Nothing much to say much except Ash's Dragonite is a beast. Bitch-slapping Mega Lucario is no ordinary feat. With Gengar, it was just a plot to direct some light at Dragonite. Everyone knows Pokemon with the ability 'Levitate' cannot be hit with Ground Type moves. But let's not that anger come in the way. Let's proceed.
Location: Lavaridge Town
Ash's Roster: Kingler, Donphan , Scrafty, Unfezant, Glalie and Sceptile.
Hoenn, as they say, is one of the hottest regions on Earth, and everyone held Lavaridge responsible for that. Temperatures here can soar past the point of human comfort, unless tanning in 120 degree weather sounds like one's cup of tea. It gets worse, when summer dawns upon Hoenn, and the sweating begins. Here, one could cook an omelet on a stone, without the use of a frying pan. A kind of a geological wonderland for meteorologists, acidic hot springs and gas geysers, this place vies for one of the world's hottest tourist spots. And why not, for it is nestled at the foot of the majestic Mount Chimney! Oh, founder of Lavaridge, couldn't you find a better spot for setting up a civilization?
Actually not that bad, hummed Ash as he soaked in the mineral rich natural waters of Lavaridge's hot springs. True, the world says. This water can cure anything, from tiredness to status conditions. An oxygenated circulatory system is beneficial in keeping not only your heart, but your body's other vital organs and tissues, healthy and strong. The special effects of the water separated him from all the tiredness he had been gaining since the start of the day. Speaking of the start, trekking up and the down through the Jagged Pass wasn't much thrilling. What astounding him was how the people stuck to the Japanese culture after all these years. Sand baths was still a miracle in this Town and Ash was happy the people didn't abandon that to the modern technology.
Refreshed and renewed, his Pokemon had decided to dedicate their day just relaxing, Ash made up his mind to challenge Flannery the following day. He feared as if he showed up at the gym today, he may have to run around all those chores again, and Ash was the best to avoid those. Well, not when his mother kept an eye on him.
He laid down further in the pool, where on his head was kept above the surface, Ash inclined against the edge of the pool, groaning as the bath salts were beginning to work their effects. A splash jerked him up, as he rocked forward.
Disappointed, he huffed. The hot springs was unisex, and sadly a lot of oldies still loved hot springs…
XXX
Next Day,
''You wish to challenge me?'' Flannery guffawed, outstretching a finger in front of Ash's face. ''I am Flannery, the fire type-no wait! I'm the tamer of the Fire types-grrr…not working,'' the redhead agitatedly stomped the ground, ''I'll start again. Flannery!'' with a fashionable pose ''Gym Leader of Lavaridge Town and granddaughter of the former Elite Four, Moore! I have inherited his skills of training the Fire Type Pokemon and have been honing my skills on top of Mount Chimney! Be prepared, as ia m going to use my fiery passion against you!''
Dimwitted by the introduction, Ash took out the straw of his juice box from his lips and mumbled. ''Good to know, I am AK, by the way.''
He was somewhat glad, that Flannery even being 4 years older than him hadn't lost her enthusiasm. And oh boy! She was Hot! Her finely toned belly was the same, with the only difference she wore her jeans a bit lower on her waist, which wasn't a complaint. She, unlike before, tied her hair into a simple ponytail next to her head. She had 'developed' and Ash would put her in the category 'C'. He wished if he could do this one!
''Sorry,'' Flannery chuckled sheepishly, ''I am bit clumsy with gym conduct but I can still battle tough. I have been a gym leader for thirteen years now, and I keep getting stronger and stronger…..''
''Okay, okay. Don't trail off,'' Ash sweatdropped nervously. ''Please just dictate the rules.''
''Alright,'' Flannery pouted. ''JAMES!''
Footsteps became a new sound in surroundings, and a man scurried out, fumbling with steps. ''Sorry, I didn't know we had a challenger.''
With claiming their places on the battlefield, with James taking his place at the side, he announced with both hands spread out. ''This will be a three-on-three gym battle for the Heat Badge. There is no time limit and only challenger can substitute their Pokemon. Begin!''
''Hold on!'' Ash interrupted, dazing out Flannery as she was about to choose her first Pokemon. ''I don't need the Heat Badge. This needs to be an unofficial Gym Battle. And I want the Gym Leader ,'' staring at Flannery, ''to use her best she has in arsenal.''
''You'll be sorry,'' Flannery sing-songed, lobbing her first Pokeball forward. ''Go, Magcargo!''
The ball quakes before revealing the resident inside to be a Magcargo.
''Cargo!'' it yawns, slithering in front of its trainer.
'' I choose you, Kingler!''
"Kuu-kiii!" Kingler gurgled, snapping his larger claw. Ash was greeted with an awe-stricken, incredulous, very judgmental look
''Just because you chose a water type doesn't mean you get an upper hand, '' Flannery smirked proudly. ''I know how to defend my Fire Types against the types they are weak against.''
''Oh, care to demonstrate?'' Ash quipped her confidence. ''Kingler, start things off with Bubblebeam!''
"Ku-ku-ki!" Kingler opened both of his pincers, spraying a wide wave of foam over the battlefield.
''Amnesia!''
The Lava filled snail exhaled, ridding out its thoughts and memories. The bubbles stung its body, but they barely seemed a trouble. It was like it didn't mind being wet. Or maybe it didn't even feel it.
''Rock Tomb!''
The rock-fire hybrid conjured an orbiting series of different shapes of stones, telepathically hurling them forward.
''Kingler, time for Surf!'' Ash punched the air, elated. ''That will take care of those rocks!''
The crustacean hoisted his pincers in the air, chanting some gurgles. A sudden tremor shook the field, producing a condensed tidal wave that picked up behind the crab. The strong current pounded away at the rocks, grinding them to sediment, as well as threatening to blast Magcargo back.
Flannery's breath hitched in her throat. She cried frantically. ''Quick, Shell Smash!''
Outlined in a bright glow, Magcargo amazed the adversary by leaping high above the ground, the wave unceremoniously crashing on the sand below. Thanks to Shell Smash, it was gifted with increased stats at the cost of defenses.
''Now, Overheat!'' Heaving, Flannery continued.
In the presence of heat, the Fire type attack blistered forwards in raging flames , swallowing up a wincing Kingler in their wrath.
''Burn the field with intensity, Magcargo! Kingler should have no place to go except in its Pokeball, defeated!'' Flannery continued. ''Overheat!''
Although the damage didn't set the bar very high, Kingler was revealed covered in soot. Luckily, he wasn't burnt.
''Mud Shot everywhere!''
Regaining composure, Kingler widened his pincer, firing compact masses of mud in every possible spot of the field.
''What is he trying to accomplish?'' Flannery blinked.
The plot behind the command was to slow Magcargo down who was benefitted from its previous move. With globs of mud around it, the Lava Pokemon found it perplexing to move anywhere. And being a dual type that were vulnerable against the ground type move, it wasn't joyous for Magcargo at all.
''Surf it up and Crabhammer!''
A swelling tide lifted the water type, growing into a wave that dwarfed Magcargo. The wave first washed over the mud. Magcargo recoiled, trying to squirm backwards, largely open to be tossed aside by the Surf. The fire type was swept heavily where it was trying to go. Kingler sprung into the suds of muddy terrain and strung Magcargo hard with a swing of his pincer. The snail shaped Pokemon was instantly hammered, and sent flying in front of the wall behind Flannery.
''Magcargo is unable to battle!'' the referee declared. ''Kingler wins. The first round goes to the challenger!''
Flannery frowned, recalling her partner. The defensive gamble hadn't paid off and the swift acknowledgment of the real strength of the opponent, made Flannery think sharp about her next choice.
With a bit more caution in mind, she brushed back her jacket to grab her second Pokémon.
''Magmar, it's your turn!''
The larger Spitfire Pokémon stood, maintaining an ironically cooler demeanor. Sensing Flannery had chosen her Pokemon with something in mind for Kingler, the red recall laser pulled the crab back into his capsule. A channeled a growing surge of excitement into his throw of replacement. The Pokemon inhabiting the capsule mimic the same excitement, bobbing his body up and down,
''Glalie!'' The Face Pokemon grinned.
''That's what you going with?'' Flannery's eye twitched.
''Yea, I thought I should make things a bit easier for you,'' Ash cracked the bones of his fingers.
''Let's end this before it gets embarrassing, Lava Plume!'' Flannery barked.
"Mag!" Magmar turned his head upward, spitting a rising pillar of lava towards Glalie.
''Oh, it will be embarrassing, and maybe I should apologize in advance,'' Ash cowed.
''I was referring to you!'' the gym leader snapped.
''Well, then specify,'' Ash whined. ''Ice Beam to shield yourself!''
Glalie started a freeze a wall, and Ice Beam rose from them to climb higher, still. Before long, a solid guard had been summoned to obscure the ice type. Just in time for Lava Plume to fire, blasting the barrier between the Pokémon. Chunks of ice crumbled and caved, giving under the force of the hurled boulders. Frost and vapor dispersed.
''Time to show little speed of our own, Lava Plume again and then Flame Charge!'' Flannery combined.
Lifting another pledge of flames, Magmar ignited itself top and bottom, and entered the fury of Lava Plume. A mighty explosion of magma and earth rocked the field, propelling Magmar to new heights atop the spout. Powered up, it burst forward.
"We're not done yet!" Ash pumped a fist. ''Water Pulse!''
A blue, bubbling orb of concentrated water was hoisted, and thrown violently against the Magma Warrior. Crashing waves burst from the impact point, climbing to swallow lava wrapped Spitfire Pokemon.
''You can do it, Magmar!'' Flannery encouraged, balling her fists.
"Mag! Mar! Mag!" Magmar grunted, punching away at the oncoming current with white-hot fists. It ignited once more, this time turning into a wild spin. A whirlwind of flames climbed above ground, morphing the fire type into a blazing spinning top. Waves crashed into the combination, only to be split down the middle, steam rose from the turning whips of heat.
''Gyro Ball!'' Ash countered.
Glalie launched into a spin, surrounded by a gleaming silver ring. With a silver coating and momentum to spare, he launched himself at Magmar like a cannon ball. The latter had been lying in wait. As its opponent came close, its intentions were clear.
Both Pokemon crashed into each other violently, exerting their dominance. The collision, as it usually ended, sent both Pokemon reeling backwards. While Magmar's feet skidded to a halt and its lips curled into a menacing snicker, the same wasn't in Glalie's situation. Flames flickered around his body, registering him burnt for rest of the battle.
''Oh shit, I forgot about the Flame Body'' Ash muttered. ''Ice Beam!''
Glalie fired a bitter cold beam of energy, eyes set on Magmar.
''Thunderbolt!'' Flannery countered.
Magmar moaned, launching a wild array of blue lightning into the air. The frosty beam and the lightning current found each other. A small explosion followed the boom that rocked the battlefield. Aside from heat and the wave of dust and debris, the referee's end wasn't any worse for the wear. The explosion did, however, send Glalie and Magmar skidding a few feet.
''Gyro Ball to create a sandstorm!'' Ash threw a hand forward.
But Flannery was quicker. ''Psychic!''
"Glah!" He grunted, turning his body into a quickly accelerating spin. But due to some odd reason, he just couldn't comprehend how the rotating stopped. Moreover, he found himself swinging at thin-air. Ash watched unblinking as his Pokémon's body jerked back when it lifted from the arena floor. In a surge of psychic energy, the ice ball was swung and crushed against the far wall of the arena, cracks lacing outward from the impact.
''Glalie are you all right?'' Ash grit, heart racing.
''Lie!'' the Face Pokemon groaned, once again alit with burns. Having a strong determination, a trait he shared with most of Ash's Pokemon, Glalie floated right back in.
''Alright, get back in!'' Ash smacked his fist into the open palm. Now if his Pokemon wanted to kick some ass, the trainer would just have to give in.
''Lava Plume!'' Flannery pointed forward. Lips swollen, Magmar shot another inferno tower towards the ice type, deluded it would end it.
''All your energy in an Ice Beam!''
Glaaa!" He cried, unleashing the last of his frosty reserves in the form of a shimmering chilly beam. The outcome was allied to Ash's master plan. The collision didn't cause a booming bang, but instead, a thick layer was created of black and red sooth. Red bubbling lava was trying to melt the ice and swallow it.
''Now let's create some steam!'' Ash followed. ''Water Pulse!''
Spitting a sphere of concentrated water on the mixture below, a thick fog of steam erupted that danced deep into the air. Nothing was visible to the eye. The obstruction had given Magmar no clear view of Glalie. Its sharp eye was short a target.
''Magmar, can you see it?'' Flannery cried.
''Mag!'' the Pokemon replied, which she took as a either a 'No' or a cry out for help.
''Use Thunderbolt!''
Several bolts were sent in undecided directions, hoping one of them could locate Glalie through its cry. But the Pokemon didn't notice the shadow looming behind it.
''Sheer Cold!'' Ash tightened his fingers.
''Gasp! He made use of Glalie's levitation!'' Flannery gawked.
''LIE!''Glalie revealed itself behind the Fire type, tossing his head back and forward again, he fired a freezing blast forward. Portion by portion the field was covered in ice, so thick and stubborn, the angry lava surrendered. Encased in the prism of Sheer Cold, the ice didn't let the Magmar's flames burn long enough. Tired, Magmar fell forward, with swirled eyes, under the huge mass of ice.
"Magmar is unable to battle! AK wins the second round as well. Gym Leader, please select your last Pokemon.''
"Great job, Glalie."
Gleeful at his triumph, 'burn' wasn't something that had left yet. Once again, Glalie blazed on flames, recoiling under the effect.
He praised his Pokemon as his cries vanished in the recall beam of its Pokeball, and he watched Flannery do the same. Wordlessly, both trainers selected a new Pokeball from their arsenal and tossed them to begin the last round.
a quick scan of the battlefield revealed a Scrafty and a smoke puffing Torkoal. While Scrafty clattered his teeth pulling his pants up, Torkoal poured out dark smoke from its nostrils.
''koal!''
Once again a wave of nostalgia hit Ash. Facing a Pokemon he owns is always challenging. Same thing would reflect upon Scrafty. But now, more important things needed to be taken care of.
''Alright, Scrafty, start with Head Smash!''
Head tucked, a bluish aura began outlining the crest sported on Scrafty's head. Having the baggy trousers as protection, Scrafty blistered forward on the ice path laid down by Glalie's Sheer Cold.
''Shake things up, Earthquake!''
Emitting steam, Torkoal stomped the hind legs on the field. The ground trembled and cracked, glowing gold in each spread. The shockwave rocketed away from the stomp, and Scrafty jolted forward from his desperate shout. Watching this, Ash wasted no time.
"Jump!" Ash screamed.
On high alert, Scrafty's powerful tail instantly snapped down against the ground and sent him skyward. Ash stumbled from the force of the Earthquake, but he allowed himself a small grin as his Pokémon's forward momentum vaulted it up and over the deadly attack.
Flannery too watched in amazement with a whispered, "Whoa," as the Hoodlum Pokémon gracefully arced over Torkoal's head before landing on its feet with a heavy thud.
But the evasive maneuver was only part of Ash's plan. ''Rock Climb to lift both of you up, Scrafty!'' he cracked his knuckles.
Smashing his feet into the Gym floor, a tremor shot across, isolating both Pokémon atop a rocky outcrop. The fire type stumbled, barely maintaining balance. It was sitting prey for the stampeding Scrafty, who bounded the protrusion in a reckless charge.
Brows knitted, Flannery threw a hand forward. ''Fire Blast!''
Mere feet from the falling off the artificial structure, Torkoal fired off a spreading bath of flames that roared over.
''Charge right in!'' Ash simply grinned again.
''What did you say?!" Flannery gasped.
And so, Scrafty charged right in, pushing the envelope by blitzing through the flaming stars. Little streaks of flames had caught on to his body, making Flannery cherished.
''Alright, it's burned!'' Flannery danced.
''Not quite!'' Ash interjected.
Confident in her abilities, Flannery had less than curiosity in Ash's denial. Her fears were confirmed only when Scrafty heaved into sight. Shining bright, the Fighting Type discarded the burned clothes, soon to be replaced with a new one.
''Well that's new!''
''My Scrafty has the ability 'Shed Skin','' Ash educated. ''And so, he's insured with all Status Conditions.''
Sprinting his way up to Torkoal, Scrafty threw himself at the Fire Type. His hardened skull smashed brutally into the terrapin's hide. The Coal Pokemon was thrown from its unwanted perch, colliding with the ground with a thud. Rock Climb retreated back into the earth, and Scrafty flipped a few steps back, admiring his new skin while also keeping his distance.
"Excellent work," Ash laid on the praise. ''Focus Blast!''
''Sludge Bomb!''
The orb of fighting energy met the globs of gunk. Sludge Bomb proved to be a perfect counter as the volley of sludge racing each other to smack on Scrafty. Not needed to be told, Scrafty pulled up his pants, a perfect shield against the poison type move. The only sad part was now the stained trousers.
''Damn, the Pokémon's too strong! Worse, if I beat that somehow, there's still Glalie and Kingler left. How am I gonna do this?!'' Flannery went over the battle highlights. But she's gotta find a way right?
''Torkoal, Overheat!''
The tortoise threw its head forward, launching the stream of heat. As Overheat's blast hurtled his way, Scrafty ducked himself down, the gout of flame flying harmlessly overhead. Evading that wouldn't be easy as the thing that thing that just went soaring above was a massive fireball.
Ash squinted. He had caught upon something. Observation mixed with experience, and a bomb had just dropped in his mind. Outstretching an arm, he played forward with the move that had replaced Scraggy's Leer during training. ''Use Swagger!''
Pulling off his most intimidating face, Scrafty pupils took a faint red glow, which Torkoal was unfortunate to catch upon. The battle had its ending begun since then. The reptile became a victim of Uneasiness and constant irritation, and inevitably its mind went overdrive. What was happening? Why was that girl behind shouting frantically, calling out to him? What was that lizard standing in front of him? Why was it bothering him so much? It had to get rid of him somehow?
A volley of poisonous goo was launched at Scrafty very much against Flannery's order. Easily dodged. Torkoal developed more rage. But what was mysterious, the more he got infuriated the more his power surged. The strategy only worked, when one after one the Overheats were launched, exhausting all the boosted special attack power Torkoal had temporally attained.
'No, Torkoal!'' Flannery cried, on the verge of tears. She knew she had played right into Ash's hand. ''You gotta listen to me. Shake that confusion off!''
Gradually, the all attacks now seemed weaker, and Torkoal had worn out; dangerously exposed to one last Head Smash. Howling in pain by the rocking headbutt, the reptile had toppled off to a stop, immobile. Scrafty stood next to it, eerie expression unchanged. He grabbed his pants and bleated in sounds of victory. The Pokemon was drown in his merry, he didn't take notice of the capsule that playfully tapped his head, recalling it back.
''Awesome job, Scrafty.'' He smiled at the Pokeball. It was just a different feeling the trainer would express when he raises a Pokemon right from the Egg.
''Torkoal is unable to battle!'' James concluded his job as the judge. ''With knocking all of the Gym Leader's Pokemon without losing even one, the challenger AK is the clear victor of this battle!''
The sound of laser prickled Ash's thoughts as he watched Flannery recalling her fallen Torkoal back. ''That was really cool! I guess.'' She flustered, laughing sheepishly.
''Cold enough to dowse your puny flames…''
And that was Chapter Number 36. Complete!
So, what now huh? I say let's take a break. Oh don't get me wrong. A break from Gym Leaders and known characters. Watching Pokemon Journeys Episode 25 gave me an idea. One Word: Tournament. How about a mini World Coronation Series in the next chapter? Sounds exciting huh, doesn't it. I am on it!
I got a PM asking when will I start with my story "True Bonds". I think I am ready with a reply now. I don't plan making a separate story anymore, but…
I do plan on merging that story into this one. One single Blaster. That story was initially going to be a sequel to 'Back in Action' but now I think what the heck, let's just stream this river into a sea. I think it will be great to transition a one shot series into a epic. Let me know your thoughts.
Oh I also haven't done a Q&A in a while, coz I never received any question.
What will Ash do after revisiting Kanto?
Umm..okay, I had spoiled that he will be facing the Elite Four in a non official battles. The twist is that after Ash goes back to Kanto, he opens up to his old friends to end the hiatus of running away. I think that will answer your question.
Okay then, I'll give you the list of next chapters, this time four.
37)World Coronation Tournament
38)Winona
39)Rafe
40)Drew
Alright, looking forward to give you the next chapter.