Hello Fanfiction Readers! Guess what awaits you in this chapter! Well, for the moment, all I can say is that, as the title suggests, we're going to be battling at the Nacrene Gym. Only, it'll be with my own twist. In a way anyway. And that is all I'll say.
Disclaimer: I do not need to disclaim anything. And that's that.
Pokémon Black and White
Normal Point of View
As the sun was rising after the Yamask from the incident at the Nacrene Museum last night left, Ash was determined to go get his second gym badge. Before he and the other people present - Iris, Cilan, Hawes, and Lenora - could go into the gym, they heard a voice coming from behind them.
"Hello?" The man asked. "Are one of you named Ash Ketchum?"
"That's me!" Ash exclaimed, pointing to himself proudly.
"Is something wrong?" Cilan inquired.
"No, nothing's wrong." The man replied. "I was just informed by Don George though that I should come and get Ash Ketchum."
"Huh?" Ash asked, confused. "Why?"
"Well you see," The man continued. "someone came to the Pokémon Battle Club earlier after hearing about our battle techniques and the like, and thought that given how Ash Ketchum can be impulsive and overconfident, it would be a good idea if he trained there before his gym battle."
"Hmm, I wonder who that could be..." Lenora said thoughtfully, hand to her chin thoughtfully as she stared at the ground. Lenora of course had already ran into the person in question so she knew who Don George's associate was talking about.
"Who knows?" Hawes wondered aloud, shrugging. As before with Lenora, he already had a faint idea of just who could be the one that went to the Pokémon Battle Club.
"Ash, I think it would be a good opportunity." Cilan said.
"You think?" Ash asked.
"I agree." Lenora said. "As a gym leader, I would want my challengers to give it their all in battle."
"And of course," Hawes added, placing a hand on Lenora's shoulder. "Lenora is not to be taken lightly.
"Okay!" Ash shouted determinedly, a fist raised in the air. "I'll do it!"
"That's an attitude I like to hear!" The man said before walking away and motioning them to him. "Follow me and we'll be there in no time."
"Right!" The teens exclaimed simultaneously.
XXXXXXX
As Ash and Company walked into the Pokémon Battle Club, the man they were following went off to train. After he left, they were greeted by Don George.
"If it's battle-related, I'm your man!" Don George said. "I welcome you to the Pokémon Battle Club!"
"You look exactly like the Don Georges do!" Ash said with a sweat-drop after a light laugh.
Don George shook his head as if in agreement. "So, I've heard that you plan on taking the Nacrene City Gym, am I correct?"
"Yeah!" Ash replied.
"Well, Lenora is a challenge for Pokémon Trainers." Don George said, shaking his head before looking up with eyes closed at the ceiling. "Her Lillipup's Roar and Watchog's Mean Look. It stands to reason that she's still using them both. And her Pokémon are also renowned for their speed around Nacrene City."
"They're that fast?" Ash inquired.
"Yes, fast they are." Don George replied.
"So her combination is famous!" Iris said, moving over to stand next to Cilan. When her arm accidently bumped into Cilan's, the girl couldn't help but blush slightly.
"Everyone seems to be taken in by Lenora's quick pace," Cilan added, before leaning over, almost as if to whisper in Iris' ear. "but I'll bet you if you could match her speed, then I think she could be roundly defeated!"
"I know exactly what you're looking for." Don George said, his eyes almost having a literal fire in his eyes as he continued. "So get ready!" The fires then dimmed as he continued. "You've come to the right place for some hard training!" As he said this, he raised his arm up, almost as if getting ready to point at something.
"Awesome!" Ash exclaimed excitedly, his fists raised in determination. "I'll do whatever it takes!"
"Very well," Don George said, walking over to a closed door. "but I warn you, Ash, my brand of special training is not for the faint of heart, get it?"
"Yeah!" Ash said, shaking his head. "You don't have to worry about me!"
"All right, follow me through these doors!" Don George said before the doors opened up.
The group then stared in awe as they walked in and took in their surroundings.
"You are now standing in our Pokémon Battle Club's training room." Don George said before spreading his arms to indicated the equipment. "You may train to your heart's content!"
"Great! Thanks a lot, Don George." Ash said. "I think for my Nacrene Gym challenge, I'm going to use Oshawott and Tepig."
"Let's start with Tepig then." Don George said before indicating a machine to his left. "Tepig will be using that machine." The machine in question was designed like a treadmill.
"Wow!" Ash commented, before prepping the Fire Pig Pokémon's Poké Ball. "Tepig, let's go!"
"First off, the key to defeating Gym Leader Lenora is all about raising your Pokémon's speed and powering up their moves." Don George explained.
"Tepig, are you ready to train super hard for the gym battle?" Ash asked.
"Tepig!" ("You bet!")
"That's what I like to hear." Ash said as he ran to join Tepig on the treadmill.
"I assume you already knew that you have to train hard as well?" Don George inquired.
"You bet!" Ash replied. "A Pokémon Trainer has to train with their Pokémon no matter what."
"Yeah, Tepig, way to go!" Ash said, some time after they began running on the treadmill.
"I'm upping the speed!" Don George said.
"Right!" Ash said.
As Don George upped the speed, those on the treadmill increased their pace.
"This training is a piece of cake!" Ash commented, but after hearing Pikachu ready a Thunderbolt, he mentally chided himself.
"Ax, Axew Ax Ax Axew Axew!" (Hey, that looks like fun!") The Tusk Pokémon said as he began to walk towards the treadmill.
"Pika, Pikachu!" ("Hey, wait!")
"Stop, Axew!" Iris said, picking up her Pokémon before putting a finger up as to chastise Axew. "You see, that treadmill is not a toy."
Cilan couldn't help but remark at the almost parenting recipe Iris was exhibiting.
"All right, that's enough warm up." Don George said. "Moving on to the next step."
Two holes then opened up in front of the treadmill as they revealed a machine that looked as if it was about to fire.
"The real training begins now." Don George said. "I want you to dodge and counter what you will imagine are Lillipup's Shadow Balls. They are most likely what could determine the match."
"You're doing great, Tepig!" Ash said as Tepig dodged what was fired at him.
In his encouragement-induced distraction, Ash was knocked back when a ball hit him in the face.
Those present - all except for Don George - grimaced slightly as if they could feel the pain as if the ball hit them instead.
"Ash, no!" Iris and Cilan exclaimed with concern in unison.
"Ash, are you okay?" Cilan asked as they ran over to him.
"Come on, Ash, you couldn't dodge that?" Iris asked. "You're such a kid!"
"Hey! Excuse me for encouraging my Pokémon!" Ash exclaimed with a mixture of defensiveness and indignation, glaring at Iris for a moment before becoming slightly sheepish. "That caught me off-guard." Ash said. "So can we try that again?"
"Yes, that's the spirit!" Don George said. That girl wasn't wrong when she said Ash was determined.
"'Kay, let's do this!" Ash exclaimed as they resumed running on the treadmill.
"All right, dodge and counter!" Don George said. "Remember, Lenora's Shadow Balls aren't going to be easy to deal with."
"Wow, they're getting the hang of it!" Iris commented as Ash and Tepig dodged ball after ball.
"Excellent, Ash!" Cilan commented.
"I'm raising the speed." Don George said. "Stay on your toes! Now, prepare for Shadow Balls from behind!"
"Counter them with Ember!" Ash said as two machines rose out of the floor and fired.
After Tepig launched the Fire-type attack, it proved to be fruitless as both he and Ash were knocked down by what was fired at them.
"Ash!" Iris said.
"Man...we need more power." Ash said.
"If you both continue to train the way you are, speed and power will increase, but you can only attain that higher state as a team." Don George said, extending a hand to help Ash up.
"Don't need to tell me that." Ash said as he was helped up. "I knew that."
They then continued with the training, working hard as a team. After some time passed, Ash and Tepig were both panting from exhaustion.
"You know, Ash, I think you're a lot faster than when you first started." Iris commented.
"It's true, but still, one can never have enough depth and sharpness. Which is what you'll most likely need to beat Lenora." Cilan added.
"That's enough for now." Don George said. "It's a good time to give Tepig a rest and it's also a good time to train with Oshawott!"
"Right!" Ash said.
Ash, with Pikachu perched on his shoulder, followed Don George as he was lead into another room. This room's floor was made up of purple tiles. What was also in the room was a place that looked sort of like a pool.
"Wow!" Ash observed before readying Oshawott's Poké Ball. "'Kay, Oshawott, you're up!"
Upon emerging and seeing the water, Oshawott started to jump for joy before getting into the water.
"Oshawott!" Ash exclaimed, a slight tone of exasperation in his voice. "Hey, what're you doing?"
As the Sea Otter Pokémon was happily swimming in the water. Ash spoke up again. "Chill out! Save it! We didn't come here to play, you know."
"That's right." Don George said. "You all came here to train hard!"
"Time to train!" Ash said after he jumping in, lightly splashing Pikachu as he did so. "Get it?"
"I'm creating a current in the pool." Don George said. "Swimming against the current will allow you to strengthen your muscles and build up your stamina at the same time."
"We've got it!" Ash said, nodding his head in affirmation.
"Oshawott!" ("Me too!") The Sea Otter Pokémon said, mimicking his trainer.
In the meantime, Iris was walking over to Tepig, holding two drinks with Cilan close behind with some Pokémon food.
"Thanks for waiting, Tepig." Iris said.
"It's all for you." Cilan said, placing the aforementioned Pokémon food down in front of the Fire Pig Pokémon.
"Tepig, Tepig Tepig!" ("Thanks, it looks good!")
"Eat up, you've had quite a work out." Cilan said. "And there's a lot more if you like."
"Tepig!" ("Thanks!")
"Huh, where's Axew?" Iris said, noticing her Tusk Pokémon wasn't in sight. "Axew was here a minute ago."
"Keep it up, Oshawott!" Ash said.
"Oshawott, swim with everything you've got or you might not be able to keep up with Lenora!" Don George said as he and Pikachu were walking next to the pool.
"Hey, what's this?" Axew asked as he jumped onto the control system before pressing down on the machine. "Looks like fun! I wonder what these buttons do!"
"What in the world?" Don George asked of no one in particular as Ash and Oshawott were swept away by a sudden tidal wave.
"Pika pika!" ("Over there!") The Mouse Pokémon exclaimed, pointing over at the control system.
"Axew what are you doing?" Pikachu asked after he ran over to the control system, pointing an accusatory finger at Axew.
"What do you mean?" Axew asked, puzzled.
"Axew, there you are!" Iris shouted as she came in with Cilan and Tepig.
"Got ya!" Ash said as he grabbed Oshawott under his arm securely. "You're safe now. Come on, we've got more training! Let's do it!"
Oshawott nodded his head determinedly before kicking under Ash's arm, propelling them forward.
"Go!" Ash shouted as they were nearing the waterfall, pushing Oshawott up it.
"Glide down the waterfall!" Don George shouted.
"Is that Aqua Jet?" Ash wondered aloud as the Sea Otter Pokémon was surrounded in the water.
"Now, Oshawott, aim for the target!" Don George continued, pointing at a target with a black border and a smaller red circle in a bigger yellow circle.
However, instead of hitting the target, Oshawott swerved and hit below it.
"So cool!" Iris commented, holding Axew as she ran over to the Sea Otter Pokémon, Cilan close behind. "Did Oshawott just use Aqua Jet?"
"Yeah, although, it had the flavor of being a bit unsteady." Cilan replied.
"Aqua Jet? All right!" Ash shouted excitedly. "Oshawott knows Aqua Jet!"
However, in his excitement over the revelation, Ash slipped and fell into the water.
"Oh, no!" Iris said as Oshawott went over to his trainer.
"You all right?" Don George inquired.
"Yeah!" Ash replied as Oshawott came up. "Wow, I can't believe you learned that move! Great job, Oshawott!"
"Oshawott!" ("Of course!") The Sea Otter Pokémon said, tapping on his scalchop once. An air of pride around him.
Those present began to chuckle at what unfolded before their eyes.
"Put everything you've got into it!" Don George shouted as Ash and Tepig resumed running on the treadmill and dealing with the machines that were firing balls at them. "Faster, faster! Push it to the limit!"
"Great!" Cilan commented as Tepig unleashed an Ember attack that had greater power than the one before. "Their training is showing solid results, since Tepig's much faster now and his Ember's starting to show real power!"
"We're gonna beat Lenora, for sure!" Ash said. "What do you say, Tepig?"
The two runners then picked up the speed in greater enthusiasm than before. While Tepig was running faster and faster, a blazing aura surrounded him.
"All right!" Ash shouted as Tepig learned Flame Charge.
As Ash and Tepig were training, a certain trio was infiltrating the Nacrene Museum in the darkness of night.
"R-1 to R-2, R-1 to R-2." James said as he was sitting in a van parked next to the Nacrene Museum, working on a laptop. "Hacking successful. I've taken command of every one of the building's controls. I can arm or disarm the security system at will."
"Understood." Jessie said as she and Meowth were walking in the Museum. "Let's continue with our mission."
As they entered the room with the Dragonite Fossil, Jessie activated her laser-detecting goggles.
"Target confirmed." She said as her eyes fell upon the meteorite. "Deactivate system."
"Consider it done." James said, fingers gliding across the laptop. "I'll give you twenty seconds."
"Ten seconds would be more than enough." Meowth said.
"Right, proceeding." James said. "Three, two, one...Go!"
Jessie and Meowth than ran across the museum floor, the container holding the fake meteorite next to them.
As Jessie grabbed the fake meteorite, Meowth jumped up and lifted up the container. Jessie followed soon after and switched the meteorites.
After running across the room to the other side, Jessie placed the meteorite in the container. Jessie and Meowth then watched as the lasers came back online, taking their goggles off as they were satisfied with a job well done.
"Mission completed." Jessie said, placing the container next to James when they got back to the van.
"We're now one step closer to the Meteonite!" Meowth exclaimed.
Jessie, James, and Meowth then drove away into the night, leaving for their next destination.
After the night came and went, Ash and Company preparing themselves for the day. Ash was excited for his gym battle as he raced away to the Nacrene City Gym.
"Certainly is excitable today isn't he?" Cilan asked Iris as they were walking at their own pace to the Nacrene City Gym.
"Yeah." Iris replied. "Think he's ready for the challenge?"
"Only time will tell." Cilan responded.
"C'mon guys!" Ash exclaimed, cupping his hands like a megaphone. "I got a gym battle to be won!"
"Okay Ash," Iris said. "We'll be right there."
Cilan and Iris then picked up the pace, walking briskly before they stopped in front of the determined Pokémon Trainer.
"Let's go!" Ash said, pumping his fist in the air.
As they walked passed the door, they were greeted by Lenora and Hawes.
"Ready for your gym battle challenge Ash?" Hawes inquired.
"You bet I am!" Ash replied exuberantly. "And I plan on winning!"
"It's not going to be easy." Lenora said.
"I know that." Ash said. "I'm just really excited."
The two other teens and the two adults couldn't help but chuckle lightly at the young man's enthusiasm.
"Okay, then come this way." Lenora said, beckoning for them to follow.
"Hey, Lenora?" Ash inquired after they were walking farther into the museum.
"Yes, Ash?" Lenora asked.
"I'm kind of wondering where the battlefield is." Ash stated.
"Right, it doesn't seem like it would be in here." Cilan commented.
"You'll see soon enough." Lenora said knowingly.
As they reached the end of the room, Hawes put his hand on a security pad.
"We're entering an area which is closed to the general public." Hawes explained as the door opened up.
The five people present were not alone as someone somehow managed to slip in undetected, their light blue jacket hiding their appearance.
"This part of the library is reserved for rare books and study materials." Lenora said as the teens were observing their surroundings. "You need special permission from us to enter here."
"This is the finest collection in the entire Unova region." Hawes added with a hint of pride. "You can learn everything about Unova's history and culture right in here!"
"Incredible!" Cilan marveled as he looked at a bookcase. "You've even got books about Pokémon Connoisseurs!"
"That's because the Unova region is where Pokémon Connoisseurs got their start." Lenora said. "Are you interested?"
"Of course!" Cilan replied. "I'm in fact on this journey as a Pokémon Connoisseur to meet as many different Pokémon and trainers as I possibly can!"
"Well, well!" Lenora said. "There's nothing better than lots of experience, so best of luck!"
"Thanks!"
"Now, let's see..." Lenora began, walking up to Ash, slapping him on the back. "All right, Ash! I would think you'd want to study up on the Unova region before our battle."
"Well, while I could be interested by something in here, the thing is, a gym battle is what we really came here for." Ash said.
"Of course you did!" Lenora said. "That's why I brought you to our library first."
"Huh?" Ash wondered, puzzled.
"Right!" Lenora exclaimed. "You see, the only people that are allowed to use our magnificent library are either researchers or gym battle challengers."
"Researchers and challengers huh." Ash said.
"Good, very good!" Lenora said, walking past Ash. "Knowledge can be very important in a Pokémon Battle."
"Yeah...I guess." Ash said. "But so can experience."
"I recommend you take a peek at this book." Lenora said, rapping her knuckles lightly against a book next to and behind her.
"Okay?" Ash started hesitantly before quickly becoming determined. "'Kay! If it'll help get things going with my gym battle, I'll read anything!"
"This one, right?" Ash inquired as he picked the book Lenora was rapping her knuckles against earlier.
As he pulled on it, the bookcase disappeared, taking the teens by surprise as a staircase emerged.
"Wh-what's down there?" Ash inquired.
"Ash! It's the battlefield, of course!" Lenora replied.
"Tell me, dear." Hawes began. "Don't you think this young challenger is quite direct?"
"I sure do!" Lenora responded. "It's just as Connoisseur Boy was saying."
"Uh, "Connoisseur Boy"?" Cilan inquired with a sweat-drop.
Unbeknownst to anyone present, Iris was giggling lightly at Cilan's reaction.
"You see, I've been testing you since the first moment you walked in here." Lenora continued.
"Huh?" Ash asked.
"You see, for most challengers, when I recommend they read a book, nine times out of ten, they go directly to whatever book they're most interested in." Lenora explained.
"Wow!" Iris commented, having recovered from her giggling. "From all these?"
"That's correct." Lenora said. "Even though I show them the quickest way to get to my gym."
"But, why do you do that?" Cilan asked.
"Because most challengers will get sidetracked by reading too much into what I say," Lenora answered. "so, in order to rush into the gym, they usually choose books they're interest in, or thin books they think they can finish quickly. Very interesting, isn't it?"
"I can generally tell what a trainer is going to be like by how they reach in this kind of situation." Lenora continued.
"'Kay, so what kind of trainer do you think Ash is?" Iris inquired, placing a hand on Ash's shoulder.
"What you see is what you get." Lenora said. "Ash rose aggressively just as soon as I challenged him. And now I'm really interest in observing how that aggressiveness is going to play itself out when we get on the battlefield."
"Now I wouldn't say I'm aggressive." Ash said, scratching the back of his neck. "Maybe excited."
"I think it will be fairly easy to predict even given the training Ash received." Hawes interjected.
"Ash, I think they've got your number." Iris said with a sweat-drop.
"Fine!" Ash said, also sweat-dropping before speaking. "Then watch and see! Yeah, check me out all you want! I'm stoked!"
"I like your spirit." Lenora said. "Reminds of someone I met just a short time ago."
"Indeed dear." Hawes said, nodding his head in agreement before adding with a sweat-drop. "Although, I think they were a little more level-headed."
Ash was about to ask them what they were talking about, when Lenora broke him out of his thoughts.
"Then let's go." Lenora said abruptly, walking to the staircase.
"Right!" Ash said.
"Pikachu!" ("Let's go!")
As they followed, the person who had snuck in was about to, when they accidently bumped into a bookcase, knocking several books down to the ground.
I hope no one heard that. They thought to themselves.
When it appeared that no one had, the person was busy putting the books back when she noticed something interesting on the cover of the last book she was about to put away.
Blue lightning streaked across the cover, surrounded by flurries of red flames.
Hmm. They thought to themselves curiously. I wonder if Ash would be interested in this book.
The person then put the book away and quietly slipped down the stairs, into the room with the battlefield, and tried to remain as inconspicuous as possible.
"So here we are!" Lenora exclaimed as they followed her down the staircase into a room.
"Wow!" Ash said as he took in the surroundings and the battlefield.
"Awesome!" Iris added.
"All right!" Ash exclaimed, running over to the center of the battlefield. "'Kay, let's get it going, now!"
"Let's take a deep breath." Lenora said. "You're quite impatient. Well, time for me to show you the Pokémon I'm using today!"
"I believe you two have met." Lenora said after her Watchog emerged.
"You bet!" Ash said. "Even before going to train, I thought you were gonna choose Watchog."
"And Lillipup, come out and help!" Lenora exclaimed before releasing her second Pokémon.
"Oh, it's so cute!" Iris commented before running over to Lillipup.
"Hello there!" Iris said, patting Lillipup on the head. "Cute!" She added as Lillipup jumped into her arms happily.
"I'm so totally in love with your Lillipup!" Iris said as the Pokémon licked her face.
"Okay...Lillipup." Ash said as Pikachu jumped off his shoulder and he pulled out his Pokédex.
"Lillipup, the Puppy Pokémon. The long hair covering Lillipup's face is an excellent radar, which senses conditions in the surrounding area." The Pokédex uttered.
"So, these are my two Pokémon." Lenora said.
"And your Pokémon are both Normal-types..." Ash commented.
"Both Watchog and Lillipup are excellent Pokémon who respond well to Lenora's commands." Hawes said after walking up to them. "They're such excellent Pokémon that they also help out with museum security."
"Hey there." Ash said as the Puppy Pokémon got his attention. Kneeling down, he picked the Pokémon up. "You're a friendly Pokémon."
"Normal-type Pokémon are perfect for gym battles." Lenora said. "That's because they don't have any of the limitations of Pokémon that are bound to a certain element."
Ash however, was too busy having his face licked by Lillipup and laughing happily to acknowledge what Lenora was saying.
"This allows me the flexibility to respond to any challengers may use against me!" Lenora continued.
"Lillipup, sure hope you're nice to us today!" Ash said after they composed themselves.
"Did you even hear what Lenora just said?" Iris asked.
"A gym leader who possesses the combination of testing her challengers first and then using Normal-type Pokémon who possess no overwhelming properties at all." Cilan commented, gaining Iris' attention. "A perfect battle recipe!"
Iris couldn't help but giggle slightly at Cilan's comment.
"I'm so pleased to her you say that, Connoisseur Boy!" Lenora said. "That's precisely the type of battle I just love. Now, Hawes, if you would please explain the rules."
"Of course, dear!" Hawes said. "All right. The Nacrene City Gym Battle between Ash, the challenger and Lenora, the gym leader, will begin by each selecting two of their Pokémon!"
"Two Pokémon huh." Ash said, more to himself than anyone else. A change from battling at least up to three Pokémon. That's for sure.
"Correct!" Hawes exclaimed. "It's two-on-two. And when either the gym leader or the challenger's Pokémon are left unable to battle, the battle will be decided. In addition, both Pokémon can be freely substituted at any time."
"A two-on-two." Ash said, again, more to himself than anyone else.
"You can see that each and every gym has its own unique rules, reflecting the gym leader's own unique way of bringing out the best in all their challengers." Cilan commented.
Iris hung on to Cilan's every word, slightly in awe as a very faint feeling of warm was in her. Strange. I wonder why I feel funny. Probably just because Cilan and Ash are good company to have.
"I've decided who to use first." Lenora said. "I choose Lillipup."
"Lillipup..." Ash said.
"I wonder who Ash is going with first?" Iris asked, her attention now on the battlefield. "Tepig or Oshawott?"
"I've got it!" Ash exclaimed, holding Lillipup up in the air. "Lillipup, get ready!"
Ash then let Lillipup go to Lenora as he got his Poké Balls ready.
"All right..." Ash said, before looking at Tepig and Oshawott's Poké Balls. "I'm counting on you two!" Ash then turned his attention to the Pokémon Connoisseur. "Cilan, Iris, watch Pikachu for me!"
"Okay!" Iris said.
"First things first. Watchog, return!" Lenora said before turning her attention towards her challenger. "What do you say we start?"
"You bet!" Ash replied.
"The Nacrene Gym Battle between Lenora and Ash is about to begin!" Hawes announced. "Lenora, the gym leader, and Ash Ketchum, the challenger from Pallet Town! Challenger has the first move! And battle begin!"
"Lillipup, go!"
"Oh my!" Iris observed as Lillipup's friendly demeanor changed into that of fierce determination. "Lillipup's tough!"
"Quite a change from that cute Pokémon a minute ago." Cilan added. "It must be in battle mode now!"
"Go get 'em, Ash!" Iris shouted.
"Lillipup sure looks ready to rock and roll." Ash commented. "We're ready, too! You're gonna see just how hard we trained! Tepig, I choose you!"
"Wow!" Cilan said. "Tepig's got the spirit as well!"
"Tepig knows Ash's trusting him to be great!" Iris added. "He wants to live up to that trust!"
"Tepig, use Ember!"
Tepig then unleashed barrage of flames at the Puppy Pokémon.
"Lillipup, dodge it!"
Lillipup then moved to the left to avoid it, but couldn't avoid it entirely.
"Now Shadow Ball!"
"Tepig, dodge it!" Ash shouted as a shadowy blob was heading towards Tepig.
"Excellent!" Lenora commented as Tepig dodged the Shadow Ball without fail. "All that training must have paid off."
"Offense, Tepig!" Ash said as Tepig jumped back in front of him after avoid the Shadow Ball. "Tackle, let's go!"
"Show them they're wasting their time with Roar!" Lenora exclaimed as Lillipup was outlined in red as it used the move.
"And we'll exchange as well!" Lenora said, returning Lillipup as Oshawott emerged. Discombobulated at first, the Sea Otter Pokémon became determined. "Watchog, come on out!"
"Watchog, use Mean Look!" Lenora said after her Pokémon emerged.
Watchog's eyes then glowed red as it was surrounded in purple shadows that went above it to form an eye, multitudes of eyes forming around it. Oshawott looked around as he was outlined in a purple color as Mean Look took effect.
"Of course!" Ash said, remembering what was said about Roar and Mean Look. "First off, you used Roar, and then you used Mean Look, so you're using that strategy."
"Well, if you knew this was coming, I hope you came up with some sort of a counterstrategy!" Lenora shouted back.
"You bet I did!" Ash replied. "All right, Oshawott, Razor Shell!"
"All right, Watchog, dodge it!" Lenora shouted as Oshawott came forward, his attack at the ready.
As Watchog tried to dodge it, all the training Oshawott had done previously allowed him to keep up and attack.
"Yeah, that's what I'm talking about." Blue Jacket said to themselves.
"Well, I see that Oshawott is quite fast!" Lenora commented.
"Yeah!" Ash shouted. "So time for a new move! Oshawott, Aqua Jet!"
As Oshawott emerged himself with water, instead of going for his target, he swerved around the gym and landed on the ground.
"Oshawott, are you okay?" Ash inquired.
"Nice to see he hasn't changed much." Blue Jacket said to themselves bemusedly.
"Oshawott!" ("I'm fine!")
"Then use Aqua Jet again!"
"No, Oshawott!" Ash shouted as the Sea Otter Pokémon crashed again.
"Huh, again!" Iris commented.
"Oshawott's Aqua Jet's still a bit shaky, even after all that work!" Cilan added.
"Oshawott!" Ash said.
Ash couldn't help remember when he had tried to get his Gible to use Draco Meteor correctly. Although he got it eventually, it was a long road of failed attempts. Most of which usually ended with a grumpy Piplup. Ash then snickered silently at the memory whilst feeling bad for the poor Pokémon. He also remembered how it was the same with Turtwig's Energy Ball.
"You two are really something." Lenora noted, snapping Ash out of his thoughts. "That Oshawott of yours has probably become a lot faster than before and even learned Aqua Jet." She then added with a sweat-drop. "Although it looks like that move still has quite a ways to go. You don't have enough to defeat me!"
This of course was a surefire way to increase or at the very least keep his determination in the heat of battle going strong.
"Don't be so sure!" Ash retorted. "Oshawott, use Water Gun!"
"Oshawott!" ("Right!")
"Watchog, Confuse Ray, go!" Lenora shouted as Watchog jumped over the Water-type attack.
Watchog then shot balls of yellow light around Oshawott, effectively confusing him.
"Uh oh!" Ash observed. "Oshawott's confused!"
"You can train all you want," Lenora said. "but if your Pokémon's in that state, it won't mean a thing. Don't you think?"
The Blue Jacket visitor couldn't help but think that that's the exactly opposite of what Ash usually thinks. As long as his Pokémon are up, he's determined to the win the battle.
"It's our turn, Watchog!" Lenora exclaimed. "I think we'll use Thunderbolt!"
"Deflect it with Razor Shell!" Ash shouted as Watchog fired the electrical energy.
Although he was confused, he managed to deflect it for some time before taking the brunt of the super-effective attack.
"Oshawott, use Water Gun and show 'em what you've got!" Ash said after Oshawott landing on his feet.
The Sea Otter Pokémon complied and fired the attack...at the wall.
"Oshawott!" Ash shouted.
"In addition to being confused," Cilan shouted. "Oshawott was hit with an Electric-type move with a type advantage, so I'm afraid Oshawott has taken a large amout of damage at this point!"
"Are you telling me Ash might lose this?" Iris asked. "For real? And after all that training to prepare for this too."
"We're gonna win!" Ash said determinedly, a fist raised in that same determination.
And that's what I love about you Ash. Blue Jacket thought to herself. One of the things that you can always count on is his unending determination no matter the odds against him.
"Now, Aqua Jet, let's go!" Ash shouted.
"I say let's finish this up!" Lenora exclaimed as Oshawott emerged himself in water again. "Watchog, Thunderbolt!"
Lenora was then caught off-guard with genuine surprise as the Thunderbolts dodged Oshawott completely, one even reflected right off of the Aqua Jet itself.
"Do it!" Ash shouted.
Oshawott then crashed into Watchog, causing some billows of white smoke to appear.
"Oshawott!"
"Watchog, no!"
"Watchog and Oshawott are both unable to battle!" Hawes announced after looking back and forth to make sure he wasn't hallucinating or something.
"And that's why I love Water Pokémon." Blue Jacket said to herself. "Even though - Oshawott? - fainted, it managed to defeat Watchog." She then added with a sweat-drop. "Of course, I probably could've wound up on top if it was me battling." Her thoughts of how she was an aspiring Water-type Pokémon Master inflating her ego a little.
"Oshawott's shaky Aqua Jet ended up hitting its target after it had been struck with Thunderbolt!" Cilan said. "It's like two coincidences colliding and creating an exquisite harmony! Pokémon Battles are such truly interesting events!"
"And now, Ash and Lenora have on Pokémon each, which means all Ash needs to do is beat Lillipup to win that badge!" Iris said.
"Great, Oshawott." Ash said, returning the fainted Sea Otter Pokémon. "You deserve a good rest!"
"What do you know." Lenora said. "Ash's Oshawott defeated my Watchog, but I'm afraid your luck is not gonna last! Lillipup, let's go!"
"Tepig, I choose you!"
Both Pokémon emerged with determined expressions.
"All right!" Ash said. "Tepig, use Ember!"
"Dodge it quick!" Lenora said.
Before Lillipup could move, it was struck head-on with the Ember attack.
"Lillipup!"
Lillipup then started to do something unexpected. It was evolving.
"Well what do you know," Lenora said, impressed. "Lillipup evolved into Herdier."
"Herdier huh." Ash said, momentarily checking the Pokémon in his Pokédex.
"Herdier, the Loyal Dog Pokémon and the evolved form of Lillipup. Herdier's hard black fur softens its opponent's attacks like armor." The Pokédex uttered.
"Uh oh." Iris commented. "Is this bad news for Ash?"
"It certainly has an interesting fragrance to it." Cilan replied.
"His opponent evolving isn't going to stop him." Blue Sweatshirt said to herself as the newly evolved Pokémon stared down Tepig.
"Attack again with Ember!"
"Protect, quick!"
As Tepig fired the Ember attack, Herdier put up a green shield, easily deflecting the attack.
"Tackle, let's go!"
Tepig then slammed directly into Herdier, but it was not going to go down that easily.
"Look at Tepig move!" Cilan observed. "Tepig's risen to a new level of speed and power! It's satisfying to see how all that training has paid off in this way."
"Now, Tepig, Tackle once again!"
"Use Shadow Ball!" Lenora ordered as Tepig jumped up to attack.
While dodging two of the four Shadow Balls fired at him, Tepig was hit by the third Shadow Ball. Upon impact, a small cloud of gray smoke appeared.
"Tepig was up way too close to be able to dodge!" Iris said.
"His faster speed allowed Tepig to come in that close." Cilan added. "But in this case, it backfired!"
"Tepig, are you okay?"
"Ash, what a bond you two have!" Lenora remarked. "Tepig wants to live up to your expectations no matter what! But, as the Nacrene Gym Leader, I have expectations too! To give it all I've got!" Lenora then raised her arm as if for dramatic effect. "Herdier, Giga Impact!"
Herdier then jumping into the air, a shining yellow light emanating from its jaws as it was enveloped in it and charged towards the Fire Pig Pokémon. The impact again causing a small puff of gray smoke to appear.
"Tepig!" Ash shouted as Tepig was sent reeling.
"How powerful was that?" Iris asked.
"Lenora's an incredible Normal-type trainer!" Cilan said. "She has such a wide variety of moves, along with such a wide variety of styles."
"I'm not sure whose side you're on." Iris said. "Think about Tepig and Ash!"
"This battle is sure heating up." Blue Sweatshirt said to herself.
"Hang in there, Tepig!" Ash said. "You can still battle 'cause you're strong! And don't ever forget, I believe in you!"
Spurred on by his trainer, Tepig got back to his hooves and glared a little at Herdier.
"Herdier, use Shadow Ball!"
"Tepig, dodge it!" Ash shouted as four balls of blackness were fired.
Tepig was able to masterfully dodge the Shadow Balls, but he was panting, reeling from the damage of Giga Impact.
"Tepig's running out of steam!" Iris commented. "I'm afraid if Lenora lands one more attack, that's it!"
"It'll be the unhappy finish of a long race, the end, no second badge..." Cilan added.
"Wow." Blue Jacket said to herself. "These two - I think they're traveling with Ash now? - don't seem to have a lot of faith in Ash." She then chuckled lightly to herself. "Well, they don't know him like I do, even if it has been several years."
"Pika pika pika Pikapi!" ("You can do it Ash!")
"Axew!" ("Do it!")
"Tepig's almost finished, so keep up the pressure!" Lenora exclaimed. "Shadow Ball, Herdier, let's go!"
"Get going, Tepig!" Ash shouted as the four shadowy orbs appeared once more. "Dodge them all!"
Lenora couldn't help but be taken a little aback at Tepig's dodging and enthusiasm.
"All right, now show 'em some of that firepower!" Ash exclaimed.
Red waves then started to radiate from Tepig as he prepared to launch his Flame Charge attack.
"Herdier, use Giga Impact!" Lenora retaliated.
A ball of light then appeared above Herdier's mouth as it jumped into the air and was enveloped in the aura of its Giga Impact, determined to finish the battle.
"Show 'em how strong you are now!" Ash shouted. "Flame Charge, go!"
"Go Tepig!" Iris, Cilan, and Blue Sweatshirt shouted. Although, Blue Jacket murmured it to herself instead of shouting aloud as to not attract any attention.
"Pika pika!" ("You can win it!")
"Axew!" (Go for it!")
As the Flame Charge collided with Giga Impact, an explosion of gray smoke appeared.
"Tepig!" Ash shouted as the smoke began to clear.
"Herdier! Get up, get up!"
"Come on, Tepig, get up!"
The Loyal Dog Pokémon and the Fire Pig Pokémon were struggling to get up. When they got to their feet, everyone was waiting with held breath to see who would emerge victorious in this battle of fortitude. After a few tense moments, Herdier fell over and collapsed while Tepig stood standing, while only barely.
"Herdier is unable to battle!" Hawes announced. "Tepig is the winner, which also means that the victory goes to Ash Ketchum, the challenger!"
"All right!" Ash exclaimed before rushing onto the field. "Tepig, Tepig! We did it, Tepig!"
"Tepig!" ("Yeah!") Tepig said with a nod of his head.
"Ash!" Cilan said as he and Iris rushed over.
"Ash, that was awesome!" Iris added. "You two did it!"
"We did, thanks for cheering us on!" Ash said.
"Tepig's Flame Charge was great!" Cilan said. "As a matter of fact, it was a great recipe for a battle! Train hard, win hard."
"Connoisseur Boy is right." Lenora said, joining them. "You really are something else, Ash!"
"Right!" Hawes said. "Who would've thought you'd use Flame Charge when you did? You really caught the two of totally by surprise!"
"All kidding aside, I really admire your battle style." Lenora said.
"Thanks very much, Lenora!" Ash said.
"Here, this is the Basic Badge." Lenora said, presenting Ash with his second Unova Gym Battle Badge. "Good luck in future battles and keep believing in all of your Pokémon."
"I will!" Ash said. "You don't have to worry about that."
"How great is this?" Ash remarked as he took the Basic Badge and struck his signature victory pose. "I got the Basic Badge!"
Pikachu, Oshawott, and Tepig jumped up to expressed their enthusiasm that they felt as well.
Those present simply laughed, unaware that someone was leaving from their hiding spot at the stairs. "I'm proud of you Ash." She said as she went back up the staircase.
As Ash and Company headed back to the Pokémon Center, after they had arrived and Nurse Joy healed his Pokémon, she also examined his Pokémon Egg.
"Ash, here's your Pokémon Egg." Nurse Joy said.
"Thanks, Nurse Joy, you've been a big help!" Ash said.
"Thank you!" Nurse Joy said. "I gave your egg a thorough exam. It's in great health, and it should hatch really soon!"
"Wow, really?" Ash asked excitedly, already thinking of the prospect of a new Pokémon Friend.
"Yes, so please make sure that you take good care of it." Nurse Joy replied.
"Right!" Ash said.
They then walked outside, the two other teens on either side of Cilan as he determined their next destination.
"Let's see..." Cilan began, looking at his map of Unova. "The closest city with a gym...Castelia City!"
"The Castelia Gym!" Iris exclaimed. "So, Ash, are you going to challenge it?"
"You bet! What kind of question is that?" Ash replied. "And I'm gonna win my third gym badge there, too!"
Ash's excitement then turned to puzzlement and then to shock when he saw something.
"Uh Ash?" Cilan asked curiously, waving his hand in front of the Pokémon Trainer. "Hello?"
"Ash!" Iris shouted. "Wake up!"
Ash's eyes however were frozen on what he was looking at, disbelieving what he was seeing.
"You look like you've seen a Ghost-type." Cilan commented.
"You could say that." Ash managed to get out. "How about you two go get a room for the night in the Pokémon Center?"
"But why Ash?" Cilan inquired, but before he could press further, Iris had already grabbed ahold of Cilan's wrist.
"I think we should leave him alone." Iris said.
"I suppose so." Cilan said, looking back at the Pokémon Trainer.
Ash just could not believe what his eyes were seeing.
"How can she be here?" Ash murmured, a tone of incredulity in his voice.
Standing some way away, her orange hair swaying softly in the evening air was someone he thought he might never see again. Right there, was Misty Waterflower.
"Misty?" Ash wondered aloud, his breath hitched in his throat.
Author's Notes: And there you have it, Ash has won his second gym badge! I believe that was all that happened in this chapter. Wait...what? You mean something else happened? Oh, that, how silly of me. So, yeah, Misty has arrived into Ash's field of vision! Their meeting, however will occur in the next chapter. Until then, later! And it seems that this story has passed five thousand views, so be sure to keep looking for updates and reading and reviewing.