Pokemon : Rewind

High above the battlefield, Gyarados began to dissipate the energy sustaining its Combat Twister. Though still spinning due to inertia, its rotations gradually slowed, and the majestic beast descended to the ground.

On the field, Pidgeot lay motionless in a crater riddled with cracks, its feathers ruffled and its body limp. The mighty bird's eyes were closed, and it was clear it could no longer fight.

"And with Violet Gym's third Pokémon defeated, the winner of this gym challenge is… Mr. Ash!" he declared with renewed enthusiasm.

A wave of cheers erupted from the audience, breaking the silence that had momentarily gripped the tower. 

The sheer volume of their applause carried far beyond the gym, startling passersby who had no idea what had transpired.

Gyarados, exhilarated by its victory, let out a triumphant roar that seemed to shake the very air. Misty and Brock, watching from the sidelines, couldn't contain their excitement.

"That was incredible!" Misty exclaimed. "I've seen Twister before, but never like this. The power Gyarados displayed completely exceeded my expectations!"

Brock nodded in agreement. "Just a glancing blow was enough to incapacitate Pidgeot. If that move had landed directly, I don't even want to imagine the result."

On the other side of the battlefield, Falkner let out a long sigh, his gaze fixed on Ash and Gyarados. A mix of awe and determination burned in his eyes.

"So this is what it means to battle a true master. The phrase, 'There are no undeserved reputations,' fits perfectly here," Falkner muttered.

The move that sealed the victory was unlike anything Falkner had ever encountered. He couldn't help but ask himself, Was that a technique Ash developed himself?

"It's truly remarkable," he murmured before shaking his head resolutely. "But I can't stop here. If I want to reach such heights, I'll need to keep improving!"

Falkner approached Ash after the battle, holding a silver badge shaped like a pair of wings. "This is the Zephyr Badge. Please accept it as a token of your victory, Mr. Ash."

The badge, carefully crafted with Falkner's expertise in Flying-types in mind, gleamed in the light. 

Unlike the Kanto region's badges, which were designed to reflect their respective cities, Johto badges embodied the specialties of each gym leader.

Ash accepted the badge and placed it in a customized case Misty had prepared. The box had eight slots, each corresponding to the badges of Johto's gyms.

"Thank you for such a challenging and rewarding battle," Falkner said earnestly. "It's rare to meet a Trainer whose strength and creativity inspire so much growth."

Ash smiled politely. "The feeling is mutual. Battles like this push both of us to become stronger."

Though Falkner knew Ash's words were kind encouragement, they fueled his resolve. As Ash disappeared into the elevator with Misty and Brock, Falkner turned his gaze toward the distant Kanto region.

"Kanto… The oldest and most storied Pokémon League. It's no wonder Trainers like Ash come from there," Falkner mused. "Perhaps it's time I journeyed there myself."

---

Back in the waiting hall, Ash stood patiently for Misty and Brock to join him. Around him, other Trainers exchanged excited whispers, having watched his battle on the hall's screens.

Among them was a young Trainer who had spoken to Ash earlier, unaware of his identity. 

Now realizing he had been chatting with a rising legend, the Trainer hesitated, torn between embarrassment and admiration.

Noticing the Trainer's nervous glances, Ash smiled warmly and gave him a small nod.

The Trainer froze, then nearly jumped for joy. "He acknowledged me!" he whispered excitedly to his companions. "Ash Ketchum just nodded at me!"

Ash, meanwhile, reflected on an idea sparked by his growing popularity. If so many people admired him and sought to emulate his style, perhaps he could create something lasting—a personal brand.

If I started my own clothing line, I wouldn't need to worry about money for future travels, Ash thought. His mother, Delia, could help design the clothes since she had a keen eye for aesthetics.

Once Misty and Brock arrived, the trio left the gym amid applause and returned to the Pokémon Center.

---

That evening, Ash called home to discuss his idea with Delia. "Mom, I've been thinking… What if we started a clothing brand? You've always been good with designs, and I think it could be something fun for you to do."

Delia hesitated. "Oh, Ash, I appreciate the thought, but I'm just a housewife. I wouldn't know where to begin with running a business."

Ash nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. Designing clothes would be one thing, but managing the business side might be too much."

Overhearing the conversation, Misty chimed in. "Ash, if you trust me, I could ask my sisters to help. They may not be the best Trainers, but they've always had a knack for business. They even came up with the idea of hosting water ballet shows at our gym to keep it running."

Ash considered this. Misty's sisters, while eccentric, had proven their resourcefulness in tough times. Moreover, he trusted Misty implicitly, and by extension, her family.

"Alright," Ash said with a smile. "Let's give it a shot. I'd be happy to work with them."

Misty beamed at his response, her happiness reflecting her pride in Ash's trust.

With a solid plan forming, Ash felt a new sense of excitement. Beyond his journey as a Trainer, he was beginning to lay the foundation for something greater—a legacy that would extend beyond the battlefield.

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