We find ourselves at the northern end of Blackthorn City, where Casey and Molly accompanied by Clair and Liza were looking for Ash.

"Uhm, hello?" Ash asked, seeing the four girls walk towards the docks of the Dragon's Den.

"Ash, where have you been?" Casey asked.

"It's been a weird afternoon, we met with some masters and did some very unique training." Ash admitted.

"The dragon elders offered you training, that's very impressive." Clair said. "We were getting worried that you hadn't come back yet."

"We lost track of time, is it too late for our rematch?" Ash asked.

"I'll make you a deal Ash." Clair said. "You've already proven that you can get to Dragonite with three Pokemon alone. So let's pick up from there. No Pikachu, Snorlax, or Feraligatr on your end, and no Gyarados, Dragonair or Kingdra on my end." Clair offered.

"A single knockout match for Ash's final badge, is that normal?" Molly asked.

"No, but we knew it would come down to that for our rematch." Ash said. "How about it Charizard, ready for one last fight?"

"Grawr!" Charizard roared in affirmation.

"Alright then, Dragonite come out!" Clair said.

"I suppose I will judge this match since no one else is available." Molly said.

"No need. We will fight until the other's Pokemon doesn't get back up." Ash said, stepping back. "Into the air. Charizard use Flamethrower!"

"Dragonite use Hyper Beam!"

The two Pokemon took to the air, firing their beams at each other, causing an explosion in the air.

"Charizard use Iron Tail!" Ash exclaimed.

Charizard rushed forward, striking Dragonite hard enough to send the dragon into the water.

"Dragonite use Wing Attack!"

"Charizard move!"

Charizard stuck close to the roof of the cave, swerving between the stalactites as Dragonite rushed through them one after another.

"Dragonite knock him out of the sky with those rocks with an Outrage!" Clair called out as the two flew deeper into the den.

"How are we supposed to see the fight?" Molly asked.

"Feraligatr come on out!" Ash called out.

"Gyarados I choose you!" Clair said, the two hopping on their water types.

"After them!" The two shouted, their respective water types rushing off at high speeds.

"Hey Liza, you've been watching Ash's Charizard train and grow, do you think they stand a chance?" Casey asked.

"If Ash is anything like his Charizard, they won't give up until the battle is over." Liza commented. "But Clair is the exact same way, those two truly will keep going until one can't get back up."

With Clair and Ash

"Charizard use Iron Tail!"

Charizard spun around, striking the stalactites Dragonite had launched at him creating a dust and rock cloud that Dragonite flew right through.

"Wait where'd Charizard go? Dragonite look behind you!" Clair exclaimed.

Dragonite turned to see a pair of red eyes in the cloud as a stream of flames flew out engulfing the dragon.

"Now Charizard use Seismic Toss!" Ash called out.

As Dragonite was recovering from the flame attack, Charizard seized the opportunity, grabbing its bulkier opponent and spinning it in the air.

"Seems like Clair has finally met someone just as ferocious as she is." One of the dragon masters commented, seeing the battle unfold. "Perhaps she will learn the humility and honor we have long tried to teach.

"Dragonite break free with a Thunder!"

Sparks of electricity flickered between Dragonite's antennae, shooting straight into the roof as they were thrown into the water, rocks falling down around them.

"Charizard use Flamethrower!"

"Dragonite use Hyper Beam!"

The two beasts fired their beam attacks at each other, flames and light colliding with each other creating a cloud of steam and smoke.

"Charizard use Dragon Breath!"

As Dragonite was recovering from their last attack, Charizard flew circles around them, letting out a stream of blue flames at them, sending a pillar of water up into the air.

"Dragonite use Thunder!"

"Charizard dodge it!"

Charizard's wing was clipped by the electric attack, sending him crashing into the water below.

"Charizard!" Casey called out, as she Molly and Liza just arrived to watch as Charizard fell into the water.

"That's not good, if Charizard's tail flame goes out from the water, Ash will loose." Molly pointed out.

"Don't count out Charizard that quickly." Liza said as Charizard stood up, his flame as strong as ever.

"Alright Charizard use Flamethrower!"

"Dragonite use Thunder!"

The two attacks collided between the dragon-like and dragon Pokemon, sending their energies into the air, breaking the roof of the cave, showing the full moon above them.

"Charizard move with Seismic Toss!"

Charizard swept across the surface of the water, grabbing Dragonite by its tail before rocketing into the night sky above them, spinning Dragonite around in front of the moon.

"Dragonite use Outrage!"

"Now Charizard!"

Dragonite flailed about angrily as Charizard thrusted Dragonite down with his full force, crashing back into the water below.

As the water settled back down and Charizard returned next to his trainer, it was celar that Dragonite was not getting back up after that last attack.

"Dragonite is unable to battle! The winner of the match is the challengers Ash and Charizard." Liza called.

Back outside the cavern

"That was a great match Ash. I never thought a Charizard would stand up to my Dragonite like that, but you proved me wrong." Clair said. "Here as proof of your victory, I present you with this, the Rising Badge."

"Thank you Clair." Ash said with a grin.

"With this you've now earned enough badges to enter the Johto Pokemon League, held at the base of Mt Silver." Clair explained. "If you head back to New Bark Town, you just go North East from there and you can't miss it."

"Thank you for the directions." Ash said. "And Charizard thanks for that awesome battle. I'm really glad you were here to be a part of it. Can I count on you if I need you in the Johto League?"

"GRAWRH!" Charizard roared, sending out a stream of flames in agreement.

"Liza, keep taking good care of Charizard. I know being in that valley, he'll only continue to get stronger until one day even legendary Pokemon will tremble at his roar!" Ash said with confidence.

"Of course Ash, Charizard is always welcome at the valley." Liza said as the groups parted ways.