The final match of the Whirl Cup was held the day after the semifinal matches, and Ash and Misty finally had a battle against one another, that they wanted to have for a while.
Once they got to the battle field, and the referee announced the match, Misty sent out her Politoed as her for Pokémon, and Ash countered with his Feraligatr. Right after that, the referee started the first round.
At first, both trainers went into the match slowly, as they didn't want to make mistake, and even though Ash and Misty knew each other very well, there was still room for surprise.
After few starting moves, Misty was the first to attack with a big move, which Ash countered, and so, the real battle started.
This went for about 10 more minutes, until both Pokémon came to their end, and collapsed at the same time, which ended the first round in a tie.
In the second round, Misty sent out her Golduck, and Ash sent out Lapras.
Misty again tried to start slowly, and Ash followed her, but when they both went all out, Golduck just couldn't keep up with Lapras, as she has had much more training with Ash, then Golduck had with Misty, so the round ended with Lapras's win.
As her last Pokémon, Misty decided to go with the Pokémon she hasn't used so far. She chose her Shiny Gyarados.
Ash was surprised by this, as he didn't think that Misty was going to use Gyarados as she, and he as well, were basically using this tournament to train their Pokémon, and Shiny Gyarados was damn powerful from what he saw after Misty used him in a sparing battle against him not long after she got him.
In the end, he assumed she brought it back from Cerulean Gym after she learned she will battle him in the final match, and hoped she will have higher chances to win with him on her team.
Ash stayed with Lapras for the third round, and once the referee started it, Misty went all out from the start, and Lapras kept up for the most time, until after a while of going at it, Lapras lost the round which surprised Ash, as his Lapras was Elite Four level, which means that Misty's Gyarados was also Elite Four level.
Having no other choice, as that was the only other Water Pokémon, he had with him, Ash sent out his Giant Gyarados, who made short work of Misty's Gyarados, who, even though not necessarily weaker then Ash's Gyarados, was tired from battling Lapras, and couldn't do much.
After the match was over, Ash was awarded a Mystic Water pendant by the sea Priestess, Maya, as well as got the title of Water Pokémon Alpha Omega.
With the parting words being, "O, Great Sea Spirit and past Heroes of the Sea, continue to watch over the Whirl Cup competition and safeguard the harmony of all humans and Pokémon alike." Maya closed the Whirl Cup for a year, and the crowd that was watching the closing ceremony left the Colosseum, with Ash and the others leaving as well.
Once the Whirl Cup ended, the gang left Scarlet City, and went to the northern part of the Red Rock Isle, in a place called Transit Town, where they boarded the ferry, that took them to Olivine City.
When the gang reached the Olivine City, they first went to the Pokémon Center to have their Pokémon checked, and to get the rooms for all of them, as they will probably be there for two or three days until Ash, Leaf and Serena finish their gym battles against Jasmine.
While they waited for their Pokémon to be examined by Nurse Joy, Ash called Janina to see if Jasmine is ready for the battle, and Janina said that Jasmine is ready, and is waiting for them. Janina also said she will come for them in the Pokémon Center to escort them to the gym, even though there was no need for that.
Soon enough, Janina walked through the entrance of the Pokémon Center, and saw Ash and the others seating on some sofas and waiting for her.
"Hey guys," Janina called them, as she run toward them, with a smile on her face. "How was your journey to here?"
"Hey Janina," Misty said. "It's been great. We had a lot of fun on the Whirl Islands, and participating in the Whirl Cup. What about you? How have you been?"
"I've been great, thanks," Janina replied.
"I hope you have been training with your Onix, and are no longer covering it in water repelling wax." Brock said.
Janina blushed in embarrassment as she was reminded of that, and then answered. "Yes, I have been training hard with my Onix."
"Good." Brock said.
"What about Jasmine and her Ampharos," Ash asked?
"Ampharos is great," Janina replied. "He has recovered some time ago, and Jasmine is now ready for battles and doesn't have to worry about him."
"It's good to hear that," Serena said. "It would be bad if we had to wait longer, and even worse if Jasmine battles us while Ampharos is sick, as her mind probably wouldn't be in the match."
"You are right about that," Janina said. "Jasmine loves Ampharos very much, and she wouldn't be able to have a normal battle while being worried about him."
They talked a little bit about the gang's travels through Whirl Islands and the Whirl Cup, until, Nurse Joy called the gang, and handed them their Pokémon, as they were all checked out, and ready for battles.
So, with that taken care of, Janina led the gang to Olivine City gym.
It didn't take them long to get there, and once they did, they entered inside, and saw Jasmine already standing there, waiting for them.
"It's nice to see you all again," Jasmine said. "I want to thank you for going with Janina for the medicine for my Ampharos, and for waiting for him to get better so we can have this battle."
"It's Ok, Jasmine," Ash said. "It was our pleasure to help."
The others agreed with Ash, and nodded.
Ash and the others decided that Ash will go first, so he stood on the challenger's position, while Janina went to the referee spot, and announced the match. Janina said it will be a two-on-two battle, and the first trainer that loses both Pokémon, loses the match, but then Jasmine decided to change the rules a little, so instead of three two-on-two battles, they will all battle one-on-one, so they can finish all the battles in one day, and not prolong it too much, and it will be more challenging because if they lose once, it's all over.
Ash and the girls agreed to this, and so, Jasmine chose her first Pokémon.
"Come out, Metagross!" Jasmine called her first Pokémon, which is Metagross, and it surprised almost everyone that she has it, as it is Hoenn Region Pokémon. But then again, all of them have Pokémon from Region's they never visited, so it is not that surprising.
"So, its Steel and Psychic Type," Ash thought out loud, and then took one Pokémon Ball from his belt, and released his first Pokémon. "You are up, Gyarados!"
Ash's Giant Gyarados came out of his Poke Ball, and roared, which scared the hell out of Jasmine and Janina, as they never saw Gyarados this big.
"Where did you find this Gyarados, Ash?" Jasmine asked.
"In the Lake of Rage," Ash answered. "There was some trouble there with Team Rocket, and I had to catch him before he can do more damage. We became good friends since then, even though he did give some trouble in the beginning."
"I see!" Was all Jasmine said, and about a minute later, Janina came back to reality from losing herself in watching the giant Gyarados, so she started the match.
"BEGIN!"
"Metagross, use Take Down!" Jasmine started.
"Gyarados, use Giga Impact!" Ash countered.
Metagross's body become surrounded in a golden aura, and it flew at Gyarados to slam into him, and Gyarados become surrounded by orange energy and it bursts into a purple orb that becomes surrounded by swirling orange streaks.
He then went towards Metagross, and then two clashed mid field.
The clash sent shockwave all over the field, and made everyone stumble backwards a little from the force.
After few moments of pushing at one another, Giant Gyarados overpowered Metagross, as he is not just bigger, but Giga Impact packs more power then Take Down.
Metagross flew backwards across the field, and fell on the ground.
"Are you OK, Metagross," Jasmine asked her Pokémon, worried about it?
Metagross stood back up, and was floating in mid-air again, and then nodded at Jasmine.
"Good, now use Meteor Mash!" Jasmine said.
Metagross body is covered in a blue aura, then it sticks its arms forwards and then charges full speed at Gyarados.
"Use Iron Tail, Gyarados!" Ash said, and Gyarados's tail glowed white, and then hardened, and then Gyarados swing it at the incoming Metagross, and hit him right on top of the forehead before Metagross could reach him with Meteor Mash.
Metagross slammed into the ground from the force of Gyarados's Iron Tail.
"OH, NO, METAGROSS!" Jasmine yelled as she saw her Pokémon being brutally slammed into the ground.
Metagross tried to stand back up and continue to battle, but being hit by two powerful attacks by Gyarados, took a lot out of it, and was close to the end.
Ash saw that Metagross is near its end, so he decided to get it over with. "Gyarados, use Dark Pulse!"
Jasmine's eyes widened as she heard Ash, and then saw Gyarados fire a beam of black and purple circles at her Metagross from his mouth.
She yelled for Metagross to dodge, but before it could, Metagross was hit, and the attack sent it flying back and hit the wall of the gym, where it then fell on the ground, and passed out.
"Metagross is unable to continue, the winner of the battle is Gyarados, and the match goes to Ash Ketchum!" Janina said.
Ash's friends approached him, and congratulated him on the win, while he thanked them and Gyarados, before he returned him to his Poke Ball.
On the other side of the field, Jasmine sighed at the loss, and returned her Metagross. "You did fine, Metagross, but I guess Ash and his Gyarados were just too much for us."
Jasmine then approached to Ash and the others, and congratulated Ash on the win, and then gave him Mineral Badge, which is the proof of his win over her.
"Congratulations, Ash, now you have all eight badges, and are qualified for the Johto League!" Brock said, and Ash smiled and nodded.
"So, who is next?" Jasmine asked, and looked at Leaf and Serena, who looked at one another, and both shrugged, so in the end, Leaf decided to go next.
Jasmine went back to her spot on the field, while Leaf stood where Ash was standing earlier. Janina announced the match, after which, Jasmine chose her Pokémon, which turned out to be Magnezone.
Leaf saw Magnezone, and instantly knew the perfect Pokémon to battle it, so she took one of her Poke Balls, and release her Pokémon, which was Electabuzz.
"This is a good choice," Brock commented. "Both are Electric Type and are resistant to one another, and Electabuzz has resistance from Steel Type attacks."
"Yeah, it is a nice choice." Ash agreed.
After both trainers chose their Pokémon, Janina started the match. "BEGIN!"
"Magnezone, use Thunder Wave!" Jasmine said, and Magnezone released blue bolts of electricity that went toward Electabuzz.
"Electabuzz, dodge, and use Brick Break!" Leaf said.
Before the electric attack could hit him, Electabuzz moved to the side, and dodged them, and then Electabuzz' hand become surrounded by yellow sparks and he jumped above Magnezone, and karate-chopped it from above on top of the head.
Magnezone slammed on the ground from the hit, but didn't stay there for long, as it got back up.
"Use Zap Cannon!" Jasmine said.
"Counter it with Hyper Beam!" Leaf said.
Magnezone released a yellow beam of electricity from its red pupil at Electabuzz, who at the same time fired an orange beam of energy from his mouth.
The two attacks collided on the middle of the field, and caused an explosion that caused shockwave which threw them back behind their trainers and slammed them both on the wall of the arena.
Both Jasmine and Leaf asked their Pokémon if they are all right, and called for them to stand up. They did get up, though Electabuzz shock his head a little to clear the mist from his eyes as he was slightly dazed from the coalition with the wall, while Magnezone is in better shape as his body is more durable.
"Use Flash Cannon, Magnezone!" Jasmine said.
Magnezone fire a silver beam of energy from in front of its face at Electabuzz, and Leaf had to react quickly.
"Use Counter, Electabuzz!" Leaf said.
Electabuzz sticks out both of his hands when the attack came near him, and the attack bounced off it, and went back at Magnezone, who was surprised by this just as much as its trainer, and didn't react. Magnezone's own attack hit it, which sent it flying backwards and it fell on the ground.
Leaf wanted to use this chance, and went with her next move. "Electabuzz, use Fire Punch!"
Both of Electabuzz's fists become surrounded by red-orange fire, and he started to repeatedly punch Magnezone with them. Magnezone couldn't defend as it was down on the ground from previous attack.
After about a dozen punches, Electabuzz stopped and pulled back, while Magnezone was on the ground completely covered in burn marks, though it was still conscious.
"Can you stand up, Magnezone?" Jasmine asked her Pokémon, worried about it.
Few moments later, Magnezone stood up, and floated back in the air, and wanted to continue.
"Great, Magnezone," Jasmine said, and then told hit its next move. "Use Giga Impact!"
Magnezone's body became surrounded with orange energy, and then got mixed with purple.
Magnezone flew at Electabuzz at the top speed, and tried to slam in it with all it had.
"Electabuzz, use Protect!" Leaf shouted, hoping that Electabuzz's Protect is strong enough to withstand Giga Impact.
Electabuzz raised his hands, and put a lot of his energy in the green barrier that surrounded him completely, and just like his trainer, hoped it will be enough.
Magnezone clashed with the barrier that was surrounding Electabuzz, and it started pushing at it with all its strength.
Magnezone pushed for a few moments, and then the barrier started to show cracks, and looked like it was about to break.
"Don't let the barrier break, Electabuzz!" Leaf yelled, and Electabuzz tried to put more power in it, and it worked for a few more moments, until Magnezone lost its strength, and pulled back as it could no longer push against the barrier.
Electabuzz then released the barrier, and flee to his knees, at the same time as Magnezone fell on the ground.
They were both exhausted, and are on their last leg, and can maybe pull of one more attack.
Few moments later, Magnezone got back in the air, and Electabuzz stood on his legs, and Jasmine and Leaf decided to go with one last attack, each of the two hoping she will win.
"Magnezone, use Tri Attack, full power!" Jasmine said.
Magnezone's body glowed white, and the white energy formed a triangle in front of its body. Magnezone then shoot the white triangle at Electabuzz.
Leaf told Electabuzz to jump away from the attack to dodge it, and then go with Focus Blast.
Electabuzz jumped high in the air, dodging Magnezone's attack, formed an orb of yellow energy between his hands and threw it at Magnezone, who was hit by it, and was slammed into the ground, where was then covered by dust.
For a few moments no one saw Magnezone as it was covered by a cloud of dust, but when the cloud cleared away, Magnezone was shown to have passed out.
"Magnezone is unable to continue," Janina said! "This winner is Electabuzz, and the match goes to the challenger, Leaf!"
"All right," Leaf yelled, and hugged her Electabuzz, who was barely standing, but was happy with the win!
Ash and the others approached her, and congratulated her, and she thanked them, and then she returned Electabuzz for a nice and long rest, as he has deserved it.
Jasmine then came to Leaf, and handed her the Mineral Badge. Leaf took it, thanked Jasmine for a nice battle, and Jasmine only nodded.
"Well, you are the only one left, Serena," Jasmine said as she looked at Serena, who nodded, and then both of them went to the field, standing on their positions, ready for battle.
Janina announced the match, and Jasmine chose her Pokémon, which was Steelix.
Serena thought for a few moments which Pokémon to use, and finally decided to go with Braixen, so she called her out.
"BEGIN!" Janina said.
"Braixen, use Fire Spin!" Serena started first.
"Steelix, Sandstorm!" Jasmine countered.
Braixen sticks out her wooden stick, creating a huge flame that then dissolved into multiple streams of fire that spins around, and then collided with the Sandstorm that Steelix just created and surrounded itself with.
Sandstorm stopped Fire Spin, and after few moments, both attacks disappeared, but Steelix was gone, with only the hole in the ground being left.
"Watch out Braixen, Steelix is using Dig!" Serena warned her Pokemon. Braixen nodded, and listened to where Steelix might come from.
Suddenly, the ground started shaking, and out of it, right in front of Braixen, Steelix came, and its tail was glowing and he tried to hit Braixen with it, but she managed to dodge each strike, until Steelix stopped.
"Fire Blast, Braixen!" Serena said.
Braixen released a 大-shaped blast of yellow-orange fire from her mouth, and again like before, Steelix used Sandstorm to defend itself, and then escaped underground.
"Use Crunch, Steelix!" Jasmine said, and Steelix came out in front of Braixen and tried to bite her with its glowing teeth, but Braixen used Smokescreen, and evaded the attack.
"Steelix, use Sandstorm to blow away the Smokescreen, and then use Dragon Rage!" Jasmine said.
Once the Smokescreen was gone, and Steelix could see Braixen again, Steelix fired a green beam from its mouth at Braixen, who quickly used Protect to defend herself, but Dragon Breath was too powerful and after few moments, broke through the barrier, hitting Braixen who was then thrown backwards, and collided with the wall, before she fell on the ground.
"OH NO, BRAXEN," Serena yelled, after she saw her Pokémon being hit by a powerful attack!
Braixen tried to stand up, even though she was hurt, and just as Janina was about to call the match as it was obvious that Braixen is done for, Braixen started glowing, and growing.
"Is Braixen evolving?" Misty asked with wide eyes.
"It would seem so." Ash replied with a smile, as he knew now that the battle is not over yet.
Few moments later, the glowing stopped, and it was revealed that Braixen has evolved into Delphox.
"Wow, Delphox, you evolved," Serena said with wide eyes, as she was surprised just like the others.
Delphox came back in front of Serena, and after she nodded at Serena, she was ready to continue.
"Great job, now use Fire Blast!" Serena said.
Delphox quickly fired another Fire Blast, and again, Steelix countered it with Sandstorm, which stopped the fire.
"Use Iron Tail, Steelix." Jasmine said to her Pokémon, who has already escaped underground with Dig.
Steelix came out if the ground, and swinged its tail at Delphox, who dodge it, and then Serena told her to use Future Sight, which is a new move Delphox learned upon evolving.
After Delphox's eyes glowed for a second, Serena went with her next attack. "Now use Mystical Fire!"
Delphox swings her wand stick around in a circle, and formed a ring of red-orange fire in front of herself, and then released a red-orange stream of fire from her mouth.
"Use Sandstorm, Steelix!" Jasmine said, and Steelix created another Sandstorm around itself.
Mystical Fire collided with the Sandstorm, and was stopped again.
"Continue to push it, Delphox!" Serena said, and Delphox continued to fire Mystical Fire, and put Steelix under pressure so it was unable to use Dig, to get away.
After few moments of continuously using Mystical Fire on the Sandstorm, the Sandstorm started glowing red, because it got superheated.
"That's it Delphox, keep it up!" Serena shouted, and Delphox increased the power of her fire, until everyone heard Steelix roar in pain, and then suddenly, the Sandstorm disappeared, and Steelix fell on the ground, completely red from being burned., but still conscious.
"Are you OK, Steelix?" Jasmine asked her Pokémon, who groaned in pain, but tried to get up.
That's when suddenly a wind blew across the field, and a beam of multicolored energy came out of nowhere, and struck Steelix before it can get up.
Steelix then fell back down, and this time, it was completely unconscious.
"Steelix is unable to continue," Janina announced! "The winner is Delphox and the match goes to Serena!"
"Great job, Delphox," Serena told to her Pokémon, who smiled and nodded.
All of her friends, along with Jasmine and Janina approached Serena after she returned her Pokemon in the Poke Ball, and congratulated her. Jasmine gave her the final gym badge Serena needed to be qualified for the Silver Conference.
"So, where are you all going next, Ash?" Janina asked, after everyone left the gym, and Jasmine and Janina were with them escorting them
"Now we are going to the Pokémon Center for the remaining of the day, and then tomorrow, we are going to Palmpona to the Pokémon Swap Meet, and then we are going to the New Bark Town to register for the Silver Conference," Ash said, and Janina nodded. "After that, we will probably go to train somewhere since we have over two months until the Silver Conference starts."
"Well then, good luck in the Silver Conference," Jasmine said. "I hope to see some nice matches out of you all."
"Don't worry, I'm sure you will." Leaf said, and after that, everyone went to the Pokémon Center to have their Pokémon healed.
The night after the battles in Olivine Gym, Ash and the others had dinner, and then decided to go to bed early so they can continue their journey early in the morning, and not waste time that they could use to train for the Silver Conference.
Before he went to bed, Ash decided to call his father and see what happened in Goldenrod City with Team Rocket, as he didn't hear anything, and it's been a while since he told Red about Team Rocket planning something in Goldenrod City.
And so, while everyone else went to their rooms to sleep, Ash stayed behind to call Red. He took his Pokedex, and dialed the number.
"Hey Ash, what up," Red answered the call? "I'm surprised you're calling at this hour."
"Hey Dad, how've you been," Ash asked?
"Oh, I'm fine," Red answered. "I've been home for a while now, and I'm here with Delia. What about you? How is the journey going?"
"It's going ok," Ash said. "I won the Whirl Cup few days ago, and just today I won my final gym badge in Olivine City, so now I'm qualified for the Silver Conference."
"I expected nothing less from you, Ash," Red said. "As good as all those gym leaders are, I know they are not better than you, and I knew it will be breeze for you to get all the badges."
That's when Delia got her hands on the phone, and started questioning Ash. She was asking things like; if he was fine, or, if he is eating well, or is he changing his underwear every day.
After Ash answered all of her questions and got her to calm down, Delia returned the phone to Red, so he can talk with Ash.
"So, why exactly did you call?" Red asked.
"I wanted to know what happened in Goldenrod City with Team Rocket," Ash said. "I didn't hear anything, and am curious."
"Well, it was a close one, I'll tell you that," Red said, and Ash frowned at that.
"What does that mean?" Ash asked.
"What I mean is that, if you and Lance didn't get to the Lake of Rage when you did, and if you didn't find out about their planes with those waves they created, then I'm sure that catastrophe would have happened in Goldenrod City." Red said.
"Tell me exactly what happened." Ash said.
"Well, after Lance called me, and told me about their planes in Goldenrod, I went there with Riley and Lance, and we found that Team Rocket has taken over Goldenrod City Radio Tower, and were planning to use it to release those radio waves they released on the Lake of Rage," Red explained. "If they succeeded, they would have caused the evolution of many Pokémon all over Goldenrod City, and some of them might have lost their minds like that Shiny Gyarados from the Lake of Rage, and if that happened, I don't even want to think about the destruction that they would cause."
"I'm assuming that was stopped, and it didn't happen, because if it did, I would have heard about it." Ash said, and Red nodded.
"Yeah, we got there just on time, and broke into the Radio Tower. We found that Archer, one of the Top executives of Team Rocket has taken over as director of the Radio Tower, while many others have been working in the Tower, from just simple grunts, to some higher-level members."
"I see," Ash commented. "So, what happened with all of them?"
"Archer, along with another of the top members, I think his name was Petrel, they were both arrested," Red said. "Besides them, Giovanni's secretary was also arrested. After Giovanni, she worked for Archer who has taken over Team Rocket, and was the one who was trying to bring them back to their former glory. Also, all the grunts who were there were also arrested. From what we found out later, about Team Rocket's secret bases, we went in them, and arrested all the rest of the grunts, and everyone who was working for Team Rocket. We even arrested the cooks who were working in some facilities."
"So, Team Rocket is officially gone for good now." Ash questioned.
"Yes," Red confirmed. "Everyone who was working with them is either arrested or dead, so there is no one to bring them back. Well, actually there was one member we found about, but she was able to escape."
"Who was she?" Ash asked.
"Her name is Domino, also known as 009 and Black Tulip," Red said. "She was one of the Elite Officers, and their secret agent. She was in Goldenrod, but was able to escape as she was not in the Tower when we got there, and by the time we found out about her, she was gone, and is probably in hiding right now."
"Do you think she might try to revive Team Rocket, or seek vengeance for their destruction?" Ash asked.
"I doubt that," Red said. "She was mostly a mercenary, and from what we found out about her from questioning others, she was in all of this for money and nothing else. She will most likely be in hiding for a while, and then start working for someone else."
"I see," Ash said. "Well, I'm glad that Team Rocket is gone. I was starting to get annoyed by them, and didn't trust myself around them after what they pulled on the Lake of Rage."
"Yeah, I know, Lance told me what you told him," Red said.
"Have there been trials for those arrested?" Ash asked.
"Yes, just few days after the arrest, everyone was tried and sent to prison." Red said.
"How many years they've got?" Ash asked.
"Well, Archer and Petrel were sentenced for life," Red said. "The secretary only got 3 years, because, even though she knew what they were doing, she didn't actually do anything, and was only sentenced for hiding from the law what Team Rocket were planning, then there is that guy from the Lake of Rage, Tyson, he got 15 years, just like two others who were arrested after their run in with Amber and her friends. That guy you arrested, Marauder, I think, he got life in prison. As for the grunts, they got from 5 to 10 years, all of them."
"What about Giovanni, how is he handling the prison?" Ash asked with slight smile on his face.
"Yeah, about that," Red said with a frown, and as Ash saw his expression, he also frowned.
"What happened," Ash asked? "Don't tell me he managed to escape."
"No, he was actually killed in prison," Red said, and Ash's eyes widened.
"By whom?' Ash asked.
"There was a big prison break in the prison he was in," Red said. "He was killed by the guards while he was trying to escape along with some other prisoners."
"Damn, I wasn't expecting that," Ash said with a frown. "Well, I guess in the end he got what he deserved. He won't get pity from me that's for sure."
"I don't think he deserved an end like that, Ash." Red said.
"I guess we have to agree that we disagree," Ash said, and Red frowned at Ash. "I have no pity in me for people like Giovanni, and those like him. As far as I'm concerned, this world is better with them."
Red knew that there is no point in trying to persuade Ash in different way of thinking, so he let it go in the end.
After that, they talked for a few more minutes, and then after they finished, Ash went to his room to get some sleep, as tomorrow morning he and the others are going to catch a ferry and go to Palmpona.
The journey from Olivine City to Palmpona lasted for about a day, and during that time, and gang was relaxing on the ferry, as there was nothing else to do.
"So, when is this Pokémon Swap Meet?" Misty asked, after they got of the ferry, and were heading toward the Pokémon Center to get rooms for all of them.
"Three days from now." Ash replied.
"What will we do for the next three days?" Serena asked.
"We can relax until then," Ash said. "After the Pokémon Swap Meet, we will go to New Bark Town, and after that the training starts, so we should let or Pokémon rest until then, because after the training starts there will be no resting for the next two months."
"OK, I guess that is a good plan," Misty and the others agreed, and so, they went to the Pokémon Center, where they got rooms, and later had dinner, after which they went to their room for the night.
For the next two days, the gang was going over Palmpona and were watching the preparations for the Pokémon Swap Meet, and the Tauros Race that is being held during the Swap Meet.
Once the day for the Pokémon Swap Meet has finally arrived, the gang left Pokémon Center sometime after breakfast, and headed to the event.
As the gang has arrived at the place where the event is happening, they saw many trainers with many different Pokémon from many other Regions, and not just Kanto and Johto. There were many Pokémon that none from the gang besides Ash have ever seen, and are very interested in learning about them, and maybe even train some of them.
"So, are you all going to look for some specific Pokémon, or Pokémon Type?" Serena asked.
"I'm going to look for Water Pokémon," Misty said. "That should be obvious."
"Of course it's obvious, "Serena said. "I was more asking the others, and not you."
"I have no preferences," Ash said. "So I'm looking for pretty much anything."
"The same with me," Brock said. "Though I might focus on some Rock Types as they will be useful for the Pewter Gym."
"It's all the same for me," Leaf said. "I have many different Pokémon Types, so just like Ash, I have no preferences, and will get anything I can."
"What about you, Serena?" Ash asked.
"I get what I get," she said simply. "Though, if I have to guess which Type I'll get, it will probably be Water and Flying Types."
"What makes you say that?" Misty asked with raised eyebrow.
"Well, out of all the Pokémon I have, five of them are Water or part Water Types, and also the same for Flying Type's. Somehow, I ended with Water and Flying Type Pokémon without even trying, and I have the feeling it will be the same this time as well."
"Hah, now that I think about it, you are right," Leaf said. "Most of your Pokémon are Water and Flying Types."
"Maybe one day, you will become Elite Four with one of those two types," Ash said.
"Oh no she won't," Misty said. "I'm going to become Water Pokémon Elite Four member; Serena can become Flying Type Elite Four if she wants."
"We will see," Serena said. "I just started my journey not even a year ago, there is still time to think about what I want to do one day."
"Ok then, are we all going to go together, or should we split up, and each go in different directions?" Brock asked.
"I think we should split up," Ash said. "It might give us better chances to get some Pokémon, and we would cover more ground."
"I agree," Leaf said. "It's a good idea."
"Ok, then it's decided, we will split up," Ash said, and everyone nodded. "But before that, does someone need one or two more Pokémon for the Swap? I have 10 of them, but I doubt I'll be able to swap all of them."
"No thanks, I'm fine, I've got 8 for the swap, and I think that's enough," Misty said.
"I'm also fine with the 6 I have." Leaf added.
"I've got 10 as well, so I'm fine," Brock said, and Serena said she is fine with the 4 she has.
"Ok, if you don't want any, then let's head out." Ash said, and so, after they agreed to meet again at that same place, they all went in different directions to swap some Pokémon.
After they split up, Ash and the others spent the next few hours going around the Pokémon Swap Meet, and were looking for interesting Pokémon from different Regions to get their hands on.
Of course, they had to convince the trainers of those interesting Pokémon to swap them with one of the few Pokémon they have for this event, and in some cases that was not easy, as most trainers only came with one Pokémon, and they didn't always want to let them go for what they believe to be a Pokémon of lesser worth.
Serena ended up having the hardest time as she had four Water Type Pokémon to swap, but they were either in their lower level forms, or they can't evolve, which is the case for the two Corsola she has. So, she had to focus on the trainers with the Pokémon who were in their first forms, or don't evolve at all.
Leaf had it about as hard as Serena, because with 4 Shelder and 2 Goldeen, there were not many trainers who were interested, but she did find a few who had Slowpoke's and needed Shelder so they can evolve them.
Misty found few trainers who were interested in her Wooper and Quagsire, as well as her 3 Tyrogue, so she was able to get her hands on some interesting Water Type Pokémon.
Brock had it quite a bit easier than Serena and Leaf, as he had 2 Slowpoke, 5 Chinchou and 3 Sudowoodo, especially as there were many trainers who were interested in Sudowoodo, though not so much in Slowpoke and Chinchou.
And last, Ash had it the easiest, since he had 3 Onix, 4 Graveler, 2 Horsea and 1 Seadra. He had it easiest, as he had some strong Pokémon, and was even willing to take lower level Pokémon for a higher level, and in one case he even gave 1 Onix, 1 Graveler and 1 Horsea for only 1 Pokémon. Though consider which Pokémon it was, he is not going to regret his decision.
After few hours of Pokémon Swapping, and when the event was close to the end, Ash and the others went back to the same place where they first split up. Ash was the first to arrive, followed by Brock, and then Serena, Leaf and Misty arrived relatively close after each other.
"So, how did it go?" Ash asked, after everyone has arrived.
"I had some trouble to find trainers who were willing to swap Pokémon with me, but in the end, I was able to get four new Pokémon, so I'm happy." Serena said.
"The same happened to me," Leaf said after Serena. "I was lucky though that there were trainers who needed Shelder as they already have Slowpoke, so they can evolve them, and I managed to find two trainers who wanted Goldeen, so I got 6 new Pokémon."
"I found trainers interested in Sudowoodo easily, and was able to find trainers who wanted Slowpoke to evolve them with Shelder, but I still have all 5 Chinchou."
"I found some trainers interested in my Water Pokémon and those 3 Tyrogue I had, so I was able to exchange 6 Pokémon. I still have two Wooper who I wasn't able to exchange, though." Misty said.
"I didn't have so much trouble," Ash said. "There were many trainers interested in the Pokémon I had, and I even made it easier for them, as I accepted to take lower form Pokémon for my stronger Pokémon."
"So, what did all of you get?" Misty asked.
"I got Aron, Solrock, Nosepass, Roggenrola and Binacle," Brock said. "I can't release them though until I send some other back in Pewter Gym."
"So, you got 5 Rock or part Rock Type Pokémon." Ash commented and Brock nodded.
"Good for you then," Ash added, and looked at the girls.
"I got Starly, Hoothoot, Ducklett and Noibat," Serena said, and everyone was surprised by her luck, but also she ended up with four Flying Type Pokémon.
"So, in the end, you did end up with 4 Flying Type Pokémon." Ash commented.
"Yeah." Serena said.
"I managed to acquire Larvitar, Baltoy, Feebas, Sandile, Trapinch and Hippopotas," Leaf said with a big smile on her face.
This was even more surprising then Serena's Pokémon.
"You actually got 5 Ground or part Ground Type Pokémon," Ash said. "I'm surprised, especially as they are all from different Regions, except Larvitar who is from Johto."
"Yeah, I was lucky." Leaf said.
"Well, I was lucky as well, as I got 6 new Water Type Pokémon," Misty said. "I got Lapras, Tentacool, Sealeo, Totodile, Poliwag and Clauncher."
"You sure were lucky with Sealeo and Clauncher, as they are Hoenn and Kalos native Pokémon." Ash said, and Misty nodded.
"Well, anyway, I got Zweilous, Axew, Fennekin and Prinplup," Ash said. "I gave 1 Onix, 1 Graveler and 1 Horsea for Zweilous, but hey, it was worth it, considering Zweilous is Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon."
"I got Larvitar for only one Pokémon," Leaf said. "And it can also evolve into Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon.
"You were lucky to find an idiot who was willing to accept that, but the girl who I got Zweilous from, didn't want to exchange it for anything lesser that what she already had, Ash said. "It took me a while to convince her to trade as she was hoping to get some powerful Poison Type Pokemon as she prefers them over other types, but I managed to convince her that it would be easier for her to trade the three Pokemon I gave her for three other Poison Types, then Zweilous for one Poison Type, as there aren't many Poison Types that are even close to Pseudo Legendary Rank."
"We were all lucky, as we have all managed to exchange Pokémon we didn't train at all, and were able to get some very interesting Pokémon." Brock said, and everyone agreed with him.
"So, what are we going to do now?" Leaf asked.
"Now, we head back to the Pokémon Center to send some Pokémon back to Oak's Lab, or in your Gyms, and then we are going to meet our new Pokémon, and have Nurse Joy check them out just in case." Ash said, and so, they all went back to the Pokémon Center to do just as they agreed.
The remaining of that day the gang spent with their new Pokémon, getting to know them and the Pokémon got to know their new trainer, and in the end, everyone was satisfied.
Nurse Joy also checked out all the new Pokémon the gang got, and they were happy to hear that all of them were healthy and have no problems at all.
And so, with Pokémon Swap Meet over, the gang went to sleep that night, and the next day, they headed toward New Bark Town, where Ash, Leaf and Serena are going to register for the Silver Conference.