We've been hiking up a hill, taking in the beautiful sights of Snowbelle City. I took a deep breath in an out, releasing a cloudy mist while saying,"I've missed this place. The snow, the forest, even the gym. This is what I call home." Sawyer, who had joined us after battling Ash and beating him for the first time, says,"I didn't know you were from here Liz. Incredible." I tipped my hat, saying,"Born and raised. Now, let's get going. I'm dying to see the town again," as I rushed off with everyone else following. Ash was excited to win his eight badge and catch up with Sawyer, who already won all eight. Once we made it to town, I shouted from the top of my lungs,"Everyone! I'm back"!! A bunch of people came running towards me as Meowth said in shock,"Holy guacamole!! Liz's gots almost a whole town as a fan club"!! My friends watched in shock as Iris says,"I know she's popular and everything, but isn't this a bit excessive"? Katie just smiled and says,"It's a hometown reunion. You can't blame them." Meanwhile, I was talking to some of the people who were there. They kept saying things like,"It's been so quiet since you started your journey," and,"We heard you're now the Champion," and even,"How's life on the road"? It felt so great to be back home, back to where it all started. I introduced them to my friends and Serena, my sister, as they greeted them with open arms.
After a huge greeting by the whole town, we started to head up to the Snowbelle City gym. Ash promised Sawyer that he would win his final badge and that they'd battle at the Kalos League to even the score. Soon, we made it inside the gym, which was even colder than outside. Iris, Katie, even Meowth were shivering as I say,"Bundle up warmly because the battlefield is freezing. Believe me, I know that firsthand." By the entrance were a couple of Bergmites huddled together. Rotom Dex took a picture before saying,"Bergmite, the ice chop pokemon. An ice type. Bergmite's body is covered in ice, which is used to protect itself against opponents. If it gets cracked, cold air repairs them right away." I knelt down to the Bergmites saying,"Hi again. Long time no see." They all crowded towards me and cuddled as I hugged each one right back. I met them when I first challenged the gym and they're still as cute as can be. Soon, the doors opened as it revealed to actually be an ice battlefield. I tightened the zipper on my coat before walking inside with Ash and everyone else. Inside, on an ice throne, was its gym leader, Wulfric. I pressed a small button on both my shoes as the bottom became ice skates. Grabbing Meowth and putting it on my shoulders, I grabbed Ash before we went over to him while I say,"Wulfric, long time my friend." He saw me and smiled while standing up, saying,"Long time no see Liz. It's great to have Snowbelle City's pride and joy return to us again. I see you caught yourself a fine looking Meowth and who's your friend"? I introduced him to Ash, as he asked for a gym battle.
Wulfric says,"Ok, but on one condition. Liz, how about a small one on one for old times sake? If you win, Ash gets his match." I say,"You got a deal," as Ash and I headed back. I was on the battlefield, Ash was behind me, and everyone else was watching from the bleachers. Wulfric released a Bergmite as I decided to go with Meowth so it can get some battling experience. With that, we were ready to start. Bergmite launched an icy wind as Meowth dodged by skating and jumping off the walls. It launched a fury swipes attack, which hit Bergmite. Then, Meowth spun and slammed it with iron tail, driving it into a wall. Bergmite went in with rapid spin as Meowth ended it with hyper beam, knocking Bergmite out cold. Seeing that we won, Meowth and I high fived as Wulfric returned Bergmite while saying,"A fine match like usual. Nothing but the best from you. Excellent." I thanked Wulfric for the match before tagging Ash in and joining everyone on the bleachers. Ash, in determination not to lose, took his coat off, quoting he was getting heated up. With that, the referee soon came and announced the rules. It's a three on three match, it's over when all 3 pokemon on either side cannot continue anymore, and only Ash was allowed to substitute.
Ash decided to go with Druddigon first, which surprised all of us. Iris freaked out a bit, saying,"Ash knows that dragons types are weak to ice, so, why is going with Druddigon first"? I say,"It's because Druddigon knows fire punch and flash cannon, which are both super effective on ice type pokemon." Wulfric decided to go with Abomasnow as it started with its special ability, snow warning, conjuring a hail storm. I say to myself,"There's the hail. Now, Ash, will you remember what to do"?
We were training as I had my Ninetails, which also had the snow warning ability, conjure hail. I told Ash,"You have to be careful in hail because every turn, you receive chip damage, which can make or break you. So, unless you can counter it with another weather move, you'll need to find a way to manage with it.
The referee called for the match to begin as Ash shouts,"Quick! Use bulk up," as Druddigon used the move, raising its attack and defense tremendously. Now that was smart. With a tough defense, hail won't do that much damage. It then charged in with a potent fire punch, which dealt super effective damage to the ice/grass type. Recovering quick, Abomasnow started off with ice shard which Druddigon dodged with ease. Abomasnow charged in with wood hammer, which also missed as Druddigon landed another fire punch on it. It took some chip damage from the hail, but not alot thanks to its tough defense. It then used bulk up again, raising its attack and defense once more before defeating Abomasnow with dragon pulse. Ash praised Druddigon for a great job as they were now 3-2. However, this battle was far from over. I said silently,"Don't get overconfident Ash. He still hasn't brought out his ace defense pokemon yet. Now's not the time to celebrate." After returning Abomasnow, Wulfric released his next choice, which was Avalugg. Rotom Dex snapped another picture before saying,"Avalugg, the iceberg pokemon and the evolved form of Bergmite. Avalugg's ice covered body is harder than steel. It uses its body to destroy any obstacle that blocks its way." There it was. Avalugg, the game changer in this match. Now, let's see how Ash can manage with it.