Chapter 46

 It has been two days since Ash, Pikachu, Serena, Brock, and Holly left Anabel's home, and the group is walking through the woods, waiting for a good spot to take a break for lunch. As they are walking, Brock and Holly are discussing strategies for when Holly faces Agatha at the Viridian City Gym.

 "So, most of my Pokemon's attacks would be effective against Agatha's Gengar except for normal, fighting, poison, or grass attacks?" She asks.

 "Right, so you want to avoid ordering moves like your Wigglytuff using Pound or Headbutt or your Farfetch'd using Fury Attack or Razor Leaf," Brock answers. "And since a Gengar is resistant to poison attacks and completely immune to fighting attacks, you could only use Mud Shot with Toxicroak. It's very effective against Ghost types, but it might be best that you don't use Toxicroak if you're going to rely on only one attack."

 Holly pouts and says, "That's a shame. I like using my Toxicroak in battle."

 "I know you do," Brock says, smiling. "But don't forget that most of your other Pokemon have fairly effective water, flying, electric, and steel-type attacks. If you use either of those Pokemon, I bet you'll be fine."

 Holy gives him a sweet smile and puts her arm around him. 

 "I know I will be as long as you're beside me and as long as I'm wearing this," she says, holding out her necklace. 

 The two adults giggle flirtatiously as they walk together. Serena smiles, happy for both of them and turns to Ash.

 "What about you, Ash?" She asks. "Have you thought about any strategies for your battle against Agatha?"

 Ash hesitates nervously and rubs the back of his head.

 "Not really," he admits. "I guess if Agatha does six-on-six battles with her challengers, and they're all ghost Pokemon like Gengar, then I would have to switch Primeape out for someone else since it only knows fighting type moves. Apart from that, I'll have to see what happens."

 "Of course," Serena says, shaking her head with a smile. "That sounds just like you, Ash."

 "Pikachu," Pikachu says in agreement while standing on Ash's shoulder.

 A couple minutes later, the five of them find a large spot of grass near the road, and Brock steps up and turns to his friends.

 "Well, gang, this looks like the perfect spot to set up for lunch," he announces.

 "Awesome!" Ash says excitedly. "I can't wait to eat."

 "Neither can I," Serena agrees. "Looks like there's a good spot to build a fire so you can make some stew, Brock."

 "Oh, yes! Please, make some stew," Holly says enthusiastically. "You haven't made any stew since after my battle with Koga."

 Brock chuckles and says, "Alright, alright, I'll make us some stew. But I'm gonna need you and Ash to find some firewood while Serena and I set up."

 "Deal," Holly says eagerly. "Ash, why don't you and Pikachu look for wood on the right while I go on the left."

 "Sounds good to me," Ash says. 

 With everyone in agreement, Ash, Pikachu, and Holly go to different sides of the forest while Serena sets up the table and Brock gets ingredients for the stew. The auburn-haired woman looks deep in the forest until she finds a tree that has long branches but few leaves. 

 "That will be perfect," she says to herself before taking out a Pokeball and throwing it at the tree. "Farfetch'd, use Fury Swipes on the branches!"

 The ball opens, and Farfetch'd comes flying toward the tree, cutting the branches off with its leek stalk. The branches land on the ground as Holly turns to her Pokemon pleased. 

 "Thank you, Farfetch'd. I'm sure this will be more than what Brock needs," Holly says.

 "Farfetch'd," Farfetch'd replies happily before Holly returns it to its Pokeball.

 Thus, the auburn-haired woman picks up as many of the fallen branches as she can carry and starts making her way back to the group. But as she's walking, she hears the sound of someone screaming.

 "Help!"

 Holly frowns and looks around, unsure of whether or not she heard something until she hears the sound of someone crying out, "Help!" again, and sees someone walking through the forest. She squints her eyes to clearly see a teenage boy with auburn-blond hair racing through the woods and carrying a Pikachu with messy hair on top of its head. Holly looks at the boy, confused, until she sees a big Beedrill angrily flying toward him. Holly gasps and immediately drops her branches as she runs over to catch up with the boy and the Beedrill. The boy trips and falls to the ground, keeping his arms around his Pikachu to protect it, and the Beedrill gets ready to attack when Holly steps between it and the boy with his Pikachu.

 "Wigglytuff, come out and use Sing!" She shouts while throwing a Pokeball into the air. 

 The ball opens, and Wigglytuff appears with a cheerful smile. It turns to the Beedrill and starts singing a soft tune. The poison bee Pokemon stops charging, and it freezes in place for a moment until its eyelids grow heavy. It tries as best as it can to stay awake, but before long, it plummets to the ground, snoring soundly. Holly smiles, relieved to have stopped it, when she realizes something. 

 "Oh my gosh, now I have a chance to catch it!" She says before she quickly takes out a Pokeball from her pocket and throws it shouting, "Go, Pokeball!"

 The ball hits the sleeping Beedrill and opens, sucking the Pokemon inside with a pink flash. The ball closes and starts moving back and forth. Holly, Wigglytuff, and the boy stare at the Pokeball intently until it stops moving, and sparks come out the center with a "ding!"

 "Yes!" Holly cheers as she runs over and picks up the Pokeball. "I caught a Beedrill."

 "Wigglytuff!" Wigglytuff shouts cheerfully. 

 Holly starts dancing like an excited little girl with her Pokemon until she realizes the boy is still there and stops. She clears her throat and walks over to the boy.

 "Sorry about that," she says. "Are you okay?" 

 "Yeah, I'm okay," the boy says before turning to his Pikachu. "But Sparky has been poisoned."

 Holly frowns and looks closer to see the Pikachu named Sparky struggling to stay conscious while purple bubbles appear all over its body. 

 "Oh, you poor thing," she says, petting the mouse Pokemon until she gets an idea. "I know. Let's take Sparky to my friends. My future boyfriend is a doctor-in-training. He'll have Sparky perfectly healthy in no time."

 "Really? Thanks, ma'am," the boy says appreciatively. 

 Thus, Holly helps the boy up and leads the boy back to where Brock and Serena are setting up for lunch. By the time they get there, Ash and Pikachu are back, and Brock is already making his stew under a fire made with firewood that Ash and Pikachu found. Serena has already set up the table and plates and notices Holly.

 "Holly, what took you so long?" She asks. 

 "I got a little held up," Holly answers. "I was bringing wood when I had to rescue -"

 "Ritchie?!" Ash and Brock shout simultaneously.

 The boy turns to Ash and Brock, and he smiles brightly. 

 "Ash! Brock!" He calls out. 

 Ash, Brock, and Pikachu run over to meet him, but they suddenly stop when they notice he's carrying the weak Pikachu.

 "What happened?" Brock asks.

 "Sparky got poisoned," Ritchie says, adding serious again. "Can you help him?"

 Brock smiles at Ritchie and carefully takes Sparky off of Ritchie's arms.

 "Just leave it to me," he says. "Ash, get my backpack. Serena, can you take over with stirring the stew?"

 "Sure thing," Serena answers. 

 Brock lays Sparky on the ground while he, Ritchie, and Holly kneel down in front of the Pikachu. Ash brings Brock his backpack, and Brock takes out a Pecha berry. He offers it to Sparky, who weakly sniffs at it before it slowly takes a bite. The mouse Pokemon chews a few times before it swallows and is almost instantly healed. Sparky suddenly sits up and starts gorging on the berry until it is completely gone. Ritchie smiles brightly as Sparky turns to him and jumps into his arms.

 "Sparky, you're alright!" He says happily. 

 "Pikachu!" Sparky says happily.

 "Pika, Pika!" Pikachu calls out from Ash's shoulder.

 Sparky turns to Pikachu, and the two mouse Pokemon run over to each other and start happily playing together. Ritchie smiles, happy to see that his partner is okay before turning to Brock.

 "Thank you so much, Brock," he says.

 "Don't mention it, Ritchie," Brock says.

 Serena makes a confused face and turns to Ash while she stirs the stew. 

 "Hold on, is this Ritchie as in your friend that you lost to at the Indigo League?" She asks.

 "Sure is," Ash says with a smirk.

 Ritchie turns to Serena and asks, "And who are you?"

 "I'm Serena," Serena answers with a friendly smile.

 "And I'm Holly," Holly says. "Nice to meet you properly."

 "You too," Ritchie says. "And thanks for saving us."

 "Holly saved you?" Brock asks. 

 "Yeah, Sparky and I were just exploring through the forest when that Beedrill attacked us," Ritchie explains. "We tried to fight it off, but it hit Sparky with Poison Jab, and I didn't have time to take out any of my other Pokemon before it attacked again. I don't know what would have happened if Holly didn't come in and catch it."

 Brock turns to Holly and asks, "You caught the Beedrill?"

 "I sure did, sweetie-kins," Holly says proudly as she takes out a Pokeball. "Check it out."

 Holly tosses the ball into the air, and Beedrill pops up, flying right above everyone.

 "Wow, that's a pretty big Beedrill," Serena says. 

 "I know," Holly says happily. "Now I have a full party to face Agatha in Viridian City. I'm sure its bug attacks will come in handy."

 Brock gives Holly a nervous chuckle and says, "Actually, Holly, Gengar are resistant to bug type moves too."

 Holly's eyes widen, and she looks away, feeling embarrassed. Brock can't help but chuckle and give the auburn-haired woman a comforting hug.

 "It's okay," he says. "At least you have a full party for the Pokemon league."

 Holly looks at Brock sweetly, appreciative of his words. The two of them stare at each other until Serena breaks the moment.

 "Uh, Brock, I hate to interrupt, but the stew looks ready," she says. 

 Brock breaks out his lovey-dovey state and runs over to check the stew. He takes a taste and smiles at the others.

 "Yep, it looks ready," he says before turning to Ritchie. "Would you like to join us for lunch, Ritchie?"

 At that moment, both Ritchie and Sparky's stomachs grumble at the same time, and they chuckle in embarrassment.

 "That sounds great," Ritchie answers. "Plus, I would like to catch up with all of you."

 "Great!" Ash says happily. 

 Thus, Brock starts filling bowls with stew while Holly fills bowls of Pokemon food for Pikachu, Sparky, Beedrill, and everyone else's Pokemon. Ash, Serena, Holly, and Brock let out all of their Pokemon so they can eat while Ritchie takes out his own Pokemon bowls before tossing five Pokeballs into the air. The balls open to reveal a Charizard, Butterfree, Swellow, Tyranitar, and Tentacruel, who happily wait until Ritchie has filled their bowls with his own Pokemon food before they start eating. 

 "Wow, so Zippo is a Charizard, Cruise is a Tyranitar," Ash says excitedly. 

 "Yep, and my Tentacool, Wraps, turned into a Tentacruel," Ritchie says proudly. "And my Swellow's name is Rose."

 "Wow, you like to nickname a lot of your Pokemon," Serena comments before chuckling with her mouth closed. "Reminds me of Timothy a little."

 "Huh? Who is Timothy?" Ritchie asks.

 "Oh yeah, he's my new rival," Ash explains. "We're planning to face each other at the Indigo League."

 "The Indigo League?!" Ritchie exclaims. "You're going to compete there again too?"

 "What? You are too?" Ash says, surprised.

 Brock chuckles and says, "Why don't we all sit down and catch up while we eat."

 "Good idea," Holly says. "Especially since I'm lost on how you guys know each other."

 "Me too," Serena says.

 Ash and Ritchie chuckle and nod in agreement before they join Serena, Brock, and Holly at the table. The five trainers and all the Pokemon start happily eating for a good ten minutes before Ash, Serena, Brock, and Holly start exchanging stories. Ash tells Ritchie about his journeys through the Battle Frontier and the Sinnoh and Unova regions while he and Serena take turns talking about their journey at the Kalos region. Brock and Holly intervene when Ash talks about the Sinnoh region and tells Ritchie how they met. Finally, the four of them explain the reasons behind their new journey through the Kanto region and how Brock and Holly found each other again. Ritchie listens to everything the group tells him intently while he is eating his stew. 

 "So now Timothy and Coovers are going to the Battle Pyramid to face Brandon while you and Holly are going to battle Agatha at the Viridian City gym," he recollects.

 "Right," Serena says. "And after that, it's onto the Indigo Plateau for the Grand Festival."

 "That's right," Ash says.

 "Wow. You've really been through a lot, Ash," Ritchie says, chuckling. "Then again, everything is always an adventure with you around."

 "You can say that again," Brock says with a smirk.

 "And we wouldn't have it any other way," Serena says, giving Ash a kind look.

 Ash gives her a toothy grin and turns back to Ritchie.

 "You're right; there's always something exciting going on, like our encounters with Team Rocket," he says. 

 "Oh, you're telling me," Ritchie says, rolling his eyes. "I remember all the times we kept running into those two Team Rocket members, Biff, and Cassidy, in particular."

 "You have experience running into those two as well, huh?" Serena says. 

 "Oh, you have no idea," Ritchie groans. "Once, I had to stop them from capturing a Moltres with this guy named Silver."

 "Wow!" Serena says, amazed.

 "Yeah, and one time, the three of us guys and Misty had to stop those two from getting away with a Lugia and its baby," Brock adds.

 "A Lugia?" Serena exclaims, turning to Ash. "As in the same one you came across at the Orange Islands, Ash?"

 "Ah, so you heard that story too," Ritchie says.

 "Wait, what's this about a Lugia on the Orange Islands or a Lugia and its baby?" Holly asks, confused. 

 "It's a long story," Brock says. "But to answer your question, Serena, no. That was a completely different Lugia."

 "Right. That Lugia can communicate with people telepathically just like Diancie, Hoppa, or Volcanion," Ash explains. "This one and its baby that we saved didn't."

 "Oh, I see," Serena says before turning to Ritchie. "So, you are going to compete in the Indigo League again, too, Ritchie?"

 "Yep," Ritchie answers with a nod. "I'm on my way back to my hometown to visit and train until it's time to go to Indigo Plateau for the Pokemon League. I hope to win this time."

 "How funny you should say that when I'm planning to win," Ash says with a competitive smirk. 

 "I beat you last time," Ritchie says teasingly. 

 "You got lucky last time," Ash claims. "Charizard would have beaten Sparky if it listened to me, and now we've developed such a bond that we trust each other."

 "That's right," Brock concurs.

 "Yeah, and don't forget, Ash almost won the Kalos League," Serena says proudly. "So, it sounds clear to me that he's learned from his failures from the last time the two of you battled."

 "Really?" Ritchie says with a raised eyebrow. "In that case, let's finish our lunch and have a battle right now. Three on three."

 Ash grins and stands up from his seat. 

 "You're on!" He declares.

 Without another word, the two boys and all of their Pokemon start wolfing down their food. Within seconds, they all finish and run a couple of yards away from the table. Brock smirks and finishes his food as well.

 "I'll be the judge," he says as he gets up from his seat.

 "But Brock," Holly protests only for Brock to already be gone. She sighs sadly and turns to Serena. "And here we were having a nice meal together with our boys and one of their friends."

 "I guess that's what I get for boasting," Serena says with a sad smile. "At least we get to watch them while we eat."

 Brock finds a spot between Ash and his Pokemon and Ritchie with his Pokemon and raises his hand.

 "This will be a three-on-three battle between Ash and Ritchie!" he announces. "The battle will be over when all three Pokemon from either side are unable to continue! No substitutions are allowed on either side! Are the contestants ready?"

 "Ready!" Ash and Ritchie say at the same time.

 "Then battle begin!" Brock shouts.

 "Alright, Cruise, let's go!" Ritchie calls out.

 "Oshawott, I choose you!" Ash shouts.

 The Tyranitar named Cruise walks over to a spot in front of Ritchie while Oshawott steps in front of Ash. The large armor Pokemon growls menacingly at the little sea otter Pokemon, but Oshawott keeps a brave, determined face.

 "Cruise, use Rock Slide!" Ritchie commands. 

 Cruise creates white sparkles in a ring above its head, which turn into rocks with white outlines along the creases. With another roar, it throws the rocks at Oshawott.

 "Oshawott, dodge it and use Tackle!" Ash calls out. 

 Oshawott dodges the rocks with ease and runs toward Tyranitar.

 "Use Sandstorm followed by Thunder Fang," Ritchie orders. 

 Cruise creates a sandstorm that covers its entire body, keeping Oshawott from carrying out its attack. Suddenly, the Tyranitar pops up from the tornado of sand, and with electricity in its fangs, it picks Oshawott up with its mouth and bites hard. The sea otter Pokemon squeals in pain, and electricity flows through its body while Cruise bites it.

 "Oshawott, break yourself free with Hydro Pump!" Ash shouts.

 Oshawott fights through the pain, and with its body glowing blue, it moves its hands in a counterclockwise position. A ball of water forms between its hands, and it hits right on Cruise's face, causing it to open its mouth, freeing Oshawott.

 "Now, use Razor Shell!" Ash orders. 

 Oshawott takes out its scalchop, and with a light-blue aura surrounding it, the sea otter Pokemon jumps up high and swings its scalchop at Cruise's face. The armor Pokemon howls in agony, greatly affected by Hydro Pump and Razor Shell.

 "Now, finish it off with your Aqua Jet and Razor Shell combo!" Ash instructs. 

 Oshawott holds out its scalchop like a lance, and its body briefly glows blue. Once the blue glow fades away, its body becomes surrounded in water, and it shoots itself like a rocket at Cruise, ramming into it scallop first. The impact knocks Cruise off its feet, and it roars in pain as it plummets to the ground with a ground-shaking thud, and it lies limp with swirly eyes.

 "Cruise is unable to battle. Oshawott wins!" Brock announces.

 "Yes!" Ash cheers. "Way to go, Oshawott!"

 "Oshawoooottt!" Oshawott shouts triumphantly.

 "Wow, that was pretty quick," Serena says.

 "Yeah, I wonder if Ritchie's next Pokemon lasts longer," Holly says.

 Ritchie returns Cruise to its Pokeball and turns to his Swellow.

 "Rose, you're up," he says. 

 "Swellow!" Rose replies, flying toward the field.

 "So, you're choosing Rose next, huh?" Ash says, amused. "Fine by me. Oshawott, use Hydro Pump!"

 "Rose, dodge using Quick Attack!" Ritchie commands. 

 Oshawott releases another Hydro Pump, but with a flip, Rose dodges the attack and rams into its opponent with great speed. Oshawott is sent a few feet away, but it remains standing.

 "Use Aqua Jet, Oshawott!" Ash commands. 

 Oshawott doesn't hesitate to surround itself in water again and shoot itself toward its opponent. But as it's heading for Swellow, Ritchie waits for the right moment to make a call. 

 "Rose, use Double Team," he shouts.

 Rose makes multiple copies of itself, and Oshawott flies through one of them, missing its target completely.

 "Now, use Air Slash!" Ritchie commands. 

 Rose's clones disappear, and it turns to Oshawott. The bird-like Pokemon's wings glow white, and it starts flapping them, causing multiple white, disk-like blades to appear. The disks hit Oshawott, and it cries out while it's sent flying into the air again and crashing into the ground with its body filled with scratches. 

 "Oshawott, don't give up!" Ash encourages. "Use your Razor Shell and Aqua Jet combo again!"

 "Rose, use Quick Attack to dodge again!" Ritchie orders.

 Oshawott takes out its scalchop again, and once again surrounds itself with water and shoots toward Rose. The swallow Pokemon uses its speed to dodge again and flank its opponent from the side, causing the sea otter Pokemon to crash into the ground. 

 "Now, use Wing Attack!" Ritchie shouts. 

 Rose's wings glow white again, and it charges at Oshawott. The water-type Pokemon fails to stand up in time before Rose slashes it with one of its wings, and Oshawott gets knocked off its feet and falls down with swirly eyes.

 "Oshawott is unable to battle! Rose wins!" Brock declares. 

 Ash frowns and returns Oshawott into its Pokeball.

 "You get a good rest, buddy," he says before turning to Gigalith. "Let's show them how powerful you are, Gigalith."

 "Giga!" Gigalith roars as it walks over in front of Ash. 

 "Gigalith, huh? Well, let's see what it can do," Ritchie says, smirking. "Rose, use Wing Attack!"

 "Gigalith. Wait for the right moment and use Rock Blast!" Ash shouts. 

 Rose charges at Gigalith with its wings glowing white again, while Gigalith watches it closely. When the swallow Pokemon is close enough, the red gems sticking out of Gigalith's stomach, legs, and head start to glow orange, and it fires several silver waves out of its mouth. Rose stops charging and tries to dodge, but the waves just come smacking right into the Pokemon, sending it flying into the air.

 "Now, use Rock Smash!" Ash orders.

 The gems in Gigalith's body glow bright orange, and it charges at Rose headfirst as the flying-type Pokemon is about to crash into the ground. 

 "Rose, regain momentum and use Double Team!" Ritchie shouts. 

 Rose spreads its wings, regains control in the air, and makes multiple copies of itself again, surrounding its opponent. Gigalith stops charging and looks around, trying to find the real Rose.

 "Gigalith, calm down," Ash commands. "Use Sandstorm to take them all out."

 Gigalith glows several different colors and jumps into the air. Then it stomps down onto the ground, causing sand to swirl out from under in all different directions. The sand hits all the copies of Rose, making them disappear until the real Rose is left flying next to Gigalith, struggling with the sand in its eyes.

 "Gigalith, Rose is on your left!" Ash shouts. "Hit it with Flash Cannon!"

 Gigalith turns to Rose, and its body becomes outlined in white energy. The energy starts to gather in Gigalith's mouth, creating a large orb of light-blue energy. It fires a beam of white energy with light-blue energy inside, and it directly hits Rose. The Swellow chips likely in pain before it plummets to the ground, unconscious. 

 "Rose is unable to battle! Gigalith wins!" Brock shouts.

 "Way to go, Gigalith!" Serena shouts from the table. 

 "Gigalith!" Gigalith replies, giving the honey-blonde girl a happy grin.

 Ritchie returns Rose to its Pokeball and smiles at Ash.

 "I have to admit it, Ash, I underestimated your Gigalith," he says. "You trained it well."

 "Thanks," Ash says with a grin. "Gigalith and I have been training hard to make it as strong as it is now. It was just a few days ago that it evolved from Boldore after a trade-and-trade-back with Serena, who has been encouraging it on our journey through Kanto."

 Serena gasps quietly and looks away with her cheeks heating up. She turns to Holly, who gives her a teasing smirk and a wink that makes her blush grow.

 "Awesome, but I know how to handle a rock type Pokemon like that," Ritchie says, turning to his Tentacruel. "Come on, Wraps, let's show them how it's done."

 "Tentacruuuuueelll," the Tentacruel named Wraps growls as it walks over in front of Ritchie.

 Ash smirks and says, "Gigalith, use Rock Blast again!"

 "Wraps, protect yourself with Barrier, then use Bubble Beam!" Ritchie commands. 

 As Gigalith releases several silver waves at its target again, Wrap creates a blue barrier around its body, defending itself from the Rock Blast. Then it releases the barrier and fires a large beam full of bubbles. The bubbles hit Gigalith, hurting its rock-type body harshly, but despite the water move's effectiveness, the Compressed Pokemon kept standing strong. 

 "Wow, I'm surprised that Gigalith can take all of that," Holly comments.

 "Yeah, it's a good thing it has the Study ability," Serena says with a smile.

 "Now, Wraps, use Wrap followed by Poison Jab," Ritchie orders. 

 Wraps jumps into the air and lands on Gigalith, wrapping its tentacles around its opponent and squeezing it hard. Before Ash has a chance to make a command, the Tentacruel's blue beak-like appendages glow purple and it bite hard on Gigalith's body, making the compressed Pokemon roar in agony loudly. 

 "Gigalith, shake it off with Sandstorm!" Ash shouts.

 "Wraps, jump away at the right time, and when the sand clears, use Bubble Beam again!" Ritchie instructs.

 Once again, Gigalith jumps into the air, but as it's about to slam its feet down onto the ground, Wraps releases it and jumps away just as the sand is about to swirl in all different directions around Gigalith. The Jellyfish Pokemon waits patiently until the sand clears, giving it the opening to use Bubble Beam again. The bubbles directly hit Gigalith again, and it roars in pain before it wobbles back and forth and falls to the ground with swirly eyes.

 "Gigalith is unable to battle. Wraps wins!" Brock announces. 

 "Aw, now it's down to one Pokemon on both sides," Serena says sadly. "And Gigalith was doing so well, too."

 "Yeah, well, Gigalith is strong, but not even the strongest rock Pokemon can't handle a powerful water attack," Holly says. 

 Pikachu walks over to Ash's side, and sparks come out of its red cheeks. But before it can step forward, Ash puts his hand in front of his partner and smiles.

 "Not this time, Pikachu," Ash says. "I've got someone else in mind with this one."

 Pikachu looks at Ash, confused, as he turns to Gabite.

 "Gabite, let's win this," Ash says.

 Gabite's eyes widen, and it happily steps in front of Ash and faces Wraps shouting, "Gabite!"

 "What? Gabite?" Holly asks, shocked. "Why didn't he choose Pikachu, who can easily take down a water Pokemon like Wraps?" 

 "Pikachu might be the better choice, but Ash doesn't always rely on typing to get the job done," Serena says with a smile. "He most likely chose Gabite because it hasn't been in a battle in a while. Besides, if I know my typing correctly, Tentacruel are also weak against ground type moves."

 "That's true," Brock says, overhearing their conversation. "Plus, Gabite is resistant to poison attacks, so Poison Jab won't do much damage."

 "Oh, so Ash is still likely to win?" Holly assumes.

 "We'll see," Brock answers.

 "Gabite, use Dragon Rush!" Ash calls out.

 "Wraps, use Barrier again!" Ritchie commands.

 Wraps summons another barrier, protecting itself from Gabite's powerful attack.

 "Alright, then use Draco Meteor!" Ash shouts.

 "Use Barrier again!" Ritchie shouts.

 Gabite shoots an orange orb in the air, and it explodes, releasing multiple spheres at Wraps, but the Tentacruel just creates another barrier that protects itself just as the spheres land on the barrier and the ground and explode, creating a cloud of smoke. 

 "Now, Wraps, use Wrap again!" Ritchie calls out.

 The Tentacruel named Wraps uses the smoke to pounce on Gabite and wrap its gray tentacles around the cave Pokemon. Gabite tries to break free only for Tentacruel to keep squeezing its body harder.

 "Gabite, Wraps can't use Barrier now, so this is your chance!" Ash shouts. "Use Draco Meteor again!"

 Gabite realizes what its trainer is saying and grins before it fires another Draco Meteor. Then the orb explodes, and multiple spheres are falling, Gabite crouches down and uses the Tentacruel as a shield as many of the spheres hit Wraps on top of its head, and it howls in discomfort, but it still holds onto its opponent.

 "Nice job, Wraps. Now use Poison Jab!" Ritchie orders.

 Once again, Wraps' appendages glow purple, and it bites hard on Gabite. Gabite howls in torment as purple bubbles appear all over its body.

 "Oh no! Gabite is poisoned!" Serena cries out worriedly. 

 "But how? I thought it was resistant to poison attacks," Holly says, shocked. "Brock, how is that possible?"

 "Simple," Brock replies. "Just because a Pokemon is resistant to poison attacks doesn't mean it's immune to the possibility of being poisoned."

 Holly blinks in surprise and stares at the poisoned Pokemon, still struggling with the Tentacruel wrapped around it. Ash frowns, knowing he can't try to cure his friend in battle. 

 "I better make this quick," he says to himself. "Gabite, use Dig!"

 Gabite fights through the pain and dives underground, freeing itself from Wraps' grasp. The jellyfish Pokemon stands up and looks around for its opponent, only for Gabite to come back upright underneath Wraps, sending it flying a few feet away, damaged from the ground attack. 

 "Nice job!" Ash compliments. "Now, use Rock Smash!" 

 Gabite's hand goes yellow, and it charges at Wraps, which it's still struggling to get up.

 "Wraps, use Barrier quick!" Ritchie calls out. 

 Wraps barely manages to summon a barrier in time to protect itself from Gabite's attack. Gabite recoils from the attack and takes a knee as purple bubbles appear on its body again. Ritchie sighs in relief and smirks proudly at Ash.

 "Nice try, Ash, but there's no way you can get past Wraps' barrier," he boasts. 

 "I know I can," Ash says, grinning. "Gabite, attack Wraps from underneath with Dig!"

 Gabite grins and once again dives underground. Wraps looks around for its opponent again while it keeps its barrier up until Gabite comes up from underneath it again, causing the Tentacruel to be sent ramming its head on the top of its own barrier. The shield disappears, and the jellyfish Pokemon struggles to stay standing in a daze until it shakes its body and glares menacingly at Gabite. Gabite glares back at Wraps, but winces when bubbles appear on its body again. 

 "Now's your chance, Wraps! Use Bubble Beam!" Ritchie shouts.

 Wraps is quick to fire another beam full of bubbles that hit Gabite. The Tentacruel keeps using the attack against the cave Pokemon, determined to keep Gabite immobilized.

 "Quick, Gabite, use Dragon Rush!" Ash calls out. 

 Gabite fights through the pain of constantly getting hit by Wraps water attack and its appendages on its head glow blue. With a deep breath, it releases a dragon-shaped energy that covers its body, and it charges at the Tentacruel. Wraps can do nothing but keep using Bubble Beam until Gabite slams into it with full force. Wraps stops using Bubble Beam and takes several steps away from Gabite, who roars menacingly. But suddenly, the purple bubbles appear one more time, and Gabite faints on the stop. Ritchie grins until he sees Wraps start to wobble until it falls on its side, unconscious. 

 "Gabite and Wraps are both unable to continue!" Brock declares. "This match is a draw!"

 "A draw?!" Ash and Ritchie shout at the same time. 

 "Aw, I thought Gabite was going to pull through," Serena says with a pout. 

 "Well, there goes Ash's winning streak," Holly says, giving the honey-blonde girl a sad smile. "I suppose it was bound to end at some point."

 Ash frowns and kneels next to Gabite. The cave Pokemon turns its head to look at him sadly, but the raven-haired boy just grins. 

 "Don't worry, Gabite. We'll get them next time," he promises.

 "Gabite," Gabite says weakly before Ash returns it to its Pokeball.

 Ritchie also returns Wraps to its ball and walks over to Ash with a friendly smile.

 "That was quite a battle, Ash," he says. "You've grown to be a lot cleverer since we've last seen each other."

 "Thanks, Ritchie. You're pretty good, too," Ash says, giving his friend a firm handshake. "Looks like no one wins today, though."

 "Yup, but I still plan to re-enter the Indigo League," Ritchie says proudly. "So, you better be ready, Ash, because if we face each other again, I'm going to win." 

 "Same goes to you because I know I'm going to win," Ash claims.

 The two boys laugh as Sparky and Pikachu smile, glad to see their trainers still happily getting along. Brock, Holly, and Serena smile at the display before Brock clears his throat.

 "We should get going, gang," he says. "We need to clean up and get back on the road."

 Ash stops laughing, and his eyes widen, remembering his plan.

 "Oh yeah, that's right," he says before turning to Ritchie. "Would you like to join us since we're going in the same direction, Ritchie?"

 "Sure, that sounds great!" Ritchie answers. "As long as that's fine with all of you."

 "Of course it is," Brock says with a friendly smile. "We'd love to have you join us. Right, ladies?"

 "Absolutely," Serena says. "Personally, I would love to hear more of your adventures in greater detail, like the story about the Lugia and its baby."

 "I second that," Holly states. 

 "Then let's waste no time. Viridian City awaits," Brock says. 

 "Right," everyone else says.

 So, and Happy back into their Pokeballs and help Brock, Holly, and Serena clean and put away the dishes, Ash and Ritchie return Primeape, Servine, Zippo, and Happy back into their Pokeballs and help Brock, Holly, and Serena clean and put away the dishes, and take apart the table. Once everything is set and packed, the five trainers start traveling again, with Pikachu and Sparky walking beside each other between Ash and Ritchie, respectively. As they all walk together, Ash and Ritchie start telling their adventures in greater detail, and Serena, in particular, listens intently, happy yet amused to see Ash tell more stories with a friend who is like him in many ways.