Fuchsia Chateau
"This is a first-round match of an official Battle Chateau Tournament, between Countess Serena and Countess Holly. This match will take place on a grass field. May both participants exchange pleasantries?" Serena and Holly curtsied. "Now both participants may choose there pokemon."
"Eevee, battle dance." Serena released her normal type.
"Battle time, Weepinbell." Holly released her grass/poison type.
The pokemon took a battle stance.
"Let the battle begin." The ref declared.
Countess Serena VS Countess Holly
"Start with razor leaf!" Holly instructed.
The grass type fired several leaves.
"Quick Attack!" Serena countered.
With impressive speed and grace Eevee shot forward while skillfully dodging each leaf. The evolution pokemon then slammed into Weepinbell knocking him back.
"Now Dig." Serena ordered.
Before Holly could respond, Eevee burrowed underground. "Power whip the ground!" A strong looking vine appeared before slamming into the ground, destroying the floor, and forcing Eevee out. "Follow it up with poison jab."
Vines coursing with poison energy shot at Eevee slamming into her and causing massive damage.
"Eevee, fight back with quick attack!"
Eevee once more slammed into the plant.
"Grab it now with vine whip." Holly commanded.
Vines shout out and ensnared Eevee who started struggling to break free.
"Stop struggling Eevee and fire off a shadow ball." Serena ordered.
Eevee became still before firing off the ball of ghost energy resulting in Weepinbell loosening his grip on the evolution pokemon.
"Headbutt Eevee." Serena instructed.
"Counter it with slam." Holly ordered.
The pokemon charged one another, but thanks to Eevee's adaptability, she won the collision knocking her opponent away.
"Venoshock now." Holly commanded
"Dodge and close this out with a shadow ball." Serena followed up.
Eevee spun clear to the right, avoiding the poison move, and fired the shadow ball into her opponent. Weepinbell then collapsed with swirls in his eyes.
"Weepinbell is unable to battle." The ref declared. "The winners of this match are Countess Serena and Eevee who will be moving onto the next round."
"You were amazing Eevee." Serena praised as she ran onto the field and picked her starter up.
"Great job Serena and Eevee." Ash praised as the group arrived.
"Thanks Ash." Serena replied sweetly.
"Excuse me, but we need to clear the field for the next battle." The ref explained.
The group moved to the lobby with Serena returning her Eevee.
Lobby
"Hey there cousin." Calem approached the group. "I see by all your smiles that you made it to the second round as well.
"Yep." Serena declared happily. "Eevee and I fought with our all, and we came out on top."
"That's good to hear." Calem declared. "I'm hoping neither of us loses until we face each other because I've been wanting a rematch with you for some time now."
"The feeling is mutual." Serena held out her hand. "When we battle, may the better trainer win."
Calem shook the hand. "My thoughts exactly."
Transition
The next two rounds went by rather quickly. Serena used Machop on the ice field, and her opponent was a Rhydon meaning a smart choice on Serena's part. Her third round saw Magnemite battling a Voltorb on the rock field with another win for Serena.
Battle Room 1
"This is a final round match of an official Battle Chateau Tournament between Countess Serena and Earl Calem. This match will take place on a grass field. May both participants exchange pleasantries." Serena curtsied while Calem bowed. "Now, may both participants choose there pokemon."
"Battle time, Quilladin!" Calem released the grass type.
"I choose you, Doduo." Serena released her normal/flying type.
Both pokemon entered a battle stance while Ash and Serena scanned Calem's evolved pokemon:
Quilladin, the Spiny Armor Pokémon and the evolved form of Chespin. The hard shell covering Quilladin's body is so tough, a direct hit from a large truck wouldn't even dent it. Quilladin uses this shell to deflect foes' attacks, and it strikes back with its sharp quills.
"Wow, Calem's starter evolved." Ash commented.
"Well cousin, I hope you're ready because Quilladin and I have become quite the team through our travels." Calem explained.
"Doduo and I are more than ready to win this." Serena declared. "Isn't that right?"
Both of Doduo's heads nodded seriously.
Countess Serena VS Earl Calem
"Let's start this off with a bulk up!" Calem ordered.
"Two can play that game cousin!" Serena shouted. "Doduo, show them what we've learned recently with a sword's dance."
Quilladin's muscles seemed to expand and retract raising his attack and defense by a stage while astral swords appeared around Doduo raising his attack by two stages.
"Needle arm!" Calem commanded.
"Let's show Calem our feint." Serena ordered.
Both pokemon charged one another with Quilladin's now spiny arm moving to meet Doduo's oncoming leg. At the last moment, the bird dodged and got around the grass starter before smashing a foot into the mid stage pokemon.
"Let's strike back hard with a take down!" Calem instructed.
"Meet them head on with a drill peck." Serena commanded.
The two pokemon broke apart before charging one another and colliding to a standstill; however, the recoil still got the grass starter.
"Now, quick attack!" Serena ordered.
"Counter with quick guard." Calem commanded.
Quilladin's eyes shone with fighting energy as he held his arms up effortlessly blocking the oncoming bird.
"Sorry cousin, but quick guard effectively blocks priority moves." Calem retorted. "Now, strike with needle arm."
Quilladin's right arm smashed into Doduo knocking the bird away. By this point, Quilladin's moves were really starting to bring the pain to the twin headed bird as he found it difficult to stand up.
"You've fought well, but it seems this battle is almost over." Calem smirked. "Quilladin, strike now with power-up punch."
"We aren't done yet." Serena declared. "Doduo, use protect!"
The bird pokemon managed to stand and formed a shield which absorbed the damage. His eyes then stared at the mid stage evolution as he was ready for more.
"Very impressive battling spirit in that one, but we didn't come here to lose." Calem declared. "Drain punch."
"Dodge it!" Serena shouted. "Then strike back a fury attack!"
Doduo avoided the fist before launching his foot into the grass type's chest pushing him back. By this point, both pokemon were reaching their limits. It was clear the next attack would decide this battle.
"Quilladin, finish this with a body slam!" Calem shouted.
"Doduo, please pull this off!" Serena shouted. "Feint attack!"
The two pokemon charged with Doduo shooting his left forward to meet the mid stage evolution. He just managed to skid to the right, and Quilladin started to fly by before hammering home one final kick. Quilladin was set off balance before falling with swirls in his eyes.
"Duo!" Doduo declared.
"Quilladin is unable to battle, so the winners are Serena and Doduo." The ref declared. "That means she will have her rank raised to Marchioness."
With the battle won, Doduo collapsed to the ground with swirls in his eyes, but he had still won.
Pokemon Center
Serena had changed and met the group before they made their way back to the Pokemon Centre.
"Serena, that was a great battle." Brock praised.
James nodded. "In the end, the bond you've forged with Doduo helped you win the day."
"I have to agree with them." Ash stated. "All of your pokemon really shined alongside you."
"Thanks you three." Serena then latched onto Ash's arm. "Let's not forget we still have one more thing left to do here. Ash, it's time you win your fourth badge."
"I hear you, Serena." Ash threw his fist in the air. "This time, I'm getting that badge!"
Calem had just gotten his pokemon back before approaching them with a smile. "You certainly have come a long way little cousin." He chuckled. "I'll be looking forward to potentially battling you again."
"Same here." Serena smiled at him. "So, where are you going next?"
"Eh, wherever the road takes me." Calem stated. "At this point, I am thinking of trying some routes with stronger pokemon and trainers." He shrugged. "I'll just have to see because the unexpected is a constant no matter how well you plan your journey."
"Isn't that the truth." Ash stated. "Still, it was great to see you again."
"Same here." Calem walked by them. "Anyways, I'll catch you all later."
The group watched as the Kalos native left the pokemon center. They may not know where he's going, but something told them they'd meet up again at some point.
Fuchsia City, Next Day…
It was finally time for Ash's next attempt at his fourth gym badge, and he was determined to get it this time. He contemplated using Scyther but decided against it. Sure, she stopped trying to kill Ash, but that's as far as they've gotten.
The bug/flying type would never obey him, and always gave him the stink eye. In the end, he settled on Nidorino, Charmeleon, and Hitmonchan to give him another shot at being part of a winning gym team. To get the fighting type back, he'd sent Dratini to the lab for the time being.
The group were now walking to the gym with Ash in the lead. His mind was set on the battle a head with Pikachu perched on his shoulder. The electric mouse understood that the others needed time to battle, and he still had his memory of battling that Raichu to look back on fondly.
"Well, here it is." James announced as he pointed to an old, wooden building.
"Alright, that fourth badge is mine!" Ash shouted.
"Are you sure you're ready Ash?" Brock asked.
"Of course." Ash replied without hesitation. "My team and I have been training hard ever since Saffron City. We got this."
"Just make sure you focus on the battle, and you should have nothing to worry about." Brock explained.
Ash nodded in agreement before the doors suddenly opened and Koga stepped out. "My name is Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town, and I've come to challenge you for my fourth gym badge!"
Koga nodded. "I'd have accepted regardless, but I must say that your performance in the tournament intrigued me Ash." He bowed. "I look forward to our battle. As this is your fourth badge, I will use these three pokemon."
Koga sent out: Muk, Weezing, and Golbat.
"Why would you show off your pokemon before the battle?" James questioned.
"Intimidation, young man." Koga replied. "By revealing my pokemon, it does give my opponent the chance to know what's coming, but it also adds a layer of pressure."
"That is how you roll Koga." Brock declared with a smile.
Koga smiled back at him. "Indeed Brock."
"Well, I don't care what I'm against because I believe in my pokemon." Ash replied.
"Very good. We shall do battle in the back garden." Koga explained. "Please, follow me."
Koga walked inside with Ash, Serena, Brock, and James following shortly behind.
Back Garden
It wasn't long until they were outside and saw the battlefield which was over a grass patch. Ash took his place in the trainer's box while Koga did the same. His pokemon, which remained out of their pokeballs, lined up behind him. A ninja in full attire took to the ref stand.
"This is a three-on-three gym battle between Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town and Koga, the Fuchsia City Gym Leader." The ref explained. "If victorious, Ash will win an official Sol Badge! There will be no time limit and only the challenger can make substitutions. As gym leader, Koga shall choose his pokemon first."
"Muk, out of the shadows." Koga declared.
The sludge pokemon came into the battlefield ready to battle.
"In that case…" Ash gripped his first pokeball. "I choose you, Hitmonchan!"
The fighting type appeared on the field and got into his stance ready for battle.
"A fighting type is a risky move in a poison type gym." Koga announced.
"Sometimes, you got to take a little risk." Ash declared. "Right Hitmonchan?".
Hitmonchan nodded. "Hit!"
"Well then, let us not postpone this battle any further." Koga declared.
"Let the battle begin." The red declared.
Ash VS Koga (P. I)
"Start with your poison jab, Muk!" Koga instructed.
Muk charged at Hitmonchan and moved to hit him with his arm.
"Use bullet punch!" Hitmonchan swung his steel covered fist into the poison type disrupting his attack by the empowered punches. "Combo it into a fire punch."
"Counter with your fire punch." Koga declared.
Their ignited fist hit one another with neither pokemon giving an inch.
"Now that he is close, use poison gas." Koga declared.
"Get out of there Hitmonchan!" Ash panicked.
Hitmonchan tried to get back, but it was too late as he inhaled the gas resulting in the fighting type being poisoned. The residual damage was already starting to wash over him.
"Now Muk, strike hard with thunder punch." Koga declared.
"Use detect before striking with a drain punch to recover your health." Ash commanded.
Muk attempted to strike with his lighting covered fist only for Hitmonchan's eyes to sheen with fighting energy. He pivoted around the poison type before landing a drain punch restoring some health before it was immediately sapped by the poison.
"Awesome job Hitmonchan." Ash declared.
"Assumption only leads to your downfall, young one." Koga announced. "Moonblast."
"Use endure Hitmonchan before throwing it all back at Muk with a revenge." Ash ordered.
Hitmonchan glowed brilliantly as the fairy attack struck him hard. The fighting type survived and immediately lunged at the poison type delivering one heck of a punch sending the poison type flying. Then, the poison damage hit. At the same time Muk hit the ground, Hitmonchan collapsed, and both had swirls in their eyes.
"Both pokemon are unable to battle." The ref declared.
Fuchsia Gym
"Return Hitmonchan." Ash recalled his fallen fighting type. "You were amazing out there."
"Muk, return as well." Koga returned his poison type. "You showed the true spirit of a ninja.".
"That was a great battle." James commented.
"Yeah, I thought Hitmonchan was done once that fairy move hit, but Ash managed to at least take Muk down." Brock stated.
Serena smiled lovingly. "That's just how Ash is."
"Both trainers must now choose their next pokemon." The ref declared. "As is tradition, the gym leader shall choose first."
"Weezing, out of the shadows." Koga declared.
The levitating poison type appeared ready for battle.
"I chose you, Charmeleon!" Ash shouted.
As soon as the fire type appeared, he got into a battle stance.
"Let the battle begin!" The ref declared.
Ash VS Koga (P. II)
"Double hit!" Koga shouted.
With an unpredictable speed, Weezing shot towards Charmeleon slamming into him twice.
"Heads up Charmeleon." Ash shouted.
Charmeleon regained his balance and flashed a thumbs up to show he's ready.
"Double hit, again." Koga ordered.
Weezing charged at Charmeleon again.
"Dragon pulse now!" Charmeleon fired off the powerful dragon energy which sent the approaching poison type into a nearby tree. "Combo it with a flamethrower!"
Charmeleon breathed fire at the poison type, but neither Koga nor Weezing were scared.
"Dark pulse!" Koga shouted.
Weezing released the dark attack into the flamethrower causing the attacks to clash before canceling each other out
"I must admit, your skills with your pokemon are quite remarkable." Koga praised. "Though, it will take more than this to give you a victory."
"We're just getting started." Ash declared. "Charmeleon, use shadow claw.
"Stop him with a thunderbolt." Koga declared.
Weezing sparked with electricity and let it rip striking Charmeleon; however, the lizard pressed on slashing into the poison type.
"Combo in a slash!" Ash Shouted.
Charmeleon landed a critical slash sending Weezing to the ground.
"Use pain split!" Koga ordered.
Charmeleon and Weezing both glowed with normal energy which seemed to heal the poison type while damaging the fire type.
"Charmeleon!?" Ash looked to Koga. "What is that move?"
"That is pain split." Koga declared. "It takes our pokemon's remaining health into account and averages it out putting us on equal footing. Now, strike hard with psybeam!"
"Counter with dragon pulse!" Ash countered.
The two attacks collided once more, but this time the dragon pulse overcame the psychic attack before washing over Weezing. Still, the poison type managed to stay afloat, but he was on his last legs.
"Charmeleon, finish this with a slash!" Ash ordered.
As the lizard closed in, Koga spoke up. "Weezing, use explosion."
"Charmeleon, get back now!" Ash panicked.
The lizard tried to retreat, but it was too late as the poison type exploded. Once it cleared, it was revealed that both pokemon were lain out on the ground with swirls in their eyes.
"Both pokemon are unable to battle." The ref declared.
Fuchsia Gym
"Return Charmeleon." Ash recalled his fire type. "You gave it your all."
"Weezing, return as well." Koga returned his poison type. "You performed admirably."
"This is neck and neck at this point." James commented.
"It is, and that's what worries." Brock stated. "Remember, a gym leader always saves their ace for last, and Ash is going to have to beat it with his final pokemon."
"Ash will do it because he won't accept losing another badge." Serena stated firmly. "He's trained so hard for this."
"I hope you're right Serena.
"Both trainers must now choose their next pokemon." The ref declared. "As is tradition, the gym leader shall choose first."
"Golbat, out of the shadows!" Koga declared.
The poison/flying type flew onto the field.
"Koga's turning out to be just as tough as Arcana, but I'm not losing out on another badge." Ash nodded. "I choose you, Nidorino!"
The poison type appeared ready for battle.
"Let the battle begin." The ref declared.
Ash VS Koga (P. III)
"Air cutter!" Koga shouted.
"Hold your ground and strike back with ice beam!" Ash ordered.
Golbat sent wind slashing down at Nidorino who managed to hold up before firing off the ice attack at the bat sending him crashing to the ground.
"Aerial Ace." Koga shouted.
Golbat disappeared and reappeared slamming his wing into Nidorino.
Ash saw his chance. "Horn attack!" Nidorino struck back with his horn and Golbat cried out in pain. "Follow it up with another ice beam!"
Nidorino fired off another ice beam further injuring the poison/flying type.
"Giga drain before ascending into the air." Golbat absorbed massive, green spheres from Nidorino before flying up. "Air cutter!"
Golbat wrapped his wings around his body before flinging them open and sending three sharp air razors towards Nidorino.
"Use dig to avoid them!" Ash shouted.
Nidorino quickly descended into the ground avoiding the attack.
"Stay vigilant Golbat." Koga declared.
"Nidorino, reveal yourself and fire an ice beam." Ash ordered.
"Dodge and use wing attack!" Koga instructed.
Nidorino came back to the ground and fired the ice beam only for Golbat to fly over him easily dodging the attack. He then slammed his wings into the poison type dealing out more damage. Now, both pokemon were panting heavily.
"We haven't had much practice with this move, but it's all or nothing." Ash thought.
"Other than that Gary guy, this is one of the few trainers to really pressure me." Koga smirked. "Looks like it's time to give it one last attack and see who comes out on top."
"Golbat, brave bird!" Koga declared.
"Nidorino, I believe in you!" Ash shouted. "Blizzard!"
Golbat was cloaked in wild, flying energy as he charged at Nidorino who was glowing with powerful ice energy. A strong blizzard whipped up. Golbat got mere inches from Nidorino before the flying energy dissipated as he fell to the ground with swirls in his eyes.
"Golbat is unable to battle, so the winner is Ash from Pallet Town." The ref declared.
"We won?" Ash uttered in shock before running over to his first capture and hugging him. "Nidorino, I knew you wouldn't let me down buddy. Thank you, for hanging in there until the end."
Nidorino leaned forward causing Ash to fall to the ground before the playful pokemon began nudging his trainer causing him to roll along the field.
"No, Nidorino I'm not a toy!" Ash shouted.
Everyone laughed as it was quite the sight to behold. Eventually, everything got under control and the gym leader approached his challenger.
"Ash." Koga stated. "That was without question one of my most intense battles in a while."
"Thank you, Koga." Ash patted Nidorino. "I couldn't have done it without my pokemon giving it their all."
"Indeed." Koga smiled. "Now, as proof of your victory, I present you with the Sou badge." He handed over the pink heart shaped badge. "Congratulations on a well-earned badge for your deserve it."
"Yeah!" Ash exclaimed before he and his pokemon got into their pose. "We just earned the Sol Badge!"
Everyone else was happy he finally got the fourth badge, and they soon took off for the pokemon center to let Ash heal up his pokemon. Come the next day, it was time to set off for Celadon City in hopes of a fifth badge and a new rank for Serena.
Here are the results to the poll question from reviews, pm's, and the question itself:
Yes: 7 Votes
No: 3 Votes
Guest: The other Mewtwo is the shiny version. If you look back at that chapter, you'll see that I described it as a lighter shade of gray with green where their is normally purple. That's Shiny Mewtwo.
Reader: Thank you
