The return of a legend

Battling again

It had been a few days since Ash was captured, and everyone could tell he was much happier. He'd gone on a tour of the island with Greninja, introducing him to all the new Pokemon and showing all the cool spots. He even found some trainers to battle with Greninja. Pikachu and Greninja often sparred with each other, firing a barrage of attacks at the other. When Ash went back to school, which took three days, Greninja went with him. He sat in the back of the classroom, watching with interest and minor boredom as Kukui taught. As interesting as the lessons were, he'd much rather be battling. It was something Ash instilled in him from a young age, and he had a feeling that Ash was the same way. His trainer always got excited when he could finally leave, rushing to the battlefield with his other friends. Greninja wanted to battle that Charizard. The last one he fought, as he found out, had been amped up with technology that enhanced his Mega Evolution. He wanted a fair fight this time, one that wasn't dirtied by technology or conspiracies to take over the world.

It was one fateful afternoon when Greninja finally got his chance. Ash had been racing down to the field like normal when Kiawe walked up to him. "You know, Ash, I don't think over ever fought against one of your water types." 

Greninja got excited. "Now that I think about it, you haven't. How do you feel battling against Greninja and I?"

 Kiawe nodded. "Don't be upset if I kick your ass." 

"You can try!" Ash raced down to the battlefield, Kiawe right on his heels. Greninja was already waiting on the field, which made Ash smile. Greninja was ready to battle. Ash took his spot behind Greninja, grinning like a madman as Kiawe took his spot. 

"Don't go easy on me now, Ash." Kiawe grinned, pulling out Charizard's Pokeball. 

"Why would I ever do that? You ready, Greninja?" Greninja nodded, getting into a ready stance. 

Kiawe threw Charizard's Pokeball up in the air, summoning the large fire-type. Greninja liked the odds already. 

"Let's have some fun. Greninja, Water Shuriken!" Greninja slapped his thighs, summoning two Shuriken and throwing them. 

"Dodge it!" Kiawe called, and Charizard took to the air. 

"He'll probably use Flamethrower next. Alright, double team!" Charizard growled as the copies flashed into existence, trying to figure out which one was the real one. 

"Let's weed them out. Flamethrower!" Charizard roared, and a geyser of flames erupted from its mouth.

"Run around the battlefield! Don't let it know which one is real!" Ash called over the flames. Greninja set off, running with its copies. Despite the fact that Charizard had flames nearly every copy, Greninja kept summoning more. Ash could tell Charizard was getting frustrated. 

"This isn't working. Charizard, use Slash!" 

"There we go. Draw it in, Greninja." Ash encouraged, waiting for the right moment. Right before Charizard hit the real Greninja, Ash gave another command. "Aerial Ace!" Greninja's fist started glowing, and he sent a punch right at Charizard's head. 

Charizard flopped to the ground, shaking his head in a lazy manner. "Charizard! Are you alright?" Kiawe called. Charizard growled. 

"Now, Water Shuriken!" Greninja launched the throwing stars again, which successfully landed in Charizard's side. It knocked the Pokemon back again, nearly to the edge of the arena. 

"Get up, Charizard! Use Fire Punch." Charizard growled again, its fist lighting up with flames. 

"Let it tire itself out. Keep dodging the attacks." Greninja nodded, jumping over and sliding under Charizard. He could tell that Charizard was taking the damage. 

Charizard nearly hit Greninja once, but the smaller Pokemon dodged at the last second. It paused, having to catch its breath. "Now! Use cut!" Greninja pulled the blade from his side, sliding them down Charizard's back. Charizard immediately fell down, its eyes turning to the swirls that Ash was familiar with. 

Kiawe sighed. "That's what I get for challenging a water type." 

Mallow laughed from the stands. "That's what you get for challenging Ash! How many defeats is that now?" 

Sophocles pulled out a notebook. "Adding that one? Seventeen." 

"You two are no help." Kiawe sighed, pulling Charizard back into its Pokeball. 

Greninja walked over to Ash, high-fiving him. Pikachu leapt onto Greninja's head, chattering excitedly. "Still looking good, buddy. Hey, after I finish this school year, I plan on returning to Kanto. How do you feel about coming with me? You can meet my mom, and some of my other friends." Greninja grinned, nodding eagerly. "Then it's decided. You and Pikachu are coming back with me to Kanto. I can't wait for you to meet everyone there. Some of the battles were amazing." Greninja nodded again, wrapping his arm around Ash's shoulders. He couldn't wait.