"Primeape, the Pig Monkey Pokemon," Ash's Pokedex announced, eliciting an offended grunt from the Fighting-type in question. "Primeape is always furious and tenacious to boot. It will not abandon chasing its quarry until it is caught. This Pokemon is Fighting-type, and knows the moves Scratch, Leer, Low Kick, Karate Chop, Fury Swipes, Seismic Toss, Mega Kick, and Thrash."

"Huh," Ash murmured. "Only Normal and Fighting moves…we really need to get you some additional coverage."

Primeape huffed. "As if I need additional coverage."

Kubfu eyed Ash's newest catch, recognition flaring in his mind at the words. As Ash turned to address the rest of his team, Kubfu stepped over to Primeape. "You really should listen to him."

Primeape looked down at Kubfu. "Okay, look, squirt. Scizor and Genesect I respect enough to listen to. What's a runt like you got to say to me?"

"Well," said Kubfu, "first, I'm a Legendary. Second, I'm just as strong as Scizor. And third, I've been through that exact same frame of mind, and it nearly got me kidnapped by poachers. So I'm speaking from experience here."

Primeape's eyes narrowed. "Strong as Scizor, huh? Prove it." He strode over to a nearby tree trunk, hauled back, and threw a punch strong enough to leave a sizable crater in the wood. "If you can punch harder than that," said Primeape, "then I suppose I'll listen to you."

Kubfu eyed the crater doubtfully, but he knew he couldn't turn down Primeape's challenge. Accordingly, he stepped over to the same tree trunk, to a spot lower down from where Primeape had struck it. Kubfu crouched, readying himself. He called upon Focus Energy to discern, with pinpoint accuracy, where the best place to hit would be. He called upon Aerial Ace to strengthen his blow further.

And then he hauled back, and called upon Rock Smash.

His fist impacted. Pain flared up Kubfu's wrist as he struck solid wood. The crater he left, while large, was not as sizable as Primeape's.

Primeape snorted. "Figured as much."

Kubfu smirked. "Wait for it."

Abruptly, a series of loud cracks brought the attention of everyone in the clearing. Kubfu had known that he couldn't punch as hard as Primeape. But he could punch more accurately. So whereas Primeape's punch had simply left a crater in the tree, Kubfu's punch had been in just the right place to disrupt its structural integrity just enough.

Kubfu stepped to the side. Slowly, as if pushed by a strong wind, the tree toppled backwards and landed with a loud crash on the forest floor, right where Kubfu had been standing. Only the stump was left behind, the cracks stemming from where Kubfu's fist had landed still evident in the wood.

Primeape blinked. Several times. "That…that still doesn't count. My crater was still larger!"

"I suppose it was, Primeape," Kubfu replied cooly. "That's all right. You don't have to listen to me if you don't want to."

As he turned and walked away, his ears picked up Primeape muttering under his breath, "Okay, actually, how the hell did he do that? I need to figure out how to do that…"

"Here we are!" Ash cried. "Celadon City, home to the next Gym!"

"And you're sure you don't need any more training before this Gym?" Clay asked.

"I've been practically steamrolling through the Gyms so far," Ash replied. "And besides, even if I do end up on the back foot, I can fall back on Genesect!"

Clay and Cyrus glanced at each other. "All right," said Clay. "Go on in, if that's your decision."

Since this was, in fact, Ash's decision, he went on in. The Celadon Gym itself was a rather nondescript circular building that looked to have had some sort of major identifying construct around its top at some point; however, that had been removed, leaving only small elements of framework behind. Weird, Ash thought. Guess the Gym Leader's in the middle of redecorating.

As he stepped through the doorway, a pair of fiery pillars abruptly shot out from the ground to either side of him.

"Whoa!" Ash jumped. "What the heck?"

"Welcome to the Celadon Gym," a female voice called. Looking into the Gym, Ash spotted a woman standing in what was clearly a battle arena, leaning against a pillar in one of the corners. She wore red diamond-patterned pants, a black sleeveless shirt, and a pair of glasses with red tinted lenses. "My name is Malva. I suppose you are to be my next opponent?"

"Well, if you're the Gym Leader, then yes!" Ash cried. "Also, what's with the open fire pillars? Somebody could get hurt if they walk into those!"

"In my view," said Malva, "anyone who's stupid enough to walk into large pillars of fire deserves to get hurt. Ah, hello, Clay, Cyrus."

"Malva," said Clay. "Been a while. Still haven't decided on your new outside decoration, I see?"

Malva shook her head. "I have decided, in fact. A Pyroar's mane. I just haven't gotten around to it yet. Still, even a nondescript building is better than that Vileplume-shaped ring. I mean, seriously now. How is a Fire-type Gym Leader supposed to function in a building that looks like a Grass-type?"

"You're a Fire-type Gym Leader?" Ash asked.

Malva snorted. "As if the fiery pillars didn't make that obvious. Yes, I am. And I see you brought a Fire-type with you, albeit a rather weak-looking one."

"Hey!" Ash cried. "Hisuian Growlithe's not weak!"

"He is unevolved," Malva retorted. "That's not very strong at this level. But enough posturing - you've come for a Gym Battle, and it is my duty to provide it. We shall have a four-on-four battle for your Gym Badge."

"Four-on-four…" Ash began to think. A Fire-type Gym…that actually invalidates a lot of my options.

Fortunately, he'd left Scizor, Kricketune, and Aegislash at Professor Archie's ranch, none of which he would have wanted to bring to this Gym anyway. Unfortunately, the typing of this Gym meant Genesect was out. Even if the artificial Legendary hadn't expressed a noted desire to stay away from fire, there was no way Ash was knowingly sending a Bug/Steel-type out against a Fire-type Gym Leader.

That left Primeape, Kubfu, Litleo, Tympole, and Hisuian Growlithe, all of which had their merits. Tympole he decided on instantly thanks to type advantage. Primeape came next - it was his only evolved Pokemon among the five, and as such his strongest in terms of raw power, though as Kubfu had demonstrated, that didn't mean everything. Speaking of Kubfu, Ash decided on him third, as he hadn't gotten the chance to take on a Gym in a while. And finally, Ash chose Hisuian Growlithe over Litleo, deciding that the Rock typing would be more valuable even if he didn't know any Rock-type moves yet.

"I'm ready for a four-on-four!" Ash called.

"Then we shall proceed," said Malva. "Four-on-four, and no switches allowed for either side."

"No switches?" Ash frowned slightly - the last time he remembered someone saying that was Cyrus - but he shook his head. After all, it wasn't like he'd needed switches in his other four Gym Battles. His frown shifted to a smile. "All right, Malva, no switches it is! Besides, my Pokemon are strong enough to handle yours without them!"

"We will see about that," said Malva. "Pyroar, time to battle."

"Pyroar?" Ash's eyes widened - having studied up on Litleo, he immediately recognized its evolved form. But Litleo hasn't even evolved yet - how is it fair that I have to fight a Pyroar at this level?

Ash shook his head - he couldn't let those kinds of thoughts overtake him, not when he had a battle to win. Pyroar was Normal/Fire - an easy matchup for his Fighting-types. His hand shifted between Primeape and Kubfu's Pokeballs for a few moments - it was practically a toss-up as to which one to use - but ultimately he decided he'd rather save the raw power of Primeape for later. "Kubfu, I choose you!" he cried.

If Malva was surprised at the appearance of a Legendary, she didn't show it. Ash clenched one fist. "I'll show you how ready I am!" he called. "Kubfu, charge with Aerial Ace!"

"Pyroar, counter with Echoed Voice," Malva ordered.

As Kubfu leaped forwards, Pyroar unleashed a rapidly-expanding wave of sound in the Fighting-type's direction. Kubfu charged straight through it, the Aerial Ace sufficient to tear through the rather weak Echoed Voice, and slammed into the stationary Pyroar. The Normal/Fire-type skidded backwards, claws tearing furrows in the floor.

"Force him back with Flamethrower," said Malva.

"Dodge!" Ash called. He felt sweat coating his brow as Kubfu dove out of the way of the fiery attack, and it wasn't just because of the heat. He knew very well from Tympole's numerous battles what sort of threat Echoed Voice represented. If that Pyroar managed to get off a couple more, she could easily tear through Kubfu and even more Pokemon beyond that with the sheer power of her Echoed Voices.

I have to go on the offensive.

"Charge again, and hit her with Rock Smashes!" Ash cried out. "Don't let up!"

"Counter with Fire Fang," Malva retorted.

Kubfu dove forwards again, and this time Pyroar rose to meet him, flames glistening across her jaws. Rock Smash met Fire Fang; the explosion of energy sent both battlers stumbling. "Echoed Voice," Malva called sharply; Pyroar's head whipped back around to face the reeling Kubfu, and before Ash could cry out an order the Normal/Fire-type blasted the Echoed Voice into Kubfu's face.

Kubfu was sent flying; he managed to flip in midair and land back on his feet in a fighting stance, but now he was an irritatingly large distance away from Pyroar. "Use Echoed Voice again," Malva ordered, a smirk adorning her face.

Pyroar's face held a similar smirk as she opened fire on Kubfu, who barely managed to evade with Aerial Ace, the soundwaves of Pyroar's Echoed Voice slamming in the ground inches away from his heels. Ash grimaced - the Echoed Voice had already gotten far stronger than he was comfortable with. "Focus Energy!" he called. "Then charge again - keep away from those Echoed Voices and hit her with Rock Smash!"

"Spread your Flamethrower," said Malva. As Kubfu charged again, Pyroar exhaled another Flamethrower, this time sweeping her head to the side so that it came out in a wave rather than a stream. Huh…Hisuian Growlihe could make use of that technique. "Leap over it with Aerial Ace!" Ash cried.

"Echoed Voice while he's in the air."

Ash's eyes widened at Malva's order. "Wait, get back!" he yelled, but Kubfu was already leaping upwards. Pyroar's fourth Echoed Voice caught him as he sailed over the top of the Flamethrower; once more Kubfu was tossed away, and this time he didn't land on his feet.

"Kubfu, you all right?" Ash asked.

"Fu," Kubfu forced out as he rose to his feet. Ash grimaced - Kubfu was on his last legs, and Pyroar still hadn't taken any significant damage.

Kubfu can't get in close without getting hit, and at this point I don't think he can take another of Pyroar's ranged attacks. Ash stared at the still-smirking forms of Malva and her Pyroar. Unless…

"Kubfu, charge again," Ash urged. "You know the drill - Rock Smash and dodge any attacks you can."

Malva shook her head. "You're not going to get far by beating your head against the same wall over and over again. Pyroar, spread another Flamethrower."

"Duck this time!" Ash cried. Kubfu dove forwards; the flames licked at his back as he leaped under the bulk of the spread Flamethrower, but he managed to land well enough and roll back to his feet, wincing in pain.

"Echoed Voice."

"Endure!" Ash called. Kubfu gritted his teeth, activated Endure, and lunged straight into the teeth of Pyroar's fifth and most powerful Echoed Voice. Malva raised an eyebrow as Kubfu forced his way through the attack, drawing a fist back in preparation to sink it into Pyroar's face. "Fire Fang!" she ordered.

"To the side!" Ash called. Kubfu, who had been about to clash with Pyroar's Fire Fang like last time, swiftly changed direction, spinning out of the way of Pyroar's gnashing jaws. Twisting, Kubfu buried a Rock Smash into Pyroar's cheek, sending her stumbling away. Kubfu lunged forwards, raising another fist in preparation for another attack-

"Headbutt!"

Pyroar's head whipped sideways straight into Kubfu's stomach. Kubfu crumpled, his last attack fading away as he tumbled to the ground, unconscious.

Malva let out a sigh - of relief or something else, Ash couldn't tell - and adjusted her red-lensed glasses. "Send out your next," she prompted.

Ash recalled Kubfu, murmuring that he'd done well and trying to keep his disappointment out of his voice. Last time I lost a Pokemon before my opponent in a Gym Battle was against Cyrus, and that was a really tough one. Come to think of it, that was Kubfu as well…I'll have to comfort him once all this is over.

But I beat Cyrus, in the end. This battle's far from over.

"Primeape, you're up!" Ash called, sending out his other Fighting-type.

Primeape let out a challenging bellow and stomped on the ground. Pyroar shifted in response; Ash was relieved to see that at least the Normal/Fire-type was clearly in some pain.

Nevertheless, he knew that Pyroar's Echoed Voice was now supercharged - exactly what he'd hoped wouldn't happen. And sure enough, the instant he called for Primeape to leap forwards, Malva spoke up. "Echoed Voice!"

"Tough it out, Primeape!" Ash cried, remembering that Primeape was slower than Kubfu and as such had no way of dodging such a widespread attack. Primeape roared and flung himself right into the barrage just like Kubfu had done.

Unlike Kubfu, he was not being bolstered by Endure. Also unlike Kubfu, he was fresh, fully evolved, and generally not in the mood to let himself get blown away by Pyroar's attack.

Judging by the rather sudden alarm in Pyroar's eyes, she hadn't exactly been expecting Primeape to bulldoze right through and come Thrashing right at her. "Fire Fang!" Malva ordered, but Primeape collided with Pyroar before she could get the attack off.

Pyroar was flung straight into the wall behind Malva. Primeape stomped on the ground and roared his victory as Malva recalled her fallen Normal/Fire-type. "Well done, Primeape!" Ash cried. "Let's see if we can't get another one!"

"Unlikely," Malva retorted. "Lampent, you are up next."

Lampent cut a striking figure as it materialized, floating in midair. Ash's excitement faded as fast as one of Litleo's fires when hit by water. He would freely admit he wasn't all that well versed in what type Pokemon were, but from the floating, the spectral flames, and the emptiness in Lampent's eyes, he was pretty sure Lampent was a Fire/Ghost-type.

Which meant that Primeape, with only Normal and Fighting-type moves, had no way to actually hit Lampent. "Um…" said Ash. "Is it okay if I switch Primeape out? He won't do well in this matchup."

"I believe," said Malva, "the agreement was no switches on either side. You may either keep your Primeape in, or forfeit him - and I must say, if you don't trust him to handle my Lampent, then it was rather foolish of you to bring him in the first place."

"I didn't know you'd have a Ghost-type!" Ash protested.

"A good Trainer has to be prepared for anything," Malva retorted. "Now either forfeit your Primeape, or give the first order."

Ash felt humiliation surge through him - as much as he wanted to give Primeape a chance, he knew that without anything that could hit Lampent, Primeape would just get hurt if Ash left him in. Reluctantly, he raised Primeape's Pokeball. "Primeape, return."

Malva nodded. "At the very least you care about your Pokemon. Now send out your next."

Ash bit his lip. He was most definitely on the back foot - now he only had two Pokemon left against Malva's three, all of whom were fresh. But both of them had a type advantage.

I haven't lost yet.

"Go, Tympole!" Ash cried.

Malva cocked her head as Tympole materialized on the battlefield. "An unevolved Water-type? Is that the best you have?"

"It's gonna be more than enough!" Ash declared. "Tympole, use Bubblebeam!"

"Counter with Energy Ball," Malva ordered.

Ash gaped. "Energy Ball? Tympole, get out of there!"

But Tympole was already mid-Bubblebeam, and his reaction was too slow. Lampent fired a glowing green sphere out of one of its two long black arms, a sphere that scythed straight through the Bubblebeam and struck Tympole head-on. The Water-type was hurled backwards, landing with a wet thud at Ash's feet.

"I did tell you a good Trainer has to be prepared for anything," said Malva. "I would not be the fifth Gym Leader if I could simply be washed away by any old Water-type."

"Tympole, you good to keep going?" Ash asked.

Tympole rose shakily and gave Ash a nod. "Okay," said Ash. "I know we're in trouble, but I've got a plan. Use Supersonic - try and confuse him, and keep away from his attacks!"

"Block the soundwaves with Flame Burst," Malva called.

Lampent unleashed a blast of ghostly flame that ripped through Tympole's Supersonic. Tympole quickly countered with another Bubblebeam, then dove away from an Energy Ball that only narrowly missed. Ash grimaced - practically every other move Tympole had was Water or Ground-type, and as such could easily be countered by Energy Ball.

I've fallen into the same trap as I did with Primeape. But I can't just forfeit Tympole - Hisuian Growlithe will never be able to take out three enemy Pokemon back-to-back! I have to come up with a new plan fast…

Wait. Tympole does have one move that isn't Water or Ground-type - Echoed Voice. Sure, that can't hit Lampent due to its Ghost typing…but it can block Energy Balls.

Ash raised his voice. "Mud Shot!"

"Energy Ball," Malva countered.

Ash grinned as the sphere of Grass energy flew out from Lampent once more. "Echoed Voice - blast away that sphere, and follow up with Bubblebeam!"

Malva's eyes narrowed behind her glasses as the Energy Ball, weakened by tearing through the Mud Shot, was blown away by the Echoed Voice. "Energy Ball again," she ordered, "then get closer."

Closer? What's she playing at?

"Deflect it with another Echoed Voice!" Ash cried. "Then force her back with a barrage of Bubblebeams, and try for Supersonics when you get the chance!"

As the two battlers fought, it was clear they had reached a stalemate. Energy Balls blew away any Bubblebeams and Mud Shots Tympole fired, only to be themselves blown away by Echoed Voices that could not touch Lampent despite their power. Anytime Tympole tossed in a Supersonic, Lampent was quick to block with Flame Burst. Neither side was gaining ground in their ranged duel, but neither side was losing it, either.

But two things disquieted Ash. Firstly, Lampent had only used two of its four allotted moves. And secondly, the Fire/Ghost-type was slowly inching closer. Malva definitely had a plan in mind, and Ash knew he had to find a way to counter it quickly, whatever it was.

Malva was ultimately the one to break the stalemate; as Lampent inched closer still, she finally seemed to decide to pull the trigger on her strategy. "Lampent, now! Use Energy Ball and charge!"

This time, Lampent lunged forwards as soon as he fired the Energy Ball. "Block with Echoed Voice and follow up with Mud Shot!" Ash called. Tympole inhaled and screamed; by now the Echoed Voice was strong enough to rip the Energy Ball to shreds in an instant. Lampent continued to charge, lunging right into Tympole's swift Mud Shot.

Malva smirked even as the Mud Shot struck Lampent. "Will-O-Wisp."

Even as Lampent twisted, his left side awash with sticky mud, his right arm reached out and touched Tympole. A plume of ghostly fire snaked down Lampent's outstretched arm and into Tympole's body. At once Tympole recoiled in pain. Malva's voice arose again. "Now use Hex!"

"Bubblebeam!" Ash cried, but before Tympole could recover, Lampent unleashed a spurt of ghostly energy that flew from the arm and slammed into Tympole. Tympole's scream was piercing as the fires across his body flared up all at once. "Tympole!" Ash cried in alarm.

"Finish it off with Energy Ball," Malva ordered.

"Block with Echoed Voice!" Ash cried; thankfully, Tympole still had enough wits about him to blast the Energy Ball away. "Hex!" Malva called, but thankfully this time Ash was able to order a Bubblebeam that was strong enough to blow away the ghostly burst.

Now, though, Tympole was on a timer. Eventually, the damage from his Burn would be too much for him; he was already looking haggard, firing off his attacks with a little bit more effort than usual. I can't get caught in another stalemate - eventually Tympole will just faint. But I've already used all four moves - there's no way to throw in another variable! How am I supposed to beat this thing?

An idea suddenly came into Ash's mind. He raised his voice. "Tympole, can you combine Echoed Voice with Supersonic?"

"Pole…" Tympole nodded shakily.

"Then do it!" Ash cried. "Blast Lampent away!"

Malva pursed her lips. "Throw a Flame Burst in there - try to block the Supersonic!"

Ash crossed his fingers as the two attacks sped towards one another. Please work, please work, please work…

The Echoed Voice and Flame Burst slammed into one another; it only took a second for the soundwaves to rip through the Fire-type attack. Lampent stood in place as the Normal-type attack swept through his ghostly body; as it did so, though, his eyes began to blink and he dropped slightly, struggling to keep his balance.

He's confused. Ash grinned. "Now, Tympole! Attack with everything you have!"

Tympole, shaking with effort to stay standing but still defiant, hurled himself forwards, Bubblebeams and Mud Shots flying from his body. "Focus, Lampent!" Malva called. "Defend with Hex and Energy Ball!"

But Confusion prevailed over Lampent's mind; he whirled and fired an Energy Ball in the complete wrong direction, aiming for an enemy only he thought was there. Before he could correct, Tympole's first Bubblebeam struck him head-on, staggering him. Lampent flailed, trying to defend, but Tympole's barrage of attacks was simply too much for him.

It only took a few seconds for Malva to recall Lampent. But just as she did so, Tympole finally collapsed to the ground as his Burn overcame him. Ash was swift to recall him as well. "Well done, Tympole," he murmured. "You gave Hisuian Growlithe a fighting chance."

"I'll admit that was fairly impressive," said Malva. "But I'm afraid you've already dug yourself too deep of a hole. Your last had better be something strong if you want to stand a chance against my Fletchinder and my last." Accordingly, she sent out the Fletchinder in question - obviously a Fire/Flying-type, judging by the wings.

"Oh, believe me, my last is strong," Ash retorted. "Go, Hisuian Growlithe!"

Malva frowned as HIsuian Growlithe stepped forward. "So that is your last?" she asked. "Another unevolved Pokemon? Are you certain you wish to send him in?"

"I'm confident in his abilities!" Ash called. "And his typing! You see, Hisuian Growlithe is Fire/Rock-type, which means he's really strong against your Fletchinder!"

"Is that so?" Malva asked. "Well, then, let's see if you can back that assertion up."

"Gladly!" Ash cried. "Hisuian Growlithe, use Flamethrower!"

"Fletchinder, counter with Flame Charge," Malva ordered. "And use Agility."

Fletchinder dove straight into the oncoming Flamethrower, shrieking out a challenge. "Meet it with Bite!" Ash called. Hisuian Growlithe lunged forwards just as Fletchinder emerged from the fires of his Flamethrower, trailing smoke behind her. Flame Charge met Bite, and Fletchinder stumbled from the strength of the attack.

"To the side," Malva ordered as Ash ordered another Bite. Fletchinder dove away from Hisuian Growlithe's gnashing teeth. "Agility again," Malva continued. "Then come at him with a barrage of Acrobatics."

Hisuian Growlithe barely had time to turn before Fletchinder leaped towards him, wings spread wide. The Fire/Flying-type was practically a blur as she sped in, swatted Hisuian Growlithe with her wings, and darted out again, evading another Bite. Twirling, she came in again, and then again, moving so fast that Hisuian Growlithe couldn't land a blow even as she struck him with Acrobatics after Acrobatics.

"Trap her with Fire Spin!" Ash yelled as Fletchinder came in again.

"Break away!" Malva called, but Fletchinder's speed now worked against her; though she tried to pivot, momentum carried her straight into the whirling circle of fire that flew out from Hisuian Growlithe's jaws. She shrieked in surprise as she found herself entrapped by the Fire Spin.

Ash smirked. "Use Howl while's she's stuck! Then go in with Bite!"

Malva blinked. "You don't even have a Rock move on that thing?"

"Never needed one," Ash retorted.

Malva sighed. "I've had enough of this farce. Fletchinder, break free with Flame Charge, then start using Quick Attack. Finish it quickly."

Even as Hisuian Growlithe used Howl, Fletchinder let out a furious screech. Flames erupted across her entire body as she hurled her wings outwards, breaking through the ring of fire entrapping her. Fletchinder flew up into the air, twirled, and came down just as quickly, little more than a red-black blur.

"Bite!" Ash called, but Fletchinder was too fast. Once more, Hisuian Growlithe found himself being battered this way and that by the Fire/Flying-type's barrage of rapid attacks; despite his natural resistances, the damage was clearly adding up, and none of Hisuian Growlithe's attacks were missing.

"Try another Fire Spin!" Ash cried.

"Dodge with Quick Attack!" Malva countered. Indeed, this time a Quick Attack was sufficient to propel Fletchinder out of the way of the fiery circle; in the next moment she was flying at Hisuian Growlithe once more to deliver another hit. By now Hisuian Growlithe was visibly struggling to stand against the barrage.

Desperate now, Ash thought back to Pyroar's Flamethrower technique. "Hisuian Growlithe," he called, "use Flamethrower, but spread it!"

"Go through it with Flame Charge," Malva ordered.

It was only then that Ash remembered Malva had countered practically this exact technique right at the beginning of the battle. And he remembered how he'd countered her counter. "Meet her with-"

He didn't even get the order out. Fletchinder was moving so fast that by the time the third word had left Ash's lips, the Fire/Flying-type had slammed bodily into Hisuian Growlithe, Acrobatics, Flame Charge, and Quick Attack all combining to deliver a powerful hit.

And as Fletchinder finally skidded to a halt, claws tearing a groove in the Gym floor, Hisuian Growlithe collapsed to the ground, knocked unconscious.

Ash stared at the scene before him uncomprehendingly. "Wait, what?"

"Good work, Fletchinder." Malva recalled the Fire/Flying-type. "As for you, I will not be giving you a Gym Badge today. You're passable as a Trainer, but your team is far too weak. I suggest you take some time to train and return with a stronger team."

"But…how did I lose?" Ash asked. "I've been tearing my way through the Gym Challenge so far!"

"Unevolved Pokemon, for one," Malva replied. "Why have you not evolved your Growlithe yet?"

"I…" Ash blinked. "Um…"

Malva sighed. "Here." She reached into her pocket, withdrew a Fire Stone, and tossed it to Ash. "The first step to strengthening your team is to evolve your Growlithe. I expect to see an Arcanine when you return. Now, there are other challengers waiting to battle, so please leave."

Ash had several more questions and complaints, but out of the corner of his eye he saw Clay shake his head. Sighing, he stepped into the arena to pick up the fallen form of his partner. "Sorry, Hisuian Growlithe," he murmured. "Let's get you and the others to a Pokemon Center."

Ash turned and slowly walked out of the Gym, clutching Hisuian Growlithe's unconscious body in both hands.

You know, as soon as I rolled Malva for the fifth gym, I knew she'd be the perfect candidate for this timeline's Surge.