On the second day of traveling after saying goodbye to Sabrina, her parents, Haunter, Dawn, Piplup, Ash, Pikachu, Serena, and Brock, have made their way to Celadon City. Ash has been feeling pumped after successfully defeating Sabrina in an official battle without needing Haunter to make Sabrina and Alakazam laugh. He has been leading the group to Celadon City acting even more positive and energetic than before.

"Here we are, Celadon City," he states loudly. "Now I just need a rematch with Erika and then Agatha, and I'll be all set to face Timothy at the Indigo League,"

"Pi, Pikachu!" Pikachu shouts.

Serena giggles at Ash and Pikachu's enthusiasm.

"I'm glad to see you feel so excited, Ash," she says.

"Yeah, officially defeating a tough opponent like Sabrina has been doing a number on you," Brock states.

"You bet," Ash says. "Battling against Sabrina with her Kadabra as an Alakazam that can mega evolve was so awesome. I really feel like I'm a much stronger trainer after facing her and beating her in a fair battle."

"Don't forget, you couldn't have done it without Serena's advice too," Brock says.

Serena turns to Brock, surprised and he gives her a supportive smile and a wink before Ash turns his head to face his friends.

"Yeah, Brock's right. You were a great help, Serena," he says.

Serena looks at Ash, surprised, and looks away from him shyly.

"Come on, Ash, I just made a suggestion," she says bashfully. "It was your strategy and Gabite learning Dragon Rush that won you the battle."

"But I couldn't think of any new ways to outmaneuver Sabrina and Alakazam until you reminded me of my battle with Timothy," Ash counters. "You just know how to help me whenever I'm in a jam like that, Serena. It makes me glad that I asked you to come with me, Clemont, and Bonnie after defeating Viola and asked to join you on your journey here in the Kanto region."

Serena feels her cheeks heating up even more while Ash turns his head forward and continues walking down the streets ahead of Serena and Brock. The honey blonde girl takes advantage of Ash and Pikachu, looking away from her and moves closer to Brock as they walk.

"You didn't need to do that," she whispers.

"Of course, I did," Brock whispers back. "I said I would help you out however I can, and I intend to follow through with that. Besides, it's clear that he's really fond of you as a companion, right? So we just need to find the right push that will get him into viewing you as someone more."

Serena gives Brock a kind look and says, "I appreciate the support, Brock, but I'm not sure it's going to be that easy. It's not like I can just make a big romantic gesture while in a pretty dress that captivates him."

Brock frowns and nods before realizing something and starts chuckling out loud. Serena looks at him in confusion, and even Ash and Pikachu turn around to look at him.

"What's so funny, Brock?" Ash asks.

"Oh, Serena was just reminding me of when we first came here with Misty, and you snuck into the gym disguised as a girl," Brock says.

"What?!" Serena shouts, shocked.

"Oh...yeah..." Ash says, scratching his cheek. "I did do that, didn't I?"

"Pikachu," Pikachu chortles.

"Ash, why in the world would you do that?" Serena asks.

Ash stops walking and turns around to face Serena nervously.

"You see, on the way to the gym, we came across this perfume shop, and Brock was going gaga over the girls in the store while Misty came in to try out their perfume," he starts. "I got kicked out for saying to the store manager that perfume is a waste of money that turns guys into zombies."

"You really said that?" Serena asks, taken aback.

"Yeah, although in my defense, one would argue that I was partially right the way Brock was acting," Ash says. "Anyway, I left Pikachu, Brock, and Misty there and went to the gym only to be denied entry because they knew about my dislike for perfume. I was frustrated until I came across Team Rocket, who convinced me to let them dress me up as a girl as a means to get me inside the gym."

"But then Pikachu, Misty, and I just happened to be inside the gym partaking in one of their classes, and Pikachu recognized Ash from his disguise and used Thunderbolt to destroy his pretty, blonde wig to call him out," Brock adds. "From there, he abruptly challenged Erika, who just happens to be the store manager, to a battle, and she accepted."

Serena stares at Brock and Ash, dumbfounded to hear that the raven-haired boy she cares for disguised himself as a girl at one point. Ash chuckles nervously and started to scratch the back of his head in response to Serena's frozen state.

"Yeah, I did some pretty crazy things back in the day," he admits.

"But that also wasn't the only time you cross-dressed, now was it?" Brock says teasingly.

Ash grows even more uncomfortable while Serena looks at him uneasily.

"Ash?" she asks.

Ash looks away as if everything else, but Serena is the most interesting thing in the world.

"Uh...uh...hey, I think the perfume shop is right over there," he says, pointing at a store on the other side of the road. "I wonder if Erika is there so I can ask for a rematch."

Ash runs across the road to the store with Pikachu still on his shoulder. Serena keeps staring at him in disbelief until Brock places his hand on her shoulder.

"Sorry about that," he says. "I couldn't help myself with bringing up stuff like that."

"That's...okay..." Serena says slowly while clearly not meaning it.

Brock chuckles again and says, "I know that doesn't sound like the Ash, but he's grown a lot since those days. He was a very boastful and impatient kid when we were traveling through the Kanto region with Misty. But even then, he still had that love for Pokemon that we all admire."

Serena slowly smiles, appreciative of Brock's words before the moment is interrupted by Ash calling over to them.

"Hey, guys, come on over here!" He shouts. "You won't believe who's in the shop!"

Brock and Serena look at each other before they curiously cross the road over to the perfume shop where Ash has opened the door for everyone to come in. The two companions look around, unsure of what Ash could be excited about until Brock spots a familiar face and smiles.

"Hey, Giselle!" He calls out.

Serena winces at the mention of that name before she turns to where Brock is looking to find a girl with long, shiny, brown hair and wearing jeans and an aqua blouse standing between two women who are offering her various bottles of perfume. The girl named Giselle was enjoying the smell of different perfumes until she heard Brock call out to her, and she turned to see the group and smiles.

"Well, if it isn't Ash and Brock," she says, walking over to them. "Long time no see, guys."

"Yeah, it's been a while," Ash says with a friendly smile that makes Serena uneasy. "How have you been? Did you graduate from Pokemon Tech?"

"Yeah, I did," Giselle answers. "But after not even making it past the first round of the preliminaries in the Indigo League, I decided to go on a journey like Joe did and get all eight badges."

"Wait, I'm confused," Serena says. "You competed in the Kanto League before getting all eight badges?"

Giselle turns to Serena and frowns while raising an eyebrow, making the honey blonde girl uncomfortable.

"And who are you?" She asks.

"Oh, excuse me. I'm Serena," Serena answers. "I'm a childhood friend of Ash's."

Giselle keeps her eyebrow raised for a moment until she says, "So I see. Well, to answer your question, I got into the Indigo League without any badges because I graduated from Pokemon Tech."

"Pokemon Tech?" Serena asks.

"Yeah, it's an institution that resides between Cerulean City and Vermillion City," Brock explains. "It's a place where Pokemon trainers who are unwilling or unable to go on a journey and collect gym badges can learn about Pokemon and automatically qualify for the Indigo League if they graduate."

"Right, but like I said, I didn't make it past my first match of the preliminaries," Giselle confesses. "After I was easily defeated by a trainer and his Mr. Mine, I learned the hard way that learning everything Pokemon Tech had to offer wasn't enough to properly compete in the Indigo League, so I went on a journey to get all the badges and become a stronger trainer than before."

Giselle suddenly has a cold look on her face as she turns her hands into balls of fists, looks away from everyone and growls, "And I would have made it past the preliminaries when I competed the second time if it weren't for that cocky trainer with some giant fire type Pokemon who took down my entire rock and ground type Pokemon team even though I had the type advantage!"

Everyone looks at Giselle, feeling uneasy. Ash clears his throat and attempts to break the tension.

"That's almost as far as I got when I entered the league," Ash says with a nervous chuckle. "So, what are you up to now?"

"Oh, I'm training some more for the league this year," Giselle says plainly with a wave of her hand. "But I've also recently decided to try Pokemon contests."

"Awesome," Ash says before turning to Serena. "Serena's competing in Pokemon contests as well. And she already has a contest ribbon."

Giselle turns back to Serena, immediately intrigued.

"Is that so?" She asks.

"Yeah, that's right," Serena says, feeling a little proud from Ash's boasting as she takes out her ribbon case and opens it to show the ribbon she won in Saffron City. Giselle studies the ribbon carefully before giving Serena a half-impressed smirk.

"Not bad," Giselle says half-heartedly. "A pretty basic ribbon to say the least. Almost as painfully basic as the one you have around your collar."

At those words, Serena's face turns red with fury.

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" She demands.

"Nothing," Giselle says mockingly as she turns her back on Serena and walks away. "It's just that I've been told that contest ribbons are supposed to be stylish and detailed, not plain and simple like that cheap blue one."

Serena clenches her teeth, furious that this girl just insulted the ribbon she treasures deeply. She begins to storm over to Giselle only to have Brock hold her back.

"My ribbon is not cheap!" Serena barks. "It's a beautiful piece of fabric that was given to me out of pure appreciation by Ash, and I am thankful to have it!"

"Take it easy, Serena," Brock says calmly.

Giselle chuckles cruelly and says, "My, my, did I hit a nerve? Well, no matter. We'll just have to see who is worthy of the contest ribbon here in Celadon City, now, won't we?"

"Fine by me," Serena snarls.

The two girls glare at each other with sparks emerging from their eyes. Suddenly, their moment of enmity is interrupted by a soft voice coming from the back door of the store.

"What is going on here?"

Everyone turned around to see a girl with short blue hair entering. She notices Ash, Brock, and Giselle and smiles.

"Why, Ash, Brock, Giselle. How nice to see all of you," she says.

"Hey, Erika. Nice to see you too," Ash said with a smile.

"Hi, Erika," Gisela says warmly.

Erica gives the trainers a friendly look before turning to Serena.

"And who might you be?" She asks.

"I'm Serena," Serena answers, politely.

Erika gives her a polite nod before she frowns again and asks, "Now what was all the commotion about?"

Serena acts guilty, knowing that she was part of the commotion, but before she could give Erika an answer, one of Erika's employees steps in.

"It was Giselle, ma'am," she says. "She was making fun of Serena, and it led to them arguing."

"Yeah, that's right," Ash says with Brock nodding.

Erika frowns and turns to Giselle, saying, "Now Giselle, I thought you knew better than that after you challenged me."

"Sorry, Erika. Force of habit," Giselle says, actually ashamed.

Serena is secretly glad that Giselle is being called out, but she still felt guilty about her part in the argument.

"It's okay, Giselle. I admit I should have handled things better myself," She says honestly.

Erika nods, pleased with the honey blonde girl's honesty before turning to Ash and Brock.

"Anyway, what brings you two here?" She asks.

"Well, I came in to see you," Ash answers. "You see, I want to have a rematch against you, Erika."

Just like Brock, Misty, and Sabrina before her, Erika looks at the raven-haired boy confused.

"But why?" She asks. "You earned your Rainbow badge by showing your care for Pokemon by rescuing my Gloom from that awful fire."

"I know, but I want to show how much I've grown since then," Ash says. "I'm going to compete in the Indigo League again this year, and I want to show how much stronger I am with my Pokemon since the last time I faced you. So I want to have another battle with you where I beat your fair and square. So will you please have a battle with me, Erika?"

Erika hesitates with Ash's request. In her mind, she feels that another battle is unnecessary because Ash already proved his worth when he saved her beloved partner. But as she thinks about it, she remembers how Ash showed a lack of empathy to his Pokemon when she battled him years ago. After thinking about it, Erika comes up with an idea and gives Ash a small smile.

"On one condition," she says. "You have to show how much you have improved in showing empathy for your Pokemon."

"Huh? Why do I need to do that?" Ash asks.

"You were very skilled in battle, Ash, but you lacked empathy with your Pokemon," Erika explains. "If you are to show how much you've changed, I want you to partake in my class to show you have that kind of care for your Pokemon whether you are battling or not."

"That seems a little unnecessary," Serena says. "I can testify from our journey in Kalos that Ash has nothing but empathy for his Pokemon."

"So can I," Brock says.

"You two may have, but I haven't," Erika points out. "And besides, if what you say is true, then Ash should have no problem taking my class before our battle. Right, Ash?"

Ash struggles with the urge to act impatient. Serena and Brock can see in his eyes that he wants to have a battle right now. After a moment, Ash sighs, accepting that complaining about it will do him no good."

"Right, Erika," he says, defeated.

"Excellent," Erika says pleased. "Giselle, Brock, Serena, you are all welcome to join if you wish. And feel free to take out your Pokemon to join us."

"Thank you, Erika. I did enjoy taking your class last time," Brock says.

"Yeah, thank you," Serena says kindly.

Giselle hesitates, uninterested in taking the class, but a part of her is curious about how much Ash has grown since she saw him at Pokemon Tech. She then realizes that she has a chance to inspect one of her opponents in the Indigo League and the upcoming Pokemon contest, so she smirks and says, "You know what? I think I will do that as well. But I won't have my Pokemon with me because they are all at the Pokemon Center being checked up right now."

"That's alright, Giselle," Erika says with a smile. "Let's head over to my gym, shall we? Jordan, you are in charge of the store."

"Yes, ma'am," one of the employees says obediently as Erika, Giselle, Ash, Pikachu, Serena, and Brock exit the store.

As they walk down the street, Ash decides to take a moment and walk close to Serena with Pikachu still on his shoulder.

"Hey, Serena?" He says.

"What, Ash?" Serena asks.

"I just want to say don't worry about what Giselle said," he says. "Giselle may be nicer than she was before, but she can still be a bit of a bully like she was when we met her at Pokemon Tech. Just don't let it get to you, okay? What matters is what you think of your ribbon, and I know you like it."

"Pikachu," Pikachu says in agreement.

Serena smiles, feeling better about what happened.

"Thank you, Ash," she says. "You're right. What matters is how I feel about it."

Ash gives her a toothy grin before the two continue to follow Erika to the gym. As they walk, Serena glances at Ash without him noticing and places her hand on her beloved blue ribbon.

"What matters is how I feel about it," she says in her mind. "And how I feel about you, Ash."

*************************************************************************************

Once everyone has entered the classroom inside the Celadon City gym, Ash, Serena, and Brock let out all of their Pokemon except for Brock's Steelix because it is too big. Thus, they all began to participate in various activities, ending with the same video about an Omanyte that Erika showed to Brock, Misty, and Pikachu when Ash snuck his way into the gym. Everyone sits down with their legs criss-cross with Pikachu sitting on Ash's lap while Servine, Boldore, Quilava, Gabite, and Oshawott sitting around him, Brock holding Geodude while Chansey stands next to him and Crobat sitting on his head and Poliwag and Absol both sitting on Serena's laps while Braixen, Pancham, and Sylveon sit next to them. Giselle, however, pretends to be listening while secretly analyzing Ash and Serena's Pokemon without them noticing.

"And so Omanyte had to say goodbye but was happy. The end." Erika says as the video ends.

"Aww, that was so sweet," Serena coos before turning to her Pokemon. "Did you enjoy that, everyone?"

Braixen, Pancham, Sylveon, Poliwag, and Absol nod yes. Serena smiles before turning to Ash and Brock with their Pokemon only to see Brock tearing up while hugging Geodude tightly and Oshawott crying out loud next to him.

"T-t-that was just as beautiful as the first time!" Brock weeps much to Geodude's annoyance.

"Oshawo-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ooooottt!" Oshawott wails.

"I guess that was a little too emotional for Oshawott," Ash chortles.

"Oh, Oshawott," Serena giggles.

Erika also laughs, amused with how Brock and Oshawott are acting before turning to Ash.

"So Ash, how did you like the video?" She asks.

"It was good," Ash says with a smile. "I can see why it would move people and Pokemon like Misty, Brock, and Oshawott. Right, guys?"

Pikachu, Boldore, Servine, Quilava, Gabite, and Oshawott all make calls of agreement with Oshawott, whimpering out its name with tears still in its eyes.

"I can tell you mean it," Erika says pleased. "You and your Pokemon were watching intently together. It's clear that you have strong bonds with all of them, and you have formed a great team with Pikachu, Oshawott, and your other Pokemon. You really have grown up since our last battle."

"Thanks," Ash says sincerely.

Erika smiles at nods at the raven-haired boy before walking over to Serena.

"I can see that you've developed strong bonds with your Pokemon as well, Serena," she says.

"Thank you, Erika," Serena says while turning to Braixen, Pancham, and Sylveon while still holding Poliwag and Absol. "Some of us have been through an awful lot since I left home that has helped us grow closer together."

"I can see that," Erika says. "I also noticed how Poliwag and Absol, in particular, like to be closer to you."

Serena smiles warmly and looks at Poliwag and Absol, who are looking at her back, smiling.

"Yes, they do," Serena says. "I've grown fond of Poliwag ever since I caught it, and even though it hasn't been that long since it hatched, Absol really loves me like a mother."

"Poliwag!" Poliwag says happily.

"Absol," Absol says cheerfully.

Erika nods in agreement before turning back to Ash and says, "Well, since you've passed my test, then I gladly accept your challenge for a rematch, Ash."

"Alright!" Ash shouts enthusiastically with all of his Pokemon cheering with him.

Erika chuckles at the raven-haired boy and says, "Everyone, you're welcome to join us if you wish."

"Thank you, Erika," Serena, Brock, and Giselle say simultaneously.

************************************************************************************

The group proceeds to the battle arena inside the gym. Brock, Pikachu, Serena, and Giselle stand on the sidelines while Erika and Ash stand on opposite sides of the arena.

"I see you don't want Pikachu to battle with you?" Erika asks.

"Nah, I want my other Pokemon to have a go," Ash answers. "We've been doing some more training while on the way here from Saffron City, and we want to show that it has worked off. Right, buddy?"

"Pikachu!" Pikachu shouts happily.

"Very well," Erika says. "So how about a three-round battle? Whoever wins the most rounds wins."

"Sounds good to me," Ash says.

"Alright then," Erika says, taking out a Pokeball. "Tangela, come on out."

Tangela comes out of its ball, looking ready to battle. Ash takes a moment to think about who to choose for his first Pokemon.

"Quilava would be the most obvious choice because it's a fire type, but I don't want to use it right away in the first round," he says to himself. "I think I'll use a grass type to face Tangela just like I did last time with Bulbasaur."

With his decision made, Ash takes out a Pokeball and says, "Servine, I choose you."

Servine comes out of her Pokeball looking ready to face Tangela.

"Ha! Are you kidding? Ash is using a grass type to face another grass type?" Giselle rebukes. "Somehow I doubt he really has learned anything at all."

"Don't be too sure," Serena counters bitterly. "Ash is the kind of person who doesn't always rely on typing to win a battle."

"Serena's right," Brock says. "Ash knows there's much more to Pokemon battling than simply Pokemon typing, and this will be no exception."

"We'll see about that," Giselle scoffs.

"Alright, Servine, use Vine Whip!" Ash orders.

"Ah, just like last time," Erika says. "Tangela, use Constrict!"

Servine tries to attack Tangela with two vines coming from its neck, but Tangela catches the Vine Whip with its own vines and drags Servine over to it until they are meters apart.

"I thought you learned your lesson from last time with your Bulbasaur, Ash," Erika says.

"Don't worry. I did," Ash says, smirking. "Servine, use Attract."

Servine grins and winks at Tangela as several pink hearts appear and hit the Vine Pokemon, causing it to fall in love with its opponent with hearts in its eyes.

"Oh, no, Tangela," Erika says worriedly.

"Alright, now use Leaf Blade to free yourself and then use Leaf Tornado!" Ash calls out.

Servine's tails turn light green and uses it to free itself from Tangela's vines. Servine then jumps and spins its head with its tail, summoning the dark-green tornado with countless glowing light-green leaves. Servine then spins around on its side and catches Tangela inside the tornado. The tornado then moves back an upward position and floats up in the air before crashing into the ground. When the dust and leaves clear, Tangela is found lying on the ground with swirly eyes.

"Tangela is unable to battle!" Brock declares. "Servine wins!"

"Oh no," Erika says sadly before taking out Tangela's Pokeball. "Tangela, return."

"Great job, Servine," Ash says taking out his own Pokeball. "Now get a good rest."

Giselle, on the other hand, stares at Ash, shocked at how quickly he won the round. Serena gives the brunette a proud grin, and says, "See? Ash doesn't need a type advantage to win."

Giselle shakes her shocked states, "Big deal. He just got lucky, just like when his Pikachu defeated my Marowak at Pokemon Tech back when it was just a Cubone."

Both Serena and Pikachu glare at Giselle while Ash and Erika take out different Pokeballs.

"Victreebel, go!' Erika shouts.

"Boldore, let's go!" Ash yells.

Erika's Victreebel and Ash's Boldore come out both ready for battle. Giselle, however, smirks at Ash's second Pokemon.

"A rock Pokemon against a grass Pokemon," she berates. "I may be a girl who loves her rock and ground type Pokemon, but even I know it's not wise to go against a grass type Pokemon."

"It doesn't matter what type it is. Ash will pull through," Serena claims.

"Hmmm, actually, I might have to side with Giselle with this one," Brock says seriously with his arms crossed. "Grass-type moves are very effective against rock-type Pokemon like Boldore. If Ash is going to win this round, he'll have to make sure Boldore stays mostly on defense and use speed to dodge anything Victreebel throws at it, which is something Boldore isn't very good at."

Serena turns to Brock surprised, and before she turns to Pikachu and they both give each other worried looks while Ash looks at Erika excited.

"Is this Victreebel the Weepinbell that went against my Charmander?" He asks.

"It sure is," Erika says gleefully. "The little dear just felt like it reached its limit as a Weepinbell one day and wanted to evolve very badly, and I was all too happy to oblige by giving it a Leaf Stone to evolve. Now it's as happy as can be growing stronger as a Victreebel."

"Yeah? Well, we'll see about that," Ash says determinedly. "Boldore, use Rock Blast!"

"Victreebel, dodge, and use Razor Leaf!" Erika commands.

With great speed, Victreebel dodges the silver energy waves coming from the front of Boldore's body. The flycatcher Pokemon then throws several leaves that hit its enemy.

"Now use Vine Whip," Erika orders.

"Counter with Sandstorm and then use Rock Blast again!" Ash calls out.

Boldore quickly summons a Sandstorm that covers the arena. Victreebel struggles to see its opponent, allowing Boldore to successfully hit it with Rock Blast. Hearing her Pokemon let out a scream of pain from the Rock Blast, Erika frowns seriously.

"Victreebel, fight back with Clear Smog!" She shouts.

Victreebel releases a large steam of white smog with its large mouth. Erika waits patiently for a moment until she hears Boldore groaning in pain from the other side of the Sandstorm. The storm begins to slowly fade away revealing Boldore poisoned, much to Ash's dismay.

"Now, finish it off with Power Whip!" Erika orders.

The two vines on both sides of Victreebel's body glow purple and grow longer. The two purple Vines smack Boldore so hard that it is knocked off its feet and falls down upside down, groaning faintly.

"Boldore!" Ash cries out.

"Boldore is unable to battle. Victreebel wins!" Brock announces.

"Ha! What did I tell you?" Giselle says proudly. "That Boldore never had a chance."

Serena frowns sadly, realizing that Ash and Erika are tied. She places her hand on her blue ribbon as she looks at Ash who is thinking about what to do next.

"Okay, I think I know what Erika's final Pokemon is going to be, so I should use Quilava now," Ash says to himself before he hesitates thoughtfully. "But then again, Erika might have learned from our last battle when it comes to fire Pokemon."

Ash thinks hard about it before he shakes his head.

"It's the best chance I've got," he says, taking out a Pokeball. "Quilava, I choose you!"

The ball opens to reveal Quilava ready for battle and Erika smiles.

"Trying to beat me with a fire Pokemon? I won't let you win so easily just because of typing. I learned my lesson from last time," she says as she tosses a Pokeball. "Gloom, go!"

The Pokeball opens to reveal Erika's Gloom, who immediately smiles at the sight of Ash.

"Gloom, Gloom!" Gloom says cheerfully.

"Hey, Gloom. Long time no see," Ash says with a friendly smile.

"So this is the Gloom that Ash saved to earn his Rainbow Badge?" Serena asks, turning to Brock.

"That's right," Brock says, smiling before he turns serious again. "But it gets me to wonder how Ash is going to fare better than last time."

"Why? Did Gloom wipe out all of his remaining Pokemon?" Giselle asks, earning another glare from Serena.

"No, but Gloom's foul gas was enough to knock out Ash's Charizard back when it was just a Charmander," Brock says. "Even if Ash finds a way to avoid it, he has no idea what other attacks it has thanks to Team Rocket interrupting the battle before Ash could continue with Pikachu."

"Well, I know what attacks it has," Giselle says proudly. "And I'm interested to see how Ash handles them."

Once again, Serena places her hand on her blue ribbon before Erika makes her move.

"Gloom, let him have it," she orders.

Ash's eyes widen, and he immediately shouts, "Quilava, use Flame Wheel to escape from the stench, then flank Gloom!"

Quilava quickly jumps and engulfs its body in a wheel of flame and dodges just in time for Gloom to release its stench toward where it was standing. Quilava circles around its opponent before ramming Gloom from behind, causing Gloom to groan in pain.

"Quick, Gloom, use Stun Spore," Erika calls out determinedly.

Gloom quickly recovers from the hit and shakes its head, causing an orange powder to come out from the flower on its head. The powder hits Quilava, and it falls to the ground with electric sparks appearing all over its body.

"Oh, no! Quilava!" Ash calls out worriedly.

"This is not good. Quilava is paralyzed," Brock says.

Serena frowns worriedly and says, "Come on, Quilava, you can do it!"

"No, it can't," Giselle says plainly. "I've seen that Gloom stun my Pokemon with ease when I faced Erika to get my own Rainbow Badge. Quilava is good and paralyzed."

Hearing this, Ash grinds his teeth angrily and turns to his Pokemon.

"Quilava, can you keep up?" He asks.

Despite the electricity flowing in its body, Quilava manages to get back up on all fours ready to continue.

"Alright, then use Flamethrower," Ash orders.

"Dodge it, Gloom," Erika calls out.

Gloom nods and dodges Quilava's Flamethrower with a high jump.

"Quilava, keep using Flamethrower and study its movements," Ash commands.

Quilava continues to use Flamethrower only for Gloom to constantly dodge the attack. Ash watches Gloom's movements closely, hoping to predict when it will appear next the same way he predicted Alakazam using Teleport with Pikachu.

"Now, use Flamethrower right there!" He shouts, pointing at when Gloom is about to land next.

Quilava turns its head and opens its mouth, preparing to fire another Flamethrower at that direction. But suddenly, the sparks of electricity appear all over its body again, and it winces in pain.

"Quilava!" Ash calls out.

"Sorry, Ash, but Gloom's Stun Spore is too powerful to shake off that easily," Erika says. "Gloom, get ready to use Solarbeam!"

Gloom positions itself and slowly gathers sunlight from the gym's glass ceiling to the flower on the top of its head. Ash grinds his teeth again and desperately turns to Quilava, who is still paralyzed.

"Come on, Quilava, you have to fight back," he says. "You need to use Flamethrower to take down Gloom before it fires that Solarbeam. You can do it! I know you can!"

"Come on, Quilava! Shake off the paralysis!" Brock calls out.

"You can do it, Quilava!" Serena shouts.

"Pika, Pi!" Pikachu shouts.

"Sorry, but I don't think Quilava is going to make it," Giselle says with a sigh. "It's going to take a miracle to get out of this predicament."

Serena gives the brunette another hard glare before turning to Quilava with a worried look.

"Quilava, listen to me!" She calls out. "You can still win this if you give it your all, so don't give up!"

"Serena's right," Ash says. "You can still win this, Quilava. Don't give up until it's over!"

Quilava continues to struggle moving as it hears Ash, Pikachu, Brock, and Serena encourage it. The volcano Pokemon then bites its tongue and slowly gets up on all fours just as Gloom finished collecting all the sunlight it needs.

"Now, Gloom, use Solarbeam!" Erika shouts.

"Quilava, use Flamethrower! Give it everything you've got!" Ash yells.

Gloom fires Solarbeam while Quilava takes a deep breath and fires another Flamethrower. The two attacks collide, creating a standstill as the two Pokemon continue to fire their attacks. Gloom and Quilava try to overpower the other with their attacks still stopping at the center of the arena.

"Come on, Quilava, you can do it!" Ash encourages. "You gotta get stronger! Stronger! STRONGER!"

Serena turns to Ash, realizing he is saying the same words he used to encourage his Greninja when the two of them bonded to become Ash-Greninja. Quilava, meanwhile, takes its trainer's words to heart and slowly stands up on its hind legs while still firing Flamethrower to fight of Gloom's Solarbeam.

"Quilava!" It screams at the top of its lungs.

Suddenly, Quilava starts glowing white. Everyone looks at it in shock as the volcano Pokemon grows taller, and its posture with standing up on its hind legs is stronger while it still uses Flamethrower. When it stops glowing, it is revealed to have evolved into a Typhlosion.

"Typhlooooooooooooo!" It roars as its Flamethrower comes out bigger and stronger. Gloom looks at its opponent in fear as the large Flamethrower overpowers its Solarbeam and engulfs the poor weed Pokemon.

"Gloom!" Erika shouts.

Typhlosion finally stops using Flamethrower and gets down on all fours with sparks appearing all over its body again. The flames die down to reveal Gloom with swirly eyes and burn marks all over its body.

"Gloom is unable to battle!" Brock declares. "Quilav - I mean Typhlosion is the winner, which means the victory goes to Ash!"

"Alright!" Ash shouts happily.

"Way to go, Ash!" Serena cheers.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu shouts with glee.

"Typhlosion!" Typhlosion shouts triumphantly while still paralyzed.

Erika sighs sadly and puts Gloom back in its Pokeball.

"You battled beautifully, my friend. Get a good rest," she says before turning to Ash. "Ash, I'll be right back with a Paralyze Heal for Typhlosion."

"Thanks, Erika," Ash says in appreciation as Erika leaves the arena, and he walks over to pet his Pokemon. "You were awesome, Typhlosion, and now you're fully evolved."

"Typhlo," Typhlosion says with a smile.

"Good job, Ash," Serena compliments as she, Pikachu, Brock, and Giselle walk over to Ash and Typhlosion.

"Thanks, Serena. I appreciate your encouragement," Ash says. "And Brock, Pikachu, thanks for encouraging Typhlosion too."

"Chaaa," Pikachu coos while Ash pets the top of its head.

"No problem. Though that was an unusual choice of words to encourage Quilava before it evolved," Brock says.

"Oh, telling it to get stronger? Yeah, that's something I used to do when I was battling with my Greninja back in the Kalos region," Ash explains. "Whenever the two of us bonded, saying things like that was a good way to help Greninja to grow more powerful when in battle. When Serena was telling Quilava how I told her not to give up until the end, it reminded me of how I used to put that saying into practice during our journey throughout Kalos and so it gave me the idea of encouraging Quilava the same way I did with Greninja."

"Interesting," Brock says, scratching his chin. "Well, it sure looks like it paid off for you this time with Quilava evolving and winning the match."

"It sure does," Ash says.

Erika comes back with a Paralyze Heal and sprays it on Typhlosion. The volcano Pokemon gives the gym leader a thankful look before Erika turns to Ash.

"You really have learned a lot since the day you rescued Gloom, Ash," Erika says. "You proved yourself true to Serena's word that you have lots of empathy for your Pokemon both in and out of battle."

"Thank you, Erika," Ash says. "All of my Pokemon have come a long way, and we're still going to work hard to get even stronger together."

"Pi, Pikachu!" Pikachu shouts in agreement.

"Typhlosion," Typhlosion says with a smirk.

Erika nods in approval and asks, "So are you going to re-challenge any other gym leaders?"

"Yeah, I'm going to face Agatha in Viridian City again," Ash says. "But first, Serena has to get her remaining contest ribbons to win, and I intend to cheer her on until then."

Serena looks at Ash, surprised.

"Ash?" She asks.

Ash turns to the honey blonde girl and smiles in amusement as if she said something odd.

"You didn't think I'd have us part ways just because I have to go all the way back to Viridian City, did you?" He asks. "I told you I'm going to support you on your journey all the way. Agatha isn't going anywhere, and I want to see you win all of your other four ribbons and make your way to the Grand Festival."

"So do I," Brock says.

"Pikachu," Pikachu says happily.

Serena looks at them, still surprised until she smiles sweetly.

"Oh Ash, Brock, Pikachu, thank you all," she says before giving her friends a determined look. "Right, I'm going to win all of my ribbons, no doubt starting with my second ribbon here in Celadon City."

"I wouldn't count on it," Giselle says, warningly with a smirk. "I came here to get my first contest ribbon here, and I'm going to do it."

Erika giggles at the determination of the two girls and says, "Well, the contest at Celadon City Hall is four days away, so we'll just have to wait and see who gets the ribbon there."

"Yep, I guess we will," Brock says.

***************************************************************************

After a while, Ash, Pikachu, Brock, Serena, and Giselle all say goodbye to Erika as they leave the gym and make their way to the Celadon City Pokemon Center. As they enter the building, Ash is about to open his mouth to speak to the Nurse Joy standing behind the front desk before Brock suddenly steps in front of his with a blissful look.

"Wow, Nurse Joy!" He shouts enthusiastically as he takes both of Nurse Joy's hands and clasps them together. "I have seen so many beautiful Nurse Joys throughout many regions, but none of them are as beautiful as you! If you're feeling tired from all your work at the Pokemon Center, I'd be happy to assist you as a doctor-in-training. Maybe afterwards we can go get some dinner and - MFPH!"

Serena puts her hand on Brock's mouth, silencing him and gives Nurse Joy an apologetic look.

"I'm so sorry, Nurse Joy," she says before dragging Brock away from the front desk like a mother taking her child from something he stubbornly wants.

As she drags him away, Ash and Giselle turn to Nurse Joy with Ash giving Nurse Joy a nervous chuckle.

"Sorry about that," he repeats. "Could you take care of my Pokemon for me? And My friends and I would like to get a room for the next couple of days."

"Certainly, young man," Nurse Joy says with a friendly smile as Ash gives her Pikachu and all of his Pokeballs. She then hands a couple of keycards to Ash before Giselle steps in.

"And can you look at mine as well?" Giselle asks while taking out six Pokeballs from her bag.

"Of course," Nurse Joy says as she takes Giselle's Pokemon.

"Wait a minute," Ash says while Nurse Joy leaves through the backdoor. "I thought you said you already left your Pokemon here."

"Oh, did I?" Giselle asks, pretending to sound innocent.

"Yes, you did," Ash answers. "You said your Pokemon were in the Pokemon Center and that's why you didn't take any of them out for Erika's class."

"Are you sure?" Giselle asks, looking confused. "I think you misheard me when I said that my Pokemon were too tired to come out of their Pokeballs, and they need to go to the Pokemon Center. You were probably too focused on having a rematch with Erika to hear me clearly."

Ash looks at Giselle suspiciously despite a part of him considering that she may be right. Before he could say another word, however, Giselle has already walked away, and he sighs in defeat.