Riley cleared his throat to disperse the awkward atmosphere Ash’s response had created. “While I would love to let you rest, we have to move now. Every second we are away from the Tree of Beginning, the longer this danger runs rampant.” Riley grabbed Ash and pulled him towards the road.

  “Wait a minute!” Ash exclaimed as he attempted to pry his wrist from Riley’s iron grip. Riley let go, making Ash stumble backwards, landing heavily on his back. “I have a friend travelling with me, and I just can’t abandon her, and Pikachu is still at the camp.” He explained while he picked himself back up. Riley scratched his head in thought. “I didn’t sense any other auras nearby, so I had assumed you were travelling alone, though I probably should have thought something was up with Pikachu missing. I have never seen you two apart.”

  Ash shrugged his shoulders while grinning. He started making his way back towards the camp. “What can I say? We just have a really strong energy with each other. Speaking of strong energy, while I was being chased and when I was being held hostage by that guy, a strange energy sort of surged into me. It gave me a boost, and suddenly I was able to do things I thought I couldn’t, like knowing when to dodge and how to fight back. Do you know what that was?” Ash questioned.

  Riley closed his eyes in deep thought. “My best guess would be it was your Aura starting to awaken in response to the danger you were in. Has anything similar ever happened before?”Ash furrowed his brow, staring off into the distance to sort through the last five years. After an awkwardly long time in thought, Ash finally snaps his fingers in realization.

  “Yeah! There was this one time in Cameron Palace where this one Lucario, who was sealed in this scepter, thought I was his long-dead master, Sir Aaron, because our Aura’s were so similar. Wait a second, you said Tree of Beginning right? I’ve been there! We had to save Mew, then I died, then Mew revived us, the-”

  “Hold on a second, I can only take a few big revelations at a time. Give me a moment to get the story straight.” Interrupted Riley. Ash nodded and gave Riley some time to get his thoughts together.

  “So,” Riley began, “I am aware Cameron Palace has the tradition of honoring the Tree Aura Guardian Sir Aaron by holding a tournament and crowning the winner as Hero of the Year. I never liked that tradition, but I respect it, which I’m assuming you won.” Ash nodded prompting Riley to continue. “Then you held Sir Aaron’s scepter, which was holding Sir Aaron’s Lucario, who was released because you and Sir Aaron had similar Aura’. We will have to talk about that later. However, at this point Mew got in trouble?” Ash nodded yet again.

  “Yeah, these people were chasing Mew, but gave up when they realized that it would mean the end of the land. We went to the tree because Mew brought Pikachu there, and the tree thought we were enemies, so it attacked us, and we died. Mew managed to convince the tree that we were not enemies and revive us, but it sent the tree into shock, which made Mew ill as well. Lucario and I, using Sir Aaron’s gloves, gave our Aura to Mew like Sir Aaron once did, but Lucario pushed me out of the way at the last second and sacrificed himself.” Ash muttered sadly.

  “Well, if your story is right then you have an even stronger connection to Aura than I had originally thought.” Voiced Riley. “This may come as a surprise, but I have a reason to believe you are actually a descendent of Sir Aaron. Or at least a member of his family tree. A person’s Aura is dictated by a number of factors, the two prominent being nature and nurture. One’s emotions heavily affect their Aura. The more negative, the darker it is, and the more positive, the brighter it is. Family also has to do with the nature of your Aura. The fact that not only did Sir Aaron’s staff react to you, but also his Lucario thought you were him, gives me strong evidence that you are his descendant. You were born to be an Aura Guardian.”

  “But my Aura hasn’t really shown up until recently, so why now?” Questioned Ash.

  “My theory is because of a combination of two things, one is you truly feared for your life, another is because you spent so much of your Aura reviving Mew that it had to seal itself away to mend. It’s amazing that it came back at all from what your story tells me.”

  Ash and Riley finally arrived at the camp well into the night, only a few hours until dawn. Ash went to check on Serena in her tent, finding her still asleep. He then went to his own tent to check on Pikachu. Also finding the yellow mouse sleeping, he approached Riley and Lucario, motioning for them to keep it down. “I know we are on a bit of a tight schedule, but do you mind if we at least sleep for the rest of the night? We can move at dawn, and I’m super tired from tonight's events.” Pleaded Ash.

  Riley sighed and relented. “Fine, but right at dawn we move.” Lucario motioned to object, but a look from Riley and a ‘Just let him have this, he’s been through a lot lately.’ kept him quiet. Riley summoned a cyan blue barrier around the campsite to appease Lucario’s nerves and rested himself against a tree.

  Ash was sleeping soundly, dreaming of floating in the stars in absolute tranquility, when suddenly a loud explosion ripped him from his dream and startled him awake. “What was- ahhhhh!” Pikachu, who was also awakened by the explosion, shocked Ash in panic. A shriek was heard from the tent over.

  “Help! Help! Ash we’re under attack!” Screamed Serena in fear.

  Meanwhile outside, Riley was on the ground laughing while Lucario watched his partner in disappointment.

  ‘That was very childish for you to do, amusing, but childish.’ Lucario scolded. Riley finally got himself under control enough to coherently respond to Lucario.

  ‘But it was effective in waking them up. Besides, I don’t get chances like these often. I have to use them when they show up.’ Argued Riley, still stifling some giggles. He erupted in laughter again when he saw the state Serena and Ash were in as they scrambled out of their tents. Until he was engulfed by a flamethrower unleashed by Braixen, who mistook him for an enemy.

  “Stop! Braixen stop!” Exclaimed Ash. Braixen did as told, albeit reluctantly, and halted the torrent of flames. When the smoke cleared it showed Riley a bit singed but not nearly as burned as expected.

  ‘You completely deserved that.’ Remarked Lucario. Riley only patted some ash off his shoulder in response.

  “Was it really necessary waking us up like that, Riley?” Ash asked pointedly.

  “Yes.” Riley stated seriously.

  “Ash who is this?” Serena asked nervously, positioning Ash between her and Riley.

  “This is Riley, he’s an Aura Guardian. And over there is his partner, Lucario. Riley this is my girlfriend Serena.” Serena gasped and quickly apologized.

  “I’m so sorry Braixen attacked you like that! She’s usually not like that, Braixen say sorry.” Despite her master’s urging she just huffed and turned her head the other way. Riley laughed good naturedly and patted Serena on her shoulder.

  “Don’t worry, if anything I probably deserved that. Girlfriend eh? You snagged a good one Ash!” Riley laughed as Serena and Ash turned red in embarrassment.

  “Anyway, Riley helped me out last night when I was attacked-”

  “You were attacked! Are you ok? Nothing hurts, right? Do you know who did it?” Serena fussed over Ash, much to Lucario’s and Riley’s amusement.

  “Serena calm down! Riley and Lucario rescued me. Nothing hurts, I’m perfectly fine. Though I don’t know who did this, I know it wasn’t Team Rocket, nor any other organization that I know of.” Ash proceeded to recap last night to Serena, who wore varying degrees of horror, concern, and relief throughout the story. “...and after I finally managed to break free in that Aura state, Riley and Lucario cleaned up the rest of them.” Serena was about to speak, but was interrupted by Riley.

  “While I’m usually all for these touching moments, we really need to get moving. You guys can talk about this on the road.” Ash nodded and hastily moved to pack the site up.

  “Where are we going?” Serena inquired.

  “Our next stop will be Celadon, but our final one is the Tree of Beginning.” Answered Riley.

  Serena, taking an interest in the topic, asked, “Isn’t that where Mew is rumoured to live?”

  “Not rumoured, where Mew does live. Just ask Ash, he’s met Mew before.”

  “What?!” After Serena finally calmed down and got to packing they were soon on the path to Celadon.

  It was all of two minutes before Serena gave Ash a vicious earful for getting himself in the situation. “...why would you stray so far from the camp anyway?! I could have helped you fend them off! You didn’t even take Pikachu with you!”

  “I doubt it would have mattered much anyway.” Riley stepped in, giving Ash a break. “They would have likely taken you down and held you as a hostage for Ash or just kill you regardless. And they were heavily armed, I doubt that having your Pokemon there would have made much of a difference. It was actually lucky for everyone that Ash had decided to walk so far from camp without anyone.”

  Serena just walks quietly with her head down in thought. “Hey, Serena.” Serena snapped out of her thoughts and looked towards Ash who had an apologetic look. “I’m sorry for worrying you.” Serena sighed and hugged Ash with a smile.

  “No, I’m sorry I snapped at you like that. It was just shocking to hear you were almost kidnapped by some unknown group, I’m just glad you’re safe.”

  “By the way Ash,” Serena said, leaning over to him, “What did Riley mean when he said you met Mew before? And what is this Aura you guys mentioned?” Ash recapped his adventure in Cameron Palace, answering any questions Serena had about the adventure. “That explains a lot, have you met any other Legendaries? And you still haven’t explained what exactly Aura is.”

  “I will in a second, and I’ve met almost all of them.” At this Serena and Riley tripped in shock.

  “Almost all of them!?” Just who have you met exactly?!” Exclaimed Riley while Lucario just stared in shock.

  “Well, the first one I saw was Ho-Oh at the beginning of my adventure, but I didn’t know it at the time. Then there was Lugia and the three weather birds of Kanto, I was some chosen one or something. Then there was Entei….” As the list kept growing Riley and Serena’s minds slowly ground to a halt, eventually they just stopped walking. “...then there was that Kyurem, hey what’s up? Why’d you guys stop?”

  “Ash, I’m pretty sure they were onto something when they said you were the chosen one.” Riley deadpanned.

  “How about we move onto Aura?” Suggested Serena.

  “Alright, Aura is like this super cool energy inside you and it goes ‘woosh!’ and it can power you up and make you do things like dodge attacks you don’t see coming and you can shoot aura spheres that go ‘boom!’ like this morning.” Ash explained in a very Ash way.

  “Not really, though Aura is super cool.” Riley corrected. “Aura is the energy that flows through all living things, even if you can’t feel it it’s there. Its uses range from healing, to summoning simple constructs, to attacks that deal incredible damage. The most common of these examples is the Aura sphere.” Riley then summoned one as a demonstration. “Ash also was correct when he stated they allow you to dodge incoming attacks out of your range of sight.” Again to demonstrate he sent the aura sphere to Lucario who deftly dodged the attack and sent a glare behind his back. “And while aura is everywhere, very few actually utilize it. It’s to the point that I’m one of the last Aura Guardians left. We are even rarer than those who can speak to Pokemon, or those who have psychic abilities. Not for a lack of those who can use it, few are willing to join us and undergo the rigorous training required.”

  “You said it exists in all living things, does that mean I could use it?” Asked Serena hopefully.

  ‘Unlikely. While it is true that all living things have Aura, very few can actually utilize it beyond basic attacks. The fact that you can’t hear me at all is proof that you have no capability to learn the ways of an aura guardian.’ Lucario stated gruffly.

  “What did he say?” Serena asked. Riley laughed nervously and answered for his friend.

  “He said anyone can learn how to handle Aura with enough hard work and practice.” This earned a grumble from the Pokémon.

  “There!” exclaimed Ash. “I can see Celadon over there! Race you to the gates buddy!” He challenged Pikachu. The yellow mouse nodded, accepting the challenge with a “Pika!” and then took off running, leaving Riley and Serena to catch up.

  “Wha-?! Aaaash!” Whined Serena before sprinting to catch up. Lucario gave Riley a deadpan look of ‘This is what you want to deal with?’ to which Riley gave his partner a cheeky grin and raced after the two young trainers. Lucario pinched his temple and let out a sigh before bolting off after his new traveling companions.

  “Piiii!” Cheered Pikachu, raising his arm in triumph. Ash and Serena let out simultaneous exasperated gasps before falling flat on their faces at Pikachu’s feet.

  “No fair!” Cried Ash as he jumped back to his feet, “Using Agility is cheating!”

  “And that,” Started Riley as he helped Serena to her feet, “Is why you shouldn’t instigate competitions you can’t win.”

  Ash responded with a childish grumble and held out his arm for his partner to hop onto.

  “Alright, fine.” Ash relented, “You win, Pikachu. Now let’s head to that Gym.”

  “Pi-Pika!”

  Serena piped up, “Oh, I’ve read about this Gym! The Celedon Gym is run by the Grass Maiden Erika!”

  “You’re well informed,” Said Riley, “Yes, Celadon City is home to the Grass Type Gym Leader Erika, though she doesn’t like to battle often.”

  Ash let out a sigh, “Tell me about it. Just remembering what I had to do to battle her before makes me want to-“

  Ash’s eyes widened when he realized what he was about to admit and quickly cut himself off.

  “Huh?” Asked Serena, “What do you mean? What did you have to-“

  “I-It’s not important!” Ash stuttered with a forced chuckle, earning a sly chuckle out of Pikachu. Ash glared sideways at him.

  Riley and Lucario chuckled, sensing the embarrassment from Ash with their Aura.

  “But-!” Stammered Serena, only for Ash to quickly turn around and begin marching into Celedon.

  “Haha well time is money right? Best to get there before it gets dark so let’s go!”

  “It’s 8 in the morning, what are you talking about?!” Cried an exasperated Serena.

  ‘Are you convinced yet?’ Lucario asked.

  “Oh lighten up,” Riley replied with a chuckle, “It’ll be fun!”

  ‘Will it be fun when the world burns?’ Muttered Lucario under his breath.

  Minutes later, Ash had regained his sanity after Serena had given up on the subject and the four companions plus Pikachu were making their way through the city. Serena and Ash were busily chatting about the city and the upcoming Gym, Riley was chuckling at the two young trainers’ antics and Lucario had his eyes closed as he walked by his partner when he felt a sudden jolt to his left.

  ‘Riley,’ Lucario whispered through his auric link, ‘You feel that too right?’

  Riley stopped in his tracks to look at his partner, and then realized what Lucario was talking about. To their left was the Celadon Game Corner...but as they turned their gaze beneath it...the two Aura Guardians felt a terrible chill crawl down their spines.

  “Hey!” Ash called back to them, “What’s the holdup? You interested in the Game Corner or something?”

  “I didn’t figure you two for the gambling type,” Serena added.

  Riley didn’t take his gaze away from the miniature casino.

  “Ash, Serena,” He called to them.

  Seeing the grimace plastered on Riley’s face, Ash knew something was unusual, and the two trainers raced back to their newest companions.

  “Uh, Yeah? What’s up?”

  “Do you feel that, Ash?” Riley asked simply, still not taking his gaze from beneath the Game Corner.

  Ash quizzically raised an eyebrow, “Feel what? Riley are you-“

  “Take a look at the ground beneath that building,” Riley ordered, “Can you feel that?”

  Ash gave the Aura Guardian an odd look, but obliged and turned to look at the Game Corner.

  “Lower.”

  Ash did as he was told and turned his sights downward towards the pavement beneath the Game Corner. He felt nothing. Nothing out of the usual, anyways.

  “Riley, I don’t-“

  Ash’s words were cut off suddenly. His vision turned a cyan-blue tint and his senses felt heightened...then it hit him...it was only for a split second, but that short instance was more than enough for him to realize what the two Aura Guardians felt. From beneath the Game Corner, Ash felt...something terrible. Lives...the lives of Pokemon being suddenly cut off...only to resurface into some amalgamation of countless other Pokemon. Ash took a step back and gasped for air, heaving over onto his knees in the process.

  “Ash?!” Cried Serena with worry, crouching down to see if he was okay.

  “Pika-Pi!”

  “So you did feel it?” Riley asked, clenching his fists with rage.

  “Feel what?!” Serena demanded, “What are you talking about?!”

  Riley and Lucario finally tore their gaze from the horror that had paralyzed them momentarily, “Well, Ash?”

  Ash gasped in air for a moment longer, trying to process what had just transpired, but at the same time, being absolutely terrified to do so. Finally, the young trainer managed to get back up onto his feet and turned his gaze downcast.

  “...Yeah,” Ash responded, “I only felt it for a second...but…”

  “What are you guys talking about?!” Repeated Serena, “Does this have something to do with Aura? What happened?!”

  Lucario nodded and Riley voiced the Pokémon’s thoughts for him, “Something like that, yeah. What we felt happening there in that basement...was nothing short of a crime against nature…”

  Serena’s eyes widened, “What?! What do you mean?!”

  Ash spoke up next, raising his head, “I only felt it for a moment, but...it was horrible…”

  Ash clenched his fist, “I could feel...Pokemon...screaming in fear...fear for their lives...and suddenly they disappeared...cut off...only to reappear fused together with countless other Pokemon…”

  “So Pokémon are being killed down there?! But it’s a casino, why would they…?”

  Riley spoke up, “I once heard rumors of the Game Corner’s basements being a secret base for Team Rocket. Perhaps those rumors are not without merit.”

  “Well, we have to save them!” Serena exclaimed, earning a nod from Riley.

  “No doubt about that, but we can’t exactly barge into there and demand entry to their basement.”

  “But,” Ash said, “The longer we wait, the more Pokemon might…”

  Lucario spoke up and Riley translated the Pokémon’s speech for the rest of the group, “Lucario and I agree, but if we just burst into there, we won’t get far at all. Let’s come back here later tonight when everything’s closed down. Then we sneak in and rescue them.”

  Ash frowned, “I don’t like waiting around while Pokemon are being tortured like that, but...I see your point…”

  Riley sighed, “Think of it as an opportunity to get that Gym Badge here in the meantime.”

  Serena perked up a bit, “Yeah, I guess there’s that.”

  Ash stared blankly forward. Normally, the thought of a Gym Battle would get him pumped. There normally wasn’t a force on the Earth that could keep him from a Pokemon Gym...but this wasn’t “normally”. The young boy turned to glance once more at the miniature casino, but quickly averted his gaze for fear of feeling that again. He finally let out a deep sigh and turned to face his companions.

  “Yeah, alright...we might as well get that Gym while we’re waiting.”

  Serena gave Ash a concerned look. If not even the thought of a Gym Battle could cheer him up, then whatever was down in those basements...she shuddered at the thought of it.

  As the quadrio continued on their way to the Celadon Gym, Serena attempted to ease the awkward tension and silence by striking up another conversation.

  “Say, Ash?”

  “Huh? Yeah, what’s up, Serena?”

  Serena twiddled her thumbs, “Say, since this is Grass-Type, wouldn’t it be good to call back Talonflame from Professor Sycamore?”

  This elicited a chuckle out of Ash, “Heh, that’d make the second time this Gym burned down.”

  Serena nearly tripped over at hearing that, “Burned down?! Ash, did you-?”

  “What, no!” Protested Ash, “Why would I..?!”

  Riley chuckled almost dryly as he walked beside Lucario from behind Ash and Serena.

  “Well, it didn’t take long for those two to go back to normal, eh?”

  Riley only received a low growl as a response.

  “Is that a Vileplume?” Serena asked, pointing to a large brown dome shaped building with red solar panels above the roof in a petal like fashion.

  “Yeah, they have a whole side business where they make perfumes out of Vileplume and other plant Pokémon’s sap.” Ash informed as he headed through the main doors.

  Ash stared at her for a few seconds before muttering, “She looks exactly the same” in disbelief.

  “Ash what are you standing around for? Is something the matter?” Riley asked in concern. Ash just waved him off.

  “Don’t worry about it, just remembered something from the last time I was here.” He approached the receptionist and waved to get her attention.

  “Ah, sorry I’m going to have to let you go for a moment. I’ll call back and we can discuss the details later, bye!~” She hung up the phone and turned to Ash with a smile, only to adopt a contemplative look as she got a good look at Ash.

  “I’m sorry, but have you been here before? You look really familiar.” Ash started sweating, hoping that the story of his previous visit would not be recalled in the presence of others. Riley and Lucario took notice of his discomfort and gazed at him curiously.

  “Me? No, you must be thinking of someone similar. I get that a lot.” Ash said unconvincingly. Thankfully she bought it.

  “Well if you say so, so how can I help you today?”

  “Serena,” Ash gestured to the girl in mention, “and I are here to challenge the gym. We would like to do a double battle together if possible.”

  “Alright then, before that would you like to buy some perfume? A new batch came just out of the works this morning, it’s one of our top sellers too!” Riley and Serena glanced at Ash, expecting him to react in some negative manner.

  “Sure, I’ll take two. How much will that be.” Everyone except Ash and the receptionist were floored with surprise. After Ash paid for the perfume the receptionist went out back to talk with the gym leader to discuss the possibility of a double battle.

  “Ash, why did you say yes? I thought you hated perfume.” Serena asked, bewildered. Ash just shyly scratched the back of his head in embarrassment as he handed the perfume to Serena.

  “The last time I refused to buy perfume here…. well it didn’t end well. And frankly. I’d prefer if I didn’t have to remember that.” Pikachu started laughing as he remembered, and Ash glared at him. Lucario’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

  ‘What do you mean it didn’t end well?’ Lucario asked. Ash turned away, and Serena gave Ash a confused look. Thankfully, he was saved when the receptionist returned.

  “Erika has a guest over at the moment, but she is willing to receive and have a double battle with you now. She is currently down the hall in the greenhouse.”

  The group made their way down the hall and entered through the glass double doors of the greenhouse. They could make out a voice from the other side of the path.

  “And if you use solar beam just the right way you can make these amazing dried berries, though their name does escape me. But I remember it was…. I’m sorry we’ll have to put our conversation on hold for now, the challengers are here. Though I hope we may continue afterwards.” The group finally walks into the clearing with the battlefield in the middle. Off to the side by a few benches was Erika and….

  “Cilan?!”

  “Pika?!”

  “Ash?!” They paused in confusion before Ash broke the stalemate, jogging over to give Cilan a hug.

  “Last I heard you headed to Kalos for a fishing tournament, and that was a while ago!” Ash asked enthusiastically. Cilan grinned and returned the hug before breaking apart.

  “Well, originally I was going to go to the Alola region because I heard that they had a whole village dedicated to fishing. But then I remembered you mentioned that you had a friend from Kanto named Misty that was passionate about fishing, so I came to visit to connect with a friend of a friend. She later asked me to run an errand for her to Erika, and we got along well as Grass type gym leaders and cooking enthusiasts.”

  The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Really? That’s great! It’s nice to finally see you!”

  “Ash, you mind introducing us to your friend here?” Riley cut in. Ash laughed awkwardly.

  “Yeah, sorry about that. Cilan, this is Riley and Lucario. I met them on Iron Island in the Sinnoh region. And this is Serena, she’s one of the people who travelled with me in the Kalos region.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Cilan.” Serena and Riley greeted.

  “And I, you.” Cilan returned. Pikachu hopped off Ash’s shoulder and nuzzled Cilan. Cilan smiled and picked him up, and rubbed his cheeks.

  “It’s nice to see you too, Pikachu.”

  “You!” Erika suddenly announced, pointing accusedly at Ash.

  “Me?!” Ash exclaimed in fear.

  “You’re the kid who insulted my perfume and then tried to sneak into my class as a girl in order to challenge me to a battle!”

  “Well yeah,” Defended Ash, “But more importantly, I’m also the one who rescued your Pokémon from a fire!”

  “Wait, I’m sorry. I don’t think I heard that sentence correctly. Did you say Ash crossdressed to challenge you to a gym battle?” Riley asked in disbelief.

  “Wait, you mean that wasn’t the first time you crossdressed?!” Serena exclaimed in shock.

  “I remember him crossdressing this one time when he was with me and Iris too!” Cilan yelled in realization.

  “Just how many times have you cross dressed exactly?!” Riley asked surprised.

  Ash whispered something under his breath.

  “I’m sorry we can’t hear you, please speak up Ash.” Cilan encouraged.

  “....five…” Ash mumbled again. Now beet red with embarrassment.

  “I’m sorry Ash, just a bit louder.” Commented Serena. The others leaned in to hear.

  “I said FIVE!” Ash yelled in frustration. “And don’t act like you’ve never done it, Cilan! You did it with me, remember?!”

  “Yes, but I only did it once. With you, I think it’s more of a trend.” Cilan defended.

  “Aaagghh, enough already! We came for a battle didn’t we?! Let’s get on with it!”

  “As much as I would like to continue with this conversation, I agree with Ash.” Erika stated. “Cilan, if you would be so kind as to join me we can get this battle underway.” Erika and Cilan moved to their side while Ash and Serena stood on the other. A tense air formed as the referee moved to the side of the field.

  “Well, Ash?” Cilan said from across the field, bowing mockingly, “Since we’re on the topic of your crossdressing habits, I will be a gentleman for such a charming lady as yourself and allow you the first move.”

  Ash scowled, “Oh, ha-ha! Laugh it up while ya can, Cilan, but we’ll see who’s laughing when I walk out of here with two Gym Battle wins against you! Go, Goo-“

  Without warning, one of Ash’s Pokeballs erupted outward in a flash of bluish-white to reveal Hawlucha who flexed menacingly at Cilan and then turned his head backwards at Ash to flash him a thumbs up.

  Ash looked dumbfounded for a moment before letting out a chuckle. Quickly admitting defeat to his eager Pokemon, Ash put Goodra’s Pokeball back on his belt and flashed a thumbs-up back at Hawlucha.

  “Heh, alright then! Let’s go, Hawlucha!”

  In return, the macho bird raised his arms and flexed once more. The bird’s arms radiated steam as he flexed them, and they suddenly expanded outward as large muscles swelled, blowing hot wind out onto the field.

  “HAAAAWWWWWWW!!!”

  Cilan and Erika were forced to cover their eyes as the steaming wind from Hawlucha’s flex shot outward at them.

  “What incredible power!” Cilan complimented, “Like the steaming hot air radiating from a perfect meal, I can see your Hawlucha’s power is superbly prepared!”

  Cilan reached into his pocket and pulled out a Pokeball of his own, “However, I too have been preparing my Pokemon for battle just as a gourmet chef prepares a five-star dish for an esteemed recipient! Go, Simisage!”

  Cilan tossed out the Pokeball onto the field, releasing a bipedal, decently-tall, green-furred monkey with some kind of mohawk made from plants on its head.

  “Saaaaage!” Roared the green primate.

  Ash grinned excitedly, “Simisage, huh? So you evolved your Pansage?”

  Cilan snapped his fingers and pointed at Ash with a gallant pose, “Indeed! Just as I said, I prepare my battles like I prepare my meals!”

  Serena pulled her own Pokeball out of her purse, “My turn then, I guess. Well, I’m up against Grass Types, so there’s no question here! Braixen, I choose you!”

  Serena sent her Pokeball twirling into the arena, releasing the red and yellow fox. She turned her gaze around to her trainer and the two grinned at one another before turning their gazes back to Erika and taking a battle stance.

  Erika let out a small sigh, “Well, between a Flying type and a Fire type, I’m afraid you leave me little options. Then, I’ll just have to use tactics over Type Advantage! I choose you, Tangrowth!”

  Last but not least, a gargantuan mass of tentacles appeared from Erika’s Pokeball and immediately swarmed the battlefield.

  “Woah!” Ash cried, “That’s supposed to be a Tangrowth?!”

  Erika put a hand over her mouth and laughed, “He sure is! Normally, Tangrowth are unable to use their full body’s worth of tentacles to their disposal, but due to a special diet I made for my Tangrowth, he not only was able to relax and loosen every tentacle on his body, but he also grew to an abnormally large size.”

  “That is quite impressive,” Riley chimed in from the sidelines, “I can’t say I’ve ever seen a Tangrowth ever reach full ambidexterity before. You must take good care of your Pokemon.”

  “Lu” Lucario said in agreement with a nod.

  “Thank you, I try.”

  “Good Arceus, it’s like a living jungle!” Ash cried in dismay.

  “Well technically, jungles ARE living,” Serena said with a bead of sweat dripping down her head as she nervously looked at the mass of tentacles before her, “But I see your point.”

  “Naturally,” Erika beamed, “As Kanto’s Grass-Type Gym Leader, I have earned the title of the Nature Maiden, and so it is only fitting that I use the forces of nature to my disposal.”

  The referee raised his arm and dropped it so that it pointed to the battlefield, “Let the battle begin!”

  Suddenly, the mass of tentacles descended onto the battlefield, forcing the two young trainers to act.

  “Dodge!” They frantically yelled in unison.

  Hawlucha managed to dodge without much effort, letting the tentacles crash into the ground where he once stood. Braixen, however, due to the gap in skill both she and Serena had in comparison to Ash and his team, barely managed to avoid being slammed into the ground by the tentacles that soared her way.

  “Don’t let them get near you!” Serena ordered, “If those tentacles come near, light them up with Flamethrower!”

  Braixen nodded and let loose a surge of flames from her mouth to ward off an oncoming tentacle as it attempted to crash into her.

  “Hawlucha!” Ordered Ash, “Try to avoid the tentacles and look for the body itself! If Tangrowth itself goes down, then we won’t have to deal with the tentacles anymore!”

  “So you think it’ll be that easy, huh?” Cilan jeered, “Well I beg to differ! Simisage, use Bullet Seed!”

  From somewhere amidst the swirling mass of tentacles, hundreds of large seeds shot out at Hawlucha, forcing him to tuck his head beneath his cape of feathers.

  Erika chortled, “You really shouldn’t be standing still like that. Tangrowth, Energy Ball!”

  A multitude of the tentacles pointed themselves at the defending Hawlucha and charged swirling balls of green energy into a sparking green shape.

  “Hawlucha, dodge it quick!”

  Hawlucha responded and swiftly jumped sideways, narrowly avoiding the dozen balls of green energy that impacted where he once stood. An explosion soon followed that coated the area in smoke and dust.

  “Gah!” Cried Serena as she shielded her eyes from the dust cloud, “Braixen, you okay?!”

  “Brai!” Responded Braixen from somewhere within the dust cloud.

  “Alright, then use Flamethrower to get rid of that smoke!”

  Cilan chuckled, “Not gonna happen! Simisage, use Focus Blast!”

  As Braixen deeply inhaled to unleash a Flamethrower, the fox Pokémon’s eyes widened as she saw a yellow ball of light getting larger from within the smoke and quickly abandoned the Flamethrower attack in favor of ducking just in time to narrowly dodge the would-be devastating attack as it sailed directly over the crouching Braixen.

  “Serena!” Ash called over, “Remember, they’re just as blind as you are with that cloud of dust in the way! Use that to your advantage!”

  Serena gaped at Ash’s genius for a moment before returning a smile of gratitude towards him, “Thanks, Ash! Hear that, Braixen? We can use this to our benefit, so lay low and take potshots with Flamethrower! With all these tentacles, we’re bound to hit some of them!”

  “Well,” Riley said to his partner, “Those two are certainly capable, wouldn’t you say?”

  ‘Indeed’, Replied Lucario, ‘Perhaps you were correct after all.’

  “See? I told you they’d be-“

  ‘I said perhaps. They’ve yet to fully convince me.’

  “Hawlucha, use Bulk Up!” Called out Ash.

  Hawlucha nodded, not that anyone else could see it, and flexed his muscles. Steam began erupting from Hawlucha’s arms and they slowly began reddening from the sheer heat.

  “Hawww!” The wrestling Pokemon bellowed.

  “Sweet!” Cheered Ash, “Now use-“

  “Tangrowth, Constrict!”

  Ash was cut off when Hawlucha let out a grunt of pain. Erupting from above the cloud of smoke, a tentacle came up, holding Hawlucha in a death grip. The bird screeched in pain as the tendril tightened its immense grip.

  “Hawlucha, no!”

  “Now, finish this with Giga Drain! Don’t stop until you’ve taken every ounce of energy from it!”

  Several more of the gargantuan green tentacles erupted from the smoke cloud and smothered Hawlucha. The tentacles, after having completely enveloped the poor bird, started to glow, and streaks of white could be seen moving down through them.

  “An excellent strategy!” Cilan complimented with a snap of his fingers, “Ceasing your opponent's movements and draining their energy is a perfect strategy! Like the aroma of an irresistible meal smothering the noses of their recipient, an attack like this will leave only satisfied results!”

  “Nothing about this is satisfying!” Hissed Ash, “Hawlucha, use X-Scissor to cut yourself free!”

  From within the ball of densely wrapped tentacles holding Hawlucha captive, The aforementioned wrestler bird let out a grunt of effort and attempted to push the tendrils away in order to free his hands and use X-Scissor, but Erika saw through this and quickly issued her own counter.

  “Tangrowth, tighten your grip! Don’t let it escape!”

  The mass of tentacles followed its orders, and dozens more of the emerald-colored tendrils rose up from the cloud of dust to crush Hawlucha even further, eliciting a frustrated and agonized cry from him.

  “No, Hawlucha!” Ash cried in desperation.

  “Braixen, use Flamethrower!”

  Suddenly, a stream of flames shot at the ball of tentacles, searing them and making a shriek erupt from somewhere below. Sensing his new elbow room, Hawlucha extended two green blades of energy from his fingertips and sliced himself free.

  “HAW!” Bellowed Hawlucha as he landed amidst the rain of shredded tentacles. Hawlucha looked down at one of the tentacles at his feet in disgust and kicked it away from him.

  Ash looked dumbstruck for a moment and turned to face Serena, who gave him a grin.

  “While everyone else was staring up at where Hawlucha was, nobody noticed that all the tentacles swept away the dust cloud on their way up! I had the perfect shot, so I took it!”

  At this, Ash’s dumbstruck gaze continued for a moment before he grew a grin as well, “You saved me there, Serena! Thanks.”

  Serena let out a small giggle, “Don’t mention it. Now, how about we get our fourth badge?”

  Ash turned his gaze back onto the battlefield with a determined look on his face, “Couldn’t agree more. You ready, Hawlucha?”

  Hawlucha flashed a thumbs-up and grinned back at his trainer, “Haw!”

  “You ready to roll as well, Braixen?” Serena asked, to which Braixen adopted a crouching stance with one hand planted on the ground and the other in the air behind her.

  “Brai!”

  Erika huffed, now moderately annoyed that this was going to be a more difficult fight than she initially thought.

  “Hmph. You sure have grown as a trainer since we last met, Ash. However, so have I! Tangrowth, overwhelm them! Use every last tentacle at your disposal to crush them!”

  Cilan laughed nervously and rubbed the back of his head, “Don’t you think you’re taking this a little too seriously?”

  Erika ignored the Unovan Gym Leader and swiped her arm outward, “Go, Tangrowth! Finish them!”

  GROOOOOOOOOWWWTTTTTHHH!”

  From beneath the ground, hundreds of more of the gargantuan tendrils erupted violently outward at Braixen and Hawlucha. It was as if a tidal wave of tentacles was rushing to swarm them.

  “Hawlucha, use X-Scissor and get ready to jump!”

  “Braixen, jump onto them and use Flamethrower and Fire Punch to ward off any that come after you!”

  Both of the Pokemon nodded and leapt onto the frey of tendrils. They raced up the hundreds of tentacles, using them as footing as they jumped from tendril to tendril.

  “Look for the host body!” Commanded Ash.

  Serena finished his thought for him, as if their minds were linked, “If we can find the original body of the Tangrowth, we can put a stop to the tentacles!”

  “Tch!” Huffed Erika, “As if you’d be able to find it! It’s underground and, in case you haven’t noticed, the entire ground is covered with his tentacles!”

  “Why would you tell them that?!” Shouted an exasperated Cilan.

  “Great! So all we have to do is cut away at the tentacles until we can find the hole they’re coming from!”

  Erika growled, “As if I’d let you get that far! Tangrowth, use a flurry of Energy Balls and Constrict them once you stun them!”

  Dozens of the swarming tentacles rose up around Braixen and Hawlucha and pointed downwards, gathering energy at their tips in preparation for raining down hell unto its opponents. Braixen and Hawlucha nodded at one another and raced at the tentacles, cutting them clean off with Flamethrower and X-Scissors respectively.

  However, the Tangrowth’s seemingly endless supply of appendages rocketed upwards from the swirling mass and arched downward in an attempt to simply slam into the annoying Pokémon on them. Braixen and Hawlucha jumped upward and raced up one of the tendrils as it shot down at them. However, as they reached the top of the tendril’s arch, they were met with Simisage charging something between its hands.

  “Simisage, Focus Blast!”

  Hawlucha and Braixen instinctively put up their arms to guard themselves as a yellow explosion erupted directly in front of their faces, shooting them downward. Hawlucha managed to right himself midair and landed safely on one of the tendrils below. Braixen, however, was not as fortunate. The aforementioned fox Pokémon crashed onto her back viciously, making a choked, abrupt cry of pain shoot out from her.

  “Braixen, no!” Cried Serena.

  Braixen attempted to stand back up and hissed through grit teeth, only for a plethora of the vines to loom over her menacingly. Braixen hardly had the time to turn around before she was slammed by the vines as they crashed downward.

  “BRAIXEEEEN!”

  “One down,” Erika cheered, “One to go! Now Tangrowth, use Giga Drain until that Braixen is completely unconscious!”

  The swarm of tendrils began to glow a familiar shade of light green that made Hawlucha grit his teeth at the memory of what had happened to him not too long ago.

  Ash growled, “Hawlucha, use X-Scissor to cut her free!”

  “Not so fast, Ash!” Cilan intervened, “Simisage, use Focus Blast once more at maximum power!”

  The green simian leapt out from behind one of the colossal vines and shot a large yellow ball of ferocious, crackling energy directly at Hawlucha hardly had the time to react and favored attempting to hold back the blast instead of reacting in the minuscule time he was allowed.

  “Krrggh!” Hawlucha grunted as he tried to hold back the powerful attack. However, he found that he began to lose his footing. The crackling sphere of energy was beginning to be far too difficult to push back, and frankly, Hawlucha didn’t know how much longer he could hold it back...and to top it all off, a mass of tentacles had positioned itself above the bird Pokemon, ready to crush him just like Braixen.

  “Hawlucha!” Ash called out, “Can you throw it or jump out of the way?!”

  Hawlucha attempted to move his feet, only to lose footing even further and hasten the speed he was being pushed back at. He closed his eyes in a mixture of helpless frustration and fatigue.

  Ash hissed and clenched his hands into fists, “I’ll think of something, Hawlucha! Just hang in there!”

  Serena gazed at Ash in dread. His position was just as bad as her own. At this rate, they’d lose!

  “Braixen!” She called out, “Can you hear me?!”

  …

  From within the mass of crushing tendrils, Braixen was limp. A single attack was all it took to immobilize her long enough for these tentacles to completely overpower her. Not to mention her defeat at the hands of that Butterfree only a few days prior. She was pathetic.

  “Braixen! Can you hear me?!”

  Was that…?

  “Braixen, please!”

  ...her trainer…?

  “We need you!”

  No...that couldn’t be. Serena deserved better than the pathetic excuse of a Pokemon she was.

  “Braixen!”

  There’s no way Serena would ever need her. After all, what kind of trainer would have use for a Pokemon who is terrified of a damn butterfly!

  “We need you, Braixen! We can’t do this without you!”

  A Fire-Type...who loses to Bug-Types and Grass-Types...laughable…

  “Braixen! We need you! I need you!”

  …………….

  “I know you’re strong enough!”

  ……….

  “You can do this!”

  …….

  “Braixen...please!”

  …..

  “I believe in you! I know you can do this! We’ve been partners ever since that day! Don’t you remember?!”

  …

  “We promised to always be there for each other!”

  ...S...S…ere...na…?

  “So, please, Braixen! I know you can do this! WE can do this! But we can only do it together! So please, get up!”

  Serena?!

  “Please, Braixen! I need you!”

  She could feel...a pulse within her. Like a second heartbeat, almost, only it was hot. A pang of heat courses throughout her body with every beat.

  “I believe in you, Braixen! You’re my best friend! We can do this, but we have to work together!”

  This heat...it felt...like a pull...like her entire body was urging her to respond to her trainer. The trust her trainer had placed in her despite her failure. She couldn’t let this go...this heat continued to pulse throughout her entire body like waves. Like a tsunami crashing against a shoreline. This...was the feeling of mutual trust from a trainer and Pokemon at its limit.

  “BRAIXEN!”

  And she would be damned not to answer her trainer’s call! No, her friend’s call. She would do anything for her, and she knew her trainer would return the favor!

  “BRAIXEEEEEEN!”

  SHE WOULD NOT LET SERENA DOWN AGAIN!

  …

  “BRAIXEEEEEEN!” Serena called out at the top of her lungs.

  Ash cursed at his helplessness, gritting his teeth in frustration.

  “Guess this match is over, then,” Erika announced, holding Tangrowth’s Pokeball out, “Tangrowth, great job out there. Retu-“

  “BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!”

  A muffled scream could be heard from underneath the mass of vines. It slowly grew louder and louder until a red spot could be seen growing in size alongside it.

  Serena clasped a hand to her mouth, and tears threatened to drop from her widened eyes.

  “Braixen?!”

  Ash grinned confidently, “See that, Hawlucha?! We’re back in the game! Now, use Bulk Up with everything you have and smash through that Focus Blast!”

  Hawlucha nodded and focused every last bit of energy he could muster into his arms with a ferocious bellow. His entire body slowly grew in size due to the muscles that began to sprout on his arms.

  “LUUUUCHA!”

  With one swift motion, Hawlucha punched through the powerful blast and sent the remaining sparks of energy from the Focus Blast sailing behind him and dissipated into nothingness. The tendrils hovering over Hawlucha shot downward in an attempt to stop the problem Tangrowth could sense coming, but Ash saw through it.

  “Hawlucha, use X-Scissor above you!”

  Hawlucha responded by summoning two light green blades of energy from his fingertips once more and slicing the vines above him into shreds as they made contact with him at speeds no one in the room, save the two Aura Guardians on the sidelines, could follow.

  “CHAAAAAAAA!!!” Roared Hawlucha.

  A pillar of white-hot flames burst from beneath the vines that had crushed Braixen beneath them, crashing into the roof and, ultimately, straight through it. Braixen roared fiercely as she finally managed to free herself. Tangrowth, from somewhere underground, shrieked in agony and pulled its tentacles back underground.

  “What the?!” Guffawed Erika in disbelief, how can your Pokemon still move?!”

  “You of all people should know,” Cilan remarked, “It’s the trust between trainer and Pokemon.”

  Erika stared at him with an odd mixture of a blank and surprised look on her face before shooting a determined look back onto the battlefield.

  “We have that too, right Tangrowth?! Let’s give ‘em everything we’ve got!”

  From beneath the ground, Tangrowth shot up and landed with a crash. Now that every tendril it has was back into place, the full scope of its size could finally be seen.

  “That thing’s gotta be at least twenty feet tall!” Ash remarked in awe.

  “It doesn’t matter!” Serena cheered, “Right, Braixen?!”

  Braixen leaned her head back and unleashed another pillar of fire in response.

  “BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!”

  Riley looked on from the sidelines eagerly, “That must be Braixen’s Blaze ability! But, I’ve never seen one so potent before!”

  He nudged his partner, “Well, are you impressed yet?”

  Lucario leaned forward and allowed a grin to creep up his mouth, ‘We shall see.’

  Another of Ash’s Pokeballs seemingly opened on its own, releasing Infernape. The fiery primate looked on at Braixen in awe of the power that both he and the fox Pokemon shared when on their last legs.

  “So,” Ash started, “I can see you’re interested in Braixen’s Blaze ability, eh Infernape?”

  Infernape nodded silently without taking his eyes off of Braixen.

  “Tangrowth, use Solarbeam!”

  “Simisage, you too!”

  The colossal Pokémon extended his arms outward, summoning a growing green ball of energy between its hands. Simisage hopped in front of Tangrowth so that he was positioned underneath the giant’s arms and charged his own ball of green energy. The sheer power of these two attacks charging was enough to make the ground begin to shake.

  “Braixen!” Serena commanded, “Let’s finish this! Use Flamethrower at max power!”

  “BUUURAAAAIII!” Responded Braixen with a surge of the vicious flames surrounding her, causing everyone in the room except the battling Pokémon to have to cover their eyes due to the sheer heat and brightness.

  Erika, Cilan and Serena pumped a fist skyward in unison.

  “GOOOO!”

  “GROOOWTH!

  “SAAAAGE!”

  “BRAAAAAIIIIII”

  The two Solarbeams merged together and rushed at Braixen with such force that the ground in its path was completely obliterated. Braixen’s Flamethrower met the combined green lasers with equal force, resulting in a shockwave that nearly knocked everyone off their feet.

  “You can do it, Braixen!” Cheered Serena.

  In response, Braixen shouted at the top of her lungs, backing up her attack with nearly double the power.

  “BUUUUURRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIII!!!!”

  “Don’t give in, Simisage!” Cilan encouraged, “Let your power mimic, no, surpass that of the perfect meal’s effect on the taste buds!”

  “Tangrowth! Use every last shred of your power!”

  “SIMISAAAAAAAAAGE!”

  “TANGROOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWTH!”

  The combined Solarbeam tore forward, impacting the Flamethrower with still-equal power that threatened to collapse the building itself from the sheer power. But suddenly, the Solarbeam began to slowly push forward.

  “Yes!” Cheered Erika, “Now finish this once and for all!”

  “Oh no, it’s not enough!” Shouted Serena, “Braixen, hang in there!”

  Braixen closed her eyes in fatigue. This power struggle was one she was beginning to lose.

  Ash grinned, “Two against one isn’t fair, eh Hawlucha? Use X-Scissor on Tangrowth!”

  Hawlucha nodded and rushed at Tangrowth with two green blades of energy on his hands.

  “Tangrowth, intercept it with your vines!” Ordered Erika.

  Some of the tendrils on Tangrowth’s legs unraveled and shot underground. Suddenly, one of them shot up in front of Hawlucha’s path, to which Hawlucha sidestepped. Another one shot up, and he dodged to his right, then to his left as a third one appeared in his way. Another one appeared to the side ahead of him, forcing him to lean backward and slide underneath it. He was almost there now; just a little further. As a last-ditch effort, a wall of vines appeared in Hawlucha’s way.

  “Cut through them!” Ash commanded.

  Hawlucha grinned and leapt forward, slashing through the wall of vines with ease, making them fall limply behind him. With Tangrowth wide open and helpless, Hawlucha charged at the wide-eyed jungle-of-a-Pokemon, and in an instant, two bright gashes appeared on the side of Tangrowth’s body while Hawlucha appeared on the opposite side of the giant with his arms pointed behind him. Tangrowth shrieked in pain and instinctively gave up on the Solarbeam to nurse its wound.

  “Now’s our chance, Braixen! Finish this!”

  “BUUUUUUUUUURAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIII!!!!”

  From Braixen’s mouth, the fox Pokemon unleashed a massive beam of flames that instantaneously pierced through Simisage’s Solarbeam and raced at the two Grass Types. They could only stare with wide-eyed horror for a split second until the fiery beam impacted them with such force that it made the entire building quake violently upon collision. Simisage flew out from the ensuing smoke and landed in front of Cilan in a heap.

  “Simisage, no!” Cried Cilan, running onto the field to collect his fallen partner, “...you did good, Simisage. You deserve a rest.”

  Cilan pulled a Pokeball from his pocket and shot a small red beam at the unconscious simian, pulling it back into the ball.

  Tangrowth, however, collapsed onto one knee, but was very much still conscious. With the last of its strength, the mass of vines outstretched its hands once more.

  “Great, Tangrowth!” Erika cheered, “Now use- WAIT WHAT?!”

  Above Tangrowth, Braixen had her fist coated in a brilliant red flame and pulled behind her, ready to strike with full force. Tangrowth helplessly stared up at the fox Pokemon and the incoming attack.

  “Now,” Serena commanded, “Fire Punch!”

  Braixen roared and brought down her flaming fist into Tangrowth’s face, making it seemingly implode in on itself. She sailed past the mass of vines and landed behind it. The giant Tangrowth stood still for a moment before finally collapsing onto its back, unconscious.

  “Tangrowth and Simisage are unable to battle!” Announced the referee, “The winners are challengers Ash and Serena!”

  Erika looked absolutely stunned for a few seconds before letting out a sigh and returning her massive Pokemon to its Pokeball.

  “Good job, Tangrowth,” She commended, “You take a long rest now.”

  Serena rushed onto the field just in time to catch Braixen as she weakly fell out of her Blaze mode and into her trainer’s arms.

  “You did amazing! There’s no way I’d have ever come this far without you, Braixen. Now, I’d say you deserve one heck of a rest.”

  Braixen weakly smiled up at her beloved trainer and friend before passing out and allowing herself to be returned to her Pokeball.

  “Incredible work out there, Hawlucha!” Ash congratulated, “I’d say that was your best work yet.”

  Hawlucha responded by flexing and giving his trainer a thumbs-up. Infernape, marched over to Hawlucha and outstretched his palm to him with a grin, to which Hawlucha shot him a cocky but friendly grin back and gave the fiery primate a high-five before the two of them were returned to their Pokeballs.

  “Hawlucha, you take a good rest. You too Infernape…”

  Ash’s face hardened, “We’ll need you later tonight.”

  “Ash!” Serena called over, “Hurry up, she’s giving us our badges!”

  “Oh, right!” Ash replied, stuffing the two Pokeballs back onto his belt, “Coming!”

  As Ash ran over to the two gym leaders and Serena were, Erika smiled and opened a small, purple box that contained two badges that looked like a golden sphere with every color of the rainbow surrounding it.

  “Well, Ash, you’ve certainly come a long way from being a crossdressing sneak!” Erika joked, earning a giggle from Serena and a drooping frown from Ash.

  “Oh, I’m only joking!”

  “Hey Ash!” Cilan called over, “It was good seeing you again! You’ve become quite the incredible trainer!”

  Ash flashed him a smile and waved at him, “It was good seeing you too! Be sure to tell Iris she’s such a kid for me when you head back, alright?”

  Cilan laughed, “Sure thing, Ash! See ya later!”

  With that, Cilan made his way out of the room, and Ash turned back to face Erika.

  “Well, here you are. You two earned it. As Celadon City Gym Leader, I hereby give you the Rainbow Badge.”

  “Alright!” Ash and Serena cheered, “We got...the Rainbow Badge!”

  “Pi, Pika!” Pikachu chirped along.

  “Well?” Riley asked once more, “Were you satisfied with their abilities?”

  Lucario stood up and closed his eyes, ‘We will see. After all, the real test comes tonight.”