Excited to challenge the next gym, Ash and Celeste head to Veilstone City, where they meet Reggie, who introduces himself as Paul's brother. At first, the two best friends were hesitant about him, he was Paul's brother after all. But his open and warm persona rapidly won them over.
"How are they even related?" Celeste hissed at Ash with an incredolous look. "They are totally opposites!"
"No idea," Ash replied, shaking his head in disbelief. "I mean Reggie is hot, kind, gentle..."
"Ash!" Celeste slapped him on the arm.
"What?!" Ash snapped back, bothered that he had to take his eyes off Reggie to turn to her.
"Focus! And hot? Really?!" Celeste raised an eyebrow.
"He is hot!" Ash defended himself with a huff.
"I still can't believe this lovable idiot had girls and boys following him around back in Unova," Celeste muttered under her breath.
"Did you say something?" Ash asked her, tilting his head in confusion.
Celeste stopped and stared at him in silence for a couple of seconds. "Now, I get why they did. You are just too cute!"
"Thank you!" Ash beamed back, as Nephele flapped her wings proudly behind him.
"Something is wrong?" Reggie asked them, turning around after noticing they were no longer followwing him.
"No!" Ash and Celeste exclaimed at the same time, though Ash did so blushing.
"Well, thene follow me. The gym is close," Reggie smiled, making Ash blush brighter and Celeste giggle at her friends crystal clear crush. "Oh, Paul's been on quite a journey too," Reggie continued recalling his brother's endeavors. "His Murkrow evolved into a Honchkrow, and he caught a Magmar to replace his Chimchar." Celeste and Ash's heart sinks at the mention of Chimchar. They know that Paul was a tough trainer, but they can't help but wonder if Chimchar was happier now with Chili. Reggie continued, "And you know what? Paul even challenged Maylene here in Veilstone City and earned the Cobble Badge. He's been determined to become stronger, just like you are."
"Nothing like us," Ash muttered under his breath drily, before smiling brightly at Reggie when this one had turned around to give him a confused look.
"Smooth," I teased.
"Shut up!" Ash hissed.
"Make me!" I sang.
Entering the Veilstone City Gym, Ash and Celeste notice a change in Maylene's demeanor. She seems downhearted and lacking the usual confident aura of a Gym Leader. It's evident that the recent losses have taken a toll on her spirits.
"Hey, Maylene, is everything okay?" Reggie asks with concern, approaching the Gym Leader.
Maylene sighs and looks up, trying to force a smile. "Oh, hi, Reggie and company. I guess I'm just feeling a bit discouraged lately. I've been on a losing streak, and it's been getting to me."
Celeste steps forward, offering a supportive hand on Maylene's shoulder. "Don't worry! Everyone has their ups and downs. You're an amazing Gym Leader, and one losing streak doesn't define your skills."
Ash nods in agreement. "That's right! You've trained hard to get where you are, and your pokemon are incredibly strong. Losing is just part of the journey, but it's how you learn and grow from it that matters."
Maylene's smile grows genuine as she looks at the two encouraging trainers. "Thank you, guys. I really needed to hear that. It's just been tough, and I started doubting myself."
"I believe in you, Maylene," Reggie told her with determination. "You can overcome this rough patch and show everyone the Gym Leader you truly are."
"And don't forget," Ash adds with a grin, "you've got a new challengers right here, ready to give their all in the battle!"
Feeling bolstered by their support, Maylene's confidence begins to return. "You're right. I shouldn't let a few losses define me. Let's have a great battle!"
The battle between Ash and Maylene commenced with an air of excitement and anticipation. Reggie and Celeste cheered on as Machoke and Fraxure took their positions on the battlefield.
"Alright, Fraxure, let's show them what you've got!" Ash shouted with determination.
"Ready for action, Machoke!" Maylene commanded.
Machoke started off with a Dynamic Punch, aiming to deliver a powerful blow to Fraxure. But Ash's Drako evaded with agility. "Good dodge, Drako! Counter with Dragon Claw!" Ash strategized. Drako lunged forward, slashing through the air with his sharp claws, making a direct hit on Machoke. The impact knocked the Fighting-type pokemon backward, but he quickly recovered and retaliated with a Cross Chop. "Jump and use Dragon Pulse!" Ash reacted quickly. Fraxure leapt into the air, avoiding the Cross Chop, and released a powerful Dragon Pulse, creating a burst of energy that hit Machoke directly. Despite the hit, Machoke remained resilient and countered with a Brick Break.
"Drako, endure it! Then retaliate with Outrage!" Ash commanded.
Drako took the hit, showing remarkable endurance, and then went into a frenzy of outrage-fueled attacks. His movements became faster and more intense as he relentlessly striked Machoke with his Dragon Claw and Dual Chop. The battle intensified as both pokemon gave their all. Drako used Dragon Dance to increase his speed and power, while Machoke countered with Seismic Toss, lifting Drako off the ground and slamming him back down.
"Get up, Drako! We're not done yet! Use Night Slash!" Ash encouraged. Drako regained his footing and unleashed a swift and powerful Night Slash, landing a critical hit on Machoke. Celeste gasped as the powerful attack left Machoke looking visibly weakened. "Finish it with a Dragon Tail!" Ash shouted.
Drako channeled his remaining energy into one last powerful blow, using Dragon Tail to send Machoke flying across the battlefield. The hit knocked Machoke out, and the referee declared Drako the winner of the intense battle. Reggie and Celeste erupted in cheers, celebrating Ash's well-deserved victory.
"That was an incredible battle, Ash. Your Fraxure is truly formidable," Maylene complimented, as she returned her pokemon and called out her Meditite.
"Thanks, Maylene! Your Machoke was tough too," Ash replied, with his Sunflora smile.
The whole gym erupted into gasps as Drako began to glow, his body undergoing a magnificent transformation. Celeste and Ash watch in awe as their beloved Drako evolved into a majestic Haxorus. The newly evolved pokemon stood tall and proud, displaying his impressive dark, yellow-green covering and formidable appearance.
"Haxorus! Wow, you look amazing!" Celeste exclaims, beaming with pride.
"Yeah, you did it, Drako! You evolved into Haxorus!" Ash cheers, patting Haxorus on the back.
Haxorus roars, his powerful voice reverberating through the gym. He is aware of his new form and takes great pride in his unbreakable tusks. His red eyes gleam with excitement and determination, and he looks even more formidable with his black skin, red talons, and axe-like tusks. With his evolution, Haxorus gained even more strength and power. His tusks are now even more deadly, capable of slicing through steel beams and metal with ease. Despite his imposing appearance, Haxorus remains friendly and loyal to his trainer, Ash.
"Congratulations, Ash!" Maylene called out, joining the applause. "Your Haxorus is truly incredible!"
"Thanks, Maylene! I'm so proud of him," Ash replied, grinning from ear to ear. "We make an unbeatable team, Drako," Ash s,aid placing a hand on Haxorus's armored back. "I knew you could do it." Haxorus nudged Ash affectionately, showing his appreciation for their bond. "This is just the beginning, Drako. We'll keep getting stronger together," Ash promised him with determination in his eyes. "For now though, I will need to tap you out. I will not have you battling right after an evolution. Good job buddy!"
With Drako taking a well-deserved rest, Ash decided to send out his trusty Nephele for the second round of the battle. Nephele, the majestic shiny Altaria, took to the battlefield with grace and confidence, her soft, cotton-like wings gently fluttering in the air. "Alright, Nephele, let's show them what we've got!" Ash says, a determined smile on his face. Nephele noded, her red eyes glinting with determination. She knew that this is her chance to shine and prove herself in the battle. On the other side of the battlefield, Maylene's Meditite stood ready, his focus clear and unwavering. "Nephele, use Dragon Pulse!" Ash calls out, and Nephele gathered a swirling orb of dragon energy in front of her. With a graceful movement, she released the Dragon Pulse, the powerful attack streaking towards Meditite.
"Meditite, Confusion!" Maylene countered, and Meditite's psychic energy swirled around him, colliding with the Dragon Pulse. The two attacks clash, creating a burst of energy that sends shockwaves across the battlefield.
"Nephele, follow up with Double Team!" Ash commanded, and Nephele's form blured as multiple illusory copies of her appeared around the battlefield.
"Use Drain Punch, Meditite!" Maylene responded, and Meditite moved swiftly, trying to locate the real Nephele among the clones.
"Nephele, now's your chance! Aerial Ace!" Ash calls out, and the real Nephele dived from above, her wings glowing with a sharp aura as she striked Meditite with incredible speed. Meditite was caught off guard and was unable to evade the powerful Aerial Ace. The attack landed, sending Meditite skidding backward with a cry of pain. However, the determined Meditite quickly regains his composure and retaliated with a Drain Punch, aiming to regain some health. "Nephele, dodge and counter with Dragon Claw!" Ash shouts, and Nephele nimbly dodged the Drain Punch, avoiding the attack effortlessly. She then striked back with her claw glowing with draconic power, delivering a powerful hit to Meditite.
As the battle progresses, Nephele and Meditite engaged in an intense exchanged of moves, each showcasing their strength and skills. Nephele's graceful movements and powerful attacks impressed everyone, while Meditite's tenacity and determination gained everyone's respect. In the end, it was clear that Nephele and Ash's teamwork and determination had paid off. Despite the tough competition from Maylene and her Meditite, Nephele's well-timed attacks and clever strategies secure the victory for Ash with one final Aerial Ace.
"You did it, Nephele! We won!" Ash cheered, his excitement evident.
Nephele let out a joyous trill, flapping her wings in celebration. She was proud of her performance and was thrilled to have come out on top.
"Great job, Nephele! You were amazing out there!" Celeste praised, giving a thumbs-up to her friend and her powerful Altaria.
Nephele basked in the praise, she knew that she and Ash made an incredible team, and she was grateful for the bond they share. But the battle was not over, as Maylene recalled her Meditite, she sent out her powerful partner, Lucario. Nephele flapped her wings confidently, her eyes locking onto the determined Lucario.
"Alright, Nephele, let's give it our all once again!" Ash exclaimed, a fire of excitement in his eyes. Nephele chirped in agreement, her shiny feathers glimmering in the arena's lights. She was eager to prove herself once more and show just how strong she and Ash can be together.
"Lucario, use Force Palm!" Maylene commanded, and Lucario charged towards Nephele, his paws glowing with Aura energy.
"Nephele, evade with Double Team!" Ash countered, and Nephele's form splits into several copies, confusing Lucario for a moment.
"Lucario, focus! Use Aura Sphere!" Maylene ordered, and Lucario took a deep breath, concentrating his energy to create a powerful sphere of aura.
"Nephele, let's go! Dragon Claw!" Ash shouted, and Nephele darted forward with her claws glowing with dragon energy. As the Aura Sphere and Dragon Claw collided, a burst of energy erupted, sending shockwaves across the battlefield. The force of the impact caused the ground to shake, but Nephele held her ground, her determination unwavering. "Now, Nephele! Use Aerial Ace!" Ash commanded, and Nephele gracefully soared through the air, her wings glowing with a sharp aura.
"Lucario, counter with Bone Rush!" Maylene responded, and Lucario's bones extended from his paws, aiming to intercept Nephele's attack.
But Nephele's agility and precision were unmatched, and she expertly weaved through the Bone Rush strikes, landing a powerful hit on Lucario with her Aerial Ace.
"Great job, Nephele! Now, use Moonblast!" Ash shouted. Nephele opened her mouth, releasing a dazzling pink burst of moon energy towards Lucario. Lucario tried to evade the Moonblast, but Nephele's attack was too fast and hit its mark, sending Lucario skidding backward. The battle continued, and Maylene was not one to be taken lightly. She was determined to put up a fierce fight and test Ash and Nephele's abilities to the fullest.
"Nephele, let's keep the momentum going! Use Dragon Dance!" Ash commanded, and Nephele started dancing gracefully on the battlefield, enhancing her speed and strength. Lucario didn't waste any time and retaliated with a swift Metal Claw attack, aiming to catch Nephele off guard. But Nephele's newfound speed from Dragon Dance allowed her to dodge the attack gracefully.
"Great move, Nephele! Now, use Cotton Guard to bolster your defenses!" Ash shouted, and Nephele's cotton-like wings glow with a protective aura. Lucario tried to break through Nephele's defenses with an Aura Sphere, but Nephele's Cotton Guard proved to be quite effective, reducing the damage significantly.
"Not bad, but we won't let up! Lucario, try Bone Rush again!" Maylene commanded, and Lucario launched into a series of bone strikes, determined to break through Nephele's defenses.
Ash was quick to respond. "Nephele, counter with Sky Attack!" he ordered, and Nephele charged up a powerful aerial attack. The two attacks collided with a resounding force, causing a shockwave that shook the entire gym. Despite the strength of Lucario's Bone Rush, Nephele's Sky Attack prevailed, pushing through and landing a direct hit on Lucario. "Amazing, Nephele! Now, use Outrage!" Ash called out, and Nephele's eyes glowed with an intense rage, fueled by the powerful Dragon-type move.
With an incredible burst of energy, Nephele launched herself at Lucario, attacking with a relentless fury of claw and wing strikes. Lucario did his best to keep up, using his Aura Sphere to counter, but Nephele's Outrage was too overwhelming. Celeste and Reggie were on the edge of their seats as the battle intensified, and both trainers and pokemon were giving it their all.
"Lucario, use Force Palm!" Maylene commanded, and Lucario managed to get a solid hit on Nephele, causing her to stumble back.
"Nephele, hang in there! Show them your strength with Dragon Pulse!" Ash encouraged, and Nephele shook off the after effects of Outrage and summoned her remaining energy to form a powerful Dragon Pulse attack.
The Dragon Pulse clashed with Lucario's Force Palm, resulting in an explosion of energy that sent shockwaves rippling through the arena. When the dust settled, both pokemon were exhausted and breathing heavily. One second later, Lucario dropped to the ground.
"Lucario, you've fought bravely. It's time to rest," Maylene said with a smile, recalling her pokemon.
Ash and Nephele exchanged a triumphant look, knowing they've given it their all and emerged victorious once again. "You were incredible, Nephele! I'm so proud of you!" Ash exclaimed, hugging his Altaria tightly. Nephele chirped happily, nuzzling against Ash affectionately.
Maylene approached them with a smile. "That was an impressive battle. You and Nephele are a truly formidable team," she complimented them.
"Thank you, Maylene! Your Lucario was strong too," Ash replied with genuine admiration.
Maylene noded, her confidence and spirits lifted after the intense battle. "You've earned the Cobble Badge fair and square. Congratulations!"
Ash and Nephele accepted the badge with pride, knowing that they've come a long way on their journey to become Dragon Masters. With the Cobble Badge in hand, they set their sights on the next gym!