With the events on the Mt. Coronet dealt with, and Team Galactic done for, it was finally time for Ash to take a little breather, and relax.
Of all the criminal organization he has run into in the Sinnoh, so far, Team Galactic have been the worst, if for no other reason, then for their goals.
Zurmudd, Byoln, and Jamil are dangerous, but their goals are unknown. Those thieves who call themselves business man, are just thieves, and they are not dangerous. Finally, the Shadow Legion is the most dangerous of all, but he hasn't had encounters with them while in Sinnoh, unless you count Jessie, Meowth, and Athena, but none of them have done anything, so there was no problem there.
Ash has spent a whole day after the events on Mt. Coronet, resting. He was tired from the overuse of his powers, and has even started to weep blood, which hasn't happened since before he became a Pokémon Trainer.
He spent that day along with Lillie, Dawn, and Cynthia, in a Pokémon Center, which isn't that far from the peak of the Mt. Coronet, and it was a perfect, and relaxing place. Just what Ash needed to rest, recover, and most importantly, get his anger in check.
During that day, Ash admitted to Lillie, Dawn, and Cynthia, that he has killed Hunter J, and all of her man, and their Pokémon. The ones who might have survived against him, have died when the flying ship fell into the whirlpool on Lake Valor, and then exploded while sinking into its depts.
Besides that, Ash didn't speak too much. Lillie, Dawn, and Cynthia were there for him, but he was quiet, and wanted to be alone for the most part, so he can get himself under control, before he restarts his journey.
XXX
The day after, Cynthia left, as she had to prepare for a new challenger for the title of the Sinnoh Champion. Ash, Lillie, and Dawn, also left the Pokémon Center on Mt. Coronet, and restarted their journey toward Daybreak Town, where Dawn's next contest is waiting for her.
Luckily, even though they've been through a lot in the last day, the events have - technically speaking - shortened the gang's journey toward the Daybreak Town, as the place they were on at Mt. Coronet, is considerably closer to where Dawn's next contest it to be held, compared the Floaroma Town, where they were when all the problems with Team Galactic, started. As such, even though it was unintentional, it has helped shave-off several days of traveling.
Several days after the events on Mt. Coronet, Ash and the girls run into a very famous old man, who is revealed to be an Air Battle Master. After hearing about McCann's strength and skill as an Air Battle Master, Ash decides to have an Air Battle with him: Scizor versus Gliscor. McCann was curious about Gliscor's abilities and agrees to a one-on-one match.
In the end, Ash lost that match. His Gliscor, even though he was well-trained, and has power, was not able to overcome Scizor' flying skills, and the way Scizor, and McCann were able to read the winds.
Gliscor spent the whole night training around the valley, in order to learn how to read the winds. Naturally, Ash helped his Pokémon in any way he could.
The next day, Ash, and Gliscor had another air battle against McCann, and lost, once again. This time, though, it was much closer, and Gliscor has even learned how to read winds, AND managed to pull of a Giga Impact, which is a move he didn't know until that point.
McCann was very impressed with Gliscor, and how much he has progressed in a single night. He realized that Gliscor has a lot of potential, and a great trainer, but a trainer who can't help Gliscor where it matters the most, which is in his flying skills, and reading the winds.
As such, McCann has asked Ash to allow him to train Gliscor in the aerial battle, and wind reading.
Now normally, Ash wouldn't even bother to consider such a thing. He has had a lot of Pokémon, and he has trained them all to become as strong as they are, so he is sure that he would be able to train Gliscor.
But, in one thing McCann is right. Ash is a regular trainer. A damn good one, but still a regular trainer, who doesn't specialize in certain training styles. McCann is the air battle master, and there is no one in the world better then him in that. He would be the best choice to train Gliscor, and teach him everything he needs to know about air battles.
In the end, Ash left the choice to Gliscor.
Gliscor thought about it, and decided to stay with McCann for a while, and train with him.
Ash was fine with that.
On route to the Daybreak Town, and Dawn's next Contest, the gang has made a stop in Brussel Town, where there is another Pokémon Contest, and in this one, Zoey is participating, and is currently fighting in the final round.
As, Ash, Lillie, and Dawn were seating on the bleachers; Candice showed up as well, to watch Zoey's battle.
All three were equally surprised to see the Snowpoint City, Gym Leader.
All of them watched as Zoey, and her Glameow, fought against a green-haired girl, and her Shuckle. They watched a tough battle, and eventual win for Zoey, which has earned her, her fifth ribbon, thus; she has qualified for the Sinnoh Grand Festival.
"Where did you all learn to sneak around like that?" Candice asked the gang, when she finally realized who she was seating next to.
"Didn't you see us come here?" Dawn asked.
"No," Candice admitted. "Why aren't you down there, Dawn?"
"I'll be competing in a contest in Daybreak Town," Dawn said. "But, the minute I realized that Zoey's fifth and final contest ribbon is on the line, I had to come, and watch."
"You are a true friend, Dawn." Candice said, with a smile.
Zoey was given her fifth ribbon, after which she thanked those who supported her, especially her Miss Senior.
"It's good to see you again, Candice," Dawn spoke to an excitable girls. "But shouldn't you be at the Snowpoint Gym?"
"It's no problem," Candice said with a wide smile. "Challengers rarely come to the Snowpoint Gym, anyway."
Ash, Lillie, and Dawn looked awkwardly at Candice, because of the way she was smiling while saying that she barely has any challengers.
XXX
After the contest was over, Zoey met with Ash, Lillie, Dawn, and Candice, outside of the contest hall.
"Thanks so much for cheering me on, guys," Zoey said to the group.
"Congratulations on your fifth ribbon, Zoey," Dawn said to her friend, and rival.
"Miss Senior, I can't thank you enough for all your help." Zoey said to Candice.
"That's fine," Candice said. "But now, it's time to have a party, Zo-Zo."
XXX
Later, they were all seating by a large table in the Pokémon Center, with a large assortment of sweats in front of them, for all of their enjoyment.
"So, how is everything with you, Dawn?" Zoey asked.
"Great," Dawn said. "I'm working really hard with my Pokémon."
"Dawn plans to enter at the Daybreak Contest." Candice revealed to Zoey.
"Wait," Zoey spoke. "You need two Pokémon for the appeal, and battle rounds of the Daybreak Contest, right?"
"Right," Dawn said. "But the way I messed up at the Double Performance at the Hearthome Contest, I want to jump back in, and challenge myself one more time."
"You remember what you told me back then, don't you? You said, 'if you want to improve, you should never be satisfied with where you are'."
Zoey was surprised by Dawn's words, but then she smiled. "That's what I like to hear," Zoey said. "See you at the Grand Festival' final round."
"You bet." Dawn said.
Everyone's attention was drawn to Ash, who seems to have suddenly gone really red in the face.
"What's up, Ash?" Dawn asked.
"Damn," He said, as he took a glass of water. "That Ice Cream bar was sweat, and too spicy, even for me. Now my tongue feels hot, and cold."
"How does that work?" Dawn was surprised.
Dawn's attention was drawn on Candice, as the older girl started to laugh. "It's a Snowpoint Tomato Berry Ice Cream bar," Candice said. "Ice Cream on the outside, with Tomato berry jelly on the inside."
"Yeah, that thing is spicy," Lillie said. "I almost started to spit fire when I tried it."
"Why fill a bar with that?" Dawn asked.
"Sometimes certain things you'd never think would go together, end up going together really well." Candice said.
Dawn was deep in though while thinking of what Candice said.
XXX
Later that evening, Zoey came to Ash's room, searching for Dawn, as she didn't find her in Lillie's room. Ash said that he thinks that Dawn is outside, preparing for her next contest.
Zoey nodded, before she left to search for Dawn.
She found Dawn at the battlefield behind the Pokémon Center, practicing with her Piplup, Buneary, and Pachirisu.
"You must be really psyched to be practicing at this hour." Zoey said to Dawn, after she approached her.
"Well, you see, I know I sounded pretty confident earlier, but, I'm worried a little bit." Dawn admitted.
"Why," Zoey questioned? "Those combinations will definitely take you far into the contest."
"Yeah, but at the same time, I've never really been at the double contest battle before," Dawn said. "That's why I'm trying so hard to come up with a new combination that will get me a win, for sure."
"Why don't we work on this tomorrow," Zoey suggested. "I'll do whatever I can to help you."
Dawn was very excited about Zoey's proposition, and she thanked her.
XXX
The next morning, while passing through the Pokémon Center Hall, Ash, and Lillie noticed a Sinnoh Now news on the TV, and found out that Paul, has earned his eight gym badge in the Canalave City, thus he has qualified for the Sinnoh League.
"I guess we've got some catching up to do." Lillie said.
"I guess so," Ash said. "Though we being behind him, isn't because he's better, but because we've had other things that we've done, besides going through the gyms."
"I can't argue with that." Lillie said, before she looked around. "By the way. Where is Dawn?"
"I don't know." Ash admitted.
XXX
Later, they found Dawn at the battlefield along with Zoey. The two are in the middle of the training, which should help Dawn come up with new moves, and collaboration techniques for her Pokémon.
Along with Ash, and Lillie, Candice is also there, and the three of them are watching the two younger girls, train.
"Ok, what I want to do is find a way to put together Mamoswine's Ice Shard, and another Pokémon's move." Dawn explained to Zoey, and the others.
"Ok," Zoey said. "It's a nice idea, a powerful move, so it's worth working on."
"Yeah, but so far, I've been a little short on good ideas." Dawn admitted.
"Why don't you try and have Mamoswine use Ice Shard first," Zoey suggested, before she pointed at some rocks.
Dawn nodded, before she told Mamoswine to fire Ice Shard on the rocks. Mamoswine did that, and easily broke the large rock.
Zoey wanted to see the combinations that Dawn's Pokémon have, and see how effective they would be in battle.
Dawn nodded, before she tried to combine Piplup's Bubble Beam, and Mamoswine's Ice Shard. Unfortunately, it ended with Piplup being frozen inside the Ice Shard.
Ash almost laughed when he saw this, but took pity on Dawn, and Piplup, and broke Piplup out of the ice shard.
"Freezing your Pokémon's partner, is not the best contests move." Zoey said to Dawn.
Candice went and showed Dawn how to use Ice Shard in a contest move. It turned out to be very well done, with Zoey, and Dawn very impressed.
Dawn tried to pull something similar to what Candice has done with her Abomasnow. Dawn did similar thing with her Mamoswine, and Pachirisu. Unfortunately, it worked at the start, but not till the end.
Seeing that this won't work, Zoey challenged Dawn to a double battle. They will try that, and see what comes out of it. Zoey even suggested to Dawn to try out her Cyndaquil, but Dawn wasn't sure, as fire and Ice aren't compatible.
Then, it came to her. She remembered the previous night, and the Snowpoint Tomato Berry Ice Cream bar. She remembered how Candice said that sometimes the things that shouldn't go together, end up going together well.
Dawn accepted Zoey's challenge, and soon enough, they were on the opposite sides of the battlefield. Dawn has already had her Mamoswine, and Cyndaquil out of their Poke Balls, and Zoey followed it, and released her two Pokémon. She released a Leafeon, and Kirlia.
Everyone except Candice were really surprised, as they've never seen Zoey use those two Pokémon so far. They didn't even know she had them.
"We've been training really hard," Zoey said. "Hopefully, the two of them will have their debut at the Grand Festival."
The battle was started by Dawn, who had her Mamoswine use Ice Shard. Mamoswine created the ice shard, and then broke it into little pieces with his tusk, before he sent them flying around Cyndaquil, in a form of a circling ring.
Cyndaquil used Flame Wheel, as he spun around inside of the ring.
Unfortunately, whatever Dawn was trying to do, will remain unknown, as Cyndaquil ended up melting the ice, and turned it into water, which then fell on him.
"That was a great idea, Dawn," Zoey said. "Combining Fire and Ice is something no one bothers to try. It might have failed now, but work on it, and you might succeed in the future."
Dawn thought of what to do next. She thought for a few moments, before she came up with a new move, she wanted to try.
She had Cyndaquil use Flame Wheel, but stay put. Then, she had Mamoswine used Ice Shard to create a ring around Cyndaquil, followed by another Ice Shard, which collided with the ring, and Cyndaquil; and enclosed Cyndaquil inside of the ice shard. Cyndaquil wasn't frozen, though. He was still spinning inside the Ice Shard making the ice sparkle with the rotating flames.
Everyone was impressed, while Dawn named her new move, Flame-Ice.
Dawn ordered her Cyndaquil to attack Leafeon and Kirlia.
Cyndaquil started to spin forward, practically pushing the Ice Shard toward his opponents. Unfortunately, as the fire grew more powerful, and the moving on the ground didn't help; ice slowly started to melt, until it completely broke off from around Cyndaquil, before the small fire type even got to his target.
"So close," Candice commented, as she saw Dawn's attack fail. "A little longer, and it could have been a finishing move for a double battle."
Cyndaquil proceeded to use Flame Wheel, and went at Leafeon, and Kirlia, but they just jumped up, and dodged the fire Pokémon.
Then, it was time for Zoey to attack. She had both of her Pokémon use Magical Leaf, which was then followed by Kirlia using Psychic, in order to take control of the leaf's.
Kirlia controlled the Magical Leaf, and attack Mamoswine, and Cyndaquil at the same time.
Both of Dawn's Pokémon fell on the ground, defeated in one move.
Zoey approached to Dawn, and her Pokémon, with her Kirlia, and Leafeon by her side. "You were great, Dawn," Zoey said. "You can certainly come up with new moves, but they have to work if you want to win your fifth ribbon."
"I know," Dawn said. "From now on, it will be more training for all of us. By the time the Daybreak Contest comes, I will have the Flame-Ice move in the bag, and with it, my fifth ribbon."
Dawn's Pokémon totally agreed with her.
On the way to the daybreak Town, the gang has once again lost their way, and are now trying to get back on the road.
Their attention was drawn by something in the distance, and once they checked it out, they found a very interesting sight. It was a Gible, trying to use Draco Meteor.
The gang stood to the side, and watched as Gible fired an orange ball of energy into the sky, but instead of exploding, and then raining down all around the area, the ball just gave a small pop and then came back down. Surprisingly, it came right toward where Ash, and the others were. Particularly, toward Dawn, who was holding Piplup in her hands.
The two freaked out, and Dawn was about to start to run away, but it was unnecessary, as Ash formed a barrier in front of them all. The orange ball hit the barrier, and exploded, but no one was hurt.
Gible noticed the gang, and approached them. It just stood there, and looked at them all curiously.
"You need to get more control of that Draco Meteor, Gible," Ash said to the land shark Pokémon. "You can't just have it fall down anywhere."
Gible looked curiously at Ash, before he jumped at him, and tried to bite him on the head.
Ash jumped to the side, and dodge the attack. Gible tried again, but Ash dodged again. This went on several more times, before Gible finally stopped, and started to breathe hard.
"I don't know what that was about, but you need to calm down," Ash said to Gible, as he kneeled down next to the Pokémon, and rubbed his head.
Gible liked the rubbing, and seemingly calmed down.
"Now, if you want, I can help you with Draco Meteor." Ash said to Gible, who tilted his head to the side, as he looked at Ash.
"Are you sure about this, Ash?" Dawn asked.
"Yeah," Ash said. "We have enough time to help this Gible, and then get to the Daybreak Town for your contest."
Dawn nodded.
Gible looked toward Dawn, and Lillie, before he suddenly jumped at Dawn, and bit on her head. Dawn screamed, and started to jump around. Piplup ended up screaming together with his trainer.
Lillie tried to help Dawn, but then Gible jumped away from Dawn, and right on Lillie's head.
Ash stood to the side, and watched the show. He would have been concerned about Gible's acting, if not for a fact that that he can't sense anything bad from Gible. It seems that the small Ground/Dragon Type, is just being playful.
Eventually, Ash decided to break this up, as he grabbed Gible, and brought it down to the ground. "You can't do that, Gible," Ash said to the Pokémon.
"Why not?" Gible suddenly asked, while tilting his head to the side. His voice was young, like that of a child.
"Because it's not nice," Ash explained to the young Gible. "You don't mean harm, but others might not understand that."
Gible looked curiously toward Ash.
"Come on," Ash spoke again. "Let's see if I can help you with that Draco Meteor."
Gible nodded, before he moved away from Ash, and then started to focus his energy in front of himself. Then, he turned his head upwards, and fired the orange ball into the sky.
The ball went up, but instead of exploding, it just started to fall back down… right toward the girls, and Piplup.
The three of them freaked out once again, but once again, they were saved by Ash. This time, he came in front of the girls, and bitch-slapped the orange ball away. It fell several meters away from the gang, and exploded.
"That's not quite it." Ash said, as he looked toward the curious Gible.
"Concentrate your dragon type energy," Ash spoke to Gible, who started to focus, as he started to glow orange. "Let it flow directly into the center of your body," Gible started to form the orange energy in front of himself. "Now, look up, and fire."
Gible turned toward the sky, and fired the orange ball of draconic energy.
The ball went up, but again, instead of exploding, it just came back down. Once again, it went at Dawn, and Piplup, who is in her arms.
Ash had to bitch-slap the ball once again, before Dawn and Piplup were hit. He then looked at Gible, and said. "That's not it."
Lillie, Dawn, and Piplup sighed, as they watched Ash train a wild Gible. They realized that this might take a while, so they decided to just sit down – far from Ash, and Gible – and relax. Maybe even take some snack.
XXX
Even after an hour of trying to teach Gible to use Draco Meteor, Ash still wasn't successful. It was actually starting to be frustrating, because ever time Gible would try to use Draco Meteor, the ball would just start to fall down toward where Piplup is. It actually went so far, that after the first 15 minutes, and half a dozen tries, Ash actually had to move away from the girls, and Piplup, and go over half a kilometer away with Gible, so that the attempted Draco Meteor, wouldn't fall on Piplup.
But now, it's been an hour since Ash started to help Gible, and barely any progress was made. The try and failure, have actually reminded Ash of the time he has trained his Turtwig to learn Energy Ball. Now that, has taken a while, and there is no way Ash can stay and help Gible for weeks, until he masters the Draco Meteor.
As such, Ash decided to try a different approach.
"Listen, Gible," Ash spoke to the land shark Pokémon. "This is taking a while, so I have a proposition for you."
Gible tilted his head to the side.
"Come with me." Ash suddenly said to Gible, surprising him.
"Come with you," Gible spoke. "Where?"
"On my journey," Ash said. "You will become my Pokémon, you will travel around with me, and that will give us time for you to train, and learn the Draco Meteor."
Gible looked at Ash with an unintelligent look on his face. He wasn't really getting it, but he likes Ash, and wants to learn the Draco Meteor. So, he accepted the offer.
"Great," Ash said, before he took a Poke Ball, and tapped it on Gible's head. The land shark Pokémon was sucked inside, and after few seconds, the ball pinged, meaning that Gible has been caught.
The Poke Ball shrunk down right after, as Ash already has 12 Pokémon with him. As such, one will have to go to Oak's Ranch, in order for Gible's Poke Ball, to become accessible.
Couple of days after Ash caught himself a Gible; the gang has arrived in a new town.
There, they run into Barry… or better said, Barry drove a bike, straight into Ash, and fell on his ass.
"Ouch," Barry said, as she rubbed the back of his head. "What the hell are you made off, Ash?" Barry asked, when he saw who he has hit.
"Flesh, and bones." Ash replied shortly, while wearing a slight smirk. Barry scowled at Ash's cheek.
"That's not funny." Barry said, as he got up.
"What's not funny is that you are still running into me." Ash said, now scowling at Barry. "And this time, with a bike."
"It's not my fault you don't watch where you are going." Barry yelled.
"I'm pretty sure that you are the one who's not watching where he's going." Ash said to Barry, while looking at him as if he's stupid.
Barry growled.
"What are you doing here, Barry," Dawn asked the blonde-haired, loudmouth. "The last time we saw you, you were on the way to Sunyshore City."
"I was heading to Sunyshore City," Barry said. "But then I heard that Eterna City is giving away bikes for free, so I went there, and got one. After that, I stopped in Hearthome City to challenge Fantina to a gym battle, but… she wasn't there. Again."
Ash groaned when he heard that.
Barry then pulled out a card, with #1 on it. "I've got a Hearthome City gym challenger ticket," Barry said. "And I'm first in line."
"Yeah, I guess with that bike, you can really move now." Lillie said, before she looked at where Barry's bike is supposed to be. Unfortunately, she only saw a pair of tires, and a Gible.
When Barry saw this, he freaked out. "AHHH, that Gible ate my bike," he screamed while almost pulling his hair out! "Where did it come from?!"
Ash knew right away that it was his Gible. He wondered when he even came out of the Poke Ball, as he hasn't even noticed him.
"Damn it, Gible," Ash said to his newest Pokémon. "We already talked about this. You can go around, and eat everything you can get your hands on."
Gible tilted his head to the side, as he looked curiously at Ash.
Ash sighed.
"Is that you Gible, Ash?!" Barry asked.
"Yeah," Ash admitted. "I caught him few days ago."
"You should have taught him some manners!" Barry yelled.
"It's a young Gible, Barry," Ash said. "He still can't distinguish right from wrong."
Barry growled. "What am I gonna do now?" He yelled out.
"How about a battle," Ash asked Barry, drawing his attention?
"A battle?" Barry questioned.
"Yeah," Ash said. "I want to see what Gible can do in a battle. If you win… I'll give you money for a new bike."
Now Barry, was really interested. "Ok Ash," he said. "I accept."
XXX
In less than a minute, Ash and Barry were on a small grass field close to where they were. They were few dozen meters away from each other, and were ready for the battle.
Ash's Gible was already on the 'battlefield', so all that was left was for Barry to choose his own Pokémon.
Barry went and released his strongest Pokémon. His Empoleon.
"I guess you don't want to risk anything, ha?" Ash questioned Barry, when he saw that Barry released his strongest Pokémon, to battle against Ash's newest Pokémon, who also happens to be very young.
Barry scoffed. "I always go all-out." He said.
"Right." Ash deadpanned.
Lillie acted as a referee, so she immediately started the battle.
Barry started the battle, with his Empoleon using Drill Peck.
Gible dodged that, and tried to use Rock Smash, but Empoleon dodged it.
Empoleon used Steel Wing, but Gible used Dig, to escape from Steel Wing, before he came out of the ground right behind Empoleon, and used Rock Smash, at the back of Empoleon's head.
Empoleon was brought to the ground, face-first, but he wasn't defeated, or even injured that much. It got up quickly, and used Hydro Cannon.
Gible countered it with Dragon Pulse, which caused the two attacks to clash. Unfortunately, Gible's attack was weaker, and was soon overpowered by Hydro Cannon, which then hit Gible, and sent him flying.
Empoleon went with Steel Wing, as Barry wanted to end the battle, but Gible managed to get up, and catch Empoleon of guard, by hitting it with Rock Smash right across the face.
Gible followed it with Dragon Pulse, which also hit Empoleon, and caused damage.
This time, it was Ash who wanted to end the battle. He told Gible to use Draco Meteor, and hoped that it would work.
Gible focus his draconic energy in front of himself, and then fired a golden orb into the air.
The moment he did that, Piplup jumped away from Dawn, and went straight behind Ash, as he expected the ball to fall toward him, and being close to Ash is the safest place.
In an unbelievable turn of events, the ball actually exploded in the air, and then started to rain down several golden orbs all over the battlefield, and toward Empoleon.
Empoleon managed to dodge majority of the orbs, though it was hit by several of them, causing it even more damage. Then, it used Drill Peck, and spun toward Gible, hitting him full-force, and sending the small dragon type, flying.
Empoleon stood on the ground, breathing hard, as it was looking toward where Gible fell. It hoped that the battle was over, but surprisingly, Gible managed to stand back up, though barely.
Ash was proud of his Gible, and told him to use Draco Meteor, one more time.
Gible did that, but unfortunately, this time, the move failed, as the golden orb just fell back down toward the ground, and straight at Piplup. Luckily for Dawn's Pokémon, Ash was able to save him from Gible's attack, by bitch-slapping the orb away from Piplup.
Ash cursed when he saw that Gible's attack failed. And here he thought that Gible has finally learned Draco Meteor, but it was just a one-time thing. At least for now.
Empoleon attacked Gible right away, and hit him with Steel Wing, before he attacked one more time with Hydro Cannon.
This time, Gible was defeated.
"Gible is unable to battle! The winners are Empoleon, and Barry!" Lillie announced.
Barry celebrated his win, as he hugged his Empoleon, who was also very happy.
Ash returned his Gible, and thanked him for a nice battle. He really thought that Gible did well, considering that he is very young, and hasn't mastered Draco Meteor; while Empoleon is Barry's strongest Pokémon.
"That was a good match, Barry." Ash said to Barry.
"It really was," Barry said. "But you know, at this rate, I'll surpass you, and very soon, become the greatest trainer on the world."
Ash smirked. "Yeah, I bet you will." Ash said.
On the way to Daybreak Town, Ash, Lillie, and Dawn have made a stop to take a break, and have lunch. They are very close to some town, which is just few kilometers away from them, so they could have gone there, and had lunch in the Pokémon Center. But, they decided to just have a picnic.
As Lillie, and Dawn were setting up things for lunch, Ash went a little away from the two girls, and called Professor Oak.
"Hey Ash," Oak spoke. "How are you?"
"I'm fine, Professor Oak," Ash replied. "We are on the way to Daybreak Town, for Dawn's next contest. After that, we'll be on the way to Sunyshore City, for my, and Lillie's final gym battles."
"I see you are close to your goals." Professor Oak said with a smile.
"Close, yes," Ash said. "Not there just yet, though."
"So, what can I do for you?" Professor Oak asked.
"I want you to transfer that Swampert I caught in the Canalave City, to Dawn." Ash said, much to Professor Oak's surprise.
"Why?" The old professor asked.
"I don't need him," Ash said. "I thought of just leaving him in the PPA, but I figured it's better to give him to Dawn. She loves Ground Types, and I'm sure she could make good use of him."
"Ok," Professor Oak nodded. "I'll transfer the ownership to Dawn, and then I'll send the Poke Ball to you."
"You'll have to send it to Professor Rowan," Ash said. "Dawn has six Pokémon with her, so she won't be able to open the ball."
Professor Oak nodded.
"When you send the Pokémon to Professor Rowan, tell him not to call for Dawn," Ash said to Professor Oak. "Tell him, I'll tell Dawn about Swampert, so she will call him to switch it when she wants."
Professor Oak nodded once again, before the line ended.
XXX
Ash was called by Professor Oak, about half-an-hour later, and he was informed that Swampert was transferred to Dawn, and that it's already in Professor Rowan's Lab. As such, Ash was free to inform Dawn of it.
"Hey Dawn." Ash spoke to his friend, as she was packing stuff from their lunch.
"What is it, Ash?" Dawn asked.
"Do you remember that Swampert I caught in the Canalave City?" Ash asked.
"I do." Dawn replied.
"Well, I just transferred it to you," Ash said, much to Dawn's shock. Even Lillie was slightly surprised. "I called Professor Oak, and he did it. The Poke Ball with Swampert is now with Professor Rowan, so you can get it anytime you want."
Dawn was happy, but she had to ask. "But why are you giving Swampert to me?" Dawn asked.
"I already have a Swampert, so I don't need another one," Ash shrugged. "From the start I thought of either leaving the Swampert in the PPA, or to give it to. I decided to do the latter, as you can make good use of him."
Dawn was really happy now, and she thanked Ash. She immediately used Ash's Rotom Pokedex, to call Professor Rowan, and bring her new Pokémon to the team.
XXX
As soon as Dawn brought her new Swampert into the team, she spent about half-an-hour to get to meet him.
Swampert has never had a trainer before, and wasn't sure how to feel about it. Lately though, he has spent a lot of time in the Poke Ball, and now that he's out he figures that having a trainer, and being out, is better then be stuck in a Poke Ball in some lab.
Several hours later, the gang was already in the next town, and have gotten themselves rooms in the Pokémon Center, where they will spend the night, before they restart the journey toward the next town.
The peace, and quiet of the small town was interrupted by several explosion which rocked the whole Town.
Ash, Lillie, and Dawn run out of the Pokémon Center, to see what's going on, only to see a Metagross, and Magnezone in the middle of a heavy battle, which is destroying everything in sight.
They also saw Officer Jenny chasing after the two Pokémon, and trying to calm them down, but she wasn't successful.
"What's going on, Officer Jenny?" Lillie asked, as she, Dawn, and Ash run after Officer Jenny.
"A wild Magnezone, and Metagross appeared in Town, and are now battling, and causing damage."
"Why would they do that?" Dawn asked.
"I don't know," Jenny said. "But they need to be stopped before they destroy the whole Town."
"I guess we can take care of that," Ash said. "This is a chance for you to try out your new Pokémon. Wouldn't you agree, Dawn?"
Dawn was surprised for a moment, but then she smiled. "I agree, Ash."
"Good," Ash said. "You take on Metagross, and catch it if you can. I'll catch Magnezone."
"You want to catch them?" Lillie asked with surprise in her voice.
"Of course," Ash said. "They are wild Pokémon, and can be very powerful if trained well."
Lillie had to agree on that.
Soon, they found the two Pokémon in the middle of the battle. Ash went and released his Monferno, while Dawn released her Swampert.
She pulled out her Pokedex, and scanned her Swampert, to see which moves he knows, as she hasn't done that earlier. She found out that Swampert knows Mud Shot, Hydro Pump, and Hammer Arm.
Dawn hoped for something more, but she can work with this for now, and then teach Swampert some new moves in the future.
Dawn went and attacked Metagross with Mud Shot. The balls of mud hit Metagross, sending it backwards, where it hit the building. This has also separated Metagross from Magnezone, so Dawn can focus on it, while Ash can focus on Magnezone.
Metagross got up, and used Take Down on Swampert, this time, sending him flying backwards.
Swampert got up, and attacked Metagross with Hydro Pump, while Metagross countered with Shadow Ball. The two attacks clashed and canceled each other out.
Metagross tried to use Gyro Ball on Swampert, but Dawn told her Pokémon to use Hammer Arm.
The two Pokémon clashed for a few moments, before they were both pushed back by the force of their attacks.
Metagross, and Swampert recovered at the same time, and again charged at each other. This time, Metagross was using Metal Claw, while Swampert was using Hammer Arm.
XXX
While Dawn and her Swampert were battling against Metagross; in a battle where both Pokémon are about equal; Ash was having an easier time with Magnezone.
Ash started the battle with his Monferno using Flamethrower, which hit Magnezone, and send it flying.
It got up, though, and tried to use Sonic Boom on Monferno. Monferno dodged by using Dig, and went underground. He got out right behind Magnezone, and hit it with Mach Punch. Magnezone crashed into the ground from a very powerful punch performed by Monferno.
Monferno jumped back in front of Ash, and watched as his opponent got back up, and used Thunderbolt.
Monferno easily dodged that, and then used Flame Wheel on Magnezone, dealing it even more damage. To top it off, he fired Flamethrower right away, and hit Magnezone while the Steel/Electric Type was on the ground.
This caused a large explosion, and made Magnezone cry out in pain from a very effective attack.
Somehow, Magnezone managed to get back up, and used Supersonic.
It was useless, though. Monferno was just too fast, and too good at dodging. He dodged Magnezone' Supersonic, and then hit it with another Flamethrower.
This time, Magnezone was defeated.
Ash took an empty Poke Ball, and threw it at his defeated opponent. In a few seconds, Ash had a new Pokémon for his team.
With that taken care of, Ash focused on watching Dawn's battle, which seems to be coming to a close.
XXX
Metagross, and Swampert are tired.
They've both used many attacks, and hit each other with everything they've got, but so far, none of the two is backing down.
Dawn knew that her Pokémon won't be able to last much longer, and decided to see if she can end it with one last push.
Dawn told Swampert to use Hydro Pump, which he did. Metagross countered this with Gyro Ball.
Dawn knew that Metagross will counter it somehow, so right after Metagross used Gyro Ball to counter Hydro Pump, Dawn told Swampert to use Hammer Arm with all of the energy he had left.
Swampert' right hand glowed red, as he jumped toward Metagross, and hit it right on top of the head, bringing the large Steel Type to the ground.
Dawn looked at Metagross, and saw that it was defeated. She threw an empty Poke Ball, and got herself a new Pokémon. A second one in a single day.