Ash Ketchum, Pokemon Master By ZaneT69

Chapter 4

After dealing Team Rocket a massive blow Ash continued traveling, training, and catching Pokemon... this time he caught two Poliwhirl to later evolve.

In preparation for his battle with Erika, Ash began training his Pokemon up to level 40... which meant more evolution's.

Charmeleon, Pidgeotto, and Wartortle had all evolved into Charizard, Pidgeot, and Blastoise respectively.

Unfortunately, Ash had also lost a Pokemon.

His Butterfree had fallen in love. It was largely Ash's fault, he knew that Butterfree were mating and Ash wanted his Butterfree to make its own choice on that. Several Butterfree, including Ash's own and the Pink Butterfree that he fell in love with agreed to live on the island that Ash was given by Fate and Death. They would be safe though and Ash could check on his Butterfree often and could visit him. Ash loved all of his Pokemon and he would miss them when he outlived them... their deaths may even finish breaking him.

That was years away though and Ash was focused on the current gym battle.

"Hello," Ash said politely to the Gym Leader, Erika. "I'm here to challenge you for the Rainbow Badge."

"I accept," Erika replied. "It will be a three-on-three Pokemon battle."

Ash nodded and the referee took their position.

"This will be a three-on-three Pokemon battle. The first trainer to lose all three Pokemon will lose the match."

"Go Tangela!" Erika said.

"Go Pidgeot!" Ash said, while hoping that his strategy would work.

"Stun Spore!"

"Gust and then Aerial Ace!" The Stun Spore was dispersed, also damaging Tangela, and Pidgeot quickly attacked and damaged it further. Wasting no time, Ash had Pidgeot use Gust once more...

"Tangela is unable to battle! Gym Leader, please send out your next Pokemon!"

"Go Weepinbell! Use Razor Leef!"

"Gust and then use Aerial Ace!" Unlike Tangela, Weepinbell survived it and tried using Poison Powder. Ash ordered Pidgeot to use Aerial Ace, it was time to test his counters for Powder and Spore attacks... Pidgeot flew through the Poison Powder, its speed and force overwhelmed the Poison Powder, casting it aside, and struck Weepinbell with such force that it was sent flying and then crashing into a wall.

"Weepinbell is unable to battle! Gym Leader, please send out your next Pokemon!"

"Go Gloom!" Erika said, looking somewhat hopeful that her oldest friend could put up a better fight. "Use Toxic!"

"Knock it back with Gust!" Ash ordered. "Use Agility to get close and then use Wing Attack!"

"Dodge and use Mega Drain!" Erika ordered.

Gloom wasn't fast enough to completely avoid the attack and took some damage, but Mega Drain hit and Pidgeot would eventually faint...

"Use Aerial Ace, back to back!" Ash ordered.

"Try dodging Gloom!" Erika said in a panic.