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Muchas gracias por tu revisión. Se lo agradezco mucho.

Void Reader, I don't know what you're saying.

We rejoin our heroes here in Orbarrow City, where Vernon's father runs the local Gym. However, Vernon asked a small request from his father.

Walter took off his Gym Leader necklace and placed it around Vernon's neck. Vernon them turned and pointed at Ash, saying, "Ash Ketchum, I have decided to be your opponent for your Orbarrow City Gym Challenge!"

"What? Vernon?" said Ash. "You wanna battle me? But you just-"

"I know," said Vernon. "But the truth is, I've been wanting to battle you for a while now. Ever since our first battle in Coastport City."

"Oh, yeah," said Ash, "we never got to finish that battle thanks to Team Rocket. But still, why a Gym Battle?"

"Well," said Vernon, "it's hard to explain. But I just get the feeling that having a Gym Battle with you will let me see what you're really capable of. It'll give me the chance to really push you to your limits, and see for myself what kind of Trainer you are."

Ash didn't know what to say, but then Serena spoke up. "I think that's perfect! A battle between best friends! I can't think of a better way to earn your next Gym Badge!"

"She's right," said Johnny. "A battle between friends will make this a battle to remember, don't you think?"

Ash looked at them smiling in anticipation, before he smiled himself and nodded before looking back at Vernon. "You're right. Vernon, I accept!"

"Perfect!" said Vernon. "We'll battle first thing in the morning." Suddenly, he turned and walked away.

Who's that Pokémon?

They digs their nests in mountains. Individuals play a different part in protecting the colony from their natural predator.

Later that day, Ash was hard at work training his Pokémon for the battle the next day. He had already decided who he'd be using: Pikachu Charmor, and Roachoid.

"Okay, Pikachu, use Elecroweb!"

"Pika!" Pikachu formed a small ball at the end of its tail and threw it, and it burst open into a web made of electricity which was sent flying for Roachoid.

"Okay, Roachoid! Cut through it with X-Scissor!"

"Rooaa!" Roachoid formed an X in front of it and spun, cutting straight through.

"Good job!" Ash said. "Now, launch a Struggle Bug at Charmor!"

"Rooaa!" Roachoid launched a Struggle Bug attack Charmor's way, but Ash was quick with his next command.

"Charmor, send it away with away with Rapid Spin!"

Charmor spun around, knocking the attack away. "Char!" it cheered when it succeeded.

"Great!" said Ash. "Now, use Flame Wheel on Pikachu!"

"Mor!" Charmor spun forward, wreathed in flames, but Pikachu quickly heeded Ash's next order.

"Stop it with Quick Attack!"

"Pika, pika, pika, pika!" Pikachu said as it charged forward, surrounded by a white outline. It knocked into Charmor's side, sending it off course, though Charmor quickly stabilized itself.

Off to the side, RotomDex, Humbeat, and Platide were cheering. "Nice work, Ash!" said RotomDex. "Looks like all that training is paying off."

"Yeah," said Ash. "It's too bad Vernon isn't here to help me train like he always does."

"Well, he's your opponent," said RotomDex. "But now, he'll be playing for keeps!"

"What?" Ash said. "Why would he try that hard to win?"

"Well, you heard him," said RotomDex. "He wants to have an amazing battle with you."

"Hmm," Ash thought. "Well, I can't hold anything back either, so I'll give him the best battle he's ever seen!"

"That's the spirit!" said RotomDex, before he looked around. "Say, is Serena back yet? I thought she was gonna help you train?"

"Hey, guys!" called out Serena's voice. Everyone looked over to see Serena running over to them excitedly, holding a flyer in her hand.

"Guess what? I just found out that the Pageant they were having here in Orbarrow City is happening tomorrow morning!"

"Really?" said Ash, before he looked at the flyer. "Aw, man, does that mean you won't be able to see our Gym Battle tomorrow?"

"No, there should be enough time," said Serena. "But, it does mean I need to start practicing for the Pageant now. So, I'm afraid I can't help you train."

Ash looked disappointed, but then smiled and said, "Oh, that's okay. Your Pageant is just as important. I shouldn't stop you from preparing for it."

Serena beamed. "Aw, thanks, Ash. Don't worry, I know you'll still do just fine." She pulled out her PokéBalls and released Braixen, Lunoth, and Quokkawatt. "C'mon, guys, let's get some training of our own in!" she said as her Pokémon nodded.

"Now, Jelloater! Use Electro Jab!"

Jelloater thrust its electrified tentacle forward, knocking back its opponent, a Glimmora.

"Don't let that stop you, Glimmora!" said Walter. "Use Ancient Power!" Glimmora created four small rocks and hurled them at Jelloater.

But Vernon smirked. "Acid Armor!" Jelloater turned to liquid, and the rocks phased right through it. "Discharge!" Jelloater unleashed a bunch of electricity, zapping Glimmora until it fell to the ground.

"Glimmora is unable to battle!" declared the ref, Johnny.

Walter sighed and recalled Glimmora. "You did good, Glimmora. Now get some rest." He then looked at his son. "Man, I'm impressed. I still can't beat you. It's a good thing Ash is fighting you and not me."

"Heh, thanks, Dad," said Vernon, rubbing the back of his head. "I just hope I'm strong enough to face him."

"What, you don't think you can fight him?" said Johnny.

"Well, I mean," said Vernon, "I've seen him in battle before. Ash is something else. I'm just not entirely sure I can give him the fight he deserves. After all, I'm not really a true battler."

"You'll do just fine," said Walter. "You know him better than anyone."

"Yeah, I guess," said Vernon. "I guess I'm just used to helping Ash and Serena train. But now, I'm Ash's opponent. I can't hold back anymore."

Bright and early the next morning, Ash, Pikachu, Serena, and RotomDex made their way into the Orbarrow Gym. Once they made it inside, they saw it was pitch black. "Um, hello?" Ash said. "Vernon? Are you in here?"

Suddenly, he heard stirring on the floor. They all looked down to see Toxel on the floor looking up at them.

"Oh, hey Toxel," said Ash. "Where's Vernon?"

Suddenly, Toxel ran off, and ran up a flight of stairs. As it flowed with electricity, the group could see it hop onto a big spotlight, which it then switched on, showing a small stage on the bottom floor. It then powered on three more spotlights until Vernon suddenly emerged from the darkness, walking into the spotlights with his eyes closed.

"And now, the great and incomparable Vernon..." he thrust out one arm and opened his eyes, "...shall take the stage!"

Ash and Serena started chuckling. "Just couldn't resist the opportunity to show off for us, could you?" Serena said.

"I am an act-or! It's all about presentation!" Vernon declared. He then walked down towards Ash. "Well, you ready for this?"

"You bet!" said Ash. "I can't wait to get started!"

"Me neither," Vernon smiled. "After all, I've been traveling with you for a while now, and I've seen how tough you are. But now, I'm going to prove my own might today! I'm gonna prove myself as your equal!"

Ash was surprised. Vernon, he looked so serious. But why did he need to prove himself to be Ash's equal? "Well then, you better bring your best," said Ash, "'cause that badge is mine!"

It's Durant!

Serena got herself seated next to Walter and RotomDex on the bleachers nearby. She even let Wobbuffet out of it's PokéBall so it could watch too. Suddenly she heard footsteps and turned to see Johnny walking over to sit down. "You're not gonna referee this time?" she said.

"Of course not," said Johnny. "The actual ref is here. And he's got kids to feed, you know."

Serena chuckled. "Yeah, good point."

"So, how do you feel about this, Serena?" Walter suddenly spoke up.

"Huh?"

"Well, both your friends are battling against each other. Do you even know who to cheer for?"

"What? Oh, actually, I didn't even think of that," Serena thought. "Well, it's okay. We can cheer for both sides! Right, guys?"

"Of course!" said RotomDex.

"Wobbuffet!" said Wobbuffet.

"Bat, bat," came a noise. Everyone turned around to see Zubat and Toxel taking a seat.

"Oh, is Vernon not using you, Zubat?" said Serena, and Zubat shook its head. "Zu, bat bat bat."

"It says Vernon decided to battle with his father's Pokémon because they have more battle experience," RotomDex said.

At that point, Ash and Vernon made their way to ends of the battlefield. The ref took his place and said, "This battle between the acting Gym Leader Vernon and the challenger Ash will now commence! Each side will use three Pokémon, and the battle will decided when all Pokémon on one side are unable to continue. Also, only the challenger can switch Pokémon."

"Get ready, Ash," said Vernon, pulling out a PokéBall. "I've been preparing nonstop for this moment."

"So have we!" said Ash, pulling out his own PokéBall. "Let's show him what we got, guys!"

Vernon smirked before throwing his PokéBall. "Alright, let's go, Mosqueedle!"

The PokéBall exploded into a Pokémon that looked like a mosquito, with bulgy eyes, a long needle-nose, and a small mouth below it.

RotomDex quickly scanned it. "Mosqueedle, The Mosquito Pokémon. A Bug and Poison type. Mosqueedles fly around looking for Pokémon to suck blood from. The victim is often left feeling woozy for a while afterward. Evolves from Buzzfly at level 25."

"Alright, go Charmor!" Ash said, throwing his own PokéBall, which exploded into Charmor.

"Alright, battle begin!" said the ref.

BATTLE BEGIN!

"Alright, Charmor, use Flame Wheel!"

"Chaaaar!" Charmor rolled forward, wreathed in flames. However, Vernon had a smirk on his face, as if he expected that move.

"Use Agility!" Mosqueedle, outlined in a pink light, began moving around rapidly, causing Charmor to miss by a mile. Charmor stopped and looked around confused, unable to track where Mosqueedle was.

"Now, use Pin Missile!" Mosqueedle finally stopped, and unleashed a swarm of pins down, which pummeled Charmor.

"Hold on, Charmor!" said Ash. "Use Rapid Spin to send back where it came from!"

Charmor began spinning, knocking the Pin Missile away. But once again, Vernon smirked, having anticipated this. "Use Agility again!"

Mosqueedle dodged with its tremendous speed, but then made its way closer to Charmor.

"Now, use Toxic!" Mosqueedle spat a ball of black sludge at Charmor, and once it hit, purple bubbles poured out of Charmor's body, the poisoning taking over.

Ash growled before yelling, "Use Ember!" Charmor prepared to spit some fire out, only for the poison to suddenly act up, making it unable to move.

"Perfect, now use U-Turn!" Mosqueedle rammed the paralyzed Charmor with its nose before turning to red light and going back to its PokéBall.

"What?" said Serena. "I thought the Gym Leader wasn't allowed to switch?"

"He can if it's through the use of a move like that," said the referee.

"Now then, you're finishing this! Vatoxic!" Vernon threw his next PokéBall, and out burst Vatoxic, ready for battle.

"Grr, that won't stop us!" Ash said. "Charmor! Use Flame Wheel!" Charmor rolled forward and managed to hit Vatoxic, but Vernon was quick to counter.

"Use Sludge Wave!" Vatoxic unleashed a stream of purple goo, which doused Charmor's flames and washed it away. "Now use Venoshock!"

"Oh no!" said RotomDex. "Venoshock hurts a lot more when your poisoned!"

The streak for purple acid hit its mark and blasted Charmor away. When it landed, it had swirls in its eyes.

"Charmor is unable to battle!" called the referee.

"No! Charmor!" Ash cried out as he ran to pick up his Pokémon. Charmor's eyes opened, but it looked at Ash sadly. "I know, I know, you tried your best. I'm sorry. That's on me." He pulled out Charmor's PokéBall. "Here, take a good rest."

"I can't believe it," said Serena. "It's like Vernon anticipated Ash's every move!"

"He did," said Johnny, causing everyone to look at him. "Vernon's been traveling with Ash for so long now, he knows his moves better than anyone, and he can read him like a book."

"Well, Ash, what do you think?" said Vernon. "Looks like I've got your strategies memorized."

"Yeah, not bad," said Ash, trying to mask his frustration. "But we're not done yet! Now, Pikachu, I choose you!"

"Pika!" Pikachu cried out, jumping into the field.

I thought he'd be using Pikachu. Vernon thought. "Now, use Sludge Wave!"

Vatoxic unleashed another sea of purple liquid, but Ash was ready this time.

"Now, Pikachu, escape it with Quick Attack!" Pikachu quickly moved around the field jumping to dodge over the liquid.

"Now behind it!" Suddenly, Pikachu was behind Vatoxic, and before either Vernon or Vatoxic could react, Pikachu shoved its opponent into the liquid.

"Yes! Now use Thunderbolt!" Pikachu unleashed a huge bolt of electricity, and it lit up the liquid and Vatoxic.

"Oh, you think you're clever, do you?" said Vernon. "Using the same strategy I used yesterday? Well, we're not done yet! Use Iron Head!"

Vatoxic charged forward with its hard head, but Ash was prepared. "Electroweb!"

"Huh?" said Vernon. Pikachu threw a yellow ball from its tail, which turned into a giant, yellow spiderweb. The web entangled Vatoxic, stopping it in its tracks.

"Now quick! Use Thunderbolt!"

"Pi-ka-chuuuu!" Pikachu fired another bolt of lightning at its foe, creating a small explosion when it hit. When the dust settled, Vatoxic was laying in the ground.

"Vatoxic is unable to battle!"

"Hmph, not bad, Ash," said Vernon, recalling Vatoxic. "Maybe I shouldn't have let you watch my battle with Dad yesterday."

"Sorry, Vernon, but there's no way we're gonna lose!" Ash said as Pikachu put a fist in the air in agreement.

"Heh, we're not done yet," said Vernon as he pulled out his next PokéBall and threw it. It exploded into Mosqueedle.

"Alright, Pikachu, use Electroweb!" Pikachu threw another electric spiderweb at Mosqueedle, but Vernon ordered it to use Agility. Mosqueedle quickly moved out of the way of the web, before gunning it for Pikachu.

"Not this time! Use Quick Attack!" Pikachu quickly dashed after Mosqueedle, who tried its best to stay out of Pikachu's reach. However, just when Pikachu got close, Vernon called for a Toxic attack. Mosqueedle quickly spat some black sludge at Pikachu, poisoning it instantly.

"Dang it!" Ash cried out as poor Pikachu fell on the floor. As it stood up, purple bubbles emerged from its body.

"Piiii," it groaned.

"We got you now! Use Poison Jab!" said Vernon. Mosqueedle charged forward, its nose glowing purple, and jabbing Pikachu right in the chest.

"Quick Attack!" Ash cried out.

"Agility!" Vernon said.

Both Pokémon charged forward at lightning speed, but thanks to Agility, Mosqueedle moved faster. As Pikachu desperately tried to give chase, it's poisoning acted up, slowing it down.

"Now's your chance! Use Poison Jab again!" said Vernon.

Mosqueedle charged forward with a purple nose, but Ash, thinking quickly, called out, "Electroweb!"

Pikachu heard Ash's voice, and quickly threw another Electroweb at Mosqueedle, this time catching it.

"Quickly! Use Thunderbolt!"

"Pi-ka-chuuuuu!" Pikachu blasted Mosqueedle with all the electricity it could muster. When the dust cleared away, Mosqueedle suddenly broke out of Electroweb and flew back into the air. Ash and Pikachu groaned, but suddenly, yellow sparks emerged over Mosqueedle's body.

"Yes! It's paralyzed!" Ash cheered. "Quick! Use Quick Attack!"

Pikachu charged forward with all the speed it could muster. Vernon ordered Mosqueedle to dodge, but the paralysis prevented it from moving, and Pikachu hit it to the floor.

The referee ran over to Mosqueedle on the floor before calling, "Mosqueedle is unable to battle!"

"Yes! You did it, Pikachu!" Ash cheered.

"Pi, Pikachu!" Pikachu cheered before more purple bubbles erupted from its body, causing it to groan.

"Aw, man, but that poison's still gonna be an issue, isn't it?" said Ash.

"Nice work, Mosqueedle," said Vernon, recalling his Pokémon. "You get some rest now, okay?" He then looked back at Ash. I guess I really shouldn't underestimate Ash and Pikachu. Yeah, it's time for me to show my best! Pulling out his final PokéBall, he threw it to reveal Jelloater.

"Pi?" said Pikachu upon seeing its old friend.

"So, Jelloater is last, huh?" said Ash before Pikachu suddenly got his attention.

"Pi, pi, Pikachu!" it said excitedly, before looking at Ash with determination.

Ash quickly understood. "Oh, I see. You wanna finish the battle you and Jelloater back in Coastport Ciry, don't you?" Pikachu nodded, so Ash smirked. "Okay, I'll keep you in!"

"I was hoping you'd do that," grinned Vernon. "Alright, Jelloater, use Venoshock!"

Jelloater unleashed a stream of purple fluid at Pikachu, but Ash quickly called out, "Dodge with Quick Attack!" Pikachu quickly ran out of the way.

"Not so fast!" said Vernon. "Use Electro Jab!" Jelloater began thrusting its electrified tentacles at Pikachu.

"Stop it with Iron Tail!" Pikachu turned its tail silver and batted away the tentacles. It then made its way close to Jelloater and prepared to hit it with an Iron Tail.

"Acid Armor!" Jelloater's body turned to liquid, causing Pikachu's tail to phase right through it. "Now, use Contrict!"

"Constrict!?" Ash said, surprised.

"Whoa, did Vernon and Jelloater upgrade Wrap into Constrict?" said RotomDex.

Jelloater quickly wrapped its tentacles around Pikachu. Just as Ash was about to tell Pikachu to use Thunderbolt, Vernon told Jelloater to stick its tentacles into the ground.

"You won't be freeing yourself with Thunderbolt, I'm afraid," he said.

"Grr, well, this is no different from last time!" said Ash. "Pikachu, use Volt Tackle!"

Pikachu gathered up all it electricity, but Vernon smirked, having expected this move again. "Not this time. Use Venoshock!"

Jelloater gathered all its poison and blasted Pikachu with it just as Pikachu released its electricity. A small explosion occurred, but when the dust settled, Jelloater was still floating there, holding Pikachu before dropping it to the floor.

"Pikachu!" Ash cried out as the ref ran over to Pikachu.

"Pikachu is unable to battle!"

Ash quickly ran over to his partner and cradled it in his arms. Pikachu weakly opened its eyes to look at Ash and say, "Pi...ka..."

"It's okay, Pikachu. You did your best," Ash reassured as he carried his partner back to his side of the arena. "Just sit and rest. We'll still win this."

"So, what do you think, Ash?" said Vernon. "I've come up with quite the few techniques to defeat your best strategies, haven't I? Sorry, but I can't just let you win that easily."

Ash didn't quite answer. He simply looked over at Vernon with determination. However, Bernon thought for sure he saw some anger in his eyes.

"Let's finish this!" Ash said, throwing his next PokéBall. "Go, Roachoid!"

"Roachoid, Roachoid!" said Roachoid, facing Jelloater with a smug grin.

"Use X-Scissor!" Roachoid jumped up and created an X in front of itself.

"Acid Armor!" Vernon called. Jelloater turned to liquid, causing Roachoid to phase right through it.

"Grr, Acid Armor won't protect you from this!" said Ash. "Hypnosis!"

Roachoid's eyes glowed blue and sent a series of red rings at Jelloater. Jelloater became groggy and fell to the floor asleep.

"Awesome! Now use X-Scissor again!"

Roachoid pummeled Jelloater with its attack, as Vernon called out, "C'mon, Jelloater, wake up!"

"Use Struggle Bug!" said Ash. Roachoid prepared to fling its attack as Vernon kept calling out to his Pokémon.

"Wake up, Jelloater, come on, wake up!"

Suddenly, just as the Struggle Bug was about to hit, Jelloater heard Vernon's voice and came back to life, rising into the air.

"What!?" said Ash.

"Discharge!" Vernon cried out. Jelloater unleashed a bunch of electric sparks, destroying the Struggle Bug attack and zapping Roachoid.

"Time to introduce you guys to Jelloater's new move!" said Vernon. "Poison Jab!"

Jelloater thrust its tentacle, glowing purple, at Roachoid. "X-Scissor!" Ash screamed. Hastily, Roachoid formed another X and collided with the tentacle. It managed to push the tentacle away, but then, it suddenly had purple bubbles coming out of it.

"Yes! You're poisoned!" said Vernon. "Use Venoshock!"

"Dodge it!" Ash cried out at the top of his lungs, but the poison refused to let Roachoid move, and Venoshock hit dead on. When the smoke cleared, Roachoid was laying on the ground.

The ref ran over to Roachoid and declared, "Roachoid is unable to battle! Which means the winner of this match is Vernon!"

"No..." Ash moaned as he saw his Pokémon on the floor. Finally, he made his legs move and ran over to pick it up. "Roachoid, I'm sorry..."

"I can't believe it... Vernon won?" said Serena.

"Hey, that's my boy," grinned Walter.

"Here, Ash," said Vernon, walking over with an Oran Berry. "Why don't you give this to Roachoid?"

"Oh, thanks," said Ash, taking the Berry and feeding it to Roachoid. As his Pokémon's eyes opened up, Ash closed his eyes in frustration, and said, "C-come on, let's get you guys to the Pokémon Center."

Some time later, everyone was in their way back to the Gym after Ash dropped Pikachu, Roachoid, and Charmor off at the Pokémon Center.

"...So, Ash, how was that?" Vernon asked. "I worked hard to pull that off. Wasn't that a fun battle?"

Ash looked at his friend briefly, but suddenly turned away. "H-hey, you know what I just remembered? There's a Pageant today!"

"Huh?" said Serena before Ash suddenly turned to her.

"Y-yeah, that's right. Serena, you said there was a Pokémon Pageant you wanted to participate in. It's gonna be starting soon."

"The Pageant's today?" said Vernon. "Why didn't anyone tell me?"

"Y-yeah, we should go, shouldn't we, Serena?" said Ash.

"Oh, I-I totally forgot about that, actually," said Serena. "But, um, are you guys sure you-"

"Here it is," came another voice. Everyone turned to see a newcomer, but Ash, Serena, and Vernon were shocked to see Florian walking up.

"Hey, is this the Orbarrow Gym? I'm here for a battle."

What a day! Despite Ash's best efforts, Vernon defeated him! But now Florian's come to the Orbarrow City Gym door! What will happen next? Find out, as the journey continues!

TO BE CONTINUED...

So, Toxel represents the Gym maze. In my fake game idea, you'd be using his electricity to activate four spotlights to make Vernon appear.