Recap: Ash headed for Goldenrod city, determined to put an end to Team Rocket's plans and save the inhabitants. He and his Pokemon fought many battles, including yet another rivalry battle. In the end, they achieved victory, forcing Team Rocket to retreat from the Johto region. Not too long afterwards, the ringing of the crystal bells filled the air. Ash headed to the Tin Tower. He found Suicune waiting for him. The awaited battle would now begin.
( ) following Pokemon talk is the translation
( ) alone is Red talking
Italic words is psychic speech
/ is Ash mental conversation with Lugia and/or Charizard
/Italic words is Lugia and/or Charizard mental conversation with Ash
' is thoughts
Chapter 11: Clash of the Dragons
Suicune and Ash stared each other down, ready to do battle. Ever since the first meeting in the Burned Tower, both had been waiting for this moment.
"Cune cune (Choose your Pokemon)," Suicune said.
"All right. I'll make this Water-type vs. Water-type. I choose you Feraligatr!" Ash said, releasing Feraligatr.
"Gator (I'm ready)," Feraligatr said.
Then the rest of Ash's Pokemon came out of their balls. They wanted to watch the battle.
"You want to watch?" Ash asked his Pokemon.
"Yes we do," Charizard responded, as the others nodded.
Suicune started things off with Aurora Beam.
"On your stomach!" Ash said.
Feraligatr lied on his stomach, the Aurora Beam sailing harmlessly over him.
"Now use Thunderbolt!" Ash said.
"Gator (Right)!" Feraligatr said before firing the attack.
Suicune quickly dashed out of the attack's way. Then he came at Feraligatr with Quick Attack. Feraligatr got knocked off his feet. Suicune was soon in front of Ash and Feraligatr again. Feraligatr got back up and faced Suicune.
"It's going to take more than that," Ash said.
"Gat (Yeah)," Feraligatr said.
"Cune cune cune cune. Cune cune cune cune cune (Feraligatr responds to you very well. You're a very impressive trainer)," Suicune said.
"I do the best I can to be fair to my Pokemon," Ash said.
"Cune cune cune cune cune (That's what makes a really great trainer)," Suicune said. "Cune, cune cune (Now, let's continue)," he added before using Quick Attack again.
Feraligatr was knocked down again but quickly got back up. Then Suicune circled Feraligatr with Agility. Suicune was so quick that his Agility looked more like Double Team. Feraligatr looked on in confusion. He couldn't tell where Suicune was. He barely evaded a Hydro Pump attack just several seconds later.
"Don't panic Feraligatr. Just keep your focus. Try to hit Suicune with your Hydro Pump," Ash said.
Feraligatr nodded and closed his eyes. Although Suicune was quick, his feet still made noise. Feraligatr was able to pick up on the sound of Suicune's feet. Still circling, Suicune came at Feraligatr with another Quick Attack. Feraligatr's eyes snapped open and he quickly fired the Hydro Pump. Suicune was struck directly and was sent flying into a wall. Suicune slowly got back up and came with another Quick Attack.
"Brace yourself Feraligatr!" Ash said.
Feraligatr prepared for the Quick Attack. But Suicune suddenly stopped and fired another Hydro Pump followed up with Aurora Beam. Feraligatr was pushed backwards a little before the Aurora Beam knocked him off his feet. He was able to get back up though.
"You holding up okay Feraligatr?" Ash asked.
"Gator (Yeah)," Feraligatr responded nodding.
Then Suicune used Agility again.
'We've got to slow Suicune down,' Ash thought. "Feraligatr, use Scary Face," he added.
"Gator (Okay)," Feraligatr sadi before staring straight ahead.
Suicune made the mistake to looking at Feraligatr and was soon paralyzed with fear upon seeing the look on Feraligatr's face.
"Now Feraligatr, used Thunder!" Ash said.
Feraligatr complied. The attack soon made impact with the still terrified Suicune. Suicune cried in pain as the electricity tore through his body. He fell to the ground. He was able to stagger back up, but the numerous scorch marks on his body clearly showed thathe wouldn't be able to fight much longer. Suicune then gave off a Bubblebeam attack.
"Dodge right," Ash said.
Feraligatr did so.
"Now Feraligatr, finish the battle with Slash!" Ash said.
Feraligatr came up and gave Suicune a powerful slash across its back. Suicune cried in pain from the devastating hit. The slash did it as Suicune fell to the ground again. This time, he didn't get back up.
"You win Ash," Charizard said.
"Yeah. Could you and Celebi come over here?" Ash said.
Charizard and Celebi were soon at Ash's side.
"Could you use Recover and Heal Bell?" Ash asked.
"Bi (Sure)," Celebi responded.
Charizard used Recover on Suicune. Celebi used Heal Bell on Feraligatr. Suicune stood back up and looked at Ash.
"Cune cune cune cune cune. Cune cune cune cune cune (You are indeed the trainer that I've been searching for. I would be honored to be one of your Pokemon)," Suicune said.
"Then so be it," Ash said. He took out a Fast Ball. "Fast Ball go!" he said, throwing the ball.
Suicune was caught with ease.
"Well Suicune is with us now. Who knows? Maybe Entei and Raikou will want to be with you as well," Charizard said.
"Only time will tell," Ash said before returning all his Pokemon. Then he exited the Tin Tower. Then he headed towards Mahogany Town. Upon arriving, he headed straight for the Ice Path. He entered, quickly noticing how dark it was. "It's pretty dark in here. It looks like I need Typhlosion," he said before releasing Typhlosion. "Can you light up the area?" he asked.
"Typh (Of course)," Typhlosion responded. She lit up the fire around her neck.
But the sudden light startled a nearby Delibird. It threw a Present attack at the human/Pokemon pair. The present landed a foot away from the pair, exploding seconds later. Ash and Typhlosion went flying for about ten yards.
"Ow, what was that?" Ash aksed. He saw a hand in front of him. He looked up further and saw Typhlosion in front of him. He took the offered hand and was pulled into a standing position. "Thanks Typhlosion," he said.
"Typhlosion (No problem)," Typhlosion said. Then she suddenly turned around. ('There's a Pokemon following us. I bet that it's responsible for what just happened') she thought.
"What is it?" Ash asked.
In response, Typhlosion fired a Flamethower into the air. Ash heard a fearful squawk. Typhlosion constantly looked around. Suddenly, an Ice Beam came right at the pair. Typhlosion melted the Ice Beam with Flamethrower. In the light the Flamethrower provided, Ash made out a pink bird flying around above them. He took out his Pokedex.
"Delibird, the ice bird Pokemon. Delibird are known mostly for their mischievous personalities," the Pokedex said.
Then Delibird threw another Present. Ash and Typhlosion were confused to say the least. But Lugia knew the attack all too well.
/Be on your guard Ash. A Delibird's present can be both helpful and harmful/ Lugia said.
This Present turned out to be helpful. It had healed Ash and Typhlosion of the minor injuries they suffered in the blast.
"Well this one helped us out. So we should probably watch out for the next one," Ash said.
On cue, Delibird gave off another Present attack.
"Destroy it with Ember!" Ash said.
Typhlosion complied. The Present blew up while still in the air.
"We need to ground that Delibird. Use Ember again!" Ash said.
Typhlosion complied. Delibird barely got out of the way. Typhlosion quickly followed up with Flamethrower. Delibird couldn't get out of the way this time and fell to the ground.
"Now finish the job with Flame Wheel," Ash said.
Typhlosion did so, fainting Delibird. Ash threw an empty Poke Ball at the fainted Pokemon. Delibird was caught with ease. Ash picked up the now occupied ball and attached it to his belt.
"Great job in following up Ember with Flamethrower to ground Delibird," Ash said.
"Typh (Thanks)," Typhlosion said before she and Ash continued down the Ice Path.
An hour later, they heard a voice singing. They followed the voice and saw a human-like Pokemon ten minutes later. They then noticed a group of Pokemon gathered around the human-like Pokemon. Ash took out his Pokedex.
"Jynx, the ice diva Pokemon. Jynx sing and dance for self and public entertainment," the Pokedex said.
Jynx turned and saw Ash and Typhlosion. She got really nervous upon seeing Typhlosion. Ash could tell that this Jynx wasn't looking for a fight.
"Don't worry. We don't want to fight," Ash said.
Jynx then went into her dance routine. The Pokemon gathered around her cheered her on. Ash got info on all the Pokemon around. There were Zubat, Seel Dewgong, Swinub, Shellder and a few Cloyster. Half an hour later, Jynx ended her routine, receiving a large volume of applause.
"You're a really good dancer Jynx," Ash said.
"Typh (Yeah)," Typhlosion agreed.
"Jynx (Thanks)," Jynx said.
Ash and Typhlosion headed off again. They wanted to reach Blackthorn City as soon as possible. Ash suddenly felt something clamp onto his pants. He looked back and saw one of the Cloyster. Cloyster then unclamped itself.
"You want to come along?" Ash asked.
"Cloyster (Yes I do)," Cloyster responded.
"Okay then. Poke Ball go!" Ash said.
Cloyster was caught without a struggle. Then Ash and Typhlosion moved on. They were about halfway through the path when an Aurora Beam landed inches in front of them. Ash and Typhlosion looked ahead to see a Swinub and a Dewgong in front of them. They had actually followed Ash and Typhlosion. They wanted to go with Ash, but not before battling him first.
"If it's a battle you want, it's a battle you'll get. You take Swinub Typhlosion," Ash said. "As far as Dewgong, you're up Feraligatr!" he added, releasing the said Pokemon.
"Gator (Ready)," Feraligatr said.
Swinub and Dewgong fired their Ice Beam attacks at Feraligatr and Typhlosion.
"On the ground Feraligatr. Counter the other one with Flamethrower Typhlosion.
Typhlosion countered Swinub's Ice Beam while Feraligatr quickly ducked Dewgong's Ice Beam. Then Dewgong fired at Water Gun at Typhlosion.
"Try to evaporate that with Fire Blast!" Ash said.
"Typh (Right)," Typhlosion said. She unleashed a large fiery star.
The Fire Blast headed straight into the Water Gun. The two attacks soon met. At first, it looked like the Water Gun would win out. Then the Fire Blast slowly but surely started overtaking the Water Gun. Dewgong quickly stopped the Water Gun. Because it was on ice, it was able to slide out of the Fire Blast's path.
"Follow up with Thunderbolt Feraligatr!" Ash said while Dewgong avoided the Fire Blast.
Feraligatr fired the Thunderbolt. Dewgong had no chance of avoiding this attack and suffered a direct hit. It cried in pain as the electricity tore through its body and soon fainted.
"Now Typhlosion, use Flame Wheel on Swinub!" Ash said.
Typhlosion complied. Swinub couldn't get out of the way in time and had soon fainted as well. Then Ash caught both fainted Pokemon. He returned Feraligatr before he and Typhlosion continued on. About an hour later, they had come out of the Ice Path.
"Well we're finally out of there," Ash said before returning Typhlosion. Then he headed for the Pokemon Center. He got all his Pokemon back within half an hour. Then he headed to the gym. He didn't immediately see Clair.
"I take it you're here to challenge Clair," a male voice said.
Ash looked to his right and saw a man standing there. "Yes I am," he said.
"Well she's on another floor. As you probably saw, there are huge boulders blocking the passageways. You'll have to figure out how to get to her. I hope that at least one of your Pokemon knows Strength because that will help you a lot here," the man said.
"Thanks for the advice," Ash said. 'Charizard doesn't need to learn Strength because she already has plenty of it. But something tells me that having Feraligatr and Typhlosion learn it will be helpful later on,' he secretly added. He then walked towards one of the blocked passageways. "I need your help Charizard!" he said, releasing the said Pokemon.
"What can I do to help?" Charizard asked.
"I'll need you to move boulders like these out of the way. It's the only way that we'll reach Clair the Gym Leader," Ash responded.
"Sure thing," Charizard said. She then moved one of the boulders with no trouble, allowing her and Ash to access a stairway.
Ash returned Charizard before heading down the stairway. Upon reaching the bottom, he noticed another boulder blocking the way, but he also noticed a hole in the floor about several yards away. 'I guess the boulder needs to go through the hole. Wonder what happens though,' Ash thought before releasing Charizard again. "I need you to push that boulder through the hole in the floor.
Charizard did so, hearing a loud thump soon afterwards. "I wonder what that did," she said.
"So do I," Ash said before returning her. He then headed to the stairway and went down. He soon found another stairway. He went down that stairway and found another boulder blocking the way and another hole in the floor about several yards from the boulder.
Charizard soon moved the boulder into the hole and she and Ash continued down the pathway. They soon came to another stairway and Ash returned Charizard. After descending the flight of stairs, Ash noticed that one of the boulders Charizard pushed through a hole had filled a crevice that would've otherwise been impassible without the aid of a flying-type Pokemon.
'So those two boulders were for bridging gaps,' Ash thought before crossing over the bridged gap. He found another stairway. Upon getting to the end of this one, he saw the second boulder bridging another gap. He looked up further and saw a light-skinned woman with long blue hair standing next to an elderly male. 'The woman must be Clair.' He crossed the closed gap and as soon in front of Clair.
"So you're here to challenge me," Clair said.
"Yes. My name's Ash," Ash said.
"Well Ash, we will use three Pokemon each for this match," Clair said.
"Fine with me," Ash said.
"For my first Pokemon, I choose Kingdra!" Clair said, releasing the said Pokemon into a nearby pool.
"Doo (Ready)," Kingdra said.
"I choose you Red!" Ash said, releasing the said Pokemon into the water.
"Incredible," Clair said in awe. "Where did you find a red Gyrados?" she asked.
"I found him at the Lake of Rage. I wondered why he was red myself and found out from Lance that Red was forced to evolve upon hearing a strange frequency that Team Rocket generated. Luckily, Lance and I were able to permanently shut the frequency off," Ash responded.
Clair was astounded to hear that Ash met Lance. "I used to train under Lance," she said.
"Really?" Ash asked.
"Yep. That's why I train dragon Pokemon like he does," Clair responded. "Should we start then?" she then asked.
"All right," Ash responded.
"Kingdra start off with Swift!" Clair said.
Kingdra fired dozens of little stars towards Red.
"Dive underwater to avoid it! Then retaliate with Dragon Rage!" Ash said.
Red dove underwater, completely avoiding the attack. He surfaced seconds later and fired at Dragon Rage at Kingdra.
"Avoid that with Agility!" Clair said.
Kingdra sped around the attack.
"Now use Hyper Beam!" Clair said.
"You too Red!" Ash said.
Kingdra and Red charged up for several moments before firing Hyper Beam at the same time. Because both attacks went head on towards each other, size mattered. Red's Hyper Beam won out because it was wider than Kingdra's Hyper Beam. Kingdra cried out in pain when the opponent Hyper Beam struck it.
"You okay Kingdra?" Clair asked.
"Doo (Yeah)," Kingdra responded.
"Now use Hydro Pump!" Clair said.
"Doo (Take this)," Kingdra said, firing the said attack.
"Counter with your Hydro Pump!" Ash said.
Red did so. Once again, size won out. Kingdra was knocked underwater. It soon surfaced and fired another Swift attack on Clair's command. This time, the Swift did connect, but it did minimal damage to Red.
"Use Dragon Rage again!" Ash said.
Red complied.
"Agility Kingdra!" Clair said.
Kingdra easily avoided the attack. It was also zooming towards Red.
"Red, you're going to have to concentrate. Try to hit Kingdra with Dragon Rage!" Ash said.
Red closed his eyes in concentration. He focused on the sound of the water as Kingdra came closer. Soon, Red's eyes snapped open before he turned around about 30 degrees and fired a Dragon Rage with only seconds to spare. Kingdra cried in pain from the direct hit. Red then used his tail to swat Kingdra to the other side of the pool. Kingdra looked just about done in at this point.
"One more attack should do it. Use Hyper Beam again!" Ash said.
Red charged up and fired the Hyper Beam.
"Kingdra, dodge it with Agility!" Clair said desperately.
But Kingdra was too weakened to move and suffered a direct hit. When the smoke cleared, Kingdra was floating on the surface of the water. It was completely unconscious.
"Kingdra is no longer able to battle. Red is the winner," the elderly man said.
"Nice going Red," Ash said.
(Thanks) Red said.
"Return Kingdra," Clair said, returning her fallen Pokemon. "That was very impressive Ash," she added.
"Thanks," Ash said.
"Now I choose Dragonair!" Clair said, releasing the said Pokemon.
A blue snake-like Pokemon took shape and gently splashed into the pool. Ash got information on the Pokemon from his Pokedex. He looked back to Red and saw that Red was panting a little.
"Can you still battle?" Ash asked.
Red nodded.
"Okay then. Use Bite," Ash said.
Red swam towards Dragonair. It was about a foot away when...
"Use Dragonbreath Dragonair!" Clair said.
Dragonair fired the attack. The result was a direct hit. Not only that, but Red also found himself unable to move.
'Oh no! He's paralyzed,' Ash thought worriedly.
"Now it's right where you want ti Dragonair. Use Dragon Rage!" Clair said.
Dragonair dove underwater. The water soon began churning. Red was soon struck by the Dragon Rage attack. The combo attack did the job as Red soon fainted. Ash returned the fainted Pokemon.
"You did great Red," Ash said. "Now I choose Lapras!" he said, releasing the said Pokemon.
"Lap (Ready)," Lapras said.
"Hyper Beam Dragonair!" Clair said.
Dragonair fired a wide Hyper Beam from the small horn on its head.
"Dive underwater quick!" Ash said.
Lapras did so, completely avoiding the attack. She soon resurfaced.
"Now use Ice Beam!" Ash said.
"Lapras (Take this)," Lapras said, firing the said attack.
"Counter with Dragonbreath!" Clair said.
The two attacks son met in the center. For a little while, it looked like neither Pokemon would get any leeway.
"Keep it up Dragonair!" Clair said.
"You can do it Lapras!" Ash said.
Lapras and Dragonair gave it their all. Soon, the Ice Beam started overtaking the Dragonbreath.
"Quick Dragonair, dive underwater!" Clair said.
Dragonair stopped its attack and dove underwater with only seconds to spare. It started to resurface seconds later.
"Quick Lapras! Use Icy Wind while it's vulnerable!" Ash said.
Lapras fired a wind of ice and snow from her mouth. The attack scored a direct hit on Dragonair. Dragonair cried out in pain.
"Follow up with Ice Beam!" Ash said.
Lapras did so, freezing Dragonair solid. In an attempt to break the ice, Dragonair used Hyper Beam. They Hyper Beam broke through the ice, but it took the last bits of strength from Dragonair. It fainted on the surface of the water.
"Dragonair is unable to battle. Lapras wins," the eldery man said.
"Lapras (Yeah)!" Lapras said happily.
"Nice going," Ash said as Clair returned her fallen Pokemon.
"You're a pretty good trainer," Clair said. "Now get ready to face my strongest Pokemon. It's your turn Dragonite!" she added, releasing the said Pokemon.
A large Dragonite immerged in the air. It then dove into the water and surfaced about ten feet away from Lapras.
"Get ready Lapras. This is going to be a tough battle," Ash said.
Lapras nodded before facing Dragonite again.
"Use Dragonbreath Dragonite!" Clair said.
"Counter it with Ice Beam!" Ash said.
Like with Dragonair, the two attacks met in the center. This time however, it didn't take as long for one attack to win out. This time, the Dragonbreath attack quickly overtook the Ice Beam. Lapras couldn't react fast enough and soon suffered a direct hit. Lapras was knocked underwater but was able to resurface.
'Thank goodness she's not paralyzed,' Ash thought with relief. "Use Icy Wind Lapras!" he said.
Lapras complied.
"Fly out of the water!" Clair countered.
Dragonite quickly flew out of the water, completely avoiding the attack. Dragonite flew out of the water so quickly that Ash almost didn't see it.
"Whoa, that's fast!" Ash said.
"Dragonite are well known for their speed," Clair said.
'This is going to be more challenging than I thought,' Ash said. "Use Hydro Pump!" he said.
Lapras fired a powerful stream of water from her mouth.
"Use Agility. Then retaliate with Thunder!" Clair said.
Dragonite easily avoided the Hydro Pump. It then quickly zoomed towards Lapras. Lapras tried to hone in on Dragonite's location. But Dragonite was too fast. Seconds later, it delivered a powerful Thunder attack. Lapras cried out in pain as the electricity tore through her body. It proved to be too much as she soon fainted.
"Lapras can no longer battle. Dragonite is the winner!" the elderly man said.
"Good try Lapras," Ash said, returning his fallen Pokemon. "Well it's time to fight fire with fire. I choose you Charizard!" he said, releasing the said Pokemon.
Charizard appeared in the air. "Let's do this," she said.
Clair gasped in awe upon seeing Charizard. The elderly man and Dragonite did too.
"Incredible," Clair said, still in awe.
"I've never seen a Charizard like this one before," the elderly man said, still in awe as well.
"Where did you get her?" Clair asked.
Ash then told the story of how he and Charizard met. Then Charizard explained how she came to be. Clair, Dragonite and the elderly man were amazed to learn that Charizard had not only the DNA of a Dragonite in her, but also psychic powers due to the legendary Mew.
"So this will be a clash of the dragons," Clair said.
"It sure will," Ash said.
"Well Dragonite, let's start things off with Dragonbreath!" Clair said.
Dragonite fired the attack.
"Counter with your own Dragonbreath!" Ash said.
Charizard countered the attack. Both attacks met in the center but Charizard's attack slowly won out a few minutes later.
"Get out of the way with Agility!" Clair said.
Dragonite stopped its attack and quickly avoided the opponent Dragonbreath.
('This is going to be tough') Charizard thought.
"Use Psybeam Charizard!" Ash said.
Charizard complied. Dragonite simply used Agility to easily avoid the attack.
"We're going to have to do something about its speed," Charizard said.
"I know and it won't be easy. Dragonite moves so fast that I can't keep track of it," Ash said.
"Use Hyper Beam Dragonite!" Clair said.
Dragonite fired the Hyper Beam. Since it was still in Agility, there was no telling where it actually came from.
"Use Barrier!" Ash said.
Charizard quickly put a barrier around herself. The attack soon came in contact with the barrier, easily holding it off. Dragonite then hovered about several yards away from Charizard.
/Ash, use the mental link to telepathically give commands to Charizard. That should help keep Dragonite off guard/ Lugia said.
/That's a great idea. You ready Charizard?/
/You bet/ Charizard said.
"Use Hyper Beam again!" Clair said.
Dragonite fired another Hyper Beam at Charizard.
/Dodge up/
Charizard quickly flew above the attack.
/Now use Flamethrower/
Charizard fired off the Flamethrower. Dragonite was caught off guard because he didn't hear Ash call for the attack. But it was able to dodge the attack, even though it was just barely.
/Lugia's onto something Ash/ Charizard said.
/Yes he is/
"Use Agility to throw them off guard Dragonite! While in Agility, use Dragon Rage!" Clair said.
Dragonite used Agility again. It came at Charizard faster than she or Ash could follow. Ash suddenly had a look of realization in his eyes.
/Use Psychic all around you to freeze Dragonite in its tracks/
/Right/ Charizard said before unleashing Psychic around her surrounding area.
Dragonite soon found itself frozen in place.
"Oh no! Dragonite!" Clair said worriedly.
"Now use Dragonbreath!" Ash said.
Charizard complied. Dragonite, still trapped in Charizard's Psychic, suffered a direct hit. Charizard released the Psychic. Dragonite fell out of the sky, landing hard into the pool below. But it was able to take to the air again and soon hovered several yards away from Charizard.
/You're onto something yourself Ash. Now we know how to cancel Dragonite's agility/ Charizard said.
/Yes we do/
"Knock Charizard out of the sky with Thunder!" Clair said.
Dragonite quickly gave off the attack. Charizard couldn't react fast enough and suffered a direct hit. She was knocked out of the sky and fell into the water. But she soon surfaced and flew out of the water.
"It's going to take more than that," Charizard said.
"Dragonite, use Quick Attack!" Clair said.
Dragonite zoomed towards Charizard.
/Use Confusion/
Charizard complied. Dragonite was stopped in its tracks again. It struggled to escape, but Charizard's Confusion attack was extremely strong, making escape nearly impossible.
"Now use Dragon Rage!" Ash said.
Charizard fired the Dragon Rage. She released the Confusion just seconds before the Dragon Rage made impact. Dragonite cried out in pain and fell for the pool again. It was able to recover in the air, but just barely.
"It's really starting to get tired Charizard!" Ash said.
"And I'm just warming up," Charizard said.
"Try Agility with Thunder!" Clair said.
Dragonite was able to give off the Thunder attack towards Charizard. It was basically stationary because it didn't have the energy to use Agility again.
"Contain it with Psychic!" Ash said.
Charizard concentrated and was able to manipulate the Thunder attack into a large ball of energy.
"Now send it right back!" Ash said.
"Gotcha," Charizard said before flinging the psychically induced Thunder attack towards Dragonite.
Dragonite couldn't maneuver out of the way this time and was struck directly. It cried in pain as the electricity tore through its body. It fell and landed in the pool. This time, there would be no recovery. Dragonite was unconscious on the surface of the water.
"Dragonite is unable to battle. Charizard is with winner. Ash is the winner of this gym battle," the elderly man said.
"Yeah!" Ash said happily.
Charizard landed next to him. Clair returned her fallen Pokemon. She stood a few feet in front of Ash.
"That was a great battle Ash," Clair said.
"Thanks Clair," Ash said.
"There's something telling me that there was more than met the eye about Charizard's sudden attacking," Clair said.
"That's because there was. I have the ability to mentally communicate with Charizard," Ash said.
"Wow, did you always have that ability?" Clair asked.
"Actually no. She and Lugia gave me the ability," Ash responded.
"Whoa, you have a Lugia?" the elderly man asked in awe.
"Yes," Ash responded before telling Clair and the man how he met Lugia and some things he did on the island he called home for a little while.
"You're a pretty tough kid," Clair said. She then held out a badge in front of Ash. "Normally, I don't give this to trainers unless they're able to retrieve a Dragon Fang from the Dragon Shrine in the Dragon's Den on the other side of the lake even though they defeated me," she added.
"Dragon's Den?" Ash asked.
"Yes. But it's not an easy task because there are dangerous waterfalls and whirlpools surrounding the shrine. Many trainers have failed the task and had to challenge me all over again because I only give those who defeat me in battle permission to enter the Dragon's Den," Clair responded. "But I've heard about what happened in Goldenrod City. Freeing the city from an organization like Team Rocket took a lot of courage, much more than retrieving a Dragon Fang ever would. This Rising Badge is yours," she added.
"Thanks," Ash said.
Clair then held out a TM. "This TM is also yours. It teaches Dragonbreath," she said.
Ash took the TM from Clair.
"You now qualify to test your battling skills against the Elite Five of this region. You already met Lance. Expect some very tough battles because the Elite are much tougher than all of us Gym Leaders combined. Their Pokemon are very strong and powerful. But you and your Pokemon are no pushovers either. I know that you can give them a run for their money," Clair said.
"Thanks," Ash said.
"Good luck," the elderly man said.
"Thanks," Ash said before returning Charizard. He then left the gym and headed for the Pokemon Center. He decided to spend the day there. Nurse Joy showed him to an available room before heading back to the front. Ash then let all of his Pokemon except Lugia and Charizard out.
Soon, everyone got settled into the room. Ash sat on the bed. He smiled upon seeing his two Eevee jump on the bed as well. The Eevee soon got situated before taking a little nap. Deciding to follow their example, everyone got settled and was soon napping as well.
The following day, Ash started down Route 45. He suddenly heard something rustle in the tall grass. He looked to where he heard the sound but saw nothing. Then he heard another rustle. Again he looked but saw nothing. On the third time, something brown barely caught his eye.
"I need some assistance Lugia," Ash said, releasing Lugia.
"What is it?" Lugia asked.
"There's something here. I barely caught the sight of something dark brown," Ash responded.
"Do you think that it could be Entei?" Lugia asked.
"It could very well be," Ash responded. Then he and Lugia heard another rustle.
Lugia concentrated his powers to scan the area. "It is Entei," he said.
"The why hasn't it run off in a different direction yet?" Ash asked.
As a response to the question, Entei stpped out to where Ash and Lugia could see him. By the look on Entei's face, Ash and Lugia knew that he wouldn't be running off this time.
"He wants to battle you," Lugia said.
"Then a battle is what he'll get. Let's do this Suicune!" Ash said, releasing the said Pokemon.
"Cune (Ready)," Suicune said. He faced Entei, ready to do battle.
Entei started off with Ember.
"Counter that with Bubblebeam!" Ash said.
Suicune complied, canceling the Ember attack out.
"Now follow up with Aurora Beam!" Ash said.
Suicune fired an Aurora Beam. Entei quickly avoided it before retaliating with Flamethrower.
"Use Agility to get out of the way," Ash said.
Suicune easily maneuvered away from the flames. Entei charged for Suicune, bearing his fangs for a Crunch attack.
"Jump, then use Water Gun!" Ash said.
Suicune jumped over the charging Entei. Before Entei could fully recover from the botched attack, he took a direct hit right to the face. The water sent him flying a few yards backward. Entei recovered from the hit though and charged with Agility. He then circled Suicune.
"It looks like he's doing one of your numbers Suicune," Ash said.
"Cune, cune cune cune (Yeah, and I don't like it)," Suicune said. But he was able to easily keep track of the circling Entei. He soon jumped to avoid an oncoming Flamethrower. "Cune cune cune (You'll have to do better than that)," he added.
"Suicune, turn in place while using Aurora Beam! Maybe that will stop Entei," Ash said.
"Cune (I gotcha)," Suicune said before turning around in place. He then fired an Aurora Beam as he turned in place.
A few minutes later, Suicune scored a direct hit. Entei was partially frozen. Entei struggled and was able to break free. But Entei was starting to show a decent amount of fatigue. Suicune on the other hand didn't show any signs of being tired at all.
"He's starting to tire. Let's keep the pressure on him with Hydro Pump!" Ash said.
Suicune complied. Entei took a direct hit again and was sent flying into a nearby rock wall. The force of impact was large, but Entei was able to get back up. He looked more tired now. Entei was able to give off another Flamethrower, but Suicune retaliated with Water Gun. The Water Gun doused the Flamethrower. Not only that, but it also slammed into the tired Entei, knocking him to the ground. Entei tried to get back up, but he was too tired and soon fainted.
"Great job Suicune," Ash said.
"Cune (Thanks)," Suicune said, walking back to Ash's side.
Ash gently scratched Suicune's head before facing the fainted Entei. "Can you help him out Lugia?" he asked.
"Sure," Lugia responded before using Recover on the fainted Entei.
Soon, Entei's eyes snapped open. He stood up and faced Ash, Lugia and Suicune. He bowed his head in submission to Ash. `You are indeed a special trainer. I can see why Suicune and Lugia chose to be with you` he said.
"Thanks," Ash said.
"Does that mean that you will become one of Ash's Pokemon as well?" Lugia asked.
`Yes it does` Entei responded.
"Then so be it," Ash said before throwing another Fast Ball at Entei.
Entei let the ball capture him without incident. Then Ash returned Suicune. He had won his 8th badge yesterday and now has Entei on his Pokemon team. Mow he had his sights on the Johto League. All of his Pokemon were ready, willing and able to give it their all for him.
That's a wrap on this chapter. I will be in Las Vegas from tomorrow to next Wednesday. I will work on completing the next chapter of this fic as well as chapters of my other fics while I'm there. Hopefully, I'll have something ready to post when I return. Moving along, preview for Chapter 12: The Elite Battle: The moment of truth is finally at hand. All of the training Ash did with his Pokemon has come down to a final showdown in Johto.
I'll probably have to split Ash's battle with the Elite and the aftermath into two chapters because the uncompleted Chapter 12 is already nearly 10 typed pages. We'll see how it goes.