Chapter 5: The First Real Challenge
Ash was excited about the first gym battle in Hoenn, but Issei made sure to enforce Ash's overconfidence issues, which led to a conversation about one of the reasons he lost so many battles in Johto.
"The difference between your journey in Kanto and Johto is that in Kanto, you were a rookie and made mistakes, which is normal for a beginner as a trainer, but I thought you would've improved in the Orange League, which was good for a beginner but in Johto, I noticed that when you began to lose a lot more given you never swapped your team out for your senior Pokemon or catch more POkemon to strengthen the team. Confidence isn't a bad thing, but too much of it will result in your defeat if you think your tough shit, which is why you need to keep a cool head and don't get cocky unless you know you have a plan to win."* Issei said as Ash took his words to heart before Miraidon took out his train of thought in her human form. She was a very observant person, and she took notes in a book Ash gave her.
"Are you okay, Ash? Are you nervous about the upcoming battle?" Sabrina asked, and Ash nodded before replying.
"A part of me knows I am ready, but I am also worried I'll mess up against the gym leader since he's very powerful. This guy is normally the fourth one on the other's face, but I am confident I can beat him. But I don't want to get cocky that I'll lose." Ash said before Sabrina placed a hand on his left shoulder.
"You tried hard and matured. I see that, and even if you lose, then what is the problem with that? It just means you have more to learn, but I think you'll definitely win." Sabrina said as Miraidon nodded before replying to him.
"Sabrina is correct since, according to your team of Pokemon, you have a good selection between Phanphy, Heracross, Luxio, Tyrunt, Larion, Charizard, Wartotle, Turtwig, Pidgeot, and finally, Muk," Miraidon said as she looked in her book before hiding it from Ash's eyes, he tried to take a peek before Domino called out to them.
"Hey! If you guys are done flirting, we're at Petalburg City!" Domino said. The group was amazed at Petalburg City until Ash saw the gym and headed there to challenge the gym leader.
"Alright, let's go!" Ash shouted in excitement as he headed to the Petalburg gym with Sabrina behind him. He was excited to see how much Ash had changed in battle, with Miraidon following them while Domino called out to them.
"I'll catch up! Just need to make a call first." Domino said as she waited until they were out of range to hear her. Then, she pulled out a phone and began to inform her boss of the situation.
{Yea Domino?}
"I got news about Ash's newest Pokémon and first battle. His starter Pokémon was Mudkip, which is a good choice, in my opinion. He also captured a Treeko for the team. He's got a good team and did some training, so he's about to take on the Petalburg Gym."
{Interesting. I take by your silence you have more than just about Ash?}
"Yes," Domino said before scanning the area to ensure no one was listening. "It appears those reports of strange Pokémon in Paldea were not wrong. A strange robot-like Pokémon appeared and is now your son's Pokémon."
{...What kind of Pokémon is this robot?} Giovanni asked, with Domino replying by sending pics of Miraidon before Giovanni received them and scanned them over on his computer.
"It appears to be an Electric and Dragon-type Pokemon but seems to be drained of power. It also said that it was attacked by another one of its kind back in Paldea. According to Miraidon, she appeared in a lab of sorts underground at a place called Area Zero?"
{Hm. A married pair of professors are actually working on some machine that supposedly brings Pokémon from the past and future before our time. This would mean disastrous results. Have any other Paradox Pokémon appeared in Hoenn?}
"None. However, Miraidon did say that some may be in other regions, so we should keep an eye out for them." Domino explained before Giovanni replied to her.
{Excellent. Continue looking after my son and report to me anything new and how he does in his gym battle. Talk to you soon.} Giovanni said before hanging up, making Domino smile at the man, putting the phone away as she then headed towards the gym, enjoying the assignment since, after checking out his file, Domino knew this would be a lot of fun.
"No way! You're Ash Ketchum. Aren't you that guy who lost in the semifinals of the Johto League?" Max asked, causing Ash's eyebrow to twitch in annoyance as he resisted the urge to punch the snarky brat's face before Max's mother came in and stopped him.
"That's enough, Max!" Caroline shouted, causing Max to freeze before pulling his left ear. "He is a guest, and it's incredibly rude to insult a trainer's accomplishments. Also, if memory serves me well, you're still too young even to be a Pokémon trainer. This is why people don't come here very much since they know you'll try to battle them in place or your father even though you're much too young."
"But mom! I only do that since those other trainers aren't even worthy of battling Dad since he's the best there is!"
"That's not an excuse, and you know it; now apologize or go to your room," Caroline said, causing Max to grumble under his breath before giving Ash a halfhearted apology.
Max and Caroline then left the room with Ash, Sabrina, and Miraidon before Sabrina spoke to Ash.
"The child seems to hold his father on such a high pedestal. It's pathetic, really, since the point of being a Gym Leader is to test the strength of all challengers and know that sometimes you win and sometimes you'll lose. If you whine about your defeats, then the Gym Leaders don't understand their role at all. It's what my father taught me when he was the Gym Leader before me, and sooner or later, that brat needs to know that father will lose to a trainer." Sabrina said as she had seen kids like Max throw a hissy fit and call her out for cheating, thinking she used her psychic powers to win somehow. Still, the accusations were shut down thanks to the Pokémon League representatives dealing with them.
"I can't say I'm surprised to hear Max's thinking. I've been trying to get him to understand my role as a Gym Leader, but he basically thinks I'm unbeatable," Norman said as he entered the room and apologized for Max's behavior before Ash waved it off.
"It's fine. It's a bit annoying, but I can deal with a few hecklers." Ash said, grateful that the father seemed to have actual brains while the son was too stupid to know what he was doing to his father's reputation.
"I'm grateful," Norman said before smirking at Ash. "So I hear you want to challenge me to a Pokémon battle?"
"That's right. I wish to prove to myself that I can make it to the Elite Four in the Hoenn League." Ash said with a confident look in his eyes, making Norman recall that same look in his eyes when he started as a trainer.
"Okay, then. Well, we can duel, but first, how about some lunch? Your friends are welcome to join us if you'd like. It always helps you battle better on a full stomach," Norman said, causing Sabrina and Miraidon to laugh in their way after seeing Ash blush at his massive stomach.
"W-We'd love to join."
"Hope your wife makes enough food for Ash since he's a bit of a glutton."
"Indeed, judging by how much he consumes on a daily basis, it still amazes me how Ash Ketchum does not have fat on him," Miraidon said as she looked over her notes in her book, making Ash embarrassed. Sabrina and Norman laughed at Ash's expressions, leading to an entertaining lunch.
Meanwhile, with Issei.
"Mm! These berries are so delicious!" Kora said as she enjoyed her lunch, which consisted of a sandwich and some delicious berries. The berries captivated Koraidon with their unique scents, especially the spiciest berries, which didn't bother the Winged King since they got her 'motor running,' or so she says.
"So, how are you liking this time?" Issei asked after he had finished his lunch while Kora was enjoying her second sandwich.
"Mm! This is amazing! Humans really have grown in the past century since no humans I know were able to make food that delicious! I could eat this for days and never complain!" Kora said as she enjoyed her food, making Kora see Issei chuckle as her comment amused him. Kora stopped and saw this side of him before smiling to herself.
"You know you should smile some more since you look very happy when you smile like that."
"Oh? Well, I do smile just differently since I smile when I see an amazing woman enjoying a battle, train, or rest. This journey has been such an amazing experience where I was able just to be myself and take off the mask that I used to hide my emotional pain." Issei said before Kora could tell that the man before her was still a human when born as she recalled the story of his life and how Issei ended up in the Pokémon world.
"Do you ever wish to go back?"
"I do, but I also wish to come back here and enjoy the joys this world has to offer. This world has so many wonderful memories that made me into the man I am today, and I'll be damned if this world is harmed because of greedy people or evil organizations." Issei said as he smiled at a brother and sister playing with each other while their parents watched them before turning back to Kora.
"It's why I made a vow that after I establish my region and league, I would not just use this as an escape, but it would be a home for me since there are so many people I care for and love, and I'll be damned if I let anything harm them while I'm around," Issei said as Kora could've sworn her tail was shaking in joy and admiration as she listened to the Red Dragon Emperors words before smiling at him.
"Then I hope you don't mind since the Winged Queen wouldn't mind joining the said league," Kora said in excitement as Issei accepted her proposal. Before they finished their meal, Liepard smiled at her master and trainer. The trio then headed towards the Psychic Gym, where Sabrina's father awaited his next challenger.
However, unbeknownst to Issei, the Pokémon League began to notice how Issei was destroying the Gym Leaders with Lance and Steven, the champions of the Kanto and Hoenn leagues, saw his performance before Lance smiled as he also saw Issei's desire to become a Champion of his league and region.
"Hm. Issei Hyoudou is dominating the Kanto League, but let's see how well he does when facing Sabrina's father. He was no pushover back in his heyday, but I'm a bit worried he got rusty while Sabrina took over the gym." Lance said before Steven continued.
"So we observe him, and if he passes the test, then we'll send him an invite?"
"Of course, after all, talent like this should be given a chance to face a real challenge. If Issei manages to win the Kanto League, then we'll offer him a chance to prove himself with his desire to show us how far he is willing to go. Being a Champion is no easy feat, nor is leading an entire region, so I want to see if he'll be able to handle not just the Pokémon battle side but also the business side when it comes to recruitment and such." Lance explained as he could tell that Issei Hyoudou was definitely a lot stronger than he appeared. The aura that was radiating off of him was similar to his old master, who was a dragon, and that wasn't to be underestimated.
Steven, on the other hand, was amazed by Issei's abilities as a trainer and how he had already defeated many powerful Champions. This made Steven excited, as he wished to battle against him and was sure to enjoy the battle should Issei defeat Lance.
'Lance was right. This may be the next champion for a new region we are witnessing, ' Steven thought as Issei readied himself for battle.
And now, after a hearty meal in Hoenn.
"Thanks again for agreeing to be my first challenge in the Hoenn Region. Im so pumped for this!" Ash said in excitement, with Norman admiring his confidence. At the same time, Sabrina, Miraidon, Caroline, and Max, who wanted to watch Ash lose the battle, along with Domino, stepped in for the referee due to the old one being under the weather.
"Alright then! The match will get underway with Norman, the Petalburg Gym Leader, versus Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town! Both sides can only use three Pokémon, but only the challenger can substitute them. Now, call your Pokemon!" Domino shouted as the two trainers began their duel.
"Alright, Tyrunt, you're up first!" Ash called out, releasing his small tyrannosaur Pokémon onto the battlefield. Tyrunt roared confidently, ready to take on whatever Norman had in store.
"Oh please, that's just a dumb dinosaur. No way it's going to win." Max said before Miraidon sent a small zap at Max, shocking him and sending him over to the bleachers, which earned a fist bump from Sabrina, which Miraidon understood thanks to her master teaching her about her social skills.
'A Tyrunt. It is definitely a fossil Pokémon that specializes in defense and power. I have just the guy for this one.' "Let's go, Vigoroth!" Norman responded by sending out his Vigoroth, a fast and agile opponent known for its relentless attacks.
"Tyrunt, let's start with Dragon Claw!" Ash commanded, hoping to catch Vigoroth off guard with a powerful physical attack. A special move, which was its strongest attack, that Issei helped hone since he knew a lot more about the Fossil Pokémon and told Ash its weaknesses.
'Tyrunt may be durable and strong, but its main power relies on its massive strong jaws. However, it can become faster if you help it learn how to use its legs and strengthen them.'
Issei's words rang in Ash's head, and with a fierce roar, Tyrunt charged forward, its claws glowing with draconic energy. Vigoroth attempted to dodge, but Tyrunt's speed and ferocity, thanks to its training, proved too much to evade completely. The Dragon Claw landed, dealing slight damage to Vigoroth on its side, making Norman narrow his eyes, impressed by Ash's move.
"Not bad, but let's see if you can handle this. Vigoroth, retaliate with Brick Break!" Vigoroth roared as he responded with blinding speed, launching a barrage of powerful punches at Tyrunt.
However, the Sloth Pokémon didn't let up; despite Tyrunt's resilience, the relentless assault took its toll, leaving Tyrunt battered but still standing.
Ash gritted his teeth, refusing to back down. "Hang in there, Tyrunt! Use Crunch!"
Tyrunt unleashed its powerful jaws, clamping down on Vigoroth's arm with incredible force. The crunching sound echoed through the gym as Vigoroth struggled to break free from Tyrunt's grip.
But Norman wasn't one to be outdone. "Vigoroth, use Revenge!"
With a swift counterattack, Vigoroth turned the tide of the battle quickly, retaliating against Tyrunt's Crunch with double the force. Tyrunt staggered backward, weakened by the unexpected blow.
Ash clenched his fists, his determination unwavering as he forgot about Revenge's power. "We're not done yet, Tyrunt! Finish it with Horn Drill!"
With one final burst of energy, Tyrunt unleashed its signature move, striking Vigoroth with a powerful headbutt infused with overwhelming power. The attack landed true, sending Vigoroth crashing to the ground, but the Sloth wasn't done yet as it caught the Horn Drill and released a double Revenge on the dinosaur, sending it into the ground as well.
A small dust cloud formed, and both Pokémon were lying on the ground in defeat.
"Vigoroth and Tyrunt are unable to battle! This match is a draw!" Domino called out as both Norman and Ash returned their defeated partners.
Norman nodded in respect, acknowledging Ash's skill as a trainer. "Impressive, Ash. You've earned the first victory. But let's see if you can handle my next Pokémon."
With a confident grin, Ash prepared for the next round, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. This battle was just the beginning of his journey in the Hoenn region, and he was determined to prove himself as a true Pokémon Master.
"Thanks, Tyrunt. You fought well, and soon, I'm sure you'll evolve into your final form," Ash said before readying his next one as Norman pulled out his next Pokémon.
"Let's go Slakoth!"
"Wartotle! I choose you!
Norman and Ash shouted as the two Pokémon appeared. The Normal-type Pokémon appeared with a deceptive air of laziness, but Ash knew better than to underestimate it while his Wartotle appeared pumped and ready for battle.
Domino saw both sides ready before declaring that the second round of the match would begin!
"Wartotle, start with Hydro Pump!" Ash commanded, wasting no time in launching a powerful water attack at Slakoth. The turtle Pokémon unleashed a torrent of water from its cannons with precision, aiming straight at its lazy opponent.
Norman, however, remained unfazed. "Slakoth, Counter with Slack Off!"
To Ash's surprise, Slakoth didn't attempt to dodge or counter the attack. Instead, it simply lounged lazily, allowing the Hydro Pump to wash over it harmlessly. The strategy seemed odd, but Norman had a plan in mind.
"Now, Slakoth, use Yawn!" Norman instructed calmly.
Slakoth let out a soft, hypnotic yawn that filled the air with drowsiness. Wartotle, caught off guard by the unexpected move, began to feel its eyelids grow heavy.
"Wartotle, snap out of it! Use Rapid Spin!" Ash called out urgently, hoping to shake off the drowsiness with a swift attack.
Wartotle responded, spinning rapidly and creating a whirlwind of water around itself. The rapid movement helped to dispel the drowsiness, allowing Wartotle to shake off the effects of yawning.
But Norman wasn't finished yet. "Slakoth, now go for the counterattack with Focus Punch!"
With newfound determination, Slakoth charged forward with surprising speed, its fist glowing with power. Before Wartotle could react, the focused punch landed squarely, sending the turtle Pokémon reeling back from the impact.
Ash gritted his teeth, realizing he had underestimated Norman's strategy. "Wartotle, use Skull Bash!"
"Counter with Focus Punch again!"
Wartotle responded with a powerful defensive move, tucking its head into its shell and charging forward like a speeding torpedo. The force of the Skull Bash collided with Slakoth's Focus Punch, resulting in a fierce clash of strength.
The spectators watched in awe as the two Pokémon struggled against each other, each refusing to back down. The gym echoed with the sound of their collision, creating a tense atmosphere as the battle reached its climax.
"Amazing. Norman knew Slakoth couldn't dodge it in time, so he used Slack Off to heal any damage that would've occurred, then released a Yawn that would've put Wartotle asleep, giving Slakoth an edge in battle." Sabrina said as she was able to figure out the gym leader's plan at the start of the battle before Miraidon continued.
"However, after it failed, Norman then switched to using Slakoth's speed and power to deliver a powerful blow to Wartotle. Skull Bash is a good counter for a punch, but there is a problem with that. The force behind them both will cause the Pokémon to release more power, which will ultimately end in a draw if neither side can overpower the other." Miraidon said as her eyes scanned the two Pokémon, and she could tell that the two Focus Punches Wartotle took to the shell and head caused major damage while Slakoth was still ready for another round thanks to its Slack Off move.
Max smiled as he cheered for Slakoth until the clash ended. After a fierce struggle, both Pokémon staggered backward, exhausted from the intense exchange. Wartotle was about to fall before Slakoth walked over to the turtle and patted its shoulder, causing the Wartotle to try and stand up some more. Unfortunately, due to the lack of energy, it didn't have the strength anymore.
Wartotle looked at Norman and nodded its head before the group gasped as Slakoth collapsed to the ground, unable to battle any longer.
"Ah, Slakoth!" Norman said in shock as he realized that Slakoth was bested by the Skull Bash as well since Slakoth is a glass cannon when it comes to battle.
"Slakoth is unable to battle! As is Wartotle! This match is a draw!" Domino declared, signaling Ash's victory in the second match.
Norman nodded in acknowledgment, impressed by Ash's resilience and determination. "Well done, Ash. You've certainly proven yourself to be a formidable opponent. But the battle isn't over yet."
With a determined expression, Norman prepared to send out his final Pokémon, ready to test Ash's skills to their limit. The crowd watched in anticipation, eager to see how the battle would unfold.
'Damn, I wasn't expecting Slakoth to do this much damage to Wartotle though that Slakoth is no joke, and Wartotle is a bit rusty from being a firefighter than a battler. Norman's good as expected, but I got to win this last one.' Ash said in his mind as he recalled Issei's words.
'When facing Norman, I suggest you use your strongest Pokémon on your team, one you know can stand up to any challenge. After all, Charizard is your strongest Pokémon now that the two of you share a special bond that can unlock a new power for Charizard,' Issei said before holding out a marble for Ash and Charizard.
"This will help you unlock the power buried within Charizard and release it, but only when it's the right time."
Ash then looked at his bracelet and saw the marble known as a Mega Stone that Issei gave to Ash during his training and told him about Charizard. Ash looked at the Pokeball that held his friend before seeing it radiate heat and power and if Charizard sensed his partner's worry.
Ash smiled as he then called out his final Pokémon.
"Alright, Charizard, it's up to you!" Ash called out, releasing his fiery Dragon-type Pokémon onto the battlefield. Charizard emerged with a powerful roar, and its wings spread wide as it faced off against Slaking with unwavering confidence.
The two large Pokémon glared at each other as both were ready to give it their all.
"Amazing! The heat radiating off of Charizard's tail shows how strong it is, and this Charizard has had extensive training, given its battle scars!" Miraidon said in joy as she scanned the new data in her journal. Sabrina could tell that the little Charmander she saw enter the gym was a much better dragon and grew as not just a battler but a person.
Caroline waved a fan to cool herself off as the heat began to increase in the gym.
"Man, someone turns up the AC or send a Blizzard in here."
"Don't worry, Mom. Dad will finish this battle soon. Slaking is his most powerful Pokémon. There's no way Dad can lose now!" Max said with excitement. Sabrina rolled her eyes at the brat but held Caroline's hand as Caroline spoke to Max.
"Don't underestimate Charizard since I can tell that it will probably win this battle, but we'll just have to see," Caroline said as she looked at Norman and knew that the battle was going to heat up.
"Alright, the final round begins now! Both trainers are down to their last Pokémon! Let the battle between Charizard and Slaking commence!" Domino's voice echoed through the gym, heightening the tension to its peak.
Norman wasted no time in issuing his command. "Slaking, use Hyper Beam!"
Slaking roared as it gathered an immense amount of energy, unleashing a devastating Hyper Beam at Charizard with full force.
Ash's heart raced as he watched the powerful attack hurtling towards his beloved Charizard. "Charizard, dodge and counter with Flamethrower!"
With lightning-fast reflexes, Charizard soared into the air, narrowly avoiding the incoming Hyper Beam. In a swift motion, it retaliated with a scorching Flamethrower attack, engulfing Slaking in flames.
The powerful flames licked at Slaking's fur, dealing significant damage and causing it to roar in pain. However, the powerful Normal-type Pokémon refused to go down without a fight.
"Slaking, use Focus Punch!" Norman commanded, determined to turn the tide of battle in his favor.
Slaking charged forward with incredible speed, its fist glowing with power as it aimed to deliver a devastating blow to Charizard.
But Ash knew they were in a tight spot due to Charizard being barely able to fly in the small arena. "Charizard, brace yourself and counter with Dragon Claw!"
Charizard braced itself for the incoming attack, but the force of Slaking's Focus Punch was overwhelming. Despite Charizard's best efforts, it was pushed back, struggling to hold its ground.
As Slaking's fist drew closer, a glimmer caught Ash's eye. He glanced down at his bracelet, where the Mega Stone embedded within it began to glow softly. In a split-second decision, Ash reached out to Charizard, the Mega Stone on his bracelet resonating with the one Charizard wore around its neck.
"Charizard, it's time! Let's show them our true power!" Ash declared, his voice filled with determination.
Charizard's eyes widened as it felt the surge of energy coursing through its body. With a fierce roar, the Mega Evolution process began, enveloping Charizard in a blinding light.
"Is it evolving? But Charizard didn't have another evolution, so what's going on?" Max asked in shock as Sabrina and Norman were shocked to hear about this sort of evolution but to witness it was something else.
"The power to bring out a true Pokémon's power with the strength of the bond between trainer and Pokémon."
"While only temporary, this will turn the tide of battle as Charizard's true power is revealed."
"It's name is Mega Evolution!" Norman and Sabrina said in amazement, and the spectators watched in awe as Charizard underwent a dramatic transformation, its form shifting and evolving into Mega Charizard X.
The air crackled with electricity as the newly evolved Pokémon spread its massive wings while roaring in the air, ready to unleash its full power.
Norman's eyes widened in surprise as he watched the transformation unfold. "A Mega Evolution. Impressive, Ash. But let's see if you can handle this."
The battlefield crackled with tension as Mega Charizard X faced off against Slaking, both Pokémon brimming with power and determination. The crowd held their breath, eager to see how the battle would unfold in this new stage.
"Slaking, don't hold back! Use Counter!" Norman commanded, hoping to take advantage of Mega Charizard X's newfound power.
But Ash was undeterred. "Mega Charizard X, show them the true strength of our bond! Counter with Dragon Claw!"
With a roar, Mega Charizard X charged forward, its claws glowing with draconic energy. The ground trembled beneath its feet as it clashed with Slaking's Counter.
The gym shook with the force of their collision, sending shockwaves rippling through the air. Sparks flew as Mega Charizard X and Slaking engaged in a fierce battle of strength and willpower.
As the dust settled, it became clear that Mega Charizard X had the upper hand. With a final burst of energy, it delivered a devastating blow to Slaking, sending the powerful Pokémon crashing to the ground in defeat.
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause as Ash and Mega Charizard X emerged victorious, their bond stronger than ever. Norman nodded in respect, acknowledging Ash's skill as a trainer.
"Well done, Ash. You and your Charizard are truly a formidable team," Norman said, a hint of admiration in his voice.
Ash grinned proudly, his chest swelling with pride. "Thanks, Norman. It was an honor to battle against you."
"And as proof, you and your team earned this," Norman said, pulling out a badge and handing it to him. Please accept the Balance Badge."
"No!" Max shouted as he ran and swiped the badge from his father. Just as he was about to run towards the door, Domino stood in his way, and Sabrina came from behind and grabbed him with her Psychic powers.
"And what gives you the right to take the badge that Ash earned in battle?" Domino asked as Max let some tears fall. He shouted at her.
"Because Ash would've lost if it wasn't for that stupid Mega Evolution! He cheated since I know my father could've won if it wasn't for that cop-out!" Max shouted. Domino then told Sabrina to kill the power, which she did, but she was ready just in case.
Domino sighed before chatting to the kid. "Look, kid, my old man is a gym leader, too," Domino said, causing Max to look at her in shock before asking.
"Then surely you understand-"
"But if there's one thing my father taught me, it is that something like Mega Evolution and calling strategy a cop-out is just an excuse for being unprepared for the unpredictable," Domino said, causing Max to freeze before Domino tapped his forehead with a finger.
"Look, kid, your dad lost. Get over it. Losing is part of the fun of battling since sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, but the point is to enjoy battling and giving it your all." Domino said, Max being shocked by this before he asked.
"But weren't you mad when your father lost a battle?"
"What kind of dumb question is that? Of course, I was mad, but not at the trainer since I can tell when both sides give it their all and have no regrets. The purpose of a Gym Leader is to push Pokémon and their trainers to their limit, and your father did that. Norman, the Gym Leader, is normally the fifth one challenged. That right there proves how strong he really is, and now you're spitting on his efforts and reputation by acting like a brat who's sad because your hero was beaten."
Domino then took the badge back before tossing it to Ash, who caught it and looked one last time at Max.
"Before you become a Pokémon trainer, learn how to fight with some real pride and skills before acting like you know what you're doing," Domino said before bowing to Norman as Max continued to run out of the gym.
"My apologies, Norman, but I thought your son needed to learn how to accept loss."
"No, I was trying to get him to understand that I can be defeated along with my team, but my son has always idolized me, thinking I was invincible. I blame myself for not trying hard enough to help him understand how blind he was to the fact that I'm human and my team can be beaten just as much as any other gym leader." Norman said as Caroline approached him and hugged him.
"You can't blame yourself," Caroline said before looking at Domino. She thanked them for their visit but kindly asked them to leave, which neither minded, as Miraidon followed them before voicing her opinions to Ash.
"You shouldn't blame yourself since you and your team won the battle, and yet this doesn't please you?" Mira asked, and Ash sighed in response.
"I mean, he was kind of right with the Mega Evolution being a last-minute move-"
However, Sabrina stopped his comment by narrowing her eyes at him.
"Nope!"
"H-Huh?"
"Nope."
"No?"
"Yes!"
"W-What do you mean no?"
"Ash, as long as I've been a gym leader, I happen to recall a certain someone who also used clever tricks and techniques to beat his opponents, right?" Sabrina asked, and Ash recalled the times he used out-of-the-box methods to win before Sabrina continued.
"And there's nothing wrong with using Mega Evolution. Some trainers need to think on their feet in intense battles, and sometimes it's too late. The point is you mustn't blame yourself. You and your team earned that badge with hard work and determination, so take the victory, Ash." Sabrina said before Ash looked at his Charizard, who nodded in response before looking back at Sabrina.
"Thanks, Sabrina. I'm grateful to have you as a friend," Ash said, and Sabrina smirked as a thought appeared in her mind.
"And since we're such great friends, I should give you a reward, yes?" Sabrina asked with a coy smile that made Domino stifle a laugh, begging to be released while Charizard facepalmed himself, knowing what the girl was insinuating.
"Uh..." Ash stuttered as he looked at her massive and supple bust press on his chest before pushing her away. "We should probably get going to the next town! Let's go!"
Ash said before running with Charizard flying after him, and once the two were gone, Domino laughed her ass off again before wiping a tear that left her eye.
"You are going to kill that kid, Sabrina! Ahahaha!" Domino laughed as she tried to make sure she didn't pass out while Mira continued to write in her journal.
"Fascinating. This mating ritual was truly an interesting topic to research. Perhaps I should try this tactic to test my mates' mental capacity to see if they can face me in a mental battle," Mira said, which caused Domino to gasp as she almost passed out. Her stomach hurt so much that she almost passed out until Wigglytuff came out and calmed her partner down. Then, the Balloon Pokemon used Sing to put Domino to sleep so she could recover her strength, with Domino laughing in her head.
'Dad was right. This is going to be so much fun, ' Domino thought, as she was definitely going to enjoy this journey with her new friends.
Sabrina was smiling at the chance to tease but also confess her feelings to him before receiving a call from her father.
"Hello?"
{Hey, my little princess. I'm sorry to say that I got beat by a trainer who is a legend. He gave me a run for my money and destroyed my team. This guy wanted me to pass a message to you. Get stronger, and when you both meet, Issei Hyoudou will challenge you to a battle.} Sabrina's father said, shocking Sabrina as she knew of the name very well due to her hearing the rumors of the Champion Conqueror and how he defeated so many of the strongest Champions and wished to build his region, but after looking at the list, he needed two to three more.
If he were in Kanto, then Issei would defeat Lance and claim the title of Champion from both Kanto and Johto before heading to Hoenn, where his final competitor would be Steven.
"Thanks for the message, father. I'll make sure that my team is ready," Sabrina said before her father decided to tease her a bit.
{So, am I going to have a son-in-law yet?}
"DAD!" Sabrina shouted as she accidentally destroyed her phone with her psychic powers before imagining her father laughing at her reaction.
"I hate it when he does that to me," Sabrina said before receiving a text from her father.
{Your mother and I love you, as well as wish you luck in your journey of love.} Sabrina's father texted, with Sabrina chuckling at the corny message before thanking them as she now prepared herself for the rest of the journey, not only to confess but to help Ash win the Hoenn League.
They knew that their journey in the Hoenn region was only beginning, filled with new adventures and opportunities to grow even stronger.
And Scene! Now, some were hoping to see how Issei defeated Sabrina's father, which is why...it'll be the next chapter! I do hope you liked Ash's battle. Since I wanted Ash to unlock Mega Evolution's potential, I thought Issei would give Ash a Mega Stone needed to help his Pokémon release their inner strength.
Issei's battle with the Psychic gym will be next time, so stay tuned!
