The following morning saw Ash and Hilda finishing preparations for their next Gym Battle.
"So, are you ready to take on Skyla?" Ash asked, to which Hilda nodded, and Ash, smiling, replied "Good Luck"
"Thanks. Any advice for Skarmory?" Hilda asked, to which Ash replied "Not surprising as Skarmory's a Johto Pokémon. Well, Fire and Electric are your best bet"
"Alright, cool" Hilda replied. She nodded, then headed for the Mistralton City Gym.
When Hilda arrived at the Mistralton Gym, she sees a Pilot waiting for her.
"Are you here to take on the Mistralton City Gym?" the Pilot asked, to which Hilda nodded.
"Alright. Follow me" the Pilot said, and he entered, with Hilda following, Ash behind.
Hilda reached the arena, and took one side of the arena, while the pilot stood at the edge of the arena, half-way between then. Ash took his seat in the stands and called "Good Luck Hilda", to which she nodded and smiled. Skyla flew in flamboyantly a few moments later, then took her side of the arena. When she landed, she said "I want to thank you for your help at the Celestial Tower. But now, this is different. It's time to show you what a Gym Leader of the skies is capable of"
"I can't wait, I've heard a lot about you from my brother" Hilda replied, to which Skyla responded, "Well, I hope I can live up to your expectations."
The Pilot then said "The battle of Mistralton City Gym will now begin. Only the challenger may Substitute Pokémon, and three Pokémon will be used on each side. The first trainer to have all three of their Pokémon KO'ed will lose. Begin"
"Now Swoobat, take flight!" Skyla called and Swoobat materialised. Hilda nodded, then responded with "Samurott, let's show them what we can do" and Samurott materialised.
Battle: Samurott, Simisear and Duosion VS Swoobat, Skarmory and Swanna
"Alright Swoobat, use Heart Stamp" Skyla called, and Swoobat's heart-shaped nose glowed with psionic energy, and shot at Samurott.
"Samurott, counter it with Megahorn" Hilda commanded, and Samurott's horn grew and glowed teal, and he struck, they collided, and Swoobat lost, taking Considerable damage.
"Quick Swoobat, use Acrobatics" Skyla commanded, and Swoobat cloaked itself in sky blue energy, and charged at Samurott, dealing Moderate damage.
"Samurott, quick, dodge with Water Pulse, then strike back with Hidden Power" Hilda called as Skyla called "Another Acrobatics Swoobat" and Samurott was able to use the ball of water thrown into the ground to dodge the Acrobatics, which did get Swoobat a bit wet, then Samurott generated balls of ice to fire at Swoobat, dealing Considerable damage.
"Swoobat, hit back with Acrobatics" Skyla called, and Swoobat fired at Samurott while coated in Sky Blue energy.
"Samurott, respond with Water Pulse" Hilda called, but Skyla was ready, and called "Swoobat, use Heart Stamp" and Swoobat's psionic energy glowing nose struck the ball of water, and destroyed it.
"End this Samurott, use Megahorn" Hilda called, and Samurott's horn glowed teal, and, using the brief hiding given by the destruction of Water Pulse to strike Swoobat, KO'ing it.
"Swoobat is unable to battle, Samurott wins," the Pilot said as Skyla withdrew Swoobat, and said, "You did well Swoobat, bow rest up".
"Great job Samurott, that was brilliantly done" Hilda called, and Samurott responded by calling his name happily. Skyla then added "Now Skarmory, take flight" and Skarmory materialised.
Battle 2: Samurott VS Swanna
"OK, I have to withdraw, Samurott won't be able to do much," Hilda said, and Samurott was withdrawn. She then added "Duosion, let's show them what we can do" and Duosion materialised.
Battle 3: Swanna VS Duosion
"Swanna, use Air Slash" Skyla called, and Swanna shot a blade of sky-blue air at Duosion.
"Quick Reuniclus, counter with Hidden Power" Hilda commanded, and Reuniclus generated orbs of spectral energy and spun the orbs around. One of the Hidden Powers blocked Air Slash, then fired them at Swanna.
"Swanna, dodge it then use Bubble Beam" Skyla commanded, and Swanna avoided the orbs and struck with a stream of bubbles, dealing Minor damage to Reuniclus.
In the stands, Ash said "Good move, you've got the basics towards a Counter Shield"
Back on the arena, Hilda called "Reuniclus, strike back with Psyshock", and Reuniclus generated, then fired a blob of psionic energy at Swanna, dealing Moderate damage.
"Swanna, another Air Slash" Skyla commanded, and Swanna shot another blade of Sky Blue air at Reuniclus, dealing Moderate damage.
"Reuniclus, respond with Psyshock" Hilda commanded, and Reuniclus generated a blob of psionic energy and shot it at Swanna.
"Quick Swanna, dodge it then use Air Slash" Skyla commanded, and although Swanna initially avoided the Psyshock, in the time it took Swanna to strike Duosion with a blade of sky blue air, dealing Moderate damage, Reuniclus manipulated the Psyshock to hit Swanna from behind, dealing Moderate damage. Swanna then restored a quarter of its health with its Sitrus Berry.
"Alright, now I know that Duosion, use Heal Block" Hilda called, and Duosion unleashed a light purple blast of light to stop Swanna from healing.
"Nice idea, let's see if you'll defeat Swanna fast enough. Use Bubble Beam" Skyla called, and Swanna shot a beam of bubbles at Duosion, dealing Minor damage.
"Duosion, use Pain Split" Hilda called, and Duosion shot a beam of white energy between them, dealing minor damage to Swanna and restoring a minor amount of health to Duosion.
"Alright. Swanna, use Air Slash again" Skyla called, and Swanna shot a blade of sky blue wind at Duosion, but Hilda was again ready.
"Duosion, quick, counter with Hidden Power" Hilda called, and Duosion generated balls of spectral energy and used it to counter the Air Slash and deal Minor damage to Swanna.
'Quick, Air Slash" Skyla called, and Swanna shot a blast of sky blue air at Duosion, dealing Minor damage.
"Now end this, Psyshock" Hilda called, while Skyla also responded "Swanna, use Air Slash" and the blob of psionic energy and blade of sky blue air missed each other, and KO'ed both.
"Both Duosion and Swanna are unable to battle, this battle is a draw," the Pilot said as Skyla withdrew Swanna, and said "You did well Swanna, not rest up", while Hilda said, "You did well out there Duosion, now take a long rest".
"Now Skarmory, take flight" Skyla called and Skarmory materialised. Hilda then responded "Simisear, let's show them what we can do" and Simisear materialised. Then, Hilda got out her Pokédex and scanned Skarmory.
"Skarmory, the Armor Bird Pokémon. Its heavy-looking iron body is actually thin and light, so it can fly at speeds over 180 mph" Hilda's Pokédex said. Hilda nodded.
Battle 4: Simisear VS Skarmory
"Simisear, use Fire Punch" Hilda commanded, and Simisear cloaked his fist with flames and charged at Skarmory.
"Dodge it with Agility Skarmory, then use Aerial Ace" Skyla called, and Skarmory dashed away from Simisear, avoiding the Fire Punch, then its wings glowed with sky blue energy and struck, dealing Moderate damage.
"Go for another Aerial Ace" Skyla called, while Hilda responded "Spin with your flaming fists Simisear", and this time, Simisear's Fire Punch connected with Skarmory's Aerial Ace, dealing Considerable damage to Skarmory and Minor damage to Simisear. Simisear then restored a quarter of its Max health with its Sitrus Berry.
"That spinning technique is very unusual, I'd better find a way around it. Skarmory, use Agility again" Skyla commanded, and Skarmory dashed even faster, sharply raising its Speed a second time.
"Simisear, use Rock Slide" Hilda commanded, and Simisear generated a wall of rocks to throw towards Skarmory.
"Dodge it then use Aerial Ace" Skyla called, while Hilda called "Set up to use Fire Punch Simisear" and Skarmory was able to avoid the Rock Slide, and hit with Aerial Ace, dealing Moderate damage. This activated Simisear's Blaze Ability, and now, not only was its fist cloaked with flames, but also an orange aura which, when it punched Skarmory, KO'ed it.
"Skarmory is unable to battle, Simisear wins. The victor is Hilda of Nuvema Town" the Pilot said as Skyla withdrew Skarmory, and said "You did very well Skarmory, now rest well", while Hilda called "Awesome work Simisear, that's how you do it" to which Simisear danced and cheered.
Conclusion: Duosion, Samurott and Simisear
"Congratulations Hilda, that was a brilliant display. You showed me what you're truly capable of. You have earned the Jet Badge, and the powerful TM62, which contains Acrobatics " Skyla said as she approached Hilda and gave her the badge and the TM.
"So, what does Acrobatics do?" Hilda asked, to which Skyla replied "if your Pokémon has no item when it uses Acrobatics, the power is doubled"
"Awesome" Hilda replied. Ash then said "Well done Hilda, that was great strategy under pressure", to which Hilda replied "Thanks"
"Are you going to battle me, Ash?" Skyla asked, to which Ash replied "Yep, after lunch though", to which Skyla nodded, and said, "Alright, see you this afternoon". Ash and Hilda then departed.
After lunch, Ash was ready to take on Hilda. The team he had at the moment was underpowered, but he was confident. When he arrived, the Pilot said "Are you here to take on the Mistralton City Gym?", to which Ash nodded.
"Alright. Follow me" the Pilot said, and he entered, with Ash following, and Hilda close behind.
While Hilda took a seat in the stands, Ash stood on one side of the arena, and the Pilot stood at the edge, half-way along. Similar to the entrance with Hilda, Skyla flew in flamboyantly a few moments later, then took her side of the arena. When she landed, she said "I want to thank you too, Ash, for your help at Celestial Tower"
"No problem Skyla, it was the least I could do" Ash replied. Skyla nodded, then added "But this is different. I'm the Mistralton City Gym
Leader, and it's my job to test your strength. Now, Swoobat, take flight" and Swoobat materialised.
"Alright. Rufflet, I choose you" Ash responded, and Rufflet materialised.
Battle: Rufflet, Ferroseed and Frillish VS Swoobat, Skarmory and Swanna
"Swoobat, use Acrobatics" Skyla commanded, while Ash called "Rufflet, counter it with Rock Tomb" and while Swoobat cloaked itself in sky blue energy and charged, but had to avoid the rocks thrown by Rufflet, and though it hit, dealing Moderate damage,
"Quick Rufflet, strike with Slash" Ash called, and Rufflet's claws glowed white, and it slashed Swoobat, dealing Considerable damage.
"Nice move. Now take this. Another Acrobatics" Skyla commanded, and Swoobat glowed sky blue, and charged at Rufflet, dealing Moderate damage.
"Rufflet, use Rock Tomb" Ash commanded, and Rufflet threw rocks at Swoobat, which hit and did Considerable damage, also lowering Swoobat's Speed.
"Swoobat, use Acrobatics" Swanna called, while Ash called "Rufflet, use Slash" and Swoobat's glowing Sky Blue form collided with Rufflet's white claws, KO'ing Swoobat and dealing Moderate damage to Rufflet.
"Swoobat is unable to battle, Rufflet wins," the Pilot said and both Ash and Rufflet cheered. Skyla withdrew Swoobat, then said, "You did well Swoobat, now take a long rest". She then added "Now Skarmory, take flight" and Skarmory materialised.
"Rufflet, use Rock Tomb" Ash commanded, and Rufflet shot at rocks at Skarmory, dealing minor damage and reducing Skarmory's Speed.
"Skarmory, use Agility" Skyla called, and Skarmory dashed on the spot to sharply raise its Speed.
"Uh oh," Ash thought to himself, then he said "Rufflet, use Rock Tomb" while Skyla called "Skarmory, use Steel Wing" and Skarmory's wings of steel destroyed the rocks thrown by Rufflet, then struck and KO'ed Rufflet.
"Rufflet was unable to battle, Skarmory wins," the Pilot said as Ash withdrew Rufflet, and said, "You did great Rufflet, now take a good, long rest".
"Now, let's see what you can do next Ash," Skyla said, to which Ash replied "You'll see. Ferroseed, I choose you" and Ferroseed materialised.
It was at that point that Skyla realised that she was going to have to rely on KO'ing Ferroseed before Iron Barbs KO'ed Skarmory.
"Alright. Skarmory, use Aerial Ace" Skyla said, and Skarmory cloaked itself in Sky Blue energy and struck Ferroseed, dealing Minor damage, but also taking Minor damage from Iron Barbs.
Ferroseed restored a Slight amount of health with Leftovers.
"Ferroseed, as Skarmory goes for another one, strike with Metal Claw" Ash called, and as Skarmory struck with another Aerial Ace, dealing Minor damage, but taking Minor damage from Iron Barbs, Ferroseed managed to inflict an additional slight amount of damage by clawing Skarmory with its body.
This kept going for several turns, but Ferroseed got a Defence buff from a third Metal Claw strike.
"This is so frustrating, I'm definitely not going to win this battle, and I can't switch out. I'm sorry Skarmory" Skyla said, seemingly becoming a bit dispirited. Eventually, the damage piled up, and Skarmory fainted.
"Skarmory is unable to battle, Ferroseed wins," the Pilot said as Skyla withdrew Skarmory.
"I'm sorry Skarmory, that absolutely didn't go the way I had hoped. Rest up" she said. Then she sighed, then got fired up, and said "You'll pay for that Ash. Swanna, take flight" and Swanna materialised.
During the exchange, Ash said to himself "I absolutely hate having to Stall, but damn did it work in that case. Ferroseed's a slow wall, from what I've seen. So I'll have to adjust my battle style for him specifically"
Back to the battle, Skyla said "Now Swanna, use Air Slash" and Swanna took into the sky and shot a blade of sky blue air at Ferroseed.
"Ferroseed, use Substitute" Ash called, and Ferroseed hid behind a Doll using a quarter of its health, which barely took the Air Slash. Ferroseed then healed a Slight amount of health with Leftovers.
"Swanna, another Air Slash" Skyla commanded, and Swanna shot another sky blue blade of air at Ferroseed, breaking the Substitute.
"Now Ferroseed, quick use Seed Bomb" Ash called, and Ferroseed shot explosive seeds at Swanna. Swanna tried to avoid them, but they moved too fast and did Minor damage.
"Swanna, end this with Air Slash" Skyla called, and Swanna shot a blade of sky blue air at Ferroseed, KO'ing it.
"Ferroseed is unable to battle, the winner is Swanna," the Pilot said as Ash withdrew Ferroseed, and said "You did amazing Ferroseed, now take a good long rest"
"So, who's going to be your last Pokémon?" Skyla taunted, to which Ash replied "I'll show you. Frillish, I choose you" and Frillish materialised.
"Alright Swanna, use Air Slash" Skyla called, and Swanna shot a blade of air at Frillish, dealing Minor damage.
"Frillish, respond with Ominous Wind" Ash commanded, and Frillish blew a wind of Spectral energy at Swanna, dealing Minor damage.
"Keep up the offensive" Skyla called, to which Ash replied "Frillish, I just thought of something. Spin around while using Ominous Wind, catch Swanna and throw it to the ground" and Frillish started spinning while blowing a spectral wind, which dissipated the Air Slash.
"Take a look at the Counter Shield," Ash said, and Frillish shot the wind at Swanna, knocking it out of the sky and dealing Minor damage, but causing Swanna to have to use it's Sitrus Berry to restore a quarter of its health.
"Take advantage of this Frillish, use Icy Wind" Ash commanded, and Frillish blew a cold, sparkling wind at Swanna, dealing Minor damage and reducing Swanna's Speed
"Respond, use Air Slash" Skyla called, and Swanna shot a blade of sky blue wind at Frillish, dealing Minor damage.
"Take to the skies and rain Air Slashes" Skyla commanded, but Swanna struggled to take to the skies. This Ash was ready to counter, and as the first blade of Sky Blue energy rained at Frillish, Ash said "Now Frillish, spin Ominous Wind" and Frillish spun while emitting a spectral wind. Although Frillish took minor damage from the Air Slash, Swanna was knocked to the ground again by the Ominous Wind Counter Shield.
"Now let's finish this, Icy Wind" Ash commanded, and Frillish shot a cold, sparkling wind at Swanna, KO'ing it,
"Swanna is unable to battle, Frillish wins. The winner is Ash of Pallet Town" the Pilot said and both Frillish and Ash cheered, while Hilda called "Well Done Ash, that was brilliantly done".
Conclusion: Rufflet, Ferroseed and Frillish win
Skyla withdrew Swanna, and said "You did well Swanna, now rest up", she then continued with "So, what was that technique called again? Counter Shield?"
"Yep," Ash replied. Skyla then added "Well done, you have won the Jet Badge, and earned TM62 Acrobatics" and she gave Ash the badge and the TM.
"Thanks" Ash replied. Skyla then added "Well, you deflated my head today Ash, well done"
"Good to hear, can't get overconfident in Pokémon Battles" Ash replied. He then nodded, and they departed.
Ash and Hilda soon reach the Pokémon Centre, and they give their Pokémon to Nurse Joy to heal.
"So, that's seven Gym Badges for you, and Six Gym Badges for me," Ash said, to which Hilda replied "Yep, so I only have one more Gym to go before I'm eligible for the Unova Regional Tournament"
"Yep. You're going to need a sixth Pokémon for that Tournament though, for your best chance in the Tournament" Ash replied, to which Hilda nodded. Skyla reached them soon afterwards, then, as she healed her Pokémon, she asked: "So, where do you two need to go from here?"
"Well, there's somewhere called Lentimas Town?" Ash asked, to which Skyla replied "Ah, you're heading there, that's awesome. I wonder if your big brother Hilbert will be there when we go"
"Yep, he'll be there, along with at least Professor Juniper" Hilda replied, to which Skyla nodded, and replied "Sweet, I'll be sure to take you there tomorrow"
"Alright," Ash replied. Skyla nodded, then said "You two had better be up bright and early, I'm leaving for Lentimas Town quite early"
"Alright, see you there" Ash replied, and Skyla headed for her suite. Ash and Hilda then headed for their rooms, to rest up for tomorrow.