Episode 153: T-Minus Eight

Ash and Neil stand on opposing sides of the Kanaveral Gym's battlefield. Yes! You're seeing things right! No more distractions or delays! The match for Ash's eighth and final Tenno gym badge is at last here! It took time, but good things come to those who wait!

Brenda says with anticipation, "This is so exciting! Everything's hinging on this one battle for Ash! He must be anxious!"

Brock laughs. "Something tells me that Ash is doing fine. He's exactly where he belongs."

Brenda suddenly frowns. "Speaking of being where you belong, why are they here?"

She's referring to Team Rocket, who sit next to her. James is wearing a giant foam finger on one hand and is holding a flag in the other. Her cheers, "Let's go Twerp!"

Mime Jr. mimics his cheering, "Mime mime mime!"

Jessie groans. "I agree with the Twerpette. Why are we here?"

James is offended. "Jessie! The Twerp is my rival now! I have to be here in order to gauge his strength for the inevitable moment where we will clash in battle!"

Meowth groans. "You've battles him hundreds of times."

"But never as a rival."

Meowth groans but doesn't argue any further. He knows it would be pointless.

Neil announces, "Okay, Ash. Since I owe you for everything you've done to help the Tenno Region and Kanaveral City, I'm going to do something I never normally would, and bend the rules a little to give you a unique advantage. You've already seen the three Pokémon I used to battle James with. Would you like to battle against those three Pokémon? Or would you like to battle my other three?"

Ash gasps. "That's a tough a choice…"

Brock nods in agreement. "It really is."

Brenda points out, "But Ash has already seen the first three Pokémon. Wouldn't he be better off battling them so that he knows what to expect?"

Brock nods. "That may be true, but there's also a significant chance that Neil was using his three most powerful Pokémon against James. The other three may be weaker. We already know that Orbot is extremely powerful. He likely doesn't have anything stronger. I don't know what Ash will pick."

James laughs, then announces with pride "Ha! Apparently, it takes a true rival to know. The Twerp won't be taking any of those options."

Brenda questions, "He won't?"

Ash grins at Neil. "It's a tough choice, but might I pick option three?"

Brenda glances at James with surprise. James crosses his arms smugly. "See? True rival."

Neil stares at him critically. "Option three?"

Ash nods. "I can't possibly pick one or the other. If I battle the three Pokémon I know, I would always wonder what I missed out on with the three others. If I battled the three others, I would always wish I had the shot to battle the three I know. This is my final gym battle in Tenno. For all I know, this could be my final gym battle ever. I don't want to regret anything. I want to battle all six of your Pokémon."

Brenda asks in surprise, "Huh!? All six? Is Ash crazy? That only makes things harder!"

James laughs. "Leave it to my eternal rival to not take the easy way out. I respect that about him. That's why he's my rival."

Meowth and Jessie groan.

Brock points out, "Ash has never been one to take the easy way out. This shouldn't surprise me, and yet it somehow always does.

Neil contemplates the request. "A six-on-six full battle? It's not against league rules. And I enjoy providing a challenge to my opponents. Very well. I will use all six of my Pokémon. As will you."

Ash cheers, "All right! We'll make this the grand finale to gym battles that it deserves to be! It will be the gym battle to end all gym battles!"

Pikachu adds, "Pikachu!"

The referee announces, "In that case, this match will be a six-on-six full battle! Only the challenger may substitute their Pokémon! Battle begin!"

Neil throws a Pokéball, "Roveroom, liftoff!"

At first glance, his Pokémon appears to be a Revavroom, but it's not quite. Instead of four, it has six wheels, which rather than the regular rocky material are made of some kind of black rubber or plastic with thick treads. It has higher clearance than regular Revavroom. Rather than a combustion engine with cylinders, it has several box-like batteries. With no motor, its mouth and eye are instead located on the front of a camera-like box atop a pole on the front left side of the vehicle. Instead of the exhaust pipes that diagonally jut out from either side of it, it has two long solar panels.

Ash is quick to pull out his Pokédex. "Roveroom, the Multi-Bat Pokémon, and a Steel and Electric Combo-Type. When Tenno scientists set out to create a more environmentally friendly Revavroom, this was the result. As it can operate in harsh environments, it has often been sent to other planets for exploration. Evolves from Tennoan Varoom at level 40."

Ash questions, "Revavroom? Varoom? I've never heard about those Pokémon, let alone their Tennoan Forms." But he doesn't delay long on the fact. He takes out a Pokéball. "Ninjitsu, I chose you!"

"Nin!"

"You ready for your first gym battle, Ninjitsu?"

"Jitsu!"

"Perfect! Then attack with Karate Chop!"

"Jitsu, nin!" Ninjitsu rushes at Roveroom with a glowing hand stretched for a chop.

Neil orders, "Roveroom, stop it before it makes it to you with Mirror Shot!"

"Veroom!" Roveroom's solar panels lift up to point at Ninjitsu and they launch several shots of silver energy.

Despite the attacks aimed directly at a committed Ninjitsu, Ash isn't worried. "You know what to do, Ninjitsu!"

"Nin!" With a burst of speed, Ninjitsu suddenly disappears from where it stood just before the Mirror Shot hit its mark. Ninjitsu reappears behind Roveroom and delivers a powerful Karate Chop, which sends the rover Pokémon tumbling away.

Brenda gasps, "Such speed! Ninjitsu always impresses!"

Ash encourages, "Don't let up! Karate Chop again!"

Ninjitsu runs at the downed Roveroom for another strike.

Neil comments, "If you think your speed is what's going to win this, then you're sorely mistaken. Roveroom, use Gyro Ball!" Just before Ninjitsu can land its attack, Roveroom spins about and slams into the Pokémon. Now it's Ninjitsu that's flung back.

Ash gasps, "How'd you out-speed us?"

Brock explains, "Gyro Ball is a move that gets stronger the slower the user is than its target. Not only does it allow a slower opponent to hit a faster target, but it will do massive damage in the process."

Brenda surmises, "So Ninjitsu's greatest advantage is being turned against it."

James shouts, "Come on, Twerp! I expect better from my rival!"

Neil asserts, "It doesn't matter how much faster your Pokémon is than mine. Roveroom has been trained to turn your speed against you."

Ash briefly contemplates things. "Okay. I need a slower Pokémon then. Ninjitsu, return."

Ninjitsu bows respectfully as it's recalled to its Pokéball. "Nin."

Ash swaps Pokéballs. "Arborrior, I chose you!"

"Borrior!" Arborrior throws several punches to demonstrate its readiness for battle.

Brock comments, "The good news is, Ash is in no shortage of options for this battle. Between Ninjitsu, Arborrior, and Eagladiator, he has three Fighting-Type Pokémon, all of which are powerful against Neil's Steel-Types."

Brenda adds, "He also has a Fire-Type with Solurtle. He has this battle in the bag."

James scoffs. "How ignorant. Neil is an extremely powerful gym leader. Even with the type advantage, nothing is ensured for the Twerp. Even someone who's my rival will have trouble with this battle."

Ash orders, "Arborrior, use Fire Punch!"

"Roveroom, Spin Out!"

Roveroom moves to meet Arborrior at full speed, but before the two collide, Roveroom suddenly screeches its wheels and spins out. It swerves around Arborrior to avoid the Fire Punch and crashes into its side instead.

"And while it's down, use Discharge!" Electricity flies in all directions from Roveroom's batteries.

Arborrior recoils from the sudden shock. Ash encourages, "Fight through it, Arborrior! Fire Punch!"

"Aaaaarbooooor!" Arborrior gathers its strength even through the Discharge and manages to land a powerful Fire Punch on its opponent.

Roveroom skids back on its wheels as it attempts to regain control

"Follow up with Wood Hammer!" Arborrior runs at Roveroom with a stump-shaped hammer made of green energy. It winds it back for a powerful swing of the hammer.

"Roveroom, Gyro Ball!" Just as Arborrior slams its hammer down onto Roveroom, Roveroom, starts spinning. The rotating motion of the Pokémon flings Arborrior away the moment it makes contact.

Brock comments, "Neil has put Ash in a tricky situation. Gyro Ball makes using speedier Pokémon risky, but Roveroom is able to easily deflect or counter attacks from a slower Pokémon."

Brenda realizes, "No matter what choice Ash makes, it's the wrong one."

Brock nods. "Exactly the problem."

As Arborrior stands back up, Neil is already following up, "Mirror Shot!"

Ash urgently counters, "Razor Leaf!"

Arborrior's Razor Leaf is aimed at the incoming silvery projectiles. Unfortunately for Arborrior, they seem to do nothing to impede them and are instantly vaporized.

Ash realizes the problem and shouts, "Get out of the way!" But there's a reason he didn't order a dodge to begin with. Arborrior, with the damage it had already taken, is unable to move away fast enough. Instead, the Mirror Shot hits its mark. Arborrior falls to the ground.

The referee announces, "Arborrior is unable to battle!"

Brenda gasps. "No way! The battle was only just starting! How could Arborrior be down already?"

Brock nods. "Neil really does live up to his reputation. But things aren't all that bad for Ash. That Fire and Fighting-Type Fire Punch Arborrior managed to land is doubly super effective against Steel-Types. Maybe it might be enough for Ash to turn things around."

"I hope so…"

Ash recalls Arborrior. As he stares at the Pokéball, he says to himself, "Speed didn't work. Power didn't either. What other options do I have?" Realization dawns on him. He swaps Pokéballs. "Let's try this again! Ninjitsu, I chose you!"

"Ninji!

Brenda gasps. "But we already decided that speed isn't the solution because of Gyro Ball. What is Ash thinking?"

Brock chuckles. "He's realizing the obvious."

"Obvious? What's that mean?"

"I think Ash will show us in a minute."

"Okay then…"

Neil asks sternly, "You want to try this again? What makes you think it will go any differently?"

Ash grins at him. "We'll show you how! Ninjitsu, use Karate Chop!"

"Then we'll use Gyro Ball again!"

"Ninjitsu, Double Team!" As Ninjitsu and Roveroom move at each other with the intent of delivering a decisive blow, Ninjitsu suddenly splits into five phantom clones.

Neil asserts, "No matter! We'll hit all five of them!" Roveroom's Gyro Ball hits one clone and bounces off of it as it disappears. It then strikes another and another, until all five have disappeared. Neil gasps. "What!?"

"Now!" Ninjitsu appears behind Roveroom and slams the side of its open hand into Roveroom. The force of the strike knocks it out of its Gyro Ball and forces it to crash into a nearby wall.

"Roveroom is unable to battle!"

Neil chuckles as he recalls his Pokémon. "So, you saw past my bluff."

Ash nods. "I did. No defense is perfect. I knew there had to be a flaw, I just had to realize my own mistake."

Brenda shakes her head in confusion. "I don't get it. How was Ninjitsu able to overcome Gyro Ball this time?"

Brock explains, "Gyro Ball was never the perfect countermeasure to Ninjitsu's great speed. Neil only wanted it to seem like it was. In essence, it was a bluff. Roveroom is best suited for combatting opponents with lower speeds, but a trainer as skilled as Neil isn't going to advertise that. Once the surprise factor of Gyro Ball is gone, it becomes much easier to counter. Neil's strategy is to intimidate his opponent into switching into a slower Pokémon before they can realize that for themselves."

Brenda nods. "I think I get it now. Since Ash saw through things, it's all good now."

Brock shakes his head. "Not so much. Don't forget that Ash wasted Arborrior when Ninjitsu alone could have taken care of Roveroom."

"You're right…"

James shouts, "What gives!? You should have called his bluff without falling into his trap, rival!"

Ash looks to James and laughs. "Did you realize it was a bluff right away?"

James is taken aback. "Oh…well…"

Jessie shouts, "Nope! He didn't have a clue!" James glares at her with disdain.

Neil throws his next Pokéball. "Blast off, Metang!"

"Metaaaang!" Neil's Tennoan Metang appears in the air, supported by its rocket arms.

"You want to keep going, Ninjitsu?"

It nods. "Jitsu."

"Then you'll keep going!"

"Metang! Start this off with Flame Charge!" Metang points its arms back and propels itself forward with the rockets. As it rockets forward, its entire body becomes cloaked in flames.

Ash commands, "Jump up and over it! Then use Karate Chop!"

"Jitsu!" Ninjitsu runs forward, leaps up, and performs a backflip as it soars over Metang and prepares to attack it from above.

"Not going to work! Bullet Punch!" With great speed, Metang cancels its Flame Charge and fires a rapid barrage of punches at Ninjitsu before the Pokémon can land its attack.

Brenda gasps. "How'd it move so fast?"

Brock explains, "That was Flame Charge's doing. Every time Metang uses it, it will get faster."

As Ninjitsu slams into the ground, Ash orders, "Back up and use Double Team!" Ninjitsu does exactly as ordered.

Neil orders, "Don't give it a chance to slip past your defenses! Bullet Punch again!" Metang quickly flies from clone to clone to attack with even more rapid punches.

Ash shouts, "Go!"

But Neil shouts, "It's not going to work twice! Flame Charge behind you!" Without needing to even see its target, Metang points its arms forward to rocket backwards and slam its flaming body into Ninjitsu, who had attempted to attack from behind.

Ninjitsu's smoking body crashes into the ground.

Ash shouts with worry, "Ninjitsu!"

The Pokémon is able to get back up, but it looks significantly weakened. "Nin…"

"You need a break. Return!" Ash recalls his Pokémon. He looks at Metang briefly before saying, "If you're going to fight with fire, then we'll fight with water. Dashilisk, I choose you!"

"Dashi dashi dashilisk!" It cheers as it dances its usual jig.

"Dashilisk, use Aqua Jet!" Dashilisk leaps up, cloaks itself in water, and soars in towards Metang, leaving a trail of water as it jets through the air.

"Use Flame Charge to get out of the way!" Metang rockets to the side.

"Keep up your pursuit, Dashilisk!" What results is two Pokémon, one cloaked in water, and one in fire, weaving about the air above the battlefield. The two jolt and jerk all about. Metang will make a sudden turn to the left or weave to the right, but Dashilisk is able to follow suit.

At one point, Dashilisk ends up chasing Metang as it heads downwards, placing Dashilisk immediately above it. Inspiration flashes across Ash's face. "Switch to Scald!"

"Dashi!" Dashilisk allows the Aqua Jet to dissipate around it, and instead attacks straight down with a steaming torrent of boiling water. Metang is too committed to its course downwards to avoid the attack. The force of the water pushes it the rest of the way down to the ground, where it crashes.

"Now use Dragon Claw as you fall!" Dashilisk's claws glow green as it falls down onto Metang for a follow-up attack.

"Bullet Punch!" Despite having just crashed, Metang is resilient enough to use one arm to turn itself towards Dashilisk, and the other to deliver a punch that knocks Dashilisk away before the Dragon Claw can land.

"Don't give up! Get back in there with another Dragon Claw!"

"And you give them another Bullet Punch!"

As Dashilisk runs forward, Metang launches itself. The Pokémon collide midway and exchange a quick series of blows. Dashilisk claws and scratches at Metang, while Metang delivers several consecutive punches. At some points they counter or block each other with their own move, at others they both land attacks simultaneously.

Ash grins slightly, but it's just enough of a tell for Neil to notice. Ash shouts, "Scald!"

Neil is able to react fast enough to order, "Meteor Mash!"

Dashilisk pulls back its arms to attack with water instead. This allows Metang to deliver a much more powerful punch than before. Both attacks hit their target. Both attacks send each Pokémon hurtling back. They slam into opposite walls. Both Pokémon fall forward into the ground.

"Double knock out! Both Pokémon are unable to battle!"

Brenda reasons, "Dashilisk may not have been able to defeat Metang without getting knocked out itself, but Ash has managed to hold things at a tie."

Brock counters, "Except one of his Pokémon has already taken a beating. He's still lagging behind as of now."


Who's That Pokémon!?

It has a particularly well-developed lower jaw. The enormous fangs are heavy, causing the Pokémon to tip its head back for balance. Unless it is startled, it will not try to bite indiscriminately.


After recalling Metang, Neil comments, "So far you've been able to adapt to everything I've thrown at you. That's good. But know that as an astronaut, you will find that I am quite adaptable as well. I am like steel; firm, hard, and nearly impossible to break, but also capable of taking any shape needed. The question now is which of us will be forced to bend so far that we snap. I've trained my entire life to avoid snapping."

Ash smiles at Neil. "I may not be as hard as steel, but that just means I won't snap when I bend."

Neil grins back. "I will test that for myself." He throws another Pokéball. "T-minus zero, Golurk!" Neil's next Pokémon is a Tennoan Golurk.

"Luuurk!"

Ash selects his next Pokéball. "Let's show him some steel of our own, Solurtle!"

"Solurtle!"

"Let's not waste any time, Solurtle! Sunny Day!"

"Luuurtle!" Solurtle's shell glows, which causes a reaction in the air above. A phantasmal Sun appears and casts its rays across the gym. Solurtle absorbs that solar energy into the solar panels on its back.

But while Solurtle is busy absorbing energy, Neil orders, "Thunder Strike!" Golurk cloaks itself in electricity and uses its built-in jetpack to hurl itself at Solurtle.

"Keep it away with Flamethrower!"

Powered up by the sunlight, Solurtle unleashes an incredibly large jet of flames at the incoming Golurk. But Golurk ignores the fire entirely, rams through it, and crashes into Solurtle. It is clear that this maneuver damaged both Pokémon.

"Now use Superpower while you're close!" Golurk's arms and pincers glow with an orange aura. It grabs Solurtle and begins to squeeze it with incredible strength.

"Luuurt!"

Ash almost panics, but remains calm. "Solurtle, you've got to get out of there! Can you manage a Flamethrower to its face?"

"Sooooool!" Solurtle spits a torrent of flames directly into Golurk's face. Once more, the solar energy absorbed through the solar panels makes it stronger than any normal Flamethrower. It's only seconds before Golurk is forced to drop Solurtle and move out of the way of the flames.

Ash chuckles. "Too hot to handle?"

"My Pokémon are trained to take the heat! You're not the only one who can use the Sun to strengthen their Pokémon! Golurk, use Flash Cannon!"

"Goooolurk!" Golurk fires an intense silver beam of energy.

"Match it with Solar Beam!" Solurtle attacks with a golden beam of its own.

The two light beams collide and explode, forcing both Pokémon to skid backwards from the shockwave.

"Quick now! Laser Vision!" Golurk fires two red lasers from its eyes.

Ash grins. "Got you! Solurtle! Withdraw!" Solurtle pulls into its shell and allows its solar panels to absorb the energy from the Laser Vision.

Neil gasps. "What's this!?"

"Now give it back to him! Flamethrower!" Solurtle's head and limbs snap back out from the shell and it's quickly attacking again with Flamethrower, this time even stronger than before. The flames engulf and overwhelm Golurk. When they clear, the Pokémon topples over.

"Golurk is unable to battle!"

"You did it, Solurtle! Great job!"

Brenda says excitedly, "Now Ash has really taken the lead! Solurtle still looks ready for another fight too!"

James shouts, "Don't get cocky, just because you're ahead, rival!"

Neil recalls Golurk. "I may have traveled to the Moon, but you've made the Sun your ally. You are not a trainer to be underestimated, Ash Ketchum."

"I'm just a guy who loves battling. And this is a great battle."

"And it's only halfway through. How will you fare in the second half? Klinklang, liftoff!"

"Solurtle, I say we're good as long as the Sun is out. You agree?"

"Lurtle!"

"Klinklang, use Lock-On!" Klinklang paints a red target on Solurtle.

Ash urges, "Solurtle, it's going to follow up with an unavoidable Zap Cannon! Start charging for Solar Beam!"

"Now use Zap Cannon!"

"We have to stop it before it hits! Give that Solar Beam everything you've got!" Solurtle unleashes its charged energy in one massive beam. The beam immediately catches and slows the incoming orb of electricity. Slowly but surely, the Solar Beam wears away at the Zap Cannon.

Neil asserts, "Don't think we'll sit idly by while you interrupt our attack! Give it your Charge Beam, Klinklang!"

"Klaaang!" Klinklang moves to a different angle and fires the electrical beam at Solurtle's side. With all its attention on stopping the Zap Cannon, Solurtle is unable to dodge or block the Charge Beam. It hits Solurtle dead on and disrupts its concentration enough to dispel the Solar Beam entirely. Without the Solar Beam, what remains of the Zap Cannon moves in at full speed and strikes Solurtle for a consecutive hit.

It shouts in pain, "Soool!"

Ash grimaces. "So much for that plan. But we can still fight. Solurtle, give it a Flamethrower!"

"Out of the way, Klinklang!" Klinklang floats to the side to avoid the attack. Solurtle attempts to turn to keep up the attack, but something hinders its movement and it's unable to keep up with Klinklang.

James shouts, "You fell for it! Klinklang paralyzed Solurtle with Zap Cannon! Come on, rival!"

Meowth looks at James with annoyance and asks, "Didn't Ivine also get paralyzed by Zap Cannon?"

James crosses his arms and turns away. "I fail to see your point."

"Use Gear Grind!" Klinklang flies in for a melee attack.

"Keep it away, Solurtle! Flamethrower!" Once again, Solurtle attempts to leverage its solar-powered Flamethrower, but once again Klinklang is able to weave out of the way faster than Solurtle can adjust its aim. Once it gets in close, it grinds its gears to inflict damage. Ash thinks fast and changes tactics. "Withdraw!" Solurtle pulls back into its shell. When Klinklang tries grinding at the hard shell instead of the soft skin, the gears seize up.

"Klinklang, retreat now!"

But Ash is already ordering, "Flamethrower from in the shell!" Without needing to move first to attack, fire bursts out from the head hole of the shell and hits Klinklang before it has a chance to retreat. The immense flames are enough to force Klinklang to drop to the floor.

"Klinklang is unable to battle!"

Brenda gasps. "No way! That's two Pokémon that Solurtle took down! Now Ash has a strong lead! Amazing! Maybe Neil isn't as tough as everyone says he is. After all, James did beat him."

"Excuse me? Did you forget I'm sitting right here?"

Brenda suppresses a chuckle. "No. Not really."


It's Granbull!


Neil gives a slight grin as he recalls Klinklang. "Well, well, well. You've put my back against the wall. It's my two Pokémon to your four. But be warned, you have yet to see anything approaching my full strength. With my next Pokémon, this battle will blast off into a whole new level! Duraludon!"

He throws his Pokéball to send out a Duraludon. On its side is some sort of emblem, like that plastered on the side of a spaceship. In its center is a round gemstone.

Ash gasps. "Is that what I think it is…?"

Neil grins. "It is. And I'm not going to insult you by holding off on using it." He pulls aside his open jacket to reveal a similar patch sewn onto his shirt. Embedded in the patch is another stone. It begins to glow, as does the one on Duraludon. "5…4…3…2…1…! Blast off!" Tendrils of light connect the two stones and Duraludon becomes engulfed in a rainbow of colors.

Seconds later, the light explodes away to reveal a transformed Duraludon. Its body is taller and slenderer, coming to a point above its head. Its arms are also longer and extend down to the ground, making them more like legs, while its original legs have been moved back to accommodate the new set. Its tail is now flat and tapers down to a point on the bottom, making it look like a fin. A similar fin also exists on its front. Overall, the Pokémon looks like a rocket.

Ash grins profusely. "Mega Evolution. That makes things fun."

"I'm glad you're feeling up to the challenge, Ash. Duraludon, use Giga Impact!" Fire erupts out from the bottom of Mega Duraludon's arms and legs. Like rockets, they lift Duraludon into the air, where it becomes covered in a swirling cloak of harsh energy. It aims itself at Solurtle and fires its rockets at full power.

Ash says to himself, "We won't be able to dodge while Solurtle is paralyzed." He shouts, "Withdraw! Brace yourself, Solurtle!" Solurtle is able to pull into its shell before the Giga Impact can land.

But even in its shell, the impact of the attack sends Solurtle tumbling through the air until it crashes into a wall. The shell hits the ground and Solurtle slumps out.

"Solurtle is unable to battle!"

Brenda frowns. "So much for Solurtle's momentum."

Brock notes, "That wasn't just any Giga Impact. That was powered up by Mega Duraludon's ability, Metallate. It transforms Normal-Type moves in Steel-Type and powers them up. Giga Impact is already one of the strongest moves, but now it's even stronger. And unfortunately for Solurtle, this was bound to happen after being paralyzed. Solurtle can only make up for something so disabling for so long. I'm honestly surprised it was still able to hold out against Klinklang after that."

As Ash recalls Solurtle, he says, "Mega Evolution is no joke." He looks down to Pikachu. "Buddy, I think it's time for you to get in there."

Pikachu nods. "Chu." It runs out to the field.

James shouts, "Send that Pokémon blasting off, Pikachu!"

Meowth points out, "James, it's a rocket Pokémon. I think it wants to blast off."

"Yeah, well we're a rocket team. Do we want to blast off?"

Meowth considers his point. "Hm. Touché."

"Let's start things off with Thunderbolt, Pikachu!"

At the same time, Neil orders, "Steel Beam, Duraludon!"

"Pikaaaa chuuuuuu!"

"Ludon!" Duraludon, who's still flying on its rocket boosters, raises its arms and fires a silver beam of energy from them.

With Pikachu's electricity arcing upwards and Duraludon's beam flying straight, the attacks pass right by each other and land simultaneous hits. But the difference in power levels is clear. Pikachu is blasted away by the beam, but Mega Duraludon only flinches from the electricity.

Brenda says with worry, "Even Pikachu is completely outmatched by a Mega Evolved Pokémon…"

Brock says, "But Pikachu isn't hopeless. That Steel Beam may have dealt more damage to Pikachu than Thunderbolt did to Duraludon, but Duraludon also took damage from using Steel Beam in the first place. That's the cost of using such a powerful move."

Brenda looks back at Duraludon and notices the grimace of pain on its face. "So maybe Pikachu isn't entirely outmatched after all…"

"Pikachu, let's get in close and use Iron Tail!" Pikachu leaps up at Duraludon.

Neil commands, "Metal Burst!"

"Chu, pikaaa!" Pikachu slams its tail into Duraludon, but Duraludon's body glows in reaction to the attack. Before Pikachu can pull away, a shockwave of metallic energy bursts from its glowing body and rips outwards to carry Pikachu along with it. "Pikaaaa!"

"Follow up with Dragon Pulse!"

"Duuuuural!" As Pikachu tumbles away, Duraludon aims its rocket arms at it and fires a purple energy sphere at it.

Ash quickly realizes that there's no way for Pikachu to dodge. "Pikachu, stop it with Electroweb!"

"Chu pikaaaaa chu!" Pikachu manages a backflip as it flings its electrical net from its tail. The net wraps around the Dragon Pulse and forces it to explode prematurely. With that worry out of the way, Pikachu is able to focus on landing safely on the ground.

"Quickly now, Thunderbolt!"

"Pikaaaa chuuuuuu!" Pikachu is able to land the attack before Neil can come up with a response.

"And while it's stunned from that, try Iron Tail again!"

"Chu, pika!"

"And again!"

"Chu, pika! Chu, pika! Chu, pika!" Pikachu manages to land three more Iron Tails before Neil can manage a response.

"Metal Burst, Duraludon!"

"Pikachu, stop the attack!"

Pikachu is able to listen just in time. It lands on the ground and completely avoids triggering the Metal Burst.

"Now Thunderbolt!"

"Pikaaaaa chuuuuu!" Pikachu sends the Thunderbolt straight up to its foe that flies above it.

Brock grins. "This is great. Mega Duraludon may have Pikachu beat in power, but it can't keep up with the barrage of attacks Ash thought up."

"Crush it, Duraludon! Giga Impact!"

"Luuuuudooooon!" Duraludon aims itself at Pikachu and fires its rockets.

Ash thrusts out an arm as he shouts, "Let's put everything we've got into this next attack! Hallowed Lightning!"

"Pika, pika, chuuuuuuu!" Pikachu forces every volt it can muster into a massive orb of electricity, which it throws at the incoming Duraludon. The orb explodes on contact and summons a golden bolt of lightning to strike the target.

But despite all that power, Duraludon continues on through and plows into Pikachu.

Pikachu shouts in pain as its hurled back, "Pikaaaaaaa!"

Ash runs behind it and catches Pikachu in his arms. The referee announces, "Pikachu is unable to battle!"

Brenda shakes her head in dismay. "Not Pikachu…"

Ash looks down to his partner and smiles. "You did great, Pikachu." He walks to the bleachers and sits Pikachu down next to Brock and Brenda. "You rest now. We'll take care of what's left." He looks up to Jessie and Meowth whose eyes are locked on the helpless Pokémon. "Don't get any ideas."

They both suddenly look away and whistle off-key, as if they had never been eying Pikachu.

As Ash returns to his position, Brenda thinks things through. "The lead that Ash had is completely gone now. Both he and Neil both have one Pokémon that hasn't battled, and one that has. Things are pretty even now."

Brock disagrees, "Neil still has a Mega Evolved Pokémon, as well as Orbot, which seems to be his signature Pokémon. Ash has lost his heaviest hitters, and Ninjitsu is still very weak. Neil has the clear advantage now."

"You're right. Does Ash even have a chance at winning anymore?"

Ash hears that and asserts, "Hey, don't count me out yet. So long as I have one Pokémon left able to fight, the battle's not over."

Neil makes a chuckle. "Your will is indeed strong. I look forward to seeing your actions back up your words. Show me your next Pokémon."

"You got it. Eagladiator, go!"

"Eaglllllllladiator!"

"Sky Uppercut!" Eagladiator tucks its wings and dives at Duraludon.

"Stop it before it reaches you with Steel Beam!" Duraludon attempts to blast Eagladiator out of the sky, but before it can fire its beam, sparks fly from its body and it freezes up. This allows Eagladiator enough time to move in close and deliver an uppercut with its wing. Duraludon tumbles backwards.

Brenda asks, "What just happened?"

Brock glances at Pikachu, who has recovered enough to watch the battle. "Pikachu may be out of the fight, but it's still helping Ash out. That last Hallowed Lightning must have left Mega Duraludon paralyzed."

Brenda laughs. "So, Neil's not the only one who can slow down his opponents with paralysis."

Brock nods. "This could be what levels the playing field for Ash. A little bit of luck just gave him a fighting chance."

James shakes his head. "No. Not luck. Strategy. I respect that in my rivals."

Riding off of that success, Ash suggests, "Let's switch to a rapid Talon Grapple next!" Leaving Duraludon no chance to recover from its tumbling, Eagladiator closes the gap between them once more and jabs its leg at the target. The first connects. Then it switches to the other leg.

"Metal Burst!"

Eagladiator's second attack strikes, but Duraludon retaliates with Metal Burst. Like Pikachu before it, Eagladiator is blasted backwards by a shockwave.

"Now Steel Beam!" This time Duraludon manages to pull off the attack and strikes Eagladiator before it's able to regain control of its flight. "Now we finish it with Giga Impact!"

"Luuuuuudoooon!" As before, Duraludon launches itself to crush Eagladiator. But unlike before, even with the full force of its rockets blasting, it's moving much slower. The paralysis is showing its effects again.

Ash grins. "It's committed now! Get below it and use Sky Uppercut!"

"Gladiatoooor!" Eagladiator dives down and flies low to the ground, putting it directly underneath Duraludon. As the Mega Evolved Pokémon passes overhead, Eagladiator thrusts a wing upwards like a fist and nails its chest with Sky Uppercut. Duraludon, still cloaked in the energy of Giga Impact, flies up, then falls down and crashes into the ground, leaving a crater. When the dust settles, Duraludon reverts back to its base form.

"Duraludon is unable to battle!"

Brenda cheers, "All right, Ash! You did it! You took the lead back!" She looks to Brock. "Of course, you're just going to tell me how Ash is technically still behind."

Brock nods. "It is still true."

James declares, "He can do it. That's why he's my rival."

"But even James was able to beat Orbot. It can't pose that much of a challenge."

James asserts seriously, "You're wrong."

Brenda looks to him. "Excuse me?"

"Don't count out Orbot. It's an extremely powerful Pokémon. I was lucky to beat it."

Brock shakes his head slightly in disbelief. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with James. Orbot was able to withstand an Explosion from Haking and still fought. After that, it took Mime Jr.'s Teeter Dance, an extremely potent move, in order for James to win. Ash doesn't have anything like either Explosion or Teeter Dance on his side. Not to mention, there must be a reason that Neil considers Orbot his signature Pokémon over Mega Duraludon. It could be even more powerful."

Brenda contemplates the facts. "More powerful than a Mega Evolved Pokémon…? And Ninjitsu looked one strong hit away from being knocked out before… This will be tricky for Ash…"

Neil recalls Duraludon. "I must admit, when you challenged me to a full battle, I figured I would be making quick work of you. You've proven me very wrong. But don't think that defeating my Mega Evolved Pokémon means that things are suddenly going to be easy. No. If anything, they're only going to get harder." He pulls out his next Pokéball. "My final Pokémon is one I met in outer space. It is as much an explorer at heart as I am. It is every bit as hardy as I am. T-minus zero, Orbot!" He sends out Orbot, which appears in its Robot Mode.

"Orbooot!"

Ash nods. "This is what I was saving Eagladiator for. I saw how your Orbot could move through the air with ease during your battle with James, and I knew I would need to be able to do the same."

Neil nods. "Let's see if that strategy holds up."

"Eagladiator, use Brave Bird!"

"Eaglllllladiatoooor!" Eagladiator climbs high into the air, tucks its wings, and dives down at Orbot. Along the way, it becomes cloaked in a fiery blue energy.

"Orbot, Mode Shift and dodge!" Orbot transforms from Robot Mode into Shuttle Mode. Its new form allows it to bank quickly to the side to avoid Eagladiator's attack at the last moment. "Now Steel Wing!"

"Eagladiator, turn around and use Wing Attack!"

The two Pokémon fly at each other, both using their wings as weapons. They pass by each other, both grazing the other with their attack.

Both Ash and Neil shout at once, "Again!"

Both Pokémon bank about and trade midair blows once more.

But as it happens, Ash shouts, "Switch to Talon Grapple!" Eagladiator pivots about and jabs its talons at the nearby Orbot, knocking it away. "Great job! Now Sky Uppercut!"

"Mode Shift and Meteor Mash!" As Eagladiator moves in to punch Orbot, Orbot transforms into Robot Mode and detaches its fist for a rocket-powered, long range punch. The fist strikes Eagladiator and knocks it away. "Follow up with Magnet Bomb!" As its fist returns to it and Eagladiator tumbles to the ground, Orbot summons a swarm of metallic orbs that strike Eagladiator one after the other.

"Eagladiator, keep them away with Talon Grapple!" Eagladiator attempts to knock away each bomb before it can hit, but there's too many of them and Eagladiator is quickly overwhelmed.

"It's over for Eagladiator! Use Steel Wing!" Just as the last Magnet Bomb strikes, Orbot dives down with the repurposed shuttle wing on its back glowing silver, and strikes the wing against Eagladiator.

Gladiator screeches, "Glllllladiator!" as it plummets to the ground.

"Eagladiator is unable to battle! Both sides are down to their last Pokémon!"

Ash hangs his head as he recalls Eagladiator.

Brenda frowns. "All that Ash has left is Ninjitsu, and it was already being pushed to its limits…"

Brock also frowns. "I'm afraid this may be a battle that Ash can't win."

Ash looks back up. Sudden determination wells on his face. "I already told you. Don't count me out until my last Pokémon falls. Until then, I'm still in this." He pulls out Ninjitsu's Pokéball. "I believe in my Pokémon! Go, Ninjitsu!"

"Jitsu!" Although it looks better than its last appearance, it is clear that Ninjitsu is still weak from the damage it sustained in its previous battles.

"It all comes down to this, Ninjitsu. I believe in you. Let's you and I win our eighth gym badge!"

"Ninjit!"

Neil asserts, "When everything's down to the wire is when we're at our strongest! Orbot, use Meteor Mash!"

"Ninjitsu, Smoke Screen!" Ninjitsu throws a smoke pellet at the ground to summon a cloud of smoke around it. The rocket fist flies in through one side of the cloud and out the other. "Karate Chop, now!" With its signature speed, Ninjitsu reappears above Orbot ready to attack.

"Mode Shift! Get out of there!" Orbot changes into Shuttle Mode and rockets forward in an attempt to avoid Ninjitsu's attack. But in a feat of agility, Ninjitsu is able to use its non-attacking hand to grab ahold of Orbot's dorsal fin. Even as they fly off at high speeds, Ninjitsu delivers a powerful Karate Chop to Orbot's back. "Shake it off of you, Orbot!"

"Ninjitsu, hang tight and keep attacking!"

Orbot performs all sorts of maneuvers, such as spins, flips, and rolls in an attempt to force Ninjitsu off of its back, but Ninjitsu has the strength of mind and body to remain clung tight. And whenever the struggle against the G-forces allow it, it delivers another Karate Chop.

Neil quickly realizes the current strategy won't work. "Mode Shift!" While still flying forward, Orbot transforms again. The shifting of its parts proves too difficult for Ninjitsu to keep its grip during, and it's flung to the ground. "Quickly now! Magnet Bomb!"

"Ninjitsu, Double Team and Night Slash! Deflect them all!" Ninjitsu clones itself, and each clone uses Night Slash in attempt to fight back the swarm of bombs, but the fall it just endured only added to its injuries. The pain forces it to hesitate just long enough for a Magnet Bomb to slip through. It's able to seek out the real Ninjitsu and strike. The clones all vanish. Now Ninjitsu looks ready to collapse at any moment.

"Give it another Meteor Mash!"

"Out of the way!" Ninjitsu leaps to the side, just barely avoiding the incoming rocket fist. Normally, movement like that would be like second nature for Ninjitsu, but this time it only barely made it, and the struggle with its movement was clear.

Brenda says with sorrow, "Ninjitsu…"

Neil shouts, "Keep up the pressure! Again!" Orbot's fist uses its built-in rocket to re-aim itself and turn around to fly back at Ninjitsu.

Ash quickly takes in the state of the battle and realizes something. "Ninjitsu, we need to get in close again! There's one way up!"

Ninjitsu nods at Ash, understanding his plan. "Nin." It stands up straight, despite its pain. It uses every bit of its focus to ignore its own weakness.

"Smokescreen!" Just like last time, Ninjitsu obscures itself in smoke. The fist travels through the smoke just like before.

"Like I said with Metang! We won't fall for the same trick twice! Meteor Mash behind you!" Orbot pivots around and fires its second fist as the first is still returning. But there's no target. "Huh? Where is it?"

Ash grins. "Ninjitsu has a habit of popping up where you'd least expect it! Now, Ninjitsu! Karate Chop!"

"I don't see it! Where is it?"

Orbot's first fist reattaches, and off of it, Ninjitsu leaps and delivers a double Karate Chop straight to Orbot's faceplate.

Neil gasps. "It hitched a ride on the rocket fist…" He grins. "Clever."

Orbot falls to the ground. Everyone watches it with bated breath. It moves an arm to lift itself and starts to get back up. But then its arm fails to support its weight and the robotic Pokémon collapses.

"Orbot is unable to battle! Ash Ketchum is the winner!"

Ash cheers, "We did, Ninjitsu! We did it! That's why you never count us out!"

"Jitsu nin!" With the battle over, Ninjitsu allows itself to collapse.

Ash grins. "Thank you, Ninjitsu. You did great." He recalls it.

Neil also recalls Orbot. He gives Ash a look over and thinks, That boy is something else. He beat me at my full strength, that's something not many can do. He is going to go places in life. I am witnessing the liftoff of a rocketing career.


Outside the gym, Neil hands Ash a Rocket Badge. All of Ash's Pokémon are gathered around him. "Ash Ketchum, you have earned the Rocket Badge. Congratulations on your eight Tenno gym badges. I look forward to watching you battle in the Tenno League."

Ash stares at the badge in Neil's palm for several seconds, as if he can't believe it's real. "This is really it. Eight Tenno gym badges…" He slowly reaches out for it. The moment he touches it, his movements speed up. He takes it, thrusts it up into the air, and proclaims, "I just got the Rocket Badge! Tenno League, here we come!"

"Pik pikachu!"

"Eagllllladiator!"

"Lurtle, sol!"

"Dashi dashi dahilisk!"

"Booorrior!"

"Ninjitsu!"

Ash promptly pulls out his badge case and places the Rocket Badge into the eighth slot. "Meteor Badge. Atmosphere Badge. Radioactive Badge. Comet Badge. ET Badge. Celestial Badge. Void Badge. And now the Rocket Badge." He looks to his Pokémon. "It's been a long journey, but we've finally done it. Thank you all for your help.

The Pokémon all respond in their own way.

Neil points out, "I say you've earned that gym badge just in time. This year's Tenno League is scheduled to be held in just over a month on Cosmic Island. They call it the Cosmic Conference."

Ash repeats, "The Cosmic Conference. We'll be there."

Neil grins. "And I look forward to seeing what you can do there. Best of luck, Ash."

It's hard to believe. After all this time, Ash has at last earned his final Tenno gym badge. All that's left for him now is to compete in the Tenno League. With something so exciting ahead of us, how could you not stay tuned?

To Be Continued…