Chapter 35

We finally arrive at the Village of Dragons, which is actually close to Opelucid City. Iris is the most excited of all of us to go back home, she says, "I can't wait to meet with the Elder and Grandpa as well!"

"Grandpa?" Reisa asks.

"Yep! Opelucid City's Gym Leader, Drayden, is my grandpa. We're not really related, though!" Iris says.

Then we look around to find some Axew and Fraxures in the area. "Dragon types are everywhere you look..."

Much to our surprise, we find Zinnia as she greets us. "Long time no see, Ash and Alice. How are you two been?"

"We're doing fine." I say. "Though you did leave last time without telling us."

"You know Zinnia, Ash, Alice?" Iris asks.

"Of course, we met in Hoenn where we tried to stop the meteor from crashing onto earth with the help of Rayquaza." Alice says.

"Indeed." Zinnia says, "Elder might be very happy to see you."

When we meet the Elder, we recognize her as the same Elder who gave us the Salamencite back in Hoenn. "Oh my, if it isn't Iris. How are you feeling, dear?"

"Great." Iris says.

"It is also nice to see you again as well, Ash and Alice." Elder says. "So what brings you here?"

"We're here to challenge the Opelucid Gym." I say. "And there are some things we need to discuss with Drayden as well."

"I see." Then Iris decides to show Axew and Dragonite to Elder. But Dragonite immediately starts a battle with a nearby Haxorus.

"Hey! Dragonite! What are you doing!" Iris yells.

Elder decides to handle everything and she manages to calm down the Dragon Pokemon. Hilda says, "You know... this Dragonite is really fierce compared to the others..."

"I know... even my Dragonite likes to hug me instead of acting like that..." I say.

Then are also surprised to find Drayden, the Opelucid Gym Leader. "It's Grandpa!" Iris says.

"So you're Drayden..." We gasp.

"It sure has been a long time, Drayden." Hilbert greets the man, and he says, "It has been a while, Hilbert. I see you're still doing great."

"Yeah, thanks to you I managed to learn more about Zekrom. We're here because our friend Ash here wants to challenge the Opelucid Gym."

"I see. Then I'll be waiting at the Opelucid Gym." After he leaves, we decide to bid farewell to Zinnia and Elder as we head to Opelucid City.

After arriving at Opelucid City, we immediately go to the Opelucid Academy because we want to see if Drandon and his family are there. When we arrive, we meet up with Pauline.

"Oh my... it's Ms. Pauline!" We rush to her and she says, "It's been a while."

"Yeah. Does that mean Drandon and Lucine are also here?" I ask.

"Of course, though I kinda ask them to run an errand at Route 9's Shopping Mall Nine." She says. "How about we go together to find them?"

We agree as Iris also reveals to know about Pauline as well, since she's one of the teachers in the Opelucid Academy. She also tells us how Iris used to be the most troublesome student, and there was also one time that Iris even became a gym leader in Drayden's place.

When we get to Route 9, we notice some Pawniard training with its scythes, so we all decide to capture them.

Pawniard: The Sharp Blade Pokemon: Dark and Steel Type. Blades comprise this Pokémon's entire body. If battling dulls the blades, it sharpens them on stones by the river.

And after we arrive at the department store, we finally meet up with Drandon and Lucine. "Ash! You guys are here!"

"Yeah, long time no see." Lucine says. "It's sure a big group you have there."

Dawn says, "So how have you two been?"

"We just finished purchasing some things. That reminds me, Mom. Here you go." Lucine says while giving the bag to her. "So is East with you?"

"Sorry, East is back in Hoenn, my Mom is now training him so that he could be a Gym Leader." Reisa says.

"And what about Flora? Considering both you and Eve are here." Drandon asks.

"Flora is now in school in Kalos, since she wants to open her clothes store." Alice says.

"Shame. But what brings you guys here?" Drandon asks.

"We're here to challenge Drayden for the 7th gym badge." I say while showing the badges. Lucine says, "That sure is fast, I mean, it has been a while since you manage to defeat our Dad in Johto."

"We weren't able to watch it in person, but it will be great to see you battle in the gym." Drandon says.

"If that's the case, let's all go to the Opelucid Gym now." I say as we all head there. But on the way, I also got a call from Yancy.

"I've been too busy and sleep-deprived lately. If it wasn't you I was talking to, Ash, I'd have fallen asleep by now. Ahaha! I found a nice walking spot with a wonderful view the other day. That spot may look totally different depending on the season. Maybe we could go for a walk sometime soon..."

"That sounds nice." I say.

"I was just thinking about you, Ash. ...What did I just say? ...Ahaha! Er... well... I have to get back to work now. Talk to you soon." After she ends the call, Drandon asks, "Who is that?"

"Nothing special. It is just somebody having a crush on Ash." Hilda says as I groan a little.

When we enter the gym, we find that there is a giant dragon statue in front of us. The gym guide says, "Welcome to the Opelucid City Gym! How do you like these dragon statues? This Gym is the only place in Unova with statues this size! Climb on the dragon's head and aim for the top of the other dragon, where Drayden, the Gym Leader, is waiting! Dragon-type Pokémon are his specialty. Just between you and me, Dragon types are weak to Fairy- and Ice-type moves as well as to moves of their own type, meaning Dragon."

I nod as I move on top of the statue, and there is a panel that is left, right, front, and back. There is also a Veteran Lucius in front of me. "Always aim for the top, like a dragon taking flight!"

He uses a Fraxure, so I go with Whimsicott, using the Moonblast to defeat it. "The fierce energy I feel from you... It is just like that of a soaring dragon!" Then he says, "Trainers far stronger than I wait for you above! The ones on the right emphasize attack. The ones on the left emphasize defense."

"This is just like Norman's gym..." Alice says.

"Yeah. So how to get to the trainers?" I ask.

"Return to the dragon's head, and step on the glowing triangle. Then choose either right or left!"

We do it, and now I decide to move left first, the Dragon makes a giant fist bump that almost makes me off the dragon's head. And there is a Veteran Rhona. "Defense is everything!"

She uses Fraxure and Druddigon, since it is defending, so I go with Fraxure, by using Dragon Dance and Dual Chop to defeat them in the end. "Such defense... It is beyond comparison!"

Then we move right, and we face a Veteran named Jerry. "Offense is everything!"

He also uses Fraxure and Druddigon, since it is attacking, so I go with Beartic, using its Ice moves to defeat them both. "Such energy on the offense... You are truly without equal! As for the Trainers above me... The one on the right fights only Triple Battles. The one on the left fights only Rotation Battles. Choose the style of battle that fits you better! Remember, they won't battle you if you don't have three or more Pokemon with you!"

Now we're on the top and the first I try is the Rotation Battle with Veteran Denae. "In Rotation Battles, how the three Pokemon follow one another is key."

The three Pokemon she uses are Fraxure, Druddigon, and Axew, so I go with Charizard, Pikachu, and Abomasnow. All three of them are good with coordinating who will attack so that all three of her Pokemon are down. "The Pokemon you picked... They supported each other well."

Then we head to the right, where we fight the Veteran Ron. "Triple battles! It's a combination that raises three Pokemon's destructive power!"

He uses the same Pokemon as Denae, so I use the same three Pokemon as well to defeat them. "The three Pokemon you picked... They gave me a run for my money! You are strong enough to challenge Mayor Drayden! You have the power to unleash the full force of your deep desire to win!"

And we finally reach the battlefield where Drayden is waiting for me. "Welcome. Thank you for coming. I am the Opelucid Pokémon Gym Leader, Drayden. As the mayor, I've given everything to developing the city. As a Trainer, I've simply been pursuing greater strength. But what I'm searching for now is a young Trainer who can show me a bright future. Perhaps you can show me that future, the way Hilbert and Iris have?"

"We'll see about that." I say.

This is also a four-on-four battle, with Drayden starting off with a Flygon. I say, "A Flygon... a Hoenn Dragon Type Pokemon. I know what to use! Beartic! I choose you!"

I send out Beartic and Drayden says, "An Ice Type. I wonder what kind of battle will you present to me."

I command Beartic to use Fury Swipes, but Flygon blocks it. I say, "Now use Aqua Jet!"

"Dodge and use Rock Slide!" Haxorus tries to attack with the Rock move, but I have Beartic go for Frost Breath, destroying the rocks in the sky.

"Good! Now use Icicle Crash!" I yell. "Dragon Tail!" Just then, both of the attacks collide, and in the end it causes a giant explosion with both Pokemon fall at the same time.

"A draw...no way..." Lucine says.

"That also shows how strong Drayden is..." Reisa says.

"Ash is going to have a hard time if he wants to beat him." Iris says.

I return Beartic and Drayden decides to go with Druddigon. I say, "Druddigon... then I'm going to use Milotic! Let's go!" When Milotic appears, Reisa says, "That sure is an interesting choice."

"Yeah, but I wonder if Milotic can win this." Dawn says.

"Here we go! Milotic Disarming Voice!" I yell, but Druddigon manages to block the attack before using Dragon Claw to hit Milotic. Druddigon tries to use Flash Cannon, but Milotic uses Hydro Pump to negate it.

"Now use Dragon Tail!" I yell, but Druddigon goes for Double Team. After Milotic finds the real one, I have it use Disarming Voice, hitting the Druddigon.

"Now keep up the pressure! Use Ice Beam!" I say.

"Ice Beam is super effective, so this is going to be it." Alice says.

But Druddigon just blocks it with ease. Eve says, "It just shook off that Ice Beam!"

Then I have Milotic use Dragon Tail again, but Druddigon catches Milotic by the neck, slams her down, and strikes with Dragon Tail, giving Drayden the win. I sigh before taking out the Pokeball.

"Charizard! I choose you!" When I send out Charizard, it gives out a loud roar. Reisa says, "There it is! The Charizard!"

"It sure looks strong..." Pauline notes.

And with Charizard's Dragon Claw attack, Druddigon is now out of battle. So Drayden goes for Altaria as his third Pokemon.

"Dragon Pulse!" I have Charizard deflect the attack with Wing Attack, but it is too late as Altaria manages to hit Charizard. "Charizard, are you okay?" I asks.

Charizard manages to get back up and I have it use Dragon Claw, which Altaria blocks with Cotton Guard. "Use Flamethrower!" I yell, but Drayden has Altaria use Fire Blast, both attacks manage to hit the ceiling.

"Oops..." I mutter.

"Don't worry about the damage. Just show me what you've got." Drayden says.

Then he tries to use Sing, and Charizard falls asleep, so I decide to recall it. "Fraxure! I choose you!"

After sending out the Pokemon, he says, "So you're going to use a Fraxure... I see."

Drayden has Altaria uses Dragon Pulse, but I have Fraxure dodge the attack and uses Dragon Dance, boosting the attack and speed. Drayden calls for a Sing, but Fraxure manages to run around to ignore the drowsiness. And it is then that Fraxure evolves into a Haxorus.

Haxorus: The Axe Jaw Pokemon: Dragon Type. Evolve from Fraxure at LV:48. They are kind but can be relentless when defending territory. They challenge foes with tusks that can cut steel.

"Nice, now use Dual Chop!" I say, and the attack manages to hit Altaria, causing it to be unable to battle.

"My blood burns with even more fire at this age! I've still got some fight in me!" Drayden says while sending out the final Pokemon, which is a Haxorus.

"Haxorus against Haxorus..." Eve says, "But Ash's just evolved while Drayden..."

"You're right. Ash is still in a disadvantage." Cilan says.

Haxorus starts off with Dragon Pulse, which outspeeds my own's Dragon Pulse and hits it head-on, followed by a Psycho Cut, which causes Haxorus to faint.

"I'm sorry, Haxorus. You did a good job." I recall my Haxorus and send Charizard back.

"Charizard... I'm going to trust you! Dragon Dance!" Charizard is now boosting up before going for Dragon Claw. However, Haxorus counterattacks with Outrage, blocking Dragon Claw and dealing heavy damage to Charizard.

"Outrage... but after using it for several times, it should be confused." Golly says.

"Now it's the time to strike back!" Dawn says.

Just then, much to our surprise, Haxorus suddenly hits his head on the floor, getting rid of the confusion. "So this is your way of getting rid of confusion..." I mutter.

Charizard then blocks Haxorus' Breaking Swipe with Dragon Claw. Next, Drayden commands Haxorus to use Psycho Cut, but in a surprising maneuver, I have Charizard use Hurricane on itself, forming a barrier that deflects Psycho Cut right back at Haxorus.

"Using Hurricane as a barrier..." Drayden is shocked.

He has Haxorus uses Dragon Pulse, but the Hurricane barrier wraps the attack around itself, before expanding upwards to reach through the hole in the ceiling and into the sky above.

"Now let's do Seismic Toss!" I yell, and Charizard manages to grab Haxorus into the air and stars to spin Haxorus around, and then he throws the Pokemon to the ground, knocking it out.

"We did it!" I cheer with Charizard.

"Ash really won!" Hilbert says.

"That's so amazing!" Hilda says.

Haxorus says, "Wonderful. I'm grateful that we had a chance to meet and battle. It reminded me that Pokémon battles are about working with others to meet our challenges together."

Then he gives me the seventh badge, the Legend Badge. We put the badge back and he says, "Well, now. You've obtained seven of the Gym Badges in Unova. That means Pokémon up to Lv. 80, including those received in trades, will follow your commands obediently."

"Thank you, Drayden. You see, we're here because we also have something that we need to ask you."

"Very well. Please wait outside." Then we decide to wait outside.

Here is the seventh gym battle, which is not that easy to write. I hope you like it and the next chapter will be the Team Plasma event once more.

Ash and Alice's Pokemon:

Charizard x2, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Pikachu x2, Lapras, Meganium, Espeon, Steelix (Crystal), Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Abomasnow, Magnezone, Victini, Serperior, Emboar, Samurott, Watchog, Stoutland, Liepard, Simisage, Simisear, Simipour, Musharna, Unfezant, Zebstrika, Gigalith, Swoobat, Excadrill, Audino, Conkeldurr, Seismitoad, Leavanny, Scolipede, Whimsicott, Lilligant, Basculin x2, Krookodile, Darmanitan, Maractus, Crustle, Scrafty, Sigilyph, Cofagrigus, Carracosta, Archeops, Garbodor, Zoroark, Cinccino, Gothitelle, Reuniclus, Swanna, Sawsbuck, Emolga, Escavalier, Amoonguss, Jellicent, Galvantula, Ferrothorn, Klang, Eelektross, Beheeyem, Chandelure, Haxorus, Beartic, Accelgor, Pawniard, Larvesta, Cobalion, Virizion, Tornadus, Thundurus, Zekrom, Landorus, Meloetta

Golly's Pokemon:

Gastly, Liepard, Scolipede, Krokorok, Scrafty, Cofagrigus, Garbodor, Zoroark, Amoonguss, Jellicent, Chandelure, Pawniard

Eve's Pokemon:

Houndoom, Mightyena, Liepard, Krokorok, Scrafty, Zoroark, Pawniard

Iris' Pokemon:

Lapras, Aggron, Excadrill, Archeops, Emolga, Axew, Druddigon, Hydreigon

Cilan's Pokemon:

Pansage, Maractus, Dwebble, Ferrothorn, Stunfisk