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Victory is sweet, and defeat is bitter, but all Ash can do is smile, picking up the Scorbunny, cradling him in his beefy arm, as he tosses his other three out. Magneto, Reinhardt, and Ana all appeared again, the trio at least conscious now. Magneto floated to let Ana use it like a saucer support, while Reinhardt seated himself. They were still weak.[break][break]

Yet, as Ashley holds Sunny, giving a big toothy grin to each of his Pokemon. "You guys did great. Rose to every occasion that Isaac put forth. I'm proud to call you my family." Ana makes a happy cry, Magneto a happy chime, and Reinhardt nods sleepily. Sunny, now just waking up would smile himself.[break][break]

Finally, a turn to Isaac, and he can't help but smile in his signature sheepish way.[break][break]

"You're telling me. Sunny just missed by a hair." Ash was proud of his team. Reinhardt's devastation, Magneto's opening play, Ana's tenacity, and Sunny's resolve. All of them put forth the effort to get there. And when Isaac goes and compliments him, one hand is rubbing his neck. "Nah, I like to think of it as... battlefield awareness. If you see a chance, you take it, no matter how weird." He would smirk now, walking over towards the blonde. With his hand moving to his side again, he holds it out into a fist.[break][break]

"Looking forward to you covering me then. This isn't the mansion or the mountain, my team won't be going down easy again." And one final assurance, as he waits for the fist bump. "Goes double for me. And triple for you. Got it? Next time, I'll win." That much? He guaranteed.[break][break]

They grew so much. Brings a tear to the eye.[break]

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[attr="class","wizzcred"]❤ wizz

[attr="class","ashley1body"]

Known to every Trainer, to every Pokemon, to everyone in existence, there is one unequivocal fact. Through trial and tribulation, from the first Pokeball ever thrown at a Trainer's first Pokemon ever, to the borders, and everywhere inbetween, one irrefutable fact will always be present.[break][break]

Size does in fact matter.[break][break]

As Sunny continues to run around Omega, his feet continue to blaze a trail upon the floor of their destroyed arena, and for a moment, Ashley calls out. "Flame Charge." And Sunny just gets faster, to the point where he becomes mirages. After images? Sunny doesn't even hurt Omega, he just keeps speeding up, faster and faster and faster still. This was beyond any speed he had ever gone before, and it was beautiful, it was wonderful, it was terrifying, and masterful.[break][break]

Omega would launch himself however, with such force that Sunny would find himself running in an infinity symbol as soon as the Metagross took the sky, and the bunny would look upwards as he ran. His reserves were getting exhausted, and every second he ran, the little bunny could feel his legs crying out. He needed to go so fast to make a super sonic kick. An attempt at a one hit KO in one strike. If he could gain velocity, he could-[break][break]

Sunny begins a move with his speed, something he had no earthly idea if was possible, but Ashley would cheer on from the side. "As hard as you can, buddy. The kick."[break][break]

As he begins to run, he would sprint towards a wall, and with a clever use of ELECTRO BALL, utilizes the new LIBERO'd Electric typing to speed up the wall, running with such capability, only to find himself needing to come down. Which is where his U-turn comes in, and with it. The final move.[break][break]

All or nothing.[break][break]

And as he races downwards, the Metagross was diving towards him. Omega was making his way, to pinpoint the final spot. The spot of destiny. Sunny would speed towards it. One strike. One strike is all he'd need, as he races, speeding down past the wall, the trail blazed from his foot pads causing the fire to conjure and blow, as he would spin, preparing a strike.[break][break]

That one unequivocal fact of life would take its toll. Because as he charged the FLAME CHARGE kick, Sunny realized too late what would happen as he aimed for the head. As soon as he threw his leg out, and the Meteor Mash came in, Omega would get the clean shot. And Sunny? Rolling across the room. The attack missed, all from the sheer fact that Omega's leg was bigger than Sunny's. Ashley's head turns towards Sunny.[break][break]

Out cold. He would give a sigh. "Damn... heheh. Just barely. Well plyed, bro."[break]

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This was the final fanfare.[break][break]

Though Ashley is a little dejected himself over how Ana went down, he is no less proud of the Pikachu. Both Reinhardt and Ana were returned to their Pokeballs, and with it came the forced surrender to Shockmaster and Kilimanjaro. Though the little bunny had all the fight to take on three, Ash and Sunny both knew that there was no victory in a gauntlet. Only defeat. Kil and Shockmaster bowed out early, and with it came the last one on the field.[break][break]

A Metagross. How fitting. The colossal beast, bigger now by the Mega Ring exploding into action, and Ashley's silver eyes shared a bit of fear. Sunny looked on, bouncing in place. This was the final challenge. This was it. This was where it all was leading up to. One healthy shot left, and with Sunny's energy still near full, it was a bunny facing towards the mountain.[break][break]

"Sunny." The Scorbunny looks back, they share one nod, before Ashley closes his eyes with a smile. "Agility."[break][break]

There's a saying. That the strongest Pokemon are the biggest. They are the leviathans, that stand tall like teflon. Walls, immovable, indestructible forces, by the smallest Pokemon. But as Sunny's type shifts with LIBERO, utilizing AGILITY, Sunny not only dodges, but slides across the cold surface of the big bad metalman Omega. The darker-pink ears showcasing, as his eyes showed a hint of Psychic power, sliding off the Meta-Mega-Metagross arm to behind it, and with that power slide, launching off and landing on the opposite side, closer towards Isaac.[break][break]

One Flame Charge earlier during Duster's final stand. One Agility now. He was faster than Omega. Therefore.[break][break]

"Don't stop running. If it can't hit you, it can't win." Confidence both together, Ashley throws a hand out, and Sunny follows in suit. The duo symbiotic. Then came the surprise. Sunny began to run. Practically speeding and speeding and speeding still as he begins to run circles around Omega.[break][break]

"Wait for your opportunity and strike." Ashley calls out, fire in his eyes. Power wasn't on their side, but the mountain was tall. It merely required the first step. Which bends first? The energy of the bunny, or the metal mountain fortress?[break]

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Saying it's going to be okay has Ashley smile. Kepler knew better than him. This was Kep after all. So as he looks lovingly at Kepler. The worry in his eyes is immaculate. It's downright drowningly potent. But if Kepler said so...[break][break]

He felt himself jump when he heard the sound of someone say Kepler's name. Ashley's heart races, and once Kepler was up, so was Ashley.[break][break]

"I'm not letting you go in there alone."[break][break]

He tightens his grip on Kepler's hand. He holds it tighter. There was a lot of fear in him right now. But as he gives Kepler the push, he has to keep reminding himself. It'll be okay. It's gonna be okay. It will be.[break][break]

Anxiety has other plans sometimes.[break]

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[attr="class","wizzcred"]❤ wizz

[attr="class","ashley1body"]

Being built the way he was now, it really was picturesque. There's a part of him that had gotten healthier; protein shakes would constantly be prepared the day before his gym trips. It was clear by how the shirt was starting to stretch with the way his biceps were building that he'd have to go buy new shirts soon. And...[break][break]

He liked when Kepler oggled them. Maybe a lot more than he let on, with Kepler buried within that core. His cheeks were red.[break][break]

This ban on activities was killer, but he had ways around it. Working out was one.[break][break]

With Ana now taken by his second Trainer, she was crying out in happiness as she was held and taken to the fridge, where she watches on as Kep takes one of his sparkling waters. The Pikachu's tail sways side to side, as she hugs into Kepler more.[break][break]

Ashley didn't like that his partner's day still sucked with the fact he couldn't do much. Valentine's Day wasn't as planned, and that would hurt any relationship. Any. Except-[break][break]

"Well, we can always catch up on shows. I rented out Beast Wars, you know." The thing is, sure they couldn't go anywhere, but the sentiment that Kepler stated when they drunk hung true in his mind. Kepler was his priority this year. That's what his plans were. So, even if they couldn't go enjoy the snow more. Even if they couldn't go out and do much. Ashley doesn't care.[break][break]

When he offers to help, Ashley tosses the other pink fluffy apron towards Kepler, a silver side-eye as Ana enjoys those ear scritches. Maybe... he wanted to see Kepler in it? "Sure thing. Take the strawberries out, and cut the stems off. Hold them down from the other end, so you don't cut yourself. Okay?" Then he turns his gaze around the room.[break][break]

"I'll check the temperature." If they wanted the strawberries first, then he would make sure the temperature got high enough for that glaze. Turning his gaze back towards Kepler. He smiles dreamily.[break][break]

He couldn't wait to tell Kep. Though dangerous, Isaac and him had a plan with a few more. To come into some money. And a vacation to Alola on the brain.[break]

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This whole place was uncomfortable, but Ashley didn't mind it. Despite the beige and gray, the bright ceiling lights, the hum of the heating system. He didn't like health establishments. After having to watch TV in a hospital for days on end, seeing reruns of shows he didn't care for, he didn't wish that recovery on anyone. And the food?[break][break]

For being someone who loved food, he despised hospital food. The epitome of awful.[break][break]

Ashley shakes his head to Kepler. After the Mt. Pyre rift, his own heart nearly exploded. He stayed up for hours thinking about it. He even started going to the gym once he got the go-ahead to take the brace off his arm.[break][break]

"I'll wait as long as I have to." Ashley said, leaning against the chair. His hair was a little messy, unkempt. Not the usual brushed hair he has, or sideswept, but it was silver now thanks to a re-dye.[break][break]

Once Kepler finished a braid, Ashley's hand slithers towards Kep's. He gives a soft smile. "You're gonna be okay." Pulling that hand up, he kisses Kep's hand before letting him continue his braids.[break][break]

He hates places like these.[break]

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[attr="class","wizzcred"]❤ wizz

[attr="class","ashley1body"]

One of the best parts of life recently was when he was at home. The apartment always felt a little brighter, ever since that expedition. Maybe it's due to being out of the place more and more often, but each time he was, he would always come back to it. Rain or shine, it felt nice. To have someone to cook for. To have someone to sleep next to nightly.[break][break]

So right now, in that pink apron he kept around, and a black shirt he hadn't changed out of since his return from the gym, the now-silver haired Ashley had been caramelizing sugar. A thermometer constantly at the ready to keep gauging the temperature. "215... 35 more to go." He smiles, and continues his work.[break][break]

Inside the fridge, as he opens it, his hands feel over the various containers. He did intend to cook it a little more, maybe get some glazed fruit. Might be a little hard on Kep's teeth, but Ashley did like the healthier alternative to-[break][break]

Oh![break][break]

The voice that he loves to hear singsongs in his ears a moment, as he turns his gaze towards Kepler. His eyes lovingly rest on Kepler, adorned in his hoodie like that. He liked seeing Kepler in his hoodies. It was cute. But Kepler had a show of his own.[break][break]

Ashley's shirt was fitting him a lot less; in a good way. Going to the gym, as per what was stated during New Years, the fruits of his labor had already presented themselves. He wasn't any higher than a hundred pounds in the barbell section, but his body seemed to be stronger than it was. Considering he just came back from the gym too, he did smell, though it was masked with the sugar.[break][break]

"Hey, babe." His silvers rest on Kep, only to respond. "Makin' fudge. Figured we could indulge. Bought some fruit too, so maybe some glazed strawberries too." He rubs towards his chin, silver hair swept full over to the side of his head, as he moves closer to Kep to pull him into a hug.[break][break]

"Having a good day?"[break] On Ashley's shoulder, little Ana. Who had during the day grown into a big Pikachu, cries out to show Kepler how big she had gotten. She was every bit as adorable as before. Still a Pichu at heart.

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[attr="class","wizzcred"]❤ wizz

[attr="class","ashley1body"]

There's a laugh, and it isn't one of those maniacal ones. He just laughs that it turned out this way. Somehow, Reinhardt only really knocked out one, but he damn near took Kilimanjaro with him. The king really did pull his weight, and Ashley was proud. He wasn't nervous either, quite the contrary. Excitement coursed through his veins.[break][break]

This was getting intense. Not only did he have to put Shockmaster down, who came out with an angry challenge, but with Kilimanjaro, the Camerupt was already causing Sunny to dodge, hopping to and from each rock in an attempt to keep from the avalanche of pain.[break][break]

"I hear ya, Shockmaster. I hear ya." This was the Electivire that helped him get this Pichu, after all. So with a throw out of Ana, the Pikachu bursts out with a happy smile, only to be decked by a Quick Attack, knocking the wind out of the mouse and throwing her to the side with a tumble. Which... wasn't the desired effect.[break][break]

Kilimanjaro has a turn, maybe two. I can finish her now, but that next Pokemon will be an issue. I don't know what waits in the wings for us. Better play it safe.[break][break]

"Sunny. Kamen Rider time." The Scorbunny grins ear to ear, rubbing his nose, as he bounces upwards, and as he blocks out the lights of the room with his tiny body (well, like one whole light), he dives downwards with a HI JUMP KICK to Shockmaster's back, in an attempt to knock the electric beast out, all while Ana got her composure, getting to her feet. She wasn't doing too hot, but she stood strong. Her love for her Trainer meant she couldn't back down. Not after she came this far.[break][break]

From Ash's perspective, this was going to end up Sunny versus the Mysterious Number Four. He just needed Sunny to keep his energy. He had to conserve what he could. But Kilimanjaro was already sapping it away.[break][break]

"It's okay, Ana." Ashley calls out, giving her a big smile. "You can rest now." She wasn't backing down. Reinhardt stood until the last moment. She could too. She could t-[break][break]

Ana hits the ground. This was her first battle. She did well for it.[break]

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Bongo liked Kara. That thumbs up was a vibe, and the Rillaboom could only grin. Big gorilla grin, and Ashley took notice. After all, that was his partner in crime when he was just getting started in Hoenn.[break][break]

Times like these, he wondered if he'd have a better home with Kara.[break][break]

With the squeeze to his delt, he fights the heat that would come towards his cheeks. Maybe he was too sheepish, but the compliment really did hit him. He liked the attention it did get him. Couldn't complain with results either, and it definitely improved his life. He could breathe better. And having the closest thing to a little sister really did take the cake.[break][break]

The fact that Kara was so gung-ho about getting ripped too only increased his own enthusiasm. With a cross of his arms, he pointedly inquires a question now on his mind. "That right? Buddy of mine gave me a sparkly Grookey a few months back. I don't use her too often, but you know... they're practically siblings too." It was clear where he was going with that, or he hoped it would.[break][break]

When the twin Torchic come out, Ashley calls out to Bongo to follow suit against the dreaded Combee invaders.[break][break]

"Buddy. Slam'em down." With the gorilla smashing both fists together, he would come after the Combee that Kara so happily distracted, and with a superhero landing right next to the Combee, that 'oh shit' turns into much more 'holy shit', a divine level of fuckup the Combee invaders could not reckon. With it, as the big gorilla grabs the bee, with a leap upwards, he hops, and like the biggest football goal made, slaps that bee so hard into the ground, it only paled in comparison by the end zone dance that came after.[break][break]

Ashley sighs, already over his gorilla's showboaty attitude.[break][break]

"They can get a little show-offy though when they get big. So, fair warning, queen." He might as well treat Kara the same way she was treating him. These two were already tight.[break]

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