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 Man of Art and the Sea
Previously on Ash the Iron Trainer;
"Oh, what wonderful Pokémon!" Drasna giggled at her defeat. "Oh you looked so adorable when you were so serious against my dragons! Serena is so lucky to have a trainer such as yourself being her brave knight~!" Ash didn't know if Drasna was teasing him or making a joke. "Regardless, there are only two of us left for you to face. And remember this since it is important…" Ash nodded, "If you should lose to just one of us then you will have to give up your badges and try the Pokémon League again. And, unlike the other regions that have it annually, we can only afford to open the gyms every three years."
This didn't exactly kill the confidence in Ash's soul but definitely caused doubt and anxiousness to settle in. Ash was doing just fine but will he go against Wikstrom, the real Iron Trainer of Kalos?
Ash still had two doors left to go through, the one that was as blue as the oceans and the one that had the gray-shade of freshly molten steel. But there was just this feeling about the latter that almost made Ash want to avoid it. So that is why he was approaching the blue door.
"That second door was to a trainer of Dragon types?" Serena asked all the while she keep holding Pikachu as she waited outside the chambers for Ash to have his battles. And she was worried for both times, especially with all the shaking and loud noises muffled by the doors and the corridors. "And she had her own Altaria?"
"Drasna was also a trainer that battled like a grandmother training her grandchildren. So I am sure that once this is all over, she might give you some insight on your Altaria." Ash answered, "After all, I can tell that this Altaria was well-trained. It took down two of my Steel types until a Blast Burn finished it all off. You also will love Altaria's Mega Evolved form."
"I will take your word for it and please don't take long this time?" Serena asked and then gave Ash a quick kiss on the lips. Yet the feeling stuck on and Ash tried his best not to show such a ridiculous face that his cheeks were making; not in front of Serena or Pikachu and especially not in front of the trainer located in this 'Flood Chamber'.
In the Flood Chamber, two chains connected to hollow, screw-shaped pillars reside on each side of the platform. Once entering the chamber, the chains get pulled down, while the both pillars spin upwards, soon coming to a halt. The pillars then spout out large masses of water, which also starts pouring down from the roof line, flooding the entire Chamber; but only up to Ash's ankles.
And the trainer that was at his throne was someone that surprised Ash like the previous one. He was sure that this was the first time the young trainer even came across. "Hello challenger, my name is Siebold. I am a member of the Kalos Elite Four that gives his life for the art of battle and for the Pokémon of the great, vast ocean!" Ash didn't know what to make of this either.
Siebold was a character that looked somewhat of a chef with blonde hair and black eyes. His outfit was mostly white with some parts being blue. His collar was straightened instead of bent, and it reached almost to his ears; there was a blue on the other side of the collar. He had two aprons, one that was small and fancy that barely went past his waist; the other was much bigger and almost touched his shoes, with a blue outline. The shoes in question were very simple yet refined and each had a button-shaped strap that also had a blue outline. His arms had straps, opening outward around his elbows, that also was blue on the inside. Finally, he had a large bowtie that was blue on the strand and the tie had a light-blue stripe in the middle; and the bowtie was decorated with a golden pendent that had a familiar stone embedded.
"If you are a part of the Elite Four then you will know why I am here. I have faced two of you already." Ash said. "With only two left and one of them saved for last, I had nowhere else to go but this Chamber."
"Indeed. "Siebold said as he walked down to the submerged field that Ash had walked on. He didn't seem to be uncomfortable with the water that was eating away at Ash's feet already; it must have been that Siebold was wearing water-proof shoes. "Then let our battle of art begin! Come on out, Clawitzer!"
{Clawitzer, the Howitzer Pokémon and the evolved form of Clauncher. Clawitzer can travel at nearly 70 miles an hour when it propels itself by shooting water from the back of its claw.}
Clawitzer resembles a cyan-colored shrimp with a single black stripe on each of its body segments. The legs that this Pokémon had as a Clauncher have disappeared. Clawitzer has two claws, the right one much larger than the left one. The smaller claw is blue, with a yellow tip and black stripe. The large claw is dark blue, with a pair of yellow antennae and three black stripes. Clawitzer has a black stripe across its face and yellow semi-circular eyes.
Clawitzer's massive claw can launch cannonballs of water capable of piercing tanker hulls. It also has a nozzle on the back, through which Clawitzer can expel water to propel itself at a speed of up to 60 knots.
"Come out Mawile!" Siebold raised his eyebrow to see the Deceiver Pokémon being sent out. "Sunny Day!" Ash once again confused Siebold. Sure Water type moves are weakened with Harsh Sunlight but does this trainer think this will help win this battle? "Now Solar Beam!"
"Dragon Pulse." Siebold commanded and his Clawitzer countered this attack with a multi-colored beam that intercepted Mawile's Solar Beam easily. And yet Clawitzer stopped its attack once Mawile's. "You got one small advantage fighting us with a Fairy type but is Solar Beam the only move you are going to use?"
"Stockpile and then Thunder Punch!" Ash only answered like so and Siebold didn't look anymore amused. Mawile concentrated and glowed with energy increasing both of her defenses before charging in with her tiny hand covered in lightning.
"Meet it with Crabhammer." Siebold commanded and his Clawitzer bravely matched that Thunder Punch with its large claw covered in water. It was like the electricity wasn't harming this Water type Pokémon. "Not very impressive, young trainer. Clawitzer, use Muddy Water."
Clawitzer then gathered water from the little flood on the battlefield. It then became mixed in with mud-brown and even smelled like mud. And the Muddy Water completely submerged Mawile. But,
"Stockpile again and Thunder Punch into the water!" Ash called, not sure that Mawile could hear him. Too bad that he couldn't see for himself until both Ash and Siebold saw that the water was electrocuted and so was Clawitzer. That caused the Muddy Water attack to be canceled out and Mawile looked a little worse to wear but she was still standing and kicking.
"Now I am a little impressed. So now use Aura Sphere, Clawitzer."
"Sucker Punch!" Mawile shot forward and landed a 'sucker punch', right into Clawitzer's eyes! And while the move Sucker Punch is supposed to always beat a target to the punch, this one had also made Clawitzer flinch, canceling out any progress it made on Aura Sphere. 'They were right about that Razor Fang.'
"Play Rough!" Mawile shot forward and beaten up on Clawitzer, rough literally. "Now Thunder Punch!" This time, Clawitzer was sent up in the sky, covered in lightning and landing back down really hard. So hard that the chamber shook almost like an earthquake.
"Very good, young trainer. You are showing some sense art the least." Siebold said as he returned his Pokémon. "Now come and show us the glow of the oceans, Starmie." Ash thought he recognized that Pokémon from another from very early in his journey around Kalos. The Pokédex confirmed it,
{Starmie, the Mysterious Pokémon and the evolved form of Staryu. Its central core glows with the seven colors of the rainbow. Some people value the core as a gem.}
Starmie is a violet sea star-like Pokémon with a gold formation on its front. Starmie's jewel core, which can glow in seven colors, has developed to resemble a cut precious stone. There is second set of semi-attached arms on its back, which are able to spin 360°. Starmie can emit electrical waves from the core that are powerful enough to reach the furthest parts of the universe. It can sometimes launch itself out of the water and fly through the air for short periods.
The multi-color glowing of its core is also believed to be a method of communication inside the species. However, Starmie's core is most commonly seen as red in color. As seen in action, the core will go dark if Starmie is knocked unconscious, and will sometimes flicker if Starmie is low on health. Because of its body shape and habit of sending transmissions skyward, some people believe this Pokémon to be extraterrestrial. Starmie is rarely seen in the wild, but can be found in the deepest parts of the ocean.
"Now please use Rain Dance, for the appetizer please." Siebold commanded for his Starmie to move its star-like body to conjurer up an indoor rainstorm. "Now attack Mawile with a spicy Thunder."
"Sucker Punch!" Mawile once again attacked before Starmie and apparently, the Dark type move worked even stronger against the Mysterious Pokémon. Ash rechecked the Pokédex and found out that Staryu become a duel Water and Psychic type once they evolve (via a Water Stone).
And yet the same effect that happened on Siebold's Clawitzer didn't happen with his Starmie. The chances weren't in anyone's favor, they just happen a lot like spinning a roulette wheel. And since Starmie didn't flinch, and that Rain Dance was still freshly in effect, the Thunder attack never missed its mark.
Yet Mawile only got a couple of burns thanks to her using Stockpile a good couple of times. "Like a steak that remained fresh and tender even through a mild burn, your Pokémon is marvelous."
"The time for compliments is after the match, not any time before." Ash responded, "Now move in and use Crunch!" Mawile charged for Starmie again but to use the fangs in her hair to bite down hard on the starfish-like Pokémon.
"Hydro Pump." Siebold called, not caring if it can't harm Mawile. This was a tactic more for taking in attack and repelling the attacker away. And when the Hydro Pump, weaken by the Sunny Day, had stopped Mawile in her tracks, "Blizzard."
"One more Stockpile!" Mawile had enough focus to increase her defenses again and at this point, a Blizzard attack barely bitten her steel-like body. "Now Swords Dance." Ash then called, rather calmly compared to how aggressive he battled up to this point. But Siebold wasn't going to take any chances. But,
"Use Baton Pass." Ash then said, out of the blue and actually took Siebold by surprise. This move was one of many that he never saw coming. Anyways, Mawile glowed and then was sent back into to her ball and this time, Ash was in control of who is going to come out in her place against Starmie. "Come out, Hydreigon!"
"Ah." Siebold gasped slightly at the sight of the Brutal Pokémon. "The Hydreigon that you tried to use against Malva and her Fire types. And yet it tied with her lowest level Pokémon."
"That is because of the faith that I gave to her." Ash retorted, with emphasis on the last word. "And now I will help Hydreigon fight again, with the blessings of her closest comrade. Use Dark Pulse!" Hydreigon roared before sending out a beam of dark energy at Starmie.
"Strike through it with Signal Beam." Siebold said and the jewel on Starmie's center glowed bright green and shot out a thin beam of similarly colored energy. And the beam sliced the Dark Pulse in half and hit Hydreigon!
But instead of falling, Hydreigon was surprised that the Signal Beam barely hurt. In fact, she was able to shake it off! "You are no longer vulnerable Hydreigon, use Dragon Pulse!"
Hydreigon, now looker more excited and confident, sent out another attack following another roar at Starmie. "Counter with Water Pulse." Siebold, calm as ever, commanded and Starmie was able to stop the Dragon Pulse. But Ash had a back-up plan,
"Tri-Attack!" Hydreigon was a little uncomfortable, with her main mouth occupied but she was able to conjurer up a ball of fire, ice and lighting to shoot out at Starmie. This had caused the Mysterious Pokémon to lose focus on the Water Pulse attack, allowing Dragon Pulse to land.
"Use Hyper Beam!" Siebold called out and Starmie glowed from its crystal again, releasing a bright beam of powerful energy. And Hydreigon cringed and braced for the pain. But while the Hyper Beam did damage and send the Brutal Pokémon into a wall for extra pointers, Hydreigon realized that she was a lot tougher than when she fought against Malva's Pyroar.
"Roost." Ash then commanded instead of an attack of Hydreigon. The Brutal Pokémon actually turned to Ash instead, with the look of confusion as to what Ash is thinking off. "Sorry Hydreigon, it's this 'good guy' complex that demands me not to attack anyone that can't attack back. It can get irritating but it will never leave you with any real regrets."
"Wonderful!" Siebold then broke the ice and then started to clap. "I never have met a trainer of your age yet with the wisdom of a veteran! You are an interesting child, one with a bright future ahead of the path you are taking!" Ash didn't say a word but that didn't bother Siebold. "But yes, Hydreigon, life with regrets is not living. Is just spending your days with guilt and burdens on your shoulders that will never leave. To live a good life is to live one without regrets. You can agree or not, may remember my words or not but you have honor, live your life with honor."
Hydreigon didn't know what to make of this but roared in response. Not in anger or aggression but of acceptance. "Thank you for your time Siebold, now move in to use Crunch!"
And just as Starmie had felt the effects of Hyper Beam lifting, the Brutal Pokémon was right on top of it. And with her fangs sharpened, Hydreigon bite down on Starmie's body with the strength of a beartrap. The Mysterious Pokémon howled in pain a lot like a robot would with its circuits fried. Siebold just returned his Pokémon, a smile not dying on his face yet. "Come, Gyarados!"
Ash had the try and suppress the shiver up his spine. The last time that he went against a Gyarados, it was Lysandre's. And the Intimidate ability worked on Hydreigon and yet it didn't do the same effect as Lysandre's on the trainer. Ash then decided that Lysandre had found a way for his ace Pokémon to use its ability on trainers, as well as Pokémon.
"Use Ice Fang." Gyarados moved to land a bite on Hydreigon with fangs covered in ice.
"Dragon Rush, forward!" Ash called out and Hydreigon shot ahead, ramming into Gyarados in the center. And her instincts had come through since she struck Gyarados at a spot that the Atrocious Pokémon couldn't reach for her and sink the cold teeth in. "Now use your special move, Thunder Fang!"
Gyarados screamed terribly when Hydreigon showed no mercy when she bitten down with a fang attack of her own. And since Gyarados was a Water and Flying type, electric attacks were twice as strong against the Atrocious Pokémon. But while the attack was double super-effective, Gyarados wasn't a Pokémon that will fall down so easily.
"Use Twister to get Hydreigon off!" Siebold commanded and so, Gyarados roared out a different tone. This was not of pain but of power and Hydreigon was forced to let the Thunder Fang up when she felt the Twister surround Gyarados defensively.
"Shock Wave!" Ash called out and Hydreigon sent out a burst of lightning that was infamous for being a moved that never misses. But this one actually mixed in with the Twister move that dealt even more damage. This caused Gyarados to fall to the ground, with smoke flumes and the smell of badly burnt seafood filled the chamber. "Outrage!"
Hydreigon glowed red with rage and power that caused her to go all out on Gyarados, finally knocking out the Atrocious Pokémon. "Very good strategy there. I do say that your Hydreigon is having the time of her life. But now," Siebold reached for another Pokéball. "Come, Barbaracle!"
{Barbaracle, the Collective Pokémon and the evolved form of Binacle. Barbaracle's limbs can move independently on each other, but they usually follow the head's commands.}
Barbaracle's body consists of two gray rocks connected by an orange, segmented waist. Two Binacle have multiplied into seven, giving Barbaracle two legs, four arms and one head. The arm and leg Binacle are now orange with a single brown stripe, as opposed to a white one, and have brown "hands" with three claws each. The four arms have a single eye in each palm. In place of an eye, each foot has an orange four-pointed star-shape. The head, which resembles a left fist, has two eyes, four clawed fingers on top and a fifth clawed "thumb" on its right cheek. Each limb thinks for itself and moves independently, though they usually follow the head's orders.
"Use X-Scissor." Siebold commanded and so, his Barbaracle charged forward with its four arms forming a deep green 'X', ready to deal powerful damage to a Dark type Hydreigon. And yet Ash can't call for another move since she was still undergoing Outrage.
The move caused her to go for the X-Scissor head-on, causing the move to hit her and Hydreigon roared through the pain. And yet she was able to break through the X-Scissor and send Barbaracle away. This finally got her to settle down but become confused as the effect of Outrage.
But, instead of violently tossing about, Hydreigon took out a green berry and ate it. This had actually cured her of the confusion. It was a Lum Berry, famous and legendary among experienced trainers as the one Berry that can cure any status ailment; burns, poison, paralysis, and even frozen.
"Your Pokémon will continue to impress me, young trainer. Your skill is beyond any appetite chef and the power of those attacks are delicious, like the food from a four-star restaurant!" Siebold started to go on and on about his view on battling. He was a chef alright. "But we have long past the appetizer, the salad, the soup and the meat dish. Now we move on to the drink before the main course. Blizzard!"
Ash could tell that Siebold was getting more excited than nervous, enough to lose the calm and composed nature. It not of an Elite Four trainer to lose their focus like a whining child. But Ash will have to put aside such thought as the Blizzard attack was swiftly approaching Hydreigon. But there was something about that attack, one that can work if timed right.
"Roost!" Ash couldn't wait any longer and neither could Hydreigon. She just dropped down to the ground and the Blizzard attack actually went over her head! "Now use Dragon Pulse!" Taking the chance, Hydreigon sent out the ray of draconic power at Barbaracle. But it was not to be when the Collective Pokémon managed to jump over it!
"Cross Chop." Barbaracle jumped up with its arms making some kind of red cross that hit Hydreigon very hard. And this time, she felt it even through her enhanced defenses. Especially when the Cross Chop was strong enough to send Hydreigon across the battlefield like a stone skipping on a pond; she was out of it when the wall finally stopped her.
"Thank you Hydreigon." Ash said and returned her to the Pokéball. "Come out Aegislash!" Ash summoned his Royal Pokémon, which has one advantage since the super-powerful Cross Chop won't be able to harm him. "Head Smash!" Ash called out for the first move for this match-up.
Siebold was wondering why Aegislash charged while still in his Shield Forme when he landed a very devastating blow on Barbaracle. From the point that could be his head, Aegislash was covered in blue energy and charged at a great speed, to use that point like a spearhead. Of course, Aegislash showed the recoil damage done by Head Smash.
But Barbaracle looked as sturdy as ever, "Nice move. More like another appetizer." Siebold commented in a dry tone. "Now use Night Slash!" Barbaracle charged again and with its four arms covered in a black energy.
"Shadow Sneak!" Ash called out and Aegislash dodged that Night Slash and struck from the shadow of the Collective Pokémon. Barbaracle cried out and was actually sent forward a few feet. "Now use Swords Dance and use your own Night Slash!"
Aegislash then glowed with images of many swords dancing around him, increasing his Attack power, and then charged with the same dark energy to attack Barbaracle. But, "Stop Aegislash with Stone Edge!" Siebold called out and his Collective Pokémon shot out a storm of stones at Aegislash, eventually halting the Royal Sword Pokémon. "Now move and use Razor Shell!"
"Parry with Sacred Sword!" Ash called out just in time for Barbaracle to come with two of its hands covered in water blades. Aegislash was able to parry with the Razor Shell attacks with his own Sacred Sword attacks. This slowly turned into an all-out sword duel with both Pokémon trying to land the hits and prevent themselves from being hit.
But this duel was cut short when both attacks met so hard that both Pokémon were sent flying back. This was the chance for this,
"Head Smash!" Aegislash charged off with energy gathered at the point that will be his head. And,
"Night Slash!" Barbaracle charged with its four arms covered in dark energy once again.
They met in a mere instant and passed each other, waiting for the other to fall. And fall to the ground in defeat…Barbaracle did. "Thank you, my sturdy Pokémon." Siebold sent it back into the Pokéball and sent out another one. "Come forth, Slowbro!" Ash recognized the Slowbro as he fought against one with one of the many trainers on Victory Road.
Slowbro is a bipedal, pink Pokémon with a tan, striped belly and a tan muzzle. It has large, vacant eyes, curled ears, and two pointed teeth protruding from its upper jaw. On its hands, it has three clawed fingers, and two clawed toes on its feet. There is a Shellder attached to its tail. This Shellder has a gray, spiraled shell with darker gray spots. There are several spikes across the surface of the Shellder, and it holds onto Slowbro with many sharp teeth. If the Shellder is knocked off, Slowbro will revert to its unevolved form.
Slowbro has lost the capability to feel pain due to the Shellder's poison. However, it apparently becomes inspired when the Shellder bites down on its tail. While it is capable of unleashing powerful psychic attacks, Slowbro is typically rather peaceful and usually prefers not to fight. Because it can no longer fish using its tail, it instead swims to catch its prey and allows the Shellder to feed on its leftover scraps. Slowbro tends to live near ponds, lakes, and seashores.
"Use Head Smash!" Ash called out and Aegislash charged in, covered in energy. But,
"Zen Headbutt!" Siebold countered and his Slowbro, contrary to the name, moved in fast enough, with its forehead covered with psychic energy, to meet Aegislash and cause him to flinch instead. "Use Psych-Up and Aqua Tail!" Slowbro glowed with energy and copied the effects of Swords Dance before using a Physical move to compliment the increase in Attack power.
"Shadow Sneak!" Ash saw that Slowbro was not to be underestimated from the strange appearance and the look of spacing out. And Ash knew from the battle on Victory Road that Slowbro were Psychic type and thus, the Shadow Sneak dealt extra damage to cover its low power level. "Now use Night Slash!"
"Zen Headbutt!" Slowbro charged again and meet the Night Slash 'head-on'. The Hermit Crab Pokémon definitely felt the Night Slash while Aegislash also felt the power of the enhanced Zen Headbutt. So strong that Aegislash was sent back, off of Slowbro. "Now time for an early dessert. Flamethrower!"
Ash widen his eyes, he heard that Slowbro are among the few Water types that can learn Fire type moves. And since this Slowbro was trained by an Elite Four trainer, Ash feared the worst for his Aegislash, actually flinching yet again from the Zen Headbutt. And the worse came true when the Flamethrower torched his Royal Sword Pokémon pretty badly. "Finish with Psychic!"
"Aegislash!" Ash called out but to no avail. His Royal Sword Pokémon was covered in pink energy and was hit by a powerful burst of energy. Aegislash couldn't bring the energy to even move anymore. "Thanks anyway Aegislash. Come, Bisharp!"
Siebold was amused somewhat to see that Ash is still going to for a Steel type but one that was also a Dark type too; now Psychic and Zen Headbutt can't be used in this match-up. "Flamethrower, Slowbro!"
"Sucker Punch!" Bisharp moved in a blur and struck Slowbro hard. Yet, this time, it will be the Hermit Crab Pokémon's turn to flinch. "Foul Play!" Ash also used Slowbro's enhanced Attack power to his advantage with Bisharp practically lifting the Hermit Crab Pokémon up and back onto the battlefield hard.
"Hurry! Use Aqua Tail!" Siebold called out while his Slowbro was getting up from having its face flatten against the battlefield. The Hermit Crab Pokémon then looked harden and focused, more like a warrior rather than a laid-back fisher that had a shell eat its tail. Speaking of which, the water on the battlefield had come to life and covered Slowbro's tail that hurried over to Bisharp.
"Take it with Iron Defense." Ash called out so his Bisharp willed the armor on his body to shine of a metallic glow, becoming thicker and more durable. This allowed Bisharp to take the Aqua Tail. "Fight back with Metal Burst!" Bisharp sent a silver-colored sphere of energy back at Slowbro, dealing some payback-like damage. "Now use Night Slash!" That one sent Slowbro across the battlefield hard; so much that,
"Slowbro, it is time! To show our real talents, as delicious as a meat dish with a desert on the side!" Siebold shouted and this spaced-out Pokémon actually narrowed its eyes while nodding. Siebold reached for the pendent on his neck, which was actually a Keystone. The Slowbro reached for its collar and revealed a Mega Stone of the colors skin and creamy pink. "Keystone, we ask for our art of battle to reach full potential! Turn our appetizer to the main course! Mega Evolve!"
{This Pokémon has undergone its Mega Evolution. It retains is Water and Psychic typing. It now has the ability Shell Armor, which prevents the Pokémon from being damaged by Critical Hits.}
When Slowbro Mega Evolves into Mega Slowbro, it becomes engulfed by the Shellder to the point where only its head, arms and tail are visible. The spiral Shellder now has an opening at its tip, allowing the tail of Slowbro to stick out, which it balances on due to its legs being engulfed. It can move by bouncing, using its tail as a spring. The spikes on the Shellder are now reduced to four on the bottom section of its body, with the dark spots only visible on its middle section. Mega Slowbro's energy has gathered into Shellder, which has increased its hardness. This allows it to act as an armor so hard that nothing can scratch it.
"Now go for another Flamethrower!"
"Sucker Punch!" Before the Mega Slowbro could set Bisharp aflame, the Sword Edge Pokémon beat him to the punch, with a punch of his own of course. "Now Night Slash!"
Slowbro was sent back from that super-effective attack but it seemed to never falter, truly a Pokémon worthy of an Elite Four trainer. "Dark Pulse!" Ash called out for another attack but,
"Amnesia!" Siebold called out and his Slowbro looked like it had lost some of its memory, and yet its Special Defenses were increased. That was how the Dark Pulse barely even bothered Slowbro. "Water Pulse!" Now Slowbro attacked and with a powerful gust of water that completely airborne with all the water from the field.
"Time for something basic, Leer!" Ash called out and while it might be foolish to use such a basic move in a battle like this, it worked and Slowbro lost its focus on the Water Pulse, leaving Bisharp falling but free from the water. "Guillotine!" Ash called out and Bisharp got into position, that unfortunately made him vulnerable. For this,
"Flamethrower!" Siebold commanded and Mega Slowbro lit up Bisharp with a stream of flames that it had been trying to use on Bisharp; practically since the Sword Edge Pokémon was first sent out. Bisharp struggled to get through the Flamethrower and finish the battle from there with Guillotine.
But it was not to be in the end. Mega Slowbro had gain a major boost in Defense power as well as Special Attack. That meant Flamethrower was slightly more powerful than before, more than enough to finish off Bisharp as a Steel type. Everyone knew that when the Sword Edge Pokémon fell to the slightly flooded battlefield, scorched ad burnt worse than an overcooked burger.
"Thank you Bisharp. It is now time to go all out." Ash said, returning his Bisharp back. "Come on out! It's your turn, Blastoise!" It was definitely a big change from the Dragon type Hydreigon and the Steel types Aegislash and Bisharp. "Use Hydro Pump!"
Blastoise roared and shot out two large gust of water from the twin cannons peeking out of his armor. Too bad that the attack barely moved the Mega Slowbro. "Now use Yawn." Ash cursed when the sleepy bubble came and popped right in front of his Blastoise. Yawn is a move that proves, 'yawning is contagious'. This move will eventually cause Blastoise to fall asleep, helpless to fight. "Now use Psychic."
Mega Slowbro was going to be as patient as its trainer, waiting for its Yawn to do its magic touch. And this included lifting Blastoise up in the air and slamming the Shellfish Pokémon into the ground, hard. "Hurry and use Skull Bash!" Blastoise tucked in his head to get ready for Skull Bash. But that was when the Yawn finally put him to sleep, "Blastoise!"
"Now use Dream Eater!" Siebold commanded. Mega Slowbro concentrated and created what appears to be a phase of itself, passing through Blastoise. This caused Blastoise to cry out during his nap and Mega Slowpoke to heal. Fortunately, this advantage didn't last long when that Dream Eater attack had awoken Blastoise!
Ash knew that if he kept this up, Mega Slowpoke will just go for the Yawn and Dream Eater combo again. It will be a waste of time, repeating the process over and over again. "Alright Blastoise, it is time that we awaken your new form! To fight with the power of our bond behind us! Mega Evolve!" Ash called out and his Blastoise underwent the process of Mega Evolution.
{This Pokémon has achieved its Mega Evolution. It retains its pure Water typing. It now has the ability Mega Launcher, which increased the power of aura and pulse moves.}
As Mega Blastoise, it develops two smaller shells over its arms. The two cannons on its back are replaced by a single, central water cannon of greater size. This cannon extends forward over Mega Blastoise's head and is said to have a blast range of over 6 miles or 10 kilometers. Small ridges develop over its, now red, eyes and extend to its ears. The ears angle slightly backward and there is a small point on its chin.
"Let's see your new power with Water Pulse!" Ash commanded and his Mega Blastoise never disappointed. This time, there were three cannons (two with in each arm as well as the large on the back). And all of them shot out a powerful burst of water that was strong enough to send Mega Slowpoke flying! "Now we are in business." Ash smirked along with his Mega Evolved Pokémon; all it took was that display of new power.
"We haven't reached past the drink just yet, young trainer!" Siebold shouted out, "Slowbro, use Disable and then Psychic!" Mega Slowbro was quick to use Disable on Mega Blastoise's most recent move and then lifted up the behemoth.
"Dark Pulse!" Ash called out and Mega Blastoise was able to fight the Psychic attack to land his own on Mega Slowbro; black energy shot from each of the cannons like the Water Pulse, was enough to release the Mega Evolved Pokémon from Mega Slowbro's hold. "Now Skull Bash!" This time, Mega Blastoise was going to do this move and without any interference from Mega Slowbro.
"Zen Headbutt!" Siebold still tried to attack Mega Blastoise as he was charging up for the move. Instead, both Mega Evolved Pokémon meet with their thick skulls meeting with a large shockwave. Both of them were struggling against one and another; because the one that lets up is the one who falls and loses. But that was not to be exactly what they had in mind when both trainers called for their Mega Evolved Pokémon to jump back, for a final move.
"HYDRO CANNON!"
"ZEN HEADBUTT!"
Mega Slowbro charged for Mega Blastoise, even faster than ever before, right into the Hydro Cannon. But it seemed that Mega Slowbro was aided by the power behind its Zen Headbutt. Nevertheless, both Pokémon are trying to give their all to beat each other.
And then, Mega Blastoise felt a surge of power and let loose in his Hydro Cannon, finally sending Mega Slowbro away. It was down for the count, making this battle another win for Ash. But all this seemed like it was planned, with so many holes and so many chances for powerful hits this whole time; just what is going on with the Kalos Elite Four?
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"Now that was art at its finest!" Siebold proclaimed once the battle was over. "I can see that your journey through Kalos has taught you on how to fight so well and with such art."
"Thank you but this isn't over until I face against the only trainer left in the Elite Four." Ash said in a seriously grim tone and Siebold nodded.
"Such a young trainer, barely past ten years old, with a reputation that demands you to uphold." Siebold responded and Ash nodded. "I understand, being a member of the Elite Four is also very demanding. That I why I am a cook on the side, so that I can relax and refine my sense of art. Also, barely anyone is allowed in the kitchen where I work so I can have some moments away from all the fangs."
"I might need to think of something like that too since everyone is still calling me the 'Iron Trainer'. They keep mistaking me for Wikstrom." Ash then commented and Siebold just chuckled.
"It is true that Wikstrom, in his youth, had his own reputation but the title 'Iron Trainer' is actually something he made up recently. Whenever he talked about the trainer with the Steel types and the fierce black eyes, he will always use that title." Siebold responded.
"Nice to know that I am not copying him, even unknowingly. But thanks for the conversation. I need to get going." Ash then turned to face the doorway but not before,
"I can give you some advice if you are willing to listen." Siebold said. "Wikstrom has a secret Pokémon. One that is capable of Mega Evolving but this one is much special and different than any other. Keep that in mind and you will do just fine."
Ash said nothing and left anyways. But he did listen to every word of what Siebold said and repeated them all while walking through the corridor.
End of Chapter 26
*Here it is! Ash is down to only one last match with the Kalos Elite Four! But will he be enough with so many close calls against the other Elite Four trainers? Find out what happens next with Ash, the Iron Trainer!*
Pokémon on Hand;
Ash – Pikachu (Male), Aegislash (Male), Bisharp (Male), Mawile (Female), Durant (Female), Greninja (Female), Yveltal (Genderless), Hydreigon (Female), Blastoise (Male), Charizard (Male), and Venusaur (Female).
Serena – Delphox (Female), Marowak (Male), Kangaskhan (Female), Phantump (Female), Xerneas (Genderless), and Dratini (Female).
Off Hand;
Ash – Ledian (Female), Kadabra (Female), Smeargle (Male), Sableye (Male), Lucario (Male), Luvdisc (Male), Talonflame (Male), Gogoat (Male), Lapras (Female), Ferrothorn (Female), Gourgiest (Female), Shuckle (Male), Slurpuff (Female), Poliwag (Male), Snover (Male), Rotom (Female), Banette (Female) Chesnaught (Male), Scyther (Female), Ursaring (Female), Snorlax (Male) Dragonair (Male), and Ditto (Genderless).
Serena – Furfrou (Male), Spritize (Male), Audino (Female), Luvdisc (Female), Plusle & Minun (Female), Weavile (Female), Gourgiest (Male), Ditto (Genderless), Mr. Mime (Female), Altaria (Male), Swablu (Female), and Poliwag (Female).