Ashley is battling with another Trainer by the waterfront, not realizing she is being watched by a mysterious sailor. After she wins, Ashley is confident and proud.

The two trainers decide to grab something to eat.

While he is there, Ashley and Max sit down outside and talk about battling. The man approaches them, and Max recognizes him as Drake of the Elite Four!

Drake invites both of them to his boat, where he challenges Ashley to a battle. Max cautions Ashley given her earlier over-confidence, but Ashley is certain that she'll win.

The first round of the three-on-three match begins with Drake choosing Shelgon while Ashley selects Sentret.

Ashley seems confident, thinking that Sentret's Speed will give it the advantage.

Sentret starts off by using Thunderbolt, and it hits Shelgon directly. However, Drake seems calm. Sentret repeats the attack, but this time Shelgon dodges it, although barely, with Double-Edge.

Shelgon keeps charging at Sentret, but he is easily able to avoid it with a Quick Attack. Believing that he has Shelgon all tired out, Ashley tells Sentret to use Iron Tail.

Drake doesn't seem to react until Sentret is in range before having Shelgon counter with Dragon Breath and follow up with Dragon Claw. The two attacks prove to be too much for Sentret, and the little Pokémon faints.

Ashley retrieves Sentret from the field as Max comments favorably on Drake's strength in battle. Drake’s first mate, Fitzwilliam, admits that Shelgon's incredible endurance was key to Drake's strategy.

Drake brings out Altaria, and Ashley responds with Combusken.

Max is worried because a Fighting-type is weak against a Flying-type, but Ashley seems to have a plan. As Fitzwilliam predicted, Ashley has Combusken jump from mast to mast, allowing it to reach the Flying Pokémon.

He uses Ember, but Altaria flies behind one of the masts to evade the onslaught. Combusken prepares to lash his opponent with a Sky Uppercut, but Altaria is nowhere to be seen. Suddenly, it appears from behind with a Take Down attack.

With its opponent starting to wear out, Altaria uses Dragon Breath, knocking Combusken to the ground.

Drake advises Ashley that she needs to fully focus on the battle if she hopes to win. Altaria charges downward with a Sky Attack, but Combusken is able to dodge it with Quick Attack, before throwing out a Flamethrower at his opponent.

However, Altaria dodges the attack with Aerial Ace and fires a Solar Beam, which Combusken counters with a Fire Spin. Both attacks sends both of the Pokémon crashing through two barrels before slamming into a wall and knocking themselves out.

Drake gently picks up Combusken, and after a quick inspection admits that some rest at the Pokémon Center will help him recover. Ashley agrees as both trainers recall their Pokémon back.

Drake compliments Ashley on her improved abilities, admitting that maintaining a clear mind will help her go far.

Drake invites the two trainers to have dinner on his ship after Ashley's Pokémon have been treated at the Pokémon Center, and everyone happily accepts.

That night, the pair joined Drake and crew for a hearty dinner.