Hey, everybody! Sorry this took so long but I haven't had much time to write and life's still hectic. Plus I had trouble picturing how I want the gym battle to go, but I think it works out well enough in the end.
Advance shipper: Thanks a lot! I really like having input like yours, it's always interesting to hear what people think of my work. I was just looking back on the Advance series episodes and when I found the Spinda episode, the idea with Lisia just came to me. Yup, I'm thinking of more interactions for both sides and they can definitely teach the other a lot. Like I said, I haven't really thought of the shipping front that far yet so it's kind of odd for me to imagine Lisia crushing on Ash like a fan girl but I'll probably feel different once I get back to working on that, it all depends on how I can work through things. Your suggestions for the other pokemon are interesting and I'm coming up well on that front. I'll just have to be careful about the number so I can work them all into the story. What you said about Volbeat and Illumise really seems fitting, so I might try. I never really noticed the point about May and Ash's pokemon until you brought it up but you're right, I don't know how I missed it. Anyway, thanks a bunch for the reviews.
Doc oc 102: Thanks!
Glaxy: Glad you're having fun! I'm enjoying working on this story too. That's why I really want to think things through so I don't rush and make a mess of it but it's been a blast!
Mighty ranger 1: Wow, thanks! I don't know much about Wattpad to tell you the truth but I'll look into that story when I have the chance.
The group arrived in Mauville City late the previous night and so they settled down at the pokemon center. They all gathered at the cafeteria for breakfast the next morning...
''So hey, where's Lisia?'' Max asked.
May pointed towards the cafeteria's entrance ''She's decided to be a bit more careful...''
They could immediately see the brunette's point as Lisia was now clad in a big white hat along with a new dress and sunglasses. This might have raised some eyebrows but they figured that the girl was hoping to avoid a commotion like what they dealt with last night, with the people who had seen her (some being avid fans) all looking for a chance to approach her.
Lisia walked to their table ''Hi guys! How do I look?'' She asked, doing a little spin.
''Amazing as ever!'' Brock replied at once, his tone fawning again as Lisia giggled.
Ash nodded ''Good disguise though, hard to tell it's actually you.''
Lisia hummed ''That's what I'm going for.''
''Can't be easy, going through all this when you want some privacy.'' Max stated.
''It can't be helped.'' The girl sat down. ''I do like meeting my fans but there are certain times and places for it. My friend really doesn't like the sort of attention I'm likely to drag his way if I don't be careful.''
''Oh yeah, you never said why you wanted to come.''
''Isaac never told me what he was up to, he had an idea that he thinks could help with contests and he wants my opinion.'' The top coordinator admitted. ''Since I was in the area anyway, I figured I'd stop by.''
May looked interested ''Can we take a look at this too?''
''Sure!''
Ash moved things along ''So you feeling up for the gym battle, Wally?''
''I-I'm not really sure...'' The boy admitted, a little sheepish. ''...I think I'm still nervous, actually. But I still want to do this...''
''That's good. You should just give it you all and not worry about a thing.'' Brock said encouragingly.
Lisia smiled ''Yup, look at this way, Wally. If you're nervous, your pokemon will feel it and none of you would be able to work together as a team. With battles or contests, I think that's the only way to go.''
''She's right. You'll do fine, you guys trained real hard and you're shaping out to be a good team with Ralts and Electrike.'' Ash assured, May nodded to this and Max grinned at the boy while Pikachu smiled.
Wally couldn't help the smile on his face with all the support ''Mm, thank you...''
Lisia's friend lived nearby, so they were soon at his place. Though it wasn't long before Ash spotted a few posters nearby advertising a coming carnival.
''Hey, that sounds like fun!'' Max exclaimed. ''You guys wanna check it out?''
''I don't think it's ready yet, shouldn't there be any signs around?'' May offered.
Looking at the area again, the boy had to admit his sister was right. For something like a carnival, one would expect far more activity than this...
''Besides, we're almost here. If we go, it should be later.'' Ash added.
''True, okay then.'' Max shrugged and hurried to follow them. Soon, Lisia stopped at Isaac's door and rang the bell.
Moments later, a young man with dark hair and blue eyes opened the door. Lisia perked up and removed her sunglasses, leaving him to start.
''Wait, Lisia?'' He blinked. ''...Guess a disguise was about the only sure way you'd come without the fanfare, huh?''
''It worked, right?'' She said brightly ''So what's up?''
Isaac spoke as he led them through ''Lisia's plans about advertising contests had me wondering if there was a way we can push that forward. I tried a few things but I eventually settled on this.''
He stopped and gestured to five Pikachu who were hanging out in the garden. Each was dressed up in a certain well made costume. One was in a fancy blue, white and gold dress with a matching hat, the second in what clearly looked like a lab professor's garb with fitting glasses to boot. The third was dressed in a vivid red and black rock star outfit and the fourth was in an orange wrestler costume and the last wore a pink, white dress with matching ribbon tied around one of its ears.
''Whoa...''
''I know props are used in contests every now and then but I figured we could try working something new. I was already looking after two of them for their owners and seeing what moves they had got me thinking so this was the end result, what do you guys think?'' Isaac inquired.
''This is amazing!'' Lisia gushed, patting one of the five Pikachu on the head. ''Full points for creativity, Isaac!'
''Yeah, awesome...'' Ash agreed, looking at the red clad Pikachu as his own electric mouse went to greet it. ''...this one looks cool!''
''And this one's so pretty!'' May grinned at the blue clad Pikachu, who beamed back at her.
Wally smiled at the pink clad Pikachu, who waved at him and Brock in greeting before waving back. ''This seems really interesting.'' The latter added. ''So you have them trained to perform now?''
''Yeah, though I can't take the credit for most of that. Two of them actually belong to some budding coordinators. I'm still working a couple of details out but I'm planning to record the end result.'' Isaac admitted.
Lisia hugged the red clad Pikachu ''They all look great! I'm already looking forward to seeing them in action.''
He looked satisfied ''I thought you'd like it.''
''Like it? I love this idea! You mind showing us some of what the five little stars here can do?''
''Sure!''
A while later, the group went on their way to Mauville Gym. Just as they arrived, Brock spoke ''Guys, we might want to be careful...remember what happened last time?''
May stopped, looking unnerved as the memory came to her ''Good point, Brock...we better find another way in.''
''We're missing the picture here, guys.'' Lisia cut in. Wally nodded, looking just as puzzled.
Ash started to explain ''Back when we first came...we didn't have a clue what was going on with this place. Turns out Wattson had a bunch of...gimmicks set up here and there and...well, they made a mess of things.''
''That's an understatement. It was like walking into a minefield...'' May muttered.
''Yeah, first we wound up in a crazy fast slide, then there was that river and...don't even get me started on that mechanical Raikou...'' Max grumbled.
''All that even before you get to the gym?'' Wally uttered. He had been looking up some information about the gym leaders recently and he did recall reading something about Wattson and his traps but that really seemed too much.
''I know Wattson likes his gimmicks but this seems like way over the top.'' Lisia remarked.
''It really is...'' May shook her head. ''...anyway, I think I saw a side door. How about we try that one?''
Facing the odds they were, they had no problems agreeing to that suggestion. However, it didn't seem like the side door was any help. Just as they wondered what to do...
''Oh? Hey, if it isn't Ash!''
The boy turned, his eyes widening at the sight of the new arrival ''Wattson!''
The man grinned as they exchanged greetings ''Oh and you guys are all with Lisia too. Good to see you all again. Been a while, huh? So you hear for a rematch?''
''Actually...'' The thought hadn't occurred to the Kanto trainer but it might be nice to try. First things first, though...
''Ah, gotcha.'' The gym leader nodded once Ash explained everything. ''Well, that sounds great. You're more than welcome to my gym, kiddo!''
He began leading them ahead, surprisingly taking them to the front door. Max looked unnerved ''Wattson, are you sure that's a good idea?''
''Hm?'' It took the man a moment to catch on. ''Oh, you thinking about my little set up? There's no surprise this time. We got a whole lot of complaints so I'm in the middle of some renovations, I'm only keeping the moving side walk route operational.''
Max was firmly of the opinion that there was nothing small about that cluster of trouble they encountered on their first visit to the gym. In fact, he could understand perfectly why people would complain. One look at his sister proved that she felt similarly. All he could think at the moment was thank heavens for small mercies.
Minutes after arriving, they were welcomed by Wattson's assistant Watt, who it quickly became clear was a fan of Lisia. He'd been stunned to know that his boss had actually met the girl before but he was delighted when the bemused top coordinator happily played along and got him talking about his pokemon. This served to get him relaxed and back to normal.
''Well, this being your first gym battle, let's be sure it's one to remember.'' Wattson patted Wally's shoulder. ''Remember to have fun here!''
The gym leader's happy-go-lucky mood was getting infectious and the boy couldn't help smiling back. ''Right.''
With both sides agreeing, it was decided to be a two pokemon battle and Watt stepped up to be the referee. At his call, Wally sent out Electrike while Wattson chose a Voltorb for the first round.
''All right, let's kick things off with Magnet Rise!''
Everyone watched with some surprise as Voltorb gathered power and in seconds, both it and Electrike were sent up in the air. Wattson then had his pokemon strike out with Swift, successfully nailing the mark.
''You can use Magnet Rise like that?'' A surprised Max wondered.
''There's all sorts of ways to work your pokemon's strengths.'' Brock pointed out. ''It just depends on the trainer.''
Wattson knew that Magnet Rise wasn't going to last for long and seeing Electrike almost land proved it. He proceeded to keep up the offense ''Rollout!''
''Quick Attack!'' Wally called. Electrike dashed with blinding speed and completely went out of Voltorb's way, circling around and ramming it from behind.
Wattson merely nodded to Voltorb and things became clear as Voltorb quickly turned and struck back just after Electrike landed. Voltorb moved again, gaining more speed for its next attack.
Wally tried to think of what to do, almost faltering when Electrike was hit again. He knew they had to stop this but how?
In a few moments, a thought occured to him once he took in both pokemons' position. Well, it was the best thing he had at the moment so...
''What's Wally doing? They have to move!'' May frowned at their friend's silence.
''I don't know if Electrike's got anything that can help with this situation...'' Max started.
''All right, jump!'' Wally instructed, surprising them. Just then, Electrike jumped up high as Voltorb became very close, resulting in the pokemon being stuck in the wall.
Max's eyes widened ''I get it, Wally must've been waiting for the right time!''
''Nice one!'' Ash grinned while Pikachu and Lisia cheered.
''Now use Fire Fang, Electrike!''
Electrike's next attack landed Voltorb even deeper in its current predicament. Max's eyes widened ''Electrike knows Fire Fang now? Cool!''
''Well they have been training hard, this must be something recent.'' Brock remark.
''Come on, Voltorb, we've gotta move. Use Spark!'' Wattson urged.
After a bit of a struggle, the power Voltorb gathered helped it move out and in seconds, it was rolling towards Electrike, who dodged at his trainer's command. Both pokemon soon clashed once again with a Rollout and Quick Attack. Wattson had Voltorb use Thunderbolt but once again Wally made sure to get Electrike moving.
''Use Leer!''
Electike directed a fierce gaze at Voltorb, which made the pokemon stop out of surprise and fear. Wally capitalized on the chance ''Fire Fang!''
Stunned as it were, Voltorb couldn't do a thing as Electrike struck once more and with a burst of fire, it was sent crashing down.
It didn't Watt long to conclude the correct result ''Voltorb is unable to battle, Electrike wins! This round goes to the challenger, Wally!''
''Yes!'' May and Max cheered.
The boy let out a sigh of relief before smiling ''Hey, good job out there, Electrike.'' Electrike grinned and gave a happy bark in return.
''Now that's the way!'' Ash exclaimed while Brock smiled.
''Yeah, he's doing so well!'' Lisia beamed.
May nodded ''They're off to a pretty good start.''
''Totally, this is one exciting battle!'' Max remarked.
''I couldn't agree more.'' Wattson smiled, getting a pokeball ready. ''Nice job here, Wally. But this is far from over, you're gonna have to work harder for the win.''
''I know, that's just what we're going for.''
''Heh, that's the spirit. Go, Manectric!''
This once again surprised most of those present, though for different reasons. Watt blinked ''Wait, you're using Manectric now? He's practically never battled since evolving.''
''All the more reason, Watt! No time like the present, eh?'' Wattson returned.
Ash, Max, May and Brock remembered the Electrike Wattson had befriended during their first visit to Mauville. Watt's reaction confirmed that this was the same Electrike. They'd already known the pokemon had chosen to join the man at the time but they certainly weren't expecting to see that it evolved now.
May held up her pokedex to scan the new arrival ''Manectric, the discharge pokemon. The evolved form of Electrike. Manectric discharges strong electricity from its mane. The mane is used for collecting electricity in the atmosphere. This pokemon creates thunderclouds above its head.''
''It looks tough...''
Wally observed the pokemon curiously. So that was what Electrike would become...Manectric certainly seemed like a formidable opponent, first actual battle or not. Well, he wasn't about to let his guard down now.
''Electrike, use Leer!''
Unlike Voltorb, Manectric stiffened a little out of surprise at the heated look coming his way but other than, nothing happened. Wattson smiled ''Shock Wave!''
Manectric let out a battle cry, gathering numerous bolts of blue lightning before condensing them in a wave at Electrike.
Wally's response confused everyone ''Electrike, Fire Fang!''
Electrike allowed himself a smirk, knowing just what his trainer had in mind. He charged right into the attack, completely unfazed as he even felt the electricity flow over him, absorbing it and using the time to strike Manectric hard. If anyone had looked closer, they would have seen how the Fire Fang appeared to be electrified for a moment.
Ash stared ''Whoa, what?''
''What just happened?'' May blinked twice.
The two started as Wattson began to laugh ''We've been had! That little critter's ability is Lightning Rod, huh?''
Wally half-smiled ''I figured you'd notice...''
''Now it makes sense,'' Brock mused. ''So that's why he's been careful with that electric attack before, Wally's been hiding that ability.''
''And he used it in just the right time to pull off that attack, great timing.'' Lisia remarked with a smile.
''I'll say, keep it up you guys!'' May called.
Wattson instructed his pokemon to use Quick Attack next and Wally wound up having to do the same to try and evade Manectric, but the evolved electric type proved to be too fast and its speed threw Electrike to the ground. As Electrike tried to get up, Wattson pressed their advantage on.
''Use Bite!''
''Thunder Fang!'' Wally called in a hurry but Electrike was hit just then. The pokemon still managed to press on and hit Manectric back, with the pokemon managing to push itself away in a moment. Both trainers called for a Quick Attack at almost the same time but Manectric came out on top again.
''Oh man, this is bad.'' Max bit his lip.
''Manectric really is strong, I wonder how he'll handle this...'' Ash trailed off, looking at Wally.
That had really been some luck, Wally grimaced as he watched Electrike try to stand shakily. He hadn't intended to have Electrike match up to his evolved form in terms of things like speed because he could see that Manectric was superior. Wally still thought they could win though, he didn't want to give up now. Especially not after all the effort his pokemon gave during their training sessions, he felt he owed it to them to see this to the end.
There was one thing he had to take care of first.
''...Wattson, I'd like to switch pokemon now.'' Wally stated.
The gym leader looked as surprised as the others for a moment before he smiled ''Go right ahead, kiddo.''
Wally knew how stubborn Electrike could be, the pokemon had still been trying to go on when he couldn't even stand. That was just why he made the call, while he believed in Electrike's strength, he didn't want his pokemon to get hurt even worse because of it. He smiled as he picked Electrike up, meeting the electric type's troubled gaze ''It's okay, you did great, really. Don't try to deal with everything on your own, though. We're a team, remember? Just leave it to me and Ralts now.''
Electrike barked back weakly, realizing the boy had caught on to how far he'd been forcing himself to go on. The little electric type just hadn't wanted to call it quits then but he knew the boy was doing this to stop him taking it too far. It was a mark of how much he cared and Electrike took the moment to appreciate having someone like Wally for a trainer again. He grinned as Wally offered a little more reassurance as he left him to watch from the stands before walking back.
Brock stroked Electrike's fur after using some super potion on the weary pokemon ''That was the right call.''
''Yeah, it was sweet. Wally really is a caring guy, huh?'' Lisia mused.
''Definitely, this just proves that he's good friends with his pokemon.'' Ash smiled as they all watched Wally send out his following choice. ''I think they'll be okay, Ralts is still fresh and more than ready to go.''
Wattson had to admit, he was impressed too. He'd seen plenty of trainers work their pokemon too hard and then the pokemon paid the price later. It was a pleasant surprise to see how perceptive Wally was of his pokemon's feelings. Knowing Ash and his friends, Wattson figured his new challenger fit right in with them like a glove.
''You ready?''
Ralts nodded at his trainer and turned to face Manectric and Wattson. Wally went on ''All right, use Magical Leaf!''
Since Wattson knew they were better off dealing with the attack than attempting to evade it, he countered ''Shock Wave!'' As he expected, the electric attack destroyed the flurry of glowing leaves. ''Now use Bite!''
''Stop Manectric cold with Confusion!''
Ralts concentrated and trapped Manectric with in a glowing blue blast of psychic power, then throwing the discharge pokemon down at Wally's call.
''Atta' boy.'' Wattson said when Manectric got up in moments.
''Ralts, Future Sight!'' Wally called. Ralts' eyes glowed as he raised his arms but then nothing happened.
May raised an eye ''Hold on, what gives? And since when does Ralts know a move like that anyway?''
''It must be a recent one like Electrike's Fire Fang. And don't worry, this is supposed to happen. Future Sight takes a short while to happen.'' Brock informed.
Wattson, who was aware of this, decided to keep up the offense ''Use Charge!'' Manectric's mane began to glow as the pokemon gathered electricity, manifesting around him in an aura before fading away.
''Magical Leaf!''
Timing it just as the electricity disappeared, Ralts was able to nail Manectric with a strong hit. But the pokemon managed to stand his ground regardless.
''All right Manectric, use Shock Wave!'' Wattson instructed
The effects of the charge were immediately evident as this Shock Wave was plenty more powerful than the previous attempts. Wally tried to have Ralts keep it away with Confusion but the feeling pokemon was still struck by some divergent blasts here and there. This let Manectric get in to strike with a succesful Quick Attack next.
The match was certainly heated and excited for everyone but it was becoming evident that both pokemon were getting tired as it went on.
''Manectric...'' Wattson never got to finish because of what happened next.
All of a sudden, a big colorful blast of energy hit the discharge pokemon hard, causing him to hit the ground.
''That's the Future Sight!'' Max exclaimed, grinning.
Like Wattson, Wally knew they couldn't let up now ''Magical Leaf!''
By the time the leaves closed in, Manectric was able to get up and so he proceeded to try dodging the attack. Wattson got an idea and instructed him to jump up and use Shock Wave to get rid of the leaves. But Wally responded by having Ralts use Confusion to make the Magical Leaf faster and it soon hit the mark, leaving Manectric to fall.
Watt took a moment to observe the pokemon before making the call ''Manectric is unable to battle, Ralts wins. This match goes to Wally!''
''All right!''
''Awesome, they won!''
''Yay, way to go!''
It was hearing his friends' cheers that made the fact actually sink in for Wally, who was momentarily stunned. Before the boy quite knew it, Ralts jumped to give him a hug. He began to smile as he returned the gesture, smiling at him and Electrike, who had come to join them. ''We did it.'' The duo beamed in return.
Wattson laughed, the three turning to face him then ''That was one heck of a match, you three sure did great.''
''That's for sure, awesome job!'' Ash said, grinning.
''You three were brilliant!'' Lisia chirped.
''Way to go!'' May added.
Wally smiled back ''Thanks a lot...''
''You're off to a great start, Wally.'' Watt remarked, walking over with a tray that held a small yellow and black badge.
''That's for sure.'' His boss agreed, smiling as he took the badge. ''You're a good trainer and this just proves it. It pleases me to see young trainers step up and take charge. Here you go, kiddo, this victory earns you my gym's Dynamo Badge!''
Wally took a moment to thank him before picking up the badge, giving his pokemon a closer look then and they smiled back. As Watt said, they were off to a great start. But as far as Wally was concerned, this was also the first milestone in his journey and the mark of their efforts so far paying off.
To think that there was a time months ago when he never thought something like this would happen...
Well, he'd never been more glad to be wrong now. Wally's smile widened as he held the Dyanmo Badge, silently vowing to work hard to learn and improve. He owed it to himself and the people and pokemon who were supporting him, that was why he wanted to do his absolute best to upheld that vow. Their current success only reaffirmed that determination.
And we're done!
Sorry, I really didn't want to have this chapter take so long but like I said before, I just couldn't decide how to get the battle down, nothing seemed right. I didn't think it would be this hard. Anyway, I hope it turned out all right.
To clarify, Wally's tried to find some info about the gym leaders to prepare himself better. Since he had a lot of time to learn about pokemon in the past, his approach to pokemon is more methodical than Ash' fic really started out as a shot in the dark so there's a lot of details I haven't quite sorted yet so I'm still trying. So for now it's back to the drawing board, till next time!