Checking on the Gyms across the Orange Islands was always the highlight of my duties as Champion. It was a chance to connect with the Gym Leaders, hear their ideas, and see how they were doing. The Orange Islands Pokémon League was still new, and there was plenty of room for growth and improvement, which I loved.
First up was Trovita Island, where Rudy presided over the Gym. Rudy's energetic personality was infectious, and it always put a smile on my face. We discussed ways to make his Gym Battles more challenging while still being fair to the challengers. His upbeat attitude and dedication to training were truly inspiring.
Next, I headed to Navel Island, where Danny awaited me. Danny had a more serious demeanor compared to Rudy, but his passion for battling was just as strong. We talked about incorporating more strategic elements into his Gym battles, pushing trainers to think on their feet and adapt to different situations.
Cissy, the Gym Leader of Mikan Island, greeted me with a warm smile. Her Water-type Pokémon were some of the strongest in the League, and she was always looking for ways to showcase their power. We discussed hosting themed tournaments and events to attract more challengers and keep things exciting.
Sunburst Island was my next stop, where Morrison presided over the Gym. Morrison had a competitive streak a mile wide, and he was determined to make his gym the toughest in the Orange Islands. We brainstormed ideas for new battle formats and challenges, ensuring that his gym remained a true test of skill.
Ritchie awaited me on Mandarin Island South, his Raichu by his side. Ritchie was a seasoned trainer with a keen eye for strategy. We talked about introducing more double battles and rotation battles into his gym matches, providing trainers with new challenges and opportunities to showcase their skills.
Golden Island was home to Tyson's Gym, where the battles were always intense. Tyson was a powerhouse trainer, and he was eager to push his gym to new heights. We discussed ways to incorporate more environmental elements into his battles, creating dynamic arenas that would keep trainers on their toes.
Finally, I made my way to Mandarin Island North, where Harrison awaited me. Harrison was a laid-back trainer and an old rival. We discussed taking advantage of the island's natural beauty to create stunning battlegrounds.
As I traveled from Gym to Gym, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at the dedication and passion of the Gym Leaders. Together, we were shaping the future of the Orange Islands Pokémon League, creating a vibrant community of trainers and Pokémon. And as I bid farewell to each Gym Leader, I knew that the League was in good hands.
Arriving at Kumquat Island, my final stop, I was greeted by the cheerful sight of May, her smile as bright as ever. I couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth as I hugged her tightly, thrilled to see her again.
"Hey, May! It's great to see you!" I exclaimed, feeling genuinely happy to be reunited with my friend.
"I'm going for my fifth ribbon! I can't wait to catch up to Dawn and Drew," May said with a determined grin, her eyes shining with excitement.
Speaking of Drew, he was right there beside May, his trademark confidence shining through as always. "Ash, good to see you," Drew greeted me with a nod, his tone friendly yet competitive.
"It's been too long, Drew! Ready to watch Max's battle?" I asked, feeling the familiar thrill of anticipation.
"Yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing how much he's improved," Drew replied, his voice full of confidence in our friend.
The reason for putting Kumquat Island as the last stop was Max's gym battle against Luana, and I was excited to see how he would fare. As we made our way to the gym, anticipation bubbled in the air.
"I can't wait to see Max in action! He's been training so hard for this," May exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Yeah, Max is going to be amazing! Let's go show our support," I said, feeling a surge of excitement as we approached the gym entrance.
"I can't wait to see what he's been working on," Drew added, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
As we entered Luana's Gym, Pikachu nudged me and said excitedly, "Hey, Ash, look at that! We're kinda late."
I followed Pikachu's gaze and saw Tara and Melody sitting by the bleachers with their Jade Star Badges pinned to their jackets. I grinned at Pikachu's observation. "Yeah, sorry about that, buddy. Let's go catch up with them."
We made our way over to where Melody and Tara were sitting, and that's when I noticed Melody clutching a Pokémon egg to her chest. It had a shiny silver surface with yellow heart-like motifs.
"Wow, Pikachu, check out that egg!" I exclaimed.
Pikachu nodded, his eyes bright with curiosity. "Yeah, it's pretty cool, Ash. I wonder what Pokémon it's gonna hatch into."
Then I spotted a familiar Pokémon sitting beside Melody – a Druddigon. Memories of the last time I had seen that Pokémon flooded back. "Hey, Pikachu, remember Druddigon? That's the one we saw with Utau," I said, recalling the encounter.
Pikachu nodded in recognition. "Yeah, I remember, Ash!"
"It must be a gift from Utau to her sister," I remarked, feeling a sense of warmth at the thought of their bond.
"Yeah, you're right, Ash," Pikachu agreed, his tail wagging happily.
As we settled into our seats, May rushed over to Tara and Melody, giving them both warm hugs. "Hey, girls! How did it go?" she asked eagerly.
Tara flashed a tired but satisfied smile. "It was tough! Double battles aren't our usual thing, but we pulled through."
"Yeah, but we managed to beat Luana!" Melody added, her eyes shining with excitement. "I used Kingdra and Vibrava against her Ninetales and Venomoth."
"And I went with Mightyena and Houndoom against her Alakazam and Magneton," Tara chimed in.
May's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, that sounds intense! But you guys did it! I knew you could."
I grinned, feeling proud of my friends. "Yeah, you both did great!"
Pikachu nodded in agreement, adding his own cheerful "Pika!"
Tara and Melody exchanged relieved smiles, clearly happy to have come out victorious despite the challenge. "Thanks, Ash," Melody said, her voice filled with gratitude. "It was definitely a tough battle, but we did it together."
I nodded, feeling a sense of camaraderie. "That's what being a team is all about," I replied. "And now, it's Max's turn. I can't wait to see how he does!"
Drew, ever curious, inquired. "Where did you get that egg, Melody?"
Melody's face brightened as she held up the egg. "Oh, this? The hotel was selling lottery tickets for a Dragon-type Pokémon Egg, and I ended up winning it!" she explained with excitement.
Drew's eyes widened in surprise. "No way, really? That's awesome, Melody! Congratulations!"
Melody beamed at Drew's compliment, clearly thrilled by the unexpected luck. "Thanks, Drew! I can't believe I actually won," she replied, her voice bubbling with joy.
I grinned, happy for Melody. "That's amazing, Melody! I bet whatever's inside that egg is going to be awesome," I chimed in, feeling genuinely excited for her.
Pikachu chirped in agreement, his cheeks sparkling happily at the thought of a new Pokémon joining our group. Tara nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, Melody, that's so cool! I can't wait to see what hatches from it."
Melody hugged the egg close to her chest, a contented smile on her face. "Me too, Tara. It's going to be an adventure!"
Our conversation got cut short, when Max stepped onto the gym battlefield. I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and excitement. He looked so determined, ready to take on whatever challenges Luana threw at him. May and I cheered loudly, our voices echoing through the gym. Max turned to us, looking a bit startled by our sudden presence, but his face quickly broke into a wide grin. He gave us a thumbs-up before turning back to face Luana.
Luana wasted no time in sending out her Pokémon, a Marowak and a Farfetch'd. They looked tough, but I knew Max was prepared for anything. He smirked confidently and released his own Pokémon, Florges and Serperior.
I couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride as I watched Max's choices. Florges was stunningly beautiful, her flower-like appearance and graceful movements making her a standout. May nudged me, and I knew what she was thinking.
"Florges is so beautiful, Ash. It's a shame she's not involved in contests. She'd take the Grand Festival by storm," May lamented, her eyes gleaming with admiration for the Fairy-type Pokémon. I nodded in agreement, understanding exactly what she meant. Florges was a powerhouse in her own right, even if she didn't participate in contests.
As the battle unfolded, my heart raced with excitement, watching Max and Luana's Pokémon face off in the gym arena. The air was thick with anticipation, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride for my little brother.
Farfetch'd wasted no time, starting with a Sand Attack to obscure our vision. I could see the sand swirling, and I knew there was more to it than just a simple evasion move. It was a tactic to cover up Marowak's next move, and I braced myself for what was coming. Sure enough, Marowak burst from the sand, swinging her bone club with tremendous force, aiming a powerful Iron Head straight at Florges.
But Max was one step ahead, just like I taught him. Serperior sprang into action, moving with the speed of lightning to wrap Marowak up before she could land the blow on Florges. The sight of Serperior's quick reflexes brought a smile to my face. Max had really taken my advice to heart, honing his skills as a trainer. Florges, sensing the danger, didn't waste a moment. She seized the opportunity created by Serperior's Wrap, unleashing a powerful Chilling Water attack.
The icy blast enveloped Marowak, freezing her momentarily in place. It was the perfect opening, and Serperior seized the opportunity with a devastating Giga Drain. I could feel the energy coursing through Serperior as she drained Marowak's strength, replenishing her own energy in the process.
The combination was flawless, a perfect display of teamwork and strategy. Max had learned well, and I could see the determination in his eyes as he led his Pokémon in battle. We were in for an exciting match, and I couldn't wait to see how it unfolded. As the dust settled from Florges and Serperior's attack, Marowak fainted.
The silence that followed the end of Max's impressive display of skill was almost palpable. It was like everyone in the gym was holding their breath, stunned by how swiftly he had taken down Luana's Marowak. But then, breaking through the tension, I burst into laughter, the sound echoing loudly in the arena. Pikachu joined in, his laughter sounding like tiny thunderclaps beside me.
Max glanced up at us, his eyes sparkling with pride and happiness. I could see the smile on his face, and it filled me with warmth to know that I had played a part in making him the trainer he had become. But even as we laughed and cheered, Max didn't let his guard down. His focus shifted back to the battlefield, where Luana was regrouping, her Farfetch'd at the ready. It was clear that she wasn't going to give up without a fight, and Max was ready for whatever she threw at him.
Beside me, Drew let out a low whistle, his eyes fixed on the battle below. I could see the look of impressed admiration on his face, and it made me proud all over again. It was hard to believe how much Max had grown since the first time Drew had met him, a wide-eyed kid with dreams of becoming a great trainer.
May's voice cut through the air, loud and enthusiastic as always. She was cheering for Max with all her might, her eyes shining with pride. Then, she turned to Drew, her smile widening as she boasted about Max's skills. "See? I told you he was amazing! And it's all thanks to Ash," she said, nudging me playfully.
I felt a warm blush creep up my cheeks at her words, and I glanced down at Pikachu, who was grinning mischievously at me. "Hey, don't tease," I muttered, trying to hide my embarrassment.
But Pikachu just laughed, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Come on, Ash, you know it's true!" he said, his voice filled with playful affection.
I couldn't help but chuckle at his antics, feeling a swell of affection for my little partner. Even in the midst of a heated battle, Pikachu always knew how to lighten the mood. And as I watched Max face off against Luana, I knew that whatever happened next, we were in for an unforgettable showdown.
Farfetch'd unleashed a powerful Heat Wave, sending waves of scorching heat towards Florges and Serperior. Max yelled for his Pokémon to dodge, and both of them leaped apart, narrowly avoiding the attack. I couldn't help but frown as they separated; teamwork was key in battles like these and having them split up could be risky.
But before I could voice my concern, Farfetch'd darted forward with astonishing speed. In a blur of motion, he closed the gap between itself and Florges, his sharp leek slicing through the air like a blade. Florges tried to dodge, but she wasn't fast enough; the Poison Jab struck home, and Florges let out a pained cry as poison seeped into her veins.
My heart clenched at the sight, and I could feel a surge of worry for Florges. Poison status could sap a Pokémon's strength, and in a battle like this, every advantage counted. There are only a few types capable of hurting a Fairy after all. But Florges was tough, and she refused to let the poison slow her down. Even as her cheeks flushed with violet, she held her ground, determination shining in her eyes.
Max gritted his teeth, his eyes narrowed in determination. He wasn't about to let Farfetch'd get away with poisoning Florges without consequences. "Serperior, use Dragon Tail!" he commanded, his voice ringing out across the battlefield.
Serperior responded instantly, her body glowing with a vibrant indigo light as he summoned his powerful Dragon Tail. With a graceful flick of her tail, he sent the glowing blade slicing through the air towards Farfetch'd, who barely managed to dodge in time.
But Farfetch'd wasn't finished yet. With a defiant squawk, it lunged forward once more, his leek flashing in the sunlight. This time, he aimed for Serperior, hoping to catch him off guard. Max's eyes widened in alarm, but Serperior was too quick for Farfetch'd. With a swift twist of her body, she dodged the attack, her movements fluid and graceful. Then, in one smooth motion, she struck back, her Dragon Tail slashing through the air with deadly accuracy. Farfetch'd let out a startled cry as the attack connected, the force of the blow sending him tumbling backwards. It landed with a thud, dazed but still conscious, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
The battle raged on, each side refusing to back down. Farfetch'd and Serperior clashed in a dazzling display of Leaf Blades, their moves so swift and precise that it was like watching two knights in the midst of a duel. Each strike was met with a counter, the sound of metal on metal ringing out across the battlefield. I couldn't help but be entertained by the spectacle, my eyes glued to the intense battle unfolding before me.
The battle seemed to be dragging on, but it was working in Max's favor. Luana was so focused on Serperior that she seemed to forget all about Florges, who was biding her time for the perfect moment to strike. And then, just when it seemed like the battle couldn't get any more intense, Florges made her move.
With a mischievous glint in her eyes, Florges summoned a mystical mist that enveloped the battlefield in a shimmering veil. It was Misty Tarain, a move that would strengthen any Fairy-type Pokémon that dared to touch it. It was a clever strategy, one that caught Luana off guard. But Florges wasn't done yet. With a burst of energy, she unleashed a powerful Misty Explosion, the swirling mist erupting into a dazzling explosion of light. The force of the blast sent Farfetch'd hurtling through the air, his wings flailing as he struggled to stay aloft.
I held my breath as Farfetch'd crashed to the ground, defeated. The battle was over, and Florges had emerged victorious. But as the dust settled, I couldn't help but feel a pang of concern for Florges. She had pushed herself to her limits, and now she was paying the price. Sure enough, Florges collapsed to the ground, her energy spent. But even as she lay there, breathing heavily, she wore a proud smile on her face. She had given it her all, and she had come out on top.
As the referee declared Max the winner, cheers erupted from the crowd. May and I cheered loudly for our little brother, our pride shining in our eyes. Drew, Melody, and Tara joined in, their voices filled with admiration for Max's skill and determination.
May's exuberant leap onto Max was a burst of joy that lit up the entire gym. She threw her arms around her brother, pulling him into a tight embrace and planting a kiss on his cheek. Max's face broke into a wide grin, his eyes sparkling with happiness.
I stepped forward, my expression more serious as I approached Max. It was my turn to congratulate him, but also to offer some guidance. "Great job, Max," I said, my tone firm but encouraging. "But you know you could have done better with Florges and Serperior. You're capable of more than allowing your Pokémon to slip up like that during a double battle. Remember, divide and conquer."
Max hung his head, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, Ash," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll do better next time, I promise."
I couldn't stay mad at him for long. Stepping forward, I enveloped him in a warm hug, my arms wrapped tightly around his shoulders. "I know you will, Max," I said softly, my voice filled with pride. "You've got so much potential, and you're only going to get better from here."
Max's eyes widened, and then a radiant smile spread across his face. He looked up at me with a mixture of relief and gratitude, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "Thanks, Ash," he said, his voice choked with emotion. "That means a lot to me."