Chapter 46 Spinel Gym Battle
The Gym Puzzle for Serra's gym is easy, as Ash needs to play the game of finding the difference, once he finds the answer, he has to Rock Smash the wall to open the path. After two tries, he finds Bennet and El standing in the third room.
Bennett: Ash. You seem to be doing well. I'll cut right to the chase. I would be much obliged if I could battle you.
Ash: (Confused) Why?
Bennett: That is, I do request to battle with all of Mother's challengers. As I hope to be a Gym Leader myself one day, is this not the most efficient way to prepare myself? Then please, allow me to test myself against you!
The first Pokemon that Bennett sends out is a Larvesta, and Ash goes for Rampardos to battle. Rampardo goes for Head Smash, but Larvesta dodges the attack, causing the Pokemon to slam into the mirror. It goes for Zen Headbutt, but Ash does the same by dodging and Larvesta also hits the mirror. After both Pokemon exchange attacks, Rampardos goes for Stone Edge and knock Larvesta out.
The second Pokemon is Masquerain, and it goes for Hydro Pump to defeat Rampardos, so Ash goes for Alolan Golem to battle. Golem's ability is Galvanize, which causes the Return attack to become Super Effective on Masquerain. Masquerain goes for Quiver Dance and goes for another Hydro Pump, even though it misses Golem, but the attack reflects and hits back at the Rock Type Pokemon, much to Ash's surprise.
Ash: Damn it...This is not good...Golem, use Stone Edge!
Golem decides to finish the match by using the move, and Masquerain is defeated. The third Pokemon is Venomoth, and it goes for Signal Beam to knock out Golem, so Ash goes for Emboar, and it goes for Flamethrower, which is reflected by the mirrors after missing Venomoth. But Venomoth goes for Sleep Powder, causing the Pokemon to fall asleep. Fortunately, after being hit by a Quiver Dance powered up Signal Beam, it wakes up and goes for Head Smash, knocking out the Pokemon.
The fourth Pokemon for Bennett is Vivillon, and Ash realizes something.
Ash: So you aim to be a Bug Type Gym Leader, right? I see that your Pokemon are Bug Types.
Bennett: Yeah, I am a Lepidopterist. I mostly student butterfly Pokemon like Venomoth, Masquerain, and others.
Ash: I see.
Vivillon goes for Draining Kiss and it defeats Emboar, so Ash goes for Honchkrow, because of the Insomnia ability, Sleep Powder doesn't work, however, Draining Kiss still deals a lot of damage.
El: To think he would use wisely on abilities...and the trust between his Pokemon...I can see why Arceus would pick a Chosen One like him...
And in the end, Honchkrow goes for Sucker Punch and Air Slash, knocking out the Pokemon. The fifth Pokemon for Bennett is Dustox, and whenever Honchkrow damages the Pokemon it goes for Moonlight to recover, much to Ash's frustration. But in the end, Ash still manages to defeat the Pokemon by using Hurricane.
Bennett: I see, I see...You're at a highly advanced stage of metamorphosis already.
The final Pokemon is Butterfree, and Ash decides to send out his own. Both Butterfree go for Psybeam and both attacks hit each other, and they each go for Sleep Powder, but they all dodge the attack, but Ash's Butterfree wins by using Hurricane first.
Bennett: Ah... Well, it looks like I still have some adaptations to undergo myself...
El: Impressive, young ones. I believe you both have been gifted by Arceus' light.
Bennett: I don't believe it's any such 'light,' but instead diligence and commitment.
El: And such diligence will indeed take you far. But, Bennett, would you believe me if I told you that you were dreaming too small?
Bennett: Too small, sir?
El: Yes. You say you want to be a Gym Leader, but I believe that with your determination, you could even go so far as to join the Elite Four.
Bennett: That- that would be... unthinkable! The Elite Four, really? That sounds fantastic, but- As you can see, I still have a long way to go before I even have a chance...
El: Perhaps. But for someone of your dedication, I believe I may be able to be of service. Let us leave your friend to their challenge. We will discuss the details elsewhere, and you may find yourself in a new position in time.
Ash: I think that is a good opportunity, to be able to train under the Elite Four member.
Bennett: Do... Do you really mean that?!
El: I do.
Bennett: Then let's go right away, Mr. El! Follow me! (Leaves)
El: Blessings to you as well, Ash. All is reflected in the eyes of the Lord. Do remember this. (Leaves as well)
While Ash is saying good things to his cousin about El, in his mind, he is not trusting El at all. Arceus didn't tell him anything about this man, but he is an Elite Four member after all. He shakes off the thoughts as he breaks the different spots and goes to the final room where Serra is.
Serra: Welcome to my arena. Maybe some might consider it vain, but I always have been rather fond of mirrors. They reflect much more than appearances. I've watched my whole life painted in a silver frame. And I've watched that same frame splinter and shatter into what my life is now. Which is just fine, I suppose. Ice is the most beautiful type. Within reflections and crystal imperfections, there's art. But enough about me. I'm sure you don't want to listen to an old doll ramble on. Shall we begin?
Ash: Sure, let's begin.
In the stands, Delia, Bennett, and El are sitting in the stands, and El decides to ask Delia something that he didn't get the chance to ask.
El: So Zina, where have you been these years? You suddenly vanished without a trace.
Delia: Let's say that I was in another region with my son, Ash. However, with Arceus' help, we are back in Reborn.
El: I would never suspect the lord for giving you the missions, after all, I have about Ash being the Chosen One a few years ago.
Delia: Yeah.
El: (Turns to Bennett) Can they hear us in here?
Bennett: That's a weird thing to ask... But probably, if they're not busy. This is a one-way mirror, so they definitely can't see us, but it's not like it's soundproof.
El: I see.
Serra: This will be over before you know it. Just like everything else. (Sends out Glaceon)
Ash goes for Incineroar for his first Pokemon, and Glaceon goes for Aurora Veil, much to Ash's frustration. Glaceon goes for Ice Beam, but Incineroar goes for Darkest Lariat to cut through the attack and then hits Glaceon. Then it goes for the Flamethrower to deal some damage. Glaceon goes for Wish and then Signal Beam, also dealing much damage to Incineroar as well. In the end, Glaceon is defeated by a Cross Chop from Incineroar.
The second Pokemon for Serra is a Ninetales, and it causes Ash to remember Lillie's Snowy. Ninetales' ability is Snow Warning, which creates the hail effect. It goes for Aurora Beam, but Incineroar just cuts the attack with Cross Chop. When the Aurora Veil ends, she just goes for it again, and then it goes for Dazzling Gleam, knocking out Incineroar.
Ash goes for Toxicroak, and it goes for Poison Jab to make Ninetales poisoned, and then it goes for Brick Break, eventually knocking out Ninetales.
Serra: The way you battled is more like your mother's style. So I'm impressed with your work. However, you'll be stopping here. (Sends out Alolan Sandslash)
Sandslash goes for Swords Dance, then goes for Iron Head, but Toxicroak dodges the attack to let it crash into the mirror, and then it goes for a Super Effective Brick Break. But in the end, it goes for Icicle Crash to knock out the Toxicroak.
Ash goes for Hawlucha as his third Pokemon, and it goes for Flying Press and Brick Break, knocking out Sandslash. The fourth Pokemon for Ash is a Lapras, and it goes for Thunderbolt, knocking out Hawlucha. Ash goes for Emboar to battle instead. Emboar goes for Flame Charge, raising the speed, but Lapras goes for Surf to deal a lot of damage. And the match is a draw after Emboar goes for a Head Smash, causing both Pokemon to knock out in the end.
The fifth Pokemon is Jynx, and Ash goes for Zoroark to battle. Jynx goes for Nasty Plot and then Focus Blast, dealing a lot of damage on Zoroark, but Ash decides to go for Night Daze, getting Jynx to slam into the mirror and some pieces are broken. When Jynx goes for Ice Beam, Ash has Zoroark take a piece of mirror and reflects the attack on Jynx, causing it to take damage.
Serra: You're the first one to use that kind of attack.
Ash: I know, and I'm not going to lose. Zoroark, finish with Shadow Ball!
The attack causes the Pokemon to faint in the end, much to Ash's relief as he only needs one more win.
Serra: Ice, like a mirror, will never be perfect again once it cracks. (Sends out Froslass)
Ash decides to stay with Zoroark, and Froslass starts by using Double Team to create a lot of copies, Zoroark's Night Daze hit every one of them, but the real Froslass dodges the attack and goes for Ice Beam, dealing a lot of damage. But in the end, Zoroark goes for Shadow Ball, knocking the Pokemon in the end.
Serra: So you've found success. Hold on to it while you can. (Recalls Froslass) I'm afraid I've already reached my breaking point.
At the stands, Delia smiles at her son's win, and she also notices that El and Bennett are leaving.
El: Bennett. Step outside with me for a moment.
Bennett: Um...? Yes, sir, I suppose.
Serra: This Rime Badge is yours now.
Ash takes his sixth badge and it is blue colored, he puts it in his pocket.
Serra: With the Rime Badge, Pokémon up to level 55 will be happy to listen to you. And I suppose that's the show. If-
Just then, an earthquake happens, and they have to take cover for a while.
Serra: (After the earthquakes are gone) ...Who wants to bet that that was the Poké Center falling on our house now, too? I'll go check it out. Who knows? Maybe we got the entire Grand Hall this time.
Ash chuckles a little as they all head out of the battlefield.
Back outside, El and Bennett are talking to each other at the gate of the estate.
El: Now, I'm sure you realize that for me to take an unknown such as yourself and introduce you to the Elite Four is not an easy feat.
Bennett: Of course not, sir.
El: I am doing you a great service, so I expect complete compliance from you in turn.
Bennett: Yes, sir.
El: Then let's begin with this. Tell me what you can about my daughter's whereabouts. I know already that you were not sharing all that you know before. Where did Luna go?
Bennett: (Sweating a little) She may have mentioned Vanhanen Castle. Sorry, sir.
El: Vanhanen Castle. Again. Of course.
Bennett: (Confused) I beg your pardon?
El: It's nothing.
Just then, the Poke Mart is teleported away from the estate to who knows where. They both stare at it for a while before continuing their conversation.
El: Just one more thing. When she left, she had on her a certain Emerald Brooch I had given to her. Does she still have it?
Bennett: Oh, that! Yes, definitely. It looks great on- (Notices El's expression) Um. Yes, sir.
El: Good. You've done well. Let us be off at once.
Bennett: (Surprised) Right this second?
El: Yes. Unless you want to pass up your chance at fortune?
Bennett: (Looks down)...No, sir. Very well. (Turns to the estate) Goodbye, Mother. I'll return home when I can.
Back in the house, Delia, Serra, and Ash are sitting on the sofa after checking what's going on.
Delia: Well, the good news is, the PokéMart isn't here any more...No telling where it's actually ended up though. Not far, probably.
Serra: But the bad news is that Bennett also isn't here. He probably will be very far away though. Studying with that stranger to join the Elite Four...
Ash: Are you worried about him?
Serra: If that pans out, wonderful. But what are the odds? No, I should be happy for my son, shouldn't I? I should be happy. But if you do run into him somewhere, please look out for him. I'm sure he can take care of himself, but he doesn't always make the best choices. Then again, does anyone? First Luna and Gardevoir. Now Bennett too. It's almost surreal. All things do fade away in time, it seems...
Delia: But remember not to give up hope, and maybe they will be just like us to return.
Serra: (Smiles) Thanks, Delia...
Ash: Mom, don't forget we're here for the Poke Mart, we have to save Anna.
Delia: Of course, I'll be coming with you to the Belrose Mansion as well.
Then they bid farewell to Serra as they leave the town, hoping they can find the Poke Mart on the way.
Here is a new chapter, and as you can see, Ash gets his sixth badge, and who is this mysterious El? And who is Luna? I hope you like this chapter.
