Part XCIV: Charging the Inventor's Mind

"Well Ash, here we are." Clemont said as Ash took his place in the challenger's box on the Lumiose Gym's battlefield. "Welcome to the Lumiose Gym. I know you've been here before, but this is the actual battlefield."

"I can't wait." Ash said with a grin. "I've been training hard for this battle Clemont, it's time for my second badge."

At last, it was time for Ash's second Kalos gym battle. It had been 3 days since Misty had caught a Helioptile on the way back to Lumiose City. They'd gotten back that night and decided to stay at the Pokémon Center as Clemont was busy and Ash wanted to do some intensive training for the battle away from the gym so as to maintain a respectful distance prior to the battle.

Ash wasn't sure what Pokémon Clemont would have but he had a basic idea from their time together after Ash and Misty first arrived in Kalos. They were definitely going to be electric types, but which ones were the unknown part. That meant that Ash was going to have to go with Riolu and Pikachu as his main two options as they could handle electric types best. It also helped that some of the potential Pokémon that Clemont could use were dual types that were weak against fighting types so Riolu had an advantage there.

That just left Ash's third Pokémon and both of his remaining Pokémon were weak to electric type attacks. However, type disadvantages weren't something Ash shied away from in battle, especially when one of his Pokémon would likely have a type advantage against one of Clemont's.

As such, both Froakie and Fletchling were ready for the battle as well, he'd just decide on the day who would be used. Ash had trained hard with all four of his Pokémon because he intended to win his second gym badge on the first attempt. This would be harder than his usual second gym battle, but Ash didn't mind, he wouldn't get better if he didn't push himself like this.

While they'd been waiting, they'd learned that Max had lost his first gym battle to Grant, the Cyllage City Gym Leader, despite having a few type advantages in the battle. He was training hard with Bonnie and the breeder guy he was traveling with who they hadn't met yet and going back for rematch tomorrow. So far, Max had caught a Chespin and a Venipede but was looking for a water type for his rematch. Max's loss gave Ash the motivation to win his own battle today.

All that was in the back of Ash's mind though as he pulled out his first Poke Ball and got ready for his battle with Clemont. During his time at the gym before going to Santalune City, Ash had refused to see the battlefield wanting to wait until he got here for it just as he would for any other gym he faced. It turned out to be a standard one made of dirt with no surprises or tricks that other gyms liked to have. It had surprised Ash but the room itself was pretty dull compared to the rest of the building.

Buried in the heart of the Tower, the battlefield was a simple brown affair with the battlefield accessible by an entrance corridor for Ash and his companions and a door in the far side leading to Clemont's lab and office. There were bleachers surrounding the battlefield so that spectators could watch and separated from it by a pretty high wall so that was where Misty, May and Serena had gone.

Again, Misty was in her cheerleader outfit, as was Piplup, and Buneary who'd joined them from her temporary home at Professor Sycamore's lab to support her Pikachu once again. She'd go back and join the others who had come to stay in Kalos while Misty was here when they left Lumiose City. Vulpix and Helioptile were out as well but not dressed up as they joined in the support of their human's mate.

Misty had had a reunion the day after they got in and Misty intended to call various of them to her over the year on an as needed basis. She wasn't keeping all her Pokémon here, some were too big or needed back in Kanto, but about half of them were now in Kalos just in case.

While Misty was dressed up, May and Serena had both refused even though May had her outfit from the Indigo final in her bag and Misty had made Serena a pale pink one after her battle with the Kalos girl so that Serena could also partake in the cheer section for some reason. They would join in eventually but as both knew Clemont they were abstaining, though May was still openly supporting Ash while Serena was as well but trying to remain neutral even if her feelings for Ash were biasing her as well.

"The battle between Clemont, the Lumiose City Gym Leader, and the challenger Ash from Pallet town is about to begin." Clembot said in his robotic voice from the ref's spot as he officiated all of Clemont's battles now that Clemont was back to being the full type gym leader. "The rules of the Lumiose Gym dictate that each trainer will use three Pokémon and the winner is the one who knocks out all the other's Pokémon first based on my determination. Furthermore, the challenger will be allowed to substitute as he sees fit but Clemont cannot. Is that clear?"

"It is, thank you Clembot." Clemont said with a nod. "As precise as always, I trust your judgement my friend."

"Let's get this started." Ash said with a grin.

"Very well, trainers, begin." Clembot declared.

"You'll never forget this battle Ash; I'll make sure of it." Clemont said as he threw out his first Poke Ball. "Go Heliolisk."

"Riolu, I choose you." Ash said throwing out his own ball and grinning at Clemont's choice. "We got this my friend."

The balls burst open, and the Pokémon appeared. Riolu flipped and landed in front of Ash ready to battle as he studied the odd Pokémon pacing before him. The evolved form of Helioptile stood about a meter tall on its hind legs. Its body was yellow with orange bands around its thighs and before the black tip of its tail. Its hands, feet, head, and neck, with the exception of its lower jaw were black. There was also a spiked orange collar thing at the base of its neck that Ash had no idea what it was for but had a feeling he'd learn during the battle.

Ash was grinning because he'd made a point to find out what the native electric types to Kalos were. From his experience, Ash had learned that a gym leader would almost always use at least one native Pokémon from the region as one of his or her Pokémon. Unova had been even more extreme with almost all the gym leaders there using native Pokémon, the only exception being Roxie's Koffing. In fact, the last gym leader that Ash could remember who hadn't used a native Pokémon against him had been Watson out in Mauville City in Hoenn.

Therefore, in preparation for his battle with Clemont, Ash had researched the electric types considered to be native to Kalos and learned that there were only 3. They were Dedenne, Helioptile and Heliolisk so his chances were pretty high he'd face at least one of them.

While Dedenne was a pure electric type, the other two were an odd dual type that Ash had never encountered before. They were primary electric types with a secondary normal type, the first time Ash had ever seen that in a Pokémon as it was exceedingly rare for a normal type would be a dual type unless it was a flying type and in his experience it was never their secondary type.

However, that was the case with Helioptile and Heliolisk so that worked great for Ash in this battle. Riolu was a fighting type and knew almost only fighting type moves so he had a huge advantage in this matchup as normal types were only weak against fighting type attacks. Ash had this one and he knew it.

Little did he know that his excitement and confidence was reflected in his internal aura that had activated the moment he got into his battle zone. While Ash couldn't actively use aura or was even aware of how it worked at all other than that he had it, he did subconsciously use it in a passive fashion as he battled. It didn't really do much most of the time but Riolu was different. He could sense that aura and use it to assist him as needed. It was the aura he was tied to and why he hatched and this time he would use it to win.

"Let's start this out with a Force Palm." Ash called out.

"Heliolisk, Dragon Tail." Clemont countered as Riolu began to run at Heliolisk and the battle began. "It can only work if it touches you."

"Use your agility Riolu." Ash called out. "Avoid it and land that hit."

Riolu just nodded at the command as he ran at the odd Pokémon that was now scampering towards him with its tail glowing. Riolu felt Ash's aura encouraging him to succeed and he got ready for what he had to do. His opponent was faster, but he was smarter, and he intended to show that off, so he timed him move and prepared for what he had to do.

His opponent reached him and as Riolu expected wiped his tail around to slam it into Riolu's side. However, that was the problem with tail-based moves, you could see them coming. Riolu easily leapt up and over it with a flip holding out his right forepaw and slammed it into Heliolisk's head as he finished his leap. As soon as it was there Riolu blasted out the shockwave from his paw and hit his opponent with the super effective fighting type attack.

Heliolisk wailed in pain as it was driven down by the force of the attack. It bounced off the ground and into the air as Riolu came down. It wasn't enough end it, Heliolisk was too strong for one simple Force Palm, but it did a fair amount of damage. Still, Clemont was already ready for what he had to do next.

"Heliolisk, Flash." Clemont called out. "Blind Riolu and then hit it with Dragon Tail while it is recovering."

"Close your eyes Riolu." Ash said. "And sense the attack to dodge it."

Alas Riolu wasn't fast enough as suddenly Heliolisk extended its collar revealing a circular thing the was now around its neck. A split second later the collar flashed a bright white and Riolu wailed as he was temporarily blinded, backing up a few paces as he rubbed at his eyes.

Heliolisk didn't waste its advantage. As soon as Riolu back away from the flash it lowered its collar, imbued its tail with dragon type power, and wiped it around again. This time it slammed into Riolu's chest and threw him back with a moan of pain from the attack.

Riolu hit the ground hard and bounced a few times as he rolled but he quickly righted himself in midair and landed in a crouch, sliding backwards along the ground on his feet and left forepaw to steady himself until he came to a stop just in front of Ash. His teeth were clenched as the attack had hurt but it wasn't enough to take him down. Plus, he'd just taken a physical hit and he grinned at his opponent knowing what was coming next.

"That's it Riolu, hit back with Counter." Ash ordered; it was tough that Riolu had to take damage to deal it back stronger, but it had its uses in battle, so he wasn't going to pass it up. "I know it hurts to get hit but you can now repay Heliolisk with interest."

"Damn, that isn't good." Clemont muttered as Riolu began to run at Heliolisk again. "Heliolisk, keep it back with Focus Blast. We can't let it get close or use another physical attack."

"Dodge it." Ash called out putting encouragement into his words not realizing his aura was fueling Riolu to be stronger and faster. "And make sure you hit it."

Heliolisk heightened its mental focus and then sent out the blast of powerful fighting type power. Fighting types weren't resistant to their own types so it would do a normal amount of damage and throw it back long enough to land a move like Thunder Wave that would paralyze Riolu. However, Focus Blast wasn't the most accurate move and while it was flying true enough to hit Riolu, it was a little high and Riolu saw his opening to avoid it.

Continuing his charge at the attack, Riolu waited until the last minute and then slid feet first underneath the attack, leaning back as it passed over his face inches from his nose as if it were in slow motion. Then it was past him and Riolu was in the clear with nothing stopping him from hitting Heliolisk.

Knowing that he was on target, Riolu raised his legs, bent his knees, and then slammed them and his left forepaw into the ground to kick off it and into the air, arching his back as he soared forward in an arc right down onto a now stunned looking Heliolisk who had been unable to move after seeing what Riolu was doing. Smiling, Riolu brought his right forepaw back and powered up Counter, remembering the physical hit he'd taken earlier as he readied it. Then he slammed his paw into Heliolisk's cheek with all his power, and a little of Ash's as well.

Heliolisk didn't make a noise, it was out too quick to say anything. The twice as powerful Counter combined with the earlier Force Palm and Heliolisk's normal type was too much for it to take and it fainted almost as soon as the move hit it. Riolu didn't realize this as he kept his fist pressed into Heliolisk's cheek and drove it into the ground as hard as he could with a yell.

The impact was hard enough to crack the ground and kick up enough dust to cover the two Pokémon. When it settled Riolu stood there clenched, panting slightly with a swirl eyed Heliolisk at his feet, tongue lolling out as it lay there.

"Riolu is the winner." Clembot declared as Riolu turned and ran back to stand in front of Ash now that he'd won, smiling at his victory. "Heliolisk has been eliminated. Clemont is down to two Pokémon."

"Return Heliolisk." Clemont said with a smile as he recalled his Pokémon and looked at the ball. "You did great my friend, that Riolu is more agile and inventive than I expected. Add in that Counter is a strong move against you, but it had to be hurt so we got that going for us going forward. Take a rest, I'll win the next one."

"Go Riolu." Misty cheered from the stands her Helioptile amazed that his evolved form had been beaten so easily by his new friend. "Show them how strong you are."

"Well done Riolu." Ash said with a smile. "Stay there for the moment, I may recall you depending on who Clemont uses next."

"Not bad Ash." Clemont said. "Clearly you knew of Heliolisk's normal type, Misty catching a Helioptile likely helped, and exploited it but even against a normal type, a fighting type can be beaten."

"True, normal types are versatile Pokémon with a wide range of attacks that can cover their one type weakness, they shouldn't be taken lightly." Ash agreed. "Though as far as I am aware Helioptile and Heliolisk are the only electric and normal types out there so that's not a concern anymore."

"Normally yes but gym leaders who use teams of 3 in Kalos have a special exception allowing them to use one Pokémon not of their chosen type." Clemont said throwing out his second ball. "Go Bunnelby."

"Bunnelby, bun." The Pokémon said as it appeared, and Ash blinked at it.

Clemont had deliberately avoided showing Ash any of his Pokémon except for his slightly disobedient Chespin who wouldn't stay in his Poke Ball and kept trying to flirt with Misty's Espeon to usually disastrous results. That was a grass type though, so it made sense that Clemont wouldn't mind showing Ash it. This Pokémon wasn't a grass type but neither did it look like an electric type to Ash.

Bunnelby was a clear rabbit-like Pokémon with gray fur on most of its body except its toes, the tips of its ears, two spots on its thigh and the choker around its neck which was brown. The odd thing was its ears. They were huge and the way it was moving and flexing them indicated that the ears worked like limbs. Ash had a feeling he'd have to look out for those ears when the battle started.

"What is that Pokémon." Ash said as he pulled out his Pokedex and scanned it to find out more.

"Bunnelby, the Digging Pokémon." The Pokedex chimed. "It has ears like shovels. Digging holes strengthens its ears so much that they can sever thick roots effortlessly."

"I was right to be concerned about those ears and it's a normal type." Ash said as he finished checking Bunnelby out, put away the Pokedex and pulled out Riolu's Poke Ball to recall him. "Take a break Riolu, this matchup, while likely tough, is favorable to you and I may need you later against a tougher opponent. This is the kinda Pokémon I didn't expect but it works really well for me."

"It does?" Clemont asked surprised Ash had recalled his Riolu who had the clear advantage in this battle, not that Clemont would let that happen. "How so?"

"I was expecting 3 electric types which effectively limited me to two good options and one that had a major disadvantage but I'm not complaining." Ash said as he pulled out his second Poke Ball knowing exactly who he was going to use in this matchup. "Froakie, I choose you."

"I see, a water type would normally be at a disadvantage against me." Clemont said with a nod as Froakie appeared before Ash. "But that won't matter. Bunnelby, start this off with Dig."

"Water Pulse." Ash ordered but it was too late as Bunnelby had hopped up, flipped over, and dove into the ground with its ears before Froakie even got the shot off, showing off its title as the Digging Pokémon well. "Damn, alright Froakie best to be cautious."

Froakie was in the process of firing off the water type attack when Ash spoke and just nodded as it was sent out before beginning to look around. Alas because of the attack Froakie had been delayed in getting set and Bunnelby showed off his digging prowess by bursting up from beneath Froakie a split second later and throwing Froakie into the air with a wail. Still, Ash was already thinking of what he needed to do next.

"Froakie, quick, Bubble." Ash called out. "You have brief window, don't waste it!"

"Froakie." Froakie croaked as he sent out a swarm of bubbles while still in the air.

He knew exactly what Ash wanted and was pleased to see that his chosen trainer knew that the moment after Dig, when both Pokémon were in the air, was the best time to counter attack as Bunnelby couldn't dodge well. That was shown as the bubbles slammed into him and drove him back to the ground. It wasn't near enough to take him out, but it was a start and Ash would take that. Froakie for his part hit the ground hard unable to land on his feet but it was a worthy sacrifice and Clemont saw an opening for a surprise move that Ash wouldn't expect.

"Now Bunnelby, Wild Charge." Clemont called out surprising Ash with the electric type move.

"Froakie, leap into the air and use your frubbles to stop it." Ash called out desperately as Bunnelby coated himself in electricity and ran at Froakie. "You can't take that attack so let's show off your unique biology."

Froakie felt the love and concern in his trainer's voice and leapt up and into the air, grabbing his frubbles and flinging them as fast as he could at the sound of the sparking electricity. He trusted Ash knew what he was doing and went with it. He had chosen Ash so he would trust him in his first true battle with him and give him the chance to prove himself. Ash had started well because he knew that if Froakie took that attack he'd likely faint.

"Bunnelby?" Bunnelby asked confused as the frubbles hit him and suddenly he felt his movement slowing until he was stopped by the odd substance that Froakies produced, and his move became ineffective as his surprise broke his concentration. "Bunnelby."

"That was inventive." Clemont said adjusting his glasses amazed at what he'd seen. "I wasn't expecting you to not use a move but what Froakie naturally produces to stop Bunnelby."

"It was a little desperate but sometimes that works, and a Pokémon's biology can come in handy at times because most trainers forget that a Pokémon is more than their moves." Ash said with a grin as Froakie landed in front of the stuck Bunnelby. "Now hit it with Water Pulse."

"Use your ears to defect it." Clemont countered as he tried to figure out what to do about the frubbles, he had a way to break them to be able to attack, but he couldn't while Froakie was attacking.

"Keep it up until you land a hit." Ash said. "Bunnelby can't block every shot."

Froakie croaked a war cry and sent out his first pulse of water at Bunnelby. Bunnelby knew what he had to do and braced himself and batted away the first pulse with his large ears. However, with his legs stuck because of the frubbles, he couldn't move as well as he wanted and while he deflected the first Water Pulse and then the second one, he couldn't avoid the third.

The water type attack broke through his defenses and slammed into his face at full speed. The saving grace of it was that the force of the hit unstuck Bunnelby from the frubbles as it sent him tumbling back. The problem was that the potential side effect of Water Pulse, confusion, had triggered and he was cross-eyed before he hit the ground and rolled towards Clemont.

"Push forward Froakie." Ash said. "Double Team and advance. Make it hard to hit you."

Clemont grit his teeth as he noticed Bunnelby's condition before Ash did. He couldn't recall him and just had to deal with it as Bunnelby got up and began to stagger around the battlefield in front of him. At the same time, a swarm of Froakies were hopping towards Bunnelby thanks to Double Team.

"Pound!" Ash called out.

"Double Hit." Clemont said. "I know your confused Bunnelby but flail around and you will knock away the shadows and possibly hit Froakie as well."

Alas Clemont was half right. Bunnelby did listen and began flailing around with his ears using Double Hit and it did get rid of a few of the shadows but then the confusion showed its true colors in the process. Before Bunnelby could hit the true Froakie, his ears came down and hit himself in the face inflicting damage.

That alone wouldn't have been enough to push him over the edge but with the other attacks he'd taken he was starting to near it. So near that as he staggered back, he didn't notice the real Froakie had used the Double Team to get behind him and brought his paw down on back of Bunnelby's head.

That hit was too much and Bunnelby stopped flailing around and fell forward as he flopped to the ground. As soon as he landed, it was clear that Bunnelby was out by the swirls for eyes he had.

"Froakie is the winner." Clembot declared. "Bunnelby has been eliminated. Clemont is down to his last Pokémon."

"Bunnelby return." Clemont said recalling Bunnelby as Froakie hopped back to wait in front of Ash. "That was good my friend, we would have had it had it not been for the use of those frubbles which we didn't expect because we forgot that a Pokémon is more than his moves as Ash said. May told us that Ash was an unorthodox battler and he just showed that against you."

"That's it, go Froakie, what a win!" Misty cheered from the stands. "One more Ash and that badge is yours. I know you can do it baby!"

"Froakie, you good?" Ash asked. "The next one will be an electric type so it will be hard for you to win and after the last two battles I wouldn't put it past Clemont to use his best."

"Froakie." Froakie croaked and nodded, he knew he would likely lose if it was an electric type, but he's show Ash just how good he was and deal some damage to allow Pikachu or Riolu to finish it off. "Froakie."

"Very well, stay in." Ash said smiling at his Pokémon's courage and fighting spirit. "That's what I like to see."

"You've done well Ash." Clemont said as he pulled out his last Poke Ball. "Surprised me a fair bit. I was debating whether I should use this Pokémon or Magneton against you, but you've proven you deserve my best as you correctly guessed. If you want the Voltage Badge you will have to beat him to earn it."

"Good, I want to face your best to win this." Ash said with a grin. "That is what makes earning badges so much better when I can face a leader's top Pokémon. Send him out and let's end this Clemont."

"Go, Luxray." Clemont said throwing out the Poke Ball.

The ball burst open and the fully evolved electric type appeared with a roar of challenge. The quadrupedal, canine-like Pokémon was clearly strong and ready to fight. Ash knew at once that this would be an uphill battle with his remaining Pokémon. Clemont wasn't lying, Luxray was a strong Pokémon but Ash had faith in his Pokémon and knew that he'd win in the end even if it took all 3 of them to beat Luxray.

"Let's start this off with a boost." Clemont said. "Luxray, Electric Terrain."

"Froakie, get in there with Pound while we can." Ash said as Luxray roared and sent out a charge into the ground that boosted electric type moves for a while. "Add in a Double Team to confuse it."

"Luxray, trust me on this." Clemont said as an idea came to him thanks to watching Ash's battle style, it was something he could use due to Luxray being a fully evolved Pokémon as Froakie charged, activating Double Team as he went and coming at Luxray in a swarm. "Let the Pound hit you, won't be able to get rid of all the copies before it hits. Once Froakie is too close to dodge use Thunder Fang."

"Damn." Ash said realizing his mistake too late as Froakie neared Luxray. "That's what I would have done."

Froakie didn't notice as he was too focused on landing his hit. He didn't see Luxray's jaws spark or the grin that Luxray had. He just knew that his attack would land, and he brought his paw down onto Luxray's head doing a little damage but Luxray was too hardy to notice it that much.

However, Luxray had been ready for the hit. As soon as it landed, he moved his head with it and then quickly whipped his head around and clamped his sparking jaws down around Froakie's waist. The electric type attack, boosted by Electric Terrain and Luxray's ability, coursed into Froakie who briefly screamed before he passed out from the super effective move. He was no match for the attack.

Luxray shook his jaws a few time before he threw the unconscious Froakie away from him and back to its trainer. Froakie's limp body hit the ground and bounced and rolled towards Ash, stopping a few feet from him. Froakie was on his back with swirls for eyes showing that he was out of it.

"Luxray is the winner." Clembot declared. "Froakie has been eliminated. The challenger is down to 2 Pokémon left."

"Froakie, return." Ash said. "Thank you Froakie, you were amazing and brave in that battle. That was a huge mismatch and you still landed a hit, I'm proud of you and your courage. That could be all the difference in this battle so don't worry about it. We will train and get stronger together so that you can beat electric types in the future but for now rest while I win this."

"Pikachu." Pikachu said tugging on Ash's pants leg to show that he wanted in, he could feel the Electric Terrain and it would boost him as much as it did Luxray so now was his time to strike. "Pi, Pikachu."

"Alright Pikachu, go." Ash said pointing out to the battlefield as Pikachu scampered onto it eager to fight. "Win this for me and start with Quick Attack."

"Meet it with Wild Charge." Clemont said as Pikachu ran at Luxray. "Use the boost Luxray."

Luxray roared and coated his body in electricity before he charged at the speeding Pikachu. Pikachu had more speed and started earlier so he would reach first but there was going to be a collision. Still, Pikachu knew that the result of this would hurt Luxray more even with Electric Terrain as he had a type resistance to his own type, he wasn't using an electric type move and Luxray would get recoil damage from Wild Charge. That was why Pikachu leapt at the last minute and slammed headfirst into Luxray at full speed.

There was a massive boom as the Pokémon met and Pikachu was thrown back and into the air by the force of the collision and Luxray's strength. At the same time Luxray staggered back several faces taking more damage than he would have liked and shaking his head to clear it after the impact. Ash saw this and quickly capitalized on his sudden opening.

"Thunderbolt!" Ash ordered.

"Pikachu!" Pikachu yelled as he fell to the ground sending out his favorite attack with the boost of Electric Terrain added to it.

Clemont and Luxray didn't have time to react as the boosted electric type attack slammed into Luxray causing him to howl in pain. It wasn't very effective, but it did damage that would all add up in the end and Luxray growled as he recovered. Pikachu had hit the ground by this point and rolled but quickly found his feet ready for more.

"Swift." Clemont called out.

"Dodge that with Quick Attack and hit back." Ash called out as Luxray opened his mouth and began to send out stars at Pikachu.

"Pikachu." Pikachu said as he shot forward at full speed.

Pikachu had years of experience with Quick Attack and of facing Swift attacks, so he easily dodged and sidestepped the stars as they came at him. A few did score glancing blows, but he ignored them and leapt at Luxray, slamming into the side of the Gleam Eyes Pokémon's head as hard as he could.

Again, Luxray staggered back in pain but he was too strong to fall from it and shook it off. Clemont saw this and quickly countered to put some space between Luxray and Pikachu to finish it. It would take two moves, but he had the combo he needed to get rid of Ash's starter.

"Thunder Fang." Clemont called out. "Toss Pikachu back so you have space for another Wild Charge."

"Luxray." Luxray said as his jaws sparked, and he snapped them down on Pikachu before Ash could get an order off.

Luxray shook his head a few times with Pikachu in his jaws, the electric type attack doing minimal damage to Pikachu, but it was some and Pikachu knew that he was nearing his limit, his one main weakness despite his years of experience. With a final shake, Luxray tossed Pikachu back to his trainer and began to coat himself in electricity for a Wild Charge.

"Pikachu, Quick Attack the moment you can run." Ash called out as Pikachu hit the ground and rolled towards him. "If Clemont wants to take you out then let's make Luxray pay for it."

"Pikachu." Pikachu said with gritted teeth as he came to a stop and got up to see Luxray already running at him. "Pikachu!"

Pikachu didn't have much left in him, and he was certain that there was more to the strength of the hits then the Electric Terrain that was active, but he didn't care. He'd dealt a lot of damage to Luxray and he would continue to do so until he was out of this battle. If he didn't take Luxray with him then he'd make sure that Riolu had the best chance to win this for Ash. With that, he tore at Luxray with all he had left in him.

Pikachu was unaware of the fact that Luxray's attacks were doing more damage because of his ability. Luxray's ability, unbeknownst to anyone present including Clemont, was Rivalry which gave his attacks an extra kick if he was facing a Pokémon of the same gender, which he was in this case. Pikachu was at his limit so this would do it, but Pikachu wasn't going to go out without trying to leave Luxray with a parting gift.

At the last minute, Pikachu again leapt up and slammed head first into Luxray's forehead at full speed. Again, there was a massive boom and Pikachu was thrown back, out cold before he hit the ground and bounced towards Ash, coming to a stop on his side at Ash's feet with swirls for eyes. Luxray again staggered back and had to contend with the recoil damage as well as the Quick Attack but he was still standing even if he were closer to his limit then he would have liked after that battle.

As he steadied himself though, he sparked with electricity and snarled in annoyance. Pikachu's last Quick Attack had done it. Getting through 4 physical contacts without triggering Pikachu's Static would have been unlikely and it showed as Luxray growled at his paralysis. This could come back and bite him if it triggered at the worst moment.

"Luxray is the winner." Clembot declared as Ash stepped forward to pick up Pikachu. "Pikachu has been eliminated. The challenger is down to one Pokémon remaining as well. The winner of this matchup will win the battle."

"You did great Pikachu." Ash said to his starter as Pikachu began to come around and Ash took him to the side to rest up smiling as he spoke. "You put it all on the line in a tough matchup and dealt a lot of damage. That will be important and I'm pretty sure that Luxray is paralyzed now, that will be big."

Pikachu just smiled weakly back as Ash handed him up to Misty who was leaning over to take him and bring him to safety, her skirt riding up a little and giving May and Serena a brief flash of what they didn't want to see, it was way to lacy to be appropriate. Ash didn't know any of this as he smiled at her before he turned and walked back to his box, pulling his final Poke Ball out as he did.

"Well, this is it." Clemont said. "Last Pokémon each and both are tired and hurt."

"True, it comes down to who wants it more and you'll see that I do Clemont." Ash said with a grin as he threw out the Poke Ball. "Riolu, let's win this."

Riolu appeared before Ash again and took a fighting stance as he looked at his opponent, a large canine Pokémon that he had a feeling came from the same region as he did. It was clearly fully evolved so a big challenge, but it was also injured and sparking so it was paralyzed. Riolu was a little worried but he felt his human's aura and knew that Ash believed in him and that he could win this. That reassured Riolu and he connected his aura to Ash's and got into the zone. It was time to win this for Ash and show his friends just how good he was.

"Force Palm." Ash said going with the only attack that didn't require Riolu to take damage to be fully effective. "Dodge anything and land it Riolu."

"Not this time Ash." Clemont said with a grin as Riolu ran at Luxray. "Force Palm needs physical contact to work. Let's see Riolu try and land it on a Wild Charge."

As soon as Luxray heard the order he coated himself in electricity and ran at the charging Riolu, glad that the paralysis hadn't triggered this time. The Electric Terrain was still in effect though at the end of its time and Luxray could tell he was facing a male, so this was going to be a powerful hit if he landed it and he fully intended to land it. He wasn't going to lose this battle.

Riolu for his part was also trying to land his attack. However, this wasn't like the last time where he could predict the moves of his opponent to avoid it before striking. This time his foe was charging head first at him while sparking with electricity meaning that its entire body was the attack. There was no way to dodge so Riolu's best bet was to leap over it and get his palm on its back. Alas Luxray was too large for that strategy.

As Riolu reached it, he leapt high but either his timing was late, or he didn't have the right angle, or he just wasn't strong enough yet as he failed to clear Luxray's head. Instead, Luxray's head slammed into his chest and Riolu was blasted backwards with a loud boom as Luxray came to a staggering halt, the recoil adding to his damage. The blow had been really strong and Riolu hit the ground and rolled wailing and sparking as he did.

"Come on Riolu, I know you can hold on." Ash called out encouragingly, pouring all his love and faith for the small fighting type into his words. "I know you got this, just a little more and we will win."

Riolu heard this and felt Ash's aura feed him just enough to stop him from passing out from the powerful hit. Riolu was sure that if he weren't a Riolu and able to draw strength from his human's aura that he would have fainted from the hit, but he was a Riolu, he could do that. He was at the end of his health and one more hit would do it, but he could still fight so he would give it his all until the bitter end. Slowly, he got up and turned to face his opponent and Ash knew the move he had to use.

"Reversal." Ash said. "It's at its strongest Riolu. This is it! Let's win!"

"Swift." Clemont ordered as Riolu ran, drawing on Ash's aura and his own to give him the strength he needed to run and hit his opponent. "Riolu can't take much more, that should stop it before it reaches you."

Luxray roared knowing he had this. That was until the roar turned from one of impending victory to one of pain as his body spasmed and the paralysis chose that moment to trigger preventing his move just Riolu reached him faster than expected. Luxray's eyes went wide in fear as the maximum power Reversal struck.

Riolu yelled as he landed the all-out attack and pressed it causing Luxray to stagger back with a yelp from the intensity of it. It didn't last long but it was a devastating attack as Riolu was right at the end of his own health so it was as strong as it could be. He couldn't keep it up for long so once it was over, he quickly leapt backwards and backpedaled a few paces to be clear of Luxray.

Somehow Luxray was still standing as he slowly looked at Riolu. Both Pokémon were panting from the fight and locked eyes in a stare down of respect for the other. It lasted a few seconds while no one did anything before Luxray let out a low whine and fell to his side with a thump, his eyes swirls showing that the battle over.

"Riolu is the winner." Clembot said as Riolu staggered and fell on his ass as the battle aura ended and he lost the last of his strength to stand, panting hard as he just sat on the floor. "Luxray has been eliminated. Clemont is now out of Pokémon so the winner of this battle is the challenger, Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town."

"Luxray return." Clemont said with a smile as he recalled his Pokémon. "You were amazing my old friend; I couldn't have asked for more from you in that battle. You took out two of Ash's Pokémon and probably would have won had it not been for that paralysis at the end. Don't feel bad, that Riolu is one tough Pokémon and it's just a Riolu right now. Take a good long rest."

"Riolu we did it." Ash said having run out to Riolu who was still sitting in the middle of the battlefield. "I knew you could do it. You were amazing!"

Riolu just barked in happiness as Ash picked him up and held him close in his arms. He needed a rest, but he had fought hard and done well. He'd shown how strong he was and knew how good his human was in battle. He'd felt Ash's love for him and had trusted him to lead him to victory, twice. He knew that he wasn't ready, but he was well on the way there. Soon it would be time, just a few more victories to build that trust more.

"Take a rest." Ash said recalling Riolu. "You earned it. We'll get everyone healed up and ready for the journey but for now a few days off are needed."

During this Misty had already thrown down her pom poms and found her way to the battlefield, having to take a ladder down as the drop was too far to make without hurting herself, and was already running at Ash as she always did when he won. May and Serena just looked away from the upcoming display of affection as Misty's Pokémon sighed at their trainer's odd ritual.

Ash had only just finished putting Riolu's Poke Ball away when Misty was on him. She leapt into his arms and Ash staggered but this was the 9th time that this had happened, so he was ready for it and swept his girlfriend into his arms as she kissed him, spinning with her momentum to avoid falling over. The kiss lasted a few moments as it always did and only ended when Clemont politely interrupted them.

"Do I need my Aipom arm?" Clemont said with a cough breaking the couple up and causing them to blush as he reached them. "I do have it somewhere here just in case."

"No, sorry, it's a tradition when Ash wins so I can't help myself." Misty said blushing furiously now as she backed away. "I'll give you your space."

"Well done Ash, that was one tough battle." Clemont said holding out his hand and Ash shook it. "Your Pokémon fight hard for you as I was told but seeing it was something else. Your Riolu is one impressive Pokémon. When it evolves that will be a Lucario to be feared for sure."

"Thanks, I'm just glad they all gave their best." Ash said with a smile. "You were a real challenge Clemont. If I hadn't have stopped Bunnelby, I don't know if I would have won with just Pikachu and Riolu remaining. It took all 3 to take down your Luxray and even then, only because of the nature of Reversal and how much damage Riolu had taken. We still have a lot of training to do so that I don't have to rely on things like that in the future as they always mean I'm cutting it too close, and I don't like the idea of Riolu needing to be in pain to win."

"Well, you will go far, that I know." Clemont said as Clembot approached them with a tray in his hands. "I look forward to seeing you in the Lumiose Conference at the end of the year, that will be a competition to watch. For now, enjoy your Voltage Badge, you earned it."

"Alright!" Ash said as he picked up the Voltage Badge, a yellow badge that looked like a slice of pizza with no sauce and 6 irregular bolts coming off it in a star-like pattern. "Alright I got the Voltage Badge!"

Ash then struck his usual victory pose as May and Serena, along with Misty's Pokémon, joined them in his celebration. Now that the battle was over, they were going to head back to the Pokémon Center to get their Pokémon healed and then return to the gym to celebrate Ash's win.

After that they would stay a few days as they restocked before heading out west to Cyllage City and Ash's next gym battle, as well as hopefully another Contest for Serena. Ash now had two gym badges, six more and he could enter the Kalos League. He couldn't wait to win them.