The Journey Continues

Hey everybody. The moment we've all been waiting for has finally arrived. Ash and Misty's gym battle is about to go underway, but only one can come out victorious. Let's see who will that lucky winner will be, shall we?

10

The aquarium was always filled with Pokémon, but Ash spotted a few that were new. Ash was no stranger to the Cerulean Gym and he was not a stranger to the aquarium. Even though it had been a minute since his last minute, he noticed several new Pokémon swimming in the water. "Look, Ash. A school of Gorebyss," Serena proclaimed. "Remember when we went to the Ambrette Aquarium?"

"You mean that time we tried to fish for a golden Magikarp? I remember that."

"Nice to meet you guys," Serena greeted the South Sea Pokémon. The seven Gorebyss gathered together and formed a heart with Ash and Serena inside of the heart. Once they were swimming away, Ash spotted a Dewpider building its web between two small rock pillars with a Pyukumuku sleeping behind it. "Look, buddy, its Popplio," Ash spotted. Pikachu absorbed the Popplio from a distance while jumping on top of three bubbles. Ash assumed Popplio blew those bubbles. "Is that a Dewpider? In the Cerulean Gym? Misty hates Bug-type Pokémon."

"You've seen those Pokémon before?" Serena asked.

Ash and Pikachu both nodded their heads. "Popplio is one of the starter Pokémon new trainers in Alola can choose from," Ash clarified. "Pikachu and I have a friend name Lana, she had a Popplio who full evolved into this really strong Primaria."

"Between you and Bonnie, I've been hearing a lot about the Alola region and it sounds like a beautiful place."

"Alola really is amazing. I should take you there someday."

Serena scanned Popplio to find out more information about the Alolan-based Pokémon. "Popplio, the Sea Lion Pokémon. A Water-type," Serena's PokePhone explained. "Popplio control balloons water balloons through its nose and practices daily to make larger balloons. It can swim up to 25 MPH."

During their conversation, they must had forgotten Brock was standing right beside them. "Pyukumuku and Dewpider are based in Alola too. When Misty was visiting Lana, she must had caught those two. She actually told me Popplio was a gift from Misty," Brock detailed. "Although I am surprised to see Dewpider too. I know it's a Water-type Pokémon, but its still a Bug-type and we know how much Misty hates Bug-type Pokémon. Speaking of Misty, are you sure you're ready to battle her?"

"I'm a bit concern myself," Serena added. "Now that I think about it, battling with Meowstic didn't exactly help out come up with some kind of strategy."

Ash couldn't ignore Serena and Brock's concerns because he knew they had a point. Serena had no Water-type Pokémon that Ash could battle the other day and the Cerulean Gym specialized in Water-types. The upside was he had Pikachu and Electric-types have the advantage since Misty's Pokémon are predominately Water-types. One of those Pokémon was a Gyarados that can mega evolve. On the other hand, Ash defeated Mega Gyarados before and he could do it again. "Don't worry. We'll find a way like we always do. Right, buddy?"

Pikachu threw a fist in the air while agreeing with his best friend. "But, Ash…"

Before Brock finished his sentence, Serena placed her hand over his shoulder. "There's nothing to worry about. Ash is going to win. I have no doubt in my mind."

Ash shot a smile at Serena as a way of thanking her for the words of confidence. He could always count on his childhood friend to cheer him on. Ash called out Eevee and handed him over to Serena. "Kay, Eevee. I want you to watch us battle because the next gym we'll challenge, you'll be battling too." Eevee nodded and wished Pikachu good luck. "Take care of Eevee for me, please, Serena?"

"You can count on me."

Upon arriving at the battlefield, Ash spotted Misty standing across the field. With her hands glued to her sides, Misty shot a meaningful smile at her opponent. Ash hadn't seen her eyebrows that sharpened in a very long time. If Misty lowered them any further, they would be enough to cut off her eyelids. "I've been waiting for this day, Ash. I hope you're ready to lose," the Cerulean leader fired.

"I should be saying that to you, Misty," Ash clapped back as Pikachu jumped off his shoulder.

Serena joined Brock at the rafters as the latter released all four of her Pokémon. She told them to watch the battle as it could give them some ideas for future showcases. "Eevee, pay close attention to how Ash battles," Serena said.

"The battle between Ash the challenger and Misty the gym leader will now begin," the referee explained to everyone in the gym. "Both trainers will use two Pokémon each and the battle will be over when both Pokémon on either side are unable to continue. Furthermore, only the challenger can substitute Pokémon."

Ash and Misty nodded to the rules given to them. After the rules were explained, it was time for both sides to call out their first Pokémon. "Kay, Pikachu. I choose you!"

"Come on out, Staryu. My steady!" Misty called out.

Ash knew Misty was going to call out Staryu first. He also predicted she was saving her Gyarados for last since it could mega evolve. Not that Ash was doubting Lucario, but Ash had a better chance winning with Pikachu considering the fact both Staryu and Gyarados are Water-type Pokémon. Being an Electric-type, Pikachu had the advantage. "Let's start things off, Pikachu, and use Thunderbolt."

Pikachu released a bolt of electricity from his entire body and the attack surrounded Staryu. "Staryu, use Rapid Spin," Misty commanded. Misty's partner started spinning like a saw blade with its appendages like a cutting edge and broke free from the Thunderbolt. No words came out of everyone's mouth seeing how an Electric-type move had no affect against a Water-type Pokémon.

"And that was a direct attack," Ash shockingly stated.

"It takes more than a type advantage to defeat us," Misty fired back. "Now, my steady, use Rapid Spin again."

Staryu spun around and headed straight for Pikachu. "Pikachu, Iron Tail!"

Pikachu ran toward his spinning opponent while his tail glowing white. Iron Tail and Rapid Spin clashed together and both the users went flying. "Use Thunderbolt again."

"Bubble Beam!" While Pikachu released another bolt of electricity from his body, the jewel in the middle of Staryu's body glowed orange before releasing blue bubbles. The yellow bolts and the blue bubbles collided into a light gray of smoke. "Now use Water Gun," Misty shouted.

Without realizing it, Pikachu was hit with a spiral of water and he was tossed into the pool. "Pikachu!"

"Now, it's time to take things up a notch. Alright, my steady. Use Ice Beam."

The tip of Stayu's most limb was surrounded by a light blue ball. Staryu fired multiple light blue beams. Seeing the beams heading toward his direction, the Mouse Pokémon jumped straight out of the pool and onto a nearby platform. "The entire pool is frozen solid," Serena shouted.

Pikachu was a little hesitant to stand on the ice. He was tapping on the ice using his tail as if he was knocking on a door. "Well, Ash? What do you think?" Misty asked. "I told you I wasn't holding back."

"It wouldn't be fun if you were holding back, but we're not holding anything back either," Ash fired while flipping his hat backwards. "Pikachu, use Thunderbolt on the field."

Pikachu released another powerful bolt of electricity from his body and aimed the attack on the frozen water. Clouds of shredded ice filled the air with some of it landing on Staryu's gem. "Use Bubble Beam."

Staryu's Bubble Beam went inside of the icy fog, but it didn't come close to hitting Pikachu. "Pikachu used the shreds of ice as a diversion," Serena explained.

"That's just like Ash for you. Using anything around him to his advance," Brock commented.

Ash commanded Pikachu to used Quick Attack again. The moment Pokémon stepped on top of the frozen ice, he started losing his footing. Pikachu was trying to maintain his balance, but he fell flat on his face. Pikachu slid across the battlefield and right in front of his opponent. Pikachu felt a drop of sweat on his cheek as Staryu was looking down at him for a split second before landing flat on its back. "Time to use Rapid Spin!"

Staryu spun around in place like a spinning top before hitting Pikachu. Every time Pikachu attempted to get back on his feet, here came Staryu spinning like a disk and knocked the Electric-type back down. It was like Staryu was gliding all over the ice like it was skiing. Staryu was surrounding Pikachu as he was trying his hardest to stand back up.

"Pikachu, use Iron Tail on the ice." Pikachu slammed his white tail on the ice like he was told. The impact of the Iron Tail caused the battlefield to crack around the two Pokémon. "Now, use Thunder Punch."

Pikachu's fist was surrounded with yellow sparks and turned into a ball of electrical energy. He punched the field, sending himself and Staryu in cold water. "Staryu, Water Gun."

Staryu released another spiral of water from its limb and drenched Pikachu. Since it was a Water-type attack, Ash ordered Pikachu to use another Thunderbolt. Yellow electricity escaped Pikachu's body and trailed all the way back to the Star Shape Pokémon. Staryu was already at a disadvantage compared to Pikachu. From using its Water Gun and to having its body covered in water from the pool, throwing in that Thunderbolt was enough to say how things was going to end.

It was surprising to see Staryu still able to move after all that. But on the other hand, its gem was constantly flashing while trying to pick itself back. But after a few moments, the gem stopped flashing and Staryu couldn't move anymore. "Staryu is unable to battle," the referee confirmed.

"Alright! Way to go, Pikachu!" Ash shouted.

Serena placed her hand over her heart to make sure it stopped racing. "Now, I can breathe again," she said while thinking at the top of her head.

She must had forgotten that Brock was sitting next to her in the bleachers. "Why are you looked so relieved?" He chuckled.

Serena covered her face to avoid exposing the redness from her cheeks. "Me? I'm just excited for Ash, that's all. But I guess I have been anxious about this battle."

"That's funny because Ash is the one battling."

"I know. I was thinking about my battle with Ash. Maybe Ash would had been a lot more prepared for today if I had a Water-type Pokémon." Serena felt that having Ash training with Meowstic was a waste of time. Based on what she was seeing, their battle the other day didn't benefit her crush.

But Brock shook his head at her statement. "You shouldn't blame yourself for something that's out your control. Even if you did have a Water-type Pokémon, there's no predicting on the outcome of this battle," he replied. "Besides, this battle was long overdue."

"Huh? What makes you say that?"

"Ash and Misty had a gym battle right here years ago, but it was called off thanks to Team Rocket. Misty's older sisters ran the gym at the time and they gave Ash the badge as thanks for saving it."

"So, this gym battle is like a continuation of their first gym battle."

"Yeah. There's also the years of seeing those two constantly fighting like a Rockruff and a Growlithe," Brock joked out loud. Of course, Serena had no idea what he meant by that. But their conversation did release the thoughts of doubt from her mind. She believed in Ash and he was going to win.

Ash didn't want to admit it, but that was a close call. Misty and her Pokémon had gotten stronger over the years. His biggest surprise was seeing that not Staryu learned Ice Beam, but it was powerful enough to freeze the entire field. It made Ash a little bit anxious about what was coming next. He knew at the back of his head what was Misty's final Pokémon.

"Thank you for battling so hard. Now, take a good rest," Misty returned her Staryu back in its Poke ball. "I didn't even think Pikachu could get any stronger. I was wrong obviously."

"Staryu has gotten stronger too. After all, it was able to use Ice Beam," Ash complimented.

"Why, thank you, but this battle isn't over yet. Come on out, my steady." Misty threw out her next Pokeball. Her last Pokémon came out of the pool and released a furiously roar that almost shattered the windows in the gym.

"I knew she would send out her Gyarados," Ash mumbled.

"Would the challenger like to substitute Pokémon?"

Ash shook his head and announced he would still battle with Pikachu before ordering him to sue thunderbolt. Gyarados was surrounded by yellow electricity running throughout its body. "Use Whirlpool," Misty commanded.

Gyarados dived deep into the pool that caused the Thunderbolt to disappear. Pikachu suddenly felt himself moving despite not swimming. The Mouse Pokémon was spinning around in a circle and at an alarming fast pace too. He tried to swim away from the center, but the current was too powerful. "Use Thunderbolt again."

But Pikachu was too dizzy to even make an attempt. "Hydro Pump. Let's go!"

A powerful jet of water was fired from Gyarados' mouth that sent Pikachu skyrocketing to the roof of the gym. Ash and Lucario cried out to their partner, but they didn't get a response except some screams as Pikachu was free falling. "Let's wrap this up, Gyarados, and use Crunch."

After he was bitten by Gyarados' four pointed teeth, Pikachu landed hard in the water. "Pikachu!" The male challenger cried out upon seeing Pikachu floated back to the service.

"Pikachu is unable to battle!" The referee announced.

Lucario swam out to Pikachu's aid and carried him in his arms. At the same time, Lucario and Gyarados were exchanged glares at one another. Lucario shot a vengeful snarl at the Atrocious Pokémon. His opponent fired one back except it was bit more louder while cutting its eyes at its next prey. The Aura Pokémon couldn't wait to get out on that field.

"You were awesome out there, buddy," Ash said to the fainted Pikachu. The Electric-type Pokémon calmly quietly thanked the trainer for his compliments. Ash looked into Lucario's eyes and he could tell he was more than ready to avenge Pikachu. The battle was tied up with both sides down to their last Pokémon. Ash had faith that Lucario could turn the battle into his – their – favor and earned his second Kanto gym badge. "Alright, Lucario. It's all up to you. Ready?" Lucario agreed and stepped right onto the battlefield. "First move wins the match, Lucario. Use Force Palm," Ash ordered.

"Use Headbutt," Misty commanded as Lucario leaped into the air with his right fist turning light blue. Lucario struck Gyarados' head with it and a burst of blue energy was released upon contact. Both Pokémon were tossed out of the smoke and landed back on their respective sides.

"Aura Sphere!" Lucario put his hands together and created a blue ball of energy in between them before firing it at Gyarados.

"Use Hydro Pump then followed with Rain Dance," Misty ordered. Gyarados fired another powerful jet of water that annihilated the Aura Sphere. After which, Gyarados' roar summoned a dark cloud circling around the gym. Lucario felt something tapping on his nose before hundreds of raindrops were falling from the sky. "Hurricane!"

"Lucario, use Double Team," Ash commanded. Gyarados released a strong gust of wind from its mouth and blew away the many copies except for the one hovering over the large Water Pokémon. "Huh? Where did Lucario came from?"

Ash knew Misty would go into the offense eventually. "Force Palm!"

Unlike the last time, Lucario was able to placed his right palm in between Gyarados' eyes. He then blasted a light green energy from his palm and at his opponent. Gyarados threw it head all the way back and landed into the pool. "Way to go, Lucario."

"I knew you would go for that again," she revealed, fading Ash's excitement once again. "Gyarados, use Headbutt." Misty's partner appeared from the water and slammed its head into Lucario. Even though his speed was unmatched, The Aura Pokémon was sent flying to the air. "Now, use Aqua Tail."

As Lucario was free falling, Gyarados's tail became surrounded in swirling water. The attacked slammed against Lucario and he fell into the pool again. "Lucario!" Ash cried out to his Fighting-type Pokémon.

"We were able to predict Lucario's next attack," Misty mocked.

"Can you still battle, Lucario?" Lucario was shaking by the sudden attack, but he was able to pick himself right back up. He tilted his head to Ash, confirming he could still continue.

"Ash?" the gym leader called out to her challenger. Ash looked over to spotted something hanging from the hairclip on her ponytail. "Noticed anything familiar?"

"Oh no." Ash's eyes shot wide open. He suspected and was afraid Misty would come to this.

"Strong, valiant, and powerful and now my beautiful sweetheart, mega evolve."

Gyarados let out a monstrous roar as its body became surrounded by multiple colors. It took only a couple of seconds and the Water-type Pokémon's appearance changed. For instance, Gyarados became more bulkier in its mega evolve form. In its mega evolve form, Gyarados went from blue to dark blue. The yellow spots along its body were replaced by red scales.

Ash was sweating from the top of his head. His fingernails dug into the palm of his hands. Completely lost in thought, Ash felt something running through his body. He opened his eyes to find himself in a whole different kind of dimension. Pikachu, Serena, Brock, Misty, and Mega Gyarados were nowhere to be found. Ash was also surrounded in a blue aura and so was Lucario. The trainer and Pokémon had their eyes locked on one another.

Lucario broke the silence with a smile and grunted at his trainer. Ash knew exactly what Lucario was telling him: let's continue and win this battle together. It was at that moment Ash realized he played this everything all wrong. He thought he would come in with a clean sweep using only Pikachu, but he forgot there was more to gym battles – or battling in general – than having the type advantage. "You're right, Lucario. We're not done and we're certainly not giving up."

Lucario nodded and waited patiently for Ash's next call. "Hey, Misty, I guess this is where our battle truly begins."

"You got that right," Misty responded. "Now use Hydro Pump."

"Use Double Team."

Mega Gyarados released a powerful jet of water that was nothing like in its original state. Lucario and its many copies jumped out of the water and onto dry land, but the Hydro Pump was able to land an attack on every copy at once, sending Lucario straight back into the water. "We're not falling for that again. Use Crunch."

Gyarados dived into the water and gave chase after the Aura Pokémon. Ash ordered Lucario to use Aura Sphere which resulted in Gyarados biting down on the blue ball of energy instead of its opponent. It wasn't that effective, but it gave Lucario plenty of time to regroup and appeared back on land. "That Lucario is quick on its feet. I'm not surprised given at how Ash is its trainer," Misty complimented.

"Here it comes, Lucario. Get ready."

"Aqua Tail. GO!"

From where Lucario was standing, he was surrounded by a swirling water cyclone high enough to reach the roof. "Aura Sphere," Ash demanded.

Lucario shot another blue energy ball, but the attack was not strong enough to break through the attack. "That's my Aqua Tail and Rain Dance combination," Misty explained. "After our last encounter, I had to went back and make some changes to my battling strategy. Pikachu was able to escape the last time, but let's see how your Lucario breakthrough this. Hurricane!"

After Mega Gyarados fired another strong gust of wind, the water cyclone turned into a water tornado. It was taking everything in Lucario to not get sucked in. It hurt Ash seeing his own Pokémon struggling, but he managed to keep a smile on his face. "This battle really brings back old memories," Ash complimented. "Lucario, can you still hear me?" After Lucario replied back, Ash commanded him to use a bunch of Aura Spheres. Lucario did just that which resulted in every single one of those energy balls flying from within the twister. "Now, climb up the Aqua Tail!"

"Huh?" By climbing up the Aqua Tail, Lucario was using his Aura Spheres as a staircase. Once he bounced off each sphere, the sphere would disappear into a stream of tiny blue sparkles. "I get it now. It's just like last time," Misty pointed out. "Gyarados, don't let Lucario get away!"

"YOU GOT THIS, LUCARIO! DO IT!"

Lucario reached to the top of the move where his opponent was waiting for him, roaring viciously and preparing to strike. Before that could happen, multicolored aura forms in the shape of two dragons were appearing in each of Lucario's hands. He then put his hands together and fired each beam right at Mega Gyarados, sending the mega Pokémon back down in water.

Everybody in that entire gym – trainers and Pokémon – were shocked at what just folded. Even Lucario didn't expected the move he just mastered. "That was Dragon Pulse," Brock announced.

"That's awesome, Lucario. You can use Dragon Pulse now."

It was proof how Ash and Lucario was in sync. With cheers coming from Pikachu, Eevee, Serena, and her Pokémon, it was time for the duo to end the battle. "That's good and all, but our battle is not over. Use Crunch," Misty said.

Mega Gyarados swam over to the other side with its jaw wide open. Whenever Lucario evaded the Crunch attack, Gyarados ended up crunching on the rocks. "Use Double Team," Ash ordered again.

Lucario used the crushed rocks flying in the air just like he did with his Aura Spheres. Multiple copies started popping all around the fierce Pokémon. It appeared there were more copies than ever before. "We're not falling for that again. Use Hurricane!"

Another powerful gust of wind escaped from Gyarados's mouth, blowing away copy after copy. What was supposed to be the final copy, Gyarados anxiously scanned its surroundings for Lucario. "Keep your guard up, Gyarados. Lucario must be close somewhere," Misty warned.

Ash could tell Misty knew something wasn't right and she was wondering where Lucario could be. A closer look and everyone spotted the Aura Pokémon riding on top of Gyarados. Both his palms gripping on one of its two yellow fins as if he was windsurfing. "SHAKE HIM OFF, GYARADOS!"

"Use Dragon Pulse!"

The two multicolored dragon-shaped aura forms appeared in each hand once again. Lucario brought them together and fired right on top of Gyarados. Once the dust settled, there lied Gyarados above the pool returning to its original form. "Gyarados is unable to battle, which means the winner of this battle goes to Ash the challenger."

"Great battling, Lucario. You were wonderful," he complimented his Pokémon before bumping his fist against his. All the nerves I Ash's legs gave out on him and he fell onto the floor. With the ground breaking his fall, he wiped the sweat from his head and placed his hat back on his head. Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder and Ash happily petted the side of his face. "You two, buddy. I'm proud of both of you today."

"That was an incredible battle, Ash," Serena complimented.

"Thanks a bunch, Serena." Eevee joined in the celebration, exchanging his gratitude from witnessing a great battle. "Enjoy watching the battle, Eevee? That's good because the next gym, it's your turn." The Evolution Pokémon bounced around the group, eager for the day when he get to have a gym battle.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield, Misty returned her injured Gyarados back into its Poke ball. "Thanks for a good battle, Gyarados. Take a nice, long rest," she said. "I have to say, Ash, you always find a way impressed me." As Misty was complimenting her challenger on a job well done, Briana presented a small trey to Ash. On top was a small blue badge that resembled a drop of water. "Here's proof of your victory at the Cerulean Gym: the Cascade Badge."

Ash really outdid himself, but all credit went to his two Pokémon partners standing beside him. He took the badge and held it to the top of the ceiling. "I JUST GOT…THE CASCADE BADGE!"

"Thanks a lot, Misty," Ash said to his friend. "That was an exciting gym battle. You pulled out all the stops."

"You left me with no choice. After all, that little kid inside you always appear when you battle."

That statement drilled a hole in Ash's excitement and it left an opening for annoyance. Ash's victory had to be interrupted by Misty's remark. "Hey, I resent that. I happened to have grown a lot."

"That doesn't change the kid in you though. The really little one," the gym leader joked back.

Seeing those two going back and forth concerning Ash's maturity brought all kinds of memories for Brock. Speaking of Brock, he stood right beside Serena as he chuckled at the little show being premiered in front of him. "So, this is what you meant by these two fighting like a Rockruff and a Growlithe."

"Yeah. They were always like that, but that's just their strange way of saying how much they care for each other," Brock explained. His comment earned him a chuckle from the Hoenn Performer. "Alright, you two, that's enough. Now that you have settled things with Misty, I think I'm heading back home."

"You don't want to see Ash's next gym battle?" Serena asked.

Brock detailed about the next semester and he wanted to get ready since it would be his last before graduation. Ash and Misty wished their friend all the best on his dream of becoming a Pokémon Doctor. It was a reminder to the original trio why they had to say goodbye to one another especially to Ash because he needed to work hard to become the next Kanto Champion and be closer of being a Pokémon Master. "So, Ash, which gym are you challenging next?"

Hmm...that's a good question. Now that Ash accomplished his second Kanto gym badge against Misty, only six more gyms left to challenge and six more badges to collect before the Kanto League. The next chapter will finally bring "The Journey Continues" into the halfway mark. Be on the lookout for chapter eleven because I have some important news to discuss that I think everyone will be excited about. The fall semester had started for me last week, so after I published the next chapter, I will be taking a break. I'll explain more later.

Stay safe stay tuned.