Chapter 42 Highpoint Gym Battle

Ash and his friends return to Highpoint City, only to run into Rick. Ash groans, "You again?"

Rick smirks, "Ash, Alice... I heard about what happened at Mount Highpoint. Who are those guys? They better not get in my way! I've already beaten Amber and got the Badge—so that's five Badges down, three to go! Easy! You better catch up!"

"Sure..." Ash mutters, unimpressed.

Rick continues, "I'm heading to Waytide City next. I hear there's a Fishing Contest there. Might as well see what I can catch! Catch you later, loser!" With that, Rick strides off, leaving Ash to sigh in exasperation before they head to the gym.

As they walk, Ash asks, "Mother, do you know anything about Amber's strategy?"

"Amber specializes in Fire-type Pokémon," Delia explains. "She trained back at Mt. Chimney in the Hoenn Region, so she's very skilled. If I remember correctly, this time you'll be facing four of her Pokémon."

"I see," Ash says with determination. "I'm ready for that."

Upon entering the gym, they notice switches on the floor and lava pits scattered around. Amber stands on the other side of the battlefield and greets them, "Hello, everyone. Thanks again for your help at Mount Highpoint. Those people are definitely up to no good."

"Don't worry about it, Amber," Delia reassures her. "We'll handle them."

Amber nods and then takes on her Gym Leader persona. "As you know, I'm Amber, the Gym Leader of Highpoint Gym. I use Fire-type Pokémon, so I hope you're ready for this!"

Suddenly, parts of the floor begin to disappear, leaving only the sections with switches intact. Ash looks around, puzzled. "What's going on...?"

Amber explains, "In this gym, the battlefield changes like this. But don't worry—if you activate the switches, the platforms will shift. That's how this gym works."

"Got it," Ash replies, moving to his side of the battlefield while the others take their seats in the stands.

"My first Pokémon will be Hottop," Amber declares as she sends out the Fire and Rock-type Pokémon. "Come on! Show me your skills!"

"You bet," Ash replies confidently. "Since Hottop is a Fire and Rock type, I'll choose Pupool." As the dog-like Pokémon appears, it surprises Ash by licking him affectionately. "Not now, Pupool," Ash chuckles. "We need to focus on the battle."

Pupool nods and turns to face the Gym Leader's Hottop. Amber wastes no time and commands, "Let's start with Stealth Rock!"

Hottop shoots out invisible rocks, and one of them hits a switch, causing the platform to shift. "Get out of there quick, Pupool!" Ash orders.

Pupool leaps to another platform just in time, but Ash can see the challenge ahead. "This is really tough, but we'll overcome it. Pupool, use Water Sport!"

Pupool splashes water around, dampening the battlefield and weakening Hottop's Fire-type moves. Amber, unfazed, counters, "Hottop doesn't rely only on fire moves. Use Rock Slide!"

"Quick, dodge it!" Ash shouts. Pupool jumps to another platform, but he's soon trapped as another rock comes his way. "Stay calm, Pupool! Use Aqua Jet on that switch!"

The puppy Pokémon nods and executes the move, activating another switch. The platforms shift again, and Mark comments, "He's getting the hang of it."

"Great job, Ash!" Alice cheers, with Pikachu joining in with a supportive cry.

Amber smirks, "Don't celebrate too soon. This lava is artificial, which means Fire Pokémon can swim in it." To Ash's surprise, Hottop dives into the lava and swims directly in front of Pupool. "Use Lava Plume!"

Even though the move is weakened by Water Sport, it still deals significant damage to Pupool. However, much to everyone's surprise, Pupool begins to glow and evolves into a darker blue form.

"Wow, it's a Pooldog now!" Ash gasps as he scans the newly evolved Pokémon.

Pooldog, the Bulldog Pokémon. Water Type. Evolved from Pupool at Level 29. A popular household Pokémon due to their loyalty and gentle disposition. Their drool always hangs from their jowls; if removed, it will reform immediately.

"An evolution, I see," Amber observes. "But that won't stop me. Hottop, use Rock Polish!"

Hottop starts to raise its Speed stats, but Ash is quick to react. "Pooldog, use Megalo Fang!"

Pooldog charges forward and delivers a powerful bite, causing Hottop to faint. Ash's strategy and Pupool's evolution have paid off.

Amber narrows her eyes. "I was careless with that attack... but this time, I won't make the same mistake. Blitzglow, come on out!"

As the Electric and Fire-type Pokémon appears, Ash recognizes it immediately. "So that's Blitzy's evolution..."

Alice observes the floating Pokémon and notes, "It floats in the air, which means it probably has the Levitate ability, right?"

"You're right," Mark agrees.

Amber smirks, "Time for some tricks. Blitzglow, use Swift! Aim over Pooldog."

Ash watches as the stars from Swift fly over Pooldog, hitting a switch instead of the Pokémon. Suddenly, the platforms connected to the one Pooldog is standing on disappear. "Oh no, we're trapped..."

"Checkmate," Amber declares. "Blitzglow, use Shock Wave."

The electrical attack hits Pooldog directly, knocking it out. "Return, Pooldog. You did a great job..." Ash recalls Pooldog and then takes out his second Pokéball. "Now, I need your help, Eclipser!"

As Eclipser appears, it floats in the air as well. Ash speaks to it, "Eclipser, this is our first gym battle since I found you again. This time, lend me your power."

Eclipser nods and begins to glow white. Amber raises an eyebrow. "I don't know what you just did, but Blitzglow, use Flash!"

Blitzglow emits a blinding light, causing Eclipser to lose sight. Ash remains calm. "Eclipser, stay calm and use your Psychic powers, then follow up with Power Gem."

Eclipser centers itself, focusing its psychic energy, and then unleashes Power Gem, which strikes Blitzglow with precision.

"Not bad! Blitzglow, use Swift!" Amber commands.

"Dodge it, and then use Morning Sun!" Ash yells.

Eclipser deftly dodges the attack and glows with a warm light as it begins to recover its HP. But to Amber's shock, Blitzglow suddenly faints, struck by an unseen force.

"What's going on? Morning Sun isn't an attacking move..." Amber exclaims, confused.

Ash smiles, "That was Future Sight. I had Eclipser use it on the first turn, and it worked perfectly."

Delia, watching from the stands, nods appreciatively. "Future Sight, huh? Very clever."

Amber smiles, "I have to admit, Ash, you're definitely your mother's son. But that won't stop me from sending out my next Pokémon—Billaze!"

As the Pokémon emerges, Ash recognizes it. "This must be the evolution of Kidlit..."

Billaze wastes no time, using Flame Charge to increase its speed and delivering a flurry of attacks. Eclipser struggles to keep up and eventually faints. Ash recalls Eclipser and swiftly chooses his next Pokémon. "Milotic, I choose you!"

Milotic gracefully appears on the battlefield. Amber raises an eyebrow, impressed. "A Milotic... It's been a while since I've seen one."

Ash wastes no time. "Milotic, use Rain Dance!"

As rain begins to pour, soaking the battlefield, Amber quickly adjusts her strategy. "We'll just have to deal with that. Billaze, use Body Slam!"

Billaze lunges at Milotic, landing the attack and causing Milotic to become paralyzed. But Ash remains unfazed. "Too bad for you—Milotic's Marvel Scale ability raises its Defense when it's paralyzed, so that won't work as well as you hoped. Milotic, use Water Pulse!"

"Billaze, dodge it!" Amber commands, but as Billaze dodges, the Water Pulse strikes a switch, causing the platforms to shift and trapping Billaze in a corner.

"What?" Amber gasps, surprised by the sudden turn of events.

Ash seizes the opportunity. "As the saying goes, I'll let you taste your own medicine. Milotic, finish it with Hydro Pump!"

Milotic unleashes a powerful torrent of water, striking Billaze head-on and causing it to faint.

Delia watches from the stands, a smile on her face. "This is really exciting... It's not every day you see Amber getting cornered like this."

Amber sighs, "Not only do you have your father's talent, but you also have your mother's cunning. But I'll break them apart with my final Pokémon—Magrizzly!"

As the bear-like Pokémon appears, she quickly commands, "Sunny Day!"

The harsh sunlight intensifies, causing Milotic to struggle as the platform heats up. "Magrizzly, use Solar Claw!"

Ash watches as Magrizzly's claws absorb the sunlight, then slash at Milotic, dealing significant damage. "Milotic!"

Amber follows up, "Now, Storm Throw!" Magrizzly grabs Milotic and throws it to another platform, causing it to faint.

Ash recalls Milotic, "You did a great job, Milotic. Return."

Amber smirks, "Now, what will you do next?"

Ash smiles confidently, "I promised that after winning four badges, I would need their help for the upcoming gym battles. So, I'll choose Ho-Oh!"

Delia, Alice, and Mark gasp in shock as the legendary phoenix Pokémon appears before them. Delia, stunned, asks, "Ash? What's the meaning of this?"

Ash explains, "I'm sorry, Mother, but I promised my Legendary Pokémon that they would have a chance to battle. And I decided to let them face the Gym Leaders."

Delia sighs but then smiles, "I see... Well, I can't blame you for it."

Amber chuckles, "It's fine, Delia. I've always wanted to battle a Ho-Oh."

Magrizzly immediately uses Slash on Ho-Oh, but Ho-Oh counters by using Recover, restoring its health. Then, Ho-Oh prepares a Sky Attack, and Magrizzly dives into the lava to dodge it. However, Ho-Oh, being a Fire-type as well, follows it into the lava.

"Of course, Ho-Oh is a Fire-type too," Alice remarks.

"Yeah, Brother's going to win," Mark says confidently.

Ash calls out, "Finish it with Brave Bird!"

Magrizzly surfaces but can't locate Ho-Oh until the legendary Pokémon appears behind it, striking with immense force. Magrizzly is knocked through several platforms before landing on the one connected to the wall.

"You blew out my fire..." Amber gasps as she recalls her Pokémon. "Congratulations on your victory! You've earned the Blast Badge!"

Ash receives the badge and thanks Amber. Delia turns to her friend, "So, how are you feeling, Amber?"

Amber smiles warmly, "Your son is the perfect combination of you and your husband. I'm really convinced of that."

As Delia watches Alice and Ash chatting happily, she adds, "Well, I guess Alice is really lucky to have him."

Back outside, Ash accidentally bumps into someone. The person says, "Ow...watch out..."

Ash recognizes the voice and says, "Rodney?"

Rodney looks up and smiles, "Oh, it's you, Ash, Alice, Mark, and Ms. Ketchum too. Good to see you all again." He gets back up and notices Ash's new badge. "So, you won the Blast Badge?"

"Yeah, it was tough, but I managed to pull through," Ash replies with a grin.

"That's awesome! I'm just about to battle her now. I hope I can win too," Rodney says, sounding hopeful.

Mark chimes in, "So, you're not going to have a battle with us?"

Rodney laughs and rubs the back of his head, "Well, I could, but I want to save my energy for the Gym Battle, you know?"

Just then, Amber walks out of the gym, surprising everyone. Delia notices her and asks, "Amber, what's wrong?"

Amber looks relieved, "Thank goodness you haven't left yet. Ash, I have a favor to ask."

"What is it?" Ash asks, curious.

"After our battle, I had a thought..." Amber begins, pulling out a red orb, and Delia gasps in shock. "That's the Core Stone! You've had it this whole time?"

"Yes, Delia." Amber turns to Ash. "Knowing Gloria, she'll realize I have the Core Stone and will come back for it. I need to keep it safe, so I want to ask you, Ash. It's dangerous, but will you take the Core Stone with you on your journey? I trust you to keep it safe."

"Wait, you want me to keep the Core Stone?" Ash asks in disbelief. Amber nods and hands the stone to Ash, who takes it cautiously.

Rodney, confused, asks, "What people? What's a Core Stone? What am I missing?"

Amber turns to Rodney, "And who are you?"

Alice quickly introduces him, "This is Rodney, a friend of ours."

Amber nods and then says seriously, "Rodney, I'm sorry, but I can't let anyone else know that Ash has the Core Stone, so please keep this a secret."

Rodney shrugs, still a bit confused, "I have no idea what this is about... but okay."

Amber smiles gratefully, "Thank you, Rodney. And Ash, please keep the Core Stone safe. I know it's in good hands with you."

She then turns to Rodney, "So, Rodney, are you ready to battle?"

"Yes, please," Rodney says eagerly.

"Okay, let's go," Amber replies, leading him back into the gym. "Awesome, see you later!" Rodney waves as he and Amber head inside, while the others bid them farewell.

As they walk away, Ash asks, "So, where should we go next?"

Delia thinks for a moment before replying, "There's a long distance between here and the sixth gym, so we should head to the Docking Port for Waytide City. Fortunately, the cable cars are open now."

With their next destination in mind, they take the cable car back to Docking Port, ready for the next leg of their journey.

Here is a new chapter, Ash has gotten not only the fifth badge but also the Core Stone to keep from both Team Solar and Team Lunar. I hope you like it.

New Pokemon/Evolution: Pooldog