Chapter Eight
So this is my first time writing a battle out. Let me know what you think, I tired not to over power Ash's pokemon. I always thought that wild pokemon are stronger but trained ones are stronger. So hopefully you all like it.
They made their way to the Pokemon Center so they could have their pokemon fully checked out after the previous day's events. They also booked a room to stay in as they were staying there for a few days for the battle and the contest.
"So Ash what six pokemon are you going use against Forest?" She asked as they handed over their poke balls to Nurse Joy as Pikachu and Glaceon followed behind her.
Ash looked at her with a mischievous smile and a wink, "It's a secret." After they got their pokemon back Ash had Pikachu and Lucario wait with May while he went to the transfer machine.
Ash dialed the labs number and Professor Oak answered, "Ash my boy what can in do for you?"
"Hello professor, I need to swap my team around for my battle with Brock."
"Ok so which ones would you lo like?" Ash named off the six pokemon he wanted for this battle and the elderly professor went to get them when Ash heard another voice.
"Hey Ash how are you doing?"
Ash could see at the bottom of the screen was Meowth. "I'm doing good. How are you and the others doing at the ranch?"
"We're all doing well, everybody is keeping up with their training and ready for any battle that you'll need us for."
"I'm glad to hear that, I'm proud of all of you and make sure you guys don't push too hard. Take some rest days and enjoy some relaxation." Ash said smiling at how dedicated his pokemon are to being the strongest.
"I'll pass the message along, but you know they're stubborn just like you." Meowth said with a chuckle.
"Hey I'm not that bad." Ash said, but then he thought of some if his past adventures and chuckled lightly "Ok maybe you have a point." Just then Professor Oak came in with six poke balls in his hands.
"Alright Ash I'm ready when you are."
A few minutes later they had finished exchanging the pokemon, "Thank you professor, I'll call you after the battle to send my team back to let them rest."
"Ok Ash good luck, we'll talk to you later."
"Go get them boss, make sure you win. I wanna try my paw at a League battle." Meowth said with determination.
"We'll give it all we got and thanks guys." With that the screen went black, Ash clipped his poke balls to belt and went to find May.
He walked into the lobby finding May, Pikachu and Lucario waiting for him in the lobby of the Pokemon Center.
"Hey, May ready to go?"
"Yes I am." she said cheerfully "So which pokemon did you get?"
Ash just chuckled " It's a secret." Is all he said and with that they headed out towards the gym. May was questioning Ash every step of the way wanting to know what pokemon he chose but he kept his lips sealed and just said "You'll have to wait and see." They reached the gym doors and Ash looked at Pikachu and nodded "This is it buddy the first step towards the Indigo League."
"Pi pika pi!!!!" the electric mouse said throwing mock punches making Ash and May chuckle.
"We're together every step of the way as a team master." Lucario said.
May couldn't help but smile at the bond that Ash and all his pokemon shared "I'll be there to cheer you on at every battle Ash." she added.
With a push of the door the group entered the gym and Ash called out "I challenge the top rock type gym in Kanto!" A lone spotlight turned on shining on a man with tan skin, black spiky hair and narrow eyes.
He looked up and replied with a grin, "Who dares challenge the rock hard defense of the Pewter Gym?" Ash was slightly shocked seeing Brock in the same position as he was when he first challenged the gym.
"Brock you're the gym leader, what about Forest?"
"I thought it would be fitting to battle the same gym leaders you did the first time. So Forest and I spoke about it and he agreed. Don't think though that just because I'm a pokemon doctor it doesn't mean that my battling skills have diminished one bit." Brock said standing up as the rock gym floor slid together. Lucario went and stood next May and Glaceon as Ash and Pikachu took their places across from Brock.
"Aren't you going to stand with Ash Lucario?" she questioned the aura pokemon.
"I am not battling in the battle so I choose to observe the battle from the sidelines and maybe give some advice to the other pokemon and to Master Ash." The jackal pokemon explained to May.
"I understand that then, did he tell you which pokemon he plans on using?" she inquired trying to get information from the aura pokemon.
"Yes he did but he asked not to say which ones." he said with a small smirk as May pouted slightly after not getting any information once again. On the battlefield Ash and Pikachu stared firmly at Brock with pure determination in their eyes and Brock stared right back knowing this would be one of the best battles of his life.
Forest took the referee podium and looked at his older brother and the trainer he considers his brother and said "This will be a full six on six battle between Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town against Brock Stone gym leader of The Pewter Gym. The battle will be over when all six pokemon of either side are unable to battle, further more only the challenger is allowed to substitute pokemon. Do both trainers agree to the terms?" the younger boy said looking between them both. Ash nodded in agreement as did Brock, both men reached to their belts pulling out their first poke ball. They each threw the red and white sphere in air and a bright light flashed as two pokemon materialized. On Brock's side of the field a bipedal gray and orange pokemon with two horns coming out of its head "Rhyperior!!!!" the pokemon shouted making his presence known. Ash's pokemon was revealed as the white ligtlight died down an alligator pokemon with blue scales and red fins down his back "Feraligator!!!" he roared causing May to cover her ears from the roar.
"I'm impressed Ash, Totodile evolved into a very imprimpressive Feraligator." Brock called across the battlefield.
"Thanks Brock your Rhyperior looks incredibly powerful," Ash replied "I'd like to know more about him after the battle."
"Sounds good to me. Now how about we start our battle?" Brock said.
"Sounds good to me. You've got the first move." the Pallet native replied.
"Ok then, Rhyperior use Thunderbolt!" Brock called out to his pokemon.
"Rhy rhyperior!" he bellowed out as yellow electricity crackled over his body gathering at his horn then launching it at Feraligator.
"Quick Feraligator use Ancient Power to block then hit him with Aqua Jet!" Ash called out. The stones from the attack collided with the electricity causing a small explosion and smoke to fill the air. Feraligator burst through the smoke covered in water slamming hard into the drill pokemon's chest making him roar in pain.
"Rhyperior no!" Brock called out. "Are you ok bud?" Rhyperior nodded in response and fired off a Focus Blast catching Feraligator off guard and hitting the side of his head knocking him off balance. "Now quick Rhyperior get in close and use "Thunder Fang." The rock and ground type took off and latched onto the big jaw pokemon's arm causing significant damage.
"No Feraligator!" Ash called out with worry in his voice. "Use Counter Shield then multiple Ice Punches." The blue scaled pokemon roared as water erupted around him as he began to spin on his back throwing Rhyperior onto his back. When the rock type landed, Feraligator launched himself into the air using Aqua Tail and as he fell towards the downed pokemon his fist took on an icy color. His fist struck down again and again, after landing multiple hits he jumped back revealing Rhyperior with swirls in his eyes.
"Rhyperior is unable to battle. Gym Leader please send out your next pokemon." Forest called form the referee box.
"Thank you bud you did very well get some rest." Brock said returning his pokemon. "Now Golem its your turn." The megaton pokemon landed causing the ground to shake slightly.
Ash could see Feraligator had taken a fair amount of damage from the battle called out, "Are you ok to go on?" Feraligator gave a small nod and launched a Water Gun towards the round pokemon. He knew that he was tired but refused to give in.
"Golem use Steamroller to deflect the water then hit him with Hyper Beam." Ash waited until the right moment and called his counter attack
"Feraligator use Hydro Pump." The big jaw pokemon roared and released a large column of water that collided with Hyper Beam. the two attacks were at a stall for a moment until Hyper Beam cut through the water striking Feraligator hard knocking him out in the process.
"Feraligator is unable to battle. Challenger please choose your next pokemon."
"I'm so proud of you buddy, thank you for all your hard work now take a good rest." Ash smiled at his friend impressed at how strong he'd gotten. "Now Kingler I choose you." The pincer pokemon materialized from the light clicking its claws ready for battle. "Ok Kingler lets end this one quick use Surf and ride it then us Crabhammer!" Ash called out as a wave of water appeared picking up Kingler carrying him towards Golem, the wave crashed in to the megaton pokemon Kingler's glowing claw slam into Golem knocking him out of the arena and the battle at the same time. Brock looked at his knocked out pokemon with shock, he knew Kingler was strong but he didn't expect that much power.
"Wow Ash that was awesome, there was so much power in those attacks." Brock praised his friend.
"Thank you Brock that means a lot." Ash smiled and rubbed the back of his head at the praise.
"Ok then lets keep this going, Blissey you're up next." Brock called out as the happiness pokemon to the field. "I know this a rock type gym but sometimes you've gotta keep trainers on their toes."
"Makes sense to me Brock but I'm still gonna win this battle." said Ash as he pumped his fist. "Kingler lets hit them hard and fast use Brick Break."
Klingler scuttled across the ground preparing his claw to strike, just as he brought his claw back to hit Blissey, Brock called out "Now Blissey use Sing." Ash's eyes widened as Kingler fell to the ground snoring peacefully.
"Ok Blissey hit them with Dream Eater then finish with Dazzling Gleam." Brock called to the round pink pokemon.
"Kingler if you can hear me you need to wake up and dodge!" Ash yelled to his sleeping pokemon, Blissey's Dream Eater hit Kingler sapping his energy. Fortunately for Ash the sleeping crab awoke just in time to move out of the on coming attack although he was clipped by the beam of energy causing him to stumble.
"Kingler now its our turn use Mud Shot rapid fire"
"Blissey use Light Screen to defend." Brock called out, just as the flying globs of mud flew at his pokemon. A feint yellow barrier appeared deflecting some of the attack and only taking a small amount of damage. "Quick Blissey use a full power Thunder Bolt." The electric attack crashed into Kingler sliding him across the floor kicking up a cloud of dust. When the dust cleared Kingler was standing, Ash was about to call out to his pokemon but with a small grunt his pokemon fell over knocked out.
"Kingler is unable to battle, challenger please choose your next pokemon." Forest called out to Ash.
"Kingler return and take a good rest you did a great job. Now Marshtomp I choose you." Ash said as he threw his next poke ball out. A small blue pokemon appeared on the field in a battle stance.
"Marsh mar." she said while gesturing bring it on to Blissey.
Ash sweat dropped at his pokemon's actions, "She is really into battling. Ok lets start this use Muddy Water then Ice Beam." The mud fish pokemon released a wave of brown water that engulfed Blissey and was then frozen in place by the follow up Ice Beam. "Ok finish it use Power-up Punch." Marshtomp began striking the frozen Blissey again and again knocking her out after a few hits.
"Blissey is unable to battle gym leader please send out your next pokemon."
As Brock returned his pokemon, he thought carefully about his next choice and then called his next pokemon to the field "Sudowoodo come on out." The imitation pokemon saluted his trainer then turned ready for battle. "Now use Double Edge then hit her with Slam." Marshtomp was struck by the reckless attack then was smashed into the ground by the Slam attack.
"Marshtomp are you ok?" Ash asked his pokemon worryingly, the small blue pokemon stood up slowly and began to glow. Her arms grew longer and stronger, the fin on her head split into tow fins. She brlowed her name "Swampert!!!" and launched a powerful Hydro Pump slamming Sudowoodo into the wall behind Brock knocking out the pokemon. Ash was so proud to see Marshtomp had evolved but then shocked to see her fall forward with swirls for eyes. The damage she'd taken and the energy from evolving was too much for her.
"Both pokemon are unable to battle please choose your next pokemon."
"Swampert that was so amazing, I can't believe you learned Hydro Pump like that, now take a good rest. Gyarados I choose you." the atrocious pokemon roared her entrance, "I know its your first real battle girl lets show 'em what we got."
Brock flinched slightly at the roar that the pokemon emitted but tried not to show it. He called out his next pokemon for battle "Ludicolo battle time." Ludicolo appeared and hopped foot to foot as if he was dancing. "Lets hit them first Energy Ball quick fire." The carefree pokemon started throwing green orbs of energy at Gyarados impacting her hard in chest causing her to roar in pain.
"Gyarados are you good?" the blue serpent roared as an answer, "Ok then use Earthquake to throw them off balance and strike with Twister." With a hard slam of her tail the field shook violently knocking Ludicolo off his feet making him unable to avoid the tornado of debris beating and battering him around. Once the attack ended Ludicolo stood shakily up and giving a look that let Brock know he was good to continue.
"Ludicolo let's go, use Grass Knot to bring Gyarados down and then use Razor Leaf." Strands of grass wrapped around Gyarados causing her to fall to the ground hard then she was sliced over and over by leaves sent by Ludicolo. The leaves cut the grass that bound her to the ground allowing her to rise again.
Ash knew she was reaching her limits so he had to finish this up fast, "Gyarados show them what you got, use Giga Impact!" Gyarados roared louder than ever as she charged towards the happiness pokemon surrounded by a purple light crashing hard knocking him out. "Gyrados return you've done well but I can see you're exhausted, you did so well for your first true battle."
Brock smiled seeing the exchange between the two knowing that this last battle was going to be amazing. "Ash I'm down to my last pokemon but don't think for one second that this fight is close to over." he pulled his oldest pokemon, "Steelix let's finish this fight strong." The steel snake roared and flashed his toothy grin.
"I knew this would be the last battle. Ok old friend its been awhile but let's give this everything we've got. Greninja I choose you!" the ninja pokemon appeared with his head bowed and his hands in front of his face.
"Ash I'm giving you everything right here right now, Steelix lets show them our bond," he reached into his pocket pulling out a small clear stone. "Mega evolve!" A blinding white light filled the gym as Steelix grew and crystal like spines grew from his sides. When the light died down a mighty roar shook the building as Mega Steelix rose high showing his power.
Ash smiled this is the real test he thought, "Now, Greninja together!" he called as he rose his right arm as Greninja rose his left. A colum of water surrounded the ninja pokemon and when it faded Ash-Greninja stood ready for battle. Ash smiled feeling the rush of the battle bond between him and his pokemon "Greninja go, use back to back Water Pulse!"
"Greninja!" the ninja pokemon called out as he threw a blue ball of water one after another into Steelix's face knocking him to the side. "Now use Water Pledge." Ash called out. Greninja slammed his webbed hands to the ground causing columns of water to rush towards Steelix. The iron snake pokemon roared in pain from the onslaught of attacks.
Brock gritted his teeth, he knew that Greninja was fast but damn not this fast he knew he had to act fast, "Steelix counter with Smack Down then use Autotomize to gain speed." A slab of rock collided with Greninja causing him to fall to the ground and Ash to grab his back in pain. Steelix shone brightly from the effects of Autotomize. "Now use Iron Tail quickly!" Steelix took off with incredible speed and slammed his tail into Greninja sending him across the floor, as he rolled Ash gripped his side knowing they needed to end this battle.
"Greninja quick use Double Team to surround Steelix." Ash called to his friend.
"Steelix use Thunder Fang to cancel them out." As multiple Greninjas surrounded Steelix, his mouth crackled with electricity while a charged towards the copies.
"Greninja now!" Ash called out loudly over the noise of the battle "Use Water Shuriken!!" The copies all reached back and pulled the large shuriken from his back with Ash mimicking the actions. All the shurikens came raining down on Steelix causing an explosion and a layer of smoke to cover the field. everyone waited in suspense waiting for the smoke to clear. After a few minutes the smoke began to fade a towering image of Mega Steelix could be seen and Greninja could be seen standing on Ash's side of the field. When everyone could see clearly, they saw Steelix glaring with a smirk and then with a small flinch crashed to the ground reverting back to his normal form.
Forest shook his head and clearing the shocked look from his face, "Steelix is unable to battle. Gym Leader Brock is out of usable pokemon which means the challenger is the winner."
"We did it!" Ash shouted as he and Pikachu ran onto the field giving Greninja a hug. " You were so awesome buddy, I'm so proud of you."
"Ash that was a truly wonderful battle and one I will never forget." Brock said with a smile, he held out his hand "Ash take this Boulder Badge as proof that you have defeated the Pewter City Gym."
Ash took the grey octagon shaped badge from his friend "Alright we won the Boulder Badge." he exclaimed with his trade mark pose with Pikachu on his shoulder and Greninja making the same pose. Making his friends and Lucario laugh and sweat drop at his actions. He might have been gone for five years but he's still the same Ash. After Ash received his badge from Brock, the group made their way to the Pokemon Center to heal their pokemon after the intense battle.
"So Brock how did you get a Rhyperior?" Ash asked his long time friend.
"About two years ago I was doing field work to finish part of school and we were down on the boarders of the Safari Zone. I heard some noises coming from the brush a little ways away and I found a badly injured Ryhorn. It looked like he'd been caught in a trap at some point but broke free." Brock explained. "I spent a few hours treating all of his injuries, when I was done and went to leave he nudged me trying to get my attention. I asked if he needed something else and he nodded towards my poke balls. I asked if he wanted to come with me and he nodded so I captured him. He evolved a year later then again about 8 months later."
"That's an awesome story man, I'm glad you could find him and help him." Ash told him.
"Yeah Brock that is so cool and he's such a powerful pokemon. You've done an amazing job training him." May added.
"You're pokemon are healed and doing just fine." the pink haired nurse called out to the two trainers.
"Thank you Nurse Joy." They said in unison. As they were taking their pokemon back a poster caught Ash's eye.
"Hey May looks like your first contest is in two days." Ash said as he and Brock walked to the brunette coordinator.
"That's good to know so I can finish preparing my appeals. I'm going to go to the practice fields to work on them with my pokemon." she said with a smile.
"Ok May I'm going to talk with my pokemon before I send them back then I'll come help you train." Ash said as the three of them walked out the doors.
While May was with her pokemon Brock took a moment to talk to Ash about their conversation they had back at the lab. "Ash have you had a chance to think about what we talked about?"
"Yes I have, every time I meditate I think about. So far I haven't figured it out, I know I enjoy the feeling even though it scares me a little. I also know that I care very deeply about May, but I don't know how to explain it to her or even myself." he explained to his old friend.
"That's good Ash you've made a lot of progress. Don't get too frustrated with this, it's something new to you, like I said you've only ever thought of food, pokemon and battles. Don't rush things just let them happen naturally." he said to Ash.
"Thank you for your help Brock, I know I can always count on you." Ash said as they stood watching May with her pokemon. Ash was in slight trance watching the she moved, how her hair rippled and seeing her sapphire eyes full of excitement.
Brock seeing this chuckled at his friend and with a slight elbow nudge causing Ash to jump a little making Pikachu laugh and Lucario smirk. "Well Ash I'll let you get to work with your pokemon and helping May. I'll see you at the contest, Lucy should be home shortly and I'm going to cook us a nice dinner."
"Ok Brock have a good night and tell Lucy we said Hi." as they shook hands.
"Bye May!" Brock waved as he left. "I'll be there to watch your contest."
"Ok Brock have a good night." she said back.
After Brock left Ash called out all his pokemon. "Ok guys first I want to say that you were are amazing today and I am so proud of you all. I'm going to send you back to the lab so you can have good rest and do some training with the others. You all looked great so the only thing I want you work on for sure is stamina and over all fitness. Crawdaunt I'm sorry you didn't get to battle this time but I promise you'll get your turn." Ash turned to Lucario and Pikachu, "Will to two go and help May, please?" All the other pokemon nodded in understanding. "May I'll be right back I'm going to go and swap my team around real quick."
"Ok Ash." May said flashing him a smile making his heart flutter.
Ash called the lab and sent back Feraligator, Kingler, Swampert, Gyarados, Crawdaunt and Greninja. In return he got his Dratini, Combusken, Sceptile, Noctowl, Espeon, and Growlithe. He went back to the practice fields and watched May work with a smile on his face. He then released all his pokemon and had them begin training exercises, once he felt like they were doing well he went to May. They spent the rest of the afternoon working together trianing side by side. As the sun began to go down they called training to an end and fed all their pokemon and handed to Nurse Joy so they could get a check up. Once they were given a clean bill of health the ate dinner at the Pokemon Center cafeteria, and retired to their room for the night.
My next chapter is a little tough for me, I've never thought a whole lot about contests or appeals. So just bear with me once I post it.
Ash's pokemon: Pikachu, Lucario, Dratini, Combusken, Sceptile, Noctowl, Espeon, and Growlithe.
May's pokemon: Blaziken, Froslass, Swanna, Glaceon, Wartortle, Ninetales, Altaria, and Minncino
