as yourself today. Thank you, thank you!" Mime Jr. is pretending to shake a hand in the same manner.

Jessie and Meowth sigh, "Team Rocket's winning nothing again…"

Brock and Brenda are waiting just outside the gym. Brenda suddenly points up into the sky. "Look, there they are!" Ash, Skyler, and Arial come into view. Using their wingsuits, the three slow their descents and land right in front of Brock and Brenda.

Brock says, "That was a great battle Ash."

Ash smiles. "Thank you, but you should tell that to Falcoknight." He points up to Falcoknight, who's circling up above.

Skyler pulls something out of his pocket and walks over to Ash. "Here you go Ash, you deserve this." Ash takes it, it's a gym badge. It appears to show an image of the Earth, but also puts a stress on the atmosphere around it. "This is the Stratosphere Badge, it's proof that you beat me in battle."

Ash excitedly holds the badge up into the air and declares, "Alright, I just got the Stratosphere Badge!"

Pikachu adds, "Pik pikachu!"

Dashilisk appears and says, "Dashilisk!"

And Falcoknight dives in. "Fallllllcoknight!"

Skyler then says, "You really did earn that badge Ash. I could tell that you trained with each of your Pokémon, catering a special technique to each and every one of them. It really was a battle to remember."

Ash smiles. "I'm glad to hear it."

And with that, Ash has not only won his second Tenno gym badge, but mastered a new style of battling, now part of his growing repertoire, as the journey continues.

To Be Continued…

If you're interested in seeing pictures of the cover artwork of what could be Luna and Terra Versions, make sure to check out the Cosmic Quest Official Website, a link is provided on my profile page.