The next morning, it wasn't just me who was super psyched. Ash could hardly sit still. He even skipped breakfast to make a request from Professor Oak to send over his Snorlax for his battle. "Snorlax eh? Well I can certainly do that. I'll send it right over." Professor Oak said to Ash with a nod of his head. "You just need to wait a moment and I'll go get the Pokéball."
"Thanks professor." Ash said with a nod of his head before looking at me. "Hey Ruby, thanks for the advice."
"No problem. I've heard that Dragon Pokémon are very strong, so it stands to reason that you'll need a Pokémon with great stamina to match them. Snorlax is the perfect choice." I said to Ash with a shrug just as the professor came back.
"Sending Snorlax now." He said and a moment later, the Pokéball appeared. "All done. Good luck with your battles today kids, I know you'll both do great. Say Ruby, I notice you're not carrying your egg. Did it hatch?" Professor Oak and I cleared my throat.
"Uh yeah. Yeah it hatched."
"Really? Well what Pokémon was it? I'm intrigued to know." He asked so I glanced around quickly, making sure no one was around before lowering my voice slightly.
"It was a Latias." Professor Oak fell out his chair. I blinked in surprise, watching the screen but he didn't resurface again. "Uh…professor?"
"Professor Oak? Are you okay?" Suddenly Professor Oak appeared, slamming his hands down on the table to stare at us with wide eyes.
"You mean to tell me you were carrying around with you a legendary Latias egg all this time? Incredible! I have to see it, will you send it to me to have a look at? I would love to make some notes on it."
"I'm sorry professor, but at the moment Latias is still only a baby and she shouldn't be too far away from me." I said to him. "I want to make sure she's strong enough to take care of herself before I think about letting her out of my sight." With a sigh the professor hung his head.
"I understand. Of course, you should keep Latias very close to you it being so young. Just keep me updated on anything you find out about it that seems strange, unusual or simply fascinating, alright?"
"You got it professor!" I cheered with a smile but then paused. "Uh professor, do you know what type a Latias is?" I asked and he chuckled.
"It's a psychic Pokémon of course, with dragon elements also. Now take care both of you. I'll do a little research into the Latias and send you any information I might find."
"Got it. See you soon!" We both waved before signing off the call. "Well Ash, you ready?"
"Oh yeah. Let's go get us an eighth badge!" When we got to the gym, however, a surprise hit us on the way in. Or rather, it hit Ash. There was a roar from above and we all turned to see a shadow streaking out from the sun, getting larger and larger until with a flap of wings, Ash's Charizard crashed into him with a tight hug and a happy roar. "Charizard! I don't believe it! It's great to see you buddy!" Ash laughed as Charizard began to lick Ash's face but then it drew back and blasted him with a Flamethrower greeting.
"Yup. That's Ash's Charizard alright." Brock nodded his head as I fell over laughing. Classic!
"I guess that Flamethrower greeting never gets old." Misty agreed before frowning. "But wait, what's Charizard doing here?"
"Miss Claire, are you anywhere near as confused as I am?" Kaburigu questioned before everyone heard another roar. We turned to see another Charizard flying with a passenger balloon with it, wearing a pink ribbon on one of its horns.
"Hey, isn't that…?" Suddenly a figure could be seen riding on the female Charizard's back, waving to us all.
"Hi guys!"
"Liza!" Both Ash and Claire called out, making them blink and look at one another.
"You know her too?" She asked as the Charizard landed on the ground and her rider jumped down too.
"Long time no see." Liza said as she walked over to Claire and gave her a high five.
"You look great Liza." Claire complimented as Kaburigu stepped to Claire's side, giving our old pal Liza a warm smile.
"It's wonderful to see you again Liza."
"Same here, the feeling's mutual. I didn't realise I'd be seeing Ash down here, no wonder Charizard was so eager to land." Liza said with a smile as Ash beamed.
"It's nice to…"
"Hi there, it's been a long time." Brock said, cutting in front of Ash to catch Liza's attention. "Since we last parted I've been filled with sadness and longing and you know just…" Before Brock could make a bigger fool out of himself his mouth was covered by Misty's hand and she gave an embarrassed smile.
"But mostly he's been filled with baloney, sorry!" She said before dragging Brock away despite his desperate attempts to return. That Brock, always the same. Can never act normal around a pretty lady.
"So are you saying that this Charizard actually used to be Ash's Pokémon?" Claire questioned and Liza nodded her head.
"But Charizard and I have been training for a while now."
"Claire I don't get it. How did you get to know my Charizard?" Ash asked so Claire turned around to explain.
"Liza and I have known each other since we were little girls, and she brings the Charizard here from Charicific Valley every once in a while so that they can train."
"It's always so great when we get together, and Charizard really loves the training." Liza added before Claire gave a knowing and amused look back at Charizard as he struck a pose, lifting his chin high and placing his knuckles on his hips as Charla cozied up to him.
"Though Charizard seems to be most interested in being Charla's bodyguard." She revealed so I giggled a little. That's so cute!
"Bodyguard?" Ash questioned dumbly.
"Wow. Look at those two lovebirds." Misty mused as I snapped a photo of them together, saving it for the album. Ash'll want to remember this.
"Can it be I'm the only one who hasn't found love?" He questioned despairingly but then, one of my Pokéballs burst open and Charizard appeared with a growl. Instantly Ash's Charizard stepped in front of Charla, shielding her from harm as the two boys knocked heads together, glaring and growling though my Charizard was quite a bit taller than Ash's.
"Nice to see some things never change." I said with a laugh as I walked over to my Charizard and began to push on his belly with all my might. "Alright. Back it up tough guy, no fighting here please."
"Wow Ruby, your Charizard looks amazing! You were right when you said you didn't need help training it." Liza complimented. "I couldn't have done a better job myself."
"Thanks." I grunted, pushing my back against Charizard to try and force him away from Ash's but the two were locked in a deadly staring contest, so there was no stopping them. "We're just…working on a few…pride issues." I huffed, giving it one last shot before collapsing to the ground. "Emphasis on the try." Everyone laughed and chuckled before Liza turned to Ash.
"So are you two here to challenge Claire? Have either of you battled yet?" She asked eagerly.
"Not yet, we were just on our way to a match right now." Claire said. "Looks like your Charizard arrived just in time. It would be a great addition to your team if you use it in the battle." She suggested to Ash hintingly who instantly brightened.
"Alright! What do you say Charizard? Wanna help me win another gym badge?" His Charizard grunted but didn't draw away from the stare down so I sighed and placed a hand on my hip.
"Boys will be boys." I shrugged as I returned my Charizard to his Pokéball. "Now behave mister, or I won't be baking you any of your favourite cookies tonight." I told him sternly before clicking the ball back onto my belt. "So, who goes first?" I asked, turning to Ash but Brock brought out a coin.
"Let's flip for it, call your shots!" He said as he flipped the coin into the air.
"Heads!" Ash called out and the coin landed on the ground, showing tails. "Oh man! That means I have to wait!"
"Yeah! Let's go Claire, I'm going to give you a battle you'll never forget." I vowed proudly and she nodded her head.
"I sure hope so Ruby, because I'll do the same." We faced each other off once inside the gym, everyone standing back out of the way to watch the battle. My heart pumped fast in my chest so I took deep, calming breaths to keep it under control. It's okay Ruby, you have a strategy and it will work. You'll see.
"The Blackthorn gym match between Ruby from Pallet Town and gym leader Claire will now begin!" Kaburigu called. "Each trainer will use three Pokémon, the battle is over when all of either trainer's Pokémon is unable to battle and only the challenger can substitute their Pokémon. Are both trainers ready?"
"I'm ready." I nodded my head and Claire did the same.
"Ready."
"Then let's begin!" With a wave of his flags I drew out my first Pokémon.
"Jigglypuff, it's show time!" I called and Jigglypuff appeared with a twirl, striking a pose before landing gracefully on the ground.
"Kingdra I choose you, go!" Claire called and a large blue Pokémon appeared, with a curled tail and a long snout. Kingdra? I pulled out Dexter and listened to what it had to say.
"Kingdra, the dragon Pokémon. Normally at rest on the ocean floor, but in theories of high activity, even a yawn has enough power to create whirlpools." Neat.
"Jigglypuff." I looked up to see Jigglypuff giving me a confident look so I nodded my head also.
"Alright Jigglypuff, let's do this." I nodded my head then tilted back my hat and twisted my necktie around, signalling I was focused and ready. "Use Ice Beam!" Jigglypuff bounced up and used Ice Beam at Kingdra, eyes narrowed in concentration.
"Agility!" Claire called out simply and Kingdra disappeared, avoiding the hit of Ice Beam. Good, now that it's moving, it won't be able to avoid this next move.
"You know what to do Jigglypuff, Sing your little heart out to all your adoring fans!" I cheered and instantly Jigglypuff began to sing even as Kingdra came shooting towards her. Kingdra began to slow down in the water, eyes drooping before falling sideways, fast asleep. "Now use Ice beam!"
Jigglypuff stopped with a satisfied smirk then blasted Kingdra with an Ice Beam attack, which I knew had great effect against dragon type Pokémon. "Wake up Kingdra, wake up!" Claire called but Kingdra remained sound asleep, snoring slightly.
"Jigglypuff, hit Kingdra with another Ice Beam!" I called, punching out a fist and Jigglypuff jumped up into the air, inflated her body then hit Kingdra directly with another Ice Beam attack which took its toll on Kindgra's help.
Suddenly Kingdra was awake and Claire smirked. "Kingdra, use Swift let's go!" Instantly stars shot out of Kingdra's mouth and hit Jigglypuff directly, knocking her back in the air as her inflated body remained afloat.
"Deflate now and then use Double Slap." I countered and Jigglypuff instantly pushed out all her breath, dropping down to the ground then glared at Kingdra.
"Jiggly…puff!" With that she bounded forwards and began to slap Kingra mercilessly back and forth, making even Claire blink in surprise.
"My, your Jigglypuff certainly has spirit. I'll give you that Ruby." She told me before shaking her head. "Hydro Pump!"
"Quick Jigglypuff, under the water!" I swiftly ordered and Jigglypuff dove in and kicked her legs to remain under as the Hydro Pump missed completely. "Now Sing!" Once again Jigglypuff began to sing, echoing prettily under the water and rose up around Kingdra, making it grow sleepy.
"Try and stay focused Kingdra, don't let it's voice affect you!" But Kingdra fell fast asleep once again.
"There's no escaping Jigglypuff's voice. Jigglypuff, Ice Beam now!"
"Jigglypuff!" She cried as she leaped out the water then hit Kingdra with one last Ice Beam which knocked it completely out of the match, not even snoring as it remained unconscious from Jigglypuff's persistent battling.
"Kingdra is unable to battle. Jigglypuff wins the match." Kaburigu ruled and I punched the air victoriously.
"Way to go Jigglypuff! That's my little star, great job!" I praised and she turned back to me with a soft blink of her eyes.
"Jiggly?" I smiled proudly, closing my eyes and I listened as she cheered happily. "Jiggly! Jiggly! Jiggly!"
"The battle's not over yet. Gyarados, I choose you!" I thought I'd be seeing Gyarados. It roared down at Jigglypuff who only inflated herself and glared at Gyarados before jumping up and began to Double Slap it as hard as she could.
"Jigglypuff! You don't just Double Slap someone because they're trying to intimidate you!" I called over to her with a shake of my head. "Man."
"Hyper Beam, go!" Claire called so I acted fast.
"Jigglypuff, roll out the way, hurry!" Jigglypuff curled up into a ball then began to roll, using her round body to manoeuvre out of the way and avoiding being hit as I called out. "Go left!" She rolled to the left and the Hyper Beam attack avoided all contact. "Alright, now that Gyarados can't move, use Sing!"
Jigglypuff popped out of her ball shape and began to sing again, using her enchanting voice to send that big bad Gyarados right to sleep. "Great work, now Ice Beam!"
"Gyarados, snap out of it! You need to wake up right now!" Claire ordered and suddenly, Gyarados was wide awake, however it was too late to get out of Jigglypuff's way and it received an Ice Beam attack full in the face, doing major damage. "Use Hydro Pump!"
"Dodge it Jigglypuff!" I called but the attack hit before Jigglypuff could roll out the way.
"Jiggly!" She squealed as she was tossed backwards, almost dropping her microphone as she hit the ground then bounced, hitting the wall and then the ground but then just kept on bouncing. An idea sprang to mind.
"Alright Jigglypuff, inflate your body and use that momentum to keep bouncing, then use Ice Beam!" Jigglypuff inflated her body then began to purposefully bounce of the ceiling and ground, keeping herself moving before landing another direct hit on Gyarados who roared, taking the hit but bowed its head against it to try and minimise the damage.
"Use Hyper Beam Gyarados!" Claire called, pointing at Jigglypuff who now finally landed on the ground. Gyarados charged up the attack then fired it at Jigglypuff who stood her ground, waiting for me to give an order.
"Inflate and jump back!" I countered and Jigglypuff sprang out of the way of the attack at the last moment, avoiding the hit. "Now, use Sing!" She began to sing her lullaby and Gyarados's eyes grew heavy as it sank in the water, struggling to stay awake but this time, Claire was ready.
"Hydro Pump!" Gyarados shook its head, snapping itself awake then launched a Hydro Pump attack so fast it hit Jigglypuff full on and she flew through the air, crying out in alarm before landing with a slight bounce but then went still.
"Jigglypuff…"
"No! Jigglypuff! Are you alright?" I asked but Kaburigu labelled Jigglypuff unable to battle, and I didn't disagree. "Don't worry Jigglypuff, you did your best, and your best was great. Take a long rest now." I said as I returned her then looked at Gyarados, who still looked a little sleepy. "Okay, Vaporeon, now it's your turn!" I decided, sending her out next and she leaped forwards, her Mystic Water shining brightly.
"Vaporeon!" She called then lowered her stance, ready to attack.
"Vaporeon, Water Gun!" I called and she instantly blasted Gyarados right in the face, making it close its eyes.
"Hyper Beam." Claire called but I was already one step ahead of her.
"Now into the pool, fast!" Vaporeon didn't waste a second, holding off Gyarados until the last moment, diving into the pool then began to swim. Gyarados held off his Hyper Beam attack, looking around in confusion as it tried to locate Vaporeon. "Alright Vaporeon, climb on and use Ice Beam!" Claire gasped as Vaporeon leaped out of the water with a powerful slap of her tail and jumped onto Gyarados's back, racing up then used Ice Beam as she ran, freezing over its back which made it difficult for it to bend its head.
Vaporeon gave a proud call then leaped off its head, diving back into the water with a splash. "Alright! Way to go Vaporeon!" I cheered as Claire smirked.
"Quite impressive Ruby. I like your strategy. Although Jigglypuff's song didn't put Gyarados to sleep, it did make it drowsy and slow so you took advantage of that."
"Thanks." I said with a smile. "You're putting up a good fight, I might run out of ideas soon if I'm not careful." I replied and Claire gave a warm smile before focusing once more.
"Gyarados, use Dragon Rage!" She ordered so I quickly shouted out to Vaporeon.
"Out of the water, hurry!" She leaped out with a powerful slap of her tail but the Twister chased after her, making her cry out before she was sucked inside and began to take a lot of damage. Stuck in the spiralling Twister, I struggling to think of a way out of it.
"Stay calm Ruby, just think it through!" Brock called out to me.
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu agreed as Ash cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled.
"You can do it Ruby!" I saw Claire give a small smile and nod of approval towards my friends before she looked back at the battle.
"Gyarados. Hyper Beam!" With a roar Gyarados began to store the energy it needed for the attack and with a snap decision, I made up my mind.
"Vaporeon, aim your Water Gun at the ground with all your power!" I called and instantly she turned her head down just as the Hyper Beam struck. She was lifted off the ground by the jet propulsion of her Water Gun, however the blast knocked her off course as the Twister dispersed and she hit the ground hard with a wail before going limp. "Vaporeon!"
"Vaporeon is unable to battle, the match goes to Gyarados!" Looking up with clenched teeth I took a deep breath and kept myself calm.
"I'm sorry Vaporeon. I let you down." I said to her as I returned her to the Pokéball. "I promise, I won't let your valuable efforts go to waste." Looking up again I studied Gyarados. It looked exhausted, it shouldn't take much to finish it off, however I only had three Pokémon left to choose between.
Charizard was powerful, but as a fire type he'd have a huge disadvantage against Gyarados and later Dragonair, who I knew would be coming next. Pidgeot was fast and could pack a punch but flying type moves just won't be able to cut it against dragon types. However as a water type, Gyarados would be at a disadvantage to a certain move that I taught Dragonair, with a little help from Pikachu of course.
"Okay Dragonair, you're up next!" I decided finally, sending her out onto the battlefield and she called out mystically before gracefully lowering herself to the ground. "It's up to you now, let's do it for the team!" Dragonair nodded her head so I turned back to face Gyarados. "Alright, let's wrap it up with our own Twister!"
The orbs on Dragonair's tail began to glow as she rose up into the air then whipped around in a spiral, sending out a strong Twister attack which locked Gyarados inside, trapping it from going anywhere.
"Gyarados, use Hyper Beam!" Claire tried but I wasn't going to let her get out of it that easy.
"Now Dragonair, Thunderbolt!" Her entire body crackled with electricity as she flew forwards for a closer range, eyes fixed and locked on Gyarados before sending out her strongest Thunderbolt yet. Gyarados roared, its Hyper Beam cancelling out as it was struck and filled with electrical power, making it rear back as the Twister teetered out until finally, it collapsed to the ground.
"Gyarados is unable to battle, the match goes to Dragonair!" I cheered, leaping up and punching the air happily.
"That's how you do it! Way to go Dragonair!" She cheered with me, landing on the ground again. Claire returned Gyarados then gave a nod of her head, saying something to the Pokéball before calling out her next Pokémon.
"Go! Dragonair!" The two faced one another down, psyched up for an awesome battle and I couldn't help but smirk, thinking through a couple of strategies that might help us win this thing. "You've put up a tough fight, I'll give you that." Claire said to me. "But now it's over! Dragonair, use Dragon Rage!" Uh oh, I'm in trouble!
"Protect!" I decided quickly, thinking it better to avoid the attack altogether and the only way to escape was with a barrier. Dragonair instantly shielded herself from the move so it washed around her and the winds blew themselves out, leaving Dragonair unaffected.
"Hyper Beam!"
"Dodge it!" I called and Dragonair rose up into the air and quickly flew out of the way with speed. "Now use Thunderbolt!"
"You dodge as well Dragonair, then use your own Iron Tail!" Claire's Dragonair smartly dodged out of the way of my Dragonair's Thunderbolts, gliding through the air then got in closer for an unavoidable attack which struck Dragonair directly, causing her to cry out then fall to the ground and tremble from the shock of the blow.
"It's okay Dragonair, you can do it!" I encouraged her. "I know you're strong enough to beat them, so let's show them how!" Dragonair called out with a nod then rose up again, shaking off the hit and faced her opponent once more. "Now, use Thunderbolt again!"
"Hyper Beam." Claire answered and the two attacks connected in the middle, creating a blast which flung both dragons back but they regained their balance and remained in the air. I remained silent, allowing both Pokémon a little breather and time for the smoke to clear from the battlefield so we can see clearly. However once Claire's Dragonair moved, signalling it had recharged, Claire gave a smirk. "Now Dragonair, use Dragon Rage!"
"Protect." I countered, rapidly thinking for ideas. The same effect happened as before, Dragonair shielding herself in a bubble which burst the moment the move had teetered out.
"Twister!"
"Counter with your own Twister!" I answered without even realising it. I watched as both Dragonair launched their own Twisters, filling the battlefield with a harsh wind which made it hard for me to remain grounded and I had to shield my eyes from the fierce bite of the wind. "Push them back!"
"Use all your strength Dragonair, you can do it!" Claire replied, her cloak whipping out behind her as both Dragonair pushed against one another, guiding their Twisters. I watched with baited breath, my heard pounding in my ears as the Dragonair struggled against each other, all orbs glowing until finally, the Twisters merged into one.
"Now!" I called and Dragonair gave one final push, forcing her control over the Twister and sent it back at Dragonair, consuming it completely and I watched as it sustained all the damage from two attacks. "Now Ice Beam!"
"Oh! Dragonair no!" Claire gasped as my Dragonair struck with her Ice Beam, letting it carry into the Twister until it had formed a complete ice cylinder, twisting beautifully and sparkling in the light, making me blink at its serene beauty as everyone else awed quietly to themselves.
My Dragonair landed elegantly on the ground, looking curiously at her handiwork, seeing the other Dragonair completely trapped in ice, yet also eyes closed and looking exhausted. "Dragonair, could you possibly melt the ice for us please?" I asked and Dragonair nodded her head softly then closed her eyes. The orb glowed at her throat and the ice melted away as she took control of its element, freeing Dragonair who slowly slid to the ground.
"Dragonair! Oh my poor Dragonair, are you okay?" Claire asked as she ran over to her Dragonair.
"The gym leader's Dragonair is unable to battle, the winner is the challenger's Dragonair. The victor is Ruby from Pallet Town!" Kaburigu declared and I instantly leaped up into the air.
"Woohoo! You did it Dragonair! That's eight badges! We won! We won!" I celebrated, tears dancing in my eyes as I flung my arms around Dragonair and hugged her tightly, crying quietly into her soft scales as she curled her body around me and sang in her mysterious yet beautiful voice in celebration.
"I'll hand it to you Ruby, you know exactly how to handle your Pokémon and how to use their strengths in a situation. For defeating me, you've definitely earned the Rising Badge. You are now officially eligible to enter the Johto Silver Conference in three months' time." She told me with a warm smile. "Congratulations."
"Yeah! You did it Ruby!" Brock cheered with the others as I accepted the badge from her, one that was the face of a black dragon with narrow slits for eyes.
"Way to go! That was an awesome battle!"
"You were amazing Ruby, and your Pokémon too of course. You looked great out there Dragonair." Misty said with a smile as Togepi trilled in her arms.
"Pika Pikachu!" Pikachu cheered as he leaped up onto my shoulder, making me laugh as he rubbed his head into mine and I cupped his cheek, giving it a gentle rub and his eyes closed as he beamed from ear to ear. "Chuuuu!"
"Now that you've got your eighth badge, it's my turn to battle!" Ash said, already pumped and set to go but Claire held up her hands.
"Hold it there Ash, my Pokémon are pretty tired and will need a long rest before they're up for another battle. We'll have our match tomorrow once we're all better rested." She said and Ash instantly fell to the ground, collapsing and making us all stare at him in bewilderment.
"You mean I have to wait an entire day?" I gave a laugh.
"Look at it this way Ash, you have an entire day to think about your strategy and work with Charizard before tomorrow. That way you'll give an even cooler show than if you were to battle right now." I said and instantly he was back on his feet, face determined and ready.
"You're right! Come on guys, let's all go train!" And without he was out the door like a rocket, leaving us all laughing behind him at his enthusiasm.