"You've finally… evolved!"
Paul stared at the newly evolved Infernape, his expression unreadable. Once, he had relentlessly pushed Chimchar to awaken that elusive Blaze ability—forcing it through brutal training and even ordering his other Pokémon to attack it.
But now, everything Paul believed in had been shattered.
Ash had proven—without words, but with results—that Paul's philosophy was flawed.
And Paul knew it. Deep down, he had already started to change. That's why he agreed to this battle.
In fact, this showdown had been orchestrated by Flint.
Flint had hoped that Paul would battle Ash's Monferno—and now, Infernape—to force Paul to confront the strength born not from pressure, but from trust.
"You were amazing, Infernape!"
"Pika Pi!" Pikachu chimed in excitedly.
"Wow! So this is Infernape? It's the final evolution of Chimchar! If I had chosen Chimchar at Professor Rowan's lab, I guess mine could have evolved like this too. Let's take a look…"
Dawn pulled out her Pokédex.
"Infernape, the Flame Pokémon. Its fiery temperament is matched only by its blinding speed and explosive power."
"That sounds so powerful!"
"Piplup…"
Both Dawn and Piplup were mesmerized as they stared at Infernape. The fiery aura that had erupted around it during battle was now pulled back, simmering quietly.
"Infernape, let's show them your speed—Mach Punch!"
"Waaaa-GAA!"
Ash had barely finished speaking before Infernape became a streak of red light!
Paul's face instantly tensed. Even before he could shout a command, Electivire sensed danger and raised its arms to guard—
BAM!
A devastating Mach Punch landed squarely in Electivire's chest, sending it flying backward!
"That explosive power… Use Thunder!" Paul snapped.
"Flare Blitz!"
Ash's eyes gleamed with excitement. He loved seeing Infernape use Flare Blitz—it was just too cool!
Flames weren't just bursting from Infernape's back—they now surged from its head, like a blazing crown of pure power.
The fire grew hotter, turning from crimson to brilliant azure. Mixed with lightning, it created a roaring storm of energy that cloaked Infernape like a divine warrior.
Electivire's Thunder came crashing down, but Infernape—burning in blue flames and sparking with electricity—charged through without hesitation!
The two attacks collided!
Electivire was swallowed by the surge of blue lightning-flame, launched skyward in a spiral, then slammed into the ground with a deafening BOOM.
A plume of smoke and fire mushroomed up from the battlefield.
When it cleared—Electivire lay unconscious, knocked out cold.
"Unreal… That Infernape is way too strong. I've had my Infernape for months—why isn't it half this powerful?"
"My Empoleon's nowhere near that level either. Even that other guy's Empoleon was stronger than mine. What kind of training do these people even do?"
"We shouldn't underestimate that Electivire either—its electric moves were elite. It just got unlucky meeting an even stronger Infernape."
"Still, these guys came here for that gym badge? Isn't Sunyshore Gym handing out free wins now?"
"…"
The gathered trainers all murmured in awe and confusion.
Sure, they were all trainers too—but none could match up to even Barry, let alone Paul. And Ash? He was on an entirely different level.
"You did great, Infernape. Take a rest—you earned it."
"Waa-GAA!"
Infernape raised its fists and leapt joyfully, celebrating its victory with two little hops.
Paul recalled his fallen Electivire.
He hesitated. Then, for the first time ever, Paul quietly muttered three words:
"…Good job."
That single phrase stunned everyone.
Was Paul… really starting to change?
Paul turned and left. He had gotten what he came for—answers.
And he realized something else too. If Ash was right about Sunyshore Gym Leader Volkner being an Elite Four-level trainer, then he himself… had no chance of winning as he was now.
He needed to become even stronger.
__
"Dawn, Anabel—let's go. It's time we head to Sunyshore City," Ash said as he turned back toward the road.
"Sunyshore is one of Sinnoh's most advanced cities," he added, "We'll rest up there before heading to the grand stage of the Pokémon Contest Festival—Lake Resort."
But when they reached Sunyshore, the Gym was closed.
"I thought so…"
Ash stood in front of the shut doors of Sunyshore Gym.
A mechanical voice echoed from a speaker above the gates.
"Hello! Welcome to Sunyshore Gym. May I help you?"
The robotic voice came from an AI assistant stationed at the door.
Ash didn't respond. He just turned away.
"Pika?"
"Infer?" Infernape also looked back curiously.
"Ash? Is the Gym Leader not here?" Dawn asked. "Is it true what you said to Paul—that Volkner is really that strong?"
Before Ash could answer, a deep voice chimed in from nearby.
"If you're wondering about that… allow me to answer."
They turned—and from just outside the Gym, a young man with blazing red afro-style hair walked over, radiating presence.
"Name's Flint," he said with a grin.
Wait—Flint?!
"Wha…?! You're Flint of the Elite Four!" Dawn gasped.
She was stunned. One of the Sinnoh Elite Four had just casually walked up to them.
And even more shocking—he seemed to know Ash.
"Hey, I'm Ash. This is my partner Pikachu and my Infernape."
"Nice to meet you! I'm Dawn, and this is Piplup."
"Hello. I'm Anabel," she added calmly.
Introductions went around.
Flint smiled and looked directly at Ash.
"I've been waiting here just for you. Lucian told me your Pikachu defeated his Bronzong. I've been looking forward to seeing you in action."
He paused, then added with a hint of mystery, "Also, there may be something I'd like your help with…"
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T/N:
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