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"Butts"- Pokemon speaking
'Butts'- thoughts
"Butts"-Pokedex entries/TV commentary
"Butts"- Telepathy/Aura speech
Rocking It At The Virbank Contest
On the second day after their encounter with Huunter J, Ash, Cobalt, Green, Serena, and Gary had been going by boat to the far edge of Unova, where Serena's next contest for the Pokemon Contest World Tour is supposed to be held in Virbank City. Needless to say, the girl was much more hype than before for this contest as the boat docked in the harbor close to a sort of grunge looking city.
Serena: Here we are, Virbank City. With this next ribbon, I'll be one step closer to the Grand Festival.
Green: Yep, then we can get our asses out of this insane place and head off to our next Frontier battle.
Cobalt: Oh, come on, it wasn't that bad-
Green: Dude, we LITERALLY just escaped from a Pokemon Hunter. I think I deserve to go overboard a bit.
Ash: I'm glad to see you both excited. Defeating a tough opponent like Tucker has been doing a number on us. Still kinda crazy I can kinda Dynamax wherever though.
Serena: True that. I mean, 3 symbols out of 7, that's pretty good, but right now is Serena's time to shine. *to Serena* What's say you, Serena? Are you feeling pumped for the contest?"
Serena: I sure am. After some more practice with my Pokemon tonight, I'll feel like I can earn that ribbon before my opponents figure out what hit them.
Ash: That's the spirit.
Suddenly, an nfprtuneatley familiar and snooty voice chimed in.
?: Oh, really? Do you think it will be that easy?
Serena turns around to find Evelyn standing behind her with a cocky look on her face. Serena frowns and glares at her rival disapprovingly.
Serena: *annoyed* Hello, Evelyn.
Gary: Where'd you run off to?
Evelyn: Well, after your dumb friend stole my Tynamo-
Serena: The Tynamo he EARNED!
Evelyn: I was hanging out around Unova training my Pokemon. I need to keep my Pokemon in shape for when they earn me my ribbon.
Serena: It's not your ribbon yet.
Evelyn: Well, it's not yours either. But the fact is I am prepared for you and any other competitor in the contest.
Serena: We will see about that.
Evelyn: Oh, I suppose you will.
Serena glares at the girl bitterly as she walks out of sight, where she then takes a deep breath to calm herself down before walking into the Pokemon Center with the boys as Gary walks away to register a room for them.
Ash: You better take it easy, Serena. You know Evelyn's just trying to get under your skin. Trust me, I learned that feeling from Gary.
Serena: I know. I guess I get frustrated easily when I come across someone like her.
Cobalt: That's true, but you gotta understand. The way you're acting is just what Evelyn wants. Just focus on your own performance and try to have fun.
Green: She may be a bitch, but if you just ignore her, it'll be a lot more satisfying tha beating her at her own game.
Serena sighs again before giving the two Pokemon a sincere smile.
Serena: You know what? You both are right. For all I know, I won't even have to face Evelyn during the battling round. I just need to focus on giving the best performance I can.
Green: There you go.
Suddenly, a trainer rushed into the Pokemon Center, cradling a large bird Pokemon with pink plumage on its face as a purple blush illuminated above its beak, which Serena scanned.
Pokedex: Unfezant, the Proud Pokémon. A Normal and Flying type. Male Unfezant threaten their opponents by swinging their heads. Female Unfezant's flying skills surpass that of male.
Trainer: Nurse Joy, please help my Unfezant!
Nurse Joy: Oh dear, this is the worst case of poison today. *to door* Audino, the stretcher!
A large, pink rabbit like Pokemon came in while wheeling a stretcher into the room and carrying the bird onto the stretcher. Cobalt and Green confronted the Unfexant as Ash questioned the trainer.
Cobalt: Are you okay?
Unfezant: *strained* I'll be fine…. Poison's never kept me down long before….. Still hurts, though.
Ash: What happened to your Pokemon?
Trainer: The Virbank Gym. It's a total circle of Hell.
Serena: Virbank City has a gym?
Trainer: Yeah, not only is the leader one of, if not THE, toughest in the region, she specializes in Poison types. Plus, I also heard she's supplying the music entertainment at the Contest tomorrow.
Ash: The Virbank gym leader…
Gary: *approaches* Alright, we're checked in. What did I miss?
Serena: I was just about to go train my Pokemon for our act in the contest. What are you two gonna do?
Ash: Hmm…. Gary, I think we should do a little investigating.
Later on, Ash, his starters, and Gary are seen walking in the city and turning towards an allet, spotting a large metal door with a Pokemon gym symbol.
Gary: Nurse Joy said this was the place. Hopefully, this won't be too bad of a trainwreck.
Ash nodded and opened the door, only for the four to be assaulted by cheering and VERY LOUD rock music.
Ash: Woah! This is loud for a gym!
Gary: What?! What'd you say?1
Cobalt: Speak up, Ash, I can't hear you!
Green: This music makes me mad!
The group steps nto the gym as the noise only gets louder. The gym resembled that of a basement full of people crowding around a long stage with two trainers on both ends; one with a Koffing overing in the air and the other having a tall human-like Pokemon with a mostly black body, purple face, and a front coated in white bows. A darker purple blush strewn the latter's face showing the effects of poison as Gary scanned it.
Pokedex: Gothitelle, the Astral Body Pokémon. A Psychic type. Gothitelle has tremendous psychic power, but it dislikes conflict. It's rumored this Pokemon is able to predict the future based on the movement of the stars.
Referee: And Gothitelle's unable to battle, Koffing wins! Therego, the match goes to Roxie!
The crowd cheers as the supposed challenger returns his Pokemon as the girl from the other side approaches, allowing the group to get a better look at her. The girl was short, definitely around Ash's age as she had fair skin with small freckles on her face. She had white hair tied up in a small ponytail and blue eyes. She wore a huge purple and blue striped top that cut off eight at the top of her thighs, black and purple boots, and a large guitar was strewn over her shoulder with a strap.
Gary: So that's the gym leader? Not what I expected, honestly.
Ash: Maybe, but I wouldn't underestimate her, Gary.
Cobalt: Got that right. After all, she managed to beat a Psychic-type with just a Koffing. That's no easy feat.
Roxie: Alright, everyone, let's give one last round for our brave challenger! And his entire party of brave Pokemon!
She then proceeded to clap and chuckle as the crowd cheered alongside her, much to both the trainer and the group's confusion.
Green: She's a good sport, at least.
The trainer bowed as he then ran off past the group and out of the gym. As they turned to ook at the closing door, Roxie spoke up and pointed at Ash, causing them to turn back to them.
Roxie: You! Next challenger, right?
Ash: Oh, uh… No, not really. Sorry, we're just here to investigate.
The crowd murmured amongst themselves, causing a shroud of uneasiness to ansnare the group before Roxie raised her hands, causing them all to stop.
Roxie: So, you got questions, huh? Well, guess it's kinda rude to have you question a punk with no known name. You're looking at the Viirbank gym leader. Call me Roxie.
Ash: Well, then, nice to meet you. I'm Ash, and this is Gary. We're from Pallet Town.
Roxie: "Pallet Town"? Hey, that's in Kanto, right?
Gary: Uh… Yeah.
Roxie: *spots Pokemon* And check out that Lucario and Sceptile! Choice! Hey, you guys got any Poison-types?
Ash: Well, I do.
The boy brought out a Pokeball and threw it up into the air, releasing Yami into the open and causing Roxie and the other occupants in the room to gasp in shock as Koffing approached.
Yami: Woah, what's this place, the 90's?
Cobalt: Believe it or not, it's a gym.
Roxie: No way! Wicked Gengar, dude!
Ash: *chuckles* Thanks. Yami's been a real help during our journey.
Roxie: *points at Koffing* See, my guys and I were doing a show in Kanto and we found this Koffing here! We've been tight ever since.
Koffing: Respect.
Ash: Well, that's nice, but I hope you don't get too mad, but… We have some concerns.
Roxie: Concerns on… What, exactly?
Gary: A bunch of Pokemon are being hospitalized thanks to your gym battles. We're not accusing you of anything, we're just worried about what's going on.
Guitar Girl: Yo, chillax, Kanto boy. We just be a strong gym, that's all.
Roxie: Eh, don't mind Billie Joe, she's just venomous. But she does have a point. The Virbank Gym's one of the strongest gyms in the region, but luckily tomorrow we're taking a small break to go for our true passion.
Yami: Real passion?
Ash: And what would that be?
Koffing: Bruh, you serious?
Roxie: Get with the prog, man! We're not only one of Unova's best gyms, we're also one of their best punk bands; "Koffing And The Toxics"! This ain't just a gym, it's a mosh pit since these littl freaks love awesome battles and awesome tunes! We're actually supplying the music for the Virbank contest tomorrow.
Ash: Oh yeah, we heard about that.
Cobalt: No wonder this gym has so many wins. How can any challenger concentrate with all this noise?
Roxie: Yeah, we're pretty cool… And toxic while we're at it. What about your Gengar? S'it as good as you say?
Ash: Just watch. *to Yami* Alright, Yami. Just like we practiced, ready?
Yami: *nods* You know it.
Ash: Okay, then… Use Sludge Wave!
After some training with Sludge Bomb on their way to the port, Yami had managed to upgrade his trademark Sludge Bomb for Sludge Wave, which was shown as Yami stuck out his tongue and a big glob of dark purple sludge forms around the tip as she waves his tongue, sending a dark purple wave into th air and hitting the monitor hanging above, causing a few sparks to fly out. The entire room became silent at the sight while the drummer dropped his sticks in shock…. Before Roxie just laughed at the sight and the crowd cheered.
Roxie: Badass Sludge Wave there! It takes a lot to shut this crowd up. Not bad, Ash from Pallet Town.
Drummer: Coming from Rox, that's a rave.
Roxie: Alright then, I decided. Ash Ketchum, after the Virbank contest… I challenge you to a battle!
Ash: A…. A battle? Like a gym battle?
Roxie: Not exactly. What I mean is a battle for a cool show. Your Gengar against one of my best Poison types. What do you say?
Ash thought it over for a couple of seconds, but before he could answer, the scene cuts back to the Pokémon Center, where Oliver is seen landing on his feet, scalchop drawn. He looks to Serena, who smiles and nods in approval.
—-
The next day, the contest hall within Virbank was bustling with cheers and life as Jillian announced the event.
Jillian: Good afternoon, Virbank City! Welcome to your fair town's Pokemon World Tour Spectacular Contest! And now, let's start off with the winner of the Circhester contest from all the way in Galar, coming to us from the Kalos region; Serena!
Ash, Gary, Grookey, and the two brothers all stand up and cheer for Serena as loudly as possible. Serena enters the stage waving at the crowd with a bright smile before taking out her Pokeball.
Serena: Kyubi, come on out and use Double Team!
The Pokeball popped open to reveal the familiar Fennekin and with a cute smile, she used Double Team, creating a dozen copies of the fox Pokemon.
Serena: Now, present yourself and use Ember!
The group of Kyubi clones all jump into the air doing twists and flips before they pull their feelers together, and the air around them starts to glow blue. Then right as they about to land on the ground face first, they all spew a large cloud of embers that propels them higher into the air. The crowd gasps in awe as the combination of Ember creates a large warm clou over the arena.
Serna: Now, Scratch!
The Fennekin clones then extend their claws and spin, scattering the embers around them as one Kyubi, the real one, knocks into the clones and sends them flying, causing a large scene to appear just as they dissipate. The judges and the audience gasp in amazement as the cloud disappears to reveal only one Kyubi making a pose with Serena. The crowd applauds, and Serena's heart feels warm at the sight of so many people happy with her performance. She turns to Kyubi and kneels down to hug her Pokemon, who nuzzles her trainer before the two exit the stage.
Ash: Woah… That performance was so awesome!
Gary: Yeah, Serena really worked hard on it with Kyubi, I bet!
Cobalt: Hope she wins this, she deserves it.
The performances go on for twenty minutes, with many other coordinators performing with their Pokemon. Most of them give entertaining performances while a few of them awkwardly messes up on their routine. Finally, Jillian comes up to announce the final competitor.
Jillian: Last but not least, making her debut right here in her home of Unova, give it up for Evelyn!
The audience gives Evelyn a respectable applause as she enters the stage waving at them with a proud smile. Even Ash and Gary clap modestly as she tosses a Pokeball into the air.
Evelyn: Roselia, go!
The open to reveal a green plat-luke Pokemon with a red flower replacing its right hand and a blue one for its left, but what was weirder was the Pokemon seemed more ready for battle than performing.
Pokedex: Roselia, the Thorn Pokémon. A Grass and Poison type. Roselia's aroma can bring serenity, but the thorns on its head contain a vicious poison.
Cobalt: Hey, doesn't that Pokemon kinda look like the Forest King from back in Kanto?
Green: Hey, yeah, you got a point.
Ash: The "Forest King"?
Green: Uh… I can explain.
Evelyn: Roselia, use Vine Whip!
The Thorn Pokemon raises its right arm, causing a vine to stretch out. Roselia then began spinning its arm, causing the vine to twirl in the air like a lasso.
Evelyn: Now, Toxic!
Green: What?!
Roselia then clenched, causing the barb at the end of her vine to coat itself in purple liquid as it spun, causing the liquid to pour forth and spiral in the air as it fell. The crowd watched the dripping vine spin above their heads, amazed by the spectacle. Roselia continues the process until Evelyn speaks again.
Evelyn: Now get rid of it with Bullet Seed!
With the other arm raised, Roselia sent forth gunfire-like seeds at the flying poison, dispersing the ooze until it transformed into a purple drizzle that rained down onto the stage as Roselia receded its vine. The audience and the judges stare at the display until they suddenly roar with applause. Evelyn smirks proudly before she and her Roselia take a bow and leave.
Gary: I hate to admit it for Serena's sake, but that was a good performance.
Ash: Yeah. I can only hope that this won't dampen Serena's spirit.
Jillian: Alright, the judges have made their choices, so look at the screen to see who will be moving on to the next round.
Ash, his friends, and the rest of the audience watch the screen intently. Evelyn's picture is the first to appear, followed by several others. The team starts to worry about Serena until her picture appears third to last. They sigh in relief before cheering for the honey blonde girl as the audience applauds for everyone who is moving on.
Jillian: Alright, now we'll randomly decide who will compete against each other in the battle stage! And while we do, our battles will be serenaded by our special musical guest! Give a large hand for Koffing And The Toxics!
The pictures on the screen get mixed together and move around until a bracket appears to show Evelyn battling someone first and Serena's picture appearing on the other side. Meanwhile, the spotlights centered over to the side, where Roxie and her bandmates are seen with her instruments.
Roxie: *into mic* Hello, Virbank City! You ready for a little contest revolution?!
The audience cheered as the first of the battles began. Evelyn's battle was against a young redheaded man named George, where she used her Hattrem against his own Unfezant, which seemed to lack the face plumage as the one they saw yesterday. Though the girl won the round, it confused Gary as to him, Evelyn treated it more like a battle than a performance. Then again, Hattrem aren't all too common outside Galar.
Serena's battle fared much better than the performance round, where she had used Oliver against a Beedrill, belonging to a man named Martin. It was a close call between the pair, especially when both bug and otter competed in a sword clash with Oliver's Razor Shell and Beedrill's stinger, looking akin to a scene froma samurai movie, but with a final Aqua Jet, Serena emerged victorious.
Jillian: Beedrill is unable to continue, so Oshawott wins!
Serena: Alright!
The girl gleefully cheered as Oliver ran over to her and hopped onto her arms.
Serena: Great job, Oliver. Now let's keep it up.
Oliver: *nods* You got it.
For the next hour and a half, the battle round continues with Evelyn continuing to simply crush her opponents with Hattrem rather than focusing on wowing the judges while Serena successfully bests her opponents by amazing the judges or beating her opponents by their own game. Finally, both girls make it to the final round with Evelyn defeating a poor girl's Pichu and Serena outsmarting a woman with her Audino.
Jillian: Alright, now comes the moment of truth. Who will win? Evelyn or Serena? Let's find out!
The audience cheers excited for the last battle while Evelyn and Serena enter the arena.
Serena: Evelyn, I'm impressed that you made this far on your debut, but that ribbon is going to be mine.
Evelyn: Don't count on it…. *throws Pokeball* Go, Hattrem!
Serena: *throws Pokeball* Oliver, I choose you!
The two balls opened and the two Pokemon came out, ready for battle. Evelyn bit her lip as she grinned, as if trying to stifle a laugh.
Evelyn: This is gonna be rich.
Jillian: Let the final match begin!
Roxie: You heard 'em, guys! One more bout! *raises arm* ONE, TWO, THREE-!
The abnd started one last blast of rock music that filled the arena, causing the audience to cheer as the pair started the battle.
Serena: Use Water Gun!
Evelyn: Hattrem, Brutal Swing!
Oliver fired a stream of water as Hattrem spun and charged forth, deflecting the water as it edged closer.
Evelyn: Now, use Double-Slap!
Serena becomes uneasy with the Serene Pokemon appearing ready to slap her ater-type across the face until suddenly, she gets an idea.
Serena: Oliver, back flip and use Aqua Jet!
Oliver smiles and jumps backwards before he's surrounded with water and jets forth, scraping Hattrem's side.
Evelyn: What?! *growls* Keep using Double-Slap until you hit it!
Hattrem leaps all over the place to try and slap the otter, only for Oliver to jet past her easily with great speed. She decides to go higher and higher before he's right above Hattrem.
Serena: Now, use Water Gun once more!
Oliver looks down and fires a Water Gun right on top of Hattrem. The Serene Pokemon howls in pain, indicating a critical hit as Evelyn grinds her teeth whilst Oliver lands on the ground perfectly.
Evelyn: That's it, no more Ms. Nice Gir! Hattrem, use Psybeam!
Ash/Gary/Serena/Oliver: What?!
Suddenly, Hattrem turned on a dime and fired a purple beam of energy at the Oshawott, causing him to squeal as he's sent crashing in front of Serena's feet.
Serena: Oliver!
Evelyn: Now, use Brutal Swing!
Hattrem starts spinning again as their pigtails glowed magenta all the while Serena stares in worry. Oliver whimpers in pain before he slowly opens his eyes to see Serena's pleading face, where he then groans as he slowly gets up and makes his best fighting stance.
Evelyn: You're still not done? *sarcastic* Adorable, but you'll see your true place with the losers when Hattrem hits you again.
Serena scratches her chin in thought, thinking about what to do next until she gets another idea.
Serena: Oliver, spin like Hattrem while using Razor Shell!
Oliver: Wait, spin?
Serena: Just trust me, please!
Oliver: Uh, well… You're the trainer, so…
Evelyn and the judges look at her in confusion while Oliver deploys his Scalchop and begins spinning on one of his feet before he clashes with the spinning Hattrem. The force then causes the two Pokemon to fly back and sin in a circle before clashing again, the cycle continuing for a small moment later.
Ash: Could… Could that be…? Could Serena…?
Gary: Yeah, I…. I think so.
Cobalt: She put her own spin on the Counter Shield! Literally!
Jillian: Beyblade, anyone?
However, one clash later causes Hattrem to lose her footing, causing them to fly back as Oliver slowly stops spinning,toddling as he becomes dizzy while Serena smiles at Hattrem's predicament as the Serene Pokemon landed on top of her head.
Evelyn: Oh, no! Hattrem, get back on your feet!
But it is no use. No matter how hard Hattrem tries, the sheer size of her hat prevented her from flipping over and back onto her feet. Then Serena smirks and gets another amusing idea.
Serena: Oliver, use Water Gun on the brim of Hattrem's hat!
He smiles excitedly, understanding his trainer's command. He sprays a stream of water at Hattrem's hat, causing them to yell out and spin as they fly backwards, still spinning on the floor. The judges, the crowd, and even Roxie's band smile and laugh, amused at Hattrem's impersonation of Hitmontop as they then hit the wall.
Roxie: Well, guess someone could say her act's all wet.
Evelyn's face turns deep red in frustration as Billie Joy does a comedic rimshot at Roxie's offhanded quip. Suddenly, a loud ding is heard, and everyone looks up on the screen to find that Evelyn's point bar is completely out.
Jillian: Looks like Evelyn has lost all of her points! That means the winner of the World Tour Spectacuar's Virbank City contest is Serena!
Serena: Alright!
As Serena celebrated her victory, Oliver stood in disbelief at the victory right in frot of him. More specifically, the person he beat.
Oliver: I…. I won…. I beat Evelyn….
However, his thought is interrupted as Serena scooped him up into a hug.
Serena: Great job, Oliver, we did it!
Oliver: Y…. Yeah…. Yeah, we did do it!
Ash: Yay, Serena!
Cobalt: We knew you could do it!
Gary: Way to go, Serena!
Evelyn kept a blank stare, muttering "No" to herself over and over as she returns Hattrem back into its Pokeball. Meanwhile, Serena and Oliver meet on stage with Mr. Contesta walking over to them, carrying a ribbon.
Mr Contesta: Congratulations, Serena. Here is your Virbank City ribbon.
Serena: Thank you very much. *presents ribbon* Alright! I got my second contest ribbon!
The crowd applauds even louder and Serena's smile grows at the sight of so many people happy with her performance. Even if she wanted to humiliate Evelyn, it still warms her heart to see so many people happy from her and Poliwag performing together.
Ten minutes later, Serena meets up with Ash, his Pokemon, and Gary outside of Virbank City Hall. Serena is smiling proudly as she opens her ribbon case to present her new contest ribbon laying next to her first one.
Green: Great job, Serena. You've earned that ribbon.
Serena: Thanks, Green. Now I only need three more.
Evelyn: No, you don't!
Serena jumps and turns around to see Evelyn standing with her hands on her hips and a bitter look on her face.
Evelyn: That's MY ribbon you won! You cheated!
Ash: What?! Cheated?
Gary: How'd Serena cheat?
Evelyn: There's no way she managed to beat me in a Pokemon Contest with THAT ugly excuse of a Pokemon! He just played with my Hattrem like some toy!
Serena: *angered* Don't you dare insult Oliver!
Gary: Evelyn, performing is part of the battling stage. It's not about just knocking out your opponent's Pokemon, it's about making creative spectacles and outwitting your opponent and having fun.
Evelyn: You're just defending her because she's your friend. *to Serena* And you! You better give me my ribbon or you'll be hearing from my lawyer!
Serena frowns and stands in front of Evelyn, rubbing her arm with a guilty look.
Serena: No, Gary, it's true. *to Evelyn* I admit that I got the idea partly because I wanted to humiliate you after what you did to Oliver, and I'm sorry about that. But I also did it because I want to create performances that are fun, not just for myself and my Pokemon, but for all the people and Pokemon watching to smile and be happy. Because of traveling with Ash and Gary and going on my own journey, I realized my dream. And that dream is why I decided to compete in Pokemon contests, and that's what is expected of coordinators during the battle round who want to win ribbons and compete in the Grand Festival, not just simply defeating your opponent's Pokemon like a normal battle. That's why you lost.
Evelyn keeps looking at Serena angrily before she just huffs and stomps off, leaving the group alone.
Cobalt: Alright, so with that out of the way, where do we go for your next contest?
Serena: *checks map* According to this map, it's actually in the Hoenn region. It's in a place called Petalburg City. Should we get head to bed and pack up for our trip to Mistralton Airport?
Ash: Actually, Serena. We have one more thing to do before we get started heading towards Hoenn.
Serena: Really? Well, what?
—-
Later on, Ash is seen walking in the Virbank Gym, stepping onto the battlefield with his starters by his side. He turns to the right, spotting Serena and Gary watching from the side, where he then flashes them a thumbs up before Roxie steps forth, readying a Pokeball.
Roxie: Thanks again for accepting this challenge, Ketchum. But just so you know, just because this ISN'T a gym battle… Doesn't mean I'm going easy on you.
Ash: I wouldn't have it any othr way. I'm on my way to get my fourth Frontier Symbol, and if the battle's hard, that's what makes it worth the challenge.
Roxie: Right on, man! Say, if you're trying to get your fourth symbol, that means you beat Tucker, right?
Ash: Yeah, actually. I got his symbol about 3 days ago, do you know him?
Roxie: More than that. As a matter of fact… *slightly awkward* He uh…. happens to be my old man.
Ash stares in shock as Cobalt and Green mumble to eah other at the news.
Cobalt: Woah, Tucker is this girl's dad?
Green: That…. Actually explains a lot.
Ash: Well, if that's true and he was that much of a challenge, I bet you're just as good as him.
Billie Joe: I'm starting to like this kid. He's the kind of opponent you turn it to 10 with, just to blow his doors off.
Roxie: Yeah, I hear ya. Alright, let's get this started!
Suddenly, the lights dimmed a bit as a spotlight shone upon Roxie as she began strumming her guitar.
Roxie: Alright, people! Your attention, please! I know this is a weirdone, but e got you an unofficial but hopefully equally awesome battle! Your main girl Roxie's facing aoff against a new one; a competitor for the Battle Frontier and having gained 3 symbols. Give it up for Ash of Pallet Town!
The crowd roared with cheers as the lights turned back to normal and the monitor above turned on, all while the ref stepped up.
Roxie: Let's make this battle venomous! Ref, kick us off!
Referee: You got it, Roxie! Alright, listen up, this'll be a 1 on 1 battle between Roxie and Ash with no substitutions! The battle's end once the Pokemon on one side can't go on. Both sides, release your Pokemon!
Ash: Alright, then. *throws Pokeball* Yami, I choose you!
Ash's Pokeball opened, revealing the smirking Gengar, who floated in the air and cause the mostly Unovan crowd to cheer.
Serena: Wait, this doesn't seem right. You told me she uses Poison types, wouldn't it make sense for Ash to use Psi or Kabu?
Gary: Yeah, but don't forget, this is a battle to determine the strongest Poison type.
Roxie: Alright, now THAT'S an opponent. Now, turn things up to 10! *throws Pokeball* Scolipede, let's rock!
Roxie;s ball opened, revealin a Scolipede not unlike the one Cassidy used back at the ranch. However, before they could get started, Ash's ear seemed to catch on as to what the crowd was exactly saying.
Yami: What the-?
Crowd: ASH ASH ASH ASH ASH ASH ASH ASH ASH ASH ASH!
Ash: They're cheering… For me?
Cobalt: Woah, they even cheer on the visitor. That's pretty awesome.
Referee: Time to fasten your seatbelts, let's rock this joint!
Roxie: Alright, Ash, you got the first move! Give us all you got!
Ash: If you say so. Yami, use Shadow Ball!
The Genga realsed a blob of shadows, only for Roxie to smirk and nod as Scolipede quickly leaped out of the way and ran forth at a high speed.
Ash: Woah!
Green: That's one quick bug!
Roxie: Alright, use Rock Tomb!
Silver sparkles formed in between Scolipede's horns and then expanded, forming a silver orb of energy, which turned into a rock that Scolipede flung at Yami.
Ash: Intercept with Hex!
Purple energy bolts fired out of Yami's eyes and hit the rock, sending shrapnel hitting both Pokemon as a cloud of dust covered the field.
Roxie: Now, Megahorn!
Suddenly, Scolipede charged forth with glowing horns, slamming into Yami and sending him into the wall.
Ash: Yami! Are you okay?
Yami: Ugh…. That really smarts.
Gary: That Scolipede's fast. Ash is in hot water if he can't think of something.
Roxie: Rock on, Scolipede! Now, use Toxic!
Ash: Use Shadow Ball- Wait, what?
Scolipede sprayed Yami with a purple liquid, which…. Literally did nothing as Yami fired another Shadow Ball, sending Scolipede back.
Cobalt: What was that for? Doesn't Roxie know Poison-types are immune to Poison-type moves?
Roxie: *smirks* Now, Stomping Tantrum!
Scolipede then began to look angered before suddenly, the massive bug repeatedly slammed its front legs into the ground before large splinters of the ground start flying at Yami and send him to the ground.
Serena: Oh no!
Gary: That had to hurt. Stomping Tantrum's a move where if the Pokemon's previous move failed, the power doubles.
Green: This is kinda going downhill. We need a backup plan, fast!
Roxie: Sorry, Ash. Looks like you're taking the "L" here. Now, finish with Megahorn!
Scolipede then began charging once more towards the Gengar, when suddenly Ash gained an idea as he watched the Megapede run forward.
Ash: Wait, I think I got something. Yami, use Venoshock on the floor in front of Scolipede!
As Yami managed to get back onto his feet, he spat a stream of purple liquid on the floor, which Scolipede ran atop of before suddenly, the Bug type slipped over and fell to the ground, causing the audience and Roxie to gasp in shock.
Roxie: Oh no! Scolipede, get up,quick!
Ash: Shadow Ball, now! Don't let up!
The Gengar fired a Shadow Ball at the bug, causing it to squeal in pain, where he then fired another one. And then another one.
Referee: Ooh, and that one is a critical hit! Could the unbeatable Roxie be beaten this time?!
Roxie: Are you alright?
Scolipede shakily managed to get up and turn its head back to Roxie, nodding its head.
Roxie: Alright then. Use Stomping Tantrum!
Ash: Not this time! Counter with Sludge Wave!
Yami stuck his tongue out and spun, sending out waves of sludge just as the bug began stomping, not only destroying the splinters, but also slowing Scolipede's stomping to a halt due to the sludge's consistency.
Roxie: Hmmph, not bad, Ash. But it's gonna take more than that to stomp us out!
Ash: I was hoping you'd say that. Yami, get ready to use Venoshock again if it starts using Megahorn!
Roxie: Scolipede, Rock Tomb now!
Scolipede summoned another rock to hurl at Yami as the Gengar began to prepare another attack. However, instead of unleashing another Shadow Ball, Yami proceeded to clap his hands together, forming a ring of light purple and pink fireballs surrounding him before sending them forth, much to his surprise.
Yami: Woah! Was… Was that from me- OOF!
Yami then got knocked down by the rock, just as the flames touched Scolipede and then dissipated.
Roxie: Well, Ash. We've had fun, but now's time to wrap up the show. Use Megahorn!
However, Scolipede didn't start charging as it then recoiled and curled in on itself a little. If spotted closely, small fires could be seen appearing and disappearing on the surface of Scolipede's body.
Roxie: Scolipede? Scolipede, what's wrong?
Gary: I'll tell her what's wrong, Scolipede's been burned.
Serena: Burned? But how?
Gary: That move Yami just used is a move called Will-O=Wisp. Whatever Pokemon is hit with Will-O-Wisp is sure to get burned, thus causing it to lose attack power and lose energy overtime.
Ash: Way to go, Yami! I don't know how, but you just used Will-O-Wisp!
Yami: Woah, really? I can use a Fire-type move?! Awesome! Wait… Burning is a status effect… *smirks* Ash, you thinking what I'm thinking.
Ash: *nods* Yeah. Yeah, I read ya. Use Hex!
Laughing, Yami unleashed bolts of black energy from his now glowing eyes upon Scolipede, doing even more damage due to the status effect.
Roxie: Oh no!
Cobalt: A direct hit! We got this in the bag, I can feel it!
Roxie: Alright, one more time! Rock Tomb, Scolipede!
Ash: Time to finish this with an Indigo favorite! Combine Shadow Ball and Hex, use Shadow Meteor!
Yami formed a Shadow Ball in his hands, which he charged up with ex from his eyes, which made the ball grow bigger and darker. Just as Scolipede fired the rock, Yami launched his attack, the ball forming an evil-looking purple face on the front as it not only crashed right through the rock, but right into Scolipede, causing another squeal to sound and a large smoke plume to kick up.
Roxie: Scolipede!
The smoke wafted away to reveal Scolipede on its side. The bug tried to bring its head up, but with one last flame kicking up on its body from the burn, Scolipede collapsed with a swirl in its eye, leaving the normally loud gym completely speechless.
Referee: I….. I can't believe it, but….. Scolipede is unable to battle, Gengar wins! Which means the match goes to Ash Ketchum!
With the announcement made, the crowd then exploded into cheers and while Ash ran over to hug his Gengar.
Ash: You did it, Yami! We won!
Yami: Huh, awesome.
Cobalt: Guess that means you're Kanto's strongest Ghost-type AND Poison-type, am I right?
Roxie gave her condolences to Scolipede as she recalled it before going over to Ash with a bit of a disappointed tone.
Roxie: Dammit, I can't believe I actually lost… But that just means you're a tough cookie. You're gonna make the Frontier Brains sweat.
Ash: Thanks, Roxie. Hoenn won't be so much of a worry now.
Nodding, Roxie reached into her pocket to search for something.
Roxie: I know you said you weren't collecting badges, Ash. But I think you've earned this.
She then revealed the item she was searching for to be an enamel pin with a gold outline, consisting of purple bubbles.
Roxie: This is proof of victory over the Virbank Gym; The Toxic Badge. Take it.
Ash: I…. But I didn't challenge you-
Roxie: I know, but I'm telling you it's fine. Besides, I have like a million of these things.
Ash: Well, I….
Seeing Roxie wasn't taking "no" for an answer, Ash took the badge and placed it in the front pocket of his backpack as Serena and Gary step up.
Ash: Thanks.
Serena: Way to go, Ash!
Gary: Nice work. Now let's get some rest before we head to Mistralton in the morning.
Drummer: You got any idea what beating Roxie means?... Means you're really damn good, that's what. Now keep on blowing everyone away.
Billie Joe: Know what, Ash? I like you and I bet everyone likes you and your Gengar, too. *to crowd* Right, guys?
The crowd roared into cheers as Roxie tuned her guitar.
Roxie: Alright, folks! Let's give off one more tune, sending a goodbye to Ash and his pals as they make their way to Hoenn! These last riffs for you, Yami!
As Roxie and her band began to play and the crowd cheered, Ash and Yami smiled to one another as they left for the Pokemon Center to rest up and head to Mistralton City, where they would then make their way to Hoenn and the next leg of the Battle Frontier.
TO BE CONTINUED…..
—-
Ash's Team
Lucario: Cobalt
Sceptile: Green
Alakazam: Psi
Gengar: Yami
Charizard: Aidan
Inteleon: Azula
Togekiss: Kestrel
Lycanroc *Dusk form*: Hunter
Marowak: Kabu
Dracovish: Jaws
Eelektrik: Membra
Rotom: Sparky (at Oak's lab)
Umbreon *shiny*: Blacky (at home)
Serena's Team
Fennekin: Kyubi
Murkrow: Lucky
Oshawott: Oliver
Gary's Team
Blastoise
Jolteon
Arctozolt
Grookey