Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.
"Pokémon" – Normal Speech
'Pokémon' – Thoughts
Pokémon – Flashback
Pokémon – Move Names and Pokémon Abilities
{Pokémon} – Pokédex
Ash, the Iron Trainer
King of the Garden
Previously on Ash the Iron Trainer,
And then there was this thing that was the most surprising and shocking out of seeing the three Legendary Birds of Kanto in the cave. It was like a small group of fireflies or something that were moving around a certain spot, causing it to glow. When Ash and Serena noticed that the three Legendary Pokémon hadn't moved an inch since they arrived and labeled them by name, they noticed that the three were starting at the sight. They went to get closer when,
[Welcome Chosen One, Special One…welcome to our home. Our true home.] That voice from before was even clearer and true than ever before. This has to be where it was coming from.
"Who are you!? Have you always looked like this?" Ash said boldly while Serena was hiding behind him, frightened by the sight and how it is somehow speaking.
[Unfortunately, I cannot show my true form. It is locked out of this sacred region by the Barrier of Passing. Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres were the only ones that arrived before it settled.] The voice spoke and Ash had to think on what it meant until,
"You mean the fog that I fell into from the S.S. Anne and is now surrounding Kalos!?" Ash proclaimed.
[Indeed. The Barrier of Passing is in the form of a fog to all lifeforms and only the creator has the power to remove it and restore the passing of time between this scared land and the rest of the world's ocean.]
"So what about your name. Can't you at least tell us that much?" Ash asked, taking all this in.
[No. A high force and authority, one that I can't deny or anyone else with all their own might. I am under orders to only guide you while not revealing too much about the world. You will find it all out here in this region and in the distant future Chosen One.] The same voice explained and Ash felt a little disappointed that he was listening to a voice belonging to someone who is refusing to reveal its name.
"I don't know what is it with this 'Chosen One' stuff but tell us this. And we are not going anywhere until he get a better answer than all this." Ash bravely said into the unknown creature that is speaking to them. "How is taking to a faceless creature who can't even reveal its name going to help us! You probably aren't going to say who caused the fog around Kalos!"
[…] The voice was silent but the trainers could tell that it is still there. [Yes I can't. And to answer your primary question; you were brought here to learn that there is a terrible force of evil and a hunted force of good in this scared land. Now they are both trapped by the Barrier of Passing, the world will soon fall in disaster due to the imbalance. You are to face them both and complete a piece of your destiny, with the help of Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres.]
"You mean that this won't be the last time I will come across any of this!? Why must I run into danger everywhere I go and drag my friends into the mess!?" Ash yelled. "Am I the Chosen One, as in the person who can never have a day without trouble!?"
[Whatever or not you accept all this Chosen One, it is your destiny that started the day you were born. And fate is making sure that it fulfilled, no matter what you do.] That same voice said. [But if you save this region and protect it, then you will soon free this scared region and continue on your life journey and learn more about your destiny. Good luck and we will meet again Chosen One, Special One.]
And after Ash, Serena and Pikachu left the Sea Spirit's Den with the help of Lapras, the cave closed up and the traveling trainers and Pokémon never saw the three majestic birds or heard from that unknown voice ever again. Not until their times in Kalos is over and it will be in the other corners of the world. The Pokémon World that will never stop revealing secrets to all those who are bold and determined enough to seek the truth.
"Sir?" Ash asked another fisherman. "Is this Coumarine City?"
"If you asking then you two must be trainers wanting to challenge the Coumarine City Gym." He said while Serena just shook her head.
"She is a trainer but she is more interested in the Battle Chateau than Pokémon Gyms. I am interested to hear about it myself." Ash said to be honest and the fisherman said that they were in the harbor half of the city. The other half that had the Pokémon Center and the Pokémon Gym was connected by a monorail system. "Thank you sir. We're off!"
And once the two trainers found the station for the monorail, they had a surprise. "Professor Sycamore?"
"Diantha?"
The two said figures of the Kalos Pokémon League looked to see Ash and Serena look in disbelief. Running into the Pokémon Professor is something alright since a beginning trainer will do at the start of their journey across their home region. But meeting the champion before defeating the Elite Four was special and something that most trainers will give up their status for even a mere five minutes to be with Diantha.
"Hello Ash and Serena. Sure has been awhile. Not since we were all in my lab lack in Lumiose City!" Sycamore was certainty still the same, as cheerily, loud but friendly as ever. "I was merely taking with Diantha about Mega Evolution."
"Then can we be part of it since we did come from Route 12 and before that, I battled in the Shalour City Gym." Ash said and Sycamore nodded like a professor listening to a student following his lecture to the very word.
"Of course. The granddaughter of Gurkinn, master of Mega Evolution and Fighting Type Pokémon. And both of them are said to be descendants of the trainer who first discovered Mega Evolution with his Lucario being the first to undergo the process!" Sycamore was sure excited about all this.
"That sounds about right Professor." Ash said, "So what brings the Champion all the way out here. Would you rather be in your favorite restaurant like where we first met?" Serena was still speechless by the encounter. She still hadn't gotten over the time they met Diantha back in the Café Soleil.
"Well darling Professor Sycamore wanted to hear a little I know about Mega Evolution since my signature Pokémon can transform like so." Diantha said in a classy yet friendly tone. "So how far are you young trainers? How many gym battles have you won?"
"Serena is more interested in the Battle Chateau Diantha." Ash corrected her and then took out his Kalos badge case to show three badges he has so far. "Check it out."
"And only a week or two since you sighed up? Not looking bad. And I am sure that you heard that this city, Coumarine, has a Pokémon Gym?" Ash nodded. "Then here is the best bit of advice I can give. The gym leader, Ramos, specializes in Grass Type Pokémon. But his Pokémon have always taken overconfident trainers by surprise. They all think that Grass Types as one of the weakest of Pokémon Types."
"I don't care about if a typing is stronger than another." Ash said sternly. "I am going against a gym leader so I can't afford to get overconfident." Diantha loved to see just conviction and focus in the eyes of a trainer like Ash.
"Then I wish you luck and I will love to hear back from Ramos about your match. The gym leaders you battled before all said that you were a good challenge Ash." Diantha then politely excused herself from the station.
"You can breathe now Serena, Diantha has left." Ash said and his companion was a little deflated, probably because one of her idols barley talked to her; but since she couldn't bring herself to speak in Diantha's presence.
"Thanks Ash. Now can we get to the where the Pokémon Center is?" Ash nodded before going to the counter and asked for a passage of two to the other station. The trip was slow and allowed the two trainers to get a good glimpse of the surroundings between the two monorail stations. When they got there, a pair of twins shared a handy little device to be given to a Pokémon; the Metronome. As long as a Pokémon holds it, a single move gets stronger the more times it is used in a row. Ash preferred to only use it for his more latest Pokémon since he could see that the move Taunt is the enemy of the Metronome, it won't matter when the Pokémon can't use the same move twice.
"So how about we go and meet Ramos early while Nurse Joy is looking after our Pokémon?" Ash asked and Serena nodded. They always seem to run into the Gym Leaders before even entering the Gym buildings. Might as well not break the cycle so soon.
"Hey look!" Serena pointed out, just when Ash was about to miss her voice. "There is a field filled with Grass Type Pokémon! He could be there!" Ash smiled at how excited Serena was, she seemed to be like a little kid again; and thankfully, it only made Serena look a little cuter than usual.
"Can't hurt to check it out." Ash said, lifting himself over the railings and helping Serena get in like how a gentleman is. And as they got deeper into the field, making sure not to upset any of the Grass Type Pokémon, "Excuse me!" The two trainers flinched to hear an elderly but stern voice call out to them. "I thought I put up signs that say to stay out until I give permission!"
Serena was feeling a little scared so Ash was left to do the talking. "Sorry sir but the fence we climbed over didn't have such a sign nearby. In fact, we couldn't find another way in so we had to go over the fence over there." Ash hadn't turned to face who caught them in the field, and only pointed into the opposite direction they were walking in.
"I guess so but at least tell me why you are here." That same voice spoke.
"We had a long journey and yet a lot of time to kill while Nurse Joy helps our Pokémon. We wanted to meet the Gym Leader of this city, Ramos." Ash said and then they both heard a chuckle that only one's grandfather can make.
"Ramos. That's my name and I am the Gym Leader here in Coumarine City." This gave Ash and Serena enough reason to finally turn around to see an elderly man wearing something of a gardener's clothes and a pair of oversized clippers attached to the backside of his belt. And he was riding some kind of Pokémon that was like a goat that had leaves for its mane and fur. "And this is my signature Pokémon, Gogoat." Ramos said and the trainers hurried to scan it.
{Gogoat, the Mount Pokémon and the evolved form of Skiddo. Gogoat is able to sense its Trainer's feelings by detecting small changes in the grip on its horns. This allows both Trainer and Pokémon to move together as one.}
Gogoat are quadruped, hoofed Pokémon similar to goats. They are covered in fluffy, brown fur that is dark across the back and light around the belly and legs. Around their neck, they have a thick, green leafy mane that extends down their spine and ends in a short tail. The fur on their face is white with fluffier fur on their chin. They have a black nose and red eyes with white pupils. The eyes are surrounded by a black marking. The top of their head is dark brown and has two long, curving, black horns that extend over their back. The fur on their legs is shorter than the rest of their body, dark brown on the upper leg, and white around the feet. Each foot ends in a cloven, brownish-orange hoof.
Gogoat has the ability to sense the feelings of whoever grips its horns; this ability is so acute that it can move as if it and its rider were one being. Wild Gogoat live in mountainous regions and choose their leader by locking horns.
"And what are your names, little sprouts?" Ramos asked.
"It is not little sprouts, it is Ash Ketchum. And this Serena. We are on a journey for the Kalos League and the Battle Chateau respectably." Ash did the introductions and Serena could only nod in agreement.
"Oh well. I guess that you, little sprout, will want to challenge me?" Ramos said.
"Diantha did say you were the Gym Leader and I do need eight Gym Badges to try for the League." Ash said and Ramos chuckled as a reply.
"Then, anytime you feel like, I will love to accept your challenge. The Coumarine City Gym is all the way at the top of the hill you were hiking up. It may be a long trip but it has been this way for as long as I been the Gym Leader." Ramos said.
"I don't mind as long as you won't mind Serena watching. Because I will never be bothered." Ash said and Serena just nuzzled against him for that last comment. Ramos chuckled at how lovely young love always seems to be.
XXXXX
And after some last minute training, with the occasional breaks in between, Ash decided that it was time to try out the Coumarine City Gym. He had seen how Ramos is connected to Grass type Pokémon so this will be a fight once in a Gym Leader's backyard; it wouldn't be easy.
It was a long trip indeed and Ash had found himself carrying Serena up the rest of the way. He was surprised by how light his companion felt but didn't mind as long as Serena was comfortable. Too bad, Ash had to see a pout on Serena's face when they reached the Gym so he had to let here off his back so he can have his gym battle.
"The battle between Gym Leader of Coumarine City Ramos and challenger Ash Ketchum will now get under way! Will both trainers please release their first Pokémon?" A referee that wore somewhat of a green ranger's clothes announced.
"Let's begin a little light, Jumpluff!"
{Jumpluff, the Cottonweed Pokémon. Jumpluff drifts around the world with the seasonal winds. It releases cottony spores as it travels.}
Jumpluff is a round, blue Pokémon with red beady eyes and small, round feet and tail. Three cotton puffs, almost as large as the body itself, extend off it: one on each arm, and one on top of its head. These puffs produce cotton spores that it can use to float in the air, and it can control its flight even in a hurricane. Three to four leaves grow at the base of the top puff.
Jumpluff drifts on seasonal winds and can use its spores to masterfully maneuver itself around the globe. It will spread spores as it floats around to create offspring. It descends if it encounters cold air currents while it is floating. Though it spends a good amount of time in the air, it is commonly spotted above open grasslands, as there is an abundance of breezes in areas free of trees so the spores have space to be blown.
"A Grass and Flying type huh?" Ash remarked. "I have a Flying type of my own. Go, Fletchinder!" Ash decided to go with his Fire and Flying type Pokémon that he caught shortly before his first match in Kalos.
"Now that both trainers have chosen this first Pokémon, battle begin!" The referee announced. And Ramos decided to go for the first move,
"Jumpluff, please use Sunny Day." Compared to the Gym Leaders before, Ramos is certainty calmer; a lot like how very experienced and skilled trainers are in their battles, not rushing in but made an effort to learn about their latest opponent. And Jumpluff raised its arms upward until the sun gaze grew until it became somewhat unbearable inside the gym.
"Use Flamethrower Fletchinder." Ash was wondering why Ramos will risk his Grass type Pokémon by using a move that enhanced Fire type moves. And his gut feeling was spot on when Jumpluff somehow had a large boost in speed and agility to dodge that Flamethrower. "It is Chlorophyll, right Ramos?"
The Gym Leader smiled at the remark. Ash was nothing like the other trainers he remembers fighting many times before, and he can remember every single one of them. "Yes young Ash." That was still somewhat like how Ramos addressed trainers younger than him but Ash didn't complain. "My Jumpluff's ability is Chlorophyll, in which will grant a sharp increase in speed when under direct sunlight. That is why I trained my Pokémon to use Sunny Day."
"Okay then, use Flame Charge!" Ash commanded and while Fletchinder still wasn't able to hit Jumpluff, the Fire and Flying type still gained its own speed boost. "Keep it up until you hit Jumpluff!" Fletchinder did just that and was about to match Jumpluff in speed when,
"Cotton Guard." Ramos said and Jumpluff then covered itself with a blanket of cotton from the end of its arms. And when Fletchinder did land that Flame Charge, he barely even burned Jumpluff. "Now my Jumpluff's speed has been increase and so has its defense, it is time. Use Solar Beam."
Serena was amazed and shocked, she knew about Solar Beam's prolong need to charge up until it can be used. But not this time, Jumpluff was able to gather its Grass type energy in barely any time at all to hit Fletchinder with a bright beam of green energy.
"Charge up your Flame Charge!" Ash suddenly shouted which was a curious request but Fletchinder had nothing to lose so he initiated Flame Charge but didn't move an inch while Solar Beam was still pressing against its body. What Fletchinder felt like his body was charging up and the flames were burning away Solar Beam's energy. "Now go!"
Fletchinder widened his eyes from charging up and felt like nothing can slow him down and the Ember Pokémon actually flew right through the Solar Beam and landed a super effective hit on Jumpluff. "Now use Flame Burst!" With his target in close proximity, there was no room for the move to miss the Cottonweed Pokémon. And Jumpluff went down in flames like so.
"Jumpluff is unable to battle. Fletchinder wins!" The referee announced while Ramos returned the Cottonweed Pokémon to its ball. And Ash returned his own Pokémon back into its ball as well.
"Come forth, Weepinbell!"
{Weepinbell, the Flycatcher Pokémon. Weepinbell looks like a plant and covers opponents with a poisonous powder in order to catch them.}
Weepinbell has a yellow, bell-shaped body with a single green leaf on either side. It uses these razor sharp leaves to slice up prey. It has a wide, gaping mouth with pink lips. Above Weepinbell's circular eyes is a pattern of three small green spots and small hook-shaped stem.
Weepinbell camouflages itself as a plant in the forest whilst awaiting an unwary victim. When its prey draws near it sprays toxic pollen to immobilize the target before melting it with its internal acids. It oozes a neutralizing fluid that prevents these internal acids from melting its own body. Weepinbell live in forests and tropical jungles where it hangs from tree branches by its stem to sleep. If it moves around during sleep, Weepinbell may slip and awaken to find itself on the ground.
"Just like the Victreebel from a team of jerks back in Kanto." Ash remarked and Serena just had to look this up in his Pokédex while trying not to distract Ash.
{Victreebel, the Flycatcher Pokémon. Victreebel has a long vine that extends from its head. This vine is waved and flicked about as if it were an animal to attract prey. When an unsuspecting prey draws near, this Pokémon swallows it whole.}
Victreebel has a bell-shaped body with a gaping mouth that has two sharp teeth. Its semicircular eyes appear directly under its mouth and it has several dark green spots on its body. Covering Victreebel's mouth is a leaf with a long, brown, yellow-tipped vine growing out of it. The vine is flicked to mimic an animal in order to attract prey. Victreebel also produces a sweet scent to further aid in luring its victims. Acid that has dissolved numerous prey animals becomes sweeter and even more effective at attracting prey.
It can be found in small groups and is territorial. Victreebel has been shown to hoard food, usually small birds and rodents, and collect Leaf Stones to perform evolution rituals at night to help Weepinbell become more Victreebel. Victreebel lives in forests, as well as tropical jungles.
"Here is my Pokémon, Ferroseed!" Ash took out his Thorn Seed Pokémon which was a wise move. Ferroseed is a Steel type Pokémon so it will be immune to any Poison type move used by a poison type like Weepinbell. Also it is a Grass type so it is at least resistant to Grass type moves from Ramos's Pokémon.
"Battle Begin!" The referee made the call,
"Use Curse." Ash acted first and Ferroseed had lost a little more speed but received a boost in Attack and Defense power.
"Poison Puff." Ramos foolishly said and like what the rules about type relationships say, the Poison type move didn't have an effect on Ferroseed.
"Gyro Ball." Ferroseed then used the effects of Curse to its advantage once again and landed a lot of damage to Weepinbell.
"Grass Knot." Ramos finally came up with a way to stop Ferroseed. And while Weepinbell did receive a little more damage, Ferroseed found itself in the dirt, barely able to get out.
"Giga Drain from your back!" Ash then said and that was a curious move since it will do barely any damage to a Grass and Poison type like Weepinbell. "Now use Self-Destruct!" By the painful look on Ash's face, he doesn't always do such tactics, asking of his Pokémon to cause themselves to faint for his victories.
But it worked as Ash's Pokémon fainted as well as Ramos's Weepinbell from the force of Self-Destruct. "Both Pokémon are unable to battle! This stage is a draw!"
"Go, Gogoat." Ramos chuckled and released the same Pokémon he was riding when he first met Ash.
"It is your turn, Durant!" Ash could have used any of the four Pokémon that he found as eggs in this match; after all, Steel types are resistant to Grass type moves. But maybe it is because Durant is the best one of them all to use since she is also a bug type.
"Very well, young sprout. Use Razor Leaf." Gogoat shook its mane and sent some leaves flying like edged boomerangs at Durant.
"Iron Defense!" Ash called out and when Durant's body shined, she was able to take the Razor Leaf. "Rock Polish." Ash commanded Durant to shave off anything weighing her down so that his Iron Ant Pokémon is not only tougher but faster as well.
"Vine Whip." Ramos said and his Gogoat sent out a pair of vines that were heading towards Durant.
"Use Bug Bite and don't hold back." Ash said simply and Durant used her new speed to bite on Gogoat's vines until she got to the real thing, whom she dealt incredible damage.
"Shake Durant off and use Leech Seed."
"Dodge with Agility." Ash quickly counteracted Ramos and now his Pokémon is now as nimble as she is tough and fast. "Now use X-Scissor."
"Use Grass Knot." While not like with Ash's Ferroseed, Durant only got a little amount of damage and got up before retreating back in front of her trainer. "Now use Horn Leech."
"Iron Head!" Ash called out and Durant charged with energy channeled into her forehead so it is extra hard, more than when she used Iron Defense. And Durant used her enhanced power to act like the arrow from a crossbow that made past Gogoat's charging, glowing horns.
"Splendid, young Ash. Now use Vine Whip." Ash gasped, he hadn't thought on how to get Durant away from Gogoat after using Iron Head. "Then use Leech Seed and Horn Leech." With that combo, Durant felt the seeds eating at her health until she was sent high into the air by Gogoat's horns. "Finish with Energy Ball."
"Durant!" Ash called out when that ball of Grass-type energy had hit his Pokémon was struggling through the pain of Leech Seed to worry about the Energy Ball attack. But even with all that, Durant was still conscious. "Give it all for a Guillotine!"
Durant felt like she was about to pass out until she heard her trainer's voice. She then managed to get her focus and channeled energy into her pincers to grow in size and glow in bright white. "Stop it with Razor Leaf." Ramos said but when Gogoat did use such a move, it barely even slowed Durant down and the Iron Ant landed on her target.
"Gogoat is unable to battle! Durant wins!" The referee declared while the Gym Leader returned his Pokémon to its ball until he had that eye smile again.
"Splendid! But like you young sprouts, I have one more trick up my sleeve and you will be the first trainers to witness my true ace in the hole." Ramos said before taking out a fourth Pokéball.
Ash quickly scanned it while he had the chance,
{Gourgeist, the Pumpkin Pokémon, and the evolved form of Pumpkaboo. Gourgeist wander through town at the new moon, surrounding their prey with their arms which resemble hair.}
Gourgeist is a bipedal, pumpkin Pokémon. Its body is a black pumpkin with two short, stubby feet. There is a face carved into this pumpkin, having triangular eyes and a half-circle mouth, completed with a spike protruding from the top of the mouth. Above this pumpkin is the head, which is tall, slender, and orange in color. At the top of the head is the face, which has yellow eyes and a small mouth with no nose present. The mouth has two sharp fangs, with an absence of other visible teeth. It is completed with its peach-colored hair, which down the sides develops limbs. The hair contains bangs which usually cover one eye. The top of its hair contains a crescent shape, which is peach-colored on the outside and black on the inside. They come in many sizes, the smallest being no more than 2'04" or 0.7m, while the largest are 5'07", or 1.7m; this one seemed to be more like the Average Size, with 2'11" or 0.9 m.
Gourgeist are malevolent Pokémon that catch their prey in their hair-like arms and take delight in their victims' suffering. On moonless nights, they are known to wander through town streets, singing an eerie song that curses its unfortunate listeners. It and its pre-evolution, Pumpkaboo, are the only known Pokémon that can learn Trick-or-Treat.
"Are you up for more Durant?" Ash asked and everyone was wondering about this; this is because he had been switching out Pokémon since this Gym Battle started. And when she nodded, "Okay. Use Iron Head!"
Durant charged for Gourgeist and landed that hit on it. "Now use Fury Cutter!" Durant then sliced at Gourgeist and then again, only slightly stronger thus adding a lot more damage if it continues.
"Gourgeist, Trick-or-Treat." Ramos said and Durant then halted in her Fury Cutter to feel like she was suddenly in a dark world with spirits around her. "Use Shadow Ball." Ramos said and Gourgeist then launched a ball of ghost type energy that was actually super effective.
Ash had to look up this move in his Pokédex; that was the other useful feature of the device. {Trick-or-Treat, a Ghost Type Status Move. The user takes the target trick-or-treating. This adds the Ghost type to the target's typing.} Ash realized that his Durant is now a Bug/Steel/Ghost type Pokémon now; and Durant has no typing that helps with this development.
"Use Crunch!" Ash shouted and Durant regained her focus to charge with her pincers covered in some kind of dark energy. But,
"Shadow Sneak." Ramos commanded and Gourgeist vanished into a shadow cast over the ground, and hit Durant instead. "Shadow Ball."
"Dodge and use Iron Head!" Ash then got Durant back in the game and she did manage to dodge the otherwise devastating Shadow Ball. And Gourgeist got hit by a move that was granted S.T.A.B. by Durant's typing. "Metal Claw and then X-Scissor!"
Durant was able to use both moves under a few seconds and Gourgeist was down to a little under half its health since it started to feel the pain and panted fainted. "Very nice comeback Ash. You don't give up and your conviction is not to be mistaken for foolish bravery. But like I said, Gourgeist is my ace-in-the-hole; and it has a power that I am sure you are familiar with."
When Ramos said that last remark, Ash noticed a certain glint about Ramos's over-sized clippers. He didn't notice because Ramos only showed the other side during the entire match. But there was a jewel like stone on the side Ash was not able to see; it was a "Keystone!"
"Indeed." Ramos smiled creepily at Ash's look of shock and then tapped the Keystone which glowed with the energy that Ash had been seeing when Mega Evolution is about to start. And Ramos's Gourgeist then glowed with the same color as the other Pokémon who Mega Evolved from Ash's experience.
As soon as Gourgeist had competed its Mega Evolution, it looked entirely different. Most of its body is merely one giant jack-o-lantern that still has the vines of a pumpkin patch attached to the bottom. On top of the jack-o-lantern is a large flame that flickered like a candle in its holder, right in the center, while the surrounding pumpkin skin had vine and sprouts in irregular spaces. Finally, inside the jack-o-lantern was a familiar, small figurehead that was like the upper half of the normal Gourgeist as part of the substance which was like melted candlewax. All-in-all, it was like this Pokémon was one of the impossible combos; Grass and Fire.
Ash hurried to scan this new Pokémon. {Now this Pokémon has undergone its Mega Evolution, its typing is now Grass and Fire. And it's Ability is now called Candlelit, which causes Fire type and Grass type moves to not do any damage and instead heals the Pokémon while increasing its Attack and Special Attack power.}
"Indeed so now use Fire Blast." Ramos said and the Mega Gourgeist built up a flame in its body that is shaped like a giant jack-a-lantern and released the flames in the Kanji for 'fire' like it was throwing up. Durant saw it coming and tried to move out of the way but the impact for the fire type move to the ground had sent the Iron Ant Pokémon flying.
"Gourgeist can use Fire Type moves!?" Ash had never considered it before.
"Indeed and that is my theory as to how Gourgeist can become a Grass and Fire type once it Mega Evolves." Ramos replied, "Use Flamethrower and keep it up." Ramos asked of his Mega Evolved Pokémon to act like an arsonist by using its Flamethrower attack to spread flames around the battlefield, narrowing the amount of space that Durant has until she is hit.
And when Durant was cornered, "Use your new Dig move!" Durant then found plenty of room to move underground. But the joy was short lived.
"Use Shadow Ball into the tunnel." Mega Gourgeist sent a ball of ghostly energy into the tunnels that Durant is making in order to corner the Iron Ant Pokémon again.
"Use Iron Head from underneath!" Durant then emerge and escaped the Shadow Ball to hit Mega Gourgeist. But it was not be good for Durant when Mega Gourgeist caught her by the neck.
"Use Pain Split on Durant." Pain Split was a useful move if used at the right time. It can help a Pokémon with less than a quarter of their max health make a comeback and deal some damage to even an overwhelming foe. But it can also cause the same in reversed roles.
Durant felt like their souls were ripped from their bodies and shared both damage and health. "Get out with Bug Bite!" Durant was glad to hear her trainer's voice and got out of Gourgeist's grasp. "Now return!" Ash commanded which was easy since Durant was too tired to say otherwise.
"Go, Fletchinder!" Ash took out a Pokémon who can stand up for a better chance against a Grass and Fire type Pokémon like Mega Gourgeist. "Use Peck!" Fletchinder was a natural at speed and it seems that Mega Gourgeist is barely any faster than at normal form. "Now use Sunny Day!" Everyone almost forgot that the Sunny Day used by Ramos at the start of the match had long died down and now two Fire types will duke it out under the sun's rays.
"Synthesis." This also allowed Mega Gourgeist to almost fully recover its health. Until,
"Natural Gift!" Ash called out since he had equipped his Fletchinder with an Oran Berry prior to the entire match. He heard about the effects and power of Natural Gift is all about the berry the user is holding; rather than trying for a Fire type Natural Gift, Ash cleverly went for the Oran Berry since it creates a Poison type Natural Gift attack. And Poison used to do only normal damage to Gourgeist when it was part Ghost; but now it is part Fire, this Pokémon gets the weakness to Poison that Grass types share.
"And then Acrobatics!" Ash called out for his Fletchinder to move and peck at Mega Gourgeist who was still weak to Flying type moves with its typing; and since Fletchinder's berry has been fully consumed by Natural Gift being used earlier, it has been doubled in power.
"Pain Split." Yet Fletchinder's efforts were cut in half when Mega Gourgeist used the normal type status move that combined and cut the health of both Pokémon and shared it with both of them. "Now use Trick-or-Treat and then Shadow Ball."
It was too bad that Fletchinder wasn't as fast as when he was first sent out in this Gym Battle. He couldn't get out of the status move that caused the Shadow Ball to be doubled in power when it became a super-effective move. But as everyone waited for the dust around Fletchinder to drift away, a light emerged from it first. It was the bright light that came when a Pokémon was evolving!
When the light finally died, Fletchinder was no more. In its place was a beautiful specimen of a Flying type. "Fletchinder, you evolved into Talonflame!" Ash said in his excitement and took out his Pokédex.
{Talonflame, the Scorching Pokémon and the evolved form of Fletchinder. During an intense battle, Talonflame expels embers from gaps between its feathers. It reaches speeds of more than three-hundred miles per hour chasing prey.}
Talonflame is an avian Pokémon that closely resembles a falcon. Its plumage is predominantly red-orange, with gray underparts and black tips on its long, pointed wings. Ovular orange spots dot its underside, and flame patterns mark the boundaries between colors on its body. Large yellow talons extend from the shaggy feathers on its legs. Talonflame has a pointed crest atop its head and a black and yellow mask-like pattern around its eyes. Its black beak is hooked with a yellow cere. It also has long black tail-feathers marked with three yellow "v"-shapes. The tail ends in two points and has another feather sticking out of the base on each side, giving the impression of the fletching on the end of an arrow.
When battling, Talonflame dives at foes, reaching speeds of 310 miles per hour, and then attacks with devastating kicks. It showers embers from its feathers as it soars through the sky.
"Amazing!" Ash was in awe at the beautiful sight of his Pokémon. "Now use you Roost and then Aerial Ace!" Talonflame settled down on the ground for only a few seconds to regain half of his max health before going in for an attack that couldn't be dodge. But as Talonflame returned to his spot in front of Ash, the trainer scanned his new Pokémon again and it said,
{This Pokémon has retained purely Fire and Flying typing after the evolution negated the effects of Trick-or-Treat.} Ash and Serena were surprised to hear that Pokémon evolution has the power to cancel moves like Trick-or-Treat. Ramos just chuckled at their expressions while the referee didn't say a word
"Use Acrobatics!" Ash called out and Talonflame was unstopped in his barrage of attacks. "Now use Flail!" Talonflame then attacked like crazy with the Normal type move that is stronger with the less health left the user has.
"Shadow Ball!"
"Me First!" Ash quickly counteracted that move with another that is actually quite complicated to describe. It supposed to help a Pokémon use the move of another Pokémon before that second Pokémon does, if the first Pokémon was faster than the second. And Talonflame had summoned that Shadow Ball for him to use instead of Mega Gourgeist.
"Well then sprout, you have me in a bind but let's see if you can survive this last-resort move." Ramos said in an honest tone. "Explosion." Ash gasped at the sound of that move, no way would Talonflame can make it through that powerful Normal type attack.
"Protect!"
Both trainers commanded and the battlefield was covered in dust so no one, not even the referee could see the outcome. When the dust finally settled, it seems that, besides the fallen form of the Gym Leader's Mega Evolved Pokémon, was Ash's Talonflame that was also on the ground and barely moving. But the referee could see that Ash's Talonflame was not out of his lights and made the verdict.
"Gourgeist is unable to battle! Talonflame wins! And the winner of the match is the challenger, Ash Ketchum!"
XXXXX
When the match was over, Ash moved from his spot as the challenger on the field to consult his new and evolved Pokémon. "Thank you Talonflame, you have us our next badge and helped us finished another step towards the top."
"Ash!" Serena hurried from the stands to hug her companion and hugged him for the amazingly exciting match.
"Ash." Both of the trainers and Pokémon present saw that Ramos was back and with a case that had the badge of the Coumarine City Gym. The badge was shaped like a leaf, with the veins forming the shape of a plant. "Here. You deserve it."
"Thank you Ramos." Ash said quietly and took the badge, to place it in the furthest right slot on the top.
"Also…" Ash and company were about to leave the gym when they saw that Ramos had his Gourgeist next to him, only having enough energy to stay awake and on its feet. Then the Pumpkin Pokémon used its arms to reveal its Mega Stone that was hidden on its forehead, under its hairstyle. "I haven't told anyone until you two but there were two Mega Stones that can cause Gourgeist to Mega Evolve. I want you to have both a copy of the stone I use with my Gourgeist, Gourgitie X, and the second one that is named Gourigite Y." (1)
"Woah." Ash said for the lack of a better response. "But why haven't you told anyone about it? Was it that big of a deal to keep silent?'
"It is just how I am Ash." Ramos said, finally using just the trainer's name. "I don't care if you tell Professor Sycamore the next time you see him but I don't prefer the publically of discoveries. They will just disturb my gardens and green fields. I just wish the secrecy and serenity that brings peace to me and my Grass type Pokémon."
"Okay Ramos." Ash said, understanding the Gym Leader's reasons as he loves the peace in his neighborhood that can be described as that of a farmer's. And Serena nodded, she lived in modest times despite her mother's fame. "Thank you Ramos, we will use your gifts well and let you know what we tell Professor Sycamore."
"Okay young trainers, have a nice day." Ramos said while Ash found himself carrying Serena again but also with Talonflame on his shoulder, to the opposite her female companion was resting her head on. But the young trainer surprised himself by feeling no displeasure on the trail even down the tall hill. It seemed that they will be well on their way to the next gym once a trip to the Pokémon Center was in order.
But it wasn't to be, "Sorry kids. There is this power failure in the Kalos Power Plant so you can't challenge the Lumiose City Gym just yet." A worker by the entrance to Route 13 brought the bad news nice and hard. "But we will let you know when the power is back up. Have a nice day."
End of Chapter 12
*I decided to end this one with a little more daring. Taking a fan idea for a Mega Evolution and using it for this story. At least it helped with my problem with deciding the Mega Pokémon for Ramos. I hope that I gave it all from my inspiration.
If it is horrible then I guess that I got the fallout of the designs that Game Freak is in charge of, just with Mega Pokémon like Mega Altaria. I read some of you fans that were not happy with the ultimate design of the Mega Pokémon yourself. Hope it is still good!*
I finally decided to give Gourgeist two Mega Evolutions just for this story so I can include the Fire/Ghost Form of Gourgeist I found in the series on YouTube, named 'Fan-Made Pokémon Mega Evolutions'.
Pokémon on Hand;
Ash – Pikachu (Male), Doublade (Male), Pawniard (Male), Mawile (Female), Durant (Female), Lucario (Male), Ferroseed (Female), Talonflame (Male), Skiddo (Male), and Lapras (Female).
Serena – Braixen (Female), Plusle & Minun (Female), Mr. Mime (Female), Cubone (Male) and Kangaskhan (Female).
Off Hand;
Ash – Ledian (Female), Kadabra (Female), Snorlax (Male), and Smeargle (Male), Sableye (Male), Quilladin (Male), Frogadier (Female) and Luvdisc (Male).
Serena – Furfrou (Male), Spritize (Male), Swirlix (Female), Audino (Female) and Luvdisc (Female).