The Game Corner buzzed with activity around the jukebox that played that catchy tune. Meanwhile, the tables were full of eager Pokémon willing to gamble for both the promise of unobtainable riches or the thrill of risking it all. And a large portion of it was given over to a small traveling restaurant.
Pikachu idly sat near the rice cooker as he ran a small, but consistent electrical charge through the built-in induction coils of the pot. The lunch rush had already passed them by, with dinner hours away; there was simply not much to do while waiting in between other than getting some practice in. He wondered just exactly how his life ended up the way it was now.
He used to be a wild Pokémon, like any other. His sole parent was a Kangeskhan, sure, but that was hardly abnormal for abandoned eggs in the wild. Then he was captured for chewing on electrical wires and given to a strange boy who had impossible dreams and improbable adventures. Now, said boy was a Riolu, a Pokémon just like him and said Riolu was practicing his newest move.
"Metal Claw!" Ash shouted at the top of his lungs, turning the tips of his fingers into hardened steel.
"You know, you don't have to shout the attack name, Ash!" Misty complained from behind him, whilst frying rice.
"It's more fun that way!" Pikachu defended, arms crossed. After all, Ash learned how to be a Pokémon from him. "Besides, Staryu is worse at it. You just haven't seen him in a fight yet!"
Misty shook her head and went back to stirring fried rice.
Ash then used his sharpened claws to slice onions, carrots, and potatoes, mincing them into tiny pieces that were small and easy to chew on. Then the trainer-turned-Pokémon threw them all into a pot and let them simmer.
Pikachu smiled brightly. It was good to see how far he had come in just a little over a week.
Pikachu continued to stare at the rice cooker, steam rising from its ports. The formerly wild Pikachu caught a glimpse of himself in the cooker's polished exterior, a misshapen yellow image that only partially resembled himself. He chuckled, imaging himself. If he ever went back in time and told himself about his journey, his previous self would balk at the idea of him becoming a food laborer instead of running away into the wilderness where he would be free; though Pikachu felt at peace, even enjoying his lot in life.
"Hey, Pikachu, catch a taste of this!" Ash sidled up to him, a spoon in his paws full of soup. Some time had passed.
Ceasing to put more power into the induction heaters, because the rice was now done, Pikachu smiled as he brought his mouth to the spoon and sniffed at the vapors rising from the spoon before taking it in his mouth.
Not being an expert in taste, Pikachu couldn't quite describe the flavor as being anything other than tangy and with a heavy emphasis on potatoes.
Pikachu wished he had the marvel that was tomato ketchup, but the soup was okay. "It's good. A bit different from before."
"That's because it's a new recipe," Ash smiled warmly. "Brock says that to try making new things to learn where you might improve, to experiment, to… try new things, so you can learn." He then looked at his own paws. "It's important in battling, too. You can't just do the same thing over and over again, otherwise you'll be boring and predictable."
Pikachu nodded, understanding. He didn't have any new ideas to try just yet, but the advice was sound.
"'Ey Twerp, Pikachu!" Meowth called to them as he walked over.
"Hey, Meowth!" Ash called back.
"What do you want, Meowth? Can't you see we're busy?" Pikachu responded in a dry tone. It was an odd, albeit relaxing experience to never worry that every Meowth he met was a serial kidnapper or that there was some sort of electricity proofed robot stashed somewhere ready to grab him. Now, they were just in the same building, because it was a convenient arrangement to meet the same goals. That they were even talking to each other so casually was still surreal.
"'Ey! We're payin' ya' loads ta get outta here! So, ya' gotta be nice!" Meowth shook his head. "Anyways, I gots to thinkin'... I'mma bit weird ain't I?"
"You're not weird Meowth," Ash then frowned. "But maybe that's just because you're the first Meowth I met."
Pikachu shook his head and corrected his close friend. "Meowth is weird, very weird. He doesn't walk and talk like a Meowth should. He can speak the language, but his accent is just… terrible." Pikachu then started to laugh as he realized a funny cosmic joke about Meowth.
Meowth glowered at them both. "Wat's so funny, Mouse?"
"Your partners are better Pokémon than you are," Pikachu explained. Come to think of it, all of the humans here were surprisingly well adjusted to being Pokémon now. It's been ten days and pretty much all of them had the right body motions, the right speaking habits, and most importantly, all of them knew how to fight as Pokémon. They didn't do everything Pokémon of their type did, but it was good enough. In contrast, Meowth walked like a human, had a funny accent, and basically didn't know how to do anything like a Meowth. Feeling spiteful after a year being chased by the cat Pokémon, Pikachu added another question. "Hey, do they have any moves yet? If they do, that's another point!"
Meowth gave him an unamused look.
"Pikachu," Ash raised his voice slightly, clearly he was upset over it.
"Hey, he deserves it!" Pikachu spat back.
Meowth sighed. "I'm just worried. Der's dese Pokémon given' me odd looks."
"I can't help you there, Meowth," Pikachu responded back. "Other than maybe just pretending to be a normal Meowth. Maybe ditch the clothes for a few days and start using your legs like you're supposed to." He shook his head. "Then again, maybe you'll be fine. The Pokémon here, they already act a bit too human if you ask me."
Ash gave him a look.
"Ash, all of these Maiju don't act like Pokémon," Pikachu raised a paw. "There's shops and stalls, and all sorts of jobs instead of everyone going about their day gathering food like I used to do in the wild. And I don't think I've seen any of them live in a tree or anything normal. I guess they're more like trained Pokémon than wild ones, but it's kind of unnerving."
Meowth frowned. "Ya' may have a point der."
Then, Squirtle came darting into the tent. "Hey, Boss and uh, Boss! You guys won't believe what I saw!"
"What's wrong, Squirtle? I thought you were out shopping for replacement ingredients," Ash raised the question.
"Well, here's the thing, Boss. I went past the Dojo, there's a lot of Pokémon there!" Squirtle exclaimed.
Realizing what it meant, Pikachu lightly elbowed his best friend. "Ash, the Dojo might be open."
Ash's demeanor changed significantly as he came to the realization of what was about to happen. "And that means, we can have our first Gym battle! Er, Dojo battle!"
Pikachu smiled back at his friend's infectious enthusiasm. It was always so exciting to see Ash like this. He didn't originally want to partake in the Gym Challenge or even be an owned Pokémon at all, but his trainer's sheer enthusiasm made him warm up to the idea.
Meowth, still in the conversation, spoke. "So, I guess dat means ya guys are goin'?"
Ash nodded. "Yeah, I can't wait to get my first badge er, Emera." He madea face. "You guys want to come along?"
Pikachu frowned, but accepted that this was partly in his trainer's nature to be so trusting.
Meowth shook his head. "Nah. I got loads ta do. 'Specially since we got a new attraction!"
Pikachu nodded his head and accepted this. It wasn't really in his interest to make friends with his kidnappers, though relative peace was better than being harassed every other day. "Alright, Meowth. We'll see you later."
The moment news of the Dojo opening became known to everyone, priorities shifted abruptly to allow as many Pokémon as possible to see the upcoming event. Goldeen and Bulbasaur opted to stay behind to sell what leftover food remained, with the rest coming along to see the battles that were about to take place.
Team Rocket also opted to remain at the Game Corner, they apparently were busy with a new project to improve their business.
Pikachu looked behind himself to observe his teammates.
It was a given that Ash came along; the Riolu-trainer smiled brightly at Pikachu, a noticeable spring in his step as he ran.
Behind him were Misty and Brock, both Gym Leaders were interested to see just how different the League here was to what they expected back home.
Togepi followed behind Misty with Staryu and Squirtle carefully ensuring that the little Egg Pokémon was safe.
Meanwhile, Vulpix was giving Brock awkward glances as she trailed behind her trainer. Onix took up the rear, having been allowed to take a break from his construction job.
Charizard and Zubat flew above, both on a slow glide as they kept pace with the party.
The last member of their group, Zorua, stood at the very tail end, verbally contemplating something about… wood varnish.
When they arrived at the Quartz Bay Dojo, they observed at least two dozen Pokémon all practicing stances and movements in front of a duo of teachers. Quite a large number of them were bipedal, though there were still plenty of quadrupeds and at least one of them was a round green bird.
Pikachu smiled at Ash. "So, if we lose this, what are we going to do to power you up? Ask Team Rocket to make a waterwheel and hook you up to it?"
"Hey, you wouldn't have to force me!" Ash stuck out his tongue. "But that'd also mean I'd have to lose!"
Pikachu chuckled. Oh, it was so good to have Ash talk back to him like this. A conversation like that was impossible before; at best, Ash would get a good idea based on the situation, but he would never get any of the tangents or in-jokes. He would have understood that Pikachu was asking about what he would do if he lost, but would completely miss the part about calling back to their own original first Gym battle against Brock and how they used a waterwheel to power Pikachu up.
Brock, noting this, gave them a bemused look. "I'm pretty sure all that'll achieve is getting Ash electrocuted."
The group walked towards the training Pokémon, prompting the members of the Dojo to turn a side eye at them. Some even stopped what they were doing entirely, giving the newcomers a careful berth.
Chairzard and Zubat came down nearby. The orange dragon studied the Pokémon with a certain eagerness.
Pikachu glared at Charizard. While the flying reptile was at the very least more cooperative enough to light a fire when asked, Pikachu deemed he still had a long way to go before he could be trusted. "Don't ruin this, okay?"
"I won't," Charizard grunted, but didn't seem particularly eager to be compliant.
Pikachu fumed, but said nothing. This was an important day.
Two Pokémon with bodies that bore white mantles mixed with green bodies that stood in front of the class of training Pokémon, rose and gave their attention to Pikachu's group. One almost appeared as if wearing a flowing dress, while the other bore blade-like protrusions on the elbows. Pikachu had heard of Pokémon of this type before, but never seen them up close; Gardevior and Gallade gave them inquisitive glances before the Gallade spoke up.
We are the Sensei of this Dojo. Are you here to challenge our Dojo? Gallade asked, his voice spoken not as words but as thoughts that manifested in the minds of those that could listen; telepathy. Or are you here to join it?
Eager, Ash spoke up as he stood forward. "To challenge you."
Gallade turned to Gardevior and they seemed petrified for a moment.
And you're all in the same group? There are many of you. Gardevior questioned, eying them all.
Pikachu nodded. "I'm with him!"
"And so are we," Misty spoke up for her Pokémon.
Brock nodded. "Though not all of us will be fighting. Some are simply here to watch."
Gardevior nodded. Present your Looplet. She then asked, levitating herself and then raising a hand.
Ash stepped up to the two and raised his left hand. The silver bracelet that was the Looplet glittered and glowered faintly.
As you have no Emeras, this denotes that this is your first challenge. Gallade intoned. The disciples of the Dojo all knelt down and bowed as he stepped closer and closer to Ash. You walk a path that many have tread before, though not everyone completes it. Still, you are welcome to challenge us today, not only to test yourselves, but also to test our pupils.
Honor demands satisfaction, an adherence to the rules and fair play where possible. Gardevior followed behind Gallade, her psychic voice echoing through Pikachu's mind. My brother and I or, if not us ourselves, our students will test you to the best of our abilities, pitting you against as evenly matched an opponent as possible, in as fair a fight as reasonable.
There are many of you, but for this contest, you will select one member of your group and we will match him as best as possible to someone from our Dojo. Ideally, someone in the same weight class and skill level. Gallade continued as if they rehearsed this constantly with how quickly and smoothly he transitioned. They shall battle until one falls or concedes. We shall then repeat this process until one side or the other has three victories.
Pikachu nodded. The rules basically laid out a series one on one fights with the requirement that both combatants had to be evenly matched in theory. This was perfect.
There are other stipulations. Gardevior said next. While not illegal in this dojo, item use is frowned upon. If you insist on using an item in your matches, we will equip our representative appropriately. Additionally, please do not cause too much collateral damage.
Gallade then finished. When you are ready, present your first combatant.
The group of trainers and Pokémon hundled close to each other, pitching out ideas.
"So, we have to pick up five of us?" Ash thought out loud.
"Or less, depending on if we win before the fifth round or not," Brock stated.
Pikachu butted into the group and turned to Ash. "You should fight this, Ash. It'll be your first Gym Battle."
Ash chuckled. "I don't know Pikachu, I've had eight Gym battles already."
"No, you haven't!" Pikachu said clearly. "You were just a glorified spectator!" After all, Ash didn't fight any of his battles himself. Now, he could.
Ash smirked. "I guess you're when you put it that way."
"I'm willing to give it a go," Misty said. "But maybe we should work out who doesn't want to fight first?"
Psyduck shook his head, to the surprise of no one. "Not me!"
Zorua shook her head, too. "I generally don't like fighting."
Charizard spoke up. "Hey, I want to get a piece of that Gallade or Gardevior. They look strong."
Pikachu glared up at Charizard.
Brock came by and pointed to a bundle of sticks Vulpix held in her jaws. "It might just be faster if we drew sticks. Longer or shortest are who we send in that order."
"That is much simpler!" Staryu exclaimed.
Pokémon lined up and each took a stick from Vulpix's mouth, either taking it themselves or Geodude selecting it for them.
In the end, it was decided the Pokemen with the shortest sticks would fight. In order of fighting, it was Staryu, Brock, Charizard, Ash, and then lastly Squirtle. Togepi technically would have been number three, but Misty vetoed that since she wasn't supposed to take a stick at all.
"Hey, Pikachu," Ash asked. "Why didn't you take a stick?"
"I want to fight. I really do," Pikachu smiled as he noted that his closest friend noticed something he didn't do. "But it's more important you have a go at this. If I took a stick, there was less of a chance of you winning a go. This should be your first Gym Battle. You should be the one to do it."
Ash frowned. "I'm a bit worried since there's all these Psychic-types and Fairy-types, but I guess it's sort of like when I sent you and Pidgeotto against Onix." He chuckled. "You know, we've been traveling for nearly two weeks before I sent you against Brock, almost the same amount of time I've been like this."
Pikachu gave an awkward laugh as he realized the parallels. "I wasn't thinking about that, but you're right. It's a funny coincidence." He smiled back. "But I'm sure you'll give it your best."
Ash adjusted his hat, turning it backwards as he went to make a serious expression. "Yeah, I will. Thanks, Pikachu." He then got up and walked over to Gallade. "We've decided who wants to fight!"
Pikachu took a step back and beamed at his trainer with pride. Ash becoming a Riolu was the best thing to ever happen to them, because of how much it changed everything. Before Ash was always close to him, ever since the Spearow nearly killed him. When he eventually went back home and…
The electric mouse's eyes watered slightly, a pang of something… saddening seeped into his heart. He didn't know why, but he knew something… bothered him.
These students have chosen to take arms against you. Gardevoir's telepathic voice was deep as the sea. Staryu against Espurr. Rockruff versus Clefairy. Charizard against shall fight either myself or my brother, Riolu against Mienfoo, and lastly, if necessary, Squirtle faces against Xatu. This shall serve as our arena.
Misty eyed the chosen battleground, a rocky arena paved with large flagstones where its outer edge was framed by flowing water. The Dojo occupied one end of the battleground, while Misty and her group took the other end. With just a few chalk outlines, it might have been Indigo League standard. Maybe if her sisters saw it, they would try to make an arena like that…
Staryu's light flashed before her. "It looks marvelous, doesn't it, Mistress?"
"It does." Misty smiled at her starter. Though she wasn't fighting in an official capacity today, at the very least, she would get to see how Staryu was coming along with his training. "Will you be okay?"
Staryu's top most limb dropped slightly. "As ready as I can be, though I admit I would prefer I had your guiding vision."
Misty nodded. In this land, Pokémon did not have trainers telling them what to do. While this was fine for many Pokémon in their group, since they had once been wild, Staryu was born into her family and had always fought under the watchful eye of a trainer. "You'll be okay," she reassured him. "I believe in you, okay?"
"Duly noted!" Staryu then spun in place once before raising his limbs up in his idea of an excited gesture. He flew into arena, just as soon as Espurr walked in.
The young gray cat Pokémon took up a defensive posture against Staryu. Neither Misty's Pokémon, nor the opponent had an obvious type advantage over the other, yet both had the option to learn super effective moods with special training.
"So, you're my opponent?" Espurr declared proudly. "I better make this quick!"
"I wouldn't be too sure about that!" Staryu retorted. "You will be making a mistake if you take me too lightly."
Gallade and Gardevior eyed each other, wordlessly communicating perhaps through telepathy.
Espurr, do not fall prey to your arrogance. Respect your opponent. Gallade intoned.
"I know that!" Espurr shouted.
Gardevoir stepped between the two Pokémon and raised a hand. Staryu against Espurr. She brought her hand low in a single motion. Begin!
Misty opened her mouth almost to shout an order to Staryu, but closed it just in time. She wasn't Staryu's trainer at the moment, but old habits die hard.
Staryu spun into action, levitating himself off the ground and spinning rapidly. He practically transformed himself into a comet as he came barrelling down at Espurr. "Dynamic Comet Spin! Hiyah!"
Misty blinked. Staryu always shouted a cry when in combat, ever since she had the Star Shape Pokémon in her possession, but she never realized that he liked to… embellish his move names.
"Not fast enough!" Espurr raised both his paws in response and a shimmering barrier formed right in front of him.
Staryu impacted the barrier, his spinning parts breaking several pieces of it, but the Reflect wall held.
Espurr then immediately drew purplish psychic power into himself and then a pulse of that power lashed out at Staryu.
Staryu, still spinning, rapidly dodged out of the way. "Hah! It will take more than a lowly Confusion to strike me down!" he continued to spin, gaining momentum as he did so.
Visibly frustrated, Espurr drew more on psychic power into himself and hurled a volley of thin prismatic beams at Staryu, each no larger than a hair's width.
"Is that a Psybeam?" Vulpix was the one to speak up.
Misty nodded, holding an awed Togepi. "It looks like a variant of it, maybe one meant for quick attacks."
"It is," Zorua responded. "Agile style training was used to modify Espurr's moves from the norm. This reduces both the effort required to use the move, making it both easier to use in succession and faster to employ.."
The flurry of light chased around Staryu, the Star Shape Pokémon, evading most of it by focusing his efforts into purely dodging. Perhaps he was hoping that Espurr would tire out and leave himself open?
That did not happen. Instead, a pinprick of light impacted Staryu, knocking him out of his rhythm. That opening then caused a flood of light to hammer at Staryu.
"Staryu!" Misty shouted as she saw her oldest friend fall.
"Yes!" Espurr cheered.
Staryu spun and threw himself out from the crash of light. "My, that had me worried for a second there. Have at thee! Super Water Gun! Hiyah!" Then he brought himself closer to Espurr and blasted out a jet of water from one of his limbs.
Espurr, still conjuring Psybeams, did not have enough time to redirect his focus into conjuring up a defensive barrier and found himself blasted several feet back.
The gray cat Pokémon stumbled and fell onto a knee, but rose and stood. He brought up another magical shield, this time a golden barrier covered his body, a Light Screen. "Not so fast!"
"You'll find that I am indeed quite fast! Shooting Star Spin! Hiyah! " Staryu spun again, building momentum and then throwing himself at the Light Screen.
Misty chuckled. Staryu was just… something else now that she could understand what he really was like beyond constantly shouting everywhere.
Espurr dispelled his Light Screen and brought up Reflect once again. "Do you really have to shout up… random attack names? It's telegraphing and it's making you so easy to counter!" He then gathered power to prepare for a Confusion once again.
Misty worried for Staryu's safety. She wanted to call out instructions, to tell her friend what to do in this situation, but even if she was allowed to speak, Espurr could hear and understand her.
Then Staryu erupted with a torrent of water forming around him, while he was still spinning. "Spinning Water Gun! Hiyah!"
Espurr had good fundamentals at raising barriers to block attacks, but apparently, he could only maintain one set of barriers at a time; Reflect to block physical attacks, Light Screen to cover special attacks. Unfortunately, that did nothing against an enemy that did both at the same time.
The Rapid Spin - Water Gun combination may have been physically stopped, but the Water Gun went through the Reflect like it wasn't even.
Espurr was knocked backwards several spaces and fell into the waters that framed the outside of the arena.
Gardevior telekinetically lifted the wet cat from the water. You have left the arena. This is evidence of a defeat.
Espurr choked on some water and groaned. He still looked like he wanted to fight, but frowned. "...Yes, Ma'am."
Espurr was then lifted and returned to his team.
Staryu floated down to Misty, no longer spinning rapidly. She laughed, seeing her starter pull off such a good show. "That was great, Staryu! I didn't know you could do that!"
"Indeed, Mistress. I did not know either!" Staryu's light pulsed rapidly. "Though, I don't know if I should do that again…"
Then Staryu promptly fell over.
"Is Mister Staryu going to be okay, Mommy?" Togepi asked innocently.
Misty brought a paw over to Staryu. He was moving. "I think he's just exhausted because he used two moves at the same time. Which is fine, I think he's earned the rest."
With Misty tending to her exhausted Pokémon, Brock stiffened his body and readied his mind for the challenge ahead. This was his first and only time being the challenger for what was essentially Citrine's idea of a Gym battle; his entire career as a trainer had only been from the defender's perspective.
Next Challenger. Rockruff against Clefairy. Gardevior intoned, calling him out.
Brock stiffened as if he was entirely made of inanimate rock. Was he getting cold feet? Or was he too excited?
Onix's body shifted behind him and nudged his forwards with surprising finesse for a gigantic rock snake. "Go now. Win big."
"Yeah, you'll do great!" Vulpix agreed.
Zubat hollered. "We'll be right here watching you!"
Geodude gave him a thumbs up.
Brock's Pokémon giving him words of encouragement gave the Rockruff the will to press forward. He leapt over the watery boundary line into the arena
Opposite him was a Clefairy, a Pokémon he thought he knew enough about. Normal-type, no wait, Fairy-type. And relatively physically weak, but more prone to having decent special endurance and attacking power. Which was essentially his opposite.
"Oh, my! Isn't this fascinating? You're an adorable Rockruff, aren't you?" Clefairy giggled as she pointed at him.
"Uh, thanks?" Brock blinked.
Gallade's psychic voice howled. Clefairy, Rockruff, are you ready?
Brock nodded his head.
Clefairy twirled in place and laughed to herself. "Yes, I am!"
Gardevior raised a hand and brought it down. Begin!
Brock immediately leapt forward, using his legs to close the distance.
In return, Clefairy giggled and laughed as she raised a paw and twirled around and curled into a ball, a Defense Curl.
Brock came down at her, bringing his teeth to bear. As a canine stuck on all fours, the Rockruff had been forced to get used to being a Pokémon without hands. Though he had worked over his initial frustrations, that still left him wishing that things were different; especially since he still missed his thumbs. And those emotions bubbled in the back of his mind as he brought a Bite on to Clefairy,
Clefairy's body was surprisingly resistant, almost like rubber. He couldn't sink his teeth deep enough to cause serious damage, but that was when Clefairy undid her defense curl, raising a paw to point at him and then…struck a pose?
"Hello, adorable Rockruff!" Clefairy winked at him and twirled. "You wouldn't hurt little old me, wouldn't you?"
"Uh… but we're fighting?" Brock leapt away, unsure of how to take this.
Then abruptly, Clefairy's mood changed as her eyes turned into a sharp glare. She leapt into the air and brought both of her paws together.
Brock, having seen this move before, leapt out of the way and let the incoming Rock Smash hit the ground and shatter the flagstones.
"Hey, you were supposed to let me hit you!" Clefairy complained.
Brock had no retort to say to that. He went and lunged at Clefairy once again.
Clefairy raised a forelimb forward and allowed Brock to sink his teeth into it this time. "Owie!" Clefairy complained. "That's mean!"
She then tossed him off of her.
Landing on his feet, Brock then remembered something important. Fairy was resistant versus Dark-type moves and Bite was for some reason a Dark-type move and not Normal-type. Suddenly, he really wished he spent the time learning a Steel-type move with Ash and Pikachu.
Clefairy then… stopped to make another pose and flashed him a wink. "Oh, cute Rockruff, you wouldn't hurt little old me, wouldn't you?" she repeated.
Brock just stared. This was the second time she had done that, using nearly the same words as before. What was she expecting for him to do? Realizing that none of his moves were going to have type advantage over her, he instead opted to use his best move. He gathered energy and strength into the collar of rocks along his neck and conjured a stone and hurled it at the Clefairy. "Rock Throw!"
The stone hit Clefairy, winding her and causing her to fall to the ground.
"Are you Oblivious or something?" Clefairy sneered. "Why do you keep attacking me?"
"Because we're fighting!" Brock declared, hurling another Rock Throw. This wasn't what he expected for a first Gym battle, but clearly, something about Clefairy's strategy had fallen apart completely.
On the other hand, Clefairy had Rock Smash.
Clefairy bought her paws together and crushed the incoming rock before charging forward. "That's it! No more Miss Nice Fairy!"
Panicking, Brock threw three more Rock Throws at the Clefairy in Quick succession. One impacted Clefairy, while she managed to avoid the other two.
Clefairy lunged at him and impacted the fighting type move onto Brock's side.
A massive amount of pain sprung from Brock's side as he felt the attack break through his coarse fur.
He knew he couldn't take too many hits like that. He needed to end the fight!
He thrust his head onto Clefairy. If he had time to practice, he might have learned Iron Head, but an impromptu Headbutt would have to do.
Clefairy stumble back, unable to maintain her focus.
Brock lunged again, causing the Fairy-type to deflate slightly. She flailed her arms up, uncertain of what to do.
A third time, Brock lunged, but this time Clefairy was ready for him. She brought both of her paws together and formed one last Rock Smash.
Brock, not seeing any other option for victory, charged. He rammed one last Headbutt into Clefairy, just as the Fairy-type shattered something inside of him. More pain sprung from Brock's body, a sensation not unlike burning fire mixed with needles along the site of the injury.
Clefairy, on the other hand, fell to the ground, and did not move. "...Pudding…" she mumbled.
Clefairy is unable to battle. The winner is Rockruff! Gardevoir announced.
Brock groaned as he lazily walked away from the arena and returned to his Pokémon.
The Dojo definitely seemed to be on the money when they picked an even fight for him. Not that it made the pain any worse.
When he arrived, his Pokémon all looked at him funny.
"Are… you okay?" Zubat was the one to voice the question on his Pokémon's minds.
"I'm… fine?" the Rockruff had little idea of what to say. He found the travel back that he started carrying around in Citrine and pulled out a medicine bottle Zorua had given him. "Geodude, can you help me with this?"
"Sure!" Geodude pulled the cork stopped out of the bottle and brought the medicine over to Brock's lips. The medicine was bitter, but the Rockruff tasted worse.
Vulpix just stared at him. "Brock, Clefairy was using Cute Charm and Attract on you! How were you able to resist it?"
Drinking a sip of a healing potion, Brock blinked. "Wait, is that what she was trying to do?" So much for being honorable, but then again, "All is Fair in Love and War" might have been a saying here just as much as it was back home.
Vulpix quaked like Zorua back when they first met her. "Uh, yes. She was er… flirting with you."
Brock stared.
"Like a bunch of other Pokémon," Geodude added, the slight rumble of a rocky laugh in his tone. "Funny, you used to chase after dames, but now, the little ladies try to flirt with you."
"Oh… Is that what was happening?" Brock suddenly felt rather embarrassed realizing this. Come to think of it, that Murkrow in Opalton gave him a discount for seemingly no reason at all. And there might have been other Pokémon in Quartz Bay that were attracted to him and he just didn't realize it, until now.
The Rockruff kicked the ground. "I guess the reason why Clefairy didn't affect me is because I am not attracted to Pokémon?" After all, he was human, not a Rockruff. Just because he was one right now, that didn't change the fact that this was temporary.
Onix grumbled a laugh. "Brock ironic. Always wanted girls. Now girls want Brock. Does not care!"
Vulpix gave him a nervous look and then turned to point to the battle that was about to unfold. "Hey, uh…Charizard is about to go next!"
Just as Brock and Clefairy left the arena, Ash began to worry. His team had won the first two fights and that meant there was a strong pressure for the last three combatants to score the win.
Ash looked up at Charizard with a certain hesitation. While Charizard was willing to help out every now and again, but this had been the first time that the fire dragon had come close to anything like a real fight. "Okay, Charizard, you ready for this?"
Charizard chortled and pounded his clawed fists together. "Yeah! I've been so bored out of my mind!"
Ash nodded cautiously. At least, this time, Charizard wanted to fight, unlike every other time where he was the one to pick the time and place of battle.
"Just you watch, I will win this!" Then without any further waiting, the orange dragon flew into the arena and landed with a satisfying thud.
Both Gallade and Gardevior met the other's gaze and wordlessly began to communicate. Perhaps they were picking which of them would fight?
Pikachu, who stood near Ash, stuck out his tongue and blew a raspberry at the flaming lizard.
Charizard, in response, turned his head away, dismissing Pikachu entirely.
"Hey, Pikachu, cut it out," Ash reprimanded. "Charizard's been a lot nicer lately."
Pikachu crossed his arms, a strong sense of frustration coming from him. "Maybe. Can't say I know why."
Having spent nearly two weeks as a Riolu, Ash realized that one of the strange abilities that he had was that he could sense other people's emotional states, though only when they were very strong. He never asked anyone about it, but he just knew that there was a simmering loathing between Pikachu and Charizard. Why couldn't his Pokémon get along? "Maybe, because he gets to be out of his Pokéball?" Ash suggested.
Pikachu stared at him.
"I mean, he gets to fly around more. And he gets to do what he wants sometimes as long as he does his assigned chores?" In truth, Ash did not know why Charizard was more cooperative as of late. "Of course, maybe it was just because we can talk to each other now?"
"Maybe," Pikachu admitted.
We have decided which of us shall face Charizard. Gardevior's telepathic voice called out and filled everyone's minds. My brother has elected to face the challenger.
Charizard's nostrils flared and visible smoke spilled out. "Alright, make my day!"
"Wow, that's a major diss, Boss!" Squirtle commented. "I don't think Charizard noticed it."
Ash nodded. He may have been clueless sometimes, but the Riolu knew that between the two strange Psychic-types, one of them had a weakness to Flying-type moves. "Type advantage."
"Yeah, they're giving Charizard a type advantageous match up," Pikachu answered. "Gallade, I think, is Psychic and Fighting. Charizard has Wing Attack."
Gallade leapt into the arena and faced down Charizard. My opponent. I wish you the best of luck.
"I don't need luck," Charizard spat back as he slammed a foot on the ground. "Now, give me your best shot!"
Very well. Gallade nodded and turned to his sister.
Gardevior lifted a hand and then brought it down. Begin!
Then immediately, Gallade vanished in the blink of an eye and appeared right to Charizard's side.
Ash knew what that was, Gallade had used Teleport to close the distance and take a swing at Charizard.
Charizard was caught off guard when a slash went against his belly. He reeled and stumbled, but regained his footing. The great lizard opened his mouth and a stream of fire erupted forth. "Flamethrower!"
Gallade was caught in the initial sweep of the attack. He rolled to the side to evade, catching a lick of fire as he escaped.
Charizard, seeing this, charged forward, unfurling his wings and then went to bring them down on top of Gallade.
Gallade charged at Charizard and leapt over the attack as it came down where he once was. Charizard's wings pounded against the earth, missing the Psychic-type entirely.
One of Gallade's fists glowed a bright blue just as he slammed the backside of them against Charizard's wings. A coat of frost covered Charizard's back.
"Gah!" Charizard howled as he stumbled forward.
Gallade took advantage of Charizard's momentary vulnerability and repeatedly swiped at Charizard's back in a blinding flurry. With the ice binding him, the orange fire dragon was helpless to stop the attacks from connecting. Then at the end, he slammed a fist into Charizard's back and sent him to the ground; the ice covering Charizard shattered as he impacted the ground.
"Charizard!" Ash shouted, worried for his friend's safety.
Charizard gritted his teeth and slammed his against the ground, cracking the flagstones as he rose and turned. "I'm not through yet!" he howled.
As you wish. Gallade obliged.
"Gotta hand it to Charizard, he's tough as they come," Squirtle commented.
Gallade vanished in a flash again, appearing against Charizard's side once again.
Charizard, now expecting this, slammed his head against the Gallade.
Gallade clutched his head and stumbled back.
With his opponent dazed, Charizard threw his wings against the white and green Pokémon.
Gallade tumbled back and landed on his feet. Very good, you are learning. But you have much to learn before you can best me.
Then he raised his hands and swiped in the air. A wave of stars erupted from his blade-arms and flew right at Charizard.
Charizard responded by charging right at Gallade, bringing a clawed hand against him.
In response, Gallade knelt down and slammed a fist into the ground. Pinkish light erupted from where Gallade struck the earth.
Charizard staggered backwards as the light impacted him. He broke off his attack and clutched his eyes, the light blinding him.
"What was that?" Ash asked, wiping at his own eyes. Even if he wasn't the intended target of the attack, it still stung.
"I think that's Flash, but that's not how I've seen it used before," Brock answered. "There's also a mix of Fairy-type energy in it, too. I think that's what pushed Charizard back."
Gallade then moved forward, his fist glowing cold blue once again.
Though blinded, Charizard still acted. He leapt into the air, unfurling his wings once again, narrowly avoiding the attack. "Nice try!" he sneered. "But I'm getting wise to you."
Gallade said nothing as he lobbed more stars at Charizard.
Charizard swooped forward, his Flamethrower catching and singing the Psychic-type.
Gallade then changed tactics once again. His blade arms charged with purplish energy, he launched a wave of psychic power against Charizard.
Charizard narrowly avoided getting cut, but Gallade then dashed under him and took a swipe at his belly.
The fire lizard growled back and clutched at his belly with a claw.
Gallade took advantage of this opportunity to then make a leap right over Charizard, his blade arms pointing downwards.
Charizard spun his entire body to meet the Psychic-type. The Fire-type then charged at the Gallade.
The Psychic Pokémon's blades dove in and drew blood, but Charizard still pressed on.
The Fire-type brought his claws together and wrapped them against his combatant's body. "Gotcha!" He beat his wings furiously and took off high into the sky. He then rolled in the air several times, each rotation going faster and faster. Lastly, he took Gallade by his arms and threw him to the ground. "Eat the planet!"
But Gallade was not easily beaten.
Ash saw the Psychic-type vanish in a flash and appear right above Charizard, blades at the ready. "Charizard, look out!"
Charizard did not react fast enough. He turned to behind him just in time to see the Psychic-type fall on top of him.
Gravity forced the Psychic-type into Charizard's personal space and then Gallade brought a glow hand against the fire dragon's head. SUBMIT!
Ash winced, the psychic voice of Gallade echoed in his mind and rattled his bones.
Charizard had it worse. He screamed.
Ash looked up and saw a friend of his glow brightly as Gallade forced a kind of psychic attack upon Charizard. The Riolu could only watch as the orange flying lizard lost altitude, his wings stiffening before falling limp.
Pikachu grabbed onto his hand and did not let go.
It was almost a mercy when Charizard crashed into the ground.
Gallade stepped off of Charizard, wordlessly examining him.
Ash did not know what happened, but he did not care about the specifics. The Riolu leapt into the arena. "Charizard!" he shouted as he went towards his fallen friend.
Charizard groaned, but did not rise. He looked at the Riolu weakly, a tinge of shame radiated from him. Then suddenly, Charizard fell back and slumbered.
Ash trembled, worried about friend's injuries.
He will be well again after resting. Gallade spoke to alleviate his concerns. The psychic attack I used against him merely inflicted the sensation of pain instead of actually causing injury. Though he will be sore from the fall and any prior injuries. Do you have medical supplies or would it be best for us to provide them for you?
Ash nodded, thankful for the news. "Zorua makes some."
Gallade nodded. Ah yes. One of Aspen's many apprentices.
The former trainer went to reach for his belt before remembering he did not have his belt anymore. Plus, even if he did, it might have been considered a bad move to recall a Pokémon into a Pokéball.
Gardevoir came by and levitated the fallen Pokémon out of the arena. Ash watched Charizard as Brock and Zorua went over him.
Brock took out a potion bottle and brought it into Charizard's lips. "He's out cold, but I think we can manage it."
"This potion will do nothing for the sensory overload," Zorua spoke next, moving over Charizard's cuts on his torso. "Though, it should let him recover from his actual injuries."
The Riolu winced, but was thankful that his friends covered each other.
"That Gallade," Pikachu muttered from behind him. "He's… something else."
Ash nodded.
Brock and Staryu fought relative beginners, students who were roughly equal to them in terms of skill and fighting ability. In contrast, Charizard was sent against Gallade because they were both fully evolved, but Gallade… clearly earned his way to being Sensei. For most of the fight, Charizard could have overpowered him, but Gallade was the one who put Charizard on the backfoot because of how varied his options to attack were. Maybe there was a lesson there.
It also made him worry, because if this was what Gym Leaders could be like, what about the Pokémon in the League proper that to even enter had to go through eight of them? "Do you think we'll ever be that powerful?" he found himself asking.
Squirtle chuckled. "I don't know, Boss. I mean, I've been thinking of giving Hydro Pump a shot, but I think we're going to need a bit more than that."
Pikachu raised up two paws, raising seven digits. "He had Swift, Slash, Psycho Cut, Ice Punch, Flash, Teleport, and that last move I don't know the name of."
Seven moves. And Gallade probably knew more, but did not use them. Did any of his Pokémon know seven moves which did completely different things?
His musings were interrupted when Gardevior called for him. Riolu, if you feel confident, it is now your turn to face your opponent.
Pikachu patted his trainer on the back. "Go on, Ash! It's your turn."
The Riolu turned to Charizard, who still slumbered. His injuries were either treated or covered in bandages.
"He'll be fine!" Pikachu reassured him as he pushed the Riolu forward "Now, go! I choose you, Riolu!"
Ash smirked. His own Pikachu was choosing him. He took off his hat and placed it on his starter's head. Then, he leapt onto the arena and met his opponent.
Mienfoo reminded him of Misty except… less Water-type. He gave the Riolu a giddy grin, his teeth shone brightly. A headband with the symbol of the nearby Pagoda adorned his forehead. "I'm going to beat you and you better believe it!"
Ash laughed back, his worries becoming more distant compared to what was right in front of him. His opponent's excitement made him ready and willing to face him. "Not if I beat you first!"
Mienfoo stuck out his tongue.
The mental equivalent of a groan rang out as Gardevior stepped between them. Combatants, are you ready?
Ash raised a thumb up.
Mienfoo did the same.
Riolu versus Mienfoo. Gardevior backed away and intoned her telepathic voice for the combatants to fight one another. Begin!
Mienfoo rushed forward and clapped his hands right in Ash's face. A shockwave of air nearly sent the Riolu back several steps.
But Ash was not going to let that stop him. He slammed his feet on the ground and pushed himself forward to counter the assault. He then brought this momentum forward and drove a fist right in Mienfoo's face.
Mienfoo was not expecting a fast counter attack and found himself tumbling away.
Ash, exhilarated, pushed on and balled his paws into fists as he went to press his advantage.
The fighting stoat rolled to the side and brought his palms together. Suddenly, there were several Mienfoo where there had been one.
They all stuck tongues out at the Riolu.
"Double team?" Ash questioned.
The band of Mienfoo all rushed to encircle Ash, putting the Riolu into a defensive stance.
Ash's eyes twitched, trying to watch every single one of his opponents, unable to discern the real one.
Then, suddenly the Mienfoo all charged at the Riolu. He punched the first one, causing it to burst into a cloud of smoke.
The next went to punch him back, but the Riolu saw the attack coming and thrust Force Palm into the offending opponent. That Mienfoo also burst into smoke.
Suddenly, a force struck Ash in the legs and he found himself being brought low as his balance was interrupted.
Ash slammed into the flagstones. He winced, the pain sending aches throughout his body.
"Ash!" he heard Pikachu shout his name.
Refocusing, the Riolu looked up and saw all of the Mienfoo leaping into the air and falling right at him, glowing Force Palms in their hands.
Ash tumbled out of the attack, the stones shattering under the impact.
The Double Teams faded, then. Mienfoo flashed a grin at him and laughed. "Wow, you're pretty good at this!"
"You're not too bad yourself!" Ash spoke as he pushed himself back into a standing position. His opponent clearly had more experience fighting that he did, likely because unlike the former-human, Mienfoo had spent his whole life as a Mienfoo. Plus, before now, Ash had never really had any serious training as a fighter himself.
Mienfoo smirked. "I'm still going to win, you better believe it!" He then rushed at Ash once again, this time bringing the telltale glow of a Force Palm in one hand.
Seeing this, Ash batted the attack away and thrust with his own Force Palm.
Mienfoo slapped the Riolu's Force Palm back and sent a kick towards Ash's midsection.
Thinking quickly, Ash backed away and let the attack miss him. He brought his feet onto the ground and kicked the loose stones from the shattered arena right to Mienfoo. Did it count as Rock Throw or a variant of Sand Attack? Rock Kick? Rock Attack?
Either way, Mienfoo staggered backwards as stones went into his belly and dust went over his face. Though he was hardly injured, the surprise attack left him vulnerable.
"Force Palm!" Ash rushed in and thrust his Force Palm into Mienfoo's side.
Mienfoo raised to block, but he took too long to react. He clutched his side as flew backwards. He fell onto the stones and tumbled.
Panting, Ash went close and eyed the Mienfoo.
Mienfoo was also winded and took several deep breaths as he rose from where he fell. "Who taught you that trick? I don't think that's normal for a Riolu to know."
Ash laughed, his own breaths heavy. "No one. I just made it up because you broke a lot of the ground already. You know, your Sensei did tell us not to cause too much damage to the grounds, right?"
Mienfoo chuckled. "Yeah, I'm a bit of a troublemaker!"
He clapped his hands together and dashed forward. A wall of Double Team clones appeared around Ash, each of them lunging at him.
Reflexily, Ash pummeled the first few, causing them to burst into smoke.
But then something hit his back, causing him to stagger backwards.
Another Mienfoo went to attack him, but it was just a Double Team copy and vanished into a puff of smoke at the slightest touch.
Another hit struck him on the side, this time a Force Palm. He fell onto his knee, the numbing pain practically causing his muscles to lock together.
A duo of Mienfoo lunged right at him. Out of options, Ash threw a back hand and sent them tumbling and bursting into smoke. But there were so many of them still.
He knew that attacking the Double Team copies was pointless. They were not real, but how could he tell the fakes from the original?
The next Mienfoo approached him and Ash destroyed that one, too. But the real one shoved him onto the ground, once again, before retreating into his duplicates.
"Gaah!" Ash howled, the pain starting to overwhelm him.
But even as his own pain brought him low, the Riolu also felt something else, no, someone else.
Ash saw Pikachu looking right at him. The electric mouse practically radiated the feelings of fear and regret, all over him being beaten down in this battle.
That was what the inspiration the Riolu needed.
The former human rolled onto his back. The Mienfoo all went to pounce on top of him.
Ash watched them closely and felt joy coming from one of them.
The Riolu pushed his body away at the last second, causing Mienfoo's attack to hit the ground.
Shrapnel struck into Ash's blue fur, but he did not let that stop him. He kicked Mienfoo away and shoved him into the dirt.
The Double Team copies went to strike at him, but Riolu ignored them as he stood to his feet.
Mienfoo's sense of joy changed to surprise, just as strong, but tinged differently.
Ash rushed at Mienfoo, both of his hands erupting with blue fire.
Mienfoo responded by dodging out of the way. He conjured more Double Team copies, but Ash had grown wise to them. He ignored them and rushed down to the other Pokémon and landed a blow onto the fighting stoat.
Mienfoo gritted his teeth and stared. He went to kick at Ash, but his injuries were already slowing him down.
The Riolu ducked to the side and let the kick miss him before driving the other Force Palm into Mienfoo's stomach.
The blow sent the yellow fighting type flying. He fell onto the ground and groaned. He tumbled and landed on his feet. Mienfoo's headband glowed faintly before dimming. "That was close. You almost got me there, but my Focus Band kept me standing. You, on the other hand, you're probably getting really tired."
"I can keep going, I'm not going to lose." Ash panted. His injuries were taking their toll. While both he and Mienfoo hurt, Ash has not endured fighting as a Pokémon for too long.
"And I can keep fighting, too!" Mienfoo then cupped one of his paws and then repeatedly brought his other paw over it, as if trying to create something. A swirling sphere of light formed in Mienfoo's paw. "This is my Aura Sphere!" he declared as he held the sphere up.
Ash drew in his breath and got ready to leap out of the way. He had seen the move before, once on TV when someone had used a Lucario.
Mienfoo lunged at him, the Aura Sphere in his hand glowing brightly.
Ash leapt out of the way as the Aura Sphere slammed into the ground. It carved into the stone like butter, leaving a streak where it ground away the dirt. "I thought that you're supposed to throw it!"
"I haven't worked out that part yet!" Mienfoo turned, taking the Aura Sphere from the ground as he went to slam it into Ash's belly.
Ash leapt out of the way, once again, but he knew that he couldn't spend the rest of the battle on the retreat. As a Pokémon, he knew that he was much tougher than he had ever been as a human, but he knew that letting the Aura Sphere connect would knock him out. He had to win this.
Without any ranged moves, he had to close the distance and do so without getting hit by the Aura Sphere. On the otherhand, how long could Mienfoo keep holding onto Aura Sphere? It had to be very tiring to maintain if it was as powerful as it looked.
Taking the gamble, the Riolu rushed at Mienfoo. Mienfoo charged forward, undeterred.
The fighting stoat brought the Aura Sphere down upon Riolu.
Ash had counted on this.
The Riolu put what little remained of his strength into one fast attack, more specifically a Quick Attack. With heightened speed, the world seemed to slow around him, as if everything but him was in slow motion. Mieinfoo saw him move, his eyes slowly tracking the Riolu's motions, but there was little he could do.
Ash used his burst of speed to slam a first directly onto Mienfoo's face.
Ash's sense of time returning to normal, Miennfoo stumbled, his body falling backwards.. The fighting stoat tried to maintain the hold of his Aura Sphere, but Ash was not going to let him regain his footing, nor was he going to let that headband of his keep him in the fight.
The Riolu extended his claws and they turned to steel. "Metal Claw!" Ash shouted. He then brought them to bear against Meinfoo, slashing cuts into his fur. He did not stop.
Mienfoo fell to the ground, his Aura Sphere shattering. He did not rise.
Ash fell onto one knee, his exhaustion catching up to him.
It appears that you are victorious, Riolu. How fitting is it that the last bout would end in the Looplet Bearer's triumph. Gardevior spoke in her telepathic voice.
Ash groaned as the adrenaline faded from his body. He did not feel very victorious, instead he ached. Having seen his Pokémon fight for him for so long, Ash knew that they got hurt. Whether it was a Gym Battle, a friendly match against another trainer, or to stop Team Rocket, his Pokémon got injured, sometimes for his sake. Now, he knew what they felt like after a tough fight, first hand. And yet, the Riolu felt like he wouldn't have it any other way. This was fair.
"Ash!" Pikachu called out to him.
Ash's starter bounded towards him and tackled him with a hug.
In the background, Gardevior and Gallade turned to each other and then walked to meet their students. Perhaps they wanted to let him recover.
"Ow!" Ash winced yet he still found himself laughing at the same time. "Pikachu, I think Mienfoo kicked my ribs a while back."
Pikachu did not seem to care. He nuzzled his cheeks against the Riolu's face.
"You were terrific, Boss!" Squirtle leapt next to him. "Course, I think this means we're going to be skipping my match."
"I'm sure we can ask about if Xatu still wants a fight," Ash suggested. Though he supposed without any stakes, it would be more of a sparring match than an official Dojo battle.
"Not bad, Ash, not bad," Misty stepped over. "Mienfoo looked tough between Double Team and Aura Sphere. And yet you came out on top."
Ash smirked. "Yeah, I wasn't expecting him to use Aura Sphere. I thought it was a Lucario only thing."
Misty squinted an eye. "...You know what a Lucario is?"
"Uh, yeah?" Ash shrugged. "They're these blue canine Pokémon from… Sinnoh? You see them every now and again if you watch the Sinnoh League or maybe it's called the Lily of the Valley. What about Lucario?"
Misty blinked several times, as if she was trying to comprehend something. "Wait, you know what a Lucario is, but you don't know what a Riolu is? You're going to evolve into a Lucario! How don't you know that?"
Pikachu stopped nuzzling him and started to laugh. "You're more familiar with the evolved form?"
"Hey!" Ash protested. "The Sinnoh League did not show any Riolu! And besides, just because Pokémon look alike doesn't mean they're related."
Misty shook her head. "You know, that's a fair point. You'd think Luvdisc would evolve into Alolamola because they look so much alike, but no, they don't."
Brock appeared as well, nodding. "Yeah, I remember how some of Forrest's homework involved explaining why Dragonair did not evolve into Gyrados while Magikarp did not become Dragonite. If you only looked at color, you'd think that their evolutions were switched."
Zorua came by, a potion bottle in her mouth. She dropped it on the ground. "Ash, this should make you feel better."
The Riolu wanted to protest that it wasn't, but Ash had taken a beating and exhausted himself. He would rather drink that awful elixir than suffer through the pile of injuries he had gained. He took the bottle and drank its contents.
The concoction was not as strong as what Scholar Aspen gave him. It still tasted awful, but it didn't revolt him so much that it did not make him throw up. On the other hand, his injuries slowly faded rather than being burned off of his body in an instant.
Zorua explained, "It's not as potent as what my Master can make, but I figured you foreigners might appreciate something less… strong."
Ash nodded. Zorua as an alchemist's apprentice had the capability to brew potions. It didn't come up much since they rarely needed to drink strong medicine, but her help was appreciated when it was necessary, especially since Citrine apparently lacked Pokémon Centers of any sort.
Combatants, you are needed. A psychic voice called out to them.
Everyone turned towards Gallade and Gardevior as they approached. The students that fought against Ash and his team stood right behind them. They bowed their heads, hiding their faces, but Ash could feel the bitter taste of defeat coming from them.
Combatants, please approach. Gallade ordered.
Staryu stepped forward to stand against Espurr. Brock lined himself against Clefairly. Ash stood to meet Mienfoo. Charizard came as well, though he seemed rather sore.
You all fought valiantly, both our guests and our pupils. Gardevior levitated between them. We as the Sensei ask that you learn from this encounter, to improve ourselves both in body and mind.
Indeed, I would say that there is a lesson to be learned here about relying too much on a single tactic or stratagem. Gallade interjected. Both Clefairy and Espurr bowed their heads deeper, a dim shame surrounded them enough enough Ash could feel it. Your opponent is always learning to undermine your defenses and tactics. If you allow them to see your techniques, they will attempt to counter them if you try the same tactics again, such as when Charizard learned to overcome my Teleport Slash.
Ash saw Charizard's eyes glint and the orange fire dragon uncharacteristically bowed his head.
Gardevior landed in front of Ash. A transparent gemstone appeared in her hands. With those lessons dealt with, it is time that the Bearer obtains the first Emera. Present your Looplet, Bearer.
Ash raised his left hand. Gardevior brought the stone closer to the Looplet.
Gallade then spoke. The first Bearer sought an audience with the gods. On his journeys, he gathered around him other Maiju, a fellowship of warriors, who also wished the same. This band came to Quartz Bay, then a small village. It is here the Bearer instructed the first Sensei, then a common bandit, on the importance of honor, of fairness, and of respecting one's foes. Citrine's Great Tournament is meant to commemorate the journey those brave souls undertook. Regardless of your motives, you honor us all by taking this quest.
As the stone merged into the Looplet, Ash felt a surge of power rush into the jewelry at his wrist. The tingle reverberated into his bones and then faded away.
The trainer-turned-Pokémon stared at the clear stone that had now embedded itself into the bracelet. There was a faint sensation of warmth coming from it.
Gallade and Gardevior bowed down to the challengers. They spoke in unison. Enjoy your victory, challengers, for you have earned it.
Ash rose to his feet and spun around, raising his Looplet in the air.. "Yes! I…" He shook his head, no, this was a team effort between friends! He was just the last person to fight. He struck a pose. "We got our first Emera!"
Pikachu chuckled as he threw Ash's hat back onto his head.
Brock's tail wagged in excitement. Staryu levitated over Misty, perhaps jumping for joy?
Even Charizard gave Ash a nod of acknowledgement, though there was something… sorrowful about him, that lasted only for a moment.
Ash smiled back to his friends. It felt great to earn his own badge with his own hands contributing to the win, even despite the pain he endured. Sure, he had trained his Pokémon before, but having fought himself, that just made the victory all the sweeter. He truly shared in this victory with them.
Gallade's entire moveset was inspired by Tallion from the Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War games.
And yes, Mienfoo is basically an expy of Naruto, specifically the Pre-Timeskip version, though I couldn't really do the whole Talk-no-Jutsu or "I will be the next Sensei" thing. And yes I am using the dub version of his catchphrase, just because I can't use the Japanese version without it being awkward.