Hello Fanfiction Readers! How have you been? Brimming with effervescence? Tinged with lackadaisical tendencies? On another note, the first gym battle Ash Ketchum has in the Unova Region will soon be underway. The question to ask: What did I do this time to change what happened in the canon? The answer to come as the chapter progresses. It is also where a certain green-haired Connoisseur shows up. But I digress, on with the story!
Disclaimer: Own Pokémon? I wish. Definitely know that it could be considerably more awesome if I did. But that's up for debate. And subjective.
Pokémon Black and White
Chapter Six
Ash's Point of View.
Upon hitting the road once again after a good nights sleep, I was psyched for my first gym battle in the Unova region. As I ran down the road, Striaton City came into view.
"I can see Striaton City!" I exclaimed after panting for a while when I was jogging.
"Pika, pika chu pi" ("Yep, there it is.")
"My first Unova Gym battle." I said before jumping into the air with enthusiasm. "Let's give it all we've got."
"Pika, pika pi." ("And nothing less.")
"All right." I said before running again to get to the city.
"Pikachu." ("Here we come.")
Wow these streets look like they're bustling with activity. I thought as I ran through the city.
"Wonder who the gym leader is." I pondered aloud. "And I wonder what Pokémon we'll battle against. Oh man, I'm so stoked! This's gonna be great so let's go!."
"So tell me...where's the gym?" Iris said sarcastically as she was practically breathing down my neck.
"Whoa, Iris!" I exclaimed before scratching the back of my head. "The gym, let's see, uh.."
"All ready to go but you don't know where you're going," Iris began, and I had a feeling what would be coming next. "just like a kid."
There's a surprise.
Axew then got out of Iris' hair and spoke in agreement before being handed an apple Iris got.
"Say, an Axew!" A voice said, fascinated.
Someone noticing a Unova Pokémon instead of Pikachu? How strange. I thought dryly as I remembered the last couple of people taking an interest in my friend.
As he got closer he stared intently for a moment before putting his hand to his chin thoughtfully.
"Soft skin as fresh as new grass, tusks like newly sprouted young shoots, and a future as bright and limitless as the early morning sun." The guy said before removing his hand. "The perfect partner for a young lady who seems at one with nature."
"Wow! Thanks so much." Iris said.
"Axew." ("Thanks.")
"Pika?" ("What?")
Oops, guess I spoke too soon. I thought as the green-haired guy acknowledged Pikachu.
"A Pikachu?" He said calmly before taking on a more excited tone. "It's a Pikachu!"
"Pika, pika pi pika chu." ("Uh-oh, not this again.")
"First time I've seen one up close." The guy said as he looked at Pikachu. "Hello there!"
"Pika, pika?" ("Hello, there?") The Mouse Pokémon replied with a sweat-drop.
Strange, could've sworn that he would've gotten shocked. I thought as the guy put Pikachu back into my arms. I mean, not that that isn't a good thing since I would never actively want someone to get shocked. Well except maybe myself when certain times asked for it and Team Rocket.
"Say you've really got yourself a rare Pokémon, you know." The guy commented.
So I've been told. I thought with a sweat-drop.
"Well, you see, we're from Kanto." I said. "My name's Ash and Pikachu's my special partner."
"Pikachu pika pi." ("And don't you forget it.")
"How do you do?" The guy asked before making a slight bow. "My name's Cilan. A Pokémon connoisseur."
"Pokémon connoisseur?" I asked. "What's that mean?
"Pika pika?" ("What indeed?")
"Of course." Iris said, get in close again. "What a kid."
"Axew, ew!" ("Yes, a kid.")
"Not surprising at all." Cilan interjected. "It's a job that isn't really known outside of the Unova region. I use my knowledge and experience to judge the compatibility of between trainers and their Pokémon and then I help them form closer relationships. And that's the job of a Pokémon connoisseur."
"So what do you think about Pikachu and me?" I asked, a bit curious to the whole thing, before looking at my friend. "I'm sure you'll saw we're perfect."
"Pikachu pika pika." ("Wouldn't surprise me.")
"Why are you wasting your time with that?" Iris asked. "Remember why we came here?"
"Oh yeah, guess you're right." I said as I remember what that was. "So do you know where the Striaton Gym is, Cilan? I'm here to challenge it!"
"I see." Cilan said, a light chuckle under his voice. "That explains it. I'll take you there. Follow me."
XXXXXXX
As we followed Cilan, he ultimately led us to this light brown buildings with pillars under it.
"Here we are." Cilan said.
"Awesome." I exclaimed, excited already to get a badge before clenching my fists in determination. "Yes!"
"Let's battle!" I said as I opened the front door, but I was confused as to what I saw inside.
"Hold on..." I started a bit hesitatingly.
"Pika, pika? ("What is this place?")
"This is the Striaton Gym?" Iris pondered aloud.
"Pikachu pika pika." ("Doesn't look like it.")
Just then, a red-haired guy with his hair up like a flame and looking about Cilan's age appeared.
"Hi. Welcome." He said cordially.
A blue-haired guy with hair down like - a stream perhaps? - and also looking about Cilan's age appeared.
"Welcome, friends." He said just as cordially.
"Please make yourself at home." Cilan said, putting a hand on my shoulder.
"But..." I began hesitatingly before being pushed forward.
"Comfy?" Cilan asked as he sat me down at a table in a corner of the room.
"So are you all ready to order?" The redhead inquired.
"May I start you off with something to drink?" The blue-haired one inquired.
"No thanks, I think." I said with a sweat-drop, a part of my mind wondering what I had walked into.
"Change your mind?" The blue-haired one said. "I highly recommend the soda pop."
"No thanks." I said, holding my hands up in a sort of placating manner. "Not thirsty."
"All right." The redhead said. "We have a reasonably priced lunch menu."
"Not hungry either." I replied.
"Pika, pika." ("Not hungry either.")
Wow these two are insistent. I thought as they kept offering me food despite the protests. Finally I had had enough and yelled at the top of my lungs.
"I just wanna have a Striaton City Gym battle!"
The girls In the room apparently were enthusiastic about that as they jumped out of their seats.
"Gym battle?" They screamed together.
"That's what I said." I said, feeling a bit indignant. "I'm thinking this would be a good time to go. Come on, Pikachu."
"Pikachu pika Pikapi." ("Right behind you Ash.")
"Just a minute!" Cilan said as the lights turned off.
Okay, now what?
"All right then, Ash." Cilan said as a green spotlight was on him. "I'll grand your request!"
Two girls then squealed and I couldn't help but crack a small smirk.
"So you're a challenger. Then you will receive a welcome as pleasant and hot as the noon day's sun." The redhead added as he too was in the spotlight.
"What a dreamboat!" Two girls said at once and that made my small smirk turn into a small smile.
"No, I think we should be cool, like a refreshing glass of water, chilled, of course." The blue-haired one said.
"I can't believe we get to see another battle today!" A girl exclaimed.
"Yeah, it's like the happiest day of my life!" Another one said.
"I can't wait to see it." Another girl added.
"Pikachu, what're they talking about?" I asked, trying to refrain from laughing from their behavior at the three people.
"Pika pika." ("Who knows.")
"This is the Striaton Gym!" Cilan said.
"And the three of us?" The redhead continued.
"We're triplet brothers." The blue-haired one said.
"And we're the gym leaders!" They declared at once.
"Three brothers and all three of them are gym leaders? Iris pondered aloud.
"Axew Axew ew Axew. ("So it would seem.")
"Now it's..." Cilan began.
"Show time!" The three brothers said as the light disappeared and they posed as the walls behind them pulled away.
"Whoa..." I said as the wall released a light into the room.
"Pika!" ("Yeah!")
As the wall disappeared, I saw a rocky field beyond it.
As I stepped in to look at it, Cilan spoke up.
"So now is the time for you to select your battle opponent."
"I'm choosing?" I asked.
"That's correct." Cilan affirmed. "Me or Chili or Cress! You can battle any one of us. Our rule states if you're victorious against the one you choose, then you will earn the Trio Badge."
"Time to meet our Pokémon partners!" Chili exclaimed passionately as he released his Fire-type. "Heat's on!"
"Here's the Pokémon I'll be using!" Cress said, a bit more mild-mannered than his brother as he released his Water-type. "Make a splash!"
"It's my turn. Here we go. My partner" Cilan said as he threw the Poké Ball into the air and his Grass-type emerged.
"Wow, what kind of Pokémon are they?" I wondered aloud before pulling out my Pokédex.
"Pansear, the High Temp Pokémon. Pansear lives in caves near volcanoes. The temperature on the tuft of its head can reach six hundred degrees when it's angry." The Pokédex uttered.
"Pansage, the Grass Monkey Pokémon. Pansage offers leaves on its head to Pokémon that have low energy. The leaves relieve stress." The Pokédex uttered.
"Panpour, the Spray Pokémon. Panpour lived in forests long ago, but developed a body that makes it easy to live near water. It can store water in the tufts on its head." The Pokédex uttered.
"There's Pansear, a Fire-type, Pansage, a Grass-type, and finally Panpour, a Water-type." I said as the Pokédex finished. "Any one of them would be a great opponent!"
"Pikachu!" ("I agree!")
"So, Ash, will your choice to battle with me?" Cilan inquired.
"Or me?" Chili pondered warmly. "It would be a distinct honor."
"I must confess, I wouldn't really mind if you were to battle with me?" Cress said, aloof.
"Well, the truth is, I wanna battle all of you!" I declared.
This, for some reason, caught the triplets off-guard and surprised them.
Huh, guess they must not get that request often if at all.
"This is my first gym battle since I came to the Unova region." I began. "I want to battle as many new Pokémon as I can." I then bowed as I finished asked. "So please say yes."
"Pikachu." ("Yeah.")
"Well, well now." Cilan said. "We've never ever met a trainer quite like you before." Cilan than consulted his brothers. "What should we do?"
"Ash certainly has an interesting idea." Chili said. "I for one don't have any problems with it."
"Then I suggest that we come up with a brand-new rule stating that two wins at our gym will earn Ash a Striaton Gym Badge." Cress said.
"So how does that sound to you?" Cilan asked.
"Great, thanks very much for the chance!" I exclaimed.
"Pika, pika." ("Yeah, thanks.")
"Well I'm all prepared to battle so let's go!" Chili shouted excited as he ran to one side of the field. And - I might've imagined it - but, I think I might've seen some fire skid marks as he was running. Whatever the case, the behavior earned a sweat-drop from me, his brothers, and most likely Iris who was thinking he was acting like a little kid.
"First you'll battle with Chili, and that's me!" Chili exclaimed.
"It's a real honor, Chili!" I said.
"Attention!" Cilan announced. "For our first battle today at the Striaton Gym, it's Ash, the challenger, versus Chili, the gym leader! Only one Pokémon each and when either side is unable to battle, the match is over!"
As I glanced up at the balcony, I noticed how the girls squealing over the brothers were apparently their cheerleaders. Kind of reminds me of when Gary used to travel around with a group of them. I also noticed that it seemed that Iris was staring at me a weird way; in the manner of a strange sense of admiration perhaps? I don't know. I decided to brush it off as nothing. I also noticed how, while she was staring at me, I couldn't help but see that see was glancing at Cilan every once in a while. I simply ignored that. I have a gym battle to win!
"All right, I'll be turning up the heat." Chili said. "and showing you how to cook!"
"And...begin!" Cilan said.
"Tepig, I choose you!" I said throwing out the Poké Ball. After hearing Iris comment on the choice, I elaborated. "See, it's a done deal. I said I'd use Tepig in my first battle at the first gym in Unova. And at least I'm not using a Grass-type to take him on."
I then heard Iris grumble about how, at the moment, I don't have a Grass-type Pokémon. That caused me to sigh.
"It takes courage to challenge a Fire-type gym leader like me with a Fire-type Pokémon, but I'm all ready." Chili said. "Go!"
"Tepig, Tackle, now!"
The High Temp Pokémon never saw it coming as Tepig rammed into Pansear but shook it off as nothing.
"Pansear, Fire Punch, go!"
"Quick, Tepig, get up!" I said as the punch sent Tepig flying backwards to where I was.
"Don't give them a chance to counterattack! Use Flamethrower!"
"Tepig, Ember!"
Unfortunately, the Ember attack was quickly overcome by the Flamethrower, hitting Tepig again.
"Oh no, Tepig!"
"All right, Pansear, use Dig!"
Looking around momentarily, the Fire Pig Pokémon was caught off-guard as it was thrown into the air by the Dig attack.
"Pansear's Dig is really strong." I said as Tepig was struggling to his feet. "Be careful."
"Being careful won't help! Pansear use Dig again!"
"Now run fast, Tepig!"
Tepig just narrowly missed being hit by the Dig attack as he followed the command.
"Use Dig one more time!" Chili said as Tepig was hit with another Dig attack.
"Grab onto Pansear and don't let it get away!"
Tepig then, after flailing a little, regained his composure and went straight to went Pansear dug a hole.
"What's going on?" Chili pondered.
"Wha..?" Cilan said quietly as Tepig was biting down Pansear's tail."
"Shake Tepig off! Then send it flying!"
"Tepig, quick. Get back up!"
Tepig then, after hearing the encouragement, got up and started spinning Pansear a few times before tossing it over to where Chili was.
"Now Tepig, use Ember!" After Tepig had used the attack I called for another one. "All right, use Tackle!"
Tepig then charged towards Pansear, following through with the attack all the way into the wall, causing Pansear to faint.
"Tepig, you were completely awesome." I said. congratulating it when he came back over.
"Pansear is unable to battle. Tepig wins!" Cilan announced. "Therefore the winner of the first match is the challenger, Ash!"
"He won!" Iris commented. "Wow, not bad."
"Excellent." Chili said as he turned his Pokémon. "Now take a nice rest. Your Tepig's pretty impressive."
"Thanks very much, Chili!" I responded as I returned Tepig to its Poké Ball. "Tepig's persistent. So let's keep it going just like this!"
"And now you'll be facing Cress and that's me!" Cress said as he took Chili's place.
"All right." I said. "Ready when you are!"
Normal Point of View
In the meantime, a trio of troublemakers were making their way through Striation City.
""You will contact headquarters immediately upon your arrival."" Jessie said, quoting what the Boss said. "Let me think. Those were the Boss's orders, right?"
"Right." Meowth confirmed. "We go to the specified location and transmit at the specified time."
The trio then, upon seeing there was no one to worry about, went down an alleyway.
"And we're right on the tick." James said.
XXXXXXX
"Time for our second battle." Cilan announced. "The battle between Ash and Cress is about to begin!"
"I bet Cress is tough, but I totally believe in you, Pikachu." Ash said.
"Pikachu." ("And I'm feeling it.")
"Two wins in a row and that badge is ours." Ash said. "Ready?"
"Pika pika." ("Definitely.")
"Using an Electric-type like Pikachu against the Water-type Panpour," Iris began. "I think Ash actually thought this one through."
Axew spoke its agreement.
"And begin!" Cilan announced.
"All right, Pikachu, let's start off strong with a Thunderbolt attack!"
"Panpour, Double Team, go!" Cress said.
As the Thunderbolt went harmlessly through a facsimile of Panpour, it did not allow Panpour to get off harmlessly as the super-effective move nicked it when it also went to the correct target.
Panpour however, wasn't going down after being barely effected by the move.
"Pikachu's an Electric-type, of course." Cress said. "So there's definitely an advantage there. But Pikachu's still no match for my Panpour."
"Well let's see about that." Ash muttered under his breath.
"Now Panpour, use Scratch."
"Use Quick Attack."
As Panpour attempted to Scratch Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon was faster and sent it flying back onto its feet in front of Cress, but not before taking a decent hit from the attack.
However, Panpour was imperceptibly panting from exhaustion while Pikachu was feeling just fine.
"All right, Panpour," Cress said,snapping his fingers. "use Water Gun!"
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"
As the Water Gun hit Pikachu squarely in the back, he was knocked off balance before momentarily regaining it and launching and hitting the Spray Pokémon with a Thunderbolt.
While it was clearly that Pikachu was now sustaining damage, it was much more resilient than that. Panpour however, as strong as it might be, was now visibly panting from its exhaustion.
"Panpour's not looking so good." One of the cheerleaders said.
"Does that mean Cress might lose?" Another one said worriedly.
"He's still a dreamboat though." Another cheerleader said absently.
"I know, isn't he?" Another cheerleader said gleefully.
"Well look at that," Iris said, look at the battlefield below. "That little kid out there is actually putting up a good battle."
"Now Pikachu," Ash shouted, pumping his fist out in determination. "Attack with Volt Tackle."
"Volt Tackle." Cress said. "A move where a Pokémon causes damage to itself. Even so, I am unimpressed. Use Mud Sport Panpour."
"Oh no! Pikachu dodge it by jumping onto a nearby rock."
Fortunately, Pikachu was able to jump, but instead of onto a nearby rock, he swerved a little and crashed directly into Panpour, causing some smoke to appear on the battlefield.
"Pikachu! Are you okay?"
"Panpour!"
"Oh what has happened?" One of the cheerleaders said anxiously.
"I don't know but the suspense is crazy!" Another one exclaimed as she held on the other cheerleader.
"At the very least we got to see Cress battle." One said timidly.
"I guess that is good enough." Another said with her hands on her hips.
As the smoke cleared, the onlookers saw that the Spray Pokémon was barely holding on before ultimately fainting and a three-thirds depleted Pikachu was panting heavily.
"Panpour's unable to battle!" Cilan announced. "Pikachu wins! So the winner of the second battle...is the challenger, Ash."
"You fought hard Panpour." Cress said as he picked up the now-conscious Spray Pokémon. "You deserve a long rest after that."
Panpour merely gave a small smile as it relaxed in its trainer's arms.
"Wow Pikachu," Ash said, holding the Mouse Pokémon. "That was amazing, you deserve a good rest after fighting that hard."
"Pikachu, pika pika pi pika pika chu pika pika." ("Thanks, that sure was a taxing battle for having a type advantage.")
"Well, I've got to admit." Iris began. "I'm impressed. So even if he loses the next battle, Ash is guaranteed to get the badge. Interesting isn't it Axew?"
"Axew ew axew axew." ("Interesting indeed.")
XXXXXXX
"The Dreamyard, sir?" James asked.
"Correct." Giovanni replied. "It is what's left of a giant research facility somewhere near Striaton City. It seems they were conducting research on future energy there."
"Future energy?" Jessie inquired.
"My top-secret sources tell me that future energy has the power to turn our wildest dreams into reality." Giovanni said.
"Dreams into reality? That's some energy!" Meowth commented.
"So I will ask you once again! What is Team Rocket's primary mission?" Giovanni asked.
"Our mission is...to create the most powerful Pokémon army," James replied. "of course, and use it to conquer the world!"
"And what then, if we can gain control of that energy?" Giovanni inquired.
"We turn our dreams..." Jessie began. "into reality. Which is to say, we will achieve Team Rocket's purpose, its reason for existence."
"Good!" Giovanni said. "Investigate the Dream Site and gain complete control of that energy! That is your new mission."
"Sir!" Jessie, James, and Meowth exclaimed.
"Count on us for a job well done!" Meowth said.
"Excellent." Giovanni said. "I'll transmit plans for your new robotic weaponry. All right, transmission out."
"The future of Team Rocket will be determined by our new mission." James said.
"Yes, it's now all up to us." Jessie added. "Success is ours at last."
"And turning the dream of world conquest into reality is our claim to fame." Meowth added as the trio put on their hats and ran through the sewer pipe as their transmission of robotic plans was finished.
XXXXXXX
Pikachu then collapsed on his back, worn out from the previous battle.
"Pikachu, you did your best." Ash said, congratulating him again.
"You've truly demonstrated the deep bonds of friendship between trainer and Pokémon." Cilan commented as he took Cress' place. "We're very impressed. But we won't give up our badge that easily! You'll have to battle me last."
"Just the way I want it!" Ash exclaimed. "I'm gonna give it everything I've got and that's for sure!"
"Pansage, I'd like to engage them in a refined battle with plenty of flavor, depth, and taste." Cilan said. "Sound good?"
"This is it!" Chili announced. "The third battle with Ash versus Cilan! And begin!"
"We'll win this for sure!" Ash said as he threw out his third Pokémon. "Oshawott, I choose you!"
The Sea Otter Pokémon merely appeared and crossed its arm.
"Oshawott?" Iris commented. "Wouldn't a Flying-type like Pidove have been a better choice against a Grass-type like Pansage?"
"Axew." ("Think so.")
"Intentionally choosing a Pokémon that is at a disadvantage?" Cress wondered aloud as Panpour stood next to him healing. "That doesn't taste right!"
"Osha?" ("Huh?") The Sea Otter then became a bit intimidated when it saw Pansage's eyes and a giant image of a green Pansage appeared before his eyes. "Osha!" (Uh-oh!")
"Oshawott, osha osha osha." ("Well, good luck with this.") Oshawott said, hiding behind Ash.
"Oh man, here we go." Ash said with a sweat-drop as he scratched behind his head.
"Pika." ("Oh great.")
"Come on, Oshawott." Ash said as he pushed Oshawott across the field with Pikachu.
"Pikachu." ("It's your time.")
"Oshawott." ("I guess.")
"I need you to be strong." Ash said. "You're the only Pokémon that can get the job done and you're one of my strongest Pokémon and it's up to you! Don't you remember rescuing Pikachu and Axew when they were in trouble from Team Rocket?"
"Oshawott!" ("Yeah, I was good!")
"So, show me that strength now and let's you and me go through the final battle to get that gym badge!"
"Pika pika." ("You can do it.")
"Oshawott!" (I already knew it, but thanks.") The Sea Otter Pokémon then walked further onto the battlefield. "Osha, Oshawott!" ("Okay, I'm here to battle!")
"You have the first attack." Cilan said. "From anywhere you'd like."
"Oshawott, Tackle, go!"
"Pansage, dodge it."
The Grass Pokémon simply stepped away as the Tackle attack missed completely.
"Pansage...Bullet Seed!"
As the Sea Otter Pokémon ran, a group of energized seeds attacked it as it fled.
"Oshawott's bark may be a bit stronger than it's bite." Iris observed with a sweat-drop.
"Axew." ("Looks that way.") The Tusk Pokémon said with a sweat-drop.
"Oshawott!"
"Looks like you two could grow up a bit." Cilan said, wagging his finger. "You know, mature."
"What's you say?" Ash exclaimed indignantly.
"You want proof?" Cilan asked. "I'll show you proof. Pansage, get close to Oshawott!"
Oshawott then become a little scared as the Grass Pokémon loomed over him.
"And now, use Bite!"
Pansage then bit onto Oshawott's head, causing it to run back and forth on the battlefield before running into a rock, Pansage jumping off quickly to a nearby rock.
"Oshawott, use Water Gun!"
As Oshawott unleashed the swirling torrents, Pansage simply jumped back and forth between the rocks like a dancer.
"You've gotta aim better, Oshawott!"
Spurred on by its trainer, it tried unleashed a few more Water Guns, all of them missing.
"Okay, one more time!"
As Pansage was in the air from jumping, it had nowhere to run from the attack.
"Yes, that was a great attack!" Ash said as Oshawott stood up proudly.
"New flavors, almost like a secret ingredient." Cilan commented to himself. "But you'll never defeat me with simple tastes like that! Pansage, I think it's time to convert the power of the sun."
As Pansage then posed, the tuft on its head started to sparkle as a light shone on it.
"Uh-oh, not that!" Iris said as she refocused on the battle.
"Pansage, Pansage, let's go!" The cheerleaders said in unison.
Just then, a sphere appeared above Pansage. "Pansage, use SolarBeam now!"
"Oshawott!" Ash exclaimed as the attack when straight towards the Sea Otter Pokémon.
For the moment, all it did was stand in fear when it heard a command.
"Oshawott, deflect it!"
Knowing what had to be done, Oshawott took its scalchop to deflect the attack, being pushed into a rock by the blast as he did so before sending it upwards into the sky through the gym roof.
"Oshawott, that was amazing!"
"No way!" Cress said, in genuine disbelief.
"Wow, way to go Oshawott." Iris commented. "Cool!"
"Axew!" ("Yeah!")
The cheerleaders merely groaned from where they were.
"Now that was a truly fascinating defense move." Cilan commented. "Oshawott deflected our SolarBeam with its scalchop! I've seen many an Oshawott in my time, but that was a first."
"You just wait." Ash said. "You'll see my awesome Oshawott's a cut above the rest."
"Impressive." Cilan said. "Then there's no holding back. All right, Pansage, Bullet Seed!"
"Quick, block it with your scalchop!"
As Pansage fired the energized blasts of seeds, Oshawott merely bounced them off.
"Yes, now Razor Shell!"
"Use Bullet Seed once more!"
As the Grass Pokémon fired the blast again, Oshawott panicked in mid-air to try and dodge it, eventually falling and dropping its scalchop.
"That's what happens when you get too confident." Iris commented.
"Axew." ("It ends badly.")
"Oshawott, get your scalchop, hurry!
"Use Bullet Seed!"
Before it could get its scalchop though, a barrage of energized seeds kept appearing in front of it. A stray Bullet Seed nailing it in the head and sending him off balance.
"Oshawott!"
"All right, let's begin." Cilan said. "The time for the battle to be served is here!"
The cheerleaders then became giddy with excitement.
"Whoa, what's going on?" Iris wondered.
"What?" One of the cheerleaders - a light gray haired one - asked. "Cilan, the Pokémon Connoisseur, just said it's time for the battle to be served!"
"Time for the battle to be served?" Iris wondered.
"I'm afraid you and Oshawott aren't quite as robust as I had hoped you would be." Cilan said.
What does that mean? Ash thought to himself, wondering what he was talking about.
"Your battle style has no spice and your attacks are rather bland." Cilan continued. "Sorry, but what a letdown."
"A letdown?" Ash exclaimed, the indignant tone returning to his voice.
"Well, look at Oshawott." Cilan stated, bringing Ash's attention to the confused Oshawott.
"Come on, Oshawott!"
"Now let's compare." Cilan continued, bring attention to his Pansage who was jumping on its feet and punching the air. "Just look at my Pansage! Its crisp attacks give off a fragrant aroma of a freshly mown lawn! The star of the battlefield! Dare I say it? Pansage is the most brilliant battler ever!"
The cheerleaders merely ate the stuff up as they yelled an excited "Yay".
"A Pokémon connoisseur gym leader can sure be a bit much." Iris commented with a sweat-drop.
"And the fact that you challenged my Grass-type with a Water-type tells me you're far from refined. Your taste buds don't appreciate the gourmet things in life." Cilan stated.
"There's more to a Pokémon battle than what type your Pokémon is." Ash responded. "So don't sell my Oshawott short!"
"Now you sound desperate." Cilan retorted. "With that kind of sour attitude, you'll just spoil the flavor of Oshawott's battle."
"Yeah, we'll see about that." Ash said, pointing to a wall. "Okay, Oshawott! Use Water Gun and aim it at that wall!"
Chili, Cress, Cilan and Oshawott were confused by the order.
"Towards the wall?" Iris pondered.
"Do it, Oshawott!" Ash said. "Just trust me on this one!"
As Oshawott launched the attack, it bounced off the walls and hit the scalchop into the air.
"Huh? No way!" Iris exclaimed.
Axew simple made a noise in its surprise.
"Well, well." Cilan said. "You do have some surprising flavors."
"Catch it, Oshawott, and then use Razor Shell!"
"That was great, Oshawott!" Ash said after Oshawott had taken the scalchop and attacked Pansage, sending in backwards a few steps while grimacing in pain.
"Wow, it was great!" Cilan commented sincerely. "All right then, Pansage, use Bite!"
"Now use Razor Shell!"
As the two attacks met and the Pokémon stood for a couple seconds, the winner was then decided.
"Oh no!" Cilan said.
"Pansage is unable to battle. Oshawott wins!" Chili announced. "And with having previously two wins already, the victor is Ash, the challenger!"
"Yeah!" Ash exclaimed with enthusiasm as Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder and Oshawott rested on the battlefield, but couldn't hide the fact that it was panting a lot from the running and the onslaught of Bullet Seeds.
"Ash won!" Iris observed. "He really won!"
"Axew!" ("He sure did!")
"Ash..." Iris said.
"Here, Ash, this is for you." Cress said as he presented the Trio Badge.
"This badge is proof that you beat the Striaton Gym!" Chili added, a bit of fire in his words.
"It's called the Trio Badge!" Cilan stated.
"Thanks!" Ash said as he received the badge and then did his victory pose as his Pokémon that participated in the battle shared in the excitement. "I got the Trio Badge and my first in the Unova region!"
"What'd you think, Iris?" Ash asked. "I won, you know!"
"You didn't have to battle all three gym leaders." Iris replied. "Do you have the foggiest idea how uncool it would have looked if you had been defeated after you chose to make it more difficult?"
"Man, oh, man." Ash said, a tone of slight exasperation in his voice. "You could've just said something nice, you know."
"You're very luck that even though your Pokémon had a type disadvantage, you still came though." Iris stated. "Maybe you should forget luck and put a little thought into strategy and better moves."
"You think so?" Ash said, the indignant tone making a return appearance. "Then I think I'll battle you next."
"That's fine with me!" Iris said.
"Now, now, save it for later!" Cilan said. "Although the combination of the two of you does conjure up a certain bouquet."
"Bouquet?" Ash inquired.
"It means aroma." Iris said. "Don't you know anything at all? What a kid! We're outta here, Axew!"
"Axew!" ("Let's go!")
"Hold on," Cilan asked. "I thought you two were traveling together."
"No, we're not!" Iris exclaimed. "Good job, Ash. See you!"
What's up with her? Ash thought to himself.
Author's Notes: And there you have it. Ash won his first gym badge: the Trio Badge! And now it is time for me to critique the story myself. I know that Cress' Panpour defeated Ash's Pikachu in the Anime but, that just doesn't seem right to me. The little electric Mouse Pokémon defeated the Legendary Golem Regice and tied with a Latios for goodness' sake! I don't care how powerful that Panpour is when you get right down to it. Pikachu has dealt with worse and has a type advantage. While that doesn't always succeed in the Anime, sometimes it has to.
Anyway...now that I'm done with my little diatribe, let's focus on something else shall we? For example, reviews! Not to sound like some crazy people out there (Which I'll probably sound like anyway) but reviews are always important. No matter what is written in them. Praise helps to build the story and criticisms helps to temper the story akin to steel put inside of a fire. Well, anyway, see you all next time!