We find our heroes at the Blackthorn City Pokemon Center after Ash's second loss to the dragon type leader Clair, where Ash is deep in thought.
"So Ash, what are you thinking of, a new strategy, a new move, maybe an all new angle to fight her?" Casey asked, sitting down at the table across from Ash.
"A new gym." Ash said, trying to find one on his PokeGear.
"Y-you're kidding, we're already here, and you got so close last time, you just need to find a way." Molly said in surprise.
"I don't have a way Molly. I've fought three Dragonite and only beaten one, and that one is nothing in comparison to how Clair's moved yesterday." Ash said. "I threw my best at her, my last idea was Wobbuffet but he's too slow for me to hit her with."
"Okay, what about other reserves, like Kingler, or Muk, or your Tauros!" Casey offered.
"Muk and Tauros don't have the range and Kingler doesn't have the speed to keep up." Ash said, having thought those options through already.
"Okay, Gligar or Scizor, they can both fly." Molly pointed out.
"But they aren't nearly as strong as a Dragonite. I just need to find another gym." Ash sighed, getting up. "I saw there was in the city of Alto Mare, maybe if we hurry we can get there and back in time for the Silver Conference."
"What about Charizard!" Casey exclaimed.
"What?" Molly asked a bit shocked.
"Charizard, you need a Pokemon that can move and hit like a Dragonite. I'd say no one can do that better than your Charizard. So let's call him up!" Casey cheered.
"I already tried Casey." Ash said plainly. "Four times."
"Does Charizard not want to help, or is he hurt, why are you saying no for Charizard?" Molly asked very confused.
"Because Liza isn't answering!" Ash snapped. "I called before training, after training, and even after the gym battle yesterday. Then I called again today, and no one is picking up. I can't get through to the Characific Valley, so I can't call on Charizard." Ash sighed. "Let's just get going before Clair finds out I'm giving up on this one."
The trio walked outside, immediately bumping into the last person Ash wanted to see.
"Ash! Hey, if you're looking for a rematch, I'm sorry but it will have to wait a bit, I'm meeting an old friend here soon." Clair said.
"It's alright Clair, we, we have to be going." Ash admitted.
"Going, as in leaving? I thought you were going to stay until you won?" Clair asked confused.
"I was, but I can't find a winning strategy to stop your Dragonite, sorry." Ash apologized.
"Hey, it's alright. My gym is a tough one to beat, even for experienced trainers, there's no shame in admitting it. But if you ever want a rematch, even after this season, I'll gladly accept it same conditions." Clair said.
"Thanks, but we should really get going now." Ash said.
"Wait, wait, how about you stay just today, my friend, she cares for some rare and powerful Pokemon. It could be fun, and I promise I'll get you a lift back to Goldenrod, how about it?" Clair asked.
"That is central Johto, we could get to almost any gym fairly quick from there." Casey pointed out.
"And it would be cool to see these rare Pokemon, it might even give you an idea for a strategy!" Molly said excitedly.
"Alright, alright, I can't deny a free escort to Goldenrod would be nice, we'll stay." Ash relented.
"Good, because I think that's her." Clair said, looking up in the sky.
"Where, I can't see anything?" Molly asked.
"I do. It's coming in fast! Move!" Casey exclaimed, pulling Molly and Clair away from Ash and Pikachu as the duo were engulfed in flames.
"Ash!" Clair exclaimed.
"What was that?!" Casey asked in shock.
"CHARIZARD!" Ash cried out, seeing his fire type fly in.
"Charizard?" Molly asked in confusion.
"Charizards." Casey said seeing the group fly in, with Ash's Charizard in the lead, landing near Ash and Pikachu.
"Charizard that was incredible! Your flamethrower has never been that strong! Not even close!" Ash exclaimed.
"Grawhr!" Charizard roared.
"Liza it's good to see you, I'd introduce you, but I think you've already met these three." Clair said.
"Clair, always happy to come by. And yes I met them a while back, this Charizard is actually Ash's that he left at the Valley." Liza said.
"That's why you weren't answering!" Molly realized.
"What now?" Liza asked.
"Ash tried calling the Valley a few times and you never answered, but now it all makes sense. You were flying here the past day!" Molly said.
"Yeah, I take a group of Charizard up here every so often." Liza said. "Are you three here for a gym battle?"
"Well they were actually leaving. Ash said he doesn't have a winning…". Clair began before Ash interrupted.
"I have a strategy, but can I work with Charizard a bit before our rematch?" Ash asked.
"Sure, we can have a match later this afternoon." Clair said. "Why not try the Dragons Den, it's an open area where many dragon masters have trained in the past."
"Alright Charizard let's go and see what you can do!" Ash cheered.
"Hey Ash. You might need this." Clair said, tossing Charizard's Pokeball to him.
"Right!" Ash exclaimed, catching the ball. "Let's go guys!"
Inside the Dragons Den
"Alright, let's start with what we know you can do! Charizard use Flamethrower!" Ash called out.
Charizard flew above the islands, sending out a stream of powerful flames, heating the surrounding area.
"Alright!" Ash cheered.
"Pi Pikachu!" Pikachu chimed in, as Ash's other Pokemon cheered on Charizard as well.
"Let's see another move!" Ash said, looking at his Pokedex. "Use Dragon Breath!"
Charizard sent out a smaller and more controlled stream of blue flames, they weren't as hot but more powerful, dispersing the water below him and creating a divet in the ground where it was.
"Now use Iron Tail!"
Charizard spun in the air, slamming his tail down onto a boulder, shattering it on impact.
"Incredible! Your training has paid off in spades, with you by our side we're sure to win, how about it?" Ash asked.
Charizard let out a powerful roar and stream of flames in agreement.
"Well, you two certainly are more powerful than we thought." A voice said.
"Who, who are you?" Ash asked, seeing the figure approach from the shadows.
Ash's Current Team and their Moves
Pikachu: Zap Cannon - Quick Attack - Thunder Punch - Thunderbolt
Feraligatr: Hydro Pump - Crunch - Ice Punch - Thrash
Charizard: Flamethrower - Iron Tail - Dragon Breath - Seismic Toss
Snorlax: Ice Punch - Mega Kick - Body Slam - Hyper Beam
Wobbuffet: Counter - Mirror Coat - Safeguard - Destiny Bond