Ash sends out his Starly. I send out my Chimchar.
The battlefield falls into silence, tension settling between us. I stand firm, arms crossed, watching Ash's eager expression as he points forward.
"Starly, Quick Attack! Let's go!"
Starly becomes a blur, kicking off the ground with impressive acceleration. Fast—but not unexpected. I barely have to think before giving my command, my voice steady.
"Fire Punch."
Chimchar doesn't hesitate. Flames burst around his fist just as Starly closes in. The impact lands simultaneously—Starly's Quick Attack strikes first, forcing Chimchar back half a step, but Chimchar's Fire Punch slams into it even harder. A burst of heat flares as the Pokémon collide. Singed feathers scatter in the air as Starly tumbles backward, barely catching itself in time. Its wings flapping hard to stabilize.
Dawn watches with wide eyes. "Whoa! That wasn't a normal Fire Punch—Chimchar hit at the exact same time Starly did!"
Brock nods. "Paul didn't just counter—he endured the hit so he could land his own attack right after. That takes serious precision."
Ash clenches his fists. "Shake it off, Starly! We're not done yet!"
I stay calm. Rushing in carelessly isn't my style. Instead, I give my next command smoothly.
"Scratch."
Chimchar lunges forward, claws flashing. It's an aggressive push—if Starly stays grounded, it won't last long.
"Starly, up! Fly!" Ash calls.
Starly flaps hard, shooting upward just before Chimchar's attack lands. Chimchar skids to a stop, staring up as Starly circles above. A predictable counter.
Dawn pumps her fist. "Nice move, Ash! Chimchar can't hit Starly if it stays up there!"
I narrow my eyes. If Ash wants to play keep-away, I have the answer.
"Ember."
Chimchar inhales, then fires a rapid barrage of glowing embers into the air. The small flames streak toward Starly like scattered meteors.
"Dodge, Starly! Weave through them!"
Ash's Starly twists and turns midair, flitting between most of the attacks—but not all of them. A few embers clip its wings, scorching the feathers. Smoke trails in their wake.
Brock watches closely. "Paul isn't just throwing out attacks—he's controlling the flow of battle. He knew Starly would try to stay in the air, so he forced it to keep dodging."
Dawn frowns slightly. "But wait… that means…"
Ash notices too. His voice is urgent. "Wing Attack! Full power!"
Starly tucks its wings, diving fast. The energy pulsing around them turns it into a living spear. It's coming in strong, direct, determined.
I exhale. Right into my range.
"Catch it."
Chimchar arms lash out in a blur. His hands clamp down mid-dive, gripping Starly's wings. Feet skid back from the sheer momentum, but his hold didn't waver. The Wing Attack lands, but now Starly is trapped—and it's too close to escape.
Dawn gasps. "No way! He caught it?!"
Brock crosses his arms, eyes sharp. "Not just that. Ash committed to an all-out attack—but Paul turned it against him."
I meet Chimchar's eyes. "Flame Wheel."
Without hesitation, Chimchar curls into itself, flames surging outward. Still gripping Starly, it launches into a blazing spin.
The battlefield erupts in light.
A vortex of fire engulfs them as Chimchar twists midair, dragging Starly through the inferno. Starly cries out, struggling against the relentless heat and spiraling force—but there's no breaking free. Chimchar controls the motion completely.
Then—release.
Chimchar lets go, and Starly hurdles out of the flame spiral, crashing hard against the ground. The fire flickers out, revealing the damage—feathers blackened, Starly completely knocked out.
Brock steps forward. "Starly is unable to battle."
Ash clenches his jaw, then exhales sharply before calling Starly back. Even in defeat, his energy doesn't waver. "You did great, buddy! Take a rest."
Dawn stares in disbelief. "…That was brutal."
Brock nods. "Efficient. Paul isn't flashy, but every move is deliberate."
Dawn frowns slightly, still trying to process the battle. "What do you mean?"
Brock glances at her, then gestures toward the field. "Think about what just happened. When Ash told Starly to get in the air, Paul was ready for it. He had Chimchar use Ember, forcing Starly to dodge. But that wasn't just a random attack—it was a calculated trade-off."
Dawn tilts her head. "How? Wouldn't firing Ember over and over just waste Chimchar's energy?"
Brock nods. "Exactly. Chimchar was using stamina—but so was Starly. Every time it dodged, it had to flap harder, using up energy. That meant both Pokémon were tiring out at the same rate. Normally, that would make things even." He pauses, then adds, "But here's the thing—some of those Embers still hit."
Dawn's eyes widened slightly. "Oh… so even though they were both using energy, Starly was also taking damage."
Brock smiles. "Right. And once Ash realized what was happening, he didn't have much choice—he had to go all in. A drawn-out fight would only wear Starly down more. So, he committed to a full-power Wing Attack, hoping to turn the battle in his favor."
Dawn's expression shifts as she pieces it together. "…But Paul was ready for that, too."
Brock nods. "Exactly. He didn't just react—he predicted Ash's next move. When Starly went for the finishing blow, Paul used its momentum against it. Catching a flying Pokémon mid-dive isn't easy, but because Paul controlled the battle from the start, Chimchar was in the perfect position to do it."
Dawn folds her arms, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "…So Paul wasn't just fighting, he was setting up his win from the very beginning."
Brock chuckles. "Pretty much. That's the difference between a trainer who fights on instinct—like Ash—and one who fights with pure strategy—like Paul."
Then, with a determined smile, he grabs his next Poké Ball.
"Alright, Paul! Let's see how you handle this one!"
I watch as he throws it, already considering my next move.
__________
Ash's grip tightens around his Poké Ball, eyes burning with determination. "Aipom, let's go!"
In a flash of light, Aipom lands on the battlefield, tail swishing eagerly. It grins, bouncing lightly on its feet, bouncing from one foot to the other. Typical. It's fast, unpredictable, and irritatingly persistent.
I release my next Pokémon. "Larvitar, stand by for battle."
Larvitar materializes, standing firm. Her expression is unreadable, solid as stone—just how I need it to be. I already know how this will play out. Swift won't do much to Larvitar's tough hide, but Focus Punch? That's the real threat. I won't let it land.
Ash wastes no time. "Aipom, Swift! Right from the start!"
Aipom springs into action, flipping into the air as it launches a spray of glowing stars. They streak toward Larvitar, rapid and precise.
"Endure it."
The stars pelt against Larvitar's body, bouncing off with barely any effect. Ash's opening move is ineffective—just as expected. I see him narrow his eyes. Good. He's already realizing he needs a different approach.
"Rock Slide."
Larvitar slams the ground, and a wave of jagged boulders erupts from the battlefield, launching toward Aipom's position.
Ash reacts instantly. "Double Team, go!"
Aipom blurs, creating a dozen shifting copies. The rocks crash into the battlefield, smashing through illusions, but the real Aipom is nowhere to be found.
Dawn watches in awe. "That's so cool! Aipom's just dodging everything!"
Brock shakes his head slightly. "Not for long. Paul isn't the kind of trainer to let a trick like that last."
"Scary Face."
Larvitar's eyes gleam with an eerie, paralyzing glow. A ripple of pressure surges outward, and in an instant, Aipom's clones flicker out, leaving only the real one—stunned for just a second.
Ash sees the opening. "Focus Punch! Charge it up!"
Aipom grits its teeth, tail clenching into a fist as a white glow begins to build.
I won't let it.
"Bite."
Larvitar lunges without hesitation, her jaws snapping toward Aipom's arm. Aipom is forced to abandon the charge, twisting away at the last second. Focus Punch fails. Exactly as planned.
Dawn frowns. "Why didn't Aipom attack? It had Focus Punch ready."
"Focus Punch takes time," Brock explains, eyes locked on the battle. "The moment Aipom gets hit or flinches, it loses the charge. Paul knows that—he's making sure Ash never gets the chance to use it."
"Stomping Tantrum."
Larvitar snarls in frustration at the miss, but I channel that energy into her next attack. She stomps the ground hard, sending shockwaves through the field. Aipom staggers, thrown off balance, struggling to stay upright.
Ash grits his teeth. He knows he can't charge Focus Punch like this.
"Aipom, Swift! Get some distance!"
Aipom, still recovering, fires another burst of golden stars. This time, the attack lands, peppering Larvitar's rocky hide. It does damage—but not enough to matter.
Dawn tenses. "Ash has to do something… Swift isn't working."
Brock nods. "And Paul knows it. Look at him—he hasn't even broken a sweat."
I remain still, watching. This fight is already in my control.
Aipom is fast, but it's fragile. Ash needs to land a strong hit to win, but I'm not letting him. Every time he tries, I shut him down.
Larvitar plants her feet, unharmed, waiting for my next command.
Ash exhales, eyes sharp. He's realizing now—Swift isn't enough.
He needs something else.
I watch him carefully, waiting. Because the second he tries to charge Focus Punch again…
I'll end this match.
Aipom's Swift barely fazes Larvitar. It's quick, but the attacks aren't doing enough. Meanwhile, my strategy is working. Every time Aipom hesitates, every time Ash takes too long deciding his next move, I punish him with Rock Slide.
"Rock Slide, again."
Larvitar slams the ground again, sending another barrage of jagged stones flying. Aipom barely leaps away in time, one of the rocks clipping its tail as it lands.
Ash grits his teeth. He's losing ground. His usual tricks aren't working, and I can see it in his eyes—he's about to gamble everything on one last play.
Brock leans forward. "He's going to force a Focus Punch."
Dawn glances at him. "But Paul keeps stopping it—how's Ash going to land one?"
"You'll see."
"Alright, Aipom!" Ash calls, energy surging back into his voice. "Time to go big! Get in close and charge up Focus Punch!"
Aipom lands lightly on its feet, eyes locked onto Larvitar. Then—it moves.
Not just rushing in, not in a straight line. It zigs and zags, using its tail to spring off the ground at odd angles, flipping unpredictably. Every time Larvitar aims a Rock Slide, Aipom narrowly slips past.
Dawn's jaw drops. "Whoa! It's dodging everything!"
Brock smirks. "That's Ash for you. If brute force doesn't work, he improvises."
Aipom jumps off one of the falling boulders, launching itself into the air. It spins, tail clenched into a tight fist, Focus Punch building up. It's actually going to get a full charge.
Dawn clenches her fists. "This is it! If that lands, Larvitar's done for!"
Brock watches carefully. "Maybe… but Paul doesn't panic. He's waiting for something."
Aipom drops toward Larvitar, Focus Punch glowing bright—
"Protect."
A shimmering green barrier flashes around Larvitar. Aipom's punch slams into it full force. The impact ripples outward—but it's useless. The move fails.
Ash's eyes widened. Aipom's strongest hit, completely shut down.
Dawn gasps. "What?! But—but—"
Brock exhales. "Paul baited Ash into going all in. He let Aipom charge up… just so he could block it at the last second."
Ash grits his teeth. His gamble didn't pay off. And now, Aipom is left wide open.
"Rock Slide, full power!"
Larvitar attacks instantly. No hesitation. More boulders crash down. This time, Aipom has no chance to dodge. The rocks slam into it, knocking it backward. Dust rises as Aipom hits the ground hard.
When the dust clears, it's struggling to stand. Then—its legs give out.
It's over.
Brock steps forward. "Aipom is unable to battle!"
Ash sighs, rubbing the back of his head. "Man… even after all that, you shut me down." Then, his expression sharpens. He's not discouraged. If anything, he's fired up.
"Alright, Paul." Ash said, a confident smile on his face, his hand resting briefly on Pikachu's head. "You ready, buddy?" Pikachu gave a determined "Pika!" Ash's smile widened. "Let's go!"
__________
The air crackles with energy as Pikachu and Elekid square off, sparks flying between them like an unspoken challenge. Ash stands firm, eyes locked onto me with unwavering determination.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt! Full power!" Ash commands, voice ringing with confidence.
Pikachu's cheeks spark violently before it releases a brilliant bolt of lightning, the attack arcing straight for Elekid. The raw energy crackles through the air, a blinding flash illuminating the battlefield.
I remain unfazed. "Absorb it."
Elekid plants his feet, letting the surge of electricity wash over its body. Instead of flinching, he glows with the absorbed power, the energy coursing through its frame like fuel added to a fire.
Dawn's eyes widened. "Wait—what?! Elekid just took that like it was nothing!"
Brock nods, arms crossed. "Elekid is an Electric-type which means that it naturally resists Pikachu's attack. But more than that… Paul let it charge up Elekid's own power."
Of course. This was always the plan. I wait just long enough to make sure Elekid has fully absorbed the energy before I give the next command.
"Now—Thunder. With Pikachu's own energy added."
Elekid doesn't hesitate. The air distorts around him before he unleashes a devastating Thunder attack, the amplified electricity roaring down toward Pikachu in a devastating blast.
The impact is immediate. Pikachu barely has time to react before the surge crashes into it, sending sparks flying as it's thrown backward. The force of the attack rattles the battlefield, and for a split second, the only sound is the lingering crackle of electricity.
Dawn gasps. "That was insane! Pikachu got hit by Thunder plus its own power boosting it…"
Ash's hands clenched into fists. "Pikachu! You okay?"
Pikachu skids across the dirt, its fur slightly singed, but it refuses to go down. It plants its paws firmly, shaking off the attack before letting out a sharp, determined cry. Its cheeks spark again, as if to say I'm not done yet.
Ash nods, determination matching his Pokémon's. "Alright… then let's show them what we've really got."
Pikachu shakes off the impact, its stance low, eyes locked onto Elekid with unwavering determination. Even after taking that much damage, it refuses to back down.
Ash clenches his fists. "Alright, Pikachu—Quick Attack! Let's move!"
Pikachu shoots forward in a yellow blur, barely touching the ground as it dashes toward Elekid with blinding speed.
"Low Kick," I command, my voice steady.
Elekid reacts instantly, shifting its stance and coiling its legs. Just as Pikachu closes the gap, Elekid lashes out, sweeping his foot low across the battlefield. Pikachu barely sees it coming before the attack catches its legs mid-sprint. The impact sends it tumbling forward, flipping uncontrollably across the ground.
Dawn gasps. "That counter was so fast!"
Brock nods, arms crossed. "Paul's using Pikachu's own speed against it. While Low Kick works best on heavier opponents, Paul had his Elekid time the attack against Pikachu's speed to amplify the power."
Ash doesn't hesitate. "Pikachu, Iron Tail! Strike from above!"
Pikachu flips back onto its feet, using the force of the fall to propel itself upward. Its tail glows metallic silver as it twists midair, descending toward Elekid with precision.
I don't flinch. "Brick Break."
Elekid's fist glows white with fighting energy as he thrusts his arm upward. The two attacks collide in a violent clash—Pikachu's glowing tail and Elekid's reinforced fist locking together for a split second. Then, Pikachu is the one sent backward, landing in a skid.
Ash exhales sharply. "Pikachu, back in there! Volt Tackle!"
A burst of energy surges through Pikachu as it dashes forward, electricity crackling wildly around its body. Its speed is even greater than before, the ground sparking beneath its paws as it charges Elekid like a living thunderbolt.
I stay calm. "Protect."
At the last second, a shimmering green barrier flickers to life around Elekid. Pikachu slams into the shield at full force. The impact is brutal. Recoil sends Pikachu bouncing back, skidding across the ground with a pained grunt.
I see my opening.
"Thunder Punch."
Elekid lunges, its fist sparking with raw electrical power. Pikachu is still recovering from the failed Volt Tackle, its stance unsteady.
The attack lands cleanly.
Elekid's charged fist collides with Pikachu's side, launching it across the battlefield.
Dawn winces. "Ouch! That was brutal!"
Brock's gaze sharpens. "Paul's controlling the pace. He's shutting down Ash's offense while countering hard every time."
Ash keeps his focus. He doesn't look shaken—he's already planning his next move. "You think we're out? Not a chance! Pikachu—let's show them what real speed looks like! Quick Attack, into Iron Tail!"
Pikachu dashes forward again, but this time, its movements are erratic. It zigzags unpredictably, flickering from one side to the other, constantly shifting its angle of attack.
My eyes narrow slightly. The battle is starting to get boring, I was honestly expecting more.
"Low Kick. Time it."
Elekid steadies itself, his gaze following Pikachu's movements, waiting for the perfect moment—
But Pikachu jumps.
Vaulting over Elekid's sweeping leg, Pikachu flips midair. Its tail gleams silver, and before Elekid can react, Iron Tail crashes down hard against its shoulder.
Elekid staggers.
Dawn jumps up. "Pikachu landed a clean hit!"
Brock smirks slightly. "Ash adapted. Paul's counters only work if he predicts the approach—but Ash relied on Paul predicting it."
I exhale slowly, I deserved that. I got too arrogant.
Elekid steadies itself, sparks flaring up around his body.
Ash grins, eyes burning with intensity. "Looks like we're just getting started."
I meet his gaze, voice calm, controlled.
"Don't get ahead of yourself."
Ash wastes no time. "Pikachu—Quick Attack, now!"
Pikachu dashes forward, a silver blur streaking across the battlefield.
I react instantly. "Brick Break."
Elekid swings his glowing fist, aiming to intercept Pikachu mid-sprint. But at the last second, Pikachu veers off, circling around Elekid in a tight arc.
"Elekid behind you!"
Before Elekid can adjust, Pikachu slams into his back at full speed.
The force sends Elekid stumbling forward a step, but he doesn't fall. He plants his feet, recovering quickly.
Ash presses the attack. "Iron Tail!"
Pikachu leaps, tail glowing white as it swings down.
I'm ready. "Thunder Punch."
Elekid's right fist crackles with electricity as he throws a punch upward, meeting Pikachu's descending tail head-on. The two attacks collide, sparks flying as they struggle for dominance. Pikachu strains against the force of Elekid's punch, locked in place.
I don't hesitate. "Brick Break with your left hand!"
Elekid's free arm glows as he swings at Pikachu's exposed side. If this lands, the match is over.
But Ash is already ahead of me.
"Now, Pikachu— breakthrough!"
Pikachu shifts its weight, twisting its body mid-air. Using the force of Iron Tail, it flips off Elekid's Thunder Punch, weaving through Elekid's outstretched right arm. Before Elekid can react, Pikachu swings its tail in a sharp arc—
Direct hit.
The blow lands squarely against Elekid's head, sending him skidding backward.
Dawn gasps. "It broke through!"
Brock nods, eyes sharp. "Ash turned Elekid's strength against it. He used the momentum from Thunder Punch to reposition Pikachu—then struck from the perfect angle."
Elekid stirs, growling as he pushes itself back up. Sparks flicker around its body, its legs shaking slightly—
"End it, Pikachu! Volt Tackle!"
A surge of golden lightning erupts around Pikachu as it bursts forward, moving too fast for Elekid to counter.
Before Elekid can fully regain its stance—
Impact.
Pikachu crashes into Elekid at full force, the battlefield flashing white from the sheer energy of the hit. A powerful shockwave ripples outward. Elekid is blasted backward, flipping through the air before hitting the ground.
Smoke and dust settle.
Elekid doesn't get up.
Silence.
Then—
"Elekid is unable to battle!" Brock announces.
Dawn gasps, eyes wide. "Ash actually won…!"
Ash pumps his fist. "Yeah! We did it, Pikachu!"
Pikachu stumbles slightly from recoil but quickly recovers, shaking off the static clinging to its fur. It lets out a triumphant cry, sparks flickering from its cheeks.
I return Elekid without a word. Elekid's Luxury Ball clicks shut in my hand, cool against my palm..
I exhale slowly, my expression unreadable.
…Not bad.
But my mind lingers on those final moments.
I saw the opening. I should have called for Protect, should have given Elekid even half a second to recover. But I hesitated.
Not Elekid. Me.
I let my guard down, let myself believe Elekid would have time to retaliate. But I failed to account for Pikachu following up with a Volt Tackle. If I called for Protect, Pikachu would take recoil damage. Pikachu wouldn't have been able to keep going after that. I had the knowledge. I had the advantage.
My hands shake—not in anger. Not in frustration.
Excitement.
My pulse pounds in my ears. My breath comes fast, my whole body wired with adrenaline.
That was it. That was what I've been waiting for.
A battle where I was pushed. Where I had an answer for everything, and yet—so did my opponent. A match where the slightest mistake, the smallest hesitation, actually mattered.
An almost crazed grin spreads across my face. My fingers itch with anticipation as I reach for Chimchar's Poké Ball. I want more. The rush of battle is still there, my mind already racing ahead.
How fast could I have reacted? What if I had adjusted in time? What if I called for Protect a second sooner?
I want to fix that mistake. I want to go again, to test him again, to push him further—
Then—a thud.
The sound rips through my focus like a snapped wire.
Ash barely has time to react before Pikachu suddenly collapses to the ground, exhaustion overtaking it. Its body twitches slightly, sparks flickering feebly before fading completely.
The energy buzzing through me flickers—then dies.
I return Chimchar's Poké Ball without ever calling it forward. The battle is over. I already won.
I force myself to steady my breathing. Calm down. There's no point in thinking about what comes next. The match is done.
Dawn's eyes widen. "Pikachu—?!"
Ash drops to one knee, his excitement vanishing as he gently shakes Pikachu's small frame. "Hey, buddy, are you okay?"
Pikachu lets out a weak squeak, eyes shutting as it fully succumbs to the recoil of Volt Tackle.
Brock steps forward, his expression serious. "Pikachu is unable to battle." He lifts his head, glancing between us. "That means… Paul wins."
The battlefield is silent.
Ash stares at Pikachu for a moment, realization setting in. His final Pokémon just fainted.
The battle is over.
Dawn looks at Brock, confused. "Wait, but… Pikachu beat Elekid. Shouldn't that mean—?"
Brock shakes his head. "This was a three-on-three battle. Paul's Chimchar beat Starly, Larvitar beat Aipom, and now… Pikachu fainted from recoil. That means Paul still has two Pokémon left."
Dawn's lips part slightly. "…Oh."
Ash exhales, looking down at Pikachu. The adrenaline is gone now, replaced with quiet acceptance. He gently picks Pikachu up, cradling it in his arms.
"…I see." His voice is softer now, as he strokes Pikachu's fur. "You really gave it your all, huh?"
Pikachu stirs weakly, pressing into Ash's touch. Even in defeat, it still trusts him completely.
I walk towards Ash, who's still kneeling beside Pikachu. He's murmuring something to it, quiet words of reassurance as he gently strokes its fur.
I exhale. "Your Pikachu fought phenomenally."
Ash looks up, surprised.
I cross my arms, keeping my expression neutral. "It beat Elekid fair and square. That was a spectacular match."
Ash blinked, then grinned. "Yeah… and you're really strong too. Your strategies were incredible! I barely kept up."
I nod once. "Battles are about more than just strength. You figured that out by the end."
Ash's grin widens. "Then I guess I'll just have to keep improving."
I pause—then extend my hand.
Ash blinks, caught off guard for a second. Then, without hesitation, he clasps my hand firmly, shaking it once. His grip is steady, unwavering.
Good.
I let go and turn without another word, walking away.
But my mind won't let it go.
That wasn't the Ash I had dismissed.
That wasn't the naive, reckless trainer I assumed wouldn't be worth my time.
No—this was different.
This was his game when he was with Pikachu.
And for the first time, I actually want to play.
__________
Author's Note: So, I had Pikachu beat Elekid. This is because I think it's stupid how Pikachu lost to Trip's new Snivy. And even drawing against Paul's Elekid in their first battle. Additionally, Paul trained Elekid mostly on acquiring Vital Spirit, so narratively Elekid is actually physically weaker now than it was in the anime at this point in time.
Also remember how I was having Paul decide that Ash wasn't going to be worth pursuing as an actual rival? I lied. Pikachu beating Elekid is going to be memorable enough for Paul that he decides that Ash actually can push him farther; He won't be antagonistic, but he'll be the rival that's consistently 1 step ahead of Ash the whole time.