P.S. All credit to respective owners.
Ash was a ball of nervous anticipation and sheer thrill that had trouble sleeping to the point that Noah had to sleep in another room to get some peace and quiet. He did understand it, he was practically the same way with his first real challenge as a Gym Leader, he could still dredge up the phantoms of the adrenaline and excitement that filled and shook the Gym during and after he had overcome the other trainer. His family was bruised and battered for the first time since they took over, but the fulfillment each and everyone of them was practically radiating was euphoric. Years of pain and rough conditions that pushed them all to the limit finally paid off, and while it may not have been their toughest fight, but it meant something. Unbidden, a smile twitched on Noah's lips as the pleasant memory sent a feeling of satisfaction thrumming through his system.
Even so, Noah was a man who valued his sleep.
A restful sleep.
Either way, Ash and Noah both stood in front of the Gym, bright and early after having their pokemon do some light conditioning to get them warmed up for the fight. Noah had made sure to get up early to iron out some last minute addition's to Kezite's arsenal as he would have to carry hard. Noah had mused on the idea of informing Ash that he had the reusable TM for Iron Tail in his possession, as it was move that would definitely help Ash's pokemon in the fight he was heading into. Taking a day to work on it would at least make is a feasible move and help Ash pulverize the rock pokemon. He had already taught Kezite and Stromm the move as something that would he would make use of in future battles, but he hadn't mentioned it to Ash.
But it wouldn't be good to coddle Ash too much and this early if Noah wanted the kid to be able to stand on his own two feet. If he handed all the tools to Ash every time he faced a challenge, it could end up with Ash not taking things seriously and hoping for an 11th hour solution from Noah to every problem. Those of trainers never managed to make it too far even if they made it to the Indigo Conference and if Ash wanted to win, he'd have to be able to think of unique solutions and win on his own even if the odds were not in his favor.
Best Noah wait, watch and see if Ash's innovation and own ideas would be enough to surmount Brock. Ash had a decent team, all he needed to do now was use his brain and formulate a strategy to win. Noah would nudge and give some generalized advice, but he wouldn't fight Ash's battles for him, he wasn't that kind.
Every trainer had their own path to forge ahead, Ash was no different in that regard.
Upon entering the gym, the first thing that Noah noticed that there was really as many Gym Trainers as he would've of thought considering this was the first Gym. There was an employee who was handling the desk and only one Gym trainer who was leaning against a rock with two pokeballs hanging from his belt. The Gym Trainer looked up as the door chimed and he grinned, eager to see some challengers.
"Newbies to the Gym?" He queried, "The name's Liam, who are you two?"
Ash smiled, "Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town, one of Professor Oak's sponsored trainers."
Noah nodded, "I am Noah Drache, current pokemon trainer."
The Gym trainer nodded to himself, "Since your a sponsored trainer, you can head straight to Brock, as for you, you have to battle me before I can reserve you a battle with Brock."
Noah smiled, "Sounds fine to me. Good luck Ash."
Ash grinned, "Same."
And they both went in different directions to face their own challenges.
Noah didn't think too much or little of his chances to win if he was using his own former gym trainers as a baseline. He had worked them hard with his family and they were informed that they either become competent or they would be removed from their position. Then again there was only this one trainer so it could go either way, he could've been focused on to be a decent challenge, or he was accepted and no one else applied. Noah absently wished he could find another member to his family as he was really only working with two pokemon on his new team and while they were wonderful, he would need to gather some more to really round out his abilities and versatility.
But all those thoughts about future teammates and ideas for team formation could wait until after this assessment. He needed to focus on his current roster, cool as it would be to wreck Liam's confidence and bring out his dragons, it would be boring for them and Noah. He had two newbies to work with; he built them up as much as he could and he'd have to make due with that. If they couldn't win then Noah would simply shrug it off, gather an a new member or two, and retry later after some more training. Even if he won, he'd have to wait for a bit and Drakon could take him to some better fishing spots than the river by Viridian during the lull.
Stromm had great potential but was still a baby and while he had finally managed to get his power, control, and capacity to keep his attacks from exhausting him to the point of collapse, his attacks — aside from Iron Tail — would be useless on the rock-type pokemon of this gym. Kezite was tough and creative — beginning to develop more dark patches of skin on his body that indicated his evolution wasn't far off — but Noah didn't know how strong his opponent was. Ground moves would decimate Kezite if he wasn't careful and rock-type pokemon were naturally resistant to poison.
"Okay, this'll be a two-on-however-many-pokemon you got." The gym trainer called as an employee stepped in to officiate and ref the match.
Noah nodded, "Got it. Do you mind if I release my other to watch, I think he could learn a lot from watching."
Liam considered this, "I guess that's fine."
When Stromm materialized it gazed at Noah quizzically, was he in a fight?
"Just watching for now." Noah laid his question to rest, "It's a gym trainer battle, and this is just the first gym, it's gonna get more intense. Plus, ground types will shut you down hard until we get some variation in your move set to more than just Iron Tail. This is just what I want you to expect."
Stromm happily chittered and scrambled up Noah's body to settle onto Noah's shoulder before turning to the stadium and getting comfortable. The trainer released a Diglett and Noah released Kezite who looked at the ground-type with a menacing glare. Noah stifled a frown as ground-type pokemon were going to be difficult to fight for Kezite, he was especially susceptible to ground-based attacks.
"This is a gym, the trainer here is a cut above the opponents in the wilds. Don't underestimate him." Noah called, " Ground-types are strong here and if if it tags you it'll hurt."
Kezite's eyes gleamed in excitement and anticipation.
"Begin!" The announcer called.
"Diglett use Mud-slap!" Liam shouted immediately.
"Iron Tail, intercept!" Noah called., "Poison Sting when you straighten!"
Kezite may not have had much use for his tail as an attacking move until he was a Nidoking, but Noah had still known that it could be used to block attacks if Kezite managed to spin and block it. It was a bit of a old idea that Noah had used before but with Kezite but is seemed that they were going to have a live-fire test. Hopefully once Kezite got some more experience in moulding the steel energy and evolving, he could refine Iron Tail for better defense. Even with the lack of practice, Kezite moved with remarkable alacrity as the white shine of his stubby tail swiped aside the mud as he spun once. As soon as he was facing Diglett from his spin, Kezite growled as he fired of a salvo of poisonous barbs towards the ground-type.
"Dig!" Liam frantically called, but the order was too late as a dozen barbs struck the diglett, pumping poison into its body.
The Diglett cried out as it began to burrow into the ground, following the last order of its trainer in an attempt to avoid the attack. Noah knew that ground was naturally-resistant to poison type attacks, but that didn't mean they couldn't be poisoned at all. If Kezite could outpace the Diglett or manage to keep the pressure on, he may be able to take the win here. It would be close though, Kezite wasn't made to be to take hits in his current form, he'd have to make sure Kezite could get some more defensive options beyond Iron Tail. His armored scales wouldn't really harden until he was a Nidorino, so taking blows would have to wait till later.
Noah frowned, he had to make sure Kezite didn't get hit with the full force if he could, "Kezite focus and get ready to rebound!"
Kezite nodded and closed his eyes, focusing on the ground beneath him and his battle-honed instincts before his eyes snapped open and he threw itself to the side as Diglett erupted from the ground like a Wailord breaching from the ocean. Noah let out a small thrilled grin as he saw that, he knew that a pokemon's instincts were sharp, sharper than almost anything else you could find outside of Detect. In a way, they were almost purposely made to fight and survive, their basest instinct was to grow stronger and be better. Kezite allowed his instincts to warn him and reacted accordingly, allowing him to dodge the attack.
It wasn't going to work 100% right now, but proof-of-concepts were made to be refined and grow better.
"Double Kick!" Noah shouted, "Follow it up with Poison Spear!"
Kezite stomped hard on its forelegs as it landed, pushing off to twist and slam two feet in quick succession into the Diglett's face. The pokemon's head rocked back from the force of the hits and was clearly dazed from the attack and the poison starting to really affect it. Kezite used his momentum to twist and fire a Poison Spear directly into the Diglett, allowing him to use the force of his attack to propel him away. The point-black Poison Spear to the face only made things worse for Liam's Diglett as another dose of poison was once again injected alongside the force of the attack hitting it.
"Back off!" Noah commanded, "Keep peppering him!"
"Oh no you don't!" Liam shouted, "Dig under fast!"
Kezite launched another spray of poisoned barbs, but Diglett was already burrowing underground and moving.
"Focus Energy!" Noah called, "Then evade!"
Orange flickers of energy danced around Kezite as he channeled the energy to increase the power behind his attacks. Focus Energy would help Kezite deal a bit more damage to help even out the type-disadvantage he was going to struggle with. Small mercies that ground pokemon weren't immune to being poisoned like steel-type pokemon, and the Diglett had to be feeling the effects by now. Unfortunately, Kezite took a moment too long and Diglett erupted from the ground, hitting the Nidoran right in the stomach. Kezite cried out in pain and landed on its side, cringing. Stromm let out a cry of worry as his teammate was struggling to get his bearings after the super-effective move hit him.
Noah grit his teeth, "Kezite, you have to get up! Don't let him capitalize!"
Liam smirked, "Magnitude!"
"Kezite, jump!" Noah roared.
Apparently, his warning wasn't needed as he glanced at Diglett.
Liam's Diglett was not doing well at all and Noah recognized the effects of being badly poisoned from fights he had to deal with that. The Diglett's head swayed drunkenly as there was simply too much time poisoned and it passed out as it face-planted into the floor. Kezite got to its feet and shook itself roughly in an attempt to push away the pain. On seeing his opponent unconscious though, Kezite preened slightly and Liam recalled his Diglett with a sigh, murmuring softly to the ball before pulling his second ball from his belt. Stromm chittered excitedly as he hopped up and down on Noah's shoulder, excited at his teammate's win.
"Great job." Noah said with a sigh of relief, but added, "Don't let one win get to your head though, it's not over yet."
"Geodude, let's take out his Nidoran!" Liam commanded with a determined grimace as he threw his poke ball into the ring.
Kezite nodded seriously and focused on the new threat as a Geodude materialized, that blow had hurt, but it had been in worse situations and hadn't given up then. Despite it all though, Kezite had never felt so fulfilled in a battle before, this was shaping up to be a real challenge beyond everything else so far. He could tell the sheer experience was something he would need to be better and Noah's praise had a spark of glee worming through his veins. This was different from the battles he had before, even when he was still with his pack, there was no taking it too far before Nidorino tried to kill him.
Noah smiled inwardly at the rock-type, Diglett was a substantial threat as it's ground-typing was a decent counter to Kezite, but Kezite had an ace in the form of double-kick. No doubt that Liam was aware, but that just meant Kezite would have to play smart and fast. Kezite was still pumped up with the effects of Focus Energy, so all it would take was one solid hit to take the Geodude down. It would resist poison moves, but resisting something didn't mean the same as immune, he just needed an opening.
"Rollout!" Liam roared, "Run the Nidoran down!"
The Geodude dug its hands into the dirt of the arena and threw itself forwards, tucking its arms in and becoming a rolling boulder that was tearing its way down the arena towards Kezite.
"Kezite, wait till the last second, then rebound and Drop Kick!"
Liam frowned, "What? It knows Trop Kick?"
Noah grinned, "Not quite."
It was a variation on the double kick that was inspired by that move; rather than the two kicks hit in quick succession, the kicks would hit at the same time and would push off the blow to get the user back to land quicker. Overall, it was a bit more difficult to focus the energy and timing to make it work, but it was considerably easier to orient after use, and quicker to land with no loss in power. It was a bit simple in concept, but things didn't need to be overcomplicated and fancy to be effective and useful. For a move like Rollout it was a much better counter; with Double Kick, one of the hits could miss and the pokemon might be able to keep the rollout going and hit the pokemon before it could land.
If Geodude heard the conversation, it didn't let it change his actions as he was going to ram itself into Kezite and take it out for good. The poison-type didn't just let it hit though — following Noah's command — it waited, body tensed as Geodude came bearing down on it. At the last possible moment, Kezite threw himself aside right before Geodude would've slammed into him. Using the same move he did on Diglett, he landed on his forelegs to throw himself back, its back legs smashing into the Geodude like a sledgehammer and sending the rock-type tumbling out of his Rollout into the rocks that lined the edge of the arena.
"Poison sting! Follow with Poison Spear!" Noah ordered, "Capitalize on it!"
"Rock Throw!" Liam countered, hearing a groan that sounded like rocks grinding against each other.
"Move while firing!" Noah responded.
Geodude hadn't been as dazed as Noah had hoped despite the painful-looking spiderweb crack on its body and quickly reacted to Liam's command. It rapidly materialized several rocks to begin flinging them at Kezite, intent on paying back the hit it had taken with interest. Kezite didn't make it easy for the rock-type as he immediately began to sprint as fast as he could while letting out varied sprays of Poison Sting and Poison Spears to counter. While the Poison Stings didn't do much to the rocks, the Poison Spears managed to shatter the stones as they impacted against them. Unfortunately, this wasn't a battle that could go on; Kezite hadn't had the opportunity to poison Geodude and the rock-type was willing to keep going no matter how long it took.
He needed to close the distance to land another hit or this wouldn't end.
Iron tail was still not a viable attack for Kezite despite it typing being a clear advantage over the rock-type. And even if it could shatter the rocks, the Geodude was firing them too fast to rely on Iron Tail to be used constantly. Poison Spear was really the only thing that he had that had the punching power at long range and it was meant to poison and hit hard. In fact, most of Keztie's arsenal was geared to status conditions and playing keep away — well until he got some more bulk from evolving — because he wasn't sturdy enough to take blows. Maybe if he could goad Liam into making a bad move…
"Close the distance and hit with Iron Tail and Poison Spear!" Noah commanded, biting his lip to look nervous.
Stromm gave Kezite a worried look and crouched in worry, not understanding why Noah would order what was basically a suicidal order.
Liam grinned, "Works for us! Rollout!"
Noah blinked and grinned, that was exactly what he needed in this situation, a perfect opportunity to make a battle of attrition. Geodude began to roll and Noah quickly formulated a way to make use of Kezite's poison. The Geodude once again began tearing through the arena to aim at Nidoran who was approaching quickly.
"Abort! Poison Sting and rebound!" Noah shouted.
"Tank it!" Liam yelled, "Change direction!"
"Iron Tail to defend!" Noah countered, "Fire another Poison Spear upon contact!"
Kezite fired a burst of barbs at the rolling rock-type as it barreled towards him and Noah grinned as they impacted, seeming to do little. Kezite huffed at the seemingly ineffective order and tensed, leaping away and once agains pushing off his forelegs to launch himself at Geodude. The Geodude abruptly punched the ground, using the force of it's punch to veer Into Kesite, slamming into the poison-type only to bounce off the steel glow from his tail and send both of them away. Kezite twisted and fired Poison Spear at the Geodude, hitting its wound and causing the Geodude to groan in pain.
"You got this buddy!" Liam shouted in encouragement, "Shake it off!"
"Too late." Noah murmured in dark pleasure.
Kezite's poison was already administered.
Geodude naturally rocky body was enough to keep any poison from really seeping into it from something like Poison Sting, but right now that wasn't true.
The crack made from Kezite's Drop Kick had created a chink in the armor although Noah hadn't been able to make use of it. He had tried right after knocking Geodude aside but Liam had forced them into firing attacks at longe range. But Rollout was a bit to easy to take advantage of in the moment and had closed the distance enough for at least a couple of barbs to sink into the crack in Geodude's body and that was before Poison Spear in the same wound upped the dosage, speeding up Noah's plan. It may not have been the full amount of even an average Posion Sting from Kezite, but Geodude was already in pain from the Drop Kick, and with poison now surging through the pokemon?
Wait it out.
"Poison Spear and gain distance!" Noah ordered, "Get it to work hard and we win!"
"Rock Throw!" Liam shouted once again, "Then get in close and hit it with Mud Slap!"
Kezite realized the strategy and scurried away, a smile plastered on his face as he knew what to do, leaping and firing his Poison Spear to counter and propel him away. He sprinted across the arena, dodging and avoiding the rocks fired his way as he eyed Geodude like Pidey would a struggling Caterpie. It didn't need to waste energy on its own attacks now that Geodude was beginning to falter in speed and accuracy. Soon Geodude was barely able to throw the rocks and landed on the ground, hands and fingers digging into the soil in an attempt to force itself to stay focused. Geodude began to shake its head and groan in sway slightly on its hands, eyes unfocused and half-lidded as the poison had finally hit its max potency.
"What's wrong?" Liam called worriedly, "Geodude, are you okay?"
Geodude let out one last groan and slumped to the floor, completely out and unconcious.
A count of three later…
"Geodude is unable to battle! Noah has won the battle!"
Noah smiled.