Outside the Granite Cave, the group gathered as Ash and Steven faced off.
"Alright, let's go—Aggron!" Steven called, sending out his familiar steel titan.
[Aggron]Ability: Heavy MetalStrength: Quasi-Elite Four (Mid-Tier)
"You're up, Charizard!" Ash released his strongest Pokémon in response.
"Aowu~!" Charizard roared, locking eyes with Aggron.
Ash knew this Aggron wasn't Steven's ace, but as a former Champion's Pokémon, it was in a completely different league from your average wild Pokémon.
"Aggron, Metal Claw!"
"Charizard, Dragon Claw!"
Both Pokémon clashed mid-charge—silver met emerald as sparks flew and the battlefield filled with smoke and dust from the repeated impact.
"Whoa! They're incredible!" Max's eyes lit up with stars. ⁂((✪⥎✪))⁂
Brock and May nodded, just as mesmerized.
Ash shouted, "Charizard, the warm-up's over—let's show them the bond we've forged!"
Ash tossed a stone toward Charizard—the Charizardite X, obtained through the system.
"Aowu!" Charizard caught it. At the same time, Ash activated the Keystone on his universal ring.
"Mega Evolution! Let's go—Mega Charizard X!"
Bright light enveloped Charizard as his body transformed—flames turned blue, scales darkened, bone-like spikes emerged, and fire burned fiercely from the corners of his mouth.
[Mega Charizard X]Ability: Tough ClawsStrength: Quasi-Elite Four (Mid-Tier)
"Aowu!!" Mega Charizard X roared, his battle spirit blazing higher than ever.
"Mega Evolution?!" Brock and the others gasped.
"That's the Mega Evolution from Kalos!" Steven exclaimed. "You've mastered it already? Impressive! Aggron, Double-Edge!"
"Mega Charizard X, Dragon Tail!"
The two titans collided again—this time, Charizard's powered-up tail strike intercepted Aggron's charge and sent him stumbling back.
"Again—Iron Head!"
"Charizard, Dragon Claw!"
Clang! Bang!
Blow after blow echoed through the clearing—giants clashing in a fierce contest of will and strength.
"This is insane!" Brock said, caught up in the intensity of the battle.
"Aggron, full-power Heavy Slam!"
"We're not backing down—Flare Blitz!"
BOOM!
Smoke erupted from the impact. When it cleared, Charizard had reverted from Mega Evolution, badly injured and panting hard. Aggron, however, was lying fainted.
"Aowu…" Charizard gave a victorious cry—then collapsed.
"You did amazing, Charizard." Ash recalled him gently.
He looked up at Steven. "This Aggron isn't even your main Pokémon, right?"
Steven chuckled. "You're strong, Ash. This Aggron used to be one of my core team members. But your Charizard—he was just a little stronger today."
Max's jaw dropped. "Ash… actually beat one of Steven's main Pokémon!"
⁂((✪⥎✪))⁂ "Ash, you're so amazing!" May's admiration only grew.
Brock smiled proudly. "He's really grown strong."
Steven nodded. "This was your first time using Mega Evolution, right? You need to get used to that power surge. With practice, your Charizard will grow even more powerful. I look forward to our next battle. Next time—I'll go all out."
"Thank you, Mr. Steven! I'll definitely be ready!" Ash promised.
Steven said his goodbyes and left, while Ash was quickly surrounded by his curious friends.
"Ash! Can Torchic and Wurmple also Mega Evolve?!"
"When did you get Mega Evolution?"
"Show me again! Please~!"
Ash could only smile awkwardly and deflect with some vague answers.
"No wonder that stone looked familiar," May suddenly realized. "The gem Shroomish gave you and the ones in Granite Cave—they're just like your Mega Stones! That means there are Mega Stones in Hoenn! I'm going to find one for Blaziken! ヽ(^Д^*)/"
"If it were that easy, someone would've reported it by now," Max deadpanned. ←_←
The Next Day – Beachside Training Begins!
The gang set up camp on a beautiful beach. After yesterday's intense battle, Charizard broke through to mid-tier Quasi-Elite Four, a cause for celebration!
Ash was cradling his Pokémon Egg as he managed his team's training:
Charizard: Wearing a weighted training vest
Pikachu: Practicing Electroweb
Bayleef: Working on Energy Ball
Croconaw: Learning Psybeam
Quilava: Training Wild Charge
Noctowl: Prepping for the upcoming Pokémon Contest
Meanwhile, Max looked sideways at May, who was doing absolutely nothing. "May, Ash is already training. You sure you're ready?" (￢_￢)
"That's a great question!" May said proudly, then dashed into the open.
She struck a pose. "Contests are all about elegance and flair! The first round is all about presentation! Watch this!" She spun in place and tossed out two Poké Balls. "Come on out—Torchic, Wurmple! Let's sparkle!"
The Pokémon popped out… and immediately ran around aimlessly.
"No no no, that's not how it's done!" May huffed. "When you come out, spin, then pose! Like this—" She attempted a twirl and promptly stumbled.
"Haha… sorry! Still working on that!" May rubbed the back of her head, embarrassed.
Ash walked over. "May, that's not how it works. Most Contests only allow one Pokémon, and the focus is on the Pokémon's own elegance. The trainer should support, not steal the spotlight."
"Ah… right. How's your routine going?" May asked.
"Almost ready. I've got the concept. Just need to practice."
"Wow, that's so cool!"
Suddenly—the tent behind them collapsed!
"The tent! And the clothes!" May shouted as they were being dragged toward the sea.
Everyone chased after the runaway tent. Fortunately, it got stuck on a tree, but a suspicious mound of dirt wiggled underneath.
"It's there!" Max pointed.
"You little pest! Wurmple, String Shot!"
The thread latched onto the dirt creature—but it yanked Wurmple away!
"Wurmple!"
"Bayleef, Vine Whip!"
Bayleef lashed out, and Ash grabbed onto the vines too—pulling with all his strength.
POW! Something small and red popped out of the dirt—a tiny crayfish flailing furiously!
To be continued...