It has been almost a month since Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu started their journey through the Battle Frontier. Since that time, they have passed Pewter City, Mt. Moon, and Cerulean City before ultimately taking a road that leads them straight to the Battle Factory. But as they continue on their journey, they are utterly unaware that Jessie, James, and Meowth are secretly following them in their hot air balloon. The Team Rocket gang has been extra careful to keep their distance from the two trainers out of fear of being noticed and sent blasting off so far by the trainer's Pokemon that they might lose the trail to their real target.

It is a half-hour before noon when Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu find themselves standing in front of a large building that looks like a factory. They stare at it silently before Timothy turns to Coovers.

"Alright, talk to me. Is this the place?" he asks.

Coovers looks at his Pokenav while holding the egg container with his other arm and nods with a smile.

"Yep, this is the place: the Battle Factory," he says confidently.

"Finally," Timothy says with a sigh. "For a while, I was beginning to wonder if we took a wrong turn."

"Well, it doesn't look that way. I can see the symbol for the Battle Frontier above the front door," Coovers says happily. "So, let's go in and have a battle already."

Timothy nods and walks to the front doors and gives it a knock. The two men and Electchu wait patiently for a moment before it opens to reveal none other than Scott with a welcoming grin.

"Timothy, Coovers, glad to see you made it," he says.

"Scott? What are you doing here?" Coovers asks, surprised.

"As representative of the Battle Frontier, it's my job to meet the trainers here and obverse their battles against the Frontier Brains," Scott says.

"I see," Timothy says with a raised eyebrow. "So is the Frontier Brain for this place here?"

"He sure is," says a man appearing from behind Scoot with a friendly look. "I'm Noland, the Factory Head, which also makes me the Frontier Brain."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Coovers," Coovers says with a friendly smile as the two men shake hands.

"Likewise. So are you the challenger, Coovers?" Nolan asks.

"Nope, that's me," Timothy says, stepping in. "I'm Timothy Durbin from Pallet Town."

Timothy reaches out his hand to shake Noland's, but the Frontier Brain stares at Timothy in shock, confusing the challenger.

"H-hang on," Noland says. "Are you the same Timothy Durbin who defeated Lance, the bi-regional champion?"

"Ah, I see word of my accomplishment has been spreading," Timothy says with a proud grin.

Noland continues to stare at Timothy before turning to Scott.

"Why didn't you tell me that's who was coming this way?" he asks.

"Oh, I thought it would be more fun to surprise you, Noland," Scott says. "Besides, when have I ever told you who is coming to your factory?"

Noland blinks in shock for a moment and sighs.

"That's true," he admits before beginning back his confidant face. "But if that's the case, then I want this battle to be extra special, just like with Ash."

Scott's smirk grows while Timothy and Coovers look at each other confused.

"So, I guess you're saying what I think you're saying?" Scott asks.

"Yes," Noland says before turning to Timothy. "Timothy, I want our battle to be whatever Pokemon you choose against me and my friend, Articuno."

Timothy and Electchu's eyes widen in shock while Coovers looks at them, confused.

"Wait, you have an Articuno?" Timothy says in disbelief.

Noland laughs and says, "No, I'm just good friends with a wild Articuno that lives around this area. Sometimes I like to fly next to it with my plane, and after having a great battle with it against this trainer named Ash, I ask it to be my partner sometimes depending on the challenger. And I think Articuno would agree that battling against a trainer who defeated the bi-regional champion is an opportunity too good to pass up."

Timothy stares at Noland, still shocked, and says, "Uh...thanks, but did you really start using this Articuno after having a battle against Ash?"

"Uh-huh. Do you know Ash?" Noland asks.

"Er, we've met," Timothy answers. "Scott kind of used him to convince us to go on this journey through the Battle Frontier."

Noland smiles, in understanding where Coovers is still looking at everyone confused.

"Wait a minute. What's an Articuno?" he asks.

"You mean you've never heard of Articuno?" Scott asks, surprised.

"No, I haven't," Coovers answers bashfully. "You see, I'm from the Unova region. Not Kanto."

"Oh, I see," Scott says. "Articuno is one of the three legendary bird Pokemon from Kanto."

"Legendary bird Pokemon?" Coovers asks quizzingly before he puts down the egg, takes out his Pokedex, and types the name "Articuno."

"Articuno, the freeze Pokémon," his Pokedex says. "Articuno lives deep within mountain ranges, and is said to be able to fly by gracefully waving its tail."

"Articuno may be able to fly gracefully, but this Articuno can be pretty fast in battle," Scott warns. "My best advice is to choose a Pokemon that can handle its ability to fly and also has good speed. If you don't have a Pokemon that you want to use against it, I can give you a ride to the Pokemon Center nearby so that you can switch one of your Pokemon out."

"That would be great, Scott," Timothy says appreciatively. "Although, I'm not sure which of my other Pokemon would be the best choice against a legendary Pokemon."

"Rai, rai, raichu," Electchu says, tugging Timothy's shirt.

"I don't know, Electchu," Timothy says hesitantly to his partner. "I'd like to think we have a better option than that."

Electchu frowns and starts saying a round of "Rais" and "Raichus." Scott, Nolan, and Covers look at each other, confused as the Raichu appears to be making a big argument to its trainer who scratches his chin in thought as it speaks.

"Well, when you put it like that, I guess he would make the most logical choice out of all of my bird Pokemon," Timothy admits. "Alright, let's do it."

"Uh... I take it that means you know what Pokemon you're going to choose?" Scott asks quizzingly.

"I sure do," Timothy answers before turning to Noland. "We'll just be right back after I switch one of my Pokemon with the one I will be facing you and Articuno with."

"Sounds great, Timothy," Noland says excitedly. "I'm looking forward to it."



*********************************************************************************

After waiting for about half an hour inside the Battle Factory's battle area, Noland and his assistant, Sergio, see the doors open from the other side of the arena from where they are to find Scott, Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu coming back. The Factory Head grins excitedly while Sergio, Coovers, and Electchu walk over to the sidelines of the area, and Timothy stands on the platform opposite from Noland's. The man in the "H.A.K." shirt looks down at the ledge to see the battlefield far down below him and Noland, showing that the field is designed for flying type Pokemon.

"Are you're ready to go?" Noland asks.

Timothy looks up to face his opponent and says, "I am," Timothy answers.

"Alright," Noland says before letting out a loud whistle. "Articuno, I need your strength!"

For a couple of seconds, everything is quiet until Timothy hears a loud bird cry as an Articuno flies over from the open roof and sores down to hover in front of Noland. Coovers and Electchu stare at the legendary Pokemon with awe while Timothy looks at Articuno with an intrigued look.

"Well, I'll be," he whispers to himself before he takes out a Pokeball and throws it into the air. "Go, Blitzwing!"

The Pokeball opens to reveal a Braviary much to Noland's surprise.

"Whoa, I've never seen that Pokemon before," he says, surprised. "What is it?"

"It's a Braviary," Coovers answers. "It comes from Unova."

"That's right. And if you want to know anything else about it, you'll have to find out yourself with a battle," Timothy adds.

Noland smirks and says, "Alright, if that's how you want to play it. Go ahead, Sergio."

Sergio nods and raises his left arm high.

"This is a one-on-one battle between Noland the Factory Head and Timothy, the challenger!" he announces. "The battle will be over when the Pokemon from either side is unable to battle! Are both sides ready?!"

"Ready!" Noland and Timothy say simultaneously.

"Alright, battle begin!" Sergio declares.

"Alright, Blitzwing, let's start things up with Brave Bird!" Timothy orders.

Blitzwing charges at Articuno with red fire surrounding its body. The fire slowly turns light blue as it gets closer to its opponent.

"Dodge and use Steel Wing!" Noland orders.

Articuno's wings turn into steel, and it dodges Blitzwing's attack before hitting the Braviary in the gut with its attack. Blitzwing flies into the air, crying in pain, making Timothy uneasy.

"Now, Articuno, use Water Pulse!" Noland commands.

"Dodge and use Brave Bird again," Timothy commands back.

Articuno summons a ball of water from its mouth and releases it toward Blitzwing. The Braviary dodges the attack and charges toward Articuno with blue fire surrounding its body. This time, Blitzwing rams into Articuno, and it falls toward the ground before quickly regaining hits altitude.

"Good hit," Noland compliments. "But you're gonna have to do better than relying on Brave Bird to take down Articuno."

"Duly noted," Timothy says bluntly. "Blitzwing, use Aerial Ace!"

Blitzwing flies down to Articuno's level and charges after it.

"Articuno, use Mist!" Noland says.

Articuno lets out a large cloud of white smoke and disappears into the mist. Blitzwing stops its attack and searches for its opponent in confusion.

"Now, use Ice Beam," Noland orders.

Timothy and Blitzwing only have a moment to react before blue beams emerge from the mist and hit Blitzwing. The Braviary cries out in pain as it crashes to the ground with a block of ice attached to its back.

"Oh no, Blitzwing!" Coovers cries out, worriedly.

"Raichu!" Electchu cries out.

"That's not good," Scott says with his arms crossed. "Ice Beam is super effective against flying types. I'm not sure how Timothy is going to pull through with that block of ice on his Braviary's back.

Timothy frowns as Blitzwing struggles to get up.

"Can you keep going, Blitzwing?" He asks.

Blitzwing manages to get up on its talons and nods at its trainer.

"Alright, then let's show them what you're really made of and get rid of that ice while we're at it!" Timothy says with a grin.

"Brav!" Blitzwing shouts.

"Not bad," Noland says, smirking. "But I wouldn't count on it staying up for long. Articuno, use Steel Wing one more time."

Once again, Articuno's wings turn into steel, and it charges straight toward Blitzwing. The Braviary stands with its eyes fixed on its opponent while waiting for a command. Timothy watches the legendary bird Pokemon charge at his Pokemon carefully before closes his fists and shouts, "Now, use Brave Bird!"

Without hesitation, Blitzwing jumps into the air and charges at Articuno with blue fire surrounding its body once again. The attack melts the ice in its back while the Braviary comes toward its opponent even faster than before. It rams into Articuno, causing it to cry out in pain.

"Blitzwing, don't let up! Use Aerial Ace!" Timothy commands.

The Braviary nicknamed Blitzwing flies down to Articuno's level once again and flies straight at it with inhuman speed. This time, Articuno is so stunned from the last attack that Blitzwing's Aerial Ace successfully hits it.

"Articuno, use Ice Beam quick!" Noland cries out.

"Dodge it and finish it off with Crush Claw followed by Steel Wing!" Timothy responds.

Articuno fires another Ice Beam at the Braviary, but Blitzwing avoids the attack before it charges at Articuno with its claws glowing red, and it smashes its claws square into Articuno's chest. The ice Pokemon shuts its eyes and cries out again before Blitzwing's wings turn into steel, and it smacks Articuno in the head with both of them. Noland stares in shock as his friend plummets to the ground with swirly eyes.

"Articuno is unable to battle!" Sergio declares. "Blitzwing is the winner, which means the victory goes to Timothy, the challenger!"

Timothy grins while Coovers and Electchu cheer excitedly from the sidelines. Scott nods with a smirk, pleased with the results from the battle. Noland, meanwhile, climbs down to the ground and runs over to Articuno's side.

"Articuno, are you okay?" He asks.

"Cuuuuuuuun," Articuno replies weakly, earning a sad smile from its friend.

"You were great, my friend. Let's get you all rested up," he says as he carries the bird Pokemon out of the arena. Everyone waits patiently until Noland comes back, smirking at Timothy.

"Articuno is healing as we speak," he says. "I must say that was an interesting battle. Blitzwings attacks are not especially harmful against a flying and ice type."

"True, but typing isn't everything," Timothy answers while petting Blitzwing's head. "That's why I trained my Pokemon to make it strong enough that we can handle flying and/or ice-types in battle. Right, Blitzwing?"

"Braaaaiiiv," Blitzwing says proudly.

"Makes sense," Scott says while walking over to Noland, Timothy, and Blitzwing with Coovers and Electchu. "If you train it hard enough, you won't need a type advantage against a strong opponent like Articuno."

"Exactly," Timothy says as he walks over to Electchu, gets down on one knee and starts petting it. "So it looks like my partner here made the right call in suggesting Blitzwing should be the Pokemon to use."

"Rai," Electchu coos cutely as Timothy pets it.

"Well, in any case, you have beaten me and Articuno fair and square," Noland says as he takes something out of his pocket. "Therefore, it gives me great pleasure to present to you the Knowledge Symbol as proof of your victory."

"And here's a case you can use to hold on to all of your symbols, Timothy," Scott adds as he hands him the case.

"Thank you," Timothy says as he takes the Knowledge Symbol and puts in the case before putting the case in his backpack. "So where to next?"

"That would be the Battle Area, where Greta is," Scott answers. "I just added the location on Coovers' Pokenav.

"He's right," Coovers says while holding out his Pokenav with one hand while carrying the egg contained within the other. "And the Battle Arena is not far from here too."

"Perfect," Timothy says. "Then I guess all we have to do now is head to the Pokemon Center so that Blitzwing can rest up for the night and then head straight to the Battle Area."

"Sounds good, Timothy," Scott says. "I'll look forward to seeing you two there."

"Indeed," Noland says, offering his hand to Timothy. "Best of luck to you, Timothy."

"Thanks, Noland," Timothy says. "Give my regards to Articuno for a good battle."

"You bet," Noland says. "Take care."

"See ya," Coovers says as the two of them leave.

"Rai!" Electchu says as he follows his trainer.

Timothy, Coovers, and Electchu continue walking out of the Battle Factory, and Timothy sighs, satisfied.

"One down," he says.

"And five more to go until we get to Brandon," Coovers adds while holding the egg container with both hands. "Which hopefully includes finding out whether or not he has found the Gieldanstone."

The two men nod in agreement before making their way to the Pokemon Center. Meanwhile, Jessie, James, and Meowth snicker behind one of the nearby bushes as they watch the two men and the Raichu walk away.

"So, he defeated Articuno just like that," Jessie says.

"And now he's going to the Battle Area, making him one step closer to lead the Gieldanstone right to us," James adds.

"See? What did I tell you guys?" Meowth says boastfully. "This clueless bozo is going to soar through the entire Battle Frontier, and then we liberate the jewel and gain endless praise from da boss before we know it. We'll be living the high life without a hitch."

The Team Rocket Trio giggles mischievously again before they proceed to go back to their hot air balloon quietly. But as they leave, a cloaked figure watches them from the roof of the Battle Factory."

"So, this trainer has some skills," the figure says quietly to itself. "But he and his friends still have much to do to prove that they can be trusted."