Pokémon: Rewriting Ash’s Legend

Steven wants to battle his Charizard?

Ash nodded.

Challenging a champion—no, not just any champion. Steven Stone, the former Champion of Hoenn, was a man whose strength rivaled or even surpassed Wallace's.

"Alright, I'd like to see just how far Charizard's power has grown!"

"Rooaaar!"

Charizard let out a thunderous roar, wings flaring wide as it soared into the sky, stirring up powerful gusts of wind.

"Pika Pika!"

"Snorlax!"

"Pidgeot!"

Immediately, Pikachu, Snorlax, Pidgeot, and the rest of Ash's Pokémon began cheering for Charizard.

Just moments ago, Charizard had been feasting, making it difficult for Steven to gauge its strength. But now, as it took to the skies, Steven's eyes gleamed with admiration.

This Charizard… its level was incredibly high!

"Very well, but let's keep this to a friendly match. I still have an important mission ahead, and I'll need Metagross for it. Let's head to the battle grounds in the back mountains—it's a specialized training field I use. Come out, Metagross! Let's go!"

With a flash of light, Steven's trusted partner appeared—a shining, platinum-colored Metagross.

"A shiny Metagross?!"

Anabel's eyes widened as she observed it closely. This was an opportunity she couldn't pass up—after all, she had a Metagross of her own.

On the battlefield, Charizard and Metagross locked eyes, sparks of anticipation crackling between them.

Level 80.

Ash felt the pressure instantly.

An 80-level Pokémon was a force to be reckoned with. Reaching that threshold marked an evolutionary leap in power—strength, endurance, speed, and even energy reserves all surged dramatically.

This was the realm of legendary Pokémon.

"Charizard, use Dragon Dance!"

First things first—boost speed and attack!

"A wise move. Metagross, use Psychic!"

Steven snapped his fingers, and Metagross's metallic X-shaped forehead glowed an eerie blue.

Its red eyes shimmered as psychic energy surged forward.

"A powerful Metagross indeed, but my Charizard is no ordinary Pokémon! Psychic won't hold it down! Charizard, Flare Blitz!"

"ROOOAARRR!!!"

Metagross attempted to restrain Charizard with its psychic force, but Charizard roared and broke free with sheer willpower.

Blazing flames erupted around Charizard's body as it charged forward with unstoppable momentum!

"Impressive. Metagross, meet it head-on—use Zen Headbutt!"

Steven commanded, and Metagross's entire body glowed deep blue as it lunged forward to collide with Charizard.

Anabel watched without blinking.

Both Pokémon were incredibly strong—this was a battle at the peak of Champion level!

Sizzle…

BOOM!!!

Powerful psychic energy and scorching flames clashed, creating a deafening explosion!

Metagross slid backward—Charizard had the slight advantage due to type effectiveness and its prior stat boost.

But Flare Blitz inflicted recoil damage on Charizard as well.

"Good! Your Charizard has the edge in a direct clash. Metagross, let's turn up the intensity—use Heavy Slam!"

Steven's voice carried excitement—this battle was exhilarating!

"Metagross!"

Metagross, covered in residual flames, let out a deep, metallic growl. Its immense weight made Heavy Slam a devastating move.

Ash clenched his fists.

This was Steven Stone—the strongest Hoenn Champion. And right now, he and Charizard were battling him on equal ground!

"Then let's go all out! Charizard, use Shadow Claw!"

Metagross charged forward, its massive body prepared to crush Charizard with sheer force.

But Charizard was ready.

With glowing purple claws, it slashed across Metagross's steel hide—a super-effective hit!

However, Charizard wasn't strong enough to completely overpower Metagross in raw physical strength.

BAM!

Metagross slammed into Charizard's chest, sending it skidding backward.

"Now's our chance! Metagross, Bullet Punch!"

Steven seized the opportunity, commanding Metagross to launch an immediate high-speed strike.

Ash was waiting for this moment.

BOOM!

Right before Bullet Punch landed, Metagross's entire body suddenly erupted in flames!

"That's it! Charizard, now! Blast Burn!"

Ash's eyes gleamed with excitement. This was exactly what he had planned for!

Burn status.

Using Flare Blitz early on increased the chances of inflicting a burn on Metagross, especially when enhanced by Charizard's held Charcoal.

The moment Metagross suffered from the burn, its physical attacks lost potency.

Charizard rushed forward, summoning a massive inferno in the shape of a fiery kanji symbol.

The burning explosion engulfed Metagross.

BOOM!!!

The flames dissipated, and Metagross was left covered in black soot, struggling to stand.

"Charizard, one more—"

"That's enough."

Ash: ???

Charizard: ???

Right in the heat of battle, Steven suddenly called off the match.

"Ash, I only wanted to gauge your and Charizard's current strength. I see it now. If I don't go all out, I have no guarantee of victory. But I still need Metagross for an upcoming mission, so let's save our true battle for another time."

Mission?

So even though he had stepped down as Hoenn's Champion, Steven was still carrying out secret responsibilities?

"In that case, Mr. Steven, I'll be heading to the Sinnoh region soon. I'll be competing in the Lily of the Valley Conference."

Ash nodded in understanding.

"Good. Keep in touch, Ash. Your strength is incredible. I have a feeling the Pokémon League will take notice of you soon—they might entrust you with something even greater."

Entrust me with something?

Ash frowned slightly—he didn't like the idea of being tied down by official duties.

Steven extended his hand, and Ash firmly shook it.

Charizard, meanwhile, exchanged a fierce stare with Metagross—this wasn't over.

Next time, they would finish what they started.

Author's Note:

Steven's Metagross is ridiculously strong, especially in certain adaptations where it even overpowered Alain's Mega Charizard X. But for now, this Metagross isn't quite at that level yet.

Next, Ash will return to Pallet Town for a short while before embarking on the Sinnoh arc!

Let's get ready for Sinnoh's epic battles!

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