Welcome back everyone! Last time we left off, Ash finally made it to Ecruteak City and regrouped with his friends. While there he eventually went to see the Kimono Sisters' show about the night Lugia and Ho-oh vanished from the world. But it's time for something I feel many have waited for: the Gym Battle with Morty.
Also, this will be the last chapter of 2022 so I'd like to thank everyone who's dealt with my crazy uploading schedule and I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!
Ch 6: A Ghost of a Chance
The sun was high in the sky as Ash brought an end to his training. Sweat ran down his face, the boy wiping it away as Pikachu brought a bottle of water to him. Ash thanked his best friend before taking a drink. The others followed suit as the members of his team drank their own water.
Off in the distance he could make out Bell Tower as it shined in the midday sun. It was beautiful in comparison to the Burnt Tower and yet it was the destroyed one that interested him more. It was as if there was more waiting to be told there, a story yet to be discovered. He shook his head at that, not wanting any distractions as he prepared for the Gym Battle. He didn't know much about the Gym Leader but he figured it wouldn't be easy.
Looking at the gathered members of his team he smiled at them, each member pumping a fist or wing into the air to showcase their determination. Except for Houndour of course. The Fire and Dark-Type remained to itself, a Flamethrower erupting from its maw.
"Houndour, relax. We're done with training for now," Ash said. The Dark Pokémon ignored him, leaping into the air as a Smog was released. The gas covered the field, Ash coughing for a moment as he tried to see where Houndour was. Its position was given away by a dark sphere, the object exploding in the center as the gas was expelled.
"Seems like Houndour's pretty fired up," Brock stated. Ash remained silent, watching as Houndour landed back onto the field. It was panting a bit, eyes locked onto its invisible target. Another Flamethrower was about to be fired only for Ash to raise its pokeball.
"Houndour, return!" he shouted, the red beam shooting out from the pokeball. It struck Houndour as the creature was broken down into red energy. It quickly recoiled back into the pokeball, Houndour's Flamethrower dying out.
"Seems like, Leaf, might be right," Janine stated. She looked over at the gathered group of Pokémon, each of them doing fine as even Venomoth, Golbat and Pineco had joined in with them. Ash was glad to see that, even if Pineco still worried him. For some reason it felt like the Bug-Type held a distaste for him.
"Maybe Houndour isn't going to work well with others."
"I doubt it," Ash admitted before placing the pokeball onto his belt. It rocked slightly, as if Houndour wanted to come back out but nothing happened. Instead Ash raised the pokeballs for his remaining Pokémon as they were all returned to their respective capture devices.
"I think Houndour will be just fine. But for now it'll have to learn what being part of a team truly means."
"Still going with Houndour today then?" Brock asked with a smirk. Ash nodded as he turned towards the Center. Pikachu scurried over to him before leaping up onto his shoulder. Janine and Brock moved to recall their own Pokémon as the group made their way indoors.
Looking around the Pokémon Center Ash was surprised to see it nearly empty. Not even Leaf was there though he had expected that. To his surprise it turned out that Bonji had ended up being the person she was supposed to meet, the group only finding that out when Leaf had returned late last night. He found it a bit funny, not that he would ever tell Leaf though. Instead he had listened as the girl explained that her, Bugsy and Bonji were going to talk more today as she had apologized for not being able to watch his Gym Battle.
The memory started to fade from Ash's mind as he handed his pokeballs and Pikachu over to Nurse Joy. She happily took the tray that housed them and walked to the backroom as Ash made his way over to the couch. Janine and Brock sat on opposite sides of him, the three noticing a news broadcast on television.
"According to our data it appears that the waters near the Whirl Islands are picking up again. A sign for the natives that the Whirl Cup is about to be underway," the woman on the television stated. She was seated in a helicopter as the camera panned over the ocean.
Ash noted the choppy waters as some boats made their way through it all. Off in the distance there were a few islands as a couple ships looked ready to dock there.
"The Whirl Cup?" Ash asked, tilting his head slightly.
"It's a competition held on an island in the Whirl Islands every three years. Usually trainers who specialize in Water-Types take part in it to see who's the strongest of them all," Janine explained. Ash turned the volume on the television up slightly as they were talking about some of the individuals likely to enter.
"Early registrants include Hoenn's very own Wallace and Kanto's Lorilee. Those who are interested in winning will have to train hard," the announcer said. Ash leaned forward, the television switching to show highlights of the two trainers. The former's Milotic appeared to be facing off against an older guy who almost looked like a pirate to Ash. Though he found himself wondering if instead it was a captain's outfit.
The familiar jingle telling Ash that his Pokémon were ready echoed through the Pokémon Center as he stood up. Stretching slightly he shut the television off and walked towards the front desk. Nurse Joy was already waiting, Pikachu sitting patiently atop the desk.
"Pikapi!" he shouted before leaping into Ash's arms. The Pallet Town native laughed at his best friend, Pikachu scurrying from his arms up to his shoulder as Ash grabbed the remaining pokeballs. He quickly thanked Nurse Joy while clipping the capture devices onto his belt before turning towards the entrance of the Pokémon Center.
Finally ready to head out Ash adjusted his hat and moved his backpack around slightly as Janine and Brock joined him. Exiting the building Ash looked around for the fastest route to the Gym only for Brock to find it faster on his Holocaster.
"We should head south and then at the corner take a right. It'll be on that street," he explained before turning the screen towards Ash and Janine. There was no disagreement from them, Ash moving ahead of them as he felt the adrenaline pumping through his body.
His hands shook from the thought of another Gym Battle, the boy ready to get back on track after his last one ended in defeat. Remembering what Brock said, Ash continued south along the street until he saw an intersection of the roads. Taking the first right he could already see what he assumed was the Gym.
Compared to the other Gyms he had seen in Johto this one was much simpler. On the outskirts of the city it was built atop a stone base, a long set of stairs leading up to the wooden building. The plaster walls and tiled roof reminded Ash of the older homes he had seen on the way to the city. Though what clearly caught his attention was a bell that rested beside the building. Grand in size it looked to have not been used in some time as Ash began to climb the steps towards the building.
Racing up two steps at a time, Ash quickly made it to the top as Janine and Brock were a bit farther behind. Taking a glance at the building up close he saw a stylistic painting of Ho-oh and Lugia, the two Legendaries looking similar to the drawing that had been used at the show. It was older though, the images not as clean as those used at the theater, instead looking like they had been refined slightly over many years.
"It seems like this city really worships Ho-oh and Lugia, huh," Janine said between gasps for air. Brock moved towards the bell, the object catching Ash's attention as he saw it was a mix of gold and silver. Atop it was what looked to be an Apricorn Ball that served as a topper while an old and frayed rope ran down the side of the post.
"We hope to one day bear witness to their return," a new voice stated as the group jumped in surprise. The painting slid open, revealing a young man behind it. Ash blinked at the sight of the man, recognizing him as the one who caused a commotion the previous day.
Unable to get the words out, Ash pointed to him, the young man just laughing for a moment as he brushed a hand through his hair.
"Sorry about the scare. I've been told by others that my quick appearances from nowhere might scare people."
"You didn't scare me, I'm just surprised it's you!" Ash shouted, finally getting words out. "You're the guy from the show yesterday!"
The man blinked for a second, tilting his head in confusion for a second before chuckling. "Oh, right, the Kimono Sisters' show about the city's fateful day. It's one of my favorite past times. I take it if you're here it's most likely for a Gym Badge and not for another history lesson?"
"Of course, we're here to beat Morty and win our third badge, right, Pikachu?" Ash stated, turning towards his partner. The young man chuckled at the response, a cool sensation passing over everyone. Ash shook for a moment, brushing his hands against his arms before seeing a pair of red eyes behind Morty. They floated forward, giving shape to a purple body as a Gengar was now present.
"If you think you can handle my ghostly partners then come and step foot within the Gym. But let me warn you, once on the battlefield we're sworn enemies until the final clash. As the Gym Leader of this City I will fight with my all in hopes that it pleases our missing Guardians!"
Ash smirked at that, raising a fist in front of his body as he shook it slightly. Pikachu's cheeks sparked with excitement though their energy was brought to an end as Janine raised a hand up.
"Before you two go all out, mind sharing some details about the bell. It looks pretty important to not be rung for all this time," Janine mentioned. Brock tilted his head as he inspected the bell, bending over slightly to look inside of it.
The man, who Ash figured was Morty now, walked over and placed a hand atop the large bell. His eyes closed, a light sigh escaping his nostrils as he raised his head towards the sky.
"This bell was once a beautiful statement to our Guardians. Or so I was told," he began to say before motioning towards the building. Ash noticed more paintings of the two Pokémon all over it, each in a different art style as if each one was done by a different person. "Truthfully this entire section of land was a shrine to commemorate the two, built in a location where one could see both towers at the same time. My family had been tasked with taking care of it, ringing the bell each morning and night as Ho-oh and Lugia either took flight or returned to their tower."
"Your family took care of it?" Brock asked as he peaked back out from the bell. Ash took a few steps closer to the bell, slightly interested now as Morty nodded.
"My family has lived within this city for many years, dating back to my great-grandparents moving here when it was just a small village. Together they built the shrine we'll be battling in and took care of it with my grandfather helping once he became old enough.
"He was there the day it all went dark. Yet he never gave up, choosing to believe Ho-oh and Lugia would return. But the bell never rang again as he declared it would only ring once they returned," Morty explained.
"Wait, this was a shrine?" Ash asked as he moved towards the opened door now. He peered inside to see the building rather empty. A small entrance was present where many pairs of shoes were present. The entire floor was wooden, a small hallway leading to a sliding door which Ash assumed was where the field was located. "So is it really fine to battle here?"
"What better place for Ghost-Types to battle than in a sacred place?" Morty asked with a chuckle. As if to answer his own question, a few more Ghost-Types emerged. Among them were a couple Ghastly and a Haunter. They seemed to be at peace, vanishing just as soon as they appeared.
"He's also leaving out one important bit of information," a new voice, this one feminine, stated. The group turned back towards the shrine, a young woman standing there. She was dressed in a black sleeveless turtleneck, a blue skirt that ran down to her knees and black shoes. An Umbreon rested by her feet, curled up in a ball. A smirk sat on her face as Morty just shook his head.
"I was getting to that part, Zuki," Morty stated as he placed a hand on his hip. With a smirk of his own he pointed a finger lazily. "Did you and your sisters finish practicing? I'm going to need the floor soon."
"We just finished the rehearsal. You going to come and see our latest show?"
"Maybe. We'll see if there's time," Morty tapped at his headband, Ash noticing a smirk on his face. Zuki narrowed her gaze at that response, Ash growing a little annoyed by it all.
"So is anyone going to tell us why the shrine was turned into a Gym or not?" he finally asked as Morty turned towards him. Zuki likewise took a few steps forward, a playful look on her face as she appeared to be waiting for Morty's answer.
"Well, my grandfather always believed that Ho-oh would come and appear before a truly powerful and worthy trainer. So I figured if I turned the shrine into a Gym then maybe one day a battle here would please Ho-oh and it would return," Morty explained as he scratched behind his back. A genuine smile was on his face, Ash following his gaze as it stared out towards the Bell Tower. Looking over at Zuki the smile dropped, replaced with a blank expression. "Happy?"
Zuki shrugged at the question as Morty made his way to the entrance of the Gym. Walking past her, he motioned for Ash and the others to follow behind him. At the entrance Ash and the others removed their shoes as they followed Morty's lead. The Gym Leader then continued down the small corridor before sliding open the door as the room opened up.
Ash was amazed that the entire shrine was able to house a field this large, the boy's eyes roaming as he noticed the four other performers from the show. He didn't say anything, instead waiting patiently as Morty made his way onto the field. He walked towards one side of the field, Ash going towards the opposite end as Brock and Janine made their way towards a bench.
"Zuki, mind referring again?" Morty called out to the young woman. She sighed at the request, one hand on her hip as she walked towards the referee's box.
"You really need to find an official referee, you know that right?"
"Come on, you always loved doing it before. Don't tell me you're tired of helping an old friend out."
"The only thing I'm tired of is hearing you say you'll bring Ho-oh back to the city with your battling," Zuki teased. Morty shook his head at the words, Ash unsure as to what was actually going on as he looked towards the bench. His friends were joined by the other performers, the youngest of them laughing.
"Looks like big sis and Morty are flirting again," the youngest stated with a giggle. Ash tilted his head at that statement, unsure how this was flirting. He shrugged at that as he didn't understand the concept at all so it was entirely possible that they were.
"As if," Zuki quickly replied, huffing at the assumption. Ash just stood there patiently, the boy tapping his foot as he waited for the battle to finally begin.
"Sayo, let's just stay out of this," another of the performers stated. "It's best to not get involved in their squabbles. It'll only make it worse."
"So, are we ever going to get this battle going?" Ash finally asked, arms crossed as he looked at the Morty. The young man scratched the back of his head, bowing slightly at his challenger.
"Sorry about that. Our families have a long history together since we keep the traditions of the early settlers alive," Morty stated. He stood up tall, eyes locked onto Ash now as the boy realized his demeanor changed. "As I say to all challengers of this Gym, allow us to have a magnificent battle. One that will hopefully guide Ho-oh back to our blessed city! But before we begin, it's impolite to not exchange pleasantries.
"As you're aware, I'm Morty the Gym Leader of the Ecruteak City Gym."
"And I'm Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town! I've been waiting for this battle for a long time, so don't disappoint me!"
Morty smirked at that exchange, nodding towards Zuki as the girl raised a hand high into the sky. "The battle will be a three-on-three with only the challenger being able to switch Pokémon! The match will be decided once all Pokémon on one side are unable to battle! Begin!"
"Gengar, greet our guests!" Morty shouted out, tossing a pokeball forward. The Gengar from before emerged from the capture device, a sinister smirk appearing on his face before disappearing within the floor. Ash scanned the area, unable to locate the Ghost and Poison-Type before reaching for his first choice.
"Alright, Houndour, let's show them what we're made of!" Ash shouted, tossing the pokeball onto the field. The device exploded open, Houndour emerging with a growl as it began to sniff for the scent of Gengar.
"Lets start off hot! Flamethrower, encase the field," Ash commanded as he punched forward. Houndour didn't follow through with the command, instead continuing to sniff the air. Quickly it turned around, a Flamethrower erupting from its maw as Gengar emerged.
"Gengar, haunt them with a Confuse Ray!" Morty commanded as he swept his arm to the side. Gengar nodded, taking the full force of the Flamethrower head on. Its body was consumed by the fire, Ash noticing a devious smirk on its face as a sphere of multiple colors formed between its fingers. Pushing the sphere forward it collided with Houndour as the Flamethrower petered out.
A hazed expression rested on Houndour, its eyes looking a bit darker as dust sprinkled around its body. Ash tried to call out to his partner but Houndour only smashed its head against the ground.
"Gengar and Morty purposefully took that attack head on to land a Confuse Ray," Janine stated. Ash overheard the girl while Houndour shook its head back and forth. Its eyes were dazed, a growl emerging from its maw.
Though to Ash it wasn't the usual confident growl that Houndour gave off. Instead it sounded scared, almost concerned for its own well being as Gengar vanished. The Shadow Pokémon reemerged a few mere inches from Houndour, a yellow sphere between its hands.
Ash called for Houndour to dodge but the Dark Pokémon instead collapsed from the confusion, its body spread out across the Gym floor. Morty cackled at the sight before snapping his fingers.
"Focus Blast! We'll make them regret ever showing up this Gym!"
"Gar! Gengar gar!" Gengar laughed out. It pulled one hand back, the sphere resting atop its fingers before swinging it forward. The Focus Blast soared from its fingertips, skidding across the Gym floor before crashing into Houndour.
A pained screech was followed by smoke billowing outwards. Houndour's body could be seen on the floor, Ash biting his lip as the smoke gave way to show it was still standing. Seeing that things weren't going their way he raised Houndour's pokeball.
"Houndour, return for now!" he shouted as the red light extended outwards. The beam struck Houndour as it was recalled into the pokeball. Ash felt it shake with frustration, Houndour trying to come back out but Ash refused. He quickly placed it back on his belt before grabbing ahold of a second pokeball.
"Alright, let's pick up where Houndour left off! Heracross, I choose you!" Ash shouted, tossing the pokeball outwards. The Bug and Fighting-Type emerged on the field as he cupped his two hands together.
"Ok, Heracross, we're not letting Gengar go! Arm Thrust!" Ash commanded, thrusting his own palm forward.
"Hera!" Heracross grunted, his back opening as his wings expanded. Taking flight he shot straight for Gengar, arms glowing with energy.
"Ash what are you thinking?!" Brock shouted, the older boy now standing. Ash just smirked as Heracross was next to Gengar. Thrusting his first arm forward it just fazed right through, Gengar unaffected as Morty placed a hand to his head.
"Geez, Ash, I figured you would have known type matchups at least," Morty stated, his hand moving from his face up to his hair. It brushed it slightly before his free hand pointed a finger forward. "Gengar, Dazzling Gleam! Trap them within our glow!"
"Hold tight, Heracross! Make Gengar work nice and hard!"
Those gathered watched Ash in confusion, Heracross's attack now finished as his arms were on the other side of Gengar's body. The Bug and Fighting-Type held tight as Gengar's body gave off a pink and purple shine. The shine expanded outwards, engulfing the two Pokémon as Heracross cried out slightly.
Ash didn't usher a word, instead holding tight to his hat as Pikachu cried out in concern. Ash bent low to his best friend, assuring him that Heracross was going to be just fine. The glow began to die down, Heracross panting as his body smoked from the attack. Gengar looked just fine besides a few beads of sweat, the sight giving Ash a smile.
"Alright! Now take a big whiff of Gengar's stench!" Ash commanded. Morty was puzzled, the man taking a step back as Heracross sniffed his partner. In that moment Gengar vanished, sinking low into the ground as Heracross looked around the field. Ash tapped the pokeball on his belt, Houndour appearing next to him as Ash addressed the Dark and Fire-Type.
"Watch carefully, Houndour. You're going to help Heracross here," Ash stated before pointing forward. "Let's go! Pin Missile all focused on the spot Gengar will reappear!"
Heracross nodded, grunting slightly as his horn began to glow. The Single Horn Pokémon turned around the field, eyes shut as he sniffed the air. In an instant his entire body spun in one direction before lowering his horn.
The white missiles shot outwards like a grapeshot, a barrage all aimed at the same spot as Gengar reappeared. A Shadow Ball had been forming within his hands but it was used to shield the Ghost and Poison-Type from the onslaught.
"Don't tell me..." Morty grunted out as smoke from the explosion clouded everyone's vision.
Ash didn't pause, instead calling for Heracross to be on the move. He called for a Throat Chop, the sound of Heracross's wings flapping proving that he was on the offensive. For a brief moment a dark flame could be seen, Ash smirking as it shot right for Gengar. Unfortunately there was no connection with the attack, Heracross forced to turn around and swing again.
This time it landed, Gengar being thrown from the smoke cloud and landing on the floor with a thud. The Shadow Pokémon stood back up, a smile on his face as he brushed off the attack. Heracross flew out of the smoke cloud as well, the smoke finally dispersing as Morty started to clap.
"I get it now," Morty laughed as Gengar sank beneath the floor. "After witnessing your Houndour find Gengar by scent you purposefully allowed Heracross to be hurt so he could get a whiff of the scent too. But that won't be enough!"
"Confuse Ray!"
Heracross turned around quickly, reacting to the scent of Gengar only to see the Ghost and Poison-Type emerge before him. Gengar's hands held a small sphere, the object colliding with Heracross's face as it broke down into dust.
Houndour barked out at that, Ash motioning for it to remain silent. Heracross wobbled about the field for a moment, falling over onto his backside as Gengar encroached his space. Morty raised his hands up, fingers all pointed towards the field as he called out to Gengar.
"Let's go! Shadow Ball my devilish companion!"
Gengar cackled, a sphere of ghostly energy already present between his hands. He tossed it quickly though Heracross looked right at the attack.
Ash smirked at that, pumping his fist in excitement. "Throw it away with Arm Thrust!"
Heracross tried to nod but almost knocked himself over. Instead he planted his feet and shut his eyes. Pushing his hands forward he started to thrust excessively, his two hands connecting with the Shadow Ball. Heracross grunted from the attack, using all of his strength to throw it back from where it came.
Unfortunately the sphere instead exploded and Heracross tumbled across the field. Ash bit at his thumb from the sight but Heracross got back up. His body smoked from the explosion, bruises and burn marks apparent as he sniffed the air for Gengar's scent. His eyes were still dazed, head moving slowly as Gengar reemerged from the shadows.
"End, Gengar! Shadow Ball!" Morty shouted while punching forward. Gengar created two smaller Shadow Balls, one present in each hand before tossing them forward. The two spheres danced around each other, rocketing right for Heracross as the Bug and Fighting-Type stumbled about.
"We won't go down that easy! Pin Missile let it rip!"
Heracross didn't respond to the command, instead just pointing his horn straight up as energy launched from it. Dozens of missiles were launched off, the tiny pins flying through the entire Gym as Gengar tried his best to avoid the attack. The Shadow Balls crashed into Heracross, an explosion erupting as his Pin Missile came to a conclusion. For Gengar's sake he too was caught in the shower of Pin Missiles, his body pelted by the incoming attack.
Both Pokémon fell from their respective attacks, neither moving as Zuki raised both of her arms into the air.
"Both Heracross and Gengar are unable to battle!"
"Thanks for that tough fight, Heracross," Ash stated as he recalled the defeated Bug and Fighting-Type. Heracross moaned slightly before being sent back into the pokeball. Houndour watched the action, eyes trained on Ash as if it expected to go in next. Instead he merely rubbed the top of Houndour's head before grabbing a second pokeball.
"Hoothoot, let's go! I choose you!"
"Haunter, you're up!" Morty shouted out.
Both pokeballs landed on the field, Hoothoot hopping around as Haunter vanished from sight. Hoothoot began to look around the area, wondering where Haunter was as Ash also looked for the creature. Before either of them knew what happened two arms emerged from the ground and struck Hoothoot as Ice remained on the floor.
The Normal and Flying-Type hopped around for a little, slipping on the ice as Ash noticed the arms reemerging from the ground.
"Quick, let's set our defenses up with Reflect!" he shouted, sweeping his arm across his body. Hoothoot threw his wings forward, the familiar panel emerging before him as Haunter's hands smashed against it. The impact pushed Hoothoot back, the glass freezing slightly as Morty chuckled.
"Much like Gengar, Haunter here relies on avoiding straight up fights. However, while Gengar was trained for distance, Haunter specializes in right in your face battling.
"Lick, let's go!"
"Haunter haunt!" the Ghost and Poison-Type gleefully laughed out. It reemerged before Hoothoot, sticking its tongue out as Hoothoot cried in concern. Hoothoot made a motion to jump but Haunter's tongue snapped out, wrapping around Hoothoot as it held the Owl Pokémon tightly.
"Normally Ghost-Type attacks wouldn't work on a Normal-Type like Hoothoot," Brock began to say, Ash looking over to his friends as he tried to figure a way out for Hoothoot.
"But this time it isn't attacking but rather restraining Hoothoot's movements. Ash is in trouble," Janine finished. Houndour growled by Ash's side but there was nothing they could do as Hoothoot squirmed within Haunter's tongue.
"And just like the fire that drove away Lugia, so to will this fire drive away any chances of winning! Will-O-Wisp!"
Fire began to consumer Haunter's body, the energy running along its face and down its tongue. Hoothoot was enveloped by the flames, his cries of pain echoing through the Gym.
Gotta get Hoothoot free, Ash thought to himself. Balling his fists he tried to figure any sort of plan out.
The flames died down for a moment, Hoothoot huffing as he continued to fight for his freedom. His wings were trapped and unusable though something gave Ash an idea.
"Jam your beak into Haunter's tongue!" Ash commanded, fist shaking as Hoothoot struggled to nod but he understood. His beak began to glow, the Peck ready to be used as Hoothoot jammed it into Haunter's tongue.
The Ghost and Poison-Type recoiled, its tongue prison coming undone as Hoothoot slithered free before celebrating the escape.
"We're not done yet! Put your training to the test, Air Slash," Ash called out happily. He adjusted his hat as Hoothoot hopped into the air. Waving his arms he managed to hold his position for a moment, blades shooting from his wings as they shot across the field.
Haunter managed to dodge the first few but was eventually in the path of the encroaching blades. Its body was sliced in a few spots, Morty immediately calling for it to vanish from sight.
In that moment Ash and Hoothoot began to look around the field as they hoped to find a hint of Haunter's location. Instead the Ghost and Poison-Type emerged underneath the descending Hoothoot. Its hands were covered in frost once more, Hoothoot screaming from the cold sensation as they were thrown right at him.
The Reflect emerged once more only to be shattered this time, its effect having worn off. Haunter's Ice Punch sailed right into Hoothoot's lower body as the Owl Pokémon was thrown into the air. His body burst into flames as more damage wrecked his body.
Haunter cackled at the action as its hands returned to its body. Morty swept his arm to the side, calling for Haunter to vanish from sight. The Gas Pokémon vanished once more as Ash was growing frustrated at the disappearing act. There had to be something they could do to keep Haunter from vanishing so often.
Morty immediately called for Haunter to attack once more, another Ice Punch on its way as Hoothoot barely rolled out of the way of the attack, his eyes following the hands as they circled back around.
"Slice them up, quick! Air Slash"
Hoothoot chirped in agreement, creating another collection of sharp blades of wind. They immediately sliced through Haunter's hands as the destroyed appendages turned to gas. Ice and gas floated around the field for a moment before reforming into Haunter's hands. They gave up on the attack, instead returning to Haunter as the Ghost and Poison-Type inspected its newly recreated hands.
"Tell me something, Ash," Morty began to say as he rested a hand on his hip. Ash blinked at the man before growing relaxed, Hoothoot lowering his own guard as Haunter floated over to Morty.
"When you came to this Gym did you even have a plan? You started with a Houndour that refused to listen so you were forced to throw all that damage onto your Heracross. Now Hoothoot is barely keeping up.
"This match isn't one that will attract Ho-oh so why don't we call it a day and reschedule. I want all my battles to be thrilling but right now this isn't that."
Ash chuckled at the words, Hoothoot glaring at Morty as Ash walked onto the field. He got down on one knee, rubbing the top of Hoothoot's head as Houndour watched in confusion. Ash could feel the heat from Hoothoot's burn but he held his hand there.
"Thanks for the concern and all that advice but we're not the kind to just throw in the towel because of some tough times," Ash admitted as he stood back up. Hoothoot stared up at him, nodding as Ash noted his determination. No doubt the loss to Whitney was still in the back of his mind.
"Win or lose we'll battle to the end."
Ash walked back to his side of the field, Morty shrugging at Ash's words as he pointed a finger forward. Haunter moved around the field, vanishing and reappearing as Ash and Hoothoot got back to the battle.
Seeing that there was no way to track Haunter Ash decided to go on the defensive. Throwing his hand to the side he called for their next command.
"Let's raise our defense. Get a Reflect set up!"
Ash watched as the barrier emerged before Hoothoot once more before vanishing. In that moment Haunter emerged, Morty calling for an Ice Punch as the temperature in the room dropped once more. Ash was unable to counter, Haunter's fists slamming against the Reflect before breaking through and grazing Hoothoot. The Owl Pokémon rolled backwards across the floor, coming to a stop before Morty as he stood back up.
The barrage continued as Haunter's fists sailed back and forth, covered with a light frost as Hoothoot did everything in his power to avoid them. The Owl Pokémon ducked, rolled, leapt and dived out of the way but the attacks continued.
Ash bit at his lip, his eyes following the two hands as Haunter's body was invisible. He couldn't figure anything out as Hoothoot cried out in pain. His Reflect had shattered once more, ice now present on his body. Hoothoot's movements were slower now, his burn raging through his body as more damage built up.
Houndour growled from Ash's side but he motioned for the Fire and Dark-Type to remain quiet. His eyes were trained on the field, able to see Haunter for a split second before its gaseous body vanished from sight. Ash's eyes widened at that, an idea coming to him now.
"Hoothoot, whatever happens just stand your ground! Don't dodge!"
Morty flicked some hair at the top of his head, a small smirk on his face. "Haunter isn't like Gengar, he's pure gas, he won't give off a stench like Gengar did. Ice Punch!"
"I know he won't give off a stench, but if he's a gas then his body will be unstable. Once they hit you, Hoothoot, follow the arms back and use Air Slash!"
"That's one way to do things," Brock muttered out. Ash chuckled at his friend's reaction, Hoothoot being slammed into the ground from the attack. The Owl Pokémon cried out from the pain but leapt up immediately, eyes scanning the field as the hands retracted.
In that moment Haunter's body resurfaced, hands connecting to the body. Hoothoot leapt high into the air, wings waving as sharp blades were launched off. They sliced through Haunter's body as the Ghost and Poison-Type cried out in pain. His body began to seep apart, particles of the Gas Pokémon floated around the field as Hoothoot fired off another round of blades.
"As long as Hoothoot keeps slicing Haunter apart he can't vanish!" Janine shouted out, Ash nodding in agreement. The Kimono Sisters watched on in suspense as Morty found himself growling in annoyance.
Zuki could be seen smirking at Morty as the Gym Leader swept his hand across his body. "Haunter, end this annoying attack with Sucker Punch!"
Ash's eyes shot open as Haunter's hands quickly reformed and slammed into Hoothoot. Neither Ash or his partner expected such speed or precision but Haunter had struck. Hoothoot gasped out, wings covering his stomach as Haunter managed to reform his body.
Ash cursed himself for that, Haunter vanishing as Hoothoot started to gaze around the field again. Ash felt like a spinning top, his body looking all around as he tried to spot Haunter. It was too late, however as Haunter's tongue shot out.
Morty laughed as the tongue wrapped around Hoothoot, the Owl Pokémon bursting into flames from his burn. The attack once again didn't harm Hoothoot but kept him constrained as Morty shouted for another Ice Punch. The fists sailed through Haunter's tongue and right into Hoothoot, the Owl Pokémon crying out as the round of attacks continued.
There's got to be something I can do, Ash thought to himself. Hoothoot's cries echoed through the building, Houndour whining from them as even Pikachu covered his ears. The sight of his two Pokémon gave him an idea. Adjusting his hat, Ash immediately pointed forward to issue a command.
"Hoothoot, Echoed Voice! Give it everything you've got!"
The Normal and Flying-Type barely nodded in acknowledgement before opening his beak. His screams burst outwards as everyone in the room covered their ears. Whines came from Pikachu and Houndour but nothing from Haunter. Instead he seemed unaffected by the attempt, Morty chuckling.
"It was a good last attempt," Morty stated before pointing forward. "But it wasn't enough! Ice Punch!"
The attack didn't come, however, instead a thin layer of particles were floating around the field. It was Ash's turn to smirk now as Haunter's tongue broke apart and freed Hoothoot from his confinement. Things hadn't gone the way he expected but Ash was glad to see Hoothoot able to move freely now.
Throwing a finger forward Ash called for an Air Slash as Hoothoot fired off a round of the familiar blades. They sliced through Haunter's destabilized body, a shriek of pain echoing outwards. Small explosions occurred around the field around each collection of particles as they fell to the floor before stabilizing into Haunter's various body parts.
"Haunter is unable to battle! This leaves Morty with one final Pokémon!" Zuki stated as Morty lifted Haunter's pokeball. The Ghost and Poison-Type was recalled immediately, Morty looking down at his partner with a smile.
"It appears I underestimated you, Ash," Morty stated before placing the pokeball back. A smile rested on his face as he grabbed his third and final pokeball. "Normally I don't use her in Gym Battles but it's only fair to you that I go all out! Mismagius, go!"
The pokeball exploded outwards, the light dying down to reveal a purple ghost floating on the field. Unlike Haunter it appeared to have a physical body as it moved around the field slowly. Her eyes were trained on Hoothoot as the Owl Pokémon looked uneasily at it.
"That was quite a strategy there," one of the Kimono Sisters stated. Ash listened to them but kept his eyes on the field in anticipation for an attack. "Echoed Voice destabilized Haunter to the point his body and particles were in left in a weakened state. The attack might have done no damage but it left him unable to defend or even brace himself for that Air Slash."
"That's our Ash," Janine joked as Brock laughed in agreement. "Always doing something so unexpected we can't help but wait for it to show up in a battle."
Ash was about to respond to them but he didn't have a chance as Morty and Mismagius went on the offensive. Morty called out for a Thunderbolt, Mismagius's body surging with electricity as it culminated at the tip of her head.
The electricity surged from her hat, flowing out in multiple directions. Hoothoot struggled to dodge but did his best regardless, rolling out of the majority of the attack. However, a bit of the Thunderbolt singed his backside.
"Hoooo!" Hoothoot cried out as he stood back up. The Owl Pokémon panted but remained ready to continue. Ash however had a different idea.
Cupping his hands together he called out to Hoothoot. "How about Houndour takes your place, Hoothoot?"
"Hoot! Hoo hoooo," the Owl Pokémon replied with a shake of his head. It strained him just to do that, Ash smiling at the determined Normal and Flying-Type. Houndour growled at his side, pawing at the ground.
"I know you're frustrated but remember we're a team," Ash began to explain as Hoothoot started to drop the act. He slowly hopped towards Ash and Houndour, pausing for a moment to look at Mismagius. "Take a nice rest and cheer Houndour on now. You did great."
Hoothoot finally accepted the decision, hopping towards Ash as he passed Houndour. Pausing, Hoothoot stared at Houndour, raising his wing to tap the Dark Pokémon on the head. Houndour brushed it off, confused by the action as it walked out onto the field.
"Ready to continue, Ash?" Morty asked, arms spread wide as a watched Houndour. Mismagius floated around the field, Ash and Houndour could only watch as her eyes glowed a bright red.
"Be ready, Houndour, she's coming right at us!" Ash shouted. Sweeping his arm to the side he called for Houndour to dodge, the Fire and Dark-Type leaping into the air as the ground erupted into flames.
"Power Gem! Don't let them rest!" Morty shouted, punching forward.
The gems around Mismagius's neck shined, boulders emerging from them as the descending Houndour appeared trapped. Below it were the flames and heading right at it were a series of boulders.
Ash, however, was ready as he adjusted his hat. "Use them as stepping stones! Get higher and then Flamethrower!"
Houndour growled in agreement, taking the first stone as a direct hit. Its body tumbled for a second, glowing red with Rage as it struck back against the second stone. Pushing off of the object, Houndour continued its ascent as it leapt higher until the ceiling was up against its back.
A devilish smirk crossed its face, tongue licking its lips as flames started to spill out. Falling towards Mismagius, Houndour whipped its head around. The Flamethrower shot forward, streaking against the remaining stones until it appeared to strike Mismagius.
Or so they thought.
Houndour landed on the ground, flames sputtering out as the Dark Pokémon watched his flames vanish. In Mismagius's place was a ghostly portal, energy seeping out of it.
Ash's eyes widened, his head whipping around the field as a new portal opened underneath Houndour. He shouted with concern but it did little as Mismagius rammed her body towards Houndour.
The Reflect appeared for one final time, Hoothoot crying out happily as it softened the blow. Ash rubbed the top of Hoothoot's head as Houndour whined slightly. The Dark Pokémon was tossed into the air, Mismagius giving chase.
"Just like the storm that drove Ho-Oh and Lugia from our home we'll drive out any thoughts of victory! Thunderbolt followed up by Mystical Fire!"
Mismagius glowed yellow, electricity surging through her body as she fluttered in the air. Houndour redirected itself, now facing its opponent.
Ash quickly called for a Flamethrower as fire shot from its maw. Mismagius was caught in the flames before launching her Thunderbolt. Fire and electricity merged, pushing back against each other until finally both attacks gave out in an explosion. Smoke and wind passed through the area, Ash adjusting his footing as he held tight to his hat.
The smoke parted quickly, pillars of fire erupting around the field as one enveloped Houndour. The Fire and Dark-Type howled out in pain as the pillar vanished to show a smoking Houndour.
Houndour immediately took off running, Ash pumping a fist from that before calling for another Flamethrower. Morty countered with another Mystical Fire.
This time the flames emerged as orbs around Mismagius's body. Each orb shot forward, soaring past the Flamethrower as they struck various parts of the Gym. Fire erupted from their final resting spots, Houndour trapped within the ring of fire.
Morty snapped a finger at that, calling for a Phantom Force as Mismagius vanished from sight. The portal appeared where she last was, Houndour looking around as Ash instead called out on the offensive.
"Shadow Ball, now! Blast it right into the portal!"
Houndour's eyes shot open, a wicked grin emerging on its face. Its maw shot open as ghostly energy surged within it. Despite not being finished, Houndour launched the attack as Morty called out in concern as the sphere landed within the portal.
Mismagius emerged immediately, a ghostly shriek coming from the portal. Smoke billowed off of her body, Houndour growling as Ash kept the offensive going.
"Blind them with a Smog! Hide your position!"
Houndour nodded, a purple cloud rolling out of its maw. Ash coughed slightly from it but narrowed his eyes as both Houndour and Mismagius vanished from his sight. Even Morty was out of his view as the sound of paws scurrying across the floor echoed outwards.
A bright light filled the area as fire and electricity surged through the cloud of smog. The two attacks caused the smoke cloud to burst into flames, Ash covering his face as the area heated up.
Houndour whimpered from the heat, the burning cloud finally vanishing as Ash noted Mismagius being gone. Morty laughed at the sight as he pointed forward.
A portal opened before Houndour, the Dark Pokémon firing another Shadow Ball. Unfortunately it exploded upon contact with a Power Gem.
Stones continued to launch at Houndour, the Fire and Dark-Type leaping out of the way as a Thunderbolt launched down from the ceiling. Ash's eyes shot upwards, Houndour being struck by the electricity.
"Two portals!?"
"We can do more than that," Morty bragged. He spread his arms wide once more, a third portal appearing underneath Houndour. The Dark Pokémon fell within it, Ash calling for his partner as he reemerged on the other side of the field.
Balling his fists, Ash wondered what he could do as Houndour slowly got back onto its feet. Mismagius reappeared now, the Ghost-Type floating gleefully before the growling Houndour.
"Houndour, calm down," Ash admitted as he got down onto a knee. "We can't lose our cool now, not after everything the others did. Heracross and Hoothoot did everything they could so let's finish what they started!"
Ash could feel his chest heating up, a light glow starting to form around his feather though he ignored it. Instead he whipped his finger forward before calling for a Flamethrower.
The fire ripped across the field, Mismagius vanishing before it could strike her. In return Morty called for a Mythical Fire as a portal appeared behind Houndour. Orbs of fire flew outwards, dancing around Houndour as the Dark Pokémon tiredly avoided them.
Houndour's room in the Gym grew smaller with each passing second, fire erupting all around it only for a cackle of thunder to echo above them. Stones and lightning rocked the area, firing down at Houndour.
Dashing into the fire Houndour avoided the Thunderbolt though the Power Gem continued, the stones raining like a meteor shower as Houndour tried to dodge.
More portals opened around the Gym, Ash biting his lip as the Power Gem only grew in number. Watching the portals, Ash could see Mismagius flutter by and occasionally glance out them. That's when he smirked.
"Houndour, stop running. Let's face this head on like we battle best!" Ash happily called out. Houndour skidded to a stop, a few of the stones flying past it and into another portal. Fire sprung up around them, cutting Houndour's escape off as electricity shot down from the ceiling. It danced around Houndour, almost caging the Fire and Dark-Type.
"Alright, let's do this! Start by cutting Mismagius's sight off, Smog into her portal!"
"Get out of there! Finish the Phantom Force!" Morty nervously cried out.
One by one the portals began to close, Houndour pouring the noxious smoke outwards. The smoke pooled over the field, rolling for the various portals only for each one to close. Ash didn't worry, instead smiling at the sight of it vanishing.
"To the left, she's coming so brace yourself and be ready with a Shadow Ball!"
Houndour growled in agreement, the Smog being sucked into the new portals Mismagius rammed into Houndour. The Dark Pokémon skidded across the floor, whipping its head around to launch the ghostly energy.
The sphere ripped apart the floor, striking Mismagius as the attack exploded upon contact. Mismagius cried out in pain, Houndour leaping back onto its feet before rushing at her.
Ash and Houndour shared a smirk, the former calling for a Flamethrower as the glow from his feather increased. The glow appeared to encompass Houndour, the sight causing those gathered to watch in stunned silence.
Houndour pounced upon Mismagius, the Ghost-Type falling through a portal before the Flamethrower could strike. Houndour panted heavily, staring down Mismagius as she reappeared.
Ash also waited, unsure of what Morty would do only to notice the Kimono Sisters get down onto their knees. Morty followed suit, bowing at Ash and Houndour as the boy noted hos partner now glowing.
"After all these years, to think someone was worthy," Morty muttered as he raised his head. "Ash, please tell me, do you have Ho-Oh's feather?"
"Yeah," Ash admitted nervously as he unzipped his jacket. Resting inside in its usual spot was his feather as it glowed brightly. Morty gasped out at the sight of it, slowly rising back to his feet.
"Zuki, it's real. Not just a dream or tale," Morty stated, wiping a small tear from his eyes. Ash zipped his jacket back up.
"We can talk more after, but right now we have a Gym Battle to finish," Ash admitted with a smile. Morty laughed at that, nodding at his words.
"You're right. And I apologize for my actions just now. It's just, I never thought I would see one," Morty admitted as he placed a hand on his hip. "Knowing that Ho-Oh is watching just means we can't lose now! Mismagius, Mythical Fire!"
"We won't back down either! Let's fight fire with fire! Flamethrower!" Ash shouted while punching forward. The glow around Houndour continued as it fired off the Flamethrower. The torrent of flames collided with the spheres of fire as they were quickly consumed.
Morty wasn't finished though, calling for a Power Gem as they shot through the Flamethrower and struck Houndour. The Fire and Dark-Type whimpered from the blow but got right back up as Ash called for a Smog.
The noxious gas cloud blocked out any sight for anyone as Houndour ran around the field. Out of concern Morty called for a Thunderbolt as electricity crackled all around. It struck holes in the gas cloud but couldn't strike Houndour.
A growl from Houndour told Ash everything he needed to hear. Punching forward he made the final command.
"Alright, let's light this up! Flamethrower!"
The cloud immediately burst into flames as Houndour unleashed a Flamethrower. The poison cloud quickly exploded from the attack, both Houndour and Mismagius being flung backwards from it. The Ghost-Type slumped to the floor, unmoving as Houndour rose to its feet. Letting out a mighty howl it too collapsed as Hoothoot hopped over to it.
"Both Mismagius and Houndour are unable to battle! Since Hoothoot is still able to battle, the winner of this Gym Battle is Ash Ketchum!" Zuki stated as Ash rushed towards Houndour.
He carefully picked the exhausted Fire and Dark-Type up in his arms, Hoothoot softly crying out to it.
"Houndour will be fine. Just needs a nice, long rest. You both deserve one," Ash admitted as he recalled Houndour into its pokeball. The action was followed by Hoothoot being recalled as a clapping sound brought Ash back to hos surroundings.
"That was definitely a battle worthy of Ho-Oh's blessing. I hope we showed it something spectacular," Morty admitted as he walked towards Ash. Zuki and the other Kimono Sisters were next to him, each of them silent as Zuki held a small case. Ash noticed the badge resting atop it, excitement swelling within him.
"While I would love to discuss more with you about that feather I feel now isn't the time. Please rest and celebrate your victory today," Morty admitted as he took the badge from the case. Handing it over to Ash, he smiled softly. "With the Fog Badge you've officially beaten this Gym, Ash. Congratulations."
"Alright! We just earned a Fog Badge!" Ash shouted, Pikachu joining in with a "pipikachu" before the duo laughed. He felt three pokeballs rock softly on his belt, Ash using his free hand to tap them. His partners had put in an incredible effort today and he couldn't be prouder.
His attention was pulled away, however, as Zuki took a step forward. "Please excuse my brashness but for how long were you planning to stay in Ecruteak City?"
Ash turned towards his friends as Brock and Janine were now standing next to him.
"The plan was to leave tomorrow for Olivine City and your next Gym Badge. Your little side exploration threw our plans off schedule," Brock admitted. Ash rubbed the back of his head at that comment.
"Then please meet with us tomorrow morning before you leave," Zuki admitted. Morty nodded at that, joining the sisters in bowing slightly. "We would like to properly give thanks to Ho-Oh and its chosen."
"The Burnt Tower is right near the closest route towards Olivine City. We can meet up there," Morty stated as he stood up straight. "There's something I would like to show you as well."
"Sounds good," Janine stated as she held to her wrist. Ash tilted his head at that, the action not going unnoticed by the Kimono Sisters. They remained silent, however.
"Honestly I wanted to visit the tower but didn't want to throw our schedule off anymore than it already is," she finished explaining. Ash nodded at that, shaking his fist slightly.
"So tomorrow we'll all meet up at the Burnt Tower first thing in the morning."
Ash turned away from the group, sighing slightly as he wiped some sweat from his face. He felt tired suddenly but kept it to himself. He didn't need to worry anyone, though part of him hoped that he could get some answers tomorrow. Walking out of the Gym, Ash stared at the sky as a rainbow covered the city.
"Thank you for watching, Ho-Oh," Ash whispered.
And with that Ash earned his third Gym Badge but not without some trouble. Fortunately his team of Heracross, Hoothoot and Houndour pulled through for him. Though now he might finally get some answers at the Burnt Tower, or not since no one really has much information.
Though the time in Ecruteak City is coming to a close for now. Next chapter will see an end of Ecruteak until they pass through it again eventually.
Thank you to everyone who read the chapter and supports this story. Please leave a review letting me know what you enjoyed and how I can improve the story.