Chapter 7: Raging Tides
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN POKEMON
Otherwise enjoy!
Fulfilling his mission in obtaining a Dawn Stone for Gallade, the pair of Trainer and Pokémon soon ran down the road of Hulbury towards the Gym which was located at the center of the entire city, pass many boats and stores that was along the way, with Gallade turning his head to face Ash.
"Say, Reil. Who are you going to use against Nessa?" He asked, wondering if he could try out his new body.
"I haven't thought of it yet, I was wondering if I should let Lairon have a go." Ash answered with uncertainty, as his team formation was the last thing in his mind during their search for a Dawn Stone.
The two of them quickly made it to the entrance of the Gym, where a girl with black hair dressed in a pink dress with a black jacket over it can be seen facing the building with a small mouse-like Pokémon next to her, looking as if uncertain if she should enter the building to face the second Gym Leader, that was until she turned around to see Ash standing behind her.
"Ya a Gym Challenger right? I remember seeing ya during the ceremony." She asked, making Ash nod his head.
"Yes, I am, is there a problem?" He responded, as the girl looked at him before turning her eye to Gallade.
"Battle with me, will'ya? I wanna be sure I'm ready for this challenge!" She challenged, making Ash flinch a little.
It hadn't been long since he exited the mines of Galar, and the last thing he expected was to be challenged by someone who he met barely a minute ago, as the amnesiac Trainer laugh sheepishly at the girl in front of him.
"Don't you think it's best if you introduce yourself, before challenging someone?" He asked, making the girl gasp a little in realisation.
"Ya'right, my name is Marnie a Gym Challenger like ya, and the little fella beside me is Morpeko." The girl, Marnie introduced herself while gesturing to the small mouse beside her, with Ash nodding his head.
"My name is Reil, and this is Gallade." Ash responded, gesturing his hand to the Blade Pokémon beside him.
"As for your challenge, I accept. I could use a little warm-up before fighting my second Gym." Ash responded, accepting Marnie's challenge, as they moved to a more open area.
Ash and Marnie soon found themselves standing opposite of one another a distance away, with Marnie taking out a Dusk Ball from her jacket before enlarging the device, as she raised her left leg before throwing her Dusk Ball like a baseball into the field, causing it to burst open in a dark purple light.
What came out of her Dusk Ball was a dark blue bipedal Pokémon which resembled some sort of a dart frog with a orange expandable cheek pouch, as well as black rings on its arms and chest, as the newly known Pokémon to Ash decided to scratch its back, before facing Ash, getting ready for battle, only for the young man to take out his Rotom Phone.
"Croagunk, the Toxic Mouth Pokémon, Poison and Fighting Type. Croagunk's cheeks and fingers contains a deadly poisonous fluid which it can use to poison its foe, Croagunk will also tend to stab an unsuspecting victim to ensure its own survival." Ash's Rotom Phone detailed out.
After learning about Croagunk from his Rotom Phone, Ash turned his head to Gallade to walked into the field, as this would be his first battle in his newly evolved form, as both Pokémon stared at one another as Marnie decided to take the first move by shake her right hand.
"Brick Break!" She ordered in a much quieter tone.
Hearing its Trainer's command, Croagunk quickly leaped at Gallade with its right hand glowing in a white veil, before bringing it down upon the Blade Pokémon, who guarded with his hands, effectively stopping Croagunk's attack, shocking the Toxic Mouth Pokémon and its Trainer.
"Psybeam!" Ash ordered, as Gallade's hand started to spark out a multicolored light.
Thinking it would be bad if it stayed, Croagunk quickly retreated back to Marnie in preparation to defend itself, as Gallade's attack broke apart shocking Ash and himself only for the blade around his elbow to glow in a purple light before dissipating.
"What the-?" Gallade thought to him, before redirecting his focus to the battle at hand.
While Gallade was in mild shock over what had happened earlier, Croagunk was already charging at the Psychic and Fighting Type Pokémon with its right hand glowing in a purple light, only for Gallade to sweep Croagunk off its feet, sending it into the air as Ash looked at his partner Pokémon.
"Use Brick Break!" He commanded.
Gallade's right hand immediately glowed in a white veil, as he swung it upwards towards the falling Croagunk, effectively ramming his attack into the abdomen of the Toxic Mouth Pokémon, sending it back to Marnie, as Croagunk landed on the ground unconscious in only one move.
After knocking out Croagunk, Gallade's hand stopped glowing as he decided to relax himself with Marnie recalling Croagunk back into its Dusk Ball, as she decides to walk up to Ash, with a somewhat monotone expression on her face.
"I knew ya strong, but I didn't know ya were that strong." Marnie remarked, making Ash scratch his head lightly.
"Your Exaggerating, Marnie. I'm not that strong, not until I'm done with my Gym Challenge." He responded, as Marnie stared at the amnesiac Trainer.
"I like that, then that makes us rival, both you and I! Don't lose to anyone until I beat ya properly, because as my rival, I don't want to win ya in an easy fight." Marnie retorted, pointing her finger at Ash who looked rather stunned.
"Anyways, I gotta go get Croagunk here healed. So, I'll be sure to see'ya again later." Marnie quickly added, before walking off.
Ash who was still in confusion watched as Marnie walked towards the Pokémon Center, and when the girl was finally out of sight, he decided to turn his head to Gallade who was still confused as of why his Psybeam had failed.
"What happened back there, Gallade? It's not like you to mess up using a move." Ash asked with concern, with Gallade shaking his head confusion.
"I don't really know myself, it's just when I use it, I feel my power leaving me at a rapid pace." He answered, before lifting his hand.
Upon lifting up his hand, Gallade closed his eyes to concentrate his power to form his Psybeam attack, only for him to successfully create an orb of multicolored light, with the orb shattering just as quickly shocking Gallade as he widen his eyes, finding himself being unable to perform any Psychic Type attacks, as Ash placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Even if Psybeam is locked down, I'm sure you can still Teleport, right?" He asked, trying to comfort his Pokémon.
Gallade nodded at his response before closing his eyes to try and Teleport, but when his body started to glow in a white veil, the light immediately shatter into shards of white light, making Gallade kneel on the ground in exhaustion, as he hit the ground with his fist.
"Why... why can't I perform even the simplest move?!" Gallade voice with irritation, as Ash placed his hand on his shoulder.
"Calm down, Gallade. Getting frustrated won't bring us anywhere, only by being calm can we find a solution to your problem, so for now just hang tight, until we can find a solution to help you." Ash reassured the Blade Pokémon.
Taking a moment to think over what Ash had told him, Gallade soon got on his feet before looking at Ash who nodded his head, as the amnesiac Trainer hit his chest lightly with his fist with a huge smile on his face.
"Even if you are unable to use any Psychic Type moves right now, we'll win any matches even if we can only use two moves." Ash told his partner, who nodded in confidence.
After getting over the fact that he was now unable to use any of his Psychic Type moves, Ash and Gallade soon walked into the Hulbury stadium, before seeing Nessa, the second Gym Leader talking to one of her Gym assistants.
"What do you mean you're going out at this hour? You still have a challenger waiting for you!" The assistant scolded noticing Ash's entry, only for Nessa to look at her with a pleading look.
"Please! It will only be for a while, I promise to be back in a few minutes!" She begged with a small wink, even though her assistant was having none of it.
"You said that the last time and it took me an entire hour just to find you the last time! Besides, you should be telling that to the Gym Challenger behind you, not me at the moment!" She scolded, making Nessa turn around.
As she did, Nessa could see Ash standing there with his Gallade both mouth who were gaped open slightly at the spectacle they had just seen, only for Nessa to recoil in embarrassment about having been seen arguing with her assistant as she walked over to Ash from where she initially stood.
"I know you're here for your Gym Challenge, but I urgently need to settle some personal issues right now. Is it possible for you to wait for a few minutes? I promise I'd be back to accept your challenge!" Nessa told Ash in a pleading tone, only for him to sigh lightly.
"I guess we can wait, it also gives me time to mentally prepare myself." He told Nessa, who sighed in relief as she gave him a smile.
"Thank you, I promise to be back in ten minutes once I'm done settling my problem." Nessa told him before bolting out the door.
Being left behind with ten minute timer after Nessa had left to settle her urgent problem, and with the ten minutes he had on his hand, Ash was wondering why Gallade was unable to use any of his Psychic Type moves, at the same time was wondering if he should let Pawniard or Lairon go first in his battle against Nessa.
However, after waiting for ten minutes exactly, the doors slide open to reveal Nessa as she entered the Gym, having finished with her problem as she turn her head to face Ash, who was patiently waiting for her return.
"Sorry for the wait, but let me properly introduce myself. My name is Nessa, and I'm the Gym Leader in Hulbury." She introduced, while letting out her hand.
"It's not a problem, Reil is my name." Ash responded, shaking her hand to be acquaintance.
"So, are you ready for your second Gym Battle, Reil? If you're ready, go and change into your uniform and I'll wait for you in the stadium." Nessa told the young Trainer, as she started to walk towards the door that leads to the stadium.
In order to get ready for his Gym Battle, Ash rushed towards the changing room in order to change into his Gym Challenge uniform, and after changing into his uniform, Ash rushed out of the room with Gallade as he entered the doors leading into the stadium, before running down what seems to a never-ending tunnel which had a small glowing light at the end, as he eventually made it through the entire length, to see a field just as large.
However, unlike Milo's Grass Type field, the field in Nessa's stadium was blue all over, with her figure already waiting for Ash in the center, as the amnesiac Trainer ran forward to meet up with the Water Type Gym Leader.
"Glad to see that you made it, Reil. I'm once again sorry about the delay." Nessa started, making Ash shake his head.
"There's no need to apologise, Nessa. The point is that we're here in this stadium now." He responded, making the Water Type Gym Leader smile.
"Very well, then let us enjoy the battle that's to come, and may the better Trainer emerge on top of the sea of waves." Nessa said in a challenging tone.
Both Trainer soon turned around before proceeding into their respective Trainer boxes, that was placed almost at the edge of the entire field, and once the Trainers were in their respective boxes, a Rotom Drone soon flew down from the skies, as it positioned itself at the center of the field between both Trainers.
"The Gym Battle between Gym Leader Nessa and Gym Challenger Reil will now begin! Each Trainer is allowed three Pokémon and the battle will be over when one side is unable to continue." Rotom ruled out, as the drone took a quick glance at both sides again.
"Trainer are to send out their Pokémon at the same time!" It added in addition.
At Rotom's started phrase, both Ash and Nessa quickly took out a Poke Ball and Dive Ball respective, before enlarging the device in their hands in preparation, as Rotom looked at both sides before raising its left hand into the air.
"3!"
"2!"
"1!"
At the end of Rotom's countdown, both Ash and Nessa immediately threw their Poke Ball and Dive Ball into the field, as their devices burst open reveal the content inside. From Ash's Poke Ball came his newly caught Lairon, as the Iron Armor Pokémon stomped its feet on the ground, in preparation for battle, and just right after its appearance, Nessa's Pokémon was revealed to be large and bulky arthropod Pokémon, with scales covering its body, arms and legs, with Ash taking out his Rotom Phone.
"Golisopod, the Hard Scale Pokémon, Bug and Water Type. Golisopod's armor-like scale are said to be tougher then diamonds, and with its retractable claws that extends from its hands, it is said that a Golisopod has enough strength to split an ocean in two with one strike." Ash's Rotom Phone detailed out.
Ash gulped slightly at Golisopod's description, as Rotom looked at both side once again before raising its hands to start the Gym Battle.
"Golisopod vs Lairon, begin!" It announced.
"I'll allow you to have the first move, Reil. Count it as an apology to make you wait." Nessa offered, as Ash nodded with a smile.
"Alright, Sand Tomb!" He yelled out.
Lairon soon raised its fore legs into the air in preparation to slamming it down into the ground, however, before Lairon could fully execute its move against Golisopod, Nessa soon let loose a small smirk as she looked at the Hard Scale Pokémon.
"First Impression!" She commanded.
Hearing its command, Golisopod soon vanished into thin air shocking Ash and Lairon, right as the Bug and Water Type appeared before the Iron Armor Pokémon, before slamming its claws into Lairon's underbelly, effectively sending the Steel and Rock Type rolling back to Ash.
"What was that move?!" Ash asked in confusion, as Nessa chuckled.
"It's called First Impression, a move which allows Golisopod to move at a speed so fast that not even the fastest Pokémon can avoid it." She told the young Trainer.
Hearing Nessa's explanation about First Impression, made Ash sweat a little as the thought of Golisopod using it in rapid succession came into his mind, making him think for a moment in order to strategize a plan to overcome Nessa's Golisopod.
"If First Impression allows Golisopod to move at high speed, it shouldn't be able to use it too many times. If that's the case, then we'll only have to worry about being hit once." Ash thought to himself, before looking at Lairon who nodded its head.
"Take Down!" He ordered.
Lairon's body soon burst out a small white veil, as the Iron Armor Pokémon charged at Golisopod with a decent speed, with the Hard Scale Pokémon standing ready in preparation to receiving Lairon's attack, as it watch the Steel and Rock Type close the distance between them.
"Block it!" Nessa instructed.
At Nessa's command, Golisopod soon closed its hands together to form a shield, as Lairon slammed into its, making the Bug and Water Type move back a few distance, only for Ash to smirk slightly making Nessa raise an eyebrow in confusion as to what Ash has in mind.
"Do it!" He yelled out loud.
As if given the signal to utilise some sort of master plan, Lairon's body soon turned extremely bulky with its muscles enlarging, as it rammed right into Golisopod, forcing the Hard Scale Pokémon's hands to move aside, as the Iron Armor Pokémon slammed it s entire being into its body, making Golisopod flinch, as it stumbled backwards in pain.
Nessa was visibly impressed at Ash's well-thought strategy, as she watch Lairon retreat back to Ash's side of the field, with Golisopod standing back on its own two feet before stretching its neck before dusting its down body clean, as the Hard Scale Pokémon slammed its claws together.
"I must say I'm impressed, Reil, it's no wonder why Milo talked so highly of you during our last phone call." Nessa complimented, making Ash chuckle a little with a small smile.
"I'm still not even close at being your level if I do say so myself, Nessa! After all, this is only the Gym Challenge!" Ash responded, making Nessa chuckle softly.
"Then let us enjoy our time till the end of this battle, Liquidation!" Nessa roared out.
Golisopod quickly placed its right hand in between its waist and left hand, before creating a blade of water, as the Hard Scale Pokémon dashed towards Lairon with high speed, with Ash waving his hand to the side in order to issue Lairon a command.
"Iron Defense!" He ordered with urgency.
Lairon quickly harden its body by transforming it into steel, as Golisopod's attack made contact and by exerting more strength into its Luquidation attack, the Hard Scale Pokémon was soon pushing the Iron Armor Pokémon back, as Lairon was visibly moving backwards the more strength Golisopod put into its attack.
"Let's see how long you can last, Reil. Will my Golispod run out of strength first, or will you Lairon's defense break first?" Nessa said in a challenging tone, only for Ash to smirk slightly.
"There is something you're forgetting here, Nessa." Ash told the Water Type Gym Leader, as Nessa tilted her head to the side, wondering what Ash meant.
"It is true that Golisopod is strong, but now it can't move while clashing with Lairon's body!" He shot out, making Nessa widen her eyes as to what Ash meant.
Soon enough, the ground beneath Golisopod started to turn into a sandpit, as the sinking sand started to drag Golisopod away from Lairon, forcing the Hard Scale Pokémon to the center of itself, trapping the Water and Bug Type Pokémon in the middle of the spirraling sand, as Ash chuckled loudly before looking at Lairon.
"Superpower!" He commanded.
Lairon's muscles soon turned bulkier in size as its muscles enlarged all over its body, and with a mighty stomp to the ground, the Iron Armor Pokémon soon charged at Golispod who was still trapped in the middle of the Sand Tomb attack it had used, but the closer they got to Golisopod, Nessa simply snapped her finger as Golisopod turned around before vanishing with a red light, making Lairon miss shocking both Trainer and Pokémon.
As the light traced back to Nessa's Poke Ball, a flash of blue light soon shot forth from one of her Poke Balls to reveal a large crab-like Pokémon with a upper red body and pincers while having a lower white body, as the new Pokémon slammed its pincers together in order to get ready for battle, only for Ash to take out his Rotom Phone to check it out.
"Kingler, the Pincer Pokemon, Water Type. Kingler's pincers are strong enough to pry open a Cloyster's shell, because of its uneven pincer sizes, Kingler's are forced to move sideways in order to prevent themselves from falling backwards." Ash's Rotom Phone detailed out.
Ash soon kept his Rotom Phone into his pocket before looking at Nessa's newly arrived Kingler, as the Pincer Pokémon slammed its larger pincer on the ground as if trying to intimidate Lairon, who stood its ground despite having already sustain damage from Golisopod.
"Crabhammer, go!" Nessa commanded.
Complying to its Trainer's command, Kingler's right pincer soon took a blue glow, as the Pincer Pokémon leaped towards Lairon, who remained in place waiting for its Trainer's command, that was until Ash noticed the distance between Kingler and Lairon getting smaller before waving his hand.
"Iron Defense!" He instructed.
Almost instantaneously, Lairon's body quickly turned into steel as Kingler brought down its Pincer, smashing it against Lairon's steel covered body, but only after briefly stopping Kingler's strike, the Water Type Pokémon soon overwhelmed Lairon's defenses, as its brought down its Pincer, sending Lairon flying back to Ash as the Iron Armor Pokémon crashed hard before its Trainer in shock, as Nessa started to grin slightly.
"While Lairon's defenses might be strong, Reil. Unfortunately for you, my Kingler's Ability is Sheer Force, no matter how strong your defenses are, they are no match for Kingler's raw strength." Nessa told the opposing Trainer, making Ash take out his Poke Ball.
"Lairon, return for now." Ash commanded, while recalling the Iron Armor Pokémon from the field.
After recalling his injured Pokémon, Ash looked up to see that Kingler was raring for more by slamming its Pincer on the ground, as he took out a second Poke Ball from his pocket before enlarging it in his hand.
"Pawniard, go forth!" He called out, throwing his Poke Ball into the field.
His Poke Ball soon burst open to reveal the Sharp Blade Pokémon, as the Dark and Steel Type Pokémon clashed his blades together in preparation for battle, with both Pokémon staring at one another, preparing themselves in case their opponent decides to attack first.
"Pawniard, use Metal Claw!" Ash ordered.
Pawniard's hands immediately turn to steel upon Ash's command, as he rushed at Kingler who stood in its spot, waiting for its Trainer to give it a command to follow, as Nessa waved her hands slightly to the right.
"Stomping Tantrum, go!" She issued out.
As per her command, Kingler begun to stomp on the ground with its legs, creating a large dust of cloud while sending sharp rocks at Pawniard in its wake of attack, forcing the Sharp Blade Pokémon to defend himself from the ensuing attack, that was until Kingler leaped out of the cloud of dust with its right pincer glowing in a blue light.
Upon seeing the surprise attack from the Pincer Pokémon, Pawniard was immediately send flying back to Ash after receiving a hard hit from Kingler's attack, as he landed on the ground in front of Ash who looked at Pawniard in concern.
"Pawniard, are you alright?!" He shouted, as Pawniard raised his right arm while getting up.
Seeing that Pawniard was still find, Ash sighed in relief before shifting his attention to Kingler who was still healthy and unharmed, as Ash started to search his brain in order to dish out a strategy against Kingler and its formidable strength.
"Head on collision is a waste of energy, and trying to challenge it in raw strength is useless. What else can I do to get close to Kingler without being hit?" Ash thought to himself, before remembering what his Rotom Phone had described Kingler and its biology.
"If Kingler can only move sideways, that means they can't move backwards too fast, if we increase the weight of one of its pincers, then maybe!" He stopped thinking, after seeing Kingler charge at Pawniard with its right pincer glowing blue.
"Pawniard, don't attack Kingler, find a way to get a hold of its pincer!" Ash shouted, shocking Pawniard and confusing Nessa.
While Kingler was getting closer and closer, Pawniard quickly prone down to avoid getting hit as he trusted Ash's words before hooking his leg onto Kingler's left pincer, which was much larger compared to its right pincer, as the Sharp Blade Pokémon grunted in pain upon having his leg jammed between Kingler's pincers.
"What is he trying to do?" Nessa thought to herself, not knowing what idea Ash had came up with.
"Now, use Iron Defense and try to topple Kingler backwards!" He roared out, shocking Nessa as she widen her eyes.
Obeying his Trainer to the end, Pawniard quickly hardened his body into steel in order to withstand the crushing damage of Kingler's pincers, before throwing himself backwards, forcing the Pincer Pokémon to fall backwards onto its back, as the Dark and Steel Type Pokémon quickly leaped backwards in exhaustion, while watching as Kingler tried its best to get back up.
"Now, use Cut!" Ash ordered.
As Pawniard's blades extended with a white glow, his whole body soon flare with an orange light as he rushed at Kingler before delivering a hard blow to the Pincer Pokémon's head, throwing it towards Ash's direction as the Water Type Pokémon hit the ground hard, getting knocked out in the process as it had swirl for eyes, only for the Rotom Drone to lowered itself to check its condition.
"Kingler i-" It quickly stopped as it watch Pawniard fall to the ground, as he laid there too exhausted to move.
"Both Pokémon are unable to battle!" The Rotom Drone declared, changing its words.
Both Ash and Nessa soon took out their own Poke Ball and Dive Ball before recalling their own individual Pokémon as Ash looked at Pawniard's Poke Ball, with a wide smile on his face.
"Pawniard probably took a hard hit from that off guard Crabhammer, at least our efforts weren't in vain." He thought to himself, as he sighed a little.
"Thank you, Pawniard, take a rest." Ash mumbled, before looking at Nessa who had taken out another Dive Ball, as she enlarges it in her hand.
"That's probably Golisopod, I could send out Lairon but it's still hurt in battle. Corvisquire might be a good choice but her last Pokémon is still a mystery and Gallade can't use any Psychic Type moves." Ash mumbled in his head, before shaking it hard.
While throwing all the negative thoughts out of his head with a hard shake, Ash then took out his own Poke Ball before enlarging the device in his hand, as both Ash and Nessa soon aimed their Poke Ball and Dive Ball at the field.
"Lairon, go forth!" Ash called out.
"Golisopod, come out!" Nessa yelled out.
Both devices soon burst open in a bright blue light, as Lairon soon reappeared before Ash with its earlier opponent, Golisopod appearing on the other as the Hard Scale Pokémon slammed its claws together in preparation for battle, whist Lairon stomped its leg on the ground, getting himself shaken up for battle.
"First Impression!" Nessa commanded, initiating her move first this time around.
When her commands were issued out, Ash and Lairon watched as Golisopod vanishes from view in the blink of an eye, but only after a few seconds, Ash turn his head to Lairon before waving his hand to issue his own orders.
"Jump to the right and use Take Down!" He yelled out.
Obeying its Trainer's command, the Iron Armor Pokémon quickly leaped to the right as a small gust of wind blew pass the Steel and Rock Type, only for Golisopod to appear into the open field with a shock expression on its face, as Lairon slammed its entire being into the Hard Scale Pokémon's side, causing it to flinch in great pain, as the Water and Bug Type retreated back to Nessa's side of the field.
While both Pokémon were retreating back to their original spots, Nessa was visibly impressed at how Ash was able to pinpoint Golisopod's movement, as she chuckled lightly before smiling at the young Trainer in front of her.
"You're actually the first Trainer to avoid getting hit by Golisopod's First Impression, you're even more impressive then Milo said you are." Nessa complimented, with Ash laughing a little sheepishly.
"It wasn't anything remarkable honestly, it's just that when Golisopod uses First Impression, it takes a while for it to get use to the speed. So, all I did was count it, that's all." Ash explained with a casual tone, as Nessa gape her mouth open in shock at what she just heard.
The fact that Ash was able to help Lairon evade Golisopod's attack wasn't because it was its guts telling them, but instead Ash was able to help Lairon evade Golisopod's attack was because he was counting how long it initially took Golisopod to attack Lairon, as the amnesiac Trainer clenched his fist tightly.
"Now, let's weak this up, Superpower!" He roared out.
Lairon's body soon turned extremely bulky as its muscles grew larger in size, and with its attack all ready for engagement, the Iron Armor Pokémon immediately charged at Golisopod with entire being, as Nessa clenched her own fist to issue Golisopod a command.
"Brick Break!" She commanded loudly.
Golisopod's right claw soon took up a vast white glow, as it charged at the incoming Lairon, and with a mighty swing of its hand, a small explosion occurred where both Pokémon collided, as Ash and Nessa waited nervously for the result to reveal itself, as the silhouettes of both Pokémon can be seen.
Within the fog of dust, Golisopod's silhouette immediately collapsed forward onto the ground to declare its own defeat, before being followed by Lairon who collapsed seconds after prevailing over the Hard Scale Pokémon, as the Rotom Drone flew into the fog to see the result.
"Both Pokémon are unable to battle!" It declared from within the cloud of dust.
The fog soon vanished, as both Pokémon were lying next to each other unconscious, with Ash and Nessa taking out their own Poke Ball and Dive Ball respectively.
"Great work, Lairon, take a good long rest." Ash complimented.
"You did a magnificent job, Golisopod, leave it to us." Nessa comforted.
Both Trainer then kept their Poke Ball and Dive Ball into their pockets, as Ash took out a third Poke Ball with Nessa taking out her final Dive Ball, with both Trainer enlarging it within their hands, right as Nessa grinned at his direction.
"This final battle will declare who will be the winner, so try not to go down too easily, alright?" Nessa chimed out, causing Ash to chuckle at her direction.
"Don't worry, Nessa. I won't go down without a fight, not after coming this far." Ash retorted, making Nessa smile.
After their brief exchange of words, both Ash and Nessa immediately threw out their final Poke Ball and Dive Ball, as Ash's containment device burst open to reveal Corvisquire, as the Raven Pokémon flew around the field, with Nessa's Dive Ball erupting out a bright blue light to reveal a Drednaw from within, as the Rotom Drone in the sky scanned at both direction.
"Final battle! Begin!" It announced loudly.
"Jaw Lock!" Nessa commanded, not giving Ash a chance to go first.
On her command, Nessa's Drednaw quickly launched its neck out at Corvisquire who flew a little higher to avoid getting bit by the Bite Pokémon as the Water and Rock Type Pokémon slammed its jaws together hard, missing the target that was flying in the skies, before retracting its neck back making Ash sweat a little.
"That is what I call, danger close." He mumbled, before directing his focus onto the field.
"Use Hone Claw!" He issued out to Corvisquire.
In response to Ash's command, Corvisquire's talons started to glow in a deep red light as it extended our, before making the Raven Pokémon glow in an orange veil, improving its own attack and accuracy by a small amount, with Nessa putting her hand out to issue Drednaw a command to follow.
"Rock Tomb!" She commanded strictly.
As Drednaw slammed its forelegs onto the ground on Nessa's command, a small invisible ring-like portal soon emerged from the skies around them as huge boulders started to fall down upon the field around Corvisquire with Ash looking at the Raven Pokémon from his perspective.
"Corvisquire, don't focus on getting out, circle around the sky and use Drill Peck!" Ash commanded, giving a small strategy to his Pokémon.
Following Ash's command, Corvisquire quickly flew around the area of impact of Drednaw's Rock Tomb, before spinning his entire body to form a drill, as he crashed through the boulders that got in his way, before stopping as Drednaw stopped its own attack, with Nessa chuckling at Ash's direction.
"You should already know how we battle in Galar by now, Reil. So, let's take things up a notch, shall we?" She shot out, before taking out her Dive Ball.
"You just read my mind, Nessa. I was think about the same thing." Ash responded, before taking out his own Poke Ball.
"It's time to Gigantamax, Drednaw, and flood the whole stadium with a surge of waves!" Nessa yelled out, before recalling the Bite Pokémon.
After recalling the Water and Rock Type Pokémon, Nessa quickly tilted her hand to the right, as a large amount of purplish-pink particles flew out of her Dynamax Band and into her Dive Ball, turning it into a humongous white ball, with Nessa tossing it into the field where it burst open to reveal a small black silhouette of Drednaw.
However, the silhouette wasn't four legged like how Drednaw was originally supposed to stand, instead it was standing in two legs as the silhouette grew into twice the size, before expanding itself three times larger as the light burst apart to reveal a drastically changed Drednaw, who was now standing on both legs, with its legs turning more bulkier, its shell also grew much larger with a sharp drill-like horn above its head as jaw line expanded into a semi circle beneath its mouth.
"So this is a Gigantamax, I must say its way different compared to a Dynamax." Ash complimented, while recalling Corvisquire back into his Poke Ball.
As he did so, Ash quickly tilted his right hand where the same purplish-pink particles flew out of his Dynamax Band, before inserting themselves into the Raven Pokémon's Poke Ball, turning it into a humongous sized white ball, with Ash tossing it into the field to call out his own Dynamaxed Pokémon.
The white ball soon burst open to reveal a small black silhouette of Corvisquire, which soon grew into the twice the size and eventually three times its doubled size, turning almost as humongous as Drednaw as the light burst apart to reveal a gigantic version of Corvisquire, who was now flying in the air, getting himself ready for battle in his Dynamax form.
"Drednaw, Max Darkness!" Nessa commanded.
Obeying her command, Drednaw quickly summoned two large orb of zooming darkness on each side of its body, before firing off a trail of darkness at Corvisquire, as the attack quickly made their way towards the Dynamaxed Raven Pokémon.
"Max Guard!" Ash issued out.
Corvisquire on Ash's commanded, quickly formed a large circular barrier in front of himself, as Drednaw's Dark Type Max Move crashed into his protective wall, with the Max Move shattering into pieces, as the small particles of darkness begin to activate the barrier around the audience and Trainer, as they crash into the invisible walls.
"Use Max Airstream!" Ash ordered, having learned the names of each Max Moves the day before.
Corvisquire quickly flapped his wings, before calling forth a large spiralling tornado towards Drednaw who stood its own ground, as the Flying Type Max Move crashed into its body, before breaking it apart with just its sheer strength, shocking Ash and his Pokémon.
"Let's show them a new version of Max Move, shall we, Drednaw?" Nessa asked, as the Bite Pokémon grinned widely.
"G-Max Stonesurge!" She commanded with pride.
Drednaw quickly slammed its forelegs onto the ground as a large crack soon trailed its way towards Corvisquire, before erupting a large geyser of water from beneath the Raven Pokémon, who flying back in shock as he crashed into the walls that protected the audience, with Ash turning to see his Pokémon's condition.
"Corvisquire, you alright?!" He yelled out in concern.
In response to Ash's worrying tone, Corvisquire quickly flew straight up as he got back into a battle ready stance, with Ash giving a relieving sigh to see that Corvisquire was still fine after taking a shocking hit from Drednaw's attack.
"Now, use Max Flutterby!" He ordered.
Corvisquire quickly summoned multiple multicoloured orbs around himself, before firing off beams of green energy filled with butterflies at Drednaw, who stood in preparation to receive Corvisquire's attack head on.
"Max Rockfall!" Nessa issued out, countering with her own Max Move.
In response to Nessa's command, Drednaw quickly slammed its forelegs onto the ground, before creating a large wall of stone, which blocked off Corvisquire's Max Flutterby completely, as the Bite Pokémon soon launched it neck, crashing into the wall and bringing it down upon the Raven Pokémon who widen his eyes, before being smashed by Drednaw's Max Move.
"Corvisquire!" Ash called out worryingly, as the Raven Pokémon slowly got back into the sky.
Impressed at Corvisquire's endurance, Nessa watched as the Raven Pokémon slowly brought himself to the skies, trying to keep himself stable as Drednaw patiently waited for Corvisquire got regain its footing upon receiving no commands from Nessa to attack.
"Quite impressive, most Pokémon wouldn't even be able to stand after taking a hit from Drednaw's Max Rockfall." Nessa complimented, before narrowing her eyes down upon the duo.
"However, this battle ends here. Use G-Max Stonesurge!" She yelled out.
Drednaw quickly lifted its forelegs, before slamming it onto the ground like before as a trail of cracked marking made their way towards Corvisquire, with Ash looking at the slightly exhausted Raven Pokémon.
"Use Max Guard!" He instructed.
As quickly as he could, Corvisquire created a protective barrier around himself to ward off Drednaw's G-Max Move, but found himself unable to keel it stable, as Drednaw's G-Max Stonesurge blast its way through his Max Guard, bringing further damage to the Raven Pokémon, who landed onto he walls protecting the audience, as Ash turn his head to look at Corvisquire with even more concern.
"Corvisquire, it's alright to stop battling if you're tired! You don't have to push yourself too hard!" Ash called out to his Pokémon, getting worried for Corvisquire's health.
"There is always a second chance we can have to battle Nessa, so please don't try to push yourself in order for us to win!" Ash told the Raven Pokémon, as Corvisquire looked down at his Trainer.
It was in fact true that Corvisquire had barely damaged Drednaw in their Dynamax battle, but the thought of having brought too much worry to his Trainer made Corvisquire felt bad, as the Raven Pokémon once again got into the sky as he stood on the ground, using his feet to keep himself stable instead of using his wings, as the Flying Type Pokémon gave a loud cry of determination.
"Cor!" Corvisquire screeched out as a vast wing blast through the whole stadium.
The force of the wind forced Ash and Nessa to cover their faces as sounds of metal can be heard erupting from the ground, and as the two Trainer looked back at the field, metallic spikes soon emerged from the ground as they slam into Drednaw's body, causing it to stumble backwards in shock, obviously unprepared for the surprise attack, as it landed against the protective walls.
"Was that, Max Steelspike?" Ash mumbled to himself, as a flash of bright reddush-blue light formed around Corvisquire's body.
This forced Ash to cover his eyes from the intense glow of light, as the form of Corvisquire started to change little by little, the size of his body soon got larger and larger in size while his wingspan got wider and wider, and as shocking as it was to Nessa who was witnessing this for the very first time in her life, the light soon burst apart to reveal the newly evolved Corvisquire, who screeched intensely in confidence at his newfound form.
Ash looked on as Corvisquire had turned into a much more bulkier raven-like Pokémon with an armored body, his wingspan also got extremely wider with red streaks forming on its, as his eyes also turned crimson red after evolving, with his Trainer taking out his Rotom Phone.
"Corviknight Gigantamax Form, the Raven Pokémon, Flying and Steel Type. Corviknight is able to generate a large cyclone with its wings and is also able to keep itself flying updraft, its armor is known to be almost impenetrable." Ash's Rotom Phone detailed out.
"You evolved!" Ash called out in excitement, as Corviknight stared at Drednaw from his perspective, with the Bite Pokémon slowly getting on its feet.
After watching Drednaw getting back on its feet, both Pokémon stared at one another as Ash looked at the newly evolved Corviknight, before clenching his fist tightly.
"Then let's pull off your evolution with a big bang, use Max Airstream!" He commanded, punching his fist forward.
Corviknight soon did as told as he flapped his gigantic wings forwards, summoning not a spiralling tornado towards Drednaw, instead constructing a powerful cyclone around the Bite Pokémon as blades of feathers can be seen swarming inside, dealing damage to the Water and Rock Type Pokémon, with Nessa looking at the field.
"Use Max Guard!" She commanded in desperation.
Obeying her command, Drednaw quickly constructed a large circular barrier around itself to ward off Corviknight's attack, however just after guarding against Corviknight's attack for a while, the cyclone continued to assault the Bite Pokémon, as it eventually glowed in a bright red light as it shot a beam into the sky before shrinking down to its original size, where it laid on the floor unconscious from its battle.
Following after Drednaw's defeat, Corviknight started to shrink back to his original size as he stood on the floor, victoriously standing over his fallen opponent with the Rotom Drone flying down to check on Drednaw's condition.
"Drednaw is unable to battle, Corviknight wins! Therefore the winner of this Gym Challenge, is Challenger Reil!" It declared.
The crowd immediately burst into loud cheers as Ash was overjoyed to hear of his second victory in the Gym Challenge battle, only for be slammed into by Corviknight who immediately brought Ash to the ground, as the Trainer stroked the Raven Pokémon's back.
"You did great, Corviknight. You really shouldn't push yourself too hard next time, you got me extremely worried there you know?" He told the Raven Pokémon who nodded his head.
"That was truly a sight to behold, I thought Milo was trying to pull my leg when he told me that a Pokémon can evolve while Dynamaxing. Now that I saw it for myself, I got to say you've never cease to amaze me." Nessa told the amnesiac Trainer while recalling her Pokémon back into its Dive Ball, while making her way towards Ash.
As she did, the Water Type Gym Leader presented her hand to Ash, offering to help him on his feet and to present a handshake, as the young Trainer smiled before clapping his hand onto hers as she pulled him onto his feet, before performing a handshake in the center of the field.
"That was a great battle, Reil. Though, the next Gym Leader isn't going to be trivial matter." Nessa commented, while giving him a warning.
"Thanks for the heads up, Nessa. When we battle again, I'm sure we'll take the stadium where we battle by storm." Ash responded, causing Nessa to crack a smile.
As they pulled their hands away, Nessa quickly dug into her pocket before taking out a small golden piece with a water symbol on it, as she presented it to the victorious Ash, who had triumph over her in their battle.
"Take this Water Badge as a prove of your victory in Hulbury, and don't forget about what I warned you about your next challenge." Nessa told him, as Ash took the badge off her hands.
"Thanks, and worry not, because I won't forget about it." He thanked, before turning around.
After obtaining his second badge, Ash quickly bolted out of the stadium and into the tunnel where he came from, in order to change his shirt with Gallade and Corviknight following him from behind, as Nessa watch both Trainer and Pokémon leave her line of sight.
"Guess that takes care of one battle, and since that is done, I guess I'll go for a little break myself." She mumbled out, before exiting the stadium herself.
Ash soon exited the Hulbury Gym with Gallade and Corviknight right behind him, as he took the time to take a breather due to the anxiety of having a tight battle against Nessa, as he look forward to see Marnie walking over to him.
"Ya already done with your battle?" She asked, glancing at Ash before tracing her eyes to the Corviknight beside him.
"Sure did, and I can guess that Nessa is taking a short break inside." Ash responded, before looking at her from where he stood.
"You're going to challenge Nessa, right, Marnie?" This made the girl in front of him nod her head, as Ash gave her a huge smile.
"Good luck, Nessa's going to be a tough opponent to fight, and when we meet again, let's battle." Ash told her, with Marnie nodding her head.
"Right on spot, prepare ya'self when we meet later." She retorted sharply.
Ash soon rushed into the streets of Hulbury as Marnie walked into the gates of the Gym, and not forgetting his promise to meet Rose for lunch, Ash made his way to the place where he had met Rose, which was in front of a seafood restaurant in Hulbury.
"Mr. Rose! Miss Oleana!" He called out, after catching them in his view.
"Ah, Reil, welcome back!" Rose greeted, with a smile on his face.
Taking his time to look around the young Trainer, Rose could notice that Ash's Kirlia had evolved into a Gallade and that a newly Corviknight was flying beside the amnesiac Trainer, as Ash presented Rose his badge collector to showcase that he had already beaten Nessa.
"I've got myself a Water Badge, and Corvisquire and Kirlia evolved as well." He told the Chairman of Galar, who begin to clap his hands together.
"Remarkable, truly remarkable, Reil. You're growing exceptionally well as a Trainer as I expected." Rose applauded, as Oleana looked at him from behind.
"Chairman Rose, isn't it about time we enter to have a meal?" She questioned, making Rose gasp in realisation.
Oleana sighed loudly in irritation as Rose had already forgotten why they were in Hulbury in the first place, as she turn her eyes towards Ash before smiling at the young Trainer from her view of height.
"You should join us as well, Reil. I'm sure the Chairman would be delighted to have you." She offered, making Ash nod his head.
"Alright, if it's fine for me to have lunch with you." He accepted with happiness written all over his face.
As Rose and Oleana entered the restaurant, Ash quickly followed them from behind with Oleana reserving a seat for the three of them, as they soon made their way to their table to await their meal with Rose looking at Ash in order to start a topic.
"Say, Reil. When you're finished with your Gym Challenge, what do you want to do next?" He asked, wondering what Ash had in mind for the future.
"I can't really say for sure, but I might become a Gym Leader when I'm finish with my Gym Challenge, and who knows? I might go around challenging the world for the title of strongest Trainer." Ash answered, with a little uncertainty in his voice, as Rose chuckled softly.
"I think those are wonderful idea, Reil. Though I must ask, why do you want to pursue the world for a title, when you can become a Champion if you happen to win the Galar League?" He asked, curious about Ash's answer earlier.
This brought Ash into thinking mode, as he haven't really though it that far and after finding the answers in his head, he then fixed his gaze on Rose, who was patiently awaiting his answer.
"I read the news before on the Train to Motostoke, Champions are the strongest Trainers in their Region, and if becoming a Champion of Galar means I'm only the strongest in Galar, then I might as well aim for a much greater height, and that is a championship worldwide if there is any." Ash answered, amazing Rose with his response.
"That's quite a high levelled goal you have there, Reil. I do believe that you'll get there someday." Rose told the young Trainer.
As Rose finishes his sentence, the waiter soon brought them their dishes as he laid them down on the table in order for them to enjoy, as the three of them started to dine on the dishes with Ash taking slow bites from his dish, as Rose looked up to see his expression.
"What's wrong, Reil? You seem troubled about something." He asked, noticing Ash's worried expression.
"It's nothing, Mr. Rose. Though, I've been wondering, why did you decided to put your expectations on me when we first met? A person that you barely knew and who's origin and background is uncertain." Ash asked, making Rose think for a moment.
"Let's just say that I couldn't leave you in the river back at Postwick, and when I looked into your eyes, I could see myself in you back when I was younger." He told the amnesiac Trainer, as he nodded his head.
"Back then, I was very much like you, Reil. A young man thinking about great goals in life, and with Pokémon I can trust, I soon became the Chairman of Galar before I knew it." Rose told him, with Ash looking amazed at Rose's story.
Accepting Rose's answers, Ash decided to continue eating his food whereas his Pokémon were dining beside him, as Ash decided to take in a deep breath before looking at Rose from where he sat, with eyes of question.
"Mr. Rose?" Ash started, catching his attention as Rose lifted his head.
"What is it, Reil?" He questioned, wondering why Ash had suddenly called out to him.
"I was wondering for a while, since I first left Postwick to become a Trainer. You've been nothing but a father figure to me, giving me my first Pokémon and helping me endorse in the Gym Challenge." He started, as Rose decided to focus on Ash's sentences.
"So, what I've been wondering is, if I can call you father from now on?" He finished, shocking Rose at his question.
As much as he is shocked at Ash's question and request, Rose dropped the fork he was holding with Oleana gaping her mouth wide open in shock, confusing Ash who tilted his head to the side, not knowing if Rose had dropped his fork because his request sounded weird or anything long its line.
"Is it not okay, Mr. Rose?" Ash asked, with Rose snapping himself out of his trance, as he gave a slight cough.
"No, no, don't get me wrong, Reil. I'm just surprised that's all, but are you sure about it? It's only been a week since we first met in Postwick." Rose retorted with his own question, as Ash gave a small smile.
"I've been wondering about that for a while now, Mr. Rose. I'm certain about it, that is if you're willing to have me." Ash responded, already certain where his question and answer stands.
"In that case, then yes. I'll accept you as my son, Reil." Rose exclaimed with a smile on his face, as Ash jumped out of his seat in joy.
Oleana and Ash's Pokémon watched as Rose had accepted Ash to become his son, with the young Trainer celebrating in joy as Rose had accepted his request, that was until Oleana clapped her hands together.
"Alright, Reil, you better eat before the food gets cold." She told the still celebrating Ash.
He quickly settled down as Ash continued to eat his dish, and when they were done, the three of them exited the restaurant with Rose tracing his gaze to Ash, who was still excited about earlier.
"I assume you're going to challenge your next Gym Battle?" He asked, as Ash nodded his head in joy.
"That's right, and I'm going to win!" Ash exclaimed in determination, as Oleana looked at the young Trainer.
"Your next opponent will be Kabu, a fearsome Fire Type Trainer. I heard that most Gym Challengers didn't get by him, so you best be careful." She told Ash, who nodded his head.
"I will, until we meet again father, Miss Oleana." He responded before turning tail and running off down the street.
Rose and Oleana watched as Ash races down the street, nearly crashing into passing by carts along the way as he leaped over fences to get to his next waypoint faster, with the secretary looking at Rose from where she stood.
"Are you sure about that earlier request, Chairman?" She asked with uncertainty, as Rose nodded his head.
"I'm very sure, Oleana. When he asked me that question, my heart had never felt so alive before. I got a feeling that Reil might change the way people stands and sees." He answered.
That was a long chapter to write out and do certainly hope you guys enjoy it! Ash's Gallade is temporary unable to use Psychic Type moves and Corvisquire evolved into Corviknight! More chapters will be underway, and it might take some time for it to come out!
A/N: Some of you might be wondering what age Ash is, and the answer is 16.
Otherwise,
PEACE!