Chapter 14 Eusine and the Gym Battle

Two months had now passed since the battle at Dewford City. The battle with Kyogre was so intense that the beach was shut down for almost a month after the battle since it suffered extensive and massive damage. The word of what happened has spread around quickly to almost all of Hoenn that some trainer battled Kyogre on the beaches of Dewford town and defeated it with a Suicune. Only Brawly, May and Max knew that it was Ash because Ash told them while the rest of Hoenn didn't know the exact identity of the one who did it.

Naturally Team Aqua was not very happy to learn about this. They had been trying to catch Kyogre for years and to find that someone else had captured it was infuriating to them. Their rivals, Team Magma, were quite happy and resolved to thank this trainer who caught Kyogre.

In Ecruteak City in the Johto Region Morty, the Gym Leader of the city, had just finished another Gym battle and had defeated the trainer. The kid had a lot of spunk and determination, but his skills could use some sharpening. 'Reminds me of Ash' Morty thought with a smile. 'I wonder how Ash is doing anyway.'

"Morty you there" a voice called. Morty turned to see his friend, Eusine, enter the gym. "Any problems at all with the tower?"

"Nope, everything is still fine" Morty replied. "How are you doing? Any luck on your recent Suicune hunt?"

Eusine closed his eyes, "Nothing... not since that one time over a year ago."

"Not since Ash was here eh" Morty mused. "I wonder how he's doing now-a-days. He did win the Silver Conference you know."

Eusine looked surprised, "Really... at his age. That's quite an accomplishment. I never saw his battles so I wonder how he did."

"Unfortunately I couldn't see them either since I was busy, but I did here rumors about what happened" Morty said. He took on a serious tone. "The rumor is that Ash was in possession of Two Legendary Pokémon."

Now Eusine's eyes were wide as he stared at his friend, "What... how is that possible? Do you know which ones?"

Morty nodded, "Yeah it's said that they're two Pokémon that are native to Hoenn; the Eon Duo Latios and Latias. You and I both know that it's incredibly hard to find one of them, but to find both is unheard of."

"Indeed" Eusine said with a contemplated look on his face. He was about to speak again when the T.V. in the room gave of a special report.

"We interrupt for a breaking announcement" the reporter said making Morty and Eusine look at the T.V. "News has just come to us from Dewford City in the Hoenn region. What started out as a normal day quickly turned into a near disaster. As two months ago the Legendary Pokémon of the sea, Kyogre appeared on the beaches and did battle with a trainer."

"A Kyogre" Morty said shocked. Eusine's eyes were wide as he stared at the screen.

"All we know is that Kyogre ended up doing battle with a trainer on the beach" the reporter said. "The battle raged on for about an hour in which the trainer used Suicune to battle Kyogre."

"SUICUNE" Eusine shouted shocked.

"In the end the trainer managed to defeat Kyogre and the storm ceased" the reporter said. "We have no confirmed identity of the trainer who defeated Kyogre as the only one who witnessed the trainer was the Dewford Gym Leader who declined to tell us who it was. But from eye witness accounts we have found out that the trainer looked relatively young, wears a red hat, has black hair and is said to be carrying a Pikachu on his shoulder. This boy also seems to be travelling with two other companions. That's all the info we have right now on the subject."

Morty and Eusine were silent after hearing that. Morty spoke after a minute, "That description sounds an awful lot like Ash. I was skeptical at first, but once I heard the Pikachu part... it has to be him." A door slammed shut making Morty look over. "Eusine... ah man not again" he groaned.

Eusine sprinted out of Ecruteak city and into the forest, 'If it's true... and Ash is in possession of Suicune... then I will find him, and I will battle him, and when I defeat him I will take Suicune.' That was Eusine's only thought as he released his Alakazam and had it teleport him to Hoenn.

Back in the Hoenn Region Ash and the others had just made it to Pettleburg City, "Home sweet home" May and Max cheered. During the two month period after the battle with Kyogre they had been to Mauville city and Lavaridge town. Ash had battled the Mauville city gym leader Wattson, who used electric type Pokémon. Due to their surprised entry involving a fake Raikou Pikachu got a temporary boost in power and defeated all three of Wattson's Pokémon making it the third gym in a row where Ash won using only one Pokémon. Wattson was a little depressed after that and knew that his gym might be shut down if the League heard he had lost all three Pokémon to only one.

Ash was a voice of reason by telling Wattson that he had already beat both Roxanne and Brawly using one Pokémon as well. Ash had also told Wattson about Pikachu getting a boost in power, but feeling sick afterwards. Wattson realized he shouldn't mope and went back to his eccentric ways immediately. They left Mauville City with three Badges.

Then they made a stop in Lavaridge town and after a series of events involving Team Rocket, who they hadn't seen in a while, and they helped a girl named Flannery get rid of them. After a day of relaxation Ash learned that Flannery was the new Gym Leader and her grandfather was the old one who retired and gave the title to her. She was a new Gym Leader and didn't know much about it, but she got into it halfway through when Ash used his newly captured Corphish to beat her first Pokémon, but it lost to her second Pokémon. Ash then sent out Treeko to battle and Treeko only managed to win by evolving into Grovyle.

But Grovyle was weakened and was beaten by Flannery's last Pokémon, Torkoal. For Ash's last Pokémon he sent out the recent Legendary of his team, Kyogre. The night after Ash defeated Kyogre Ash let it out to ask why it attacked. Kyogre was reluctant to explain, but did and informed Ash that it did not trust humans at all since ancient times they have only used Pokémon for their own personal game and treated them horribly. Ash apologized to Kyogre on behalf of the human race and said that he would earn Kyogre's trust. Kyogre responded that maybe in time he will. After the battle Ash had earned Kyogre's respect as a trainer and person, but not his trust since Kyogre did not trust humans at all. Kyogre agreed that it would listen to Ash in battle, but that would be all. (A/N: All legendaries can communicate telepathically with humans.)

Flannery was shocked and surprised to see the massive Pokémon, but she refused to give up. The battle was rather one-sided as Kyogre barely took any damage and finished of Torkoal with a single hyper beam. With the battle over Ash and the others left Lavaridge town with a Heat Badge.

May was also doing good as well. She now had three Pokémon. Her Torchic had evolved into Cumbusken and her previously caught Wurmple had evolved all the way into Beautifly and her final Pokémon was an eccentric Skitty that liked to chase its tails a lot. She had done well in some Pokémon contests and had made her own rivals, Drew and Harley. She had won two ribbons already and was working on her third one before entering the contests.

"Well guys let's get to the Pettleburg Gym" Ash said. "I bet you guys can't wait to see your parents again."

"Yeah" they both said "Let's go." They all took off in a run towards the Pettleburg gym unaware that someone was watching them from the shadows.

"I found you" the voice whispered before an Alakazam teleported them away.

Ash, May and Max arrived at the Pettleburg Gym after going through town and seeing all the new additions made to the city while they were gone. "Well the gym is still the same as we left it" Max commented.

"May, Max, welcome home" said a boy's voice. He was wearing green sandals and a blue robe and was sweeping in the front.

"Kenny" May greeted. Kenny had worked at their gym for a long time and was practically their older brother. He was the referee during battles and helped keep the gym clean.

"It's great to see you both again" Kenny said. "I bet you want to see your parents again."

"Yeah" Max said excitedly.

"Well they're both inside" Kenny said. They both walked inside to see Caroline making some food and Norman drinking some coffee. "Excuse me" Kenny said getting their attention.

"Hello Kenny" Caroline greeted "Are you staying for lunch?"

"Yeah" Kenny nodded, "But I've brought something for you two." Seeing their confused faces Kenny stepped aside and May, Max and Ash walked into the room.

"May, Max you're home" Caroline said going over to her children and hugging them tightly.

"It's great to see you both again" Norman said hugging his children. "And Ash it's great to see you as well. I assume that you're back for our rematch."

Ash nodded, "Yeah. Is the gym repaired?"

"It was fixed just last week" Norman said.

"You two can battle all you want after lunch" Caroline said. As if on cue all of their stomachs gave off a growl making them all laugh sheepishly. Caroline smiled and went back to finish lunch. Soon they were all sitting down enjoying lunch.

"So May how many Pokémon have you caught" Norman asked.

"Just two so far" May said. "I have a Beautifly and a Skitty and my Torchic has evolved into a Cumbusken."

"That's great dear" Caroline said. "I've also heard that you've been competing in contests." May nodded, "How many ribbons have you won?"

"Just two so far" May said "The next contest is in Lilycove city and I'm defiantly gonna win."

Norman chuckled slightly, "It looks like Ash's confidence has rolled off on you." May smiled blushing slightly. "So Max how do you like travelling with them?"

"It's awesome" Max gushed out. "Seeing new places and meeting new Pokémon. I even got to meet Legendary Pokémon."

"Legendary Pokémon" Norman said surprised. Ash blushed slightly.

Max nodded, "Yeah Ash is like a magnet for Legendary Pokémon. Right before we got to Rustburo City we met a Suicune and Ash battled it with his Darkrai and defeated it. Then in Dewford City the beach was under attack by Kyogre who was searching for Ash in the first place and Ash managed to defeat it with Suicune. It was amazing." Ash's blush got much brighter as everyone stared at him.

"What" he said.

"So it was you who battled Kyogre in Dewford City" Norman said. "There have been stories going around about a trainer who defeated Kyogre with Suicune. I never imagined that it would be you Ash."

"You all seem to be getting into quite a bit of trouble" Caroline said in a mother's voice.

Ash chuckled sheepishly while scratching the back of his head, "To be honest trouble usually finds me."

"Well either way I'm looking forward to our battle" Norman said. Ash nodded with a confident smile on his face. Soon lunch was finished and they were all inside the Gym. Ash and Norman were on their sides of the field. Pikachu was standing next to Ash waiting to battle. Caroline, Max and May were sitting on the benches on the side of the gym while Kenny was standing on the opposite side of them with a green and red flag in his hand.

"This is gonna be awesome" Max said excited. "This'll be the first time I get to see dad battle."

"This will be a three on three elimination match between Pettleburg Gym Leader Norman and Challenger Ash Ketchum" Kenny announced. "The match will be over when either side is out of Pokémon. Only th-" Kenny was interrupted by the sound of someone banging on the door. Kenny looked to Norman while the others looked at the door. The banging got louder.

"Go on Kenny" Norman said.

"Right" Kenny nodded and went over as the banging got louder. He rounded the corner to open the door. He did and saw a man with brown hair that had a strand in the front wearing white gloves and a dark purple suit. "Can I help you?"

"Yes you can" the man said in a somewhat dark voice. "Is Ash Ketchum in this building?"

"Yes, but he's about to begin a battle" Kenny answered. "You'll have to wait until he's-" Kenny was once again cut off when the man pushed Kenny out of the way and walked in. "Sir, you can't just barge into the Gym like this. I'm gonna have to ask you to leave." Kenny grabbed the man's arm, but the guy grabbed Kenny's arms and flung him into the wall.

"Get out of my way" the man said darkly.

"Just what is going on here" Norman said running into the hallway followed by everyone else. "Kenny" Norman called seeing Kenny on the ground. He ran up to him and helped him up, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah I'm fine" Kenny said through gritted teeth. His back hurt from that fall.

"You" Max said pointing at the guy, "Did you do that to Kenny?"

The man ignored Ash and then his gaze settled onto Ash, "Ash Ketchum, we meet again."

"You know this guy Ash" May asked.

Ash took a look at him and it took him a second before he realized who it was. "Eusine... what are you doing here?"

"I came here to find you" Eusine said taking steps closer to Ash. "You have something I've been searching my whole life for and I want it now."

"What are you..." Ash began before stopping and remembering the last time he saw Eusine. Ash's eyes narrowed "... You want Suicune... don't you?"

"You catch on quickly" Eusine commented. His eyes narrowed at Ash, "Now hand it over and make this easy for the both of us."

"If you think I'm handing over one of my Pokémon then you're crazy" Ash said backing up.

"Then you leave me no choice" Eusine said. "I challenge you to a battle. If you win I will leave, but if I win you will hand over Suicune to me."

"Fine" Ash said through gritted teeth. How many people were going to try and battle him for his Pokémon?

"Ash are you sure that's wise" Norman asked.

Ash nodded, "Yeah I'm sure." He turned to Eusine "What are the conditions?"

"A full six on six battle" Eusine said. "Oh and you're not allowed to use Suicune or the Eon Duo, Latios and Latias."

"That's not far" May shouted. "That only leaves Ash with three Pokémon."

"May don't worry" Ash said confidently. "I'll end this shortly. Let's battle Eusine." Now they were in the arena with Ash and Eusine on either side of the field. Since Ash was being challenged he was standing in the spot the Gym Leader would usually stand so he was on the Red side for once.

"This is a full battle between Ash and Eusine" Kenny announced. "The first one to run out of Pokémon loses. Both sides are allowed to use substitutes. Begin."

"Haunter let's go" Eusine called. Out came the floating ghost Pokémon with the creepy smiling face.

Ash was too angry to find this battle fun. When he last saw Eusine he thought that he was an okay guy that was a little obsessed with Suicune, but now he shows up to his friends home and threatens him in front of them. Ash merely pulled out a Pokeball and threw it into the field. A flash appeared and then Darkrai made its appearance with a grunt. Eusine gaped in astonishment at Darkrai. He was a master of Legendaries having studied every Legendary from every Region. The only thing going through Eusine's mind was how Ash caught so many legendaries and the jealousy those thoughts brought with it.

Darkrai could sense Ash's dark mood and inclined its head to Ash, 'What has you so troubled Ash' Darkrai asked.

'That guy' Ash thought indicating to Eusine. 'He's obsessed with Suicune and found out that I captured her. Now he came here to battle saying that if he wins he'll take Suicune. He also said that I'm forbidden to use Suicune, Latios or Latias in this battle leaving me with only three Pokémon while he has all six.'

'Despicable' Darkrai hissed in thought. 'If he were a real trainer he would face his opponent head on no matter what Pokémon they have. I will not let you down Ash.'

'Thank you my friend' Ash thought back gratefully.

Getting over his shock Eusine shouted, "Haunter use hyper beam." Haunter opened its mouth and launched a massive hyper beam at Darkrai.

"Darkrai ice beam, let's go" Ash called. Darkrai formed the ice beam in its hands and launched it and both attacks met in mid air. Both attacks were at a standstill for three seconds before they exploded. The dust cleared showing both Pokémon took no damage.

"A draw" Max commented.

"Haunter use poison jab" Eusine ordered. Haunter's claws glowed and it charged at Darkrai.

"Darkrai use dark void" Ash called out calmly. Darkrai launched an orb of darkness and it hit Haunter and enveloped it. Then Haunter crashed to the ground and fell asleep.

"Haunter, get up" Eusine shouted.

"Darkrai use dream eater" Ash said. Darkrai's eyes glowed red before launching a spectral image of itself and it enveloped Haunter. Haunter cried out before falling on its back with swirls for eyes.

Kenny raised the red flag, "Haunter is unable to battle. Darkrai wins."

"Haunter return" Eusine said with a sour look on his face. "Electrode let's go." Out came a spherical Pokémon that was white on top and red on the bottom. Darkrai stared impassively at Electrode. "Electrode use thunderbolt." Electrode made a loud scream and shot off a massive thunderbolt towards Darkrai.

"Darkrai use dark pulse" Ash called out. Darkrai formed a swirling beam of energy in its hand and launched it. The two attacks connected in mid air and no stand still took place. Dark pulse pushed thunderbolt back before over taking it and hitting Electrode head on. Electrode flew back from the force and slammed hard into the wall making spider web cracks appear.

"Electrode no" Eusine cried. Electrode was on the ground with swirls in its eyes.

Kenny raised the red flag, "Electrode is unable to battle. Darkrai wins."

"Wow Darkrai beat Electrode with one attack" May said amazed.

"Ash trains his Pokémon well" Norman commented with his eyes glued to the match. Eusine growled and returned his Electrode.

"Jumpluff let's go" Eusine said sending out a small blue Pokémon with white puffs on it.

"Darkrai get in close" Ash said. Darkrai flew towards Jumpluff.

"Jumpluff use bullet seed" Eusine ordered. Jumpluff opened its mouth and launched the bullet seed attack that hit Darkrai head on.

"Darkrai use ice beam" Ash called out still calm. Darkrai recovered and launched an ice beam at Jumpluff. Jumpluff jumped from side to side and avoided the ice beam, but the spots where it hit left ice shards sticking from the ground.

"Now Jumpluff ascend and use Leaf Storm" Eusine shouted. Jumpluff jumped into the air and then launched a mass of leaves towards Darkrai.

"Oh no" Max cried. "Ash better think of something or Darkrai's going to take some serious damage."

"Dodge it" Ash called. Darkrai swerved from side to side and avoided every one of the leaves and then appeared directly in front of Jumpluff. "Now use Dark Pulse." Darkrai charged the swirling beam and it hit Jumpluff head on and launched it back. Jumpluff twirled through the air before coming at a stop at Eusine's feet with swirls in its eyes.

Kenny raised the red flag, "Jumpluff is unable to battle. Darkrai is the winner." Gritting his teeth Eusine recalled his Jumpluff.

"Eusine" Ash called out getting his attention. "I'll give credit where credit is due when it comes to your Jumpluff's performance. Leaf Storm would have gotten any other Pokémon; other than Darkrai of course." Darkrai smirked inside with pride while Eusine growled at Ash loudly. Ash stared directly into Eusine's eyes, "So who's your next Pokémon."

"I'm far from finished" Eusine shouted "Pikachu go." Out came the little yellow Pokémon with a lightning shaped tail and red spots on its cheeks. Ash's Pikachu looked at the other Pikachu. It had been a while since it had seen another Pikachu. Not since Ritchie back in the Orange Islands. "Pikachu use thunderbolt." Pikachu's cheeks sparked before it launched a powerful thunderbolt at Darkrai. Darkrai dodged to the side "Now use quick attack."

Pikachu charged forward towards Darkrai at a quick pace, "Dodge it" Ash called out. Darkrai ducked and Pikachu sailed right over Darkrai.

"Pikachu missed" Eusine gasped. "Pikachu use thunderbolt."

"Ice beam" Ash countered. Pikachu had built up the electricity and prepared to launch it, but Darkrai was faster and managed to hit Pikachu with an ice beam making it cry out in pain before being launched back. Pikachu managed to land on its feet, but grit its teeth and fell to a knee. Eusine grit his teeth in anger, "Your plan to overpower Darkrai in speed isn't going to work" Ash said with a smirk. "Now Darkrai use dark void" Darkrai built up the black ball of energy before launching it at Pikachu. It made contact and once it dissipated Pikachu was on the ground fast asleep. "Darkrai dream eater" Ash called. Darkrai's eyes glowed red before launching a spectral image of itself at Pikachu. It hit and Pikachu cried out before falling to the ground with swirls in its eyes.

Kenny raised the red flag, "Pikachu is unable to battle. Darkrai wins."Eusine simply recalled his Pikachu and closed his eyes before opening them.

"Well Eusine" Ash said "Who's next."

Eusine growled, "Don't get cocky. Hypno go." Out came Eusine's Hypno.

"Why would he use a Psychic type? Aren't they weak against a dark type like Darkrai" Max asked.

"It seems that Eusine is running out of Pokémon" Norman commented "And psychic type might be the only ones he has left."

"Hypno use focus punch" Eusine ordered. Hypno's fist glowed before it charged forward towards Darkrai.

"Dodge it" Ash called. Darkrai flew up in the air and avoided the attack. "Now use Giga Impact." Darkrai glowed brightly and flew down towards Hypno and hit Hypno hard. Hypno cried out and flew back and hit the wall. Hypno slid down the wall and had swirls in its eyes.

Kenny held up the red flag, "Hypno is unable to battle. Darkrai is the winner." Now Eusine had only one Pokémon left. Eusine recalled his Hypno with a down expression on his face.

"Talk about a one-sided wipe out" Max commented.

May nodded, "Yeah Ash has defeated five of Eusine's Pokémon using only his Darkrai. Just one more and Ash will be the winner." Norman kept staring out at the battle with a calculating eye.

Eusine knew that he couldn't win right now, but he was determined to at least take down Darkrai, "Alakazam let's go" Eusine called sending out his final and most powerful Pokémon.

"Well Eusine I do admire your determination to not give up, but this is our last battle" Ash said.

"Don't count on it because I will win this" Eusine remarked.

"That's good" Ash said with a small smile. "Let's do our best." The battle had started becoming fun for Ash over time. "Darkrai use Giga Impact." Darkrai glowed and charged at Alakazam.

"Alakazam dodge and use psybeam" Eusine called. Alakazam jumped into the air and shot a psybeam at Darkrai and it hit. "Yes" Eusine smirked. The dust cleared and showed Darkrai standing without a scratch on it "What... but how" he said shocked.

"I thought that you of all people would know that psychic type attacks don't work on a dark type Pokémon like Darkrai" Ash said.

Eusine grunted softly, "I forgot about that." Eusine grit his teeth in anger before his eyes widened, "That's it. Alakazam use Miracle Eye." Alakazam's eyes glowed brightly as it stared at Darkrai.

Ash's eyes widened, "Darkrai use dark pulse quickly." Darkrai charged the attack and launched it at Alakazam and it connected the second Alakazam's eyes stopped glowing. Alakazam yelled in pain and flew back from the attack, but stopped itself and launched itself at Darkrai and hit it hard with a tackle attack. Darkrai flew back from the hard hit "Darkrai hit it with dark void and let's get this over with" Ash all but growled.

Darkrai recovered and launched the dark void attack at Alakazam and it hit Alakazam dead on. Alakazam fell to the ground fast asleep. "No Alakazam, wake up" Eusine called.

"Darkrai dream eater" Ash called. Darkrai's eyes glowed a dark red before it launched the spectral image of itself at Alakazam. It connected and Alakazam cried out in pain.

Alakazam found itself in an endless void of darkness as it looked around. "Alakazam" Eusine's voice called out getting Alakazam's attention. A light began to shine "Wake up Alakazam." The light got brighter and filled the darkness. Alakazam's eyes focused again and it woke up. Alakazam stood up and shook its head to get rid of the cobwebs.

"What" Ash whispered shocked.

"Alright Alakazam use Giga Impact at full power" Eusine shouted. Alakazam glowed a bright color and it charged at Darkrai at full speed.

"Darkrai use dark pulse" Ash shouted urgently. Darkrai charged the attack and launched it at Alakazam. They met head on, but Alakazam was pushing its way through gritting its teeth in exertion and managed to push its way through.

"NOW use psycho cut" Eusine shouted. Alakazam pushed its way through the last of the dark pulse attack and hit Darkrai hard with the psycho cut attack resulting in a very large explosion that shook the building. Ash and Eusine covered their eyes from the blast until it dies down. Kenny nearly fell over from the blast. Norman, Caroline, May and Max covered their eyes from the blast as well. All was silent as most of the explosion cleared except for the leftover on the battlefield. Eusine stared out with gritted teeth while Ash looked out hoping that Darkrai was okay. Soon the dust finally cleared and it showed that both Darkrai and Alakazam were on the ground out cold.

"Alakazam and Darkrai are both unable to battle" Kenny said. "All six of Eusine's Pokémon have been defeated so the winner of the battle is Ash" Kenny finished raising the red flag. Ash walked over to Darkrai as it woke up while Eusine held his exhausted Alakazam.

"Alakazam" Eusine said softly, "You battled really well. Good job." Alakazam gave a weak smile. Eusine looked up and saw Ash standing there with his Darkrai. Ash had a small smile on his face, "Ash... I..."

"Eusine that was a great battle" Ash said smiling slightly "Thank you."

"I should be thanking you" Eusine said. "I let my jealousy and obsession get the better of me and I did something I regret. Ash I thank you for opening my eyes and making me see reason."

Ash chuckled sheepishly, "Don't worry about it Eusine. We're human and we all make mistakes from time to time." Both of them then shook hands and everything was right between them.

"Wow that was one intense battle" Caroline commented. "You're going to have a tough time defeating Ash honey."

Norman nodded smiling, "Just watching this battle has got me psyched." Now our scene pans to Ash and Norman's battle beginning. Ash was back on the challenger's side and Norman was on the other side. Eusine decided to stick around to see Ash's battle with Norman.

"This will be a three on three elimination battle between Pettleburg Gym Leader Norman and Challenger Ash Ketchum" Kenny announced for the second time. "The match will end when one side has run out of Pokémon. Only the Challenger is allowed to make substitutes. Let the battle begin."

"Slakoth, let's go" Norman called and sent out a smaller monkey Pokémon that had a lazy look in its eye and looked tired. It gave of a lazy call before standing there.

"Slakoth eh" Ash mused. Ash turned to Pikachu, "You're up buddy," Pikachu nodded and jumped into the battlefield.

"So Ash is starting out with Pikachu" Caroline said. "A smart move since Pikachu is very fast."

"Yeah, but so is dad's Slakoth despite its lazy appearance" Max countered.

"Pikachu use quick attack" Ash called. Pikachu took off at amazing speeds and headed right for Slakoth.

"Slakoth dodge it" Norman called. Ash smirked as Slakoth leaned back and Pikachu flew right over it. Pikachu also smirked before jumping off the wall and smashed directly into Slakoth. "Slakoth" Norman cried. Slakoth recovered and jumped back up, "Alright use blizzard." Slakoth took a breath and blue out a massive amount of snow and wind from its mouth. Pikachu was caught in the blast and thrown back.

"Pikachu use agility" Ash shouted. Pikachu sprinted out of the blizzard and appeared back on its side of the field.

"Slakoth use tackle attack" Norman called. Slakoth charged at Pikachu with impressive speed for a lazy Pokémon such as itself.

"Pikachu charge right back at Slakoth" Ash called. Pikachu charged right back at Slakoth and they met tackle attack for tackle attack. They hit back and forth with neither one of them giving an edge at all.

"Slakoth jump and use hidden power" Norman called. Slakoth jumped into the air away from Pikachu and then had little orbs appear around it before Slakoth launched them all at Pikachu.

Ash gasped, "Quick Pikachu hyper beam." Pikachu glared up at Slakoth before a hyper beam formed in its mouth and with a loud cry Pikachu launched the hyper beam. It tore through Slakoth's hidden power attack and then ht Slakoth dead on. Slakoth cried out in pain from the attack.

"Slakoth no" Norman cried. Slakoth fell through the smoke and hit the ground with swirls in its eyes.

Kenny raised the green flag, "Slakoth is unable to battle. Pikachu wins."

"Good job Slakoth" Norman called returning it to its Pokeball. Norman pulsed his next Pokeball "Vigoroth let's go." Norman's powerful Vigoroth appeared ready for battle. "Vigoroth use scratch attack." Vigoroth charged at Pikachu quickly.

"Pikachu dodge it" Ash called. Pikachu jumped to the side and dodged the attack, but then Vigoroth got Pikachu from another angle and sent it flying. "Pikachu" Ash cried. Pikachu jumped up still ready for battle. "Alright use thunderbolt." Pikachu charged up the electricity and fired it at Vigoroth, but Vigoroth jumped from side to side dodging it and then appeared again by Pikachu and hit it again making Pikachu cry out in pain. "Pikachu quick attack now" Ash shouted. Pikachu recovered and hit Vigoroth hard in the chest with its attack.

"Okay Vigoroth end this with one more scratch attack" Norman called. Vigoroth recovered and smashed Pikachu with its scratch attack sending Pikachu into the wall making cracks appear. Pikachu fell to the ground with swirls in its eyes.

Kenny raised the red flag, "Pikachu is unable to battle. Vigoroth wins."

"Wow dad's Vigoroth's on fire" May commented seeing Vigoroth's strength.

"Of course" Caroline said. "Your father's been looking forward to the rematch with Ash for a long time."

Ash picked up Pikachu and set it down gently next to him as Pikachu woke up. "Good job buddy you battled greatly." Pikachu gave a small 'cha' in response as it sat down to rest. "Alright for my next choice I choose Latios." Out came Ash's blue Eon Pokémon with a loud cry and hovered in front of Ash ready for orders.

Eusine stared at Latios with slightly wide eyes, 'So the rumors were true. He does have a Latios.'

"Vigoroth use flamethrower" Norman called. Vigoroth opened its mouth and launched a massive flamethrower at Latios.

"Latios meet it head on with your Luster Purge" Ash ordered. Latios charged up the swirling purple ball and launched it at the flames. They met head on before the Luster Purge pushed through the flames and hit Vigoroth head on. Vigoroth gave a cry of pain before it was launched back and into the wall. Vigoroth slid down with swirls in its eyes.

Kenny raised the green flag, "Vigoroth is unable to battle. Latios is the winner."

"Latios is very strong" May whispered.

"I know they beat dad's Vigoroth in one attack" Caroline said shocked. Max was silent as he stared out into the battle.

Norman recalled his Vigoroth, "Good job Vigoroth you battled well." Norman pulled out his final Pokeball, "It's been a while since I've had to use this guy in battle. Slaking let's go." Out came a massive ape shaped Pokémon that landed with a thud making the building shake slightly.

"Whoa, that Slaking looks strong" Ash said slightly wide eyed. "But I'm not giving up no matter what. Latios use dragon pulse" Ash called. Latios launched a powerful dragon pulse from its mouth.

"Slaking dodge and use focus punch" Norman called. Slaking jumped to the side and avoided and jumped at Latios and delivered a powerful focus punch to Latios.

"Latios are you okay" Ash called. Latios rid its head of the dizziness and was ready for battle again.

"Slaking use hyper beam" Norman called. Slaking built up a massive hyper beam in its mouth and launched it at Latios.

Ash gasped, "Quick Latios dragon rush." Latios gathered blue energy around himself and Latios charged at Slaking. Thanks to the power of Dragon Rush Latios was able to meet the hyper beam head on and was able to charge right through it and hit Slaking hard.

"Slaking no" Norman called. Slaking hit the ground hard, but through sheer effort forced itself back up.

"What" Ash muttered shocked. No Pokémon had gotten up after taking one of Latios' dragon rush attacks.

"Alright Slaking use focus punch" Norman shouted. Slaking jumped through the air and hit Latios twice with a focus punch. Latios groaned in pain and slammed into the ground. Slaking landed on the ground with a smirk on its face.

Latios grit its teeth and floated back off the ground. "Latios don't give in" Ash called "Descend and use Luster Purge." Latios flew as high as possible and almost touched the roof before flying down at a quick pace building up a Luster Purge.

Norman grit his teeth "Slaking meet it head on with a hyper beam." Slaking jumped up and prepared a hyper beam as Latios got closer. Latios fired the Luster Purge just as Slaking fired the Hyper Beam. Both attacks hit dead on and then there was another explosion. Ash and Norman covered their eyes from the attack as did the others. Soon the explosion dust began to fade leaving the battlers to wonder who had won. Soon it cleared on Ash's side to show Latios floating on Ash's side tired, but still ready to battle. Then it cleared on Norman's side to show Slaking also standing there looking as tired as Latios. All was silent for a few seconds before Slaking grunted slightly and fell forward onto the floor in a dead faint.

Kenny raised the green flag, "Slaking is unable. Latios is the winner. As the gym leader has no Pokémon left to battle with makes Ash Ketchum the winner."

Ash grinned, "Alright we did it." Ash picked Pikachu up and hugged him tight and petted Latios as he flew over, "You two were great."

"Slaking that was a good battle" Norman said patting the massive ape Pokémon's shoulder. Slaking smiled before Norman returned it to its Pokeball.

"Well it looks like dad lost" Caroline said. "But I guess you can't win them all right Max?" Max was silent as he stared out at the battlefield as both Ash and Norman shook hands. "Max... are you okay?"

"Dad lost... but why does he look so happy" Max asked quietly.

Caroline smiled slightly, "Well Max the responsibility of the Gym Leader is to battle challengers. They constantly train for those challengers and they wait for the day where a challenger strong enough appears to defeat them. Dad is happy because Ash was strong enough to defeat him in battle. Do you understand?"

Max nodded, "Yeah mom I understand." The scene now switches to them all outside with the sun starting to set.

"Well Ash you put up one heck of a battle" Norman congratulated. "And it was one of the best I've ever had."

"Thanks" Ash said. "You were great too Norman."

"And as proof of your victory here at the Pettleburg Gym, it is my honor to present you with the Balance Badge" Norman said holding his hand out with the badge inside it. Ash took the badge and held it in his hand.

"Thank you Norman" Ash said. "Alright I got the Balance Badge." With his fifth Gym badge now under his belt Ash is now one step closer towards his next gym battle and after that the Hoenn League Competition awaits him.