Chapter 11

In this chapter, Ash will describe his journey so far and also discuss a new goal he has for himself, thanks to Issei's help.

Hoenn Region: Lavaridge Town.

"Congratulations on becoming a champion, Issei! That's awesome!" Ash said while congratulating his brother on his victory, which Issei was grateful for until he asked his little brother about his journey.

[Thanks, Ash. What about you? How's your journey in Hoenn been? I heard you took out Norman on the first attempt. That's honestly impressive since he was the fifth gym leader to beat for a reason.] Issei said, knowing that Norman may use Normal types. Still, Norman was able to not only bring out the full power of the Slaking Evolution but also was rumored to be the second strongest due to Wallace being the strongest in the Hoenn Region.

"Well, after I got the Balance Badge, I was able to defeat not only Roxanne but also Brawly and Wattson. I'm hoping to take down Flannery in one match, but given how she's the fourth Gym Leader, she's got to have some serious skills." Ash said. He did some research on Flannery and saw that she was not only a fire-type user but also was able to combat Blaine in his gym.

Flannery specialized in using Numel, Slugma, and Torkal as her three Pokémon. The last one was her strongest due to the move Overheat, which is extremely risky and dangerous. At first, it is incredibly powerful and can take out almost any opponent, but the catch is that if the move is used over and over again, then the power behind Overheat weakens.

It was one of the lessons that Issei taught Ash when learning about Pokémon moves and studying his opponents since Ash fights with his heart. Still, he's learned how to use his brain, which Issei scolded him for with light mockeries, such as when he even defeated Charizard with an Alolan Ninetails that has Flash Fire due to its parent being a Kanto Ninetails and its mother, an Alolan Ninetails.

Ash was amazed to learn about Alola before Issei told him that it had no gyms. Still, they have Trial Captains or Kahunas, who didn't interest Issei since he came across two of them in Kalos and defeated them with such ease that he was disappointed by their actual skills.

However, that's a story for another time since Ash heard Issei speak to him.

[Do not get cocky, Ash, since Flannery did gain her position after defeating her grandfather in a battle, which means she's been trained by a skilled trainer. Don't allow your ego or pride to be the result of your downfall.] Issei said, hitting Ash's spirit since his older brother tended to compliment him but also then insult him with some much-needed advice.

"I know," Ash mumbled since he almost lost to Brawly, thinking he would be able to beat him easily.

"And I'll be here to bring him back down to Earth," Sabrina said, making Ash pout at this, but he didn't argue since he recalled his issues with his overconfidence.

"Yeah. I can't wait to see this new region once it's rebuilt."

[Heh. It'll be a while since it's been sealed away for years. Still, though, I'm happy to hear you've been well. Oh, before I forget, how's Miraidon doing after the battle with that Paradox Pokemon?] Issei asked before Ash replied.

"Oh yeah. Wattson helped Miraidon and was able to repair the damage to her. Luckily, he was able to restore her body and deal with the power issue. It seemed that whatever damaged her Hadron Engine. Apparently, it's what held all of her energy reserves and such, resulting in the Miraidon barely being able to hold her charge." Ash said that Issei understood some parts of it but was glad to hear that the Paradox Pokemon was safe and sound.

[That's good to hear. Hopefully, Mira can rest properly without having to get into any battles. Still, I do wish you luck in Flannery's gym. I do hope you succeed in your battles ahead. You've done well so far, but do be warned that should you defeat Flannery, you'll then have five of the eight badges needed to enter the Hoenn League. Oh, by the way, what Pokémon have you caught in this region? I am curious about what you caught.] Issei asked before Ash replied.

"Well, so far, I've caught Mudkip, Treeko, a Bagon, Numel, and a Spoink."

[Oh? It's impressive that you have some good catches. I am amazed by Spoink and Bagon since those two will be incredibly useful in future battles, especially if they reach their evolved forms. So, who is on your team now?]

"Well, originally, I had Phanphy, Heracross, Luxio, Tyrunt, Larion, Charizard, Wartotle, Turtwig, Pidgeot, and finally, Muk. But I now have Mudkip, Treeko, Bagon, Numel, and Spoink on my team, but I swapped out Larion, Muk, Donphan, Heracross, and Tyrantrum since they wanted to take a rest at the lab." Ash explained while Issei nodded.

[It is understandable since the last ones are Water, Psychic, and Flying types. If you evolve some of them to their final forms, then you will have a formidable team for the Hoenn League.] Issei said before Ash thanked Issei for the advice until Issei hung up after saying goodbye to his little brother.

Ash smiled at his brother's care before Sabrina wrapped her arms around Ash's neck, which made him blush before asking.

"So, who from the team will you use?" Sabrina asked.

Ash thought for a moment, feeling the warmth of Sabrina's embrace. Her gentle touch made him more aware of the decisions he had to make.

I'll start with Mudkip since it's a Water-type, and Flannery's Fire-types will have a hard time against it. Plus, Mudkip is getting stronger every day," Ash said, nodding to himself as he formulated his strategy. "After that, I might use Spoink. It's got psychic abilities, and I want to test its strength in a real gym battle."

Sabrina nodded thoughtfully. "That's a solid plan, but don't underestimate her Torkoal. It might be slow, but its defenses are tough to crack, and with Overheat, it can deal a lot of damage in one hit."

"Yeah," Ash agreed, scratching his chin. "That's why I'm thinking of saving Bagon for last. It's still young, but it's got raw power. And with its Dragon-type advantage, it could take Torkoal down if it comes to that."

Sabrina smirked, looking impressed. "You've really thought this through. You're getting better at planning."

Ash chuckled softly. "Thanks. I guess Issei is rubbing off on me a bit."

The two shared a quiet moment, Sabrina tightening her arms around Ash in support. He had grown so much as a trainer, and she could see the confidence he was starting to develop—not just in battle, but in himself.

"I'm going to train a bit before we take on Flannery," Ash said. "I want to make sure everyone is ready. We can't afford to get sloppy."

"Of course," Sabrina replied, releasing him gently. "I'll help you with some of the psychic moves for Spoink if you'd like."

Ash smiled gratefully. "That would be awesome. Thanks, Sabrina."

Ash and Sabrina made their way to a nearby field, where Domino was sleeping on Wigglytuff's belly, snoring with a sleep mask on her face. This was the perfect spot for a training session. As they arrived, Ash released Spoink, Mudkip, and Bagon from their Pokéballs. The three Pokémon looked up at Ash, eager to train.

"Alright, you three," Ash said with a grin. "We've got a big gym battle coming up, so we're going to work hard today! Spoink, I was hoping you could work on your psychic abilities. Sabrina's going to help you with control and power."

Sabrina knelt beside Spoink, smiling at the energetic, psychic type. "Spoink, we're going to focus on honing your telekinetic skills. I want you to use Psychic to move objects with precision. We'll work on manipulating different weights and shapes."

Spoink bounced excitedly, the pearl on its head glowing as it started focusing on nearby rocks. Sabrina stepped back, raising her hand and guiding Spoink with her mind, helping the little Pokémon improve its control. Gradually, Spoink lifted rocks of various sizes, concentrating on moving them smoothly through the air. Each success brought a sparkle of pride to its eyes, and Sabrina praised it gently.

Meanwhile, Ash turned to Mudkip and Bagon. "Mudkip, you're up first! We're going to work on your Water Gun and Mud-Slap. You need to get your speed up if we're going to take on Flannery's Fire-types."

Mudkip gave a determined cry, splashing water at Ash's feet to show its enthusiasm. Ash laughed and pointed toward a line of targets he had set up. "Let's see how fast you can hit all of these!"

Mudkip concentrated, its tiny body moving with surprising agility as it unleashed rapid bursts of water, hitting each target with pinpoint accuracy. Ash encouraged it to go faster, pushing it to improve both speed and precision.

After Mudkip had hit all the targets, Ash looked to Bagon. "Alright, Bagon, it's your turn! You've got a lot of power, but we need to work on your defense and stamina. We're going to do some endurance training today."

Bagon growled with excitement, ready to tackle anything Ash threw at it. Ash set up a series of obstacles and had Bagon run through them, focusing on dodging and enduring attacks. "I'm counting on your Dragon strength, but we've got to make sure you can last through tough battles."

As Bagon sprinted through the course, Ash brought out his other Pokémon. "Alright, guys, let's help these three get stronger! Charizard, use Ember and Dragon Breath to put some pressure on Bagon. Treeko, I need you to spar with Mudkip, but go easy at first."

Charizard roared as it took to the sky, circling Bagon before unleashing controlled bursts of flame, forcing the smaller Dragon-type to dodge and toughen up. Treeko, meanwhile, exchanged quick blows with Mudkip, and their practice matches sharpened their instincts and reflexes.

Ash glanced over to see Spoink lifting larger and more complex objects with Sabrina's guidance, even managing to manipulate two different objects at once. Sabrina nodded in approval. "Good, Spoink. Now, let's try using Psywave while maintaining control of those objects."

The little psychic type obeyed, and Ash couldn't help but feel proud of how much Spoink had progressed.

As the training continued, Ash's other Hoenn Pokémon—Numel and Spoink—worked with Charizard, Luxio, and the rest of his team, building their endurance and teamwork. The synergy between Ash's Pokémon and their older teammates helped them grow stronger, refining their abilities with each battle.

As they trained, Ash couldn't help but recall meeting his trio.

Mudkip—Ash remembered the time he found Mudkip in a swampy area near the Hoenn wetlands. It had been protecting a group of weaker Pokémon from an angry wild Cacnea. Ash had admired Mudkip's bravery and offered to help. After the two of them defeated the Cacnea together, Mudkip eagerly joined Ash's team, trusting him from the start.

Bagon—Ash had encountered Bagon near a waterfall, dreaming of flying as all Bagon did. It had kept leaping off cliffs in its desire to evolve into a Salamence, but it always fell back down. Ash admired its persistence, and after an intense battle where Bagon wouldn't give up, he managed to catch it. Ash promised Bagon that they'd achieve its dream together.

Spoink—He had met Spoink near Route 114, where it was being chased by a group of Team Rocket members trying to steal its pearl. Ash intervened, teaming up with Pikachu to send Team Rocket blasting off again. Spoink had been grateful and bounced around happily before joining Ash's team.

Finally, after a few hours of intense training, Ash called a break. "You guys did amazing!" he said, beaming at his team. "Spoink, your psychic control has improved so much! And Mudkip, your speed is looking great. Bagon, you're getting tougher every day!"

Sabrina smiled, satisfied with their progress. "You're ready, Ash. Flannery won't know what hit her."

Ash nodded, his confidence growing. "Thanks, Sabrina. I couldn't have done it without you."

Sabrina gave him a soft smile. "I'm just glad to help."

As they packed up and prepared to head back to rest, Ash couldn't wait to see how his team would fare in the next gym battle.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the field, Ash and his Pokémon finished their intense training session and took a nice break for some food. Sabrina stood beside him, looking satisfied with the progress they'd made. The Pokémon were resting, some enjoying the sunset, while others, like Charizard and Wartortle, lounged comfortably nearby.

"That was a great session," Ash said, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Everyone did amazing, especially you, Spoink! I think we're ready for Flannery!"

Sabrina smiled warmly, stepping a little closer to Ash. Her voice softened, taking on a playful tone. "You know, Ash, all this training has me thinking… maybe we should do something fun after your gym battle. How about a little celebration—just the two of us?" She winked, her voice dripping with flirtatious intent.

Ash froze, his face turning beet red. Sabrina was beautiful, and she was standing so close to him, her piercing gaze locking onto his, making his heart pound in his chest. "Uh… um… j-just the two of us?" Ash stammered, his brain short-circuiting as his eyes unintentionally drifted toward Sabrina's figure—her long, flowing hair, her confident smirk, and… her very noticeable assets.

His mind flashed back to the "talk" his older brother Issei had given him. The birds and the bees. Women's "assets." Ash felt his face grow even hotter, and he mentally cursed Issei for making him so hyper-aware of everything about Sabrina at this very moment. He could practically hear Issei's teasing voice in his head.

'Oh no, I'm not ready for this!'

As Ash desperately tried to figure out what to say, his silent plea for help went out to his Pokémon. 'Please, Charizard, Wartortle, save me!'

Without missing a beat, Charizard suddenly stood up, his eyes narrowing mischievously. With a deep growl, the fire-type unleashed a controlled Flamethrower directly at Ash's back. The blast of heat snapped Ash out of his panic, but just as quickly, Wartortle jumped up with a mischievous grin of his own, countering the flames with a high-pressure Water Gun, dousing Ash completely.

The combination of fiery heat and icy water left Ash standing there, completely soaked but with steam rising off him. The drastic shift in temperature calmed his racing hormones. His blush faded as the chill of the water-cooled his overworked brain.

"Ah, what the—!" Ash spluttered, shaking off the water. He shot a glance at Charizard and Wartortle, who were both snickering in their way. It didn't take a genius to figure out that they had been in on this together.

Sabrina giggled, amused by Ash's Pokémon antics. "I think your team knows you better than you think," she teased, stepping back a little, though her eyes still twinkled with amusement. "Looks like I'll have to wait for that answer."

Ash rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, trying to act casual even though he still felt flustered. "Y-yeah, maybe after the gym battle," he mumbled, mentally yelling at Issei once more for turning every moment with Sabrina into a minefield of awkward thoughts. Why does he always have to make things so complicated!?

Sabrina smiled knowingly, deciding not to push further for now. "Good luck with Flannery, Ash. I'll be cheering for you."

Ash gave her a grateful nod, still soaked but now more determined than ever to focus on his gym battle. As he walked away, he glanced back at Charizard and Wartortle. "Thanks… I think."

Both Pokémon gave a satisfied grunt in return, clearly pleased with their successful intervention.

"Ugh. What's with the racket?" Domino asked as she woke up from her nap.

Domino asked, who had been peacefully napping with her Wigglytuff, stirred from her rest. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the scene before her. Her eyes landed on Ash, who was still standing there, drenched from head to toe, looking awkward and flustered. Charizard and Wartortle were lounging nearby, looking satisfied with their recent antics, while Sabrina watched Ash with a soft smile on her lips.

Domino stretched her arms out, yawning lazily before a smirk crept across her face. She could see exactly what had been going on, and an idea formed in her mind. She approached Ash casually, Wigglytuff trailing behind her with its usual cheery bounce.

"Hey, Ash," Domino said, leaning against a nearby tree with a playful grin. "Looks like you've had a bit of an eventful evening, huh? You seem a little… tense."

Ash turned to look at her, still shaking off the water from Wartortle's Water Gun. "Yeah, you could say that…" he muttered, feeling a little embarrassed. He wasn't used to all the attention, and Sabrina's earlier flirtation still had him all tied up in knots.

Domino raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms, her smirk growing wider. "You know, I've seen that look before. You're not just worried about your gym battle, are you?" She glanced over at Sabrina, who was now talking to Bagon, her back to them. "You're thinking about something—or should I say, someone—else."

Ash blinked, suddenly feeling even more flustered. "Uh… I… well…" He was struggling to find the words, and Domino's knowing look made him realize he wasn't hiding his feelings as well as he thought.

Seeing his awkwardness, Domino couldn't help but laugh softly. "Relax, Ash. It's not the end of the world to be confused about a girl. In fact," she said, her voice lowering conspiratorially, "how about I give you a little advice?"

Ash looked at Domino curiously, and without really thinking, he nodded. "Yeah, that would be great… I guess. I've never really felt this way before. I mean, not in Kanto or Johto. Everything feels so… different now."

Domino leaned in slightly, her tone more serious though still playful. "Here's the thing, Ash. You should give Sabrina a real chance. From what I've heard—and trust me, I know a bit about relationships—you've already done more for her than you might realize."

Ash frowned, confused. "What do you mean?"

Domino glanced over at Sabrina again, making sure she wasn't listening. "You were there for Sabrina when she was in her… let's call it her 'crazy phase.' Not many people would have stuck around after seeing what she was going through back then. But you did. You helped her when she needed it most and now look at her. She's strong, confident, and, well… she clearly likes you. You'd be blind not to see that."

Ash swallowed hard. He remembered how Sabrina used to be back when she was colder, more distant, and controlled by her psychic powers. He'd helped her find her way back, but he hadn't thought about it in the way Domino was suggesting.

"Yeah, I guess I did help her," Ash said slowly, thinking back on their shared history. "But I never really thought about it like that."

Domino smiled, patting him on the shoulder. "Well, maybe it's time you did. You're growing up, Ash. And so are your feelings. Just… don't overthink it. Take things one step at a time. And who knows? Maybe you'll realize that Sabrina's been the one you've been looking for all along."

Ash felt a strange warmth in his chest as he processed Domino's words. Maybe she was right. Maybe there was more between him and Sabrina than he had let himself believe.

"But how do I even… you know, start something like that?" Ash asked, feeling more than a little overwhelmed.

Domino chuckled. "You don't have to rush into anything. Just be yourself. Sabrina already likes you for who you are. And if you want a little advice for the future… try listening to her more and paying attention to the small things. Girls like that. Oh, and don't be afraid to make the first move—sometimes that's all it takes."

Ash nodded, feeling a little more at ease, though he still had a long way to go before he could get a handle on his feelings. But at least now he had a bit of direction.

"Thanks, Domino," Ash said earnestly. "I think that really helped."

"Anytime, champ," Domino replied with a wink. "Just try not to get soaked again, alright?"

As Domino walked off with her Wigglytuff, Ash turned back toward Sabrina, who was finishing up with the Pokémon. He felt a new sense of determination growing in his chest. Maybe, just maybe, he was ready to figure out this whole "girl thing" after all. Even if Issei had planted a few awkward thoughts in his head, Ash was starting to see Sabrina in a different light—and that made him both excited and nervous all at once.

For now, though, he had a gym battle to focus on. But after that… who knew what the future held?

Later.

That night, the Pokémon Center was quiet; its lights dimmed as everyone settled in for a well-deserved rest after a long day of training. Sabrina, Domino, and the rest of the gang had fallen asleep with their Pokémon nearby, but Ash couldn't find it in himself to sleep. There was something tugging at his thoughts, and it wasn't just the upcoming gym battle against Flannery.

Ash slipped out of his bed, careful not to wake the others, and made his way outside. The night air was cool, and the sky was clear, revealing a full moon hanging above the horizon. It bathed the world in soft, silvery light, casting long shadows across the landscape.

He started walking aimlessly, his thoughts swirling. His goal had always been the same—become a Pokémon Master—but lately, he felt that there was something else motivating him. Something that had been growing inside of him ever since he started his journey in Hoenn. It was a challenge he had yet to face, one that had been on his mind for a long time: to one day defeat his older brother, Issei, in a full six-on-six battle.

Ash stopped in the middle of a small clearing, the moonlight reflecting in his eyes. He could still vividly recall the last time he and Issei had spoken before Ash left for Hoenn.

It had been the night before he boarded the ferry, and they had talked for hours, just like they used to when Ash was back from Kanto and bonded with him as well as his mom. Ash looked up to Issei as both a brother and a mentor due to him being more than just family—Issei was the one who had guided Ash through his training after Issei schooled him in not just battle techniques but in strategy, patience, and teamwork. Ash had always admired Issei's calm, calculated approach to battling, something he was still trying to master himself since he wanted to beat Issei at his own game.

Flashback: The Night Before Hoenn

Ash sat on the edge of his bed, his backpack packed and ready for his journey to Hoenn. Pikachu was curled up next to him, sleeping soundly, though sad Ash didn't choose him to come along. But Ash was wide awake, excitement coursing through him. He had been thinking about Hoenn nonstop for days, eager to start his new adventure. Suddenly, there was a knock on his bedroom door, and Issei stepped inside, leaning against the doorway with a smile on his face.

"Ready for Hoenn, little bro?" Issei asked his tone light but with a knowing look in his eyes. He could always tell when Ash was bubbling over with excitement.

"More than ready!" Ash replied with a grin. "I've been waiting for this, and I'm going to win all eight badges and take on the Hoenn League!"

Issei chuckled, walking over to sit beside Ash on the bed. "I'm sure you will, but remember, it's not just about collecting badges or winning battles. You've got to grow, Ash. You've come a long way since your battles in Kanto and Johto, but there's still so much to learn."

Ash blinked at his brother, listening intently. He respected Issei's advice more than anyone else's. "I know, and I've been getting better. I'll make sure to learn from every battle."

Issei smiled, his eyes warm. "I've seen how far you've come, and I'm proud of you. But there's something you need to understand, Ash. You're not just a trainer commanding Pokémon. You're their partner. They trust you with everything, but you've got to trust them, too. You can't just give orders and hope for the best—you need to understand what they need, what they're capable of, and how to bring out their full potential. Pokémon are more than tools for battle; they're your closest friends, your companions."

Ash nodded, but Issei could tell his younger brother was still eager to dive headfirst into the excitement of battle.

"I've watched you, Ash," Issei continued, his voice more serious now. "You've always had this incredible heart for your Pokémon, but you fall into bad habits sometimes. You rush in without thinking, you let your emotions get the best of you, and sometimes you forget to rely on the bond between you and your Pokémon. You've got power, but power without focus and strategy is nothing. If you want to succeed in Hoenn—if you want to take on the best in the league—you have to slow down, think, and trust your team fully. They're not just creatures you command; they're your equals in battle. Treat them that way."

Ash's expression grew more thoughtful. "I understand, Issei. I'll try harder, I promise."

Issei smirked and ruffled Ash's hair. "I know you will. And here's something to motivate you." He stood up, crossing his arms as he looked down at Ash.

Ash then looked at Issei and spoke. "I also have a wish! One day, when I win a league, I want to challenge you to a full six-on-six battle!."

Issei's eyes widened in surprise and asked. "Are you sure?"

Ash nodded, his smirk turning into a grin. "I do. But you've got to be at your best, Issei—no holding back, like last time. I'm going to take me down, fair and square. I know I have to learn from my mistakes, hone my tactics, and trust my team like never before."

Issei chuckled softly. "I'll be looking forward to it. But until then, remember what I said. Take care of your team, trust them, and don't fall into your old habits."

Present: Under the Moonlight

Ash sighed deeply, his breath visible in the cool night air as he looked up at the moon. Issei's words echoed in his mind. Every time Ash faced a tough opponent, he could hear his brother's voice reminding him to think, to slow down, and to trust his team. Issei had always been the voice of reason, pulling Ash back from his impulsive tendencies and guiding him to become the trainer he was today.

"I'm getting better," Ash murmured to himself, his eyes fixed on the sky. "I know I've still got a lot to learn, but one day… one day I'll be ready. And when I am, I'll beat you, Issei. Just wait."

His thoughts drifted back to his vow—to challenge Issei when he finally won a league. It wasn't just about proving himself anymore; it was about showing his brother how far he'd come, about facing Issei as an equal. The journey ahead was still long, but Ash was more determined than ever. The Hoenn League was the next big challenge but after that… Ash knew his ultimate goal was waiting for him.

As he stood there in the moonlight, a sense of calm washed over him. He could feel his Pokémon sleeping peacefully back at the Pokémon Center, their trust in him as solid as ever. And he knew, no matter how many challenges lay ahead, he would face them with everything he had—not just for himself, but for his Pokémon and for the promise he made to Issei.

With a newfound sense of determination, Ash turned back toward the Pokémon Center, ready to rest and prepare for the battles ahead. His path to becoming a Pokémon Master was still unfolding, but now he knew—there was more than just one reason to keep pushing forward.

One day, he would stand on equal ground with Issei. And when that day came, he would be ready for their six-on-six battle.

However, Ash is one of many who want to challenge Issei to a full six-on-six.

"So that's Hyoudou-sama's little brother? He doesn't look like much." A figure said in the distance, a good place away from the Lavaridge Towns Pokemon Center.

The figure had mid-length purple hair with one big strand hanging over the middle of his face. He had small dark eyes, and a small smirk and a small chuckle appeared when he saw Ash Ketchum.

He wears a purple jacket with navy blue sleeves, a blue undershirt, dark purple pants, and purple and navy sneakers with white soles.

"Let's see how Ash will fare against Flannery after the beatdown I gave her in battle," Paul said as he looked at his new badge while also recalling how he was not as good as the previous gym leader, her grandfather.

All in all, things are about to get a lot more interesting.

Scene!

And for those who don't know, Paul is Ash's Hoenn rival, and the wannabe edgelord has been humbled by Issei when facing him in Sinnoh, which resulted in Paul making a vow to defeat Issei one day in battle, which Issei didn't mind.

Oh, and Paul will have a girlfriend since he's a bit of a tsundere when around her. Hehehe

Anyway, bye for now!