Chapter 20 Wedgehurst Gym Battle
Ash, his two brothers, and his 5 female friends are going outside the gym stadium as they see Hop rushing towards them. "Ash, guys. Good to see you again." Hop says.
"Hey, Hop. So are you here for the Gym Battle as well?" Gloria asks.
"I got my training done and I am ready to take on Namie." Hop says. "How about you guys? Did you beat the gym?"
Ash says, "Well, Namie is preparing the gym field, so it will be our turn soon." Ash says.
"I see." Hop says. Ash then takes out the League Cards and gives them to each. "Well, here is the League Card."
The others read it and they can see her with the number 682 on it. And after reading the contents, Hop says, "It says that Namie is born from the Unova Region, her father is a rich businessman who got arrested for domestic abuse. And rumors have it that the wife of this businessman is also killed before the police arrive."
"Yeah, it was killed by a Meowth, for protecting her from the severe beating and knife injury, and that Meowth becomes her partner." Ash says. "She is adopted into our family and because of that incident, she still talks like a robot and is healing."
Serena says, "She must be really hurt on the inside...no wonder that she has a mark on the neck..."
"A mark on the neck? What do you mean?" Gloria asks.
"Didn't you guys notice? She has a knife wound on her neck, though she tries to hide it using the make-up, I still saw it." Serena says.
"Oh...and with the bullying..." Alice frowns. "You know, I think we had a lot in common."
"How so?" Mark asks.
"After I moved to Kalos, I was also being bullied in the Kalos High School..." Alice frowns.
"Wait, you mean...I heard my classmates gossip about a weird girl in the other classroom, that mean you?" Serena asks. "I didn't know anything about it, but I heard about it and I didn't think much about it..."
"I know." Alice says. "But the reason I was called a freak is because of the Aura. You see, our family is aura users. So it is common that we can talk to Pokemon."
"But being able to speak to Pokemon doesn't mean you are a freak." Ash says. "What happened in the end?"
"I dropped out of school with Mom's help." Alice shrugs. "And then she decides to find me a tutor."
"That is so nice of you." Trenor says.
Hop says, "I have heard about it before, but wow...I didn't realize that you two are a lot in common."
"Yeah." Alice sighs as they enter the field.
Once they are inside, they see Gladion who is there waiting for them. Lillie asks, "Brother, aren't you going with Mother to find Father?"
Gladion says, "I called her, but I may have watched Namie and Ash's battle before going back."
Lillie notices the pink in Gladion's cheek and she gives a smirk, but she didn't say anything as Ash, Gloria, and Alice go to the counter first.
"So Gym Challengers, are you ready for your next Gym Challenge?"
Gloria says, "Of course, Ash, Alice. You don't mind I go first, right?"
"Not at all." Ash replies.
"The same here." Alice says.
"Good. Then here is the Uniform." Gloria goes to change her uniform as it is grey with the Normal type Logo on the front. As Gloria goes into the stadium, she finds Dan, who is waiting for her.
"The Wedgehurst Gym Mission is this." Dan says, "The spelling challenge. You have to find six things in the classroom that starts with 'SCHOOL' to complete the challenge. But there is a problem. Some items are not obtainable unless you battle against the owner for them. I imagine that you can solve this problem. Now let the Gym challenge begin!"
As Gloria goes into a classroom, she finds a scissor on the toolbox, a cup from the female gym trainer, a hat from the male gym trainer, an organizer on a desk nobody is using, an oven in the front of the door as well as a Lock from the gym trainer's school bag.
"This gym challenge has to be the easiest one if you ask me." Lillie says. "Since it is all about the letters."
"But from this challenge, I can see why Namie is doing it." Ash says. "She wants to have a nice class with no bullies."
"I can tell." Alice says.
As Gloria goes to the battlefield as well as Namie, Namie says, "Expectation: I know you will arrive. Purpose of Gym Challenge: I had a hard childhood, so I want to restart my childhood again, but with the happier one. Conclusion: Now that you beat the Mission, we should have a battle."
Namie sighs as she takes out a Premier Ball, she says, "First Pokemon: Wooloo, come on out."
As Wooloo appears on the field, Gloria says, "Raboot, you're first."
Namie says, "Wooloo, move: Headbutt."
"Dodge it and then use Double Kick!" Gloria says.
Raboot dodges the upcoming attack, and then it sends Wooloo backward.
"Double-Edge!" Namie yells as the Wooloo charges at Raboot, causing it to fly backward, but it manages to hold on. "Raboot, can you continue?"
The Pokemon nod. "Good, use Ember!"
Raboot shoots the fire attack on Wooloo, dealing some damage. Wooloo uses Attract, trying to make Raboot fall in love, but Raboot just uses its feet to kick the rocks to block the hearts to Namie's surprise, and then uses Double Kick again to defeat the Pokemon.
"Surprise: I don't know you can use your feet to block the attack. Determination: I will look forward to my last Pokemon. Final Pokemon: Eevee."
As the Pokemon appears, Lillie says, "An Eevee? She is going to Dynamax?"
"Or it could be a Gigantamax." Ash says.
Namie says, "Gigantamax: Ready. Time: Now." She takes the Pokeball back and then it becomes bigger, then Eevee appears with a thicker neck.
"Move: G-Max Cuddle." Namie says as the move shoots out from the bottom of the Pokemon, causing Raboot to faint.
Gloria recalls her Pokemon and then she says, "I am not going to lose. Chewtle, come on out!"
As her Pokemon appears on the field, she says, "Now I will use Dynamax as well." She recalls the Pokemon and the Pokeball goes bigger. Then Chewtle's Dynamax version appears.
"G-Max Cuddle." Namie is not afraid as she tells Eevee to use the move again, but much to Gloria's shock, Chewtle has hearts in its eyes and she asks, "What's wrong?"
Alice says, "G-Max Cuddle's side effect is that after the move is used, the opponent with a different gender will become infatuated."
Ash says, "Which means that Gloria has to one-hit KO or else she can't beat her with the Gigantamax."
Gloria is watching that Eevee keeps using G-Max Cuddle on Chewtle, but then her calling reaches Chewtle as it goes back to normal and then finishes it with a Max Knuckle.
After Namie is lost, she says, "Lose: That is a good match." She walks towards Gloria once she recalls her Pokemon. "Badge: For you."
After Gloria takes the badge, it is Ash's turn as he also finds the objects fast, and without wasting more time, he is already at the battlefield.
Namie says, "Brother." Then she bows to him. Ash takes a deep breath and then he says, "Namie. Even though we are a family. I really do hope you talk like a normal person instead of a robot." Ash says. "But why don't you do it?"
Namie flinches as she says, "Truth: I could. Answer: There is no reason since you are my new family. Deal: If you win against me, then I will try and change."
Ash nods as she sends out Diggersby as her first Pokemon, Ash sends out Gyarados first.
Alice looks at the screen and she says, "Weird...for some reason, Ash and Namie are having a 3 on 3 battle instead of 2 on 2...I wonder why is that."
"Maybe Namie doesn't want to hold back from her brother?" Trenor shrugs.
Gyarados uses Flamethrower on the rabbit, but the rabbit uses Dig to dodge it. Then it appears and gives it a Double Slap. Then it uses Dizzy Punch, causing Gyarados to be confused.
"Snap out of it, Gyarados." Ash says, but it is in vain. But just as Diggersby is getting close to using Double Slap, Ash suddenly smirks.
"I have been waiting for this moment. Use Outrage!" Then Gyarados glows red and then it starts hitting Diggersby hard, causing it to faint in the end.
"Determination: Don't think this is easy, Brother. Second Pokemon: Heliolisk."
Namie sends out the Electric Type Pokemon. Its Parabolic Charge and the fatigue due to the Outrage causes Gyarados to end.
Ash says, "Namie. Your past is in the past, right now you have a bright future. I can see it in your eyes, you still have thoughts to trust people because of your actions. But right now everyone is watching you and my battle. And I'll show you why trust is important."
He sends out Hitmonlee. Hitmonlee uses Double Team and surrounds Heliolisk, Heliolisk uses Bulldoze, but this time Hitmonlee is using Kicks like Heliolisk is a Soccer Ball. And the scene makes Namie think of the friendship and the past. She starts to smile again.
After Heliolisk faints. Ash asks, "Namie?"
Namie says, "This...this is what I am pursuing..."
The crowd is shocked to see Namie talking normally. Namie beams and adjusts her glasses, "But I am not going to lose. Here is my final Pokemon. Meowth!"
As the Kantonian Meowth appears on the field. The crowd is also surprised. Meowth's Fury Swipes cuts through the Hitmonlee's clones and then defeats the Pokemon with a Pay Day.
Meowth says, "Twerp, no, I shouldn't call you that. Ash, I want to battle this Meowth."
"Sure, Meowth." Ash says as the Galarian Meowth appears on the field. Then Namie Gigantamax the Pokemon while Ash uses Dynamax.
"What? I am glad that I am not a Kantonian Meowth..." Meowth says. "That is really weird to have that long body..."
The crowd is also surprised at a Talking Meowth, and Ash says, "Meowth is one of my precious Pokemon. I will need your power. Use Max Strike!"
Meowth feels touched as it charges at the Kantonian Meowth. "G-Max Golden Rush!" Namie yells.
Then the former evil Meowth is swallowed inside the coin sea as it pops its head, it starts to see coins as it is now being confused.
"Confused again..." Ash says. "Meowth, hang in there."
Meowth is getting attacked by the Max Darkness and also G-Max Golden Rush. Until it gets back into senses and finishes it with a Max Steelspike.
Namie says, "Nice battle." But then she realizes one thing. "I can speak normally now...this is really amazing..."
She smiles as the audience cheers for her. She says, "Thank you, for making my speaking back to normal. I can say this out loud. As the gym leader of the Wedgehurst, I present you this Normal Badge."
Ash gets the badge and thanks her. Then Ash goes to the mission field and finds Alice there. Ash gives her a good luck kiss and says, "I know you can do it."
Alice smiles, "I'll try my best."
Then she goes to the mission field and also finishes the mission. As she goes to the field, Namie says, "Alice. I can see why Mother is the one that endorses you. But I am not going to hold back."
"I will like to see your full strength as well." Alice says as they send out their first Pokemon. Jigglypuff versus Gossifleur. "Use Magical Leaf." Alice says as the leaves are cutting at the skin of the Jigglypuff. "Use Sing!" Namie says.
"Don't let it use it. We'll do the same as well!" Alice says as both music notes are reflected, and Alice has Gossifleur goes for Hyper Voice, which deals a lot of damage to Jigglypuff. Before it can use Disarming Voice, Gossifleur finishes it with a Magical Leaf.
"Good, Alice won the first match." Gloria says.
Namie says, "Nice Gossifleur you have. But it is not going to scare me. Snorlax, you are my last hope."
As the Pokemon appears, it is sleeping on the ground and Alice asks, "Snorlax? But it is sleeping..."
"He will be awake, just wait until you see my Gigantamax! Namie says as she amplifies the Snorlax, as it has a tree on its belly.
"Seriously...there is a land growing on a Snorlax." Dawn says.
"That is the Gigantamax Snorlax after all." Ash says.
Alice says, "Gossifleur, Synthesis!" Gossifleur tries to heal itself, and then it goes for Razor Leaf, but Snorlax eats the Sitrus Berry to recover its health.
"Too bad for you, now that my Berry is taken. I can make one more. G-Max Replenish!" Snorlax shoots out a beam towards Gossifleur, causing it to faint, with the side effect, it also gains another berry.
"This is bad..." Alice says as she sends outButterfree, and everyone is surprised to see the pink Butterfree.
"The time of your Gigantamax is losing, so I should do my own." Then she Gigantamax her Butterfree as it goes bigger. Once the Snorlax is getting back to normal, it uses the G-Max Befuddle, causing Snorlax to lose a lot of health and gets the poison effect, even the health points is recovered by the Sitrus Berry, it doesn't help much as it is defeated by the Max Airstorm.
"Thank you, Butterfree. You are the best." Alice says as Butterfree flies towards her and nuzzles her.
"Well done, seems like I have more to learn." Namie says as she shakes hands with Alice. Also giving her the badge.
After Hop finishes his battle as well, Namie goes to the group as she says, "4 Battles in a row...this sure is tiring."
"I know." Ash says." But at least we got two badges and now there are only 16 left."
"Yeah, you are in one-ninth of completion." They see Delia walk towards them. "Mother, did you watch our battle?" Namie asks.
"Of course, dear. And I am proud that you manage to overcome your fear, Namie." Delia says.
"Thanks to my brother here." Namie says. "Now I think you should head to Hulbury to fight Nessa, the Water-type leader. I suggest you take the Flying Taxi to Turffield and head to Route 5 for some new Pokemon."
"We will consider it." Ash says. "But we will like to go to the Wild Area first."
"I know what you mean." The others nod as they bid farewell to Namie and Delia as they go towards the Wild Area by train.
Here is a new chapter, and this is an original gym battle. I hope you like this chapter.
Ash's New Pokemon: Thwackey, Skwovet, Rookidee, Dottler, Nickit, Gossifleur, Wooloo, Chewtle, Yamper, Carkol, Arrokuda, Zigzagoon (G), Meowth (G), Alcremie x63
Mark's Pokemon: Blaziken, Magikarp, Arrokuda, Alcremie (Strawberry, Ruby Cream)
Trenor's Pokemon: Skwovet, Oddish, Swampert, Pumpkaboo, Onix, Basculin, Noibat
Alice's Pokemon: Wooloo x30, Butterfree (Pink), Sizzlipede, Drizzile, Gossifleur, Pikachu, Eevee
Gloria's Pokemon: Minccino, Pidove, Purrloin, Raboot, Chewtle, Ferroseed, Eevee, Woobat, Ralts
Dawn's Pokemon: Buneary, Hoothoot, Mudbray, Duskull, Piplup, Quilava, Wingull, Oddish, Pachirisu, Mamoswine, Togekiss
Serena's Pokemon: Bunnelby, Pancham, Drifloon, Budew, Combee, Drilbur, Braixen, Bounsweet, Nuzleaf, Sylveon
Lillie's Pokemon: Eevee, Tyrogue, Gastly, Magearna, Shellder, Yamper, Cherubi, Vulpix (A)