pokemon Fighting Dreamers

''Ash! It's so good to see you!'' Flannery said while greeting the boy. ''How much has it been? 4 years?''

''More or less, it's really good to see you too.'' Ash replied happily. ''So you're Kabu's niece?''

''That's right! You could say the fire runs on the family, uh?'' She then looked back at the older man. ''Uncle Kabu, why didn't you tell me Ash was coming?''

''I just wanted to give my niece a little surprise.'' The man said with a laugh. ''Now Ash, about those conditions I must give you...oh, I know! ...how about you and Flannery go on a date?''

''What?'' Ash asked confused.

''WHAT?!'' Bea exclaimed while Cinderace laughed.

''UNCLE KABU!'' Flannery exclaimed as well, with her cheeks turning pink.

''Ha! I'm just kidding... unless.''

''UNCLE KABU!''

''Fine, fine, you and Flannery will-''

''UNC-''

''Let me finish! Ehem...You and Flannery will fight in a 3v3 battle.'' Kabu started to explain and Flannery finally calmed down. ''If you manage to defeat her then you'll fight me in a battle using 4 Pokemon against 5 of mine, what do you say?''

''You got yourselves a deal.'' Ash said with his challenging look on spot.

''I'm in too." Flannery said. "I really would like a rematch with you.''

''Hold on a second.'' Bea jumped on the conversation. ''5 Pokemon in the third Gym? Isn't that a bit too much?''

''Don't worry Bea, I can handle it.''

''Of course you can...'' Bea sighed still trying to get used to the champion thing.

''Then it looks like everything is set.'' Kabu said.

''Flannery, this Litleo is yours, right?'' Ash asked while raising the cub.

''Yes indeed, I caught him in Kalos while I was visiting my aunt.'' Flannery dodged a Flamethrower from the lion. ''He doesn't like me that much.'' Litleo was going to shoot another Flamethrower and Flannery quickly recalled it to its Poke Ball. ''Huff, I'm doing my best for him to like me, so I'll use him in our battle tomorrow, alright?''

''I'll be happy to see what Litleo can do.''

''Alright, everyone.'' Kabu placed his arms around Ash and Flannery 'accidentally' pulling them closer to each other. ''I think we should head back and rest, keep your minds fresh for tomorrow's battle.''

''Ash, can I put a little condition too?'' Flannery asked.

''What kind of condition?'' Ash asked back.

''Pleeeeease, use some of your Hoenn Pokemon, I want to see how the gang has grown!''

''I had the exactly the same idea!'' Ash replied.

''Great!'' Flannery exclaimed.

''Great!'' Ash exclaimed as well.

''GREAT DAYYYYS!'' Kabu said with a smile pulling the two teens even closer.

''Hmm...'' Bea watched from afar.

Next day, 11:45 AM, Motostoke Stadium.

''Hey Ash, it's me, Flannery!'' The voice of the Hoenn Gym Leader called Ash from outside of his locker room. ''Can I come in?''

''Sure, I'm going.'' Ash said as he went to open the door. ''I'm having a dejavu again.''

''How is it going? Ready for this?'' Flannery asked once Ah opened the door.

''Of course! I want to see how strong you've gotten.''

''Just like you, I became really strong as well, I got new Pokemon and strategies to show you, Ash...When we battled, I learned exactly how immature I was. I was trying too hard to be a good Gym Leader and ended up falling into a slump, but this won't be like our Gym battle.''

''I suppose you won't be using the same team you used back then.''

''You got that right, Meg and Mag stayed in Lavaridge taking care of the Gym along Grandpa, you are not ready for what I have!''

''Then let's do it!''

As Ash and Flannery were talking, Bea was watching from afar, she wanted to check on Ash too, but seeing how Flannery made it first she decided to wait, after a while, seeing how they were still talking Bea sighed and went back to the stands.

''Attention Pokemon trainers!'' A voice was heard from the speakers. ''The Gym Match will start shortly, please come to the battlefield.''

''That's our cue!'' Ash said.

''Oh, r-really?''

''Yeah, are you nervous?''

''Maybe just a little, you know we don't have this kind of things in Hoenn, I've never battled in a Stadium before.''

''Then how about we enter the battlefield together? Would that help you?''

''Hmm... Yeah, I think that'll help.''

''Then let's go!''

''By the way, you and May are still in contact, right?''

Ash's smile died down a little. ''No...we're not.'' That was something that has been bothering Ash lately, as he said himself, he doesn't look back that much, he hasn't talk with most of his companions since they parted ways, unless he encountered them in another region like it happened recently with Cilan, although is not like he had their numbers to begin with, this was the first time he had a phone, sweet Arceus, well, he had to find a way of fixing that.

''I wonder how May is...'' No one cares about Max obviously.

''Oh? So, you didn't get the news?'' Flannery asked.

''What news?''

''May finally made it to the World Expert Festival, she's wrecking the place! Yesterday she defeated Yancy, the Unovan contest champion and now she's gonna face Lisia in the finals.''

''Lisia...'' Ash thought for a second trying to spot the name, then he remembered a Hoenn broadcast he saw before receiving Rose's letter. ''But Lisia is the World Contest Champion!'' Ash exclaimed.

''I know!'' Flannery exclaimed as well with a squeal. ''If May defeats she'll be the new World Champion!''

''But that's...t-that's...Flannery when are the Finals?!''

''They'll be next week, the festival so far has been in Sootopolis but the final round will be Hearthome, Sinnoh.''

''Hearthome, Next week, got it! ...I have to go!'' Ash exclaimed as his eyes burned with determination.

''I'm sure May will be happy to see you.'' Flannery said and then she looked at Ash who had a lost gaze. ''You okay?''

''Well, now that you mentioned Sinnoh, with all this contest thing I'm now thinking about Dawn too.''

''Who's Dawn?''

''She traveled with me in Sinnoh, she also participated in contests, did you see her in the Festival? Lively girl? Long blue hair? Piplup and Buneary? ...Kinda sassy?''

''...No, that doesn't ring any bells.''

''I wonder what she's doing.''

Meanwhile in Johto.

''Piplup, I'M SO BOOOOORED!'' Exclaimed a blue haired girl. ''I still can't believe we missed the World Expert Festival because you left me oversleep!''

''Piplup...'' The Penguin ignored her while playing Dragon-Type City on his trainer's phone.

''Oh, you back already?'' Cinderace asked as Bea sat next to her in the stands. ''Did something happen?''

''Ash was there...talking with Flannery.''

''Are you going to get jealous with every girl we encounter? ...Because if that's the case, I'm really going to enjoy it.''

''It's not that I'm jealous...Well, maybe a little, but the problem is that Ash is always getting along with everyone and we've met so many people he knows or people who knows him and of course he wants to spend time with them too, but I feel like I'm being pushed aside, I guessed I preferred it when it was just the two of us...Maybe I'm just being selfish, he has his own life after all, right?''

''I see...Why don't you invite him to a date?'' The rabbit suggested.

''A date?''

''Yeah! It would be just the two of you, you already had a date with him anyway, right?''

''I did...That's actually a good idea.''

''Of course it is, it's my idea after all.''

''GAH! We made it!'' Gloria exclaimed appearing behind Bea and Cinderace.

''Where have you guys been?'' Bea asked. ''We lost track of you after the mine.''

''Gloria passed out and then had a serious hangover.'' Victor explained.

''Yeah, there was a Raitora in my bathroom for some reason.'' Gloria added.

''Welcome people, my name is Peter Solfa.'' The announcer began the introduction. ''This is the Motostoke Gym and today we have a very nice battle on the way, Ash Ketchum is coming for his third Badge and you could say he just bought the family package cause Flannery, the niece of our Gym Leader Kabu, is gonna be joining this fight, she also had fight Ash before, back in Hoenn years ago, so I'm sure those two have a score to settle, well let's begin!''

''In one side of the battlefield, the one with a fiery passion that burns! FLANNERY!''

Both Ash and Flannery came out of the gate together waving at the audience.

''Oh, how curious...I wonder what those two were doing in the locker room together, eh? eh?'' The announcer said while the whole stadium -minus Bea- laughed with him.

''To think I'm gonna fight a champion.'' Flannery said as they walked to the referee. ''All the Hoenn Leaders were excited by your victory, back when I heard the news of your success they lit my fire and made me realize again that I have to grow more as a Pokémon Trainer...so, thank you for stimulating my spirit!"

''There's nothing to thank Flannery, now show me that spirit!''

''Let's burn the sky!''

''This will be an official Gym battle between the Gym Guest Trainer Flannery and the Gym Challenger Ash.'' The referee began. ''This will be a three on three battle with switches allowed and without Dynamax, If the challenger manages to defeat the Gym guest Flannery then he will have the right to fight the Gym Leader Kabu in a battle, did I make myself clear?'' Ash and Flannery nodded.

''Trainers, take your position and release your first Pokemon!''

''Let's do this, Litleo you're up!'' The lion cub came out the Poke Ball launching a Flamethrower to the sky.

''Rookidee, I choose you!'' The bird appeared in the sky.

''If both trainers are ready then the battle begins now!''

''Let's start with Agility!'' Ash shouted as Rookidee spun around boosting his speed.

''Litleo, Dark Pulse!'' Litleo roared shooting a beam of purple circles.

''Dive down with Brave Bird!'' Rookidee charged the move and flew in circles around the Dark Pulse until he crashed onto Litleo.

''Flare Blitz!'' Litleo roared as its body was surrounded by flames, Rookidee tried to fly away, but Litleo jumped with the attack knocking Rookidee back.

''Now Hyper Voice!'' An echoing roar came from Litleo that blew Rookidee away disorienting him. ''There's your chance! Flamethrower!'' Litleo shoot the stream of fire and Roikidee was unable to avoid it.

''Now Flare Blitz!''

''Power Trip!''

The attacks crashed, but Litleo managed to outpower Rokidee sending the latter to a wall.

''Dark Pulse!''

''Rookidee, use Agility again!'' The bird took the hit and the spun around boosting his speed further.

''Flamethrower!''.

''Agility, one more time!'' spun around and took the hit again, maxing his speed stat, after this, Rookidee started to vibrate.

''I'm getting some 'Divided we fall' flashbacks here.'' the announcer said.

''Now we got max speed and MAX POWER TRIP!'' Rookidee let out a powerful screech as he charged against Litleo surrounded by a big amount of dark energy.

''Litleo, Dark Pulse!''

Power Trip easily outpowered the Dark Pulse, Rookidee then crashed against Litleo tossing the lion aside, but Rookiee kept going and crashed on a wall, Rookidee then shot himself to another wall and this continued until he stopped on his side of the battlefield and stopped vibrating.

''Looks like Rookidee himself can't handle that power!'' The announcer shouted.

''Flare Blitz!''

''Behemoth Bash!''

Both attacks crashed in the middle of the field with a explosion, Litleo and Rookidee were both sent flying back to the opposite walls of the battlefield, both of them falling knocked out.

''Both Rookidee and Litleo are unable to battle, this match is a tie!''

''Those little ones surely made a good show.'' The announcer said as Ash and Flannery recalled their Pokemon.

''Ninetales, you're up next!''

''Swellow, I choose you!''

''Let's go for a Fire Blast!'' Flannery shouted as Ninetales shot a kanji-shaped flame towards the Flying Type.

''Dodged it with a Quick Attack!'' The bird quickly flew to the sides and dodged the Fire Blast, he then proceeded to charge against Ninetales knocking the later to a wall.

''Now Wing Attack!'' Swellow's wings glowed white as he went closer to Ninetales.

''Energy Ball!'' Ninetales opened her mouth shooting several green orbs at Swellow, the later used his wing to cut through the orb and then charged against Ninetales, the fox managed to avoid the move in the last second.

''Go for Air Slash!'' Swellow spun around shooting several blades of air against Ninetales, hitting her various times.

''Extrasensory!'' Ninetales' eyes glowed golden, she then opened her mouth shooting rainbow-colored beam that pushed Swellow to the wall and hold him still there.

''He can't move! Use Fire Blast!'' Ninetales charged the move while still holding the Extrasensory and the stream of fire followed the path of the Psychic move landing successfully, Ninetales then stopped the extrasensory as it took a lot of energy to keep going with the move, Swellow then took flight again.

''Energy Ball!''

''Air Slash!''

Both Pokemon shot barrages of their moves and neither of them seemed to win any centimeter.

''Quick attack!''

''Fire Blast!'' The kanji hit Swellow mid-air knocking the bird out of the sky.

''Nice, give them a Will-o-Wisp!'' Ninetales expelled a dark purple flame that surrounded Swellow leaving the bird burned.

''We got you!'' Flannery exclaimed.

''You sure?'' Ash asked with a smirk as Swellow was surrounded by a reddish energy and the eyes of the bird turned red.

''...crap.'' Flannery muttered perfectly knowing what that meant.

''Swellow's Guts has been activated!'' The announcer shouted.

''Guts! I knew it!'' Gloria exclaimed. ''That's how Thunder Armor worked!''

''Swellow, use Facade!'' Swellow charged against Ninetales surrounded by the crimson aura.

''F-Fire Blast!'' Ninetales tried to stop Swellow's run with the fire, but the later kept going through and crashed against Ninetales, knocking the fox out.

''Ninetales is unable to battle! Swellow is the winner!''

''Ash just used Flannery's speciality against her!'' The announcer shouted.

''Torkoal, you're our last stand!'' Flannery called her main Pokemon who expelled smoke with a battle cry.

''Swellow, can you keep going?'' Ash asked.

''SWE!'' The swallow took flight with a mighty cry despite the burn.

''Well, isn't that just swell!'' The announcer said.

''Use Rapid Spin!'' Torkoal jumped and hid on her shell while rotating as a top.

''Air Slash!'' Swellow launched the blades but all of them were blocked by the spin.

''Facade!'' The bird dived down to the still spinning Torkoal but his efforts were deviated again.

''Air Slash again!''

"Let's show them the hot moves we honed in the volcano! Give them a Lava Plume!'' Torkoal's shell built up heat and then expelled a blast of Lava that broke through the slashes and hit Swellow directly.

''Swellow, use Facade again!''

''Give them a Stone Edge!'' Torkoal stomped the ground and various spears of rock came from the ground flying towards Swellow and knocking the bird out of the sky.

''Finish him with Body Slam!'' Torkoal jumped on top of Swellow, letting her weight drop onto the bird, leaving the latter fainted.

''Swellow is unable to battle! Torkoal is the winner!''

''Thanks, Swellow...Alright, Torkoal I choose you!''

Ash's Torkoal stood in front of Flannery's, the Fire Pokemon looked at each other for a moment and they began to talk.

''Tor?''

''Koal?''

''Tor.''

''Koal.''

''Tor!''

''Koal!''

The turtles then started to laugh.

''Seems like they're getting along.'' The announcer said.

''Alright Torkoal, let's show your new friend what you can do!'' Ash said.

''Tor!''

''Same goes to you, Torkoal!'' Flannery said as well.

''Koal!

''Flamethrower!'' Both trainers yelled and the turtles expelled the fire from their mouth, crashing in the middle with neither of them outpowering the other, almost like watching a mirror.

''Stone Edge!'' The spears of rock rose from each side of the battlefield crashing with each other and turning into dust.

''Body Slam!'' The turtles jumped and slammed their bellies falling on their backs and getting up with difficulty.

''...''

''...''

''Well, this is awkward.'' The announcer said.

''Torkoal, Stone Edge!'' Ash shouted.

''Counter with Rapid Spin!'' Flannery commanded as her Torkoal rolled around deviating the rocks.

''Go for a Rapid Spin too!'' Ash ordered and both Pokemon started to crash with each other and bounce on the battlefield as two tops in a plastic stadium with Flannery's knocking up Ash's after a few clashes.

''Use Body slam!'' The Torkoal on the air let himself fall over the on on the ground kicking up plenty of dust.

''Get him off you with Flamethrower!'' The upper hole on Flanner's Torkoal's shell started to expel smoke, it then shot a stream of fire upwards launching Ash's Torkoal to the skies, the latter fell on his back and was unable to get up.

''Use Stone Edge!'' Flannery shouted.

''Use Flamethrower like she did and impulse yourself up!'' Just like Ash suggested, his Torkoal expelled a Flamethrower from the hole of his back, shooting himself up like a rocket and dodging the Stone Edge. ''Now Body Slam!'' Using the gravity again, Ash's Torkoal dropped himself onto of Flannery's

''Torkoal, Rapid Spin!'' Both Ash and Flannery ordered as the turtles started to spin around, clashing around the battlefield and bouncing against the walls. ''Keep spinning and use Flamethrower!'' Both trainers yelled again. ''Hey! Stop copying me!''

The Torkoals started to expel fire as they were still spinning around, forming two fiery tornados that exploded in a Heat Wave in the middle of the battlefield, the fire disappeared and both Torkoals were standing infront of each other panting, one of them dropped fainted soon afterwards.

''Torkoal just defeated Torkoal!'' The announcer shouted. ''...wait.''

''But whose Torkoal is that?'' Victor asked.

The standing Torkoal seeing how his friend fainted then started to cry dramatically.

''That gave it away...'' Gloria said.

''Flannery's Torkoal is unable to battle! Ash's Torkoal is the winner and the victory goes to Gym challenger Ash!'' The whole stadium roared as the trainers recalled their Pokemon.

"I lost the match... but I'm completely satisfied! It's not often I get to enjoy a battle this heated.''

''Thanks for the battle, Flannery.'' Ash said once they were next to each other.

''No, thanks to you, a while ago you thought me that the way to get the most out of the strength you and your Pokémon have acquired is to not push too hard and just be yourself ...so thanks, but you better don't get cocky, Uncle Kabu is way stronger than me!''

''That was wild fellas!'' The announcer said. ''Now it's time to go for a 10 minutes break in order to let the challenger re-arrange his team to fight Kabu, so go to the bathroom if you feel like it.

While Ash went to the Pokemon center, Flannery went to the stands to see the battle.

''Oh, hey!'' Flannery stood next to Bea pulling her out of her thoughts. ''You're Ash's companion, right?''

''Uh...yes, that's me.'' Bea answered.

''We didn't get a chance to introduce ourselves, did we? Mind if I sit alongside you?''

''...Sure, take a sit.''

''Thanks!'' Flannery sat down next to Bea and offered her hand. ''I guess you already heard it, but my name is Flannery, I was one of the Gym Leaders Ash fought while he was in Hoenn.''

''...'' Bea thought for a second and then shook Flannery's hand. ''Nice to meet you, I'm Bea.''

''Nice to meet you too.''

''Break is over, fellas! Time for more fire metaphors! Here comes the ever-burning man of fire, KABU!'' The middle-aged man entered the place on his uniform jogging while the crowd cheered.

''And back for the second round, is ASH KETCHUM!'' Ash entered the field again and walked to the center to meet Kabu who started to talk with him.

''So you defeated Flannery, Not only that but you've also bested both Milo's Grass-Types and Nessa's Water-Types too, however unlike Milo and Nessa, I always take Gym battles seriously, people tend to call me the first real obstacle in this Gym challenge, I won't hold back a millimeter, so...are you ready for this?"

''Of course I am!'' Ash simply said.

''Hmp, let's burn the sky then.'' Kabu laughed a little surprised that he didn't intimidate Ash with his little speech.

''This will be an official Gym battle between the Gym Leader Kabu and the Gym challenger Ash, it will be a battle with switches and Dynamax allowed, the Gym leader will use five Pokemon while the Gym challenger can only use four, did I make myself clear?'' Kabu and Ash nod to the question.

''Trainers, take your position and release your first Pokemon!''

''Corpish, I choose you!'' As soon as the crustacean came out of the ball, it jumped on top of his trainer, happy to see him.

''Solrock, let's light them up!'' Kabu released the Rock-Type and as the sun Pokemon came out of its ball, a pillar was light was directed from his body to the sky, causing the sun to shine brighter.

''Solrock's Drought has been activated!'' The announcer shouted.

''Wait, wasn't Solrock's ability Levitate?'' Victor asked.

''Vic, he's literally flying in the air, does it really need an ability to specify that?'' Gloria began to argue. ''Besides, everyone here has at least one Pokemon that's not available in Sword and Shield and I don't see you complaining about that.''

''Fair enough.'' Victor gave in.

''Surprised by my choice?'' Kabu asked to Ash.

''I suppose Solrock is like an honorary Fire-Type, like Lance's 'Dragon' Gyarados.''

''Hmp, glad you get it.''

''If both trainers are ready then the battle begins now!''

''Let's start with Crabhammer!'' Ash shouted as Corpish's pincers were surrounded by water and he jumped to hit Solrock with them, and even tho the move was successful, it had little effect.

''Sunny day weakens the power of Water moves.'' Kabu explained. ''This won't be as easy as you thought.''

''Alright then, Knock Off!'' Black sparks started to appear from Corpish's pincers and he used them hit Solrock, effectively knocking Solrock off.

''Now that's the spirit! Fire Spin!'' Solrock rotated on his place, being surrounded by swirls of flames, the Rock-Type then proceeded to roll against Corpish surrounded by the fire.

''Use Vise Grip to stop it!'' Corpish opened his pincers catching Solrock and stopping flat its attack.

''Solar Beam!'' The top rock on Solrock's head started to absorb light and then shoot a green beam setting himself free from Corpish.

''Meteor Beam!'' Solrock's whole body was surrounded by dark energy that had white light imitating stars, Solrock then shoot a massive blast of energy against Corpish leaving a trail on the ground.

''Harden!'' Corpish's body glowed as it blocked the hit.

''Use Zen Headbutt!'' Solrock became entirely surrounded by pink energy and then rushed against Corpish.

''Block it with Knock Off!'' The Dark move was used to block the Psychic move and deviated Solrock.

''Meteor Beam again!''

''Harden!'' Corpish blocked the move again, this time Solrock's eyes went black for a moment recharging from the big use of energy he needs for a Meteor Beam.

''Someone's battery is running low!'' The announcer said.

''Take your chance, Use Knock Off and keep 'em coming!'' Corpish repeatedly jumped and smacked Solrock with his pincers, while this happened Kabu closed his eyes as well.

''Fire Spin!'' Kabu shouted as soon as he felt Solrock woke up, the later spun around throwing Corpish to the sides. ''Zen Headbutt!'' Solrock charged against Corpish in a explosion.

''Now Solar Beam!''

''Use Harden!'' Corpish body glowed again and the sun rays deflected on his shell flying back and exploding onto Solrock.

''What the?!'' Kabu exclaimed.

''Alright, Crabhammer!'' Corpish jumped, both of his pincers covered in water, smacking Solrock out of the sky and leaving the meteorite out of commission.

''Solrock is unable to battle! Corpish is the winner!''

''Great job, Corpish!'' Ash congratulated his Pokemon.

''CORP!'' The lobster clapped his pincers happily.

''Thanks, Solrock.'' Kabu said returning his Pokemon. ''Castform, your turn!'' The cloud Pokemon came from Kabu's Poke Ball, it then absorbed sunlight, changing himself to its Fire-Type form.

''Castform has activated its sun form!'' The announcer shouted the obvious. ''Hey!''

''It'll be fine.'' Gloria said. ''It's just a little Castform, what's the worst thing that could-''

''Use Thunder!'' Castform shot a massive electric blast towards Corpish, exploding and leaving the lobster fainted with that one hit.

''Corpish is unable to battle! Castform is the winner!''

''...Well, that escalated quickly.''

''Right then...'' Ash recalled Corpish and searched for another Poke Ball. ''Glalie, I choose you!'' The Ice Pokemon then appeared breathing out cold air.

''Glalie is gonna fight Castform now, can I get a hail yeah?'' The announcer asked.

''An Ice-Type against a Fire Gym, why am I not surprised?'' Kabu asked.

''Water Pulse!'' Glalie opened his mouth forming a water orb and shooting it at Castform.

''Castform, Fire Blast!'' The cloud shoot the kanji-shaped flame from his mouth evaporating the water and hitting Glalie.

''Use Headbutt!'' Glalie flew towards Castform slamming it with his head and launching it to a wall. ''Now Water Pulse!'' This time Glalie managed to land the orb successfully before Castform could counter it.

''Great, Water Pulse again!''

''Disable!'' Castform glared at Glalie as his eyes glowed white, Glalie was then surrounded by white sparks that stopped Water Pulse.''

''No more water for you!'' The announcer shouted.

''Use Fire Blast!''

''Counter with Ice Beam!''

The attacks clashed stopping each other.

''Headbutt!'' Glalie slammed his head again, breaking the ice and crashing Castform against the ground.

''Use Rollout!'' Glalie rolled down at high speed and was about to slam Castform.

''Castform, use Future Sight!'' Castform's eyes glowed for a second and then quickly died down, Castform then was hit by the Rollout and was left defeated as he returned to his base form.

''Castform is unable to battle! Glalie is the winner!''

''Blaziken, let's step on the gas!'' Kabu released the fire starter. ''Blaze Kick!'' Blaziken jumped as his feet were surrounded by flames and he kicked Glalie.

''Headbutt!'' The Ice Pokemon charged against Blaziken.

''Shadow Claw!'' The claws of the rooster were surrounded by a dark aura as both moves canceled out each other.

''Rollout!'' Before Glalie could reach Blaziken, the later was surrounded by a streak of wind and dodged the move in he last second causing Glalie to keep going and crash on a wall.

''Blaziken's Speed Boost will make him faster and faster as the battle goes on.'' Kabu explained.

''You heard him fellas, GAS! GAS! GAS!''

''Brick Break!'' Blaziken jumped again, this time Karate-Chopping Glalie from above and smacking the latter to the ground, suddenly, a wormhole opened in the sky, shooting pink bolts of energy against Glalie.

''Glalie, look out! Castform's Future Sight!''

''Gla?!'' The Ice Pokemon looked up but to no avail, he was slammed by the psychic beams and then held in place

''Blaze Kick!'' Blaziken took advantage of Glalie's vulnerable state and kicked him multiple times, eventually leaving a burn on Glalie.

''Glalie is almost done!''

''Not yet!'' Ash said as he pressed his Dynamax Band recalling Glalie. ''Glalie, Dynamax!'' The ice Pokemon then came out of his Poke Ball as a giant ''Use Max Geyser!'' Glalie formed a giant orb of water, but he lost focus due to the burn affecting him again and ended up throwing the orb up to skies, missing Blaziken completely, after the attack, Glalie returned to his normal size, dropping defeated onto the ground.

''Glalie is unable to battle! Blaziken is the winner!''

''Well, he just wasted the Dynamax.'' Flannery said.

''No, he didn't, look up!'' Gloria pointed at the sky as a grey cloud formed over the battlefield and started to rain down.

''Thanks, Glalie, that was all we needed.'' Ash said recalling his Pokemon.

"I see, Rain truly puts a damper on the power of my blazing moves...But, we are still fram from finished.'' Kabu said as another streak of Speed Boost surrounded Blaziken. ''You only have two Pokemon left.''

''Then I'll make those two count, let's see who's the fastest... Sceptile, I choose you!'' The gecko came out of the Poke Ball ready to battle with his twig on his mouth as always.

''So this is the famous Sceptile.'' Kabu looked at the Pokemon remembering those news he heard about the Sinnoh League.

''Alright! Sceptile's one of Ash's stronger Pokemon!'' Gloria said.

''And with the rain that Glalie set, he doesn't have to worry much about Fire weakness.'' Victor added.

''Let's start with Leaf Blade!

''Blaze Kick!''

Both attacks clashed and thanks to the rain the fire was weak enough for Sceptile to slash through

''Leaf Storm!'' Sceptile's tail glowed green as it was surrounded by leaves, Sceptile then pointed his tail at Blaziken, shooting the barrage of Leaves towards the Fire Type.

''Blaziken, Acrobatics!'' Blaziken jumped forward surrounded by the wind, going through the Leaf Storm and slashing the leaves with his claws, however the leaves eventually overpowered him and the chicken was sent flying to the air.

''Now Dragon Pulse!'' Sceptile opened his mouth releasing a purple dragon-shaped beam hitting Blaziken mid-air, Blaziken the fell to the ground, but he quickly got up as another Speed boost surrounded him.

''Brick Break!''

''Fight Back with Leaf Blade!'' Both Pokemon clashed their edges, with Sceptile taking the upper hand again, slashing Blaziken on his stomach.

''Leaf Storm!''

''Acrobatics!'' Blaziken was once again surrounded by the leaves, this time the wind formed swirls around his body and he managed to fully break through the Leaf Storm, charging against Sceptile once it did, crashing the latter to the wall.

''Blaze Kick!'' Blaziken jumped and tried to kick Sceptile from above, but the latter moved just enough to dodge and Blaziken ket going, sinking his feet onto the ground.

''Crash him down with your tail!'' Sceptile did as told as he smacked Blaziken further on the ground. ''Now, Earthquake!'' Sceptile rose his fist and punched the ground causing it to crack open and explode sending Blaziken flying.

''Gatling Flame Kick!'' Blaziken jumped in the air as his whole body was surrounded by flames and he dived down with powerful kick.

''Dragon Pulse!''

Both attacks clashed in the middle of the field causing a massive explosion, both Pokemon could be seen standing between the dust, Blaziken shouted angrily while Sceptile simply smirked.

''Acrobatics!''

''Leaf Blade!''

Both Pokemon jumped forward, so fast that the left trails in the ground, the two attacks clashed and passed through each other, after a few moments, Blaziken the kneeled down smiling and falling to the ground fainted.

''Blaziken is unable to battle! Sceptile is the winner!''

''The flames of my strength...They are really being tested...'' Kabu said as he returned Blaziken. ''Go ahead, Camerupt!''

''Earth Power!''

''Go for a Leaf Blade!'' Sceptile moved quickly avoiding the eruptions and landing various cuts as he got closer.

''Eruption!'' Camerupt roared as his back expelled a geyser of fire, Sceptile moved away to avoid the fiery rocks that were shot, however this were quickly turned off by the still ongoing rain.

''Now Flash Cannon!''

''Leaf Storm!'' The leaves easily outpowered the Flash Cannon and hit Camerupt knocking the latter to his sides.

''Grr...RUPT!'' The camel shouted getting up with difficulty, then he looked back at his trainer with a gaze that Kabu easily read.

''Hmm, are you sure?'' Kabu asked.

''CAMER!'' The Fire/Ground-Type shouted again.

''...Fine then.'' Kabu searched for something on his pocket, he then revealed two small stones and a fingerless brown glove, one of the stones was Rainbow colored and the other black and orange, Kabu then tossed the red stone to Camerupt who caught it with his teeth as Kabu put on the glove.

''Is he really going to?'' Flannery asked.

''Sceptile, guards up!'' Ash exclaimed.

''TILE!'' The gecko charged two Leaf Blades and stood in a defensive posture.

''What is that thing?'' Bea asked.

''We only do this in special occasions... You truly are a remarkable opponent, but our light is far from lost! CAMERUPT! SET THE BATTLEFIELD ON FIRE AND MEGA EVOLVE!''

Kabu's stone emitted a rainbow-colored light that mixed with the red light that was coming from Camerupt's, a burst of flames came from Camerupt's body, exploding in fire as the Symbol of Mega Evolution appeared infront of its new form.

''Kabu's Camerupt has Mega evolved! Somebody help me! I'm gonna have a heart attack!''

''Can you feel this fire? ...Now the Light is burning!''

''Kabu really just Mega evolved.'' Gloria said considering how 'simple' was her battle against Kabu in comparison.

''This could get complicated.'' Victor added.

''Mega evolve...'' Bea then remembered that conversation she had with Ash when they first met. ''So this is it...''

''Did that Camerupt just turn Super Saiyan?'' Cinderace asked.

''Let's see if you can keep up our heat, Ash!''

''We won't back down, Leaf Blade!''

''Don't let him get close! Use Earth Power!'' Camerupt roared as multiple eruptions rose from the ground, while Sceptile quickly avoided them again, although he almost tripped some times, Sceptile then made a leap and slashed Camerupt on his head, causing quite damage but not moving him a millimeter.

''Flash Cannon!''

Camerupt opened its mouth shooting the silver beam, this time it was way more powerful that the last and it got Sceptile away from him.

''Now Lava Plume!'' Camerupt roared again as the volcano on his back built up heat, exploding in a massive outburst of smoke, rocks and fire that ran from the sky over the whole battlefield, causing the rain to subside and setting sunny day again.

''Protect yourself with Dragon Pulse!'' Sceptile launched the ray to the skies blocking every falling rock, but leaving him a vulnerable spot.

''Flash Cannon!'' Kabu shouted and Camerupt launched the beam while Sceptile was distracted by the falling debris.

''Earthquake!''

''Earth Power!'' The moves met each other in the middle of the place, causing various cracks on the battlefield, at that point it looked like a wasteland.

''FLASH CANNON!''

''LEAF STORM!'' Both moves clashed, the Flash cannon disintegrated the leaves and kept going exploding on Sceptile as the later fell to the ground.

''END HIM OFF WITH GIGA IMPACT!'''

Camerupt roared again finally starting to move as he was surrounded by transparent energy, Camerupt then started to ram against Sceptile as multiple streaks of fire joined her assault, Sceptile got up and looked at his foe, the gecko breathed slowly as his ability Overgrow activated and he surrounded by green energy, the Grass-Type then closed his eyes and raised his claw open, he then took one more deep breath...and closed his fist.

''CAME?!'' The Pokemon exclaimed as his attack stopped flat.

''Camerupt?!'' Kabu exclaimed as well.

Camerupt then looked at his feet, noticing a wide root growing around his feet.

''SCEPTILE!'' The Grass starter screamed as he slammed the ground with his raised fist, various giant roots emerged from the ground, some of them raised Camerupt from the skies while the other smacked the camel down again. a single giant root then emerged smacking Camerupt repeatedly and then tossing the Fire-Type to Sceptile, the lizard then looked back at Ash awaiting for the command.

''GO AHEAD! LEAF BLADE!'' Sceptile's leaf elongated as long as ever slashing through Camerput and sending the Pokemon to a wall where it fell to the ground fainted and losing its Mega Evolution.

''Camerupt is unable to battle! Sceptile is the winner! THAT WAS INSANE!'' The announcer shouted, the whole stadium went crazy and Sceptile kneeled exhausted.

''That was a Frenzy Plant...'' Ash said as he watched the giant root go back to the underground.

"Thanks for the amazing battle, Camerupt.'' Kabu recalled the Camel and searched for his last Poke Ball. ''Burn bright, Centiskorch!"

''This was the Pokemon that was with him in the mine.'' Ash said scanning Kabu's ace. ''Centiskorch, the Radiator Pokemon and the evolution of Sizzlipede, While its burning body is already dangerous on its own, this excessively hostile Pokémon also has large and very sharp fangs.''

''Sceptile, return!'' Ash tried to retrieve his Pokemon who had already done a lot in this battle, but Kabu gave an order before he could it.

''No, you won't! Use Centinferno!''

Centiskorch let our a screech emitting a heat wave that covered the whole floor of the battlefield on flames, from the floor emerged various centipede-shaped ropes that wrapped around Sceptile, burning him and blocking the beam of the Poke Ball.

''T-That was a G-Max move!'' Gloria exclaimed.

''So Kabu can do it too...'' Victor said.

"Our fire is not going to die so easily! ...But we have to take down that Sceptile...I hate to admit it but if I give that Sceptile time to recover this battle might be lost, I have to end this now.'' Kabu cleaned the sweat of his face with his towel and then returned Centiskorch as he activated his Dynamax Band. ''You chose to fly too close to the sun...now you'll become...FIREBORN! ...Centiskorch, Gigantamax!'' Kabu tossed his Poke Ball to the air, while Centiskorch came out of it with much more elongated form.

''IT'S TIME TO SEE THE WORLD THROUGH THE OMUKADE'S EYES AND WATCH IT BURN!'' Kabu shouted with flames on his eyes.

''Seriously, why does everyone in Galar talks like that?'' Ash asked.

''Sceptile, Leaf Storm!'' The Grass starter swoop his tail around freeing himself from the ropes and then shooting the attack at the titan.

''Max Guard!'' Kabu shouted as a barrier appeared infront of his Pokemon blocking the leaves. ''Now G-MAX CENTINFERNO!'' Centiskorch coiled up and glowed bright yellow shooting several fireballs at Sceptile and exploding in the fire, Sceptile then fell knocked out.

''Sceptile is unable to battle! Centiskorch is the winner!''

''Sceptile is finally down!'' The announcer shouted. ''Now both Ash and Kabu are now down to their final Pokemon!''

''Thanks Sceptile, you earned a rest...Oshawott, I choose you!'' The otter came out of his Poke Ball and then looked at the giant who was standing infront of him, Oshawott instantly freaked out and pleaded to Ash to get him back on his Poke Ball. ''Oshawott, you're my last Pokemon, this is up to you, please do your best.''

''OSHA?! OSHAWOTT?!'' The otter kept screaming while it pointed at the Gigantamax Centiskorch, Ash understood that he was obviously saying: 'AREN'T YOU SEEING THE GIANT CENTIPEDE THERE?'.

''I know it may look scary, but you can't just give up, when we started this journey to Galar I told you this adventure was probably going to be our biggest adventure so far and that the battles were going to be a lot harder, I told you we all have to put maximum effort and you said I could trust you with that, remember?''

''...Osha...'' Oshawott gulped and stood ready to battle.

''G-Max Centinferno!'' Centiskorch repeated the move engulfing Oshawott in flames, the Centipede then returned to his normal size while the otter was momentarily surrounded by a Fire Spin caused by the secondary effect of the move.

''Now Fire Lash!'' Centiskorch Tail was surrounded by flames as he tried to smack Oshawott with it.

''Razor Shell!'' Oshawott tried to block the move, but the Fire Lash outpowered him thanks to the sunny day.

''Solar Beam!'' The centipede built up solar energy between his fangs shooting a green beam towards the otter.

''Dodge it with Aqua Jet!''

''Follow him!'' Kabu shouted as Centiskorch guided the Solar Beam to follow Oshawott's Aqua Jet, eventually hitting the otter and knocking it down.

''Bug Bite!'' Centiskorch's fang elongated with a green light and he used them as blades to attack Oshawott.

''Fight back with Razor Shell!'' The Pokemon traded edges again, but Centiskorch kept the advantage, leaving various scars on the Scalchop and successfully breaking through the energy blade and slashing Oshawott.

''Fire Lash!''

''Block it with your Scalchop!''

Both attacks crashed again and a cracking sound was heard.

''Osha?!''

Centiskorch's tail kept going, breaking Oshawott's Scalchop in half and smacking the otter on his face.

''Oshawott!'' Ash shouted.

''O..sha...'' The Water starter began to cry seeing his Scalchop broken.

''Use Coil!'' Centiskorch jumped over Oshawott, wrapping himself around the Water-Type, burning the otter with his body.

''Oshawott, get out of there!''

''Oshawottt tried to go off with an Aqua Jet but the heat accumulated stopped him from taking flight, Centiskorch kept coiling tighter to the point Oshawott couldn't be seen anymore.

'I...I screwed up...' Oshawott thought as he could feel his strength weaken every second. ''I ruined it again...Ash trusted me and I failed...Ash...take one more chance, Oshawott! Do it for Ash! DO IT FOR ASH!''

An intense blue light emerged from Centiskorch coiled body, suddenly a burst of water came down from it, shooting the centipede upwards, the watery figure then landed on the ground, revealing a newly-evoled Dewott.

''Wow...'' Ash said under his breath as he scanned Dewott with his Rotom Phone. ''Dewott, the discipline Pokemon, As a result of strict training, each Dewott learns different forms for using the Scalchops...Side note: Dewott has forgotten Hydro Pump and learned Air Slash.''

Dewott walked slowly to get his broken Scalchop, he took one piece on each hand, the fragments started to glow just like hid earlier and when the glow died down it revealed two perfectly identical and complete Scalchops. ''DEW-'' The otter raised one Scalchop to the air as it was surrounded by water and formed a blade. ''WOTT!'' He then pointed at Centiskorch with one his blades as he smirked.

''Well, they say a broken bone is twice as strong.'' The announcer said.

''We're not done yet! Fire Lash!''

''Dewott, Aqua Jet!'' Dewott spun around with his Scalchops on hands as his was surrounded with water, creating a drill-shaped Aqua Jet that beat up the Fire Lash.

''Alright, give us an Air Slash!'' The otter took both his Scalchops as if he was preparing a Razor Shell, however, instead of turning blue, the blades turned white as weak flows of wind came out of them. ''Go for him!'' Dewott impulsed himself forwards slashing Centiskorch twice.

''Someone's got a second breath!''

''Bug bite!'' Centiskorch closed his fangs on Dewott, trapping him between them.

''Get out with Revenge!'' Dewott's fist was surrounded by red as he uppercut the centipede to the skies.

''Solar Beam!''

''Deflect it with Air Slash!'' Dewott did as told as the sun rays were deviated by the blade.

''Use Centinferno!'' Centiskorch screeched as the fiery ropes rose from the ground wrapping Dewott.

''Use Razor Shell to get out!'' Dewott spun around successfully breaking all the ropes. ''Great! Now Aqua Jet!''

''Solar Beam!'' The attacks clashed and the Grass-Type move quickly took advantage, just as this happened the effects of the drought started to decay and the sun got back to normal, causing the Solar Beam to grow weaker.

''The sun is down!''

''Go ahead, Dewott!'' The Aqua Jet kept going knocking Centiskorch away.

''BUG BITE!''

''DOUBLE RAZOR SHELL!'' Dewott jumped in the air, crossing his blue blades and crashing against Centiskorch in a explosion of dust and water. Another Slash was heard and Centiskorch was sent flying out of the dust and crashed against a wall, falling defeated.

''Centiskorch is unable to battle! Dewott is the winner and the victory goes to Gym Challenger Ash!

As the dust settled down, Dewott could be seen standing in the battlefield panting, the Water-Type huffed and put his Scalchops back on his hips, looking back at his trainer and giving him a thumbs up and a smile from the battlefield before falling fainted by one last Fire Spin.

''Dewott!'' Ash ran to the battlefield and hold his Pokemon. ''Thanks, that was amazing.'' He said returning his Pokemon.

"My flare has been turned off! I accept defeat!'' Kabu said and he and Flannery walked towards Ash. ''Flannery, could you give him the Badge please?''

''Of course, Uncle Kabu...The fire Badge, this belongs to you, congratulations." Flannery handed over the badge and Ash made his usual victory pose.

''...Ash, please meet me in the Pokemon Center.'' Kabu requested. ''There's something else I would like to give you.''

''Sure, I'll be there to heal my Pokemon.''

''Ash, congratulations!'' Gloria said when they were all in the Pokemon center. ''That battle was crazy! I'm so glad I could see it in person!''

''Thanks Gloria.'' Ash said. ''It was wild for sure.''

''Well, it was great and all.'' The Postwick girl continued. ''But we'll leave you for now, Vic needs to have a little talk with someooone.''

''Why can't you leave me be?'' Victor asked annoyed.

''We'll be back in a moment.''

''Well, we're staying here for now, Kabu said he wanted to give me someone.''

''Right then, see you in a few hours or so.'' Gloria said as she waved goodbye and dragged her brother, just as they left, Kabu was entering the door and the man walked towards Ash as soon as he spotted him.

''Ash, I'm glad you're here.''

''No problem Kabu, what did you want to give me?''

''Let me explain myself first...I knew you were strong but you really impressed me today, numeral disadvantage, Mega Evolution and Gigantamax, you got through all that, hence the reason why I would like to give you something special.'' Kabu showed Ash a green-pink stone. ''You know what this is, right?''

''It's...a Sceptilite.'' Ash said in disbelief. ''...a-are you sure?''

''Why of course! I found it during one of my trips to Hoenn, but as you can imagine, I don't have much use to it, please make good use of it.'' Kabu handed over the stone and Ash stood gazing at it for a moment.

''I will...I promise.'' He responded softly closing his fist with the stone inside. ''My first...Mega stone...''

"You still need a Key Stone but I'm sure you have some contacts to help you with that...Now, before you leave, allow me to send you off with a proper, sporty chant!"

''A what-''

"Hustle, hustle, hustle, Ash! You can do it, you can do it!"

''Uh...Thanks!''

''Great, Flannery and I will see you at the league.'' Kabu jogged away as he left the center. ''One last thing Ash, if you are ever interested in our common acquaintance, I'll be glad to be your 'wingman' as the young people say.''

''Uh...thanks?'' Ash replied not understanding while Bea counted numbers in her head trying to calm herself.

After that Ash's Pokemon were fully healed and he thanked the Hoenn gang for all the effort.

''Dewott, congratulations for today victory.'' Ash said to his Pokemon, but the latter walked away to Cinderace without saying anything.

''Hey.'' The otter poked Cinderace.

''What's wrong?'' Cinderace asked.

''Could you tell a message of mine to your trainer, so she tells it to Ash?''

''A pass-it-on? Sure, what do you need to say?''

After a moment, Cinderace and Dewott walked to heir trainers. Cinderace talked to Bea explaining her.

''Hey, Ash. Cinderace says Dewott wants to tell you something.''

''Really? What thing?'' Ash asked a little stranged, not often his Pokemon wanted to talk with him directly.

''Dewott Dew!''

''Cinderace!''

''I apologize for my mistakes.'' That's how it went as Bea acted as the translator. ''I know my childish behavior costed you victories...Now that I evolved I can see how foolish I was...You have no idea of how much now I hate who I was...And I know you hated it too...From now on, what's waited 'til tomorrow starts tonight, I promise I'll be the best fighter you can imagine, no more playing around no more goofs.''

Dewott nodded satisfied with the translation and then bowed down to Ash.

''...Dewott, raise you head.'' Ash said and the otter obeyed.

''You called yourself foolish...but, you were still gentle, you called yourself childish...but you were still strong and reliable...I could never hate that Oshawott, if the way you are right now is how you really want to be, then I'll do everything I can to support you, but if you only want this because you hate who you were before...Then I can't accept that.''

''Dew?''

''I'll never let you disown the playful Oshawott, that's not necessary Dewott, because that was the Oshawott I chose to be in my team and kept with me during my Unova journey, right?''

The Water starter let out a few tears, he quickly dried them off and shouted. ''Dewott!''

''Cinderace!''

''...Thank you.''

After that talk, Ash and Bea left the Pokemon Center, the girl took a deep breath and started to talk.

''Ash...now that we are alone I would like to ask you something.''

''What is it?''

''Well...I...I was wondering if we could g-go on a da-''

''Ash!'' Someone called from behind.

''Uh...Milo, Nessa!'' Ash said.

''Oh, for heaven's sake!'' Bea exclaimed.

''How have you been?'' Nessa asked.

''We're great.'' Ash replied. ''What are you doing here?''

''We have a little reunion here and since we heard you were challenging the Gym we wanted to see you guys.'' Milo said.

''Hey, Ash, would you mind if we talk in private for a second?'' Nessa asked.

''H-Hey! I was going to talk with him in private first!'' Bea complained.

''Really?'' Nessa asked.

''YES!''

''Well, why don't I talk with him first and then you do your thing?''

''NO! I am his traveling companion so I have priority over you!''

''You do?'' Cinderace asked.

''OF COURSE I DO!''

''You do remember Nessa LITERALLY confessed to Ash back in Hulbury, right?''

''What? No she didn't...''

''Any moment now...''

Bea then blinked in realization. ''NOW HOLD UP A F-''

''So...Can I take him with me or-''

''NO! YOU CAN'T!'' Bea interrupted her shouting again.

''A part of me wants to intervene, but the other part thinks it will be better to stand by.'' Ash said.

''Girl can be really complicated sometimes.'' Milo replied. ''That's why I settled with Gordie.''

''This is my idea, Bea...'' Nessa continued. ''Let's have a battle, if you win, I'll stop bothering you, but if I win, you'll leave me alone with Ash for the rest of the day.''

''Very well, if that means getting rid of you then let's have a fight.''

''Oh, are you sure?'' The Water-Type Gym Leader asked with a giggle. ''I can't promise you that everything Ash and I do is gonna be rated K.''

''I'M GONNA KICK YOUR ASS!''

''God, somebody bring me the popcorn.'' Cinderace commented with a laugh.