"How is everything there?" asked Ash.
"Under control and well," replied the former gym leader and Kanto Elite Four member Sabrina.
Ash was in his room. Due to the bad weather, the activities have been postponed for today. The boy was lying on his bed, with one leg on top of the other, and talking to Sabrina in a video call. Pikachu was taking a nap beside him.
"What did you do?" Sabrina asked him suddenly. Ash was perplexed.
"Huh?"
She sighed. "I know you Ash. Whenever you have made some sort of stupid mistake, you always carry a distant and uncertain look in your eyes. So what do did you do this time?" the Psychic type expert asked again, presenting the facts precisely leaving Ash dumbfounded.
"N-nothing. I can have some other thoughts in my mind too," he protested as Sabrina shook her head.
"I am a Psychic," she stated plainly. "Lying to me won't work."
Ash sit up.
"Yes. I am aware of your abilities. But we are in a goddamned video call. How can you even tell if I am lying or not?" he said with a smirk.
"So that means you are?" she asked, returning the smirk.
Ash sighed in annoyance. This woman really gets on his nerves sometimes.
"Anyways, what are the reports on Team Cosmos?" Ash asked in a business-like tone.
"Nice way to change the topic," Sabrina muttered. Ash just ignored her.
"Yes, about them. There is still no clue on where they could be. The only lead we have in our hands is the two hunters, who fortunately didn't die like the other one," she said narrowing her eyes, as Ash coughed a bit.
"They are currently being interrogated by our officers, but they-" Sabrina said when Ash interrupted her.
"Haven't spoke a word?" Ash guessed the rest of her sentence as she confirmed with a nod.
He sighed. "Keep it going. Use force if necessary. But we need answers from them," Ash said in a strict tone. Sabrina flinched a bit before she questioned.
"Why is that?"
"I believe they know something about Team Cosmos's next move. And I have a hunch it's related with this academy," Ash expressed his thoughts as Sabrina looked deep in thoughts.
"If what you're saying is right, this is a serious matter," the dark green haired girl said. "I will intensify the interrogation and keep those two in remand. I will do it myself if necessary," she said the last line in a creepy tone as Ash gulped, feeling sorry for those hunters.
"Alright then, talk to you later," he said. When he was about to cut the call, Sabrina interrupted.
"You still haven't answered my question from earlier-"
"Drop it," Ash said curtly and cut the call.
Sabrina was surprised from the action.
However, after some moments, she couldn't help but giggle, recalling their conversation. The woman then quickly retained her cold composure, as she went back to her work.
Ash put his phone down and looked outside. It was now raining cats and dogs. He couldn't just sit around and do nothing so, he decided to head and roam around the campus a bit. Maybe battling someone in the indoor gyms would be nice.
He got up from his bed and looked at Pikachu. The mouse was sound asleep, but he still shook him up a bit.
"I will go and walk around a bit. I will pick you up before lunch, k?" Ash said in a low voice.
Pikachu nodded and went back to its sleep.
Ash grabbed a pokeball and left the room. He was now changed into a fresh set of dry clothes, with a soft greyish sweater and blue jeans. The trainer started walking down the corridor.
He was still thinking about his early encounter with Anabel. It's like, each and everytime something takes control over his body and do those things he didn't intend to.
'They still tasted good,' Ash thought with a dreamy expression, but immediately shook it off by hitting his own head.
'Dammit. Something's really wrong with me,' he thought with a frown.
He had kissed, no... made out with three of his closest female friends. This was really out of the blue. He knew he had played with their feelings like that, which he wasn't very proud of. He wanted to fix this by telling them the truth as soon as possible. But it was easier said than done. And then, there was Pikachu. He always acted like he knew stuff like this was going to happen, which Ash found extremely peculiar.
The Champion took out his phone and checked the campus map. There was a gym just two corridors away from where he was standing.
'A good battle will surely help to clear my mind,' Ash thought with a smile and walked quickly towards the gym.
***
"Dodge it and use Ice Beam."
"Counter with Dragon Pulse."
Both the moves collided, cancelling each other out.
"Alright Samurott, finish this with Aqua Jet," a boy with brown gray hair and teal eyes commanded. He had a red band tied to his head with a light yellow scarf.
"We are going to finish this. Altaria, use Giga Impact," another boy with long black hair and gray eyes commanded.
The powerful attacks collided with each other at a stalemate before ending up in a small explosion.
The dust slowly cleared up.
"Both pokemon are unable to battle. The match is a tie," a robotic voice declared, which belonged to a drone rotom, that was the referee of the match. A drone was supplied to every gym to spectate the battles and declare winner.
"You were amazing Samurott, take a good rest," Cameron said while returning the final evolved form of the Unovan water starter.
"You battled well. Thank you," the Kalos Elite Four member Calem said as he returned Altaria.
Both trainers walked upto each other and shook hands.
"I have to say, you are pretty strong," Calem said with a small smile.
"Pretty strong?! I am the strongest," Cameron said, beaming with pride. Calem just sighed.
"Yeah yeah. Let's go now," he said as he motioned towards the stands.
"That was a great battle you two," praised a guy who was sitting in the stands. His brown hair was hidden with a long white cap which almost looked like his hair. He was wearing a casual outfit with a black and orange jacket.
"Thanks Brendan," said Cameron.
Most students were relaxing, having a day off while some were utilizing the time.
The gym was just like a normal one as it should be. Instead of one, there were two battlefields in it. In the other one, two trainers just finished their battle as they walked upto the stands as well.
"I almost had you there," an annoyed voice said.
"Yeah right. You can't even beat me and I'm not a regular battler," a boy with brown spiky hair said, smirking.
"Ugghh I am gonna fine you for that," Barry gave his signature dialogue.
"Oh yeah? Make me flapjack," Gary mocked him even more.
"Geez guys, cut it out," Brendan said, trying to cool the heat.
"I am always calm, but this... fine factory here doesn't seem to be," the young professor said, still with a smug look.
"Why you-" Barry started angrily, but Cameron interrupted.
"Hey look," he pointed towards the door as they all turned to that direction, only to see a familiar raven haired boy.
***
It wasn't hard to find the gym. And it was a big deal for someone like Ash to actually find something without getting lost. It was just a typical gym, but the interior was huge, he could tell that. As he approached closer, he could hear voices which sounded familiar and sounds of battling too. He entered the gym and started to take in the surroundings when a voice called out to him.
"Hey Ash!"
The trainer gazed at the direction and saw a group at the stands. He walked to them with a smile.
The group wasn't expecting any company at this time, let alone the Champion. Gary stepped forward and pushed his fist forward with a rivalry look.
"Hey Ashy-boy."
"Sup Gary," Ash said and returned the fist bump.
"Howdy Ash. Fancy seeing you here," Cameron said with a smile and put an arm around Ash in a friendly gesture.
The latter smiled. "This is a gym Cameron. Why wouldn't I be here?" Ash questioned.
"Yeah, you have a point," the boy said laughing.
"So came to battle I presume, or just training? " Calem asked.
Ash was about to answer when someone interrupted.
"Dude, stop ignoring me, will you?!!" Barry said grabbing Ash's attention as he looked surprised.
"Barry?"
"About time," the mentioned boy just huffed.
"It's good to see you again Barry. I didn't know you attended here too, or seen you around for that matter," Ash said. He really hasn't seen the hyperactive kid during his time here at the academy.
"He's a nobody, that's why," Gary said plainspokenly as Calem, Brendan and Cameron swallowed a laughter.
"I am warning you to stop or I'm gonna..." Barry started.
"What? Beat me in a battle?" Gary asked, sneering.
"Oooooohhhhhhhh," the trio exclaimed in unison, reacting to the S-tier roasting.
"Ugghhhhh. That author will have to pay a fine for signing me up in this stupid chapter," Barry yelled as the others gave him an odd look.
"Is it me or is he weird?" Calem whispered in Brendan's ear, who just laughed nervously in response.
Ash just shook his head and snickered, before he turned his attention to the fifth individual.
Brendan met his eyes and took it as a cue.
"I believe we haven't been introduced yet," the Hoenn native said as he offered his hand at him. "I'm Brendan."
Ash smiled and nodded. "Nice to meet you," he said shaking his hands.
"So are you a battler as well?" Ash asked.
"Ah yes I am," he gave a short response.
"He's being too honest," Gary spoke as he gestured at Brendan, "He is a really strong one. He even won the Hoenn league at his first try."
Brendan looked embarrassed. "Um it's really not that big of a deal," the trainer said, smiling nervously.
"Have you challenged the Elite Four then?" Barry asked.
"Well, not yet. I want to train and become more stronger before I do that," he explained.
Ash suddenly had an idea.
"Say, how about a battle Brendan?" he asked casually, completely throwing the trainer off guard.
"Wa-wait, you are challenging me?"
Brendan asked with wide eyes.
"Is that bad?" Ash asked with a confused look.
Brendan composed himself quickly.
"O-of course not. I accept your challenge," the boy now said with confidence.
"Hey, I wanted to battle Ash too," Cameron protested.
"Yeah me too," mimicked Barry.
"I think you can have your battle later Cameron," Gary reasoned and looked at Barry. "Why are you still here flapjack?"
"Shut it Oak tree," Barry said angrily.
All of them laughed.
"And besides, if want to challenge the Hoenn Elite Four," Calem said looking at Brendan. "I think it's best if you test your strength against a Champion himself," he said gesturing towards Ash.
Gary was a bit confused. He then shook his head and looked at Ash.
"You know, I still haven't gotten used to the fact that you are one" he said seriously.
"Yeah, me too," Ash replied with the same grim look, before both childhood friends bursted out laughing.
"So what format?" Brendan asked.
Ash looked thoughtful as he took out the pokeball he grabbed before he left his room.
"I only brought this one with me so, 1 on 1?" Ash suggested.
The others looked at the pokeball in his hand and gulped, wondering what sort of powerhouse monster was inside of it.
"Alright then," Brendan said and walked to one of the battlefields. Ash followed him as well.
"This will be interesting," Gary said as he took a seat.
"Yep," Cameron agreed and sit beside, as the others followed suit.
When Ash and Brendan were on the two opposite sides of the battlefield, the drone rotom became active.
"What is the format of this battle?" it asked in its automated voice.
"One on one," both trainers replied in unison.
"Alright," it said and scaned the trainers with its eyes, looking for information.
"This is an unofficial battle between Champion Ash and Trainer Brendan. Each trainer will have the usage of one pokemon. The battle will be over when either side pokemon is unable to continue. Trainers, please send out your pokemon," the drone said.
"Hey Ash," Brendan called out as Ash looked at him.
"Lets have a classic battle, no mega evolution, z-moves or dynamaxing," he suggested as Ash smiled.
"Sure," he replied.
"Did he actually said Dynamaxing?" Barry asked dumbfoundedly. "But that's only possible in Galar region."
"He said it as an overall way, now shut up," Calem said irritatedly.
"He's the reason God created the middle finger," Gary whispered to Cameron who snickered.
"I will go first," Brendan said. He took out a pokeball and threw it.
An amphibious quadruped pokemon materialised. It was leaning on its two hands which consisted of three fingers. Two black fins were on its head along with a black tail. Its yellow beaded eyes gazed around the battlefield before it gave a battle cry.
"Lets win this Swampert," Brendan said with a smile. The mud fish nodded, ready to fight.
"He is using one of his strongest," Calem said.
"Hmm. That Swampert can mega evolve too, but it's strong anyway without it," Gary said.
Someone nudged Cameron on his shoulder as he turned around.
"Oh hey Lucario. You brought the popcorns?" the boy asked its partner pokemon to which it nodded and sit beside its trainer.
The others looked at him weirdly.
"What?" he asked while grabbing a handful of it.
"You sent your pokemon to get popcorn for you?" Gary asked.
"Yeah, so what?" he asked as he passed them the bucket. "There's enough for all of us."
Everyone started eating and watched as Ash enlarged the pokeball from before.
"I may be at a disadvantage, but I know you can do it," he said to the pokeball and threw it.
"I choose you."
A powerful pokemon came out with a battle stance.
A red and black furred bipedal pokemon materialised. It had strong build-up body, black stripes all over its red body. It had a belt around its waist which resembled fire itself. Its yellow eyes with green pupils glared at its opponent before it gave out a loud and intimidating roar.
"Damn," Barry said
"An Incineroar, huh?" said Calem, impressed.
"A battle *crunch* between *crunch* starters," Cameron said while eating.
"I like it!" he later exclaimed, finally swallowing.
"Ash is at a huge disadvantage though," Gary said analysing.
"Water and Ground types like Swampert are only weak against grass type moves, and a Fire type like Incineroar is weak to both."
"Swampert also knows a fighting type move, which will be a problem for Incineroar, since its a dark type as well," Calem said analysing further. He has battled against that Swampert before with his Chesnaught.
"We can't predict anything right now. Who knows what tricks Ash has up his sleeve.," Barry said.
Gary nodded. "That's something I can agree with."
'I may be at an advantage, but I won't underestimate him or his pokemon,' Brendan thought cautiously, recalling how swiftly the raven haired has taken down legendaries just yesterday.
"Alright Swampert, use Earthquake," Brendan commanded the first move of the battlefield.
The mud fish pokemon cried and slammed its fist on the ground shaking the battlefield tremendously with the powerful ground type move. Ash knew how to counter that.
"Thrust your fists under the ground."
The Heel pokemon nodded and balled his fist, before implanting them into the ground.
The shockwave of the Earthquake spreaded around the battlefield with a tremor. The four spectators were trying their best to hold onto their seats tightly, as Cameron was clutching his popcorn, more worried about it than himself. The attack soon stopped as everyone looked towards the battlefield. They were shocked at what they saw.
Incineroar took out his hands and dusted them off, not even flinching from the super effective move as it looked at Swampert with a sinister grin.
"What did I tell you," Barry said with a simple tone.
"Remind me to never stat type advantages against him," Calem said shaking his head.
"Not surprised there," Gary said as he looked at Cameron. He was still picking up some of the popcorns that were on the ground. He just sweatdropped and looked at the battlefield again.
'I've never seen such unique skill in a trainer before. There's still so much I have to learn,' Brendan thought with a smile, as he called out his next command.
"If that doesn't work, then about this?
Use Hydro Pump."
Swampert opened its mouth and shot a jet of powerful water at Incineroar with high force and speed.
Ash and Incineroar smirked.
"Darkest Lariat."
Incineroar's fists blazed with flame as the fire fire type swung both of its arms around
and started spinning at an impressive speed on its spot. The Hydro Pump collided with a misty explosion. The smoke cleared to reveal the muscular pokemon standing confidently, taking just a bit damage.
"Not again," Brendan muttered with a tensed look.
"Smooth," Cameron commented.
"Tell me about it," said Gary.
"Long range attacks are doing no effect," said Calem thoughtfully.
"Then how about this?" Brendan said as he commanded. "Get close and use Hammer Arm."
One of Swampert's arms glowed white as it dashed towards the fire type with a formidable speed.
"Counter with Cross Chop."
Incineroar's crossed its forearms and met Swampert's fighting type move with its own. Both were trying their best to overpower the other, but they were at a stalemate.
"Smash the ground below it," Brendan suddenly commanded. Swampert used its other arm and broke the ground below Incineroar with Hammer Arm. The Heel pokemon momentarily lost its balance.
"Now!!" yelled Brendan.
Seeing the opportunity, the water type finally connected its fist with Incineroar's stomach and pushed it back.
"Don't let it up, Hydro Pump," Brendan commanded, not giving the fire type a chance to recover. Another super effective move made a direct contact with Incineroar as there was an explosion.
"Yes," the white cap trainer balled his fists triumphantly.
"Not gonna lie, that was some pretty good shit," said Gary.
"Brendan nailed it this time," said Cameron.
"So is it decided?" asked Barry.
"Not quite yet," Calem said as they looked at him. He simply pointed at Ash, who appears to be smiling, enjoying the battle.
Gary smirked.
"The battle's just starting folks," he said in a commentarish voice.
"You are good," Ash complimented as Brendan smiled. "But we are not done yet," he added as the smoke cleared, to reveal Incineroar who was still standing. The final evolved form of Litten shook off the pain and roared once again, louder this time.
"As expected," Brendan muttered with a smirk. This time Ash gave the first command.
"Fire Blast."
The fiery shaped belt of the Heel pokemon glowed as it summoned a huge blast of flame which took the shape of a kanji, as it hurled towards Swampert.
"Quick use Hydro Pump," Brendan yelled desperately.
Swampert shot the water, but it was a bit too late as it was already engulfed and blasted to the opposite direction of the battlefield from the Fire Blast.
The Mud Fish pokemon stood up again, but it clearly took some burn damage from the special category fire type move.
'To think Swampert took that amount of damage from a fire type move, wow,' Brendan thought imposingly.
"Mind in the battle Brendan," Ash called out to him. The Hoenn native looked horrified when Incineroar was rushing towards Swampert, hands crackling with electricity.
'When did he command?' Brendan thought before countering.
"Hammer Arm now."
Swampert nodded and clashed with Incineroar's Thunder Punch. Both of them landed a few hits on each other before pulling back. The pair was panting a bit.
"They're even," said Calem.
"Fire Blast/ Ice Beam," both commanded at the same time.
The attacks collided yet with another deafening explosion.
"Lets bust out the big one Swampert, Whirlpool," Brendan commanded. Ash's eyes widened. He knew Incineroar will take a great deal of damage if that connected. He watched as Swampert used its hand to summon a massive swirling water tornado at the fire type. The water spinned on its spot with sheer power.
'That's it,' Ash thought.
He watched the whirpool closely with keen eye, focusing on the direction in which the Whirlpool was spinning.
'Left to right, left to right.'
"Incineroar, use Darkest Lariat from your right to left side," Ash commanded as everyone looked at him with surprise and confusion.
Incineroar trusted Ash more than anyone so, it did as it was told. The fire/dark type started to swing its arms and spin at a direction opposite to the approaching Whirpool. The attack collided with each other with a fiery and misty explosion.
Everyone looked attentively, not taking their eyes off for a moment, as they saw the powerful Whirpool cancelled out by Darkest Lariat.
"NO WAY!" Brendan screamed out in disbelief as Swampert was shocked too. No pokemon has ever cancelled its Whirlpool like that before. And a fire type of all types.
"Finish this Incineroar," Ash said as the pokemon grined, with its body emitting hot flames.
"Heat Crash."
Incineroar gave an astounding jump high above the ground as its entire body was covered with flames. Brendan was too shocked to give any command as the fire type slammed onto Swampert with brutal force. The aftermath from the explosion shook the whole gym.
The dust slowly to reveal the expected result.
"Swampert is unable to battle. Incineroar wins. That means the match goes to Champion Ash," the drone rotom declared.
Incineroar roared victoriously, beating its chest with hands proudly. Brendan walked upto his starter pokemon that was lying in the now formed crater. He picked it up and smiled.
"Thank you Swampert. You have been working very hard. Take a good rest," he said and returned the water/ground type.
"It was a good battle, wasn't it?" Ash said offering his hand.
Brendan got up with a smile and shook his hand. "It was one hell of a battle, thanks Ash," he said, beaming
Incineroar nudged Ash as he looked at it.
"Hm? What is it?"
It just pointed towards Ash's shoulder as the boy understood what it was saying.
"Pikachu's in my room, sleeping," he answered as Incineroar sighed and shook his head disappointedly, grunting something about the laziness of the yellow mouse.
Ash smirked.
"You were like that too before you evolved, remember?" he said with a teasing tone as the Alola starter looked away with a huff, knowing Ash was right.
"Thanks for the battle bud, you deserve a good rest," he said chuckling and returned Incineroar.
"C'mon lets go," Brendan said as both trainers walked to the stands.
The four spectators were sitting silently as the two trainers stood before them with a confused look.
"Uh...guys?" Brendan asked noticing the grim expression on their face.
They stood up together suddenly, startling the trainers a bit.
The grim expression soon changed to a cheery one as all of them started clapping.
"That was hella awesome dudes," said Gary.
"We really were on the edge of our seats," admitted Calem.
"I didn't even finish my popcorn due to how intense the match was," said Cameron.
"So cool man. I will even spare you two from my fines," Barry said his usual annoying dialogue.
"I would give you a nasty look right now, but you already have one," said Gary.
Ash and Brendan looked a bit embarrassed from the praise as they thanked them.
"But no seriously," Gary said with a change of tone as everyone looked at him.
"How in the name of Arceus do you even manage to come up with peculiar strategies like the last one?" he asked as the others nodded as well.
"I really don't know how to answer that, it.... happens?" Ash said unsurely.
"Typical Ashy-boi," Gary muttered.
"I hope you learnt something from this battle Brendan," said Calem.
Brendan nodded. "Yes. I now understand how much harder I have to train and gather more experience," he said as the others smiled.
"I know you will do great," Ash said.
"Yeah, just don't go out and challenge the Champions with unevolved pokemons," Gary said laughing as Ash fake coughed, knowing what he meant.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Brendan asked.
"Hey its almost lunch time. What do ya say we all go to the cafe together," Cameron suggested interrupting their topic.
"Sounds good to me," Ash said, immediately agreeing to the idea.
"Yeah. A good battle surely increases your appetite," Brendan agreed with a laugh.
"Well it's settled then, let's go," Calem said as he started heading out.
The newly formed group now headed towards the cafeteria, talking and laughing along the way without a worry in the world.
***