Author's Note: Hello, readers! I'm very sorry that I published this chapter late. I've recently working and studying at the same time, but now I am back! I hope all of you will enjoy your holidays and have a happy new year!
I don't own Pokemon or its characters, but I own Denise and my other OCs
Pokemon: Friends to the End
Chapter 152: Fighting Ire with Fire!
Ash, Brock, Dawn and Denise were traveling through a small town on the way to Sunyshore City when they notice a crowd has gathered to watch a Pokémon battle taking place nearby.
"Looks like there's a battle going on."Denise assumed.
"Let's go see."Ash suggested.
The group walked behind the crowd and saw the one having the battle was Barry whose Empoleon was battling another Trainer's Mothim.
"Empoleon use Hydro Cannon!"Barry ordered.
Empoleon unleashed his Hydro Cannon, directly hitting Mothim.
"Now Mothim use Signal Beam!"the other trainer ordered.
A rainbow-coloured ball of energy appeared in between Mothim's antennae.
It then fired a rainbow-coloured beam of energy from the ball at Empoleon.
"Block it!"Barry ordered. "Quick!"
Empoleon block Mothim's Signal Beam with its wings, receiving almost no damage from it.
The crowd watched the sight with impressed expressions as Brock spoke to his companions.
"Empoleon nearly stepped on it."Dawn commented.
"You're right."Brock agreed. "Empoleon had levelled-up a ton since the last time we saw it."
Barry smirked as he snapped his fingers to give out Empoleon's next order.
"Aim with a Metal Claw!"Barry ordered.
The blue parts on the rims of Empoleon's wings glow white before leaping up to attack Mothim.
Empoleon slashes the opponent with one or both of them.
"Mothim use Silver Wind!"the other trainer instructed.
Mothim tried to counter Empoleon's Metal Claw with Silver Wind.
However, Empoleon expertly dodged the attack and strikes Mothim, knocking him out.
"Yes!"Barry remarked in triumph. "We won!"
The Trainer walked forward and bent down to see if his Mothim was alright.
"Mothim, are you okay?"the other trainer asked.
Barry congratulated Empoleon for his victory.
"Great work, Empoleon."Barry praised. "We won."
Empoleon nodded. "Empoleon."
The crowd clapped at Barry and Empoleon's excellent victory.
"Thanks. It was nice for all of you to cheer us on."Barry thanked, looking at the crowd. "And please cheer for Mothim as well. He really battled hard."
As Barry lapped up the kudos, he notice Ash, Denise and the others before going to happily greet his friends and rivals.
"Hey, it's Ash and Denise!"Barry commented.
"Barry, hi."Ash greeted.
"Pika."Pikachu responded.
"It's been a while."Denise remarked.
"Combusken."Combusken said.
Later, as the group relaxed, Barry catches up with Ash and asks about Gible's training to master Draco Meteor.
"Wow. So you finally got five ribbons just like Denise? Good job, Dawn."Barry remarked and looked at Ash. "So Ash, what's the deal with Gible's Draco Meteor? All set?"
Ash rubbed the back of his head.
"Well, the truth is it's been kind of ruff."Ash admitted.
"Bummer. Too bad."Barry said sadly. "Does that mean you haven't been able to win your eighth badge yet?"
"Actually, none of us have gotten our eighth badge, Barry."Denise exclaimed. "We still need to head to the Sunyshore Gym to do so."
"Sunyshore Gym?"Barry chuckled.
Barry started laughing lightly as Empoleon started joining him as well.
This caused Dawn, Prinplup, Ash, Pikachu, Denise, Combusken and Brock to look at them with confused expressions.
"What's with them?"Ash asked.
"Pika."Pikachu said.
"Yeah."Dawn agreed. "What's the funny part?"
Denise frowned. "Care to explain, Barry?"
"Absolutely."Barry remarked as he went to take out something from his pocket. "It's just so happen that I already beat the Sunyshore Gym."
Barry showed off his collection of eight Badges, including the Beacon Badge he got from Sunyshore.
Dawn, Prinplup, Ash, Pikachu, Denise, Combusken and Brock were surprised to see Barry has completed his Gym case badge.
"You've got eight badges."Brock said.
"What do you expect?"Barry asked and stood up from the ground. "This talented trainer from Twinleaf Town is heading to the Sinnoh League!"
"Talented trainer?"Denise sneered lightly, not believing his words. "Just make sure not to lose in the first round."
"Hey!"Barry complained and pointed at Denise. "I heard that!"
Dawn smiled at Ash and Denise.
"Looks like both of you have a lot of catching up to do with Barry and Paul."Dawn informed.
"Huh?"Barry said in surprise. "Paul's got eight?"
"Yeah."Ash replied.
"Aw, man! Paul's going to be in the Sinnoh League as well!"Barry complemented before smirking at Ash and Denise. "Ash and Denise! Listen up! The two of you better head to the Sunyshore Gym right away! This is waiting for you!"
Barry shows the Beacon Badge that he got from Sunyshore for his rivals and their friends to see.
"The Sunyshore Gym Badge."Ash said.
"The very last badge to get to the Sinnoh League."Denise added.
"You bet! It's called the Beacon Badge! The Sunyshore Gym is the best!"Barry informed and looked at his evolved starter Pokémon. "Isn't, Empoleon?"
"Empoleon."Empoleon agreed.
"The best Gym, huh?"Ash remarked.
Pikachu smiled. "Pika pika."
Denise and Combusken shared a glance with each other.
"If it's the best, it also means its pretty tough."Denise stated. "We're going to have to train hard, so that we'll be prepared for it."
"Combusken."Combusken agreed with a smirk.
Afterwards…
The group got hungry, so they decided to stop at the local Pokémon Center.
"Hey, Ash."Barry spoke up. "Why don't we stop by at the Pokémon Center to get some munchies?"
"Sounds good."Ash agreed.
"Sure does."Dawn remarked. "I'm starving."
"Then maybe for dessert, I can make those spiced apple crepes you like so much."Denise suggested.
"You're the best, Denise!"Ash remarked, turning around to smile at his friend. "And bring cookies too! With little marshmallows and butterscotch ripple in the center. Good thing you're an amazing baker, otherwise I would starve for sure!"
A light chuckle escaped Denise's mouth.
"You're just saying that just so I can put more cookies in for you, but it's nice to hear it."Denise exclaimed.
The group arrived inside the Pokémon Center and Nurse Joy greeted them.
"Welcome to the Pokémon Center."Nurse Joy greeted.
Brock rushed forward and goes to flirt with Nurse Joy.
"Welcome to my Heart Center!"Brock flirted, holding Nurse Joy's head.
Nurse Joy sweat dropped."Really?"
"When I lay in bed, I dream of you in my sleep!"Brock continued. "When I awake, I see nothing but your beauty! You'll be able to see-"
Brock cried out in pain when Croagunk Poison Jabbed from behind.
"I feel that too!"Brock groaned.
Brock collapsed on the floor and then got dragged away by Croagunk.
Denise looked from behind and her eyes caught sight of her familiar figure putting some things away in his backpack on a table.
It was Paul.
"Ash."Denise said, tapping Ash's shoulder to get his attention. "Check it out."
"What is it, Denise?"Ash asked.
"It's Paul."Denise stated.
Ash turned around, only for Barry to get excited on seeing the rude trainer.
"It's Paul!"Barry remarked. "What do you know?"
Paul notice the group, but simply puts his bag over his shoulder and began to head out.
However, Barry went forward to introduce himself to him.
"Hey."Barry greeted. "Your name is Paul, right?"
"Yes."Paul replied.
Ash, Denise, Dawn and Brock stood together as Barry spoke to Paul.
"Hi, I'm Barry from Twinleaf Town."Barry introduced. "And I'm going to compete in the Sinnoh League! And I already got Badge Number 8! What do you say we have a Pokémon battle right now?"
"Thanks, but no thanks."Paul replied.
Paul began to walk away, but Barry blocked his path.
"Hey, what's with you?"Barry asked. "And I guess I have to fine you for pulling me off!"
A small yet calm glare was formed on Paul's face.
"The word on the street say you train really strong Pokémon that are really great."Barry declared.
"The Pokémon that I have are training for the Sinnoh League."Paul commented and closed his eyes. "I don't want to engage them in a pointless battle that might confuse them."
"Don't sweat it."Barry assured brightly. "Your Pokémon will get a promotion against us. We're really strong. Come on. What do you say?"
"I think you should have a battle with him or her."Paul suggested, referring to Ash and Denise.
Ash, Denise, Dawn and Brock became surprised at Paul's respond.
"I wanna have a battle straight like mine."Barry stated. "Both Ash and Denise only have seven badges, you know. They're just not on our levels."
Paul glanced at Ash and Denise.
"Wow, Paul. Don't ya?"Ash responded, trying to act friendly. "Saw you on TV."
Denise gave a small smile.
"Congratulations, by the way."Denise commented.
Barry headed over to where Dawn, Prinplup and Brock stood.
"Hey, Dawn."Barry whispered. "Sounds stress."
"Well, they've been through a lot."Dawn said with a sheepish smile.
"Both of us will catch up to you in no time."Ash stated. "We'll win our eighth badge at the Sunyshore Gym."
Paul became angry at the mention of the Sunyshore Gym.
"Sunyshore Gym?!"Paul scowled. "That gym is not a gym!"
This caused Ash and Denise to become confused.
"What are you talking about?"Barry asked. "That gym is the best."
"That gym is the worst."Paul retorted.
"The worst gym?"Denise questioned. "How come?"
"You'll see."Paul informed.
"Where are you going?!"Barry demanded.
Paul then left the Pokémon Center as Dawn spoke to Brock.
"Barry and Paul both have different options of that gym."Dawn stated and looked at Brock. "Hey, Brock. What kind of gym do you think it is?"
"I'll have to go see it to know."Brock explained. "Then we'll talk."
"The worst gym?"Denise thought in concern. "It's obvious that there is something off."
"Well, I'm just going to fine that guy!"Barry complained.
"We'll see him again."Ash assured. "Don't worry."
"You really think so?"Barry asked.
"If you keep travelling, of course."Ash remarked and frowned. "But don't leave your guard down for a second when battling against Paul. His really strong."
"Something happened between you?"Barry assumed.
"We had a full battle."Ash admitted.
Barry became surprised upon discovering that Ash and Paul had a full battle against each other.
"Huh? You battled him?!"Barry complained. "Aw, come on! That's so unfair, man!"
"Yeah, but I lose though."Ash commented with a small smile. "What a wipe out."
"How are you able to smile while saying that?"Barry asked.
"We have a lot of history, but that full battle showed me a lot about myself."Ash declared. "Like I didn't have a lot of skill that he had. But we'll win next time, right Pikachu?"
Pikachu smiled. "Pikachu."
"In that case, I'm going to battle you!"Barry remarked.
"You're on!"Ash informed.
As soon as they are to battle, Ash and Barry, along with Dawn, Denise and Brock see the news; Marian announced that the Grand Festival will be held at Lake Valor and before it started, seven Contests will be held.
"This is a Pokémon Grand Festival News Flash!"Marian announced. "Attention, Pokémon Fans everywhere! The data of the Pokémon Sinnoh Grand Festival is fast approaching! The location of the event has been officially announced! It will be held here at the lake sight resort, Lake Valor!"
"The lake sight resort?"Dawn repeated.
"Exactly where you won the Wallace Cup, sis."Denise remarked.
Dawn nodded at her younger twin sister.
"Now for all the coordinators thinking there's no way I can win five ribbons in time for the Grand Festival, here's the news!"Marian added. "There's still seven contest events happening before the Grand Festival. So, if you think you got what it takes, we invite you to enter any of these excited contest events! This message has been brought to you by the Pokémon Contest Grand Festival Planning Committee! See you soon!"
Marian, Mr. Contesta and Mr. Sukizo waved goodbye before the screen went off.
"So we're going back where you got your win after some downs."Ash complemented.
"Yeah."Dawn agreed. "I'm getting kind of nervous."
"We are all nervous for the Grand Festival, Dawn."Denise exclaimed with a smile. "But what's important is that we support each other and do our very best."
Dawn smiled at Denise.
"You are right, Dennie."Dawn replied. "Thanks."
"Prinplup."Prinplup chirped.
"Combusken."Combusken responded.
Checking his Pokégear, Brock tells the group they should continue on to Sunyshore City, then backtrack to Lake Valor afterward.
"Okay."Brock spoke up. "First there's Ash and Denise's challenges on the Sunyshore Gym and then we'll enter the lake sight resort."
"I'm so psyched, Dawn and Denise!"Barry declared. "Both of you go do your best!"
"Thanks, Barry."Dawn thanked and looked at Prinplup. "Looks we have to think of some new combinations."
"Prinplup."Prinplup agreed.
"Absolutely."Denise said and smirked at Combusken. "Also, finishing wiping the floor with our rivals."
"Combusken."Combusken sneered.
"Alright!"Barry announced, raising up his hand. "Stop wasting time and let's battle!"
"Right!"Ash answered.
The group run out of the Center for Ash and Barry to have their battle.
Outside…
It is decided the match will be composed of three one-on-one battles, with Brock refereeing.
"This will be a three one-on-one battle, alright?"Barry suggested.
"Right."Ash answered with a nod and looked at Brock. "Brock will you be the referee?"
"How about we see who gets to go first with Coin Toss, Dawn."Denise insisted.
"You bet."Dawn remarked and looked at the Coin Toss app on her Pokétch. "Let's see. Call it Heads or Tails."
"It's Heads."Barry commented.
"I call Tails."Ash admitted.
"And Coin Toss, go!"Dawn declared.
Dawn used the Coin Toss application on her Pokétch, with Barry winning the chance to go first.
"It's Heads!"Barry cheered confidently. "I get to go first!"
Later, Ash and Barry prepare to battle with each other while Dawn, Prinplup, Denise and Combusken sat down together to watch the event.
"Let's bring our Pokémon on the count of three."Barry insisted.
"Okay."Ash responded and looked at Pikachu while taking out a Poké Ball. "Pikachu, you'll be next."
"Pikachu."Pikachu said.
"And one, two, three!"Barry and Ash said in unison.
Throwing the Poké Balls, Barry sends out Empoleon first while Ash starts with Monferno.
"Empoleon!"
"Monferno!"
Barry becomes happy, knowing that as Empoleon is a Water-type, it will have the advantage over the Fire/Fighting Monferno.
"Ash has chosen a fire type?"Barry said in awe and then smirked. "I got the advantage."
"I know that."Ash answered with a smirk and glanced at Monferno. "Monferno, let's show them there's more in having a battle than type advantage."
"Monferno."Monferno replied, clenching his fists.
"Now time for the first round!"Brock announced. "Monferno Vs Empoleon! Begin!"
"Empoleon use Hydro Cannon!"Barry ordered.
Empoleon formed a Hydro Cannon before releasing it towards Monferno.
"Monferno, dodge and use Mach Punch!"Ash ordered.
Empoleon used Hydro Cannon, but Monferno dodges it and lands a Mach Punch at him.
"What the?!"Barry shouted in shock. "Monferno is fast!"
"Alright!"Ash remarked. "Keep it up, Monferno!"
Meanwhile, Paul was walking past the battle area and, while unnoticed, decides to stop and watch when he sees Ash was using Monferno.
"So what do you think of that Mach Punch, Barry?"Ash asked. "As long as Monferno moves fast with those types of moves, who cares if Empoleon is a water type?"
Denise frowned a bit at Ash's choice of words as Barry snapped his fingers with a confident smirk on his face.
"Big talker!"Barry sneered. "Empoleon use Drill Peck!"
Empoleon's beak and crown glowed white and he started spinning like a drill before jumping at the opponent while holds out his arms.
"Quick, Monferno!"Ash called out. "Use Dig!"
Monferno used Dig to go underground to avoid Empoleon's attack.
"Hey! That's no fair!"Barry complained. "I'm going to fine you for dodging that!"
"We didn't dodge that."Ash stated as Monferno emerged from the ground. "We're just getting ready for another attack!"
Monferno then emerged, landing another hard hit on Empoleon.
Barry frowned. "Awesome."
"That's the way Monferno rolls."Dawn complemented.
"Prinplup."Prinplup commented.
"You're doing great, just don't get overconfident, Ash."Denise reminded.
"Combusken."Combusken agreed.
"I know, Dennie!"Ash assured.
Monferno attempt to hit Empoleon again as Barry called out his Pokémon's next attack.
Barry has Empoleon use Hydro Cannon and this time the attack lands at such close range that Monferno was sent flying into some nearby trees.
"Monferno!"Ash and Dawn called out.
"Prinplup!"Prinplup chirped.
"I was afraid of this."Denise murmured quietly.
Combusken frowned. "Combusken."
Barry smacked his forehead, for using too much power.
"Aw man."Barry whined. "I hope we didn't overdue it."
Ash rushed forward and started calling for Monferno, but there was no response.
"Monferno!"Ash called out. "Monferno!"
Just then, a plastic capsule flew out of the air, heading towards Ash, alarming Dawn.
"Ash!"Dawn shouted. "Look out!"
However it is no use and Ash gets trapped inside.
"Hey!"Ash yelled while pounding on the capsule. "What's going on?!"
Pikachu used Thunderbolt on it, but the capsule turned out to be electricity-proof.
"Ash!"Denise panicked.
"What in the world is that thing?!"Barry asked.
"We've got to get him out of there!"Brock stated.
The others were about to go and help when suddenly three more capsules appear, capturing Brock, Dawn, Denise and Barry.
Piplup tried using his beak to free Dawn, but it was no use.
Combusken tried to use his claws to break Denise's capsule, but it ended in the same result.
A distraught Prinplup and Combusken looked up to hear the laughter of Team Rocket.
"The Twerps know how to have a ball and we made them!"Team Rocket cackled.
The heroes glared at Team Rocket.
"Team Rocket!"Ash scowled.
"You clowns will never stop giving up, don't you?!"Denise retorted.
"Not you crooks again!"Barry snapped. "And I'm fining you!"
As Team Rocket began descending in the Meowth balloon, they start reciting their motto.
"Fining us? Surely, you jest!"
"No can do, if you haven't guessed!"
"On the Wind!"
"Pass the Stars!"
"We're the baddies!"
Pikachu, Piplup, Empoleon and Combusken use Thunderbolt, Bubble Beam, Hydro Cannon and Ember against Team Rocket.
However, as they do, the balloon itself started to deflate while arms and legs emerge from the basket.
"Save it, saps!"
"Breaking chaos in a brick neck pace!"
"Dashing all hope, putting fear in its place!"
"A rose by any other name is just as sweet!"
"A two point landing! Now isn't that neat?"
"Jessie!"
"James!"
"And Meowth! Now that's a name!"
"Putting the do gooders in their place!"
"We're Team Rocket!"
"In your face!"
The arms deflect the attacks, grab the four Pokémon and deposit them in a cage as Team Rocket finish their motto.
Ash, Dawn, Barry and Denise called out from their Pokémon from the capsules they were trapped in.
"Pikachu!"Ash shouted.
"Prinplup!"Dawn called out. "No!"
"Empoleon!"Barry yelled.
"Combusken!"Denise panicked.
Pikachu, Prinplup, Empoleon and Combusken called out for their trainers.
"I've got it!"Brock commented.
Brock sends out Happiny to help him and his friends.
"Happiny!"
"Happiny, break this capsule open!"Brock ordered.
Happiny used Pound to break the capsule, but even Happiny's strength cannot break it and was sent spinning.
"We've made the capsules unbreakable from the inside!"James declared. "With your twerps locked in, we, Team Rocket are free to play!"
"These balls will keep you twerps from getting out!"Meowth sneered.
"But your caged Pokémon are free with us!"Jessie added.
Denise angrily attempted to shove herself on the capsule to try and break it, only for her to slip and drop on her knees.
Just as Team Rocket prepare to make their getaway, a pillar of fire suddenly emerged from the nearby trees, transformed itself into an extra-powerful Flame Wheel attack, and heads towards Team Rocket's mecha.
"Alright!"Barry shouted. "What's that?!"
"Not again."Denise murmured.
"No way."Dawn said worriedly.
"It can't be!"Brock denied.
The attack circled around before breaking Ash's capsule to set him free.
"Oh boy!"Team Rocket said in unison.
After landing, Monferno emerged, but his eyes were coloured pink, confirming that he has triggered his Blaze Ability.
Monferno then screamed with fury as powerful flames emerge from his tail.
"Monferno is raging in fury, which means…"Denise started.
"Blaze has been activated."Dawn finished, completing her sister's sentence.
"What's Blaze?"Barry said in confusion.
"Monferno's special ability, it activates when his taken major damage and mostly his strength is gone."Brock explained. "Blaze really powers up his fire type moves."
"Was that because of the Hydro Cannon?"Barry assumed and pointed at Monferno. "It looks like it did more than just power up."
Team Rocket cannot believe their luck on seeing Monferno.
"Our old friend Monferno."James said joyfully.
"Since Monferno had a hard head slice, being with Team Rocket is a perfect thing!"Jessie commented.
Monferno continued roaring in rage as his flames sprung wildly out of hand.
"Stop it, Monferno!"Ash protested, rushing to hug Monferno. "You gotta calm down!"
Ash tried to help Monferno, but gets thrown back when the Fire/Fighting type unleashed more of his flames.
"Ash!"Denise yelled out.
"Boiling!"Meowth responded. "Let's get that ball of fire while it takes the twerp down! Let me give you a hand!"
Meowth used one of the mecha hands to capture Monferno.
"Monferno!"Ash shouted.
However, Monferno's sheer power easily destroys their grabbed claw.
He then powered up a Flame Wheel attack and heads towards Team Rocket.
Ash tried to block it and reminds the out-of-control Monferno that the other Pokémon are still trapped.
"Monferno! Stop!"Ash demanded. "Pikachu and Monferno are still trapped!"
In his fury, Monferno was unable to listen and hits Ash again before continuing on and hitting the basket, causing an explosion.
Monferno then comes around and used Mach Punch, completely destroying the basket and sending Team Rocket blasting off as they commiserate another failed plan.
"Not this again!"Jessie complained.
"Of course, this means that operation developing our demo always fails."James stated.
"There's no place like home!"Meowth remarked.
"WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!"Team Rocket screamed and disappeared in the sky.
Monferno was completely out of control and while the controls of the mecha were destroyed, the main body survived, and the Pokémon are still trapped.
Without anyone controlling it, the legs start to buckle, threatening to crush the still-captive Pokémon.
"Pikachu!"Ash shouted. "Don't worry! I'll get you out of there!"
Ash prepared to send out a Pokémon to help when Paul suddenly arrived and send out his Electabuzz.
"Electabuzz?"Ash said in disbelief.
Ash turned around and saw Paul standing not far from where he stood.
"Protect!"Paul ordered.
Electabuzz used Protect to support the cage, amazing everyone.
"Paul is helping?"Denise said in disbelief.
"But why?"Dawn asked.
"When did he show up?"Barry questioned.
"Electabuzz, Protect!"Paul ordered. "Keep it up!"
Electabuzz continued using Protect to prevent Team Rocket's cage from crushing down.
Empoleon, Pikachu, Prinplup and Combusken continued struggling to break the cage.
"You've gotta calm down!"Ash instructed. "Just a little longer!"
Unfortunately, Monferno irately powered up a Flame Wheel and damaged one of the legs, putting the Pokémon in far more danger.
"You got to stop it, Monferno!"Ash demanded.
Monferno circled around and prepared for another hit, but Ash was determined to save his fire fighting type companion and all the other Pokémon.
The trainer from Pallet Town intercepted the Flame Wheel, grabbed Monferno when he emerges and holds on tight.
"Monferno! Remember the promise we made to each other!"Ash protested. "The promise to get stronger together!"
Ash and Monferno then got engulfed by Blaze causing everyone to become shocked.
"Ash!"Dawn shouted. "Oh no!"
As Blaze engulfed them, Ash begged Monferno to not let himself be swallowed up by Blaze's power and reminds him of the promise they made to get stronger together.
"Monferno! Listen!"Ash begged. "You can't let Blaze take you over! You gotta get all that power under your control! Then you'll get stronger and then we get stronger too!"
Paul looked on in amazement at what Ash was willing to endure to calm his Pokémon down.
Empoleon, Pikachu, Prinplup and Combusken embraced each other while Electabuzz continued using Protect to prevent the cage from crushing down.
Suddenly, Electabuzz's Protective barrier fails, and the mecha started to collapse, endangering Electabuzz as well as the other Pokémon.
"NOOO!"Paul yelled out.
Monferno, now back in control, powered up a Flame Wheel, and raced toward the cage getting underneath and supporting it.
As he supports the cage, Monferno suddenly started glowing in a familiar white light.
Monferno was evolving!
Ash and Paul became surprised at what they were witnessing.
"It's evolving!"Paul exclaimed.
Then the glowing light disappeared, revealing a new Pokémon in Monferno's place.
It was a bipedal, primate-like Pokémon that was primarily reddish-brown with sections of white fur on its chest, head, and lower legs. Several gold markings adorn his body: swirled, circular ones on his knees and shoulders flame-shaped ones on the back of his hands, and a stripe around his back that forms two swirls on its chest. On top of his head was a large flame that will never extinguish. He had an orange, rounded muzzle, long, round ears with blue inside, and a red ridge over his eyes. The eyes themselves are blue with yellow sclerae. There were five blue digits on both his feet and hands, and had a long tail.
Monferno had evolved into Infernape!
"Wow!"Ash remarked in amazement. "It's Infernape!"
Brock, Dawn, Denise and Barry smiled in joy to see Monferno had evolved.
"He evolved into Infernape!"Brock commented.
"Awesome!"Dawn replied.
"That's great!"Denise chuckled.
"Excellent!"Barry responded. "How cool is that?"
Infernape and Electabuzz share a smirk with each other.
"Alright!"Ash remarked and gave Infernape an order. "Infernape! Help everyone out!"
Infernape throws the cage into the air.
"Now use Mach Punch!"Ash ordered.
Infernape then destroyed the cage with Mach Punch to free Pikachu, Prinplup, Combusken and Empoleon.
When they start to fall, Infernape absorbed them into a Flame Wheel attack to allow them to land safely.
"Great job!"Ash praised. "Infernape! Thanks a lot!"
Pikachu, Prinplup, Combusken and Empoleon thank Infernape for saving them.
Paul walked over to Ash.
"Looks like Blaze energy was all Monferno needed to evolve."Paul stated.
"Huh?"Ash said in surprise.
"Monferno controlled Blaze."Paul admitted firmly and looked at Infernape. "And he turned it into a new power."
Infernape then releases Brock, Dawn, Denise and Barry from their capsules.
Prinplup, Combusken and Empoleon then reunited with their relieved Trainers.
"Prinplup."Dawn remarked, hugging her starter Pokémon. "You're okay."
Prinplup smiled. "Prinplup."
"Combusken!"Denise said in joy as she hugged Combusken. "Thank goodness you're safe."
Barry smiled at Empoleon.
"I'm so glad you're okay."Barry remarked and winked at Infernape. "Infernape, thanks a lot."
"Empoleon."Empoleon replied, giving a salute.
"Infernape."Infernape said with a nod.
Denise checked Infernape on her Pokédex.
"Infernape the Flame Pokémon and the evolved form of Monferno."Denise's Pokédex buzzed. "Infernape's fiery crown reflects its fiery nature, and its speed is unmatched."
"Congrats, Ash."Denise remarked. "Now his final evolution, Infernape will now be able to control Blaze by his own will."
Ash nodded as Paul began to walk away.
"Hey, Paul."Ash spoke up, causing Paul to stop in his tracks. "Thanks a lot. Let's battle some day. You and me and Infernape."
"Infernape."Infernape responded.
"My brother said that he wants to see us in a full battle again sometime."Paul admitted.
"Reggie said that?"Ash said.
"He'll see us in the Sinnoh League."Paul declared and his eyes narrowed a bit. "That's when I'll battle you and Infernape."
Infernape nodded. "Infernape."
"Sounds good."Ash said with a smirk. "We'll see you in the Sinnoh League."
Paul then walked away as Denise watched him with an impressed smile and a hint of admiration.
"I guess his not so bad after all."Denise thought.
"Of course."Brock spoke up, earning everyone's attention. "That will be a perfect time to show Paul how strong your Pokémon can be since your last full battle."
"Yeah!"Dawn agreed. "And this time, your going to win it!"
"Right. No doubt."Ash agreed with a confident expression. "But hey, first things first. Ready for the Sunyshore Gym?"
"Pika!"Pikachu cheered.
"Infernape."Infernape sneered.
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter:)
Denise's Team
Torterra (Male): Solar Beam, Giga Drain, Seed Bomb and Earthquake
Vaporeon (Female): Water Gun, Shadow Ball, Hydro Pump and Aurora Beam
Luxray (Male): Shock Wave, Night Slash, Wild Charge and Ice Fang
Gardevoir (Female): Psychic, Ice Punch, Magical Leaf and Trick Room
Noctowl (Male): Heat Wave, Reflect, Aerial Ace and Supersonic
Combusken (Male): Ember, Peck, Focus Blast and Fire Spin
With Professor Rowan
Drifblim (Female): Ominous Wind, Thunderbolt, Will-O-Wisp and Astonish
Vibrava (Male): Sandstorm, Rock Slide, Dragon Pulse & Screech