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
The Lights and Lightning of Lumiose
Previously on Ash, the Iron Trainer;
Aliana couldn't believe it, she was beaten by some kid who just happened to have his 'lame' Skiddo evolve into a 'troublesome' Gogoat. "Hey." The Team Flare Scientist looked up to see Gogoat, Ash and Serena all glaring at her with monstrous stares. "Scram. Nobody wants to see you here now or ever. Beat it!"
"S-strategic retreat!" That was to be the last Ash, Serena or any of their Pokémon had ever heard of Team Flare in the Kalos Power Plant and for a while. Once the workers had fixed the wiring so Team Flare won't be stealing ay power, they rewarded Ash with a TM for Flame Charge; it went well with Ash's collection which included one for Power-Up Punch from Shalour City and one for Grass Knot from Coumarine City. The other TMs were for sale in the markets but they were very expensive.
But with that out of the way, Ash and Serena can challenge the Lumiose City Gym. Now with the power back on. But there was just this one last thing in the way.
XXXXX
And while all this was happening, a couple pairs of eyes looked at Professor Sycamore's lab. And they were looking at a certain Pokémon inside, a Garchomp, which is the final evolution of the Pokémon Gible from Route 13.
Garchomp is a bipedal, draconian Pokémon that is primarily dark blue in color. It has red on its underbelly from the lower jaw to the middle of the abdomen, including the undersides of its arms. A patch of gold comes to a point below the red on its belly, and a golden star shape adorns the tip of its snout. Garchomp has horn-like appendages that resemble a jet or plane's engines, giving it an appearance similar to a hammerhead shark. Its large mouth features razor-sharp teeth. The feet have three white talons, and each arm has a single large, white claw for a hand. Curved fins sprout from the arms, creating wings that allow Garchomp to fly. It also has a large dorsal fin and another on its tail that resembles a shark tailfin. The male's dorsal fin has a notch on it. Pairs of small, white spikes protrude from its upper arms and legs, and there are gill-like slits on the sides of the neck. The eyes are intense, with black scleras and gold-colored irises.
According to the Pokédex, Garchomp can fly at an incredible speed—helped by the fine scales on its body that reduce drag—to catch its prey. Garchomp are cave-dwellers, and are seldom seen in the wild.
"If our resources tell us that Garchomp can evolve then we need this one for our cause." One of the Team Flare grunts whispered to the other, holding the binoculars, who nodded. Things are going to get a little messy in Lumiose City soon.
"Here we are." Ash said with a smile, the type of returning to a familiar place after a long trip away. "Lumiose City, it never looked so good. Not since out first meeting in years." Ash said and turned to Serena who didn't even tried to hide her blush. Not after remembering how romantic Ash turned out to be, especially for a ten year old.
"Well let's check in with the Pokémon Center and then we will go for my next gym battle." Ash then said and Serena looked a little confused.
"Why? Didn't you say to Professor Sycamore that you will visit him and those three Kanto starter Pokémon the next time you arrive here?" Serena asked like it was a sudden change of plans, a slight procrastination instead of Ash changing his mind on the deal.
"I know." Ash said. "But who says that I am in a hurry to try for Gym badges? I have time to make for them after I challenge the Lumiose City Gym. It will help my team relax since they were piling in for this gym battle." Ash explained and while Serena sighed at how Ash should learn to take his word more seriously; but she then giggled at how thoughtful Ash always shown for Pokémon alike, both in and not in his team.
"Whatever Ash." Serena said with playful indifference. "Let's go." Ash then made her lose that expression when he held out his hand with an inviting intention. She gleefully took it and followed Ash to the Pokémon Center. Both trainers needed the treatment for their teams after their encounter with Team Flare.
It seemed that it was true about Team Flare cutting the north side of Lumiose City with a blackout they made by stopping any more power from reaching the Lumiose Tower. And since Team Flare had to flee the Power Plant, the energy flow was restored and the blackout ended. This was all Ash and Serena had heard in the Pokémon Center while waiting for their Pokémon to be healed.
Ash also took the time to decide what Pokémon he will use. Pikachu was an easy choice, out of experience and that Ash trusted Pikachu more than any other Pokémon. He noticed that his Ferroseed could use the experience as she is just about ready to evolve. The same can be said for Frogadier and with her Protean Ability, she should be just fine against Clemont. Lucario needs some more experience and some practice with Bone Rush can make that Ground type move a useful asset in an Electric type gym. Lapras is a wildcard and a risky addition but also the only Ice type Pokémon Ash has gotten; it just this gut feeling saying that Ash should include her anyways. And finally, Gogoat can be good coverage.
After a couple more hours of training, it was time to go to the tower. Of course, they weren't the first two at the entrance into the tower. "Is okay yet Clemont!?" That, without a doubt, the sound of a child yelling out complaints.
"Yes Bonnie. Like I said for the last ten times. The tower's systems just need to finish warming up before I can turn on the lights." That boy, called 'Clemont' by the little girl, looked barely any different from her. But what stood out, even more than his painfully tacky jumpsuit was the glasses on his face and the backpack he was wearing. Those glasses made him look like a computer nerd and the backpack looked like it was just filled with stuff.
"Excuse me." Ash spoke up and got both their attention. "Is there a problem? I wish to challenge this gym." Clemont then bowed in apology.
"This is no trouble, my good sir. I am just awaiting my tower to receive all the power it needs to get back into business. It shouldn't take too long and you will be able to challenge me." Clemont explained and Ash raised his eyebrow.
"Let me get this straight: this tower belongs to you instead of the city and I should challenge you? Are the gym leader?" Ash asked and Clemont nodded. But then Bonnie appeared in the middle of the two trainers.
"Well this is my brother's tower because he designed and built it! And yes, my big brother is the Gym Leader. Not that you will win against him." Bonnie was very confident in Clemont's skills. Ash and Serena just raised their eyebrows, not even amused that a little kid is acting like the former just lost against Clemont.
"BONNIE!" The little girl cringed. "I told you to stop with that nonsense. Me losing or winning, none of that is going to shut down the gym. It is your behavior and how you treat challengers!" Clemont scolded his sister who just muttered out an apology. "Anyways, you don't have to wait any longer. Behold."
Clemont pointed up the tower and, despite the sun shining down, Ash and Serena saw the tower lit up with every window no longer dark. It was like watching a Christmas tree with its lights and decorations finally alit. "Now I am going on ahead to prepare the gym. Bonnie, you explain to the trainer about the gym and behave for once!"
Bonnie rolled her little eyes at her brother calling her immature when he is the one yelling out in public with such an example of poor attire. "Come on. My brother works fast so we can take our time." Ash and Serena looked at each other and shrugged while chuckling at the duo that seemed to be brother and sister.
The first floor just had the floor entrances and exits for all of the four directions. Then there was the giant elevator in the center. Bonnie explained, before using the elevator for herself, that the Lumiose Tower functions as a gym as each floor had three trainers in front of three doors. Only one of those doors leads to the next floor and in order to try for that door, the trainer must successfully solve a pop quiz about a Pokémon with only the silhouette as a hint.
On the second floor, there was a Dedenne like on Route 11 and a Pachirisu like on Route 12. And then there was the third Pokémon that they didn't recognize.
{Stunflisk, the Trap Pokémon. Its skin is very hard, so it is unhurt even if stepped on by sumo wrestlers. It smiles when transmitting electricity.}
On the third floor, there was this Pokémon that both Ash and Pikachu couldn't stand for reason no one else had a clue about.
{Raichu, the Mouse Pokémon and the evolved form of Pikachu. Raichu's tail functions as a ground and releases electricity into the surface, which keeps it from shocking itself.}
{Magneton, the Magnet Pokémon. A link cluster formed of several Magnemite. It discharges powerful magnetic waves at high voltage.}
{Manectric, the Discharge Pokémon. Manectric collects electricity from the air, creating a thundercloud above its head. Its mane gives off a strong electric current.}
On the fourth floor,
{Lanturn, the Light Pokémon. Lanturn's antennae light is strong enough to penetrate the ocean and any seam of the water's surface.}
{Electrode, the Ball Pokémon. It explodes in response to even minor stimuli. It is feared, with the nickname of "The Bomb Ball."}
{Ampharos, the Light Pokémon and the final evolved form of Mareep. Because Ampharos' light can be seen from a great distance, people once used that light to communicate by sending signals back and forth.}
And finally on the fifth floor, there were no new Pokémon; only Plusle, Minun and Pikachu used. They weren't much a challenge but Ash helped his team recover some energy they need before they reached the final floor.
On that floor, there was no more doors with trainers in front to challenge. Instead, there was Bonnie and Clemont directly ahead. That meant only one thing, Ash and his team had only one trainer left to face: the Gym Leader himself.
"Welcome Ash!" Bonnie came up and in front of her brother. "You have proven to be capable of facing my brother but I can't count on you winning! Clemont's very strong as a Gym Leader!"
"Bonnie!" Clemont scolded his sister on how it was bad for the Gym to give the impression to visiting challengers that they lost the match before it even begun. Then the word can spread which can led to no more challengers and the Gym will have to shut down. "Regardless, don't take me for granted as I will fight to win! And all else I can do is count on you to do the same!"
Ash just smirked. "Bring it on." That stern expression never left Ash's face, even after robotic appendages came from inside Clemont's backpack. Of which includes an arm and hand that is based on an Aipom, holding a Pokéball, and another connected to a satellite dish with the resemblance to a Pokémon with lizard-like gills.
XXXXX
"Let's begin. Emolga, glide with sparkle!" Clemont's robotic arm threw out that same Pokéball and revealed the Sky Squirrel Pokémon that are wild on Route 10. Ash smirked, his instincts around the rumors about the Gym were right. They were about how Clemont starts with a Pokémon is 'immune to Ground attacks' and 'has an advantage over Grass types'. That could only be an Electric & Flying Pokémon; Zapdos was too farfetched and that was Ash's only other choice.
"A Flying type…" Ash muttered. "So they were right on the money." Ash had been getting Intel from trainers that have challenged Clemont. All they could share was that Clemont always started his gym matches with an Electric Pokémon that 'is immune to Ground type moves' and has a 'certain advantage over Grass types'. "Lapras, I choose you!"
Clemont raised an eyebrow that Ash will choose a Water type Pokémon for his first one sent out. "Ice Shard!" Lapras coughed up actual shards of ice that moved too fast for Clemont to respond and they hit Emolga with super-effective damage. "Ice Beam!" Lapras took the chance to try and land some more damage.
"Double Team!" Emolga was able to evade that Ice Beam with a burst of speed at the last minute. "Use Thunderbolt!"
"Counter with you own!" Ash commanded as soon as Clemont made his. And both Pokémon unleashed a bolt of lightning that, remarkably, canceled out. "Now use Blizzard on all the copies!" Lapras was quick to work and stirred up a complete snow storm that actually destroyed all the copies at once, and hitting the real Emolga with more power than the Ice Shard did.
"Use Light Screen!" Clemont shouted and Emolga was able to take in that Blizzard attack with Light Screen numbing half the power of the attack. "Now use Thunder Wave!"
"Safeguard!" Ash was as quick to act as Emolga was, so Lapras had a few seconds to surround herself in a protective field that didn't allow any status aliments in, such as the effects of Thunder Wave. "Now use Rain Dance and then Ice Beam."
"Double Team again!" Clemont shouted as soon as he heard Ash call for another super-effective move. And when Emolga generated multiple after images of itself, both Gym Leader and his Pokémon noticed that their opposing counterparts were actually smirking. Like they expected this and had a plan to attack! "Hurry and use Thunder!"
"Go!" Ash called out and Lapras saw which copy was the real one, with the help of the rain landing on only the real Emolga, right before sending the Ice Beam into the cloud above. And the rain turned to snow and then to hail, and yet there was no Thunder attack! "Don't forget: thunder and lightning are caused by warm currents interacting with the static in the air and the clouds, making favorable changes in temperature to cause storms. But not when the conditions are not favorable, and lightning dies before it could descend."
Clemont gritted his teeth at the truth in those words. It was bad enough that now it was hailing, making it dangerous for Emolga and that now Thunder can't work well enough in hail but now, Ash can just finish it right here. But Emolga has one way out,
"Volt Switch!" Ash and Lapras were both taken by surprise at Clemont's next move. Emolga then charged at Lapras with the speed of a thunderbolt, landing super effective damage on the Transport Pokémon but then went into reverse, right into the Pokéball in Clemont's robotic hand.
"Very good Ash. Sorry about the Volt Switch, it is necessary to keep the stakes high, to make this a little more interesting." Ash just shrugged his shoulder to say 'whatever'; he needed to read more on the many moves that he never heard before, including this one. "Now Magneton, stay strong and shine with sparks!" Clemont then showed off a Pokémon that Ash and his team had encounter on the way up the tower.
Magneton is the result of three Magnemite being linked together by a strong magnetic force, although a single Magnemite can evolve by itself when no other Magnemite are in the vicinity. The three Magnemite that Magneton consists of can be linked several ways. Magneton is most commonly seen as one Magnemite on top, and two Magnemite linked via body on the bottom, forming a triangle. However, in some cases, the Magnemite will not be connected at all, remaining in a triangular formation at rest, and being able to freely move within each other's vicinity to form other patterns. The magnetic forces that holds the three Magnemite together is powerful enough to dry up all moisture and raise the temperature 3.6 °F in the vicinity. It can also be disruptive to electronic devices.
Even though Magneton is a mechanical creature, it still has the need to eat. As seen in the research field, food for Magneton consists of electrical currents. It is usually found in rough terrain, often near power plants. When sunspots flare up, Magneton tends to appear more often, presumably due to the changes in the sun's magnetic field. It has been shown that it possesses the ability to form its electricity into both platforms and barriers. Despite its modern, artificial appearance, carvings depicting Magneton have been discovered at the Ruins of Alph, back in another region, indicating it has existed for at least 1,500 years.
"Now Lapras is truly without an advantage." Ash muttered to himself, 'But there is still that one move Lapras can use against an Electric and Steel Pokémon.' Ash had to keep this to himself, not to sell his Pokémon out. "Okay Lapras, time to get risky. Use Drill Run!" Lapras nodded and charged, spinning like a drill with its horn acting as the focus point.
As the Drill Run hit, Magneton suddenly lifted out of the way while being covered in a yellow glow; that ground type move merely brushed against the Magnet Pokémon! "Nice example of a secret weapon Ash. Now that Magneton is using Magnet Rise and is now immune to Ground type moves, Zap Cannon!"
"Lapras!" Ash called out and saw his Transport Pokémon being knocked out by that very powerful Electric type move. "Return." Ash solemnly sent back Lapras, who didn't even knock one of Clemont's Pokémon. "Thanks you." Ash muttered before taking out another Pokéball. "Now Lucario! Go!"
"We will make the first move this time. Use Metal Sound!" Clemont commanded and Magneton rubbed against itself to generate a loud and irritating noise that rattled Lucario's ears. "Now use Flash Cannon!"
"Brace!" That was what Ash could think off and Lucario had tightened its stance to try and block out the most of the Flash Cannon. When it was over, "Use your own Metal Sound!"
"Trying to use our tactics against us? Use Thunderbolt!"
"Now, Me First!" Ash suddenly commanded, cutting off Clemont's train of thought. Lucario appeared with a palm open, and a strange orb emerged from Magneton. Once Lucario took it, out came a Thunderbolt that startled the Magnet Pokémon for a moment or two. "Power-Up Punch!"
Lucario then emerged in front of Magneton with a glowing fist. Upon hitting the Magnet Pokémon, Lucario's body surged with enhanced strength. "Now use Sword Dance." Lucario then took a stance and further increased his attacking power.
"Hurry, use Rain Dance and then Thunder!"
"Quick Attack with Power-Up Punch!"
Magneton was able to conjure up another rain storm after the hail had passed when Lapras was knocked out; the excitement had made everyone almost ignorant of it. Meanwhile, Lucario got another hit in and used the pure speed of Quick Attack for the enhancing effects of Power-Up Punch.
Of course, Lucario had to feel the Thunder attack as that powerful move has a little to no chance of missing during a rainstorm. "Now use Bone Rush!" Ash called out and it sounded like a madman's choice. But Lucario chose to trust in Ash and was surprised to see that Magneton was not able to evade that ground type move yet. "Had to keep you busy until Magnet Rise wore off, Clemont."
Clemont just smirked. "It is an all or nothing situation Ash! Thunder!"
"Aura Sphere!" Ash agreed and placed everything into this last showdown between both Steel type Pokémon.
In the end, "Magneton!" The Aura Sphere landed first and the Thunder attack was never initiated. Finally, Ash had defeated one of Clemont's Pokémon.
"Things are only getting heated up Ash!" Clemont said after returning his Magneton and his robotic hand switched it with another Pokéball. "This one I usually send out against regular trainers as a trump card. But if you can prove to win, I will show a real ace-in-the-hole." Clemont smirked and Ash never lost his composure. "Now come and show us the sun, Heliolisk!"
Ash thought that this name sounded familiar to one that he encountered on the way to the Glittering Caverns. He hurried for his Pokédex and scanned this new Pokémon.
{Heliolisk, the Generator Pokémon and the evolved form of Helioptile. Heliolisk produces enough electricity to power a large building and recharges by spreading its frills.}
Heliolisk is a yellow lizard-like Pokémon. Compared to its pre-evolution, Heliolisk's tail now has an orange stripe in addition to the black tip; there are also orange bands with a zigzag pattern on Heliolisk's hind legs. Heliolisk's head is completely black except for its yellow lower-jaw. It also has two points over its eyes, which contain blue irises. The two frills that this Pokémon had on the sides of its head as a Helioptile are replaced by an orange frilled collar around its neck.
A single Heliolisk can generate sufficient electricity to power a skyscraper, simply by flaring open their frills. Heliolisk can use this electric energy to stimulate its muscles, boosting the strength in its legs and therefore enabling it to run 100 yards in five seconds, or 20 yards per second. It and its pre-evolution, Helioptile are the only known Pokémon capable of learning Electrify, which can change an opposing Pokémon's next move to become an electric one, regardless of what type it was originally.
"Fine then, return Lucario." Ash then surprised Clemont by switch out his fighting type. Most trainers will try to go for the super-effective hit that is backed up by the STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus). "Now go, Frogadier!"
"Another water type?" Clemont just couldn't understand Ash anymore during this gym battle. "Let's start with Quick Attack!"
"In that case, Quick Attack too!" Frogadier and its evolution line are the fastest of water starter types in their stage of evolution. That was how Frogadier's Quick Attack outpaced Heliolisk's. "Now Rock Slide!" Frogadier cried out for a shower of rock rumble to appear out of nowhere and crowd Heliolisk.
"Quick Attack!" Clemont wanted to see just what is about this Frogadier that Ash is so confident that he will win. When that Quick Attack barely even scratched Frogadier, it was clear to Clemont. 'Protean! Ash sure is a lucky trainer to have such a useful ability that is very rare indeed.' "Grass Knot!" Clemont then remembered that Protean is more than switching typing for STAB backing up every move, but to actually switch weaknesses as well.
"Got on so soon? Power-Up Punch!" Ash called out and Frogadier moved fast enough to evade the grass stems at her feet, hoping to trip her and do super effective damage. Instead, it was the Bubble Frog herself that dealt the deadly hit. "Now use Dig!"
Deciding that now Heliolisk is going for a STAB move since going for the super-effective hit has become redundant and a waste of time, Frogadier went for the enhanced damaging hit herself. "When it appears, use Grass…!" Clemont tried to call for a Grass type move when Frogadier appeared only a moment after she disappeared.
"Don't look at me like that, your fifth gym battle is just the earliest you start to use items on hand for the combat. Everyone is expecting you to try for the international competitive battling." Ash remarked. "Power-Up Punch!"
"Thunder Punch!"
Both trainers shouted out pretty much at once and so was their Pokémon, meeting each other with fists at the other, hoping to get an edge and make it through. And while they both struggled, Frogadier was feeling it the worse. Thunder Punch as a ten percent chance of paralyzing the target if it lands and makes contact with the opposing Pokémon. All Power-Up Punch does is increase the user's attack power once it deals damage, no expectation.
But despite the pain from the Thunder Punch, almost paralyzing her, Frogadier was going to pull through for her trainer. And when she roared from it all, she started to glow.
"She's evolving!" Ash raced for his Pokédex.
{Greninja, the Ninja Pokémon, and the final evolved form of Froakie. Greninja can compress water into sharp-edged throwing stars. With the grace of a ninja, it slips in and out of sight to attack from the shadows.}
Greninja is a large, bipedal, frog-like Pokémon. Its body and legs are dark blue, with single large white bubbles on its legs and arms and white spots over its eyes. On the sides of each of its upper thighs is a light blue, four-pointed star, which resembles a shuriken. Its back feet have two toes, while its front feet have three toes. Its feet are webbed, and it has a yellow chest and a yellow-and-blue face. It has eyes with white sclera, red irises, and white pupils. A large, projecting dark blue stripe runs down the middle of its head, with projecting light blue stripes in between its large, yellow ears. Its mouth is hidden behind a large, pink tongue that wraps around Greninja's neck and extends outward behind its head.
Greninja moves with the speed and grace of a ninja, using swift movements to confuse its enemies while it slices them up with throwing stars made of compressed water; these throwing stars are sharp enough to split metal. Greninja is the only known Pokémon capable of learning Mat Block.
And before Ash could give a command, Greninja got into a stiff stance and forged two blades of a dark-purple energy. Then she moved, faster than ever, and sliced at Heliolisk with both blades. That Night Slash, a dark type move that matches Greninja, a Water and Dark type Pokémon!
"Nice!" Ash commented his newly evolved Pokémon who was grateful that she can hide her blush under her tongue scarf. "Now it is time to end this!" Clemont silently nodded and reached out to his Heliolisk.
"Focus Blast!"
"Mat Block!"
Once Heliolisk sent out that large orb of Fighting type energy, Greninja dug into the ground and flipped the Focus Blast off course. "Now Night Slash!"
With pleasure written over her face, Greninja charged and sliced at Heliolisk once again with blades made of Dark type energy. And this time, the Generator Pokémon couldn't stand up anymore and fell.
Clemont sighed as he returned his Heliolisk. "Now that I have only two Pokémon left, I won't be switching out. I need to save the best for last." Clemont said, with Ash somehow recognizing whose Pokéball was now about to be sent out.
"That is fine. No more of the Volt Switch." Ash echoed and Clemont nodded.
"Emolga, welcome back!" Out came the Ele-Squirrel came out, looking as ragged as before.
"Okay then Greninja, time to take a break. We will train after the rest of the battle." Ash said, returning his newly evolved, Kalos starter Pokémon. "Now come on out, Ferroseed!" And out came the small and slow Thorn Seed Pokémon.
"Aerial Ace!" Clemont shouted and Emolga got an easy hit since Flying type moves do neutral damage to a Pokémon like Ferroseed. Of course, he should have considered that Ferroseed's only ability is known as Iron Barbs.
"You should be careful since I have gotten a very useful tool for Ferroseed, don't you see it?" Ash asked and Clemont did see it. A Rocky Helmet, which can cause contact damage to the attacking, opposing Pokémon. But it can also be combined with Iron Barbs for some extra damage. "Now Ferroseed, use Curse!" Ferroseed had done it and increased her attack and defensive power but reduced what little speed she had. "Now use Rollout!"
"Double Team!" Clemont now saw why Ash chose a Pokémon like Ferroseed for Emolga. And Ferroseed did miss during her initial Rollout but,
"Keep rolling and gain some momentum!" Ferroseed might be slow but she is still like a seed and one that is as big as a basketball. And she rolled around the field and walls just like a basketball that happened to have spikes to puncture and attach to walls. Thankfully, the damage is kept to a minimum so the repair bill is not terribly expensive.
"Try to stop Ferroseed with Thunder Shock!" Clemont commanded but soon wished that he thought of this sooner. Because the Thunder Shock didn't even slow Ferroseed down until the Thorn Seed Pokémon had went through each of the afterimages of Emolga, ending with the last one. "Emolga!" Clemont cried out in fear as Emolga was on its last legs, or feathers in this case and who knows how much longer this Pokémon could last; from that Rollout, it wasn't long at all.
But something else happened, Ferroseed had stabled herself from rolling around for a several minutes, hunting down the real Emolga among the multiple copies. But once Ferroseed stuck into the field and see that she had succeed, she beamed with joy and then glowed as blue as Ash's Frogadier just moments ago.
Once Ferroseed had stopped glowing, Ash saw something else entirely and couldn't be prouder. Scanning this newly evolved Pokémon showed,
{Ferrothorn, the Thorn Pod Pokémon and the evolved form of Ferroseed. They attach themselves to cave ceilings, firing steel spikes at targets passing beneath them.}
Ferrothorn is a Pokémon resembling a flattened durian. Its metallic body is covered in thorns, with three black stripes circling its width, the middle stripe having triangular decorations below the eyes of Ferrothorn. Its eyes have green rims, yellow scleras, and dark pupils. There is a green spike at the top of its body, and extending around it are vine-like, long green appendages tipped with spiky metal disks. It can use these appendages to either cling to ceilings of its cave or walk around. When hanging, it can attack its prey underneath by shooting spikes.
But then both Ash and Ferrothorn heard something. They then saw Clemont shaking, even while returning Emolga back into its Pokéball.
"Ash…" Clemont looked like he was going to cry. "You really are the best trainer I have ever seen in the few years I was Gym Leader. Now I can finally cut lose and show you my very first Pokémon, one with the ability to Mega Evolve!" Clemont's robotic appendage acted like it was a frighten lackey, hurrying to obey a grumpy lord. And when it reached down to the bottom of Clemont's backpack, it acted like there was something attached and the arm released it to be another Pokéball.
But this wasn't just another electric Pokémon. This was Clemont's ace-in-the-hole he was speaking of. "Shine us way the way to a true battle, Ampharos!" Ash had already scanned an Ampharos from the trainers leading up to the top of Lumiose Tower. But he had to notice that this Ampharos looked much older and much more trained and experience; like comparing a veteran to a greenhorn.
"Go, Gogoat!" Ash now decided to go for his backup Pokémon. A grass type can a good one if against a wild Electric Pokémon but Clemont is a Gym Leader. It might even be risky to use a Grass type. "Bulldoze!"
"Cotton Guard!" Ampharos got to work and was able to cover itself with pieces of cotton to soften the super-effective Bulldoze attack. "Now Confuse Ray!" Ampharos used the light at the end of its tail to try and blind and confuse Gogoat. But nothing happened to Gogoat.
"I guess that I underestimate my own Pokémon Clemont, I was getting a little worried about how long Lapras's Safeguard." Clemont growled at such a foolish move. "Now use Grass Knot!"
"Ampharos, dodge it!" Clemont knew for a fact that Ampharos is one of several Pokémon that can actually a good hit from a move like Grass Knot. But while his Ampharos did dodge the first attempt, Gogoat still got the Light Pokémon's leg and successfully caused Ampharos to trip.
"And since Cotton Guard drastically increases the user's defense, we are forgetting about going physical. Energy Ball!" Ash commanded and Gogoat sent out an orb of grass type energy at Ampharos. Cotton Guard made no difference to a move like Energy Ball.
"Fine!" Clemont snapped at this humiliation. "Sunny Day!" Ash was wondering why would Clemont call for such a move, the effects of Sunny Day didn't seem to benefit an electric Pokémon like Ampharos in anyway. But nothing like taking tide while it is still in, on the beach.
"Solar Beam!" Gogoat used the enhanced sunlight to cut the time needed for the powerful Solar Beam by half. And Gogoat fired that Solar Beam after only a moment or two. "Now Growth!" Under normal conditions, the move Growth will only increase the user's attack and special attack power. But under the effects of Sunny Day, the effects are now doubled. And Gogoat looks stronger than before.
"I see that you are an opportunist Ash, better hope it is just for battling. I have seen this elsewhere and leaves hearts broken." Clemont made that off-handed comment but Ash kept that in mind; he could just picture himself trying to see if the grass is greener on the other side of the fence when it came to his relationship with Serena. "Now use Fire Punch!"
And Gogoat felt the pain from that Fire Punch which caused both Pokémon and trainer to realize why Clemont called for a Sunny Day. To make up for the lack of STAB behind Fire Punch. "Nice tactic Clemont, now Gogoat use Synthesis." Ampharos backed off as Gogoat glowed with greenish energy and actually got up from that enhanced Fire Punch that should be a sure-kill. "We still can use Sunny Day in our own way. Use Growth again."
"Another Fire Punch!"
Ampharos hurried to land another enhanced Fire Punch but as Gogoat was growing with the help of the Sunny Day, the Light Pokémon suddenly felt intimidated; it was like staring a demon in the eyes. "Repel with Seed Bomb!"
Clemont gasped, using Growth twice while under Sunny Day had actually made the Cotton Guard used moments ago to be useless. Now Gogoat's is the one with the enhancement greater than Ampharos. "Use Signal Beam!" Now this is a move that even Growth can't prepare Gogoat for.
And while this move didn't receive any enhancements or STAB, it dealt a lot of damage to Gogoat. "Use your new Horn Leech!" Clemont now has really underestimated Gogoat, seeing that the Mount Pokémon charged for some physical damage and recovering some lost health from the Signal Beam and for the amount that Synthesis didn't heal. "One more Solar Beam!"
Ash did see that the Sunny Day effect was fading and wanted Gogoat to make the last moments count. And Gogoat felt it too, giving it every behind that swift Solar Beam. And while that one was as powerful as before, Ampharos was still standing.
In fact, the Light Pokémon looked at Clemont with eyes that said, 'It's now or never'. "I know." Clemont said, reading those eyes perfectly before turning to Ash. "Trainer, it is now time to stop holding back. We are unlocking my Ampharos's potential."
Out from Clemont's backpack came another arm but one that was attached to some kind of modern lantern. And at the top was a shine that Ash recognized, it was a Keystone! And then he saw Ampharos reach for the three black stipes on its neck, turning one around to show a Mega Stone! What a good place to hide one!
"Keystone, listen to our plea and let the world shine with Ampharos's real power! Mega Evolve!" Clemont chanted out and Ash and Gogoat saw the Mega Evolution process between trainer and Pokémon.
Ash decided to do like with every gym battle before, scan this Pokémon in its new form.
{This Pokémon is now in its Mega Evolution form. As Mega Ampharos, this Pokémon is now an Electric and Dragon type. Its ability is now Mold Breaker, allowing it to use certain moves while degrading the effects of the abilities belonging to the opposing Pokémon.
Now as Mega Ampharos, its toes turn black and it grows white wool at the back of its head and over its tail. Its long wooly tail has many small, red orbs attached to it. Its conical ears retain their stripes, but are now segmented with swirled tips. When it increases the amount of electrical energy within itself, the red orbs on its body and wool emit a strong light.
"Mold Breaker…" Ash muttered. "Meaning like using a Ground type move on a Pokémon with Levitate. Or using Thunder Wave on a Pokémon with Limber."
"Exactly Ash!" Clemont spoke with excitement and respect for Ash's extensive knowledge of Pokémon lore. Just how does all that fit into the brain of a ten-year old, one that is only as half as a fully mature adult's. "Now use Fire Punch!"
"Gogoat." Ash simply said to his Mount Pokémon. "Leave a good mark. Double-Edge!" Gogoat nodded and charged with great power in his stead. And he was able to land the powerful hit on the Mega Evolved Ampharos, with the usual recoil damage of course. But like both trainer and Pokémon predicted, this tactic had left Gogoat open to receive the Fire Punch. Gogoat couldn't recover from that super-effective hit this time; he fell right on the spot.
"Gogoat, return." Ash instead recovered his Pokémon back into his Pokéball. "Thank you. Okay then, Pikachu. It is your turn, at last." The little mouse-like Pokémon couldn't agree more. It was starting to itch from witnessing all this action and not be part of it. "First use Quick Attack!"
Pikachu charged for the Mega Ampharos, with unmatched speed. "Now back off and use Double Team!"
"Discharge!" Clemont called out and Mega Ampharos released a wide-spread surge of electricity, taking inspiration from Ash's earlier tactics. But it seemed that, even with electric attack covering most of the field space, it was like trying to hit a ghost. The electric spikes just went through the various copies, more being made as one is destroyed.
"Try to find Pikachu before his next move. Focus Punch!" Ash dared Clemont and it helped the former that all the copies mimicked the charging stance for Focus Punch. Even the show of energy from that stance was somehow shared among the copies. Clemont didn't know what to do.
"Cotton Guard!" Instead of going for the offense, Clemont tried to prepare his Mega Ampharos for the Focus Punch attack. But it was too late when the various copies of Pikachu came in and landed their tiny paws filled with power on various points on Mega Ampharos's body; and the Mega Evolved Light Pokémon felt every single one of them. "Shock Wave!"
Now this move can't miss and instead, it surged through all the copies Pikachu made within a single second. Too fast for even Ash's Pikachu to try and avoid, it was no use to try. And the Mouse Pokémon felt that Shock Wave perfectly.
"Nice trick Ash. I might have to chronicle it but for now, Dragon Pulse!" Clemont remarked and called out for Mega Ampharos to let out a powerful stream of dragon type energy at Pikachu, who was still recovering from that Shock Wave destroying all his after images. And being a pure electric type had not prepared Pikachu for this Dragon Pulse that was more powerful since Mega Ampharos is part Dragon type. "Now here is a good move, Outrage!"
Ampharos know looked like a dragon awoken from its sleep prematurely, and Pikachu looked soulless in his eyes that filled with fear. "Pikachu…!" The Mouse Pokémon heard Ash call and braced for an attack only to hear, "Try the Volt Switch." Pikachu had gasped and realized that he should have given more focus on the match since Volt Switch is a move that is right up his alley.
Using trained reflexes and speed to move from the Outrage attack was just getting stronger, Pikachu took what little time he had to try and figure out the Volt Switch that Emolga once used. And, when Mega Ampharos was about to show what little focus in its Outrage attack, Pikachu took it by surprised by sending a surge of electricity at it. Then Pikachu rushed to Ash's shoulder; he still hated to be sent back into that 'accursed ball'. Pikachu hated on how cramped it was in there.
"Thanks for the show and now, here comes my only good fighter. Go, Ferrothorn!" Ash called out and the Thorn Pod Pokémon had returned to take that Outrage attack like a pebble in the wind. Somehow, Mega Ampharos was able to avoid getting confused like what Outrage was supposed to cause.
But also when Ferrothorn did come out, he shook like he saw a ghost. And its glance was sharper than possible. Clemont noticed this and smirked. "You really are a lucky trainer Ash. That Ferrothorn has Anticipation. It can sense if its opponent has a knock-out move or otherwise, a super-effective move in hand."
'So that was what got Ferrothorn all shaken up before my gut told me to return him.' "Thank you for making that clear to me Clemont. Now I can't extend the battling time anymore." Ash spoke true. Ferrothorn is the only Pokémon remaining conscious that can still battle, everyone else were too tired to go on.
"Whatever Ash. All's fair in love and Pokémon battling. Fire Punch!" Clemont called out and Mega Ampharos charged and jumped into the air with its fist covered in flames, a sure kill for a Pokémon like Ferrothorn.
"Ferrothorn…" Ash then said in a forlorn tone, one that sounded like he was going to do something that he will later regret. "Self-Destruct." That was short and cold but Ferrothorn just nodded before glowing brightly. But not at all like the light from her evolution, but from power building up.
"Ampharos look out!" Clemont shouted out but knew as well as his Light Pokémon that it was impossible to change direction or even halt in midair. "Use Cotton Guard!" Clemont called to his Pokémon who tried to pull in that energy building up in the Fire Punch to try and surround his body with literal plant cotton. And contrary to popular belief, Self-Destruct is a physical move and its power is affected by Cotton Guard.
But, "Mirror Shot!" Clemont gasped as multiple beams of green energy emerged from Ferrothorn's glowing body and literally sliced through Ampharos's Cotton Guard. That surprise tactic had not only shocked Clemont but also Ampharos, thus fully canceling out the Cotton Guard. Now there is nothing protecting the Mega-Evolved Light Pokémon from Ferrothorn's Self-Destruct.
"Ampharos!" Clemont cried out to no avail as explosive force of Ferrothorn's Self-Destruct had hit the Light Pokémon head on. And if that was bad enough, Ampharos also landed hard into the ceiling and the same can be said for the ground fall. Once the smoke was cleared, Ampharos was shown to be knocked out, just before Ferrothorn wobbled and also collapsed, from the events of the Self-Destruct.
"W-well…." Bonnie didn't know what to say until she had found her voice after a few moments. "Both Pokémon are done! And since Gym Leader (and big brother) Clemont is without available Pokémon, Ash Ketchum wins!" Bonnie announced, clear as day.
The Lumiose City Gym Badge was shaped like a shield with bolts shooting out of it. No doubt to symbolize Clemont's style, expertize and theme of Electric Pokémon in his team. Ash just accepted it and placed the badge into his badge case.
But just as Ash was going to the tower's base, to meet up with Serena, the elevator came before the trainer can even push the down button. And out came was his companion and 'girlfriend' herself. "ASH!"
"Calm down." Ash went for the shoulders and Serena was able to settle down. She was a complete wreck, shaking like a leaf in the wind and her eyes showed great fear. "Now what's going on?"
"It's Team Flare! They sent out a Garchomp out to destroy the city!" As soon as Serena said those words, the very tower shook violently. It felt worse than an earthquake and roars could be heard outside the windows of the Lumiose Tower.
XXXXX
Outside, Ash rushed to see that there was a clear trail of chaos and people running around while shouting something about 'a Garchomp going on a rampage'. Ash was going to see Professor Sycamore; that Garchomp has got to be his. No one else local to Lumiose City owns a Garchomp. But then Ash noticed a small group suspicious people, in familiar red outfits.
"Well Pikachu?" Ash turned to his exhausted but conscious partner who was able to smell the air around those people before they turned around a corner. Pikachu couldn't fight the urge to shiver and arch his spine like a cat's. And that was enough for Ash to realize what happened. "We got to hurry."
Later,
"That takes care of that." Ash said with a victorious smirk, seeing to it that the Team Flare grunts will not cause any more trouble. They won't even dare since they were bound in a single binding rope; of course, there was swelling and bumps on their faces for good measure.
Apparently, Team Flare was trying to capture Garchomp by using a prototype collar. One that was designed to steal Pokémon by enslaving the will of them to the users. And just when Ash thought thieves couldn't more despicable and stealing Pokémon couldn't be get any worse.
But while a couple of police officers did escort the grunts away, Garchomp was still on a wild outburst and rampage. Ash and Pikachu hurried to find Serena and the professor. And the duo found both back at the Lumiose Tower. "Ash! Garchomp is up there!" Serena pointed to the very top of the tower, its roof.
"Professor, why is Garchomp there? Wasn't she rampaging randomly!?" Ash turned to Sycamore after seeing where Garchomp is.
"I guess that her subconscious is struggling against that collar. And decided that the best place to do it is where no human can reach." Sycamore gave his best answered. But as soon as he said all that,
"Your Garchomp doesn't know about the Lumiose Tower Professor." Clemont and Bonnie appeared. "We have fully evacuated the Tower and since I built it, I know a way to the roof!"
"Where?" Ash shouted and Clemont simply motioned his hand in a way to say 'this way'. Ash and Serena hurried to follow Clemont and Bonnie while Sycamore had to stay behind to help Officer Jenny handle the crowd at the base. But not a single soul noticed Sycamore reaching under his coat and took out three Pokéballs, all the while looking into the direction of the trainers.
Ash was about to go for one of his Pokémon that wasn't as spent as his Pikachu. But he soon found out that wasn't necessary. Out of nowhere, a dozen vines appeared and grasped at Garchomp's legs, arms and mouth. 'That's Bind! I never seen it with vines thou!' Ash thought to himself. Meanwhile, holding her ankles and wrists, the remaining vines had bound Garchomp completely. Not to mention, the vines seemed to sprout seeds that slowly drained Garchomp of her energy.
What came next was a circle of fire that surrounded Garchomp but not actually harming the vines binding her. The heat was also slowly tiring her out but Garchomp then saw something in the flames and made a face that caused the tired and confused Mach Pokémon to shiver and lose some more strength. 'That's Fire Spin but why does Garchomp look like she stared a Dragonite using Scary Face?'
Then came something from the tip of the tower and held Garchomp down completely. The Mach Pokémon felt like something heavy was holding her to the roof with its arms but she couldn't move her eyes for a better look. "Alright, who is this!?" Ash couldn't keep quiet anymore and called out into the fire barrier that made it nigh impossible to see who was assaulting Garchomp.
Ash then saw that in a split second, the fire, vines had disappeared and Garchomp no longer felt being held down. But then came a large column from the roof of the Lumiose Tower, it engulfed Garchomp completely with water, leaves and fire. And when the column vanished, Garchomp wobbled and fell from her feet to her knees and finally, to the ground; she just couldn't handle anything else.
"Just what…happened?" Ash muttered, still in shock at the scene until he saw them, the ones that stopped Sycamore's Garchomp. "No way." Ash couldn't believe what he was seeing and neither did Pikachu. What sent Garchomp down to the ground was not a single one of his Pokémon, but three 'wild' Pokémon. And ones that he recognized from back in Kanto. "An Ivysaur…" He spoke, with his Pokédex opened and scanning,
{Ivysaur, the Seed Pokémon. As Ivysaur takes in nutrients, a large flower blooms from the bulb on its back.}
The Ivysaur is a quadruped Pokémon similar to a dinosaur. It has blue-green skin with darker patches. On top of its head are pointed ears with black inside, and it has narrow red eyes. It has a short, rounded snout with a wide mouth. Two pointed teeth protrude from its upper jaw. Each of its feet have three claws on them. The bulb on its back has bloomed into a large pink bud. A short brown trunk surrounded by leafy green fronds supports the bud. The weight of the plant prevents Ivysaur from standing on its hind legs and forces its legs to grow sturdy.
When its flower is ready to bloom, it gives off a distinct, strong sweet-smelling aroma and starts swelling. Ivysaur will also start spending more time in sunlight in preparation for its upcoming evolution. Exposure to sunlight adds to the strength of both Ivysaur and its plant. Ivysaur's natural habitat is plains. However, it is rare, as many are in captivity.
"A Charmeleon…"
{Charmeleon, the Flame Pokémon and the evolved form of Charmander. Charmeleon knocks down opponents with its tail, then defeats them using razor-sharp claws.}
The Charmeleon is a bipedal, reptilian creature. It has crimson scales and a cream underside. There is a horn-like protrusion on the back of its head, and it has narrow green eyes and a long snout. It has relatively long arms with three sharp claws. Its short legs have feet with three claws and cream-colored soles. The tip of its long, powerful tail has a flame burning on it. The temperature rises to unbearable levels if Charmeleon swings its tail.
A Charmeleon has a vicious nature and will constantly seek out opponents. Strong opponents excite this Pokémon, causing it to spout bluish-white flames that torch its surroundings. However, it will relax once it has won. It is rare in the wild, but it can be found in mountainous areas.
"And a Wartortle…"
{Wartortle, the Turtle Pokémon and the evolved form of Squirtle. Its furry tail is very popular as a symbol of long life.}
Wartortle is a bipedal, indigo-blue Pokémon similar to a turtle. It has brown eyes, a dark blue streak on each cheek, and two sharp teeth protruding from its upper jaw. It has three clawed fingers and pointed toes. Bluish white fur covers its long ears and tail. A brown shell with a pale yellow underside encases its body. A thick, white rim separates the upper and lower halves of the shell. As Wartortle grows old, its tail fur will darken, and it may have algae growing on its shell. The shell may also carry scars from past battles.
To maintain balance while swimming at high speeds, Wartortle moves its furry ears and tail. It can use the fur to store air for extended underwater diving. Its tail is a popular symbol of longevity, making it popular with the elderly. It hides in water when hunting and emerges to surprise its prey. It has be shown that Wartortle can be found living in colonies on islands, but its preferred habitat seems to be freshwater ponds and lakes.
Once Ash saw that the Garchomp was down and out, he noticed that the three mid-evolutions of the Kanto Starters were staring at him. It was like they know Ash and are challenging him. That meant, the raven haired trainer will have to choose his next words carefully. Should he fail, it will get messy.
So Ash narrowed his eyes on the three Pokémon, to see if he does know them. And then came something from the back of his head, he did know them! There was just this thing about these very strong Pokémon that Ash seen somewhere before. Then it became clear once Ash saw it in their eyes.
"You were there." Ash finally spoke and nothing happened. "You were there when I first arrived in Lumiose City, at the backyard of Professor Sycamore's lab. I played with you before leaving on your journey. With the promise I will visit you when I returned for my fifth Gym badge."
Ash had hoped that this was the right answer but the doubt was short lived, however, when all three Pokémon charged and tackled Ash to the ground. Not to attack him but to embrace Ash in a way a child would greet their beloved family members after a while. "You guys." Ash then whispered, petting them like they were his little cousins. "You have gotten so big and cool. I sure missed out a lot, have I?"
His answer was all of them playfully smacking at Ash's chest with their tails, safely. In fact, it only tickled the raven haired trainer. "Ha-ha-ha! I get it, I get it!" What a way to end the day and Professor Sycamore has a lot to explain.
End of Chapter 14
*I can't believe that I forgot all about this! Just like the last chapter I updated! And I say that I have been out of sync. I nearly created a plot hole when making the fight scenes and that is why I had to make a slight chance in a couple of later chapters. Hopefully, something like this won't happen again. Ciao!*
Pokémon on Hand;
Ash – Pikachu (Male), Doublade (Male), Pawniard (Male), Mawile (Female), Durant (Female), Lucario (Male), Ferrothorn (Female), Talonflame (Male), Gogoat (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), Greninja (Female) and Luvdisc (Male).
Serena – Furfrou (Male), Spritize (Male), Swirlix (Female), Audino (Female) and Luvdisc (Female).