Disclaimer: I do not own pokermon
Cubone Be Clubbing
Being a rock type gym, it made sense that it would be built on the inside of a mountain. The entrance resembled a cave and it seemed simple enough, but nothing would prepare the gang for what was inside.
As they entered they entered, a steady roar rippled through the air. They gym was not in sight, but light could be seen at the other end. Without a hitch and the two challengers leading the way, the group continued ahead.
All eyes immediately traveled upward, following a wall that rose from the ground, towards the sky. The group soon realized that the wall only made up on side. There were another 3 sides that rose towards the heavens, creating an elevated platform.
Behind the platform, a restless waterfall continued to roar, filling the area around the platform and trainers with water like a pool.
Ash walked up to the wall which seemed to be made specifically for climbing; the surface was cluttered with an array of colorful footholds.
"Hello there, good to see you again."
Ash's eyes traveled upwards in response to someone calling him from above. Everybody else followed, and their collective gazes fell upon Grant.
"Grant!?" Ash began, "what are you doing up there?"
"I'm waiting for you" Grant replied.
"You mean the battlefield is up there?" Serena said.
"That's right."
"And how are the trainers supposed to get up there" said Clemont.
"How else? Climb the wall."
"Climb the wall?" Everybody's eyes traveled up and down the completely vertical wall which stood in front of them.
"Yeah, I want to share my love of rocks with all challengers. So I designed the gym so that all challengers can get to the battlefield under their own power."
"We all have to climb that?" Serena said, not exactly excited about the thought of climbing that high.
"There's an elevator over there that you can take if you're a spectator." Grant then focused his gaze on Ash and Paul, "of course challengers can take the elevator to the battlefield as well. It's all up to you."
As Grant's gaze lingered on the two challengers a small smile appeared on Ash's face,
"Of course I'll climb it" Ash began, "can't turn down an obvious challenge."
"I'll climb it" Paul said, breaking his own silence for the first time in this gym, "should be simple enough."
"Very well then" Grant said. Then he crossed his arms, "now how do we decide who I will battle first."
"I will" responded the two challengers simultaneously, causing the trainers to shoot death glares at each other.
Grant took a moment to observe the situation and it was clear neither would back down.
"Let's make this simple" Paul began as he took off his bag, "first one to the top goes first."
Ash thought about it for a short moment before nodding in agreement. With Pikachu still perched on his shoulder, Ash took off his backpack and walked up to Serena. "Serena, would you mind holding on to my bag for a bit."
"Sure thing" Serena said with a pleasant smile as she took the bag. Paul followed as he took his own bag off and flung it behind him carelessly, where Clemont stood unprepared as Paul's bag slammed into him and knocked him onto his behind,
"Hold that for me would you" Paul said as he prepared to climb.
"Ready." Ash began. "Set." Paul followed as they both bent their legs in preparation. "Go!" Both Trainers leaped onto the wall and began to climb. Bonnie got caught up in the excitement and she made it to the wall, before Clemont pulled her away from the down, earning a pout from the youngest of the group.
Paul broke away from Ash from the get go as the purple haired trainer seemed to move with ease. Ash wasn't exactly struggling but he wasn't getting the hang of it as quickly.
"Pika-Pi!" Pikachu eged Ash on from his perched position. Ash finally felt himself get into a rhythm and his pace quickened. Ash kept his eyes upwards, with Grant looking downward towards the challengers.
As it seemed as Ash was catching up to Paul, Ash grabbed onto a green foothold and immediately afterwards, one of Paul's feet looked for space on that same foothold. Ash yelped in pain and both trainers lost their solid grip on the wall.
"Dumbass, what are you doing" Paul yelled.
"What!? You stepped on my hand!" Ash replied, equally loud.
"You're the one who's getting all close!" Paul yelled back, "I should kick you off right now!"
"Do it! I'll take you down with me!"
Grant and the others couldn't help but sweatdrop as the two trainers were at each other's throats for the umpteenth time.
Their eyes suddenly locked, and both trainers realized that it was not the time for this and they both continued to climb. Paul kept his lead for the entire time, but both were struggling just to make it to the top. They switched their focus to just finish the climb, their competition taking a backseat for the time being. Their breathing soon became labored and their mucles began to tire, screeching to stop. But they continued to climb as Grant looked down. Even for trainers that have traveled through harsh terrain, this wall was no walk in the park.
Paul was the first to reach the top. He got to a knee and quickly began to compose himself. Ash soon followed, his features showing signs of exhaustion as he stayed on his knees.
"Hey Grant" Ash began slowly, "I made it."
"That's good Ash." Grant the looked back and forth between the two tired challengers. "I would actually like to know something." Both trainers looked up in response while their breathing began to return to normal. At the same time, Clemont, Bonnie, and Serena arrived from the elevator, nearing the gym leader.
"What were you both thinking as you scaled the wall."
Ash looked to be in thought for a moment before answering, "nothing really."
Grant then turned towards Paul, looking for his answer. Paul felt compelled to answer for some reason, "Nothing in particular."
Grant nodded. "And what were you looking at?" Ash though about the question for a moment again, "straight up."
Grant the looked towards Paul. Paul thought about his response for moment, and something annoyed him. It wasn't really the question, but his response compared to Ash's, they were the same. "Up" he finally answered.
"That's very good" Grant said to none of them particular.
"Grant" Clemont began, "why exactly do you have challengers climb that wall before you battle them?"
"I want trainers to reach a level of enlightenment. Clear their minds before they battle me. That way, they can battle with everything they have to offer."
"Enlightenment" Serena's eyes became draw to the edge of the platform, "can that be it?"
Grant turned back to Ash and Paul, "now that it looks like both of you have caught you're breath we should begin." Grant paused for a moment and turned his gaze towards Ash, "Since Paul was the first to reach the top, I'm guessing his battling first. Any objections?"
"No, I guess not" Ash said.
"Well then Paul, let's get started shall we?"
Paul nodded silently in response.
"To be honest, I've really been looking foward to this battle." Grant then turned and began for his side of the battlefield.
"This battle between the challenger Paul and the Cyllage city gym leader, Grant. The Cliff badge is at stake. Only the challenger is allowed to make substitutions." The ref of the Cyllage city gym went through the basic procedure.
"One more thing before we begin" Grant began as he reached for his Pokeball. "In this gym, the challenger can use as many Pokemon as they want."
"Really?" Clemont said in response, surprised since it wasn't exactly a standard rule in most gyms.
"Yes. As for me, I will only use 2 Pokemon" Grant then focused his gaze completely on Paul, "so how many Pokemon is going to be?"
Grant's gaze followed Paul's arm as it lowered towards his waist, stopping short of grabbing his Pokeball, "I'll match you're two." Paul's hand then snatched for his Pokeball, in an attempt to get out his first Pokemon in the field first. To his surprise, before he could fling his Pokeball onto the field, a flash of light appeared, freezing him in his tracks. After a moment of stillness, the bright light died down, revealing the Rock Snake Pokemon, Onix. The group was not unfamiliar with this Onix; it was the same one that defeated Viola and her Surskit.
"I heard from a certain photographer, that you like to quick draw in battle." Grant said, while closing his eyes. "But we can't have you running around doing whatever you want in our gyms now, can we?"
A mischevious smirk quickly crept across Paul's face, "I don't care who you are. I do what I want."
"I don't think I follow. Did Paul break a rule or something?" Serena said, her hands gripped around the rails that separated the spectators from the battlefield.
"He didn't really do anything per se, but a gym leader usually chooses a Pokemon first and then the trainer chooses second, usually a hard counter to the gym leaders first Pokemon." Clemont then reached for something in his bag, and pulled out the Lumious city gym badge. "It's practically a tradition. As gym leader, I never saw a trainer choose their Pokemon before me." Clemonts gaze lingered on the badge before looking up once again, "Psychological warfare."
"Psycopoligi-what?" That word made Bonnie's mind whirl.
"Pretty much when 2 trainers try to get into the other's head." Clemont explained, "I wouldn't put it past Paul to do this on purpose. Most trainers don't focus on this aspect at all, but others turn it into an art." Clemont took of his glasses and wiped them with his sleeve. "Either way, they're both mentally strong trainers, I'm definitely intrigued on how this battle will turn out."
"Vivillon, stand by for battle." Vivillon took the field elegantly, as usual, showing of its beautiful, elegant pattern.
"Vivillon? Interesting choice. Looks strong. Reminds me of Viola's Vivillons, each with their own unique pattern." Grant said.
Paul didn't respond to what seemed to be praise from the rock type gym leader.
"Now if you don't mind I'll take the first move," Grant began, "Onix, show them your Rock Tomb."
"He's going for Rock Tomb right off the bat?" Serena said. Onix began storing energy as its body glowed a bright white, a moment later, that energy was released and Onix's special Rock Tomb formation came to be. Huge chunks of stone revolved Onix before sending them out towards Vivillon.
"Vivillon, go." Paul ordered. Vivillon cried in agreement and flew straight at Onix. Vivillon began to evade the rocks with dives and spins.
"Is his plan just too dodge that Rock Tomb?" Clemont said, "He should knopw that won't work for long because Onix can control that attack freely."
"Now, use Confusion."
"Confusion?" The group responded in surprise. Vivillon surrounded itself in a blue aura as it continued to dodge, and to the surprise of everybody in the gym, Vivillon was successfully evaded the Rock Tomb assault.
"Wow," Clemont began, eye wide, "Not long ago, Vivillon was struggling to use Confusion, now it can use it to avoid Grant's powerful Rock Tomb strategy."
The others only looked on as Vivillon continued to weave in and out of trouble. Ash looked on intently, his hands firmly grasping the rails.
"Well, ain't that something," Grant stood with his arms crossed; "He knows that it won't be enough to simply dodge my attack. He also knows Confusion will not be strong enough to stop my attack. So he uses Confusion as a buffer as Vivillon moves, so that Vivillon can nudge my rock attacks out of the way, just enough to avoid damage. Just like a giant space rock on a collision course with our big rocky home planet, and scientist using another large mass to ever so slightly nudge that space rock off course and avoid an impact….man I love rocks." Grant's eyes than suddenly narrowed, "To bad his strategy has one major flaw!"
"Onix, Iron Tail!" The Rock Snack Pokemon roared as it ceased its Rock Tomb assault and quickly moved its large body into attacking position. Vivlillon was soon sent spinning backwards as Onix connected with its hard steel tail, the Scales Pokemon unable to put up a defense.
"What happened?" Serena began, "Vivillon was doing so well."
"I imagine what Vivillon was doing required all of its focus. So it probably takes a while for it to transition to something else." Clemont said. "I can see why he's a gym leader. It didn't take him long to find and exploit the weakness in Paul's plan."
"Vivillon, Stun Spore." Vivillon cried in agreement and the Scales Pokemon began to flap its wings, and a gold powder began to form and it began to fill the air.
"Onix, Flash Cannon," Grant responded. The white beam of energy cut through Vivillon's Stun Spore, completely dispersing the powder attack.
"I see what Paul's trying to do," Clemont said.
"What do you mean?" Serena responded.
"Onix maybe a large Pokemon, but it is by no means slow. It's rather quick for its size. Combine those two things, and Onix has a large offensive area." Clemont looked over towards the purple haired trainer, "He's trying to get up close to do something, but he can't due to Onix's reach. He has to slow it down." Clemont then looked over at Grant, "Thing is, that Grant probably knows that, it won' be the easiest thing to do.
"Vivillon, Confusion!" Onix stiffened quickly, as its whole body came under the influence of Vivillons sudden psychic attack.
"It worked!" Serena said in surprise.
"It's not enough," Clemont cut in, "look." Vivillon's psychic strength did not prove to be strong enough as Onix began to fight the influence of Vivillon's Confusion.
"Onix, Iron tail." Even though Onix was still under the influence of Confusion, the Rock Snake Pokemon performed its attack. Paul smirked in response,
"Giga Drain!" Everybody in the gym responded in surprise, including Grant. Vivillon cried out as its wings began to glow a bright green to its trainer's command. At the same time, Onix closed in but rather slowly, likely attributed from Vivillon's psychic assault. Vivillon avoided a second hit from Onix's Iron Tail before grabbing said tail with bright green Vines produced out of its currently energy filled wings.
Vivillon let out one more battle cry, before energy began to transfer from Onix to Vivillon through the green Vines. Onix roared as its energy was sucked right out of it. Grant could only watch as Onix was slowly defeated. "So that is what he was keeping in his back pocket."
Onix soon fell to the ground and sending shock waves through the battle field. This allowed Vivillon to deal the final blow, which would be a Struggle Bug attack ordered from Paul.
"Onix is unable to Continue, Vivillon is the victor," Declared the ref.
"Vivillon completely turned that battle around. I thought they were in trouble." Serena said.
"I can't say for sure, but he probably baited Grant to attack." Clemont said.
"But how?" Bonnie responded, "would Grant fall for something like that?"
"It isn't that simple Bonnie" Clemont pushed his glasses back up to the bridge of his nose, "like I said, I can't be sure, but Paul may have had Vivillon not use a full power psychic. Grant wouldn't have known that, and he would feel safe to attack straight on since Vivillon can't transition out of Psychic quickly. That's what Paul needed, to get Onix close enough to use Giga Drain effectively."
"You got me good Paul. You countered my Rock Tomb attack rather quickly. It usually takes trainers some time to deal with it. I guess it's safe to say that the little sneak peek back at the Chateau was helpful."
"It wouldn't have mattered, the outcome would have been the same," Paul said.
"I agree, but this battle isn't quite over." Grant took out his second Pokeball, "There's still some fun to be had. Tyrunt, I need your assistance."
Grant's second Pokemon wasn't as large as Onix, but it wasn't any less intimidating.
"Ty-Runt!" Roared Grant's second Pokemon.
"Tyrunt?" Ash took out his Pokemon and scanned the brown and intense Pokemon. "Tyrunt, the Royal Heir Pokemon. Its immense Jaws have enough destructive force to chew up an automobile. If something happen that it doesn't like, it will throw a tantrum."
"Tyrunt is a rather rare Pokemon" Clemont began, "it was first discovered as a fossil before scientist were able to revive it. Though it does make sense a gym leader like Grant could get his hands on one."
"Since I made the first move last time, I'll let you do the honors," Grant said.
"Vivillon, Struggle Bug." Vivillon responded quickly to its trainer command and fired the bug type attack at Tyrunt.
"Dragon Tail," Grant called out. Tyrunt roared in agreement as its tail extended to green, blunt weapon. Vivillon's Struggle Bug was taken out easily by the Dragon and Rock type, causing Vivillon to recoil.
Tyrunt became engulfed in smoke, the scent of battle continuous from the last confrontation.
"Tyrunt, Rock tomb!" The smoke covering Tyrunt disappeared, revealing the levitating rocks that would soon became the bane of Vivillon's existence.
"Go!" Paul commanded. Vivillon began to glow blue and proceeded to charge at Tyrunt.
"Tyrunt, now!" Tyrunt roared in agreement. The Royal Heir Pokemon launched the attack as Vivillon flew into its attack area. Grant's unique Rock Tomb technique was on display once again, this time with Tyrunt controlling the action. But Vivillon displayed great focus once again as it bobbed and weaved, using psychic to avoid the rocks.
Paul waited for the right moment, forcing Vivillon to push it limits. Vivillon held and held its focus, and Paul soon found an opening, "Giga Drain, now!
Vivillion attacked with those large green vines it used earlier, looking to grab hold of Tyrunt and suck its energy. But it would prove to be a futile effort. Grant ordered Tyrunt to use Crunch, and Vivillions attack was swallowed whole and completely nullified.
"Those aren't just for show," began Grant, "I hope you didn't think getting my gym badge would be that easy." Tyrunt swung its tail with force, sending the flying type flying against its will.
"Vivillon, Struggle Bug." Vivillon cried out in frustration, and fired a full powered attack. But that power would be wasted as Grant simply ordered Tyrunt to jump. The royal Heir Pokemon showed explosive jumping power as it made an incredible vertical leap.
"That jumping power…" Clemont murmured to himself.
"It's even higher then Vivillon now." Ash said.
"Draco Meteor!" Grant pointed upwards, signaling Tyrunt to follow and unleash one of the most destructive attacks in the world of Pokemon.
Orange balls of energy rained downed, pulled by gravity. Everybody stared in awe, not uncommon as such a destructive attack commands respect.
Vivillon was simply overwhelmed, and when the dust settled, there was no surprise to the outcome.
"Vivillon is unable to continue, Tyrunt is the victor."
"Tyrunt…what a wall to overcome," Clemont said. "I wonder what Pokemon he will use?"
"Cubone, stand by for battle." Paul wasted no time in hi decision, and after a brilliiant flash of light, the Lonely Pokemon appeared, looking a bit bewildered.
"Cubone?" Serena said, "Ash why do you think he is usin-" Serena was suddenly cut off, but not by words, but something else. "Ash? He looks like he's on fire. If this is how he is watching a battle…"
"Cubone huh? Intersting choice. Now let's see if you can get past my Tyrunt." Tyrunt roared in response to his trainer's confidence.
Cubone quickly realized his opponent was strong; he had to be careful. Cubone tightened his grip around his Thick Club with enough force that it would at least crack anything else that was not a Thick Club.
This was going to be his first battle under Paul, he couldn't mess it up. After that hell and a half of training, failure was not an option, he was going to win.
"Tyrunt, Crunch!" Grant began aggressively, but the other side would counter just the same,
"Cubone, Bone Club!" Both Pokemon charged at their trainers command. Both reached their top speed before meeting midfield, Tyrunt with its jaw opened wide, and Cubone with its Thick Club raised high. Cubone swung down with all its might, but to his surprise, he became stuck.
"Tyrunt ate Cubone's Club." Bonnie said. Both Cubone and Tyrunt looked each other sideways, unsure what to do.
"Hey! Don't just stand their looking stupid," Paul began, "get ready to make your next move." Cubone glanced back at Paul, and felt his spine shiver. Cubone began to pull hard, trying to dislodge the Thick Club from Tyrunt's jaws. But Tyrunt would have none of that as it began to swing Cubone around like an old Pokedoll. Cubone hanged on for dear life as letting go now would probably send him flying into the waterfall….a ride Cubone would rather not take.
Instead, Tyrunt slammed Cubone hard into the ground, causing Cubone to cry in pain and let go of his Thick Club.
"Cu-Cu-Bone." Cubone struggled to his feet, his Thick Club still in Tyrunt's Jaw. Cubone then felt his hands curl into a fist, and before Tyrunt could react, he felt Cubone's skull crash into his midsection.
Usually, an attack like that wouldn't do much to a Pokemon like Tyrunt, but Cubone had plenty of pent of pent up frustration. Cubones Thick Club went flying out of Tyrunt's jaw and landed near Paul.
Cubone quickly moved back, keeping his eyes on Tyrunt, and he picked up his ever important tool which defined a Cubone.
"Tyrunt, Draco Meteor." Tyrunt roared, and using its powerful lower body, sprang up towards the opening of the mountain.
"There's no way Cubone can take one of those if it lands," Clemont said as his eyes followed Tyrunt as it kept going higher and higher.
"Cubone, use Bonemerang. Don't miss." Cubone spun his Thick Club in his hand, before flinging it towards Tyrunt.
A sharp cry from Tyrunt came soon after as Cubone's Thick Club nailed its target. Cubone quickly followed up as it charged, with Tyrunt coming back down to earth. Cubone's Thick Club landed back into Cubone's hand without a lost step.
"Bone Club," Paul ordered.
"Tyrunt, watch out below. Dragon Tail!" Tyrunt straitened itself out midair and began to build up energy in its tail. Cubone didn't hesitate to swing with full force, and Tyrunt did the same.
The resulting collision caused a small explosion. Smoke and dust clouded the battlefield for a moment before it dispersed, revealing both battlers. After a short while of stillness, both Pokemon stared at their opponent carefully, and their trainer's followed suit. It was soon evident nobody was going to make any sudden moves.
"They completely stopped." Serena said. She had become enthralled by the battle, as everyone else.
"They've stopped because they know each other's win condition," Clemont began while he pushed his glasses up to the bridge of his nose, "Tyrunt's Draco Meteor." Clemont paused for a moment, "Cubone's strong Thick Club attacks." The battlefield continued to remain still. "That's how either one of them will win. Their moves will match those intentions, but they both know that. This next sequence of moves will decide the battle."
After what seemed to be an eternity for Pokemon, trainer, and spectators alike, the gym leader finally broke the silence and made the first move,
"Tyrunt, Rock Tomb!" Tyrunt roared in agreement and fired huge stones at Cubone. Cubone responded quickly and began to take out the assault with its Thick Club. The shattering stones caused a light smoke, and Grant took this as his moment to attack, "Now Tyrunt."
Tyrunt ripped through the smoke and went up high once more.
"This is it, Grant is going for it!" Clemont said.
"Cubone, take it out." Cubone's eyes widened more than usual as he took aim. He couldn't miss. He wouldn't. The light smoke proved to be a small obstacle for Cubone; the lonely Pokemon had the upmost confidence in his accuracy.
Cubone's Thick Club flew throw the sky like an unavoidable heat seeking missile. It could not miss, it was perfect, but it wouldn't mean anything,
"Tyrunt grab that!" With its huge Jaw, the Royal Heir Pokemon snatched the heat seeking missile right out of midair.
"No way," Serena said.
"They can do that?" Clemont followed, "they timed it perfectly, Tyrunt held its attack till the last second…"
"Tyrunt, Draco Meteor!" With Cubone's Thick Club still in its mouth, the Royal Heir Pokemon fired the most powerful dragon type attack, and made it rain hell from the sky.
Cubone looked up in awe. He had never seen something like this back home. And even though it was going right towards him, he could still appreciate the raw power.
They attack landed, throwing up dust and covering the entire field. Trainers, referee, spectators had to hold their ground or possible be thrown back. Tyrunt soon followed and landed near Grant.
"Defending yourself from a Draco Meteor is nearly impossible. Either you get fancy with it or you're insanely quick. Another way is too flat out survive the attack, but there's no way a Cubone could do that, especially with prior damage." Grant would soon get the biggest surprise of his battling career. Something flew out of the black smoke left behind by Tyrunt's Draco Meteor. It was Cubone, with his always mandatory Thick Club.
Pokespeak On:
"I've gone through hell all this week," Cubone began, when he suddenly began to glow with a dim white aura around him, "And let me tell you; that barely tickled!"
"Wh-why is Cubone glowing like that?" Bonnie asked.
"I think Cubone learned a new move," Clemont began, "Cubone's Bone Rush, it has the highest potential of power out of all of Cubone's Thick Club attacks."
Cubone let out a war cry before diving straight for Tyrunt.
"Quickly, use Crunch" Grant commanded. Tyrunt roared and attacked, meeting Cubone half way.
Cubone managed to land on two feet after the attack. And at some point in the air after Cubone's attack, Tyrunt lost conciseness, and its limp body hit the ground.
"Tyrunt is unable to continue, Cubone is the victor. Paul has won this gym battle."
Grant sighed in defeat and returned Tyrunt to its Pokeball, "thank you for your good work Tyrunt, take a long rest."
Grant looked up and saw Cubone limp, using its Thick Club as support. The signs of battle covered its body. The lonely Pokemon stopped in front of Paul, with one eye closed. After a moment, Cubone began to fall, but before he could hit the ground, a red beam hit him, returning him to his pokeball.
After a few words, which Paul showed little response to; Grant awarded him the Cliff badge. After that, Paul walked of the battlefield, and found a spot next to the entrance of the cable car.
"Looks like he's staying around," Clemont began, "I hope Ash doesn't get distracted by his presence."
"I wouldn't worry about that too much," Serena responded. Clemont turned towards her somewhat surprised, "look at him, he's completely focused. I don't know too much about battling, but I can tell that he's going to be on top of his game."
"Hm…looks like waiting around got him fired up" Grant took his place on the battlefield and looked across towards Ash, "Looks like this could be just as fun as the last one. Viola was right, these two are definitely interesting."