Author's Note: For Denise's next adventure, I'm definitely planning it to be either in the Unova or Kalos Region. Which do you prefer?
I don't own Pokemon or its characters, but I own Denise and my other OCs
Pokemon: Friends to the End
Chapter 153: Flint of The Elite Four and the Gym Leader, Volkner!
Ash and his friends have finally arrived in Sunyshore City and were amazed to see the whole city was powered by solar panels as well as its moving sidewalks.
"Wow. So this is Sunyshore City."Ash remarked. "I can't wait to win the gym battle and get a hold of my eighth badge."
"Pika pika."Pikachu agreed.
Dawn glanced at Ash.
"I wouldn't get too overconfident."Dawn reminded. "The Sunyshore City's Gym Leader is named Volkner and I heard his tough to beat."
Brock took out his booklet to look at the information on Volkner.
"Yeah."Brock agreed. "It says here that his never been defeated and word on the street is his the strongest gym leader in Sinnoh."
"Not only that. Volkner is also known as the Shining, Shocking Star."Denise commented. "And that is because he specialises electric type Pokémon."
"Combusken."Combusken said.
"Not to worry, Dennie."Ash assured. "The stronger my opponent is, the more fired up I get. So undefeated or not, both of us are going to beat that gym leader and win our eighth badge."
Pikachu smiled. "Pikachu!"
The heroes began making their to the Sunyshore Gym and spotted a tall dark blue coloured building.
"Hey."Dawn remarked. "That must be the Sunyshore Tower."
"Which means the Sunyshore Gym is nearby."Brock assumed.
"Alright!"Ash chuckled. "Let's go!"
"Yeah!"Denise agreed.
Ash, Dawn, Denise and Brock started running and came to where the Sunyshore Gym was.
Arriving, a robotic voice greets the group and asks them their business.
"Welcome."A robotic voice greeted. "May I help you?"
"You bet."Ash replied. "Me and a friend on mine are both here for a gym battle."
"Then please help yourself."the robotic voice insisted.
Then the robotic voice opened a box full of Beacon Badges, much to everyone's surprise.
"Whoa."Dawn said in awe. "Look at all of these gym badges."
"Just take one?"Ash asked.
"At Sunyshore Gym, we skipped the battling and give challengers the badges."the robotic voice exclaimed.
Both Ash and Pikachu sweat dropped while Denise frowned in disapproval.
"Skip the battling?"Denise questioned. "You must be joking."
"Please, help yourselves."the robotic voice insisted.
"Might as well take one, if they're just taking it away."Dawn suggested.
"But you got to earn it and that's after you win the battle, right Brock?"Ash asked.
"Of course."Brock agreed. "Otherwise, what's the point of having gyms?"
Denise's eyes widen when she suddenly remembered what Paul recently told them about the Sunyshore Gym.
"That gym is not a gym!"
"I guess that's what he meant."Denise assumed in realisation and lightly scoffed. "No wonder Barry said this gym was the best one. He didn't even have a battle to actually earn the badge."
"Combusken."Combusken sighed.
Ash glared at the robot box.
"I wanna see Volkner now!"Ash demanded. "I want to challenge that guy in a real gym battle!"
"That is not possible."the robotic voice declared.
Ash rushed over to the door entrance and started banging in it.
"Volkner! Come on!"Ash demanded. "I know your in there! Hey! I came to challenge you to a gym battle! And I'm not leaving until that!"
"That won't be necessary."the robot voice repeated.
"Ash! Calm down!"Denise instructed. "You are going to get into trouble!"
"Come on!"Ash protested, not hearing Denise's voice. "I want a gym battle!"
Ash attempts to get in by force and the computer uses the robot hands to restrain him.
"Then we'll escort you out of the area by force."the robot voice declared.
"Ash!"Brock shouted.
"Hey!"Ash growled. "Put me down!"
"Use Mach Punch!"
An Infernape appeared and attacks the robot arms, saving Ash.
"Infernape?!"Ash said in surprise.
"Good job."
A figure suddenly stepped forward, revealing to be the trainer of the Infernape that saved Ash.
The figure was a slim and tall man, who wore a yellow T-Shirt, black trousers with a red belt and black slippers. His hairstyle was afro, coloured red. He had black band on his wrists.
Ash, Dawn and Brock looked at the man while Denise gasped in excitement.
"Hey."Brock said. "Aren't you-"
"Oh my gosh!"Denise remarked excitedly. "You're Flint! The member of the Sinnoh Elite Four, who specializes in Fire type Pokémon!"
"You got that right."Flint chuckled.
"The elite four?"Ash said in surprise.
"Yeah."Flint responded. "I'll say this. You are determined. Follow me. I'll bring you to Volkner."
This caused Ash, Denise, Dawn and Brock to become surprised.
"Volkner and I are good buds."Flint explained and pointed at the Sunyshore Tower. "At the moment, he's over there."
On their way to the top, Flint tells the group that Sunyshore was powered purely by solar energy, and all the solar panels throughout the city are controlled by the Tower.
"Sunyshore City generates electricity from solar panels that are all over town."Flint stated. "And every one of them are controlled by Sunyshore Tower."
"Whoa."Ash said in amazement.
"That explains why the city is totally solar powered."Denise remarked.
"And Volkner is responsible for building this from the group and up."Flint admitted.
When the elevator came to the top, the group came out to look at the city view below them.
"Rai! Rai!"
Ash, Dawn, Denise and Brock turned around and saw a Raichu with a glare on his face.
"It's a Raichu!"Ash replied.
Flint looked at Raichu.
"Hey, there."Flint greeted.
Raichu launched towards Flint causing the others to panic.
"Flint!"Denise called out. "Be careful!"
Ash, Dawn, Denise and Brock became surprised when Flint and Raichu were only sharing a hug.
"You look great, Raichu."Flint commented. "Where's your partner?"
"Rai rai."Raichu answered happily.
Raichu looked behind him and Volkner came forward.
"Hey, Flint."Volkner greeted. "Whose the kids?"
"You've got two gym battle challengers today."Flint informed.
"Hi."Ash greeted. "Nice to meet you. I'm Ash."
"And I'm Denise."Denise replied. "We both would like to have a gym battle with you."
Volkner went to sit next to one of the nearby chairs.
"You saw the badges at the gym?"Volkner asked. "Take one of those."
"No way!"Ash argued. "I want to earn my badge by winning the gym battle."
"The same with me. Please, let us challenge you."Denise agreed. "Otherwise, it won't make any sense."
Pikachu frowned. "Pika pikachu."
"Combusken."Combusken said with a nod.
"Don't make me say it again."Volkner replied bluntly.
"Why won't you?"Ash questioned.
"I've completely lost interest in battling."Volkner declared.
"That's too bad, Volkner."A familiar voice informed. "Ash and Denise are quite tough."
Everyone notice Helen and her Flareon coming forward.
Denise smiled seeing her friend, who was her partner during the Hearthome Tag Battle event.
"Hi, Helen."Denise greeted.
"Hey, Denise."Helen said with a wave. "Long time no see."
Volkner looked at Helen.
"You knew them, Helen?"Volkner asked.
"Yes, big brother."Helen replied kindly. "These were the friends that I meant during my journey."
Ash, Dawn, Denise and Brock became stunned upon discovering that Helen was Volkner's younger sister.
"Big brother?!"Ash, Dawn, Denise and Brock said in unison.
"Helen is Volkner's younger sister. I've known her ever since she was a little kid."Flint explained before looking at Volkner. "Like Helen said, Volkner. Ash and Denise are electrified trainers. And I'm sure if you just gave them a chance…"
Volkner stood up to look at the weather view outside.
"What a day. Beautiful."Volkner stated and then closed his eyes. "I would like you to leave."
Volkner then left with Raichu, leaving the group with Flint and Helen.
"Volkner."Flint responded.
"Big brother."Helen said sadly.
Ash and Denise glanced at each other, both wondering why Volkner wasn't interested in doing gym battles.
Afterwards…Flint takes Helen and her friends out for drinks and sandwiches in a bar run by his friend, the Proprietor.
"It's my treat."Flint remarked. "Enjoy, folks."
"Thank you, Flint."Helen, Ash, Dawn, Denise and Brock said in unison.
Both Brock and Dawn each took a sip from their drinks.
"Wow."Brock responded. "What a fantastic, deep and rich flavour."
"And what an aroma."Dawn added.
Denise stirred the marshmallows on her cup, floating on top look just like sweet, fluffy clouds and then took a sip from her cup.
"This is delicious."Denise chuckled. "The mild bitterness of matcha matches with the sweetness of marshmallows, creating a dessert-like tea beverage."
The Proprietor came forward, holding a big plate of sandwiches.
"I'm so glad you feel that way."the Proprietor stated with a smile. "And this is all in the house."
The Proprietor placed the plate of sandwiches on the table.
Helen smiled. "The sandwiches look yummy."
"Thank you, sir."Brock, Dawn and Denise said in unison.
Brock, Dawn, Denise and Helen began eating the sandwiches while Ash continued not eating anything.
"Yummy."Dawn murmured.
"Prinplup."Prinplup chirped.
Combusken picked a sandwich as well to eat causing him to immediately love the flavour.
"Combusken."Combusken chuckled.
Denise notice Ash was still lost in his thoughts.
"Ash, what's wrong?"Denise asked. "It's not like you to skip eating."
Ash stood up from his seat to speak to Flint.
"Look, Flint. I can't go on like this."Ash stated. "When I heard Volkner was the strongest gym leader, well, you see I got fired up. I just can't believe he's not into battling anymore."
Helen sighed and looked down at her cup of rosebud tea.
"My brother wasn't always like this."Helen admitted.
"Indeed, Miss Helen."the Proprietor agreed. "Everyone used to refer Volkner as the Shining, Shocking Star."
"He reminded everyone of a lightning bolt. Electrifying."Flint stated. "Back when I was a kid, this city was full of rookies. But Chimchar and I fought our way to the top. The one day I met Volkner. I would never forget it. Suddenly as it was fainted. We had a battle and I won. But it wasn't long until Volkner challenged me and Chimchar once again. And this time, Volkner won. After that we battled, day in and day out to see who was the top trainer in Sunyshore City."
Brock, Ash, Dawn and Denise were amazed by Flint's story.
"Wow."Dawn said. "Did you guys battled that much because you didn't like each other?"
Helen shook her head.
"No, Dawn."Helen answered. "That wasn't why."
"Oh. They were getting along."the Proprietor declared. "I think they both knew they always get along. No matter what. It's knowing that fact kept them going."
"That changed when the two of us came a across a rogue poacher deeper in the forest. So, facing an opponent together for the first, we battled along side each other."Flint stated. "When it was over, even though we managed to chase the poacher away, it took its toll. The truth is we got beat up pretty badly. But it didn't matter if we got hurt because after that day. We were good friends."
"But if Volkner is like you say he is, why won't he battle me or Denise?"Ash asked.
"Is there something else?"Denise assumed.
Neither Flint or Helen gave a respond.
"I'll tell the rest what happened."the Proprietor declared. "It was when Flint just turned 20, Volkner became the gym leader and stayed in Sunyshore City. And Flint, with the desire to gain greater strength and skill went on the road, training in all conditions. Flint eventually became a member of the Elite Four while Volkner began to lose interest in battling many gym challengers that came his path. He was always into technology and soon became obsessed with it. He build solar panels all over the city and Sunyshore Tower as well which controlled the systems. When finished, he can control the entire city with solar panel energy. But after all was said and done, Volkner felt like an empty shell. Something was missing in his life like everything had lost his meaning."
Helen looked at Flint.
"Flint, you brought Ash and Denise to my brother to see if which ones' sparks can help out?"Helen asked.
Flint nodded. "Right."
"It was a wasted trick."
Everyone turned around and saw Volkner had arrived in the bar.
"Volkner."Flint said.
"Big brother."Helen replied.
Volkner sat down on one of the chairs and looked at the Proprietor.
"Give me the usual."Volkner instructed.
"Sure."the Proprietor answered.
"Volkner, you know how both of us are concern about this."Flint added. "You need to snap out of it."
"So, did you just come back to give me a lector, Mr Elite Four?"Volkner assumed smugly.
"Volkner!"Helen snapped.
"What did you say?!"Flint said angrily.
Flint grabbed Volkner by the shirt, but the eighth gym leader just gave him a smile.
"If you wanna punch me, do it."Volkner insisted.
Flint gritted his teeth in anger, but let his friend go.
"It's not worth it to take the time to do it."Flint scowled.
Helen rushed over to Volkner.
"Big brother! This behaviour of yours has to stop! You are supposed to be the eighth and strongest gym leader in all of Sinnoh! Quit being this guy!"Helen argued with a frown. "You are also supposed to be the Shining, Shocking Star! The electrifying Volkner!"
"Quit saying that, Helen."Volkner said bluntly. "We are not little kids anymore. Grow up."
"Grow up?!"Helen snapped. "And you say I'm the one who acts immature!"
The Proprietor spoke up to stop Helen from arguing with her older brother.
"Helen. Enough. Shouting won't make a difference."the Proprietor informed and glanced at Flint. "Flint, why don't you take the chance on having a battle with Ash?"
This caused Flint to become surprised.
"Battle with Ash?"Flint asked. "Why would I do that?"
"Come on, Flint!"Ash insisted. "Have a battle with me!"
"Pika pika!"Pikachu agreed.
"It's not everyday that we have a battle with the elite four, you know."Brock remarked.
"I would like to see that."Dawn added.
"Prinplup."Prinplup chirped.
"Me too."Denise agreed with a hint of excitement.
Combusken smiled. "Combusken."
The Proprietor gives Flint his cup of coffee.
"Volkner. You'll join us then, right?"the Proprietor assumed. "After all, Flint is battling Ash in your place. The least you can do is watch."
Volkner closed his eyes and took a sip from his coffee.
"Sure."Volkner replied. "Whatever."
In the Sunyshore Gym…
The battle between Ash and Flint was about to begin while the Proprietor, Volkner, Helen, Brock, Ash and Denise sat down to watch the event.
The event was going to be a three-on-three battle.
Denise glanced at Combusken.
"Combusken, be sure to watch this battle very carefully."Denise instructed. "Flint is the member of the Elite Four that specialises fire types. Be sure to take notes."
"Combusken."Combusken answered.
"Attention! The three on three Pokémon battle between Flint of the Elite Four and Ash from Pallet Town is about to get underway!"the robotic referee announced and waved his two flags. "And begin!"
"Ready or not!"Flint sneered.
Flint threw out his Poke Ball, causing Infernape to appear in the battlefield.
"So, Flint is using Infernape."Ash said with a smile and took out a Poke Ball. "Okay! Buizel! I choose you!"
"Flint is using a fire type, but Ash has the advantage due to Buizel being a water type."Dawn remarked.
"Right."Brock agreed with a nod. "When it comes to type advantage, Buizel's moves are super effect against Infernape. Not the other way round."
This caused Helen to smirk in respond.
"I wouldn't think that if I were."Helen murmured.
The Proprietor smiled at Volkner.
"Well, well, it's been a while since you seen Flint in a battle, isn't that right?"the Proprietor asked.
Volkner closed his eyes, showing no interest.
"I really don't care."Volkner retorted.
"Buizel! Water Gun!"Ash ordered. "Let's go!"
Buizel attacks Infernape with Water Gun.
"Dodge it!"Flint ordered. "Quick!"
Infernape jumped in the air and the attack misses.
"Now use Ice Punch!"Ash ordered.
"Block that move!"Flint ordered.
Buizel uses Ice Punch, but Infernape blocks the attack with his fists being frozen in the process.
"Sonic Boom!"Ash ordered.
Buizel sent a Sonic Boom by waving his tail.
"Block it, Infernape!"Flint ordered.
Infernape blocks Buizel's attack and the ice on his fists breaks.
"Use Aqua Jet!"Ash ordered.
Buizel surrounds himself in water before launching himself toward his opponent.
"Flare Blitz!"Flint ordered.
Infernape activates Flare Blitz to counter and overpower Buizel's Aqua Jet. This caused the Sea Weasel Pokémon to be taken out in the process.
"Buizel!"Ash called out.
"Buizel is unable to battle!"the robotic referee stated. "The winner is Infernape!"
Brock, Dawn and Prinplup were stunned to see Buizel defeated except for Helen, Denise and Combusken.
"Buizel was beaten with one move?"Dawn said in disbelief.
"I guess because type advantage doesn't mean anything in Infernape's case."Brock suggested.
"Come on, guys. Isn't obvious?"Denise questioned. "Flint's Infernape is a high level Pokémon like all the other Pokémon he and the other Elite Four have. So, it's not going to be that easy to beat them with moves. Regardless, if the moves have advantages or not."
The Proprietor looked at Volkner.
"Impressive, eh?"the Proprietor asked.
"Oh, it's typical. I've seen it all before."Volkner complemented. "All challengers are confident at first."
Ash returns Buizel in his Poké Ball.
"Thank you, Buizel. Return."Ash instructed and took out another Poké Ball. "Infernape! I choose you!"
Ash sends out his own Infernape in the battlefield.
"Infernape!"
Helen was amazed to see Ash with his own Infernape.
"Whoa! Infernape vs Infernape!"Helen gasped in disbelief. "That is so cool!"
"A battle of the fire types."Brock responded.
"Infernape use Flamethrower!"Ash ordered.
Infernape fires Flamethrower towards Flint's Infernape.
"Block it!"Flint ordered.
Flint's Infernape blocked down the Flamethrower of Ash's Infernape.
"Use Flame Wheel!"Ash ordered.
Ash's Infernape makes the flame on his head then extends and covered his entire body before rolling towards his opponent.
"Knock it away!"Flint ordered.
Flint's Infernape is easily sent Ash's Infernape away.
"Use Mach Punch!"Ash ordered.
Infernape rushed towards his opponent to hit him with Mach Punch.
"Deflect it!"Flint ordered.
Flint's Infernape dodged from being hit by Mach Punch.
"Mach Punch once more!"Ash ordered.
Ash's Infernape tried to hit Flint's Infernape again with Mach Punch.
"I'll show you what a real Mach Punch looks like."Flint informed with a smirk. "Go!"
Flint's Infernape eyes flashed yellow for a moment and uses Mach Punch on Ash's Infernape, knocking him out easily.
"Infernape!"Ash shouted in shock.
"Ash's Infernape is unable to battle!"the robotic referee stated. "The winner is Flint's Infernape!"
"Did you see that, Combusken?"Denise asked quietly. "The bigger flame always vanquishes the smaller ones."
"Combusken."Combusken murmured.
Dawn became sad to see Ash's Infernape defeated easily as well.
"Just one move again."Dawn said quietly.
"Flint is not in the Elite Four for nothing."Helen remarked.
Ash smiled and brought Infernape back in his Poké Ball.
"Great job, Infernape."Ash praised. "Take a long rest."
Volkner stands up from his seat, earning everyone's attention.
"Big brother, what's wrong?"Helen asked.
"Hold it."the Proprietor instructed.
"I've seen enough."Volkner commented.
"You should watch it until the end."the Proprietor insisted.
"It's a waste of time."Volkner retorted.
"Oh, I see. So you've completely lost with your feelings."the Proprietor responded with a hint of disappointment. "You must have, if you can't sense Ash's spark."
Ash smiled when he glanced at Pikachu.
"Pikachu, you're up."Ash declared.
Pikachu nodded. "Pika!"
The Mouse Pokémon rushed over to the battlefield.
"I thought he would use Pikachu for the last round."Dawn remarked.
Prinplup smiled. "Prinplup."
"Yeah. But for Ash is due or die."Brock said. "While Flint has only used Infernape the whole time."
"Pikachu use Quick Attack!"Ash ordered.
Pikachu used Quick Attack, and it hits but does little damage to Infernape.
"Say Pikachu has been trained well."Flint remarked. "Flare Blitz now!"
Infernape activated Flare Blitz before launching himself forward.
"Counter it with Volt Tackle!"Ash ordered.
Infernape used Flare Blitz again and Pikachu counters it with a Volt Tackle.
The pair collide, though incur little damage.
"Pikachu, are you okay?"Ash asked.
Pikachu was pushed back, but still remained strong.
"Like you said Denise, due to his high level, Flint's Infernape doesn't still look like his close on breaking a sweat."Helen complemented. "But it's still awesome that Pikachu is still standing."
Denise nodded. "Yeah."
The Proprietor looked at Volkner.
"Feeling anything now?"the Proprietor asked.
Volkner didn't say anything and kept looking at the battle.
Flint smirked at Ash.
"Guess we can seriously mix it up, right pal?"Flint asked.
"Infernape."Infernape replied.
"Mach Punch!"Flint ordered.
Infernape rushed forward in quick speed.
"Pikachu use Iron Tail!"Ash ordered.
Infernape uses Mach Punch, which Pikachu tries to counter by using Iron Tail, but is eventually thrown into the Gym wall.
Denise winced while Brock and Dawn became shocked at the scene they saw.
Pikachu collapsed on the ground.
"Pikachu?!"Ash shouted.
Pikachu stood up and rushed forward, still determined to fight.
"Alright!"Ash called out. "Keep it up!"
"Close Combat!"Flint ordered.
Pikachu rushed towards Infernape, who uses Close Combat.
After giving a couple of punches, Infernape sends Pikachu down towards the ground.
"Pikachu! Hang in there!"Ash demanded. "Use Thunderbolt!"
Pikachu then uses Thunderbolt after being flung into the air by Infernape's attack.
"Pikachu using Thunderbolt while falling through the air?"Flint said. "Alright use Flare Blitz now!"
Infernape activated Flare Blitz before rushing toward Pikachu.
"Dodge it!"Ash ordered.
Pikachu, however, couldn't dodge due to the damage he took from Infernape's Close Combat and hit the ground.
"Pikach, are you okay?!"Ash questioned in concern.
Pikachu glared at Infernape as he stood up a bit.
"Pikachu."Pikachu growled.
"Now use Quick Attack!"Ash ordered.
Pikachu used Quick Attack and hits Infernape directly.
"Close Combat!"Flint ordered.
Infernape countered Pikachu's attack with Close Combat.
"Show them it's not over!"Ash shouted. "Thunderbolt! Let's go!"
The now-airborne Pikachu used Thunderbolt as a last resort.
"Use Flare Blitz!"Flint ordered.
Flint persists with one last Flare Blitz and Pikachu was sent flying again.
"I'm coming, Pikachu!"Ash stated.
Ash jumps to catch Pikachu, which prompted Volkner to really open his eyes.
"Ash!"Denise yelled out. "Are you guys alright?!"
Ash held Pikachu in his arms and gives Denise a weak smile.
"Yeah, Dennie."Ash assured. "We are fine."
Pikachu smiled. "Pikachu."
"You know that looks an awful lot like you back in the day."the Proprietor stated.
Volkner doesn't say anything as he remembered the time when he and Flint were just kids.
Helen looks at the Proprietor.
"Sir, if you know about my brother's battle against the poacher."Helen said and her eyes widen in realisation. "Wait. Does that mean-"
The Proprietor removed his glasses, revealing himself to be the poacher with the Houndoom that had a match with Volkner's Pikachu and Flint's Chimchar all those years ago.
"I've never seen an electrifying team more than Volkner and his Raichu. I stopped being a poacher after that day. After all, that was the most electrifying battle I ever seen."the Proprietor explained and looked at Volkner. "So Volkner, I say you still have some unfinished gym leader business to take care of? Don't you think?"
Volkner looks at the Proprietor and then looks back at the battle.
"Pikachu use Volt Tackle!"Ash ordered.
"Infernape use Mach Punch!"Flint ordered.
Pikachu uses Volt Tackle and Flint returns with Mach Punch, though the Mouse Pokémon still pushes on.
Volkner's flashback to his youth and Ash's present collide.
"I know you can do it, Pikachu!"Ash declared. "Alright! Volt Tackle! One more time! And go!"
Pikachu rushed forward to use Volt Tackle on Infernape
"Thunder Punch!"Flint ordered.
Infernape used Thunder Punch to counter Pikachu's Volt Tackle, leaving both Pokémon standing.
Pikachu then collapsed and fainted, awarding the victory to Flint.
"Pikachu is unable to battle! Infernape wins!"the robotic referee announced. "Which means the winner and victory goes to Flint of the Elite Four!"
Ash ran to the battlefield to pick up his fainted electric type Pokémon.
"Pikachu, hang in there."Ash instructed.
"Pika pi."Pikachu responded.
Ash gives Pikachu a hug.
"You battled well."Ash praised. "Thank you."
Brock, Dawn, Denise, Prinplup and Combusken walked toward their friends.
"It was great battle."Brock said.
"You battled a member of the Elite Four."Dawn remarked.
"And you both tried your best."Denise chuckled. "Well done."
Both Prinplup and Combusken spoke up to congratulate Ash and Pikachu.
Ash smiled at his friends.
"Thanks."Ash thanked and looked at Pikachu. "And we're going to work harder to get stronger together."
"Pikachu."Pikachu said with a nod.
Volkner walked forward with Helen next to him.
"Looks like I have some finished business after all."Volkner declared with a smirk.
Helen, Flint, Ash, Dawn, Denise and Brock looked at Volkner with surprised expressions.
"Huh?"Flint said in confusion.
"A gym leader's job is to make sure that every bit of that spark goes to all challengers."Volkner informed.
"You mean it?"Flint questioned.
"Volkner?"Helen asked.
"Yes, little sister."Volkner responded. "Thanks to you, Flint and the Proprietor, the three of you made me realise that."
"Yay!"Helen cheered in delight and punched the air. "The Shining, Shocking Star is back, everyone!"
"I think Ash is the one you need to be thanking."the Proprietor replied.
Volkner goes up to Ash.
"You were brilliant out there, Ash."Volkner declared. "The spark of yours and your Pokémon. Watching your battle has inspired me."
Ash and Pikachu smiled at Volkner.
"Thanks."Ash thanked. "Does that mean you'll have a gym battle with me and Denise?"
"Yes."Volkner replied. "And I promise you both that they'll be electrifying."
"That is awesome to hear."Denise remarked gratefully. "Thank you."
"Combusken."Combusken chuckled.
"And we can't wait!"Ash laughed.
"Pikachu!"Pikachu cheered.
Ash and Denise do a high five with each other, excited that both of them will officially have their eighth gym battle against Volkner.
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