CINNABAR ISLAND; RIDDLE ME THIS & HEATED BATTLE!

Ash is getting closer to entering the Pokémon League and now she is ready to compete for her seventh badge; the Volcano Badge.

As Ash and her friends sail to Cinnabar Island, who knows what surprises await them.

Todd wasn't with them anymore; he took a path for the mountains to find more Pokémon to photograph.

"Can wait to get to Cinnabar, I heard that it was suppose to be beautiful." Ash commented.

"It got an awesome volcano and it's Pokémon research laboratory is one of the best in the world." Brock explained, "Trainers come from all over to learn Pokémon techniques."

"You known that Cinnabar Island is a tourist attraction. There are hot springs there." Volkner said.

Takato face had a smile, "A hot spring."

"Can we take a hot spring?" Mairin asked.

Ash nodded, "I don't see why not. We could use a break before heading towards the gym."

"And here we can get our fossils restored." Alain said.

"I still can't believe that you three found Pokémon Fossils or capture fossils Pokémon." Flint said.

"Just lucky." Ash shrugged.

✿ ---- ⇒ [Break Scene] ⇐ ---- ✿

When they docked on Cinnabar Island, they headed to the Pokémon Centre to get their Pokémon rested up, especially  who has a gym battle.

"So, where should we head first?" Yuna asked.

"I say we split. I'll go to the ash Pokémon Lab to get our fossils restored." Brock offered.

"I'll go and book us a hot spring." Flint offered.

"We'll go with you." Mairin and Takato raise an hand in the air.

"Okay and we'll search for the gym." ash said.

Alain and ash handed Brock their Pokémon fossils and the Breeder left towards the Pokémon Lab area.

They all left, expect for ash , Alain and Volkner.

"So, should we ask where the gym is?" ash questioned.

Volkner nodded, "Seems the best."

Just then a Hippie came up to them, "You looking for the gym?" He asked them.

ash nodded, "Yes I am. Do you know where it is?" She asked.

"The Gym Leader Blaine built his gym in a firey place, where firefighters would never win." The Hippie spoke and then he left.

"Pika? (What?)" Light blinked.

"Raichu Rai Rai. (That was very odd.)" Raichu said.

"Wasn't that a riddle?" Volkner asked.

Alain nodded, "Yes and the answer to that riddle is a volcano."

"... A volcano." ash grumbled.

Volkner and Alain chuckled.

"We should go and meet up with the others." Volkner said.

✿ ---- ⇒ [Break Scene] ⇐ ---- ✿

Alain, ash and Volkner met up with the others at the hot springs that Flint has booked and soon they were all relaxing in the baths.

"This is great." Mairin sighs.

ash smiled, as she lay back against a rock, as her hair was pulled up in a messy bun, "Wah~ we need this." She had to hold back her blush when she saw Alain and Volkner.

Alain and Volkner had to keep their eyes somewhere else, instead of ash's body. Damn it, they are not perverts and refuse to be one.

"Pikapi." Light giggled as Rafa splash her with the water.

"Togephrii~~" Rafa squealed.

"Rai Raichu." Raichu shook his body as the water hit.

"Hey Brock, what did the scientist say about our fosssils?" Alain asked.

"Huh, oh, the Professor said that we'll get our fossil Pokémon tomorrow." Brock replied.

"Okay. We'll collect them after the gym battle." ash said. "Also hear this; The Gym leader Blaine built his gym in a firey place, where firefighters would never win."

"What?" Takato blinked.

"It's riddle." Flint said.

"Isn't that a volcano?" Brock questioned.

"Yeah, a volcano's lava is something that a firefighter would never be able to put out, no matter how much water is used." Volkner explained.

"Isn't a volcano too much." Mairin sweat dropped, "It's like extremely burning sun."

"It's a Gym. Gym leaders like to make their look suitable for whatever type of Pokémon is used." Brock explained. "My Gym is full of rocks and boulders because we use Rock-type Pokémon."

"That's right. Volkner's Gym is really bright for his Electric-type Pokémon." Flint said.

ash had to agree with that; Misty's had it basic on an Aquarium because of the Water-type. Lt. Surge had his gym different from Flint's description of Volkner's Gym, it's like a dull colour for Electric-type Pokémon. Erika's had her gym look like a Greenhouse filled with Grass-type Pokémon and Sabrina's had Psychic assistants.

After finishing with the hot around, the gang found a room at an inn and fell asleep, resting up.

✿ ---- ⇒ [Break Scene] ⇐ ---- ✿

The next day, the gang headed to Cinnabar gym location and it was located at a volcano at the far back of Cinnabar Island.

When they arrived at the volcano, they couldn't see anything; not an entry or exit.

"That's odd. We are at the volcano but I don't see any buildings." Brock commented, confused.

"What about inside of the volcano?" Flint questioned.

"Only one way to find out." ash said.

Light spotted something, "Pikapi Pikachu Pika. (Look at that.)" She pointed.

The gang turned and saw a cave at the base of the volcano, they were about to check it out when the same Hippie ash met yesterday came out of the cave.

"I see that you solved my riddle but before you can battle Blaine, you must answer this riddle first." The Hippie said.

ash nodded.

"What can keep your head dry in the rain but you can also wear it if you already lost?" The Hippie said.

"Huh... Erm, a hair no. Thats not it. A wig then." ash said.

"Thats right. A wig can keep your head dry in the rain but you can also wear it if you already lost your hair." Alain explained.

"You're a smart young man." The Hippie smiled and pulled off his wig, "I am Blaine the Gym Leader of Cinnabar Island."

"Mr. Blaine!" Flint smiled.

Blaine smiled at Flint back, "Why hello there Flint."

"Good to see you Mr. Blaine and I see your still telling people riddles."

"Of course."

Flint explained to the others that it was Blaine the Cinnabar Island, Gym Leader who was one that inspired him to become a Fire-type trainer.

Volkner sighs, "Flint. ash has to ask something." He said.

"Oh, that's right. Sorry." Flint apologises.

ash shook her head, "No worries. I'm ashley from Pallet Town and I wish to battle you for a badge." She said.

Blaine nodded, "Follow me."

The gang followed Blaine as he lead them through the tunnel, as they walked further down it was getting hotter.

Mairin used her hand as a fan, "Is it just me to is it getting hotter?" She asked.

Takato took of his hat and used it as a fan, "No, it's not just you."

Chespie and Zack returned back to their Pokéball seeing how the temperature is getting higher as they walked.

ash took off her jacket, Alain and Volkner did the same thing.

When they arrived at the battlefield, the field was inside of the volcano and everyone could see the lava flowing around.

Brock raised a hand in the air, "Do excuse me, but would the battle make this volcano erupt?" He questioned.

Mairin and Takato gulped.

Blaine laughed and waved off, "No need to worry. I made sure that this volcano never erupts." He replied, "Well ash , its time to battle and this will be a 3-on-3 Pokémon Battle."

ash nodded, "I got it."

✿ ---- ⇒ [Break Scene] ⇐ ---- ✿

"Do you know what Pokémon is ash planning to use?" Mairin asked.

Takato shook his head, "No, nee-chan didn't tell us." He replied.

"Guess we'll see." Brock said.

✿ ---- ⇒ [Break Scene] ⇐ ---- ✿

The gym battle began.

"Ninetails, go!" Blaine sent out the fox Pokémon to battle.

"Ninetails~" It said.

"Nibel, I choose you." ash sent out her Ghost and Water-type Eeveelution out.

"Misteon~~" He said, ready.

Blaine blinked twice, "Well I'll be. One of the newly discovered Eeveelution. Misteon." He chuckled, "We better keep our guard up."

Ninetails nodded, "Nine~"

✿ ---- ⇒ [Break Scene] ⇐ ---- ✿

Alain remember that Professor Oak updated the Pokédex, adding new information, he took out his Pokédex and pointed at Nibel.

[Misteon, the Mist Pokémon. Misteon is a newly discovered evolution of Eevee. Not much is known about this Pokémon, expect it's ability to create deep mist when on the field and disappear into it.

Note: Misteon is a Ghost and Water-type Pokémon.

Seconded Note: Eevee has to hold a Dusk Stone and while in a deep mist area to evolved into a Misteon.]

"Wow, Professor Oak was able to get that much." Takato said.

"True. Misteon is still a mystery to us." Alain said, placing his Pokédex away.

"This is the first time seeing one." Flint said.

"ashley discovered it, she said that she went with her instinct and gave one of her Eevee's a Dusk Stone to hold and she was battling with him in Lavender Tower where the mist started to roll in deeply."

"And Eevee levelled up and evolved into Misteon." Volkner said.

Alain nodded.

✿ ---- ⇒ [Break Scene] ⇐ ---- ✿

"Ninetails use Flamethrower." Blaine commanded.

Ninetails launched a powerful Flamethrower towards the mist Pokémon.

"Nibel use Hydro Pump to douse those flames." ash countered.

Nibel launched a powerful Hydro Pump at Ninetails attack, creating stream.

"Use Fire Spin!" Ninetails flipped in the air and launched a Fire Spin.

"Whirlpool." Nibel drew power and created a whirlpool and he tossed it towards the fox Pokémon, cancelling the Fire Spin and it continued, hitting Ninetails in the process. "Don't stop and use Water Pulse." Nibel created a water orb and threw it, sending a bursting water towards the fox Pokémon.

Ninetails screamed out in pain as the water hit it and then fainted, being hit by two super effective moves was it.

Blaine sighs and returned his fainted Pokémon back, "I'm impressed but the battle isn't over." He sent out the drill Pokémon to battle.

ash hummed and returned her Ghost and Water-type Eeveelution back, "Thats true. Frogadier (she catched one) , let's do this!" She sent out her bubble frog Pokémon.

Frogadier appeared and stood calmly watching the opponent of his.

"Oh a Frogadier. Well, Rhydon Tackle it!" Blaine commanded.

Rhydon charged at the Bubble frog Pokémon at fast speed.

"Fast but not fast enough. Double Team and then Water Pulse." ash said.

Frogadier creates copies of himself, avoiding the charge tackle if he Drill Pokémon and then slammed a Water Pulse in it, sending it back to the other side of the field.

"Use Thunderbolt!" Rhydon fired electricity towards the bubble frog Pokémon who used Substitute to dodge them.

Frogadier just blankly stared at it and soon he glowed and as the light died down revealing the newly evolve Pokémon, he is a large, bipedal, frog-like Pokémon. His body and legs are dark blue, with a single white bubbles on his legs and arms and white spots over his eyes, on the sides of each of its upper thighs is a light blue, four-pointed star, which resembles a shuriken. His back feet have two toes, while his front feet have three third and his feet are webbed and he has a yellow chest and yellow-and-blue face. His has eyes with white sclera, red irises and white pupil. A large, projecting dark blue stripe runs down the middle of its head, with projecting light blue stripes in between his large, yellow ear and its mouth is hidden behind a large, pink tongue that wraps around his neck and extends outward behind his head.

"Greninja." He said, in his newly evolved form.

ash smiled and pulled out her Pokédex, scanning her newly evolved Pokémon.

[Greninja, the Ninja Pokémon. The evolved form of Frogadier. Greninja's swift movements confound it's opponents and it can compress water into sharp-edge throwing starts.]

"Well, just because he evolved doesn't mean we will lose. Rhydon use Stone Edge!" Blaine ordered.

Rhydon roared as stones appeared and sent them towards the Ninja Pokémon.

"Use Cut to defend." ash countered.

Greninja created two kunai-like in his hands and deflected each stone that was aimed towards him, he jumped as Rhydon was using its arm to attack him.

"Rhydon use Thunder!"

"Dodge with Double Team and then Water Shuriken!"

Rhydon fired a Thunder attack but Greninja was faster and used Double Team to dodge and then he gathered water into his arm and it created a giant shuriken made out of water, he threw it at high speed.

And before Blaine could tell his drill Pokémon to dodge it hit it on the stomach, knocking it out.

✿ ---- ⇒ [Break Scene] ⇐ ---- ✿

Flint whistled impressed, "Man, ashley is battling Mr. Blaine much better than I did when I started." He commented. "It's took me awhile to knock his Pokémon out."

"It's ashley , she analyse the Pokémon and then makes her move." Brock said, he knows because he underestimated her when she first battled. "She teaches the Pokémon at a disadvantage, an advantage move to surprise opponents."

"Yahoo! Go, nee-chan beat him!" Takato cheered, even if he is sweating a little. "It's hot!" He wailed.

Alain chuckled.

"Yeah, I should've ask ashley if I could borrow Yuki to keep us cool." Mairin whined, remembering the Alola fox Pokémon. "Yuki could've keep us cool because of her nature."

Takato gasped, "That right." He said.

✿ ---- ⇒ [Break Scene] ⇐ ---- ✿

Blaine recalled his fallen Rhydon, "I have to say, your one impressive trainer ashley." He complimented and held out a Pokéball, "But now I introduce you to my number one Pokémon."

"Maggmmarr!" It cried out as it appeared.

ash pulled out her Pokédex and scanned the Pokémon.

[Magmar, the Spitfire Pokémon. Its body is like a furnace, making Magmar a living inferno. It's has been discovered only near active volcanoes.]

"Greninja return." ash recalled back her ninja Pokémon and held out another, "Since You introduced me to your strongest Fire-type Pokémon. I like you to meet my strongest Fire-type Pokemon." She tossed the Pokéball onto the battle field, showing her red ruby-eyes Charizard. "Meet Nuria."

Nuria roared as she appeared.

✿ ---- ⇒ [Break Scene] ⇐ ---- ✿

"This is going to be a intense heated battle." Brock said.

Flint immediately eyed the Charizard and around her neck, "Mega Stone. ashley is also a Mega battler?"

Takato nodded, "Nee-chan is but she hasn't used her Mega Evolution in any gym battle yet. Only against Alain and his Charizard." He answered.

Alain nodded, in response.

Brock nodded, understanding, "It's makes sense. In Kanto there are rarely any Mega evolution Pokémon for you to battle against." He stated.

"True and Mega Evolution is found in Kalos." Volkner added.

✿ ---- ⇒ [Break Scene] ⇐ ---- ✿

"Amazing Charizard you have there and a Mega Evolution one too..." Blaine complimented, "I can tell she was raised in excellent shape. Hope that your ready?"

Nuria roared, ready.

"Let's start! Magmar use Flamethrower!" Magmar shot Flamethrower towards the flame Pokémon.

"Hit that Flamethrower with your own." Nuria blasted at the stream of fire with her own and soon it was a battle of power.

"Change it, into Fire Blast!" Magmar switched from Flamethrower into Fire Blast.

"Use Air Slash and then Dragon Claw!" Nuria flapped her wings and sent Air Slash at the kanji-like flame, destroying it and then she flew at high speed and then hit the spitfire Pokémon with Dragon Claw directly.

"Don't give in Magmar used Smokescreen!" Blaine commanded. Magmar covered the field in black greyish smoke.

ash eyes narrowed, "Use Air Slash to get rid of the smoke!" She ordered. Nuria flapped her wings fast and it created like a wind like attack, clearing the field of the Smokescreen.

"Use Iron Tail!"

"Counter that with Iron Tail as well!"

Both tails smashed into each and both Pokémon growled, challenging.

"Flame Charge!"

"Flare Blitz!"

Again both Pokémon charged at each other with flaming bodies, they continued to smash into each other and not one Pokémon giving up yet.

✿ ---- ⇒ [Break Scene] ⇐ ---- ✿

"Well Arceus. They are really going at it." Flint said, with eyes widen.

Volkner watched the match with a glint in his eyes, this is the type of battle he wanted in his gym. But non was able to give him that excitement. Trainers instantly came to win a badge from him but never read in guides how he is the strongest Gym Leader in Sinnoh, it isn't easy to win.

"What a battle." Brock said, as he watch both Fire-type Pokémon hit against each other.

Takato and Mairin cheered for Nuria.

✿ ---- ⇒ [Break Scene] ⇐ ---- ✿

"Dragon Tail!" ash shouted.

Nuria immediately switched from Flare Blitz, ignoring the recoil she felt and her tail glowed green and she slam Magmar on the stomach hard.

Magmar cried out in pain as the Dragon Tail hit it, it was exhausted use Flare Charge a lot and it couldn't handle the battle anymore and then collapsed, fainting.

ash was the winner of the battle.

Blaine returned Magmar and walked over to ash , who was rubbing her Charizard's head, who pitted at the touch.

"I have to say ashley , of all trainers I have battled in the past, you are the best one. You gave me the best gym battle I've ever had in years." Blaine stated.

"I'll say." Alain and the others walked over, "That was the best."

Brock nodded.

"Thanks and Nuria had a great battle as well." ash smiled.

Nuria smiled, agreeing.

"I have one more riddle for you." Blaine said, "What's hot but doesn't burn anybody?"

"... ... ...It's the Volcano Badge." ash answered.

"Bingo!" Blaine chuckled and handed the badge over.

ash took it and looked at the badge it was shape of a flame.

✿ ---- ⇒ [Break Scene] ⇐ ---- ✿

After bidding farewell to Blaine, the gang headed towards the Pokémon Lab that restored ash 's, Alain's and Brock's fossil Pokémon.

ash now has two Amaura's one female and one male, which she was happy and named them; Gaia and Yukio. Alain now has a Cranidos, a male. And Brock now has a Kabuto, a male and he was very happy to have a new Rock-type Pokémon.

✿ ---- ⇒ [Break Scene] ⇐ ---- ✿

"Where are we headed now?" Mairin asked, she was glad to be out of the volcano basic.

"Viridian City. It's where I'll get my final badge. The Earth Badge." ash answered.

"Why didn't you enter that gym first?"

"Viridian Gym has a rule that you must have seven badges to compete against the Gym Leader in Viridian Gym." Alain spoke up.

"Pretty much and the best thing is that, it's close to Pallet Town." Takato said, happily.

"What you are you going to do Flint, Volkner?" ash asked the two Sinnoh trainers.

"We need to head back to Sinnoh. I got a match coming up again and Volkner has to fix something up back at Sunnyshore City not sure what." Flint answered, "And here I was enjoying my time."

"Oh... You could come visit us." Takato said. "Nee-chan birthday is actually coming up soon."

Volkner looked at ash , "Really?"

ash nodded, "Yeah."

"I see. We'll come and visit then."

"You know, you could try and capture a Pokémon that can teleport at long distance or a Flying-type that can carry you to come to Kanto. Instead of riding a plane or ship, it would be easier and faster." Alain commented.

Flint and Volkner thought about it.

"You know what, that's not a bad idea but the problem is finding a Pokémon for that." Flint said. "And less money spent but then again, we never have any problem with that."

They are high Elite Sinnoh trainers they get payed by the Pokémon League.

Volkner started to think, 'A Gardevoir can, depending on the bond. Alain did say that ash 's Gardevoir and Gallade can teleport long distance from another city to another but  prefers traveling and its only in case of emergency she'll use teleport.' He thought, 'A Flying-type, I don't particularly have any of them I like.' He sighs, as he ran his hand through his hair, "This is a problem..."

"Don't worry you'll figure out something." Brock said.

They began relaxing around the ship as it was sailing across the ocean.

Alain, Volkner, Flint and Brock were talking to each other about something.

"How exactly are you two going to ask ashley about you know what?" Brock questioned, the Gym Leader and oldest Sycamore.

Alain and Volkner looked at each other and sighs.

"To be exact we don't know when, but when Takato mention about her birthday is coming soon, we were thinking about that day." Alain ran his hand through his head.

"We actually brought a gift for her and finished it not too long ago." Volkner said. They both finished the necklace appearance and it looks great.

Brock nodded, "ashley is actually clueless when it comes to relationships, that's what Takato said before wasn't?"

"How clueless are we talking about exactly?" Flint questioned.

"Let's see. Comes to girly things, like shopping and not even understanding the point of makeup and things. Relationship not so sure." Brock listed.

"Nee-chan actually never really bothered about relationship stuff." Takato popped up from behind them and grinned, "Because Gary no Baka was being a jerk, so nee-chan never really hang out with females friends because of the girls gagging over Gary Oak amazing attitude." He said, sadistically.

"Ah." Alain and Brock said, they remembered the cheerleaders he had.

"She preferred hanging out with her Pokémon, Professor Oak Lab and helping out in the restaurant." Takato added. "Thought if you do ask nee-chan out on her birthday, then I'll recommend you to be careful and prepare for a Pokémon Battle."

Volkner raised an eyebrow, "Why?"

"Because Uncle Lance and Cousin Riley can be really protective over nee-chan and Cousin Clair when it comes to boys, they'll have to deem you two worthy of their niece and cousin. Cousin Clair will like you guys."

Alain groaned, right ash was related to him.

"Lance huh." Brock grimaced, "Right, I forgot about the Johto Champion being related to you two."

"Lance as in Lance Wataru the Dragon Master and Champion of Johto?" Flint said, flabbergasted. "Oh man, you two have it tough. And who is Riley?"

"Cousin Riley is Riley Zoan Ketchum though he just goes by Riley, he is a Steel-type Specialist and Aura Guardian." Takato explained.

"I've heard about Riley before. Riley is said to be one of the best Steel-type Specialist and he prefers to hang around Iron Island were most Steel-type Pokémon are." Volkner said.

"Any tips for them. If that does happen?" Flint asked the youngest Ketchum.

"Yes. They'll be using their strongest Pokémon which is a Dragonite and Lucario. They'll be testing you two, so don't hold back." Takato said, seriously.

"..." Volkner and Alain started to think.

ash and Mairin walked up to them.

"Hey, what are talking about?" ash asked.

"Nothing much, just about Flint's challenger." Volkner replied, smoothly.

Flint nodded, immediately, "Yeah. Just thinking about ways to go."

ash blinked confused but nodded.

Mairin looked at them with a frown but shrugged it off.

The males silently sighs in relief, that the girls didn't question them.

✿ ---- ⇒ [Break Scene] ⇐ ---- ✿

And so, as the gang travels back to Viridian City to compete for ash 's green badge the Earth Badge. Alain and Volkner now has more to think about, will they be able too? Who knows. So let the journey continue.