It is early in the morning when Ash, Pikachu, Serena, Misty, Dawn, Piplup, May, Max, Iris, Axew, Cilan, Clemont, and Bonnie make it to the Indigo Plateau. By the time the group makes it to the registration center, countless trainers are seen registering for the league. Everywhere they look, trainers are giving attendants in the front desk their Pokedex to register and pressing a button to find out what field they will be going to for their first battle. Ash and his friends find a line for him and Max to register.

"Looks like people are already getting ready for their first matches," Misty comments. "I wonder if they already lit the flame at the top of the Indigo Stadium.

"Flame? What flame?" Dawn asks, confused.

"Oh yeah, there's a flame from Moltres that they set on fire at the top of the main stadium," Ash explains.

"Wow, a flame from Moltres?" Bonnie says. "That's amazing."

"I still remember that time we encountered a Moltres with Trevor," Clemont says.

"Wow, did you really?" Iris says, shocked.

"Ugh, don't remind me," Serena groans. "Ash risked his life during that adventure. It was a terrifying moment for me."

Ash looks at Serena apologetically and says, "I'm sorry I scared you back then, Serena."

Serena smiles softly, appreciative of Ash's sincere apology. Her smile return to a frown that makes Ash feel uneasy until Cilan snaps his fingers in front of him.

"Ash, you're up next," he says.

"Huh? Oh right," Ash says.

Ash steps forward, and the attendant at the front desk gives him a warm smile.

"Hello," she greets. "Are you all registering for the Indigo Plateau Conference?"

"No, ma'am, just Max and me," Ash answers.

"Alright then, I'll just need your Pokedex, please," the attendant says.

Ash gives her his Pokedex, and she inserts it to the machine next to her. The machine uploads Ash's information before the attendant takes out Ash's Pokedex and gives it back to him.

"So I see on the screen that this is your second time competing in the tournament," she says.

"Yes, ma'am," Ash says. "I competed about four years ago."

"I see," the attendant says. "Then, you should know that we've changed things a little so that competitors are allowed substitutions during the preliminaries."

"Really? That's cool," Ash says.

"Indeed. Now I'll need you to press the red button in front of you, please," the attendant says.

Ash nods and presses the red button. The light on the screen above the woman lights up and begins spinning around the four pictures representing water, rock, ice, and grass. The light keeps spinning until it slows down and eventually stops on the picture representing water.

"Awesome," Ash says. "I'm starting on a water field just like last time."

"Pikachu," Pikachu says.

The attendant chuckles at Ash's enthusiasm and types on her computer.

"Alright, let's see who is battling against you at the water field," she says.

Ash's picture appears on the left side of the screen, and the group waits for a second before Misty and Serena stare in shock when they see who appears on the screen next to Ash.

"Macy?!" Serena and Misty shout at the same time.

"Well, what do you know," Ash says.

The attendant types on her computer again and says, "Your battle with Macy will begin at 10:30. Best of luck to you, Ash."

"Thanks," Ash says.

"Now it's my turn," Max announces excitedly as he takes out his Pokedex and gives it to the attendant.

The attendant inserts his Pokedex into the machine, and it uploads Max's information before she also gives Max his Pokedex back. Then Max presses the red button, and the light eventually moves to the ice picture before his picture appears along with a picture of a teenage boy with long blonde hair.

"Your first battle will be against Eric at the same time as Ash's," the attendant says. "Best of luck to you, too, Max."

"Thanks," Max says.

The group then leaves the front desk and head off to the exit of the building. As they go outside, Iris looks at Serena and Misty curiously.

"So how do you girls know this Macy girl?" she asks.

Serena and Misty give Iris annoyed looks before the latter answers.

"She's this pompous girl who keeps trying to go on a date with Ash," Misty grumbles. "She kept making moves on him during the Johto League."

"And she ran into me, Ash, and Brock on the way to Neon City," Serena adds. "Thankfully, Ash beat her in a battle so she couldn't claim he had to go on a date with her."

"I see," Iris says.

"Do you think she'll try to get Ash to go on a date with her if she wins the match?" May asks.

"I wouldn't put it past her," Serena says with a sigh.

"Well, I don't plan on losing," Ash says proudly. "Besides, with most of her Pokemon being fire types, she'll be at a disadvantage in the water arena."

"Sounds like you have your first match in the bag, Ash," Bonnie says excitedly.

"De, ne, ne," Dedenne says.

"I sure hope so," Clemont says.

"Hey, you guys!" Says a voice in the distance.

Everyone turns to see Holly running towards them, followed by Brock. Serena smiles and walks over to meet Holly.

"Hi, Holly," she greets. "How was visiting Brock's family."

"Oh, it was so wonderful," Holly says with a dreamy look. "All of Brock's brothers and sisters are just precious gems, and it was great to get to know his parents more."

"Yeah, they loved her to bits," Brock says with a smile. "I think as far as everyone at home is concerned, Holly is already part of the family."

Both young adults giggle at the thought before giving each other kittenish looks. Everyone smiles for them until they hear another voice coming from the other side.

"Hey, Ash!"

"Pikachu!"

They all turn around to find Ritchie and Sparky happily running over to them. Ash smiles brightly before he runs over to Ritchie and the two of them give each other a high five while Pikachu and Sparky cheerfully greet each other.

"Glad to see you made it," Ritchie says.

"You bet. I wouldn't miss this for the world," Ash says.

Ritchie nods and turns to everyone else.

"Hey there, Brock, Holly, Serena," he greets. "And Misty, nice to see you."

"Good to see you too, Ritchie," Misty replies, smiling.

Ritchie turns to the rest of the group and asks, "So who are you guys?

"I'm Clemont, nice to meet you," Clemont says.

"Bonnie's my name, and this is Dedenne," Bonnie says, holding up her pouch.

"De, ne, ne," Dedenne says.

"I'm Iris," Iris introduces. "And this little guy in my hair is Axew."

"Axew," Axew says.

"I am Cilan," Cilan says. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance. "

"I'm Dawn, and this is my partner, Piplup," Dawn says.

"Pip, Piplup,' Piplup says.

"My name is May," May says.

"And my name is Max," Max says. "Are you competing at the tournament."

"I sure am," Ritchie says. "I only made it to the semifinals last time, but I intend to win this time."

"Pikachu," Sparky says.

"Is that so?" Max says. "Then maybe you and I will face each other because I'm competing too."

"Awesome," Ritchie says. "But I better go inside and register. I still hope to face you again, Ash."

"Same here, Ritchie," Ash replies as Ritchie and Sparky enter the main center.

"Oh yeah, I better go do the same," Holly says. "I wonder what kind of battlefield I'll start with."

"Well, we won't know until we find out," Brock says. "See you guys later,"

"See ya," everyone else says.

Once Brock and Holly are inside, Cilan turns to Ash with a smile.

"So Ash, have you figured out what Pokemon you are going to use for your first battle?" He asks.

Ash frowns and scratches his chin in thought.

"Good question," he says. "I'll have to think about it."

"Why don't we head to the Pokemon Center and give Professor Oak a call," Serena suggests. "You could switch some of your Pokemon to ones that are weak against Macy's Pokemon."

"Good idea, Serena," Ash says.

"You go on ahead, Ash," Max says. "I'm going to find this Eric guy and find out what kind of Pokemon he has."

"And I'm going to join him," May says. "I'm here to support my brother until the very end."

"Alright then," Ash says. "Good luck on your first battle, Max,"

"You too, Ash," Max says as the two of them shake hands.

With that, Max and May leave to look for Max's opponent while everyone else heads to the Pokemon Center. When they come inside, they find many more trainers in line to have their Pokemon looked at before their own preliminary matches. The eight trainers and Pikachu, Axew, and Piplup find a video phone, and Ash dials Professor Oak's number. It isn't long before the Pokemon professor appears on the screen with a friendly smile.

"Hello, everyone," he greets. "Good to see that you all made it to Indigo Plateau."

"Hello, Professor," everyone greets.

Professor Oak turns to Ash and asks, "Are you all registered, Ash."

"Yup, and Max and I have already found out what our first battles are," Ash answers. "Which brings me to why I'm calling you, Professor."

"I thought as much," Professor Oak says. "So, what kind of Pokemon do you have in mind?"

Ash scratches his chin again and says, "Well, you see, I'm against this friend of ours named Macy. If I remember correctly, she has a Magcargo, Vulpix, Electabuzz, Typhlosion, and a Starmie."

"I see," Professor Oak says. "Sound like you'll want some water Pokemon on your Team and perhaps a different Pokemon for her Electabuzz and Starmie."

"Exactly," Ash says. "I already have Oshawott, and I think Gabite will be the best choice for Electabuzz, and Pikachu will be best for Starmie. I think I just need one more water Pokemon."

Professor Oak nods and says, "Well, you have plenty to choose from, Ash. You have Kingler, Corphish, Totodile, Buizel, and Palpitoad. So which one would you like to use?"

"Let's see," Ash says, racking his brain. "With fire Pokemon as strong as Macy's, I think I need a really powerful water Pokemon to go with Oshawott. With that in mind, I think Kingler and Buizel would be my best bet."

"Good choices," Misty says. "I think Kingler would be a pretty good choice."

"I disagree," Dawn says. "I think Buizel would make a really effective Pokemon."

"Piplup," Piplup says.

"Well, I can't say who to choose since I don't know either Pokemon," Iris says.

'Axew," Axew says, nodding.

"Me neither," Cilan says.

Clemont and Bonnie nod in agreement while Ash frowns and thinks as hard as he can. He then gets an idea and turns to Serena.

"What do you think, Serena?" He asks.

"Me?" Serena asks, surprised.

"Of course," Ash says with a smile. "After all, you have met all of my Pokemon at Professor Oak's lab, so maybe you have a good suggestion."

Serena blushes lightly, not expecting Ash to ask her such a big question. She thinks for a moment before she decides to ask a couple of questions.

"Well, what moves does Kingler know?" She asks.

"Kingler knows Hyper Beam, Bubble, Water Gun, and Crabhammer," Ash says.

"And how about Buizel?" Serena asks.

"Buizel knows Water Gun, Aqua Jet, Sonic Boom, and Ice Punch," Ash answers.

Serena thinks for a few seconds, not noticing Misty frowning that Ash is making her choose. Suddenly, Serena snaps her fingers and gives Ash a small smile.

"I think you should choose Buizel because it might be wise to use a Pokemon that only has a couple of water attacks since not all of Macy's Pokemon are fire types," she says. "With Sonic Boom and Ice Beam, Buizel has more a better variety of moves than Kingler."

"That's a good idea, Serena," Ash says before turning to Professor Oak. "I think I'll trade Gigalith for Buizel."

"Good choice, Ash," Professor Oak says. "Then place Gigalith's Pokeball on the machine, and I'll have Buizel right out."

Ash nods and puts Gigalith's Pokeball in the transporter next to the videophone. The machine zaps the Pokeball, and it completely disappears. A few seconds later, the machine starts again, and a different Pokeball appears.

"Transfer complete," Professor Oak says. "Best of luck, Ash. Your mother and Tracey, and I will be rooting for you while we watch the tournament."

"Thanks, Professor," Ash says. "See you later."

The image of the professor disappears, and Ash puts away Buizel's Pokeball before turning to the rest of the gang.

"Well, there's still a couple of hours left until my first match," he says. "I guess I should kill time by working out a strategy for the match."

"Good idea," Clemont says.

"Hey, everyone," says a voice behind them.

Everyone turns around to see Timothy, Electchu, and Coovers walking over to them with friendly smiles. Ash smiles back and gives his rival a firm handshake.

"Hey there, Timothy," he says. "Have you already registered?"

"You bet," Timothy replies. "My first battle is at 1:30, and I'm against some guy named Melvin at the grass field."

"Yeah, we were just looking up what Pokemon he has on one of the computers here," Coovers says. "He has a lot of rock and fire type Pokemon, so it seems like it might be an easy battle with Poliwrath."

"Raichu," Electchu says, nodding.

"Well, to be fair, any other Pokemon weak against water types might be easy as long as they're not Alain's Mega Charizard," Dawn comments.

Timothy and Coovers laugh out loud, and Electchu lets out a giggle at Dawn's comment.

"You have a point there, Dawn," Timothy chortles. "Long as none of his Pokemon Mega evolve into an extra Pokemon type or know any moves that Poliwrath is vulnerable to like Alain's Charizard did, I'll be fine."

"I should hope so," Cilan says. "You do plan to eventually battle Ash after all."

"Right you are, Cilan," Coovers says before turning to Ash. "So you better give it your all, Ash."

"Oh, I plan to," Ash says with a smirk. "Besides, my first match is against my friend Macy, and most of her Pokemon are also fire types, and I just switched my Pokemon so that I have two water types on my team."

"Is that so?" Timothy says. "Well then, it looks like both of us will have an easy win for our first battles."

"Looks that way," Ash agrees.

"You!"

Everyone turns their heads to see Giselle marching towards them with a menacing glare.

"Hey, Giselle," Ash greets with a friendly smile. "Glad to see you made it back to -"

But Giselle passes by Ash, not even acknowledging him, Pikachu, Dawn, Piplup, Misty, Serena, Clemont, Bonnie, Iris, Axew, or Cilan. Instead, she marches straight toward Timothy and puts her hands on her hips. Timothy, Electchu, and Coovers look at each other before Timothy awkwardly talks to the girl.

"Uh...do I know you?" He asks.

"Seriously?" Giselle growls. "You knocked me out of the last round of the preliminaries the last time I competed in the Indigo League! Was I such an easy win for you that you don't even remember me?"

"What? Timothy is the person you lost to the last time you completed?" Ash asks, surprised.

Timothy stares at Giselle and scratches his head. After a minute, he snaps his fingers and grins.

"Ah, I remember you now," he says. "My Emboar, Titus, took out all of your rock and ground type Pokemon despite having the type disadvantage."

"That's right," Giselle snarls. "I hated how your fire Pokemon took down my Marowak, Graveler, and Rhyhorn. But I've learned a lot since then, and I want payback."

"Well, that's too bad, Giselle, because Ash is the one that's going to face off against Timothy and win," Dawn claims.

"Pip, Piplup," Piplup says.

"Yeah, that's right," Misty says.

"Mmmm-hmmm," Serena says with a nod.

Giselle turns around and finally notices the group. She frowns at Ash and points her finger at him rudely.

"Oh yeah, well, that's too bad because I'm going to take him down before you get a chance to try," she says. "I won't fail like I did at the Grand Festival."

"Oh yeah? We'll see about that," Ash says with a grin.

Coovers snaps his fingers and says, "That's right. She was that pompous girl battling against Serena at the Grand Festival."

"Oh," Timothy says, realizing it too before he smirks and chuckles in amusement. "First, I left Pallet Town with one rival for the Pokemon league, and suddenly I kind of have a second one before my first match. How on earth did I manage that?"

"Kind of? What do you mean kind of?!" Giselle barks. "I'll have you know that my Pokemon are way stronger than before!"

"Is that so?" Timothy says, unimpressed. "I guess we'll just have to find out on the battlefield, won't we?"

Gisele pouts childishly and storms out of the Pokemon Center with a loud, high-pitched humph. Everyone stays silent for a moment until Timothy turns to Coovers and raises an eyebrow at his longtime friend.

"What? No rebuking me for acting prideful this time?" He asks.

"Honestly, after seeing on TV how that girl acted so cocky when Serena faced her at the Grand Festival, I'm good with you acting cocky back to someone like her as long as you take her down," Coovers replies with a shrug.

"Admittedly, it seems like she's always going to be like this during a competition, Timothy," Serena says with a sigh. "So whether it's you, Ash, or Max, you all have my blessing to take her down if any of you end up facing her."

Ash turns to Serena and smiles, hoping that maybe defeating Giselle will help her cheer up from what is bothering her.

"Then I won't let you down if I face her, Serena," he says confidently.

"Pikachu," Pikachu says with a smile.

"Me too," Timothy says with a friendly smile.

"Raichu," Electchu says.

Serena softly smiles, appreciatively at the two guys. Soon after, Brock and Holly enter the Pokemon Center and spot everyone else.

"Hey, you guys," Brock says.

"How's it going, Brock?" Coovers greets.

"It's going great," Brock says excitedly. "Holly is all set to compete in the Indigo League."

"That's right," Holly says. "My first battle is in the grass field, and I'm against someone named Barty."

"Good deal," Timothy says. "And just so I remember correctly, you plan to officially get together as soon as you're done with the league win or lose, right?"

Brock and Holly, both giggle and Holly, caresses her necklace before she answers.

"That's right," she says. "Win or lose the league, I want to go as far as I can and then we will finally become boyfriend and girlfriend."

"Oh, as much as it's still hard to believe, I'm still so happy for you guys," Dawn coos with her hands clasped together.

"Me too," Serena says.

"I'm excited too," Bonnie says before glaring at Clemont. "Though I still need to find a wife for you."

Clemont blushes furiously, and he shouts, "Bonnie, knock it off with that already!"

Bonnie chuckles mischievously, and everyone else chuckles at Clemont's bashful demeanor. Just then, the intercom turns on, and a man begins to speak.

"Macy and Ash, please report to the water field. Your battle will begin in twenty minutes," he says. "Again, Macy and Ash, please report to the water stadium."

"Well, it looks like it's time for me to get the show on the road," Ash says before turning back to Timothy and offers him his fist. "Give it everything you've got, Timothy."

"You too, Ash," Timothy says as he bumps Ash's fist. "Same goes for you, Holly."

"You can count on me," Holly replies before she and Holly leave, and Ash and the rest of the group head to the water field.

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

Within ten minutes, Ash, Pikachu, Serena, Misty, Dawn, Piplup, Iris, Axew, Cilan, Clemont, and Bonnie make it to the water field. Already, countless people are going inside the arena and finding their seats. The gang finds a backstage entrance where a security person finds Ash and smiles.

"Ah, Mr. Ketchum, glad to see you could make it," he says. "Are these all your friends?"

"Yes, sir, they are," Ash says

"Well, you know, we do have benches that some of your friends can sit on in the field to watch you from behind," the security guard says. "But you can only have two people sit behind you."

"Oh yeah, I forgot that you can do that at the Indigo League," Ash says in realization. "In that case, my first person should definitely be Serena on all of my battles."

Everyone else turns to Serena while the honey blonde girl stares at Ash, baffled.

"Me?" She asks.

"Of course," Ash says with a toothy grin. "It was your idea that I go on a journey to rechallenge the gyms where I didn't rightfully earn my badges. In fact, out of everyone, you have been supporting me the longest ever since we came back home from Kalos. How could I not want someone like you cheering me on throughout the entire Indigo League?"

Serena stays still in shock while Misty looks at her with a subtle jealous look. Cilan, Iris, and Clemont smile at her while Dawn and Bonnie give her teasing grins. After a moment, Serena snaps out of her surprise state and smiles sweetly at Ash.

"I would love to, Ash," she says.

Ash nods and smiles, thinking he helped cheer Serena up a little before turning to the others.

"As for everyone else, I think you should all take turns cheering me on with Serena," He says.

"That sounds fair," Clemont says. "If you make it to at least the quarterfinals, well will all have a chance to cheer for you with Serena at least once."

"Exactly," Ash says. "With that in mind, how about Misty goes with Serena and me since she's been supporting me the longest out of everyone as well."

"I would like that, Ash," Misty says with a happy smile.

Serena frowns sadly and glances at Misty, knowing how the orange-haired girl feels about the guy she likes. She shakes her head to snap out of her worried state before anyone else notices while the security guard nods in approval.

"Alrighty then," he says. "I'll need the rest of you to line up so you can take your seats with the rest of the audience. As for you and your two friends, Mr. Ketchum, please follow me."

"Understood," Clemont says before turning to Ash. "Good luck, Ash."

"Indeed, give it your all," Cilan says.

"Knogiving Ash a high-five.

"ck 'em dead," Iris says with a grin.

"We're all counting on you," Dawn says before We have faith in you," Bonnie says cheerfully.

"Thank you, guys," Ash says.

With that, the rest of the group leave to get their tickets, leaving Ash, Pikachu, Misty, and Serena alone with the security guard. The guard gestures them to follow him, and the three teenagers follow him all the way to the hall where the battlefield is. The security guard gives Ash a wink as a way of wishing him luck before he leaves, and Ash takes a deep breath before turning to Serena and Misty.

"Well, this is it," he says.

"We're with you all the way, Ash," Misty says.

"That's right," Serena says. "Remember, don't give up until the very end."

"I will remember, Serena, I promise," Ash says before he turns to Pikachu, who is standing next to him. "Let's do it, Pikachu."

"Pikachu!" Pikachu says with a determined grin.

Ash nods to his partner, and the two of them face the end of the hall and wait until they hear the audience cheering, knowing it's time to enter the field. Ash and Pikachu walk to the end of the hall side by side with Serena and Misty following behind them. When the four of them enter the field, the whole stadium is filled with people. From a distance, they can see Bonnie, Clemont, Dawn, Piplup, Cilan, Iris, and Axew cheering at the top of their lungs. At the center of the field is a large pool with a few platforms for the Pokemon to stand on. Ash grins confidently as he and Pikachu get on the green platform from his side of the field while Serena and Misty sit down on the bench beside the wall. The four of them wait patiently while the crowd is still cheering until they hear a familiar voice.

"Hey, Ash, my dear!"

Both Serena and Misty feel shivers down their spines as they reluctantly look at the other side of the field to find Macy running over to the red platform.

"Hey, Macy," Ash calls with a friendly smile. "Looks like we already get to battle."

"Sure does," Macy says before she notices Serena and Misty and grumbles, "Oh, you two are here too, huh?"

"You got a problem with that?" Misty growls. "We're here to support Ash all the way to the end."

"That's right," Serena says with her arms crossed.

"Oh yeah? Well, you won't be needing to support him for very long," Macy boasts. "I intend to win this battle and go on a very romantic date with Ash."

Serena and Misty glare daggers at Macy, who just sticks her tongue out at them. Ash chuckles awkwardly before calling out to Macy.

"Look, Macy, I still don't understand what a date is, but I'm still not going to go on one just because you said so," he says.

"Why not?" Macy demands. "I think you'll like going on a date with me, Ash. I'll even let you choose where we'll go to celebrate my victory today."

"Well, for one thing, I'm just not that interested in doing that with you," Ash says bluntly. "For another, I plan to win this battle no matter what you say or what tricks do you have up your sleeve with your Pokemon."

Macy stares at Ash, shocked at his harsh honesty. She looks at Serena and Misty. The honey blonde girl smiles, relieved that Ash said that while the orange-haired girl childishly sticks out her tongue and pulls her lower eyelid at the girl in the yellow dress. Macy clenches her teeth and glares back at Ash, frustrated.

"Oh yeah? Well then I'll just have to beat you and make you go on a date with me," she says.

"Okay, but I don't see either happening," Ash says with a confident smirk.

"Given that she lost to him at the Johto League, I agree," Misty says quietly to Serena.

"And I saw her lose to him again when we were heading to Neon City like I said," Serena whispers back. "I don't think we need to worry about her."

Suddenly, the announcer begins speaking loudly on the speakers.

"Good afternoon, everyone!" He says. "Welcome to the first preliminary round at the water field!"

The audience cheers loudly before the announcer continues.

"On the green side competing in the Indigo Plateau Conference a second time, it's Ash from Pallet Town!" He says. "And on the red side, competing in the league for the first time from the Johto region, it's Macy from Mahogany Town!"

Once again, the audience cheers and Ash and Macy happily wave at the audience.

"So, without further ado, let's have a battle!" The announcer shouts.

The audience cheers while the referee walks to the sideline with a red flag on his right hand and a green flag on his left hand. He clears his throat before he lifts both flags up high.

"This is a three-on-three battle between Ash and Macy!" He begins. "The battle will be over when all Pokemon from either side are unable to continue. Furthermore, both sides are allowed substitutions! Are the contestants ready?"

"Ready!" Ash and Macy reply.

"Then let the battle begin!" the referee shouts.

"All right, Starmie, let's go!" Macy shouts as she throws a Pokeball.

The ball opens to reveal Starmie.

"So you're starting up with Starmie since this is a water battlefield, huh?" Ash says with a smirk. "Well, alright then, Pikachu, I choose you!"

"Pikachu!" Pikachu shouts as it hops onto one of the platforms.

"You are starting with Pikachu, huh?" Macy says. "That won't do you any good against my Starmie even with the type disadvantage."

"We will see about that, Macy!" Ash calls out back.

Serena frowns and turns to Misty, saying, "I admit, I have not seen Macy's Starmie in battle before."

"Neither have I," Misty says. "But as far as a non-fire-type Pokemon to use in a water battlefield, it was the right choice on her part. I'm guessing she's going to avoid using her fire Pokemon for as long as she can."

"Alright, Pikachu, let's not waste any time," Ash says. "Use Thunderbolt!"

"Starmie, use Thunderbolt too and then use Ice Beam on the water!" Macy shouts.

Both Pokemon use Thunderbolt, and the attacks collide, causing them to explode in a cloud of smoke. Starmie then shoots a beam of ice from its top appendage, and it covers all of the water in the field. When the smoke clears, Ash, Serena, Misty, and the audience look in shock of what Starmie has done.

"Unbelievable!" The announcer exclaims. "Starmie has used the cover of the smoke to turn the water arena into an ice arena!"

"Ah, I see," Ash says, smirking. "Making sure your other Pokemon have solid ground to stand on."

"That's right," Macy says. "So if you think you can get the best of me just because this is a water battlefield and most of my Pokemon are fire types, you are sorely mistaken, Ash."

"Good. Makes things more interesting," Ash says. "Pikachu, Electro Ball!"

Pikachu jumps into the air and throws an Electro Ball at Starmie, but Macy just smirks confidently.

"Starmie, use Harden!" She commands.

Starmie's body becomes sturdy, and the Electro Ball hits it, hardly doing anything to the starfish-like Pokemon.

"Now, Starmie, use Ice Beam!" Macy orders.

"Dodge and use Quick Attack!" Ash shouts.

Starmie uses Ice Beam again, but Pikachu moves away from the mysterious Pokemon's line of fire and charges at its opponent so quickly that it runs into Starmie before Macy could make another command.

"Oh yeah? Well, let's see how you handle this, Ash, my dear," Macy says. "Starmie, use Psywave!"

Before Ash or Pikachu can react, Starmie fires a white ring from its gem and hits Pikachu. The mouse Pokemon squeaks as it is sent back into Ash's side of the field.

"Pikachu, are you okay?" Ash calls out.

Pikachu stands up with a couple of scratches on its body and grins at Ash to shore that it's fine.

"Okay then, use Thunderbolt again!" Ash commands.

"Use Harden again, Starmie!" Macy shouts.

Pikachu unleashes another large bolt of electricity, but it does little to hurt Starmie.

"Don't let up. Use Electro Ball again! Ash shouts.

"Knock it back while using Harden!" Macy instructs.

Pikachu flings another ball of electricity at its opponent, but Starmie makes its body sturdy again and spins around to knock the Electro Ball back.

"You can keep using all of your electric attacks all you want, Ash!" Macy taunts. "But as long as Starmie uses Harden, you're just gonna waste energy until -"

"Knock it back with Iron Tail!" Ash shouts.

Macy looks in confusion until she sees Pikachu knock its Electro Ball back toward Starmie with its tail. Her eyes widen as she realizes that Starmie has stopped using Harden, and gets hit hard by the ball of electricity. Starmie falls on its back and struggles to stand up to show that it can still fight.

"That's what happens when you let your guard down in the middle of the match," Misty says with a smug look.

"She sure had it coming," Serena agrees.

Macy grows frustrated and glares at Ash angrily.

"That does it!" She barks. "Starmie, use Ice Beam!"

"Dodge with Quick Attack followed by Electro Ball!" Ash commands.

Starmie fires Ice Beam from its top appendage a third time, but Pikachu uses its speed to dodge again and ram into its opponent. Starmie takes a step back from the hit, but it's all the distraction Pikachu needs to hit it again with Electro Ball!"

"Starmie, no!" Macy cries out.

"Pikachu, let's finish it with Thunderbolt!" Ash shouts.

Pikachu builds up electricity with its cheeks again before it strikes its starfish-like opponent hard with a powerful bolt of electricity. Starmie can do nothing but stand there as many volts of electricity hit its body before it tumbles to the ground with its gem blinking.

"Starmie cannot continue!" The referee declares. "Pikachu is the winner!"

The audience cheers and the color on the picture of Starmie on the big screen fades to grey. Serena and Misty smile at each other while Macy sadly returns Starmie to its Pokeball.

"You did great. Get a good rest," she says to the ball before she takes out another one. "Electabuzz, let's go!"

She throws the ball, and her Electabuzz comes out, glaring menacingly at Pikachu.

"Electabuzz, huh?" Ash says, amused. "Pikachu, come back and get some rest."

"Pika!" Pikachu replies as it obediently returns to Ash's side.

"So, who are you hoping to call out this time, Ash?" Macy queries.

"You're about to find out," Ash says, taking out a Pokeball with a grin. "Gabite, I choose you!"

He throws the Pokeball, and Gabite comes out. Macy and Electabuzz stare at Ash's Pokemon in confusion.

"What in the world is that?" Macy asks, confused.

"This is Gabite," Ash answers plainly. "I caught it in the Sinnoh region."

"Oh, interesting," Macy says half-heartedly. "But it won't stop me. Electabuzz, use Thunder Punch!"

Electabuzz charges at Gabite with electricity coming out of its fist. Ash and Pikachu smirk while Misty and Serena stare in disbelief of what is happening as Electabuzz punches Gabite in the face. Macy grins that her Pokemon hit its target until she notices that Gabite isn't hurt at all.

"Guess she doesn't know what type Gabite is," Serena says with a smug smile.

"Doesn't look that way," Misty says, crossing her arms with an amused grin.

"Gabite, use Rock Smash!" Ash shouts.

Both of Gabite's hands glow white, and it punches Electabuzz twice in the gut before punching it hard in the face, causing his opponent to back away several feet in a daze. Macy stares in shock before she shakes her head and tries to bring back her determination.

"Electabuzz, use Thunderbolt!" She shouts.

Ash smirks again and stays silent, letting Electabuzz's Thunderbolt hit Gabite. Once again, the attack does nothing, and Macy is dumbfounded.

"Gabite, use Dragon Rush!" He commands

Gabite charges at Electabuzz using Dragon Rush and hits Electabuzz hard. The electric Pokemon gets down on one knee while its trainer pouts in irritation.

"Why are none of my attacks working?" She screams.

"Wow, what an awkward situation for Macy!" The announcer says. "It looks like she doesn't know that Gabite is immune to electric attacks!"

Macy's eyes widen, and her mouth hangs open.

"What?!" She shrieks.

"That's right, Macy," Ash calls out. "Gabite is both a dragon and ground type, so your electric attacks are useless."

Macy is flabbergasted by what she just learned. Misty tries to hide a little chuckle while Serena smirks. Macy looks down on the ground and thinks about what to do while Electabuzz looks at her, feeling uneasy about the situation. In her mind, she considers to switch Pokemon, but she decides against it knowing that all of her remaining pokemon are fire types which are weak against ground type Pokemon and not very effective against dragon type Pokemon. She shuts her eyes and tries to think of something before she shakes her head and glares at Ash.

"Fine, we can still take you down even without electric attacks," she claims.

Serena looks at Macy skeptically and turns to Misty, saying, "I don't think she can. If I remember correctly, the only other moves Electabuzz knows are Light Screen and Iron Tail."

"That sounds about right," Misty says. "I think she knows that Ash has her trapped in terms of Pokemon type, so I guess there's nothing else she can do but give it her all despite the odds."

"Electabuzz, Iron Tail!" Macy shouts.

Electabuzz charges at Gabite again with its tail turned into Iron, but Ash just smirks again.

"Use Dragon Rush!" He commands.

Gabite's head glows blue, and it charges at Electabuzz with its body surrounded in blue energy again. Before Electabuzz can spin its body to hit Gabite with its tail, the cave Pokemon rams into it again, and Electabuzz is sent back a few feet.

"Now, use Rock Smash again!" Ash commands.

"Block it with Light Screen and then use Iron Tail again!" Macy orders.

Gabite charges at Electabuzz with its hands glowing white again, but Electabuzz puts its hands in front of its body, and a yellow glass screen appears. Gabite punches at the screen, but it does no effect. Electabuzz then makes the screen disappear and hits Gabite with Iron Tail, making Ash's Pokemon take several steps back.

"Yeah! You can't do anything with Electabuzz using Light Screen!" Macy boasts.

"Oh yes, we can," Ash says. "Gabite, use Draco Meteor!"

"Electabuzz, use Light Screen again!" Macy shouts.

Gabite grins before it lifts its head at the sky and fires a giant orb into the air. Macy watches the orb in confusion while Electabuzz creates another glass screen in front of itself. The orb explodes mid-air, and thousands of tiny orbs start falling from the sky. Macy's eyes widen, and she gasps sharply when she realizes what is happening.

"Electabuzz, watch out!" She cries out.

But it is no use. Electabuzz sees the orbs coming down, but it can't move its glass screen to protect itself. The electric Pokemon can do nothing but stand in place as an orb hits it, and it falls through the ice. Countless other orbs hit the ice, causing it to break until only a few large chunks of ice and the platforms are the only things still floating. The referee looks around for Electabuzz until it floats up in the water with swirly eyes.

"Electabuzz is unable to battle!" he declares. "Gabite is the winner!"

The audience cheers and Misty and Serena stand up and applaud for Ash. Macy frowns sadly and returns Electabuzz to its Pokeball.

"You did what you could," she whispers to the ball before looking at the battlefield. "But now I'm in a pickle. That attack destroyed my big ice platform for my fire Pokemon. I clearly need to be careful with who to choose next."

The girl in the yellow dress racks her brain, feeling disheartened by the situation. After a minute, she bites her lip and takes out another Pokeball.

"Typhlosion, come on out!" She shouts.

Typhlosion comes out of its Pokeball and roars at Gabite until it realizes that it's in a platform surrounded by water.

"So Typhlosion again, huh?" Ash thinks. "Then it's time I give Oshawott a chance for payback."

He takes out Gabite's Pokeball and gets ready to return it, but he stops halfway and hesitates.

"But then again, I wouldn't give Buizel a chance to fight even though I just added it to my team," he says in his mind before turning to Serena and Misty. "And Serena made a good point with how Buizel would be tactically better suited for the battle."

He frowns and thinks about what to do for a few seconds before he makes a decision.

"If nothing else, it might make Serena happy, and that's part of the reason why I'm competing," he says to himself before lifting up his Pokeball. "Gabite, return!"

Gabite nods before it goes back into its Pokeball. Macy becomes irritated that Ash is changing Pokemon again while Serena and Misty wait to see who he'll call up next.

"Buizel, I choose you!" Ash shouts, throwing another Pokeball.

Buizel emerges from its container and lands on one of the remaining blocks of ice. It smirks at Typhlosion, who glares daggers at it.

"What is that thing?" Macy says, confused.

"That is Buizel," Ash answers proudly.

"Buiiiii!" Buizel shouts.

"Aw, it looks cute," Misty coos. "So this is the water Pokemon you suggested, Serena?"

"Yeah, it is," Serena says, not noticing that her cheeks are turning slightly pink.

Macy pouts childishly and says, "I'm sure it's a water Pokemon, but we have taken down one of your water Pokemon before. Typhlosion, use Swift!"

"Dodge it!" Ash shouts.

Typhlosion fires several golden stars at Buizel, but it easily hops from the platform it was on to an ice cube floating by.

"Typhlosion, use Flamethrower full blast!" Maxy barks.

"Go deep into the water, Buizel!" Ash commands.

Buizel jumps into the water before Typhlosion uses Flamethrower, destroying the ice cube. Macy and Typhlosion become uneasy as Buizel is so deep in the water that they have no idea where it is.

"Now, use Aqua Jet from behind!" Ash commands.

Almost instantly, Buizel emerges from the water behind Typhlosion and rams into it. The volcano Pokemon nearly falls off the platform as it falls down on it's back, seriously hurt while Buizel jumps back inside the water.

"Typhlosion, are you okay?" Macy calls out.

Typhlosion groans softly before it gets up on all fours and forces itself to stand up on its back legs.

"Typhlooooooo!" It roars as the fire on it's back reignites.

Macy smirks and says, "Alright, time for a counterattack! Use Flamethrower on the water!"

Typhlosion releases a powerful stream of fire on the water, and it becomes so hot that it isn't long before Buizel shoots out of the water and lands on the nearest platform to escape the heat.

"Now, use Quick Attack!" Macy orders.

Typhlosion charges at Buizel at blinding speed and tackles it hard. Buizel is sent crashing into another platform on the other side of the field with a couple of scratches on its body.

"Don't give up, Buizel!" Ash calls out. "Use Sonic Boom!"

Buizel gets up and jumps into the air. Its two tails glow white, and it flips around, sending a large, white shockwave at Typhlosion.

"Dodge it using Quick Attack again!" Macy shouts.

Typhlosion moves away from the white Shockwave and jumps from platform to ice cube to platform again until Buizel lands on a platform, and Typhlosion tackles it from the side. The sea weasel Pokemon is once again sent crashing into another platform, and Macy grins.

"Finally," she says. "Typhlosion, use Flame Wheel!"

Typhlosion gets down one all fours and starts hopping from platform to platform again with its entire body engulfed in flames. Ash grinds his teeth, trying to think of a way to counter the attack until he remembers something.

"That's it!" He shouts. "Buizel, use Counter Shield!"

"Counter Shield?" Serena and Misty says in confusion.

Buizel opens its eyes, and it starts spinning around and firing streams of water while still lying on its back. The water flies all over the field, with some of it landing on Typhlosion as it's charging, weakening the flames surrounding its body. Buizel keeps spinning and tossing water all over the place until the flames surrounding Typhlosion die out. The volcano Pokemon stops running, shocked that's attack is disrupted.

"Now, use Water Gun!" Ash shouts.

Buizel shoots water from its mouth, and it hits Typhlosion, making it howl in agony as the water hurts its fire-type body.

"Typhlosion!" Macy cries out.

"Now, finish it with Aqua Jet!" Ash orders.

Buizel surrounds itself with water and shoots toward its opponent like a rocket. Typhlosion stands in place, still in pain from the last attack before Buizel rams into it, sending it crashing into a wall. Macy's heart sinks as her Pokemon plummets to the ground, limp.

"Typhlosion cannot continue!" The referee declares. "Buizel wins, therefore the victory goes to Ash!"

The audience roars in applause and Ash, and Pikachu cheer as Buizel runs toward Ash and jumps into his arms.

"You were great, Buizel!" He exclaims.

"Buizel!" Buizel shouts happily.

"Alright!" Serena shouts as she jumps off her seat and thrusts her fist into the air. "Way to go, Ash and Buizel!"

"Great job, Ash!" Misty praises.

"Thanks, you guys," Ash says.

Macy looks at Typhlosion's body sadly before she returns it to its Pokeball. She lowers her head to hide her face with her hair and fights the tears coming out of her eyes. She wipes her eyes and takes a deep breath before she forces a smile and walks over to Ash, Pikachu, Serena, Buizel, and Misty. Ash notices her first and gives her a friendly smile.

"Good battle, Macy," he says.

"You too, Ash," she replies, politely with a small smile. "I guess I still have a way to go before I can beat you."

Ash nods and says, "Maybe someday you will. We can battle again anytime."

Macy's smile grows, feeling a little better.

"Thanks," she says. "And next time, I'll ask you on a date properly."

Serena and Misty give Macy disapproving glares, but Ash just chuckles and says, "Okay, but I think I already know how that's going to turn out."

Macy pouts for a moment before she suddenly laughs it off and gives everyone a grin.

"Well, I better get going then," she says as she turns around and starts running away while waving at everyone. "Good luck during the rest of the tournament, sweetie!"

"Thanks, see you later!" Ash calls out while waving back.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu calls out.

"Buizel!" Buizel shouts with a wave.

Serena and Misty shiver in secret over Macy, calling Ash "sweetie" but politely smile and wave back. They both smile at each other relieved that they won't see the girl again any time soon as they exit the field together with Pikachu, Buizel, and the boy they both care for.

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

"Yay, Ash!" Bonnie exclaims.

The little girl and Clemont, Dawn, Piplup, Iris, Axew, and Cilan we're all outside to meet Ash, Pikachu, Buizel, Serena, and Misty. Dawn steps forward to give Ash another high five as the others congratulate him.

"Nice job using that Counter Shield technique," Dawn says. "I completely forgot about it until you used it to disrupt that Flame Wheel."

"Oh, so that was what you were doing?" Iris asks.

"Yep, that's how Buizel and I stopped Typhlosion's Flame Wheel,"

"Bui!" Buizel exclaims.

"How fascinating," Cilan says gleefully. "Just a creative use of spices and other flavors to bring out -"

"Yes, yes, it was an incredible move," Clemont interrupts, having been used to the way Cilan talks by now. "Now, why don't we go over to the ice stadium and see if Max has won yet."

"Good idea," Ash says before taking out Buizel's Pokeball. "Buizel, why don't you get some rest?"

Buizel nods before it goes back into its ball, and everyone starts heading to the next stadium. But as they are walking, Misty turns to Serena and decides to speak to her privately.

"By the way, I've meant to ask; how are things going with you and Ash?" She whispers.

Serena winces and looks away with a downhearted look on her face as she walks.

"I thought as much," Misty says sadly. "Does that mean you've accepted the truth? That you can't keep traveling with him forever?"

"I don't know," Serena says. "I haven't given up on him, but I have a feeling we might not travel together after the Pokemon League. The only thing that seems clear to me that if we do go our separate ways that I want to do one direct move to express my feelings to him."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Misty asks. "You may have nothing to really gain from something like that."

"I know," Serena says. "But even so, at least I gave it my all rather than stay silent."

Misty winces, knowing that Serena is referring to her own decision to not confess her feelings for Ash. Even though Serena didn't mean to say it to be mean or cold to her friend, it still stings her. Serena looks at her apologetically, but Misty just nods her head and pats the honey blonde girl on the back.

"You're a brave girl, Serena," she says. "Braver than I am."

Serena frowns sympathetically and opens her mouth to say something until they hear May calling out to them from a distance.

"Hey, you guys!" She shouts.

"Hey, May, Max!" Ash calls out as the two siblings run over to the rest of the group.

"Did you win your match, Max?" Bonnie asks eagerly.

"Sure did," Max says proudly. "My opponent took down my Pinser before Gallade took out the rest of his Pokemon. How about you, Ash?"

"I took out all of Macy's Pokemon using all of mine without any of them fainting," Ash replies.

"That's great," Max says. "Then let's head to the grass arena and see how Holly's doing. I think it's already started by now."

Misty smiles and says, "Good idea. We should see how she's doing with just Brock cheering her on."

"Oh, I'm sure she's just more than happy with Brock there," Serena says.

"Ash? Serena? Max? May?"

Everyone looks confused until they turn around to see none other than Lucy, Barbara, and their sisters walking over to them.

"Hey, Lucy," Ash greets. "Fancy meeting you all here."

"Yeah, how're you doing?" May asks.

"I'm doing well," Lucy says with a mild-mannered smile. "But tell me, where is Brock? I'd very much like to see him."

Once again, everyone else looks confused as they stare at Lucy.

"Really? Why's that?" Serena asks.

"Oh, nothing much," Lucy says with a small blush on her face. "We just made a promise to each other for after Ash competes in the Pokemon League."

Everyone in the group is even more puzzled than ever, while Lucy's sisters are dying to know what it is. Serena looks at Lucy, concerned as she asks what is on everyone's mind.

"What promise was that?"

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

"Poochyena, use Crunch!"

"Beedrill, use Poison Jab!"

A Poochyena races toward Holly's Beedrill with its teeth glowing white while the poison bee Pokemon's stingers are glowing purple. The bite Pokemon pounces at Beedrill, but it flies past Poochyena and stabs it on the side. Poochyena howls as it crashes into the ground on its side with purple bubbles showing on its body.

"It looks like Poochyena has been poisoned," the announcer says. "This might be all over for Barty."

The man named Barty looks at his Pokemon in shock while Holly smirks confidently. Poochyena tries to stand up while Beedrill waits for another command.

"Come on, Holly, you can do it!" Brock calls out from the bench behind Holly. "Finish it! You know what to do."

Holly turns to the tan young man, puts her hand on the necklace he gave her, and winks at him before turning to Beedrill.

"You heard him, Beedrill!" She shouts. "Let's finish it with X-Scissor!"

Barry's pupils shrink as he watches Beedrill cross its arms and slashes at his Poochyena. The wolf-like Pokemon howls again as it's sent flying back a couple of feet and lies down, fainted.

"Poochyena cannot continue!" The referee announces. "Beedrill is the winner, so the victory goes to Holly!"

"Yes!" Holly exclaims, jumping up and down before running over to Brock and jumping into his arms. The two of them laugh happily while the crowd cheers. Even Beedrill does a gleeful dance in the air, happy to have helped its new trainer win. Barty sighs sadly before he returns Poochyena to its Pokeball and glumly leaves the grass battlefield. Brock and Holly stop celebrating before Holly also returns Beedrill to its Pokeball, and the two of them leave the field together.

"Wasn't I just great?" Holly asks happily.

"You were incredible," Brock replies with a grin. "It was your first Pokemon league battle, and you only lost one of your Pokemon before completely wiping out his team."

Holly smiles sweetly and snuggles her head against Brock's shoulder, saying, "But I could not have done it without you. I would never have known how powerful Beedrill's bug attacks are against that Poochyena."

"Maybe, but even then, you have a lot of faith in your Pokemon as well," Bock points out. "I may have been a good teacher, and you've been a good listener, but I can see out there that you trusted all of your Pokemon, including Beedrill, even after you only just recently caught it."

"Aw, thanks, Brock," Holly coos. "Anyway, do you think Max and Ash are done with their battles too?"

"No doubt about it," Brock replies as the two of them exit the stadium. "In fact, I bet the whole gang it's probably looking for us with excited smiles on their faces right about -"

But as soon as they are a few feet away from the exit, they suddenly see Ash, Pikachu, Serena, Misty, Dawn, Piplup, May, Max, Iris, Axew, Cilan, Bonnie, and Clemont, waiting for them. Instead of happy smiles on their faces like Brock predicted, Ash is looking disappointed at Brock while everyone else is looking livid at him. Serena and Dawn have their arms crossed while Misty and May have their hands on their hips, and Iris hands are turned into balls of fists. Bonnie is grinding her teeth, trying to look angry while Clemont is glaring at Brock and Cilan is shaking his head. Brock and Holly grow uncomfortable as they feel the tension in the air.

"Hey, guys," Brock says. "What's the matter?"

"I think we should be asking what's the matter with you," Max says.

"What do you mean?" Brock asks.

Serena, Max, Bonnie, Clemont, May, Dawn, Iris, and Cilan just point to their left, and Brock and Holly turn to where they're pointing to see Lucy and her sisters standing next to the group. Brock's mouth hangs open, and his body stiffens in fear as he looks at Lucy, who gives him a hurt look on her face. Barabra and her other sisters look at him venomously as if they are ready to tear the tan-skinned man apart with their bare hands. Holly, however, is completely confused and turns to Brock.

"Brock, who is this?" she asks.

Brock stammers hysterically, trying desperately to find words to come out of his mouth. Suddenly, Misty steps up to him and bangs her fist on top of his head like a hammer on a nail. Brock whines in agony and gets down on his knees, holding the top of his head with his hands while Misty gives him a death glare.

"You promised to get together with two different women?!" She barks.

"What?!" Holly shrieks.

"That's right," Misty says. "It appears Brock and Lucy here had a private conversation where they confessed to liking each other and planned to be together after the league."

"Yeah, and this all happened just a little while before he, Ash, and Serena saw you at Neon City," May says.

Holly stares at her friend, unable to move a muscle in her body. Brock stands back up while still rubbing his head, but hides his face from everyone in shame. Lucy looks at Brock, trying hard not to cry.

"How could you, Brock?" Is all she manages to say.

Holly turns to Brock, who is still hiding his face.

"Brock?" She says. "Brock, tell me this isn't true."

But instead of responding, Brock just stays in place, refusing to look at anyone. Holly looks back at Lucy and then at Brock as the reality of the situation hits her.

"So...when you said you were thinking a lot about me and trying not to think about other women...that was a lie?" She asks.

Brock winces before he quietly answers, "No, most of it was true."

"But not all of it," Holly says.

"Brock, I thought you were a good person," Lucy says with pleading eyes. "How could you do this?"

"I'm sorry, Lucy," Brock says, looking at her apologetically. "I didn't mean for -"

"Shut up!" Holly screams. "Just...just shut up! You don't get to be sorry to anybody!"

"But I -" Brock begins before Holly slaps him so hard in the face that he gets down on his knees, caressing his cheek.

"I don't ever want to speak to you again!" She shrieks before she storms away from everyone.

"But...but Holly!" Brock protests while still in one knee.

Barabra cracks her knuckles and turns to Lucy's other sisters saying, "Come on, ladies, let's knock this foul crook to next Tuesday!"

The other woman all say words of agreement until Lucy firmly lifts her hand up for silence.

"No," she says.

"No?" Barabra protests. "But Queen Lucy -"

"I said no, Barabra," Lucy says sharply. "Don't bother with him. Let's just go. I need some time to myself."

With that, Lucy turns her back on Brock and walks away. Barbara and the other woman try to protest again, but they soon sigh and silently follow their queen. Brock stretches out his hand for Lucy in vain before he lowers his head again in defeat. Serena stays incandescent with Brock before she turns around and heads into the direction of where Holly left. The rest of the group just glare at Brock for a little longer before they silently leave except for Ash and Pikachu.

The raven-haired boy and his partner just look at their old friend in pure, sad disappointment. Even though Ash does not understand the full gravity of what his friend has done, he perceives enough to look down at his old companion. Brock notices Ash and Pikachu still there and fights the tears in his eyes, and he lowers his head again.

"Ash...what have I done?" He weeps.