The Green, Green Grass-Types of Home
Alec's POV
Alec felt something slam on top of him and he saw that Ethan had woke him up again. "Why do you always do that Ethan? If anything, I'm the one who should be waking you up," Alec grumbled.
[And where's the fun in that?] Ethan asked. Alec merely glared at his partner before looking around the room to see Ash and Pikachu were gone.
"Guess Ash is doing some training before his gym battle," Alec assumed. He then heard a yelp as Serena fell off her bed.
[That looks like it hurt,] Ethan commented.
"Thank goodness it was just a dream," Serena muttered.
"Morning. I'd ask if you slept well but your face plant into the floor says otherwise," Alec said, keeping his voice down for Bonnie and Clemont.
"Yeah. Just a dream on my performance," Serena answered.
"Well, let's hope it doesn't go the way you dreamed," Alec said.
"Where's Ash?" Serena asked.
"Probably outside," Alec answered. The two headed outside to see Ash and Pikachu having a run before their battle.
"Ash is pretty fired up. I'll have to do my best too," Serena commented.
"With him or your performance?" Alec asked jokingly.
"Alec!" Serena shouted as she blushed. Ethan burst out laughing at Serena's response.
[She makes it way too easy,] Ethan commented.
"That she does," Alec replied.
"What did he say?" Serena asked.
"You make it too easy," Alec answered. Serena frowned before heading back inside. "What am I going to do with her?" Alec asked himself.
[Ah, you'll figure it out. Not like we've got those problems,] Ethan answered.
"Don't jinx us, buddy," Alec told him.
After everyone was up and dressed, Alec led the way to the Coumarine Gym, which was a giant tree just outside of town. "This is a gym?" Ash asked.
"Yep. It's perfect for a leader who specializes in grass-types," Alec answered.
"Grass-types, huh. Well, let's get to it!" Ash shouted as he started heading up the vine that spiraled around the tree.
"Ash, wait up!" Serena shouted as she ran after him.
"I bet I'll get there first!" Bonnie declared.
"Don't leave me behind again!" Clemont shouted from behind.
After running almost all the way up, Ash was the first to make it to the top. "We're finally at the top," Ash said.
[Now for our battle,] Pikachu said determinedly.
"Yay! I got second place!" Bonnie shouted as she made it up.
"Looks like we've got third," Alec said as he came up behind her.
"Looks like… I get… fourth place," Serena said between breaths.
"Where's Clemont?" Bonnie asked.
"Last place," Clemont said as he pulled himself up.
"You need to exercise more often," Alec advised as he helped Clemont up.
The group then moved to the center of the treetop to see a battlefield there. It was surrounded by smaller trees that were mere branches to the one they were on. "I've never seen a treetop battlefield before," Serena commented as she looked around.
"You certainly couldn't have a better grass-type gym then this," Clemont stated.
"Oh, it looks like I've got guests," an old man said as he came up, and Alec recognized Ramos. "And would you look at that. The new champion is here as well," Ramos said when he saw Alec.
"It's good to see you again Ramos," Alec greeted.
"So you're the gym leader?" Ash asked.
"That's right. My name's Ramos," he greeted.
"Great! I'm ready for a battle right now!" Ash said.
"Ash, be respectful," Serena told hin.
"Well, you're certainly on time," Ramos said, not taking offense to Ash's eagerness. He led them to a small library nearby that had a table in the center. "I was given this tea as a gift and I'd appreciate it if you joined me," Ramos said as an assistant gave the group a cup each.
"Aww, I really wanted to have my gym battle as soon as I got here," Ash groaned.
"No need to rush, let's take it easy. Have some tea with an old man won't ya?" he requested.
"It's nice for you to offer this to us," Serena thanked.
Alec enjoyed his tea and noticed that Ash wasn't happy, bringing a small smile from the champion. [They're hating this,] Ethan commented, noticing Ash's down demeanor which was shared by Pikachu. Alec nodded in agreement.
After they had finished, Alec felt pretty relaxed, not realizing how much tension he felt. "That was great. Now can we battle?" Ash asked Ramos.
"It would be wonderful if you all could help me tend to my garden, won't you?" Ramos asked. Ash started to fall to the ground but was caught by Pikachu and Ethan.
Ramos's garden didn't take much, but Alec could tell that Ramos was using the moment to teach Ash a few things. Sure enough, he saw Ramos talking to Ash about something. "Just like when we came here," Alec commented to Ethan.
[Yep,] Ethan said as he pulled out a weed using Psychic.
Once they finished, Ramos finally decided to battle Ash. The others moved to a side area with Goomy, who would be watching this battle, as Ash and Ramos stood on the field. "The Coumarine gym battle between Ramos, the Gym Leader, and Ash, the challenger, will now get underway. Both trainers will have the use of three Pokémon, furthermore, only the challenger may be permitted to substitute Pokémon" the referee announced.
"Well? Have you decided on which Pokémon to go with?" Ramos asked Ash.
"Yep, I'm ready," Ash declared.
"So why don't we begin. Now Jumpluff, let's go!" Ramos shouted as he threw the Poké Ball.
"He's using Jumpluff, so Fletchinder, I choose you!" Ash shouted, releasing his Pokémon.
"Smart. Starting off with Fletchinder will make things easier," Alec commented.
"Go Ash! You can do it!" Bonnie cheered.
"Now, battle begin!" the referee declared.
"Fletchinder, use Flame Charge!" Ash shouted.
"Jumpluff, use Cotton Guard!" Ramos commanded. Jumpluff managed to raise his defense just before Fletchinder's attack hit, doing less damage then preferred.
"That could have been super-effective. What's going on?" Serena asked.
"Cotton Guard. Ramos raised Jumpluff's defense just before Fletchinder hit," Alec explained.
"Now, Sunny Day!" Ramos shouted. Jumpluff launched a beam into the sky that caused the sun to shine brighter.
"Now, Steel Wing!" Ash ordered. Fletchinder moved in to close the distance but Jumpluff dodged at the last second.
"Jumpluff's ability is Chlorophyll, Ash!" Alec shouted. Ash gave Alec a nod in response.
"Use Flame Charge!" Ash ordered, hoping to get Fletchinder's speed back ahead of Jumpluffs. Jumpluff dodged at the last second again, in which Ash responded with another Flame Charge. Jumpluff didn't dodge this time and Fletchinder forced him up into the trees, taking damage as they moved.
Jumpluff then fell back down to the field. "Jumpluff is unable to battle. Fletchinder is the winner," the referee declared.
"That was a battle of speed vs speed," Serena commented.
"And typical Ash," Clemont added.
"That was most impressive, my boy," Ramos complimented Ash.
"You haven't seen anything yet!" Ash declared.
"Now, Weepinbell, go!" Ramos shouted, letting out his next choice.
"Looks strong," Serena said, looking at Weepinbell.
"But as long as Ramos keeps using grass-types, Fletchinder has a huge advantage," Clemont pointed out.
"Don't count your wins before you get them," Alec said, remembering how difficult Weepinbell was for him to deal with.
"I'm just going to use Fletchinder and win every battle!" Ash declared.
"Now that's some confidence whippersnapper," Ramos said.
"'Kay, Flame Charge!" Ash commanded. Fletchinder charged in and Weepinbell managed to dodge.
"That's fast," Serena noticed.
"It's got Chlorophyll too," Clemont realized.
"We're not done yet. Flame Charge!" Ash shouted.
"Dodge it and use Poison Powder!" Ramos ordered. Weepinbell used Poison Powder to push himself into the air as Fletchinder flew right through it, leaving him poisoned.
"Fletchinder, no!" Ash shouted as Fletchinder fell to the ground, weak from the poison. "You've got to stay strong!"
"Use Razor Leaf!" Ramos shouted. Weepinbell's attack hit, but Fletchinder was still standing.
"Flame Charge!" Ash ordered.
"Dodge and use Slam!" Ramos commanded. Weepinbell jumped over Fletchinder before grabbing his wing and throwing the bird into the ground.
"Fletchinder is unable to battle, Weepinbell is the winner," the referee declared.
Ash ran up to his Pokémon and returned him to his ball. He then walked back to his position, with another Poké Ball in hand. "I choose you!" Ash shouted, releasing Hawlucha.
"Nice. Ash is going with another flying type," Serena stated.
"But Hawlucha doesn't know any flying type moves, remember?" Alec pointed out.
"Hawlucha, Flying Press!" Ash shouted. Hawlucha managed to hit, slamming his body on Weepinbell. "Keep up the offense with High Jump Kick!"
"Dodge and use Poison Powder!" Ramos ordered. Weepinbell managed to dodge Hawlucha's attack, doing a ton of damage to Hawlucha. And to add insult to injury, Weepinbell's Poison Powder came in, poisoning Hawlucha.
"This isn't good. And Ash doesn't have a steel type he can use to prevent the poison," Alec realized.
"Is that how you beat Weepinbell?" Clemont asked.
"Yeah, I used Vanguard back when he was a Doublade," Alec answered.
"Hang in there Hawlucha!" Ash shouted.
[You can do it!] Pikachu added.
Hawlucha managed to stand, but Alec could tell that the poison was doing too much damage. "Use Razor Leaf!" Ramos commanded. Hawlucha attempted to dodge but was too slow as Razor Leaf hit Hawlucha as a barrage. "Alright, use Slam!"
Weepinbell used a nearby vine to swoop in and slam into Hawlucha. "Hawlucha, Flying Press!" Ash commanded. Hawlucha was able to power through the poison and went to hit Weepinbell.
"Grass Knot!" Ramos shouted. Two vines then came out of the ground and grabbed Hawlucha by the ankles and threw him to the ground.
"Now, High Jump Kick!" Ash ordered. Hawlucha managed to get close and hit Weepinbell with the powerful fighting-type move.
"Now use Slam!" Ramos shouted. Weepinbell grabbed Hawlucha and threw him to the ground.
"Hawlucha is unable to battle, Weepinbell is the winner," the referee declared.
"One more Pokémon left," Serena said quietly.
"And Ash doesn't have any more Pokémon with a type advantage," Alec added.
"Kay Frogadier, I choose you!" Ash called out.
"Why Frogadier?" Bonnie wondered.
"Well, Forgadier does know how to use Aerial Ace. Ash may be relying on that," Alec theorized.
"That might be what Ash has got up his sleeve," Clemont agreed.
"Let's go Frogadier. Now, use Water Pulse!" Ash commanded. Frogadier sent the water orb at Weepinbell, but he jumped over at the last moment. "Use Double Team!"
Multiple Frogadiers appeared and circled Weepinbell. "Weepinbell, Grass Knot!" Ramos ordered. Weepinbell closed his eyes and opened them as a Grass Knot appeared in front of one of the Frogadiers, which turned out to be the real one.
"How did he know?!" Serena asked, surprised.
"You can use Double Team all you want but you can't fool us," Ramos declared. "Use Razor Leaf!"
"Water Pulse, let's go!" Ash ordered. Frogadier launched his attack just in time to stop Weepinbell's attack.
"Use Poison Powder!" Ramos commanded.
"Frogadier, use your frubbles as a mask!" Ash called out. Frogadier pulled up some of his frubble's in front of his mouth as Poison Powder hit, not poisoning Frogadier.
"That's new," Alec commented.
"That has to be a reason for his choice," Clemont realized.
"Use Double Team, one more time!" Ash commanded. Frogadier multiplied once more and curled Weepinbell.
"Weepinbell, Grass Knot!" Ramos shouted. It looked like another repeat, but once the Grass Knot appeared, Ash made his move.
"Frogadier, Aerial Ace!" Ash shouted. Frogadier cut through the Grass Knot before continuing on to Weepinbell, hitting him with the flying-type move.
"Weepinbell is unable to battle. Frogadier is the winner," the referee declared.
"Now, here we go!" Ramos shouted as he threw out his last choice, Gogoat.
"Frogadier, Water Pulse!" Ash commanded.
"Alright Gogoat, Vine Whip!" Ramos shouted. Gogoat's vines shot out and destroyed the Water Pulse.
"Frogadier, use Double Team!" Ash shouted. Frogadier then started running around Gogoat like he did with Weepinbell.
"Use Vine Whip and mow them down!" Ramos ordered. Gogoat's vines then spun around him, taking down all the copies and the real Frogadier.
"Frogadier, are you okay!?" Ash asked.
[I'm good,] Frogadier answered.
As that was happening, Gogoat went over to Ramos and the gym leader touched Gogoat's horns before exchanging words. "Use Aerial Ace!" Ash shouted.
"Gogoat, Razor Leaf!" Ramos shouted. Gogoat's Razor Leaf formed a tornado around him and when Frogadier cut through it, Gogoat was gone. The remaining leaves then slammed down on Frogadier.
Gogoat then jumped out of a nearby tree as Frogadier stood back up. "Use Double Team!" Ash ordered. Frogadier jumped into the air creating copies all around Gogoat.
"Is it just me, or are there more Frogadier than usual?" Serena asked.
"That Double Team seems to be getting stronger the more Frogadier uses it," Clemont stated.
"Use Leech Seed!" Ramos shouted. Gogoat shot a single side into the ground taking down all the copies, but the real Frogadier was on the ground.
"Aerial Ace!" Ash commanded. Frogadier cut through the Leech Seed and slammed into Gogoat.
"Not bad. Up next, our Horn Leech!" Ramos declared. Gogoat then fired green energy from his horns that hit Frogadier and transferred some health to Gogoat.
"That should help keep Gogoat in the fight. And weakening Frogadier as well," Alec noted.
"Gogoat, Leech Seed, now!" Ramos ordered. Gogoat fired the seed at Frogadier and vines entangled him.
Alec knew that this wasn't good. Gogoat's got control over the battlefield now. Strangely, the Leech Seed let go of Frogadier, who fell to the ground. "What was that about?" Alec wondered.
Frogadier then stood up and yelled into the air, still in this fight. "Alright, Frogadier. Let's win this!" Ash shouted.
"Razor Leaf!" Ramos commanded.
"Aerial Ace!" Ash shouted. Frogadier prepared his attack when Gogoat's Razor Leaf made a barrier around Frogadier, preventing him from moving. Gogoat then sent some leaves at Frogadier, forcing him on the defensive.
"Frogadier, don't focus on that Razor Leaf! Feel Gogoat's presence on the other side!" Ash called out.
"What's Ash planning this time?" Clemont wondered.
Frogadier suddenly started moving to the edge of the Razor Leaf. "Go for it!" Ash shouted. Frogadier then cut through the Razor Leaf to see Gogoat before landing the move. "Use Double Team!" Ash commanded and multiple Frogadiers appeared.
"No matter how hard you try that move won't work! Vine Whip!" Ramos stated. Gogoat took down the copies and saw Frogadier holding a large Water Pulse.
"Now use Water Pulse!" Ash shouted. Frogadier threw the water orb at Gogoat and slammed into him.
"Gogoat is unable to battle. Frogadier's the winner. Which means the victor is Ash, the challenger," the referee declared.
"Alright! We did it!" Ash celebrated and Frogadier tackled his trainer to the ground.
"Yay! They did it! They won!" Bonnie cheered.
[I can't wait to do that!] Goomy said excitedly. Alec and Ethan smiled at Goomy's eagerness.
"That last move was pretty impressive," Ramos complimented.
"Well, what you said gave me the idea," Ash admitted.
"Regardless, you won whippersnapper. So here's proof of your victory here, the Plant Badge," Ramos said, holding out said badge.
"Thanks," Ash said, putting the badge in his case.
"That was an amazing battle Ash," Serena complimented.
"I swear, your battling style is just completely unpredictable. I hope you can use that in our next battle," Alec said.
"I plan to," Ash replied before turning to Serena. "Well Serena, now it's your turn."
"Right, my first showcase. I'm so psyched!" Serena declared.
"You'll do great. I'm sure of it," Alec told her.
"I plan too," Serena replied.