I have no excuses...
I'm sorry for not uploading sooner...
Enjoy the chapter.
Day Eleven
Are you sure you're ready for this duel? Mulan asked, hovering next to Ash as he stood outside the Cyllage Gym. The boy was trembling, seemingly unable to bring himself to enter the gym. Kindle looked up at him, but Ash didn't respond. The Honedge next to him rolled her single eye, nudging him with her hilt.
"N-no..." Ash whispered. "I'm not ready for this," He bitterly looked away. "B-but I don't get a choice, do I?"
War is not about being physically prepared. Mulan said. Rather mentally. Even the strongest solider can succumb to his emotions, while the weakest can have the heart to keep fighting as allies fall around them. The Honedge darted in front of him. As the leader your soldiers will depend on you! If one falls you must keep your head clear– or else the others will fall right after.
"I c-couldn't–"
If one falls you must keep fighting! Mulan insisted. Or else you are handing us all a death sentence! Do you understand?
Ash took in a deep breath, stuffing his shaking hands into his pockets. "I– I do understand. If I let my panic c-control me... then I am truly sending you to your deaths. I got this– I promise you I won't let any of you d-die."
Thoughts of doubt crept back into his mind– his strongest batters were both weak to rock types. And even if his team did win, he was still killing other Pokemon to win the fight. No matter what he did, Pokemon were going to die. His Pokemon were still at risk–
Don't make promises you can't keep. Mulan said coolly, and she drifted towards the door. Now come– in order to win a duel we must be there to fight in it!
Ash closed his eyes, breathing slowly– and then he entered the gym.
Kindle put her paw in Ash's hand, giving him a small smile. While the action didn't provide any comfort, he appreciated her trying– but nothing could calm him for what was coming. He had thought his first gym battle here had been horrible, but this time around it was even worse. He knew what was coming, he fully understood what was at stake now. He didn't have as strong of a type advantage this time around, these Pokemon were going to be stronger, his team hadn't gotten as much training as he'd like–
"Ash Ketchum?" The woman at the front desk snapped him out of his thoughts. Ash stiffened up, nodding slowly. She gave him a sharp glare, quickly looking over the three Pokemon with him: Mulan, who was hovering by his shoulder; Kindle, who was still holding his hand; and Erica, whom was fast asleep in Kindle's arm.
"Y-yes?" Ash managed to stutter out. The woman snorted, typing something into her computer. Unlike the secretary in the last gym, this one didn't didn't yell at him to put his Pokemon into Pokeballs. This was probably for the best– since he didn't have one for Erica.
"Your gym battle starts in one minute, you better get out there," She snapped, not looking up from her computer. "Through the red double doors– and don't cut it close next time."
"I– I w-won't–" Ash stuttered, shuffling towards the doors. The red doors seemed to glare down at him as he approached them, the bright red reminding him of blood. He shuddered at the thought, shakily reaching for the handle, before pulling back. An impatient hum filled his mind– Mulan clearly wanting him to go in.
When he made no effort to enter, Kindle let go of his hand, and opened one of the doors for him. He took in a shaky breath, and forced himself to take a step forward. Kindle stayed right by his side, shifting Erica.
The battlefield was spread out before them– a rough and rocky terrain, jagged boulders scattered across the arena. There was no signs of any previous battles, or that anyone had ever fallen here. Ash closed his eyes, trying to block out the images of Serena's Pokemon battle from yesterday– her Charmeleon's throat being torn out on this same field.
"Welcome to the Cyllage Gym," A strong voice said, snapping Ash out of his thoughts. Ash raised his head, finding Grant, the gym leader, standing on the other side of the battlefield. "I was wondering when you would show, you sure cut it down to the wire, huh?"
Ash shrugged, shifting. "S-sorry."
Grant glanced over Ash, his eyes quickly turning to the Pokemon accompanying him. Ash knew it was strange in this world to have Pokemon with you outside of battles, but that didn't stop him from shifting uncomfortably at the attention. Trying to master his emotions, Ash dragged himself forward, standing on his side of the battlefield. Kindle stood next to him, while Mulan was hovering impatiently above him.
"Interesting... I have a feeling that our battle will turn out to be worth the wait," Grant said with a sly smile, one that Ash wasn't sure what to make of. He turned towards the battle judge, who was waiting on the sidelines. "Let's get this battle going."
"Yes, let's get started!" The battle judge said happily, and Kindle glanced towards him. "The official match between gym leader Grant and Ash Ketchum, will now begin! This will be a two-on-two battle, substitutions allowed! Forfeiting is not allowed, and the battle will be over when one side's Pokemon are dead! One healing item is allowed per battle, however the opponent gets a free attack if healing is used. The challenger will get the first move– now choose your Pokemon."
Grant pulled out a Pokeball as the judge finished rambling off the rules, expanding it in his hand. He looked up at Ash, clearly waiting for him to do the same thing. Ash took in a shaky breath, trying to keep his mind clear. Yveltal had warned him yesterday that he would be facing a Tyrunt in this match– so he assumed that he wouldn't be fighting an Onix then. Ash was also assuming that Tyrunt would be the second Pokemon in this match as well– and with a powerful dark type move at its disposal he didn't want to risk Mulan against it.
Mulan and Scape would be his two Pokemon for this match– Kindle and Aura he didn't want to risk in a rock type gym. Mulan may not have any steel type moves at the moment, but she could at least resist their attacks. Scape would be his best option if he wanted type advantage, but if he was going save her for the dragon type Tyrunt, then that might not be so...
"Mulan, you're up first," Ash said, forcing his voice to be calm. He closed his eyes as she drifted out onto the battlefield, and he felt Kindle lay a paw on his arm. This was a deathmatch– but he couldn't focus on that. He must treat this like any other gym battle he's been in, come up with a good counter for whatever was thrown at him– and win.
"Amaura, battle time," Grant said, throwing his Pokeball up into the air. Ash watched in surprise as the icy fossil Pokemon took shape on the field, stretching his long neck as he was released. Ash found himself very glad that he hadn't sent out Scape yet, not wanting to even think how a battle with an ice type would have turned out.
"Battle, begin!" The battle judge cried. It took Ash a moment to remember that he had the first move, and he gulped.
"Mulan, s-start off with a Swords Dance," He ordered. Mulan's single eye gleamed happily, and she began to glow red, the energy raising her attack.
"Amaura, stop it with a Thunder Wave!" Grant snapped, and the Amaura raised his head back. The sails on its head gleamed yellow, and it released a ring of electricity at Mulan as she used Swords Dance. Ash heard a faint grunt in his mind as Mulan was hit, her body crackling with static sparks.
While doing no damage, the move had paralyzed her. While speed wasn't much of a problem, since Mulan wasn't the fastest Pokemon in the first place, there was a chance that the paralysis could overwhelm and stop her completely, leaving her open for attack.
"Use Shadow Claw!" Ash cried, originally he was planning on having Mulan go for another Swords Dance, but it wasn't worth the risk to wait. Mulan pulled herself out of her sheath, blade becoming draped with a shadowy energy. Mulan raised her blade as she charged towards the Amaura, slashing down at the Pokemon.
The ancient Pokemon let out a high pitched cry as he was hit, Mulan's attack hitting him in the side. The metallic blade had cut through his icy hide, blood running down from the slash. Ash recoiled at the sight, stomach twisting.
Focus. Mulan's voice echoed in his head. He closed his eyes, trying to gather his thoughts.
"Take Down," Grant snapped, and Ash's eyes blinked open in surprise. Grant knew that Mulan was a ghost type– right? Take Down would have no effect on her.
"Use Swords Dance again!" Ash called to the Honedge, wanting to seize the opportunity to get her attack higher. The more power she had, the quicker she could end this battle. Mulan sheathed her sword once more, starting to glow red as the Amaura came charging straight at her, surrounded in an icy energy.
Ash's eyes widened in surprise as the Amaura slammed into Mulan, knocking her to the earth. The Swords Dance was cut short, the Take Down dealing its damage to Mulan. The Honedge let out a hiss of pain, electricity crackling around her.
"Th-that– that shouldn't have affected her–" Ash stuttered, and Grant smirked.
"Amaura's ability is one called Refrigerate– not only does it turn normal type moves into ice ones, allowing them to hit your ghost there– but it also gives them a nice boost." Grant waved a hand at his Amaura. "Aurora Beam while it's under you," He ordered. "You Honedge may resist ice moves, but defense cannot win you every battle."
The Amaura, who was still pinning Mulan down, opened his mouth. A rainbow colored beam formed in front of him, and he released it straight down at Mulan. Ice began to form along Mulan's sheath.
"Shadow Sn-sneak," Ash cried, and Mulan's whole body turned into a mass of shadowy energy, sinking into the floor. Amaura backed away uncertainly, his side still bleeding. Ash could make out a shadow slinking across the floor, slipping up onto one of the boulders on the battlefield. Amaura looked back toward Grant, clearly looking for instructions on what to do next.
Mulan sprang out of the shadow, taking on a solid form once more, slashing down on the Amaura while his back was turned. Mulan's blade collided with one of the crystal's on his body, shattering the gem. Amaura stumbled, but didn't cry out this time. It was breathing heavily, still bleeding freely from his first slash. While Shadow Sneak allowed Mulan to attack before they could defend, Shadow Claw was clearly the stronger of the two moves.
"Take Down again!" Grant ordered, and Amaura charged straight for Mulan. Ash's eyes narrowed– this Amaura was clearly not to meant last long in battle. Take Down was only hurting himself with the recoil, and his defensive abilities were clearly lacking. As a rock and ice type Ash could only imagine how many weaknesses were working against the poor Pokemon.
"Get away with Shadow Sneak!" Ash quickly ordered, and Mulan sank into the ground, her shadowy form darting away. Amaura pulled out of the failed Take Down, wincing as the recoil washed over him.
This Amaura must be meant to be taken down quickly– just like the Onix had been. They were Pokemon with lots of weaknesses, and had moves like Thunder Wave and Dragon Breath. They were meant to paralyze the opponent, and weaken it as much as possible. Tyrunt was the only true threat here– the first Pokemon Grant sent out was only meant to weaken the challenger's team for Tyrunt to finish off. Grant was making no defensive efforts, no attempts to dodge.
This Amaura was being sacrificed off just as much as Serena's Charmeleon had.
"Strike with a Shadow Claw when you get the chance," Ash said, heart racing. The sooner he took it out, the better. The sooner it was down, the better... He had to win to keep his Pokemon alive, it was either his Pokemon or the Amaura...
Yes sir! Mulan's voice echoed in his mind, speeding out of the Shadow Sneak. She retook her solid form, appearing behind the Amaura, blade draped in a dark energy. The fossil Pokemon quickly turned, but even paralyzed, Mulan still struck first.
Her Shadow Claw pierced the Amaura right in the chest as he turned, a loud cry filling the air. Blood pool around where the blade had stabbed into him, the Amaura shrieking in pain. Mulan quickly withdrew her blade, and the Amaura fell to one knee. Ash felt dizzy, but some part of him couldn't turn away as he watched the Amaura collapse.
Mulan hovered above him for a minute, shaking as the paralysis took hold. Ash could tell she wanted to deliver the final blow, but the electricity was crackling around her, and she couldn't move. The Amaura was still crying out, making not attempts to stand. Ash's stomach churned, Amaura's red blood coating his light blue body.
This wasn't right... this wasn't right...
"Aurora Beam," Grant said, leaning up against one of the boulders. Even though he was clearly fatally wounded, the Amaura still raised his long neck, forming another attack.
"Shadow Claw!" Ash cried out– he couldn't let Mulan take another hit. She slowly raised her sword, trying to break through the paralysis. Her eye narrowed, and the electricity around her started to fade, and suddenly she was slashing down at full speed. Her blade struck the Amaura's throat, his cries dying down as it was slashed open. Ash watched as the the Aurora Beam faded, the ice type's long neck sagging towards the ground.
His head landed in a pool of his own blood, whole body going limp. Mulan's sword-body was trembling, having used a huge burst of energy to break through the paralysis. A smile broke over the battle judge's face as he leaned forward to take a look at the Amaura. The Pokemon's eyes were still open, glossy as he gazed out at nothing.
Crimson drops ran down Mulan's blade as she sheathed her sword, hovering in the air silently. Ash could vaguely sense her presence in his mind, but she said nothing. His heart hammered as he stared at the dead Amaura, the scent of blood filling the air. The battle judge seemed to take his time, while Ash couldn't seem to pull his gaze away from the dead Pokemon. Each second felt like a lifetime, silence filling the gym until the battle judge finally raised his hand up.
"Grant's Amaura is unable to battle. Mulan wins this first round," The judge declared, while Grant pulled out a Pokeball, a black return beam hitting the Amaura. The dead Pokemon was drawn within the Pokeball, his blood lingering on the field. The battle judge turned towards Ash, who stiffened up as a pair of bright blue eyes met his. "You may substitute Pokemon now."
Ash was as still as a statue, heart racing, tears running down his face. He turned away, hand going down to his belt.
"Mulan, return," Ash said quietly, aiming her Pokeball at her. The Honedge's eye widened, but couldn't dodge the return beam due to her paralysis. The ghost type was forced within the Pokeball, leaving the battlefield empty. He reattached her Pokeball to his belt, pulling off a Great ball.
Ash wiped away his few tears, telling himself to focus. It wasn't working however– the crushing weight of the Amaura's death baring down on him. He had killed a Pokemon– it was dead because of the orders he had given. He shakily held out Scape's Great ball, his thumb hovering over the release button.
He still had two Pokemon left, he could do this... right? Was he really about to send Scape out to her possible death? Mulan was technically already dead, and centuries old... But Scape was so young, and had already suffered thanks to Yveltal when he had taken control of her...
"Scape, you're up," Ash said, his tone much more steady than what he was feeling. A white burst of energy exited the Pokeball, solidifying into a familiar Skiddo. Scape tossed her head as she was released, taking up a battle position.
Ash closed his eyes for a moment– yesterday during training she had agreed to battle today. She knew the risk, and she knew what was coming. She may have been a prey-based Pokemon, but she had spent time in the wild. She clearly had battled before, she could handle this, and so could he. He had to keep his head clear if he was going to go through with this, even if it meant the other Pokemon would have to fall.
It was either the gym Pokemon, or his own.
Ash opened his eyes just as the Tyrunt was sent out.
If he hadn't seen the Tyrunt in Serena's battle die yesterday, Ash would have thought that this was the same one. This rock type had the same sharp gleam in his eyes, his muscles tensing as he took in his opponent. There was no fear in the Pokemon's eye, and one powerful leg pawed at the ground as it prepared to battle. Ash gritted his teeth– he had sent a goat out to fight a raptor.
"Tyrunt, Bite," Grant ordered.
"Scape, dodge!" Ash called, and the grass type threw herself to the side as the Tyrunt came charging at her. His jaws snapped at empty air as he ran past her, the rock type quickly turning. The Tyrunt let out a hiss as he turned to face Scape again, spit flying from his mouth. Ash swallowed, trying to think.
In this world it seemed like people's strategies were just attack and attack... he could do better than that.
"Use Leech Seed!" Ash cried, and Scape closed her eyes. A small seed formed on the mass of leaves on her chest. Scape seized the small seed in her mouth, charging forward. The Tyrunt eyed her warily, and Scape spat the seed towards him. The small shell on it burst as it hit his rocky armor, root growing out from the seed. The Tyrunt stumbled, the roots quickly taking hold to him. While they didn't hinder his movement, he flinched as they started to glow, sapping at his health.
"Skid," Scape craned her neck up as she glowed as well, receiving some of his strength.
"Now Razor Leaf!" Ash ordered. She spun about, releasing a flurry of sharp leaves at the Tyrunt. He cringed as he was hit, several chips flying from his scales. He shrugged this off, simply lowering himself into a charging position.
"Stomp."
Grant's orders always seemed simple, no enthusiasm in his tone, no worry. As if the fight for life below meant nothing to him. Tyrunt sprang up into the air, claws extended as he aimed straight for Scape's head.
"Razor Leaf as it comes down!" Ash cried, and Scape fired her leaves straight up at him. Due to the momentum of Tyrunt falling, the Razor Leaf struck with even more force, breaking the skin. Ash barely had time to flinch at the sight of blood before Tyrunt pulled off his Stomp, claws digging into Scape's shoulders.
"Do!" Scape screamed, blood spreading across her leaves. She stumbled, but due to a lack of balance Tyrunt fell off, and she managed to stay standing. He quickly leapt back to his feet, snarling. Ash stared at his Pokemon, stomach twisting. He could have had her dodge, why did he go for the attack...?
"Bite."
Tyrunt dove forward, his jaws sinking into Scape's leg. With a single sweep of his powerful head he whipped the Skiddo up into the air, sending her flying across the field. She crashed into one of the protruding boulders on the battlefield, where the goat Pokemon collapsed in a heap on the rocky ground. She shakily rose to her feet, blood running down one of her front legs, but she put her weight on it.
She glowed slightly as the Leech Seed sapped some of Tyrunt's health, and the blood flowing from her didn't seem quite as strong. Ash's heart thumped– his fear of her getting hurt was only letting her take more damage. He needed to focus!
"Bite again," Grant ordered with a lazy snap, clearly not taking the match seriously. Tyrunt raced forward, teeth draped in a dark aura.
"Dodge Scape!" Ash quickly ordered, mind racing to think of a counter attack. Razor Leaf wasn't bad, but due to Tyrunt's dragon typing it wasn't super effective. Scape stumbled out of the way, her steps slightly quicker as she once more gained some energy from Leech Seed. Perhaps he could keep on dodging until Leech Seed took it out...?
No! Who knew how long that would take– he wouldn't allow a slow death for any Pokemon! Besides, Grant was a gym leader, he'd eventually counter constant dodging. Leech Seed might not even kill, it probably only wore Pokemon down. Ash gritted his teeth, trying to think. He couldn't ignore abilities, the Amaura had taught him that... Strong Jaw would make Tyrunt's Bite ridiculously strong...
"Bite once more," Grant said, voice hardening. The Tyrunt raced forward with a bit more vigor, clearly not about to let Scape dodge again easily.
Ash's eyes lit up for a moment. "Scape, Vine Whip!"
The Skiddo looked startled, to say the least. Ever since mastering Razor Leaf Ash hadn't bothered using Vine Whip, knowing that raw power was much more effective in this world, but he knew that Scape still had to know it. Pokemon just didn't randomly forget moves. Scape lowered her head uncertainly, and two long vines grew from out of her shoulders.
"Do...?" She whimpered, and Ash tried his hardest to ignore the blood on her.
"Muzzle him!" Ash snapped, his mind flashing back to the Silver Conference in Johto, where his Bayleef had used the same strategy. Scape's eyes lit up like Ash's, realization of what he was doing coming over her. Grant and Tyrunt looked startled as the vines zipped forward, binding the Tyrunt's jaws shut, making his Bite null.
"Ra..." Tyrunt stumbled back, his voice slightly muffled as the vines wrapped tighter around his jaws.
"Scape, give them a Bulldoze," Ash ordered, smirking slightly. He had nearly forgotten that the ground type move Scape had learned in training would be super effective on Tyrunt– he had been too focused on the fact that her grass moves wouldn't be.
Despite her injured leg, Scape reared up onto her hind legs, her hoofs glowing as she slammed them into the ground. Shockwaves were sent out from where her hooves had made contact, cracks spreading out across the battlefield as they raced towards the Tyrunt.
The Tyrunt writhed in Scape's grasp as the attack hit him, the whole earth shaking below him. The energy seemed to race up into him, his body violently shaking as he tried to keep his balance. Scape released her Vine Whip, the Bulldoze so jarring that she didn't want to remain in contact with him. Tyrunt stumbled forward, crashing to the ground as the Bulldoze ended. He closed his eyes in pain, and Ash noticed some blood running down from his mouth.
Ash shivered as he remembered what Yveltal had told him about water-based moves in this world, how often the effects of its corrosiveness were often internal. Was the same true for moves like this? While on the outside there was barely a mark, but the true damage was within?
"Runt..." Tyrunt hissed, pushing himself back to his feet. He ran a tongue across his teeth, wiping away any visible blood. He clearly was pained, but still ready to fight.
"Slow them down with Rock Tomb!" Grant growled, a flash of nervousness in his eyes as he realized just how hard a blow his Tyrunt had taken. Glowing white orbs surrounded the dragon, which solidified into three rocks. The Tyrunt launched the attack, the stones striking Scape in the legs.
She stumbled back, bruises forming on her slender legs. The Skiddo was clearly in pain with each step, her movements not quite as swift as before. The Tyrunt wasn't moving as quickly either, still shaken up from the Bulldoze. Scape glowed for a moment, once more healing slightly from the Leech Seed.
"Razor Leaf!" Ash ordered.
"Charge through and strike with Bite!" Grant countered, and the Tyrunt ran straight into the Razor Leaf, fangs glowing in a dark light. He bit into Scape's side, and the Skiddo let out a scream of pain. She cringed at the force of the attack, allowing Tyrunt to sink another Bite into her back hip before Ash could give a command.
"D-do..." Scape limped back, shivering. She was dragging her back leg, blood pooling down her fur. Tyrunt was bleeding as well, the Razor Leaf having hit him dead on, but Ash knew it wouldn't be enough. The wounds Scape was receiving from the Bites were gaping, while the Razor Leaves only left cuts– Scape would bleed out long before Tyrunt ever would.
Healing would only temporarily seal the wound, and would leave her open to another attack. He couldn't switch to Mulan either– Ash knew she couldn't take a Bite at her current health. Ash took in a shaking breath, mind racing.
"D-dodge!" Ash cried as Tyrunt came forward with another Bite. He needed time to think... he needed to think... He didn't know how quickly Bulldoze could take it down, and Razor Leaf were only little cuts... Scape was healing a little bit due to the Leech Seed, but he just knew it wouldn't be enough...
He needed to find a way to end this quickly.
Scape stumbled out of the way of the Bite, looking back at Ash. In his first gym battle he had just ordered attacks until they had dealt a finishing blow, but that wouldn't work here. He knew what he needed to do, but he didn't want to think that way...
He needed to find a way to kill the Tyrunt now.
"Stomp!" Grant shouted. "Aim for it's head!" Tyrunt jumped up into the air, which luckily made it easier to dodge since it couldn't change direction mid air.
"Dodge, then use Bulldoze as soon as he lands!" Ash called, heart racing as he scanned the Tyrunt. Scape winced as she stumbled out of the way, but she moved too slowly to properly pull off a Bulldoze in time. The Tyrunt ran forward again, knocking her to the side with his head. Scape was thrown down to the ground, landing on her side.
"Bite!" Tyrunt bore down on Scape, his gleaming teeth aimed for her throat. Blood rolled down his cuts as he stomped forward. Scape's eyes widened, and without waiting for an order she lashed out with a Vine Whip, muzzling him once more. He struggled against her, while she struggled to her feet.
Ash stared at the Tyrunt's cuts, his thrashing was only making him bleed more... it wouldn't be enough now, but if he could find away to make him bleed further...
But that would be–
No. It was either his Pokemon or the gym's– he couldn't let himself care for both.
"Scape– fire as many Razor Leaves as you can!" Ash screamed at her, closing his eyes. This was different, it felt so much different.
Struggling to stay balanced with the lashing Tyrunt in her vines, Scape found herself fumbling as she attempted to pull off the attack. Gritting her teeth she whipped her Vine Whip to the side, releasing the Tyrunt in a single, fluid motion. He was sent stumbling from the force, and he crashed into one of the boulders. He let out a whimper of pain, dizzily stepping around the field.
"Do!" Scape cried, releasing a flurry of Razor Leaves at him. The sharp leaves slowly chipped away at his rocky scales, and widening the cuts onto him. She prepared another round of Razor Leaves.
Blood pooled down his brown scales. The Tyrunt let out a frustrated snarl, pawing at the ground. Grant studied the battle, his Tyrunt being hit by yet another round Razor Leaves in the process. His lips twisted, and he snapped his fingers.
"Rock Tomb, keep your distance," Grant said. Tyrunt raced away, several orbs floating around him. Scape was still favoring one of her legs, but she turned so Tyrunt was still in her sight. A third Razor Leaf was released, sending the Tyrunt stumbling as he fired the Rock Tomb. The rocks crashed to the left of Scape, missing her only by a few feet.
Scape glowed faintly as the Leech Seed sapped away the Tyrunt's health. She moved a bit faster, but the energy she was receiving was not enough to fully heal the damage she had already taken. The two Pokemon glared at each other for a moment, blood running down both of them. They slowly circled each other, waiting for their trainers to give them an order.
A fight to the death, but yet they still accepted commands... putting trust into the trainer that was willing to put their life on the line...
It made Ash sick.
"One more Razor Leaf, Scape," Ash said quietly, wondering if this would even work. The cuts on the Tyrunt had been widened, but rock types were naturally hardy...
"Skid!" Scape called, releasing a final flurry of Razor Leaves towards the Tyrunt. The attack hit him dead on, the Tyrunt stumbling. He let out a hiss, blood running down the gashes on him.
"Bite!" Grant called, and the Tyrunt let out a roar. He charged forward with a rush of energy, teeth outlined in the dark energy of a Bite.
"Bulldoze!" Ash cried. "Give it everything you got!"
Because if this didn't work, then there was no way he could defeat this Tyrunt.
Scape heard the desperation in Ash's voice, and she reared up, ignoring the pain in her back legs. Her hooves started to glow, and she slammed them into the ground as the Tyrunt came charging at her. The Bulldoze was released, the powerful shockwaves rushing away from the Skiddo.
The Tyrunt let out a painful roar as the ground type move hit him, the whole battlefield shaking. The tremors struck Tyrunt hard, his whole body violently being shook from the force of the attack. He fell to the ground, the attack continuing. Blood poured from the slashes from the Razor Leaves, the liquid pooling onto the ground. Ash forced himself to turn away, the Bulldoze hitting just as he thought it would.
The Tyrunt would have been able to take Scape down long before the Razor Leaves ever would, but with the gashes formed from the Razor Leaves, the Bulldoze would force the blood to come pooling out of him. Ash hoped the Bulldoze was enough to cause him to bleed out.
"Brai..." Kindle placed her paw on Ash's hand, causing him to open his eyes.
The Tyrunt was lying on the field, coated in his own blood. Shivers ran through Ash as he watched it's chest rise and fall– it was still alive.
"Ty..." It growled, slowly dragging itself to its knees. It made a horrible gurgling sound, coughing up a mass of blood.
"...Bite..." Grant muttered, clenching his fists. Ash knew that he had turned the match to his favor– there was no way the Tyrunt could make a comeback from this. But still the battle went on, no matter what he had to make sure a final blow was given.
Ash shot a glare at the battle judge, then turned his focus to Scape.
"F-finish it with a Bulldoze," Ash ordered.
Scape reared up, slamming down onto the earth once more. The whole battlefield shook as the Bulldoze was released again, and the Tyrunt was forced to the earth once more, the shockwaves slamming into him. More blood pooled from his wounds, coating the quaking ground below.
The Skiddo stumbled as the shaking came to a halt, falling to her knees. She let out a pained bray, but she didn't have the energy to push herself back up. The Tyrunt laid still on the field, the roots of the Leech Seed still clinging to his bloody form.
Ash took in a shaky breath, forcing himself to blink back his tears. This had to be done, it was the only way to keep his Pokemon alive...
The Tyrunt didn't move.
"Do..." Scape sagged to the ground, eyes closed– but she was alive.
It was over... the battle was over...
The battle judge stepped forward, his bright blue eyes studying the fallen Tyrunt. While Ash had tried to ignore him the whole battle, it was hard to do so now as he watched the 'judge' gleefully exam the dead body. It was disgusting how happy he looked, how he nudged the dead Pokemon with his foot, a childlike fascination on his face.
Ash was sure the only thing that could make Yveltal more happy was if Ash's own Pokemon were lying dead on the field.
"Grant's Tyrunt is unable to battle!" Yveltal declared, still disguised as the battle judge.
"Congratulations," Grant said, voice even, though the look on his face showed that he was surprised at the outcome. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a gym badge. Ash stared at the gym leader as he crossed the field, stepping around his dead Tyrunt without a blink. Ash tensed as he approached, but forced himself not to step back. "Here's the official Cyllage City gym badge, proof that you have defeated me."
Ash didn't take the badge, rather he first held up a Great ball, recalling Scape so she wasn't lying out of the field suffering. He looked down at the sphere, before slipping it onto his belt. Then at long last he held out his hand, allowing the badge to be dropped into his palm. He looked down at the cliff badge now resting in his hand.
Had it been worth it?
"...Are you crying?" Grant asked, snorting. Ash blinked, realizing that there were tears falling down his face. He wasn't sobbing, tears simply rolling across his cheeks. Ash closed his eyes, not bothering to wipe them away.
"I... I suppose I am," Ash whispered, looking at Grant. "I just killed two Pokemon after all, but I suppose that you wouldn't understand."
There was a strange numbness running through him. He was sad for the deaths he had just witnessed, but he wasn't as shaken up as he had expected himself to be. His Pokemon had survived– they were still alive. He had succeeded in keeping them alive, he had won the battle. He was one more step closer to going home.
He was one step closer to freeing his Pokemon from this twisted gym challenged.
Ash gave Grant a dry smile. "But I suppose sacrifices have to be made sometimes, don't they? Thank you for the badge, and I hope I never see you again."
Ash then turned on his heel, swiftly making his way towards the exit of the gym, Kindle at his heels. She was watching him, amber eyes filled with uncertainty as she cradled the young Axew. Ash didn't look back– not wanting to speak to Yveltal or Grant, and most certainly not wanting to see the dead Tyrunt.
He needed to get Mulan and Scape to the Pokemon Center.
And then onwards to the next gym battle.