Episode 24: The Pyramid King's Challenge! Gym Battle with Brandon!
Upon reaching Madrid, our trio of Pokémon Trainers went about seeking out their next gym challenge to tackle. Ashton was to take on this one, and she was eager to battle alongside her newly acquired Hydreigon. As the three explored the city, they eventually came across what looked to be construction of a new battle facility of some kind.
"Huh, I wonder what they're building here?" Dylan asked aloud.
"According to this, the Pokémon International League will be holding the World Tournament here in Spain next year," Kris said, reading information off her Pokégear. "This is going to be one of the battle facilities Trainers can earn metals in during the event."
"And it's all run by me!" said a strong and proud voice. Coming out of the construction yard was a man with a serious face wearing a green adventurer's outfit.
"You're Brandon, the Pyramid King!" Ashton said in recognition. "I've always wanted to take part in the Battle Frontier! You have to battle me now."
"Well then, today is your lucky day, because I'm running a Gym right here in Madrid as they prepare for next year's World Tournament," Brandon explained. He stared Ashton in the eyes and frowned. "However, as Pyramid King I won't go easy on you. I'll be coming at you with all of the strength my team has. Think you can handle that?"
Ashton met his stare and have a serious nod. "I've grown stronger as a Pokémon Trainer, so I'm sure I can handle your challenge, Pyramid King."
Brandon closed his eyes and nodded. "Well then, let's go to my Gym. I hope you're not afraid of the dark, because my challenge isn't for the faint of heart."
[***]
As Dylan and Kris waited in the stadium, Ashton was escorted into the underground area of the gym, carved out into a labyrinth that she would have to make her way through in order to challenge Brandon. "There are three Pokémon down here that each hold a key to the center of the maze," the Pryramid King explained. "Once you get all three, unlock the elevator lift and we'll have our battle."
Ashton nodded as the door closed behind her, sealing her in the maze with only a lamp to guide her way through the dark. The maze was vast for how much space was provided, with many dead ends, revolving intersections, and teleporting panels to disorient any who entered. "This would almost work better as a gym back in Greece," Ashton mused.
With Vulcan by her side adding more light to the pathways, Ashton made her way through the maze, searching for the Pokémon holding the keys. Suddenly, Vulcan sniffed the air and pointed down one of the hallways. Following her Pokémon's instincts, Ashton soon came across a small field of flowers, a bit of sunlight shining in from a hole in the roof. In the middle of the field was a small green cat-like Pokémon sunbathing in the rays.
"Huh, I wonder what that Pokémon is," Ashton asked herself. She pulled out her Pokédex and scanned the creature. "Sprigatito: the Grass Cat Pokémon. When Sprigatito rubs its forepaws, a sweet aroma is released that can mesmerize those around it."
Around the Sprigatito's neck was the first key, which Ashton took from it and pocketed for later. The Grass Cat Pokémon gave a cute meow before going back to sunbathing, using its plant-like fur to soak up the sun's rays. Going back into the darkness, Ashton and Vulcan entered the next part of the maze, this one having a few unlit torches on the walls. Vulcan used a Flamethrower attack to light these torches, giving them handy markers as to where they'd been before if they got teleported away.
After getting turned around a few times, Ashton ended up in a room full of heat. Wandering around was a small dinosaur-like Pokémon that almost looked like a pepper of some kind. Ashton scanned it to see what it was. "Fuecoco: the Fire Croc Pokémon. Flickering atop Fuecoco's head is fire energy that is leaking out from inside the Pokémon's body."
"Vulcan, you better grab this key so I don't get burned," Ashton said. The Typhlosion did as he was told, picking up the Fuecoco and grabbing the key. The little fire croc made a cute noise, making Ashton smirk. "Heh, the little guy is cute. You gotta wonder what he might evolve into with some training."
With two keys down, it only took a little more dungeon crawling to search for the final key. "You know Vulcan, I kinda wish there were some people down here for us to fight," Ashton said aloud. "But then again, I bet Brandon keeps most of his top Trainers back at the Battle Frontier. Just more of a reason for us to go there are the World Tournament!"
"Typhlosion!" Vulcan nodded.
The air soon started to cool, the walls becoming wet as the entered a chamber with a small underground spring. Splashing about in the water was a duck-like Pokémon with large pompadour haircut."Quaxly: The Duckling Pokémon. The coif on its head is slicked back using a rich, moist cream, and it becomes unkempt when dry."
"A modern-day greaser if I've ever seen one," Ashton mused. She got the final key from the Quaxly, with the Duckling Pokémon soon running off down the hallway. She followed the Pokémon until coming across the lift to exit the maze. Inserting the three keys, Ashton stepped onto the lift that raised out into the sunlight of the stadium, a crowd already gathered with Dylan and Kirs in the front rows.
"Glad to see the people of Madrid gathered for another Gym Challenge!" Brandon called out to the crowd. "I'm the current Gym Leader, Pyramid King Brandon! I specialize in being the final challenge of the Battle Pyramid for those Trainers brave enough to conquer the challenge. Tell me, Ashton, who are you?"
"I'm Ashton, Pokémon Trainer of the Kage Clan, conqueror of the Hydreigon of Mount Silver," Ashton proclaimed. She pointed for Vulcan to step forward. "Vulcan and I are ready to start the battle!"
Brandon nodded, his face becoming serious as he pulled out a Poké Ball. "If you're familiar with my battle style, then you know that I've spent years traveling the world and uncovering secrets of the ancient world alongside my fellow researchers, like the champion of the Hoenn League, Steven Stone. So We're going to start this off with Regirock!"
The Rock Peak Pokémon emerged from the ball, eyes lighting up as it readied itself for battle. Ashton nodded. "Vulcan, this Regirock has a Quick Claw, so just because it's a stone golen doesn't mean it won't move fast to blindside us. Luckily, we've had time to practice with some new moves. Dodge around with Flame Wheel and wait for the best chance to attack!"
"Regirock, shake them up with Earthquake!" Brandon commanded.
Regirock stomped the ground, making the ground unstable as Vulcan used Flame Charge to quickly jump into the air. Regirock then used Ancient Power to fire off rocks at the Typhlosion, but the Volcano Pokémon jumped between them as he raced towards his opponent.
"And once you're in close, use your own Earthquake!" Ashton commanded.
Vulcan smirked, pulling up his bandana as he slammed into the ground in front of Regirock, creating seismic waves that did major damage to it.
"Seems you've got this all figured out," Brandon said. "But this is a three-on-three battle, and I have plenty of tricks to go. Regirock, Explosion!"
Vulcan looked up in surprise as Regirock glowed and then exploded, the blast sending the Typhlosion flying back towards Ashton unconscious. She grit her teeth and recalled Vulcan, pulling out another Poké Ball. "Azrael, take to the sky!"
"Registeel, it's your turn!" Brandon called. He gave Ashton a nod of approval as his Pokémon bulked up its stance with Iron Defense. "I'll give you this, you picked a good Pokémon to counter my Registeel. I can't just stall out your Skarmory with poison damage from Toxic, so this will be a war of the Steel types."
"And I'm ready for it," Ashton agreed.
"Azrael, set up Spikes and go for Night Slash!"
"Registeel, keep up the Iron Defense and power through with Metal Claw!" Brandon commanded.
Dylan and Kris watched on as the two competitors battled, a war between a fragile speedster and a bulky tank ensuing. Azrael could easily be taken out by Registeel with onto a few Metal Claw attacks or even and Earthquake if they were grounded, but the Armor Bird Pokémon made sure to stay in his element and only attack when it was safe. "You can see Ashton's passion coming through here," Dylan said.
Indeed, her aura burns even brighter than before, Aurora noted.
Azrael eventually came in for a final Night Slash, cutting past Registeel's defenses and landing a critical hit, felling the Iron Pokémon. Brandon recalled his Pokémon, but was surprised when Ashton did the same. "You sure you want to do that? By the way you've been battling I'm sure that you know what my last Pokémon is going to be."
"I have a special Pokémon I want to make their battle debut here," Ashton explained. "It's not about type matchups or move sets, it's about showing my spirit as a Pokémon Trainer! So please, send out your final Pokémon first."
Brandon gave a grunt of understanding. "Well then… Regice, time to finish this!" The air chilled as the Iceberg Pokémon came out onto the field.
"Oh, I think I know who Ashton is going to call out," Delphi giggled. "This should be fun…"
"I think I know as well," Kris nodded. "Best of luck, Ashton."
"Come out to battle, Orochi!" Ashton shouted, tossing a ball as her Alpha Hydreigon burst onto the battlefield. She took her fighting stance as Orochi roared, their link syncing together their minds on a deeper level. "This is the power of Hydreigon Style!"
"Regice, bulk up with Amnesia and knock that thing out of the sky with Ice Beam!" Brandon commanded.
"Orochi, let's go wild!" Ashton called.
As Regice raised its Special Defense, Orochi charged in with a Hyper Beam. Regice countered with an Ice Beam that Orochi dodged, who then decided to go on the physical attack with a Crunch. Regice laid on the pressure by filling the air with Thunder and Ice Beam, making Ashton have to think fast and command her Pokémon to dodge around the Iceberg Pokémon's attacks.
"Get it with a Dragon Rush!" Ashton called. Orochi charged forward and barreled into Regice, dealing major damage as bit of ice fell from its body. "Oh yeah, I can bet this is almost over now."
That made Brandon laugh. "Time for our trump card. Regice, use Rest!"
The Iceberg Pokémon did as it was told, falling asleep on the battlefield. A green glow soon surrounded it as it suddenly woke up and got a hold of Orochi in its hands.
"No way, Brandon used a Chesto Berry to instantly wake Regice up," Kris said worriedly. "And now Regice is at full health with Orochi at their mercy."
"Regice: Ice Beam," Brandon said.
Orochi tried to Bite its way out of the Iceberg Pokémon's grip, but it was for naught as Regice fired a point-blank Ice Beam right into its body. The air got ten degrees colder as mist formed from the intensity of the Ice Beam, with the crowd gasping in show as Ashton clutched her arm in pain. As the mist parted, there was more uproar as Orochi remained standing, despite ice sticking between his scales.
"You're not the only one that knows how to use items," Ashton said. "I had Orochi hold a Focus Sash so he could power through one of your super effective hits. Now then, let's end this!"
Orochi raised all three heads, each one charging up a beam for one last attack. As Regice set off another Ice Beam to finish the job, he countered with a Strong Style Tri-Attack, all three heads using the equivalent of a Hyper Beam to counter the deadly attack coming their way. Ashton and Orochi's spirits linked as she brought her hands up, before thrusting them forward and shouting, "Hyper Tri-Beam!"
With that, the Hydreigon's attack cut through the Ice Beam, punching into Regice and pounding the ice golem into next week. As Brandon recalled his fainted Pokémon, the crowd cheered for Ashton's victory, the girl giving a bow to Orochi before recalling him to his Poké Ball.
"Now that was intense," Brandon said with a laugh. "With skills like that, I could see you becoming a Frontier Brain one day, if not a World Champion! For this victory, please take my King Badge as proof of your completed challenge."
Ashton accepted the badge, which depicted an Ancient Crown with three spikes representing each of the Regi trio. "That's badge number five," she nodded.
"Great work Ashton!" Dylan cheered.
"Hey Brandon, I met some weird Pokémon down in the maze. What are they?" Ashton asked.
"Those are some of the Pokémon found here in Spain," Brandon explained. "As you know, whenever a new Pokémon is found in the wild, it takes time, even years, for them to be allowed in officially recognized world matches. The Pokémon you met I borrowed from one of the professors here in Madrid. They're used as part of the local Pokémon League here in Spain."
"The world of Pokémon is truly never-ending," Kris nodded. "And with so many new faces to meet and Pokémon to find, I'm excited to see who we'll encounter next!"
Author's Note
Other than the starter cameos here, I do not plan to have any other Pokémon from Scarlet and Violet versions appear in this story. In fact, I had this gym battle in Spain planned out log before those games were announced.
"Orochi" comes from a famous Japanese myth, where it was a multi-headed dragon demon similar to the Hydra from Greek myth. Fitting seeing as this Hydreigon was found in one of the Japan-inspired regions.