Ash's Little Sister

Dragon Gym

On my way back to Hammerlocke, I ponder strategies to defeat Raihan. He does double battles, so it's critical to think up plans ahead of time.

"I could pair Vaporeon with Ninetales. Having both a Fire Type and a Water Type working together could make a good combination." I sigh.

"Raihan Gigantamaxes Duraludon, which is weak to Fighting and Ground Type moves. It makes sense to pair Mudsdale and Lucario then." I take out all four of their Pokéballs and let them out. Vaporeon inches away from me, clearly shy. I'm about to reach out when Ninetales approaches him.

"Tales." She nuzzles Vaporeon, then gently nudges him toward me. I laugh in disbelief.

"So the proud and stubborn Ninetales finally warms up to me." Ninetales growls, small sparks shooting off her body. I smile.

"You came to save me when I was taken from my bedroom." I reach out and stroke the soft fur on Ninetales's head.

"You've improved so much since you were a little Vulpix." I turn my attention on Vaporeon who watches the exchange with apprehension.

"Reon?" I reach into my bag and pull out a Chesto Berry.

"I'm Sapphire, and I'm glad to have you on my team." I offer him the berry and he immediately snaps it up. My eyes widen.

"Food motivated, aren't you?" Vaporeon licks his lips then starts moving toward me. He sniffs around me like a dog, looking for more food. When he doesn't find anything, he grips my bag with his teeth, pulling it off my shoulders.

"Poreon.." He sticks his head in it, searching for my berry stashes. I gently pull my bag away.

"I have five other Pokémon to feed. You can't eat all the food." Lucario and Mudsdale look at me hopefully. I roll my eyes and fish out some more berries. I give Ninetales and Gloom one to be fair.

"We have about four hours before the Gym closes for the night. If we want to make it to Wyndon in time for the big event, we need to challenge this Gym today. I book it back to Hammerlocke, trying to beeline for the Gym. I'm accosted by a swarm of people.

"It's Sapphire!"

"I thought you withdrew from the Gym Challenge."

"Do you think you can beat the Dragon Tamer?"

"What will you do if you become Champion?"

I try to push through the crowd, but they just press closer. I look behind me for a way out, finding my Pokémon struggling to keep up with me. I get an idea.

"Mudsdale! Form a barrier around us with Iron Defense. Ninetales, use your Fire powers to make it malleable so Mudsdale can expand it." Mudsdale forges a shield into tight circle around us so as not to include anyone in the crowd. Ninetales exhales a torrent of white hot fire, melting the iron just enough so it doesn't turn into a puddle. I watch as Mudsdale uses her power to expand it, forcing the crowd to back up. I nudge Vaporeon.

"Use Water Pulse to cool the metal down so no one gets burned." The metal fades from a bright red to a cool silver under Vaporeon's power. When I touch it, it's slightly warm to the touch. A voice speaks out.

"That was impressive. With teamwork like that, your Pokémon should be fearsome in a double battle." I lift my gaze to see Raihan.

"It was just a barrier. Nothing too complicated." He puts one hand on his hip.

"Not many people have that kind of creativity when it comes to Pokémon moves. I can't wait to see how this plays out on the battle field." He tilts his head to the Gym.