Pokemon X & Y Reimagined

Chapter 12: Battle Chateau Challenge! Let's go Fire Bird!!

Serena stroked Fennekin's thick fur with her brush and savored the gentle morning breeze. However, her little fire fox puffed up both cheeks and tried to hold her ears shut from the ruckus going on around them.

"Oh Fennekin, let them have their fun." Serena patted her head and smile at Ash while Bonnie cheered Clemont on.

"Riolu, use Force Palm!"

"Bunnelby Double Slap!" Both Pokemon clashed above the battlefield behind the Pokemon center the group rested at near the edge of route 7. Riolu knocked away Bunnelby's ears while Fletchling flew up over him.

"Pin Missile!"

"Ches!" Chespin shot a barrage of thorns over Bunnelby that flew straight for Fletchling. However, the little fire bird and his trainer were ready.

"Ember!" With a burst of flames from his beak, Fletchling burned the attack up and descended upon Chespin.

"Ahh, vine whip!"

"Aerial Ace!" Fletchling slashed away each vine, clearing a path for his final strike that slammed Chespin onto his back. "Awesome Fletchling!" Ash's Pokemon cheered their companions on. Those in battle surged with adrenaline and the sensation of aura via their bond with Ash. Fletchling and Riolu felt ready to take on even legendary pokemon and came in with explosive enthusiasm.

"Fletch!" Fletchling's Aerial Ace and Riolu's Force Palm sent Clemont's Pokemon into the ground with swirled eyes.

"Great job guys!"

"Pika Pikachu!" Ash picked up both pokemon in his arms, and Riolu hugged him tight, savoring every moment of the embrace. Fletchling sang while holding both wings out and likewise drank the praise from his teammates, Serena, and above all, Ash. Clemont assured his pokemon they were improving, and both rubbed their heads after Pikachu and Charizard told them similar.

"Riolu is getting a lot stronger." Serena's compliment made the little Aura Pokemon blush though he struggled not to growl when Froakie patted his shoulder and offered congratulations alongside some suggestions for his next battle.

"Maybe, but we still have to improve before our battle against Grant." Ash could not finish before Riolu jumped back into his arms with stars for eyes. "That's right, buddy, your first gym battle. You, Pikachu, and Charizard."

"Grou!"

"Pika!"

"Grau!"

"Fletch." Fletchling shook and turned a little pale. Froakie patted his back but the little firebird did not move. Ash soon took notice via their connection and sweatdropped a little.

"It's not that I don't think you're a valuable team member, Fletchling. But you had your turn against Viola, I have to be fair to the rest of the team. Plus you still haven't learned any moves to give you an edge against rock types."

"Pika, Pikachu." Pikachu added on to Ash's conversation and the little fire bird nodded. However, Ash felt the pit form in Fletchling's stomach and saw his face bury itself toward the ground.

"Fletch."

"Aww, Fletchling, don't feel bad. Here, how about a sweet to celebrate your hard work?" Serena took out four macaroons. Chespin sprinted over leaving a cloud of dust in his wake while Bunnelby and Riolu both ate theirs slowly with wide smiles. Ash and Serena, however, turned a little pale when they saw Fletchling remain still as if the sweet was not there. Chespin's eyes lit up and he tried to take it but Clemont and Bunnelby held him back.

"Fletchling, there will be other gym battles. I promise." Ash held Fletchling back in his arms but it made little difference. He kept a close watch on him as the little fire bird paid little attention to breakfast.