Author's Note: This is Jackson's team, so far:
Leafeon: Sunny Day, Leaf Blade, Solarbeam, Iron Tail. Ability: Chlorophyll/Leaf Guard
Ledian: Light Screen, Agility, Ice Punch, Bug Buzz. Ability: Iron Fist
Weavile: Metal Claw, Ice Beam, Ice Punch, Night Slash. Ability: Pressure
Dewott: Night Slash, Swords Dance, Razor Shell, Water Pulse. Ability: Torrent
Quilava: Aerial Ace, Flamethrower, Flame Charge, Swift. Ability: Blaze
Gardevoir: Teleport, Magical Leaf, Moonblast, Psychic. Ability: Synchronize
Blackthorn City
Retracing their steps, Weavile had finally led the Jackson, Leafeon, and Lyanne out of the Ice Path. Dealing with the bitter cold and the Frost Divas were the only difficult parts of the trek, but otherwise, they were fine. When they stepped out of the cave, the sun had already started to set on them. Even so, they were able to see the familiar city Jackson and his team knew.
"Blackthorn City." Jackson muttered, looking at the city built into the mountain, "We've finally returned to where it all began."
"So this is the city of dragons." Lyanne muttered, looking about, "I've heard tales of this place many times. I almost feel a sense of nostalgia."
"Probably coming from your Dragon-type side." Leafeon assumed.
"Jackson, I require some rest." Weavile told his trainer.
"Right. You've been through a lot in there." Jackson noted, "Plus, I need you at your best when we face Clair again." He pulled out Weavile's Pokéball, and returned him back inside it.
"I don't know about you, but I could use a rest at the Pokemon Center, myself." Leafeon muttered, stretching her body out, "I feel like the sprouts on my body will NEVER thaw until I take a hot bath, since the sun's almost gone."
"I'm with you there." Lyanne agreed, "Even if I had the coat, I'm just barely able to handle that cave."
"Let's go to the Center." Jackson told the two Ice-type weak characters, "I'm sure I remember where it is."
He walked the other two along the gravel road, going through the town Jackson knew before. Nothing had changed since the last time they were there, apart from maybe some repairs here and there.
"There seems to have been damage around here." Lyanne noticed, "What happened?"
"Remember that not too long ago, we did have Team Rocket messing with Pokémon through the radios." Jackson reminded her, "It wouldn't be a stretch to say that the effects also came here."
"You would be correct about that." said a familiar voice, "And we have you guys to thank for saving us." Jackson looked ahead and was surprised but pleased. Lance had appeared, with Dragonite at his side.
"Lance!" Jackson greeted him happily.
"And Dragonite!" Leafeon followed up.
"Glad to see you again, Leafeon." Dragonite greeted, "You are looking well."
"Same to you." she answered.
Jackson and Lance shook hands with one another, the latter saying, "Glad to see you are doing well. I heard what happened in Goldenrod and Ecruteak City."
"You heard all that?" Jackson asked.
"Yes. You did Johto a tremendous service by how you threw yourself into the fray against Team Rocket." Lance noticed, "I am only sorry I couldn't do anything to help. I was already here, and was struggling to deal with the rampaging Pokémon around town without using my dragons."
"As shameful as it was, the moment I came out of my Pokéball, I felt an overwhelming rage course through me." Dragonite stated shamefully, "It took everything for me to try and endure before my partner returned me back to my ball."
"And how about you, young lady?" Lance asked Lyanne, "Are you doing okay?" Lyanne seemed a bit hesitant, as she couldn't really answer. "Come to think of it, we never got a full introduction before, did we?" Lance recalled.
"Huh? I thought I introduced you to Lyanne." Jackson assumed.
"We had a brief encounter, but nothing too definite." Lance answered, smirking as he looked to Lyanne, adding, "Plus, I haven't been introduced to her true form, have I?"
The phrasing startled Jackson and the girls, looking to one another. "Wait...is he aware?" Leafeon asked.
"That I'm..." Lyanne started, before covering her mouth.
Jackson looked to Lance's eyes for a moment, wondering if he should answer. But based on his eyes, Jackson could tell that he wasn't being decieved. He knew Lyanne was Latias.
(Insert 'STAND UP' by Twill (full version))
Music Intro
(Traveling through shining golden tunnel of energy, leading out into space with many world, all of which different colors, with the central world being the Pokémon world. The logo 'Jackson in Johto' appears on screen, before the camera passes through the arch of the 'n' from 'in, going into the world, through the clouds, where the glowing shadow of Ho-Oh can be seen, to the sea, where the shadow of Lugia is flying beneath the waters, before reaching the shoreline, getting blinded by the sun.)
Yeah, stand up boys!
Come on, face forward
(Jackson stands up, with Quilava at his side, followed by Dewott, Weavile, and Ledian, all of which expressing their unique personalities to Jackson.)
The call enveloping you is your guide
Step towards tomorrow
(Dewott gets angry at Weavile for trying to act so cool, while Jackson rolls his eyes before he, Quilava and Ledian took off ahead, with Weavile following behind, ignoring Dewott, who panicked and ran to not be left behind.)
Yeah, stand up girls!
At the end of what's more than real
(Leafeon rises up with Lyanne as Jackson and the boys pass by. The two look to one another, before giggling at the sight of the boys, before looking to the sky.)
We'll grab a light that's been covered by thick clouds
(Camera goes up to see Gardevoir appear in a sparkling light, landing right next to the two girls, smiling pleasantly at the two before they raced after the boys.)
How we spend our days before isn't good enough
(Camera passes by still images of all the companions and gym leaders that he has met or will meet in the future, including Cypher at the end of the pictures, while Jackson, Lyanne, Leafeon, and the rest of his current team walked along the bottom of the screen.)
At full speed
We can blast through
Even the highest wall
(Team Rocket suddenly appears, with the four admins of Team Rocket standing together, with the images of their ace Pokémon at their side, and the satellite system right above them.)
Stand up for your dream!
(Jackson draws his sword, while Lyanne turns into her Latias form, and the rest of his team ready to fight together.)
Be enthusiastic at what you do, no matter what it is
(Jackson rushes forward as he slashes his blade against Team Rocket grunts, followed by a spin kick, sending them flying, while Leafeon leaps up and unleashes a forward somersault Leaf Blade, taking out their Pokémon.)
Push your way through to make an opening
(Weavile unleashes an Ice Punch as Dewott throws a Water Pulse at a different direction, followed by the pair unleashing simultaneous Night Slashes. Quilava leaps through their attack, going into a Flame Charge.)
No matter how far
The answer you're seeking is
Stand up for your dream!
(Ledian flies in, striking with a couple Ice Punch, before unleashing a Bug Buzz. Latias flies above him, unleashing a Mist Ball, sending it ahead. Gardevoir flew forward, using Psychic to catch the Mist Ball, spinning it around her before shooting it forward, adding a Moonblast alongside the attack, creating an explosion.)
Even if my feeling show weakness
Your voice that I hear close by
(In the burning Ecruteak City, a serious Jackson raced along the path with Leafeon and Quilava at his side, towards the two towers, where a deranged Ho-Oh and Lugia were at, unleashing Aeroblast and Sacred Fire onto the city.)
Gives me courage and strength
I can go the distance
(Jackson leaps high, landing on Latias's back as they flew off, with the rest of the team leaping with him before encased in a stream of their signature colors, before the screen turn white, with a crystal blue Pokéball with a gold and silver sword crossing behind it the only thing remaining.)
"You...figured it out, huh?" Jackson asked, hoping to coax the truth out of him.
Lance looked at him, before smiling as he answered, "You mean her secret? I put the pieces together in time. The biggest clue was on the news, when eye-witnesses reported seeing you riding a Latias in Ecruteak City."
Jackson and Lyanne looked at each other, before Jackson gave a sigh that he got discovered easily. "Is this your Champion's intuition, or are you that observant about dragons?" he asked.
"A little of both." Lance answered, smirking back at him, "Besides, Blackthorn City has had a close tie with many dragons, and the Eon pair is no different. In fact, we hold something special for them that was passed down from the people of Alto Mare."
This came as a surprise to Jackson and Lyanne, the latter saying, "I had no idea about that. At least, I was never told about it before."
"Latias had no clue about this." Jackson translated to Lance, "Mind telling us about it?"
"Well, I would…" Lance answered, looking to Jackson, "But I think it would be better if I reward you with it AFTER you defeat my cousin."
"DON'T KEEP US IN SUSPENSE WHEN DROPPING SOMETHING LIKE THAT!" Jackson, Lyanne, and Leafeon barked simultaneously.
"Jackson…" Lance stopped them, glaring at him, "I should warn you my cousin has been getting stronger since you last met. You shouldn't take her battle lightly. So before you are bogged down by the thought of being rewarded, you should really think about your rematch with Clair."
Jackson thought for a moment. It's true that he really wanted to know the secret Blackthorn City held for Latias, but his first objective since coming to this town was always the same; defeating Clair and her team. He had to overcome the hurdle he foolishly thought of taking on at the beginning of his journey.
"You are right about that." Jackson agreed to Lance's words. He slapped his cheeks a couple times to focus himself, before giving a determined grin, "I have a rematch to think about. Soon as I heal up my team, I'll take her on."
Lance smiled again and nodded in approval. "I'm glad to hear that. Don't lose focus. Remember, I am waiting for you to reach me. I am still holding my title." Jackson remembered what he told him so long ago, and knew that he was still waiting for that day, when he would be able to fight him.
"Well, then…" he turned and walked away, "I'll be waiting at the gym. I can't wait to see you battle."
"We won't be long!" Jackson waved him off, before heading to the Pokémon Center. It was time to get himself prepared for the battle ahead.
At the Blackthorn City Gym, Clair was with one of her dragons, which was hidden from view, as she shouted, "Use Dragon Claw!" The Pokémon spread its claws out, encasing them in green energy, as he made a powerful strike at a practice boulder, shattering it into pieces.
"Hey, Clair." Lance entered the battlefield room, greeting her.
"Where have you been at?" Clair asked, looking to him, "You promised me that I would be allowed to fight you."
"Well, I was thinking about that…" Lance agreed, which Clair interpreted with an open mouth, "But then I met up with Jackson. He has returned to Blackthorn City again."
"Who?" Clair asked.
"The boy who you faced a couple months ago." Lance answered, "He tried fighting you with his Ledyba and Eevee."
Clair thought for a second, before realizing, "Oh, yeah. Him." She huffed as she looked to her dragon, saying, "Well, he is probably not worth my time."
"I don't know…" Lance defended, "Have you been hearing the news about him fighting against Team Rocket in Goldenrod City? And how he held his own against both Ho-Oh and Lugia? I'd say he's gotten stronger than how you remember."
"Maybe, but so have I." She replied, as Lance looked to the dragon she was training.
"Is that the new Pokémon you captured during your time in Unova?" The champion asked.
"Yes. A secret weapon I have prepared for any trainers planning to face me." She replied, "If that boy plans to face me, he'll have to face him, as well."
"So, you're planning a five Pokémon battle." Lance understood, "I wonder how Jackson will handle something like that…"
Back at the Pokémon Center, Jackson, Lyanne, and Leafeon were sitting down on the benches outside, with Jackson having his tablet out, looking at the info he got. "So, according to the trainers, Clair has four Pokémon on his team." He analyzed, looking at the four Pokémon on screen, "She has Dragonair, of course. Plus Gyarados, Lapras, and her ace is Kingdra. They also said that in the past month, no one has been able to defeat her gym."
"She is that strong?" Leafeon asked, surprised.
"I wonder if this is due to her cousin being the Champion?" Jackson asked.
"Either way, you should be careful." Lyanne warned the pair, "Clair seems like a powerful opponent. You really need to be prepared for the fight against her."
"Don't I know it." Jackson agreed, digging out all six Pokéballs he had on hand, "For starters, I'll definitely choose Ledian, since I called him for this particular fight. Then there is Weavile and Gardevoir, since their Ice and Fairy-type moves will do well against her Dragon-types."
"But Lapras is a Water and Ice-type, while Gyarados is a Water and Flying-type." Lyanne pointed out, "You need counters for them."
"Then it's a good thing they are Water-types I can handle." Leafeon stated, getting their attention, "Don't think I'll be left out of this battle after the defeat I took from her."
"Are you sure?" Lyanne asked, Lapras is an Ice-type, and Gyarados is a Flying-type, both of which you are weak to." Lyanne counter-argued.
"But this is personal." Jackson understood his partner, "Plus, remember that she helped defeat Pryce in his gym. The weaknesses will be no problem."
The trio stood up together as Jackson looked to the direction of the Gym, thinking back. The time he got too eager to get strong by facing a tough gym leader. The time he pushed his Pokémon and never truly trusted himself or them. Those were moments he had to redeem in this next match. This time, he was strong enough to face Clair. This time, he and his Pokémon shared a strong bond with one another, getting stronger throughout their travels together. This time, he and his team were gonna work together, and win the battle, earning him his next gym badge.
The trio reached the Blackthorn City Gym, approaching the front entrance of the gym. Jackson exhaled, before inhaling, and looked at the door with determination. "My name is Jackson Alpphire! I am here to challenge the Blackthorn City Gym!"
The door opened up, and in front of them was a bit surprising, for it wasn't Clair meeting them, but Lance. "Glad you are here, Jackson. I'll guide you to my cousin."
They entered into the building, following Lance through the entrance hall as Jackson asked, "I didn't expect you to guide us in. Where's Clair?"
"She is waiting." Lance answered, looking back at him, "You nervous about facing her again?"
"Not nervous, exactly." he replied, "I might be putting too much pressure on myself, but I really, REALLY want to win this match. I want to show I am not the same person I was back then."
Lance looked to Jackson for a moment, before smirking as he replied, "You aren't. I can see it in your eyes. You clearly have become a better trainer, and a better person in general. As for if you can beat my cousin, though… That's something I want you to show me and her." Jackson nodded in response, getting the positive reinforcement he needed.
They entered into the gym, which was a large one, and mostly submerged. The oval field was mostly water, but it had a 'catwalk' down the middle of the field, plus several floating circular platforms on the sides. Clair was standing on the opposite side of the field, her arms furled, and her expression serious.
"It's been quite a long time, Jackson." Clair greeted, "I'm honestly wasn't expecting to see you again."
"I had to come back." Jackson answered, "You were the first gym leader that I faced, proving how little I knew about how to be a Pokémon trainer. But after my journey, I'd say I am ready to take you on again, and prove I am more than a match for you."
"You seem eager." Clair answered, "But you don't realize that I can handle my own even against the Elite 4 of the region. Do you really think you stand a chance against me?"
"Only one way to find out." Jackson answered, stepping on to his side of the battlefield, with Leafeon on his side. Lance and Lyanne went to one side, with the former going to where the referee usually was.
"You plan to play as referee for this battle, cousin?" Clair asked, glaring at him.
"I want to witness an amazing battle between the two of you. And I believe this is the best position to witness it."
Clair looked to Jackson, who was doing some stretches to loosen his body, therefore his mind, as he readied to fight the gym. 'I barely remember this kid. Can someone that forgetful be someone my cousin is interested in? I can't wrap my mind around it. It's no matter. As a Gym Leader, I must face him with my full power. After that, I will face my cousin again, to prove I am the world's strongest Dragon Master!'
"This battle between Clair, the Gym Leader of Blackthorn City, and the challenger, Jackson, will now commence!" Lance called out, looking to Clair for a moment, knowing what she had planned, and continued, "Each trainer will use five Pokémon each! The battle will decide when one or both sides are unable to continue! In addition, only the challenger is allowed to switch out his Pokémon!"
"Hold on; Five?!" Leafeon gasped.
"I only heard she uses four!" Jackson noted, "What is going on here?!"
"I just recently did some training back in the Unova region." Clair explained, "During my time there, I caught a new and powerful Dragon-type, so this will be the first gym battle its partake in. Are you afraid?"
"Nope. Not a chance!" Jackson answered, curling his fists. Now, he had to think about who else to use in this battle; Quilava or Dewott?
"Now, bring out your Pokémon!" Lance ordered.
"You will see how fearsome my dragons are with my first Pokémon!" Clair told Jackson, "Dragonair, go!" She tossed out her first Pokéball, revealing the familiar serpent dragon Jackson met before.
"There it is…" Jackson recognized his opponent, "Well, if you are starting off with that Pokémon first, I'll start off in the same way, though evolved! Ledian, go!" He tossed out Ledian onto the field, who looked ready to go.
"This brings back nightmares." Ledian muttered, "But I'm wide awake, and ready for the rematch!"
"This'll be easy." Clair huffed.
"Battle begin!" Lance shouted, starting the match.
"Dragonair, Flamethrower!" Clair ordered, and her partner shot a stream of flames at where Ledian flew.
"Agility!" Jackson responded. Ledian didn't hesitate as it boosted its speed, and dashed out of the way, avoiding the attack. He used that speed to zip in close to Dragonair, causing her to be surprised. "Now Ice Punch!" Jackson shouted, and Ledian punched hard with an icy fist right to the side of the dragon's face, knocking it to one side.
"Quite fast." Lance muttered, "Never saw a Ledian move so quickly."
"That won't be enough." Clair responded, "Use Thunder Wave!"
"Dodge it!" Jackson called out. Just as Dragonair fired off a wave of electric rings, Ledian flew upwards to avoid the attack, getting above him.
"You won't escape! Wrap!" Clair shouted. Her partner spread the wings on its head out, jumping up and flying at Ledian, binding her body around the Bug/Flying-type, strangling him.
"He's caught!" Leafeon gasped.
"Now, use Flamethrower!" Clair ordered.
"Light Screen!" Jackson retaliated. Dragonair fired off a point-blank jet of flames, just as Ledian created a barrier in front of him.
The blazing detonation was formed from the collision, with all eyes locked onto what took place. Dragonair freed Ledian thanks to that attack, while Ledian was flung towards the catwalk, bouncing off of it, flipping onto his feet and one hand, skidding to a halt. Dragonair dove into the water, cooling off from her attack.
"You okay?!" Jackson called to Ledian.
"A little cooked, but I endured." He answered, shaking off the smoke from his body. He got back into the air, and flew over Dragonair as she surfaced.
"I am impressed you took that attack head-on and survived." Clair admitted, "But that's all you are gonna get. Dragonair, Dragon Rush!" Dragonair spread its wings out again, dashing at Ledian as she was encased in fierce draconic energy.
"Ledian, show her your aerial skills!" Jackson called out.
"Try keeping up with me!" Ledian shouted, dashing about in the air as Dragonair pursued him. No matter how nimble Dragonair was in the air, Ledian was that much quicker, able to avoid getting hit by the dragon energy surging from the Dragon Rush.
"I have never seen a Ledian with such capabilities in the air." Lance admitted.
'That's all thanks to Bugsy and Jackson's training.' Lyanne mentally answered, not getting the Champion's attention, 'Their training is really paying off!'
"Ledian, use Ice Punch!" Jackson called out through the aerial pursuit. Ledian stopped and backflipped over the charging Dragonair, encasing his fist in ice and punching down onto her body, stopping her attack and making her fall. "Follow it up with Bug Buzz!" Jackson called out, and Ledian unleashed sound waves with a flap of his wings, pushing Dragonair further downwards, crashing onto one of the circular platforms. She was able to get up, but she was struggling.
"Dragonair, we are not done!" Clair called out, "Use Flamethrower!" Dragonair focused and shot a jet of flames up at Ledian, who used his Agility speed to dodge around the flames.
"She is really not letting us get close again!" Leafeon noticed.
"So we won't avoid it!" Jackson responded, "Ledian, it's time for our best trick! Spindash Ice Punch!"
"Here goes!" Ledian shouted, curling up with a fist encased in icy energy, and spinning with the momentum of his Agility, dashing at the flame-breathing dragon. Her Flamethrower made contact with him, and Clair was certain she got him. However, she was stunned when she saw Ledian had a cone around his body that blocked the attack as he dashed through the fire, getting into Dragonair's face, and slugging her with great force. There was a steam explosion from the collision of fire and ice, blocking the view. When the steam dissipated, Dragonair was on its side, with spirals in her eyes, while Ledian was standing next to her, panting from exhaustion.
"Dragonair is unable to battle! Ledian is the winner!" Lance shouted.
"Way to go!" Leafeon cheered.
"Excellent work, Ledian!" Jackson called out, "You definitely redeemed yourself with this battle!"
"I was a little nervous with that last move, but I was surprised it worked." Ledian admitted, looking at Dragonair.
Lyanne looked pleased at the win, but Clair was startled. "How did you do that?!" she demanded, "I know my attack hit you! What did you do?!"
"I admit, I've never seen something like that before." Lance spoke up, looking to Jackson, "You combined the Light Screen Ledian still had up with the spinning momentum with Ice Punch to create a second barrier of cold energy to protect Ledian as he dove down through the Flamethrower, minimizing the damage he would've taken."
"Yep. And the Agility boost increased his rotation speed, which also improve the punch when he unleashed it." Jackson answered, "A little trick back home I learned, though it was primarily used for axe kicks."
Clair returned Dragonair to her ball, stating, "I find this unbelievable that you would be able to defeat my Dragonair with a Ledian. But you just got lucky. My next Pokémon will be sure to stop you! Lapras, go!" She tossed out her next Pokémon, which was a swimming, long-neck Pokémon with a blue body, curled ears and a small horn on its head, flippers for feet, and a heavy gray shell with stubs all about it.
"Lapras, huh?" Jackson asked, "I admit, I wasn't expecting it to come so soon." He thought for a moment, thinking of a plan, before calling out, "Ledian, come back. Take a rest!" He pulled out Ledian's Pokéball, and returned him to it.
"You don't think Ledian can handle it?" Leafeon asked.
"He's exhausted from the battle with Dragonair. We need him at his best." Jackson replied, pulling out a different ball, "Honestly, Lapras was a big question mark to me on how to deal with. But since we have five Pokémon in this battle, I might just have an idea. Dewott, go!" He tossed out his Discipline Pokémon to the field, who had his arms furled.
"Need me? I'm sure you do!" He stated, readying to draw out his Scalchops.
'I'm not sure what Jackson has planned here.' Lyanne pondered, 'Maybe he is utilizing a Water-type to combat Lapras in the water.'
"I won't lose!" Clair called out, "Lapras, Dragon Pulse!" Lapras gathered up energy into her mouth, before firing it off as a draconic stream at Dewott.
"Jump and dive!" Jackson shouted, and Dewott dodged the attack, before going into the water.
"Dive and pursue!" Clair ordered, with Lapras going into the pool to follow Dewott.
In the water, Lapras looked and saw that Dewott was already performing a Swords Dance without Jackson's command, boosting his attack strength. He readied his scalchops, before shooting at his opponent. "Night Slash!" Jackson called out. Dewott grinned as he readied the energy blades, and cross-slashed them at Lapras, doing some major damage.
Clair was taken aback, as Lance gasped, "He used Swords Dance without Jackson's command, readying himself for the next attack?"
"You'd be surprise." Jackson stated, "All of my Pokémon have been able to fight without my command. And best of all, they know how I think so they can plan ahead before I take command, thanks to all the training we have been through together. Our bonds let us understand how we succeed in victory!"
"That's rather reckless." Clair stated, "But my Pokémon and I do whatever it takes to win! Ice Beam!" Underwater, Lapras fired a staggering stream of icy energy at Dewott, which he barely avoided, only getting one of his feet slightly hit from the shot, freezing up.
"Damn it!" Dewott growled, looking at his foot, "That's a hinderance."
"He can't swim well with that on his foot!" Leafeon pointed out.
"Slam a Water Pulse onto your foot to break the ice!" Jackson called out, "Don't make it too big!"
"If that's what it takes, then…!" Dewott concentrated to gather a smaller form of the compressed orb of water, before swatting it down onto his iced foot. While he did get hurt, he still was able to break free of it.
"That gives me enough time to do this. Perish Song!" Clair ordered. Lapras suddenly started to sing a warbling song underwater, spreading crimson soundwaves throughout the water, hitting Dewott. Jackson grabbed Leafeon's ears and covered them, while Lyanne covered her own ears.
"What the heck kind of song is that?!" Dewott grimaced.
"Jackson, that move is dangerous!" Lyanne shouted, "If Dewott doesn't get out of the fight, he's gonna get knocked out in time!"
"I know!" Jackson grimaced, recalling what he learned in the center from other trainers, "And since she can't switch out her Pokémon, she is putting her own Pokémon on a timer. Dewott, get back up to the surface!"
"I hate to retreat, but…" Dewott growled, swimming upwards to get up top for Jackson to call him back.
"I don't think so!" Clair growled, waving a hand, "Get above and use Body Slam!" Lapras surprisingly swam quickly, passing by Dewott as she got above him, bearing down on him as she slammed her whole body down onto Dewott, forcing him to the surface below, crashing into the water floor.
"Dewott!" Jackson shouted, seeing his partner trapped.
The Discipline Pokémon struggled, trying to break out of Lapras's weight, but she wouldn't let him go. "Damn it! Let me go!" Dewott shouted, pulling out a Night Slash, striking Lapras with several slashes. She endured, taking each hit that struck her, but not letting him go.
"It's no use." Clair stated, "My Lapras's Shell Armor is sturdy enough to withstand those attacks."
"Shell Armor can only stop him from striking weak spots!" Jackson pointed out.
"My Lapras and I both know your Pokémon would be difficult to defeat, so we're gonna take him down with us!" Clair stated, "This is what we mean when we say we will do whatever it takes to win!"
Jackson looked surprised at Clair, before looking at the bubbles made from Dewott's struggles on the surface of the water. They didn't stop for a while, as Dewott was desperate to break free of Lapras. However, several seconds later, the bubbles stopped, causing Jackson to fear the worst. Sure enough, a large shadow appeared in the water, as Dewott and Lapras both resurfaced, with spirals in their eyes, unconscious.
"Lapras and Dewott are unable to battle!" Lance declared.
"She knocked both of themselves out!" Lyanne gasped, "And so early in the battle, too!"
"Why didn't she try and continue the fight instead of later?" Leafeon asked.
"I bet she wanted to do it when she knew Lapras couldn't do a head-on fight between her and Dewott." Jackson understood, "One strike from Night Slash was all she needed to know. She needed to have Lapras in the best health possible before taking him down."
Both trainers returned their Pokémon to their balls as Lance looked to Clair, thinking. 'While some would say that is a reckless trick, it's both a clever strategy, and one that resembles her.' Lance mentally told himself, 'If she knew she could lose a fight, she would rather end it in a draw than her losing.'
"I don't plan to lose today. None of my Pokémon are planning to lose today." Clair stated, "You may have my cousin's interest in mind, but I am not convinced. You will have to do better if you wish to accept your strength!" She pulled out a Pokéball, and held it in front of her. "Perhaps my new ally will see how skilled you are in battle. Druddigon, now!" She called out a Pokémon Jackson never saw before. It had a jagged and rough body, a traditional bipedal dragon appearance, a red face, yellow eyes, a teal body with a yellow underbelly and red spikes on its arms, and tail, and white three-finger talons and feet. It roared in rage as it tried to intimidate the group.
"So this is her new Pokémon." Jackson understood, pulling out his Pokédex to examine the new Pokémon. "Druddigon. The Cave Pokémon. It races through narrow caves, using its sharp claws to catch prey. The skin on its face is harder than a rock."
"Jackson." Leafeon muttered.
"I know." Jackson answered, readying his ball, "We don't know anything about this guy. We're just gonna have to count on the team. Ledian, let's go!" He tossed out the ball, bringing back his Bug/Flying-type back into battle.
"I'm ready to go!" he declared.
"Okay, then. Use Agility, then Ice Punch!" Jackson ordered. Ledian sped himself up with the first move, before shooting at the Dragon with an icy fist.
"Fire Fang!" Clair ordered. Druddigon opened its jaws, which became encased in flames, before chomping down on Ledian, the collision of fire and ice exploded the scene. However, when the explosion dissipated, Ledian's fist was caught in Druddigon's mouth, the two attacks canceling each other, but Ledian was in trouble.
"Ledian!" Leafeon cried out.
"Get out of there with Bug Buzz!" Jackson shouted, causing Ledian to prepare to strike with the attack.
"Toss him and use Dragon Claw!" Clair ordered. Druddigon suddenly threw Ledian away with a swing of its neck, before producing green energy-encased claws, slashing Ledian, sending him flying in pain. He crashed on the ground near Jackson, and struggled to get back up.
"That looked painful!" Leafeon noticed.
"Taking him head-on is not a good plan. Better outpace him." Jackson told himself, "Ledian, speed up with Agility, and let's try confusing him!"
"Yeah…let's do that!" Ledian grimaced, getting back up and into the air, before boosting his speed yet again. He began moving so fast, he almost looked like he was warping around Druddigon, who couldn't keep up with his speed as he tried to watch him. Ledian was just too fast.
"Now Ice Punch!" Jackson called out, and Ledian got behind Druddigon, smacking him in the back of the head. It did do the trick, hitting him with decent damage. However, Ledian looked like his fist got injured in the process, causing him to back off and hold his fist in pain.
"What happened?!" Lyanne asked.
"Ledian hit him, but got injured too?" Leafeon asked
Clair smirked as she ordered, "Use Iron Tail!" Ledian was within range of Druddigon's attack when he made his tail turn metallic, and smack Ledian so hard, he splashed into the water nearby with enough force to compare the water to a geyser. He was sent underneath the surface, but rose back up, with spirals in his eyes.
"Ledian is unable to battle!" Lance declared, "Druddigon is the winner!"
Jackson, Leafeon, and Lyanne were startled at what happened. Clair was still smirking at her win, seeing the expression on her opponent's face. Finally, Jackson pulled out Ledian's ball, returning him to it, before asking, "Mind telling me what just happened?" He was implying why the Ice Punch did recoil damage.
"That's my Druddigon's ability; Rough Skin." Clair answered, "Meaning any contact damage you try dealing to him, that only leads to you getting damage right back."
Jackson looked at the ferocious Pokémon, along with the trainer. This new Pokémon was a powerhouse, and one he wasn't expecting before. He had to plan around how to deal with it, along with her last two Pokémon, with his team. This final gym battle was not gonna be easy for him.
Clair's Team:
Dragonair: Wrap, Flamethrower, Dragon Rush, Thunder Wave. Ability: Shed Skin
Lapras: Perish Song, Body Slam, Ice Beam, Dragon Pulse. Ability: Shell Armor
Gyarados: Dragon Dance, Ice Fang, Aqua Tail, Dragon Pulse. Ability: Intimidate
Druddigon: Dragon Claw, Iron Tail, Revenge, Fire Fang. Ability: Rough Skin
Kingdra: Dragon Pulse, Hydro Pump, Yawn, Smokescreen. Ability: Sniper