Diana poked her head out of the kitchen upon hearing the door open, seeing Wally come in with Kirlia and Manectric. ''Morning, you three-I see you're working hard.''
"Well, Manectric's getting used to his new form and we agreed to prepare for the battle with Mr. Norman.'' Wally admitted. ''Mawile helped us out a whole bunch and he's busy back at the grove now.''
She laughed a bit ''Yes, those little munchkins adore him. It was so sweet to see how he took them under his wing.'' Diana pecked her son's forehead. ''And it's thanks to you, sweetie-for opening Mawile's heart again after all he had been through. Mawile's as good as family to me and your father at this point.''
Wally beamed in return, more than happy to hear that. Diana returned to preparing breakfast ''Now you go clean up, food will be ready soon. Oh and wake your father up for me, would you? We'll be busy with work today so we can't make Ash's gym battle but wish him luck from the both of us.''
The boy nodded and headed over to find his father, shortly followed by his pokemon.
Since Norman was busy at the gym, working to make up for the last few days Ash decided to challenge him later today and Wally would be doing the same tomorrow.
"So what is Norman going to do about the rumors?'' Brock asked Max as they walked down a street.
"I don't know.'' The latter frowned a bit. ''Dad just said he was disappointed. He knew some of his recent challengers were sore losers but he expected better from them than to just slander him. I don't get what the point even was.''
"There was no point. It's just petty. They could be using the time they wasted on those to get better.'' Brock decided to change the subject. ''By the way, Max-I'm curious about Norman's pokemon. What're they like when they relax in their own environment?''
Max perked up ''I can show you!''
Ash and May opted to go with Wally, who chose to visit Cindy today. They knew the girl was rich and her house was fancy but it was certainly more impressive up close. There was even a guard that watched over the area with a couple of pokemon. The man seemed intimidating but he was clearly pleased to see Wally, gladly welcoming all three of them before he opened the door.
Wally took it all in stride, reminding them of Cindy's talk about their friendship and how the green haired boy didn't pay this wealth any mind. It didn't take them long for Cindy to find them, cheerfully welcoming them to her home.
Settling in a hall, they were soon joined by an Eevee. The evolution pokemon gave Ash and May what seemed to be a searching gaze, perking up when it saw Wally, who smiled. ''Hey, Eevee.''
Eevee gave a happy trill, nuzzling the boy as he picked it up. Cindy was beaming at the exchange ''Sorry, Eevee's just protective, she's seen people try to take advantage of the family's wealth plentty before...''
"I get it. You two must be close.'' Ash noted. No wonder she seemed to trust Wally then...
Cindy nodded ''She's my best friend. Eevee's an absolute sweetheart, really.'' She smiled as the pokemon clambered to her lap. ''I've only seen some-Wally and Mrs. Garcia told me some stories but I'm curious-what're your pokemon like?''
"Well, you've met Pikachu. He's my first pokemon and my best bud.'' Ash patted the mouse's head.
The girl seemed curious ''Oh, how does that work? You're from Kanto, right? I thought the starter pokemon there were...''
May blinked ''Yeah, you never told us. Brock just said it was because you overslept and you guys had some rough times till you grew as close as you are now.''
Ash laughed sheepishly ''That's pretty much what happened. I got caught up watching pokemon battles so much that I overslept. All the starter pokemon were taken-but hey, no complaints here. I got the best of the lot.'' He patted Pikachu's head as the latter grinned at him.
They proceeded to share some stories from their travels with Cindy, the girl being clearly enthralled as she listened to everything...
Brock and Max watch some of Norman's pokemon in the pokemon center's garden. Slakoth, as its reputatiton shows, doesn't do quite much. But it is agile whe it wants to move.
Slakoth had nothing on Vigoroth though, who would zip around trees. Picking up some fruit before eating them, it handed the rest to Slakoth and Slaking. Brock couldn't help but stare at the final form of the evolution line, remembering its impressive feat from yesterday. ''Slaking clearly has a lot of power.''
"Yup, Dad said power gathers over its evolution, it only really starts using it as a Vigoroth. Slaking can store a lot of power but they need to rest after using it so they don't strain themselves.'' Max explained. Noting the older boy's interest as he observed the trio, he continued. ''You know, Dad does focus on battling but he's learned a whole lot about caring for pokemon. You could ask him for advice about breeding.''
"That's a good idea, thanks Max.''
The four sat down to have lunch, Cindy being left a bit in awe of Ash and May's clear enthusiasm as they ate. The girl glanced at Kirlia, who was talking to Pikachu and a few of their other pokemon. ''I've been wondering-you did say you'd leave the choice up to Kirlia, Wally but what form is he going to evolve to?''
Ash and May looked equally curious at this as the boy responded ''Ah...we haven't really talked about it for a while now...''
"Kirlia can become Gardevoir or that other form...Gallade, was it?'' May recalled and he nodded. ''Any idea what they're like?''
"Gardevoir's more of a long range attacker and Gallade specializes in close up combat, it's a fighting type too. For Kirlia to become a Gardevoir, all that's necessary would be experience and power. But for a Gallade, we'd need a Dawn Stone and it's only possible for male Kirlia to become Gallade.''
"You've really done your homework, huh?'' Ash remarked.
Wally half-smiled ''I want to do what's best by my pokemon so I've been learning all I can to that end.''
"You're doing pretty good on that front then.'' May returned.
"I agree.'' Cindy chimed in. ''So what about Pikachu? You've been together for this long, Ash. Did you consider it?''
"Yeah, once-back in Kanto.'' Ash responded, thinking back to the Vermillion gym battle. ''But we decided not to go for it. Pikachu wants to be at his absolute best in this form and I respect that. Since you bring that up, what about Eevee?''
"Oh, we have an idea to that end.'' She returned, smiling. ''It'll take some time. But I must say, you two certainly are close, it's nice.''
He chuckled ''You wouldn't have known it, looking at us before. We could hardly stand each other at first.''
"So what changed that?'' May wanted to know.
Ash smiled and proceeded to tell them about his first day on the road, the first time he and Pikachu saw Ho-oh...
The four decided to head out shortly afterwards. It was they neared the pokemon center that Ash overheard a comment from Cindy that made him stop ''Wait, traveling actually could help make with Wally's illness? Why'd his family give him a hard time about wanting to leave then?''
May was the one to point out the flaw in his reasoning ''It can't possibly be that simple. First of all, he went to Verdanturf for treatment. Also, do I need to remind how bad it could get?''
The boy held back a wince. No, he definitely didn't need a reminder of how bad the pain their friend went through could get. Cindy frowned ''Yes, exactly. Don't treat something like this so lightly.''
"Right...''
"Oh, brother...'' The new voice made them turn to see Max coming out of the pokemon center, stopping a moment later. ''...hey, guys. We were just talking to Dad and then Nurse Joy about pokemon care but of course Brock just has to start his old act.''
At their curious gazes, Max pointed the boy out and they saw him practically fawning over Nurse Joy. Ash and May sighed in exasperation and Max's expression should that he completely commiserated.
"Oh, Wally.'' Nurse Joy called as they made to leave for the garden. ''I've got something for you.''
Giving her a curious look, the boy watched as his former teacher bent to pick up something behind her. She quickly revealed it to be a pretty scale in various shades of blue and pink. ''I was able to acquire this Prism Scale a while ago. I thought I'd give it to you.''
Wally knew exactly what this was. A Prism Scale was an item used to evolve Feebas, which made him ask ''Why?''
Nurse Joy couldn't help but smile. She knew very well that he would put his pokemon's feelings first. ''I was talking to your friends before-they told me about Feebas' situation and that's what gave me the idea. She's already changing because of you all, Brock and I agree that she needs to confront her issue with evolution sooner or later. Keep it for now and if she changes her mind, you know what to do.''
The boy began to smile, realizing that was a fair point. ''Thank you...''
Both were startled as Chansey hurried over, looking worried. Nurse Joy blinked ''What's wrong?''
The egg pokemon pointed at the garden, one glance told them that there was trouble...
Said 'trouble' came in the form of the two bullies from yesterday, now accompanied by a third, taller boy. Apparently, they couldn't simply let matters lie and came back to deal with Wally, wanting to prove themselves the better trainers.
Like there's any proof necessary.'' May scoffed.
"What was that?!''
Ash stepped up next to her ''She's right-if you guys really were as good as you think, you wouldn't need to prove anything.''
The first bully scowled, though Brock couldn't help but note that the other two weren't nearly as comfortable with this as he was ''Oh yeah...?'' He paused, noticing Wally and Nurse Joy arriving. ''...look who it is! This'll be faster than I thought.''
The boy merely frowned back while Ash glared ''Leave our friend alone, you creeps! You really are pathetic in every sense of the word...''
The bully sneered back ''You know, you're really starting to piss me off. Why don't you put your money where your mouth is?''
"Gladly! I've had it with your...''
"Hold on.'' The boy started as Nurse Joy placed a hand on his shoulder. ''...Leave this to Wally.''
The bully laughed while his cronies stepped closer to him ''Is this a teacher's faith in her student? What a joke. This'll be fast!''
In a flash, they sent out an Ariados, a Quagsire, a Linoone and a Voltorb. Wally remained unfazed.
If they thought this would scare him, they had another coming. ''Kirlia?'' His partner nodded back, looking determined.
"Hah, is that all? Pathetic!''
The bully soon wound up eating his words as Wally had Kirlia use a variation of the contest combo they demonstrated in Rustboro, spinning where he stood and using Magical Leaf which he empowered with Psychic. As a result, two spiraling swirls of Magical Leaf flew at the pokemon, sending them spinning.
"Whoa, nice!'' Max exclaimed.
Ariados charged despite the attack, preparing a Poison Jab on command. Kirlia flew with his powers to land on its back, making the bully stiffen. He unleashed another Psychic, launching Ariados to crash on Voltorb and Linoone. The Quagsire used Mud Bomb per command but Kirlia destroyed it with Psybeam before knocking it out with Magical Leaf. A combination of Psychic and Psybeam served to end the battle.
"N-no way...'' The bully stuttered.
"Serves you right!'' Max thoroughly enjoyed watching them getting trounced. He was sure the others felt the same.
"You really are shameless. Wally helped you yesterday but you don't deserve it at all!'' Cindy added.
Wally didn't really notice how they were bemoaning their loss as something else got his attention. The fact that they were just wallowing in pity that they hardly paid any attention to their injured pokemon, even as they struggled to move...
This was the point where his admittedly long fuse snapped ''Are you satisfied? I only went along with this because you just won't let this go. You keep acting like you're superior when all you seem to do is try to knock people down to make yourselves feel better. I thought yesterday would've been enough but you're just selfish. Enough already-I don't want to fight but don't expect me to just let you do what you want either. How are you supposed to be good trainers when you can't even be bothered to take care of your pokemon?''
"I couldn't agree more.'' Nurse Joy looked at the three sternly. ''Return your pokemon and give them here, this instant. They don't deserve to suffer because of your foolishness.''
Her no-nonsense tone made the boys comply and they trudged behind her, the nurse giving her former student a warm smile before heading in.
"Way to go, Wally! That sure showed them!'' May exclaimed.
That was very well done.'' Cindy beamed, Max nodding along to that.
"Ah, you think?'' He seemed a bit sheepish. I'm not even sure where that came from...''
"Oh, trust me-they deserved that in spades.'' May assured. ''Someone should've given those jerks a talking-to ages ago.''
Thanks to his experience as a breeder, Brock knew that those pokemon weren't treated well. He didn't doubt that Wally had noticed something was up as well. ''I agree-those pokemon were clearly treated poorly. I see why it made you angry, I wanted a shot at them myself.''
"I know, they're the real losers here. Great going, buddy!'' Ash beamed.
Wally began to smile ''Thanks...you too, Kirlia. Good job.'' Kirlia smiled, more than happy with the results as well.
"All right, now on this awesome note, we've got a gym battle to catch.'' Max reminded.
Ash grinned ''Yeah, let's go!''
Norman welcomed the group to the gym, they were shortly joined by Caroline and Kenji, who was the referee. Ash headed off with well-wishes from his friends and Kenji called for the match to begin do they sent Corphish and Slakoth.
Norman wasted no time in making his move ''Use Strength!''
"Jump back and use Bubblebeam!''
"Dodge it!'' Norman countered at once. And it did just that, avoiding the flurry of bubbles with a slow but oddly effective way, winding up on its back then.
Ash couldn't help but stare ''How-?'' He wasn't expecting Slakoth to make any fast movements but that...?
He quickly focused on the battle once Norman called for another Strength attack, having Corphish stop it with Crabhammer. The two collided seconds later, Ash ordered Corphish to use Vicegrip with his free pincer but Slakoth merely ducked so its head was out of reach, to their surprise. A follow up Fury Swipes attack slammed Corphish down.
Slakoth charged to continue the sharp attack only to be met with Corphish's Bubblebeam. The two clashed once again in a collision of Fury Swipes and and Vicegrip this time but Slakoth was able to throw Corphish back. The ruffian pokemon was able to regain his balance as Slakoth came to a stop once again.
"Shadow Ball, now!'' Norman ordered.
Ash thought fast ''Night Slash!''
The dark wave collided with the purplish black sphere, causing an explosion that pushed both combatants back. Ash followed up on the offense with a Crabhammer, and Corphish charged right into the smoke, striking Slakoth on the side a moment later. The boy quickly realized something was wrong when Norman smirked.
"Slakoth, Counter!''
Blanching, Ash called for Corphish to get out of there. it was only his speed over his opponent that let Corphish avoid the worst of the attack.
"That was close...'' Max looked taken aback.
Brock nodded ''It only worked because Corphish is such an active pokemon. As expected of a gym leader, Norman knows his pokemon well.''
May blinked as Slakoth began swaying ''Why's Slakoth moving like that?''
"That's what I meant-Slakoth's ability is Truant. It can't move as well as other pokemon and has to stop for a bit-'' May understood that this why Slakoth seemed to come to odd stops earlier. ''-I can't imagine working with such an ability is easy but Norman seems to handle it excellently.''
The pokemon exchanged a few blows before striking out in tandem with Strength and Night Slash, landing a moment later. Corphish trembled a bit but remained firm, but Slakoth collapsed then.
Ash perked up as Kenji declared Corphish the winner of the round ''Way to go!''
Corphish beamed as the others cheered him on, waving a pincer in return. Ash could see that even if Corphish tried to hide it, the battle had caused strain that left him panting. ''All right, take some good rest.''
Likewise, Norman returned Slakoth to its pokeball, thanking it for the effort. Max looked on with a smile ''This is really exciting.''
"Machop, I choose you!'' Ash hurled a pokeball in the air and the Superpower pokemon emerged, grinning confidently.
Norman hummed ''In that case, I'll go with Vigoroth!''
The boy's eyes widened a bit at the familiar white pokemon emerged onto the battlefield ''Vigoroth looks even stronger than before...''
Cindy blinked ''He can tell?''
Wally looked just as curious ''I think Brock mentioned that that experienced trainer can usually pick up things about pokemon that others would easily miss...maybe it's the same here.''
Machop and Vigoroth proceeded to power themselves up with Bulk Up and Hone Claws respectively. Norman decided to use the speed boost from the move and ordered a Fury Swipes. Vigoroth struck at once, moving so fast that Machop could only guard by holdings its arms up. The others looked on in mild surprise but Caroline informed them that Slakoth gathered a lot of power and they hardly used any since they don't move much. Said power gets used a lot when they evolve into Vigoroth, explaining the pokemon's hyperactive behavior.
"Use Karate Chop back to back!'' Ash commanded. Machop's arms glowed and he jumped, thrusting his arms down.
"Dodge and use Slash!'' Norman countered. Vigoroth quickly backtracked to avoid the oncoming swipes. Machop kept attacking but the Slash nailed his back, throwing him down. ''Vigoroth, Aerial Ace!''
Vigoroth leaped up, charging in fast and Ash told Machop to dodge but to no avail. Max wasn't surprised, given that Aerial Ace hardly ever missed but he realized that Ash had no idea, being unfamiliar with the attack. The Superpower pokemon got up, cringing from the supereffective move and Vigoroth unleashed a Flamethrower per command, with Ash having Machop used Protect in return. The green barrier doing the trick and protecting Machop well.
As the two opponents prepared attacks again, Caroline couldn't help but note that May seemed hardly able to take her eyes off Ash. ''I see someone's enthralled.''
"W-what? No...it's nothing like that!'' She said quickly, hearing her mother giggle.
Machop pulled himself up after another Aerial Ace as Vigoroth attacked again, blocking the oncoming slash with his arm. Ash remedied the trouble by using Machop's Counter. The superpower pokemon slammed Vigoroth into the ground, smirking. A follow up Seismic Toss ended the round.
The boy grinned at this and Pikachu cheered, Machop smiled but then he fell to a knee. It quickly became evident that it was taking a lot out of him to remain even standing.
"Using Counter like that was a good idea but it's not without risks. I'm not sure Machop can keep fighting at this point.'' Brock noted. Ash seemed to have realized that too, calling the fighting type back to get some rest. ''I'm surprised Vigoroth knows a move like Aerial Ace of all things...''
"Norman wanted to make sure his pokemon were as well rounded as possible.'' Caroline informed. ''Normal types do learn a wide variety of moves so he thinks it's best to make the most of that.''
The former nodded ''Makes sense.''
Norman held up a pokeball ''This is quite a battle-you really have improved, Ash. But let's see how you handle this!''
He tossed it up and the device released none other than his Slaking. Ash gave a confident smile ''We'll win it all. Grovyle, let's go!''
The grass starter sprang onto the field, placing a twig in his mouth before crossing his arms. The battle quickly got under way-Grovyle took the pre-emptive strike with Leaf Blade but Slaking surprised most of those in the room by grabbing his arm mid-swing and throwing him down. Norman had it use Earthquake and the resulting tremors left Grovyle struggling to retain his balance. Even the onlookers were left rattled by the force of the attack.
"S-so strong!'' May exclaimed, wide-eyed. She knew her father was an accomplished trainer but Slaking seemed to hardly break a sweat with that attack.
"Use Quick Attack!'' Ash commanded. Grovyle almost flew at his target, striking Slaking's back. ''Bullet Seed!'' And another succesful hit happened, making Slaking flinch a little.
The pokemon didn't even move from its position as Grovyle landed, leaving Ash somewhat confused. It was acting almost like...
Wally was thinking along similar lines ''This is just like with Slakoth. Does this mean its ability...?''
Max nodded ''You got it-Slaking's ability is also Truant. They have to rest between attacks, even in the midst of battle. It's just the way they are.''
"That ability must make things complicated with but Dad seems really confident...'' May trailed off, she figured her father knew his pokemon that well after all.
It was still anyone's match, Slaking was built like a tank with quite the power but Grovyle had better attack range and speed.
Slaking blocked an oncoming Bullet Seed with its bare hands, barely even fazing it. Groyle charged on command, preparing a Leaf Blade. That was when Norman made his move.
"Gunk Shot!''
A violet sphere of poison gathered in front of the pokemon's mouth and it was launched at the startled Grovyle, leaving him with little room to do anything but try to guard.
"That looks bad...'' Cindy trailed off.
"Gunk Shot is a powerful poison type move and Grovyle's taken quite a hit.'' Brock's brow furrowed as they watched the starter slowly rise to his feet, wincing.
"Can you keep going?'' Ash demanded, Grovyle looked back at him and nodded, his eyes weary but determined.
"In that case...Slaking, use Strength!''
"Bullet Seed!''
Grovyle jumped in time to avoid Slaking's initial thrust, peppering its face with the glowing seeds. What neither he or Ash expected was for the aggravated Slaking to grab his leg and slam him to the ground.
However, he was able to stand slowly, a bright green aura surrounding him. Ash's eyes widened, knowing exactly what this was. Grovyle's ability, Overgrow, which strengthens grass type moves in a pinch. While it meant Grovyle likely wouldn't last long if the fight continued, it could also be just what they needed to turn the tides.
"Grovyle, Bullet Seed!''
"Block it and use Focus Punch!'' Norman countered.
Ash frowned as Slaking's fist began to glow a second later ''Get behind Slaking and use Leaf Blade!'' Slaking was too slow to react, allowing Grovyle to get a good hit in. The pokemon flinched as the Focus Punch, unable to move. Something Ash decided to take advantage of. ''Again!''
Slaking grunted in pain, it was becoming clear that the normal type was also getting worn down by the battle. But it was just as determined to keep fighting as Grovyle. Avoiding Slaking's oncoming Strength attack with ease, Grovyle blasted it with another Bullet Seed.
"Slaking, Focus Punch!'' Norman ordered and the pokemon charged, its fist glowing.
Ash decided to go for broke ''Leaf Blade, and give it all you've got!'' Both of Grovyle's leaves began to glow as he ran. Ducking to avoid Slaking's fist, Grovyle swiped his arms at his opponent, leaving it to cringe. The grass type proceeded to jump away, flinching as he landed on knee.
Ash looked alarmed at this but then Slaking's form trembled before it collapsed, signalling the end of the battle.
"Slaking is unable to battle, Grovyle wins! This match goes to Ash!'' Kenji declared
The boy had a wide grin ''All right!''
Norman smiled as he approached Slaking, patting his shoulder ''You were great as always. They were just a bit better this time.''
He glanced back at Ash, finding him being congratulated by the others. Max looked at him ''That match was great, dad! I didn't even think about stuff like who'd win, it was just so exciting.''
Norman's smile widened ''That's good. Make sure you keep that feeling in mind, it's what really matters in the end.''
Kenji arrived with a badge in tow, the man took it before facing Ash ''That was a splendid battle, Ash. You've really shown me just how far you've come, you more than deserve my gym's Balance badge.''
"Thanks a bunch!'' Ash beamed at his pokemon. ''We did it, guys! Badge number five is ours!'' Pikachu and Corphish cheered along with him. Grovyle smirked, crossing his arms and Machop grinned.
"Now as we agreed, it's Wally's turn tomorrow.'' Norman crossed his arms as the boy in question nodded back. ''I have a feeling I'm going to be in for quite a match.''
Ash grinned, draping his arm around Wally's shoulders ''Oh, trust me-you'll be blown away. Better get ready to hand over a second badge.''
Wally smiled a bit, a little embarrassed as Brock and May chimed in with their own agreement ''Thanks, you guys-I'll do my best.''
Norman grinned ''I'll be looking forward to it.''
Well, let's stop here.
Originally, I was going to do both the gym battles in one chapter but I figured there was no need to rush. There's a few other stuff I want to add before and after Wally's gym battle before closing up the Petalburg arc, which means the chapter would be too long if I shove it all here. The thing about Wally's illness was something I found out by chance the other day so I wanted to touch on it here. He did have other attacks off-screen so his friends know just how bad his illness could get.
At first I was all set to let Ash and the others deal with the bullies here but I figured it'd be more poignant if Wally handles them. Sorry if that issue was a bit rushed but I didn't want to drag it on any longer. It's just to show that Wally's grown strong and capable enough to handle such trouble on his own. If the way he went off on them sounds out of character, it's mostly because he's completely fed up with them.
Oh, and the mention about Truant here was my own understanding of how it worked-because it honestly confused me in the anime and of course, it's different in the games.
Welp, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!