Pokémon Journey: Kalos Quest
Hey guys Paradox here and welcome to Chapter 67 and Chapter 24 of the Kalos Quest. Here we see Ash's sixth Gym Battle. While Drake handles his business in Kanto,we'll see what the group done with their day. Enjoy.
"I pay no attention whatever to anybody's praise or blame. I simply follow my own feelings."-Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Chapter 67: A Fairy Crowded Gym Battle
From early morning,Ash and Rene did abit of training for Ash's Gym Battle this afternoon. Now ready to win,Ash and the group preceded to the Gym early afternoon. In front of the Gym,the gang marveled at the sight. "Well,this is it." Ash said. "Honey,you'll do great and win your sixth badge." Serena counseled him. "Beside Ash,remember our training and Valerie isn't all about appearances." Rene said. Ash nodded as they preceded inside the Gym.
After walking in,they saw three of Valerie's models waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs. "Welcome Mr. Ketchum,we've been expecting you. We are to take you inside." Said the one in the black kimono,Kali her name was. As they walk up,Sawyer couldn't contain his excitement to see Ash battle. As they fianlly got to the door that lead to the battlefield,the group stopped before the girls. "On record Mr. Ketchum,we do apologize if this makes you uncomfortable." Kali said.
"What do you mean?" Ash rose suspicion. Kali and the girls simply opened that lead to the field. The group would've marveled by the design of the field,a Japanese botanical garden that's connected by ancient style bridges and natural colors but that wasn't the case. Instead they heard of roar of praisement and cheering coming from all over the field. The group saw what was a large group of trainers and Pokémon surrounding the battlefield from the outer parameter. Ash cringed at the sight,figuring out why all these people are here.
"What the hell is this?!" Ash turned towards Kali. "Most of the audience from yesterday's event knew of your plans for a Gym Battle with Lady Valerie. Word spread around since you've been chosen to battle Valerie yesterday instead of the other boy." Kali explained. "This was exactly what I was trying to avoid!" Ash rose his voice. "We are deeply sorry Mr. Ketchum. Normally we would've cleared unnecessary beings for the duration of a private gym battle,but unfortunately we counted at least 250 people in this room,and they all WANT to see you battle Miss Valerie. Otherwise if we do clear a crowd of this magnitude would be improper and would ruin this Gym's reputation." Kali said.
Ash simply groaned in annoyance,a standing ovation stands before him as if he's some sort of gladiator. Now the sense of normality was whisked away because of it. "Ash,it'll be fine. Just zone all these people out of your mind and focus on the battle." Clemont advised. "Easier said then done." Ash complained. "Ash listen,I know what you're going through,and you're right. Normality was never part of people of like us,people look up to us AND they want the chance to see us fall when we fail." Rene said.
"What are you suggesting?" Ash asked.
"Pay no attention to the outside. Follow your instincts,your actions guide you,and Clemont's right,zone everything out. Hone your feelings in middle of the battle okay." Rene explained. "I...I'll try." Ash said as Kali approached him. "Mr. Ketchum,if you're ready,we can precede." She said as Ash nodded. When Kali and the others escorted Ash to the field,Ash looked into Kali's mind with his Aura. Not much of a fan compared to the everyone else and was hoping Ash would lose this battle for she couldn't stand someone beating her mistress in battle. Ash grumbled to himself,it was okay because Kali wasn't his favorite person right now.
Once inside the challenger's box Ash looked to see that Valerie has yet to arrived to the field. "What gives? Where's Valerie?" Ash asked. "Patience,Miss Valerie will be here soon." Kali said as Ash gave a slight glare.
A moment later the lights dimmed as walls around the Gym lid in a bright lights while bright rose petals flew through the air. Everyone awed at the beautiful sight while Ash suddenly looked forward to the Leader's box to see the floor rising and before him appeared the Fairy type Gym Leader.
Valerie looked to see the crowd was bigger then she imagined,probably even more then from yesterday's event. She decided to skip the formalities and stared at her opponent. "Welcome to the Laverre City Gym and it'll be my greatest honor to battle,hero of Kalos." Valerie bowed. "From what I see,everything here is made a spectacle." Ash said with some spite. Valerie picked it up,and figured it was about the current situation. Normally her battles with challengers have so few or no one else with them.
"Do I sense hostility?" She asked him. "Not hostility,more liked cornered." Ash said. "I imagine it has to do something with this crowd? I imagine my assistants told you about how you would've been chosen yesterday to battle me?" Valerie asked. "Aye,but this is the reason I was trying to avoid. But it appears it happens either way." Ash said. "Tell me,why are you trying to avoid a thing like this. Popularity isn't a much of a downpour." Valerie said.
"I don't like praisment..look around us,and wonder. Would've you gotten this many people if you were challenging someone else?" Ash asked. Valerie hummed a bit as she then responded. "Yes..you're right,but I don't understand your reasons to your statement." Valerie said.
"Despite my deeds and history,I never crave for trivial matters like praisement or glory. I do what I do because it's what's right,and I don't hold back on my actions. Especially when I battle." Ash glared. "I'll take you on that,but it takes more then tenacity to get a badge here." Valerie said. "Then let's find out." Ash dared as Valerie called Kali to be the referee.
"Alright the battle between Ash the challenger and Valerie the Laverre City Gym Leader will now began. Both sides have the used of two Pokémon and the battle will be concluded when both Pokémon are unable to battle. Furthermore only the challenger can substitute Pokémon." Kali explained.
"Two Pokémon,seems simple enough." Clemont said. "Clemont,when it comes to Valerie it's anything but simple. Even in gym battles." Said Rene. "You know,Ash has quite a fan club." Sawyer said. "I don't think Ash would call them a fan club." Serena said. "Really,because I just realized. Look at the whole crowds,I see more girls then guys here." Sawyer pointed out as the group looked to see that Sawyer was right. Some of different age groups but mostly were around teenage years and all had their eyes on the hunky auburn trainer preparing to battle.
Serena growled at each and everyone of them,of course the girls would come just for Ash and not the battle itself. "I feel sorry for you Serena." Rene said. "Yea,it's official. This day can't get much worse." Said Serena. Meanwhile Sawyer took out Treecko and suggested both should watch Ash's battle.
"Alright Sylveon,I chose you." Valerie released the Intertwine Pokémon to battle. "Alright,Riolu come on out." Ash summoned the Emanation Pokémon to battle. Riolu looked around to see a huge crowd around the field,Ash,and finally Valerie and her Sylveon. "Oh,are we battling now?" Riolu asked. "Yes we are and our opponent is them." Ash pointed across the field.
"Ash made an odd choice to pick Riolu to battle first." Clemont said. "Why's that Clemont?" Bonnie asked. "Because Fighting types alone are weak against Fairy types like Sylveon." Clement explained. "You mean Ash already made a mistake?" Sawyer asked. "Ash isn't one to make easy mistake. He planned to use Riolu today,since it'll be its debut battle. Plus he already has a plan in motion." Rene said.
Ash vs. Valerie: two on two
"Alright Riolu,lets do a refresher before we start." Ash said as he took out his Pokédex to know about Riolu's move set
Riolu
Gender: Male
Abilities: Inner Focus,Steadfast,Prankster (hidden)
Moves: Aura Sphere,Force Palm,Swords Dance,Bullet Punch
"Alright,we can use make some useful combos with this move set. We'll make the first move Valerie." Ash said. "Riolu,let's start off with Swords Dance." Riolu summoned swords circling around him that sharply boosted his Attack power. "Very well,let us force your hand. Sylveon use Disarming Voice." Sylveon shouted out a loud voice in the shape of hearts from a distance straight at Riolu. "Dodge and use Aura Sphere." "Aura Sphere? Surly you jest that Riolu knows how to use that move." Valerie questioned but was shocked to see a blue energy ball form in Riolu's hands and then fired at high velocity that struck Sylveon before it could react. The crowd gasped as they never saw a move Riolu couldn't do until it evolved.
"I never jest. Riolu use Swords Dance." Riolu then summoned several more swords that boasted his Attack power. "Oh I get what Ash is planning." Rene said. "What do you mean?" Sawyer asked. "Simple,like you said Riolu is weak to Fairy type so Ash would use Swords Dance to compensate for this disadvantage." Rene said. "So Ash and Riolu are in a good position?" Serena asked. "Hard to say,Valerie isn't all about appearance and she doesn't pull any punches." Rene said.
"Alright Riolu,charge ahead and use Force Palm." Riolu charged ahead as he rose his left arm to deliver a shockwave. "Now your tactic will cost you dearly. Sylveon wrap your feeders around Riolu to restrain him." Like plant vines,Sylveon stretch its feeders to catch Riolu. Riolu gasped as he tried to maneuver around its opponent's feeders but one caught its right arms as the rest followed up when one feeder held each limb.
"Riolu!" Ash yelled. "Now let's show our beauty Sylveon. Use Moonblast." Sylveon charged a ball of fairy energy and fired at the restrained Riolu and struck him sending him backwards. "Riolu are you alright?" Ash asked. *grunting* for a nice girl,she packs quite a cannon." Riolu strained as he slowly stood up. "Riolu,I think I have a plan to take this battle." Ash said via Aura Link. "I'm willing to try anything. I can't get in close enough without those feeders in the way." Riolu said. "Maybe that's what we need. If we can't cross her lines,we let her cross ours." Ash said. "How will we accomplish this?" Riolu asked. "Trust me." Ash said.
"Alright,we're not done. Riolu use Swords Dance." Ash said Riolu summoned swords to sharply boost his Attack power once again. "Now charge once again and get in close." Riolu then tried to close the gap between him and Sylveon. "Ha,that's a desperate move Ash. Sylveon catch him with your feeders." Sylveon then ran ahead and managed to catch Riolu once again. Riolu tug against Sylveon's feeders as both Pokémon played tug of war to overpower the other.
Ash smirked as his plan was getting closer and closer to its end. Valerie saw his expression and grew in confusion. "Why are you laughing?" She asked. "Ha,how confident are you that you have me trapped?" Ash asked. "What do you mean?" Valerie gasped. "You'll find out! Riolu raise both palms and fired a Force Palm with all your might." Riolu raised both palms as Aura builds within. Once all filled up in strength Riolu felt ready. "Hopefully this will go as plan." Ash thought.
"Now Riolu,fire!" Riolu then unleashed the shockwave that force himself backwards. By instinct,Riolu tugged against Sylveon's feeders that pulled Sylveon towards him. "One last attack. Let's make it count. Bullet Punch!" Riolu then raced to Sylveon as he then delivered a powerful blow of steel against Sylveon's face that sent Sylveon rocketing across the field,and landed right at Valerie's feet,fainted.
Kali gasped as she saw Sylveon wasn't getting back up. "Wha-wha...h-how?" She thought. "Kali,Kali make the call." Valerie called out. "Right,Sylveon is unable to battle,Riolu wins." Kali called. "Sylveon are you alright?" Valerie asked. Sylveon spoked softly as she called that tough dog packed a punch. "He does doesn't he. Now take a long rest." Valerie said as she called Linnea take care of Sylveon.
"I must say,I understand why you were confident to try this tactic again." Valerie said. "I knew you couldn't resist taking on Riolu when he got close. So I set a trap within yours that way,I knew you'd do what I expected." Ash said. Valerie was stunned,a challenger comes and plays fiddle with her so easily. She didn't know whether to be proud or slightly embarrassed. Kali on the other hand drew in slight rage. "Who does this guy think he is?! He thinks he's the one giving Miss Valerie the challenge. Well he's got another thing coming!" She said to herself.
"Awesome! Ash is simply amazing!" Sawyer and Treecko awed. "Yep that's our Ash." Bonnie commented. Meanwhile the crowd cheered in excitement as the challenger was thought to make the battle difficult by choosing a Fighting type,took a shocking upset and beat the Gym Leader on her own terms. Girls shrieked as loud as they can for their idealistic hero and called out to Ash multiple times. Serena growled at them for trying to distract Ash from his battle. "Serena just ignore them." Rene said. "I can't. Not knowing those floozies are trying to steal my boyfriend away." Serena said. "Ash will be fine. You should too and keep supporting Ash." Rene calmed her down.
"Alright,for my second partner. I choose Spritzee." Valerie chose the Perfume Pokémon to battle. "Hmm,a Spritzee,Riolu will surely have a hard time trying to hit something that's in the air." Ash thought. "Alright Riolu,take a well deserved rest." Ash said as Riolu retreated back to Ash's side. "Alright,Hawlucha I chose you." Ash chose the Wrestling Pokémon to go last.
"We'll make the first move. Hawlucha draw in close and use Karate Chop." Hawlucha ran ahead to attack directly. "Not so hasty. Spritzee defend with Gyro Ball." Spritzee spun around in place as Hawlucha struck the spinning target. Unfortunately the rapid motion wasn't enough for the Karate Chop to penetrate and Hawlucha was forced to fall back.
"Let's keep them on their heels. Hawlucha charge towards Spritzee,and use High Jump Kick." Hawlucha followed and dashed towards the Perfume Pokémon. "Try again Ash. Use Gyro Ball to defend." Spritzee spun around in place once again. "I don't think you saw this coming. Hawlucha slide and strike from beneath Spritzee." Before attacking,Hawlucha slid right beneath the spinning Pokémon and rebounded high up and used High Jump Kick. The blow struck and sent the spinning top flying to the ceiling,causing damage.
"Wait how did Hawlucha's Attack get through?" Sawyer asked. "Simple,a Pokémon that uses Gyro Ball is protected from direct attacks but they can be exposed from directly above or below it. It also depends on the size of the Pokémon as well to oposite to how this tactic would work." Rene explained. "So for Spritzee being the size of a beach ball,the lack of motion from below it left it exposed from the beneath?" Clemont asked.
"Exactly."
"Impressive..most impressive. You really seem to have caught me off guard from attacking below Ash." Valerie commented while Ash or Hawlucha said nothing. "But,let's see how you fare when you're boxed in." Valerie said as Ash and Hawlucha's suspension rose. "Now Spritzee,use Trick Room!" Spritzee followed as its eyes glowed blue and created a blue mystical box that expanded around the perimeter of the battlefield.
Ash growled at the surprise. "Trick Room,alters Speed stats to according to which Pokémon on the field is slower. Since Hawlucha was the fastest one out there,Spritzee is now as fast as a bullet in this field." Ash said to himself. "Well..you seem surprised." Valerie said. "Surprise maybe one thing I'm feeling,but it's not the only one." Ash said.
"Hawlucha,let's not give them the satisfaction. Use Flying Press to maneuver and attack." By jumping up and bouncing off the ceiling,Hawlucha zoned onto Spritzee in a clear Aura. But Ash noticed however Hawlucha wasn't moving fast enough and the speedy Spritzee easily dodge his attack,leaving Hawlucha on safe ground once again.
"You can't keep this up Valerie. Sooner or later you will want to attack while you still have the advantage otherwise your Trick Room will disperse sooner." Ash said as Valerie knew he was right but reluctant to give Ash the benefit of the doubt. "This one moment is all I need Ash. Zoom around Spritzee and use Moonblast." Like a kid on sugar rush,Spritzee zoomed around until Hawlucha fianlly lost track of it,Spritzee then fired from above and struck its target.
"Hawlucha retaliate and use X-Scissor." Backfliping to get some distance from Spritzee,Hawlucha charged at its target with its arms cross,radiating dark purple energy. Spritzee flew up to avoid his attack and Hawlucha wound up striking the Trick Room instead causing the wall to hum and wrap before becoming rigid once again. That moment,the Trick Room dispersed meaning its effect to nullified.
"No,not this soon." Valerie said. "I warned you. Now let's kick things off. Hawlucha go into the air and strike with Karate Chop." Hawlucha jumped high and went to a free dive with a glowing fist in tow. "Quickly use Dazzling Gleam." Spritzee then emitted a bright light from its body and engulfed Hawlucha along with it. Sparkles emitted as the crowd gasped and awed.
When the light dimmed Hawlucha slowly got up from the ground,still ready to battle. The crowd was surprised that Hawlucha could still get up even from a close proximity attack. "Still got some fight in you?" Valerie asked. "No,we're still testing our limits." Ash smirked.
"Well try this once again. Use Trick Room." Spritzee cried as it created another Trick Room to zoom around in. Ash saw the Trick Room formed as he tried to form a strategy use Valerie's Trick Room against her. The walls themselves were just as good as a real wall to maneuver on and perhaps play on Spritzee's strengths to knock it down a peg. His last thoughts was the Psychic move itself and how it vulnerable to...
"Wait...well it's a crazy long term plan. Hopefully it'll work like a treat,and Valerie won't even see it coming." Ash smirked. "Alright Hawlucha,use the Trick Room's walls to maneuver around and use X-Scissor." Ash said as Hawlucha jumped from wall to ceiling to wall and tried to strike the speedy Spritzee but wound up hitting the Trick Room wall again. "Keep trying Hawlucha. Don't stop." Hawlucha wondered what was his trainer's plan as he saw the look in his eyes meaning.
"Trust me."
Hawlucha nodded as he tried again with the same process but time Spritzee avoided it and he struck nothing but wall. The repetition went five times until Valerie really wondered what was Ash going with this pointless effort. "You really should try a different tactic Ash. You won't succeed with this." Valerie said. "Then by all means Valerie,make your move." Ash said as he motioned Hawlucha to finally stop in the middle of the field.
"Your mistake. Spritzee attack headstrong with Gyro Ball." Like a cannonball,Spritzee rocketed towards the Wrestling Pokémon. "Take the shot Hawlucha." Ash said as Hawlucha braced itself as he struggled to keep its footing from Spritzee. "I really don't understand Ash. Are you trying to give in on purpose?" Valerie asked. "Am I really? Or perhaps this whole time I've been string your every move?" Ash asked back.
"What?!"
"Alright buddy,let go of your footing." Hawlucha obeyed as he let go and was taken along for a ride with Spritzee towards the back wall of the Trick Room. "Alright Hawlucha,Rebound off the wall and use X-Scissor once last time." Hawlucha landed on the wall after letting go of Spritzee and used the momentum from his little trip plus now added to this rebound Hawlucha zoomed faster then ever and cross his arms in a purple glow,taking Spritzee on the ride this time towards the wall on Valerie's side of the field.
"CHARGE AHEAD!"
Hawlucha braced itself as he then smashed Spritzee to the Trick Room wall with then did the unexpected as the room itself broke like glass into a hundred pieces. Valerie gasped widely as she saw the unthinkable. Never has a trainer challenged her Gym and battled methodoloically and valiantly. The crowd itself stood silent as the most epic moment of this battle took their breath away.
"Wha...wha..impossible." Valerie sounded out. "But...bu-..how?" She asked. "You just do what you do best Valerie." Ash said. Still shocked,Valerie didn't even noticed that Spritzee laid motionless right by her. Kali like her mistress couldn't make call.
"I believe the battle belongs to me." Ash declared.
Valerie finally looked to see her Spritzee unable to battle as she finally coming back to reality. For the first time in a awhile she lost. "Yes...the battle is yours Ash Ketchum." Valerie said as Shen returned Spritzee to its pokeball.
At last the crowd roared in excitement as they couldn't believe how Ash took this battle by storm and came out on top. "Yay,he won it,he won it!" Bonnie jumped in glee. "Wow that was one of the most awesomest battles ever!" Sawyer closed his notebook. The group eventually came on down to congratulate Ash personally.
With a mic in hand,Valerie spoke as one of her assistants Kali held a Fairy badge for Ash. "For your outstanding performance and valor victory,Ash Ketchum I present to you the Fairy Badge;proof of your victory over the Laverre Gym." Valerie said as she signaled Kali to hand the badge to Ash.
Still skeptical about this Kali hesitated to hand Ash the badge. "Kali,it's okay. Everyone loses once in a while." Valerie whispered to her as Kali finally nodded and gave Ash his prize. The crowd cheered for Ash and his Pokémon as they started to run down to the field to meet their hero.
Feeling surrounded Ash and gang knew they would face this predicament but didn't come with a plan to handle it. "Great,in about five seconds I'm gonna be ripped to sherds." Ash said. "Leave it to me Ash. Mawile come out and use Fairy Wind all over the field." Valerie summoned the Deceiver Pokémon as it spun around in the air to cover the field in a gust of wind,blinding everyone. "Quickly,take the back door over there. I'll meet you all at the Pokémon Center." Valerie said as the group nodded. "You're the best Valerie." Rene shouted as the group made their escape.
After arriving at the Pokémon Center,the group waited in the lobby until the front doors opened as Valerie finally walked in. "Valerie..wait no one followed you right?" Ash asked. "No Ash,I'd made sure I was alone when I came." Valerie calmed him down. "Great. I couldn't thank you enough for doing that." Ash said. "Not a problem. You see I saw those people ruin my railings when they decided to stampede over to us. I now understand why you prefer solitary Gym battles." Valerie said.
"That's true,but the main reason still stand when I challenged the gym. Praisement is not me,nor do I desire glory. I just want to be me." Ash said. "And that is?" Valerie asked. "Just your average trainer who fights for the little guy. Not for the reward but because it's right. Otherwise like a wise person once told me,once people see you as extraordinary they either look up to you for everything,or they'll look forward to watching you fall." Ash said.
"Sound like exceptionalism,but I do understand what you mean." Valerie said. "I'll leave the glory and reward to those who desire it. If that's all they care about then that's what they'll receive and then some." Ash said. "He's right Val. We're just people with different reasons to live." Rene joined. "I understand. So where will you head to next." Valerie asked.
"The next Gym from here of course." Ash said. "If that's the case then Anistar City is the next place." Valerie said. "Anistar City huh? Guess that's our next destination." Ash said. "Not exactly Ash,along the way there is Dendemille Town and that's the sight of my next Pokémon Showcase." Serena said. "Alright,we can go there first." Ash agreed. "I see,I'll be sure to watch the Showcase as you present your gift to the world Serena." Valerie bowed. "I'll do my best Valerie." Said Serena.
When Valerie left,the gang was ready to hit the road once more and prepared to bid farewell to Sawyer and Treecko. "So where's your next battle gonna be Sawyer?" Ash asked. "I'm thinking of challenging the Coumarine Gym next." Sawyer rephiled. "Cool,that means you'll be battling Ramos. Watch yourself,Ramos won't make it easy for you." Ash said. "I will and with what I've learn from your battle with Valerie,I won't lose." Sawyer said. "We'll see you down the road Sawyer. Take care." Ash said. "You guys too,and Ash next time we'll battle once more."
"I'll hold you to that." Ash rephiled.
One the trail once more,Ash asked about what happened during his Gym Battle with Valerie. "Well not much really Ash. Just that your fan club really cheered you on." Rene said. "Yea,especially all those cute girls who wanted to be at your feet." Bonnie laughed,causing Serena to cringed. "Oh come on! Who needs all those spoiled girls when I got my best girl right here with me." Ash said as he surprisingly hugged Serena playfully. "Well you're right honey. And on record,let's not visit Laverre City for awhile until this dies down." Serena said.
"I couldn't agree more honey." Ash said causing the others to laugh. Now heading to Dendemille Town for Serena's next Showcase. Find out what happens next as the journey continues.
Done guys,well I gotta say that some excoriating Gym Battle. Now,compared to what happens next which is Noibat's debut,I'm gonna put that on hold as the next chapter will be Serena's next Pokémon Showcase in Dendemille Town,so after that will be Noibat's debut.
Now for the next chapter of course that means one thing for most of you guys...Miette's return...yep,now it's gonna be a party. So hit that like button,comment what you think and thank so much for reading. This is Paradox signing off. Goodbye.
