Hey everyone! So, I just realized how long it's been since my last update for The Pantheon, and wow—time really got away from me. I got hit with this wild burst of inspiration for another fic, and it kind of took over my brain for a bit. But I promise I won't let that happen again!
I'll be updating throughout the weekend to make up for the wait, so you won't have to suffer much longer. Thanks for your patience, and sorry for the delay! Hope you're all ready for what's coming next!
At first, it had been perfect. Cruising from city to city in his sleek red convertible, the wind in his hair, the sound of his cheerleaders calling his name in sweet, sing-song voices. Gary Oak! Gary Oak! He's our man, if he can't do it—no one can! He was a prodigy, a rising star, and every town he passed through reminded him of that fact. He had the skills, the confidence, and—let's be real—the looks. It wasn't just about being good. It was about being the best.
So, he hadn't even blinked at the fact that Ashley had beaten him to Professor Oak's lab. She got there first? So what? It didn't change anything. He had his first pick of Pokémon, his Wartortle was thriving, and he was setting records on his way through Kanto.
Or at least… he thought he was.
It wasn't until he reached Pewter City that he realized something was off.
Ashley wasn't there.
That wasn't possible. He had a car. He had speed. He had the advantage. How could Ashley Ketchum, of all people, have gotten ahead of him? He figured maybe she was taking her time. Maybe she was stuck in Viridian Forest, lost in a swarm of Beedrill, fumbling around in her usual chaotic way.
But no.
No, because when he called Gramps to brag—because of course he did, three Pokémon caught before his first badge? That was elite—Gramps just had to drop the bomb on him.
"Ashley? Oh, she's on Cinnabar Island. Mentoring under Blaine."
Gary had nearly dropped the phone. "She's where?!"
Blaine. The Fire-type Gym Leader. The genius scientist. The Elite-level Trainer.
The absolute last person Gary had expected to take Ashley under his wing.
But that wasn't even the worst part.
"Oh, and she caught a Growlithe," Gramps added, like it was just some fun fact. "Quite the find, wouldn't you say?"
A Growlithe?!
Gary had practically choked on his own words. "How did Ashley Ketchum find a Growlithe?!"
They were rare. Practically legendary for trainers starting out. And she just—what? Stumbled onto one? Got lucky?
It wasn't possible. It shouldn't have been possible. But it was.
And that's when Gary had felt it.
That first, sharp prick of doubt.
Because it wasn't just the Growlithe. It wasn't just Blaine.
It was everything.
Ashley was already miles ahead of him, and she hadn't even been trying.
And for the first time, Gary didn't feel like the best.
It all started going downhill from there.
Gary's journey—the one he had been so sure would be a legendary adventure, filled with excitement, rare Pokémon, and the thrill of crushing every opponent in his way—was turning out to be… boring.
Watching the forests of Kanto blur past through his rearview mirror lost its charm after the first few weeks. What was the point of speeding through the region when he wasn't seeing anything? What was the point of having a convertible, of cruising ahead of the competition, if he wasn't actually experiencing anything? And, oh Arceus, the cheerleaders.
What had once been an endless source of entertainment—constant praise, constant validation, constant cheering—had started to grate on his nerves. At first, it had been nice. Gary Oak is the best! Gary Oak will pass the test! But after hearing it every single day for months? He swore it echoed in his dreams.
And worst of all? He wasn't finding anything special.
No rare Pokémon, no once-in-a-lifetime encounters, no Growlithe or Lapras or Dratini—just the usual run-of-the-mill catches. Golem. Kingler. Doduo. Even his most exciting catch, an Abra, had only become notable because it evolved into a Kadabra.
He was supposed to be the grandson of the famed Professor Oak! His team should have been legendary by now! Instead, he was stuck with a team that was… ordinary.
And then, just when he thought things couldn't get worse, the losing streak began.
Pewter City? A joke. Cerulean? Even easier. But Celadon?
Celadon was a nightmare.
Gary had never hated status effects more in his entire life.
It had taken him three tries to get his hands on the Rainbow Badge. Three humiliating, frustrating, infuriating battles where his Pokémon had been put to sleep, paralyzed, poisoned, and—his personal least favorite—confused beyond all reason.
By the time he finally won, Erika had barely even looked at him. No impressed smile. No words of encouragement. And, worst of all—no TM. After all, only those who impress the Gym Leaders get a TM, and Gary? He had not earned it. Erika had just handed him the badge with a polite but utterly unimpressed nod and sent him on his way.
He should have taken the hint. He should have realized that his approach wasn't working. But no, Gary Oak didn't need to change! He just needed to push harder! Train more!
And then he walked into Vermilion City Gym.
Gary had never been so thoroughly wrecked in a battle before in his life.
Lt. Surge destroyed him.
Five times.
Five.
It had taken five tries before he finally scraped by with a win. By the end of it, he wasn't even proud to hold the Thunder Badge. It felt like pity. Like Surge had finally just let him win out of exhaustion.
And of course, just like Erika, Surge didn't give him a TM.
No wonder no rookie had completed the Kanto Gym Challenge Eight in over a century.
It had seemed so simple at first. Train hard, catch strong Pokémon, defeat the eight Gym Leaders, and march straight to the Pokémon League. That was the dream, right?
But reality?
The main eight Gyms of Kanto were known as the Thirteen Pillars, alongside the Elite Four and the Champion. These were the strongest trainers in Kanto—the absolute best. They weren't just obstacles to be cleared; they were tests of skill, endurance, strategy, and patience. And Gary had been too arrogant to realize it before.
Looking back, it was obvious. The first two Gyms—Brock's and Misty's—dumbed down their abilities to help new trainers get used to Gym Battles. That's why he had breezed through them. It wasn't that he had been particularly great—it was because they were going easy on him.
That stung.
Gary had spent so long believing he was leagues ahead of every other trainer his age, only to be smacked in the face by reality when he reached Celadon and Vermilion. He had not been prepared. He had walked into those battles expecting easy wins, expecting his name alone to carry him through.
And he had paid for it.
Gary still didn't know what stung worse—the losses or the fact that he didn't even deserve the win. The adventure he had dreamed of was crumbling beneath him, and for the first time in his life… Gary Oak didn't feel like the prodigy he had always believed himself to be.
Still, if there was one thing Gary had been thankful for after his complete humiliation at Lt. Surge's hands, it was the S.S. Anne ticket.
It was the one good thing to come out of that experience.
The ticket had meant a break—a real break—from his increasingly annoying cheerleaders. He didn't hate them or anything, but after months of constant chanting and flattery, he needed silence.
Just him, his Pokémon, and a moment to breathe.
He hadn't realized how much he needed it until he was already stepping onto the ship, leaving behind the noise and the distractions.
Gary let out a loud, exaggerated groan, flopping back in his chair like a deflated balloon. His half-finished glass of pineapple juice rocked precariously on the table, catching the warm glow of the afternoon sun. On the floor beside him, Wartortle barely cracked an eye open from where he was stretched out, sunbathing on his shell like he had not a single care in the world.
"Must be nice," Gary muttered, side-eyeing his partner. "Just laying there, no responsibilities, no stress, no battle tournament that I can't enter because Surge wrecked half my team."
Wartortle let out a sleepy "Waaaarrr," barely lifting his head before rolling over onto his stomach. Clearly, he wasn't worried.
Gary, however, was seething.
The tournament had been his one shot at getting his hands on an evolutionary stone—something his Gramps refused to just hand over to him, despite being literally one of the most influential Pokémon researchers in the world.
Because apparently, this was his journey, and he had to earn his way.
Gary scoffed, crossing his arms as he sank further into his chair.
"Earn my way, huh?" he grumbled. "Tell that to Surge. Guy didn't have to go that hard."
His mind replayed the brutal takedown of his team. Even with his tactical mind and natural talent, he had been completely outclassed. His Pokémon were good—no, great—but the Gym Leaders of Kanto weren't just any trainers. They were called the Thirteen Pillars for a reason.
Still, it didn't make the situation any less frustrating.
He needed those Moon Stones for Nidorino and Nidorina. He needed a Metal Coat for Scyther. He needed something to give him an edge, and now his best shot had slipped through his fingers because half his team was out of commission.
And if that wasn't bad enough, he still had to figure out what to do about the Kanto Gym Challenge.
Four badges down, four to go.
But after Celadon and Vermilion, it was painfully clear that the remaining Gyms were going to be nightmares to get through. He had already barely scraped by at Surge's gym—if he went into another major battle without seriously training his team, he was going to get wiped.
He drummed his fingers against the table, his lips pressing into a thin line.
Maybe it was time to be realistic.
If he wanted to actually compete in the Conference, he might need to drop out of the Kanto Challenge Eight and get his remaining badges from minor gyms. They wouldn't carry the same prestige, but they would get him the necessary qualifications.
And at this point? He just needed something to go right.
Gary groaned again, rubbing his hands down his face. Everything was a mess. His team was injured, he couldn't compete in the tournament, and his cheerleaders were probably off somewhere crashing his car.
Wartortle finally sat up, yawning before giving Gary a lazy nudge with his paw. "War?"
Gary exhaled heavily, tilting his head back toward the sky.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. No use sulking about it," he muttered. He reached over and patted Wartortle's head, earning a satisfied hum from his partner. "Guess I just gotta figure out what to do next."
Not that he had many options.
But maybe—just maybe—this was the wake-up call he needed.
"Gary!" His head snapped when he heard the familiar cheerful voice calling out his name. Gary's eyes widened when he saw Ashley waving her hand excitedly, smiling widely.
Gary leaned back in his chair, schooling his expression into one of cool indifference as Ashley slid into the seat across from him, her usual grin in place. She set her glass of orange juice on the table, the condensation already dripping down the sides in the warm afternoon sun. Her two Eevees settled beside her—one immediately engaging in an energetic playfight with Wartortle, while the other, the one with the pearl-adorned light blue scarf, climbed into Ashley's lap with an air of entitlement that reminded Gary a little too much of Daisy when she used to boss him around as a kid.
He had noticed right away how much Ashley had changed since Pallet Town. Her training was paying off—she was leaner, her muscles more defined, her movements sharper, more purposeful. She carried herself differently now, and it wasn't just confidence; it was experience.
Gary scowled, not at her, but at the fact that more than a few eyes were lingering on her. Men old enough to know better, their gazes lingering a second too long. Gary shot them all a glare, a silent warning that had more than one of them awkwardly looking away. Disgusting. He knew Ashley could take care of herself, but still.
Ashley, oblivious to the silent death stares Gary was throwing around, took a sip of her juice before resting her chin on her hand, her reddish-brown eyes sharp with interest. "So, are you joining the tournament?" she asked casually.
Gary felt his jaw tighten, but he managed to keep his expression neutral. He was not about to admit that he couldn't enter. Instead, he scoffed and leaned back, folding his arms behind his head with an easy smirk.
"Please, like I'd waste my time playing with a bunch of rookies," he drawled lazily. "I'm saving my energy for real challenges."
Ashley gave him a long, knowing look, her lips twitching slightly like she was holding back a laugh. "Uh-huh," she said, clearly not buying it. "So, you think the tournament is just for rookies, huh?" She gestured vaguely at the cruise around them. Gary's smirk twitched, and he felt a pang of regret so deep in his soul, but he had already committed to this lie, and there was no way he was backing down now. Ashley raised an eyebrow, looking highly amused. "Right," she said slowly, then turned her attention to the Eevee in her lap, idly scratching behind her ears. "Well, I'll be in the tournament. Not sure if I'll win, but hey, who knows?" She shrugged. "Could be fun."
Gary rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, rub it in, why don'tcha."
Ashley laughed at that, the sound bright and carefree. "Oh, I definitely will," she teased. Then, glancing at his half-finished pineapple juice, she nudged her foot against his under the table. "What about you? You just gonna mope around by the pool all day?"
Gary snorted, crossing his arms. "Mope? Please. I'm just relaxing."
Ashley grinned at him, clearly not believing a word of it, and Gary found himself scowling again, mostly because—ugh—this was Ashley, and she was way too good at reading him.
He wasn't sulking.
Not at all.
Definitely not about missing the tournament.
Not even a little.
Got it! Here's the corrected sequence following the exact order you asked for, making it flow naturally while keeping it detailed, dynamic, and true to the Pokémon universe.
Gary leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, swirling his half-empty pineapple juice with a frown. "Alright, humor me," he said, trying to sound casual. "How many badges do you have now?"
Ashley perked up, completely oblivious to the tension creeping into his voice. "Five!" she said, her eyes sparkling with pride.
Gary nearly choked on his drink. "Five?!" He sat up, gripping the edge of the table. "No way."
Ashley smirked. "Way."
This whole conversation wasn't going the way he thought it would. He'd been ready to rub his latest gym victories in Ashley's face, but instead, it was her kicking his butt in the badge count. Gary ran a hand through his hair, frustration and disbelief warring inside him. He'd been struggling to get through some of his battles, and yet somehow Ashley—his childhood rival who he refused to acknowledge as an equal—was not only keeping up but surpassing him?!
"Which ones?" he asked, trying to sound indifferent.
Ashley, who was still on her post-victory high, listed them off on her fingers. "Volcano, Soul, Rainbow, Marsh, and Thunder."
Gary slumped back in his seat, utterly floored. "You're kidding me. You got five of the strongest Kanto Challenge Eight? And Thunder was your most recent?" He shook his head, absolutely stunned. "How did you even do that?"
Ashley shrugged like it wasn't a big deal. "I train hard, my team trains harder, and we don't back down." She grinned, clearly pleased with herself.
Gary, on the other hand, was not pleased. He only had four badges, and compared to hers, they felt unimpressive. She had some of the toughest Gym Leaders in Kanto under her belt—Blaine, Sabrina, Koga, Erika, Surge. That wasn't just impressive, that was insane. And here he was, struggling through basic battles, barely scraping through Vermilion City.
A wave of insecurity washed over him, and before he could stop himself, he deflected. "Alright, alright," he said, forcing a laugh that felt a little too fake. "Let's talk about something else. Like your team." He leaned forward, feigning interest, trying to regain some sense of superiority. "Who's in your lineup?"
That was a mistake.
Because Ashley's face lit up, and before Gary could even brace himself, she was already pulling out her PokéNav, scrolling through her photos like a proud mother showing off baby pictures.
"Oh man, Gary, you have no idea!" she gushed, tapping through the images. "Okay, okay, so first up—Mars, my Charmeleon. Fiery as ever, total powerhouse, and my starter—look at him, he's a beast!" She turned the screen toward Gary, showing a picture of a battle-scarred, smirking Charmeleon mid-Flamethrower. "Then there's Vulcan—my Growlithe, best boy ever—"
Gary was already regretting this.
"—and Neptune, my Lapras, the storm bringer—" she swiped to a photo of Neptune using Rain Dance over the ocean, the storm clouds reflecting in his massive eyes, "—Proserpina, my tank of a Vileplume, Venus, my queen—"
Gary blinked. "Queen?"
Ashley turned the screen again, showing Venus the Eevee—no, wait, that's the Eevee sitting on Ashley's lap like royalty.
Gary stared. "You seriously trained an Eevee into thinking she's royalty?"
Ashley huffed. "Excuse you, she knows she's royalty."
Gary wanted to argue, but Venus yipped from her trainer's lap, looking like a spoiled noblewoman. He sighed, motioning for her to continue.
Ashley grinned and moved on. "Apollo—my cute, adorable Dratini—" she paused for dramatic effect, then flipped the screen around.
Gary felt something in his brain short-circuit.
But Ashley was already moving on. "Anyway, then there's Mercury—my other Eevee, he's still super playful and hyper, but I know he wants to be a Jolteon—" she swiped again to show a blurry image of the little Eevee mid-air, mid-pounce, his expression pure chaos.
Gary was barely listening at this point. He felt like he was drowning in a tidal wave of what the hell. "Where do you even find this stuff?" he muttered.
Ashley ignored him. "—and last but definitely not least—Chione! My Alolan Vulpix!" She turned the screen again, revealing a snow-white Vulpix, delicate and regal, sitting in a pile of frost.
Gary just stared.
Because of course Ashley, of all people, had an Alolan Vulpix. Because why not? Because nothing about her journey could be normal.
"You have a regional variant Pokémon?!" he blurted out, barely believing it.
Ashley beamed. "Cool, right?"
Gary took another sip of his pineapple juice as he watched her sharing the story behind every picture, trying really hard not to be bitter about the fact that his best Pokémon at the moment was Wartortle.
And that Ashley's team could probably wipe the floor with him.
He needed to train. Fast.
When Ashley stopped at one picture in particular, Gary blinked at the PokéNav, then at Ashley, then back at the PokéNav again, his brain barely keeping up with what he was looking at. Has she lost her damn mind?
A Dratini scarf? A Dratini scarf?!
That thing was a pseudo-legendary! A Pokémon people spent years searching for! And here Ashley was, casually letting it coil around her neck like it was just another fashionable accessory. Like it wasn't one of the rarest Pokémon in the world, just hanging off her like a decorative boa.
"Are you—" Gary shook his head, pointing at the image. "Are you seriously telling me you wear your Dratini?! Like an accessory?!"
Ashley laughed. "It's comfy!"
Gary dragged a hand down his face. "You've lost it. You've completely lost it."
Gary could feel his sanity slipping.
And the training pictures that followed?
Koga. Freaking Koga.
She had been trained by Koga. The freaking Ninja Master himself.
Gary couldn't breathe for a second. How in the world had Ashley Ketchum—the girl who once thought a Weedle was a baby Dragonite (yes, he still remembers that embarrassing phase, thank you very much)—ended up rubbing elbows with some of the strongest Gym Leaders in Kanto like it was nothing?!
What did she do to deserve that? How did she get that kind of privilege? He had the last name Oak, and no one was out here giving him secret ninja training!
It was like she was living his dream, and she didn't even realize it.
"—so yeah, Koga really helped me with my speed and reflexes, and Blaine was incredible with battle strategies! I mean, he's so smart, and he really drilled into me how to handle high-pressure situations. It's helped a lot in my battles, and I think it's part of why I won against Surge so cleanly!"
Gary barely processed what she was saying anymore. He just kept staring at the PokéNav like it was personally attacking him.
Ashley Ketchum had an insane team.
Ashley Ketchum had five badges.
Ashley Ketchum had mentors in Koga and Blaine.
And now, Ashley Ketchum was about to enter a tournament on the S.S. Anne, casually stacking more wins like they were nothing, while Gary was stuck nursing his losses and realizing his team wasn't even close to being on the same level.
Gary felt sick.
Gary groaned, burying his face in his hands. "This isn't a team, this is a freaking rock band."
Ashley laughed, not catching the frustration laced in his voice. "I know, right? That's why I call them The Pantheon."
Gary stiffened.
She named them.
She actually named them.
The Pantheon.
Oh, Arceus, that was even cooler.
Gary sat back, staring at the sky in defeat. His whole journey, his whole self-image, was slowly crumbling before his eyes. He had been riding through Kanto in his fancy car with his cheerleaders, thinking he was untouchable—only to get outpaced, out-battled, and out-styled by Ashley freaking Ketchum.
The worst part?
He was jealous.
However, as much as he wanted to be annoyed, as much as his pride hated it—he couldn't help but feel the smallest flicker of pride, too. Because Ashley, the girl he had spent years teasing, the girl he had always seen as his childhood rival and annoying little sister—was actually killing it.
Ashley—Ashley Ketchum—was out here collecting Dratini and Lapras like they were Pidgey on Route 1, earning five of the strongest badges before he even got halfway through the Challenge Eight, and casually showing it all off with zero awareness of the absolute existential crisis she was throwing him into. She was out there doing all of this without a fancy car, without rich-kid status, without even making a big deal out of it.
She was just being herself, and somehow, that was enough.
Gary exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. "Unbelievable."
Ashley blinked. "What?"
Gary stood up, dusting himself off. "Nothing." He smirked at her.
Luckily Gary did not need to invent some kind of excuse or lie, because Ashley stood up, stretching with a bright, carefree smile, completely oblivious to the existential crisis she had just thrown him into.
"Sorry, I gotta get going," she said, reaching down to scoop Venus into her arms, as Mercury ran circles around her yipping. "Gotta get ready for my first match! You coming to watch?"
Gary snapped out of his daze just enough to force a grin, masking the growing pit in his stomach. "Of course, wouldn't miss it for the world. Someone's gotta be there in case you trip over your own ego."
Ashley rolled her eyes, clearly used to his jabs, and turned to walk away. Gary watched her go, eyes lingering as she disappeared into the crowd, her long black hair swaying with every step.
Gary barely registered himself moving, his body running on autopilot as he made his way to the battle area. His mind was still reeling, drowning in the heavy realization that Ashley was ahead of him in every way that mattered. His stomach twisted as he stepped into the tournament area, Wartortle padding beside him with a calm, easygoing gait, as if completely unaware of his trainer's inner turmoil.
The battle stage was impressive—not unexpected, considering this was a luxury cruise filled with people who probably bought their Pokémon rather than caught them themselves. The platform gleamed under the setting sun, polished and pristine, with elegant gold trim along the edges, as if that somehow made the battles fancier. Surrounding it were rows of cushioned chairs, occupied by wealthy spectators sipping on overpriced wine and munching on hors d'oeuvres that probably cost more than Gary's entire trainer stipend.
Of course, they weren't the ones fighting for evolutionary stones.
Gary took a seat, leaning back as he crossed his arms, eyes scanning the crowd. He wasn't surprised by the high-class turnout. Evolutionary stones were one of the few things that bridged the gap between actual trainers and the wealthy snobs who treated Pokémon like trophies. Everyone wanted them—whether for battle, for contests, or for simply making their Pokémon look stronger without putting in the work.
He didn't know which category the competitors here fell into, but either way, it was frustrating as hell to sit on the sidelines when he should've been down there. If Surge hadn't fried half his team into uselessness, he would've been down there.
His fingers twitched against his arm.
He should've gotten that Thunder Badge on the first try. He should've swept Erika without needing three attempts. He should've been battling right now, standing on that stage instead of watching other people do what he should have been doing.
Instead, he was stuck here. Sitting. Watching.
And then, as if this tournament wasn't already rubbing salt in his wounds, some pompous, overdressed fool took the stage.
Gary groaned the second the man opened his mouth.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and valiant trainers who dare step upon this most prestigious stage!" The announcer's voice was dripping with so much forced grandeur that Gary could physically feel his soul trying to escape his body. "Welcome to the glorious Battle Tournament of the legendary S.S. Anne! Where strength, strategy, and the indomitable spirit of competition shall determine who among you is worthy of the coveted prize!"
Gary felt secondhand embarrassment. Who talked like this?!
Around him, the rich folk clapped politely, some of them nodding in approval, others adjusting their monocles or whatever. A few younger trainers in the audience were side-eyeing the announcer in the exact same way Gary was—silently questioning how this man had the confidence to say those words out loud in public.
Wartortle let out a slow exhale, clearly bored, plopping down on his shell like he already knew this was going to take forever. Gary absentmindedly reached down to scratch the top of his head.
The announcer continued.
"We have gathered here today to witness battles beyond compare! Feats of strength, cunning, and unwavering determination!" He gestured dramatically toward the stage, his extravagant blue and gold suit shimmering under the lights. "And let us not forget—the reward for such excellence! A treasure most rare! Evolutionary stones, generously provided by our illustrious sponsors—" He made a sweeping motion toward the VIP section, where a cluster of well-dressed businesspeople nodded in smug satisfaction.
Gary rolled his eyes.
A treasure most rare? Really? This guy was acting like they were battling for the keys to the universe, not a couple of shiny rocks.
Gary sat back in his seat, arms crossed, fingers tapping idly against his bicep as the announcer droned on. It was almost impressive how this guy could take something as simple as a battle tournament and dress it up like it was some kind of grand legendary event.
"The best of the best!" the announcer declared, his voice echoing dramatically across the arena. "The top sixteen trainers, chosen through sheer grit, skill, and determination! These trainers stand before you today as the elite—the worthy! A preview of the strength to be witnessed at the Indigo Conference! Only those who have defeated the fearsome Lt. Surge have earned their place upon this hallowed battlefield!"
Gary barely refrained from snorting out loud. Yeah, sure, buddy.
More likely, there were probably a bunch of other trainers who won against Surge but couldn't compete because their teams were still recovering from the absolute beating they took in the process. Like him.
He would bet his entire Pokédex that at least half the trainers who should have been here were sitting somewhere on this ship with their Pokémon still wrapped in bandages. He had lived it, so he knew.
But sure. Let's pretend like this was some grand, mystical elite sixteen scenario.
The announcer continued, gesturing wildly with his hands.
"The first round shall test the raw strength and strategy of our competitors in a one-on-one showdown! The second round will push their teamwork to the limit with two-vs-two battles! In the semifinals and grand finals, only the most capable will advance, proving their worth in a three-vs-three battle!"
Gary fought the urge to groan into his hands.
Just start the damn battles already!
Mercifully, the crowd erupted into cheers as the announcer finally wrapped it up, raising his arms like he was personally bestowing divine blessings upon the tournament.
"LET THE BATTLES… BEGIN!"
A gong—a literal gong—echoed through the stadium.
Gary stared blankly. Where did they even get a gong?
The first pair of trainers took the stage, and with that, the tournament finally began.
Gary leaned forward, watching with detached interest as the first two competitors released their Pokémon. The battle was… decent. It wasn't anything special, but he supposed it wasn't bad.
The second battle followed. Then the third. Then the fourth.
One by one, the tournament rolled forward. Some battles were good, some were absolute train wrecks, but none of them really had Gary sitting on the edge of his seat. His Wartortle seemed even less interested, now completely sprawled on his back, arms and legs spread out in what Gary could only assume was a maximum comfort pose.
And then he saw it.
The bracket on the screen flashed to life, displaying the current progress.
And there, right at the very bottom, was Ashley's name.
Gary felt a rush of amusement at the irony. Of course she was the last match of the first round.
Of course, the universe decided to make him sit through seven entire battles before she got her turn.
It was just so on-brand for her.
She probably didn't even realize it.
Gary shook his head, smirking despite himself. He had no doubt she was going to wipe the floor with whoever she was facing. Gramps had already warned him.
"She's different this time," his grandfather had said when Gary last called home. "She's learning from some of Kanto's best. And she's got a real team now, Gary. Not just Pokémon. A team. She's catching up. Fast."
Gary had scoffed at the time, brushing it off, but now?
Watching these battles, seeing the names flash by on the brackets, knowing exactly who was still waiting in the wings?
Yeah.
Ashley was probably about to make these trainers look like they just walked out of Pokémon Tech.
He just hoped, for everyone else's sake, that the announcer didn't have another speech lined up before her match.
He wasn't sure he could handle another one of those.
Luckily, Ashley strode confidently onto the stage, without any speech from the pompous announcer. Across from her, her opponent from Sinnoh approached with a steady stride, a confident smirk on his face. The battlefield gleamed under the bright lights, the polished surface reflecting the excitement in the air. The crowd hushed, anticipation hanging thick.
Both trainers reached their designated spots, locking eyes in silent understanding. No words needed to be exchanged—this was a battle, and both sides were ready to give it their all.
The referee raised his flags. "Trainers, release your Pokémon!"
In perfect synchronization, Ashley and the Sinnoh trainer tossed their Poké Balls into the air.
"Mercury, let's go!"
"Elekid, time to shine!"
Twin flashes of light erupted on the field, materializing into two small yet formidable battlers. Elekid's arms crackled with electricity as he shifted into a stance, his fierce eyes locked onto his opponent. Mercury, on the other hand, looked downright giddy, bouncing on his paws like he'd just been promised an all-you-can-eat Poké Puff buffet.
Gary, watching from the stands, leaned forward with interest. He expected an immediate clash, but Ashley had other plans.
"Double Team!"
In an instant, multiple copies of Mercury flickered into existence, surrounding Elekid from all sides. The little Electric-type glanced around, fists sparking as he tried to pinpoint the real one.
"Elekid, Discharge!"
A surge of golden electricity burst outward, zapping every single Mercury on the battlefield. The illusions vanished in a blink, and the real Mercury skidded back, shaking off the residual sparks that danced across his fur.
"Not bad," Ashley called out with a grin. "But you're gonna have to do better than that if you wanna keep up with my little speed demon! Quick Attack!"
In a flash, he slammed his entire body into Elekid's side with a Quick Attack of his own, the force sending the Electric-type skidding backward, his heels digging into the battle stage as he barely managed to stop himself from tumbling over.
The Sinnoh trainer gritted his teeth. "Counter with Thunder Punch!"
Elekid recovered fast, sparks flying from his fist as he swung at the retreating Eevee. But Mercury was already gone, his Substitute taking the hit instead.
Ashley grinned. "Sand Attack!"
Mercury kicked up a flurry of dust right into Elekid's eyes. The Electric-type stumbled back, furiously rubbing at his face as his trainer shouted, "Shake it off! Use Swift!"
Stars shot out in every direction, homing in on Mercury. There was no dodging that one. Ashley didn't even try.
"Substitute!"
Another Mercury flickered into existence just before the attack landed, taking the hit and dispersing into nothingness. The real Mercury became a streak through the battle stage, his tiny paws barely making contact with the stage before he was gone again, dashing at impossible angles, vanishing and reappearing like a mirage. Elekid wasn't just standing there, either. The Electric-type was a blur of yellow and black, trying to match Mercury's speed with rapid footwork, his fists sparking as he spun, searching for an opening. But every time Elekid lunged to counter, Mercury twisted away at the last second, slipping past his attacks with playful ease.
The two Pokémon turned the battlefield into a whirlwind of motion, a game of high-speed cat and mouse with neither willing to slow down. Elekid growled in frustration, his arms windmilling as he launched into a Quick Attack, aiming to catch Mercury mid-dash. But Mercury, cheeky as ever, let Elekid get close—just close enough to think he had a chance—before pulling off a sharp pivot at the last possible second.
From the stands, Gary leaned forward, eyes locked on the battle. He wasn't just impressed—he was genuinely fascinated. Mercury wasn't just matching Elekid's speed, he was outmaneuvering him. That wasn't just raw speed, that was instinct, control, and an almost playful level of precision. Most Normal-types would struggle to keep up with an Electric-type's agility, but Mercury was making it look effortless.
Surprising everybody, Elekid was the first to get tired. He wobbled on his feet, his breath coming in short, sharp pants, while Mercury was still bouncing in place, his tail flicking excitedly. Ashley couldn't help but laugh as her little Eevee yipped, eyes still bright with energy, ready to go another ten rounds if needed. The little monster had barely broken a sweat!
Gary shook his head in disbelief from his seat, a grin tugging at his lips. Those two match each other too well—two little kids hyped up on sugar! He found himself laughing along with them, entertained despite himself. It was like watching an unstoppable force of chaotic energy crash into the battlefield, and there was no stopping it.
The Sinnoh trainer clenched his fists, desperation flashing in his eyes. "Elekid, Discharge! Full power!"
Electricity erupted from Elekid in a final, desperate bid to land a hit, golden lightning crackling wildly across the battlefield.
Ashley's eyes sharpened. "Dig!"
Mercury dove into the ground just before the electricity hit, completely avoiding the attack. The Sinnoh trainer's eyes widened.
"Get out of there, Elekid!"
Too late.
Mercury erupted from the earth beneath Elekid, slamming into his chin with enough force to send him airborne. Elekid hit the ground hard, struggling to push himself back up—but his little arms shook, and then he collapsed with a groan.
The referee raised a flag. "Elekid is unable to battle! The winner is Ashley Ketchum!"
The crowd erupted in cheers as the referee signaled Elekid's defeat. Ashley pumped her fist in victory, her grin wide and triumphant as Mercury bounced around the battlefield, yipping excitedly. The little Eevee was still buzzing with energy, like the battle had only just started for him.
Gary leaned back in his seat, shaking his head with an amused smirk. Yeah, that tracks. The way Mercury and Elekid had zipped around the battlefield like two over-caffeinated Pidgeys had been exhausting to watch. But somehow, the Eevee still had energy left in the tank.
Ashley strode forward to kneel down beside Mercury, ruffling his fur affectionately. "You little speedster, that was awesome! You dominated that match!"
Mercury purred at the praise, his tail wagging as he nuzzled into Ashley's touch.
On the other side of the field, the Sinnoh trainer sighed as he recalled Elekid, rubbing the back of his neck before giving Ashley a sheepish grin. "Man, I thought for sure my Elekid could outspeed an Eevee. Guess I was wrong!"
Ashley laughed, standing back up and tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Mercury's a little monster when it comes to speed training. He just loves running circles around everyone." She gave Mercury a teasing look. "And showing off."
Mercury yipped proudly, puffing out his chest.
Gary snorted. Yeah, he's definitely going to be a Jolteon. The way Mercury moved, the way he thrived in a speed battle, it was obvious. He had Jolteon written all over him.
The announcer's voice boomed through the speakers, hyping up Ashley's victory as her name lit up on the tournament brackets. "And with that electrifying performance, Ashley Ketchum moves on to the next round! What an impressive showing of speed and strategy!"
Ashley gave a dramatic bow, Mercury mimicking her with an exaggerated stretch, his fluffy tail flicking in the air. The crowd chuckled at the little show-off, and even the Sinnoh trainer laughed as he waved her off. As Ashley walked off the stage, Gary could see her scanning the stands, her eyes searching. When they landed on him, she lit up, waving enthusiastically.
Gary smirked, shaking his head as he lifted his juice in a mock toast. "Not bad, Ashy-girl," he muttered under his breath. "Not bad at all."
Wartortle, who had been watching from the side with lazy interest, gave a slow nod of approval before rolling onto his back again.
As the next trainers took the stage, Gary crossed his arms. Ashley had taken her first win easily. And if that was any indication of what was coming next… This whole tournament might as well have already been hers.
Gary leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, Wartortle sitting beside him with a relaxed expression as they watched the quarterfinals unfold. Unlike some of the earlier battles, which had been predictable or flat-out boring, these matchups actually had some bite to them. Trainers were forced to think on their feet, balancing offense and defense while strategizing what Pokémon to use first and which one to have as backup. Some had a natural rhythm to their battling, their partners working seamlessly together, while others fumbled under the pressure, their strategies falling apart the moment their Pokémon got overwhelmed.
But then—
The announcer's voice boomed through the tournament area, his tone shifting to something more energetic. "And now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've all been waiting for! The final match of the quarterfinals is about to begin!"
The crowd, which had been lively but tame, suddenly erupted into a frenzy of cheers, as the energy spiked. Gary raised an eyebrow, not surprised in the least. Of course, they've been waiting for this one.
A figure stepped onto the battlefield, her movements confident, purposeful.
Ashley Ketchum had arrived.
She walked with an easy grace, her long black hair tied in a high ponytail. A smirk played at the edge of her lips as she took her position on one side of the battle stage. Her stance was relaxed, but there was an undeniable energy around her—a battle-readiness that made even seasoned trainers take notice.
On the other side, her opponent stepped onto the stage. A girl from Johto, tall with a sleek, confident air about her. She adjusted the brim of her cap and gave Ashley a measured look before flashing a competitive grin.
"Guess I better make this one count," the Johto girl called out.
Ashley chuckled, rolling her shoulders as the referee raised his hand. "Same here."
Gary leaned forward, arms resting on his knees. Alright, Ash. Let's see what you've got this time.
The stadium held its breath as Ashley reached for her Poké Ball. She didn't hesitate—she already knew who she was sending in. With a swift flick of her wrist, the Poké Ball arced through the air, bursting open in a flash of light. The crowd gasped in unison as the light faded, revealing the long, serpentine form of Apollo, her Dratini.
The reaction was immediate. Whispers spread through the audience like wildfire.
"A Dratini? No way!"
"That's the Mirage Pokémon!"
"Man, I wish I had my camera out!"
Ashley smirked at the familiar reaction, but her focus remained on the battle. Across from her, the Johto girl lifted her own Poké Ball, her expression tightening for a split second before she tossed it forward. "Let's go, Bayleef!"
With a bright flash, a sturdy-looking Bayleef landed on the battlefield, shaking her leaf-tipped head with a determined cry. She immediately planted her feet, the large leaf around her neck flaring slightly as if she were already preparing for a fight.
The referee raised his hand. "Trainers, ready?"
Ashley rolled her shoulders, a smirk playing on her lips. "Always."
Her opponent nodded, adjusting her cap with a confident tilt of her chin. "Let's do this."
The referee's hand dropped. "Begin!"
"Razor Leaf!" the Johto trainer commanded.
Bayleef swung her head sharply, sending a flurry of spinning, razor-sharp leaves flying through the air. They cut through the battlefield at a rapid pace, glinting under the lights like tiny blades.
"Double Team!" Ashley countered.
In the blink of an eye, Apollo's form split into several identical copies, all of them weaving through the air in different directions. The Razor Leaf barrage tore through some of the illusions, but the real Apollo remained untouched, slithering across the battlefield with an almost playful ease.
"Nice try," Ashley called out, her grin widening. "Let's see how you handle Twister!"
Apollo's body curled as the air around him twisted violently. A powerful vortex of wind and draconic energy roared to life, spiraling forward like a living storm. It surged toward Bayleef, kicking up debris as it barreled down on her.
"Reflect!"
Bayleef's eyes glowed as a shimmering golden barrier formed in front of her just in time to absorb the brunt of the Twister's impact. The wind howled as the attack dispersed, leaving Bayleef with only minor scuffs.
Ashley clicked her tongue. That defense is annoying.
The Johto trainer smirked. "Not so easy, huh? Now, Body Slam!"
Bayleef charged forward with surprising speed, using her weight to try and crush Apollo beneath her bulk.
"Substitute!"
Just before impact, Apollo's body flickered. Bayleef slammed down with full force, but the Dratini beneath her vanished in a puff of smoke—only a decoy remained. The real Apollo slithered out of the way, his body coiled tightly in preparation for the next strike.
Ashley saw her opening. "Twister again—full force!"
Apollo reared back and unleashed another roaring vortex of wind and energy. This time, the Reflect barrier had faded, and the full brunt of the attack sent Bayleef tumbling backward. She skidded across the battlefield but dug her feet into the ground, shaking her head to clear her focus.
The Johto trainer clenched her fists. "We're not done yet! Sunny Day!"
Bayleef's leaf glowed with a warm golden hue, sending a beam of light into the sky. Instantly, the battlefield was bathed in an intense, golden glow. The air grew warmer, and the sunlight intensified, amplifying Bayleef's natural affinity for the sun.
Ashley smirked. "Oh, thanks for that. I needed a boost."
The Johto trainer blinked, then her expression shifted into panic. "Wait—"
"Fire Blast!" Ashley commanded.
Apollo slithered upward, his body coiling elegantly before he let out a roar of energy. Flames gathered in front of him, forming a massive kanji-shaped inferno that surged across the battlefield like a raging dragon.
The Fire Blast crashed into Bayleef with devastating force. The heat from the sun-enhanced flames was overwhelming, and Bayleef let out a sharp cry as she was thrown backward, tumbling across the battlefield. When the flames died down, she was still standing—barely. Her legs wobbled, her body scorched, but she refused to go down.
"Giga Drain!"
Bayleef's body pulsed with green light as tendrils of energy shot toward Apollo, sapping his strength, aiming to recover her own. Apollo growled as he felt his energy slowly drain, he struggled against it. But when everything seemed to be impossible… it happened.
The entire stadium seemed to hold its breath as Apollo's body became engulfed in a brilliant, almost blinding light. The glow pulsed outward in waves, sending flickering reflections across the battlefield as if the very air was charged with power. Every eye was locked onto the radiant cocoon, anticipation thick enough to cut with a knife. The crowd, which had been rowdy moments before, fell into a stunned silence.
Gary felt his fingers tighten around the armrest of his seat. He had seen evolutions before—heck, he had plenty of evolutions under his belt—but this was different. This was a Dratini, a Pokémon that most trainers would be lucky to see once in their lifetime, let alone own. A species whispered about in myths and old Kanto folk tales, creatures that were said to be messengers of the gods. And Ashley—Ashley—had one. And it was evolving. Right in front of his eyes.
The glowing silhouette of Apollo stretched and expanded, his once small, serpent-like frame elongating, refining, becoming something grander. His elegant shape took form, his soft blue hue intensifying, deepening. The delicate white fin on his forehead sharpened into a more defined crest, while two stunning wing-like appendages sprouted from either side of his head, gleaming like liquid silver in the contest lights. His pearl-like orbs, once small and subtle, now shimmered boldly along his slender body, crackling softly with barely contained energy.
And then, the light faded.
Apollo hovered effortlessly in midair, his newly evolved form exuding a presence unlike anything before. His body was no longer just sleek—it was regal. A creature of legends, right there on the battlefield. He coiled in place, his long, sinuous form undulating slightly as if adjusting to his newfound power. The very air around him seemed to shift, carrying a faint charge that sent shivers down the spine of anyone close enough to feel it.
Gary's jaw tightened as an involuntary chill ran down his arms. Holy Distortion World!
Gary felt something deeply conflicting bubbling inside him. Envy. A sharp, bitter thing at the pit of his stomach, whispering that Ashley was growing far beyond him, that she was surpassing expectations he hadn't even considered. But at the same time—pride. Immense pride. Because Gary had never seen a trainer—rookie or veteran—command the battlefield like his little sister did.
The crowd began to stir, murmurs turning into exclamations of shock, admiration, and sheer disbelief. Gary could hear snippets of excited chatter—
"Did you see that? That's a Dragonair! I've never seen one evolve in battle!"
"That's gotta be the rarest Pokémon in the entire tournament!"
"No way she's a rookie—there's no way!"
Ashley could barely process what had happened, but Apollo didn't hesitate. His instincts took over. Apollo let out a haunting, high-pitched frequency that reverberated through the battlefield. Gary realized at once what that move was. Supersonic! Bayleef staggered, her eyes swirling as she became disoriented from the attack.
Ashley saw her chance. "Finish it—Fire Blast!"
One last kanji-shaped inferno erupted from Apollo's mouth, racing across the field like a dragon's fury. Bayleef, too dazed to dodge, took the full impact head-on. The explosion of heat and fire rocked the stadium.
When the flames cleared, Bayleef collapsed, her trainer biting her lip as she quickly recalled her fallen Pokémon.
The referee raised his flag. "Bayleef is unable to battle!"
The Johto girl didn't even flinch as she recalled her fainted Bayleef, her expression unreadable as she reached for her next Poké Ball. The crowd was still abuzz from Apollo's evolution, murmurs of admiration and excitement running wild through the stands. But Gary, watching closely, felt his stomach drop the moment the girl threw her Poké Ball into the air.
With a burst of light, a Wigglytuff landed on the battlefield.
Gary clenched his jaw. A Fairy-type. Just Ashley's luck.
He saw the moment Ashley realized it too—her lips pressing together in a sharp line, her hand already moving to recall Apollo. Smart move. Dragons stood no chance against Fairy-types. Even if Apollo had just evolved and was riding the high of newfound power, this was an unnecessary risk. He had done his job. He didn't need to stay out there.
But before she could even call for a switch, Apollo roared.
The sound was deep, commanding, sending vibrations through the battlefield. His sleek body coiled, his wings flaring slightly at the sides of his head. His silver-blue eyes locked onto Wigglytuff, his gaze burning with challenge.
Ashley hesitated, staring at her partner. "Apollo, are you sure?" she asked, voice steady but cautious.
Another roar in response. No hesitation. No fear.
Gary groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "She's really about to pit a Dragon against a Fairy," he muttered under his breath. Had Ashley lost it? Sure, Apollo was strong—incredible, even. But the type disadvantage was brutal. If Wigglytuff landed even one Fairy-type move, Apollo was toast.
Ashley took a breath, then nodded. "Alright, let's do this."
The Johto girl smirked, crossing her arms. "Bad call," she said, rolling her shoulders. "Wigglytuff, let's—"
The referee's whistle barely left his lips before Apollo moved.
Without waiting for a command, Apollo whipped his long body in a powerful Twister, the spiraling wind kicking up debris and whipping through the battlefield. But this wasn't just any Twister. Apollo's control over the attack had sharpened—he didn't need its Dragon-type energy right now. What he needed was the hurricane itself.
As the Twister roared to life, Apollo's sleek form weaved through it, his fangs glowing faintly as he spewed a thick Toxic into the swirling vortex.
Gary's eyes widened. No way.
The wind carried the poisonous mist, spinning it into a venomous hurricane, trapping Wigglytuff in its swirling grasp. The moment the pink Pokémon inhaled—bam. Poisoned.
The Johto girl's confident smirk faltered.
Ashley, meanwhile, grinned like a maniac. "Nice thinking, Apollo! Now, Iron Tail!"
Apollo whipped his tail forward, the metallic sheen blazing silver as he crashed it down onto Wigglytuff.
Then he did it again.
And again.
Wigglytuff, still dizzy from the spinning storm, tried to counter with a desperate Dazzling Gleam, but Apollo was already moving. The glow from the Fairy attack barely flared before his Iron Tail slammed into her side once more, sending Wigglytuff bouncing across the field.
Gary sat up straighter, his heart pounding. Holy hell, he's steamrolling her.
Apollo wasn't just attacking—he was strategizing. The Toxic-Twister was genius, spreading the poison and keeping Wigglytuff on the defensive. And Iron Tail? Not only did it keep Apollo protected from the poison, but it was also a move from one of the only two types in existence that could counter Fairy-types.
And Ashley—whether she had planned this or was rolling with Apollo's instincts—was using it to perfection.
The Johto girl gritted her teeth. "Wigglytuff, use Rest!"
Ashley's eyes sharpened. "Intercept it! Fire Blast!"
Apollo reared back—and then, with a flick of his tail, unleashed a roaring inferno straight into the dazed Wigglytuff before she could even think about sleeping off the poison.
The blast landed, engulfing Wigglytuff in a swirling blaze of fire. When the flames cleared, she was still standing—but only just. The poison from Toxic was still eating away at her, and her pink fur was scorched from the Fire Blast.
One more hit.
Ashley saw it. Apollo saw it.
"Wigglytuff—" the Johto girl started.
"Apollo, finish it with Iron Tail!"
With one final, brutal strike, Apollo's glowing tail slammed into Wigglytuff's side. The Normal-Fairy Pokémon let out a dazed oof before collapsing onto the battlefield.
Silence.
Then—
"WIGGLYTUFF IS UNABLE TO BATTLE!" The referee's voice rang through the tournament area. "DRAGONAIR WINS!"
The stadium erupted.
Gary let out a breath he hadn't even realized he'd been holding. The entire crowd was on its feet, roaring their excitement, unable to believe what they'd just witnessed.
Apollo—the newly evolved Dragonair—had just crushed a Fairy-type.
Gary ran a hand through his hair, letting out a low whistle. "Holy shit, Ashley," he muttered, shaking his head. "That was insane."
And just like that, Ashley Ketchum advanced to the semifinals.
Ashley Ketchum's Team:
Mars - Charmeleon
Vulcan - Growlithe
Neptune - Lapras
Proserpina - Vileplume
Venus - Female Eevee
Apollo - Dragonair
Mercury - Male Eevee
Chione - Alola Vulpix
Gary Oak's Team:
Wartortle
Nidorina
Nidorino
Scyther
Kadabra
Kingler - Krabby
Doduo
Golem