Part CXVIII: Wonders of Nature
"So, the battlefield is at the top of the tree?" Ash asked confused as they reached the Coumarine Gym. "That seems like it wouldn't work."
"Apparently." May said looking up herself and understanding where Ash was coming from with the tree as the branches were thick and condensed at the top so she had no idea how a battlefield here would work. "According to Nurse Joy we just go up the platforms and steps in the side of the tree and we should reach the opening that leads to the battlefield and where Ramos lives."
"Well then what are we waiting for? Let's start climbing." Ash said eagerly as he went towards the first of the platforms with a ladder leading up to it. "This is a unique gym, and I can't wait to face Ramos in it."
The girls just sighed and followed Ash though at a more measured pace. They knew that there was no point in arguing with Ash when he was in gym mode. Best to follow him and hope he didn't rush it too much as that was when he usually made mistakes.
It was the day after they had arrived in Coumarine City and the last day that the gym was open before it closed for the Pledging Festival week. They had run into Ramos on the way into the city and had a brief chat with him the day before, so they knew what the leader was like. It had served to fuel Ash's dedication to win this battle and earn his 5th badge.
After Ramos had left them to tend to his Pokémon, they had made their way to the Pokémon Center where they'd checked in and Ash had set to work preparing for this battle with May. He'd already decided on the 3 he'd use in this matchup should it be a three-on-three battle and had contingencies for any potential variation. May was there to help him train as she had a grass type on her that could help. Well, that and Misty and Serena needed to do their own training.
That was because the other two girls had to prepare for the Showcase and Contest coming up, respectively. Serena helped Misty a bit with the freestyle aspect of a Showcase for if she got to that round while Misty gave Serena some more pointers on her appeal as she was using a different Pokémon from the last Contest for it and needed to perfect it. The battles were always a bit of a crapshoot given how Kalos did them so Serena just made sure that all but Meowstic and her appeals Pokémon were ready in case she used them.
Both girls intended to win their competitions and were determined to be ready. Still, today was about Ash so they were all with him, supporting him as they always did. In addition, for the first time May and Serena had agreed to wear their cheerleader outfits that Misty had made them.
May still wore the blood red one Misty had first made back in the Indigo Conference though it had been touched up to accommodate May's large assets better as it had been a bit constricting before. Serena's meanwhile was a pale pink that really suited her and gave the trio a deepening color look as Misty's was just a shade deeper than hot pink as always.
Ash had been surprised the other two had joined in, he still didn't get why the others joined Misty in dressing up, but he wasn't complaining. Their support would mean a lot to him when he was in battle, and he always returned it when they did their things.
He wasn't aware that Misty had gone all out and helped make outfits for Braixen and Meowstic as well so that they too could join in, though they seemed to be in competition with each other over it for some reason. The others were either male or had strange body types that were beyond Misty's abilities to make clothes for without more time to prepare. Of course, her own Pokémon were ready, well those that would be out that is as two were banned from appearing.
Naturally, all of this would start when they reached the battlefield, which they first had to do so. Given the tree's immense size, it took a good half hour to climb it and reach an opening between two branches when they made it to the highest platform. When they walk through the sight that greeted them took their breath away.
The battlefield was a standard earth battlefield that was set in the hollow created at the top of the tree. The sun was above them through the higher branches while vines came down from them. It was an unreal sight, one that was made more so by the garden of sorts around the edge and the natural, hut-like, buildings that Ramos clearly called home.
Ramos himself was on his knees on the side doing some gardening as they arrived. Something tipped him off though and he slowly stood, wiped his brow, got up, and turned to look at them. Once he saw it was Ash and his friends he smiled, put away his sheers in the sheath at his side and walked over to them.
"You made it, good." Ramos said once he reached them. "It is a bit of trek, especially for me these days, but I am glad you are here."
"Yeah I can't wait to face you." Ash said with a grin. "Let's get this battle started."
"Not yet, be patient." Ramos said surprising all of them by slowing it down, that was unexpected. "You must be thirsty after that climb. Please, take some tea with me to refresh yourself. Then I could use a hand in the garden, the weeds are coming in this time of year and need removal with strong, young, hands. After that we can battle, my assistant should be back by then."
Ash was just stunned at Ramos's suggestion. He'd never been asked by a gym leader to take tea before a battle, let alone do some gardening or any such activity beforehand. Sure, he'd had some odd gym experiences in the past. He'd been asked to read a book, had a rollercoaster ride, ended up in a punk rock concert, climbed a rock wall, been offered lunch, and a few other strange experiences, mostly in Unova, but not this. Grumbling and knowing he had no choice, Ash just nodded and followed Ramos to his tea area in the hollow of a branch.
The girls were more than happy for this, however, and they all enjoyed the good tea that Ramos provided for them and chatted. Ash had to admit, the tea was refreshing after the climb, so it was needed but he really wanted to get on with the battle as his anticipation was now really high.
However, Ramos seemed to be taking things at his own path for some reason and Ash just had to go with it because he was the gym leader and in the past Ash had been too brash and impatient and lost because of it. That meant that despite finishing his tea quickly he still had to help remove weeds once Ramos was done.
Ramos showed him how and Ash set to work. He wasn't happy with this and just wanted to get the battle started. As such, Ash's natural impatience got the better of him for a moment and he began to rip the weeds out harshly, taking out his frustration on them, and yanking them out without much thought.
"Not like that whippersnapper." Ramos chided as he came over to see what Ash was doing as sighed, he would have to verbally impart his wisdom on this young man, but the vigor of youth did lead to impatience, so Ramos wasn't mad so long as Ash understood the lesson he was receiving. "Remember, I told you yesterday to not always plow ahead but look for the side path. The same is true here. You have to be gentle and think why must the weeds be removed."
"Huh?" Ash asked confused, this hadn't been what he had gotten out of the request at all but then again he knew nothing about gardening. "What do you mean?"
"If you only look at what is in front of you, you will lose sight of what is important." Ramos said calmly as he showed Ash a pair of sprouts under the weed that would now be able to bloom thanks to the weeds being removed. "See, we remove the weeds so that the sprouts can grow but you have to look around the weed to see them or else you might damage them when you remove the weed."
"Oh, I didn't notice." Ash said surprised at the logic behind it while thinking on Ramos's words, he didn't understand them, but he had a feeling he would need to by the end of the day so he remembered the words as best he could. "Sorry, my impatience got the better of me again."
"I was young once too; I know what it is like." Ramos said with a smile. "Don't worry about it. I've told you what you needed to know, and we've gotten all the weeds so shall we battle now?"
"Yes please." Ash said respectfully as he reigned in his impatience in his anticipation for battle.
"Very well take your side." Ramos said gesturing to which of the boxes was the challenger's. "Your ladies are waiting to support you."
"Huh?" Ash asked confused and looked to see Misty, May and Serena all standing in the spectator area ready to cheer with the Pokémon who could be dressed up out and ready, along with the other small ones like Vulpix, Helioptile, and Litleo who sat patiently waiting, though the latter did wink at Pikachu. "Oh yeah, usually it's just Misty, not sure why the others are doing it though."
"How a young man like you found a woman is a miracle." Ramos said quietly to himself as he walked to his side with a small smile. "But young love always finds away, even if some failed in it, but such is the game of love we all play. We all win and lose rounds in it."
Ash heard none of Ramos's ramblings as he took his side and pulled out his first Poke Ball already knowing who he's start with. Ramos soon reached his own side and removed his own first Pokémon for the battle. At the same time an assistant appeared out of the tree and took his own spot at the ref's spot to officiate the battle.
"The gym battle between the Coumarine Gym Leader Ramos and the challenger Ash from Pallet Town is about to begin." The assistant said bringing all attention to him so that he could explain the rules. "This will be a three-on-three battle where the winner is the trainer who defeats all of the other trainer's Pokémon based on my adjudication. In addition, only the challenger may substitute. Is that understood?"
"It is." Ash said with a nod at the normal gym rules he was used to while Ramos only nodded as he was well versed in his own gym's rules.
"Good then begin." The assistant said slashing the air with his hand to start the battle.
"Fletchinder, I choose you." Ash said throwing out his Poke Ball and starting with his best Pokémon against grass types.
"Go Jumpluff." Ramos said throwing out his own Poke Ball.
Pokémon appeared at almost the same time, Fletchinder beating his wings slowly as he looked at Pokémon opposite him. Jumpluff was a fully evolved grass and flying type that seemed to hover in the air in front of Ramos. It was a small blue ball-like Pokémon with a face and stubby limb things. It was held aloft it seemed by three large cotton ball things, one above its head and two in either side just below its mouth.
Ash recalled that Jumpluff was a classified as a Johto Pokémon, at least that was where he first encountered one, but he couldn't recall it well. As such he pulled out his Pokedex to quickly scan it again to refresh his memory on what it could do.
"Jumpluff, the Cottonweed Pokémon." The Pokedex chimed. "Even in the fiercest wind, it can control its fluff to make its way to any place in the world it wants."
"Right, it's a mobile flying type but not too fast." Ash said recalling what he could of the Pokémon he was facing. "Show it who's faster Fletchinder, Flame Charge."
"Jumpluff, slow it down with Cotton Spore." Ramos said calmly as Fletchinder cawed and ignited himself before flying at his foe. "Use that to dodge and then use Sunny Day."
Suddenly a series of fluffy white spores shot out of Jumpluff right in front of it. The spores were right in Fletchinder's path, and he couldn't avoid them in time before he plowed into him at full speed. While the fire on his body burnt the spores away, it didn't burn away their effect and slowed him down so that Jumpluff could fly upwards and out of harm's way just in time.
As soon as Jumpluff was safely away it let out a battle cry causing the sunlight above them intensified and Jumpluff seemed to glow in it. Ash had no idea why it was doing this until a second later Jumpluff shot further away much faster than before.
"What the…" Ash began.
"Jumpluff's ability is Chlorophyll." Ramos said with a small smile. "It raises Jumpluff's speed in sunlight. By combining Sunny Day with it and throwing in a speed reduction move like Cotton Spore, I can slow down Fletchling enough to flip the tables on the speed in this aerial battle. Raw power alone won't beat me."
"You think so, but you don't know my Fletchinder." Ash said with a grin at the tactics Ramos was using, it was clear why he was a gym leader. "Fletchinder, Jumpluff is claiming to be faster than you now, show it that its wrong. Flame Charge and keep it up to keep your speed up. Remind it who's the superior flying type."
Fletchinder cawed in agreement as it ignited its body again and shot at Jumpluff who quickly turned and fled from the burning bird. This little ball of annoyance thought it could beat Fletchinder, well Fletchinder would show it who was the boss of the skies today.
"Evasive flying Jumpluff." Ramos said surprised at how fast Fletchinder was. "And use Cotton Spore to slow it down."
"Do your best to dodge that." Ashe said as the cotton spores flew off Jumpluff's body behind it as it flew. "I know you can do it."
What happened next was a high-speed chase that was hard to follow. Fletchinder, constantly reigniting Flame Body whenever it went out, flying in a burning blur of red fire after a speeding Jumpluff that was getting more and more worried as the dogfight continued. It was fast, it had even boosted its speed, but this Fletchinder kept getting faster. The Ember Pokémon even flew through another Cotton Spore and was not deterred by the reduction of its speed.
In the end Fletchinder's speed was what won out it in the end. Jumpluff tried to turn but Fletchinder had the angle and turned faster before his burning body slammed into the other flying type. Jumpluff let out a wail of pain as the super effective attack hit it and it was downed, falling to the ground and bouncing off it thanks to its light weight. Ash saw his opening and pressed his advantage.
"Peck." Ash said.
Before Ramos could get a counter off, Fletchinder followed his momentum and flew at Jumpluff as it bounced up, his beak glowing. He then slammed into its center mass with the super effective flying type attack. The two super effective attacks were too much for Jumpluff. It was out before it hit the ground, bounced again, and then skidded to a halt just past Ramos with swirls for eyes.
"Jumpluff is unable to battle." The assistant declared raising a red flag to Ramos's side. "Fletchinder is the winner."
"Go Fletchinder, show who's faster." Misty cheered from the sideline as May and Serena joined in the routine as best they could though they were a little off as they hadn't had time to practice like Misty had done before the final. "Keep it up Ash, two more to go."
"Jumpluff, return." Ramos said recalling his Pokémon and looking at the Poke Ball in his hand. "You did well my friend, that Fletchinder is certainly fast, and you just couldn't compare in the end. I think a little different strategy is in store for it if Ash keeps it out."
"Oh, I intend to, right Fletchinder." Ash said to his flying type.
Fletchinder cawed in agreement. He may have been slowed down by that pesky cotton stuff, but he hadn't taken any damage or had any status effects in that battle. He was still raring to go and was going to win this next one for Ash as well.
"Just the kinda vigor I like to see in a young challenger." Ramos said putting away Jumpluff's Poke Ball and throwing out his second. "Go, Weepinbell. Let's see Ash handle your specialty."
"Weepinbell, this is a Pokémon I know well." Ash said recalling the Kanto Pokémon that had cropped up several times in his past before it appeared before him and sat on the ground. "We can do this with ease. Fletchinder, Flame Charge again."
"Poison Powder." Ramos ordered as Fletchinder ignited himself. "Use the sun to avoid Fletchinder's attack."
Ash was confused at that until he saw the same glow in Weepinbell and suddenly knew what it was, Chlorophyll. Weepinbell had the same ability as Jumpluff and was going to use it to give it a boost. All Ash could do was grit his teeth as the speeds were too fast to call an order out, but he kept thinking forward in the battle as he watched what happened.
As Fletchinder neared Weepinbell, the grass and poison type leapt high into the air faster than normal thanks to its ability. It had timed it just right to exhale a blast of purple powder from its mouth into Fletchinder's face as it reached it before passing over it and turning all while in the air. It was a tough move to pull off and showed Ash how well-trained Ramos's Weepinbell was.
Unlike with the Cotton Spore, Fletchinder couldn't burn this and coughed through the powder as he was poisoned but maintained his flight as he flew up to avoid crashing into the ground. He turned to get at Weepinbell but as he was heading back the poison struck and he cawed in pain as he was poisoned. The pain broke his concentration and this time he crashed into the ground and skidded to be right under Weepinbell thanks to his momentum. That was right were Ramos wanted it.
"Slam." Ramos ordered.
Suddenly and before Ash could react, Weepinbell fell down hard and fast, its speed boosted by its ability and the lingering effects of Jumpluff's Sunny Day, and into Fletchinder's back. Fletchinder let out a caw, his beak wide from the normal type attack and a second wave of poison hit him as Weepinbell sat on him. However, Ash was known for his out of the box thinking and used it again as soon as he saw a chance to counter.
"Throw it off with Flame Charge!" Ash commanded.
"Impressive, not the direct road." Ramos said with a nod of respect as Fletchinder ignited his body and Weepinbell wailed in pain from the super effective attack before it was forced to leap off Fletchinder. "A side road there, you do listen young one. A refreshing sign, few young people listen to their elders these days."
"I'll take any advice I can to win and become a master." Ash said as Fletchinder flapped his wings and took flight, grimacing as he was poisoned again. "Sometimes it takes a bit to get through my head, but I always learn my lesson in the end."
"When it comes to battles that is." May whispered to the girls as Fletchinder soared around to face Weepinbell again. "In other areas, Ash never learns."
"Too true." Misty said with a nod. "In that case it takes a powerful blow to get through his head and even that has a chance of failing."
Ash heard none of this as he was focused on the battle, not that he would have understood had he heard. He wasn't sure how much Fletchinder had left in him, but he knew that his Pokémon still had fight and the advantage, and it would be dishonorable to pull Fletchinder now.
"Flame Charge one more time." Ash said. "This time keep an eye on Weepinbell so you can hit it."
"That poison is slowing it down." Ramos said as Fletchinder cawed and ignited his body again. "Razor Leaf, that should do it."
Weepinbell gave its version of a nod before a series of sharp leaves shot out of its mouth at Fletchinder. Fletchinder ignored the leaves as he plowed into them, he was too close to dodge them, but as he was doing so the poison struck again and broke his concentration.
That ended his Flame Charge which was protecting him somewhat from the Razor Leaf. Though it wasn't very effective against him, the grass type attack was the final straw when combined with all the bouts poisoning and Slam.
Fletchinder didn't get out of the leaves, he just fell from the sky and hit the ground. He bounced once before he slid forward on his chest several feet until finally coming to a halt just before Weepinbell with his wings splayed and eyes swirls.
"Fletchinder is unable to battle." The assistant said raising a red flag to Ash's side. "Weepinbell is the winner."
"Fletchinder return." Ash said recalling his Pokémon and looking at the Poke Ball. "You did really well out there against Weepinbell, but Ramos isn't a gym leader for no reason, so he knows how to counter disadvantages he may have. Thankfully, so do we so let's see how he deals with that."
"Oh, do you have something in mind young whippersnapper." Ramos said with a grin, he was really getting into this battle. "Show me what you got."
"I will, I'll win this matchup with a Pokémon that isn't good against a grass type." Ash said putting away Fletchinder's ball and throwing out his second Pokémon of the battle. "Frogadier, I choose you."
"Ah a water type, yes that will be a struggle for you." Ramos said. "A disadvantage for sure but a true trainer can overcome that. This is a test for you, I can tell. Anyone who's been a Conference finalist knows how to win this. Course, I won't it easy young one."
"I don't expect you to." Ash said. "Double Team and then Water Pulse Frogadier."
"Use Razor Leaf to find the real one." Ramos countered as several shadows of Frogadier appeared. "And then counter with Grass Knot."
Frogadier formed the ball of water in his hands, as did his clones, just as Weepinbell sent out its Razor Leaf. The leaves cut through several clones but not before the ball of water was shot out by the clones.
Weepinbell got the sense of what the real water was and redirected the leaves not at the ball but at the sender. It had the type resistance so it could take the water, which it did, with minimal damage while the leaves found their mark and struck Frogadier in the side causing him to wail in pain from the super effective attack.
With that hit, Weepinbell kept up the pressure and as Frogadier staggered, the remaining clones vanishing with the hit, a knot of grass was formed at Frogadier's feet. Frogadier then crashed to the ground from the second super effective attack hitting him.
"Frogadier, I know you can still fight." Ash said. "Show off why this matchup isn't bad for you. Aerial Ace."
"Intercept it with Poison Powder." Ramos said impressed that a Frogadier knew that move, it was a good balance for one of the Pokémon's main weaknesses.
Frogadier grunted as he got to a knee and shot at Weepinbell. He knew he could do this, and he would show Ash that his trust in him was well earned. That was why, as the purple powder spewed forth from Weepinbell, Frogadier pulled his frubbles up to protect his mouth so that he didn't breath the powder in and get hit by the effects of the attack. He then imbued his right foot with flying type power.
Weepinbell just stared at the now masked Frogadier in confusion and surprise. It wasn't slowed down by the Poison Power; in fact, it seemed to be speeding up from it. That was the last thing Weepinbell was able to think before Frogadier's foot lashed around and struck it in the face with the super effective attack.
It had been a mistake to take the Water Pulse earlier. Though it hadn't done much damage, it had done enough that the Aerial Ace combined with the earlier Flame Charge from Fletchinder was too much for Weepinbell to handle and it was out cold the moment the kick landed. Weepinbell's limp body shot backwards and past Ramos to slam into a branch before it fell to the ground and lay there with swirls for eyes.
"Weepinbell is unable to battle." The assistant declared raising a red flag to Ramos's side as Frogadier hurried back to Ash, removing the frubbles as soon as he was clear of any lingering poison. "Frogadier is the winner."
"Go Frogadier." Misty cheered from the sidelines. "That was amazing. Keep it up Ash, only one left to beat."
"That was well done Weepinbell, we just didn't expect that Frogadier to be so resilient and resourceful against us." Ramos said recalling his Pokémon before putting the Poke Ball away and turning to face Ash. "Did you practice that as a defense against poison?"
"No that was all Frogadier." Ash admitted with pride in his voice for his Pokémon to which Frogadier nodded. "In the past we've used his frubbles to our advantage back when he was still a Froakie, so I have come to trust him to know when to use them to his advantage in battle. This was one of those times it seems though I didn't understand it."
"Few realize it, but the powder attacks are activated by inhaling the powder or otherwise getting the poison into the target Pokémon's body if they have more unusual breathing methods." Ramos said. "Not by physical contact, unless that is how the Pokémon breaths or is a Pokémon that absorbs things through body membranes. By protecting his mouth, Frogadier ensured he wouldn't be poisoned and landed that attack. I'm impressed but can you handle my last Pokémon?"
"I have a feeling I know what it is." Ash said surprising Ramos by recalling Frogadier. "And I have already promised first crack at it to a Pokémon I recently caught but haven't used in battle yet. I'll save Frogadier for if my new Pokémon can't win."
"Then I look forward to facing it." Ramos said throwing out his last Poke Ball." Go, Gogoat."
"Just as I expected." Ash said as he pulled out his final Poke Ball and the Pokémon that Ramos had been riding the day before appeared before him ready to fight. "Time to fulfil my promise. Conkeldurr, I choose you."
Ash threw the ball out and it burst open. A second later the other Pokémon he'd caught in the forest before the canyon appeared before him, pillars ready in its hands. Conkeldurr had spent a few weeks at the ranch in Kanto where Togekiss, Professor Oak, and Ash's Pokémon there, mainly Bulbasaur apparently, had helped mend Conkeldurr's ways and teach him to be part of a team.
It had taken a bit, and an initial scrap with one of Ash's other Pokémon but seeing how much stronger Ash's Pokémon were because of him and how they all supported each other to get better had made an impression on the former bully. Conkeldurr was smart and he enjoyed a good fight, but he also knew when he was outmatched, it was why he had to team up and trick Machamp to go after Hawlucha. He knew he couldn't beat the others at the ranch, or most of them that had evolved or who he didn't have a type advantage against at least.
What he did learn was that if he joined Ash and listened to him, and trusted in Ash's judgement, then he'd be rewarded by getting stronger. In addition, Ash's trust was a two-way street and in time he'd give Conkeldurr more freedom in battle to dictate it so that they could win together and not force Conkeldurr into doing something stupid.
All this had gotten through to Conkeldurr and he'd begun to warm to the idea of Ash being his trainer and was willing to give him a chance. He was still not accepting his past mistakes, but he could try this new thing and see what came of it. Plus, many of the other Pokémon had been friendly to him and formed rivalries so he wanted to show them he was as strong, if not stronger than them.
Ursaring was still taking a little time to adjust, but he was Ash's mate's Pokémon, so it was her Pokémon, mainly Togekiss and a Mamoswine that were working with him. Conkeldurr felt that his friend would come around in time, though the style those Pokémon used were alien to both of them.
For his part, though, Conkeldurr had indicated a desire to return to Ash's side. The kind old man who ran the ranch that was his new permanent home when not with Ash, it was a very nice ranch that had everything he needed without having to steal it, had seemed to understand and he was soon back in Kalos with Ash. Ash for his part seemed to understand that Conkeldurr wanted to battle to prove himself and had promised him a true test, the final Pokémon in his upcoming gym battle. That meant a strong opponent in his first battle with Ash.
It turned out Ash hadn't lied. Conkeldurr was now facing a strong looking Gogoat that was a worthy opponent for his skills. It was time to see if all he'd heard about his new trainer was true. Sure, they'd practiced together for this battle, but nothing could replace a real battle. Time to see if Ash really knew his stuff and was worthy of the praise the other Pokémon gave him.
"A Conkeldurr, yes this will be interesting for sure." Ramos said rubbing his chin in thought. "Neither of us have an advantage or disadvantage on types so it will come down to tactics and moves, a worthy battle."
"Just as I thought." Ash agreed. "Conkeldurr, Chip Away."
"Keep it back with Vine Whip." Ramos said as Conkeldurr began to lumber towards Gogoat as fast as he could move. "Conkeldurr needs to be in close to work best."
"Dodge it." Ash said as the vines shot out of Gogoat. "I know that you can do it."
Conkeldurr was grateful for Ash's faith in him, it gave him that confidence boost that he could do this. As such he used the centrifugal force his core muscles had been evolved to use to spin, twist, and dodge the attacks coming his way. Occasionally Conkeldurr raised a concrete pillar to block the whipping vines as he closed in. It wasn't perfect, and he took a few lashes in the process, but they didn't slow him down as he reached a surprised Gogoat.
As soon as he was there, Conkeldurr dropped his pillars and waited for the opening while taking one last lashing in the process. The moment he saw it, his hands balled into fists, and he repeatedly struck Gogoat in the face and chest with the attack. Gogoat roared in pain, but Ramos was ready for this. Ash had brought this battle up close and personal so Ramos would show him that he had the perfect counter for that tactic.
"Horn Leach." Ramos said.
Gogoat swung his head around, taking a blow off his shoulder as he did while he lowered it and then drove his horns up and into Conkeldurr's chest. Conkeldurr's Chip Away ended and he roared in pain from the leaching attack that was giving Gogoat some health back. Of course, two could play at that game and Ash showed his skills by knowing just which of Conkeldurr's moves to use in this situation.
"Drain Punch." Ash said. "Show them our version of that move."
Conkeldurr roared as he balled his fist and then punched Gogoat in the center of its head with all the power he could muster, using the momentum of the hit he'd taken to add to the force of his blow. The fighting type move blasted Gogoat back while giving Conkeldurr some health he had lost back in the same fashion that Gogoat had done to him. It was a breather and allowed Conkeldurr to pick up his trusty pillars once again. That act showed that he still needed some training and Ramos capitalized on it.
"Vine Whip." Ramos called out as Conkeldurr was distracted. "Put more distance between you two."
Gogoat was still in the air when he let out his vines. They whipped in parallel and struck Conkeldurr hard in the chest before he could block them. He groaned as the force flipped him backwards, but he landed on his feet and slammed his pillars into the ground to steady himself and shorten his skid while creating a pair of furrows in the ground from his actions.
There was now a good distance between the two fully evolved Pokémon with both at about the midpoints of their halves and breathing hard. They'd taken a decent bit of damage, but both still had plenty left to give, this battle wasn't over yet.
"Razor Leaf." Ramos said. "Keep it up."
"Hammer Arm." Ash countered but in this case the ranged attack played against him.
Conkeldurr had only managed to get a few paces before the leaves hit him and surrounded him in a storm of green leaves. He was taking damage as they hit him, and he suddenly couldn't move as more and more leaves hit him slowly draining his health. Conkeldurr began to panic, and Ash could sense it and was also about to panic. He had no idea how to get past this Razor Leaf.
That was when he noticed that Gogoat was using it to get in closer to Conkeldurr so that it could land a close quarters attack, something that Conkeldurr was better at. Suddenly the wisdom that Ramos had been trying to impart on Ash earlier hit him. He was so focused on the Razor Leaf, the thing that was right in front of him and Conkeldurr, that he had almost missed the fact that it was a smokescreen for Gogoat to get in close, likely to land another Horn Leech. With that, Ash knew what he had to do.
"Calm down Conkeldurr." Ash said putting calm into his voice and heart so that Conkeldurr could tell that he had a plan. The leaves are just a way to blind you. Ignore them and focus on finding Gogoat on the other side. The moment you do, use Fling with one pillar."
Conkeldurr was starting to really panic in the leaves as he couldn't see and was losing health fast now as all the little hits added up. Then he heard Ash's words and let them wash over him. The others had constantly told him to trust Ash, that in battle their trainer knew what he was doing so all they had to do was trust him to help them win.
Sure, Ash made plenty of mistakes, but he almost always pulled through and in battle he was one of the sharpest out there. Now in mating he was a moron, but they all agreed he wasn't perfect. In this though, they had told Conkeldurr to have faith in Ash.
That was why he did now, to see if what all the others had told him about Ash was correct. He calmed down and ignored the leaves still hitting him for a second as he looked through them. That was when he saw that Gogoat was coming closer while keeping up the attack. It was a way to blind him to get in close as that was the best way to do so against a Pokémon who specialized in up close, physical, fighting. Well, now that Conkeldurr had seen that thanks to Ash, he wasn't going to take that lying down.
With a roar, he dropped one of his pillars and gripped the other with two hands. He then spun in a circle a few times, getting faster and faster as he did using his core muscles while holding the pillar out. Then, when he was ready, he let go of the pillar with a bellow. He was so fast thanks to his muscles that Gogoat had no chance.
The pillar cleaved through the leaves as Conkeldurr was spinning and then shot out faster than expected. He'd timed it at the right moment and the pillar didn't lose any height before it struck a shocked Gogoat in the face. The power of Fling depended on the item he was holding, and a solid concrete pillar was one hell of an item. Gogoat was blasted back with a yelp as Ramos looked on in shock at how Ash had used his advice earlier to see through his plans.
Gogoat slammed into the ground and rolled away, as did the pillar. The attack was powerful but somehow Gogoat was still in it, slowly trying to stand up and continue the battle. Ash wasn't going to let that happen, not when he felt he was this close.
"Hammer Arm!" Ash yelled.
"Stop it with Grass Knot." Ramos said realizing that he was not in a good position. "Slow it down!"
Gogoat tried to get the attack off, but Conkeldurr was already running at him at full speed with his second pillar in his hands. Then, as Gogoat got the attack off, Conkeldurr leapt into the air and over the attack knowing that was what Ash would want.
As he did, he took the end of his second pillar in both hands, raised it high over his head, arched his back, and then brought it down as hard as he could with a yell. Gogoat stood no chance as the pillar slammed into his head, taking it on his sturdy horns to try and mitigate the damage, before being driven into the ground with a boom that expelled dirt and dust into the air.
Conkeldurr held his pillar there, resting it on Gogoat as the dust settled and he panted before he pulled the back once he knew it was done, carefully removing the pillar from his foe. Gogoat lay on his side in a small, cracked, crater that had been formed from the attack with his tongue out and swirls for eyes.
"Gogoat is unable to battle." The assistant said after recovering from his shock and raising a red flag to Ramos's side. "The winner is Conkeldurr. Ramos is out of Pokémon, so the winner is the challenger Ash."
"We did it Conkeldurr." Ash said as he ran out to celebrate with his Pokémon while Ramos recalled and thanked his friend for a great effort that was just short thanks to Ash understanding his earlier lesson. "I knew you could do it."
Conkeldurr smiled a genuine smile as Ash reached him and embraced him showing him his love despite Conkeldurr's past as a bully. Conkeldurr just kept smiling knowing that the others been right that he should put his faith in Ash as his trainer.
It had paid off then and he'd won his first battle and what a battle it had been. That Gogoat had been tough and really challenged him but in the end Ash knew what he was doing and led Conkeldurr to victory. Plus, Gogoat was a fully evolved Pokémon, and they were neutrally matched so that boosted his cred with the other Pokémon back on the ranch.
Meanwhile Misty had thrown down her pom poms and run towards Ash while the others just sighed and waited for the show wondering what would happen this time as at least it was no longer predictable. Misty of course noticed none of this, nor did she hear a pair of Poke Balls opening as she ran or a loud thud behind her. She was focused on one thing and as she reached Ash she threw herself at him just as he separated from Conkeldurr.
All Ash had time to do was turn and catch his girlfriend, spinning with Misty's momentum as she kissed him passionately while still in the air, knowing that at any minute Malamar could burst out and slap her. Conkeldurr just looked at it in surprise and backed up uncomfortable with his trainer's mate's proximity to him and deciding that human mating rituals were odd, but he had been warned about this strange ritual as well.
"Ah young love, brings back good memories." Ramos said interrupting them after Ash had put Misty down on her feet and causing Misty to break away from Ash with a deep blush. "Don't worry young lady, I've seen it all before in my many years. Though that, that I haven't seen before. I presume those are yours."
Misty groaned as she recalled the thud and turned to see what they were doing this time knowing exactly who Ramos was referring to. Behind her, Machamp and Malamar were currently rolling on the floor of the battlefield wrestling and apparently trying to strangle each other even though Malamar didn't really have neck. All the while Piplup was being held back by one of Machoke's lower hands as he tried to help Malamar out so that she could slap some sense into Misty for him.
In the background Litleo had used the distraction to start chasing Pikachu who had been with Ash during the battle around while Vulpix just put his head in his paws and tried not to watch the embarrassment that was his teammates. The only one just looking confused was Helioptile who still didn't get why two of his strongest teammates had very different views on what their trainer should and shouldn't do in public.
"There is a long story with those two." Misty said recalling both Machamp and Malamar at the same time and causing Piplup to squawk and fall to the ground flapping his wings uselessly in the process. "Suffice it to say I caught Malamar by accident a while back and she decided to stay but keeps slapping me when I make a mistake or do something stupid or inappropriate. In her opinion of course."
"That is strange behavior but not unheard of." Ramos said. "Some Pokémon care deeply for their trainers and try to help them in their own special ways, which sometimes are violent to humans but make sense to Pokémon."
"Yeah we know a Croagunk like that." Misty said recalling how Brock's Croagunk used to keep him in line, and still did only in a slightly different sense now. "Machamp meanwhile, who I caught more recently and at the same time Ash caught that Conkeldurr, has taken it upon himself to be my protector and that includes from Malamar when he deems my actions appropriate and not inappropriate like she does. Add in that I used Malamar in the battle that persuaded Machamp to join me, and they have a bit of a rivalry."
"I see, well I guess I'm not too old to see everything it seems." Ramos said with a smile before turning to Ash and holding out his hand. "Well done young whippersnapper, you listened to my advice in the end and used it to win. I am pleased to see that."
"It all made sense when I had the battle context to work with." Ash said taking Ramos's hand and shaking it while smiling at the old gym leader. "Thank you, it was what I needed to win the battle."
"I had a feeling you just needed to calm down a little to give me a great battle, remember that patience is a virtue and take it seriously as you can achieve much more with a little patience." Ramos said as his assistant appeared with a tray in his hands. "And I was right, that was a really good battle, one of the two best I've had all year, and you showed me just how good you are. As proof of your victory in the Coumarine Gym, here is your Plant Badge."
"Alright." Ash said as he picked up the green badge that looked like a large drop with a bronze tree design in the center that at a glance gave the badge a leaf like appearance. "I got the Plant Badge."
Ash struck his victory pose as Frogadier bust out to join Conkeldurr in celebrating their win. Ash then lowered his arm and looked at the badge in has hand with a smile. He was now one step closer to the Kalos League, only 3 more badges to get.
Those would come in time though, first they had Misty's Showcase and then Serena's Contest before they could move on, and Ash fully intended to support both of them in their competitions. One down, two to go as the Festival Week in Coumarine City officially began.
