Our heroes arrived in Orbarrow City, where they learned that Vernon's father, Walter was the City's Gym Leader. However, Vernon asked his father to allow him to be Ash's opponent, and despite a tough battle, Ash was defeated. As he prepared for a rematch, another challenger came to the Orbarrow Gym, Florian. Vernon decided to be his opponent as well, but was defeated. Now, though, a friend of our heroes named Johnny has demanded his own battle with Florian in order to teach him a lesson.
"Let's do it, Deino!" Florian said, as Deino took the field.
"Haxorus, let's go!" Johnny threw his own PokéBall, and Haxorus appeared with a glimmer.
"Huh? Haxorus?" Florian said surprised.
Everyone looked over at Florian, who had a confused look on his face. "What's with him?" said Vernon. "You'd think he's never seen a Haxorus before."
"Use Breaking Swipe!" said Johnny. Haxorus extended its tail swipe at Deino.
"Dodge it!" Deino jumped up to escape, except Haxorus simply spun faster, smacking Deino back to the ground.
"Whoa, it's fast!" said Serena.
"Grr, use Dragon Rush!" Deino charged forward and hit Haxorus dead on, except Haxorus didn't even seem phased.
"Outrage!" Haxorus's body glowed and it punched Deino away. It then followed up its attack, charging at it knock it to the ground.
"Haaaax!" it cried out. However, its eyes went a little crazy as the confusion from Outrage set it.
"Now's my chance!" Florian said. "Use Dragon Breath!"
Deino prepared to shoot out purple flames, but Haxorus suddenly smacked it head on the ground. Just as Deino let loose its attack, Johnny said, "Use Iron Head!"
Haxorus raised its head, its eyes now clear, and its head turned to metal as it charged forward, ramming into Deino.
"What the?" said RotomDex. "Did Haxorus smack its head on the ground to shake off its confusion?"
"Grr..." said Florian. "No, I won't lose!"
Just as I thought, rang a voice in his head.You're weak. You'll never be a champion at this rate.
Grr... no, I am not weak! I'll show you! Florian thought back. "Use Bite!"
Deino quickly bit down onto Haxorus's arm, but it didn't even seem phased. "Poison Jab!" Johnny yelled, and Haxorus stabbed Deino with purple fingers. Deino fell to the ground, its body erupting with purple bubbles of poison.
"No... I can't... I can't..." Florian muttered to himself. "I..."
"Deeeeiiii!" Deino cried. It looked over to where its Trainer stood, giving him a determined look. Seeing this, Florian quickly shook his head, and said, "You're right! We can't give up! Use Dragon Rush! Give it everything you've got!"
Deino charged forward, but Johnny just asked for another Outrage. Haxorus lit up its body, and it rammed into Deino. Deino was still pushing back with all its might, and for a second, it seemed like it was pushing back. But then the poison kicked in, and it fell back, allowing Haxorus to send it flying.
Ash looked over to see Deino lying motionless on the ground, and despite himself, he grinned and said, "Deino's unable to battle! Guess you lost, Florian!"
Florian didn't say anything, though. He just stared at his Pokémon before slowly walking up to it and picking it up. "Deino... I'm sorry... I thought we could win..."
"There's no shame in losing, son," Johnny said, walking up to him. "After all, losing just makes you smarter for next time."
However, Florian looked at him before he finally realized something. "I knew it! I knew I knew you from somewhere! You're Johnson!"
Johnny was taken aback, as were everyone else. "Huh? What are you talking about?" said Ash.
"What am I talking about?! This the Ralia Champion!"
"Ch-champion?!" everyone said.
Johnny quickly covered his face, but then muttered, "Guess, I couldn't fool you, Florian. I just hoped I could stay incognito a little longer."
"Wh- you're really the Ralia Champion?!" Ash said, completely shocked.
Johnny sighed as he pulled off his sunglasses and trench coat. Underneath, he revealed a handsome young man, with light brown hair, and a princely look. "Yep, the name's Johnson. The most powerful Trainer in the Ralia region."
"But- but why the disguise?" said Vernon.
"Well, I don't really much care for the fame that comes with being Champion. The constant mobbing gets tiresome. That's why I invented the Johnny persona. So I could just be a regular guy sometimes."
"I don't believe it," said Vernon. "Wait, did Dad know about this?"
"How do you think he knows me?"
"I can't believe it! You dressed up like this all just so you could stomp me and make me feel bad?!" said Florian. "I can't believe you! So I guess everything you've done before wasn't enough?!"
Everyone looked at Florian confused, but Johnson calmly said, "Florian, if this about your father-"
"Shut it!" said Florian. "Listen, Johnson, when the time comes, I'm gonna do what my father never could! I'll show you!" He picked Deino and carried it back to the Pokémon Center, as Johnson looked in and sighed to himself.
"Do you know Florian from somewhere?" asked Ash.
"I do," said Johnson. "His father's an old friend of mine. And then we became rivals as we competed against each other in the Ralia Pokémon League. I don't like to talk about it, though."
Ash looked confused, but Johnson said, "Never mind all that. Don't you and Vernon have a battle coming up?"
"Oh, right!" said Vernon as he stood up. "Yeah, I'll give you a bit to get ready, Ash. Let's meet at the Gym later."
"Oh, right," said Ash. "Well, I'm gonna win this time, Vernon. Just you wait!"
Vernon just gave a small smile before walking off.
Later, Ash was training hard with Pikachu, Roachoid, and Charmor. "Charmor, try a Flame Wheel." Charmor spun forward, moving as fast as it could.
"Pikachu, try to dodge it!" Pikachu quickly moved out of the way. "Now use Iron Tail!"
Pikachu's tail turned silver as it brought it down. "Roachoid, meet it with X-Scissor!" Roachoid jumped up and stopped Iron Tail in its tracks.
"Okay, good job, you guys," said Ash. "Now let's take it from the top!"
"You seem to be working hard," came a voice. Ash turned to see Serena, RotomDex, and Johnson walking up behind him.
"Well, yeah, there's no way I'm gonna lose!" said Ash. "I gotta show Vernon what I'm made of!"
"Yeah," said Serena. "Say, Ash, you mind if I ask you a question?"
"Huh?"
"It's just when you lost to Vernon. You seemed awfully upset about it."
"What? I don't know what you're talking about."
"It's true, Ash," said RotomDex. "You looked awfully bitter about it."
"Well," said Ash, "maybe I was a little upset. But so what? It's an important battle after all."
"I don't know, Ash," said Johnson. "I think you're upset because a part of you thought Vernon would go easy on you."
"What are you talking about?"
"Maybe you thought Vernon knew how important victory was for you, so he'd go easy on you so you could win. So when he didn't a part of you felt betrayed by him."
Ash stood there surprised, but Johnson continued, "I assure you, Vernon didn't betray you. He wanted to bring out your best. And having seen the fire in his eyes during your battle, I think he wanted to battle you to prove his own abilities to you."
"Huh?"
"It's true. Vernon battled you to prove his own skills. And I think it's because of how much he respects you and your skills."
"Really? Is that why Vernon wanted to face me?"
"Well, they say the best way for Trainers to understand each other is in the heat of battle," said RotomDex. "Maybe that's what Vernon wanted all along."
"I saw him after he lost to Florian," said Johnson. "He was really upset about it. I think he was worried his skills weren't good enough."
"Wait, really?" said Ash. He began to think. Was what they were saying true? Was he really upset about his loss because he felt betrayed by Vernon? But Vernon, he only wanted to prove his own skills? To meet Ash in battle to understand him?
"Take it from me, Ash. Don't let competition ruin your friendship with Vernon," said Johnson. "It shouldn't be about winning and losing. It should be about understanding each other and learning to respect each other."
Ash was silent for a long time, but finally he said, "Yeah, maybe you're right." He looked at his Pokémon and said, "Alright, guys, I think we're gonna try something a little different. We're gonna remember what Vernon is capable of so we can match him, okay?"
"Pika!" Pikachu nodded in agreement.
"Roa!" Roachoid agreed.
"Char!" Charmor nodded.
Johnson smiled in relief, before he pulled out a PokéBall. "Say, I don't mind helping you train." He threw the PokéBall and out came a strange Pokémon. It looked like a Rapidash, but it had wings, a longer mane of fire, and a smaller horn.
"Who's that Pokémon?" asked Serena.
RotomDex scanned it and said, "Pegasoar, the Pegasus Pokémon. A Fire and Fairy Type. Having grown wings, Pegasoar can fly faster than almost any Pokémon. It leaves behind a trails of beautiful embers as it flies. Evolves from Rapidash when traded while holding Fairy Dust."
"Whoa, that's pretty cool!" Ash said. "But... it's a Champion's Pokémon, right?"
"Relax, I'll go easy on you," said Johnson as he took the battlefield.
Serena watched Ash walk to the field, ready for battle. She found herself think on Johnson's words, but then she thought back to her battle with Eva. She didn't start feeling the same way Ash did, did she? A feeling of betrayal?
Later, Florian was leaving the Pokémon Center, but then, he saw Johnson.
"Leaving already, son?"
"What do you want?" said Florian.
"I was just wondering if you'd like to watch Ash's match with Vernon."
"Not really," said Florian. "I got my badge, that's all that matters."
"I don't know. I think if you watch you might learn something new."
"Like what?"
"Like that maybe people are more than obstacles for you to overcome. It's gonna be a battle between best friends who know and respect each other."
Florian only looked at him confused, but he thought about his words. A battle between friends? How could such a thing be possible?
Who's that Pokémon?
An infant sleeps inside its ball, so it rolls its ball soothingly with its legs to ensure the infant sleeps comfortably.
Vernon was standing inside the Gym, holding Toxel in his arms. He felt a little impatient, anxiously awaiting the arrival of Ash.
"Are you feeling nervous, Vernon?" asked Walter as he walked up to his son.
"What? Nervous? Why would I be nervous?"
"It's written all over your face. Are you getting anxious about your next battle with Ash?"
"Of course not, I know what I'm doing," Vernon insisted. After a pause, he added, "I just want to be able to connect with my friend on the battlefield, you know? That's the best way Trainers understand each other."
"Are you afraid to lose this time?" Vernon looked at his father shocked, but Walter continued. "You were so proud of yourself for beating him the first time, but then when Florian beat you, well... maybe that hurt your pride?"
"I-I don't know what you're talking about," said Vernon.
"Vernon, listen, I want you to do me a favor and not battle for pride-related reasons," said Walter. "I can tell you really want to be able to understand Ash through battle, but that means you can't worry about winning or losing. After all, you're a great Trainer. I saw that myself. I do hope you give it your all, and don't hold back, but do it because it is your duty as the acting Gym Leader. You need to test Ash so he'll be ready for what's down the line."
"I know that, Dad," said Vernon. "That's why I didn't take it easy on him the last time. He wants a badge, he'll have to give it his all, too."
"Well, okay, whatever you say," said Walter. Suddenly they heard the front doors open, and soon enough, Ash was running in, followed closely behind by Pikachu, Serena, and RotomDex.
"I'm here, Vernon!" said Ash. "You ready to go?"
Vernon grinned and walked up to Ash. "You better believe it, pal." He looked behind Ash, but was surprised to see that Johnson wasn't around. "Hey, where's Johnson?"
"Oh, he said he had something important to take care of," said Serena. "But he said he'd show up later."
"Hold up!" came another voice. Everyone turned to see Eva running in. "Sorry I'm late! Forgot where this place was!"
"Oh, hey, Eva. Are you here to watch, too?" said Vernon.
"You bet!" Eva said. "After all, this'll be a battle between two best friends who know each other better than anyone! It'll be something amazing!"
"Heh, well okay," said Vernon. "The more the merrier!"
"Hey, Vernon?" Ash suddenly spoke up. "Um, listen, I have a confession to make." Vernon was confused, but Ash continued, "The truth is, when you beat me last time, I felt a little angry. I was so confident I was gonna win against you, so it made me upset to lose like that. And, well, I know it sounds silly, but a part of me felt betrayed. I guess I thought you were gonna take it easy on me for my sake."
Vernon didn't know what to say, but Ash smiled and said, "But, I see now how ridiculous I was being. Of course you can't go easy on me. How else can I really earn my Badge? But more importantly, I realized... I actually underestimated you. How strong you actually are. I think that's why I lost." He clenched a fist in front of him. "But not this time. Now, I'm battling with you as my equal, because that's what you are! So don't you hold anything back, okay? Because I wanna be about to understand you through battle! To see the kind of person you really are! It's no longer about winning or losing, it's about understanding my friend and having some fun with him!"
Vernon was speechless, but finally he grinned, and said, "Then let's get this show on the road, shall we?"
It's Rabsca!
"The battle between Ash, the challenger and Vernon, the acting Gym Leader will now begin!" said the referee. "Now then, I'm sure you know the rules, so send out your first Pokémon!"
"Now, Roachoid, I choose you!" Ash threw his big Pokémon out onto the field, who did a little mocking dance in anticipation.
"So, he's leading with Roachoid, this time?" said RotomDex.
"Wonder what his strategy is?" said Serena.
"Mosqueedle, you're up first!" Vernon threw his own big Pokémon out onto the field, and it buzzed with excitement.
"Alright, battle begin!" said the ref.
BATTLE BEGIN!
"Use Toxic!" Mosqueedle spat out some purple goop, but Ash was ready for this.
"Use Struggle Bug!" Roachoid threw out little beans of energy, which stopped the Toxic in its track.
"Hmph, guess I should have expected to expect that," said Vernon.
"Use Hypnosis!" Ash said. Roachoid's eyes glowed and emoted red rings at Mosqueedle.
"I don't think so! Dodge with Agility!" Mosqueedle quickly flew up, zipping around to avoid the attack.
"Use U-turn!" Mosqueedle charged down, prepared to hit Roachoid with its pointed nose.
"Not this time! Don't move, Roachoid!" Roachoid stood still as Mosqueedle moved in, but just as Mosqueedle was about to hit it, Ash yelled out, "Stop it with X-Scissor!"
Roachoid slashed the air in front of it, creating an X. Mosqueedle tried to break through, but Roachoid sent it flying away. "Nice job, Roachoid!" Ash said as Roachoid mockingly started to dance.
Looks like he's figured out my strategies with Mosqueedle. Vernon thought. But I'm just getting started! "Use Toxic multiple times!"
Mosqueedle spat out numerous balls of liquid, and Ash told Roachoid to dodge. It kept running forward to avoid getting poisoned, but as it got closer to Mosqueedle...
"Pin Missile!" Mosqueedle shot out this attack and pummeled Roachoid.
"Roachoid, get out of there!" Roachoid tried to back up, but fell onto the floor.
"I see what Vernon did," said Eva. "He used Toxic to draw Roachoid in."
Suddenly, the people in the stands heard footsteps behind them. They turned to see Johnson and Florian walking up behind them.
"Johnson? Is that Florian?" said Serena. "What's he doing here?"
"I just thought he should see this battle," said Johnson. "He could learn something important."
"Somehow, I doubt that," said Florian. "But I suppose if I'm going to be dealing with Ash going forward, I better see what I'm up against." He looked down onto the field, and he scoffed. "He's struggling. Big surprise."
As Ash struggled to come up with something, Roachoid dived down and laid on its stomach leaving only its shell above exposed. Vernon grinned to himself. I know how you roll, Ash. I've prepared a lot to face you in battle! "Use Poison Jab!"
Mosqueedle charged forward and hit Roachoid, but then it bounced off. Everyone looked at Roachoid confused, but Roachoid's body began to glow silver.
"Wait a minute," said RotomDex. "I think that's Iron Defense!"
"Roachoid just learned Iron Defense?" said Vernon. "Well, that won't stop us. Keep using Poison Jab!" Mosqueedle kept hitting Roachoid, but could seem to break through the iron shell.
"That's it! Keep it up, Roachoid! Don't let it through!" Ash said. However, Mosqueedle tried ramming as hard as it could, but then, Roachoid's body started to glow.
"What?" Ash said. Roachoid suddenly grew taller, its shell turning gray, and gaining marks on its face that looked like a mustache. It stood to face Mosqueedle, who balked at what it could see.
"Whoa! Of course! Because it learned Iron Defense, Roachoid was able to evolve!" said RotomDex as it scanned Roachoid's new form. "Iroach. The Iron Roach Pokémon. A Bug and Steel Type. Its exoskelteon is harder that steel, and can protect it from the might of almost any attack."
"Whoa, Iroach?" Ash said, stunned. "Wait, if it's a Steel Type now, it's immune to Poison Type moves!"
Vernon didn't know what to say. This was the last thing he expected. He tried to snap himself out of his daze and said, "Use Pin Missile!"
Mosqueedle shot out some Pin Missiles, but Ash just called for Iron Defense. Iroach hunkered down to, turning to steel, stopping the attack in its tracks. "Now, use Struggle Bug!" Iroach spat out its attack, but Vernon called for Agility. Mosqueedle quickly flew at blistering speeds to escape the attack, making its way above Iroach. But seeing this, Ash had an idea.
"Keep using Struggle Bug! Scatter it around the arena!" Iroach let loose as many Struggle Bug Attacks as it could. Vernon told Mosqueedle to dodge them all with Agility, but as Mosqueedle weaved between the attacks, Vernon realized too late it was getting to close to Iroach.
"Mosqueedle, stop!" But it was too late. Iroach promptly grabbed onto Mosqueedle, preventing it from getting away.
"Perfect!" said Ash. "Use Hypnosis!" Iroach hypnotized Mosqueedle, and it fell to the floor asleep.
"Come on, wake up, Mosqueedle!" Vernon cried out, but Mosqueedle was conked out.
"Now, use Iron Head!" Iroach jumped up, its head turning silver, before it came crashing down on Mosqueedle. When the dust settled, Mosqueedle has swirls for eyes.
"Mosqueedle is unable to battle!"
"Yes! Nice job, Iroach!" Ash cheered as Iroach did a mocking dance. Ash then pulled out Iroach's PokéBall recalling for rest.
"Whoa, that was so cool!" said Eva. "Who could have seen that coming!?"
"Well, unpredictability is kind of Ash's whole thing!" said RotomDex.
Serena looked aver to see Florian had a shocked expression on his face. Clearly, he didn't see that coming either.
Vernon recalled Mosqueedle, and sighed to himself. "Ash, you truly are the most unpredictable person I've ever met."
"Thanks, Vernon!" said Ash. "I gotta say though, that was a pretty good strategy, drawing us in like that. That's why I had to try it."
"Heh, can't believe I fell for my own trick," said Vernon, before he pulled out his next PokéBall. "No matter, we're just getting started!" He threw out his next Pokémon, Vatoxic.
"Vatoxic, huh?" said Ash. "Okay, Charmor, you're up!" He threw his own Pokémon onto the field, who was bursting with energy for battle. "Use Flame Wheel!" Charmor rolled forward wreathed in flames, but Vernon anticipated this.
"Douse it with Sludge Wave!" Vatoxic summoned a wave of purple liquid, washing away Charmor and dousing out the flames.
Ash growled and thought, I think I get it now. Vernon likes to take my attacks and twist them around on me. Well, he's not the only one who can try that! "Use Ember!" Charmor spat out some fire.
"I don't think so!" said Vernon. "Venoshock!" Vatoxic spat a stream of liquid, extinguishing the flame. "Now use Iron Head." Vatoxic charged forward, ready to smack into Charmor.
But Ash grinned. "I was waiting for that! Alright, Charmor, it's time!" Charmor nodded at its Trainer and began spinning with Rapid Spin.
"Now what's he doing?" said Florian.
"Heh, just you wait!" said Serena.
Suddenly, flames started pouring out of Charmor's body, and span around, forming a giant barrier around it. Vatoxic was quickly whipped around by the flames.
"What on earth...?" Florian said, stunned.
"That's one of Ash's oldest tricks!" RotomDex said. "It's called the Counter Shield!"
"Whoa, how'd he teach Charmor to do that?!" said Eva.
"Oh, he perfected that technique with other Pokémon," explained Serena. "But, well..." she remembered how Ash had asked for her help in practicing earlier. He explained how he had an old technique he wanted to teach Charmor, and he wanted Serena's help as a Performer to help Charmor to figure it out. "I helped him teach it to Charmor."
As Vatoxic was knocked away, Vernon was stunned. I don't believe it. What kind of technique is this? I guess I don't know Ash as well as I thought. "Stop this with Sludge Wave!"
Vatoxic summoned another wave, which clashed with the fire, but Ash encouraged his Pokémon. "Don't hold back, Charmor! Spin as fast as you can!" Charmor kept spinning, the flames growing bigger, until they managed to reach Vatoxic. The flames knocked it away, stopping Sludge Wave. As Vatoxic tried to stand up, a burn erupted across its body.
"Yes! Now's our chance!" said Ash. "Flame Wheel!"
As Charmor charged forward, Vatoxic was commanded to use Iron Head. The two Pokémon rammed into each other at full power, knocking them back. They stood back up and glared at each other, but Vatoxic's burn acted up, and it fell over, KO'd.
"Vatoxic is unable to battle!"
"You did it, Charmor!" said Ash as his Pokémon celebrated.
Vernon recalled Vatoxic and said, "Thanks, Vatoxic. You did a good job." Despite this, he sighed to himself. This battle wasn't going his way at all. It was a shame. He did so well against Ash before, but then, first Florian and now this?
"Hey, Vernon!" Ash called out from across the field. "Don't you give up now! I told you, don't hold anything back! I wanna battle you at your best!"
Vernon heard this and smiled. "Yeah, you're right, Ash. It's not over yet!" He pulled out his last PokéBall. "This is it. My last hope. I'm counting on you, my number one partner!" He threw out his last Pokémon, Jelloater, who appeared on the battlefield with vicious determination.
"We've been waiting for you, Jelloater," said Ash. "You ready to go, Charmor?"
"Char!" Charmor assured.
"Great, use Ember!" Charmor spat out a fireball, but Vernon was ready for that.
"Jelloater, block it!" Jelloater raised its tentacles, glowing with electricity, and they stopped Ember in its tracks. "Now use Poison Jab!"
Jelloater thrust its tentacles at Charmor, so Ash called for another Counter Shield. Charmor span and formed a barrier, knocking Jelloater back. Vernon growled as he tried to come up with something. However, as he saw Charmor spinning on the floor, he had an idea. "Jelloater, pound the floor! Throw it off balance!" Jelloater pounded the ground with all its strength, making Charmor lose it balance, and making a hole in the shield. "Now's your chance! Poison Jab!"
Jelloater stuck its tentacle through the hole, hitting Charmor. As the flames stopped, Charmor felt poisoning take over. "Finish it with Venoshock!"
"Ember!"
Both Pokémon managed to hit each other with their moves, but unfortunately, Venoshock proved more painful, and Charmor collapsed on the floor.
"Charmor is unable to battle!"
Ash sighed and recalled Charmor. "Don't worry, Charmor. You were amazing out there."
Suddenly, flames came out of Jelloater's body. Ash grinned as he told Charmor, "See that? You burned it! We'll make sure your work wasn't in vain!" As he pulled out his next PokéBall, he said, "That was a pretty good strategy, Vernon, to stop Counter Shield. I've seen anyone beat it like that before."
"Well, watching you, I've learned to think outside of the box, Ash," said Vernon. "Guess you could say I learned from the best!"
Ash smiled before throwing his next PokéBall, revealing Iroach, who did another mocking dance.
"Alright, Iroach, let's do it! Use Hypnosis!" Iroach emited its Hypnosis, but Vernon had an idea.
"Say, Jelloater, let's try something. Spin around and use Discharge!" Jelloater did as it was told and the move created a barrier to stop the Hypnosis.
"Whoa!" said Walter. "Did Vernon just use Counter Shield, too!? Heh, my boy really is something else!"
"And Ash can't stop it the same way Vernon did because Jelloater is in the air," said Johnson.
The electricity hit Iroach, but it stood back up. "That's the spirit, Iroach! Why don't you try Iron Defense to stop Discharge?" Iroach hunkered down, and its body turned silver.
Vernon scoffed and said, "Jelloater, Constrict!"
Jelloater stopped its shield and unleashed its tentacles, wrapping up Iroach. "Now use Discharge!"
Iroach was zapped with loads of electricty before Jelloater dropped it on the ground, and it was revealed to have swirls in its eyes.
"Iroach is unable to battle!"
"Yes! You're amazing, Jelloater!" said Vernon as his Pokémon celebrated.
Ash recalled Iroach and and said, "You did well, Iroach. Take a long rest." He looked up at Vernon and said, "I'm impressed! You made a Counter Shield of your own?"
"Yeah, well, I think I only pulled it off thanks to me and Jelloater being in perfect sync," said Vernon. "Just like how you've been with Charmor and Iroach during this battle."
Ash smiled, and he looked down at Pikachu. "Pika, pi!" it exclaimed, its body bursting with electricity.
"Couldn't have said it better myself, buddy!" said Ash. "Alright, It's all up to you! Now, Pikachu, I choose you!"
"Pika!" Pikachu jumped onto the battlefield.
"Awesome!" said Eva. "I guess this is it! Partner versus partner! This is gonna be so cool!"
"Well, what do you think so far, Florian?" said Johnson.
"I don't know," said Florian. "It's... intense, I guess?" Johnson just shook his head.
As Vernon looked at Ash and Pikachu, he thought, It's too bad. I don't think had more fun in a battle in my entire life! I just wish this battle could go on and on!
As Ash saw Vernon and Jelloater, and he thought, Man, Vernon's such a great battler, isn't he? I can't remember the last time I felt so fired up! I don't want to stop!
Ash took a deep breath, and said, "Pikachu, use Iron Tail!"
"Pika!" Pikachu jumped up and prepared to hit Jelloater with its silver tail.
"Acid Armor!" Jelloater turned its body to liquid, causing Pikachu's tail to phase through it. "Constrict!" Jelloater wrapped its tentacles around Pikachu, holding it tight.
"Thunderbolt!" Ash called out. Unfortunately, Pikachu couldn't muster up more than a few sparks. No! Ash thought. Is Jelloater holding Pikachu so tightly, it can't use Thunderbolt?
"Use Poison Jab!" Jelloater used its other tentacles to jab Pikachu, and sure enough, it was poisoned.
"No, not more poison!" said Ash. Pikachu cried out in pain, as Ash struggled to think of something. Fortunately, he had an idea. "Use Iron Tail! Try to break free!" Pikachu broke out its tail, and it kept hitting and hitting until it managed to break free.
"Poison Jab, again!"
"Block it with Iron Tail!" Pikachu rose its tail to stop the Poison Jab, and thanks to Iron Tail's Steel typing, it had no effect.
"Use Quick Attack!" Pikachu charged forward, but Vernon grinned.
"Acid Armor!" Pikachu phased through Jelloater's body again, and then Vernon said, "Counter Shield!" Jelloater spun around, and used its electricity to whip Pikachu with a barrier.
"Fight fire with fire, Pikachu! Counter Shield!" Pikachu managed to get to the ground and spun around, unleashing a Counter Shield of its own. The electricity canceled each other out, but Ash yelled for Pikachu to spin faster, as Pikachu mustered up more electricity, Jelloater felt its burn acting up, and its shield stopped, and Pikachu was able to zap it.
"Awesome! Quick Attack!" Pikachu managed to hit Jelloater before it had time to react. However, Jelloater rose back up and stared Pikachu down.
"Use Electroweb!" Pikachu threw a web of electricity at Jelloater, but Vernon called for another Acid Armor, and the attack phased right through it.
"Venoshock!" Jelloater nailed Pikachu with this attack, and blew Pikachu away. As its poisoning acted up, Pikachu struggled to get up.
Come on, there's gotta be a way! Ash thought. I'll never win if I can't stop Acid Armor.
Suddenly, he thought of something. I've got it! "Pikachu, use Quick Attack one more time!" Pikachu charged forward, but Vernon simply asked for another Acid Armor. But Ash was ready this time. "Grab its tentacles! Throw it at the ground!" Pikachu grabbed a tentacle and managed to throw Jelloater to the floor. "Now, trap it with Electroweb!" Pikachu threw a web at Jelloater, keeping it pinned. Now, even with Acid Armor, it couldn't squeeze its way out, at least now with its tentacles in the way.
"Now! Thunderbolt!" Ash yelled.
"Pi-ka-chuuuuu!" Pikachu unleashed all its electricity at Jelloater, creating a mini-explosion. When the dust settled, everyone saw Pikachu and Jelloater staring each other down. Suddenly, both of their status effects acted up, and they fell to the floor.
"Pikachu!"
"Jelloater!"
The two Pokémon lay motionless, but then one of them was able to slowly stand up.
"Pi... Pika!"
"Jelloater is unable to battle! The winner is Ash, the challenger!"
"You did it, Pikachu!" Ash cheered. He excitedly ran up to his exhausted Pokémon, picking him up. "You're the best, Pikachu!"
"Pika!" Pikachu managed a smile.
Vernon slowly walked up to his Pokémon, who managed to stand up. "Jell..."
"No, it's okay, Jelloater. You were amazing," Vernon said.
"Amazing is right!" said Ash. "That was an amazing battle, Vernon! I actually thought you had us!"
"Heh, yeah, I guess so," said Vernon as he helped Jelloater up. "Congrats, Ash. That battle was so much fun! You really are a great Trainer."
He and Ash clasped their hands together. "So are you, Vernon."
Serena looked at her friends, and beamed. It was o good to see them like this. Getting along, and showing their respect to one another. She felt bad for Vernon, but she was still happy for Ash. These two, they knew how to preserve their friendship in light of competition.
Of course, at that last part, Serena ended up looking at Eva. Yeah, friendship is more important than competition, isn't it?
Johnson looked over at Florian, who was staring at the field shocked. But he knew it wasn't because Ash won. It was because of the camaraderie he was seeing between these two. Johnson sighed. If only he could understand.
Outside the Gym, Vernon stood before Ash. "You were really something in there, Ash," said Vernon. "I'm glad you won. Really."
"Yeah, well, thanks for that battle, Vernon," said Ash. "I wasn't sure I'd win for a bit there."
Vernon smiled and sighed to himself. "To tell you the truth, the main reason I wanted to battle is because I wanted to see if I measured up to you. The time I spent traveling with you, I thought I'd grown stronger than I was before. I was real proud of myself for beating you, but after losing to Florian..."
"Hey, come on, don't worry about that!" said Ash. "Trust me. You are strong, Vernon. That battle could have gone either way. And so what if you couldn't beat Florian? You and I, we can only get stronger!'
Vernon smiled hearing that, before Walter approached holding Toxel. "Well, then, Vernon, care to do the honors?" Toxel held out a Badge and Vernon took it.
"Ash, for defeating me, I hearby reward you with the Venom Badge."
"Thanks so much, Vernon," said Ash. "Alright, I just got the Venom Badge!"
Suddenly, Ash saw Florian walking away. "Hey, Florian, are you leaving already?"
"Of course I am," said Florian. "I got places to be." He turned away and walked away, as everyone watched after him. Johnson, in particular, had a look of disappointment on his face.
Still, Florian briefly looked back at Ash before thinking to himself, Ash Ketchum. I better remember that name.
"Hey, Eva?" Eva heard Serena's voice, and she turned to face her. "Uh, you know, I never congratulated you for winning the Pageant, did I?"
"No, not exactly," said Eva. "Serena, I know you're mad you lost. But you know, ever since I started doing Pageants, you were my inspiration." Serena was surprised, but Eva continued, "I watched a lot of Pagaents on TV, but when you told me about your past of Performances and Contests, I had to look into it. And you were always so amazing! And when I saw you on stage like that, so confident in yourself, I wanted more than anything to be like that."
"Oh, Eva," said Serena. "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have been a sore loser. You earned that medal, okay? When I saw you out there, I thought you looked so great! I know you're gonna be an amazing Pageanter. And you know what? If I had to lose to somebody, I'm okay with it being you. 'Cause you are a worthy opponent!"
Hearing this, Eva smiled, and she quickly pulled Serena in for a hug. "Thanks, Serena! That means a lot to me!"
As Serena was released, she said, "Next time, though, I'm gonna make certain that I beat you, okay? But don't you dare hold back, got it?"
"You better not hold back either!" said Eva.
"Bye!" waved Walter, Johnson, and Eva. Ash, Pikachu, Serena, Vernon, and RotomDex waved back as they left Orbarrow City.
"Good luck, Vernon! I know you'll be a great actor!" said Walter.
"I hope so, Dad!" said Vernon. As he looked at Ash, though he thought, And I'll make sure to become stronger with my Pokémon, too.
"See you at the next Pagaent, Serena!" said Eva.
"You too, Eva!" said Serena.
"Hey, Ash! You better make it to the Ralia League, okay?" said Johnson. "I need to see you reach the top!"
"Don't you worry," said Ash. "I'll win it all, and then you and I will have real battle, okay?"
With a third badge in Ash's possession, our heroes are ready to move on to the next stop on their adventures. No telling where it'll go, but as long as they have each other, it's gonna be alright! Stay tuned...
Unbeknownst to anyone, the Toxel, which had been released back into the wild, was hiding behind a tree, and began to follow our heroes.
...as the journey continues!
TO BE CONTINUED...