(Meanwhile)
Jessie, James, and Meowth were sitting in a closet, stuck. You might wonder where they were. Well, when all the events with the Masked Man happened, they got scared. Even though they probably could have fought back, they ran, and eventually they found a closet, the one where all the snacks the stadium sells are kept. So, they went in there.
Unfortunately, they got locked in for a week, and since the cleanup was in the main area, not even a janitor came over here. But at least they had food.
"You know," Jessie started as she ate a corndog they were heating with a mini hotdog heater, "you ever wonder if we're missing stuff?"
"I dunno," James said as he munched on nachos. He had chess on in the background. Meanwhile, Cubone was pumping the machine, squirting hot cheese directly into Meowth's mouth, as Mime Jr. cheered him on.
Jessie sighed dramatically, holding her corndog like it was a glass of fine wine. "A whole week, and all we've done is eat stadium food. Do you know what this means?"
James blinked, a jalapeño dangling from his nacho chip. "That we've finally found true happiness?"
Meowth flopped back with his belly full, cheese dripping from his whiskers. "Nah, it means I ain't ever eatin' nachos again… until tomorrow."
Cubone and Mime Jr. waved a tiny flag they'd found in one of the snack boxes, chanting as they waved the little flags.
Jessie groaned. "No, you dolts! It means we probably missed something big! What if the Masked Man got defeated? What if the Boss was there? What if we could've finally gotten a promotion?!"
James froze mid-bite, eyes wide. "Do you think the Boss has been wondering where we are this whole time…?"
There was a heavy silence. Then all three slowly turned to look at the mountain of empty snack wrappers piled up to the ceiling.
"…nah," they all said at once.
Meowth waddled over to the door and clawed at it lazily. "So, uh… anyone got an actual plan for gettin' outta here?"
Jessie crossed her arms. "Obviously, we wait until someone finds us." To be honest, they knew full well they could break the door down with any of their Pokémon, but they didn't really want to. They had food here, sooooo… yeah.
James perked up. "And until then, we feast like kings!" He lifted a jumbo pretzel dramatically. "To victory!"
Mime Jr. cheered, Cubone pumped more cheese into Meowth's mouth, and the camera panned out from the closet door, muffled sounds of laughter and junk food crunching echoing behind it.
–
{Back to the battle}
Ash plucked a Poké Ball from his belt. "Alright then, but it's about time I show you how it's done. Togekiss, your turn!"
With a flash of light, Ash's Togekiss emerged onto the field. She spread her wings wide and let out a happy chirp. Immediately, the difference between the two was obvious. Ash's Togekiss was much calmer and seemed kinder, while Ethan's was aggressive and acted like a punk. But that didn't matter right now.
Ethan smirked. "Well, well… mirror match, huh? This is gonna be fun. Togebo, Air Slash!"
Togebo flapped hard, unleashing another storm of slicing wind blades that hurtled toward Ash's Togekiss.
Ash snapped his arm forward. "Counter with Aura Sphere!"
Ash's Togekiss spun gracefully midair, summoning a bright blue orb between her wings. With a sharp cry, she hurled it straight through the incoming wind blades. The sphere detonated midair, scattering the attack into harmless gusts as the glowing projectile continued forward.
"Dodge!" Ethan barked.
Togebo dove, the Aura Sphere grazing past his feathers. He recovered instantly, eyes flashing with determination.
Ash clenched his fist. "Now, Dazzling Gleam!"
Ash's Togekiss burst with radiant light, beams of sparkling energy lancing outward in every direction. The crowd shielded their eyes from the brilliance.
Togebo cried out as the fairy energy clipped his wing, sending him wobbling midair.
Ethan grit his teeth. "Don't let her push you around [Extreme Speed]!"
In a silver blur, Togebo shot forward faster than the eye could follow, streaking through the glowing beams and slamming into Ash's Togekiss with a hard impact. But on Ash's face there wasn't panic he was smirking.
As Togekiss steadied herself, Ash gave one sharp command: "[Thunder Wave]!"
And that was a problem.
"Togebo, quick, get out of there!" Ethan tried to call out, but it was too late. He had been the one to close the distance, and now Togekiss could take advantage.
Sparks danced off of Togekiss' body as she unleashed a bright yellow wave of electricity. Togebo tried to fly away, but the current clipped him, his wings tensing up as paralysis set in.
Ash smirked, pointing upward. "Perfect. Now, [Air Slash]!"
Ash's Togekiss launched a flurry of razor-edged wind blades.
Ethan clenched his fists. "Togebo, fight it! [Aura Sphere]!"
Togebo strained, body crackling, but with a determined cry he managed to form a glowing orb. Just as he was about to fire, another jolt of paralysis locked his wings. The Aura Sphere fizzled as he was struck by the slicing winds. Worse, the secondary effect triggered, he flinched
Ash jabbed his arm forward. "Keep up the pressure [Air Slash] again!"
His Togekiss spread her wings wide, unleashing another barrage of slicing gusts. They streaked through the air like arrows, pinning Togebo down as he struggled to recover.
Then, as the flinch wore off, Ethan shouted his command. "[Extreme Speed]!"
Despite the paralysis crackling across his body, Togebo vanished in a silver streak. He tore through the barrage, taking several hits to the wings but still darting straight for Ash's Togekiss.
"Block it head-on with [Protect]!" Ash called.
In an instant, a shimmering green barrier flashed around his Togekiss. Togebo slammed into it at full force, the impact rippling the shield before bouncing him backward.
"Now [Zen Headbutt]!" Ash commanded.
Togekiss' head began to glow purple as she wound up to launch herself at Togebo.
Ethan's eyes flashed. "Togebo, counter with [Ancient Power]!"
With a grunt, Togebo summoned glowing stones that orbited around him. He hurled them at Togekiss as she charged forward, shattering one after another. But just as he prepared to launch more, paralysis hit him again so he couldn't move. Togekiss broke through, slamming into him and knocking him downward.
"Perfect! Close in and use [Dazzling Gleam]!" Ash barked.
His Togekiss dove through the sparks and rubble, glowing brilliantly. She erupted with radiant fairy light point-blank, the arena flashing pink and white as beams hammered Togebo midair. He was thrown back in a shower of sparks, tumbling with his wings twitching.
Ethan grit his teeth. "Togebo, hang on! You're tougher than that, [Roost]!"
With a strained cry, Togebo forced his wings to spread. Glowing faintly, he descended, landing on the ground to restore his HP, and in doing so, he got rid of his Flying type.
Ash's eyes narrowed. "Not while I've got the chance. Togekiss, [Aura Sphere]!"
Ash's Togekiss spun gracefully, wings flaring as she conjured another bright blue orb. She hurled it straight down at the grounded Togebo.
"Intercept it with [Extreme Speed]!" Ethan shouted.
At the last moment, Togebo blurred forward in a silver streak, narrowly avoiding the glowing orb as it detonated behind him. The ground shook, shards of stone scattering into the air.
But Ash was ready. "Catch him with [Air Slash]!"
His Togekiss whipped around midair, launching another flurry of slicing wind blades.
The silver blur cut through them, then faltered. Sparks of paralysis caught him again, slowing him just as one blade clipped his side. Togebo cried out, tumbling from his streak and crashing into the dirt.
Ethan clenched his fists. "No, get up, Togebo!"
Togebo struggled, wings twitching, body trembling under the dual weight of exhaustion and paralysis.
Ash raised his arm. "Finish it with [Moonblast]!"
Togekiss soared upward, her body glowing with a radiant pink aura. She gathered a brilliant sphere of lunar energy between her wings and hurled it down like a falling star.
Ethan's eyes widened. "Togebo, dodge—!"
But it was too late. The Moonblast struck, shaking the arena with its impact. A pillar of pink light burst upward, then faded, revealing Togebo lying on the ground with spirals in his eyes, knocked out.
Ethan returned Togebo to his ball, leaving him with three Pokémon. "You did great, Togebo. But now, it's time we kick it up a notch. Aibo, your turn!"
From the ball burst Aibo the Ambipom. He bounced onto the field, his tail-hands curled into fists, smirking as he looked up at Togekiss.
Ethan grinned, spinning his Poké Ball on his finger before catching it. "Aibo, let's show them some style, [Double Hit]!"
Aibo lunged forward, both tails glowing white. He whipped them in rapid succession, the strikes snapping through the air as he bounded toward Togekiss with blistering speed.
Ash pointed sharply. "Don't let him close in with [Air Slash]!"
Togekiss flared her wings, sending a volley of razor-sharp wind blades streaking down at Aibo.
But Ambipom was already moving. He leapt and flipped over each blade, weaving through the barrage, spinning and cartwheeling on his tails. In a blur, he closed the distance and landed a clean double strike across Togekiss's side, knocking her back midair.
Ash clenched his fist. "Togekiss, [Aura Sphere] this time!"
Still gliding from the blow, Togekiss steadied herself with a flap. She formed a glowing blue orb between her wings and launched it straight at Aibo.
Ethan's grin widened. "Send it back with [Thunder Punch]!"
Ambipom's tail fist crackled with electricity as he swung into the Aura Sphere. The orb exploded in a burst of sparks, flying behind him before detonating on impact.
Ethan followed up instantly. "Now, [Shadow Claw]!"
Aibo's other tail glowed dark purple, wreathed in shadowy energy. He lunged forward, aiming to rake across Togekiss.
Ash reacted instantly. "Protect yourself [Protect]!"
A shimmering green barrier snapped into place. Aibo slammed into it with his glowing claw, the shield holding firm as the arena shook from the impact.
But Ethan wasn't done. "Now [Low Kick]!"
With surprising speed, Ambipom spun, one tail sweeping low beneath the barrier. The strike clipped Togekiss's wing mid-beat, tripping her balance and slamming her down onto the ground.
Ash's expression tightened, but he smirked under the pressure. "You want to play rough? Fine. Togekiss, [Dazzling Gleam]!"
From the ground, Togekiss burst with radiant light, beams of glittering energy exploding outward in every direction.
"Jump high, Aibo!" Ethan shouted.
Ambipom sprang upward on his tails, flipping high into the air. But the light still clipped him mid-leap, searing across his fur and forcing a cry out of him.
"Now while he's airborne [Moonblast]!" Ash barked.
Togekiss soared up, gathering that brilliant pink sphere once again between her wings. She hurled it upward with pinpoint accuracy, the lunar energy screaming toward Aibo.
"Catch it with [Double Hit]!" Ethan yelled.
Ambipom twisted midair, tails glowing white again. He smacked into the Moonblast, an explosion erupted above the arena, showering sparks and dust.
Through the haze, Aibo came diving down, both tails glowing as he aimed another strike.
Ash pointed upward. "Don't give him space, [Air Slash]!"
Togekiss spread her wings wide, unleashing another storm of slicing wind blades.
Ethan just smiled. "Spin through it [Double Hit]!"
Midair, Aibo spun like a buzzsaw, becoming a blur as he crashed against each blade, breaking through until he dropped down and slammed Togekiss in the head, knocking her back to the ground.
Ash winced. "Togekiss, back up [Aura Sphere]!"
Flat on the dirt, Togekiss forced herself to conjure another orb and fired it at Aibo.
But Ethan was ready. "Intercept that with [Thunder Punch]!"
Aibo's tail fist crackled with electricity as he punched straight through the Aura Sphere, scattering its energy. He landed in front of Togekiss, sparks still flashing across his tail.
Ash's eyes flashed. "Block him with [Protect]!"
But this time, the green barrier flickered, too late.
Ethan snapped his fingers. "Now! [Double Hit] into [Shadow Claw]!"
Aibo struck with one glowing tail, then followed with the shadowy claw of the other. The combo slammed Togekiss hard across the face and chest, sending her skidding across the dirt.
"Togekiss, no!" Ash cried.
His Togekiss struggled, wings twitching as she tried to rise.
Ethan's eyes gleamed. "End it with one more [Thunder Punch]!"
Aibo leapt high, his tail fist sparking bright yellow, and came crashing down on Togekiss with a devastating blow. Electricity arced across the arena as Togekiss cried out, then collapsed, eyes swirling.
Ash frowned and recalled her to her Poké Ball. "You did great. Alright then, time to start bringing out the big guns." He pulled out another ball.
"Let's see you take this one. Snorlax, stand by for battle!"
The ball burst open, and the stadium shook as Snorlax landed with a thud, scratching his belly and yawning before turning his lazy gaze toward the small monkey.
"Ohhh, that's a big boy," Ethan muttered, only for a familiar pink-haired voice to cheer from the stands, "Yes he is!" Neither trainer paid it any mind.
Ash folded his arms. "Alright, you remember the Snorlax deal. For every Pokémon you beat, you get an extra pound of food."
Snorlax's eyes immediately opened, shining at the mention of food. He began running at a speed people didn't even know Snorlaxes could reach, then hurled himself belly-first at the little monkey.
Ethan snapped his fingers. "Aibo, dodge and [Double Hit]!"
Aibo cartwheeled sideways, dodging the quake of Snorlax's belly hitting the ground. Using his momentum, he whipped both glowing tails across Snorlax's stomach, thwack, thwack!
But Snorlax didn't even move. He just blinked and rubbed the spot.
Ethan frowned. "Keep moving! [Brick Break]!"
Aibo spun, his tail fists glowing orange as he lunged toward Snorlax. He smacked Snorlax hard across the face, but again the giant didn't budge, he simply looked down at him.
Then, lazily, Snorlax raised an arm. With almost no effort, he swatted Aibo like a toy. The monkey flew through the air, landing hard with a crash, sparks and dust scattering from the impact.
Ethan's jaw dropped. "No way… he's… he's taking it like it's nothing?!"
"What do you expect from Lord Snorlax? After all, through heaven and earth, he alone is the hungry one," Ash teased.
Aibo shook his head, trying to regain balance, but Snorlax's next move was faster than the eye could follow. With a thunderous stomp, the ground beneath Aibo quaked violently, sending the monkey tumbling again.
"Now, Snorlax, finish it with [Body Slam]!" Ash commanded.
The massive Pokémon launched himself forward, rolling into a full belly-first charge. Aibo tried to leap aside, but Snorlax anticipated perfectly, pivoting mid-charge. The impact connected squarely, sending Aibo crashing into the dirt with a final, resounding thud.
Ethan winced, quickly recalling his Pokémon. "Aibo… you did your best." He held his partner's ball close, then grabbed his second-to-last Poké Ball. "But it's not over yet. Sunbo, your turn!"
From the ball, Sunbo jumped out, stretching her leaves. She hoped this time she could take it easy, not like last time. But when she opened her eyes and saw the drooling Snorlax, she froze, then glanced back at Ethan. "[You serious?]"
Snorlax just yawned, drool dripping onto the battlefield. The ground actually shook when his stomach rumbled.
"Come on, Sunbo, trust me," Ethan pleaded. "I know this looks bad, okay, it is bad, but all you gotta do is follow the plan and you're golden. Please, this is the last one."
Sunbo side-eyed him hard, then sighed and turned back toward Snorlax. She planted her feet and raised her arms, charging up another [Sunny Day]. An artificial sun blazed into the sky above.
Ash pointed forward. "Snorlax, [Body Slam]!"
Ethan's voice rang out. "Hold strong, Sunbo [Protect]!"
A shimmering green barrier appeared around Sunbo just as Snorlax crashed down. The entire stadium rattled like an earthquake, but the shield held, the force rebounding so hard it nearly knocked Sunbo over.
Sunbo peeked out from behind the fading barrier, leaves trembling. "[I hate my job.]"
Ethan smirked. "Perfect. The sun's up, we're in business. Now hit him with [Solar Beam]!"
Sunbo's leaves glowed brilliantly, absorbing the sunlight instantly. She crossed her arms in front of her chest, then unleashed a massive beam of pure solar energy straight at Snorlax.
The beam hammered into Snorlax's face, blasting against the big Pokémon and forcing him to take a step back. But he shook his head and refocused, determined to get that extra food.
Ash swiped his arm. "Gonna need more than that [Heavy Slam]!"
Snorlax launched himself again, twisting midair to bring his full body weight crashing down, aiming to crush the flower.
"Quick, [Leech Seed]!" Ethan shouted.
Sunbo fired a cluster of glowing seeds upward. They burst into vines, wrapping around Snorlax mid-fall. But he still came crashing down, flattening Sunbo with a resounding wham. When he rolled off her, the vines stayed latched, sapping energy from his body.
Meanwhile, Sunbo pulled herself up and shook off the dust. Thankfully, she was a plant, so getting squished didn't hurt as much as it would've if she had bones, but it still stung.
Ethan pumped his fist. "Yes! That's it, Sunbo, you can do it! Now keep the pressure, [Solar Beam] again!"
The sunlight made the charge instant. Sunbo blasted another brilliant beam straight into Snorlax's chest, the vines tightening as they drained him further. Snorlax actually grunted this time, taking a step back.
"Alright then, try this! [Fire Punch]!" Ash called.
Snorlax's fist ignited with fire as he lumbered forward, ready to smash the flower across the face and earn another pound of food.
But Ethan shouted, "Now quick, Sunbo, dodge and keep dodging!"
Thanks to the boost of speed from the sun, Sunbo managed to weave around punch after punch, healing little by little from the chip damage through Leech Seed. She couldn't deal meaningful hits against Snorlax's towering defense, Leech Seed only did fixed damage, but it was something.
Eventually, the sunlight faded. Sunbo slowed down, right into a [Fire Punch]. Snorlax's fist connected, sending her flying back. Thanks to all her healing, she barely managed to stay up, but not by much.
"Okay, now Snorlax finish this with one more [Fire Punch]!" Ash commanded.
Snorlax huffed and ran forward, raising his flaming fist again. But right before it came down, Ethan called, "Sunbo one more time!"
With a last-ditch effort, Sunbo shot another sun into the sky, restoring the sunlight, before being struck and knocked out. But she'd done her job: the sun was back up.
Ethan recalled her. "Nice work, Sunbo. Now the stage is set, let's do this!" He pulled out his final Poké Ball. "Exbo, your turn let's go!"
The ball burst open, and from it came Exbo the Typhlosion. He stomped into the field, flames flickering from his neck, ready to fight.
Ethan clenched his fist. "This is it! Exbo, let's give it everything [Eruption]!"
Exbo let out a roar, flames bursting from every pore of his body. A towering column of fire exploded outward, shooting directly into Snorlax.
Ash swiped his arm. "Snorlax, brace yourself!"
Snorlax dug his feet into the ground, crossing his arms as the flames crashed into him. Even with his incredible bulk, the eruption forced him to skid backward, leaving scorched trails in the dirt.
Ethan grinned. "Don't let up [Eruption] again!"
Exbo roared once more, unleashing a second blast. Since he was still at full HP, it would've been stupid not to spam it. The second wave of fire swallowed Snorlax whole. It was starting to take its toll, but the giant refused to go down just yet.
From the smoke, Snorlax's massive outline emerged. He let out the best growl a Snorlax could manage.
Ash pointed forward. "Don't back down! Use [Earthquake]!"
Snorlax slammed both feet into the ground. The entire stadium shook violently, cracks racing across the battlefield as a shockwave barreled toward Exbo.
Ethan's eyes flashed. "Oh no you don't [Eruption] on the ground!"
Exbo leapt into the air and blasted fire at his own feet, the explosion launching him skyward. The quake roared beneath him, harmless. Mid-flip, he unleashed another torrent of flames, the blazing column hammering Snorlax full force. The giant cried out, staggering as the attack engulfed him.
Snorlax fell to one knee, still standing but breathing heavily. Exbo landed with a grin to match Ethan's.
"Ready to give up?" Ethan asked, arms crossed.
Ash's lips curved into a smirk. "Never in a million years. But fine, let's make this interesting. Snorlax, if you land one good hit on Exbo, I'll double your food for a month."
Snorlax's eyes sparkled like stars. He stood tall again and took a single step, boom. The stadium quaked from the sheer force. This time, he was going all in.
Ethan's eyes widened. "Exbo, quick, end it with one more [Eruption]!"
Ash snapped his fingers. "[Giga Impact]." His voice was calm, almost casual.
Exbo gathered his fire, unleashing another roaring blast. Meanwhile, Snorlax crouched low, then began to charge. And despite his size, he was fast, frighteningly fast. Fun fact, Snorlax can run pretty fast when it wants to… they just almost never do. Put that up there with the fact that Snorlax can also swim.
As Snorlax ran, his body lit up with orange energy, bursting into a blazing purple aura streaked with swirling light. He plowed straight through the flames, cleaving Exbo's [Eruption] in half as if it were nothing.
Before Exbo could react, Snorlax's fist shot forward, slamming into his stomach with bone-rattling force. The impact was so powerful, people in the crowd felt the shockwave. Exbo was launched backward, smashing into one of the rocky spires on the field, the stone exploding on contact.
Exbo twitched, staggering back to his feet. He was breathing heavily, coughing, clearly hurting from that brutal strike.
Meanwhile, Snorlax stood frozen. The [Eruption] had actually knocked him out mid-charge, but his hunger-fueled willpower carried his body through to deliver that final blow. Finally, the great Snorlax toppled over. Or… maybe he just fell asleep mid-battle. Honestly, it was hard to tell.
Either way, Ash recalled him with a smile. "Well, he sure did a lot, didn't he?"
Then his grin sharpened. "Now it's my turn. Let's end this."
He spun a Poké Ball on his finger, then threw it out.
The ball burst open, revealing an orange dragon. She stretched her wings and cracked her neck, the light glinting off a certain necklace around it. Dragonite had arrived. She gave Ash a happy wave, then turned toward Ethan and Exbo, her expression hardening into a glare sharp enough to cut stone.
Ethan blinked. "I didn't even know Dragonites were capable of looking angry…"
Meanwhile, up in the VIP stands where the Elite Four and Champions sat, Cynthia tapped her chin. "Hmm, he really has improved. What do you thi-eh?"
The reason she trailed off was clear: when she glanced toward Lance and Professor Oak, both men were twitching in disbelief, their eyes wide, jaws clenched as if they'd just seen something impossible.
"I gave him that egg last year. Even if it hatched immediately, it should have only just become a Dragonair. It took me three years to evolve my Dratini into Dragonite."
"Three? It took me five years…" Oak sighed into his hand. "I swear, these kids never stop surprising me."
Cynthia blinked, absorbing their words. Before she could comment, Mr. Goodshow, sitting just behind them, let out a hearty laugh, "Hohoho! Well, perhaps you should be careful. Looks like the new generation is already surpassing the old. If you stop paying attention, they'll be strong enough to beat you all soon."
They all fell silent for a moment. Was that really so far-fetched? Maybe it was only a matter of time. Cynthia caught their conflicted expressions and chuckled softly, turning her attention back to the battlefield below.
The crowd was in a frenzy, cheering so loud the stadium rattled. On the field, Exbo and Dragonite locked together, claw against claw, each trying to overpower the other. Dragonite had the raw strength advantage, but Exbo had age, experience, and training on his side.
Their names echoed through the arena. Friends, rivals, and fans all shouted encouragement. Across the world, in Kanto, Hoenn, Kalos, and beyond, holding their breath.
"C'mon, Exbo, you've got this!" Ethan shouted.
Ash's cap shadowed his eyes, but a smirk played on his lips. "Dragonite, let's do this [Dragon Dance]!"
Dragonite's body flared crimson. Her power spiked, and with a roar she shoved Exbo back. He skidded across the battlefield, claws digging trenches into the dirt, fire erupting from his back to slow his slide.
Ethan clenched his fists. "So what if she's stronger? You're tougher [Flamethrower]!"
Exbo roared, unleashing a blazing river of fire.
"Break through with [Dragon Claw]!" Ash commanded.
Dragonite surged forward, her claws glowing emerald. She tore through the flames, scattering embers like fireworks before raking Exbo hard across the chest. The Typhlosion staggered but held his ground, fury blazing in his eyes.
Ethan thrust his hand forward. "Exbo it's now or never! [Eruption]!"
Exbo bellowed, flames exploding from every pore. A pillar of fire engulfed the battlefield, swallowing Dragonite whole. The inferno blazed so brightly that some spectators had to shield their eyes. Even Ash, standing at ground level, felt the searing heat but he only smiled.
He un button his blazer opening it as the wind blew against him, and he raised his arm revealing his Keystone. Holding it high, his voice cut through the roar of fire.
"Alright then let's give them everything we've got! Dragonite, Mega Evolve!"
The Keystone flashed, resonating with the Mega Stone fastened to Dragonite's necklace. Light burst forth, a cyclone of radiant energy swirling into the shape of a colossal dragon. The storm sucked in Exbo's flames, spinning them around Dragonite until the fire bloomed like a burning lotus.
At its center, Mega-Dragonite spread her wings, roaring as the firestorm shattered outward.
For a heartbeat, the entire stadium went silent.Then the crowd erupted into deafening cheers.
Ash smiled. "Let's show them our hard work. Ethan, you're the first person to see this." He pointed forward and grinned. "Dragonite, [Dragon Ascent]!"
Dragonite launched skyward in a burst of radiant energy, her whole body blazing with multicolored flames. She cut straight through Exbo.
You might wonder how she can do this. Well, remember her mutation, Dragon of the West, she just needed to make a few modifications, and that week-long break Ash had given her provided just that. This was her version.
"EXBO, COUNTER WITH EVERYTHING YOU'VE GOT!" Ethan screamed. "USE [BLAST BURN]!!"
Exbo gathered every ounce of fire within his body, flames turning white-hot as he unleashed the hottest attack he could muster. As the two attacks collided, a brilliant flash erupted.
The clash tore the arena apart. Shockwaves blasted through the stands, and the light swallowed everything as everyone watched the dazzling display.
Then Ash felt it again, his heartbeat, bum bum bum. He closed his eyes, focusing. That feeling was back. When he opened them, his eyes shone red again, and he called out, "Come on then, Dragonite! Go beyond!"
Dragonite roared as she pushed harder, splitting the fire blast in half, shooting it to the sides as she descended upon Exbo. Then came the explosion, kicking up dust and wind, forcing Ash and Ethan to brace themselves.
When the smoke cleared, everyone's eyes nearly fell out of their sockets. The battlefield was gone, only a massive crater remained. Dragonite and Exbo stood in the middle, trembling, sparks and flames licking across their battered forms.
The crowd held its breath.
Then Exbo's knees buckled. With one last roar, he collapsed, unconscious.
Dragonite, still faintly glowing with Mega energy, let out a victorious roar into the sky before returning to base. She looked back at Ash and tackled him in a crushing hug.
The referee's flag shot into the air. "Exbo is unable to battle! The winner is… ASH KETCHUM!"
The stadium erupted. Cheers shook the skies. Confetti cannons boomed. People across the regions, watching on screens, jumped to their feet, screaming Ash's name.
Ash gently forced Dragonite to loosen her grip as he rubbed her head. "You did great, but please let go before you crush my ribs." But Dragonite only hugged tighter, giving him a look that clearly said, don't stop the head pats.
Ethan slid down into the crater and ran over to Exbo's side. As he ribbed him, Exbo forced himself to look up, giving an apologetic look. Ethan just shook his head and patted him. "You did great. So what? Second place doesn't sound too bad after all."
Ethan returned him to his Pokéball, then stood up, looking over at Ash, who was still being crushed by Dragonite. He laughed. "Well Ash, you won. Congrats, Champion~"
"Thanks, my guy. But do you mind giving me a little help—" Ash was cut off by another squeeze from Dragonite, making Ethan chuckle as he ran over to help.