And here's Ash in Cianwood City, where Ash will battle Chuck. It's gonna be more of a Dojo Challenge than a regular Gym Battle. This chapter took sooner than I expected, so I assume it's a good thing, since I'm hasty by nature XD Because I really wanna wrap up Johto by July-August. Only six chapters are left.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Ash's Roster: Tyranitar, Muk, Torkoal, Lapras, Krookodile, Garchomp.
Every head turned in his direction as he made his way further into the dojo. Every trainer who happened to be a blackbelt and Pokémon alike, necessarily a fighting type, gazed at him dubiously. He just kept walking, less than bothered at gaining so much attention. Maybe if those two brutes at the entrance wouldn't have stopped him, they would be…standing. Maybe that was the cause of all the commotion. Maybe? Well, actually.
The instructors as well as the Pokémon dropped the weights, bringing their training to a pause. The runners on the treadmill, automatically came to a still as eve they couldn't refrain from taking a skeptical look at the challenger. One trainer was literally choked on the bench press, under the weight of the heavy barbell. Pokémon began to flex their muscles, and grind their teeth.
Paying no heed to their reaction, Ash just advanced through the crowd of Trainers, towards a large platform, just before the wall that was the end of the dojo. His eyes squinted, and dropped down just when he knocked the door of his objective. In front of him, going on was a brawl of two: a large bulky man, and a Machoke. The deep gravelly voice of a man was igniting the fighting spirit within the Pokémon by hurling some motivational words. Tall and burly, in just him karate bottoms, Ash quickly gained a confirmation that this was the man he wanted to see in Cianwood. His face was greased and aged, amber eyes betraying his old appearance. Even though his did have a few streaks of white hair, he was full of life and energy upon first glance. The workforce of the Gym took a lot of pride in him, as he definitely appeared to be the strongest and most courageous of all to go bare handed against a Fighting Type like that. His attire was still the same, last time Ash saw him. The same sideburns had gotten thicker and his mustache looked like it was being balanced upon his upper lips for years.
''WAHAHAHAH! Let me just tell you one thing, Machoke!'' the man, known as Chuck, cackled. ''I'm not losin' dis time!''
''choke!''
Ash only narrowed his eyes, ''I paid that fisherman 400 dollars to bring me all the way here….for this…again?''
And with that Machoke let put his boiling antipathy, threw his body weight gearing for a fist, too quick and too potent. It hit's Chuck's defined jaw with such force, blood pooled into his mouth. Pain definitely erupted from the point of impact. And for a final finish, the Superpower muscle Pokémon grabbed the hunk's torso and tossed him on the mat. Ash just winced at the impact like that, while others fatuously clapped, the tussle making them forget all about the stranger between them. Ash only reached to one conclusion:
''He must have had that impact on his brain earlier…''
Pushing his beefy body up, Chuck felts tears erupting from his eye and he started bawling out, waters from his eye spilling down his face. Not a moment later, he was joined by Machoke who suffered the similar breakdown. ''That was so beautiful! It was the best Vital Throw I ever took!''
The clapping in the dojo stopped, as every other combatant and Pokémon too began to pool the Gym with their tears. Ash couldn't find in himself, to suppress a painful groan.
''Hey scatterbrained beefcake!'' Ash snapped, lifting his hand to point a finger. An action that was highly considered as disrespect by others. ''If you done sniveling around, wipe your nose and listen to what I have to say!''
''Ugh!'' Chuck pulled a long one back in his nose, and sunk his face down, trying to find the source of the harshness. He did found his, when he spotted a face that he didn't recognize. Fumbling with his moustache, he got back with the help of one knee. He dropped an examining glance at Ash. This young lad looked courageous and determined, and from his shape, he may not have muscles come out like Chuck's but was well toned.
''What is it that you want, sonny? You sure got guts barging in like that!'' Chuck folded his hands across his bare chest, meeting Ash with a stern gaze that was almost unnerving in discipline. ''Some of jealous of this master, and some come to learn. Join my dojo, and I'll teach. Show me disrespect and you can find your way out! So what will it be?''
''Neither! I have come here to challenge you to a Pokémon Battle!''
''WAHAHAH!'' Chuck roared again, '' Let me tell you, I'm tough! My Pokémon will crush stones and shatter bones! Show me you are better and I bow to you and learn. I am not arrogant, I'm just good, very good. So perhaps you want a Pokémon, fine by me, come all out on me and we'll see who leaves with their pride in a sling. Watch this!'' Chuck declared, as he lifted a heavy boulder, with all his might and tossed it aside.
A very much That's it kind of smirk etched on Ash's lips. Bringing his hand on his black shirt, in a flash, he tossed the upper garment aside. Now he was just as naked as Chuck. Others were jealous of his built, rest were envious. His arms would go rigid, and all his muscles would just pop out. One couldn't achieve that level of shape without spending a lot of time in the Gym. Not only his chest was given attention to, but one also feared the pendant around his neck which happened to be a Keystone, which would mean that this guy was not on some ordinary level. A smarter one could have derived all that from just his age.
Ash's corded muscles ripped as he thrust his palm down at an assortment of bricks, which after the contact was just a pile of red powder and rubble.
Chuck snorted out a smirk. ''Kid, now you got me all fired up! You are worthy of a battle with me!''
XXX
Raising both his hands in a ninety degree angle, the blackbelt appointed as referee announced. ''This Battle is a three-on-three Gym Battle between, Chuck, the Cianwood City Gym Leader and AK! Each trainer will use only three Pokémon. No Pokémon must hold an item and any Trainer who will use potions or other items will be disqualified. Only challenger can make substitutions. Whoever defeats either sides three Pokémon first is the victor of this match. The Gym Leader will choose the first Pokémon and the Challenger will have the first move!''
''Hoo Hah! Hitmonlee, impose your will!'' Tossing a Pokéball childishly but with vigor, bursting open to release the primary Fighting type.
''Lee!'' Hitmonlee stood tall, and engaged into a fighting stance ready for preparation. He raised his ropey, kicking around in a series, to impose intimidation. The air at no fault just being kicked like that.
Plucking a Pokéball out, Ash just flipped it in his hand lazily, or maybe to appear smug. ''Muk...let's tango!''
Forming a stenchy puddle of purple goop on the unimprovised battlefield, Muk's gelatinous form bubbled and gurgled before his face appeared. ''…MUK!'' it purled, oozing into position.
Hitmonlee took a defensive step back, though he himself was unsure of the actual reason. Did the reason concern the currently unknown strength of the Sludge Pokémon or was it in regards to its infamous stench?
''You eager for a lesson in fighting, boy?'' Chuck jeered.
''I'm very much certain I'm gonna ace this one.'' Ash combated with a smug.
''I shall ask again in ten minutes.''
''What will I do here till then?''
''You skills must have the same confidence as your words, son. Now show me the stuff you practice!''
''Gladly!'' Ash grinned, a ready arm stretched forward for the first attack. ''Muk, Sludge Bomb!''
The sludge monster's wide, putrid maw parted wide, spewing solid orbs of toxins towards his designated opponent.
''Dodge them all!'' Chuck hesitantly countered. While they would open themselves to attack, the risk of being poisoned right of the bat wasn't a chance they could so casually take. Unimpressed by the attempt, Hitmonlee merely leapt incredibly high in the air to avoid the globs of filth.
''Sludge Bomb again!''
''Keep dodging them all!''
Gathering up again thick bile of toxic gunk, Muk spat the barrage at the Kicking Pokémon…Only for it to miss again. Hitmonlee ducked, hopped, and rolled to the side, effectively maneuvering away from the cannonade of Sludge Bomb.
However, Hitmonlee was Muk's target maybe, but not Ash's. He had something else brewing up in his mind. The missed balls of muck, proved their worth upon the battlefield by leaving noticeable puddles everywhere. Though they did miss out on what Ash was building up, Hitmonlee somehow overlooked the fact that toxic waste had surrounded him from all corners. Chuck was able to figure out, and called out to his Pokémon as quickly as wind would transport his shout.
''Hitmonlee, watch out! Don't move at all!'' Chuck warned.
The Kicking macho caught on a little too late as he failed to adjust to the hidden imbalance within the ground, as he stepped backwards in urgency, and slipped on the puddle of sludge.
''Body Slam!''
Muk grabbed the opportunity Ash had created for him. With an ability to expand his pliable body, Muk spared no time in overwhelming the fighting type beneath him, a virtual typhoon of deadly sludge washed over Hitmonlee.
The referee who happened to be a loyal pupil of the Gym Leader, was trying his best not to be impartial. According to his judgement, it was done for the Kicking Pokémon. A sharp jab from Muk's body sent a wave of relief on the ref.
Another long bulge protruded beneath Muk's body and disappeared. Resistant kicks began to push Muk's gelatinous form away from Hitmonlee. ''Hitmonlee!...Lee!'' All his strength was applied into his legs, as the kicker continued to push.
''That's right, fire it up with Blaze Kick!'' Chuck began bawling again. it was pretty ridiculous even to look. ''Keep kicking, Hitmonlee. Display your strength!''
To escape from the prison of the pressure, Hitmonlee made a final thrust kick, feet engulfed in flames. Finally it was successful to haul the Sludge Pokémon in the air.
Though Muk lacked a solid form, it was still reeling from all the kicks and the burn marks.
''Mud Bomb!''
Once collected parts of itself that had scattered due to the kick, false hands pressed together to form a sphere of dark, solid mud between them. Muk quickly lobbed the ball of grot at Hitmonlee.
''Rolling Kick!''
Moments after Muk had thrown in the dirt ball, Hitmonlee leapt up and swung a leg to actually knock the attack away effortlessly. He then swung his other leg and extended it far enough to sweep across Muk. The Sludge Pokémon barely moved a few inches from the impact while Hitmonlee's leg was cushioned by its body. Sensing that nothing more could be done, Hitmonlee retracted his leg and resumed a fighting stance. Muk simply bellowed, challenging the Kicking Pokémon to attack again.
''Rolling Kick again!'' Chuck pressed.
Another extended leg homed on its target with remarkable ferocity. This resulted in quite the ugly wake-up call for the poison type, who suffered the momentum he had given Hitmonlee.
''Never thought we had to use this move, but I'm glad I taught Hitmonlee this!'' Chuck gloated. ''Bulldoze!''
Slamming his leg on the ground, starting tremors that coursed through the battlefield. As more and more the field took on those glided fissures, the chances of Muk avoiding that depleted, and he found himself trapped. Muk tried to dodge the incoming fissures but it was all for naught. Muk's screeched within the first few seconds of the move.
The quaking settled and Hitmonlee stepped on, eyes scanning to find the status of the poison type. Muk regained his senses, arising from flatness.
''Mud Bomb!''
Another assault of a mass of muck aired towards Hitmonlee.
''Dodge and use Rolling Kick!''
Regardless of how fast Muk was able to charge up the energy for the Mud Bomb after taking hit after hit, and carry it out, Hitmonlee was able to easily sidestep out of its path. With that accomplished, another leg shot forward, slapping Muk brutally, and returning for another painful whiplash. Muk grimaced yet didn't fall back.
''That's one resistant Pokémon ya got there, roos,'' Chuck ruminated to himself. ''Hi Jump Kick!''
As if he knew what Chuck wanted, Hitmonlee had leapt straightaway following the whipping. He then struck a knee out, attempting to jab Muk once and for all.
''Pick yourself up with Body Slam!''
Ready to steer clear, Hitmonlee was just moments away. One hardly expected Muk to be anywhere near fast enough to pose a threat. Catapulting from the ground, with a push of impressive control of his gluey body, Muk evaded the radiating red knee just in time.
Chuck gritted his teeth, realizing what was about to happen now. Hitmonlee slipped right through and damaged his knee upon sliding into the ground.
''A lil recoil mean no harm!'' Chuck gruffed. ''Turn up the heat with Blaze Kick!''
Despite being on his knees after suffering the recoil damage of the missed High Jump Kick, Hitmonlee promptly struck back by sending a foot engulfed in flames right into Muk. Surely by the distance between them and keeping in mind Muk's speed, it couldn't away with that move.
Not if Ash didn't have anything to say about it. ''Grab Hitmonlee's leg and use Pain Split!''
Muk wasn't interest to take anymore hit. It had already endured enough to execute Ash's strategy. The attack had been strong enough to force Muk out of its concentration, but Muk was faster enough, however, to clasp down upon Hitmonlee's leg once it'd hit, the flames soon extinguished once Muk had full constriction on the leg.
With an odd power, Hitmonlee felt the same pain as Muk, as if he was the victim of his own kicks. Both the power levels were now in equilibrium.
''Body Slam!''
Hearing a hiss of pain from the Kicking Pokémon, Muk came crashing on Hitmonlee like a tidal wave of sludge, blanketing the Kicking Pokémon under him. ''MUUKKKKK!''
''Get Muk off yourself, with Rolling Kick!''
This time Muk wasn't gonna fall behind. No matter how hard, Hitmonlee tried to break free, Muk resisted defiantly. Breathing became difficult and lungs almost gave away. Sooner or later, Hitmonlee's resistance had to stop. The poison slowly reduced Hitmonlee's reaction time, and his consciousness began to drain at an alarming rate.
Feeling no action under him, Muk slowly drenched off the fighting type, revealing an unconscious Hitmonlee.
''Hitmonlee is unable to battle!'' the referee riled out, hand dropping in favor of Muk. ''Muk wins!''
Chuck recalled his fallen Fighting-Type, and murmured consolations of a well-fought battle. Taking out a second, he pulled a smirk at Ash. ''That was a pretty odd battling style der, lad!''
''Then the next few minutes aren't gonna surprise you, bloaty!''
''Cool your jet, son. Death of a martial artist begins with overconfidence!'' Chuck gnashed, lobbing the held Pokéball forward. ''Poliwrath, impose your will!''
''Poli!'' Poliwrath flipped onto his feet, flexing his muscles, staring down at Muk.
''A Poliwrath…'' Ash hummed before recalling Muk back. A second Pokéball was brought into his grasp, a click of the center button bringing it to full size before it was tossed.
"Koalll!" The tortoise huffed, expelling ashen puffs of smoke from his nostrils. Golden glimmering sunlight began to form above the field, as Torkoal basked in the sunlight. With that, Fire Type moves had now taken a boost without any effort.
''A substitution already?! Hhahah! Late realization!'' Chuck guffawed. ''You so shaky, you didn't even choose right! This will be over quick! Water Gun!''
Ash didn't respond as he called for the counter. ''Iron Defense!''
Tensing into his shell, Torkoal made itself immune to the jet of water for the turn. However, that only raised Poliwrath's desire to battle higher. The look of pleasant on Torkoal's face marked him on Poliwrath's enemy list.
''Poliwrath, use Mind Reader!'' the man spat.
"Poli!" The water-type relaxed, his eyes flickering with cognition. Now he'd be able to perceive Torkoal's next move and dominate his own.
Ash smirked. Let's toy for a bit. ''Show us what you got!''
''Careful what you ask for! Submission!''
Charged Poliwrath upon command, lunging forward to attack Torkoal. Since there was no call of counter, Torkoal found itself tumbling by the suplex, wind being knocked out of it.
''That's it?'' Ash narrowed his eyes.
Chuck's brow furrowed upon being tested like that. ''Water Gun!''
''Flamethrower!''
Poliwrath fired a jet from his mouth and Torkoal launched a stream of fire from his mouth. Both attacks met and wrapped around, eating each other out. Steam erupted upon the clashing of basic elemental attacks, shrouding the field.
''Body Slam!'' came a voice from Ash's end.
Swift as Poliwrath would be, it was suddenly pinned under Torkoal.
''Poliii!''
''Water Gun!''
''Iron Defense!''
Both became active at the same time. While Torkoal gleamed silver again, a pillar of pure water blasted the tortoise off the water/ fighting hybrid.
''Think very crafty of yourself, huh? We'll shatter all your defenses, boy!'' Chuck pledged. ''Mind Reader!''
Poliwrath's eyes fixated on Torkoal, each emitting an eerie purple glow.
Ash grit. ''Great! Torkoal is an easy target no matter what…''
"Poliwrath, use Rock Slide!" Chuck shouted and Poliwrath threw its arms upwards, conjuring a rather daunting attack. A series of boulders and rocks appeared from seemingly out of nowhere, levitating above the field before raining down towards the tortoise. Ash only watched grimly as his Pokémon was being pummeled by the boulders, now buried under a miniature mountain of rocks.
''hahahahaha!'' Chuck crowed. ''You see, the strength of my power Pokémon. That's 20 bowls of Calcium a day!''
''Solar Beam…''
Particles assembles into the holes from the debris, and in one go, every boulder exploded in shards as Torkoal released the solar green beam of light, hurling Poliwrath harshly by the blast.
The Tadpole Pokémon was sent flying, smashing to a wall behind Chuck.
''Impossible!'' Chuck exclaimed.
''That's 10 hours of training a decade…''
The man swallowed. Maybe he would better suppress some jokes, now that he was beginning to take this a bit more seriously. Despite his absurd sulkiness, he recoiled Poliwrath with a calm face. We was about to tear up, but this time Torkoal already beat him to it.
''Tor! Torkoooaal!'' the reptile burst into tears.
''You don't have to do that everytime, you know…'' Ash bleated, recalling the happily wailing Torkoal back into his ball. Noticing that everyone had witness that. Ash sighed, ''Let's just pretend that never happened and continue.''
''This battle has just got elevated,'' Chuck tossed out another Pokéball, with a bit more strength than last two. ''Machamp, impose your will!''
Chuck's signature Fighting-type Pokémon took to the field, flexing his four muscled arms out in a show of strength upon release.
Ash grabbed the last Pokéball he needed, and winded up, before tossing the PokéBall forward. ''Alright, Tyranitar, let's tango!''
Light became solid matter, entering with a loud, booming roar. A powerful whack of the tail sent tremors throughout the field. Eyes glimmered staring at Superpower Pokémon. Tyranitar felt a spark of intrigue. He tossed his head back, startling everyone with a deafening roar, summoning a swarm of dust and sand.
Machamp cringed, a slap of dust assaulting him already.
''Dark Pulse!''
Tyranitar initiated the first attack- a barrage of eerie dark rings of energy that quickly closed in on Machamp.
''Block them all!''
The Superpower brawler shielded himself with all four palms blocking the incoming Dark Pulse. Machamp's arms and hands were in a blur as they took on the dark type move.
''Double Ice Punch!''
Despite the wearing pain of the storm, Machamp lunged forward, striking the behemoth twice, thanks to having four arms, with brutal frosty haymakers. The Armor Pokémon was sent reeling, stunning chilled, threatening to spread along his armored skin. He managed to catch his balance, prompting Ash to shout for a counter attack.
''Dragon Claw!''
Still standing upright, The dark/rock hybrid wielded its arm up high, sporting sharp streaks of blue extended from its claws. Its arm swung forward, attempting to slash down upon the four arms. Machamp let a low grunt of pain, as Dragon Claw raked his body. Visual contact lowered and already agitated by the grit in the air, the blow following his own lack of contact rubbed him the wrong way.
''No worries der! Revenge!''
Springing into action in nearly an instant, Machamp leapt above the battlefield, coming down with a brutal punch to the stomach, striking the grey, vulnerable core of the mountainside Pokemon.
''Now go for a Karate Chop!''
''No chance in hell! Stone Edge!''
As glowing hands were about to crash into Tyranitar in an axehandle, Tyranitar lunched a bevy of rocks. Machamp roared as the rocks hit him in addition to Sandstorm once again, knocking it down at one knee. He flinched as well, his assault ruined.
Eyes never strayed from Tyranitar, Chuck shifted his stance. All of Machamp's attacks needed to be in close range, if they wanted to deal with Tyranitar. Machamp knew Stone Edge, but that wouldn't be too good to use. But he couldn't just stand there whole day. they had to make a move. ''Seismic Toss!''
Taking off again, the Machamp aimed to jerk Tyranitar off balance. Grabbing Tyranitar with the two of his hands, the Machamp began to tuck in, bring Tyranitar closer to himself. He tried to lift the gargantuan up, but Tyranitar wouldn't budge.
''Get it shakin' Machamp!''
''Not if we shock you first!'' Ash cheered. ''Thunder Fang!''
Still a prisoner in Machamp's tight grip, Tyranitar clamped down on Machamp's arm with crackling electrically charged teeth. The fighting type shrilled as electricity coursed through its body and he was forced to let go of Tyranitar. The yell, combined with bright visible sparks, tipped Chuck off to the result of the move from outside the storm.
''Now finish it, Dragon Claw!''
Not giving Machamp a chance edge wise, Tyranitar launched forward with titanic force, raising another limb to slashing Machamp brutally across the chest with elongated, emerald claws.
And right at that moment, the sandstorm subsided. And both Pokémon were fully visible. Slack jawed and swirly eyed, it was clear the behemoth had been bested.
''Machamp is unable to battle. Tyranitar wins. With this, the winner of this match is AK, with suffering no loss.''
Upon declaration and the end of the battle, Ash recalled the booming beast, as a notion that it was time to leave. But before turning around, Ash did have one last thing to say to the dumbstruck martial artist…
''You never really know how strong you are…until being strong is the only choice you have…''
And that's the end of Chapter 21. Not much I know, but as I mentioned: hasty by nature.
Until next time!
Next on ABR
Chapter 22: Pryce
Chapter 23: Clair (full six on six)
Chapter 24: surprise.